1 Saturday 22nd February 2025 UK Horse Racing Speed Ratings & Tips

Tomform Saturday 22nd February 2025

There were 45 Races on Saturday 22nd February 2025 across 6 meetings. There was 8 races at Fairyhouse, 7 races at Kempton, 7 races at Chepstow, 7 races at Newcastle, 9 races at Southwell, 7 races at Chelmsford-City, no doubt Tomform helped you find a winner.

Races & Results Saturday 22nd February 2025

The data in the racecards below is for the past year. View the racecard key.

13:05 Fairyhouse Maiden Hurdle 16f - 12 Run Class & Speed Card

Form	Odds	Comments
1 1st (1) (8/1 +88%) Great Attitude	8 8/1(+88%)	(1) Great Attitude 8/1, €26,000 3-y-o, Guiliani gelding. Half-brother to 4 winners, including fairly useful hurdler Group Stage, stayed 2½m. Dam 2-y-o 6f winner. Seventh foal; 26,000euros 3yo; half-brother to four winners inc Group Stage (2m hurdle).
2 2nd (2) (10/3 -33%) Kish Bank	3.333333 10/3(-33%)	(2) Kish Bank 10/3, Bumper winner who left hurdling debut form when second of 10 in 2m maiden at Gowran (soft) 30 days ago. Open to further improvement and another bold show likely. Headed inside final furlong when 2nd at Gowran in the mud last month; major player.
7 3rd (7) (18/1 -157%) Watchful Protector	18 18/1(-157%)	(7) Watchful Protector 18/1, Showed clear ability when third of 6 in bumper at Limerick (16f, heavy) on NH debut 25 days ago. Makes hurdles debut. Ran well when third in Limerick bumper last month, looking in need of a sterner test.
4 4th (4) (8/11 +55%) De Temps En Temps	0.727273 8/11(+55%)	(4) De Temps En Temps 8/11, Runner-up on Listowel hurdle debut prior to going one better in 9-runner C&D bumper (good to soft) 42 days ago. Open to improvement. Rattled home from off the pace to win Fairyhouse bumper; holds Supreme Novices' entry.
12 5th (12) (250/1 -25%) Johanna'sjean	250 250/1(-25%)	(12) Johanna'sjean 250/1, Well held both starts in maiden hurdles. Jumping was ragged when down the field in maiden hurdles at this venue; hard to fancy.
9 6th (9) (18/1 -29%) Arch Hall	18 18/1(-29%)	(9) Arch Hall 18/1, Shaped better than the distance beaten suggests when sixth of 14 in maiden hurdle at Limerick (16f, heavy) 25 days ago. Regressed after initial promise, beaten 55l at Limerick latest; needs to up his game.
11 7th (11) (250/1 -25%) Annie Button	250 250/1(-25%)	(11) Annie Button 250/1, Well held in bumper/maiden hurdle. Out with the washing in a bumper and over hurdles around here; stick a line through her.
6 8th (6) (250/1 -67%) Tennesse Boy	250 250/1(-67%)	(6) Tennesse Boy 250/1, 300/1, pulled up in novice hurdle at Naas (16f, heavy) on NH debut 48 days ago, pulled up before 4 out. Sent off rank 300-1 outsider on debut at Gowran and was pulled up; impossible to recommend.
8 9th (8) (80/1 -142%) Hay Baby	80 80/1(-142%)	(8) Hay Baby 80/1, Winning pointer at third attempt but ran to only a modest level when last of 7 in novice at Naas (18.5f, good to soft, 66/1) on NH debut 14 days ago. Failed to make an impression when tailed off at Naas on her rules debut a fortnight ago.
10 \|F\| (10) (8/1 -60%) Ufouria	8 8/1(-60%)	(10) Ufouria 8/1, Made it fourth time lucky in bumpers in 16-runner event at Cork (16f, soft) 36 days ago, driven clear. Makes hurdle bow. Bolted up in Cork bumper latest; holds Mares' Novices' entry; respected on hurdles bow.
5 10th (5) (33/1 -65%) Reliable Prince	33 33/1(-65%)	(5) Reliable Prince 33/1, Sent off 33/1 but showed an aptitude for hurdling when fourth of 10 in novice hurdle at Gowran (16f, soft) on NH debut 30 days ago. May build on that. Outran debut odds of 33-1 when fourth behind Kish Bank on debut at Gowran; could improve.
3 11th (3) (14/1 -56%) Quality Control	14 14/1(-56%)	(3) Quality Control 14/1, €30,000 3-y-o, Sholokhov gelding. Half-brother to fairly useful hurdler/chase winner Lieutenant Highway and fair hurdler/modest chaser Spot On Soph. Respected newcomer. Fourth foal; 30,000euros 3yo; half-brother to winners; respected on debut for top yard.

LTO Selection:hiden content, hiden content, hiden content, hiden content

DE TEMPS EN TEMPS really found his stride in the latter stages of a bumper at this racetrack and actually won going away. This is his second run over hurdles and there should be plenty of improvement to come from him. He holds an entry in the Supreme Novices' Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival. Ufouria is one to note on hurdling debut after a six-length victory in a mares' bumper at Cork last month. She receives plenty of weight from her main rivals. Gordon Elliott's Kish Bank gave best in second on the run-in at Gowran Park and that was a solid effort. Elliott's supposed second-string Quality Control and Watchful Protector, who was third in a Limerick bumper, look best of the rest.

KISH BANK stepped up appreciably on his hurdling debut form when second at Gowran the previous month and is selected to go one better with further improvement on the cards. De Temps En Temps is feared most ahead of newcomer Quality Control.

KISH BANK was only nabbed in the closing stages over this trip at Gowran on latest and is tipped to come out on top

13:15 Kempton Handicap Hurdle (Class 3) 21f - 12 Run Class & Speed Card

Form	Odds	Age
8 1st (8) (5/1 +0%) Saint Anapolino	5 5/1(+0%)	(8) Saint Anapolino 5/1, Going the right way, getting off the mark in Exeter maiden last month and following up in Taunton handicap (2m, soft) 18 days ago. Found extra when tackled on the run-in at the latter and could have more to come, particularly now up in trip. Won over about 2m1f in a maiden and Taunton handicap; shaped as if he'd stay further.
5 2nd (5) (14/1 -17%) Stoner's Choice	14 14/1(-17%)	(5) Stoner's Choice 14/1, Successful over fences and hurdles at Kempton in 2022/23. Second over C&D and fourth at Ascot on his first 2 starts back after a long absence but needs to shrug off a below-par run back at Ascot last month. Showed he retains plenty of ability before well held in hot race latest; good record here.
4 3rd (4) (8/1 -33%) Punctuation	8 8/1(-33%)	(4) Punctuation 8/1, Five-time hurdle winner for Fergal O'Brien and ended his time with that yard with victory in 2m Flat handicap at Goodwood last May. Started out for Nicky Henderson with a respectable fourth of 7 in Doncaster handicap hurdle last month and he's entitled to come on for the run. Respectable debut for yard; stamina not proven but Flat wins at 2m suggest he should stay.
6 4th (6) (11/2 +31%) Court In The Act	5.5 11/2(+31%)	(6) Court In The Act 11/2, Justified strong market support in 2m Market Rasen handicap on reappearance in October, making all. Flopped when unable to dominate a much stronger race at Windsor 3 months later but his yard was quiet at the time and is going better now. Respected up in trip. Mixed; unraced beyond the extended 2m1f of his 8l Market Rasen win and looks bred to stay.
10 5th (10) (20/1 +9%) Kamaxos	20 20/1(+9%)	(10) Kamaxos 20/1, Dual hurdle winner but has yet to fire this season, fifth and beaten when falling last at Newbury (2m, good to soft) last month. Back up in trip. Consistent over hurdles last season but under a cloud this term.
12 6th (12) (5/1 +0%) Gold For Alec	5 5/1(+0%)	(12) Gold For Alec 5/1, The form of his Chepstow third over Christmas has worked out well and he resumed winning ways when stepped up just short of 21f at Huntingdon last month. Raised 9 lb but still high on the shortlist here. Progressing well; drew 6l clear when upped to an extended 2m4f at Huntingdon; up 9lb.
2 7th (2) (7/2 +42%) Doyen Quest	3.5 7/2(+42%)	(2) Doyen Quest 7/2, Improved again when landing a 3m Cheltenham handicap in November but twice found out off a mark in the mid-130s since. Needs to resume his progression now dropping back in trip. Steps back down in distance but it's also a step down from this season's Class 2 events.
3 8th (3) (20/1 -25%) Samarrive	20 20/1(-25%)	(3) Samarrive 20/1, Had some good handicap hurdle form earlier in his career but well held in handicap chase/hurdle at Ascot since returning from a year off. Something to prove at present. 344 days off before soundly beaten both starts this season, the latest last Saturday.
1 9th (1) (22/1 -57%) Pyramid Place	22 22/1(-57%)	(1) Pyramid Place 22/1, Landed an eighth handicap hurdle success of his career when seeing off 3 rivals over C&D in November but found out off this mark in a more competitive race at Doncaster in December. First outing for 10 weeks. Whether he's worth this career-high mark is questionable; 7lb claimer is recruited.
7 10th (7) (12/1 +14%) Tapley	12 12/1(+14%)	(7) Tapley 12/1, Took advantage of a drop in class at Plumpton (2m, soft) in October. Failed to really convince over fences towards the end of 2024 but may fare better back hurdling. Seemed to stay an extended 2m4f over fences here latest; others may be better handicapped.
9 11th (9) (40/1 -43%) Monviel	40 40/1(-43%)	(9) Monviel 40/1, In good form last spring but has struggled for form so far this winter. Given a chance by the handicapper as a result but hard to be confident about. Player if he reverts to the 2m4f form shown last spring but that was in cheekpieces.
11 \|PU\| (11) (12/1 +0%) Malaita	12 12/1(+0%)	(11) Malaita 12/1, Dual chase winner who ran with credit back hurdling when third of 10 in 25f Huntingdon handicap last month. Saw out that longer trip thoroughly but has done most of her racing around 2½m so the return to shorter shouldn't pose a problem. Again ran creditably when upped to 3m at Huntingdon last time on her return to hurdling.

LTO Selection:hiden content, hiden content, hiden content, hiden content

Doyen Quest has struggled to land a telling blow at Cheltenham and Musselburgh the last twice but would have every chance if coming back to the form which saw him win by five lengths at Prestbury Park in November, and dropping in trip may help. However, the penny seems to have dropped with SAINT ANAPOLINO and the hat-trick seeker can stay a step ahead of the assessor now going up in distance. Keep an eye on Gold For Alec too.

SAINT ANAPOLINO has hinted at temperament but there was plenty to like about the way he knuckled down at Taunton last time and this lightly-raced 6-y-o could easily have more to offer. Gold For Alec is another who is going the right way and is second choice ahead of Court In The Act, who can leave last month's Windsor run behind.

There could be further progress from lightly raced pair Gold For Alec and Saint Anapolino but PUNCTUATION is also interesting.

13:25 Chepstow Maiden Hurdle (Class 4) 20f - 12 Run Class & Speed Card

Form	Odds	Age
6 1st (6) (15/8 +32%) Kapal Layar	1.875 15/8(+32%)	(6) Kapal Layar 15/8, Promise when third only start in bumpers and steadily improved in this sphere, best effort yet when second of 7 on handicap debut at Uttoxeter (15.8f) 4 weeks ago. Feasible to think he can do better still now stamina is tested further. Back in a maiden after clear second on recent handicap debut; upped from 2m; big player.
8 2nd (8) (10/3 +17%) Pragnell	3.333333 10/3(+17%)	(8) Pragnell 10/3, £65,000 4-y-o, Diamond Boy gelding. Won sole start in points (Mar 2023) and encouraging start under Rules when fourth in 14-runner maiden at Wetherby (19.7f, soft) 21 days ago, rallying well. Likely he'll come on for the run and respected with progress forthcoming. Kept on well for fourth on recent rules debut at Wetherby; should build on that run here.
4 3rd (4) (8/1 +20%) Five Quarters	8 8/1(+20%)	(4) Five Quarters 8/1, Runner-up sole start in points (Dec 1) and despite being easy to back, offered something to work on when second in 12-runner maiden hurdle at Taunton (19f) 5 weeks ago. Entitled to progress, not least when tackling longer trips. Kept on for remote second on recent hurdling debut and is open to improvement here.
11 4th (11) (7/2 -27%) Star Of Diamonds	3.5 7/2(-27%)	(11) Star Of Diamonds 7/2, Winning pointer at fourth attempt and shaped quite promisingly when fourth of 10 at Haydock (24.2f) on hurdling debut in December, weakening only late on. Couldn't match that when fifth in a Uttoxeter maiden (23.3f) later that month but he's certainly not one to be writing off. Flopped last time but has strong claims if judged on promising rules debut in December.
5 5th (5) (20/1 +20%) Hung Jury	20 20/1(+20%)	(5) Hung Jury 20/1, €24,000 3-y-o, Court Cave gelding. Dam unraced half-sister to smart hurdler/high-class chaser (stayed 25f) Champion Court (by Court Cave). Multiple winning pointer, unplaced last time (Dec 29). Worthy of a market check on debut with cheekpieces fitted. 5-19 in points; ended 2024 with two below-par runs; makes rules debut today.
2 6th (2) (33/1 +0%) Clearisthewater	33 33/1(+0%)	(2) Clearisthewater 33/1, Winning Irish pointer. No great shakes in bumpers but showed aptitude for hurdling when second on hurdles bow at Plumpton (15.9f) in December. Backward step when well-beaten fifth at Ffos Las (21.9f) 16 days ago and handicaps will be more his thing on the back of this. Second at big odds on hurdle debut but well beaten since; others looks safer.
9 7th (9) (125/1 -89%) Pure Blue	125 125/1(-89%)	(9) Pure Blue 125/1, Well held in a bumper/maiden hurdle here both outings to date. Soundly beaten in course bumper and C&D maiden hurdle on first two starts.
12 8th (12) (6/1 -71%) Tyrrhenus	6 6/1(-71%)	(12) Tyrrhenus 6/1, Affinisea gelding. Half-brother to useful hurdler West Balboa and fair hurdler Cottie. Dam unraced half-sister to fair hurdler/useful chaser (stayed 2½m) Clew Bay Cove. Appeals as a likely type on paper for leading yard and market confidence behind him would look highly significant. Half-brother to connections' very useful hurdler West Balboa; market may point the way.
13 9th (13) (50/1 -100%) Woodythewoodpecker	50 50/1(-100%)	(13) Woodythewoodpecker 50/1, Bred to be a stayer and having showed ability in pair of bumpers 8 months apart, he ultimately shaped like a longer-term project in this sphere when pulled up on hurdles bow at Ffos Las (21.9f) 16 days ago. Pulled up on hurdling debut and might be oen for further down the line.
7 10th (7) (300/1 -200%) Nil Vert	300 300/1(-200%)	(7) Nil Vert 300/1, €13,000 3-y-o, Cokoriko gelding. 125/1, always behind when pulled up in maiden hurdle at Ffos Las (21.9f) 16 days ago. Raced lazily and was pulled up when 125-1 for recent debut at Ffos Las (2m6f).
10 \|PU\| (10) (40/1 -60%) Rubys Legacy	40 40/1(-60%)	(10) Rubys Legacy 40/1, Clovis Du Berlais gelding. 11/2 and tongue strap on, offered something to work on when fourth of 6 in bumper at Ffos Las (15.8f, heavy) for Anothony Honeyball last March. Probably best watched now hurdling on return for new yard. Shaped with some promise before weakening in Ffos Las bumper last March.
14 \|PU\| (14) (200/1 -100%) Arctic Blue	200 200/1(-100%)	(14) Arctic Blue 200/1, Blue Bresil mare. Well held only start in bumpers for Ben Clarke and absent 22 months prior to being pulled up on yard/hurdles bow back at Exeter (16.7f) in December. Easy enough to look elsewhere. Showed no promise when 200-1 for hurdle debut at Exeter (2m) in December.

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Kapal Layar sets the standard with an official rating of 106 and the son of Milan is expected to go close, but the vote goes to debutant TYRRHENUS. Dan Skelton's gelding is a half-brother to two hurdle winners, most notably West Balboa, and it's unlikely he'd need to be anything out of the ordinary to make a winning start. Five Quarters finished a well-held second on his hurdling bow last month, but the winner of that race could be useful.

PRAGNELL produced a promising first effort under Rules when fourth in a Wetherby maiden 3 weeks ago and, very much appealing as a likely improver with that under his belt, he could be the way to go for a yard in good form. Kapal Layar is steadily going the right way and is feared along with Star of Diamonds. Newcomer Tyrrhenus is another to note in the betting for Dan Skelton.

Another chance is given to STAR OF DIAMONDS, who flopped last time but can still progress from his promising hurdle debut.

13:35 Newcastle Maiden Hurdle (Class 4) 20f - 4 Run Class & Speed Card

Form	Odds	Age
1 1st (1) (4/7 +52%) Surrey Belle	0.571429 4/7(+52%)	(1) Surrey Belle 4/7, Fairly useful winner at 2m on Flat who didn't need to improve to open her hurdle account in 9-runner novice at Uttoxeter (15.8f, heavy) 14 days ago, kept up to work. Should stay this longer trip and has excellent claims under a penalty. Capable Flat stayer who won easily last time at Uttoxeter; should get this far.
2 2nd (2) (10/1 -43%) Pepite De Saphir	10 10/1(-43%)	(2) Pepite De Saphir 10/1, Has shown some promise in bumper/pair of maiden hurdles so can't be ruled out in this small-field affair. Has at least finished closer in each of her runs but others have better form.
4 3rd (4) (2/1 -82%) Drusilla	2 2/1(-82%)	(4) Drusilla 2/1, Fair on Flat and improved to open her account in this sphere in 14-runner maiden hurdle at Punchestown (19.4f, soft, 14/1) 19 days ago. Big chance in receipt of plenty of weight from main market rival Surrey Belle. More rain the better as the ground was heavy when winning a Punchestown maiden.
3 \|PU\| (3) (50/1 +0%) Vienna Pearl	50 50/1(+0%)	(3) Vienna Pearl 50/1, Modest at best in 3 bumpers runs so has plenty to find now stepping up in trip on hurdle debut. Beaten about 10l in one of her bumpers but looks vulnerable on this switch to hurdles.

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Off the mark over hurdles in a maiden at Punchestown recently, DRUSILLA looks to have been found an excellent opportunity in which to double her tally. Cian Collins' filly receives a handy weight-for-age allowance and can use it to her advantage as she looks to repel the likely challenge of Surrey Belle, who struck at Uttoxeter a fortnight ago. Vienna Pearl warrants a market check ahead of her hurdling bow.

SURREY BELLE pushed the promising Gibbs Island close at Sedgefield prior to opening her hurdling account at Uttoxeter and, with the longer trip likely to be within range, she's taken to defy a penalty. Drusilla is an obvious threat in receipt of plenty of weight, though Pepite de Saphir shouldn't be overlooked, either.

Uttoxeter winner SURREY BELLE has to concede weight to likely danger Drusilla but she was by some way her superior on the Flat.

13:40 Fairyhouse Handicap Hurdle 16f - 7 Run Class & Speed Card

Form	Odds	Comments
7 1st (7) (9/1 -29%) Maxios Prime	9 9/1(-29%)	(7) Maxios Prime 9/1, Lightly-raced maiden. 40/1, fell in handicap hurdle at Down Royal (17.2f, good to soft) 58 days ago (would've been placed at least had she stayed on all fours). Open to improvement. Running well when faller at Down Royal; not one to rule out back against her peers.
5 2nd (5) (10/3 -90%) Janes Harbour	3.333333 10/3(-90%)	(5) Janes Harbour 10/3, Promising type. Third of 7 in juvenile hurdle at Down Royal (16.9f, good to soft, 7/2) 112 days ago, not knocked about. Hood back on and first-time tongue enlisted for this handicap debut. Denied clear run at Down Royal; big player given better luck in running.
1 3rd (1) (4/1 +60%) Butter Fingers	4 4/1(+60%)	(1) Butter Fingers 4/1, Lightly-raced winner over hurdles. 14/1, fourth of 6 in novice hurdle at this C&D (soft) 17 days ago. Makes handicap hurdle debut. Safely held the last twice over C&D; more needed on handicap debut.
4 4th (4) (11/4 +58%) Lakota Blue	2.75 11/4(+58%)	(4) Lakota Blue 11/4, 5/2 and blinkered for 1st time, fourth of 6 in juvenile hurdle at Punchestown (16.2f, heavy) 26 days ago, finding little. Can give a good account without posing serious threat to principals. Initial maiden promise not materialising; down in grade but questions to answer.
2 5th (2) (6/1 -50%) Chortal	6 6/1(-50%)	(2) Chortal 6/1, Fair maiden on the Flat. Fifth of 14 in juvenile hurdle (14/1) at Punchestown (16.4f, soft) 40 days ago. Makes handicap hurdle debut. Encouraging C&D hurdles debut but hasn't built on that; may want better ground.
6 6th (6) (22/1 +33%) Set The Tone	22 22/1(+33%)	(6) Set The Tone 22/1, Thirteenth of 16 in juvenile hurdle (100/1) at Limerick (16f, soft) 58 days ago. Tongue strap on 1st time for this handicap debut. Others more persuasive. Early promise on better ground, poor recent form on softer ground raises questions.
3 \|PU\| (3) (11/2 +8%) Kaptain Bay	5.5 11/2(+8%)	(3) Kaptain Bay 11/2, Lightly-raced maiden. Creditable fifth of 21 in juvenile hurdle (15/2) at Punchestown (16.7f, soft) 91 days ago. Tongue strap back on. Makes handicap hurdle debut. Opening hurdles promise on good ground; back from a break and soft ground a concern.

LTO Selection:hiden content, hiden content, hiden content, hiden content

KAPTAIN BAY has had four spins over hurdles which have yielded two placed finishes at Ballinrobe. He was last seen coming home fifth in a big field at Punchestown and that form is working out well. Janes Harbour returns to action after finishing third at Cork in October and at Down Royal in November. She doesn't look badly weighted, however, slower ground is an unknown for her. Chortal looks the pick of Gordon Elliott's pair based on jockey bookings, while Maxios Prime was running a vastly-improved race when departing at the final flight at Down Royal. Butter Fingers isn't out of it, but his best form is on better ground.

With the likelihood of improvement now going down the handicap route, JANES HARBOUR looks the way to go. Maxios Prime held every chance when exiting late on at Down Royal last time and, provided that she is none the worse for that tumble, a bold show could be on the way. Chortal could be the pick of the Gordon Elliott-trained duo and he also enters calculations.

Unlucky at Down Royal, JANES HARBOUR could well have more to offer and gets the vote

13:50 Kempton Maiden Chase (Class 1) 20f - 6 Run Class & Speed Card

Form	Odds	Age
6 1st (6) (5/4 +23%) Rubaud	1.25 5/4(+23%)	(6) Rubaud 5/4, Smart hurdler, winning Kempton listed and Wincanton Grade 2 this autumn. Quickly reached same level over fences when length second to L'eau Du Sud in Warwick Grade 2 14 days ago. His stable has a strong record in this and the one to beat if stamina holds racing beyond 2m for the first time. Classy hurdler here; fine 2nd at Warwick on second chase start; leading claims if he stays.
2 2nd (2) (8/1 +0%) Boombawn	8 8/1(+0%)	(2) Boombawn 8/1, Useful hurdler and even better over fences, bagging the Grade 2 Rising Stars at Wincanton in November. Made a mistake at a crucial stage when well-held fifth in Newbury Grade 2 later that month. Freshened up since. Won Grade 2 novice at Wincanton in November; soundly beaten since but he's not ruled out.
3 3rd (3) (9/1 +10%) Mark Of Gold	9 9/1(+10%)	(3) Mark Of Gold 9/1, Prolific winning hurdler who made the perfect start in this sphere when landing a 19f Ascot Grade 2 just before Christmas. However, he was a rather fortunate winner that day and finished a well-held third of 4 in Grade 1 Scilly Isles at Sandown since. Won Grade 2 novice at Ascot on chase debut but perhaps lucky; well beaten in Grade 1 since.
5 4th (5) (9/4 +0%) Imperial Saint	2.25 9/4(+0%)	(5) Imperial Saint 9/4, Taken very well to fences this season, winning 3 handicaps. Another good effort when third of 11 in Cheltenham handicap (20.5f, soft) last month. Can make his presence felt outings of handicaps. Has won three good handicaps at Aintree this season and has a big chance on today's terms.
1 5th (1) (17/2 -42%) Ashdale Bob	8.5 17/2(-42%)	(1) Ashdale Bob 17/2, Smart hurdler who resumed his chase career with wins at Kilbeggan (maiden) and Galway (Grade 3) last summer. Capable of giving a good account back from a break but a penalty has the potential to leave him vulnerable for win purposes. 10yo; won Grade 3 novice chase last August; could be capable of better in this sphere.
4 \|PU\| (4) (20/1 +50%) Bhaloo	20 20/1(+50%)	(4) Bhaloo 20/1, Dual novice hurdle winner last season and made successful start over fences in 4-runner handicap at Ascot (19f, good) in November. Tame displays have followed in a hurdle at Cheltenham and chase at Windsor, leaving him with something to prove at present. Won on chase debut at Ascot in November but pulled up the next twice.

LTO Selection:hiden content, hiden content, hiden content, hiden content

Imperial Saint has enjoyed an excellent start to his chasing career with three Aintree victories from five starts, and he wasn't beaten far in a warm Cheltenham handicap last time. He must be respected, but RUBAUD just edges it as his close-up second to L'eau Du Sud in a Warwick Grade 2 a fortnight ago rates the better form. Irish raider Ashdale Bob can chase that pair home.

Paul Nicholls has won this Graded novice 6 times since 2015 and a chance is taken on the stamina of the classy RUBAUD on his first outing beyond 2m. Imperial Saint boasts some strong handicap form and can give him most to do.

