Racing Post Trophy Betting Preview

The names Frank and Jack are likely to be embossed on many a punters' betting slip ahead of Saturday's Racing Post Trophy (3.35) at Kempton. However, neither of the aforementioned horses - that is Colonel Frank and Farmer Jack - look infallible and PALARSHAN rates an outstanding value alternative at 9-1, generously offered by Victor Chandler.Although Palarshan has yet to tackle this three-mile trip, the way he shaped when a staying-on third to Buckby Lane over two miles and five furlongs at Cheltenham last month, strongly suggests that he will relish the extra yardage on Saturday.Henry Daly's charge jumped well and, after hitting a flat spot at a crucial stage, finished best of all to cross the line just over seven lengths adrift of the winner, with Farmer Jack a place behind in fourth, under two lengths adrift.Indeed, that was Palarshan's best run for a while and a clear indicator that he retains the level of ability he demonstrated when belying his then novice status to beat a high-class field in the Grand Annual at the 2003 Cheltenham Festival. The strong early pace will enable the seven-year-old to get into a good jumping rhythm and I believe he will be too strong in the closing stages for his rivals.Farmer Jack is just 1lb better off with the selection compared to when 1¾l behind him in that Cheltenham race, although he is essentially well-in, as he will be running off an 11lb higher mark in future handicaps following his victory in the Aon Chase at Newbury a fortnight ago. That was Farmer Jack's first attempt at three miles and he appeared to get every yard, but he may be flattered by the mere fact that he lowered the illustrious colours of Strong Flow and Celestial Gold there, because the early pace was pedestrian at best, something which did not suit those Gold Cup candidates.Colonel Frank has improved at a rate of knots this season and his only defeat during the current campaign - when six lengths second to Oneway, who was in receipt of 18lb, at Worcester in October - now looks like a highly creditable effort give the subsequent exploits of that winner, who has won his next four races on the bounce.Brendan Powell has hailed Colonel Frank as the best horse he has trained, and it's not hard to see why after the seven-year-old took some notable scalps in decisive fashion at Sandown last time, coming home nearly two lengths in front of Calling Brave, with Lord Sam, Murphy's Cardinal and D'Argent behind. It is worth remembering, however, that Colonel Frank was receiving 10lb from those four rivals, was allowed an easy lead, and held a significant fitness advantage, therefore, off a career-high mark and pitched against some battle-hardened, race-fit rivals, I feel he is worth opposing.The novice Tribal Venture was impressive when lowering the colours of Too Forward over this course and distance last time. His trainer Ferdy Murphy holds him in the highest regard and, given the record of novices in the leading handicap chases this season it would be folly to write him off, although he does have to improve a fair bit to mix it at this level.The likes of Tikram and Scots Grey are capable of going well at big prices and should not be overlooked, but the confident call is to side with Palarshan.