Timeform Shortlist: Newbury, Saturday 23 March

2.05 Insure With Be Wiser Handicap Chase (3) 3m1f214y

Timeform Top Rated:
153p 2. STRONG PURSUIT Philip Hobbs Richard Johnson
151 5. CLASSIC BEN Stuart Edmunds Ciaran Gethings
150 10. CHIC NAME Richard Hobson Jonjo O'Neill Jr. (5)

Analyst's Verdict:
Strong Pursuit shaped with a good deal of promise on return from 15 months off at Sandown last month, going like the best handicapped horse in the race before, understandably, the lack of a recent run told. He's worth chancing to build on that now given his unexposed profile. Low-mileage Classic Ben was a good winner himself latest and is feared, ahead of Chic Name.


2.40 Be Wiser Insurance Juvenile Handicap Hurdle (2) 2¼m183y

Timeform Top Rated:
138p 9. GROVEMAN Jedd O'Keeffe Joe Colliver
137 8. THE KNOT IS TIED Neil King Richard Johnson
136 1. ELYSEES Alan King Wayne Hutchinson

Analyst's Verdict:
Groveman has shaped like a stayer over hurdles, so this big-field environment and slight step up in trip is expected to bring out a bigger performance in him. The Knot Is Tied can already boast solid form in this company and is feared most, though Friend Or Foe is something of an unknown quantity.


3.15 EBF & TBA Mares' "National Hunt" Novices' Hurdle Series Final (Limited Handicap) (Grade 2) (1) 2½m118y

Timeform Top Rated:
140 9. SHE MITE BITE Nicky Henderson Nico de Boinville
139 3. THE WHITE MOUSE Lucy Wadham Leighton Aspell
138 1. ANNIE MC Jonjo O'Neill Jonjo O'Neill Jr. (5)

Analyst's Verdict:
Millarville was far from disgraced in what looked a warm race at Fontwell last month, and with this step back up on trip likely to suit now venturing into handicaps, she's selected to come out on top. Outofthisworld clearly wasn't 100% at Ludlow, so isn't one to write off given her previous promise. She Mite Bite makes up the shortlist.


3.50 Doom Bar Handicap Chase (2) 2m3f187y

Timeform Top Rated:
157 2. VALDEZ Alan King Wayne Hutchinson
155+ 1. GALA BALL Philip Hobbs Richard Johnson
153 3. COBRA DE MAI Dan Skelton Harry Skelton

Analyst's Verdict:
Gala Ball and Valdez were second and third respectively in a competitive event over C&D last time and, in the absence of the impressive San Benedeto, they can dominate this smaller field, with the first-named taken to uphold the form. Foxtail Hill is lingering on a dangerous mark, so he's not dismissed.


4.25 John Haine Memorial Novices' Hurdle (4) 2m69y

Timeform Top Rated:
144p 12. SUNRISE RUBY Nicky Henderson Nico de Boinville
140 2. VINNIE THE HODDIE Oliver Sherwood Leighton Aspell
137p 8. STORM GODDESS Charlie Longsdon Robert Dunne

Analyst's Verdict:
Bumper-winner Sunrise Ruby showed plenty to work on when runner-up on hurdles debut over further here in January, her relative inexperience arguably proving her undoing. She looks sure to progress and is fancied to come out on top. Humble Hero, Storm Goddess and Elisezmoi head up the dangers.


5.00 Goffs UK Spring Sale Bumper (Standard Open National Hunt Flat) (2) 2m69y

Timeform Top Rated:
131 1. GET IN THE QUEUE Harry Fry Noel Fehily
116 12. HOTTER THAN HELL Alan King Wayne Hutchinson
115 14. LEGENDS RYDE Jamie Snowden Gavin Sheehan

Analyst's Verdict:
Get In The Queue, who was hugely impressive at Exeter last time, was towards the head of the betting for the Champion Bumper before connections decided to bypass it, so there's no obvious reason to oppose him as he tries to extend his unbeaten run to 3. Last year's runner-up Hotter Than Hell and the promising debut winner Nimby could be fighting it out for the places.


5.35 Sharps Brewery Rock Handicap Chase (3) 2m92y

Timeform Top Rated:
140 5. DAREBIN Gary Moore Jamie Moore
139 1. DICOSIMO Warren Greatrex Daryl Jacob
138 8. DUHALLOW LAD Alan Jones Tom Bellamy

Analyst's Verdict:
Master Work probably would have made a winning chase debut at Leicester had he not hung in behind the winner and is worth another chance. Lillington made it win number 4 for the season over C&D 3 weeks ago and is an obvious threat, while last year's winner Rock On Rocky is lurking on a dangerous mark.