2m4f (2m3f187y) Coral John Francome Novices’ Chase (Grade 2) (Formerly Known As The Berkshire) (GBB Race) (Class 1) (4yo+)
Hermes Allen is the right favourite here as he’s a Grade 1 winner at the track over hurdles, but he struggled to make a mark in two Grade 1s thereafter and is a little exposed. He’s also had an issue recently that’s delayed his prep and I think he’s fairly easy to take on on chasing debut. The horse that interests me the most is the rank outsider NO ORDINARY JOE who was last off the bridle when second in the Martin Pipe at the Cheltenham Festival. That form could easily work out stronger than Hermes Allen’s 6th in the Ballymore and the placed horses have been winning loads of races since. You could look at him starting his chasing career in a Grade 2 as a tip in itself and very little separates the six runners on ratings.
1pt win No Ordinary Joe @12/1, 13:50 Newbury, Friday
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