LIAM SWAGGER (12.05, nap) is expected to maintain his unbeaten status over obstacles in the opening Get Best Odds Guaranteed at BetVictor Juvenile Hurdle at Newbury on Wednesday. The three-year-old has made a flawless transition from the Flat to jumping for the in-form James Owen yard, 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. In the lucky last at Kempton, SOLANNA (8.10, nb) is finally ready to make a return to the winners' enclosure in the Unibet Support Safe Gambling Handicap.
The John Butler-trained five-year-old is ultra-consistent but gone 16 runs since his last win in 2023. However, on the evidence of his creditable third of 11 in a handicap at Lingfield 27 days ago, this could be day the chestnut gelding, who is a course and distance winner, gets his head in front once again.
The capable Kaiya Fraser taking off 3lbs will help the cause as well. LINGFIELD. 11.55 ROARING CONQUEST. 12.27 ANGEL'S DREAM. 1.02 WADE OUT. 1.37 OFFICER OF STATE. 2.12 GALWAY MAHLER. 2.47 WOLFSPEAR. 3.22 TRUST HOUSE. NEWBURY. 12.05 LIAM SWAGGER (NAP). 12.40 ROYSSE. 1.15 WRAPPEDUPINMAY.
