If you like the letter N then you are in for a treat on ITV Racing this Saturday as the seven-race broadcast is dominated by Newbury and Newmarket.
In some ways we are all building up to York next week, but still there are winners to be found so let’s get straight to it!
Newbury 13:50 – Dhahabi
The Newbury coverage starts with a Listed event over 7f for juveniles. Some lightly raced types here and both Guru and DHAHABI will do even better over a mile. That said I was really taken by the latter at Newmarket first time when coming from off the pace having been slowly away to show lots of ability. He could be very good for Charlie Appleby and James Doyle. The latter is a pleasing jockey booking.
Newbury 14:25 – Jahbath
Next is a handicap over 1m. A wide open handicap. I’m hoping for a big effort from the lightly raced JAHBATH for William Haggas and Stevie Donohoe. My selection had been off the track over a year when finishing a respectable fourth at Haydock first time this season and this better ground may help him. He was an eye catcher on that occaision having never been placed to get in the mix.
Newbury 15:00 – Morando
A little bit of quality here with a Group 3 over an extended 1m5f. This is just the type of event MORANDO is tough to beat in and he went down fighting last year when second to Technician. Ground and distance are ideal and he really should take some stopping for Andrew Balding and Silvestre de Sousa. Although he’s not always easy to win with this is his class.
Newbury 15:35 – Surf Dancer (e/w)
And finally at Newbury a Group 2, this time over 7f. SURF DANCER should not be good enough on paper, but with Dream of Dreams wanting to close in, this is open to a horse racing close to the speed and that’s my selection. He really did win well at York last time, and while this is much tougher he might get the run of the race for Haggas and De Sousa. Have a few quid on eachway.
Meanwhile, there are three events to enjoy at Newmarket.
Newmarket 14:05 – Zuba (e/w)
First a handicap over 1m4f. ZUBA must have an eachway chance for Amanda Perrett and Joe Fanning, even if the handicapper does know how good he is. The consistent gelding has been banging the door down over this trip and a little further, and has every chance once again. Should at the very least give us a good run for our money.
Newmarket 14:40 – Black Caspian
Now a handicap over 7f. Open stuff and I’ll side with the in-form BLACK CASPIAN, who was a decent winner at York the time before last before finishing fourth in a biggish field at the same track last time. Kevin Stott, having a great season, takes the ride for Kevin Ryan.
Newmarket 15:15 – Glenn Coco (e/w)
And finally at Newmarket the grey handicap over 6f. GLENN COCO was seventh in this last year but has slipped down the weights a bit and might appreciate the return to 6f. Trained by Stuart Williams, the six-year-old gets the help of Callum Shepherd and should be staying on strongly at the end of a fast pace. Has a good Newmarket record. I’ll be backing him eachway.
So best of luck and pray for Yeeehaaas. You hear me Paddy?
Matt Chapman’s tips for ITV Racing’s coverage on Saturday
Newbury
13:50 Dhahabi
14:25 Jahbath
15:00 Morando
15:35 Surf Dancer (e/w)
Newmarket
14:05 Zuba (e/w)
14:40 Black Caspian
15:15 Glenn Coco (e/w)
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