15:42 Newbury Tips — Friday 17th April 2026

Our standout selection for the 15:42 at Newbury is the hugely promising **MALTESE CROSS**. This William Haggas-trained, Tom Marquand-ridden colt arrives here with a perfect profile for progression, boasting a '21-' form line that includes a comfortable victory last time out. That recent success underlines his current well-being and, as a lightly raced three-year-old with just two career starts, he remains utterly unexposed with significant scope for further improvement.

The fact he's a general 1/10 favourite is no surprise, reflecting the high regard in which he's held and the strong expectation that he will continue his winning ways. Furthermore, his favourable low draw in stall 3 provides an excellent platform to dominate this 10-runner field, allowing Marquand to position him perfectly from the outset. For those looking for a bit more value in the place market, **Shabab AL Ahli** could be an interesting proposition for an each-way flutter, but for the win, it's very difficult to look past our top pick. He’s expected to be tough to beat.