14:10 Newcastle

Dual Grade 1 winner Mystical Power is a worthy rival, but SIR GINO (best odds 5/4) could just be that tad special, having won all three of his starts last season, culminating with an impressive victory in the Anniversary 4-Y-O Juvenile Hurdle.

Looking back on the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle when he was withdrawn, Nicky Henderson’s charge probably would have won that contest, and Mystical Power made hard work of scoring at Punchestown last time out.

This four-year-old thumped Greatwood Hurdle winner Burdett Road with loads in hand on his penultimate outing and has a lot more to offer this season. I’ll be surprised if he’s not capable of landing this race.

Sir Gino, 3pts WIN, 5/4

15:20 Newcastle

In the Rehearsal Chase, I really like the chances of top weight MARBLE SANDS (best odds 17/2), who made a winning return to fences in a four-runner Listed race at Carlisle four weeks ago and is worth another go at three miles, with that win under his belt.

This eight-year-old has been well beaten in his two previous attempts at this trip, but I’m inclined to give him the benefit of the doubt. He contested some very hot races over hurdles, including two Grade 1s at Cheltenham and Aintree.

I liked the way he came from off the pace last time out in a tactically run affair to sweep past Colonel Harry and look better the further he went. Back in handicap company off a mark of 146, with Nick Slatter claiming 3lb, he’s my idea of the winner.

Marble Sands, 0.5 pts E/W, 17/2