Dan Overall: Placepot picks for Newbury on Saturday

Some interesting types in here, and Hasthing is certainly a horse to note for the future. He was one of my “Winless Ones To Watch” and despite being two from two over hurdles, I don’t think we’ve seen the best of him yet although I think he wants further than 2m.

Making Headway sets the standard and proved he handled testing ground when winning at Carlisle. He backed that up with a close second to Kamsinas in a Grade 2 before a creditable effort in the Formby (formerly the Tolworth). He shapes as if he too would also appreciate a step up in trip in time, but a testing two-miles looks fine for now and she should be bang there at the finish.

Selection: Making Headway

Mel Rowley has done remarkably well with Kyntara, who despite his ability, was turning into a very unreliable sort in his final efforts for Kim Bailey.

And yet, he’s now a model of consistency, winning his first two starts for the yard and arguably should’ve won last time out, too, if not for a stumble after the final hurdle. He’ll be ridden prominently and handles testing ground, which is the ideal combination for Placepot purposes.

Selection: Kyntata

Shishkin has drifted markedly from his ante-post price of 2/5, and I understand why. While he has more innate ability that Protektorat, he would prefer a sounder surface and he keeps finding new, enigmatic ways to get beat (admittedly, the King George was a freak incident, but you see my point).

And while Protektorat would not beat a prime Shishkin, you know he will handle conditions and has ran consistently well since his disappointing effort in the Betfair Chase. It’s very passive, but I am going to include both in the slip in hope that all five run and they finish 1-2.

Selections: Shishkin & Protektorat

A very trappy race, in my opinion, and I would not be surprised if we see an upset.

And the one to provide it may well be Amarillo Sky, who was progressive when last seen and given he picked up an injury when fourth in the Clarence House, you can mark up that run. He’s won twice and (fell on his other start, when he was going much the best) and connections have had this race earmarked for some time. There’s still a belief that he can compete in the top races come the Spring, and on weight-adjusted ratings, he’s only 1lb below Boothill.

Selection: Amarillo Sky

I was keen on Tellherthename’s chances but he's now a non-runer.  Lookaway has been a model of consistency and I'm content to bank on him. While I do think he’s vulnerable for win purposes, his tenacious front-running style should mean he’s not far away, provided his earlier exertions have not taken their toll.

Selection: Lookaway

Inch House will be popular given his course and distance form, but I am concerned about his propensity to hang in a finish and I’m not sure he’s as effective on testing ground.

With that in mind, preference is for Makin’yourmindup, who has yet to show what he’s capable of over fences. His chase debut was promising and I’m happy to forgive his effort at Leicester behind Apple Away, as that was on truly attritional ground that not many horses appreciate. Crucially, he goes back left-handed (all hurdles wins came left-handed) and Paul Nicholls has a good record in this race; he won it in 2021 and 2022 and tends to aim a good one here.

Selection: Makin’yourmindup