Sep 18, 2018

Newton Abbot Racecourse Preview Friday 21st September 2018

There are just three meetings left before the curtain comes down on Newton Abbot’s 2018 season and, on Friday, the course hosts a six-race card headed by the Devondale Electrical Novices’ Chase over two miles.

One For Billy tops the weights for the feature race and this 140-rated chaser would have every chance of taking the day’s biggest prize following his recent run when behind second to Caid Du Lin at Worcester. Back in fifth that day was Royal Plaza, trained at Shaldon by Katie Stephens, who didn’t run badly on his last appearance over the course.

Cheltenham Festival winner Flying Tiger is an interesting newcomer over fences, as is the progressive Highway One O One, who has won three times over hurdles.

Four previous winners are amongst the 18 entries for the opening Independent Racecourses Limited IRL Novices’ Hurdle over two and three-quarter miles that gets the card underway at 2.10pm.

On official ratings, there is little to choose between Francky Du Berlais, who has chased home useful novices Hatcher and Angel Of Harlem on his last two starts, and No Hiding Place, who has failed to sparkle in two runs over fences.

Accord, who is still looking for a first win over hurdles after five starts, is also entered in the following race but, if running in this one, could give Francky Du Berlais most to do.

Dulverton trainer Jeremy Scott could hold the key to the Devondale Electrical Handicap Chase over three and a quarter miles, having entered Guerrilla Tactics, who has an alternative entry in the closing race, and Moorlands George.

After finishing a close second to Call Me Vic over the course in July, Guerrilla Tactics reverted to hurdles at Stratford last month and just got home from Dreamsoftheatre by a diminishing head. Back over fences, he would race from a 5lb higher mark and could have course winner Moorlands George, who is returning after wind surgery, to beat.

Colin Tizzard’s Top Chief has become a bit of a standing dish at the course in recent weeks and Calin Du Brizais, who has been mixing hurdles and fences, continues to drop down the weights.

The music of Acker Bilk will be familiar to West Country jazz fans and the horse carrying the same name struck at the first time of asking over jumps for David Pipe after being sold out of Keith Dalgleish’s stable. He looks the one to beat in the Happy 60th Birthday Chris Cross Novices’ Hurdle although, in receipt of weight, Victor Dartnall’s River Bray could give him a run for his money if in top form after a nine-month absence.

There is a massive entry of 29 for the Peter Edwards 80th Birthday Party Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle, with Mauricio, who came good at the fourth time of asking for trainer Dr Richard Newland, and Stratford winner Ladies Dancing looking the pick.

Tickets can be bought at our online ticket store until 10am on the day of the fixture and at the gates on the day.