2:25 Newbury

Heltenham (1pt)

Best price 15/8 at the time of publishing.

Dan Skelton is a superb target trainer and this will have no doubt been a target for HELTENHAM (best priced at 15/8) given he won this race in both 2023 and 2024. Following two falls, he was given a confidence boosting run behind Jonbon and Pic D’Orhy in the Grade 1 Ascot Chase before winning the Greatwood Gold Cup over this course and distance last time.

The form of that victory looks strong with the runner-up Blow Your Wad finishing a close 4th in the Ultima Handicap Chase at the Cheltenham Festival and the third-placed Teddy Blue winning at Kempton since. Now just 4lbs higher than his previous success in this race, he should prove hard to beat.

4.5
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3:00 Newbury

Strong Run (0.5pt ew)

Best price 13/2 at the time of publishing.

Fergal O’Brien and Johnny Burke combined to win this race with Siog Geal last season and they look to hold strong claims this year with STRONG RUN (best priced at 13/2). The seven-year-old finished ahead of both Getawhisky and Charisma Cat in last year’s Grade 2 Mares’ Bumper at Aintree off level weights, and she now meets them on more favourable terms.

Strong Run has been running consistently well so far this season including when 3rd at this track behind the talented Jackie Hobbs on her hurdling debut. She could prove leniently treated on her handicap debut off a mark of 116.

6:30 Newcastle

Kingofthecarnival (1pt)

Best price 1/1 at the time of publishing.

KINGOFTHECARNIVAL (best priced at 1/1) finished well beaten in his three qualifying runs when sent off 25/1, 25/1 and 200/1 but showed dramatic improvement winning on his handicap debut last time. The Archie Watson trained three-year-old was gelded prior to his return from a 143-day absence when he was well supported into 15/8 favourite.

The handicapper has only raised Kingofthecarnival 4lbs for that victory and he should be able to follow up with the step up in trip to a mile looking sure to suit well.