What is the big story?

It should be the Coral long distance hurdle (3.05)which has been won by legends like Baracouda, Big Buck’s and Inglis Drever, but this year’s event lacks both quality and quantity, so by far the most interesting race of the day is the Grade 2 Coral Novices’ Pursuit John Francome (1.55).

The unfortunate Hermes Allen won it last year for Paul Nicholls and King George’s double hero Clan Des Obeaux also achieved success in 2016 for the Ditcheat team who count on Captain Teague this time.

The jukebox man was dramatically denied at the last stride by Stellar Story in last season’s Albert Bartlett, while Johnnywho it looked like he’d been jumping fences since around 1963, judging by the way he cleared his hurdles at Carlisle. It’s a real race.

So who wins the Coral John Francome Novices’ Chase?

He’s not as sexy as some of them, but Masaccio is underrated and overpriced at 13-2.

He has solid course form, is race fit, looked natural over hurdles in his pursuit debut and his hurdle form is not too far below the best of them. I expect him to be at least a better hunter than hurdler. With a generous start to the race almost assured, the race could play its part. It will stay.

What is the bet of the day?

Chantry House. Do you remember him? He is the performer formerly known as the 2021 winner of the Marsh Novices’ Chase at Cheltenham on the day Envoi Allen fell.

He’s not as good as he was and hasn’t won in almost three years, but the way he cleared a handicap hurdle at Punchestown in May suggests he’s more than capable of winning a race of this caliber.

At ten years old, he’s getting by a little, but he’s perhaps even better than this group in the 3 m handicap hurdles (3.40) at Newbury and 11-1 is huge.

What is the dish of the day?

Strong leader. He ran woefully on his return last season at Ffos Las and I wouldn’t approach him against the grain for the Coral long distance hurdle (3.05) in Newbury. Langer Dan can take him.

Want to stay away from Newbury on Friday?

Henry Daly has sent six winners in the last fortnight and Minniemom could continue his hot streak in the opening Handicap hurdle 3m½f (11.55) in Doncaster. She still has room to maneuver compared to the score of 106.

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Harry Wilson shot two winners on Saturday – find out his advice for each race at the Newbury meeting on Friday

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