Rock-solid entry for Hennessy

Last season’s Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup hero State Of Play features among 86 horses entered for Newbury’s £150,000 handicap on December 1.

Paul Nicholls holds an unsurprisingly strong hand with the likes of Denman, Neptune Collonges, Turko and Gungadu in the list.

Gold Cup hero Kauto Star is likely to be seen in the Betfair Chase at Haydock on November 24 but has also been given an entry in the Hennessy.

Dessie Hughes’ Strong Flow, winner of the race in 2003 when with Nicholls, is an eyecatching Irish-trained possible, along with Grand National third Slim Pickings and the Willie Mullins-trained Snowy Morning.

Also in a talent-laden entry is Nicky Henderson’s 2006 runner-up Juveigneur, who could be joined by stablemates Copsale Lad and Crozan.

Henderson said: “Juveigneur really deserves to win a race like this and clearly likes the track.

“He’ll probably have a sharpener over hurdles, but the Hennessy is his target.”

Of Copsale Lad, the Seven Barrows handler added: “He needs a left-handed track and good ground, and the way the autumn has gone so far he may just get it.

“I’m convinced a big race will come his way before long, and let’s just hope it’s the Hennessy.”

Ferdy Murphy can choose from three entries, but nominates New Alco as his most likely representative.

“He’s strengthened up over the summer and as a young, improving horse with form in top handicaps, he must go to Newbury with a serious chance,” Murphy said.

Mark Kershaw, Newbury’s managing director, said: “We are delighted with the quality and depth of the entry for this year’s Hennessy.

“The increase of over 20% in the size of the entry should ensure a competitive and exciting renewal.”