NICKY HENDERSON will be hoping his big gun OK Corral can fire in Saturday’s Ladbrokes Trophy showdown.
The nine-year-old is favourite for the prestigious handicap, which this year has attracted a full body of 24 runners.
He heads a formidable Seven Barrows team which also includes Cheltenham Festival winner Beware The Bear, Brave Eagleand former Grade 1 scorerOn The Blind Side.
Willie Mullins will bid to land his first win in the race since Total Recall did the business two years ago withCabaret Queen, last seen bolting up in the Munster National.
His main Irish rival Gordon Elliott is responsible for Galway Plate winner Borice,while Mullins’ Yorkhillbolsters a strong contingent from the Emerald Isle.
Colin Tizzard fielded last year’s 1-2 and this term relies onMister Malarkey, Robinsfirth, Elegant Escapeand recent Cheltenham winnerWest Approach.
while Dan Skelton throwsTwo Taffsinto the mix.
The field is completed byDingo Dollar, The Conditional, Daklondike, Yala Enki, Shantou Village, Joe Farrell, Commodore, Some Chaos, Regal Encore, WaltandLe Musee.
Bennys Kingis a reserve for the race.
Over at Newcastle,Buveur D’Airwill face just four rivals in the Fighting Fifth.
Silver Streak, Lady Buttons, Cornerstone LadandNelson Riverwill all bid to dethrone the odds-on favourite.
