* All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change.
13:15 Newbury – West Approach
ITV coverage starts with a handicap chase for veterans over 3m 2f and this is wide open. WEST APPROACH has not been punters friend and has flattered to deceive many times. However, the Colin Tizzard runner is now well handicapped and might be a decent ride for Adam Wedge. My hope stays well and can travel well on a going day. The better ground might help him. Have a few quid each-way.
13:30 Kelso – My Drogo
ITV begin at Kelso with a Grade 2 novice hurdle over 2m 2f. MY DROGO looked really special when scoring at Ascot from the very useful Llandinabo Lad and looks a fine prospect. Harry Skelton comes here for brother Dan rather than Newbury and while My Drogo may have even more to offer one day over fences, I’m already a big fan.
13:50 Newbury – Born Survivor
Now a Grade 3 handicap chase over 2m 4f and another tough heat. I’ll take a complete chance here on BORN SURVIVOR who has been absolutely hopeless this season despite the good form of the Skelton team.
Why take a chance? Well, he won at Ayr in 2019 over this trip on good ground off a mark of 142. He’s now on 138 having been up to 152 in his time. He’s chucked in, but he might have gone at the game.
14:05 Kelso – Mayo Star
Now a handicap hurdle over 2m 5f and it’s quite tough this. At the age of nine MAYO STAR has only had nine races, so has clearly been tricky for Nicky Richards. However, he’s won three times and clearly has a bit of an engine. He’ll appreciate a small drop in trip from his comeback effort under Sean Quinlan. Back him each-way.
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14:20 Doncaster – Airgead Suas
ITV go to Doncaster for this Listed novice hurdle over an extended 3m. Some of these have only recently stepped up to this trip, but the one who seems to really love it is AIRGEAD SUAS for Stuart Edmunds and Charlie Hammond. He was beaten at short odds last time, but was a good winner prior to that and might still have more to come.
14:40 Kelso – Lake View Lad
Here’s a Listed chase over nearly 3m. Cloth Cap was a huge winner at Newbury for this column, but he’s gone up 12lb. I’ll give LAKE VIEW LAD another go after his flop at Sundown last time. He’d looked very good the time before at Aintree and should have a decent pace to run at for Nick Alexander and champion jockey Brian Hughes.
14:55 Doncaster – Ballywood
Next a handicap chase over an extended 2m. In a very hard race, so I’ll have a pop with BALLYWOOD for the in-form Alan King and Tom Cannon. He’s having the second run after a wind operation and didn’t do too badly at Cheltenham before taking in a flat race to keep him fit. He should go well.
15:15 Kelso – Orkan
Finally at Kelso a handicap hurdle over 2m. ORKAN started off a low mark and is still only on 122 after hacking up in his last two starts. As a front runner with 10st he might just get away from a few of these and could be hard to catch at big odds for Mark Walford and Jamie Hamilton.
15:30 Doncaster – Canelo
Finally, it’s the Grimthorpe Handicap Chase over 3m 2f. It’s hard to get away from the improving CANELO who could be another for Alan King. Tom Bellamy takes the ride on an animal who was a good fourth at Doncaster last time. At the age of eight he might have a bit more to give.
So best of luck and pray for Yeeehaaas. You hear me Paddy?
Matt Chapman’s tips summary:
13:15 Newbury – West Approach
13:30 Kelso – My Drogo
13:50 Newbury – Born Survivor
14:05 Kelso – Mayo Star
14:20 Doncaster – Airgead Suas
14:40 Kelso – Lake View Lad
14:55 Doncaster – Ballywood
15:15 Kelso – Orkan
15:30 Doncaster – Canelo
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