Newbury preview: Speed The Plough handicapped to strike

Speed The Plough shaped nicely last time out and can take advantage of a drop in the weights to score an overdue success in the 5f handicap that opens proceedings on this evening’s card at Newbury (18.30).

The four-year-old has just one win to his name, and that came as a juvenile when trained Richard Hannon and making all to score over 5f at Windsor.

Now in the care of Dean Ivory, the gelding missed all of last season through injury but showed that he retained plenty of ability when an eye-catching fourth of 10 to Caminel over 6f at Nottingham 22 days ago.

Speed The Plough showed plenty of early dash to blaze the trail until being headed inside the final furlong and weakening close home to be beaten just 1 3/4 lengths.

It was an effort which suggested the son of Kyllachy’s his time was near, and the drop back to 5f is sure to suit.

Speed The Plough has also been dropped a further 2lb by the assessor to a career-low mark of 61, and having started life off in handicaps off a rating of 77 there is little doubt that he is now dangerously well-treated and weighted to take all the beating if building on his latest effort.

Trainer Barry Hills is in good form at present, and the promising Basma can provide him with another winner in the 6f maiden (19.05).

The filly looked badly in need of the experience when a fast finishing fifth of 10 to the highly-regarded Ring Of Truth on debut at Haydock and shaping like a sure fire future winner.

After being being slowly away and then denied a clear run a furlong from home, Basma kept on well under a hands and heels ride to be be nearest at the finish and beaten 4 3/4 lengths.

It was a very encouraging start to the daughter of Exceed And Excel’s career, and she lost little in defeat last time out when finishing runner-up at the same venue.

Basma raced too keenly in the early stages but rallied well after being headed at the furlong marker to go down by 1 1/2 lengths.

With those two runs under her belt, Basma should now be spot on to do herself justice.

Selections:
18.30: Speed The Plough (NAP)
19.05: Basma (NB)
19.40: Dyllan
20.10: Stellarta
20.40: Nigel
21.10: Martiniquaise