Trainer views and punting angles to help you unpick a competitive Spring Cup

3.15 Newbury
MansionBet Spring Cup Handicap | 1m | 4yo+ | ITV/RTV

Benefit of a run can prove key Spring-board

Exec Chef is at the top of the betting for this competitive mile handicap after a close second in Doncaster's Spring Mile a fortnight ago, a race which has been a good pointer for this contest in the last few seasons.

Extraterrestrial (2009), Captain Bertie (2012), Haaf A Sixpence (2013) and last year's winner Taqdeer ran at Doncaster before winning at Newbury.

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The Jim Boyle trained four-year-old notched a hat-trick last summer, with two wins at Newbury, and shaped with real promise when a close second in the Spring Mile.

Boyle said: "He's a nice improving horse and ran a good race at Doncaster. He's been put up 5lb and goes into a slightly better race. He'll need to improve again but will hopefully relish the slightly easier conditions at Newbury and we're hopeful of a bold show."

Dettori and Spencer look to extend great record

Frankie Dettori and Jamie Spencer have each won two of the last five runnings of the Spring Cup and the pair both have decent chances of completing the hat-trick.

Dettori, who won on Ayaar (2015) and Taqdeer (2018), rides the Jane Chapple-Hyam-trained Circus Couture, who finished third in the Royal Hunt Cup at Ascot last summer. He was, however, a disappointing sixth last time.

Frankie Dettori (blue): winner of the Spring Cup on Taqdeer last seasonCredit: Alan Crowhurst

Chapple-Hyam said: "He blew up in his last run at Doncaster so hopefully that's brought him on. It took him two runs to really get him rocking and rolling last season, so I hope the run at Donny will mean he can be in the shake-up. He'll love the ground and hopefully Frankie can get a tune out of him."

Spencer, who won the race in 2014 and 2017, partners the Michael Bell-trained Fire Brigade.

Fahey double-handed in bid for fourth Spring Cup success

Richard Fahey has an excellent record in this race, having won with Extraterrestrial (2009) and dual-winner Gabrial's Kaka, while having the second in 2017 with Another Touch.

This year he has two representatives. Borodin was a decent winner on his penultimate start, while Third Time Lucky finished sixth in this event last season.

Fahey said: "Borodin is fit and well and won’t mind the ease in the ground.

"Third Time Lucky ran well to be eighth in the Lincoln. He's been dropped him a couple of pounds and the slower ground will help. He’s in great form."

What the rest say

David O'Meara, trainer of Escobar and Humbert
Escobar ran a really good race in the Balmoral at the end of last year but ideally he'd want faster ground. He's had a few visits to Newbury, runs well there, so it looks a good place to start his season. Humbert disappointed a little bit at Doncaster but probably wants softer ground than he encountered there.

Charlie Fellowes, trainer of Chiefofchiefs
We skipped the Lincoln because we thought the ground was too quick, but the going looks beautiful here. I've no idea about the draw but hope there's plenty of pace in the race. He'll love the conditions and big field and I think he has room for improvement off his mark.

Richard Hannon, trainer of Red Starlight
I think she'll come on massively from Doncaster, I thought she ran a super race. She's a big filly and is fitter than she looks. I'm very keen to win a Listed race but we can utilise her handicap mark for the time being.

Red Starlight: runs for Richard HannonCredit: Mark Cranham (racingpost.com/photos)

Alan King, trainer of Chatez
We took Chatez out of the Lincoln due to the fast ground. He loves the soft and it looks as if conditions will be suitable.

Philip Kirby, trainer of South Seas
We're hoping he can run better than last time. He missed the break, didn't really get into the race and the ground was just a bit too quick for him. He seems in good form.

Mick Channon, trainer of Pattie
She's in great form, she's a good filly and we think she'll run a big race.

Elaine Burke, wife of Karl Burke, trainer of Raydiance
We're hopeful of a nice run. We were pleased with his run in the Lincoln. Harrison Shaw, who rides him, will take some weight off his back and he should go well on this ground - it was a bit lively for him at Doncaster.

Roger Varian, trainer of Ibraz
Ibraz looks a picture and his work is good. I think a mile at a track like Newbury with a bit of give underfoot should be his ideal conditions. I’d be hopeful of a strong performance.

Dominic Ffrench Davis, trainer of Indeed
He's having his first run for us since coming from France and goes against a big field for the first time. He's probably a bit green and still learning but I think he's talented and well-in off a mark of 92.

David Menuisier, trainer of History Writer
He's had a good winter and seems in great form. It's his first run of the year and I think he'll improve from it. The ground and straight mile on a flat course will suit, so it looks a good starting point. If it pans out in his favour he should run a good race.

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