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1551: There's an update to the Grand National betting for which Cloth Cap is a general 25/1 while Aye Right and The Conditional are both 33/1 chances.

The race is definitely on the agenda for the third who was having his first run of the season this afternoon.

Cloth Cap was a first winner in the famous race as either a jockey or a trainer for Jonjo O'Neill.

I don't think we're going to learn anything more about this afternoon's event in the next few minutes so it's almost time for me to wish you farewell. It's been a remarkable day's racing with some brilliant performances and no shortage of drama.

I wouldn't mind if there's a little less in the way of drama tomorrow but there should be no shortage of brilliant performances with a stunning card at Fairyhouse. It's the time of year that just keeps on giving for jump racing fans.

I'll leave you with Mr O'Neill (below). I hope you can join me at the same time next week.

1543: "They've got him down to a winnable mark" is an interesting turn of phrase but we all know what Nick Luck means as he discusses Marracudja who moved up travelling very strongly two out but couldn't go through with his run, not helped by a mistake at the last.

His turn could be near.

They're running in the final race of the afternoon cards, the bumper at Bangor and I know you're all eagerly holding on waiting for that result. It looks pretty dark there, I hope there's not a photo finish or that they've got a flash on their camera if there is.

I'm hoping that there might be an interview or two with some of the connections of the beaten runners in the Ladbrokes Trophy but we'll see.

Meanwhile, Yorkhill's trainer, Sandy Thomson, is grinning from ear to ear as he's interviewed on ITV.

"Absolutely fantastic. I've learned a lot about how to cheer these old horses up. It's just brilliant."

I didn't catch all of that but I think he said he learnt from his mother and that they'd taken him away for a racecourse gallop but that will all be in the race report I'm sure.

That result you were waiting for....? The winner was Flann (5/1) for Lilly Pinchin and Graeme McPherson.

1535: Support for Moonlighter ahead of the last at Newbury. He ran a blinder last time when reeled in by Greaneteen who could be stepping up to Grade One company so wouldn't be winning out of turn as they say.

Luke Harvey says he's very much on his toes.

Moonlighter sets out to make all but he's fallen. Stood off too far. Horse and jockey are up and have left The Russian Doyen in front. The Russian Doyen has fallen, horse and jockey are up.

Zanza now leads. I wouldn't want to be riding him! Five to jump.

Two to jump. Zanza leads at the last and wins comfortably from The King Of May. It's been a pretty reasonable Winter Carnival for Richard Johnson and trainer Philip Hobbs.

1528: Remarkable to see Yorkhill winning another big prize after all these years and after all that's been written about him.

That was the last from Newcastle and the afternoon racing is almost done. There's still one more to come from Newbury where seven go to post in the absence of Ibleo.

It appears to have been quite a lively market with support for The Russian Doyen and Zanza among others.

As 'getting out stakes' go, I think I'd rather try my luck at Wolverhampton this evening but The King Of May was interesting here I thought.

Ben Linfoot mentioned Marracudja as one to keep an eye on in his preview of the meeting and it's interesting that the Skelton runner attracted some support at Ascot last time. He wouldn't be for my money though.

Masaccio has just won the Doncaster bumper in good style to complete a double for Alan King. I think the winner could be useful as the penalised second, Arthur's Seat, set a decent standard.

According to Twitter, both Brave Eagle and Definitly Red are ok after their falls at Newcastle which is excellent news.

1520: Jumping is the name of the game as the cliche goes but it will be interesting to see what David Bass and Kim Bailey have to say about Vinndication. He was right there and seemingly going well (as were most at that stage) when falling at the cross fence and he would certainly have stayed on strongly.

It would have been some performance to successfully concede 25lbs to Cloth Cap (he says in hindsight).

Definitly Red and Brave Eagle have fallen at Newcastle. I'm hoping the former was just taking a little time to right himself.

Scenes at Newcastle as Yorkhill wins at 66/1. Owned by Lee Westwood apparently. The winner was trained by Sandy Thomson who saddled The Ferry Master to win earlier on the card, it's been a good day for him.

Whatmore and Cool Mix fill the places.

There's one of the odder TV images as Ed Chamberlin interviews Westwood via FaceTime on his phone!

1516: Tom Scudamore was saying that he's now equalled Willie Robinson's record having won the race for David Pipe and Colin Tizzard. That's some achievement but I will have to look up to see who Mr Robinson was. Sorry.

The interview also questioned the change in tactics which Scudamore sidestepped. Cloth Cap has been ridden far more patiently in the past but clearly enjoyed having plenty of use made of him and that enabled him to put his proven stamina to good use.

It's clear that the plan came together nicely as Hannibal from the A-Team might say.

Off for the Rehearsal Chase. Shantou Village has gone at the first.

1510: Jonjo O'Neill: "He jumped brilliantly and Tom gave him a great spin. He was loving it. He was in great form, he stays well. Brilliant for Mr Hemmings, Tom, myself and the team.

"That's (good ground) the key to him really. He could be (a Grand National horse).

Tom Scudamore: "It's fabulous, what a dream. That's the first time he's had his ground since he was third in the Scottish National. I went and had a sit on him in the week and he felt great and Jonjo was very keen on him."

1500: They're off and racing.

All over the first two and Cloth Cap is very prominent. All over four. Aye Right, Black Op and Vinndication all to the fore.

They've jumped the cross fence where Copperhead was a bit iffy. Cloth Cap jumps the first in the straight really well, Copperhead drops to rear and will surely be pulled up. Mister Malarky has fallen. They've got a circuit to run.

The Conditional has moved up into the top half dozen. Secret Investor hugs the rail. Danny Whizzbang struggling. Potterman falls. End of the back straight, Cloth Cap still leads from Aye Right.

Pace picking up at the cross fence. Vinndication falls.

Cloth Cap leads over four out. Aye Right and The Conditional chase. Still Cloth Cap at the last and he's going further clear.

Aye Right second, The Conditional third and The Hollow Ginge may have taken fourth, I'll confirm that in due course but there's no doubt about the winner who was returned at 9/1.

There was a steady flow of money for Cloth Cap who relished the good ground and was given a good positive ride by Tom Scudamore in first time cheekpieces. At the start of Racing TV's coverage, Jonathan Neesom commented how he though that could be a winning combination and that view proved to be spot on.

Scudamore got him into a lovely rhythm and Cloth Cap jumped beautifully.

1454: The runners are coming out onto the course and Oli Bell grabs a photo of Two For Gold, a horse he has an interest in.

He ran a nice race at Wetherby but Kim Bailey has stated concerns about whether he will see out this trip.

There shouldn't be any such problems for Kildisart who is closely matched with The Conditional on their running at the Cheltenham Festival. Ben Pauling's runner has a very obvious chance but I would rather side with Vinndication at a similar price as I believe the favourite has much more scope.

There is still a parade for the Ladbrokes Trophy which seems slightly ridiculous despite the presence of owners and the TV cameras.

Kim Bailey is not impressed with the media questioning Vinndication's jumping. He's very much hoping it won't be a problem.

Not long now, the field are at the start and will be coming in shortly.

1444: That feels as though it's been a fairly breathless half hour or so but we do have the time to build towards the Ladbrokes Trophy.

It is tight at the top of the betting and any one of four or five could go off favourite it seems.

I've found it hard to warm to Secret Investor, I think he's been well placed to win the races he has, while I'm just not convinced that Cloth Cap is good enough to win 'a Ladbrokes' even if this isn't an outstanding renewal.

Copperhead has long had this race as an aim but he now has something to prove after two non-completions yet is only 12/1. I was quite keen to take on Aye Right but he is weak in the market and could hit a price that makes some appeal.

The race has often fallen to a second season chaser, like Vinndication, or a horse that ran in the previous year's renewal and I've seen cases made for Mister Malarky who is still only seven despite having seemingly been around for ages.

I can see the case for him but I'll take Vinndication and last year's second The Conditional, who I think has been overlooked in the market to some extent, against the field.

Good luck!

1441: The Twiston-Davies' day at Bangor has got better with a couple of odds-on winners and there was another winning favourite at Fairyhouse who certainly looks the part on paper.....

Harry Cobden has been stood down by the officials at Newbury after his fall.

Sean Bowen switches to Secret Investor and Bryony Frost comes in for the ride on Danny Whizzbang.

1435: You can see the trouble at the second last on the clip below.

I think Jonathan Neesom might have backed Milkwood from his comments. It looks as though Milkwood ran straight into the back of Thyme White and was the architect of his own downfall. Poor old Harry Cobden looked as though he might have got a bit of a kicking.

Confirmation from Betfair and Paddy Power about Fighting Fifth refunds with the former refunding all bets on Silver Streak and Not So Sleepy as a free bet. The latter are refunding singles on the pair as a free bet.

1425: Marie's Rock is out to 2/1 as the starter's flag is raised.

The pace only looks steady. Floressa leads from Botox Has and Sebastopol.

One or two of these look to be racing a bit keenly, including Marie's Rock and Milkwood. I think the pace could be increasing though. There's just three to jump, little change in the order.

Marie's Rock still appears to be under a tight hold but how much will she find? She was a bit awkward three out and there's all sorts of trouble two out, affecting both Marie's Rock and Milkwood.

Floressa (10/1) wins but Milkwood is a desperately unlucky loser I think. The Pink'n was second but Milkwood lost a lot of momentum at the second last. It's still not clear what happened at that flight but Thyme White was unseated.

There are quite a lot of unanswered questions. There's a suggestion that Thyme White ran into the back of Botox Has but no one is really sure. Milkwood and Marie's Rock both suffered though.

Anyway, the winner landed the opener on this card last year and was trained, like the beaten favourite, by Nicky Henderson.

1421: Aidan Coleman says the start was like 'riding in a cross-country race' but pays tribute to Sceau Royal's attitude and says he made it easy for him aboard Epatante as they were just able to follow Sceau Royal through.

He was clearly delighted as you'd expect.

Ed Chamberlin has just revealed that Paddy Power and Betfair are among the bookmakers to have refunded bets on Silver Streak.

1416: Henderson commented that Epatante made her reappearance in the Gerry Feilden last season and that race is up next at Newbury.

Henderson runs another exciting mare in Marie's Rock who was an ante-post favourite for Cheltenham last season prior to being ruled out with injury. She's a warm order to start making up for lost time.

I had thought last night that Botox Has would be an each-way alternative at 6/1 given how short the favourite is but the top-weight has been steadily backed and that price has gone.

Milkwood and Thyme White were both quite well tipped up for the Greatwood Hurdle only to miss the race due to the ground and both have their supporters again this afternoon, particularly the former.

This is usually a strong handicap and this renewal looks very decent on paper, it should throw up plenty of winners and the favourite is obviously a fascinating contender given the hype that surrounded her last season.

1410: Daryl Jacob looks over his shoulder ahead of the turn for home and sees that he's tracked by Epatante (8/11 favourite).

Aidan Coleman appears to be holding on to her over the second last, he still hasn't moved.

Wow.

Coleman didn't push the button until after the last and she simply outclassed them. That was brilliant.

Sceau Royal is a very decent yardstick and she quickened past him as if he was standing still.

Nicky Henderson speaking from Newbury: "Relief as much as anything but it shows that everything she did last year, there was no fluke about it. I thought it was great. She's a proper hurdler isn't she? Just press a button and off she goes.

"Christmas Hurdle (next) I would have thought almost certainly."

She is as short as 6/4 for the Champion Hurdle in March.

1401: They go without last year's winner Cornerstone Lad in the Betfair Fighting Fifth Hurdle.

Epatante's rider Aidan Coleman has spoken to ITV Racing: "I schooled her Tuesday morning and she was brilliant so just looking forward to riding her and hopefully everything goes well. I'm just hoping this season is as successful and then we'll all be very happy."

This should be a proper test with Silver Streak, Sceau Royal and the lightly raced Ribble Valley in opposition. Obviously you'd want and expect her to win but you wouldn't expect her to be at her peak this afternoon whereas Sceau Royal, for one, is in terrific form and not all that far from being a top-level performer.

Last year's third Silver Streak was 12 lengths behind her in the Champion Hurdle but he has the benefit of a run and this track may well suit him a little better than Cheltenham.

Not So Sleepy tried to refuse at the first and unseated Paddy Brennan (his day goes from bad to worse) and the loose horse then takes out Silver Streak at the second. My oh my, none of us wanted that.

Sceau Royal is left in the lead but the race has certainly lost some of its gloss. Not So Sleepy is still running around with the field, can he cause any more carnage?

1357: You can see why Tea Clipper held an entry over three miles as he looked to be finding everything happening too quickly for him from the home turn in. There will be other days for him, for all that the bubble has been burst.

Flash The Steel (12/1) gained revenge for his defeat at Chepstow and proved none the worse for his fall at Haydock. He was chased home by Amour De Nuit and Champagne Platinum who travelled very well as, I think, has been the case before.

1347: Do you back Tea Clipper or back something each-way against him?

I think I'd rather sit and watch but if I had to have a bet, I'd probably look to play some forecasts throwing Flash The Steel, Rathhill and On The Wild Side in with the favourite. That's all the fancied runners. I might just about get my money back if Tea Clipper leads On The Wild Side home.

There's support for Hang In There which is interesting as he hasn't shown an awful lot in two starts this season. Perhaps it's the better ground that is giving cause for optimism? Emma Lavelle is on the telly but is talking about Paisley Park.

A change of tactics could be in the offing. Apparently they've been trying to teach him to settle and make him less one dimensional tactically but it hasn't worked, they're going to revert to more prominent tactics.

1343: There's another winner for Willie Mullins in the Kettles Country House Supporting Fingal Ravens GAA Maiden Hurdle as Hook Up (10/11 favourite) wins impressively.

She made her hurdling debut in a Grade Three before running in the Triumph Hurdle (eleventh at 33/1) but has just shown why she was pitched in at the deep end. The future is bright.

1337: A glance at the cards suggested it could be a good day for near neighbours Nigel Twiston-Davies and Fergal O'Brien but it's not panning out for either stable.

Aye Aye Charlie has just struggled to get competitive at Newcastle as The Ferry Master (6/1) sinks the gamble on Baron De Midleton. The first two pulled a long way clear.

That's two out of three over fences for The Ferry Master who won with his ears pricked. The handicapper will obviously react but he hasn't got many miles on the clock and you couldn't rule out further progress on that showing.

1330: There's a nice little novices' handicap chase at Newcastle underway now, including the gambled on Baron De Midleton.

Tea Time On Mars (13/2) has just won at Bangor for the Gardners and it's not proving to be a very happy visit to Wales for the Twiston-Davies clan at present with Checkitout a laboured second.

Up next at Newbury is a decent handicap hurdle where Tea Clipper is the favourite. He's plenty short enough but more is clearly expected from the Silver Hurdle winner who missed a run at Cheltenham's last meeting (over three miles) due to the soft ground.

Conditions in Berkshire should be much more to his liking and he doesn't have many obviously progressive horses lining up against him. One obvious exception is On The Wild Side who has won his last two at Hexham but Tea Clipper is clearly thought to be ahead of the handicapper. It should be an interesting watch.

1313: The Sir Peter O'Sullevan Memorial Handicap Chase promises to be a cracker.

The JP McManus runners carry the colours of O'Sullevan but most of the money has been for Court Master who is one of the less exposed runners in the field.

Kapcorse and Brelan d'As were one-two in this race a year or two back; both have attracted support. Apparently the latter 'absolutely ruined the first fence' at Cheltenham last time. They're coming in.

Mellow Ben leads with five to jump.

Champagne Court and Highest Sun are his nearest pursuers. Cap Du Nord goes quite well but he's a little way adrift. He's made up the ground easily though, he was fifth in this race last year I think.

Cap Du Nord (7/1) quickly goes clear. He's going to win easily. Canelo, Mellow Ben and Highest Sun the next three home.

Trained by Christian Williams and ridden by Jack Tudor, it's another fine advertisement for their skills and placement. He's come from a long way back having taken the 'brave man's route' and it was remarkable how easily he picked them up.

1312: Concertista has halved in price to 5/1 for the Close Brothers Mares' Hurdle at Cheltenham in March.

Reaction has settled down from some of the earlier races too with Monkfish also quoted for the National Hunt Chase (11/1) and the Marsh (16/1) while Next Destination is 12/1 for the former.

1307: Two to jump in Ireland.

Minella Melody hits the front. Concertista travels well.

"This is very cheeky" was the call in commentary and it certainly was.

That was a hugely confident ride from Paul Townend and Concertista wins at 6/4.

She was easy to back but could hardly have been more impressive. Townend was motionless and eased her alongside Minella Melody jumping the last and barely moved a muscle thereafter despite there being little between the pair.

1257: Hot on the heels of Newcastle is a decent renewal of the Grade Two Irish Stallion Farms EBF Mares Hurdle at Fairyhouse where Cheltenham heroine Concertista has proved easy to back.

She was odds-on when I looked last night but could even be usurped at the top of the market by Cheltenham flop Minella Melody. It's far from a two horse race with Queens Brook lining up while, when previewing the race before racing, Jane Mangan gave Carrigeen Lotus as one to keep a close eye on.

It should be a cracker and it's Minella Melody for me.

Getaround leads at Newcastle as they head down the back straight but he's closely shadowed by Tupelo Mississippi. I'm not sure Paddy Brennan looks entirely happy on Ask A Honey Bee but the pair are in close attendance. Le Cheval Noir and Frank's Fancy both travel quite well but the pace is really picking up and they're left behind.

Ask A Honey Bee wasn't helped by his jumping and looks to need a proper test of stamina as he rallies to remarkable effect but too late to catch Getaround (10/1) who is a huge winner for Ella Pickard. It's officially a photo. I'm a bit early there.

I know nothing about Ella Pickard bar the results of a quick search last night. I imagine there will be a party tonight, or possibly tomorrow, it's a long way back to Devon. The result has been confirmed.

1252: That was a decent start from Next Destination whose future promises plenty. but he's still around 20/1 for the RSA Chase whereas Monkfish is getting shorter all the time.

One horse who went close at the Cheltenham Festival more than once (I think) was The French Furze and the race named in his honour is due off at Newcastle in a few moments.

Native River won this Grade Two as a four-year-old back in 2014 while Ballyalton and Ask Ben are other 'useful', recent winners. The latter was returned at 50/1 with last year's winning SP 40/1 but I'm a fan of the favourite Ask A Honey Bee whose second to Bobhopeornohope was franked earlier this week.

1240: They're over the first of 18 fences.

Kalooki leads a tightly grouped field with Next Destination and One For The Team in a share of second. The leader just opens up a little entering the home straight for the first time, he's about three or four clear.

Next Destination jumped the first in the straight beautifully but wasn't quite as good over the ditch that followed.

Interesting pace as the field have closed right up on Kalooki as they head out on the final circuit, keep an eye out for those sectionals. Acey Milan makes a slight mistake in rear as Kalooki strides on again. Hold The Note dropping off the first three and slightly awkward.

Five to jump. Over the cross fence and Kalooki makes a mistake; he's half clear from Next Destination and Hold The Note is now in touch too. Kalooki back on the bridle and they both fly the first in the home straight.

Three to jump. Next Destination leads approaching the last as One For The Team is produced.

Next Destination wins by around a length and a half.

That was pretty impressive although the runner-up is rated 'only' 140 so it's hard to get too excited about the form at this stage for all that it looks to be an improved showing from the second.

1236: Monkfish has already stated his case but some opponents could emerge from the next at Newbury where they go without Southfield Stone.

Some top class performers have won this Grade Two - Santini, Thistlecrack, Native River, Grands Crus - and this field looks well up to scratch.

Kalooki impressed on his chase bow at Newbury but I'm excited to see Next Destination who looked so promising in 2018 when third to Samcro at the Cheltenham Festival and winning at Punchestown.

Next Destination is the favourite despite ceding experience to his rivals, of whom, there are some very interesting runners, even if they don't finish within hailing distance of the winner this afternoon.

1228: Pink is dominating at the moment, not the singer but the colour.

Pink Sheets' win is followed by success for Pink Legend at Bangor while Ascot De Bruyere is a convincing winner at Newcastle, carrying pink silks.

A former colleague had great success in company tipping competitions by selecting colours, what a great game.

1225: Mick Quinn on Pink Sheets: "She won her last three so she deserved to take her chance at this grade. Jack schooled her on Wednesday and felt, even in the last 19 days, she'd strengthened and improved. She jumped from hurdle to hurdle. She didn't dive at one today, I thought her jumping was impeccable and, pacewise, he's rode a lovely race today.

"She's a stakes winner, the last was a long time ago, and I'm chuffed to bits. She just keeps surprising me all the time. It opens up a few avenues now and she's put them to bed pretty convincingly!"

She could be ground dependent though with Quinn concerned about her ability to act on 'genuine winter ground'.

1220: They're running at Bangor where Stolen Silver was odds-on the last I looked.

Not long for a 0-120 handicap at Doncaster where Oscar Ceremony is attracting support on debut for Brian Ellison.

1211: All change in the betting near the off with Politesse drifting out to 11/4 and Mrs Hyde remaining solid at 5/2.

They're heading towards the far side and the fancied runners are being held up off the pace being set by Pink Sheets and Champagne Terri. They're through halfway, three to jump and the pace seems to have steadied a little; Pink Sheets is five clear but there's no move from those in behind.

Mrs Hyde was sent in pursuit but made a slight mistake two out. That didn't make any difference though and Pink Sheets (10/1) has fairly dotted up for Mick Quinn and Jack Quinlan. Well, I never.

Big run from Ahorsewithnoname in second although Mrs Hyde may have been getting tired having tried to go in pursuit of the runaway winner who, apparently, galloped strongly through the line and kept going.

The time was far quicker than the novices' hurdle yesterday which was run in 'an absolute crawl'.

1205: There's a Listed mares' novices' hurdle to open proceedings at Newbury and Irish raider Politesse is the market leader; she was only beaten three lengths in a Grade Three last time and is in receipt of 5lbs from Mrs Hyde.

The latter beat Verdana Blue last time and even if the runner-up wasn't at her best on soft ground, that appeals as being very good form. I'd be hopeful that she can back that up here. Nicky Henderson and Paul Nicholls were responsible for two of the first three home last year but their representatives are proving pretty easy to back on just their first and second starts for their trainers.

This has been a race which Irish trainers have enjoyed success in the past, winning it in 2014 and saddling the second last year.

There was an exciting finish to the Rybo Ladies National Handicap Chase with Emma Twomey and Kavanaghs Corner (14/1) emerging victorious for Henry de Bromhead.

The favourite at Newbury 'looks the part and is a fine mare' according to Nick Luck and they agree Politesse is the 'right favourite'. The money has come late for Ahorsewithnoname.

1153: I caught the last few seconds of an interview with Paul Townend who was only asked about the ground to which he replied: "It's lovely ground. I had a dream ride so I couldn't complain anyway."

The going at Newbury is on the easy side of good. It's been seven or eight years apparently since the going was described as such on this day.

There's some fresh ground down the inside and the clerk of the course, Keith Ottesen, is understandably excited about the day ahead.

Ottesen appears to have heard that Milkwood is very exciting. That's not exactly news but is certainly encouraging if you've backed him.

1148: They're racing at Newcastle and Paddy Brennan has already done well to stay on board Castel Gandolfo who made an early mistake.

The action comes thick and fast soon and I'll be trying to focus on the pick of it which means that Doncaster and Bangor will probably have to take a backseat.

Castel Gandolfo was found wanting in the finish at Newcastle, not helped by his jumping, as Son Of Red (3/1) just got the better of a gallant State Crown.

That's a winner for Alan King and Sporting Life columnist Daryl Jacob.

1142: I'll try and pick up some reaction to that performance in due course but I can't imagine they can say very much more than 'we're delighted'.

For now, I've had to flick the remote because the jockeys are getting a leg up ahead of the Alnorthumbria Veterinary Group Introductory Juvenile Hurdle at Newcastle. Only a few of these have hurdling experience and they include the odds-on favourite, Castel Gandolfo.

He's trained by Fergal O'Brien who has sent a strong team to the north east and I thought Ask A Honey Bee would take the beating in the French Furze.

Did you take the 8/1 about Monkfish for the RSA Chase? Those dastardly bookies seem to have been hugely impressed by his conversion of a 'penalty kick'.

1136: Monkfish did everything that you would have wanted him to and he appeared to do it very easily.

He jumped to the front at the third last and was given a hugely confident ride by Paul Townend. There's no doubt about it, he's exciting.

There was a one-two for Willie Mullins and a good start to his day.

1130: Newbury is not the only venue where Wetherby form will be put to the test as Definitly Red bids to provide his own boost to the Charlie Hall when he lines up in the Rehearsal at Newcastle.

It's interesting that the cheekpieces are back on for just the second time and Brian Ellison seems quite hopeful.

Ellison also runs a nice prospect in Mrs Hyde in the first at Newbury where she comes up against one he used to train in, Ahorsewithnoname.

1125: The runners are in the paddock at Fairyhouse and the camera is focused on Monkfish.

I mentioned his RSA Chase odds earlier but didn't mention Next Destination, a former stablemate of Monkfish, who shaped very well on debut for Paul Nicholls over hurdles at Wetherby. He makes his own chase debut this afternoon and is a general 20/1 for the RSA and 25s with a couple of firms for the National Hunt Chase.

Monkfish may be long odds-on but this is still a cracking start to the day. Sams Profile is second favourite and it will be interesting to see how he fares, it's quite a quick turnaround from his last run.

1122: Bet Victor's representative is running through their market movers on the TV and reports support for Rathhill at Newbury. He's pretty interesting isn't he? Highly touted at the start of his career, he hasn't delivered as yet but he hasn't got many miles on the clock and is a fascinating runner.

Court Master and the aforementioned The Russian Doyen are the other Newbury movers and Rishi Persad adds that the latter has been 'well touted all week' which is news to me. Were you in the now?

I rather thought the bottom one, The King Of May, was interesting at the prices.

1113: Did you watch The Opening Show?

I missed it but above is a clip ahead of the Fighting Fifth while below's tweet explains the Christmas jumpers at Fairyhouse.

1105: The Racing TV team at Fairyhouse are wearing Christmas jumpers - it's not even December!

There's another decent card there, including Monkfish who is a short price to win on his chase debut and current 8/1 favourite for the RSA Chase. Is there any mileage in topping up ahead of his run today?

The first is off at just 1130 so I'm going to nip out and put the kettle on which must mean it's time for a musical interlude! Today's topical pick runs in the first at Newbury and was a song a friend regularly belted out on the way back from the pub - happy days.

1058: Jonathan Neesom and Nick Luck are discussing the card at Newbury on Racing TV and both have concerns about Vinndication's jumping in the Ladbrokes Trophy.

Aye Right and La Bague Au Roi have been mentioned in dispatches but Black Op got Luck's vote despite worries about his own jumping. Neesom seems to be warming to Cloth Cap - 'I'm hopeful for him' - and he certainly has his ground ('I think the ground is genuinely good').

He's been on the radar for a long time but was rather disappointing last season and I expected more from him at Cheltenham. Neesom found that run encouraging and likes the combination of Tom Scudamore and cheekpieces; the market support is also encouraging.

Neesom also seems pretty sweet on Milkwood in the Gerry Feilden, a runner who has been well written up on these pages in recent weeks.

1052: The weather looks rather better up north with the sun shining brightly at Newcastle.

It's quite easy for the card to be overshadowed but it shouldn't be. The French Furze Hurdle should throw up a useful winner, the Betfair Fighting Fifth Hurdle is a cracking renewal and there's the Betfair Exchange Rehearsal Chase to finish with.

I agreed with Value Bet as far as that staying handicap went; I'm yet to be fully convinced by Pym for all that some of his form - like his defeat of Imperial Aura for example - gives him leading claims despite a handicap mark of 154. Trainer Nicky Henderson saddled Beware The Bear to win this race in 2017.

1045: I'm a bit late to the party. Not fashionably late but more the police have turned up, dispersed everyone and issued Covid-related fines for a gathering late.

That said, the novices' handicap won by Demachine at Uttoxeter last month is working out rather well.

The second, Morning Vicar, won at Newbury next time (Court Master fourth) and the third beat all bar Demachine at Ascot. The fourth and fifth were leading when falling two out on their next starts, in the former instance, the race was won by the Uttoxeter eleventh Canelo who lines up against Court Master today.

It is good form and the fifth horse, Checkitout, gets the chance to atone for his Ludlow fall at Bangor this afternoon. He is around 11/8 and I didn't think that was the least bit unreasonable.

1035: Lord Brendy hasn't won since 2015 but he's attracted support in Doncaster's opener while The Big Bad Bear is popular at 1453.

At Newbury, The Russian Doyen is the one for the money in the finale (there is a significant non-runner in Ibleo). His promise is still recent enough to linger in the memory to linger and perhaps the fitting of blinkers and drop to two miles will see him deliver this time.

1028: I'm intrigued to see that there's been support for Baron De Midleton at Newcastle (1330) as I had another half-baked theory that it wouldn't be his day as Danny Cook is on board Oscar Robertson rather than the Brian Ellison-trained runner.

Cook has had almost 200 rides for Ellison over the past five seasons and just one for Tom George (which won!) so I was rather more interested in the latter than the former. The market currently suggests that's wrong with the Baron having been backed from 11s > 3s.

Cook and George also team up with Fearless Fracas (1440) who opened up at 12s with one firm and currently trades at 4/1.

1020: I'm not sure I subscribe to the theory that it's a poor renewal, just yet anyway, as it rather depends who wins!

If Vinndication wins and goes on to prove competitive in the Cheltenham Gold Cup then it's hard to knock the race but if Value Bet selection The Hollow Ginge surprises most of us........

Having Grade One hurdle form used to be a decent trend / pointer and that's something Black Op possesses and his rider Johnny Burke is hoping for a big run.

I'm rather hoping that Burke will already have ridden a winner by then as I'm quite keen on Doctor Dex in the Sir Peter O'Sullevan Memorial Handicap Chase at 1315. It's encouraging to see there's been a little money for him this morning.

1015: Favourite Ladbrokes / Hennessy memories? I think I've been twice (memory is not a strong point!) but I can only remember one occasion with certainty and that's because it made the hairs on the back of my neck stand-up, quite literally.

1011: I don't know what it's like where you are but it's grim where I am - dreich as my godfather used to say.

It's just as well there's plenty of high quality racing to warm the soul and it should be a day to savour for all that some are saying (aren't they always?) that it is not a vintage renewal of the Ladbrokes Trophy.

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