NICHOLLS HORSE TO PLAY NEWBURY VILLAIN

14:25 Newbury

Mildenberg – has been running some decent races in handicaps this year including 5th in the Northumberland Plate. Has not won on turf since 2018 but is back on a winning mark here.

Withhold – Has won some decent handicaps in his time including this race from a 2lb higher mark, is now on his lowest mark for some time but has not beaten a horse in two starts this year.

Sleeping Lion – Former James Fanshawe trained now with Roger Charlton (also runs Withhold). Showed improved form on stable debut when winning at Kempton, got worked up at Royal Ascot and could never get involved. Could be value here if building on the Kempton run William Buick takes over in the saddle today.

Lucky Deal 13th in Northumberland Plate but only beaten 6L, trainers’ horses cannot be ruled out in staying events.

Zeeband – Has been brought along slowly by trainer Roger Varian but improving with every race. Won a 19-runner handicap at Newcastle 3 weeks ago on his second start of the season. Up 8lb for that but has not finished improving yet.

Mancini – Not a penalty kick but can run better than his price suggests. Blinkered for first time.

Just Hubert – Booking of Tom Marquand catches the eye but needs cheekpieces to bring improvement.

Rodrigo Dias – Boasts some respectable form figures in handicaps and another that is steadily improving. Has raced mainly at 1m4f but won on his only try at 1m6, worth a try at this trio and a big danger if he stays.

Margaret Dumont – Last of 4 when last seen on turf has been running well on the All Weather. Second to Zeeband last time.

Indianapolis – Another on lowest mark for some time but there is a reason for that.

Scaramanga – Interesting runner from jumps champion Paul Nicholls, has won here over hurdles and could be well handicapped.

Call my Bluff – Improved since cheekpieces were fitted has won his last two but this is a stronger race.

Zeeband is the type of horse that always attracts punters cash on a Saturday, however I feel this race will be won by a horse at a decent price. Be wary of the Johnston horses but the three I am focused on are, Sleeping Lion, Rodrigo Dias and Scaramanga. Rodrigo is untried at the trip and whilst Sleeping Lion is a major danger, I will take a chance on the Paul Nicholls trained Scaramanga. The classy hurdler ran well when 2nd in a flat race at Ascot last year and has run well on other occasions in this sphere.

SCARAMANGA (E/W)

written by Steve Marriott