The horse racing spotlight shifts to Newbury on December 30, 2023, where the Grade One Coral Challow Novices’ Hurdle is set to feature a thrilling contest. Among the top contenders is Kalkbrenner, trained by Ben Pauling and ridden by Ben Jones. This pair recently celebrated a significant win with The Jukebox Man at Kempton’s prestigious King George VI Chase on Boxing Day. They look to maintain their momentum against the hot favourite, No Drama This End, who has dominated his two previous hurdles.
Pauling, who clinched the Challow Novices’ Hurdle in 2015 with his first stable star, Barters Hill, may have a strategic advantage. The favourite, No Drama This End, has only competed on good to soft ground once, which raises questions about his suitability for the conditions at Newbury. In their last outing, Kalkbrenner faced challenges over the same course and distance, but he showed resilience against Klimt Madrik. With a better tactical approach this time, Kalkbrenner is poised to demonstrate his true potential at appealing odds.
Kalkbrenner isn’t the only contender on the card. Ben Jones has another promising ride with Newton Tornado in the Coral ‘Pipped-At-The Post’ Payouts Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase. This thoroughbred is believed to have untapped potential that could be unleashed in this race.
Champion jockey Sean Bowen will pilot Scorpio Rising in the Join Coral ‘Bet 10 Get 50’ Handicap Hurdle. After a strong performance at Lingfield 41 days ago, where he won by four-and-a-quarter lengths, Scorpio Rising aims for a hat-trick despite facing an 8lb rise in weight. The fourth and fifth-placed horses from his last race have since won, adding credibility to his form.
In the Coral Mandarin Handicap Chase, Minella Blueway is an each-way selection. Competing over a demanding distance of 3 miles and 2 furlongs, this seven-year-old exhibited strong finishing in his last appearance at Chepstow. With a more adaptable strategy and carrying a lighter weight of 10 stone 8 pounds, he could capitalize on the opportunity to secure a top position.
Across the sea at Leopardstown, Willie Mullins will showcase Lossiemouth in the Grade One December Hurdle. This horse is regarded as the class act of the race, with strong backing from owner Rich Ricci. Mullins is also sending two competitors to Doncaster for the Listed Sky Sports Racing Yorkshire Silver Vase Mares’ Chase, where Paggane, a former Clousutton pupil, will seek to continue her winning streak under the guidance of rookie trainer Faye Bramley.
The day promises to be filled with excitement as these horses compete for glory. With multiple opportunities for dramatic finishes and surprises, racing enthusiasts will be eager to see how the events unfold.
