*All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widget, while in-copy odds are correct at time of publication but subject to change
1.50pm Newbury – Flash The Steel
The terrestrial TV coverage on the main ITV network starts with a handicap hurdle over an extended 2m4f. This is not easy. I will have a few quid each-way on FLASH THE STEEL who, before falling last time, had chased home Tea Clipper on his previous outing. He’s a bit better off at the weights here and should have each-way claims at the very least for Harry and Dan Skelton.
2.05pm Newcastle – Sceau Royal
A Grade 1 here in the shape of the Fighting Fifth Hurdle over 2m. Getting a ridiculous 7lb mare’s allowance, Epatante is the one to beat. But I’m happy to have a few quid on SCEAU ROYAL who is in the form of his life. At the moment he’s only rated 4lb behind Epatante, and considering he’s race fit and bang in form it’s not impossible he can serve it up to the champion after a fine success at Wincanton last time. Alan King trains and Daryl Jacob rides.
2.25pm Newbury – Milkwood
Now a limited handicap hurdle event formerly known as the Gerry Feilden over an extended 2m. Another tricky event. I’ll give a chance here to MILKWOOD, who was a good winner a couple of outings ago at at Ffos Las. Then, last time, he was outclassed a little in the Welsh Champion Hurdle behind Sceau Royal. This should be a little easier and he must have each-way claims.
3.00pm Newbury – Cloth Cap
This is the feature handicap chase which carries Grade 3 status over 3m2f. I think the great each-way bet here is CLOTH CAP, who stays strong but might lack a bit of pace. He returned with a fair third behind Frodon at Cheltenham, and in his past has finished eighth in an Ultima at Cheltenham and third in a Scottish Grand National. At his best he must have claims and ground conditions are ideal. Tom Scudamore is a decent booking for Jonjo O’Neill.
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3.15pm Newcastle – Whatmore
Now a handicap chase over nearly 3m. I’m not convinced WHATMORE is the strongest stayer over this trip but he will travel better than most and will be in better form than most going to post. My hope was a fine second at Ascot on seasonal debut and should come on plenty for the run. Tom O’Brien was the Paddy Power Gold Cup hero the other day and takes the mount for Henry Daly.
3.35pm Newbury – Moonlighter
Finally at Newbury a handicap chase over an extended 2m. MOONLIGHTER is in great shape and might be hard to catch for Nick Williams and again for Scudamore. The seven-year-old was second in the Haldon Gold Cup last time when chasing home Greaneteen and was a good scorer at this track back in January. Has a big weight to hump but as Paddy knows it’s not impossible to carry weight around.
So best of luck and pray for Yeeehaaas. You hear me Paddy?
*All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widget, while in-copy odds are correct at time of publication but subject to change
Matt Chapman’s Saturday selections
1.50pm, Newbury – Flash The Steel
2.05pm, Newcastle – Sceau Royal
2.25pm, Newbury – Milkwood
3.00pm, Newbury – Cloth Cap
3.15pm, Newcastle – Whatmore
3.35pm, Newbury – Moonlighter
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