Kalashnikov to fire at Newbury as Altior returns ahead of Cheltenham

Irish Roe and Jenkins currently head the betting but it’s slightly further down the betting where there’s a value pick.

Novices have a very good record in this race and they don’t come much better in this division than Amy Murphy’s Kalashnikov.

The five-year-old won on all three starts last year and just came up short in his maiden Grade 1 at Sandown last month.

He was second to Summersville Boy that day on heavy ground which probably didn’t suit. He’s like a bullet on better ground and Newbury conditions should massive suit him.

Dreaming of the Denman

The Coral News Team couldn’t finish this column without mentioning the Denman Chase.

This 2m 7f renewal is a pretty significant Gold Cup indicator but there are only three entries this time around.

Native River is the current hot favourite with Colin Tizzard’s star aiming for consecutive wins in this race.

However, the eight-year-old hasn’t raced in nearly a year and much like Altior, it’s difficult to know what shape he’s in right now.

The same can’t be said for Cloudy Dream. Ruth Jefferson’s star has had a consistent season to date and has yet to finish outside the top two in 10 starts over fences.

The dryer ground will suit this eight-year-old and is value in comparison to its more illustrious opponent.

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