2021 Ladbrokes Trophy at Newbury: the runners, the odds, the verdict

The Ladbrokes Trophy at Newbury, one of the big winter highlights, has been an excellent pointer towards those with Cheltenham Gold Cup and Grand National ambitions in previous years. The mighty Denman's huge weight-carrying performance in 2009 is the stuff of legend, but who will star this season?

3.00 Newbury Saturday: Ladbrokes Trophy racecard and betting

1 Brahma Bull

Ten-year-old who won competitive Punchestown handicap in May; needs a career best off top weight.

Trainer: Willie Mullins
Jockey: Brian Hayes
Odds: 25-1

2 Eklat De Rire

Has won his three completed chase starts and has the potential to be better than this mark.

Trainer: Henry de Bromhead
Jockey: Rachael Blackmore
Odds: 7-2

3 Cloth Cap

18lb higher than when winning this last year but did it in fine style; not ruled out.

Trainer: Jonjo O'Neill
Jockey: Tom Scudamore
Odds: 14-1

4 Annamix

Arrives in good form but beaten on last nine starts and this is extremely competitive.

Trainer: Willie Mullins
Jockey: Jack Foley (5)
Odds: 25-1

5 Ontheropes

Won the Munster National last month and shaped as though he had more left in the tank.

Trainer: Willie Mullins
Jockey: Sean O'Keeffe
Odds: 13-2

6 Fiddlerontheroof

Runner-up at Cheltenham Festival in March and yard firmly back among the big-race winners.

Trainer: Colin Tizzard
Jockey: Brendan Powell
Odds: 7-1

7 Kitty's Light

Runner-up in the Charlie Hall last time and has each-way claims now back in a handicap.

Trainer: Christian Williams
Jockey: Jack Tudor (3)
Odds: 12-1

8 Brave Eagle

On a handy mark and returned from absence with fair fourth last month; good ground suits best.

Trainer: Nicky Henderson
Jockey: James Bowen
Odds: 40-1

9 Mister Malarky

Well beaten on both starts last month but has been known to bounce back out of the blue.

Trainer: Colin Tizzard
Jockey: Harry Kimber (7)
Odds: 33-1

10 Copperhead

Struggled last season but stable going much better this term; well handicapped on best form.

Trainer: Colin Tizzard
Jockey: Jonjo O'Neill Jr
Odds: 20-1

11 Potterman

Runner-up in Badger Beer recently and steadily progressive; best form is on good ground.

Trainer: Alan King
Jockey: Tom Cannon
Odds: 16-1

12 Enrilo

Appears to idle in front so this progressive seven-year-old could still be ahead of the handicapper.

Trainer: Paul Nicholls
Jockey: Harry Cobden
Odds: 13-2

13 Remastered

Won 3m Grade 2 novice in February then faded over 3m6f at Cheltenham; could have more to offer.

Trainer: David Pipe
Jockey: Fergus Gillard (3)
Odds: 12-1

14 Canelo

Improved last season when cheekpieces went on but others look better treated.

Trainer: Alan King
Jockey: Tom Bellamy
Odds: 50-1

15 The Hollow Ginge

Was a 14-length fourth in this race last year; place possibilities but he's inconsistent.

Trainer: Nigel Twiston-Davies
Jockey: Sam Twiston-Davies
Odds: 20-1

16 Demachine

Second in Grade 2 novice at Ascot in February; could build on that now back left-handed.

Trainer: Kerry Lee
Jockey: Richard Patrick
Odds: 16-1

17 Cloudy Glen

Inconsistent but won on last year's reappearance and has each-way claims if on a going day.

Trainer: Venetia Williams
Jockey: Charlie Deutsch
Odds: 33-1

18 Fortescue

Progressive in spring and this seven-year-old may have more to offer, but form has to go to next level.

Trainer: Henry Daly
Jockey: Hugh Nugent (5)
Odds: 50-1

19 Full Back

Plenty of ability in small-field novice chases last term but this is extremely competitive.

Trainer: Gary Moore
Jockey: Jamie Moore
Odds: 50-1

20 One More Fleurie

Impressed at Ayr in April; could leave comeback behind if ground suits (best form on good).

Trainer: Ian Williams
Jockey: Charlie Todd (3)
Odds: 25-1

21 Danny Whizzbang

New trainer enjoying an excellent autumn; well handicapped but struggled last season.

Trainer: Milton Harris
Jockey: Mitchell Bastyan (3)
Odds: 33-1

The verdict

The lightly raced seven-year-old Eklat De Rire has star potential for Henry de Bromhead and Rachael Blackmore and is preferred to Ontheropes.

Read these next:

2021 Ladbrokes Trophy: why this horse can win Saturday's big race at Newbury

The fantasy Ladbrokes Trophy: pick your Newbury favourite from the past 20 years

Denman: 'He could pick you up and chuck you out the box or take your arm off'

18+. New UK+IRE customers only. Certain deposit methods and bet types excluded. Minimum first £10 bet within 14 days of account registration at minimum odds of 1-2 = 3x £10 free bets. Free bets valid for seven days. Stake not returned. No cash-out. Restrictions and T&Cs apply. Sign up here.