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No Ground Fears For Penzance

Alan King has expressed himself happy with the ground at Newbury ahead of Penzance's attempt to justify favouritism in the totesport Trophy tomorrow.

Last year's Triumph Hurdle winner has been beaten in both his starts this term but is the 6-1 favourite with Coral and the same price, alongside Irish raider Al Elie, with the sponsors.

'He's fine. When I walked around Newbury on Wednesday I thought it was good to firm, good in the odd place and I think he'll be alright on that,' said King.

'He won round Huntingdon on quite quick ground one day so l's hope they race.'

Al Eile heads 26 runners declared for the Grade Three contest and will have to shoulder top weight of 11st 12lb, in doing giving over a stone to Admiral, who is next in the weights on 10st 11lb.

Al Eile's trainer John Queally had hoped to book Timmy Murphy to partner his Haydock Champion Hurdle Trial winner, but with the jockey being claimed by David Johnson to ride Nous Voila, Barry Geraghty has been handed the mount.

Nous Voila forms part of a five-strong hand for Martin Pipe, which also includes Desert Air, Acambo, Miss Academy and Buena Vista.

? PA Sport

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