There were 44 Races on Saturday 25th January 2025 across 6 meetings. There was 8 races at Uttoxeter, 6 races at Doncaster, 7 races at Fairyhouse, 7 races at Cheltenham, 7 races at Newcastle, 9 races at Wolverhampton, no doubt Tomform helped you find a winner.
Races & Results Saturday 25th January 2025
The data in the racecards below is for the past year. View the racecard key.
(3) Lime Drop 3/1, Filled the runner-up spot 5 times over fences before deservedly getting off the mark over C&D in November, proving 1½ lengths too good for the re-opposing Ip Up. Second in a 2½m handicap back here on New Year's Eve and she's a strong candidate off 1 lb lower now returned to this trip. Reliable type who beat Ip Up over C&D in November; should be in the mix again.
1
2nd (1) (7/2 -75%) Sacre Coeur
3.5
7/2(-75%)
(1) Sacre Coeur 7/2, Three-time handicap chase winner last season and back to best when making all at Plumpton (25.7f, good to soft) in November. By no means disgraced in Class 2 company at Windsor last time and, now 2 lb lower and back down in trip/class, she has to be taken seriously. Trailblazing front-runner, versatile trip-wise; not discounted, especially with easy lead.
4
3rd (4) (5/2 -11%) It's Easy
2.5
5/2(-11%)
(4) It's Easy 5/2, Sole career success was gained over hurdles in France back in 2021 and record in this sphere stands at 0-17. On the upside, she hasn't been with current yard long and put in a good shift returned to fences when runner-up at Taunton (2m, soft) recently. Likely to give another good account. Pleasing first chase start for current stable when second at Taunton; could be the answer.
2
4th (2) (9/4 +36%) Ip Up
2.25
9/4(+36%)
(2) Ip Up 9/4, Likeable sort who ran better than on her sole previous start over fences in Britain when second of 6 over this C&D on penultimate start. Disappointing back hurdling at Ludlow last time, though, and she's opposable here. Has possibilities on her second to Lime Drop over C&D but below par over hurdles since.
IT'S EASY relished the return to chasing when filling second place at Taunton earlier in the month and she tops the shortlist on the back of that performance, despite a 2lb rise. Lime Drop also hit the crossbar on her most recent outing, albeit well held here, and she could prove to be the main threat. Sacre Coeur edges out Ip Up to be best of the rest.
IT'S EASY produced a solid first effort over fences for present connections when runner-up at Taunton earlier this month and is taken to finally open her account in this sphere. She may have most to fear from Sacre Coeur, who could benefit from an uncontested lead and will take some pegging back if that proves to be the case, despite conceding plenty of weight all round. The return to this trip looks a good move for Lime Drop and she is also accorded respect.
The verdict goes to bottomweight IT'S EASY who shaped nicely on her first chase start for Evan Williams at Taunton this month.
(2) Belfrina 5/4, Fairly useful form on Flat (stays 1¼m) and shaped well when second on hurdling debut (form was boosted on Thursday). Unseated next time but makes plenty of appeal. Appeared to have got the better of Matwana when falling over C&D last time; leading claims.
5
2nd (5) (11/4 +61%) Matwana
2.75
11/4(+61%)
(5) Matwana 11/4, Confirmed previous promise when won 8-runner juvenile hurdle at this C&D (good to soft) 27 days ago, running on. May have more to offer, so count be discounted. Belfrina looked to have her measure last time before falling; could still be in the mix.
4
3rd (4) (7/1 +7%) Inspire Hope
7
7/1(+7%)
(4) Inspire Hope 7/1, Won a juvenile hurdle for Joseph O'Brien in July. Respectable efforts so far for new yard but there are others with more potential. 1-6 over hurdles and has limitations, but she has some fair form and is a possible player.
1
4th (1) (50/1 -100%) Analiese
50
50/1(-100%)
(1) Analiese 50/1, £18,000 3-y-o, Harzand filly. Dam, 1½m-1¾m winner, half-sister to useful hurdler/fairly useful chaser in France (17f-19f winner) Angel's Share. Tricky assignment for a hurdling newcomer. Dam useful on the Flat; tough assignment on her racecourse debut; may be best watched.
6
5th (6) (3/1 +33%) Morning Air
3
3/1(+33%)
(6) Morning Air 3/1, Fairly useful Flat winner in the mud in France and made a successful hurdle debut at Leicester 35 days ago in the style of one who could have plenty more to offer. Sure to leave bare form behind. Useful on the Flat in France and won readily on last month's hurdle debut at Leicester.
7
6th (7) (150/1 -355%) Nancy P
150
150/1(-355%)
(7) Nancy P 150/1, Fair handicapper on Flat (stays 1½m), won once in 2024, well held on stable debut last time. Not a likely type on hurdling debut. Modest on the Flat and faces a tough task on today's hurdle and stable debut.
BELFRINA looked to have the race in safe keeping when falling at the last over C&D last month, and it was the reopposing Matwana who took advantage for a first career success. A former winner on the Flat in Ireland, David Pipe's charge may be up to this rise in grade and she can gain compensation. Morning Air made a perfect start to her career on these shores with victory at Leicester and must also enter calculations.
BELFRINA's form received a boost from Melon on Thursday and she's fancied to get off the mark here for all that Morning Air looked highly promising first time over hurdles. Matwana is also of interest.
Useful French Flat winner MORNING AIR created a good impression on her hurdle debut at Leicester last month and can follow up.
(9) Don't Talk 2/1, 11/2, career best when winning 8-runner handicap chase at Down Royal (20.4f, good to soft) 4 days ago. More needed under a penalty. Won 2 over timber here last term and back to form with Down Royal win Tuesday; 7lb penalty.
6
2nd (6) (10/1 -11%) Champagne Mahler
10
10/1(-11%)
(6) Champagne Mahler 10/1, Fairly useful winner at 16f over hurdles. Bit below form seventh of 15 in novice chase (5/2) at Clonmel (17.3f, soft) 53 days ago. Makes handicap chase debut. Promising 3rd in beginners' last season; not as good this term but fair mark for h'cap bow.
7
3rd (7) (66/1 -164%) Soloman Lane
66
66/1(-164%)
(7) Soloman Lane 66/1, Pulled up in handicap chase at Navan (20.6f, good to soft, 20/1) 41 days ago. Others preferred. Second chase win at end of last term; pulled up on return and trip looks too short here.
2
4th (2) (7/2 +22%) Money Heist
3.5
7/2(+22%)
(2) Money Heist 7/2, Promising type. Good third of 10 in handicap chase at Down Royal (24f, good to soft, 7/1) 4 days ago. Down in trip. Cheekpieces back on. Should go well again. Won 2 h'cap chases on testing ground last term; back to form when beaten 2l on Tuesday.
4
5th (4) (10/1 +29%) Battle Of Ridgeway
10
10/1(+29%)
(4) Battle Of Ridgeway 10/1, 11/2, creditable fifth of 12 in handicap chase at Ballinrobe (17.1f, good). Off 8 months and entitled to come on for the run. Won beginners' on chase bow before 2nd in this contest; 1lb higher for this year's renewal.
11
6th (11) (3/1 +45%) Ernie From Nurney
3
3/1(+45%)
(11) Ernie From Nurney 3/1, Latest win in hurdle at Limerick in April. Fair winner at 17f over hurdles. 7/2, good third of 14 in handicap chase at Wexford (19.4f, good to soft) 148 days ago. Not without hope. Dual hurdle winner at end of last term; good 3rd over fences latest but may need this.
1
7th (1) (15/2 +12%) Big Stage
7.5
15/2(+12%)
(1) Big Stage 15/2, Below form tenth of 17 in handicap chase at Leopardstown (24.4f, good to soft, 5/1) 27 days ago. Down in trip. Expected to be bang there. Mixed record over fences so far and this marked drop in trip may not help.
10
8th (10) (20/1 +20%) Kilashee
20
20/1(+20%)
(10) Kilashee 20/1, Five wins from 18 runs this season. Latest win in chase at Roscommon in September. Eighth of 9 in handicap chase (14/1) at Clonmel (16.9f, soft) 10 days ago. Opposable. Won mares' beginners' at Roscommon in Sept'; hasn't built on that since; trip looks short.
8
|U| (8) (18/1 -29%) Kazakh D'arthel
18
18/1(-29%)
(8) Kazakh D'arthel 18/1, Seventh of 12 in novice chase (200/1) at this course (17.2f, soft) 14 days ago. Open to improvement now pitched into a handicap. 2nd in maiden hurdle in September but mixed record since; hasn't shown enough over fences.
3
|PU| (3) (15/2 +32%) Sainte Dona
7.5
15/2(+32%)
(3) Sainte Dona 15/2, Course winner. 15/2, respectable fifth of 14 in handicap chase at Limerick (19.4f, soft) 28 days ago. Each-way shout. Bolted up in mares' beginners' here last term; 2 good runs this term but trip looks short.
SPLASHING OUT showed her first piece of consequential chase form on New Year's Day and is suited by this distance and softening ground. She has won just once from 19 runs but is rated 120 over hurdles and benefitted from dropping to a lower grade at Tramore, when finishing second. She is rated 115 today and should compete. It obviously isn't ideal that both recent winner Don't Talk and recently-placed Money Heist ran only four days ago but both can get involved.
MONEY HEIST got back on the up when third over 3m at Down Royal recently and, with this drop back in trip unlikely to be an issue (both wins last season were over 2m) he could be the answer. Next on the list is Splashing Out, who produced by far her best effort yet over fences when runner-up in a Tramore novice on New Year's Day. Big Stage and Ernie From Nurney are others to consider.
This may be a good chance for DON'T TALK (nap) under a 7lb penalty for Tuesday's win; softer ground can help bring his stamina into play
(5) Jagwar 4/1, Good-looking sort who has taken really well to fences in recent months, winning handicaps at Wetherby and Bangor. The form of his Bangor win worked out well and he shaped as though still in form when third of 5 at Uttoxeter, booked for second until a mistake at the last. Remains of serious interest. 2-3 over fences, impressive at Bangor in November; one of two serious contenders for yard.
8
2nd (8) (9/5 +82%) Billytherealbigred
1.8
9/5(+82%)
(8) Billytherealbigred 9/5, Most progressive sent handicapping over hurdles last season, winning his first 3 starts, and in receipt of weight-for-age he's unbeaten in 2 starts over fences to end 2024. Isn't the biggest so these fences will ask a different question but he's certainly one to be positive about. 2-2 over fences; convincing at Exeter despite jumping left; may well be the answer.
1
3rd (1) (11/1 -69%) Masaccio
11
11/1(-69%)
(1) Masaccio 11/1, Successful twice over hurdles last season and justified support when making winning chase debut in 2½m Newbury handicap in November. Bettered that form when 2 lengths second to classy The Jukebox Man over same C&D later that month and put in place by that rival in Graded company latest (3m). Made a winning start over fences at Newbury; stiffer tasks since; career best required.
2
4th (2) (4/1 +0%) Resplendent Grey
4
4/1(+0%)
(2) Resplendent Grey 4/1, Ended last season on the up over hurdles and perfect start to chase career when accounting for 5 rivals in a 2½m Uttoxeter handicap on return. Ran a cracker upped in trip/grade when runner-up in a listed chase here (24.5f) a month later but errors crept pitched into Grade 2 company last time. Runner-up last twice, making mistakes on latest; gives weight to some promising rivals.
3
5th (3) (22/1 -159%) Whistle Stop Tour
22
22/1(-159%)
(3) Whistle Stop Tour 22/1, Dual-hurdles winner last season and this former Irish point scorer is progressing very nicely over fences, supplementing his Kelso success in fine style at Ayr (3m) 3 weeks ago. Raised 7 lb and drop in trip far from certain to suit but his limit has not yet been reached. Upwardly mobile winner at Kelso and Ayr; commands respect despite step back in distance.
6
6th (6) (8/1 -7%) Ryan's Rocket
8
8/1(-7%)
(6) Ryan's Rocket 8/1, £110,000 Irish point winner who made bright start over hurdles, landing novices at Taunton/Kempton in the spring. Disappointed when fourth in Grade 2 Persian War at Chepstow but firmly back on track when making winning chase/handicap debut in November. Matched that form at Ascot and now up in trip. Promising start over fences, scoring at Chepstow and second at Ascot; high on the list.
4
7th (4) (9/1 +10%) Guard Your Dreams
9
9/1(+10%)
(4) Guard Your Dreams 9/1, Smart hurdler at his best who, in line with yard's fine form at the time, made a successful return/chase debut in novices' handicap at Warwick (20f) in October. Sound efforts all 3 starts since, fourth in a valuable course handicap last month. Should be thereabouts. Typically gave his running when 4th over C&D latest; others have fewer miles on the clock.
RYAN'S ROCKET appeared to be crying out for a step up in trip when filling the runner-up spot at Ascot last month. His prominent style of racing will be of benefit around here and although his slight tendency to be keen must be a bit of a concern, it would come as no surprise were he to take the necessary step forward. Resplendent Grey was no match for the classy Handstands in a Sandown Grade 2, but he is of considerable interest back in a handicap. Similar comments apply to Masaccio, who was far from disgraced in the Kauto Star at Kempton.
JAGWAR is already a much better chaser than hurdler and with his Bangor win and Uttoxeter third (when better than the result) both working out very well, he's a handicapper to keep on the right side of. Masaccio doesn't have The Jukebox Man to contend with this time and he seems sure to give it a good go, while Billytherealbigred, a stablemate of the selection, shouldn't be ignored in receipt of a handy weight-for-age allowance.
The improving 5yo BILLYTHEREALBIGRED should be suited by a return to a left-handed track and can follow up his Exeter success.
(7) My Friend Sean 4/5, Left previous form behind when opening his account by a wide-margin on heavy ground over this C&D last month. Conditions unlikely to be so testing this time and has gone up 12 lb but he has to be feared all the same. Didn't appear to be progressing but quashed that theory with a 15l success over C&D.
3
2nd (3) (3/1 -50%) Kapal Layar
3
3/1(-50%)
(3) Kapal Layar 3/1, Third of 7 in a bumper at Carlisle in October and subsequently shaped fairly well switched to hurdles in a Kempton novice and Southwell maiden. Makes handicap debut off a plausible opening mark and he's high on the shortlist. Interesting handicap debutant for in-form yard, as there has been promise in his runs.
5
3rd (5) (17/2 +6%) Greatness Awaits
8.5
17/2(+6%)
(5) Greatness Awaits 17/2, Scored at Newton Abbot for Ben Pauling last summer and followed that with a string of good efforts in defeat. Not at his best since joining present yard but he has at least edged down the weights a touch and will have a fighting chance if able to get back on track. Not the only runner in this race with questions to answer but lurks on a good mark.
2
4th (2) (10/1 +29%) Royal Rhythm
10
10/1(+29%)
(2) Royal Rhythm 10/1, Twice successful on soft/heavy last winter and possibly had drying ground against him after 6 months off when fifth of 10 in handicap hurdle at Carlisle in November. However, there were no such excuses next time at Leicester and he's opposable on the back of that poor effort. Hard to be confident in current form but hard to rule out off this low a mark.
4
5th (4) (18/1 -29%) Eagles Gold
18
18/1(-29%)
(4) Eagles Gold 18/1, Has hinted at ability in 3 starts over hurdles and entirely possible that he'll do better now venturing down the handicap route. Still, others make more appeal on this occasion. Makes handicap debut for a shrewd outfit and could easily spring to life.
6
6th (6) (25/1 0%) Mcgowan's Pass
25
25/1(0%)
(6) Mcgowan's Pass 25/1, Ended long losing run when taking a 6-runner handicap here (2½m, soft) last May but has followed that with a series of very low-key performances. Course winner last May but has suffered three serious defeats in the meantime.
1
|PU| (1) (12/1 -9%) Karaktere D'enfer
12
12/1(-9%)
(1) Karaktere D'enfer 12/1, Close second to a useful sort in newcomers' race at Fontainebleau in March 2023 and more encouragement for this yard when fifth of 12 in a C&D maiden on his seasonal reappearance. Has failed to build on that in 2 subsequent starts (over fences latest), though, and likely to come up short once more. Handicap mark is coming down but for good reason on this season's evidence.
With most of these having questions to answer, it is hard to oppose MY FRIEND SEAN following his 15-length success over C&D five weeks ago. Even a 12lb rise for that win is not enough to suggest that he will struggle in this company. Kapal Layar and Eagles Gold both make their handicap debuts here and merit consideration as a result.
KAPAL LAYAR failed to build on his hurdles debut promise when fourth at Southwell last month but that certainly wasn't a bad effort and he may well be seen in a better light now pitched into a handicap. Olly Murphy's charge shades preference ahead of My Friend Sean, who did the job well when opening his account over C&D and a 12 lb rise may not debar another bold show. Greatness Awaits could also have a part to play if he puts his best foot forward.
Kapal Layar and Eagles Gold are respected but MY FRIEND SEAN looked a different horse in sauntering clear here a month ago.
(5) Weveallbeencaught 11/4, Useful hurdler/chaser for Nigel Twiston-Davies. Fantastic start in novices at Worcester and Cheltenham (handicap) for Christian Williams in the autumn and was back on track when fifth at Kempton last time. Has rejoined former yard and isn't without hope. On a handy mark to kick off his second spell with Nigel Twiston-Davies.
2
2nd (2) (13/8 +73%) Rock My Way
1.625
13/8(+73%)
(2) Rock My Way 13/8, Grade 2 winner over hurdles in 2023 who was placed all 3 starts over fences earlier this year for Syd Hosie. Stepped up on reappearance/stable debut when landing 3-runner handicap chase here in November and not disgraced when fourth at Newbury last time. Has switched yards again and deserves respect Below best last time but won over C&D two starts ago and is not ruled out on stable debut.
6
3rd (6) (7/2 +46%) President Scottie
3.5
7/2(+46%)
(6) President Scottie 7/2, Ended last term on the up over hurdles, including a 20.5f win at Ayr. Two promising runs over fences to date and may have more to offer. The step back up in trip could be ideal on third chase run; retains considerable potential.
1
4th (1) (9/2 -125%) Thomas Mor
4.5
9/2(-125%)
(1) Thomas Mor 9/2, First run since leaving David Pipe when 12/1, career best when winning 10-runner handicap hurdle at Wincanton (24.7f, soft) 30 days ago, staying on well. Stable is going well and looks the sort to take to chasing. Four from six over hurdles and this point winner could be even better now tackling fences.
3
5th (3) (25/1 +11%) What Path
25
25/1(+11%)
(3) What Path 25/1, Useful hurdler. Ridden too aggressively on chase bow/final start for Willie Mullins. Decent effort sole start for Sophie Leech when third in maiden chase at Galway in August but hasn't fired yet for current yard. Promising hurdler for Willie Mullins last season but unable to transfer form to fences.
Making his first start for 650 days, THOMAS MOR exceeded expectations when scoring over hurdles at Wincanton last month and a switch to new connections may have given him a new lease of life. A former point-to-point winner, he looks just the type who could excel over the larger obstacles. Now in the hands of trainer Joe Tizzard and a determined winner over C&D on his penultimate outing, Rock My Way is feared most ahead of Weveallbeencaught.
GRAND ALBERT has taken well to chasing and looks open to further improvement, so he's preferred to Thomas Mor, who was successful over hurdles last time. A bigger effort from President Scottie can't be ruled out, so he's also considered.
Classy hurdler Thomas Mor is a very interesting chasing debutant but preference is for PRESIDENT SCOTTIE now back up in trip.
(12) One Horse Army 17/2, 1 win from 2 runs this season. Career best when winning 10-runner handicap chase (5/1) at Navan (24f, soft) 7 days ago, keeping on well. Needs considering. Took advantage of lenient mark when landing a sizeable gamble at Navan last week; up 10lb.
8
2nd (8) (8/1 -45%) Brandt
8
8/1(-45%)
(8) Brandt 8/1, 6/1, creditable second of 14 in handicap chase at Thurles (25.1f, good) 35 days ago, faring best of those held up. Should continue to give a good account. Runner-up at Thurles; contender if he can see out the extra distance in testing conditions.
2
3rd (2) (8/1 0%) Baldur's Gate
8
8/1(0%)
(2) Baldur's Gate 8/1, Creditable fourth of 9 in handicap chase (7/1) at Cork (20f, soft) 8 days ago. Back up in trip. Enters calculations. Second in this contest last year off current mark; will enjoy heavy; definite player.
14
4th (14) (18/1 +10%) Danny The Fence
18
18/1(+10%)
(14) Danny The Fence 18/1, Modest winner at 24f over hurdles. Ninth of 15 in novice chase at Cork (20f, soft, 66/1) 8 days ago. Back up in trip. Blinkered for 1st time. Won Fairyhouse handicap hurdle last season but has been beaten out of sight in 5 chases.
