The ground looks atrocious at Newbury so I will be wary there, and Doncaster looks to be heading that way. However, I have my eye on a trio there, waiting on prices so back when available.
2:05 Cheltenham
COEUR SERIN– 1/2 Each way @ 9/1 4 places Skybet, 9/1 generally
3:50 Cheltenham
THE REAL WHACKER– 3/4 Pt Each way @ 16/1 6 places Paddy Power, 16/1 5 places generally
Trainer on fire and does well with 1st time handicappers. Went close with her runner here yesterday, the booking of Gavin Sheehan looks significant with 4 winners and 2 2nds from his last 6 rides and 3 winners and 2 just beaten 2nds from their last 5 together.
4:10 Doncaster
CAME FROM THE DARK– 3/4 Pt Win @ 7/1 generally
Trainer states:: I’m hoping for success closer to home on Saturday whenshould run a big race in the five-furlong handicap at Doncaster.
I had high hopes for him this season, after his great year in 2021, only for his wind to let him down. However, the surgeons at Rossdales have done a good job again and I’m very hopeful. He pulled too hard on his comeback in Listed company at Ascot yet was the last one off the bridle and didn’t stop, as he’d been doing earlier in the year. It was an eye-catching run with plenty of positives to it. With that freshness knocked out of him and back down to a good mark, just 1lb higher than his last – winning – run in a handicap, this will be a good test of what he can do now.
2:25 Newbury
SKYCUTTER– 1/2 Each way @ 50/1 4 places Bet365, 66/1 3 places 40/1 generally
A very useful, dual purpose performer he cantered up in a good listed race at Newmarket LTO over a trip which stretched him and he weakened. He has gone very close over C & D in the past (albeit in a handicap) so I thought he had enough in his favour to chance in this at a huge price