RACING expert Graeme Johnston (@GraemeJ_83) returns to share his best bet from Saturday's action at Newbury.
Saturday | 3:00 Newbury | ITV
The Ladbrokes Trophy Chase is one of the season’s key handicaps but this year it's attracted a much smaller than usual field. Thirteen line-up, and despite the smaller numbers, it's a really competitive renewal and should provide us with plenty of future winners.
Thomas Patrick (4/1 Ladbrokes) is edging favouritism just now and is a horse with a big future. He jumps well and is relatively uncomplicated with his front running style. My concern for him here is the ground is likely to be quicker than is ideal for him, and I'm not sure this will be his day.
Elegant Escape (6/1 Betfair) was a high-class novice chaser last season and returned with a good victory over Thomas Patrick. He's another who looks like he needs softer ground and the extra weight he has to carry makes life harder. He has course form and is progressive but I think there are more likely winners.
The one I like here is Ms Parfois (6/1 Ladbrokes). She done nothing but improve last season and ended up with placed efforts at the Cheltenham and Aintree festivals. She is a tough stayer and I expect her to continue her progress this year.
Ms Parfois has been trained for this, has a good racing weight and the previous course winner appeals as an each-way proposition.
Best Bets
3:00 Newbury – Ms Parfois each-way (6/1 Ladbrokes)
