There were 42 Races on Saturday 15th March 2025 across 6 meetings. There was 7 races at Newcastle, 7 races at Kempton, 7 races at Uttoxeter, 7 races at Thurles, 7 races at Southwell, 7 races at Wolverhampton, no doubt Tomform helped you find a winner.
Races & Results Saturday 15th March 2025
The data in the racecards below is for the past year. View the racecard key.
(6) Matwana 2/7, Progressive sort who landed Doncaster juvenile hurdle in December before posting a very good clear second of six in similar event there following month. The clear form pick. Two good runs at Doncaster on last two starts (won by 10l on first occasion); one to beat.
2
2nd (2) (22/1 -38%) Double Digits
22
22/1(-38%)
(2) Double Digits 22/1, Irish point winner. Failed to build on hurdling debut fourth over C&D when seventh of 13 in novice here (20.3f, good to soft) 30 days ago. Needs to bounce back. Winning Irish pointer but disappointing on both hurdle runs; looks one for handicaps.
1
3rd (1) (9/2 +18%) Small Town Kid
4.5
9/2(+18%)
(1) Small Town Kid 9/2, Irish point winner who made a successful debut over hurdles here in November. Pulled up at Kelso following month but has since had a wind op and not written off after a break. Winning Irish pointer; won over C&D on hurdles debut; back after 2nd wind op; a possible.
5
4th (5) (20/1 +20%) Livano Bello
20
20/1(+20%)
(5) Livano Bello 20/1, Showed fair form when third in a French claimer in September. Joined new yard for €30,600 but well held in a pair of juvenile hurdles at Wetherby after Christmas. Has plenty to find. Ex-French; third in a claiming hurdle at Auteuil but only modest efforts for new yard.
3
5th (3) (12/1 -167%) Wind Your Neck In
12
12/1(-167%)
(3) Wind Your Neck In 12/1, A fair Flat maiden handicapper for David Evans but yet to fire in that sphere for his current yard and now goes hurdling with something to prove. Quite useful on the Flat; bought for 11,500gns; poor form on AW for new yard; jumps debut.
MATWANA broke her duck in impressive fashion at Doncaster in December before going on to hit the woodwork over the same C&D at Listed level last time. Paul O'Brien's filly is difficult to oppose on that form, although Wind Your Neck In, who holds an official rating of 79 on the level, would be a threat if taking to this new discipline. Small Town Kid can chase the pair home.
MATWANA has taken really well to hurdles and looks to have been found an excellent opportunity to quickly resume winning ways on the back of her clear Doncaster second. Small Town Kid fluffed his lines at Kelso last time but has since had a wind op and appeals as the one to chase home Harry Derham's filly ahead of Double Digits.
An uncompetitive novice event in which MATWANA will prove hard to beat. Small Town Kid is likely to prove her main threat.
(4) Miss Altea Blue 11/8, Showed fairly useful form in France and produced an altogether more convincing effort than on her British debut 3 months earlier as she got off the mark over hurdles in 12-runner novice at Wincanton (15.2f) last week, readily. Could kick on now up and running for her top stable. Ex-French 4yo who won readily at Wincanton recently and she's a strong contender.
1
1st (1) (9/4 -50%) Timetoshine
2.25
9/4(-50%)
(1) Timetoshine 9/4, Fairly useful on the Flat in France, successful twice on AW in 2024. Sold out of Fabrice Chappet's yard for €30,000 in November and, with a recent Flat run behind her, created a positive impression first time up over hurdles when forging clear at Huntingdon (15.8f) recently. Sure to progress. Useful on the Flat and won on last month's hurdle debut at Huntingdon; leading claims.
2
2nd (2) (2/1 +33%) Anariza
2
2/1(+33%)
(2) Anariza 2/1, Easy winner sole start in point bumpers and offered something to work on under an exaggerated waiting ride when fourth in 10-runner bumper at Aintree on Rules debut in May. Again shaped with plenty of promise when third on Wetherby hurdles debut (2m) 9 months later and seems sure to progress. Promising third on hurdle debut at Wetherby and open to improvement; could be involved.
5
3rd (5) (40/1 -60%) Christian Bruce
40
40/1(-60%)
(5) Christian Bruce 40/1, Fair form in maidens on Flat (should be suited by at least 1½m) for William Haggas. Sold for 22,000 gns in December and shaped as if needing more of a test when sixth of 11 at Hereford on hurdling debut last month. Didn't achieve much on the Flat and soundly beaten on last month's hurdle and stable debut.
6
4th (6) (40/1 +0%) Nancy P
40
40/1(+0%)
(6) Nancy P 40/1, Fair at best on Flat (stays 1½m) and made little impact in the face of a stiff task on Doncaster hurdling debut. Ordinary on the Flat; tough task on hurdle debut when 150-1 but others are more compelling.
3
5th (3) (125/1 -150%) Cracker Muddle
125
125/1(-150%)
(3) Cracker Muddle 125/1, Bred more for stamina than speed and looked one for the longer term on her Lingfield debut just over 3 weeks ago. 25-1 when tailed off in small field on last month's debut at Lingfield (2m, soft).
A three-time winner on the Flat in France, TIMETOSHINE made a successful transition to hurdling when scoring in fine style at Huntingdon on only her second start for Nicky Henderson. She should have plenty more to offer over timber and can defy a penalty. The four-year-old Miss Altea Blue is also burdened with a penalty for winning at Wincanton last week, so Anariza may prove a bigger threat to the selection having returned to action with a solid third at Wetherby on her hurdling bow.
TIMETOSHINE ran out a decisive winner on her recent Huntingdon hurdling debut, despite being in need of the experience in terms of her jumping, so she's fancied to defy a penalty with plenty of improvement forthcoming. Anariza and Miss Altea Blue are the obvious threats.
The 4yo MISS ALTEA BLUE posted a smooth win at Wincanton recently on her second start for Paul Nicholls and is taken to follow up.
(14) Lucky One 50/1, Pulled up on final start for Dan Skelton in May 2022. Successful twice at Auteuil for Sophie Leech since but hasn't progressed in a couple of starts for current yard, albeit in stronger company than he needed to contest last time. Others make more appeal. Well handicapped on old form but well beaten on both runs this winter after long absence.
13
1st (13) (11/4 -22%) Hidden History
2.75
11/4(-22%)
(13) Hidden History 11/4, Irish point winner was off the mark under Rules in heavy ground at Lingfield. Given a considerate ride on handicap debut at Chepstow before runner-up over a longer trip at Fontwell (25.8f) when well-backed on final run for Chris Gordon. Makes plenty of appeal from current mark on stable debut. Runner-up on second handicap start; makes debut for Dan Skelton; open to improvement.
6
2nd (6) (10/3 +5%) Wellington Arch
3.333333
10/3(+5%)
(6) Wellington Arch 10/3, Fairly useful bumper is proving even better in this sphere, chased home subsequent listed scorer Fingle Bridge over extended 18f trip at Market Rasen in January before making most of a good opportunity to land second hurdles win at same venue 11 days ago. Player with longer trip expected to suit. Two-time novice winner who brings potential to handicap debut, especially now up in trip.
5
3rd (5) (25/1 -108%) Blenkinsop
25
25/1(-108%)
(5) Blenkinsop 25/1, Progressive in handicaps in 2022, still looking well ahead of his mark when completing the 4-timer at Newbury (20.5f, soft) in December of that year. Likely needed the run on his return to handicaps after 22-months off. Market should reveal what's expected on second outing after absence. Prolific in h'caps in late 2022; signs of promise last month when back from long absence.
12
4th (12) (8/1 -7%) Below The Radar
8
8/1(-7%)
(12) Below The Radar 8/1, Still looked raw when winning each of his 2 starts in novice hurdles (latest win came at this venue). Shaped better than beaten distance suggests on return to this track in November but his subsequent two efforts have been well below his best. Talented but needs to put it all together. Two novice wins early last year but hasn't threatened this season in first three handicaps.
8
5th (8) (40/1 -233%) Party Business
40
40/1(-233%)
(8) Party Business 40/1, Ran creditably at Galway in August but it's possible that he's not the force of old now, was pulled up over hurdles at Sandown in testing conditions on penultimate run and again failed to complete when returned to fences at this course 49 days ago. Something to prove at present. Pulled up the last twice but has had excuses and he's dropped to a dangerous mark.
4
6th (4) (16/1 -14%) Whatsupwithyou
16
16/1(-14%)
(4) Whatsupwithyou 16/1, C&D winner capitalised on falling handicap mark when making-all at Ludlow (21.3f) last month, having enjoyed the run of the race. He's yet to win off a mark this high and needs a career-best now upped in grade. 11yo who won at Ludlow last month; takes on unexposed types but has an each-way chance.
1
7th (1) (5/1 +50%) Jilaijone
5
5/1(+50%)
(1) Jilaijone 5/1, Ended long losing run when easy winner at Uttoxeter in testing conditions in January and ran at least as well on first crack at a staying trip when fourth of 17 in a well-run handicap Ascot (23.5f) the following month. Drops back in distance and should give another good account. Wide-margin C&D win in January and another big run when 4th at Ascot latest; thereabouts.
15
8th (15) (33/1 +18%) D'jo Dela Barriere
33
33/1(+18%)
(15) D'jo Dela Barriere 33/1, Got off the mark in novice hurdle at Hereford (16.2f) in November. Failed to take to chasing but stepped up on recent run returned to this sphere when fourth in 8-runner handicap hurdle at Ludlow (21.2f) last month. Needs to build on that now stepping up in grade. Fair fourth at Ludlow last time and a stronger pace could help in this bigger field.
7
9th (7) (10/1 +44%) Nowmelad
10
10/1(+44%)
(7) Nowmelad 10/1, Made all in 2m maiden at Uttoxeter in October and novice at Hereford following month. Handed stiff opening mark from which he struggled on handicap debut last month, fourth of 7 at Catterick (15.7f) and the step up in trip will need to bring about some improvement. Two novice wins last autumn but soundly beaten in fourth on last month's handicap debut.
10
|U| (10) (50/1 -525%) Kahavari
50
50/1(-525%)
(10) Kahavari 50/1, Fair hurdle winner in France for N. George & A. Zetterholm. Went without headgear when conceding 7 lb to a promising type on stable debut, second of 8 in novice hurdle at Carlisle (17f, good to soft). Might be sharper for that run but needs to improve to defy opening handicap mark. Ex-French 5yo who could be suited by the step up in trip on handicap debut.
9
10th (9) (14/1 +58%) Monviel
14
14/1(+58%)
(9) Monviel 14/1, In good form last spring but has struggled for form so far this season, again ran below form (with usual cheekpieces left off) when down the field at Kempton 3 weeks ago. Headgear reapplied today and although his handicap mark continue to fall, he's difficult to be bullish about on recent evidence. Struggling for form but well handicapped and the return of cheekpieces could help.
11
11th (11) (20/1 +0%) Kamaxos
20
20/1(+0%)
(11) Kamaxos 20/1, Dual hurdle winner hasn't hit top form this season, although did take a step in the right direction when fifth of 12 in handicap hurdle (20/1) at Kempton (21f, soft) 21 days ago. Each-way claims back down off last winning mark. Attractively handicapped on his form last spring but hasn't been at same level this season.
3
12th (3) (40/1 -100%) Lihyan
40
40/1(-100%)
(3) Lihyan 40/1, Enjoyed a good start to his campaign, posted a career-best at this venue (23.3f) in October, doing well to come from last to first in a falsely-run race. Far from disgraced when third at Aintree later that month, although does race from a career high mark on his return from 139-day absence. Better than ever in the autumn but returns from a break over a shorter trip today.
2
13th (2) (125/1 -89%) Statuario
125
125/1(-89%)
(2) Statuario 125/1, Campaigns primarily as a chaser and enhanced excellent Perth record with another brace of small-field wins in that sphere back May/June. Disappointed on most recent outing over fences this season and doesn't look obviously well-handicapped reverted to hurdles. Well treated on last year's chase form but questionable whether return to h'dles will suit.
HIDDEN HISTORY failed to justify favouritism when taking the silver medal home over 3m2f at Fontwell on Boxing Day, but he takes a drop in trip and makes his first start for the Dan Skelton yard. The seven-year-old has plenty of scope for improvement and he looks the way to go. Whatsupwithyou struck in good style at Ludlow last month and provided the veteran remains in similar form, he ought to go close. Lihyan and Jilaijone are just two others to consider.
Having been well-backed when runner-up on final start for previous connections, HIDDEN HISTORY makes plenty of appeal off his current mark on debut for the Skelton team. Dual hurdles winner Wellington Arch has shown plenty in novice company and should be suited by this step up in trip, while Below The Radar could be interesting if putting it all together back at the scene of his last victory.
A chance is taken on last year's runner-up MONVIEL, for whom the returning cheekpieces could be a major positive.
(6) Miss Manzor 15/8, Fairly useful winner at 16f over hurdles. 11/1, fourth of 11 in novice chase at Fairyhouse (21.2f, good to soft) 38 days ago. More to come if brushing up her jumping. Needs to jump better than she has so far but big player if doing so.
1
1st (1) (12/1 -167%) A Law Of Her Own
12
12/1(-167%)
(1) A Law Of Her Own 12/1, Fairly useful chaser. Fifteen runs since last win in 2023. 18/1, pulled up in handicap chase at Leopardstown (17f, good to soft) 42 days ago, pulled up 3 out. Sets the benchmark on pick of his form. Quite highly tried over fences to date; back to maiden company but still no easy task.
7
2nd (7) (5/4 +23%) Theatre Native
1.25
5/4(+23%)
(7) Theatre Native 5/4, Fairly useful chaser. 6/4, creditable second of 11 in novice chase at Fairyhouse (16.3f, soft) 58 days ago. Major player. Two solid runs in beginners chases; big player if handling this quicker ground.
3
3rd (3) (14/1 +0%) Goodie Two Shoes
14
14/1(+0%)
(3) Goodie Two Shoes 14/1, Fairly useful hurdler. 66/1, seventh of 8 in novice chase at Naas (20.1f, heavy) 69 days ago. Open to progress at some point over the larger obstacles. Classy sort, a danger to all if getting her jumping sorted and better ground should suit.
5
4th (5) (6/1 +20%) Media Naranja
6
6/1(+20%)
(5) Media Naranja 6/1, Fairly useful hurdler. Fifteen runs since last win in 2023. Fourteenth of 19 in handicap hurdle at Leopardstown (18f, good to soft, 12/1) 41 days ago. Switches from hurdles to chase and this will reveal a lot more. On a long losing streak over hurdles; badly hampered on only previous attempt chasing.
2
5th (2) (50/1 0%) Eve's Hope
50
50/1(0%)
(2) Eve's Hope 50/1, Fair hurdler. Fair winner at 16f over hurdles. 66/1, 29½ lengths eighth of 11 to Cottesloe Sunshine in listed hurdle at this course (16.1f, good) 84 days ago. Makes chase debut. Clonmel maiden hurdle winner; seemingly plenty on her plate here on chase debut.
4
6th (4) (25/1 +0%) Lep Around
25
25/1(+0%)
(4) Lep Around 25/1, Winning pointer. Fair winner at 19f over hurdles. Below form tenth of 18 in handicap hurdle at Gowran (24.3f, heavy, 50/1) 51 days ago. Makes chase debut. Down in trip. Cork maiden hurdle winner held in handicaps; up against it here on chase debut.
Owner Kenny Alexander has a strong hand in this and THEATRE NATIVE gets the vote. The Getaway mare has been placed on her two outings over fences to date and the form of both those races looks strong. She was third to Only By Night first time and that mare narrowly lost out in the Arkle earlier this week. Last time she bumped into improver Springt De La Mare and can gain a deserved win now. The Willie Mullins-trained Miss Manzor was fourth in a strong race won by stablemate Zenta last time and is an obvious danger. A Law Of Her Own needs to bounce back from a disappointing run at Leopardstown but is capable.
THEATRE NATIVE found only a next-time-out winner too strong at Fairyhouse when last seen in January and looks capable of winning a race against her own sex. Miss Manzor and A Law Of Her Own look the main threats.
Several with jumping issues, preference being for THEATRE NATIVE with two solid runs over fences so far
(3) Hold Onto The Line 2/1, Winner of 2 of his 5 starts over hurdles and doubled his tally in this sphere, too, when striking off a 3 lb higher mark at Musselburgh last January. Placed at that course on his last 3 starts (twice over 2m and most recently when upped to 23.6f) and should make his presence felt once more. All four wins at Musselburgh; second over 2m7f there latest; not as effective here.
2
2nd (2) (5/2 -25%) Jet Of Dreams
2.5
5/2(-25%)
(2) Jet Of Dreams 5/2, Off the mark in 9-runner handicap at Hereford last spring and has won twice again since, cruising home in a match at Taunton (18.2f, good) when last seen in November. Remains feasibly treated, conditions in his favour and he scored on the back of a similar break at Sedgefield in September. Solid. Three handicap chase wins on good/good to firm this term; conditions suit; the one to beat.
4
3rd (4) (5/4 +50%) Electric Jet
1.25
5/4(+50%)
(4) Electric Jet 5/4, Fair form over hurdles but already looks a better chaser judged on his second run in this sphere at Ludlow where he went down narrowly in a 7-runner handicap. 2 lb rise neither here nor there and this lightly-raced 6-y-o could be the answer. Maiden; improved on chase debut when runner-up last time (first run at 2m); a possible.
Jet Of Dreams recorded a facile success in a match at Taunton in November and is of clear interest off 1lb higher, but the vote goes to ELECTRIC JET. Charlie Longsdon's charge pushed an in-form rival all the way at Ludlow last month and the lightly-raced son of Jet Away should go very close. Hold Onto The Line heads the remainder.
This stiffer track promises to suit ELECTRIC JET, who bettered what he showed over hurdles (and on his debut in this sphere) when finding just one too good at Ludlow last month. He is likely capable of better still and earns the vote in this trappy contest, in which all four have realistic claims. If Willie Shake Hands takes to this discipline at the first attempt he could be a bigger threat than experienced chasers Hold Onto The Line and Jet of Dreams.
The conditions are ideal for JET OF DREAMS\p who is taken to win his fourth race of the season. Electric Jet looks his main threat.
(4) Teddy Blue 7/2, Talented but his temperament started to look an issue for the Moore stable last season and he ran poorly on hurdles return for new yard at Cheltenham in November. Has taken better to fences than may have been expected though, allowed to dominate when successful at Huntingdon 3 weeks ago. 6l win at Huntingdon on second chase start; back up in grade here but remains well treated.
3
2nd (3) (13/8 +59%) First Street
1.625
13/8(+59%)
(3) First Street 13/8, Four-time hurdles winner but hasn't reached the same level in 4 attempts over fences, for all that his latest fourth of 8 in a novices' handicap at this venue (20.5f, good to soft) was his best effort yet in this sphere (Asta La Pasta second). Well weighted if he can build on that. Inferior chase form but well treated on hurdle exploits; encouraging run here last time.
6
3rd (6) (5/1 +0%) Paddy In The Caddy
5
5/1(+0%)
(6) Paddy In The Caddy 5/1, Has advanced his form switched to fences this term, making all at Warwick, Hereford and Wincanton, all over 2m. This track will suit but he's now pitched into a better race and he could be vulnerable back up in trip. Up in grade today but this progressive 6yo is 3-6 over fences and in with a chance.
1
4th (1) (3/1 -60%) Asta La Pasta
3
3/1(-60%)
(1) Asta La Pasta 3/1, Three-time winner over hurdles and has improved sent chasing this season, making the most of a good opportunity at Carlisle (20f) in November. Excellent placed efforts next 2 starts (runner-up effort at this venue franked since) and he did too much too soon when second at Musselburgh. Hood added. Has enjoyed a consistent first season over fences and could settle better now in a hood.
5
|U| (5) (9/1 +0%) Moveit Like Minnie
9
9/1(+0%)
(5) Moveit Like Minnie 9/1, Made winning chase debut at Stratford (17f) but went the wrong way next 3 starts, running out twice. Fared better back hurdling with headgear added at Ascot this winter but lot depends on whether he has a cut at his obstacles returned to fences. Ran out in last 2 chases but plenty of promise among recalcitrance; capable of going well.
Asta La Pasta may have done too much in front when well behind the winner at Musselburgh and is fitted with a hood for the first time. He has sound claims on an earlier second over these fences, when FIRST STREET finished fourth. The latter caught the eye running on strongly in the closing stages on that occasion and Nicky Henderson's charge is taken to turn the tables on these more favourable terms. Teddy Blue is upped in class and raised 6lb for a cosy triumph at Huntingdon, but is still preferred to Paddy In The Caddy.
