Newton Abbot tips: Next Sensation weighted to return to winning ways

David Metcalf | September 26, 2016

Next Sensation ready to turn on the style

Next Sensation has become dangerously well-treated, so looks to hold outstanding claims of landing an overdue success in the 2m handicap chase on today’s card at Newton Abbot (15:30).

This Michael Scudamore trained gelding enjoyed his finest hour when staying on strongly to beat Eastlake by four lengths in the 2015 running of the Grand Annual Chase at the Cheltenham Festival off a mark of 143.

Next Sensation got put up to 153 for that success, though has admittedly struggled badly since. However, that has resulted in a huge drop in the weights and he is now able to race in this off just 129.

Thrown-in at the weights

It makes the nine-year-old thrown-in at the weights if bouncing back to anything like his best, and the son of Brian Boru comes into the race having hinted at a return to form when fourth in a class 2 contest at Uttoxeter on his penultimate outing.

Next Sensation was also in the process of running a huge race last time out at Cartmel when in a clear lead and going strongly until coming to grief three from home.

Connections have since given him a break to freshen-up. Next Sensation, who was slashed overnight from 11/4 into 7/4, is likely to get an easy lead in this small field and prove hard to peg back.