30th November 2012

The saga of the going at Newbury took another twist yesterday, with Barry Geraghty coming out at the end of racing saying it was merely good-soft on the chase course. This must bode well for all Bobs Worth backers and if the ground gets through to Saturday in good nick, rather than sticky as his trainer fears, then his chances certainly take a boost. I've been wondering why Mouse Morris has been keeping First Lieutenant in the line up, as he always states how the horse needs good ground. Perhaps things aren't going to be as dire as they seemed earlier in the week. I'm sure we will know more by Saturday. Reviewing yesterday and the day's 5 selections yielded three winners which signals a welcome return to form. I was only drawn to Newbury's card today; and with the quality racing on Saturday from Newbury and Newcastle, as well as Fairyhouse's great Sunday card, here are the best selections to keep us ticking over.

14.05 Newbury

At the time of writing Benefficient is still entered into the race, but it looks unlikely that he will start after his exertions yesterday when going down to Harry Topper. The race features DYNASTE, a sparkling winner at Cheltenham's Paddy Power meeting a fortnight ago. The horse continues to follow a similar route to Grands Crus' run up to the RSA last year, so don't be surprised to see Dynaste win today and be put away for the Feltham come Boxing Day. Even with his penalty he should be very difficult to beat, with the opposition likely to be headed by Court In Motion and Theatre Guide. The former will no doubt improve for his run behind Houblon Des Obeaux, and this return to more testing ground will suit. He receives 7 pounds from the selection and should put up a good run, but David Pipe's charge is taken to come out on top. The step up in trip will certainly suit Theatre Guide, who shouldn't be underestimated despite winning easily last time out due to how the race was run, but the antepost RSA favourite is taken to enhance his claims here. 4/6 Paddy Power

14.40 Newbury

A typically competitive Pertemps qualifier; there are several in with a chance with Le Beau Bai, Ballybough Pat, Benbane Head and BAKBENSCHER standing out in particular as they should all cope with the soft conditions and the 3 mile trip. Ballybough Pat is the least exposed, and although sure to appreciate this step up in trip, may just get found wanting towards the end against the more experienced horses in the field. Le Beau Bai certainly has conditions to suit again after a great win off top weight last time out and his 5 pound rise is negated by his claimer; but Michael Nolan is yet to race around Newbury, and again when the race hots up, the experience of McCoy or Thornton on the other two named horses may be enough to see them home. He also will certainly have the Welsh National as a target at this stage of the season so a good run in defeat will be welcomed by connections. It becomes extremely hard to split the last two, especially as Benbane Head is expected to appreciate the flatter 3 miles after just coming up short over an extended trip at Cheltenham a fortnight ago. However I am siding with Bakbenscher, who will really appreciate the cut in the ground and a big run is expected after his reappearance last time. He's won around Newbury before and after a fair season over fences, he could be set to do well over hurdles this year. 8/1 several

15.15 Newbury

This 10 runner affair may look quite competitive at face value, but I'm most drawn to The Knoxs and PASCO. Bless The Wings will have to run off a career high handicap mark, whilst Tataniano has a bit to prove after a disappointing run. The same could be said for Matuhi and Hector's Choice, but all of them certainly have the ability to do something if right on the day. Prince Of Pirates reappears after a long time out but doesn't seem the type to run well fresh, unlike The Knoxs whose best runs always come after a break. He seems to most at home over fences and rates a big chance, but I can't get away from the Pasco at the bottom of the racecard. He's best on flat tracks such as Newbury and will appreciate the give in the ground. He also has a very talented claimer on board and as a result has virtually nothing on his back. Considering he ran some decent races last year after a long time out, this season we can expect more from him and he showed that promise at Aintree last time out. He can follow up here. 6/1 Sky Bet

Good luck!

The Horse Whisperer