All three selections run in handicaps, starting with the first chase of the day at 14:50. In a small-field affair, the bang-in-form Bennys Quest really ought to be shorter than his current price. Placed on all five starts so far for the Neil Mulholland yard, including two wins (one over C&D), Bennys Quest might well have been arriving here on a four-timer but for blundering at a crucial stage at Stratford last time. The odd mistake remains the biggest danger posed to Bennys Quest, but that's more than allowed for in his odds relative to this field at the time of writing. He should be closer to 1.84/5.
The odd mistake is also what has held our second selection back so far. The difference with Purple 'N Gold (15:20) is that his inexperience over hurdles is a viable excuse. A fairly useful sort on the Flat, he has made an encouraging start over hurdles without suggesting he's up to speed just yet. His run at Plumpton last time is evidence of that. Having travelled best into the straight, Purple 'N Gold wasn't fluent at either of the last two flights and eventually went down by just two lengths. In off the same mark today, he will surely be suited by the test of speed this course provides and is a sporting price to say the least in attempting to gain a second success over hurdles.
We have two hours to wait for our final bet, which comes in the last race on the card. It's a handicap chase over an extended 26 furlongs, a distance which connections of Golden Squirellevidently think he'll stay given the forceful ride he was given over the trip at Fontwell last time. All things considered, Golden Squirell did well to finish within 20 lengths of winner Joe The Rogue that day, eventually paying for his earlier exertions but finishing well ahead of the rest. Assuming he comes in for more even handling today, it's expected the stoutly-bred Golden Squirell will get home more convincingly and, still unexposed, he can take the measure of his low-grade rivals.
Timeform UK SmartPlays
All at Newton Abbot
Back Bennys Quest @ 2.427/5 in the 14:50
Back Purple 'N Gold @ 4.216/5 in the 15:20
Back Golden Squirell @ 3.6553/20 in the 17:20
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