SHISHKIN TO SET UP GOLD CUP TILT

By Anita Chambers, PA

Shishkin can get a confidence booster in the bag ahead of his Cheltenham Gold Cup date by winning the Betfair Denman Chase at Newbury.

This season has not gone to plan for Nicky Henderson’s charge, with Shishkin refusing to jump off on his return at Ascot in November before a couple of alternate options were scuppered by the weather.

That meant he headed to the King George without a run and while Henderson expressed his concern about the situation, Shishkin looked a likely winner until a stumble after jumping the penultimate fence saw Nico de Boinville dislodged.

Very testing ground would be the only question mark, but Shishkin’s sheer class can carry him through.

Boothill is another on the redemption trail in the Betfair Exchange Game Spirit Chase.

Winner of two handicaps at Ascot at the start of the season, he fell when still travelling well with five fences still to jump in the Desert Orchid Chase at Christmas.

Obviously it is hard to say how he would have fared had he not fallen, but he looked poised to challenge and might still have a bit to give for trainer Harry Fry.

The Betfair Hurdle is the betting highlight of the day and Aurigny Mill could be the solution to what is always a tricky puzzle.

Winner of three of his seven hurdles runs, he is on a roll for Victor Dartnall having won on heavy ground at Wincanton in early December before following up on quicker conditions at Kempton’s Christmas meeting.

A seven-and-a-half-length victor on the second occasion, Aurigny Mill has been raised 9lb ahead of this but given his aptitude for differing ground and his progressive profile, he looks one for the frame at least.

One Night Stand roared back to form at Lingfield at the backend of last month and can kick on again at Wolverhampton.

While Scott Dixon’s charge seemingly preserves his very best for Lingfield, One Night Stand has won at Dunstall Park previously and looks to still have a bit of wriggle room on his rating.

Successful off a mark of 84 in a competitive handicap last time, he has been raised 4lb but that still leaves him a way short of his peak perch of 97.

King’s Reign is one of two exceptionally well-bred newcomers for Charlie Appleby in the Stay Golden With BetMGM Safer Gambling Novice Stakes.

A son of Dubawi out of God Given, he is a half-brother to Breeders’ Cup runner-up Silver Knott and is worth an interest.

Havana Force showed ability first time up and can take another leap in the Boost Your Acca At BetMGM Restricted Novice Stakes at Newcastle.

Although she was beaten over six lengths by a better fancied stablemate at the first time of asking, she stayed on to good effect and can use the experience here.

Jungle Charm returns from a lengthy absence in the Build Your Acca With BetUK Novice Stakes.

She has has had just one start to date for Archie Watson, finishing a near three-length fourth in a Windsor novice last June.

That form looked solid with four subsequent winners in the field and if Jungle Charm can overcome her lay-off, she could be good enough.