More Of That set for more success in Newbury Long Distance Hurdle

More Of That can make his class tell and make a winning reappearance in the Long Distance Hurdle at Newbury today (2.25) to extend his unbeaten run over the obstacles to six.

The Jonjo O’Neill trained six-year-old is a really exciting prospect, who progressed at a rapid rate of knots last season when winning all four starts.

After landing a handicap at Wetherby, More of That followed-up in impressive fashion in a very strong 2m 4f handicap at Haydock.

The son of Beneficial then took the step up in class in his stride when beating Salubrious decisively by 2 1/4 lengths in the Grade 2 Relkeel Hurdle at Cheltenham.

More Of That travelled ominously well throughout that contest and, despite making a mistake two out, challenged on the bridle at the last before asserting on the run-in to score with far more in hand than that winning margin suggests.

It was an awesome display for such an inexperienced horse, and More Of That went on to put an end to Annie Power’s unbeaten run when landing the World Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival in terrific style.

That latter victory suggested More Of That was one of the most exciting staying hurdlers seen for a long time, and he is currently a 2/1 shot with Coral to retain his crown next March.

Off an official rating of 169, More Of That is rated 11lb and upwards clear of his six rivals and is a worthy odds-on shot to land the spoils.

If More Of That does under-perform, then the race-fit Cole Harden is the obvious one to take advantage. The gelding is trained by the in-form Warren Greatrex and had some useful form to his name last season as a novice.

This five-year-old was far from disgraced when seventh of 15 to the mighty Faugheen in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival and ran a cracker when runner-up to Beat That in a Grade 1 contest at Aintree.

The son of Westerner looked one to keep onside when posting a career best performance to slam Medinas by eight lengths in a Grade 2 contest at Wetherby on seasonal reappearance.

Cole Harden faces a really stiff task against More Of That on level weights, however, given that he is officially rated 11lb lower.