It’s a big afternoon in Newbury’s jumps season on Tuesday as they stage the final Grade 1 of the calendar year on British soil, the MansionBet Challow Novices’ Hurdle (3.15pm).
A seven-race card takes place in Berkshire (12.20pm-3.45pm) with MansionBet the title sponsor across the afternoon.
Watch all the action unfold via live streaming when logged into MansionBet and get ahead with our tipsters’ thoughts on all seven Newbury races.
12.20 – MansionBet Cheers To 2021 Mares’ Handicap Hurdle (2m)
Mystic Dreamer came good at Exeter last month and could go well again despite a meaty rise in the weights. Meanwhile, She’s A Novelty and last year’s winner Fair Kate are other notables, but preference is for PANIC ATTACK.
David Pipe’s filly didn’t fire at Cheltenham last time but it may be she simply doesn’t relish that challenge (also down the field in Champion Bumper in March). This flat track should suit the Uttoxeter winner and having eased 6lb for that initial run in a handicap, she’s a real danger here.
Selection: Panic Attack @ 4/1
12.55 – MansionBet App ‘Introductory’ Hurdle (2m)
GOWEL ROAD gave the well-touted Bear Ghylls a scare at Ffos Las on his hurdling bow and Nigel Twiston-Davies’ charge can improve nicely for that experience and go one better now.
There are dangers aplenty, with useful Flat performer Just In Time noted on hurdles bow alongside French import Good Ball for Paul Nicholls and Sandown winner Golden Boy Grey for Gary and Jamie Moore.
Selection: Gowel Road @ 4/1
1.30 – Mansionbet’s Bet 10 Get 20 Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase (2m6½f)
A few growing reputations on the line here. Demachine and Sevarano are both 2-2 over fences and going about their business in fine style, while Young Wolf is a contender if he jumps better.
But, it’s dual Sedgefield scorer EQUUS DANCER that can oblige, getting weight from his main rivals. He’s improving quickly over fences and isn’t done yet.
Selection: Equus Dancer @ 8/1
2.05 – MansionBet’s Watch And Bet Handicap Hurdle (2m4½f)
An open handicap in which Kateson is a threat if the second-time cheekpieces continue to have a calming effect, while Calva D’Auge, The Cob and Nordic Combined are all options – though the last-named may find his stamina giving way late on. Angus Cheleda gave Calva D’Auge a perfect ride in their Taunton win over the Pipe horse and he’s rewarded with another spin now.
CH’TIBELLO is the class act and might give his weight away successfully. He hasn’t run in a handicap since his 2019 Cheltenham Festival score and he ran a fine race in a Grade 2 there last month. The nine-year-old can continue a fine festive run for Dan and Harry Skelton.
Selection: Ch’tibello @ 4/1
2.40 – MansionBet’s Best Odds Guaranteed Mandarin Handicap Chase (3m2f)
He was put in his place at Cheltenham in October but MANOFTHEMOUNTAIN had previously won all four completed starts over fences. That he finished a well-held fourth behind Frodon and Cloth Cap last time is no shame, that pair having bagged the King George and Ladbrokes Trophy respectively since.
He could get back on the upgrade here. The hat-trick seeking Cuban Pete (up 9lb now) and Ben Pauling’s Nestor Park are shortlisted alongside King Monarch while the unexposed Colorado Doc is noted upped in distance after a layoff.
Selection: Manofthemountain @ 6/1
3.15 – MansionBet Challow Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 1, 2m4½f)
There are plenty of burgeoning reputations in the six-runner field for this mouthwatering Grade 1 novice contest. Does He Know, The Glancing Queen, Wilde About Oscar and, in particular, Star Gate are each respected and have been winning races impressively but last month’s C&D winner BRAVEMANSGAME looked like one to follow.
The Ditcheat team think plenty of him and he can give his trainer a first win in this race since the mighty Denman in 2005.
Selection: Bravemansgame @ 2/1
3.45 – MansionBet’s Faller Insurance Handicap Chase (2m)
FUNAMBULE SIVOLA was a convincing winner at Wetherby over this trip last month, holding some seven-lengths in hand on runner-up Exelerator Express.
A nine-day turnaround and an increased trip at Sandown may both have been factors in the winner not quite building on that next time. However, after a short break, and with Venetia Williams’ team flying, he can do now despite a hefty pull at the weights for Neil Mulholland’s challenger. Bridle Loanan, King D’Argent and Shanacoole Prince all arrive in form.
Selection: Funambule Sivola @ 6/1
*All odds correct at time of writing