Rebel heads Hennessy hopefuls

Last year’s third, Cornish Rebel, heads a field of 16 in the Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup at Newbury tomorrow.

The Paul Nicholls-trained nine-year-old has top weight of 11st 12lb in the valuable staying handicap chase run over an extended three and a quarter miles.

Cornish Rebel’s trainer was twice successful in the race as a jockey and has also declared Napolitain as he seeks to repeat the victory he enjoyed with Strong Flow as a trainer in 2003.

Nicky Richards’ Turpin Green and State Of Play, trained by Evan Williams, stand their ground after dominating the ante-post market.

Nicky Henderson, successful 12 months ago with Trabolgan, relies on Juveigneur after taking out Copsale Lad at the final declaration stage.

His rider Micky Fitzgerald is hopeful of a good run.

“I rode Juveigneur this morning in his last bit of work before the race tomrrowo. I was absolutely delighted with him. He feels fantastic and he looks great,” he told At The Races.

“We’re very hopeful. We’ve always thought of him as a Hennessy type and it would be nice if we could win it again this year.”