Apr 24, 2018

Newton Abbot Race Review Monday 23rd April 2018

Spring sunshine greeted racegoers as the new season finally got underway at Newton Abbot on Monday and they saw an impressive performance from the Tom George trained Some Buckle who landed the day’s feature race, the Class 2 totepool Cashback Club At totesport.com Handicap Chase.

Marracudja, the choice from three entries by Paul Nicholls, was on his toes going to the start but, having been settled by Bryony Frost, then turned side-on as the tape went up, losing ground to the rest of the field. Brought back into the race steadily, a mistake on the last circuit finally put paid to Marracudja’s chances and, to make matters worse, he parted company with Frost at the final fence.

Up front, it was 5-1 shot Some Buckle who was clear and, unlike some of his rivals, putting in a flawless round of jumping in the hands of Noel Fehily to come home an emphatic winner on his belated seasonal debut.

Not many of the 12 runners got into contention in the opening £20 Free Bets At totesport.com Novices’ Handicap Hurdle over two and a quarter miles and the field finished well strung out behind favourite Goldslinger, who jumped to the front under Jamie Moore at the third-last flight and stayed on resolutely to deny top-weight Iniesta and 50-1 outsider Geni Johnson.

It was again hard work in the following Extra Places At totesport.com Mares’ “National Hunt” Novices’ Hurdle as Towcester winner With Discretion, carrying the well-known colours of the Bloomsbury Stud, powered home from market leader Sensulano, with the remaining finishers strung out along the home straight.

After the disappointing run of Marracudja, Nicholls looked to be getting on the scoresheet when Sao, who was tongue-tied for the first time, and Harry Cobden opened up a big lead in the Double Delight Hat-Trick Heaven At totesport.com Novices’ Hurdle, being almost a hurdle clear at one stage.

But, Higgs began to close the gap and the two turned for home together with everything to play for. David Bass found Higgs to be a willing partner and they proved too strong for Sao to post another course win for Leominster trainer Sarah-Jayne Davies.

For Carmel and General Girling were the only two that mattered in the Bet In-Play At totesport.com Handicap Chase, with nothing else able to get near enough to land a blow. Paddy Brennan kicked For Carmel clear on the final circuit and the Paul Henderson trained chaser proved the stronger, scoring by eight lengths.

A mistake at the second-last flight almost certainly cost Quiz Master victory in the Irish Lotto At totesport.com Handicap Hurdle, as the Colin Tizard runner was collared right on the line by 14-1 shot Kalmbeforethestorm, who came with a rattle up the stands rail with Paul O’Brien to win by a neck.

Course and distance winner Strumble Head made all the running to deny O Maonlai in the closing Hunter Chase.

The next fixture at Newton Abbot Racecourse is on Wednesday 9 May. Tickets are available at our online ticket store until 10am on the day of the fixture and at the gates on the day. Tickets are priced at £19 for Paddock Enclosure and £12 for Course Enclosure admission. Children aged 16 and under and students with a valid photo ID receive free entry.

Racing starts at 14.10 and gates open at 12.10.