All Newton Abbot races are displayed in chronological order.
Fri 19th Sep 2025 2.03 Newton Abbot – Colin Stratton Retirement Novices Chase (GBB Race)
Master Top Two Rated Horses (TimeWise Total):
- 3 Catch Him Derry (IRE) (Total: 353)
- 1 Art Of Diplomacy (Total: 347)
Recent Form and Supplied Comments:
- 3 Catch Him Derry (IRE) (Age 7): His latest run (LR) rating is 105, 2LR is 51, and 3LR is 29. He developed into a very useful hurdler last season, achieving an excellent third in the Pertemps Final at Cheltenham (3m, good to soft) in March. He signed off with another very good effort at Aintree’s Grand National meeting. This is his chasing debut.
- 1 Art Of Diplomacy (Age 9): His LR rating is 124, 2LR is 17, and 3LR is 30. He kept on well for a ready success in a Class 2 handicap at Bangor (3m, good) a fortnight ago. He is now 4-4 over fences since cheekpieces were refitted in June. 2m5f on slower ground will also suit him, and he ought to be very hard to beat in his current mood.
Spotlight Verdict: Catch Him Derry did very well over hurdles last season and is open to further progress over fences this term but it’s hard to oppose ART OF DIPLOMACY, who has won his last four chases and is in rampant form. In The Air (second choice) faces a tough task at these weights but he’s also thriving, and there’s a good chance he’ll be granted an uncontested lead.
Assessment of Chances for the Master Top Two:
- 3 Catch Him Derry (IRE):
- Strengths: Was a high-class hurdler and is making his chasing debut, suggesting unexposed potential over fences. His form over 3m on good to soft ground indicates strong stamina and ability.
- Weaknesses: Facing a very in-form rival on his chasing debut, which can be a steep learning curve. The switch to a new discipline brings uncertainty.
- Suitability: The 2m5f trip is within his proven stamina range from hurdles, and softer ground should suit.
- 1 Art Of Diplomacy:
- Strengths: Comes into the race in rampant form, having won his last four chases since cheekpieces were refitted. He is proven over this distance and indicated that slower ground suits him. He is considered very hard to beat.
- Weaknesses: At age 9, he is more exposed than some, but his recent form outweighs this.
- Suitability: His excellent recent chase form and confirmed ability over the distance and on slower ground make him highly suitable for today’s race.
Fri 19th Sep 2025 2.38 Newton Abbot – Bay Tree Cottage Maiden Hurdle (GBB Race)
Master Top Two Rated Horses (TimeWise Total):
- 1 A Pai De Nom (Total: 258)
- 4 Maldini Milano (IRE) (Total: 237)
Recent Form and Supplied Comments:
- 1 A Pai De Nom (Age 5): His LR rating is 57, and 2LR is 30. He is a second foal from a well-connected 2m5f/3m hurdle winner. He achieved a clear second to a subsequent Listed winner on his bumper debut at Chepstow (soft) last autumn. Despite a slightly disappointing fifth at Sandown (heavy) in February, he still looks a very good prospect for novice hurdles this season. He had wind surgery in June.
- 4 Maldini Milano (IRE) (Age 5): His LR rating is 63, 2LR is 23, and 3LR is 18. He is out of a useful staying hurdler. He easily won a three-runner bumper on debut last November and rebounded from a disappointing run in Listed grade with a pretty good second at Wincanton (good) in March. He is upped in trip for this hurdling debut and is a likely contender.
Spotlight Verdict: Maldini Milano and General Briar (preferred in that order) both showed more than enough in bumpers last season to suggest they can win a race of this nature over hurdles soon but the most exciting prospect is A PAI DE NOM, who was over 18l clear of the third when second to a subsequent Listed winner in a Chepstow bumper last autumn.
Assessment of Chances for the Master Top Two:
- 1 A Pai De Nom:
- Strengths: Demonstrated high potential in bumpers, finishing second to a subsequent Listed winner on soft ground. Has undergone wind surgery, which often leads to improvement. He is considered a very good prospect for novice hurdles.
- Weaknesses: Only two career starts, so less exposed. The disappointing run on heavy ground could be a concern, though today’s ground is soft.
- Suitability: His bumper form on soft ground and stamina in his pedigree suggest he is well-suited to the 2m5½f trip and soft conditions.
- 4 Maldini Milano (IRE):
- Strengths: Was an easy bumper winner and showed good form in another quality bumper. His pedigree suggests he should be a capable hurdler over staying trips.
- Weaknesses: One disappointing run in Listed grade. This is his hurdling debut, which always carries an element of the unknown.
