Live horse racing blog: News, reviews and replays from Betfair Hurdle day at Newbury

• Glory And Fortune narrowly denies I Like To Move It in the Betfair Hurdle
• Edwardstone is the new Arkle favourite after landing Kingmaker Novices' Chase
• Value Bet's 50/1 ante-post tip Funambule Sivola wins Betfair Exchange Game Spirit Chase
• Eldorado Allen wins Betfair Denman Chase for Colin Tizzard and Brendan Powell
• Bravemansgame impresses in Betfair Cheltenham Roarcast Novices' Limited Handicap Chase
• Journey With Me 7/2 for Ballymore after winning Connolly’s Red Mills Irish EBF Auction Novice Hurdle
• Marie's Rock runs out a stylish winner of Listed Warwick Mares' Hurdle

All times BST, please refresh for updates

1701: Plenty to weigh up from that interview with a relaxed Mullins and plenty to weigh up from what we've seen on the track this afternoon.

I hope you've enjoyed the action from Super Saturday and it hasn't disappointed.

We've had some very impressive performances from both Newbury and Warwick and the season is coming nicely to the boil; there's plenty to look forward to and there was a good deal to relish this afternoon.

Thank you for joining me and I hope you'll do so again next week. Ta ta.

P.S. Icare d'Aubrelle has just hosed up for Tom Cooper and Derek O'Connor.

Cooper won the Cheltenham bumper with Total Enjoyment back in 2004. Could he have another contender on his hands? The winner is well related being a half-brother to French Aseel.

1653: Apparently Rosy Redrum hit 1/10 on the exchanges in running......if you can work out why from the clip below, please let me know.

Those quirky numbers do pop up from time to time on the exchanges and there was certainly cause for hope with the winner hanging markedly.

That is more or less that as far as the blog goes for today.

Racing TV are just showing an interview with Willie Mullins and there's a 6/1 quote for Elimay from Betfair Sportsbook for the Mrs Paddy Power Mares' Chase at the Cheltenham Festival shown on the screen.

Billaway is 4/1 with the same firm for the St James's Place Hunters' Chase.

"He did everything right," says his trainer who goes on to extol the qualities of the trophy (it's huge) for that race and he's clearly got his eyes on it.

There is still a bumper to come from Naas but rather surprisingly, Mullins isn't represented.

The interview moves on to Appreciate It and confidence seems to be growing behind the Sky Bet Supreme winner.

"I felt we can do things the way we want to do by not racing and bring him there hopefully in the right order.

"Who knows how good he could be this year and he's doing everything really well."

Hmm, interesting. Will he steal Honeysuckle's thunder?

I look forward to the talk on the Cheltenham Festival preview circuit, Appreciate It is bound to feature prominently.

1646: Coming in for the Listed bumper.

Rosy Redrum is last, the favourite is in a close fifth.

Libberty Hunter leads from Top Dog with Timeforatune in fourth, just ahead of Authorised Speed.

Filanderer is in the second half of the field, as are the two O'Brien runners. The action is about to unfold......they're becoming quite well strung out and Rosy Redrum is still last.

The sprint is on and Libbery Hunter still leads from Top Dog approaching the final two.

Top Dog running around as he did at Cheltenham and he could throw this away. A rail comes to his aid and he's got enough in hand to beat Rosy Redrum, interesting stuff.

Ballyglass was third.

The winner, trained by Emma Lavelle and ridden by Tom Bellamy, was returned at 9/1.

One or two of those, including the runner-up, who raced a long way out the back deserve marking up a fair bit I would think. The other runner who made notable ground from out the back was Hullnback who briefly threatened to take a hand before weakening.

The winner could be very useful if he ever learns to run straight.

1633: Authorised Speed opened up at about 3/1 for the Best Odds On The Betfair Exchange bumper and is the current 7/4 favourite but I think we can do better than Gary Moore's runner!

I'm surprised how weak the penalised Timeforatune is and of more interest are Filanderer (whose debut win wasn't exactly boosted by Samourai One just now) with Hughie Morrison's runners in this sphere always commanding plenty of respect.

Hullnback is a stablemate of my fancy Mamoon Star and the mount of Brennan.

I wouldn't be a hundred per cent sure that Brennan had the choice but he was on board Hullnback at Chepstow when the five-year-old ran out a very impressive winner. O'Brien does well in bumpers and it would be no surprise to see big performances from both of his runners.

Billaway didn't need a big run to win at Naas but win he did at 2/5 for Sporting Life podcaster Patrick Mullins, completing a treble for trainer Willie Mullins in the process. Presumably the winner heads to Cheltenham next.

Milton Harris is hopeful of a big run from Rosy Redrum but stops short of telling Racing TV that she's going to win. He does like her though and he points out how much weight she's getting from her rivals.

Top Dog has already shown form at this level and is closely matched with the favourite, he's shaped as though he's still learning and is yet another for the short-list.

1621: There is one more to come from Warwick (shortly) and one from Newbury which is the Best Odds On The Betfair Exchange, a Listed bumper.

O'Brien runs two in that as well and I half wondered whether it might be worth taking a chance with Connor Brace's mount, Mamoon Star, who finished very strongly at Cheltenham last time and should appreciate this longer trip.

