Today's Horse Racing Tips: Three to back at Newbury on Thursday
There's a seven-race card taking place at Newbury on Thursday afternoon, and our in-house tipster Steve Chambers has picked out three bets for the jumping action...
Newbury Tips
12:20 Newbury
Paul Nicholls and Lorcan Williams teamed up with the winner of the 12:20 contest 12 months ago, and the Ditcheat duo can strike gold once again in Thursday's opener as SIROCO JO can bound to glory in impressive fashion. A course and distance winner of a juvenile event back in March, Siroco Jo failed to land any sort of blow in a competitive Ascot event last time out, but can bounce back today with aplomb. Lining up off the same mark (116), Siroco Jo will enjoy conditions today and if he can emulate that run at Newbury eight months ago then he can claim the win.
14:30 Newbury
There's a cracking handicap hurdle taking place at 14:30, with some contenders potentially eyeing up a crack at the Pertemps Final at the Cheltenham Festival in March, but there could be some eye-catching value available down the betting in an excellent renewal. Chris Gordon's HIGHWAY ONE O ONE has been regularly seen over fences the last few seasons, but an eye-catching return to the hurdling sphere could see him blossom at double-figured odds. On his last start last season he was a creditable second at Market Rasen off a mark of 130, and it's that figure he lines up off this afternoon. His recent spin over fences is sure to have him strip fitter for today's event, and he could be one staying in the closing stages and can at least make the frame.
15:05 Newbury
Philip Hobbs can strike in the 15:05 race, as he can saddle SMARTY WILD to victory in the competitive handicap chase, which is another brilliant betting heat for punters to get stuck into. A smart hurdler, he showed he can produce the goods over the larger obstacles when winning at Kempton back in January, and off a mark 6lbs higher today he can return to winning ways. He was third over course and distance back in March on his final start, and if he can just improve on that effort here then he will be tough to beat.