Dragon out to roar as Henderson's latest import takes centre stage

3.35 NewburyLadbrokes Handicap Hurdle | 3m | 4yo+ | ITV4/RUK

Nicky Henderson has had few runners in this contest in recent years but saddles the promising ex-French Dragon D'Estruval this time.

The son of Enrique won three chases as a four-year-old in his native country and made the perfect start after being transferred to Henderson when scoring over hurdles at Ffos Las in May.

After his summer break the five-year-old is ready to start back and is expected to enjoy the ground after recent rain at Newbury.

Anthony Bromley, racing manager to owners Simon Munir and Isaac Souede, said: "Nicky has been pleased with Dragon D'Estruval at home and he's been waiting for some soft ground to start him back. He's a nice horse but I get the impression he'll improve for the run."

Happy Chick?

Virginia Chick was one of the surprise packages of last winter racking up four wins and a near miss during which her rating went up by 36lb.

Up in class for her seasonal reappearance, the Evan Williams-trained mare has a low weight and could prove a surprise package.

He said: "Virginia Chick was very progressive last year in low-grade handicaps and we're pitching her in a little but we have to start somewhere. She's been going well at home and won't mind the ground."

What they say

Alan King, trainer of Karezak
He’s having his first run over jumps since he was fourth in the Long Walk Hurdle in 2015. He was a good horse then but we’re in the dark as to his current form because we learned nothing from a recent Flat run at Southwell as he didn’t like the surface. I suspect he’ll need a run or two to be competitive.

Tom Symonds, trainer of Bobo Mac
He was in at Haydock last weekend but after walking the track we decided against running him. He ran well on his previous start at Newbury, but did come back a bit sore so hopefully he'll enjoy the rain they've had and our patience will be rewarded.

Oliver Sherwood, trainer of Captain Peacock
He's off for a winter holiday after this as he's been a star for us this autumn and if he handles the ground he'll be knocking on the door. He didn't run a bad race in a Grade 2 at Cheltenham last time and we think he'll get the trip. The long-term plan is to take him to the US next summer.

Fergal O'Brien, trainer of De Name Evades Me
We're hoping for a good run but I'm a bit concerned about the ground as he's better when it's riding on top. He's got a handy weight and we'll give it a go.

Nigel Twiston-Davies, trainer of Juge Et Parti
He ran a good race to finish second at Chepstow last time and is 8lb well-in, so we're hoping he'll go well.

Joe Tizzard, assistant to Colin Tizzard, trainer of Rockpoint
He ran at Cheltenham last time over two miles which was far too short for him. We're stepping him up to three miles here and we're hoping the trip will help.

Newbury's Friday card

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