'She will be happy with everything' - does Nicky Henderson hold the key to this valuable handicap hurdle?

Nicky Henderson always likes to target the Coral Gold Cup meeting and is responsible for a third of the field in this handicap hurdle. However, none of his four representatives have run this season and fitness is always a guessing game at this time of year.

That said, Henderson is adept at readying one first time out. His 2018 and 2019 winners were making their seasonal returns and Impose Toi managed to land a gamble at Cheltenham’s November meeting last year following 187 days off.

James Bowen’s decision to ride Impose Toi over JP McManus’s other runner No Ordinary Joe may be significant, although it makes more sense to claim off a top weight, and No Ordinary Joe is capable of capitalising off this sort of mark with the excellent Freddie Gordon’s 5lb allowance.

No Ordinary Joe’s profile also bodes well for a big effort on his comeback. Bigger early prices about him than Henderson-trained stablemates Gentle Slopes and Spring Note are surprising given neither has yet recorded a Racing Post Rating that aligns with their BHA mark.

Paul Nicholls has provided two of the past seven winners and is another trainer with a decent hand. Ivaldi was a promising novice hurdler two seasons ago, but a 608-day layoff hints at issues, while Inthewaterside will be dangerous if wind surgery can bring him forward.

Inthewaterside ran a superb race in a top handicap hurdle at Aintree in a first-time hood when last seen and, having recorded an RPR of 125 in a bumper, the expectation is we are yet to see him at his best in this sphere.

Tom Symonds is 2-6 at Newbury over the past five seasons (+£13.50 level-stakes profit) and there is a chance Issam will be underestimated relative to the powerhouse yards. Issam was a running-on fourth in the Welsh Champion Hurdle last time and will be seen to better effect over an extra four and a half furlongs.
Analysis by Robbie Wilders

What they say

Nicky Henderson, trainer of No Ordinary Joe, Impose Toi, Spring Note and Gentle Slopes
No Ordinary Joe is in good form. Gentle Slopes hasn't run for a bit, but we like him and he's one who might be going chasing in the near future. Impose Toi is also in good form and although we did wonder about the trip, we think it's about right. Spring Note loves Newbury and soft ground, so will be happy with everything.

Harry Derham, trainer of Dargiannini and Hubrisko
Dargiannini was disappointing at Kempton last time and needs to step up. I think he's still capable. Hubrisko has been off the track for a long time and will definitely need the run.

Paul Nicholls, trainer of Ivaldi and Inthewaterside
Ivaldi has been off for a long time and will need the run. He'll go chasing afterwards. Inthewaterside is another who will go chasing. He's fit and well.

Dan Skelton, trainer of Lac De Constance
He has a fair chance as he was running well on his comeback when he fell. We've been very happy with how he's been since and we're hoping for a very good run.

Tom Symonds, trainer of Issam
I'm looking forward to running him on a track like this. I was very pleased with his run in the Welsh Champion Hurdle, and we’re stepping back up in trip.

Nigel Twiston-Davies, trainer of Guard The Moon
He’s done nothing wrong, and the softer the ground the better. We hope he’s still improving.
Reporting by Liam Headd

Read the rest of our Saturday previews:

1.55 Fairyhouse: 'She should go very close' - plenty of confidence behind favourite in Grade 3 WillowWarm Hurdle

2.10 Newcastle: Sir Gino vs Mystical Power - analysis and trainer comments for Fighting Fifth showdown

2.25 Newbury: 'He's an exciting prospect' - Gary Moore bullish about one of his runners as stable seeks back-to-back Gerry Feilden victories

3.00 Newbury: 'This race has been his target all season' - Broadway Boy set for bold bid in a Coral Gold Cup to savour

3.20 Newcastle: 'His work has been very good - we've got no excuses' - who is confident for the Rehearsal at Newcastle?