All-Weather finals special

It’s Finals Day on the all-weather, and to celebrate the end of the campaign, I’m throwing it back with a rare edition of the JPRacing newsletter! Let’s get into it.

Newcastle

1:15: Bowmark 9/4

Only 6 runners in this Listed opener up north, and my preference is with the Bowmark. The three-year-old by Kingman opened its account for the Gosdens on debut at Kempton in December when winning a Novice Stakes comfortably, and he should come on from that. Notably holds a Dante entry.

1:50: Berkshire Whisper 8/1 EW (4 places)

Has enjoyed a solid 2025 on the AW, finishing second on debut at Kempton in January before opening his account back there in February and the winning here over C&D under a penalty LTO. High-end opening mark for handicap debut, but Balding has fine record in this race and both he and Oisin Murphy are in fine form.

3:00: Roi De France 3/1 NAP

I have given this horse a few chances already, including when it was third on its last day at Kempton. But I do think there is more to come from this dual winner and I like that it’s been stepped back to a mile.

4:07: Old Harrovian 3/1

This 6YO needs to defy a 9lb raise after crushing home over C&D under Callum Hutchinson in January, but given the manner he went about his business that day, he has every chance of doing just that.

Lingfield

1:30: Party Island 8/1 EW (5 places)

Fine record over C&D with four wins in six starts here. Latest was last May when winning by two lengths off a mark of 74-notably the same as today. Little impression last three starts, but don’t rule him out.

2:05: Arabian Nights 17/2 EW (4 places)

Winner of his last three in a row, including over C&D two starts ago to take his record here to two wins in four. Up a further 3lb and not the best of draws in 12, but still a big chance at a nice price for the Loughnanes.

4:20: Road To Wembley 2/1 NB

Backed off the boards, Road To Wembley opened around 10/1 and is now just 2/1 best. Picked up his second career win at this course 12 months ago over 1m2f and won over similar distance at Newcastle in August. Bad start to year when last of pack twice in succession, but improved when third LTO and back to mark of last Newcastle win.

Chelmsford

1:40: Nogo’s Dream 4/1

Ryan Moore has a nice 22% strike rate at Chelmsford in the last five years, and while he might have his work cut out on Nogo’s Dream, a first win since March 2023 and just a second career victory on his 28th start could be on the cards. Had a couple of seconds in a busy January and will maybe benefit from run last month here. Mark of 70 is its career-low.

4:00: Don Simon 13/2 EW (5 places)

This well-bred type is yet to get off the mark for Ed Dunlop in his four starts, but made a promising reappearance after being gelded by when clear of the field by over 10 lengths in second behind and only narrowly held by 4/9 shot Turquino, who made it 2/2. Off same mark for this step up in trip and additional 2 furlongs should be a concern.

5:30: Cristo 8/1 EW (4 places)

Another horse yet to experience the winner’s enclosure, Cristo is 0-7 for Richard Hannon. He has knocked the door with two seconds the last twice, though, including returning to AW after a layoff earlier this month when beaten by length and a half. First time over this longer trip, should be fine, and Tom Marquand loves it around here with five wins from 17 starts (29% SR) in the last month and a +22 P/L.

Happy Easter! 🐣