N.H. racing at Newbury

Newbury stages the only N.H. racing today and has a good card with large fields and competitive racing. The class 3 maiden hurdle over 2 miles 5 furlongs at 15.10 CET has attracted 18 runners, with Nicky Henderson´s pair Von Galen (Rose Davidson) and Prince du Beury (Adrian Tinkler) both holding a chance; but Alan King´s Dragon Eye (Christian Wlliams) made an excellent debut over hurdles after showing ability in bumpers and may be the answer. The class 3 novices handicap chase at 15.40 also looks very open. Top-weight My Immortal (David Pipe/ Tom Scudamore) was an expensive Cheltenham flop, but can make amends in this lesser company; Island Flyer (Tom George/ Paddy Brennan), a very easy winner of both his races over fences, is an obvious danger. The novices handicap hurdle at 16.15 is a " hands and heels" race for conditionals and amateurs. Amateur riders have the best prospects here, especially Josh Guerriero on Vic Dartnall´s Exmoor Ranger and Oliver Greenall on Nicky Henderson´s Pamak d´Airy. The class 3 handicap hurdle at 17.25 is also very tricky. German-bred Cortinas (Charlie Mann/ Noel Fehily) has ben raised 11 lbs for his Huntingdon win, but still has a chance, as do Penjo Bere (Gary Moore/ Philip Hide) and Distiller (Nigel Twiston-Davies/ Paddy Brennan), who despite a 7 lbs penalty for winning last week at Ludlow, still appears to be on a very favourable weight.