1 Saturday 17th February 2024 UK Horse Racing Speed Ratings & Tips

There were 45 Races on Saturday 17th February 2024 across 6 meetings. There was 7 races at Ascot, 7 races at Gowran Park, 7 races at Wincanton, 8 races at Newcastle, 8 races at Haydock, 8 races at Wolverhampton, no doubt Tomform helped you find a winner.

13:02 Haydock Conditions Hurdle (Class 1) 19f - 5 Run Class & Speed Card

Form	Odds	Runs
4 1st (4) (8/1 -33%) Stainsby Girl	8 8/1(-33%)	(4) Stainsby Girl 8/1, Excellent start for this yard last season, winning 3 times. Good second in 2m2f Haydock handicap in November and faced a stiff task in Yorkshire Rose Mares' Hurdle at Doncaster (16.6f, good) 21 days ago. Considered. Below best elsewhere the last twice but good record here and no surprise to see a big run.
1 2nd (1) (18/1 -50%) Coquelicot	18 18/1(-50%)	(1) Coquelicot 18/1, Added to her tally when making all in 3m Kempton listed race in November and not disgraced in a first-time visor when fourth of 5 in Grade 2 event at Doncaster (24.4f, good to soft) 20 days ago. Blinkers back on now and not discounted. Listed winner at Kempton in November but soundly beaten the last twice; has to bounce back.
2 3rd (2) (1/2 +32%) You Wear It Well	0.5 1/2(+32%)	(2) You Wear It Well 1/2, Really likeable mare who landed Grade 2 Dawn Run at the Cheltenham Festival last spring. Made all in Wetherby listed event on her return and posted a good second of 5 in Grade 2 at Doncaster last time. Player. Two-time Grade 2 winner who ran well last time and has leading claims under a 4lb penalty.
3 4th (3) (50/1 +38%) Artemis Kimbo	50 50/1(+38%)	(3) Artemis Kimbo 50/1, Fair winning novice hurdler last season who showed her first form over fences when landing 3-runner event at Leicester. Came in last of three there last time so more is needed back in this sphere. Hurdle/chase winner, including on heavy ground, but looks outclassed in today's company.
5 \|F\| (5) (3/1 -9%) Windtothelightning	3 3/1(-9%)	(5) Windtothelightning 3/1, Has made a very good start to her hurdles career, improving again to bag 2m4f Wetherby handicap on her return. Very good fourth off a 12 lb higher mark at Cheltenham since so she's firmly in the picture. Lightly raced 6yo with very healthy strike-rate & she could continue to improve; respected.

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13:02 Haydock Conditions Hurdle (Class 1) 19f Race Class Flow

The chart reads from right to left to today's class 1 race.

Cheltenham Festival heroine YOU WEAR IT WELL bounced back from her Fighting Fifth performance at Sandown when tackling 3m for the first time at Doncaster, where she filled the runner-up spot behind Marie's Rock. Jamie Snowden's mare has an excellent opportunity to get back to winning ways. Stainsby Girl wasn't at all disgraced when finishing fifth to Ashroe Diamond at Doncaster and she has to be respected given some of her best form comes at this track. Windtothelightning's fourth at Cheltenham in December is also solid form.

YOU WEAR IT WELL is a very likeable type and is taken to resume winning ways back down in class here. The progressive Windtothelightning is feared most ahead of Stainsby Girl in an intriguing contest.

Last season's Cheltenham Festival winner YOU WEAR IT WELL is the selection ahead of Stainsby Girl, who likes it here.

13:15 Ascot Novices Hurdle (Class 2) 19f - 9 Run Class & Speed Card

Form	Odds	Runs
10 1st (10) (11/2 +45%) Pic Roc	5.5 11/2(+45%)	(10) Pic Roc 11/2, Placed twice in bumpers last spring. Stepped up on Newbury hurdle debut when second of 9 in a 19f Catterick novice 37 days ago. May do better still as he brushes up his jumping. Close second at Catterick last time despite mistake last; should continue on upward curve.
2 2nd (2) (13/8 +35%) Inthewaterside	1.625 13/8(+35%)	(2) Inthewaterside 13/8, Imposing sort who was unbeaten in 2 bumper runs and maintained 100% record sent hurdling in a race not run to suit at Aintree (20f) on return in October. Shade disappointing here next time but resumed progress/winning ways back up in trip on handicap bow at Lingfield last time. Can go on improving. Back on track with all-the-way Lingfield handicap win; commands major respect.
6 3rd (6) (18/1 -50%) Juventus De Brion	18 18/1(-50%)	(6) Juventus De Brion 18/1, Well backed and shaped encouragingly when third of 16 in a maiden hurdle at Exeter on debut in December, not unduly punished. Open to improvement. Encouraging third at Exeter in December; open to improvement but others have achieved more.
11 4th (11) (10/3 +17%) Vincenzo	3.333333 10/3(+17%)	(11) Vincenzo 10/3, Placed on the second of 2 starts in bumpers and built on a promising hurdling debut after 11 weeks off when second to an above-average prospect at Warwick (19f) last month, sticking to task. Likely to progress further. Good start over hurdles, not clear run when second at Warwick; lots of untapped potential.
5 5th (5) (28/1 -75%) Casual Observer	28 28/1(-75%)	(5) Casual Observer 28/1, Points runner-up who looked a stayer sole outing in bumpers and showed plenty of aptitude for hurdling when second of 5 in a Wincanton novice (21.4f) 6 weeks ago. Should improve but this is a much deeper race. Second in a small-field Wincanton novice; this is stronger but at least he's unexposed.
9 6th (9) (9/2 -29%) Phantomofthepoints	4.5 9/2(-29%)	(9) Phantomofthepoints 9/2, Failed to complete in 2 points but showed plenty when placed in a pair of bumpers and again shaped well when going down only narrowly to a useful prospect on Ayr hurdle debut (2m) back in December. Longer trip shouldn't pose any issues and he has to enter the reckoning. Rallied and was beaten only a neck on hurdling debut; that form looks solid; big shout.
4 7th (4) (100/1 -300%) Theyseekhimthere	100 100/1(-300%)	(4) Theyseekhimthere 100/1, Had a breathing op prior to defying huge odds on hurdles debut at Lingfield (19.5f) in November. However, failed to repeat that effort at Chepstow and made mistakes when only fourth of 5 at Wincanton on most recent outing. Hasn't built on 125-1 hurdling debut win; something to find on the ratings.
8 8th (8) (80/1 -142%) Officer Of State	80 80/1(-142%)	(8) Officer Of State 80/1, Useful on the Flat (stays 15f) for Andre Fabre. Sold for 65,000 gns in October and has run to only a modest level both outings over hurdles. Useful on Flat in France but well held in two novice hurdles.
3 9th (3) (11/1 -57%) Bucksy Des Epeires	11 11/1(-57%)	(3) Bucksy Des Epeires 11/1, French recruit who made a winning return/yard debut at Lingfield in November prior to chasing home another improving sort on handicap debut at Sandown (2m) in December. Excuses next time and fell first back at Lingfield in race won by Inthewaterside 27 days ago. Probably still capable of better. Claims on Sandown second in December, form that has worked out quite well.

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13:15 Ascot Novices Hurdle (Class 2) 19f Race Class Flow

The chart reads from right to left to today's class 2 race.

INTHEWATERSIDE may have disappointed here on his penultimate start, but stepping back up to this sort of trip had a huge part to play in him scoring on his handicap debut at Lingfield's Winter Million fixture. Conditions should be in his favour once more and Paul Nicholls' six-year-old is preferred to recent Plumpton winner Idy Wood, as well as Phantomofthepoints, who was narrowly denied at Ayr on his hurdling debut. Bucksy Des Epeires and Vincenzo are capable of being in the shake-up as well.

INTHEWATERSIDE is undoubtedly a chaser of the future, but he resumed his progress in determined fashion on his handicap debut at Lingfield last month and can go on improving for a while yet over hurdles, so could well be up to defying a double penalty. Bucksy des Epeires got no further than the first in the race won by the selection at Lingfield and still likely has a bigger performance in him, while Vincenzo stuck to his task admirably at Warwick and is also feared in an intriguing novice.

In a warm novice, top billing goes to PHANTOMOFTHEPOINTS who made a pleasing hurdling debut at Ayr in a race that is working out well.

13:30 Wincanton Maiden Hurdle (Class 4) 15f - 12 Run Class & Speed Card

Form	Odds	Runs
5 1st (5) (8/15 +34%) Onethreefivenotout	0.533333 8/15(+34%)	(5) Onethreefivenotout 8/15, Made a winning bumper debut at Worcester in October 2021. Not seen again until this winter but progressed well until only ninth of 10 in Sandown handicap 14 days ago. Well worth another chance with cheekpieces added in these much calmer waters. Poor on handicap debut but he's a bit of a standout on his previous near misses.
3 2nd (3) (11/1 -69%) Highlands Legacy	11 11/1(-69%)	(3) Highlands Legacy 11/1, Kayf Tara gelding who has been placed in bumpers at Ffos Las and Chepstow this winter. Much respected on his hurdles debut. Posted the same RPR of 98 in his two small-field bumpers; more will be needed here.
12 3rd (12) (9/2 -50%) Rosy Redrum	4.5 9/2(-50%)	(12) Rosy Redrum 9/2, Fairly useful bumper winner who showed promise both hurdling runs in late 2022 for Milton Harris. Off 14 months but she remains with potential for her new handler. Off since a Newbury fall in November 2022 when running well in a Listed race.
8 4th (8) (40/1 +20%) Rangatira Jack	40 40/1(+20%)	(8) Rangatira Jack 40/1, Well held in 2 bumpers last spring and a pair of Exeter hurdling events this winter. Others appeal more. Has no obvious form claims having been beaten 31l and 45l in his two hurdles.
2 5th (2) (50/1 -150%) Cocardier	50 50/1(-150%)	(2) Cocardier 50/1, 66/1 and cheekpieces on for 1st time, third of 8 in novice hurdle at Uttoxeter (15.8f, heavy) on hurdles bow 21 days ago, considerately handled. Can build on it. Uttoxeter third (in cheekpieces) is something to build but likely to be placed at best.
4 6th (4) (200/1 -300%) Just Aidan	200 200/1(-300%)	(4) Just Aidan 200/1, Winner of sole outing in points and he came in sixth of 11 in novice hurdle (125/1) at Hereford (16.2f, good to soft) on hurdles bow 19 days ago. Should improve. Point bumper winner last April; hasn't shown enough under rules to merit a second look.
7 7th (7) (50/1 +0%) Paddy In The Caddy	50 50/1(+0%)	(7) Paddy In The Caddy 50/1, £55,000 buy after finishing runner-up on his sole start in Irish points in May. However, finished well held in novice hurdles at Exeter and over C&D this year. Sort to do better in the longer term. Has filled minor roles in both his hurdles and he's one for another day.
11 8th (11) (80/1 -60%) Miss Applejack	80 80/1(-60%)	(11) Miss Applejack 80/1, Bumper winner but slipped and unseated last on Catterick hurdle debut and only seventh in similar company at Doncaster last time. More is required Bumper winner but unappealing on her hurdling exploits.
9 9th (9) (16/1 -14%) Soir De Gala	16 16/1(-14%)	(9) Soir De Gala 16/1, Promise on Wincanton bumper debut in April but has failed to build on it, only 11th in novice hurdle at Newbury (16.3f, soft) 25 days ago. In good hands but needs to take a step forward. Safe to say that Onethreefivenotout is the yard's number one here.
6 \|PU\| (6) (8/1 +43%) Optimistic Joe	8 8/1(+43%)	(6) Optimistic Joe 8/1, £60,000 purchase after finishing third in a point last March but looked in need of the experience when ninth of 16 in novice hurdle at Newbury (16.3f, soft, 20/1) 25 days ago. Can take a step forward. Close up in a point; only midfield on hurdling debut but that was at Newbury.
1 \|PU\| (1) (33/1 -267%) Backinaction	33 33/1(-267%)	(1) Backinaction 33/1, £25,000 6-y-o, Soldier of Fortune gelding. Dam unraced. Got off the mark in Irish points at third attempt (Jan 21).so he's a hugely respected first-timer. Worth a market check. 3m point winner; best watched kicking off over hurdles at the minimum distance.
10 \|PU\| (10) (250/1 -25%) Whats Cooking	250 250/1(-25%)	(10) Whats Cooking 250/1, Tongue tied and pulled up in novice hurdles over C&D and at Taunton this year. Hooded for 1st time with lots to find on form. Some ability in British points but pulled up in two hurdles and was huge odds both times.

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13:30 Wincanton Maiden Hurdle (Class 4) 15f Race Class Flow

The chart reads from right to left to today's class 4 race.

ONETHREEFIVENOTOUT may be a maiden over hurdles and disappointed at Sandown last time out, but he sets the standard based on his previous narrow defeat at Kempton. The eight-year-old gets the vote at the main expense of the returning Rosy Redrum, as well as Highlands Legacy, who shaped well on both starts in bumpers and is open to improvement on his debut over obstacles.

ONETHREEFIVENOTOUT fluffed his lines on his handicap debut at Sandown last time out but had been on the up prior to that and is taken to bounce back in style reverted to maiden company with cheekpieces applied for the first time. Hurdling-newcomers Backinaction and Highlands Legacy both bring a fair bit of potential and can chase home Paul Nicholls' useful sort in that order.

This is a weaker race than the two hurdles in which ONETHREEFIVENOTOUT went close before failing to give his true running at Sandown.

13:37 Haydock Handicap Chase (Class 3) 20f - 6 Run Class & Speed Card

Form	Odds	Runs
3 1st (3) (11/4 +50%) Regal Blue	2.75 11/4(+50%)	(3) Regal Blue 11/4, Didn't kick on as expected over hurdles but positive start over fences, making frame in handicaps at Leicester/over C&D in December. Failed to jump well enough when pulled up in Surrey National 4 weeks ago but he appeals as being on a good mark if sharpening up in that department. Flopped at Lingfield four weeks ago but player if tapping back into promise of C&D second.
4 2nd (4) (15/2 -114%) Good Work	7.5 15/2(-114%)	(4) Good Work 15/2, Long-standing maiden who added another frustrating runners-up effort to his c.v in refitted cheekpieces at Bangor (3m, heavy) in December. Lines up here off same mark but others make more appeal for win purposes. 0-18 and needs to prove he can get the job done, but can give another good account.
5 3rd (5) (15/2 -67%) Ladronne	7.5 15/2(-67%)	(5) Ladronne 15/2, Ran his best race for a while when second from 1 lb higher mark at Newcastle (20f) in December. Stamina stretched at Catterick (30f) next time so expected to bounce back. In good form towards end of last year and failed to stay 3m6f last time; on the shortlist.
2 4th (2) (9/2 -50%) Zhiguli	4.5 9/2(-50%)	(2) Zhiguli 9/2, 3-time winner over fences who returned with a respectable fourth in a stronger race at Ascot (23.8f) in November. Pulled up next start and second best from good way out in match race at Fontwell in December. Still, not ruled out back from 67 days off with cheekpieces enlisted. The testing conditions are right up his street; one to consider in first-time cheekpieces.
6 5th (6) (7/2 +70%) Planned Paradise	3.5 7/2(+70%)	(6) Planned Paradise 7/2, Consistent for Neil Mulholland last season, but efforts for new yard since returning to action in October have not been overly inspiring. Drop in trip needs to have positive effect. One to watch in the betting off a reduced mark but a revival is very much needed.
1 \|PU\| (1) (7/2 -27%) Top Ville Ben	3.5 7/2(-27%)	(1) Top Ville Ben 7/2, Veteran campaigner who returned to form granted a soft lead when second in 4-runner veterans' handicap at Aintree (19.9f) in December. Will find this more suitable than his recent Leopardstown assignment and not out of things. 12yo who has a patchy profile but showed spark on Boxing Day and is not ruled out.

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13:37 Haydock Handicap Chase (Class 3) 20f Race Class Flow

The chart reads from right to left to today's class 3 race.

TOP VILLE BEN is turned out quickly following his recent trip to the Dublin Racing Festival for the second year in a row. The veteran ran well for a long way before weakening late on to finish eighth and, dropping in class on this occasion, he has a strong chance of gaining his first victory in over two years. Zhiguli was beaten in a match at Fontwell in December, but the application of cheekpieces for the first time could spark an improved display, while Regal Blue is likely to be in the mix too.

ZHIGULI wasn't at his very best late last year but lines up here back from a short break, operating 2 lb below his last winning mark, so it would come as no surprise to see a better showing with cheekpieces now enlisted. Top Ville Ben will find this easier than his Leopardstown assignment, whilst Regal Blue has a bigger effort in his locker over fences provided he brushes up his jumping.

The testing conditions are ideal for ZHIGULI, who bumped into a rejuvenated rival at Fontwell. Ladronne may be the chief danger.

13:42 Gowran Park Maiden Hurdle 16f - 13 Run Class & Speed Card

Form	Odds	Runs
6 1st (6) (100/1 -203%) Karl Des Tourelles	100 100/1(-203%)	(6) Karl Des Tourelles 100/1, Choeur Du Nord gelding. Half-brother to fairly useful French 2¼m hurdle winner Idex des Tourelles. Dam French 17f hurdle winner. Tenth foal, half-brother to a French 2m1f hurdle winner, dam French Flat/hurdle winner.
9 2nd (9) (9/4 +25%) Pigeon House	2.25 9/4(+25%)	(9) Pigeon House 9/4, Fair hurdler. Remains a maiden after 7 hurdle runs. 8/1, good second of 18 in juvenile hurdle at Punchestown (16.2f, soft) 33 days ago. Booking of Townend a plus. Second in four of his seven hurdle starts, in front of Lark In The Mornin in two clashes.
14 3rd (14) (16/5 +29%) Barrier	3.2 16/5(+29%)	(14) Barrier 16/5, Fair maiden on the Flat. Thrice-raced maiden over hurdles. Best effort yet when second of 16 in juvenile hurdle at Naas (15.5f, soft, 22/1) 20 days ago, running on. That ought not to prove her limit. Not far off Pigeon House and Lark In The Mornin at Leopardstown, improved at Fairyhouse.
10 4th (10) (6/4 +80%) Pinot Gris	1.5 6/4(+80%)	(10) Pinot Gris 6/4, Fairly useful handicapper on Flat (stays 14.5f) who scored twice last summer. 4/1, showed promise when third of 11 in juvenile hurdle at Fairyhouse (16f, heavy) on NH debut 102 days ago. Tongue strap on for 1st time and better to come. Two wins on the Flat, needs to jump better than when third on hurdling debut at Fairyhouse.
1 5th (1) (28/1 -40%) Club Manager	28 28/1(-40%)	(1) Club Manager 28/1, Nathaniel half-brother to 3 winners, including very smart hurdler Taglietelle. Fair handicapper himself on Flat (stays 2m), shaped as if better for run on stable debut at Dundalk (2m) 4 weeks ago. Yard having good spell and market should guide on hurdles bow. Two wins for Andrew Balding, stays well, fitness assured following Dundalk run.
13 6th (13) (125/1 -279%) Wing Back	125 125/1(-279%)	(13) Wing Back 125/1, Malinas gelding. Half-brother to fairly useful hurdler Mr Fred Rogers. Dam (c95/h75), maiden jumper, half-sister to fairly useful hurdler/fair chaser (stayed 3m) Supreme Huntress. Fifth foal, half-brother to bumper and hurdle winner Mr Fred Rogers; dam failed to win.
3 7th (3) (40/1 -264%) Duke Silver	40 40/1(-264%)	(3) Duke Silver 40/1, Made plenty of appeal on paper and strong in betting but he ran no sort of race when twelfth of 13 in juvenile hurdle at Fairyhouse (16f, heavy) on NH debut 10 days ago. However, represents a leading stable and surprise where he not able to leave that well behind. Hurdling debut was too bad to be true, second string now for trainer of Lark In The Mornin.
5 8th (5) (9/2 +55%) Gooloogong	4.5 9/2(+55%)	(5) Gooloogong 9/2, Useful on Flat (stays 1¾m), won maiden in 2023 prior to finding group company too much final 2 starts for Aidan O'Brien. Gelded ahead of this yard/hurdles debut and he's well worth a second look. 1m2f Navan maiden winner on heavy ground last March, no impact when raised in class.
7 9th (7) (125/1 -400%) Kobalt St Georges	125 125/1(-400%)	(7) Kobalt St Georges 125/1, Masked Marvel gelding. Half-brother to fairly useful chaser Georges Saint. Dam, ran once in bumper in France, half-sister to useful hurdle winner/smart chase winner at 2m Bon Papa. Fifth foal, half-brother to chase winner Georges Saint, best watched on debut.
12 10th (12) (80/1 -471%) Someone's Wish	80 80/1(-471%)	(12) Someone's Wish 80/1, Modest Flat winner, making GB/IRE jumps debut. 6/1, fourth of 7 in handicap at Chelmsford City (1m) in November. Goes hurdling now for powerful NH outfit and the betting may prove best guide. Yard also saddle Barrier. Won two low-level AW events in Britain at around 1m2f, heavy ground is a concern.
2 11th (2) (150/1 -50%) Dalmatic	150 150/1(-50%)	(2) Dalmatic 150/1, Modest form in trio of starts on the Flat, looking rusty on back of 5 months off/yard debut when twelfth of 14 in maiden at Dundalk (10.7f) 36 days ago. Best watched making hurdles debut. Never involved in a middle-distance maiden at Dundalk on Irish debut, does not appeal.
4 12th (4) (100/1 -150%) Getting There	100 100/1(-150%)	(4) Getting There 100/1, Elusive Pimpernel gelding. Half-brother to fair hurdler Legend Lady, stayed 23f. Wears hood. Half-brother to a bumper and hurdle winner, dam stayed well on the Flat, hooded for debut.
11 13th (11) (200/1 -100%) Rauzan	200 200/1(-100%)	(11) Rauzan 200/1, Fair maiden on the Flat. Once-raced maiden over hurdles. 80/1, first run since leaving M. Halford & T. Collins when ninth of 13 in juvenile hurdle at Fairyhouse (16f, heavy) on NH debut 10 days ago. Nine-race maiden on the Flat, remote ninth on stable/hurdling debut at Fairyhouse.

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13:42 Gowran Park Maiden Hurdle 16f Race Speed Rating Flow

The chart reads from right to left to today's race.

There is little to choose between Pigeon House and LARK IN THE MORNIN judged on their latest two starts at Leopardstown and Punchestown with slight preference for the latter. The Joseph O'Brien-trained gelding previously filled the runner-up spot behind the well-regarded Mighty Bandit and hasn't enjoyed the clearest of passages on both outings since. Barrier has twice finished behind the selection but did show improved form at Naas last time, although was flattered to get within a few lengths of stablemate Ndaawi. Gooloogong was a useful sort on the Flat winning a 1m2f Navan maiden on heavy ground, while Pinot Gris was a progressive handicapper on the level winning twice but didn't jump fluently when third on hurdle debut at Fairyhouse in November.

A lightly-raced winner on the Flat, LARK IN THE MORNIN quickly returned to the pick of his hurdles form when third in a juvenile event at Punchestown 33 days ago and, open to further improvement, he rates the one to beat. Barrier and Pigeon House head up the dangers, whilst Duke Silver and Gooloogong are others worth keeping an eye on.