Whether the form of that race is strong enough for him to hold his own in this company remains to be seen but there doesn't appear to be an obvious standout in a renewal of a race that has been won by Ballyandy, Barters Hill and Oscar Rock among others.

Samourai One and Toucan Sam (at bigger prices) are both being supported in the Warwick bumper.

They are well underway at Warwick with the pace much as you would expect in a bumper. One or two of the runners are either running free or taking a strong hold but it won't be long until the pace quickens.

The favourite is in about sixth and seemingly travelling okay. He's asked for an effort approaching the final, sharp turn and the response isn't immediate, in fact he's lost his position.

Gaelic Park leads but Toucan Sam and the favourite head after him. He's not for catching though as Burke brings up a double on the day as well as riding his 50th winner of the season.

Trainer Charlie Longsdon has been enjoying a good spell and Gaelic Park was his only runner today - well done if you took a chance on the point-to-point winner on that basis.

He was returned at 5/1 and led home the two horses that attracted support which suggests the form should stack up.

1610: Great Heart'Jac was being checked over before the start at Newbury - I think - but Liam Harrison is back in the saddle and it won't be long until they're asked to walk out and face the starter.

There's been some support for King Ottokar but Sonigino is still favourite. There was morning money for Jaramillo who is currently 17/2.

There's not a lot of confidence behind many of these but it will be disappointing if some of this field can't reach a decent standard in time.

Great Heart'Jac who was on his toes in the preliminaries is allowed to stride on by Harrison and leads by two or three as they pass the winning post for the first time.

He's closely pursued by Jaramillo at the second with the pair three clear of the pack. Sonigino is being held-up in rear on the inside. Market rival King Ottakar is keeping him company.

The front two are as they were into the straight but all the cards are still to be played at the third last.

One to jump and Sonigino is challenging.

About seven in it at the last calls the commentator.

Surtitle beats Jaramillo at 7/1. A winner for Fergal O'Brien and Paddy Brennan and the longer priced of the trainer's two runners.

Sonigino gets a mention from Dixon as a potentially decent novice chaser for next season. One to add to your My Stable tracker perhaps.

I'd also suggest adding Make My Day as I think he ran far better than his ultimate finishing position suggests.

1600: I haven't set eyes on Uttoxeter today but there's been another treble for Brian Hughes who continues to fire in the winners, two of those were provided by Donald McCain who is enjoying his best season in a little while.

Back at Naas, Elimay coasts to victory in the BBA Ireland Limited Opera Hat Mares Chase in as uncompetitive race as you could wish to see.

That is the third winner on the card for the combination of Walsh and McManus and a double for Willie Mullins who has dominated the Opera Hat Mares Chase, he's now won six of the last seven renewals.

Some more reaction to the Betfair Hurdle with Sheppard interviewed on Racing TV

"I thought the only thing that could beat him was one of the novices. After the race (Christmas Hurdle) everyone was raving about how happy they were with Epatante and I thought if we were two lengths off her giving her weight, then it was good enough to win this race.

"I don't think he jumps very well on sharp tracks. Everyone was saying well done but I had no idea if I'd won, I couldn't hear it (the announcement of the result of the photo)."

1553: They've been racing for a while at Warwick but they've three and a quarter miles to cover so there's plenty of time to catch up with them.

In Rem leads Theme Tune and Colonel Manderson as they set out on the final circuit.

They are still the first three as they turn into the back straight. The big two both look comfortable with Colonel Manderson in the stalking role. Mr Harp is in between the pair and far from done with.

One to jump and In Rem is going to complete his five-timer. He's had to work hard ultimately but gets the job done under Chester Williams and wins at 7/4 from a game Colonel Manderson.

It will be a surprise if we see as close a finish at Naas with Elimay 2/13 but connections will be hoping for a good prep run ahead of, presumably, a return to the Cheltenham Festival.

1545: That was exciting with few of the field able to be ruled out approaching the second last.

Sheppard was suitably buoyant and told ITV Racing that he was confident coming into the race and why not on the back of his second to Epatante (he says in hindsight). I'd given up on the winner having expected better in the Greatwood (and on his penultimate start) but those who kept the faith have been richly rewarded.

The winning margin was a short-head.

There will be more reaction to come but there's still some action to come and we're back to Warwick for an interesting clash between Jane Williams' In Rem and Colonel Manderson who used to be trained by Nick Williams but is now with Skelton.

ITV Racing have caught up with Betfair Hurdle winning trainer Lacey who said:

"He's got over those wind issues and he's just growing in confidence and improved. We've learned a lot about the horse ourselves and we've stopped working him, he does enough himself without us working him in the week.

"He's already been a good fun horse for me, I bought him as a three-year-old store and he's been with me ever since. He's had his injuries through no fault of his own but we're lucky to have him."

1535: They're away on time for the Betfair Hurdle with eight flights to negotiate.

Jetoile leads from Tritonic and I Like To Move It, JPR One in fourth. Boothill on the inside with Knappers Hill wide. Soaring Glory and Royaume Uni towards the rear of the main group with Lord Baddesley adrift.

Broomfield Burg buried in midfield of a tightly packed group.

They're heading towards the home turn. Glory And Fortune makes a move, they're all spread across the track, few ruled out.

