We’re all set for a mammoth Saturday on Sky Sports Racing, with Super Saturday from Newbury taking centre stage…
3.35 Newbury – Joyeuse, Navajo Indy and Secret Squirrel headline
Nicky Henderson has won this race – the William Hill Hurdle in its current guise – on six occasions, including with Iberico Lord last season. The seven-year-old arrives off a 10lb higher mark and will need to improve on his fourth behind Nemean Lion at Windsor. Stablemate Joyeuse has a very different profile having only had the three starts over hurdles and she drops back in trip to two miles after her second over 2m 4f at Cheltenham.
Secret Squirrel must be feared having scored impressively at Windsor where he saw off several of his rivals today and he has obvious claims under his 5lb penalty.
Harry Derham’s Washington seeks a hat-trick after winning at Chepstow and Fairyhouse on his last two starts and he returns from a break off a 12lb higher mark.
A devilishly difficult puzzle to solve sees plenty with each-way chances, including Navajo Indy and Favour And Fortune.
3.00 Newbury – Arkle favourite Sir Gino takes on his elders
With Arkle favourite Sir Gino a non-runner due to a hind leg wound, all eyes will be on Matata in the latest renewal of the Grade Two William Hill Best Odds Guaranteed Game Spirit Chase. Nigel Twiston-Davies’ charge rates a huge danger after he defied topweight to land a valuable handicap at Windsor last month and he deserves a crack at this level.
Edwardstone took this race last year but might struggle to follow up, while Jpr One brings with him useful form and is another for the shortlist.
2.25 Newbury – Bravemansgame and Hitman clash
A trappy Grade Two William Hill Bet10 Get10 On Racing Denman Chase contest where Paul Nicholls looks to hold a strong hand.
Bravemansgame has struggled to reproduce his best form this season and, having disappointed in the King George VI Chase at Kempton, he has a bit to prove under Harry Cobden. His trainer reaches for the tongue-tie, however, and he should appreciate the drop in class.
Stablemate Hitman finished runner-up behind Shishkin in this race last year and a reproduction of that effort would see him hit the frame again.
Le Patron rates a fascinating contender as he tackles 3m for the first time, while Venetia Williams’ Djelo will be suited to going left-handed and is another who must be feared despite conceding weight all round.
Best of the rest
Also at Newbury, Kientzheim faces Tutti Quanti in an eyecatching William Hill Proper Prices Novices’ Hurdle at 1.15pm. The five-year-old, owned by JP McManus, was talked up by trainer Nicky Henderson this week and should go well after a promising British debut on Boxing Day.
Up For Parol headlines the 12 declared for the William Hill Top Price Guarantee Handicap Hurdle at 1.50pm. Gavin Sheehan’s mount faces the hat-trick-seeking Haiti Couleurs, who carries top weight for Rebecca Curtis.
Later on the card, Pic Roc and Saint Davy look the pick of the runners in the 4.10pm William Hill Best Odds Guaranteed Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase, despite support in the market for Herakles Westwood who is up 4lb for his comfortable Windsor success the last day.
A Lisa Mitten Turns 60 Handicap Chase clash between Monbeg Genius and The Kniphand looks the best of the action from Uttoxeter at 2.48pm, before Mon Kaplais makes his handicap debut at 4.33pm.
There is also action on the Flat from Newcastle, where Northern Ruler and Plage De Havre both go to post for the BetUK: It’s Where The UK Bets Handicap at 3.55pm. There is royal representation on the Gosforth Park card, with Warrant Holder making his debut under Kieran Shoemark in the Weekly Free Bets With BetMGM Extra Maiden Stakes.
Wolverhampton hosts an eight-race card, headlined by the 5.15pm BetUK: It’s Where The UK Bets Handicap – a Class Three contest which sees Bedford Flyer attempt a return to form for Mick Appleby and Rossa Ryan.