Architect has five tips for Friday at Newbury's Winter Carnival.
13:55 Friday
This is an excellent race. However, CAPTAIN TEAGUE beat The Jukebox Man and Johnnywho with something to spare in the Grade 1 Challow Hurdle here last season, and although we learnt nothing from his walkover three weeks ago, Paul Nicholls seems confident about his chances.
This top-class bumper performer and novice hurdler’s only disappointment was in last season’s Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle, but he’s better than that, and he’s built to excel over the larger obstacles. I can see him taking plenty of beating with conditions very much in his favour.
14:30 Friday
Gary and Josh Moore’s LE PATRON concluded last season on a low note, but the six-year-old is markedly dropped in grade on his return, with his record in handicap company over fences reading two wins from two starts.
He boasts a good record when fresh, and the form of his Grade 1 Henry VIII Novices' Chase at Sandown is quality form, given he had subsequent Haldon Gold Cup winner back in third, as well as other useful chasers.
With Freddie Mitchell claiming a valuable 5lb and representing a stable that fired in a nice double yesterday, he’s taken to get back on track and potentially maintain his unblemished handicap chase record.
15:05 Friday
In the feature race on the card, I’m struggling to see past STRONG LEADER, who ended last season with a career-best win in the Grade 1 Liverpool Hurdle and can make a successful return to action with bigger targets to come.
He was well beaten on his return last season, but he’s taken his form to a whole new level since stepping up to three miles the last two times. With improvement forthcoming and Langer Dan likely to need this run, he’s the one to beat.
Racing Lee has picked out the same selection for the Long Distance Hurdle at Newbury. Click here to read his tips exclusively on the oddschecker app – if you haven’t already downloaded it, you will need to do so and find his selections via the Tips section.
15:40 Friday
ANNSAM defied a higher mark twice over fences last season, and his latest return from a mammoth absence should have blown away the cobwebs.
He’s a past C&D winner on soft ground off only a 4lb lower mark and actually finished sixth in the Coral Gold Cup at this meeting two years ago off a 3lb higher mark.
The nine-year-old is a smart horse on his day, and, with track, trip, and ground all to his liking, there’s every chance he will outrun his odds off his current figure.
CHANTRY HOUSE enhanced his good first-time-out record when third in a much stronger race than this around this time last year at Cheltenham off an 8lb higher mark.
He’s won first time out four times during his career, and his record at this level or lower reads four wins from four starts. He will be running off his lowest ever handicap mark and won his only previous course start.
With the refitted cheekpieces and being the only Grade 1 winner in the field, the top weight must be given the utmost respect. He’s the classiest horse in the lineup and will appreciate the drop in grade.
