Can Lord Baddesley continue the excellent form of Chris Gordon?

Saturday: 1.55 Newbury
Coral Racing Club Handicap Hurdle (Class 2) | 2m4½f | 4yo+ (0-150) | ITV3/RTV

The absence of well-fancied pair Walking On Air and West Balboa means this handicap has taken on a very different complexion.

Lord Baddesley has emerged at the top of the market and the Chris Gordon-trained seven-year-old arrives after a wide-margin success at Plumpton in October.

Having chased home Knappers Hill on his seasonal reappearance, it is fair to assume he is on the upgrade and despite a 9lb rise, he can remain competitive for a yard in good form.

Washington shaped with promise on return at Ascot last month and has been largely consistent in his career, while Current Mood caught the eye at Ffos Las and could be a different proposition with race fitness.

This handicap is expected to unearth multiple winners as the season unfolds and the two four-year-olds who head the weights, Porticello and Petit Tonnerre, were also tried at the highest level last term.

Porticello bolted up in an attritional Finale Juvenile Hurdle at Chepstow, but that race has since been demoted to a Grade 2 and quick ground is a concern on his comeback

Petit Tonnerre pulled up in Aintree’s juvenile Grade 1 and returned with an encouraging third behind the reopposing Peking Rose at the same track last month. Easy to back that day, Petit Tonnerre is open to further improvement over this trip.
Race analysis by Robbie Wilders

What they say

Gary Moore, trainer of Porticello and Imphal
Porticello has been ready to run for quite a while now. We’ve been waiting for the ground to come, but we’re going to have to let him go because he’s been ready to run. He’s got his fair share of weight, but he’s in really good order and hopefully he can give a good account of himself.

Paul Nicholls, trainer of Red Risk
He's returning from a break and will improve for the run.

Evan Williams, trainer of Current Mood
We were pleased with her performance last time, I thought she ran well. After that run we felt she’s a mare that deserves a try in a better grade.
Reporting by Lola Katz Roberts

Saturday's race previews:

1.20 Newbury: 'He's the ideal horse for it' - can Kapcorse strike again for Paul Nicholls?

2.10 Newcastle: 'I hope it's not a tactical affair' - Constitution Hill ready for Fighting Fifth

2.30 Newbury: is First Street the one? Nicky Henderson bids to enhance Gerry Feilden record

3.05 Newbury: 'He's come on a treat for the run' - key trainer quotes for 2022 Coral Gold Cup

3.25 Newcastle: L'Homme Presse the star turn in Rehearsal - analysis and key quotes

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