The Wizard’s pinstickers’ guide to the runners and riders for the Ladbrokes Trophy Chase on Saturday, December 2
The Wizard runs you through the contenders for the Ladbrokes Trophy Chase and gives you his verdict on the competitive handicap
PAYMENT is due in Newbury’s Ladbrokes Trophy Chase (3.00).
SINGLEFARMPAYMENT tuned up for this with an excellent second at Cheltenham last time and should be spot on today. He stays well and is open to improvement for trainer Tom George.
CONEYGREE 2/5
Gree’s not for me. Has huge talent but is almost impossible to get right. Was out of sorts on latest comeback at Wetherby and Cheltenham Gold Cup win of 2015 seems a very long time ago now.
WHISPER 3/5
Whisper has a shout. Was top hurdler and has won plenty over fences too. Needed run at Kempton last time but still came home first. But he has a lot of weight and best form is over slightly shorter.
AMERICAN 4/5
American dream can come true. Rising star who has won all three chases so far. He stayed well at Uttoxeter last time and will like the ground. Open to more improvement and should be right in the shake-up.
CAROLE’S DESTRIER 2/5
Carole’s out of tune. Was shock second in this 12 months ago before poor run in Welsh National. Has 340-day absence to overcome along with a career-high mark. Hard to see repeat of last year.
LABEL DES OBEAUX 2/5
Obeaux’s off key. Showed promise last year with three chase wins but has gone up the weights and looked flat on both starts this term. Needs to improve.
A GENIE IN ABOTTLE 3/5
Genie won’t bottle it. Looks nice prospect after Listed chase win at Wexford last time. Shapes as though trip will suit and hasn’t been hammered by handicapper. Needs more but could find it.
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REGAL ENCORE 2/5
Regal won’t reign. Hammered on comeback at Ascot and this is tougher. Looks high in weights and can make mistakes.
ROYAL VACATION 3/5
Vacation needs a break. Looked rusty on comeback at Wetherby and will enjoy this hike in trip. Best form in the mud though so wants a downpour.
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PLEASANT COMPANY 2/5
Company’s on his own. Real stayer who went well in the Grand National until a late mistake cost him. Hasn’t run since and this trip should be on the short side.
TOTAL RECALL 4/5
Don’t forget Recall. Has been well backed for this since winning Munster National at a canter last time. Form has been franked so 18lb weight hike is bearable. Should stay and will be hard to beat if the ground eases further as he’s best on soft.
SINGLEFARMPAYMENT 5/5
Bet the Farm. Tom George’s chaser ran well when second at Cheltenham last time despite being rusty. Was beaten on the nod at last year’s Festival and this looks his best trip. He’s still improving and is on a fair handicap mark.
DOUBLE ROSS 2/5
Ross won’t boss. Dour stayer was third in this last year but this looks a stronger renewal. Unseated at Sandown last time and this looks beyond him.
PRESENT MAN 4/5
Present and correct. Ran cracker to win Badger Ales at Wincanton last time, jumping brilliantly from the front. This is tougher but he will like the trip and gets on well with excellent claimer. Has place shout.
MISSED APPROACH 2/5
Not to be Missed. Struggled on comeback over hurdles last time after finishing eighth in Scottish National. Stays forever so should be too slow in this company.
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BIGBADJOHN 1/5
Big bad bet. Struggled on his two runs this term, including in lesser company at Bangor. Grade 2 winner at best but out of sorts at present.
VYTA DU ROC 3/5
Roc’s ready. Was close second in Bet365 Gold Cup at Sandown on last chase run and is fit from hurdling. On long losing run but could sneak into frame.
BRAQUEUR D’OR 2/5
D’Or is closed. Fair form in lesser races but held at Ascot last time off what looks a high mark. Needs personal best.
COGRY 3/5
Cog’s got gears. Beat rusty Singlefarmpayment at Cheltenham last time and a 6lb rise in weights looks fair. Was second in Scottish National so stays forever. Jumping could be an issue as he tends to make mistakes.
POTTERS LEGEND 2/5
Legend needs a miracle. Ran well when fourth in Kim Muir last term but well below par both starts this term. Is fitter now but needs more in this class.
SOUTHFIELD ROYALE 1/5
It’s heading South. Form figures tell the tale, struggled in Badger Ales last time and has another big ask here.
PILGRIMS BAY 1/5
Bay should sink. Has some talent but doesn’t often show it. Poor at Wincanton last time and trip looks beyond him too.