There were 44 Races on Saturday 23rd March 2024 across 6 meetings. There was 6 races at Bangor, 7 races at Navan, 7 races at Newbury, 8 races at Doncaster, 9 races at Wolverhampton, 7 races at Newcastle, no doubt Tomform helped you find a winner.
Races & Results Saturday 23rd March 2024
The data in the racecards below is for the past year. View the racecard key.
(2) Charyn 2/1, Smart colt who excelled himself when hitting the frame in the Irish Guineas and the St James's Palace Stakes, both won by Paddington. Third in the Sussex Stakes in August and ran to just a similar level down in class when third in Celebration Mile later that month. Respected on return. Really smart and acts on soft but behind Knight final 3yo start; yard does well in this.
7
2nd (7) (4/1 +0%) Astral Beau
4
4/1(+0%)
(7) Astral Beau 4/1, Very progressive handicapper in 2022 and improved again to land this corresponding event last year. Produced a rare below-par effort when down the field in similar event at Newmarket (8f, good to firm) 6 months ago and she warrants considerable respect on return. Won this on heavy last year but this looks a stronger renewal.
1
3rd (1) (17/2 +29%) Grey's Monument
8.5
17/2(+29%)
(1) Grey's Monument 17/2, Much improved equipped with blinkers/faced with softer ground, winning twice as a juvenile. Made the track just 4 times last year but proved better than ever on all-weather debut when winning a similar event at Kempton (8f) in December. Gelded since and there's lots to like back on turf. Won AW Listed in December (gelded after); acts in the mud but penalty tough to overcome.
4
4th (4) (15/2 -50%) Holloway Boy
7.5
15/2(-50%)
(4) Holloway Boy 15/2, Debut winner in Chesham at Royal Ascot in 2022. Seen just twice last season though, disappointing in Irish 2000 Guineas before running up to his best with headgear left off when ½ length fourth of 15 to Age of Kings in Jersey Stakes last June. Gelded since and can't be ignored on return. Talented sort who is capable of going well on first outing for nine months (gelded).
5
5th (5) (10/3 -67%) Knight
3.333333
10/3(-67%)
(5) Knight 10/3, Bagged Group 3 Horris Hill at Newbury as a juvenile and took his form up a notch last term, head second of 8 to Chindit in listed race at Sandown (8f heavy) in September. Ran poorly in Darley Stakes (9f, good to soft) next time but fancied to be bang there in a first-time visor. Goes well in the mud and in front of Charyn in Goodwood Group 2 last year; visor added.
6
6th (6) (11/1 -22%) Padishakh
11
11/1(-22%)
(6) Padishakh 11/1, Useful 9f winner for Jean-Claude Rouget, close fifth in Prix Daphnis at Deauville (8f, soft) in August. Gelded but offered little 2 months later making his UK debut for Roger Varian in Darley Stakes at Newmarket (9f, good to soft) and has since switched yards again (for 200,000 gns). Useful in France; lasted only 1 run with Roger Varian but yard does well with new recruits.
3
7th (3) (18/1 +73%) Dashing Roger
18
18/1(+73%)
(3) Dashing Roger 18/1, Snapped a losing run going back over 2 years when forging clear at Nottingham in October and made light of a hike in the weights to follow up at Newmarket a month later, all out to hold on. Super effective when the mud is flying, but likely to come up short in this company. Useful efforts to win two 1m handicaps in mud last autumn but this much harder.
13:20 Doncaster Listed (Class 1) 8f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 1 race.
CHARYN posted a number of creditable efforts at the highest level last year, perhaps most notably when finishing within four lengths of the exceptional Paddington at Royal Ascot. It had been a long season when he finished third behind the reopposing Knight (second) in the Celebration Mile at Goodwood, so it would come as no surprise were he to reverse that form now. Knight must be respected, though, with the first-time visor a potential source of improvement, while Holloway Boy can give a good account of himself. Last year's winner Astral Beau merits respect in receipt of weight from the boys, but this does look a deeper renewal.
A change of race for the curtain-raiser to the Turf Flat season and it's KNIGHT who gets the nod to come out on top back on a more conventional track for his seasonal return. Both his best efforts came when the mud was flying last season, so he's taken ahead of Charyn, who failed to get his head in front last season but was campaigned solely in pattern company. Last year's winner Astral Beau should relish conditions so she can fill out third.
A good renewal of this Listed prize, with KNIGHT is taken to confirm Celebration Mile superiority over Charyn.
(5) Uncle Bert 5/2, Made a winning handicap debut at Perth on his return but wasn't able to kick on from that performance on his next few starts. However, he got back on the up when forging clear for success at Wetherby (19.7f, heavy) 23 days ago. Can make his presence felt. Scored under James Turner last month and subsequent 4lb rise does not look excessive.
4
2nd (4) (28/1 +30%) Willaston
28
28/1(+30%)
(4) Willaston 28/1, Showed improved form last spring, winning back-to-back handicaps at Cheltenham (20.3f) in April and Haydock (24.3f) in May. However, his run of good form has been halted on his last 2 outings, well held back at Cheltenham in October. Others preferred after 5 months off. Won twice on good ground last spring but absent since disappointing run in the autumn.
8
3rd (8) (7/2 -5%) Pickanumber
3.5
7/2(-5%)
(8) Pickanumber 7/2, Went the right way in maiden hurdles for Peter Croke in Ireland last summer and has continued his progress in 2 starts for his current yard, making it back-to-back wins when landing the odds in handicap at Lingfield (16f, heavy) 18 days ago. Not taken lightly back up in trip. 2-2 for current stable; upped in grade today but could still have a lot more to offer.
3
4th (3) (8/1 -60%) West To The Bridge
8
8/1(-60%)
(3) West To The Bridge 8/1, Better than ever when landing Sandown handicap last spring and good second at Uttoxeter (23.3f, good to soft) on return in October. Hasn't gone on from that effort in 3 starts since but he's now dropped below his last winning mark, so he's one to note back up in trip. This month's Newbury fourth was perfectly respectable and today's longer trip will suit.
6
5th (6) (9/1 +25%) Banjaxed
9
9/1(+25%)
(6) Banjaxed 9/1, Irish challenger who was a comfortable winner of a Perth maiden (20.2f, good) in May. Not in the same form both starts since, though, ninth of 20 at Fairyhouse (19.8f, soft) on her latest outing in December. Needs to find more. Won Perth maiden last spring but safely held in two handicaps towards end of 2023.
1
6th (1) (9/2 -35%) Jungle Jack
4.5
9/2(-35%)
(1) Jungle Jack 9/2, Developed into a useful handicap hurdler last season, successful at Haydock and over C&D. Pulled up on his seasonal/chase debut at Wetherby in November, but bounced back (had a wind op) when narrowly denied over hurdles at Kelso (16.2f, soft) last month. Enters calculations. Won this race in 2023 and defends his crown after a good effort in defeat last month.
7
|PU| (7) (6/1 +57%) Llandinabo Lad
6
6/1(+57%)
(7) Llandinabo Lad 6/1, Useful hurdler but not quite at the same level fences. Bumped into an improver when runner-up in handicap chase at Ludlow (20f, soft) in November, but well-beaten at Ascot last time. Needs to get back on track reverted to the smaller obstacles. Switches back to hurdling on very tempting mark but needs break to have done him good.
2
|PU| (2) (16/1 -45%) Cheddleton
16
16/1(-45%)
(2) Cheddleton 16/1, Ran poorly on his 2 starts following his reappearance (over hurdles on second occasion), but with cheekpieces applied he returned to form when winning 4-runner handicap chase at Newcastle (20.1f, soft) a month ago. Task is now to back up his latest effort returned to hurdling. Won off reduced mark over fences last month and is still well handicapped over hurdles.
13:30 Bangor-on-dee Handicap Hurdle (Class
2) 20f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 2 race.
PICKANUMBER has won both of his starts in impressive fashion since joining the Olly Murphy yard and a 7lb rise for the most recent of those victories may not be enough to stop him from rounding out the hat-trick. Uncle Bert also won well on his latest outing and is an obvious threat to the selection. Others to consider in an open event are Cheddleton, Jungle Jack and Llandinabo Lad.
WEST TO THE BRIDGE hasn't built on his reappearance effort in his 3 subsequent outings, but with the return to this longer trip to suit, he can bounce back to winning ways with his yard going well. Pickanumber also arrives with his stable in good form and is respected in his hat-trick bid, with Jungle Jack also considered.
This is quite a bit tougher than his last two races but PICKANUMBER could still have significant further improvement to come.
(2) Goodwin 3/1, Ready winner of a Fontwell bumper last February and came good at the second time of asking over hurdles at Plumpton (2m) in December. Fine third under a penalty at Kempton since. Should give another good account. Progressive 6yo who likes to get on with it and brings strong form claims..
1
2nd (1) (10/11 +27%) Cannock Park
0.909091
10/11(+27%)
(1) Cannock Park 10/11, Point who landed a Bangor bumper and Cheltenham maiden hurdle in the autumn. Better form when third in Grade 1 Formby at Aintree and Grade 2 Premier at Kelso since. Sets a good standard back in a novice. Northern raider who has a lot of weight but undoubtedly sets the standard with Graded form.
