There were 44 Races on Saturday 1st February 2025 across 6 meetings. There was 8 races at Wetherby, 7 races at Sandown, 6 races at Musselburgh, 7 races at Leopardstown, 8 races at Newcastle, 8 races at Wolverhampton, no doubt Tomform helped you find a winner.
Races & Results Saturday 1st February 2025
The data in the racecards below is for the past year. View the racecard key.
(5) Magical Annie 9/2, Made a winning start in bumpers in 16-runner event at Galway in October 2023. Failed to match that form in 2 runs for Ben Pauling but offered something to work switched to hurdling following a breathing operation when fourth in a C&D novice in November. Likely to improve. Encouraging fourth over C&D on hurdling debut but she needs a major step forward here.
2
2nd (2) (2/3 +59%) Metkayina
0.666667
2/3(+59%)
(2) Metkayina 2/3, Progressive in bumpers and built on an encouraging hurdles debut when winning a 6-runner novice at Lingfield (16f, soft, 10/3) in December, kept up to work. Not disgraced in better company at Taunton subsequently and has leading claims under a penalty. Not beaten far in Listed race at Taunton and just about sets the standard on that form.
3
3rd (3) (17/2 +6%) Anariza
8.5
17/2(+6%)
(3) Anariza 17/2, Easy winner sole start in point bumpers and offered something to work on under an exaggerated waiting ride when fourth in 10-runner bumper at Aintree on Rules debut 8 months ago. Could well build on that now switching to hurdles. Easy win in point bumper in first of her two runs; market informative on hurdling debut.
1
4th (1) (3/1 -20%) Kelya Wood
3
3/1(-20%)
(1) Kelya Wood 3/1, Held every chance when falling last sole start in Irish points and, fitted with a hood, made the most of an uncontested lead on hurdles debut at Uttoxeter. No match for a good prospect in a listed race at Haydock since but it would be dangerous to assume she's shown all she can as a hurdler. Bolted up on hurdling debut at Uttoxeter before her second in a Listed race; key player.
4
5th (4) (80/1 -220%) Madame Bluebelle
80
80/1(-220%)
(4) Madame Bluebelle 80/1, Bumper efforts certainly not devoid of promise but needs a good chunk of improvement now switching to hurdles. Has fair standard to aim at on hurdling debut and she's probably a longer-term prospect.
8
6th (8) (200/1 -100%) Stellarmasterpiece
200
200/1(-100%)
(8) Stellarmasterpiece 200/1, Modest on Flat (stays 1½m), successful in handicap at Catterick in May on second UK start. In rear when falling on hurdles debut and went with no promise when pulled up over C&D last time. Failed to complete in both hurdle runs including a pulled-up effort over C&D in December.
7
|PU| (7) (22/1 -214%) Pate Mollee
22
22/1(-214%)
(7) Pate Mollee 22/1, Fair form over hurdles in France (claimed from David Cottin for €10,556). Could have more to offer for new connections. Went close in French claiming hurdle latest; market should guide on British/ stable debut.
6
|PU| (6) (150/1 -50%) Nanny Daisy
150
150/1(-50%)
(6) Nanny Daisy 150/1, €35,000 3-y-o, Califet mare. Half-sister to bumper winner/fairly useful hurdler Mega Yeats. Well held in a Southwell bumper on debut in December and type to flourish at a later stage. Always in rear in a Southwell bumper and can only be watched on this switch to hurdling.
Although KELYA WOOD was a shade fortunate to be left in second at the last in a Listed event at Haydock most recently, the daughter of Al Namix had set a good tempo until that point and appeals strongly with the drop back to 2m a key factor. Metkayina has a similar profile to the selection and rates the chief threat. French import Pate Mollee is another intriguing option on her debut for Alan King.
METKAYINA, a progressive mare in bumpers last season, lowered the colours of the promising Diva Luna at Lingfield prior to running creditably in better company at Taunton, so she looks up to defying a penalty back in calmer waters. Kelya Wood is another previous winner who quite possibly hasn't shown all she can as a hurdler, while Magical Annie is entitled to build on a considerate first experience in this sphere over C&D.
Metkayina and KELYA WOOD both ran respectably in Listed events in December and the marginal vote goes to the latter.
(1) Diamonds For Luck 8/13, Six-figure buy out of the pointing field who is progressing nicely over hurdles, finishing runner-up twice before landing short odds at Wetherby (2m, heavy) in December. More to come. Has form figures of 221 over hurdles; the win at Wetherby; helps to set the standard.
3
2nd (3) (14/1 +72%) Noble Park
14
14/1(+72%)
(3) Noble Park 14/1, In top hands but well held in a bumper and both completed starts over hurdles. Still early days but will need to take a big step forward. Has unconvincing form and appears to be one of his yard's lesser lights.
4
3rd (4) (11/8 -89%) Old Cowboy
1.375
11/8(-89%)
(4) Old Cowboy 11/8, Purchased for £66,000 after finishing runner-up in a point last April and made an encouraging start to his Rules career when third of 13 in 2m Newbury novice hurdle 17 days ago. Can be expected to improve for a yard with a good recent record in this. Promising third in Newbury novice hurdle on rules debut and that form looks solid.
2
4th (2) (80/1 +20%) Ballela Blaze
80
80/1(+20%)
(2) Ballela Blaze 80/1, Easy winner sole start in Irish points in March 2023 but comfortably held in a bumper and 2 hurdles under Rules since. Irish point winner; has modest rules form.
OLD COWBOY made a promising start under Rules when finishing a staying-on third over an extended 2m at Newbury recently and he looks well capable of playing a starring role in this company. The more experienced Diamonds For Luck was entitled to score in the manner that he did when landing prohibitive odds over 2m at Wetherby last time out, but there is no telling where his ceiling may be and he merits consideration. Noble Park can get the better of Ballela Blaze in the battle for third.
This will likely develop into a match between OLD COWBOY and Diamonds For Luck, with the former taken to make the most of the weight he receives from Olly Murphy's previous winner and add to his stable's good recent record in this race.
The standout form contenders are solid Newbury third OLD COWBOY and Wetherby scorer Diamonds For Luck, preferred in that order.
(9) Jumper Madrik 3/1, Didn't offer much in novice/maiden hurdles, but sent chasing he left those efforts behind when winning 9-runner handicap at Leicester (20.1f, soft) in December, keeping on well. Major player with further progress to come. Major improvement upped to 2m4f when scoring on chase debut at Leicester; respected up 8lb.
10
2nd (10) (18/1 -13%) Time Was
18
18/1(-13%)
(10) Time Was 18/1, Winning pointer but down the field in an Irish hunter chase on Rules debut. Has shown a bit more over hurdles for current yard, making the frame in handicaps on her last 2 starts without finding as much as she'd promised. More needed back over fences. In fair form in hurdle handicaps; dangerous if she can find something extra on chase debut.
5
3rd (5) (4/1 -14%) Empty Nest
4
4/1(-14%)
(5) Empty Nest 4/1, In first-time tongue tie, off the mark at this C&D (soft) on Boxing Day and again ran well when second at Newcastle (20.1f, good to soft) 16 days ago. Going through a good spell and he can make his presence felt once more. Emphatic win over C&D on Boxing Day and he went close at Newcastle latest; big player.
4
4th (4) (9/2 +44%) So Many Roads
4.5
9/2(+44%)
(4) So Many Roads 9/2, Made a winning handicap hurdle debut at Ayr in early-2023 but didn't manage to kick on last season. However, after 11 months off (had wind op) he ran creditably when third of 18 back at Ayr (20.4f, soft) 30 days ago. One to consider as he goes chasing. Placed off this mark on last hurdle run; dangerous if he takes to this new discipline.
1
5th (1) (11/1 +0%) Ileny Royale
11
11/1(+0%)
(1) Ileny Royale 11/1, Placed twice from 4 starts over hurdles in France and has shown improved form over fences this season, in reapplied tongue tie when getting off the mark in handicap at Ffos Las (19.4f, heavy) in November. Lesser effort at Exeter last time but he's not ruled out. Won at Ffos Las in November but he was pulled up at Exeter next time; needs to bounce back.
11
6th (11) (22/1 +45%) Thatsy
22
22/1(+45%)
(11) Thatsy 22/1, Twenty-four runs since last win in 2019 and made little impact on return from 18 month off when sixth of 8 in handicap chase at this C&D (heavy) in December. Has fallen further in the weights but others still preferred. Veteran who is 0-20 over fences and was well held over C&D on his recent comeback.
3
7th (3) (18/1 -80%) Diamond Mix
18
18/1(-80%)
(3) Diamond Mix 18/1, Hinted at ability on bumper debut and made the frame in a Carlisle novice (19.3f) on first start over hurdles. However, has gone backwards from that effort in 2 starts since, so he needs to get back on track as he makes handicap/chase debut. Lightly raced 6yo but he needs a transformation on his handicap/chase debut.
8
8th (8) (13/2 -18%) Nedzor
6.5
13/2(-18%)
(8) Nedzor 13/2, Runner-up in a point and has shown promise over hurdles, again shaping as if he'll be suited by further when third of 5 in handicap at Southwell (15.8f, heavy) on New Year's Day. One to note over this longer distance on chase debut. Unexposed 6yo and he could find more upped to this trip on chase debut; in the mix.
6
9th (6) (12/1 +14%) Tenbobeachway
12
12/1(+14%)
(6) Tenbobeachway 12/1, Shaped like a stayer sole outing in bumpers but steadily went the right way in 3 starts over hurdles, fifth of 10 in novice at Newcastle (20.3f, soft) when last seen in January 2023. Has lengthy absence to overcome on handicap/chase debut. Back from long absence but he needs checking in market on handicap/chase debut.
7
|U| (7) (10/3 +44%) Hawkseye View
3.333333
10/3(+44%)
(7) Hawkseye View 10/3, Point winner who showed improved form on third start in handicap chases when runner-up at Newcastle in November. Let down by his jumping when well held at this C&D (soft) last time, but it remains early days for him in this sphere so he could bounce back. Close second at Newcastle in November but was tailed off behind Empty Nest over C&D latest.
JUMPER MADRIK readily eclipsed what he had shown over hurdles to emerge as the comfortable winner of a similar race on his chasing debut at Leicester in December. His jumping got better the further he went that day and he is a likely candidate to kick on. So Many Roads is another open to progression on just his second start after wind surgery. Empty Nest and Nedzor are others with solid chances.
Upped in trip, JUMPER MADRIK proved a different proposition sent chasing for his handicap debut when winning at Leicester last time, well on top at the finish, and he is taken to score again now that he's up and running. Empty Nest has taken a step forward with a tongue tie added on his last 2 starts and is respected, with Hawkseye View also considered.
The vote goes to EMPTY NEST who has been as good as ever recently, including with an emphatic win over C&D on his penultimate run.
(1) Final Demand 11/8, €230,000 3-y-o, Walk In The Park gelding. Won sole outing in points and looked a bright prospect when following up in impression fashion on Limerick hurdling debut (21f) 35 days ago. That form is already working out and he's open to oodles of improvement. Point winner; bolted up in maiden hurdle on rules debut and form has worked out nicely.
10
2nd (10) (8/1 +56%) Wingmen
8
8/1(+56%)
(10) Wingmen 8/1, Smart bumper winner who got off to the perfect start over hurdles at Navan (20.2f) in November. Jumping still novicey when second in 4-runner affair at Cheltenham next time and progressed again in a higher grade when third in Lawlor's of Naas Novices' Hurdle latest. May do better still. Point winner, 2-3 in bumper and maiden hurdle winner on return; 3rd in Naas G1 since.
11
3rd (11) (11/1 +21%) Mozzies Sister
11
11/1(+21%)
(11) Mozzies Sister 11/1, Dual bumper winner who made a successful debut over hurdles in a Galway maiden (2m) in October. Good third in Grade 2 at Navan 19 days later and seemed suited by the longer trip when second in a similar event at Limerick on Boxing Day. Type to improve further (jumping still requires refinement). Dual bumper winner; maiden hurdle success in October; good runs in defeat in Gr2s since.
3
4th (3) (17/2 -31%) Jasmin De Vaux
8.5
17/2(-31%)
(3) Jasmin De Vaux 17/2, Smart bumper performer, winning the Champion Bumper in March. Excuses for Punchestown defeat and he overcame a couple of mistakes to land the odds in 25-runner maiden at Navan (2m, soft) on hurdle debut. Didn't get away with some sketchy jumping in Grade 1 at Naas since. Cheekpieces on for 1st time. Champion Bumper well; hasn't jumped well in maiden hurdle win or Gr 1 defeat since.
7
5th (7) (18/1 -157%) Sounds Victorius
18
18/1(-157%)
(7) Sounds Victorius 18/1, Well above average in bumpers and showed aptitude for hurdling when runner-up at Punchestown in November. Went one better Fairyhouse (20f) on New Year's Day and, although this asks for plenty more, he's bred to be suited by the longer trip. Interesting. Eyecatching 4th in Champion Bumper; first win timber latest but his jumping is a concern.
12
6th (12) (18/1 +28%) World Of Fortunes
18
18/1(+28%)
(12) World Of Fortunes 18/1, Looked good in winning first 3 starts over hurdles but was seemingly found out in better company when only fourth of 8 to July Flower in Grade 3 here in December. Cheekpieces on for 1st time. Bumper win worked out well; progressive since summer; didn't appreciate new tactics latest.
6
7th (6) (33/1 -65%) Sommesky
33
33/1(-65%)
(6) Sommesky 33/1, Bumper winner who confirmed promise of hurdling debut upped in trip when winning 14-runner maiden at Limerick (19f, soft) last month. This is a big step up but appeals as the sort to go on to better things. Bumper winner sole start last year and followed a close 4th with maiden hurdle win since.
2
8th (2) (16/1 +0%) I Am Lorenzo
16
16/1(+0%)
(2) I Am Lorenzo 16/1, Going the right way as a hurdler and the longer trip promises to suit but this does represent a big step up. Shaped like a stayer last term and good runs in defeat this season; 2m6f will suit.
5
9th (5) (33/1 -83%) Pray Tell
33
33/1(-83%)
(5) Pray Tell 33/1, Has developed into a useful and likeable hurdler, making it 3 wins from his last 4 outings in 6-runner Gr 3 hurdle at Cork (24.4f, soft) 55 days ago. Lacks the potential of some but seems likely to give his running once again. Took his form to a new level with Gr 3 win last time; won going away; now drops in trip.
9
|PU| (9) (7/2 +30%) Supersundae
3.5
7/2(+30%)
(9) Supersundae 7/2, Completed a simple task back down from Grade 1 company at Ballinrobe in May and ran well when 8 lengths second of 8 to The Yellow Clay in Lawlor's of Naas Novices' Hurdle at Naas (20f, heavy) 8 months on. Hood on for 1st time. Ought to go well again. Bolted up in maiden before 8l 2nd in Lawlor's Of Naas; needs to settle back up in trip.
4
|PU| (4) (16/1 +52%) Joystick
16
16/1(+52%)
(4) Joystick 16/1, Bumper winner who got off the mark over hurdles at the second attempt in 21-runner maiden hurdle at Naas (16f, heavy) 27 days ago, making all. Significantly up in trip and open to further progress. Bumper winner here and relished return to testing ground at Naas last month; needs rain.
8
|PU| (8) (28/1 -40%) Sporting Glory
28
28/1(-40%)
(8) Sporting Glory 28/1, Bumper winner who confirmed the promise of his hurdling debut (for P. A. Fahy) with his sights lowered markedly when landing a Galway maiden (16.4f) in October. Didn't quite last home after touching down in front at the last upped in trip at Thurles 13 weeks later and remains open to improvement. Bumper winner (heavy) last term; maiden hurdle win before novice hurdle 3rd; needs more.
Point-to-point winner FINAL DEMAND created a big impression on his debut under Rules at the Limerick Christmas meeting and the form of that 2m5f maiden hurdle has worked out well since. Riding arrangements suggest he's the pick of Willie Mullins' five runners, with stablemate Supersundae suggested as the chief threat. The easy Ballinrobe maiden winner was well supported and ran quite keenly when runner-up to The Yellow Clay, with Wingmen three lengths back in third and Jasmin De Vaux let down by his jumping in fourth, in a Grade 1 at Naas on his reappearance and is now fitted with a hood. Mozzies Sister and Pray Tell are others to consider.
A typically interesting renewal of this Grade 1. FINAL DEMAND made a smooth transition to hurdling when scoring in impressive fashion at Limerick in December and, with that form proving strong, he looks more than capable of making his mark up appreciably in grade. Supersundae was beaten only by a smart one in the Lawlor's of Naas and should be on the premises once again, with Sounds Victorious taken to make it a 1-2-3 for Willie Mullins with the longer trip sure to suit.
Willie Mullins has dominated this since 2012 and FINAL DEMAND is the pick of his quartet this time with his Limerick form working out
(3) Sole Solution 3/1, Dual bumper winner in 2022/23 who has progressed with each start over hurdles since returning from a long absence, winning a Hereford novice 17 days ago. Appeals as one who can improve again in handicaps. Asserted strongly late on at 11-10 for Hereford novice (extended 2m6f, soft; made most).
7
2nd (7) (7/1 0%) Kalif D'airy
7
7/1(0%)
(7) Kalif D'airy 7/1, Runner-up in handicaps at Fontwell (19f) and Fakenham (2m) in recent months. Nudged up another 4 lb but it's unlikely to prevent another prominent showing. Second in the last two of his handicaps; probably vulnerable to an improver in this too.
4
3rd (4) (9/2 -13%) Just Lucky Sivola
4.5
9/2(-13%)
(4) Just Lucky Sivola 9/2, Bumper winner who has made solid start to hurdling career, showing a good attitude to open his account in 2½m novice at Hereford in November. Didn't seem to stay when stepped up to 3m for his Ascot handicap debut subsequently and can resume his progression back over shorter. Seemed stretched by 2m7f when about 14l third on handicap debut at Ascot six weeks ago.
5
4th (5) (8/1 +43%) Grand Geste
8
8/1(+43%)
(5) Grand Geste 8/1, Improved when placed in maiden/novice hurdles at up to 3m on his last 3 outings. The drop back in trip on handicap debut is a bit of a concern for one who looks a thorough stayer but conditions should at least place the emphasis on stamina. Cheekpieces go on for first time. Stays 3m; needs extra on handicap debut and cheekpieces are enlisted, for in-form stable.
2
5th (2) (8/1 +33%) In Limbo
8
8/1(+33%)
(2) In Limbo 8/1, Placed all 3 starts in points and, following a lengthy absence, there's been definite encouragement to glean from each of his 2 starts in novice hurdles this winter, latterly when third at Newbury (2mf) 32 days ago. Longer trip promises to suit on handicap debut. Upped in trip for this handicap debut and a step forward may be possible.
9
|PU| (9) (9/2 +44%) Old Time Chaser
4.5
9/2(+44%)
(9) Old Time Chaser 9/2, Lightly-raced sort from a leading yard but hasn't bettered modest form in his 4 hurdle starts, beaten 17 lengths when fourth on Windsor handicap debut 7 weeks ago. Latest run was handicap debut at Windsor (2m4f, good to soft) when 17l fourth of 13.
1
|PU| (1) (15/2 -114%) De Kingpin
7.5
15/2(-114%)
(1) De Kingpin 15/2, Point recruit who looked suited by the increased emphasis on stamina when making it third time lucky over hurdles in 20.5f Newbury novice (soft) in December. Has the potential for better again now moving into handicaps. Newbury (2m4f, soft) showed battling qualities which will be called upon on handicap debut.
8
|PU| (8) (20/1 +20%) Leech
20
20/1(+20%)
(8) Leech 20/1, Failed to get competitive in maiden/novice hurdles towards the end of 2024 but this fairly useful bumper winner rates a potential improver now handicapping up in trip. One to note in the betting. Easily best to win a Chepstow bumper on heavy last February; makes handicap debut though.
Just Lucky Sivola travelled strongly into contention before fading into third over an extended 2m7f at Ascot last time out, but this drop back in trip could see him go well. That said, it may pay to side with DE KINGPIN. Ben Pauling's charge seemed to appreciate the step up in distance when staying on strongly over an extended 2m4f at Newbury recently, finishing second before being subsequently awarded the race. Now making his handicap debut, he looks the one to be with. Kalif D'airy completes the shortlist.
JUST LUCKY SIVOLA failed to stay 3m on his Ascot handicap debut just before Christmas and can show his mark is manageable back over shorter. Recent Hereford novice winner Sole Solution should have more to offer in handicaps and is second choice ahead of Kalif d'Airy.
All need a second look but slight preference is for DE KINGPIN following his battling display over 2m4f on soft ground at Newbury.
(8) Lud'or 5/4, French recruit who has shown fairly useful form when placed in a trio of maiden hurdles this winter, coming in second of 11 at Ffos Las (2m) three weeks ago. The clear form pick. Bumped into a good horse in his latest maiden and breakthrough win is very imminent.
13
2nd (13) (10/1 -67%) Skuna Bay
10
10/1(-67%)
(13) Skuna Bay 10/1, Place in points and in the frame in maiden hurdles at Carlise and Bangor (19.6f, heavy) this winter. One for the shortlist. Beginning to look vulnerable in races of this nature and perhaps placed again.
6
3rd (6) (3/1 +14%) Followcato
3
3/1(+14%)
(6) Followcato 3/1, Went backwards from his hurdling debut Aintree fourth when only fifth of 11 in novice hurdle at Ascot (21.6f, good to soft) 43 days ago. Worth another chance for good yard though. Bit disappointing at Ascot but the form of his Aintree fourth puts him right in the mix.
12
4th (12) (11/1 -57%) Pragnell
11
11/1(-57%)
(12) Pragnell 11/1, £65,000 4-y-o, Diamond Boy gelding. Half-brother to fairly useful hurdler West Away. Dam bumper winner. Won sole start in points (Mar 2023) and interesting to see what the market makes of him. Won a very modest British point in March 2023 but later recruited for £65,000.
7
5th (7) (22/1 -57%) Jacques Clouseau
22
22/1(-57%)
(7) Jacques Clouseau 22/1, Notnowcato gelding. Won sole start in points in April and showing promise in fifth when fell last on his hurdling bow in 2m5f Warwick novice. Tongue tied with better still to come. British point winner; on the retreat when taking a late fall over 2m5f at Warwick.
14
6th (14) (33/1 -65%) Isabel De Clare
33
33/1(-65%)
(14) Isabel De Clare 33/1, Failed to build on hurdling promise when fourth of 11 in novice hurdle at Newcastle (16.9f, good to soft, 11/1) 16 days ago. Needs to get back on track. Best run was her staying-on fifth over C&D two runs back; considered each-way.
1
7th (1) (125/1 -89%) A Great Excuse
125
125/1(-89%)
(1) A Great Excuse 125/1, 300/1, fifth of 11 in novice hurdle at Ffos Las (15.8f, heavy) on hurdles bow 21 days ago. Up in trip with lots more needed. Shaped better in a maiden last time but he was some way behind Lud'or.
5
8th (5) (16/1 -33%) Caughtinyourtrance
16
16/1(-33%)
(5) Caughtinyourtrance 16/1, Winning Irish pointer and made a promising start when placed in pair of bumpers last spring. Off 8 months before only seventh of 9 in novice hurdle at Hexham (20.1f, soft) on hurdles bow 52 days ago but remains with potential with cheekpieces on for 1st time. Irish point winner and twice third in bumpers; never gave his running on hurdle debut.
3
9th (3) (28/1 -75%) Bells Of Ufford
28
28/1(-75%)
(3) Bells Of Ufford 28/1, Tongue strap on for 1st time, fourth of 13 in novice hurdle at Southwell (15.8f, good to soft, 17/2) on hurdles bow 47 days ago. Needs to build on it over this longer distance. 5yo with ability but may need handicaps and there are some stamina doubts at this trip.
