Unfortunately, the weather claimed another race meeting on Friday, with Bangor-on-Dee being abandoned just before 8 am.
Sandown was already abandoned prior to Friday, which left us with Bangor. With Bangor not being able to race, we had no runners on Friday, which is a shame, as it was their North Welsh National day. Hopefully, we'll get to see that race in a week or so.
Below The Radar 4/1 (1pt) – Newbury 1.35
It's not a guarantee that Below The Radar will stay the 3m trip on heavy ground, but I think he will, and as a result, I think he is going to run a huge race.
I tipped him up at Haydock last time out. Before that, he was tipped up on his chasing debut where he fell quite early into the race, but back over hurdles, he returned to form. He looked like he was a real stayer that day, plugging on at the finish, and I think with a couple of extra furlongs, he would have won.
The handicapper has taken the run as a positive as he has raised him 3lbs for a runner-up finish, which could appear harsh. Freddie Keighley retains the ride and removes 7lbs, which is nice because having a lower riding weight on testing ground is a huge positive.
Let It Rain 5/2 (2pt) – Newbury 3.20
I am not a massive fan of backing hot favourites in the big handicaps of the year, but Dan Skelton is a genius with his handicapping hurdlers, and I think his mare is streaks ahead of the handicapper.
Let It Rain probably should have won last time out at Ascot. She cantered through the field, jumped like a stag to give herself every chance, but it appears that her gas tank emptied quickly when Harry went for pressure. That was her first run in 300+ days, so you've got to be able to excuse her for that.
The stiff finish at Ascot probably caught her out, so the return to a flatter track should be ideal. We know she handles testing ground, and I think she is the best handicapped horse in the race, and will take the world of beating.
GambleAware