Carruthers can roll back the years in Newbury’s Veterans’ Chase

There is some good quality jumping action at Newbury on Greatwood day. Carruthers won the Hennessy Gold Cup here back in 2011 and Mark Bradstock’s gelding showed that he still had plenty of dash on his last start.

He ran in the Grade 3 Classic Chase at Warwick and found only the promising Shotgun Paddy too good at the end of the three-mile five-furlong trip. He started at odds of 28-1 that day but he will be strongly fancied to go one better under Nico de Boinville tomorrow.

Most of his rivals have been badly out of form lately, notably Burton Port and Pete The Feat. Both horses still retain a Grand National entry but connections will be looking for signs of encouragement on Saturday.

Rebel Rebellion will have his supporters under top weight in the feature race at 3.50. He is expected to relish this trip after running over two miles last time out.

Shangani must be a big threat if his run against Nicky Henderson’s Une Artiste is taken at face value. The veteran Dashing George won like a fresh horse at Fakenham last time and good bely his odds in a tricky renewal.

Philip Hobbs has a strong team for Cheltenham this year and can receive a timely boost with a victory for Tiqris in the 3.15. His second to Vibrato Valtat may prove good enough to beat Alan King’s Kuda Huraa and top weight Roman Flight.

The Greatwood Handicap Hurdle at 2.05 also looks wide open with Wetherby winner Who Owns Me likely to go off favourite. He kept on well that day and may have most to fear from Brackloon High who was third here behind a good sort in Upswing.

Kings Bayonet could be difficult to beat in the opener if he is fit enough for his seasonal debut. Alan King’s runner looks on a handy mark and is a previous course winner.

Selections: 1.30 Kings Bayonet, 2.05 Who Owns Me, 2.40 Carruthers, 3.15 Tiqris, 3.50 Dashing George, 4.25 Smart Money, 5.00 McCabe Creek