Uhtred Ragnarson and Philip Armson could be worth a second look at Newbury tomorrow
January 13
Alan has been able to switch off in the sunshine of the Maldives since reflecting on his brilliant three-timer at Kempton last Saturday, but doubtless he might find a quiet hideaway tomorrow to watch his three runners at Newbury.
Whereas we had two winning favourites last weekend, there are no bankers in the trio heading for our local course, but owners Mr and Mrs Christopher Harris have cause for optimism, with Bamber and Sixty’s Rock both carrying their colours early on in the afternoon, having shown a modicum of promise .
Bamber is first up in the second leg of the novice hurdle (1.o5), and, while Nicky Henderson’s French recruit Fire Warning will be all the rage in the betting, Bamber, having run twice in bumpers, was noted staying on up the straight when sixth to 2004 Epsom Derby runner-up Ambiente Friendly on his hurdling debut at Huntingdon five weeks ago. He can only benefit from that first experience.
Half an hour later the Harris’s will be rooting for Sixty’s Rock in the EBF ‘Junior’ NH Hurdle. Whereas Bamber was a cheap purchase, Sixty’s Rock is a home-bred, being a brother to a smart hurdle and chaser in Cheddleton, who was a six-race winner and only once finished out of the frame in the 20 races in which he completed the course.
Sixty’s Rock, who was gelded last May, has been given plenty of time, but he showed definite promise on his first run over jumps at Wincanton in early December, flattering briefly straightening for home but looking destined for a minor placing until he made an almighty blunder at the final flight.
Our other Newbury runner is Uhtred Ragnarson in the finale, the conditional jockeys handicap hurdle, in which he will be ridden by the promising Philip Armson.
Uhtred Ragnarson showed improved form when winning on his seasonal debut at Warwick in November before running creditably off a 7lb higher mark to finish third at Market Rasen, where he might have finished closer to the first two but for an untidy jump at the last.
Looking further ahead, with plenty more rain forecast, no doubt Alan will be awaiting going updates from Barbury before declaring for the week-end, but Galaxy Star has looked a useful bumper prospect, winning at Stratford and finishing second at Newbury. and she is entered for a third bumper at Market Rasen on Friday.
The same day at Newcastle Blazeon Five, who has taken a 12lb hike up the weights for winning her last three races, is entered in a valuable staying handicap. Already proven on the all-weather, Blazeon Five ought to have no problem coping with the Gosforth Park surface and he could be a major player again.
