DOUBLE haNdful

John Shaw’s racing betting column in association with

HERE’S an intriguing renewal of the Challow Novices Hurdle at Newbury this afternoon.

A Grade 1 race open to horses four years and older, it has been won by some smart types over the years — including Bonanza Boy, one of my all-time favourites.

This year’s contest sees Nicky Henderson’s

chaMp go off the red-hot favourite.

He’s already installed as the early market leader for the Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle for the Cheltenham Festival at around 10-1, a price that will shorten further if he wins today.

He’s the jolly for a (jolly) good reason having won all three of his starts this season in convincing fashion.

As Britain’s highest-rated novice he’ll attract plenty of support and, even though he’s stepping up to Graded company for the first time, I’ll be very surprised if he’s beaten by any of his six rivals here.

Champ has champion credentials. Not only is he closely related to threetime Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Best Mate but he was named after Sir AP McCoy, who was champion jockey a record 20 consecutive times. McCoy rode out the horse three years ago and recommended him to JP McManus, who duly splashed the cash. The feeling initially was that Champ would go on to be a chaser but he’s now been talked about as a potential Albert Bartlett winner — that’s how highly he’s regarded in the Henderson yard.

He’s unbeaten this season, winning his races by a combined 24 lengths. The most impressive outing being his last over course and distance at the beginning of this month when heading a 15-runner field by four-and-a-half lengths.

Alsa Mix looks the main danger as she looked impressive when winning at Sandown on heavy ground last time. Nine of the last 12 winners of this race have gone on to run at the Festival with only one scoring (Wichita Lineman, 2006).

I’ve a feeling Champ will live up to his name by winning today and at the Festival in March.