16:05 Newbury

This is a competitive race but I’m keen to snap up the 5/1 available on COEUR DE LION for Alan King. This horse did well on the Flat and he caught the eye back over hurdles when beaten less than a length over C&D last month. That looks really solid form involving the likes of The Brimming Water and The Big Breakaway and off just a 1lb higher mark here he should serve it up to these. He can race keenly so hopefully Thomas Bellamy gets him nicely settled early so he is strong at the finish. The danger looks to be the unexposed Guerlain De Vaux for Oliver Sherwood. He is unbeaten in 2 starts over hurdles but only scrambled home at Catterick and the second Gredin hasn’t exactly franked the form. He is definitely a player but will need to improve again to contain the selection who looks to have a massive chance.

Coeur De Lion - 1pt @ 5/1