Champ is taken to bloody the noses of his rivals in Saturday's Challow Hurdle at Dave Smith previews the ITV7 races.
13:50 Newbury - Betway Heed Your Hunch Handicap Hurdle (Class 2)
A competitive handicap hurdle to tackle first up and a chance is taken on DRAGON D'ESTRUVAL. Nicky Henderson's French import emptied when last seen at the track and this drop back in trip should suit. He travelled nicely for a long way and the master trainer should see him improve.
14:05 Doncaster - MansionBet Yorkshire Silver Vase Mares' Chase (Listed) (Class 1)
LADY BUTTONS is a model of consistency and has been in fine form this year with her only defeat coming in a Grade 1 at Aintree. She was withdrawn from Wetherby yesterday and heads here instead looking to continue her good run. She's well in on official ratings and should be bang in the mix.
14:25 Newbury - Betway Mandarin Handicap Chase (Class 3)
Another competitive race and the needle has swung between SANDY BEACH who was an impressive scorer at Uttoxeter last time out and consistent sort Vice Et Vertu. Colin Tizzard's charge gets the nod with bang-in-form Harry Cobden taking the ride.
14:40 Doncaster - MansionBet Chase (Novices' Limited Handicap) (Class 3)
A disappointingly small field of four take their chance in this contest. The weight allowance given to BALLYWOOD as well as the forecast good ground should see him make a bold bid. He'd been running in some decent contests prior to his return to winning ways at Taunton and he gets another vote here.
15:00 Newbury - Betway Challow Novices' Hurdle (Grade 1) (Class 1)
CHAMP is the obvious starting point for leg 5 of this weekend's game. His course and distance form is the standout effort on show here and he's taken to get his head in front ahead. Kateson is still unexposed and did it easily last time so rates as the main danger to the favourite.
15:15 Doncaster - MansionBet Handicap Hurdle (Class 3)
There are only 6lb between the top six weights in this race and that makes it very difficult to assess. COMMODORE BARRY has been very consistent for Kim Bailey and he is selected to take this race. Graceful Legend may just be down to a winning mark and could be a worthy rival.
15:35 Newbury - Betway Novices' Handicap Chase (Class 3)
We top and tail this week's selections with a Nicky Henderson runner in the shape of WENYERREADYFREDDIE who arrives to the trainer's favourite track in good form but with plenty of weight to carry. It's felt he can cope with that and continue his upward trajectory with the Tom Lacey-trained Polydora rating as the main danger.
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