Jun 08, 2023

Racing Review - Weds 7 June 2023

Gloucestershire trainer Fergal O’Brien struck with a double at Newton Abbot’s last meeting and he was in form again on Wednesday with two more winners to take his seasonal total to 20.

Dancila, three times a winner on the flat in Ireland, got off the mark at the first time of asking for O’Brien at Musselburgh in February and, although failing to win in two subsequent races, was made 7/4 favourite to land the Class 3 Andy Blight And His Amigos Handicap Hurdle. His main challenger looked to be Coolnaugh Haze, who was just touched off by O’Brien’s Glorious Zoff in a three-way photo at Warwick, but the favourite put the race to bed with good jumps at the last two flights, having 2¼ lengths in hand of Coolnaugh Haze at the line.

After his impressive win over the course last week, O’Brien’s Chief Black Robe was a red-hot favourite to complete a hat-trick in the Visit attheraces.com Novices’ Handicap Chase although, with his penalty, he was now racing from a mark 19lbs higher than for his first success. Again ridden by amateur Tom Broughton, he had no problem in beating Balko Saint, yet to score in nine starts over fences, after his only serious challenger Bagheera Ginge fell at the penultimate fence.

Trainer Jenny Candlish and jockey Sean Quinlan, on the mark at Southwell the day before, were looking to take the opening Racing Partnership Novices’ Hurdle with Basford who, after finishing runner-up five times in a row, finally got his head in front at the last meeting. Basford was sent off the 4/11 favourite to follow up, but had to give weight to all his five rivals and it was second-favourite Sylvies Dance, receiving 19lbs, who prevailed in a good battle up the run-in, winning by a head under Josh Newman to give trainer Kayley Woollacott her second winner of the season from just six runners.

Shortcross Storm was the clear favourite ahead of Hurricane Vichi, who was making his chasing debut after seven unsuccessful runs over hurdles, to take the Newton Abbot Racecourse On Facebook Handicap Chase. Hurricane Vichi was to be pulled up by Harry Cobden as Shortcross Storm, sent off a 40/1 shot when making all the running to win here in May, again built up a commanding lead.

He was a spent force, however, by the third-last fence where Cresswell Queen took over and held off the challenge of Investment Manager, who put up an improved display after a disappointing run over the course last month.

There was a competitive field of eleven for the Talk Tidy Marketing Handicap Hurdle in which Good Impression, fourth at Ffos Las two weeks ago, was the subject of sustained backing through the morning, shortening to 4/1 second-favourite before the off. Runner-up to Appreciate at the course last year, he reeled in long-time leader Tally’s Son at the final flight to win cosily under a well-judged ride by Ben Jones, favourite Hunting Percival having been pulled up entering the home straight.

With two absentees, including likely favourite Dancingontheedge, and Gio’s Girl withdrawn at the start, the field was reduced by half for the longest race of the afternoon, the newtonabbotracing.com Mares’ Handicap Hurdle. Saxon Queen, who had returned from a 592-day break to finish runner-up to Lady Robinn at Ffos Las, headed the market and, tracking leader Danzini before edging past Rubys Reward after the final flight, she prevailed in a bunched finish with just half a length covering the three.

Racing returns to Newton Abbot on Wednesday 14 June. Tickets are on sale now – book online in advance to save on Paddock Enclosure Tickets. BOOK NEWTON ABBOT RACECOURSE TICKETS