Newbury’s Coral Gold Cup action kicks off on Friday with a star-studded card featuring Strong Leader, Captain Teague and The Jukebox Man.
3.05 Newbury – A strong front-runner who should win long-distance hurdles
It Coral Long Distance Hurdle (3.05)the second of Friday’s second-grade contests sees the return of Britain’s top seed Strong Leader stars for Ollie Murphy.
At just seven years old, he is very much the new kid on the block in this division, finishing third in the Cleeve Hurdle at Cheltenham before seemingly being more suited to the flatter surface of Aintree when he landed the Grade One Liverpool Hurdle in April.
Dan Skelton Longer than usually saving his best performances for the Spring and having won a second Coral Cup at the Festival in March, he was strongly rejected in the Graded contests at Aintree and Sandown.Getting £2, he is well in command of the official ratings.
Montmiral will be in race form after last year’s run but has little to catch up with the leading contenders while Flight deck will hope to receive some prize money.
Dan Langer and Harry Skelton celebrate winning the Coral Cup
1.55 Newbury – Jukebox Man vs Captain Teague Clash at John Francom
Two of the most exciting newbie chasers around meet in a fascinating update Coral John Francome Novices’ Chase (1.55).
The Jukebox Man Enjoyed a successful Novice Hurdle campaign, including when narrowly denied in the Albert Bartlett at Cheltenham, before chasing home the Dancing City at Aintree.He looks set to be one of Britain’s leading contenders for the Brown Advisory Chase in March and should come into his own when three miles this season.
However, this is a very competitive place to start, and Paul Nicholls Captain Teague has obvious claims. Winner of the Grade One Challow Hurdle at this track last year, he made a winning debut in a chase walk at Exeter and is expected to rank high in this division.
Jonjo and AJ O’Neill’s Johnny Who? is another exciting prospect and should be feared after winning his only chase start at Carlisle, beating the opposition. Bugsie Seagull one and a half long. Bumbaw and: Masaccio fill in the field.
12.15 Newbury – Unbeaten Regent’s Stroll debuts over jumps
Last season’s top bumper prospect, Regent’s Walk there will be someone who will win the opening that Play Coral “Racing-Super-Series” Free “National Hunt” Maiden Hurdle (12.15).
The Paul Nicholls youngster is rated as one of the most promising newcomers in training after winning two bumper starts last season, particularly impressive when claiming the sale bumper here.
Never rule Nicky Henderson out, though.He dominates this contest, winning it seven of the last ten times and saddles debutant Ferrando, who is worth a market watch under Nico de Boinville.
Warren Greatrex saddles Good and Smart who finished an excellent third in a Grade Two bumper at Aintree and completes the shortlist.
Watch every race at Newbury and Doncaster live on Sky Sports Racing on Friday 29 November.
