One trainer, one jockey, one horse and one race to watch on a thrilling Saturday

Trainer

It is a big afternoon for trainer Nicky Henderson at Newbury with seven runners across the card, headlined by the brilliant Altior in the Game Spirit Chase (2.25).

His stablestar is back in action for the first time since his defeat to Cyrname at Ascot in November and will look to strengthen his claims for the Queen Mother Champion Chase at Cheltenham. Chacun Pour Soi and Defi Du Seuil have established their credentials, now Altior will look to put himself back on top of the pecking order.

Nicky Henderson: hoping for a big performance from Altior in the Game SpiritCredit: Edward Whitaker

Might Bite is another big name on the card and he seeks revenge over his 2018 Cheltenham Gold Cup conqueror Native River in the Betfair Denman Chase (3.00).

Henderson also has a live chance in the Betfair Hurdle (3.35) with Never Adapt, who was an impressive winner last time out. He also runs Mill Green in the valuable handicap and talented novice hurdler Chantry House, who looks to take another big step towards the festival, in the opening novice hurdle (1.15).

The five-time champion trainer is represented at Warwick as well as Precious Cargo goes in the Agetur UK Kingmaker Novices' Chase (2.05). A big performance could see the seven-year-old develop into a Racing Post Arkle contender.

Jockey

Jonjo O'Neill jnr is enjoying a terrific season, hitting 50 winners for the campaign when Annie Mc struck at Bangor yesterday, and his form has been rewarded with some good Saturday rides.

He replaces the injured Richard Johnson aboard Native River, who is looking for a third win in the Betfair Denman Chase (3.00). The sponsors make the Colin Tizzard-trained chaser a 1-3 strong chance.

Native River (right) and Might Bite (left): clash again at NewburyCredit: Mark Cranham (racingpost.com/photos)

O'Neill jnr's mount in the Betfair Hurdle is the speedy Highly Prized, who will appreciate the better going. The Emma Lavelle-trained runner has an interesting profile having won on the Flat in America before switching to hurdling.

The 3lb claimer will also ride well-regarded Tizzard runners L'Air Du Vent (1.15) and Highest Sun (4.10).

Horse

Hughie Morrison waited until the last minute to decide to let Not So Sleepy take his chance in the valuable Betfair Hurdle (3.35) and we will see just how good the front-running eight-year-old is.

Not So Sleepy: has a leading chance in the Betfair HurdleCredit: Alan Crowhurst (Getty Images)

The Champion Hurdle has been talked about since his breathtaking win at Ascot in December, with Not So Sleepy generally a 20-1 chance to land the big race on the first day of the festival.

He has been a warm favourite for the Betfair Hurdle since his place in the field was confirmed on Thursday and the sky is the limit at the moment.

Race

Newbury's Listed Racing Only Bettor Podcast Bumper (4.45) is quite possibly the best race in that division in Britain away from the big spring festivals.

Subsequent top-level winners Altior, Buveur D'Air, Ballyandy and Tea For Two are among the plethora of talented recent winners and this year's field contains plenty of smart, young prospects.

Champagnesuperover: won impressively at AyrCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

Champagnesuperover, Adrimel and Wilde About Oscar looked serious talents when scoring last time out and consequently this race is worth watching with an eye to the future.

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