Although LARK IN THE MORNIN has twice finished behind Pigeon House, Joseph O'Brien's runner is less exposed and may turn the tables

13:50 Ascot Maiden Chase (Class 1) 24f - 5 Run Class & Speed Card

Form	Odds	Runs
2 1st (2) (13/2 +13%) Henry's Friend	6.5 13/2(+13%)	(2) Henry's Friend 13/2, Dual winner over hurdles who has improved for switch to chasing, confirming he'd been let off lightly when making it 2-3 at Hereford (20.9f) 3 weeks ago, despite not doing a lot in front. This understandably tougher but unlikely he's reached his limit. Cheekpieces on 1st time. Has won novice handicaps the last twice; could continue to progress and not ruled out.
3 2nd (3) (10/3 +5%) Kilbeg King	3.333333 10/3(+5%)	(3) Kilbeg King 10/3, Useful novice hurdler at up to 3m last season and has taken well to chasing this term, posting a career best when 14¼ lengths third of 6 to Il Est Francais in 3m Kempton Grade 1 novice in this headgear combination on Boxing Day. Not ruled out with sights lowered. Fine third in Grade 1 Kauto Star at Kempton and leading claims on that form.
5 3rd (5) (13/8 -30%) Apple Away	1.625 13/8(-30%)	(5) Apple Away 13/8, Most progressive novice hurdler during 2022/23, her season culminating in Gr. 1 success at Aintree in the spring. Better for chase debut when easy winner of a Leicester maiden (22.7f) and better than result implies when second in Warwick Gr. 2 5 weeks ago. Of interest in receipt of weight all round. 14l second to the classy Grey Dawning in Grade 2 at Warwick; strong contender today.
4 4th (4) (9/1 +50%) The King Of Ryhope	9 9/1(+50%)	(4) The King Of Ryhope 9/1, Low-mileage 8-y-o who improved to make a winning return/handicap chase debut at Chepstow (19.5f, soft) in October, seeing off a resilient rival (pair clear). Failed to see things out both outings since and has work to do on these terms. Won handicap on chase debut at Chepstow but well beaten the next twice (Grade 2 latest).
1 \|PU\| (1) (3/1 -9%) Brave Kingdom	3 3/1(-9%)	(1) Brave Kingdom 3/1, Most progressive 8-y-o who enhanced his impressive strike rate and took chase record to 2-2 when landing Newbury novices' handicap (23.4f) in December. Worth another chance at this level on balance and likely there's even more to come. 2-2 over fences, following long absence; this is tougher but he could have more to offer.

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13:50 Ascot Maiden Chase (Class 1) 24f Race Class Flow

The chart reads from right to left to today's class 1 race.

It could pay to take a chance on the progressive HENRY'S FRIEND, who was value for more than the winning margin when scoring at Hereford last month and the step up in trip is bound to eke out further improvement. No match for high-class novice Grey Dawning at Warwick, Grade 1-winning novice hurdler Apple Away should give a bold sight here, along with the hat-trick-seeking Brave Kingdom, who has done nothing wrong in his chasing career so far.

A comfortable winner on her second chase start at Leicester, APPLE AWAY wasn't seen to best effect having helped force a good pace when second behind Grey Dawning in Grade 2 company at Warwick 5 weeks ago. Remaining the type to do better, she's fancied to make a bold bid again in receipt of weight all round. Brave Kingdom, who arrives unbeaten in this sphere, is worth another crack at graded company and feared. Kilbeg King is another not discounted.

Having run a cracker when third in the Grade 1 Kauto Star Novices' Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day, KILBEG KING is the pick.

14:05 Wincanton Conditions Hurdle (Class 1) 15f - 5 Run Class & Speed Card

Form	Odds	Runs
3 1st (3) (6/5 +56%) Nemean Lion	1.2 6/5(+56%)	(3) Nemean Lion 6/5, Took well to hurdling last term, culminating in a Kelso Grade 2 win, and picked up where he left off when landing the Welsh Champion on his Ffos Las return. Better than the result in the Greatwood and resumed progress when runner-up in the Lanzorate Hurdle at Kempton 36 days ago. Respected. Has been holding his own in strong handicaps and he's a major player on these terms.
4 2nd (4) (5/1 -67%) Colonel Mustard	5 5/1(-67%)	(4) Colonel Mustard 5/1, Has a very modest strike rate for one with his ability but proved better than ever when third of 6 in a Grade 1 at Punchestown in April. Not so good over fences this term but makes plenty of appeal back over hurdles on these terms. Has been chasing but he's better over hurdles and has the form to trouble Rubaud.
1 3rd (1) (11/2 -57%) Goshen	5.5 11/2(-57%)	(1) Goshen 11/2, Dual winner of this race but has been below form all 3 starts this season and remains easy enough to oppose for the time being. Wears first-time blinkers back down markedly in trip. Dual winner of this race and there's a chance that new blinkers might trigger a revival.
5 4th (5) (17/2 -6%) Guard Your Dreams	8.5 17/2(-6%)	(5) Guard Your Dreams 17/2, Developed into a smart and likeable hurdler in 2022. Shaped as if retaining just about all of his ability after 22 months off despite finishing last of 5 to Lossiemouth in International Hurdle at Cheltenham 3 weeks ago, but was soon left behind once the tempo lifted. Smart in the past but current wellbeing a grey area after finishing last at Cheltenham.
2 5th (2) (4/1 -220%) Rubaud	4 4/1(-220%)	(2) Rubaud 4/1, Has continued on an upward trajectory this term, bringing up the 4-timer in a C&D Grade 2 in November. Lost nothing in defeat to Constitution Hill in the Christmas Hurdle at Kempton and ran about as well as could be expected in the International Hurdle at Cheltenham last time. Big player. Strong form claims but conditions the nagging concern as good or good to soft is ideal.

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14:05 Wincanton Conditions Hurdle (Class 1) 15f Race Class Flow

The chart reads from right to left to today's class 1 race.

The winner of this race in 2021 and 2022, Goshen is likely to make this a test from the front and that should play to the strengths of the Lanzarote second NEMEAN LION. Having won the Welsh Champion Hurdle earlier in the season, the son of Golden Horn doesn't lack for pace and he may have too much for the top-rated Rubaud, who scored over C&D earlier in the season and was runner-up to the mighty Constitution Hill at Christmas. Colonel Mustard may be winless since October 2021, but he ran some excellent races in this sphere last year and is another to consider.

COLONEL MUSTARD has an unconvincing profile over fences, but that's certainly not the case in this sphere with several fine efforts to his name and he makes plenty of appeal on these terms. Rubaud is a likeable type who has an excellent strike rate in small fields, and he's feared most ahead of Nemean Lion, who possibly hasn't reached his ceiling just yet.

It's hard to rule out any of the five but NEMEAN LION (nap) appeals as the one most likely to give his running with lots in his favour.

14:10 Haydock Conditions Hurdle (Class 2) 16f - 4 Run Class & Speed Card

Form	Odds	Runs
2 1st (2) (2/5 +20%) Salver	0.4 2/5(+20%)	(2) Salver 2/5, Half-brother to very smart hurdler Saldier and has quickly developed into a useful juvenile hurdler, maintaining his unbeaten record in this sphere with a ready success in the Grade 2 Finale at Chepstow in December. Relishes testing conditions and he can score again. Won Grade 2 at Chepstow over Christmas and he's the one to beat this afternoon.
1 2nd (1) (11/4 -22%) Castelfort	2.75 11/4(-22%)	(1) Castelfort 11/4, Has been going the right way in his 3 starts over hurdles (all on heavy going), making it back-to-back wins when comfortably landing the odds in junior event at Chepstow in January. Respected with the potential of more still to offer. Has won his last two and there's every chance he'll keep improving; respected.
4 3rd (4) (33/1 -136%) Dameofthecotswolds	33 33/1(-136%)	(4) Dameofthecotswolds 33/1, Bumper winner who looked in need of the experience when runner-up in junior event at Ludlow on her hurdles bow in December. Hasn't built on that effort in 2 starts since, though was left with a lot to do when fourth of 8 at Newbury last time. Has work to do. Bumper winner but on hurdle form she has plenty to find today against the top two.
3 4th (3) (20/1 +20%) Kuzco	20 20/1(+20%)	(3) Kuzco 20/1, Ran to a fair level in bumpers in France for Emmanuel Clayeux, finishing runner-up at Paray-Le-Monial (11.9f) on his latest outing in October. Looks to face a stiff task on his stable/hurdles debut (wears a tongue strap). Runner-up in French bumper in October; has potential but faces tough task on British debut.

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14:10 Haydock Conditions Hurdle (Class 2) 16f Race Class Flow

The chart reads from right to left to today's class 2 race.

SALVER has improved with each start over hurdles and sets a clear standard on the evidence of his Finale success at Chepstow where he maintained his unbeaten record in empathic fashion. Gary Moore's gelding should have no issue with regards to conditions and gets the vote ahead of Castelfort, who won comfortably at Chepstow last month. Dameofthecotswolds' hurdling experience may be enough to see her fend off Kuzco for third.

SALVER took his form up a level when a wide-margin winner of the Grade 2 Finale at Chepstow in December and, with testing conditions to suit, he can provide Gary Moore with a third consecutive victory in this race. Castelfort arrives bidding for a hat-trick and looks the main danger with the possibility of further improvement to come.

Impressive Grade 2 Finale winner SALVER is taken to maintain his unbeaten record over hurdles, although Castelfort is respected.

14:17 Gowran Park Conditions Hurdle 16f - 5 Run Class & Speed Card

Form	Odds	Runs
5 1st (5) (13/8 -142%) Lantry Lady	1.625 13/8(-142%)	(5) Lantry Lady 13/8, 7/2, won 18-runner novice hurdle at this C&D (heavy) on NH debut. Off 11 months but remains a promising individual and a big shout with tongue strap added. Absent since impressive C&D maiden win last March in testing ground; gets 14lb.
1 2nd (1) (11/10 +41%) What's Up Darling	1.1 11/10(+41%)	(1) What's Up Darling 11/10, Lightly-raced winner under NH rules. 12/1, 6¾ lengths fifth of 8 to Farren Glory in Royal Bond Novices' Hurdle at Fairyhouse (16f, soft) 76 days ago. Can still do better. Grade 3 winner concedes weight but major chance in a weak renewal.
4 3rd (4) (10/3 +49%) Doyen Ta Win	3.333333 10/3(+49%)	(4) Doyen Ta Win 10/3, Fairly useful hurdler. Below form eighth of 21 in handicap hurdle at Leopardstown (16f, soft, 40/1) 13 days ago. Not ruled out if back on her A-game. Useful handicapper yet to find her form this campaign; more needed.
3 4th (3) (40/1 +60%) Brilliant Question	40 40/1(+60%)	(3) Brilliant Question 40/1, Modest hurdler. 1 win from 3 runs this season. 11/1, career best when winning 14-runner handicap hurdle at Limerick (16f, heavy) 18 days ago, going clear. This is a different ball game though. Limerick handicap winner has a mountain to climb at the weights here.
2 5th (2) (125/1 +38%) Dreamings Free	125 125/1(+38%)	(2) Dreamings Free 125/1, Thrice-raced maiden under NH rules. 200/1, well-beaten sixth of 7 to Loughglynn in Grade 2 hurdle at Limerick (23f, heavy) on hurdles bow 53 days ago. Significantly back down in trip. Stiff task. Well down the field in bumpers and on hurdles debut in Grade 2 novice at Limerick.

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14:17 Gowran Park Conditions Hurdle 16f Race Speed Rating Flow

The chart reads from right to left to today's race.

LANTRY LADY receives 14lb from chief rival What's Up Darling in what is far from a strong renewal of this Grade 3. The Henry de Bromhead-trained mare won a maiden hurdle in impressive fashion on this card 12 months ago beating Silent Approach, subsequently a Grade 2 winner over fences, by an easy 14 lengths. It is obviously a concern that she hasn't been seen since but on the plus side is proven on this ground over C&D. What's Up Darling easily won a point-to-point and bumper and having opened his account over hurdles in the Grade 3 For Auction Novice at Navan, now takes a drop in class after his fifth in the Grade 1 Royal Bond at Fairyhouse. Doyen Ta Win is a free running mare who went up a combined 27lb for completing a hat-trick in handicaps last spring but appears exposed now on a mark of 119.

Henry de Bromhead's LANTRY LADY has an absence to overcome but she looked a good prospect when making a winning start over C&D so gets the vote. Gordon Elliott's What's Up Darling found the Royal Bond too hot last time but remains with potential and rates the chief threat ahead of Doyen Ta Win.

Gordon Elliott attempts a hat-trick of wins in this with What's Up Darling but he may struggle to concede 14lb to Lantry Lady (nap)

14:25 Ascot Handicap Hurdle (Class 2) 19f - 16 Run Class & Speed Card

Form	Odds	Runs
13 1st (13) (18/1 +28%) Mothill	18 18/1(+28%)	(13) Mothill 18/1, Consistent type who made it back-to-back hurdle wins (ran on Flat in between) when readily seeing off 6 rivals at Sedgefield on Boxing Day. However, found out when stepped up in class for the Lanzarote and this no easier. Fitted with first-time cheekpieces. Only eighth in the Lanzarote last time; needs cheekpieces to spark a career-best effort.
14 2nd (14) (9/2 +50%) Bad	4.5 9/2(+50%)	(14) Bad 9/2, Winner in France. Placed in 3 handicap hurdles this season, although he did hit at temperament when third of 14 over 2m here in December, losing ground and labouring at halfway before rallying. Up in trip now with cheekpieces added (has also had wind surgery). 0-5 in Britain but knocking at the door; first-time cheekpieces after wind op; interesting.
16 3rd (16) (28/1 -12%) Arqoob	28 28/1(-12%)	(16) Arqoob 28/1, Useful handicapper on the level for William Jarvis and gained a second win over hurdles for his current yard at Sandown (2m) in November. Probably unsuited by very testing ground there next time and back on track when third at Kempton (2m) since. Up in trip. 2 lb out of the handicap. Arrives in good form but is out of the handicap and unproven over this trip.
8 4th (8) (14/1 +13%) Teddy Blue	14 14/1(+13%)	(8) Teddy Blue 14/1, Free-goer who won a 2m Plumpton handicap hurdle and was a good second in the Swinton at Haydock last spring. Disappointed on first 3 starts back but returned to form with cheekpieces added (retained) when sixth of 19 to Jay Jay Reilly in Lanzarote at Kempton (21f) last month. Tongue tie refitted. Bit more promise when sixth in the 2m5f Lanzarote; this trip could be ideal; chance.
12 5th (12) (9/2 +68%) Irish Hill	4.5 9/2(+68%)	(12) Irish Hill 9/2, Won this race off a 3 lb lower mark last season. Form has levelled off since but he was a fair second at Newbury (20.5f) in first-time blinkers just after Christmas and shaped better than result when ninth in the Lanzarote since, faring best of those who forced pace. Gingell takes handy 5 lb off. Last year's winner; hit and miss since but better than result latest; must be considered.
4 6th (4) (10/1 +29%) Hyland	10 10/1(+29%)	(4) Hyland 10/1, Won handicaps at Warwick (21f, good) and Cheltenham (3m, soft) in November. Even better form when third of 12 over 3m at Newbury in December. Should prove as effective back at shorter and one to consider from an unchanged mark. Reliable and progressive; followed two ready wins with good third at Newbury; shortlisted.
11 7th (11) (66/1 -65%) Ostend	66 66/1(-65%)	(11) Ostend 66/1, Progressed again to get off the mark at Kilbeggan last April. Shaped as if better for the run sent handicapping at Ballinrobe 3 months later (final start for Peter Croke). His mark isn't obviously generous and a watching brief is the percentage call on his debut for a new stable. Easy winner over 2m3f in Ireland; more needed for new yard but that's possible.
9 8th (9) (17/2 -6%) Monviel	8.5 17/2(-6%)	(9) Monviel 17/2, Useful course winner over hurdles for Philip Hobbs last term. Made a promising start to chasing when second at Newton Abbot (2m, heavy) in October but dropped away tamely when last of 4 here 5 weeks later (found to have an irregular heartbeat). Reverts to hurdles after a break. Has beaten just one rival in two chases this term but had excuse on latest; not ruled out.
7 9th (7) (16/1 -60%) Rambo T	16 16/1(-60%)	(7) Rambo T 16/1, Second success of the season when seeing off Irish Hill at Newbury (20.5f, soft) over Christmas but his jumping was scrappy and that is a concern now heading into a more competitive race off 9 lb higher. Three wins in 2023 concluded with convincing one at Newbury; in deeper here off 9lb higher.
5 10th (5) (14/1 +13%) Santos Blue	14 14/1(+13%)	(5) Santos Blue 14/1, Progressive 3-time winner during novice season and built on several solid efforts this term when landing 9-runner Wetherby handicap (2½m) 5 weeks ago, bad mistake 2 out but rallying to lead again final 100 yds. Respected up 5 lb. Consistent; won at Wetherby despite rider losing his irons; each-way possibilities.
2 11th (2) (15/2 -7%) Rare Edition	7.5 15/2(-7%)	(2) Rare Edition 15/2, Ended his novice hurdle season in disappointing fashion but firmly back on track in handicaps this term, building on Doncaster reappearance second when going one better over 2m at Kempton under Harry Cobden last month. Only raised 3 lb and enters the reckoning back up in trip. Upwardly mobile type, 5-9 under rules; won at Kempton five weeks ago; this is stronger.
3 12th (3) (10/1 +38%) Jay Jay Reilly	10 10/1(+38%)	(3) Jay Jay Reilly 10/1, Sprang a 33/1 surprise back hurdling for the first time in nearly 2 years when taking the competitive Lanzarote at Kempton last month. There was certainly no fluke about that success and he should remain very competitive up 7 lb. Sprang 33-1 surprise in the Lanzarote; that's solid form and he's in the mix again.
1 13th (1) (66/1 -164%) Le Milos	66 66/1(-164%)	(1) Le Milos 66/1, Big improver over fences for this yard last season, including a win in Coral Gold Cup at Newbury. Well-held third of 5 back over hurdles on Market Rasen reappearance in November. Possible he'll come on for the run but this trip looks shorter than ideal. Smart over fences but seemed rusty on return to hurdles in November and now drops in trip.
15 14th (15) (28/1 +44%) In The Air	28 28/1(+44%)	(15) In The Air 28/1, Triple hurdle winner. Good start over fences when second at Huntingdon in October but has pulled up at Sandown and Newbury since. Now reverts to hurdles on first outing for a new yard after leaving Gary Moore. Cheekpieces also back on. Pulled up twice over fences towards end of 2023; needs to be revitalised by stable switch.
10 15th (10) (12/1 +40%) Issam	12 12/1(+40%)	(10) Issam 12/1, Second success since coming from France when seeing off 5 rivals at Exeter (18.5f, heavy) just before Christmas. Even better form when second of 9 over 2½m at Sandown (heavy) 22 days ago. Came well clear of the third so a 2 lb nudge is fair enough. Likeable sort; fourth hurdles win came at Exeter; creeping up the weights.
6 16th (6) (16/1 +36%) Soaring Glory	16 16/1(+36%)	(6) Soaring Glory 16/1, Smart hurdler at his best, winner of the Betfair Hurdle and a listed handicap here in 2021. Has drawn a blank since but placed twice this season and he's been dropped another 3 lb. Stable continues in good form. Well treated on smart 2021 form but on an 11-race losing sequence since.

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14:25 Ascot Handicap Hurdle (Class 2) 19f Race Class Flow

The chart reads from right to left to today's class 2 race.

RARE EDITION has only had the one go at this distance, when turned over at odds-on in the Sidney Banks last year, but it shouldn't be a problem and he could still be ahead of his mark on the back of a comfortable success at Kempton last month. Rambo T did it easily at Newbury, while course winner Monviel returns to hurdles after a spell over the larger obstacles. Last year's winner Irish Hill and the improving Bad are capable of being in the shake-up as well.

IRISH HILL shaped better than the result in the Lanzarote and might be worth siding with to bounce back to form and land this race for the second year running as he's starting to look well treated again, particularly if Freddie Gingell's 5 lb claim is taken into account. Soaring Glory is another who has tasted success here and has plenty of handicapping scope so he's respected for the in-form Jonjo O'Neill yard. Hyland and Dan Skelton pair Jay Jay Reilly and Santos Blue complete the shortlist.

Last year's winner Irish Hill is tempting but so is the unexposed 5yo BAD, up in trip and in cheekpieces following wind surgery.

14:35 Wincanton Handicap Chase (Class 4) 16f - 4 Run Class & Speed Card

Form	Odds	Runs
4 1st (4) (4/6 +59%) Hatos	0.666667 4/6(+59%)	(4) Hatos 4/6, Maiden hurdle winner (at 2m) who, refitted with blinkers, justified good support to open his account over fences at Ffos Las (2m, heavy) 16 days ago. Consistency hasn't been his strong suit but definite claims with a repeat here. Ffos Las win came at a cost to the tune of 7lb, but may have turned a corner.
3 2nd (3) (7/2 -75%) Toothless	3.5 7/2(-75%)	(3) Toothless 7/2, Dual 2m hurdles winner last season who shaped better than on his reappearance when fifth at Ludlow (21f) in November. Underwhelming display at Kempton followed however and switch to chasing needs to have positive effect now. Cheekpieces applied. Dual hurdle winner but having a quiet season; cheekpieces added for today's chase debut.
2 3rd (2) (10/1 -150%) Dr T J Eckleburg	10 10/1(-150%)	(2) Dr T J Eckleburg 10/1, Had a good spell during second half of last year, resuming winning ways at Ludlow (2m, heavy) before a good second back at that venue later in December. Disappointed at Taunton 6 weeks ago but no surprise to see him bounce back. Poor last time but had been in a good run of form and remains competitively treated.
1 4th (1) (5/1 -11%) The Russian Doyen	5 5/1(-11%)	(1) The Russian Doyen 5/1, Very lightly raced since ending a losing run at Newbury (16.4f, heavy) 2 years ago and went backwards from an encouraging reappearance effort when well-beaten fourth in 5-runner handicap at aforementioned venue 7 weeks ago. Handicapper has given him a chance at least. First run back from an absence was better than the second; still respected off a good mark.

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14:35 Wincanton Handicap Chase (Class 4) 16f Race Class Flow

The chart reads from right to left to today's class 4 race.

HATOS looked a different proposition on heavy ground when scoring easily at Ffos Las earlier in the month, and a 7lb rise for that success may not be enough to prevent him from following up. Anthony Honeyball's charge needs to prove himself going right-handed, but he sets the standard ahead of chase-debutant Toothless, and Dr T J Eckleburg, who has already scored twice this season.

HATOS crucially jumped better in refitted blinkers (retained here) as he opened his chase account with a bit to spare at Ffos Las 16 days ago and a repeat should see him firmly in the mix again from a 7 lb higher mark. Dr T J Eckleburg can also figure if dispelling a lesser run at Taunton, whilst the market may prove a useful guide in assessing the chances of chase-debutant Toothless.

Ffos Las winner Hatos has conditions in his favour but it could be worth risking THE RUSSIAN DOYEN on this drop in grade.

