Warwick Racecourse: Preview and tips for Saturday’s seven-race card

Read on for a full preview of and tips for the Warwick card, brought to you by Betano, who provide all the latest horse racing odds .

We begin with a maiden hurdle run over two miles and three furlongs (12.45). Jonjo and AJ O’Neill’s So Proud won a good bumper in the Spring, and he should be competitive for his in-form trainers here. Jamie Snowden’s strike rate in maidens is very strong this term, so Johnny’s Jury enters calculations after a good first start for third of 10, and Gee Force Flyer has shown plenty of ability so far behind some good horses, so should be a main player too. Johnny’s Jury is the least exposed of these two, so has more potential for improvement and could be our winner here.

Next is a two and a half mile handicap chase (1.15). Dj Pete prefers soft ground so could do better here on a tempting mark, as could La Galli Bier, who is also down to a competitive mark. Gold For Alec is interesting back up in trip, and the topweight Moon Phases should be able to get in the mix. At a generous price, though, Dj Pete is underestimated, having finished ahead of A Great Excuse in November at Ffos Las and represents each-way value on this surface.

The first of the feature races follows; the three-mile Grade Two Hampton Novices’ Chase (1.52). Olly Murphy’s Wade Out tops the ratings, having won his two latest starts at Worcester and Cheltenham. He is proven to stay and handle the ground, so looks as competitive as ever. Doyen Quest looks dangerous for Dan Skelton, having won at this track and over this trip, while Jamie Snowden’s first string, Hollygrove Cha Cha, is intriguing. This mare should be better left-handed and has beaten some good horses, so is worth thinking about each-way.

Race four is a two-mile handicap hurdle (2.25). A hot-looking race, several of the 18 runners have won a race already this term. Warren Greatrex’s Premier - the youngest in the field at four years old - looks to have a nice chance at the weights, while At The Oche looks able to go well under a five-pound claiming rider. Three Pikes steps down in trip here, which could help him, and Snapius enters calculations on this mark too.

The Classic Handicap Chase is next, run over three miles and five furlongs (2.55). Venetia Williams’ L’Homme Presse, an 11-year-old veteran, is our topweight and a top-class stayer, and he should be a big player here. With a lot of weight to carry around this marathon trip, though, Myretown looks tempting, but must prove a more reliable jumper here. Sara Bradstock’s Mr Vango looks a good option. He happily shoulders weight over a long distance, and is a highly consistent type who has never finished outside of the first three home. Nassalam could place if his recent wind surgery has proven effective.

Second to last is a Pertemps Hurdle Qualifier, run over three miles and a furlong (3.32). Botox Has could be very competitive on this new low mark, and has 10 pounds from his rider to help. Felicie Du Maquis could be capable too, having recently had wind surgery and also receiving weight from his rider. He is best on true soft ground, which we have today, but he must take a step forward from his latest two starts.

Finally, racing concludes with a bumper (4.02). Three of the 10 runners are point-to-point winners, but their form hasn’t stacked up overly strongly, so some of the newcomers make more appeal. Country Pursuits looks interesting for Ian Williams, while Diamond Street could be a good new starter for leading handler Dan Skelton.

Warwick selections - Saturday:

12.45 - Johnny’s Jury

1.15 - Dj Pete e/w

1.52 - Hollygrove Cha Cha e/w

2.25 - Premier

2.55 - Mr Vango

3.32 - Botox Has

4.02 - Diamond Street