King's mare has big claims with Huxley on board

Charlie Huxley can maintain his impressive strike rate for trainer Alan King by taking the honours in the feature race at Newbury tomorrow, writes John O'Hara.

The conditional jockey, who has six winners from 28 rides for King this season, has emerged as a fine prospect and could prove good value for his 5lb claim in the Byrne Bros Mares' National Hunt Novices' Hurdle Final.

Ellen Tilley, his mount, is no superstar, but is genuine and, although she will never win by a large margin, is tough and difficult to pass.

The five-year has won two of her three novice hurdles outings and the handicapper has not overburdened the mare on a mark of 119.

The biggest threat in 2m5f contest could come from stablemate Dancingwithbubbles, who Robert Thornton has chosen to ride. There is not a lot between the two horses, but Huxley's weight allowance could be the deciding factor.

Oliver Sherwood's Argento Luna beat the selection at level weights by a neck at Doncaster in February but will struggle to confirm the form with 8lb more to carry than Ellen Tilley this time.