3
3rd (3) (4/1 +0%) Lario
4
4/1(+0%)
(3) Lario 4/1, Fair 11f winner on Flat in Germany in 2022. Winner of his completed start over hurdles for Anthony Charlton this winter and an interesting new recruit for the Harry Derham stable. Plumpton winner who has since joined Harry Derham; open to further progress.
5
4th (5) (20/1 -344%) I'm Ravenous
20
20/1(-344%)
(5) I'm Ravenous 20/1, £80,000 point recruit who was fourth in a bumper last April. Taken a while to get him back to the track but his stable continues in good form and it'll be interesting to see what the betting makes of him back from wind surgery. Also fitted with a tongue tie. Point winner whose bumper run reads okay; had wind op since; open to improvement.
6
5th (6) (33/1 -32%) Next Left
33
33/1(-32%)
(6) Next Left 33/1, Fair form when placed in 3 hurdles for Gary Moore at the end of 2021 but has a whopping 826-day absence to overcome starting out for Dan Skelton. Betting perhaps the best guide. Has ability but been a long-time absent and stable jockey rides their other one.
11
6th (11) (33/1 -136%) Kuzco
33
33/1(-136%)
(11) Kuzco 33/1, Ran to a fair level in bumpers in France for Emmanuel Clayeux. Offered something to work on when just under 10 lengths last of 4 in quite a useful juvenile event on his Haydock hurdle and yard debut 5 weeks ago. Should have more to offer. Promising fourth at Haydock (smart winner) and he's a 4yo receiving plenty of weight.
7
7th (7) (20/1 -43%) The Blueberry One
20
20/1(-43%)
(7) The Blueberry One 20/1, Both outings over C&D on soft, stepping up on debut when 8 lengths sixth of 13 last month. Lario looks the stable first string. Some promise here last time but Paul O'Brien has jumped ship to the stablemate.
8
8th (8) (150/1 -650%) Zhang Fei
150
150/1(-650%)
(8) Zhang Fei 150/1, Fair winner on Flat but remote fourth on his Wincanton hurdle debut last month. Will need to leave that form well behind. Strike-rate of 1-26 on the Flat and was a remote fourth on his switch to hurdling.
4
9th (4) (100/1 +0%) Absolutely Fine
100
100/1(+0%)
(4) Absolutely Fine 100/1, From a top yard but this one looks more one for handicaps judged on her 2 efforts over hurdles in recent weeks. Pretty much tailed off in a bumper and two hurdles, going off at lengthy odds.
10
10th (10) (250/1 -150%) Guinessed
250
250/1(-150%)
(10) Guinessed 250/1, 200/1, well-beaten tenth of 13 to Goodwin in novice at Plumpton (2m, good to soft) on completed start over hurdles. Has had wind surgery. Big outsider. Poor maiden who was 200-1 when tailed off behind Goodwin at Plumpton last time out.
9
11th (9) (200/1 -203%) Arenas Del Tiempo
200
200/1(-203%)
(9) Arenas Del Tiempo 200/1, Fair handicapper on Flat (stays 11.5f) for Simon Dow. Starts out over hurdles in a decent novice and can only be watched. All three Flat wins came over 1m2f in 2021; softish ground not ideal for hurdling debut.
13:40 Newbury Maiden Hurdle (Class
3) 16f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 3 race.
A close-up third in a Kelso Grade 2 after occupying the same position in the Formby Novices' Hurdle over Christmas, CANNOCK PARK stands out on form and having previously won a bumper and novice hurdle this season, he can make light of his penalty in this company. Goodwin, who struck at Plumpton prior to a solid Kempton third, is an obvious threat, with Freddie Gordon's 5lb claim an added bonus. In-form trainer Dan Skelton is double-handed, with yard newcomer Next Left a shade more intriguing than Absolutely Fine, despite a lengthy absence.
CANNOCK PARK sets the bar pretty high now dropping down from Graded level. Fellow hurdle winners Lario, a new recruit for Harry Derham, and Goodwin can give him most to think about.
A long trek from the Scottish Borders can pay dividends for CANNOCK PARK, who boasts compelling form credentials.
(11) Zminiature 16/1, Foaled January 30. Territories colt. Dam twice-raced half-sister to useful 1¼m-1½m winner Highland Rocker out of useful 7f-1¼m winner (stayed 1½m) Cay Dancer. Another who is worth checking out in the betting. Territories colt; stable was 4-34 with 2yos last year; not the percentage call.
2
2nd (2) (20/1 +39%) Bob The Bandit
20
20/1(+39%)
(2) Bob The Bandit 20/1, Foaled March 17. 2,000 Aclaim colt. Dam unraced out of useful 1m-1¼m winner Horatia, herself half-sister to smart 1m-1½m winner Moment In Time. Stable has won this before. Stable used to have a good record in this race but is 0-54 with 2yos in last five years.
12
3rd (12) (22/1 -340%) Indication Ember
22
22/1(-340%)
(12) Indication Ember 22/1, Foaled March 13. £19,000 Mayson filly. Dam third at 8.5f in France at 2 yrs. Betting should guide. £19,000 yearling; suitable type especially if the surface is riding deep, being by Mayson.
1
4th (1) (8/1 +50%) Atherstone Warrior
8
8/1(+50%)
(1) Atherstone Warrior 8/1, Foaled March 13. 10,000 gns Coulsty colt. Half-brother to 3 winners, including useful winner up to 1m Stay Classy and 1½m-17f winner Orin Swift. Dam winner up to 11.6f (2-y-o 7f winner). Yard no stranger to first-time-out 2-y-o success. 10,000gns yearling; siblings include a 2yo winner; check the betting for further guidance.
15
5th (15) (28/1 -250%) Theatrically
28
28/1(-250%)
(15) Theatrically 28/1, Foaled January 27. 20,000 gns Soldier's Call filly. Dam lightly-raced half-sister to smart 11f/1½m winner Sextant. 20,000gns yearling; yard was only 4-144 with 2yos last season; unappealing.
14
6th (14) (11/1 +31%) Paddy's Courage
11
11/1(+31%)
(14) Paddy's Courage 11/1, Foaled January 31. 5,000 gns Dark Angel filly. Dam 5f winner (including at 2 yrs). Trainer was responsible for the runner-up in this in 2022. No surprise to see this one go well. 5,000gns yearling; trainer's runner in this contest two years ago finished second at 40-1.
4
7th (4) (7/2 +30%) Dukes Of Haather
3.5
7/2(+30%)
(4) Dukes Of Haather 7/2, Foaled March 21. 47,000 gns Mohaather colt. Closely related to 7f winner Wizarding. Dam, 2-y-o 6f winner, half-sister to useful winner up to 7f King Ragnar. One to note in the betting. 47,000gns yearling; by Mohaather; the most expensive purchase in the field; interesting.
3
8th (3) (22/1 -38%) Clay Shoveler
22
22/1(-38%)
(3) Clay Shoveler 22/1, Foaled March 13. 11,000 gns Portamento gelding. Half-brother to 2-y-o 7f/7.4f winner On Borrowed Time. The betting should guide to expectations with this one. 11,000gns yearling; trainer has picked up place prize-money in this race several times.
7
9th (7) (22/1 +33%) General Gordon
22
22/1(+33%)
(7) General Gordon 22/1, Foaled March 24. €7,000 Invincible Army gelding. Half-brother to useful winner up to 1m Hafeet Alain. Dam unraced. The stable had one reach the frame in this in 2022. 7,000euros yearling; trainer's runner in this race two years ago finished fourth at 33-1.
5
10th (5) (16/1 -78%) Ettorino
16
16/1(-78%)
(5) Ettorino 16/1, Foaled April 10. 10,000 gns Mehmas colt. Dam German 9f/1¼m winner. Yard did quite well with 2-y-os last season and Silvestre De Sousa has been booked. 10,000gns yearling; stable's runner in this contest last year finished fourth at 18-1.
6
11th (6) (100/1 -52%) Funalltheway
100
100/1(-52%)
(6) Funalltheway 100/1, Foaled April 21. 2,000 gns Ribchester gelding. Half-brother to 4f-6f winner Canmore and 5f/6f winner Fataturbina. Dam lightly-raced half-sister to useful winner up to 7f Loch Lein. 2,000gns yearling; by Ribchester; others appear to have greater potential.
9
12th (9) (15/2 -36%) Roysdelight
7.5
15/2(-36%)
(9) Roysdelight 15/2, Foaled April 6. €35,000 Bungle Inthejungle gelding. Dam lightly-raced half-sister to useful 2-y-o 5f/6f winner Royal Razalma out of useful 7f winner Twiggy's Sister. Possibly the yard first string on jockey bookings but the betting should reveal more. 35,000euros yearling; stable is often thereabouts in this contest; one to consider.
13
13th (13) (5/2 +0%) Mystical Elegance
2.5
5/2(+0%)
(13) Mystical Elegance 5/2, Foaled February 1. 45,000 gns Zoustar filly. Half-sister to several winners, including useful winner up to 1m Gypsy Spirit and 7f winner Georgeta. Likely type on paper for stable which sent out the second in this 12 months ago. 45,000gns yearling; part-owner AMO Racing landed this race in 2022; obvious claims.