2
10th (2) (80/1 -300%) Auchinlek
80
80/1(-300%)
(2) Auchinlek 80/1, Seventh of 14 in bumper at Ayr (16f, heavy, 15/2) on NH debut 26 days ago. Makes hurdles debut up in trip. Nice pedigree but needed to show more in an Ayr bumper to be seriously considered.
10
11th (10) (100/1 -52%) Nube De Trueno
100
100/1(-52%)
(10) Nube De Trueno 100/1, Twice-raced maiden. 40/1, seventh of 8 in novice hurdle at Doncaster (19.4f, good to soft) 49 days ago. In good hands but lots more is required. In a top yard but sent off at 40-1 for his first two runs over hurdles and ran accordingly.
4
12th (4) (125/1 -25%) Caramelo Rapido
125
125/1(-25%)
(4) Caramelo Rapido 125/1, Twice-raced maiden and first run since leaving Max Young when sixth of 8 in novice hurdle at Market Rasen (18.6f, good to soft, 50/1) on hurdles bow 15 days ago. Big step forward is required. 50-1 for stable/hurdle debut at Market Rasen (2m2f) and never counted.
11
13th (11) (125/1 -279%) Old But Gold
125
125/1(-279%)
(11) Old But Gold 125/1, Had wind op before coming in last of 12 in novice hurdle at Carlisle (17f, soft, 8/1) on NH debut 48 days ago. Second in an Irish point; perhaps failed to do himself justice on hurdling debut.
9
|PU| (9) (200/1 -100%) Mythical
200
200/1(-100%)
(9) Mythical 200/1, Modest Flat winner who came in only seventh of 9 in novice hurdle (125/1) at this course (16f, soft) on NH debut 36 days ago. Up in trip. He dropped out to be tailed off when 125-1 for last month's hurdling debut.
A field of this size should contain at least a handful of improvers and support in the betting for the likes of Bells Of Ufford, Skuna Bay and Rules debutant Pragnell would need to be taken seriously. However, the Tom Symonds-trained LUD'OR has shown stacks of promise in three starts over hurdles since recruited from France and he can put that experience to good use with the trip and ground not expected to be an issue.
A few of these bring potential but Tom Symonds' French recruit LUD'OR possesses much the best form so is taken to open his account after three good placed efforts for his current yard. Hurdling-newcomer and winning-pointer Pragnell could emerge as the main danger and is worth a market check with the likes of Skuna Bay, Followcato and Jacques Clouseau all worthy of consideration too.
This looks a very good opportunity for LUD'OR who ran into a very promising horse last time.
(10) St Pancras 25/1, Fairly useful handicapper on Flat (stays 1¾m), successful twice in 2024. Gelded and given a breathing operation and ran to just a modest level on hurdling debut at Ascot a fortnight ago, perhaps needing the run more than he looked. Potential there to improve. Comfortably held in the Ascot race won by exciting Lulamba but may do better.
9
2nd (9) (11/1 -38%) Solar Drive
11
11/1(-38%)
(9) Solar Drive 11/1, Fair Flat winner who looks a straightforward sort in this sphere, scoring at Ballinrobe in September before a good second at Punchestown in October. Given a break and wouldn't completely dismiss. Steadily progressive form on Flat and over hurdles; good second at Punchestown last time.
4
3rd (4) (9/1 +55%) Johnny Ringo
9
9/1(+55%)
(4) Johnny Ringo 9/1, Fairly useful on Flat (stays 1¼m) and has made a positive start over hurdles in C&D events, successful on New Year's Day. Will need a lot more to follow up in this grade. Upped in class but is an unexposed C&D winner who could go well.
1
4th (1) (7/4 +30%) Maitre En Science
1.75
7/4(+30%)
(1) Maitre En Science 7/4, Progressive and useful juvenile over 17f in France, winning 2 of his last 3 starts, with the form of his latest success at Clairefontaine in September having worked out particularly well. Sets a good standard on those showings and might have even more to come for new yard. Triumph Hurdle entry. Posted form figures of 211 in France; good chance on ratings; respected on British debut.
8
5th (8) (200/1 -150%) Platin Moon
200
200/1(-150%)
(8) Platin Moon 200/1, Seemed to show fair form when third in a newcomers race at Clairefontaine on his only Flat start but was too free on his first outing for this yard (€32,000) after 5 months off when behind Johnny Ringo here on New Year's Day. Hood goes on. Hard to fancy. May benefit from first-time hood but has plenty to find on form.
7
6th (7) (11/1 -175%) Nardaran
11
11/1(-175%)
(7) Nardaran 11/1, Bought for €135,000 after showing fair form when third in 1½m newcomers race on his only start for Francis-Henri Graffard and he ran to a similar standard on his hurdling debut for this yard at Kempton over Christmas, looking like he'd come on for it. Cheekpieces go on and will improve. Ran as if needing the outing/experience at Kempton; yard has good record in this race.
2
|B| (2) (3/1 +40%) Static
3
3/1(+40%)
(2) Static 3/1, Dual winner over hurdles in France and solid start in Britain, albeit held by East India Dock in Cheltenham Grade 2 and another very impressive winner in the Chepstow Finale the last twice. Suspect he'll need to pull out a bit more to take this. Form includes a creditable effort behind leading Triumph contender East India Dock.
5
|F| (5) (7/2 +56%) Luker's Tipple
3.5
7/2(+56%)
(5) Luker's Tipple 7/2, Fair maiden on the Flat who has made an encouraging debut in this sphere, runner-up at Punchestown and Cork. Fair chance he has more to offer. Irish runner; clear second in both attempts over hurdles; seems a winner waiting to happen.
6
|F| (6) (25/1 -79%) Moutarde
25
25/1(-79%)
(6) Moutarde 25/1, Fair Flat winner in Ireland for Gavin Cromwell and has started well over hurdles, scoring at Kempton and Taunton. Stiff task behind some promising ones at Ascot a fortnight ago though and this isn't much easier. Dual winner in this sphere but his limitations have been exposed.
3
|RR| (3) (9/1 +36%) Hosaamm
9
9/1(+36%)
(3) Hosaamm 9/1, Useful performer on Flat (stays 1½m) for Owen Burrows. New connections acquired him for 78,000 gns and built on hurdling debut when scoring cosily at Wetherby. Could improve again and a Triumph Hurdle entry well worth considering. Won narrowly at Wetherby last time; this is harder but he may improve further.
A tentative vote goes to Irish raider LUKER'S TIPPLE, who has been runner-up on both starts in this sphere, including to a talented Willie Mullins inmate who is contesting a Grade 1 at Leopardstown this weekend. The four-year-old can get off the mark at the main expense of French recruit Maitre En Science, who was two from three over hurdles for previous connections. A decent fourth on debut for the Paul Nicholls team at Kempton, Nardaran is another to note.
MAITRE EN SCIENCE very much stands out on Timeform ratings on his efforts in France, the form of his latest success at Clairefontaine in September having worked out particularly well, and he can book his ticket to Cheltenham with victory on his first start for Harry Derham. Hosaamm is the only other runner with an entry in the Triumph Hurdle and is feared with improvement likely. Nardaran, for a yard that has dominated this race, is another key player.
The two suggestions against the field are the interesting Irish runners LUKER'S TIPPLE and Solar Drive.
(2) Hello Neighbour 2/1, Useful Flat winner. Promising type. 9/4, won 10-runner Grade 2 juvenile hurdle at this C&D (good) on NH debut 37 days ago by short head from Lady Vega Allen, just holding on. Looks a good prospect and he's a key player. Hood on 1st time. Followed 2 Flat wins with Gr2 win holding off Lady Vega Allen; hood may help him settle.
6
2nd (6) (18/1 +10%) Galileo Dame
18
18/1(+10%)
(6) Galileo Dame 18/1, Once-raced maiden over hurdles. Useful winner at 10f on the Flat. 2/1, 2 lengths second of 16 to Wendrock in juvenile hurdle at this C&D (good) on NH debut 36 days ago. Will almost certainly pick up a race over hurdles in the near future but she's up against some very promising types. Useful on Flat and encouraging 2nd to Wendrock on hurdle bow but others have stronger form.
7
3rd (7) (4/1 +0%) Lady Vega Allen
4
4/1(+0%)
(7) Lady Vega Allen 4/1, Promising type. First run since leaving E. D' Andigne when short-head second of 10 to Hello Neighbour in juvenile hurdle at this C&D (good, 10/1) on IRE NH debut 37 days ago. Another bold show anticipated. Won sole start in France before strong finishing 2nd on yard debut behind Hello Neighbour.
5
4th (5) (20/1 +39%) Willy De Houelle
20
20/1(+39%)
(5) Willy De Houelle 20/1, Fairly useful hurdler. 11½ lengths sixth of 10 to Hello Neighbour in juvenile hurdle (11/4) at this C&D (good) 37 days ago. Trainer going well. Tongue strap back on. Yard saddles stronger candidates. Listed 2nd at Auteuil worked out but has not met expectations in 2 runs for new yard.
3
5th (3) (11/1 +21%) Sony Bill
11
11/1(+21%)
(3) Sony Bill 11/1, Useful hurdler. First run since leaving H. & G. Lageneste & Macaire when 7 lengths third of 10 to Hello Neighbour in juvenile hurdle (12/1) at this C&D (good) on IRE NH debut 37 days ago. Paul Townend prefers Sainte Lucie. Smart juvenile form in France before 7l defeat behind 2 of these; needs to settle better.
1
6th (1) (80/1 -300%) Bacchanalian
80
80/1(-300%)
(1) Bacchanalian 80/1, Fairly useful maiden on the Flat. Thrice-raced winner over hurdles. 4/5, won 6-runner juvenile hurdle at Fairyhouse (16f, good to soft) 21 days ago. Much more on his plate now upped significantly in class. Won at third attempt over timber latest but others bring much stronger form in.
4
7th (4) (25/1 -25%) Wendrock
25
25/1(-25%)
(4) Wendrock 25/1, Twice-raced winner over hurdles. 3/1, won 16-runner juvenile hurdle at this C&D (good) 36 days ago by 2 lengths from Galileo Dame, driven out. Open to progress but this is much more demanding assignment. 2 promising runs in Britain before 82,000gns switch; won here in December but form knocked.
8
8th (8) (13/8 +28%) Sainte Lucie
1.625
13/8(+28%)
(8) Sainte Lucie 13/8, Fairly useful hurdler. First run since leaving R. Collet when winning 20-runner juvenile hurdle at Punchestown (16.4f, soft, 8/11) on IRE NH debut 32 days ago. Exciting prospect. 3rd at Auteuil before a facile success on yard debut at Punchestown; the pick of Townend.
SAINTE LUCIE is held in high regard by connections and confirmed that opinion when readily landing a 20-runner Punchestown maiden on her Irish debut. Paul Townend is again aboard in preference to three other Willie Mullins-trained runners, including Lady Vega Allen. The latter won on her only start over hurdles in France and just failed to peg back Hello Neighbour, with Sony Bill seven lengths back in third, on her Irish debut in a Grade 2 here at Christmas. Wendrock beat Galileo Dame, who was Listed-placed on the Flat, by two lengths in a maiden over C&D at the Christmas Festival.
Willie Mullins has saddled the last three winners of this Grade 1 and SAINTE LUCIE could be another for the all-conquering yard. Having shaped well when third on her sole start in France, she was impressive on debut for Mullins at Punchestown and there should be plenty more to come from this filly. Flat winner Hello Neighbour got the better of a battle with Lady Vega Allen (Sony Bill and Willy de Houelle also behind) over this C&D and is a much-respected main danger.
SAINTE LUCIE couldn't have won any easier at Punchestown last time and she shades the vote from stablemate Lady Vega Allen
(2) Gunsight Ridge 10/1, Reacted well to first-time cheekpieces when landing handicap at Perth in April. Might well have followed up when departing at the last at Cheltenham on return, though ran no sort of race at Kelso last time. Could fare better with headgear left off the last twice back on. 10yo who is on a career-high mark and looks held by Etalon on C&D form last February.
6
2nd (6) (8/1 +20%) Dr T J Eckleburg
8
8/1(+20%)
(6) Dr T J Eckleburg 8/1, Better than ever when scoring at Haydock in November and backed up that effort when second to a good prospect at Chepstow the following month. However, never a threat when third back at Haydock (16.3f, soft) 2 weeks ago and he's 5 lb out of the weights here. Lacked fluency last time but ran respectably; faces a stiffer task back up in class.
4
3rd (4) (2/1 +0%) Etalon
2
2/1(+0%)
(4) Etalon 2/1, Rapid improver sent chasing last term, winning first 3 starts (including over C&D) before shaping better than result in Aintree Grade 1 on final outing. Yet to fire so far this season, but he's eased in the weights as a result and could bounce back at this venue. Scored over C&D last February and returns to Sandown off a workable mark; warrants respect.
5
4th (5) (2/1 +71%) Classic Maestro
2
2/1(+71%)
(5) Classic Maestro 2/1, Back on the up when landing handicap hurdles at Wetherby/Bangor in December, before completing hat-trick when seeing off his sole rival in beginners' chase at Haydock. Good third back in a handicap at Haydock (19.9f, soft) last time, though this is tougher. Good strike-rate over hurdles/fences in the last 12 months; 3-5 under Luke Scott; solid.
3
5th (3) (13/2 +35%) Solo
6.5
13/2(+35%)
(3) Solo 13/2, Smart form as a novice in 2022/23, winning twice including Grade 2 at Kempton. Wasn't able to find any progress last season, but with reappearance run behind him there were better signs when fourth of 7 in handicap at Ascot (18.8f, soft) in December. More needed. Faded over 2m3f last time; possibilities off an attractive mark back down in distance.
1
6th (1) (15/2 -200%) Martator
7.5
15/2(-200%)
(1) Martator 15/2, Has developed into a smart handicap chaser, bringing up the 5-timer with plenty to spare at Ascot (16.7f) in November. Lesser efforts on last 2 starts, but no surprise to see him resume his progress with yard back amongst the winners. Progressive last March-November; stiff 2m5f contributed to below-par effort last time.
Punters will need to be in a forgiving mood to side with GUNSIGHT RIDGE, but it may pay to do so. He was still in with a winning chance when falling at the last over 2m at Cheltenham on his penultimate start, before running inexplicably poorly at Kelso most recently. With cheekpieces reapplied, this talented chaser could bounce back. Martator arrives on the back of a disappointing effort over 2m5f at Ascot recently but this step back in trip could see him go well off 1lb lower, while C&D winner Etalon is starting to look well handicapped.
Having moved up the ranks in good style as a novice, ETALON looks to have been brought along gradually in the current campaign and he is now only 4 lb higher than for his impressive C&D success a year ago. He could be ready to return to winning ways, with Martator feared most given the progress he had shown when winning his first 2 starts this season, ahead of Gunsight Ridge.
Off a workable mark returned to the scene of his peak performance, ETALON is preferred. Martator is second choice.
(1) Real Stone 28/1, No show on Southwell return in December but won second time up last season and he lines up here operating just 2 lb above his last winning mark. Not out of things. Useful on his day but has mixed record last season and was pulled up on reappearance run.
3
2nd (3) (9/1 -50%) Bashers Reflection
9
9/1(-50%)
(3) Bashers Reflection 9/1, Improved hurdler last season and matched that level on second chase try when third at Chepstow (19.5f) in November. Shaped much better than margin of defeat suggests when third at Fakenham (21.2f) 6 weeks ago and undergone a wind operation ahead of this. Not dismissed. Not entirely convincing over fences this season but his Chepstow third was a good effort.
8
3rd (8) (2/1 +73%) Art Of Diplomacy
2
2/1(+73%)
(8) Art Of Diplomacy 2/1, Flat winner who won 3 times over hurdles for Dr Richard Newland, leaving that stable after taking a seller here (19.7f) last March. Bright start for present connections, including over fences, the drop back to 2m not in his favour when third at Ffos Las (2m) 18 days ago. This more suitable. In the frame all three starts since bought out of a seller, the last twice over fences.
11
4th (11) (22/1 -83%) Ladronne
22
22/1(-83%)
(11) Ladronne 22/1, C&D winner but he came in last of 4 in handicap chase at Carlisle (20f, good to soft) when last seen 74 days ago, albeit possibly finding the test on the sharp side nowadays. Assessor has given him a chance but worth noting each of his last 2 victories have come at 3m+. Lurks on a dangerous mark but looks out of sorts when last seen in the autumn.
2
5th (2) (16/1 +68%) Do Your Job
16
16/1(+68%)
(2) Do Your Job 16/1, Veteran chaser who made final start for Lucinda Russell a winning one over C&D 13 months ago. Eased in weights having essentially disappointed for present stable but he could be sharper for his latest midfield Windsor effort that came after a break. C&D winner on Boxing Day 2023 but largely disappointing for current stable.
10
6th (10) (16/1 -60%) Hello Judge
16
16/1(-60%)
(10) Hello Judge 16/1, Successful 3 times over the larger obstacles last season and made a positive return when fourth at Hexham. Went backwards from that at Ayr next time but he's been given a break since. Three chase wins in 2023-24 season but absent since below-par run in November.
4
7th (4) (10/1 +0%) Glory And Honour
10
10/1(+0%)
(4) Glory And Honour 10/1, Versatile sort who resumed winning ways on Flat at Pontefract (18f) in October and capitalised on sliding chase mark under a more positive ride than usual at Newcastle (20f) a month later. Well beaten second of 3 in handicap over C&D since, though. Not quite at best this season but managed a win two starts ago; no surprise if he features.
12
8th (12) (33/1 +0%) Nine Nine Nine
33
33/1(+0%)
(12) Nine Nine Nine 33/1, Won twice at Leicester last season and showed benefit of reappearance run in finishing placed on each of his last 2 starts at that venue/Haydock. However, more on his plate operating from long way out of the weights up in class. Ran well when third at Haydock recently but is even further out of the weights here.
5
9th (5) (9/4 +18%) No No Tango
2.25
9/4(+18%)
(5) No No Tango 9/4, Hasn't stood much racing in recent seasons but impressive when making light of a 13-month absence when successful on stable debut at Wincanton (20f) in December. Jumping let him down when falling at Haydock 2 weeks ago but well worth another chance judged on manner of his previous display. Fell last month but can still build upon his winning seasonal/stable debut in December.
7
|U| (7) (14/1 -133%) Gallic Geordie
14
14/1(-133%)
(7) Gallic Geordie 14/1, Veteran C&D winner who bagged a second victory at this track last November. Very lightly raced since but confirmed himself no back number after 11 months off when third of 6 in veterans' handicap chase at Lingfield in December. Respected with first-time cheekpieces enlisted. Long in the tooth now but ran pretty well in December, after a layoff; new headgear today.
9
10th (9) (25/1 -108%) Cornerstone Lad
25
25/1(-108%)
(9) Cornerstone Lad 25/1, Course winner who arrives on a long losing run but mark reflects that and he signed off last term with a creditable third of 6 in handicap chase at Newcastle (20f) in April. Claims of making frame again if fully tuned up back from 9 months off. Cheekpieces replace blinkers. Makes belated seasonal debut from a tempting mark but younger rivals appeal more.
6
|PU| (6) (15/2 +12%) Imaginary Dragon
7.5
15/2(+12%)
(6) Imaginary Dragon 15/2, Fair hurdles winner (at 22.7f) who took time to warm to his task but still stepped up on his chase debut effort when second of 4 in novices' handicap at Ayr (16.5f, soft) 4 weeks ago. Step back up in trip promises to suit now and he could yet have more to offer. No threat to winner when second of four last month but still unexposed over fences.
An open event in which only a tentative vote can go to IMAGINARY DRAGON. Pulled up on his chasing debut in December, Lucinda Russell's gelding then chased home a progressive rival over an extended 2m at Ayr and with the step up in trip promising to suit, it would come as no surprise were he to find the necessary improvement. Recent wind surgery could work the oracle for Bashers Reflection and Hello Judge is another to consider.
NO NO TANGO was a mid-race faller following a couple of early errors at Haydock 2 weeks ago, yet he'd previously been most impressive (including with his jumping) when scoring on debut for the Harry Derham yard at Wincanton a month earlier. He's well worth another chance to get back on the up. Imaginary Dragon, Bashers Reflection and Hello Judge are others to consider. Veteran Gallic Geordie isn't dismissed lightly, either.
Harry Derham's NO NO TANGO made all fairly comfortably on his seasonal/stable debut and can progress again.
(4) Welsh Charger 12/1, Took his form up a notch last season, winning twice (including here) and further progress after 8 months off when successful at Wetherby (19.7f) in November. Didn't see his race out when seventh of 11 in handicap at Newbury (20.5f) 5 weeks ago and he's back down in trip now. Made it 5-9 over hurdles when winning at Wetherby but soundly beaten at Newbury since.
7
2nd (7) (11/4 +31%) Afadil
2.75
11/4(+31%)
(7) Afadil 11/4, Successful from 4 lb higher mark in this race 12 months ago and acquitted himself with plenty of credit at Spring Festivals thereafter. Has yet to scale same heights in handful of starts this term, but excuses at Southwell last time and better showing anticipated. Below best this term but now 4lb lower than when winning this last year; on the shortlist.
1
3rd (1) (25/1 -108%) All The Glory
25
25/1(-108%)
(1) All The Glory 25/1, Made most of drop in grade when successful over 19.8f here in November and had no trouble defying an 8 lb higher mark at Southwell (20.4f, heavy) next time. Below best when sixth of 7 in Ascot Grade 2 latest and whilst this is clearly easier, the trip may well be on the sharp side. Underwhelming in mares' Grade 2 at Ascot last time but two stylish h'cap wins previously.
9
4th (9) (16/1 -88%) Maghlaak
16
16/1(-88%)
(9) Maghlaak 16/1, Fairly useful Flat performer who supplemented his Wetherby novice win with a ready handicap debut victory at Catterick under this rider on New Year's Day. Testing ground/quick turnaround possibly against him when below that level at Ayr next time and he could yet get back on the up. Cheekpieces on. Busy spell may have caught up with him last time; bolted up on handicap debut previously.
12
5th (12) (16/1 -60%) Ravenscraig Castle
16
16/1(-60%)
(12) Ravenscraig Castle 16/1, Fairly useful stayer on Flat but hasn't won since his 3-y-o days. Does come here in good order, first start following wind surgery/equipped with blinkers when second of 6 in a C&D handicap 31 days ago. Each-way claims up in class. Second of six to highly progressive winner over C&D on New Year's Day; each-way claims.
6
6th (6) (6/1 +25%) Old Gregorian
6
6/1(+25%)
(6) Old Gregorian 6/1, Back on track refitted with a tongue strap this autumn, supplementing his Kelso victory in clear-cut fashion at Wetherby (2m) in November. Solid second back at first-named venue a month later and no reason why he won't give another good account. Denied hat-trick at Kelso but was very creditable second there behind a course specialist.
3
7th (3) (7/2 +13%) Florida Dreams
3.5
7/2(+13%)
(3) Florida Dreams 7/2, Grade 2 bumper winner who doubled his hurdles tally on return at Hexham (16.2f) in October. Posted a solid fifth in Greatwood Hurdle next time before filling same spot upped to 20f at Aintree on Boxing Day. Possibilities back down in trip. Fifth of 15 in the competitive Greatwood; he's better than he showed at Aintree last time.
10
8th (10) (15/2 +58%) Freddy Robinson
7.5
15/2(+58%)
(10) Freddy Robinson 15/2, Had a productive time of it on the Flat last year and continued the good work in this sphere, runner-up over C&D before filling same spot at Sedgefield (16.8f) 6 days ago. This is definitely a tougher assignment, but his rider takes off a handy 5 lb. Runner-up the last twice and this consistent C&D winner has an each-way shout.
2
9th (2) (9/1 +10%) Norman Fletcher
9
9/1(+10%)
(2) Norman Fletcher 9/1, Resumed winning ways at Huntingdon in November before a good third at Doncaster (16.6f) a month later. Easy to excuse his Southwell run on New Year's Day on account of his track position and he appeals as a likely candidate to bounce back. Pulled up at Southwell last time but in good form previously and could bounce back.
