Megan Nicholls Racing Tips – Newbury Super Saturday

BetMGM ambassador Megan Nicholls offers her insight into the world of horse racing as she brings her first-rate knowledge exclusively to our blog every week.

In this entry the former jockey, who rode more than 110 winners before turning her hand to television punditry, casts her eye over Saturday’s meeting at Newbury.

But first, she shares her thoughts on the untimely death of jockey Keagan Kirkby, who passed away after a fall in a Point-to-Point last weekend. Mr Kirkby formed part of Paul Nicholls’ yard.

A tribute to Keagan Kirkby

It was absolutely tragic to hear the news of Keagan Kirkby’s passing following a fall point-to-pointing.

He was, as I am sure a lot of people have realised, very popular. He was such a lovely lad and it is so unfair that these things can happen to such an amazing, generous and loved young man. It is just heartbreaking.

Obviously it’s been very tough for all his friends, family and colleagues. Everyone has really come together. You can read the support on social media and see the fundraiser that has raised an incredible amount of money here.

We had a target of £5,000 but that's been blown out of the water, which is just incredible. Any more that can be raised is even better. It's amazing how the racing community can really come together in times like this and we thank everyone for their support.

It's been really hard to believe it's actually happened. Keagan worked extremely hard — he was a huge part of the team at Ditcheat. He absolutely adored his horses and wasn't ever far wrong with his opinion on when he thought a horse was in great form at home.

His smile, humour and presence is going to be sorely missed by everyone. The least we can do is really help towards his funeral and memorial to give him the send-off he deserves.

The fact that so many people far and wide have donated in seriously generous numbers is just phenomenal — and every little really helps so I would really like to reiterate our thanks and that anything else that can be given is hugely appreciated.

I think the cherry on the top of the fundraiser was Fire Flyer — the horse Kegan used to ride every day — managing to win at Taunton in the week and the owner donating the prize money from that race to the fundraiser.

Things like that go so far. It goes to show that there are a lot of great people in our sport and community and we should continue to support Keagan's family and friends at this really tough time.

Super Saturday Racing Tips

Newbury 1.30 – [The Denman Chase(/sports#racing/event/1020481065)

I think Shishkin (8/13) wins the Denman Chase. I'd like to see him win for himself after a couple of unfortunate mishaps this season.

He was running a huge race in the King George and, although Protektorat (9/4) was a bit better last time, he needs a bit more against the best of Shishkin's form.

Hitman (12/1) is hard to trust at the moment — he's lost his way a little bit.

There are a few quirky customers heading up but Shiskin is the best of those and worthy of the top of the market.

Megan’s Tip: Shishkin WIN

Newbury 2.40 – The Game Spirit Chase

I have lost a bit of faith in Edwardstone (6/4) and he is back down to the minimum trip, which will help. He still needs to settle and I just think he lacked a lot of spark at Kempton. It was a disappointing run.

So I am going with Boothill (2/1). He fell in that same Kempton race, but was going nicely enough at the time. They have given him a bit of time to freshen up and this race has been his aim.

Megan’s Tip: Boothill WIN

Newbury 3.15 – Handicap Hurdle

Iberico Lord (11/2 fav) is going to be my selection – returning to slower ground will be a positive for him.

He was disappointing at Ascot but it was way too bad to be true and I just felt the drying ground that day probably wasn’t to his favour. He was very impressive at Cheltenham in the Greatwood Hurdle previously, and he is still relatively unexposed and young and potentially still improving.

I think the rain will increase his chances and he could easily bounce back. He’s a horse with a high cruising speed and big fields aren’t an issue – he’s obviously experienced that previously – so there are plenty of positives about his chances.

Megan’s Tip: Iberico Lord WIN

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