Large fields are the order of the day at Newbury on Wednesday but don’t let that put you off the favoured horses which nearly always perform well at this fairest of courses.

It will be no surprise to see PAUILLAC go off favourite for the opener at 12.15 and it’s something of a surprise to see that trainer Nicky Henderson has no runner – he’s won the corresponding race for the last five seasons !

Pauillac is trained by David Pipe who is saddled 12 winners in the last 14 days and his runner here is a French import who is making his UK debut. The ground certainly shouldn’t be a problem – he finished third in very soft ground at Auteuil in October.

Of his rivals Marodima has solid form but is a little exposed whilst Kick And Prance would have to improve on his five length jumps debut second at Plumpton to take a hand in this stronger contest.

The favourites have won the last four runnings of this race – so keep a close eye on betterbet.com for the betting – that could be a clue in itself.