5
10th (5) (4/1 +53%) Balhambar
4
4/1(+53%)
(5) Balhambar 4/1, Much improved sent handicapping in this sphere, winning at Ludlow/Bangor in the spring. Looked better than ever upon returning to action, excellent third at Cheltenham prior to finding only one too good at Southwell (15.8f) 31 days ago. High on shortlist in refitted cheekpieces. Two wins last April and fine form in defeat the last twice; can be bang there.
11
11th (11) (18/1 +45%) Rewired
18
18/1(+45%)
(11) Rewired 18/1, Won 2m handicaps at Doncaster and Taunton last winter but has yet to fire for current yard, never involved when sixth of 8 in handicap hurdle at Haydock (15.6f, soft, 66/1) 14 days ago. Mark has eased further at least. He's 10lb lower than for his win at Taunton last February but hard to fancy on recent form.
8
12th (8) (33/1 +0%) Mack The Man
33
33/1(+0%)
(8) Mack The Man 33/1, Veteran course winner who responded well to fitting of a visor, gaining a third win of 2024 at Ayr in November. Found his run of good form coming to a halt when fourth of 5 in handicap at Haydock (15.6f) 33 days ago though, and others appeal more on balance. 11yo; disappointing last time but excellent 2024 otherwise; no forlorn hope each-way.
FLORIDA DREAMS disappointed when upped in trip at Aintree last time out, but he is better judged on his penultimate fifth in the Greatwood. Winner of a Grade 2 bumper at Aintree, the seven-year-old could still be well treated off a mark of 126 and he gets the vote ahead of last year's winner Afadil, who arrives off 4lb lower on this occasion. Maghlaak's winning run came to an end at Ayr last month but he must enter calculations, along with the consistent Balhambar.
Successful in this race from a 4 lb higher mark 12 months ago, AFADIL has yet to fully fire this term, yet had excuses on account of his track position at Southwell 31 days ago, so in an open-looking affair he's narrowly selected to bounce back. Balhambar is proving most consistent and is a danger in refitted cheekpieces. Florida Dreams and Maghlaak are others to consider.
The return to Musselburgh could prompt a revival from AFADIL and he can exploit a mark 4lb lower than when winning this last year.
(2) Perceval Legallois 8/1, Career best when winning 27-runner handicap chase (17/2) at this course (24.4f, good to soft) 36 days ago, staying on strongly. Switches from chase to hurdles. Winner of this race in 2023. Won h'cap chase here over Christmas and rated 7lb lower over hurdles; won this in 2023.
4
2nd (4) (17/2 +58%) Gaoth Chuil
8.5
17/2(+58%)
(4) Gaoth Chuil 17/2, Course winner. Creditable 9 lengths fourth of 20 to Flicker of Hope in handicap hurdle (11/1) at Navan (25.2f, soft) 56 days ago. Enters calculations. Course winner last year before narrow defeat in this; running well in defeat this term.
9
3rd (9) (15/2 +25%) Flicker Of Hope
7.5
15/2(+25%)
(9) Flicker Of Hope 15/2, 4 wins from 5 runs this season. Career best when winning 20-runner handicap hurdle (8/1) at Navan (25.2f, soft) 56 days ago by short head from Backmersackme. Open to improvement. Won 4 of last 5; game effort to fight back at Navan latest; may come on for that; up 9lb.
15
4th (15) (16/1 +68%) Rushmount
16
16/1(+68%)
(15) Rushmount 16/1, Lightly-raced winner over hurdles. 12/1, respectable eleventh of 20 in handicap hurdle at this course (23.4f, good) 35 days ago. Something to find on form. Thurles maiden hurdle winner; shown nothing in 2 runs since but may have needed his latest.
8
5th (8) (20/1 +29%) Patter Merchant
20
20/1(+29%)
(8) Patter Merchant 20/1, Latest win in hurdle at Galway in October. 20/1, good fourth of 12 in handicap hurdle at this course (19.8f, good) 34 days ago. Up in trip. Bumper winner and Galway maiden hurdle winner; could improve for this new trip.
6
6th (6) (14/1 +72%) Lucky Lyreen
14
14/1(+72%)
(6) Lucky Lyreen 14/1, Respectable eighth of 20 in handicap hurdle (50/1) at this course (19.8f, good) 34 days ago, needing stiffer test. Back up in trip. Looks competitive on form. Won back-to-back last term but struggled in 3 runs since; may want it more testing.
11
7th (11) (18/1 -50%) Backmersackme
18
18/1(-50%)
(11) Backmersackme 18/1, Tongue strap on for 1st time, good short-head second of 20 to Flicker of Hope in handicap hurdle at Navan (25.2f, soft, 50/1) 56 days ago. Others more persuasive. 2nd to Flicker Of Hope last time but up 5lb and may want it softer; not exposed at 3m.
17
8th (17) (15/2 +46%) Glen Kiln
7.5
15/2(+46%)
(17) Glen Kiln 15/2, 1 win from 2 runs this season. 9/2, career best when winning 15-runner handicap hurdle at Navan (20f, good to soft) 48 days ago, easily. Up in trip. Not taken lightly. Came on from return to win at Navan; worth another try at 3m; 9lb higher in tougher race.
3
9th (3) (28/1 -229%) King Alexander
28
28/1(-229%)
(3) King Alexander 28/1, One win from 2 runs this season. 15/8, winner of a handicap hurdle at Fairyhouse (3m, good to soft) 21 days ago. Yard saddles a stronger candidate in Meetingofthewaters. Back to best on yard debut latest; 8lb higher in tougher race; unexposed at trip at least.
23
|U| (23) (125/1 -25%) Carrig Sam
125
125/1(-25%)
(23) Carrig Sam 125/1, 40/1, 23¾ lengths sixth of 8 to King Alexander in handicap hurdle at Fairyhouse (24f, good to soft) 21 days ago. Losing run of nearly three years and lost his way in the last two years.
24
10th (24) (11/1 +61%) Custom Taylor
11
11/1(+61%)
(24) Custom Taylor 11/1, Lightly-raced winner under NH rules. Very good second of 8 in novice hurdle (2/1) at Punchestown (22f, soft) 19 days ago. Makes handicap hurdle debut. In a rich vein of form but needs more on form. Bumper winner; posted 3 good runs in defeat in maiden hurdle company but this is tough.
14
11th (14) (33/1 +34%) Fortunedefortunata
33
33/1(+34%)
(14) Fortunedefortunata 33/1, Eleven runs since last win in 2023. 5/1, creditable 2½ lengths second of 8 to King Alexander in handicap hurdle at Fairyhouse (24f, good to soft) 21 days ago. Merits consideration. Chase home King Alexander latest; up 1lb and not exposed at 3m but this is tough.
1
12th (1) (28/1 +44%) Supreme Gift
28
28/1(+44%)
(1) Supreme Gift 28/1, Six wins from 20 NH runs. 1 win from 3 runs this season. 8/1, below form fifth of 9 in handicap hurdle at Kempton (21f, good to soft) 37 days ago, unsuited by drop in trip. Others have achieved more. Won Pertemps qualifier by half a length; caught out by 2m5f since; tough looking mark.
26
13th (26) (7/4 +30%) Meetingofthewaters
1.75
7/4(+30%)
(26) Meetingofthewaters 7/4, Promising type. Bit below form 27 lengths fourteenth of 27 to Perceval Legallois in handicap chase at this course (24.4f, good to soft, 20/1) 36 days ago. Switches from chase to hurdles. Big improver over fences for this yard; returns to this sphere 36lb lower; obvious claims.
25
14th (25) (100/1 +0%) West Is Awake
100
100/1(+0%)
(25) West Is Awake 100/1, Bit below form tenth of 20 in handicap hurdle (50/1) at this course (23.4f, good) 35 days ago. Runner-up from just 1lb lower last season but hard to recommend on his five runs this term.
19
15th (19) (33/1 -65%) Whatsavailable
33
33/1(-65%)
(19) Whatsavailable 33/1, Good second of 20 in handicap hurdle at this course (23.4f, good, 25/1) 35 days ago, staying on well. Can give a good account without posing serious threat to principals. Made all at Fairyhouse in November; bounced back from lesser run here latest; up 4lb.
7
16th (7) (50/1 -150%) Desertmore House
50
50/1(-150%)
(7) Desertmore House 50/1, Respectable 25½ lengths eleventh of 27 to Perceval Legallois in handicap chase (20/1) at this course (24.4f, good to soft) 36 days ago. Switches from chase to hurdles. Visor on 1st time. Consistent over timber; back to best in this sphere before lesser run over fences; visor.
10
17th (10) (28/1 +44%) Mordor
28
28/1(+44%)
(10) Mordor 28/1, 2 wins from 6 runs this season. Latest win in hurdle at Downpatrick in August. 7/5, creditable second of 5 in handicap hurdle at Ballinrobe (18.2f, soft) 159 days ago. Significantly up in trip. Won 3 of last 5 but has been off 159 days and unraced beyond 2m2f.
13
18th (13) (22/1 +45%) Donnie Devito
22
22/1(+45%)
(13) Donnie Devito 22/1, 2 wins from 5 runs this season. 6/1, third of 5 in novice hurdle at Cheltenham (24f, good) 98 days ago. Makes handicap hurdle debut. Needs a couple of these to falter. Won twice earlier in season; hasn't kicked on in recent runs; mark only fair now h'capping.
22
19th (22) (150/1 -200%) Jody Ted
150
150/1(-200%)
(22) Jody Ted 150/1, First run since leaving Eoin Griffin when last of 19 in handicap hurdle (33/1) at Navan (20f, soft) 14 days ago. Back up in trip. Won back-to-back last season but failed to complete in next 3 starts; tailed off yard bow.
18
20th (18) (100/1 -52%) Palamon
100
100/1(-52%)
(18) Palamon 100/1, Blinkered for 1st time, second of 4 in novice hurdle at Fairyhouse (20f, soft, 4/1) 16 days ago. Up in trip. Needs a couple of these to falter. Runner-up in two four-runner novice hurdles in last three starts; tough looking mark.
20
21st (20) (80/1 +0%) Effernock Fizz
80
80/1(+0%)
(20) Effernock Fizz 80/1, 50/1, fifth of 6 in minor event at Dundalk (16f) 15 days ago. Switches from Flat to hurdles. Fairly useful chaser, poor on last chase run. Becoming well treated. Well treated on old form but struggling of late; first try at 3m at age of 10.
21
|PU| (21) (14/1 +65%) Iceberg Theory
14
14/1(+65%)
(21) Iceberg Theory 14/1, 8/1, creditable 10 lengths sixth of 20 to Flicker of Hope in handicap hurdle at Navan (25.2f, soft) 56 days ago. Needs a couple of these to falter. Heavy ground winner of maiden hurdle at Navan last term but hasn't kicked on.
16
|PU| (16) (16/1 +27%) A Tipp For Gold
16
16/1(+27%)
(16) A Tipp For Gold 16/1, Creditable eighth of 15 in handicap hurdle at Punchestown (24.1f, good to soft, 13/2) 69 days ago. First run for yard after leaving Ms Margaret Mullins. Hood on 1st time. Has work to do. Came on from return to win Listowel maiden; has run well in defeat since but tough mark.
12
|PU| (12) (40/1 -21%) Binge Worthy
40
40/1(-21%)
(12) Binge Worthy 40/1, 1 win from 3 runs this season. Respectable ninth of 20 in handicap hurdle (10/1) at this course (23.4f, good) 35 days ago. Needs a couple of these to falter. Back to form with Punchestown win; well held from new mark latest on first try at 3m.
MEETINGOFTHEWATERS currently holds a chase rating of 148 and appears to be off a very attractive mark on his first hurdles start for Willie Mullins. He won a handicap hurdle for Eugene O'Sullivan and improved rapidly over fences for the champion trainer, winning twice, including the valuable Paddy Power Chase at this venue in 2023. Perceval Legallois reverts to hurdles for the first time since winning this race two years ago and comes here following an impressive victory in the latest renewal of the Paddy Power at Christmas. Flicker Of Hope has progressed from a mark of 90 in winning four handicap hurdles last year, including when just touching off Backmersackme over 3m1f at Navan in December.
Many to consider in a typically competitive renwal of this valuable handicap. GLEN KILN could be the value angle on the back of his impressive display at Navan where he left the strong impression that this step back up in trip would be no bad thing. Meetingofthewaters was well adrift of the re-opposing Perceval Legallois in a big handicap chase here during the Christmas period but he is entitled to come on for that and is of strong interest back hurdling off a potentially very lenient mark.
This is not as competitive as usual thanks to MEETINGOFTHEWATERS who is able to race off his 36lb lower hurdle rating here
(1) Handstands 10/3, Winner of 3 of his 4 starts over hurdles last term, including a 1½-length verdict over the re-opposing Jango Baie in a listed event at Huntingdon. Fell on chase debut but his jumping has looked an asset in winning Grade 2 races here (3m) and at Ffos Las (19.4f) since. Should give it a good shot. Grade 2 wins at Sandown and Ffos Las this winter; this is harder but he's progressive.
2
2nd (2) (10/11 -9%) Jango Baie
0.909091
10/11(-9%)
(2) Jango Baie 10/11, Won twice and runner-up 3 times from 5 starts during a productive campaign over hurdles last term. Looks destined for bigger and better things in this sphere judged on decisive reappearance/chase debut success at Cheltenham (20.6f) in December, form which has been boosted since. Big chance. Impressive in Cheltenham novice chase on reappearance; high-class prospect in this sphere.
3
3rd (3) (20/1 +39%) Mark Of Gold
20
20/1(+39%)
(3) Mark Of Gold 20/1, Prolific winning hurdler who, despite not being an obvious chaser on looks or pedigree, made the perfect start in this sphere when landing a Grade 2 at Ascot (18.8f) just before Christmas. However, he was a rather fortunate winner that day and looks vulnerable here against 3 very promising novices. Grade 2 win at Ascot on chase debut but has the worst chance on ratings in this field.
4
4th (4) (11/4 +21%) Kalif Du Berlais
2.75
11/4(+21%)
(4) Kalif Du Berlais 11/4, Useful juvenile hurdler who showed no ill effects from chase debut fall at Carlisle in November when taking a novices' handicap at Newbury later that month. Delivered another assured round of jumping when following up at Cheltenham (16.3f) on New Year's Day and looks ready for this step up in class. Novice handicap wins the last twice, latest in easy fashion at Cheltenham; big player.
JANGO BAIE was a pretty smart hurdler, but looked made for chasing when comfortably accounting for subsequent winner Springwell Bay on his fencing bow at Cheltenham. He could probably be competitive over 2m or 3m at next month's Festival but, for now, this trip looks ideal and he can confirm himself a top-notch novice. Handstands actually beat him in the Sidney Banks last year and, after a inauspicious beginning to his chasing career, hasn't looked back with Grade 2 victories at Sandown and Ffos Las. Kalif Du Berlais boasts a similar profile, albeit at a slightly lower level, and is another smart prospect.
What this race lacks in quantity it more than makes up for in quality, with JANGO BAIE, Kalif du Berlais, Handstands and Mark of Gold all having shown themselves to be very promising novices. The last-named arguably lacks the scope of the other three and, though Hanstands is unlikely to go down without a fight, it's the Henderson and Nicholls runners that arguably possess the greatest potential. The form of Jango Baie's Cheltenham chase debut success looks strong and he gets the nod.
Very promising chaser JANGO BAIE gets the vote ahead of improving 5yo Kalif Du Berlais in an interesting and seemingly tight clash.
(6) Mr Bramley 3/2, Progressive in bumpers and similar story over hurdles, 3 wins from 5 starts in this sphere, including over C&D. Solid effort behind two decent types at Newbury (20.5f) having kicked on plenty soon enough. Leading contender back at the scene of his latest victory. Good C&D winner on seasonal debut and subsequent Newbury third was perfectly respectable.
5
2nd (5) (12/1 +14%) Bowling Buddy
12
12/1(+14%)
(5) Bowling Buddy 12/1, Winning Irish pointer and progressive over hurdles for Olly Murphy, landing hat-trick in a novice at Wetherby in October last year. Picked up for £58,000 by new connections and made a solid start when third of 8 at Doncaster (19.4f), shaping like a stayer. Place claims in first time tongue-tie. Low-mileage 7yo; won three in a row in summer/autumn, then was placed on stable debut.
1
3rd (1) (10/1 +80%) Joyeux Machin
10
10/1(+80%)
(1) Joyeux Machin 10/1, Useful for Paul Nolan in Ireland but struggled in varied events in 2024. Easy to back and never figured on stable debut and out of his depth in a Grade 2 last-time. Up in trip for return to handicaps and a victory doesn't look imminent at present, unless market suggests otherwise. Not disgraced in Cheltenham Grade 2 last week but current ability remains tricky to gauge.
17
4th (17) (15/2 +53%) North Parade
7.5
15/2(+53%)
(17) North Parade 15/2, A three-time 2m4f scorer at Newcastle last term and has run with credit this season when second here (21.3f, soft) in December. Struggled in a stronger race last time and produced his worst round of jumping for a while. Needs to bounce back from that but has ran well on his last two visits here. Close second here on Boxing Day but well held since; can't be relied upon heavily.
10
5th (10) (15/2 -15%) Hazy Glen
7.5
15/2(-15%)
(10) Hazy Glen 15/2, Promise in maiden/novice hurdles last season and improved to make a winning handicap debut/reappearance at Haydock (19f soft) in December. Raised 5 lb for that but it may have been the added emphasis on stamina that was his undoing last time (fifth of 10, 24.3f). Looks a player back down in trip. Won handicap debut in December (2m3f) and ran okay over 2m last month; still low mileage.
15
6th (15) (16/1 +20%) Magic Wave
16
16/1(+20%)
(15) Magic Wave 16/1, Overcame 12-month absence when landing the odds in a Market Rasen maiden (20.6f) in November. Hasn't been able to build on that but has been well-supported in the market the last twice, disappointing on both occasions, latest on better ground. Return to more testing conditions may help on comeback. Absent since down-the-field finish in Kelso handicap last May; not the most obvious answer.
8
7th (8) (14/1 -17%) Foster'sisland
14
14/1(-17%)
(8) Foster'sisland 14/1, Winless last season but signed off with a good third in the spring. Hit and miss this season, ran well here when fourth on penultimate start but below form when last seen finishing fifth of 7 in a handicap hurdle at Ayr (20.4f, soft, 11/2) 12 days ago. Each-way claims if on a going day. Good second over C&D in November but not in the same form again since.
13
8th (13) (80/1 -264%) Ashington
80
80/1(-264%)
(13) Ashington 80/1, Winner over hurdles at Kelso in September but poor runs over hurdles and on the Flat since (finished last at Newcastle 9 days ago). Capable on a going day but needs a resurgence on the back of most recent efforts. Dual hurdle winner last summer; good ground suits best; ran poorly on AW last week.
12
9th (12) (11/1 +50%) Nordic Tiger
11
11/1(+50%)
(12) Nordic Tiger 11/1, Successful 3 times last season and ran right up to form when fourth in 8-runner handicap at Doncaster (19.4f, good) on return. Below-par in more testing conditions latest on the back of a 7-week break and he should improve on that effort today. Failed to build upon encouraging seasonal debut when safely held at Haydock last month.
16
10th (16) (28/1 -75%) Goldwyn
28
28/1(-75%)
(16) Goldwyn 28/1, Fairly useful form over hurdles while displaying the odd quirk. Didn't take to chasing when pulled-up in November and he should be much more competitive back over the smaller obstacles. Lightly raced for his age but needs to bounce back from a disappointing chase debut.
9
11th (9) (12/1 +14%) Sayadam
12
12/1(+14%)
(9) Sayadam 12/1, Three-time hurdles winner and finished 2023 with two decent efforts over 3m when trained by Kim Bailey. Off the track since and returns back down in distance following wind surgery. Has run well fresh but others preferred, unless market confidence is significant on debut for new yard. Well handicapped on form shown for Kim Bailey; makes stable debut after long absence.
4
12th (4) (20/1 -186%) Blenkinsop
20
20/1(-186%)
(4) Blenkinsop 20/1, Progressive in handicaps in 2022, still looking well ahead of his mark when completing the 4-timer at Newbury (20.5f, soft) in December of that year. Not disgraced in graded company when last seen in April 2023, but not been seen since. Market should reveal what's expected after 21-month absence. Made excellent progress in 2022-23 season but has fitness to prove after long layoff.
11
13th (11) (18/1 -80%) Rich Spirit
18
18/1(-80%)
(11) Rich Spirit 18/1, Has some fairly useful winning hurdles form to his name but has failed to complete on 4 of his last 5 starts (hurdles and fences). Returns to smaller obstacles today and could outrun his odds if recent falls haven't dented his confidence. Chasing has not gone to plan this season; now back over hurdles with a point to prove.
7
14th (7) (20/1 0%) Rafferty's Return
20
20/1(0%)
(7) Rafferty's Return 20/1, C&D winner landed a pair of handicap hurdles in early 2024. Disappointing start to this season, latest when well-beaten sixth of 7 in a handicap hurdle at Ayr (20.4f, soft, 10/1) 12 days ago. Something to prove at present. Back on a workable mark but yet to strike form after three runs this season.
2
15th (2) (40/1 -21%) Cormier
40
40/1(-21%)
(2) Cormier 40/1, Tough sort who scored 3 times over hurdles for this yard in 2022 and ran respectably when last seen on the Flat in the summer of 2023. Off 18 months now and likely to need this, unless betting tells a different story. Well handicapped on old hurdle form but absent since two below-par Flat runs in July 2023.
3
16th (3) (22/1 -57%) Monviel
22
22/1(-57%)
(3) Monviel 22/1, Back to something like his best over hurdles for this yard last season. However struggled in two starts this campaign, well-beaten at Sandown (19.8f) in November (reported to have bled) and finished last at Taunton (19f) two weeks ago. Bounce back called for. Good claims if judged on last spring's form but arrives here with quite a bit to prove.
14
17th (14) (28/1 -250%) Singapore Trip
28
28/1(-250%)
(14) Singapore Trip 28/1, Returned to the pick of his French form to open his account on British soil in 10-runner handicap hurdle at Perth (20.2f) in May, always holding on. Poor round of jumping put paid to his chances on his comeback run at this venue. No surprise to see him leave that effort well behind him here. Safely held over C&D three months ago but booking of Sean Bowen catches the eye today.
BOWLING BUDDY completed his hat-trick over this C&D before running with credit in third at Doncaster in November, and there are reasons to be hopeful on his return. The seven-year-old will have no issue with a return to this venue while forecast ground conditions are also a positive, and Joshua Thompson's 7lb claim is no bad thing either. Mr Bramley performed well at Newbury in December and is the main threat, ahead of Foster'sisland.
A typically competitive Saturday handicap hurdle, but Mr Bramley appeals the most following his creditable third in a stronger race than this at Newbury, having been sent for home plenty soon enough. Hazy Glen had his stamina stretched over 3 miles and he's a player back down in trip, along with Foster'sisland who has run well on his last two visits to this venue.
C&D winner MR BRAMLEY (nap) returns here after a good third in a warm race at Newbury over Christmas and may still have more to offer.
(10) The Kalooki Kid 2/1, Dual hurdles winner last season, including a novice event at this course, and confirmed promise of his reappearance/chase debut second at Ayr when readily going one better in a 19f Doncaster handicap in December. 7 lb rise fair enough and he should have more to offer in this sphere. Ready win at Doncaster on second chase start and he could take a 7lb rise in his stride.
7
2nd (7) (13/2 +0%) Saint Segal
6.5
13/2(+0%)
(7) Saint Segal 13/2, Improved to win 6-runner handicap chase at Newbury (19.8f) 24 days ago, going with enthusiasm. Relished the switch to front-running tactics that day and while more will be needed up 8 lb in this tougher race, he has to enter calculations. Won by 11l at Newbury in December and remains on a competitive mark despite 8lb rise.