1
5th (1) (15/2 -50%) Wine An Dine
7.5
15/2(-50%)
(1) Wine An Dine 15/2, Lightly-raced maiden. Excellent second of 9 in handicap chase (25/1) at this course (21f, soft) 9 days ago. Up in trip. Has to be taken seriously. Stayed on late to grab second in a modest handicap chase at this track nine days ago.
18
6th (18) (9/1 +10%) Tangental
9
9/1(+10%)
(18) Tangental 9/1, Good 15¾ lengths fifth of 10 to One Horse Army in handicap chase (9/2) at Navan (24f, soft) 7 days ago. Cheekpieces back on. Expensive to follow; work to do to get closer to One Horse Army after 5th at Navan.
10
7th (10) (14/1 +30%) Mahler Appeal
14
14/1(+30%)
(10) Mahler Appeal 14/1, Pulled up in handicap chase at Tramore (22.8f, heavy, 9/1) 24 days ago. Others more persuasive. Won 3m1f Wexford handicap chase by 12l on soft in May off 87; he could go well here.
9
8th (9) (9/2 +44%) Rusheen
4.5
9/2(+44%)
(9) Rusheen 9/2, Creditable second of 12 in handicap chase (4/1) at Limerick (22.6f, soft) 27 days ago, clear of rest. Can make presence felt. Second behind the well-backed Whateys Quest at Limerick; this trip is an unknown.
11
9th (11) (14/1 -17%) Dancing After Dark
14
14/1(-17%)
(11) Dancing After Dark 14/1, 6/1, creditable fourth of 18 in handicap hurdle at Limerick (21f, soft) 28 days ago. Switches from hurdles to chase. Up in trip. Makes handicap chase debut. Likely to improve. Won 3m handicap hurdle at Limerick; was a no show in 2 chase starts under rules previously.
16
|F| (16) (22/1 +12%) Cloudy Fountain
22
22/1(+12%)
(16) Cloudy Fountain 22/1, Modest winner at 23f over hurdles. 18/1, below form seventh of 15 in novice chase at Cork (20f, soft) 8 days ago, unsuited by drop in trip. Up in trip. Makes handicap chase debut. Good form over hurdles late last season but has been in poor form of late; best watched.
4
10th (4) (33/1 +0%) Old Soul
33
33/1(+0%)
(4) Old Soul 33/1, Below form ninth of 17 in handicap hurdle at Limerick (24f, soft, 28/1) 28 days ago. Switches from hurdles to chase. Sole chase success came in Clonmel beginners' in April 2023; has really struggled since.
6
11th (6) (100/1 -100%) Handsworth
100
100/1(-100%)
(6) Handsworth 100/1, Twelve runs since last win in 2022. 18/1, pulled up in handicap chase at Naas (16f, heavy) 20 days ago, struggling from fourth. Significantly up in trip. Dual winner over fences at around 2m4f; doesn't look suited to this sort of stamina test.
13
12th (13) (28/1 -40%) Tullyhogue Fort
28
28/1(-40%)
(13) Tullyhogue Fort 28/1, Seventeen runs since last win in 2023. 28/1, fourteenth of 18 in handicap hurdle at Navan (25f, good to soft) 41 days ago. Switches from hurdles to chase. Couple of respectable runs this season; others appeal more despite the booking of Slevin.
7
13th (7) (50/1 -79%) Atacanter
50
50/1(-79%)
(7) Atacanter 50/1, Remains a maiden after 20 NH runs. Pulled up in handicap chase at Limerick (22.6f, soft, 12/1) 27 days ago, beaten early final circuit. Cheekpieces back on. Maiden handles testing ground; pulled up twice last month; feasibly treated; needs more.
5
|PU| (5) (7/1 +7%) Dorans Law
7
7/1(+7%)
(5) Dorans Law 7/1, Promising type. Fairly useful winner at 26f over hurdles. Creditable second of 17 in handicap chase at Leopardstown (24.4f, good to soft, 10/1) 27 days ago. Won over this trip over hurdles at Ballinrobe but his best form is on a sounder surface.
15
|PU| (15) (11/1 +31%) Made In The Woods
11
11/1(+31%)
(15) Made In The Woods 11/1, One win from 23 NH runs. 40/1, below form eighth of 18 in handicap chase at Naas (16f, good to soft) 40 days ago. Significantly up in trip. Hood back on. Needed the run at Naas; handles heavy and isn't out of this if anywhere near his best.
19
|PU| (19) (20/1 +0%) Bearwithmenow
20
20/1(+0%)
(19) Bearwithmenow 20/1, One win from 28 NH runs. Below form sixth of 12 in handicap chase at Limerick (22.6f, soft, 18/1) 27 days ago. Blinkers back on. Placed efforts this season on decent ground but won't enjoy forecast conditions here.
3
|PU| (3) (25/1 -25%) Harvey's Quay
25
25/1(-25%)
(3) Harvey's Quay 25/1, 20/1, fell in handicap chase at Leopardstown (24.4f, good to soft) 27 days ago. Won 3m Listowel handicap chase last season off 107 & that trip might be as far as he wants.
17
|PU| (17) (25/1 +0%) Eddies Pride
25
25/1(+0%)
(17) Eddies Pride 25/1, Course winner. Below form eighth of 14 in handicap chase (66/1) at Thurles (25.1f, good) 35 days ago. Third in this race last year; handles the mud; had run at Thurles to blow the cobwebs away.
BRANDT races lazily but is a dour stayer. He initially raced over shorter distances in the UK and having won from a rating of 90 last August, has since hinted that extreme distances suit. He is 2lb higher than at Thurles last month but today's rider claims 5lb. Rusheen tries this distance for the first time but ran well when upped in trip finishing behind a well treated winner at Limerick. He is 4lb higher but is a course hurdle winner. Dorans Law ran well in a better race over Christmas and should again compete while One Horse Army is 10lb higher than at Navan.
WINE AN DINE was much improved when second on handicap bow here 9 days ago and can go one better off the same mark with this longer trip promising to suit. Dorans Law and Baldur's Gate both arrive on the back of eye-catching runs and they head the dangers.
This will take some getting and MAHLER APPEAL certainly appeals as the type who will relish conditions. One Horse Army is a danger
(1) East India Dock 1/2, Useful staying handicapper on the Flat for James Fanshawe who is a half-brother to useful hurdler Burdett Road and has looked a fine prospect himself over obstacles, totally dominant for second win at this track in November. Will take plenty of stopping. Easy winner at Wincanton and here; can cement Triumph Hurdle claims with another success.
3
2nd (3) (11/1 -10%) Stencil
11
11/1(-10%)
(3) Stencil 11/1, Useful form over hurdles, winning juveniles at Compiegne in May and October (comfortably, by 3 lengths from Coeur d'Amour). 12½ lengths sixth of 7 to Coeur d'Amour in Group 3 Prix General de Saint-Didier there last time. Takes strong hold and waiting tactics employed but has share of ability. Beaten at odds-on in French Grade 3 but had previously looked a hurdler going places.
9
3rd (9) (40/1 +0%) Torrent
40
40/1(+0%)
(9) Torrent 40/1, Fair on Flat and has quickly reached a higher level over hurdles, winning twice and better than ever when third in Grade 2 company at Chepstow a month ago. Well behind East India Dock when the pair clashed prior to that. Reliable gelding; beaten 18l by East India Dock here in autumn; others have more potential.
5
4th (5) (16/1 -14%) Teriferma
16
16/1(-14%)
(5) Teriferma 16/1, Took well to hurdling with wins at Killarney and Down Royal in August. Ran well attempting to concede plenty of weight when second at Listowel the following month and matched that form on stable debut when dead-heating with Quantock Hills over C&D last month. 3-4 over hurdles; forced dead-heat here last time; stiffer task now but hard to discount.
4
5th (4) (10/1 +29%) Quantock Hills
10
10/1(+29%)
(4) Quantock Hills 10/1, Fairly useful form over hurdles in France, confirming debut promise when successful at Dieppe. Acquired for €130,000 and didn't need to improve to go one better than on yard debut in 8-runner juvenile at Fontwell (17.7f). Did progress when dead-heating with Teriferma in a C&D juvenile last month. Dead-heated with Teriferma over C&D; may not have reached his ceiling just yet.
6
6th (6) (14/1 +13%) Believitanducan
14
14/1(+13%)
(6) Believitanducan 14/1, A fair Flat winner for Jessica Macey over 2m who is built for hurdling and made his stamina count when making a winning start for new connections at Newbury last month. Bare form isn't anything flash but he can improve. Steady improver on Flat; made a winning hurdling debut at Newbury and open to progress.
2
|PU| (2) (10/1 -100%) Sauvignon
10
10/1(-100%)
(2) Sauvignon 10/1, Ex-French performer who cemented excellent start to his career when winning 5-runner juvenile hurdle at Auteuil (17.4f, soft) by 1½ lengths from Sony Bill. Off 7 months. First run for yard after leaving Mathieu Pitart and having joined powerful stable, he needs considering. Tongue tie on. Promising in French juvenile hurdles, winning Listed event; has joined a top stable.
8
|PU| (8) (20/1 -43%) Mambonumberfive
20
20/1(-43%)
(8) Mambonumberfive 20/1, Fairly useful form over hurdles, 2½ lengths second of 9 to Raffles Dolce Vita in juvenile at Auteuil last time. Left Francois Nicolle for €450,000 in July and while he's been off the track since, he's in good hands. Big-money purchase after three runs in France; market support would be significant.
7
|PU| (7) (40/1 -43%) Galactic Charm
40
40/1(-43%)
(7) Galactic Charm 40/1, Fairly useful staying handicapper on Flat for Michael Bell (47,000 gns buy for new connections). Made a promising start over hurdles at Sandown 3 weeks ago, sticking to his task despite his inexperience showing over the last 2 flights. Since landed the odds without too much fuss at Fontwell. Easily landed odds at Fontwell on Boxing Day; remains unexposed but this is much tougher.
10
|PU| (10) (150/1 -275%) Victory Shout
150
150/1(-275%)
(10) Victory Shout 150/1, Fairly useful on Flat (stays 1½m), successful at Hamilton last time. Sold from K. R. Burke 150,000 gns later in July and this no easy introduction to hurdling. In at the deep end for his hurdling debut but he should have a future in this sphere.
Second-favourite for the Triumph at the time of writing, EAST INDIA DOCK will need to be winning this if he is to cement his place as a live candidate. James Owen's charge bolted up at the November meeting, coming clear in fine style, and it will take a special performance to upset the apple cart today. French recruit Sauvignon is officially rated 1lb higher but although respected, it is hard to gauge what he has achieved so far. Teriferma and Quantock Hills dead-heated for top honours over C&D last month and it is hard to separate the pair again.
EAST INDIA DOCK ran out an 18-length winner of the Prestbury Juvenile Hurdle at this course in November and with that form well in advance of the opposition, he can cement his position as a genuine Triumph Hurdle contender. Stencil has his share of ability but is not yet the finished article, so Sauvignon is offered for forecast purposes.
Several of these are lurking with untapped potential but the clear form pick is EAST INDIA DOCK who can make it 3-3 over hurdles.
(7) Roysse 2/9, Unbeaten in 3 points and duly built on his Rules debut promise when beating 4 subsequent winners in bumper here in January. Looked set to win when coming down at the last at Newbury 38 days ago and should make amends The last hurdle has cost him dear at Newbury the last twice; sets a clear standard.
10
2nd (10) (17/2 +74%) Winchmore Hill
8.5
17/2(+74%)
(10) Winchmore Hill 17/2, Runner-up sole start in points back in March 2022 but has looked more of a handicap project so far over hurdles. Point second reads well; both hurdle runs after breaks and shaped okay; had wind op.
9
3rd (9) (4/1 +56%) Tchoupinminzac
4
4/1(+56%)
(9) Tchoupinminzac 4/1, Dual bumper winner who bettered his hurdling debut when second at Worcester 20 months ago but hasn't been seen since, so there's something to prove. Very lightly raced since winning two bumpers and now back from another long absence.
5
4th (5) (100/1 0%) Quinn's Reward
100
100/1(0%)
(5) Quinn's Reward 100/1, Hasn't shown enough so far to be of any interest in this. Well down the field in bumpers at Wincanton (good) and Chepstow (good to soft).
8
5th (8) (28/1 +58%) Saccary
28
28/1(+58%)
(8) Saccary 28/1, Fairly useful on Flat (stays 1¾m) in France, but limired encouragement in novice hurdle at Taunton. Useful on the Flat in Germany but showed little on hurdle debut after an absence.
2
6th (2) (66/1 +27%) Delgany Deadline
66
66/1(+27%)
(2) Delgany Deadline 66/1, Out of a winning hurdler but failed to beat a rival over C&D on hurdling debut, so easy to oppose. Weak 28-1 chance when last to finish over C&D a month ago, having not jumped well in rear.
4
7th (4) (28/1 -27%) Junior Des Mottes
28
28/1(-27%)
(4) Junior Des Mottes 28/1, Showed fair form on his first 2 starts in bumpers for W. J. Burke. Ran below that level at Worcester on sole outing for David Brace and not much better on debut for current yard at Newton Abbot. Promise in Ireland but hasn't lived up to market expectations in Britain (too free).
11
|PU| (11) (50/1 +75%) Wingmann
50
50/1(+75%)
(11) Wingmann 50/1, Has shown nothing to date and others make more appeal. Looks modest and was 200-1 when pulled up in a Fakenham maiden only last week.
ROYSSE was well clear and looked a certain winner but for falling at the last at Newbury in December. With a clear round of jumping here, Ben Pauling's gelding should provide his supporters with some compensation. Drayton Flyer showed promise when second in a Wetherby bumper a month ago and he may prove to be the main danger, ahead of the returning Tchoupinminzac.
ROYSSE was about to open his account when coming down at the last at Newbury in December and this looks an ideal opportunity to make amends. Drayton Flyer shaped well in a bumper and is bred to take to obstacles, so he looks the chief threat.
Supreme entry ROYSSE has shown considerable ability in two unfortunate defeats at Newbury and he can make amends.
(7) Petit Tonnerre 7/2, It's now 17 runs since his last win in 2022 and he came in only sixth of 9 to General Medrano in handicap chase at Newbury (16.4f, good to soft) 56 days ago. Cheekpieces go back on with more required. Close second at Aintree in October but below par the next twice and now 0-7 over fences.
3
2nd (3) (9/2 -13%) General Medrano
4.5
9/2(-13%)
(3) General Medrano 9/2, Resumed winning ways at Newbury (2m) in November but he beat only one in 5-runner handicap chase there 38 days ago. Needs to get back on track. Easy win at Newbury in November; below par there since but may bounce back with bold show.
1
3rd (1) (6/1 -100%) Nells Son
6
6/1(-100%)
(1) Nells Son 6/1, Better than ever at present and followed up his win in Carlisle graduation event with 2m1f handicap success at Kelso last month. Up another 5 lb but that form has been franked so he's a big player. Made it 2-2 for the season at Kelso last month and that form has been franked by the 2nd.
2
4th (2) (4/1 +27%) Calico
4
4/1(+27%)
(2) Calico 4/1, C&D winner but he turned in a poor effort when a remote third of 4 in handicap chase at Cheltenham (15.9f, good to soft) 69 days ago. The sort to bounce back with cheekpieces refitted. Good efforts on both course visits and could go well with his usual cheekpieces restored.
4
5th (4) (14/1 -17%) Third Time Lucki
14
14/1(-17%)
(4) Third Time Lucki 14/1, A smart chaser at his best for Dan Skelton in 2022/23. Joined present connections for £190,000 and runner-up in 4-runner handicap at Cheltenham (15.9f) in November only to disappoint when last of 6 there following month. Has it to prove now. Well treated on old form but this 10yo needs a revival; third run back from long absence.
6
|PU| (6) (3/1 +57%) Stormin Crossgales
3
3/1(+57%)
(6) Stormin Crossgales 3/1, Arrives on a hat-trick after scoring over C&D and in 4-runner handicap chase at Southwell (20.4f) 24 days ago. Up another 5 lb but he can go well again. Won over C&D last month and followed up at Southwell; can make another bold bid.
5
|PU| (5) (18/1 +10%) Herbiers
18
18/1(+10%)
(5) Herbiers 18/1, Useful handicap hurdler/chaser but lightly raced in recent seasons. Yet to fire in two runs this term after 19 months off so others appeal more on this occasion. On a reduced mark but returned from long absence in November and has struggled.
Nells Son has taken his form to a new level this season and he is bound to be popular on the back of edging out subsequent winner Matata at Kelso last month. The 10-year-old could only manage fourth off 14lb lower in this contest last year, though, and preference is for CALICO, who finished runner-up 12 months ago off the same mark. Dan Skelton's charge may not be the most consistent, but he showed what he is capable of when scoring at Cheltenham in October. General Medrano and Stormin Crossgales are noted too.
Nicky Richards' NELLS SON comes here at the top of his game and is fancied to make it 3-3 this term at the chief expense of fellow hat-trick seeker Stormin Crossgales. C&D winner Calico could also have a say if bouncing back from a poor Cheltenham third last out.
Nicky Richards excels with veteran chasers and the 10yo NELLS SON is taken to complete a hat-trick. Stormin Crossgales is feared.
(1) Aurora Vega 85/40, Fantastically bred very useful bumper winner who quickly dispelled a blip in this sphere when winning 6-runner mares' hurdle here (16.5f) 24 days ago, by 2½ lengths from Mongibello. Of interest with further progress anticipated. Back to her best when seeing off Mongibello here latest; step up in trip should suit.
4
2nd (4) (10/1 +9%) Dream On Baby
10
10/1(+9%)
(4) Dream On Baby 10/1, Lightly-raced winner under NH rules. Good 4¾ lengths third of 11 to Cottesloe Sunshine in listed hurdle at Thurles (16.1f, good, 10/1) 35 days ago. This step back up in trip looks in her favour on that evidence. Bolted up at Thurles on stable/hurdle debut; can reverse the form with Beauforts Storm.
3
3rd (3) (25/1 -127%) Beauforts Storm
25
25/1(-127%)
(3) Beauforts Storm 25/1, Fairly useful hurdler. 18/1, excellent short-head second of 11 to Cottesloe Sunshine in listed hurdle at Thurles (16.1f, good) 35 days ago, edged out near finish. Not taken lightly, particularly granted a strong pace to aim at. Beaten a short head in Listed mares' novice at Thurles but ground a major worry here.
7
4th (7) (20/1 -43%) Mystical Goddess
20
20/1(-43%)
(7) Mystical Goddess 20/1, Twice-raced winner over hurdles. 7/2, 10¼ lengths sixth of 8 to Sansrisk in Gr 3 hurdle at Down Royal (16.9f, good to soft) 85 days ago. Tongue strap on 1st time. Open to improvement. Poor when sent off 7-2 for Down Royal Grade 3 when last seen; heavy ground an unknown.
6
5th (6) (7/2 +36%) Mongibello
3.5
7/2(+36%)
(6) Mongibello 7/2, Fairly useful hurdler. 1 win from 2 runs this season. 11/4, very good 2½ lengths second of 6 to Aurora Vega in minor event hurdle at this course (16.5f, soft) 24 days ago. Likely to improve further with the return to this longer trip very much expected to suit. Runner-up to Aurora Vega here after a break; 4lb pull in the weights with that rival.
2
6th (2) (10/3 -33%) Baby Kate
3.333333
10/3(-33%)
(2) Baby Kate 10/3, Successful on 2 of her 3 starts in bumpers and, despite being easy to back made a winning return in 20-runner mares; maiden hurdle at Naas (16.2f) 6 weeks ago. Well worth her place at this level on that evidence. Made a great impression when staying on strongly to win at Naas last month; respected.
5
7th (5) (4/1 -14%) Fancy Girl
4
4/1(-14%)
(5) Fancy Girl 4/1, Didn't kick on as expected in bumpers but firmly back on track sent hurdling after 20 months off when winning 18-runner novice at Cork (20f) 6 weeks ago, making all and drawing clear from 3 out. Looks sure to progress and she's one of 3 with solid claims from the Mullins yard. Missed last season but produced a striking performance when making all at Cork on return.
8
8th (8) (300/1 -50%) Queenie St Clair
300
300/1(-50%)
(8) Queenie St Clair 300/1, Fair Flat winner. Twice-raced maiden over hurdles. Fair winner at 7f on flat. 150/1, sixth of 18 in novice hurdle at Limerick (16f, soft) 30 days ago. Uphill task on her hands with her sights raised considerably. Flat maiden winner; couple of decent efforts in maiden hurdles but is way out of her depth.
