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Kyntara can strike at Newbury

Written by Press Association | Dec 18, 2024 6:50:44 AM

Kyntara can defy top weight to earn his first victory over fences in the JM Finn Novices' Limited Handicap Chase at Newbury on Wednesday.

Mel Rowley's eight-year-old is giving away 7lb to his nearest rival in the Class Three contest, but should be among the leading contenders if he returns to his fluent jumping best.

The son of Kayf Tara was last seen falling at the final obstacle following a brave effort in the Sefton Novices' Hurdle at Aintree in April, just a month after finishing 1.25-lengths behind Monmiral in the Pertemps Final at the Cheltenham Festival.

Both of those were red-hot contests - the latter a Grade One - and Kyntara should show his quality over just short of 4800m against five rivals.

Sam Twiston-Davies will be aboard Kyntara on what is his first start over fences since a November 2022 second under the care of former trainer Kim Bailey.

Liam Swagger is expected to maintain his unbeaten status over obstacles in the opening Get Best Odds Guaranteed at BetVictor Juvenile Hurdle.

The three-year-old has made a flawless transition from the Flat to jumping for James Owen, with victories at Market Rasen and Wetherby.

His most recent success came in a Listed-class contest at the start of November and he showed his battling qualities to hold off Static by a neck.

He has a 10lb penalty for those two victories, but Liam Swagger has the class to cope.

Fire Demon aims to add to his impressive all-weather credentials when he lines up in the Try Unibet's Improved Bet Builder Handicap at Kempton.

Andrew Balding's son of Dark Angel has won on three of his last four starts on an artificial surface, including twice over course and distance.

Fire Demon's most notable victory came in March when he landed the All-Weather 3 Year Old Championships Handicap crown at Newcastle.

He remains on the same mark as when finishing in midfield on turf during his last appearance in May, but a return to his preferred surface should suit.

Joseph Parr's Kalamunda hopes to bounce back from his sole all-weather defeat in the Unibet More Extra Place Races Handicap.

The four-year-old saw his mark climb from 70 to 86 inside two months on the back of a quickfire hat-trick before finishing third at Southwell last month.

That was a first loss on sand following five wins from five previous starts and he is unbeaten in two appearances at Sunbury.

Kalamunda remains on the same mark, but does drop in grade for the London Mile Series Qualifier.

Tamar Bridge will look to build on his long-awaited reappearance effort when lining up for the Sky Sports Racing Sky 415 Handicap Hurdle at Lingfield.

Olly Murphy clearly has plenty of faith in the nine-year-old, who endured a 698-day break before returning at Uttoxeter in October - finishing just 1.75-lengths behind Pretending for runner-up honours.

He drops down in grade and has 3lb in hand on his last winning mark, as well as the assistance of Sean Bowen for the first time.

Tightenourbelts aims for successive triumphs for Emma Lavelle in Ludlow's Tanners Claret Handicap Chase.

The seven-year-old made a winning return to chasing over 4800m at Exeter last time out and with only a 3lb rise, could be a major threat again. - Press Association

TAB is betting on 4 UK meetings on Wednesday. Here are the tips.

LINGFIELD: Race 1: 13.55 Jackstell, Race 2: 14.27 Angel's Dream, Race 3: 15.02 Miller Spirit, Race 4: 15.37 Tamar Bridge, Race 5: 16.12 Aworkinprogress, Race 6: 16.47 Chloe's Court, Race 7: 17.22 Trust House.

NEWBURY: Race 1: 14.05 Liam Swagger, Race 2: 14.40 Roysse, Race 3: 15.15 KYNTARA (NAP), Race 4: 15.50 Captain Bellamy, Race 5: 16.25 General Medrano, Race 6: 17.00 Beau Balko, Race 8: 17.35 Ride Like A Girl.

LUDLOW: Race 1: 14.15 Of Course You Can, Race 2: 14.50 Tightenourbelts, Race 3: 15.25 Meetmebythesea, Race 4: 16.00 Harthope, Race 5: 16.35 Alcedo, Race 6: 17.10 Moodofthemoment, Race 7: 17.45 Solar System.

KEMPTON: Race 1: 18.05 The Glen Rovers, Race 2: 18.40 Aegean Prince, Race 3: 19.10 Global Warning, Race 4: 19.40 Sandirella, Race 5: 20.10 Unex Texas, Race 6: 20.40 Kalamunda, Race 7: 21.10 Fire Demon, Race 8: 21.40 Big R, Race 9: 22.10 Solanna.

ALL TO COME: Kyntara (Newbury, Race 3) and Fire Demon (Kempton. Race 7).