4:55 Newbury Tips

Colori Forever makes plenty of appeal in the 4:55 after winning nicely last time out and earning a 6 lb rise for that success. He still looks progressive and comes here with the profile of a horse improving faster than the handicapper can fully catch. His recent form is strong, his speed figures are solid, and he looks ready for another big run.

Stepping up in class may seem risky, so the EW bet. But Fort Rock has been a clear winner in its only two races, prevailing over later successful opponents, and the hat-trick looks at hand.

Caballo Grande has won three times in his short career. The first of those was at Goodwood last October, where he finished third. His next appearance was just under three weeks later when making his debut on the all-weather. He appeared to have learned from the Goodwood race and appreciated the surface, winning by over four lengths. He was then next seen in March, again on the all-weather, where he powered clear to win by five lengths. If he can bring that all-weather form now that he is returning to turf, Caballo Grande has every chance to complete a hat-trick of wins.

Shaman Champion and Astrazar look interestingly treated of those at prices, but with Walker having 8 places from his last 12 I’m minded to chance the latter. With his last run being well advertised, you can upgrade that effort further. He missed the kick and had traffic to contend with, and had a torrid passage late on. Strong at the finish, having weaved through the field from a detached position at a track where it can pay to be prominent, he just looks too good to ignore off this opening mark of 86, given the horse he beat there into 2nd was just 3 lbs higher and is rated 98. Two from two at 7f, he’s proven himself to be adept in big fields, and is 1/1 saddling 9st or less.

The medicine men will be ecstatic if this one goes in. Timeform think there will be some potential improvers here but I think the selection's form in the bank is good enough.

He stands as a strong each-way candidate at 18/1, arriving in peak condition following wins in his last two AW outings. Trained by Richard Hannon, this 3-year-old is poised to elevate his form on his turf debut, and the yard is renowned for successfully placing their runners.

Roger Varian thinks Peel Park will come on a lot for being gelded, as he didn't put it all together and show his true form after his maiden win last year. Got a bit to find, but looks capable of a place at least.

Illy's Roo is an improving horse. His two races since joining the Gemma Tutty stable have been his best career performances. Both were run over today's distance. He has won on the straight, galloping track at Salisbury, and Newbury can suit. His trainer has saddled two winners from her last five runners. Rhys Elliott takes over in the saddle, and his useful allowance takes the weight carried to 8-0.

The Resdev Scholar is the value angle in the race because he arrives in very consistent form and still looks underestimated by the market. His recent performances suggest he is thriving, and he has shown he can be competitive in races of this nature. From a fair draw and with confidence high, he looks overpriced for a horse with genuine winning claims.