Opening day of the Newbury Hungerford meeting and we have two races from there to look at this afternoon. The going is Good to Firm and has been watered. A warm sunny day is forecast.
Newbury 2.50: A competitive nine runner handicap with two of particular interest in what could be a tactical battle.
Marcano would have gone close to winning with a clear run on latest start at Sandown last week. Steps back up to a mile today.
He is a ‘hold up’ horse who needs things to fall his way. Well campaigned this season and looks sure to go well.
Exceeding Power is another who is ridden just off the pace. Last outing was at Newmarket over today’s trip at the end of July. Finished third having raced keenly.
He is running consistently well and is expected to figure. Gets 4lb from Marcano. I find it hard to split the pair as my tissue shows:
Marcano 7/2
Exceeding Power 7/2
Lulani 6/1
Steal The Scene 13/2
10/1 Bar
Newbury 3.55: The premier race of today’s Newbury card. A listed 5f sprint for 2 y.o. fillies.
The unbeaten Mrs Danvers impressed on latest start at this course. Just holds Stormy Clouds on that form although I feel the market has them too far apart.
Like Mrs Danvers, Rajar comes here off the back of three consecutive victories. Impressed at Newmarket on her latest start and is preferred in a very tight race. The drop back from 6 to 5f shouldn’t be a problem. After the Newmarket race assistant trainer Tom Ward pinpointed this race as the next step in her progression.
Paul Hanagan is the fourth different jockey for Dainty Dandy today in her three race career. Showed improved form at Ascot last time but the drop back to 5f could be a problem.
My tissue:
Rajar 4/1
Dainty Dandy 9/2
Mrs Danvers 9/2
8/1 Bar
Just returned from a short break in which I met up with a few contacts to assess plans for the late flat/early jumps campaigns. First day back provided a 10/1 winner from my early betting.
We have a special membership for York Ebor week at just £20. Membership starts tomorrow and runs to Sunday 21st. More details here.