Newbury top racing tip: Mahler Moon ready to take next step for red-hot yard

17:20 Newbury: Download The BetVictor App Handicap Hurdle (3 miles 52 yards)

Of those, early market leaders Republican and Sporting Mike appear to lined up for a two-horse showdown, with the former looking to overcome the five-pound penalty he incurred after winning at Musselburgh on his New Year’s Day stable debut for Harry Derham.

Neither look particularly enticing at around the 3/1 mark, and with the four places that are being offered by some bookies, an each-way punt on more attractively priced outsiders like Annie Magic (nicely handicapped on hurdle return) and I’m A Starman (two wins in his last three outings) might offer more appeal.

Planet Sport Bet Daily Special: Bet £20+ cash on any runner in the race and if I’m A Starman finishes in the first 3 places, get a £5 Free Bet

Our top pick, however, comes from that mid-market no-man’s-land, where Mahler Moon is lurking quietly as a very realistic prospect for the red-hot Skelton team.

Although yet to pay a visit to the winner’s enclosure in eight attempts, this lightly-raced six-year-old remains unexposed and is clearly in the best hands to maximise his scope for improvement. 

He returns from a 54-day break, refreshed and primed to build on a best-yet performance last time out at Doncaster, where he was no match for the short-priced winner on the day, but nevertheless gave a good account to finish ahead of nine rivals and take third place.

That was his first experience of cheekpieces and tongue strap, and that combination remains in place here, while the presence of Harry Skelton to the saddle after a four-race absence both improves Mahler Moon's prospects and gives an indication that the stable want to give their charge the best possible chance here.

Suggested best bet: Mahler Moon each-way in the 17:20 at Newbury

• Tip advised by EachWayMorningTips on Tipstrr

 

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