A mistake from Soaring Glory when challenging two out.

Glory And Fortune leads from I Like to Move It

Tight at the line but Glory And Fortune holds on. Officially a photo.

Stan Sheppard and Tom Lacey the winning connections who has been confirmed.

First Street and outsider Lord Baddesley in third and fourth with Soaring Glory fifth and Knappers Hill sixth.

The winner was an unconsidered 20/1 shot despite coming into the race on the back of a good run in the Christmas Hurdle.

Although at least one tipster put him up.

1529: Broomfield Burg is 11/4 from 3s as they head out onto the course.

A strong pace could well suit this strong traveller whose trainer, Nicky Henderson, is on Racing TV.

"Altior was more disappointed than anybody that the others went out and he had to go home.

"He (Broomfield Burg) got to the point where he didn't need the hood and over-switched himself off at Cheltenham.

"Unless something goes wrong here (I don't have any worries about his resolution). Someone said he didn't battle it out at Cheltenham and that's why the hood is off, you need that adrenalin, and he was very good the next time.

"First Street was very good at Kempton.

"They're speedy horses and the one thing that makes me nervous about this race is that there doesn't appear to be any obvious pace and I'd have half wanted a pacemaker."

They are coming out onto the track and will soon be lining up.

1525: Up next from Newbury is the Betfair Hurdle and Broomfield Burg currently remains strong at the top of the market.

I thought JPR One might shorten a little after victory for Eldorado Allen but that hasn't happened as yet, it's still 7/1 bar the jolly.

O'Brien on Racing TV: "He had an injury and a bit of time off but it's great to see that he's come back and picked up where he left off in France.

"He's never ran over English fences. There was always a good gallop on today and I was hoping he wasn't going to jump through one of them like they do in France.

"It's the way he likes to be ridden, I watched all his French races, and he travels and likes to quicken. He was really genuine and stuck his head out after the last. He does like a bit of dig in the ground."

1515: Some interesting words from the Herefordshire trainer below but they are already at post time at Warwick for the Warwick Castle Handicap Chase.

The King Of May is a little behind the others and just joining them.

Celebre D'Allen was the 5/2 favourite and, I think, quite well backed. He's got Jacamar behind him in the early stages.

Wishing And Hoping leads Lieutenant Rocco past the winning post with a small gap back to Cheddleton in third and Falco Blitz.

Amoola Gold is in fourth on this step back up in trip. Irish raider Dinny Lacey is in sixth as they turn into the back straight.

Jacamar ridden for a stride or two after the first fence in the straight, he then pecks after another two. Favourite makes taking ground but Wishing And Hoping still leads into the straight.

Pursued by Dinny Lacey. One to jump and two clear. Celebre d'Allen into second and the favourite gets up to beat Value Bet's selection by about three parts of a length, only getting on top in the final 50 yards.

A super effort from the runner-up but the well backed 5/2 favourite appears to have a good bit more under the bonnet and that was a job well done by trainer Philip Hobbs and jockey Tom O'Brien.

Nevison saying 'he was given a very confident, perhaps over-confident, ride'.

1507: Funambule Sivola has received quotes for both the Grand Annual and the Queen Mother Champion Chase which will leave Value Bet's ante-post followers in a good position as he was put up at 50s and is now 14s.

I think Williams has just confirmed that Funambule Sivola will head to the Champion Chase rather than the Grand Annual (for which she also has Kingmaker third Brave Seasca) but that will be confirmed in the race report (link at top) in due course.

I didn't catch an awful lot of the interview with the winning trainer or the jockey on ITV Racing, the latter can be viewed via the tweet above.

On Racing TV, she's been asked the same question about destinations and responded: "It's to be discussed but I don't think it will be a long discussion!

"Charlie's been with me for quite a long time and we get on really well. We see eye to eye about how the horses should be ridden and it's great that it's going so well.

"I think he (Royale Pagaille) acquitted himself very well and I think he was beaten by the speed horse in the race, I'm very pleased.

"It's not so much that he goes on it or not, it's more about the pace and speed. I don't think there's any alternative (to running him in the Cheltenham Gold Cup."

1456: King talks to ITV Racing: "He's (Sceau Royal) in good form, ground should be ideal. It's obviously tough with the penalty but we hope he'll run very well.

"He's been an absolute superstar, could do with a few more like him really.

"Couldn't have asked for anymore really (from Edwardstone). He's a progressive horse.

"Last season I think those big handicaps taught him a lot and fences have manned him up this year, he's getting towards the finished article. Mentally I think he's just a mature horse now."

The quartet are at the start for a race which has been won by some superstars over the years. None of these runners are at that level......yet.

The tape is being pulled across the track, not long to wait.

The last show has Hitman at 9/4 and third in the betting with Sceau Royal the favourite. Surprising late drift.

The slight looking Funambule Sivola throws his head around a little early on and is allowed to stride on by Deutsch and leads from Sky Pirate and Hitman.

The fifth is the first open ditch and all four sail over it as Sky Pirate is switched to the outside. FS makes a mistake at the sixth, brushing through the top and scattering some birch. He's back in front as they leave the back straight.

FS and Hitman jump the cross fence well and briefly go two clear from the other pair who have closed up by the first in the straight where Sceau Royal again loses ground.

