Friday’s Nap of the Day: Clearance is not one to stay clear of at Newton Abbot

Another decent effort yesterday, with Rocking Ends going off a good bit shorter than the recommended 17/2, before running relatively well for third. In terms of winners, though, the poor run continues. On we go with Friday. 

Today, I’m interested in the penultimate race at Newton Abbot, where I’m very keen on course specialist Clearance, who at 9/1, just looks far too big. 

This race could hinge on early favourite Wonderful Eagle, who in all fairness, is the unexposed one in the race, and he performed admirably over two miles on the flat at Goodwood last time out. He may well step forward now back over hurdles, though a couple of his Class 3 efforts when last seen in this sphere weren’t overly encouraging, so for my money, at short odds, he’s there to be taken on. 

Course record cannot be knocked

Clearance is very much a horse who does his best work at Newton Abbot, for a trainer who does his best work at the venue too. 

Not overly raced for a 10-year-old, this horse has won six out of ten at the Devon track, while there’s been little wrong with his latest two efforts in third. 

When running on well over a shorter trip back in August, the gelding hinted that further may suit these days, and while he didn’t land a significant blow over C&D last time out, he stayed on well from off the pace in a better race, suggesting that his next visit to the winner’s enclosure may not be far away. 

This is definitely an easier contest, so he’s well worth another go at this distance, especially given that he’s got what can be described as ideal underfoot conditions to tackle. 

The return of Tom Cannon in the saddle is a plus, while he’s only 1 lb above his last winning mark, so don’t be surprised if he gets heavily involved. 9/1 is generous as far as I’m concerned and should definitely be taken by those seeking a bet that offers no shortage of value for money.

Based on a £10 level-stakes example, the Nap of the Day running profit is -£100 (since switching to being published here rather than on the ‘Nap of the Day' page).

Horse Racing Tips

🔗 Share Your Horse Racing Tips on Social Media