Paul Nicholls has an excellent record in the Pendil and RUBAUD is taken to give him his 14th win in this Grade 2.

14:00 Chepstow Handicap Chase (Class 4) 19f - 5 Run Class & Speed Card

Form	Odds	Age
6 1st (6) (6/1 +25%) Passing Kate	6 6/1(+25%)	(6) Passing Kate 6/1, Three-time hurdle winner who added to her good record on testing ground when making a successful chase debut over 17.5f at Exeter last month. However, her jumping went to pot at Wincanton next time (eventually pulled up) and the fences here are not exactly forgiving. Won on last month's chasing debut; pulled up after making jumping errors last time.
1 2nd (1) (10/11 +55%) Royal Jewel	0.909091 10/11(+55%)	(1) Royal Jewel 10/11, Surpassed anything that he's previously achieved when opening chase account here (2m, heavy) last month, seeing things out better than on his 4 previous starts in this sphere. Good reason to think that he can cope with both this 5 lb higher mark and the step back up in trip. Strong claims. Dug deep to for 2m win here last month and has good 5lb claimer enlisted today.
4 3rd (4) (9/2 +44%) Red Nika	4.5 9/2(+44%)	(4) Red Nika 9/2, Successful twice from 3 starts between the flags and, though yet to get his head in front under Rules, he finished second on 4 occasions over hurdles and went agonisingly close in a handicap chase here (23.6f, good to soft) in November. Poor at Doncaster since, though, and now tried in a visor. Went close here (2m7f) in November but well beaten since and now 0-11 under rules.
3 \|PU\| (3) (5/1 +23%) Heros De Romay	5 5/1(+23%)	(3) Heros De Romay 5/1, Fairly useful hurdles winner who made an encouraging start in this sphere when fourth of 7 at Haydock on his seasonal reappearance in December. However, he has failed to build on that since, most recently coming home a well-held fourth in a first-time visor (retained) over C&D recently. Course winner over hurdles; 0-3 over fences but can probably get his act together soon.
5 \|PU\| (5) (12/1 -50%) Barrabooka	12 12/1(-50%)	(5) Barrabooka 12/1, Winner of sole point and confirmed hurdles/Rules debut promise when taking a 2m Wetherby novice in December. Given a considerate introduction to this sphere when fourth behind a better-fancied stablemate at Carlisle and this lightly-raced 7-y-o can be expected to leave that form behind in time. Just a respectable fourth on chase/handicap debut but probably still has potential.

LTO Selection:hiden content, hiden content, hiden content, hiden content

KING ARISE can count himself unfortunate to have bumped into a couple of improvers on his last two starts, most recently at Uttoxeter last month. The son of Kingston Hill was raised 5lb for that latest effort but Luke Scott negates that rise with his claim and the eight-year-old is fancied to gain compensation. Royal Jewel won over 2m here recently and he won't mind the return to this trip while, Red Nika looks sure to appreciate a drop in distance.

ROYAL JEWEL pulled it out of the fire when getting off the mark over fences here last month, battling well to regain the upper hand close home after a mistake at the second-last looked as though it may prove costly. He pulled well clear of the rest with the runner-up that day and this 5 lb higher mark should be within reach. King Arise has done nothing at all wrong since switched to fences and he won't go down without a fight, while likely improver Barrabooka is best of the rest.

All six runners have something going for them but ROYAL JEWEL displayed a very willing attitude to win here last month and is the pick.

14:10 Newcastle Handicap Chase (Class 2) 33f - 18 Run Class & Speed Card

Form	Odds	Age
5 (5) (11/1 -10%) Anglers Crag	11 11/1(-10%)	(5) Anglers Crag 11/1, A big improver for current stable after wind surgery last term, completing the four-timer when narrowly getting the better of Prince des Fichaux in this race 12 months ago. This is a more competitive renewal, though, and he hasn't been at his best in 3 starts so far this season. Won this last year; major player if cutting out last time was because he needed the race.
15 1st (15) (16/1 +60%) Knockanore	16 16/1(+60%)	(15) Knockanore 16/1, Fairly useful winning hurdler who returned to the pick of his form in that sphere when opening chase account in good style at Uttoxeter (2½m, heavy) in December. Placed both subsequent starts, latterly upped to 3m at Market Rasen, but whether he wants a stamina test such as this remains to be seen. 2m4f winner in December; never having raced beyond 3m leaves him with a lot to prove.
2 2nd (2) (11/2 +8%) O'connell	5.5 11/2(+8%)	(2) O'connell 11/2, Improved model this season, building on Carlisle success when easily winning the 27.6f Lincolnshire National at Market Rasen on Boxing Day. Completed the hat-trick with a power-packed finish at Sandown and while an 8 lb rise demands more, he's a strong stayer and is evidently at the top of his game. Hat-trick includes a 3m4f win; up another 6lb but he's going from strength to strength.
7 3rd (7) (10/1 +0%) Passing Well	10 10/1(+0%)	(7) Passing Well 10/1, Ended last season on a bit of a downer but has barely put a foot wrong in 4 appearances since returning to action in November, just touched off by the re-opposing Sporting Ace at Lingfield (28.8f, soft) last time. 1 lb better off with that rival now and it should again be close between them. Upped markedly to 3m5f at Lingfield (heavy) and only just lost out against Sporting Ace.
18 4th (18) (28/1 -12%) Prince Des Fichaux	28 28/1(-12%)	(18) Prince Des Fichaux 28/1, Has performed with great credit on his 2 previous runs here, including when just touched off by Anglers Crag in this race 12 months ago. However, he has struggled since and it's probably best to look elsewhere. Neck second in this race last year off 4lb higher but he's been below form this season.
12 5th (12) (5/1 +41%) Choosethenews	5 5/1(+41%)	(12) Choosethenews 5/1, Point/hurdles winner who made a bright start over fences, showing a likeable attitude when opening his account here (2½m, heavy) last spring. Again performed well at this course when runner-up over 23.4f last time, shaping as though an even stiffer test would be in his favour. Not discounted. Probably well handicapped but this much longer trip would be bit of a guess.
8 6th (8) (25/1 -25%) Major Dundee	25 25/1(-25%)	(8) Major Dundee 25/1, Winner of 2023 Midlands Grand National and was in the process of running creditably when unseating 2 out in this race last year. However, he has failed to fire in a couple of runs so far this season and Tom Cannon prefers Egbert. Close up two out in this contest last year only to unseat; has not fired this term.
16 7th (16) (22/1 +12%) Chemical Warfare	22 22/1(+12%)	(16) Chemical Warfare 22/1, Most progressive since joining this yard, winning for sixth time (and, in the process, enhancing his good record here) since last June when scoring at this course (23.4f, good to soft) in December. Bad mistake 5 out took the wind out of his sail at Doncaster last time (since undergone a wind op). Wind surgery since tailed off last time; had a bountiful 2024 but needs a big career best.
14 8th (14) (14/1 +30%) Sporting Ace	14 14/1(+30%)	(14) Sporting Ace 14/1, Returned to form with headgear omitted when narrowly outpointing Passing Well in a Lingfield marathon last time. 5 lb rise demands more but he promises to be suited by this stamina test and should make his presence felt. Won at Lingfield (3m5f, heavy) last time in a ding-dong battle with Passing Well; up 5lb.
3 \|F\| (3) (25/1 -56%) Egbert	25 25/1(-56%)	(3) Egbert 25/1, Dual chase winner at up to 3m last season and surpassed those exploits on second run of this campaign when landing the Tommy Whittle in decisive fashion at Haydock (25.6f, heavy). Well worth another crack at a marathon trip and 5 lb rise fair, so he could have a part to play. Style of 3m2f Haydock win (heavy) means it's not hard to envisage him as a thorough stayer.
17 \|U\| (17) (8/1 +50%) Lord Roco	8 8/1(+50%)	(17) Lord Roco 8/1, This hurdles winner remains a maiden over fences but has been placed on 5 of his 7 starts in this sphere, including when third in the 23.4f handicap won by If Not For Dylan last time, finishing just behind the re-opposing Choosethenews. Goes into the unknown trip-wise but he's not a forlorn hope. Frequently placed but unraced over even 3m1f, which makes him look speculative.
13 \|U\| (13) (10/1 +38%) Bodhisattva	10 10/1(+38%)	(13) Bodhisattva 10/1, Bounced back to form in a change of headgear when second of 6 in 3m handicap chase at Doncaster in late December. Proved that to be no flash in the pan when also runner-up in the Edinburgh National earlier this month and he's another with a realistic each-way chance. Passed Anglers Crag, among others, to take 2nd in the Edinburgh National (extended 3m7f).
10 \|DQ\| (10) (14/1 +0%) Your Own Story	14 14/1(+0%)	(10) Your Own Story 14/1, Reacted well to first-time cheekpieces when 10 lengths second in the 4m Borders National at Kelso (soft) in December. Didn't disgrace himself in the Welsh version at Chepstow later that month but he could probably do with some respite from the handicapper. 1-14 as chaser, with eight 2nds; abundance of stamina puts him into each-way calculations.
6 \|PU\| (6) (8/1 +11%) Ilikedwayurthinkin	8 8/1(+11%)	(6) Ilikedwayurthinkin 8/1, Useful handicap hurdler/chaser who has won 4 of his last half-a-dozen starts, including a 3¾m contest off an 8 lb lower mark in November. Clear of the rest when finding one too strong at Ayr last time and, unexposed over extreme distances, he is an appealing candidate for this test. Resurgence has yielded four wins, latest in fine style over 3m6f at this track in November.
1 \|PU\| (1) (11/1 -10%) Collectors Item	11 11/1(-10%)	(1) Collectors Item 11/1, Back on track when second in the London National at Sandown in December before going one better in the Somerset equivalent at Wincanton (26.7f, soft). 4 lb rise for that decisive success is by no means harsh and shapes as though this extreme stamina test will be right up his street. Key player. Shapes strongly as if this test will suit; major player despite top weight.
9 \|PU\| (9) (11/1 +21%) Gaboriot	11 11/1(+21%)	(9) Gaboriot 11/1, Scored twice in hunter chases last May and has continued largely in good order, third of 7 in handicap chase at Haydock (28.4f, soft) last time. Stamina won't be an issue (one of the aforementioned hunters that he won was over 32.4f) and each-way claims with cheekpieces refitted. Bit below form last two starts but assured stamina (won 4m hunter chase) requires respect.
11 \|PU\| (11) (66/1 -100%) Bretney	66 66/1(-100%)	(11) Bretney 66/1, Resumed winning ways in the Borders National at Kelso in December but followed that with a poot effort in a valuable Musselburgh handicap and he looks vulnerable. Blinkers refitted. Soft ground seems best for him; pulled up at 25-1 on good to soft in Edinburgh National.
4 \|RO\| (4) (16/1 -14%) History Of Fashion	16 16/1(-14%)	(4) History Of Fashion 16/1, Proved that he possesses abundant stamina reserves when landing a 13-runner handicap at Fairyhouse (29.7f, good) at the beginning of December. By no means disgraced in a valuable contest at Leopardstown during the Christmas period and this Irish raider is not without each-way hope. Won over extended 3m5f at Fairyhouse (soft) in December; creditable 6th in hat-trick bid.

LTO Selection:hiden content, hiden content, hiden content, hiden content

A typically open renewal in which many will fancy their chances, including last year's winner Anglers Crag, who is only 4lb higher this time around. Bodhisattva kept on into second in the Edinburgh National last time and with a further step up in trip likely to suit on that evidence, he could have a say too. The vote goes to the progressive O'CONNELL, though, who completed his hat-trick at Sandown three weeks ago. His demolition job in the Lincolnshire National previously suggests he could be suited even more by this marathon, and an 8lb rise for that recent triumph doesn't look too harsh. Others to note include Collectors Item, Ilikedwayurthinkin and Passing Well.

The pick of several compelling candidates is ILIKEDWAYURTHINKIN, who looks tailor-made for this test judged on his impressive display over 3¾m here on his penultimate start. He jumps/travels well and remains on a plausible mark. Choosethenews bounced back from a poor run at Carlisle when runner-up here last time and he will be a threat if his stamina passes the test, while the likes of Collectors Item, Egbert, Gaboriot and O'Connell all command respect.

This looks highly competitive but COLLECTORS ITEM is given the vote ahead of last year's winner Anglers Crag.

14:15 Fairyhouse Handicap Hurdle 20f - 16 Run Class & Speed Card

Form	Odds	Comments
7 1st (7) (9/1 -13%) Barry Lyndon	9 9/1(-13%)	(7) Barry Lyndon 9/1, Latest win in hurdle at Bellewstown in August. Creditable sixth of 19 in handicap hurdle at Navan (20f, soft, 14/1) 35 days ago. Tongue strap on 1st time. Needs a couple of these to falter. Couple of good efforts in big-field handicaps of late but soft ground would be a concern.
1 2nd (1) (20/1 +0%) Beckett Rock	20 20/1(+0%)	(1) Beckett Rock 20/1, Much improved when making it 2 wins from first 3 starts in minor event hurdle at Clonmel (17f) on penultimate start. Never figured when fifteenth of 18 in handicap hurdle at Leopardstown (16f, good to soft) 20 days ago but this rates less demanding at least. Couldn't deal with opening mark of 136 on handicap debut at Leopardstown so jury is out.
10 3rd (10) (6/1 -20%) Slane Hill	6 6/1(-20%)	(10) Slane Hill 6/1, Latest win in hurdle at Navan in November. Creditable fifth of 20 in handicap hurdle (11/1) at Leopardstown (19.8f, good) 55 days ago. Has to be taken seriously. Excellent fifth of 20 at Leopardstown after being slowly away; big player from same mark.
9 4th (9) (14/1 -40%) Prends Garde A Toi	14 14/1(-40%)	(9) Prends Garde A Toi 14/1, 25/1, 12¾ lengths fifth of 6 to The Big Westerner in Gr 2 hurdle at Limerick (23f, soft) 58 days ago. Stable in good form and return to handicaps now should see him in a better light. Yard also saddle Sporting Glory. Below form in graded and handicap events since Downpatrick win; needs to improve.
2 5th (2) (18/1 +64%) Whatcouldhavebeen	18 18/1(+64%)	(2) Whatcouldhavebeen 18/1, Course winner. 80/1, offered little returning from 6 months off when seventeenth of 19 in handicap hurdle at Navan (20f, soft) 35 days ago. Cheekpieces back on. Has work to do. 7lb higher than last April's win here and was always detached at Navan last time out.
3 6th (3) (9/1 +55%) Shadow Rider	9 9/1(+55%)	(3) Shadow Rider 9/1, Course winner. Creditable eighth of 19 in handicap hurdle (28/1) at Navan (20f, soft) 35 days ago. Others more persuasive. 21l winner of this race last year; 9lb higher but contender if he can recapture that form.
8 7th (8) (22/1 -10%) Donnie Devito	22 22/1(-10%)	(8) Donnie Devito 22/1, 2 wins from 6 runs this season. Eighteenth of 25 in handicap hurdle (33/1) at Leopardstown (24.1f, good to soft) 21 days ago. Hood back on and he ought to find this a little less demanding. Maiden hurdle winner at Punchestown in the summer but both wins have been on good ground.
16 8th (16) (12/1 +14%) Attaboyarchie	12 12/1(+14%)	(16) Attaboyarchie 12/1, Remains a maiden after 17 NH runs. Fifth of 7 in novice hurdle at Naas (18.5f, good to soft, 9/1) 14 days ago. Return to handicaps in his favour but others appeal more for win purposes. Cut out most of the running when 5th over inadequate 18.5f here latest; others appeal more.
13 9th (13) (20/1 -43%) Thornleigh Frank	20 20/1(-43%)	(13) Thornleigh Frank 20/1, Rapid improver during summer of 2023, bringing up the hat-trick in handicaps when grabbing a share of the spoils in 20-runner contest at Galway (22f). However, seemingly not been the easiest to train given his subsequent absence and the betting can guide on this belated return. Hood on 1st time. Had his issues as he's been off the track 570 days so a watching brief is advised; hooded.
14 \|F\| (14) (8/1 -129%) Dancing Jeremy	8 8/1(-129%)	(14) Dancing Jeremy 8/1, 1 win from 2 runs this season. Career best when winning 14-runner handicap chase at Limerick (19.4f, soft, 8/1) 56 days ago, well on top finish. Not taken lightly returned to hurdling. Won't get such an easy lead here but he's potentially well treated back over hurdles.
5 10th (5) (17/2 +58%) No Looking Back	8.5 17/2(+58%)	(5) No Looking Back 17/2, 8/1, respectable tenth of 19 in handicap hurdle at Navan (20f, soft) 35 days ago, ridden before 2 out and one paced. Too soon to be writing him off in handicaps and he could be sharper with that under his belt. Good run behind Brighterdaysahead in the Morgiana but didn't run well on handicap debut.
6 11th (6) (15/2 +0%) Sporting Glory	7.5 15/2(+0%)	(6) Sporting Glory 15/2, Bumper winner who cemented positive start for Gordon Elliott when third in a Thurles novice (22.4f) in January. Best excused subsequent run in Grade 1 company at Leopardstown 21 days ago and he remains with potential now handicapping. Shortlisted. Out of his depth in Grade 1 at Leopardstown but could be thrown in off 130 on handicap bow.
12 \|PU\| (12) (4/1 +43%) Glen Kiln	4 4/1(+43%)	(12) Glen Kiln 4/1, Latest win in hurdle at Navan in December. Creditable eighth of 25 in handicap hurdle at Leopardstown (24.1f, good to soft, 10/1) 21 days ago. Drop back in trip a plus on that evidence and he's of interest again. Ran very well in tough Leopardstown handicap latest; drop in trip will suit; big contender.
4 \|PU\| (4) (16/1 +0%) Kings Hill	16 16/1(+0%)	(4) Kings Hill 16/1, 22/1, bit below form eleventh of 20 in handicap hurdle at Leopardstown (19.8f, good) 55 days ago, not for the first time his finishing effort lacking. Not out of things. Hasn't shown much in recent outings at Cheltenham and Leopardstown; needs more to figure.
15 \|PU\| (15) (25/1 +0%) Starzov	25 25/1(+0%)	(15) Starzov 25/1, 9/1 and cheekpieces on for 1st time, tenth of 11 in handicap hurdle at Kilbeggan (24.2f, good). Off 9 months and others make greater appeal. Hasn't threatened to win in 5 handicap outings to date and has been off the track 281 days.
11 \|PU\| (11) (40/1 -233%) Alpesh Amin	40 40/1(-233%)	(11) Alpesh Amin 40/1, Confirmed previous promise when running out a good winner of a big field Gowran handicap hurdle 12 months ago. Found things much tougher in the Pertemps Final at Cheltenham a month later and he may well come on for this first start for 11 months. Midfield in the Pertemps on final start of season; likely to need this after 345 days off.

LTO Selection:hiden content, hiden content, hiden content, hiden content

DANCING JEREMY reappeared off a three-month break to win a valuable handicap chase at Limerick over Christmas. The assessor gave him a hike for that, but he bids to exploit his lower hurdle mark. Glen Kiln ran well for a long way before finishing unplaced in a higher grade over further at the Dublin Racing Festival. On his penultimate start, he was an easy winner over this trip in Navan. Beckett Rock is a lightly-raced sort who has already clocked up two victories. He could bounce back from a below par run at Leopardstown. Slane Hill has ability but prefers better ground, while Thornleigh Frank ran up a hat-trick in the summer of 2023 but hasn't been seen since then.

Cases can be made for plenty here including SPORTING GLORY. Very low-mileage as a 9-y-o, he's made a very bright start for his present yard and with his latest run in Grade 1 company easily forgiven, he appeals as the type to do better still now his attentions switch to handicaps. Slane Hill, Glen Kiln and Dancing Jeremy are others to consider. No Looking Back is another making each-way appeal.

Slane Hill & Dancing Jeremy should go well but the drop in trip will suit GLEN KILN and he could still be ahead of the assessor

14:25 Kempton Conditions Hurdle (Class 1) 16f - 5 Run Class & Speed Card

Form	Odds	Age
4 1st (4) (10/1 +50%) Mambonumberfive	10 10/1(+50%)	(4) Mambonumberfive 10/1, Fairly useful form over hurdles in France prior to changing hands for €450,000 last summer. Too keen to do himself justice on debut for new yard in the Cheltenham Grade 2 won by East India Dock (like Sauvignon, he was pulled up in that race) but likely to leave that form well behind in time. Placed in France; 450,000euros buy but raced too freely in Grade 2 at Cheltenham (20-1).
2 2nd (2) (9/2 +36%) St Pancras	4.5 9/2(+36%)	(2) St Pancras 9/2, Fairly useful handicapper on the Flat (stays 1¾m), successful twice in 2024. Ran to just a modest level on hurdling debut at Ascot but left that well behind when accounting for 9 rivals in a listed event at Musselburgh (15.6f, good to soft) 3 weeks ago. Open to improvement in this sphere. Fairly useful on Flat; about 17l behind Mondo Man at Ascot but Musselburgh Listed winner.
5 3rd (5) (5/6 -46%) Mondo Man	0.833333 5/6(-46%)	(5) Mondo Man 5/6, Smart on the Flat in France (fifth in the Prix du Jockey Club last summer) and picked up for €520,000 in October. Chased home a potentially very smart juvenile in Lulamba on hurdles debut at Ascot (15.7f, good to soft) where he didn't help himself by taking a strong grip. Should go one better here. Classy on Flat; leading form claims after Ascot second over hurdles, when he didn't settle.
1 4th (1) (11/1 -22%) Sauvignon	11 11/1(-22%)	(1) Sauvignon 11/1, Ex-French performer who cemented excellent start to his career when winning a listed hurdle at Auteuil (17.4f, soft) last June. Ran as though amiss on return/debut for new yard at Cheltenham but yard has won this race several times and he's well worth another chance in view of his French form. Promising in France; however, pulled up when 10-1 in Cheltenham Grade 2 four weeks ago.
6 5th (6) (4/1 +27%) Opec	4 4/1(+27%)	(6) Opec 4/1, Has left her Flat form behind since switched to hurdles, winning first 3 completed starts in this sphere, including a fillies' listed race at Newbury in November. Ran poorly in a Chepstow Grade 2 over Christmas but she will be a threat if able to get back on track here. Player on Newbury Listed-winning form but she then faded badly in a Grade 2 at Chepstow.

LTO Selection:hiden content, hiden content, hiden content,

Opec has a disappointing Chepstow effort over Christmas to leave behind, but her form prior to that was strong and she's had plenty of time to recover. MONDO MAN brings top Flat form to the table, though, and did well to finish as close as he did to the smart Lulamba when he pulled hard at Ascot on his hurdling debut last month. If he's come forward for that experience and can settle better, he might take a bit of beating. St Pancras rates best of the rest.

This sharp track will be ideal for MONDO MAN, who was a smart performer on the Flat and shaped with plenty of promise when second to leading Triumph Hurdle hope Lulamba on debut in this sphere at Ascot. He is open to improvement and will prove hard to beat, particularly if he settles better than he did at Ascot. St Pancras was not in the same league as the selection on the level but he has taken well to hurdles and is next on the list ahead of Opec.

It's no certainty that MONDO MAN will settle better but he has stacks of ability and that will probably be enough to see him win this.

