Lucky 15 Tips: Newton Abbot plays host to some big dogs

It's a very important week or so for racing. The Breeders' Cup is almost upon us, from Del Mar California; and this time seven days hence we'll know who's won the Melbourne Cup.

Closer to home the jumps season continues to stretch its legs and a track I've a lot of time for, Newton Abbot, stages a six-race card with some proper headline acts in attendance - Team Skelton, Harry Cobden, Sam Twiston-Davies and James Bowen amongst them. Ideal place then to find Wednesday's Lucky 15 tips ... 

Horse Racing Odds

Fast Racing Results

13:23 - A Pai De Nom @ 6/4

A 2m 5.5f novice with for me at least an obvious play ... famous last words!

Team Skelton's A Pai De Nom is a winner here last time out of a maiden hurdle 40 days ago; and comfortably, at that. Hard to say he left any world-beaters in his wake but the second, a P Nicholls conveyance, fell at the first next time at Fontwell so we were denied a chance to test the form.

The powerful Alcester team have been among the winners in recent days, including at Cheltenham, and Harry is of course on board as the five-year-old Passing Glance gelding bids to defy a 6lb hike. Every chance, to get us off to a cracking start.

13:53 - Spirits Bay @ 9/4

Decent handicap hurdlers go 2m 1f, in this contest for conditional jockeys.

Our selection Spirits Bay must handle 12st 2lb this afternoon but has the assistance of smart claimer Toby McCain-Mitchell, who reduces the burden by 3lb.

He rode a winner for the yard at Worcester last week and one for Tom Lacey at Kelso on Saturday so he's in cracking form (38% strike-rate over the last fortnight).

The seven-year-old gelding is by Black Sam Bellamy, a high-quality middle-distance horse on the flat and a brother to the mighty Galileo no less. 'Spirits' has had 13 career starts, and managed four victories thus far.

Reappears after signing off in April with an uncharacteristically modest no-show at Chelters, and the Twiston-Davies yard usually look to make a flying start to every new campaign.

This is a drop in class and he should be very competitive.

14:53 - JJ Moon @ 3/1

Another good handicap hurdle contest, this time over 2m 5.5f.

JJ Moon is a six-year-old gelding trained by Emma Lavelle in Wiltshire, and will be ridden by the brilliant Harry Cobden, as he has been on his last two spins.

Two wins from eight runs for this one so far, and he returns having had a wind procedure in early September. Emma's in flying form (35% strike-rate in the last fortnight), and Harry's not far behind on 27%.

Lots to like then, and indicative of the stable's faith that he makes his handicap debut in a Class 3. Should be highly informative, and looks to overcome an absence of 225 days.

15:23 - Buckna @ 7/2

Time for a 2m 5f chase, and we've got a Bowen on board - James, younger brother to the current phenomenon of the sport, Sean.

Our hope Buckna is a five-year-old gelding trained by the excellent Warren Greatrex in Upper Lambourn. The yard has been among the winners and this fella is another reappearing after a recent wind operation.

His form last term in novice and maiden hurdles, after winning a point to start his career, was ultra-consistent. Five runs, placed in each, and showing bags of promise, he now goes chasing off a mark of 115.

This discipline, over the larger obstacles, could hopefully be the making of him and this is another heat that should most informative, going forward.

This is an example of a Lucky 15. If you can improve upon my selections (of course you can), then go for it!

The odds can fluctuate between publishing our pieces and race-time. As a guide, a £0.50p win Lucky 15 on today's selections, at the prices, and assuming all four won, would return around £204 for your total £7.50 stake.

Fred, 'The Bonus King,' invented the 'Lucky' series of bets and their bonuses. My colleague Adam has set out all you need to know with this handy guide - take a look by clicking here.

Lucky 15 tips from Betfred Insights.