Flowing River

NATIVE RIVER can enhance his Gold Cup credentials at Newbury today in the Betfair Denman Chase.

The Colin Tizzard-trained eight-year-old makes his seasonal appearance here before taking another shot at the Cheltenham showpiece next month.

Native River enjoyed an incredible season last year, winning the Hennessy Gold Cup, Welsh National and this contest before finishing third in the Gold Cup.

Connections have opted for a later start to his season this year in an attempt to better his two and three-quarter lengths third to Sizing John and if he is a serious contender for the Prestbury Park race, he should be winning this with a bit in hand.

He is a general 8/1 for the Cheltenham event and expect those odds to be slashed if he wins with ease here.

is another star making his seasonal bow at Newbury this afternoon and all eyes will firmly be on the Queen Mother Champion Chase favourite at 3pm.

But from reading Nicky Henderson’s comments this week, he could be worth opposing in the Betfair Exchange Chase.

Henderson said the horse will be “at his most vulnerable” this afternoon and preference goes to

who has won his three starts so far

this season.

Paul Nicholls’ runner pulled off somewhat of a shock when beating Fox Norton in the Tingle Creek before romping home at odds-on in the Desert Orchid Chase.

The Betfair Hurdle at Newbury looks a wide open contest with being the sole Irish representative for Willie Mullins.

But preference again is for the Nicholls team, who have just one runner in

His seasonal return is probably best ignored seeing as though the horse had only joined Nicholls’ yard less than a month beforehand.

And having finished second at both the Cheltenham and

Aintree Festivals last year, he could run a good race at a big price here.

At home, the Boylesports Grand National Trial Handicap Chase at Punchestown on Sunday is the big race of the weekend.

Gordon Elliott can continue his knack of winning big handicaps with who Jack

Kennedy partners.

A winner of this race four years ago, he could add another victory here.

Another runner worth keeping an eye on over the weekend is who runs for Willie Mullins in the BBA Ireland Limited Opera Hat Mares Chase at Naas today.

Her owner Rich Ricci has previously said she could be “anything” and she should enhance her reputation this afternoon.

LATE STARTER Native River has been given more time to prepare for this year’s Gold Cup