It feels like a nod to the Betfair Hurdle’s plot-ridden past – not least in its early years in the 1960s when sponsored by Schweppes – that Filey Bay, the hot favourite for the latest renewal at Newbury on Saturday, was obscured by fog for much of his latest outing at Wincanton in December.
Emmet Mullins’s hurdler eventually emerged from the murk to record a cosy one-length success and has since been sold to JP McManus, who loves to target this race, while remaining with his exceptionally shrewd trainer. He is an obvious favourite given his form and connections, but Filey Bay is also up 9lb in the weights since his last start and does not have a significantly better chance on paper than several rivals with a similar profile.
Rubaud, Master Chewy and Deere Mark (3.35) are all lightly raced novices that could take a big step forward on their handicap form to date, and Sam Thomas’s contender in particular could be suited by the run of the race.
Deere Mark, a 16-1 shot in the early betting, was late on the scene when successful on his handicap debut last month. With a fierce pace all but guaranteed, similar tactics could see him deliver a decisive challenge jumping the last on Saturday.
Warwick 1.30 Stolen Silver takes a drop in class after an excellent run at Cheltenham on New Year’s Day and, despite top weight, he should prove very difficult to pass assuming he takes up his preferred position in front.
Newbury 1.50 He is the veteran of the field at 10 but West To The Bridge is below his last winning mark, came good after the turn of the year last term and has dropped another 1lb since his season-best run at Uttoxeter last time.
Warwick 2.05 Harry Fry’s Love Envoi has plenty in hand of her rivals on the ratings and should have a fairly easy time of it in her prep for the Mares’ Hurdle at Cheltenham next month.
Newbury 2.25 Having run with credit in Grade One company on his final two starts last season, Fanion d’Estruval has continued the good work under big weights on his two starts in handicaps this season. This Grade Two gives him every chance to return to winning form.
Uttoxeter 1.00 Hauraki Gulf 1.35 Sulochana 2.10 Marta Des Mottes 2.45 Fuji Flight 3.20 Sayadam 3.55 Elleon 4.30 Barrier Peaks
Newbury 1.15 McFabulous 1.50 Take It To The Bridge (nb) 2.25 Fanion D’Estruval 3.00 Greaneteen 3.35 Deere Mark (nap) 4.10 Russian Ruler 4.43 Bowenspark
Lingfield 1.23 Dembe 1.58 Divine Messenger 2.33 Into The Spotlight 3.08 Glorious Angel 3.43 Tollerton Forest 4.18 Dulcet Spirit 4.50 Twentysharesofgrey
Warwick 1.30 Stolen Silver 2.05 Love Envoi 2.40 Haddex Des Obeaux 3.13 Hullnback 3.48 Non Stop 4.23 Dime Store Cowgirl 4.55 Favour And Fortune
Wolverhampton 5.30 Pessoa 6.00 Man Made Of Smoke 6.30 Ramensky 7.00 Embour 7.30 Wyvern 8.00 Starfighter 8.30 McQueen
Warwick 2.40 The betting suggests this will be a straightforward task for Jonbon, the Arkle Trophy favourite, but at the likely odds, Haddex Des Obeaux is an interesting option. Gary Moore’s gelding posted a strong time in a handicap over track and trip last month, the second and third there have both won since and his front-running style could get Jonbon out of his comfort zone.
Newbury 3.00 Greaneteen has the strongest form by some way and lost little in defeat behind Edwardstone in the Grade One Tingle Creek Chase last time out.