- Suitability: The step up in trip for his hurdling debut is expected to suit him, given his staying pedigree.
Fri 19th Sep 2025 3.13 Newton Abbot – First Office Print And IT Solutions Mares Novices Hurdle (GBB Race)
Master Top Two Rated Horses (TimeWise Total):
- 2 Joueuse Royale (FR) (Total: 317)
- 1 Hill In Brazil (Total: 279)
Recent Form and Supplied Comments:
- 2 Joueuse Royale (FR) (Age 6): Her LR rating is 99, 2LR is 39, and 3LR is 15. This ex-Irish 6yo came good for Olly Murphy at the second attempt, winning a Market Rasen maiden (2m4f, good) last month. She should be okay back at 2m and can handle some underfoot ease. She is likely to give another good account.
- 1 Hill In Brazil (Age 5): Her LR rating is 97, 2LR is 26, and 3LR is 11. She did not build upon last season’s promising bumper debut but returned from a break to make a winning stable/hurdle debut in a run-of-the-mill Worcester maiden (2m, good) a fortnight ago. She faces a tougher task under penalty here but should still have more to offer.
Spotlight Verdict: Hill In Brazil (second choice) can progress from her recent Worcester win, while the other last-time-out winner Joueuse Royale also has a big role to play. However, HIGHLAND HAVEN looked quite useful in bumpers last season and is taken to make a winning start to her hurdling career.
Assessment of Chances for the Master Top Two:
- 2 Joueuse Royale (FR):
- Strengths: Is a recent winner over hurdles, showing good form, and proven over a slightly longer trip on good ground. She is expected to handle softer conditions.
- Weaknesses: None explicitly stated, but the Spotlight Verdict prefers another runner (Highland Haven).
- Suitability: Her recent win and adaptability to conditions suggest good suitability for the 2m1½f trip on soft ground.
- 1 Hill In Brazil:
- Strengths: Made a winning hurdling debut after a break, indicating potential for improvement. She is expected to progress further despite a penalty.
- Weaknesses: Faces a tougher challenge today under a penalty.
- Suitability: Her recent winning form suggests she is well-suited to the conditions, and further improvement is anticipated.
Fri 19th Sep 2025 3.48 Newton Abbot – Dartmoor Magazine Handicap Hurdle
Master Top Two Rated Horses (TimeWise Total):
- 2 Dickens (IRE) (Total: 289)
- 1 Book of Secrets (IRE) (Total: 238)
Recent Form and Supplied Comments:
- 2 Dickens (IRE) (Age 7): His LR rating is 73, 2LR is 39, and 3LR is 22. He started off for Jennie Candlish with two wins in June (2m/2m6f). He had to settle for third when odds-on at Hexham (2m, good; last-flight error not helpful) last month but should cope if the ground remains soft here and remains very much of interest.
- 1 Book of Secrets (IRE) (Age 7): His LR rating is 58, 2LR is 39, and 3LR is 20. He placed three consecutive times in June/July, most notably when third in a quite valuable female jockeys’ race at Cartmel (2m1f, good). He did not run badly when seventh in another competitive Cartmel race last time. He is a leading contender.
Spotlight Verdict: The first ever runner at Newton Abbot for Cumbria-based trainer James Moffatt, BOOK OF SECRETS (nap) has performed well in some competitive races at his local track Cartmel this summer and gets the nod. Dickens has done well since joining Jennie Candlish and is respected, while handicap debutants Top Guy and Saccary are possible improvers.
Assessment of Chances for the Master Top Two:
- 2 Dickens (IRE):
- Strengths: Has a winning record over hurdles this season and showed good form even in defeat last time (with an excuse for a last-flight error). He is expected to handle soft ground.
- Weaknesses: Was odds-on and only finished third last time, which might raise questions about his ability in a strong finish.
- Suitability: His proven form over 2m-2m6f and adaptability to soft ground suggest he is well-suited to today’s conditions.
- 1 Book of Secrets (IRE):
- Strengths: Comes into the race with a consistent record of placing in competitive handicaps this summer. The Spotlight Verdict names him as the top pick (“nap”).
- Weaknesses: None explicitly stated in the comments, but being a “leading contender” rather than a recent winner might be a slight concern.
- Suitability: His consistent form in similar races makes him a strong and reliable contender for this race.
