A fine week for Punting Pointers continued on Friday with a 4/1 winner - check out the latest preview and tips.
Racing betting tips: Friday March 20
1pt win El Capitaine in 14:30 Newbury at 4/1 (General) - no lower
0.5pts e.w. Mini Mildred in 16:42 Newbury at 25/1 (General 1/5 1,2,3,4) - min 20/1
14:30 Newbury
Four of the five can be given a fair chance in this tight-knit handicap, but I’d be disappointed if there isn’t better to come now prolific point winner EL CAPITAINE is switched to fences.
The son of Mahler won seven of his eight starts between the flags and has run a couple of crackers in handicap hurdles this term, finishing a 5¼-length fourth at level weights behind A Pai de Nom at Cheltenham in November and again running creditably to be third to Absolutely Doyen and Ike Sport at Wincanton over 3m1f.
He was better than the result over shorter at Chepstow last time, making a big effort to get into the places in the home straight but unable to sustain his run and his point background suggests he could do better in this sphere.
El Capitaine's form over hurdles has been in better class events as a rule and should find this company more to his liking, so looks a bet to make a winning chase debut.
15:00 Newbury
Helnwein’s latest fifth to subsequent County Hurdle winner Wilful at Ascot before Christmas isn’t his limit by any means, but he’s only won one of his last dozen races over obstacles, which is a disappointing haul for one of his ability; on the other hand, he’s managed to finish second or third on seven separate occasions, and is definitely one for forecasts and other exotics.
In terms of finding the winner, it’s not easy, but I’m inclined to take a chance on UK debutant Spirou, who finished first and second in two runs over hurdles in France for Thomas Fourcy and is now starting out for the talented Harry Derham.
Derham is in good form, with Teddy Blue’s win at Kempton on Saturday one of three for the stable in the last week, and he has a fine record with horses he sources from other yards. He has a 30% strike-rate with horses running for him for the first time and a 25% strike-rate with those returning to the track after a break of 60+ days.
Spirou appears fairly treated on his French form and although he’s been off the track for a long time, he’s still not reached his sixth birthday and may have benefited from the time off. We can't quite make it a bet, but a drift wouldn't necessarily put us off nearer the off.
16:42 Newbury
MINI MILDRED, it is fair to say, has a varied dancecard - wins on the Flat at Les Landes, has tried fences this year (and been far from disgraced in decent company) and reverting to hurdles at Wincanton last time out, ran a very respectable fourth, plugging away at one pace and looking very much like this step up in trip today might bring about a bit more improvement.
She's got plenty of size to her, and this galloping track should suit.
Preview posted at 09:48 GMT on 20/03/26
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