8
14th (8) (50/1 -257%) Hidden Hero
50
50/1(-257%)
(8) Hidden Hero 50/1, Foaled January 11. £10,000 Land Force colt. Dam unraced. Stable has tasted success in this race before. Yard landed a division of this race in 2017 but was 0-44 with 2yos last season.
10
15th (10) (33/1 -32%) Sunny Time
33
33/1(-32%)
(10) Sunny Time 33/1, Foaled April 4. Without Parole colt. Half-brother to 3 winners, including winner up to 9.5f Jack Berry House and 7f/1m winner Equidae. Dam unraced. Betting check needed. Without Parole colt; yard was 0-14 with 2yos last term; others preferred.
LTO Selection:
13:50 Doncaster Stakes (Class 2) 5f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 2 race.
Amo Racing hit the woodwork in the corresponding event 12 months ago, having landed the previous renewal with Persian Force. There might not be anything of that quality lining up, but their representative MYSTICAL ELEGANCE, a 45,000gns purchase and a half-sister to five winners, is likely to know her job and might have too much for the opposition. General Gordon is a half-brother to Hafeet Alain, who won his maiden over 6f here, so that offers some hope he could get involved. Others to note include Atherstone Warrior and Ettorino.
The betting will obviously provide more clues but the suggestion is MYSTICAL ELEGANCE, whose owner/trainer had one primed to go well in this last year and the 2022 winner also sported these silks. Darryll Holland is another who has readied one to go close in this in recent years so his Paddy's Courage is put forward as second choice ahead of Atherstone Warrior.
Based on purchase price and other factors, the vote goes to DUKES OF HAATHER. Mystical Elegance is feared most.
(1) The Famous Five Evens, Fairly useful Flat winner in France who came good at the fifth of time of asking over hurdles for Venetia Williams when readily seeing off 5 rivals in a 2m Leicester handicap (heavy) in January. A 5 lb rise could prove lenient. Always doing enough to fend off a subsequent winner at Leicester in January; good chance.
3
2nd (3) (9/1 -64%) El Jefe
9
9/1(-64%)
(3) El Jefe 9/1, Better than ever this season, completing a hat-trick at the end of 2023 and resuming winning ways at Sedgefield (17f, heavy) 11 days ago. No reason why he won't give another good account. Four wins this season, the latest at Sedgefield 11 days ago; respected in current form.
4
3rd (4) (13/2 -86%) What A Johnny
6.5
13/2(-86%)
(4) What A Johnny 13/2, Placed on both completed starts in Irish points and made a winning hurdling debut in 6-runner novice at Stratford (2m, heavy) in November. Bettered that form when third under a penalty at Sedgefield later that month. Given a break ahead of handicap debut. Respected as an unexposed sort. Made winning hurdle debut in November and should have improvement to come in handicaps.
2
4th (2) (13/2 +19%) Thank You Blue
6.5
13/2(+19%)
(2) Thank You Blue 13/2, Placed in 2 bumpers for Sam Thomas and made a winning start over hurdles for new stable at Sedgefield since (17f, soft) in November. Fair fourth there next time but disappointed on handicap debut (Sedgefield again) last month. Bounce back needed. Won on hurdle debut in November but last month's handicap debut was underwhelming.
6
5th (6) (9/1 -13%) Mullins Cross
9
9/1(-13%)
(6) Mullins Cross 9/1, Irish raider who won over C&D on heavy in December but has found life tougher since. Needs a return to this venue to spark her back to life. C&D winner in December but has modest strike-rate and is against unexposed rivals today.
7
6th (7) (20/1 -25%) Jumbo Veste Verte
20
20/1(-25%)
(7) Jumbo Veste Verte 20/1, Modest form, finishing third in small-field handicaps at Catterick and Southwell on his last 2 outings. More will be needed here. Close up when third in first two handicaps but others in this line-up appeal more.
5
7th (5) (9/1 -100%) Professor Klump
9
9/1(-100%)
(5) Professor Klump 9/1, Idled and only just held on in a 17f Carlisle maiden in February. That was a weak race and he may not be able to get away with a similar lack of focus now handicapping. Narrow winner of run-of-the-mill Carlisle maiden last month; bit more needed here.
14:00 Bangor-on-dee Handicap Hurdle (Class
4) 17f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 4 race.
JUMBO VESTE VERTE put in a career best when a close third over 2m at Southwell on his second handicap start last month. That form has worked out well and this unexposed five-year-old merits plenty of respect off a 1lb lower figure. Professor Klump got off the mark at Carlisle last time and that evidence suggests that a rating of 101 should be workable. El Jefe and The Famous Five are next best.
THE FAMOUS FIVE's Flat ability provides the hope for better now he's up and running over hurdles so he can make light of a 5 lb rise for Leicester. Lightly-raced handicap newcomer What A Johnny is feared most ahead of the prolific El Jefe.
Venetia Williams' THE FAMOUS FIVE (nap) had a bit left in the tank when asserting on the run-in at Leicester and can follow up.
(4) I Love My Baie 25/1, Likeable type who resumed winning ways back up in trip 4-runner novice hurdle at Ayr (20.4f, soft) in December. Proved to be a disappointment when tailed off in Grade 2 event at Doncaster a month later so needs to get back on track now handicapping dropped back in distance. Dual hurdle winner; ran poorly in Grade 2 latest but overall profile is positive.
9
2nd (9) (12/1 -20%) Pretending
12
12/1(-20%)
(9) Pretending 12/1, Opened her account as a hurdler at Sandown (2½m) in December and has remained in good form, leaving the impression the longer trip was beyond her when second of 8 in at Ludlow (23.8f, heavy) 23 days ago. More required back down in trip. Consistent but held three times in handicaps since Sandown win; others less exposed.
8
3rd (8) (11/2 +66%) Break My Soul
5.5
11/2(+66%)
(8) Break My Soul 11/2, Fetched £290,000 after landing sole start in Irish points and shaped with plenty of encouragement when third in 2m course novice on hurdling debut in November. Had a wind op and shaped similarly when runner-up at Warwick a couple of months ago and now makes an early switch to handicaps. Point winner; placed in both hurdles and unexposed now making quick switch to handicaps.
2
4th (2) (13/2 -136%) Into The Park
6.5
13/2(-136%)
(2) Into The Park 13/2, Plenty about him physically and is improving with experience, making all for a ready success in a big-field maiden here (16.3f) in January. Followed up in the manner of one that looks up to completing a hat-trick on handicap bow at Taunton (16.5f, soft) last month so he's shortlisted. 2m course maiden winner; followed up on 2m handicap debut and more to come now up in trip.
1
5th (1) (13/2 -8%) Spirits Bay
6.5
13/2(-8%)
(1) Spirits Bay 13/2, Useful dual bumper winner last season who showed promise on first 2 hurdle starts before making the most of a good opportunity at Exeter in February. Followed up from what looked a lenient opening mark back there 15 days ago and looks capable of better again. On a hat-trick after novice/handicap wins at Exeter in recent weeks; respected.
10
6th (10) (13/8 +84%) Kartoon And Co
1.625
13/8(+84%)
(10) Kartoon And Co 13/8, Made a successful start in 4-runner juvenile hurdle at Stratford in October and has shown better form in defeat on 3 subsequent outings, finishing with running left after conceding first run on handicap debut at Sandown (16f, soft) 2 weeks ago. Nudged up 3 lb but ought to soon make amends. Stayed on well for second on 2m Sandown handicap debut, suggesting this trip should suit.
3
7th (3) (9/1 -50%) Idy Wood
9
9/1(-50%)
(3) Idy Wood 9/1, Bumper winner who looked right back on song when readily doubling his hurdles tally in 2m4f novice at Plumpton in January. Ran respectably tried at Grade 2 level for a second time when third in Dovecote at Kempton (16f, soft) last month and heads back up in trip for his handicap debut. Ran well considering drop back to 2m not ideal when 3rd in Grade 2 latest; handicap debut.
5
8th (5) (16/1 -33%) The Good Doctor
16
16/1(-33%)
(5) The Good Doctor 16/1, Built on encouraging yard debut when winning at Fontwell novice (17.7f, soft) on Boxing Day and lost little caste in defeat when conceding lumps of weight to a promising rival at Sandown (16f, good to soft) 7 weeks ago. Remains early days (this just his second handicap start). Won handicap in France and landed novice for new yard over Xmas; second at Sandown since.
6
9th (6) (14/1 -40%) Onethreefivenotout
14
14/1(-40%)
(6) Onethreefivenotout 14/1, Made a winning bumper debut at Worcester in October 2021 then off 2 years. Didn't need to be at his best to land the odds returned to maiden company at Wincanton (15.2f, heavy) 5 weeks ago and now heads back up in trip. Likely to have more to offer. Bounced back from disappointing handicap debut when winning maiden in cheekpieces.
14:10 Newbury Handicap Hurdle (Class 3)
19f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 3 race.
