Bajan heads Trophy weights
12 Feb 2010 - 10:13:53
Blue Bajan heads a final field of 24 runners for the totesport Trophy at Newbury on Saturday.
Andy Turnell's stable star finished last of seven on his most recent appearance over obstacles in the Christmas Hurdle at Kempton, but was beaten just a neck on the level at Wolverhampton last month.
Ante-post favourite Spirit River is one of four runners for Nicky Henderson along with First Point, Stravinsky Dance and Fairyland.
Gary Moore's Harry Tricker chased home Khyber Kim on his latest appearance in the Greatwood Hurdle at Cheltenham and is joined by stablemate Numide, while David Pipe runs Mutual Friend, Mamlook and Ronaldo Des Mottes.
The Noel Meade-trained Arch Rebel is the sole challenger from Ireland, with other interesting contenders including the unbeaten Get Me Out Of Here, the well-supported Takeroc and Manyriverstocross.
Nick Gifford will be pleased just to get Pascha Bere back in action after being thwarted by the prolonged cold snap.
"The ground should be fine for him. It's a very competitive race, but he's got formlines with Harry Tricker through Zabeel Palace so he deserves to take his chance," said the Findon trainer.
"We've been waiting to run him. His last two engagements have been frosted off. This is the next obvious race for him to have a spin at."
