4 horses to follow at Newbury
1:35 William Hill Each Way Extra Handicap Hurdle
KYNTARA can capitalise on ideal conditions to regain the winning thread in this demanding staying handicap hurdle, with the return to heavy ground and a proven stamina test very much in his favour. In a race where several rivals have yet to prove themselves over this trip or in such testing conditions, Kyntara brings the strongest credentials when it comes to stamina and effectiveness in the mud. A highly progressive staying hurdler during the 2023–24 season, Kyntara established himself as a reliable performer in tough handicap company, particularly when the ground turned testing. His excellent record on heavy ground includes two wins and a close second, with that runner-up effort coming in this very race two years ago. On that occasion, he travelled strongly and stayed on powerfully through the closing stages, proving beyond doubt that he relishes both the course and the gruelling nature of this contest.
Although his most recent outing at Haydock was disappointing, it is easy to forgive that performance given the unsuitable conditions and the fact he was unable to get into a rhythm. More encouraging were his earlier efforts this season at Aintree and Cheltenham, where he showed clear signs that his ability remains intact. Those runs suggested he retains the engine required to be competitive at this level, and now finds himself on a more lenient handicap mark as a result. The return to heavy ground is a major positive, as these conditions allow him to utilise his stamina and relentless galloping style to maximum effect. Few in this field can match his proven ability under such circumstances, and his previous success and strong course form underline his suitability for this challenge.
With several key rivals unproven over the trip or on heavy going, KYNTARA stands out as the solid and dependable option. If able to dictate or race prominently, he can grind his rivals into submission and use his proven stamina and love of testing conditions to secure a deserved victory.
Horse to follow: Kyntara
Odds: 8/1 ew with BetMGM
2:10 William Hill Denman Chase (Grade 2)
HAITI COULEURS can confirm himself as one of the leading staying chasers in training and looks the one to beat following his superb victory in the Welsh Grand National. That performance at Chepstow was a clear statement of intent, as he travelled strongly, jumped boldly, and powered clear late on to beat a large and competitive field. It was a display that marked him out as a genuine Gold Cup contender and showed just how much progress he continues to make over marathon trips. Still relatively young for a staying chaser, Haiti Couleurs has developed an outstanding profile in this division. Last season, he announced himself at the highest level with a commanding victory in the National Hunt Chase at Cheltenham before following up with an even more impressive success in the Irish Grand National at Fairyhouse. Both wins came over extreme distances, highlighting his stamina, toughness, and ability to maintain a relentless gallop under pressure.
His disappointing run in the Betfair Chase at Haydock can be safely forgiven, as something was clearly amiss that day. Crucially, he quickly put that effort behind him with his dominant Welsh National success, proving that his progression remains firmly intact. That performance showed he has returned better than ever and is still improving with experience. Today’s testing ground will hold no fears. He has already proven his effectiveness on soft and heavy surfaces, including his Irish National triumph on soft to heavy ground, and such conditions are likely to play to his strengths. His ability to travel smoothly and keep finding off the bridle makes him especially dangerous in races that develop into thorough stamina tests. L’Homme Presse commands respect as a proven Grade 1 performer, but conceding weight to a progressive and thriving rival will not be easy. Haiti Couleurs, by contrast, is still improving and looks perfectly suited by the race conditions. With his stamina, class, and relentless galloping style, Haiti Couleurs can continue his rise through the staying chase ranks with another major victory.
Horse to follow: Haiti Couleurs
Odds: 10/11 with BetMGM
3:20 William Hill Hurdle
MILLDAM can capitalise on testing conditions to land this year’s William Hill Hurdle, with the Jamie Snowden-trained grey holding a major advantage if the ground remains heavy. In a race where many of his rivals have questions to answer in extreme conditions, Milldam has already proven himself to be a relentless and highly effective mudlark, and that could prove decisive. By Martaline, a sire renowned for producing strong stayers who excel in deep ground, Milldam has built an outstanding record when encountering heavy conditions. Remarkably, he has won his last four races on officially heavy going, underlining just how much he thrives when stamina becomes the key factor. Those performances highlight his ability to keep galloping when others begin to struggle, and this race looks tailor-made for his strengths.
His recent fifth-place finish behind Hot Fuss at Windsor was much more encouraging than it appears on paper. That race was run on softer ground, but not the extreme conditions he relishes most, and he was still able to keep on steadily to the finish in a competitive handicap. That effort suggested he is returning to peak form, and a return to much deeper ground is likely to bring about significant improvement. Importantly, he now finds himself on a workable handicap mark, only slightly higher than when winning impressively at Haydock on heavy ground. With his stamina assured and conditions firmly in his favour, he is well treated compared to several rivals who must prove their effectiveness in such a gruelling test. While progressive types such as Tutti Quanti and Let It Rain command respect, they are yet to prove themselves in truly testing ground. In contrast, Milldam’s proven ability in extreme conditions sets him apart. As the rain continues to fall and the race becomes more attritional, Milldam’s stamina, toughness, and proven love of heavy ground can see him grind his rivals into submission and secure a deserved victory.
Horse to follow: Milldam
Odds: 14/1 ew with BetMGM
3:55 William Hill Cheltenham Non-Runner Money Back Novices' Limited Handicap Chase
JIG’S FORGE looks the one to beat in what is a competitive staying handicap chase, and Ben Paulings’ progressive seven-year-old can continue his upward trajectory over fences. A fairly useful hurdler last season, including a respectable effort in the Albert Bartlett at Cheltenham, he has always shaped like a horse who would improve for the switch to chasing, and that promise is already being fulfilled His victory here in December may have come in a match, but the manner of the performance was particularly taking putting away Lucky Place who has run well since in a grade 2 back over hurdles and is rated much higher. He travelled with authority throughout, jumped fluently, and showed a professional attitude when dictating from the front. While his sole rival may not have given their running I think he may have, and JIG’S FORGE could only beat what was in front of him, and he did so with efficiency and control, suggesting he has much more to offer in this sphere. Prior to that, his chase debut at Cheltenham was highly encouraging, finishing a close third in a competitive handicap where the form looks strong, Kim Rogue run well in a grade 3 handicap, Jordans Cross who fell has since won and look a top novice as well, and Jigs Forge shaping as though this longer trip would suit him well,
This step back up in distance is another positive, as he appears to be improving with experience and stamina tests are likely to bring out further progress. His attacking style and sound jumping make him particularly dangerous around this track, where rhythm and positioning are crucial, and he remains unexposed compared to several of his rivals. Captain Bellamy rates the main threat after his narrow defeat here over Christmas, while the progressive Itseemslikeit and consistent Knight Of Allen also enter calculations. However, JIG’S FORGE has the profile of a chaser going places, and I think hes a mid 140's horse and can give the weight away here and confidence is high that this improving gelding can defy top weight. With further progress likely and conditions to suit, JIG’S FORGE is taken to confirm himself as a high-class staying chaser in the making.
Horse to follow: Jigs Forge
Odds: 5/1 ew with BetMGM
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