Shearer out to settle the score with Padleyourowncanoe in rematch

Friday: 3.40 Newbury
Coral Committed To Safer Gambling Handicap Hurdle | 3m | 4yo+ | ITV3/RTV

It is not often that the two runners at the head of the market both come down at the same obstacle, but that is what happened at Cheltenham a couple of weeks ago when well-fancied Padleyourowncanoe (7-2) fell at the fourth-last hurdle and brought down the 2-1 favourite Shearer.

The pair renew rivalry on the same terms here and again fill the first two places in the market, so for punters' sake let us hope they don't get in each other's way this time.

Both appeared to be travelling equally well when the incident happened, but Padleyourowncanoe was trading shorter than his Betfair SP at the time and appeared to be better positioned than Shearer. This race can give us an idea of what might have happened.

Nicky Henderson is no stranger to a winner at Newbury but he is searching for his first success in this race in more than ten years with Steal A March, who is owned by the King.

Steal A March hasn't run for 174 days and is 4lb higher than when winning a Worcester handicap hurdle last time, but he is consistent with three wins from nine hurdles outings.

Consistency has never been a problem for Didtheyleaveuoutto, but winning has become an issue. He has finished in the first four in all bar one of his last nine starts without getting his head in front and frustrated supporters once again when third as 15-8 favourite here last time.

That was over this trip but he often shapes like he wants this far when running over shorter distances, and then when he gets stepped up he doesn't appear to be the strongest stayer. Maybe the addition of first-time blinkers can help him snap a ten-race losing streak.
Race analysis by Graeme Rodway

What they say

Paul Nicholls, trainer of Shearer, Barbados Buck's and Time To Tinker
Shearer is in good shape and will love the ground – he should run very well. Barbados Buck's and Time To Tinker probably aren't the best-handicapped horses in the world. They'll improve for a run and go chasing afterwards.

Chris Gordon, trainer of Press Your Luck
He made a mistake at Exeter and landed quite steep and his nerves went after that. He won nicely at Kempton last season and if this was immediately after that I'd say we've got a great chance off this mark, but when a horse has lost their confidence sometimes they take a few runs.

Alan King, trainer of Fidux
He went up to Market Rasen last week only for his race to be abandoned. He’s not easy to place and we hope he'll enjoy himself with a run or two over hurdles.

Emma Lavelle, trainer of Flemcara
He definitely needed his first run back and he's in good order. He would prefer the ground a little softer but he's traditionally run well in this race and we felt it's worth taking our chance.

Nick Gifford, trainer of Didtheyleaveuoutto
He's been running consistently without getting his head in front and I feel he might have a bit more to give so blinkers are on. He's worked well in them at home and this will be a last roll of the dice. He's in great form so if they have the desired effect hopefully we can eke out a bit of improvement. He should love the ground and we know he wants a trip.

Fergal O'Brien, trainer of Ask A Honey Bee
We were delighted with him at Aintree. He loved being back over hurdles, Liam [Harrison] was delighted with him and he's back on him tomorrow. Newbury will suit with the long straight and he goes on any ground.

Dan Skelton, trainer of Padleyourowncanoe
He only got halfway round at Cheltenham but he was going well at the time. He's pretty well handicapped on old form and we've got to get him back out there and find out what he can do.
Reporting by Maddy Playle

Friday's race previews:

1.55 Newbury: 'He likes the track and the ground is perfect' - analysis and trainer quotes

2.30 Newbury: Paint The Dream holds a class edge but may not have things his own way

3.05 Newbury: Can Champ strike again on comeback? Key quotes for Long Distance Hurdle

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