We’ve had a small rebrand this week, but do not worry, everything else stays exactly the same. Same format, same focus, same look at what matters in the days ahead.
Friday night brings one of the more intriguing storylines of the winter, as Nicky Henderson sends Constitution Hill to Southwell for a switch to the flat.
It will be his first appearance since coming down at the second flight in the Fighting Fifth at Newcastle in December. The 7:30pm SBK Road To Cheltenham Novice Stakes is an unusual setting for a former Champion Hurdler, but perhaps this is about rhythm, confidence and a reset rather than results.
Henderson admitted there was relief at securing a place in the field, and with ITV4 coverage and a lively crowd expected, it should be a fascinating watch.
Saturday offers a proper staying test at Newcastle, where the Eider Chase over four miles and a bit is the standout. It is one of those races that always rewards stamina and patience, and often throws up future National contenders.
Kempton also stages a strong card, headlined by the Ladbrokes Trophy Handicap Chase over three miles, a race that regularly attracts depth and quality in equal measure.
Across the Irish Sea, Fairyhouse stages a full card with the Bobbyjo Chase over three miles two furlongs as the feature. A well-established Grand National trial, it regularly attracts runners looking to prove their stamina ahead of Aintree. This year’s field of 10 includes National hopefuls Captain Cody, Gerri Colombe, Lecky Watson, Grangeclare West, Spanish Harlem and Jordans.
Sunday feels lower key, with meetings at Naas, Fontwell and Hereford keeping things ticking over. The midweek programme follows a similar pattern, with Plumpton and Ayr on Monday, Catterick, Leicester and Southwell on Tuesday, then Bangor-on-Dee and Wincanton over jumps on Wednesday alongside all-weather cards from Lingfield and Kempton.
Not the loudest week of the season, but plenty of angles to keep an eye on.
Big races this week
Constitution Hill Returns: 7:30 Southwell, 20 Feb (iTV4)
Eider Handicap Chase: 2:43 Newcastle, 21 Feb (iTV4)
Bobbyjo Chase: 3:15 Fairyhouse, 21 Feb (iTV4)
Ladbrokes Trophy Handicap Chase: 3:35 Kempton, 21 Feb (iTV4)
Race Notes
3:15 Fairyhouse 21 Feb, Bobbyjo Chase
Recent form figures of 35-848 suggest Grangeclare West (10/3) has been struggling to string anything solid together.
By contrast, Three Card Brag (9/2) looks much better suited to the trip. He has won or placed in each of his last three outings.
Captain Cody (7/1) and Lecky Watson (16/1) look the value alternatives, both offering solid each-way claims at double-figure place odds.
Weekend Nap
LIVIN ON LUCO – 2.43 Newcastle (Eider Handicap Chase):
Livin On Luco (7/1) looks a very plausible type for a gruelling test like the Eider, having already advertised his stamina with an excellent fourth in the Welsh Grand National. Conditional jockey Callum Pritchard’s handy 3lb claim could prove crucial over this extended trip.
Antepost Watch
With the publication of the Grand National weights earlier this week, Captain Cody was allotted a very workable 10st 10lb, and his price has already shortened from 22/1 into 16/1, which won’t have gone unnoticed by the ante-post watchers.
The Grand National market is beginning to take shape, with Iroko (7/1), I Am Maximus (12/1), Captain Cody (16/1), Haiti Couleurs (16/1) and Monty’s Star (20/1) currently heading the ante-post betting.
Racing Syndicates
Emris Racing are a relatively new syndicate operation (launched in 2025) aiming to make racehorse ownership more open, transparent and genuinely enjoyable for members.
They focus on taking people right to the start of a horse’s story, with opportunities to get involved from foal or yearling stage through to retirement, including input into the naming process, and they run their shares on a free-lease basis so there are no large upfront purchase costs.
There are two main ways to get involved: Premium, which offers just 20 shares in each horse for a more intimate, hands‑on syndicate experience, and Club, capped at 250 members and structured as a one‑off payment to follow a youngster up to full training, with the option to step into the main racing syndicate at the end of that journey.
If you want to know more about Emris Racing, click here.
Betting Offers
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Racing News
Here are a few racing updates that caught the eye this week.
Racing Legends
In the green pastures of County Kildare, few foals have been born with quite the right to racing stardom as Istabraq. Foaled on May 23, 1992, Istabraq hailed from one of the most notable Thoroughbred bloodlines in modern racing. Sired by Sadler’s Wells, the pre-eminent stallion of his era renowned for producing Derby winners and Classic champions, and out of Betty’s Secret, a daughter of Secretariat, Istabraq looked bred for greatness from his very first day.
Thanks for reading! Let’s catch up again next week.
Regards
The Newsletter Team
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