Weekend Watch: Ed Quigley's Verdict On Newbury & Warwick

There is lots of good action to get stuck into this weekend with some intriguing clashes in store, with Newbury taking centre stage, and also some top class action at Warwick.

On paper, Bravemansgame will take all the beating in 1.15, but with concerns around the form of the Paul Nicholls team, it may be worth siding with PATS FANCY to cause a minor upset. He may need softer ground, but he arrives on a hattrick, and his form is working out well. He swatted aside Imperial Alcazar by 11 lengths at Chepstow last time out, and that horse has gone on to bolt up under a big weight on Cheltenham Trials day. I like the claims of the Rebecca Curtis trained individual.

I am employing a similar tactic in the Denman Chase (2.25). Clan Des Obeaux is the class act, but was turned over in this race 12 months ago, and I can see ELDORADO ALLEN running a big race at 11/1. I think the ground will be too quick for Royal Pagaille, Imperial Aura arrives under a cloud, and De Rasher Counter has masses to find on figures and a lengthy absence to overcome. Eldorado Allen has shown some smart form this season, including when winning the Haldon Gold Cup, and I think this trip and track will suit him. I think he is overpriced.

The Betfair Hurdle is at 3.35, and I think this can go the way of BROOMFIELD BURG. The Nicky Henderson trained seven-year-old absolutely bolted up at Kempton last time out and in the words of his trainer: “has the gears.”

Clearly he is in deeper waters here, but this unexposed, strong traveller should really enjoy the way this race will be run. He learnt to settle for the first time at the Sunbury venue, and I think he has the scope to be significantly better than a mark of 134. Drying ground should aid him in utilising his strong turn of foot, and he looks to have every chance.

Over at Warwick, the Kingmaker Novices’ Chase (2.05) may only have the four runners, but we have a terrific tussle.

Edwardstone, Third Time Lucki, Brave Seasca and For Pleasure lock horns. For Pleasure is likely to lead them along at a furious gallop which will set this up for one of the others. Brave Seasca is the joker in the pack, and it is interesting he is going here instead of straight to the Grand Annual. He is an excellent jumper, and could well be having a say in this.

My marginal preference though would be for THIRD TIME LUCKI to get the better of Edwardstone in what should be a terrific tussle. Drying ground will help the Dan Skelton representative, and he can really serve it up to the Alan King runner, who undeniably is a formidable opponent and got the better of the Dan Skelton runner when they last met. I feel Alan King’s inmate may just be served better by softer underfoot conditions though.

Advice:

• Pats Fancy, 1pt win Newbury 1.15
• Eldorado Allen, 1pt win Newbury 2.25
• Broomfield Burg, 1pt win Newbury 3.35
• Third Time Lucki, 1pt win Warwick 2.05

Three From Home Podcast

Ed Quigley, Kate Tracey and Frankie Foster cast their eyes over Newbury highlight, the Betfair Hurdle, which is proving a real conundrum for punters, and also take a good look at Warwick, where Edwardstone and Third Time Lucki are set for a rematch in Saturday’s feature, the Virgin Bet Kingmaker Novices’.