Ok Corral in great shape ahead of re-routed chasing debut

With the ground ruling him out at Cheltenham on Saturday, Nicky Henderson will instead unleash his exciting novice chase prospect Ok Corral at Plumpton (12.55) on Monday.

The eight-year-old, who was second in the Albert Bartlett at Cheltenham in March, is set to get his optimum soft ground on his first outing over fences.

Built to be a better chaser than hurdler, he is around the 16-1 mark for the RSA at the festival in March and kickstarts his chasing career against just three rivals at Plumpton in the Mayfield Sussex Hop Gin Novices' Chase.

Connections with Ok Corral after he won at Kempton in FebruaryCredit: Edward Whitaker

Frank Berry, racing manager to owner JP McManus, said: "He's in good form and we're looking forward to getting him out. Nicky [Henderson] is very happy with him and his schooling.

"It was very frustrating at Cheltenham as we were all very keen to run, but the rain which was forecast hadn't come, which was a pity. We'll see how we get on at Plumpton but he's going really well and we're hoping for a good round of jumping."

The Neil Mulholland-trained second-season novice Impulsive Star, who was fourth in the four-miler at Cheltenham in March, should ensure the race is a serious test for Ok Corral.

Rookie jockeys prepare for first ride

Three riders make their riding debuts under rules in the opener at Wolverhampton, the Betway Amateur Riders' Handicap (4.15).

Oscar Palmer is on Sotomayor, Kayleigh Rayner takes the mount on the Ivan Furtado-trained Zaeem and David Loughnane looks to extend his good run of form as he provides Bradley Roberts a first career ride aboard Berlusca, a winner at the track last week.

David Loughnane: enjoying a great run of form

Loughnane said: “Bradley’s works in the yard and he’s a real good lad. He’s a very capable rider and I have a lot of confidence in him. Hopefully he can have a wonderful start to his career.

“Berlusca isn’t the most straightforward – he can be quite keen. Bradley rides him every day and knows him inside out, so that should help.

“We don’t carry a penalty for winning last week so we just need a bit of pace in the race. I’d expect a big run.”

The trainer, who has had four winners from nine runners in the past two weeks, surpassed his previous best 26 winners in a year on Saturday and is hopeful of more success before the end of the season.

Berlusca: a first ride for Bradley RobertsCredit: John Grossick (racingpost/photos.com)

Loughnane added: "Things have gone really well. Like a lot of yards we have struggled to run horses with the ground but we're getting them out on the all-weather now.

"We've seen in the last few weeks that the horses are all in great order and running well, we've all worked hard and it's been a great year."

Wolverhampton's finale is also worth keeping an eye out for with the impeccably-bred War No More making his second start. A son of War Front out of 1,000 Guineas third Moth, the Ed Walker-trained juvenile finished eighth on debut.

The John Gosden-trained Panmolle was in front of him that day and the pair renew rivalry.

Johnson aims to reach 150 mark

Richard Johnson could reach 150 winners for the season if he scores on both rides at Ffos Las.

Victory on Stoney Mountain on Sunday raised his tally to 148, and both his mounts in west Wales have live chances. He rides the Warren Greatrex-trained Minella Examiner in the novice hurdle (2.15), the five-year-old's first outing since being bought for £75,000.

Greatrex said: "He was second in a good point-to-point and has been bought by some nice guys for a syndicate. He'll like the ground, his work has been good and he's schooled well so we're really looking forward to getting him started."

He added on Johnson: "He's having another great season and is a pleasure to deal with. He comes in once a week, is a real professional and so good with all the other jockeys and owners.

"He's a joy to work with, he isn't a young man now but he shows all the enthusiasm of one. He deserves all the success he gets."

Johnson finishes the day on newcomer Gallic Geordie (3.50) for Sam Drinkwater.

Monday cards

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