8
3rd (8) (14/1 +0%) Traprain Law
14
14/1(+0%)
(8) Traprain Law 14/1, Progressed into a useful chaser last term, winning twice and runner-up in a good-quality handicap at the Ayr Scottish Grand National meeting. Promising start to this season when third to Marble Sands at Carlisle but has failed to build on that in 2 subsequent appearances. Two wins last winter but on heavy over shorter; not at the very top of his game this term.
4
4th (4) (14/1 -27%) Corrigeen Rock
14
14/1(-27%)
(4) Corrigeen Rock 14/1, Looked better than ever when winning this race off 3 lb higher 12 months ago but he has a bit to prove following a couple of very low-key efforts since returning to action in November. Well below best on both runs this season but won this last year and is not written off.
3
5th (3) (10/3 +44%) Marble Sands
3.333333
10/3(+44%)
(3) Marble Sands 10/3, Useful hurdler who scored twice over fences last term and made a winning return in 4-runner listed race at Carlisle in November. Has followed that with solid placed efforts in valuable handicaps at Newcastle and Cheltenham, and he is likely to make his presence felt once again. Ran well when 9l second at Cheltenham last time and he's 1-1 here; one to consider.
9
6th (9) (7/1 +56%) Sir Psycho
7
7/1(+56%)
(9) Sir Psycho 7/1, Made a successful reappearance at Ascot last season and runner-up 3 times since, including on his latest start at Ffos Las (2m) 3 weeks ago. Moving back up in trip won't be an issue but yard saddles a more appealing candidate in Fidelio Vallis. Creditable 2nd over 2m at Ffos Las three weeks ago and this longer trip should be a plus.
6
7th (6) (12/1 +25%) Fidelio Vallis
12
12/1(+25%)
(6) Fidelio Vallis 12/1, Resumed winning ways when outpointing Corrigeen Rock in C&D handicap last January. Little impact both subsequent starts under an inexperienced amateur but it would be no surprise to see him bounce back in first-time cheekpieces now returned to this course and reunited with Alice Stevens Has struggled elsewhere on both runs this term but has a strong record here; interesting.
2
8th (2) (20/1 +9%) The Big Chap
20
20/1(+9%)
(2) The Big Chap 20/1, Successful at Limerick and Gowran during the autumn and ran a fine race to be third in a 19-runner listed handicap at Navan in December. However, he checked out rather tamely on his latest start and others look better treated. Good third at Navan and had an excuse at Limerick; this Irish raider has a chance.
1
9th (1) (18/1 -80%) Minella Drama
18
18/1(-80%)
(1) Minella Drama 18/1, Smart performer who was given a well-judged ride when taking the Old Roan at Aintree in October. Ran poorly in the Peterborough Chase since, adding to what is starting to look like a patchy record, but he was a C&D winner on sole previous start here and he's certainly capable of a bold show. Made all in Old Roan H'cap on reappearance then had very tough Grade 2 task; he's 1-1 here.
5
10th (5) (20/1 -25%) Arizona Cardinal
20
20/1(-25%)
(5) Arizona Cardinal 20/1, Completed the hat-trick when landing the 24-runner Topham Handicap Chase at Aintree last spring. Some way below that level of form in 2 starts so far this season, though, and it's easy enough to look elsewhere on this occasion. Won the Topham last April; of interest on that form but he needs to get back on track.
12
|PU| (12) (28/1 -56%) Kansas City Star
28
28/1(-56%)
(12) Kansas City Star 28/1, Cheekpieces back on when returning to form with a win in 7-runner handicap chase at Doncaster (19f) in November. However, he followed that with a poor effort at Ascot a fortnight ago and Fidelio Vallis is presumably the stable No 1. Made it 3-7 over fences at Doncaster in November but pulled up at Ascot since.
11
|PU| (11) (50/1 -25%) Lieutenant Command
50
50/1(-25%)
(11) Lieutenant Command 50/1, Bumper/hurdles and dual chase winner for Noel Meade in Ireland. Offered little starting out for this yard following a lengthy absence in November and while he stepped up on that when second at Carlisle next time, it remains to be see if he will be in the same form here. 125-1 runner-up at Carlisle on second start back from long absence; not ruled out each-way.
THE KALOOKI KID improved from first to second start over fences when an easy winner at Doncaster in December, and a 7lb rise for that success may not be enough to prevent him from going in again. Placed in valuable handicaps the last twice at Cheltenham and Newcastle, C&D winner Marble Sands must be a key player, along with the veteran Minella Drama, who has strong claims on his success in the Old Roan at Aintree.
MARBLE SANDS was no match for Springwell Bay in a valuable Cheltenham handicap on New Year's Day but there was no disgrace in that and the 9-y-o, who was successful over C&D on his sole previous visit here 12 months ago, is taken to make it 2-2 at this course. There should be better to come from The Kalooki Kid and he is a much-respected main danger, while Fidelio Vallis, who looks the pick of the Harry Derham-trained trio, and Saint Segal are others to consider.
Rising force THE KALOOKI KID (nap) won in good style at Doncaster in December on his second chase start and can defy a 7lb rise.
(6) Majborough 8/11, Third on debut for Willie Mullins in the Spring Juvenile Hurdle on this card last year. Progressed when landing the Triumph Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival next time and looked a natural over fences when winning a well-contested maiden chase on return at Fairyhouse in December. Exciting prospect. Naas win will have sharpened him up; must have serious claims if he jumps a bit straighter.
5
2nd (5) (14/1 +0%) Touch Me Not
14
14/1(+0%)
(5) Touch Me Not 14/1, Off the mark over hurdles in a Tramore maiden on final run of last term and built on chase debut promise when seeing off stablemate Farren Glory and 6 others in a Punchestown Grade 2 in November. Jumped well when a fine second in the Henry VIII at Sandown since and shouldn't be underestimated. Runner-up in a Grade 1 at Sandown in December; more needed here but looks progressive.
1
3rd (1) (13/2 +35%) Firefox
6.5
13/2(+35%)
(1) Firefox 13/2, Very smart novice hurdler last term, placed in Grade 1s at the big spring festivals at Cheltenham, Aintree and Punchestown. Jumped well when making a winning return/chase debut in November and good efforts in defeat next 2 starts, latterly beaten 5 lengths by Ile Atlantique at Naas. Place claims. Runner-up to Ile Atlantique at Naas; little reason to believe that he can turn the tables.
4
4th (4) (33/1 +18%) Jeannot Lapin
33
33/1(+18%)
(4) Jeannot Lapin 33/1, Winless following 3 attempts in maiden points but created an excellent impression when belying odds of 150/1 on Rules debut in a C&D maiden chase during the Christmas period. Whether he's good enough to mix it at this level remains to be seen but he's an imposing sort who is not short of potential. Has tremendous scope and it should not be a surprise if he outran his likely odds.
3
5th (3) (9/4 +18%) Ile Atlantique
2.25
9/4(+18%)
(3) Ile Atlantique 9/4, Came up short at the highest level in novice hurdles last spring but looks destined for better in this sphere judged on his performances at Navan and Naas. Proved 5 lengths too strong for Firefox in a Grade 2 at the latter course and looks the main danger to stablemate Majborough. Readily accounted for Firefox in a Grade 2 at Naas last month; could be the one to beat.
2
6th (2) (125/1 -25%) Here Comes Georgie
125
125/1(-25%)
(2) Here Comes Georgie 125/1, Winner of 3 of his 9 starts over hurdles and made it 2-3 in this sphere when taking a 4-runner Ascot handicap (16.8f, good to soft). Likely to win more races over fences but almost certainly biting off more than he can chew in this company. Progressive novice but this is a massive step up in class here and looks up against it.
MAJBOROUGH landed the Triumph Hurdle last March and justified connections' decision to go straight over fences this season with an impressive victory at Fairyhouse. He looks set to take high rank in the novice chasing division and is preferred to stablemate Ile Atlantique, who has jumped well when making all on both chase starts. He beat Firefox by five lengths in a Grade 2 at Naas, while Touch Me Not also likes to force the pace and took a Grade 2 over 2m at Punchestown on his penultimate start. Jeannot Lapin caused a 150/1 shock when successful over C&D at Christmas, but has a lot more on his plate here.
Willie Mullins has saddled seven of the last 10 winners of this race and in MAJBOROUGH and Ile Atlantique the yard is represented by two very promising novices this time round. The latter is not passed over at all lightly but the sky could be the limit for last season's Triumph Hurdle winner Majborough, who looked mighty good on his chase debut and just fourth career start overall at Fairyhouse. Gordon Elliott is also doubly represented, with Touch Me Not the pick of the yard's duo.
Preference is for ILE ATLANTIQUE, who looks to have improved significantly for fences and sets a very good standard on his Naas win
(3) Red Dirt Road 11/2, Building up an impressive record over hurdles, having won 3 times from only 7 starts. Latest was a career best, responded well to positive tactics, making all to land a 9-runner handicap hurdle at Aintree (20f, soft) but front runners were favoured that day. Open to more improvement now up in trip. Made all at Aintree (2m4f, soft; now up 5lb) on second run back; interesting at new trip.
4
2nd (4) (5/2 +38%) Henri The Second
2.5
5/2(+38%)
(4) Henri The Second 5/2, Grade 2 winner here as a novice and built on good comeback run after 12 months off with dominant victory (second and third have won since) over C&D 56 days ago, travelled well and found plenty in testing conditions. This race would have been his target since and he has lots in his favour here. Stormed home well clear when upped to this trip here (heavy) last time; back up 8lb.
2
3rd (2) (33/1 +0%) Goshen
33
33/1(+0%)
(2) Goshen 33/1, Very smart hurdler in his pomp but generally struggled to find form over the smaller obstacles last season. Opened his chase account at third attempt on final run last term but that wasn't a strong race and has questions to answer now having been pulled up on comeback run over hurdles two weeks ago. One of the game's great enigmas and he's not the percentage call.
12
4th (12) (12/1 +57%) Gaye Legacy
12
12/1(+57%)
(12) Gaye Legacy 12/1, Winner of a pair of handicap hurdles last season, including on testing ground at Newbury, Signed off with a creditable second at Wincanton in March but hasn't been seen since and this looks a tough ask making her reappearance in a warm race from 3 lb out of the handicap. A right slog in the mud should be right up her street if she's fit enough for reappearance.
8
5th (8) (13/2 +54%) Dartmoor Pirate
6.5
13/2(+54%)
(8) Dartmoor Pirate 13/2, Lightly-raced hurdles winner who has finished second on 4 of his last 5 starts over the smaller obstacles. Didn't take to chasing this season but back on track when good second of 10 in a handicap hurdle at Wincanton (24.7f, soft) 37 days ago but needs to improve again in a stronger race. May well have more to offer as a stayer after his Wincanton second when upped to 3m1f.
6
6th (6) (17/2 +15%) Deep Cave
8.5
17/2(+15%)
(6) Deep Cave 17/2, Steadily progressive in four runs for current yard, latest effort a promising one when fourth of 12 in a decent handicap at Windsor (24f, good to soft) 13 days ago. No surprise to see him give another good account here. Bold show at Windsor (3m, soft) 13 days ago but three rivals went past him late on.
13
7th (13) (100/1 +0%) Lucky One
100
100/1(+0%)
(13) Lucky One 100/1, Pulled up on final start for Dan Skelton in May 2022. Successful twice at Auteuil for Sophie Leech since but shaped as if needed run for new connections when ninth of 11 in a handicap hurdle (66/1) at Newbury (20.5f, good to soft) 35 days ago. Should be fitter but has a lot on his plate here. Lots to prove from out of the handicap on second run since his layoff.
1
|F| (1) (6/1 -50%) Shoot First
6
6/1(-50%)
(1) Shoot First 6/1, A very useful hurdler who has already landed a valuable 15-runner handicap at Haydock (24.3f, heavy) this season, showing his liking for this sort of ground. Tough ask in the Grade 1 Long Walk Hurdle last time but would have finished closer for a mistake 2 out. Very interesting back in a handicap. Very lightly raced for his age; won valuable handicap at Haydock (3m, soft) in November.
11
|PU| (11) (11/1 -22%) Idefix De Ciergues
11
11/1(-22%)
(11) Idefix De Ciergues 11/1, Winner over hurdles and fences already this season and denied a 3-timer by another hat-trick seeking rival when second of 9 in a handicap hurdle at Cheltenham (24f, soft), although was ideally placed off a slow gallop. Not fully exposed a stayer and has each-way claims off a low racing weight, Creditable 2nd at Cheltenham (3m, soft) in hat-trick bid but needs to raise his game again.
9
|PU| (9) (11/1 +31%) Hauraki Gulf
11
11/1(+31%)
(9) Hauraki Gulf 11/1, Good chase runner-up at Newton Abbot (25.8f) in May and posted decent efforts over hurdles this autumn. Disappointed returned to fences this season but bounced back with a decent second of 10 in handicap hurdle at Warwick (26f, soft, 10/1) 32 days ago. More needed facing better opposition here. Scored twice over fences (once on heavy); 0-10 as hurdler but runner-up in eight of those.
10
|PU| (10) (12/1 -20%) What A Johnny
12
12/1(-20%)
(10) What A Johnny 12/1, Novice/handicap winner last season and has advanced his form again this term Ran with credit in tongue-tie when third at Cheltenham (24f, soft) 31 days ago having been unsuited by moderate gallop. First-time cheekpieces should suit and this greater stamina test should be to his liking. Claims. Tongue tied when Cheltenham 3rd behind Idefix De Ciergues; now tries cheekpieces as well.
7
|PU| (7) (22/1 -10%) Major Fortune
22
22/1(-10%)
(7) Major Fortune 22/1, Big improver when stepped up to 2½m+ last season, winning 5 on the spin. Picked up where he left off when scoring with plenty in hand at Newton Abbot (17f) in October but struggled off 9 lb higher mark in two runs since and handicapper has only eased his grip slightly here, Tailed off in the fog when back up in trip at Chepstow last time but needs a market check.
5
|PU| (5) (25/1 -25%) Flight Deck
25
25/1(-25%)
(5) Flight Deck 25/1, Useful but inconsistent handicapper who was a good second at Newton Abbot (21.5f) earlier in the season benefitting from a positive ride and change of headgear. Out of his depth in a Grade 2 last time and while he should fare better in calmer waters with visor refitted, he comes with risks attached. There's been a partial revival but he needs better to take this warm race; 5lb claimer on.
HENRI THE SECOND has been kept relatively fresh since strolling through the mud to win a Pertemps qualifier over C&D and an 8lb rise may underestimate the merit of that triumph. It's a lot to ask for a similar performance here, but he appears to be coming into his own now and is worth sticking with. Conditions will also be fine for Idefix De Ciergues, who found only one too good when on a hat-trick at Cheltenham, finishing just ahead of What A Johnny. The Long Walk was all too much for Shoot First, but he handled testing ground well when springing a surprise at Haydock. Red Dirt Road has to be considered too.
HENRI THE SECOND could hardly have been more dominant when scoring under similar conditions over C&D last time and with the form of that win having been franked since, he has good claims to follow up. Shoot First has already raided these shores to claim a valuable pot this season, and he's a big danger now back in a handicap. 7 y-os and Deep Cave and What A Johnny both remain relatively unexposed over staying trips and should run well.
The way in which HENRI THE SECOND (nap) bounded clear on the heavy ground over C&D last time makes him the one to beat.
(1) Jet Plane 1/1, Fairly useful chaser. 20/1, fair seventh of 11 in handicap chase at Kempton (24f, good to soft) 36 days ago. Holds excellent form claims in these much calmer waters though. His third to Jagwar here in October makes for seriously good reading at this level.
5
2nd (5) (33/1 -175%) Irascible
33
33/1(-175%)
(5) Irascible 33/1, Fairly useful winner at 17f over hurdles. Sixth of 10 in minor event chase at Dieppe (19.4f) 9 months ago for Sophie Leech. A subsequent third in a point. No forlorn hope. Formerly useful but a better hurdler than chaser; latest third in points was remote.
4
3rd (4) (8/1 -14%) Ask A Honey Bee
8
8/1(-14%)
(4) Ask A Honey Bee 8/1, Fairly useful hurdler/chaser. 7/2, below-par fifth of 7 in handicap hurdle at Huntingdon (25f) on his final run for Fergal O'Brien. Third in a point since so possibilities. Useful under rules and respectable third on his belated return to the pointing scene.
9
|F| (9) (9/2 +0%) Wild Romance
4.5
9/2(+0%)
(9) Wild Romance 9/2, Fairly useful winner at 19f over hurdles but pulled up in handicap chase at Chepstow (23.6f) in April, 2023, on her final run for Dan Skelton. A mulitple winning pointer since though so she's very much one to consider. Running well in points and less to prove than a few of these from a wellbeing perspective.
8
|U| (8) (125/1 -25%) Tanora
125
125/1(-25%)
(8) Tanora 125/1, Poor chaser whoo came in a remote third of 7 in hunter chase at Cartmel (21.2f) 20 months ago. Fifth in a point recently but faces an uphill task. Only 2-10 in points and has a basement handicap mark under rules; opposable.
3
|PU| (3) (7/2 +30%) Another Furlough
3.5
7/2(+30%)
(3) Another Furlough 7/2, 9/2 and hooded tongue strap on, staying on into the frame when fell 2 out in hunter chase at Cheltenham (26f, heavy) on NH debut 9 months ago. Since won a point so he's one to consider. Very capable pointer and in contention when falling in a Cheltenham hunter chase last May.
6
|PU| (6) (9/1 +73%) Socks Off
9
9/1(+73%)
(6) Socks Off 9/1, Fair winner at 20f over hurdles. 11/1, creditable third of 8 in handicap chase at this course (19.4f, heavy) 56 days ago. Up in trip and not ruled out. Has been coming up shy in fairly low-grade handicap chases this winter.
LTO Selection:hiden content, hiden content,
A chance can be taken on JERRYSBACK, who landed a similar event at Hexham last April before finding one too strong at Cartmel the following month. The 13-year-old, a six-time winner under Rules, should be raring to go following a spin in the pointing sphere and he could have too much for Jet Plane, who ought to hold every chance judged on official ratings. Irascible heads the remainder.
Dan Skelton's JET PLANE has much less on his plate than when seventh at Kempton last time so is fancied to resume winning ways. Former stablemate Wild Romance comes here on the back of pointing success so could prove the chief threat, although Ask A Honey Bee and Jerrysback could also have a say in this hunter chase.
The best piece of recent form easily belongs to JET PLANE who only in October finished close up here behind the smart Jagwar.
(2) Intense Approach 5/4, Dual bumper winner who was good enough to overcome ongoing jumping issues when landing maiden/novice events late summer. Fine second in Persian War at Chepstow before resuming winning ways up in trip at Cheltenham (3m). Has had a nice break since and seems sure to go well. Back to winning ways at Cheltenham in October; solid claims if at best after 98-day break.
6
2nd (6) (5/1 +17%) Gale Mahler
5
5/1(+17%)
(6) Gale Mahler 5/1, Likeable mare who made it 6 wins on the spin in listed hurdle at Galway (2m) in July. Below par on her last three runs though, seeming not to stay the longer trip when tailed off in listed race at Doncaster last time. Usual cheekpieces back on but something to prove at present. Made it 4-4 over hurdles with Galway Listed win last July but tailed off in December.
1
3rd (1) (6/1 +8%) Bold Light
6
6/1(+8%)
(1) Bold Light 6/1, 8-y-o showed much improved form when running out an emphatic winner of 6-runner handicap hurdle at this course (19.8f, soft, 7/2) on New Year's Day, forging clear. Further step up in trip likely to suit and can't be taken lightly. 7l wins on two of his last three starts and he's an interesting contender now up in trip.
5
4th (5) (5/2 +0%) Smokeringinthedark
2.5
5/2(+0%)
(5) Smokeringinthedark 5/2, Runner-up in his only outing in Irish points and showed a good attitude in going one better 4-runner maiden hurdle at this course (19.8f, good to soft) on NH debut 54 days ago. The runner-up has franked that form since and he's open to improvement stepping up in trip. Won maiden hurdle here in December and this useful prospect could have lots more to offer.
3
5th (3) (11/1 +21%) Pigeon House
11
11/1(+21%)
(3) Pigeon House 11/1, Won twice over hurdles (at up to 18.2f) when trained by Jessie Harrington. Has finished runner-up all three outings for current yard and it's possibly he'll find at least one too good again upped markedly in trip. Runner-up on all three starts for this yard; needs bigger run today; stamina to prove.
Second, albeit well held, in the Persian War at Chepstow, INTENSE APPROACH appeared to relish a step up to 3m at Cheltenham latest, where he recorded a commanding success. John McConnell's charge has more on his plate under a penalty but, with scope for further improvement, it would come as no surprise were he up to the task. Gale Mahler's progress has stalled of late but she ought to hold every chance on these terms, while Smokeringinthedark is another to consider.
INTENSE APPROCH made his first start at around this trip a winning one at Cheltenham in October and, having had a nice break since, he makes plenty of appeal in his follow-up bid. Smokeringinthedark knuckled down well to hold off a subsequent winner on his Rules debut here in December and is open to plenty of improvement stepping up in trip, while Joecooker is another who promises to be suited by the extra distance and can continue on an upward curve.
Having beaten a pretty useful yardstick to win a maiden hurdle here last time, SMOKERINGINTHEDARK can make it 2-2 under rules.
(4) Galopin Des Champs 1/2, Behind Fact To File on reappearance but this dual Cheltenham Gold Cup winner looked back to his best when proving 7½ lengths too strong for his reopposing stable-companion in the Savills here over Christmas. Hard to beat as he bids for a hat-trick of wins in this race. Back to his brilliant best when winning the Savills here at Christmas; hard to oppose.
5
2nd (5) (66/1 +18%) Grangeclare West
66
66/1(+18%)
(5) Grangeclare West 66/1, Very smart C&D winner at best but 23¼ lengths sixth of 9 to Galopin Des Champs in Savills Chase here 35 days ago. Likely booked for another struggle. Well below par in the Durkan and the Savills in two runs this season; others preferred.
3
3rd (3) (10/3 +5%) Fact To File
3.333333
10/3(+5%)
(3) Fact To File 10/3, Top-class chaser who had Galopin Des Champs behind him when winning the John Durkan at Punchestown on reappearance but his stablemate proved 7½ lengths too strong for him in the Savills here over Christmas. It might be a similar story again. No match for Galopin Des Champs here at Christmas; similar story likely this time.
8
4th (8) (16/1 +20%) Inothewayurthinkin
16
16/1(+20%)
(8) Inothewayurthinkin 16/1, High-class chaser. 11/1, creditable 15¼ lengths fifth of 9 to Galopin Des Champs in Savills here (good to soft) over Christmas, barely adequate test. The ground might be more testing this time, which would help. Ran well for a long way in the Savills here at Christmas and could get into the shakeup.
10
5th (10) (12/1 -9%) Monty's Star
12
12/1(-9%)
(10) Monty's Star 12/1, Had an excellent first campaign over fences, finishing second Fact To File and Spillane's Tower in Grade 1 novices at Cheltenham and Punchestown in the spring. Shaped as if run was just needed when 5 lengths second to Embassy Gardens on Tramore reappearance on New Year's Day. Should be spot on now. Might have needed the run when beaten by Embassy Gardens at Tramore; likely contender.
2
6th (2) (16/1 -33%) Embassy Gardens
16
16/1(-33%)
(2) Embassy Gardens 16/1, Very smart chaser. 9/1, career best when winning 7-runner New Year's Day Chase at Tramore (22.8f, heavy) 31 days ago by 5 lengths from Monty's Star, going with enthusiasm. Impressive at Tramore; others probably too good but this will tell more about where he is.
6
7th (6) (33/1 -18%) Hewick
33
33/1(-18%)
(6) Hewick 33/1, Last season's King George winner. As good as ever when second in the Champion Chase at Down Royal (3m, good to soft) in November and not disgraced back hurdling at the Christmas meeting here. Brilliant servant unlikely to get the good ground he wants here; others look more likely.
