Dunraven Storm to unleash power at Newbury
2.05 Newbury– CUE CARD has fallen from favour with many but I make him a confident selection for the Betfred Goals Galore Novice Chase at Newbury. Trainer Colin Tizzard is bullish about his stable star’s chances and he looks the class act in this field. There was no disgrace at all in his finishing second to Bob’s Worth here last time and non of his rivals look overly solid. Walkon has a history of injury and I wouldn’t be convinced he will be able to follow-up his Exeter success so at 2/1, I would be happy to take him on with Cue Card at a generous 3/1.
2.15 Lingfield– SHERJAWY habitually comes to life at this time of year and he is now 5 lb lower than his last visit to Lingfield, a race he won. Has the necessary pace for 5f and Sam Hitchcott has won on the horse 5-times. Has to be followed until he wins a couple in my opinion and the 17/2 currently on offer looks more than fair.
2.20 Warwick – TRIGGER THE LIGHT has a real liking for Warwick where his form figures read 1121. Carried the ValueChecker vote when a well-backed winner here 4-weeks ago and the handicapper has been kind enough with a small rise. Not certain to reproduce that form I grant you and this shorter trip possibly a concern but still looks worth sticking with on ground that will suit. Henrietta Knight’s dual winning pointer Glens Boy is unexposed and could be the danger.
2.45 Lingfield– Alan McCabe has a massive LSP at Lingfield and his SHOWBOATING could reward each-way support in the 2.45. I have been on side a few times with this one without getting it right but he remains well-handicapped on his autumn form. Needs a bit of luck but far too big at 20/1 and whilst Triple Charm looks the one to beat, the selected looks the value to make the placings at least.
3.40 Newbury – DUNRAVEN STORM returns to the track for the first time since pulling up lame in the Supreme Novices’ and that makes him risky for betting purposes. Nonetheless, the lightly-raced 6-y-o has a deal of potential still and being fresh might just be the best state to catch him in. After winning a decent Ascot bumper, he disappointed at the 2009 festival when behind Cue Card. Won a bumper a month later though and made a bright start to hurdling; winning his first two last season in good style. Improved again to run second to Cue Card in a Grade 2, before a wheel came off his season. Yet to race on soft ground but bred to handle it and hopefully there will be some market confidence about. Pascha Bere may not be up to winning but could outrun his odds off just 10 stone.