'He's overpriced at 6-1' - David Jennings bids to follow up a 7-2 winning nap the last time he was in the hotseat
What's the big story?
It should be the Coral Long Distance Hurdle (3.05), which has been won by legends like Baracouda, Big Buck's and Inglis Drever, but this year's event is lacking both quality and quantity, so by far the most interesting race of the day is the Grade 2 Coral John Francome Novices' Chase (1.55).
The ill-fated Hermes Allen won it last year for Paul Nicholls and dual King George hero Clan Des Obeaux was also successful in 2016 for the Ditcheat team who rely on Captain Teague this time.
The Jukebox Man was dramatically denied in the final stride by Stellar Story in last season's Albert Bartlett, while Johnnywho looked like he had been jumping fences since about 1963 judged by the way he cleared his obstacles at Carlisle. It's a belter of a race.
So, who wins the Coral John Francome Novices' Chase?
He is not as sexy as some of these, but Masaccio is underrated and overpriced at 6-1.
He has solid course form, is race-fit, looked a natural over fences on his chasing debut and his hurdles form is not too far below the best of these. I expect him to be at least a stone better chaser than hurdler. With a generous early gallop almost guaranteed, the race could play into his hands. He's going to be a stayer.
What's the bet of the day?
Chantry House. Remember him? He is the artist formerly known as the 2021 winner of the Marsh Novices' Chase at Cheltenham the day Envoi Allen fell.
He is not half as good as he was and hasn't won for almost three years, but the way he moved through a hot handicap hurdle at Punchestown in May suggests he is more than capable of winning a race of this calibre.
As a ten-year-old, he's getting on a bit, but he might still be better than this lot in the 3m handicap hurdle (3.40) at Newbury and the 11-1 available last night was massive.
What is the lay of the day?
Strong Leader. He ran deplorably on his comeback last season at Ffos Las and I wouldn't go near him at odds-on for the Coral Long Distance Hurdle (3.05) at Newbury. Langer Dan can take him.
Any fancies away from Newbury on Friday?
Henry Daly has sent out six winners in the last fortnight and Minniemum could continue his hot streak in the opening 3m½f handicap hurdle (11.55) at Doncaster. She's still got some wiggle room off a mark of 106.
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