Selections for Saturday 12th February 2022
1.50 Newbury
1 point each way The Big Breakaway (7/1 Skybet, 4 places)
The Big Breakaway reverts to hurdles for the first time since coming fourth in the Ballymore Novices Hurdle at Cheltenham in 2020. He was running an encouraging race when falling at the last behind Bravemansgame on his seasonal reappearance before disappointing behind Chantry House at Sandown beaten 37 lengths. He could have easily won the Grade 1 Kauto Star at Kempton only for mistakes at the last two fences and then finished third in the RSA last March behind Monkfish. He has had a wind operation since and this is his first run back (although I would be of the opinion a horses second run back is the ideal time to show improvement) I still feel he is the class act in this field and off a mark of 144 he should be competitive and at 7/1 I couldn’t let him pass. He is one for the tracker next time out also..
3.35 Newbury
1 point each way I Like To Move It (11/1 William Hill/ Betfred, 5 places)
Novices have a great record in this race and this year the handicapper seems to have been very generous to the younger horses. I Like To Move It runs here off 138 and I think there is definitely room for improvement off that mark. I would put a line through his last run as it turned into a sprint over the last half mile. He needs a strong pace and I hope he just gets that to give him a proper chance. The course should suit and the ground will be fine (has winning form on good and good to soft) and the trainer Nigel Twiston-Davies has a great record in this race winning it three times in the last eight years
1 point each way Royaume Uni (14/1 Paddy power/ Betfair, 5 places)
Gary Moore is double handed here with Fitfy Ball who finished second last year off the same mark and Royaume Uni who gets in here at the bottom of the weights carrying 10st 2lbs. This son of Galileo is closely related to some top notch flat horses most notably four time Group 1 winner Novellist. He is another who will appreciate a strong pace and a bit of better ground. Last time out he was beaten by the reapposing First Street by eleven lengths, however, that was on soft ground and he is now on 10lbs better terms. Before that he was third at Cheltenham behind Lively Citizen and today’s favourite Broomfield Burg. He was a 3 3/4 lengths behind Broomfield Burg that day where he would have finished closer only for been short of room after two out. Our selection is on 4lbs better terms than him here. I expect significant improvement today from Royaume Uni in this valuable handicap
2.05 Warwick
2 points Win Edwardstone ( 1/1 William Hill/ Bet 365, Win only)
Edwardstone has 6lbs in hand on official ratings and could be clear favourite for this years Cheltenham Arkle by 2.15. He can land the four timer here after landing a Grade 2 and Grade 1 the last twice beaten Third Time Lucki by 16 lengths in the latter. Edwardstone has won at Warwick last November and ground conditions will be fine.
3.15 Warwick
1 point each way Cheddleton (8/1 William Hill, 4 places)
Cheddleton is a Lightly raced seven year old who is improving having recorded career best performances the last twice when second on both occasions off the same mark. The big question mark was the step up in trip but I was reassured to read the trainers assistant Alan O’Keeffe say ” He’s run very well in defeat this season and he looks like he’s been crying out for this step up in trip so we hope that’ll bring out improvement”. His running style should be suited to this track
1 point each way Wishing And Hoping (14/1 Skybet/ Coral/ William Hill, 4 places)
Another horse whose running style should suit this track is Wishing And Hoping. You need a horse at Warwick who is a good jumper, travels up with the pace and stays strongly. All Wishing And Hoping form is over three miles but this front runner isn’t short of pace and I am hoping he can make a bold bid from the front at an each way price. He jumps slightly to the left so will be suited going left handed here and has Alex Edwards claiming 3lbs to help his cause. Hopefully he can get an uncontested lead and put pressure on his rivals with his jumping.
**Date & Time of next Selections
Friday 18th February at 9pm..
Check ITV racing schedule at https://www.itv.com/racing/articles/schedule-next-live-racing-on-itv