FS leads at the second last with the other three under pressure. They've three lengths to find after the last and can't find it, Funambule Sivola (9/4) leads home Sceau Royal and Hitman.

A good bit of placing and a good performance with the result never really looking in doubt. That was a gallant performance from Sceau Royal who never travelled as well as he can do.

1441: My reputation as an awful judge knows no bounds as I read that Journey With Me was indeed cut for the Ballymore Novices' Hurdle at Cheltenham after retaining his unbeaten record at Naas.

You can follow the links at the top of the page for all of the race report and reaction from today's feature events.

Osprey Call has just swooped at odds of 12/1 at Warwick in a reasonably rousing finish.

Eldorado Allen has received a quote of 16/1 for the Ryanair Chase from Betfair Sportsbook. Remember connections could opt to supplement him for the Gold Cup.

He beat Hitman in the Haldon Gold Cup in November and victory for the runner-up in the upcoming Betfair Exchange Game Spirit Chase would be a notable feather in Exeter's cap.

The runners are in the paddock at Newbury and Hitman is the 15/8 favourite with the penalised Sceau Royal at 9/, alongside Funambule Sivola.

1438: Powell: "The plan was to sit back but he's quite a strong traveller and I thought I'll ride him as if he does stay and fill him up when I could.

"He's a lovely horse.

"The best season so far and I'm very, very appreciative and lucky to get the opportunities I'm getting.

"He's inexperienced but he's a lovely horse. Hopefully he'll run a big race and be there."

Tizzard senior and joint-owner John Romans are asked about the race and whether they will consider supplementing Eldorado Allen for the Cheltenham Gold Cup.

Tizzard: "A good brave ride by Brendan again. At Cheltenham last year we sat last and finished strong. Whether he'll stay three miles two is something else. The Gold Cup is the Gold Cup. We'll see."

Romans adds: "Anybody would like to go in the Gold Cup, it's the ultimate race to win."

Ruby Walsh provides some analysis on ITV Racing and says he was never happy with Clan Des Obeaux.

The Gold Cup is still the plan for Royale Pagaille while David Bass told ITV Racing that Imperial Aura 'just stopped' but is absolutely fine.

1424: I'd be prepared to throw a dart at Imperial Aura given he's 12/1 but I just hope that he can complete and run well.

They are running for the 2022 renewal of the Betfair Denman Chase.

Eldorado Allen makes the running on this step up in trip with Royale Pagaille in rear with De Rasher Counter.

Imperial Aura gives the first open ditch plenty of air and wasn't very pretty at it or at the next plain fence. Oh well.

He did take both safely and was better at the one before the water before losing half a length at that one.

Clan is in a close third on his inside with Royale on the inside of De Rasher.

Imperial got in too close to the first in the back straight and it seems as though David Bass is trying to be very positive on him and riding him into his fences. There are no such worries for the other jockeys. Although neither Clan or Royale were brilliant at one halfway down the back.

All five well grouped on the run to the cross fence. Royale ridden out of it on landing. Into the home straight. A mistake by leader Imperial Aura who quickly drops out and is immediately pulled up.

Eldorado leads Royale and Clan who tries to fight back but is struggling. Eldorado Allen takes the last three clear and wins by about the same from Royale Pagaille.

A notable (6/1) winner for Brendan Powell and Colin Tizzard and a boost for those siding with JPR One in the Betfair Hurdle.

1418: Alan King has already put Edwardstone in the same category as his Arkle winners Voy Por Ustedes and My Way De Solzen and nothing that happened at Warwick will have changed his mind.

Voy Por won the Kingmaker en route to Cheltenham Festival success so it's a tried and tested route for the Barbury Castle handler.

Williams is talking to Racing TV about Royale Pagaille.

"He's a big strong horse isn't he? Handsome is as handsome does. This is a step up again. We'll find out. Ground has slightly gone against us I feel.

"Charlie will do as he feels fit depending how it goes. We don't want to be holding him up, that's for sure."

The rather more colourful owner Rich Ricci tells ITV Racing 'that he's got a good chance, that's for sure. But he likes the soft ground.'

"I'm hopeful but I'm not crackingly confident," he adds.

A trip to France is in the offing if the ground doesn't come up right at Cheltenham but it all depends how he goes today.

1412: Edwardstone is older than your typical Arkle winner and a quick scan down the list shows that the last two eight-year-olds to win the Sporting Life Arkle Challenge Trophy were.........

Sizing Europe (in 2010) and Moscow Flyer (in 2002).

Is he in that company?

No, back Blue Lord instead (but don't do it at my behest).

Tom Cannon tells Racing TV: "He was very good, loved that ground. We went an even gallop but he probably would have liked it to have been a bit quicker. His jumping was electric and the way he jumped the last two......well it was good to be on board anyway.

"He's always had an engine and everything he's done in his career has been building up to this season. There's no fluke about it and it's nice that it's come to fruition.

"He's definitely the best (I've ridden).

"All boats rise on a high tide they say and fortunately I'm one of those boats at the moment."

1400: "It was very slowly run and I had to barge my way out of a few spots I wasn't happy with," the winning jockey tells Chapman.

