-
Bowen/Murphy can team up successfully in handicap hurdle
-
Skelton bandwagon to roll on at Newcastle
-
Mullins fancied in the big race of the day at Newbury
Racing... Only Bettor. Listen to the latest episode now.
13:40 Newbury - Back Dominic's Fault E/W @ 8/19.00
On a cracking day of jumps racing at both Newbury and Newcastle, I'm hoping that Dominic's Fault can give a get us off to a good start in this handicap hurdle.
Olly Murphy's charge may be an eight-year-old, but he has few miles on the clock and was a winner on his penultimate start at Lingfield last season. He then went on to contest a better race at Sandown and was just working his way into contention when brought down through no fault of his own at the third last.
Whether he'd have been involved in the finish that day is open to debate, but his profile had been all positive up to that point and he again has the assistance of the excellent Sean Bowen in the saddle for this comeback run.
With four places available on the Sportsbook, I'm happy to row in each-way at 8/19.00.
Back Dominic's Fault each-way in 13:40 Newbury
14:35 Newcastle - Back Brace For Landing @ 2/13.00
It would be remiss to write about the Newcastle card without touching on what looks to be a fantastic renewal of the Fighting Fifth.
Whether Constitution Hill can bounce back to his best and see off two younger, upwardly mobile opponents in Anzadam and The New Lion is the biggest question, and I was tempted to say 'yes', but that's probably heart ruling head more than anything.
Nicky Henderson has brought stars back from the brink before after they'd seemingly lost their way (Sprinter Sacre, anyone?) and you wouldn't rule him out doing it again, but this will be just a watching brief for me.
However, I will be backing Brace For Landing in the following handicap hurdle, who can hopefully keep the Dan/Harry Skelton bandwagon rolling.
Trained in France for his first two starts, the selection was hardly given a hard time when third on debut for this yard at Stratford last month and I'm confident he can reap the benefits of that gentle introduction here.
He does face some battle-hardened opponents but has the potential to climb higher than an opening mark of 120.
Back Brace For Landing in 14:35 Newcastle
14:55 Newbury - Back O'Moore Park E/W @ 18/119.00
The Coral Gold Cup is as competitive as ever, so it's perhaps a little surprising that northern raider Myretown is a short as 4/1 in the betting, for all his profile is a very positive one. He was most progressive last season, ending his campaign with wins in a four-runner event at Kelso before coping with a very different test in the 24-runner Ultima at Cheltenham.
The experience he gained in that contest won't be lost on him but at the sort of price he is currently, I'm happy to take him on.
Willie Mullins comes into this mob handed and I'm going to side with O'Moore Park, who's available at 18/1 on the Sportsbook and represents decent each-way value.
The second-season novice appeared to benefit from the application of a tongue tie when second on his comeback run at Galway last month over a trip short of his optimum and should appreciate the stiffer test of stamina he gets here.
The selection struggled a bit with his jumping when first tried over fences but appears to have put those troubles behind him and he should give a good account, while we also have the benefit of six places on the Sportsbook.
Back O'Moore Park each-way in 14:55 Newbury