14:32 Chepstow Handicap Hurdle (Class 2) 24f - 13 Run Class & Speed Card

Form	Odds	Age
7 1st (7) (33/1 -32%) J'ai Froid	33 33/1(-32%)	(7) J'ai Froid 33/1, Far from disgraced in big field handicap (eighth of 21) at the Aintree Festival on final run of last season. Tough ask for a veteran performer to win this on the back of a 10-month absence, and this may be a stepping stone to a crack at Festival handicaps in the spring. Backward steps on last two starts and he's now a 12yo returning from 315 days off.
12 2nd (12) (10/1 +50%) Rickety Bridge	10 10/1(+50%)	(12) Rickety Bridge 10/1, Successful on hurdles debut when making all at Southwell (20.5f, heavy) in March but has underperformed this season, last seen when well-beaten here on Welsh National day. Given a break since and for all this greater stamina test should suit, he has a bit to prove from 1 lb out of the handicap. Early days but this season has begun poorly, including over C&D on handicap debut.
6 3rd (6) (6/1 -20%) Firestream	6 6/1(-20%)	(6) Firestream 6/1, Made successful hurdling debut at this venue in November 2022. Confirmed his promise as a hurdler on return from near 2-year absence when landing a 15-runner handicap at Wincanton last month, made mistakes but showed a good attitude. Lightly-raced and claims if he can build on promising comeback. 718 days off before winning on handicap debut at Wincanton (2m4f, good to soft) last month.
11 4th (11) (25/1 +24%) Classic Concorde	25 25/1(+24%)	(11) Classic Concorde 25/1, Veteran performer won this race last year but hasn't been in the same form this season, running poorly when pulled-up at Ffos Las last month. Needs to bounce back. Six wins last term, final one career-best form in this race (heavy); out of form this term.
10 5th (10) (4/1 +27%) Ikarak	4 4/1(+27%)	(10) Ikarak 4/1, 2-2 over hurdles for this yard and shaped as well as ever when landing an 11-runner handicap hurdle at Warwick (25f, good to soft) 33 days ago, travelling better than most and asserting in the home straight. He should enjoy this stamina test and must enter calculations in his current form. Scored at Warwick (3m1f) on both his starts in this sphere for current yard; major claims.
4 6th (4) (11/1 +0%) Lossiemouth	11 11/1(+0%)	(4) Lossiemouth 11/1, Three-time hurdle winner for Tom Lacey at the end of 2021 before long absence, but showed he retains plenty of ability on two starts for current stable this year. Creditable fourth of 12 at Exeter 13 days ago giving the impression he is still working his way to peak fitness. Not dismissed. Did not see 3m/2m7f out as well as three others on either start this term, after layoff.
13 7th (13) (66/1 -100%) Ballymagroarty Boy	66 66/1(-100%)	(13) Ballymagroarty Boy 66/1, Veteran has performed with credit at this venue but has been below par on his 3 completed starts this season and others arrive with more obvious claims. 3lb lower than for Ffos Las win (3m, heavy) December 2023; this season has been a struggle.
5 8th (5) (16/5 +9%) Guard The Moon	3.2 16/5(+9%)	(5) Guard The Moon 16/5, Successful on reappearance/handicap debut this season and continued in rich form finishing runner-up twice (despite errant jumping) latest at Newbury (20.5f) behind Impose Toi, having briefly looked in control on the run-in. Return to longer trip/more testing ground could bring out more improvement. Progressive form sent handicapping over 2m5f, 3m then 2m4f this season.
9 9th (9) (10/1 -11%) Icare Allen	10 10/1(-11%)	(9) Icare Allen 10/1, Has looked rejuvenated at points this season but isn't the most consistent, followed handicap win at Uttoxeter in November with a lacklustre effort at Carlisle the following month. Bounced back to form when second at Catterick 22 days ago and is still one to be interested in off his current mark. Far too many heavy defeats for comfort but he was 1st and 2nd in two of last three starts.
3 \|PU\| (3) (13/2 +64%) Minella Missile	6.5 13/2(+64%)	(3) Minella Missile 13/2, Course winner was a promising novice hurdler (won Grade 2 hurdle at Cheltenham's November meeting in 2023) but had problems since. Needed reappearance run last month before struggling (pulled up) over an inadequate trip 2 weeks ago. Fairly handicapped and won't lack for fitness on return to 3m. Grade 1 Stayers' entry; soon struggling two weeks ago but in a top 2m handicap at Newbury.
1 \|PU\| (1) (18/1 -350%) Maximilian	18 18/1(-350%)	(1) Maximilian 18/1, Very smart novice hurdler last seen finishing an excellent second in the Grade 1 Sefton Novices Hurdle at Aintree back in April 2023, only denied by a game winner. Clearly had issues since and market should reveal what's expected following 680-day absence. One of the top staying novices of the 2022-23 season; not seen for 680 days.
8 \|PU\| (8) (18/1 -50%) Gold In The Rivers	18 18/1(-50%)	(8) Gold In The Rivers 18/1, Steadily progressive for Gordon Elliott and improved for pipe-opener on stable debut when fourth in a Pertemps qualifier at Carlisle in December, travelling well but not finding much. Subsequent wind surgery/addition of tongue-tie may help produce a stronger finishing effort. Not ruled out. Below form in his two races for new stable; had wind surgery since handicap debut latest.
2 \|PU\| (2) (25/1 -25%) Anna Bunina	25 25/1(-25%)	(2) Anna Bunina 25/1, Likeable mare was below form after 3 months off when finishing eighth in a Pertemps Qualifier at Musselburgh. Entitled to be sharper (with cheekpieces fitted) but needs to improve to hit the frame and secure a place in the Pertemps Final at Cheltenham (where she finished a respectable 7th in 2024). Performed far worse at Musselburgh three weeks ago than she did last year; cheekpieces now.

LTO Selection:hiden content, hiden content, hiden content, hiden content

An open contest in which only a tentative vote goes to IKARAK, who has been successful on each of his last two starts over hurdles either side of a disappointing effort over fences. Olly Murphy's charge appears to have turned a corner this campaign and a subsequent 4lb rise for his latest Warwick triumph should be no barrier to further success. Guard The Moon continues to knock on the door and must be respected, along with Firestream, who made a winning return to action last month. Others to note include Icare Allen and last year's victor Classic Concorde.

A half-brother to a smart staying chaser, we may yet see the best of GUARD THE MOON over this trip, and he can go one better than when finishing runner-up to a smart handicapper from the Nicky Henderson stable last time. Lossiemouth has shown much promise since returning from a long absence, he heads the dangers ahead of Icare Allen who is still well-treated if on a going day, and Ikarak who has looked as good as ever over hurdles for the Olly Murphy team.

The most solid option appears to be IKARAK who is 2-2 over hurdles for this yard and will see the trip out well.

14:40 Southwell Listed (Class 1) 5f - 11 Run Class & Speed Card

Form	Odds	Age
3 1st (3) (13/2 -8%) Clarendon House	6.5 13/2(-8%)	(3) Clarendon House 13/2, C&D winner. Nine wins from 27 runs but badly out of sorts at the end of last season, including running a moody race in a visor (discarded) when 11 lengths last of 4 to Tees Spirit in conditions event at Beverley on final start. The suspicion is he'll do well to repeat last year's third in this. Ability not in question but slow starts were damaging when last in action; carries risk.
1 2nd (1) (15/8 +25%) Marshman	1.875 15/8(+25%)	(1) Marshman 15/8, Back to his best since being gelded, winning over 6f at Newcastle (handicap) and Lingfield (listed; by 1¼ lengths from Mitbaahy) in recent weeks. A penalty shouldn't prevent another bold bid. Revitalised by wind/gelding ops last summer; easy win in Listed race latest; strong claims.
11 3rd (11) (4/1 +33%) Valiant Force	4 4/1(+33%)	(11) Valiant Force 4/1, Useful colt. 8/11, won 4-runner conditions event at Dundalk (6f) on reappearance 15 days ago, readily. Makes tapeta debut. Respected. 2-3 at Dundalk since October; won easily (6f) latest but dictated a steady pace.
6 4th (6) (14/1 +13%) Fivethousandtoone	14 14/1(+13%)	(6) Fivethousandtoone 14/1, Useful gelding. 40/1, first run since leaving Andrew Balding when seventh of 10 in handicap at Kempton (6f) 10 days ago, left poorly placed. Should strip fitter for the run. Done little wrong on AW in last two years; promising stable debut latest; first run at 5f.
4 5th (4) (4/1 -20%) Diligent Harry	4 4/1(-20%)	(4) Diligent Harry 4/1, Did very well last February, winning a 6f Lingfield listed and following up in this race. Shaped as if needing the outing when fourth to Marshman in that same Lingfield contest 3 weeks ago and should be spot on now. Leading claims under Buick. 7-12 on AW, including defying a penalty in this race last year; sharper for recent return.
12 6th (12) (125/1 -89%) Pure Angel	125 125/1(-89%)	(12) Pure Angel 125/1, Fairly useful mare. Creditable second of 5 in handicap (5/2) at Kempton (6f) 33 days ago. Stiff task in this company. Two good AW runs last month but looks to be flying too high at this level.
7 7th (7) (20/1 +60%) Hiya Maite	20 20/1(+60%)	(7) Hiya Maite 20/1, Useful C&D winner. Creditable second of 9 in handicap (11/2) at Wolverhampton (5f) 14 days ago. Cheekpieces back on. Conditions to suit and comes here in form but this looks a stiff assignment.
5 8th (5) (12/1 -9%) Equilateral	12 12/1(-9%)	(5) Equilateral 12/1, A 10-y-o now but he produced a smart handicap performance to score over C&D in December. Last of 5 in handicap (11/4) at Wolverhampton (5f) since and isn't the easiest to predict these days. C&D win in December was a good effort but he finished weakly at Wolverhampton latest.
2 9th (2) (28/1 -12%) Bedford Flyer	28 28/1(-12%)	(2) Bedford Flyer 28/1, Useful C&D winner. Twelve runs since last win in 2023. Creditable second of 5 in handicap (7/1) at Wolverhampton (5f) 28 days ago. Has a bit to find at this level. Comes here in good form but he'll do well to better last season's fourth in this race.
10 10th (10) (40/1 -60%) Tees Spirit	40 40/1(-60%)	(10) Tees Spirit 40/1, Useful gelding. Three wins from 10 runs last year. Bit below form 2¾ lengths seventh of 13 to Ostraka in Mercury at Dundalk (5f, 28/1) on final start. Off 120 days. Makes tapeta debut. Prominent racer; behind a couple of these at Dundalk when last seen; others look stronger.
9 11th (9) (33/1 -106%) Ostraka	33 33/1(-106%)	(9) Ostraka 33/1, Useful mare. Three wins from 10 runs last year, including Group 3 Mercury Stakes (66/1) at Dundalk (5f) in October. More will be needed if she is to defy a penalty on this first outing since. Sprung 66-1 shock in Dundalk Group 3 last October; much more needed to defy a penalty.

LTO Selection:hiden content, hiden content, hiden content, hiden content

Kachy Stakes winner Marshman, who is 2-2 since being gelded and undergoing wind surgery, commands respect but has done most of his winning over 6f and may have his hat-trick bid thwarted under a 3lb penalty for that Listed race success. With those aspects in mind, DILIGENT HARRY (fourth) can turn the Lingfield form around with his old rival and appears ideally primed with his bid for back-to-back wins in this race. Irish raiders Valiant Force and Ostraka add further depth and hold solid each-way chances.

DILIGENT HARRY is taken to turn around recent Lingfield form with Marshman and land this listed prize for the second year running. Karl Burke's 5-y-o is second choice ahead of Irish raider Valiant Force.

Marshman's claims are obvious but FIVETHOUSANDTOONE has a solid record on AW, shaped well on his stable debut and could relish 5f.

14:45 Newcastle Maiden Hurdle (Class 4) 17f - 10 Run Class & Speed Card

Form	Odds	Age
9 1st (9) (6/4 +40%) Young Getaway	1.5 6/4(+40%)	(9) Young Getaway 6/4, Built on the promise shown in a couple of bumpers last season when third of 7 on 2m Ayr hurdle debut in October. Confirmed he has a fair level of ability when 10 lengths third at Kelso but didn't improve for step up to 20.3f at Newcastle a month ago. Should be in the mix. Has made the frame on all three hurdle starts and he could be a player.
1 2nd (1) (10/1 0%) Cahier's Den	10 10/1(0%)	(1) Cahier's Den 10/1, €5,500 3-y-o, £20,000 4-y-o, Idaho gelding. Dam, ran twice over hurdles, half-sister to fair hurdler/useful chaser Ballyadam Approach. Won second of 2 outings in Irish points in May and stuck to his task well when runner-up on hurdles bow in November. Unable to match that twice since. Point winner who was second on hurdle debut, but soundly beaten the next twice.
4 3rd (4) (10/11 -10%) He's Bresilian	0.909091 10/11(-10%)	(4) He's Bresilian 10/11, Failed to complete in 2 points but has shaped with more encouragement in a couple of bumpers and even better form when third of 10 on last month's hurdles bow at Wetherby. Expected to build on that so he's a major player. 50-1 third at Wetherby on hurdle debut and he's the one to beat if confirming that promise.
5 4th (5) (15/2 +25%) New Invention	7.5 15/2(+25%)	(5) New Invention 15/2, €18,000 3-y-o: closely related to useful hurdler/fairly useful chaser A Great View (winner up to 3¼m) and fairly useful hurdler (2m winner) Roll It Out (both by Kayf Tara), stayed 23f, and half-brother to a winner: dam unraced half-sister to useful bumper winner/very smart hurdler (2m-2½m winner) Liss A Paoraigh. Catches the eye on breeding and market support could precede a big run on debut.
6 5th (6) (200/1 -100%) Old But Gold	200 200/1(-100%)	(6) Old But Gold 200/1, Already had a breathing op and looks very limited on early evidence. Went close in a point but tailed off on both hurdle starts.
2 6th (2) (25/1 -25%) Fast Work	25 25/1(-25%)	(2) Fast Work 25/1, Bred more for the Flat but just modest form at best in bumpers. Fair third here in the middle of his three bumpers; not ruled out each-way on hurdle debut.
7 7th (7) (200/1 -100%) The Dipper	200 200/1(-100%)	(7) The Dipper 200/1, Well held in bumper and 3 starts over hurdles. Down the field on all four starts, at big odds over hurdles for the last three.
8 8th (8) (40/1 0%) Woody's Boy	40 40/1(0%)	(8) Woody's Boy 40/1, €5,200 3-y-o, Hillstar gelding. Closely related to fair hurdler/chaser Manofthemoment and fair hurdler A Different World, stays 3m. Had a breathing operation ahead of this debut. 4,000euros foal, 5,200euros 3yo; close relation to 2 winners; may be best watched on debut.
10 9th (10) (200/1 -100%) Violeta	200 200/1(-100%)	(10) Violeta 200/1, Modest maiden handicapper on Flat bit no impact both starts over hurdles. Poor strike-rate on the Flat; tailed off at 80-1 on both hurdle runs.
3 10th (3) (33/1 +0%) Freedom Day	33 33/1(+0%)	(3) Freedom Day 33/1, Fair Flat winner but made an inauspicious hurdles/stable debut when unseating rider at the first. Ability on the Flat but jumped right and unseated at first flight on recent hurdle debut.

LTO Selection:hiden content, hiden content, hiden content, hiden content

This won't take much winning and He's Bresilian holds an obvious chance. Third on his hurdling bow at Wetherby last month, the son of Blue Bresil should improve and go very close, but a chance can be taken on NEW INVENTION. The five-year-old is related to a few useful winners and, although his future will perhaps lay over further, it wouldn't be surprising were he good enough to land this. Young Getaway heads the remainder.

HE'S BRESILIAN surpassed his bumper form at the first attempt over hurdles when third at Wetherby a month ago and with improvement likely, this looks a good opportunity. Young Getaway should be on the premises again, with Cahier's Den a player on his debut form.

This looks a good opportunity for HE'S BRESILIAN, who was a promising third at 50-1 on his hurdle debut at Wetherby last month.

14:50 Fairyhouse Handicap Hurdle 20f - 24 Run Class & Speed Card

Form	Odds	Comments
28 (28) (22/1 -38%) Wendell's Lass	22 22/1(-38%)	(28) Wendell's Lass 22/1, Cheekpieces on for 1st time, fell in handicap hurdle (6/1) at Punchestown (19.6f, soft) 40 days ago looking set to go close. Can make presence felt. RESERVE. Best form so far at 2m but promises to stay 2m4f; don't rule out if getting a run; reserve.
20 1st (20) (15/2 +25%) Westernersunrise	7.5 15/2(+25%)	(20) Westernersunrise 15/2, Good fourth of 20 in handicap hurdle at Punchestown (23f, heavy, 6/1) 26 days ago. Not taken lightly. Punchestown run a step in the right direction; shorter trip could suit.
12 2nd (12) (20/1 +9%) Joya Del Mar	20 20/1(+9%)	(12) Joya Del Mar 20/1, Respectable fifth of 11 in handicap hurdle (8/1) at this course (19.8f, soft) 17 days ago, unsuited by drop in trip. Needs a couple of these to falter. Recent C&D effort encouraging having been hampered; place claims.
7 3rd (7) (14/1 +44%) Nelson County	14 14/1(+44%)	(7) Nelson County 14/1, Thrice-raced maiden. 100/1, eighth of 16 in novice hurdle at Punchestown (16.2f, heavy) 26 days ago. Back up in trip. Makes handicap hurdle debut. Potential improver. Upped in trip for handicap debut and one of the least exposed.
26 4th (26) (20/1 +60%) Nettuno Italia	20 20/1(+60%)	(26) Nettuno Italia 20/1, Thrice-raced maiden. Tenth of 16 in novice hurdle (300/1) at Punchestown (16.2f, heavy) 26 days ago. Up in trip. Makes handicap hurdle debut. Should progress. RESERVE. Little to take from three maiden runs at 2m; upped in trip for handicap debut; reserve.
24 5th (24) (18/1 +10%) Chosen Shant	18 18/1(+10%)	(24) Chosen Shant 18/1, Pulled up in handicap chase (15/2) at Navan (24f, soft) 35 days ago, tailed off when pulled up after 3 out. Switches from chase to hurdles. Tongue strap back on. 0-23 over hurdles for Ciaran Murphy and two recent chase efforts don't inspire confidence.
5 6th (5) (10/1 +29%) Elusive Guy	10 10/1(+29%)	(5) Elusive Guy 10/1, Eleven runs since last win in 2022. Creditable third of 13 in handicap hurdle at this course (19.8f, soft, 13/2) 17 days ago, running on. Others more persuasive. Recent C&D staying-on third augurs well; ground no problem.
10 7th (10) (6/1 +73%) Glorytogod Tom	6 6/1(+73%)	(10) Glorytogod Tom 6/1, 22/1, creditable sixth of 20 in handicap hurdle at this C&D (soft) 52 days ago. Can give a good account without posing serious threat to principals. Ran well for long way on last month's C&D effort; not one to rule out.
16 8th (16) (17/2 -13%) Read To Return	8.5 17/2(-13%)	(16) Read To Return 17/2, One win from 21 NH runs. Respectable fifth of 10 in handicap chase at Down Royal (24f, good to soft, 7/2) 32 days ago, not ideally placed. Switches from chase to hurdles. Merits consideration. Best recent form at 3m so could struggle at this trip.
21 9th (21) (33/1 -65%) Glenetty	33 33/1(-65%)	(21) Glenetty 33/1, Excellent third of 12 in handicap hurdle at Punchestown (23.3f, soft, 66/1) 19 days ago. Improved form though that was, she will probably again find one or two too good. Promising handicap debut at Punchestown; drop in trip could suit and one to consider.
9 10th (9) (66/1 +0%) Brianna Lily	66 66/1(+0%)	(9) Brianna Lily 66/1, 20/1, last of 12 in handicap hurdle at Punchestown (23.3f, soft) 19 days ago. Others more persuasive. Dual Clonmel winner but recent efforts leave her with a fair bit to find.
22 11th (22) (25/1 +24%) Kobalt St Georges	25 25/1(+24%)	(22) Kobalt St Georges 25/1, Last of 9 in handicap chase at Clonmel (16.9f, soft, 12/1) on debut over fences 38 days ago. Switches from chase to hurdles. Very hard to make a case for. Struggled so far in handicaps; hard to make a case for despite reduced mark.
19 12th (19) (100/1 -100%) Real Empire	100 100/1(-100%)	(19) Real Empire 100/1, Unseated rider in novice hurdle (80/1) at Galway (16.8f, soft). Off 6 months. First run for yard after leaving John Joseph Hanlon. Hood back on. Makes handicap hurdle debut. May well do better. Bumper promise but hurdles form so far hasn't matched up; best watched on handicap debut.
11 \|PU\| (11) (4/1 0%) Leah's Contessa	4 4/1(0%)	(11) Leah's Contessa 4/1, Lightly-raced winner over hurdles. 5/1, didn't need to improve to win 13-runner novice hurdle at this course (20.4f, soft) 28 days ago, always holding on. Makes handicap hurdle debut. Recent C&D maiden winner; hooded for handicap debut with more likely.
2 \|PU\| (2) (10/1 +29%) In For The Night	10 10/1(+29%)	(2) In For The Night 10/1, Winner in hurdle at Gowran in October. Tenth of 12 in handicap hurdle at Punchestown (19f, heavy, 11/2) 53 days ago, not knocked about. Looks competitive on form. Back from short break, penultimate C&D second gives him definite claims.
4 \|PU\| (4) (12/1 +40%) Way Down South	12 12/1(+40%)	(4) Way Down South 12/1, Lightly-raced winner over hurdles. 12/1, career best when winning 15-runner novice hurdle at Limerick (19f, soft) 55 days ago by 6½ lengths from Annamaymurt, driven clear. Something to find on form. Good attitude to win Limerick maiden; needs to jump better now in handicap company.
14 \|PU\| (14) (13/2 -8%) Wardens Whisper	6.5 13/2(-8%)	(14) Wardens Whisper 13/2, 6/4, career best when winning 10-runner handicap hurdle at Cork (16.9f, soft) 36 days ago, readily. Enters calculations. Enterprisingly ridden for recent Cork win; 7lb higher and may not get such leeway here.
1 \|PU\| (1) (14/1 +13%) Whale Harbour	14 14/1(+13%)	(1) Whale Harbour 14/1, Lightly-raced maiden. Creditable third of 15 in novice hurdle at Ballinrobe (16.3f, good to soft, 11/4). First run for yard after leaving Gavin Patrick Cromwell. Makes handicap hurdle debut. Ex Gavin Cromwell-trained 6yo; absent since last May and opening mark on the high side.
6 \|PU\| (6) (20/1 -25%) Kilbarry Ce Ce	20 20/1(-25%)	(6) Kilbarry Ce Ce 20/1, Lightly-raced maiden. 9/2, below form fifth of 13 in novice hurdle at Clonmel (16.9f, soft) 38 days ago. Hood on 1st time. Makes handicap hurdle debut. Easy to look elsewhere. Some maiden promise; hooded for handicap debut but others preferred.
25 \|PU\| (25) (25/1 +50%) Aswellasabentley	25 25/1(+50%)	(25) Aswellasabentley 25/1, Thrice-raced maiden. Eighth of 13 in juvenile hurdle (33/1) at this course (16f, soft) 17 days ago. Up in trip. Makes handicap hurdle debut. Likely to improve. Potential improver now upped in trip for handicap debut, market may prove best guide.
3 \|PU\| (3) (28/1 +15%) Lord Lariat	28 28/1(+15%)	(3) Lord Lariat 28/1, 33/1, fourth of 11 in handicap hurdle at this course (19.8f, soft) 17 days ago, inadequate test. Looks vulnerable. Encouraging recent C&D comeback run; more expected of from favourable hurdles mark.
15 \|PU\| (15) (33/1 -32%) Annamaymurt	33 33/1(-32%)	(15) Annamaymurt 33/1, Pulled up in handicap hurdle (6/1) at Limerick (21f, heavy) 25 days ago. Has work to do. Lost action last time, penultimate Limerick second to Way Down South puts him in the mix.
13 \|PU\| (13) (33/1 +0%) Rajsalad	33 33/1(+0%)	(13) Rajsalad 33/1, Fell in handicap hurdle at this course (19.8f, soft, 11/1) 17 days ago. Was off for more than 2 years prior to that, so he's entitled to come on for the run. Ran well for long way before faller two out (beaten) over C&D on recent comeback run.
8 \|PU\| (8) (125/1 -150%) Simpletwistoffaith	125 125/1(-150%)	(8) Simpletwistoffaith 125/1, Last of 5 in novice hurdle (250/1) at Thurles (22.4f, good) 34 days ago. Cheekpieces on 1st time. Others more persuasive. Has struggled since going handicapping; cheekpieces tried but remains opposable.

LTO Selection:hiden content, hiden content, hiden content, hiden content

LEAH'S CONTESSA was good enough to land a maiden hurdle at this track without fully settling. A first-time hood is tried and she is on a mark she ought to be competitive off on handicap debut. One And Only had a productive December at Cork with a victory and a runner-up berth posted, so he can get into contention. Kingkong Ciergues left previous efforts well behind when just pipped by a head at this track, which makes him dangerous. There was promise in Glenetty's third place on handicap debut at Punchestown, while Wardens Whisper made all over a shorter trip at Cork and wasn't winning out of turn. Elusive Guy is another to consider in a competitive race.

The vote goes to WARDENS WHISPER, who deservedly opened his account at Cork last month and a 7 lb rise looks manageable. Westernersunrise is second choice ahead of In For The Night and Read To Return. If One And Only goes to post (due to run at Punchestown on Friday), he will also need considering.

Recent C&D second KINGKONG CIERGUES holds a major chance of going one better

15:00 Kempton Maiden Hurdle (Class 1) 16f - 7 Run Class & Speed Card

Form	Odds	Age
3 1st (3) (5/2 +38%) Tripoli Flyer	2.5 5/2(+38%)	(3) Tripoli Flyer 5/2, Most progressive in bumpers last term and is well on his way to living up to that promise over hurdles, making the most of a good opportunity at Market Rasen and then impressing with how quickly he settled matters in a falsely-run race at Musselburgh (15.6f). Open to plenty more improvement. 2-3 over hurdles; needs to jump better but his raw ability is much respected.
6 2nd (6) (9/5 +10%) Miami Magic	1.8 9/5(+10%)	(6) Miami Magic 9/5, Point winner who shaped well in a bumper (for D. Peters) and looked good in winning his first 2 starts over hurdles. Improved a chunk upped appreciably in grade when second in Formby Novices' Hurdle at Aintree (17f, soft) on Boxing Day and sets the benchmark. C&D winner who found only the one too good in Aintree's Grade 1 at Christmas.
2 3rd (2) (10/3 +17%) Celtic Dino	3.333333 10/3(+17%)	(2) Celtic Dino 10/3, Dual bumper winner who made the perfect start over hurdles when winning a Wincanton novice (15.2f) in October and looked potentially useful when following up at Ascot (15.7f). Shaped a bit better than the result when fourth in the Formby (Miami Magic second) and should make his presence felt. Unbeaten over hurdles until below his best on soft ground in a Grade 1 at Aintree.
5 4th (5) (125/1 -89%) Blues Singer	125 125/1(-89%)	(5) Blues Singer 125/1, Overcame inexperience to make a winning start in course junior bumper in March, green but coming clear. Matched that form when runner-up under a penalty at Ascot but too keen when well held in a stronger race there last time and starts out over hurdles in the face of a stiff task. Good bumper form but lacks hurdling experience and this is a big ask.
4 5th (4) (12/1 +0%) Andashan	12 12/1(+0%)	(4) Andashan 12/1, Course bumper winner who was much improved from hurdling debut under more positive tactics when easily landing C&D novice15 days ago. That performance is supported by the timefigure and he shouldn't be taken lightly up in grade. A major spike in his form when making all for a comfortable maiden win here.
8 6th (8) (14/1 -56%) Starcrossed Lover	14 14/1(-56%)	(8) Starcrossed Lover 14/1, Confirmed the promise he'd shown in Ireland for Colm Murphy when landing 11-runner maiden hurdle at Windsor (16f, good to soft) in December. Defied a penalty in impressive style at Hereford and well worth his place in this better company. Tackling his first Graded race but he's won his two minor hurdles with lots in hand.
7 \|PU\| (7) (15/2 +0%) Roysse	7.5 15/2(+0%)	(7) Roysse 15/2, Unbeaten in 3 points and duly built on his Rules debut promise when beating 4 subsequent winners in a Newbury bumper. Nearly 30 lengths clear when falling last on second hurdle start back at aforementioned track in December before gaining compensation at Uttoxeter (15.8f). Unlikely shown all he can. Keen-going front-runner but very talented and Kempton should suit him well.

