Grade 1 fourth Fanion D'Estruval out to bag competitive handicap off top weight

Friday: 2.25 Newbury
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There are relatively few opportunities at Graded level for horses who are in need of 2m4f and ideally softer ground, but who struggle over the stiff fences at the big tracks. This is the main reason that Fanion D'Estruval has started this season in handicaps.

With his talent, a mark of 151 is lenient and that is why Fanion D'Estruval seems likely to go off a warm order for this race. Negotiating Newbury's stiff fences, something he has admittedly done before, may prove more of a sticking point. He was not up to the task at Aintree in the Old Roan last time.

This valuable race is not as big a step down from the Old Roan as might be assumed and there is obvious interest in Phoenix Way, who was highly tried as a novice last season.

Phoenix Way: showed plenty of ability last season for Harry FryCredit: Edward Whitaker

Cases can be made for most of the rest, too. There are a couple of runners in particular whose claims might be stronger than first glance would suggest.

Eritage remains a chaser with potential and he won on his reappearance last season. Catching him right proved difficult last term, but that Harry Cobden rides him rather than Silver Trophy third Amour De Nuit suggests he ought to be fit.

Do not overlook Gaelik Coast, either. That he has been winning small-field races in the north makes him unfashionable, with some justification in this much warmer race. But he is a pouncer whose superiority can often be masked by the way races are run and it is not unusual for shorter-distance chases at Newbury to turn into a dash up the long straight.

He could be halfway home by the time Fanion D'Estruval reorganises himself.
Race analysis by Keith Melrose

What they say

Harry Fry, trainer of Phoenix Way
He's lightly raced and has had his problems but we feel he's in good form going into this. He's had a wind operation over the summer and it looks a nice race for him on his return.

Paul Nicholls, trainer of Eritage and Amour De Nuit
Eritage goes well fresh, loves good ground and has run well at the track before. I could see him running a nice race. Amour De Nuit ran great in the Silver Trophy, he hasn't gone over fences for a while but is well capable of running a nice race too.

Nicky Henderson, trainer of Morning Vicar
He's in good form and the track, trip and ground are what he loves.

Tom Lacey, trainer of Neville's Cross
He's been in great form but he's up in grade here. It's a deep enough race. History would say he needs longer between his runs but we're conscious that winter ground will be coming and he wants it nicer so that's why he's having one more run before a break.
Reporting by James Stevens

Friday's race previews:

12.40 Newbury: Who can follow Denman and Bobs Worth's lead by landing Grade 2 novice chase?

1.15 Newbury: 'You can argue Jonbon should not even be favourite' - get Paul Kealy's view

1.50 Newbury: 'We've always seen him as a chaser' - smart Boothill starts out over fences

3.00 Newbury: 'This is an important race' - Paisley Park plan to be determined by Newbury run

3.35 Newbury: Why in-form Fergal O'Brien 'holds the key' to competitive handicap hurdle

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