The bettrends team returns with our second standalone service of the fast-moving and ever-changing national hunt season, as we arrive at Newbury`s signature meeting, The Ladbrokes Winter Carnival. Our first standalone service (The Cheltenham Open Meeting) returned a solid success, despite some slightly disappointing fields and a litter of non-runners across the weekend. The addition of a new Veterans` Chase worked in the favour of our team on the opening day, finding the impressive winner in the form of 10-year-old Magic Dancer who just seemed to have the older horses tapped for toe. The weekend brought with it more success, the highlight undoubtedly coming when Ga Law crossed the line in front to land the Paddy Power Gold Cup for Jamie Snowden and Jonathan Burke. The bettrends team unearthed the gutsy winner at a nice price of 13/2 for members, landing a double in the race following the selection of Midnight Shadow in 2021. Just two races later, our team took a flyer on Bourbali to bounce back to form; highlighting that he looked too big of a price at 28/1. This would turn out to be correct, with Joe Tizzard`s runner finishing in third to return some nice place money. A disappointing turnout in the Shloer Chase was a slight let-down for the team, who fancied Nube Negra to go back-to-back in the Grade 2 contest. Dan Skelton`s two-mile star duly obliged, but we were hit with a hefty Rule 4 after the Arkle winner and main danger, Edwardstone, was taken out of the race by trainer Alan King. A successful weekend, nonetheless, finishing with 5.8pts worth of profit, and a good foundation to build on as we charge through the jumps season.

Just two weeks on we have Newbury`s signature meeting, The Ladbrokes Winter Carnival, which features the storied Coral Gold Cup (formerly The Hennessy Gold Cup/Ladbrokes Trophy). A truly historic race that has seen superstars and fan favourites pass through the winners enclosure; a list that includes the likes of Native River, Arkle, Bob`s Worth and Many Clouds. Who can forget though the most famous renewal of all time – that of Denman`s immense weight-carrying performance? From a monster rating of 174, giving 13 pounds to his closest rival in the weights, he landed the spoils under Ruby Walsh in an all-time performance. Nine winners of this contest have gone on to win a Gold Cup later down the line – can we find another here this year? Along with three pattern-class races, it looks set to be a cracker once again and the bettrends team will be on hand to help you navigate through.

We have an exciting weekend in prospect, starting with a Friday that will see the return of many of Britain`s top staying contenders in the Long Distance Hurdle. Can the likes of Champ and Paisley Park return with a statement win, or can recent scorer Proschema fully cement himself in the staying division for the Skelton team? The other graded race on the card sees impressive chase debut winner Stage Star at the head of the early market, Nicholls looking for his first win in the race since Clan Des Obeaux in 2016. The action doesn’t stop there, as we are treated to a bumper Saturday to boot, which features the previously mentioned Coral Gold Cup, an always competitive contest for our team to sink their teeth into. We also have a Premier Handicap in the form of the Gerry Fielden, won in the past by future Champion Hurdle winners Rock On Ruby and Epatante. Another Grade 2 Novices` Chase features on the card, this time for the stayers. Smart performers McFabulous, Thyme Hill and Gelino Bello look to make their mark and climb the division now switched to fences.