14:40 Haydock Conditions Hurdle (Class 1) 24f - 6 Run Class & Speed Card

Form	Odds	Runs
1 1st (1) (5/2 +0%) Botox Has	2.5 5/2(+0%)	(1) Botox Has 5/2, Enhanced a good record fresh when adding a West Yorkshire Hurdle to his C.V. at Wetherby in November and backed that up with creditable efforts when sixth in Long Walk & Cleeve Hurdle respectively. Cheekpieces reapplied and fancied to be in the mix. Grade 2 winner at Wetherby in November; merely sixth the next twice but this is easier.
3 2nd (3) (6/4 +45%) Butch	1.5 6/4(+45%)	(3) Butch 6/4, Progressive hurdler who gained a fourth win from his last 5 starts at Cheltenham (24f, soft) on New Year's Day, defying a mark 15 lb higher than for his only previous run in a handicap. Open to further progress warrants respect dipping his toe into graded company for the first time. Won Cheltenham handicap on New Year's Day & entitled to plenty of respect now up in grade.
6 3rd (6) (18/1 +28%) Martha Brae	18 18/1(+28%)	(6) Martha Brae 18/1, Largely consistent sort who got her head back in front at Kempton (3m, heavy) over Christmas. 5 lb higher mark seemingly left her vulnerable back out of mares company at Warwick (25f, soft) since and it's tough to see her getting involved. Improved form this season; receives 7lb from the males but needs a career-best.
4 4th (4) (11/2 -57%) Red Risk	5.5 11/2(-57%)	(4) Red Risk 11/2, Won twice back hurdling in 2022 and finished runner-up to the reopposing Botox Has in West Yorkshire Hurdle at Wetherby in November. Not up to the task in the Long Walk at Ascot (24.4f, good) 8 weeks ago but with plenty rain in the forecast (goes very well on heavy), he must have a serious chance. Grade 2 second to Botox Has at Wetherby; difficult assignment next time; he's a possible.
5 5th (5) (5/1 +9%) Sounds Russian	5 5/1(+9%)	(5) Sounds Russian 5/1, Gained a fourth success over fences in Kelso handicap on reappearance in 2022/23. Better form in defeat subsequently, yet to be asked for effort in the Gold Cup when brought down at the 17th. Off injured since, and interesting returning over hurdles (runner-up all 3 previous starts in 2021). Grade 2 chase runner-up last January; major player if reproducing that form after absence.
2 6th (2) (22/1 +12%) Wakool	22 22/1(+12%)	(2) Wakool 22/1, C&D winner who took a step back in the right direction when runner-up at Ayr (24.3f, heavy) last month. Rare poor effort at Musselburgh (23.8f, good to soft) last time (lost a shoe) and a visor goes on for just a second time. Outsider in this company. Won this last year but probably needs a bigger performance today, & inconsistent this term.

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14:40 Haydock Conditions Hurdle (Class 1) 24f Race Class Flow

The chart reads from right to left to today's class 1 race.

The progressive BUTCH hasn't looked back since stepping up to 3m this season, notching three wins, and he may make his first foray into Graded company a winning one against some more exposed rivals. Botox Has will need to bounce back from a laboured effort when finishing sixth at Cheltenham last month if he is to claim the gold medal, while Sounds Russian was last seen in the Cheltenham Gold Cup over 300 days ago and the classy son of Sholokhov cannot be overlooked.

An open-looking Grade 2 which can go the way of RED RISK, who found the Long Walk too competitive at Ascot before Christmas, but with plenty of the rain in the forecast (goes very well on heavy), Paul Nicholls' 9-y-o can open his account for the season back down in grade. Butch gained a fourth win from his last 5 starts at Cheltenham on New Year's Day so he rates as an obvious danger, with Botox Has and the returning Sounds Russian another couple to consider.

The 7yo BUTCH is a staying hurdler on the up and the forecast heavy ground holds no fears. Botox Has is next on the list.

14:52 Gowran Park Handicap Hurdle 20f - 20 Run Class & Speed Card

Form	Odds	Runs
22 (22) (18/1 +45%) I Don't Get It	18 18/1(+45%)	(22) I Don't Get It 18/1, Fourth of 14 in handicap chase at Down Royal (20.4f, heavy, 16/1) 25 days ago. Switches from chase to hurdles. RESERVE. Second reserve, showed good form last spring, best run this term over fences on latest.
4 1st (4) (11/1 -120%) Alpesh Amin	11 11/1(-120%)	(4) Alpesh Amin 11/1, 5/2, creditable second of 13 in handicap hurdle at Limerick (20f, heavy) 52 days ago. Can give another good account. Has shown his best form at Limerick, second there on latest, more required now.
10 2nd (10) (14/1 +13%) The Lovely Man	14 14/1(+13%)	(10) The Lovely Man 14/1, 16/1, pulled up in handicap hurdle at Naas (19.9f, soft) 97 days ago, losing touch soon after 3 out. Tongue strap on for 1st time. Showed definite potential in maidens, pulled up in first handicap, tongue-tie tried now.
18 3rd (18) (22/1 -83%) Bestaline	22 22/1(-83%)	(18) Bestaline 22/1, Wasn't disgraced upped in trip when third of 9 in handicap hurdle at Punchestown (23.7f, soft, 15/2) 12 days ago. Cheekpieces on for 1st time. Player. Needs to step up on the form she has shown in handicaps so far, cheekpieces may help.
2 4th (2) (13/8 +77%) D Art D Art	1.625 13/8(+77%)	(2) D Art D Art 13/8, Promising individual. 1 win from 3 runs this season. 5/4, respectable second of 6 in novice hurdle at Down Royal (17.2f, heavy) 25 days ago. Makes handicap debut and remains open to improvement. Course bumper winner, Cork maiden winner, costly mistake three out at Down Royal last time.
3 5th (3) (40/1 -150%) Decimation	40 40/1(-150%)	(3) Decimation 40/1, 7/1, first run since leaving Henry De Bromhead when second of 8 in claiming hurdle at Limerick (21f, heavy) 18 days ago. Entitled to be sharper for the run. Promising sort early in his career, remote second in a claiming hurdle does not bode well.
7 6th (7) (18/1 -29%) Party Playboy	18 18/1(-29%)	(7) Party Playboy 18/1, Shaped as if retaining ability on first run since leaving Anthony Mullins when fifth of 10 in handicap hurdle (40/1) at Fairyhouse (24f, soft) 35 days ago. Useful dual-purpose type for Tony Mullins, interesting here after last month's comeback.
19 7th (19) (16/1 -100%) Nathan Wells	16 16/1(-100%)	(19) Nathan Wells 16/1, Lightly-raced maiden. 11/4, fourth of 7 in handicap hurdle at this course (16f, heavy) 23 days ago. Up in trip and improvement needed. Fair form in maidens, well held in fourth in a 2m handicap hurdle at this venue last month.
14 \|PU\| (14) (7/1 +0%) Mighty Jeremy	7 7/1(+0%)	(14) Mighty Jeremy 7/1, Opened his account for the season in 16-runner handicap hurdle at Fairyhouse (19.8f, heavy) 10 days ago, making all. Hit with a 10 lb rise. Got a good ride from the front when winning by 10l at Fairyhouse, new mark is challenging.
6 \|PU\| (6) (8/1 -33%) Luminous Light	8 8/1(-33%)	(6) Luminous Light 8/1, 5/1, creditable second of 10 in handicap hurdle at Limerick (16f, heavy) 50 days ago, clear of rest. Back up in trip. Enters calculations. Only a maiden winner but has a solid each-way chance, 2m may have been bit sharp last time.
15 \|PU\| (15) (11/1 -22%) Atimetodream	11 11/1(-22%)	(15) Atimetodream 11/1, Won by a wide margin at Listowel in September but proved to be a big disappointment at Thurles last time. Needs to get back on track after a break. Won well at Listowel on second handicap start, subsequent Thurles run too bad to be true.
12 \|PU\| (12) (12/1 +0%) Big Debates	12 12/1(+0%)	(12) Big Debates 12/1, 16/1, creditable fifth of 14 in handicap hurdle at Naas (18.5f, soft) 20 days ago. Getting on in years now but worth considering following last month's fifth placing at Naas.
11 \|PU\| (11) (16/1 -60%) Rebel Early	16 16/1(-60%)	(11) Rebel Early 16/1, C&D winner. Sixteen runs since last win in 2022. Second of 8 in handicap hurdle (28/1) at Cork (20f, heavy) 42 days ago, having run of race. Not sure to back that up, though. Looked completely out of form until Cork second, winner has advertised the form strongly.
1 \|PU\| (1) (25/1 -56%) Sign From Above	25 25/1(-56%)	(1) Sign From Above 25/1, Winner in hurdle at Navan in September. Last of 8 in handicap hurdle (16/1) at Punchestown (19.9f, soft) 12 days ago but is entitled to be sharper for the run. In good form last summer including on Flat, a long way below his best on most recent run.
5 \|PU\| (5) (25/1 -25%) Another Choice	25 25/1(-25%)	(5) Another Choice 25/1, 14/1 and cheekpieces on for 1st time, failed to handle track when eighth of 9 in handicap hurdle at Cheltenham (21f, heavy) 91 days ago. Best form is on much better ground, not one of the more obvious candidates after a break.
20 \|PU\| (20) (28/1 -12%) Arabian King	28 28/1(-12%)	(20) Arabian King 28/1, Ran below form when eleventh of 14 in handicap hurdle at Naas (18.5f, soft) 20 days ago. Much better known as a five-time Flat winner, recent hurdles form is unconvincing.
13 \|PU\| (13) (40/1 -82%) Carrolls Cottage	40 40/1(-82%)	(13) Carrolls Cottage 40/1, Twenty three runs since last win in 2021. Pulled up in handicap chase at Navan (24f, heavy, 12/1) 28 days ago. Back over hurdles in first-time cheekpieces. Has been struggling off his lower chase mark but boasts a decent hurdles record.
17 \|PU\| (17) (40/1 -60%) Backintheroom	40 40/1(-60%)	(17) Backintheroom 40/1, Course winner. Eighth of 9 in handicap chase (7/1) at Fairyhouse (26f, heavy) 21 days ago. Back over hurdles in first-time blinkers. Modest overall form since a 2m course maiden hurdle win on debut in 2022, blinkered now.
16 \|PU\| (16) (40/1 -21%) Tucson Train	40 40/1(-21%)	(16) Tucson Train 40/1, Offered little after 6 months off when sixth of 7 in handicap chase at Punchestown (23.8f, heavy) 48 days ago. Back over hurdles. Tailed off in a handicap hurdle at Ballinrobe last May, has struggled over fences since.
9 \|PU\| (9) (80/1 -142%) Rodaniche	80 80/1(-142%)	(9) Rodaniche 80/1, Pulled up in handicap hurdle at Navan (20f, heavy, 66/1) 28 days ago, folding. Blinkered for 1st time. Struggled last season and same story on both outings this term, blinkers tried now.

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14:52 Gowran Park Handicap Hurdle 20f Race Speed Rating Flow

The chart reads from right to left to today's race.

REBEL EARLY is bidding to bridge of gap of over two years without a win but has a C&D success among her four career wins. The Liam Burke-trained mare returned to form adopting front-running tactics at Cork last time when just touched off by Da Capo Glory and the booking of Keith Donoghue catches the eye. D Art D Art won a 22-runner Cork maiden last month and having spoiled his chance with a bad mistake three out at Down Royal last time, could be suited by this step up in trip. Mighty Jeremy likes to set the pace and was able to dictate matters from the front when justifying good support over this trip at Fairyhouse last week but has been raised 10lb. Alpesh Amin, Luminous Light, Nathan Wells and Atimetodream are others for the shortlist.

D ART D ART did well to regain second given the severity of his mistake at Down Royal last month and is well worth another chance to build on his Cork success now switched to a handicap. Alpesh Amin has a positive profile and seems likely to give another good account, as does Luminous Light.

It could pay to side with PARTY PLAYBOY who was having his first run since 2019 when fifth at Fairyhouse last month

15:00 Ascot Handicap Chase (Class 1) 24f - 9 Run Class & Speed Card

Form	Odds	Runs
1 1st (1) (5/1 +17%) Threeunderthrufive	5 5/1(+17%)	(1) Threeunderthrufive 5/1, Dual Grade 2 winner as a novice and having had a breathing operation in the summer, he has produced solid efforts in defeat in the Badger Beer at Wincanton and a similarly valuable Cheltenham handicap (3¼m, good to soft). Mark doesn't leave much margin for error but he's a big player all the same. Tough sort; second in valuable events at Wincanton and Cheltenham; shortlisted again.
7 2nd (7) (18/1 +55%) Rapper	18 18/1(+55%)	(7) Rapper 18/1, Has slipped back to the mark off which he scored at Cheltenham on New Year's Day 2023 but, having been pulled up on 3 of his 5 subsequent starts, this 10-y-o comes with risks attached. Back to his last winning mark but pulled up on three of last four starts; risky.
3 3rd (3) (5/1 +44%) Shan Blue	5 5/1(+44%)	(3) Shan Blue 5/1, Seen out only 4 times since April 2022 but this one-time smart chaser took a step back in the right direction when a close third in this headgear over 19f here last time. Moving back up in trip will be no bad thing and he has to enter calculations. In the wilderness until close third here in December; big danger if building on that.
2 4th (2) (2/1 +64%) Victtorino	2 2/1(+64%)	(2) Victtorino 2/1, Ex-French chaser who has upped his game significantly since joining Venetia Williams, landing back-to-back C&D handicaps in November/December. Better than he showed at Cheltenham 3 weeks ago and good chance he'll get back on track now returned to this venue. Excuse at Cheltenham latest; should be suited by return to 3m; can make it 3-3 at Ascot.
6 5th (6) (25/1 +24%) Ballygrifincottage	25 25/1(+24%)	(6) Ballygrifincottage 25/1, Useful novice hurdler in 2021/22 and made a winning start over fences in novice at Haydock last season. It's all been downhill since, though, and the first-time cheekpieces (retained here) failed to revive his fortunes in the Badge Beer last time. Promising chasing debut but hasn't beaten a rival in four races since; hard to recommend.
10 6th (10) (11/1 +56%) Torn And Frayed	11 11/1(+56%)	(10) Torn And Frayed 11/1, Opened chase account at Cheltenham in January 2022 and proved that ability remains when sixth of 12 in the December Gold Cup at that venue in December. However, his subsequent effort there was uninspiring. Peak form was in 2021-22; retains some ability and was 8lb out of weights last time.
9 7th (9) (14/1 +30%) Larry	14 14/1(+30%)	(9) Larry 14/1, Dual C&D winner who resumed winning ways when landing a 4-runner Plumpton handicap (25.7f, soft) last month. 2 lb rise fair enough but his rather up-and-down profile tempers enthusiasm. Won in a small field at Plumpton last month; this is stronger and others make more appeal.
8 8th (8) (12/1 +14%) Do Your Job	12 12/1(+14%)	(8) Do Your Job 12/1, Grade 2 winning novice chaser in 2022 and, following a low-key start to this season, he got back on the scoresheet at Wetherby (19.4f, heavy) on Boxing Day. Since switched yards and remains on a handy mark up just 2 lb but whether he'll be able to build on that remains to be seen. Wetherby win could be shaky form; inconsistent and unproven beyond 2m4f.
5 \|PU\| (5) (5/1 +58%) Revels Hill	5 5/1(+58%)	(5) Revels Hill 5/1, Did little wrong in several valuable handicaps last season, including when third in this race 12 months ago and filling the same spot in the bet365 Gold Cup on his final start of that campaign. Live each-way chance if he's ready to foll following a 9-month absence. Third in this last year; two fine efforts afterwards; not ruled out after lengthy absence.

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15:00 Ascot Handicap Chase (Class 1) 24f Race Class Flow

The chart reads from right to left to today's class 1 race.

REVELS HILL has threatened to land a race of this nature, as evidenced by his third in the corresponding event from this mark 12 months ago. He travelled strongly into contention in the bet365 Gold Cup at Sandown when last seen, before weakening late on, so he might be worth chancing now dropped in trip on his comeback. Threeunderthrufive appeals as a likely candidate having occupied the runner-up berth on his last two starts, while others to note include Shan Blue and Victtorino.

French-import VICTTORINO shouldn't be judged too harshly on his latest effort at Cheltenham and he remains of strong interest in view of his back-to-back C&D wins prior to that. Indeed, the 6-y-o may still have more to offer and he gets the nod ahead of Threeunderthrufive, who has resumed with two cracking efforts in top handicaps and looks set for another bold show. Revels Hill will be a threat if fully tuned-up for this belated seasonal reappearance, while Shan Blue is also shortlisted.

Topweight Threeunderthrufive is respected but it will be hard for him to concede weight to the unexposed 6yo VICTTORINO.

15:07 Wincanton Handicap Chase (Class 4) 20f - 7 Run Class & Speed Card

Form	Odds	Runs
2 1st (2) (7/2 +30%) Sheldon	3.5 7/2(+30%)	(2) Sheldon 7/2, Third chase win of his career when seeing off 6 rivals over C&D on Boxing Day and he ran creditably despite an error-strewn round of jumping when third at Leicester (20f) 17 days ago. Never won off this high a mark but he's in with a fighting chance in current form.
1 2nd (1) (5/2 +9%) King's Threshold	2.5 5/2(+9%)	(1) King's Threshold 5/2, Fairly-useful hurdler who found improvement when second on handicap chase debut at Kempton (20.5f) in November. Ran well for a long way when third over extended 22f at Newbury 25 days ago and well worth considering granted return to this less demanding test. Made the frame in both chase starts (2m4f/2m6f) and should make presence felt once more.
4 3rd (4) (5/1 -11%) Dreaming Blue	5 5/1(-11%)	(4) Dreaming Blue 5/1, Showed benefit of first start for 6 months when third over extended 25f at Ludlow in December, his stamina ebbing away late on. Not in quite the same form despite filling same spot at Doncaster (3m) but return to this shorter trip can help with blinkers enlisted. He's handicapped to go well if back on song and blinkers are now given a go.
7 4th (7) (20/1 +20%) I Love You Sivola	20 20/1(+20%)	(7) I Love You Sivola 20/1, Fair hurdler/chaser in France but not much encouragement for current stable. Hard to warm to operating from out of the weights. It's been low-key stuff in Britain, over hurdles and fences; others safer.
6 5th (6) (13/2 -8%) Moorland Rambler	6.5 13/2(-8%)	(6) Moorland Rambler 13/2, Appreciated the test of stamina when winning a 17f handicap hurdle at Exeter 13 months ago. Hasn't gone without promise in a couple of chase starts late last year and this drop back in trip rates a plus from an easing mark. Winning hurdler off 2lb higher; lightly raced chaser who found 3m too far last time.
5 \|PU\| (5) (7/1 -155%) Individualiste	7 7/1(-155%)	(5) Individualiste 7/1, Recorded a facile success eased in class/equipped with cheekpieces over hurdles at Taunton (19f) in December. However, that proved a weak race and unable to match that when fourth here (21.3f) 6 weeks ago. Tongue tie added now chasing though, and not dismissed for leading yard. Recent winning hurdler and, like many from his yard, he could improve for fences.
3 \|PU\| (3) (11/2 +31%) Off To A Flyer	5.5 11/2(+31%)	(3) Off To A Flyer 11/2, Successful over hurdles at Ayr (24.3f) last spring but not kicked on as expected this term, including in a couple of chase tries at Kempton/Newbury, his jumping failing to pass muster latterly. Cheekpieces on 1st time here. Defied this mark over hurdles; nothing so far over fences but cheekpieces could help.

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15:07 Wincanton Handicap Chase (Class 4) 20f Race Class Flow

The chart reads from right to left to today's class 4 race.

KING'S THRESHOLD has shaped well on both outings over fences, with a runner-up effort at Kempton in November followed by a third at Newbury last month. The drop back in trip may yield some improvement from the seven-year-old, who was left alone by the handicapper following his latest effort. Sheldon won over C&D on his penultimate outing and is capable of going close, along with chasing debutant Individualiste.

It could just pay to take a chance on DREAMING BLUE who ran a cracker under positive tactics when third at Ludlow on his penultimate start and a return to a right-handed track (tended to jump right at Doncaster latest) with blinkers enlisted could see Anthony Honeyball's charge in a better light. King's Threshold remains the type to do better in this sphere and he's feared, along with chase-debutant Individualiste.

A tight handicap with no standout contender. This trip with some cut underfoot could be just the ticket for DREAMING BLUE.

15:15 Haydock Handicap Chase (Class 1) 28f - 9 Run Class & Speed Card

Form	Odds	Runs
7 1st (7) (9/2 +63%) Yeah Man	4.5 9/2(+63%)	(7) Yeah Man 9/2, This Irish raider has yet to win over fences but he's been in excellent form this season, finishing strongly for second of 10 in 3m Ascot handicap just before Christmas. Very much unexposed granted this sort of stamina test with first-time cheekpieces added. Running well over 3m at Ascot this term; looks the type to come into his own now over 3m4f.
10 2nd (10) (11/2 +8%) My Silver Lining	5.5 11/2(+8%)	(10) My Silver Lining 11/2, Relished the increased test of stamina when making it 4 wins in her last 7 starts in the Classic Chase at Warwick (29f, soft) 5 weeks ago, digging deep. Ought to remain competitive up 5 lb with the emphasis sure to be on stamina again. Step up to 3m5f worked a treat when she won the Classic Chase at Warwick (soft); up 5lb.
3 4th (3) (18/1 -50%) Highland Hunter	18 18/1(-50%)	(3) Highland Hunter 18/1, Thorough stayer who made encouraging return from 21 months off when second on yard debut at Kelso in October. Unseated early over the National fences at Aintree next time and 2¾m was too short for him at Lingfield since. Has first-time cheekpieces added to his tongue tie now stepping back up in trip 2021 Welsh National 2nd; tongue-tie is joined by cheekpieces; 7lb-claiming amateur aboard.
1 5th (1) (13/2 +35%) Iwilldoit	6.5 13/2(+35%)	(1) Iwilldoit 13/2, Former winner of the Welsh National at Chepstow and Classic Chase at Warwick. Third in this season's Welsh National and fared as well as could be expected faced with an inadequate test of stamina when third in 2¾m Lingfield conditions event since. Big player. Big wins in the mud at 3m6f/3m5f; gave it a fair shot for 3rd in latest Welsh National too.
9 6th (9) (10/1 -67%) Credo	10 10/1(-67%)	(9) Credo 10/1, Likeable mare who landed a third chase success when seeing off 5 rivals on 27f Wincanton reappearance in October. Has run with credit if defeat since, 13½ lengths fourth of 14 to reopposing My Silver Lining in Classic Chase at Warwick (29f, soft) latest. Having a good season, fourth in the 3m5f Classic at Warwick, but this is another hot race.
11 7th (11) (13/2 +35%) Snipe	6.5 13/2(+35%)	(11) Snipe 13/2, Taken very well to fences this term, winning handicaps around 3m at Southwell and Aintree (heavy) this term. Another sound effort when 4 lengths second over 3m at Doncaster 3 weeks ago. Leaves the impression he'll stay further. Won well over 3m1f on soft; got going much too late over 3m on good last time; interesting.
2 8th (2) (28/1 -40%) Chambard	28 28/1(-40%)	(2) Chambard 28/1, Ended 2021/22 campaign with success in the Kim Muir at the Cheltenham Festival. Disappointed last season but back on song with win in Becher at Aintree in December. May have found the run coming too soon when pulled up in Welsh National only 18 days later. 13l win over the big Aintree fences (3m2f, heavy); flopped in Welsh National 18 days later.
8 9th (8) (22/1 +45%) Full Back	22 22/1(+45%)	(8) Full Back 22/1, Useful winning chaser but fell on return from a long absence at Lingfield 13 days ago and it's hard to know how much of his ability remains. Well treated on peak efforts; fell on return from 434 days off, so current form is unknown.
6 \|U\| (6) (9/2 +25%) Famous Bridge	4.5 9/2(+25%)	(6) Famous Bridge 9/2, Winner of 2 handicap chases over 25.5f here this winter, latterly the Tommy Whittle on heavy ground just before Christmas. Seemed unsettled by an early mistake when never going in the Great Yorkshire at Doncaster since but could resume his progression back here. This longer trip seems sure to suit. Won twice over 3m1f in the mud here this winter; no show over 3m on good three weeks ago.

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15:15 Haydock Handicap Chase (Class 1) 28f Race Class Flow

The chart reads from right to left to today's class 1 race.

The Gavin Cromwell-trained YEAH MAN caught the eye when finishing a running-on second over 3m at Ascot in December and, provided the cheekpieces have the desired effect, he can take advantage of this step up in trip for a stable which tends to excel with handicappers crossing the Irish Sea. Snipe finished full of running when second over 3m at Doncaster last month and he rates as the main danger off an unchanged mark. Iron Bridge was second in the Welsh Grand National when last seen and also commands attention.