7
8th (7) (28/1 +58%) I Am Maximus
28
28/1(+58%)
(7) I Am Maximus 28/1, Added to his 2023 Irish Grand National success when landing the Grand National at Aintree last April but he made an underwhelming return to action when pulled up in the Savills over Christmas. Can only watch after that. Poor effort in the Savills here at Christmas; clearly capable of much better.
9
9th (9) (80/1 +20%) Minella Cocooner
80
80/1(+20%)
(9) Minella Cocooner 80/1, Smart chaser but comfortably held by Galopin Des Champs and Fact To File on this season's form. Has fallen short at Grade 1 level in both runs this season and hard to make a case for.
1
10th (1) (150/1 -50%) Conflated
150
150/1(-50%)
(1) Conflated 150/1, Winner of this and the Savills here in 2002 but seemingly not the force of old, beaten 28¾ lengths into seventh behind Galopin Des Champs in the latest running of the Savills. No trace of his best form so far this season and not hard to pass over.
GALOPIN DES CHAMPS is unbeaten in six runs here over fences and can complete a hat-trick of wins in this race on his way to also bidding for three successive victories in the Cheltenham Gold Cup. The Timos gelding appeared close to his brilliant best and was typically strong at the finish when beating Fact To File by seven lengths in the Savills Chase over C&D, with Inothewayurthinkin, Grangeclare West, Conflated, Minella Cocooner and I Am Maximus all strung out behind. Embassy Gardens made a pleasing reappearance when beating Monty's Star (now 6lb worse off) by five lengths at Tramore on New Year's Day.
The outstanding GALOPIN DES CHAMPS can confirm his Christmas meeting superiority over stablemate Fact To File and land a third successive win in this race. Monty's Star is taken to reverse Tramore reappearance form with Embassy Gardens and prove best of the remainder.
Dual Gold Cup winner GALOPIN DES CHAMPS, again showed who was boss in the Savills here at Christmas and is hard to oppose
(8) O'connell 11/4, Has returned an improved model and bids for a hat-trick following handicap wins at Carlisle and Market Rasen (27.6f). Scored easily on latter occasion so not taken lightly despite a 9 lb weights hike. On hat-trick; up 9lb to easily career-high mark, and back down to 3m, but highly respected.
7
2nd (7) (11/1 -69%) Dreaming Blue
11
11/1(-69%)
(7) Dreaming Blue 11/1, Resumed winning ways at Ludlow in December and backed it up with a creditable fourth of 11 in handicap chase at Kempton (24f, good to soft) 36 days ago. In the mix with blinkers back on. Won penultimate start; blinkers (worn on last three outings last season) return.
4
3rd (4) (10/3 -11%) In D'or
3.333333
10/3(-11%)
(4) In D'or 10/3, French import who has improved for the switch to fences, scoring cosily in handicaps (around 3m) at Taunton and Ascot this winter. Has more to come and a big player in his hat-trick bid. Raised another 8lb but he's firmly on the upgrade after 3m wins at Taunton and Ascot.
3
4th (3) (22/1 -38%) Escaria Ten
22
22/1(-38%)
(3) Escaria Ten 22/1, Very useful chaser in his pomp and returned to form for his current yard when fourth of 15 in handicap chase (80/1) at Cheltenham (29.2f, good to soft) 50 days ago. Not ruled out with blinkers replacing cheekpieces. Fourth on Cheltenham cross-country (3m5f) was his first competitive display for two years.
9
5th (9) (18/1 -50%) Eden Du Houx
18
18/1(-50%)
(9) Eden Du Houx 18/1, Doubled his tally in this sphere at Ffos Las back in November 2022 but lightly raced since and well below par both runs this term at Haydock and Chepstow. Needs a subsequent wind op to spark improvement. No win since 2022; wind surgery has usually had a positive response previously.
5
6th (5) (25/1 -25%) Pats Fancy
25
25/1(-25%)
(5) Pats Fancy 25/1, Developed into a useful chaser in 2021/22. Seen out only twice since (well held both times), however, and has another lengthy absence to overcome here. Thrown in on December 2021 form; major question to answer after another 420 days off.
2
7th (2) (11/1 -47%) Shan Blue
11
11/1(-47%)
(2) Shan Blue 11/1, Very smart chaser at best and, though winless since landing Kauto Star Novices' Chase at Kempton in 2020, he shaped well when fourth at Bangor (24.1f, soft) on return. Below-par effort at Cheltenham last time so needs to bounce back. Still useful when close third at Ascot (3m) last February; two lesser runs this season.
6
|F| (6) (9/2 +0%) Gustavian
4.5
9/2(+0%)
(6) Gustavian 9/2, It's now 12 runs since his last win in 2023 but he posted a very good second of 7 in handicap chase at Aintree (25f, soft) 37 days ago. Weighted to go well despite a 4 lb rise. 1-20 over fences but lost by just a neck when front-running at Aintree (3m1f, soft) latest.
1
|PU| (1) (13/2 +28%) Gelino Bello
6.5
13/2(+28%)
(1) Gelino Bello 13/2, Smart form when winning 2 novice chases at the end of 2022 but very lightly raced since. Had wind op/off 23 months before a fair sixth of 10 in 3m Wincanton handicap hurdle 37 days ago. Can take a step forward back over fences. Absent 698 days before a satisfactory sixth under 5lb claimer over hurdles this Christmas.
In d'Or is bound to be popular having scored comfortably on his first two starts over fences, but an 8lb rise for his most recent success at Sandown could prove hefty. Preference, instead is for O'CONNELL, who is proven on the ground and continues to go from strength to strength after an easy victory over further at Market Rasen last time out, for which he has been raised 9lb. His proven stamina may be enough to see off the likes of Dreaming Blue, as well as narrow Aintree second Gustavian, who deserves a change in luck having not won since February 2023.
Venetia Williams' IN D'OR is the youngest in this field and comes here on an upward curve so is fancied to defy a career-high mark and complete his hat-trick. Gustavian is weighted to have a big say on the back of his resurgent Aintree second and next on the list, although the thriving O'Connell is another to consider in his attempt to complete his own hat-trick.
While cases can be constructed among the rest, hat-trick seekers In d'Or and O'CONNELL look the strongest candidates.
(9) Bay Empress 16/1, €26,000 3-y-o, Mahler mare. Half-sister to fair hurdler Warm In Gorey. Dam, fair hurdler (21f-2¾m winner, stayed 3m), sister to useful staying hurdler Kris Spin. Stable has some success in bumpers but this newcomer could be a longer-term prospect.
4
2nd (4) (1/1 +43%) Little Ledgend
1
1/1(+43%)
(4) Little Ledgend 1/1, £46,000 buy fourth on his sole start in a point, easy to back on bumper debut at Ascot in November but showed plenty, just lacking a turn of foot late on. Should improve and leading claims. Promising third on rules debut at Ascot and he sets the standard on that form.
2
3rd (2) (20/1 +39%) Castanea Breeze
20
20/1(+39%)
(2) Castanea Breeze 20/1, €14,000 half-brother to fairly useful hurdler Sporting Mike. 14/1, looked one for the longer term in Huntingdon bumper last month. Well held on Huntingdon debut last month and he needs plenty of improvement.
5
4th (5) (9/4 +18%) Ned Hill
2.25
9/4(+18%)
(5) Ned Hill 9/4, €170,000 buy and has a good jumps pedigree for a yard that does well in this sphere, but early breathing operation/fitting of tongue tie raises slight concern. 170,000euros 3yo; represents in-form yard and he needs a close look on debut.
1
5th (1) (13/2 +19%) Barry Fife
6.5
13/2(+19%)
(1) Barry Fife 13/2, £25,000 buy, placed both starts in Irish points, runner-up last time (May 2024). Went close in his second Irish point last spring; needs checking in market on rules debut.
10
6th (10) (18/1 +45%) Senor Cortez
18
18/1(+45%)
(10) Senor Cortez 18/1, 9,000 gns 3-y-o, Sea The Stars gelding. Dam 1¼m-1¾m winner. Out of 1m6f Listed winner; rare bumper runner for yard and market should guide.
8
7th (8) (11/1 +0%) Western Mount
11
11/1(+0%)
(8) Western Mount 11/1, £24,000 3-y-o, Westerner gelding. Dam ran twice in bumpers, half-sister to smart hurdler/useful chaser (stayed 19f) Grumeti. This looks a tough enough starting point and is best watched unless market is persuasive.
6
8th (6) (125/1 -25%) Neptune House
125
125/1(-25%)
(6) Neptune House 125/1, Out of a 2m-25f chase winner and well beaten in Southwell bumper for Camilla Poulton in May. Tailed off at Southwell last spring and can only be watched on return for new yard.
3
9th (3) (33/1 0%) He's A Ripper
33
33/1(0%)
(3) He's A Ripper 33/1, Third sole start in point bumpers (Dec 15). Hooded. Pedigree suggests he'll need more time and obstacles. Only third of six when odds-on for a point bumper; hood is now added on rules debut.
LTO Selection:hiden content, hiden content,
The Fergal O'Brien yard has been in fine form recently and he saddles an interesting newcomer in the shape of NED HILL. Bought for 170,000 euros as a three-year-old in Ireland, the dam is a half-sister to Grade 1 winner Solness and he gets the vote to make a winning debut. Little Ledgend has to be a threat based on his Ascot third in November, while Wandering Ego and Barry Fife complete the shortlist.
LITTLE LEDGEND made a bright start in bumpers at Ascot in November and could be the way to go with improvement very much possible. Stablemate Wandering Ego is fancied to feature, while Ned Hill might be the pick of the newcomers.
Olly Murphy has two interesting contenders in Wandering Ego and LITTLE LEDGEND, with slight preference for the latter.
(6) One More Stroke 9/4, Winner of 2 of his 3 races over hurdles in 2023/24 and encouragement on first 2 starts over fences this season, runner-up in novices' handicap at this course (20.3f, good to soft) in December. Below-par effort last time, but he's not ruled out back here. This new trip under rules is an interesting move judged on his penultimate start.
2
2nd (2) (13/8 +0%) Boomslang
1.625
13/8(+0%)
(2) Boomslang 13/8, Maiden hurdle winner in June who has quickly reached a higher level over fences, making it 3 wins from 4 starts in chases when landing handicap at this course (20.3f, soft) on New Year's Day. Leading contender with better still to come back up in trip. 3-4 chasing; raised another 7lb but he should have another good chance in this small field.
1
3rd (1) (11/1 -175%) No Time To Wait
11
11/1(-175%)
(1) No Time To Wait 11/1, Bumper/hurdles winner for Gordon Elliott and stepped up on yard/chase debut effort when fourth of 6 in maiden at Down Royal (19.9f, good to soft) in November, though didn't convince with his jumping (fell both starts in points). Tongue strap added for handicap debut. Lots to prove but makes handicap debut and trainer continues to make his mark in Britain.
3
4th (3) (20/1 -82%) Hubrisko
20
20/1(-82%)
(3) Hubrisko 20/1, Useful chaser at best for Willie Mullins, making all in a Killarney maiden (23f, soft) in August 2023. However, after a 15-month absence he hasn't offered much in 2 starts for current yard this season (over hurdles on first occasion). Ex-Willie Mullins; reappeared this winter with two heavy defeats, but now back up in trip.
4
5th (4) (6/1 +0%) Breakdance Kid
6
6/1(+0%)
(4) Breakdance Kid 6/1, Ran away with a Hexham handicap (24.2f) in June and back to winning ways when forging clear for success at Kelso (21.6f) in November. Seemed stretched by longer trip at Newcastle (29.9f, good) last time, so he could fare better back down in distance. 3m6f seemed to find him out two months ago; should be a major contender back down in trip.
5
|PU| (5) (11/2 +66%) Captain Quint
5.5
11/2(+66%)
(5) Captain Quint 11/2, Cheekpieces on when regaining the winning thread at this C&D a year ago when trained by Rose Dobbin. Below that level since, not helped by a mistake 2 out when fifth of 9 at Wetherby (24.2f, good) last time, but he's now back below his last winning mark. C&D win last February off 1lb higher; latest run (November) a step back in right direction.
BOOMSLANG has improved considerably since switching to fences, winning three of his four starts. Having cruised to victory over the extended 2m4f here last month, a subsequent 7lb rise might not be enough to halt further progress and Rebecca Menzies' charge receives a confident vote. Captain Quint finished second in the corresponding event 12 months ago. Although not at his best recently, a big run would come as no surprise and Breakdance Kid appeals too.
BOOMSLANG progressed again over fences when scoring at this course to begin the year, value for extra having been in command from 3 out, so he is taken to add to his tally with the potential of more still to offer. Breakdance Kid has also shown improved form this season and could be the main danger back down in trip, with One More Stroke also considered.
It looks best to stick with BOOMSLANG who has taken so well to chasing and was firmly in charge on his last two starts.
(12) An Peann Dearg 17/2, 10/1, landed 12-runner handicap chase at this C&D (good to soft) 37 days ago. Can go well again. Got up to win a competitive contest over C&D at Christmas; up 6lb but more to come.
1
2nd (1) (9/2 +36%) My Mate Mozzie
4.5
9/2(+36%)
(1) My Mate Mozzie 9/2, 14/1, below form fourteenth of 30 in handicap at the Curragh (16.8f, good to soft). Switches from Flat to chase. Trainer going well so could bounce back on his handicap chase debut. Off since September and no run over fences since last year's Arkle but not underestimated.
9
3rd (9) (40/1 +20%) Grange Walk
40
40/1(+20%)
(9) Grange Walk 40/1, C&D winner. Fourteen runs since last win in 2023. Creditable fourth of 8 in handicap hurdle (16/1) at Clonmel (24f, good to soft) 86 days ago. Switches from hurdles to chase. Down in trip. Alternating between hurdles and fences of late and no reason to suggest he'll feature.
11
4th (11) (10/1 +38%) Dont Go Yet
10
10/1(+38%)
(11) Dont Go Yet 10/1, 5/1, creditable 4¾ lengths fourth of 10 to Midnight It Is in handicap chase at Navan (16f, good to soft) 48 days ago. Shortlisted. Decent fifth to Midnight It Is at Navan in December; 13lb better off with that rival here.
5
5th (5) (33/1 -32%) Lisnamult Lad
33
33/1(-32%)
(5) Lisnamult Lad 33/1, Latest win in chase at Cheltenham in October. Pulled up in handicap chase at Cheltenham (20.6f, soft, 9/1) 31 days ago, beaten 4 out. Others more persuasive. Back in trip here but the likely soft ground is at least as big a worry.
8
6th (8) (5/1 +64%) Captains Nephew
5
5/1(+64%)
(8) Captains Nephew 5/1, 13/2, creditable fifth of 12 in handicap chase at Fairyhouse (17.2f, soft) 21 days ago. One to consider. Better effort when a good fifth in the Dan Moore at Fairyhouse; each-way chance.
2
7th (2) (14/1 +58%) Indiana Jones
14
14/1(+58%)
(2) Indiana Jones 14/1, Eleven runs since last win in 2023. Creditable fourth of 9 in handicap hurdle at Thurles (15.5f, good, 7/2) 13 days ago. Switches from hurdles to chase. Not discounted. Okay runs last twice in handicap hurdles here and at Thurles but plenty more needed.
6
8th (6) (7/2 +42%) Midnight It Is
3.5
7/2(+42%)
(6) Midnight It Is 7/2, 1 win from 2 runs this season. 7/1, good third of 12 in handicap chase at Fairyhouse (17.2f, soft) 21 days ago, going with enthusiasm. Yard in good form. One to keep on right side. Up another 1lb for Fairyhouse but progressive and hard to see him out of the frame here.
14
9th (14) (20/1 +20%) Mr Saxobeat
20
20/1(+20%)
(14) Mr Saxobeat 20/1, Fifteen runs since last win in 2023. Creditable 1½ lengths sixth of 12 to An Peann Dearg in handicap chase (12/1) at this C&D (good to soft) 37 days ago. Possibilities. Versatile as to trip but tough task here from 6lb out of the handicap.
7
|F| (7) (33/1 -32%) Gaelic Arc
33
33/1(-32%)
(7) Gaelic Arc 33/1, 80/1, tailed-off sixth of 8 to Touch Me Not in Craddockstown Novices' Chase at Punchestown (16.3f, good to soft) 69 days ago. Up 11lb for Killarney and form has been in and out since; needs to come down the handicap.
10
10th (10) (9/1 -50%) Shanbally Kid
9
9/1(-50%)
(10) Shanbally Kid 9/1, Useful winner at 20f over hurdles. 66/1, ninth of 12 in novice chase at Fairyhouse (17.2f, soft) 21 days ago. Cheekpieces on 1st time. Makes handicap chase debut. No forlorn hope. In here off a good mark with cheekpieces on; intriguing although this trip is short enough.
3
11th (3) (25/1 -25%) Ha D'or
25
25/1(-25%)
(3) Ha D'or 25/1, 25/1, ninth of 12 in handicap chase at Fairyhouse (17.2f, soft) 21 days ago, not knocked about. Trainer going very well so he needs considering. Not a lot to get excited about his run in the Dan Moore at Fairyhouse after 14 months off.
4
|PU| (4) (10/3 +67%) Fascile Mode
3.333333
10/3(+67%)
(4) Fascile Mode 10/3, Latest win in chase at Punchestown in October. Respectable sixth of 10 in novice chase (10/11) at Punchestown (16.4f, soft) 53 days ago. Makes handicap chase debut. Not taken lightly. Beginners chase winner; classy performer and interesting in his first handicap if he jumps.
13
|PU| (13) (16/1 +20%) A Law Of Her Own
16
16/1(+20%)
(13) A Law Of Her Own 16/1, Fourteen runs since last win in 2023. 16/1, 20¾ lengths fifth of 8 to Only By Night in Gr 2 chase at Cork (16.7f, good to soft) 55 days ago. Visor back on. Makes handicap chase debut. 1lb wrong here and has a little bit to find, but likely has more to offer over fences.
MIDNIGHT IT IS had Dont Go Yet about five lengths back in fourth when recording an impressive win at Navan and wasn't helped by a mistake at the last when bidding for a hat-trick over this trip at Fairyhouse last time. The selection had Captains Nephew just over a length behind when third to stablemate The King Of Prs on that latest start and still appears on the upgrade. An Peann Dearg came out on top in a blanket finish over C&D at Christmas, while My Mate Mozzie was a smart novice over fences last season and the Galway Hurdle third now runs in his first handicap chase. Fascile Mode also tries handicap company for the first time over fences.
Plenty with chances but MIDNIGHT IT IS rates the pick of the weights on the back of his good recent Fairyhouse third so looks the way to go. Handicap-debutant Fascile Mode could emerge as the main danger, although An Peann Dearg, Captains Nephew and My Mate Mozzie are others to consider in a competitive handicap chase.
Despite the trip being on the short side, this could go to SHANBALLY KID(nap) off a nice mark after three efforts in beginners' chases
(4) Crackerjacque 16/1, From quite a good family and there was a glimmer of promise at Exeter 2 months ago. Will need to build plenty on that to figure here. Respectable run at Exeter but a line of form gives him plenty to find with A Pai De Nom.
5
2nd (5) (10/3 0%) Mondoui'boy
3.333333
10/3(0%)
(5) Mondoui'boy 10/3, £140,000 buy after finishing runner-up sole start in Irish points in March, the winner a promising hurdler for Ted Walsh. From the family of useful hurdler/top-class chaser (stays 21f) Saint Calvados and represents owner/rider 2-7 in bumpers (won on impressive newcomer at Newbury in November). Second to a good horse in his Irish point and then made £140,000 at the sales.
1
3rd (1) (7/2 +13%) Hurricane Pat
3.5
7/2(+13%)
(1) Hurricane Pat 7/2, £40,000 buy after finishing runner-up in a pair of Irish points in the spring and looked a good prospect when landing C&D bumper (7/1, good) in November from stablemate, tanking through the race. Faces different conditions here but he can improve and seems sure to figure under a penalty. Twice runner-up in Irish points and went one better on bumper debut here in Nov; penalised.
2
4th (2) (11/2 +15%) Silver Hill
5.5
11/2(+15%)
(2) Silver Hill 11/2, £42,000 Shirocco gelding from the family of smart bumper winner/fairly useful hurdler Snow Tern. 9/2, made a winning start in Market Rasen bumper in December, the stamina in his pedigree shining through as he battled well to come out on top. Should improve and one to consider. Won off a steady pace at Market Rasen; improvement needed if he's to follow up.
3
5th (3) (4/5 +42%) A Pai De Nom
0.8
4/5(+42%)
(3) A Pai De Nom 4/5, From a good family and despite being easy to back he shaped really well when second at Chepstow (10/1) on debut in October, a long way clear of the rest, while the winner has made it 2-2 since. Good chance back from a break with improvement likely. Second to a smart one at Chepstow in October, posting an eyecatching RPR in the process.
7
6th (7) (100/1 -203%) Vesalius
100
100/1(-203%)
(7) Vesalius 100/1, Half-brother to 2 Flat winners but wasn't doing too much quickly when well held on debut at Aintree in November. Work to do. Beaten about 12l in a steadily run Aintree bumper in November; possibly flattered by that.
6
7th (6) (28/1 +44%) Recordator
28
28/1(+44%)
(6) Recordator 28/1, Dartmouth gelding. Dam fair 2½m hurdle winner (stayed 25f). Stiff introduction. £4,000 yearling; first foal out of a 2m4f hurdle/multiple point winner.
Runner-up to a talented sort at Chepstow who has gone in again since, the well-related A PAI DE NOM shaped with plenty of promise on that occasion and the five-year-old can go one better now. A determined winner on debut over C&D in November, Hurricane Pat will have it tougher under a 4lb penalty, while Mondoui'boy looks the pick of the newcomers being related to Saint Calvados.
A PAI DE NOM has winners Hurricane Pat and Silver Hill to contend with but looked a banker for one of these when shaping really well on debut at Chepstow, and gets the vote over his penalised rivals. Mondoui'boy is an interesting newcomer.
Hurricane Pat is penalised and A PAI DE NOM probably achieved more in his defeat at Chepstow. Mondoui'boy is respected.
(1) Urban Road 13/8, 4-time course winner. Latest win here in December. 4/1, respectable third of 9 in handicap at this C&D 11 days ago. Must enter calculations. C&D win in December and in frame back here on all five starts since; thereabouts again.
10
2nd (10) (10/3 +58%) Busby
3.333333
10/3(+58%)
(10) Busby 10/3, Latest win at Southwell in December. Very good second of 7 in minor event at Southwell (11.1f, 11/8) 18 days ago, clear of rest. Cheekpieces back on. Shortlist material. Did well in visor recently; player if in same form in different headgear (cheekpieces).
5
3rd (5) (9/2 +0%) Blue Yonder
4.5
9/2(+0%)
(5) Blue Yonder 9/2, C&D winner who stopped the slide when second of 11 in handicap (9/1) at Lingfield (10f, AW) 10 days ago. Visor back on. Back-to-form second recently and well treated if building on that.
7
4th (7) (4/1 -14%) Royal Observatory
4
4/1(-14%)
(7) Royal Observatory 4/1, Winner at Chelmsford City in December. 6/4, creditable second of 12 in handicap at Lingfield (10f, AW) 10 days ago, slowly away. Cheekpieces on for 1st time and can remain competitive. In form this winter, including a win under Lauren Frost; player in first-time cheekpieces.
4
5th (4) (8/1 -33%) Alpine Sierra
8
8/1(-33%)
(4) Alpine Sierra 8/1, C&D winner. Latest win here in December. Fifth of 8 in handicap at this C&D (8/1) 21 days ago, nearest finish. Merits consideration back down in grade here. Ended losing run over C&D in December but only fifth back here three times since.
3
6th (3) (16/1 -14%) Toby Tops
16
16/1(-14%)
(3) Toby Tops 16/1, Thrice-raced maiden. 50/1, sixth of 12 in novice at this C&D 51 days ago. Tongue strap and cheekpieces on for 1st time. Makes handicap debut. Something to find. Unexposed sort who needs checking out in the betting on handicap debut.
