Newbury Racing Tips: Fanion d'Estruval could be ready to fire

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Fanion d'Estruval - 14:25 Newbury

Fanion d'Estruval is a very smart performer on his day and his latest third in the Rowland Meyrick at Wetherby on Boxing Day was a step back in the right direction, passing the post nine lengths behind the winner and appearing to finish with running left.

Admittedly, he looked a bit laboured in the early stages - as he had on his reappearance in the Coral Gold Cup at this course - but the application of first-time cheekpieces today will hopefully help him to pick up the bridle from the start.

Charlie Deutsch is also back in the saddle this time and, still relatively unexposed over staying trips, Fanion d'Estruval is worth a chance to put it all together and gain the third course win of his career.

NEXT BEST

Meatloaf - 16:43 Newbury

Meatloaf has made a very promising start to his career, first winning at Wincanton on his debut in December and then showing even better form in defeat when filling the runner-up spot in a listed contest at Cheltenham on New Year's Day.

He was beaten just half a length on the last occasion, keeping on well having been headed well inside the final furlong.

That form puts Meatloaf right in the mix here on Timeform's weight-adjusted ratings and another bold bid seems assured from a four-year-old who could have a big future over jumps when the time comes.

EACH-WAY

Master Chewy - 15:35 Newbury

Master Chewy is proving expensive to follow, still a maiden after six starts under Rules, but he didn't do much wrong when finding only a useful rival too good in a novice event at Plumpton a few weeks ago.

The winner was well on top at the finish, but Master Chewy was only two lengths behind him and could arguably have his effort marked up having conceded first run.

It's surely just a matter of time before he opens his account and this would be a good time to do it from what looks a lenient opening mark for Nigel Twiston-Davies, who is seeking a fourth success in this race since 2014.