It’s all a bit of an ante-climax today after the brilliant cards at Newcastle and Newbury yesterday, but a winner today still pays the bills wherever it is, and at least there is some competitive racing to get our teeth into.

One I particularly like is Hawadeth in the 1.45 at Fontwell. This former County Hurdle second was dropped into selling company last time, where he duly outclassed his rivals for shrewd handler Victor Dartnall.

That confidence booster will have done Hawadeth the world of good, and racing off virtually the bottom of the handicap here, he looks sure to go very close indeed.

I make him a strong bet today.

Another I like at Fontwell is the progressive Ashgreen in the 2.20. This one looked a progressive performer last season when winning some nice chases, and I’ve a feeling his shrewd handler will have more lofty ambitions for her charge this season than winning races at Fontwell.

Ashgreen could well be a better class than his rivals here, and with his stable in form and a proven ability to win first time up (he did so last season), Ashgreen looks one to be with today.

Over at Newbury, I have a feeling there may be a future star on view – and I’m not talking about over hyped Novice Chaser Denman.

Step forward Phillip Hobbs Manhattan Boy, who looks thrown in to me in the Handicap Hurdle. It looks significant that the shrewd Hobbs takes the handicapping route second time out with this Novice Hurdler – he must think there is plenty to come from this useful recruit.

I really liked the way this one won his first Novice Hurdle at Bangor recently. There was strong market support for Manhattan Boy that day – always a good sign from the Hobbs stable – and he won with the minimum of fuss from more experienced rivals. I’m sure Manhattan Boy has pounds in hand here today, and he looks a fair play at around 2.8 this morning.

One I would be against at Newbury is Nicky Henderson’s Bonchester Bridge in the 12.30. This will be the third race in fifteen days for this Novice, and I’ve a feeling it could be one run too many – especially as she is a mare (they tend not to hold their form for so long in my experience).

Be Lucky, and may all your best be winning ones

The Trader