Paul Kealy's play of the day at Newbury

Madaket

3.40 Newbury

Olly Murphy has the favourite in the closing handicap hurdle in the shape of Woodie Flash, who has been very progressive over the last couple of seasons and scored with plenty in hand on his return at Ffos Las this month.

He has to be respected, but with the ground likely to be sticky on the hurdles course the eye is drawn to Madaket, who when faced with 3m and heavy ground for the first time last spring dotted up by 21 lengths.

That wouldn't have been the most competitive heat, and Madaket couldn't follow up off a much higher mark at this course on his final outing, but the ground was considerably quicker then and he's worth another chance.

A lot of these Kayf Tara's just keep on galloping when the ground is deep, and I expect this six-year-old to be in his element, which won't be the case for some of these.

Philip Hobbs and Johnson White have one through November with a 26 per cent strike-rate and as many seconds as winners, so there is certainly nothing wrong with the stable form.