The well-bred AURORA VEGA suffered an outage at Wexford in October but was in better heart when winning here on New Year's Day. She meets Mongibello on 5lb worse terms here but the selection's jumping was still quite novicey so progress could be forthcoming as she gains further experience. Fancy Girl was an impressive maiden winner at Cork last month and had previously shown smart bumper form. A chasing type, she has nice ability and can compete. Baby Kate also steps up from maiden hurdle company and is noted.
Willie Mullins holds a strong hand with all 3 of his representatives holding claims. FANCY GIRL made light of a 20-month absence when scoring with ease on hurdles bow at Cork 6 weeks ago and she shades the vote. Stablemates Aurora Vega and Baby Kate are next best in that order.
Paul Townend has opted to ride Aurora Vega but stablemate FANCY GIRL couldn't have been more impressive when bolting up at Cork
(10) Moon D'orange 13/2, Winner of a novice hurdle during a short stint for Fergal O'Brien during the spring and best effort over fences back with this yard when second at Newbury 4 weeks ago. More needed in this deeper race, though. Irish runner; first start under Sean Bowen, who has good record for this yard; interesting.
8
2nd (8) (14/1 +22%) Grandeur D'ame
14
14/1(+22%)
(8) Grandeur D'ame 14/1, Enhanced good record fresh when scoring at Chepstow on return. Just respectable fifth in December Gold Cup over C&D since, however, and others make more appeal. Not disgraced in the December Gold Cup but remains on career-high mark; nothing in hand.
5
3rd (5) (9/2 +31%) Imperial Saint
4.5
9/2(+31%)
(5) Imperial Saint 9/2, Taken very well to fences this season, winning 3 of his 4 starts, resuming progress when making all at Aintree on Boxing Day, impressing with his jumping. Looks ready for a crack at something like this. Record of 3-4 since switched to chasing, the wins at Aintree; 2-2 over 2m4f; improving.
2
4th (2) (11/2 -57%) Iroko
5.5
11/2(-57%)
(2) Iroko 11/2, Progressive over hurdles and took form up another notch on third start over fences when 4 lengths second of 6 in Grade 1 Mildmay at Aintree in April. Shaped very well on Haydock reappearance before falling through no fault of his own at Ascot. Opening mark in this sphere looks a handy one. Promising novice chaser last term; suffered bad luck on latest start; remains of interest.
7
5th (7) (50/1 -25%) Happygolucky
50
50/1(-25%)
(7) Happygolucky 50/1, Took very well to fences in 2020/21, second in the Ultima at the Festival prior to winning Grade 3 handicap at Aintree. However, missed the following season and struggled in competitive handicaps here when last seen 2 years ago. Has since left Kim Bailey. Returns from long absence and is unlikely to be the force of old; best watched.
4
6th (4) (12/1 -60%) Soul Icon
12
12/1(-60%)
(4) Soul Icon 12/1, Multiple winner over hurdles who showed improved form to finally get off the mark over fences in Grade 2 handicap at Kempton last month despite being 4 lb out of the handicap. Races off 3 lb higher here so must be respected back up in trip. Opened his chase account in Grade 2 handicap at Kempton last time; largely consistent.
6
7th (6) (22/1 -144%) Gemirande
22
22/1(-144%)
(6) Gemirande 22/1, Lightly raced and without a win last term but has returned in fine heart this season, following up his decisive winning Ascot return with victory in December Gold Cup over C&D last month. Needs to shrug off a poor effort in a similar event here on New Year's Day, however. Won the December Gold Cup over C&D but form dipped sharply here on New Year's Day.
3
8th (3) (12/1 -20%) Il Ridoto
12
12/1(-20%)
(3) Il Ridoto 12/1, Likeable sort who was a good third in this last year off 1 lb higher. All the better for return when winning Paddy Power Gold Cup here by 4½ lengths but only sixth in December Gold Cup over C&D 6 weeks ago. Won this race in 2023 (third last year) but is now perhaps back in the assessor's grip.
9
9th (9) (28/1 -27%) Torn And Frayed
28
28/1(-27%)
(9) Torn And Frayed 28/1, Not always the most sure-footed but avoided mistakes when capitalising on a falling mark in veterans event at Warwick in November. Not i smae form in similar event here next time. however, and will find this more competitive. Landed this prize in 2022; never dangerous in veterans' event over C&D most recently.
1
10th (1) (3/1 +33%) Ginny's Destiny
3
3/1(+33%)
(1) Ginny's Destiny 3/1, Had an excellent first campaign over fences with this yard, including a Cheltenham hat-trick between November and January (at this meeting), and even better form when second in Grade 1 company twice after. Excuses both starts this term and worth another chance. Smart novice chaser last season and suited by Cheltenham; likely player if back to best.
11
|PU| (11) (15/2 +38%) Some Scope
7.5
15/2(+38%)
(11) Some Scope 15/2, Had a good first season over fences, winning on 2 of his 5 starts (at up to 25.3f). Back on the up when winning Rowland Meyrick at Wetherby on Boxing Day and this progressive young chaser isn't taken lightly back down in trip. All wins at about 3m, latest at Wetherby; drop back in distance poses a question mark.
Iroko has bundles of ability, but he will need to put an Ascot fall behind him and it might pay to side with IMPERIAL SAINT. A step up in trip appeared to suit the seven-year-old, who powered through the fog when making all at Aintree on Boxing Day, taking his record over fences to three from four. A 7lb rise will ask sterner questions of him, as will the rise in grade, but there may well be more in the locker. Soul Icon landed the Desert Orchid from 3lb lower and he ought to remain competitive.
Plenty to consider but IROKO's opening mark in this sphere looks a handy one judged on the form he showed in a Grade 1 at Aintree last season and he can make amends for his luckless first-fence fall at Ascot last month. Ginny's Destiny has had excuses on both his starts this term and is another who's on a tempting mark based on his exploits at the top level in the spring, while Imperial Saint is worth a crack at this level after his dominant all-the-way win at Aintree.
The vote goes to interesting Irish novice chaser MOON D'ORANGE (nap), who has a solid piece of course form. Iroko is feared most.
(6) Rubber Ball 1/2, Irish point winner who ran to a fair level when fifth of 14 in bumper at Cheltenham and improved from hurdles debut when third of 14 in a Huntingdon maiden (15.8f) 23 days ago. Rates the type to do better still and he's one for the shortlist. Clear third behind respected opposition at Huntingdon and this could be an easier race.
1
2nd (1) (10/3 -21%) Ballyvango
3.333333
10/3(-21%)
(1) Ballyvango 10/3, Fair form in bumpers and bright start over hurdles, albeit not looking entirely straightforward when second of 14 in a Kelso maiden (16.2f) 4 weeks ago, keeping on when bad mistake last. Remains open to improvement and he's one to consider. Hood retained. Runner-up at Kelso but that didn't look a strong race if taking out the winner.
11
3rd (11) (12/1 +64%) Solid Silver
12
12/1(+64%)
(11) Solid Silver 12/1, Fair bumper performer who showed similar form on the Flat without winning for Sir Mark Prescott. Not real short-term promise to glean from pair of hurdle runs for present yard and she's another likely type for handicaps on the back of this. 9-1 and 33-1 for her two runs over hurdles and was a distance behind the winner both times.
2
4th (2) (10/1 +17%) Desert Halo
10
10/1(+17%)
(2) Desert Halo 10/1, Some promise in trio of bumper outings and stepped up plenty on his hurdles debut effort when second of 9 in novice at Lingfield (2m) in November. Subsequent Haydock run was a long way below that level though, and he needs to bounce back. All depends on whether he can reproduce his penultimate run that would give him a chance.
4
5th (4) (16/1 -14%) King Of Thieves
16
16/1(-14%)
(4) King Of Thieves 16/1, Runner-up sole outing in Irish points and shaped well when occupying same spot in a bumper at Ffos Las (15.8f, heavy) in March. Off 9 months prior to a low-key hurdles debut run at that venue 37 days ago but this should reveal more. Back down in trip. Bumper form reads well but it was a very quiet hurdling debut just before Christmas.
7
6th (7) (150/1 -50%) Uncertain Terms
150
150/1(-50%)
(7) Uncertain Terms 150/1, Maiden pointer who was sent off at 50/1 and made an unpromising start to his Rules career when last of 5 in novice hurdle at Catterick (15.7f) 24 days ago. Best watched. Beaten in five Irish points and was 50-1 when last in a 1m7f novice at Catterick (soft).
10
7th (10) (100/1 +0%) Shes All Pride
100
100/1(+0%)
(10) Shes All Pride 100/1, Runner-up sole start in Irish points but finished a well held third in an Ayr bumper in November and she was never involved with a hood applied when seventh of 9 in a mares' novice hurdle at Fontwell (19f) 46 days ago. Low-grade handicaps later on will be more her bag. 125-1 when tailed off in a novice for mares at Fontwell (2m3f, soft; first-time hood).
8
8th (8) (14/1 -250%) Watching Over You
14
14/1(-250%)
(8) Watching Over You 14/1, Flat-bred gelding who was very well served by the emphasis on speed when making it second time lucky in bumper at Exeter (16.7f) in February 2023. Absent/switched yards ahead of his return and the market may prove a useful guide on hurdles bow. The form is bumper win two years ago is very weak; has at least joined a good yard.
5
|PU| (5) (25/1 +0%) Nathanael Greene
25
25/1(+0%)
(5) Nathanael Greene 25/1, A useful winner on Flat (stays 2m) for William Haggas. Changed hands for 45,000 gns but little promise completed starts over hurdles. Formerly useful on Flat but on a slippy slope under both codes for his current yard.
3
|PU| (3) (300/1 -100%) Dontuforgetaboutme
300
300/1(-100%)
(3) Dontuforgetaboutme 300/1, Scorpion gelding who was sent off at long odds and was well-beaten last of 7 in a Southwell bumper (15.8f, heavy) back in May. Best watched now attentions switch to hurdles. 100-1 when a tailed-off last at Southwell last May in a soft-ground bumper.
RUBBER BALL finished an admirable third behind a couple of useful sorts at Huntingdon and Neil King's unexposed point-to-point winner gets the vote to gain a first victory under Rules. Ballyvango found only one rival too good at Kelso last month and he must be of renewed interest, while returning bumper winner Watching Over You also merits consideration on his first start over timber.
RUBBER BALL built on his hurdles debut effort when finishing a good third in a Huntingdon maiden 23 days ago and, with further progress anticipated, he shades the vote. Ballyvango has run to a similar level and he's a threat. Wolf Moon, who finished a good second at Huntingdon on Thursday, would be of definite interest if lining up and hurdles-debutant Watching Over You also needs a market check on debut for Olly Murphy.
A repeat of his third at Huntingdon should see RUBBER BALL tough to beat in what looks an easier assignment.
(7) Yellow Car 10/1, Point winner who looked quite useful when winning 2 of his first 3 starts over hurdles at Newton Abbot and Fontwell. Posted a good third of 6 in Grade 2 at Cheltenham (3m) last time so can't be dismissed. Creditable third in Grade 2 at Cheltenham but 3l to find with runner-up Western Knight.
6
2nd (6) (11/4 +31%) Moon Rocket
2.75
11/4(+31%)
(6) Moon Rocket 11/4, Bought for £92,000 after easily getting off the mark in Irish points and he has looked a useful prospect in bagging a maiden here in November and 3m novice at Southwell 24 days ago. Can't be discounted with more progress on the cards. Convincing wins on both hurdle starts; vastly tougher task today but could play major role.
5
3rd (5) (5/2 +25%) Ma Shantou
2.5
5/2(+25%)
(5) Ma Shantou 5/2, Progessive sort who bids for a hat-trick after landing novice hurdles (around 2m4f) at Warwick and Windsor this winter. Open to further improvement now stepped up to 3m. In the mix. Has won his last two (2m5f/2m4f) and looks a stayer in the making; firmly in calculations.
4
4th (4) (7/2 +53%) Jig's Forge
3.5
7/2(+53%)
(4) Jig's Forge 7/2, Winning Irish pointer who made a successful start in this sphere in 12-runner novice at Ffos Las (20f, heavy) 66 days ago. Can build on that, especially now stepped up in trip. Considered. Point winner who scored by 6l on hurdle debut; trainer won this in 2019 and 2021.
8
5th (8) (33/1 -32%) Sunset Hill
33
33/1(-32%)
(8) Sunset Hill 33/1, Improving type who opened her hurdling account in 2m5f novice at Kelso in December before posting an excellent second of 7 in 2m4f Southwell handicap 24 days ago. This is tougher but she can't be ruled out on her first go over 3m. Good second in mares' handicap last time but others here may have greater potential.
1
|U| (1) (10/3 -48%) Western Knight
3.333333
10/3(-48%)
(1) Western Knight 10/3, Overcame inexperience to win novice hurdles at Uttoxeter and Ascot before an excellent second of 6 in Grade 2 novice at Cheltenham (3m) last month. Has more to offer and merits serious consideration. Runner-up in 3m Grade 2 at Cheltenham last month and he has leading claims.
Western Knight (second) got the better of Yellow Car (third) when the pair met over 3m at Cheltenham last month, and the former should confirm his superiority over that rival. That said, point-to-point winner MOON ROCKET gets the nod. He impressed when bolting up over an extended 3m on just his second start over hurdles at Southwell recently and, though more will be required here, this progressive stayer is overlooked at your peril. Ma Shantou is also noteworthy.
None of these can be ruled out in a cracking River Don but the vote goes to WESTERN KNIGHT who still looked a work in progress when an excellent second in a Cheltenham Grade 2 last time out and can quickly resume winning ways here. Ma Shantou could emerge as the chief threat on his first go over 3m, although Jig's Force, Yellow Car, Moon Rocket and Gamesters Guy all need factoring in too.
Ben Pauling won this in 2019 and 2021 and 3m point winner JIG'S FORGE impressed on his rules debut in a 2m4f maiden hurdle at Ffos Las.
(11) St Cuthbert's Cave 18/1, Fair hurdler. Tongue strap on for 1st time, fourth of 21 in novice hurdle at Naas (16f, heavy, 33/1) 20 days ago. Looks vulnerable. 3rd on hurdle debut at Fairyhouse; pulled up in two of his last four starts so more needed.
6
1st (6) (11/10 +27%) Kawaboomga
1.1
11/10(+27%)
(6) Kawaboomga 11/10, Promising sort. First run since leaving Francois Nicolle when second of 23 in novice hurdle (4/1) at Leopardstown (16f, good) on IRE NH debut 30 days ago. Open to progress. Second to stablemate at Leopardstown last month; should improve on softer ground.
12
2nd (12) (13/8 -18%) William Munny
1.625
13/8(-18%)
(12) William Munny 13/8, Promising type. Second of 17 in novice hurdle (5/2) at Leopardstown (16f, good) on hurdles bow 30 days ago. Likely to improve. 2nd to the highly regarded Workahead on hurdles debut; third and fifth won subsequently.
7
3rd (7) (10/3 -142%) Koktail Divin
3.333333
10/3(-142%)
(7) Koktail Divin 10/3, Promising type. First run since leaving Alain Couetil when second of 12 in minor event hurdle (7/2) at Leopardstown (19.8f, good) on IRE NH debut 28 days ago. Should have more to offer. Good second latest; marked drop in trip but will handle the ground and is Grade 1-entred.
20
4th (20) (100/1 -203%) Zanoosh
100
100/1(-203%)
(20) Zanoosh 100/1, Once-raced maiden. Tenth of 25 in bumper at Punchestown (16.7f, good to soft, 100/1) on NH debut. Off 9 months. Makes hurdles debut. 41,000euros purchase has a nice pedigree and she ran well for a long way at Punchestown.
3
5th (3) (9/1 +25%) Fleetfoot
9
9/1(+25%)
(3) Fleetfoot 9/1, Useful Flat winner, making GB/IRE jumps debut. 9/4, second of 6 in handicap at the Curragh (10f, good to soft). Tongue strap on for 1st time in this code. 92-rated on Flat; won on heavy & holds a Supreme entry; intriguing hurdling debutant.
5
6th (5) (100/1 -100%) God Of Thunder
100
100/1(-100%)
(5) God Of Thunder 100/1, Fairly useful Flat winner, making GB/IRE jumps debut. Cheekpieces on for 1st time, first run since leaving Richard Hannon when fifth of 13 in claimer (15/2) at Dundalk (12f) 45 days ago. 74-rated Flat performer finished a respectable fifth at Dundalk but up against it here.
8
7th (8) (80/1 +20%) Milanova
80
80/1(+20%)
(8) Milanova 80/1, Milan gelding. Half-brother to 4 winners on Flat, including 11.5f winner in France Al Musheer. Dam 9f-10.5f winner on Flat in France. Entitled to come on for the run. Seventh foal; half-brother to several winners but has an uphill task on debut.
18
8th (18) (150/1 +25%) Music Of Life
150
150/1(+25%)
(18) Music Of Life 150/1, Thrice-raced maiden. Sixth of 18 in bumper (14/1) at Thurles (16.1f, good) 35 days ago. Makes hurdles debut. Third in Tramore mares' bumper that's working out okay; plenty more needed here.
17
9th (17) (250/1 +0%) Kilfera
250
250/1(+0%)
(17) Kilfera 250/1, Twice-raced maiden under Rules. Fifteenth of 16 in bumper at Punchestown (18.4f, heavy, 16/1) on bumper debut 25 days ago. Switches from bumpers to hurdles. 6th of 19 over hurdles at Navan; completely tailed off in Punchestown bumper since.
2
|F| (2) (150/1 -50%) Fairy Meadow
150
150/1(-50%)
(2) Fairy Meadow 150/1, Power gelding. Dam unraced. Best watched on debut. Unraced dam out of 1m5f/2m2f Flat and 2m/2m3f hurdle winner; best watched here.
21
10th (21) (250/1 -25%) Goldrush Kid
250
250/1(-25%)
(21) Goldrush Kid 250/1, Fair maiden on the Flat. Twice-raced maiden. Tenth of 20 in juvenile hurdle at Punchestown (16.4f, soft, 125/1) 25 days ago. 68-rated Flat performer was beaten out of sight in two hurdles; put a line through him.
16
11th (16) (100/1 -257%) Go On Barbie
100
100/1(-257%)
(16) Go On Barbie 100/1, Westerner mare. Sister to fairly useful hurdler Two Shoe Tom. Dam fair 2m hurdle winner (stayed 2½m). Opposable on debut. Third foal; sister to 2m-2m2f hurdle winner Two Shoe Tom; watch the betting.
13
12th (13) (100/1 -355%) Aird
100
100/1(-355%)
(13) Aird 100/1, Fairly useful maiden on the Flat, making GB/IRE jumps debut. Fourth of 8 in maiden (11/8) at Dundalk (12f) 11 days ago. Tongue strap on for 1st time in this code. Koktail Divin is the stable No 1. 72-rated Flat performer faces a very tough introduction on her hurdling debut.
1
13th (1) (100/1 -52%) Cyrus Field
100
100/1(-52%)
(1) Cyrus Field 100/1, Twice-raced maiden. Fourth of 7 in novice hurdle (9/2) at Thurles (20.7f, good) 58 days ago. Back down in trip. Remote fourth in 20.5f Thurles maiden hurdle when last seen; hard to fancy.
19
14th (19) (250/1 +0%) Yoursimplythebest
250
250/1(+0%)
(19) Yoursimplythebest 250/1, Thrice-raced maiden under Rules. 250/1, ninth of 14 in novice hurdle at this course (18.4f, good to soft) 14 days ago. Soundly beaten in a bumper & two maiden hurdles; impossible to recommend on that evidence.
15
15th (15) (250/1 +0%) Captain Kate
250
250/1(+0%)
(15) Captain Kate 250/1, Twice-raced maiden. 250/1, eighth of 13 in novice hurdle at Clonmel (16.9f, soft) 10 days ago. Ran okay in a few points but was tailed off in a pair of maiden hurdles at large prices.
14
16th (14) (250/1 -25%) Annie Button
250
250/1(-25%)
(14) Annie Button 250/1, Once-raced maiden. 50/1, ninth of 10 in bumper at this course (16.5f, good to soft) on NH debut 42 days ago. Makes hurdles debut. Cheap purchase finished out with the washing in a bumper around here on debut last month.
4
17th (4) (250/1 -25%) Give Him A Chance
250
250/1(-25%)
(4) Give Him A Chance 250/1, Workforce gelding. Half-brother to fair hurdler Brianna Lily. Dam (h76) maiden hurdler out of 19f/2½m hurdle winner Glenmoss Tara. Third on sole completed start from 3 starts between the flags. 2,800euros yearling (not sold); 0-3 in points; stable in flying form but a watching brief.
