3m2f Ladbrokes Trophy Chase (Handicap) (Grade 3) (Class 1)
A good renewal of the Ladbrokes Trophy over at Newbury and Vinndication sits at the top-of-the-market. I’m not convinced he’s as consistent racing left-handed and despite his porgressive profile I’m not keen on him at 6/1.
SECRET INVESTOR also carries a big weight with 11st 9lbs, but he’s technically 3lbs well-in on his seasonal reappearance form which was boosted by Potterman recently.
Secret Investor is unexposed over this sort of distance having finished second to Native River over three miles on this course on his penultimate start. The Paul Nicholls runner is also massively ground dependent and he will the his favoured going conditions which could see him show a career best.
I thought Black Op looked interesting on some of his back form and has a lot of class on his day.
But COPPERHEAD was highly progressive for Colin Tizzard during his first season over fences. He finished it disappointly coming down late in the RSA at the Cheltenham Festival. He was beaten on that occassion but had looked highly promising beforehand and it would be fair to draw a line through it.
Copperhead does have to overcome an underwhelming seasonal opener over hurdles but is 3/5 over fences and the clear message from the yard is that they have been targeting this race since last season.
Copperhead is a good jumper and a strong galloping-type that should stay this trip well on this ground. He’s also officially rated 3lbs lower than his RSA run and with course winning form at Newbury, he looks overpriced at 12/1.
1pt win Secret Investor @9/1, 15:00 Newbury, Saturday
1pt win Copperhead @12/1, 15:00 Newbury, Saturday