Read Joe Tizzard's latest Raceday Runners preview as he looks forward to a busy weekend at Newbury and Exeter.

Saturday 25th March

14:40 Newbury – Ilovethenightlife 

This is a great mares’ race, as it has a full field of 18 runners. We have top weight as we have achieved the most this season. I was really pleased with her victory at Doncaster last time out and this distance of 2m4½f is a great trip for her.

We will find out about the ground, but I don’t think she will mind it. It is very competitive, but she goes there in great form. She did a lovely piece of work last week and we will find out where we are with her in this contest. 

16:25 Newbury – Le Ligerien 

He joined us at the start of the year and we gave him a wind-op when he arrived. Since then, he has gone on to improve considerably. He was very impressive at Hereford time last time out where he prevailed by a large margin.

This is a step up for him, but he has won around Newbury and the soft ground will favour him. He looks fantastic at home. The handicapper is obviously having a say every time he wins, but he has been at a higher mark than this before, so he remains off a mark which I think he can work with.

 

17:00 Newbury – Elegant Escape

He has been a cracker for us. This is likely to be one of his last couple of runs.

He came good at the back end of last season at Ascot and he has run well at Newbury before. Unfortunately, he has just gotten a little temperamental in that he likes things his own way now. If he can bounce back to anything near what he is capable of, he would have a chance off his latest mark.

However, he owes us nothing and when he gets rehomed, I am sure he will provide those looking after him just as much pleasure as he has given us.

Sunday 26th March

14:07 Exeter – Pedley Wood

He just got beat by a short head at Hereford last time. The front two were fortunate as the leader fell at the last. He had to carry top weight of 12st in that race, so I don’t think he will mind going up in class here. This distance around Exeter should be perfect for him, and we expect him to run well.

14:42 Exeter – Buckhorn Rocco

The step up in trip will help this horse. Venetia Williams’ runner who has come over from France looks like the biggest danger in this race. Buckhorn has been consistent this season and if he steps up on what he has shown so far, he has a great chance.

15:52 Exeter – Copperhead

He missed his last target as he was lame, but he is 100% again now. He is in lovely form at home, and he has dropped in grade. I am just hoping he shows that spark again around a racecourse. If he has a going day, he will be in the mix.

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