'He's an unknown quantity' - Richard Newland's new recruit chases winning debut

Thursday: 4.33 Wetherby
racingtv.com Handicap Chase | 3m | 5yo+ | RTV

Richard Newland has a 23 per cent strike-rate (26-112) with horses who have been switched to his stable since their last run and Templebredin bids to make the perfect start for the Grand National-winning trainer after leaving point handler Sam Curling.

He was beaten in his last Irish point but he is still only eight years old, which is relatively young for an ex-pointer, and Newland is adept at coaxing improvement from such types.

Newland's string is in scintillating form for Templebredin's stable debut and he is open to plenty of progress.

He does need to improve, though. His recent form leaves him some way off the best of these and they include Lord Sparky, who has finished in the first three on five of his last six starts and recorded an RPR of 108 when second at Huntingdon last time. He runs off a BHA mark of just 102 here.

Sigurd is the best-handicapped horse in the race. He has dropped to a mark 8lb lower than when last successful over course and distance in March last year under Brian Hughes. The champion jockey elect is back on board Sigurd and the pair have two wins, a second and three thirds from 15 starts when paired together.

Rookie Trainer: dons first-time cheekpieces in Thursday's contestCredit: Alan Crowhurst (Getty Images)

The final word goes to Rookie Trainer, for the not-so rookie trainer Neil Mulholland.

Mulholland fits cheekpieces on the eight-year-old but is just nine per cent with runners wearing the aid for the first time since the start of last year and that compares to a record of 13 per cent overall.

That would suggest the headgear might be going on more in hope than in expectation of an improved performance.
Race analysis by Graeme Rodway

What they say

Oliver Greenall, trainer of Midnight Moss
He will have improved for fitness and seems in great form. This doesn't look the strongest race, so I'm hopeful of a good run.

Neil Mulholland, trainer of Rookie Trainer
We've freshened him up looking for better ground and he's been well at home. Hopefully he can make his presence felt with the cheekpieces on.

Richard Newland, trainer of Templebredin
He's an unknown quantity, we've only had him a few weeks, so we'll see how he gets on.

Caroline Bailey, trainer of Lord Sparky
He's done all his winning at Huntingdon but there shouldn't be a reason why he can't do it elsewhere. He seems to have come out of his last run really well.

Rose Dobbin, trainer of Definite Wisdom
We were pleased with his run at Musselburgh last time, it's a slightly higher grade but he seems in good order. He seemed to be back to himself last time and I think the track, trip and ground are all good. I'm happy with him and hopefully he'll run well.
Race reporting by Owen Goulding

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