I've been waiting to see GIVE ME A COPPER on some proper Spring ground and it looks like today might finally be the day for it. All looked set for a big run last time out at Ludlow but late, heavy showers turned the ground soft and I don't think he was seen at his best. When under the care of Paul Nicholls he showed his best form on good ground and I think he can turn back the years today at Newbury faced with the same conditions.
I hope the small field doesn't hinder ANNSAM today as I think he is lurking on a very good mark over hurdles. He hosed up off 134 over fences at Ascot this season and races today off 130. His run at Kempton last time out was full of promise and suggests the step back up to three miles today should really suit.
The best value bet at Newbury today looks to be ARTHUR'S SEAT in the closing handicap hurdle. Toby Bulgin's charge ran a good race at Ayr last time when just getting denied over 2m 4f. He too steps up to three miles today which I think will suit as he looked a little one paced at Ayr but I also think he will appreciate the drying ground at Newbury today.
Newbury 1.20 – Give Me A Copper
Newbury 3.40 – Annsam
Newbury 4.50 – Arthur's Seat
Saturday
The Scottish Champion Hurdle at Ayr looks a competitive event and the eye is drawn to West Cork and Milkwood at the top of the betting. However, a little further down is last year's 2nd, ANNA BUNINA, who enjoys a good pull in the weights with last year's winner. John McConnell knows what it takes to win these races and he has bought her along steadily enough this year. A few quiet runs this year has led to a lenient drop in the weights and this stiff two miles might just bring the best out in her.
The feature race of the day is the Scottish National and I'm firing two darts at the board. First up is last year's 4th THE FERRY MASTER who looks primed to attempt to go a few places better this year. It was a strong renewal last year and he ran a blinder to be 4th. He is now 5lb lower this year and Sandy Thomson has no doubt had this in mind for quite some time.
My other selection is the Irish raider, HISTORY OF FASHION who is trained by Pat Fahy who trained last year's third. He knows how to lay one out for a race and this horse has been unlucky to unseat twice this season. He is very unexposed, especially over these sort of trips, and a chance is taken that he proves to be a lot better than a mark of 130.
Down at Newbury, PEARLY ISLAND looks a very good bet with Corey McGivern taking off a valuable 10lbs. Lucy Wadham's novice has ran well in some good races this year and will be virtually running loose tomorrow with such low weight on his back. The step up to 2m 2f will also bring about some improvement after he stayed on over 2m last time.
I've had this Mares final in mind for HOLLY HARTINGO all season and I think she could be primed to run a huge race. She needed a third run to qualify for the race so I think connections just chucked her in at Hereford to get that run in so I wouldn't read too much into the bare form as 2 miles isn't her trip. This longer trip will see her back to her best and I'm hoping for a big run.
Ayr 2.25 – Anna Bunina
Ayr 3.35 – The Ferry Master & History Of Fashion
Newbury 1.35 – Pearly Island
Newbury 2.45 – Holly Hartingo
