The 2m handicap chase at Newbury (3.00pm) has a competitive look to it, but I think Le Ligerien is an intriguing runner and merits each-way support.

He was a very consistent performer over hurdles and produced the best performance of his career when winning by 19 lengths here just over a year ago, admittedly in heavy ground.

However, he has form on a sound surface (he won his maiden hurdle on good ground and was third in class 2 company on his reappearance in October) and is back down to a decent mark.  I thought he ran better than the form suggests when fourth here in January on his sole start over fences, and that race has worked out very nicely indeed.

The Hobbs yard is in top form at present, with three winners already this month, and Le Ligerien ran encouragingly to finish second in a jumpers’ bumper at Kempton Park last time, which should put him spot on for today.

Hobbs has run a novice against experienced handicappers in this before – the subsequently high-class handicap chaser Village Vic won this on his third start over fences.

3.00pm Newbury – 1pt each-way Le Ligerien @ 7-1 (various, take Best Odds Guaranteed)