10
18th (10) (250/1 -25%) Ri An Chnoic
250
250/1(-25%)
(10) Ri An Chnoic 250/1, Once-raced maiden. Hooded, last of 13 in novice hurdle at this course (16.2f, soft, 40/1) on NH debut 9 days ago (saddle slipped). From a family associated with staying chasers; debut run here forgiven as saddle slipped.
9
19th (9) (250/1 -25%) Mooretown Lad
250
250/1(-25%)
(9) Mooretown Lad 250/1, Fairly useful Flat winner. Once-raced maiden over hurdles. 125/1, first run since leaving M. D. O'Callaghan when twentieth of 23 in novice hurdle at Leopardstown (16f, good) on NH debut 30 days ago. Flat win at Leopardstown in August but tailed off behind Kawaboomga on stable/hurdles bow.
KOKTAIL DIVIN kept a smart sort more than honest when second on Irish debut over further at Leopardstown. He had decent form in French bumpers and holds entries at the Cheltenham Festival. Kawaboomga is another French recruit to take very seriously. There was plenty to like about his runner-up finish at Leopardstown over Christmas and he has the same Cheltenham options. Barry Connell has always held William Munny in high regard. A strong bumper career saw him win twice before being placed in Grade 1 company. There should be plenty more to come after his second place over flights in Leopardstown. Fleetfoot is a graduate from the Flat that is worth a market check.
The three to focus on here are KAWABOOMGA, Koktail Divin and William Munny, all of whom shaped really well when runner-up in maiden hurdles at Leopardstown during the Christmas period. Preference is for the first-named, who chased home exciting stablemate Kopek des Bordes on what was his first appearance for 10 months (and first start since joining the Willie Mullins yard).
A fascinating maiden hurdle. Always highly regarded by Barry Connell, it's time for WILLIAM MUNNY to come good over hurdles
(5) L'homme Presse 4/5, Top-class chaser. Lightly raced in recent seasons but he came in a good fourth in the Gold Cup here last March. Not discredited on his seasonal return when third of 11 to Banbridge in King George VI Chase at Kempton 30 days ago. Holds leading form claims. A possible question to answer beyond 3m but he has an excellent chance at these weights.
2
2nd (2) (13/2 +19%) Stage Star
6.5
13/2(+19%)
(2) Stage Star 13/2, A three-time winner here, bagging the Paddy Power Gold Cup last season. Not in same form since though and he came in only seventh of 11 in December Gold Cup here (20.6f, good to soft) 42 days ago. Goes up in trip now with something to prove. Tremendous here in 2023 but has underperformed last four outings and unraced beyond 2m5f.
1
3rd (1) (7/2 -40%) Gentlemansgame
3.5
7/2(-40%)
(1) Gentlemansgame 7/2, Landed the Charlie Hall Chase at Wetherby last November. Without a victory since but he posted a good third of 9 to Galopin Des Champs in Savills Chase at Leopardstown (24.4f, good to soft) 28 days ago. This high-class Irish chaser must enter calculations. Better than ever when third in Leopardstown Grade 1 but he gives weight all round today.
4
4th (4) (22/1 +33%) Delta Work
22
22/1(+33%)
(4) Delta Work 22/1, Smart Irish chaser who ended last term with a fine second in Aintree's Grand National. Yet to hit top form this term however, only 11th in Cross Country handicap here (29.2f, good to soft) 37 days ago. Others appeal more on this occasion. Needs a return to form and the chances are that it will take place later in the season.
3
5th (3) (7/1 +7%) Chantry House
7
7/1(+7%)
(3) Chantry House 7/1, Took this prize in 2022 and he got back on track after a winless spell over hurdles when landing 5-runner handicap chase over C&D (soft) 24 days ago. No forlorn hope if building on that here. Revived with a C&D handicap win last time but probably still needs to build on that.
6
6th (6) (80/1 -21%) Tommie Beau
80
80/1(-21%)
(6) Tommie Beau 80/1, Landed 3 of his first 4 starts at Cartmel this term but below par of late and only fifth of 6 in conditions event at Windsor (22.2f) 6 days ago. This is a very difficult ask. Looks well out of his depth and tailed off when facing a not dissimilar task six days ago.
Returning to a left-handed course and the scene of his 2022 success in the Brown Advisory are key factors in the favour of L'HOMME PRESSE, who also ran a blinder when fourth in the Gold Cup here last March. A commendable third, despite jumping to the left, in the King George at Kempton on Boxing Day should have set him up nicely for another bold showing. Savills Chase third Gentlemansgame is an obvious threat, while the admirable veteran Delta Work has enough course experience to suggest he is still capable of causing an upset if things go his way.
By no means a vintage renewal of the Cotswold Chase and L'HOMME PRESSE looks to have been found an excellent opportunity to get back to winning ways on the back of his solid third in Kempton's King George VI Chase. Irish-challenger Gentlemansgame appeals as the main danger to Venetia Williams' top-class chaser with 2022 victor Chantry House no forlorn hope if building on his recent C&D handicap success.
Today's weights hand L'HOMME PRESSE a golden opportunity. Gentlemansgame might edge Chantry House for second.
(2) Jilaijone 10/3, Without a win since his British debut finishing second on seven occasions since. Showed his consistency with a respectable fourth in a handicap hurdle at Haydock (15.6f, heavy) 35 days ago, didn't find much under pressure. Chances back up in trip but is struggling to get his head in front. Just 1-17 over hurdles but is pretty consistent and probably won't be far away.
3
2nd (3) (12/1 +40%) Victoria Milano
12
12/1(+40%)
(3) Victoria Milano 12/1, Dual hurdles winner who reportedly bled when pulled up on final start of last season (23.8f) in April. Easy to back and shaped as if better for the run on last month's reappearance when sixth in handicap at Aintree (20f) 3 weeks ago. Entitled to come on for that and better expected today. Low-mileage mare who made a fairly encouraging seasonal debut last month; a possible.
4
3rd (4) (6/1 +20%) Miss Maverick
6
6/1(+20%)
(4) Miss Maverick 6/1, Last seen completing the final leg of a hat-trick here in May (all three wins coming at this venue, twice over C&D), making the running on each occasion. Seeks a four-timer off an only 2 lb higher mark and she would merit serious consideration if ready to roll on her return to action. Won three in a row in novice company here last spring; makes handicap debut after layoff.
8
4th (8) (11/4 +58%) New Found Fame
2.75
11/4(+58%)
(8) New Found Fame 11/4, C&D winner on debut and ended long losing run with the aid of first-time cheekpieces when landing an 8-runner handicap hurdle at Bangor (19.6f, heavy) 43 days ago, still looking a tad awkward under pressure. That will have done his confidence no harm but this is a warmer race. Won in first-time cheekpieces last month but is 5lb higher in a stronger race here.
6
5th (6) (33/1 +34%) Captain Potter
33
33/1(+34%)
(6) Captain Potter 33/1, Hurdles winner at the start of the year and also opened account on the Flat in 2m Catterick handicap in October. Latest run when sixth of 9 in a handicap hurdle at Bangor (23.2f, heavy) suggests he might be in the grip of the handicapper and 3 lb drop may not be enough to change his fortunes here. Still unexposed over jumps but was safely held in 2m7f Bangor handicap last month.
9
|PU| (9) (10/1 +60%) Lune De La Mer
10
10/1(+60%)
(9) Lune De La Mer 10/1, Looked a horse to keep on the right side of when scoring (Aintree, 20f, good) in May last year but clearly not easy to train since, only returned to action last month when down the field (showed slightly high head carriage) in a handicap at Haydock (15.6f, heavy). Should come on for that run. Made low-key handicap debut last month, after a long layoff, but remains very unexposed.
7
|PU| (7) (11/4 +21%) Either Or
2.75
11/4(+21%)
(7) Either Or 11/4, Winning pointer made winning start over hurdles (Warwick, 19f, heavy) in January last year but only raced twice since, pulled-up (possibly amiss) in a Grade 2 before respectable third over an inadequate 2m (Chepstow) back in April. Can go close for top yard if firing on all cylinders on comeback. Quite promising novice last season and could be on good mark for seasonal/handicap debut.
5
|PU| (5) (20/1 +50%) Gentle Frank
20
20/1(+50%)
(5) Gentle Frank 20/1, Caught the eye on his sole hurdles win back in March 2023, landing a small field novice hurdle (Doncaster 19.4f) despite doing plenty wrong, keen and mistakes. More miss than hit since (hurdles and fences) but would be of interest if market speaks in his favour on his comeback from 406-day absence. Well beaten in both chases last season; now reverts to hurdling after 406-day absence.
11
|PU| (11) (125/1 -25%) Grillon De Monty
125
125/1(-25%)
(11) Grillon De Monty 125/1, First run since leaving Dan Skelton when sent off at 125/1, keen and pulled up in a handicap hurdle at Warwick (26f, soft) 25 days ago. Beaten quickly that day and hard to make a case for. Pulled up on last month's stable debut and is difficult to enthuse over at present.
COURT CIAN shaped like he was some way ahead of the handicapper when bolting up over an extended 2m7f at Fakenham on New Year's Day and, easing in trip, he should be tough to stop, despite a 10lb hike in the ratings. New Found Fame doubled his career tally when striking at Bangor and he merits respect off 5lb higher. Jilaijone is respected most out of the remainder.
In a wide-open race, EITHER OR can make a winning reappearance for the in-form Nicky Henderson team. Connections thought enough of this mare to pitch her into graded company on her penultimate start (pulled-up, possibly amiss) and with 2 miles too sharp last-time. she is interesting now back up in trip on handicap debut. Jilaijone continues to run well without getting his head in front, while course-queen Miss Maverick and Gentle Frank are worth noting in the market on their return from absence.
Handicap debutante EITHER OR has been absent since April but is probably on a good mark and has significant potential.
(1) Jetara 10/3, Useful mare who added to her tally in mares' listed hurdle on return in October and followed up on Flat at the Curragh (12f) a month later. Weakened tamely next time but confirmed she's back in form when third in Leopardstown Grade 3 4 weeks ago. Respected up in trip with cheekpieces enlisted. Below par the last twice but this Irish raider has strong claims if bouncing back to best.
2
2nd (2) (11/8 +15%) Kateira
1.375
11/8(+15%)
(2) Kateira 11/8, Good winner of big field Aintree handicap on final start last season and stepped up on her reappearance effort in November when winning 5-runner listed mares' hurdle at Kempton (21f) later that month. Far from disgraced when fifth in Grade 1 Long Walk latest and lead claims back against her own sex. Fine fifth in the Grade 1 Long Walk against males and she's a leading contender today.
3
3rd (3) (16/5 +20%) Wyenot
3.2
16/5(+20%)
(3) Wyenot 16/5, Progressive mare with a good strike rate, her fifth success from 8 hurdle runs coming in C&D listed event 6 weeks ago, jumping well and drawing clear before 2 out. Looks sure to give another good account of herself. Easily made all in C&D Listed mares' race last month; could be up to today's tougher task.
6
4th (6) (40/1 -21%) Salsada
40
40/1(-21%)
(6) Salsada 40/1, Useful Flat winner who has put it all together in winning back-to-back Sedgefield handicaps (at 19.8f) in recent months. Clearly right at the top of her game at present but she has plenty on her plate now stepped up markedly in class. Handicap wins at Sedgefield the last twice but others have much stronger form claims.
5
5th (5) (11/2 +31%) Della Casa Lunga
5.5
11/2(+31%)
(5) Della Casa Lunga 11/2, Better than ever all of a sudden, finishing second behind Kateira in a Kempton listed race before scoring readily (on back of a wind op) in a handicap there 8 days ago. Likely she'll need to pull out even more if she's to get the better of her old rival here, though. Held by Kateira on 2m5f form but this front-runner may pose bigger threat at today's trip.
4
6th (4) (25/1 +24%) Pinot Rouge
25
25/1(+24%)
(4) Pinot Rouge 25/1, Point winner who took well to hurdling last season, winning C&D listed novice before a good fourth in Aintree Grade 1. Not without promise on 2 of her 3 starts over fences late last year and she ran well when fourth on handicap hurdle debut at Ayr (24.3f) 23 days ago. Still, this tougher. Won Listed mares' novice hurdle over C&D last March but has plenty to find in this field.
WYENOT looked a mare to keep very much on the right side of when readily making all over C&D on her first attempt over the trip last month, and a similar display should see her go well. Kateira was far from disgraced when fifth in the Grade 1 Long Walk Hurdle over 3m at Ascot and she commands attention, while Jetara is capable of playing a hand in a race like this.
A winner at Kempton in November, KATEIRA ran another solid race when fifth in the Long Walk at Ascot on her latest outing 5 weeks ago and she looks to hold prime claims of getting back to winning ways returned to calmer waters. Irish-raider Jetara and Wyenot can give Dan Skelton's mare most to think about.
Having enjoyed an excellent 2024 culminating in a highly creditable fifth against males in the Grade 1 Long Walk, KATEIRA gets the nod.
(12) Leah's Contessa 11/2, Thirteenth of 20 in novice hurdle (150/1) at Naas (16.2f, good to soft) 40 days ago. Back up in trip and in danger of going the wrong way following a promising debut. Encouraging 5th over 2m4f on debut; struggled over 2m since but may improve back at 2m4f.
5
2nd (5) (18/1 -125%) I Ballyadam Moon
18
18/1(-125%)
(5) I Ballyadam Moon 18/1, 20/1, tenth of 15 in novice hurdle at Limerick (19f, soft) 27 days ago. Blinkers on 1st time. 2nd in 3 of his point starts; showed ability at Clonmel but nothing twice since; blinkers.
8
3rd (8) (8/1 -14%) The Dawn
8
8/1(-14%)
(8) The Dawn 8/1, 11/1, bit below form eighth of 15 in novice hurdle at Limerick (19f, soft) 27 days ago. Minor promise last season; shaped okay when 8th on return; should come on for that.
1
4th (1) (4/1 -33%) Butchers Bill
4
4/1(-33%)
(1) Butchers Bill 4/1, Thrice-raced maiden under NH rules. 18/1, sixth of 8 in novice hurdle at Punchestown (22f, soft) 12 days ago. Cheekpieces on 1st time for his leading yard. Tailed off in 3 runs so far; brother to Romeo Coolio; should do better at some stage.
11
5th (11) (33/1 -50%) Kilda Kelle
33
33/1(-50%)
(11) Kilda Kelle 33/1, Seventh of 10 in novice hurdle at Punchestown (19.6f, soft, 66/1) 12 days ago. Minor promise in a bumper on debut but hasn't built on that twice since over timber.
6
6th (6) (13/2 +19%) James The Brave
6.5
13/2(+19%)
(6) James The Brave 13/2, Fourth of 13 in bumper at Limerick (18f, soft, 40/1) 28 days ago. Switches from bumpers to hurdles. Showed a bit more when 4th in Limerick bumper last month; may appreciate further now.
7
7th (7) (13/8 0%) O' Bon Pardon
1.625
13/8(0%)
(7) O' Bon Pardon 13/8, Lightly-raced maiden under NH rules. 12/1, excellent fourth of 14 in novice hurdle at Naas (19.5f, good to soft) 40 days ago. Booking of Stone-Walsh a plus. That performance puts him right in this. Promising 6th in Goffs Defender bumper and step back in right direction at Naas last month.
4
8th (4) (14/1 +13%) Hei
14
14/1(+13%)
(4) Hei 14/1, Lightly-raced maiden under NH rules. 150/1, good tenth of 18 in novice hurdle at Naas (19.5f, good to soft) 40 days ago. Beaten a long way at big prices all starts so far and others look more likely.
13
9th (13) (200/1 -203%) Set My Love Free
200
200/1(-203%)
(13) Set My Love Free 200/1, Lightly-raced maiden under NH rules. First run since leaving Gordon Elliott when seventh of 13 in novice hurdle at Clonmel (16.9f, soft, 200/1) 10 days ago. Up in trip. Showed ability in 2 bumpers but tailed off both hurdle starts since; missed all 2023/2024.
10
10th (10) (25/1 +0%) Heather View
25
25/1(+0%)
(10) Heather View 25/1, Thrice-raced maiden. 40/1 and tongue strap on for 1st time, thirteenth of 18 in bumper at Thurles (16.1f, good) 35 days ago. Makes hurdles debut. Up in trip. Minor promise in bumpers without threatening; longer trip may help; likely one for h'caps.
3
11th (3) (33/1 -32%) He Might Be Lucky
33
33/1(-32%)
(3) He Might Be Lucky 33/1, Winning pointer. Fourth of 17 in novice hurdle (100/1) at Clonmel (16.9f, soft) 10 days ago. Up in trip. Point winner but yet to show enough under rules to support him here.
9
12th (9) (50/1 -25%) Bleu Lagune
50
50/1(-25%)
(9) Bleu Lagune 50/1, Thrice-raced maiden. 200/1, eighth of 12 in novice hurdle at Perth (20.2f, good to firm). Off 6 months. Struggled in trio of 2m4f starts at Perth; off 205 days and best watched for now.
2
|PU| (2) (150/1 -127%) Catch Yourself On
150
150/1(-127%)
(2) Catch Yourself On 150/1, Thrice-raced maiden under NH rules. First run since leaving John Joseph Hanlon when 200/1, unseated rider in novice hurdle at Punchestown (22f, soft) on hurdles bow 12 days ago, going in snatches. Minor promise in Cheltenham bumper but shown nothing twice since; unseated latest.
This looks a good opportunity O' BON PARDON to get off the mark. He started his career off with a solid sixth in the valuable Goffs Defender Bumper at Punchestown in April last year and, after unplaced efforts in a bumper at Galway and a maiden hurdle at Punchestown, showed much more when a close fourth in a Naas maiden hurdle last month. Conor Stone-Walsh is proving good value for his 5lb claim in this sphere. Butchers Bill has faced tough tasks in his three outings to date, but this looks a weaker race and he gets first-time cheekpieces. Similar sentiments apply to the 102-rated Leah's Contessa who has in-form claimer Tiernan Power Roche up.
Hard to make a compelling case for any of these but O'BON PARDON upped his game when fourth at Naas and that suggests he's the one to beat. Leah's Contessa is a big danger on her debut form, with Butchers Bill another to consider.
This isn't the strongest maiden hurdle and O' BON PARDON could be the one to take advantage after a return to form when 4th last time
(1) Constitution Hill 1/12, Exceptional unbeaten hurdler who had his setbacks last year (missed Festival) but confirmed he's still the one to beat in the division when becoming first 3-time winner of the Christmas Hurdle at Kempton on Boxing Day. This looks a penalty kick before he bids to regain his Champion Hurdle crown. Still unbeaten under rules and looks set to record another success; well clear on ratings.
3
2nd (3) (10/1 -43%) Brentford Hope
10
10/1(-43%)
(3) Brentford Hope 10/1, Built up a healthy strike rate over hurdles for this yard and returned from 6 months off with a good second in Grade 2 Elite Hurdle at Wincanton (15.2f) in November. Well beaten off big weight in Windsor handicap 8 days ago but better showing anticipated with cheekpieces refitted. Form dipped last week but he's normally consistent; second in Grade 2 on penultimate start.
5
3rd (5) (28/1 +58%) Spirits Bay
28
28/1(+58%)
(5) Spirits Bay 28/1, Did well last season, winning novice and handicap hurdle over 17f at Exeter. Encouragement to glean from each of his 2 starts this winter, seemingly unsuited by tactics adopted when third of 8 in handicap at Haydock (15.6f) last week. However, very hard to envisage him playing a lead role here. In-form contender but has the worst chance at the weights upped in class.
2
4th (2) (20/1 +50%) Fils D'oudairies
20
20/1(+50%)
(2) Fils D'oudairies 20/1, Added three hurdles victories to his tally in 2023, latterly a Grade 3 at Tipperary (16.2f) in October of that year. Set a stiff task returning from 12 months off at Leopardstown over Christmas and ran no sort of race back over fences at Fairyhouse 2 weeks ago. Up against it. One of the better contenders judged on peak form but he's possibly past his best.
4
5th (4) (80/1 +20%) Joyeux Machin
80
80/1(+20%)
(4) Joyeux Machin 80/1, Useful for Paul Nolan in Ireland but struggled in varied events in 2024. Easy to back and never figured on stable debut in a C&D handicap 6 weeks ago and loads to find on these terms back in graded company. Ex-Irish 8yo who has lost his form; difficult task on second run for new yard.