IWILLDOIT should revel under these conditions and might be worth siding with to land the third major staying handicap chase win of his career after shaping second best for a long way in the Welsh National over Christmas. The effort of giving chase to Nassalam seemed to tell in the closing stages, allowing the reopposing Iron Bridge to overhaul him for second but he's taken to turn the tables on Jonjo O'Neill's charge now. Yeah Man and course-specialist Famous Bridge complete the shortlist.

Snipe seems to be crying out for this sort of trip and YEAH MAN (nap) is too judged on his two runs over 3m at Ascot.

15:27 Gowran Park Conditions Chase 20f - 5 Run Class & Speed Card

Form	Odds	Runs
1 1st (1) (10/11 -60%) Saint Sam	0.909091 10/11(-60%)	(1) Saint Sam 10/11, Very smart chaser. Won a Killarney Grade 3 and Galway conditions race last summer. Would have won again but for falling at the last at Listowel in September. Given time to get over that. hard to beat if close to his best. Two fine wins on good going last summer before Listowel lapse, obvious chance on best form.
5 2nd (5) (6/5 +52%) Riviere D'etel	1.2 6/5(+52%)	(5) Riviere D'etel 6/5, Smart chaser. Five wins from 18 NH runs, including a Fairyhouse Grade 3 in January. Creditable 4 lengths second of 5 to Allegorie De Vassy in listed chase at Naas (16f, heavy, 7/4) 7 days ago. Back up in trip. Should give another good account. Smart form lately, good chance if this does not come too soon after last week's Naas run.
2 3rd (2) (28/1 -155%) Embittered	28 28/1(-155%)	(2) Embittered 28/1, Smart chaser. Latest win in chase at Navan in December. Below form thirteenth of 25 in handicap chase at Leopardstown (21.5f, soft, 50/1) 13 days ago. Won a Navan handicap in December, unable to back that up in two valuable staying events.
4 4th (4) (15/2 +12%) Lucid Dreams	7.5 15/2(+12%)	(4) Lucid Dreams 15/2, Smart chaser. Course winner. Six wins from 16 NH runs. 6 wins from 14 runs this season. 22/1, below form eleventh of 25 in handicap chase at Leopardstown (21.5f, soft) 13 days ago. Three wins in a very busy spell since last September, tough sort but faces a tough task.
3 5th (3) (250/1 -279%) Ivar The Boneless	250 250/1(-279%)	(3) Ivar The Boneless 250/1, 150/1, seventh of 8 in rated novice chase at Down Royal (16.5f, heavy) on debut over fences 25 days ago. Back up in trip. Out of his depth at this level. French import, looks out of his depth here on the evidence of his Irish form.

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15:27 Gowran Park Conditions Chase 20f Race Speed Rating Flow

The chart reads from right to left to today's race.

SAINT SAM is more than capable of returning from a break with a victory. He has done that twice before and looks poised to get back to winning ways. The Saint des Saints gelding was last seen bidding for a four-timer at Listowel in September, but fell at the last when leading. Trip and ground should be ideal for him. Riviere D'etel looks the danger as she is match fit from a runner-up berth at Naas last weekend. She is more than adept on testing ground and has won three Graded races over fences. Lucid Dreams finished a couple of places in front of Embittered when the pair came home mid-division in a Grade 3 handicap chase at Leopardstown and can confirm the form.

Willie Mullins can land this Grade 2 for the fourth year in succession courtesy of the very smart SAINT SAM. Gordon Elliott's Riviere d'Etel, who like the selection has already tasted success at Grade 3 level this season, is the obvious threat.

Gordon Elliott's decision to run RIVIERE D'ETEL only a week after a Naas defeat may be rewarded in this clash with Saint Sam

15:36 Ascot Conditions Chase (Class 1) 21f - 4 Run Class & Speed Card

Form	Odds	Runs
3 1st (3) (13/8 +28%) Pic D'orhy	1.625 13/8(+28%)	(3) Pic D'orhy 13/8, Only defeat in an excellent 2022/23 campaign came when unable to live with Shishkin in this corresponding race. Ended the season with a first Grade 1 success at Aintree and made a winning return in Grade 2 over C&D before pulling clear with Banbridge at Kempton (20.5f) 5 weeks ago. Stacks to like. Second to Shishkin in this last year and to Banbridge in Kempton Grade 2 last time; solid.
2 2nd (2) (5/4 -71%) L'homme Presse	1.25 5/4(-71%)	(2) L'homme Presse 5/4, Top-class chaser who impressively landed the Rehearsal Chase in November 2022. Second when unseated rider last in King George at Kempton the following month and after a year on the sidelines, made the perfect return at Lingfield (22f) last month. This should tee him up nicely for the Gold Cup. Top-notcher, successful in two Grade 1s; off a year before Lingfield win; strong claims.
1 3rd (1) (4/1 +33%) Ahoy Senor	4 4/1(+33%)	(1) Ahoy Senor 4/1, One-time top-class chaser who took a step back in the right direction when fourth in Grade 2 Cotswold Chase (that he won in 2023) at Cheltenham (25.2f, good to soft) 3 weeks ago, his chance compromised no end by a serious tack problem. Prone to mistakes though, so likely he'll come up short. High-class chaser on his day; more encouragement last time; takes steep drop in trip.
4 4th (4) (18/1 +64%) Sail Away	18 18/1(+64%)	(4) Sail Away 18/1, Made it to the racecourse just twice last season, latterly running his rivals ragged from the front in an 8-runner Ayr handicap (3m, good) in April. Beaten fair and square in 3 handicaps this term (latest a premier event) and will surely find this company all too much. Running respectably in handicaps this season but up sharply in class here.

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15:36 Ascot Conditions Chase (Class 1) 21f Race Class Flow

The chart reads from right to left to today's class 1 race.

L'HOMME PRESSE returned from over a year off with a more comfortable victory than the margin would suggest at Lingfield. Venetia Williams' stable star holds all the aces providing this doesn't come too soon and he is expected to repel the likely challenge of Pic D'Orhy, who found only Ryanair favourite Banbridge too strong in the Silviniaco Conti at Kempton. Ahoy Senor suffered tack issues but still showed more enthusiasm when fourth in the Cotswold Chase and he should not be underestimated. Official ratings would suggest Sail Away has it all to do.

A small but select field for this Grade 1 and it's L'HOMME PRESSE who gets the nod having made the perfect return from over a year on the sidelines in the Fleur De Lys Chase at Lingfield last month. He can add a third top-level success to an already glittering C.V. at the expense of Pic d'Orhy, who was back to his best when pulling clear with Banbridge in the Silviniaco Conti at Kempton 5 weeks ago and found only Shishkin too strong in last year's renewal.

In a fascinating Grade 1 L'HOMME PRESSE can take the measure of the reliable Pic D'Orhy and the mercurial Ahoy Senor.

15:42 Wincanton Handicap Hurdle (Class 4) 25f - 10 Run Class & Speed Card

Form	Odds	Runs
10 1st (10) (6/1 +76%) Rivers Corner	6 6/1(+76%)	(10) Rivers Corner 6/1, Modest in bumpers and similar standard over hurdles, failing to improve for the switch to handicaps the last twice. Needs to raise his game upped further in trip. Beaten 23l and 28l in his two handicaps, so has work to do; takes another step up in trip.
2 2nd (2) (5/1 +9%) Stratton Oakmont	5 5/1(+9%)	(2) Stratton Oakmont 5/1, Finally off the mark under Rules in 3-runner handicap at Southwell in November. Has backed that up with a couple of solid efforts in defeat, latterly touched off by Perculator at Wetherby (3m, heavy) last time, and likely to be on the premises once again. Solid sequence in 3m handicaps; raised another 3lb but major claims.
6 3rd (6) (12/1 -100%) The Bold Thady	12 12/1(-100%)	(6) The Bold Thady 12/1, Weak finisher who has yet to win but he does have consistent form figures, his second at Ludlow (23.8f, good) when last seen in May the third time he's finished runner-up in handicap company. 0-11 over hurdles but made the frame in all seven starts with cheekpieces; 279 days off.
1 4th (1) (8/1 -23%) Chatshow Tv	8 8/1(-23%)	(1) Chatshow Tv 8/1, Runner-up sole start in points and encouraging Rules debut when third behind a couple of useful types in 19f Warwick novice (heavy) in November. Hasn't built on that since but improvement isn't out of the question now upped in trip for this handicap bow. Improvement required but, making handicap debut over a new trip, he needs a market check.
7 5th (7) (10/3 +45%) Ede'iffs Rock	3.333333 10/3(+45%)	(7) Ede'iffs Rock 10/3, Consistent sort who opened her account after a frustrating run of placed efforts in 13-runner handicap at Leicester (20.5f, heavy) 25 days ago, all out to hold on. Up 3 lb and ought to be in the mix again. Reliable; off the mark in 13-runner handicap at Leicester (2m4f, heavy) latest; new trip.
5 \|PU\| (5) (9/2 -64%) Pentire Head	4.5 9/2(-64%)	(5) Pentire Head 9/2, Placed all 3 starts in bumpers last season. Took another small step forward over hurdles with new tactics tried when third of 16 in maiden at Exeter (18.5f, heavy) on New Year's Day and this step up in trip could unlock more now handicapping. One to look out for. Hurdle has not matched bumper form; could still be interesting; new trip on handicap debut.
3 \|PU\| (3) (12/1 +25%) Johnny B	12 12/1(+25%)	(3) Johnny B 12/1, Produced a career-best on return from over a year off when winning 11-runner handicap hurdle (50/1) over C&D in December. Possibly not over his exertions from that success at Exeter (24.2f, heavy) on New Year's Day and now quickly reverts to hurdles. 50-1, won by 9l over C&D (heavy) in December; unreliable and pulled up over fences latest.
9 \|PU\| (9) (15/2 -67%) Pride Rock	7.5 15/2(-67%)	(9) Pride Rock 15/2, Signs of ability in a trio of starts in novices and stepped significantly up in trip for his handicap debut, showed improved form when runner-up at Ffos Las (23.9f, soft) 13 months ago. Clearly had his issues but returns with yard having saddled several winners already this week. Cheekpieces on. 2nd of 15 on handicap debut at Ffos Las (3m, soft); off 390 days since; cheekpieces go on.
4 \|PU\| (4) (16/1 -78%) Ticking Tom Bomb	16 16/1(-78%)	(4) Ticking Tom Bomb 16/1, Unplaced on his completed start in points in 2022 but showed promise in a couple of maiden hurdles in recent months. Proved a bitter disappointment making a quick switch to a handicap at this course (15.2f, soft) on Boxing Day and is now hiked up in trip. Flopped when favourite on handicap debut here (1m7f) on Boxing Day; big rethink on trip.
8 \|PU\| (8) (150/1 -500%) Known	150 150/1(-500%)	(8) Known 150/1, Twelve-race maiden who was pulled up in a handicap chase at Stratford when last seen in July 2022. Since undergone a second wind op and, on the back of such an absence, he's probably best watched back hurdling for new yard. Out of form in 2022 when last seen; left Jonjo O'Neill; further wind op in November 2023.

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15:42 Wincanton Handicap Hurdle (Class 4) 25f Race Class Flow

The chart reads from right to left to today's class 4 race.

PENTIRE HEAD hasn't quite shown the promise in three starts over hurdles that he displayed in bumpers last season. However, a step up in trip on handicap debut may be the key to unlocking his true potential. Similar comments apply to Chatshow Tv, who has been running with credit so far over timber, while others to consider include Stratton Oakmont and Pride Rock.

PRIDE ROCK showed improved form hiked up in trip on handicap debut when finishing runner-up at Ffos Las 13 months ago and, while he has a significant absence to overcome, his yard has enjoyed plenty of success this week so he's chanced to make a winning reappearance with first-time cheekpieces applied. Pentire Head has been steadily progressive in this sphere so he's one to look out for now handicapping, with Stratton Oakmont and Ede'iffs Rock also not out of things.

In-form STRATTON OAKMONT has nothing to prove with conditions. Next best are Pride Rock, Pentire Head and Ede'Iffs Rock.

15:50 Haydock Handicap Hurdle (Class 2) 24f - 10 Run Class & Speed Card

Form	Odds	Runs
1 1st (1) (6/4 +33%) Cuthbert Dibble	1.5 6/4(+33%)	(1) Cuthbert Dibble 6/4, Won 2 of his final 3 starts in his novice campaign and picked up where he left off with a career-best victory in an 8-runner handicap at Chepstow (19.4f, heavy) 18 days ago. Promises to stay this far and 8 lb rise may not get to the bottom of him. Progressed again when easy winner on return; leading claims with more improvement on cards.
6 2nd (6) (6/1 +14%) Lord Snootie	6 6/1(+14%)	(6) Lord Snootie 6/1, Improver when sent handicapping last season, including a 3¼m win at Warwick. Fair effort when sixth in a competitive handicap at Haydock in November, though shaped as if amiss when pulled up at Wincanton last time. Yard tends to hit form this time of year so not ruled out. Has yet to really fire this season.
7 3rd (7) (5/1 +23%) Yes Day	5 5/1(+23%)	(7) Yes Day 5/1, Made winning start over hurdles at Uttoxeter in October and has held form well since, likely to have scored again at Catterick (19.3f, soft) 24 days ago with a better jump at the last. Opening mark looks workable and he's a player. Quite a useful novice who is interesting on this first venture in handicaps.
4 4th (4) (16/1 -113%) J'ai Froid	16 16/1(-113%)	(4) J'ai Froid 16/1, Useful handicap hurdler at his best who capitalised on a reduced mark when going in at Leicester (2m) in November. Continued in good heart since, scoring again in an 8-runner handicap hurdle at Warwick (25f, soft, 8/1) 35 days ago. Still respected in this deeper contest. Still useful at 11, winning handicaps over 2m and 3m1f this winter; this looks harder.
10 5th (10) (33/1 +34%) Foillan	33 33/1(+34%)	(10) Foillan 33/1, Winless and relatively lightly raced since landing this race for Dr Richard Newland in 2022. Showed some ability remains when fifth of 8 in handicap hurdle (33/1) at Carlisle (25f, soft) 62 days ago but this is a tougher task with tongue tie and cheekpieces now applied. Well held both starts for this yard; needs a wind op and new headgear combination to help.
8 6th (8) (12/1 +14%) Our Sam	12 12/1(+14%)	(8) Our Sam 12/1, Completed hat-trick in 5-runner event at Hexham (23.3f, heavy) in October and produced another fine effort in defeat when runner-up in 6-runner C&D handicap (heavy) 56 days ago. Player with 10 lb claimer aboard. Completed hat-trick in first half of season and creditable second over C&D on heavy latest.
5 7th (5) (16/1 -14%) Castle Rushen	16 16/1(-14%)	(5) Castle Rushen 16/1, Didn't take to chasing last season but ended campaign with pair of creditable placed efforts back over hurdles. Cheekpieces replace visor on return from 9 months off, so market check advised. Back on track returned to hurdles last spring but has a 296-day absence to overcome.
9 8th (9) (40/1 -21%) Schalke	40 40/1(-21%)	(9) Schalke 40/1, Winner at Kelso in December 2022 but hasn't finished any better than mid-field in 4 starts this season. Others preferred. Won in the mud last winter but struggled of late; recent wind op needs to have helped.
2 \|PU\| (2) (6/1 -20%) Punta Del Este	6 6/1(-20%)	(2) Punta Del Este 6/1, Well backed before getting off the mark for current connections in a 7-runner handicap hurdle at this course (18.9f, heavy) 49 days ago. Stepped up markedly in trip and 10 lb higher in the weights but can't be dismissed. Improved when ready winner over 2m3f here on heavy latest; likely capable of better again.
3 \|PU\| (3) (9/1 -20%) Ilovethenightlife	9 9/1(-20%)	(3) Ilovethenightlife 9/1, Scopey sort who raised her game when landing the EBF Mares' Final at Newbury last March. Has progressed further this year, looking better than ever when winning 7-runner event at Plumpton (25f, good to soft, 7/2) 19 days ago. Can prove competitive from 6 lb higher mark. Relished longer trip when comfortable winner over 3m1f latest; unexposed as a stayer.

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15:50 Haydock Handicap Hurdle (Class 2) 24f Race Class Flow

The chart reads from right to left to today's class 2 race.

J'AI FROID won a similar race over 3m1f at Warwick last month and that form was boosted when the third won last weekend. With that in mind, a 4lb rise may underestimated the veteran and he merits the utmost respect. Ilovethenightlife is an obvious threat following her success at Plumpton last time, while Punta Del Este and Cuthbert Dibble both have strong form claims but have to prove themselves over this distance.

CUTHBERT DIBBLE has all the makings of a smart performer and he can complete the hat-trick with the step up to 3m looking far from an inconvenience. Handicap-newcomer Yes Day and the progressive Our Sam also make appeal in a typically open contest.

An 8 lb rise for CUTHBERT DIBBLE's easy reappearance win could prove lenient. Punta Del Este and Yes Day head the dangers.

15:57 Newcastle Handicap (Class 6) 12f - 10 Run Class & Speed Card

Form	Odds	Runs
5 1st (5) (11/1 +21%) Yakhabar	11 11/1(+21%)	(5) Yakhabar 11/1, Ended last season with a below-par effort when fifth of 6 in handicap at Yarmouth (14.1f, good to firm, 7/1) in August. Has eased further in the weights as a result, but has 6-month absence to overcome. Some promise in his early handicaps but progress stalled and now 0-12; off 192 days.
2 2nd (2) (9/2 -13%) Desert Quest	4.5 9/2(-13%)	(2) Desert Quest 9/2, C&D winner in January and shaped as if still in good form when fourth of 10 in handicap at Southwell (14.1f, 15/2) a week later, not ideally placed. Could be thereabouts once more. First AW win over C&D last month; only fourth at Southwell since but respected back here.
7 3rd (7) (15/2 +17%) Bristol Hill	7.5 15/2(+17%)	(7) Bristol Hill 15/2, C&D winner. Again raced freely when sixth of 8 in handicap at Wolverhampton (12.2f, 10/1) 22 days ago. On a workable mark but he needs everything to drop right. C&D winner last March; recent runs no more than respectable but back on good mark.
3 4th (3) (11/4 -38%) Louisiana Bay	2.75 11/4(-38%)	(3) Louisiana Bay 11/4, Shaped well when fourth of 12 in handicap at Lingfield (13f, 9/2) 12 days ago, closest at the line having met trouble. Could be ready to open her account. Placed three times this winter and shaped as if still in form latest; player.
1 5th (1) (4/1 -33%) Rose Light	4 4/1(-33%)	(1) Rose Light 4/1, Off the mark at Southwell in January. Run best excused when sixth of 7 in handicap at this C&D (11/4) 4 days ago, needing stronger gallop/not ideally positioned. Enters calculations back down in grade. Won at Southwell last month but only sixth over C&D on Tuesday.
10 6th (10) (66/1 -164%) Broctune Azure	66 66/1(-164%)	(10) Broctune Azure 66/1, After 16 months off, probably needed the run when seventh of 9 in minor event at this course (10.2f, 18/1) 23 days ago. Has work to do as she goes up in trip. Entitled to strip fitter for recent outing after absence but others still more obvious.
9 7th (9) (10/3 +76%) Crazy Crackers	3.333333 10/3(+76%)	(9) Crazy Crackers 10/3, Creditable fourth of 8 in handicap (16/1) at Southwell (16.5f) 12 days ago. Needs to find more as he drops back in distance. Low mileage but unable to make significant impact over 1m6f/2m at Southwell recently.
4 8th (4) (150/1 -200%) Best Guess	150 150/1(-200%)	(4) Best Guess 150/1, After showing little in a couple of starts over hurdles, fared no better back on the Flat (had a wind op) when last of 7 in handicap at this C&D (125/1) 21 days ago. Application of blinkers not enough to tempt. Struggled since finishing third on stable debut in September; blinkers on now.
6 9th (6) (12/1 -50%) Sarkha	12 12/1(-50%)	(6) Sarkha 12/1, Below form when eighth of 11 in handicap at Lingfield (12f, 13/2) 66 days ago. However, had run well at this C&D on his previous outing, so he's not discounted having had a wind op since last time. Best for yard when third over C&D in November; excuses next time; claims back from wind op.
8 10th (8) (66/1 -371%) Femme Patronne	66 66/1(-371%)	(8) Femme Patronne 66/1, Failed to repeat her previous effort when 14½ lengths tenth of 11 to Rose Light in handicap at Southwell (11.1f, 25/1) 18 days ago. Others more persuasive. Second over 1m2f here last month but well behind Rose Light at Southwell since.

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15:57 Newcastle Handicap (Class 6) 12f Race Class Flow

The chart reads from right to left to today's class 6 race.

A winner over 1m3f at Southwell, Rose Light commands respect despite her subsequent defeat here earlier in the week, while Louisiana Bay is effective over this sort of trip and cannot be ruled out with Grace McEntee claiming 3lb. However, DESERT QUEST, who was a surprise winner in an apprentice handicap over C&D prior to a solid Southwell fourth, shades preference.

LOUISIANA BAY looked unlucky not to finish closer still when fourth at Lingfield last time, nearest at the finish having been short of room in the last ½f, so she can build on that effort to get off the mark this time around. The main danger could be Rose Light, who had excuses for her run here 4 days ago, with Desert Quest also considered.

There's been enough from LOUISIANA BAY this winter to think she can win before long.

16:02 Gowran Park Maiden Chase 20f - 6 Run Class & Speed Card

Form	Odds	Runs
5 1st (5) (6/5 -32%) Saint Felicien	1.2 6/5(-32%)	(5) Saint Felicien 6/5, Smart hurdler. Smart winner at 17f over hurdles. 11/4, creditable second of 7 in novice chase at this C&D (heavy) 23 days ago. Big player. Had Spanish Harlem 7l adrift when second over C&D recently; looks the one to beat.
1 2nd (1) (5/2 +17%) Aime Desjy	2.5 5/2(+17%)	(1) Aime Desjy 5/2, Promising sort. Latest win in hurdle at Kilbeggan in August. Fifth of 13 in novice chase (18/1) at Fairyhouse (21.5f, soft) on debut over fences 77 days ago, not knocked about. Spanish Harlem appears to be the stable first-string. Encouraging chasing debut in hot Fairyhouse contest; Townend prefers Spanish Harlem.
6 3rd (6) (5/2 +9%) Spanish Harlem	2.5 5/2(+9%)	(6) Spanish Harlem 5/2, Useful chaser. Excellent third of 7 in novice chase (12/1) at this C&D (heavy) 23 days ago. Should progress. Recent C&D third has 7l to find with Saint Felicien.
4 4th (4) (12/1 -20%) Paul Marvel	12 12/1(-20%)	(4) Paul Marvel 12/1, Lightly-raced winner under Rules. Fairly useful winner at 16f over hurdles. 11/1, fifth of 14 in novice chase at Kilbeggan (19.1f, good to soft) on debut over fences. Off 9 months. Paul Townend prefers Spanish Harlem. Absent since far from fluent when well held on chasing debut at Kilbeggan last May.
2 5th (2) (100/1 -150%) Bigz Belief	100 100/1(-150%)	(2) Bigz Belief 100/1, Fair hurdler. Latest win in hurdle at Sligo in June. Bit below form eighth of 13 in handicap (18/1) at Dundalk (10.7f), merely closing up late. Switches from Flat to chase. Fair hurdler, finished last on only previous chase outing.
3 6th (3) (150/1 -50%) Malton Groove	150 150/1(-50%)	(3) Malton Groove 150/1, Fair hurdler. Last of 7 in novice chase (100/1) at Fairyhouse (17.3f, soft) 35 days ago. First run for yard after leaving Gordon Elliott. Ultimately disappointing for Gordon Elliott; new yard and can only be watched.

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16:02 Gowran Park Maiden Chase 20f Race Speed Rating Flow

The chart reads from right to left to today's race.

