RACING expert Graeme Johnston (@GraemeJ_83) has taken a look at the best play from Saturday's action.
2:25 Newbury | ITV
The Game Spirit Chase is perhaps the most intriguing race of the weekend, especially with Cheltenham in mind, and sees Altiors return to two miles. He's a class above these and should take a step to rebuilding his reputation, however the value in the race lies elsewhere.
The key to this race is that it's good ground. Regardless of whether Altior is still his brilliant best, there is a serious competitive race for second place on paper here, and I'm of the opinion that it's not as competitive as first glance. Dynamite Dollars is a cracking horse but he will need this and is likely to be better for the run. Kalashnikov is a consistent horse but nothing says this race is tight for him.
Sceau Royal each-way at 8/1 (Bet365) is the bet. Third to Altior in the Queen Mother (where he travelled like the winner) he loves good ground. Last time out he drifted from a morning price of around 5/4 to an eventual 7/2 purely because of the heavy ground. On this surface he's a different animal and though unlikely to beat Altior (if back to his best) he is well worth a bet each-way or in the betting without market.
Best Bets
2.25 Newbury – Sceau Royal (8/1 each-way Bet365)
