3:23 Newton Abbot Tips

A reliable sort who has not finished out of the frame in the last 6 outings. Definitely goes on softish going, so today should be ideal, and the handy claim by the apprentice jockey will come in very handy.

BUCKNA has been placed in four hurdle races from five starts. Second in a hurdle race over 2m 3f at Warwick on his latest outing in April. Over fences today, course distance and going should suit. Seems well treated and could well be able to go one better and win this race.

Jane Williams might have a potential chaser on her hands if he warms to the task he has in hand here with his first run over fences. He was useful over hurdles, and his ability in that sphere points to the bigger obstacles. Castelfort has a very good pedigree for this game, being by Castle Du Berlais, who is related to Sire Du Berlais. The dam sire is Soldier Of Fortune, who is by Galileo, indicating a possibility of having a long stride pattern. Castelfort has raced nine times over hurdles with three wins and also took in Grade Three, having the substance to be of interest.

Pachacuti has run well in the past after a break, but this year had wind surgery in Jan and showed improvement when second up and second off a 112 at 2m4f. However, he was then poor just before the break at 3 miles. I think the return to 2m5f today off a 109 after a break is worth a shot Each Way.

Sherborne won off a 113 back in April and returned from a break at the start of this month to a decent second off a 116. He goes again off that mark but is now second up after wind surgery, with a history of running better when second up after a break.

A Jeremy Scott trained 7-year-old who has had 10 races over the chases, winning twice and has finished in the frame 7 times. His last win was in March this year in a class 2 handicap chase at Fontwell over 2m 3 1/2f on good going when leading on the run-in to beat the favorite by 1 length. He is in a class 4 handicap chase over 2m 5f on good to soft going and has Lorcan Williams in the saddle, who has ridden him before. This gelding has been off track for 192 days but is a very reliable jumper. Has a decent e/w shout in this race today.

SUPER SABRE SAM has a decent chance of a place, I think. His trainer has a 40% strike rate at Newton Abbot and has a 20% strike rate in chases in the last fortnight. His 6-year-olds are massively profitable to follow (£80.71 profit to a £1 stake if backing all runners (IBAR) in 2025). His runners over this 21f have a 25% SR. Runners in the class 4 races are very profitable (£82.16 profit IBAR in 2025). Place prospects at decent odds here.

Theformismighty represents Dan Skelton's renowned stable. He has three wins to his name. Considering his drop in class from Class 2 to Class 4 and the correspondingly lower level of competition, Theformismighty has every chance of success today. The stable's first jockey, Harry Skelton, will be in the saddle.

Won his last outing in a Class 5 at Ffos Las over 2m 3f 83yds on heavy under today's jockey and 87 rating. Rating today has risen to 91, but step up to a Class 4 means he sits bottom of the handicap receiving weight all round with only 10st 2lb. Hopefully fully wound up after 253 days off.