Newbury: Talented Charli Parcs set for 'perfect' test

Embed from Getty Images
Nicky Henderson has heaped praise on the highly-regarded Charli Parcs, ahead of his return in Newbury's Intermediate Hurdle (2:25).

The four-year-old caught the eye when blowing a quality field apart on his British debut, when winning easily by eight lengths.

Ever since that victory he has failed to build on that initial promise, when falling in the Grade Two Adonis and finishing sixth in the Triumph Hurdle.

There remains plenty more to come on his handicap debut, where he will carry top weight at the Berkshire track.

"He enjoyed a spin around Newbury with Buveur and has done everything I’ve asked of him since," the champion trainer told his Unibet blog.

"Everyone knows how much I love this horse as he has so much ability but does still have a lot of learning to do.

"He’s quite naïve, but we knew that last season. His victory at Kempton on his debut for us was a formality and then we all saw what happened back there in the Adonis when Barry was trying to educate him as much as he could.

"I’m keen to teach him as much as possible and an intermediate race like this is the perfect place to kick off as it suits where he is at present. I adore him."

Embed from Getty Images
Malcom Jefferson's Malcom Mews was second in Grade One company last season

Top Novices' Hurdle runner-up Mount Mews could be fairly weighted for Malcom Jefferson. He finished a fair four length second on his seasonal return at Ayr.

High Bridge finished third on his seasonal bow at Kempton, and the form of that race has worked out very strong in recent weeks. Winner Elgin scored in the Greatwood, whilst the second and fifth have both won since. Ben Pauling's chance has been raised 4lb.

Amour De Nuit has been a model of consistency for Paul Nicholls. The five-year-old hasn't finished outside the top two on his last seven runs, and was a listed winner on his last outing.

Philip Hobbs' Poppy Kay won well at this track last month, whilst Alan King's Cosmopolitan reverts back to hurdling after placed efforts on the flat. Recent Wetherby winner Master Of Irony also takes his chance.