It has generally paid to follow Paul Nicholls in Newbury’s Greatwood Gold Cup, the Ditcheat trainer having saddled a remarkable eight winners in 12 years. But this year’s renewal could provide a pre-Cheltenham boost to the Emma Lavelle stable, whose Javert (2.40) looks overpriced in the early betting at 12-1.
Four times a winner from his eight forays over fences, Javert was below his best in Cheltenham’s BetVictor when last seen. But he is on the same mark as when chasing home Frodon in the Old Roan and, with Tom Scudamore aboard for the first time, can make a big impact here.
Dolos will surely show up well for Nicholls, while his former assistant trainer, Dan Skelton, could also go close with Azzuri.
1.50 Doncaster A staying trip on a sound surface seems to be what Bordeaux Bill wants and that combination of factors helped him score at Kelso last time. Just 4lb higher, he could follow up in similar circumstances here without even achieving a career best.
2.05 Newbury One of the day’s more absorbing contests, this counts as further proof of the value of veterans’ races. It is very interesting to see Houblon Des Obeaux back in such company, considering how smoothly he moved through a similar race at Sandown in January, and he can be forgiven his defeat in a hotter race against younger rivals on softer ground last time. Shanroe Santos is another plausible winner, from a hot yard with a capable claimer aboard. But both may have to give best to The Last Samuri, who was conveniently dropped 4lb for his last run and consequently sneaks in under the ratings bar. This is his lowest mark since he was runner-up in the 2016 Grand National and there was some promise in his Taunton second last time.
2.25 Doncaster Having produced his best effort yet over course and distance when last seen, Cracking Find is hard to oppose in this small field. The Sue Smith yard continues in fine form.
3.00 Doncaster On what could be another fruitful Saturday for Nicholls Danse Idol can land this Listed prize for novice mares. Unable to cope with Queenohearts on her last two starts, she may be seen to better effect on this sounder surface.
3.15 Kelso Fourth place in one of the year’s hottest handicap hurdles was a fine effort by Getaway Trump at Ascot last month and the Nicholls runner is the one to stick with here. An extra couple of furlongs should help this time and he has enough class to see off Rouge Vif.
3.35 Doncaster Kim Bailey’s yard seemed to be going out of form when Rocky’s Treasure was a beaten favourite at Warwick in mid-January but the winners are flowing from that Gloucestershire stable once more and this small-field handicap looks a good opportunity for the novice. He was impressive in making all round here in December, yet still has a very fair rating.
Newbury
1.30 A Hare Breath 2.05 The Last Samuri (nb) 2.40 Javert (nap)
3.10 Crooks Peak 3.45 Tegerek 4.15 Molineux 4.50 Chantry House
Lingfield
1.35 King’s Advice 2.10 Ask The Guru 2.50 Captain Lars
3.20 Insurgence 3.50 Deep Intrigue 4.25 Zorro’s Girl 5.00 Navajo Star
Kelso
1.40 Oleg 2.15 Tonto’s Spirit 2.45 Black Corton 3.15 Getaway Trump 3.55 Western Rules 4.30 Left Back 5.05 Aye Right
Doncaster
1.50 Bordeaux Bill 2.25 Cracking Find 3.00 Danse Idol 3.35 Rocky’s Treasure 4.05 Boomarang 4.40 Empire De Maulde 5.15 Soldier Of War
Chelmsford
5.30 Mustadun 6.00 Vipin 6.30 Stamford Raffles 7.00 Human Nature 7.30 Mochalov 8.00 Prerogative 8.30 Don’t Do It