The ground should be drying out all the time at Newton Abbot ahead of today’s eight-race twilight card and conditions should be perfect for summer jumping come post time.
In the handicap chase over three and-a-quarter miles Aubusson looks on an attractive mark but he has never been the strongest of finishers and I thought Dell’ Arca (6.00) was short of room at a vital stage at Uttoxeter last time before finishing well in third. That run was over three miles and he gave every indication he would relish this additional quarter of a mile. The 11-year-old – 7/2 with Unibet – has never been a natural jumper, but his fencing was good last time and a 1lb rise still leaves him well treated on his best form.
Ferrobin (6.30) has only been raised 3lbs for scoring at Fontwell last time and I feel he can follow up for Dan and Harry Skelton. The drying ground is a plus and he showed a bit more resolution in first-time cheekpieces last time although he is not one who wants to be in front too long. The selection is 9/4 with William Hill.
Jaytrack Parkhomes (7.00) had a recent pipe-opener over timber here last month but quickly reverts to fences having made a pleasing start to his chasing career when runner up over the minimum trip at Wincanton back in January. The six-year-old – 3s with Boylesports – certainly has the scope for the larger obstacles and, while he may get further in time, this two-and-a-half-mile trip looks ideal.
At Kempton Local Law (2.15) is bred to be smart and can leave behind a moderate racecourse debut when fourth at Newmarket. The Dubawi colt -2s with bet365 – with was sent off an odds on favourite last month which suggested he had shown plenty at home and he has a good draw in stall six.
The Richard Hannon juveniles invariably improve for their initial experience and Zion Star showed ability when fading close home over 7f here on debut. He looks sure to come on for the run and the step up in trip should suit.
Arabian Moon (4.50) was awarded the race in the Wolverhampton Stewards’ Room when second past the post at Dunstall Park and he is taken to make a winning handicap debut from an opening mark of 79. The selection – 2/1 with William Hill – has been gelded since that run in July and the first past the post – the Crisfords’ Labeeb – has won his next couple of starts including a Windsor handicap by nearly 4L off 79 and is now rated 88.
At Hamilton Viceregent (6.15) has a 2lbs pull with Magna Moralia for the half-length he was behind that rival over today’s C&D last month and I hope to see the Richard Fahey-trained gelding finally break his maiden tag. The son of Nathaniel pulled hard but still finished his race off well last time, and if he is more amenable to restraint today then he will be hard to beat. The ew recommendation is 15/2 with bet365.
