Today on Sky Sports Racing: The New Lion faces Regent’s Stroll in Challow Hurdle showdown at Newbury

The New Lion and Regent’s Stroll look the ones to beat in Saturday afternoon’s Challow Novices’ Hurdle at Newbury – live on Sky Sports Racing…

2.55 Newbury – The New Lion and Regent’s Stroll clash

Attention will be drawn to the exciting match-up between The New Lion and Regent’s Stroll and who will remain unbeaten going forward. Dan Skelton saddles The New Lion who was recently seen winning a novice hurdle at Newbury under Harry Skelton and will bid to follow in the footsteps of Bravemansgame and Stage Star in going on to win the Coral Challow Novices’ Hurdle.

The exciting Regent’s Stroll clattered the second last at Newbury last time and despite that was still an impressive winner. Paul Nicholls has won the last four running’s of this Grade One race, and he looks to have another talented individual on his hands.

Bill Joyce looks the best of the rest for the O’Neill team having claimed Grade Two honours last time out.

2.20 Newbury – Hoe Joly Smoke represents the Skeltons

The Coral Mandarin Handicap Chase is a tricky looking Class Two handicap chase which could go the way of last-time-out winner Hoe Joly Smoke who won when stepped up to three miles on his second start over fences. If he performs to the same level, he is likely to follow up.

Ben Pauling’s Henry’s Friend finished a creditable fifth in the Coral Gold Cup and drops in grade with Ben Jones in the saddle. Last year’s winner Surrey Quest put in a solid performance to finish second at Cheltenham last time but is now rated 11lbs higher than his 2023 success.

Nicholls’ Brave Kingdom completes the shortlist, with Bryony Frost booked.

1.45 Newbury – Mr Hope Street seeks hat-trick

The Skeltons could have a few winners on the card and Mr Hope Street could add to that list in the Coral Racing Club Join For Free Handicap Hurdle. He has form figures of 11211 in his last five runs and a mark of 124 might not be enough to stop him.

Nicky Henderson’s Go To War had his first run for the yard last time at Huntingdon having moved from Fergal O’Brien following a 262-day lay-off. He is 2-5 over hurdles and is likely to build on that performance, making him a strong contender to end Mr Hope Street’s hat-trick bid.

Last-time-out winners Mr Bramley, Rightsotom and Welsh Charger could hit the frame.

Others

Break My Soul headlines the opening 12.05pm contest at Newbury for Nico de Boinville and Henderson, who will arrive in upbeat mood after a stellar couple of days at Kempton. Sunset Marquesa looks her stiffest competition after she broke her maiden in taking fashion at Wincanton the last day.

Shanagh Bob returns in the last in east Berkshire, but the Seven Barrows charge will have to topple Inthewaterside and Theformismighty to score in the last.

Up at Newcastle, debut course and distance winner Showering will be eyeing another Gosforth Park triumph at 4pm. Rainbow Nebula could be an eyecatching debutant here for the Richard Fahey stable, with The Watcher also making his bow for Karl Burke.

At 4.30pm, Blue Lakota is on the hat-trick hunt for Kevin Ryan before Volenti goes for a course and distance treble half an hour later. Red Maids is all set to go for the four-timer at 5.30pm, but will face a real test in the shape of Dave Loughnane’s Bravo Zulu.

At Southwell, keep an eye out for Siskany’s half-sister Harpsichord and Richard Hannon-trained debutant Only One Blue in the 6.45pm.

Watch Newbury, Newcastle and Southwell live on Sky Sports Racing on Saturday December 28.