14:25 Newbury

Although he’s not the force of old, it would come as a major surprise if BRAVEMANSGAME (best price 5/2) cannot rekindle the fire in his belly and gain a first win since winning the 2022 King George. 

The former Gold Cup runner-up is unbeaten in three starts at this venue and remains the choice of Harry Cobden over stablemate Hitman. On these terms, he won’t get a better opportunity to get his head back in front.

Bravemansgame, 1pt WIN, 5/2

15:00 Newbury

MATATA (best price 2/1) produced a career-best performance when slamming a good field at Windsor last time out under JJ Slevin by 10 lengths, and on today’s terms, he can book his ticket for the Champion Chase with another dominant success.

The seven-year-old is rated 11lb superior to nearest market rival Libberty Hunter and gets weight from the rest as well, being the top-rated runner, so he is ridiculously well treated on these terms. I think he’s a worthy favourite.

Matata, 1pt WIN, 2/1

15:35 Newbury

In the feature race on the card, I’ll take a chance on FIERCELY PROUD (best price 12/1), who beat a few of these at Ascot last time out, including the favourite Secret Squirrel, and is overpriced despite taking a 9lb hike in the weights.

Ben Pauling’s charge twice finished close-up behind Lump Sum last season but is better off at the weights this time, and that latest win will have done his confidence the world of good heading into this contest.

This strong traveller ticks a lot of the main trends, and the pace of this should be right up his street. He actually got there too soon last time out but still had enough in reserve to defeat Kabral Du Mathan, who finished second at Windsor when last seen off a mark of 139 behind Secret Squirrel.

Given he’s only six, he surely hasn’t finished improving, and this race has probably been his main target this season. With the extra places available, I’ll be surprised if he isn’t able to at least reward us with each-way returns. I think he’s got a great chance.

Fiercely Proud, 0.5 pts E/W, 12/1 (5 places)