Nap of the Day: Time to check up on the jumpers

We got no kind of run from our Sunday nap - more of which below. That's racing - but a whole new week is upon us, and for Monday's best bet I'm looking to a cute little novice chase at Newton Abbot, with some legendary yards in opposition.

So - our nap of the day runs in the 16:20. Here's the thought process behind our selection.

Today's Horse Races

Newton Abbot 16:20 - Inca De Lafayette @ 2/1

So - just a line on Sunday's selection. Despite having the vast expanse of the Curragh to play with, the six (yes, that's six) runner field all concertinaed together in the latter stages close to the far rail, ensuring a clear passage was the last thing several of them enjoyed.

The remark certainly applies to our selection - here's what the Racing Post race-reader made of it all. 'Took keen hold, prominent, lost ground after 2f, going okay when not clear run and waiting for room against far rail over 2f out, short of room inside final furlong, not recover (jockey said colt had no luck in running).'

These are my merely my personal views, but as a punter there's nothing worse than knowing your pick hasn't had the chance to perform to its capabilities. I love courses that have cutaways and the like that encourage space to appear late in the race, but that shouldn't really be a factor in a six-runner heat at a big Grade 1 track. It didn't make for great viewing, to be fair.

Right - onward and upward. Inca De Lafayette represents the mighty Ditcheat, Somerset base occupied by the great Paul Nicholls at Newton Abbot on Monday, a course I had the pleasure of visiting many moons ago and one I can thoroughly recommend.

It's stable jockey Harry Cobden's only booked mount on the card, and the six-year-old French-bred gelding is following in well-trodden footsteps, making the Channel crossing as a precocious youngster. Think Kauto Star (as I often do - what a superstar he was).

He's performed with great credit over hurdles, winning and proving a most progressive type, and makes his debut today over the larger obstacles. He goes on testing ground and I think it's interesting that Paul has this one out relatively early; so it could be that he's well-regarded.

We'll know at lot more on Monday afternoon, and with horses from the yards of Nigel Twiston-Davies, Dan Skelton and David Pipe in opposition, it looks a warm little contest. Can't wait.

Nap of the Day, from Betfred Insights.