Newbury looks interesting, though we could do with a drop of rain before Thursday

November 6

Alan will be at Newbury on Thursday for the first jumps meeting of the season at our local course, and in Masaccio and Emitom he has two clear-cut chances.

Emitom, whose rating has soared 15lb since she joined the Barbury team 21 months ago, has become something of a Newbury specialist, boasting three wins and a second from just four visits.

The fact that Emitom has not raced since finishing a creditable fifth in the Pertemps Final at last season’s Cheltenham Festival in March should not be a problem as he has always been at his best fresh.

However, though Emitom has only four opponents, they include the Pertemps winner Monmiral, so it is a small but select field, and our fellow does prefer a bit of give in the ground so a shower or two over the next 36 hours would be welcome.

Alan said:”Emitom loves Newbury, and, though he’s coming up 11, he seems to retain plenty of ability and is moving  very well at home just now.”

Emitom kick-starts an interesting half-hour for Barbury, with next up being the chasing debut of the highly-rated Masaccio. who was one of a fistful of novice hurdlers we have been schooling for a switch to fences.

Yet again, we have a small field, with Masaccio one of only six runners, and, like Emitom, his chance would be enhanced if there was a bit of juice in the ground.

Alan said:”Masaccio has schooled well and has looked to really love jumping the fences at home. He was a decent horse over hurdles, and, though he has never been the best of movers in his slower paces, he is moving well at the moment.”