Saturday
Bowen to add a splash of Couleur
The 3m handicap hurdle on Newbury’s Betfair Hurdle card at 1.50 looks a really competitive event and I have been looking at it most of the week, almost coming up with a different horse each time.
One horse who I keep coming back to is HAITI COULEURS who I think is the only one who is fit, can compete in this grade and will definitely stay the trip.
Rebecca Curtis’ progressive chaser reverts back to hurdling after wins at Aintree and Cheltenham this term, I presume to protect his chase mark as he bids to make his mark at the Cheltenham Festival in 5 weeks time.
His hurdle form is perhaps not as strong as his chase form but he left the impression last Spring that there could be plenty more to come over the smaller obstacles and obviously connections are keen to explore that avenue.
He has top weight to shoulder but connections have Sean Bowen in the saddle which is obviously a big positive and with the horse coming here full of confidence I think he can defy his large weight burden.
King to reign at Newbury
The Betfair Hurdle has long been the plan for FAVOUR AND FORTUNE after his chasing career was put on hold until next season.
An early season setback convinced connections to pursue another season over hurdles where they thought he could pick up a nice prize or two along the way.
His return at Ascot before Christmas would have pleased connections as he stayed on from an unpromising position, in a race that favoured the front runners, under considerate riding.
He remains only a couple of pounds higher than last year’s Scottish Champion Hurdle victory and I think a repeat of that performance will see him go close here.
Alan King has spoken positively of him recently and the drying ground this week at Newbury will certainly suit tomorrow’s headline selection.
Perfect Plumpton performance sets Baron up nicely
I’m hoping Alan King can cap a fine afternoon at Newbury with success in the bumper as BARON NOIR should improve plenty for his debut run at Plumpton.
Given the size of him I would suggest that Plumpton would not have been his favourite track in the world but the fact he showed such speed against Kingston Queen (won two bumpers since, including Listed) has to bode well for his chance today.
It normally is quite a hot bumper and there are a few nice types in here but the selection is one who I think could improve most from first start to second as the long galloping straight should play to his strengths.
Newbury 1.50 – Haiti Couleurs
Newbury 3.35 – Favour And Fortune
Newbury 4.45 – Baron Noir
READ MORE: Cheltenham Festival 2025: Champion Hurdle analysis and preview
