YES, THERE'S A STORM BREWIN'

Paul Ferguson looks at the major February action.

Following a hugely encouraging return to action at Sandown in early January, ELDORADO ALLEN is fancied to go one better and land the valuable Betfair Hurdle at Newbury (Saturday, February 8).

Colin Tizzard’s six-year-old was having his first start in 13 months at Sandown, where he travelled well and took up the running jumping the final flight. Given the lay-off, it is understandable that he tired on the run to the line, and although a 7lbs rise seemed a little harsh for a half-length defeat, he remains completely unexposed.

He was ridden more prominently when winning a maiden hurdle at the same track in November 2017, when he jumped particularly well and dished out a comprehensive beating to a clutch of subsequent winners. He looked a potential Graded-class performer on that evidence (he had also impressed with how he hurdled at Auteuil before joining current connections) but got no further than the first flight at Aintree, when he was badly hampered, forcing Tom O’Brien out of the saddle.

The grey has been handed a Champion Hurdle entry (as has current ante-post favourite Not So Sleepy) and if that is to become a realistic target, he needs to be going close here. The track looks sure to suit at Newbury and if ridden a little more prominently than at Sandown, a big run looks on the card.