Newbury 3.26 Race Preview

A competitive 1m 2f fillies’ handicap (Cls4 0-85) where a group of progressive, in-form 3-year-olds clash with some more exposed older runners. The younger generation holds a significant advantage here, and the winner is highly likely to come from a filly on an upward curve.

Main Selection: DAY OF GRACE (9-5)

• Trainer: William Haggas
• Jockey: Tom Marquand
• Form: 73411

This filly looks to be the standout. She comes here seeking a hat-trick after winning her last two starts in impressive style. She showed versatility to win on soft ground at Thirsk and then followed up with a dominant 3.5-length victory in a Class 4 handicap at Goodwood just 12 days ago, where she had one of today’s rivals, Pink Lily, well beaten.

She has a perfect 1-from-1 record at this 1m 2f distance and has been raised 6lbs by the handicapper to a mark of 80. This may not be enough to stop her, as she looks to be improving rapidly. The fact that stable jockey Tom Marquand picks her over stablemate Aeolian is a major vote of confidence.

Main Dangers

CONCERT PARTY (9-2)

• Trainer: Richard Hannon
• Jockey: Sean Levey
• Form: 6-55511

Like the main selection, Concert Party is also chasing a hat-trick. She has been transformed by the step up to this 1m 2f distance, winning a shade cosily at Sandown (at 22/1) before proving that was no fluke with a tough win at Bath 15 days ago. She is up 5lbs for that win, but she’s in the form of her life and represents a trainer who does very well at this track. She is a serious threat.

PRINCESS RASCAL (9-12)

• Trainer: Oliver Cole
• Jockey: Billy Loughnane
• Form: 61261

This filly brings a different profile. She has the strongest piece of form in the race, having won a much higher-grade Class 2 handicap at Newmarket 20 days ago. Because her rating of 87 is above this race’s 0-85 limit, she must carry a penalty, which means she is giving weight to all her rivals. However, she is a class act dropping down in grade, and if she’s in the same form as her last run, she could simply be too good for this field, despite the weight.

Others to Note

• GLORYOUS (9-9): A consistent filly who rarely runs a bad race at this distance (2 wins and 3 places from 6 tries). She was only just beaten (by a head) last time out and has run well at Newbury before. A strong candidate for a place.
• MAJAZ (9-3): The ultimate “bridesmaid.” Her form figures in her last five races are 2-2-2-2-2. She is incredibly consistent and is almost certain to be involved in the finish, but she just can’t seem to get her head in front. An obvious one for any “place” bets.

Verdict

This looks like a race for the improving 3-year-olds. DAY OF GRACE ticks every box: she’s in-form, progressive, has a win at the distance, and has the backing of the stable’s top jockey. She is taken to complete her hat-trick. Concert Party is the most likely to follow her home, while the class-dropping Princess Rascal is a major danger to both if she handles the big weight.

1-2-3 Prediction:

1. Day Of Grace
2. Concert Party
3. Princess Rascal