Newbury Preview:Turpin Green is strongly fancied to grab the gold medal in what promises to be a typically competitive and informative renewal of the Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup at Newbury this afternoon.
The Nicky Richards-trained seven-year-old ran a host of promising races last term and would have landed a Grade One event at Sandown if he had not attempted to run out at the last.
While such a mishap may temper enthusiasm a touch, it is important to note that the gelding has looked very tough and genuine in all his other races to suggest that freak defeat should be forgiven.
He underlined his immense ability when second behind Star De Mohaison at Aintree and made the perfect return to action when running out a convincing winner of a trappy affair at Carlisle earlier in the month.
He was surely flattered in giving subsequent Paddy Power Gold Cup winner Exotic Dancer a 28-length beating but still looks to hold rock-solid claims off a mark of 145.
Desert Quest is the clear pick on official ratings in the Grade One wbx.com "Fighting Fifth" Hurdle at Newcastle but punters are advised to side with the talented Straw Bear instead.
Desert Quest was beaten 45 lengths behind Straw Bear at Aintree, but Nick Gifford's gelding ran out a ready winner that afternoon and represents the value bet in this prestigious event.
The ground is already riding on the soft side of good and if the forecast rain arrives that will only stack the odds further in favour of the JPMcManus-owned gelding.
Unfortunate not to win the Supreme Novices' at Cheltenham, Straw Bear gained compensation at Aintree before finding a fresh Iktitaf too strong at Punchestown.
That performance looks all the better given the winner's subsequent exploits and Gifford's stable star should go very close.
Raiders from Mark Johnston's Middleham base always have to be respected and Peregrine Falcon is the chosen representative from three initial entries in the HBLB Conditions Stakes at Lingfield.
Sheikh Mohammed's In The Wings colt did not make his debut until running at Wolverhampton earlier this month but ran encouragingly despite failing to reward favourite backers.
He made no mistake over the same course and distance last weekend, however, when galloping strongly all the way to the line to run out a resolute winner.
As a brother to top-class middle-distance performer Soldier Hollow, this marginally longer trip can only be in his favour, so Peregrine Falcon - who holds an entry in the Derby - should take all the beating.
Just over half an hour later, the lingfieldpark.co.uk Handicap sees Alpine Reel bid to continue his rise through the ranks. Things had not quite gone according to plan for the lightly-raced five-year-old on his first two starts of the season but punters who kept the faith were rewarded with a comfortable success last time.
