Sleepy will take chance in Betfair Hurdle

Morrison’s big-race hope in maximum field of 24 at Newbury.

Not So Sleepy has been declared among a maximum field of 24 in the Betfair Hurdle at Newbury.

Hughie Morrison had been undecided whether to run the eight-year-old, who is lightly-raced over hurdles after a successful Flat career.

He won his last start at Ascot by nine lengths off a low handicap mark – yet despite a 17lb rise, he has been towards the head of the betting ever since.

Morrison is hoping his charge makes up into a Champion Hurdle contender.

In an open year for the Cheltenham showpiece, victory in Saturday’s big handicap – for which he would also win a £100,000 bonus – would put him right in the mix.

Gumball will carry top weight for Philip Hobbs, who also runs Oakley and Zanza.

Owner Terry Warner will rely on Gumball – with his Elixir De Nutz one of only two not declared from the five-day stage, along with Nick Gifford’s Didtheyleaveuoutto.

Nicky Henderson’s Never Adapt will aim to add to her trainer’s good record in the race, along with Mill Green.

Nigel Twiston-Davies runs two novices. Rossington Main winner Stolen Silver and Sir Valentine.

Paul Nicholls is another with multiple chances – thanks to Pic D’orhy, Ecco and Tamaroc Du Mathan – while Evan Williams has declared the well-backed Mack The Man and Quoi de Neuf.

In-form Phil Kirby sends Whoshotthesherrif down from the north – while there is one Irish-trained runner, Willie Mullins’ Ciel De Neige, ridden by Aidan Coleman.

Harambe, Thebannerkingrebel and Lightly Squeeze are others in the mix.

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