Cap can claim Trophy triumph
Cloth Cap can prove more than a match for a host of classy rivals in the Ladbrokes Trophy Chase at Newbury tomorrow.
Ground conditions are at last right for Jonjo O’Neill’s eight-year-old – for the first time since he finished a close third in the Scottish Grand National in April 2019.
He is consequently racing from just a 2lb higher rating, having battled through the mud in all four starts last season and then seen the rain just come at the wrong time again on his return to action last month.
It is a stretch to suggest that he is in the same class as some of his much higher-weighted opponents in Saturday’s renewal of the famous handicap – especially Vinndication, for whom victory or even an honourable place under a welter burden would confirm Gold Cup aspirations.
But O’Neill’s proven stayer sneaks in off bottom weight, and the receipt of 25lb from Vinndication could well balance the scales in his favour.
Cloth Cap is unlikely to be head and shoulders above the rest, and could well find himself outpaced at some stage – but stamina is always key in this hugely-competitive handicap, especially when it is allied with conditions to suit.
It is a tip in itself that owner Trevor Hemmings chose to retain Cloth Cap when he reduced his string earlier this year.
That is likely to have been with a Grand National bid in mind, but victory off his current rating would hardly scupper that plan in a race renowned as a trial for Aintree and Cheltenham glory through the years.
Cloth Cap ran well in the circumstances at Cheltenham five weeks ago – and with no further rain forecast on good ground, this is his big chance.
Elsewhere on Newbury’s classy card, Tea Clipper and Marie’s Rock are two more who should be suited by the unseasonally sound surface.
The former has been beaten by just one other horse in six career starts, including a Larkhill point-to-point, yet still has prospects of bagging his third handicap – having retained a workable rating thanks to the narrow margins of his success to date.
The Get Your Ladbrokes £1 Free Bet Today Handicap Hurdle looks tailormade, and should be within his grasp.
Marie’s Rock seeks to follow in the illustrious hoofprints of stable mate and fellow mare Epatante, in the Ladbrokes Committed To Safer Gambling Intermediate Hurdle.
Nicky Henderson’s subsequent Champion Hurdle heroine ran away with this Listed race 12 months ago – and in the unbeaten Marie’s Rock, he has another prime contender.