There are few Grade One races without at least one no-hoper in the field but this year’s Challow Hurdle at Newbury can make that claim, as all seven runners go to post after an impressive win last time out.
Champ, from the Nicky Henderson stable, is the likely favourite having giving more than a stone to the next three home when successful in a strong handicap at Newbury last time. Whether that makes him a worthy 6-4 chance in a race as deep as this is another question, however, and several opponents do not have much to find to give him a serious race.
Alsa Mix, unbeaten in three, will be a popular choice against him but there is real depth to this race and at around 7-1, Kateson (3.00) is a definite contender for the Tom Lacey stable after winning in a good time over course and distance in November.
Doncaster 1.30 A tricky little contest and several have claims, including Battle Of Shiloh, who returned from a 338-day break to finish third at Ascot last time out. On the balance of probabilities, though, the probable favourite Station Master looks like the safest option at around 100-30. He can run off the same mark as when second at Cheltenham last time and a repeat of that or his previous second at Uttoxeter might well be good enough.
Newbury 1.50 Coeur Blimey and Subcontinent, two of the main fancies in the betting, were first and second at Hereford last time with the latter now 7lb better off in the ratings for a seven-length beating. The bare form suggests there will be nothing between them here but Coeur Blimey can throw in the odd mistake and there is also a decent chance that Unblinking will beat the pair of them. He was a ready winner at Warwick last time despite a bad mistake at the second-last and while his mark is nearly a stone higher, the time of the race suggests he is far from being weighted out of it.
Doncaster 2.05 Lady Buttons has been better than ever so far this season and defied a mark of 140 to win with something in hand at Newbury last time. Rene’s Girl should fare better back in mares-only company after finishing well beaten in the Peterborough Chase last time but it is hard to see her troubling the favourite.
Newbury 2.25 Reikers Island and Sandy Beach both arrive on the back of useful wins, both of which were backed up by the clock. There should not be much between them but marginal preference is for second-favourite Sandy Beach, who was running for the first time since March when he finished six lengths clear at Uttoxeter in November and also for the first time since wind surgery. At around 5-1, he could have the beating of the likely favourite.
Doncaster 2.40 A disappointing turnout but three live runners from four starters. Ballywood got home by half a length on his debut over British fences and a 6lb rise in the weights does not look too severe.
Doncaster 3.15 Enniscoffey Oscar is two-from-two over hurdles at Doncaster and reverts to the smaller obstacles here. He must go well but faces an interesting opponent in Commodore Barry, whose recent win at Southwell stopped the clock in a very useful time. He may not face too much competition for the lead and looks like the value at around 4-1.
Newbury 3.35 Polydora looked like an improved performer when successful at Newcastle this month and can continue his progress here. Wenyerreadyfreddie is the obvious danger.
Southwell 11.30 Fenjal 12.00 Rock Bottom 12.35 Dubai Eye 1.10 Roman De Brut 1.45 Samovar 2.20 Jazz Legend 2.55 Cosmogyral 3.30 Anna Jameela
Kelso 11.45 Sam’s Adventure 12.15 Geronimo 12.50 Sarvi 1.25 Charmant 2.00 Goldencard 2.35 Shades Of Midnight 3.10 Scales Of Justice
Doncaster 11.50 Speed Company 12.20 Seven De Baune 12.55 Queen Adelaide 1.30 Station Master 2.05 Lady Buttons 2.40 Ballywood (nb) 3.15 Commodore Barry
Newbury 12.05 Song For Someone 12.40 Champagne Platinum 1.15 Swift Crusador 1.50 Unblinking 2.25 Sandy Beach 3.00 Kateson 3.35 Polydora (nap)
