A field of eight go to post for the third race of the day at Newton Abbot on Tuesday. See our betting tips and the full race preview below.
IN SUMMARY: Holly Bush Henry is interesting with the hood on, yet it’s impossible to get away from COEUR TANTRE. He was well backed on stable debut for Anthony Honeyball and he made no mistake when slamming a field over further here six days ago, making all in clinical style. Despite idling, he won with any amount in hand and he can easily follow up under Aidan Coleman, with the step back in trip no problem at all.
1 HOLLY BUSH HENRY – Six-year-old who made his debut for the Phil Middleton yard at Uttoxeter back in July, finishing sixth after racing far too keenly early on. He now drops to a mark of 130 – meaning that he is now 4lbs below his last winning mark – and the hood is fitted by connections in a bid to stop him pulling so hard. Harry Stock takes off 7lbs and he couldn’t be discounted.
2 ST SAVIOUR – Running reasonably well since a win at Stratford in April, finishing third in three similar races the last thrice. He has, however, been beaten a fair way, readily left behind when beaten 16 lengths on his latest start and he’s only 1lb lower here. That finds him still 7lbs above his last winning mark and others are clearly better handicapped at present. Thomas Cheesman takes off 5lbs, however others are preferred.
3 MILROW – Returned to winning ways on his latest start when winning a seller at Stratford in August, but that was a weak race and the second was subsequently well beaten in another seller. This is clearly much tougher as he makes his debut for Sophie Leech and he’ll need to have improved again if he’s to be taking this under Paddy Brennan. Conditions are fine, but others are far more likely on this occasion.
4 PERUVIAN BLEU – Five-year-old who hasn’t been seen since May where he completed a double with a good win at Ludlow, despite racing keenly early on. He is now 2lbs higher but he’s been given a break and he could resume his progress now under his regular 7lb claimer. Has to be respected on his hat-trick bid with conditions fine.
5 FREE STONE HILL – Consistent seven-year-old for Dan Skelton who finished second at Worcester on his latest start, idling when hitting the front over the last and pipped on the line. He’s now been raised four pounds and he’s going to need everything to go his way here, especially as Harry Skelton is going to have to judge this ride to perfection to get him up as late as possible. Hard to rule him out, yet others are far less risky.
6 BARMAN – Nicky Henderson inmate whose last win came at Warwick over today’s distance back in September off a 3lb higher mark. He had since been out of form until a respectable third at Stratford on his penultimate start, with a step up in trip on his latest start backfiring and that run is best ignored. He is more than capable off this mark and Nico de Boinville takes the ride, so his claims are obvious for a powerful yard.
7 COEUR TANTRE – Very well backed on stable debut for the Anthony Honeyball yard and he duly obliged with a commanding victory over further at this venue. He made all and, despite idling between the final two flights, he was always going to win with a bit in hand. Clearly in good heart at present and a step back in trip will be of no concern. He shouldn’t be pressured for the lead and, with Aidan Coleman taking the ride, he’s the one to beat.
8 TREASURE THE RIDGE – Consistent performer for Martin Hill who gained a seventh career success when taking a course and distance handicap three weeks ago. He does, however, need to shoulder a 6lb penalty in a tougher race which looks difficult against some simply better horses. Jerry McGrath takes the ride, but a supporting role looks on the cards this time around.