ASTA LA PASTA split next-time-out winners when an excellent second at this venue on Boxing Day and with the addition of a hood hopefully helping him settle, he looks of major interest dropped slightly in trip. First Street also ran in that race, keeping on well for fourth, and he rates the chief threat, ahead of Teddy Blue.
There is risk attached with MOVEIT LIKE MINNIE as he ran out on his last two chase starts, but it's one worth taking given his ability.
(17) Equinus 150/1, Fairly useful winner at 25f over hurdles for Nigel Twiston-Davies. Early faller on his return/chase debut starting out for new yard at Aintree (25f) in November but showed little interest when pulled-up on subsequent start last month. Return to hurdles unlikely to produce a better outcome. He's failed to complete in both chases for this yard and was 150-1 for the latest.
3
1st (3) (22/1 -22%) Red Risk
22
22/1(-22%)
(3) Red Risk 22/1, Course winner was second in the Grade 2 West Yorkshire Hurdle at Wetherby last season after a break and again proved effective fresh (racing off last winning mark) when third in a Pertemps Qualifier at Musselburgh (23.8f, good to soft) 41 days ago. Each-way prospects again off 1 lb higher. Exposed but back on a better mark and latest closing third was after 261 days away.
4
2nd (4) (3/1 +33%) Joyeux Machin
3
3/1(+33%)
(4) Joyeux Machin 3/1, Useful for Paul Nolan and has been working his way back to form for this yard, shaping with a serious amount of promise when third in a big-field handicap at Wetherby (19.7f) and again when finishing strongly behind Altobelli at Ascot last month. Makes plenty of appeal stepping back up in trip. Kept on for 2nd at Ascot and interesting now returned to further as he has won at 3m.
11
3rd (11) (11/1 -29%) Patriotik
11
11/1(-29%)
(11) Patriotik 11/1, Has some notable form this season, finishing fifth in a strong renewal of the Silver Trophy at Chepstow (19.5f) and chasing home Red Dirt Road at Aintree on Boxing Day. Found longer trip much more to his liking when winning at Doncaster (24.4f) 2 weeks ago and remains of interest off 3 lb higher. Only his second attempt over this far under rules when staying on well to win at Doncaster.
9
4th (9) (6/1 +40%) Blaze The Way
6
6/1(+40%)
(9) Blaze The Way 6/1, Bumper winner proved a different proposition when winning on handicap hurdle debut at Navan (25f) in December, relishing the greater test of stamina. Improved again when runner-up back down in trip at the same venue 56 days ago, faring much the best of those up with the pace. One for the shortlist. Improving Irish raider who will appreciate returning to this longer trip; much respected.
6
5th (6) (20/1 -82%) Samuel Spade
20
20/1(-82%)
(6) Samuel Spade 20/1, Five-time winner over hurdles for this stable including on most recent outing when landing a 17-runner handicap at Ascot (23.5f) last month, proving his stamina for this sort of trip. An 8lb rise prompts a step up in grade but he arrives in good heart with a valuable 5 lb conditional in the saddle. Decisive winner at Ascot (2m7f) and jockey's claim takes care of 5lb of the 8lb rise.
10
6th (10) (25/1 -25%) Up For Parol
25
25/1(-25%)
(10) Up For Parol 25/1, Capitalised on falling handicap mark and ended long losing sequence when successful in a 9-runner handicap hurdle at Ffos Las (23.9f, heavy) in January, quickening clear. Wasn't in the same form at Newbury subsequently though and he needs to bounce back to form if he's to go close here. Never threatened to defy this mark at Newbury and he's in another competitive race.
8
7th (8) (25/1 -25%) Phantomofthepoints
25
25/1(-25%)
(8) Phantomofthepoints 25/1, Doubled his hurdles tally when successful at Wincanton (3m, soft) in January, finding plenty for pressure on that occasion. Found it tougher off a higher mark when eighth of 12 at Exeter (23.1f) the following month and cheekpieces now applied in the hope of unlocking a bit more improvement. An improver this season at about 3m and cheekpieces go on after a lesser display at Exeter.
7
8th (7) (14/1 -27%) Backmersackme
14
14/1(-27%)
(7) Backmersackme 14/1, Bumper winner is yet to get his head in front over hurdles but he has shaped well in some valuable handicaps on both sides of the Irish Sea. Only narrowly beaten at Navan (25f, soft) on penultimate start and shaped as though still in form at Leopardstown last time. Chance in first-time cheekpieces. Solid efforts in Listed handicaps in Ireland the last twice; cheekpieces added; likes soft.
5
9th (5) (6/1 +40%) Guard Duty
6
6/1(+40%)
(5) Guard Duty 6/1, Successful in 3 of his 6 completed hurdles starts and has jumped more fluently with experience. Followed up his victory at Windsor's Winter Million meeting with a smooth-travelling success at Newbury (20.5f) 2 weeks ago. This should be run to suit and thriving sort remains of interest up in trip. Easy Newbury winner and could be progressive enough to handle the 10lb rise; should stay.
16
10th (16) (17/2 -6%) Chasingouttheblues
8.5
17/2(-6%)
(16) Chasingouttheblues 17/2, Progressive sort has won 3 of his 6 hurdles starts, improving for the step up to 3 miles when landing a 9-runner handicap hurdle at Ayr and more than matched that when unlucky in a valuable stayers' hurdle at Haydock last month, badly hampered. Lightly-raced sort has to remain of interest. Unlucky not to be closer in a good race at Haydock; on the upgrade and has a chance.
12
11th (12) (12/1 +40%) Dartmoor Pirate
12
12/1(+40%)
(12) Dartmoor Pirate 12/1, Didn't take to chasing this season but back on track and seemingly suited by the longer trip when second of 10 in a Pertemps Qualifier at Wincanton (24.7f, soft) on Boxing Day. Wasn't in the same form in a stronger race when a well-held fifth behind Red Dirt Road. May find a few too good again. Has to bounce back from a poor last run but better than that and not badly handicapped.
15
12th (15) (28/1 -27%) Fingal's Hill
28
28/1(-27%)
(15) Fingal's Hill 28/1, Recorded a 4-timer in handicaps in 2023 and has been working his way back to form this season, posted best effort when reverted to front-running tactics over shorter earlier this month, third of 10 at Kelso (20.9f). Should just about see out this longer trip but may face competition for the lead. Has been running well this season but it doesn't get any easier here.
2
|PU| (2) (8/1 -33%) Red Dirt Road
8
8/1(-33%)
(2) Red Dirt Road 8/1, Winner of 4 of his 8 hurdles starts, back-to-back victories in his most recent starts, having been well-suited by positive tactics. Overcame a 5lb rise to emphatically land a valuable Sandown handicap (23.5f, Heavy) last month. Faces different conditions off 9 lb higher but may still be improving. Up the weights but very progressive and will run well if coping with the drying ground.
13
|PU| (13) (16/1 +0%) Strackan
16
16/1(+0%)
(13) Strackan 16/1, Has returned an improved performer, completing a hat-trick on soft/heavy when seeing off 8 rivals at Cheltenham on New Year's Day having been well positioned the way that race unfolded. Winning run came to an end off 6 lb higher mark at Exeter last month but shaped as though still in good form. His productive campaign has come at a cost mark-wise and only fifth at Exeter last time.
14
|PU| (14) (25/1 +24%) Castelfort
25
25/1(+24%)
(14) Castelfort 25/1, Fairly useful form when winning pair of juvenile hurdles last season and has matched that form in handicaps, successful at Chepstow (2m) over Christmas. Stayed the longer trip but undone by 8 lb rise when third at same venue 46 days ago. Needs to improve again for this greater stamina test. In deeper here over a longer trip but his trainer considers him a future staying chaser.
1
|PU| (1) (80/1 -100%) Indiana Dream
80
80/1(-100%)
(1) Indiana Dream 80/1, Won a bumper for Emmanuel Clayeux in France and a maiden hurdle/chase for WiIlie Mullins in Ireland on his first 3 starts. However, lost his unbeaten record with a whimper after another absence in a Windsor chase for new yard and shaped similarly when pulled-up last month. Plenty to prove. Promising in Ireland but has shown nothing in two chases since joining current yard.
Red Dirt Road made every yard of the running in heavy ground to run out an eight-length victor in a warm handicap at Sandown last month and is likely to have his supporters. However, this requires another career-best effort off a 9lb higher mark and, with that in mind, GUARD DUTY gets the nod. Emma Lavelle's eight-year-old may have been worth more than the winning margin suggests at Newbury earlier in the month and this step up in trip could unlock further improvement. Red Risk and Patriotik complete the shortlist.
JOYEUX MACHIN has seemingly been brought to the boil at just the right time by master-target-trainer Dan Skelton and he's taken to land this decent pot. Guard Duty is progressive and will enjoy getting plenty of cover in this big-field handicap, so he's the main danger ahead of Irish-raider Blaze the Way who remains unexposed over this sort of trip. Of the several other interesting types, Chasingouttheblues deserves an honourable mention following his luckless passage at Haydock last month.
This is seriously competitive. BLAZE THE WAY has been improving in Ireland and his latest second was over an inadequate 2m4f.
(2) Common Practice 12/1, Useful over hurdles and made a successful chasing debut in impressive fashion at Wexford (2m) in July. Wasn't suited by the way the race developed back there last time and remains with potential. Cheekpieces back on. Lack of a recent run a concern but has run well fresh; not totally proven at this trip.
4
2nd (4) (2/13 +81%) High Class Hero
0.153846
2/13(+81%)
(4) High Class Hero 2/13, Confirmed promise of chasing bow when winning 8-runner maiden chase (8/15) at Punchestown (22.7f, soft) 23 days ago, bit in hand. Open to further improvement and has excellent claims. Classy hurdler has made a good start chasing; big player and should handle better ground.
3
3rd (3) (16/1 +36%) Drumgill
16
16/1(+36%)
(3) Drumgill 16/1, Sprung a surprise when winning on chasing debut here in November. Respectable fourth back over hurdles since but faces a stiff task here. Debut chase win here in November; could have more to offer but faces some classy rivals.
5
4th (5) (13/2 +28%) Prairie Dancer
6.5
13/2(+28%)
(5) Prairie Dancer 13/2, Useful chaser. C&D winner. 2 wins from 5 runs this season. 125/1, fell in Scalp Novices' Chase at Leopardstown (21.5f, good to soft) 41 days ago won by Ballyburn. This more suitable. C&D handicap win in December on good; stiffer task here but place claims.
1
|U| (1) (125/1 +17%) Committee Meeting
125
125/1(+17%)
(1) Committee Meeting 125/1, Just fair at best over hurdles and was pulled up on Punchestown chasing debut. 0-4 hurdling and pulled up on recent chase debut; looks out of depth here.
The decision to keep HIGH CLASS HERO at home this week can reap rewards here. The Brown Advisory at Cheltenham was initially mentioned as the target for the Sulamani gelding after an impressive victory at Punchestown last month. This is obviously an easier assignment and he sets a fair standard off a mark of 148. Stablemate Fun Fun Fun disappointed at Exeter last month but lost a front shoe then and can be forgiven the below-par showing. She had been impressive on her chase debut at Naas and could be the danger now. Prairie Dancer fell early when pitched into Grade 1 company last time and this is a more suitable target now. He's capable of reaching the frame.
HIGH CLASS HERO confirmed the promise of his chasing debut when landing the odds with a bit in hand at Punchestown last month and can take the step up in grade in his stride with further improvement on the cards. Common Practice wasn't ideally suited by the way the race developed at Wexford on his most recent outing and remains with potential.
Providing she jumps better than at Exeter, FUN FUN FUN may be able to exploit the weight allowance over stablemate High Class Hero
(7) Dartmhor 14/1, Down the field in a pair of bumpers and will need to leave his poor maiden/novice form a long way behind now pitched into a handicap if he's to make any sort of impact. Makes his handicap debut but needs to improve on his form to feature.
8
1st (8) (10/3 -33%) Luminaries
3.333333
10/3(-33%)
(8) Luminaries 10/3, The combination of refitted cheekpieces and livelier ground seemingly aided him when opening his account at the thirteenth attempt over C&D 12 days ago. 3 lb rise fair enough and will be a danger to all if able to build on that breakthrough success. Off the mark in first-time cheekpieces over C&D last time; should go well off 3lb higher.
1
2nd (1) (4/1 -78%) Rioja Alta
4
4/1(-78%)
(1) Rioja Alta 4/1, Showed next to nothing on first couple of handicaps in this sphere but it was all change in first-time blinkers last month at Sedgefield where he made all for a thoroughly decisive success. Gone up 8 lb for that and couldn't be sure that he'll back that up but he'll be danger to all if he does. Off the mark over hurdles with blinkers (retained) last time; 8lb higher; a possible.
2
3rd (2) (13/2 +41%) Bo Cruz
6.5
13/2(+41%)
(2) Bo Cruz 13/2, Runner-up on completed start in Irish points and showed a bit more than on first 2 starts in this sphere when fourth of 9 in a Carlisle novice (17f, soft) last time. Possible that moving up in trip for this handicap debut will help bring about improvement but it will certainly be needed. Irish point 2nd; h'cap debut after 3 runs over hurdles; first run at 2m4f; bit to find.
4
4th (4) (6/1 +50%) Athair Mor
6
6/1(+50%)
(4) Athair Mor 6/1, Didn't shape badly on first of his 2 starts in maiden hurdles and respectable mid-field finish on handicap debut back here (17f, good to soft) in January. Still appears to be on a stiff mark eased 2 lb and others make more appeal. Unexposed; had two find ops; fair form in 3 runs over hurdles; a possible on h'cap debut.
6
5th (6) (15/2 -25%) Prince Nino
7.5
15/2(-25%)
(6) Prince Nino 15/2, Losing run mounting and while he went close over C&D on penultimate start, his subsequent display at Wetherby where he never got into any sort of rhythm was disappointing. Looks vulnerable. Two wins over 2m4f at Perth; below-par last time but two good runs before that; a possible.
3
6th (3) (12/1 -85%) Tommy Johnson
12
12/1(-85%)
(3) Tommy Johnson 12/1, Showed signs of promise on 3 of 4 starts last term but there has been no progress in handicaps at Catterick and Wetherby since returning from a 12-month absence in January. Hopes pinned on the addition of a tongue strap helping him to get back on track. Fifth in a h'cap here in January 2024; then off for 382 days; poor efforts two runs since.
5
|PU| (5) (9/2 +44%) Knacker Trapper
4.5
9/2(+44%)
(5) Knacker Trapper 9/2, Off the mark at Southwell last spring and placed in handicaps at Sedgefield and Wetherby on first 2 starts of present campaign. Form has dipped since but mark has also gone downwards, so there is cause for optimism. Won Sedgefield h'cap by 31l in May; best form since on same track; others preferred.
RIOJA ALTA bolted up in first-time blinkers (retained) at Sedgefield last month and should they have a similar effect, he ought to be more than capable despite having an 8lb higher mark to contend with. Luminaries sprang a surprise when on target over C&D recently and he merits respect off 3lb higher, while market support for the unexposed Athair Mor would be noteworthy.
KNACKER TRAPPER needs to get back on track following a run of low-key efforts but he has edged down to an attractive mark as a consequence and is worth chancing in a race devoid of a standout contender. Last-time-out winners Luminaries and Rioja Alta rate the main dangers.
From a stable going great guns at present recent C&D winner LUMINARIES (nap) is fancied to follow up off this 3lb higher mark.
(2) Pyramid Place 33/1, Landed an eighth handicap hurdle success of his career when seeing off 3 rivals over C&D in November but found in stronger races at Doncaster and back here since. This doesn't look any easier. Won well over C&D in November but is now 4lb higher in a stronger field.
9
1st (9) (10/3 +44%) Aston Martini
3.333333
10/3(+44%)
(9) Aston Martini 10/3, Bumper winner who also landed her first 2 starts over hurdles last winter. Further progress in handicaps this season, shaping as if this slightly longer trip will play to her strengths when second of 11 in 19f Ascot handicap in January. Cheekpieces go on. This combination of new trip and first-time headgear is likely to suit; possibilities.
5
2nd (5) (10/3 +49%) Classic King
3.333333
10/3(+49%)
(5) Classic King 10/3, Has landed handicap chase/hurdle wins around 19f at Doncaster this winter. Another good run when third in 19f Ascot handicap last month, staying on as if this return to slightly further will suit. Better than ever since returned to hurdles, winning at Doncaster then third at Ascot.
8
3rd (8) (7/1 -100%) Double Powerful
7
7/1(-100%)
(8) Double Powerful 7/1, Highly progressive, strong-travelling sort who won a remarkable 6 handicaps on the trot between March and November last month. Improved again when only narrowly denied a 7-timer at Ascot (21.5f, good to soft) in December, running on well having still hard plenty to do 3 out. Big player. Very progressive; almost completed a seven-timer on last appearance; remains of interest.
4
4th (4) (10/1 -43%) Irish Hill
10
10/1(-43%)
(4) Irish Hill 10/1, Consistent type who landed hurdle win number 7 when holding on gamely at Warwick (21f, soft) under Jay Tibdall last month. Should remain very competitive after only a 2 lb nudge. Scored gamely at Warwick last time; finished third in this race last year; solid chance.
1
5th (1) (16/1 -14%) West Balboa
16
16/1(-14%)
(1) West Balboa 16/1, Very useful winning hurdler. Didn't take to chasing in the autumn but this former Lanzarote winner wasn't disgraced back hurdling the last twice and connections' won this race last year. Only sixth in this race last year but is now 6lb lower; won the 2023 Lanzarote over C&D.
6
6th (6) (11/2 -83%) Saint Anapolino
5.5
11/2(-83%)
(6) Saint Anapolino 11/2, Going from strength to strength over hurdles, completing hat-trick in pretty good C&D handicap last month. A further 7 lb rise demands more but no surprise were this improving 6-y-o to find it. Won going away in C&D contest last month, taking hurdles record to 23111; improving 6yo.
10
7th (10) (16/1 +0%) The Gray Ghost
16
16/1(+0%)
(10) The Gray Ghost 16/1, Irish bumper winner who came good for new connections in 2½m Newcastle novice hurdle in January. Improved again when length second of 10 in Musselburgh handicap (2½m, good to soft) since. Raised 4 lb but this lightly-raced 6-y-o could easily have more to give. Improved form with hood fitted the last twice; this is harder and headgear is removed.
7
8th (7) (15/2 +53%) Josh The Boss
7.5
15/2(+53%)
(7) Josh The Boss 15/2, Resumed progress on return with victory in 17-runner Silver Trophy at Chepstow (19.5f) in October. That is good form but he hasn't come close to reproducing it twice since. A bounce back is needed. Form of Chepstow success is strong; hasn't matched it in two outings since.
3
9th (3) (12/1 +25%) Chasing Fire
12
12/1(+25%)
(3) Chasing Fire 12/1, Notched second success over fences when accounting for 5 rivals in 3m Perth handicap on final run of last season. Disappointing in 2 chases starts on his return at the end of 2024 and now reverts to hurdles after 3 months off. Record of 3-5 over hurdles but hasn't raced in this sphere for nearly two years.
The progressive DOUBLE POWERFUL notched up six straight victories before missing out by only a head at Ascot. He may well have won again with a more fluent display of jumping and a further 6lb rise is not insurmountable. Irish Hill finished just behind the selection at Ascot and that brings Paul Nicholls' charge into the equation. He subsequently franked the form by going in at Warwick, while Saint Anapolino also merits consideration having completed a hat-trick with plenty in hand over C&D three weeks ago.
A really good handicap. SAINT ANAPOLINO is taken to defy a 7 lb rise for last month's C&D success and make it 4 in a row but there are plenty of possible dangers, headed by the prolific Double Powerful, who was arguably a bit unlucky not to complete a remarkable 7-timer at Ascot when last seen just before Christmas. Aston Martini and the reliable Irish Hill complete the shortlist.
Improving SAINT ANAPOLINO (nap) is taken to follow up his C&D success and complete a four-timer. Double Powerful is feared most.
(1) Mr Vango 11/1, Has quickly made up into a smart chaser and followed up a winning return at Sandown (3m4f) with a game success in Peter Marsh at Haydock in January. Up another 3 lb but this really likeable type is a likely player in his hat-trick bid. Out-and-out stayer built to carry the weight but all his best form is in the mud.
6
2nd (6) (14/1 -65%) Tanganyika
14
14/1(-65%)
(6) Tanganyika 14/1, Very much on the up since sent chasing, scoring at Market Rasen (3m) then following up impressively at Carlisle (3m) last month. This demands more but he's a major player with better still to come now tackling a marathon trip for the first time. Improving and if his stamina reserves can stretch this far then he might not be far away.