A tricky race with Willie Mullins due to field half of the six runners. Gordon Elliott's SAINT FELICIEN has been placed on all three starts over fences and got closer to the breakthrough over C&D last month. A better jump at the final fence saw the winner home, but runner-up Saint Felicien ran well for a long way. Mullins' Spanish Harlem finished seven lengths behind Saint Felicien in third so improvement is needed, but it isn't out of the question. His stablemate, Aime Desjy, finished fifth on chasing debut at Fairyhouse and the form is working out well, so he could outrun his odds.

SAINT FELICIEN is admittedly becoming frustrating but he had the re-opposing Spanish Harlem seven lengths adrift in third when hitting the crossbar over C&D last month, and a reproduction of that would probably suffice. That said, Spanish Harlem is open to improvement and may get closer to the selection this time, while his stablemates Aime Desjy and Paul Marvel are both capable of better, too.

Second over C&D last month SAINT FELICIEN had 7l in hand over the staying-on Spanish Harlem that day and can confirm that form

16:10 Ascot Handicap Hurdle (Class 3) 24f - 14 Run Class & Speed Card

Form	Odds	Runs
7 (7) (11/1 +50%) Don't Rightly Know	11 11/1(+50%)	(7) Don't Rightly Know 11/1, Got off the mark in Exeter novice in November and posted an excellent second of 16 in handicap hurdle at Newbury (24.2f, soft) 25 days ago. Up 4 lb but she's still not taken lightly. 1st preference 4.25 Haydock. Front-running second of 16 at Newbury (3m, soft); first preference today is 4.25 Haydock.
6 1st (6) (14/1 -75%) Honor Grey	14 14/1(-75%)	(6) Honor Grey 14/1, Progressive sort who took 3m handicap hurdle at Aintree when last seen out 16 months ago. Needs to hit the ground running on his comeback and market should prove informative. Leading player if firing on all cylinders on return, having won three of last four in 2022.
2 2nd (2) (16/1 +20%) Supreme Gift	16 16/1(+20%)	(2) Supreme Gift 16/1, Triple winner in novice hurdles last season and improved from his chasing debut to score in a 4-runner Ascot handicap in November. Not in the same form over fences twice since though so more required reverted to hurdles. Poor shows in his last two chases; back hurdling with first headgear and stamina to prove.
9 3rd (9) (11/1 +8%) Astronomic View	11 11/1(+8%)	(9) Astronomic View 11/1, Exeter bumper winner who has been shaping up well in defeat over hurdles in recent months, again finding only one too good at Wincanton (21.4f, heavy) 42 days ago. No surprise to see him go well again in first-time cheekpieces. Runner-up in all three of his handicap hurdles, up to 2m7f; cheekpieces are enlisted.
4 4th (4) (9/2 +10%) Loup De Maulde	4.5 9/2(+10%)	(4) Loup De Maulde 9/2, Tough and reliable customer scored four times around 3m last year and he went without his usual cheekpices when a promising second at Huntingdon on his recent return. Big shout with headgear back on. Runner-up on reappearance; 2nd in this race last year and has major each-way claims again.
13 5th (13) (28/1 +15%) Crossing The Bar	28 28/1(+15%)	(13) Crossing The Bar 28/1, Successful twice over hurdles at Plumpton (both at 25f) during second half of last season but yet to match that level this term, only ninth at Doncaster 20 days ago. On a handy mark but needs to step forward. Two 3m1f wins at Plumpton last year but he's not got near that form this autumn/winter.
12 6th (12) (9/1 +73%) Sporting Mike	9 9/1(+73%)	(12) Sporting Mike 9/1, Point winner who achieved a fairly useful level of form over hurdles last season. Has twice disappointed over fences since though and had a wind op before only 10th at Doncaster on latter occasion. Something to prove back in this sphere. Huge revival needed but he's back over hurdles and would be a player on last season's form.
15 7th (15) (20/1 -43%) I'm A Starman	20 20/1(-43%)	(15) I'm A Starman 20/1, Unreliable sort who scored for the first time in almost 3 years in 10-runner handicap at Plumpton (25f, soft) 26 days ago. Needs to back it up off a 4 lb higher mark with cheekpieces refitted. Broke a long losing run on latest start; a surprise if he could deal with all these rivals.
1 8th (1) (22/1 -10%) Hurricane Harvey	22 22/1(-10%)	(1) Hurricane Harvey 22/1, Recorded back-to-back wins around 3m last winter and has posted creditable efforts in defeat this season, cthird at Ludlow (3m) last time. Ought to be in the shake-up once again. Ran creditably for minor honours on the first and third of his four starts this term.
10 9th (10) (40/1 -21%) Exmoor Forest	40 40/1(-21%)	(10) Exmoor Forest 40/1, Landed 25f Warwick maiden hurdle last May. Pulled up in 2 handicaps since but took a step back in right direction after a breathing operation when fourth of 11 in handicap hurdle (25/1) at Exeter (23.1f, heavy) 17 days ago. Possibilities. Won 3m1f maiden last May; troubled time since but made step back in right direction latest.
11 \|PU\| (11) (3/1 +57%) Havaila	3 3/1(+57%)	(11) Havaila 3/1, Resumed winning ways in 2m4f handicap hurdle at Sandown ( heavy) 22 days ago. Up 4 lb but he's expected to be bang there again with this longer trip also a likely plus. Fair stayer on the Flat and stamina seemed to win the day at Sandown (2m4f, soft) latest.
14 \|PU\| (14) (8/1 +33%) Rare Clouds	8 8/1(+33%)	(14) Rare Clouds 8/1, Confirmed recent promise with success in 7-runner handicap hurdle at Wincanton (21.4f, heavy) 42 days ago by 6 lengths from Astronomic View. Not discounted despite taking a 6 lb rise. Won well latest (2m5f, heavy) but up 6lb and unseen over this sort of trip since 2021.
8 \|PU\| (8) (9/2 +10%) Coco Mademoiselle	4.5 9/2(+10%)	(8) Coco Mademoiselle 9/2, Winning Irish pointer who landed the odds in Lingfield novice hurdle in November and backed up that effort under a penalty when second of 11 in 2m4f Huntingdon novice 36 days ago. Much respected now going into handicaps with her stamina drawn out more. 1-3 when odds-on in maiden/novice hurdles; new trip; should bring potential to handicaps.
3 \|PU\| (3) (40/1 -150%) Fair Frontieres	40 40/1(-150%)	(3) Fair Frontieres 40/1, Three-time winner over hurdles in 2021/22. Not seen again until pulling up over fences at Huntingdon in November but was in the process of running a lot better when falling at the last in a Wetherby handicap hurdle on Boxing Day (would have finished third). Considered. Layoff before this campaign; showed more on latest start but well held when crashing out.

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16:10 Ascot Handicap Hurdle (Class 3) 24f Race Class Flow

The chart reads from right to left to today's class 3 race.

LOUP DE MAULDE returned from a 281-day break to finish second in a Pertemps qualifier at Huntingdon and has only been put up 2lb. Robbie Llewellyn's gelding may have been let off lightly and has cheekpieces reapplied, so he shades the vote. Coco Mademoiselle failed to land the odds in a novice hurdle, also at Huntingdon, but her Lingfield victory prior to that suggests she could be capable off a mark of 121. Last-time-out winners Havaila and Rare Clouds are other alternatives.

LOUP DE MAULDE is fancied to build on the promise of his Huntingdon reappearance second now the cheekpieces go back on and continue Robbie Llewellyn's fine season. The unbeaten Mt Fugi Park rates a major threat though going into handicaps for the first time with more to offer. Sandown-scorer Havaila is weighted to have a big say while in-form pair Don't Rightly Know and Coco Mademoiselle also need factoring into this highly competitive event.

Mt Fugi Park and Don't Rightly Know are due to run at Haydock. Without them, this may well go to HAVAILA (nap).

16:17 Wincanton Handicap Chase (Class 4) 25f - 9 Run Class & Speed Card

Form	Odds	Runs
7 1st (7) (15/2 -25%) No Hubs No Hoobs	7.5 15/2(-25%)	(7) No Hubs No Hoobs 15/2, Opened chase account over C&D in December 2022 and found just one too good when bidding to repeat the dose in this season's renewal of the same race. Tried in cheekpieces when below par at Plumpton recently and he could have a part to play if this change of headgear (blinkered) does the trick. This mark is no gift but cheekpieces didn't last long and blinkers are now given a go.
8 2nd (8) (3/1 -9%) Captain Claude	3 3/1(-9%)	(8) Captain Claude 3/1, Hurdles winner last spring and successful first 2 starts switched to this sphere at Fontwell in November/December. Failed to complete the hat-trick off this mark at the same course last time but he wasn't beaten far and should give another good account. Beaten over 2m5f last time but had previously produced a career best at 3m2f (soft).
5 3rd (5) (5/2 +38%) Leissieres Express	2.5 5/2(+38%)	(5) Leissieres Express 5/2, No great shakes over hurdles but has already shown himself to be more of a force in this sphere, placed here and at Exeter prior to opening his account at the latter course (24.2f, heavy) on New Year's Day. Failed to complete last time but should be in the mix granted a clear round here. 3m winner at Exeter; unexposed as a stayer and he's on the shortlist.
9 4th (9) (7/1 -27%) Born At Midnight	7 7/1(-27%)	(9) Born At Midnight 7/1, Dual chase winner last term, including at this course, and he resumed with a creditable third in a 6-runner Plumpton handicap (25.7f, good to soft) 19 days ago. Entitled to come on for that and he's one to be interested in. Course winner; plenty to like about his encouraging return from 11 months off.
6 \|PU\| (6) (9/1 +18%) Samuel Jackson	9 9/1(+18%)	(6) Samuel Jackson 9/1, Lost his way over fences last season and while he stepped up on his tame reappearance spin over hurdles (pulled up) when fourth of 10 back in this sphere at Warwick last month, it's far easier to make cases for several of his rivals. Now a 12yo and he's struggling to recapture his best form; latest fourth was remote.
4 \|PU\| (4) (13/2 -18%) Ede'iffs Elton	6.5 13/2(-18%)	(4) Ede'iffs Elton 13/2, All 3 career wins over fences at this course and, after 8 months off, he took a step back in the right direction when fourth of 12 here (20.2f, soft) in November. However, went with no fluency whatsoever over C&D next time and a further 2 lb drop in the weights isn't enticing enough. Excellent course record but has twice disappointed on heavy, including last time.
1 \|PU\| (1) (14/1 -56%) Eceparti	14 14/1(-56%)	(1) Eceparti 14/1, Took advantage of a career-low mark in emphatic style when making a winning return at Chepstow in October. Followed up under a penalty at the same course 8 days later but form has dipped the last twice and he's probably a shade too high in the weights for now. Return of Ned Fox is a positive (2-2) but this track might not play to his strengths.
2 \|PU\| (2) (28/1 -100%) Motion In Limine	28 28/1(-100%)	(2) Motion In Limine 28/1, Fair hurdler whose form has been in and out over fences, runner-up on 2 of his last 4 starts but he ran no sort of a race when eventually pulled up at Carlisle last time. Others preferred. Second at Sedgefield in November but pulled up either side of that.
3 \|PU\| (3) (28/1 -75%) Uptown Lady	28 28/1(-75%)	(3) Uptown Lady 28/1, Hurdles winner in February 2021 but hasn't stood much racing since and she hasn't shown a great deal in 4 starts (unseated rider twice) over fences. Hasn't really got things going over fences following lengthy breaks; tries cheekpieces.

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16:17 Wincanton Handicap Chase (Class 4) 25f Race Class Flow

The chart reads from right to left to today's class 4 race.

CAPTAIN CLAUDE finished a gallant third when bidding to bring up a Fontwell hat-trick last month and Anthony Honeyball's charge can return to winning ways stepped back up in trip. Leissieres Express ran out a workmanlike winner on his penultimate start and, provided he can put last month's unseat behind him, the seven-year-old should be able to make his presence felt. The largely consistent Born At Midnight holds solid claims to at least hit the frame.

CAPTAIN CLAUDE has taken well to fences and while he ultimately came up short when bidding for the hat-trick at Fontwell, that was no backward step. Anthony Honeyball's charge looks pretty solid overall and shades preference ahead of Born At Midnight, who put in a good shift when third on his return from an 11-month absence at Plumpton. Leissieres Express and No Hubs No Hoobs are others to consider.

Conditions won't faze CAPTAIN CLAUDE who could prove himself worth his career-high mark now that he returns to further.

16:25 Haydock Novices Hurdle (Class 1) 24f - 9 Run Class & Speed Card

Form	Odds	Runs
9 1st (9) (12/1 -71%) Now Is The Hour	12 12/1(-71%)	(9) Now Is The Hour 12/1, Looked set to justify support until departing 2 out in a Limerick maiden in December and gained compensation in a similar event at Fairyhouse (20.3f) 3 weeks ago. Has more on his plate at this level but remains open to improvement. Easy maiden win at Fairyhouse three weeks ago and remains to be seen where limitations lie.
10 2nd (10) (11/1 +50%) Don't Rightly Know	11 11/1(+50%)	(10) Don't Rightly Know 11/1, Defied a long absence when readily getting off the mark in an Exeter novice in November and produced her best effort to date under a change of rider when second of 16 in a 3m handicap at Newbury 25 days ago. This is tougher, however, and the sharper nature of this track may not suit so well. Others may have greater potential but she receives 7lb from males and has shown good form.
5 3rd (5) (20/1 -122%) Inox Allen	20 20/1(-122%)	(5) Inox Allen 20/1, £40,00 buy after winning an Irish point and has won both starts under Rules, namely a Hexham maiden and an Ayr novice at up to 21.4f. Has had a breathing operation ahead of this step up in grade and is also fitted with a tongue trap but is entitled to improve further. Has won both hurdle starts; others have better form but stamina looks a strong suit.
4 4th (4) (25/1 -39%) Haiti Couleurs	25 25/1(-39%)	(4) Haiti Couleurs 25/1, Made the frame both starts in maiden points back in 2021 and shaped well when chasing home Isaac des Obeaux on Rules debut at Chepstow (19.4f, heavy). Ran to a similar level when finding only a more experienced one too good at Ludlow (21.1f) since and remains open to improvement. Runner-up on first two hurdle starts; may improve for this longer trip but needs to.
7 5th (7) (11/1 -230%) Latenightpass	11 11/1(-230%)	(7) Latenightpass 11/1, Landed the Aintree Foxhunters' in April 2022 and made second outing for Dan Skelton a winning one in 13-runner cross-country handicap at Cheltenham (29.2f) in December. Most likely using this as a prep run for bigger targets back over fences in the spring. 11yo who has never run over hurdles but will be tough to beat if transferring chase form.
3 \|PU\| (3) (5/1 +44%) Great Pepper	5 5/1(+44%)	(3) Great Pepper 5/1, Dual point winner who showed a good attitude to make a successful hurdling debut in a 13-runner novice at Hexham (20.1f, heavy) in November. Followed up with a much-improved effort at Kelso (22.7f, heavy) subsequently and strong chance there's further improvement to come now tackling 3m. 2-2 under rules (2m4f/2m6f) and today's extra yardage could prompt further improvement.
6 \|PU\| (6) (10/3 +17%) Isaac Des Obeaux	3.333333 10/3(+17%)	(6) Isaac Des Obeaux 10/3, Defined a penalty in the manner of a useful novice at Chepstow (19.4f) in December. Not helped by the run of the race when third in a Grade 2 at Cheltenham subsequently and remains with potential over this longer trip. Rallied for 6l third in 2m4f Grade 2 at Cheltenham; today's longer trip could be a plus.
2 \|PU\| (2) (11/2 +61%) Bowenspark	5.5 11/2(+61%)	(2) Bowenspark 11/2, Useful dual bumper winner who easily landed the odds at Stratford on his hurdling debut. However, isn't straightforward and was turned over at short odds under a penalty at Fontwell last time. Yet to kick on after impressive hurdle debut but pedigree hints at staying potential.
1 \|PU\| (1) (14/1 -87%) Alcedo	14 14/1(-87%)	(1) Alcedo 14/1, Useful bumper performer who shrugged of a disappointing hurdle debut at Chepstow in October when running out of a comfortable winner of a 16-runner maiden at Exeter 2 months later. Collared only in the final 100 yds by Mt Fugi Park at Leicester subsequently and open to further improvement. Close second to Mt Fugi Park over 2m4f at Leicester and he's a possible contender.

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

16:25 Haydock Novices Hurdle (Class 1) 24f Race Class Flow

The chart reads from right to left to today's class 1 race.

ISAAC DES OBEAUX was not disgraced when third behind a pair of high-class prospects in a Grade 2 over 2m4f at Cheltenham three weeks ago. The step up in trip may help Paul Nicholls' gelding and he is the one to beat. Now Is The Hour is an Irish raider who should not be underestimated following an easy win at Fairyhouse last time, while Alcedo and Bowenspark also make the shortlist.

GREAT PEPPER was value for a bit extra over the result after idling in front when defying a penalty at Kelso in December and could well be up to maintaining his unbeaten record under Rules now upped in class, especially with the extra distance likely to be in his favour. Isaac des Obeau wasn't seen to best effect in a Cheltenham Grade 2 on his most recent outing and remains with potential for last year's winning yard, with the shortlist completed by the promising Mt Fugi Park.

Last month's strong finish up the Cheltenham hill in a 2m4f Grade 2 bodes well for the prospects of ISAAC DES OBEAUX.

16:30 Newcastle Handicap (Class 6) 8f - 8 Run Class & Speed Card

Form	Odds	Runs
5 1st (5) (3/1 +50%) Mulciber	3 3/1(+50%)	(5) Mulciber 3/1, Lightly-raced winner. Winner here in November. Respectable eighth of 14 in nursery (4/1) at Kempton (8f) 59 days ago, running on. Well bred sort shouldn't be ruled out. 7f winner here in November; off since lesser run in December; no headgear today.
6 2nd (6) (11/4 +0%) Redondo	2.75 11/4(+0%)	(6) Redondo 11/4, First run since leaving Josh Halley when 5/1, career best when readily winning 8-runner handicap at this C&D 15 days ago by 1½ lengths from Likleman, suited by way race developed. Up 6 lb but likely to progress further. Big step forward when easily winning over C&D on stable/h'cap debut; up 6lb in better race.
3 3rd (3) (11/4 +45%) Likeashadow	2.75 11/4(+45%)	(3) Likeashadow 11/4, C&D winner. 9/2, creditable third of 7 in handicap at this C&D 9 days ago. Expected to be bang there from unchanged mark. Two course wins last year & banging at the door in 2024; in the thick of it once again.
2 4th (2) (9/1 -157%) Love Yours	9 9/1(-157%)	(2) Love Yours 9/1, 8/1, very good second of 5 in handicap at this C&D 15 days ago, suited by way race developed. Can make presence felt if able to back that up. Good 2nd over C&D 15 days ago; drops in class and unexposed as a miler.
7 5th (7) (15/2 -25%) Likleman	7.5 15/2(-25%)	(7) Likleman 15/2, Another good effort when 1½ lengths second of 8 to Redondo in handicap at this C&D (3/1) 15 days ago, suited by way race developed. Sound claims again. Exposed maiden but he's finished second over C&D in both runs since a wind op; needs more.
1 6th (1) (33/1 -32%) Capla Mojo	33 33/1(-32%)	(1) Capla Mojo 33/1, Thrice-raced maiden. 22/1, last of 7 in minor event at Wolverhampton (8.6f) 29 days ago. More needed on handicap bow. Promise on debut but yet to build on it; makes h'cap debut at a realistic level.
4 7th (4) (6/1 -50%) Bella Umbria	6 6/1(-50%)	(4) Bella Umbria 6/1, Thrice-raced maiden. Ninth of 11 in minor event (22/1) at Southwell (7.1f) 67 days ago, not knocked about. Could do better now handicapping with step up in trip likely to suit. Well-bred filly who appeals as a likely big improver upped in trip and handicapping.
8 8th (8) (100/1 -150%) On The Bubble	100 100/1(-150%)	(8) On The Bubble 100/1, Thrice-raced maiden. 150/1, ninth of 11 in minor event at this course (7.1f). Off 95 days. Makes handicap debut. Limited appeal. This is her handicap debut but she'll need to leave her 2yo efforts well behind her.

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

16:30 Newcastle Handicap (Class 6) 8f Race Class Flow

The chart reads from right to left to today's class 6 race.

Recent C&D winner Redondo, along with Likeashadow and Likleman, arrives in good form, but LOVE YOURS shades preference. The Gemma Tutty-trained filly is still learning her trade, but was only a head behind a now 74-rated rival over this C&D latest, admittedly in receipt of weight. Given the winner has gone in again since, the daughter of Invincible Spirit may be underestimated from a rating of just 63, for what is only her second attempt at a mile.

REDONDO made a winning start for this yard over C&D last time and he looks capable of better again, so gets the nod to follow up. Likeashadow has built up a respectable record over C&D and is another player, with Likleman also meriting respect.

Redondo is respected after an easy C&D win two weeks ago but BELLA UMBRIA is expected to leave her earlier efforts well behind.

16:35 Gowran Park Handicap Chase 20f - 10 Run Class & Speed Card

Form	Odds	Runs
11 1st (11) (15/2 +46%) Teescomponentsyess	7.5 15/2(+46%)	(11) Teescomponentsyess 15/2, Fifteen runs since last win in 2021. Seventh of 10 in handicap chase at Fairyhouse (17.3f, heavy, 6/1) 21 days ago. Booking of Ewing a plus. Others more persuasive. Limerick second encouraging but other preferred on balance of form.
3 2nd (3) (40/1 -21%) Cavalry Master	40 40/1(-21%)	(3) Cavalry Master 40/1, Six wins from 20 NH runs. Pulled up in handicap hurdle at Navan (25.2f, heavy, 66/1) 70 days ago, dropping away before next. Switches from hurdles to chase. Down in trip. Blinkered for 1st time. Three runs for Gordon Elliott this term have been poor and hard to be confident in.
7 3rd (7) (7/2 +0%) Bushmans Pass	3.5 7/2(+0%)	(7) Bushmans Pass 7/2, 2 wins from 5 runs this season. Career best when winning 9-runner handicap chase (5/1) at Fairyhouse (21.2f, heavy) 24 days ago, responding well. Looks the one to beat. 2-2 in handicaps over further but aggregate 23lb rise makes this a lot tougher.
5 4th (5) (14/1 +0%) Ex Patriot	14 14/1(+0%)	(5) Ex Patriot 14/1, Course winner. 12 lengths last of 5 to R'evelyn Pleasure in handicap chase (9/2) at Limerick (22.6f, heavy) 50 days ago. Veteran yet to hit form this season; rapidly declining mark but remains opposable.
10 5th (10) (9/2 +25%) Noble Blue	4.5 9/2(+25%)	(10) Noble Blue 9/2, Bit below form third of 10 in novice chase (2/1) at Cork (20f, heavy) 42 days ago. Yard having good spell. Hood back on. Makes handicap chase debut. One to consider on pick of form. C&D second a potential improver here on handicap debut given more fluency in jumping.
4 6th (4) (12/1 -71%) Better Times Ahead	12 12/1(-71%)	(4) Better Times Ahead 12/1, 10/1, career best when winning 12-runner handicap chase at Navan (23.5f, heavy), readily. Off 11 months. Likely to improve. Ended last season bolting up in valuable 3m Navan novice handicap; 12lb higher.
8 7th (8) (7/2 +13%) Rolly Bowley Boy	3.5 7/2(+13%)	(8) Rolly Bowley Boy 7/2, Good second of 8 in handicap chase (4/1) at Navan (24f, heavy) 6 days ago. Tongue strap on 1st time. Should be on the premises again. Ultra consistent over various trips of late on heavy; remains of interest.
6 8th (6) (18/1 -177%) R'evelyn Pleasure	18 18/1(-177%)	(6) R'evelyn Pleasure 18/1, 2 wins from 5 runs this season. Latest win in chase at Cork in January. Creditable second of 13 in handicap chase at Thurles (21.6f, heavy, 10/1) 27 days ago. Veteran in fine form of late but handicapper may be catching up with him.
9 \|PU\| (9) (5/1 +38%) Ardera Ru	5 5/1(+38%)	(9) Ardera Ru 5/1, Latest win in chase at Thurles in October. 9/1, good second of 11 in handicap hurdle at Punchestown (20.3f, soft) 34 days ago, running on. Switches from hurdles to chase. Cheekpieces back on. Generally in good form over both hurdles and fences this season; one to consider.
1 \|PU\| (1) (12/1 -100%) Aslukwoodhavit	12 12/1(-100%)	(1) Aslukwoodhavit 12/1, Fourth of 5 in novice chase at Naas (16f, good to soft, 20/1) 36 days ago. Up in trip. Makes handicap chase debut. Open to improvement. 8yo remains unexposed and upped in trip here for handicap debut.