The defection of 2024 winner Lossiemouth takes a little bit of gloss away from this year's renewal. However, CONSTITUTION HILL readily had the measure of her when completing a hat-trick of Christmas Hurdle victories at Kempton and Nicky Henderson's superstar is impossible to oppose now he has proven his well-being after a troubled past 12 months. Brentford Hope can fill the forecast slot if a tongue-tie/cheekpieces combination helps him quickly atone for last week's below-par effort at Windsor. Fils D'oudairies is the pick of the remainder.
The outstanding CONSTITUTION HILL dispelled an absence and cemented the fact he's still very much the one to beat in this division when becoming the first 3-time winner of the Christmas Hurdle at Kempton on Boxing Day. It's hard to envisage Nicky Henderson's 8-y-o having any trouble landing this before he bids to regain his Champion Hurdle crown in March. Brentford Hope could well be the one for the forecast spot.
This should be a straightforward task for CONSTITUTION HILL. Runner-up honours are likely to go to Brentford Hope.
(4) Immortal Fame 7/2, Multiple winner over hurdles for Tom Lacey. £16,000 buy for new trainer and did all he could behind a progressive one back chasing at Bangor before going one better up against a couple of chase debutants at Ayr. This more competitive but he's in with a shot. Beat only one other finisher in small field last time but recent 3lb rise is manageable.
3
2nd (3) (2/1 +0%) King Arise
2
2/1(+0%)
(3) King Arise 2/1, Won sole point and has started out really well over fences, easily taking 9-runner handicap at Wincanton before just edged out under a penalty there on Boxing Day. Still unexposed and big player again. Returned from long layoff with three good chase runs towards end of last year; shortlisted.
2
3rd (2) (22/1 -83%) Royal Mer
22
22/1(-83%)
(2) Royal Mer 22/1, Notched 5 handicap wins during first campaign over fences in 2023/24, completing a hat-trick in good style at Wincanton in April. However, he ended that campaign on a downer (pulled up at Ayr) and he hasn't shown much in 3 starts so far this season. Headgear now applied. Won five chases last season but yet to strike form this term; cheekpieces added today.
7
4th (7) (8/1 -14%) Redbridge Rambler
8
8/1(-14%)
(7) Redbridge Rambler 8/1, Signed off last term with 3m Ascot success and also a creditable third at Kempton (3m again) in May. Disappointed when a remote fourth in 2 chases this autumn and no resurgence for return to hurdling at Doncaster in November. Others preferred. Failed to convince in two autumn chases and safely held on subsequent hurdle return.
5
5th (5) (11/1 +0%) Brulure Noire
11
11/1(+0%)
(5) Brulure Noire 11/1, Signed off last term with success in 9-runner handicap chase at Chepstow in April. Decent third at Fontwell on return last month and entitled to build on that. Ended last season with quite stylish win and ran well when back in action last month.
8
6th (8) (22/1 +33%) Heroique De Maulde
22
22/1(+33%)
(8) Heroique De Maulde 22/1, Scored at Doncaster in February 2023, for James Ewart but no promise in 2 outings for current trainer. Back from long absence with two very disappointing runs for new stable in late 2024.
1
7th (1) (9/2 +44%) Ballybegg
4.5
9/2(+44%)
(1) Ballybegg 9/2, Mixed record over hurdles this season but returns to fences on a winning mark despite winning on penultimate start in this sphere. Could be worth chancing. Well handicapped and has conditions to suit but is far too inconsistent to rely upon.
6
8th (6) (14/1 +44%) No Tackle
14
14/1(+44%)
(6) No Tackle 14/1, Only second run for his current yard when getting off the mark over fences at Leicester a year ago. Mixed record since, though, running no sort of race at Windsor on return last month (found to have suffered an irregular heartbeat). Has not kicked on from his ready win a year ago and arrives here with questions to answer.
9
|PU| (9) (14/1 -87%) Greenrock Abbey
14
14/1(-87%)
(9) Greenrock Abbey 14/1, Dual winner over fences at Hereford during 2022/23 and placed twice last season. Below par both starts this term, however, Safely held when fourth in low-grade race last month; needs to raise his game.
In what looks a competitive affair, ROYAL MER gets a tentative vote. He showed up well for long way before fading into fifth in attritional conditions over 2m at Haydock last month and, upped in trip sporting first-time cheekpieces, he could go close off just 2lb higher than his last winning mark. King Arise was narrowly denied at Wincanton on Boxing Day and another bold bid off 5lb higher appears likely. Immortal Fame is just one other to consider.
BALLYBEGG is on a winning mark on his return to chasing so shades the vote over King Arise, who has made a positive start to this discipline. Immortal Flame is best of the others.
Dropped 2lb since running well on last month's reappearance outing, BRULURE NOIRE is taken to record a fourth chase success.
(3) Well Dressed 6/1, Lightly-raced maiden. Tenth of 15 in handicap hurdle (13/2) at Navan (20f, good to soft) 41 days ago, not knocked about. Can give a good account. Promise in maiden hurdles last term; hasn't kicked on in h'caps this season.
6
2nd (6) (9/4 +36%) Arch Enemy
2.25
9/4(+36%)
(6) Arch Enemy 9/4, C&D winner. Winner in hurdle here in December. Creditable sixth of 19 in handicap hurdle at Leopardstown (16f, good, 17/2) 30 days ago. Merits consideration. Winning return to this sphere here last month and respectable 6th in follow-up bid.
5
3rd (5) (12/1 -60%) Duke Of Leggagh
12
12/1(-60%)
(5) Duke Of Leggagh 12/1, Thrice-raced maiden over hurdles. Fairly useful winner at 10f on flat. Fourteenth of 18 in novice hurdle at Naas (19.5f, good to soft, 80/1) 40 days ago. Makes handicap hurdle debut. Remains with potential. Dual winner on Flat; good 5th at Navan; poor runs either side; may do better h'capping now.
8
4th (8) (14/1 -56%) Jinxs Link
14
14/1(-56%)
(8) Jinxs Link 14/1, Latest win in hurdle at Down Royal in August. 7/1, below form sixth of 15 in handicap hurdle at Down Royal (17.2f, good to soft) 30 days ago so needs to bounce back. Won at Down Royal in summer; not in same form back there latest; ground may be against him.
9
5th (9) (16/1 -129%) Chautuaqua
16
16/1(-129%)
(9) Chautuaqua 16/1, Eleven runs since last win in 2022. 22/1, well held when unseated rider last in minor event hurdle at this course (16.5f, soft) 24 days ago. Cheekpieces on for 1st time. Makes handicap hurdle debut. Tough assignments last twice and unseated both starts; fair mark for h'cap debut though.
12
6th (12) (20/1 -43%) Barbaha Queen
20
20/1(-43%)
(12) Barbaha Queen 20/1, 1 win from 3 runs this season. Latest win in chase at Clonmel in June. 4/1, creditable fifth of 14 in handicap hurdle at Sligo (19.9f, good). Off 6 months so needs to hit the ground running. Creditable 6th back in this sphere when last seen; likely to need this; off 202 days.
11
7th (11) (10/3 -11%) Chef's Kiss
3.333333
10/3(-11%)
(11) Chef's Kiss 10/3, Promising individual. Excellent third of 18 in handicap hurdle (22/1) at Limerick (21f, soft) 28 days ago, travelling strongly long way. Back down in trip. Expected to be bang there off the same mark. Point winner; promising h'cap debut but likely up against it back at this trip.
2
8th (2) (17/2 +58%) Starman
8.5
17/2(+58%)
(2) Starman 17/2, 80/1, good fifth of 11 in novice chase at this course (16.3f, soft) 9 days ago. Switches from chase to hurdles and not ruled out. Won 3 last term; best run for a while when 5th in beginners' here last week; fair mark.
10
9th (10) (12/1 +0%) Seasett
12
12/1(+0%)
(10) Seasett 12/1, 25/1, respectable fifth of 15 in handicap hurdle at Clonmel (16.9f, soft) 10 days ago. Blinkers back on. Enters calculations. Hinted at a return to form at Down Royal last week and on a good mark if building on that.
4
10th (4) (10/1 +9%) Presenting Max
10
10/1(+9%)
(4) Presenting Max 10/1, Lightly-raced maiden. Below form eleventh of 25 in novice hurdle at Navan (16f, soft, 80/1) 49 days ago. Tongue strap on 1st time. Makes handicap hurdle debut. Has work to do. Arrives on back of 2 low-key runs; assessor taken no chances with this mark; h'cap debut.
7
11th (7) (28/1 -75%) Chanceawetmorning
28
28/1(-75%)
(7) Chanceawetmorning 28/1, 150/1, eleventh of 12 in minor event hurdle at Leopardstown (19.8f, good) 28 days ago. Visor on 1st time. Makes handicap hurdle debut. Must improve. Promise for previous yard; struggled twice for this outfit; visor on for h'cap debut.
1
12th (1) (28/1 -100%) Wajaaha
28
28/1(-100%)
(1) Wajaaha 28/1, 40/1 and tongue strap on for 1st time in this code, pulled up in handicap hurdle at Punchestown (19f, heavy) 25 days ago, pulled up before last. Others more persuasive. Becoming very well treated but long losing run and disappointing when pulled up latest.
WELL DRESSED can avail of a drop in class. She ran well to a point in handicap company at Punchestown and Navan, and her maiden hurdle form certainly stands up to scrutiny (fourth in Punchestown and Naas, and runner-up at Navan). She ought to do damage off a mark of 106 with Cian Cullinan's claim factored in. Arch Enemy wasn't outclassed when sixth in a higher grade at Leopardstown. Prior to that, she won a premier handicap on the Flat at Leopardstown and a novice handicap hurdle over C&D. Duke Of Leggagh has been building up experience in maiden hurdles and finally gets the testing ground he craves, so improvement could be forthcoming.
CHEF'S KISS can race offf the same mark as when an excellent strong-travelling third at Limerick last time out so looks the way to go with this drop back in trip also a likely plus. Seasett is also weighted to go well and appeals as the one to chase him home ahead of C&D scorer Arch Enemy and handicap-debutant Duke of Leggagh.
The tentative vote goes to SEASETT who showed a bit more when fifth at Down Royal last week and he's well treated if building on that
(7) Gowel Road 5/2, Held form well last term, culminating in a very respectable effort behind Monmiral in the C&D Pertemps Final. Runner-up all 4 starts at this track since returning to action in October, most recently going down narrowly to a progressive 6-y-o in the Relkeel Hurdle. Bold show anticipated. In career-best form; not top of the ratings in this but he should be seriously involved.
4
2nd (4) (15/2 +6%) Monmiral
7.5
15/2(+6%)
(4) Monmiral 15/2, Addition of blinkers reignited his spark as he landed Pertemps Final at the Cheltenham Festival (3m, soft) last spring. Needed comeback run and much-improved with blinkers back on (retained here) when chasing home Strong Leader in a Grade 2 at Newbury in November. Each-way chance. Ran well in Grade 2 at Newbury (3m, soft) latest, albeit held by Strong Leader on that run.
1
3rd (1) (20/1 -43%) Botox Has
20
20/1(-43%)
(1) Botox Has 20/1, Took his form up a notch last term, winning Grade 2 contests at Wetherby and Haydock. However, he was only sixth in this race 12 months ago (also held in 2023 running) and, moreover, he has failed to fire on each of his last 4 starts, including when well behind Crambo at Ascot last time. Out of form this season; seen off in this race in 2023 (fourth) and 2024 (sixth).
3
4th (3) (5/2 +0%) Strong Leader
2.5
5/2(+0%)
(3) Strong Leader 5/2, Good third in this last year before scaling new heights in the Liverpool Hurdle at Aintree, taking that Grade 1 prize in good style. Landed the odds on return at Newbury and something was surely wrong in the Long Walk next time. Since undergone a wind op and will have every chance if on-song. Ran a shocker last time; good chance if straight back to his best after wind surgery.
2
5th (2) (3/1 -33%) Crambo
3
3/1(-33%)
(2) Crambo 3/1, Made up into a smart hurdler last term, notably landing the Long Walk in game fashion at Ascot. Disappointing in Grade 1s at the big spring festivals (latterly behind Strong Leader at Aintree) but back on track when again taking the Long Walk on his seasonal reappearance last month. Key player. Narrow wins in last two runnings of the 3m Grade 1 Long Walk Hurdle at Ascot in December.
8
6th (8) (9/1 +68%) Transmission
9
9/1(+68%)
(8) Transmission 9/1, Bagged couple of handicap hurdles at Plumpton last term and has taken well to fences this season, scoring over 25f here in November before finding just one too good in a decent handicap back here last month. However, he looks up against it at this level back hurdling. Has more to give but also a great deal more to find now that he's pitched into a Grade 2.
Crambo returned to form when taking his second Long Walk shortly before Christmas and he has to be respected on the back of that performance. However, the strength of that form can be questioned and a chance is taken on STRONG LEADER. Olly Murphy's gelding disappointed when last at Ascot, but a subsequent wind operation suggests that better can be expected. The eight-year-old was an eyecatching third in this race 12 months ago and he is the one to beat if back to his best. The rest all need to improve, but Gowel Road and Monmiral are capable of making the frame.
GOWEL ROAD has failed to deliver when previously pitched into graded races but he looks better than ever at the age of nine judged on this season's exploits, most recently beaten under a length by an up-and-coming stayer in the Relkeel Hurdle. A tough and reliable type, he shades preference ahead of Crambo, who got back on track when landing the Long Walk again at Ascot. Strong Leader completely misfired in the latter race but will be a danger to all if able to bounce back following a wind op.
A great deal depends on the wind surgery given to Strong Leader, who flopped at Ascot in the Grade 1 won by CRAMBO.
(7) Good Work 7/1, Good second here on final start of last season and, save for a low-key reappearance display, he hasn't done a great deal wrong this time round. Still, he was behind Wal Buck's at Wetherby and Haydock last month, and record now stands at 0-24 over fences. 0-24 in chases but ended 2024 with three good runs and continues to edge down the weights.
5
2nd (5) (15/2 +25%) Gold Emery
7.5
15/2(+25%)
(5) Gold Emery 15/2, Point/hurdles winner who has shown fair form over fences without winning, not least when runner-up over a marathon trip at Haydock last spring. Probably needed the run when well adrift of Wal Buck's (second) and Good Work (third) on return at at Wetherby. Not discounted. Placed twice on soft ground at end of last season and probably needed his reappearance run.
4
3rd (4) (11/8 +8%) Wal Buck's
1.375
11/8(+8%)
(4) Wal Buck's 11/8, Encouraging signs over hurdles and is improving with each run over fences, cosily accounting for 5 rivals in a 25.6f Haydock handicap last time. 7 lb rise not the end of the world and probably has more to offer in this sphere. Drew nicely clear of Good Work to score at Haydock last month and remains lightly raced.
1
4th (1) (2/1 +50%) Atlanta Brave
2
2/1(+50%)
(1) Atlanta Brave 2/1, Irish point winner who scored twice over hurdles in January 2023. Initially took well to fences last term and while he hasn't been at his best in 3 runs so far this season, it would be no surprise to see him get back on track now eased in class. Found Welsh National too hot last time; contender if judged on run here two starts ago.
6
|PU| (6) (7/1 +61%) Accidental Legend
7
7/1(+61%)
(6) Accidental Legend 7/1, Fair hurdler who boasts a fine record here, adding a third course success to his tally over 23f last spring. Conversely, he didn't look at all comfortable on his first attempt over fences (again here) on New Year's Eve and it's probably best to look elsewhere. Gained three of his five hurdle wins here but struggled here on recent chase debut.
2
|PU| (2) (11/1 +56%) Party Business
11
11/1(+56%)
(2) Party Business 11/1, Seemingly not the force of old and was pulled up over hurdles at Sandown last time. Pulled up on chasing debut; subsequently placed over hurdles but still looks risky here.
Now that WAL BUCK'S has managed to get his head in front with a comfortable success at Haydock, Lucinda Russell's charge is likely to have plenty more to offer and he can follow up off 7lb higher. Imaginary Dragon showed improvement from his first to his second start in this sphere when runner-up at Ayr and has the potential for even better up in distance. Atlanta Brave couldn't really get competitive when fancied for the Welsh National, but has to enter the equation here.
This drop in class could be just the tonic for ATLANTA BRAVE, who hasn't fired on all cylinders in a handful of appearances since returning to action in October but he has slipped to an attractive mark as a consequence. It wasn't a particulalry strong race in which Wal Buck's opened his chase account at Haydock but he is broadly progressive and is a much-respected main danger. Imaginary Dragon is just about third choice ahead of Gold Emery.
Preference is for WAL BUCK'S (nap), who kept on far too strongly for Good Work at Haydock last month and still has more to offer.
(2) I'll Sort That 7/1, Once-raced maiden. 100/1, seventh of 19 in novice hurdle at Cork (16.2f, soft) on NH debut 43 days ago. Makes bumpers debut. 7th of 19 at Cork on debut last month when 100-1; showed ability but others preferred.
5
2nd (5) (6/5 +36%) Theflyingking
1.2
6/5(+36%)
(5) Theflyingking 6/5, Promising sort. 6/5, second of 14 in bumper at Down Royal (17.2f, good to soft) on NH debut 30 days ago. Open to improvement and should take the beating. Point winner; just touched off on rules debut; should come on for that; the one to beat.
4
3rd (4) (33/1 +18%) Onlymammycanloveme
33
33/1(+18%)
(4) Onlymammycanloveme 33/1, Twice-raced maiden. Fourth of 11 in novice hurdle (25/1) at Limerick (21f, soft) 28 days ago, unable to sustain effort. Makes bumpers debut. Down in trip. Point winner; ran with credit when 3rd on rules debut; shorter trip likely against him.
1
4th (1) (3/1 -150%) Fillyoureye
3
3/1(-150%)
(1) Fillyoureye 3/1, Leading Light gelding. Brother to a winner, and closely related to a winner, and fairly useful hurdler/useful chaser January Jets, stayed 19f. Makes plenty of appeal on paper. Leading Light gelding; brother to useful 2m hurdle winner Light Brigade; warrants respect.
6
5th (6) (11/2 -72%) Walks In June
5.5
11/2(-72%)
(6) Walks In June 11/2, Once-raced maiden. 5/2, third of 11 in bumper at Leopardstown (16f, good) on NH debut 30 days ago. Needs to build on that. Point winner; stayed on well for 3rd on rules debut; may appreciate further but respected.
3
6th (3) (6/1 +70%) Kamino Bello
6
6/1(+70%)
(3) Kamino Bello 6/1, €40,000 3-y-o, Montmartre gelding. Half-brother to 5 winners, including French chaser Pasatiempo. Dam German 2-y-o 9f winner. Placed on second of 2 outings in points (Dec 8). Distant third in a point last month and has a tough task on rules debut here.
8
7th (8) (50/1 -25%) Onyx Storm
50
50/1(-25%)
(8) Onyx Storm 50/1, Policy Maker mare. Dam (c110/h125) 2¾m/3m hurdle/chase winner, also winner around 1¾m on Flat. Wears hood. Policy Maker mare; dam useful winner over jumps; hood for debut likely not a good sign.
This looks a deep bumper. Point-to-point winner THEFLYINGKING went clear with the winner in a Down Royal bumper before giving best in second. He ran green and can reap the benefit of that opening run. Willie Mullins introduces Leading Light gelding Fillyoureye who is related to a plethora of winners, so he is an obvious danger. Walks In June went off favourite on debut in a Leopardstown bumper last month and finished a close third. Joseph O'Brien takes the wraps off Moon Eclipse whose full sister was good enough to win a bumper on her first start. Given Gavin Cromwell's form, you wouldn't want to be ruling out his Kamino Bello.
Point winner THEFLYINGKING shaped well on Rules debut at Down Royal and is expected to open his account here unless a newcomer such as Fillyoureye or Moon Eclipse prove to be above average.
Point winner THEFLYINGKING sets a solid standard on form after a narrow defeat on rules debut when pulling a long way clear of the 3rd
(5) Eva Rosie 9/2, Remains a maiden after 16 Flat runs. Creditable sixth of 11 in minor event at this course (8f, 7/1) 15 days ago. Back up in trip. Arrives as the only one in form and deserves respect in a race of this nature. 0-16 but she didn't get any luck here on penultimate run; in the mix back up in trip.
1
2nd (1) (4/6 +47%) The Bobster
0.666667
4/6(+47%)
(1) The Bobster 4/6, C&D winner. Winner here in September. 11/4, last of 6 in handicap at Nottingham (10.2f, heavy). Off 93 days. Should benefit from return to tapeta and is one to be interested in. C&D winner who is unexposed on AW; could bounce back with a big run after a break.
