Newbury racing tips (1435): Earth King primed for further progress under Harry Cobden
newbury racecourse
The strong field lining up for this competitive handicap should give us a race to savour, with most of the 14 runners carrying realistic hopes of at least making the frame.
14:35 Newbury: Remembering Bob Olney Novices’ Handicap Chase (2 miles 6½ furlongs)
Indeed, with four places widely available (as many as five if you shop around), Tipstrr’s each-way specialists have come out in force to take advantage of some appealing prospects at tasty odds.
Notatpresent looks interesting as something of an unknown quantity after an extended absence, while the twice-raced Ballydesmond could well outrun his price if recent wind surgery has a positive effect on his handicapping debut.
Planet Sport Bet: Bet £20+ cash on any runner in the race and if Ballydesmond finishes in the first 3 places, get a £5 Free Bet
That each-way interest extends less to the early favourite Blairgowrie, and while Nicky Henderson's eight-year-old won last time out, that was over hurdles back in April 2022, so either some important people are in the know, or else he looks something of a gamble on his chasing debut after such a long break.
Arguably a more appealing pick from the market leaders is the Ben Case-trained Gazette Bourgeoisie, who is a two-time hurdle winner and put in a decent display over fences when returning from an eight-month break to come second by a nose at Ffos Las in December.
On board that day was Harry Cobden, but he has intriguingly been booked to ride Earth King here, and any horse that carries both Planet Sport Bet’s racing ambassador and a double-digit price has to be worth a closer look.
Neil Mulholland’s lightly-raced eight-year-old confirmed his early promise over hurdles last year, winning tidily at Exeter in February and backing that up with a close-up second behind the short-priced favourite at Taunton a month later.
After a seven-month break, he took a couple of races to adjust to chasing, but looked much more the part on this third attempt over larger obstacles last time out on Boxing Day, finishing three lengths off the winner when third of seven at Wincanton, with the first three well clear of their rivals.
Cobden looks to be a significant booking, especially in light of having piloted four winners and two runners-up from his last seven completions, with those successes taking him over the 100-mark for the season and within 20 of current Jump Jockey Championship leader, Sean Bowen.
Best each-way punt: Earth King in the 14:35 at Newbury
- Tip advised by Off The Bridle Racing on Tipstrr
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