Racecards
14:40 Newbury
Arkell's 3b Bitter 'National Hunt' Novices' Hurdle (Class D)
- 18 Runners
- Distance: 2m 3f
- Going: Good
Backbeat (IRE)
118- Form 240-4
- Age 6
- Weight 10-12
- Trainer D R C Elsworth
- Jockey B Fenton
made all, went right 2 out, soon clear, easily
Bed Bug (FR)
43- Form 045
- Age 5
- Weight 10-12
- Trainer N J Henderson
- Jockey J R Kavanagh
in touch, headway approaching 4 out, soon ridden and weakened
- Form 1-5
- Age 6
- Weight 10-12
- Trainer N J Henderson
- Jockey M Foley
held up in touch, ridden approaching 3 out, beaten when fell 2 out
- Form 000
- Age 5
- Weight 10-12
- Trainer Miss H Knight
- Jockey M Batchelor
mid-division and keen, headway 7th, ridden after 4 out, kept on
Does It Matter
239- Form 000
- Age 6
- Weight 10-12
- Trainer P Ritchens
- Jockey A Thornton
pulled hard towards rear, weakened 8th, behind when pulled up before 4 out
- Form P-0
- Age 7
- Weight 10-12
- Trainer J Gifford
- Jockey L P Aspell
chased leaders until weakened after 7th, soon behind
- Form 56-53
- Age 6
- Weight 10-12
- Trainer Noel T Chance
- Jockey S Durack
prominent, blundered 6th, ridden after next, mistake 4 out, kept on, no chance with winner
- Form 2F
- Age 5
- Weight 10-12
- Trainer M Pitman
- Jockey Ruby Walsh
held up behind, headway after 7th, ridden approaching 3 out, kept on same pace
- Form 65
- Age 5
- Weight 10-12
- Trainer Miss H Knight
- Jockey R Biddlecombe
never better than mid-division
Mr Phipps
25- Form F0
- Age 7
- Weight 10-12
- Trainer P Winkworth
- Jockey T Scudamore
behind, stayed on from 4 out, never dangerous
- Form 5-064
- Age 6
- Weight 10-12
chased leaders, ridden after 4 out, kept on same pace
In depth
Verdict
Backbeat has shown promise, is improving but has a 118-day absence to overcome. Nicky Henderson's Bed Bug was well behind Old Vic on his debut but should come on for that run. The stable would appear to have a stronger chance with Cappadrummin, not seen since finishing fifth to Keltic Bard over course and distance in November. Intymcginty is gradually improving and was third to Calling Brave over course and distance last time. Limited Edition fell on his hurdling debut after finishing second in a Warwick bumper last season, while his stablemate, Themanfromcarlisle was well behind Caracciola here last time. Lough Rynn has shown some promise in bumpers. Hurdling debutant, Noble Baron, won a fair bumper last season. Supreme Priority steps back from three miles on his last run but has looked only modest to date. Trusting Paddy hinted at ability last time but more is needed here. In a tricky race, Intymcginty is nominated as the selection.