LTO Selection:hiden content, hiden content, hiden content, hiden content

MIAMI MAGIC was far from disgraced when stepping up to the top level and taking the silver medal home at Aintree on Boxing Day. The six-year-old has improved with each of his three hurdle starts to date and could take another step forward, which would make him very tough to beat. Tripoli Flyer justified short odds in easy style at Musselburgh at the start of the month and would be foolish to dismiss, despite this representing a considerable step up in grade. Celtic Dino is the pick of the remainder.

The run of the race was hardly conducive to an impressive display, so the fact TRIPOLI FLYER was still able to open up in taking fashion late on at Musselburgh on his most recent outing suggests he has smart potential, so he's the strong choice to come out on top in the likelihood he’ll raise his game plenty more now taking on better company. Miami Magic ran a cracker when second in the Grade 1 Formby on Boxing Day and sets the standard on that effort, with Starcrossed Lover also interesting.

Formby runner-up MIAMI MAGIC sets the standard after making Potter's Charm pull out all the stops in that Grade 1.

15:07 Chepstow Handicap Chase (Class 2) 16f - 7 Run Class & Speed Card

Form	Odds	Age
5 1st (5) (6/1 -33%) Dr T J Eckleburg	6 6/1(-33%)	(5) Dr T J Eckleburg 6/1, Better than ever when scoring at Haydock in November and placed all 3 starts since, including when excellent second from 5 lb out of the weights at Sandown 3 weeks ago. Races of 1 lb higher here so needs to improve again. Career-best form when second at Sandown this month; has very solid record over C&D.
6 2nd (6) (11/8 +21%) Javert Allen	1.375 11/8(+21%)	(6) Javert Allen 11/8, Lightly-raced 6-y-o who didn't do much wrong in handful of runs over hurdles and perfect start in this sphere when making all over C&D/Newbury both starts this season. More to come and can defy another 5 lb rise. Made excellent start to chasing career in autumn, dominating over C&D and at Newbury.
2 3rd (2) (17/2 -21%) Harper's Brook	8.5 17/2(-21%)	(2) Harper's Brook 17/2, Has his quirks but has plenty of ability and got off the mark for the season/current yard under a cute ride at Wetherby over Christmas. Failed to make much of an impact after a jolting error in deeper race at Windsor since and needs things to drop right. Cajoled to narrow win in December but this quirky customer always comes with risk attached.
3 4th (3) (8/1 +0%) Sans Bruit	8 8/1(+0%)	(3) Sans Bruit 8/1, Ran out a fine winner of the Red Rum Handicap at Aintree back in April and posted creditable placed efforts on first 2 starts this season. Not the easiest to assess having been well held since but expected to bounce back at some stage. Won major handicap at 2024 Aintree festival but has lacked the same sparkle this season.
4 \|F\| (4) (11/4 +39%) Prince Quali	2.75 11/4(+39%)	(4) Prince Quali 11/4, Successful over hurdles/fences in France and ended last season with back-to-back wins over this C&D, including this race. Good placed efforts all 3 starts this term so solid claims back at this venue. Dual C&D winner last season and still in good form this term; probably in the mix.
1 \|PU\| (1) (16/1 -129%) Indiana Dream	16 16/1(-129%)	(1) Indiana Dream 16/1, Won a bumper for Emmanuel Clayeux in France and a maiden hurdle/chase for WiIlie Mullins in Ireland on his first 3 starts. However, lost his unbeaten record with a whimper after another absence in a Windsor chase for new yard last month. Bit to prove with tongue tie added now. Impressed on chase debut in Ireland but disappointed on stable debut; tricky to weigh up.
7 \|PU\| (7) (22/1 -57%) Jetronic	22 22/1(-57%)	(7) Jetronic 22/1, Chase winner in France and ran much better than on his yard debut when creditable fifth at Newbury 84 days ago. Needs to build on that again after a break but may well do with tongue strap re-fitted. Shaped well when back over fences in November and is not yet fully exposed.

LTO Selection:hiden content, hiden content, hiden content, hiden content

JAVERT ALLEN has looked a natural over fences thus far, and a further 5lb rise for a comfortable success over the reopposing Harper's Brook (second) at Newbury in December may not be enough to prevent him from landing the hat-trick. A consistent sort throughout this season, including when runer-up over C&D in December, Dr T J Eckleburg must enter calculations, along with Prince Quali.

JAVERT ALLEN has made an impressive start over fences this season, jumping well when making all over C&D/Newbury, and can maintain his unbeaten record in this sphere with more to come. Last year's winner Prince Quali continues to hold his form very well and is a solid alternative.

Preference is for PRINCE QUALI, who has remained in good form since winning this race a year ago and has conditions to suit today.

15:15 Southwell Group 3 (Class 1) 11f - 7 Run Class & Speed Card

Form	Odds	Age
3 1st (3) (6/4 +0%) Royal Champion	1.5 6/4(+0%)	(3) Royal Champion 6/4, Very smart gelding. First run since leaving Anthony & Sam Freedman following a spell in Australia when winning 6-runner listed race at Lingfield (10f, AW) 53 days ago by 1¾ lengths from Tyrrhenian Sea. The one to beat on these terms. Classy performer; won well on his stable debut at Lingfield in December; high on the list.
5 2nd (5) (6/4 +25%) Military Academy	1.5 6/4(+25%)	(5) Military Academy 6/4, Late making it to the track but making up for lost time, career best when winning 7-runner listed race at Kempton (12f) by 3¼ lengths from Aimeric, despite missing break. Off 110 days. Cheekpieces on first time but there should be more to come from him as a 4-y-o. Improved with each start in 2024; still unexposed; gelded; tried in headgear; big player.
6 3rd (6) (17/2 -113%) Persica	8.5 17/2(-113%)	(6) Persica 17/2, Smart colt. Three wins from 8 runs last year. 50/1, 7¼ lengths eighth of 11 to Anmaat in Champion Stakes at Ascot (10f, soft), making effort earlier than ideal. Makes tapeta debut and he's a player on the figures. Three wins in 2024, notably an Ayr Listed event in September; promise on AW; should stay.
4 4th (4) (9/2 +40%) Champagne Prince	4.5 9/2(+40%)	(4) Champagne Prince 9/2, Has developed into a smart performer, cranking it up another notch when winning 4-runner conditions stakes at this C&D 22 days ago. Isn't one to underestimate despite rise in class. Five wins and a 2nd from six AW runs; others have stronger form but he's progressing fast.
2 5th (2) (150/1 -200%) Pleasant Man	150 150/1(-200%)	(2) Pleasant Man 150/1, Ended long losing run on the level in 8-runner handicap (9/2) at this course (14.1f) 22 days ago, driven out. First run for yard after leaving Lawrence Mullaney and easy to look elsewhere in this company. 1m6f win here three weeks ago but in a Class 4 h'cap over 1m6f; tough task on stable debut.
1 6th (1) (150/1 -200%) Claymore	150 150/1(-200%)	(1) Claymore 150/1, Useful gelding at best but fifteen runs since last win in 2022. 18/1, 5¾ lengths third of 4 to Champagne Prince in conditions stakes at this C&D 22 days ago and he's right up against it here. Still capable of useful form but nearly 6l behind Champagne Prince here last month.
7 7th (7) (80/1 -60%) Alanya	80 80/1(-60%)	(7) Alanya 80/1, Useful mare. Respectable 7¼ lengths eighth of 15 to Lady Boba in Pride Stakes (40/1) at Newmarket (10f, good to soft). Off 134 days. Makes tapeta debut. First run for yard after leaving T. Gibney and this looks a tough assignment up in trip. Makes stable debut in warm race & significant improvement is required; promise on AW at 3.

LTO Selection:hiden content, hiden content, hiden content, hiden content

The Gosdens sent out four of the last five winners of this race when it was staged at Lingfield and it could be a resumption of business as usual if the lightly-raced MILITARY ACADEMY takes another step forward with first-time cheekpieces tried on his Tapeta debut. The ready winner of the Floodlit Stakes at Kempton last November, the son of Fastnet Rock is a late developer who still has untapped potential and is hard to ignore given the yard's big-race credentials. Three-time Listed race winner Royal Champion is an obvious threat, while Persica and Champagne Prince are also strong contenders.

ROYAL CHAMPION is already a triple winner of listed events and the level he's capable of is good enough to win in Group company. Following a pretty routine win for his new yard back in Britain in December he's very much the one to beat, though lightly-raced improver Military Academy looks every inch the type to make up into a better 4-y-o. Champagne Prince is thriving so demands respect, too.

Royal Champion is a strong contender but the unexposed 4yo MILITARY ACADEMY can take this en route to bigger things.

15:20 Newcastle Handicap Chase (Class 3) 20f - 5 Run Class & Speed Card

Form	Odds	Age
7 1st (7) (14/1 +13%) Arthur's Quay	14 14/1(+13%)	(7) Arthur's Quay 14/1, Successful in back-to-back handicaps in 2023 but struggled for form at the end of last year, and no better following a 12-week break when sixth of 8 in handicap chase at Wetherby (19.4f, heavy) 30 days ago. Needs to step up plenty on that to figure. Last year was disappointing and so too his latest Wetherby run when behind Genois.
2 2nd (2) (3/1 +40%) Jetoile	3 3/1(+40%)	(2) Jetoile 3/1, Sprung a surprise when winning last season's Old Roan Chase at Aintree. Largely struggled thereafter but more encouraging signs when sixth in veterans' company at Market Rasen (21.4f) and seemingly stretched by 3m at Uttoxeter 2 weeks ago. Not one to write off from easing mark. Well handicapped on last year's peak efforts but has become hard to trust.
1 3rd (1) (5/2 +9%) Prairie Wolf	2.5 5/2(+9%)	(1) Prairie Wolf 5/2, Much improved when winning 3 times over fences last season and dispelled pair of non-completions when back on the scoresheet at Haydock (16.3f) in January. Never going well when last of 4 at Kelso (21.6f) 8 days ago but interesting connections turn him out quickly. Strong form contender if he can shrug aside last week's desperate run at Kelso.
4 4th (4) (5/1 +9%) Kansas City Star	5 5/1(+9%)	(4) Kansas City Star 5/1, Cheekpieces back on when returning to form with a win in 7-runner handicap chase at Doncaster (19f) in November. However, followed that up with pair of non-completions in handicaps at Ascot/Musselburgh in recent months. Tough to predict. Laboured the last twice but now dropped in grade; good ground seems ideal.
3 \|PU\| (3) (11/4 +8%) Genois	2.75 11/4(+8%)	(3) Genois 11/4, Useful chaser who opened account in this sphere on second start for current yard in 4-runner handicap at Wetherby (19.4f) in November. Never threatened back from 2 months off when fourth at that venue in January but he's entitled to be sharper here and respected. Wetherby winner in Nov but below that level since; contender if back on song.

LTO Selection:hiden content, hiden content, hiden content, hiden content

Prairie Wolf failed to back up his success at Haydock when finishing stone last at Kelso earlier in the month, but that run was too bad to be true and he could bounce back. Even so, GENOIS makes more appeal. The nine-year-old finished a well-held fourth in this class at Wetherby last time but he was dropped 2lb for that effort and now lurks on a workable mark. Brucio completes the shortlist.

GENOIS' jumping tempers enthusiasm to a degree but he promises to be sharper for his run at Wetherby 4 weeks ago and earns the vote having eased a little in the weights ahead of this. Prairie Wolf needs to dispel a lesser run at Kelso 8 days ago, yet he'd previously run out a good winner at Haydock and is fancied to bounce back. Irish raider Brucio, on chase debut, is another to consider.

With all of these having questions to answer it might pay to chance chase debutante BRUCIO, who was in good form this time last year.

15:25 Fairyhouse Conditions Chase 26f - 6 Run Class & Speed Card

Form	Odds	Comments
8 1st (8) (5/6 +24%) Nick Rockett	0.833333 5/6(+24%)	(8) Nick Rockett 5/6, High-class chaser. Course winner. 1 win from 2 runs this season. Career best when winning 18-runner handicap chase at Gowran (25f, soft, 9/2) 30 days ago. Big player. Thyestes winner maturing nicely; could further enhance his Aintree prospects here.
4 2nd (4) (11/4 +61%) Intense Raffles	2.75 11/4(+61%)	(4) Intense Raffles 11/4, Smart chaser. C&D winner. Fourteenth of 19 in handicap hurdle (12/1) at Navan (20f, soft) 35 days ago. Switches from hurdles to chase. Back up in trip. 3-3 over fences here; hurdles preps should have him straight and has to be respected.
2 3rd (2) (14/1 +0%) Capodanno	14 14/1(+0%)	(2) Capodanno 14/1, Very smart chaser. 14/1, 26 lengths fourth of 7 to Embassy Gardens in New Year's Day Chase at Tramore (22.8f, heavy) 52 days ago. Talented but has become unreliable; two runs this term leave him with a fair bit to find.
7 4th (7) (10/3 +67%) Minella Cocooner	3.333333 10/3(+67%)	(7) Minella Cocooner 10/3, Smart chaser. Five wins from 16 NH runs. 100/1, 31¾ lengths ninth of 10 to Galopin Des Champs in Irish Gold Cup at Leopardstown (24.3f, good to soft) 21 days ago. Not taken lightly back down in class. Struggled in Grade 1s this term but can't be ruled out dropped in grade here.
3 5th (3) (33/1 +0%) French Dynamite	33 33/1(+0%)	(3) French Dynamite 33/1, Smart chaser. Latest win in chase at Punchestown in October. 8/1, 18 lengths fifth of 7 to Appreciate It in Kinloch Brae Chase at Thurles (20.9f, good) 34 days ago. Up in trip. Plenty to find on form. Best form at shorter; could struggle to see this out on this ground.
6 6th (6) (250/1 +0%) Clonmeen	250 250/1(+0%)	(6) Clonmeen 250/1, Fair chaser. Bit below form eighth of 13 in handicap chase (16/1) at Navan (23.8f, heavy) 13 days ago. Cheekpieces on for 1st time. Very hard to make a case for. Hasn't shown a lot this term and cheekpieces now fitted; out of his depth.

LTO Selection:hiden content, hiden content, hiden content, hiden content

I AM MAXIMUS is targeting a repeat Grand National success but might still concede 12lb to 161-rated Thyestes winner Nick Rockett and follow up last year's success in this race. The selection was recently handed top weight for April's showpiece and it is notable Paul Townend has chosen to ride him. Nick Rockett has strong claims on ratings and is suited by race conditions but lacks the selection's best high-class ability. Affordale Fury, who needs to complete the course to qualify for Cheltenham handicaps, was an unlucky loser recently and can get involved. Intense Raffles reverts to fences and is another en route to Aintree.

NICK ROCKETT showed high-class form when defying a mark of 152 in the Thyestes at Gowran last month and looks the one to beat on these terms. His stablemate I Am Maximus won this last year before following up in the Grand National at Aintree and is the obvious threat despite conceding 12 lb to the selection.

Unbeaten in three visits here, INTENSE RAFFLES may be the one to side with in a tricky-looking renewal

15:35 Kempton Handicap Chase (Class 1) 24f - 13 Run Class & Speed Card

Form	Odds	Age
13 1st (13) (11/2 +31%) Katate Dori	5.5 11/2(+31%)	(13) Katate Dori 11/2, Much improved since sent chasing, winning first 2 starts in the mud at Exeter/Chepstow before good second at Wincanton last month, struggling to get into a jumping rhythm after a standing start. Remains capable of better in this sphere but sharp 3m on better ground will ask a different question. Lost unbeaten chasing record when second at Wincanton; room for improvement in jumping.
2 2nd (2) (11/4 +31%) Hyland	2.75 11/4(+31%)	(2) Hyland 11/4, Useful hurdler and even better chaser, recording his third win over the larger obstacles in a listed novice at Cheltenham in November. Clear of the rest when excellent second in Grade 1 over C&D on Boxing Day and looks on a nice mark back in a handicap. Fine second in Grade 1 C&D novice in December; could be on a good mark now back in a h'cap.
3 3rd (3) (11/1 -47%) Our Power	11 11/1(-47%)	(3) Our Power 11/1, Lightly raced since a narrow winner of this event (off 3 lb lower) 2 years ago but looked as good as ever back from a year off when runner-up in a couple of Cheltenham handicaps this winter. This likely to have been the long-term plan so must be respected. Won this in 2023 and runner-up at Cheltenham on both runs this season; in the mix.
9 4th (9) (33/1 -18%) Guard Your Dreams	33 33/1(-18%)	(9) Guard Your Dreams 33/1, Smart hurdler at his best and made a successful return/chase debut in novices' handicap at Warwick. Has remained in form without building on that success so needs this extra distance to bring about some improvement. Some good form in novice chase campaign but improvement needed on first run beyond 2m5f.
10 5th (10) (40/1 -82%) Deeper Blue	40 40/1(-82%)	(10) Deeper Blue 40/1, Runner-up on 3 of his 5 starts in handicap chases last season, though looked all at sea fitted with headgear in a well-run race on drying ground at Ayr final start. Has since left Harry Fry and this a tough ask after 10 months off. Tongue strap on 1st time. Absent since pulled up last April but not ruled out each-way off a competitive mark.
7 6th (7) (7/1 +13%) Beachcomber	7 7/1(+13%)	(7) Beachcomber 7/1, Dual 25f hurdles winner who's getting the hang of things over fences now, responding well to this headgear when making all over C&D 8 weeks ago. Had plenty in hand that day so not taken lightly up 9 lb. Won by 10l over C&D in December when these blinkers went on; a 9lb rise may not stop him.
6 \|PU\| (6) (9/1 +10%) Heltenham	9 9/1(+10%)	(6) Heltenham 9/1, Improved again last term, the highlight being his victory in Greatwood Gold Cup at Newbury (20f) in March. Has struggled since but is back on a winning mark now. Expected to bounce back at some stage this season. Runs off last winning mark but soundly beaten on both runs this season; stamina to prove.
8 \|PU\| (8) (10/1 -11%) Golden Son	10 10/1(-11%)	(8) Golden Son 10/1, Won at this meeting last year off 1 lb higher but patchy record overall since joining this yard from France and didn't carry much of a win threat when third over C&D 8 weeks ago. Others more solid. Won here last February and creditable third over C&D last time; in with a chance.
4 \|PU\| (4) (12/1 +33%) Tahmuras	12 12/1(+33%)	(4) Tahmuras 12/1, Won the Tolworth at Sandown 2 years ago. Just the one win since switched to fences and his antics off the bridle were a cause for concern when fourth in the Rowland Meyrick at Wetherby on Boxing Day. Others preferred. Close 4th at Wetherby on first crack at 3m but needs something extra in this hotter race.
11 \|PU\| (11) (12/1 +52%) Unanswered Prayers	12 12/1(+52%)	(11) Unanswered Prayers 12/1, Resumed winning ways in Southern National at Fontwell in November and backed it up with solid placed efforts at Sandown/Ascot. Got no further than the first at Plumpton 12 days ago. Bare 3m around here probably not enough of a stamina test for him these days. Running well this season at up to 3m4f; a stiffer test of stamina is probably preferable.
1 \|PU\| (1) (13/2 -8%) Lowry's Bar	6.5 13/2(-8%)	(1) Lowry's Bar 13/2, Progressive and likeable sort who has taken well to chasing, winning handicaps at Exeter and Chepstow before second of 3 in 3m Windsor Grade 2. He's unexposed as a stayer and open to further improvement back in a handicap. Runner-up in Grade 2 novice at Windsor; could play a leading role now back in a handicap.
12 \|PU\| (12) (14/1 +0%) Charlie Uberalles	14 14/1(+0%)	(12) Charlie Uberalles 14/1, Arrives at the top of his game having held off subsequent Great Yorkshire winner Docpickedme by a neck at Doncaster 10 weeks ago. Career high mark to deal with now, however, and likely to find a few too strong. Won competitive h'cap at Doncaster and form has been franked by runner-up; not discounted.
5 \|PU\| (5) (28/1 -40%) Corrigeen Rock	28 28/1(-40%)	(5) Corrigeen Rock 28/1, Twice a winner last season and back on track when fourth at Musselburgh 3 weeks ago but he's easy enough to take on in a competitive race like this. On a handy mark but not at his very best this season and needs to prove his stamina.

LTO Selection:hiden content, hiden content, hiden content, hiden content

Hyland failed to complete the hat-trick when occupying the runner-up berth in Grade 1 company at Kempton on Boxing Day, but Nicky Henderson's grey is likely to have his supporters now that he drops back into a handicap. However, a chance can be taken on BEACHCOMBER, who accounted for Golden Son (third) by just over 10 lengths over track and trip in December and only has a 9lb higher mark to contend with. With a repeat of that performance, he could be the one to beat. Lowry's Bar has had a fine campaign and is another to keep an eye on.

Novices hold a strong hand here with HYLAND being the obvious one after his excellent second in the Kauto Star over C&D on Boxing Day. He looks on a nice mark back in a handicap so shades the vote over the equally progressive Lowry's Bar. This has likely been the long-term target for 2023 winner Our Power and he looks the pick of the seasoned campaigners.

Having finished second in the Grade 1 Kauto Star Novices' Chase over C&D in December, HYLAND (nap) has an attractive mark to work with.

15:44 Chepstow Handicap Hurdle (Class 3) 16f - 7 Run Class & Speed Card

Form	Odds	Age
1 1st (1) (11/5 +2%) Bucephalus	2.2 11/5(+2%)	(1) Bucephalus 11/5, Likeable sort (has performed well at this venue) often front-runs, did so to great effect when gamely landing an 11-runner handicap hurdle at Newbury (16.3f, good to soft) 38 days ago, having raced enthusiastically. 7 lb rise makes life tougher but should give another good account of himself. Held on gamely to make all at Newbury last month and now 2-12 over hurdles.
4 2nd (4) (9/4 +55%) Zambezi Fix	2.25 9/4(+55%)	(4) Zambezi Fix 9/4, Tends to save his best for this track, usually ridden patiently and likes a good pace to aim at, which he hasn't had in recent runs (not disgraced when fourth of 9 at Warwick two weeks ago). Now 5 lb lower than when winning here in April 2024 and makes appeal with race likely to be run to suit. Not at best this season but ran okay at Warwick recently and has slipped to a good mark.
7 3rd (7) (7/2 +0%) Sao Carlos	3.5 7/2(+0%)	(7) Sao Carlos 7/2, Workmanlike winner of 2m maiden hurdle at Wetherby (heavy) last season, shaping as though best suited by a test of stamina at this trip. Not seen to best effect on latest start after wind surgery (faded to finish third despite enjoying run of the race) but should enjoy this more galloping track. Ran well when when placed at Warwick this month and is another 1lb lower here.
5 4th (5) (22/1 -193%) Got Grey	22 22/1(-193%)	(5) Got Grey 22/1, Improved for joining excellent yard, winning 2m handicaps at Stratford and Bangor on summer ground last year. Well below form on comeback (Warwick, 16f, soft) after 3 months off following wind surgery and he may need better ground to be seen to best effect. Did well for new stable last summer/autumn but was safely held on softer ground this month.
6 5th (6) (20/1 -150%) Mostly Sunny	20 20/1(-150%)	(6) Mostly Sunny 20/1, A 3-time winner on the Flat who enjoyed a productive spell for this yard last season, winning twice and hitting the frame in the Summer Hurdle at Market Rasen. Yet to hit those heights this season, well-held on return from 4-months off at Taunton 18 days ago, although he should strip fitter here. Well beaten this month, after a break, and would appeal more on faster ground.
2 6th (2) (9/1 +10%) In The Air	9 9/1(+10%)	(2) In The Air 9/1, Capable sort on his day and got back to something like his best for switch to Nicky Henderson last season (landed a double in October), but below form on final start for that yard on Boxing Day. Likely has a bit to find dropping back in trip on stable debut. Dual winner for Nicky Henderson in October; sold after disappointing run on Boxing Day.
3 7th (3) (15/2 -7%) Royal Way	7.5 15/2(-7%)	(3) Royal Way 15/2, Landed a hat-trick in 2m Ascot handicap in March last year but has lost his way this season, never travelling with any fluency when pulled up at Fakenham 52 days ago. Needs to bounce back on return from short break, in a race where others appear to have stronger claims. Useful juvenile last season; unconvincing term but may yet get career back on track.

LTO Selection:hiden content, hiden content, hiden content, hiden content

Now that BUCEPHALUS has regained the winning thread after a determined success at Newbury last month, the eight-year-old's confidence will be high and he can follow up off 7lb higher. A promising third on his most recent start at Warwick after having wind surgery in December, Sao Carlos can give him the most to think about. Veteran course specialist Zambezi Fix has dropped 5lb below his last winning mark and cannot be ruled out either.

There should be enough pace on to see hold-up performer and three-time course winner ZAMBEZI FIX run to better effect, and he might be able to capitalise on his falling handicap mark. The game, front-running Bucephalus arrives in great heart and can run well again despite a 7 lb hike for his latest success, while Sao Carlos should be more at home back on a galloping track.

Bernard Llewellyn's ZAMBEZI FIX (nap) is very well suited by Chepstow and, from a good mark, can win this race for the second time.