INTO THE PARK is very capable of making this a searching test and rates the one to be with. The five-year-old broke his maiden from the front here in January and has a live chance of coping with a 6lb rise following a successful switch to handicaps at Taunton. The class-dropping Idy Wood might be the primary threat, although the hat-trick chasing Spirits Bay has to be feared, despite going up 8lb for his latest Exeter success.
KARTOON AND CO left many scratching their heads ridden more patiently at Sandown on handicap debut a fortnight ago (finished with running left having allowed the winner first run) so he's fancied to make amends if adopting more positive tactics at the expense of Into The Park, who is improving in leaps and bounds and arrives on a hat-trick. Spirits Bay and Onethreefivenotout can do battle for third spot.
The way KARTOON AND CO (nap) stayed on for second on his recent handicap debut suggests there should be more to come upped in trip.
(9) Rainbow Trail 8/15, Thrice-raced winner under Rules. 1 win from 3 runs this season. Second of 25 in novice hurdle (10/1) at Naas (15.6f, heavy) 27 days ago, running on. The one to beat. Bumper winner, sets the standard here based on second place in a 25-runner maiden at Naas.
16
2nd (16) (4/1 +0%) Well Dressed
4
4/1(+0%)
(16) Well Dressed 4/1, Promising type. Fourth of 25 in novice hurdle at Naas (15.6f, heavy, 22/1) 27 days ago. Should improve with that run under her belt and she's one to consider. Ability in two runs, may improve but appears held by Rainbow Trail on running at Naas.
10
3rd (10) (7/2 -27%) Union Station
3.5
7/2(-27%)
(10) Union Station 7/2, Promising type. 3/1, third of 9 in novice hurdle at Naas (19.1f, heavy) 42 days ago. Open to progress and should have a big role to play. Two third placings at Naas, initial run over 2m arguably better than second run at 2m3f.
5
4th (5) (80/1 -60%) Kinbara Hills
80
80/1(-60%)
(5) Kinbara Hills 80/1, Thrice-raced maiden under Rules. Last of 6 in novice hurdle (200/1) at this course (22.4f, heavy) 21 days ago. Significantly back down in trip. In good hands but has shown nothing so far, possible issues with his jumping.
4
5th (4) (14/1 -17%) En Or
14
14/1(-17%)
(4) En Or 14/1, Twice-raced maiden over hurdles. Saddle slipped when pulled up in novice hurdle at Down Royal (16.9f, soft, 25/1) 6 days ago, pulled up before third. Each-way shout judged on debut effort in this sphere. Four wins on Flat, pulled up with a slipped saddle at Down Royal last Sunday.
14
6th (14) (33/1 -83%) One Night Standard
33
33/1(-83%)
(14) One Night Standard 33/1, €40,000 3-y-o: £16,000 4-y-o. Half-sister to dual bumper winner Roc of Dundee, useful hurdler/smart chaser Ben Dundee, stayed 3m, and fair staying chaser Prince Dundee. Third sole start between the flags. Placed in a point, Keith Donoghue rides Union Station, worth a look for future reference.
11
7th (11) (200/1 -33%) Arthur's Victory
200
200/1(-33%)
(11) Arthur's Victory 200/1, Fair Flat winner. Twice-raced maiden over hurdles. 125/1, thirteenth of 16 in novice hurdle at Thurles (16.2f, soft) 18 days ago. 3-25 Flat, all three wins in Britain, soundly beaten on her first two runs over hurdles.
7
8th (7) (16/1 +0%) Muhtaluza
16
16/1(+0%)
(7) Muhtaluza 16/1, Twice-raced maiden. Fourth of 12 in novice hurdle (10/1) at Thurles (15.6f, soft) 39 days ago. Yard saddles a stronger candidate in Rainbow Trail. Has hinted at ability on his first two starts; second-string for Rainbow Trail's trainer.
12
9th (12) (80/1 +20%) Flier
80
80/1(+20%)
(12) Flier 80/1, Modest maiden on the Flat. Sixth of 14 in handicap at Dundalk (12f, 17/2) 64 days ago. Opposable on this hurdles debut. 15-race maiden on Flat, rated a modest 55, best watched on hurdling debut.
13
10th (13) (150/1 -50%) Mayos Vendangeur
150
150/1(-50%)
(13) Mayos Vendangeur 150/1, Thrice-raced maiden under Rules. 50/1, thirteenth of 16 in novice hurdle at Gowran (16f, heavy) 14 days ago. Will need to qualify for a handicap mark judged on her first two runs over hurdles..
3
11th (3) (80/1 +20%) Chance Another One
80
80/1(+20%)
(3) Chance Another One 80/1, Twice-raced maiden. Sixth of 16 in novice hurdle at Thurles (16.2f, soft, 100/1) 18 days ago. Point winner on good ground, Thurles sixth was step in the right direction, more needed.
6
12th (6) (150/1 -50%) Kinturk Jack
150
150/1(-50%)
(6) Kinturk Jack 150/1, Once-raced maiden. 66/1, seventh of 8 in novice hurdle at Punchestown (19.8f, heavy) on NH debut 34 days ago. Down in trip. 66-1, tailed off on belated debut in a 2m4f maiden at Punchestown last month.
2
13th (2) (200/1 -33%) Bruno From Mars
200
200/1(-33%)
(2) Bruno From Mars 200/1, Twice-raced maiden under Rules. Last of 8 in bumper at Limerick (16.2f, heavy, 100/1) on bumper debut 13 days ago, refusing to settle. Switches from bumpers to hurdles. Raced too keenly maiden hurdle, last of eight in a bumper, safe to rule out.
15
14th (15) (50/1 -257%) Rock On Dolly
50
50/1(-257%)
(15) Rock On Dolly 50/1, Mount Nelson mare. Dam ran twice over hurdles. Interesting to see which way she goes in the betting. Dam showed little, from family associated with stamina, one of three here for the stable.
8
15th (8) (200/1 -33%) Nelsoria
200
200/1(-33%)
(8) Nelsoria 200/1, Once-raced maiden. 125/1, fourteenth of 15 in novice hurdle at Gowran (16f, heavy) on NH debut 14 days ago. Always back when sent off at three-figures odds on debut at Gowran a fortnight ago.
1
16th (1) (200/1 -33%) Ask Berlioz
200
200/1(-33%)
(1) Ask Berlioz 200/1, Twice-raced maiden under Rules. 125/1, last of 8 in bumper at Ballinrobe (17.4f, soft) on bumper debut. Off 11 months. Switches from bumpers to hurdles. Has run only twice, showed nothing in a bumper in 2022 and a maiden hurdle last year.
14:17 Navan Maiden Hurdle 16f Race Speed Rating Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's race.
RAINBOW TRAIL won a bumper on testing ground at Clonmel back in November and gets the vote to open his account over hurdles following a promising effort in a 25-runner Naas maiden last month. The Gordon Elliott-trained gelding beat all bar the well-regarded Tounsivator, with Well Dressed about ten lengths behind in fourth. Union Station shaped well on debut when third to Tullyhill in a 25-runner 2m Naas maiden and was again placed on his only subsequent start over three furlongs extra last month. En Or won over 1m6f on the Flat at Fairyhouse last summer and also showed promise over hurdles at Punchestown. It's best to put a line through his latest hurdle run at Down Royal last Sunday where he was pulled up early due to a slipped saddle.
RAINBOW TRAIL left his hurdles debut form well behind when chasing home one form the Willie Mullins yard in a big field at Naas last month. He is taken to go one better here, perhaps at the chief expense of Union Station, who has shaped well in a couple of maiden hurdles and he should pick up a race sooner rather than later. Well Dressed was behind Rainbow Trail at Naas but she's open to improvement and is likely to finish closer this time.
This should be relatively straightforward for RAINBOW TRAIL who has the beating of promising mare Well Dressed on Naas running
(2) Look Back Smiling 17/2, Reluctant sort but he posted a career best when winning 10-runner handicap here (7f, heavy) in October. Needs to back it up off a 3 lb higher mark. Has notable Doncaster form, including a heavy-ground win last time out.
7
2nd (7) (5/1 +38%) Thunder Roar
5
5/1(+38%)
(7) Thunder Roar 5/1, Signed off for 2023 with 7f win here and resumed with a solid third of 12 in handicap at Southwell (7.1f) 13 days ago. Not taken lightly off an unchanged mark. Has form figures of 21311 on soft/heavy; interesting granted ideal ground.
6
3rd (6) (17/2 +29%) Arthur's Realm
8.5
17/2(+29%)
(6) Arthur's Realm 17/2, Took this in 2022 and not disgraced when fourth of 12 in handicap at Kempton (12f) in October. Not ruled out on his seasonal return. Landed this prize off only 1lb lower in 2022; finished seventh last year.
9
4th (9) (12/1 +45%) Clear Angel
12
12/1(+45%)
(9) Clear Angel 12/1, Dual 1m winner last season who signed off with a respectable fourth of 16 in handicap at Redcar (8f, good), not ideally placed. In the mix. Respectable sixth in this contest 12 months ago; again may not be far away.
