Newbury racing top tip: Hermes Allen and Marble Sands to renew hurdling rivalry over fences

13:50 Newbury: Coral John Francome Novices’ Chase (2½ miles)  

The in-form team of Paul Nicholls and Harry Cobden join forces on the favourite Hermes Allen, who makes his chasing and seasonal bow here and is strongly fancied to take the larger obstacles in his powerful stride.

He landed the Challow Hurdle on New Year’s Eve to complete an unbeaten career hat-trick, and although less successful at the Cheltenham and Aintree spring festivals, he is expected to hit the ground running here after a successful wind op.

WATCH: Harry Cobden assesses Hermes Allen’s chances at Newbury on Friday

However, it would be unwise to discount the chances of his five rivals, spearheaded by Marble Sands, who came a distant fifth behind Hermes Allen in the Challow, but has already shown an affinity for fences when landing an eight-runner handicap on chasing debut at Ayr a month ago.

Planet Sport Bet: Bet £20+ cash on any runner in the race and if Hermes Allen wins by more than 5 lengths, get a £5 Free Bet

Making an equally impressive switch has been Sarah Humphrey’s seven-year-old Nickle Back, who has won both of his chasing starts at Warwick and Stratford by 24 and 19 lengths respectively in impressive displays of jumping on varied going, albeit in lower company than he will face here.

The other three starters might be considered as decent each-way prospects in a larger field, and Tightenourbelts is another to boast of success on his chasing bow at Ludlow three weeks ago, but they would require the three market principals to falter badly if they are to squeeze into the frame.

 

• Suggested bet: Hermes Allen in the 13:50 at Newbury

• Tip advised by Interesting Method on Tipstrr

 

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