15:50 Southwell Handicap (Class 2) 12f - 11 Run Class & Speed Card

Form	Odds	Age
2 1st (2) (10/11 +48%) Glen Buck	0.909091 10/11(+48%)	(2) Glen Buck 10/11, Very lightly raced his age and built on the promise of his Wolverhampton run career best when winning 9-runner handicap at this course (11.1f) 49 days ago, bit in hand. Well treated from 6 lb higher. Form of latest C&D win strongly boosted and this unexposed 6yo can go in again.
4 2nd (4) (50/1 -213%) Victory Shout	50 50/1(-213%)	(4) Victory Shout 50/1, First run since leaving K. R. Burke when pulled up in Triumph Hurdle Trial (Finesse) at Cheltenham (16.8f, soft, 150/1) on jumps debut 28 days ago, won by East India Dock. This is a more suitable assignment on AW debut bit mark looks stiff. Pulled up in Grade 2 on hurdle debut but dual Flat winner for Karl Burke; AW debut.
3 3rd (3) (9/1 -29%) Dream Harder	9 9/1(-29%)	(3) Dream Harder 9/1, Seventeen runs since last win in 2023. 8/1, good third of 7 in handicap at Kempton (11f) 31 days ago, closing all way to line. Return to this trip therefore in his favour. No win for a while but close third latest and William Buick does the steering.
7 4th (7) (11/1 -38%) Knockbrex	11 11/1(-38%)	(7) Knockbrex 11/1, Latest win at Lingfield in January. Respectable third of 7 in handicap at Newcastle (12.4f, 11/2) 14 days ago. Mark looks about right. 1m4f Lingfield win last month but found out off higher marks since.
6 5th (6) (16/1 -14%) Arqoob	16 16/1(-14%)	(6) Arqoob 16/1, Fifth of 7 in handicap (5/1) at Newcastle (16.2f) 36 days ago. Return to this sort of trip looks in his favour. 2m on Flat possibly stretched him latest and good third to Glen Buck here prior to that.
11 6th (11) (7/1 +68%) Humble Spark	7 7/1(+68%)	(11) Humble Spark 7/1, Four wins from 15 runs last year. Latest win at Newcastle in January. Creditable second of 7 in handicap at Newcastle (10.2f, 12/1) 14 days ago, running on. Engaged 8.15 here Friday. In very good form on AW this winter, including C&D; due to run 8.15 here on Friday.
8 7th (8) (9/1 -20%) Cello	9 9/1(-20%)	(8) Cello 9/1, Creditable third of 6 in handicap (10/3) at Kempton (16f) 17 days ago. Back down in trip. Consistent in defeat this winter but needs to find a bit more to resume winning ways.
9 8th (9) (5/1 -11%) Path To Dubai	5 5/1(-11%)	(9) Path To Dubai 5/1, Made a winning return to action over C&D last month. Fourth of 6 in handicap at Wolverhampton (14f, 5/4) 11 days ago, though he was hampered so likely remains in form. Form of C&D reappearance win boosted so might be worth forgiving Wolver defeat since.
5 9th (5) (40/1 -43%) Tides Of War	40 40/1(-43%)	(5) Tides Of War 40/1, Eighth of 10 in handicap (100/1) at Wolverhampton (9.5f) 21 days ago. Back up in trip and he should strip fitter for that. Struggled since 1m6f turf win last May, including on reappearance three weeks ago.
1 10th (1) (28/1 -180%) Intinso	28 28/1(-180%)	(1) Intinso 28/1, Pitched in deep and finished last of 4 in conditions stakes at this course (11.1f, 22/1) 22 days ago. Handicaps more suitable. Has suggested he still retains useful ability for new yard but others still stronger.
10 11th (10) (150/1 -127%) Wind Your Neck In	150 150/1(-127%)	(10) Wind Your Neck In 150/1, 80/1, first run since leaving David Evans when last of 7 in handicap at Newcastle (12.4f) 14 days ago. Three turf wins but well held all three AW starts, including recent yard debut.

LTO Selection:hiden content, hiden content, hiden content, hiden content

CELLO has run well in defeat of late and having been primed by a brace of third-placed finishes at this level, there are solid grounds to give the Andrew Balding-trained five-year-old another chance granted his proven reliability. Dream Harder is another key player in this company, given he has been placed in this grade off the same mark before now. Path To Dubai and the still unexposed Glen Buck are others to keep a close eye on.

GLEN BUCK has presumably had his share of problems but he's looked talented each time he's made it to the track and a 6 lb rise for readily seeing off a next-time-out scorer here last month looks lenient, He makes plenty of appeal, with Path To Dubai and Tides of War perhaps the pick of the opposition.

Roger Varian's GLEN BUCK didn't look all out when seeing off a next-time-out winner over 1m3f here last month and can defy a 6lb rise.

15:55 Newcastle Handicap Hurdle (Class 3) 17f - 10 Run Class & Speed Card

Form	Odds	Age
11 1st (11) (13/8 +46%) Bust A Move	1.625 13/8(+46%)	(11) Bust A Move 13/8, Fairly useful on the Flat and looked an even better prospect in this sphere when winning on debut (Catterick,15.7f) in December. Stepped forward with promising third at Wetherby last month (16f), doing best of those held up. 2 lb out of the weights but unexposed sort could improve on handicap debut. Entered in the Fred Winter at Cheltenham and looks interesting with his age allowance.
9 2nd (9) (7/1 -75%) Big Boy Bobby	7 7/1(-75%)	(9) Big Boy Bobby 7/1, Fairly useful on Flat for Roger Charlton and made promising start to hurdles career in 2022 but stood little racing thereafter. Returned from 629-day absence seemingly as good as ever when second at Kempton in December, may have won but for mistake at last. Big player if he can back up that effort. Suffered a near miss at Kempton on his return from a long absence; in the mix.
1 3rd (1) (12/1 -33%) Horn Cape	12 12/1(-33%)	(1) Horn Cape 12/1, Course winner thrived last season on testing ground winning three times and still on the up when finishing narrow second at Kelso (having looked the winner) on his final run in May. Looked badly in need of the run when reappearing in December and might just be working his way back to peak fitness. Could be sharper for his last run and this race was one of four wins last season.
4 4th (4) (40/1 -60%) Jericoacoara	40 40/1(-60%)	(4) Jericoacoara 40/1, Fairly useful hurdler in France for D. Satalia, his best effort when runner-up in a Listed event at Auteuil in 2023/24. Below form in 10-runner handicap at Lyon Parilly in June last year and makes reappearance for new yard without regular cheekpieces/tongue-tie. Worth a market check on U.K. debut. A winner in France and would enter the equation should market vibes bode well.
3 5th (3) (13/2 -18%) Salsada	6.5 13/2(-18%)	(3) Salsada 13/2, Useful Flat winner who put it all together over hurdles to win back-to-back Sedgefield handicaps (at 19.8f) at the end of last year. Shaped as if still in form when outclassed in Graded company (24.4f) last month. Should cope with drop to 2m and can be competitive back in handicap company. Outclassed last time; earlier wins were over 2m4f and in a lower grade.
10 6th (10) (14/1 +30%) Ashington	14 14/1(+30%)	(10) Ashington 14/1, Winner over hurdles at Kelso in September but followed it up with couple of poor efforts. Step back in the right direction when eighth of 17 in a handicap hurdle at Wetherby (19.7f, soft) three weeks ago but he probably doesn't have much in hand from his current handicap mark. 2lb higher than for September's win at Kelso but this ground might be too slow for him.
7 7th (7) (7/2 +13%) It's All About You	3.5 7/2(+13%)	(7) It's All About You 7/2, Fairly useful on Flat and made winning start over hurdles at this venue in December and improved on that winning easily at Catterick to complete a 4-timer across both codes. Travelled well when third to a couple of in-form rivals on handicap debut and can go well again from only 1 lb higher mark. Came up short on handicap debut but still ran well and stable remains in form.
6 8th (6) (18/1 -140%) Imperial Data	18 18/1(-140%)	(6) Imperial Data 18/1, Likeable sort with an excellent strike rate under Rules, producing another improved showing to score at Cartmel (22.1f) in May. Has remained in top form since and should give another good account, although worth noting all his form has come over longer trips thus far. All good following wind surgery but returns from a long break in a competitive race.
5 9th (5) (28/1 -75%) Bareback Jack	28 28/1(-75%)	(5) Bareback Jack 28/1, Made excellent start to his hurdling career in 2020/21, winning novices on his first 3 starts before well-beaten in Grade 2 at Kelso in March that season. Absent since and needed the run returning from mammoth absence when last of 5 on handicap debut 54 days ago. Needs to take a big step forward. Three-time novice winner but ran no race recently on return from a mammoth absence.
2 10th (2) (100/1 -52%) Call Me Lyreen	100 100/1(-52%)	(2) Call Me Lyreen 100/1, Showed little on first start since leaving Gordon Elliott (100/1, struggling badly after sixth hurdle) when pulled up at Aintree 58 days ago. Best to look elsewhere. Lost his way for Gordon Elliott and was 100-1 when pulled up on his debut for this yard.

LTO Selection:hiden content, hiden content, hiden content, hiden content

It's All About You finished a respectable third on his handicap debut at Catterick on his latest outing and should remain competitive off a 1lb higher mark. However, it may pay to side with BIG BOY BOBBY, who finished over two lengths clear of the third when hitting the crossbar at Kempton in December. The son of Vadamos might only need to reproduce that level of form in order to go one better, while Imperial Data is another to consider.

A lack of obvious pace could put the emphasis on speed and that may not inconvenience BUST A MOVE who was useful on the Flat and has looked promising in two starts over hurdles, although he will need to settle better to be seen to best effect on handicap debut. Big Boy Bobby rates a serious danger if he can build on the promise of his reappearance run, while C&D winner It's All About You remains lightly-raced in this sphere and could be open to further improvement.

He's no longer in the Triumph but BUST A MOVE (nap) still has the Fred Winter entry and has to be of interest off his feather weight.

16:00 Fairyhouse Maiden Chase 26f - 4 Run Class & Speed Card

Form	Odds	Comments
3 1st (3) (13/8 +46%) Ney	1.625 13/8(+46%)	(3) Ney 13/8, First run since leaving Danny Brooke when career best when winning 11-runner novice chase (33/1) at Punchestown (22.7f, heavy) on debut over fences 41 days ago. No fluke about that and has the potential for even better 33-1 winner on stable/chase debut at Punchestown; major player upped in trip here.
6 2nd (6) (10/3 +72%) Meyo	3.333333 10/3(+72%)	(6) Meyo 10/3, Fair hurdler. 4/1, sound start to her chase career third of 10 in maiden at Ballinrobe (23.3f, soft) in August. Off since but the fact the yard won the race last year provides some hope. Good deal to find on figures but stable have won this race twice in the last three years.
4 3rd (4) (5/2 +25%) Jasmin De Cotte	2.5 5/2(+25%)	(4) Jasmin De Cotte 5/2, Fairly useful chaser. 22/1, creditable third of 17 in handicap chase at Leopardstown (24.4f, good to soft) 55 days ago. Has good chance on pick of form. Solid chance but needs to jump better and his best form is on better ground.
7 4th (7) (4/1 +43%) Sea Aster	4 4/1(+43%)	(7) Sea Aster 4/1, Fairly useful hurdler/chaser. 15/2, sixth of 8 in handicap chase at Punchestown (22f, soft) 19 days ago. One of 2 for Gordon Elliott. Clonmel beginners' win last June but has shown jumping frailties on her last four starts.

LTO Selection:hiden content, hiden content, hiden content, hiden content

NEY was a mini-revelation when he went up in distance to score on chase debut last month, and might continue to progress. He benefitted hugely from running over staying Flat distances last year, winning three times in Britain, and while he faces a tougher task than when scoring at Punchestown recently, should appreciate today's even longer distance. Buachaillbocht has a favourable chase rating and while he should be well suited to stepping up to this distance being a laid-back individual, has poor recent form. Jasmin De Cotte made mistakes when running well at Leopardstown during Christmas and stays well.

JASMIN DE COTTE shaped well in a competitive handicap at the Leopardstown Christmas meeting and might prove the answer to this rated novice. Ney won well on his chase debut for new trainer Edward Buckley and is feared most ahead of Will Do, another who hasn't shaped too badly in strong handicaps lately.

NEY couldn't have been more impressive on his first start for Edward Buckley and he's entitled to improve for his chase debut run too

16:10 Kempton Handicap Chase (Class 2) 20f - 9 Run Class & Speed Card

Form	Odds	Age
8 1st (8) (6/1 -9%) Bad	6 6/1(-9%)	(8) Bad 6/1, Fairly useful winning hurdler who has frustratingly yet to get his head in front on these shores, again making the frame when second at Southwell (20.4f) in December. Shaped as if still in good form in first-time blinkers before falling 5 out at Ascot (21f) latest and he's not ruled out. Capable of winning this if everything clicks, but that's yet to happen in Britain.
5 2nd (5) (11/2 +0%) Keep Running	5.5 11/2(+0%)	(5) Keep Running 11/2, Excuses on return to action at Carlisle (2m) in October but firmly back on track with a tongue strap refitted since, winning handicaps at Ludlow/Ffos Las in recent months. This undoubtedly tougher back up in trip from career-high mark but he's evidently in rude health. Has easily made all the last twice and this thriving 7yo could prove tough to catch.
6 3rd (6) (6/1 +33%) Bourbali	6 6/1(+33%)	(6) Bourbali 6/1, Both wins over fences gained here, including when making all over 2¼m (good to soft) on return in October. Remained in good form since, again making the frame when third of 5 in handicap chase at Newbury (16.4f) 66 days ago. Step back up in trip can help. Won here in October; two fair runs since but needs something extra today.
2 4th (2) (33/1 -32%) Sure Touch	33 33/1(-32%)	(2) Sure Touch 33/1, Smashing start over fences last year, a fourth success in this sphere coming in the Summer Plate at Market Rasen (21.4f) in July. Resumed with a creditable fifth in Grand Sefton at Aintree in November but undone by early mistakes on latest start at Doncaster 4 weeks ago. Completed a four-timer last July but subsequent form hasn't been up to scratch.
1 5th (1) (7/2 +42%) Blow Your Wad	3.5 7/2(+42%)	(1) Blow Your Wad 7/2, Winning hurdler who improved over fences last season, his second C&D victory coming in Grade 2 Pendil 12 months ago. Found to be lame when last of 5 in Aintree Grade 1 on final start in April but he returns to action/handicaps with yard in good form. Won Grade 2 Pendil over C&D 12 months ago; returns from absence with yard in fine form.
7 \|PU\| (7) (10/3 -33%) Ideal Des Bordes	3.333333 10/3(-33%)	(7) Ideal Des Bordes 10/3, Landed a 21f maiden hurdle here back in May and further progress sent chasing this year, following up in novices' handicap at Wincanton (25.1f) prior to finishing a very good second over 3m here 15 days ago, jumping boldly and going down only to a thriving sort. Big shout again. Lightly raced 7yo; has made very good start to chase career and could have more to offer.
4 \|PU\| (4) (15/2 -36%) Etalon	7.5 15/2(-36%)	(4) Etalon 15/2, Rapid improver sent chasing last term, winning first 3 starts. Low-key start to present campaign but firm step back in the right direction when third of 6 in handicap chase at Sandown (15.5f, heavy) 3 weeks back. Worth a look on the back of that now upped in trip. Back-to-form third at Sandown last time; possible player if handling the better ground.
3 \|PU\| (3) (16/1 -100%) Solo	16 16/1(-100%)	(3) Solo 16/1, Smart form as a novice in 2022/23, winning twice including C&D Grade 2. Lightly raced since, stepping up on his reappearance effort when fourth in handicap at Ascot (18.8f) in December. Not in quite same form when fifth having rare crack at 2m at Sandown latest but his mark has eased a little more. His two biggest wins have come at Kempton and he's one to consider off a dangerous mark.
9 \|PU\| (9) (22/1 +12%) Black Gerry	22 22/1(+12%)	(9) Black Gerry 22/1, Won all 4 of his starts (at up to 19.8f) when completing during 2022/23. Found things tougher last term but did shape better than on return despite seemingly finding 3m taxing his stamina when third at Sandown 4 weeks ago. Handicapper has given him a chance ahead of this. The drop in trip is a plus, and also down in the weights, but others are more compelling.

LTO Selection:hiden content, hiden content, hiden content, hiden content

Keep Running made all to win his last two starts and although he commands respect, a 6lb rise for last month's win over 2m at Ffos Las demands more of him back over this trip from a career-high mark so far. BOURBALI, on the other hand, runs off 2lb higher than when he won over 2m2f here last October and could be worth chancing back at this venue for an in-form yard. Ideal Des Bordes is unexposed over fences and is another must for a betting check.

Having showed improved form to make a winning chase debut at Wincanton, IDEAL DES BORDES progressed again when chasing home a fellow, thriving sort over 3m here 2 weeks ago. Appealing as the type to do better still, he earns the vote to quickly resume winning ways. Bad has the ability to play a part and is feared along with Bourbali. Top-weight Blow Your Wad is an intriguing runner returning from a spell on the sidelines.

The front-runner KEEP RUNNING impressed when completing a double at Ffos Las, despite jumping to the right at that left-handed track.

16:17 Chepstow Handicap Hurdle (Class 5) 20f - 10 Run Class & Speed Card

Form	Odds	Age
3 1st (3) (4/6 0%) C'est Different	0.666667 4/6(0%)	(3) C'est Different 4/6, Mere glimmers of ability in maiden/novice company but proved a different proposition upped in trip for his handicap bow at Carlisle (19.3f, good to soft) on Monday, a race he won with much more in hand than the margin of victory would suggest. Escapes a penalty and he's hard to oppose. Won very easily on handicap debut at Carlisle on Monday and escapes a penalty here.
10 2nd (10) (12/1 -20%) No No Espresso	12 12/1(-20%)	(10) No No Espresso 12/1, Showed nothing for Charlie Longsdon in 2023 but there have been some positives to glean from his efforts for this yard, most recently coming home fifth of 16 in a Doncaster handicap (19.4f, good to soft) last month. Remains open to improvement and he makes each-way appeal. Shaped well when fifth at Doncaster last month but recent 2lb drop not enough to tempt.
12 3rd (12) (16/1 +20%) Mini Yeats	16 16/1(+20%)	(12) Mini Yeats 16/1, Remains winless and while he performed with credit when fourth of 13 in a Taunton handicap on second start for this yard in December, his latest effort at Ffos Las was not so good. Tongue strap applied. Made the frame at Taunton two starts ago but is 0-13 over hurdles and others appeal more.
11 4th (11) (6/1 +33%) Bridget Mary	6 6/1(+33%)	(11) Bridget Mary 6/1, Made winning chasing start in October but subsequently held back by jumping errors in that sphere and also lacked fluency back hurdling at Ffos Las (3m, heavy) last time. Since undergone a wind op and perhaps the drop back in trip and first-time cheekpieces here will help. Chase winner in October; on workable hurdle mark if new cheekpieces has positive effect.
6 5th (6) (13/2 +35%) Arctic Saint	6.5 13/2(+35%)	(6) Arctic Saint 13/2, Maiden pointer who is also winless following 9 starts under Rules. On the upside, he has bettered what he showed in Ireland in 2 outings for present connections and, having found 21.8f too stiff a test at Fontwell last time (since undergone a wind op), this trip could prove ideal. Made the frame on first two stable starts and subsequent wind op may enable improvement.
4 6th (4) (40/1 -233%) Nube De Trueno	40 40/1(-233%)	(4) Nube De Trueno 40/1, No great shakes in 3 runs at around this trip but certainly wouldn't be the first from his leading yard to improve for the switch to handicap company. One to note in the betting. Well beaten in three maiden/novice hurdles this season but may fare better in handicaps.
5 7th (5) (80/1 -142%) Archie Macdart	80 80/1(-142%)	(5) Archie Macdart 80/1, Showed some ability in novice hurdles but safely held on what was effectively his handicap debut at Hereford back in October 2023. Subsequent absence is naturally a concern. 0-9 over hurdles and absent since October 2023; not the most obvious answer.
14 8th (14) (18/1 +45%) Regally Blonde	18 18/1(+45%)	(14) Regally Blonde 18/1, Fair effort at Fakenham on New Year's Day but she was still beaten 23 lengths into third that day and subsequently suffered an heavier defeat following a second wind op at Huntingdon 16 days ago. Won on the Flat in 2022 but is 0-13 over jumps and recent efforts have been underwhelming.
9 9th (9) (40/1 -21%) Noplacetobe	40 40/1(-21%)	(9) Noplacetobe 40/1, Irish point winner who appeared to be getting her act together in this sphere when third of 11 in a heavy-ground Ffos Las handicap (2¾m) in January 2023. Well held both subsequent starts, though, and opposable for new yard here following almost 2 years on the sidelines. Absent since ending 2022-23 season with two disappointing runs; now with new stable.
8 10th (8) (16/1 +68%) Bredon Hill Dart	16 16/1(+68%)	(8) Bredon Hill Dart 16/1, Never featured in bumpers and while there were some positives to take from his efforts in novice/maiden hurdles during second half of last term, he has finished nearer last than first in a couple of handicaps since returning to action in December. Now tried in cheekpieces. Beaten over 20l when seventh in first two handicaps; upped in trip with cheekpieces added.

LTO Selection:hiden content, hiden content, hiden content, hiden content

Stepping up from 2m to this trip was a key factor in C'EST DIFFERENT justifying favouritism in a conditional riders' race at Carlisle on Monday and, assuming the quick turnaround isn't an issue, the low-mileage five-year-old must hold every chance of following up off the same mark. Staff Sergeant Len also has untapped potential over this distance and is feared most on that basis. Arctic Saint and Bridget Mary are noted too.

C'EST DIFFERENT's margin of victory was only ¾-length at Carlisle on Monday but, in reality, he was value for a good deal more having been eased to a walk on the run-in. There should be better to come from this unexposed 5-y-o and, unpenalised for that, he is very difficult to oppose. The one who appeals most for forecast purposes is Arctic Saint, who has undergone a wind op since his latest start and this drop back in trip looks a good move. No No Espresso is third choice.

After easily winning a conditional jockeys' handicap on Monday, C'EST DIFFERENT has an excellent chance to complete a quick double.

16:25 Southwell Handicap (Class 4) 7f - 12 Run Class & Speed Card

Form	Odds	Age
9 1st (9) (11/2 +54%) Federal Envoy	5.5 11/2(+54%)	(9) Federal Envoy 11/2, C&D winner. Two wins from 6 runs last year. 11/1, bit below form fifth of 12 in handicap at this C&D 50 days ago. 2-3 over C&D; still low mileage and a seven-week break could have a positive effect.
8 2nd (8) (8/1 -23%) Giorgio M	8 8/1(-23%)	(8) Giorgio M 8/1, Unreliable type. 8/1, creditable second of 7 in handicap at Lingfield (7f, AW) 15 days ago, well positioned. Buick takes over. Runner-up in two Lingfield handicaps this year; effective on Tapeta too; W Buick booked.
1 3rd (1) (9/2 +10%) Feel The Need	4.5 9/2(+10%)	(1) Feel The Need 9/2, Course winner. Latest win here in December. 11/1, eleventh of 12 in handicap at Newcastle (8f) 36 days ago, not clear run. Has to be taken seriously eased markedly in class. Solid efforts on last two course runs; latest effort excusable; still feasibly weighted.
5 4th (5) (11/2 +39%) Lir Speciale	5.5 11/2(+39%)	(5) Lir Speciale 11/2, Twelve runs since last win in 2023. Below form seventh of 12 in handicap (13/2) at this course (6.1f) 29 days ago. First run for yard after leaving Stuart Williams and return to 7f in his favour. Interesting recruit for new yard as he's down to a dangerous mark; betting revealing.
12 5th (12) (18/1 +64%) Golden Pharaoh	18 18/1(+64%)	(12) Golden Pharaoh 18/1, 80/1, eighth of 12 in handicap at this course (8.1f) 15 days ago, proving too free on return to action. Slipping down the weights for new yard and could be the type to pop up soon.
3 6th (3) (18/1 -50%) Narmar	18 18/1(-50%)	(3) Narmar 18/1, 12/1, first run since leaving Henry De Bromhead when seventh of 9 in handicap at Wolverhampton (8.6f) 25 days ago. Chance he'll step forward with that under his belt. Low-key stable debut last month; down 3lb and yard continues in fine form; 7f a query.
6 7th (6) (18/1 -125%) Golden Strike	18 18/1(-125%)	(6) Golden Strike 18/1, Lightly-raced winner. One win from 2 runs last year. 22/1, seventh of 9 in handicap at this course (6.1f) 23 days ago. Cheekpieces on first time and he eases in class. Not shone in two handicaps but still early days for this 2-time turf winner; headgear now.
4 8th (4) (10/1 -25%) He's A Gentleman	10 10/1(-25%)	(4) He's A Gentleman 10/1, Career best when winning 10-runner handicap (10/1) at Wolverhampton (7.2f) 28 days ago, always holding on. Was seen to good effect on that occasion but he can go well again. Well positioned when winning at Wolverhampton last month; more required up 4lb.
7 9th (7) (5/1 +64%) Justcallmepete	5 5/1(+64%)	(7) Justcallmepete 5/1, Four-time course winner. 6/1, tenth of 11 in handicap at Lingfield (7f, AW) 53 days ago. All wins at 6f but fully effective over C&D; should make a bold bid.
11 10th (11) (9/1 +25%) Abruzzo Mia	9 9/1(+25%)	(11) Abruzzo Mia 9/1, 33/1, creditable third of 8 in handicap at this C&D 22 days ago. Can make presence felt. Solid 3rd over C&D last month; dropped 1lb and capable of another prominent showing.
2 11th (2) (14/1 +30%) Judgment Call	14 14/1(+30%)	(2) Judgment Call 14/1, Sixteen runs since last win in 2023. Below form seventh of 12 in handicap at this C&D (14/1) 50 days ago. Bounce back required. Losing run stands at 16; not at best over C&D last time; others appeal more for the win.
10 12th (10) (80/1 -142%) Power Of Zeus	80 80/1(-142%)	(10) Power Of Zeus 80/1, Last of 11 in handicap (28/1) at Doncaster (6f, firm). Off 9 months. Makes tapeta debut. First run for yard after leaving Brian Ellison and return to 7f will suit. Struggled in handicaps last spring; down in weights for stable debut; absence to overcome.

