Ones to watch

Back with this section today, there are a few that tickle my fancy in the wealth of juvenile races.

Going in time order, the first is Assailant (7/4) in the 14:30 at Newcastle. There are a couple of good-looking newcomers, including Mr Hampstead — who is a full brother to Savethelastdance — and Frankel colt Meydaan, who has been backed into favourite.

However, John and Thady Gosden’s runner has the experience of his third-place finish at York last month, and the Dubawi colt should set the standard on that form.

In the last race at Newcastle, 9/2 chance Gloves looks worth siding with despite the massive drift. She showed slowed improvement when third from 12/1 at Lingfield on her third attempt last month, and further progress should be on the cards now she is handicapping for the first time in a lower grade. A tongue tie added as well.

X NAP

Horses and boosts

Cheltenham November Meeting

Galvin is already the NAP, but I have a couple of other selections from the November Meeting card this afternoon.

Calcio makes plenty of appeal to me at 6/1 in the 13:45 Mucking Brilliant Paddy Power Handicap Chase. The Skelton horse had a decent first season over fences last year, finishing second here in October and again at Chepstow in November before winning at Southwell Doncaster in the new year.

He fell in the Grade 1 Maghull Novices’ Chase at Aintree in April but looks like a big player on his return and the handicapper hasn’t been overly harsh with his opening mark.

Moving on to the Arkle Challenge Trophy Trial, Jpr One leads the market for the four-horse contest at 13/8 and shortening. He made the perfect start to life over fences after a mediocre hurdling career when he won by two lengths at Newton Abbot last month, and he could be open to further improvement this afternoon on that form.