A quality National Hunt card takes place at Newbury on Saturday 28 February, with some competitive betting heats for punters to enjoy. The Tote Placepot is sure to prove popular at the Berkshire track, with a big pot up for grabs.
We pick out our selections for the first six races on the Newbury card, as we look to land the Tote Placepot on Greatwood Gold Cup day.
Tote are also offering a free Placepot to all customers this weekend. This will go live at 16.30 Friday 27 February and it expires Sunday 1 March at 23:59.
Key Terms: Online only. Eligibility restrictions apply. Free Placepot to the value of £0.50 in Tote Credit. Redeemable against placepot bets at Tote.co.uk/Tote.ie & Tote apps only. Tote Credit cannot be withdrawn, exchanged, or substituted and expires Sunday at 23:59. Opt-in required. One per customer. UK & ROI customers only. 18+. Full T&Cs apply. Gambleaware.org.
Leg 1: 1.35pm Newbury – Simple Boost Tokens Now At BetVictor Conditional Jockeys’ Novices’ Handicap Hurdle
Leg 1 Selections: (2) Queenie St Clair, (8) Treasure Planet
A facile 17-length winner at Fontwell last week, Nick Scholfield’s Queenie St Clair is likely to be well fancied for the opening contest as she looks to carry a 7lbs penalty. This is tougher, but a replication of that run will see her land the spoils. A former runner on the level for Donnacha O’Brien, Treasure Planet is now at Paul Nicholls’ yard. Fifth in a Listed race at Aintree, this is much easier and he can also hit the frame.
Leg 2: 2.10pm Newbury – BetVictor Favourite Things, Bet Boosts Handicap Hurdle
Leg 2 Selections: (4) Brave Knight
Two wins from his last three outings, Brave Knight has been on a rapid incline for Paul Nicholls. Looking to continue that fine recent record in the 2.10pm at Newbury, the Ditcheat inmate can land this competitive handicap hurdle in style. He’s been given a 5lbs rise by the handicapper, so lines up off 132 here. However, he looks to have more progression than Brentford Hope, who could prove to be the biggest danger.
Leg 3: 2.40pm Newbury – BetVictor Now Non Runner No Bet Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase
Leg 3 Selections: (1) Rodney
Kerry Lee’s Rodney can land the four-timer when carrying top weight in the 2.40pm contest. Wins at Leicester, Hereford and Ludlow have seen the seven-year-old catapult up the handicap and he has another 5lbs hike to deal with. He will have top weight in Saturday’s event, but he still looks open to more improvement, and whilst this is a tougher race, he can duly dominate once again in the closing stages.
Leg 4: 3.15pm Newbury – 1 Up, Job Done At BetVictor Veterans’ Handicap Chase
Leg 4 Selections: (5) Mister Coffey
A host of well-loved veterans line up for the 3.15pm contest, but you can’t look away from Mister Coffey when trying to find a horse that can place. Still winless over fences, Nicky Henderson’s charge has long been a model of consistency over the larger obstacles. Placed countless times over fences, he can run a bold race once again here. Ultimately, he will find one or even two too good, but he’s sure to be fighting it out at the finish. With a top three finish suffice to make it through to leg five then opt for the Seven Barrows inmate.
Leg 5: 3.45pm Newbury – BetVictor Greatwood Gold Cup Handicap Chase
Leg 5 Selections: (4) Vincenzo
Runner-up in both the Paddy Power Gold Cup and December Gold Cup at Cheltenham, Vincenzo finally got his name in lights when winning at Ascot in January. Now only 2lbs higher for that win, the Sam Thomas-trained raider can land the Greatwood Gold Cup. This is a tougher race than the Ascot one, but Vincenzo is another with a fine, consistent record. He is sure to be doing all his best work in the closing stages and can storm home for a place.
Leg 6: 4.23pm Newbury – Simple Racing Specials Daily At BetVictor Handicap Hurdle
Leg 6 Selections: (4) Just A Rose, (6) Kilwaughter
Unplaced in the Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham last season, Just A Rose was last seen pulling up in the Lanzarote at Kempton. She will venture into calmer waters in the 4.23pm and could cause a stir. If she can replicate her maiden hurdle win at Taunton then she has to be considered a lively player for Paul Nicholls. Second at Taunton last time out, Kilwaughter can build on that effort for Philip Hobbs & Johnson White. Staying on well that day, he will enjoy the step up in trip on Saturday and is the second pick.
Make sure you’re following us on all our social media platforms to keep up to date with all the latest horse racing news and the best tips.
Commercial notice: This article on GG.co.uk contains affiliate links. The offers we promote come from operators that we trust and our experts have first-hand experience dealing with. If you open an account through one of these affiliate links then GG will earn revenue. However, we ensure that the money earned goes back into improving and enhancing our coverage of horse racing and other sports, as we look to provide an excellent service to our growing audience.