LTO Selection:hiden content, hiden content, hiden content, hiden content

Abruzzo Mia made the frame over track and trip on his most recent start and was kindly dropped 1lb for that effort, so he has to be respected. However, the vote goes to GIORGIO M, who has occupied the runner-up berth in each of his last two outings at Lingfield and goes off the same mark as his latest display. He looks well placed to record his third career victory, while last-time-out Wolverhampton scorer He's A Gentleman isn't ruled out either.

FEEL THE NEED was in excellent form at this venue to end 2024 and with his Newcastle run in a much higher grade than this easy to forgive, he's fancied to bounce back. He's A Gentleman and Golden Strike are a couple of potential threats.

Justcallmepete should make a bold bid but FEEL THE NEED's latest run was excusable and he's a leading contender back at this track.

16:30 Newcastle Handicap Chase (Class 4) 16f - 4 Run Class & Speed Card

Form	Odds	Age
3 1st (3) (5/2 +58%) Bois Guillbert	2.5 5/2(+58%)	(3) Bois Guillbert 5/2, Three-time winner over hurdles who saw out the longer trip after 7 months off when third in handicap at Perth (20.2f, soft) in September. Has gone backwards from that effort in 2 subsequent outings, but he appeals as the type to make a chaser. Below par over hurdles the last twice; no surprise if this 6yo bounces back on chase debut.
2 2nd (2) (5/2 +0%) Coup De Coeur	2.5 5/2(+0%)	(2) Coup De Coeur 5/2, Fairly useful form over fences in France and, having shown encouragement on first chase start for current yard in November, he landed handicap at this C&D (good to soft) 25 days ago. Major player with more still to offer in this sphere. Won over C&D last month on second British chase start and could have more to offer.
5 3rd (5) (9/2 +72%) Beny Nahar Road	4.5 9/2(+72%)	(5) Beny Nahar Road 9/2, Fairly useful maiden on Flat and runner-up 4 times over hurdles for Paul Nicholls. Filled same spot on yard debut in September and showed aptitiude for chasing when fifth of 7 behind Coup de Coeur at this C&D 25 days ago. May just find others stronger. Fair fifth of seven over C&D on chase debut and could be sharper for that outing.
4 4th (4) (9/4 +0%) Caldwell	2.25 9/4(+0%)	(4) Caldwell 9/4, Made a successful debut over fences in a Hexham handicap in October. Back over hurdles both outings since and, after 4 months off, resumed winning ways in selling handicap at Fakenham (16f, good) 8 days ago. Respected making only his second chase start. Won in October on sole chase start and back on the scoresheet over h'dles recently; player.

LTO Selection:hiden content, hiden content, hiden content, hiden content

Not beaten far in third when jumping cost him at Down Royal last time, connections looks to have found an ideal opportunity for STEP OUT to get off the mark over fences. A mark of 118 seems manageable on his return to handicap level and he is preferred to Caldwell, who could not have won any easier over hurdles at Fakenham recently. Last-start C&D winner Coup De Coeur also warrants respect.

COUP DE COEUR built on the promise of his previous run when opening his chase account over C&D last month, jumping well in the main, and he can continue his good run of form to score again. Caldwell was a ready winner on chase debut and could be the main danger arriving on the back of a success over hurdles, with Step Out also in the mix.

Jennie Candlish continues to enjoy an excellent season and CALDWELL is taken to make it 2-2 over fences on his return to this sphere.

16:35 Fairyhouse Maiden Chase 22f - 5 Run Class & Speed Card

Form	Odds	Comments
5 1st (5) (8/11 +58%) Spindleberry	0.727273 8/11(+58%)	(5) Spindleberry 8/11, Successful on hurdling debut last season and useful form when runner-up in Grade 1 novice next time. After 8 months off, made a winning start over fences in 7-runner maiden at Cork (21.2f, soft, 8/11) 71 days ago and she's a major player. Cork winner on chase debut with potential for more; Townend's pick.
1 2nd (1) (9/4 +100%) Bioluminescence	2.25 9/4(+100%)	(1) Bioluminescence 9/4, Impressive on chasing debut when winning Grade 2 novice at Limerick (22.6f) in December and improved further against the males when 3½ lengths second of 5 to Dancing City in Grade 3 novice at Naas (24.8f, heavy, 7/2) 27 days ago. Respected. Classy mare has taken well to chasing; good chance she can concede weight here.
3 3rd (3) (17/2 +47%) A Penny A Hundred	8.5 17/2(+47%)	(3) A Penny A Hundred 17/2, Opened chase account at second attempt at Ballinrobe and good fourth in novice won by Judicieuse Allen at this course (21f) in December. However, not in the same form when fourth of 5 in Grade 2 novice at Thurles (20.9f, good, 10/3) 34 days ago. Held by stablemate Judicieuse Allen on recent form; hard to see her playing a major role.
4 4th (4) (11/1 +8%) Kilbarry Saint	11 11/1(+8%)	(4) Kilbarry Saint 11/1, Fairly useful winning hurdler. Without a win in 4 chase starts, but in first-time hood she took a step forward when length second of 5 to Only By Night in listed novice (14/1) at Exeter (17.5f, soft) 13 days ago, well ridden. More needed back up in trip. Exeter second her best run yet; more needed but could sneak more black type here.
2 5th (2) (12/1 +14%) Judicieuse Allen	12 12/1(+14%)	(2) Judicieuse Allen 12/1, Fell at the last on chasing debut but won next 2 starts, including novice at this course (21f) in December. Lesser effort when 13¼ lengths third of 5 to Nara in Grade 2 novice at Thurles (20.9f, good, 85/40) 34 days ago, though she could fare better back here. C&D novice winner but disappointing at Thurles; Townend now prefers Spindleberry.

LTO Selection:hiden content, hiden content, hiden content, hiden content

BIOLUMINESCENCE has a tough task to concede 10lb to Spindleberry but is suited by this distance and testing ground. Despite pulling up in a Grade 1 race last March, the selection is thoroughly dependable and ran very well when failing to concede 1lb to high-class stayer Dancing City at Naas last month. A reproduction of that run would give her every chance. Spindleberry finished second in the aforementioned top-level Fairyhouse race last March and is herself very able. She looks sure to benefit from her debut fences win at Cork in December and returns from a break, so should give the selection a real race. Judicieuse Allen might edge A Penny A Hundred for third.

Having shown useful form in just 3 outings over hurdles, SPINDLEBERRY pulled clear with a fellow promising type when making a winning chase debut at Cork in December and she can build on that effort for her leading yard. She is preferred to Bioluminescence, who has looked a good prospect in her 2 chase starts, with Judicieuse Allen the pick of the remaider.

Having taken really well to chasing, BIOLUMINESCENCE (nap) can concede weight all round here en route to Cheltenham

16:45 Kempton NH Flat Race (Class 3) 16f - 6 Run Class & Speed Card

Form	Odds	Age
8 1st (8) (7/4 +50%) Our Boy Stan	1.75 7/4(+50%)	(8) Our Boy Stan 7/4, Kapgarde gelding. Half-brother to 3 winners, including useful bumper winner/useful hurdler Go Dante and fairly useful hurdler/chase winner Angel of Harlem. Pitched in deep but excellent debut effort when second of 16 in listed bumper at Cheltenham on New Year's Day. Major claims. Excellent effort for a newcomer to finish second of 16 in a 4yo Listed race at Cheltenham.
1 2nd (1) (13/8 +41%) Moneygarrow	1.625 13/8(+41%)	(1) Moneygarrow 13/8, Brother to 2 winners, including useful hurdle winner/smart chaser Minella Crooner. Won sole start in Irish points in April and powered clear in the manner of a useful prospect at Chepstow in October. Similar form when second at Ascot 2 months later and he demands respect. His Ascot conqueror is Cheltenham-bound; that was a step up on his winning form.
7 3rd (7) (11/1 +83%) A King Of Magic	11 11/1(+83%)	(7) A King Of Magic 11/1, Fourth foal, dam, French hurdler/chaser (17f-2½m winner), half-sister to useful hurdler/chaser (stayed 25f) Kaki de La Pree. Tough ask on debut. Useful pedigree and small yard is making a name for itself this season in bumpers.
3 4th (3) (17/2 +6%) Spectacularsunrise	8.5 17/2(+6%)	(3) Spectacularsunrise 17/2, Half-brother to modest 2m hurdle winner Mavis Pike. Dam 19f hurdle winner, half-sister to fairly useful hurdlers/chasers Indifference Curve (stayed 3½m) and Ardera Cross (stays 21f). Imposing sort physically and made perfect start in 12-runner bumper at Huntingdon 16 days ago. Stayed on well to make a winning start at Huntingdon and he didn't beat rubbish.
5 5th (5) (28/1 -12%) Bamber	28 28/1(-12%)	(5) Bamber 28/1, El Salvador gelding. Brother to a point winner. Dam, pulled up in point, half-sister to fairly useful hurdler/chaser (winner at around 2m) Herons Heir. Mid-field on debut and entitled to build on that, though this looks a tough ask. Showed definite ability behind promising opposition at Warwick; can improve.
6 \|PU\| (6) (5/1 +38%) Cool Palmer	5 5/1(+38%)	(6) Cool Palmer 5/1, Blue Bresil gelding. Dam unraced half-sister to fairly useful chaser (stayed 3¼m) By The Boardwalk and modest hurdler/fairly useful chaser (stays 3m) Bolsover Bill. Promising start when third of 13 starting out at Southwell in December. Will know more this time so improvement forthcoming. Signs of inexperience at Southwell (good to soft; 9-2) but ran a nice race to be third.

LTO Selection:hiden content, hiden content, hiden content, hiden content

The runner-up when introduced in a Listed race at Cheltenham last month, OUR BOY STAN has bags of potential and could be tough to deal with now he has some experience to draw upon. Moneygarrow also filled second place in a Listed event at Ascot most recently and is a notable threat with the sights lowered here. Fellow bumper winners One Knight, Spectacularsunrise and Storming George are other players under penalties, with the first-named feared most of that trio after a cosy success at Huntingdon 16 days ago.

It probably wasn't a vintage renewal but OUR BOY STAN made a really promising start to his career when runner-up in Cheltenham's listed bumper on New Year's Day. In receipt of weight from most, he looks the answer, for all there is depth to this, with Moneygarrow and One Knight of major interest.

An interesting bumper. Preference is for the 4yo OUR BOY STAN who fared best of the newcomers in a Listed race at Cheltenham.

16:52 Chepstow NH Flat Race (Class 5) 16f - 6 Run Class & Speed Card

Form	Odds	Age
2 1st (2) (7/2 -75%) Just Golden	3.5 7/2(-75%)	(2) Just Golden 7/2, €120,000 3-y-o, Flemensfirth gelding. Dam unraced half-sister to smart hurdler/chaser (stayed 3m) O O Seven (by Flemensfirth). Bred to stay well but showed plenty to work on when second of 11 starting out at Hereford in December. Improvement forthcoming. Kept on well for second on debut at Hereford in December; must be considered here.
1 2nd (1) (9/4 +18%) Douglas Hyde	2.25 9/4(+18%)	(1) Douglas Hyde 9/4, £85,000 Irish point winner who made a bright start under Rules when second of 6 in bumper at Bangor (17f, heavy) in October. Matched that form when occupying same spot at Ffos Las a month ago and he can make his presence felt again. Irish point winner who came second on first two starts under rules; big player.
4 3rd (4) (3/1 -20%) Pertemps	3 3/1(-20%)	(4) Pertemps 3/1, €65,000 3-y-o, Milan gelding. Half-brother to 3 winners, including useful chaser Lord Schnitzel and fairly useful hurdler/chaser The Dubai Way, stays 2¾m. Not given a hard time and displayed ability on debut when third at Market Rasen in November. In the right hands to progress. With stable that does well in bumpers and was placed on debut at Market Rasen in November.
3 4th (3) (11/2 +45%) Parliamo	5.5 11/2(+45%)	(3) Parliamo 11/2, €25,000 3-y-o, sixth foal, brother to fairly useful hurdle winner/smart chaser Iron Bridge (2½m-3¼m winner), stays 3½m: dam (h97) 3m hurdle winner. Newcomer for successful yard. Brother to useful bumper/jumps winner Iron Bridge; market may guide on debut.
5 5th (5) (18/1 -80%) Sage Green	18 18/1(-80%)	(5) Sage Green 18/1, £58,000 4-y-o, Sageburg gelding. Brother to modest hurdler Mr Hailstone, and half-brother to hurdler/chaser Knock On Steel, stays 2¾m. Point winner at the second attempt in November Bought for £58,000 after making all in an Irish point in November; rules debut today.
6 6th (6) (7/1 +50%) Sam Silver	7 7/1(+50%)	(6) Sam Silver 7/1, Black Sam Bellamy gelding. Half-brother to fairly useful 23f hurdle winner Hi Ho Phoenix. Dam unraced half-sister to useful chaser (stayed 3½m) Up The Beat. Half-brother to Irish hurdle winner Hi Ho Phoenix; stable has occasional bumper winners..

LTO Selection:hiden content, hiden content, hiden content,

JUST GOLDEN, who cost 120,000 euros as a three-year-old, made an encouraging start when second in a Hereford bumper in December and is fancied to go one place better with that experience to draw upon. Douglas Hyde and Pertemps have also shown some promise and are musts for betting checks given their equal scope for progression. Point-to-point winner Sage Green also merits close inspection.

JUST GOLDEN and Pertemps represent very successful yards and showed enough on their respective debut to think they can win a bumper. Marginal preference is for the former with a useful conditional on. Parliamo ticks a few boxes on paper so is a newcomer to note.

Dan Skelton's JUST GOLDEN did well to finish second on his debut at Hereford and can improve here.

17:00 Southwell Handicap (Class 4) 7f - 12 Run Class & Speed Card

Form	Odds	Age
1 1st (1) (8/1 -14%) Bajan Bandit	8 8/1(-14%)	(1) Bajan Bandit 8/1, Course winner. Latest win here in January. 7/1, respectable fourth of 12 in handicap at this course (8.1f) 15 days ago. Should remain competitive. 1m win here last month; less good latest and he'll need a good pace back at 7f.
9 2nd (9) (2/1 +69%) So Quiet	2 2/1(+69%)	(9) So Quiet 2/1, 9/2, tenth of 12 in handicap at Lingfield (8f, AW) 35 days ago. Tongue strap on 1st time. Worth another chance. Below best at Lingfield latest but earlier C&D 2nd gives him a big shout; now tongue tied.
2 3rd (2) (16/1 +11%) Abduction	16 16/1(+11%)	(2) Abduction 16/1, Twelve runs since last win in 2023. Found run of good form coming to a halt when sixth of 12 in handicap (14/1) at Doncaster (7f, heavy). Off 119 days but has gone well fresh before. First AW run since defying a 7lb higher mark at Wolverhampton in October 2023; interesting.
6 4th (6) (6/1 -9%) Where's Freddy	6 6/1(-9%)	(6) Where's Freddy 6/1, Confirmed promise of last run when winning 10-runner handicap (11/4) at Wolverhampton (7.2f) 47 days ago, readily. Likely to go well again. Steadily progressive and it seems likely there's a fair bit more to come; big player.
11 5th (11) (20/1 -100%) Lessay	20 20/1(-100%)	(11) Lessay 20/1, Thirteen runs since last win in 2023. 11/2, fourth of 7 in handicap at Chelmsford City (6f) 9 days ago, caught further back than ideal. Blinkers on for 1st time and not one to give up on. Running creditably for this yard but no win since debut and needs the new headgear to work.
10 6th (10) (28/1 -100%) Swiss Ace	28 28/1(-100%)	(10) Swiss Ace 28/1, Fourteen runs since last win in 2023. Cheekpieces on for 1st time, seventh of 9 in handicap at Newcastle (7.1f, 7/2) 21 days ago. On a dangerous mark and fully effective over C&D; not ruled out.
5 7th (5) (25/1 -178%) Beattie Is Back	25 25/1(-178%)	(5) Beattie Is Back 25/1, Latest win at Newcastle in November. Sixth of 7 in handicap (4/1) at Lingfield (7f, AW) 15 days ago, unable to sustain effort. Cheekpieces on 1st time. 7f Tapeta win in November; below par last time and cheekpieces are now reached for.
7 8th (7) (17/2 +39%) Benavente	8.5 17/2(+39%)	(7) Benavente 17/2, Course winner. Respectable sixth of 13 in handicap at Dundalk (7f, 18/1) 43 days ago. Needs to up his game. 1m win here 12 months ago (off 2lb higher); struggling at Dundalk this winter; this easier.
4 9th (4) (12/1 -71%) Powdering	12 12/1(-71%)	(4) Powdering 12/1, Four wins from 18 runs last year. Career best when winning 8-runner handicap (12/1) at this C&D 7 days ago, readily. Ought to go well again. Ready winner of a C&D fillies' handicap last week; this tougher up 5lb but not discounted.
12 10th (12) (17/2 +29%) Straight A	8.5 17/2(+29%)	(12) Straight A 17/2, C&D winner. Latest win at Wolverhampton in January. 9/2, creditable third of 10 in handicap at Wolverhampton (8.6f) 5 days ago. Should remain competitive. Three Tapeta wins for this yard, including C&D; looks set for another big run.
8 11th (8) (28/1 -12%) How Impressive	28 28/1(-12%)	(8) How Impressive 28/1, C&D winner. Five wins from 20 runs last year. Last of 7 in handicap (10/1) at Lingfield (7f, AW) 15 days ago. Mark continues to ease. C&D win off 4lb higher in October; he's found it a struggle since then though.
3 12th (3) (16/1 -45%) Enola Grey	16 16/1(-45%)	(3) Enola Grey 16/1, Course winner. Latest win at Wolverhampton in December. Creditable 2¼ lengths third of 8 to Powdering in handicap at this C&D (7/2) 7 days ago, slowly away. Should remain competitive. Conditions fine but she has more on her plate back against male opposition.

LTO Selection:hiden content, hiden content, hiden content, hiden content

WHERE'S FREDDY may have been worth more than the winning margin suggests when scoring by a length at Wolverhampton last month. Stuart Williams' five-year-old competes off a 5lb higher mark but that is unlikely to prevent him from following up. Powdering struck over C&D last week and holds an obvious chance, providing this quick time around doesn't pose her any problems. Beattie Is Back sports first-time cheekpieces and is another to watch out for.

WHERE'S FREDDY ran out a ready winner of a Wolverhampton handicap on his most recent outing and is still unexposed on all-weather after just the 3 starts, so he's the percentage call to follow up in a competitive affair. Lessay was caught further back than ideal at Chelmsford last week and isn't one to give up on, with recent C&D scorer Powering another to consider.

Straight A looks sure to go well but WHERE'S FREDDY (nap) finished with a flourish last time and could still have more to offer.

17:05 Newcastle Handicap Hurdle (Class 5) 17f - 11 Run Class & Speed Card

Form	Odds	Age
6 1st (6) (10/1 +38%) The Best Way	10 10/1(+38%)	(6) The Best Way 10/1, Promising bumper fourth in May 2022 but hasn't stood much racing since. Wasn't seen to best effect when short of room/pulled-up on handicap debut in May of last year but has a bit to find now returning from 9-month absence. Lightly raced 7yo who had excuses on handicap debut last May; could yet do better.
8 2nd (8) (9/4 +44%) Mister Smarty	2.25 9/4(+44%)	(8) Mister Smarty 9/4, Has been in fine fettle since returning this winter, winning a pair of handicaps (one over C&D) and far from disgraced in a couple of third placed efforts here since the turn of the year. One to be interested in again. Remains on a good mark and has a lot less to prove than many of these.
2 3rd (2) (8/1 -78%) V Twelve	8 8/1(-78%)	(2) V Twelve 8/1, In good heart for most of the summer and made creditable start to his jumps campaign with respectable third at Carlisle, only to be found out in a better race when last seen in November. Makes appeal returning from break into much calmer waters. Could have run better at Wetherby but that was a Class 3 and this is a Class 5.
10 4th (10) (25/1 +24%) Feach Amach	25 25/1(+24%)	(10) Feach Amach 25/1, Struck at the third time of asking over hurdles at Sedgefield but gradually regressed for Nigel Hawke. Drops in trip for stable debut and one to note in the betting. Just 1-16 under both codes (hurdle winner); signed off for Nigel Hawke in poor form.
12 5th (12) (9/1 +44%) Belle Na Bann	9 9/1(+44%)	(12) Belle Na Bann 9/1, Successful at this venue in December 2023 before landing double at Catterick following month. Form has been in and out since, followed a promising run with a below-par one when seventh of 12 in handicap hurdle at Catterick (15.7f, good, 20/1) 31 days ago. Capable but not one to hang your hat on. Could do with raising her game as when second two starts back she was beaten 14l.
11 6th (11) (4/1 +20%) Treasured Company	4 4/1(+20%)	(11) Treasured Company 4/1, Scored at Cartmel in August and back on track when third of 10 in handicap hurdle at Wetherby (16f, soft) on Boxing Day. Market support proved unjustified when beaten at Market Rasen last time (not helped by jumping errors) but no surprise to see him bounce back. Runs well now and again but he's hard to win with at the best of times.
4 7th (4) (14/1 +0%) Geordies Dream	14 14/1(+0%)	(4) Geordies Dream 14/1, Off the mark at Kelso last May but pulled up in handicap chase on return/belated debut over fences at Carlisle in November. Likely needed the run after 10 weeks off when finishing down the field here last month and while he should strip fitter, he has a bit to find in this company. Has placed form in handicaps in this discipline but last two runs were offputting.
3 8th (3) (16/1 -113%) Chillhi	16 16/1(-113%)	(3) Chillhi 16/1, Fairly useful handicapper on Flat (stays 1¾m) who showed aptitude for hurdling on his debut in July. Let down by jumping on handicap debut in this sphere October and has been ticking over on the Level since. Not ruled out from his current mark if he can brush up his jumping. Has generally struggled on the Flat and over hurdles since last May.
5 9th (5) (40/1 -150%) Right Now	40 40/1(-150%)	(5) Right Now 40/1, Shaped like a non-stayer when third of 11 in handicap hurdle at Perth (20.2f, good to soft, 22/1) in September but ran to sort of race when pulled-up at Sedgefield when last seen in October. Makes reappearance in race where others have stronger claims. Has won a handicap on good; had wind surgery since changing hands for £3,000.
7 10th (7) (66/1 -65%) Mr Globalist	66 66/1(-65%)	(7) Mr Globalist 66/1, Modest maiden hurdler for Shay Slevin and looks as though he is going to struggle off this sort of mark for new connections. Capable in Ireland but fell on stable debut and was 66-1 when tailed off last time.
9 \|PU\| (9) (4/1 +53%) Skiddaw	4 4/1(+53%)	(9) Skiddaw 4/1, Signs of ability in maiden hurdles last term and bettered previous handicap efforts when fifth at Musselburgh in November, having been left poorly placed the way the race unfolded. Will need to step forward again if he's to trouble the best of these. Only his second completion in a handicap when beaten 8l into fifth at Musselburgh.

LTO Selection:hiden content, hiden content, hiden content, hiden content

An easy winner over C&D in December and a highly consistent sort since, MISTER SMARTY continues to rise in the ratings but a mark of 88 still looks within his compass as he aims to land a third success in five starts. Kabuki is interesting making his handicap debut on the back of wind surgery, while V Twelve remains a capable sort on his day. Others to note include Chillhi, Skiddaw and Treasured Company.

Consistent performer MISTER SMARTY has proved himself effective in this grade over C&D, and he can regain the winning thread at the expense of V Twelve, who should fare better back in calmer waters. Treasured Company was well backed last time, and it would be no surprise to see him bounce back from that disappointing run.

The most appealing option is MISTER SMARTY who beat a subsequent improver three runs back and has continued to run well.

17:10 Fairyhouse NH Flat Race 16f - 10 Run Class & Speed Card

Form	Odds	Comments
5 1st (5) (11/2 -10%) Kaiser Ball	5.5 11/2(-10%)	(5) Kaiser Ball 11/2, Nom De D'la gelding. Brother to bumper winner/fairly useful 2m hurdle winner Juby Ball,. Dam lightly raced over hurdles/fences in France. Highly respected on debut (one of 2 Rules newcomers for the yard). Brother to bumper/2m hurdle winner Juby Ball; market will guide on first start for Mullins.
3 2nd (3) (9/2 -125%) Eachtotheirown	4.5 9/2(-125%)	(3) Eachtotheirown 9/2, Sent off 6/4 and split a couple of point winners when second of 8 in bumper at Navan (16f, soft) on NH debut 35 days ago. Has to be of major interest. Runner-up when sent off favourite for Navan bumper (soft) last month; obvious contender.
1 3rd (1) (9/4 +18%) Arslan	2.25 9/4(+18%)	(1) Arslan 9/4, €28,000 3-y-o, €180,000 4-y-o, Wootton Bassett gelding. Half-brother to 2 winners on Flat, including useful 9.5f winner in France Ajayeb. Dam very smart winner in USA who stayed 1¼m. Runner-up sole start in points (May 2024) and obvious claims having joined leading stable. 180,000euros buy; runner-up in Tralee point; obvious contender on first start for top yard.
6 4th (6) (16/1 -100%) Khmer	16 16/1(-100%)	(6) Khmer 16/1, Twice-raced maiden. Hooded for 1st time, second of 11 in bumper (28/1) at Leopardstown (16f, good) 58 days ago. Much-improved on second start when runner-up at Leopardstown in first-time hood; chance.
10 5th (10) (11/10 +92%) Sticktotheplan	1.1 11/10(+92%)	(10) Sticktotheplan 11/10, €45,000 3-y-o, Great Pretender gelding. Dam, French hurdler/chaser (17f-23f winner), half-sister to fair hurdler/fairly useful chaser in France (19f-3¼m winner) Polinuit. Fell sole start in points. Was making rapid headway when falling in Borris House point last April; not discounted.
11 6th (11) (66/1 +34%) Teds Corner	66 66/1(+34%)	(11) Teds Corner 66/1, Twice-raced maiden. Ninth of 21 in novice hurdle at Naas (16f, heavy, 200/1) 48 days ago. Makes bumpers debut. Tongue strap on for 1st time. Promising Navan debut but didn't build on that last time; more of a long-term prospect.
2 7th (2) (125/1 -89%) Astley	125 125/1(-89%)	(2) Astley 125/1, Order of St George gelding. Half-brother to fair hurdler Callin Baton Rouge and fair hurdler Intersky Sunset, stays 2¾m. Dam unraced. Unplaced sole start in points. Dam out of French half-sister to Harchibald; well beaten in a point; best watched.
7 8th (7) (40/1 -21%) Minella Sergeant	40 40/1(-21%)	(7) Minella Sergeant 40/1, Soldier of Fortune gelding. Half-brother to fairly useful hurdler Corinto. Dam unraced sister to useful hurdler/chaser (winner up to 2½m) Bedlam Boy. Maiden pointer. Brother to point winner; poor efforts in points but market will guide for shrewd stable.
8 9th (8) (200/1 -33%) Mr Frawley	200 200/1(-33%)	(8) Mr Frawley 200/1, €5,000 3-y-o, Sageburg gelding. Half-brother to bumper winner/fair 2½m hurdle winner Stony Stream. Dam unraced. Wears cheekpieces. Maiden pointer, fell last 2 starts. 0-11 in points; 5,000euros 3yo; fourth foal; impossible to fancy here; cheekpieces.
12 10th (12) (100/1 +0%) Likeoldtimes	100 100/1(+0%)	(12) Likeoldtimes 100/1, Doyen mare. Sister to French hurdler Napolitain Sizing, and half-sister to 2 winners, including fairly useful hurdle winner/useful chaser Bowtogreatness. Sister to French 2m2f hurdle winner Napolitain Sizing; best watched here.

