Aug 28, 2022

Racing Preview - Tuesday 30 August

Tuesday sees the final evening meeting of the year at Newton Abbot and Byzantine Empire, withdrawn from a race at the course last time, can win the feature Brendon Soper Memorial Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase for this season’s leading trainer Fergal O’Brien.

Winner of both his chase starts at Southwell and Perth, Byzantine Empire has to give weight to his two rivals but, despite the 17lb difference, should see off Ragamuffin, who beat Dindin by a neck over course and distance in July. Ragamuffin was easily brushed aside next time by Hell Red in a match at Fontwell Park earlier this month and looks booked for second place again.

Completing the field is Treacys Jim, having his fifth consecutive race at the course and, whilst he keeps picking up place money, carries 35lbs more than his official rating and looks to have an impossible task.

With the nights already drawing in, it’s an early start with the first of the seven races, the Newtonabbotrace On Twitter Maiden Hurdle over two and a quarter miles, due off at 4.30pm.

Returning from wind surgery, Cadeau D’Or showed his best form so far in finishing third to Al Zaraqaan and Karannelle in a handicap at the last meeting, giving weight to both, and sets the standard here. Having pulled hard early on, Sydney Blues did well to finish third behind Pop The Champagne, also at the last meeting, and hurdling debutant Star Of Valour has finished runner-up in his last two flat starts, albeit beaten seven lengths when sent off favourite on his most recent run at Salisbury.

David Pipe runs two of his three entries in the Britbet Handicap Chase over two miles and five furlongs with stable jockey Tom Scudamore on top-weight El Paso Wood, runner-up to Coal Stock last time, and Philip Armson on Dindin. On Springs has won three of his four races this season, form that seen his handicap rating rise by 15lbs, and, although he only got home by a neck from Lock’s Corner on his last run, could be another winner for the in-form Ben Pauling.

Bucko’s Boy was a wide-margin winner from Mascat over the course in July and carries top weight in the Class 3 Congratulations Woolfy On Your 70th Birthday Handicap Hurdle. He looks the one the others have to beat, but has to give 9lbs to Fire Lake, who won twice, including over the course last month, before going down to Belle Na Bann last time out. With Bradley Harris taking a further 7lbs off his weight, Fire Lake could get back to winning ways.

Longest race of the evening is the Newton Abbot Racecourse On Facebook Handicap Hurdle over an extended three and a quarter miles in which Jen’s Boy, the choice from two entries for Lambourn trainer Nicky Henderson, carries top weight of 12-0 and has to concede 1lb to Get The Appeal, also carrying the colours of Middleham Park Racing, the only runner at the meeting for Paul Nicholls.

Kapitaliste has found the going tougher from a 12lb higher mark since winning at the course in May and a better bet may be Loved Out, runner-up to Little Jessture last time.

David Pipe has declared D’Jango in the Talk Tidy Marketing Handicap Chase rather than the previous hurdle race and, in receipt of weight from his two rivals, may come out on top, although the veteran Mr Mafia has been eased by the handicapper to a rating of 122 from which he won at Ludlow in May.

Karannelle, given a patient ride by Sean Bowen, couldn’t peg back the winner last time and runs from a 1lb higher rating in the closing Visit attheraces.com Handicap Hurdle. Cadeau D’Or, who finished third, puts the form to the test in the opener and, should he win, will give a boost to Karannelle’s chance.

Tickets for Tuesday’s fixture are on sale now – book online today to save money on Paddock Admission.