2:10 Newbury Tips

In seven starts over fences, HAITI COULEURS has won five times and been placed once. His only poor run came when pulled up in the Betfair Chase two starts back. He put any doubts to bed by winning the Welsh Grand National by three lengths off a career-high mark of 154 next time out. He is currently rated 159 and, back in graded company, looks the one to beat. Today’s trip is on the shorter side for his liking, but the very testing ground will suit him well. Despite the small field, this is likely to be a strongly run race, and he has no issues with dictating terms on the front end. This will be his final run before targeting the Gold Cup at the Cheltenham Festival in March. He’s a gelding who holds his form well, and he can be expected to be very tough to beat here. (NAP).

A four-runner Grade 2 chase. The short-priced favourite won the Welsh National over 3m 6f during December, and that may have left a mark, so is worth taking on. The selection is rated 5 lb higher than the favourite. He was runner-up in his two runs this winter, with high ratings posted, is in good shape, and could be set for another big run. The trip and conditions will suit him.