9
7th (9) (25/1 -56%) Socialist Agenda
25
25/1(-56%)
(9) Socialist Agenda 25/1, 10/1, eighth of 9 in handicap at this course (16.2f) 22 days ago. Significantly down in trip. Blinkers back on. Two AW wins last spring but struggled in three runs this winter.
ROYAL OBSERVATORY was only beaten a head at Lingfield 10 days ago and the first-time application of cheekpieces could help him go one better here, despite a 2lb rise. Urban Road has been running consistently well in defeat of late and is likely to be in the mix once again, while similar comments apply to Busby. Blue Yonder is another with valid form claims following his narrow defeat at Lingfield.
Veteran BUSBY was unlucky to bump into a rare progressive one for the grade at Southwell on his most recent outing and is the percentage call to go one better. Urban Road and Alpine Sierra, who drops back in grade, look solid alternatives, however.
A few with solid claims but BLUE YONDER has obvious handicapping scope if able to build on his recent back-to-form second at Lingfield.
(4) Mossy Fen Road 6/5, €75,000 3-y-o, Flemensfirth gelding. Half-brother to 3 winners, including smart hurdler/high-class chaser Fury Road and unbeaten bumper winner/useful hurdler Monbeg Worldwide. Won sole start in Irish points (Mar 2024). Likely type for an excellent yard. Irish point winner who has a smart pedigree and brings potential to rules debut.
5
2nd (5) (5/4 +33%) Orderoftheday
1.25
5/4(+33%)
(5) Orderoftheday 5/4, £125,000 Order of St George gelding. Half-brother to 4 winners, including fairly useful hurdler/chaser I'm All You Need and bumper winner/fairly useful hurdler Minella Tara. Point winner and produced a promising first effort under Rules at Market Rasen (13/2) 8 weeks ago. Clear chance. Irish point winner; close second at Market Rasen for new stable; in the mix.
8
3rd (8) (50/1 -25%) Celtic Queen
50
50/1(-25%)
(8) Celtic Queen 50/1, Promising second of 6 at Hereford on debut but easy to back and well held having taken keen hold at Lingfield a month on. Tongue tie on now. Fitting of tongue-tie needs to prompt improvement.
9
4th (9) (28/1 -133%) Vienna Pearl
28
28/1(-133%)
(9) Vienna Pearl 28/1, Big prices in bumpers, achieving more when held in third over C&D in November. Looks ready for jumps/further already. Placed over C&D last time but others have stronger claims.
6
5th (6) (12/1 -118%) Parish Quiz
12
12/1(-118%)
(6) Parish Quiz 12/1, Lightly-raced winner in points, after which he fetched 6 figures, was well backed and offered something to work on at Ayr (7/2) 4 weeks ago. Should improve. Irish point winner; made the frame at Ayr for new yard; open to progress.
1
6th (1) (28/1 -211%) Garrantemple
28
28/1(-211%)
(1) Garrantemple 28/1, €27,000 buy closely related to fair hurdler Oscarsman, and half-brother to 3 winners, including useful bumper/21f hurdle winner Way Back Then. Second in a point and worth a look. Second in Irish point; sold for 27,000euros since; hard to gauge; check the betting.
7
7th (7) (50/1 -25%) Whateverwilldo
50
50/1(-25%)
(7) Whateverwilldo 50/1, Forever Now gelding. Dam of little account, half-sister to fair hurdler/useful but temperamental chaser (stayed 3¼m) Ask The Weatherman. Newcomer; yard is only 1-20 in bumpers; best watched.
3
8th (3) (9/1 -38%) Misteroddsocks
9
9/1(-38%)
(3) Misteroddsocks 9/1, €125,000 Walk In The Park gelding from the family of smart hurdler/top-class chaser Bellshill. Free both starts 8 months apart but saw it out quite well having been prominent for a long way at Hereford on return in a hood 7 weeks ago. Could figure from the front again. Placed at Hereford last time and could take another step forward; nicely bred.
2
9th (2) (100/1 0%) He's A Diamond
100
100/1(0%)
(2) He's A Diamond 100/1, Runner-up on second of 2 starts in Irish points but finished well beaten in Market Rasen bumper 8 weeks ago. Trailed home last on rules debut; opposed.
MOSSY FEN ROAD ticks plenty of boxes ahead of his Rules debut given the five-year-old has won a point-to-point and is closely related to smart individuals, including Fury Road. Orderoftheday went close at Market Rasen in December and enters calculations once again. Misteroddsocks is a player based on his third at Hereford, having stepped forward from his first appearance at Uttoxeter, while Garrantemple is another to consider.
MOSSY FEN ROAD makes plenty of appeal on paper, a costly point winner who has been given time, and he gets the vote before market clues. Orderoftheday and Misteroddsocks are dangers.
Interesting rules debutant MOSSY FEN ROAD is first choice, ahead of Orderoftheday who looks a big player on bumper form.
(15) Bashful 10/3, Winner of back-to-back C&D handicaps (including this race last year) Generally struggled since but signs of life when fourth on the Flat earlier this month. Had another wind operation since and very interesting returning to this venue only 1 lb higher than his last winning mark. Below best on last few hurdle runs but won this last year; has had wind op; not discounted.
8
2nd (8) (10/1 +55%) No No Fizz
10
10/1(+55%)
(8) No No Fizz 10/1, Back to back wins at the end of last year, including over C&D but progress for new trainer came to a screeching halt when well-beaten at Doncaster on latest start. Short break will have done her no harm but this looks to be the best race she's contested. Made it two in a row with December C&D win; flopped since but not written off.
11
3rd (11) (40/1 -122%) Fostered Phil
40
40/1(-122%)
(11) Fostered Phil 40/1, Returned from a long absence to reach the frame in a trio of handicap hurdles in 2022/23. Continued in good heart when runner-up at Perth on chase debut in May 2023 but not seen since although he has good record fresh, this looks a tough comeback assignment following wind surgery at 11 years of age. Returns from long absence but he's run well on the back of one before; on a handy mark.
6
4th (6) (9/1 -38%) Book Of Tales
9
9/1(-38%)
(6) Book Of Tales 9/1, Flat winner who made a successful start over hurdles at Fontwell in August 2023, before finishing well-held on the Flat in September 2023. Shaped with plenty of encouragement on return to this sphere when second at Doncaster at the end of last year (travelled well) and entitled to build on that. Runner-up at Doncaster in December when back from long absence and could build on that.
2
5th (2) (11/2 +31%) Mr Mackay
5.5
11/2(+31%)
(2) Mr Mackay 11/2, Fairly useful winning hurdler who failed to build on promising start over fences, jumped poorly in first-time cheekpieces when second at Southwell in October. Headgear off and back over hurdles today and market may hint at what's expected returning from a 101-day absence. Second over fences last time despite not jumping well; could be a contender back hurdling.
5
6th (5) (11/1 -214%) Koukeo
11
11/1(-214%)
(5) Koukeo 11/1, Runner-up in a bumper and he made a promising start in this sphere, twice finishing second, latest behind an easy winner when at Uttoxeter (15.8f, soft) 53 days ago. Should have more to offer now handicapping. Handicap debut; runner-up on both hurdle starts and is in good hands to progress.
12
7th (12) (25/1 -233%) Muzaffar
25
25/1(-233%)
(12) Muzaffar 25/1, Useful on Flat for Richard Fahey and made an encouraging start over hurdles at Newcastle in December 2023, Ran to a similar level returning from a year off when third in a novice hurdle at Market Rasen and he could be open to improvement now tackling handicaps in first-time headgear. Two-time Flat winner; has shown some promise over hurdles; in with a chance on h'cap debut.
3
8th (3) (11/1 +21%) Cuban Cigar
11
11/1(+21%)
(3) Cuban Cigar 11/1, C&D winner and finished third on this card last year (behind Afadil in the Scottish County Hurdle). Race wasn't run to suit when fourth of 6 over C&D latest but should be up to full fitness now and big run could be in the offing now that the handicapper has given him a chance. A return to form is needed but this two-time course winner is below his last winning mark.
7
9th (7) (6/1 +70%) Moonshine Man
6
6/1(+70%)
(7) Moonshine Man 6/1, Showed a fair level of ability when runner-up in 2m Southwell maiden on only his second hurdle start and ran to a similar level when fifth in a novice hurdle at Kempton (16f) on Boxing Day. Needs to step up on what's he shown so far if he's to be involved here. Promise in maiden hurdles the last twice and has potential off his opening mark.
10
|F| (10) (14/1 +44%) Sergeant
14
14/1(+44%)
(10) Sergeant 14/1, Unreliable type but capable on his day as shown when he resumed winning ways in no uncertain terms at Newton Abbot (16.7f) in August. More miss than hit subsequently and although he wasn't disgraced when third in a 9-runner Wincanton handicap hurdle 58 days ago, more is needed here. Back to form when third at Wincanton; the winner aside, that form is working out well.
9
10th (9) (7/2 +65%) Scots Poet
3.5
7/2(+65%)
(9) Scots Poet 7/2, Won this race in 2023 and is now 4 lb below his last winning mark. Not at his best in recent starts (third of 6 over C&D latest) but needs a stronger gallop to be seen to best effect and he may get that here. Interesting. Below best this winter but this two-time C&D winner is on a dangerous mark.
13
11th (13) (16/1 -60%) Rightfolksplease
16
16/1(-60%)
(13) Rightfolksplease 16/1, Failed to complete on 3 of his last 5 chase starts. Has something to find back over hurdles today, although he was well-backed when last scoring in this sphere, so one to keep an eye on in the betting. Won at Downpatrick last June; has travelled from Ireland and could have a part to play.
1
12th (1) (11/1 +45%) Camarrate
11
11/1(+45%)
(1) Camarrate 11/1, Landed a double over hurdles at Fakenham and Sedgefield (16.8f) at the back end of last season. Shaped as if better for the run when third on handicap bow at Aintree on comeback but underperformed when fifth of 7 in at Doncaster in November. Has had wind op. Fair third on handicap debut in November but well beaten since and has to bounce back.
4
13th (4) (25/1 +24%) Rory The Cat
25
25/1(+24%)
(4) Rory The Cat 25/1, Dual winner of juvenile hurdles here last winter and added to his tally on the Flat returned to this venue in August. However, ran below form back in this sphere at Wetherby and improvement needed on the back of that effort. Soundly beaten at Wetherby last time but likes it here and is not written off.
14
|PU| (14) (50/1 +0%) Diamond Egg
50
50/1(+0%)
(14) Diamond Egg 50/1, Well beaten on first run for yard after leaving Chris Gordon, too keen and likely lacking for fitness. Hard to recommend on the back of that effort but today should reveal more. Maiden hurdle winner in April 2023 but tailed off six week ago after long absence.
An opening mark of 107 could prove to be lenient for Koukeo given what he's produced so far over hurdles, but a chance is taken on RORY THE CAT. Lucinda Russell's gelding goes well at this track and is now on a tempting mark, especially with Conner McCann taking off a handy 7lb. Book Of Tales hit the woodwork at Doncaster in December and is an obvious candidate off 3lb higher, and it would be unwise to dismiss last year's winner Bashful.
In an open-looking contest, a handful of course specialists are taken to come to the fore. Twice sucessful over C&D, SCOTS POET travelled well when third here on New Years Day and he can build on that effort with a stronger pace to aim at today. Fellow two-time course winner Cuban Cigar ran well in a better race on this card 12 months ago and he's been given a chance by the handicapper, while last year's winner Bashful is well-treated if back on song. Of the rest, Muzaffar could be the improver.
Handicap newcomer MOONSHINE MAN has shown promise in maiden hurdles the last twice and could be better than his opening mark.
(2) Colcannon 4/1, Career best when winning 9-runner bumper at Galway (16.4f, good to soft, 8/11) 98 days ago. Hood on 1st time. Others have achieved a bit more but he's worthy of respect. Best form is on testing ground so more rain would suit; wears a hood for the first time.
10
2nd (10) (5/1 +41%) Sortudo
5
5/1(+41%)
(10) Sortudo 5/1, Second in point and easy winner in bumper at Tramore in November. Didn't settle in messy race here over Christmas and suspect he can do better. Must be considered. Good run here latest; will be thereabouts if a little more improvement can be eked out.
7
3rd (7) (11/4 +54%) He Can't Dance
2.75
11/4(+54%)
(7) He Can't Dance 11/4, £300,000 Jukebox Jury gelding from good family who won a point and then justified cramped odds without too much fuss in Navan bumper 8 weeks ago, making the running and readily going clear. More to come. Gelded since Navan win; very promising horse and likely to be a big contender here.
9
4th (9) (11/1 -29%) Koktail Brut
11
11/1(-29%)
(9) Koktail Brut 11/1, Expensive recruit after landing a point and he struck in good style in Fairyhouse bumper in December. That form took some knocks though, not least when he was well beaten at short odds in messy race here (Sortudo second) at Christmas despite being well placed. A return to his debut form would make him a contender but has a question to answer now.
6
5th (6) (4/1 -20%) Green Splendour
4
4/1(-20%)
(6) Green Splendour 4/1, Debut form worked out well and he won 11-runner C&D bumper (11/4) 37 days ago for new yard. They did the double in this event with Facile Vega 3 seasons back and he clearly demands respect. Winning debut for Closutton in an always hot bumper here at Christmas; leading contender.
8
6th (8) (5/2 +38%) I Started A Joke
2.5
5/2(+38%)
(8) I Started A Joke 5/2, Just fourth in a point but lots to like about his Limerck (8/1) victory 5 weeks ago with him having looked a bit raw still, edging out a subsequent winner of Gordon Elliott's. Can improve. Player. Limerick winner already more battle hardened than a lot of these; has to be given a chance.
4
7th (4) (28/1 +58%) Friary Road
28
28/1(+58%)
(4) Friary Road 28/1, 2 wins from 4 runs this season. Latest win at Punchestown in October. 10/1, last of 5 in bumper at Navan (16f, good to soft) 48 days ago, not looking straightforward. Unable to up his game sufficiently in a Listed at Navan in December; others preferred.
3
8th (3) (100/1 +0%) Coolberrin Hill
100
100/1(+0%)
(3) Coolberrin Hill 100/1, Made it third time lucky in points in May. Third of 9 in bumper (40/1) at this course (20f, good) on 36 days ago. Staying third in a bumper here at Christmas; a lot more needed but improvement likely.
5
9th (5) (40/1 -21%) Good Deal
40
40/1(-21%)
(5) Good Deal 40/1, Off a year, 20/1, won 9-runner bumper at Fairyhouse (16.5f, soft) 31 days ago, always holding on. This is a whole lot tougher. Fairyhouse winner; hard to know what improvement is in him but an interesting runner.
There may not be much to choose between the two Willie Mullins-trained runners and SORTUDO could provide better value. The son of Authorized scored in good style at Tramore and had Koktail Brut over three lengths behind in fourth when runner-up last time to Carrigmoornaspruce over C&D. Green Splendour showed promise on debut in a valuable sales bumper at Newbury before making a winning start for the champion trainer here at Christmas. Point-to-point winner He Can't Dance justified very short odds at Navan and may prove the pick of Gordon Elliott's three runners, while Colcannon has plenty of experience and gained a deserved success at Galway.
Usually a bumper that produces stars and HE CAN'T DANCE could be the way to go after his runaway success at Navan. Willie Mullins sends out Green Splendour, who won the C&D bumper Facile Vega did before taking this in 2022, and he has obvious claims. I Started A Joke looked to be learning on the job when scoring at Limerick and has to be considered also with Sortudo.
Preference is for HE CAN'T DANCE, most impressive in an admittedly ordinary bumper at Navan in December, but hugely promising
(8) Smart Hero 10/3, Career best when winning 7-runner handicap at this course (8.6f, 5/2) 28 days ago by neck from Cynosure. 2 lb nudge no hardship and shapes as though this stiffer test won't be an issue, so he's one to consider. Did well to get up late over 8.6f here latest; well treated if seeing out longer trip.
9
2nd (9) (9/1 +36%) Eagle Day
9
9/1(+36%)
(9) Eagle Day 9/1, Four-time course winner. Four wins from 17 runs last year, the latest here in December. Ninth of 12 in handicap (11/1) at Lingfield (8f, AW) 14 days ago. King's Code appears to be the stable No 1. Two C&D wins in December; good fourth next time but faded at Lingfield latest.
4
3rd (4) (11/4 +45%) Metallo
2.75
11/4(+45%)
(4) Metallo 11/4, Good second of 9 in handicap at Newcastle (10.2f, 5/1) 15 days ago, no match for winner. Should make his presence felt. Good placed efforts over 1m at Kempton and 1m2f at Newcastle last twice; respected.
2
4th (2) (7/2 0%) King's Code
3.5
7/2(0%)
(2) King's Code 7/2, Three-time C&D winner. Four wins from 19 runs last year. 9/5, didn't need to improve to win 7-runner handicap at this C&D 37 days ago, well positioned. Merits respect in his hat-trick bid. Respected on his C&D hat-trick bid but he's yet to win from a mark in the 90s.
10
5th (10) (10/1 +17%) Hitched
10
10/1(+17%)
(10) Hitched 10/1, Course winner. Seven wins from 23 Flat runs. Three wins from 10 runs last year. Creditable third of 12 in handicap at Southwell (8.1f, 3/1) 9 days ago. Place possibilities. Form figures this winter of 11132123; merits respect but this is a step up in grade.
1
6th (1) (11/1 -100%) Felix
11
11/1(-100%)
(1) Felix 11/1, C&D winner. Twenty-two runs since last win in 2021. 11/1, creditable 1½ lengths third of 7 to King's Code in handicap at this C&D 37 days ago, needing stronger gallop. 2 lb better off with that rival now and should be competitive. Added to good record here when third to King's Code latest but last win was in 2021.
6
7th (6) (9/2 +18%) Cynosure
4.5
9/2(+18%)
(6) Cynosure 9/2, One win from 3 runs last year. 5/2, good neck second of 7 to Smart Hero in handicap at this course (8.6f) 28 days ago. 1 lb better off with that rival now but not sure that this step back up in trip is what he wants. Good AW record, including close second to Smart Hero here latest; should go well again.
5
8th (5) (66/1 -230%) Tides Of War
66
66/1(-230%)
(5) Tides Of War 66/1, Ninth of 10 in handicap (8/1) at Ascot (16f, good to firm). Off 175 days and significantly down in trip for this tapeta debut. Others are more appealing. Yard also saddles Hitched. Win last year came over 1m6f and can only watch down significantly in trip on reappearance.
7
9th (7) (15/2 +53%) Civil Law
7.5
15/2(+53%)
(7) Civil Law 15/2, Four-time C&D winner. Sixth of 7 in handicap at Kempton (11f, 28/1) 10 days ago. Will probably find a few too good once more. Good overall record here but tough to fancy on this winter's form.
3
10th (3) (25/1 +24%) Wadacre Gomez
25
25/1(+24%)
(3) Wadacre Gomez 25/1, C&D winner. Seven wins from 25 Flat runs. Four wins from 12 runs last year. 22/1, eighth of 9 in handicap at Southwell (11.1f) 28 days ago. Improvement needed. Has a good overall AW record but this winter's efforts make him tough to fancy here.
James Tate has his string in fine form and could easily add to his tally with Smart Hero, who shaped as though he would get this trip when staying on well to score over the extended 1m here off 2lb lower. However, he has had problems settling in the past and that is a concern, so KING'S CODE may be the safest bet. David Evans' five-year-old completed a C&D double by three-quarters of a length on Boxing Day and a 2lb rise for that success seems fair. Metallo and Cynosure have both been threatening to score of late.
KING'S CODE remains on a fair mark following back-to-back C&D wins and is taken to complete the hat-trick. The 5-y-o may have most to fear from Felix, who was just over a length behind him here on Boxing Day and could get close now 2 lb better off. Smart Hero got the better of Cynosure over 8.6f at this course last time and he is third choice, while Metallo is also entitled to have a say.
His stamina isn't assured but SMART HERO did well to get up over slightly shorter here last month and still looks on a good mark.
(1) Frankies Dream 11/8, Improved model with hood fitted, off the mark at Wolverhampton (5.1f) in January. Runner-up next 2 starts and displayed a good turn of foot when posting a career best in 7-runner handicap at Lingfield (5f, AW, 13/8) 8 days ago. Of interest again up 6 lb. On the up since a hood was fitted and he still looks ahead of his mark; strong claims.
6
2nd (6) (11/2 -10%) What What What
5.5
11/2(-10%)
(6) What What What 11/2, 9/1 and hooded for 1st time, good third of 12 in handicap at Southwell (6.1f) 28 days ago, carried left briefly 2f out before running on. Appeals as the type who could yet have more to offer and one to bear in mind having eased a little more in the weights. Best effort so far when a front-running 3rd at Southwell last month; may do better.
7
3rd (7) (5/1 +17%) Causin A Commotion
5
5/1(+17%)
(7) Causin A Commotion 5/1, Justified strong support when shedding maiden tag at Wolverhampton (5.1f) in November. Disappointed next time but quickly back on track with cheekpieces/tongue tie fitted when third of 12 in handicap (8/1) at Southwell (6.1f) 15 days ago, faring best of those held up. 5f Tapeta win in November; solid 3rd at Southwell latest; should go well again.
5
4th (5) (9/1 +0%) Lima Sierra
9
9/1(+0%)
(5) Lima Sierra 9/1, Lightly-raced maiden who wasn't disgraced when sixth of 12 in handicap (9/1) at Southwell (6.1f) 15 days ago, plugging on final 1f. However, she could be vulnerable again here. Two placed efforts here in November but below that level the last twice.
4
5th (4) (22/1 -120%) Goldrush Glory
22
22/1(-120%)
(4) Goldrush Glory 22/1, Golden Horde gelding who offered something to work on when sixth of 9 on debut in a Southwell novice (6f) in December. Below that level next 2 starts but gets his first crack at handicaps and worth noting if the market spoke in his favour. Not built on debut promise in two further runs; now goes handicapping at a modest level.
3
6th (3) (4/1 +60%) Helaali
4
4/1(+60%)
(3) Helaali 4/1, Thrice-raced maiden. Ninth of 11 in novice (100/1) at Southwell (6.1f) 29 days ago, weakening final 1f. Entitled to hold more chance now handicapping but opening mark demands progress. Modest form in maiden/novice runs but could take a step forward now handicapping.
2
7th (2) (13/2 -8%) Mum's Called
6.5
13/2(-8%)
(2) Mum's Called 13/2, Lightly-raced maiden who got back on track in first-time blinkers when good second of 12 in a C&D nursery in October. Absent/rejoined yard after leaving Paul Attwater and she could yet have a little more to offer. Improved effort when 2nd over C&D in October (blinkered first time); unexposed on Tapeta.
Frankies Dream has to be of interest given his recent performances, but he is 6lb higher than when successful at Lingfield last week and that has to be a concern. With that in mind, WHAT WHAT WHAT gets the vote because he is 1lb lower than when third in a competitive event at Southwell just under a month ago. Others to note are Causin A Commotion and Mum's Called.
FRANKIES DREAM has improved since the hood went on, showing a nice turn of foot to quickly seal matters at Lingfield (5f) 8 days ago. He's a lead player once more back up at 6f provided his enthusiasm can continue to be channelled efficiently. Causin A Commotion and What What What head up the dangers.
Stepping up to 6f asks a different question of FRANKIES DREAM (nap) but he's improving and still looks ahead of the handicapper.
(10) Mamdoh 10/1, 9/1, eighth of 11 in handicap at Chelmsford City (14f) 23 days ago. Cheekpieces on 1st time and needs to raise his game. 0-8; modest last time but had previously twice run creditably here; cheekpieces on.
5
2nd (5) (10/3 +5%) Balgowan
3.333333
10/3(+5%)
(5) Balgowan 10/3, Good second of 10 in handicap (22/1) at Lingfield (15.8f, AW) 29 days ago, needing stronger gallop. Has to be taken seriously. 0-18 under rules; just beaten last time; frame material but others preferred for the win.
