BEACHCOMBER was raised by 9lb by the handicapper for winning a three-mile handicap chase at Kempton over Christmas, but that may not be sufficient to prevent him adding to his haul in the Ladbrokes Trophy back at Kempton this afternoon.

The O’Neills’ horse was very good at Christmas. He was quickly into his racing rhythm, prominent from early. He didn’t have it all to himself up front, he was hassled and he was passed by Frero Banbou.