Newbury best bets: Doyen Quest well-in to beat favourite, Hecouldbetheone worth an each-way look

15:33 Newbury: Daily Racing Specials at BetVictor Handicap Hurdle (2 miles 69 yards)

Early favourite David's Well appears to be the one to beat after shaping up well to finish fifth of 13 over this course and distance in February, and then making the most of a drop in class to convert that promise into a 14-length romp at Plumpton last time out 25 days ago.

He should go well again under Rex Dingle, but arguably better value at slightly more appealing odds is Dan Skelton’s Doyen Quest, who has been improving nicely over obstacles since kicking his career off with a bumper win at Ffos Las in October.

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Three progressive efforts over hurdles culminated in a hard-fought half-length success at Taunton last month, with the remainder of his ten rivals strung out a further nine-plus lengths behind the runner-up.

His first handicap outing at the same venue 11 days ago was no less impressive, finishing the one-length runner-up behind Tintintin, again with the front two well clear of their ten rivals.

The trainer’s brother Harry Skelton missed that last ride, but re-unites here after being on board for every other outing, and he should coax another good run out of Doyen Quest, who is a notable six pounds well-in compared to his future mark.

Suggested best bet: Doyen Quest in the 15:33 at Newbury

• Tip advised by Ramsden Racing on Tipstrr

Of those carrying each-way value lower down the betting, bottom weight Phoenix Risen was hitting top form this time last year, and could be of interest at a hefty price if able to hit the ground running following an eight-month lay-off. 

Finest View is another returning from an extended break and might be worth a look as he makes his debut for Alan King, but our best each-punt is for another making his stable debut in the shape of Hecouldbetheone.

A dual novice hurdle winner for Gary Moore two years ago, he returned from a 20-month lay-off to give a couple of encouraging performances over fences for Chris Gordon in December before changing hands again to the yard of James Owen.

The seven-year-old now reverts to smaller obstacles following a three-month break, and while still with plenty to prove, his prospects can only be boosted by the significant booking of aspiring champion jockey Harry Cobden to take the reins.

READ MORE: Harry Cobden's Planet Sport Bet blog previews his four Saturday rides at Newbury

Planet Sport Bet’s racing ambassador teamed up with Owen to great effect on Thursday, when their trip to Chepstow for just one ride was rewarded by Love Tree easing home a length and a half clear of the odds-on favourite.

They had recently teamed up in similar circumstances with Owen’s only runner on Monday, when Our Pink Lady won at Southwell, and the fact that Hecouldbetheone is again his only representative on Friday’s card suggests that hopes are higher than his current price might suggest.

Suggested best bet: Hecouldbetheone each-way in the 15:33 at Newbury

• Tip advised by KingBob1719 on Tipstrr

 

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