13
3rd (13) (11/1 +45%) Passing Well
11
11/1(+45%)
(13) Passing Well 11/1, Yet to score this season but this reliable sort has been placed on all five runs, a solid third of 17 to Knockanore in Eider at Newcastle 21 days ago. Can go well again. Consistent gelding but only 1lb lower than when a remote third in the Eider.
16
4th (16) (22/1 +0%) My Silver Lining
22
22/1(+0%)
(16) My Silver Lining 22/1, Bagged Warwick's Classic Chase last season but he's been pulled up in three of his four runs this term, latest when tried in cheekpieces at Wincanton in January. Others more persuasive. Former winner of Warwick's big staying chase but she's having a disappointing season.
10
5th (10) (10/1 +0%) Fortunedefortunata
10
10/1(+0%)
(10) Fortunedefortunata 10/1, Irish challenger left his previous chasing efforts behind when bagging 17-runner handicap chase at Punchestown (27f) 23 days ago, overcoming last-fence error. Likely to do better still stepping up in trip. Well in the mix. H'cap debut in this discipline when beating 16 rivals at Punchestown; may prefer the mud.
12
6th (12) (4/1 +33%) Knockanore
4
4/1(+33%)
(12) Knockanore 4/1, Opened his chase account over 2m4f here in December and took his form up a couple of notches when a wide-margin winner of Newcastle's Eider three weeks ago. Hiked up 10 lb but not taken lightly with talented 5 lb claimer Freddie Mitchell again up. Easy winner of the Eider three weeks ago off 10lb lower; very unexposed as a stayer.
15
7th (15) (14/1 +30%) Bodhisattva
14
14/1(+30%)
(15) Bodhisattva 14/1, Irish challenger is on a losing run but he posted a good second in the Edinburgh National at Musselburgh in February before unseating 18th in Eider at Newcastle three weeks ago. Possibilities. Staying-on second in the Edinburgh National before unseating 7f out in the Eider.
17
|PU| (17) (8/1 +43%) Invincible Nao
8
8/1(+43%)
(17) Invincible Nao 8/1, On the up since the hood went on and bids for a hat-trick after a pair of handicap wins at Plumpton, getting up late on latter occasion over 28.5f. No forlorn hope on his first go over a marathon distance. Recent wins have been at 3m1f/3m4f and he's unexposed as a stayer; lightly weighted.
2
|PU| (2) (9/2 +44%) Apple Away
4.5
9/2(+44%)
(2) Apple Away 9/2, Yet to score this season but she is knocking on the door and came in a clear second of 9 in Grand National Trial at Haydock four weeks ago. This longer trip promises to suit so big shout off just a 1lb higher mark. Classy mare; unraced over this far but likely to remain in her comfort zone for a long way.
3
|PU| (3) (11/1 +31%) Galia Des Liteaux
11
11/1(+31%)
(3) Galia Des Liteaux 11/1, Listed/Graded winner who showed she can also be competitive in staying handicaps when second in the Classic Chase at Warwick (29f) early last year. Not been in quite same form this season, however, so others are preferred. Last year's Grand National 8th; fair run last time and she's easing in the weights.
14
|PU| (14) (12/1 +25%) Ioupy Collonges
12
12/1(+25%)
(14) Ioupy Collonges 12/1, Resumed winning ways in 3m1f handicap at Wincanton on Boxing Day and backed it up with a good second of 6 there following month when fitted with cheekpieces. This consistent can make his presence felt if his stamina holds out. Lightly raced chaser; unraced beyond 3m1f but he doesn't do much in a hurry.
5
|PU| (5) (16/1 +0%) Saint Davy
16
16/1(+0%)
(5) Saint Davy 16/1, Made a promising start in this sphere when third at Sandown but hasn't gone on in two subsequent starts, a fading fourth of six in 23f Newbury handicap last month. Takes a big step up in trip now and others appeal more. Lightly raced chaser; interesting if finding some rhythm and staying okay in new blinkers.
11
|PU| (11) (20/1 +0%) Anglers Crag
20
20/1(+0%)
(11) Anglers Crag 20/1, A big improver for current stable after wind surgery last term, completing the four-timer in Newcastle's Eider. Caught the eye when fourth of 14 in Edinburgh National at Musselburgh last time so he's very much one to consider eased 1 lb. Four wins last season included the 4m1f Eider; hinted at a return to form on final start.
4
|PU| (4) (22/1 -38%) Iron Bridge
22
22/1(-38%)
(4) Iron Bridge 22/1, Useful handicapper but winless since 2022 and he failed to build on his reappearance Carlisle third when pulled up in Welsh National at Chepstow. Needs to get back on track after a break. Has his off days but a smart stayer who does have form here; tries blinkers.
9
|PU| (9) (28/1 -12%) Where It All Began
28
28/1(-12%)
(9) Where It All Began 28/1, Irish raider landed Grand National Trial at Punchestown last February. Hasn't come close to that form since though, looking increasingly temperamental and he fell in last month's repeat bid. Others appeal more. Inconsistent but a 3m3f winner and ran well in the Welsh National until clouting four out.
8
|PU| (8) (33/1 -65%) Egbert
33
33/1(-65%)
(8) Egbert 33/1, Dual chase winner at up to 3m last season and added Haydock's Tommy Whittle in December. Running well, though held in third, when fell last in Eider at Newcastle since. No easy ride but he could have a part to play off the same mark. Can run well again but others might be better equipped to see this out stronger.
Last year's third My Silver Lining returns competing off a 7lb lower mark, but she has only completed a race once in her last four starts, which is a real concern. If she can reproduce her third at Hereford two starts ago, she may be able to be there when it matters. However, KNOCKANORE looks the much safer bet. Ryan Potter's eight-year-old relished the step up in distance when bolting up in the Eider at Newcaslte last month and even a 10lb rise might underestimate his authority over his rivals that day. Galia Des Liteaux is a classy performer on her day and has to be respected, along with the hat-trick seeking Mr Vango.
This is wide open but KNOCKANORE proved a revelation on his first go over a marathon trip when routing his field in Newcastle's Eider Chase and with ground conditions again likely to be far from testing he can follow up with talented claimer Freddie Mitchell once more taking off 5 lb. The admirable Mr Vango is feared most in his hat-trick bid, although Tanganyika, Apple Away and Val Dancer all seem sure to have a say too. Invincible Nao completes the shortlist in a cracking Midlands National.
Classy mare APPLE AWAY (nap) should move with purpose for a long way and that can count for a lot in these competitive staying chases.
(1) Spinning Web 9/2, Fairly useful winner at 16f over hurdles. 11/2, career best when winning 11-runner novice chase at this C&D (good to soft) 9 days ago. Well in the mix again. Improver here recently on better ground; 7lb higher but more improvement on the cards.
7
2nd (7) (8/1 -78%) Lilian Bland
8
8/1(-78%)
(7) Lilian Bland 8/1, C&D winner. 9/2, career best when winning 7-runner handicap chase at Navan (20.4f, heavy) 14 days ago. Up 5 lb but she's not taken lightly in her current mood. Recent Navan winner on favoured heavy; 5lb rise fair but quicker ground not be ideal.
14
3rd (14) (7/2 +53%) Crowsatedappletart
3.5
7/2(+53%)
(14) Crowsatedappletart 7/2, A three-time winner over hurdles and fences this season. 8/1, very good second of 18 in handicap hurdle at Limerick (21f, soft) 77 days ago. Switches to fences and expected to be bang there off a reduced mark. Much improved hurdler this term; back chasing off 14lb lower mark so obvious appeal.
3
4th (3) (14/1 -133%) Clonbury Bridge
14
14/1(-133%)
(3) Clonbury Bridge 14/1, Latest win in chase at Fairyhouse in January. Brought down 1st in handicap chase at Leopardstown (21.5f, good to soft, 13/2) 12 days ago. Can bounce back. Brought down early at Leopardstown, previous Fairyhouse win at this trip augurs well.
9
5th (9) (5/1 +29%) Irish Impulse
5
5/1(+29%)
(9) Irish Impulse 5/1, 2 wins from 4 runs this season. 10/3, below form fourth of 18 in handicap chase at Naas (16f, good to soft) 89 days ago. Can make his presence felt if shrugging off latest effort. Clonmel winner returns to same trip and better ground so don't rule out him bouncing back.
10
6th (10) (11/1 +45%) Ricky Langford
11
11/1(+45%)
(10) Ricky Langford 11/1, Moody sort. Good fourth of 16 in handicap hurdle (40/1) at this course (15.6f, good to soft) 9 days ago. Switches from hurdles to chase. Significantly up in trip. Others are still preferred. Three chase wins have all been over shorter trips on this sort of ground; stamina concerns.
5
7th (5) (20/1 +20%) Must Be Dreaming
20
20/1(+20%)
(5) Must Be Dreaming 20/1, Latest win in chase at Tramore in September. Pulled up in handicap chase (20/1) at Limerick (17.7f, soft) 79 days ago, pulled up before 2 out. Others more persuasive. Tramore win over 2m but out of form when last seen.
2
8th (2) (40/1 -100%) Secret She Keeps
40
40/1(-100%)
(2) Secret She Keeps 40/1, C&D winner. First run since leaving Henry De Bromhead when last of 10 in handicap chase at this course (21.8f, good, 8/1) 55 days ago. Tailed off on yard debut here in January after 633-day absence; best watched.
15
9th (15) (40/1 -21%) Dontdooddson
40
40/1(-21%)
(15) Dontdooddson 40/1, Twenty one runs since last win in 2021. Eleventh of 16 in handicap hurdle at this course (15.6f, good to soft, 18/1) 9 days ago. Switches from hurdles to chase. Significantly back up in trip. Long losing run and recent hurdles form off much lower mark doesn't inspire confidence.
12
|F| (12) (14/1 +44%) Andyourbirdcansing
14
14/1(+44%)
(12) Andyourbirdcansing 14/1, One win from 21 NH runs. Running below form when fell last in handicap chase (22/1) at this course (16f, good) 37 days ago. Back up in trip with more needed. 0-6 chasing, beaten when faller in 2m handicap here recently.
4
10th (4) (12/1 +25%) Malinas Glory
12
12/1(+25%)
(4) Malinas Glory 12/1, Course winner. Eleventh of 15 in handicap hurdle at Clonmel (18.9f, heavy, 20/1) 16 days ago. Switches from hurdles to chase. Tongue strap back on. Needs a couple of these to falter. Won here in November on good, heavy ground not ideal of late; don't rule out.
11
11th (11) (25/1 -25%) Baltinglass Hill
25
25/1(-25%)
(11) Baltinglass Hill 25/1, Fifteenth of 17 in handicap hurdle at Leopardstown (16f, good to soft, 50/1) 13 days ago. Switches from hurdles to chase. Best form is over shorter; others preferred.
8
|PU| (8) (9/2 +72%) Get It Right
4.5
9/2(+72%)
(8) Get It Right 9/2, 66/1, hampered and unseated rider last (running well) in handicap chase at this course (16f, good) on debut over fences 37 days ago. Back up in trip and not ruled out. Back to a more suitable trip here but inexperience a concern.
SPINNING WEB may be able to follow up after a good win over course and distance nine days ago. The Mag Mullins-trained gelding appreciated stepping up to this trip then having been narrowly denied over two miles at this venue on his previous visit. Lilian Bland also comes here in winning form, having scored in good style at Navan a fortnight ago. She's versatile ground-wise but her best form is probably on softer. Irish Impulse won twice in November but weakened tamely enough when last seen at Naas in December. After a little break he has to be respected.
CROWSATEAPPLETART comes here at the top of his game over hurdles but also has a fencing win to his name this season and is fancied to bag a second victory off a reduced chasing mark. C&D winners Lilian Bland and Spinning Web appeal as the duo to chase home Michael Winters' 8-y-o in that order.
Much improved over hurdles recently, CROWSATEDAPPLETART holds plenty of interest back chasing here off a 14lb lower mark
(4) Milan Bridge 12/1, Arrived on a hat-trick after back-to-back wins at Plumpton but struggled from effectively 14 lb higher (including 8 lb out of the handicap) at Uttoxeter (26.1f, good to soft) when last seen 8 months ago. Watching brief advised on return. Won h'cap chases on his last 2 starts last term; could go well if tuned up after a break.
3
1st (3) (8/13 +55%) Cerendipity
0.615385
8/13(+55%)
(3) Cerendipity 8/13, Arrives in good nick, shaping as if still in good form when fourth of 8 at Uttoxeter (24f, heavy) 5 weeks ago. Has had another breathing operation since and could prove a tough nut to crack back down in grade. Two wins on soft last season; fair efforts 3 runs before wind op this term; going a worry.
2
2nd (2) (3/1 -9%) Special Rate
3
3/1(-9%)
(2) Special Rate 3/1, Enjoyed a most productive campaign over hurdles/fences last term, winning 7 from 10 starts for Philip Kirby. However, he's yet to find his form for new connections but the handicapper has at least given him a chance. Seven wins at up to 2m7f for Phil Kirby last season; not run as well this term; a possible.
1
3rd (1) (6/1 -118%) Bowmore
6
6/1(-118%)
(1) Bowmore 6/1, Made a successful start over fences at Tipperary (17.3f) in July but hasn't managed to kick on from that effort, tailed off at Musselburgh (20.3f, good to soft) just under 6 weeks ago. Has since left Henry de Bromhead and needs this step up in trip to rejuvenate him. Two wins for Henry de Bromhead; well beaten latest; first run at 2m7f; stable debut.
CERENDIPITY occupied the runner-up berth two starts in a row before only managing fourth when stepped up in trip at Uttoxeter last month. That was a stronger contest, though, and he has since undergone a wind operation so could capitalise off a 1lb lower mark. Bowmore was well beaten into fourth at Musselburgh on his latest outing, but he now goes for the Charlie Longsdon stable which could spark a revival. Special Rate can beat Milan Bridge home for third.
A contest that is unlikely to take much winning and CERENDIPITY, who arrives in form, gets the nod to record his third success over the larger obstacles following another breathing operation. Stable-switcher Bowmore is taken to edge out Special Rate for the forecast spot.
In a race in which there are doubts about all four runners the value could be with SPECIAL RATE, who should handle these conditions.
(5) Jetoile 12/1, Sprung a surprise when winning last season's Old Roan Chase at Aintree and ended that campaign with a good effort at Punchestown. Failed to fire first 4 runs of this season but took a step back in the right direction when runner-up at Newcastle last time and he's lurking on a dangerous mark. Losing run goes back to 2023; runner-up in a lower grade last time.
6
1st (6) (5/2 +29%) Bad
2.5
5/2(+29%)
(6) Bad 5/2, Belatedly (and deservedly) opened his account on these shores when scoring in good style over C&D last time, a much more patient ride in retained blinkers getting the best out of him. 9 lb rise to contend with (and ground likely to be quicker this time) but he's a big player nonetheless. Opened his British account with a ready success over C&D last time; warrants respect.
7
2nd (7) (13/2 -86%) Flegmatik
6.5
13/2(-86%)
(7) Flegmatik 13/2, Three of his 4 wins over fences have been gained here, the latest a 3m handicap (strong form) off 7 lb higher last January before two solid efforts in defeat back here (latterly when chasing home Outlaw Pete in this race). Not at his best for the most part this season but could easily bounce back. Well suited by Kempton; finished second off 10lb higher in this contest last year.
10
3rd (10) (7/1 +18%) Bashers Reflection
7
7/1(+18%)
(10) Bashers Reflection 7/1, Progressed into a fairly useful hurdler last term and hasn't done much wrong switched to fences this season, runner-up in handicaps at Wetherby and Newbury (both at around this trip) since undergoing a wind op. Surely a matter of time before he wins one and should give this a good shot. 0-5 over fences but turn looks near, having finished second the last twice.
8
4th (8) (4/1 +43%) Bourbali
4
4/1(+43%)
(8) Bourbali 4/1, Both wins over fences gained here, including when making all over 2¼m (good to soft) on return in October. Remained in good form since, coming home 10½ lengths third of 9 to Bad over C&D 3 weeks ago and 9 lb swing offers hope that he will finish closer to that rival this time. Two course wins; ties in with Bad on C&D form last time; solid contender.
3
5th (3) (7/1 -17%) Outlaw Peter
7
7/1(-17%)
(3) Outlaw Peter 7/1, Ended last term on the up, proving 1¼ lengths too strong for Flegmatik (18 lb pull) in this race 12 months ago prior to finishing second in a competitive Sandown handicap. Absent since finishing down the field in the Grand Sefton in November but he likes it here and tends to peak during the spring. Largely consistent record includes a success in this race last year; likely player.
4
6th (4) (13/2 +28%) Sure Touch
6.5
13/2(+28%)
(4) Sure Touch 13/2, Smashing start over fences last year, a fourth success in this sphere coming in the Summer Plate at Market Rasen (21.4f) in July. However, he has found life tougher since and was beaten over 15 lengths when fourth in the 9-runner C&D handicap won by Bad 3 weeks ago. Summer Plate winner; interesting if the ground is good, being 5-9 on that surface.
1
7th (1) (33/1 +0%) Authorized Art
33
33/1(+0%)
(1) Authorized Art 33/1, Smart chaser for Willie Mullins and positive start for new yard when third in 2m listed hurdle here in October. However, let down by his jumping back over fences in the Grand Sefton at Aintree next time and then ran poorly with cheekpieces refitted returned to hurdles at Sandown. Bit to prove. Useful for Willie Mullins; far from solid on his form for new yard.
9
8th (9) (40/1 -21%) Hidden Heroics
40
40/1(-21%)
(9) Hidden Heroics 40/1, Bounced back from a couple of lesser efforts when winning a 27.5f Stratford handicap last summer but it's been all downhill since and he was safely held on recent return from a break at Huntingdon. Unsuited by drop back to 2m4f last time; needs a return to further.
2
|PU| (2) (25/1 -150%) Midnight River
25
25/1(-150%)
(2) Midnight River 25/1, Ended 2022/23 with Grade 3 handicap win at Aintree Grand National meeting. Lightly raced and generally below par since but he's certainly not one to write off given that he's now 6 lb below that winning Aintree mark. One of 3 representing the Dan Skelton yard. Won notable handicaps in the 2022-23 campaign; hasn't looked the same horse since.
Bad finally came good when gaining his first success in the UK over C&D in empathic style. The six-year-old has always been well regarded by connections, but isn't straightforward and now has to cope with a 9lb rise. OUTLAW PETER won this race 12 months ago at the expense of Flegmatik and Paul Nicholls' gelding, who arrives fresh following a break since a spin over the Grand National fences in November, can repeat the feat. Bashers Reflection and Bourbali appear best of the remainder.
Though FLEGMATIK has largely struggled this season, he's been set some pretty stiff assignments and showed more than enough when third at Ascot in January (his standout effort of the current campaign so far) to suggest that the fire still burns bright. The 10-y-o enjoys a significant swing at the weights with Outlaw Peter compared to when second to that rival in this 12 months ago. Bad was a decisive winner over C&D recently and is feared most ahead of Outlaw Peter and Bashers Reflection.
With the blinkers retained, BAD could well show further improvement and follow up his C&D win. Flegmatik is feared most.
(9) Minella Blueway 13/2, Winning pointer and matched his hurdles form on third chase start when second of 5 in handicap at Windsor in December. Went one better in convincing fashion in 4-runner handicap chase at Ludlow (23.8f, soft) recently and not out of things up in grade. Won in cheekpieces at Ludlow in a race that fell apart, but he was impressive nevertheless.
7
2nd (7) (11/4 +45%) Eyed
2.75
11/4(+45%)
(7) Eyed 11/4, Fair hurdler/chaser for Paul Webber and confirmed stable debut promise when off the mark in this sphere at Market Rasen. Got no further than the first fence at Lingfield next time but hasn't looked back since, scoring at former course and Kempton in recent weeks. Another 5 lb rise to deal with. Has won his last three completed starts and latest 5lb rise may not stop him.
2
3rd (2) (22/1 -100%) Isaac Des Obeaux
22
22/1(-100%)
(2) Isaac Des Obeaux 22/1, Back-to-back hurdles winner last winter and signed 2023/24 campaign off by finishing a close third in 3m handicap at Taunton in April. Still early days in this sphere but will need to show much more than he has in handicap chases so far if he's to figure prominently. Cheekpieces applied. Ran in snatches when soundly beaten third last time and first-time cheekpieces could help.
3
4th (3) (6/1 +29%) Fortunate Man
6
6/1(+29%)
(3) Fortunate Man 6/1, Won 2 of 4 races over hurdles and made third start over fences a winning one when landing an Aintree handicap (25f, soft) on Boxing Day. Ran at least as well when placed on both subsequent outings and should remain competitive. Blinkers the headgear of choice this time. Needs another step forward but only six and could still have more left in the tank.
