It’s a big step down in grade for Venetia Williams‘ FANION D’ESTRUVAL at Newbury today but I do think he will take it in his stride. He has form that ties in with some of the best horses around and the first Class 2 he has ran in for quite some time. He has plenty of weight to carry but his trainer is just hitting form now and I fully expect him to take the world of beating today.
Later on the card I don’t think the 3.35 at Newbury is as competitive as it may look at first glance. There is plenty of dead wood in there and not a lot that you would be too afraid of. Therefore ONE FOR YOU looks to have solid claims on the back of his recent third over course and distance. The two that finished ahead of him are really decent yardsticks and he had plenty of decent types in behind so a repeat of that run must see him go close here.
Newbury 2.25 – Fanion D’estruval
Newbury 3.35 – One For You
Saturday
Evan Williams enjoyed a fine weekend last weekend and he and daughter Issy could be set for more success this Saturday. ANNSAM looks very well weighted in the 1.50 at Newbury and on his best form he must surely go well. He travelled strongly on his return at Kempton last time out but blew up late on and the bare result didn’t tell the whole story that day. It’s a competitive race I will admit but at 14/1 Annsam really interests me.
The big race of the day looks like a top drawer renewal and I would be pretty sweet on my selection, DEMACHINE, in any other year but I can’t be too confident with such a strong field on show. The Irish are well represented and they are usually well handicapped but Kerry Lee’s charge is a really likeable type and I think he too could be ahead of the handicapper. He is a lovely jumper and a real strong stayer so immediately ticks two boxes in this race. Include his second season chaser status and you’ve suddenly got the ideal profile for the race. This race has been the plan for quite some time and I expect him to run a mighty race.
The finale at Newbury looks a minefield but a race I want to have a punt in. NUMITOR really impressed me last time out and had more in hand the 5lb the handicapper raised him by. A sound jumping front runner should love it around here and with Tom Scu taking over the reins he has the right man on top to pull off a brazen, front running ride.
In the same race, I love the booking of Jonjo O’Neill Jr on SULLY D’OC AA and I expect him to run well too. He stayed on powerfully last week at Ascot in a race where it paid to sit handy and that run suggested he still has mileage in his current mark. If the fractions are too strong up front then this lad could be the one who benefits.
Newbury 1.50 – Annsam
Newbury 3.00 – Demachine
Newbury 3.35 – Numitor / Sully Doc Aa
