It’s time to Man up and cash in with Henderson

THYME HILL has looked one of the pre-eminent British novices during the first half of the season, but his unbeaten hurdling record may be vulnerable in today’s Challow Novices’ Hurdle at Newbury. There has been plenty to admire in the five-year-old’s two victories at Chepstow and Cheltenham but this afternoon’s feature represents a home game for

THE CASHEL MAN (Newbury, nap, 3.00) who is worth supporting to supplement a recent course and distance success. Many will feel the dual-purpose son of High Chaparral, a 90-plus performer on the level, was entitled to win a handicap in the manner he did last time out off a mark of just 130. There may well be an element of truth in that but the selection’s hurdling was polished and efficient and none of his 15 rivals could lay a glove on him up the straight. The handicapper certainly took a positive view of the performance, handing The Cashel Man a 13lb rise and those who pay close attention to times were also eulogising about the display. Further improvement is required today but the layers have arguably underestimated that performance looking at the odds on offer, which seems an error given Nicky Henderson relies on the selection rather than the impressive Son Of Camas who also held an entry at the five-day stage. History dictates it is always unwise to write off Paul Nicholls and Enrilo recovered from a Ludlow aberration to spring a Grade Two surprise at Sandown last time. If that race on very deep ground hasn’t left its mark then he should also be on the scene given his stamina appears copper-bottomed. Some felt KEMBOY (Leopardstown, 3.10) only won last year’s renewal of the Savills Chase courtesy of a fine tactical ride, but subsequent events proved there was no fluke in that seven-length defeat of Monalee. Also his spring defeats of a dual King George winner in Clan Des Obeaux and Gold Cup hero Al Boum Photo stamp him as a force to be reckoned with. Circumstances beyond his control have prevented Kemboy from seeing the track yet this season, but fitness is rarely an issue for a Willie Mullins runner and he can make up for lost time in an intriguing Savills Chase.