Richard Birch opens with a 10-3 winner at Wincanton - now he attempts to crack the rest of the ITV4 puzzle

Richard BirchReporter

Racing Post tipster Richard Birch has his say on the eight ITV4 races from Wincanton and Newcastle . . .

1.30 Wincanton
Virgin Bet Daily Extra Places Handicap Chase, 1m7½f

Birchy's tip: Fast Buck

Fast Buck has slipped to an attractive mark, and should find this small-field test very much to his liking. He romped home by ten lengths when last encountering heavy ground.

Fast Buck13:30 Wincanton

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Jky: Lorcan Williams Tnr: Jane Williams

1.40 Newcastle
QuinnBet Acca Bonus Novices’ Hurdle, 2m1f

Birchy's tip: Two Auld Pals

Two Auld Pals shaped really well on his hurdling debut when second to now 119-rated Classic Lord at Bangor. The three-time Flat winner copes well with testing ground and should take plenty of beating.

Two Auld Pals13:40 Newcastle

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Jky: Patrick Wadge (3lb)Tnr: Lucinda Russell

2.05 Wincanton
Virgin Bet Every Saturday Money Back Handicap Hurdle, 1m7f

Birchy's tip: Starevitch

Starevitch might run a huge race at a tasty price. The son of Sinndar hasn’t progressed since finishing third to now 133-rated hurdler Doddiethegreat in a Huntingdon bumper in March 2021, but there is still time. A mark of 91 should be workable, particularly with Will Featherstone taking 10lb off his back.

Starevitch14:05 Wincanton

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Jky: Will Featherstone (10lb)Tnr: Jamie Snowden

2.15 Newcastle
QuinnBet Best Odds Guaranteed Novices’ Hurdle, 2m4½f

Birchy's tip: Handstands

Handstands possesses plenty of potential and can make light work of a 7lb penalty before stepping up in grade. He won with lots in hand at Hereford.

Handstands14:15 Newcastle

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Jky: Ben Jones Tnr: Ben Pauling

2.40 Wincanton
Virgin Bet Best Odds Daily Handicap Chase, 2m4f

Birchy's tip: Jacamar

Bottomweight Jacamar had Go Steady back in third when winning a 2m4f Leicester handicap chase last February yet meets that rival on 20lb better terms. Cheekpieces are refitted and this £26,000 race could have been his target for some time.

Jacamar14:40 Wincanton

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Jky: Bradley Harris (5lb)Tnr: Anthony Charlton

2.50 Newcastle
QuinnBet Acca Bonus Handicap Chase, 2m4f

Birchy's tip: Great Raffles

Great Raffles ideally wants further but Newcastle provides a stiff finish and this dual hurdle winner can improve on his recent chasing debut off a 3lb lower mark.

Great Raffles14:50 Newcastle

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Jky: Emma Smith-Chaston (3lb)Tnr: Micky Hammond

3.15 Wincanton
Virgin Bet Daily Price Boosts Handicap Hurdle, 2m5½f

Birchy's tip: Rare Clouds

Individualiste looked well ahead of the handicapper when cruising home at Taunton last Saturday, but still has something to prove on really testing ground. Heavy-ground runner-up Rare Clouds might prove a better option at a big price.