LTO Selection:hiden content, hiden content, hiden content,

A chance is taken with KAISER BALL, who is owner-ridden on debut for Willie Mullins. The selection debuts at a notable time of year and all three of his older siblings were smart bumper performers. One of those was Grade 1-placed in this sphere while the other pair landed three bumpers between them. Stablemate Arslan was purchased for 180,000 euros following his May debut points run and while the fourth-placed horse at Tralee subsequently won a bumper, that overall form isn't exciting. Eachtotheirown showed plenty of ability when heavily supported on debut. That Naas form looks strong as the winner, third and fourth had all previously won point-to-points.

Despite failing to land string support, EACHTOTHEIROWN's debut second was full of promise and with that behind him, he can go one place better. Arslan and Riskaway, Rules newcomers from powerful stables, are the obvious threats.

The selection is FRANKIE JOHN, who was an eyecatching fourth behind a leading Champion Bumper contender at Navan 13 days ago

17:15 Chelmsford Maiden (Class 5) 7f - 12 Run Class & Speed Card

Form	Odds	Age
4 1st (4) (16/1 +36%) Hey Boo	16 16/1(+36%)	(4) Hey Boo 16/1, Iffraaj filly. Half-sister to 5f winner Della and useful 2-y-o 5f/6f winner Juniper Berries. Dam 5.7f winner (including at 2 yrs). Wears hood. Hooded on debut and stable's newcomers are often better for a run.
12 2nd (12) (11/2 +61%) Too Sweet	5.5 11/2(+61%)	(12) Too Sweet 11/2, Expensive breeze-up buy who showed ability when fifth on debut in a Sandown maiden (5f) in July. Not in same form at Thirsk a month later and now starts out for new yard following 6 months off. Not one to write off and Billy Loughnane an eye-catching booking. Out of the frame in both starts for another yard last summer; watch market.
2 3rd (2) (15/2 -50%) Vinatera	7.5 15/2(-50%)	(2) Vinatera 15/2, Lope De Vega filly who made a promising start when third of 8 in maiden (14/1) at Kempton (7f) on debut 31 days ago, her challenge flattening out final 100 yds. Likely to improve. Third on her Kempton debut last month; form nothing special but she's still shortlisted.
10 4th (10) (4/1 +0%) Rescue Mission	4 4/1(+0%)	(10) Rescue Mission 4/1, Promising individual. Second of 7 in novice at this course (6f, 6/1) on debut 23 days ago, keeping on final 1f. Open to improvement and she's one to consider up in trip. Runner-up over 6f here on debut last time; should stay 7f and one for the shortlist.
11 5th (11) (3/1 +14%) Scattering Light	3 3/1(+14%)	(11) Scattering Light 3/1, Blue Point filly who showed benefit of debut run when finishing close-up third in 11-runner Yarmouth maiden (6f) in August. Left Charlie Appleby for 30,000 gns in December and she appeals as the type who could yet have more to offer. Hood/tongue tie fitted. Third in second of two starts for Charlie Appleby last summer; new headgear; watch market.
3 6th (3) (12/1 -71%) Bella Perla	12 12/1(-71%)	(3) Bella Perla 12/1, Night of Thunder filly. Sister to 7f winner Midnight Lustre and half-sister to 2-y-o 1m winner Fariba. Dam unraced half-sister to high-class winner up to 1½m Jack Hobbs. Makes appeal on paper for good yard and market confidence behind her on debut would look significant. Stable has a fine record with newcomers in general; market support would be significant.
6 7th (6) (13/2 -30%) Kathleen's Glory	6.5 13/2(-30%)	(6) Kathleen's Glory 13/2, Ten Sovereigns filly who has looked in need of the experience both outings to date, again racing freely when sixth of 12 in novice (3/1) at Kempton (7f) in September. Hood goes back on and she remains capable of better. 3-1 when out of the frame in both starts last year; may yet do better; hood returns.
7 8th (7) (16/1 +68%) Live Each Day	16 16/1(+68%)	(7) Live Each Day 16/1, Persian King filly. Easy to back and offered little when tenth of 12 in novice (12/1) at Newmarket (7f, soft) on debut in October. Switched yards ahead of this and she's probably best watched. Well held in her only start for William Haggas at Newmarket in October; improvement needed.
5 9th (5) (28/1 -133%) Jake Loves Laura	28 28/1(-133%)	(5) Jake Loves Laura 28/1, Lightly-raced filly. Good third of 7 in novice (4/1) at this course (6f) 23 days ago, no extra last ½f. Likely to be vulnerable to less exposed sorts again in a race like this. In the frame last three starts, but vulnerable to unexposed types.
9 10th (9) (20/1 -82%) Phrygia	20 20/1(-82%)	(9) Phrygia 20/1, Sergei Prokofiev filly who couldn't quite match debut form when fourth of 8 in novice at Wolverhampton (7.2f) 26 days ago, not knocked about. Another appealing as the type to do better in handicaps moving forward. Showed promise in both starts over 7f at Wolverhampton last month, but may need further.
8 11th (8) (17/2 +47%) Pageant	8.5 17/2(+47%)	(8) Pageant 17/2, Twice-raced filly. Hooded for 1st time, didn't find a great deal of progress from debut when sixth of 10 in novice at Kempton (6f, 18/1) in October. Handicaps over further look likely to be more her bag. Not beaten far in two 6f novices in the autumn; may be one for handicaps after this.
1 12th (1) (150/1 -50%) Sawgrass	150 150/1(-50%)	(1) Sawgrass 150/1, Twice-raced filly. Seventh of 8 in novice (40/1) at Southwell (8.1f) 16 days ago, hanging left from 2f out and not unduly punished. Handicaps will be more her bag after this. Well held in first two starts; shorter trip no advantage on pedigree; one for handicaps.

LTO Selection:hiden content, hiden content, hiden content, hiden content

RESCUE MISSION shaped with lots of promise, despite racing wide and pulling hard, to fill the runner-up spot over 6f here last month. Andrew Balding's three-year-old would have learnt a lot from that experience and, with normal progression, she could be the one to beat. Vinatera showed ability to finish a close-up third at Kempton last month and could have more to offer on only her second start, while Scattering Light is another to watch out for.

SCATTERING LIGHT ran well when third in a race that has thrown up subsequent winners on her final start for Charlie Appleby last summer and, appealing as the type to progress further, she earns the vote for the stable that won this contest 12 months ago. Rescue Mission, following her encouraging debut second here, Kathleen's Glory and Vinatera are others to consider.

It may be worth chancing the debutante BELLA PERLA whose stable is 21-111 (19%) with 3yo newcomers in the past five seasons.

17:30 Southwell Handicap (Class 3) 16f - 9 Run Class & Speed Card

Form	Odds	Age
4 1st (4) (7/2 +42%) Hot Fuss	3.5 7/2(+42%)	(4) Hot Fuss 7/2, 11/2, good 11¾ lengths fourth of 9 to Nietzsche Has in Finale Juvenile Hurdle at Chepstow (16f, good to soft) 57 days ago. Visor on 1st time. Useful on the Flat, creditable on last Flat outing. Has done well in juvenile hurdles and has hinted this trip will suit now back on the Flat.
7 2nd (7) (9/2 +0%) Marble Sands	4.5 9/2(+0%)	(7) Marble Sands 9/2, Smart winner at 20f in chases. Never dangerous in minor events at Southwell and Kempton on belated start to Flat career but could show more now upped to 2m on first handicap start in this code. Very useful jumper who could relish the step up in trip on Flat handicap debut.
1 3rd (1) (11/1 +21%) Circuit Breaker	11 11/1(+21%)	(1) Circuit Breaker 11/1, 14/1, eighth of 10 in handicap hurdle at Musselburgh (19.8f, good to soft) 20 days ago. Makes tapeta debut. Useful on the Flat, below form on last Flat run. On a competitive mark on best Flat form but well beaten in handicap hurdles the last twice.
8 4th (8) (22/1 -57%) Tradesman	22 22/1(-57%)	(8) Tradesman 22/1, Unreliable sort. 13/2, sixth of 7 in handicap at Chelmsford City (16f) 9 days ago, slowly away. Blinkers back on. Effective over C&D but not at his best at Chelmsford the last twice.
9 5th (9) (22/1 +33%) Alright Sunshine	22 22/1(+33%)	(9) Alright Sunshine 22/1, Thoroughly unreliable sort. Twenty one runs since last win in 2022. Refused to race in handicap at Chelmsford City (16f, 7/1) 9 days ago. Passed over. Prematurely eased when short-headed here this month; refused to race next time.
2 6th (2) (9/4 +0%) Alrazeen	2.25 9/4(+0%)	(2) Alrazeen 9/4, C&D winner who completed a hat-trick in 6-runner handicap at Kempton (16f, 15/2) 17 days ago, readily. Expected to be bang there again. Thriving 4yo who has won his last three (including C&D); latest 3lb rise may not stop him.
3 7th (3) (16/1 -78%) Legendary Day	16 16/1(-78%)	(3) Legendary Day 16/1, Bounced back to best to win 8-runner handicap at Lingfield (15.8f, AW, 66/1) 20 days ago, finding extra. Respected up 4 lb. 66-1 win at Lingfield last time; has won on Tapeta; thereabouts if again on a going day.
5 8th (5) (13/2 +13%) Robusto	6.5 13/2(+13%)	(5) Robusto 13/2, Creditable second of 8 in handicap at this course (14.1f, 7/1) 22 days ago, having run of race. Should remain competitive. Very healthy AW strike-rate and has gone close in this sphere the last twice; key player.
6 9th (6) (12/1 -100%) Dreams Adozen	12 12/1(-100%)	(6) Dreams Adozen 12/1, Latest win at Newcastle in January. 7/2, creditable second of 6 in handicap at Newcastle (16.2f) 18 days ago. Blinkers back on. Good runs on the Newcastle Tapeta on two of her last three starts; might not be far away.

LTO Selection:hiden content, hiden content, hiden content, hiden content

ALRAZEEN ran a career-best when completing the hat-trick in a deeper event at Kempton earlier in the month and the handicapper might have been kind to only put him up 3lb for that success. With a previous C&D victory further aiding his cause, he will prove very tough to beat. Legendary Day sprung a 66/1 surprise at Lingfield at the start of the month and will be looking to show that was no fluke off a 4lb higher rating. Dreams Adozen looks best of the rest.

ALRAZEEN is a stayer going places and a 3 lb rise for his latest win at Kempton may not be enough to prevent the 4-timer. Robusto and Legendary Day are others who arrive in form and they head the dangers.

Classy jumper MARBLE SANDS is an intriguing contender now up in trip on his Flat handicap debut and is the pick ahead of Alrazeen.

17:45 Chelmsford Handicap (Class 5) 7f - 8 Run Class & Speed Card

Form	Odds	Age
8 1st (8) (7/4 +50%) Drifts Away	1.75 7/4(+50%)	(8) Drifts Away 7/4, Won back-to-back handicaps in October/November, including at this course (8f). Showed good attitude when also successful in 7-runner handicap (5/4) at Kempton (8f) 24 days ago and he can remain competitive. Made it 3-8 on AW when scoring at Kempton; only up 2lb and he's respected back in trip.
3 2nd (3) (13/2 +7%) Wilde And Dandy	6.5 13/2(+7%)	(3) Wilde And Dandy 13/2, Better than ever on all-weather last year, winning at this C&D in October and Southwell in December. Upped in grade when seventh of 8 in handicap at Southwell (7.1f, 9/2) 22 days ago, but he could bounce back. Dual C&D winner who scored at Southwell in December but he was disappointing there latest.
4 3rd (4) (4/1 -60%) Enpassant	4 4/1(-60%)	(4) Enpassant 4/1, Returned to his best when winning 8-runner handicap at Kempton (7f, 5/2) 17 days ago, his first victory for current connections. Remains on a workable mark so he could be capable of following up. Justified favouritism at Kempton (7f) latest and he's only 2lb higher here; respected.
9 4th (9) (40/1 -60%) Velvet Vortex	40 40/1(-60%)	(9) Velvet Vortex 40/1, Making handicap debut, wasn't able to find any improvement when fourth of 6 at this C&D (14/1) in October, though needed the emphasis more on stamina. Has something to find after 4 months off. Still early days but slow starts have been an issue so far and he needs improvement.
2 5th (2) (11/2 +8%) Port Erin	5.5 11/2(+8%)	(2) Port Erin 11/2, Back to winning ways at this course (8f) in December and has continued in good heart since, third of 8 in handicap at Wolverhampton (7.2f, 4/1) 33 days ago. Can give another good account with cheekpieces applied. Back to form since November including a 1m win here; respected with cheekpieces added.
1 6th (1) (7/1 +56%) Wallop	7 7/1(+56%)	(1) Wallop 7/1, Sole success at Kempton only start in 2023. Largely struggled last year and fared no better in first-time cheekpieces when last of 10 in handicap at Kempton (6f, 15/2) 17 days ago. Falling in the weights but others preferred. Record of 0-9 in handicaps and was last of ten at Kempton two weeks ago; opposable.
7 7th (7) (12/1 +52%) Prefer The Sister	12 12/1(+52%)	(7) Prefer The Sister 12/1, Off the mark on third start for current yard at Kempton (7f) in December. However, failed to repeat that effort when sixth of 9 in handicap at same course (8f, 17/2) 38 days ago. Hood back on returned to this shorter trip. Off the mark at Kempton in December but was well held there last time; others preferred.
6 8th (6) (18/1 +28%) Dynamic Talent	18 18/1(+28%)	(6) Dynamic Talent 18/1, Slow starter who won twice in early-2024, but not at the same level since returning from a break in September. Tailed off on hurdling debut in January, his only start for Julia & Shelley Birkett and has rejoined former yard. Last win was 11 months ago and was tailed off on hurdling debut latest; down the list.

LTO Selection:hiden content, hiden content, hiden content, hiden content

ZU RUN is a previous C&D winner who produced a good effort to be beaten a length into second at Wolverhampton last month and goes off an unchanged rating. With Billy Loughnane taking over in the plate, he may be the one to beat. Port Erin finished a head behind the selection in third that day and will be hoping the application of first-time cheekpieces can help reverse the form, while last-time-out Kempton scorer Drifts Away needs to be taken seriously as well.

ENPASSANT built on the promise of his previous run when successful at Kempton 17 days ago and, having won off a 3 lb higher mark last summer, he is taken to score again now that he's up and running for his current trainer. Drifts Away also arrives in good form and is feared most, ahead of Zu Run.

Preference is for DRIFTS AWAY, who made it 3-8 on AW with his brave win at Kempton last month and is only 2lb higher here.

18:00 Southwell Maiden (Class 4) 8f - 9 Run Class & Speed Card

Form	Odds	Age
7 1st (7) (5/2 +25%) Run With It	2.5 5/2(+25%)	(7) Run With It 5/2, €47,000 foal, €125,000 2-y-o, Blue Point colt. Dam, 2-y-o 7f winner, half-sister to smart winner up to 1¾m Poseidon Adventure, runner-up in Preis von Europa. 11/8, fourth of 10 in maiden at Wolverhampton (8.6f) on debut 42 days ago, very green. Open to significant progress. Slowly away/soundly beaten on debut but this 125,000euros breezer could be a lot sharper.
4 2nd (4) (7/2 +13%) General Admission	3.5 7/2(+13%)	(4) General Admission 7/2, 3/1, second of 14 in novice at Kempton (7f) on debut in October. Disappointed at Newcastle last month. Worth another chance. Promising second at Kempton on debut; failed to back that up but remains of interest.
5 3rd (5) (13/2 -44%) Joseph	6.5 13/2(-44%)	(5) Joseph 13/2, Fair gelding. 12/1, second of 4 in handicap at Newcastle (8f) 21 days ago, no match for winner. One to consider. Second of four on handicap debut at Newcastle and has very realistic claims today.
6 4th (6) (20/1 -67%) My Kinda Ghaiy	20 20/1(-67%)	(6) My Kinda Ghaiy 20/1, 75,000 gns yearling, Ghaiyyath colt. Half-brother to several winners, including smart winner up to 1¾m Endless Time and useful winner up to 1½m Red October. Dam maiden (stayed 2m). 75,000gns yearling with a useful pedigree; not ruled out on debut.
8 5th (8) (2/1 +56%) Sudu	2 2/1(+56%)	(8) Sudu 2/1, Twice-raced colt. Fourth of 10 in novice (3/1) at Newcastle (8f) 81 days ago. May well do better again. Close fourth at Newcastle on second start and could continue to progress for top yard.
1 6th (1) (16/1 -167%) Redhot Whisper	16 16/1(-167%)	(1) Redhot Whisper 16/1, Fairly useful gelding. Remains a maiden after 10 Flat runs. 7/2, creditable third of 7 in maiden at Newcastle (8f) 14 days ago, very much having run of race. Cheekpieces back on. In the mix. 0-10 but good third in recent Newcastle maiden and has the best form in this field.
9 7th (9) (150/1 -127%) Carlyle Square	150 150/1(-127%)	(9) Carlyle Square 150/1, Once-raced filly. Twelfth of 14 in maiden at Kempton (8f, 14/1) on debut. Off 108 days. First run for yard after leaving William Haggas. Half-sister to Limato but well beaten at Kempton on sole run for William Haggas.
3 8th (3) (16/1 -33%) Francis Drake	16 16/1(-33%)	(3) Francis Drake 16/1, Belardo gelding. Dam useful French 6.5f-9f winner out of unraced half-sister to high-class 2-y-o 7f winner Teofilo. Fourth of 8 in novice (13/2) at this C&D on debut 16 days ago, slowly away. Tongue strap on for 1st time. Open to improvement. Soundly beaten fourth over C&D on debut but open to improvement; dam was a Group 3 winner.
2 9th (2) (50/1 +24%) Ronster	50 50/1(+24%)	(2) Ronster 50/1, Once-raced filly. 22/1, last of 8 in novice at Sandown (10f, good to soft) on debut. Off 10 months. Well beaten last April on sole run but has an attractive pedigree; perhaps no forlorn hope.

LTO Selection:hiden content, hiden content, hiden content, hiden content

Redhot Whisper was held in high regard as a juvenile, evidenced when sent to the Futurity Trophy on just his third start. It didn't work out there and he's yet to break the maiden, but there was enough in his latest Newcastle effort to suggest there are races to be won with him. Joseph has proven himself to be a consistent performer, but GENERAL ADMISSION shades preference. The Kameko colt failed to build on a promising debut effort when only fourth at Newcastle, but that came following a near three-month absence and he can show more now.

RUN WITH IT was far too green to justify support at Wolverhampton on debut 6 weeks ago but a much better showing can be expected here. Joseph was beaten only a thriving sort on handicap bow at Newcastle and is next best ahead of General Admission, who's worth another chance to confirm debut promise.

This could go to RUN WITH IT, who failed to live up to his market billing at Wolverhampton last month but his inexperience was evident.

18:15 Chelmsford Stakes (Class 6) 6f - 11 Run Class & Speed Card

Form	Odds	Age
3 1st (3) (11/10 +69%) Combustion	1.1 11/10(+69%)	(3) Combustion 11/10, Lightly-raced winner. Didn't need to improve to win 10-runner minor event (10/3) at Southwell (6.1f) 8 days ago but should continue to give a good account at this level. Lightly raced 4yo who has won classified events last twice; respected in hat-trick bid.
1 2nd (1) (15/2 -114%) Agent Mayfair	7.5 15/2(-114%)	(1) Agent Mayfair 15/2, Modest gelding. Didn't need to improve to win 8-runner minor event at Southwell (5f, 13/8) 10 days ago. Back up in trip and not ruled out for yard that have been firing in the winners all winter. Made all in 5f classified at Southwell (favourite) last week; respected back up in trip.
8 3rd (8) (66/1 -200%) Lynwood Lad	66 66/1(-200%)	(8) Lynwood Lad 66/1, Poor gelding. Seventh of 9 in minor event at Lingfield (7f, AW, 33/1). Off 175 days and hard to fancy strongly on his comeback. 5yo who has lost his way and this looks tough on these terms.
9 4th (9) (7/1 +18%) Miss Moonshine	7 7/1(+18%)	(9) Miss Moonshine 7/1, Back on song when second of 9 in handicap at Wolverhampton (6.1f) 11 days ago. One for the shortlist. Back to form with a close call at Wolverhampton and has claims if she can back that up.
7 5th (7) (17/2 -70%) Lilkian	8.5 17/2(-70%)	(7) Lilkian 17/2, C&D winner was far from disgraced when a respectable fourth of 11 in minor event at this C&D (5/2) 23 days ago. Should be suited by the forecast strong pace and has to be respected. 12-time AW winner who has gone close back at 6f in his last two runs; shortlisted.
10 6th (10) (16/1 -167%) Outreach	16 16/1(-167%)	(10) Outreach 16/1, Unexpectedly improved on recent efforts to win 11-runner minor event at Wolverhampton (7.2f) 12 days ago but more on his plate to follow up that victory. Brave win from the front at Wolverhampton (7f) latest and he's respected back in trip.
11 7th (11) (9/2 +55%) Shades Of May	4.5 9/2(+55%)	(11) Shades Of May 9/2, Lightly-raced maiden. 9/1, good third of 11 in minor event at this C&D 23 days ago and one to consider over a strongly run 6f. Unexposed 5yo who was an eyecatching third in a similar race here last time; interesting.
2 8th (2) (66/1 +18%) Amerigo Vespucci	66 66/1(+18%)	(2) Amerigo Vespucci 66/1, Went off too hard when 22/1, last of 8 in handicap at Beverley (7.4f, good to firm). Off 6 months and has first run for new yard after leaving John Wainwright. Others preferred. Tailed off when last seen in August and has lots to prove on return for another new yard.
5 9th (5) (80/1 -60%) Enchanted Night	80 80/1(-60%)	(5) Enchanted Night 80/1, One win from 60 Flat runs. Twenty-eight runs since last win in 2023. Fared no better for new yard when sixth of 9 in handicap at Lingfield (5f, AW, 40/1) 20 days ago. Just one win from 60 starts and this is a tough assignment at the weights; passed over.
6 10th (6) (33/1 -106%) Invincible Navy	33 33/1(-106%)	(6) Invincible Navy 33/1, Modest gelding. Seventh of 8 in minor event (7/1) at Lingfield (8f, AW) 6 days ago, likely needed the run and while should be sharper with blinkers back on, he still has a bit to find. Generally regressive 12-race maiden who was beaten 13l on his return last month; opposable.
4 11th (4) (25/1 -39%) Edergole's Gift	25 25/1(-39%)	(4) Edergole's Gift 25/1, Modest filly wasn't seen to best effect when blinkered for 1st time, seventh of 9 in handicap at Lingfield (5f, AW) 20 days ago. Others arrive in better form. Well below form in his three runs this winter and record now stands at 1-17; down the list.

LTO Selection:hiden content, hiden content, hiden content, hiden content

COMBUSTION successfully completed the double at this level at Southwell earlier in the month and is aided by a handy draw in stall three to compliment his forward tactics. The four-year-old remains relatively unexposed and he looks the way to go. Agent Mayfair rates the main threat after his length and a half success over 5f at Southwell last time, while Outreach makes most appeal of the remainder.

A well-run 6f should suit LILKIAN who performed creditably when fourth here last time and is capable of getting his head in front off a career-low mark. Combustion arrives in good heart following last week's win at Southwell, while Miss Moonshine is respected having bounced back to form when second at Wolverhampton.

An open race in which the vote goes to SHADES OF MAY, who was an eyecatching third over C&D last time and is still unexposed.