6
3rd (6) (18/1 -140%) Stand Free
18
18/1(-140%)
(6) Stand Free 18/1, C&D winner. Latest win here in August. 18/1, fifth of 7 in minor event at Southwell (11.1f) 11 days ago. Not discounted in a thin race. 33-1 win over C&D last August but she's been well held in both subsequent runs.
9
4th (9) (28/1 +15%) Wath Court
28
28/1(+15%)
(9) Wath Court 28/1, Remains a maiden after 16 Flat runs. 80/1, tenth of 11 in minor event at this course (8f) 2 days ago. Back up in trip. 16-race maiden who was tailed off here (1m) on Thursday; can only be watched.
7
5th (7) (11/1 -22%) Visitant
11
11/1(-22%)
(7) Visitant 11/1, Unreliable type. C&D winner. Nineteen runs since last win in 2023. 17/2, ninth of 12 in minor event at this course (12.4f) 23 days ago, slowly away. Hard to back with any confidence given overall record. His last win was in August 2023 and he was disappointing here three weeks ago.
3
6th (3) (16/1 -33%) Zousca
16
16/1(-33%)
(3) Zousca 16/1, First run since leaving David Loughnane when ninth of 10 in handicap at Southwell (12.1f, 20/1) 36 days ago, missing break. Stable is going well over jumps, so could get involved if she breaks on terms. Inconsistent eight-race maiden who was tailed off at Southwell on recent stable debut.
4
7th (4) (8/1 +20%) Fifty Sent
8
8/1(+20%)
(4) Fifty Sent 8/1, C&D winner. One win from 26 Flat runs. Seventeen runs since last win in 2023. 28/1, seventh of 9 in handicap at Southwell (8.1f) 11 days ago. Back up in trip. Blinkers on 1st time. Well held in both runs for current yard and overall record now stands at 1-26.
8
8th (8) (22/1 -100%) Our Noble Lord
22
22/1(-100%)
(8) Our Noble Lord 22/1, 40/1 and hooded for 1st time, ninth of 12 in handicap at this course (8f) 81 days ago. Back up in trip. Needs to bounce back. Struggled here in his last three runs and record now stands at 0-11; opposable.
10
9th (10) (125/1 -89%) The Muffin Man
125
125/1(-89%)
(10) The Muffin Man 125/1, 250/1 and visored for 1st time, ninth of 11 in minor event at this course (7.1f) 15 days ago. Significantly up in trip. 15-race maiden who has struggled in his last four runs and is untried at this trip.
Eva Rosie has shaped as though this step back up in distance could spark some improvement and she warrants consideration, along with track-and-trip winner Stand Free, who should strip fitter for a recent reappearance run. Perhaps THE BOBSTER is better treated, as he sneaks in off top-weight having slipped back to just 1lb above the mark he scored off over this C&D in September.
THE BOBSTER didn't fire on the turf last time but these conditions are more to his liking and he's preferred to Eva Rosie, who ran quite well here last time. Zousca is also worthy of consideration in a weak event.
Top of the list is C&D winner THE BOBSTER on his return from a break, although Eva Rosie looks interesting at the trip.
(6) Sixmilebridge 9/1, £100,000 buy after finishing runner-up completed start in Irish points and looked above average in bumpers. Built on hurdling debut with impressive success in a novice at Leicester last month and was motoring at the finish when following up at Huntingdon earlier this month. Remains with potential. Two odds-on wins over 2m4f; asked much more of a question last time and asserted nicely.
2
2nd (2) (8/15 +33%) Potters Charm
0.533333
8/15(+33%)
(2) Potters Charm 8/15, Runner-up only outing in points and unbeaten all 5 starts under Rules, finding further improvement when landing 7-runner Grade 1 Formby Novices' Hurdle at Aintree (17f, soft) last month. Sets the standard on form and remains open to further progress. 5-5 under rules, a fine prospect; did it easily in a Grade 2 here, which sets the standard.
1
3rd (1) (6/1 -33%) Bill Joyce
6
6/1(-33%)
(1) Bill Joyce 6/1, £225,000 point recruit who won his first 2 bumpers. Tailed off in Champion Bumper but he outclassed 7 opponents with a striking success at Carlisle and also dominated a Grade 2 at Sandown early last month. Shaped second-best when third in the Grade 1 Challow 4 weeks ago and remains a top prospect. Won 2m4f Sandown Grade 2 by 5l from Quebecois; creditable 3rd to a top prospect in Grade 1.
5
4th (5) (20/1 -208%) Quebecois
20
20/1(-208%)
(5) Quebecois 20/1, Expensive purchase after runner-up in a point and recorded easy success in Exeter bumper on Rules bow. Well held in Champion Bumper next time but ran out impressive winner on hurdles debut at Chepstow in October and built on that when runner-up to Bill Joyce in Sandown Grade 2 (19.8f, soft) since. 5lb better off today for his 5l beating at the hands of Bill Joyce in Grade 2 at Sandown.
4
6th (4) (16/1 +20%) Kdeux Saint Fray
16
16/1(+20%)
(4) Kdeux Saint Fray 16/1, Point winner who made a successful start under Rules when rallying to lead again close home bumper at Ascot in November and barely came off the bridle as he also made a successful debut over hurdles at Catterick (19.3f, good) 4 weeks ago. One to follow and should acquit himself well up in grade. Hard to say just how good he is but greatly improved form is needed to seal the four-timer.
7
7th (7) (12/1 +14%) Wade Out
12
12/1(+14%)
(7) Wade Out 12/1, Won sole point and successful on sole start in bumpers. Made the perfect start in this sphere at Uttoxeter in October and, having improved when second at Ascot next time, resumed winning ways in 3-runner event at Lingfield (16f, good to soft) last month. Better to come now upped in trip. Work to do but pedigree and performance point to this sort of trip suiting him far better.
POTTERS CHARM readily took the Grade 1 Formby over just short of 2m1f at Aintree on Boxing Day, confirming the promise he showed when easily winning a Grade 2 over 2m5f here in November. This is arguably a tougher test for the six-year-old than either of those events, but it would be no surprise to see him prove too good once again. Bill Joyce was no threat to The New Lion when third in the Challow, but he could give the selection plenty to think about. Cases can be made for most of the remainder, although Quebecois and Wade Out are the pick of them.
POTTERS CHARM was reported to be heading straight to the Festival after his top-level success at Aintree on Boxing Day but, clearly in top order at home, Nigel Twiston-Davies' 6-y-o can add another graded victory to his CV and maintain his unbeaten record under Rules. Bill Joyce lost his unbeaten record over hurdles in the Grade 1 Challow last month but remains with potential, while wide-margin Carlisle winner Gamesters Guy can edge out the undefeated Kdeux Saint Fray for minor honours.
The only negative with Potters Charm is that he's likely to be odds-on, and there is an interesting alternative in SIXMILEBRIDGE.
(5) Prince Ali 22/1, Course winner. Latest win here in September. 14/1, seventh of 9 in handicap at this course (8.6f) 42 days ago. Significantly up in trip and others are more persuasive. Two wins over 8.6f here; this trip has appeared to stretch him in the past.
7
2nd (7) (13/2 -30%) Harry The Haggler
6.5
13/2(-30%)
(7) Harry The Haggler 13/2, Twelve runs since last win in 2023. Bit below form fifth of 11 in handicap at Southwell (11.1f, 9/1) 10 days ago, left poorly placed. Solid chance if he puts his best foot forward. 1-16 on the AW and 2-24 overall; plenty to prove up again in trip.
4
3rd (4) (11/2 +0%) Cerulean Summer
5.5
11/2(+0%)
(4) Cerulean Summer 11/2, Course winner. Latest win here in November. 11/1, creditable third of 11 in handicap at this course (9.5f) 21 days ago, running on. Up in trip and she has to enter calculations. Dual 9.4f winner here; attempts this far for the first time; each-way claims if she stays.
6
4th (6) (3/1 +0%) Mr Nugget
3
3/1(+0%)
(6) Mr Nugget 3/1, Lightly-raced maiden. Good second of 9 in handicap (16/1) at Southwell (12.1f) 22 days ago, not ideally placed. Should make his presence felt. Big step forward when runner-up at Southwell last time; open to further improvement.
3
5th (3) (8/1 -23%) Incan Empire
8
8/1(-23%)
(3) Incan Empire 8/1, Thrice-raced maiden. 150/1, sixth of 14 in novice at Chelmsford City (10f) 51 days ago. Good chance he'll raise his game now upped in trip for this handicap debut. Bred to stay the longer trip on handicap debut but he needs to improve.
2
6th (2) (2/1 +60%) Sisterandbrother
2
2/1(+60%)
(2) Sisterandbrother 2/1, Won 6-runner handicap at this C&D (18/1) 7 days ago, well on top finish. 3 lb nudge fair enough but this race looks a bit tougher. 3b rise for C&D win a week earlier puts him back on his previous winning mark; respected.
8
7th (8) (50/1 -100%) Send In The Clouds
50
50/1(-100%)
(8) Send In The Clouds 50/1, Fourth of 7 in handicap at Lingfield (10f, AW, 66/1) 16 days ago, not knocked about. Back up in trip and this 8-y-o needs to find improvement from somewhere. 1-22 on the AW; just a fair effort on his return from a long absence last time; needs more.
1
8th (1) (13/2 -30%) Pysanka
6.5
13/2(-30%)
(1) Pysanka 13/2, Four-time C&D winner. Three wins from 13 runs last year. Creditable second of 11 in handicap (11/1) at Southwell (12.1f) 27 days ago. One to consider. Has a good record over C&D (172218131234); major player back here.
Sisterandbrother came from off the pace to score over C&D last weekend but although a 3lb rise should be no barrier to further success, MR NUGGET is preferred. The unexposed four-year-old finished a neck in front of Sisterandbrother when runner-up at Southwell early on in the month and is now 2lb better off. Should David Simcock's charge find further improvement, he ought to go very close. Pysanka is another to consider.
The vote goes to MR NUGGET, who took a step forward when runner-up on his second start in handicap company at Southwell and his best days should still be ahead of him. Handicap-debutant Incan Empire is very much of interest and will be all the more appealing if the market speaks in his favour, while Harry The Haggler is also shortlisted.
This can go to PYSANKA who has won four times over C&D and ran well when second at Southwell last time.
(11) Owl Of Athens 85/40, Has shown little form of note over hurdles and is opposable again. Nearer last than first in all four handicaps; tumbling in weights but carries clear risks.
1
2nd (1) (14/1 -367%) Ghasham
14
14/1(-367%)
(1) Ghasham 14/1, Opened hurdles account at Market Rasen in March 2023 and although he hasn't won since, he took a big step in the right direction when good second of 8 in handicap hurdle (22/1) at Huntingdon (20.7f, heavy) 48 days ago, travelled well, only beaten by thriving rival. Looks to have a good chance here. Returned to form when second at Huntingdon; upped 3lb but remains of interest.
4
3rd (4) (11/1 +21%) Icaque De L'isle
11
11/1(+21%)
(4) Icaque De L'isle 11/1, Twelve runs since last win in 2022. Creditable fifth of 11 in a handicap chase at Lingfield (23.5f, soft, 7/2) 47 days ago, but never really looked like winner and doesn't look like an obvious winner in waiting on belated handicap hurdle debut. 0-11 over fences in Britain; something to prove now hurdling.
2
4th (2) (11/2 0%) Twyford's Diamond
5.5
11/2(0%)
(2) Twyford's Diamond 11/2, Showed ability over hurdles last season but hard to gauge what she achieved on her comeback run this season, finishing distant second at Leicester (15.5f, heavy) 51 days ago, wore first-time tongue-tie following wind operation. Step up in trip should help but others look more solid. Plugged on when 10l second of six at Leicester; this longer trip should be in her favour.
10
5th (10) (66/1 -65%) Kalabana
66
66/1(-65%)
(10) Kalabana 66/1, Placed sole outing in points but no promise as yet over hurdles and needs significant improvement if he's to feature prominently on handicap debut. Third in a point but has shown little over hurdles; handicap debut.
5
6th (5) (9/2 -29%) Tropical Speed
4.5
9/2(-29%)
(5) Tropical Speed 9/2, Creditable third of 14 in handicap hurdle at Wexford (24f, good to soft, 9/2) 169 days ago. First run for excellent yard after leaving Eoin Doyle. and it would be no surprise to see this lightly-raced type get his head in front sooner rather than later. Third at Wexford last August; interesting on his British debut, having joined a top stable.
12
7th (12) (40/1 +39%) Caballo Diablo
40
40/1(+39%)
(12) Caballo Diablo 40/1, Winning pointer but little impact under Rules, well-beaten in a maiden hurdle at Southwell 40 days ago. Three wins in points but has not achieved much under rules.
7
8th (7) (9/2 -50%) Auba Me Yang
4.5
9/2(-50%)
(7) Auba Me Yang 9/2, Won a novice handicap hurdle at Ffos las in February but appeared to be regressing before resurgence last time, excellent second of 12 in a handicap hurdle at this C&D (heavy) 36 days ago, travelled well and only bettered by gambled on rival. Every chance he can go on better here for in-form yard. None too consistent but a repeat of recent C&D second would put him firmly in the picture.
9
9th (9) (50/1 -127%) Polly Pi
50
50/1(-127%)
(9) Polly Pi 50/1, Lightly-raced maiden. 150/1, seventh of 9 in a novice hurdle at Fontwell (17.7f, soft) 30 days ago. Looks more of a long-term project for trainer who doesn't rush his horses, and she'd only be of interest if attracting support in the betting now stepped up in trip on handicap debut. Little hurdles form and hard to fancy unless the market speaks in her favour.
6
|PU| (6) (7/2 +53%) Wild Nephin
3.5
7/2(+53%)
(6) Wild Nephin 7/2, Has offered something to work on in a pair of Hereford novice hurdles and is best judged on that form rather than his most recent effort at Chepstow. Has been given a considerate enough introduction under Rules and could easily improve now up in trip on handicap debut. Well held in novices but could take off now handicapping and well worth a market check.
3
|PU| (3) (12/1 +70%) Toronet
12
12/1(+70%)
(3) Toronet 12/1, Winner of a French claiming hurdle in February of 2023 but was more miss than hit for Laura Morgan and offered little for new yard when pulled up earlier this month following a breathing operation. Others preferred. 0-9 in Britain, showing little over fences on debut for David Pipe last time.
Not beaten far at Huntingdon, GHASHAM ran his best race for some time and looks the one to side with if building upon that effort. A promising second here last month, Auba Me Yang can follow him home, while Twyford's Diamond may improve for going up in trip after her well-beaten second at Leicester. Others to note include Bert Wilson, Icaque de L'Isle and Tropical Speed.
AUBA ME YANG bumped into a well-fancied one when second over C&D last time and he can gain compensation today for a yard that is among the winners. Ghasham looks a big danger having only been thwarted by a thriving rival when second at Huntingdon last month. Handicap-debutant Wild Nephin and stable-debutante Tropical Speed are worthy of an honourable mention.
Several of these could be ahead of their marks, and top of the list is TROPICAL SPEED who makes his debut for a leading stable.
(4) Paddy's Day 14/1, C&D winner. Fourteen runs since last win in 2023. Seventh of 9 in handicap (6/1) at this C&D 39 days ago. Rare blip last month; type to bounce back quickly but usually finds one or two too strong.
7
2nd (7) (11/2 +8%) Above
5.5
11/2(+8%)
(7) Above 11/2, Won 6-runner handicap (5/2) at this C&D 11 days ago by neck from Water of Leith. Needs considering in current form. Ended losing run over C&D 11 days ago; this is tougher but he was rated 100 at his peak.
5
3rd (5) (4/1 +27%) El Bufalo
4
4/1(+27%)
(5) El Bufalo 4/1, Fifth of 8 in handicap at Wolverhampton (5.1f, 9/4) 14 days ago, nearest finish. Can make presence felt. Expensive to follow in handicaps; things may click at some point but excuses running out.
6
4th (6) (9/1 +50%) Our Absent Friends
9
9/1(+50%)
(6) Our Absent Friends 9/1, C&D winner. Latest win at Ripon in September. Sixth of 7 in handicap at this C&D (7/1) 17 days ago. Below par last time but ended 2024 with two good C&D runs; capable of bouncing back.
2
5th (2) (10/1 0%) Emperor's Son
10
10/1(0%)
(2) Emperor's Son 10/1, Lightly-raced winner. Ninth of 12 in handicap at Wolverhampton (6.1f, 8/1) 54 days ago. Struggled since a winning debut but latest effort more encouraging than the bare result.
11
6th (11) (13/2 +7%) Brian The Snail
6.5
13/2(+7%)
(11) Brian The Snail 13/2, Best effort for a while when winning 9-runner handicap at this C&D (9/1) 28 days ago, overcoming a slow start under this rider. Can go well again. Came from off the pace to win over C&D four weeks ago; up 4lb but not discounted.
3
7th (3) (14/1 -40%) Monks Dream
14
14/1(-40%)
(3) Monks Dream 14/1, C&D winner. 40/1, fifteenth of 17 in handicap at York (5f, soft). Off 106 days. Two course wins as a 2yo; struggled on turf last season; bit to prove but return to AW a +.
8
8th (8) (14/1 +13%) Winter Crown
14
14/1(+13%)
(8) Winter Crown 14/1, C&D winner. Cheekpieces on for 1st time, tenth of 15 in handicap (12/1) at Hamilton (6f, good). Off 165 days. Others more persuasive. C&D winner; starts this year off a reduced mark and he's one to consider.
10
9th (10) (15/2 +6%) Water Of Leith
7.5
15/2(+6%)
(10) Water Of Leith 15/2, C&D winner. Latest win here in January. 4/1, creditable neck second of 6 to Above in handicap at this C&D 11 days ago. Two good C&D runs this month; up in class but this should be run to suit.
9
10th (9) (14/1 +30%) Princess Karine
14
14/1(+30%)
(9) Princess Karine 14/1, 12/1, twelfth of 14 in handicap at Doncaster (5f, good). Off 134 days. Front-runner; can go well fresh and she returns on a dangerous mark; other pace in here.
Above was a gutsy winner over this C&D last week and a 3lb rise shouldn't prevent a bold double bid, but he only held WATER OF LEITH by a neck that day and the latter could turn the tables on 1lb better terms. Jim Goldie's gelding won here the time before and he's in fine form at present. Brian The Snail is another to consider after the veteran's triumph over this track and trip off 4lb lower last month.
The thriving MASTER OF MY FATE can win again with a good-value claimer booked. In-form veterans Brian The Snail and Above are feared most.
Water Of Leith should be involved but EMPEROR'S SON still has some untapped potential and he shaped a bit better last time.
(5) Meet Me In Meraki 14/1, Latest win at Chepstow in July. Bit below form fifth of 12 in handicap at Chelmsford City (10f, 10/1) 51 days ago. Others more persuasive. Still 4lb above last winning mark and two starts back on the AW have been ordinary.
1
2nd (1) (9/4 +74%) Tasmanian Legend
2.25
9/4(+74%)
(1) Tasmanian Legend 9/4, Course winner. Three wins from 14 runs last year. Eleven runs since last win in 2024. Last of 11 in handicap at this C&D (15/2) 21 days ago. Has work to do. 11lb below last winning mark, but not sure he is running well enough to take advantage.
2
3rd (2) (5/2 -100%) Union Island
2.5
5/2(-100%)
(2) Union Island 5/2, Three wins from 9 runs last year, the latest at Southwell in December. 11/10, good third of 6 in handicap at Chelmsford City (8f) 9 days ago, not ideally placed. Has to be taken seriously. Two wins last month; has to prove his stamina for the longer trip but solid otherwise.
3
4th (3) (6/1 -33%) Bella Veneta
6
6/1(-33%)
(3) Bella Veneta 6/1, 8/1, respectable third of 14 in handicap at Bath (8f, soft). Off 116 days ahead of this tapeta debut. Will be a threat if taking to this surface. Lightly raced for her age, but retains her ability; worth a second look.
7
5th (7) (9/1 -80%) Mostly Mozart
9
9/1(-80%)
(7) Mostly Mozart 9/1, Lightly-raced maiden. 100/1, very good third of 10 in handicap at this C&D 12 days ago, nearest finish. Definite chance if able to build on that, albeit a stiffer test would probably be ideal. Third on handicap debut over C&D 12 days ago with a subsequent winner behind; major player.
4
6th (4) (4/1 +43%) Douglas Dc
4
4/1(+43%)
(4) Douglas Dc 4/1, Creditable fourth of 9 in handicap (22/1) at Lingfield (12f, AW) 16 days ago, needing stiffer test. Back down in trip for this tapeta debut and unlikely to be far away. Only win in 37 starts under rules came over hurdles; others preferred.
