Thursday November 9th

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Review 

Aside from Cheltenham, there are few better courses in the country to watch jump racing, than Newbury – and it was great to see some decent horses competing there, this afternoon…

In the handicap hurdle at 1:10, Onefitzall fell at around halfway – which was ironic, as I thought he’d jumped particularly well until that point (though that can sometimes happen).

That said, he was weak in the late betting, so I wasn’t overly optimistic that he was going to win – despite the fact that trainer, Philip Hobbs, subsequently managed to notch a treble on the card…

The other 2 horses mentioned last night, Dell Arca and Whataknight, ended up finishing first and second the race - which only compounded the frustration !

It was a similar story in the next race, where Henri Parry Morgan showed himself back to close to his best - but was unfortunate to bump into one, in the shape of Willie Boy.

All of Venetias having been running as if they needed the outing – and Willie Boy was harried for the lead throughout.

It therefore says much for his ability that he not only won that battle - but then had enough left to fend off host of challenger up the straight.

In addition to the first 2 home, I was also taken by the runs of the third and the fourth.

I suspect it was strong form, for the grade…

Despite the fall of favourite, Topofthegame, Beat That didn’t manage to beat a rival in the beginners chase.

His jumping wasn’t great – but if he retained his old engine, I still think he would have won.

The conclusion has to be that he’s simply nowhere near as good as he once was…

In the closing bumper, Nicky Henderson’s Burrows Edge remained very strong in the market – eventually sent off the 7/4 favourite.

By contrast, his stable companion, Du Destin, was a weak 10/1 shot (16 on BF).

And not too surprisingly, it was the former who went close to winning – denied only by Tidal Flow.

One of the other nominated dangers, Dont Ask, also ran well, to finish third…

Over at Market Rasen, Briary Belle was very weak in the market for the mares chase.

That’s always a danger at this time of year, when you are dealing with lots of seasonal debutantes.

And sure enough, she ran as if she needed the race – never really threatening to get involved.

With the run under her belt, I’m sure she’ll be better able to do herself justice, next time.

Just so you are aware, there will be no previews on the blog, for the next few days…

It’s been a relatively short week, blog-wise – due to the Haldon Gold cup meeting at Exeter on Tuesday (which I previewed for the subscription service).

I’ll be spending tomorrow studying the form for the weekends ‘Big’ races – and then tipping/writing things up, on Saturday and Sunday.

I should be back posting on the blog on Monday though – when there looks to be a couple of fair meetings at Kempton and Carlisle…

Lunchtime Update

At Newbury, Onefitzall can still be backed at 5/1 in the 1:10 race – and that holds some appeal.

The morning support has been for Beneagles and Whataknight – and both can definitely be given a chance.

Henri Parry Morgan has been hammered in the morning market (1:40) – and is now a 3/1 shot (half the price he was available at last night).

However, I wouldn’t be surprised if the money is tipster driven: he’s so well handicapped, anyone was even a rudimentary understanding of the form book, is likely to be all over him.

It will be interesting to see how strong he is in the market, close to the off…

Fortunate George has held his place in the market – which is arguably more interesting.

Whilst Crosspark has been very well backed (considering he has a preference for heavy ground – and he won’t get it).

Beat That has been strong in the market for the 2:45 (in to 5/2).

He seems to have Topofthegame to beat (assuming he gets round OK !).

Burrows Edge has maintained his position at the head of the market for the closing bumper.

I thought that stablemate Du Destin, might prove more popular – but that’s not been the case…

Cuddles McGraw is the one for money: he has halved in price from 14/1 last night to 7/1 now.

The Fergal O’Brien horses have been in excellent form – so the money could simply be in response to that…

Over at Market Rasen, Briery Belle has remained solid in the market for the mares chase (2:00).

I will be interested to see whether there is any late money for her…

Evening Preview 

There are 4 NH meetings tomorrow; at Newbury, Market Rasen and Ludlow in the UK – plus Thurles in Ireland.

There is some decent racing as well, for a Thursday – especially at Newbury…

The first race of particular interest, is the Pertemps qualifier, off at 1:10.

These are never easy races to solve – but I do like the look of Onefitzall in this one.
He was a good winner over the course, last November and must have every chance of repeating the dose tomorrow, off a mark just 4lb higher.

He’s a horse who seems to perform best fresh – and whilst he has an additional 4 furlongs to travel tomorrow, I doubt that will be an issue.

He can be backed at 5/1 this evening, which seems fair…

I would expect Dell ‘Arca to run his race: and Whataknight also has a chance – but Onefitzall definitely looks the one to beat…

In the following race (1:40) Henri Parry Morgan is the one who appeals most…

He was sent off at 10/1 for last years Hennessy, off a mark 17lb higher than he races from tomorrow (and that excludes James Bowens 7lb claim !).

He disappointed that day – and that was the story for the rest of the season as well – but if Peter Bowen has him back to form tomorrow, I can’t see him getting beaten…

If that isn’t the case, then it looks an open contest.
Fortunate George looks over priced at 14/1.

He’s got limited experience over fences – but I thought he ran a decent race last time at Worcester.

This will be harder – but based on his hurdles form, he is well handicapped – and Newbury provides a fair jumping test.

I’ve always been a big fan of Beat That and he has a good chance of breaking his duck over fences in the Beginners chase at 2:45.
I honestly expected him to be contesting Grade 1 events by this point in his career - but injuries have plagued him.

He’s also fallen on his 2 starts this season – which isn’t great – but I can see Newbury suiting him, as a jumping test.

Topofthegame and Strong Pursuit won’t make things easy for him – but if the Beat That of old turns up, I think he'll be too good for them…

In the closing bumper, the early betting suggests that Burrows Edge is the one to beat. However, I’m not sure that he’ll turn out to be Nicky Hendersons number 1…

Du Destin has been the subject of rave stable reviews - and he could see significant market support tomorrow.

Whichever one of them is preferred by the betting, is likely to turn out to be the one to beat.
Of the others, then Tidal Flow, Cuddles McGraw and Don’t Ask, all look interesting…

Away from Newbury, then the best race of the day, takes place at Market Rasen…

The mares chase at 2:00 is a fascinating affair and a case can be made for most of the runners.

That said, I’m quite keen on the chances of Henrys Dalys Briary Belle…

She was an impressive winner of her first 2 stats over fences last season – before going off the boil a little.

If she returns in top form tomorrow, then I think she will take the beating – and a general 6/1 this evening, is quite an attractive price…