Newsboy has selected Anglo Saxson as his nap for Thursday's racing at Salisbury, with the horse fancied to win the opening Al Basti Equiworld, Dubai Apprentice Handicap (2.10). The Patrick Owens-trained five-year-old, a son of Starspangledbanner, began his 2023 campaign with a victory at Yarmouth in May and followed up with a win over course and distance last time out, beating Roundabout Silver by a length.
The form of that victory was boosted when the runner-up scored at Bath a week ago, and Anglo Saxson has been raised just 4lb by the British Horseracing Authority handicapper. With Tommie Jakes claiming a useful 5lb allowance, another strong performance is anticipated from the gelding, who is seeking his sixth turf success.
At Haydock, Newsboy's next best selection is Be Here Now in the Clarke & Sons Nursery (3.00). The Nigel Tinkler-trained colt, by Oasis Dream, is still a maiden after five starts but has shown promise, finishing a close third at Musselburgh in July on his handicap debut and then going down by three-quarters of a length to Chumbaa at Ripon nine days ago.
Be Here Now, who was prominent in that race alongside the winner, is expected to go one better before a 2lb rise in the weights takes effect. Newsboy's daily double comprises Anglo Saxson and Be Here Now.
