ITV Racing Tips from Architect Tips as a Saturday double for Newbury.
14:15 Newbury
In the 'Bet In Race' With Coral Intermediate Handicap Hurdle, I am struggling to understand why HANSARD (best price 7/1) is so much higher in the betting in comparison to Under Control.
Yes, the latter beat subsequent Greatwood Hurdle winner, Iberico Lord, when last seen, but the form is still rated 1Ib higher and Niall Houlihan can take off an additional 3Ib, which means he will get 2Ib from the favourite, with fitness on his side.
He concluded last season with an excellent fourth in a Grade 1 at Aintree and returned with a fine second to the 151-rated Rubaud in the Grade 2 Elite Hurdle, who had fitness advantage.
Considering he blundered the second last hurdle, when only a length down at the time, he stuck to the task well to only be beaten around four lengths at the finish. Dropped a couple of pounds and in calmer waters, he should go very well here.
15:25 Newbury
The final ITV race is the Coral Get Closer To The Action Handicap Chase and I am not going to oppose ELIXIR DE NUTZ (best price 11/2) who has raised his game again over the past 12 months and was last seen winning the Grade 2 Haldon Gold Cup impressively under this rider, Freddie Gingell.
His second in the Grade 2 Game Spirit Chase over course-and-distance earlier this year is the best form on offer and none of the remainder can boast comparable form. He is miles clear of these on official ratings, so while he is tasked with top-weight, he is fancied to make his class count and follow-up here.
