In-form Murt Khan had another winner at Kempton yesterday and he fancies Dr Richard Newland to strike today at Sedgefield.
Recommended Bets: Breaking It Down
2pts win Lovato in 2.20 Sedgefield at 7/4 (Betfred)
1pt win Minella Aris in 6.00 Southwell at 3/1 (General)
2.20 Sedgefield Preview
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Connections may have been a bit disappointed with LOVATO on his debut for Dr Richard Newland's yard as he got comprehensively beaten by Talkischeap but there were positives to be had from his hurdling debut.
He jumped very cleanly and looks to have an aptitude for the jumping game, while it was also his first run for eight months so he's entitled to come on for the run.
His run at Fontwell was a messy affair as they went slow early, then pace was injected around the halfway mark with Lovato pressing the front runner Burst Ya Bubble. They both became targets for eventual winner Talkischeap who ended up winning easily.
On Flat ability Lovato is far superior to favourite Raven's Hill.
Raven's Hill remains a maiden after 19 starts and on his debut for Dan Skelton he looked the winner from a long way out but got outbattled by Lord Topper at Wetherby. This was a solid run but there's not much in it on form between him and Lovato.
The selection has plenty more room for improvement of the two and they should be a lot closer in the market. So, for me, the ex-German Flat racer is worth a play at 7/4 (Betfred).
6.00 Southwell Preview
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I put up MINELLA ARIS on his last start and having oozed class in the way he travelled, there was nothing in the tank when asked to pick up for Adrian Heskin.
I suggested he have may have an issue but it's encouraging that he hasn't had too long a break. A beautiful looker, he makes his chase debut and I feel I have to give him one more chance.
Dropping down to 2m 4f will suit and he's won around here before, while there is also a chance he may have needed the run last time. A winning point to pointer I expect him to jump and travel well and hopefully today he finds for his jockey when the button is pressed.
3.35 Kempton Review
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Leighton Aspell gave TOVIERE a smart ride allowing him to have a clear sight of his hurdles from the front whilst controlling the pace beautifully. He was pestered a little from Mab Dab but was never headed from start to finish. Quarenta travelled best of all but was one-paced under pressure.
Eyecatcher
2.30 Kempton
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PLEASURE DOME made much of the running in this novice event but struggled to see off the gutsy Little Acorn. Pleasure Dome put a nice display of jumping and travelled with her natural flair off the Flat. She's a good-looking mare with a bit of scope (fetched 72,000 Guineas at Newmarket October 2016) and should notch up a win or two on sharp tracks during the summer. I would also expect her to jump a fence well.
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Breaking It Down P&L
May = +7.75pts
Posted at 0825 BST on 16/05/17.