4.55 Newbury: the one race you do not want to miss on Friday

4.55 Newbury
Oakley Coachbuilders Handicap Chase | 2m1/2f | 5yo+ | RTV

Three last-time-out winners, including two hat-trick-seekers, make for a competitive contest, although the key to the race might well be Dan Skelton's Amoola Gold, who has run a pair of crackers at the course this term and deserves to get his head in front.

He made too many mistakes on his seasonal debut and didn't quite get home over the extended 2m4f trip, but last time he nearly defied a market drift in a three-way finish over course and distance when tight for room approaching the elbow.

Third in the three-way photo that day was Tom Lacey's Vado Forte, but the trainer this time relies on Dorking Cock, who was a slow learner when starting over fences but has come good on his last two starts at Chepstow and Carlisle.

Amoola Gold (far side, yellow) was narrowly touched off at this track last timeCredit: Getty Images

It would be fair to say there isn't much substance to that last piece of form though - runner-up beaten twice as far next time - and an 8lb higher mark makes things difficult.

There is greater substance to the form of Billingsley's Hereford/Haydock double which came in more competitive heats, but he had a hard race last time and has been raised 7lb for his efforts.

The other last-time-out winner in the field is Eddiemaurice, who landed a gamble over hurdles here last month, with excellent claimer Jack Tudor sitting motionless approaching the last.

He eventually scrambled home by a head from a game runner-up and now goes back over fences off 3lb lower than his new hurdles rating.

He evidently likes Newbury as he was second to Lillington in this contest 12 months ago, although this rematch is on the same terms for a six-length defeat.

Lillington is the enigma as he comes into the race with form figures of PP, but he won both starts at this track last March off marks of 122 and 128 and has been dropped back to 126. He has completed the course only once since that last win and didn't beat a rival then.

Flaminger was beaten at odds-on in his hat-trick bid in a four-runner race last time at Lingfield, but should not be written off either. That was his fifth heavy-ground run in the space of eight weeks and he has been freshened up since.
Race analysis by Paul Kealy

What the stats say

The Colin Tizzard-trained Lillington is bidding for back-to-back victories in the contest, having landed the spoils 12 months ago. He won last year’s race off an official rating of 122 and is now on a 4lb higher mark and has to leave a couple of uninspiring efforts behind him.

What the trainers say

Alastair Ralph, trainer of Billingsley
He remains in good heart and wants soft ground and two miles, so he has a few things in his favour. Hopefully there is a bit more to come as he is seeking a hat-trick.

Tom Lacey, trainer of Dorking Cock
He has gone up 15lb for winning what were pretty mediocre races so the handicapper might have skittled his chance. He wants really soft ground so the more rain the better for him.

Dan Skelton, trainer of Amoola Gold
He has a big chance on recent course form when he was just touched off back in December. He has been well at home in the meantime.

Gary Moore, trainer of Flaminger
The horse has a nice racing weight but I think he is better on better ground. However, the ground at Newbury on the chase course has been better than many places - hence why he is heading there.
Reporting by James Burn

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