"He's in great nick at home and this was always the plan, " he adds about I Like To Move It who is hopefully primed to run a huge race in the Betfair Hurdle.

He is out to 14/1 but I wonder if that price will disappear following those encouraging words from Twiston-Davies.

There is an enquiry at Newbury into interference between the third and the fourth.

At Warwick it's time for the Kingmaker and it's a cracking renewal.

For Pleasure will take them along as expected, Brave Seasca second with Edwardstone second and Third Time Lucki last.

No change to the order as they enter the back straight with seven to jump.

Edwardstone takes it up as For Pleasure backpedals and leads into the straight. Two clear at the second last and Third Time isn't closing.

Edwardstone is going to cement his position towards the top of the betting for the Sporting Life Arkle, he's readily accounted for Third Time Lucki and Breave Seasca.

That was impressive from the 10/11 favourite, I thought he would have to work harder for that success.

"I can't find any particular fault with this performance," says Cunningham.

1351: Polish is settled towards the rear as he attempts to reprise last year's success in the Daily Rewards With Betfair Handicap Hurdle. He's already a winner having been announced as the best turned out.

Polish is in the lead by the time the field take the second flight in the back straight on the final circuit. They are five from home and The Big Breakaway has lost his position whether that be momentarily or permanently remains to be seen.

They are covered by about seven lengths as they begin to turn for home.

Sussex Ranger and TBB are prominent with TBW and CDL all there too - lots of chances as they say. RAR also moving up as Polish and Sussex Ranger back out.

Coeur De Lion leads. TBW battles back and The Brimming Water wins for Sam Drinkwater and Sam Twiston-Davies at 5/1.

That was a funny old race that ebbed and flowed in the straight with even the third and fourth closing in again after the last.

Dixon says there are reasons to be positive about each of the first quartet which is worth heeding as that wasn't my initial feeling.

1344: Rachael Blackmore has had enough of the pace being set in the Connolly's RED MILLS Irish EBF Auction Novice Hurdle and takes Journey With Me to the front with a circuit to run.

Henry de Bromhead has had a quieter season than last and, like Nicholls at Newbury, would no doubt welcome a dominant performance from his favourite here.

They have seven furlongs and four flights ahead of them. He got in a little close to the first of them but negotiated it safely. O'Toole is being niggled to close. Journey With Me ridden after jumping the second last, he may have pecked slightly - one for the replay - but is a couple clear at the last and wins readily. O'Toole disappointing.

I don't think the 4/11 favourite can be shortened for the Ballymore Novices' Hurdle off the back of that.

The Big Breakaway is a well backed favourite for the Daily Rewards With Betfair Handicap Hurdle.

I'd have chanced the non-runner Skandiburg and am content to stay on the sidelines alongside the absentee.

1335: Whitehotchillifili is the outsider of four and ridden by Burke who partnered the outsider of three to make all in the first - can he repeat the feat?

Marie's Rock seems to have settled well enough for Aidan Coleman and the pair have their three rivals ahead of them and in their sights. They are already over six flights and embarking on the climb to the top of the hill.

Journey With Me is off at Naas in a couple of minutes. He's 4/11 but could still produce a significant performance.

Quickening on the back straight and nothing between the front two with Indefatigable just going on while Get A Tonic shadows that move. Marie's Rock asked to quicken and closes up, it's a line of four.

Get A Tonic leads Marie's Rock over the second last and narrowly at the last but the money is spot on as Marie's Rock quickens impressively after that flight to win well as the 6/4 joint-favourite.

There was plenty to like about that performance. Is she back?

1330: Burke describes the first Warwick winner as 'good, tough and honest' with the ground 'good to soft but more on the good side'.

The cameras are back at Warwick for the Warwick Mares' Hurdle where Marie's Rock is, to my surprise, the 6/4 favourite.

She's looked very talented in glimpses but can be very keen and I wouldn't be sure that this small field would suit. I wouldn't back her at that price with your money for all the talent she has.

Indefatigable's stable hasn't had many winners of late but the admirable nine-year-old, who concedes weight all round, won this race two years ago and is the one to beat.

Get A Tonic cedes experience to her rivals but was sent off at just 3/1 to beat Hillcrest last time. She disappointed that day but it's not beyond the realms of possibility that she could lift this prize, particularly if the race falls apart.

1326: Harry Cobden on ITV Racing: "I thought I knew a fair bit about him before today but I certainly learnt a lot.

"He's done what he had to do. It's a good job he's got more brain than I have."

Cobden telling Matt Chapman that tactics are likely to be changed for Cheltenham following the race today. I'll dig out the tweet and post it here in case you've missed it as the above is a very abridged version.

Nicholls: "I left a lot to work with. He was mad fresh beforehand and that's probably because I haven't done that much with him.

"Pleased with what he's done, super job."

Chapman runs through some market movers for the ITV races with The Big Breakaway (9/2 from 9s) and, at Warwick, Lieutenant Rocco (15/2 from 12s) joining Royale Pagaille and Royaume Uni on the list.

1316: Bravemansgame takes over the running approaching the third fence in the Betfair Cheltenham Roarcast Novices' Limited Handicap Chase and he takes it beautifully as does Pats Fancy in second.

