Top-class cast set for Newbury

A look ahead to the rest of Friday’s action from Newbury including the Warren Greatrex-trained One Track Mind.

One Track Mind is one of the key names to feature on the opening day of the Hennessy meeting at Newbury.

Taking centre stage is the Bet365 Long Distance Hurdle, but the highlight of the undercard is the Grade Two Fuller’s London Pride Novices’ Chase featuring five potentially smart youngsters.

Warren Greatrex’s One Track Mind achieved more than any over hurdles, winning the Grade One Champion Stayers Hurdle at the Punchestown Festival.

However, Greatrex admits his lack of recent winners – the success of Petticoat Tails in the Wetherby bumper on Wednesday was his first for nearly two weeks – is adding to his apprehension.

“He’s starting off over two and a half miles which you’d have to think is a bit short of his best, but I had to start him off somewhere,” said the Lambourn handler.

“He’s schooled very well this week and I’m very happy with him. He’s won over the course and distance over hurdles so that is a bonus. Just at the back of my mind I’d like to be having a few more winners. However, I’d probably say that whatever form we were in! It was a relief to finally get one on the board at Wetherby yesterday.”

Up against him is Dan Skelton’s Virgilio, winner of his first two runs over fences before pulling up in the Rising Stars Novices’ Chase at Wincanton.

Paul Nicholls runs Clan Des Obeaux, who was fourth on his chasing debut, while Nicky Henderson …

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