Newton Abbot Preview: Barista can give rivals a roasting

Barista will relish the quick ground at Newton Abbot today, and can take advantage of what looks a handy mark to land the 2m 1f handicap hurdle (15:35).

This Brian Forsey trained gelding ran well when a nine length fourth of 13 to Irving in a decent novice hurdle at Taunton back in November 2013, and also put in a solid effort at the track two starts later when third in a handicap off a mark of 105 which has thrown-up susbsequent winners.

The seven-year-old was also far from disgraced last May when fourth to Bawden Rocks at Stratford off 102, and is now able to race off a reduced mark of 94.

That makes Barista potentially well-treated, and the son of Titus Livius comes into the contest having shaped well when fourth to Frozen Over at Taunton where the ground rode on the soft side of good.

Barista kept on from off the pace to be beaten three lengths and the form has a strong look as winner, and runner-up Vodka ‘N Tonic, have both won since.

Today’s quicker going is sure to suit and, if Barista can build on that effort, he looks weighted to take all the beating in the hands of talented claimer Sean Bowen.

Sonny The One ran well when runner-up time out and can go one better in the 2m 6f handicap hurdle (18:35) now stepped up in trip.

This gelding shaped with plenty of promise in his first three starts over hurdles without being unduly knocked about, and looks to have been brought along steadily with handicaps in mind by trainer Colin Tizzard.

The five-year-old caught the eye when fifth of 13 to the useful 122-rated Earthmoves in a strong novice contest at Taunton three starts back, and backed that up with a decent third of 10 to Mister Grez at the same venue.