The Last Samuri makes the cut
THE LAST SAMURI can put them all to the sword in the William Hill Supporting Greatwood Veterans’ Handicap Chase at Newbury this afternoon.
Going in a veterans race for the first time, Harry Fry’s 11-year-old can show his class over the distance he last tasted success almost three years ago.
Since then he has ran some respectable races in defeat, including when finishing second to Rule The World in the 2016 Grand National before coming third in last year’s Cross Country Chase at the Cheltenham Festival when favourite.
This will be tough to win off top weight, but he finished ahead of some decent performers last time out when second to Royal Vacation at Taunton and he might just be the answer to this contest today.
Also at Newbury, MASTER DEE looks a good each-way bet for trainer Fergal O’brien.
Barry Geraghty rode this lad to a big handicap win over a further distance this time last year and is back on board today.
Master Dee usually runs a good race and looks a super price to finish in the money after recently undergoing wind surgery.
Kelso hosts a cracking card today, with some quality horses in action.
One of which is BLACK CORTON, who looks a good bet in the Belhaven Brewery Premier Chase for trainer Paul Nicholls.
He has been second in his last two runs, but could go one better today under usual rider Byrony Frost up against just four rivals – one of which is 2017 Grand National winner ONE FOR ARTHUR.
Nicholls loves a winner on a Saturday and could make it a double on the card with GETAWAY TRUMP in the feature – the Grade 2 Edinburgh Gin Premier Kelso Novices’ Hurdle.
Young jockey Harry Cobden has some brilliant rides coming up at Cheltenham and could taste victory here.
Getaway Trump was fourth behind Supreme Novices’ Hurdle favourite Al Dancer last time out and that was after finishing second to the market leader for the Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle – Champ.
Prior to those runs, he recorded victories at Plumpton and Exeter and there’s every chance he’ll return to the winner’s enclosure here.
Racing at home takes place at Navan today and JETZ can uphold the form from earlier in the season with DUCA DE THAIX to land the Flyingbolt Novice Chase for Jessica Harrington.