3.20pm Newbury Tips & Betting Preview 09/11/2017

A useful looking handicap hurdle over just further than the minimum trip with a prize of £6,498. Read on for expert analysis and betting tips.

IN SUMMARY: Poppy Kay looked unlucky not to win when last seen but may have to wait for compensation as this can go to BARMAN, he comes here match fit after a small field romp and looks feasibly treated under a penalty so can go in again.

1 UTILITY – Won twice earlier in the year and looked a useful prospect for the season in both those efforts, didn’t manage to back that up when attempting to defy another rise in the weights last time and has questions to answer now.

2 CHTI BALKO – Won two of his four starts in novice company last season and was last season when well-beaten by Pingshou in a Grade 1 at Aintree last time, remains unexposed and should have more to offer this season; considered.

3 POPPY KAY – Ran a huge race when last seen having been beaten just a neck despite being hampered, that was a solid looking race and she had previously bolted up by ten lengths so she is of obvious interest if ready for this after a break.

4 BARMAN – Never looked in danger when winning last time out and had been threatening a return to form for a while, runs under a penalty but that weight is cancelled out by capable claimer Alan Doyle and he should be in the thick of things again.

5 SEA WALL – Won three on the bounce when last seen and remains well handicapped off this mark on some of his old form, James Bowen claims a valuable three here and if fit after a 244 day break this one should be involved.

6 VOLPONE JELOIS – Paul Nicholls has had an excellent start to the season and this gelding could continue his streak, hasn’t been beaten more than four lengths in his last five starts and should again run his race and make his presence felt.