Confirmed runners and riders for the Ladbrokes Trophy and Fighting Fifth

Chris's Dream, who was due to carry top weight of 11st 12lb in the Ladbrokes Trophy at Newbury (3.00) was the only absentee from a final field of 21 for Saturday's race.

In his absence, Brahma Bull now heads the weights for the handicap, while Henry de Bromhead, the trainer of Chris's Dream, will still be strongly represented as he bids to plunder more British big-race glory.

De Bromhead relies solely on leading contender Eklat De Rire, who will be ridden by Rachael Blackmore.

The duo will be aiming for successive big-race victories in Britain following A Plus Tard's win in the Betfair Chase last weekend and Eklat De Rire is one of four Irish-trained runners in the race.

3.00 Newbury Saturday: Ladbrokes Trophy racecard and betting

As well as Brahma Bull, Willie Mullins has two more chances led by ante-post favourite and Munster National winner Ontheropes for A Plus Tard's owners Cheveley Park Stud.

Conditional Sean O'Keeffe picks up another big ride for the yard aboard Ontheropes with Paul Townend on the sidelines and Annamix completes the Mullins trio.

Cloth Cap will bid to become the first back-to-back winner of the race since the great Arkle completed the feat in 1965 and heads a strong British challenge, which also includes leading fancy Enrilo for Paul Nicholls.

Colin and Joe Tizzard saddle three as they bid to win the race for the third time in the last seven years, with Fiddlerontheroof heading their team with Brendan Powell in the saddle.

Epatante back for more Fighting Fifth success

A field of six will line up for the Grade 1 Betfair Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Newcastle (3.15), where defending champion Epatante faces an intriguing clash against rising star Monmiral.

The Nicky Henderson-trained mare could not add to her tally following her easy success in the 2m Grade 1 last year, but underwent back surgery in the summer as she bids to get her career back on track on her seasonal return.

Epatante and Aidan Coleman go for more Fighting Fifth glory on SaturdayCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

The Paul Nicholls-trained Monmiral heads to Gosforth Park having failed to meet the qualifications to run in the Gerry Fielden Hurdle at Newbury on the same day and will be ridden by Sean Bowen as he seeks a second top-level success following his impressive win at the Grand National meeting in April.

3.15 Newcastle Saturday: Fighting Fifth racecard and betting

Sceau Royal, Christmas Hurdle winner Silver Streak, Not So Sleepy and Voix Du Reve complete a quality line-up.

Only four runners will contest the Listed handicap hurdle better known as the Gerry Fielden Hurdle (2.25), with last year's Betfair Hurdle winner Soaring Glory likely to be a strong favourite to back up his recent Ascot success, while 13 go to post for the Rehearsal Chase at Newcastle, including the admirable Aye Right (2.05).

Ladbrokes Trophy runners and riders

Brahma BullBrian Hayes
Eklat de RireRachael Blackmore
Cloth CapTom Scudamore
AnnamixJack Foley (5)
OntheropesSean O'Keeffe (3)
FiddlerontheroofBrendan Powell
Kitty's LightJack Tudor (3)
Brave EagleJames Bowen
Mister MalarkyHarry Kimber (7)
CopperheadJonjo O'Neill Jr
PottermanTom Cannon
EnriloHarry Cobden
RemasteredFergus Gillard (3)
Canelo Tom Bellamy
The Hollow GingeSam Twiston-Davies
DemachineRichard Patrick
Cloudy GlenCharlie Deutsch
FortescueHugh Nugent (5)
Full BackJamie Moore
One More FleurieCharlie Todd (3)
Danny Whizzbang Mitchell Bastyan (3)

Ladbrokes Trophy
Sponsors odds: 9-2 Eklat De Rire, Ontheropes, 5 Fiddlerontheroof, Enrilo, 11 Cloth Cap, 12 Kitty's Light, Potterman, Remastered, 14 Copperhead, Demachine, 16 Canelo, 20 bar

Betfair Fighting Fifth Hurdle runners and riders

MonmiralSean Bowen
Not So SleepyJonathan Burke
Sceau RoyalDaryl Jacob
Silver StreakAdam Wedge
Voix du ReveConor O'Farrell
EpatanteAidan Coleman

Fighting Fifth Hurdle betting
Sponsors odds: 5-6 Epatante, 100-30 Monmiral, 4 Sceau Royal, 8 Silver Streak, 16 Not So Sleepy, 100 Voix Du Reve

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