24 stand their ground for the Ladbrokes Trophy

One of the highlights of the jumps season in the UK is the Ladbrokes Trophy Handicap Chase which was run under a different sponsorship for 60 years and for the purists is therefore always known as the Hennessy Gold Cup. The race has 9 Cheltenham Gold Cup winners on its roll of honour including a number of legends from the jump scene in Arkle,,Denman and Burrough Hill Lad. There does not appear to be a horse in this year’s renewal capable of following in their footsteps, but what it lacks in class it makes up for in numbers and it looks certain to be a competitive affair run at a true gallop on soft ground with no hiding place for the faint of heart.

A mix of experienced handicappers and less exposed types are in the line up and at the top of the weights is Elegant Escape, second in the race last year before going on to win the Welsh National. He is certain to stay and will handle the ground but his welter burden could tell in the final stages of the race. The horse is one of four Colin Tizzard entries who has won the race twice in the last three years and also runs Mister Malarky currently vying for favouritism, West Approach, and the fragile, lightly raced but talented Robinsfirth. Nicky Henderson who has been successful three times also saddles four runners Brave Eagle, Beware The Bear and two at the front of the market in OK Corral and On the Blind Side.

Undoubtedly in a race that is renowned for not taking any prisoners there will be plenty of thrills and spills and no doubt some hard luck stories, and while those at the head of the betting may well prevail the betting suggestion would be to try and look for some value. 

A sporting selected four against the field in no particular order with their current odds would be:

De Rasher Counter   11-1

Robinsfirth               25-1

Dingo Dollar            14-1

Elegant Escape         12-1