Aug 19, 2025

Race preview: Thursday 21st August 2025

David Hucker
Racing correspondent

After a short summer break, jump racing returned at the weekend and Newton Abbot swings back into action on Thursday with the third of the season’s four Family Fundays when the £25,000 Shop Local With Scott Richards Solicitors Handicap Chase tops the seven-race card.

Course winner Fringill Dike tops the weights, just 1lb above Finest View who was beaten a neck when chasing a four-timer at Stratford last month. The front-running Centara is on a roll, winning in each of the last three months, including two over the course, but is closely matched with Jet Of Dreams at the weights. Centara will need another career-best performance to take this valuable prize, but could be up to the task.

The South West Rail Solutions Ltd Maiden Hurdle gets the racing action underway at 2.10pm and this could go to course winner Three Pikes, who runs here in preference to Worcester on Wednesday. Runner-up on his hurdles debut last time, he had Roadshow behind him that day and should confirm the form.

Next up is the South West Rail Solutions Ltd Handicap Hurdle in which Stinginhisstep, who made all the running to record his second course win of this season last month, looks the one to beat. Stratford winner Baikat has kept busy with a run on the flat at Chepstow and the grey Colonel Lesley, for whom Brian Hughes is an interesting jockey booking, would have a chance on his best form.

The trip is three and a quarter miles for the Royal Navy And Marine Charity Handicap Chase in which Welsh trainer Christian Williams, a regular visitor to the course, runs Cave Article from his five entries. Consistent My Girl Katie won at Stratford on Monday and, if turning out again, would need to defy a 7lb penalty and course winner Ryder’s Rock can’t be ruled out.

Three-time course winner Max Of Stars was beaten a long way by Howth last time, but should give a good account of herself in the South West Rail Solutions Ltd Handicap Hurdle in which Sergeant Fury, an easy winner over his sole opponent on his last run, is bidding for a four-timer. Breaking Cover followed up his course win with a short head victory at Uttoxeter and now races from a 7lb higher mark, and Hope Rising has won two of her five starts this season.

The longest race of the afternoon is the Royal Air Force Handicap Hurdle over three miles and two and a half furlongs which could go to Worcester winner Faded Fantasy who has to overcome a 6lb rise in the weights. There was not much between Great d’Ange and Testflight over fences last time and both revert to hurdles here, although Great d’Ange may not see out the trip in a strongly-run race. The danger could Danzini, who should step up on her seasonal debut run behind Keel Strand.

Time To Bite runs in the closing Thankyou To All Our Armed Forces Handicap Chase rather than the feature race and, although this looks an easier option, there are plenty of dangers including course and distance winners Fat Sam and Limerick Leader.

Gates open two hours before the first race and entry to the course enclose costs £13 with children admitted free.