The Betfair Hurdle at Newbury is the big betting race of the day and with 24 runners going to post we should get a really good pace for this two mile event at 3.35.

Top weight is carried by Sign Of A Victory which is quite surprising as Nicky Henderson has always been of the opinion that his charge needs much better ground.

I will walk the course beforehand but the theory is maybe to oppose him on genuinely soft ground.

Novice hurdlers have a really good record in this event and for that reason, Chieftain’s Choice could well be the pick.

John Quinn has a fair record in this race and this clean jumping youngster especially impressed me last time out when he hurdled for fun when beating Argent Knight very easily.

Of course this is a totally different ball game against some much more experienced rivals but on the plus side the six-year-old remains open to any amount of improvement and I will be surprised if he isn’t in the front line throughout and gives us a real run for our money.  

There are a whole host of dangers including Ladbroke Hurdle third Activial, David Pipe’s classy mare Swing Bowler (fourth last year) and the strong staying On Tour. 

The last named is one of a number of entries that like to be at the sharp end throughout and as opposed to the last few years we should get a really good pace on here so it may pay to have a hold up horse also in our betting profile.

So I have plumped for the 25/1 shot Ballybolley, slightly disappointing first time up, but sure to be very well suited by the make-up of the race and trained by last year’s winning stable of Nigel Twiston-Davies.

The supporting card is fabulous as well and I fancy that Mr Mole may take the step up in class in his stride in the Game Spirit Chase at 3.00 with a likely fast zip on up front.

The ground may not be quite slow enough for last year’s winner Harry Topper in the Denman Chase at 2.25, but Coneygree looks sure to possibly set this up for Houblon Des Obeaux who has an affinity for this course and deserves to win a race of this nature.  

There is a superb card on the level at Lingfield Park and Razor Wind (3.10) can make up for a disappointing effort last time out when he was a strong finishing second to Maverick Wave over course and distance.

Later on, Upavon could be the beneficiary of a red hot pace up front in the 3.45 if Liam Keniry can get him into a rhythm early on and come with a late rush to land this valuable six furlong affair.