Rubaud is the value call against favourite Filey Bay in the Betfair Hurdle (3.35) at Newbury.
The Paul Nicholls-saddled five-year-old, previously a talented racer on the Flat in France, has followed an upward curve over obstacles this season, hardly breaking sweat to capture a maiden hurdle at Taunton in November.
Rubaud returned to the Somerset course 17 days before Christmas and shrugged off a penalty in style, humbling Brentford Hope for a novice event over two miles. My selection’s bid for a hat-track came up short at Kempton Park on Boxing Day, when Rubaud ran a seven-length second to Rare Edition.
