Friday 27th February 2026
Newbury
2.00 Newbury: West Berkshire Mencap Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle
The unexposed KARMA POLICE could well have a big say on his handicap debut for the in-form yard of Harry Derham. He was purchased for £105,000 after winning a point by six lengths, and there should be considerable progression now that he’s contesting handicaps. He also posted his best effort to date over hurdles last time out at Ffos Las, when finishing third of eight in a maiden. Activist could be a danger for David Pipe, as he’s weighted to be competitive here.
2.30 Newbury: BetVictor Simple Things Juvenile Hurdle
Gary & Josh Moore won this race with the very progressive Give It To Me OJ, and they have another very live challenger in this year’s renewal with LOVE YOU BACK, who should post a bold bid under Caoilin Quinn. He was a winner on the flat, and posted an encouraing effort on his hurdling debut when finishing second of fourteen at Warwick last time out in November. He should naturally take a big step forward coming into his second start here, and could be tough to beat. Cecilia Star is another who should take a step forward for Lucy Wadham and could prove dangerous.
3.00 Newbury: OLBG “Chasing Excellence” Novices’ Chase
It’s very hard to see past the Stuart Edmunds-trained MIAMI MAGIC in this particular affair, who’s once again partnered with Charlie Hammond. He was a very impressive four-length winner of a novice event at Cheltenham on New Year’s Day, with the smart Regent’s Stroll back in second, and followed that run with a solid effort in the Grade 1 Scilly Isles at Sandown, finishing third. He should be putting this field to the sword. Wyneot would be a tentative danger for Henry Daly.
3.35 Newbury: BetVictor Watch Weekend Winners “National Hunt” Novices’ Hurdle
Paul Nicholls has a good record in this race in recent years, winning it in 2021 and 2022, and he has a big chance to add another to his tally with TALK TO THE MAN, who’s the mount of Harry Cobden. He’s a point winner who returned from nearly a year off the track with an impressive display at Taunton on his hurdling debut, getting the of King’s Champion by five and a half lengths, and that rival won by twelve lengths on his previous start. The Nicholls charge could be smart based on that form. Irish raider The Big Clubman is a big danger for Paul Nolan on the form of his Grade 3 second to Kalypso’chance on his penultimate start; he was disappointing in Grade 2 company last time out, but these are calmer waters.
4.08 Newbury: Highclere Horse Feeds Oataalin Handicap Chase
DAYTIME DREAMING won by eleven lengths last time out at Southwell for Tom Ellis and Jack Andrews, in what was only his second start over fences under rules. He’s been raised eight pounds for that success here; however, that may not be enough to halt his progression. He was second behind Miami Magic in his pointing days and was also an eight-length winner of a maiden hurdle. He could well still be ahead of his mark. Hardy Du Seuil is a danger off the same mark of his head second at Carlisle last time out.
4.43 Newbury: Cheltenham Specials Made Simple At BetVictor Handicap Hurdle
It could be worth taking an each-way chance on the Laura Horsfall-trained JALISCO STAR here, who’s set to be ridden by Kevin Brogan. She’s much more effective over the smaller obstacles and comes into the race in fine form. Most recently, she stayed on strongly to win by three and a half lengths at Chepstow in a mares’ handicap, and has every chance of going well again here off a three-pound higher mark. Call Me Legend is an obvious big danger for Phillip Hobbs & Johnson White, as he’s chasing a treble.
2.00 Newbury – KARMA POLICE (13/2) (Each-Way) – Activist (Danger)
2.30 Newbury – LOVE YOU BACK (11/4) (Win) (NAP) – Cecilia Star (Danger)
3.00 Newbury – MIAMI MAGIC (8/11) (Win)
3.35 Newbury – TALK TO THE MAN (5/4) (Win) – The Big Clubman (Danger)
4.08 Newbury – DAYTIME DREAMING (7/4) (Win) (NB) – Hardy Du Seuil (Danger)
4.43 Newbury – JALISCO STAR (8/1) (Each-Way) – Call Me Legend (Danger)
