OK Corral looks to have lots going for him in the Grade 3 Ladbrokes Trophy Chase at Newbury today (3.00) and makes plenty of appeal at 8/1.
This Nicky Henderson trained nine-year-old was a top class hurdler who finished a fine runner-up in the the Albert Bartlett at the 2018 Cheltenham Festival and a decent fifth to Santini in a Grade 1 at Aintree a month later.
Whatever he achieved over the smaller obstavles was always going to be a bonus and he made a smooth transition to fences in winning his first two starts last season.
In the first of those at Plumpton he jumped well apart from making a blunder at the 12th to very easily beat Impulsive Star by 2 1/4 lengths.
The runner-up went on to land the valuable Grade 3 Classic Handicap Chase at Warwick to give the form a solid look.
OK Corral then landed a Listed contest in ultra-impressive fashion at Warwick by six lengths from Secret Investor.
It was a performance which oozed class and saw OK Corral sent off a well-backed 4/1 second favourite for the National Hunt Chase at Cheltenham when last seen in action back in March.
However, he was never travelling at any stage and after weakening badly three from home was pulled-up before the next.
It was a run which was too bad to be true and Henderson subsequentky revealed that OK Coral had been hit by an outbreak of equine flu in February and felt he had not recovered in time from the vaccination.
OK Corral is a classy sort who remains with bags of potential after just three starts over fences and his current mark looks exploitable in my eyes.
He is also a second season chase and they have a fine record in the Ladbrokes Trophy. His handler has won the race three times.
Daily Sport recommended bet: 2pts each-way OK Corral (8/1 Boylesports, Paddy Power, Sky Bet – BOG, paying six places)