Top commentator Simon Holt previews Sunday's bonus action at Newbury including the Betfair Hurdle where he takes two against the field.
Racing betting tips: Sunday February 21
1pt win Southfield Harvest in 1.50 Newbury at 5/1 (bet365)
2pts win Fifty Ball in 3.35 Newbury at 16/1 (bet365)
1pt win Milkwood in 3.35 Newbury at 14/1 (General)
For details of advised bookmakers and each-way terms, visit our transparent tipping record
Sunday's Betfair Handicap Hurdle looks a cracker with any number of possibilities and, off a light weight, the Gary Moore-trained FIFTY BALL takes the eye.
This likeable French import has progressed with every start over hurdles, beating the subsequent Aintree winner Straw Fan Jack at Ascot in October before making light work of Naizagai (a good second next time) at Sandown.
A big plus is that Fifty Ball stays a bit further than two miles as, with several front runners in the field, this looks likely to be run at a very fast pace. His light weight is another positive in such circumstances, especially as ground conditions may ease if the forecasted overnight rain materialises, while Moore has a splendid record in this race having won it three times with Heathcote, Wingman and Violet Dancer.
The other runner I like is MILKWOOD who looked seriously unlucky when third over the course and distance behind Floressa in November when badly hampered at the second last.
The six-year-old had previously finished just two and a half lengths behind Betfair Hurdle top weight Buzz (now 18lb worse off) in the Welsh Champion Hurdle and, again, might have been closer but for being short of room at a crucial stage.
Neil Mulholland will have Milkwood fresh and ready to go after a mid-season break (he has won first time out for the past two seasons) and this smooth traveller will also be suited by a strong gallop.
Earlier, SOUTHFIELD HARVEST can prove hard to beat returning to three miles in the Betfair Weighed-In Podcast Weekly Handicap Hurdle.
The lightly-raced Paul Nicholls-trained seven-year-old won at this trip last season and, over two miles and five furlongs, chased home Shang Tang at Ascot and Jacamar at Wincanton in November and December.
On the latter occasion, Southfield Harvest finished 24 lengths clear of the third while his Ascot run conceding 5lb to the winner was boosted when Shang Tang won easily at Fakenham on Friday.
There should be more improvement to come off a mark of 135 for this half brother to several other decent 'Southfields' - Theatre, Vic and Royale - who all achieved higher ratings.
Published at 1620 GMT on 20/02/21
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