Hi all,
The Berkshire Million Weekend gets underway at Windsor on Friday afternoon. ITV Racing will show four races from Windsor, plus two from Market Rasen. It’s the start of a busy weekend and, with no serious weather concerns, one to enjoy.
I sent subscribers my Friday preview on Thursday afternoon. If you’d like my full selections and previews for the Berkshire Million Weekend, you can find them here.
Inside today’s main piece, I look at the four ITV races from Windsor.
Windsor
1:50 – Lightning Novices' Chase (Grade 2) – 2m
No Questions Asked disappointed with his finishing effort when third of five in the Grade 2 Noel Novices' Chase at Ascot 28 days ago. A strong traveller who doesn’t lack pace, the drop back to 2m should suit the 8yo and he’s expected to bounce back.
2:25 – Mares' Handicap Chase (Class 2) – 2m4f
Alfie's Princess returned from a 439-day layoff to comfortably win a Wincanton handicap chase on Boxing Day. A 5lb rise looks workable given she’s unexposed over fences. No issues with easy ground and the 9yo looks set to go close.
Hollygrove Cha Cha won a mares’ novice chase (2m1½f) at Exeter 23 days ago. Well suited to soft ground, she won a Grade 2 mares’ novice hurdle (2m4f) at Sandown last season and is capable of more over fences now back up in trip.
Largy Force built on a good reappearance effort when winning a Uttoxeter handicap (2m4f) last month. There was plenty to like about her attitude as she got up close home. A 2lb rise looks fair and she should be in the mix given a proper stamina test.
3:00 – Conditions Hurdle (Class 2) – 2m4f
Nemean Lion tracked the pace before asserting close home to win this race 12 months ago. The rain has come at the right time for the 9yo, who looks to have strong claims of following up.
Potters Charm ran to form but probably didn’t stay three miles when an 8½-length fourth to Impose Toi in the Grade 1 Long Walk Hurdle at Ascot last time. The drop back in trip is a plus and he looks the biggest danger.
3:35 – Sovereign Handicap Hurdle (Class 2) – 2m
With 16 declared runners, this is the most competitive contest on day one of the Berkshire Winter Million.
Great Fleet won a weak Kelso maiden (2m) last month. He coped well with the drop back to 2m last time and there’s likely more to come on handicap debut.
Stablemate Listentoyourheart won a handicap hurdle here (2m4f) 15 days ago. A 5lb rise is offset by the booking of a 7lb amateur rider and she can’t be dismissed back down in distance.
Bubble Dubi returned from a 623-day layoff to land an Aintree handicap in November. Back from a short break, a 9lb rise isn’t harsh and this sharp track could suit the 9yo.
Saligo Bay improved again to land the hat-trick at Haydock last month. He’s up 7lb and in a deeper race, but he was well on top at the finish last time and can’t be ruled out given his progressive profile.
Melon ran an encouraging race on seasonal return when a 1¾-length third of 11 at Cheltenham last month. It was a solid effort against race-fit rivals. He won’t mind the more testing ground, and the booking of Michael Kenneally makes him of real interest.
Good luck with your Friday bets.
John