UK Horse Racing Tips: Newton Abbot

PASSING CALL enjoyed a good spell throughout last summer and proved to be competitive at Listed level when third behind Posh Trish at Newbury in December. She didn't run to form when behind the same rival at Taunton, but she returns from a break and could still have more to come back in handicaps. The Nicky Henderson pair, Laughing Luis and Heatstroke, both have the potential for further improvement back on a flatter track, while Bhutan lost a shoe at Haydock last time and can be given another chance.
Prediction : 1st Passing Call 2nd Laughing Luis 3rd Bhutan

OLLIE VAAR wasn't out of contention when falling on his latest start at Ffos Las and he has the potential for more to offer having moved yards to Christian Williams. Triple Chief has been very consistent, despite not getting his head in front on his last five outings, and is likely to go close once again, while Inaminna could bounce back to form after his fifth at Bangor last month.
Prediction : 1st Ollie Vaar 2nd Triple Chief 3rd Inaminna

JOT'EM DOWN benefited from a wind operation and a set of cheekpieces when scoring on his chase debut at Plumpton last month. Despite being flattered by the 25-length winning margin at the finish, his closest pursuer falling at the second last, he left a lasting impression and a 6lb rise could prove to be very fair. Taaffes Castle improved for the step up in trip when second at Warwick over hurdles earlier in the month and warrants respect being a point-to-point winner, while course winner Iniesta completes the shortlist.
Prediction : 1st Jotem Down 2nd Taaffes Castle 3rd Iniesta

DOLPHIN SQUARE must concede weight to all of his rivals but the Exeter winner has much less on his plate than when attempting to give weight away at the Devonshire venue last time. Philip Hobbs' point scorer sets a good standard boasting a rating of 128 and, with owner David Maxwell claiming 5lb in the plate, he should prove too good for the likes of Igor and the 118-rated Nativegetaway.
Prediction : 1st Dolphin Square 2nd Igor 3rd Nativegetaway

PHOEBUS LESCRIBAA leaps off the page in this handicap as he is some 12lb well-in at the weights lining up off the same mark as when an 11-length Warwick scorer nine days ago. That success came in a conditional jockeys' handicap hurdle so he escapes a penalty and should go very close again. Hold Me Tight is another due to go up in the weights, 5lb well-in, and is respected off the same mark as when a head second here last week, while Eric The Third completes the shortlist.
Prediction : 1st Phoebus Lescribaa 2nd Hold Me Tight 3rd Eric The Third

ROAD TO RICHES struggled in a valuable event at Fairyhouse last time out but he is more than capable of winning a race of this nature, based on his third-placed finish in the Foxhunters' Chase at Aintree. Southfield Vic has to be respected following his recent Wincanton victory, while Herbert Park is the pick of the remainder.
Prediction : 1st Road To Riches 2nd Southfield Vic 3rd Herbert Park

The Swagman has displayed promise on all three previous starts and the son of Galileo has to be respected as he sets the standard in this contest. That said, a chance can be taken on PERFECT PERCY, who is closely related to plenty of bumper winners and represents a yard capable of getting one ready first time out. Others to consider are Steal A March and Carys' Commodity.
Prediction : 1st Perfect Percy 2nd The Swagman 3rd Steal A March