*Newbury racecourse is subject to an inspection at 8.30am on Tuesday morning and could be postponed depending on track conditions
13:15 Leopardstown – Black Tears
ITV coverage starts Tuesday with this Grade 3 mares’ hurdle over 2m 4f. I’ll take on Willie Mullins here with the Coral Cup runner-up BLACK TEARS. The Gordon Elliott runner, who is ridden by Jack Kennedy, was beaten by Buildmeupbuttercup at Punchestown last time, but probably needed that run and will prefer a stronger gallop to run at here. My hope is also 2lb better off and I’ll take the chance.
13:30 Newbury – Rockpoint
ITV start the Newbury racing with a limited handicap chase over an extended 2m 6f. The Colin Tizzard team have been struggling but there is every chance ROCKPOINT is well handicapped and could go close here for Harry Cobden. My hope stays well and has some decent novice chase form, including a second to Wholestone at Cheltenham. He was down the field in the Albert Bartlett landed by Minella Indo, but that just shows the esteem he has been held in.
13:50 Leopardstown – Monkfish
Now a Grade 1 for novice chasers over 3m. Not a betting proposition, but all eyes here on MONKFISH, who, of course, landed the Albert Bartlett at the Cheltenham Festival. He looked a natural over fences at Fairyhouse on his chasing debut and just could be a future monster of the game, as well as a real Gold Cup horse one day. He’s impossible to oppose for Willie Mullins and Paul Townend as far as a selection is concerned.
14:05 Newbury – Kateson
Now a handicap hurdle over an extended 2m 4f. KATESON stays very well and loves the mud so should have claims to be in the mix at the very least for Tom Lacey and jockey Tom Scudamore. My hope is up 3lb for scoring at Aintree last time, but was rated in the 140s once upon a time and still goes off 137 here so should have every chance.
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14:25 Leopardstown – Saint Roi
Another Grade 1 here and some Champion Hurdle clues with some top notchers over 2m. I have been all over SAINT ROI for the Champion Hurdle for some time and he has to win this to be as good as I think he might just be. He should have won easily at Punchestown last time when beaten in a tight finish, and hopefully he can show us fans here what he is made of for Willie Mullins and Mark Walsh.
14:40 Newbury – Cuban Pete
This is the Mandarin Handicap Chase over 3m 2f. I absolutely adore CUBAN PETE as a horse and won’t be deserting him even though he is up 9lbs for a facile success at Hereford last time. I was there that day and his jumping was a joy to behold for Robbie Dunne. Charlie Deutsch takes over here, and he might be able to defy the handicapper for mud-loving Venetia Williams.
15:00 Leopardstown – Visionarian
A tricky handicap hurdle over 2m 4f. I have a feeling the lightly raced VISIONARIAN will relish this step up in trip and should go well for Peter Fahey and Kevin Sexton. The French-bred was a good winner of a maiden hurdle at Gowran Park and kept on well over shorter when second at Tipperary last time. This is not easy, but he could be well handicapped.
15:15 Newbury – Star Gate
Now a Grade 1 in the Challow Novices’ Hurdle over an extended 2m 4f. Bravemansgame has looked really good on decent ground, but only time will tell if he likes the mud. STAR GATE loves juice and he was really impressive at Sandown last time. This is a massive step up in class and we’ll see what he is really made of. That said, I’ll stick with him for Adam Wedge and Evan Williams.
15:45 Newbury – Funambule Sivola
Finally, a handicap chase over an extended 2m. I’ll give FUNAMBULE SIVOLA another chance for Venetia Williams and Charlie Deutsch. The young gelding absolutely bolted up at Wetherby, but then was beaten off a 7lb higher mark at Sandown when his jumping fell to pieces. I have a feeling the trip was also too far that day and he can bounce back to his best here.
So best of luck and pray for Yeeehaaas. You hear me Paddy?
* All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widget, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change.
Matt Chapman’s tips summary:
13:15 Leopardstown – Black Tears
13:30 Newbury – Rockpoint
13:50 Leopardstown – Monkfish
14:05 Newbury – Kateson
14:25 Leopardstown – Saint Roi
14:40 Newbury – Cuban Pete
15:00 Leopardstown – Visionarian
15:15 Newbury – Star Gate
15:45 Newbury – Funambule Sivola
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