Paddy's Pick 5: our tips for Saturday's £25,000 game
You have another chance at a big prize fund with the free-to-play Paddy's Pick 5 this week, with Newbury and Kelso taking centre stage for Saturday's game. See our suggested selections below and good luck!
Leg 1: 1.30 Newbury
Inneston is the clear form choice after his excellent second at Sandown a fortnight ago but the worry is that this will come plenty quick enough for him. By contrast, BLOW YOUR WAD arrives here fresh, having been off 11 weeks since being well held in the Grade One Tolworth Hurdle last time. He had looked promising before that reverse and a mark of 125 may well underestimate him. He’s had a wind op since we last saw him and the first-time cheekpieces he wore that day are dispensed with. Artistic Choice, who went close here last time, and Pearly Island, a Fontwell winner this month, look best of the rest.
Leg 2: 1.50 Kelso
Sue Smith was responsible for last year’s winner and may again provide the answer with PRAIRIE WOLF. He was an emphatic winner at Catterick on his penultimate start and might well have followed up at Doncaster last time but for a costly error two out. The Navigator is now 3lb lower than when last catching the judge’s eye and caught the eye at Catterick last time, while Coral Blue, Euchan Falls and Les’s Legacy – preferred in that order – arrive here in great heart.
Leg 3: 2.05 Newbury
The progressive HELTENHAM can go in again. He is up 7lb for his win at Ffos Las last time but he scored in cosy style and his previous win at Newcastle has worked out a treat, with the next four home all winning at least once. The Big Bite had Espoir De Guye back in fifth when winning the Greatwood Gold Cup here last time, although underfoot conditions will be very different. Super Six romped home at Haydock last time but the handicapper has taken his revenge. Zhiguli edged out Eden Du Houx at Sandown last time and there should again be little between the pair.
Leg 4: 2.40 Newbury
This is wide open and connections of all 18 runners will arrive at Newbury harbouring hopes of victory. FORTUNA LIGNA has yet to get her head in front over hurdles but she surely would have won at Plumpton last time (beaten a short head) had she jumped a bit better. I’m sure this more galloping track will suit her better, plus she will be equipped with first-time blinkers and Harry Cobden is back on board. Blue Beach is another who will be wearing first-time headgear, despite making all at Huntingdon last time. She could well make another bold bid, while Lets Go To Vegas and Aubis Walk switch to handicap ranks and warrant a second look.
Leg 5: 3.35 Kelso
Forward Plan has taken well to chasing, winning his past two starts at Southwell in good style. He’s not one to oppose lightly but is up 10lb in the ratings and finds himself in deeper waters. It could be worth taking him on with HILL SIXTEEN, even though he hasn’t won since the backend of 2020. He has some solid course form to his name and was far from disgraced in the Becher Chase last time. He’s since had a wind op and been freshened up. Mighty Thunder is not the horse he was when landing the Scottish Grand National a couple of years ago, but he has tumbled in the weights and offered a bit more in the Eider last time. His stablemate, Big River, is an eight-time course winner but Father Time rides pillion with him nowadays.
