The Grade 2 Long Distance Hurdle (3.00), which features 2019 winner Paisley Park, headlines a seven-race card at Newbury on Friday that will offer an abundance of Cheltenham Festival clues.
Watch all the action from Newbury (12.10-3.35pm) via live streaming when logged into MansionBet, along with every race from the UK and Ireland.
Racing Post tipster Tom Collins previews Friday’s action at Newbury for MansionBet.
12.10 Newbury – Watch Racing Free Online At Ladbrokes Novices’ Hurdle
Unbeaten four-year-old Kincardine will be well-found in the market for trainer Nicky Henderson, but this opening novices’ hurdle might be dominated by his elders at the top of the weights. The 122-rated Unanswered Prayers boasts sound form claims but could lack the class of recent Chepstow winner Stage Star, who jumped beautifully on his hurdling debut last month. This Grade 2-placed bumper performer has a big future in this sphere.
Selection: Stage Star
12.40 Newbury – Ladbrokes Committed To Safer Gambling Novices’ Chase
The 2021 Aintree Hurdle is working out well after runner-up Buzz and fifth-placed Brewin’Upastorm entered the winner’s enclosure on their seasonal reappearances this autumn. Millers Bank caused a shock by finishing third at 80-1 that day and proved that performance wasn’t a fluke with an emphatic victory on his chase debut at Huntingdon last month. Stepping up to Grade 2 level looks a smart move and he is expected to maintain his unbeaten record in the sphere.
Selection: Millers Bank
1.15 Newbury – Play Ladbrokes 5-A-Side On Football “National Hunt” Maiden Hurdle
Newbury bumper winner Jonbon, who cost a whopping £570,000 and is held in the highest regard by connections, is undoubtedly the horse to beat as he makes his hurdling debut. However, he is going to be extremely short in the betting and searching for an alternative, even if it’s in the ‘Without Favourite’ market, is the wise call. Boombawn shaped nicely on his sole start for Dan Skelton over this course and distance last month and is clearly talented.
Selection: Boombawn
1.50 Newbury – Ladbrokes Daily Odds Boosts Chase
This race is sure to produce numerous subsequent winners – Mister Coffey is the one of most interest moving forward – and it’s crucial to spot the chaser who will be primed for this race rather than warming up for a primary target later in the season. Fifty Ball, who recorded a clear career-best effort when second in the Betfair Hurdle over this course and distance last season, is fancied to be spot on after a promising reappearance third over a longer trip at Sandown.
Selection: Fifty Ball
2.25 Newbury – Get Your Ladbrokes £1 Free Bet Today Handicap Chase
The last three winners of this race (Aso, Oldgrangewood and Clondaw Castle) have won in Graded company later in the season. With that in mind, focusing on those towards the top of the weights, and therefore possessing a class edge, could be the angle. The Venetia Williams-trained Fanion D’Estruval made an eyecatching reappearance with a fast-finishing fourth in the Grade 2 Old Roan Chase at Aintree and should benefit for the return to this track and drop in class.
Selection: Fanion D’Estruval
3.00 Newbury – Ladbrokes Long Distance Hurdle
Paisley Park, who won this race in 2019 before finding just Thyme Hill too strong last year, is back for another crack at the Long Distance Hurdle and has to be considered a leading player for trainer Emma Lavelle. However, he rarely makes it easy for himself and he has to give weight to a number of talented rivals. I prefer the chances of 2021 Pertemps Final winner Mrs Milner, who receives 9lb from Paisley Park and appears ready for a crack at this level.
Selection: Mrs Milner
3.35 Newbury – Play Ladbrokes 1-2-Free On Football Handicap Hurdle
Stepping up in trip to 3m could be the catalyst to a much-improved display from Alrightjack, who has generally found himself outpaced over shorter distances throughout his career. The Jamie Snowden-trained hurdler never travelled a yard over 2m3f at Fontwell last time but flew up the hill to record an unlikely success and shouldn’t be held back by a subsequent 4lb rise in the weights.
Selection: Alrightjack