Ladbrokes Trophy: who heads the betting for Saturday's big race at Newbury?

Saturday's big race is the Ladbrokes Trophy (3.00) at Newbury. The prestigious handicap chase has been won by some of jump racing's most popular horses, including the likes of Denman, Bobs Worth and Native River in recent years, and this year 22 horses went forward at Monday's confirmation stage. But what does the market make of the field at this point?

3.00 Newbury Saturday: Ladbrokes Trophy racecard and betting

The favourite

Ontheropes

Odds: 9-2 generally

A leading ante-post fancy for Willie Mullins ever since he landed the Munster National, a race won by the stable's Total Recall before his last-gasp victory over Whisper in 2017.

The seven-year-old is owned by Cheveley Park, who enjoyed Grade 1 glory in the Betfair Chase courtesy of A Plus Tard on Saturday, and it's easy to see why this improving Irish raider is strongly fancied for the Newbury prize.

His price contracted to a general 9-2 on Monday and he heads the market with all firms, although 5-1 is still available with William Hill.

Leading contenders

Fiddlerontheroof

Odds: 5-1 generally

The Brown Advisory Novices' Chase second returned victorious in the Colin Parker Memorial Chase at Carlisle last month and his ante-post odds have continued to shorten in the weeks leading up to the Ladbrokes Trophy.

Colin Tizzard, who has three horses entered in the big race, was among the big-race winners on Saturday with 1965 Chase scorer Lostintranslation, and it's possible this second-season chaser could take the necessary step forward in Saturday's main event.

Enrilo

Odds: 11-2 generally

The Paul Nicholls-trained seven-year-old hasn't been seen on a racecourse since April's bet365 Gold Cup demotion, when he was deemed to have caused significant interference close home and relegated from first to third.

The vibes are strong about Enrilo, whose stablemate Next Destination was taken out of the race on Monday, and Betfair spokesman Barry Orr believes "he could go off favourite".

Eklat De Rire

Odds: 6-1 generally

The long-time ante-post favourite after winning well at Wexford and the likely big-race mount of Rachael Blackmore, who cruised to Betfair Chase victory on A Plus Tard at the weekend.

Eklat De Rire has a strong Ladbrokes Trophy profile, given he's a second-season chaser, and he completes a formidable four-strong group of hot Newbury fancies at single-figure odds.

Other notable fancies

Kitty's Light

Odds: 10-1 generally

Placed second in the bet365 Gold Cup after Enrilo's demotion and has twice finished second this season, including in the Charlie Hall on his latest start. The market continues to speak favourably about his chances.

Cloth Cap

Odds: 12-1 generally

Last year's winner remains steady in the market but is reported to be "doing everything sweetly" by his trainer Jonjo O'Neill. Expect a bold show in the colours of the late Trevor Hemmings.

Remastered

Odds: 12-1 generally

A Ladbrokes Trophy dark horse whose odds have steadily shortened since his return in an Aintree handicap hurdle at the start of November. Represents David Pipe, who won with Madison Du Berlais in 2008 – his father Martin landed the race on three occasions.

Chris's Dream

Odds: 20-1 generally

A stablemate of Eklat De Rire and one of the class acts in the line-up. He is tasked with carrying top weight of 11st 12lb but has come in for each-way support at big prices.

Danny Whizzbang

Odds: 33-1 generally

An intriguing big-priced contender for in-form trainer Milton Harris, who believes his new recruit will be "fit enough". This former Paul Nicholls-trained course winner was cut across the board on Monday.

*Prices correct as of 3pm on Monday, November 22

Ladbrokes Trophy
Betfair 4-1 Ontheropes, 11-2 Enrilo, Fiddlerontheroof, 6-1 Eklat De Rire, 10-1 Kitty's Light, 12-1 Demachine, Cloth Cap, Potterman, Remastered, 16-1 Annamix, 20-1 Brahma Bull, Chris's Dream, Brave Eagle, 25-1 bar

Coming up on Friday: 2021 Ladbrokes Trophy at Newbury: the runners, the odds, the verdict

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