1
5th (1) (6/1 -100%) Deafening Silence
6
6/1(-100%)
(1) Deafening Silence 6/1, Grade 2 winner over hurdles and, after almost a year off, shaped well on chase debut when third at Haydock in November. Made it fourth time lucky in this sphere with cheekpieces applied in 3-runner novice at Warwick (24f, soft) just over 3 weeks ago and can kick on back in handicap company. Grade 2 novice hurdle winner who got off the mark over fences last time; solid claims.
4
|PU| (4) (4/1 +11%) Walk On Quest
4
4/1(+11%)
(4) Walk On Quest 4/1, Promise on 2 of his 4 starts over hurdles and much-improved switched to larger obstacles, completing a 4-timer in 5-runner handicap at Kelso (21.6f, good to soft) a fortnight ago. Likely to continue to improve for a while yet, he can defy a further 4 lb rise in the weights. Made it 4-4 over fences at Kelso and a 4lb rise could prove lenient; strong contender.
5
|PU| (5) (7/1 -8%) Latenightrumble
7
7/1(-8%)
(5) Latenightrumble 7/1, Four-time point winner who surpassed his hurdles form when making a winning handicap chase debut over 3m at Wetherby in December. Would have won there again last month but for sprawling on landing at the last (neck ahead and yet to be asked for effort at the time) and should go close again. Won at Wetherby in December and runner-up the next twice; might not be far away.
6
|PU| (6) (10/1 +55%) Stans The Man
10
10/1(+55%)
(6) Stans The Man 10/1, Done well since switched back to fences, landing 4-runner Exeter handicap in November prior to following up at Doncaster (3¼m, good) later that month. Has found just one too good on his last 2 starts and respected once more despite career-high mark. Two wins in November; heavy ground perhaps not ideal last time; each-way shout.
DEAFENING SILENCE was second off this mark in a competitive event at Windsor two starts ago and followed that up when winning at Warwick last time. A reproduction of either of those efforts would give Dan Skelton's gelding a big chance here. Walk On Quest is a progressive six-year-old and he has to be noted on the back of four victories, while similar comments apply to Eyed. Others to note are Fortunate Man and Isaac Des Obeaux.
Cases can be made for most of these, but the suggestion is WALK ON QUEST, who is unbeaten in 4 starts over fences and Lucinda Russell's 6-y-o had plenty up his sleeve when scoring at Kelso a fortnight ago. Heading up the dangers is Latenightrumble, who looked an unlucky loser at Wetherby last month, with Deafening Silence and Minella Blueway taken to fight out minor honours.
There can be optimism the fast-improving 6yo WALK ON QUEST will be fine now back up to 3m and he is taken to make it 5-5 over fences.
(19) Charlie's Gift 33/1, Idaho gelding. Dam (c86/h79), winning pointer but unreliable maiden hurdler/chaser (stayed 3¼m), half-sister to useful chaser (stayed 3¾m) Embracing Change. RESERVE. Third reserve, dam point winner half-sister to useful staying chaser Embracing Change.
4
1st (4) (10/3 +5%) Free Flow
3.333333
10/3(+5%)
(4) Free Flow 10/3, Fair maiden on the Flat who ran to a similar level as on hurdling debut when third of 11 in maiden at Punchestown (16.7f, heavy) 19 days ago. Has shown some potential in two maiden hurdles but was beaten 27l in third last time.
5
2nd (5) (8/1 +33%) Game On
8
8/1(+33%)
(5) Game On 8/1, Tongue tied and shaped as if better for the run when sixth of 10 in novice hurdle at Punchestown (20.1f, heavy, 13/2) on NH debut 19 days ago. Should do better somewhere down the line. Second in a point, made a few mistakes and was tailed off on hurdling debut at Punchestown.
3
3rd (3) (5/4 +23%) Following Orders
1.25
5/4(+23%)
(3) Following Orders 5/4, Runner-up on second of 2 outings in points and produced a promising first effort under Rules when filling same spot in 18-runner maiden at Leopardstown (16f, good to soft, 25/1) 13 days ago. Leading claims. Makes plenty of appeal following his long-priced second on hurdling debut at Leopardstown.
15
4th (15) (125/1 -25%) Tippinaway
125
125/1(-25%)
(15) Tippinaway 125/1, Little show in 2 maiden hurdles. Down the field in maidens at Clonmel and Gowran, unlikely to feature.
10
5th (10) (125/1 -89%) Mega Speculator
125
125/1(-89%)
(10) Mega Speculator 125/1, 33/1, pulled up in novice hurdle at Tipperary (16.5f, soft) 113 days ago, pulled up before 3 out. Hooded for 1st time. Failed to complete in three points, has shown next to nothing under rules, hooded now.
8
6th (8) (200/1 -100%) Highland Earl
200
200/1(-100%)
(8) Highland Earl 200/1, No show in a brace of maiden hurdles. Moderate form in bumpers and has struggled in two attempts over hurdles, can be ruled out.
2
7th (2) (8/1 -60%) Brave Soldier
8
8/1(-60%)
(2) Brave Soldier 8/1, Showed more than in a Killarney bumper for Ms M. M. Gannon when fourth of 15 in maiden hurdle at Cork (16.3f, good to soft) in November. Open to improvement. Shaped quite well when 20l fourth in maiden hurdle at Cork in November, change of stable.
16
8th (16) (6/1 +45%) Stumblin In
6
6/1(+45%)
(16) Stumblin In 6/1, Wasn't in the same form as on handicap debut when fifth of 15 at Downpatrick (21.8f, good) on final outing. Off 7 months. Back down in trip. Third in a 3m handicap hurdle at Wexford last July, some ability but the trip is a concern.
1
9th (1) (40/1 +20%) Abitlikethat
40
40/1(+20%)
(1) Abitlikethat 40/1, Policy Maker gelding. Dam unraced half-sister to fairly useful hurdler/useful chaser (stayed 2¼m) Lastoftheleaders and fairly useful hurdler (stayed 21f) Hit The Headlines. Dam unraced, trainer also saddles Following Orders who has strong claims on form.
14
|F| (14) (7/2 +42%) Slieve Annilog
3.5
7/2(+42%)
(14) Slieve Annilog 7/2, Thrice-raced maiden. 11/1, eighth of 21 in novice hurdle at Punchestown (19.1f, soft) 23 days ago. Good claims if bouncing back to hurdling debut form. Point winner, has kept better company than this in three hurdle outings, leading contender.
11
|U| (11) (150/1 +0%) Midnight Eugene
150
150/1(+0%)
(11) Midnight Eugene 150/1, Well beaten in a trio of maiden hurdles. Pulled up in three points in 2023, no encouragement from three maiden hurdle outings..
12
10th (12) (150/1 -50%) Pension Plan
150
150/1(-50%)
(12) Pension Plan 150/1, Well held in 2 maiden hurdles. Towards the rear in maiden at Leopardstown and Gowran early this month, no appeal.
9
11th (9) (200/1 -100%) Killala Bay
200
200/1(-100%)
(9) Killala Bay 200/1, Well held in maiden hurdle at Gowran (16.1f, heavy) on NH debut 7 days ago. Jumping was untidy when he was completely tailed off on his debut at Gowran.
6
12th (6) (150/1 -50%) Gatehouse Boy
150
150/1(-50%)
(6) Gatehouse Boy 150/1, 125/1, offered little when last of 10 in bumper at Punchestown (16f, soft) on NH debut 23 days ago. Makes hurdle bow. Completely tailed off in a bumper at Punchestown, stablemate of Following Orders.
7
13th (7) (200/1 -203%) Getaway Blondie
200
200/1(-203%)
(7) Getaway Blondie 200/1, Has shown more temperament than ability in his short career to date. Poor form in four outings last year, impossible to make a case for him.
13
|PU| (13) (200/1 -33%) Rinnaseer King
200
200/1(-33%)
(13) Rinnaseer King 200/1, No show in bumper/maiden hurdles. Blinkered for 1st time. Has struggled in all six appearances, safe to leave out of calculations. blinkered now.
FOLLOWING ORDERS ran a cracker on his racecourse bow at Leopardstown 13 days ago and can open his account now. The Order Of St George gelding got within three-parts of a length of Solsbury Hill then. It wasn't the strongest contest, with the winner rated 100, but this doesn't appear to be the hottest heat either. Free Flow didn't make any impression on the front pair when third at Punchestown last month but it was still a promising enough run and he should play a bigger part now in this company. Slieve Annilog has been given a rating of 112 after three decent enough efforts in strong maiden hurdles. If he runs up to that he'll be a big player.
FOLLOWING ORDERS showed plenty when finding only one too good on his hurdling/Rules debut at Leopardstown and gets the nod to go one better in an ordinary-looking maiden. Brave Solider rates the main threat ahead of Free Flow.
Philip Rothwell's FOLLOWING ORDERS probably does not have to improve much from his Leopardstown run to go one place better
(4) Ballygeary 4/1, Resumed winning ways at Market Rasen in June but inconsistent since. Back to form when second at Musselburgh in January but posted a very disappointing effort later that month, when unconvincing over 25.3f at Catterick. Only 1 lb higher than last winning mark and merits consideration down in trip. Failed to stay 3m1f latest and good second over 2m4f prior to that; 2m winner.
2
1st (2) (11/10 +20%) Givemefive
1.1
11/10(+20%)
(2) Givemefive 11/10, Landed Cheltenham conditions race on return in October. Respectable fourth in 2m Fairyhouse Grade 2 in November but has been more miss than hit since, including when underperforming on the Flat last month. Tongue-tie added and he could be the pace in this small-field. Big chance if back on song. Not at best lately (including on Flat) but yard won this last year; tongue-tie added.
1
2nd (1) (3/1 -20%) Pay The Piper
3
3/1(-20%)
(1) Pay The Piper 3/1, Course winner largely struggled over hurdles and fences last season but has bounced back this season over the larger obstacles, winning twice along with plenty of creditable efforts in defeat. Headgear refitted but it remains to be seen whether he can match that form on his return to hurdles. Two chase wins this autumn and remained in form since; big player back hurdling.
3
3rd (3) (5/1 -25%) Jericoacoara
5
5/1(-25%)
(3) Jericoacoara 5/1, Fairly useful hurdler in France for D. Satalia, his best effort when runner-up in a Listed event at Auteuil in 2023/24. Offered something to work with on first start for this yard after 8 months off, fourth of 10 in handicap hurdle at this C&D (good) 3 weeks ago. Entitled to build on that run. French winner; fair fourth on C&D British debut last month; may come on for the run.
BALLYGEARY ran too bad to be true when finishing last at Catterick on his most recent start, but this drop in trip looks a good move. If the eight-year-old can reproduce his second in a warmer event at Musselburgh prior to that, then he could be the one to beat. Pay The Piper wasn't disgraced in third over fences at Wetherby in December and is an interesting contender back in this sphere, while Givemefive rates best of the rest.
An ordinary race for the grade and none of the quartet look rock-solid. Having successfully made the running as a novice, connections of GIVEMEFIVE may opt to employ those tactics again and that could give him a tactical edge in such a small field. If he can return to anything like his early season form, he should take the beating in a first-time tongue tie. Ballygeary is fairly handicapped if he can bounce back from an underwhelming effort last time, with course-winner Pay The Piper next best.
Ann Hamilton's PAY THE PIPER (nap) has been most consistent over fences this season and can take advantage of a lower hurdle mark.
(3) In The Shade 40/1, Bred to a useful jumper but offered little in a Warwick bumper on debut 14 months ago. Upped markedly in trip for hurdling debut. Tailed off at 20-1 on debut in bumper in December 2023 and absent since.
1
1st (1) (10/11 +0%) Kingston Pride
0.909091
10/11(+0%)
(1) Kingston Pride 10/11, Point/bumper winner who made perfect start in this sphere after 7 months off when landing a 6-runner Uttoxeter maiden (2½m, good to soft) in November. Underfoot conditions presumably against him (soft) when pulled up in Grade 2 a month later and he remains with plenty of potential. Impressed on hurdle debut at Uttoxeter and soft going may not have suited at Sandown since.
2
2nd (2) (1/1 +100%) Quebecois
1
1/1(+100%)
(2) Quebecois 1/1, Expensive purchase after runner-up in a point and recorded easy success in Exeter bumper on Rules bow. Well held in Champion Bumper next time but ran out impressive winner on hurdles debut at Chepstow in October and not disgraced in a pair of Grade 2s since. Respectable efforts in Grade 2s the last twice and leading claims now back down in grade.
4
3rd (4) (80/1 +20%) Kicks And Ale
80
80/1(+20%)
(4) Kicks And Ale 80/1, Successful on second of 2 starts in Irish points, though that was back in May 2021 and he hasn't shown enough in 3 starts under Rules to be of interest. Point winner in May 2021 but well beaten on all three rules starts.
QUEBECOIS, who was a respectable fourth in a Grade 2 at Cheltenham in January, is readily suggested as the one to be with, with Paul Nicholls' low-mileage six-year-old seemingly presented with a good opportunity. Kingston Pride was pulled up behind the selection when sent off favourite for a Grade 2 at Sandown in December, but is surely better than that. In The Shade appeals more than Kicks And Ale.
A likely match between KINGSTON PRIDE and Quebecois, with narrow preference for the former, who seemingly failed to handle conditions when pulled up in the same Grade 2 Quebecois finished second in back in December and retains plenty of potential now retuned to less testing ground.
Quebecois has solid credentials now back down in grade but KINGSTON PRIDE is taken to get back on track now back on better ground.
(8) Hannasboy 20/1, Lightly-raced maiden. 16/1, sixth of 9 in minor event at Wolverhampton (9.5f) 32 days ago. Up in trip. Makes handicap debut with more needed. Little solid form, including switched to 0-50 company last month; hard to recommend.
2
1st (2) (7/1 -8%) Forest Spirit
7
7/1(-8%)
(2) Forest Spirit 7/1, Lightly-raced maiden. Ninth of 10 in handicap at Wolverhampton (14f, 10/3) 42 days ago. Can give a good account if shrugging off latest effort. Went close at Wolverhampton on h'cap debut last September; well held on return; unexposed.
4
2nd (4) (11/4 -22%) Moon Over The Sea
2.75
11/4(-22%)
(4) Moon Over The Sea 11/4, Three wins from 13 runs last year. Latest win at Wolverhampton in December. Good second of 9 in handicap at this C&D (11/4) 31 days ago, left with too much to do. Has to be taken seriously. Five AW wins to his name; runner-up the last twice, including over C&D; in the mix again.
1
3rd (1) (12/1 +25%) Corsican Caper
12
12/1(+25%)
(1) Corsican Caper 12/1, C&D winner. Five wins from 20 runs last year. 33/1, fifth of 8 in handicap at Wolverhampton (14f) 25 days ago. Chance on old form. Not at his best on AW this winter and opposable despite his reduced mark.
6
4th (6) (5/1 +44%) Alvesta
5
5/1(+44%)
(6) Alvesta 5/1, Remains a maiden after 17 Flat runs. 20/1 and hooded for 1st time, respectable sixth of 11 in handicap at Chelmsford City (10f) 16 days ago. Back up in trip. Needs considering. 0-17 but effective over C&D and she's slipped down the weights; could go well at a price.
7
5th (7) (7/2 +30%) Bay Of Naples
3.5
7/2(+30%)
(7) Bay Of Naples 7/2, C&D winner. Twenty runs since last win in 2023. 11/2, good third of 11 in handicap at this course (11.1f) 36 days ago. Looks competitive on form. Solid effort when third over 1m3f here last month; each-way shout once more.
3
6th (3) (4/1 -60%) Khangai
4
4/1(-60%)
(3) Khangai 4/1, C&D winner. 3/1, won 9-runner handicap at Wolverhampton (12.2f) 12 days ago. Up 2 lb but he can go well again. 4 wins since November, two over C&D; 2lb higher than for recent Wolverhampton win; chance.
5
7th (5) (20/1 +60%) Oyamal
20
20/1(+60%)
(5) Oyamal 20/1, Last of 7 in handicap at this course (11.1f, 50/1) 28 days ago. Has work to do. Beaten a short head over C&D last March; tailed off in all four runs since; unconvincing.
KHANGAI won on his latest outing at Wolverhampton when benefiting from a step back up in trip and a 2lb rise is unlikely to stop the five-year-old from gaining further success. Moon Over The Sea is 1lb higher than a brace of seconds last month, including over C&D, and is expected to be in the mix again. Others to consider are Forest Spirit and Bay Of Naples.
MOON OVER THE SEA looks the way to go nudged up just 1 lb for his good C&D second last time out when set too much to do. C&D scorer Bay of Naples rates the main threat ahead of recent scorer Khangai and Alvesta.
In-form pair Khangai and MOON OVER THE SEA appeal most. Marginal preference is for Tony Carroll's runner.
(10) The Jukebox Kid 4/1, Bought for £135,000 after easily winning sole start in Irish points and is a half-brother to 4 winners, including fairly useful hurdle winner/smart chaser Yeah Man (23f-3½m winner) and useful hurdler Fletcher (19f/2½m winner, both by Westerner). Notable Rules debutant. Didn't beat a lot in his point but did so by an easy 16l at odds-on; bought for £130,000.
4
2nd (4) (13/2 +19%) Royal Rambler
6.5
13/2(+19%)
(4) Royal Rambler 13/2, Built on hurdling debut promise at the second attempt when winning a 14-runner maiden at Chepstow (19.4f, heavy) 34 days ago. Open to further improvement but is faced with less testing ground than previously. Strong when it mattered to win at Chepstow; still looks raw and has plenty more to offer.
1
3rd (1) (15/2 0%) I'm A Lumberjack
7.5
15/2(0%)
(1) I'm A Lumberjack 15/2, Fairly useful bumper performer who confirmed hurdling debut promise when running out a tidy winner of 11-runner maiden (6/5) at Warwick (21f, soft) in December, suited by the longer trip. Proved too free prior to falling at Market Rasen subsequently and remains open to improvement. Fell last time but could return to patient tactics and he retains potential.
2
4th (2) (7/4 +50%) King Of Answers
1.75
7/4(+50%)
(2) King Of Answers 7/4, Point runner-up who was third at Bangor only start in bumpers and proved a different proposition to on hurdling debut when winning 13-runner maiden at Newcastle (20.3f) 30 days ago, forging clear. That performance is supported by the timefigure, so merits respect under a penalty. Point form reads well and he showed his true colours in winning easily at Newcastle.
3
5th (3) (8/1 -60%) Lieutenant Mayne
8
8/1(-60%)
(3) Lieutenant Mayne 8/1, Dual bumper winner who completed a straightforward task in uncomplicated fashion on hurdles debut at Naas (18.9f) in November. Folded tamely at Carlisle 3 weeks later but is clearly better than that. Ran no race when odds-on last time but he's a lot better than that and won three times.
9
6th (9) (33/1 +34%) Swift Jet
33
33/1(+34%)
(9) Swift Jet 33/1, Beaten a long way on Rules debut in an Exeter bumper has shown fair form both starts in maiden hurdles, including when third in 7-runner maiden at Ludlow (23.8f) in February. More needed in a deeper race here, however. Others in here have superior form but they are penalised; could go well.
7
|F| (7) (33/1 -106%) Choice Runner
33
33/1(-106%)
(7) Choice Runner 33/1, Has shaped with some encouragement on both starts in bumpers. Makes hurdles debut up in trip. Beaten 12l and 13l in his two bumpers and faces no easy introduction to hurdling.
8
|F| (8) (125/1 -279%) Maillot Vert
125
125/1(-279%)
(8) Maillot Vert 125/1, Showed fair form when third in pair of 4-y-o events at Fontainebleau in 2023/24, but hasn't been seen since. Has ability but has been on the sidelines for a lengthy period and looks best watched.
6
|PU| (6) (12/1 -9%) Akimos
12
12/1(-9%)
(6) Akimos 12/1, Westerner gelding who ran to just a modest level when fifth of 11 in introductory hurdle at Newbury (16.3f, good to soft) on debut 77 days ago. Up in trip. Open to progress. Weak 11-1 chance at Newbury and he was beaten about 20l.
In an open race marginal preference is for KING OF ANSWERS, who bolted up at Newcastle last time and the second from that event has subsequently placed at Listed level. Lieutenant Mayne failed to fire when last seen but is a player based on his previous performances. The Bluesman has to be of some interest on his return to action, while any market support for The Jukebox Kid would have to be noted.
KING OF ANSWERS was much improved from hurdling debut when scoring at Newcastle last month and, with the performance more or less backed up by the timefigure, he's selected to defy a penalty at the first time of asking. I'm A Lumberjack could settle better returning to a bigger field and remains with potential, with The Bluesman and winning Irish pointer The Jukebox Kid others to note in an interesting novice hurdle.