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16:35 Gowran Park Handicap Chase 20f Race Speed Rating Flow

The chart reads from right to left to today's race.

BUSHMANS PASS is going the right way and has a shot at bringing up the hat-trick. This is a step up in class for him, however, he handles testing ground, stays further than this and the form of his latest victory in Fairyhouse has been well franked by the runner-up. Aslukwoodhavit faced a stiff task when fourth in Naas, but is better judged on his rated novice chase victory at Punchestown in November. It isn't going to be easy to give away weight to this field on his handicap debut, but he is a talented sort. Rolly Bowley Boy has posted three runner-up finishes in a row and should be pitching for prize money in a first-time tongue-strap. Better Times Ahead is up 13lb for winning a valuable Grade B novice handicap chase at Navan in March last year and may be best watched on his return to action.

BUSHMANS PASS has improved the last twice and his latest success has received a big by boost by the runner-up since, so he's marginally preferred to Rolly Bowley and Better Times Ahead.

It may pay to take a chance on handicap debutant NOBLE BLUE, whose C&D debut second reads well and who has a talented claimer booked

16:40 Wolverhampton Handicap (Class 4) 12f - 3 Run Class & Speed Card

Form	Odds	Runs
2 1st (2) (10/11 +74%) Dunstan	0.909091 10/11(+74%)	(2) Dunstan 10/11, Didn't need to improve to get off the mark in a first-time visor in 5-runner minor event (17/2) at Southwell (12.1f) 23 days ago. Has shown the odd quirk or 2 but should give his running. Beaten off lower marks in handicaps but hard to dismiss after the visor worked last time.
3 2nd (3) (13/8 +60%) Bradman	1.625 13/8(+60%)	(3) Bradman 13/8, C&D winner in January and again ran well when second of 6 in handicap (15/8) at Lingfield (10f, AW) 15 days ago. Respected back up in trip despite being 4 lb out of the weights. Dual C&D winner and just found out by a sharper test over 1m2f at Lingfield.
4 3rd (4) (5/1 +58%) Pearl Sands	5 5/1(+58%)	(4) Pearl Sands 5/1, Thrice-raced maiden. 18/1, fourth of 8 in maiden at Newcastle (8f). Off 159 days. Bred to be suited by the much longer trip now handicapping but is 6 lb out of the weights. 6lb out of the weights for handicap debut but this longer trip could make a difference.

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16:40 Wolverhampton Handicap (Class 4) 12f Race Class Flow

The chart reads from right to left to today's class 4 race.

MAJED confirmed the promise that he had shown on his first two starts when getting off the mark over an extended mile here in November. The second from that contest won next time out, which suggests that an opening mark of 85 may underestimate this son of Magna Grecia. Dunstan has to be interest following his success at Southwell, while Bradman is the clear pick of the remainder.

MAJED was strong at the finish when seeing off a subsequent winner in a course novice back in November and is the obvious choice to follow up on this switch to handicaps with the longer trip likely to suit. Bradman has had a good time of things this winter and is preferred to Dunstan for forecast purposes.

The Gosden colt MAJED made fairly light work of a subsequent winner in his novice here and he has the most potential of these.

16:45 Ascot NH Flat Race (Class 2) 16f - 10 Run Class & Speed Card

Form	Odds	Runs
1 1st (1) (5/4 +50%) Anno Power	1.25 5/4(+50%)	(1) Anno Power 5/4, Related to a winning hurdler and showed plenty when second at Exeter 3 months ago. Now hooded and sets the standard. Encouraging second of 12 at Exeter; hood fitted today; likely to improve; big chance.
10 2nd (10) (6/1 -20%) Nala The Lioness	6 6/1(-20%)	(10) Nala The Lioness 6/1, Related to a couple of Flat winners and has only found one too good on both starts to date, going with enthusiams on AW at Newcastle on latest. Obvious player. Flat bred and in a Flat stable; beaten a head and a neck in two AW races at Newcastle.
5 3rd (5) (8/1 +20%) Khutulun Khan	8 8/1(+20%)	(5) Khutulun Khan 8/1, €72,000 3-y-o, Milan mare. Closely related to 2 winners, and half-sister to 4 winners, including smart hurdler/high-class chaser Rathvinden, stayed 4¼m,. Dam unraced. One to note on debut. 72,000euros 3yo; trainer and owner won this race in 2021; makes some appeal on paper.
9 4th (9) (17/2 -42%) Roaring Home	8.5 17/2(-42%)	(9) Roaring Home 17/2, Out of a bumper winner and positive start when second at Ludlow 43 days ago. One to be interested in with progress on the cards. Ran a race full of promise when second at Ludlow; could improve plenty; high on the list.
6 5th (6) (11/1 -38%) Lady Jago	11 11/1(-38%)	(6) Lady Jago 11/1, Irish point winner who produced her better effort in bumpers when third at Ludlow 43 days ago. More to come and merits plenty of respect. Point winner; faded after going well when third in Ludlow bumper; unlikely to be far away.
8 6th (8) (18/1 -157%) Realta Liath	18 18/1(-157%)	(8) Realta Liath 18/1, Purchased for £100,000 after easily winning sole Irish point and plenty to like about her third at Plumpton on Rules debut 54 days ago. Could better that. Winning pointer; green when third on bumper debut; should improve for that experience.
7 7th (7) (10/1 +29%) Moet At Upton	10 10/1(+29%)	(7) Moet At Upton 10/1, Mahler mare. Sister to 3 winners, including fairly useful hurdler/useful chaser Mahlervous and fair hurdler Deployed. Yard has a good strike-rate in bumpers this season. Sister to three winners; pulled up in a point last spring; has joined an excellent stable.
4 8th (4) (7/1 +13%) Hit For Sixty	7 7/1(+13%)	(4) Hit For Sixty 7/1, Jack Hobbs mare. Half-sister to 3 winners, including useful hurdler/smart chaser Cheddleton, stays 19f, and bumper winner/fairly useful hurdler Spirit of Kayf. Of obvious interest on debut. Very plausible pedigree for a race of this nature; stable 13% in bumpers since April 2019.
3 9th (3) (28/1 -40%) Briery Butterfly	28 28/1(-40%)	(3) Briery Butterfly 28/1, Getaway mare. Dam (c139/h134) 2½m/21f hurdle/chase winner (stayed 3m). Others make more appeal. From a useful NH family but most of its winners have come over obstacles/longer distances.
11 10th (11) (200/1 -100%) Surrey Nemesis	200 200/1(-100%)	(11) Surrey Nemesis 200/1, No sign of ability to date and others make more appeal. No promise at triple-figure odds at Newbury or Fontwell; difficult to recommend.

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

16:45 Ascot NH Flat Race (Class 2) 16f Race Class Flow

The chart reads from right to left to today's class 2 race.

ANNO POWER shaped with plenty of promise on her debut at Exeter when second behind a subsequent winner and she would have learned a great deal from the experience. Harry Fry's mare goes in a first-time hood and could prove very hard to beat with normal improvement. Roaring Home had Lady Jago a place behind when runner-up at Ludlow and is expected to confirm that form to have a say, while any market support for Khutulun Khan with Nico de Boinville booked should also be noted.

HIT FOR SIXTY is related to winners and represents a shrewd stable, so she's marginally preferred to Nala The Lioness, who has shown plenty on her first two starts. Barra Blue is another interesting newcomer.

Anno Power sets the form standard but preference is for ROARING HOME who shaped very well when second at Ludlow six weeks ago.

16:50 Wincanton Handicap Hurdle (Class 5) 21f - 7 Run Class & Speed Card

Form	Odds	Runs
1 1st (1) (15/2 +53%) Hermes Boy	7.5 15/2(+53%)	(1) Hermes Boy 15/2, Winless since 2021 and he's hard to warm to judged on his exploits so far this season. Go back and he's well handicapped but it's been a while since he ran a race of note.
4 2nd (4) (2/1 +20%) Zonda	2 2/1(+20%)	(4) Zonda 2/1, Boasts an appealing pedigree and has made the frame on each of his 3 starts, most recently when upped to 23.5f on first run in handicap company at Ascot (good) in December. This unexposed 6-y-o should have more to offer and he's high on the shortlist. Solid claims with a repeat of his Ascot fourth and he should have more to offer.
7 3rd (7) (16/1 +36%) Ask Brewster	16 16/1(+36%)	(7) Ask Brewster 16/1, Won sole start in points and showed promise when fourth in a pair of maiden hurdles at Chepstow in November. However, failed to improve when pitched into handicap company at Taunton. Found wanting on handicap debut at Taunton when weak in the betting (2m3f, soft).
5 4th (5) (9/4 +44%) Shuil Ceoil	2.25 9/4(+44%)	(5) Shuil Ceoil 9/4, Confirmed earlier promise when winning 15-runner handicap hurdle at Exeter (21f, heavy) in December. Lost little caste in defeat at Fontwell since and it's not hard to envisage him playing a leading role. An improving 6yo with some scope about him; respected despite his Fontwell defeat.
6 5th (6) (11/1 -144%) Paddy De Pole	11 11/1(-144%)	(6) Paddy De Pole 11/1, Winning Irish pointer who shaped as if better for the run when third in novice hurdle at Chepstow on his first start under Rules. Well held both subsequent starts but improvement could be forthcoming now equipped with cheekpieces on this handicap debut. Modest so far; handicap newcomers from this yard are dangerous species; tries cheekpieces..
2 6th (2) (40/1 -233%) Iddergem	40 40/1(-233%)	(2) Iddergem 40/1, Has won selling events at Stratford and Southwell for Olly Murphy this winter but has more on his plate now handicapping for a new stable. Two selling wins this term; likely to need more now sent into a handicap for stable debut.
3 \|PU\| (3) (9/2 -35%) Kit's Coty	4.5 9/2(-35%)	(3) Kit's Coty 9/2, Placed all 3 starts in Irish points (£60,000 purchase) and made it third time lucky in this sphere when landing a mares' maiden at Hereford (21.7f, soft) last month. Mark for this handicap debut looks fair and she's a must for the shortlist. Strong in the finish in winning last time; sticks to the same trip for handicap debut.

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16:50 Wincanton Handicap Hurdle (Class 5) 21f Race Class Flow

The chart reads from right to left to today's class 5 race.

Last-time-out winner KIT'S COTY remains unexposed and she gets the tentative vote to come home in front on her handicap debut. Paddy De Pole may improve in first-time cheekpieces and he should be able to make his presence felt for his in-form stable. Iddergem has been running consistently well this season, but he hasn't looked the most straightforward at the finish and comes with obvious risks attached.

ZONDA and Kit's Coty are both armed with potential and the vote goes to the former, who shaped well when fourth on his handicap bow at Ascot. It's by no means a two-horse race, though, with Chauffeur Driven and Shuil Ceoil both accorded respect, while it'll be interesting to see how the Paul Nicholls-trained handicap debutant Paddy de Pole shapes up in the betting.

A chance is taken on CHAUFFEUR DRIVEN. His novice efforts over inadequate trips haven't been devoid of promise.

16:55 Haydock Hunter Chase (Class 3) 22f - 8 Run Class & Speed Card

Form	Odds	Runs
7 1st (7) (9/1 -157%) Spyglass Hill	9 9/1(-157%)	(7) Spyglass Hill 9/1, Useful chaser at his best for Henry de Bromhead and, while he's prone to mistakes, he has the ability to make a big impact for new yard on first go in this discipline. Very useful for Henry de Bromhead in his heyday; non-runner Fakenham yesterday; respected.
6 2nd (6) (7/1 +30%) Iskandar Pecos	7 7/1(+30%)	(6) Iskandar Pecos 7/1, €33,000 3-y-o, Jeu St Eloi gelding. Half-brother to 3 winners, including 2¼m-23f hurdle/chase winner Balkan du Pecos and 19 hurdle winner Darjeeling Pecos. Dam 2¼m chase winner. Wears cheekpieces. Multiple point winner, including latest start (Dec 31). Not dismissed. 6yo who is a three-time point winner but makes rules debut in a useful hunter chase.
3 3rd (3) (7/2 -27%) Quintin's Man	3.5 7/2(-27%)	(3) Quintin's Man 7/2, 12/1, career best when winning 7-runner hunter chase at Wincanton (25.1f, soft) 16 days ago. Going the right way and merits plenty of respect. Beat some talented rivals at Wincanton recently & could play leading role in follow-up bid.
1 4th (1) (7/2 -5%) D'jango	3.5 7/2(-5%)	(1) D'jango 7/2, Appeared to be very much on the decline prior to turning it round in hunters lately, scoring in an 8-runner event at Warwick 26 days ago. Should give another good account. 11yo who has thrived for the switch to hunter chases for his new yard; solid claims.
4 5th (4) (11/2 +15%) Windsor Avenue	5.5 11/2(+15%)	(4) Windsor Avenue 11/2, Fairly useful chaser. Seven wins from 27 NH runs. 6/1, first run since leaving Brian Ellison when bit below form third of 6 in hunter chase at Wetherby (24.2f, heavy) 14 days ago. Not completely dismissed. May have needed stable debut; major player if tapping back into useful handicap chase form.
2 \|PU\| (2) (11/2 +8%) Firak	5.5 11/2(+8%)	(2) Firak 11/2, Fairly useful hurdler. 10/1, first run since leaving N. A. Pearce when fourth of 5 in handicap chase at Leicester (20.1f, heavy) 58 days ago. Should be better for that and he has the ability to compete in this. Won two hunter chases last spring; possible contender on second start back from a break.
5 \|PU\| (5) (13/2 +0%) Captain Biggles	6.5 13/2(+0%)	(5) Captain Biggles 13/2, Won a novice hunter at Stratford on last Rules outing in June last year and has done well in points since, so merits respect for all that he has a bit to find. Has won his last five (four points, one hunter chase) but improvement needed in this field.
8 \|PU\| (8) (28/1 +58%) Willewonga	28 28/1(+58%)	(8) Willewonga 28/1, £1,800 3-y-o, Multiplex gelding. Dam unraced. Multiple point winner, unplaced last time (Dec 31). 4-14 in points but beaten on last 5 runs in that sphere; likely vulnerable on rules debut.

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16:55 Haydock Hunter Chase (Class 3) 22f Race Class Flow

The chart reads from right to left to today's class 3 race.

QUINTIN'S MAN accounted for a decent field in this sphere at Wincanton a couple of weeks ago and that form gives him a big chance here. Captain Biggles won a similar race to this at Stratford last June and confirmed his well-being when winning between the flags last month. He could pose the biggest threat to the selection, ahead of Firak and D'jango.

SPYGLASS HILL is the class act in this field and, if his jumping holds up, he could make a successful start for his new yard. Quintin's Man and D'Jango both arrive in good order, so that pair could fight it out if the selection underperforms.

Quintin's Man is an improving 7yo but preference is for D'JANGO, who was in fine form for his new yard last month.

17:00 Newcastle Stakes (Class 4) 8f - 5 Run Class & Speed Card

Form	Odds	Runs
2 1st (2) (16/1 -129%) Alpine Oasis	16 16/1(-129%)	(2) Alpine Oasis 16/1, Oasis Dream filly. Some encouragement when fifth of 9 in maiden (18/1) at Wolverhampton (8.6f) on debut 11 days ago, not knocked about after running green. Probably has her work cut out with the favourite but solid claims for second. Promise on debut but work to do with Alhattan on a line through the winner.
1 2nd (1) (1/4 +17%) Alhattan	0.25 1/4(+17%)	(1) Alhattan 1/4, Lope De Vega filly looked a useful prospect when overcoming greenness to win 9-runner maiden (8/13) at this C&D on debut 29 days ago. Very hard to oppose. Green but ultimately won easily over C&D on last month's debut; open to plenty of progress.
4 3rd (4) (14/1 -87%) Miss Alpilles	14 14/1(-87%)	(4) Miss Alpilles 14/1, 200,000 gns yearling, Sea The Stars filly. Dam, 1m-1½m winner, half-sister to useful winner up to 1¼m Alla Speranza out of useful 1m-10.5f winner Alvarita. Appealing middle distance pedigree and she could prove above average. 200,000gns yearling; paper claims but apprentice-ridden and has a good standard to aim at.
3 4th (3) (100/1 -25%) Little Venice	100 100/1(-25%)	(3) Little Venice 100/1, Cityscape filly. Tenth of 11 in minor event at this C&D (125/1) 13 days ago. Will be of more interest in handicaps. Over 8l behind Alhattan on debut; beaten further last time; minor handicaps beckon.
5 5th (5) (9/2 +31%) Rasmah	4.5 9/2(+31%)	(5) Rasmah 9/2, Night of Thunder filly. Half-sister to winner abroad by Ardad. Dam twice-raced sister to smart winner up to 7f Ride Like The Wind. Yard's newcomers always worth market check. Half-sis to 1m winner in Italy; yard have winning newcomers but useful standard to aim at.

LTO Selection:hiden content, hiden content,

17:00 Newcastle Stakes (Class 4) 8f Race Class Flow

The chart reads from right to left to today's class 4 race.

A comfortable three-length winner when odds-on for her debut over C&D, ALHATTAN is hard to oppose in her bid for a follow-up success. George Boughey's filly, whose dam won a Listed race as a three-year-old, is probably destined for a rise in class when she goes handicapping and is fancied to be too precocious for potential improver Alpine Oasis at this stage. Heed the market signals where newcomers Rasmah and Miss Alpilles are concerned.

ALHATTAN is impossible to oppose after a taking debut over C&D last month. Newcomers Miss Alpilles and Rasmah both make some appeal on paper but would surely have to be well above average to get the better of the selection.

Alpine Oasis can step up on her debut effort but ALHATTAN looked a smart prospect on her debut and she can follow up.

17:05 Gowran Park NH Flat Race 17f - 8 Run Class & Speed Card

Form	Odds	Runs
3 1st (3) (4/9 +56%) Flashaway	0.444444 4/9(+56%)	(3) Flashaway 4/9, €85,000 3-y-o, Mount Nelson mare. Half-sister to useful hurdler Dark Spark. Dam (h159) bumper/2m-3m hurdle winner. Can make a successful start here. Dam was top-class, deserves due respect though the stable has not won this since 2015.
5 2nd (5) (14/1 +50%) Kate Knows Best	14 14/1(+50%)	(5) Kate Knows Best 14/1, Mount Nelson mare. Half-sister to 3 winners, including fairly useful hurdler On The Record and fairly useful hurdler Imperial Elysian. Eighth foal, half-sister to three hurdle winners, no shortage of stamina in the pedigree.
4 3rd (4) (7/2 -100%) Instant Tendance	3.5 7/2(-100%)	(4) Instant Tendance 7/2, Lightly-raced maiden under NH rules. Good second of 18 in bumper (10/3) at Punchestown (18.4f, heavy) 48 days ago. Placed over hurdles and in a Punchestown bumper, stable has a good recent record in this.
8 4th (8) (25/1 -14%) Sadies Diamond	25 25/1(-14%)	(8) Sadies Diamond 25/1, Twice-raced maiden. 14/1, first run since leaving R. P. Rath when tenth of 12 in bumper at Down Royal (16.9f, good to soft) 169 days ago. Hood on 1st time. Second at 66-1 in a good-ground bumper at Wexford, ran too freely on stable debut, hooded.
6 5th (6) (13/2 +46%) Lothbeg	6.5 13/2(+46%)	(6) Lothbeg 13/2, Twice-raced maiden. Fourth of 19 in novice hurdle at Down Royal (16.8f, good to soft, 50/1). Off 9 months. Makes bumpers debut. Promising fourth at 50-1 on hurdling debut at Down Royal last May, lacks a recent run.
2 \|PU\| (2) (16/1 -167%) Cathedral Rocks	16 16/1(-167%)	(2) Cathedral Rocks 16/1, Once-raced maiden. Third of 8 in bumper at Cork (16f, heavy, 9/2) on NH debut 42 days ago. Yard in good form. Third behind the two market leaders on debut at Cork six weeks ago, should improve.
7 \|PU\| (7) (33/1 +0%) Luna Ventura	33 33/1(+0%)	(7) Luna Ventura 33/1, Kingston Hill mare. Half-sister to fairly useful hurdler Lady Rita. Dam (h105) 2½m hurdle winner. Fourth foal; half-sister to 2m6f/2m7f hurdle winner Lady Rita; dam a 2m4f hurdle winner,.
1 \|PU\| (1) (100/1 -100%) Ballymores Dream	100 100/1(-100%)	(1) Ballymores Dream 100/1, Once-raced maiden. 125/1, sixth of 8 in bumper at Cork (16f, heavy) on NH debut 42 days ago. Outsider of eight when soundly beaten in sixth on debut at Cork, held by Cathedral Rocks.

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17:05 Gowran Park NH Flat Race 17f Race Speed Rating Flow

The chart reads from right to left to today's race.

Willie Mullins is operating at an incredible strike rate of 46 per cent in bumpers this season (at the time of writing) so it is very hard to look past his newcomer, FLASHAWAY. Her page looks strong being by Mount Nelson out of Voler La Vedette, who won 13 races including a Grade 1 over flights. Instant Tendance is the most experienced horse in the field and has shown ability when placed in a maiden hurdle at Navan and in a mares' bumper in Punchestown. Cathedral Rocks can come on from an opening third in Cork while Stuart Crawford's Lothbeg is a potential improver.

FLASHAWAY represents a top yard and is out of a bumper winner, so she's an obvious choice to make a successful start in what looks a thin race on paper. Instant Tendance is a threat following a good second at Punchestown and Cathedral Rocks can't be ruled out.

