Newbury
There is a quality card at Newbury tomorrow where it is hard to oppose the hot favourites in the first two races although prices will be short. It will be disappointing if Arkle favourite Sprinter Sacre can’t maintain his 100% record over fences in the opening Game Spirit Chase.
1.15 This is a much more competitive affair. Zarkander is the likely favourite despite this being his first run of the season. He won a strong looking Triumph Hurdle last season and followed up with a win at Aintree. The unbeaten Darlan has a bit to find on form but could be improving while Raya Star has solid handicap form having won the Ladbroke at Ascot. Third Intention was 7th in the Triumph but is getting 9 lbs from Zarkander and has the benefit of a recent run. Desert Cry won at Haydock in November and has been running with credit since. Although not a very original idea the form of Zarkander does look solid and he is the selection.
1.50 Montbazon has course form and won last time out.
2.25 I don’t have a strong opinion about this race but Grand National favourite Junior is interesting over hurdles while Global Power has slipped down the weights a bit and although his recent form in nothing to write home about he has a chance if back to his best.
2.55 The improving Our Mick, trained by Donald McCain was a Grade 2 winner over distance on heavy ground last time, he’s expected to prefer today’s better ground, and could maintain his upward curve while Cedre Bleu and Mossley both have chances as does Walkon but For Non Stop deserves to win a race like this after 3 consecutive seconds and gets a narrow vote.
Sandown
1.40 Daynar Bay
2.10 Loch Ba
2.40 Ozeta
4.25 Tante Sissi & Off the Ground
Fakenham
2.35 Balding Banker
3.40 Desert Joe
4.15 Barber’s Shop
Today’s pictures are courtesy of the artist Lisa Miller
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