Newsboy is backing Strong Leader to win the featured Long Distance Hurdle at Newbury and he also expects Hermino AA to deliver in the handicap hurdle – two of four races live on ITV4
STRONG LEADER is fancied to get the better of market rival Langer Dan to lift the Grade 2 Long Distance Hurdle (3.05) at Newbury on Friday.
The Olly Murphy-saddled son of Passing Glance has shown improvement for being stepped up to staying trips, making his three-mile debut with a third to Noble Yeats in the Grade 2 Cleeve Hurdle at Cheltenham in January.
Sean Bowen’s partner took another step forward to land the top-level Liverpool Hurdle at Aintree in April, humbling Buddy One by four and a quarter lengths, and a penalty for that win may not be enough to prevent a winning return.
Murphy and Bowen team up with favourite Woodie Flash in the Coral “Pipped-At-The-Post” And Win Handicap Hurdle (3.40) but preference is for HERMINO AA.
Venetia Williams’ red-hot form points to the chances of GALOP DE CHASSE, who gets the vote to better a comeback second at Wetherby four weeks ago to land the Coral “Daily Rewards Shaker” Handicap Chase (2.30).
Having made the podium at the top level on three occasions over hurdles, the Ben Pauling-saddled THE JUKEBOX MAN takes the eye as he steps out over fences for the first time in the Grade 2 Coral John Francome Novices’ Chase (1.55).
FRIDAY’S SELECTIONS
NEWBURY
12.15 REGENT’S STROLL
12.45 PERSONAL AMBITION
1.20 MIDNIGHT EXIT
1.55 THE JUKEBOX MAN
2.30 GALOP DE CHASSE (NB)
3.05 STRONG LEADER
3.40 HERMINO AA
DONCASTER
11.55 KICK UP A STORM (NAP)
12.25 ADAAY FOREVER
12.55 MOON ROCKET
1.30 IOUPY COLLONGES
2.05 MOLE COURT
2.40 GRAIN D’OUDAIRIES
3.15 ROYAL DEESIDE
MUSSELBURGH
12.08 ACHNAMARA
12.38 WISE EAGLE
1.10 YOU SOME GIRL
1.45 RETURN FIRE
2.20 ALL THE GLORY
2.55 DREAM JET
3.30 LOCH BRANDY
DOUBLE: KICK UP A STORM and GALOP DE CHASSE