The experience gained by INSTANT TENDANCE may give her a decisive edge over newcomer Flashaway

17:15 Wolverhampton Handicap (Class 6) 7f - 9 Run Class & Speed Card

Form	Odds	Runs
3 1st (3) (3/1 +14%) Big Dream	3 3/1(+14%)	(3) Big Dream 3/1, Fifteen runs since last win in 2021. 11/4, creditable fourth of 14 in handicap at Dundalk (8f) 22 days ago. Blinkers on 1st time. Creditable efforts over 1m in his last two starts and he's respected back in trip.
6 2nd (6) (13/2 +19%) Bungle Bay	6.5 13/2(+19%)	(6) Bungle Bay 13/2, Course winner. Respectable third of 8 in handicap at Lingfield (6f, AW, 5/1). Off 102 days. Merits consideration. Dual course winner who was a rallying third at Lingfield (6f) last time; in the mix.
2 3rd (2) (7/2 +30%) Spring Romance	3.5 7/2(+30%)	(2) Spring Romance 7/2, Course winner. Seventeen runs since last win in 2021. Good third of 9 in handicap at Southwell (7.1f, 12/1) 2 days ago. Not discounted. Much more encouragement the last twice, notably when third at Southwell on Thursday.
5 4th (5) (12/1 -71%) Kondratiev Wave	12 12/1(-71%)	(5) Kondratiev Wave 12/1, Nineteen runs since last win in 2021. 2/1, last of 6 in handicap at Kempton (7f) 26 days ago. Others make more appeal. Last win was in 2021 and he's been out of sorts for some time; needs to turn things around.
9 5th (9) (11/1 +31%) Metal Beau	11 11/1(+31%)	(9) Metal Beau 11/1, Thrice-raced maiden. 100/1, fourth of 9 in minor event at this C&D 28 days ago. Makes handicap debut. Others have achieved more. Unexposed 4yo but he needs a transformation on his handicap debut.
1 6th (1) (5/2 +58%) Nordic Glory	2.5 5/2(+58%)	(1) Nordic Glory 5/2, Creditable third of 9 in handicap at Lingfield (6f, AW, 8/1) 15 days ago. Has to be taken seriously. Close third off this mark at Lingfield last time but he's untried at 7f; mixed messages.
8 7th (8) (9/1 +25%) Vivency	9 9/1(+25%)	(8) Vivency 9/1, Twelve runs since last win in 2022. 22/1, eighth of 11 in minor event at this course (8.6f) 7 days ago. Others more persuasive. Overall record of 2-30 and her form dipped here last time; others look stronger.
10 8th (10) (80/1 -344%) Savannah Song	80 80/1(-344%)	(10) Savannah Song 80/1, Thrice-raced maiden. First run since leaving Julia Feilden when last of 12 in minor event (250/1) at this course (9.5f). Off 119 days. Back down in trip. Makes handicap debut. Handicap newcomer but she needs plenty of improvement after 119 days off.
12 9th (12) (125/1 -279%) Wilpena Pound	125 125/1(-279%)	(12) Wilpena Pound 125/1, Ninth of 10 in minor event (80/1) at Southwell (8.1f) 18 days ago. Hard to make a case for. Out of the frame in all 15 starts under rules and can only be watched.

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17:15 Wolverhampton Handicap (Class 6) 7f Race Class Flow

The chart reads from right to left to today's class 6 race.

NORDIC GLORY was a close third off this mark over 6f at Lingfield a couple of weeks ago and reproduction of that performance should be good enough to take this moderate event. Big Dream has shown promise on his last couple of starts and is likely to be in the mix once again, while Blue Collar Lad and Bungle Bay are also noted.

BLUE COLLAR LAD is on a handy mark and, while he's not been with his current yard long, he's worth a chance to make a successful start for them having run respectably over C&D 19 days ago. Big Dream looks a threat and there's reasons to expect a big run from Nordic Glory.

It might be worth siding with dual course winner BUNGLE BAY, who returned to form with a rallying third at Lingfield last time.

17:30 Newcastle Handicap (Class 4) 7f - 6 Run Class & Speed Card

Form	Odds	Runs
5 1st (5) (9/1 -38%) Star Zinc	9 9/1(-38%)	(5) Star Zinc 9/1, Latest win at this C&D in November. Quickly back on track when 1¼ lengths second of 12 to the reopposing Bobby Joe Leg in handicap (9/2) here 15 days ago. Can give another good account. Conditions to suit and on handy mark but this free-going sort may not want a tactical race.
2 2nd (2) (8/11 +64%) Smoky Mountain	0.727273 8/11(+64%)	(2) Smoky Mountain 8/11, Doubled his tally when scoring at Wolverhampton in January and again ran well when second of 13 in handicap (9/4) at Southwell (8.1f) 18 days ago. Major player for in-form yard. Unexposed and improving; return to 7f in his favour and he holds obvious claims.
3 3rd (3) (17/2 -113%) Beelzebub	8.5 17/2(-113%)	(3) Beelzebub 17/2, In first-time hood, bounced back to his best when winning 7-runner handicap (6/1) at this C&D 29 days ago. Up in grade but it still remains early days with his current yard. Has to be taken seriously. Always prominent when winning over C&D four weeks ago; unexposed at 7f; 4lb rise fair.
4 4th (4) (16/1 -78%) Kalganov	16 16/1(-78%)	(4) Kalganov 16/1, Three wins from 15 runs last year, including at this C&D in December. Not discredited when fourth of 8 in handicap (9/2) back here 23 days ago. More needed. C&D winner in December; fair efforts the last twice but more needed to come out on top.
1 5th (1) (9/2 -50%) Admiral D	4.5 9/2(-50%)	(1) Admiral D 9/2, Ended long losing run at Kempton in November. Soon back to form when second of 12 in handicap at Chelmsford City (6f, 4/1) 27 days ago. Capable of getting involved back down in grade. Went close off this mark last month but still to totally convince over 7f.
6 6th (6) (9/1 -38%) Bobby Joe Leg	9 9/1(-38%)	(6) Bobby Joe Leg 9/1, Has proved better than ever this year, completing 4-timer in 12-runner handicap (7/1) at this C&D 15 days ago by 1¼ lengths from Star Zinc, bit in hand. Respected in his current form. Thriving veteran who has conditions to suit; should make another bold bid.

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17:30 Newcastle Handicap (Class 4) 7f Race Class Flow

The chart reads from right to left to today's class 4 race.

The veteran Bobby Joe Leg completed an excellent four-timer when winning over C&D 15 days ago, but this is more demanding. With that in mind, preference is for the much less exposed SMOKY MOUNTAIN, who can go one better having been narrowly denied in a stronger event at Southwell last time out. Beelzebub appeals most of the remainder, although Admiral D would not be without a chance if seeing out the extra furlong.

SMOKY MOUNTAIN has been going the right way this winter, edged out only on the line at Southwell 18 days ago, so he is taken to resume winning ways with the potential of more still to come. Beelzebub made his second start for Alice Haynes a winning one at this C&D last month and isn't taken lightly, while Bobby Joe Leg can go well once more.

Bobby Joe Leg should go well again but SMOKY MOUNTAIN (nap) can take another step up the handicapping ladder.

17:45 Wolverhampton Handicap (Class 6) 9f - 8 Run Class & Speed Card

Form	Odds	Runs
6 1st (6) (28/1 -180%) Strictly Dreaming	28 28/1(-180%)	(6) Strictly Dreaming 28/1, Cheekpieces on first time, creditable third of 7 in handicap at Chelmsford (1m) 16 days ago. 0-14, but could be given a chance on latest third in better race at Chelmsford.
3 2nd (3) (6/1 -50%) Big Narstie	6 6/1(-50%)	(3) Big Narstie 6/1, Course winner. Latest win here in January. 9/1, creditable third of 9 in handicap at Southwell (8.1f) 2 days ago. Can make presence felt. Improved for blinkers; third in a 0-65 handicap at Southwell on Thursday; respected.
1 3rd (1) (8/11 +42%) Charlatan	0.727273 8/11(+42%)	(1) Charlatan 8/11, Big improver on AW this year who goes in search of a quick 4-timer after wins at Kempton, Lingfield and over C&D. Likely capable of better again and very much the one to beat. Came from well back to win over C&D a week ago; taken seriously in bid for the four-timer.
2 4th (2) (18/1 -50%) Stop On Red	18 18/1(-50%)	(2) Stop On Red 18/1, Latest win at Catterick in August. Creditable sixth of 14 in handicap at Dundalk (1m, 50/1), nearest finish. Off 99 days. Makes tapeta debut. Off three months, but is proven fresh; worth a second look back down in grade.
9 5th (9) (150/1 -355%) Overland	150 150/1(-355%)	(9) Overland 150/1, Poor form. Eighth of 9 in classified event at Chelmsford (6f, 150/1) 16 days ago. Significantly up in trip. Hard to make a case for. Has shown precious little in eight starts; impossible to fancy back up in trip.
7 6th (7) (15/2 +38%) Haalim	7.5 15/2(+38%)	(7) Haalim 15/2, Lightly-raced maiden. Hooded first time, below form eighth of 14 in handicap at Dundalk (6f, 22/1) 32 days ago. Significantly up in trip. Makes tapeta debut. Tongue strap back on. Out of the frame in all five starts in Ireland but Rossa Ryan an interesting booking.
4 7th (4) (10/3 +26%) Romanovich	3.333333 10/3(+26%)	(4) Romanovich 10/3, C&D winner in January. 7/4, creditable second of 10 in C&D handicap 32 days ago, running on. Likely to give another good account. First and second in his last two starts over C&D; one of the likelier winners.
8 8th (8) (66/1 -313%) Ashmore	66 66/1(-313%)	(8) Ashmore 66/1, Remains a maiden after 16 Flat runs. 22/1, ninth of 12 in handicap at Chelmsford 8 days ago. Fourth over C&D in December, but has regressed since and now 0-16.

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17:45 Wolverhampton Handicap (Class 6) 9f Race Class Flow

The chart reads from right to left to today's class 6 race.

Charlatan has to be respected given his recent victories but he faces a much stiffer test now switched back to handicap company. With that in mind, preference is for STRICTLY DREAMING, who was third over a mile at Chelmsford last time and a 1lb lower mark should only help her here. Romanovich edges out Aeroplane Mode to be best of the rest.

CHARLATAN stands out as an unexposed improver in this line-up and can make it 4 in a row. Romanovich and Big Narstie arrive in good form and can give him most to do.

Preference is for BIG NARSTIE who finished third in a 0-65 at Southwell on Thursday.

18:00 Newcastle Handicap (Class 4) 8f - 12 Run Class & Speed Card

Form	Odds	Runs
1 1st (1) (10/3 +33%) Noble Order	3.333333 10/3(+33%)	(1) Noble Order 10/3, Lightly-raced winner. Bit below form third of 10 in handicap (4/7) at Kempton (8f), needing stronger gallop. Off 15 months ahead of this debut for new yard and he merits consideration. Sold by Godolphin for 16,000gns last October; absent 456 days; looked promising early on.
5 2nd (5) (7/1 -100%) Dingle	7 7/1(-100%)	(5) Dingle 7/1, Didn't need to improve to win 11-runner handicap (4/1) at this C&D 32 days ago by ½ length from Oliver Show. Meets the latter on 1 lb better terms and another bold show anticipated. Beat Oliver Show over C&D last month & 1lb better off today; not sure to confirm placings.
12 3rd (12) (12/1 -20%) Enola Grey	12 12/1(-20%)	(12) Enola Grey 12/1, Dual C&D winner in December. Respectable fifth of 12 in handicap back here (7.1f, 6/1) 4 days ago, unsuited by drop in trip. Minor place money possible back at her optimum trip. Slow-starter; two C&D wins in December but the handicapper looks to have caught up now.
10 4th (10) (7/1 +42%) Hale End	7 7/1(+42%)	(10) Hale End 7/1, C&D winner. Latest win here in January. 11/1, respectable fifth of 12 in handicap at Wolverhampton (9.5f) 8 days ago, left poorly placed. Not without each-way hope. C&D winner in Class 5 last month; held in Class 4s the last twice; others appeal more.
8 5th (8) (150/1 -355%) Gainsbourg	150 150/1(-355%)	(8) Gainsbourg 150/1, Respectable seventh of 12 in novice hurdle (40/1) at Musselburgh (15.6f, good to soft) 101 days ago. Latest effort in this sphere was poor and he's probably worth taking on. Two wins in blinkers at Ayr last summer; no show over hurdles when last seen; others safer.
9 6th (9) (28/1 -75%) Crownthorpe	28 28/1(-75%)	(9) Crownthorpe 28/1, C&D winner. Three wins from 10 runs last year. Seventh of 11 in handicap at Kempton (8f, 20/1) 59 days ago. Needs a couple of these to falter. Conditions to suit but suspicion he'll remain vulnerable to less-exposed rivals.
11 7th (11) (28/1 -180%) Trais Fluors	28 28/1(-180%)	(11) Trais Fluors 28/1, 12/1, won 9-runner handicap at this C&D 26 days ago, suited by way race developed. Circumstances may not be so favourable this time and 3 lb rise could be enough to stop him in his tracks. Five runs for this yard, all over C&D, winning twice; should remain competitive.
7 8th (7) (10/1 -25%) Hortzadar	10 10/1(-25%)	(7) Hortzadar 10/1, C&D winner. Latest win here in November. 6/1, creditable length fourth of 9 to Trais Fluors in handicap at this C&D 26 days ago. Place possibilities. C&D winner in November and he's run well in defeat since; should make another bold bid.
3 9th (3) (9/1 +25%) Titan Rock	9 9/1(+25%)	(3) Titan Rock 9/1, Ninth of 12 in handicap at Chelmsford City (8f, 11/1) 27 days ago, met some trouble. Likely to find one or two too good. Had an excuse at Chelmsford last time; has the ability to play a big role off this mark.
2 10th (2) (8/1 +33%) Qaasid	8 8/1(+33%)	(2) Qaasid 8/1, Course winner. 15/2, tenth of 11 in handicap at Southwell (11.1f) 30 days ago. Down in trip and others are more persuasive. Sharper for last month's reappearance; chance on last winter's best; drops in trip today.
4 11th (4) (3/1 +0%) Oliver Show	3 3/1(+0%)	(4) Oliver Show 3/1, Career best when winning 13-runner handicap at this course (7.1f, 13/2) 13 days ago, driven out. 2 lb nudge fair enough and he should have a part to play. Near miss over C&D before snug 7f win latest; 2lb rise fair; could yet rank higher.
6 12th (6) (28/1 -75%) Afterwards	28 28/1(-75%)	(6) Afterwards 28/1, Lightly-raced winner. C&D winner. Sixth of 9 in handicap at Wolverhampton (9.5f, 11/2) 43 days ago, unable to sustain effort. Something to find on form. C&D winner last March; unplaced in two handicaps and needs a career best to take this.

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18:00 Newcastle Handicap (Class 4) 8f Race Class Flow

The chart reads from right to left to today's class 4 race.

Having been touched off by Dingle on his penultimate outing, Oliver Show recorded a triumph of his own over 7f here recently. The pair have to feature prominently in calculations again, but TRAIS FLUORS shades preference. Linda Perratt's 10-year-old proved he retains plenty of enthusiasm when successful over C&D and although now 3lb higher, that shouldn't prevent him from mounting another stern challenge.

DINGLE regained the winning thread when proving ½-length too strong for Oliver Show over C&D last month and he looks capable of defying a 2 lb rise in the weights. The latter went one better here next time and should be in the mix once again but Dingle may have most to fear from Noble Order, who showed plenty of promise in his four starts for Charlie Appleby and is of interest on debut for new connections, despite the lengthy absence.

Titan Rock is seriously considered but OLIVER SHOW is on the up and can reverse last month's C&D placings with Dingle.

18:15 Wolverhampton Handicap (Class 6) 9f - 9 Run Class & Speed Card

Form	Odds	Runs
1 1st (1) (6/4 +14%) Lough Leane	1.5 6/4(+14%)	(1) Lough Leane 6/4, 11/2, won 7-runner handicap at Chelmsford (1m) 8 days ago. Did well to get up having still had plenty to do 2f out so a 3 lb rise may not stop him. Produced a telling turn of foot to make a successful return at Chelmsford recently.
5 2nd (5) (7/2 +0%) Calcutta Dream	3.5 7/2(+0%)	(5) Calcutta Dream 7/2, Latest win at Chelmsford in January. 5/2, unlucky not to finish closer when fourth of 11 in handicap at this course (9.5f) 19 days ago, hampered 1f out. Shortlist material. Won at Chelmsford last month and looked unlucky last time; a player if getting a good pace.
7 3rd (7) (12/1 -20%) Van Zant	12 12/1(-20%)	(7) Van Zant 12/1, Sole win from 23 starts came over 7f here in December. 8/1, creditable third of 10 in classified event at Southwell (7f) 12 days ago. Up in trip. 1-23; fair third last time but stamina for this far remains unproven.
4 4th (4) (13/2 +19%) Star Of St Louis	6.5 13/2(+19%)	(4) Star Of St Louis 13/2, C&D winner. Three wins from 13 runs last year. Latest win here in November. Fifth of 8 in handicap (4/1) at this course (9.5f) 33 days ago. Dual winner here late last year, but out of the frame back here the last twice.
6 5th (6) (11/1 -38%) Kemerton	11 11/1(-38%)	(6) Kemerton 11/1, Creditable third of 6 in handicap (7/1) at this course (9.5f) 32 days ago, not ideally placed. Should be thereabouts if in similar form. 0-14 but form of latest third here has worked out well; worthy of consideration.
8 6th (8) (16/1 +0%) Beau Geste	16 16/1(+0%)	(8) Beau Geste 16/1, Former C&D winner but has largely struggled since his latest win at Lingfield just over a year ago. Three wins here, but he needs to improve on his efforts since returning in December.
3 7th (3) (9/1 -50%) Havana Goldrush	9 9/1(-50%)	(3) Havana Goldrush 9/1, C&D winner. Fourteen runs since last win in 2023. Fourth of 7 in C&D handicap 19 days ago. C&D winner who has dropped 12lb below his last winning mark but losing run is up to 14.
2 8th (2) (10/1 +0%) Hazel Bear	10 10/1(+0%)	(2) Hazel Bear 10/1, Still a maiden but did go close over 9.5f here last month. Not disgraced when seventh of 11 in handicap at Southwell (11f) 18 days ago. Down in trip. 0-12; went close over 9.5 here two starts back, but not sure this trip is ideal.
9 9th (9) (100/1 -614%) Descendant	100 100/1(-614%)	(9) Descendant 100/1, Course winner but has a whopping 1302 day absence to overcome. Best watched unless the betting strongly hints otherwise. 1-33 and not seen since July 2020; market should be revealing.

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18:15 Wolverhampton Handicap (Class 6) 9f Race Class Flow

The chart reads from right to left to today's class 6 race.

LOUGH LEANE looked a very unlikely winner at the two furlong pole at Chelmsford last time, but he came from the clouds to get up by half a length and a 3lb rise looks more than fair. The four-year-old could prove a different proposition now that he's got his head in front. Kemerton was denied just under three lengths into third over an extended 1m1f here last month and can go well, while Van Zant completes the shortlist.

David Simcock looks to hold a strong hand in the second division of this handicap too, with LOUGH LEANE selected to make light of a 3lb rise for last week's Chelmsford success. Calcutta Dream didn't enjoy the rub of the green here last time and is second choice ahead of Kemerton.

The choice is LOUGH LEANE who produced a telling turn of foot when making a successful return at Chelmsford eight days ago.

18:30 Newcastle Handicap (Class 5) 6f - 8 Run Class & Speed Card

Form	Odds	Runs
3 1st (3) (5/2 +0%) He's An Angel	2.5 5/2(+0%)	(3) He's An Angel 5/2, 8/13, didn't need to improve to win 6-runner handicap at Lingfield (5f, AW) 22 days ago. 5 lb rise tolerable and this in-form 4-y-o should be in the thick of things once more. 3-4 for new yard & overcame adversity to score over 5f last time; leading contender again.
7 2nd (7) (7/1 -8%) Hurt You Never	7 7/1(-8%)	(7) Hurt You Never 7/1, Five wins from 14 runs last year. Career best when winning 8-runner handicap (33/1) at this course (5f) 21 days ago. 2 lb rise fair enough and she has to enter calculations. Returned from break to win 5f handicap here last month; should remain competitive.
4 3rd (4) (11/4 +66%) Westmorian	2.75 11/4(+66%)	(4) Westmorian 11/4, C&D winner. 7/1, sixth of 8 in handicap at this course (7.1f) 23 days ago. Opposable. Not fired in two runs back from a break but he's down to a good mark; type to revive soon.
9 4th (9) (10/1 +29%) Ramon Di Loria	10 10/1(+29%)	(9) Ramon Di Loria 10/1, Course winner. Latest win at Wolverhampton in December. 12/1, sixth of 9 in handicap at Southwell (6.1f) 12 days ago. Others make more appeal from a win perspective. Wins his share and back to his last winning mark; others have more pressing claims though.
2 5th (2) (7/1 +42%) Ballyare	7 7/1(+42%)	(2) Ballyare 7/1, Course winner. Seventh of 9 in handicap at this C&D (33/1) 32 days ago, doing too much too soon. Given a chance by the assessor but others make more appeal all the same. Down to a good mark but this looks a competitive race for the grade.
10 6th (10) (4/1 +50%) Rory	4 4/1(+50%)	(10) Rory 4/1, Unreliable type. C&D winner. Creditable third of 12 in handicap at this course (7.1f, 8/1) 15 days ago, never nearer. Possibilities if on a going day. C&D winner in December; has remained in form since; yard also run Bonito Cavalo.
5 7th (5) (22/1 +45%) Naaser	22 22/1(+45%)	(5) Naaser 22/1, 28/1, seventh of 8 in handicap at Southwell (6.1f) 30 days ago. Readily passed over. Yet to shine for this yard and comes here with too much to prove for comfort.
8 8th (8) (66/1 -65%) Pub Talk	66 66/1(-65%)	(8) Pub Talk 66/1, Last of 9 in handicap at Wolverhampton (6.1f, 66/1) 14 days ago. Best to look elsewhere. No impact at huge prices in two runs for new yard this year.

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18:30 Newcastle Handicap (Class 5) 6f Race Class Flow

The chart reads from right to left to today's class 5 race.

There has been no stopping BONITO CAVALO at this venue of late, with Jim Goldie's gelding completing a five-timer, despite finding trouble passing the two-furlong pole, in a handicap over the minimum trip. He is hard to oppose in his current vein of form and gets the nod over He's An Angel, who bids to extended a winning run of his own. Rory and Hurt You Never are just two others to consider.

BONITO CAVALO and He's An Angel are both going great guns and look set to fight out the finish. Marginal preference is for the former, who has predictably shot up the weights after winning five on the bounce but he clearly goes well here and probably has more to offer. Hurt You Never and Rory can do battle for minor honours.

Bonito Cavalo and HE'S AN ANGEL have recorded eight wins between them already this year. The latter is marginally preferred here.

18:45 Wolverhampton Maiden (Class 5) 9f - 9 Run Class & Speed Card

Form	Odds	Runs
9 1st (9) (11/2 -10%) Make A Scene	5.5 11/2(-10%)	(9) Make A Scene 11/2, Twice-raced filly. 66/1, offered more than on debut when third of 8 in maiden at Kempton (1m) 14 days ago, headway 2f out before her effort flattened out. May do better still, particularly in handicaps. Stepped up on debut when third over 1m at Kempton 14 days ago; place claims again.
10 2nd (10) (6/4 +33%) Mon Etoile	1.5 6/4(+33%)	(10) Mon Etoile 6/4, Lightly-raced filly who went a long way to confirming improvement showed previously when second of 9 in maiden (11/2) at Kempton (8f) 14 days ago, shaken up 2f out and keeping on. Repeat here can see her in the mix. Twice runner-up over 1m in recent weeks; another prominent showing is on the cards.
6 3rd (6) (3/1 +67%) Knewone	3 3/1(+67%)	(6) Knewone 3/1, Sogann colt who attracted support but ultimately offered little when eleventh of 12 in a Yarmouth novice (7f) sole start as a juvenile for Charlie Johnston. Market may prove a useful guide following 6 months off. Up in trip. Green when well held on Yarmouth debut for Charlie Johnston last summer.
1 4th (1) (13/2 -160%) Naughty Niall	6.5 13/2(-160%)	(1) Naughty Niall 13/2, Thrice-raced gelding. Showed much more than previously when second of 10 in maiden (150/1) at this course (6.1f) 14 days ago, headed final 100 yds and no extra. Up markedly in trip now. Much improved when second over 6f here 14 days ago; should be thereabouts with repeat.
8 5th (8) (12/1 -100%) Absolutely Not	12 12/1(-100%)	(8) Absolutely Not 12/1, €17,000 foal, €19,000 yearling, Calyx filly. Dam lightly raced out of useful 1m winner (stayed 11.5f) Wadaat. Yard can ready a newcomer and the betting should prove a useful guide as to expectations. The betting should guide to expectations with this one on debut.
7 6th (7) (80/1 -220%) Ormering Tide	80 80/1(-220%)	(7) Ormering Tide 80/1, Once-raced gelding. 66/1, ninth of 13 in minor event at Kempton (7f) on debut 10 days ago, soon off bridle and losing place before home turn. Up in trip. More one for the longer term judged on his recent 7f Kempton debut.
2 7th (2) (22/1 -175%) Remonstrate	22 22/1(-175%)	(2) Remonstrate 22/1, Dark Angel colt. Half-brother to French 14.5f winner Rain. 11/1, held back by inexperience when sixth of 8 in Kempton maiden (1m) 2 weeks ago, running green 2f out and not knocked about. Entitled to progress. Beaten 13l when sixth on recent debut; needs to have come on a lot.
4 8th (4) (33/1 -136%) Dream Big Eireann	33 33/1(-136%)	(4) Dream Big Eireann 33/1, €8,000 yearling, Barraquero gelding. Half-brother to several winners, including 2-y-o 6f winner Shandy Star. Dam ran once. Market should prove a useful guide on racecourse bow. Half-brother to five winners but probably best watched on this debut.
5 9th (5) (28/1 -75%) Exceptionality	28 28/1(-75%)	(5) Exceptionality 28/1, Once-raced colt. Seventh of 9 in minor event (28/1) at Lingfield (7f, AW) on debut 24 days ago, very slowly away. Up in trip. Probably one for handicaps later on. Lost hs chance at the start on last month's 7f debut.

