Attention turns to Newbury on Friday as the course prepares to stage a fantastic card featuring the likes of Gold Cup hero Long Run, Arkle fancy Sprinter Sacre and Champion Hurdle hopeful Zarkandar.
After last Saturday’s high profile card fell victim to the cold snap Newbury opted to stage the action this Friday and there should be plenty of Cheltenham Festival clues on offer.
2011 Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Long Run returns to action after he chased home Kauto Star in the King George VI Chase on Boxing Day and Nicky Henderson’s superstar is fancied to win the Betfair Denman Chase and then the Gold Cup in four weeks time.
Long Run is odds-on to win on Friday and many people will consider him a banker along with Arkle favourite Sprinter Sacre who will be in action in the Super Saturday Chase at 12.10.
Meanwhile Zarkandar returns in the Betfair Hurdle and Paul Nicholls’ Champion Hurdle hopeful will be looking to make a winning return ahead of his trip to Prestbury Park.
Friday’s race card at Newbury
12:10 Betfair Super Saturday Chase (Registered As The Game Spirit Chase) (Grade 2)(5yo+, Class 1, 2m 1f, 6 runners)
12:40 Betfair Denman Chase (Grade 2) (5yo+, Class 1, 3m, 6 runners)
13:15 Betfair Hurdle (Grade 3 Handicap) (4yo+, Class 1, 2m 110y, 20 runners)
13:50 Betfair. Don't Settle For Less Novices' Hurdle (4yo+, Class 4, 2m 110y, 10 runners)
14:25 Betfair Supports Walking With The Wounded Handicap Hurdle (4yo+, Class 2, 3m 110y, 17 runners)
14:55 Betfair Novices' Chase (Registered As The Scilly Isles Novices' Chase) (Grade 1)(5yo+, Class 1, 2m 4f, 9 runners)
15:30 Betfair Mobile For Best Prices Bumper (Listed Standard Open NH Flat Race) (4-6yo, Class 1, 2m 110y, 12 runners)
