Timeform Race to Watch: Friday 29th January, Newbury 1:30

Features / Timeform / 03 February 2010 / Leave a comment

Master of The Hall, an impressive winner at Newbury

The Berkshire Stand Bookshop `National Hunt' Novices' Hurdle run over two miles at Newbury on Friday looks to have thrown up a Cheltenham prospect, along with some potential improvers from high-powered stables. Although run at only a steady pace, it still seemed to be a fair reflection of the merits of the field, with those seemingly possessing the most ability filling the significant finishing positions.

"Master of The Hall earned himself quotes as low as 16/1 for the Neptune Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham after this performance, and he looks capable of making his mark in better company."

Master of The Hall earned himself quotes as low as 16/1 for the Neptune Novices' Hurdle at Cheltenham after this performance, and he looks capable of making his mark in better company. He was allowed the run of the race on this occasion, dictating from the front, but he still impressed with his jumping ability and the way he travelled in winning by three and three quarter- lengths. Master of The Hall looks the sort to carry on improving, and he is sure to pick up more races.

Nice One Eric had finished second behind the promising Salden Licht over the same course and distance on his previous start, and on the face of it he appeared not to have progressed from that run. However, there may still be more to come from him as he gave the winner plenty to do and could find no more after travelling strongly into a challenging position. Nice One Eric may be suited by conditions less testing than he encountered here.

Midnight Tuesday, runner up in the first of two starts in bumpers, made a promising start over hurdles, sticking to his task after the front two had quickened. He will stay beyond two miles and is sure to win races over hurdles.

Robinson Collonges, a winner at nineteen furlongs over hurdles in France, shaped as though he might have needed his first run since the autumn and is sure to come on for it. A return to further will also show him in a better light.

Further down the field, My Shamwari confirmed he's a fairly useful novice tackling better company, whilst a stronger gallop may bring more from him as he didn't settle too well here. Tail of the Bank looks to require a greater test of stamina in the short term, and also looks the sort who will come into his own once sent chasing.