Knock can flatten his rivals

KNOCKANRAWLEY will never match the exploits of Mandarin, the winner of two Hennessy Gold Cups, but he can win the race named after the great horse at Newbury today.

THE Kim Bailey trained KNOCKANRAWLEY (2.25) failed by a short-head, on his return to action this season, behind Catamaran De Seuil at Ayr last month.

The handicapper has not gone overboard about that performance as he is only 2lb higher today.

Another plus in his favour is that he has only had the one outing this season, which suggests he can only improve from that run. Grand Vision, from the Colin Tizzard’s yard, looks the obvious danger, judged on his recent victory over Cloudy Beach at Lingfield. But his stable is not exactly firing home the winners, unlike Fergal O’Brien. The Gloucester trainer can enjoy further success with POETIC RHYTHM (3.00, nap) in the Challow Hurdle. He looked a smart recruit when taking a Grade 2 at Chepstow in October and was not disgraced when third behind the very useful On The Blind Side at Cheltenham last month. The form of that race was enhanced after On The Blind Side bolted up in a competitive event at Sandown. Tizzard runs the smart Kilbricken Storm, the impressive winner of his last two outings, but he is best overlooked on this occasion. It would be foolish to oppose Nicky Henderson and his stable jockey Nico de Boinville as the pair are currently on fire.

The champion trainer can land more success at his local course with BRAVE EAGLE (1.50), the mount of De Boinville, in the Betfred Happy New Year Hurdle.

He was well-beaten on his return last month at Exeter, behind Speredek, but had earlier won like a talented prospect when beating Mister Serious at Fontwell. Impressive Ascot winner DELL ORO (12.40) cannot be opposed. He beat a smart field and can only improve. SMART: Dell Oro, centre, can land more success