16:07, Newbury - Back Spy Chief @ 2/13.00
A quality contests beckons in the Newbury highlight tomorrow and my pick in it is going to be the Gosden trained, Ryan Moore ridden, Spy Chief.
Spy Chief was third in the race last year having been sent off 10/34.33. This year he returns after a break following his blowout at Ascot. He had excuses that day, being drawn on the wrong side when the straight course draw bias was at its worst, however he was sent off 5/16.00 indicating he was well fancied pre-race.
It's his previous run which really catches the eye when he was beaten a neck by the now dual group one winner Almeraq. That form has been very well franked since with Almeraq now regarded as the one of the best sprinters around.
They also had Soldier's Tree in third that day who went on to finish a close third at Ascot and has been placed in listed company since. With Ryan Moore in the saddle and conditions to suit, I see no reason why Spy Chief won't go two places better this year.
Back Spy Chief in 16:10 Newbury
16:28, Downpatrick - Back Kalsman @ 2/13.00
Kalsman was very unlucky not to win at this track last time out bumping into the hugely progressive Driveonwill, having hit the front and been collared late on.
The drop back in trip should be no issue given how he travelled that day and with this not looking the strongest of contests, he should have ample opportunity to get his maiden chase win.
Whispering Willow and Sea of Doubt are the main dangers with both having some decent hurdles form however Whispering Willow has been turned over at odds-on previously over fences and with Sea of Doubt rated 7lb lower over the larger obstacles, question marks hang over both in this sphere.
Therefore I am willing to go with the improving Kalsman who has improved with both his previous chase starts.
Back Kalsman in 16:28 Downpatrick
17:37, Downpatrick - Back Ifuknowuknow @ 11/26.50
A young horse who's making his reappearance after nine months off for a new stable should have a very good chance here dropping back in class. The two bumpers Ifuknowuknow ran in previously were of a much higher standard than this with multiple winners coming out of both, most notably Cheltenham Champion Bumper winner The Mourne Rambler.
Ifuknowuknow didn't disgrace itself in either for James Madden running decent races to finish midfield in both. This contest is of a much lower standard with very few of the runners making any appeal, thus I'm willing to chance that a stable switch and this drop in grade will aid Ifuknowuknow get off the mark.
Myluckymaker and Orderly Conduct will provide the chief threats however with most of their form being modest, both look quite beatable.
Back Ifuknowuknow in 17:37 Downpatrick