Hi all,
Inside today’s main piece I’m recapping the best of Saturday’s action at Newbury.
Well, folks, it seems my partner has taken the phrase “breaking news” a bit too literally by fracturing a metacarpal bone in her left hand. Now, with her arm in a sling and her hand in a cast, I've been promoted to Chief Household Officer for the next two and a half weeks. From cooking to laundry loads, I'll be navigating the domestic jungle armed with nothing but a mop and a sense of humour. Wish me luck! But enough about my upcoming adventures in housekeeping; let's dive into Newbury action.
Newbury Recap
The William Hill Handicap Hurdle, once one of the most significant handicap hurdles of the jumps season, has lost some of its old prestige. There was a time when vibrant ante-post markets and well-executed gambles made it a highlight of the winter. Now, with the Cheltenham Festival dominating the calendar, even the lesser-value County Hurdle has become a more sought-after prize.
No Sir Gino in the Grade 2 Game Spirit Chase, as a small cut to his near hind ruled him out. He was Saturday’s main attraction for me, and his absence took some shine off the action.
Newbury's ‘Super Saturday’ branding felt a bit misplaced. Last weekend at Leopardstown was worthy of the title, but even with Sir Gino, Newbury would have just been another decent Saturday card.
Joyeuse for Henderson
The William Hill Handicap Hurdle, Britain’s most valuable handicap hurdle, looked competitive on paper with 17 runners. But Joyeuse, a half-sister to Champion Hurdle winner Epatante, made a mockery of the opposition. Taking it up two out, she stormed clear to win by eight lengths from Lump Sum. Off a mark of just 123, she was clearly well handicapped—you won’t see many easier winners of this race. Here’s the race if you haven’t seen it already.
Joyeuse ticked all the key trends: age, last-time-out placing, and less than six runs over hurdles. Credit to Nicky Henderson, who pulled off yet another “Schweppes/Betfair/William Hill” plot job hiding in plain sight. It was his seventh success in the race, further cementing his dominance.
Navajo Indy was outpaced and detached for much of the race but stayed on strongly for third. He now looks ready for 2m 4f. Favourite Secret Squirrel was running well and set for a place when falling at the last.
Favour And Fortune (4th) will prefer better ground and is one to note for spring handicaps. Beat The Bat (5th), a big morning market mover, shaped as if he needs further than an extended two miles.
Some promise from those behind but this was all about the improving Joyeuse.
Djelo Delivers in Lacklustre Denman
The Grade 2 Denman Chase didn’t live up to its namesake. Djelo, the right horse a 7-year-old, landed the prize, but it was a weak renewal. He proved his stamina over 3m, and a race like the King George at Kempton will surely be on the radar next season. Right-handed tracks suit him, and he looks more effective on a flat course.
Hitman filled his usual role—runner-up for the third straight year. He simply doesn’t win races. Stablemate Bravemansgame should have dominated this field, but he’s a shadow of the horse he once was. He plugged on for third, but any Grand National talk is fantasy—he won’t stay.
No Sir Gino, No Spark in Game Spirit
Without Sir Gino, the Grade 2 Game Spirit Chase lacked star quality and resembled a strong handicap. His absence should have set things up for Matata, but he was too keen in front and didn’t help himself by jumping left at the last. That handed the initiative to stablemate Master Chewy, who stayed on well to hold off the patiently ridden Libberty Hunter. On last season’s form, the winner was due a race like this, and he found plenty when asked.
Softer ground would have suited Libberty Hunter, who remains a solid contender for the Grand Annual at Cheltenham—a track that plays to his strengths.
As for the rest, JPR One needs quicker ground, while last year’s winner Edwardstone was below par again.
It was a tough weekend on the tipping front, with a 13-point loss overall. Variance is part and parcel of the game—some results just don’t fall your way, no matter how well the form stacks up. Frustrating, but these runs happen, and it’s all about the long game. Plenty of good racing ahead, and I’m confident we’ll bounce back soon. A few didn’t run as expected, but the process is solid, and with the right opportunities coming up, we’ll turn things around quickly.
In Tuesday column I’ll be identifying some future winners from last week’s action.
Good luck with your Monday bets.
John
Perhaps you can “vacuum” up a few winners for us to enjoy