It’s a busy day on Sky Sports Racing, with action from Newbury, Hereford and Southwell in store…
3.35 Newbury – Fantastic Lady and Apple Away headline Listed Mares’ Chase
Fantastic Lady heads the weights for Nick Henderson and Nico de Boinville and must concede upwards of 2lb to her rivals. Now aged 10, she could prove vulnerable to an improver in this Charlie Nugent Memorial Mares’ Chase.
Lucinda Russell’s Apple Away finished last season with Listed glory at Perth but has struggled to land a blow in two starts this winter. She ran with credit behind Marsh Wren but will need a test of stamina at this trip.
Lady Balko has racked up a hat-trick in handicap company since heading over fences and looks ready for this step up in class under Jack Tudor.
2.48 Hereford – Knight Of Allen and Jour d’Evasion fancied
Jane Williams’ Knight Of Allen ran a race full of promise when third at Haydock back in November and this looks an excellent opportunity for him to record a second hurdles success under David Noonan in this Dragonbet The Independent Bookmaker Handicap Hurdle.
Jour d’Evasion is a consistent sort who finished runner-up on his last two starts but continues to creep up the weights and may be booked for a place in the hands of Stan Sheppard.
Of the others, Lemoncello must be feared as he drops down in grade with Charlie Deutsch taking over in the plate.
1.38 Southwell – In-form Angel Of Antrim faces Ormolulu
Jack Morland saddles Angel Of Antrim who bids for a five-timer after winning three Newcastle handicaps before comfortably claiming a Wolverhampton heat earlier this month. That was only a class 6 contest, and this Boost Your Acca At BetMGM Handicap looks a lot tougher as he bids to defy a 10lb higher mark.
Gemma Tutty’s Ormolulu arrives in sparkling form having scored at Southwell on his last two starts and should be in the mix despite a 7lb rise in the weights. Recent winners Eligible and Legal Reform complete the shortlist.
Best of the rest
At Hereford, an intriguing Dragonbet Oncourse Values Online Novices’ Hurdle clash between Buckna and King Califet will be well worth watching at 2.15pm, with the latter returning to the scene of his debut victory the last day.
At Newbury, King Of Utopia looks the pick of the runners in a nice-looking Grosvenor Sport Cash Back Offers Novices’ Hurdle field (1.25pm). The horse – trained by the Noel George and Amanda Zetterholm combination – will face David Pipe’s ultra consistent Jurancon. Don’t discount Atomic Level here either, with Freddie Gordon taking off 3lbs.
Jasmin De Grugy will seek a five-timer when he goes to post in the JP McManus silks for the DJB Cleaning Handicap Chase in Berkshire. New Order could provide a stiff test for him, with David Bass retaining the ride after success at Warwick the last day.
Karl Burke saddles two debutants in Diamond Katie and Dream Illusion for the BetMGM: Its Showtime Fillies’ Novice Stakes, alongside Sunshine Soul who will be eyeing an end to a luckless run for George Boughey.
Watch Newbury, Hereford and Southwell – all live on Sky Sports Racing…