8
5th (8) (7/1 +50%) Magic Memories
7
7/1(+50%)
(8) Magic Memories 7/1, Took his form up another notch when shedding maiden status in 1m handicap at Brighton (heavy) in October and backed it up with a good third at Newmarket following month. Shortlisted on his return. Ended last season in good form; may improve further this year; not ruled out.
16
6th (16) (22/1 -144%) Helter Skelter
22
22/1(-144%)
(16) Helter Skelter 22/1, Fair 1m maiden for John Joseph Murphy last autumn. Sold for 38,000 gns and posted an encouraging fourth for his new yard after 6 months off in minor event at Wolverhampton (9.5f) 8 days ago. Interesting now going into handicaps, especially if the market vibes are positive. The least exposed contender; interesting on second run for shrewd new connections.
13
7th (13) (16/1 +11%) Maysong
16
16/1(+11%)
(13) Maysong 16/1, Consistent sort who posted a good second of 8 in handicap at Kempton (8f) 17 days ago. A two-time 1m winner in 2023 so he needs considering. Fully exposed but he finished third (off only 2lb lower) in this race last year.
12
8th (12) (33/1 -50%) Hortzadar
33
33/1(-50%)
(12) Hortzadar 33/1, Bagged two 1m handicaps last autumn but only eighth of 10 in handicap at Newcastle (8f) 15 days ago. Needs to get back on track. Not the force of old; recent efforts don't augur well.
5
9th (5) (22/1 -22%) Wildfell
22
22/1(-22%)
(5) Wildfell 22/1, C&D winner who arrives in decent nick, fourth of 11 in handicap at Kempton (8f) 34 days ago. One to consider. Fit from AW; sole turf success came over C&D; not without a chance.
15
10th (15) (7/1 -8%) Harswell Duke
7
7/1(-8%)
(15) Harswell Duke 7/1, C&D winner in the mud last spring and shaped as if the run was needed after 4 months off when sixth of 9 in handicap at Newcastle (8f) 10 days ago. Merits serious consideration off a handy-looking mark. Defied an 8lb higher mark in this race 12 months ago; very attractively weighted.
1
11th (1) (28/1 +0%) Lion Tower
28
28/1(+0%)
(1) Lion Tower 28/1, Posted his best effort in a long while when second of 13 in handicap at Newcastle (7.1f) 48 days ago. Ought to be in the shake-up off the same mark. The forecast slow ground is a negative back on turf; best on good/firmer.
18
12th (18) (28/1 +0%) Tonal
28
28/1(+0%)
(18) Tonal 28/1, Got off the mark at Wolverhampton in February and not disgraced under a 5 lb penalty when fourth of 9 in handicap there (9.5f) 36 days ago. Possibilities. Campaigned in Class 6 on AW since handicapping; something to prove back on turf.
14
13th (14) (12/1 +14%) Expressionless
12
12/1(+14%)
(14) Expressionless 12/1, Kickstarted 2023 with back-to-back 1m wins at Nottingham and Epsom. Caught wide when seventh of 9 at Lingfield (10f, AW) final run so no surprise to see him in the picture here off a 2 lb lower mark. This may be the time to catch him; scored twice on soft ground last spring.
3
14th (3) (12/1 -71%) Titian
12
12/1(-71%)
(3) Titian 12/1, Course winner who turned in a rare below-par effort when ninth of 12 in handicap at York (10.2f, soft) in October. Sort to bounce back after a break. Close second off 2lb higher in this contest 12 months ago; respected back here.
11
15th (11) (22/1 -57%) He's A Gentleman
22
22/1(-57%)
(11) He's A Gentleman 22/1, A two-time scorer at Wolverhampton last autumn who resumed with a good second of 12 in handicap there (7.2f) 42 days ago, just failing. Merits consideration. Very consistent, mostly on AW, since last summer; 0-14 on turf.
4
16th (4) (10/1 -18%) Dirtyoldtown
10
10/1(-18%)
(4) Dirtyoldtown 10/1, 22/1, improved on recent efforts to win 17-runner handicap at Newmarket (7f, heavy) in November. Handles the mud well so he can make his presence felt despite taking a 5 lb rise. Won comfortably on heavy ground at Newmarket when last seen; possibilities.
17
17th (17) (66/1 -65%) Skilled Warrior
66
66/1(-65%)
(17) Skilled Warrior 66/1, It's now 13 runs since his last win in 2023 and he came in only seventh of 9 in handicap at Newcastle (8f, 16/1) 10 days ago. Others are preferred. Current mark reflects a decline in his form; others preferred.
10
18th (10) (33/1 -200%) Kalikapour
33
33/1(-200%)
(10) Kalikapour 33/1, A fair ex-Irish 1m winner who wasn't disgraced when a close 11th in 10f Dundalk handicap in September. Much respected after a break for his new handler with few miles still on the clock. Ex-Irish; failed to progress last year; market instructive on debut for new yard.
14:25 Doncaster Handicap (Class 2) 8f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 2 race.
It might be worth taking a chance on HARSWELL DUKE, who made all to defeat the reopposing Titian off 8lb higher in this race last year. He should have been primed for this following a recent spin at Newcastle and any further rain will suit. Look Back Smiling is another who will relish forecast ground conditions, having recorded a course win on heavy ground when last seen 147 days ago. Lion Tower returned with a narrow second at Newcastle last month and he could be on the premises too, while Hortzadar, Wildfell and Clear Angel are just a few others to consider.
Plenty are in with a shout. Roger Fell took this 12 months ago and his HARSWELL DUKE is worth siding with given he should strip fitter for a recent Newcastle sixth and also now figures on a good mark after his C&D success in the mud last spring. Gary Moore's Magic Memories also handles these underfoot conditions really well and could emerge as the main threat ahead of handicap-debutant Helter Skelter and reliable duo Maysong and Titian.
A chance is taken on HELTER SKELTER, who lacks experience but is very unexposed by the same token. Harswell Duke is second choice.
(4) Montgomery 8/11, Lightly-raced winning hurdler for Christian Williams. Has looked a good prospect sent chasing for his new yard when successful over C&D and in 4-runner handicap chase at Leicester (22.7f, heavy) 15 days ago. Big shout in his hat-trick bid. Launched chasing career with two emphatic wins (one over C&D) for new stable this year.
3
2nd (3) (10/3 +17%) Ballycamus
3.333333
10/3(+17%)
(3) Ballycamus 10/3, Made a successful debut over fences at Chepstow and added to his tally in 2m4f handicap at Warwick following month. Posted another good effort when second of 4 at Newbury (19.8f, soft) 22 days ago. Considered. 2-4 since switched to fences in the autumn; good second this month; in the mix again.
2
3rd (2) (16/1 -300%) Dragon Rock
16
16/1(-300%)
(2) Dragon Rock 16/1, Resumed winning ways in 3m handicap chase at Fairyhouse in November but made mistakes back hurdling when beating only one at Catterick following month. More is required returned to this sphere after a break. Not seen since poor hurdle win in December but was a good chase winner in November.
1
4th (1) (18/1 -29%) Red Rookie
18
18/1(-29%)
(1) Red Rookie 18/1, Scored at Warwick last March. However, yet to truly fire this season, only seventh at Sandown 37 days ago. Others appeal more. Well below best form this season and has stamina to prove today; dips in grade, at least.
5
5th (5) (11/2 +15%) Bells Of Peterboro
5.5
11/2(+15%)
(5) Bells Of Peterboro 11/2, Consistent sort who found improvement to score over fences at Chepstow in January. Not discredited back hurdling when third of 12 in handicap there (23.6f, heavy) 28 days ago. Shortlisted switched to chasing. Placed off this mark over hurdles since wide-margin chase win in January; respected.
14:30 Bangor-on-dee Handicap Chase (Class
3) 24f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 3 race.
Cases can be made for all of these, but marginal preference is for MONTGOMERY. The seven-year-old has won both of his starts for Venetia Williams, including a 17-length success at Leicester a couple of weeks ago, and he remains open to further progression. Ballycamus was not disgraced at Newbury last time and should not be underestimated in a race of this nature, while Red Rookie has valid form claims if seeing out the trip.
MONTGOMERY has made the perfect start to life over fences since joining the excellent Venetia Williams team and can make light of a 9 lb weights hike to go 3-3. Ballycamus arrives at the top of his game and rates next best ahead of Bells of Peterboro and Dragon Rock.
There is no strong temptation to oppose MONTGOMERY, who has made very rapid progress over fences for his new stable this year.
(2) Heltenham 5/4, Improved markedly for the switch to chasing, taking another step forward when running out a good winner of the Greatwood Gold Cup over C&D 3 weeks ago. 6 lb higher mark to contend with but very much on the shortlist again with yard continuing in excellent form. 2-2 over C&D after winning the Greatwood Gold Cup three weeks by 2l but comfortably.
4
2nd (4) (11/2 +45%) Sir Psycho
5.5
11/2(+45%)
(4) Sir Psycho 11/2, Back over fences, made his first start since leaving Paul Nicholls a winning one in novice handicap at Ascot (18.8f) on his return (form worked out well). Similar form on 2 of 3 starts since, fourth behind Heltenham over C&D for the latest of them 3 weeks ago. Eased 2 lb since. Has looked handicapped on the high side since his reappearance success at Ascot.
