Up first is a fascinating juvenile contest with plenty appealing on paper; Chocala looks an interesting contender for the in-form Alan King yard having had some fairly useful form on the Flat, but preference is for Calipto, who has joined the Paul Nicholls team from a hurdling career for Guy Cherel in France, for whom he was a promising second on debut. He is sure to improve for joining the Ditcheat string and it would be no surprise to see him making it a winning debut in Britain today. There are other newcomers of interest too, with Baradari for Venetia Williams and Liam Treadwell heading the list.
Up next is what looks the most competitive Pertemps final qualifier yet and the shortlist is anything but in this handicap hurdle over an extended three miles. The hat-trick seeking Minella For Steak looks to be excellent value with AP McCoy in the saddle and is sure to have his supporters, and Western Warhorse caught the eye at Cheltenham last time after seven months off and won't be inconvenience by the step-up in trip. He looks capable of improvementm as do several here, however narrow preference is given to Twelve Roses on the back of his Wetherby run when runner-up to impressive Haydock scorer More of That by a length. That form looks very strong with the third winning since too; Kim Bailey's likeable five-year-old should be ready for a bold run.
Our final bet of the day comes in the handicap chase over two-and-a-half miles in which Niceonefrankie bids to keep the Venetia Williams bandwagon rolling after his impressive reappearance at Ascot. He travelled and stayed on strongly that day, which was encouraging given that he'd been off for seven months, and despite the penalty he carries he should be a tough nut to crack. The strike-rate of Liam Treadwell and Venetia Williams in handicaps is also a huge positive; the race is not without dangers though and Easter Meteor would have definitely figured in the Paddy Power if he had stayed upright. Theatrical Star is also one to watch, as he will be much more comfortable at this trip.
Timeform UK SmartPlays:
All at Newbury
Back Calipto @ 4.216/5 in the 12:30
Back Twelve Roses @ 6.611/2 in the 13:30
Back Niceonefrankie @ 4.216/5 in the 14:40
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