Newsboy's nap for Thursday's meetings is Stamina Chope, who lines up in the Every Race Live On Racing TV Mares' Handicap Chase at Leicester (2.40). Dave Roberts' mare steps back to two and a half miles, a distance at which she has excelled this winter, having won over hurdles at Leicester in November and added a four-length success in a handicap chase at Ffos Las last month.
Stamina Chope was far from disgraced when fourth to Delta Blues Belle at Huntingdon last week, but that was over three miles and a furlong, and she gave the impression a less testing trip would suit. With form over both hurdles and fences, and a liking for soft ground, she is selected to return to winning ways.
At Chelmsford City, Al Baahy is expected to complete a hat-trick in the Valentines "Hands And Heels" Apprentice Handicap (4.55). Kevin Frost's seven-year-old has won classified stakes at Wolverhampton and Lingfield, and a BHA mark of 54 for his return to handicap company is within range. These two form the recommended double.
Newsboy's full selections:
Taunton: Way Of Stars (1.05), Five Bar Gate (1.40), Cooler Than Me (2.15), Jongleur D'etoiles (2.50), Celtic Art (3.25), Golden Son (4.00). Lingfield Park: Rising Force (1.23), Bintkend (1.58), Henrythenate (2.33), Kento (3.08), Al Shabab (3.43), Hitched (4.15), Woodraff (4.50).
Leicester: Grandad's Cap (1.30), Mon Champion (2.05), Stamina Chope (2.40, Nap), Classical Sting (3.15), No Tackle (3.50), St Cuthbert's Cove (4.25). Chelmsford City: Al Baahy (4.55, Next Best), Unionville (5.30), Dyrholaey (6.00), Carlton (6.30), Zambezi River (7.00), Crimson Rambler (7.30), Lequinto (8.00).
