Newbury’s biggest race of the year might lack a bit of star quality but finding the winner looks as tough a job as ever
There is much for fans of jump racing to get excited about in this year’s Ladbrokes Trophy, featuring a big field of intriguing contenders, but there are no Irish raiders and, as a result of Topofthegame’s injury, no real Gold Cup potential on show. This does not look like a year that will throw up a Denman, a Bobs Worth or a Many Clouds and on that basis Potterman (3.00) could prove good enough at 14-1.
Descended from a half-sister to Denman, Potterman is not in that league but still has potential at staying distances and made up masses of ground in the Wincanton straight when pipped in the Badger Beers. He has a handy pull at the weights with Secret Investor for his previous effort at Chepstow and the dry weather means he must be taken seriously.
Newcastle
11.45 Castel Gandolfo 12.20 Oscar Ceremony 12.55 Tupelo Mississippi 1.30 The Ferry Master 2.05 Epatante 2.40 Largy Mouth 3.15 The Butcher Said (nb)
⭐️ Thyme Hill - the new star of the staying hurdle division
Eight races
Five wins
G1 Challow Hurdle
G2 @Ladbrokes Long Distance Hurdle
A hugely exciting prospect for @PJHobbs1 & @dickyjohnson77 - Thyme Hill wins the Long Distance Hurdle at @NewburyRacing pic.twitter.com/L6LPxTH5ax