Matt Brocklebank's Friday Nap Salver (6/4) won well at Sandown - check out Andrew Asquith's Saturday selections.
Friday selections
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HAVANA BLUE - 4.45 Newcastle
HAVANA BLUE shaped quite encouragingly in fifth over this course and distance last month and he's been eased another 1lb in the weights on the back of it. That puts him on a career-low mark (82) and 2lb lower than when successful at Beverley in August 2024. He's unexposed on the all-weather and could step forward quite considerably on this second start back following another breathing operation.
Saturday selections
KNICKERBOCKERGLORY – 14:25 Sandown (NAP)
KNICKERBOCKERGLORY was well backed when bolting up in this race 12 months ago and he has excellent claims of retaining his crown from a 6lb higher mark.
His form afterwards was solid, not beaten far in other competitive handicaps, and those races have all worked out. He beat Nemean Lion in this last year, who has since gone on to prove himself a very smart hurdler, and Knickerbockerglory has an excellent record when fresh.
The ground has softened further, but that won’t be a problem for him given he’s won on heavy before and there is a strong chance he’ll be able to dominate in this field.
ATHAIR MOR – 11:40 Wetherby
ATHAIR MOR is bred more for the Flat, but he does have jumpers in his pedigree too, and he’s made a promising start for Paul Robson over fences this season.
He was a lightly-raced maiden hurdler for James Ewart last season, and he built on his stable debut when runner-up to a progressive type at Newcastle last month.
Athair Mor appreciated a tongue tie being refitted on that occasion, making no impression on the winner who was seen to good advantage from the front, but staying on well and beating the rest comfortably. This looks a weaker race and he’s fancied to go one place better from just 1lb higher.
PLEASINGTON – 12:58 Aintree
The Olly Murphy-trained PLEASINGTON was a two-time winner over hurdles last season before finding the move into Grade 3 company too much.
He’s very much bred to be a chaser, though, and he made a pleasing start to his life over fences when finishing third at Wetherby last month, building on his form over hurdles, beaten under a length and leaving the impression he has even more to offer.
A big factor to his potential improvement is this step up to two and a half miles given he’s bred to stay well, this longer trip likely to aid his jumping, and he can prove himself a well-handicapped horse.
AWORKINPROGRESS – 13:36 Chepstow
AWORKINPROGRESS has been a revelation since switched to fences, winning all five of his starts, and judging by his seasonal reappearance at Uttoxeter, he’s not yet reached the ceiling of his ability.
He produced another career-best effort on that occasion, as expected his first try beyond three miles suiting him well, always travelling fluently and creeping into contention like a horse quite a way ahead of his mark.
The winning margin was a length, but he was value for much more, and this track and conditions will be right up his street. Aworkinprogress is very much a horse to keep on the right side and a subsequent 4lb rise very much underestimates him.
HITCHED – 18:30 Wolverhampton
HITCHED is a regular on the all-weather, his last two wins coming over a mile and a quarter at Lingfield, but he is a past winner over this course and distance too, and he caught the eye at this track last time.
He moved into contention that day like a horse at the top of his game, but he didn’t get a clear run in the straight, halting his momentum then never able to get on terms with he winner who had a smoother passage. The handicapper has raised him 1lb, but he’s still on a competitive mark, and he usually comes good at this time of the year.
Want to know more about horse welfare within our sport?
2025-26 winners (Naps competition Oct 19 - Apr 25)
- Salver 6/4 (NAP)
- Castanea Breeze 3/1
- Ribble Vibe 6/4
- Medieval Gold 6/5
- Fierce Warrior 11/10
- Mambonumberfive 5/2 (NAP)
- Bibendum 85/40
- Seasmoke 10/3
- Teardrops 2/1
- Secret Vino 11/2
- Blenkinsop 7/4 (NAP)
- Roaring Conquest 6/4
- Molto Bene 7/4
- Nocte Volatus 11/4
- Sparkling Duke 9/2
- Chuggy 11/10
- Germanic 3/1
- Special John evens
- Fat Harry 5/4 (NAP)
- Formel Park 3/1 (NAP)
- Sixmilebridge 6/4 (NAP)
- On The Go 2/1 (NAP)
- Ikarak 13/8
- Clearpoint 3/1
- Bahadur 2/1 (NAP)
- L'Empire Vert 3/1 (NAP)
- Without Compromise 2/1
- Solarize 3/1
- Hartington 7/1
- Bloodsweatandtyres 9/2
- Pep Talking 13/2
- Tigers Moon 8/11
- Sea Poetry 2/1
- Fine Interview 7/2
- American Flight 7/1 (NAP)
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