Elegant Escape looks the potential class act in what is the poorest renewal of the Ladbrokes Trophy at Newbury today (3.00) that I can remember, so makes plenty of appeal at 6/1.
Colin Tizzard’s charge is a course winner who fared well in his first season chasing, scoring twice and posting some solid efforts in defeat.
They included when a staying on third to exciting Gold Cup prospect Presenting Percy in the Grade 1 RSA Chase at the Cheltenham Festival when beaten 14 lengths off an official rating of 153.
Elegant Escape was also far from disgraced on the final start of the campaign when third to Terrefort in a Grade 1 at Aintree and there was lots to like about his winning return to action over 2m at Sandown last month when beating Thomas Patrick by 1/2 a length.
After making a mistake when challenging at the last he found himslef with two lengths to make up on the run-in. Elegant escape then rallied strongly to cut down the defecit and get up close home.
To me he was value for more than the winning margin so despite being 5lb worse off with the runner-up is taken to confirm the form.
The step up to 3m 2f also promises to suit as Elegant Escape is a relentless galloper who looks on afair mark off 155.
So with soft ground holding no fears, and the in-form Harry Cobden in the saddle, he looks the one to be on in this.
Daily Sport recommended bet: 3pts win Elegant Escape (6/1 BetVictor, Betfred, Betfair – BOG)