He stood a long way off the fourth and sailed over it before popping the open ditch. Grumpy Charley is on the inside in a close third with Gallyhill dropping three or four lengths off the others as they approach the water.

Pats Fancy is asked to draw alongside the favourite and does so but is readily outjumped by the favourite who appears to be very quick through the air. Five to jump and Gallyhill will surely be pulled up shortly.

The first three separated by a half and a half at the cross fence.

Bravemansgame (8/11 favourite) fiddled the fourth last as they didn't quite see a stride, I quite like the way he put himself right. That allowed his rivals to close up but he was two clear at the last and going further clear. Nice.

He's ridden out to win by about four lengths and produced everything that you would want to see.

1310: Half a mile to run at Naas while ITV Racing are showing pictures of Bravemansgame et al in the paddock at Newbury.

Brazil, who was 19 lengths behind Ben Siegel on debut, has fairly dotted up from Un Des Flos for Mark Walsh and owner JP McManus. He was 'really well backed' says Rachel Casey in her handover and returned the 9/4 favourite.

Ben Siegel may have been feeling the effects of last week's race but is now, at least, qualified for races like the Fred Winter.

Paul Nicholls tells Racing TV that Bravemansgame is 'very fresh in the paddock, looks absolutely fantastic in his skin'.

"Everyone wants to see good horses carrying weight in handicaps but as soon as you do it, you get criticised so you can't win. This is perfect for him," he continues.

1300: They're underway at Warwick where Graham Cunningham revealed before racing that the wind was strong enough to lift up one of the paddock side marquees.

The outsider of three takes them along, namely Fair Frontieres.

The first at Uttoxeter went to another trainer local to Warwick in Olly Murphy whose Corey's Courage obliged at 4/11.

They are past halfway and are racing downhill towards the back straight. Five furlongs to run and Fair Frontieres is pouring it on from the front. He hasn't shaken them off though and Earth Lord moves alongside on the turn, Camdonian is two lengths adrift and not closing.

Fair Frontieres (5/1) leads by a half at the last and maintains that to the line.

It's the outsider of three (told you! Sort of, not at all).

A good ride - as are most winning ones - by Jonny Burke and a nice start to the day for Bailey.

The coverage heads immediately over to Naas for the intriguing Private Security Ltd Cleaning And Maintenance Supporting Kill GAA Rated Novice Hurdle.

1258: Stanley has just interviewed Betfair's Barry Orr and they ran through some of the firm's prices and movers at Newbury.

"The treble (Bravemansgame, Hitman, Clan Des Obeaux) is around the 11/1 mark at the moment but the money is coming for Bravemansgame, he's a big strong horse and will carry the weight. He should be able to do it and fingers crossed for all connections that he is able to do it. It would set the day up.

"Hitman is 2/1. He was always favourite. Sceau Royal is a little bit weak but money there has come for Funambule Sivola who is into 9/4 having been about the 3/1 mark.

"Clan Des Obeaux is strong enough at around 6/4. He's a horse that takes a lot of work that Paul says in his blog.

"The first race is the Money Back Special on both the Exchange and the Sportsbook.

"The Betfair Hurdle is a really competitive race as it always is. The Sportsbook are paying five places. Broomfield Burg is around 4/1 from 5/1. There's a whole host of horses there have been money for. It's a really competitive race."

1250: Dan and Harry Skelton aren't based too far from Warwick and they send a strong team to the course.

They start with Camdonian who was purchased by Masterson Holdings after his encouraging debut in November.

His subsequent absence raises questions about whether he's had a setback but he receives 7lbs from his two rivals and this looks a suitable opportunity and one that Skelton has harvested twice in the last five seasons.

It's an intriguing race with Fair Frontieres having contested a Grade Two last time and the outsider of three (remember that phrase!) sets the official standard with a rating of 137 which is 5lbs higher than Earth Lord who was progressive prior to coming unstuck in the Lanzarote Hurdle at Kempton.

1240: The Warwick Castle Handicap Chase hasn't been in existence for too long but has proved to be a good initiative and has been won by some decent horses.

Putting your faith in Irish trained runners in Britain hasn't been too bad a policy and it's very interesting that James Motherway and Robbie Power head to the West Midlands with just one runner, Dinny Lacey.

I almost landed on the Robcour owned gelding by default as I thought there were reasons enough to take on most of the field and it looks particularly interesting that connections deem it worthwhile to travel with their eight-year-old.

Celebre d'Allen is a couple of years older but doesn't have many miles on the clock and takes the eye having won his last two starts over hurdles; it looks notable that he's reverting to the larger obstacles for this decent prize but Warwick is a course that does take some jumping with horses often getting out of rhythm on the back straight if they get one of the fences wrong.

It's no great surprise looking at today's cards that this race caught the eye of both the Punting Pointers team and the in-form Simon Holt as well as Value Bet.

1234: Dixon doesn't want to back Broomfield Burg at 7/2 in such a competitive race and Tritonic is one who he thinks is currently overpriced.

He's been freshened up since disappointing at Kempton but that run came quickly after a big performance at Ascot. He thinks too much is being made of the last run.

The favourite, he thinks, is undeniably well handicapped and he expects him to travel strongly into the closing stages but the question remains what Broomfield Burg will find when he's put under pressure which Dixon expects to happen in a race as competitive as the Betfair Hurdle.

