5:57 Newton Abbot Tips

Roadshow, a progressive 4-year-old from the Paul Nicholls yard, looks well-handicapped against older rivals in this Class 5 hurdle. With consistent form and a valuable 3lb claim from Olive Nicholls, he’s primed to improve further. Strong trainer form adds confidence. A leading contender with winning credentials.

Clearance is now an eleven-year-old but still capable of winning hurdle races. He has seen a falling mark since winning consecutive hurdle races here in May and June 2024 off marks of 108 and 112. He is now dropped to only 103, and although joint top weight here, he should go close.

Colonel Lesley had a comeback run here about 3 weeks ago and performed creditably even though only 6th. He will have needed that run, and with the pace he has in this sort of grade, he should be able to be there or thereabouts. The jockey is competent.

FEEL THE PINCH is a stone lower than his C&D victory here in July last year. This may have been plotted having been run frequently in the winter months. Good jockey booking and I'm hopeful of a big run.

Thahab Ifraj returns from 224 days off with Mr. Jack Andrews riding for Alexandra Dunn. This veteran, now 12 years old, was pulled up when last seen over 2m5f at Huntingdon but now drops in trip and is back on a mark of 96, which is 5lb lower than his last winning rating. He has never won over course or distance but has placed in both and has a solid record on similar going with 7 wins. Ground suits and class is workable, and an each-way chance if fully wound up as the expected pace looks fair.