'He’s having a great season' - who expects a bold show from his runner?

weatherbysshop.co.uk Handicap Hurdle (Class 3) | 3m1½f | 4yo+ (0-125) | RTV

The form of the Coral Gold Cup is expected to work out tremendously as the season unfolds and this handicap hurdle might pay the first compliment to Saturday's running of Newbury's premier jumps prize through Johnson's Blue.

David Pipe-trained pair Remastered and Gericault Roque claimed second and third in the Coral Gold Cup and warmed up for that race by finishing first and fifth in a handicap hurdle at Aintree three weeks ago. Johnson's Blue was fourth.

This five-year-old, who has bagged an impressive five victories from 11 starts, was backed into 7-2 to land that televised handicap and emerged with plenty of credit.

Johnson's Blue attempted to make all on his first try at a trip over further than three miles, but weakened against stronger stayers and is well worth another chance at a lower level.

Considering that was his first start in 112 days, it is also not beyond the realms of possibility he can step forward for the run and the handicapper has dropped him 1lb.

The early market suggests the unexposed Salvino is Johnson's Blue's biggest danger and it is difficult to argue with that.

Salvino produced a nice performance when winning at Kelso this month on just his second start in a handicap. An extra two furlongs could also spark some improvement.

Tiger Jet, who won at Newcastle on Saturday in tenacious fashion, might have a task on his hands backing up so quickly under a 7lb penalty.
Analysis by Robbie Wilders

What they say

Mark Walford, trainer of Johnson’s Blue
Everything’s gone nicely since Aintree. The form has certainly worked out well because the winner of that race was second in the Coral Gold Cup and the fifth came third at Newbury. This is a drop down in grade, so we’re hopeful of a good run. He’s a tough little horse, he still has to defy a career-high mark but I think the track and ground are in his favour.

Sandy Thomson, trainer of Salvino
He’s having a great season. It all worked out nicely at Kelso, the yard is in good form too, so we’re very happy with him and hoping for a big run.

Maurice Barnes, trainer of Skiddaw Tara
He’s had quite a long break but we’re hopeful for a good run. It’s been a bit of a wait for the ground to come right for him and hopefully he can run as well as he did there last time.
Reporting by Lola Katz Roberts

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