LiveScore Racing Preview: Newbury, January 19, 2022

Newbury is one of four meetings in the UK and Ireland on Wednesday, with the Berkshire track hosting a seven-race card.

The opening contest takes place at 12.45pm and the official going is described as 'Soft, Good to Soft' in places.

We have picked five horses for you to follow. 

12.45pm - British EBF Mares' 'National Hunt' Novices' Hurdle (2m4½f)

The leading yard of Nicky Henderson is represented in this novices' hurdle by TWEED SKIRT.

And on the evidence of her performance last time out at Ascot (1m7½f), she looks to have a bright future. 

She broke her maiden at the second attempt, making all in that race. 

The Seven Barrows runner may improve for this step up in distance so expect to see her hit the front early and prove an obstacle to her rivals. 

LiveScore selection: Tweed Skirt 

1.15pm - Start Your RacingTV Free Trial Novices' Hurdle (2m½f)

WALKING ON AIR was fancied to make a winning debut when he appeared in a bumper at Kempton (2m) back in March. 

He did very little wrong and was just beaten by a decent horse from Gary Moore's stable. 

The gelding that finished ahead of him in that contest recently appeared in the Grade One Tolworth Hurdle, where he ran a respectable race. 

Nicky Henderson's novice is now over hurdles, and this looks a good starting point for him. 

He would have done lots of schooling during the summer and should be ready for this test and will prove to be the one to beat. 

LiveScore selection: Walking On Air 

1.50pm - Rocking Horse Nursery At Newbury Novices' Limited Handicap Chase (2m½f)

Colin Tizzard's runner AMARILLO SKY has shown a lot of promise over fences scoring at Wincanton (1m7½f) on just his second appearance in a chase. 

Although he was unable to follow up at Ascot (2m1f) last month, it was another decent performance, as he came home second of eight runners. 

The handicapper has put the novice up just 1lb for his latest run and there should be more to come from him, so he remains off a very workable mark. 

LiveScore selection: Amarillo Sky 

2.25pm - Book The Lodge Hotel At Newbury Racecourse Handicap Hurdle (2m½f)

FINE CASTING enjoyed the heavy ground at Ffos Las (2m) last month to score at the third time of asking over hurdles. 

He kept on impressively in the closing stages of that race, which suggests he is a tough horse. 

Although conditions will not be heavy here, the ground is likely to be testing and it may just suit him. 

LiveScore selection: Fine Casting 

3.30pm - DJB Cleaning Ltd Mares' Handicap Hurdle (2m½f)

All three of GRAN LUNA's career victories so far have come at this course, two of which were over this C&D. 

Nicky Henderson's mare remains unbeaten at this track and there is little doubt she enjoys it here. 

The six-year-old is stepping up in class now but she looks to have the ability to do so. A fourth Newbury win can be recorded. 

LiveScore selection: Gran Luna