There's £50,000 on offer in this Saturday's free-to-play ITV7 and Dave Smith has the guide you need for the crucial races.
13:50 Newbury - Get Your Ladbrokes 1 Free Bet Today Handicap Hurdle (Class 2)
Although NORDIC COMBINED is yet to win over hurdles he has some notably good runs in the book. A fine third in a Listed contest is chief of these and trainer David Pipe returns a £7.89 profit from £1 level stakes. He could be well handicapped and is taken to run strongly off a feather-weight in a competitive heat.
14:05 Newcastle - Betfair Fighting Fifth Hurdle (Grade 1) (Class 1)
Barring accidents BUVEUR D'AIR is almost impossible to oppose in his bid to make history and become the first horse to win three Fighting Fifth hurdles back-to-back. Silver Streak is some 13lb behind him on official ratings and won't touch him on these terms but Lady Buttons is so tough and she can run into the frame.
It's possible that the handicapper hasn't quite got to the bottom of ELVIS MAIL and he's taken to defy the 6lb he's been raised for scoring convincingly at Ayr last time. He travelled very nicely into that race and defeated a rival he re-opposes here in the shape of Fanfan Du Seuil who could be equally well handicapped and is in with a shout.
14:40 Newcastle - Ryder Architecture British EBF 'National Hunt' Maiden Hurdle (Class 4)
There should be support for LEMON T in the market and his win at this track in a bumper should prove to be good enough form. Rare Clouds will no doubt run a big race for connections and Thor De Cerisy brings some decent hurdling form having come second in a race suited for his ability at Uttoxeter.
15:00 Newbury - Ladbrokes Trophy Chase (Grade 3 Handicap) (Class 1)
The Tizzard team finally got the win they probably deserved with WEST APPROACH at Cheltenham last time out and the handicapper has seen fit to hand him an 8lb rise (4lb well-in here). However, it appears Robbie Power has gotten to the bottom of how to ride him and he has form off higher marks. Joe Farrell and Two Taffs make up the shortlist.
15:20 Newcastle - Betfair Rehearsal Handicap Chase (Listed) (Class 1)
TOP VILLE BEN steps into a lower grade after slogging through the mud in the Charlie Hall Chase at Wetherby. This should be a lot more up his street and he can get the better of Lake View Lad and Kilfilum Cross.
15:40 Newbury - Ladbrokes Handicap Chase (Class 2)
An extremely competitive affair can go the way of MAGIC SAINT who travelled well enough at Cheltenham last time out. He'll need to be held up off a strong gallop but that's possible here and the handicapper has relented dropping him another 1lb for that last run.
