Kempton’s Ladbrokes Trophy Handicap Chase is one of the key staying handicap chases of the season, run over three miles with an even pace expected. The field of 13 contains a mix of progressive novices and experienced handicappers, and historical trends give a useful insight into what it takes to win this race.

Key Race Trends & Winning Profile

• Age: 9-year-olds have the strongest record, though 7-8 year-olds also perform well.
• Official Rating: Winners typically fall in the 138-154 range, with OR 154 producing a strong 27% strike rate.
• Weight: The ideal range is 10st 6lb – 11st 8lb, with heavier weights struggling.
• Market Trends: Favourites have a poor win rate, with most winners coming from the 9/2 – 8/1 bracket.
• Recent Form: Horses finishing 2nd or 3rd last time out have the strongest record.
• Days Since Run: Best results come from those running 16-30 days ago.

Leading Contenders

1️⃣ HYLAND (FR) – 7/2 (Strongest Contender)

• Trends Fit: 8yo, OR 158, carries 11st 13lb.
• Form: 2nd in the Grade 1 Kauto Star over C&D on Boxing Day.
• Pace: Front-runner, ideal for Kempton.
• Verdict: Strong claims, classy novice dropping into handicaps with potential to progress.

2️⃣ LOWRY’S BAR (IRE) – 13/2

• Trends Fit: 7yo, OR 156, carries 12st 0lb.
• Form: Runner-up in a Grade 2 novice, won two handicaps before that.
• Pace: Races prominently, another advantage at Kempton.
• Verdict: Solid contender, improving with every run.

3️⃣ OUR POWER (IRE) – 8/1 (Each-Way Chance)

• Trends Fit: 10yo, OR 156, carries 11st 10lb.
• Form: Winner of this race in 2023, placed in strong Cheltenham handicaps.
• Pace: Usually races midfield, may need a strong pace.
• Verdict: Course form gives him a chance, but age trends are a concern.

4️⃣ BEACHCOMBER (FR) – 8/1

• Trends Fit: 7yo, OR 156, carries 11st 2lb.
• Form: Won a 24f Kempton handicap by 10L last time.
• Pace: Front-runner, should be well-positioned.
• Verdict: Progressive and dangerous if allowed an easy lead.

5️⃣ KATATE DORI (FR) – 9/1 (Value Pick)

• Trends Fit: 7yo, OR 157, carries 10st 5lb.
• Form: Progressive novice, stays 3m well.
• Pace: Usually held up, needs a strong pace.
• Verdict: Potential for improvement, could be underestimated.

Final Verdict

Horse	Odds	Trends Match	Verdict
HYLAND	7/2	✅ Best form, strong profile	Strongest contender
LOWRY’S BAR	13/2	✅ Big-race performer, improving	Solid contender
OUR POWER	8/1	✅ Course form, last year’s winner	Each-way claims
BEACHCOMBER	8/1	✅ Impressive win, front-runner	Could dominate
KATATE DORI	9/1	✅ Unexposed & improving	Value pick

🏆 Strongest Contender: HYLAND (7/2) – Looks well-handicapped, has Grade 1 form, and should be hard to beat.

🔥 Alternative: LOWRY’S BAR (13/2) – Improving novice, likely to be competitive.

💰 Value Pick: KATATE DORI (9/1) – Unexposed, stays well, and could surprise.

The race is shaping up to be a battle between progressive novices and experienced handicappers. Given Kempton’s tendency to favour front-runners, Hyland and Beachcomber could hold the aces, while Katate Dori looks a value play for those seeking an alternative angle.