Ladbrokes Trophy under 'serious consideration' for new ante-post favourite

Henry de Bromhead made off with some of Britain's most prestigious races last spring and he could be back for more this month after the trainer admitted the Ladbrokes Trophy was under "serious consideration" for new ante-post favourite Eklat De Rire.

The seven-year-old, who unseated his rider at the 12th fence in the Brown Advisory Novices' Chase won by Monkfish at Cheltenham in March, is into 6-1 with bet365 following news the luckless Shan Blue will be out of action until the spring.

Eklat De Rire has been allocated a mark of 154, 2lb higher than his Irish one, for the Newbury showpiece on the last Saturday of the month and, if topweight Royal Pagaille takes his chance in the line-up, he would carry 11st 3lb.