Punting pointers and trainer quotes for the Listed Gerry Feilden

2.25 Newbury
Ladbrokes "Where The Nation Plays" Intermediate Hurdle (Listed) | 2m½f | 4yo+ | ITV/RTV

Same again for Scarlet Dragon team?

Trainer Alan King and owner Henry Ponsonby won the race better known as the Gerry Feilden three years ago and bid for a repeat with Scarlet Dragon.

Like their previous winner Who Dares Wins, Scarlet Dragon has plied his trade in both codes and carries topweight after winning at this level at Market Rasen in September.

No trainer has a better record in the race than Nicky Henderson, and the trainer targets a seventh success with mares Epatante and Elusive Belle as well as the consistent French Crusader, who has won three of his six starts.

In-form Alexander makes rare raid south

Nick Alexander has his Scottish stable in good form with five winners this month, which is a positive to the chances of Elvis Mail, who is seeking a hat-trick.

The five-year-old made it three wins from six hurdles starts on his Ayr comeback and will be Alexander's third-ever runner at Newbury.

What they say

Alan King, trainer of Scarlet Dragon
He would be unsuited by really testing conditions, though he'd be all right on soft ground. He has been aimed at this race for a while and should run well having won in good style at Market Rasen in September. He's not run since due to the loss of the November Handicap but is in good form, although a 9lb rise in the weights is pretty severe even if a couple of those he beat last time have come out and boosted the form.

Paul Nicholls, trainer of Christopher Wood
He's quite a hard horse to get fit, so his recent run at Wincanton should have done him good. He came to us fit from the Flat at the start of last season and this time it has taken a while to get him light and tight enough. He'll love the ground and has done well at the track, but I just wonder if he's four or five pounds too high.

Christopher Wood: looks to secure his first win of the season for Paul NichollsCredit: Getty Images

Nick Alexander, trainer of Elvis Mail
It's the perfect race for him and as long as he's coped with his first long-distance journey he should have a big chance but you never know when you take them away. The track, the ground and the trip will suit him.

Nicky Henderson, trainer of Epatante, French Crusader and Elusive Belle
We've got three good chances here. Epatante disappointed in the mares' novice hurdle at Cheltenham, but she has strengthened since. French Crusader is going nicely, while Elusive Belle is a sharp mare.

Dan Skelton, trainer of Antunes
He's a definite player here. I was very happy with his win at Wetherby and he's been going well at home since. There will be no excuses. I expect him to run well.

Charlie Longsdon, trainer of Storm Goddess
I like her. She has a light weight and is hard as nails. The drop back in trip will be no problem and this looks a good opportunity to get some black type.

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