The Mandarin’s Newbury Park Racecard for Saturday 30th December 2023

The Mandarin’s Newbury Park Racecard for Saturday 30th December 2023

Play Coral ‘Racing-Super-Series’ For Free Mares’ Handicap Hurdle 12.05
Parikarma
Gary Moore has his string in fine fettle over the Christmas period, including a win in the Welsh Grand National with Nassalam, so Parikarma is one to keep on side for the opener. She hit the bar at Market Rasen earlier in the month, though Rob Hargreaves did drop the rein after the last which didn’t aid the cause, but there’s every chance this pair can go one better here. Rob Hargreaves 10lb claim is useful, so Parikarma should be weighted well enough to see off main rival, Fergal O’Brien’s Greyval

Coral Committed To Safer Gambling ‘Introductory’ Hurdle 12.40
Jeriko Du Reponet
Recent course and distance winner will be a hot favourite to follow up here with conditions once again in his favour. Condisering the style of that win on his debut under rules, the Bookies will be taking no chances, but the four-timer seeking Secret Squirrel may push Jeriko Du Reponet all the way, especially if he can settle better than when scoring at Kempton last month. Jeriko Du Reponet to justify favouritism

New ‘Bet-In-Race’ With Coral Handicap Chase 1.15
Guy
Top-weighted Guy, lining up for Nigel Twiston-Davies, looks the one to follow for this Handicap Chase. He’s had a couple of decent enough runs at Cheltenham in the Autumn, without threatening to win, but dropped back to 2 miles after finishing fourth of seven last time out at Taunton, can have a say here. Tom Bellamy is sure to keep him honest, so Guy can defy top-weight for a Class 3 win

Coral Racing Club Join For Free Handicap Hurdle 1.50
Get A Tonic
Dan Skelton’s Getaway mare could not have been more impressive than when making all over course and distance last month. She made a mockery of her starting price, and although that has attracted the attentions of the Handicapper, there’s every chance she can double this season’s tally at Newbury Park. The King’s horse, Steal A March, looked progressive last season, so rates the main threat, but Get A Tonic gets the nudge on race-fitness

Coral Mandarin Handicap Chase 2.25
Atlanta Brave
A tricky looking race where there’s a few that could have a big say. Surrey Quest lines up with winning form since moving to Toby Lawes, while Fantastikas seems to have turned a corner after a three-quarter length runners-up spot at Ludlow earlier this month. However, this run is a second preference over the 1.25 at Haydock Park, so he’s not guaranteed to start. Kerry Lee might provide the answer with Atlanta Brave, whose second at Exeter shows he’s one going the right way. Any more rain would be welcome, so a market check is advised

Coral Challow Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 1) 3.00
Captain Teague (nap)
The exciting Captain Teague can land the feature for Paul Nicholls, though there has been plenty of support for Willmount after his course and distance win here last month. However, Captain Teague already has the Grade 2 Persian War Novices’ Hurdle under his belt, a race he won in taking fashion, and followed that up with a solid second in another Grade 2 at Cheltenham. Paul Nicholls has an enviable record in this race which he clearly targets, so Captain Teague to make it four in a row

Coral Get Closer To The Action Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase 3.35
Passing Well (nb)
Jamie Snowden can take the closer with Passing Well, who has made a bright start over fences, second at Ascot before scoring at Lingfield. He looks progressive and is off a workable mark, so the excellent Gavin Sheehan can double the winning tally over fences on this Coastal Path gelding. Conditions to suit, so Passing Well is the one to follow

The Mandarin