The New Lion proved himself to be an exceptional novice hurdle prospect with an easy success in the Coral Challow Novices’ Hurdle at Newbury.
Trained by Dan Skelton, the unbeaten five-year-old was a winner on his previous start, building on his earlier win over Chepstow timber.
Dismissed 9-4, Harry Skelton was content to watch from midfield as they were led by the electrifying Mason on the side as well as the strong traveling Bill Joyce who was always in his slip.
Harry Cobden on Paul Nicholls’ 5-4 favorite Regent’s Stroll was a little further back and both the Ditcheat contender and The New Lion edged closer into contention as the runners headed into the straight.
However, it was Skelton’s charge that caught the eye as The New Lion rose menacingly to finally fight off Electric Mason and Bill Joyce, and the exceptional youngster barely broke a sweat as he headed home under the still pilot.
Jamie Snowden’s Wendigo stayed second on horses beaten in the past and Regent Stroll failed to add to his trainer’s excellent record by coming home fourth.
The New Lion is set to stay in the middle trip for a Cheltenham Festival bid in the spring, with Paddy Power giving him a 4-1 chance for the Turners Novices’ Hurdle at Prestbury Park from 12 in March.
Henry’s friend another winner for Pauling and Jones
Ben Pauling and Ben Jones’ excellent festive run showed no sign of stopping when Henry’s friend came out for a decisive winner of the Coral Mandarin Handicap Chase at Newbury.
The trainer and jockey combination are enjoying Grade One glory with The Jukebox Man at Kempton on Boxing Day and look set to have another clever operator on their hands as Henry’s friend hits the Newbury Christmas card for the second year in a row.
Last seen fifth here in the Coral Gold Cup, he was sent off at 7-2 and was in contention when the runners were headed for the home straight last time out.
Henry’s friend hits on Newberry
The seven-year-old was soon putting the pressure on long-time leader Brave Kingdom and, once passing Paul Nicholls’ charge twice, he just kept to his work to finish six lengths clear of second-placed Hymac from Harry Fry.
“It was a very good performance and I’m glad to see it because, to be honest, I thought we had the right chance in the Coral Gold Cup and he made a terrible mistake in the back half that cost him chances .
“It just goes to show that we were right to think he’s a good handicapper and a good horse for the future, it’s a race that’s a good basket to win and I’m delighted for the troops who own him : That put us in a great place going forward.
“I think Ultima (at Cheltenham) is an obvious target for me. He’s got tactical speed and he’s got a very good position and that’s probably the right race to target. I imagine we’ll be watching him from now on.” after.
“Depending on what grade he gets, he could get into the Grand National. If he has the grade to get him in, I think he’s the right type. But is it a year early?” It would be, I’m not much. For sure.”
