One key runner from each of the four ITV races from Newbury this Friday

Fiddlerontheroof
1.50 Newbury
Ladbrokes Committed To Safer Gambling Novices' Chase (Grade 2), 2m4f

This race has an illustrious roll of honour in recent times, with Bobs Worth, Coneygree, Clan Des Obeaux and last year's victor Champ among the winners of the contest and Fiddlerontheroof looks to have a golden opportunity to add his name to the list.

Always viewed as a chaser by trainer Colin Tizzard, the Grade 1 Tolworth Hurdle winner flopped in the Supreme Novices' Hurdle and was turned over on his debut over fences, but got back to winning ways in a strong-looking novice chase at Exeter earlier this month.

He only faces two other runners, Caribean Boy and Getaway Trump, and is 8lb clear of those rivals on ratings. This should be a stepping stone to loftier targets for the six-year-old.

Oldgrangewood
2.25 Newbury
Get Your Ladbrokes £1 Free Bet Today Handicap Chase, 2m4f

Despite being nine, Oldgrangewood has been a grand servant for the Skelton team in this company and prevailed by a nose in a thrilling finish to this race 12 months ago.

Oldgrangewood (pink): narrowly got up in a thrilling finish to last year's 2m4f handicap chaseCredit: Alan Crowhurst

He subsequently went on to win a competitive handicap chase on New Year's Day at Cheltenham before being beaten by only three and a half lengths at the festival in March, and he made an encouraging return to action when fourth in the Old Roan Chase last month.

While he is 12lb higher this time around for this contest, he sets the benchmark in what could prove to be an informative heat ahead of bigger handicaps later in the season.

McFabulous
3.00 Newbury
Ladbrokes Long Distance Hurdle (Grade 2), 3m

Paul Nicholls has not won the Stayers' Hurdle since Big Buck's completed his remarkable four-timer in the race in 2012, but he looks to have a live chance in that division this season in the shape of McFabulous.

Touted as a top-level performer since his bumper days, it has only been this year that he is starting to truly deliver on his promise and was last seen routing his opposition in the Grade 2 Persian War Novices' Hurdle.

The six-year-old tests the water in open company for the first time for the Ditcheat team and Harry Cobden, who have been in flying form through November, but faces a stern assignment against the last two Stayers' Hurdle heroes Paisley Park and Lisnagar Oscar in what should be a cracking renewal.

Lil Rockerfeller
3.35 Newbury
Play Ladbrokes 1-2-Free On Football Handicap Hurdle, 3m

One horse who used to ply his trade in the Stayers' Hurdle division is Lil Rockerfeller, and he makes his comeback in this Class 2 handicap hurdle.

Lil Rockerfeller: makes his return from injury in the concluding 3m handicap hurdleCredit: Alan Crowhurst (Getty Images)

The Neil King-trained nine-year-old has not been seen since finishing third in the Ascot Hurdle just over a year ago after sustaining an injury, and this looks like a starting point in assessing whether he retains his best ability or not.

That said, he was a Grade 2 winner and Stayers' Hurdle second in his pomp, so must not be underestimated and would be a popular winner if he was to land this competitive heat.

More to read:

That Friday feeling: Paisley Park is back - and soon racegoers will be too

Long Distance Hurdle: Paisley Park 'loving life' as he goes for repeat win

One trainer, one jockey, one horse and one race to watch at Newbury on Friday

Keith Melrose on a competitive Long Distance where potential is the watchword

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