Step up to the Mark in the Betfair Hurdle.
This super-competitive Newbury handicap has been won by a novice four times in the last six years and DEERE MARK (3.35) looks a cracking prospect.
He has been progressing well over hurdles and he bolted up on his handicap debut at Kempton last month.
The form of that race looks smart and Sam Thomas’s runner will have no problem with the faster ground.
He will also love the big field and likely strong pace. The way he travels through his races suggests this kind of big-field contest is right up his street and it’s easy to come to the conclusion that he is still well weighted. Have 3pts each-way at 16-1. Several bookies are paying out on six places.
Earlier on the card, JATILUWIH (1.50) is very well treated on his best form.
That is from a few years ago but he made a promising return to action when fourth behind Captain Morgs at Cheltenham in December.
He pulled a bit too hard on soft ground last time out, so he should enjoy the faster conditions this afternoon.
This will be the first time since arriving from France that amateur rider David Maxwell hasn’t been in the saddle with Tom O’Brien taking over from his enthusiastic owner. Have 2pts win at 6-1.
GREATEST STAR (3.48) should like the drying ground at Warwick.
He had some fair bumper form on decent going and his Southwell novice hurdle success came on a similarly quick surface.
The form of his third behind Punctuation over this track and trip last year – on his penultimate start for Dan Skelton – worked out well.
He didn’t run to that level on his first start for Fergal O’Brien at Wincanton on Boxing Day but his new trainer was enduring a slightly quiet time around Christmas. His team is in great form now.
If he returns to his best the 25-1 on offer would be way too big. Have 1pt each-way.
Skelton trains the likely favourite for the Virgin Bet Five Hurdle but his second string YEOMEN WARDER (4.23) is more interesting.
He’s finished well beaten in three novice hurdles and he should do much better in this low-grade handicap.
The step up in distance is certain to suit him and he is from a good family, so it would be disappointing if he wasn’t competitive at this level. Have 1pt each-way at 15-2.