7
3rd (7) (12/1 +14%) Sophosc
12
12/1(+14%)
(7) Sophosc 12/1, Course winner. Fourteen runs since last win in 2022. Last of 6 in handicap at this course (12.2f, 18/1) 14 days ago. Cheekpieces back on. Opposable. Losing run up to 16 and he ran poorly here a fortnight ago; enough to prove.
3
4th (3) (11/2 +45%) Albert Lasker
5.5
11/2(+45%)
(3) Albert Lasker 11/2, Winner at Southwell in December. 9/1, eighth of 10 in handicap at Chelmsford City (14f) 21 days ago. Needs to raise his game. Not so good latest after winning at Southwell, but shortlisted if putting that behind him.
8
5th (8) (10/3 +52%) Black Smoke
3.333333
10/3(+52%)
(8) Black Smoke 10/3, C&D winner. Seventh of 11 in handicap at this course (16.6f, 16/1) 14 days ago. Would be a danger to all if back to something like his best. Dual C&D winner and 3lb lower than for the latest; Rossa Ryan rides him for the first time.
4
6th (4) (9/2 +10%) Arc Zoosve
4.5
9/2(+10%)
(4) Arc Zoosve 9/2, Last of 9 in handicap (9/4) at Southwell (14.1f) 44 days ago but he was knocking on the door prior to that and is not without an each-way chance. 0-8; finished lame last time but previous form would give him every chance.
6
7th (6) (14/1 -56%) Scylla
14
14/1(-56%)
(6) Scylla 14/1, Winner at Lingfield in July. 28/1, first run since leaving Charlie Fellowes when fifth of 7 in handicap at this C&D 19 days ago. Looks vulnerable for win purposes. Back off same mark as for her sole win but others are still more persuasive.
9
8th (9) (50/1 +24%) Anticipating
50
50/1(+24%)
(9) Anticipating 50/1, 125/1, ninth of 11 in handicap at this course (8.6f) 49 days ago. Significantly up in trip and she's hard to warm to. Regressive nine-race maiden; well beaten on her reappearance here in December.
2
9th (2) (10/3 -48%) Forest Spirit
3.333333
10/3(-48%)
(2) Forest Spirit 10/3, Lightly-raced maiden. Second of 8 in handicap at this course (12.2f, 6/1) when last seen in September. Open to progress and she's high on the shortlist. Beaten a short head here in September; proven fresh and should stay this far; shortlisted.
1
10th (1) (66/1 +0%) Unification
66
66/1(+0%)
(1) Unification 66/1, 125/1, eighth of 9 in handicap at Yarmouth (14.1f, soft). Off 7 months ahead of this tapeta debut and he has work to do. 0-8 and running poorly when last seen; major transformation needed on return.
A sharp step up in trip sparked serious improvement in FOREST SPIRIT, who was denied by just a short head over 1m4f on her handicap debut in September. Michael Bell's filly returns off a 3lb higher mark, but there should be more to come after only four starts and this extra yardage may also help. Albert Lasker won over this distance at Southwell off 4lb lower on his penultimate outing and he looks a threat. Balgowan has claims on the form of his half-length second over 2m at Lingfield, but he remains a maiden after 18 attempts (five over hurdles).
This step up in trip could be the catalyst for further improvement from FOREST SPIRIT, who duly left her low-key novice form well behind when going close upped to 1½m on her handicap debut here in September. She earns the vote ahead of Balgowan, who also found just one too good on his latest start at Lingfield. Black Smoke would be in with a shout, too, if able to bounce back.
It may be worth siding with BLACK SMOKE, now 3lb lower than for the latest of his two C&D wins. Rossa Ryan is an interesting booking.
(2) Molveno 10/11, Has improved with each run to date, off the mark at third attempt in a Kempton novice (1m) in December and impressive when following up from the front in-runner handicap back at that venue 24 days ago. Big shout up just 3 lb. Successful in two 1m contests at Kempton this winter, making all latest; improving.
4
2nd (4) (12/1 -20%) Joseph
12
12/1(-20%)
(4) Joseph 12/1, Earthlight gelding who has displayed fair form on 2 of his 3 starts to date, latterly when fourth of 10 in novice at Wolverhampton (8.6f) 5 weeks ago. Starts out in handicaps in a warm enough affair and likely he'll need to pull out more to play a lead role. Fairly consistent at novice level; could progress now handicapping.
1
3rd (1) (15/8 +25%) Royal Alliance
1.875
15/8(+25%)
(1) Royal Alliance 15/8, Gelded/off 4 months following his debut and well backed, he landed 9-runner novice here (7f) in October. Similar form despite still showing signs of greenness when third under a penalty at Chelmsford (7f) a month later and he's likely got more to offer now handicapping. Has solid novice form that includes a Newcastle win; the type to do well in handicaps.
3
4th (3) (4/1 -113%) Studious
4
4/1(-113%)
(3) Studious 4/1, Gelded/off 6 months before impressively landing 12-runner nursery at Wolverhampton (8.6f) in December. Had no trouble following up in 8-runner handicap here (7f) 21 days ago (well on top finish) and he appeals as the type to go improving for a while yet. Solid claims. 2-2 since gelded and switched to handicaps; won here latest; open to further progress.
STUDIOUS racked up a double when scoring over 7f here last time and the placed horses behind him that day have helped fight out the finish of a similar event subsequently. As a result, this Study Of Man gelding could be hard to stop in his bid for a hat-trick. All of the remainder have claims, but Molveno edges out Royal Alliance to be the pick of them.
STUDIOUS has impressed in registering back-to-back victories following his switch to handicaps, marking himself down as the type who will go on improving for a while yet when successful over 7f here 3 weeks ago. The return to this longer trip will hold no fears and Mark Loughnane's charge earns the vote to complete the hat-trick. Molveno is also progressing at a rate of knots and he's selected as the chief threat, ahead of Royal Alliance.
An interesting 3yo event in which ROYAL ALLIANCE gets the percentage call ahead of fellow course winner Studious.
(4) Manton Road 4/1, Didn't need to improve to win 8-runner handicap (evens) at this course (7.2f) 12 days ago, driven out. Up in trip and he's the one to beat. First past the post in both starts last month; not the easiest but high on the list.
3
2nd (3) (3/1 +70%) Backer Bilk
3
3/1(+70%)
(3) Backer Bilk 3/1, Thrice-raced maiden. First run since leaving Derek Shaw when eighth of 13 in novice at Chelmsford City (8f, 150/1) 44 days ago. Big step forward needed on this handicap debut. Well beaten in all three starts as a 2yo; best watched on handicap debut.
1
3rd (1) (11/10 +51%) Jonny Garlic
1.1
11/10(+51%)
(1) Jonny Garlic 11/10, Lightly-raced maiden. First run since leaving K. R. Burke when excellent second of 11 in handicap (11/2) at Lingfield (8f, AW) 10 days ago, racing closer to pace than ideal. Can make presence felt. Runner-up on stable/handicap debut at Lingfield ten days ago; this is a weaker contest.
9
4th (9) (10/1 -67%) Ballarat Bertie
10
10/1(-67%)
(9) Ballarat Bertie 10/1, Lightly-raced maiden. Last of 13 in nursery at Chelmsford City (6f, 10/3). Off 93 days and significantly up in trip for this tapeta debut. Cheekpieces on for 1st time. Last in all four starts; interesting to see if his backers return; cheekpieces on.
7
5th (7) (28/1 -40%) Galette
28
28/1(-40%)
(7) Galette 28/1, Seventh of 10 in nursery at Chelmsford City (8f, 20/1) 51 days ago. Makes tapeta debut and needs to find improvement from somewhere. Showed a little ability in two of her eight starts last year but still more will be needed.
6
6th (6) (66/1 -100%) Spinning Dancer
66
66/1(-100%)
(6) Spinning Dancer 66/1, Lightly-raced maiden. Fourth of 7 in handicap (50/1) at Lingfield (8f, AW) 19 days ago. Makes tapeta debut. Others preferred. Well held in five starts and well behind Manton Road at Lingfield last time.
5
7th (5) (66/1 -100%) Leading Star Girl
66
66/1(-100%)
(5) Leading Star Girl 66/1, Lightly-raced maiden. Fifth of 8 in handicap at this course (7.2f, 20/1) 12 days ago. Up in trip and needs to improve if she's to play a leading role. Well held in four starts; not sure to be suited by stepping up again in trip.
2
8th (2) (12/1 +64%) The Kamikaze King
12
12/1(+64%)
(2) The Kamikaze King 12/1, Lightly-raced maiden. Last of 7 in nursery at Southwell (8.1f, 28/1) 53 days ago. Readily passed over. Well held in all four starts; hard to recommend despite the drop in grade.
8
9th (8) (33/1 -136%) Magna
33
33/1(-136%)
(8) Magna 33/1, Lightly-raced maiden. Sixth of 8 in handicap at Lingfield (5f, AW, 33/1) 19 days ago. Significantly up in trip for this tapeta debut and she needs to leave her previous form a long way behind. Some encouragement for this big step up in trip on pedigree, but still has plenty to prove.
Jonny Garlic is an obvious starting point after his promising handicap-debut second over 1m at Lingfield off 1lb lower, but he was headed late on and didn't shape as though this extra furlong would suit. Conversely, MANTON ROAD was doing his best work at the finish when opening his account over 7f here and a 2lb rise may not be enough to halt him. Upped in distance for his first appearance in a handicap, any market support for Backer Bilk would be interesting.
Though MANTON ROAD doesn't appear to be entirely straightforward, there's clealry an engine there and he should benefit from this step back up in trip after opening his account off a 2 lb lower mark over 7f here recently. Jonny Garlic found just one too good on his handicap/stable debut at Lingfield and he is the clear main danger. Ballarat Bertie could be in line for minor place money.
Preference is for JONNY GARLIC who showed plenty of improvement when runner-up on handicap debut at Lingfield ten days ago.
(3) Latin Five 12/1, C&D winner. Ninth of 10 in handicap (9/1) at Pontefract (5f, good to soft). Off 128 days/has had a breathing operation. C&D win off a 4lb higher mark last March; mixed afterwards; had wind op; others stronger.
1
2nd (1) (4/1 +0%) Three Beauz
4
4/1(+0%)
(1) Three Beauz 4/1, C&D winner. One win from 21 Flat runs. 16/5, fourth of 10 in handicap at this C&D 22 days ago, doing too much too soon. Has good chance on pick of form. Conditions suit and she's run well off this mark on last two visits here; should go well.
6
3rd (6) (5/1 +9%) Stroxx
5
5/1(+9%)
(6) Stroxx 5/1, 12/1, won 12-runner minor event at this C&D 9 days ago. Has a very modest strike rate so wouldn't be an obvious type to follow up. Winning for just the 2nd time in 57 starts when making all over C&D 9 days ago; e-w shout.
4
4th (4) (3/1 +45%) Lady Of The Garr
3
3/1(+45%)
(4) Lady Of The Garr 3/1, C&D winner in January. Creditable second of 6 in handicap at this C&D (10/3) 9 days ago. Can give another good account. She has run well over C&D on her last four starts; likely to be in the thick of it again.
9
5th (9) (16/1 +20%) Stallone
16
16/1(+20%)
(9) Stallone 16/1, 3-time C&D winner. Twelve runs since last win in 2024. 12/1, 7 lengths eighth of 12 to Stroxx in minor event at this C&D 9 days ago. Blinkers back on. Not at his best behind a few of these here nine days ago; others stronger for the win.
5
6th (5) (10/3 +44%) Phoenix Star
3.333333
10/3(+44%)
(5) Phoenix Star 10/3, 5-time C&D winner. Thirteen runs since last win in 2024. Fourth of 6 in handicap (15/2) at this C&D 9 days ago, nearest finish. Multiple C&D winner; two fair efforts last month but behind Lady Of The Garr latest.
7
7th (7) (11/1 -10%) Spanish Angel
11
11/1(-10%)
(7) Spanish Angel 11/1, C&D winner. Sixteen runs since last win in 2024 but run best excused when seventh of 12 to Stroxx in minor event (5/1) at this C&D 9 days ago, racing closer to pace than ideal. Ignore latest effort as he saw no daylight in the final furlong; dangerous mark; contender.
8
8th (8) (9/1 -80%) Henery Hawk
9
9/1(-80%)
(8) Henery Hawk 9/1, 3-time C&D winner. Fourteen runs since last win in 2024. 5¼ lengths fifth of 12 to Stroxx in minor event at this C&D (18/5) 9 days ago, never nearer. Potentially well treated if able to build on that back in a handicap. Not seen to best effect here nine days ago; dangerous mark; better expected.
2
9th (2) (12/1 -20%) Street Life
12
12/1(-20%)
(2) Street Life 12/1, C&D winner. Three wins from 22 runs last year. Last of 10 in handicap at Wolverhampton (5.1f, 16/1) 14 days ago, worst of draw. Cheekpieces back on. Not taken lightly. Good run of form came to end when drawn wide at Wolverhampton two weeks ago.
11
10th (11) (20/1 +0%) John Kirkup
20
20/1(+0%)
(11) John Kirkup 20/1, Twenty runs since last win in 2023 but took a step back in the right direction when 4½ lengths third of 12 to Stroxx in minor event at this C&D (28/1) 9 days ago. Solid return when 3rd behind Stroxx here nine days ago; hard to win with but place claims.
10
11th (10) (20/1 +0%) The Princes Poet
20
20/1(+0%)
(10) The Princes Poet 20/1, Twenty four runs since last win in 2023. Made the frame when 5¼ lengths fourth of 12 to Stroxx in minor event (10/1) at this C&D 9 days ago, though it's still only poor stuff. Finished behind two of these over C&D nine days ago; usually opposable for win purposes.
LADY OF THE GARR won a classified event over C&D before running yet another solid race back in handicap company when runner-up here last week. The handicapper has left the daughter of Mehmas on the same mark after that display and she makes plenty of appeal in her bid to go one better. Phoenix Star was fourth in the latter contest and is respected along with Stroxx.
A tentative vote goes to THREE BEAUZ, who did a little too much too soon over C&D on his most recent outing and remains of interest from his current mark based on the pick of his form. Lady of The Garr and Street Life are a couple of potential threats.
Spanish Angel and Henery Hawk are better than they showed last time but LADY OF THE GARR is marginally preferred.
(4) Perfect Parole 8/1, 11/4, good 2½ lengths third of 8 to reopposing Freak Encounter in handicap at Lingfield (1m) 19 days ago. Can make presence felt again. Kept on for creditable third to reopposing Freak Encounter at Lingfield latest; claims.
3
2nd (3) (7/2 -5%) No Release
3.5
7/2(-5%)
(3) No Release 7/2, 11/2 and cheekpieces on first time, seventh of 9 in handicap at Kempton (12f) 17 days ago. Down in trip. Blinkers back on. Capable off this mark if on a going day. Below par latest but runner-up twice at Chelmsford in these refitted blinkers in late 2024.
1
3rd (1) (5/2 +69%) Ignition
2.5
5/2(+69%)
(1) Ignition 5/2, 12/1, first run since leaving George Scott when eighth of 11 in nursery at Southwell (6f) 44 days ago. Significantly up in trip. Blinkers on first time. Others more persuasive. Always rear on 6f yard debut in December and now up in trip with blinkers on.
9
4th (9) (66/1 -65%) No Gain
66
66/1(-65%)
(9) No Gain 66/1, Thrice-raced maiden. 250/1, eleventh of 12 in novice at Southwell (1m) 35 days ago. Makes handicap debut. Beaten 26l or more on all three starts; significant improvement required on handicap debut.
5
5th (5) (28/1 +0%) Cuda Been A Rowlex
28
28/1(+0%)
(5) Cuda Been A Rowlex 28/1, Lightly-raced maiden. Last of 12 in handicap at Southwell (6f, 28/1) 28 days ago. Significantly up in trip. Well held in handicaps over 7f and 6f at Southwell in recent weeks; others are preferred.
6
6th (6) (12/1 +76%) Jimmy Henry
12
12/1(+76%)
(6) Jimmy Henry 12/1, Cheekpieces on first time, tenth of 12 in nursery (40/1) at Southwell (7f). Off 100 days. Up in trip. Others are more obvious. No impact in handicaps in the autumn; improvement needed back from a break.
7
7th (7) (16/1 -33%) Eva's Eyes
16
16/1(-33%)
(7) Eva's Eyes 16/1, Poor form. Cheekpieces on first time, bit below form third of 7 in handicap at Lingfield (1m) 19 days ago. Poor form and beaten over 9l when third in 1m Lingfield handicap 19 days ago.
2
8th (2) (2/1 +11%) Freak Encounter
2
2/1(+11%)
(2) Freak Encounter 2/1, Winner at Lingfield (1m) in January, with Perfect Parole back in third. Respectable fifth of 11 back there 10 days ago, going off too hard. Has good chance on form. Made all at Lingfield in blinkers last month; only fifth there since but still respected.
8
9th (8) (28/1 +0%) Bird About Town
28
28/1(+0%)
(8) Bird About Town 28/1, Thrice-raced maiden. Sixth of 9 in novice (400/1) at Lingfield (7f) 32 days ago. Back up in trip. Makes handicap debut. Beaten a long way in three qualifying runs but more realistic chance in handicaps.
The step up to 1m4f did not appear to suit NO RELEASE last time, but Ed Dunlop's gelding can be given another chance as he is 1lb lower than when second over a mile at Chelmsford the time before. Perfect Parole is likely to be in the mix following two encouraging efforts in defeat of late, while Freak Encounter completes the shortlist.
FREAK ENCOUTNER did too much too soon last time and can show he's still on a favourable mark. Perfect Parole is quite closely matched with the selection on Lingfield form in the middle of last month and is second choice ahead of No Release.
Last month's all the-way Lingfield scorer FREAK ENCOUNTER failed to pull off similar tactics there ten days ago but this looks easier.
(4) Florida Dawn 8/1, Once-raced maiden. Fourth of 7 in a novice event (7/2) at Southwell (8.1f) on debut 9 days ago. Likely to improve for that experience. Close up for a long way when 4th to odds-on winner in novice at Southwell (1m) 9 days ago.
3
2nd (3) (1/2 +82%) Noble Testimony
0.5
1/2(+82%)
(3) Noble Testimony 1/2, Cost €30,000 as a yearling. Dam lightly-raced half-sister to useful 11f/1½m winner Ashtara out of smart 9f-10.5f winner Ashiyla. Gelded for debut run and may need further than this in time. 30,000euros yearling by Wooded out of a close relation to a French 7.5f-10.5f winner.
2
3rd (2) (9/4 -38%) Jamaican Storm
2.25
9/4(-38%)
(2) Jamaican Storm 9/4, Thrice-raced maiden. 25/1, second of 9 in a novice event at Southwell (7.1f) 53 days ago but didn't look the easiest of rides. Has a chance in a modest race. Ran badly on second outing but his fair form either side of that makes him the form pick.
5
4th (5) (50/1 -150%) Call Me Audrey
50
50/1(-150%)
(5) Call Me Audrey 50/1, Once-raced maiden. Fifth of 6 in a maiden at this course (8f, 66/1) on debut 21 days ago, offered little and looks one for the longer-term. 66-1 when fifth of six in 1m maiden here three weeks ago; lots to find on that modest form.
LTO Selection:hiden content, hiden content,
JAMAICAN STORM has made the frame twice at 25/1, with a less inspiring effort sandwiched in between. Providing he turns up at the top of his game, he seems to have a good opportunity to get off the mark. Florida Dawn was fourth on her introduction at Southwell last week and is expected to step forward. Noble Testimony cost 30,000 euros as a yearling and has a nice mix of speed and stamina in his pedigree.
Thrice-raced JAMAICAN STORM may be able to put his experience to use to finish ahead of Florida Dawn, who showed something to work on her racecourse bow.
At this fourth go, JAMAICAN STORM looks to have the right opportunity. Florida Dawn looks the potential stumbling block.
(1) Sax Appeal 17/2, C&D winner. Ninth of 12 in handicap (7/1) at Lingfield (2m) 14 days ago. Back down in trip. Blinkers on first time. Bounce back needed. 6lb lower than when winning over C&D a year ago; worth a second look; blinkers on.
5
2nd (5) (17/2 +15%) Green Team
8.5
17/2(+15%)
(5) Green Team 17/2, One win from 26 Flat runs. Twenty eight runs since last win in 2021 but posted a pair of good runner-up efforts here to end 2024 and wasn't seen to best effect last time. Losing run up to 28 and he probably prefers further than this now.
6
3rd (6) (5/2 +17%) Paradoxical
2.5
5/2(+17%)
(6) Paradoxical 5/2, Won over 9.5f here and 1½m at Lingfield in December. Went close to another win back at Lingfield (1½m again) last time. That form has been boosted and he should make another bold bid. Dual winner in December; beaten a head by a subsequent winner last time; respected.
8
4th (8) (10/1 -33%) Incan Empire
10
10/1(-33%)
(8) Incan Empire 10/1, Lightly-raced maiden. Fifth of 8 on C&D handicap debut last Saturday. Unexposed sort who could yet have bigger performances in him. Not beaten far over C&D a week ago, but that race was run at a crawl; enough to prove.
9
5th (9) (20/1 +20%) Cloudside Rock
20
20/1(+20%)
(9) Cloudside Rock 20/1, Thrice-raced maiden. Seventh of 12 in novice at Southwell (1½m, 100/1) in August. Makes handicap debut after 6 months off. Worth a second look in the betting. Makes his handicap debut after six months off and the market should be revealing.
3
6th (3) (9/1 +10%) Turner Girl
9
9/1(+10%)
(3) Turner Girl 9/1, Eleven runs since last win in 2024. Fourth of 6 in handicap at Southwell (1½m, 11/4) 35 days ago. Cheekpieces back on. Each-way claims. Usually there or thereabouts, but latest Southwell effort not amongst her best.
7
7th (7) (16/1 -146%) Kalikapour
16
16/1(-146%)
(7) Kalikapour 16/1, Latest win at Southwell in December. Respectable third of 9 in handicap (7/2) at Newcastle (1¼m) 24 days ago, not knocked about. Back up in trip. Won narrowly at Southwell in December and fair third last time; return to 1m4f should suit.
10
8th (10) (14/1 -87%) Rock Armour
14
14/1(-87%)
(10) Rock Armour 14/1, 11/2, sixth of 9 in handicap at Newcastle (1¼m) 11 days ago, having hopeless task from position. Up in trip. Looks competitive on form. 0-10; not at his best the last twice, but has shaped as though worth a go over this far.
4
9th (4) (15/8 +71%) Spectacular Style
1.875
15/8(+71%)
(4) Spectacular Style 15/8, 8/1, seventh of 11 in handicap at this course (8.6f) 14 days ago, looking an awkward ride. Significantly back up in trip. Others are preferred. Has become disappointing; hard to warm to back up in trip.
2
10th (2) (14/1 -115%) Aikhal
14
14/1(-115%)
(2) Aikhal 14/1, Twenty runs since last win in 2022. 5/2, seventh of 11 in handicap at Southwell (11f) 17 days ago. Cheekpieces back on. Losing run up to 20 and has finished no closer than sixth in seven starts on the AW.
PARADOXICAL has not been disgraced on either start since winning over 1m4f at Lingfield in December and that includes a narrow second last time. On that evidence, a mark of 66 should be workable and he tops the shortlist as a result. Kalikapour is likely to appreciate this step back up in trip and could prove to be the main threat, ahead of Green Team and Turner Girl.
PARADOXICAL went down only narrowly to a next-time-out winner at Lingfield last time and might prove the answer. Incan Empire has the potential for better on the back of his recent C&D handicap debut and is second choice ahead of Turner Girl, the mount of Rossa Ryan.
The vote goes to PARADOXICAL, a dual winner in December whose narrow defeat at Lingfield last time has since been franked.
