Newbury & Doncaster Betting Guides

3:10 Newbury Greatwood Gold Cup Grade 3 Cl1 2m4f
A race that Paul Nicholls has farmed in recent years winning four of the last six renewals. He has a strong hand again, saddling three runners including the two prominent in the market.

Aerial (6/1 William Hill) looked a horse on the up after his win at Ascot but he failed to build on that performance when beaten last time out at Cheltenham. Sent off the 5/2 favourite that day he is plenty short enough again.

Pasco (9/1 Bet365) has never won beyond 2m1f and doesn’t look a winner in waiting on this season’s performances.

Araldur was five lengths behind Aerial at Cheltenham but has a good chance of turning around the form. Nothing came from off the pace that day and this hold-up performer will be suited to Newbury’s galloping track. Good ground also holds no fears as he finished second to Fistral Beach on similar ground back in October.

Selection: Araldur at 6/1 with William Hill

 
3:25 Doncaster Grimthorpe Chase Cl2 3m2f
A small turnout for this Grand National trial but plenty of pointers for the big race in April. Junior , a 16/1 (Sportingbet) chance to win at Aintree, will be looking for a big run to prove his credentials. We’ve only seen him once in the last nine months and that was a non-event over hurdles. On last season’s form he stands an excellent chance but we have very little recent evidence to go on. He is a best price 5/1 with BetVictor

Neptune Equester (10/1 Coral) has always been regarded as a National horse by his trainer but he lacks pace. A small field racing on good ground doesn’t look ideal.

Benny Be Good is equally capable over hurdles or fences but his last couple of runs over the smaller obstacles have been below par. The ground might have been too soft for him on both occasions. Worth forgiving those runs, and note that his chasing record is progressive, having finished: 6123U1112.

Selection: Benny Be Good at 5/1 with Boylesports