Thursday promises a thrilling day of National Hunt and all-weather action across five British racecourses, with the spotlight firmly on Taunton and an exciting prospect from a red-hot training yard.
Ellerton The One To Beat At Taunton
All eyes will be on the Trucksmith 40th Anniversary Handicap Hurdle (2.15) at Taunton, where Ellerton is tipped as the day's best bet, or 'Nap'. Now under the care of the in-form trainer Joe Tizzard, the gelding showed immense promise on his stable debut.
Despite a modest record of one win on the Flat in France and eleven unsuccessful attempts over hurdles in Britain for previous trainers, Ellerton's fortunes changed dramatically last March. On his first start for Tizzard at Wincanton, he was sent off as the even-money favourite and duly delivered, winning by a length and three-quarters under jockey Brendan Powell.
Although the handicapper has responded with a 7lb rise, moving him into a more competitive class, the manner of that victory suggests there is more to come. After an eight-month break, Ellerton is expected to return to winning ways and continue his trainer's excellent form.
Soldier's Leap Fancied To Double Up at Uttoxeter
The confidence continues at Uttoxeter, where Soldier's Leap is the next best selection of the day. This runner heads to the Signs 2000 Handicap Hurdle (3.15) looking to build on a successful return to action at Stratford just four weeks ago.
Facing eight rivals, Soldier's Leap has proven he can win fresh and is strongly fancied to secure another victory, making him an essential part of any Thursday accumulator.
Full List of Thursday's Selections
For punters looking to follow Newsboy's advice across all of Thursday's fixtures, here is the complete list of his selections:
TAUNTON
12.35 PURE LOGIC
1.05 AVADA KEDAVRA
1.40 GRIS MAJEUR
2.15 ELLERTON (NAP)
2.50 MAN OF THE SEA
3.22 GERARD MENTOR
3.52 ARMS PARK
LINGFIELD PARK
12.40 SAN PEDRO
1.15 RIP WHEELER
1.50 SEA PRESENTING
2.25 GOLD IN THE RIVERS
3.00 MOSSY FEN ROAD
3.33 DEFI NONANTAIS
UTTOXETER
12.25 MERRY MONTY
12.55 KHRISMA
1.30 DOUBLE CLICK
2.05 PAPER MILL
2.40 FORTUNE DANCER
3.15 SOLDIER’S LEAP (NB)
CHELMSFORD CITY
4.30 ACCOMMODATION
5.00 SNOW LIGHT
5.30 THANH NAM
6.00 SARATOGA GOLD
6.30 RUSHEEN BOY
7.00 CARLTON AND CO
7.30 BRAGBOR
8.00 ELIZA BENNET
8.30 STRATOCRACY
NEWCASTLE
3.28 JEZ BOMB
4.05 LEONETTO
4.40 JOYFUL LAWYER
5.15 UNASSUMING
5.45 PAPA DON’T PREACH
6.15 UNITING
6.45 RAATEA
7.15 HAWORTH STAR
DOUBLE: ELLERTON and SOLDIER’S LEAP
