Newton Abbot Preview: Bach tuned up for a big run

Bach On Tow has slipped back down to handy mark and looks decent value to take advantage in the 2m 3f handicap hurdle at Newton Abbot this evening (8.45).

The Sue Gardner trained gelding scored twice last year, with the last of those successes coming on fast ground over course and distance.

The seven-year-old came from well off the pace to take up the running approaching the penultimate flight, before staying on strongly to beat On The Feather by 2 1/2 lengths off a mark of 79.

The handicapper hit Bach On Tow with a harsh 8lb rise for that victory, and the son of Bach has subsequently failed to trouble the judge in four starts.

However, Bach On Tow’s handicap mark has fallen as a result and he now gets into this off 82 having shaped better than the bare result last time out when fifth of 14 to Bernisdale at Newcastle.

That was Bach On Tow’s second run of the season, and with that outing under his belt he should now be spot on to do himself justice now returned to the scene of his last success with underfoot conditions to suit.

Mcllhatton seemed unfortunate to get disqualified after passing the post first at Stratford last time out, and looks a worthy favourite to gain compensation in the 2m 6f novices’ chase (6.30).

The gelding was alleged to have squeezed up Rum And Better after the final fence, but in reality it was the course layout that caused the problems and McHalton was a deserved winner.

The Paul Nicholls’ trained six-year-old had showed a good attitude to dig deep and find extra after making all the running, and in receipt of 6lb from Top Wood looks well up to making amends.

Tzora bids to win the 2m 1f handicap hurdle (7.05) for the second year running, but will struggle to give weight to the unexposed Aalim.

The John Ferguson trained gelding easily landed a couple of juvenile contests at Market Rasen at Catterick at the turn of the year, before running well to finish fifth of 12 to Raven’s Tower in a competitive contest at Ascot.
The four-year-old then unseated ride at Ayr, before running a solid race earlier in the month to chase home Bell Weir at Hexham.