UK Horse Racing Tips: Newton Abbot

Preference is for SAMBA DANCER, who reverts to hurdles following a spin over the larger obstacles at Ffos Las in May. A narrow winner from this mark at Cheltenham last November, Fergal O'Brien's charge can repel the challenge of consistent performer Birds Of Prey. Ayr Of Elegance wasn't disgraced on her seasonal reappearance last month and she's entitled to be in the shake-up.
Prediction : 1st Samba Dancer 2nd Birds Of Prey 3rd Ayr Of Elegance

In what could be an informative contest, marginal preference is for CAPTAIN SQUARE. Purchased out of Andrew Balding's yard, the son of Sir Percy makes his debut over hurdles for Tom Lacey and, given the three-year-old ran to a fair standard on the Flat, he could be the answer here. Rated 70 on the level, Alphonse Le Grande appears the most obvious danger if taking to the switch in codes. Hill Station heads the remainder.
Prediction : 1st Captain Square 2nd Alphonse Le Grande 3rd Hill Station

GENTLE CONNECTIONS brought up her hat-trick in emphatic fashion at this venue last month and, in a moderate contest, she is difficult to oppose. Recent Fontwell scorer Belles Benefit would appear to be her most immediate danger in receipt of 4lb, though Ben Case's charge would need another step forward. Third on each of her last three starts, Miss Chantelle is not ruled out.
Prediction : 1st Gentle Connections 2nd Belles Benefit 3rd Miss Chantelle

LITTLE JESSTURE got off the mark over hurdles when winning at this track last time and the daughter of Dylan Thomas can follow up off a 2lb higher mark. Tarseem was only narrowly denied at this venue on his latest start and is feared most, while Spider Bill, who moves up in trip for his handicap debut, also makes the shortlist.
Prediction : 1st Little Jessture 2nd Tarseem 3rd Spider Bill

After producing a couple of solid efforts over hurdles this year, Kilchreest Moon is a likely candidate on his first run over the larger obstacles. However, he might have to settle for minor honours behind HERONORD, who looks the type to benefit from the step up in trip. Dell Oro wears blinkers for the first time and can also have a say.
Prediction : 1st Heronord 2nd Kilchreest Moon 3rd Dell Oro

A small but competitive handicap, in which the hat-trick seeking KAUTO THE KING shades the verdict. He was handed victory on a plate at Worcester two starts ago (left alone four out) but really impressed when seeing off some high-class rivals over an extended 2m here last time. Going back up in trip shouldn't bother him and he could defy a further 5lb rise. Black Gerry won readily at Fontwell latest and demands respect, while Al Roc and Mr Mafia add further spice to the race.
Prediction : 1st Kauto The King 2nd Black Gerry 3rd Al Roc

MY LADY GREY ran away with a similar C&D event last month and an 8lb hike in the ratings probably won't be enough to anchor her if arriving in the same mood. Kennack Bay has performed well in two starts over hurdles this year and may improve for the switch to fences, while Belle Jour is by no means out of this either.
Prediction : 1st My Lady Grey 2nd Kennack Bay 3rd Belle Jour