Matt Chapman: This 4/1 shot is on course to run big at Newbury

IT’S the calm before the York storm this weekend on ITV but still plenty of racing to enjoy on ITV4 from Newbury, Ripon and Newmarket.

I will be at Newbury hosting the Opening Show at 9.30am (would be great if you watched!), so let’s get straight to it.

The 1.50pm at Newbury is a Listed event for juveniles over 7f. SUN POWER brings a high rating and decent form to the table so should take all the beating for Richard Hannon. His second at Ascot last time might well be good enough to land this event.

Next at Newbury is the 2.25pm, a Group 3 over an extended 1m 5f. On ratings MORANDO is a good thing, although out of his depth behind Enable in the King George. Yes, he does have to give weight away to younger horses, but his Chester win in May was decent and he should take some stopping for Andrew Balding and give King Power a double.

The 3.00pm at Newbury is a handicap over 7f. It’s not that competitive and GEORGE WILLIAM can run a big one for Ed Walker. He was a fine second over course and distance last time and has every chance of going one better.

The feature race on the Newbury card is the Group 2 Hungerford Stakes over 7f at 3.35pm. HEY GAMAN is there to be shot at on the front end, but has another big chance to take some pegging back for James Tate. He was picked up by Sir Dancealot at Goodwood last time who reopposes, but can hold on this time.

Meanwhile, over at Ripon ITV show the 2.05pm, a handicap over 6f. Very hard this, and rain might come, but PADDY POWER should have a great each-way chance! Never thought I’d want Paddy Power to win! He ran a fabulous fifth at Goodwood last time for Richard Fahey and will be hard to keep out the frame.

That race is before the main sprint handicap of the day at Ripon, the Great St Wilfrid also over 6f at 3.15pm. Not impossible for STAXTON to hit the frame hear for Tim Easterby. Despite a win three runs ago, he’s still well handicapped and he goes well at this track on a going day. Have a few quid each-way.

There’s just one race from Newmarket at 2,45pm, where all the runners are greys – so watch your colours. AIM POWER is down in trip to 6f and down in the handicap for Richard Hannon. It might be she has lost all her ability, or she might be well handicapped.

I will take a chance on the latter and back her each-way.

You hear me Paddy?

*Prices correct at time of publishing