Jul 12, 2024

Race Preview: Monday 15 July

The Class 3 Watch Sky Sports Racing On Sky 415 Handicap Chase tops a six-card card at Newton Abbot on Monday although, with the Newton Abbot Racecourse On Facebook Novices’ Limited Handicap Hurdle having attracted 37 entries, a division of this race would add a seventh to the card.

The feature race looks a competitive contest, but Feel The Pinch, who won over hurdles at the last meeting, could win again reverting to chasing. Feel The Pinch has winning form on good to soft ground and, after beating Finest View comfortably last time, would be looking for his fourth win over fences.

Amongst the other entries are another course winner in Magistrato, who has been raised 5lbs for beating Kauto The King, and In This World, who had finished runner-up over fences three times in a row before stepping up at Worcester. David Pipe’s Nibras Gold has also been knocking on the door, having twice finished second, but has gone up 6lbs despite not getting his head in front.

Altogether, there are 110 entries making judgements ahead of declaration time on Saturday a little tricky, but Patrick Mullins has indicated that Mr Escobar, a winner over a mile and a half at Dundalk last year, is being aimed at the opening Visit attheraces.com Maiden Hurdle. He was last seen when running down the field behind The Shunter in the Cesarewitch Handicap at Newmarket in October, but will be fancied to make a winning debut over jumps here. Leading trainer Dan Skelton has two entries, the best of which is Hot Fizzy Lizzy, still looking for her first win over hurdles after four starts.

King’s Castle could seek a course hat-trick and a fourth win in a row in the Par Inn Cornwall Handicap Hurdle. Although 13lbs higher than when his winning run started back in May, he is progressive and could strike again. Course winner Myristica weakened three flights out at Uttoxeter when having her first run following wind surgery and course specialist Clearance can never be ruled out.

A beaten favourite over hurdles last time, dual winner Soir De Gala could make his chase debut in the Well Done England Euro Champions 2024 Handicap Chase.

The St Austell Brewery Mares’ Open National Hunt Flat Race brings the afternoon to a close and David Pipe has two entries, both of which have had just one run under Rules since graduating from the point-to-point field. Dance The Moon failed to build on her debut run at Uttoxeter last time and Pure Seduction has been placed in both her Irish point-to-points. Another of interest is O’Malley, who hasn’t been seen out since finishing fifth to Railway Bell over the course in May