In the world of horse racing, where every stride and stride can make or break a career, the Newbury track is a place where dreams are made and broken. Today, I'm going to take a deep dive into the Tuesday picks at Newbury, with a particular focus on the race that has everyone talking: Rage of Thunder. But before we get to that, let's take a look at the other races and the stories they tell.
Big Hitter: The Rising Star
Personally, I think Big Hitter is a horse to watch. She pulled clear of the rest in a good time when second in a maiden at Chepstow on her debut earlier in the month. The 7 lb Jamie Osborne’s filly receives from penalised winner Wateera may prove decisive. Wateera proved too sharp for her rivals when making a winning debut at Wetherby, and that form has been boosted since. So, she’s respected, while Miss Tango makes most appeal among the newcomers with Oisin Murphy booked. But what makes Big Hitter particularly fascinating is her potential to rise above the rest. Her performance at Chepstow was a clear indication that she's a horse with a bright future, and with the right training and guidance, she could become a champion.
Chilli: The Learning Curve
Eve Johnson Houghton’s filly Chilli was getting the hang of things late on at Chepstow on her debut in the same race as division one pick Big Hitter, finishing a couple of places behind that one in fourth. She looks the one to beat in a novice which looks weaker than the first division. Greek Symphony offered something to work on when third at Goodwood on her debut so is a threat, while Sequel Star is a newcomer to note. But what makes Chilli interesting is her ability to learn and adapt. Her performance at Chepstow was a clear indication that she's a horse with a lot of potential, and with the right training and guidance, she could become a champion.
Bayside View: The Rising Star
Michael Bell’s Bayside View pulled clear of the rest when a promising neck second to good prospect Met Ball on her Doncaster debut last month and looks sure to improve. The fourth from that race has won since, and Bayside View can go one better here. Anad had to come round the whole field in a steadily-run race to make a successful debut at Wolverhampton last month so looks the obvious danger under a penalty. But what makes Bayside View particularly fascinating is her potential to rise above the rest. Her performance at Doncaster was a clear indication that she's a horse with a bright future, and with the right training and guidance, she could become a champion.
Starlight Sami: The Rising Star
Salisbury winner Starlight Sami is going the right way for Denis Coakley and remains with few miles on the clock after that first career win. He gets the nod to follow up in an open-looking handicap. White Ladder was third to the selection on his reappearance before filling the same position with another good effort at Yarmouth last time and heads the list of dangers along with Creative Queen who was much improved in first time blinkers when winning a novice at Yarmouth. But what makes Starlight Sami particularly fascinating is her potential to rise above the rest. Her performance at Salisbury was a clear indication that she's a horse with a bright future, and with the right training and guidance, she could become a champion.
Rage of Thunder: The Race to Watch
Now, let's get to the race that has everyone talking: Rage of Thunder. Rage of Thunder didn’t shape at all badly with a view to stepping back up to six furlongs when fifth to Twilight Calls in a higher grade at Sandown eleven days ago and Gary & Josh Moore’s gelding could be worth chancing from a further reduced mark. In-form mare Twirler looks an obvious danger, winning at Windsor before a good second at Goodwood last time, with Laughterintherain and Monsieur Patat another pair worthy of a second look. But what makes Rage of Thunder particularly fascinating is his potential to rise above the rest. His performance at Sandown was a clear indication that he's a horse with a lot of potential, and with the right training and guidance, he could become a champion.
Taritino: The Veteran
Just the five in this staying contest and Joe Tickle’s Taritino, who won in good style at Salisbury nine days ago, looks set for another big run with the two-mile trip likely to suit and Mason Paetel offsetting the 5 lb penalty. Last year’s winner Almuhit got his head back in front over hurdles with a simple task at Fontwell a fortnight ago and could be the danger. But what makes Taritino particularly fascinating is his experience and wisdom. With a two-mile trip likely to suit, he could be the dark horse of the race, and with the right strategy, he could surprise everyone.
Yokohama: The Underdog
There’s nothing at all wrong with the form of Yokohama’s course-and-distance success two starts back and John Butler’s gelding is well worth another chance having seemingly been blunted by softer conditions at Yarmouth subsequently. Redbud Sixteen is still unexposed and merits obvious respect under a 5-lb penalty for her recent Salisbury win, while Tiger and Shady Bay are two other in-form rivals placed on their most recent starts to consider. But what makes Yokohama particularly fascinating is his ability to rise above the odds. With a course-and-distance success under his belt, he could be the underdog that surprises everyone.
In conclusion, the Tuesday picks at Newbury are a fascinating mix of rising stars and seasoned veterans. But one thing that immediately stands out is the potential for surprise and delight. Whether it's a rising star like Big Hitter or a seasoned veteran like Taritino, the races at Newbury are a testament to the beauty and unpredictability of horse racing. So, if you take a step back and think about it, the Tuesday picks at Newbury are a reminder that in the world of horse racing, anything is possible.