Fri 19th Sep 2025 4.20 Newton Abbot – Colin Willcocks Memorial Handicap Hurdle
Master Top Two Rated Horses (TimeWise Total):
- 2 Mohawk Chief (USA) (Total: 319)
- 3 Prince Zaltar (FR) (Total: 283)
Recent Form and Supplied Comments:
- 2 Mohawk Chief (USA) (Age 5): His LR rating is 101, 2LR is 29, and 3LR is 24. He won a Hexham novice (2m4f, good) in a first-time visor last month, a form that was seemingly well advertised by the runner-up on Wednesday. He is now 2-10 over hurdles. He tackles stronger company on this handicap return and needs to prove he can handle a mark this high but won’t mind if the ground remains slower than good.
- 3 Prince Zaltar (FR) (Age 8): His LR rating is 84, 2LR is 23, and 3LR is 22. This ex-Irish 8yo won a 3m1f chase for Philip Rothwell in June and signed off for him with a good 2m6f hurdle run in first-time blinkers last month. He is now in the care of Dan Skelton (same owners). He goes without headgear today but still needs to be taken very seriously.
Spotlight Verdict: Mohawk Chief and Chillhi both won their latest hurdle races but the two stable debutants in this field appeal more. Dan Skelton’s new recruit Prince Zaltar returned to hurdling with a good effort in Ireland last month but a chance is taken on the fitness of ONEMOREFORTHEROAD, who was second in this race a year ago and will probably attempt to dominate from the front again.
Assessment of Chances for the Master Top Two:
- 2 Mohawk Chief (USA):
- Strengths: A recent novice hurdle winner, indicating good current form. The form of his win was boosted, and he is expected to handle softer ground.
- Weaknesses: This is a step up in class in a handicap, and he needs to prove he can perform off his current mark.
- Suitability: The 2m5½f trip is suitable, and he has shown ability on slower ground.
- 3 Prince Zaltar (FR):
- Strengths: A new recruit for a top stable (Dan Skelton) after a good hurdling run for his previous trainer. He has a winning background over fences and has shown ability over staying hurdle trips.
- Weaknesses: Is running without headgear today after wearing first-time blinkers last month, which could be a factor. The Spotlight Verdict prefers another runner for the win.
- Suitability: His recent form over longer hurdle trips suggests suitability for today’s distance, and he is to be taken very seriously.
Fri 19th Sep 2025 4.55 Newton Abbot – RCA Summer Jumps Championship Finale Handicap Chase
Master Top Two Rated Horses (TimeWise Total):
- 2 Shantou Lucky (IRE) (Total: 266)
- 3 Mcgregors Charge (Total: 245)
Recent Form and Supplied Comments:
- 2 Shantou Lucky (IRE) (Age 8): His LR rating is 86, 2LR is 38, and 3LR is 22. This revitalised 8yo started off for James Owen with two hurdle wins in refitted visor this month (2m5f/2m4f) and barely came off the bridle when scoring by 12l over fences at Uttoxeter (2m4f, good) on Tuesday. He has further to go here but has a good chance to extend his winning spree under a 7lb penalty.
- 3 McGregors Charge (Age 7): His LR rating is 68, 2LR is 39, and 3LR is 15. He has taken well to fences this year and deserved last month’s win at Perth (3m, good). He again ran well from the front when third at Stratford (2m6f, good) a fortnight ago and ought to make another bold bid here.
Spotlight Verdict: His stamina heads into unknown territory today and there’s a chance his busy recent spell might catch up with him but SHANTOU LUCKY has already won three times for his new stable this month, and the ease with which he cruised clear at Uttoxeter on Tuesday suggested he’s still well ahead of the handicapper. Pooroldmackley might come from the rear to collect second prize. McGregors Charge and Blackacre can also feature.
Assessment of Chances for the Master Top Two:
- 2 Shantou Lucky (IRE):
- Strengths: Arrives in phenomenal form, having won three times this month across hurdles and fences, including a dominant 12-length victory just days ago. He appears significantly “ahead of the handicapper”.
- Weaknesses: This is his third run in a very short space of time, and his stamina for 3m2f is unproven, which could be a factor late in the race.
- Suitability: His recent form on good ground and proven ability over 2m4f suggests he is currently in peak condition, but the increased trip on soft ground is a new test.
- 3 McGregors Charge:
- Strengths: Has adapted well to fences, including a recent win and a strong third-place finish. He tends to run from the front and is expected to put in another bold performance.
- Weaknesses: None explicitly stated, but the Spotlight Verdict ranks him behind Shantou Lucky and Pooroldmackley.
- Suitability: Proven over 3m and has shown good form from the front, suggesting suitability for this extended trip and conditions.
TimeWise Chronicles 
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