Hi all,
Inside today's main piece I'm looking at the best of Saturday's action.
Guess what? We lost Saturday’s Newcastle’s Fighting Fifth card to the freezing weather. To be fair it wasn’t the biggest surprise. At least the Grade 1 Fighting Fifth Hurdle has been saved and will now take place next Saturday at Sandown.
The Newbury bookmakers must have wished Friday's Newbury card had fallen foul to the weather like all the other British meetings. Favourites dominated, securing victories in six out of the seven races, with the remaining race claimed by a 2/1 shot.
Personally, it was a satisfying day in terms of betting, and those who followed the advice from the Wednesday column likely enjoyed success as well. As mentioned earlier, the column emphasized the continued availability of value for the ITV races before final declarations. A notable example of this was Kandoo Kid, initially priced at 8/1 on Tuesday but ultimately returning as the 6/5 favorite. Another instance was Ed Keeper, 8/1 on Tuesday and sent off 100/30 in the final race on the card.
I suspect I will do something similar next week for Saturday’s ITV racing so keep tuned.
Frost Threatens Newbury & Fairyhouse
More frost is on the horizon this Friday night. They've got those frost sheets down Newbury but if the temperatures do dip below -3°C, we might have to kiss the races goodbye.
It'd be a real bummer to wave goodbye to Saturday’s races, especially with the Coral Gold Cup promising the most competitive handicap chase of the winter.
I was hoping for better news about Fairyhouse’s two-day December meeting. However, that track now faces an early morning inspection due to forecast subzero temperatures overnight.
I suspect if there is any jump racing tomorrow it will be at Fairyhouse, so I have looked at the Listed Handicap chase on the card.
Newbury Preview:
1:40 – Coral Racing Club Handicap Hurdle (Class 2) – 2m 4 ½ f
Jet Powered returns from an 11 month absence on handicap debut and remains capable of better over hurdles. North Lodge is returning from an even longer absence but is another with the potential to be better than his mark and 2m 4f should suit. Cobblers Dream will be all the better for his recent season reappearance and is an each-way player. Irish Hill is just 1lb above his last winning mark and badly needed his return at Kempton when ½ length and one place behind Cobblers Dream.
2:15 – Bet In Race With Coral Intermediate Handicap Hurdle (Reg' As The Gerry Feilden) (Premier H'cap) – 2m ½ f
You can see why Under Control is favourite but she’s short enough to want to take her on. Brentford Hope and Hansard are capable of better in the sphere and it’s the former who appeals most of the pair. Bad is another who lurks on a winnable mark for a trainer with a good record in the race.
2:50 – Coral Gold Cup Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap) – 3m 2f
It may not be the classiest renewal of the race but its an open looking contest. Monbeg Genius tops my shortlist but there’s plenty in with a chance. Complete Unknown has the right profile for the race, but drying ground would be a concern. I would be sweet on Mahler Mission but the trainer’s form puts me off. Midnight River is respected for last year’s winning yard. If the ground was a bit softer, I would be really tempted by Bill Baxter who I think is a potential improver for the step up to 3m 2f. Stolen Silver and Our Power are both in the mix and are hard to split.
3:25 – Coral Get Closer To The Action Handicap Chase (For The Jim Joel Memorial Trophy (Class 2) – 2m ½ f
It’s hard to look beyond Master Chewy and Real Stone and my preference would be for the first named.
Finally, Fairyhouse
2:00 – EasyFix Equine Handicap Chase (Listed Race) – 2m 1f
Dancing On My Own was impressive in victory at Cheltenham 35 days ago, although he likely prefers better ground. On this occasion, my preference leans toward his stablemate, The Folkes Tiara, the choice of Rachel Blackmore. The 7-year-old secured a commendable 6 ¾ length 3rd of 14 to Dinoblue at the Punchestown Festival in April, his last appearance over fences. Following a triumph in a Downpatrick hurdle 142 days ago, he makes his first start since, but goes well fresh.
Grey Diamond, previously under Sam Thomas's care, is a useful two mile chaser on his day and presents considerable intrigue on his debut for Gordon Elliott.
Fighting Fit demonstrated significant improvement, claiming victories in handicap chases at Galway and Listowel in August and September. Even with a 10lb weight increase after his latest win, might not prevent the 8-year-old from completing the hat trick.
Whiskeywealth, just in front of Dinoblue when falling at the last here in April, wasn't at his peak behind that mare at the Punchestown Festival. However, a good 6 ¼ length fourth placed effort in a listed handicap chase at Cork on his seasonal return augurs well for the season. The 7-year-old, comfortable on soft ground, races off a competitive mark.
I think the winner will come from one of the above four horse. But which one?
Saturday Selection:
I have gave you a duff selection on Friday so here's hoping for better today.
Newbury
2:15 – Brentford Hope.
A Sunday column hinges on the presence of racing at Fairyhouse, where three Grade 1 events are scheduled. Hopefully they will be able to race as it should be an informative card.
Good luck with your Saturday bets.
John