Alan Thomson, the former Racing Editor at the Daily Record, puts up five tips at Newbury, Doncaster and Newcastle on Saturday. View selections below.
LUD’OR (1.40) can master deep ground in the 2m 4f Coral Handicap Hurdle at soggy Newbury.
Tom Symonds sent the French-bred gelding to Bangor on handicap debut 17 days ago and Lud’or had the race in total control from some way out, eventually storming home a 27 lengths winner.
The early betting market speaks favourably for the prospects of Cheltenham winner French Ship, the mount of Harry Cobden, while Dominic’s Fault doesn’t appear over-burdened near the foot of the weights for Olly Murphy and Sean Bowen.
PANIC ATTACK (2.55) hasn’t captured the attention of bookmakers in the Coral Gold Cup Handicap Chase but that should not deter punters from having an each-way wager on Dan Skelton’s gelding at rewarding odds.
With 25 runners declared it is no surprise to see generous place terms on offer and Panic Attack’s wide-margin victory in the Paddy Power Gold Cup at Cheltenham a fortnight ago marks him up as a horse in top form. A 4lb penalty is largely negated by Tristan Durrell’s allowance.
Scottish raider Myretown ran his field ragged in the Ultima Handicap Chase at Cheltenham in March but a 15lb rise will not be easy to overcome in such a competitive contest.
Hyland and Resplendent Grey represent top trainers and little separates the pair on their running at Cheltenham last November.
RARE EDITION (3.35) is taken to tower over his nine rivals in the concluding two-mile Coral-sponsored handicap chase.
Charlie Longsdon’s eight-year-old was conceding lumps of weight to favourite Thistle Ask when held at Kelso last month and this six-time winner is fancied to go one better.
Perth scorer Etalon shoulders top weight for the Skelton yard and merits scrutiny along with last year’s winner General Medrano now racing off a higher perch.
What a treat in store at Newcastle where errant Constitution Hill seeks redemption in the BetMGM Fighting Fifth Hurdle. Nicky Henderson’s stable star locks horn with unbeaten duo The New Lion and Anzadam in what promises to be a nerve-tingler. I’m happy to watch the action unfold without a wager but GRAND GESTE (12.15) catches the eye in the 2m 4f handicap chase earlier on the card.
Sue Smith’s grey gelding could hardly have made a more pleasing debit over fences when splitting two talented southern raiders at Carlisle earlier this month. The yard remains in cracking form.
Top weight Hello Judge is a most reliable sort and although most of his recent form has come at Carlisle, he is a past course and distance winner here.
At Doncaster, Donald McCain sets a poser by running both CAMARRATE (1.32) and Serious Chat in the 2m 3f handicap hurdle.
Brian Hughes takes the mount on Serious Chat but the eye is drawn to the 5lb claim of William Maggs aboard my selection.
Camarrate ran a cracker at Wetherby last time when splitting Singapore Trip and subsequent winner Glen Road, and receives weight from all seven opponents.
Tally Ho
Alan
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NB. All odds shown are correct at time of publishing and are subject to change.
