The pick of the prices at Newbury....

Friday, 29th December 2023

The pick of the prices at Newbury….

Just the one bet for me tomorrow….

…. I’m backing YES INDEED at the general 10s in the Mandarin Handicap Chase at Newbury (2.25)....

He hasn’t managed to score in 10 runs over fences since joining Jonjo O’Neill from France….

…. where he won a Listed chase as a 4yo back in 2021….

…. but his time might well be approaching….

Given an opening mark of 142 by the British handicapper on the back of that Listed effort….

…. and a respectable subsequent run in a G1 for 4yos….

…. it’s fair to say he hasn’t lived up to immediate expectation….

But he has dropped to a mark of just 125….

…. and he’s unexposed at this kind of trip….

On seasonal debut this term he tried 26f+ for the first time at Carlisle and put in a respectable effort – staying on well and proving that he stays the yardage….

Next time at Bangor he bombed out on heavy ground – which he was probably expected to relish (by the market at least)….

The formbook reports that he’s got plenty of form on heavy and very soft surfaces in France….

…. but heavy and very soft going over there often equates to something a bit quicker over here – and the better ground at Newbury tomorrow might just suit better….

He certainly doesn’t mind the flat Newbury track….

…. and produced what is perhaps his best British performance there in a novice handicap chase last February off a mark of 137….

…. a replication of which tomorrow would see him go very close indeed….

He’s potentially well-handicapped and a fair bet in my book at the prices….

• Finally….

That’s all for today….

I’ll be back on New Year’s Eve with my picks for Cheltenham on New Year’s Day….

Meantime – Contact me direct at nick.pullen@oxonpress.co.uk  

And remember – win, lose or draw – enjoy the racing….

Stay tuned….

Against the Crowd