Nap of the Day: Fortune favours the Brave

Friday - gateway to the weekend and the riches it bestows upon us, and all that flowery rhubarb. Yesterday's Nap of the Day is, I believe, still running, so nothing to crow about on that score, sadly. It can happen. We've all been there. Oh yes.

Still subbing for Owen, who is probably sifting through his National ante-post slips as we speak, on a deserted beach far, far away. Top pro. Anyhooo - today's a whole new ball game/shooting match/pack of cards, and I'm venturing to Newbury for our Nap of the Day. Beautiful Berkshire. I've been, and it's a grand course in the stamp of a Haydock, Doncaster, Chepstow, Ffos Las. Here we go then;

14:30 Newbury - Atlanta Brave @ 3/1

Trainer Kerry Lee must have been sorely tempted to run this promising and improving six-year-old novice chaser at the Festival, but as things stand his last run was here, 83 days ago, in the Mandarin.

Started favourite in fact, and was beaten just three-quarters-of-a-length. That was a career-best, as was his previous spin at Exeter. There's an undeniable upward curve here, and he's in the excellent hands of a trainer who knows a thing or three about staying chasers.

Some big yards oppose - P Nicholls, Jonjo, Harry Fry, soft-ground king Henry Daly; but I wouldn't swop. No way. He won his solitary point, and two little hurdle contests. Since being sent over the larger obstacles he's quietly making all the right noises, and this could be a first fencing success under rules.

The naughty old handicapper has raised him 6lb for not winning last time but running so well - glad I'm not an owner (yeah, right), or that would drive me to distraction.

This is a lovely race that can prove most informative, and I hope Kerry Lee has a lively one on her hands. A nice slow burner that's about to catch fire.

If you're playing, good luck. It's nearly weekend. Enjoy!

Nap of the Day from Betfred Insights.