Coral Racing Ambassador, Sean Bowen, previews his seven rides on the first day of the Coral Gold Cup Meeting at Newbury, including Strong Leader, with the pair looking to defend their crown in the Grade 2 Long Distance Hurdle.

12:15 Newbury – Harbour Island

Harbour Island won both of his two bumpers last season and he had a good run at Carlisle on his debut over hurdles, finishing second behind a smart horse from Dan Skelton’s yard. I am hoping he will step up from that run and be able to go one place better this time. It’s a good ride to start the day with.

12:45 Newbury – Secret Des Dieux

Secret Des Dieux prevailed on his chase debut at Fakenham, but this is going to be a much tougher test for him. His connections have always felt he would be a nice chaser, and I was pleased with the way he jumped at Fakenham. It looks like a hot race, as Mambonumberfive and Palacio were impressive on their first taste of fences. Hopefully, my horse can take another step forward.

13:15 Newbury – Trad Jazz

Trad Jazz was a two-time winner on the Flat and then she looked like she was going to get off to a winning start over hurdles at Leicester, but a blunder at the final obstacle cost her the race. I am sure she will have learned a lot from that experience. Her trainer, James Owen clearly thinks a lot of her, so that’s a big positive.

13:50 Newbury – Kingston Pride

I thought Kingston Pride was very good at Perth last month. His schooling since then has also improved, particularly his jumping, which has sharpened up. This is one of Olly Murphy’s best novice chasers, so I am really looking forward to this ride in this Grade Two contest. It’s a hot race, as you would expect it to be, but I really think my horse has a good chance.

14:25 Newbury – American Mike

American Mike had some good form for Gordon Elliott in Ireland, but then just lost his way a bit. His owners have opted for a change of scenery, hoping that he will find his spark again. I schooled him yesterday at Olly Murphy’s yard, and he was in good form. He is very capable if he returns to his best.

15:00 Newbury – Strong Leader

I was delighted with Strong Leader’s run at Wetherby last time on his opening start of the campaign, but he is a little bit lazy now, so I think Newbury’s long straight will suit him more than Wetherby. He won this race last year, and given the form he is in, there is no reason to think he can’t return here to defend his crown. Impose Toi appears to be the biggest danger to us, as he improved for the step up to 3m at Aintree earlier this month.

15:35 Newbury – Thunder Rock

Thunder Rock was disappointing last season, which means he has now come down to a winnable mark again and this is the lowest grade he has featured in for a while. It’s his first start of the season, and hopefully, he can run well fresh.

Coral Racing Ambassador, Sean Bowen