'He's very much on the upgrade and less exposed than a lot of the others' - key insight for the Ladbrokes Trophy

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Nicky Henderson is confident Hyland has the ability to land the Ladbrokes Trophy Handicap Chase on the way to his end-of-season target at Aintree.

The eight-year-old has enjoyed a strong campaign for the Seven Barrows trainer this season, winning twice and finishing a close second behind The Jukebox Man over course and distance in the Grade 1 Kauto Star Novices’ Chase on Boxing Day.

His two victories this term have come at Cheltenham, but Henderson has decided to miss the festival in favour of going for the Grand National in April with Hyland, who finished 14th in the Pertemps Final last season.

He said: "We’re going down the Grand National road. It’s our ultimate plan, which means he won’t be going to Cheltenham. He needs the run to be eligible, but, on the other hand, he’s got the right criteria for this race and hopefully Aintree."

Ground, however, will be key for his chances in the 13-runner contest.

Henderson added: "He’s in good form. He has to have good ground; it’s absolutely crucial, and Kempton is likely to be better than anywhere else."

Lowry’s Bar on the upgrade for Hobbs and White

The market suggests the Philip Hobbs and Johnson White-trained Lowry’s Bar poses the biggest challenge to Hyland and connections believe he is “very much on the upgrade”.

The seven-year-old, who has won two of his last three starts, was due to feature in last weekend’s Reynoldstown at Ascot but was pulled out the day before with a bit of bruising.

It means Lowry’s Bar, who could be a player in the Ultima at Cheltenham next month, features here instead, although he is also very much ground dependent.

Joint-trainer White said: “I'm hoping the forecast is right with a lot of rain on, but we can see how things pan out during the day. The intention is to run. We wouldn't want to run him on quicker ground. If so, he'd go straight to the Ultima.

Jingko Blue and Lowry's Bar clashed at Windsor last time

Lowry's Bar (right): runner-up in the Hampton Novices' Chase last timeCredit: Edward Whitaker

"He's absolutely sound now and has been cantering away in the week with no issues. It has been the plan to come here since Ascot.

"These big handicaps are very difficult to win, and it's certainly more open without Iroko, but carrying top weight would indicate we're the best horse in the race. Hopefully that's the case."

Lowry’s Bar finished second behind Jingko Blue in the Grade 2 Hampton Novices' Chase on his first start over this three-mile trip last month and White added: "He stayed on very well around Windsor last time and would've gone close but for a mistake three out.

"A flatter track won't hinder him. He's very much on the upgrade and less exposed than a lot of the others in the field. He's always taken his racing particularly well."

What they say

Sam Thomas, trainer of Our Power and Katate Dori
They’re both doing well and I’m looking forward to it. Our Power has been there and done it, and thankfully we’re not topweight. Dylan [Johnston] takes off three pounds, so I’d be hopeful of a big run from him. Katate Dori is still a novice and is going to have to show he can survive the hustle and bustle early on. He’s not a quick horse, but hopefully Charlie [Deutsch] can give him one of his typical patient rides. I’m sure he’ll come home strong.

Paul Nicholls, trainer of Tahmuras and Golden Son
They both ran very well at Kempton last year as Golden Son won and Tahmuras ran very well in the Pendil, and I thought then he might be one for this race. Golden Son ran very well the last day, which suggested three miles would suit him, and he should have a nice chance. They've both got each-way chances, especially if it rained.

Thumbs up: Paul Nicholls had plenty of reasons to smile after the Coral Gold Cup

Paul Nicholls: runs Tahmuras and Golden Son in the Ladbrokes TrophyCredit: Edward Whitaker

Dan Skelton, trainer of Heltenham
I think he's got a great chance. He was second here last year and this trip will definitely suit him better. It feels like he's coming back to a bit of form and I'd give him an each-way chance.

AJ O’Neill, joint-trainer of Beachcomber
He's been nice and straightforward for us, including when winning nicely at this track last time, and we're looking forward to hopefully another good run. It's a competitive prize, but three miles and good ground should suit.

David Pipe, trainer of Deeper Blue
It's his first run for us. The track and trip should be fine. He's a lively outsider at the right end of the weights.