Which Spring Cup runner 'clearly has some unfinished business'?

Saturday: 3.35 Newbury
Highclere Thoroughbred Racing 30th Anniversary Spring Cup Handicap | 1m | 4yo+ | ITV4/RTV

It is easy to sympathise with the position that forecasting race tactics is a fools' errand. Every experienced punter has been stung on that trail at some point. However, straight-course handicaps tend to behave better than most and the Ssoupring Cup looks to have a fairly clear make-up in terms of pace.

The three likeliest front runners are Isla Kai, drawn seven of 17, Animal Instinct bang in the centre stall nine, and Saleymm in 11. There looks to be a good chance of runners racing in a single group up the centre of the course, just like in the last two runnings.

Based on that assumption, it would be logical to look for those who will get cover in behind the head of the arrow. Who better than Rogue Bear? The purportedly unlucky Lincoln third is in stall eight.

It is solid logic, but the underlying assumption he was wronged at Doncaster is not watertight. Yes, he was on the near side away from the main action headed up by Saleymm, but the leaders were slowing at the end, so an enforced wait to make his challenge arguably worked out in his favour. It is logical to suggest Saleymm may uphold the form.

There are others of interest drawn around the pace, too. Etonian, in stall 12, was supposed to be Richard Hannon's Guineas horse last year. It obviously has not worked out that way but there is clearly some unfinished business after just four career starts.

Of most interest might be the similarly unfulfilled The Turpinator. This strapping sort missed almost two years after winning a maiden for David Elsworth in October 2019 and did not get going in a smattering of runs for Marcus Tregoning last autumn.

Tom Ward got a win out of him straight away, his success at Kempton five weeks ago notable for a rapid move from about two furlongs out. A well-run, straight mile should suit and he could not be much better drawn than on Isla Kai's flank in stall six.
Race analysis by Keith Melrose

What they say

David Menuisier, trainer of Migration
He's rated 106, so there are not many options for him and this looks a good starting point. We'll have a look at the ground before racing but he wouldn't want it to dry out too much. He's a big horse and takes a bit of getting fit, so will probably improve from the run.

Charlie Appleby, trainer of Modern News
He ran well in the Lincoln to finish seventh but he could have done with a stronger pace as he finished off well. He's come out of that well and should run another solid race.

James Doyle, rider of Saleymm
I rode him a couple of times last year when he was pretty progressive. I thought he did well in the Lincoln in which he was left in front off a slow pace and I'm sure he'll give another good account.

William Haggas, trainer of Irish Admiral
He has a bit to find with some on his Doncaster form but will enjoy the straight track and good ground should suit him.

Bruce Raymond, racing manager to Sheikh Hamed Dalmook Al Maktoum, owner of Teodolina
She ran a decent enough race at Doncaster first time but may need a longer trip to be seen at best advantage.

Tom Ward, trainer of The Turpinator
He came back from a wind op to win at Kempton last month when he would still have needed the run. He's still lightly raced and this will be his first experience of a big handicap and he'll learn plenty.

Silvestre de Sousa, rider of Trais Fluors
Hopefully the ground will dry out a bit for him as he doesn't like the soft. Mick Channon's horses are in good shape.

Ian Williams, trainer of Animal Instinct
He's been gelded and had a wind operation since his last run and he's fit and well. He didn't run as badly as the bare result suggests at Lingfield last time and we've always thought he'd be more suited by a straight mile and grass.

Tom Clover, trainer of Rogue Bear
He's come forward since finishing third in the Lincoln and we are very much looking forward to running him. The ground may be quicker than Doncaster but he's not short of speed and it's fantastic for the owners to have a big chance in a big handicap.

Charlie Fellowes, trainer of The Kodi Kid
He's a funny horse but he's as fit as a fiddle and may well enjoy getting his toe in. He goes there with an each-way chance.
Reporting by David Milnes

Saturday's race previews:

1.50 Newbury: Christophe Soumillon out to make rare British trip pay on this 'cracking horse'

2.25 Newbury: Charlie Appleby: 'we're using this as a springboard to the French 1,000 Guineas'

3.00 Newbury: 'He's the one they have to beat' - find out who is confident for the Greenham

3.00 Newbury: 'There seems to be lots of would-be sprinters' - Keith Melrose on Greenham trend (Members’ Club)

3.14 Musselburgh: Can Emmet Mullins do it again? Grand National hero takes aim at Flat prize

3.25 Cork: Can consistent Thunder Kiss continue red-hot Ger Lyons form in Listed prize?

4.50 Fairyhouse: Paul Townend puts faith in Farout as Willie Mullins fields seven in feature race

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