Stanley and Dave Nevison are united in their support for last year's runner-up, Fifty Ball. He's one of two runners for Gary Moore.

Steve Mellish is also in the Racing TV studio and he makes a case for Boothill.

1223: There is another non-runner from the 1315 at Newbury since I last looked with Fern Hill joining I K Brunel on the sidelines which is rather a shame.

Tom Stanley is joined by Martin Dixon on track for Racing TV, apparently it's quite windy which has been a feature of recent weeks. They've started by discussing the current hot topic of field sizes but will hopefully move on to some fancies and snippets shortly.

We're not too far away from the start of the action which comes up from Uttoxeter at 1250.

Dixon reveals that he was struggling to rule out many from the Betfair Hurdle which also sees several potentially well handicapped runners lining up; he believes it's every bit as competitive as usual despite the smaller field.

Having a change of tack with spring in the air, lambs in the field, green shoots etcetera etcetera and there are new foals on the ground too and the one pictured above may receive more (media) attention than many.

1215: In contrast to Clan Des Obeaux, Hitman is proving quite popular in the Betfair Exchange Game Spirit Chase and is a general 15/8 from Funambule Sivola (9/4) and Sceau Royal (5/2).

Hitman is only six and very much a work in progress and he is progressing having improved from his Haldon Gold Cup second to fill the same position in the Tingle Creek.

That latter run may flatter him and although he and the market confidence behind him are respected I'd be looking to take him on whether that's by laying him with the race sponsors or by backing his two principal rivals.

1154: Venetia Williams presumably won't have been getting too anxious about the prospect of another big Saturday for the stable given she headed off for a skiing holiday after L'Homme Presse's victory in the Scilly Isles last week.

It is another big day for the stable though with Brave Seasca at Warwick and Royale Pagaille lining up in the Betfair Denman Chase at Newbury.

Grade One winning jockey Charlie Deutsch will partner the latter and there is some confidence behind the chances of the eight-year-old who may yet come close to vying for favouritism.

Clan Des Obeaux is out to a general 5/4 with Royale Pagaille 15/8 (from 9/4).

It's not a contest that I have a particular view on.

Royale Pagaille should be suited by the track having done his winning at Haydock (three times) and Kempton (once) but the ground could be more of a question mark with those victories having come on soft and heavy.

He's a year younger than Imperial Aura for whom it's all gone Pete Tong but it would be brilliant to see Kim Bailey's runner reaffirm his credentials as a potential top-notcher this afternoon. He has had (seemingly valid) excuses and you don't have to go too far back in his form to find the performances that made him such an exciting prospect.

Bailey has form in the Denman Chase too having won it with Harry Topper in 2014.

Incidentally, he beat the Nicholls trained Al Ferof (5/4 fav) and the Williams trained Katenko (9/4).

Neither quite developed into the Gold Cup performers that it was once hoped they might become.

Any similarities with this year's renewal anyone?

1140: I was having a scan down the Oddschecker Market Movers page, among other things, for any signs of life and a gamble on King Ferdinand takes the eye.

A couple have been taken out of the 1653 but it appears as though he's still attracted plenty of interest with the opening 16/1 a distant memory for this 9/2 chance who steps up half a mile in trip after failing to set the world alight at around the minimum.

In the race prior to that, Earcomesbob and On The Platform have both been backed while Hurricane Ali (1358) is a very significant mover for trainer John Mackie who has saddled more winners at the Staffordshire venue than any other jumps course.

There appears to have been little of note happening at either Newbury or Warwick but the markets at Wolverhampton have been fairly lively.

1120: It will be worth taking a detour to Ireland this afternoon even though you might expect the offering to be a little after the Lord Mayor's Show.

Ben Siegel was at the Lord Mayor's Show - or Dublin Racing Festival as it's better known - even if he didn't play much of a role in the Racing TV Spring Juvenile Hurdle.

His trainer, Noel Meade, saddled Jeff Kidder to win last season's Fred Winter and although it might be expecting rather too much for Meade to land the same race in 2022, it very much looks as though Ben Siegel is being turned out again quickly in order to have the third run to qualify.

If he lines up next month, he may be better judged on his good debut performance rather than anything that happened last week or this. Jeff Kidder, after all, went into Cheltenham having finished last of seven behind Zanahiyr on St Stephen's Day.

Journey With me is among the ante-post market leaders for the Ballymore Novices' Hurdle and will be expected to retain his unbeaten record in the Connolly's RED MILLS Irish EBF Auction Novice Hurdle.

Former Festival favourites Elimay and Billaway are also both expected to have little difficulty in converting their penalty kicks ahead of returning to Prestbury Park next month.

1052: My father used to talk about Ryan Price and the Schweppes Trophy (the Betfair Hurdle's original title) whenever the race came around and the big handicap was, and is, always a contest to savour.

Price won four of the first five renewals - how's that for target training? - although I'm currently browsing an archived Racing Post article by John Randall that highlights the controversies that followed two of those victories.

It ends with a rather nice quote from John Oaksey who once described him as "Capt Ryan Price, ex-Commando, fearless horseman, dedicated animal-lover, outspoken self-publicist and, let no-one doubt or question it, brilliant trainer of racehorses."

