Paul Ferguson has two selections from Newbury for us on Wednesday; Josses Hill in the 13:10 and Tistory at 14:45. Compare odds and bet.
Nicky Henderson invariably runs some of his better youngsters at today’s Newbury meeting and the local trainer has won the 2m3f novices’ hurdle on three occasions since 2006.
This afternoon he saddles Tistory (2:45) who is fancied to make it two from two over hurdles, having won at prohibitive odds at Towcester in May.
The six-year-old was a classy bumper performer, beating Court Minstrel at Ludlow back in March of last year, and he was subsequently sent off favourite for the Grade 2 at Aintree in April, despite more than 13 months on the sidelines.
Seventh that day, he went on to score with ease on his hurdles bow and, while he needs to hurdle more fluently here, the son of Epalo remains a bright prospect. He opened up Evs with Paddy Power last night.
Earlier on the card Josses Hill (1:10) can take the maiden hurdle for the Champion Trainer, another race he has done well in down the years.
Runner-up to the exciting Faugheen in Ireland before joining his current connections for £100,000, the Winged Love gelding made a winning British debut in an Ascot bumper recently and looks another from the yard worth following.
This is, however, a warm looking contest, with Tiqris offering some smart course and distance form over hurdles, while Communicator was a fair handicapper on easy ground on the Flat and looks a useful recruit. This could be an informative affair.
Elsewhere on the card, Rebecca Curtis has opted to introduce O’Faolains Boy to fences in the 3m-graduation chase. I have been looking forward to the six-year-old this season, but he starts off in a pretty warm contest here, giving away plenty in the experience department. Keep close tabs on him, however, with the future in mind.
Wednesday’s selections:
1:10 Newbury: Josses Hill; 11/8 William Hill
2:45 Newbury: Tistory; 6/4 William Hill
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