Jun 25, 2018

Newton Abbot Race Preview - Tuesday 26 June 2018

The atmosphere should be lively for the ever-popular Ladies’ Day at Newton Abbot, which always attracts a large crowd, and features for the first time a shopping village in the Course Enclosure, as well as the usual competitions for Best Dressed Lady and Best Hat.

“Ladies’ Day continues to be one of our most popular fixtures of the season. It’s the perfect excuse to enjoy on evening out with friends and colleagues” said managing director Patrick Masterson.

“Whether you’re a regular at the races, or this is your first chance to experience the excitement of an evening’s racing, Ladies’ Day is one fixture not to miss.”

Gates open at 4.00pm, two hours ahead of the first race, the Racing Partnership TRP Novices’ Handicap Hurdle over two miles and three furlongs, for which eight horses have been declared, including Carraigin Aonair, the choice from two entries by up-and-coming trainer Olly Murphy.

She was beaten 22 lengths by Lady Longshot at Fontwell Park three weeks and, even with a 7lb pull in the weights and champion jockey Richard Johnson replacing conditional Lewis Stones, she will have her work cut out to reverse the form with Jeremy Scott’s runner this evening.

In what must be a leading contender for the most unusual race name of the year, the David Chillery Happy Days Celebrating His Divorce Novices’ Handicap Chase over three and a quarter miles has attracted the biggest field on the card, with Indian Reel, trained by the in-form Fergal O’Brien heading the weights.

A winner of a claiming hurdle at Leicester in January, beating Iniesta, who scored at Stratford last Tuesday, Indian Reel makes his chasing debut off his hurdles mark of 100 and may be vulnerable to one or two lower down the weights, including Buck Bravo, who left his somewhat indifferent hurdles form behind when winning his last two point-to-points and will be ridden by champion conditional jockey James Bowen, who recently lost his right to claim.

Leading trainer at the course, Paul Nicholls, has just one runner on the card in the shape of The Last But One in the Thank You Sylvia For 30 Years Dedication Novices’ Hurdle over two and three-quarter miles. His best effort in six outings over hurdles was back in November when runner-up to Definately Vinnie at Hereford, since when he has been campaigned over fences.

He looked set to win at Wincanton in April when falling at the last jump and it will be interesting to see how he fares back over the smaller obstacles. With stable jockey Harry Cobden three months away from a return to the saddle after breaking the C2 vertebrae in his neck when Mick Thonic took a fall at Market Rasen on 1 June, Sam Twiston-Davies keeps the ride.

Irish point-to-point winner Desirable Court created a favourable impression on her Rules debut when winning over course and distance in May, but was subsequently beaten under a penalty at Uttoxeter. Also in the mix is Double Treasure, a winner of six races in all, including last time out over hurdles at Fontwell Park earlier this month, who has to concede weight to his five rivals.

David Pipe’s Red Square Revival has to overcome another hike in the weights in the Champion Groundworks Handicap Chase, but he ran on well after making all the running at Market Rasen to beat Pretty Reckless and should see out the extra distance of this two miles and five furlongs trip.
Pipe had a poor start to last season, finishing with 33 winners at a strike rate of 9%, his worst figures in 12 years, but looks to be in for a better time this year, although still needs to improve his win percentage.

Lady amateur riders feature in the Janet Denning Fifehead Farms Memorial Handicap Hurdle over two miles and Abbie McCain could make the long trip from Cheshire worthwhile on Danceintothelight, trained by her father Donald.

With last year’s champion lady amateur Page Fuller turning professional, the way could be open for another northern-based rider in Becky Smith to challenge for the crown and she is an eye-catching booking for Neil Mulholland’s Green Or Black, who is still a maiden after 13 starts under Rules.

The St Austell Brewery Handicap Hurdle over three and a quarter miles brings the card to a close and the consistent Night Generation makes his debut for Saltash trainer Jackie Du Plessis. Also of interest is Calin Du Brizais, a dual course winner over fences for trainer Nigel Hawke, but who put up a good performance over hurdles at Warwick last time out under today’s jockey Kieren Buckley.

Tickets can be bought at the racecourse’s online ticket store or at the gates on the day.