UK Horse Racing Tips: Newbury

Darvel returned from a 179-day break to go in by a length in a class 6 event at Bath last month and he is likely to be on the premises off 3lb higher. However, he could come out second best to JOHNJAY, who finished four lengths clear of the fourth when hitting the frame on his comeback at Bath. He goes off an unchanged mark and is open to improvement, while Marsh Benham is another to keep an eye on.
Prediction : 1st Johnjay 2nd Darvel 3rd Marsh Benham

GLAM DE VEGA was last seen justifying short odds to take the Scottish Trophy at Hamilton in August 2022 and now makes his long-awaited return to action. The son of Lope De Vega is the type his trainer Roger Varian does well with, so he gets the nod in a first-time hood. The main danger might be previous C&D winner Gallant Lion, who made an encouraging start for the Alan King stable when hitting the frame over track and trip last month. Cracksking is another to consider.
Prediction : 1st Glam De Vega 2nd Gallant Lion 3rd Cracksking

Diligently wasn't disgraced when fourth on his debut at Ascot and, with normal progression, he could have a say. However, a chance is taken on HAAZEEZ, who changed hands for 115,000gns in October last year and he is bred to have plenty of speed. The son of Mehmas has Jamie Spencer booked for his debut and is fancied to make an impact, while any market confidence behind either Jouncy or Wild Clary would be interesting.
Prediction : 1st Haazeez 2nd Diligently 3rd Jouncy

Jarraaf sets the standard having accounted for multiple subsequent winners when scoring on his debut over 6f at Kempton last October. That said, he could be vulnerable under a penalty in this company. With that in mind, marginal preference is for MOUNT TEIDE, who was not beaten far into fourth on his racecourse bow at Newmarket recently and Andrew Balding's gelding is entitled to improve for that experience. Stanage, a full-brother to Calyx and Coppice, is another to consider, while Sarmiento Power and Bullet Point are newcomers to note.
Prediction : 1st Mount Teide 2nd Jarraaf 3rd Stanage

CLOCKMAKER bumped into the ill-fated subsequent Chester Vase winner Hidden Law when second on his debut over 1m3f here last month and David Simcock's gelding merits the utmost respect on the back of that performance. Hosaamm also displayed plenty of ability on his racecourse bow at Salisbury last year and the son of Zoffany is an obvious threat to the selection. St Pancras is arguably the most eye-catching newcomer having cost 100,000gns as a yearling and his dam won at Group 2 level, although Tactician is from the family of Coronet and should not be discounted.
Prediction : 1st Clockmaker 2nd Hosaamm 3rd St Pancras

HOUSTONN was only beaten a short-head at Salisbury two starts ago and was a very close fourth at the same venue on his most recent outing in October. Those performances have earned him a rating of 92 and Richard Hannon's colt will be hard to beat if running to that level. Trouville and Gulf Legend are others with valid form claims but will need to improve to beat the selection. Rhetorical, a 200,000gns half-brother to US Grade 1 winner Rockemperor, has to be noted on his racecourse bow, while Place Of Safety is also shortlisted.
Prediction : 1st Houstonn 2nd Trouville 3rd Gulf Legend

SHOW ME A HERO was sent off favourite for his handicap debut at Yarmouth and finished a promising third, only a length behind a subsequent easy winner. There should be plenty more to come from Michael Bell's gelding and a 1lb drop in the ratings gives him every chance in this open contest. Papagei won at Yarmouth on his latest outing and is an obvious danger, alongside the hat-trick seeking Niloufar.
Prediction : 1st Show Me A Hero 2nd Papagei 3rd Niloufar

CHERRYHAWK gets a tentative vote in what looks a fiercely competitive finale. She built on four solid placed efforts when scoring comfortably at Chepstow on Tuesday and a 5lb penalty shouldn't prevent another bold bid. Capstan has won his last three starts on the all-weather and demands respect, although he does have something to prove on turf. Similar can be said of Kempton winner Mrs Twig, while surprise Windsor scorer Naasma is another with claims.
Prediction : 1st Cherryhawk 2nd Capstan 3rd Mrs Twig