IN THE manner of the early bird catching the worm, the early season jumps punter catches Egypt Mill Prince.

Jenny Pitman's charge is never better than at the start of a new campaign, and the hint should be taken when the 10 year old contests today's Kone Lifts Handicap Chase at Newbury.

A winner over hurdles and fences every year since 1990-91, this big, rangy Deep Run gelding usually shows his best form before Christmas, and for the last four seasons his first victory has been achieved by his second visit to the racecourse.

Last term, after finishing third to Easthorpe in a Cheltenham handicap chase, the classy front runner put up a gutsy display to defeat Big Matt in Ascot's United House Construction Handicap.

It was a victory which put him just right for an attempt at the Mackeson Gold Cup, where he looked all over the winner after heading long time leader Dublin Flyer at the last.

But history has shown that Tim Forster's charge battled back to deny his rival in the shadow of the post.

That was a brave effort from Egypt Mill Prince, and although he never showed the same resolve for the remainder of the season, it is patently obvious that the combination of freshness and the ability to set the pace make him a potent force in races such as this.

The official first three home following the disqualification of the actual runner up, Magical Lady, in this year's Daily Express Triumph Hurdle - Paddy's Return, Mistinguett and Hatta Breeze - lock horns again in the Newbury Autumn Four Year Old Hurdle.

Both Mistinguett and Hatta Breeze are 4lb better off than Paddy's Return on this occasion, but even that should not be enough despite Ferdy Murphy's charge, a winner first time out last year, not having been seen since his Triumph triumph.

At Doncaster, Beaumont looks the nap to land the Spinal Injuries Association Handicap.

Jack Banks stayer is spot on at the moment.