Planet is out of this world

SECOND-season chasers have a terrific record in the Hennessy Gold Cup, but I have a feeling this season’s renewal is going to buck the trend.

Diamond Harry, who did this column a huge favour, won this race last year during his first attempt out of the novice class and the likes of Aiteen Thirtythree, Wymott and Wayward Prince have been heavily backed to follow suit.

The theory is that such horses have still to be nailed by the handicapper and any one of the above could fall into that category.

But the early signs for last season’s top novices have not been good so, for once, it may pay to side with more experienced - and admittedly exposed - performers.

Planet Of Sound is the one I am particularly keen on as he was generally progressive before suffering a breathing problem when fifth in last season’s King George VI Chase and then had to miss the Cheltenham Gold Cup with a leg injury.

Said to be fine now, Planet Of Sound gets in this race off a mark of 158, which must be lenient given his 2010 Punchestown Gold Cup victory over War Of Attrition, Cooldine and Denman at level weights.

Also at his best when fresh and boasting a fine record at Newbury, Planet Of Sound has plenty going for him and current odds of 14-1 underestimate his chance.

Of the rest, Carruthers and The Giant Bolster could go well at big prices and Great Endeavour must go close if staying the trip following his romp in the Paddy Power Gold Cup.

The dark horse of the race is Michel Le Bon, a highly-rated Paul Nicholls contender who has not raced for 730 days, but he lacks experience – an accusation you cannot level against Planet Of Sound, who looks sure to give a bold account.

Other fancies at Newbury are Master Fiddle in the novices’ handicap chase and the progressive Dream Function in the Sportingbet Intermediate Hurdle.

And champion stayer Big Buck’s is surely a penalty kick in the Sportingbet Long Distance Hurdle.

Some will think the same of Binocular in Newcastle’s Fighting Fifth Hurdle, but he is likely to be given a stern examination by the frontrunning Overturn.

Binocular’s stable companion, Master Of The Hall, can land the Rehearsal Chase at the same Northern track.