There’s enough racing today to keep us busy!
BetVictor sponsor racing at Newbury this afternoon including a Gr2 feature, the British EBF BetVictor ‘National Hunt’ Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle (16h40).
Track conditions are posted as soft.
Northern raider Ruby Island has been in fine form this season, winning at Ayr and Wetherby before being beaten a neck on her last start at Ayr when trying to concede a double penalty. Trainer Mark Walford now tries cheekpieces which could bring about the necessary improvement.
Aubis Walk, also trained up north by Nicky Richards, came clear in good style at Sedgefield last time and is another to consider in a tricky contest with Moviddy, trained by Noel Williams, not out of it.
Dan Skelton looks to have targeted the Run For Your Money At BetVictor Handicap Chase (16h05) with Heltenham. The lightly raced six-year-old has been a model of consistency, showing plenty of improvement since going chasing. Second on his first two attempts over the bigger obstacles, he made the journey up to Newcastle on Boxing Day to beat Just Don’t Know, who has won twice since.
Last month at Ffos Las he was even more impressive winning by four lengths under regular rider Harry Skelton when only having to be pushed out in the finish.
He is up 7lbs for that victory in what looks a stronger field, but he gets weight all round and looks the most progressive runner.
Paul Nicholls has a 23% winning strike rate this season at the Berkshire track and runs top-weight Espoir De Guye. He has his second start for the champion trainer since re-locating from Venetia Williams and wind surgery. It’s noteworthy that Nicholls now goes hurdling with the nine-year-old after four seasons of steeplechasing.
Super Six for the Twiston-Davies camp comes in with a low weight and is another to consider after his facile win at Haydock last month.
Earlier on the card at 15h30, the Gary Moore trained Inneston looks to have the best form on offer in the Novices’ Handicap Hurdle over two miles and three furlongs, after a fine second at Sandown. That was only a fortnight ago which is a concern, so preference is for the top-weight Toothless from the Nicholls yard. Apprentice Angus Cheleda claims a handy 5lbs which could aid the five-year-old in securing his third win from four starts for the top stable.
