3 minute read
Play smarter on Saturday as we provide our expert analyst's tips for every race shown on ITV Racing from Newbury & Warwick, including the Betfair Hurdle.
13:50 - Betfair Bet In-Play Handicap Hurdle - Newbury
A case can be made for most of these but at the likely odds the most persuasive one is for VERSATILITY, who is still low mileage and gave the strong impression 3m would really suit when sticking on for fourth at Ascot last time. In-form Anytime Will Do heads the list of dangers, while C&D winner Vive Le Roi is another well worth considering along with unexposed duo Ainchea and Thunderstruck.
14:05 - Agetur UK Kingmaker Novices' Chase (Grade 2) - Warwick
NUBE NEGRA has already confirmed that he's a fair bit better chaser than hurdler and he looks set to be a warm order to get back to winning ways. Torpillo was a disappointing favourite when a couple of places behind the selection in the Henry VIII at Sandown in December, while only a short head could split Moonlighter and Precious Cargo when they were last seen in a Newbury handicap.
14:25 - Win Bigger On The Betfair Exchange Chase (Game Spirit) (Grade 2) - Newbury
ALTIOR's extraordinary winning run finally came to an end at Ascot in November but he was by no means disgraced and he ought to prove extremely difficult to beat back over 2m as he bids to win this for a third time. Sceau Royal has had excuses on both his starts this season and can bag the runner-up spot.
14:45 - Paddy Power 31 Sleeps To Cheltenham Mares' Hurdle (listed) - Warwick
CODED MESSAGE continues at the top of her game, running a fine race in defeat in a good Ascot Grade 2 last month, and she could be the way to go. Indefatigable is capable of a big run if bouncing back to her best, while the improving Legends Gold should be a force as well.
15:00 - Betfair Denman Chase (Grade 2) - Newbury
Not a strong renewal of this Grade 2 and NATIVE RIVER is confidently selected to record a third win in the race. He was impressive at Aintree and can warm up for another crack at the Gold Cup with victory. Secret Investor could offer some value for each-way backers.
15:15 - Paddy Power From The Horses Mouth Warwick Castle Handicap Chase - Warwick
TWO TAFFS made an encouraging return from a 2-year absence at Wetherby and shaped much better than the bare result in the Ladbrokes Trophy at Newbury next time. He's sure to benefit from this drop back in trip and is preferred to Belami Des Pictons, who's worth another chance to build on his encouraging comeback at Ascot. The improving Katpoli and likeable Gala Ball are others to consider.
15:35 - Betfair Hurdle (Handicap) (Grade 3) - Newbury
A race dominated by novices in recent times, and CIEL DE NEIGE fits the bill as an unexposed 5-y-o representing leading connections. He shaped with abundant promise in a brace of high-end handicaps 9 months apart and shouldn't be judged too harshly on his subsequent Limerick reversal. Mack The Man is unbeaten in handicaps, while Highly Prized has perhaps been saved for this.
