Newbury Challow Hurdle Day Tips
The Challow Hurdle at Newbury is the first chance in Britain for novice hurdlers to have a crack at a Grade 1.
In recent years, the race has been dominated by Paul Nicholls, who has won each of the last four renewals, including with future star chasers Bravemansgame and Stage Star, and six in all.
The whole card is a high-class affair and our expert has a selection in every race.
12:05 - Mares' Handicap Hurdle (2m½f)
A lot of attention is bound to focus on Break My Soul for the Nicky Henderson yard. He now wears a hood after racing too freely when favourite at Ascot last time. However, the mare PANIC ATTACK catches the eye. She always promised to achieve more than she did with David Pipe, and despite being a big price on her return to action and debut for Dan Skelton last time, she shaped with real promise in third. Her talent is miles in advance of a BHA mark of 120, and if she is sharper for her latest run, she is of serious interest.
Selection: Panic Attack
12:37 - 'Introductory' Hurdle (2m½f)
In three of the last five years, Nicky Henderson has used this race to launch a well-regarded prospect, and it is, therefore, wise to respect his AKIMOS in a race where there is not much form to go on. This four-year-old is bred to do well, being out of a fairly useful jumper and half-sister to smart chaser Starchitect. Nico de Boinville takes the ride, and a big run is likely to be expected.
Selection: Akimos
13:12 - Handicap Chase (2m½f)
The market has told you that not much was expected of JETRONIC on his first couple of starts for the Gary & Josh Moore yard, but on the latter occasion over this course and distance, he suggested new connections were getting closer to finding the key to him. He was fifth, but lost two places after the last and can be expected to be fitter now. His mark has eased a bit more, and he is ‘well in’ on his form here last time, let alone what he achieved for Paul Nicholls.
Selection: Jetronic
13:45 - Handicap Hurdle (2m4½f)
It is hard to oppose MR HOPE STREET in the form he is in at the moment. After a narrow defeat on his seasonal reappearance, he has taken big steps forward to win his last two starts at Southwell and Warwick. The form of the latter appeals as being quite strong, the principals were all horses from good yards, and he can continue his improvement at a track where his ability to travel will be a serious weapon.
Selection: Mr Hope Street
14:20 - Mandarin Handicap Chase (3m2f)
While it was hard not to be impressed by Holy Joe Smoke's win at Sandown, he may be building up to the spring whereas this is likely to be the day for HENRY'S FRIEND. This horse won the Grade 2 Reynoldstown as a novice last season and was just a little out of his depth when fifth in the Coral Gold Cup last time. This race is a rung or two below that top-tier handicap and he can make the difference count from a slightly lower mark.
Selection: Henry's Friend
14:55 - Challow Novices' Hurdle (Grade 1, 2m4½f)
Whatever point you imagine Paul Nicholls identified this race as the target for REGENT'S STROLL, you can bet it was before he won on his hurdles debut here in November. This horse is by Walk In The Park, out of a half-sister to Denman who, as well as being one of Nicholls' most famous trainees, also won the Challow Hurdle back in 2005. This horse was deeply impressive on his hurdles bow here, having gone two from two in bumpers last season, and he can give Nicholls a fifth straight Challow.
Selection: Regent's Stroll
15:35 - Novices' Limited Handicap Chase (2m6½f)
The Alan King-trained MENAGGIO started his career over fences by beating the experienced and smart War Lord at Plumpton and followed up with a bloodless win at the same track 40 days ago. Although not a particularly fashionable course, Plumpton teaches a young chaser all the right things and the fact Menaggio looks such a pro at this early stage gives him a clear edge on the likes of Shanagh Bob and Inthewaterside, who are a little more interesting strictly from a handicapping point of view.
Selection: Menaggio