MARY REVELEY'S three runners hold the best chance of ending Britain's 10-year drought in The Ladbroke next Saturday, according to the sponsors. The Saltburn trainer's Penny A Day, successful at Wetherby last month, is 8 to 1 second favourite for the valuable contest at Leopardstown which no British runner has landed since Barnbrook Again scored in 1987.
Mrs Reveley admitted: "Penny A Day is our best chance and Peter Niven will ride him. I was pleased with how he won at Wetherby but not with a 9lb hike in the weights for beating a horse who had never won a race!"
Stable-mates Express Gift, strongly fancied last year until scratched after an 11th hour setback, and Ascot winner Executive Design are both quoted at just 14 to 1 for a race in which 27 runners have stood their ground.
"Nick Smith will ride Express Gift who ran a pleasing race at Uttoxeter on his reappearance, Mrs Reveley added. "Gary Cahill will be on Executive Design whose only problem is that he is a small horse who has to go round the others which could be difficult."
No fewer than 40 runners have been sent across from Britain for the two-mile contest since 1987, yet the best they have managed has been four placings between them. Dis Train and Kilcash finished second in 1990 and 1993 respectively while third place went to Fragrant Dawn in 1990 and Riverhead in 1991.
Mrs Reveley reckons the home team's skill at laying out a runner for Ireland's richest handicap hurdle explains Britain's modest record. "They always have a few they've got ready who are lurking in the handicap," she said. "Ours are ready but we have had a bit of a problem with the weather and we are just hoping for the best."
British runners continue to be well backed for the race, including five of the last nine favourites. And there could be as many as seven raiders from Britain next Saturday.
Andy Streeter takes a realistic view about the prospects of Centaur Express (20 to 1), raised in .grade after winning his two outings at Bangor and Market Rasen this term.
"We are dreaming about winning but it is purely a dream," he said. "We just hope he can beat more than beat him."
Malton trainer John Carr is hoping for a bold showing from Kaitak, third behind Penny A Day at Wetherby last time out.
Alistair Whillans' decision on the participation of last year's 12th Palacegate King (33 to 1) hinges on the state of the going - currently described as yielding to soft.
Dis Train's trainer Jenny Pitman has left in Master Tribe, an encouraging second at Uttoxeter just before Christmas.
Ladbrokes' spokesman Ian Wassell said: "Mary Reveley's pair Express Gift and Penny A Day have both been well supported over the last 24 hours and give Britain a sporting chance of their first win since Barnbrook Again."
