NEWBURY

12:05 Mares’ Hurdle

Sunrise Ruby (Nico de Boinville)

She ran a great race when second at Sandown on her first run back when giving lots of weight to the winner and I’d expect her to improve a lot for the outing. The track suits and she should handle the ground so I’d be extremely hopeful of a very decent show.

12:40 Introductory Hurdle

Mister Coffey (Nico de Boinville)

He won a very moderate bumper at Huntingdon for Harry Whittington before coming to us but is a lovely big horse and really one for next year. I have to get him out somewhere though and this looks an ideal starting point and we’ll know plenty more about him after this. He has ability.

1:50 Handicap Hurdle

Soul Emotion (James Bowen)

He looked like being a very good horse last year but it’s been a long road back with him after what happened at Ascot but he is completely over that now and definitely entitled to come on for his seasonal debut at Newbury. It is a very competitive race but the trip and ground are in his favour and the handicapper has dropped him a few pounds, although giving weight all round won’t be easy. I’m happy with him though and he is sure to run a big race.

Colonial Dreams (Nico de Boinville)

He probably wouldn’t want it too soft but he’s a decent horse and I’ve been particularly pleased with his work of late. I’d expect improvement fitness wise but he’s got to run and this looks an obvious place to start.

3:00 G1 Challow Hurdle

The Cashel Man (Jerry McGrath)

He absolutely loves his jumping; he literally looks for the next hurdle and I thought he put up a very brave performance to win over course and distance last time and if he can manage to do the same thing again here he’d have a right squeak. He doesn’t have to make the running so we can easily hold him up if necessary. We also had Son Of Camas entered in this we have decided to wait until next Saturday at a Sandown for the G1 Unibet Tolworth Hurdle.

3:35 Handicap Chase

Burbank (Jerry McGrath)

He’s more than capable but sometimes doesn’t always put it in which is a concern. The blinkers will help him concentrate and he’s coming down to an attractive mark but much of it will depend on which Burbank turns up. That said, he has come on for his first run.

Morning Vicar (Nico de Boinville)

He ran a very good race over hurdles at Kempton on his comeback so will be much sharper here. I was very happy with his work last week, along with his schooling, and he loves the track so I’d be quite optimistic where he’s concerned.

Post War (Paddy Brennan)

He has been off for a long time so will certainly come on for the run but he jumps fences well and could sneak into a place of things fall his way.

We’ve got a few runners at Doncaster on Sunday and I think Divine Spear has a great chance back over hurdles in the 11:55. I’m keen to build his confidence back up and this looks the perfect opportunity to do so. Casablanca Mix has everything in her favour in a race that is absolutely made for her so I’ll be surprised if she’s not capable of going extremely close in the Listed Mares’ Chase at 1:35. Lust For Glory is a good mare and jumps well, too, so would have a decent chance in the Novice Handicap at 12:25 and I think it would be worth keeping an eye on Corrany in the Novice Hurdle at 2:10. He’s ultimately been a little disappointing but put up a good display at Ludlow last time and has solid credentials here.