The Conditional is one of 18 runners that have been declared for what is set to be a wide-open edition of the Ladbrokes Trophy at Newbury on Saturday.
The David Bridgwater-trained eight-year-old finished as runner-up in Newbury’s winter showpiece 12 months ago, but he will be looking to go one better this time around after he won the Ultima Handicap at the Cheltenham Festival on his last start in March.
The son of Kalanisi is one of six horses vying for market supremacy ahead of the race, with Vinndication, Black Op, Aye Right, Kildisart and Copperhead all expected to be among the leading contenders.
Vinndication will be looking to continue trainer Kim Bailey’s impressive start to the season, with David Bass set to be in the saddle once again, just as he was when the seven-year-old finished second to Cyrname in the Charlie Hall Chase at Wetherby last month.
Kildisart was also last seen at Wetherby, finishing third behind Roksana and Next Destination in the bet365 Hurdle, but he should also mount a serious challenge on Saturday having finished second to The Conditional at Cheltenham last season.
