5:25 Newbury Tips

Distance winner Cindy Lou Who is due to go 15 lbs in future races, so looks well in here at 5/2 and is the call.

2 lbs lower than when second in this last year. He reappeared with a solid effort, and considering how much he improved from run 1 to 2 in 2024, I think you can expect better here, as he has taken the same exact route and same position as he did last year. Two runs and two places at the track. He is drawn on the high side, which might not be ideal, but the overall lack of pace in the race could prove in his favour late on given his relatively light weight. 5/5 a place at this level (13223). He should run his race, and it’s a big plus seeing this jockey aboard, as he is the only jockey that has won on him, being 6/10 a place, with 5 of those being wins.

Arctic Thunder is interesting because he has the kind of profile that can easily outrun his price in a race like this. His ratings are strong enough to put him in the mix, and he has the ability to be very competitive if returning in the right shape. With a good cruising speed and proven handicap form, he looks a serious player.

He achieved a 3rd-place finish in this race last year, and given his proven ability to run effectively fresh, he stands a good chance of improving on that result. With several top finishes in similar turf races and Harry Davies riding, he becomes a compelling each-way contender at 25/1.

With eight wins from 38 starts (including success over six furlongs), it could be folly to rule out Roach Power at long odds. OR87 is the highest his handicap mark has ever reached, but with most of those wins he has put some distance between himself and the second horse home. Good ground suits him, and today's jockey rode this 7yo by Ribchester (won the Group 2 Mill Reef, 6f, and Group 1 Lockinge, 1m, here). Five wins last season. Michael Wigham trained him, and the team might fancy a go at this. Carries 9-01.