Andy has four picks today including three from Newbury.
14.10 Newbury
Most Celebrated turned in a fine display on hurdling debut at Wetherby – jumping well and racing with plenty of zest throughout – but he failed to build on that performance next time out at Haydock and whether this free-going sort is the type to slog his way through testing conditions on a big, wide-open galloping track is very much open to debate. QUIDS IN (best price 11-4), conversely, has proven himself twice to be at home when the mud is flying and with this contest likely to become a test of stamina, Oliver Greenhall’s charge rates the value call. A decent second to Fred Winter floater Long Call (rated 135) at Hereford on heavy ground, the son of Pour Moi gained his just rewards for that fine effort with a breakthrough success at Uttoxeter last time out and armed with the knowledge that his overall time and final lap sectionals were a good deal better than older horse Poppy Kay (won 2m novice hurdle on same card), this improving four-year-old has all the tools to outstay his main rival in the latter stages.
14.40 Newbury
FIRST DU CHARMIL (best price 10-1) faced quite a stiff test on his first start back after a 340-day layoff at Towcester last time out, but he managed to acquit himself with plenty of credit in finishing third behind two useful sorts and he can go well at nice each-way price. Holding every chance until facing the hill at the Midland venue, understandably Tom Lacey’s charge got a little tired from that point onward, but equally, he kept on well enough to suggest that granted decent ground and extra yardage to cover he would be a potent force in the future. The form of the race has already begun to work out well with the fourth-placed horse, Ardmayle, scoring at Leicester on Monday
15.15 Newbury
PLASIR D’AMOUR (NAP) (best price 6-4) impressed both visually and on the clock when winning with plenty in hand at Wetherby last time out and she can carry on the good recent work for the Venetia Williams stable (three winners yesterday). Following a modest effort on her first start for new connections when patently not getting home over 2m 6f on heavy ground, the daughter of Linngari clearly benefitted for being dropped back to the minimum distance at the Yorkshire venue and with her winning time that day pointing towards her being at her best when the pace is strong, the lightly-raced five-year-old can brush aside her welter burden with the front-running pair Greybougg and Lord Ben likely to provide her with the perfect set-up.
19.00 Dundalk
A US marine wouldn’t have coped with the kind of schedule GEOLOGICAL (best price 4-1) has faced throughout the winter, so it’s to his great credit that he’s still managing to hold his form to a pretty high standard. Last week’s effort when a game runner-up to Shannon Star epitomised his toughness and now returning to his favoured 7f trip from a good draw, Damien English’s charge looks booked for another bold display from the front.