6
7th (6) (40/1 -21%) Juan Solo
40
40/1(-21%)
(6) Juan Solo 40/1, Last of 8 in handicap at Lingfield (7f, AW, 100/1) 22 days ago. Significantly up in trip and he's probably best watched on this occasion. Third in three starts on the AW last winter, but tailed off in both outings since.
Union Island has been in good form of late, but he has been held from this mark on his last two starts so MOSTLY MOZART is a more appealing option. The son of Nathaniel outran odds of 100/1 to finish third over C&D on his handicap bow, having raced wider than ideal rounding the home turn. He competes from an unchanged mark and there should be more to come. Douglas Dc might not be far away either.
The most appealing of these is the in-form UNION ISLAND, who wasn't ideally positioned when the race began in earnest at Chelmsford recently and did well to finish as close as he did. The 4-y-o shapes as though well worth a try over this trip and remains feasibly treated. Bella Veneta and Mostly Mozart can fill the places.
This can go to the unexposed MOSTLY MOZART who ran really well when third on handicap debut over C&D 12 days ago.
(6) Motawahij 2/5, Lightly-raced colt. Bit below form fifth of 9 in handicap at this course (6f, 9/2) 8 days ago, doing too much too soon. Sets a good standard. Sets a clear standard; probably not progressive but he's a strong contender back at 5f.
12
2nd (12) (13/2 +7%) Volendam
6.5
13/2(+7%)
(12) Volendam 13/2, Promising type. 25/1, fifth of 9 in novice at this course (6f) on debut 50 days ago. Hooded for 1st time. May well do better. Some promise over 6f here on debut; hooded back at 5f; improvement a must.
4
3rd (4) (150/1 -50%) El Cobre Fuego
150
150/1(-50%)
(4) El Cobre Fuego 150/1, Twice-raced gelding. Tenth of 11 in novice (100/1) at this course (6f) 28 days ago. Big prices and well beaten in two novice events here last month; no appeal.
7
4th (7) (8/1 +0%) Pastoral Way
8
8/1(+0%)
(7) Pastoral Way 8/1, Twice-raced gelding. Last of 6 in maiden (2/1) at Ayr (5f, good). Off 9 months. Didn't live up to market billing in two runs last April; gelded since; interesting runner.
2
5th (2) (25/1 +38%) Tough At The Top
25
25/1(+38%)
(2) Tough At The Top 25/1, Once-raced gelding. Fifth of 6 in novice (18/1) at Catterick (5f, soft) on debut. Off 9 months. Green when fifth of six at Catterick last April; capable of better; worth a market check.
8
6th (8) (66/1 -65%) Bothy Park
66
66/1(-65%)
(8) Bothy Park 66/1, $19,000 yearling, Mastery filly. Half-sister to minor US winner by Palace Malice. Dam US 5f-7f (minor stakes) winner. Wears tongue strap. $19,000 yearling; some paper appeal but sports accessories on her debut.
10
7th (10) (12/1 0%) Queen's Palace
12
12/1(0%)
(10) Queen's Palace 12/1, Zoustar filly. Sister to 7f winner Molaqab. Dam, maiden (stayed 1¼m), half-sister to useful winner up to 6f Jubilee Walk out of useful 2-y-o 5f/5.5f winner Starlit Sands. Sister to 7f AW winner Molaqab (RPR 89); betting revealing on debut.
1
8th (1) (50/1 -25%) Albert Hall
50
50/1(-25%)
(1) Albert Hall 50/1, Once-raced gelding. Tenth of 11 in maiden (50/1) at this course (7.1f) on debut 23 days ago. Down in trip. Ended up beaten a long way on debut (7f) 23 days ago; can do better but needs to.
9
9th (9) (20/1 +0%) Longlife
20
20/1(+0%)
(9) Longlife 20/1, £62,000 yearling, Kameko filly. Half-sister to winner up to 7f Misszou. Dam, 2-y-o 6.5f winner, closely related to very smart winner up to 7f My Catch. £62,000 half-sister to a winner in Denmark; dam a useful 2yo winner; check betting.
5
10th (5) (50/1 +0%) Kilo Sunshine
50
50/1(+0%)
(5) Kilo Sunshine 50/1, Twice-raced gelding. Seventh of 10 in novice (200/1) at Ripon (5f, good to firm). Off 7 months. Down the field in two turf sprints last summer; gelded during his 234-day absence.
11
11th (11) (150/1 -127%) Sali Cinnamon
150
150/1(-127%)
(11) Sali Cinnamon 150/1, Once-raced filly. Last of 9 in novice (150/1) at this C&D on debut 47 days ago, slowly away. 150-1 for her C&D debut last month, always behind and beaten 21l; hard to fancy.
3
12th (3) (50/1 +0%) Shanessa
50
50/1(+0%)
(3) Shanessa 50/1, 1,400 gns 2-y-o, Twilight Son filly. Closely related to useful 2-y-o 5f/6f winner Red Balloons and half-sister to 3 winners, including 5f winner Roydmoor and 1m winner Revel. Dam winner up to 6f (2-y-o 5f winner). Sold cheaply as a 2yo but has a handy pedigree and starts out in an uncompetitive race.
MOTAWAHIJ has mixed in good company so far and, having filled the runner-up berth in an Ayr maiden, he performed with credit off a mark of 80 on his handicap debut over 6f here last week. Karl Burke's colt has a lot less on his plate now back in a maiden and is likely to be a warm order. Volendam showed up well for a long way over 6f here on debut and, expected to build on that now eased in trip, she looks the potential fly in the ointment for the selection. Longlife cost 62,000gns and may be the pick of the newcomers.
MOTAWAHIJ will be suited by the return to 5f having shown plenty of pace in a handicap here on his return last week and has an excellent opportunity of opening his account in a weak maiden. Volendam offered something to work on starting out here last month and is next best ahead of newcomer Queen's Palace.
This looks a good opportunity for MOTAWAHIJ to break his duck at the fifth attempt. Pastoral Way is feared most.
(1) Fashionelle 4/7, Fair handicapper hurdler at up to 2½m. Ran to only a modest level making debut in this sphere when sixth of 12 in maiden at this course (12.2f) on flat debut 40 days ago, finding the test inadequate. Starts out for new yard now and staying handicaps will be more her thing. Hurdle winner; midfield finish in a maiden here last month; stable debut.
2
2nd (2) (3/1 +85%) Miss Applejack
3
3/1(+85%)
(2) Miss Applejack 3/1, Fair in bumpers and stepped up on previous hurdles exploits (poor form) when off the mark in big field handicap at Southwell (20.4f) in December. Well beaten back there 4 weeks ago though, and she's passed over making debut in this sphere. Patchy form over hurdles lately; nothing in pedigree to suggest she can do any better here.
3
3rd (3) (11/2 +86%) Order Of Progress
5.5
11/2(+86%)
(3) Order Of Progress 11/2, Poor form in handful of starts over hurdles in recent months and likely set for another struggle on Flat debut. Well beaten in a bumper and four starts over hurdles, but has more of a Flat pedigree.
4
4th (4) (20/1 +39%) Highland Rose
20
20/1(+39%)
(4) Highland Rose 20/1, Highland Reel filly. Soon detached when last of 13 in novice (200/1) at Kempton (7f) on debut 17 days ago. Significantly up in trip now but she's readily passed over. 200-1 when a tailed-off last on her debut at Kempton (7f) this month.
This is an excellent opportunity for STIFLING, who returned from well over a year off the track to finish second at Newcastle. The daughter of Ulysses looks certain to step forward and, with little in the way of opposition, she can break her duck. Fashionelle ran with a certain degree of credit over 1m4f here last month, although a drop in trip might not play to her strengths. Miss Applejack completes the shortlist.
A novice decidedly lacking in depth with STIFLING hard to oppose for the Gosdens' on the back of her promising comeback second following a lengthy absence at Newcastle last month. Fashionelle can fill the forecast spot.
This looks a golden opportunity for STIFLING to go one better than at Newcastle last month on her return from a very long absence.
(1) Brewing 9/2, Respectable third of 6 in handicap at Chelmsford City (7f) in December but unperformed in blinkers behind Society Man. They are quickly discarded and replaced with a tongue-tie and he remains capable of better than he showed last time, especially as he's 2-2 over C&D. 5-11 on AW but he was disappointing at Wolverhampton last time; tongue-tie is now tried.
4
2nd (4) (6/1 +14%) Empirestateofmind
6
6/1(+14%)
(4) Empirestateofmind 6/1, Latest win at York in October. 25/1, fifth of 7 in a handicap at this course (8f) 24 days ago, having run of race from the front. Down 1 lb for that effort and could be edging towards a workable mark. Won at York in October and has run creditably back on AW last twice; in the mix.
7
3rd (7) (11/2 +45%) Enola Grey
5.5
11/2(+45%)
(7) Enola Grey 11/2, C&D winner who resumed winning ways at Wolverhampton (7f) prior to a good second of 5 in handicap back there (8.6f) earlier this month. Wasn't seen to best effect (fifth of 11) and is best judged on her earlier form. Claims. Last three wins have been against her own sex and she didn't fire at Southwell last time.
5
4th (5) (7/2 +42%) Zip
3.5
7/2(+42%)
(5) Zip 7/2, 4-time C&D winner. Opened his account for the year at Doncaster in November and was seen to maximum effect when following up in 12-runner handicap (10/1) at Newcastle (7.1f) have had run of the race. Ran creditably from 5 lb higher mark when 5th of 12 at Southwell last month. Should be competitive. Two front-running wins in November, including over C&D; dangerous if he gets an easy lead.
6
5th (6) (8/1 +27%) Daring Legend
8
8/1(+27%)
(6) Daring Legend 8/1, Course winner. Three wins from 9 runs last year. Latest win at Yarmouth in July. 12/1, respectable fourth of 8 in a handicap at this course (6f) effort flattened out late on. That run was off the back of a 5 month break however, and he's entitled to strip fitter here. Two wins last summer but progress has stalled since; needs to find more back up in trip.
2
6th (2) (5/2 -25%) Society Man
2.5
5/2(-25%)
(2) Society Man 5/2, Encouraging first run for yard after leaving Fabrice Chappet, having been easy back, travelled better than most and kept on to finish second of 8 in a handicap at Wolverhampton (7.2f) 19 days ago. Entitled to build on that and has a leading chance. Ex-French 5yo; unexposed on AW and was good second at Wolverhampton on recent stable debut.
3
7th (3) (16/1 -33%) Tropez Power
16
16/1(-33%)
(3) Tropez Power 16/1, Followed 7f success at Southwell in April with a string of creditable efforts in defeat on turf, finished campaign with solid third of 11 in a handicap at Haydock (7f, good). Off for 141 days but has run well fresh before. Four-time AW winner; has won when fresh in the past and he needs a close look on return.
French import SOCIETY MAN made a mockery of his 33/1 SP on his first appearance for Charlie Johnston at Wolverhampton, getting closest to an ultra-progressive winner. He won't be allowed to slip under the radar this time and the assessor has taken a chance in leaving his mark unchanged, particularly as this event shouldn't be quite as competitive. Daring Legend's comeback fourth over 6f was pleasing enough, and he has won his last two 7f starts. Zip had to settle for fifth when on a hat-trick at Southwell, but must not be written off yet.
Plenty in with a chance, but the most interesting runner is SOCIETY MAN who defied market expectations when second on U.K. debut and looks capable of going one better for the in-form Charlie Johnston team. Brewing is 2-2 over C&D and could be a big danger if back to his best in a first-time tongue-tie. Empirestateofmind is edging down the handicap again and is taken to finish best of the rest.
The vote goes to the ex-French 5yo SOCIETY MAN (nap), who was a good second in a Class 2 on his recent stable debut at Wolverhampton.
(2) Kylian 9/4, Quickly resumed winning ways with a career best in 8-runner handicap at Lingfield (5f, AW, 3/1) 25 days ago. Weighted to go well nudged up 2 lb. 3-4 on AW, latest win at Lingfield; 2lb rise should not stop him going close again.
3
2nd (3) (7/1 -40%) Bedford Flyer
7
7/1(-40%)
(3) Bedford Flyer 7/1, Eleven runs since last win in 2023. Creditable length fourth of 8 to Michaela's Boy in handicap (10/3) at Lingfield (5f, AW) 12 days ago. In the mix again. Fourth in blanket finish behind Michaela's Boy at Lingfield and 4lb better off with winner.
4
3rd (4) (4/1 0%) Michaela's Boy
4
4/1(0%)
(4) Michaela's Boy 4/1, Won 8-runner handicap at Lingfield (5f, AW, 6/1) 12 days ago. This C&D scorer can't be ruled out in his hat-trick bid despite a 4 lb weights rise. On hat-trick after wins over C&D and at Lingfield; commands respect despite ascending mark.
5
4th (5) (10/1 -33%) Brooklyn Nine Nine
10
10/1(-33%)
(5) Brooklyn Nine Nine 10/1, Latest win at Southwell in December. 11/2, fair sixth of 9 in handicap at Chelmsford City (6f) 14 days ago so needs considering. Edged out Bedford Flyer at Southwell before Christmas; not disgraced last time; chance.
1
5th (1) (11/4 +14%) Equilateral
2.75
11/4(+14%)
(1) Equilateral 11/4, Ended a long losing run in 9-runner handicap at Southwell (5f, 10/3) 46 days ago by ¾ length from Kylian. Up 4 lb but this very useful veteran can't be taken lightly in his current mood. Veteran who gained first AW win when beating Kylian and Bedford Flyer at Southwell.
Cases can be stated for all five entrants. However, it is entirely feasible that dropping back down to 5f can bring the best out of BROOKLYN NINE NINE, who edged out Bedford Flyer over this trip at Southwell on his penultimate start and can uphold the form given he has more scope for progression on the all-weather. Kylian and Equilateral are honours even from a couple of recent encounters and add depth to the race. Michaela's Boy commands respect, but needs more to complete a hat-trick.
KYLIAN rates just the pick of these weights so is taken to follow up his recent Lingfield success and edge out hat-trick seeking Michaela's Boy. Veteran Equilateral can also have a big say on the back of his resurgent Southwell success.
These five look very closely matched but MICHAELA'S BOY is on a roll and may complete a hat-trick.
(6) Northern Cracksman 9/4, Unlucky last twice, latest when going well when no room home turn, stumbled, finished fourth (with running left) of 10 in a handicap at Wolverhampton (8.6f) 18 days ago. Positive jockey booking and rates as a leading candidate here. Exposed maiden but conditions suit and had excuses last time; shouldn't be far away.
4
2nd (4) (7/1 -75%) Concert Boy
7
7/1(-75%)
(4) Concert Boy 7/1, 6/1, won an 11-runner minor event at this C&D 15 days ago by ½ length from Just Typical, just pushed out late on. More on his plate here but arrives in good form. Stylish defeat of Just Typical here 2 weeks ago; no doubt he has the ability to follow up.
3
3rd (3) (6/1 +33%) Impeach
6
6/1(+33%)
(3) Impeach 6/1, Fifteen runs since last win in 2023. Sixth of 9 a in handicap at Southwell (8.1f, 14/1) 11 days ago, slowly away as he often is. Needs to improve on that effort. Has run okay over C&D but all wins at 6f and shorter trips may be ideal.
7
4th (7) (16/1 -33%) Masham Moor
16
16/1(-33%)
(7) Masham Moor 16/1, C&D winner. 9/2, poor run when 13½ lengths ninth of 10 to Just Typical in minor event at Southwell (8.1f) 8 days ago. Others more persuasive. C&D winner; penultimate third was promising but he failed to fire at Southwell last week.
5
5th (5) (15/8 +53%) Just Typical
1.875
15/8(+53%)
(5) Just Typical 15/8, Course winner. Chased home Concert Boy and built on that when winning a 10-runner minor event (11/8) at Southwell (8.1f) 8 days ago, well on top at the finish. Should be competitive again. Course win in November (7f); won easily at Southwell (1m) last week; leading claims.
2
6th (2) (13/2 -136%) Ravensbourne
6.5
13/2(-136%)
(2) Ravensbourne 13/2, 11/2, won a 12-runner handicap at Chelmsford City (7f) 14 days ago, making all under a positive ride from today's jockey. Up 3lb but should go well again if seeing out this longer trip. Made all to win a 7f handicap at Chelmsford two weeks ago; has to prove stamina for 1m.
Just Typical boosted his confidence with a classified success at Southwell, although he has been beaten off lower marks this winter so needs to raise his game. Concert Boy denied him over C&D earlier in the month and is fancied to confirm that superiority but may have to play second fiddle to RAVENSBOURNE. The Dutch Art filly has been in fine form since returning to Michael Keady and wasn't stopping when making every post a winning one over 7f at Chelmsford.
NORTHERN CRACKSMAN would have gone close with a smoother passage last time, and he can gain compensation with excellent Billy Loughnane aboard. Old foes Just Typical and Concert Boy should be in the mix once again.
Just Typical won well last time but CONCERT BOY toyed with him here two weeks ago and can confirm his superiority.
(11) He's A Gentleman 16/1, C&D winner. 16/1, respectable fourth of 10 in handicap at Southwell (8.1f) 27 days ago. Possibilities. None too consistent in 2024 and ended year with four unplaced efforts; others preferred.
7
2nd (7) (15/2 +32%) Follow Your Heart
7.5
15/2(+32%)
(7) Follow Your Heart 15/2, 3-time C&D winner. Latest win at Kempton in October. 28/1, seventh of 11 in handicap at this C&D 30 days ago, left poorly placed. Ought to be thereabouts. Has had excuses since Kempton win; goes well at Wolverhampton; shortlisted.
8
3rd (8) (7/1 -17%) Lessay
7
7/1(-17%)
(8) Lessay 7/1, Eleven runs since last win in 2023. 7/2, respectable fifth of 10 in handicap at Southwell (8.1f) 27 days ago. Visor on 1st time and one to consider. Fifth twice since joining this yard; first-time visor could have a positive effect.
1
4th (1) (4/1 +33%) Giant
4
4/1(+33%)
(1) Giant 4/1, Cheekpieces on for 1st time, respectable fourth of 14 in handicap (6/1) at Kempton (7f) 80 days ago, better placed than most. Can give a good account. 7f specialist who races prominently; should make a bold bid from the inside stall.
3
5th (3) (20/1 -25%) Aljari
20
20/1(-25%)
(3) Aljari 20/1, Course winner. Respectable sixth of 11 in handicap (28/1) at Southwell (7.1f) 37 days ago. Given a chance by the assessor. 9yo; not the force of old but falling in the weights and not disgraced on latest start.
10
6th (10) (17/2 +29%) Revolutionise
8.5
17/2(+29%)
(10) Revolutionise 17/2, C&D winner. 40/1 and eyeshields on for 1st time, fifteenth of 16 in handicap at Chelmsford City (8f) 14 days ago. Needs a couple of these to falter. C&D second on Boxing Day and two below-par runs since are best overlooked; in the mix.
12
7th (12) (12/1 -33%) Starshiba
12
12/1(-33%)
(12) Starshiba 12/1, Course winner. Latest win at Lingfield in December. Fifth of 6 in handicap (7/2) at Lingfield (8f, AW) 16 days ago, left poorly placed. Tongue strap on 1st time and not dismissed. Good servant over the years with eight wins; Lingfield scorer on New Year's Eve; chance.
2
8th (2) (9/2 +50%) Billy Mill
4.5
9/2(+50%)
(2) Billy Mill 9/2, C&D winner. Three wins from 12 runs last year. Latest win at Ascot in July. 33/1, good fifth of 16 in handicap at Chelmsford City (8f) 14 days ago. Not ruled out. Back to form when fifth in warm race at Chelmsford; goes well here and is high on the list.
4
9th (4) (14/1 -17%) Riot
14
14/1(-17%)
(4) Riot 14/1, Respectable tenth of 16 in handicap (22/1) at Chelmsford City (8f) 14 days ago, not ideally placed. Needs considering. Comes from behind; potentially well handicapped; could bounce back to form over this trip.
9
10th (9) (9/2 -13%) Thapa Vc
4.5
9/2(-13%)
(9) Thapa Vc 9/2, 4-time C&D winner. 13/2, good head second of 11 in handicap at Lingfield (7f, AW) 25 days ago, finishing well. Likely player. AW stalwart; four successes here and likely to go well in a bid for a fifth.
LESSAY is an interesting contender in here now tried in a first-time visor with top jockey Rossa Ryan taking over in the plate. Giant also appeals based on his peak form and he is dangerous to underestimate given he has run well over track and trip in the past. Thapa VC and Follow Your Heart, who are old foes, warrant betting checks.
