Jul 15, 2023

Racing Preview - Monday 17 July 2023

It’s not often that racecourses see soft ground in the middle of July but, if the current spell of rain continues, the runners at Newton Abbot on Monday could encounter very different conditions to those they have experienced so far this season.

Fortunate Fred, the choice from three entries for Lambourn trainer Jamie Snowden, and Frankie Faulkner, third to Songo over a shorter trip here last month, could fight out the finish in the opening Class 3 Visit attheraces.com Maiden Hurdle. Fortunate Fred has been placed on soft ground and Frankie Faulkner won his second point-to-point on good to soft going, so both should handle the conditions.

One to keep an eye on is Film D’Action who returned after wind surgery to finish third to Rover Of Joy at Ffos Las, the first glimpse of form he has shown in three races.

First Angel, successful at Stratford in May, carries top weight in the Watch Sky Sports Racing On Sky 415 Handicap Chase and, although beaten at Perth subsequently, looks to have every chance of adding to his score. Laura Hurley runs Fanzio in this race, rather than in the longer contest later in the afternoon but, although he continues to drop down the weights, has shown no sign of returning to form in recent outings, tailing off after an early mistake here last month.

Five-time hurdles winner Pyramid Place is the choice from two entries for trainer Milton Harris in the feature Class 3 Fiddy Thornes Birthday Handicap Hurdle over a trip just short of two and three-quarter miles. Raised 3lbs for his most recent win at Cartmel, he could have most to fear from course winner San Giovanni, beaten a long way on his last run at Worcester in September, but returning now after wind surgery.

Harris could strike again in the following newtonabbotracing.com Handicap Hurdle with Stratford winner Call Me Rocky, but he may find Clearance, who came late to land an amateur riders race over course and distance last time, and dual winner Phoenix Risen too good on the day. Phoenix Risen was headed on the run-in and beaten half a length when third at Fontwell Park last time and runs off the same mark.

Romanor won three times over the course last year and, after a fast-finishing third to Cracking Destiny at Stratford last time, could get back on the scoresheet in the Play Cornhole At The Par Inn Handicap Chase. He will be ridden by regular jockey Micheal Nolan and could have the most to fear from the well-handicapped Red Happy, who takes a big drop in class after running in Sandown Park’s bet365 Gold Cup in April.

Fountainspinklady, runner-up at Worcester on her debut for Anthony Honeyball, boasts the best form of the three with racecourse experience in the closing Talk Tidy Marketing Mares’ Open National Hunt Flat Race, but it may pay to take a chance with Shakiyra, trained by Fergal O’Brien and Paddy Brennan’s only ride of the afternoon.

Tickets for Monday’s fixture at Newton Abbot Racecourse are on sale now priced at £12 for Course Enclosure or £16 for Paddock Enclosure if booked by 11.59pm on Sunday. Tickets will not be available online on Monday, however they will be available on the gate on the day.

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