The 6yo KING OF ANSWERS ran really well in an Irish point and finally delivered on that promise with an eyecatching win at Newcastle.
(5) Typical Thomas 80/1, Fairly useful chaser. 11/2, sixth of 7 in handicap chase at Punchestown (16.2f, good). Off 9 months. Switches from chase to hurdles. Significantly up in trip. Difficult ask. Did well to win a Listed handicap chase at Cork last season, better chaser than hurdler.
3
1st (3) (11/8 +15%) Hewick
1.375
11/8(+15%)
(3) Hewick 11/8, Last season's King George winner. Also second in French Champion Hurdle last May. As good as ever when second in the Champion Chase at Down Royal (3m, good to soft) in November. Not disgraced when seventh to Galopin Des Champs in the Irish Gold Cup last month. Bold show likely back hurdling. Sights lowered after Irish Gold Cup run, ground conditions will suit, sets the standard.
2
2nd (2) (6/4 +0%) Asterion Forlonge
1.5
6/4(+0%)
(2) Asterion Forlonge 6/4, Very smart hurdler/chaser. Second in Grade 1 Stayers' Hurdle at Punchestown last May. Not at best in Graded events at Leopardstown and Gowran this winter but a class act with his sights lowered. Second to Teahupoo at Punchestown last April, below his best in two outings this season.
4
3rd (4) (8/1 -23%) Kilcruit
8
8/1(-23%)
(4) Kilcruit 8/1, Useful hurdler. Six wins from 17 NH runs. 20¼ lengths last of 7 to Appreciate It in Kinloch Brae Chase (18/1) at this course (20.9f, good) 55 days ago. Switches from chase to hurdles. Only four runs since 2023 Punchestown festival, has finished last in both races this term.
1
4th (1) (9/2 +36%) Amirite
4.5
9/2(+36%)
(1) Amirite 9/2, Useful chaser. Eleven runs since last win in 2022. Seventh of 10 in handicap chase at Ascot (23.8f, good, 7/2) 133 days ago. Switches from chase to hurdles. 1-12 over fences, almost three years since he won a maiden hurdle by 30l.
6
5th (6) (66/1 -164%) Aodhan May
66
66/1(-164%)
(6) Aodhan May 66/1, Progressive hurdler last season but looks one to avoid at present having refused in chase/hurdle on her last 2 outings. Progressive handicap hurdler last season, has blotted her copybook with recent refusals.
ASTERION FORLONGE can avail of a drop in class for Willie Mullins. Just three runs back he finished second in a Grade 1 staying assignment at last season's Punchestown Festival. He has plenty of form on drying ground and is the choice of Paul Townend. Hewick's runner-up berth in the French Champion Hurdle last May shows what he is capable of in this discipline. He hasn't been at his best in his last couple of outings, although Paddy Hanlon's 7lb claim will help, as will this better ground. Mullins' Kilcruit hasn't troubled the judge in his last few appearances, but has plenty of back class.
High-class veterans ASTRERION FORLONGE and Hewick can dominate this conditions hurdle, with a narrow preference for the former.
Last season's King George winner HEWICK was second in a Grade 1 hurdle last May and has a slight edge over Asterion Forlonge
(4) Watchoutitscookie 11/2, Landed a gamble in C&D novice handicap in December and in better heart than his subsequent form figures at Lingfield suggest, racing too free last time. Wouldn't dismiss back here. Won over C&D in December but below that form both runs since; needs to bounce back.
6
1st (6) (4/1 +33%) Halfway House Lad
4
4/1(+33%)
(6) Halfway House Lad 4/1, A most fortuitous winner after 6 months off in 4-runner C&D handicap in November (nearly 50 lengths down when left alone 2 out). Better when third in well-run race in the mud at Wetherby last time and player if in the same form back here. C&D winner; good third at Wetherby 17 days ago; weighted to go close off a 1lb lower mark.
1
2nd (1) (14/1 +0%) Community Rebel
14
14/1(+0%)
(1) Community Rebel 14/1, Point winner who landed a 3m Musselburgh maiden hurdle in January 2023 but well beaten in 3 handicaps in a very light career since. Goes chasing now. Well held both hurdle starts this season; goes over fences now with a bit to prove.
2
3rd (2) (3/1 +14%) Hawkseye View
3
3/1(+14%)
(2) Hawkseye View 3/1, Point winner prone to mistakes but has run well in 2 visits to Newcastle over shorter this term. Wouldn't rule out up in trip. Solid third here last time so he's no forlorn hope now stepping up in trip.
3
4th (3) (11/8 +0%) Jamesieconn
1.375
11/8(+0%)
(3) Jamesieconn 11/8, Winning Irish pointer who never figured in trio of quick-fire hurdle runs but made no mistake having been well backed ahead of chase debut (tongue tied/had breathing operation during break) in staying handicap at Doncaster last month. There is more to come from him. Had wind op before winning chasing debut at Doncaster latest; bold showing on the cards.
5
5th (5) (40/1 -186%) Onenightintown
40
40/1(-186%)
(5) Onenightintown 40/1, Unreliable sort who has yet to fire this term. Mark has tumbled and Brian Hughes is back up. Not one to rely on and beat just two at Musselburgh 27 days ago; others are preferred.
HAWKSEYE VIEW looks just the type to improve for going up in distance, being related to a pair of 2m6f winners, and he performed respectably here last time when third over shorter. The form of the stable is another plus and the six-year-old is preferred to Jamesieconn, who will need to brush up on his jumping despite scoring over 3m2f at Doncaster last month. Halfway House Lad cannot be ruled out either.
JAMESIECONN was much improved when gambled on and making a successful debut over fences at Doncaster last month. There is more to come from him and he can follow up. Hawkseye View and Halfway House Lad could be the dangers.
Sam England's winning pointer JAMIESCONN was quick to make his mark in this sphere at Doncaster and can make light of a 5lb weights rise
(6) Up The Straight 33/1, Fairly useful chaser at his best but it's been almost 3 years since his latest success and he offered little back from a 13-month absence at Pumpton in December. Offered little over hurdles back from year off in December; absent again since.
4
1st (4) (10/11 +44%) The Doyen Chief
0.909091
10/11(+44%)
(4) The Doyen Chief 10/11, Point/bumper winner who struck twice over hurdles last term and has acquitted himself well all 3 starts switched to fences this season, clear of the rest when just touched off at Taunton (23f, soft) last time. Nudged up 3 lb for that but he is a strong candidate for this all the same. Consistent sort who has placed on all three chase starts, beaten only neck latest; player.
2
2nd (2) (7/1 -27%) The Wolf
7
7/1(-27%)
(2) The Wolf 7/1, Not straightforward but in fine form in November when taking small-field handicaps at Huntingdon (23.6f, good) and Leicester (22.7f, good to firm). However, he was labouring some way out when gunning for the hat-trick back from a break at Carlisle and looks risky on the back of that display. Infrequent chase winner over the years but won back-to-back in November; fair 4th latest.
3
3rd (3) (14/1 -75%) Sail Away
14
14/1(-75%)
(3) Sail Away 14/1, Dual winner on good ground in 2022/23 and shaped well on several occasions in defeat last term. Hasn't show much spark so far this season, though, and while he is very dangerous to discount off this reduced mark, a major bounce back is clearly needed. Well handicapped but recent efforts not obviously encouraging.
1
4th (1) (4/1 +0%) Slipway
4
4/1(+0%)
(1) Slipway 4/1, Useful chaser when on-song, as he demonstrated when winning this race in good style last year. Failed to fire first 3 starts of present campaign but back in the groove following a wind op when scoring over hurdles here and, off the same mark as when taking this 12 months ago, he needs considering. Won this race off same mark last year and back from wind op to land course hurdle latest.
5
5th (5) (9/2 -50%) Dibble Decker
4.5
9/2(-50%)
(5) Dibble Decker 9/2, Added a third chase victory to his tally at Wincanton last season. Stepped up on first 2 efforts of present campaign when second in the Huntingdon handicap won by Lounge Lizard recently (Sail Away a well-held last of 6) and another bold show is anticipated. Added to fine Huntingdon record when second 13 days ago; claims if in same form.
THE DOYEN CHIEF has shown promise on all three previous starts over fences and that includes a narrow defeat over 2m7f at Taunton last time. A 3lb rise is a slight concern, but the eight-year-old remains unexposed over this sort of trip and may still have improvement left to come. Dibble Decker also hit the crossbar on his most recent outing and could prove to be the main threat, although Slipway should not be discounted.
Provided he is able to limit the mistakes, DIBBLE DECKER will have every chance here on the back of his solid second at Huntingdon 13 days ago. He may have most to fear from The Doyen Chief but last year's winner Slipway is also accorded a great deal of respect.
Ben Pauling's SLIPWAY bounced back to form to win a course novice hurdle last month and can take this for the second year running.
(7) Houndsworth 5/1, Thrice-raced maiden. Last of 12 in novice at Kempton (7f, 125/1). Off 6 months and gelded. Significantly up in trip. Makes handicap debut and may still do better. Brought along steadily; no surprise to see him step forward now handicapping up in trip.
6
1st (6) (11/4 +8%) Gemmari
2.75
11/4(+8%)
(6) Gemmari 11/4, Promising sort who got off the mark in 6-runner handicap (3/1) at Wolverhampton (12.2f) 19 days ago by 2½ lengths from Ray Gun, well on top finish. Up 6 lb but has more to offer. Big shout. Convincingly scored at Wolverhampton latest; up 6lb but fair bit more to offer; big shout.
4
2nd (4) (10/1 -100%) Ray Gun
10
10/1(-100%)
(4) Ray Gun 10/1, Lightly-raced winner. Winner at Kempton in February. Good second of 6 to Gemmari in handicap at Wolverhampton (12.2f) 19 days ago. Likely to improve again. Well in the mix. Very good second at Wolverhampton (1m4f) 19 days ago; he can go well again nudged up 1lb.
2
3rd (2) (5/1 +23%) Patrol
5
5/1(+23%)
(2) Patrol 5/1, Course winner who also landed 4-runner handicap (6/5) at Wolverhampton (12.2f) 40 days ago. Not taken lightly despite a 4 lb weights rise. Course winner who scored at Wolverhampton last month; up 4lb but very much one to consider.
5
4th (5) (15/2 -15%) Hi Ya Mal
7.5
15/2(-15%)
(5) Hi Ya Mal 15/2, Lightly-raced maiden. 13/2, very good length second of 7 to Ray Gun in handicap at Kempton (12f) 24 days ago. Makes tapeta debut and much respected. Took step forward when second at Kempton 24 days ago; enters calculations on Tapeta debut.
1
5th (1) (4/1 +11%) Scarlet Sunset
4
4/1(+11%)
(1) Scarlet Sunset 4/1, Lightly-raced winner who posted a career best when bagging 6-runner handicap at Wolverhampton (9.5f, 6/4) 33 days ago. That form has been franked so a likely player stepped up in trip. On hat-trick following a pair of wins at Wolverhampton; up in trip but not taken lightly.
3
6th (3) (11/2 +8%) One Horse Town
5.5
11/2(+8%)
(3) One Horse Town 11/2, 9/4, career best when winning 11-runner maiden at Kempton (12f) 10 days ago, just holding on. Ought to be in the shake-up again. Reliable sort who got off the mark at Kempton ten days ago; much respected back in h'caps.
SCARLET SUNSET built on her maiden success at Wolverhampton when returning to the same venue on her handicap debut and just doing enough to score by a neck. Her pedigree offers some hope that stepping up to 1m4f might unlock further progression and she is taken to make it a hat-trick of victories. One Horse Town got off the mark at Kempton earlier in the month and has to enter calculations along with Patrol.
A competitive handicap but Richard Hannon's GEMMARI impressed when going in at Wolverhampton last time so gets the vote ahead of recent Wolverhampton scorer Scarlet Sunset. Ray Gun is another progressive type who can have a say.
None can be ruled out but Richard Hannon's improving GEMMARI impressed when going in at Wolverhampton and can defy a 6lb weights rise
(3) Jackpot D'athou 13/2, Bagged 2 of his first 3 starts over hurdles last term but his handicap career has been disappointing. Down in the weights now he goes chasing. Yet to fire in three handicaps this term; goes chasing now with something to prove.
4
1st (4) (4/1 -45%) Intimate
4
4/1(-45%)
(4) Intimate 4/1, Back on track over fences when keeping on for second, having been patiently ridden, at Hereford (19f) 3 weeks ago. Clearly has a race like this in him. Back to form when second in Hereford handicap chase 20 days ago; must enter calculations.
2
2nd (2) (15/2 +17%) Sageburg County
7.5
15/2(+17%)
(2) Sageburg County 15/2, Three-time winner over fences last season. Couple of good runs in the autumn but poor runs the last twice, failing to complete. Down 2 lb. Winless this season and failed to complete on last two starts; hard to make a case for.
6
3rd (6) (7/2 +0%) Zero Tolerance
3.5
7/2(+0%)
(6) Zero Tolerance 7/2, Maiden who has made an encouraging start over fences, shaping like the clear second best at the weights at Warwick (25.5f) 8 weeks ago until his front-running exertions took their toll after an uncharacteristic late error. Down in trip and may be able to dictate back in a small field. Yet to register a victory but he's knocking on the door; can go well off unchanged mark.
5
4th (5) (13/8 +19%) Jupiter Des Bordes
1.625
13/8(+19%)
(5) Jupiter Des Bordes 13/8, Fair winning hurdler in France who has offered plenty to work on in 2 runs in similar handicap chases at Warwick for new yard. Might benefit from further but he's got to be of interest here. Positive start over fences, clear third at Warwick latest; likely player off the same mark.
1
5th (1) (14/1 -56%) La Domaniale
14
14/1(-56%)
(1) La Domaniale 14/1, Dual C&D winner in summer 2022 but not hit top form for a while. Potentially very well handicapped as a result though and is down in class here. A market move would be interesting. A dual C&D scorer but she was pulled up at Hereford in December; others appeal more.
JUPITER DES BORDES has run with plenty of credit since joining the Richard Hobson stable from France and was well backed when third at Warwick last time out. The switch to better ground here looks like a plus and he gets the vote ahead of Intimate, who goes slightly up in trip, having gone close at Hereford last time out. Jackpot D'athou could be interesting on his chase debut, but he will need to improve on recent form.
ZERO TOLERANCE has been shaping up well in this sphere and may be able to dictate back down in trip in this small field. Jupiter des Bordes is of firm interest, while market support for the well-handicapped La Domaniale might be significant.
Richard Hobson's French recruit JUPITER DES BORDES is taken to build on a promising Warwick third and get off the mark over fences.
(5) Born Bright 10/1, Winner in hurdle at Fairyhouse in October. 16/1, sixteenth of 20 in handicap hurdle at Fairyhouse (20f, soft) 73 days ago. Maiden winner on good ground, capable of improving on more recent soft-ground form.
13
2nd (13) (10/1 -25%) Love Like This
10
10/1(-25%)
(13) Love Like This 10/1, Remains a maiden after 19 NH runs. Creditable third of 20 in handicap hurdle at Gowran (16.1f, heavy, 8/1) 7 days ago. Boasts solid form claims but she's 0-19 overall and has looked a non-stayer when tried over similar trips in the past. Second over 2m at this venue in November and has made the frame on her last three starts.
2
3rd (2) (9/1 +36%) Therellbguddaysyet
9
9/1(+36%)
(2) Therellbguddaysyet 9/1, Course winner. Winner in hurdle here in November. 17/2, seventeenth of 20 in handicap hurdle at Gowran (19.8f, heavy) 28 days ago. Needs a couple of these to falter. Course maiden hurdle winner, poor run at Gowran last month after third at the same venue.
12
4th (12) (7/1 +13%) Pebble Bleu
7
7/1(+13%)
(12) Pebble Bleu 7/1, Respectable third of 7 in handicap chase at Navan (20.4f, heavy, 10/1) 14 days ago, doing too much too soon. Switches from chase to hurdles. Needs a couple of these to falter. Has been quite highly tried over fences, could go well off 9lb lower hurdles mark.
11
5th (11) (14/1 +13%) Stellar Symphony
14
14/1(+13%)
(11) Stellar Symphony 14/1, Latest win in hurdle at Clonmel in October. 9/1, sixteenth of 20 in handicap hurdle at Punchestown (23f, heavy) 47 days ago. Others more persuasive. Uneven form since winning at Clonmel in October, others have more convincing claims.
10
6th (10) (11/1 +31%) No Fussing
11
11/1(+31%)
(10) No Fussing 11/1, Course winner. One win from 22 NH runs. Fifteen runs since last win in 2023. Eleventh of 12 in handicap hurdle at Punchestown (23.3f, soft, 9/2) 40 days ago. Twice second at Punchestown in the early months of last year, recent form is unappealing.
1
7th (1) (28/1 +15%) Level Neverending
28
28/1(+15%)
(1) Level Neverending 28/1, 5/4, pulled up in handicap hurdle at Kilbeggan (24.4f, good), pulled up before last. Off 21 months. First run for yard after leaving Gordon Elliott. Two bumper wins for Joseph O'Brien, maiden hurdle winner for Gordon Elliott, long absence.
14
8th (14) (10/1 -25%) Mighty Soldier
10
10/1(-25%)
(14) Mighty Soldier 10/1, Below form eighth of 14 in handicap hurdle (2/1) at Punchestown (20.1f, heavy) 19 days ago. Needs a couple of these to falter. Good run at Punchestown in January, disappointing when favourite at the same venue latest.
15
9th (15) (20/1 +0%) Cafe Del Mar
20
20/1(+0%)
(15) Cafe Del Mar 20/1, Course winner. One win from 24 NH runs. Fifth of 7 in novice chase at this course (25.1f, good to soft, 9/1) 106 days ago. Switches from chase to hurdles. Needs a couple of these to falter. 50-1 when winning this race three years ago, each-way chance on last year's best form.
4
|B| (4) (10/1 +38%) Syracus Du Houx
10
10/1(+38%)
(4) Syracus Du Houx 10/1, Tenth of 15 in novice hurdle (7/1) at Down Royal (20.1f, good to soft) 79 days ago. Tongue strap back on. Makes handicap hurdle debut. Has work to do. Has failed to build on a second placing at Punchestown last May, makes handicap debut.
3
|F| (3) (7/2 +22%) Duke Silver
3.5
7/2(+22%)
(3) Duke Silver 7/2, Winner in hurdle at Wexford in October. 11/2, good third of 7 in handicap hurdle at Punchestown (19.4f, soft) 40 days ago. Enters calculations, albeit there is a question mark surround himn stamina-wise. Probably too high in the ratings since win last October, jumping was untidy last time.
16
|U| (16) (20/1 +39%) Gustavo Goodway
20
20/1(+39%)
(16) Gustavo Goodway 20/1, Blinkered for 1st time, eleventh of 17 in handicap hurdle (18/1) at Leopardstown (16f, good to soft) 13 days ago. Significantly back up in trip. Placed over fences off a higher mark last October, best hurdles run was on good ground.
9
10th (9) (11/1 -47%) Milanaway
11
11/1(-47%)
(9) Milanaway 11/1, 11/2, respectable third of 9 in novice hurdle at Punchestown (22.8f, heavy) 19 days ago. Cheekpieces on 1st time and she's a must for the shortlist. 0-14 over hurdles, placed seven times, undependable but could pick up a race like this.
8
11th (8) (12/1 +0%) Jack Du Large
12
12/1(+0%)
(8) Jack Du Large 12/1, 9/1 and cheekpieces on for 1st time, creditable third of 10 in claiming hurdle at Clonmel (16f, heavy) 16 days ago. Significantly back up in trip. Not taken lightly. Satisfactory run in first-time cheekpieces in a claiming hurdle last month; could go close.
7
12th (7) (80/1 -100%) Work Place
80
80/1(-100%)
(7) Work Place 80/1, Lightly-raced maiden under Rules. Seventeenth of 20 in novice hurdle (150/1) at Naas (15.5f, heavy) 20 days ago. Significantly back up in trip. Makes handicap hurdle debut. Ordinary form in maidens, trainer saddled a well-backed winner at this course recently.
SYRACUS DU HOUX has been running in some maiden hurdles won by very useful horses. He has a Punchestown runner-up spot in the book and could have a big say on his handicap debut off a mark of 106. Therellbguddaysyet has to bounce back from a below-par effort over a shorter trip at Gowran Park, but that is feasible. He won a maiden hurdle on his last visit to this track in November. Slim Marvel has been in decent nick since December and could lay down a challenge. The suspicion is that there is another victory in Duke Silver's locker, while Milanaway is one to consider too.
The testing conditions may not have been ideal for MILANAWAY at Punchestown recently and, back on better ground and in the hope that the addition of cheekpieces help eke out a little more, this could be the day when she finally gets her head in front. There are no concerns surrounding this 7-y-o with regard to stamina and the same is true of Slim Marvel, who is second choice. Conversely, this trip is a worry where both Duke Silver and Love Like This are concerned.
