Good morning all,

I was at Southwell on Monday, having a high old time of it and backing a couple of winners (for a pleasant change) when Steve, a regular at Southwell along with his wife Julie and long-time followers of the Daily Punt, suddenly chirped up. “Why don’t you do Colossus bets anymore?” 

Well, the truth of it is, I do them mainly through the winter as a) I have more time on my hands, as I’m gallavanting about less and b) I like to stick to jump racing, so again, summer really is the wrong time of the year for me. 

However, I find myself with slightly more time on my hands this week, and it’s Newton Abbot, so, just for you Steve, let’s have a crack at it and see if we can land a decent pot today. 

1.20 – Maiden Hurdle

Normally the maiden hurdle is the easiest race on the card, with just one or two to focus on, but that’s not the case here. There’s half a dozen you can give chances to. 

Strictly on the figures Clay Rogers is the one to beat, but that was a lousy first effort for Olly Murphy and they quickly reach for headgear. I don’t know what to make of Fama Et Gloria, who improved on his latest start (for Joseph O’Brien) but has now joined a new yard. That sets the standard, but he was well beaten the time before at a short price and might not be one to trust. Lord Schnapps looks more solid than a few and goes in, and I’ll throw in Every Breakin Wave and Happy Larry, both of whom showed improved form last time and look to be going the right way. 

1.55 – Handicap Hurdle

With Triplicate seemingly going the wrong way, this probably concerns the improving Chez Hans, a ready winner last time out, and Thahab Ifraj, winner of three of his last four and back from a break with a ready win at Market Rasen. That said, I can’t quite rule out Mr One More back over hurdles, as he’s too well weighted (and Kevin Brogan takes another five off) and he tries some headgear, which might well help. Definitely Chez Hans, and one of the other two. 

2.30 – 2m5f Handicap Chase

There are races in Nikap when they sort her jumping issues out, they still keep cropping up, but she’ll enjoy this step up in trip and a clear round ought to see her on the premises. 

Whisky Lullaby proved no match for the useful Mahler’s Promise here last time but formlines involving the latter are working out well, and he’s almost sure to come on for that. That’s A Given is consistent and acts around here but this trip is an absolute minimum for him these days. The Bees Knees isn’t really progressing and for me, the jury is still out regarding this trip, but takes a drop in grade. Tricky to whittle this one down – maybe Whisky Lullaby and Nikap, but we might even need one more to be sure. 

3.05 – 2m Juvenile Hurdle

The obvious thing to do is stick Koi Dodoville in as a banker after two wins from two starts, but the penalties are racking up and I’m not sure he’s entirely straightforward either. 

Eagles Realm was well behind Koi Dodoville at Aintree last month but the run wasn’t devoid of promise and he’ll strip a lot fitter for that first run since last October too. Tara Iti won over a mile in heavy ground as a 2yo (for Ed Dunlop) so ought to have the stamina for this, and is interesting on his first start for Gary Moore. Likewise so should Moneykenny, an 11f winner at Southwell on the Fibresand, and even Scrappy Jack showed a bit of promise first time over hurdles here two weeks ago. He’ll need to jump better, but isn’t discounted. Maybe a leg to chance our arm and try and get the favorite out of the frame. 

3.40 – 2m5½f Handicap Hurdle

The first of two divisions of this low-grade handicap hurdle. 

Lapford Lad has to go in after a much better effort at Fontwell last time, especially with Gavin Sheehan in the saddle. He’s riding a few for the Gardners at present and had a winner with Alramz at the last meeting. The horse is a C&D winner from a higher mark back in 2019, and ought to be in the frame. 

In fact, with so little other form on show, he might be a banker. Stanley Stanley came up against the useful Solstalla last time out and ran a creditworthy second, but other than that, it’s a real effort to find anything of note. 

4.10 – 2m5½f Handicap Hurdle

The second division isn’t much better….

Again, the Gardner/Sheehan combo makes some appeal, with Havacuppa dropping back in trip slightly after not quite staying 3m at Uttoxeter last time. Gavin takes over from Lucy Gardner, which looks a positive, and you have to fancy him to go close. 

Espinator has been unlucky to come up against some well-handicapped and in-form sorts on his last two starts and has to be considered, as does Jessica Rabbit, who is nothing if not consistent. I’m keen to try and take on Helford River after his second at Uttoxeter last month, as it was his first run for over two years, and he could easily “bounce”. A 5lb rise for getting beaten eight lengths looks stiff enough as well. 

So there we go, a couple of short ones to try and take on and get beaten for a decent dividend. 

Those looking for just the one bet, well, I do like Havacuppa in the 4.15, the jockey uplift looks a key point and I can see him upsetting a few shorter-priced rivals. He’s today’s selection. 

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I’ll put the Colossus bets up at 11am, first come first served, and I’ll do more than one to give people a chance of getting a couple of quid in the pot. 

Good luck with all your bets today,

David.