1:20 Newbury
The 1:20 race is an interesting novice hurdle over the extended 2m4f trip. The one for me is RUSSIAN RULER (5/2). He was a decent bumper winner on debut at Warwick in a race that worked out well. He then ran respectably in two hurdle starts, the latter in the Grade 2 Dovecote Hurdle behind Aucunrisque. He looked like he was still learning given he’s only had three career starts and I think with another summer on his back, now aged 5, he can kick on this season. The quicker ground will suit judged on his bumper win.1:55 Newbury
The second race on ITV is a Grade 2 Novice Chase over 2m4f, 5 runners are set to go to post. Over this trip on quick ground, I think STAGE STAR (4/5) might have too much pace for them. Returning to the scene of his impressive victory in the Challow Hurdle, I expect him to follow up his victory on chase debut with another victory. Paul Nicholls has got his horses in fine form and he’s got them firing for early season targets. I think he’s the classy horse in the race and should make all.2:30 Newbury
We stick with the 2m4f theme at 2:30 and this is a trappy handicap chase for punters to get stuck into. A tough race where all runners have a realistic chance of winning truth be told. The one I’ve landed on is NUMITOR (15/4). A really consistent sort for Heather Main, his last run finishing second behind Corrans Cross was a cracker at Haydock. Numitor won after a similar break last year so this being the first run since April is no concern. The ground will suit him well and the Main stable is operating at a 25% strike rate in the last 14 days which is a bonus.3:05 Newbury
The feature race of the day comes up at 3:05 and it is the Grade 2 Long Distance Hurdle over 3 miles. The one for me here is PROSCHEMA (3/1) NAP. A really impressive winner at Warwick on his seasonal reappearance, I think he can follow up here. He was a decent flat performer that always looked like a horse that could progress well over hurdles under optimum conditions. Basically, he relishes a quick surface and he’ll get that today. He’s still fairly unexposed over hurdles whilst Champ (fav) isn’t getting any younger. He likes to be held off a strong pace and Dashel Drasher won’t be going slow in front.3:40 Newbury
The last race on ITV is the 3:40 contest and it is a handicap hurdle again over 3m. I like PADDLEYOUROWNCANOE (4/1) here for a Skelton double to end proceedings. He was well backed on seasonal debut at Cheltenham and was travelling strongly before coming down 4 out as he started making a move. Off the same mark of 123, I’m adamant he’s certainly got a race of this nature in him.Horse Racing Free Bets
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