3
3rd (3) (13/2 -44%) Gunsight Ridge
6.5
13/2(-44%)
(3) Gunsight Ridge 13/2, Lightly-raced 9-y-o who was in process of running well when falling 4 out on return at Wetherby and showed no ill effects when chasing home an upwardly-mobile Skelton in-mate at Sandown (15.5f) last month. Only 2 lb above last winning mark and worth a second look. Chased home a sharp improver last time at Sandown and he comes here fresh.
6
4th (6) (6/1 +40%) Gustavian
6
6/1(+40%)
(6) Gustavian 6/1, Sole success over fences to date came in 3-runner affair at Exeter (24.2f) 13 months ago. Largely creditable efforts since, good third of 9 to Heltenham over C&D 3 weeks ago. Eased 2 lb ahead of this but return to further may suit ideally. Can make mistakes and likely competition for the lead further reduces his appeal.
5
5th (5) (11/1 -38%) Galahad Quest
11
11/1(-38%)
(5) Galahad Quest 11/1, Decisive winner of a 2½m Warwick handicap chase last February and hasn't shaped badly, albeit without being anywhere near his best, in 2 starts so far this season. Down to an attractive mark but he does need to keep the errors at bay in competitive race of this nature. Questionable what he achieved behind an easy winner last time but has the form to figure.
1
6th (1) (7/1 -27%) Solo
7
7/1(-27%)
(1) Solo 7/1, Smart novice chaser (Grade 2 winner) who returned with a very good second in the Haldon Gold Cup at Exeter in November. Runner-up conceding weight to an unexposed 4-y-o at Ascot a month later but this return to handicaps rates a plus and promising young rider takes off handy 5 lb. Stuck on a tough mark but they claim 5lb off him and he's mustard when fresh.
14:40 Newbury Handicap Chase (Class 2) 20f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 2 race.
Greatwood Gold Cup winner HELTENHAM, who also took this prize 12 months ago, is presented with a good opportunity to gain back-to-back successes, with both the trip and ground likely to suit as he bids to overcome just a 6lb rise for his recent comfortable C&D victory. Gunsight Ridge could be the one to give him most to think about, given the nine-year-old is still low-mileage over fences and can get competitive off just 2lb above his last winning mark. Solo rates the pick of the rest.
HELTENHAM continued on his upward curve and had a couple of re-opposing rivals in his wake when running out a good winner of the Greatwood Gold Cup over C&D 3 weeks ago and a 6 lb rise for that victory shouldn't prevent another bold showing with his yard continuing in smashing form. Gunsight Ridge was no match for an improver latest but comes here with good claims. Solo, back in handicaps/partnered by a good-value claimer, can also figure.
Heltenham is hard to knock but GUNSIGHT RIDGE bumped into an improver last time on what was effectively his first run of the season.
(3) Influential Lady 33/1, Latest win in hurdle at Ballinrobe in July. 15/2, creditable third of 8 in handicap hurdle at Sligo (25.4f, soft) 148 days ago. Significantly down in trip. 4-time winner over hurdles but prefers further on quicker ground; off 148 days.
1
2nd (1) (5/6 +31%) Instant Tendance
0.833333
5/6(+31%)
(1) Instant Tendance 5/6, Fair in bumpers and continued theme of race-by-race progress over hurdles when winning 12-runner novice hurdle (4/6) at this course (16f, heavy) 21 days ago, driven clear. In excellent hands and feasible to think she could yet do better now handicapping. Didn't need to improve to win over C&D latest; won with plenty in hand; fair opening mark.
4
3rd (4) (7/2 +50%) Circus Act
3.5
7/2(+50%)
(4) Circus Act 7/2, Respectable fourth of 12 in handicap hurdle at Leopardstown (20f, heavy, 9/1) 19 days ago, dropping away gradually. Not out of things dropping back to the minimum trip. Sole win came in maiden at Hereford last year; beaten 20l latest; prefers better ground.
5
4th (5) (18/1 +36%) Sidiriya
18
18/1(+36%)
(5) Sidiriya 18/1, Lightly-raced useful 1½m winner on the Flat for D. K. Weld. Only one standout effort over hurdles for present stable since last summer and bit to prove having been pulled up when last seen at Leopardstown in December. Showed ability on Flat for Dermot Weld but seems to have lost her way; hard to fancy.
2
5th (2) (7/2 -27%) Purse Price
3.5
7/2(-27%)
(2) Purse Price 7/2, Winner in hurdle at Thurles (15.6f) in January. Good second of 7 in novice hurdle (33/1) at Leopardstown (16f, soft) 20 days ago, ridden between last 2 and keeping on. Should give another good account returned to handicaps. Unlucky to be just 1-15 under rules; good run at Leopardstown latest; may want bit further.
6
6th (6) (12/1 -200%) Pinky
12
12/1(-200%)
(6) Pinky 12/1, Lightly-raced maiden under NH rules. 150/1, fourteenth of 25 in novice hurdle at Naas (15.6f, heavy) 27 days ago. Looks to have been brought along with handicaps in mind and a market move would look significant representing shrewd stable. Showed ability in a bumper on debut but tailed off in 4 starts since; h'cap debut.
The chart reads from right to left to today's race.
Gordon Elliott holds a strong hand here and riding arrangements suggest INSTANT TENDANCE is preferred. The daughter of Joshua Tree was placed both over hurdles and bumpers this season before landing the odds here earlier this month when drawing clear in the closing stages to take a mares' maiden. Purse Price ended a frustrating run of places in style when easily scoring at Thurles in January and probably put up a career best last time when second to Blizzard Of Oz at Leopardstown. Circus Act was just denied by American Money in an 18-runner Naas handicap this year, while Influential Lady gained a fifth career win at Ballinrobe last summer but may struggle on this ground after a winter break.
An open-looking mares' handicap with a chance taken on CIRCUS ACT. James Nash's 5-y-o went with plenty of zest for a long way when fourth at Leopardstown 3 weeks ago, and with the drop back in trip holding no fears, she's fancied to go well. Instant Tendance and Purse Price rate dangers for the Gordon Elliott yard, whilst Pinky demands a market check on her handicap bow.
There should be more to come from INSTANT TENDANCE after a recent C&D win and a mark of 116 looks workable
(3) Montassib 4/1, Smart gelding. 10/1, career best when winning 22-runner handicap at York (6f, soft), suited by emphasis on stamina. Off 161 days. Obvious claims on return, although race might not be run to suit. Won big-field handicap at York last autumn; well worth his place in this higher grade.
2
2nd (2) (3/1 +0%) Marshman
3
3/1(+0%)
(2) Marshman 3/1, Made a winning reappearance in a 5.5f Chantilly Group 3 last season before having his limitations exposed in Group company. Drops in grade now and is likely to be ready for this return, so he's a definite player. Lightly raced 4yo with good record fresh; drops in class and has conditions in his favour.
4
3rd (4) (3/1 +25%) Orazio
3
3/1(+25%)
(4) Orazio 3/1, Low-mileage 4-y-o who looked a sprinter going places when landing 6f handicaps at Newmarket and Ascot last spring. Didn't fully kick on but likely to be right back on his game now fresh from 6 months off, so warrants plenty of respect. Promising last spring; beaten favourite in big handicaps after but has since been gelded.
7
4th (7) (5/1 +69%) Adaay In Devon
5
5/1(+69%)
(7) Adaay In Devon 5/1, Progressive last season, winning four times and signing off with a good second in listed company at Newmarket 141 days ago. Needs further improvement if he's to trouble some of these rivals on reappearance. 3yo; had fine 2023, 2nd in Newmarket Listed race final start, but this is tougher still.
1
5th (1) (4/1 -78%) Baradar
4
4/1(-78%)
(1) Baradar 4/1, Bagged the International over 7f here (good to soft) in July and produced a really smart handicap performance when following up over 6.5f at the Doncaster St Leger meeting. Seemed amiss on final outing but has an excellent record fresh and makes plenty of appeal. Two good handicap wins in 2023, including here; came to hand early last year; major player.
5
6th (5) (50/1 +24%) Glorious Angel
50
50/1(+24%)
(5) Glorious Angel 50/1, Useful filly who shaped as if she'd strip fitter for the run when fifth in a handicap at Wolverhampton last time. Out of her depth in this company, though. Front-runner; might have needed reappearance 12 days ago; stiff task in this higher grade.
6
7th (6) (20/1 -82%) Sophia's Starlight
20
20/1(-82%)
(6) Sophia's Starlight 20/1, Likeable filly who enjoyed a productive campaign last season, narrowly denied in a listed contest at Newmarket on her final outing 5 months ago. Could feature under a positive ride. Hardy pacesetter; beaten a head in Newmarket Listed in October; may still be unexposed.
15:00 Doncaster Listed (Class 1) 6f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 1 race.
