Its day two of Newbury’s Winter Carnival on Saturday afternoon and the feature is of course the Ladbrokes Trophy, one of Britain’s most sought-after handicap chases.
It’s a cracking card at Newbury, with seven races from 12.10pm-3.35pm, and you can watch all the action via live streaming when logged into MansionBet, alongside every race from the UK and Ireland. Our tipster has a race-by-race look ahead to Saturday’s Newbury card.
12.10 – Ladbrokes Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle (Listed, 2m½f)
Nina The Terrier had Ahorsewithnoname and Elle Est Belle behind when scoring over C&D 23 days ago for Alan King and she is better off on these terms. That said, Dan Skelton’s mare Elle Est Belle can get close to her if jumping better this time. THEATRE GLORY though is fancied to remain unbeaten for Nicky Henderson. She showed a nice turn of foot at Huntingdon this month on hurdles bow and, with scope to jump a bit more fluently herself, could be hard to topple under Jonjo O’Neill Jr.
Selection: Theatre Glory @ 7/1
12.40 – Ladbrokes John Francome Novices’ Chase (Grade 2, 2m7½f)
Ahoy Senor is a player if his jumping holds up (unseated on chase bow), given he was a Grade 1-winning novice last season at Aintree. Ashtown Lad may duel with him for the lead and it could all set up well for Irish raider MR INCREDIBLE. He and Rachael Blackmore appeared in all sorts of trouble in the home straight on chasing bow at Naas three weeks ago before rallying impressively to win, never stronger than through the line, and this longer journey favours Henry De Bromhead’s promising Westerner gelding.
Selection: Mr Incredible @ 13/8
1.15 – Sir Peter O’Sullevan Memorial Handicap Chase (2m6½f)
Killer Clown shaped well in last month’s Old Roan at Aintree and is a contender in what looks a competitive renewal. Kalooki went close over shorter here in March in a race won by ESPOIR DE TEILLEE and Tom George’s challenger is on a winning mark if he handles this longer trip. He’s got each-way potential.
Selection: Espoir De Teillee @ 12/1
1.50 – Get Your Ladbrokes 1 Free Bet Today Handicap Hurdle (2m4½f)
Nicky Henderson’s handicap debutant LECALE’S ARTICLE could be getting in lightly off an opening mark of just 125. He shaped well at Warwick over 2m5f in February on his second start having landed a maiden at this track in December. Tom Cannon is on board this afternoon and, at a meeting where Henderson traditionally does very well, they should be in the mix.
Selection: Lecale’s Article @ 7/2
2.25 – Ladbrokes Committed To Safer Gambling Intermediate Hurdle (Listed Limited Handicap, 2m½f)
The Betfair Hurdle winner SOARING GLORY is back to the scene of his biggest win to date. He’s up 6lb for a win at Ascot last month on his seasonal return but that run indicated Jonjo O’Neill’s charge is still very much on the up and more Newbury success beckons.
Selection: Soaring Glory 11/10
3.00 – Ladbrokes Trophy Chase (Grade 3 Handicap, 3m2f)
Willie Mullins is triple-handed in his quest for a second Ladbrokes Trophy, with Ontheropes likely to head the betting. Annamix could be overpriced for the Closutton supremo. Cloth Cap faces a big ask to retain this crown despite a good comeback effort and it could be three wins in six years for trainer Colin Tizzard as FIDDLERONTHEROOF looks sure to go close. He’s a smart chaser, won impressively on comeback at Carlisle over shorter and will relish this longer journey. A mark of 150 is within his reach.
Selection: Fiddlerontheroof @ 11/2
3.35 – Watch Racing Free Online At Ladbrokes Handicap Chase (2m½f)
GUMBALL has been eased 3lb by the handicapper after a fair start for new trainer Fergal O’Brien at Carlisle recently. With Liam Harrison taking a further 3lb off, he is a solid contender. The Venetia Williams-trained Frero Banbou lurks as one with scope for further improvement in this sphere based on his Sandown win in March, with both runs since acceptable in strong company.
Selection: Gumball @ 17/2
*All odds correct at time of writing