3:45 Newbury Tips

Very consistent in these kinds of races. Versatile ground-wise. Up 2 lbs for beating Bad 1.75L last time, which is solid form, as is form behind Panic Attack back in November. Surely goes well once again.

Started the season in superb form with two wins, including a dominant win at this course. Unseated last time when travelling well. Looks a rock-solid selection

Issam has built up a decent 3-from-6 record over fences, culminating last time in an excellent run. A 7 lb rise might not halt his progress here, and Callum Pritchard takes off 3 of the 7 lb rise anyway. He’s put together three decent spins on his back, so is a positive booking for a crack at this prize. The slight drop in trip shouldn’t prove an inconvenience in a race like this, and with a three-way go for the lead there should be no hiding place late on. His weight carry does cause slight concern, but he’s shown he’s good enough to be competitive here, so gets my vote.

Cheltenham is 9 lb better off with Twinjet today for a 10L defeat over CD on good to soft in November. The leader was allowed to get away from him that day and is likely to be kept closer today, with the forecast rain helping the cause. Since then he has had two falls and was then given a confidence booster last time in a Grade 1 race he had no chance of winning. That run a fortnight ago should see him primed for this, which he won two years ago.

Winner at Doncaster in November who has run well in defeat off this mark a couple of times since, including when 2nd at Newcastle last week. Needs more to land a race like this, but does have age and therefore the potential for progression on his side.

Lightly raced 6yo who might be underestimated in this handicap chase. He switched to fences this winter and has two wins and a narrow defeat to his name from three runs. A mistake 2 out did not help in his last race. The form seems fine, with decent RPR ratings. Those three races were over 16f. He was a 21f hurdle winner last spring, and this 20f trip could bring about further improvement. He carried 11-10 in his last race and just 10-3 for this handicap, which might put an extra spring in his step.

Often likes to bowl along in front and pulled up at Cheltenham last time out where not allowed to dictate on ground that reportedly ran too quick. Today's good to soft ground will suit better and looks each way value if able to take them on from the front.