Just A Par books National ticket with Newbury success

Harry Cobden delivered Just A Par with a well-timed ride to get up late and claim the Betway Supporting Greatwood Veterans' Handicap Chase at Newbury.Although failing to inspire in both his previous outings this season, the 10-year-old showed what he is capable of when on a going day.Benefiting from a patient ride, the the Paul Nicholls-trained 14-1 shot steadily picked off his rivals throughout the three-and-a-quarter-mile affair before staying on strongly up the run-in to defeat No Duffer by two and a quarter lengths.Following the race, the winner was cut from 66-1 into 33-1 for the Randox Health Grand National by William Hill.Nicholls said: "It was a little bit of a surprise but he has got lots of ability. I said to Harry today 'don't worry how far you drop him in, just let him pass horses and if they go quick, just let him pick them up'."He has been jumping off handy, but he's better jumping off last then at least it lets him pass horses and get his confidence up as opposed to doing the opposite."He (Harry) gave him a great ride. His next date is the sale on the Thursday before the National before running in the National, then he will go for the Bet365."Hello George put his injury problems behind him when grinding out victory in the William Hill "High 5" Supporting Greatwood Seniors' Handicap Hurdle.After finishing fifth on his return from more than a year on the sidelines at Exeter on New Year's Day, the eight-year-old stepped up on that effort to take his first win since October 2015 in the extended two-and-a-half-mile contest.Moving on past long-time leader Royal Guardsman over the second-last, the 5-2 favourite pulled out plenty under champion jockey Richard Johnson before passing the post 11 lengths clear of Spice Fair.Philip Hobbs, winning trainer, said: "Richard Johnson thinks he probably ought to go further so we might well go three miles next time."He had a tendon problem after winning at Kelso, that's why he had been off for a long time until New Year's Day."He got extremely fat and he would have needed that run (at Exeter). Hopefully he will have a couple more runs over hurdles this season and then go chasing next season."