Templegate’s pinstickers’ guide to the runners and riders for the Betfair Hurdle at Newbury racecourse this Saturday, February 10
Templegate runs you through the contenders for the Betfair Hurdle at Newbury racecourse this Saturday and gives you his top tip for the valuable handicap.
THIS Kalash of the Titans can go the way of Amy Murphy’s hope.
Top novice Kalashnikov looks just the right type for this and his yard is firing in the winners.
HIGH BRIDGE 3/5
HIGH chance. Unbeaten in three visits to Newbury. Had run of the race in front when successful here in December and won’t get that today.
JENKINS 4/5
JOY Jenkins. Got his act together in blinkers on his last two starts. Still well weighted and he could easily make his class tell.
POPPY KAY 3/5
KAY could pay. Smart mare with a good strike-rate. Won over just shy of 2m4f last time but that stamina will come in handy.
LALOR 4/5
COULD lay down the Lor. Top bumper horse last season. Yet to strike over hurdles but his Cheltenham second is decent. Makes his handicap debut in race that should play to his strengths.
KNOCKNANUSS 4/5
OPPORTUNITY Knocks. Trainer Gary Moore has won this prize three times. This one bolted up on his handicap debut and is dangerously unexposed.
WATERLORD 3/5
SPARKLING Water. Dual winner in December on heavy ground and paid for putting it up to smart novice at Haydock last time. Definite each-way claims.
WILLIAM H BONNEY 2/5
GONE west. Moves like a good horse but his finishing effort is sometimes lacking. Held in two starts this season and similar expected today.
IRISH ROE 3/5
ROE dear. Prolific winner with a good attitude. Couldn’t get past smart sort in mares’ race last time and faces her acid test today.
SILVER STREAK 3/5
NO gold for Silver. Looked good on decent ground and cracking Ascot effort on softer. The sticky ground is his main worry.
NIETZSCHE 2/5
NOT Niet. Decent juvenile last season but that was not a strong generation. Well held this season and falls short of what’s required.
COEUR BLIMEY 2/5
COOL on Coeur. Has the ability to take a hand but continues to be held back by jumping mistakes. Needs the cheekpieces to work the oracle.
ZALVADOS 1/5
ZAL’s no pal. Finally off the mark over hurdles in ordinary maiden hurdle. Sure to find this much tougher.