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15:00 Newbury – Ladbrokes Trophy Chase
Although it now comes under a different banner (formerly the Hennessy Gold Cup) this race has a 60 odd year history and has produced some fantastic past winners. One of the most noted victors of this race in recent times has to be Denman who claimed success in this contest twice. Other victors include the Gold Cup winning Native River and Grand National winner Many Clouds. This years renewal could potentially produce another super star and that’s what makes this famous handicap chase so loved by national hunt racing fans.The 2019 installment includes last years second placed runner Elegant Escape who returns to handicap company after competing at top class chase level and putting in a decent effort at Cheltenham back in March. The down side however in a race of this nature is the mammouth weight he has to carry on his back. A second placed effort on his return showed he’s likely to be ready for another big tilt here and in all honesty it’s hard to see him outside of the top 3 or 4 but unfortunately the handicapper looks to have him in his grasps and because of such a burden is probably going to put pay to his chances of getting his head in front.
There’s a trio of less exposed runners who could potentially become future superstars if they put in a career defining performance and two of those three hail from Ireland and represent some of the biggest jumps yards in the form of Borice (Gordon Elliott) and Cabaret Queen (Willie Mullins) both will relish the softer conditions and have tonnes of room for improvement.Borice won the Galway Plate very impressively and is looking to rack up 4 successive wins on the trot and with his French pedigree should have a penchant for tacky going. Despite winning one of Irelands premiere chase handicaps he hasn’t been punished with a ridiculous weight and looks a fantastic each-way selection.
Of the remainder you have to take note of any of Colin Tizzard’s charge and although Elegant Escape and West Approach look the more fancied of his charge Robinsfirth, who is likely to be aimed at a tilt at the Grand National, is another horse who has stamina to burn and could pick off some of the stragglers as other horses fade in the closing stages.
Two Taffs is another interesting runner who has been handled with kid gloves and seems to be the one in the shadows that could, based on his best form, should find himself well and truly in the mix.Of the remainder Dingo Dollar and Brave Eagle have enough in the locker to potentially grab some prize money.
BORICE (E/W)
ITV Racing:
13:50 Newbury – The Cashel Man (E/W)
14:05 Newcastle – Buveur D’Air
14:25 Newbury – Christopher Wood (E/W)
15:00 Newbury – (See Above)
15:20 Newcastle – Captain Redbeard (E/W)
15:40 Newbury – No Comment (E/W)