Staying power to the fore as Long Distance Hurdle serves up winter wonder

3.00 NewburyLadbrokes Long Distance Hurdle (Grade 2) | 3m | 4yo+ | ITV4/RUK

Racing fans revelling in the golden period of the winter jumps season are set to be enthralled again on the opening afternoon of Newbury's Ladbrokes Trophy meeting.

Superb spectacles have been coming thick and fast of late and they are guaranteed to continue at the Berkshire's track prestigious two-day fixture, which starts with a card headlined by the Long Distance Hurdle.

One of four races shown on ITV4, the Grade 2 was moved forward a day last year to provide the ideal warm-up act for the Ladbrokes Trophy, and a classy cast has assembled with the cream of Britain's staying hurdle crop topping the bill.

This is a day not just about the established names as the card has a rich history for producing the stars of tomorrow. The Grade 2 novice chase (1.50) has been the chief provider of top talent for the future with Cheltenham Gold Cup heroes Coneygree, Bobs Worth and Denman all featuring on the roll of honour.

There are attractions to enjoy off the track too as Newbury racegoers will be greeted by a host of new facilities following the completion of the latest phase of the course's redevelopment.

One of the main upgrades is the parade ring, which features a new trophy presentation podium and winner's circle, along with viewing steps.

'Stronger' Sam aims to bounce back

Jedd O'Keeffe is hoping to be one of the first on the pristine podium as Sam Spinner bids to erase the memories of a disappointing spring on his return to action.

Sam Spinner finished fifth and third when sent off favourite at Cheltenham and Aintree, and will be looking to re-establish himself against race-fit rivals.

"He was due to return at Wetherby in the West Yorkshire Hurdle but had a minor setback with a foot bruise – he wouldn't have run anyway with the ground," said O'Keeffe.

"He's stronger, better and wiser at home but he has to show it on the track. The ground should be fine and he's fit and ready to go – he schooled last week and jumped brilliantly.

"He has a penalty and it will be tough as Unowhatimeanharry and Wholestone have had a run, which we haven't."

Good opportunity for Wholestone

Wholestone, an impressive winner at Aintree on his seasonal comeback three weeks ago, is the other contender to carry a 6lb penalty in the £50,000 contest.

Although he gained only one win from his eight starts last season, he was a model of consistency in Graded races for trainer Nigel Twiston-Davies and owners Simon Munir and Isaac Souede, who celebrated Betfair Chase success with Bristol De Mai last Saturday.

Wholestone: bids to follow up his recent Aintree successCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

"He ran very well at Aintree and has come out of the race in good form," said Twiston-Davies. "He goes on all types of ground so conditions should be fine, and it's a nice opportunity for him."

Weight advantage for Harry

Unowhatimeanharry, winner of the race in 2016 and second last year, should be suited by the step up to 3m having finished third behind Wholestone at Aintree over shorter earlier this month.

The three-time Grade 1 winner has not won for more than a year and needs to rediscover his old sparkle with connections fitting cheekpieces for the first time.

Trainer Harry Fry said: "We were happy with his run at Aintree, where he was doing his best work at the end and was crying out for this step back up to three miles.

"Unlike the last two runnings of this race, we don't get a penalty and actually get weight from his two market rivals, which is definitely in our favour.

"We're trying the cheekpieces to help make Barry's [Geraghty] life a bit easier and take him into the race further."

Fry also gives a stable debut to Momella, who was held back from running in her preferred race at Kempton on Monday due to the ground.

"She was in very good form for Dan [Skelton] last year and hopefully she's progressed," said the trainer. "She's had a wind operation and we'll see how much, if any, improvement that brings about."

Clyne conundrum for Williams

Evan Williams admits it is hard to assess Clyne's prospects as he tackles the 3m trip for the first time on his seasonal return.

The eight-year-old finished last season with a promising third in the Grade 1 Aintree Hurdle over 2m4f, which was a big step forward on his earlier attempts at Graded level.

Clyne: looks to upset the market leaders

"His run last time at Aintree was so far ahead of most of his previous form, so I don't know what to expect," said Williams. "If he gets the trip and reproduces that, he'd have a big shout."

The hat-trick seeking Kris Spin, the Page Fuller-ridden Monbeg Theatre and recent Cheltenham handicap hurdle winner The Mighty Don complete the eight-runner line-up.

Newbury card

Read The Briefing from 8.30am daily on racingpost.com with all the day's latest going, weather, market moves and non-runner news