2:33 Newton Abbot Tips

Won over much further last time around here and was a winner over this trip here the time before. Pedigree suggests that this will be a more adequate trip for him as he goes for the HT under a 7lb penalty, which is negated 5lb by rider's claim. Strong fancy to win this.

Runner-up, then winner here over two miles two furlongs in the last two starts. Stayed on well on both of those occasions, which suggests that today's step up in trip will suit. Raised eight pounds for that last effort but looks to have strong claims here in this small field.

Impecunious is on a mark of 104, which still looks competitive based on his novice form and a solid win three starts back at Chepstow off 96. He returned from a break 34 days ago and finished 4th, ran well, and looked like the run would bring him on. He has a 12.5% win rate and 50% place rate on similar ground and has placed at this course before. His class 4 record is fair with a 16.6% win rate. Trained by C J Down and ridden by Bryan Carver, he should sit handy just behind the pace. If the race is run at a decent gallop, he is likely to travel strongly into it before being delivered late. Looks a reliable and in-form horse with a chance if building on that last effort here.

The price difference between OVAL STREET and the others does seem rather exaggerated. The nine-year-old is 32lb (27lb with 5lb claim) better off with Keel Strand for 12 lengths over C&D 30 days ago and I certainly didn't think the selection was knocked about in novice company that day. Helen Nelmes' gelding also enjoys an 8lb swing with reopposing rival Stinginhisstep over shorter here in May. Strange things can happen in these small-field affairs and I think Paddy Power's original price of 13/2 was far more like it.