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Megan Nicholls Racing Preview: Ascot, Newmarket & Wetherby Tips

SATURDAY RACING TIPS

Ascot 2.05 – Byrne Group Handicap Chase

It is decent ground at Ascot, much like at Wetherby, and I can understand why Master Chewy (3/1 fav) is favourite.

He is a horse that goes well first time out, is pretty consistent and was only just touched off in the Maghull Novices’ Chase at Aintree last year. He can go well again in this handicap. I know he is top weight, but he is a classy horse with a classy angle.

Each way I’m going to throw in Matterhorn (14/1) – he’s too big a price. He’s had a successful summer and he’s a horse my dad has always thought plenty of. He’s just taken a bit of time to come to himself.

He’s taken well to chasing. He was a short-priced favourite when he was pulled up at Newton Abbot last time out after making a terrible mistake. Nico de Boinville was on that day and he felt as if he wasn’t able to recover.

He has trained well since and, if he gets into a bit of cover, then he could be able to run well above those odds.

Megan’s Tip: Master Chewy WIN

Newmarket 2.50 – Montrose Fillies' Stakes

I like Waardah (7/2) here for Owen Burrows and Jim Crowley.

She was impressive on debut at Sandown over a mile on softer ground. She was pretty straightforward and a fluid mover – I wouldn’t have thought the better ground would be an issue at all.

She’s pretty smart and stepping up in grade straight away is no shock.

I am keen on her chances. It’s an open two-year-old race, with plenty of them on their second start., so it could make this race a bit harder to read… but I like Waardah’s chances.

Megan’s Tip: Waardah WIN

Wetherby 2.58 – Charlie Hall Chase

I’d love to see Bravemansgame (11/8 fav) returning to winning ways on his first run since a wind operation.

He had a frustrating season last year, following a huge run in the Gold Cup and the Punchestown Gold Cup, he just found it a bit trickier.

Perhaps, after a couple of hard races, he wasn’t quite at his best but he ran well on his return at Wetherby – although beaten, it wasn’t a bad run at all and he does go well fresh.

I wouldn’t be surprised to see this horse bounce back. It’s all about confidence with him. He is the one to beat.

His biggest danger, and the market has it correct here, is Grey Dawning (15/8). He was a big improver last year.

Dan Skelton has been campaigning for him to go to the Gold Cup if he’s good enough. He was a winner in the Turners at the Cheltenham Festival and he’s an improving horse – though how much he can improve this year we are yet to find out.

Megan’s Tip: Bravemansgame WIN

Ascot 3.15 – Lavazza Handicap Hurdle

What an unfortunate incident Fiercely Proud (4/1 fav) had at Cheltenham.

He was an intended runner for the opening meeting but, unfortunately, the jockey’s stirrup leather snapped on the way to the start and he wasn’t able to take part.

But he looks exceptional. He was none the worse for that incident, thankfully, and he had a really progressive season last year. I am looking forward to seeing him back on the track and there could be plenty more to come.

There are a couple here that I am a massive fan of, though.

I really like Secret Squirrel (9/2) – he’s pretty flashy but he’s a really honest horse – while Fire Flyer (15/2) is a horse that has always shown promise aplenty. He’s had a wind operation since he was last seen.

There are a bunch of smart and still-improving horses in this race. I do like Fiercely Proud, though, and think he’s the one that will take the beating.

Megan’s Tip: Fiercely Proud WIN

Newmarket 3.27 – James Seymour Stakes

This is a small field – and competitive.

I am going to go with Peace Man (11/4). He didn’t disgrace himself by any means on his return to Group 3 level after a gelding and plenty of time on the track.

He was a bit fresh in the early stages and possibly got a bit tired but he wasn’t beaten all that far in a pretty decent race.

That was a really nice comeback and he now drops down to the Listed level and he’s been a winner on good ground previously.

He could just get back on track.

Megan’s Tip: Peace Man WIN

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Odds correct at time of publication but subject to fluctuation

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