Henry de Bromhead raids the UK once again on Saturday with runners in both features at Newbury.
The trainer aims to continue his recent success in Britain after A Plus Tard’s facile victory with Eklat De Rire in the Gr3 Ladbrokes Handicap Trophy (17h00).
Eklat De Rire is a lightly-raced and unexposed 7-year-old chaser and this sort of stamina test on a galloping, left-handed track could be right up his street.
Opposition include two runners from the champion trainer Willie Mullins with Munster National winner Ontheropes the mount of Sean O’Keeffe and Annamix with Jack Foley aboard. Both stablemates have realistic chances.
Front runner and last year’s winner Cloth Cap returns after a satisfactory prep at Cheltenham last month but will find life a bit tougher this time around on a higher mark.
The in-form Colin Tizzard runs three, with Fiddlerontheroof, successful on his comeback in a strong race at Carlisle the most likely from the yard.
British champion trainer Paul Nicholls is represented by Enrilo who looks well in at the weights on his novice form and is a course winner who will enjoy the underfoot conditions.
A competitive 3-mile 2-furlong handicap and the tentative selection is for the Rachael Blackmore ridden Eklat De Rire.
Earlier on the card at 14h40, four runners contest the Gr2 Ladbrokes John Francome Novice’s Chase over 2 miles and 7 furlongs. Mr Incredible could provide the De Bromhead – Blackmore combination with a winning double. The step up in trip can only be a positive for this young staying chaser at this track.
The Gr1 Betfair Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Newcastle (17h15) is the only Group One in Britain on the weekend, where six runners go to the post.
The Nicky Henderson-trained mare Epatante defends her crown against potential star Monmiral from the Paul Nicholls yard. She underwent back surgery in the summer as she bids to get her career back on track on her seasonal return.
Unbeaten in four starts since joining the Nicholls stable, Monmiral will face a stern test of his progress when lining up against Epatante, Sceau Royal and Silver Streak.
The four-year-old son of Saint Des Saints was last seen clearing away from Adagio in the Gr1 Anniversary Hurdle at Aintree last season.
Honeysuckle in action (Pic – Henry De Bromhead Racing)
On Sunday (16h40), Honeysuckle defends her crown in the Gr1 Hatton’s Grace Hurdle over 2 miles and 4 furlongs.
The seven-year-old mare trained by the red-hot Henry de Bromhead tackles nine rivals on her seasonal return as she attempts to remain unbeaten in 13 starts. Stable jockey Rachael Blackmore retains the ride.
Champion jumps trainer Willie Mullins fields Saldier and the mare Stormy Ireland, but Honeysuckle is at least 10lbs well in at the weights and should take this on her way to Cheltenham and the Champion Hurdle at season end
