30 November 2023 , 16:51
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MARIE’S ROCK rates a worthy favourite to make a winning return in the Grade 2 Coral Long Distance Hurdle (3.00) at Newbury today.
Twice a winner at the highest level against her own gender, the Nicky Henderson-saddled daughter of Milan stormed to victory in Cheltenham’s Grade 2 Relkeel Hurdle when making her return to action last season on New Year’s Day.
Marie’s Rock wasn’t at her best when defending her title in the Grade 1 Mares’ Hurdle at the National Hunt Festival in March but did best of those pursuing Sire Du Berlais in the Liverpool Hurdle at Aintree the following month, and a reproduction of that run would make Nico de Boinville’s mount hard to beat.
Henderson and de Boinville combine with HYLAND, previously successful at Warwick and Cheltenham, who gets the Nap call to rack up a hat-trick in the concluding Play Coral ‘Racing-Super-Series’ For Free Handicap Hurdle (3.35).
(Getty Images)Paul Nicholls and Harry Cobden also have strong claims on an ITV4 double, starting with HERMES ALLEN in the Grade 2 Coral John Francome Novices’ Chase (1.50).
He has filled the runner-up berth on both attempts over fences thus far, but KANDOO KID is taken to make it third time lucky in the Coral Racing Club Handicap Chase (2.25).
Gordon Elliott’s WODHOOH is expected to defend her unbeaten record over obstacles by capturing the Listed ‘Bet-In-Race’ With Coral Fillies’ Juvenile Hurdle (1.15).
FRIDAY'S SELECTIONS
NEWBURY
12.10 JERIKO DU REPONET
12.40 DJELO
1.15 WODHOOH
1.50 HERMES ALLEN
2.25 KANDOO KID
3.00 MARIE'S ROCK
3.35 HYLAND (NAP)
DONCASTER
11.45 MUCH TOO DEAR
12.17 OUT ON THE TEAR
12.50 BECTIVE ABBEY
1.25 VINTAGE FIZZ (NB)
2.00 VIRGINIA LODGE
2.35 HASTON CLERMONT
3.10 BURROWS HALL
MUSSELBURGH
11.55 FLORIDA DREAMS
12.25 MOORE CLOUDS
1.00 MAGGIE O
1.35 FRIARY ROCK
2.10 KILBRAINY
2.45 DR SHIROCCO
3.20 CALLAN QUEEN
DOUBLE: HYLAND and VINTAGE FIZZ
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