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The New One: scored by 16 lengths with a performance that oozed quality

PICTURE: Edward Whitaker (racingpost.com/photos)

The New One 8-1 for Neptune after easy win

By Nick Pulford 3:07PM 12 JAN 2013

Report: Warwick, Saturday

Neptune Investment Management Novices' Hurdle (Grade 2), 2m5f, 5yo+

THE NEW ONE returned to action with an effortless victory under Sam Twiston-Davies to confirm his standing as a leading contender for the Neptune Investment Management Novices' Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival.

Bookmakers were impressed, with Paddy Power cutting The New One to 8-1 (from 12) for the Neptune over 2m5f. BetVictor go 7-1 (from 12) for the Neptune and 10-1 (from 16) for the Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle over 3m.

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The Nigel Twiston-Davies-trained winner, a solidly backed 1-2 chance, scored by 16 lengths with a performance that oozed quality. He left his rivals well behind before the home turn under a confident ride by Sam Twiston-Davies, who was able to ease down on the run-in.

Mickie, a 14-shot, kept on gamely for second place, with Hold Court (12-1) another 21 lengths behind in third.

The New One is unbeaten in three starts over hurdles and could be given more experience before Cheltenham.

"He does more at home than he's done there. He could have done with more of a race," his trainer said.

"I don't know what we'll do - we might give him another race before Cheltenham to get more experience into him. The 2m5f race is his target. He has loads of speed and stays really well."

There was perhaps a hint of rustiness in a couple of sketchy jumps by The New One, who was returning from a three-month absence, but from a long way out it was obvious his engine was far too powerful for his six rivals.

Twiston-Davies was always handily placed as 66-1 outsider Timesishard set a steady pace and he sent The New One into the lead down the back straight on the final circuit. It soon became clear only a fall would stop him and there were no worries in the home straight.