Course Conditions and Overview
Wednesday's seven-race card at Newton Abbot comes on good ground after the course received a thorough verti-draining last Monday. That's ideal news for this Devon track, which can get sticky quickly when the rain arrives. The going should ride fair and true, suiting those who like to get on with the job from the front.
I've walked this track more times than I care to remember, and when it's riding like this, stamina tends to tell. The undulating nature catches plenty out, especially over the longer trips. Today's Newton Abbot racecard is a mixed bag, but there are some interesting angles to work with.
Feature Race Analysis
The feature contest is the opening Murrayshall Country Estate Mares' Maiden Hurdle at 2pm. It's a proper test at two miles four furlongs, and with eleven runners, it's no gimme for anyone.
The form pick has to be Hunters Spring for the Russell-Scudamore team. She's rated 99 and has Patrick Wadge doing the steering. That partnership clicked last time at Hexham, and this trip should suit her down to the ground. The stable's in good nick, and Wadge rides with plenty of confidence these days.
Don't overlook Lowlands either. She's the highest-rated runner at 101, and Danny McMenamin knows his way around this track. At seven years old, she's got the experience edge over some of these younger fillies who might find the Newton Abbot hills a shock to the system.
Olly Murphy's Strong Hand
If there's one trainer who looks to have come armed for battle today, it's Olly Murphy. He's got runners in five of the seven races, and that usually means business.
In the 2pm opener, both Kaydence and Kayla's Friend represent the yard. Sean Bowen has chosen Kaydence, which tells you everything about stable confidence. James Bowen partners the other, so it's a proper family affair.
Murphy's hand gets even stronger in the handicap chase at 2:33pm. Next Twist tops the weights on 121 but has course and distance form in the book. Sean Bowen again takes the ride, and this gelding has been threatening a big performance for a while now. The two-mile trip is right in his wheelhouse.
Later in the card, Murphy saddles both Carismatic Soldier and Manowest in the marathon hurdle, plus The Flying Poet in the 2m7f chase. When a yard loads up like this, they usually fancy their chances.
Course Specialists and Dark Horses
You can't ignore the course form at Newton Abbot. The track has its quirks, and horses who've figured it out before hold a significant edge.
In the 3m2f handicap hurdle, Buy Some Time has course form in the book and drops down in class. Ryan Mania takes the ride for Mike Smith, and this eight-year-old has been running consistently without quite getting his head in front. The step up in trip could be the key.
Lady In The Park in the same race also has course form and represents the powerful Russell-Scudamore operation. At 106, she's well-handicapped if reproducing her best form.
The conditional jockeys' race at the end of the card could provide the value of the day. Mistral Milly tops the weights but Harry Atkins claims a useful allowance. She's been knocking on the door in similar company.
Going Conditions Impact
The good ground plays to the strengths of several key runners today. Sean Bowen will be particularly pleased with conditions for his multiple rides. He's got a 25% strike rate at Newton Abbot this season, and good ground suits his aggressive style.
For the marathon hurdle, the drying ground favours the front-runners. Fairlawn Skipper likes to bowl along in front, and James Bowen won't hang about. If he can dictate terms from the front, he'll take some catching over this extended trip.
The hunters' chase features some interesting amateur riders, and Potters Party looks the class act despite giving weight away. Miss Ellie Callwood has been riding with confidence, and this horse has a decent rating of 121.
Best Bets and Ones to Watch
Value Pick: Hunters Spring in the opener looks overpriced. The form is solid, and Patrick Wadge is riding with real confidence.
Banker: Next Twist in the 2:33 chase has everything in his favour. Top rating, course form, and the inform Sean Bowen aboard.
Each-Way Special: Buy Some Time in the long-distance hurdle at 3:08. The class drop and trip increase could unlock improvement.
Outsider: Keep an eye on Alan Doyle in the hunters' chase aboard Garde des Champs. The veteran has course and distance form and usually saves his best for big occasions.
The ground should hold up throughout the afternoon, and with several in-form yards represented, we're in for some competitive racing. Murphy's mob look the ones to follow, but don't be surprised if one of the course specialists spoils the party.
