Friday 1st March 2024
Author: Jordan Yates (jordan_yates_)
Feature Meeting: Newbury
1.50: Howden Supporting West Berkshire Mencap Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle: I’m kicking things off on Friday with the 1.50 which is a handicap hurdle over two miles and four and a half furlongs for conditional jockeys. I’m taking a chance with Kruger Park here for Paul Nicholls and Freddie Gingell who takes off three pounds. He was a neck second on handicap debut last time out, and whilst this is a hotter contest, he should progress from that run and if that’s the case can go well. Kruger Park – 6/1 (Each-Way)
2.25: Get Best Odds Guaranteed At BetVictor Juvenile Hurdle: My second selection of the afternoon comes in the 2.25 which is a juvenile hurdle that’s ridden over two miles and half of a furlong. This looks to be a good opportunity for Le Fauve for the team of Dan & Harry Skelton. He’s clearly well thought of having gone off favourite for a listed contest at Aintree on his UK debut back in December, he finished third that day before finding Grade 2 company too hot at Cheltenham last time out. These are much calmer waters and it would be disappointing should he not go very close. Le Fauve – 11/8 (Win)
3.00: Focus Novices’ Handicap Chase: Next up for me is the 3.00 which is handicap chase action over two miles and four furlongs. I’m siding with Issar d’Airy here who represents the team of Gary Moore and Nial Houlihan. He’s won his last two outings at this track and pulled well clear of the field with the runner-up on his most recent outing here. He’s won over this distance when hurdling and should go very close again. Issar d’Airy – 2/1 (Win)
4.10: Howden Supporting West Berkshire Mencap Handicap Chase: My fourth selection of the afternoon comes in the 4.10 which is more handicap chase action, this time over two miles and half of a furlong. I like I’d Like To Know here for Chris Gordon and Rex Dingle. He was the rival that pulled clear of the field here last time out with Issar d’Airy in what was a fantastic run for his first start over fences as well within handicap company. If he comes on again from that run he’s got a massive chance. I’d Like To Know – 2/1 (Win) (NAP)
4.45: Play The BetVictor Predictor Handicap Hurdle: The concluding race of the afternoon which is a handicap hurdle over three miles. I’m with Young Butler here who represents Harry Derham and Paul O’Brien. He was last seen when winning over course and distance back in November when getting the better of Emitom, who has since gone on to give the form a boost. He proved that day that he can go well fresh and if he turns up in the same kind of form he should be a big player. Young Butler – 5/1 (Win)
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