-
Indemnity's Ascot form looking strong
-
Jasmin de Grugy a young chaser on the up
-
Liberty Bird ran a season's best last time
Racing... Only Bettor. Listen to the latest episode now.
14:15, Newbury - Indemnity found only progressive Alexei too good last time
This looks a strong renewal of Newbury's Gerry Fielden, a premier handicap for second-season hurdlers, and the one who appeals most is Indemnity for Emma Lavelle who has won the race before with Tocca Ferro in 2010.
A winner on the Flat when trained by Roger Varian, Indemnity has taken very well to hurdles and completed a hat-trick in handicaps when successful at Market Rasen last month, following earlier wins at Huntingdon and Warwick in April and May. Indemnity led on the bridle approaching the last at Market Rasen before just having to be shaken up to assert from Bowmore, with the pair pulling a long way clear.
Indemnity bumped into another progressive five-year-old in Alexei at Ascot last time, ending his winning run, but he travelled strongly for much of the way and loomed up two out before the winner gradually pulled three lengths clear on the flat. Indemnity earned the 'Horse In Focus flag for that effort which looks all the better now following Alexei's subsequent win in the Greatwood at Cheltenham where he put up a smart performance. Indemnity has only been put up 1 lb for his Ascot run and can return to winning ways here.
Back Indemnity in the 14:15 at Newbury
15:15, Newcastle - Punchestown runner-up returns for yard in good form
Jasmin de Grugy enjoyed an excellent season for Anthony Honeyball and J. P. McManus in 2024/25, with the promise of further progress this term, and he can make a winning start to the campaign in the Rehearsal Handicap Chase at Newcastle.
Jasmin de Grugy ran up a five-timer last term with his first three wins coming over hurdles before a switch to fences brought him further wins in handicaps at Southwell and Newbury. On his final start which came in the Pat Taaffe Handicap Chase at the Punchestown Festival, Jasmin de Grugy was left poorly placed compared with the other principals so did well to keep on for second, a dozen lengths behind Bill Baxter, earning the 'Horse In Focus' flag.
Still only six and unexposed over fences, Jasmin de Grugy has further improvement in him. It's worth noting he was successful first time out last season, and with Honeyball having the 'Hot Trainer' flag and Richie McLernon, who rode him for all five of those wins last season, back on board, the lightly-weighted Jasmin de Grugy seems sure to give a good account.
Back Jasmin de Grugy in the 15:15 at Newcastle
19:30, Wolverhampton - Liberty Bird ready to strike on first start for new stable
Three-year-old filly Liberty Bird has her first start for Alice Haynes at Wolverhampton and she can make it a winning one after going close on her latest start.
Previously with Charlie Johnston, Liberty Bird won twice at around seven furlongs as a two-year-old, including when making all in a nursery at Southwell. While she hasn't managed to get her head in front over a variety of trips this term, she has made the frame on several occasions and ran her best race back at Southwell last time, since when she has changed stables for 13,000 guineas.
Liberty Bird found herself short of room around a furlong out but ran on and was nearest at the finish in going down by a neck to Zariela, earning the 'Horse In Focus' flag and giving the impression she looks ready to strike again soon having slipped to a handy-looking mark.
Back Liberty Bird in the 19:30 at Wolverhampton