We have the pace guide, Timeform view, Daryl Jacob insight, plus key video replays for the Coral Gold Cup at Newbury.
Timeform Analyst's Verdict
Low-mileage six-year-old KDEUX SAINT FRAY has more to offer over fences and he makes plenty of appeal tackling 3m for the first time. Last year's winner Katate Dori has proved better than ever this season and can make a bold bid to defend his crown, while Hoe Joly Smoke looks a danger if first-time cheekpieces have the desired effect.
Daryl Jacob Insight
This looks a really competitive renewal and it's interesting to see Emmet Mullins saddle a couple of runners in Chance Another One and Rising Dust. Sean Bowen comes in for the ride on Rising Dust and I just wonder if 10-4 might have been a touch low for Donagh Meyler but he's on Chance Another One and they both have to be respected.
The eye is drawn to How Joly Smoke in the first-time cheekpieces as I know he's a talented horse and they might just help him focus a bit. We know he stays and he'll be fine on the ground but slight preference is for the novice KDEAUX SAINT FRAY.
He had some good form in strong company over hurdles last season and has definitely improved again for a fence, as most of Anthony Honeyball's do. He wasn't quite seen to best effect in that strong race at Cheltenham last time but is still only 6lb higher than when winning there at the start of the season and I reckon stepping up to three miles could unlock plenty of further improvement.
Timeform Top Rated
Kdeux Saint Fray (161p) - 1lb clear of Katate Dori
Timeform Pace Guide
Pace Forecast: Even
Specific Pace Hint: So long as the leaders don’t do too much in front the prospects of LEADER IN THE PARK rather than KATATE DORI should be still be boosted.
Individual Price Hint: KATATE DORI touched an in-running low of 25% or less of his starting Betfair SP when meeting with defeat on his most recent outing.
Key Video Form
KDEUX SAINT FRAY - 4th at Cheltenham, January 24
RISING DUST - Won at Thurles, January 18
THE DOYEN CHIEF - Won at Kempton, January 10
KATATE DORI - 2nd at Cheltenham, January 1
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