Today's Tote Placepot Tips for Newbury

Leg 1 Selections: De Rasher Counter, Cloth Cap 

I am siding with two former Hennessy/Ladbrokes Trophy winners over course-and-distance in leg 1. DE RASHER COUNTER was in the process of running well before an uncharacteristic mistake saw him on the floor last time but his last win was in the Ladbrokes Trophy off a four pounds higher mark, so he has lots in his favour and has solid credentials on these terms. 

Likewise to the former, CLOTH CAP is a former winner of the big handicap here as well, who defied a pound higher mark in the Ladbrokes Trophy over track and trip in 2020. Whilst he hasn’t won since winning the Premier Chase at Kelso, he is dangerous to rule out back at the scene of his big success. If he can bowl along in front, he could be tough to overhaul. 

Leg 2 Selections: Jay Bee Why, Whatsupwithyou, Champagne City 

This is wide-open but JAY BEE WHY ran his best race of the campaign in first-time cheekpieces when third last time and should be extremely competitive back down in distance. He is yet to win in handicap company but this is a great opportunity for Alan King’s charge should he repeat his latest place effort. 

WHATSUPWITHYOU didn’t shape at all badly when fifth last time at Kempton and is effectively a pound lower than when beating Hunters Call last April, which reads well going into this race. Ben Pauling is enjoying a productive season and the nine-year-old could pose a threat despite running poorly on his last visit here. 

CHAMPAGNE CITY has predominantly been campaigned over shorter in his career but he is worth a chance over this longer distance and he has been in pretty good form on the Flat of late as well. He does need to cast aside a poor effort when last seen in this sphere but on the plus side, he is back on his last successful mark. 

Leg 3 Selections: Sebastopol 

SEBASTOPOL hasn’t been seen since beating the classy Stage Star in a Grade Two at this course in November but that reads well in the context of this race, as he drops in class, plus the second has boosted the form since by winning a good-quality handicap at Cheltenham. 

I am a little bit surprised he isn’t nearly favourite, as it’s like he is priced up as though his latest win was somewhat of a fluke and that is certainly not the case plus conditions will be spot on for him as well. I think he has an excellent chance if he can put in a similar shift to last time. 

Leg 4 Selections: Onemorefortheroad, Head Law

ONEMOREFORTHEROAD was down the field in the Betfair Hurdle last time but will find this easier and he’s become really well-treated based on last season’s exploits. 

He is a Listed winner over track and trip and could defy top-weight under Bryony Frost. HEAD LAW wasn’t seen to best effect last time and is better judged on his previous form. He is worth another chance with a strong pace likely to aid his cause.  

Leg 5 Selections: Poncho, Matata

Gary Moore’s PONCHO made the frame in both bumper starts and built on his promising hurdles debut to go one better in February, beating a subsequent winner. He moves into handicap company off a fair mark and could play a crucial role in the outcome. 

The Nigel Twiston-Davies trained MATATA ran out early on last time but his opening handicap debut mark seems manageable and he had previously made the frame in a pair of stronger events. He could make a bold bid under the assistance of Daryl Jacob. 

Leg 6 Selections: Neon Moon, Tip Top Cat 

This race, leg 6, looks far-less competitive than the race David Pipe’s NEON MOON finished second in at Ascot last time and he is technically back on his last winning mark with his riders claim taken into account. 

He has an excellent chance to go one better in this winnable contest, while TIP TOP CAT won in good fashion when last seen and has to merit respect with more to come over fences on just his fourth start in this sphere.