That's all by the by except to say that the race has more recently become synonymous with Nicky Henderson and, to a lesser extent, Gary Moore, and JP McManus owned novices.

I was surprised to read in Matt Brocklebank's Value Bet column that Henderson hasn't won the race since My Tent Or Yours obliged in 2013, during which time Nigel Twiston-Davies has saddled the winner on three occasions.

In light of that, and the good record of novices and five and six-year-olds, it's rather surprising that more hasn't been made of the chances of I Like To Move It, a horse who is held in very high regard by his trainer.

Supporters will have to forgive a disappointing run in the Howden Kennel Gate Novices' Hurdle at Ascot (won by Jonbon, the re-opposing Knappers Hill third and Thursday's winner Elle Est Belle fourth) but that performance has obviously impacted on his price and I think 12/1 is fair compensation for giving him the benefit of the doubt.

Holes can be picked in his earlier victories but he was visually impressive and I think this switch to a larger field may well benefit him as connections have been happy to have a lead prior to his two most recent starts where he's made the running in small fields.

If he's anywhere near as good as his bullish trainer believes / hopes then he'll be seriously competitive from 138 and I'd far rather back him than the strong travelling Broomfield Burg.

Soaring Glory obviously has a tougher task than when winning last year's renewal but I wouldn't be at all surprised were he to prove up to the job.

Pre-race analysts haven't expected him to show his best in small-fields the last twice and he is expected to feel far more at home in today's heat. He is only 4lbs higher than when beating 13 rivals on his reappearance at Ascot and I don't think he's handicapped out of this on that form.

It's interesting that connections reach for the cheekpieces for the first time since they were applied in the Sky Bet Supreme Novices' Hurdle and although they didn't work that day, it rather suggests they mean business this afternoon as it's not as though he's been running miles below form and needs them to buck his ideas up.

Again, I think he's a fair price at 7/1 in a renewal where one or two of the runners don't possess profiles as solid as their market position suggests.

1041: Harking back to Bravemansgame and it is, of course, an even bigger day for Paul Nicholls than might often be the case.

He has increasingly targeted this fixture with some of his biggest hopes and there's certainly some of that today but seldom have they come into the meeting with such a cloud hanging over the form of the stable.

When Dolos scampered clear up the Sandown hill seven days ago, it seemed as though all was well with the world and that a lower than usual strike rate would be soon forgotten but it didn't pan out like that with several stablemates underperforming.

The doors to Ditcheat have remained firmly closed since then with Nicholls recalling problems with their feed several years ago.

We've heard similar from the Tizzards over the last year or so with the horses looking well and scoping clean but running below expectations.

Would the stable form put you off backing a Ditcheat runner or do you throw caution to the wind?

That's an extra imponderable for you to mull over which is something the team on the Betfair Podcast have been doing.

1033: Our Power is the only non-runner on Warwick's card but he is a significant absentee. The going at both Warwick and Newbury is good to soft although Newbury's description carries the addendum 'good in places'.

It is no excuses ground in other words.

Conditions should certainly be suitable for Sceau Royal who defends his crown in the Betfair Exchange Game Spirit Chase.

He had me in mind of Tim Henman.

A quality, consistent and likeable performer but one who falls just short of top class. There is absolutely nothing wrong with that of course and I've always had a soft spot for the son of Doctor Dino and will be hoping that he can retain his trophy and gain another notable success.

In this week's enjoyable column, Daryl Jacob described Sceau Royal as being 'nasty in his horsebox' whereas I don't suppose that was ever the case with Henman. I just can't imagine it.

Come ON Tim!

1021: The Virgin Bet Kingmaker Novices' Chase has been abandoned less often than I had thought to be the case, it's funny the tricks the mind can play.

I attended the meeting back in 1999 and my friends and I thought the two runner renewal would be a suitable time to grab a drink and warm up in a bar on a typically cold February day; what were we going to miss after all?

We missed (in the flesh) a good finish with Flagship Uberalles beating Tresor De Mai by a neck.

On their next starts Flagship Uberalles extended his advantage to two and a half lengths as the pair finished first and second in the (now) Sporting Life Arkle Challenge Trophy Novice Chase at 11/1 and 14/1.

Whoops.

Ever the judge.

It's not inconceivable that today's renewal could have a similar bearing on the Arkle with Edwardstone vying for favouritism, Third Time Lucki not too far behind and Brave Seasca an interesting lurker on this step up in grade.

1012: Good morning, are we all set for a Super Saturday?

Whether you're a fan of the super soubriquet or not, I hope you're looking forwards to what promises to be an informative day's racing with a few of the runners bidding to book their tickets to the Cheltenham Festival in a little over a month's time.

Newbury's card has been handed a real filip with Bravemansgame lining up in the Betfair Cheltenham Novices' Limited Handicap Chase which is just the sort of thing that a lot of pundits want to see more of; i.e. graded horses taking their chance in handicap company rather than looking for a small field weight for age race and being sent off at long odds-on.

Bravemansgame is odds-on for this handicap too but only marginally so as both Pats Fancy and Grumpy Charley should provide a proper test while it may not be wise to dismiss Fern Hill and Gallyhill too quickly.

It should be a fascinating watch.

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