2.50pm Newbury

Minella Tara

He won on his debut for us in a Lingfield bumper a couple of seasons ago and it has taken a while for him to get it all together over hurdles. But it all looked to be coming right at Southwell last time when he showed a tremendous attitude and will-to-win, and you have to say the extra 2f or so here will be in his favour. The better ground won’t be an issue and I’d like to think an opening mark of 118 is fair.

3.25pm Newbury

Hunny Moon

She is another who won on her debut for us in a bumper, and she has never run a bad race since. She finally got off the mark over hurdles at Wetherby last time on decent ground, and the runner-up has run well in defeat since, so I definitely think she has claims in this competitive handicap off 115.

4.35pm Newbury

Byzantine Empire

He was a fair sort on his day for John Gosden, with decent placed form over 1m and 1m2f. He obviously hasn’t raced since last summer but he has been pleasing us of late and gets the 7lb age allowance, too. We like him and we thought Newbury would be a lovely track to start him off at.