Better ground should suit PEBBLE BLEU who is potentially well handicapped relative to her chase form and has been highly tried
(1) Daytona Sky 4/1, Snow Sky gelding. Half-brother to a point winner. Dam winning pointer. Snow Sky gelding; yard is going well so this newcomer needs considering.
4
1st (4) (1/1 +100%) Japetus
1
1/1(+100%)
(4) Japetus 1/1, 50,000 gns 3-y-o, Sea The Moon gelding. Half-brother to 2 winners on Flat, including 6f/7f winner Zander. Dam, smart 7f-1¼m winner, half-sister to (1½m winner, including in USA) Renown. Had a beathing operation before encouraging debut second at Kelso last month. Looks the one to beat, Promising start when second in bumper at Kelso; seems sure to progress; leading claims.
3
2nd (3) (5/2 -43%) Hunters Spring
2.5
5/2(-43%)
(3) Hunters Spring 5/2, Flat-bred filly who was well on top at the finish when winning a C&D bumper in November. Similar form when third of 4 (6/1) under a penalty at Ayr 32 days ago. Won over C&D and a solid third at Ayr since; likely to do better still so she's a player.
5
3rd (5) (11/1 +21%) Jet Approach
11
11/1(+21%)
(5) Jet Approach 11/1, Jet Away gelding. Half-brother to 3 winners, including fairly useful hurdler/useful chaser Bold Enough and bumper winner/fairly useful hurdler Wilful. Bred to need time and distance and sha[ed that way at Catterick last month. Remote fourth in bumper at Catterick; Jet Away gelding needs to take a big step forward.
2
4th (2) (50/1 0%) He's A Ripper
50
50/1(0%)
(2) He's A Ripper 50/1, Third in a point bumper but sent off 150/1 and hooded, he finished last of 9 in bumper at Wetherby on debut in February. Last of nine in bumper at Wetherby; placed in a point bumper so he may do better.
LTO Selection:hiden content, hiden content,
A promising second on debut at Kelso last month when travelling well before being outpaced late in the piece, JAPETUS should be open to plenty of improvement and can go one better on this occasion. A winner over C&D first time out in November, Hunters Spring must enter calculations having followed up with a creditable effort in defeat at Ayr. Related to a couple of point-to-point winners, Daytona Sky is likely to need further in time but is noted nevertheless.
JAPETUS is bred to be sharp and likely to know more with his debut second at Kelso last month under his belt, s is taken to go one place better. Hunters Spring has already won a bumper (albeit a weak one) and is the obvious threat unless there's confidence behind newcomer Daytona Sky.
Nicky Richards' son of Sea The Moon JAPETUS shaped well on his debut when runner-up at Kelso and can go one better.
(4) Idontdealwithliars 12/1, €42,000 Mondialiste gelding. Half-brother to bumper winner Wendywilldo. Stable by no means prolific in bumpers but worth a betting check all the same. 42,000euros 3yo; half-brother to bumper winner; yard is 4-18 in bumpers this season.
11
1st (11) (5/1 +38%) Trustintimes
5
5/1(+38%)
(11) Trustintimes 5/1, Positive start to his career when runner-up in a 13f Exeter bumper (good to soft) in October but went backwards from that when only fifth in the mud at Wincanton 6 weeks later. Claims if he can recapture the debut form back from 3 months off. Brings the best form, having shown ability in two races that have thrown up winners.
6
2nd (6) (6/1 -80%) Leaumec De Mee
6
6/1(-80%)
(6) Leaumec De Mee 6/1, €95,000 Beaumec De Houelle gelding. Half-brother to French chaser Kadence de Mee. Dam unraced half-sister to French hurdle winner/chaser (2¼m winner) Hermes de Mee. Likely type on paper for top stable. 95,000euros 3yo; major yard has an excellent strike-rate in bumpers this term; respected.
13
3rd (13) (15/2 +6%) Seven Stars
7.5
15/2(+6%)
(13) Seven Stars 15/2, Passing Glance filly. Sister to bumper winner Eyes Right and half-sister to fair hurdler Come On Nia. Another debutante in this field who makes some paper appeal. Related to a few bumper winners for her trainer, who landed this contest in 2022 and 2024.
10
4th (10) (50/1 -52%) The Egyptian Ginge
50
50/1(-52%)
(10) The Egyptian Ginge 50/1, 13/2, very green and always rear on Hereford debut in December. Needs to have improved a lot on the 12 weeks since. Down the field at Hereford, albeit seemed green; connections won this race in 2023.
5
5th (5) (25/1 +50%) Kapitein Kool
25
25/1(+50%)
(5) Kapitein Kool 25/1, 66/1, offered something to work on when seventh of 10 on Wincanton debut in December but will need to take a big step forward to go close here. Only seventh of ten at Wincanton, having been friendless in the betting.
2
6th (2) (12/1 +0%) Can You Hear Me
12
12/1(+0%)
(2) Can You Hear Me 12/1, Vadamos gelding. Half-brother to 1¾m winner Iona Island. Dam unraced half-sister to smart hurdler (stayed 21f) Cotton Mill). The stable has the smart Sober Glory to compare this one to so a betting move would look significant. 17,500euros foal; half-brother to 1m6f winner; stable is 4-6 in bumpers this term.
9
7th (9) (12/1 +14%) Sir Hobnob
12
12/1(+14%)
(9) Sir Hobnob 12/1, Jack Hobbs gelding. Dam (h105), bumper winner, half-sister to useful hurdler/chaser (stayed 2½m) Champagne Gold. The stable enjoys plenty of bumper success. Out of a bumper winner for his owners; yard won this contest in 2023; good credentials.
8
8th (8) (9/2 -80%) Night Ride Home
4.5
9/2(-80%)
(8) Night Ride Home 9/2, €70,000 Cloth of Stars gelding. Dam 9.5f/1¼m winner in France. A newcomer representing top connections. Market confidence would look highly significant. 70,000euros 3yo; top stable is 0-23 in bumpers this season; follow the market signals.
12
9th (12) (100/1 -52%) At Sunrise
100
100/1(-52%)
(12) At Sunrise 100/1, Flag of Honour filly. Dam (h113) bumper/2m-2¾m hurdle winner. Would be a surprise winner on debut for a stable not really known for bumper success. Out of a bumper winner but stable is 0-20 in this type of race.
7
10th (7) (9/2 +91%) Major Dino
4.5
9/2(+91%)
(7) Major Dino 9/2, Doctor Dino gelding. Half-brother to French hurdler/chaser Poplar Square. This one is likely best watched on debut. 90,000euros yearling; half-brother to French jumps winner; check the betting.
3
11th (3) (11/1 -10%) Crown Khov
11
11/1(-10%)
(3) Crown Khov 11/1, Sholokhov gelding. Closely related to fair hurdler/fairly useful chaser Northern Poet. His trainer has been doing well in bumpers this season so this one would need considering if the betting suggests he's faniced. 12,500euros yearling; closely related to bumper winner; Sean Bowen is a positive booking.
1
12th (1) (20/1 +60%) Barachiel
20
20/1(+60%)
(1) Barachiel 20/1, Free Eagle gelding. Half-brother to 7f/1m winner abroad Kronangel. Dam 7f winner. Stable has a 1-28 bumper record in the last 5 seasons so a watching brief is advised. 13,500euros yearling; Flat pedigree suggests she's not certain to stay the trip.
Alan King has won this race twice in the last three years and SEVEN STARS could add to that record. The filly is out of a mare who landed a Listed bumper for the stable and there are plenty of other winners in her pedigree. Night Ride Home is another newcomer who has to be respected for top connections, while Trustintimes is the pick of those with race experience.
NIGHT RIDE HOME gets the vote to make a winning start to his career, with confidence increased should the betting vibes be strong. Leaumec de Mee, Can You Hear and Crown Khov are other newcomers who make paper appeal, while Trustintimes would likely also have a prominent role to play if recapturing the level of his opening Exeter second.
Trustintimes is the form pick. Several of the newcomers bring good credentials, most notably SEVEN STARS and Leaumec De Mee.
(6) Delicacy 14/1, Winner at Chepstow in September. First run since leaving Richard Hannon when good fifth of 11 in handicap at this C&D (28/1) 21 days ago. In the picture. Solid fifth of 11 over C&D for her new stable three weeks ago; shortlisted.
2
1st (2) (5/1 +50%) Bellarchi
5
5/1(+50%)
(2) Bellarchi 5/1, Course winner. Failed to build on earlier promise when seventh of 10 in handicap at Newcastle (8f, 13/2). Off 124 days and could bounce back. Course scorer but off since November; has gone well fresh though so can't be discounted.
4
2nd (4) (9/4 +59%) Gaiety Musical
2.25
9/4(+59%)
(4) Gaiety Musical 9/4, Completed her hat-trick at Kempton in February and not discredited under a penalty when fifth of 8 in handicap (3/1) at this course (7.1f) 28 days ago. Very much one to consider. Landed hat-trick at Kempton before solid fifth here last time; ought to be thereabouts.
3
3rd (3) (7/2 +50%) Viennoise
3.5
7/2(+50%)
(3) Viennoise 7/2, First run since leaving Archie Watson when creditable fourth of 11 in handicap (9/1) at Lingfield (7f, AW) 15 days ago. Needs considering. Encouraging start for new yard when fourth at Lingfield 15 days ago; in the mix.
5
4th (5) (11/2 -193%) Top Of The Class
5.5
11/2(-193%)
(5) Top Of The Class 11/2, Resumed winning ways in 7-runner handicap at Kempton (8f) 17 days ago. Scored easily there so she's expected to be bang there despite a 6 lb rise in the weights. Easy winner of Kempton handicap 17 days ago; up 6lb but she's weighted to go close again.
1
5th (1) (4/1 +20%) Enola Grey
4
4/1(+20%)
(1) Enola Grey 4/1, Took this event 12 months ago and comes here on the back of a good second of 7 in handicap at Newcastle (7.1f) 11 days ago. Can go well again. Won this 12 months ago; good second at Newcastle 11 days ago; very much one to consider.
Top Of The Class seemed to appreciate more positive tactics when gaining a third career victory at Kempton, but a 6lb rise might prove to be her undoing. The vote goes to VIENNOISE, who may have just needed her first run for David O'Meara when fourth at Lingfield. Her trainer has a fine record with similar types and a 2lb drop further aids her cause. Gaiety Musical and Enola Grey appear best of the remainder.
A few with chances but TOP OF THE CLASS still looks ahead of her mark raised 6 lb for an easy recent Kempton victory so gets the nod from last year's winner Enola Grey who rates a big threat on the back of a good Newcastle second. Gaiety Musical can also have a say along with Delicacy.
It's hard to go against TOP OF THE CLASS who was ridden more prominently than usual when an easy Kempton winner and can defy a 6lb rise
(1) Queenofthejukebox 2/1, Second in a point and built on promising start in this sphere at Aintree when easily winning at Wetherby (soft) in November. Creditable 6¾ lengths fifth of 10 to Kingston Queen in listed bumper at Market Rasen (good to soft) in January. Likely to be thereabouts. Wetherby winner and fifth in Listed latest; should be very competitive despite penalty.
5
2nd (5) (11/4 +66%) Gidge
2.75
11/4(+66%)
(5) Gidge 11/4, Soldier of Fortune mare. Half-sister to dual bumper winner/smart hurdler Crambo. Dam French 17f-19f hurdle/chase winner. One to take seriously on debut. Makes obvious paper appeal, being a sister to connections' smart Crambo.
4
3rd (4) (7/1 +42%) Flamingo Grove
7
7/1(+42%)
(4) Flamingo Grove 7/1, Point winner. 13/2 and tongue strap on, fifth of 11 in bumper at Warwick (soft) in November. Off since. Easy Irish point win; faded into fifth on bumper debut in November but retains potential.
8
4th (8) (16/1 +60%) Kayleigh
16
16/1(+60%)
(8) Kayleigh 16/1, Jukebox Jury mare. Dam (c109/h101), 2½m chase winner (stayed 3¼m), sister to useful hurdler/chaser (stayed 25f) Three Ways. Stable not a regular source of bumper winners. Yard not a regular source of bumper winners and likely best watched.
6
5th (6) (100/1 +0%) Izakaya
100
100/1(+0%)
(6) Izakaya 100/1, 66/1, ninth of 10 in bumper at Ascot (good) on debut 28 days ago. 66-1 when well held on Ascot debut four weeks ago; outsider again.
13
6th (13) (16/1 +0%) Sharp Glance
16
16/1(+0%)
(13) Sharp Glance 16/1, Fair form at best in 2 bumpers and vulnerable unless finding improvement. Only fair form at best both starts; likely vulnerable here.
14
7th (14) (50/1 -52%) Topsout
50
50/1(-52%)
(14) Topsout 50/1, Telescope filly. Dam (h90) 3m hurdle winner. Jockey bookings would suggest that On Top Of The Moon is the stable first string. On Top Of The Moon probably stable first string but betting will provide some clues.
7
8th (7) (18/1 -13%) Jetty May
18
18/1(-13%)
(7) Jetty May 18/1, £45,000 recruit after finishing second in an Irish point in November. One of 2 interesting runners for Fergal O'Brien. Second in Irish point in October; interesting to see how she compares in betting to Gidge.
9
9th (9) (40/1 -150%) Mouthshuteyesopen
40
40/1(-150%)
(9) Mouthshuteyesopen 40/1, £15,000 purchase after winning an Irish point in January. The betting should help guide to expectations on Rules debut. £15,000 purchase after Irish point win in January; worth a look in betting.
2
10th (2) (18/1 -13%) Annie Hathaway
18
18/1(-13%)
(2) Annie Hathaway 18/1, Promising second on Warwick debut in November. Raced too freely when well here the following month and now fitted with a hood. Second on Warwick debut but well beaten over this C&D since; has a hood added now.
3
11th (3) (9/1 +0%) Brooklyn Callin
9
9/1(+0%)
(3) Brooklyn Callin 9/1, £42,000 buy after winning an Irish point in November. Joined a leading stable for her Rules career. Won four-runner point in November; joined a good yard for her rules career.
10
12th (10) (10/1 +17%) On Top Of The Moon
10
10/1(+17%)
(10) On Top Of The Moon 10/1, Pether's Moon mare. Half-sister to fairly useful hurdler/useful chaser Vienna Court and bumper winner/fair hurdler Spring Meadow. Yard gets bumper winners and seemingly preferred by Sam Twiston-Davies to Topsout. Good pedigree and the choice of Sam Twiston-Davies from yard's pair.
QUEENOFTHEJUKEBOX didn't do herself any favours when racing wide on the home turn at Market Rasen last time out, but she did well to rally for fifth and this drop in grade looks like an ideal opportunity. Queensworthy represents top connections on her Rules debut and is expected to be in the mix. Another well-related sort, being a half-sister to the stable's Grade 1-winner Crambo, Gidge must enter calculations, as well as Brooklyn Callin.
Dan Skelton has been mopping up in bumpers this season so the vote goes to his point recruit QUEENSWORTHY before any betting clues are known. Brooklyn Callin has a similar profile to the selection, while previous bumper winner Queenofthejukebox ought to be very competitive under the penalty. Gidge and On Top of The Moon also make paper appeal in an interesting end to Midlands National day.
The strength in the betting behind ROCK SENSATION on her C&D debut suggests she's well regarded and she's given another chance.
(10) Tim Toe 8/1, £29,000 3-y-o, Joshua Tree gelding. Dam unraced half-sister to fairly useful hurdler/smart chaser (stayed 29f) Abolitionist. Dam an unraced half-sister to useful hurdle/chase winner Abolitionist, in good hands.
11
2nd (11) (7/4 +36%) Eagle Of Destiny
1.75
7/4(+36%)
(11) Eagle Of Destiny 7/4, Fourth foal, half-sister to 3 winners, including useful hurdler Lot of Joy (2m-2¼m winner, by Camelot), stays 2½m, and fair 2¼m hurdle winner Dubeyeracingcraic (by Starspangledbanner). Dam, fair 2½m hurdle winner, also winner around 2m on Flat. Interesting type on paper. Noteworthy as a half-sister to Ebor and Irish St Leger winner Sonnyboyliston, top rider.
3
3rd (3) (13/8 +51%) Galileo Sand
1.625
13/8(+51%)
(3) Galileo Sand 13/8, Galileo gelding. Closely related to 2 winners and half-brother to 3 winners on Flat, including very smart 7f/1m winner Amazing Maria. Dam 2-y-o 6f winner. Interesting newcomer. Half-brother to dual 1m Grade 1 winner Amazing Maria, should be in the mix if he stays,.
1
4th (1) (50/1 -52%) Certamen
50
50/1(-52%)
(1) Certamen 50/1, Teofilo gelding. Brother to 2 winners, including fair 2m hurdle winner Teorie. Dam maiden on Flat (stayed 7f ). Bred by Jim Bolger, half-brother to Teorie a winner over 1m2f on the Flat and over hurdles.
8
5th (8) (25/1 -108%) Shabra Diya
25
25/1(-108%)
(8) Shabra Diya 25/1, Twice-raced maiden. 11/1 and cheekpieces on for 1st time, last of 4 in bumper at Naas (15.7f, good to soft) 35 days ago. Needs to improve but the experience of his two races should be an asset in this company.
12
6th (12) (11/1 +78%) Hunskelper
11
11/1(+78%)
(12) Hunskelper 11/1, Youmzain filly. Half-sister to 3 winners, including fair 2m hurdle winner Kaloci and bumper winner Kelp Forest. Half-sister to winners Kaloci (bumper/hurdle), Lodilomoco (bumper), Kelp Forest (bumper).
6
7th (6) (7/1 -133%) Old Bridge
7
7/1(-133%)
(6) Old Bridge 7/1, Born To Sea gelding. Half-brother to 2 winners on Flat, including 1m-11f winner Kiaz Apapa. Dam, 14.5f-17f winner, half-sister to 2½m-3m French chase winner Raphari. One to note on debut. Wears hood. Dam stayed well on the Flat, represents top connections, hooded for debut.
7
8th (7) (12/1 +40%) One True Friend
12
12/1(+40%)
(7) One True Friend 12/1, Maxios gelding. Dam unraced sister to fairly useful hurdler/useful chaser (stayed 2¾m) Sword of Fate. Fifth foal, dam unraced sister to bumper and prolific hurdle/chase winner Sword Of Fate.
5
9th (5) (66/1 -164%) Hillstar Blues
66
66/1(-164%)
(5) Hillstar Blues 66/1, Fifth of 6 in bumper at Punchestown (16.7f, heavy, 33/1) on NH debut 19 days ago. Decent pedigree, neglected in the market on debut, finished fifth with Cholo last of six.
2
10th (2) (125/1 -279%) Cholo
125
125/1(-279%)
(2) Cholo 125/1, 12/1, last of 6 in bumper at Punchestown (16.7f, heavy) on NH debut 19 days ago, not ideally placed. Last of six on debut at Punchestown last month, 7 1/2l behind fifth-placed Hillstar Blues.
4
11th (4) (150/1 -200%) Heslostthehunger
150
150/1(-200%)
(4) Heslostthehunger 150/1, Carlotamix colt. Dam ran once over hurdles. Fifth foal dam showed little but closely related to Group 3 winner Duchess Andorra.
LTO Selection:hiden content,
There are a couple of newcomers in here with notable Flat speed in their pedigrees. Joseph O'Brien takes the wraps off GALILEO SAND, who made six figures at the sales. He is a half-brother to a Group 1 winner and looks sure to appreciate this decent ground. Paddy Twomey unleashes Eagle Of Destiny, who is a half-sister to an Irish St Leger winner so has to be given plenty of respect in this discipline. Old Bridge starts out for Gordon Elliott and Robcour and ought to be one of the leading protagonists. Pat Doyle has won this race before and his Tim Toe is worth a market check.
With little worthwhile form to go on, newcomers will likely dominate. Before market clues, OLD BRIDGE, Eagle of Destiny and Galileo Sand are preferred in that order.
Paddy Twomey had EAGLE OF DESTINY ready to run on the Flat last spring. The half-sister to Sonnyboyliston may prove equal to this task
(3) Circuit Breaker 11/2, Fit from hurdling, got back on track returned to the Flat latest, finishing creditable third of 9 in handicap at Southwell (16.5f) 21 days ago, outpaced and plugged on. Likely they'll make plenty of use of his stamina now dropping back 2 furlongs. Claims. AW record reads 133 but not sure this trip in a small field will bring out the best in him.
