Tipping 
/ Joe Szekeres / 18 January 2012 / Leave a Comment 
Newbury is the venue for today's Placepot.
"Kaybeew is a Timeform Horse In Focus and could be capable of better having had just the two runs over fences so far..."
The pick of Wednesday's racing arguably comes from Newbury, and that is where Timeform's Joe Szekeres heads in the hope of landing the Placepot...
13:00 - Grumeti was extremely impressive on his debut at Taunton last time, travelling kindly under Wayne Hutchinson before finding plenty for pressure in the closing stages to pull 14 lengths clear of smart Flat performer, Ted Spread. Grumeti is likely to improve for his debut run and is prominent in the market for this year's Triumph Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival. This afternoon is likely to provide him with the extra experience he needs for that contest, and he looks banker material in our opener despite having to concede weight to the entire field.
13:30 - Bellvano is our second banker in quick succession and Nicky Henderson looks to have found him a perfect race in which he can regain the winning thread. Bellvano should be suited by the flat two miles at Newbury this afternoon and has the requisite class and speed to defeat his three rivals. He has always been held in high regard by connections but disappointed last time out at Cheltenham, the feeling being that Prestbury Park doesn't allow the eight-year-old to be seen in his best light. He should run much better this afternoon and, whilst selecting just the one in what could prove a tactical affair is risky, Bellvano should be capable of landing the money.
14:05 - Carrigmorna King is some way clear of the field based on Timeform ratings and he is the obvious starting point in the third leg, with a reproduction of his latest form definitely enough to see him go close. Novice hurdle contests can often be difficult to predict, however, so we're also going to include Polarbrook, who looks open to a fair amount of progression on his second start. The pair ought to ensure we get through this round and there is always the possibility of doubling-up.
14:35 - The handicapper looks to have a firm grip on the majority of runners at the head of the weights in the fourth race so we're going to side with two less exposed runners further down the field. Kaybeew is a Timeform Horse In Focus and could be capable of better having had just the two runs over fences so far, whilst Glens Boy was a very unlucky loser last time (hampered by loose horse within shadow of post) and he also has more to give having recently made the transition from hurdles.
15:10 - Just seven runners and two places paying in the fifth leg and, whilst it is tempting to bank on Araucaria, who has the best form in this race by quite some distance, we're also going to select Brixen, who should improve on her second chasing start. She jumped soundly on debut over the larger obstacles at Exeter, an attribute which ought to stand her in good stead.
15:40 - My Inheritance comes from the same family as Ghizao and, given the manner of his debut victory last time, he looks the standout selection in the bumper. He demonstrated signs of inexperience at Ffos Las and gave the impression he is far from being the finished article, so it is realistic to expect improvement. Of the unraced prospects, it may be worth including the Paul Nicholls-trained Workbench, who wouldn't be entered if without a chance and he's the second of Ruby Walsh's only two rides on the card.
Selections:
13:00 - 1
13:30 - 1
14:05 - 4, 12
14:35 - 13, 16
15:10 - 2, 4
15:40 - 1, 16
=16 Lines
The VC Chase at Ascot on Saturday could easily prove an informative contest with regards to the Champion Chase at Cheltenham but, lest we forget, this race is a Grade 1 in its own right and it is shaping up to be a fascinating affair......
Nick has decided on his 80/20 selection for the day. Luckily he's not going all cloak and dagger over its identity......
Timeform provide a runner-by-runner guide to a ccompetitive handicap chase at Newbury on Wednesday......
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