_edited.png)
13:30 Newbury Patsys Castle won by an easy eight lengths when last seen out at Warwick in September. He comfortably held the re-opposing Decimus on that occasion and despite a turnaround in the weights, the placings should be confirmed this afternoon. The form of the race has already been franked by the runner up who has won subsequently and with Kim Bailey’s horse the only one too have troubled the judge in recent starts, he must rank high on any shortlist this afternoon. The drop back to three miles shouldn’t bother him too much as he has won over the trip twice in the past and if repeating his recent exploits he ought to take the world of beating yet again. Cucklington made his seasonal reappearance last month when he was thrashed by the smarter than average Capeland from the Paul Nicholls yard. He ought to improve for that outing and this step up in trip looks tailor made for him. He is still only a five year old and remains completely unexposed. He may well prove to be the fly in the ointment for the selection but he still has a lot to prove. Harry Hunt comes here fresh from a stint on the flat here he was just touched off by a rejuvenated Arthur McBride. If he is able to translate that form over, he too has live place claims. Patsys Castle (WIN)
14:00 Newbury Forever My Friend comes here in search of a hat-trick of wins but unlike most of his rivals he comes here fit and on relatively good terms with himself. His two wins this season have come at Ffos Las and Ludlow and he now moves up in grade and deservedly so. His most recent win was by sixteen lengths and if allowed an uncontested lead here, he may well prove hard to peg back. James King is an up and coming amateur rider with a twenty percent strike rate this season and his seven pound claim will go some way to help his partner get home in front. The Bowen yard continues to thrive and all being well they should go close again here on ground that suits. Generous Ransom will be popular here especially given that he has moved from the yard of Nick Gifford to that of Philip Hobbs. He has always looked a talented individual but his form went out the window as last season drew to a close. If Hobbs can get him back to anywhere near his best then he looks a massive threat. Wade Harper is proven at the trip, is also cherry ripe and is five pounds lower than his last winning mark. The booking of Noel Fehily really catches the eye as he has won on the six year old previously and they too can make the frame. Forever My Friend (E/W if 9/2+)
14:35 Newbury Dusky Legend should prove hard to beat despite it being her first run of the season this afternoon. She was classy enough to get within four and a half lengths of Limini at Cheltenham in the Spring before she finally shed her maiden over obstacles when winning at Warwick in May. With a full summer behind her she ought to have matured and can go onto much better things this season. Wayne Hutchinson knows her inside out and Alan King has sent out plenty of winners within the last month so there is every reason to be hopeful of a winning return to action. Copper Kay comes here fully fit and won an egg and spoon race at Ffos Las just a couple of weeks ago. She has given the impression in the past that she isn’t completely genuine but her recent win will boost her confidence and she will get every assistance in the saddle from Richard Johnson. If there are any flaws in the armoury of the selection, there is every chance that the Hobbs runner can pick up the pieces. Snow Leopardess won a decent bumper at Gowran Park in decisive fashion and now bids to transfer that ability to hurdles. She will need to take another step forward but cannot be entirely ruled out for an in form team. Dusky Legend (WIN)