There’s a lot to look forward to on Saturday in the UK and Ireland with meetings coming from Bangor-On-Dee, Doncaster, Gowran Park, Newbury, Newcastle and Wolverhampton.
Newbury’s feature race in the Coral Gold Cup Handicap Chase where Tom Scudamore can win the prestigious 3m contest for the fourth time in his career on board Gericault Roque for trainer David Pipe.
Selections
- Newbury 12:15 – Luccia @ 11/8
- Newcastle 13:35 – Lord Roco @ 2/1
- Newbury 15:05 – Gericault Roque @ 11/2
Tip 1
LUCCIA (11/8) was successful on both of her appearances in bumper races last season. Nicky Henderson opted to step her up to Listed company on just her second outing and she proved her class, scoring by 17 lengths at Sandown.
The four-year-old is jumping hurdles competitively for the first time in this race, but she will be well-schooled heading into this contest by the Seven Barrows team. Given the quality Henderson has in his yard, he will have some good measurement sticks for his filly to determine how good he thinks she is.
The daughter of The Gurkha is a well-bred filly who could have a very exciting season ahead. This is a decent challenge for her first time out, but she can be taken to pass the test on ground she will be very comfortable with.
Tip 2
LORD ROCO made (2/1) a promising start on his first start over fences at Ayr earlier in the campaign. He finished second of seven runners in a contest over 2m4½f at the Scottish course. A performance that will have left his connections optimistic about the season ahead.
James Ewart’s gelding is now stepping up in distance to 2m7½f, which he will appreciate. The horse which beat him last time out looked quite smart, so its form which is likely to look better as the campaign progresses.
There are just five runners in this novice chase. The handicapper has kept the six-year-old off the same mark of 117, and he can take advantage of that by scoring at the second time of asking.
Tip 3
Tom Scudamore knows all about success in the Coral Gold Cup Handicap Chase, as he has been successful on three occasions, making him the joint-record holder. He has had the pick of the two David Pipe runners this year in the contest at 15:05 and he has chosen GERICAULT ROQUE (11/2).
The five-year-old chaser has finished no worse than third place on his last five outings over fences. He has proved to be very consistent over fences, and off this latest mark of 139, he should have a great chance again.
Pipe’s gelding warmed up for this race with a prep run over hurdles at Aintree earlier this month. He should now be fit and ready to shine in this great race, which is why he features as one of the most napped selections on the Betfred Betfinder this afternoon.
