Coneygree looks class act at Newbury Coneygree confirmed himself a high-class operator with an all-the-way success in the Betfair Denman Chase at Newbury. The Mark Bradstock-trained novice put seasoned campaigners to the sword in the Gold Cup trial on just his third run over fences, jumping well in the process. Houblon Des Obeaux kept him company for as long as he could but Richard Johnson's mount (15-8 favourite) was really good over the last two fences and the race was all over when he flew the last. Grand National hope Unioniste kept on well in third. Johnson, riding for the first time with Nico de Boinville suspended, said: "It's the first time I've sat on him, but I was very impressed. "I was pretty sure I was going a good strong gallop, but he didn't feel anywhere near out of his comfort zone. That's the sign of a good horse, and his jumping for a novice was very good. "Wherever he goes at Cheltenham he will have to be well respected." Johnson went on: "I was very impressed with him, you couldn't not be. It's a great achievement by the Bradstocks to produce a horse like this. "I thought he was very impressive when he won at Kempton, he enjoys himself, he handles soft ground really well and he travels. "For me, it would be wise to leave a decision whether he runs in the Gold Cup until as late as possible, especially as there are other novices such as Kings Palace who could run in either the Gold Cup or the RSA." Bradstock is likely to leave the horse in the Gold Cup at the next forfeit stage. He said: "That was pretty cool, he jumps so well. Richard said the ground was plenty tacky enough but he handled it and after he had pinged the cross fence it was 'away we go'. "It was quite an ask today, on only his third run over fences taking on more experienced horses, but he was something else. "We will wait until Tuesday when we have to stump up £1,300 to keep him in the Gold Cup. Ultimately it will all be down to what the owners have to say, but one thing is for sure - I will sleep well tonight after a small celebration."
