As two mile plus novice hurdles go this looks a good one, though as soon as I say that I see the early betting and my selection is a short price! I did have a good look at both Cecelia Star (who gets lumps of weight as a four-year-old filly) and Dan Skelton’s Gambino (last seen behind Constitution Hill on the Flat), but the formbook makes it hard to avoid Kocktail Blue, who runs for the Chris Gordon stable.
The six-year-old does have an annoying habit of finding one too good for him, finishing second on his last three starts, but he drops back into weaker company (in theory) after being beaten three lengths by Klub De Reve in the Grade Two Dovecote Hurdle at Kempton last month.
This is a competitive Class Three without a doubt, but on form rather than rumour, he is by far the likeliest winner.
Daily Sport Recommended Bet 1pt Win Kocktail Blue 1.15pm Newbury 6/5 most bookmakers