13:40 Newbury

Leg 1 Selections: Hardy Boy, Langafel

HARDY BOY won twice on the spin last April and went close at Kempton last time. A similar showing in this race would surely see him go well from the front. LANGAFEL won his first two starts over hurdles and wasn’t suited to soft ground when only second last time. He drops in grade here and his stable have been amongst the winners this month, so the five-year-old has a decent chance. 

14:15 Newbury

Leg 2 Selections: Twig

This is a good opportunity for Ben Pauling’s TWIG to return to winning ways. He was outclassed in a Grade 2 last time over three miles but takes a significant ease in grade and the drop in distance should work a treat. He brings by far the strongest form into the race and has more to come in this sphere, so he can make it five wins from his last eight starts. 

14:50 Newbury

Leg 3 Selections: Under Control, Bluegrass 

UNDER CONTROL won on her only start over hurdles in France and has joined a powerful stable since. Nicky Henderson’s filly could be useful and has already been well-found in the market so is expected to feature in the outcome. BLUEGRASS could only finish fourth on his hurdles debut but should be wiser to the task this time around and is feared most given his Flat ability. 

15:25 Newbury

Leg 4 Selections: Herbiers, Brief Times 

Just the three runners and HERBIERS was only beaten a neck on his second go in this sphere last time and holds strong claims of going one better off a only pound higher mark. I will take a chance on BRIEF TIMES as the back-up option, who lacked fluency at Wetherby last time. He could only finish fifth but he has a good record in three-runner affairs and is a danger if back on track.

16:00 Newbury

Leg 5 Selections: Emitom, Up The Straight 

A tricky race but EMITOM ended his time with his former boss on a low note and it is possible the nine-year-old has lost the spark for the game but he has fallen to a dangerous-looking mark and isn’t out of this back on better ground. UP THE STRAIGHT has run poorly the last two times over fences but has each-way possibilities off a reduced mark in this sphere. 

16:30 Newbury

Leg 6 Selections: Yes Indeed, Gallic Geordie 

YES INDEED hasn’t been at his best in two starts this season but he is eight pounds lower than when second at Newbury around this time last year and has a good chance if able to return that form in this race. He’s also undergone wind surgery since last time as well. GALLIC GEORDIE has won over track and trip and could go close if able to match his latest second at Newbury.