Paul Nicholls praises Enrilo ahead of Ladbrokes Trophy at Newbury

Paul Nicholls believes Enrilo is ready to have a crack at the Ladbrokes Trophy during the Winter Carnival at Newbury on Saturday.

The seven-year-old was one of five horses to make the trip from Ditcheat to participate in the Gallops morning, with Kapcorse, Monmiral, Clan Des Obeaux and Flash Collonges also on show.

Enrilo is expected to be Nicholls’ sole entry for the £250,000 race this weekend and the trainer is thrilled with preparations.

“I am pleased with Enrillo, I spoke to Harry and he was thrilled with the way he went and he travelled nicely.

“He will be spot on for next weekend because he is ready and he is fit and well.

“Monmiral was a bit sharper and he could have kicked on, while Clan just needed it a fraction because he is a little way off from being fully prepared and he will have another day out.

“The two chasers behind, Kapcorse and Flash Collonges, went nicely and they’re both intending to come for the Ladbrokes Meeting, but I am especially thrilled for Enrillo because he is absolutely bang on.”

Enrilo will make his seasonal debut at Newbury in the Ladbrokes Trophy and is currently joint-favourite to land the top prize.

“I felt this is the race to come first time round,” admitted Nicholls. “If we had run him in something like the Badger Beer Handicap Chase and he won, then we would get seven or eight pounds more and it’s handy that we haven’t got a penalty, so it’ll make the task a little bit easier.

“You don’t want to shoot yourself in the foot by getting a penalty, so we thought we would come here fresh.

“He is one of those horses who needs a bit of time and when he’s fresh he is very good, he said. “Last year, he had a fractured tooth and it kept him out for a while.

“He isn’t a horse that didn’t need too much racing last year, he is probably beginning to be the finished article and what I like about him is that he stays and it’s what you need.”