Talking Horses: Two For Gold has plenty going for him

Two For Gold (far side) ridden by jockey David Bass at Warwick Racecourse.

Not for the first time in recent years, the Ladbrokes Trophy Chase lacks the presence of a superstar, a reality evidenced by Ballyoptic being the top weight for today’s Newbury showpiece.

Likeable though he is, he’s no Denman, Burrough Hill Lad, or Arkle, legends of the game who defied welter burdens to win a race better known as the Hennessy Gold Cup.