1
1st (1) (11/10 +56%) Wonder Legend
1.1
11/10(+56%)
(1) Wonder Legend 11/10, Lightly-raced 5-y-o is a course winner who justified good support when resuming winning ways in 7-runner handicap (evens) at Southwell (14.1f) in November. Matched that effort after 11-weeks off when second to a progressive winner at Kempton (16f) last month. Leading chance. Most consistent on the AW (52152312); respected off same mark as when second last time.
2
2nd (2) (13/8 +100%) Plage De Havre
1.625
13/8(+100%)
(2) Plage De Havre 13/8, Showed further improvement when first past the post in 10-runner event at Southwell (12.1f, 7/2) in January, demoted to second having bumped rival. Gained compensation when winning readily at Newcastle (12.5f) 35 days ago and there should be more to come over this longer trip. First past the post the last twice; 9lb higher but most progressive; should stay this far.
5
3rd (5) (14/1 +30%) Road To Wembley
14
14/1(+30%)
(5) Road To Wembley 14/1, Offered little when 100/1, last of 9 in handicap at Kempton (8f) 24 days ago. Significantly back up in trip but hard to fancy on recent evidence. Should find this trip more suitable but still needs to find more against a couple of these.
4
4th (4) (66/1 -371%) Fleurman
66
66/1(-371%)
(4) Fleurman 66/1, Course winner went in snatches when fifth of 6 in handicap at Newcastle (16.2f) 73 days ago, on final run for Olly Murphy. Needs to bounce back on stable debut. Has become well handicapped but looks up against it on stable debut after 73 days off.
PLAGE DE HAVRE opened his account in no uncertain terms at Newcastle last month, having lost out in the stewards' room at Southwell previously. The unexposed Le Havre gelding has a 9lb higher mark to contend with but there should be plenty more to come, especially now upped further in trip. Wonder Legend finished a creditable second at Kempton last time out and he appears the main threat, although Circuit Breaker cannot be overlooked.
WONDER LEGEND shaped with plenty of credit when second at Kempton after 11 weeks off, and he can step forward from that run to record his second win of the season. The progressive Plage de Havre is feared tackling this longer trip, while Circuit Breaker has the form to be in the mix.
Preference is for PLAGE DE HAVRE who looks a most progressive type and who should have little problem with the longer trip on breeding.
(8) Typeface 66/1, 280,000 gns yearling, 28,000 gns 2-y-o, Wootton Bassett gelding. Half-brother to 3 winners, including 1m-1¼m winner First Sight and winner up to 1¼m Al Madhar, both useful. 280,000gns yearling, 28,000gns 2yo; smart pedigree but likely one for the longer term.
3
1st (3) (20/1 -100%) Exactly Right
20
20/1(-100%)
(3) Exactly Right 20/1, 420,000 gns Kingman colt. Dam, 2-y-o 7f/7.4f winner (won Oh So Sharp Stakes), half-sister to useful 1¼m-17f winner Movin Time, from a very good family. 4/1, eighth of 10 in novice at Kempton (7f) on debut 94 days ago, very green. Gelded since and open to improvement. Too green to do himself justice on December's debut; gelded since; bred to be top-class.
9
2nd (9) (11/2 +31%) Your Lordship
5.5
11/2(+31%)
(9) Your Lordship 11/2, Twice-raced maiden. 9/1, third of 9 in novice at Kempton (8f) 152 days ago. Handicaps over longer trips will be his calling later this year. Two promising runs as a 2yo, including 1m on AW; may not thrive until tackling 1m2f+.
1
3rd (1) (2/1 +33%) Regalian
2
2/1(+33%)
(1) Regalian 2/1, Kingman colt from a good family and overcame inexperience to make a winning debut in 5-runner novice at Newcastle (7.1f, 2/5f) 16 days ago, pushed out. Bred to be useful and sure to improve. Easy win in a weak race on recent debut (7f); bred to be useful but has to concede weight.
4
4th (4) (17/2 -55%) General Admission
8.5
17/2(-55%)
(4) General Admission 17/2, Thrice-raced maiden. 7/2, second of 9 in maiden at this C&D 21 days ago, well positioned and headed post. Got to be considered. Near miss over C&D three weeks ago; leading claims with a reproduction.
6
5th (6) (8/1 +20%) Joseph
8
8/1(+20%)
(6) Joseph 8/1, Creditable third of 9 in maiden (well-backed 13/2) at this C&D 21 days ago. Closely matched with General Admission on latest showing and surely has a race in him. Cheekpieces on 1st time. Consistent rather than progressive; conditions fine but needs more for the new cheekpieces.
7
6th (7) (9/4 +0%) Modern Day
2.25
9/4(+0%)
(7) Modern Day 9/4, Dark Angel gelding. Half-brother to useful 2-y-o 7f winner Courageous Knight. 10/11 and hooded, second of 12 in maiden at Kempton (8f) on debut 31 days ago, pulled hard and not knocked about as he kept on. Sure to improve and strong claims. Second at Kempton on last month's debut (1m; odds-on fav); capable of better; contender.
5
7th (5) (11/1 -10%) Invincible Duke
11
11/1(-10%)
(5) Invincible Duke 11/1, Twice-raced maiden. 10/1, improved when third of 9 in maiden at Kempton (8f) 45 days ago. Could be one for handicaps. Improved effort at the 2nd attempt, finishing 3rd in a good Kempton maiden; more to come.
2
8th (2) (40/1 -21%) Deep Water Bay
40
40/1(-21%)
(2) Deep Water Bay 40/1, New Bay gelding. Half-brother to 1½m-13.3f winner Arcadian Friend and useful 11.6f winner Miss Cynthia. Dam unraced sister to very smart winner up to 1½m Lush Lashes. Half-brother to two middle-distance winners; likely one for the longer term.
Regalian probably didn't have to beat much on his Newcastle debut, but landed odds of 2/5 with the minimum of fuss and looks a decent prospect. He will do well to successfully concede 7lb to MODERN DAY, who was turned over at odds-on on his introduction but still shaped with plenty of promise at Kempton and can take the necessary step forward. General Admission was half a length ahead of Joseph when they took minor honours over C&D, while Your Lordship is worth a look on his return.
MODERN DAY made a bright start at Kempton last month and seems sure to improve with that experience under his belt. He gets the vote over the equally-promising Newcastle winner Regalian and General Admission, who just failed here 3 weeks ago.
A useful event in which INVINCIBLE DUKE is taken to build on his improved effort in January. Your Lordship is feared most.
(9) Basholo 66/1, 4-time C&D winner. Four wins from 14 runs last year. Latest win here in December. Eighth of 9 in handicap at this C&D (16/1) 12 days ago, but best forgiven that effort having raced wide. May still have a bit to find. Four wins over C&D, but has been a bit in and out lately and her wide draw is no help.
1
1st (1) (6/1 +57%) General Assembly
6
6/1(+57%)
(1) General Assembly 6/1, Failed to come on for recent run when ninth of 10 in handicap at Newcastle (5f, 18/1) 16 days ago. Bit to prove now. Ran better than finishing position would suggest at Newcastle last time, but needs more.
2
2nd (2) (7/2 -17%) Maharajas Express
3.5
7/2(-17%)
(2) Maharajas Express 7/2, Following back-to-back wins over C&D was only narrowly denied a hat-trick when second of 10 in handicap (9/2) at Newcastle (5f) 16 days ago. Strong claims. Three wins over C&D and just beaten at Newcastle last time; major contender from same mark.
4
3rd (4) (16/1 -78%) Rosenpur
16
16/1(-78%)
(4) Rosenpur 16/1, C&D winner. Latest win here in February. Easy to back when fourth of 5 in handicap at Lingfield (6f, AW, 11/2) 10 days ago, not helping his chances by racing keenly. Needs to bounce back. Finished behind two of these when last of ten here last month, but is better than that.
6
4th (6) (13/2 +28%) Phoenix Beach
6.5
13/2(+28%)
(6) Phoenix Beach 13/2, Won 9-runner handicap at this C&D (7/1) 4 days ago by ½ length from Buraback. Carries a 5 lb penalty now and hasn't been able to manage back-to-back wins in his career to date. Record over C&D reads 23132321; each-way shout despite 5lb penalty.
3
5th (3) (10/3 +44%) Aces Wild
3.333333
10/3(+44%)
(3) Aces Wild 10/3, 3-time C&D winner. Three wins from 16 runs last year. After 4 months off posted a creditable ½-length third of 10 to Maharajas Express in handicap at this C&D (11/1) 19 days ago. Should go well again. Triple C&D winner who is weighted to reverse last month's running with Maharajas Express.
10
6th (10) (12/1 +33%) Anglesey Lad
12
12/1(+33%)
(10) Anglesey Lad 12/1, On second run for this yard, settled better and shaped as though he would improve for the run after 5 months off. fifth of 9 in handicap (40/1) at this C&D 12 days ago. One to note in the betting with Hollie Doyle an interesting jockey booking. 0-12 and needs a good deal more if he is to break his duck in this field.
7
7th (7) (5/1 +58%) Recon Mission
5
5/1(+58%)
(7) Recon Mission 5/1, Thirty-one runs since last win in 2022. but has been running creditably for most of the AW season, third of 7 in handicap at Lingfield (5f, AW) 10 days ago. Place claims again. Losing run of 31 and an AW record of 1-24 makes him hard to support with confidence.
5
8th (5) (28/1 -229%) Coolagh Magic
28
28/1(-229%)
(5) Coolagh Magic 28/1, Course winner. Latest win at Lingfield in February and latest run when fourth of 7 in handicap at Lingfield (5f, AW) can be discounted after he made a total hash of the start. Not ruled out if he can get away on terms. Nine wins on the AW, but still 5lb above his last winning mark and not drawn to advantage.
8
9th (8) (15/2 -125%) Buraback
7.5
15/2(-125%)
(8) Buraback 15/2, 4-time course winner. Four wins from 20 runs last year. Latest win here in January. Creditable ½-length second of 9 to Phoenix Beach in handicap at this C&D (9/4) 4 days ago. Every chance off the same mark. Won twice over C&D in January, but has it all to do from the outside stall this time.
MAHARAJAS EXPRESS has been in excellent form recently, finding only an in-form rival too strong when going in search of a hat-trick at Newcastle. Ian Williams' gelding competes from an unchanged mark and he can regain the winning thread. Aces Wild was third behind the selection over C&D last month, but he will be a real threat on 5lb better terms. Others to note include Phoenix Beach and Recon Mission.
MAHARAJAS EXPRESS remains in excellent form and is taken to make it 3 wins from his last 3 starts at this venue. Buraback continues to run with credit from his current mark, so he can hit the frame again along with Aces Wild who shaped well after a 4-month absence when third behind the selection last time.
This can go to ACES WILD who is weighted to reverse last month's C&D running with Maharajas Express and has the inside stall.
(5) Well Enough 18/1, Built on debut promise when winning 11-runner maiden at Wolverhampton (7.2f, 85/40) in December. Well-beaten in novice at Lingfield (7f, AW, 11/1) 56 days ago. Makes handicap debut. Has work to do. 7f maiden win at Wolverhampton in Dec; tailed off next time; revival needed on h'cap debut.
6
2nd (6) (4/1 -33%) High On Hope
4
4/1(-33%)
(6) High On Hope 4/1, Fair maiden at 2 yrs. Cheekpieces on for 1st time, creditable ninth of 20 in sales race at York (6f, good to firm, 33/1) when last seen 6 months ago. Makes tapeta debut. Back over 7f and could do better this time around. Promise on turf as a 2yo; one to consider now switched to AW after a break.
7
3rd (7) (7/2 -17%) Saxonia
3.5
7/2(-17%)
(7) Saxonia 7/2, 5/6, won 7-runner maiden at Newcastle (8f) 23 days ago. This is tougher but he's going the right way on AW. Two good runs at Newcastle last month, winning a weak maiden latest; 3lb rise seems harsh.
1
4th (1) (11/8 +8%) Good Banter
1.375
11/8(+8%)
(1) Good Banter 11/8, Looked a useful prospect when winning pair of 6f Wolverhampton novices last autumn and poorly placed when sixth of 12 in good handicap at Lingfield (6f, AW, 11/4) 15 days ago. Remains with potential and this longer trip will suit. Big shout. Poor draw when sixth on handicap debut two weeks ago; should stay 7f; still of interest.
3
5th (3) (6/1 +33%) Sex On Fire
6
6/1(+33%)
(3) Sex On Fire 6/1, C&D winner in November. Last of 5 in handicap at Kempton (7f, 9/2) 52 days ago, finding little. Both wins have come here so he could bounce back. Two course wins, including over this trip; not so good in handicaps the last twice.
4
6th (4) (11/1 +21%) Toy Soldier
11
11/1(+21%)
(4) Toy Soldier 11/1, Winner at Musselburgh in August. 12/1, last of 6 in nursery at Kempton (8f) 6 months ago, not ideally placed. Makes tapeta debut. Cheekpieces on 1st time. Standout effort came in a small-field heavy-ground event; others look better handicapped.
GOOD BANTER developed well as a juvenile and was sent off favourite for his handicap bow at Lingfield a fortnight ago. Clive Cox's colt had to settle for a place in mid-division, but he was forced wide throughout so can be given another chance, with the extra furlong in his favour. Saxonia gained compensation for a narrow Newcastle defeat when returning there to break his duck and is a definite threat. High On Hope wasn't disgraced in a big sales race at York and could play a part on his reappearance.
GOOD BANTER wasn't seen to best effect on his return in a warm handicap at Lingfield a fortnight ago and with more to come over this longer trip, he can have the last laugh now. The returning High On Hope is an interesting rival, while Saxonia is going the right way now.
High On Hope is considered after his layoff but GOOD BANTER had excuses on his handicap debut and can resume his progress.
(2) Percy Willis 15/2, C&D winner. 18/1, fourth of 7 in handicap at Southwell (11.1f) 11 days ago and arrives in good heart. C&D scorer who comes here in good form; he can make his presence felt again.
3
1st (3) (11/2 -22%) Green Team
5.5
11/2(-22%)
(3) Green Team 11/2, Would have a chance on his recent second (race working out very well) but needs to bounce back from poor display when last of 9 in handicap at Lingfield (12f, AW) 10 days ago. It's now 30 starts since his last success; handily weighted if back on his A-game though.
5
2nd (5) (15/2 -7%) Sant Alessio
7.5
15/2(-7%)
(5) Sant Alessio 15/2, Well-backed but not seen to best effect when fourth of 7 in handicap (7/2) at Chelmsford City (10f) 21 days ago, having been poorly placed the way the race unfolded. Low mileage and isn't totally dismissed. Yet to win but not seen to ideal effect when fourth at Chelmsford latest; considered.
7
3rd (7) (3/1 -50%) Come On John
3
3/1(-50%)
(7) Come On John 3/1, Having finished second five times since scoring at the end of October, resumed winning ways in a weak race over C&D 12 days ago. Up 4lb but remains of interest at this level. Consistent sort who landed C&D h'cap latest; not taken lightly despite 4lb weights rise.
6
4th (6) (7/4 +56%) Init Together
1.75
7/4(+56%)
(6) Init Together 7/4, Win at this venue in January was the start of a 4-timer. Remained in form with 3 placed efforts from this mark since, latest when not suited by the emphasis on speed at 9.5f. Should go well stepping up in trip. Already a four-time winner in 2025; good runner-up here latest; likely player once more.
4
5th (4) (12/1 -71%) Palazzo Persico
12
12/1(-71%)
(4) Palazzo Persico 12/1, Latest win at Chelmsford City in December. Returned to form in first-time blinkers when fourth of 7 in handicap at Chelmsford City (10f, 6/1) 30 days ago, having been slowly away. Step up in trip needs to bring about improvement. Solid fourth of seven there (1m2f) 30 days ago; one for the shortlist stepping up in trip.
1
6th (1) (20/1 -43%) Emaculate Soldier
20
20/1(-43%)
(1) Emaculate Soldier 20/1, Has been struggling for form of late. Seventh of 9 in handicap (16/1) at this C&D 18 days ago. Needs more but is lightly-raced for his age. Still a maiden and he has failed to fire in three runs for his current yard.
Init Together completed a four-timer at Southwell last month but has perhaps been in the grip of the handicapper since so, although respected, preference is for COME ON JOHN. The six-year-old recorded a comfortable victory over C&D recently and a 4lb rise should be no barrier to further success. There have been more encouraging signs from Percy Willis lately and he is another to consider.
Having been unsuited by a slowly-run affair over a shorter trip 3 days ago, the step up in distance may yield another victory for the consistent INIT TOGETHER. He looks the most solid option, but Green Team would be a big threat if returning to the form of his penultimate run when finishing second in a race that is working out particularly well. Come On John should remain competitive off a 4 lb higher mark following his victory over C&D 12 days ago.
Marginal preference is for Tony Carroll's INIT TOGETHER who is enjoying a fine year and can bag a fifth win stepping back up in trip.
(10) Coul Angel 7/1, Lightly-raced winner. Successful at Kempton in January. 8/1, creditable fifth of 12 in handicap at Lingfield (6f, AW) 15 days ago. Not without each-way hope. Beat Leadenhall Street at Kempton & 6lb better off today; perhaps unsuited by track latest.
7
3rd (7) (25/1 +0%) The Flying Seagull
25
25/1(+0%)
(7) The Flying Seagull 25/1, 20/1, respectable seventh of 12 in handicap at Lingfield (6f, AW) 15 days ago. Makes tapeta debut and improvement will be needed if he's to resume winning ways. Prominent racer; weakened late at Lingfield on recent return; can do better this year.
8
4th (8) (8/1 +43%) Fan Mail
8
8/1(+43%)
(8) Fan Mail 8/1, Lightly-raced winner. 3/1, career best when winning 11-runner maiden at Newcastle (6f) 28 days ago, soon clear. Fair mark for this handicap debut and he's not without each-way hope. Improving all the time and won decisively in a maiden latest; widest stall to overcome.
5
5th (5) (7/2 -17%) Leadenhall Street
3.5
7/2(-17%)
(5) Leadenhall Street 7/2, Promising type. 5/4, career best when winning 10-runner handicap at this C&D 28 days ago, comfortably. Hit with an 8 lb rise but he's unexposed and the best is almost certainly yet to come. Improving run by run and produced a smooth performance over C&D on h'cap debut; big chance.
9
6th (9) (28/1 0%) Ziggy's Ariel
28
28/1(0%)
(9) Ziggy's Ariel 28/1, Two wins from 6 runs last year. 22/1, career best when winning 12-runner nursery at Wolverhampton (6.1f) when last seen in November. 2 lb nudge fair enough but this is more demanding. Two 6f wins as a 2yo, notably an AW nursery when last seen; this is tougher.
11
7th (11) (20/1 -43%) Midnight City
20
20/1(-43%)
(11) Midnight City 20/1, 7/1 and blinkered for 1st time, good 2 lengths third of 10 to Leadenhall Street in handicap at this C&D 28 days ago. Enjoys an 8 lb pull with that rival now and should make his presence felt. Three good runs over C&D, 3rd behind Leadenhall Street latest; should run his race.
2
8th (2) (33/1 +18%) Proudly Yours
33
33/1(+18%)
(2) Proudly Yours 33/1, Lightly-raced winner. 8¾ lengths ninth of 10 to Miss Lamai in listed race at Naas (5f, good to soft, 16/1). Off 7 months ahead of this handicap/yard debut and others make more appeal. Made winning debut (5f, AW) for G Lyons before being highly tried; hooded for h'cap debut.
12
9th (12) (12/1 -33%) Blue Lakota
12
12/1(-33%)
(12) Blue Lakota 12/1, Career best when winning 8-runner handicap at this C&D (10/3) 60 days ago, having run of race. 2 lb nudge fair enough and while further progress will be needed, he's evidently on the up. Won 3 of his last 4, latest over C&D; 2lb rise less of a concern than deeper opposition.
4
10th (4) (66/1 -136%) Line Of Force
66
66/1(-136%)
(4) Line Of Force 66/1, C&D winner. Three wins from 6 runs last year, the latest here in December. 11/1, last of 5 in handicap at Wolverhampton (7.2f) 25 days ago and he looks vulnerable for win purposes. C&D win in December was a good effort; not kicked on since and has a bit to prove.
6
11th (6) (28/1 +15%) The Actor
28
28/1(+15%)
(6) The Actor 28/1, Cheekpieces on for 1st time, first run since leaving Richard Hannon when 6¼ lengths last of 5 to Humam in handicap (22/1) at this C&D 36 days ago. Subsequently had a breathing operation. Plenty to find on form. Low-key stable debut (behind Humam) over C&D last month; wind op since; yard in fine form.
