SATURDAY
Newbury
1.45 BETFAIR SUPPORTING GREATWOOD VETERANS’ HANDICAP HURDLE – 2 M 5 F
Provo made a welcome return to action following a lengthy absence at this track last time. He is fully entitled to have needed that run and much better can be expected from this lightly raced sort. He has only had five career starts to date and having won over slightly further in the past the trip ought to be fine. Sam Twiston-Davies takes the ride for the first time and if he can settle this son of Presenting better the duo ought to go close.
Leave It Be has a similar profile as the selection in so far as that he was having his first run in over a year when last seen out at Chepstow. He too is likely to strip much fitter for that outing and Barry Geraghty replaces Mark Quinlan in the saddle. He seemed to improve for a step up in distance last time and if progressing he looks a threat. Laughton Park has won his last two races with the minimum of fuss. He bids for a hat-trick of successes in what should prove his toughest race to date. Micheal Nolan clearly gets on well with the 10 year old and is still able to take off an invaluable three pounds. It is interesting that Paul Nicholls has kept Provo in training. In a race filled with temperamental sorts he remains unexposed and there may be better to come.
3.25 STANJAMES.COM SUPPORTING GREATWOOD GOLD CUP HANDICAP CHASE – 2 M 4 F
Saint Ralph made the most of an error by Atlantic Roller at Wincanton when coasting to victory by no fewer than 34 lengths. He was always travelling well on the rapidly deteriorating ground and he should now be at peak fitness. This represents a step up in class for the seven year old, but he is set to receive weight from all of his rivals which should aid his cause. Felix De Giles was on board for that win last month and he seemed to be of the impression that his partner could continue on an upward curve. Saint Ralph is a recent French import with plenty of experience; he should be right in the mix here.
Sound Investment represents a yard that has specifically targeted this race in recent years. Paul Nicholls has trained the likes of Pacha Du Polder, Aerial, and Big Fella Thanks to land this prize and despite the burden of top-weight, this seven year old certainly poses a potential threat. His run behind The Young Master is more than adequate form as it has been boosted by the likes of Ardkilly Witness and Le Reve. Royal Regatta has regained his confidence in no uncertain terms this season and he is proven over this trip. Richard Johnson takes the ride and given the current well-being of the Philip Hobbs team he too commands respect. Saint Ralph should still have further improvement to come and this could be an excellent piece of placing by Robert Walford.
Doncaster
3.45 BETBRIGHT GRIMTHORPE CHASE (HANDICAP) – 3 M 2 F
Night In Milan won this race last year and he seems to have been purposefully targeted at it once again by Keith Reveley. He has maintained a high level of form throughout the winter months and he was far from disgraced when placed in the Skybet Chase. James Reveley knows him inside out and has been on board for all seven of his career wins to date so they have to be high on any shortlist despite a cumbersome weight.
Farbreaga loves a flattish track as victories at Kempton, Newbury, Southwell, and Lingfield prove. He also loves a firm test of stamina so the underfoot conditions are not likely to bother him either. Jeremiah McGrath was in the plate for his most recent win and this talented amateur is able to claim three pounds from his mount. The trip is somewhat of an unknown for the nine year old, but if seeing it out he looks the biggest threat. Aachen rolled back the years when forging to victory at this track earlier in the month. Venetia Williams should have him spot on for this and he too looks likely to go well.
Night In Milan knows every blade of grass on this track and being the only course and distance winner in the field should stand him in good stead. The yard have been in good form this season and he would prove a popular local winner.
SELECTIONS
Saturday 1.45 Newbury – Provo
Saturday 3.25 Newbury – Saint Ralph
Saturday 3.45 Doncaster – Night in Milan
