Newbury racing top tip: Hickory is a solid favourite but plenty of chances in chasing pack

16:30 Racehorse shares from £25 at racingclub.com Handicap

Hickory backed to win the 16:30 at Newbury on Thursday, which is understandable. He went well during his latest outing at Ascot, hampered when fourth of 21 in a Class 2 race.

He’s featured in the frame in four of his last five outings and has looked strong in Class 2 races, so it’s only right he’s given the nod in present company.

It’s also worth noting that William Buick will hop on the saddle for the first time. Buick is a hugely profitable bet in turf handicaps and could bring the best out of James Fanshawe’s bay gelding.

Course and distance winner Pearle D’Or was a beaten favourite last time out, shaping as if in good form despite a fourth-place finish in a 13-runner handicap at Doncaster.

Be Frank produced a pair of fine wins as a three-year-old and despite a 10-month absence, he’s looked every bit as dangerous since his reappearance in May.

Planet Sport Bet Special: Bet £20 on any runner in the 16:30 at Newbury and if Hickory wins by more than 1 length, get a £5 free bet!

He improved on a fourth-place finish at Newmarket by coming third at Goodwood and Trevor Whelan, who guided him to success at Salisbury and his last outing, will take the reigns again today.

Plenty of other chances such as distance winners Metaverse, Under The Twilight and Sterling Knight, who is back at a tempting mark, but one in particular stands out.

Zouzana was terrific as a three-year-old, winning at Ascot and Haydock, and backing up those wins with good showings at Newmarket and Yarmouth.

She hadn’t been seen since October and failed to impress in favourable conditions at Ascot last time out, but it may be a case of needing that run under her belt.

It should be pointed out that the contest was over a mile, and despite being extremely well-backed by the public, her preferred distance seems to be seven furlongs.

Not only may she benefit from her previous run, but it’s worth highlighting that she was disappointed by finishing 12th of 18 over a mile at Goodwood just a month before winning over this distance.

Suggested bet: Zouzanna each-way in the 16:30 at Newbury

• Tip advised Multi-sport VGG on Tipstrr