Newton Abbot Serves Up Friday Feast
Friday's eight-race card at Newton Abbot offers proper jump racing entertainment, headlined by the £30,000 Highland National over three miles and six furlongs. The going is riding Good, Good to Soft in places — ideal conditions for this Devon track that rewards stamina and jumping ability in equal measure.
I've walked the course this morning and the ground has just enough give to suit all types. The recent rain has eased any jar without creating a slog, which should see the better horses come to the fore across the afternoon's programme.
Highland National: The Day's Feature
The 14:05 Highland National (Class 3) draws a field of 12 for the Julian Llewellen Palmer Memorial Trophy, and it's shaping up as a cracking renewal. At three miles six furlongs, this is a proper test of stamina that often throws up surprises.
Noble Birth heads the weights on 125 and brings solid credentials. The nine-year-old has course form in the bank and Ryan Mania's booking suggests connections fancy their chances. Clare Ellam's charge has been consistent without winning lately, but this longer trip could unlock improvement.
El Granjero looks the one to beat for me. Rated 124, this seven-year-old from Clive Boultbee-Brooks' yard has been knocking on the door in similar company. James Bowen takes the ride, and his 7lb claim brings the horse down to a workable mark. The combination of stamina breeding and current form makes him hard to oppose.
Fever Dream catches the eye as a course winner who clearly handles the unique demands of this track. Christian Williams' eight-year-old is another who should relish the step up in trip, and Jack Tudor knows his way around here.
Novices to Note
The opening 13:30 Novices' Hurdle features nine runners stepping up in grade, and Misterdoc stands out on ratings. Dan Skelton's four-year-old carries a 125 mark — significantly higher than his unrated rivals — and Harry Skelton's presence in the saddle suggests this is a serious winning attempt.
Olly Murphy fires a three-pronged attack with Eustace Grenier, Mr Maximillian, and Sears Crossing. The Stratford-based trainer has been in good form lately, and any market support for his trio would be significant.
The 15:12 Novices' Chase over two miles seven furlongs could provide the upset of the day. He Knows Better tops the weights for Warren Greatrex, but I'm drawn to Bo Cruz from Donald McCain's yard. The seven-year-old has distance form and Theo Gillard's booking suggests they're expecting a bold show.
Handicap Highlights
The 15:47 Handicap Hurdle over two miles four furlongs brings together a competitive field headed by Skyjack Hijack. Jennie Candlish's eight-year-old is a course winner who clearly handles the track's demands. Sean Quinlan takes the ride on the 132-rated gelding.
Go Dante represents Olly Murphy and brings solid recent form to the table. The ten-year-old veteran knows his job and Sean Bowen's booking adds confidence to the selection.
The marathon 14:40 Handicap Hurdle over three miles two furlongs will test stamina reserves. Roaring Conquest heads the market for the Murphy-Bowen combination, but Jupiter des Mottes could outrun his odds for Nicky Richards. The French-bred seven-year-old has the breeding for this trip and Danny McMenamin's 5lb claim helps the cause.
Going Analysis
These Good, Good to Soft conditions play to the strengths of the more talented horses. The ground won't inconvenience the speed horses over the shorter trips, while providing enough cushion for the stayers in the longer events.
Horses with course form hold a distinct advantage at Newton Abbot. The track's undulations and unique character reward those who've learned the ropes, making previous winners like Fever Dream and Skyjack Hijack particularly appealing.
The French-bred horses in the field — Jupiter des Mottes and Inferno Sacree — should handle these conditions well, given their breeding for softer ground.
Best Bets and Ones to Watch
My strongest fancy is El Granjero in the Highland National. The combination of form, trip, and James Bowen's valuable claim makes him the percentage call in the feature.
Misterdoc looks a class above in the opening novices' hurdle, while Skyjack Hijack should prove too strong in the 15:47 handicap hurdle.
For an each-way punt, consider Jupiter des Mottes in the marathon hurdle. The price should be generous for a horse with his stamina credentials.
Check the full Newton Abbot racecard for detailed form analysis and keep an eye on the market moves, particularly for the Murphy and Skelton runners who've been among the winners lately.
