Newbury
13:20
THE SIR PETER O’SULLEVAN MEMORIAL HANDICAP STEEPLE CHASE (CLASS 2) (GBB RACE) (CL 2) (2m 6f 1/2 f)
KAPCORSE (4) signed off with a disappointing pulled-up effort at Sandown. Expected to improve sharply after a break for a trainer among the winners, a key contender. KILLER KANE (13) returned with a sound third among similar company at Exeter attempting 3m. A bold sighting is anticipated. MISTER COFFEY (2) is talented and demands respect if on song first up while DEMACHINE (3) cannot be ignored following a last-time-out win over fences.
13:55
HANDICAP HURDLE RACE (CLASS 2) (GBB RACE) (CL 2) (2m 4f 1/2 f)
WEST BALBOA (8) scored on hurdle debut before an excellent second in the G1 Challow Hurdle at this venue behind a top-notch rival. Major winning claims entering a first handicap for a powerful yard. Course winner WALKING ON AIR (5) is a genuine contender making handicap debut after finding life among Grade One company tough last season. PEKING ROSE (6) began this season with a determined success at Aintree. Rises in ratings and must be respected. LORD BADDESLEY (4) enters place calculations. A wide open race with plenty of live chances and WALKING ON AIR is the pick.
14:30
INTERMEDIATE HANDICAP HURDLE RACE (CLASS 1) (Registered as THE GERRY FEILDEN ) (PREMIER HANDICAP) (GBB RACE) (CL 1) (2m 1/2f)
TEDDY BLUE (4) got off the mark hurdling having dropped significantly in grade at Fontwell . Ideally positioned to go back-to-back on handicap debut with confidence restored. FIRST STREET (1) concluded a good season with a fine fifth in a Grade One hurdle at Aintree, he is rated highly by his trainer, and has a top jockey on board. Obvious winning chance tackling handicap company again. THEATRE GLORY (2) delivered a hat-trick of hurdle wins by 6.5L at Cheltenham. Thereabouts maintaining an unexposed profile. PIKAR (5) is another who arrives in winning form and could be the one to side with despite a slow start to the season for the stable.
15:05
THE CORAL GOLD CUP HANDICAP STEEPLE CHASE (CLASS 1) (PREMIER HANDICAP) (GBB RACE) (CL 1) (3m 2f)
A competitive renewal of this prestigious handicap. GERICAULT ROQUE (11) holds strong appeal as consistent with fences and brings big-field experience. Rates highly. CORACH RAMBLER (7) signed off with an impressive 2.75L success ahead of the main selection at Cheltenham. Genuine winning chance maintaining a progressive chase profile. REMASTERED (9) scored by 4L on reappearance hurdling. Poised to run a solid race revisiting fences, in a race many believe he should have won last year if it wasn’t for a fall. OSCAR ELITE (12) is considered for a placing.
15:40
HANDICAP STEEPLE CHASE (CLASS 2) (For the Jim Joel Memorial Trophy) (GBB RACE) (CL 2) (2m 1/2 f)
AMARILLO SKY (2) returned to action with an impressive 1.5L fences success at Cheltenham. May go back-to-back after a small rise in weights. ONLY MONEY (7) secured two chase victories this campaign. Expected to measure up under suitable conditions. Of those who could make the frame include the consistent ECLAIR D’AINAY (1) who could improve after wind surgery while BUN DORAN (4) races well at this journey. Include.
Newcastle
13:35
THE NOVICES’ LIMITED HANDICAP STEEPLE CHASE (CLASS 3) (GBB RACE) (CL 3) (2m 7 1/2 f))
SHANTOU LUCKY (2) came home 17L fourth in a handicap chase at Fairyhouse. Selected to register a fourth career victory. SON OF THE SOMME (4) returned this campaign with a 10.5L third in a 2m 4f handicap chase at Ayr. Shortlist. MALINELLO (1) placed second beaten 8.5L tackling a novice hurdle at Wincanton in January last year. Dangerous on handicap and chase debut. LORD ROCO (3) performed well when 1.5L second in a novices handicap chase at Ayr and is the most likely for the win.
14:10
THE FIGHTING FIFTH HURDLE RACE (CLASS 1) (Grade 1) (GBB RACE) (CL 1) (2m)
CONSTITUTION HILL (1) missed an engagement at Ascot last week but secured victory by 22L attempting the 2m G1 Supreme Novices Hurdle at Cheltenham in March. Hard to beat if allowed to take his chances. Stablemate EPATANTE (5) won this race in 2020 and dead-heated twelve months ago. Bold show expected delivering her first start since a 1.75L third in the G1 Mares Champion Hurdle at Punchestown during April. NOT SO SLEEPY (2) dead-heated with Epatante in this contest last year. Returned from a break with a 4.25L third in the Cesarewitch Handicap at Newmarket and makes the shortlist. TOMMY’S OSCAR (3) placed second beaten 6L in the G2 Arkle Challenge Trophy Trial Novices Chase over 2m at Cheltenham. Worth noting revisiting hurdles.
15:25
THE REHEARSAL HANDICAP STEEPLE CHASE (CLASS 1) (PREMIER HANDICAP) (GBB RACE) (CL 1) (2m 7 1/2 f)
L’HOMME PRESSE (1) ended last season finishing 18L third attempting the G1 Mildmay Novices Chase at Aintree in April. Selected to resume with a victory. INTO OVERDRIVE (9) recorded his fourth consecutive victory winning by 3.5L in a handicap chase at Wetherby on his seasonal debut. A bold show is expected. AYE RIGHT (2) returned with a 4.5L second in a 3m 2f handicap chase at Kelso. Warrants close consideration. HAPPYGOLUCKY (3) won by 2.75L the G3 Betway Handicap Chase at Aintree in April 2021. Shortlisted resuming from a lengthy absence.
