Saturday 2 December 2017

Newbury: Fergal O'Brien seeking fifth straight winner from Cheltenham-bound Cap Soleil

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Fergal O'Brien's exciting novice hurdler Cap Soleil puts her unbeaten record on the line, as she seeks her fifth career win in the listed Mares Novice Hurdle (12:10).

The four-year-old won on debut at this venue, before striking twice in listed company in bumper company.

She made a hugely impressive hurdling debut as romped to a seven length success at this track a month ago, and confidence is high for the season.

"I felt a bit of pressure as you want to get that first run out of the way, but she was fantastic," O'Brien said after her debut win.

"Her main asset is that she is so laid-back. She doesn't know she's a racehorse, which is what you need.

"A big plus is having Paddy ride her as he's put a lot of work into her.

"You'd like to think she'll end up at Cheltenham in March."

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Gloucestershire-based Fergal O'Brien has been in fantastic form this season

She is currently priced as a 7-1 second favourite for the Mares Novice Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival, a market currently led by impressive Cheltenham scorer Apple's Shakira.

However the two runnings of the race have both gone to Willie Mullins.

Today she is odds-on to win the opening race on the card, with 4-9 being the best industry price to preserve her unbeaten record.

Dame Rose won Aintree's Grade Two mares bumper in April, before her impressive debut win over hurdles at Hexham. She finished eleven lengths off O'Brien's star mare when the pair met here last month.

Angels Antics, Banjo Girl, Monar Rose and All Currencies complete the six runner line-up in Berkshire.

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