Baradar finished third in last year's Lincoln and then struck on two occasions over shorter distances to improve his rating 8lb last season. His last run at Ascot in October was too bad to be true and he is likely to be thereabouts, but the vote goes to MARSHMAN. Karl Burke's colt finished second in the Gimcrack in 2022 and took a Group 3 at Chantilly over an extended 5f in April last year, so he could have too much speed for his main rival. Of the remainder, Montassib appeals most.
BARADAR was firmly on the up prior to seeming amiss at Ascot on his final outing last season but, freshened up, he's likely to put up a bold showing on return. Montassib is closely matched with the selection on form, so he's regarded as a big player along with Orazio.
Charlie Hills's ORAZIO looked a sprinter going places last spring and may get back on track if a gelding op has had a positive effect.
(1) Grain D'oudairies 11/2, Beat only one on his chasing debut at Ayr (2m4f) in January but has won 2 of his 5 starts over timber so can't be written off yet for last year's winning yard. Below par on chase debut but the pick of his hurdle form suggests he's well handicapped.
2
1st (2) (13/8 +7%) Hunter Legend
1.625
13/8(+7%)
(2) Hunter Legend 13/8, Maiden hurdler but this half-brother to the yard's very smart chaser Cepage confirmed previous chasing promise when gamely landing 5-runner handicap at Lingfield (22f, heavy) 18 days ago. Another bold showing is on the cards. Recent Lingfield winner and the runner-up again ran well in defeat earlier this week.
5
2nd (5) (11/1 +45%) Tribesmans Glory
11
11/1(+45%)
(5) Tribesmans Glory 11/1, A fair winning chaser here for Tom George in 2020. Lightly raced since and arrives out of form over hurdles. Easy to look elsewhere. Tailed off the last twice over hurdles and was pulled up on sole chase run this campaign.
4
3rd (4) (13/8 +41%) One Last Glance
1.625
13/8(+41%)
(4) One Last Glance 13/8, Consistent maiden hurdler who came in a solid second of 5 on just his second go over fences (carried out on debut) at Southwell (15.8f, heavy) 19 days ago. In the picture. Early days chasing; carried out on first attempt and then ran second at Southwell.
3
|PU| (3) (10/3 +17%) Mini Yeats
3.333333
10/3(+17%)
(3) Mini Yeats 10/3, Winless over hurdles but he made an encouraging start over fences when second of 10 in handicap at Taunton (16f, soft) 12 days ago. Can go well again off the same mark. Got outpaced before running into second on recent chase debut; still a maiden.
15:05 Bangor-on-dee Handicap Chase (Class
4) 17f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 4 race.
A determined winner over 2m6f at Lingfield, HUNTER LEGEND should have no issue with the drop in trip, having shown plenty of form over shorter throughout this season. Soft ground is another plus and he should have too much for Mini Yeats, who returned to form on his chasing bow when runner-up at Taunton. One Last Glance has been consistent this term and is another who must enter calculations.
HUNTER LEGEND has yet to match the illustrious hoofprints of his smart half-brother Cepage but showed a good attitude when getting off the mark at Lingfield and can follow up at the chief expense of Southwell runner-up One Last Glance. Mini Yeats and Grain d'Oudairies can fight it out for minor honours.
Although a little clumsy on his chase debut, GRAIN D'OUDAIRIES is entitled to be wiser here and this mark certainly isn't beyond him.
(8) All The Glory 22/1, Won novices at Hexham and Market Rasen on her first 2 starts this season. Ran creditably while leaving the impression the trip might've been far enough for her when 17¼ lengths fifth to Smiling Getaway at Ludlow before Christmas and this looks a tough ask on handicap debut. Back on drier ground and armed with plenty of experience, she could go well at a price.
6
2nd (6) (10/1 +17%) Alfie's Princess
10
10/1(+17%)
(6) Alfie's Princess 10/1, Point winner who has made a promising start over hurdles, landing novices at Chepstow and Exeter. Matched previous form as opposed to finding the improvement needed from her opening mark when third at Sandown 7 weeks ago so will need to take a step forward. Beaten 17l in third at Sandown last time and she's only 1lb lower for this.
1
3rd (1) (22/1 -120%) Ooh Betty
22
22/1(-120%)
(1) Ooh Betty 22/1, Dual winner last May who quickly revived after a couple of lesser efforts when landing a Hereford handicap in good style in late November. Found one too good on her last couple of starts (behind Party Vibes at Market Rasen on latest) but may prove vulnerable to unexposed sorts here. Improving mare and weighted to give Party Vibes more to think about than last time.
11
4th (11) (11/2 +21%) Larchmont Lass
5.5
11/2(+21%)
(11) Larchmont Lass 11/2, Useful form in bumpers, including a Sandown listed win last March. Showed improved form to get off the mark over hurdles at Wincanton (21.4f, soft) last month and she may do better still now up and running sent down the handicap route. Recent workmanlike winner at Wincanton; open to improvement but she needs some.
7
5th (7) (14/1 +13%) Lilting Verse
14
14/1(+13%)
(7) Lilting Verse 14/1, Listed bumper winner who got off the mark over hurdles with her sights lowered in a 13-runner novice at Ludlow (21.3f) in November. Wasn't in quite the same form back there 3 months ago and likely she'll come up short in this company for her handicap debut. Giving weight to Smiling Getaway when behind her at Ludlow; this ground more favourable.
5
6th (5) (6/1 -33%) Party Vibes
6
6/1(-33%)
(5) Party Vibes 6/1, £45,000 purchase after finishing runner-up in an Irish point and confirmed previous promise under Rules when opening her account in Wincanton novice (15.2f) on Boxing Day. Improved again as she followed up at Market Rasen last month and looks capable of better again sent handicapping. Doesn't look on a bad mark, especially with the potential to improve plenty over this trip.
14
7th (14) (12/1 +40%) Drumlee Spud
12
12/1(+40%)
(14) Drumlee Spud 12/1, Successful in sole point and promising second in a bumper. Disappointing she didn't offer more at the business end given how she'd shaped on her first 2 starts in this sphere when 16¼ lengths third to Dontyawantme in a Carlisle novice (19.3f) last month but fancied to show more now handicapping. This mark on handicap debut demands a career best in a race of this nature.
10
8th (10) (40/1 -21%) Dontyawantme
40
40/1(-21%)
(10) Dontyawantme 40/1, Fairly useful bumper winner who is proving to be steadily progressive over hurdles and got off the mark in 11-runner novice at Carlisle (19.3f, soft) in February. Beaten by more than a combination of the longer trip/racing on the unfavoured inside at Doncaster since and makes her handicap bow. Peak efforts offer hope but has to rebound from a below-par performance at Doncaster.
15
9th (15) (14/1 +0%) Marmalade Time
14
14/1(+0%)
(15) Marmalade Time 14/1, Steadily progressive over hurdles, making it third time lucky in 9-runner novice at Doncaster (19.4f, heavy) 20 days ago, her jumping again awkward at times but nothing at all wrong with her attitude. Another one to consider on handicap debut. Recent winner and improving; not to be taken lightly despite a tough handicap debut.
4
|F| (4) (11/1 -175%) El Elefante
11
11/1(-175%)
(4) El Elefante 11/1, Made all in both bumper outings and was impressive when making a winning hurdles debut at Perth (20.2f) in September. Defied a penalty readily with her sights lowered at Ayr (20.4f, good to soft) just over a fortnight ago and she's a likely candidate on handicap debut. Didn't have much in hand over Kay Tara Tara last time and she's 11lb worse off here.
17
10th (17) (50/1 +0%) Imperial Jade
50
50/1(+0%)
(17) Imperial Jade 50/1, Progressed with each start over hurdles last term, ending campaign with victory in 6-runner juvenile at Chepstow. Disappointing so far this season, though, and has a plenty to find from 8 lb out of the weights. Won a junior hurdle at Chepstow (2m, soft) last April but comfortably held since.
16
11th (16) (9/2 +78%) Lindy Reilly
4.5
9/2(+78%)
(16) Lindy Reilly 9/2, Kayf Tara mare who looks to have been brought along with handicaps in mind, not knocked about when well held at Doncaster (19.4f, heavy) earlier in the month. Better expected for her red-hot yard. Lots to prove but handicap newcomers from this yard always command a second look.
2
12th (2) (9/1 -38%) Smiling Getaway
9
9/1(-38%)
(2) Smiling Getaway 9/1, Winning Irish pointer who shaped well in a Southwell bumper on sole run for Dan Skelton and has built on that when winning mares' novice hurdles at Ludlow (21f, soft) and Warwick (19f, heavy) for her new stable in recent months. Struggled up in grade last time, and now sent handicapping. Solid contender who should give her running but doesn't look strikingly well handicapped.
13
|PU| (13) (16/1 -45%) Kay Tara Tara
16
16/1(-45%)
(13) Kay Tara Tara 16/1, Bumper winner on debut and made a successful start in this sphere at Huntingdon (19.6f) in October. Showed better form in defeat when third at Fontwell in December and back on track when 2¼ lengths second of 7 to El Elefante in an Ayr novice (20.4f, good to soft) recently. Each-way player. Best run yet when keeping El Elefante honest at Ayr and has an 11lb pull with that one.
