Alan Thomson, the former Racing Editor at the Daily Record, puts up five tips on Saturday at Newbury and Doncaster. View selections below.
MARINGO BAY (2.10) can prevail in what promises to be a war of attrition in the 3m 2f Betfred Mandarin Chase at Newbury. Charlie Mann’s dour stayer hasn’t won since beating Teaforthree in the mud at Ffos Las in 2011 but has acquitted himself well on several occasions over fences.
A reproduction of his second to favourite Mountainous at Chepstow three weeks ago puts him firmly in the picture. State Benefit has been clobbered for his Sandown victory earlier this month and will do well to overcome a 12lb rise.
Donald McCain has quite an exciting prospect in CLONDAW KAEMPFER (2.45) and he can take a step up in class in his stride following two victories over hurdles, at Aintree and Haydock. This 2m 5f test will play to his stamina strengths.
BAKBENSCHER (3.15) landed a sustained gamble last Saturday when ploughing through the deep ground at Haydock and a 6lb penalry shouldn’t anchor Alan King’s grey if he returns in the same mood.
Nicky Henderson saddles two in the concluding novice hurdle and the vote goes to MY TENT OR YOURS (3.50). Running in the JP McManus colours, the top weight is penalised for his straightforward Ascot success in early November. He looks to have a bright future.
The mud will be flying at Doncaster but that shouldn’t inconvenience WHO OWNS ME (3.50) in the Blue Square-sponsored three-mile handicap hurdle. Paul O’Brien takes off 10lb and the lad looked most accomplished when booting home his mount at Fakenham, lowering the colours of red-hot favourite Lieutenant Miller. Who Owns Me had previously strolled home by 18 lengths at Folkestone and is a progressive sort.
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Tally Ho
Alan
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