Cap Soleil can shine on debut over jumps

High-class bumper mare backed to star for in-form O’Brien stable

Fergal O’Brien introduces his high-class bumper mare CAP SOLEIL to the jumping scene in the CSP Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle at Newbury.

The Naunton-based trainer has his string in tremendous form at this early stage of the season and this four-yearold will be one of his biggest hopes for the coming months.

She justified market confidence when bolting up on her National Hunt Flat race debut at this venue last December before claiming Listed prizes at Cheltenham on New Year’s Day and at Sandown in March.

Recent results suggest the yard’s runners are well forward and providing Cap Soleil’s jumping stands up to the test, she should prove difficult to beat.

BEAT THAT can belatedly open his account over fences in the KKA-Highpoint Beginners’ Chase.

Nicky Henderson’s nine-year-old won Grade One novice hurdles at Aintree and Punchestown in the spring of 2014, but did not return until the following January and was then sidelined for a further two years by injury.

The chances are he will never fulfil his true potential, but there was enough promise in his chasing debut at Uttoxeter in May – when beaten half-alength by Brother Tedd – to suggest there are more races to be won with him.

Two falls since, most recently at Cheltenham, is hardly ideal, but he will have been schooled plenty since his latest mishap and is given another chance to prove his worth.

Recent Wincanton scorer Orbasa can follow up in the John And Steven King Memorial Handicap Chase at Ludlow. SELECTIONS: LUDLOW: 1.20 Dandy Dan, 1.50 New Agenda, 2.20 Muthabir, 2.55 Orbasa, 3.30 Bollin Line, 4.05 Craigmor. NEWBURY: 12.40 Lostintranslation, 1.10 Tobefair, 1.40 Colin’s Brother, 2.10 CAP SOLEIL (NAP), 2.45 Beat That, 3.20 Sea Wall, 3.55 Du Destin.

DOUBLE: Cap Soleil and Beat That.

Fergal O’Brien: high hopes for four-year-old.