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Improvement expected from Skelton filly
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Pauling ace the pick of the Horses In Focus
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Side with well-treated course specialist
13:15, Newbury - Tralee Girl fancied following Wetherby third
Tralee Girl gets the vote to build on her promising hurdle debut effort where she was 5¼ lengths third to Minella Study in another listed juvenile at Wetherby last month.
Tralee Girl wasn't given an overly hard time by Tristan Durrell once defeat was obvious on her hurdling debut where she was the sole filly, but she should have learned plenty from that and her handler Dan Skelton - who has the Timeform 'Hot Trainer' flag - likely has a good handle on the division.
Gordon Elliott sent over Wodhooh to land this in 2023 and his easy Punchestown debut scorer Highland Crystal is a likely threat along with compatriot Wonderfulwonderful who impressed at Killarney.
Back Tralee Girl to Win 13:15 Newbury
13:50, Newbury - No Questions Asked can give Pauling repeat win
Several potentially very useful novice chasers on show, with No Questions Asked, one of two Timeform 'Horses In Focus' and representing last year's winning yard, taken to build on his debut success in this sphere at Ascot.
No Questions Asked gave weight and a comprehensive beating (3¾ lengths) to the odds-on shot Viroflay from the Paul Nicholls yard, and this talented hurdler looks sure to go on to better things over fences.
It's likely that the Nicholls stable will again provide the greatest threat in the shape of Regent's Stroll, the other HIF, who is a very bright chasing prospect.
Back Questions Asked to Win 13:50 Newbury
14:25, Newbury - Heltenham expected to be spot-on after wind-op
The betting should provide some useful clues, but if Heltenham's recent wind operation helps precipitate a return to form he will surely go close off this reduced mark.
Heltenham looked rusty when well beaten in the race last year but has no excuses on that front this time around and he is back to the same mark as when winning over C&D back in March 2024, and just 2 lb higher than when running away with a Perth handicap last April.
Indeed, he is now 8 lb better off with Twinjets, compared to when beaten around 12 lengths into third by that rival at Fontwell last month.
Dan Skelton's runner - who is top on Timeform weight-adjusted-ratings - has the 'Horses For Courses' flag and ticks plenty of boxes.
Back Heltenham to Win 14:25 Newbury