UK- Newbury 6/12

[tenfurlongs]

The focus on Friday will be on the Curragh in Ireland, but British racing is in full swing, and Newbury offers four solid handicaps to open their card.

Newbury 11:55- 1m (Straight) Handicap (Class 3) (3yo) (0-90)  Taking a stand against m/l favorite Society Lion (3-1) who I suspect is using this as a prep for better things to come shortly. #2- Breathalyze (8-1) had two wins and a second versus small fields at Chester last summer. Dascombe/Kingscote team always get their share. #3- Johan (7-1) tried Group-company and came up short going a mile at Newmarket in October. Two previous open length wins on the lead suggest that sprinting (7F) may ultimately be this one's milieu. #4- Sea Voice (8-1) progressed nicely in three 2yo starts, might prefer softer ground than he's likely to get today. The rest of the field doesn't inspire any confidence. Tread lightly.

EXBOX- 2,3,4  Result: 3,2,6 Exacta $42.40  Johan ($9.00) finished strongly along with Breathalyze right behind.

Newbury 12:25- 7f (Str) Handicap (Class 2) (4yo+) (0-100)  #2- Blue Mist (5-2) ran against some good ones in a limited campaign last season. Was very consistent as both a 2yo and 3yo, just needs to find his level. #5- Spirit Warning (8-1) ran a solid 3yo season until the wheels came off in late summer. Three AW reaces in February before the suspension of racing may give this one an advantage. Trainer Balding has come out firing.

WIN- 5  EX- 2,5  Spirit Warning was withdrawn.

Newbury 12:55-  1m4f Handicap (Class 2) (4yo+) (0-100)  #11 is withdrawn. Interesting mix of lightly-raced 4yos and seasoned runners, all trying to find their level and distance. Easy to get this one wrong. #2- Island Brave (15-1) attracts William Buick in the irons. Seemed best going this distance in rich handicaps last summer, had a February AW run so perhaps a fitness advantage. #3- Away He Goes (7-1) has two wins and a second in three career efforts including a win over the course. Last ran in July so clearly had a physical issue (?) but showed a lot of promise as a 3yo. Threat if ready. #7- Future Investment (10-1) showed early talent at three before running into some heavyheads in rich handicaps at Goodwood and York. Seems to be favorably weighted, although his best efforts have come on softer going. #10- Rajinsky (5-1) was very consistent and progressive as a 3yo and runs well on all types of ground. Has won from 7F to 14F so best distance is clearly a question mark, but a good one to have to ask. Playing against likely favorite #9- Laafy (9-2) who it appeared was being molded as a stayer by Stoute. Ryan Moore returns in the saddle and I'm prepared to be thumped if this one romps by open lengths.

EXBOX- 2,3,7,10  (Saver EX- 9/2,3,7,10 ?)  Result: 9,7,10  And Laafy (4-1) romps by open lengths...Ryan Moore's second win on the day.

Newbury 1:25- 1m2f Handicap (Class 3) (4yo+) (0-95)  #3, 11 are withdrawn. Field of nine, of which I could only whittle down to four playable contenders. Co-highweight #1- Moll Davis (4-1) looks tough in here, with a good AW prep at Newcastle last week. Also looking at #10- Aweedram (7-1) who is reunited with William Buick. He has been aboard for both of this one's career victories.

EX- 1,10/1,2,6,10  Result: 9,1,2  Restorer (12-1) finished best of all, running well fresh like he did on his reappearance last season.

Good luck if you play!

TW