Jane Mangan’s William Hill blog: I Sir-tenly fancy one at Newbury

Navan, Saturday

With all the rain around, I like the chances of CHARMING STAR in the 4yo hurdle (1.35pm). He has a bit more experience than some of his rivals and that should stand him in good stead here. He was fourth to Boodles fancy Ndaawi last time out and he won on soft ground on the Flat at Listowel in September, so should go well here.

The other one I’m interested in at Navan is CHOSEN DIAMOND in the 2m4f handicap hurdle (2.40pm). He was in with every chance when he fell at the last at the track last time and I’m hoping he can make amends now. His form over fences is solid, so the fact he’s nine pounds lower over hurdles than fences means he looks weighted to run very well in this race.

Newbury, Saturday

In the Greatwood Gold Cup (1.55pm), I thought SIR PSYCHO had a good chance. He had some decent form over hurdles when trained by Paul Nicholls and he’s been good in two runs for Harry Derham as his most recent run he unseated at the first. He should handle the soft conditions and he looks to have a decent each-way chance for a stable going great guns.

Kelso, Saturday

 The opening handicap hurdle (1.42pm) represents a massive step down in class for BREWIN’UPASTORM. In his heyday he was rated nearly 160, so a mark of 147 now could still underestimate his ability despite his advancing years. He was far from disgraced in the Relkeel Hurdle at Cheltenham last time behind Bob Olinger and Marie’s Rock and if he can repeat that here, he should take a bit of beating. It would be great to see him roll back the years and I don’t see why he can’t!

It’s great to see 18 runners declared for the Morebattle Hurdle (2.50pm) and it looks a good race. UNDER CONTROL’s most recent run at Doncaster was a career best and while she has a lot of weight, she’s the best horse in the race and deserves it too. I also thought it was interesting they weren’t claiming off her, implying they think she’s more than up to carrying a big weight and I expect her to take plenty of beating here. We might even see her at Cheltenham in a couple of weeks, but I expect her to show why she’s favourite first.