Zabenz handed Betfred mission

Philip Hobbs is hoping Zabenz can gain compensation for a luckless run in the Grand National at Sandown on Saturday.

The 10-year-old is set to contest the Betfred Gold Cup following a mishap that forced jockey Barry Fenton to pull up before the seventh fence at Aintree.

Zabenz has drawn a blank in four starts this term, although he ran well when second at Ascot in October and Hobbs is anticipating another good performance at the weekend.

“Zabenz runs and he’s fine. His leather broke in the Grand National,” Hobbs explained.

“He jumped Bechers and as he landed his leather broke so he had to pull him up, which was a shame as he had jumped the first few really well.

“I know he was only jumping Bechers for the first time but he was third or fourth jumping it, enjoying it, and going well.

“He’s been fine since though and definitely runs on Saturday,” the trainer told At The Races.

Zabenz is a best-priced 20-1 with Betdirect for Saturday’s Grade Three feature.