The Betfair Hurdle (3.35) at Newbury on Saturday should prove as informative as usual, although the progressive seven-year-old Clyne is potentially thrown in, if his most recent form can be taken at face value. Attempting to translate conditions race form back to handicaps is always dangerous, but Evan Williams’ charge was beaten just a length by the 163-rated The New One, in receipt of 8lb, in the Champion Hurdle Trial at Haydock last month, which suggests that even his revised rating of 148 underestimates him. He gets in here off a mark of just 143 so, while it may not pay to be dogmatic, it will be disappointing for all concerned if he doesn’t go very, very close under conditions that should suit him admirably.
Selection: Newbury 3.35 Clyne (6/1 with Betfair Sportsbook) to win