Gosden bides his time before Corelli return

Trainer’s decision to get back to action should be clue to Southwell race

CORELLI is a fascinating contender for John Gosden in the Betway EBF Buccaneer Conditions Stakes at Southwell.

He was last seen when finishing a distant third in the Lingfield Derby Trial back in May, with winner Knight To Behold having gone on to score at Group Two level while the runner up was St Leger hero Kew Gardens.

Corelli was beaten a fair way that day and it is notable that Gosden chooses now to pitch the Point Of Entry colt back into action.

SAM SPINNER was one of the feelgood stories of last season as he graduated to Grade One level for Jedd O’Keeffe and hopes are high he can kick off this campaign on a winning note at Newbury.

The six-year-old made every yard in the Long Walk Hurdle at Ascot last December, and that victory was enough to see him sent off as favourite for the Stayers’ Hurdle at Cheltenham.

He possibly did not stretch his rivals enough when finishing sixth, while he never looked like putting his best foot forward on his subsequent run at Aintree when taken on for the lead.

Refreshed after a summer break, he certainly faces a decent test in the Ladbrokes Long Distance Hurdle, but if he is to make his mark in the staying division again this term, he should be thereabouts in this Grade Two heat.

Warren Greatrex holds LA BAGUE AU ROI in the highest esteem and she can live up to her billing in the Ladbrokes Novices’ Chase. SELECTIONS

NEWBURY: 12.10 Strong Glance, 12.45 Delire D’Estruval, 1.20 The Wolf, 1.50 La Bague Au Roi, 2.25 Touch Kick, 3.00 Sam Spinner, 3.35 Aux Ptits Soins.

SOUTHWELL: 11.20 Star Cracker, 11.50 Give Em A Clump, 12.25 Epitaph, 1.00 CORELLI (NAP), 1.30 Huntsmans Close, 2.05 Bold Spirit, 2.40 Mr Coco Bean, 3.15 Boots And Spurs.

DOUBLE: Corelli and La Bague Au Roi.