Hamer star ready to claim seventh straight win with victory at Newbury

TOBEFAIR can defend his unbeaten record for trainer Debra Hamer with a victory in the Betfair Cash Out Handicap Hurdle (1.50) at Newbury.

Since joining Carmarthen-based Hamer, the seven-year-old is six from six, starting the sequence when landing a novices’ handicap hurdle from a BHA rating of 81 at Worcester in June.

After further wins at Worcester, Ffos Las and two at Chepstow, Tobefair competed from a mark of 126 at Warwick in the middle of last month and racked up the six-timer with a length-and-a-half margin over Scotchtown.

That success proved Tobefair’s ability to produce his best on rain-softened ground, and Trevor Whelan’s (above) mount can stay ahead of the runner-up despite a 3lb turnaround in the weights.

Cheltenham Gold Cup second favourite NATIVE RIVER should win his warm-up for his big test by defeating Bristol De Mai in the Betfair Denman Chase (2.25).

The Hennessy Gold Cup victor followed up in the Welsh Grand National at Chepstow in December and Richard Johnson’s mount will be hard to peg back.

Despite stepping out of novice chase company for the first time, ALTIOR should justify short odds in the Betfair Exchange Chase (3.00) after impressive shows over the larger obstacles at Kempton (twice) and Sandown. At Warwick, GINO TRAIL looks a good bet to take the Betway Kingmaker Novices’ Chase (2.40).

On the back of triumphs at Ludlow and Haydock, Kerry Lee’s 10-year-old ran a good second to Buveur D’Air over today’s course and distance.

And although he finished second to Zamdy Man at Hereford last time, out, Gino Trail emerges from that run with plenty of credit, having attempted to concede 6lb to that opponent.

The Racing UK In HD Warwick Castle Chase (3.15) is a good opportunity for top weight VIBRATO VALTAT to get back in the winner’s enclosure after a good second at Kempton in January.

A switch to fences here didn’t work for RONS DREAM in December, but her form over timber gives Peter Bowen’s seven-year-old a sound chance of claiming the olbg.com Mares’ Hurdle (2.05).