Nigel Twiston-Davies’ William Hill Blog: Hoping Uncle Bert can Master Newbury

We’ve had quite a busy week, but I can’t fault the horses, who have kept up the good strain of form, bringing in another couple of wins from Casa No Mento at Hereford and Noble Savage at Taunton.

Newbury beckons this Saturday, where we’re hoping for the best from a few of our runners.

Saturday, Newbury

First of the day is Manimole in the Listed mares’ novices’ hurdle (11.55pm). She has won three races this year already and she’s favourite again here, having defied our expectations all season, so I hope that she will do so again. Her chances ought to be very strong as she’s the best horse in the race. Provided all goes to plan here, she’ll have a break and then come back in time for Cheltenham.

Wonder Of The Seas is next in the 2m4½f novices’ hurdle (1.05pm). He’s quite a big and backward horse, so is more of a horse for next season, when he’s had a chance to grow into himself. I suspect that this’ll be too good a race for him, but he’s got to start somewhere and build on the experience.

Then we’ve got Uncle Bert in the 2m4½f handicap hurdle (1.40pm). Although he unfortunately fell last time out, that wasn’t a problem and he’s absolutely fine. He was just unlucky that day. The track will suit and – given six pounds by Jet Powered – he has a nice, realistic chance. He’s in typically good order at home so the hope is that little will stand in his way.

Lastly at Newbury is Master Chewy in the 2m handicap chase (3.25pm). They took all of the jumps out when he won easily at Aintree, but he’ll have the whole lot to jump here. If he jumps well, which we know he can, he should be in with a solid chance. He’s run consistently this term so far, so I’ve no reason not to expect the same again. He’s up six pounds since last time, which I think is fair, and if he wins this, then we’ll be thinking about stepping him back into graded company.

Sunday, Leicester

Just the two runners at Leicester on Sunday. First up is Supasunrise in the 2m4f handicap chase (1.15pm). He won last time out and I very much hope he can do the same again. I don’t think he’s unfairly handicapped, but has his rider’s five-pound claim to help him out anyway. Finn Lambert has been riding well so far this season, and the pair get on nicely.

Ballycamus follows in the 2m6½f handicap chase (3.00pm). This is his first time over fences, having run well enough to place in both his hurdle races so far this season.  We’re happy with how he has schooled, so we hope that he can continue with this form over the larger obstacles now.