Newbury racing tip: Dashel Drasher poised to turn tables on Marie's Rock
Thomas Darby wins long distance hurdle at Newbury
Six quality stayers line up for the Coral Long Distance Hurdle, with a few very familiar faces likely to be in contention to land the biggest prize on Newbury’s Friday card.
15:00 Newbury: Coral Long Distance Hurdle (3 miles 52 yards)
Marie’s Rock is understandably the warm odds-on favourite and looks very much the one to beat here for the Nicky Henderson/ Nico de Boinville team.
She has two Grade 1 mares’ successes under her belt, and bounced back from Cheltenham disappointment to be a somewhat unlucky runner-up behind an inspired Sire Du Berlais when last seen in the Liverpool Hurdle in April.
She also won her first outing last season, notably finishing five lengths ahead of the re-opposing Dashel Drasher, but Tipstrr racing pundit K4 Tips is enthusiastic about the latter’s chances of reversing that result, as his analysis below explains.
Planet Sport Bet: Bet £20+ cash on any runner in the race and if Marie’s Rock wins by more than 9 lengths, get a £5 Free Bet
Dashel Drasher is my favourite horse and I know I’m not alone in loving this game 10-year-old, who is renowned and admired for his front-running and prominent racing style.
Trained by Jeremy Scott, this bay gelding is a very smart hurdler (not to mention a high-class chaser), who has delivered several impressive performances, including a notable second place in the Stayers' Hurdle at Cheltenham last March.
That race completed four straight runner-up spots, all close finishes in long-distance hurdling terms, since his last success over a shorter two-and-a-half-mile trip at Aintree last November.
After a seven-month break, he recently finished third at Wetherby, hinting at needing the run, and no doubt better for having blown some early-season cobwebs away.
His record demonstrates resilience and a strong work ethic, making him a formidable contender whenever he takes to the track. He stays well over three-miles-plus and performs effectively in all conditions, including on heavy ground, so we’re expecting him to lead the way here, hopefully all the way to the winners’ enclosure!
- Suggested bet: Dashel Drasher in the 15:00 at Newbury
READ MORE: Friday ITV racing tips: Best bets for Newbury on December 1