18:30 Southwell Handicap (Class 4) 8f - 12 Run Class & Speed Card

Form	Odds	Age
2 1st (2) (13/2 +7%) Mr Baloo	6.5 13/2(+7%)	(2) Mr Baloo 13/2, 18/1 and blinkered for 1st time, good second of 16 in handicap at Chelmsford City (8f) 42 days ago. Player. Went close in blinkers latest and that form has been franked; no headgear now; drawn wide.
5 2nd (5) (11/2 +27%) Kingdom Of Time	5.5 11/2(+27%)	(5) Kingdom Of Time 11/2, Lightly-raced maiden. Excellent second of 10 in handicap at this C&D (40/1) 22 days ago. Not taken lightly. Improved second on C&D handicap debut last month; respected.
7 3rd (7) (17/2 +15%) Flag Of St George	8.5 17/2(+15%)	(7) Flag Of St George 17/2, Good fifth of 12 in handicap (18/1) at this C&D 30 days ago, finding test too much. Lightly raced in recent times; latest C&D fifth okay but needed to see bit more.
3 4th (3) (14/1 +13%) Commander Of Life	14 14/1(+13%)	(3) Commander Of Life 14/1, Latest win at Wolverhampton in January. Seventh of 10 in handicap at this C&D (8/1) 22 days ago. Won at Wolverhampton last month but only seventh over this C&D since.
9 5th (9) (3/1 0%) Midnight's Dream	3 3/1(0%)	(9) Midnight's Dream 3/1, Career best when winning 12-runner handicap at Kempton (7f, 3/1) 24 days ago, well on top finish. Can make presence felt. First run since being gelded when winning over 7f last month; player back at 1m.
4 6th (4) (11/2 +31%) Eligible	5.5 11/2(+31%)	(4) Eligible 11/2, 5-time course winner. Three wins from 14 runs last year. 14/1, fifth of 12 in handicap at this C&D 15 days ago, needing stronger gallop. Has good chance on form. Five course wins, latest in December; shaped as if still in form over C&D latest; player.
11 7th (11) (8/1 +50%) Cousin Shay	8 8/1(+50%)	(11) Cousin Shay 8/1, Latest win at Dundalk in January. Eleventh of 14 in handicap at Dundalk (8f, 4/1) 22 days ago. Makes tapeta debut. Three Dundalk wins for new yard this winter but latest Dundalk run disappointing.
10 8th (10) (10/1 +0%) Charencey	10 10/1(+0%)	(10) Charencey 10/1, 7/1, respectable fifth of 10 in handicap at Wolverhampton (8.6f) 14 days ago, would have benefited from stronger handling. Not taken lightly. On a good mark and recent efforts respectable; enters the reckoning.
6 9th (6) (22/1 -144%) Ghaihaban	22 22/1(-144%)	(6) Ghaihaban 22/1, Winner at Redcar in September. Creditable fourth of 8 in handicap (7/1) at this course (7.1f) 7 days ago, not looking keen. Only respectable efforts in AW handicaps since turf novice win but return to 1m a help.
12 10th (12) (50/1 -25%) Sisterandbrother	50 50/1(-25%)	(12) Sisterandbrother 50/1, Latest win at Wolverhampton in January. 2/1, sixth of 8 in handicap at Wolverhampton (12.2f) 28 days ago. Significantly down in trip. Others more persuasive. 1m4f Wolverhampton win last month; only sixth there since and now drops markedly in trip.
8 11th (8) (14/1 -40%) Serenity Dream	14 14/1(-40%)	(8) Serenity Dream 14/1, Respectable third of 10 in handicap (6/1) at Wolverhampton (7.2f) 11 days ago, running on. Can give a good account. Hung left when third over latest but return to 1m should suit and Fentiman takes 7lb off.
1 12th (1) (150/1 -275%) Value Added	150 150/1(-275%)	(1) Value Added 150/1, Below form third of 7 in novice hurdle at Uttoxeter (15.8f, soft, 4/1), pulling hard. Off 7 months. First run for yard after leaving Jamie Snowden. Poor on last Flat run. AW Flat winner in 2023 but only modest over hurdles last year; best watched for new yard.

LTO Selection:hiden content, hiden content, hiden content, hiden content

Mr Baloo returned to form courtesy of a narrow second at Chelmsford last month and he merits respect off a 2lb higher mark, but MIDNIGHT'S DREAM appeals as the one to beat. The lightly-raced four-year-old opened his account over 7f at Kempton recently and with a return to further promising to suit, Roger Varian's charge could double his tally. Kingdom Of Time hit the woodwork over C&D last time out and should not be underestimated.

ELIGIBLE again shaped better than the bare result over C&D 2 weeks ago and remains of interest from this sort of mark. The low-mileage Midnight's Dream arrives on the back of a career-best win at Kempton and rates the main threat ahead of Mr Baloo, who went close at Chelmsford last time.

Course specialist ELIGIBLE should find this easier than the 0-95 he contested last time and gets the vote ahead of Midnight's Dream.

18:45 Chelmsford Handicap (Class 5) 6f - 9 Run Class & Speed Card

Form	Odds	Age
5 1st (5) (7/1 +50%) Temple Bruer	7 7/1(+50%)	(5) Temple Bruer 7/1, C&D winner. Ninth of 11 in handicap at Southwell (6.1f, 22/1) 55 days ago and needs to bounce back from that poor effort. Won here last spring but he's struggled since and needs a major revival after wind surgery.
4 2nd (4) (2/1 +56%) Dicko The Legend	2 2/1(+56%)	(4) Dicko The Legend 2/1, C&D winner returned to form (having slipped back down to last winning mark) when creditable third of 9 in handicap at Southwell (6.1f, 15/2) 10 days ago. Interesting racing off same mark. Dual C&D winner who was a good third at Southwell ten days ago; interesting contender.
8 3rd (8) (9/2 -64%) Brunel Charm	4.5 9/2(-64%)	(8) Brunel Charm 9/2, Winner at Kempton in January and finished creditable second of 11 in handicap (2/1) at Lingfield (6f, AW) 15 days ago. Entitled to the be in the mix again. In-form 8yo who won at Kempton before a good second at Lingfield; key player.
7 4th (7) (17/2 +23%) Em Jay Kay	8.5 17/2(+23%)	(7) Em Jay Kay 17/2, Below-par when eighth of 9 in handicap at Southwell (6.1f, 5/1) 22 days ago, halting what had been a run of good form. On a workable mark but he's not easy to predict and comes with risks attached.
9 5th (9) (14/1 +0%) Bibendum	14 14/1(+0%)	(9) Bibendum 14/1, Outpaced when 12/1, sixth of 9 in handicap at Wolverhampton (5.1f) 19 days ago. Return to 6f should suit. On reduced mark but he's 0-14 and has finished down the field in last four starts.
3 6th (3) (20/1 -122%) Profit And Loss	20 20/1(-122%)	(3) Profit And Loss 20/1, Third of 4 in minor event at Les Landes (5f, good to soft) 39 days ago. Has rejoined former yard and looks to have a bit to find. Reliable sort but he looks weighted near best and has some work to do after 167 days off.
2 7th (2) (8/1 -129%) Lequinto	8 8/1(-129%)	(2) Lequinto 8/1, Possibly unlucky to get his head in front this winter, things again didn't go his way when encountering a troubled passage when fourth of 7 in handicap at Lingfield (6f, AW) 31 days ago. Leading player. Losing run is up to 14 but he should get a good pace to aim at and has each-way claims.
1 8th (1) (6/1 +50%) Dion Baker	6 6/1(+50%)	(1) Dion Baker 6/1, Three wins from 25 runs last year. Fifth of 8 in handicap (18/1) at Kempton (7f) 17 days ago but best forgiven that effort having forced a strong pace. 0-24 on AW but he's on a dangerous mark and could make a bold bid back in trip.
6 9th (6) (25/1 -108%) Land Lover	25 25/1(-108%)	(6) Land Lover 25/1, Failed to come on for comeback run when 12/1, tenth of 11 in handicap at Wolverhampton (6.1f) 26 days ago. Blinkers back on in hope of sparking a revival. Record of 1-25 and was out the back at Wolverhampton last time; others are more convincing.

LTO Selection:hiden content, hiden content, hiden content, hiden content

Already a four-time winner on Polytrack, the reliable BRUNEL CHARM has shown resurgent form since undergoing wind surgery last October and could have the run of the race if making the most of a plumb draw in stall one. Dion Baker and Lequinto are not dismissed on their peak efforts, while Profit And Loss has gone well here in the past and is a notable danger after a profitable spell racing in Jersey.

LEQUINTO hasn't had luck on his side in recent starts, and he can deservedly get his head in front. Consistent Brunel Charm heads the list of dangers, ahead of Dicko The Legend who remains of interest from his current handicap mark.

The vote goes to dual C&D winner DICKO THE LEGEND who is on his last winning mark and was a creditable third at Southwell last time.

19:00 Southwell Handicap (Class 4) 8f - 11 Run Class & Speed Card

Form	Odds	Age
1 1st (1) (85/40 +29%) Cephalus	2.125 85/40(+29%)	(1) Cephalus 85/40, C&D winner. Four wins from 12 runs last year. Looked back in form when second of 7 in handicap at Chelmsford (1¼m) 37 days ago. Enters calculations. Back to form at Chelmsford last month (1m2f); return to a mile should help; key player.
11 2nd (11) (33/1 +18%) Shaw Park	33 33/1(+18%)	(11) Shaw Park 33/1, Three wins from 23 runs last year. 11/2, fifth of 8 in handicap at this course (7f) 23 days ago. Others are more obvious. 3-8 on turf but 0-22 on AW; below his best in recent starts.
5 3rd (5) (4/1 +33%) Mr Mistoffelees	4 4/1(+33%)	(5) Mr Mistoffelees 4/1, 40/1, third of 10 in C&D handicap C&D 22 days ago, left with too much to do. Not discounted. Eyecatching effort over C&D three weeks ago; not sure to back it up but well handicapped.
8 4th (8) (25/1 +24%) Starliner	25 25/1(+24%)	(8) Starliner 25/1, Latest win at Newcastle in November. Placed over 7f there twice since but below par last twice. Others are more persuasive. Some good form at Newcastle this winter but in and out in recent starts; hood absent today.
7 5th (7) (28/1 -100%) Delicacy	28 28/1(-100%)	(7) Delicacy 28/1, Career best when winning 5-runner handicap at Chepstow (1m) in September (final start for Richard Hannon). The betting should help guide to expectations on this return for a new yard. Ready win in a small field when last seen in September; sold 16,000gns since; tough mark.
3 6th (3) (16/1 -60%) The Cookstown Cafu	16 16/1(-60%)	(3) The Cookstown Cafu 16/1, Latest win at Newcastle in October. Visored first time, respectable fifth of 10 in C&D handicap (20/1) last month. Form has plateaued of late and he finished behind Mr Mistoffelees here three weeks ago.
9 7th (9) (11/2 -22%) Shahbaz	5.5 11/2(-22%)	(9) Shahbaz 11/2, Twelve runs since last win in 2022 but signs he's getting his act together for his new yard when third of 8 at Kempton (7f) 17 days ago, finishing with running left. Given a chance to build on that promise. More promise when 3rd at Kempton 17 days ago (7f); return to a mile a plus; contender.
2 8th (2) (14/1 +0%) Grabajabba	14 14/1(+0%)	(2) Grabajabba 14/1, Won a pair of 7f novices at the end of 2024 (including here) but looked stretched by the longer trip when well held on C&D handicap debut last month. Remains unexposed but a watching brief is advised after that. Two 7f novice wins in December; well beaten on handicap debut here last month.
10 9th (10) (11/2 +31%) Kracking	5.5 11/2(+31%)	(10) Kracking 11/2, Latest win at Lingfield (1m) in August. 2/1, sixth of 8 in handicap at Wolverhampton (8.6f) 28 days ago, doing too much too soon. The return to a bare 1m should suit and he enters the reckoning. Beaten favourite the last twice while still shaping as though in form; up in class tonight.
12 10th (12) (22/1 -22%) Forever Proud	22 22/1(-22%)	(12) Forever Proud 22/1, Fourth win since joining James Own when seeing off 6 rivals at Kempton (7f) in January. Visored first time, respectable fifth of 6 in handicap (14/1) at Kempton (1m) 10 days ago. Fentiman takes a handy 7 lb off. Four wins since December; no progress the last twice though and others appeal more.
4 11th (4) (10/1 -11%) Master Of Combat	10 10/1(-11%)	(4) Master Of Combat 10/1, Latest win at Wolverhampton in September. Also runner-up twice this winter but his run of good form came to a halt when ninth of 10 over C&D 22 days ago. Bounce back needed. Flopped over C&D last time but earlier efforts bring him right into the picture.

LTO Selection:hiden content, hiden content, hiden content, hiden content

A chance can be taken on SHAHBAZ, who caught the eye when running on into third at Kempton recently. The son of Free Eagle was denied a clear run at a crucial stage that day and, if avoiding traffic problems here, he is handicapped to go very close. Cephalus rattled the woodwork at Chelmsford last month and is an obvious candidate off 1lb higher, while The Cookstown Cafu and Mr Mistoffelees are just two others to consider.

SHAHBAZ is potentially very well handicapped and is given a chance to build on an encouraging run at Kempton 17 days ago. Cephalus also shaped as if back in form when second at Chelmsford last month and is feared most ahead of the front-running Kracking, who may see things out better back at a bare 1m.

Kracking can go well but CEPHALUS is handicapped to win and ran with more encouragement at Chelmsford last month.

19:15 Chelmsford Handicap (Class 4) 5f - 7 Run Class & Speed Card

Form	Odds	Age
5 1st (5) (3/1 +50%) El Bufalo	3 3/1(+50%)	(5) El Bufalo 3/1, Excused latest effort when 5 lengths sixth of 7 to Rebel Path in handicap (4/1) at this course (6f) 9 days ago. Remains of interest back at 5f with blinkers on 1st time. Well behind two of these over 6f here last time but this trip may suit better; blinkers on.
1 2nd (1) (10/3 +39%) Monsieur Beaulieu	3.333333 10/3(+39%)	(1) Monsieur Beaulieu 10/3, Back to form when creditable ½-length second of 7 to Rebel Path in handicap at this course (6f) 9 days ago, having been well-positioned. Respected but has more on his plate in this contest. Just beaten by Rebel Path over 6f here last time; both wins over 5f came on soft turf.
7 3rd (7) (25/1 -14%) Buraback	25 25/1(-14%)	(7) Buraback 25/1, C&D winner. Four wins from 20 runs last year. Latest win at Wolverhampton in January. Returned to form when fifth of 8 in handicap at Wolverhampton (5.1f, 14/1) 12 days ago and should remain competitive. 8-42 on AW, including a win over C&D, but he may find this company a shade too warm.
4 4th (4) (5/2 +0%) Rebel Path	2.5 5/2(+0%)	(4) Rebel Path 5/2, Proved as effective when winning 7-runner handicap without visor at this course (6f) 9 days ago, scoring by ½ length from Monsieur Beaulieu. That form puts him in the mix again here. Dual winner over 6f here since December but he does seem best at that trip.
3 5th (3) (11/2 +39%) Bang On The Bell	5.5 11/2(+39%)	(3) Bang On The Bell 11/2, C&D winner. Found run of good form coming to a halt when 9/2, sixth of 8 to Dashing Harry in handicap at Lingfield (5f, AW) 20 days ago, having been unable to dominate and forced wide entering the straight. Capable of bouncing back in this company now racing off 7 lb below last winning mark. 7lb lower than when winning over C&D last March; could go well if able to lead.
6 6th (6) (33/1 -450%) Alafdhal	33 33/1(-450%)	(6) Alafdhal 33/1, 4-time course winner. Three wins from 26 runs last year. 15/8, bit below form fifth of 9 in handicap at Lingfield (5f, AW) 20 days ago but type to bounce back quickly. Four wins over 6f here and won over 5f at Wolverhampton last month, but others preferred.
2 7th (2) (15/2 -25%) Dashing Harry	7.5 15/2(-25%)	(2) Dashing Harry 15/2, Latest win at Lingfield earlier this month but struggled under penalty when 17/2, fourth of 6 in handicap at this C&D 9 days ago. Racing off 3 lb lower on this occasion and holds place claims. Likes to come late off a strong pace, so is something of a hostage to fortune.

LTO Selection:hiden content, hiden content, hiden content, hiden content

REBEL PATH outgunned Monsieur Beaulieu by half a length when winning over 6f here last week and a similar show of tenacity could seem him cement his authority over the runner-up, with the drop back to the minimum trip not expected to be an issue. The latter has a 2lb pull at the weights and can again make this a good test for the selection. Dashing Harry isn't always easy to predict but can be a force in this company having been dropped 3lb since his latest start.

C&D winner BANG ON THE BELL had some excuses for a below-par showing last time, and he remains of interest racing off 7 lb lower than his last winning mark. El Bufalo could return to form back at 5f in first-time blinkers, while Buraback continues in good heart following a productive January.

It may be worth siding with BANG ON THE BELL who has dropped 7lb lower than when winning over C&D last March.

19:45 Chelmsford Handicap (Class 5) 10f - 7 Run Class & Speed Card

Form	Odds	Age
7 1st (7) (5/2 -25%) Elterwater	2.5 5/2(-25%)	(7) Elterwater 5/2, Course winner. Winner here in November. Creditable second of 10 in handicap at Southwell (8.1f, 7/2) 50 days ago, having run of race. Up in trip and another bold show likely. In good form over 1m this winter; stays further; leading claims.
4 2nd (4) (11/4 +31%) Fihrayn	2.75 11/4(+31%)	(4) Fihrayn 11/4, 7/2 and blinkered for 1st time, creditable third of 9 in handicap at Kempton (8f) 31 days ago. Back up in trip and he's in with a shout. Creditable third in January over C&D and at Kempton but overall record is now 0-14.
5 3rd (5) (20/1 -67%) Boasty	20 20/1(-67%)	(5) Boasty 20/1, Three-time C&D winner. 16/1, fifth of 6 in handicap back here 44 days ago. Has slipped to a potentially handy mark and could have a part to play. Three C&D wins but comfortably held in two runs this winter.
2 4th (2) (7/2 +65%) Sant Alessio	3.5 7/2(+65%)	(2) Sant Alessio 7/2, Hooded for 1st time, creditable fifth of 9 in handicap (22/1) at Wolverhampton (9.5f) 25 days ago. Will need to raise his game in order to take this. Respectable handicap debut last month after wind surgery; remains lightly raced.
6 5th (6) (5/1 +29%) Fillyfudge	5 5/1(+29%)	(6) Fillyfudge 5/1, C&D winner. Visor on for 1st time in this code, fifth of 6 in handicap hurdle at Leicester (15.5f, heavy, 11/1) 79 days ago. First run for yard after leaving Amy Murphy and she's one to consider. Well held over hurdles latest but did well on Flat in 2024, including winning this race.
1 6th (1) (9/1 -29%) Auguste Lumiere	9 9/1(-29%)	(1) Auguste Lumiere 9/1, Fourth of 6 in handicap (2/1) at this C&D 44 days ago and he's likely to come up short once again. Nearly sprung 33-1 surprise on C&D yard debut but only fourth (Fihrayn third) here since.
3 7th (3) (28/1 -133%) Liberated Lad	28 28/1(-133%)	(3) Liberated Lad 28/1, Course winner. Four wins from 12 runs last year. Latest win at Newcastle in January. 13/2, fifth of 8 in handicap at Southwell (11.1f) 29 days ago. Others preferred. 2m win in January; has won over as short as 1m2f but never dangerous over 1m3f latest.

LTO Selection:hiden content, hiden content, hiden content, hiden content

Runner-up on each of her last two starts, including here over 1m in December, ELTERWATER sets the standard on recent form and she looks capable of going one better on the rise in distance. Auguste Lumiere has strong claims if bouncing back to the form of his penultimate second over C&D, while Fihrayn is another to consider having run with plenty of credit the last twice.

This step back up in trip shouldn't unduly inconvenience ELTERWATER and she looks the most solid of these. If Fillyfudge puts her best foot forward she will certainly be in with a fighting chance, while Fihrayn is entitled to have a say and an on-song Boasty would also have claims.

The obvious one here is in-form mare ELTERWATER (nap), who can strike under Billy Loughnane.

20:15 Chelmsford Handicap (Class 6) 8f - 9 Run Class & Speed Card

Form	Odds	Age
5 1st (5) (12/1 -85%) Artificer	12 12/1(-85%)	(5) Artificer 12/1, Remains a maiden but back on track returned to this longer trip when second of 9 in handicap (14/1) over C&D 23 days ago, despite having been carried right. Merits consideration with 7-lb claimer on board. 0-8 but beaten only a neck over C&D last month; ought to go well again.
8 2nd (8) (7/2 +13%) Dash Power	3.5 7/2(+13%)	(8) Dash Power 7/2, Finally off the mark in minor event at Wolverhampton (8.6f) in January and only just failed when second of 7 in similar event there (10/11) 2 weeks ago. Respected on first start since leaving Lawrence Mullaney. In good form in 0-50 classified events for another yard this year; can't be dismissed.
3 3rd (3) (10/1 -25%) Kessaar Power	10 10/1(-25%)	(3) Kessaar Power 10/1, Returned to winning ways at this C&D in October. Below form here on his last 2 starts, tenth of 12 in handicap (7/2) 65 days ago (reportedly bled), but he remains on a handy mark so he's not ruled out. Patchy form since winning over C&D in October; below form the last twice.
4 4th (4) (11/2 +31%) Ballybaymoonshiner	5.5 11/2(+31%)	(4) Ballybaymoonshiner 11/2, Won twice early last year, at this course (7f) on the second occasion. Back up in trip, stepped forward from recent run when fourth of 14 in handicap at Kempton (8f, 22/1) 38 days ago. Could be in the mix. Ran well when fourth last month on second start back from a break; respected.
9 5th (9) (11/2 +54%) Poles Apart	5.5 11/2(+54%)	(9) Poles Apart 11/2, Went backwards from first start of the year when last of 9 in minor event at Lingfield (7f, 10/1) 29 days ago, reported to have had a breathing problem. Has work to do as he looks for his first victory. 0-12 and finished last in a 0-50 classified at Lingfield last time; best to look elsewhere.
2 6th (2) (125/1 -525%) Forest Haze	125 125/1(-525%)	(2) Forest Haze 125/1, Hasn't managed to improve switched to handicaps on last 2 starts, well-beaten eighth of 9 at Lingfield (10f, 14/1) 6 days ago. Blinkers now reached for but she has enough to prove. Has not threatened in five starts over 7f-1m4f on Polytrack; blinkers on.
1 7th (1) (11/4 +8%) Rising Force	2.75 11/4(+8%)	(1) Rising Force 11/4, Both wins at this course, with latest success over C&D in December. Again ran well when close second of 7 in handicap at Kempton (8f, 17/2) 24 days ago and he's a major player back down in grade at this venue. Both wins have come here; pipped in a better race at Kempton last time; shortlisted.
7 8th (7) (7/1 +30%) United Force	7 7/1(+30%)	(7) United Force 7/1, Three wins last year, including over C&D in October and at Southwell in December. Not in the same form last 2 starts, though raced wide when sixth of 9 in handicap (13/2) at this C&D 23 days ago. Needs to get back on track. C&D winner; not the most consistent, but capable of playing a part on his best form.
6 9th (6) (20/1 -122%) Headshot	20 20/1(-122%)	(6) Headshot 20/1, Left reappearance run behind when winning minor event at Wolverhampton (8.6f) in January. Not seen to best effect from widest draw when sixth of 8 at the same C&D (85/40) 2 weeks ago, so he could fare better. Last eight starts have come in 0-50 classified events; more needed back in a handicap.

LTO Selection:hiden content, hiden content, hiden content, hiden content

Narrowly denied over slightly further at Wolverhampton on his latest start, and an easy winner there previous, DASH POWER looks the one to beat as he begins his career for the Jessica Macey stable. Runner-up on two of his last three outings, Rising Force is entitled to be thereabouts, as well as Artificer, who ran a career-best when going close over C&D last month.

RISING FORCE capitalised on his reduced mark when scoring at this C&D in December and has continued in good heart since, only narrowly denied in a higher grade at Kempton last time, so he could be ready to record his third course success. Dash Power has been going through a good spell and isn't taken lightly on yard debut, with Artificer also considered.

It may be worth siding with BALLYBAYMOONSHINER who finished fourth last month on his second start back from a lengthy absence.

Racecard Key

Ths is the racecard key.

Icon	Meaning
	TomForm top stats, gold rated
	TomForm top stats silver rated
	Ran similar race before
S	TomForm fatstest rated speed horse, last time out
T	Top Time speeed rated
	Top Racingpost rated
	At the races watchout for
	At the races top pick
	Top rated for thet statistic

How to use Tomform

Please Watch this short video that will help you learn how to use Tomform.com to filter out the runners and find a winner in each race.

This is the 16:15 Kempton race from the video above backed at 28/1 earlier in the day.

About U.K Horse Racing

Horse racing is a popular and historic sport in the UK, with a tradition dating back centuries. It is a multi-billion pound industry that attracts millions of spectators each year and generates significant economic activity.

There are two main types of horse racing in the UK: flat racing and jump racing. Flat racing is run on a level course and is typically shorter in distance, while jump racing involves horses jumping over obstacles and is generally longer in distance. Both types of racing are popular with spectators and bettors, and they take place at various racetracks throughout the country.

The most famous horse racing event in the UK is the Grand National, which is held annually at Aintree Racecourse in Liverpool. It is a jump racing event that is known for its challenging course and has become a national institution in the UK. Other notable horse racing events in the UK include the Derby, held at Epsom Downs Racecourse in Surrey, and the Royal Ascot, held at Ascot Racecourse in Berkshire.

Horse racing in the UK is regulated by the British Horseracing Authority (BHA), which sets rules and standards for the industry. It is responsible for the welfare of racehorses and the safety of jockeys and trainers, as well as ensuring fair and transparent racing practices.

In addition to its economic and cultural importance, horse racing in the UK also plays a significant role in the breeding and training of thoroughbred horses. Many of the world's top thoroughbreds are bred and trained in the UK, and the industry plays a vital role in the preservation and promotion of the breed.

Overall, horse racing is an integral part of British culture and a major contributor to the country's economy. It is a thrilling and exciting sport that continues to attract a loyal following and generate significant interest from spectators and bettors around the world.

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