13:50 Newton Abbot

Leg 1 Selections: Flying Verse 

FLYING VERSE has proven stamina at this trip and was narrowly denied at Stratford on his penultimate start. He is twelve pounds below his last winning mark and could get his own way in front here. This will be only his second ever race in this grade over fences and he will appreciate the huge drop in grade from when third last-time-out at Bangor (sent off favourite). With lots in his favour, David Dennis’ ten-year-old can get back to winning ways. 

14:25 Newton Abbot

Leg 2 Selections: GAULOIS

I thought Herenord blew a good opportunity last time to be honest, so I’ll stick with the Paul Nicholls-trained GAULOIS to confirm the form from when beating the former here last month. He made heavy weather of getting the job done at short odds but was well on top at the finish and, with plenty of improvement to come, he can make it three-from-three at this venue. 

15:00 Newton Abbot

Leg 3 Selections: Umbrigado 

Valentino is on a roll at the moment but based upon lateral class, the David Pipe-trained UMBRIGADO is the class act in the field and is fancied to give weight to these on his return to action. He ran well on his only previous try he h tackled three miles, so I think this longer trip will suit and he’s well-treated off 134 based on his win in the Grade 3 Greatwood Gold Cup last year off a ten pounds higher mark. With a good record fresh and Tom Scudamore in the saddle, the eight-year-old can make a bold bid on his seasonal reappearance. 

15:30 Newton Abbot

Leg 4 Selections: PERCY’S WORD 

PERCY’S WORD brings the best form to the table here and drops into this grade for the first time in his career too. Dan Skelton’s inmate went very close last time in a much, much stronger race when third behind higher rated opponents and while it’s surprising to see him pitched into such a weak race, he should prove too good for these and his odds-on price reflects his chances. 

16:00 Newton Abbot

Leg 5 Selections: Belle Na Bann

BELLE NA BANN is the only one of these arriving in form and did well to beat Fire Lake 18 days ago from out of the weights. She seemed very well-suited to being ridden prominently and she gets into this race with another low weight. She has ultimately gone up four pounds for that success but she remains unexposed and has every chance of following up in this small field assignment in leg five. 

16:30 Newton Abbot

Leg 6 Selections: Huelgoat

HUELGOAT was well held here last time but I wouldn’t read too much into that race as it developed into a match race between the front pair and Paul Nicholls is keen to get him straight over fences here. The five-year-old should easily advance his form in this sphere and Harry Cobden has his only ride on the card for his boss. Off a lenient-looking mark and the experience of this course to draw upon, he should go close to winning this on chase debut with a clear round.