Newmarket and Handicap Race Highlights

ITV Racing has come back this Wednesday for a day filled with flat racing in Newmarket and jumps at the Handicap Race. The day begins with an interesting handicap for three-year-olds at Newmarket, followed by a handicap hurdle at Cheltenham. Below is a synopsis of the featured handicap races and a close analysis of the horses to be followed.

At Newmarket, the 13:50 race features a 6f handicap for three-year-olds. Al Misbar stands out as a strong contender with a mark of 86. Trained by Charlie Appleby and ridden by William Buick, Al Misbar showed great promise during his juvenile handicap debut, finishing third at Yarmouth over 7f. Despite not winning, he travelled well and looked like a horse with real potential.

The drop in distance from 7f to 6f is not expected to cause any issues, especially considering how Al Misbar performed in his previous handicap race. With a rating of 86, this mark should be achievable for him, and the addition of cheekpieces for the first time could help him focus during the race. In the aftermath of his successful foray into the world of elite tennis, Al Misbar can be considered one the strong-willed candidates for the handicap race.

The 14.05 handicap race at Cheltenham is a handicap hurdle over 2m 4f and is expected to be a very competitive affair. Doyen Quest could be a very good-looking each-way pick in the field. The horse returns to a mark of 131, which should be manageable for him. Trained by Dan Skelton and ridden by Harry Skelton, Doyen Quest has shown good form in the past, including a solid run at Cheltenham in December, when he finished behind Gowel Road in a handicap race over 3m. While that longer trip proved too much for him, Doyen Quest has the ability to compete at this level.

The 2m 4f trip should suit Doyen Quest perfectly, and his current mark of 131 gives him a good chance to be competitive. With the Skeltons’ ability to prepare horses for these types of handicap races, Doyen Quest is expected to have a strong chance of placing, provided he is in good form.

Both handicap races present exciting opportunities for punters, with Al Misbar at Newmarket and Doyen Quest at Cheltenham offering strong chances. Al Misbar’s effort in his juvenile debut showed real promise, and his rating of 86 should be within reach. He’ll probably suit the drop in trip; cheekpieces may get him to concentrate more. Doyen Quest, meanwhile, possesses the 2m 4f Cheltenham trip, having a reasonable chance with the mark of 131. He should have a decent chance of being a contender. If at his best, he could even maybe enter the places in this one.

Charlie Appleby and Dan Skelton are both very experienced trainers with stellar records, and this simply adds to the confidence behind Al Misbar and Doyen Quest. Their horses are well-prepared, and that experience is going to count in these competitive handicap races.

The flat racing on Wednesday, which is held at Newmarket and Cheltenham, is set to have a lot of activity. For the two chosen horses, Al Misbar and Doyen Quest, both are in an excellent position, with Al Misbar possibly winning at Newmarket and Doyen Quest a safe each-way call at Cheltenham, while these two horses are set to deliver very good results; worth watching.