15:25 Newbury An open looking handicap chase over two miles in which the majority of the ten runners are able to make solid claims for victory here today. Gores Island has been running consistently without getting his head in front and Gary Moore's charge has slipped down the weights to a winnable mark because of this. His current rating of 123 is 14 pounds lower than his high of 137 last April. This gives him an excellent chance if he is able to reproduce something close to his best form.
Jonjo O'Neill saddles two runners here and the stronger looking of the two is ridden by Noel Fehily. Festive Affair has run in much stronger contests than this, including Grand Annual at Cheltenham, and he is another who has come down the weights a fair bit. His most recent outing was a very modest fourth in this class at Sundown in December, therefore it would be hoping more than anything that he finds his best form again.
Cloudy Joker runs Donald McCain and he was chasing a hat trick before taking a tumble last time out at Catterick. He was up with the lead that day, still with a decent chance and runs from the same mark today. The drop back in trip to two miles isn't a problem as he has won over the distance before and the long run in at Newbury may prove to be beneficial given his extra stamina. In a wide open betting contest, I think he represents a little bit of value.
Newbury 17:35 My Cousin Rachel, trained by Kim Bailey, ran well for a long way on her debut at Warwick and that experience should really count today against some the unarmed horses from the big yards. The ground not being as heavy will also be a bonus and I think she has a decent chance of going close at a nice price.
Today's Selections
Newbury 15:25 - Cloudy Joker - 1 point @ 6/1 (Totesport, Betfred, Betvictor)
Newbury 17:35 - My Cousin Rachel - 1 point @ 10/1 (Ladbrokes)