A case can be made for virtually all of these but THAPA VC just missed out at Lingfield last time and this multiple C&D winner edges the vote. Follow Your Heart, Lir Speciale, Giant and Billy Mill all in the picture too.
In an open race the suggestion is BILLY MILL who was fifth in a warm race at Chelmsford and should be suited by this drop back to 7f.
(6) Elettaria 7/2, Modest mare. C&D winner. Twelve runs since last win in 2023. Sixth of 8 in minor event (11/2) at this course (8f) 23 days ago. Return to 7f in her favour. Both wins were 2023 but she's largely consistent and is effective over C&D; place claims.
1
2nd (1) (2/1 -23%) Monsieur Fantaisie
2
2/1(-23%)
(1) Monsieur Fantaisie 2/1, Modest gelding. 11/10, won 11-runner minor event at Southwell (7.1f) 10 days ago. Major player kept to this level. Flourishing over 7f, twice close up before he won a classified at Southwell ten days ago.
5
3rd (5) (5/1 +58%) Dandy Lichious
5
5/1(+58%)
(5) Dandy Lichious 5/1, Poor gelding. 13/2, 6 lengths fourth of 11 to Monsieur Fantaisie in minor event at Southwell (7.1f) 10 days ago. Hasn't achieved much in Britain; well held by Monsieur Fantaisie over C&D last twice.
9
4th (9) (40/1 -100%) Rockley Point
40
40/1(-100%)
(9) Rockley Point 40/1, Modest gelding. 4-time course winner. 18/1, last of 12 in minor event at this course (5f) on Thursday. Rare try away from sprinting. Last of 12 here on Thursday and it's an age since he ran over this far.
7
5th (7) (50/1 +0%) Mr Coco Bean
50
50/1(+0%)
(7) Mr Coco Bean 50/1, Poor gelding. Forty nine runs since last win in 2021. 80/1, eighth of 11 in minor event at this course (8f) 15 days ago. Veteran who last won in 2021; some ability remains and he has a chance for minor honours.
2
6th (2) (9/4 +0%) Believe Me Now
2.25
9/4(+0%)
(2) Believe Me Now 9/4, Modest mare. 14/1, won 11-runner minor event at this C&D 15 days ago, driven out. Isn't fully exposed over 7f. Won over C&D 15 days ago; quickly backed up the form when she scored last August.
8
7th (8) (14/1 +13%) Perfect Curves
14
14/1(+13%)
(8) Perfect Curves 14/1, Poor mare. First run since leaving Gordon Elliott when creditable fifth of 10 in handicap at Wolverhampton (7.2f, 9/1) 18 days ago. Low-level form, which she showed again on recent stable debut, but she needs better.
4
8th (4) (66/1 -164%) Curious Mrs Fox
66
66/1(-164%)
(4) Curious Mrs Fox 66/1, Modest filly. Ninth of 10 in handicap at this course (8f, 33/1). Off 102 days. First run for yard after leaving John Davies. Hood on first time. Others more persuasive. Switch to AW did not go well; hooded on this first run since leaving John Davies.
3
9th (3) (100/1 -52%) Brave Musketeer
100
100/1(-52%)
(3) Brave Musketeer 100/1, Lightly-raced maiden. Last of 11 in minor event (250/1) at this course (8f) 15 days ago. Blinkered for first time. Made debut only last October and he's beaten very few of his rivals; different headgear.
The in-form pair MONSIEUR FANTAISIE and Believe Me Now look the pair to focus on. The latter appeals after a triumphant return in this company over C&D 15 days ago but she might be best caught fresh and the quick turnaround is a slight concern. There is no such doubt with Monsieur Fantaisie, who has thrived on being kept busy. Perfect Curves also needs a betting check.
This will probably rest between last-time-out winners MONSIEUR FANTAISIE and Believe Me Now, with marginal preference for the Peter Niven inmate.
It may well be that this concerns only the recent winners BELIEVE ME NOW and Monsieur Fantaisie.
The hat-trick seeking and Match Anthem is respected, but dropping back to 6f raises enough concern to consider looking elsewhere, with FANTASY NAVIGATOR a captivating option on just his third start for Darryll Holland. Although not the force of old, this in truth won't take much winning and his effectiveness over the trip is a big positive. Mumcat, a C&D winner last April, also enters calculations.
Preference is for MATCH ANTHEM whose latest success here has been well advertised.
(2) Mesaafi 12/1, First run since leaving Charlie Fellowes when last of 10 in handicap at Wolverhampton (7.2f, 4/1) 19 days ago. Blinkers on first time and he may strip fitter for that return. 0-10 but he's been generally consistent and is not ruled out in new headgear.
3
2nd (3) (5/1 +41%) Northcliff
5
5/1(+41%)
(3) Northcliff 5/1, Three wins from 12 runs last year. 16/1, last of 7 in handicap at Wolverhampton (7.2f). Off 138 days. Slow starts becoming a concern. On last winning mark but he has bit to prove back from 138 days off; market informative.
8
3rd (8) (9/4 -38%) Tomorrow Day
2.25
9/4(-38%)
(8) Tomorrow Day 9/4, Four-time C&D winner. Five wins from 19 Flat runs. Four wins from 13 runs last year. Evens, career best when winning 7-runner handicap at this C&D 11 days ago. Thriving sort so big player from revised mark. Made it 5-9 on AW when scoring over C&D 11 days ago; big player again up 5lb.
9
4th (9) (66/1 -32%) Bazball
66
66/1(-32%)
(9) Bazball 66/1, Eleven runs since last win in 2023. Last of 11 in handicap at Southwell (6.1f, 150/1) 27 days ago. First run for yard after leaving Paul Midgley. Cheekpieces on for first time. Has struggled in last six starts and has lots to prove for another new yard; new headgear.
5
5th (5) (4/1 +47%) Dicko The Legend
4
4/1(+47%)
(5) Dicko The Legend 4/1, Latest win at York in July. Sixth of 8 in handicap at this course (5f, 10/3) 15 days ago. Was clearly though backed that as thought capable of much better. Had an excuse back at 5f latest and he ran well over C&D on penultimate run; in the mix.
6
6th (6) (16/1 -60%) Emily Post
16
16/1(-60%)
(6) Emily Post 16/1, Course winner. Thirteen runs since last win in 2023. Last of 7 in handicap at this C&D (9/2) 14 days ago. Needs to leave that run behind but she is below her last winning mark. Went close over C&D last month but she's finished in rear in both runs since.
4
7th (4) (13/2 +0%) Havana Sky
6.5
13/2(+0%)
(4) Havana Sky 13/2, Six wins from 12 runs last year. 4/1, fifth of 7 in handicap at Wolverhampton (6.1f) 12 days ago, unable to sustain effort but wasn't seen to best effect challenging up the inner. One to consider. Won his final five runs in 2024 but he's been vulnerable in two starts this year.
1
8th (1) (14/1 -17%) Parisiac
14
14/1(-17%)
(1) Parisiac 14/1, Latest win at Nottingham in November. Fifth of 7 in handicap at this course (5f, 16/1) 17 days ago, slowly into stride. Drops in grade and back up in trip. Six-time turf winner but he's 0-11 on AW and was beaten 8l here (5f) last time.
7
9th (7) (7/1 +50%) Moyola
7
7/1(+50%)
(7) Moyola 7/1, C&D winner. Tenth of 12 in handicap at this C&D (20/1) 24 days ago, slowly away. Dual course winner but he's finished tenth here last twice; needs to get back on track.
10
10th (10) (33/1 +0%) Rory
33
33/1(+0%)
(10) Rory 33/1, Unreliable individual. C&D winner. Eighth of 9 in handicap (20/1) at this C&D 8 days ago. Dropped to a handy mark but he needs everything to fall right. Has struggled in his last five runs and he needs a big turnaround.
TOMORROW DAY had no trouble justifying even-money favouritism when he comfortably landed a class 6 handicap over C&D 11 days ago and appeals strongly. Parisiac and Dicko The Legend both have solid credentials for a race of this nature and are viable alternatives to bear in mind, while Havana Sky is dangerous to rule out despite running off 4lb higher than his last winning mark.
TOMORROW DAY has absolutely thrived upon the switch to Newcastle, wining 5 times in all since the autumn. With a good-value claimer back on, he can overcome a rise in the weights at the expense of Havana Sky and Dicko The Legend.
This can go to TOMORROW DAY, who made it 5-9 on AW when justifying favouritism with a clearcut win over C&D 11 days ago.
(7) Piperstown 2/1, Modest gelding. Didn't need to improve to win 12-runner minor event (3/1) at Southwell (6.1f) 22 days ago by nose from Bernie The Bear. Looks the one to beat. Got up on the line to beat Bernie The Bear in similar event at Southwell last time.
6
2nd (6) (5/2 +50%) Neptune Legend
2.5
5/2(+50%)
(6) Neptune Legend 5/2, Modest gelding. C&D winner. Three wins from 19 runs last year. 11/1, good third of 10 in handicap at Lingfield (6f, AW) 65 days ago. Blinkers back on, tongue strap back on. Dual classified winner; made most when second in one over 7f at Lingfield on Friday.
3
3rd (3) (4/1 +27%) Global Effort
4
4/1(+27%)
(3) Global Effort 4/1, Modest gelding. C&D winner. Latest win here in November. Respectable third of 8 in handicap at this C&D (11/1) 7 days ago. Merits consideration in a thin race. Won C&D handicap in November; consistent form since, including at classified level.
4
4th (4) (22/1 -175%) Glory Call
22
22/1(-175%)
(4) Glory Call 22/1, Poor gelding. C&D winner. Latest win here in July. 4/1, eleventh of 12 in minor event at Southwell (6.1f) 22 days ago. Cheekpieces back on. Needs to bounce back with headgear refitted. Successful in similar event over C&D last July; possibilities if back to that form.
10
5th (10) (17/2 -31%) You Are Everything
8.5
17/2(-31%)
(10) You Are Everything 17/2, Modest mare. Respectable third of 7 in minor event at Chelmsford City (6f, 5/1) 14 days ago. Not taken lightly. In-form maiden who may have a race of this nature in her; not ruled out.
1
6th (1) (28/1 -40%) Balmy Breese
28
28/1(-40%)
(1) Balmy Breese 28/1, Modest gelding. Remains a maiden after 20 Flat runs. Seventh of 8 in handicap (16/1) at this C&D 7 days ago. Hard to fancy. Started the year with a good effort over C&D but has failed to back up that form.
2
7th (2) (17/2 -70%) Bernie The Bear
8.5
17/2(-70%)
(2) Bernie The Bear 17/2, Modest gelding. C&D winner. Nineteen runs since last win in 2023. Last of 7 in minor event at Chelmsford City (6f, 11/4) 14 days ago. Had been in good form prior to latest effort and can't be ruled out. Ties in closely with Piperstown on penultimate effort; has a respectable record here.
8
8th (8) (40/1 -60%) Revolucion
40
40/1(-60%)
(8) Revolucion 40/1, Modest gelding. C&D winner. One win from 41 Flat runs. Last of 9 in handicap (33/1) at Kempton (6f) 5 days ago. Others make more appeal. Record is only 1-41 and he looks far from solid on recent form.
5
9th (5) (33/1 -32%) Hallie Angel
33
33/1(-32%)
(5) Hallie Angel 33/1, Lightly-raced maiden. Eighth of 11 in handicap (7/1) at this C&D 26 days ago. Easy to look elsewhere. Weak claims on form but could improve for this switch to classified level.
9
10th (9) (66/1 0%) Safio's Princess
66
66/1(0%)
(9) Safio's Princess 66/1, Lightly-raced maiden. 250/1, fifth of 12 in minor event at Southwell (6.1f) 22 days ago. Showed some improvement last time but recorded a meagre RPR.
Piperstown comes out best on official ratings and he arrives on the back of a 6f victory at Southwell. However, both of his victories came at that venue and preference is for C&D scorer BERNIE THE BEAR, who was knocking on the door prior to a lacklustre effort at Chelmsford last time. Global Effort also has track-and-trip winning form in the book and he has been running well in defeat of late.
PIPERSTOWN is two from his last three starts and takes on mostly out-of-form sorts, so he's the obvious choice ahead of Global Effort, who ran respectably here last time. Bernie The Bear can feature if he puts a tame effort last time behind him.
Back at Wolverhampton, BERNIE THE BEAR may be able to reverse Southwell placings with Piperstown, who warrants respect all the same.
(5) Straight A 9/1, Course winner. Latest win at Southwell in November. 8/1, good third of 7 in handicap at Lingfield (7f, AW) 12 days ago. Back up in trip. Weighted to go well. Seeking first win beyond 7f; his 8.5f form for this yard doesn't bode well.
3
2nd (3) (5/1 -67%) Saturnalia
5
5/1(-67%)
(3) Saturnalia 5/1, Course winner. Thirteen runs since last win in 2023. 9/1, good third of 12 in handicap at Kempton (8f) 17 days ago. Enters calculations. Placed at Kempton last time and has a fighting chance off current mark.
2
3rd (2) (7/2 +13%) Harlem Nights
3.5
7/2(+13%)
(2) Harlem Nights 7/2, Course winner. Creditable third of 9 in handicap at Newcastle (10.2f, 3/1) 88 days ago. One to consider. Encouraging effort at Newcastle when last seen; won off this mark here in 2023.
4
4th (4) (7/1 +30%) Calanthe
7
7/1(+30%)
(4) Calanthe 7/1, Winner at Lingfield in September. 20/1, respectable fifth of 10 in handicap at Lingfield (10f, AW) 22 days ago. Can give a good account. Below par over C&D in November; consistent otherwise in handicaps at about 1m.
1
5th (1) (11/4 +58%) Repertoire
2.75
11/4(+58%)
(1) Repertoire 11/4, Course winner. 40/1, twelfth of 16 in handicap at Chelmsford City (8f) 14 days ago. Others more persuasive. 1-1 at Wolverhampton and drops in grade off a reduced mark; not ruled out.
6
6th (6) (12/1 -9%) Visibility
12
12/1(-9%)
(6) Visibility 12/1, Tricky customer but a 6-time course winner. Eighth of 10 in handicap at this C&D (18/1) 14 days ago so needs to bounce back. Six-time course winner, most recently in October; inconsistent since.
8
7th (8) (10/1 -18%) Distinction
10
10/1(-18%)
(8) Distinction 10/1, Course winner. Four wins from 17 runs last year. 33/1, creditable fourth of 10 in handicap at this C&D 14 days ago, nearest finish. In the mix. Couple of encouraging runs this year but still has modest strike-rate on AW.
7
8th (7) (8/1 +43%) Outrace
8
8/1(+43%)
(7) Outrace 8/1, C&D winner. Latest win here in November. Last of 10 in handicap at this C&D (11/1) 26 days ago. Something to find on form. Hindered by wide trip last time; respectable form otherwise in cheekpieces.
HARLEM NIGHTS travelled very well when well backed over 1m2f at Newcastle on his latest outing but he didn't quite see out the trip, eventually finishing third. Jessica Macey's charge makes plenty of appeal off a 1lb lower mark as he drops in distance, although the match-fit Saturnalia is also respected after a good placed effort at Kempton. Likewise Straight A, who is slipping back down to a workable mark.
A tight-knit handicap in which STRAIGHT A rates just the pick of the weights so edges the vote. Fellow course scorer Saturnalia rates a big threat though on the back of his good Kempton third ahead of Calanthe and Harlem Nights.
Off an attractive mark back down in trip and returned to Wolverhampton, HARLEM NIGHTS is preferred. Saturnalia is second pick.
(5) Ciotog 4/1, C&D winner. Latest win at Bath in October. Good fifth of 10 in handicap (14/1) at this C&D 14 days ago, slowly away. Not dismissed. Modest strike-rate on AW but is a C&D winner; latest effort can be marked up.
6
2nd (6) (5/1 -50%) Jersey Rocs
5
5/1(-50%)
(6) Jersey Rocs 5/1, C&D winner. Two wins from 6 runs last year. Latest win here in December. Ninth of 10 in handicap at this C&D (9/4) 14 days ago, very slowly away. On the up prior to latest effort and still one to be interested in. Record of 2-3 since wearing blinkers; ruined chance with poor start last time.
3
3rd (3) (7/1 -8%) Onslow Gardens
7
7/1(-8%)
(3) Onslow Gardens 7/1, Fourth of 7 in handicap at Lingfield (7f, AW, 5/1) 12 days ago. Back up in trip. Blinkers on 1st time. One to consider. Chance of opening his account depends on how well he responds to headgear.
7
4th (7) (16/1 +20%) Sense Of Worth
16
16/1(+20%)
(7) Sense Of Worth 16/1, Eleventh of 12 in handicap (22/1) at this course (9.5f) 29 days ago. Others make more appeal. Poor results since returning from layoff; all wins over further.
4
5th (4) (6/1 -71%) Timetobenice
6
6/1(-71%)
(4) Timetobenice 6/1, Cheekpieces on for 1st time, creditable fourth of 12 in handicap (20/1) at Kempton (8f) 17 days ago. Tongue strap on 1st time. Can make presence felt. 0-7 in handicaps but ran encouragingly with cheekpieces applied last time.
1
6th (1) (2/1 +40%) Kracking
2
2/1(+40%)
(1) Kracking 2/1, Latest win at Lingfield in August. Respectable fifth of 12 in handicap (5/2) at this course (9.5f) 47 days ago, ridden too aggressively. Could be heard to pass from the front. Non-stayer over 9.5f here last time; generally in good form otherwise of late.
8
7th (8) (33/1 +0%) Life On The Rocks
33
33/1(+0%)
(8) Life On The Rocks 33/1, Four wins from 17 runs last year. 40/1, last of 8 in handicap at Newcastle (10.2f) 14 days ago. Hard to make a case for. All wins in 1m2f events on turf; out of sorts since returned to AW.
2
8th (2) (11/1 +8%) African Spirit
11
11/1(+8%)
(2) African Spirit 11/1, Last of 8 in handicap at Newcastle (8f, 10/1) 85 days ago. Up against it but worth a market check after a break. Chance depends on whether physical tweak (wind surgery) prompts a turnaround.
After completing a double with a victory over this C&D, Jersey Rocs blew the start when a disappointing favourite off his revised mark but it would be no surprise to see him bounce back. However, CIOTOG was ahead of Charlie Hills' gelding when only beaten a length into fifth that day, despite not getting a clear run, and he gets a tentative nod to record his second track-and-trip success. Kracking has been running well in defeat and should have his say again.
KRACKING has shaped better than the result on his last two starts and might not face too much pressure for the lead down in grade, so he's preferred to Jersey Rocs, who needs to get back on the up after a poor run. Onslow Garden is also considered.
Topweight KRACKING (nap) holds a solid-looking chance back down in distance and is first choice ahead of Jersey Rocs.
Racecard Key
Ths is the racecard key.
Icon
Meaning
TomForm top stats, gold rated
TomForm top stats silver rated
Ran similar race before
S
TomForm fatstest rated speed horse, last time out
T
Top Time speeed rated
Top Racingpost rated
At the races watchout for
At the races top pick
Top rated for thet statistic
How to use Tomform
Please Watch this short video that will help you learn how to use Tomform.com to filter out the runners and find a winner in each race.
This is the 16:15 Kempton race from the video above backed at 28/1 earlier in the day.
About U.K Horse Racing
Horse racing is a popular and historic sport in the UK, with a tradition dating back centuries. It is a multi-billion pound industry that attracts millions of spectators each year and generates significant economic activity.
There are two main types of horse racing in the UK: flat racing and jump racing. Flat racing is run on a level course and is typically shorter in distance, while jump racing involves horses jumping over obstacles and is generally longer in distance. Both types of racing are popular with spectators and bettors, and they take place at various racetracks throughout the country.
The most famous horse racing event in the UK is the Grand National, which is held annually at Aintree Racecourse in Liverpool. It is a jump racing event that is known for its challenging course and has become a national institution in the UK. Other notable horse racing events in the UK include the Derby, held at Epsom Downs Racecourse in Surrey, and the Royal Ascot, held at Ascot Racecourse in Berkshire.
Horse racing in the UK is regulated by the British Horseracing Authority (BHA), which sets rules and standards for the industry. It is responsible for the welfare of racehorses and the safety of jockeys and trainers, as well as ensuring fair and transparent racing practices.
In addition to its economic and cultural importance, horse racing in the UK also plays a significant role in the breeding and training of thoroughbred horses. Many of the world's top thoroughbreds are bred and trained in the UK, and the industry plays a vital role in the preservation and promotion of the breed.
Overall, horse racing is an integral part of British culture and a major contributor to the country's economy. It is a thrilling and exciting sport that continues to attract a loyal following and generate significant interest from spectators and bettors around the world.
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