Racing expert Newsboy has delivered his selections for a bumper New Year's Day of action across the UK, with key contests at Cheltenham, Musselburgh, and Windsor taking centre stage.
Cheltenham Festival Form to the Fore
The spotlight falls on Prestbury Park for a high-quality card. Glengouly is tipped to continue his excellent course form in the Betfair Exchange Handicap Chase at 2.00pm. The ten-year-old, trained by Faye Bramley, caused a 33-1 upset in the December Gold Cup at the track just 19 days ago under champion jockey Sean Bowen.
That length-and-a-half victory over Vincenzo was no fluke, and despite racing from 7lb out of the handicap that day, a 3lb higher mark is not expected to prevent another bold showing.
In the Grade 2 Dornan Engineering Relkeel Hurdle (2.35pm), all eyes are on the hot favourite, Kabral Du Mathan. The former Paul Nicholls charge made a spectacular debut for new trainer Dan Skelton, romping to a 12-length handicap victory on Haydock's Betfair Chase undercard. That performance fully justifies this step up in class.
Other Key Selections at Cheltenham
Newsboy expects Ma Shantou to bounce back to his best in the Best Odds On The Betfair Exchange Handicap Hurdle (3.10pm). The Emma Lavelle-trained runner failed to fire at Haydock but had previously won stylishly at Cheltenham in October.
The retrieval mission theme continues with Jasmin De Grugy in the Betfair Handicap Chase (1.25pm). He is selected to put a disappointing comeback run at Newcastle in November behind him.
Nap and Next Best Head North of the Border
At Musselburgh, Newsboy's NAP of the day is Insurrection in the Virgin Bet Auld Reekie Handicap Chase (2.15pm). The selection was an impressive winner over the course and distance last February.
His Next Best runs earlier on the Scottish card, with Moonbow fancied to land a fourth win of the season in the Virgin Bet A Good Bet Hogmaneigh Handicap Hurdle (1.40pm).
Thursday's Full Selection List
Here is Newsboy's complete rundown for the New Year's Day meetings across Britain:
Cheltenham
12.15 Just Golden
12.50 Regent’s Stroll
1.25 Jasmin De Grugy
2.00 Glengouly
2.35 Kabral Du Mathan
3.10 Ma Shantou
3.40 Sally’s Gold
Windsor
11.49 Flagon Dry
12.24 Pottersville
12.59 I Spy A Diva
1.34 Norn Iron
2.09 Kalif D’airy
2.50 Guard Duty
3.22 Fortune Dancer
Musselburgh
12.30 Scarlet Moon
1.05 Marty Mcfly
1.40 Moonbow (NB)
2.15 Insurrection (NAP)
2.51 Snowrocco
3.25 Cueros
Other UK Meetings
Selections were also provided for the cards at Southwell, Newcastle, Exeter, and Catterick Bridge.
The expert's suggested double for the day combines his two top Scottish picks: Insurrection and Moonbow.
