Gambler's Corner: Shhh... you know which race I mean

OLD CODGERS such as myself still call it The Schweppes, but though the name has long since changed, this afternoon's Totesport Trophy Hurdle at Newbury retains its attraction as a prime gambling event.

This is partly due to the size of the field creating generous prices - the maximum of 27 runners should go to post - and partly because certain trainers have laid out horses for this race. The trick is finding them.

Irish runners fit the bill, as do those from Martin Pipe's ever-ambitious stables. A third line of enquiry is trainer Nicky Henderson. He has certainly dominated the race recently, winning with Geos (2000, 2004), Landing Light (2001) and Sharpical (1998).

Geos goes again today but he's getting on a bit. Non So is younger and though he's been tried as a chaser this season, he did finish second in this race two years ago.

Pipe's best chances look to be Tamarinbleu, with a seasonal debut win over last Saturday's big winner Self Defense already to his name, and Marcel, who has won nine out of his past ten races, mainly novice hurdles. Both of these horses seem high enough in the weights for a tough handicap.

The two that I like, each-way, are Nawamees (33-1 with Totesport), given a recent spin on the all-weather at Lingfield, and sure to like drying ground; and the Irish raider Mansony (16-1), who closed rapidly on Essex, the current favourite, last time at Leopardstown. If they oblige, celebrate with more than tonic water.

Footnote to last week s column: William Hill now offers 20-1 on Robert Kilroy-Silk winning Geoff Hoon's seat, and 16-1 on Veritas winning one seat or more. No bet.