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

18:45 Wolverhampton Maiden (Class 5) 9f Race Class Flow

The chart reads from right to left to today's class 5 race.

MON ETOILE represents a trainer who is firmly on the hot list, and she can make a bold bid to go one place better than when finishing runner-up over a mile at Kempton earlier this month. Naughty Niall was only collared late on when attempting to make all at a huge price over 6f here, but this step up in trip doesn't look to be the most obvious move. Absolutely Not is worth monitoring in the betting ahead of her debut.

TATATEO showed much improved form following 5 months off/also gelded when runner-up in a C&D novice event 4 weeks ago, pulling clear with another fairly useful prospect. Open to further improvement, this may well prove a good opening for him to get off the mark. Mon Etoile and Make A Scene head up the dangers.

The vore goes to MON ETOILE ahead of Make A Scene and Naughty Niall.

19:00 Newcastle Handicap (Class 6) 7f - 9 Run Class & Speed Card

Form	Odds	Runs
4 1st (4) (14/1 -40%) Danielsflyer	14 14/1(-40%)	(4) Danielsflyer 14/1, C&D winner. 10/1, eighth of 11 in handicap at this course (8f) 26 days ago. Can give a good account if shrugging off latest effort. Placed over 1m here twice last autumn; heavy defeat last month.
7 2nd (7) (8/1 -7%) Saisons D'or	8 8/1(-7%)	(7) Saisons D'or 8/1, 3-time C&D winner. 12/1, tenth of 12 in handicap at this course (6f). Off 134 days. Merits consideration if back on his A-game. 3-time C&D winner; has come on for his reappearance in last two seasons; career-low mark.
8 3rd (8) (7/1 +42%) Jems Bond	7 7/1(+42%)	(8) Jems Bond 7/1, 5-time course winner. Creditable sixth of 10 in handicap at this C&D (16/1) 9 days ago. Much respected. Conditions to suit and down in the weights but he'll need to step up on recent efforts.
3 4th (3) (14/1 -56%) Comedian Leader	14 14/1(-56%)	(3) Comedian Leader 14/1, C&D winner. Four wins from 17 runs last year. Latest win at Kempton in January. Ninth of 10 in handicap (12/1) at Kempton (8f) 14 days ago, slowly away. Others more persuasive. Scored over 1m at Kempton last month; less good since and others appeal more today.
1 5th (1) (3/1 -84%) Concert Boy	3 3/1(-84%)	(1) Concert Boy 3/1, C&D winner. Good third of 9 in handicap (5/2) at this course (8f) 29 days ago, slowly away and making his challenge widest of all. Has to be taken seriously nudged up 1 lb. C&D winner; better than bare result when third over 1m here latest; key player back at 7f.
5 6th (5) (10/3 +63%) Headabovetherest	3.333333 10/3(+63%)	(5) Headabovetherest 10/3, Last of 9 in handicap at Musselburgh (7.2f, good to firm, 18/1), slowly away. Off 172 days. First run for yard after leaving Tim Easterby with more required. Best run for T Easterby came on his only AW run (6f, here); same mark today; check betting.
2 7th (2) (16/1 -33%) Anif	16 16/1(-33%)	(2) Anif 16/1, 5-time course winner. Last of 10 in handicap at Southwell (8.1f, 33/1) 37 days ago so needs to bounce back. Conditions suit & potentially thrown in dropped into Class 6; market can provide clues.
6 8th (6) (7/2 +0%) Rich Waters	3.5 7/2(+0%)	(6) Rich Waters 7/2, Twenty runs since last win in 2020 but he came in a good second of 10 in handicap at this C&D 9 days ago. Shortlisted. Back to form when second over C&D last week; still has handicapping scope; contender.
9 9th (9) (28/1 -180%) One Last Hug	28 28/1(-180%)	(9) One Last Hug 28/1, Four wins from 19 runs last year. Latest win at Wolverhampton in December. 20/1, creditable fourth of 10 in handicap at this course (6f) 7 days ago. In the mix. 6f win at Wolverhampton in Dec; fair 4th here last week; hard to win with but e/w shout.

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

19:00 Newcastle Handicap (Class 6) 7f Race Class Flow

The chart reads from right to left to today's class 6 race.

RICH WATERS produced a much better display to go down by a neck over C&D earlier in the month and he has only been put up 1lb for that effort. If the son of Showcasing can back the performance up, he could finally record his first victory since switching to the Grant Tuer stable. Concert Boy, who finished a close-up third over a mile here last month, needs to be considered off a 1lb higher rating. Dual course winner Danielsflyer is another to note.

CONCERT BOY wasn't seen to best effect but still came in a good third here last time out so is fancied to bag a second C&D success off just a 1 lb higher mark. Rich Waters arrives on a long losing run yet still rates the chief threat ahead of in-form duo Jems Bond and One Last Hug.

A trappy event but CONCERT BOY looked ready to strike here last time and can record a second C&D success. Rich Waters is next best.

19:15 Wolverhampton Handicap (Class 2) 12f - 6 Run Class & Speed Card

Form	Odds	Runs
1 1st (1) (4/1 -14%) Max Vega	4 4/1(-14%)	(1) Max Vega 4/1, Good second of 9 in handicap at Kempton (12f, 15/8) 21 days ago, no match for winner. Makes tapeta debut. Triple Group 3 winner who was runner-up in a similar race at Kempton last time; respected.
6 2nd (6) (8/1 +0%) Aqwaam	8 8/1(+0%)	(6) Aqwaam 8/1, Latest win at Newcastle in November. 6/4, creditable second of 5 in handicap at this course (14f) 8 days ago, clear of rest. In-form 6yo but this is a big step back up in grade and his last win was at 2m.
3 3rd (3) (10/3 +58%) West End Charmer	3.333333 10/3(+58%)	(3) West End Charmer 10/3, Proved he retains plenty of ability when third of 9 in handicap (11/2) at Kempton (12f) 21 days ago, needing stronger gallop. On dangerous mark and was just behind Max Vega when third at Kempton last time; in the mix.
4 4th (4) (7/2 +36%) Nolton Cross	3.5 7/2(+36%)	(4) Nolton Cross 7/2, C&D winner who proved as good as ever when coming out on top in 10-runner handicap (16/5) at Southwell (12.1f) 43 days ago. Likely to go well again. All five wins have come on Tapeta and latest was at Southwell last month; 3lb higher here.
5 5th (5) (9/4 +0%) Vaguely Royal	2.25 9/4(+0%)	(5) Vaguely Royal 9/4, Three wins from 7 runs last year, including when scoring with plenty in hand in 7-runner handicap at this C&D 70 days ago. 3 lb rise looks lenient and may not be done improving. Made it 2-2 on AW when scoring over C&D latest and he's open to more progress; big player.
2 6th (2) (22/1 -633%) Zealot	22 22/1(-633%)	(2) Zealot 22/1, Successful on 7 of 9 starts for current yard, latest win coming in 6-runner handicap at Chelmsford (10f) when last seen 11 months ago. Has won fresh before so highly respected. Back from a lengthy absence but he's 7-9 for Mick Appleby and is respected upped to 1m4f.

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

19:15 Wolverhampton Handicap (Class 2) 12f Race Class Flow

The chart reads from right to left to today's class 2 race.

VAGUELY ROYAL did what was required to justify odds-on in this grade over C&D in December and he was put up 3lb for that victory. The Galileo gelding is improving rapidly and he can take this before moving up the class ladder. Zealot has proven to be a revelation for the Michael Appleby yard and it would be no surprise to see him get involved off 3lb higher than his latest success at Chelmsford. Nolton Cross is another to note.

VAGUELY ROYAL has taken well to the all-weather and still looks on a good mark following a 3 lb rise for his latest win, so he's put forward as the answer to an interesting handicap. Zealot thrived upon joining Mick Appleby, winning 7 of his 9 starts and, although he has an 11-month absence to overcome, he's won fresh before so warrants the utmost respect. Nolton Cross is another likeable type who ought to remain competitive.

An interesting race in which the vote goes to the progressive VAGUELY ROYAL, who made it 2-2 on AW when scoring over C&D last time.

19:30 Newcastle Handicap (Class 6) 7f - 8 Run Class & Speed Card

Form	Odds	Runs
4 1st (4) (9/1 -80%) To The Bar	9 9/1(-80%)	(4) To The Bar 9/1, Creditable fifth of 10 in handicap (12/1) at Wolverhampton (7.2f) 14 days ago. Tongue strap back on. Fourteen runs since last win in 2020. Losing run stands at 14 and recent efforts need bettering; change of accessories today.
6 2nd (6) (5/1 +17%) Angel Amadea	5 5/1(+17%)	(6) Angel Amadea 5/1, Latest win at Wolverhampton in December. 22/1, creditable 2¼ lengths fifth of 10 to Eleven Eleven in handicap at this C&D 9 days ago. Merits consideration. Mixed bag overall but this could be run to suit & she's capable on her day; shortlisted.
8 3rd (8) (4/1 +20%) Global Humor	4 4/1(+20%)	(8) Global Humor 4/1, Unreliable sort but he improved on recent efforts to win 12-runner minor event at this course (6f) 4 days ago. Carries 4 lb penalty and needs to back it up. Stayed on well to win a 6f classified race here on Tuesday; major player once again.
3 4th (3) (11/8 +45%) Eleven Eleven	1.375 11/8(+45%)	(3) Eleven Eleven 11/8, 4-time course winner who stuck to his task well when landing 10-runner handicap at this C&D (9/2) 9 days ago. Big shout off 2 lb higher mark. 2-3 this year, latterly over C&D last week; still feasibly treated; one to consider.
1 5th (1) (13/2 -136%) Turbo Command	6.5 13/2(-136%)	(1) Turbo Command 13/2, Three wins from 15 runs last year. Latest win at Southwell in December. 5/1, creditable second of 11 in handicap at Southwell (7.1f) 42 days ago. Needs considering. Three 7f wins at Southwell last year; close second back there latest; same mark today.
7 6th (7) (28/1 -12%) Ring Fenced	28 28/1(-12%)	(7) Ring Fenced 28/1, Ninth of 11 in handicap (33/1) at this course (8f) 26 days ago so has work to do if she's to regain winning ways. On the downgrade and the suitability of 7f has to be taken on trust.
2 7th (2) (11/1 -57%) She's Got Bottle	11 11/1(-57%)	(2) She's Got Bottle 11/1, 3/1, creditable second of 9 in handicap at Beverley (8.4f, good to firm), running on. Off 6 months but still commands respect. Three-time turf winner over further; might find 7f inadequate back from six months off.
5 8th (5) (66/1 +0%) Smalleytime	66 66/1(+0%)	(5) Smalleytime 66/1, Last of 11 in handicap (150/1) at Southwell (7.1f) 25 days ago. Cheekpieces on for 1st time. Went wrong way for former yard; well beaten at huge prices for new stable; new headgear.

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

19:30 Newcastle Handicap (Class 6) 7f Race Class Flow

The chart reads from right to left to today's class 6 race.

Turbo Command has been in the top two at Southwell on his last couple of starts and remains on the same mark as his latest second. However, TO THE BAR wasn't disgraced when fifth at Wolverhampton earlier in the month and the handicapper has given him a chance by dropping him a further 2lb. Alice Haynes' gelding competes off his lowest ever career figure and gets the vote. Last week's C&D winner Eleven Eleven holds an obvious chance too.

ELEVEN ELEVEN showed a good attitude when going in over C&D last week and this multiple course scorer can defy a 2 lb rise in the weights at the chief expense of Southwell runner-up Turbo Command. Angel Amadea also arrives in good nick and needs factoring in too.

This could be run to suit ANGEL AMADEA and she's tentatively preferred to Global Humor and Turbo Command.

19:45 Wolverhampton Handicap (Class 2) 7f - 8 Run Class & Speed Card

Form	Odds	Runs
3 1st (3) (3/1 -20%) Doctor Khan Junior	3 3/1(-20%)	(3) Doctor Khan Junior 3/1, C&D winner. Four wins from 7 runs last year. 9/2, career best when winning 13-runner handicap at Southwell (7.1f) 39 days ago by ½ length from Intervention, driven out. Progressive sort who makes most appeal again. Winner of five of his last seven starts and appears to be progressing fast.
1 2nd (1) (5/6 +72%) Kingdom Come	0.833333 5/6(+72%)	(1) Kingdom Come 5/6, Three wins from 6 runs last year. 5/1, good third of 7 in handicap at Haydock (7.2f, good). Off 7 months. Makes tapeta debut. Merits consideration. 3-3 at Kempton early last year; proven fresh and shouldn't have an issue with Tapeta.
7 3rd (7) (33/1 -371%) Trip To Rome	33 33/1(-371%)	(7) Trip To Rome 33/1, Lightly-raced winner. Career best when winning 11-runner minor event at Kempton (7f, 9/4), easily. Off 8 months. First run for yard after leaving Ed Dunlop. Makes handicap debut. Definitely of interest. Makes his stable/handicap debut after nine months off; market may reveal what is expected.
5 4th (5) (12/1 +0%) Chuzzlewit	12 12/1(+0%)	(5) Chuzzlewit 12/1, 5¼ lengths ninth of 13 to Doctor Khan Junior in handicap at Southwell (7.1f, 7/1) 39 days ago, merely closing up late. Cheekpieces on 1st time. Finished behind three of these at Southwell last time; cheekpieces on.
6 5th (6) (8/1 -14%) Follow Your Heart	8 8/1(-14%)	(6) Follow Your Heart 8/1, 3-time C&D winner. Four wins from 12 runs last year. Respectable fifth of 10 in handicap (3/1) at this C&D 29 days ago, left poorly placed. Tongue strap back on. Needs a strong pace. Three-time C&D winner, but still 5lb above his last winning mark and looks vulnerable.
2 6th (2) (9/1 -125%) Intervention	9 9/1(-125%)	(2) Intervention 9/1, 3-time C&D winner. Four wins from 20 runs last year. 5/1, respectable third of 8 in handicap at this course (5.1f) 7 days ago. Significantly back up in trip. Hood back on. Worth considering.4 Has been a revelation since returned to the AW in the autumn; likely to run his race.
4 7th (4) (16/1 -60%) Master Zoffany	16 16/1(-60%)	(4) Master Zoffany 16/1, C&D winner. Latest win at Newcastle in December. Twelfth of 13 in handicap at Newcastle (7.1f, 4/1) 13 days ago. Not dismissed. C&D winner; something to prove after a poor effort at Newcastle last time.
8 8th (8) (20/1 -11%) Darwell Lion	20 20/1(-11%)	(8) Darwell Lion 20/1, Course winner. Hooded for 1st time, ninth of 13 in handicap at Southwell (8.1f, 16/1) 18 days ago. Others have achieved more. 2lb below last winning mark, but 1m preferable; may find this a bit warm in any case.

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

19:45 Wolverhampton Handicap (Class 2) 7f Race Class Flow

The chart reads from right to left to today's class 2 race.

KINGDOM COME has the class to see him through in this company, despite having to concede 9lb and more to his rivals under top-weight. Having just his ninth career start, the selection is 3-3 on the all-weather (all at Kempton) and, assuming he isn't inconvenienced by the surface on his Tapeta debut, the Clive Cox-trained gelding can further enhance that statistic. Doctor Khan Junior, who seeks a four-timer, is fancied to hold off Follow Your Heart and Intervention for second.

DOCTOR KHAN JUNIOR is a likeable type who arrives on a hat-trick and he boasts solid claims of adding to his tally for all that it's a strong race on paper. Intervention has enjoyed an excellent winter and another bold showing is expected from him, while Follow Your Heart can come into it if the pace is strong.

The vote goes to DOCTOR KHAN JUNIOR (nap) who has won five of his last seven starts and seems to be progressing fast at the age of five.

20:15 Wolverhampton Handicap (Class 5) 7f - 11 Run Class & Speed Card

Form	Odds	Runs
1 1st (1) (3/1 -20%) David's Diva	3 3/1(-20%)	(1) David's Diva 3/1, On a hat-trick after 1m wins at Southwell and Kempton in recent months. Scored with a bit in hand at the latter track so a further 3 lb rise looks fair. Made it 2-3 in handicaps when scoring at Kempton latest; big player again back in trip.
5 2nd (5) (10/3 +45%) Circles	3.333333 10/3(+45%)	(5) Circles 10/3, C&D winner in January but only sixth of 9 back here since. Won over C&D on her penultimate run and is a big player if she can recapture that form.
2 3rd (2) (11/4 +39%) Harriet's Angel	2.75 11/4(+39%)	(2) Harriet's Angel 11/4, Winner at Kempton in January. 5/2, creditable fourth of 10 in C&D handicap 14 days ago. Should give another good account. Won at Kempton last month and things didn't go her way over C&D last time; in the mix.
10 4th (10) (18/1 -80%) Powdering	18 18/1(-80%)	(10) Powdering 18/1, 7/2, seventh of 10 in handicap at Southwell (7f) 23 days ago. Creditable fourth there prior to that. Looks competitive on form. Won at Hamilton last June but she's 0-10 since and others are more convincing.
3 5th (3) (25/1 -108%) Capuchinero	25 25/1(-108%)	(3) Capuchinero 25/1, Latest win at Chelmsford in November. 4/1, last of 5 in handicap at Chelmsford (1m) 8 days ago. Visor on first time. Bounce back needed. Not easy to predict and has been well held in last three runs; now returns to 7f in visor.
4 6th (4) (11/2 +31%) Soi Dao	5.5 11/2(+31%)	(4) Soi Dao 11/2, Just third outing for this yard when scoring over 8.6f here in January. Creditable second of 10 in handicap at this course (9.5f, 11/2) since. Player if as effective back down at 7f. Win and good second here in last two runs and she's respected back at 7f.
8 7th (8) (20/1 -233%) Dolores Abernathy	20 20/1(-233%)	(8) Dolores Abernathy 20/1, Thrice-raced maiden. 25/1, fifth of 10 in maiden at this course (6f) 14 days ago. Makes handicap debut. Unexposed now handicapping and one of the more interesting contenders. Some ability in maidens (6f/7f) and she needs watching in market on handicap debut.
6 8th (6) (9/1 +36%) Autumn Angel	9 9/1(+36%)	(6) Autumn Angel 9/1, Latest win at Southwell in January. Respectable third here next time but latest effort back at Southwell was poor. Won at Southwell last month but she was laboured after a slow start there last time.
7 9th (7) (66/1 -230%) Rose Fandango	66 66/1(-230%)	(7) Rose Fandango 66/1, C&D winner for Scott Dixon in 2022. Off 6 months, well held at Yarmouth last April (only start for Julia Feilden). Off a further 10 months ahead of this first outing for John O'Shea. Betting should guide. C&D winner but she returns after another layoff and has something to prove for new yard.
11 10th (11) (100/1 -400%) Rumailah	100 100/1(-400%)	(11) Rumailah 100/1, Well held in maiden/novice events in 2022. Off for 17 months ahead of this handicap debut. Could only consider if backed. Unexposed mare but she has plenty to prove after 513 days off.
9 11th (9) (22/1 -57%) Maruna	22 22/1(-57%)	(9) Maruna 22/1, Lightly-raced winner. Winner at Newcastle in November. Ninth of 11 in handicap (50/1) at Chelmsford (1m) 27 days ago. Cheekpieces on first time. Still lightly raced but she needs to kick on again on this drop back in trip; headgear on.

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

20:15 Wolverhampton Handicap (Class 5) 7f Race Class Flow

The chart reads from right to left to today's class 5 race.

DAVID'S DIVA impressed when winning over 1m at Southwell in December, before following up with a cosy success over the same trip at Kempton most recently. Raised just a further 3lb, the Rod Millman-trained filly has little to fear from dropping to this trip, although Harriet's Angel won over the distance at Kempton two starts ago and can at least make this a good test. Circles and Soi Dao complete the shortlist.

The draw could have been kinder to DAVID'S DIVA but she still looks well treated after a 3 lb rise for Kempton and can make it 3 in a row. Harriet's Angel is another who has been in good form lately and is second choice ahead of unexposed handicap newcomer Dolores Abernathy.

Several have possibilities but the hat-trick seeking DAVID'S DIVA gets the vote ahead of Soi Dao and Circles.

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.

Tomform Saturday 17th February 2024

Races & Results Saturday 17th February 2024

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

13:02 Haydock Conditions Hurdle (Class 1) 19f Race Class Flow

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

13:15 Ascot Novices Hurdle (Class 2) 19f Race Class Flow

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

13:30 Wincanton Maiden Hurdle (Class 4) 15f Race Class Flow

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

13:37 Haydock Handicap Chase (Class 3) 20f Race Class Flow

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

13:42 Gowran Park Maiden Hurdle 16f Race Speed Rating Flow

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

13:50 Ascot Maiden Chase (Class 1) 24f Race Class Flow

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

14:05 Wincanton Conditions Hurdle (Class 1) 15f Race Class Flow

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

14:10 Haydock Conditions Hurdle (Class 2) 16f Race Class Flow

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

14:17 Gowran Park Conditions Hurdle 16f Race Speed Rating Flow

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

14:25 Ascot Handicap Hurdle (Class 2) 19f Race Class Flow

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

14:35 Wincanton Handicap Chase (Class 4) 16f Race Class Flow

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

14:40 Haydock Conditions Hurdle (Class 1) 24f Race Class Flow

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

14:52 Gowran Park Handicap Hurdle 20f Race Speed Rating Flow

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

15:00 Ascot Handicap Chase (Class 1) 24f Race Class Flow

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

15:07 Wincanton Handicap Chase (Class 4) 20f Race Class Flow

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

15:15 Haydock Handicap Chase (Class 1) 28f Race Class Flow

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

15:27 Gowran Park Conditions Chase 20f Race Speed Rating Flow

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

15:36 Ascot Conditions Chase (Class 1) 21f Race Class Flow

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

15:42 Wincanton Handicap Hurdle (Class 4) 25f Race Class Flow

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

15:50 Haydock Handicap Hurdle (Class 2) 24f Race Class Flow

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

15:57 Newcastle Handicap (Class 6) 12f Race Class Flow

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

16:02 Gowran Park Maiden Chase 20f Race Speed Rating Flow

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

16:10 Ascot Handicap Hurdle (Class 3) 24f Race Class Flow

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

16:17 Wincanton Handicap Chase (Class 4) 25f Race Class Flow

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

16:25 Haydock Novices Hurdle (Class 1) 24f Race Class Flow