(6) Barnaby 16/5, Rattled of a smashing C&D 4-timer during the second half of last year. Creditable efforts on 2 of his 3 starts subsequently, though his present mark does demand that little bit more. Has a solid record over C&D but appears to have little in hand off current mark.
8
2nd (8) (11/2 -38%) Tasever
5.5
11/2(-38%)
(8) Tasever 11/2, Has done well upon joining present yard, his latest C&D victory 11 days ago his fourth success since November. Knuckled down well to see off re-opposing Quandary on that occasion and respected for nudged up 2 lb. Gamely beat Quandary last time, taking C&D record to 2-2 (4-10 at Newcastle overall).
2
3rd (2) (10/3 +33%) Quandary
3.333333
10/3(+33%)
(2) Quandary 10/3, Didn't kick on from a solid start last year but down in weights as a result and bounced back to form after 6 months off when neck second of 10 to Tasever in handicap at this C&D 11 days ago. She's worth considering on the back of that display. Beaten only a neck by Tasever here on reappearance, taking AW form figures to 6232232.
3
4th (3) (12/1 -71%) Novak
12
12/1(-71%)
(3) Novak 12/1, C&D winner. Latest win here in January. Creditable second of 9 in handicap at this course (6f, 11/2) 15 days ago. Likely to give another good account of himself. Has consistent 6f form here this year; effective at 7f and holds solid claims.
7
5th (7) (33/1 -136%) Roaring Ralph
33
33/1(-136%)
(7) Roaring Ralph 33/1, Latest win at Southwell in September. Bit below form seventh of 12 in handicap back at that venue (7.1f, 16/1). in October. Absent since and blinkers worn for all 4 previous victories, replaced by cheekpieces here. On last winning mark but has been absent for 100 days; yet to win when fresh.
5
6th (5) (17/2 +39%) Royal Pleasure
8.5
17/2(+39%)
(5) Royal Pleasure 17/2, Unreliable individual. Thirteen runs since last win in 2022. Seventh of 10 in handicap at Southwell (6.1f, 22/1) 28 days ago, very slowly away but finishing with running left at the line. Tongue strap back on but he's worth taking on for win purposes. Comes with risk but he's on an attractive mark and this return to 7f looks a plus.
1
7th (1) (7/2 -27%) Swiss Ace
3.5
7/2(-27%)
(1) Swiss Ace 7/2, 3-time C&D winner who again ran well from his reduced mark when second of 7 in a C&D handicap 18 days ago, finding only a thriving rival too strong (the pair clear). One to be interested in at this level with cheekpieces on 1st time. Has solid recent C&D form; good chance provided he takes well to first-time cheekpieces.
4
8th (4) (11/1 +0%) Outrun The Storm
11
11/1(+0%)
(4) Outrun The Storm 11/1, C&D winner. Two wins from 6 runs last year. Shaped as if needing the run after 6 months off when fifth of 7 in handicap (15/2) at this C&D 18 days ago, weakening when headed under 2f out. Should be sharper with that under his belt. Seems held by Swiss Ace on C&D running last month (reappearance).
9
9th (9) (33/1 +0%) Bowman
33
33/1(+0%)
(9) Bowman 33/1, 18/1, eighth of 11 in handicap at Southwell (6.1f) 34 days ago, always behind. Has switched yards ahead of this but Tasever looks a much stronger candidate for the stable judged on recent evidence. Consistent last year until form eventually dipped; debut for new stable.
TASEVER has already won twice over C&D in 2025 and a 2lb rise for the latest of those triumphs may not be enough to stop the five-year-old from continuing in his current vein of form. Novak has been running with credit over shorter in recent weeks and is another with valid credentials, while Swiss Ace and Quandary are worth considering too.
SWISS ACE has steadily fallen in the weights on the back of a winless 2024 and confirmed he could well be ready to capitalise when finding only a thriving, subsequent winner too strong over C&D 18 days ago. He earns the vote to end the drought with first-time cheekpieces fitted. Quandary was just touched off by Tasever when the pair met here recently, and that pair can prove the chief dangers.
Topweight SWISS ACE has strong recent C&D form and is taken to regain the winning thread. Quandary is second choice.
(7) Enola Holmes 11/1, Once-raced filly. Fifth of 8 in novice at Salisbury (5f, good, 11/1) on debut, very slowly away. Off 8 months. Up in trip. First run for yard after leaving Ollie Sangster. Should still progress. Debut last May was encouraging but sold cheaply last August; best watched on stable debut.
5
2nd (5) (3/1 +25%) Fan Mail
3
3/1(+25%)
(5) Fan Mail 3/1, Thrice-raced gelding, best effort when fourth of 11 in novice at Newcastle (6f, 50/1) 35 days ago. One to consider. Well held in 2 turf runs but much better when 4th at Newcastle 5 weeks ago; can do better.
6
3rd (6) (3/1 +10%) Sudden Flight
3
3/1(+10%)
(6) Sudden Flight 3/1, Aclaim gelding. Dam 6f winner. Noteworthy newcomer, especially if the market vibes are positive. Second foal of fair 6f winner (RPR 93); yard can get them ready & the betting should guide.
11
4th (11) (25/1 -79%) Mrs Dowley
25
25/1(-79%)
(11) Mrs Dowley 25/1, Thrice-raced filly. 9/2, sixth of 9 in maiden at Lingfield (8f, AW) 29 days ago. Back down in trip with more required. Perhaps went off too hard at Lingfield (1m) latest; can do better back sprinting.
2
5th (2) (11/2 +45%) Mister Mcgregor
5.5
11/2(+45%)
(2) Mister Mcgregor 11/2, Fair gelding. 9/4, fair fourth of 7 in novice at Lingfield (7f, AW) 10 days ago, slowly away. Remains a maiden after 11 Flat runs. Not at best at Lingfield ten days ago (7f); starting to look exposed after 11 starts.
8
6th (8) (9/4 -13%) Mayday Mayday
2.25
9/4(-13%)
(8) Mayday Mayday 9/4, £22,000 2-y-o, Soldier's Call filly. Half-sister to 7f winner Bride Tree and 1m/8.6f winner Jersey Rocs. One to take seriously on debut. £22,000 breeze-up 2yo; half-sister to two AW winners; leading yard; betting instructive.
3
7th (3) (125/1 +38%) Sonic Pioneer
125
125/1(+38%)
(3) Sonic Pioneer 125/1, Twice-raced gelding. 250/1, fifth of 8 in novice at Lingfield (6f, AW) 8 days ago. More is needed. Modest form in two 6f runs on Polytrack last month; handicaps more suitable after this.
9
8th (9) (16/1 -78%) Saidha
16
16/1(-78%)
(9) Saidha 16/1, Thrice-raced filly. Second of 8 in novice at Lingfield (6f, AW, 10/1) 8 days ago. Improving all the time recently so enters calculations. Improving with experience; last week's Lingfield second was a good run; each-way claims.
10
9th (10) (10/1 -11%) Dance Recital
10
10/1(-11%)
(10) Dance Recital 10/1, Twice-raced filly, posting a solid second of 8 in maiden at Chelmsford City (7f, 8/1) 16 days ago. Not ruled out. Two Chelmsford runs over further; hung left in the straight latest (7f); 6f should be fine.
4
10th (4) (11/1 +31%) Claim That Smile
11
11/1(+31%)
(4) Claim That Smile 11/1, Twice-raced gelding. 5/2, fourth of 7 in maiden at Chelmsford City (6f) 23 days ago. Needs another step forward. Shown some promise in two 6f runs on Polytrack this winter but improvement needed to win.
SAIDHA has improved with every start to date and was only beaten a neck into second over 6f at Lingfield last time. Any further progress here and Mark Usher's filly could get off the mark. Dance Recital also hit the crossbar on her most recent outing and may have more to offer, while any market support for Mayday Mayday on debut would have to be noted.
Those with experience don't set the bar too high so this could rest between newcomers MAYDAY MAYDAY and Sudden Flight with marginal preference for Karl Burke's daughter of Soldier's Call. Mister McGregor appeals as the pick of those who have raced for place purposes.
Mayday Mayday is a newcomer of note but FAN MAIL shaped nicely at Newcastle five weeks ago and he can take another step forward.
(1) Time Patrol 5/2, Scored twice at Bath last year and shaped as if still in good heart at the beginning of this year, improved on recent efforts to win a 9-runner handicap (7/2) at Lingfield (6f, AW) 8 days ago, getting up in the shadows of the post. 3 lb rise is fair and ought to go well again with yard in good form. Snug win at Lingfield eight days ago; 3lb rise shouldn't prevent another big run.
7
2nd (7) (16/1 +20%) Tantomile
16
16/1(+20%)
(7) Tantomile 16/1, Below form when fifth of 7 in a handicap at this C&D 18 days ago and may be up against it again from 1 lb out of the handicap. Low mileage and has hinted at ability but she needs a career best to break her duck.
2
3rd (2) (13/2 -8%) Tommytwohoots
6.5
13/2(-8%)
(2) Tommytwohoots 13/2, Latest win at Nottingham in October. Creditable fourth of 10 in handicap (17/2) at this C&D 11 days ago and claims once again here. Three solid efforts over C&D this winter; should remain competitive.
5
4th (5) (11/2 +31%) Ana Emaraaty
5.5
11/2(+31%)
(5) Ana Emaraaty 11/2, C&D winner. Latest win here in October. 28/1, last of 6 in handicap at Southwell (5f) 8 days ago, outpaced and unsuited by drop in trip. Back up in trip should help today but needs to improve on recent form. Conditions to suit; dangerous mark & he's a leading contender granted any luck in running.
4
5th (4) (3/1 +45%) Fircombe Hall
3
3/1(+45%)
(4) Fircombe Hall 3/1, 6-time C&D winner. Three wins from 21 runs last year. 10/3, eighth of 10 in handicap at this C&D 11 days ago, ran respectably without posing a serious threat. Has hit the frame on both occasions that Billy Loughnane has ridden and holds place claims once again. Multiple C&D winner; not at best last time but type to bounce back quickly; each-way shout.
6
6th (6) (14/1 +30%) Warminster
14
14/1(+30%)
(6) Warminster 14/1, Sixth of 7 in a handicap (16/1) at this C&D 18 days ago, struggling following 3-month break. Needs a big step forward from that effort, especially from 1 lb out of the handicap. Ended 2024 quietly and he was well beaten over C&D on last month's reappearance.
3
7th (3) (7/2 +0%) Asadjumeirah
3.5
7/2(+0%)
(3) Asadjumeirah 7/2, 3-time C&D winner. 8/1, improved on recent efforts to win a 10-runner handicap at this C&D 11 days ago, won without usual headgear and tongue-tie back on. Up 5 lb and should be competitive with tongue-tie retained. Finally exploited his lowly mark with an easy C&D win 11 days ago; obvious chance up 5lb.
10
8th (10) (66/1 0%) Barney's Bay
66
66/1(0%)
(10) Barney's Bay 66/1, Last of 11 in minor event (40/1) at Southwell (7.1f) 17 days ago, headgear having little impact. Tough ask from 1 lb out of the handicap. Struggled for current yard and couldn't be supported with any confidence.
9
9th (9) (20/1 +29%) Badosa
20
20/1(+29%)
(9) Badosa 20/1, C&D winner. Twelve runs since last win in 2024. Cheekpieces on for first time, last of 8 in a handicap (14/1) at this C&D 30 days ago and needs more now racing from 1 lb out of the handicap. C&D win last March but little to shout about since returned to AW in September.
8
10th (8) (16/1 +0%) Secret Daay
16
16/1(+0%)
(8) Secret Daay 16/1, Remains a maiden after 29 Flat runs but ran better when 4 lengths fourth of 10 to Asadjumeirah in a handicap (28/1) at this C&D 11 days ago. Races from a pound out of the handicap and best to look elsewhere for win purposes. 29-race maiden; ran okay behind Asadjumeirah 11 days ago but opposable for win purposes.
Asadjumeirah proved he retains enthusiasm when scoring comfortably over C&D 11 days ago, but is far from reliable and a 5lb higher mark could scupper his chances of following up. Fellow last-time-out winner Time Patrol has form that ties in with that rival and enters calculations off 3lb higher than last week's success at Lingfield. TOMMYTWOHOOTS, who tends to go well for Harry Burns, has been performing with credit in defeat and shades the vote, with the capable rider's 3lb claim a key factor.
TIME PATROL has been in good form all winter and having deservedly got his head in front in first time cheekpieces 8 days ago, he can follow up in a race that doesn't look the strongest on paper. Fircombe Hall has finished in the money on both occasions that Billy Loughnane has taken the reins, so he can hit the frame again along with last time C&D winner Asadjumeirah.
Asadjumeirah, Time Patrol and ANA EMARAATY could be the three to focus on and Jim Goldie's 5yo is marginally preferred.
(1) Lady Dreamer 2/1, C&D winner. Three wins from 13 runs last year. Latest win at Lingfield in September. 11/2, respectable fourth of 9 in handicap at this C&D 25 days ago. Visor back on. Merits consideration. On a fair mark on last year's best; respectable efforts from wide draws the last twice.
4
2nd (4) (16/1 -191%) Siobhanbrogan
16
16/1(-191%)
(4) Siobhanbrogan 16/1, Lightly-raced winner. C&D winner. 28/1, last of 14 in handicap at Chester (6.1f, good). Off 8 months. Can give a good account if shrugging off latest effort. C&D win last February; well held in two handicaps but with excuses; unexposed.
3
3rd (3) (4/1 +27%) Ultramarine
4
4/1(+27%)
(3) Ultramarine 4/1, Course winner. Three wins from 24 runs last year. Latest win here in September. Respectable sixth of 12 in handicap at Kempton (7f, 15/2) 52 days ago. Needs considering. Not at best when last seen but the type to quickly bounce back; best course form at 7f.
6
4th (6) (12/1 +25%) Macanudo
12
12/1(+25%)
(6) Macanudo 12/1, One win from 22 Flat runs. Fourteen runs since last win in 2024. 50/1, last of 8 in handicap at Lingfield (6f, AW) 14 days ago. 0-14 for this yard but often ran well in 2024; low-key return last month; better than that.
5
5th (5) (11/2 +0%) Ben Y Bryn
5.5
11/2(+0%)
(5) Ben Y Bryn 11/2, Lightly-raced sort who landed 12-runner maiden at Chelmsford City (6f). Off 15 months ahead of his handicap debut though so needs to hit the ground running. 6f win at Chelmsford when last seen but that was 455 days ago; gelded since last seen.
2
6th (2) (9/1 -13%) Sovereign Knight
9
9/1(-13%)
(2) Sovereign Knight 9/1, Three wins from 12 runs last year. Latest win at Lingfield in December. Seventh of 8 in handicap at Lingfield (6f, AW, 10/1) 32 days ago. Others more persuasive. Not the most consistent but capable on his good days and this mark is manageable.
8
7th (8) (12/1 +0%) Monsieur Patat
12
12/1(+0%)
(8) Monsieur Patat 12/1, C&D winner. Three wins from 11 runs last year. Seventh of 9 in handicap (18/1) at this course (7.2f) 19 days ago, doing too much too soon. Likely player at these weights. Three wins, two here, last year; dangerous mark but in a higher grade than he's used to.
7
8th (7) (5/1 -25%) Prince Of Bel Lir
5
5/1(-25%)
(7) Prince Of Bel Lir 5/1, C&D winner. Latest win here in January. Creditable third of 9 in handicap (2/1) at Kempton (6f) 12 days ago. In the mix once more. 2nd and 1st in two C&D runs; solid effort at Kempton last time; should be involved again.
Prominent racer LADY DREAMER showed up well for a long way before fading into fourth late on in a competitive race over C&D last time out and, off 1lb higher than her last winning mark, another bold bid to make all looks likely. Ben Y Bryn did it well when scoring over this trip at Chelmsford last time out and he could emerge as the main danger to the selection on his handicap debut. Prince Of Bel Lir is also one for the shortlist.
MONSIEUR PATAT rates the pick of these weights so is worth forgiving his latest seventh here when going too freely and taken to resume winning ways. Prince of Bel Lir is next on the list on the back of his solid Kempton third, with fellow C&D scorer Lady Dreamer also in the picture.
Prince Of Bel Lir has run well in both C&D starts but LADY DREAMER has landed a better draw this evening and may be the answer.
(7) Pockley 5/2, Six-time course winner but 24 runs since last win back in 2023. Not seen to best effect when seventh of 10 in handicap (7/2) at this C&D 11 days ago, denied clear run under 2f out. Lurks on a dangerous mark. Plummeted down the weights in the last 12 months but retains some ability; should go well.
5
2nd (5) (11/4 +50%) Blackcurrent
2.75
11/4(+50%)
(5) Blackcurrent 11/4, Six-time course winner. Nineteen runs since last win in 2023, but in first-time visor he wasn't discredited when fifth of 9 in handicap (18/1) at this C&D 9 days ago. Capable of making a bold bid. Losing run gathering momentum; retains ability but others appeal more for win purposes.
10
3rd (10) (25/1 +50%) Queen For Adaay
25
25/1(+50%)
(10) Queen For Adaay 25/1, Has yet to finish better than mid-division in varied events, always behind after 5 months off when last of 8 in handicap at Southwell (7.1f, 150/1) 9 days ago. Looks to be up against it. Unplaced in all nine starts; has hinted at better but not a solid option.
6
4th (6) (18/1 -29%) Rockley Point
18
18/1(-29%)
(6) Rockley Point 18/1, Four-time course winner. Thirty-four runs since last win in 2023. Fared better than on last couple of starts when fourth of 9 in minor event at this course (7.1f, 40/1) a week ago, but others still look stronger. Veteran; the odd solid effort this winter but surprising if there weren't a few stronger.
1
5th (1) (6/1 -100%) Hurstwood
6
6/1(-100%)
(1) Hurstwood 6/1, C&D winner who got back on track when second of 10 in handicap (17/2) at this C&D 11 days ago. Is now 2 lb below his last winning mark and he could be ready to take advantage. In front of Athollblair Boy when 2nd here 11 days ago; 2lb worse off but likely to go well.
2
6th (2) (11/2 +0%) Athollblair Boy
5.5
11/2(+0%)
(2) Athollblair Boy 11/2, Nine-time C&D winner. Thirteen runs since last success in 2024 but there have been better signs last 2 starts, never nearer when 1¼ lengths fifth of 10 in handicap (11/1) at this C&D 11 days ago. Not ruled out. Conditions ideal and latest C&D fifth was better; could have a 15th win in him.
3
7th (3) (10/1 +38%) Pinpoint
10
10/1(+38%)
(3) Pinpoint 10/1, Off the mark at Ayr in April last year but form went the wrong way towards the end of the campaign, again finishing well held when tenth of 11 in handicap at Southwell (6.1f, 50/1) 49 days ago. Enough to prove at present. Hard to fancy on recent form but he's on a dangerous mark and this race is weak.
8
8th (8) (28/1 -12%) Parson's Meadow
28
28/1(-12%)
(8) Parson's Meadow 28/1, Remains a maiden after 14 starts. After 4 months off, below form when seventh of 8 in handicap (28/1) at this C&D 22 days ago. Tongue strap reapplied with cheekpieces on 1st time. Low-key reappearance last month but the tongue-tie returns and cheekpieces are now added.
9
9th (9) (25/1 +0%) Sacred Melody
25
25/1(+0%)
(9) Sacred Melody 25/1, Finished closer then on previous outings this year when 5½ lengths seventh of 10 in handicap (80/1) at this C&D 11 days ago. Others preferred as she looks for her first victory. Unplaced in all 13 starts; needs to raise her game to trouble the principals.
4
10th (4) (5/1 -67%) My Boy Jack
5
5/1(-67%)
(4) My Boy Jack 5/1, Fourteen runs since last win in 2024 but placed all 3 starts this year, second of 12 in minor event at Southwell (7.1f, 11/4) 17 days ago. Could be thereabouts despite his tendency to start slowly. All wins have come at Wolverhampton but effective elsewhere; should give a good account.
HURSTWOOD appeals from 2lb below his last winning (turf) mark and looks worth chancing after a respectable second in a slightly deeper race over C&D last week. My Boy Jack is a notorious slow starter but can be a key player back over 6f if he doesn't give himself too much to do. With over half the field set to run from out of the handicap, course specialist Athollblair Boy rates the pick of the rest.
Having been dropped in grade, HURSTWOOOD returned to form when runner-up to one who had dropped in the weights at this C&D 11 days ago, so he is taken to get his head back in front this time around. He can see off the challenge of My Boy Jack, who has been in good heart this year, while Blackcurrent could also go well from below his last winning mark.
There could be another win in the 12yo ATHOLLBLAIR BOY judged on his latest run and he can reverse those placings with Hurstwood.
(2) Autumn Rose 3/1, C&D winner in November. Another good effort over C&D when second of 9 19 days ago, running on. The draw could have been kinder but still enters the reckoning. Having just her second AW run when C&D winner in November; creditable 2nd back here latest.
10
2nd (10) (10/1 +38%) Capuchinero
10
10/1(+38%)
(10) Capuchinero 10/1, Sixth of 7 in handicap at Kempton (7f, 11/1) 10 days ago. Not easy to make a case for on recent efforts. Three AW wins on Polytrack; has C&D form but is having a relatively quiet winter.
3
3rd (3) (10/3 +17%) Bint Havana Gold
3.333333
10/3(+17%)
(3) Bint Havana Gold 10/3, Dual AW winner over 6f at the start of 2024. Plenty of creditable efforts in defeat since, proving herself at 7f when third of 12 at Lingfield in November. Should be in the thick of things if fully primed after 10 weeks off. Course winner at 6f; strong-finishing 3rd in first 7f handicap, at Lingfield in November.
9
4th (9) (11/4 +50%) Split Elevens
2.75
11/4(+50%)
(9) Split Elevens 11/4, Five wins from 17 runs last year, the latest over C&D in October. 7/1, creditable third of 8 over C&D 28 days ago. Likely to be on the premises again. Remained in form since latest C&D win in October but tough task latest; thereabouts.
7
5th (7) (11/2 +61%) Triggered
5.5
11/2(+61%)
(7) Triggered 11/2, C&D winner. Fourteen runs since last win in 2023. Respectable fifth of 9 over C&D (14/1) 19 days ago, left poorly placed. Two C&D wins in 2023; 14lb lower than 12 months ago; marginal late gains over C&D latest.
4
5th (4) (14/1 +44%) Havana Touch
14
14/1(+44%)
(4) Havana Touch 14/1, Tenth of 11 in handicap at Lingfield (7f, 28/1) 14 days ago. The yard has more obvious contenders elsewhere. Several good efforts at 7f and 1m between August and October; hard to fancy on recent runs.
11
7th (11) (9/1 +55%) Heavenly Fire
9
9/1(+55%)
(11) Heavenly Fire 9/1, C&D winner last month but held here twice since, latterly 7¾ lengths eighth of 9 to the reopposing South Dakota Sioux. Off the mark over C&D last month; has more to prove on two subsequent runs here.
6
8th (6) (15/2 +32%) Global Warning
7.5
15/2(+32%)
(6) Global Warning 15/2, C&D winner. Latest win at Lingfield in September. Last of 9 in handicap over C&D 19 days ago. Dual C&D winner; hardly ever runs poorly here but did so last time; questions now.
BINT HAVANA GOLD finished with a wet sail when third in a deeper race over 7f at Lingfield latest and she could prove tough to stop now eased in grade off an unchanged mark. South Dakota Sioux impressed when scoring readily over this track and trip recently and he must enter calculations despite a 6lb rise. Second over C&D last month, Autumn Rose merits consideration off the same mark.
If SOUTH DAKOTA SIOUX is in the same form as when readily seeing off 8 rivals here a fortnight ago he might be able to cope with a 6 lb rise. Bint Havana Gold is a model of consistency on AW and will be a threat if ready to roll after a short break. Split Elevens, a stablemate of the selection, and Autumn Rose are others likely to be on the premises.
Sonmarg is respected off his current mark but SOUTH DAKOTA SIOUX (nap) can follow up his recent C&D win.
Racecard Key
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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
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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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