Blue Lakota has a decent chance running off just 2lb higher than his C&D win from last time out. However, being drawn in stall nine does him no favours and could be tricky to overcome. With that in mind, the vote goes to the less-exposed LEADENHALL STREET, who was also a cosy winner over track and trip most recently and could have plenty more to offer on just his second start in a handicap. Brosay and the returning Ziggy's Ariel are others to keep an eye on.
In order of preference, LEADENHALL STREET, Humam, Blue Lakota and Fan Mail all bring attractive profiles to the table, with Leadenhall Street and Humam arguably possessing the greatest potential. Marginal preference is for James Fanshawe's charge, who is one to follow judged on his ready handicap debut success over C&D last month and an 8 lb rise is unlikely to be enough to stop him in his tracks.
Old rivals Coul Angel and LEADENHALL STREET can fight this out. The Fanshawe runner looked well ahead of his mark here last month.
(1) Vinatera 12/1, Fair form when third in 7f maidens at Kempton and Chelmsford in recent months. Should prove as effective at 6f. Third in both starts over 7f on Polytrack; drop in trip may suit.
6
1st (6) (9/1 -80%) Scattering Light
9
9/1(-80%)
(6) Scattering Light 9/1, Fair form on the second of 2 turf starts for Charlie Appleby last summer. Ran below that level when fifth on 7f Chelmsford return for a new stable last month. The hood she wore then is left off (tongue tie retained). 3l behind Vinatera on stable debut at Chelmsford three weeks ago; others stronger.
2
2nd (2) (5/2 +50%) French Sand
2.5
5/2(+50%)
(2) French Sand 5/2, £150,000 2-y-o. Sands of Mali filly. Half-sister to several winners, notably useful French 2-y-o 5.5f winner Forum Magnum. Dam Australian 6f winner, including at 2 yrs. Interesting newcomer. Stable has a fine record with newcomers and market confidence would be significant.
3
3rd (3) (17/2 -31%) Glorious Kitty
8.5
17/2(-31%)
(3) Glorious Kitty 17/2, Shaped well when fourth in 5f York listed race on debut last May. Disappointed in a novice there 10 weeks later and not seen since. Retains potential and interesting to see what the betting makes of her back from a break. Disappointed second start after finishing fourth in a Listed race on debut; watch market.
4
4th (4) (11/8 +15%) Kinswoman
1.375
11/8(+15%)
(4) Kinswoman 11/8, Mehmas filly who is a half-sister to some good winners and out of smart 6f-7f winner. Well bred newcomer from a top yard. Striking pedigree and high on list on debut for powerful yard; market informative.
5
5th (5) (33/1 -32%) Lokma
33
33/1(-32%)
(5) Lokma 33/1, Earthlight filly. Dam 1½m winner. The betting should help guide to expectations for a stable capable of readying one. Breeding suggests she may come into her own over further in due course.
7
6th (7) (15/2 +32%) Skyler
7.5
15/2(+32%)
(7) Skyler 15/2, £48,000 Kodiac filly. Dam, ran once in France, half-sister to smart sprinter Yalta, won Molecomb Stakes. Starts out in what could be quite a warm race but still worth a look in the betting. Stable often gets them ready first time and the market should indicate what is expected.
The Cheveley Park-owned KINSWOMAN, who is a half-sister to last year's Lockinge hero Audience and a close relative of Group 3 winner Dark Lady, looks the part on paper and may have been found a nice opportunity to make a successful start to her career. French Sand and Skyler are fellow debutants with attractive enough pedigrees to be of note. Vinatera is suggested as the pick of those with previous experience.
An interesting maiden. KINSWOMAN is bred to be good and gets the vote to make a winning debut, with confidence in her chance increased should the betting vibes be strong. French Sand is another interesting newcomer, while Glorious Kitty has been off for a while but shaped well in a listed race on her first of 2 runs last summer.
Audience's half-sister KINSWOMAN is particularly appealing on pedigree and is taken to make a winning debut for her powerful yard.
(2) Wallop 10/1, 7/1, sixth of 8 in handicap at Chelmsford City (7f) 21 days ago. Needs to raise his game now racing on tapeta for the first time. Tumbled down the weights but he hasn't looked like taking advantage.
9
1st (9) (9/1 +10%) Oriental Prince
9
9/1(+10%)
(9) Oriental Prince 9/1, Latest win at Newcastle in January. 6/1, eighth of 10 in handicap there (5f) 16 days ago, not ideally placed. Back up in trip and it could be that the handicapper is now in charge. Had an excuse last time but there's a suspicion he's better over 5f.
5
2nd (5) (7/4 +65%) Jesse Luc
1.75
7/4(+65%)
(5) Jesse Luc 7/4, C&D winner. Latest win at Chelmsford City in February. 7/2, respectable third of 10 in handicap at this C&D 4 days ago. Likely to be on the premises once again. Came up short in his bid for a four-timer here on Tuesday; Rossa Ryan's return is a plus.
1
3rd (1) (8/1 -129%) Dicko The Legend
8
8/1(-129%)
(1) Dicko The Legend 8/1, Good head second of 9 to Temple Bruer in handicap at Chelmsford City (6f, 2/1) 21 days ago. Expected to be bang there once again. On a dangerous mark, comes here in form and Tom Marquand booked; big run can be expected.
3
4th (3) (4/1 +33%) One More Dream
4
4/1(+33%)
(3) One More Dream 4/1, C&D winner. Three wins from 19 runs last year. 4/1, bit below form fourth of 9 in handicap at this course (7.1f) 4 days ago. In with an each-way shout. 6f win last month; two fair 7f efforts since; contender back down in distance.
7
5th (7) (50/1 -127%) Jimmy Knocker
50
50/1(-127%)
(7) Jimmy Knocker 50/1, Winner at Newcastle in January. Last of 10 in handicap (11/1) at Chelmsford City (7f) 16 days ago. Tongue strap on 1st time. Looked promising with Newcastle win in January but backward steps since; tongue-tie now.
6
6th (6) (5/1 +50%) Papa Cocktail
5
5/1(+50%)
(6) Papa Cocktail 5/1, C&D winner. 11/2, seventh of 10 in handicap at Newcastle (5f) 29 days ago, not knocked about. Back up in trip and this 6-y-o needs to get back on track. Penultimate run suggested he was ready to strike; ignore latest 5f effort; major player.
8
7th (8) (22/1 -175%) Classy Clarets
22
22/1(-175%)
(8) Classy Clarets 22/1, Winner at Wolverhampton in December. Below form fifth of 10 in handicap (9/2) at the same course (6.1f) 68 days ago. Can make presence felt if settling better this time. Off the mark in a first-time hood in December (5f); pulled hard over 6f last time.
4
8th (4) (14/1 -100%) Temple Bruer
14
14/1(-100%)
(4) Temple Bruer 14/1, Improved on recent efforts to win 9-runner handicap at Chelmsford City (6f, 7/1) 21 days ago by head from Dicko The Legend. 2 lb nudge no major issue but he isn't famed for consistency. Yard also saddles Jesse Luc. Had wind op prior to beating Dicko The Legend at Chelmsford last month; not ruled out.
Some wily characters are drawn together and the likes of Temple Bruer, One More Dream and Classy Clarets are all dangerous to rule out in this competitive sprint handicap. However, DICKO THE LEGEND shades the vote from an attractive rating and can turn last month's Chelmsford form around with the first of that aforementioned trio, as a 1lb pull at the weights tips the scales in his favour this time.
DICKO THE LEGEND couldn't quite get to grips with Temple Bruer at Chelmsford three weeks ago but he was just touched off and is far more likely to run his race than the latter, who is far from consistent. The 5-y-o is appealing with Tom Marquand taking over in the hot-seat. Next on the list is Jesse Luc, who has been in terrific form since the turn of the year and another bold show is likely, while Classy Clarets will be in with a fighting chance if he puts his best foot forward.
A competitive race but PAPA COCKTAIL (nap) is handicapped to win and he can take full advantage of his mark now back at his best trip.
(6) Lion's Dream 15/2, Modest gelding. One win from 23 Flat runs. Twenty-two runs since last win in 2022. Creditable third of 10 in handicap (6/1) at Chelmsford City (6f) 7 days ago. Losing run up to 22 but he ran well when 3rd at Chelmsford last week; claims with a repeat.
7
2nd (7) (20/1 +20%) May Remain
20
20/1(+20%)
(7) May Remain 20/1, Poor gelding. C&D winner. Sixteen runs since last win in 2024. Creditable fourth of 10 in minor event (40/1) at this course (7.2f) 4 days ago. Uphill task. Ran with credit when fourth here on Tuesday but needs to find plenty more to win this.
2
3rd (2) (12/1 +25%) Balmy Breese
12
12/1(+25%)
(2) Balmy Breese 12/1, Modest gelding. Remains a maiden after 24 Flat runs. 11/1, seventh of 8 in minor event at this course (7.2f) 4 days ago. Something to find on form. Some of his best efforts have come over C&D but he is now 0-24.
12
4th (12) (14/1 +30%) Ustath
14
14/1(+30%)
(12) Ustath 14/1, Modest gelding. C&D winner. 11/2, respectable fourth of 9 in handicap at Southwell (6.1f) 14 days ago. Blinkers back on. Often makes the running; in the frame three times this year but he needs a bit more.
4
5th (4) (14/1 +44%) Coco Hill
14
14/1(+44%)
(4) Coco Hill 14/1, Visored for 1st time, below form fifteenth of 23 in handicap (40/1) at Cork (6f, good to firm). Off 7 months. Makes tapeta debut. First run for yard after leaving John McConnell and hard to know how much ability she retains. Makes her stable debut after eight months off and the market should be revealing.
10
6th (10) (2/1 +27%) Nordic Glory
2
2/1(+27%)
(10) Nordic Glory 2/1, Modest gelding. 2/1, didn't need to improve to win 7-runner minor event at this C&D 12 days ago. Expected to be bang there kept to this level. Made his first appearance at this level a winning one over C&D 12 days ago; can follow up.
5
7th (5) (11/2 +31%) Lilkian
5.5
11/2(+31%)
(5) Lilkian 11/2, Modest gelding. C&D winner. Twenty two runs since last win in 2023. Seventh of 10 in handicap (11/1) at Chelmsford City (6f) 7 days ago. 12 wins on the AW but none since October 2023; has become hard to predict.
8
8th (8) (33/1 -106%) Miss Calculation
33
33/1(-106%)
(8) Miss Calculation 33/1, Modest mare. Course winner. 2¾ lengths sixth of 7 to Nordic Glory in minor event (13/2) at this C&D 12 days ago. Cheekpieces back on. 1-27 on the AW; needs to find more in the returning cheekpieces in order to play a part.
9
9th (9) (11/1 +8%) No News
11
11/1(+8%)
(9) No News 11/1, Modest gelding. Eleven runs since last win in 2024. Fifth of 8 in handicap (33/1) at Kempton (8f) 54 days ago. Down in trip. Enters calculations. Drops to this level for the first time; worth a second look especially if backed.
3
10th (3) (17/2 +6%) Banana
8.5
17/2(+6%)
(3) Banana 17/2, Modest mare. Remains a maiden after 43 Flat runs but couldn't have come much closer to opening account when neck-second of 9 in handicap (33/1) at this C&D 3 days ago. Can give a good account. 0-43 but beaten a nose here on Wednesday; chance if she can back that up.
1
11th (1) (14/1 +0%) Available Angel
14
14/1(+0%)
(1) Available Angel 14/1, Modest mare. Two wins from 49 Flat runs. Twenty eight runs since last win in 2022. 11/2, 3½ lengths last of 7 to Nordic Glory in minor event at this C&D 12 days ago. Usual cheekpieces back on. 2-49; behind three of these when last of seven in a similar contest over C&D 12 days ago.
Cases can be made for several of these, with last-time-out winner Nordic Glory and in-form pair Rogue Thunder and Banana all likely candidates. However, it could be worth chancing that LION'S DREAM finds some improvement on just his third start over 6f and he appeals dropping into a classified stakes after dead-heating for a close third in a 0-55 handicap at Chelmsford last week.
NORDIC GLORY has his quirks but he found life easier out of handicap company when successful in a similar race to this over C&D 12 days ago. He can follow up at the chief expense of Rogue Thunder and Banana.
This choice is NORDIC GLORY (nap) who can make it 2-2 at this level after his C&D win 12 days ago, when he had three of these behind.
(3) Herkeios 9/1, First run since leaving James Ferguson when good third of 11 in handicap at this course (8.6f, 9/1) 19 days ago. Hood on first time. Good third for new yard in 8.6f handicap here 19 days ago; can make his presence felt.
6
1st (6) (15/2 +32%) Ballarat Bertie
7.5
15/2(+32%)
(6) Ballarat Bertie 15/2, 18/1, good fourth of 9 in handicap at Kempton (7f) 17 days ago, unsuited by drop in trip. Significantly up in trip. Arrives in good nick without winning; considered now stepping back up in trip.
1
2nd (1) (4/5 +27%) Bay Of Dreams
0.8
4/5(+27%)
(1) Bay Of Dreams 4/5, Promising individual. Career best when winning 9-runner handicap (17/2) at Newcastle (8f) 5 days ago, well on top finish. Carries penalty. Should improve again. Scored emphatically at Newcastle five days ago; big shout under a 6lb penalty.
7
3rd (7) (25/1 -14%) Eva's Eyes
25
25/1(-14%)
(7) Eva's Eyes 25/1, 28/1, fourth of 6 in handicap at this course (8.6f) 4 days ago, hampered. Visor on first time. Not discredited when 4th here four days ago; in the mix with visor replacing cheekpieces.
2
4th (2) (13/2 -117%) Take The Boat
6.5
13/2(-117%)
(2) Take The Boat 13/2, 5/1, career best when winning 9-runner handicap at Kempton (7f) 17 days ago, kept up to work. Significantly up in trip. Makes tapeta debut. Shortlist material in hat-trick bid. On a hat-trick after back-to-back 7f/1m wins at Kempton; not taken lightly on Tapeta debut.
4
5th (4) (5/1 +44%) All Cost
5
5/1(+44%)
(4) All Cost 5/1, Lightly-raced maiden. 5/1 and cheekpieces on for first time, sixth of 8 in handicap at Lingfield (10f, AW) 10 days ago, having run of race. Makes tapeta debut. Only sixth at Lingfield ten days ago; needs to get back on track on first go on Tapeta.
5
6th (5) (40/1 -264%) Havana Club
40
40/1(-264%)
(5) Havana Club 40/1, Creditable second of 14 in nursery (17/2) at Brighton (7f, good to soft). Off 158 days. Significantly up in trip. First run for yard after leaving Warren Greatrex. Has work to do. Consistent maiden for Warren Greatrex; off five months but not ruled out for new yard.
BAY OF DREAMS made a winning handicap debut when upped to a mile at Newcastle just five days ago. She should have plenty more to offer over this extra distance and James Ferguson's filly is taken to shrug off a penalty and go in again. Take The Boat is another improving sort stepping up in trip having landed a double at Kempton last month. She can feature again raised only 3lb, while Herkeios and All Cost are others to note.
BAY OF DREAMS travelled with real purpose when making a winning handicap debut at Newcastle on Monday and with more to come, she can quickly follow up under a penalty. Take The Boat is the obvious danger in her hat-trick bid for all she has stamina to prove).
James Ferguson's BAY OF DREAMS ran out an impressive winner at Newcastle on her recent handicap debut and she can defy a 6lb penalty.
(6) Prince Hector 11/1, Modest gelding. Course winner. Possibly needed the run after 12 weeks off when sixth of 8 in handicap (12/1) at this course (9.5f) 12 days ago. Back up in trip. 2-34; has run well over C&D but will need to improve on recent efforts to win again.
8
2nd (8) (7/2 +50%) Walk The Moon
3.5
7/2(+50%)
(8) Walk The Moon 7/2, Modest gelding. Remains a maiden after 17 Flat runs but again ran creditably when 1¾ lengths third of 11 to Cosmic View in minor event (11/2) at this C&D 33 days ago. Third behind two of these over C&D last month; now 0-22 and needs to find a bit more.
9
3rd (9) (17/2 -6%) Disquietude
8.5
17/2(-6%)
(9) Disquietude 17/2, Modest filly who was soon back to form when fourth of 9 in handicap at this C&D (18/1) 12 days ago. 0-12 and finished behind three of these over C&D 12 days ago; improvement required.
4
4th (4) (7/1 +22%) Lednikov
7
7/1(+22%)
(4) Lednikov 7/1, Modest gelding. Latest win at Southwell in February. Creditable third of 9 in handicap (11/1) at this C&D 12 days ago. Made all at Southwell last month and third over C&D last time; could run well again.
3
5th (3) (33/1 +50%) Fandabidozi
33
33/1(+50%)
(3) Fandabidozi 33/1, Twenty nine runs since last win in 2020. Seventh of 10 in handicap (66/1) at this course (14f) 3 days ago. Hard to fancy. Held in two starts here since returning last month, the latest on Wednesday; more needed.
5
6th (5) (15/8 +66%) National Health
1.875
15/8(+66%)
(5) National Health 15/8, Modest gelding. 7/2, creditable second of 9 in handicap at this C&D 12 days ago, running on. Seems sure to go well again. 0-13 but runner-up here in his last three starts; doesn't need much more in order to win.
7
7th (7) (7/2 +13%) Two Plus Two
3.5
7/2(+13%)
(7) Two Plus Two 7/2, Modest gelding. Course winner. 8/1, good second of 9 in handicap at this C&D 12 days ago, headed close home. Can give another good account. 1-21 but a close second over C&D 12 days ago; drops to this level for the first time.
11
8th (11) (28/1 -40%) Northstead Gardens
28
28/1(-40%)
(11) Northstead Gardens 28/1, Poor maiden who again ran below form when seventh of 9 in minor event at this course (9.5f) 19 days ago. Up in trip. Easy to look elsewhere. 0-12; well held in both starts here since returning for this yard in January; up in trip.
2
9th (2) (66/1 -32%) Devore
66
66/1(-32%)
(2) Devore 66/1, Twelve runs since last win in 2022. Eleventh of 12 in handicap at this course (16.6f, 100/1) 79 days ago. Down in trip. Showed nothing in six starts (1m-2m) since the start of last year; best to look elsewhere.
COSMIC VIEW scored over course and distance last month when taking advantage of a drop in class. That was his first start in classified company and the five-year-old looks likely to make another bold bid in this similar contest. Lednikov won a handicap at Southwell last month and cannot be ruled out at this level, while National Health found the selection too good here two starts ago but could be in the mix again.
COSMIC VIEW found the drop to a basement grade liberating when off the mark over C&D last month and a reproduction of that form could be enough to see him follow up. National Health seems sure to give another good account, with Two Plus Two also commanding respect having looked to have the race sewn up before being collared late on his most recent outing.
This may be the day that TWO PLUS TWO doubles his winning tally having only just lost out in a handicap over C&D 12 days ago.
Racecard Key
Ths is the racecard key.
Icon
Meaning
TomForm top stats, gold rated
TomForm top stats silver rated
Ran similar race before
S
TomForm fatstest rated speed horse, last time out
T
Top Time speeed rated
Top Racingpost rated
At the races watchout for
At the races top pick
Top rated for thet statistic
How to use Tomform
Please Watch this short video that will help you learn how to use Tomform.com to filter out the runners and find a winner in each race.
This is the 16:15 Kempton race from the video above backed at 28/1 earlier in the day.
About U.K Horse Racing
Horse racing is a popular and historic sport in the UK, with a tradition dating back centuries. It is a multi-billion pound industry that attracts millions of spectators each year and generates significant economic activity.
There are two main types of horse racing in the UK: flat racing and jump racing. Flat racing is run on a level course and is typically shorter in distance, while jump racing involves horses jumping over obstacles and is generally longer in distance. Both types of racing are popular with spectators and bettors, and they take place at various racetracks throughout the country.
The most famous horse racing event in the UK is the Grand National, which is held annually at Aintree Racecourse in Liverpool. It is a jump racing event that is known for its challenging course and has become a national institution in the UK. Other notable horse racing events in the UK include the Derby, held at Epsom Downs Racecourse in Surrey, and the Royal Ascot, held at Ascot Racecourse in Berkshire.
Horse racing in the UK is regulated by the British Horseracing Authority (BHA), which sets rules and standards for the industry. It is responsible for the welfare of racehorses and the safety of jockeys and trainers, as well as ensuring fair and transparent racing practices.
In addition to its economic and cultural importance, horse racing in the UK also plays a significant role in the breeding and training of thoroughbred horses. Many of the world's top thoroughbreds are bred and trained in the UK, and the industry plays a vital role in the preservation and promotion of the breed.
Overall, horse racing is an integral part of British culture and a major contributor to the country's economy. It is a thrilling and exciting sport that continues to attract a loyal following and generate significant interest from spectators and bettors around the world.
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