12
|PU| (12) (20/1 -25%) Endless Supply
20
20/1(-25%)
(12) Endless Supply 20/1, Placed on the second of 2 outings in bumpers and improved on her hurdles debut form when second in an Exeter novice (18.5f, soft) in November. Didn't get home in what became a slog at the trip at Uttoxeter before Christmas and now sent handicapping after a break. Rested since an excusable defeat in December and might not be badly handicapped.
3
|PU| (3) (22/1 -38%) Condesa
22
22/1(-38%)
(3) Condesa 22/1, Returned from a very long absence to win a 2m Perth novice hurdle in July. Seemed to find 2½m on heavy ground stretching her when remote fourth next time but given 4 months off, showed more like her hurdling debut form under a penalty when second at Sedgefield in January. More needed. Narrowly beaten by a subsequent Grade 2 winner last time which brings her into it.
9
|PU| (9) (22/1 +33%) Baby Shally
22
22/1(+33%)
(9) Baby Shally 22/1, Point winner who made a successful start in this sphere in a Wincanton novice in December. Showed improved form upped in trip/grade (also fitted with a tongue strap) when runner-up in a listed event at Doncaster (24.4f, heavy) 3 weeks ago and holds each-way claims now handicapping. Improved third in a 3m Listed race last time but others still appeal more.
15:15 Newbury Handicap Hurdle (Class 1)
20f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 1 race.
This looks wide-open so only a tentative vote goes to PARTY VIBES. Henry Daly's six-year-old handed out a five-and-a-half-length beating to Ooh Betty at Market Rasen, to supplement a Wincanton triumph, and she can complete the hat-trick on her handicap bow. El Elefante saw off Kay Tara Tara at Ayr and she could be the main threat to the selection, although Endless Supply shouldn't be underestimated, despite failing to justify short odds at Uttoxeter on her latest outing.
A mares' novice handicap chock-full of potential and it's DRUMLEE SPUD who gets the tentative nod to build on her early-season efforts for the in-form Ben Pauling stable. Party Vibes is a mare firmly on the up and, arriving on a hat-trick, she can give the selection most to think about, while El Elefante, Larchmont Lass and Marmalade Time are just a handful of others to consider in what looks a wide-open renewal of this valuable, long-established prize.
This has been a long-term target for many of these and that could be the case with LILTING VERSE on her first run since December.
(5) Iceberg Theory 9/2, Lightly-raced maiden under NH rules. Respectable third of 10 in novice hurdle at Limerick (19f, heavy, 2/1) 85 days ago. Cheekpieces on 1st time. Not taken lightly. Placed in 3 maiden hurdles this term and some of that form working out; cheekpieces on.
8
2nd (8) (15/2 +53%) Karacole
7.5
15/2(+53%)
(8) Karacole 15/2, Fair hurdler. 9 lengths sixth of 8 to Bioluminescence in Shannon Spray Mares Novices' Hurdle at Limerick (22.3f, heavy, 66/1) 13 days ago. Improved for step up to 2m6f latest but still needs more here; drops to 2m4f.
3
3rd (3) (3/1 +25%) Fameaftertheglory
3
3/1(+25%)
(3) Fameaftertheglory 3/1, Unreliable individual. 10/1, creditable third of 10 in minor event chase at Punchestown (24.6f, soft) 47 days ago, going in snatches. Switches from chase to hurdles. No wins under rules since 2021 but a recent point win to his name; may need further.
4
4th (4) (5/1 +29%) Howdoyalikeherhome
5
5/1(+29%)
(4) Howdoyalikeherhome 5/1, Fairly useful hurdler. 4/1, creditable third of 10 in handicap hurdle at Naas (19f, heavy) 13 days ago. Unlikely to be far away. 2nd in December Naas maiden hurdle; good runs in defeat inc' h'cap bow latest; bit to find.
6
5th (6) (6/4 +8%) Lightkeeper
1.5
6/4(+8%)
(6) Lightkeeper 6/4, Fair form. Respectable fourth of 20 in maiden hurdle (4/1) at Down Royal (16.9f, soft) 6 days ago. Longer trip should suit. Leading claims for top yard. 2nd to Tullyhill and Mercurey in maiden hurdles earlier in season; further should suit.
7
|PU| (7) (40/1 -264%) Splendid Choice
40
40/1(-264%)
(7) Splendid Choice 40/1, Lightly-raced maiden under NH rules. Fifth of 8 in novice hurdle (200/1) at Punchestown (19.8f, heavy) 34 days ago, not knocked about. Hood on 1st time. Struggled first 3 runs but showed more when beaten 10l latest; bit to find but e/w chance.
15:25 Navan Maiden Hurdle 20f Race Speed Rating Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's race.
LIGHTKEEPER was first past the post in a point-to-point last spring and has proved consistent since sent over hurdles this year. The Walk In The Park gelding filled the runner-up spot behind hotpots Tullyhill and Mercurey at Naas and Punchestown respectively and should be suited by this step up in trip after staying on into fourth at Down Royal last Sunday. Iceberg Theory was third on debut behind The Yellow Clay in a Leopardstown bumper and also made the frame in all three maiden hurdle starts including behind Black Bamboo at Cork. Fameaftertheglory won two point-to-points and a bumper but has proved frustrating to date over hurdles, while Howdoyalikeherhome reverts to maiden company after two placed efforts in handicaps.
LIGHTKEEPER could have more to offer over this trip so he gets the nod for the Gordon Elliott/Jack Kennedy combination. Iceberg Theory and Howdoyalikeherhome can give the selection most to think about in that order.
This can go the way of LIGHTKEEPER (nap) who's kept some smart company this season and he's shaped like he'll relish a step up in trip
(15) Mr Professor 33/1, Back to winning ways at Goodwood (9f, soft) in September. Respectable efforts final 2 starts. Ground conditions will be fine on this return to action and he's competitively handicapped. Did well for new yard in second half of last season but needs something extra on return.
12
2nd (12) (16/1 -60%) Lattam
16
16/1(-60%)
(12) Lattam 16/1, Won the Irish Lincoln in the mud on his 2023 reappearance. Several other good efforts for William Haggas last season and he's an interesting new recruit for the Julie Camacho stable. Won Irish Lincolnshire on 2023 reappearance; each-way claims on stable/seasonal debut.
11
3rd (11) (22/1 +0%) Navagio
22
22/1(+0%)
(11) Navagio 22/1, Progressed into a useful performer in Ireland for Ray Cody last summer, winning 1m Limerick handicap and 9.5f Gowran conditions race. Not obviously well handicapped but worth a betting check now setting out for a new yard after a 47,000 gns sale last autumn. Improved form in Ireland last summer but may be on a tough mark for stable debut.
22
4th (22) (28/1 +58%) Alpha Crucis
28
28/1(+58%)
(22) Alpha Crucis 28/1, Won twice over 1m in the mud last year. Better than result when sixth of 14 in 1m Newmarket final start. Still relatively low mileage. 2 lb out of handicap. Only sixth when last seen but progressive prior; retains potential; interesting outsider.
10
5th (10) (5/2 +55%) Chazzesmee
2.5
5/2(+55%)
(10) Chazzesmee 5/2, Low-mileage 6-y-o who improved again to justify strong market support in last Monday's Irish Lincolnshire at the Curragh (1m, heavy). Did that comfortably and a major player under a 5 lb penalty if coping with the quick turnaround. Travelled well to win Irish Lincolnshire on Monday; 5lb penalty may not stop him today.
20
6th (20) (25/1 +62%) Spirit Genie
25
25/1(+62%)
(20) Spirit Genie 25/1, Won easily dropped to selling company last autumn but showed he can be very competitive from his mark in handicaps when second on heavy at Newmarket (1m) in November. Below par on AW later that month and off since. Close 2nd on heavy ground on last turf run; returns with conditions to suit; could go well.
5
7th (5) (11/1 +21%) Thunder Ball
11
11/1(+21%)
(5) Thunder Ball 11/1, Off the mark in 7f Newbury novice last May and deservedly gained a second career win in 1m Goodwood handicap (soft) on final start in October. A 6 lb rise for that stylish success looks fair. Could have a big say. Progressive towards end of last season, including on soft; in mix if continuing good work.
6
8th (6) (12/1 +0%) The Gatekeeper
12
12/1(+0%)
(6) The Gatekeeper 12/1, Rounded off a fine 2023 season with success in the valuable Balmoral handicap at Ascot (1m, soft) in October. Up to a triple-figure rating for the first time so will need to improve again if he's to land another big pot on his return. Won the Balmoral Handicap when last seen; on career-high mark but not ruled out on return.
16
9th (16) (66/1 -32%) Chuzzlewit
66
66/1(-32%)
(16) Chuzzlewit 66/1, Reacted well to blinkers (retained) when seeing off 5 rivals at Newcastle (1m) 10 days ago but not an obvious one to follow up off effectively 6 lb higher back on turf. Won in first-time blinkers at Newcastle recently but best form has come on AW.
19
10th (19) (22/1 +45%) One Night Thunder
22
22/1(+45%)
(19) One Night Thunder 22/1, