15:00 Newbury – Coral Challow Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 1) – Willmount
NICKY Henderson splashed £340,000 on this horse after two bumper successes for Neil Mulholland. His debut over hurdles was spectacular. The field he ran in hasn’t produced many winners yet, but an easy 13-length victory with the margin growing as he crossed the line suggested this horse could be something special. He pulled his way into the lead before halfway and did all the hard work himself, jumped well and he didn’t seem to use much stamina, running through the line strongly. A step up to 2-and-a-half miles should therefore suit well.
At the time of writing, this horse is 12/1 for the Ballymore Novice Hurdle at Cheltenham next March and he won’t be that price for long if he wins impressively again here.
He will face another smart unbeaten prospect in Johnnywho, who has three wins from three starts. However, he might be up against it as the galloping nature of Newbury appeared to suit Willmount perfectly last time. Lookaway should also be in the picture, with three wins from four starts since May, including grade two success at Cheltenham in the Skybet Novices’ Hurdle. His consistency and experience relative to the field should mean he will be close but may struggle to match the two mentioned for ability.
Verdict
Predicted tricast returns for £1 stake at time of writing: £32.33 (via Bet365)
Hawkinsport 