Osana tops Ladbroke field

Osana, who could yet contest this Saturday’s Boylesports.com International Hurdle, is the top-weight and ante-post favourite for the Ladbroke at Ascot seven days later.

The 8-1 market leader with the sponsors is already experienced at shouldering heavy burdens, having finished second in the Greatwood Hurdle with 11st 12lb.

However, if he were to win, he would be setting a weight-carrying record for the valuable handicap.

Trainer David Pipe’s family are looking for a fourth consecutive victory – he won the race last year with Acambo while father Martin took it with Desert Air in 2005 and Tamarinbleu in 2004.

David Pipe also has Laustra Bad on 10st 11lb.

Epsom handler Laura Mongan hopes the rain stays away for her smart novice Alsadaa (10st 11lb).

The four-year-old has won three of his four starts over hurdles, including a course and distance triumph on November 3.

Mongan said: “Alsadaa will probably go to The Ladbroke as that is what we are aiming for but it all depends on the ground.

“We missed out at Sandown at the weekend when the ground went against us, so we thought we would hang on and see what happens at Ascot.

“He wants as good ground as he can get – I don’t think he wants very fast ground but we don’t want to be running on really soft going.

“He has been a bit of a revelation since we got him in the summer and he hasn’t stopped improving.

“I think he has the improvement in him to get amongst the principals. He just needs to get his own way and be able to run along in front.

“I don’t know if he will be able to do that in that sort of company but I hope so, and he deserves to be there.”

Indian Pace, the 9-1 second favourite, has been allotted 10st 5lb. He is currently number 42 in the handicap with a maximum permitted field of 18 on the day.

Paul Nicholls has the intriguing option of running Tingle Creek winner Twist Magic off 10st 5lb, should he wish to.

Ladbrokes spokesman David Williams said: “Esprit De Corps has been the horse for money this week.

“The Irish gamble hasn’t yet materialised in full but we are fully braced.

“Of the market leaders, Missis Potts is probably the best backed and punters have wasted little time in taking the double figures still available.”

The Ladbroke, sponsors bet: 8-1 Osana, 9-1 Indian Pace, 10-1 Visio, Ring The Boss, Missis Potts, Jayo, 12-1 Souffleur, French Saulaie, Mon Michel, 14-1 bar.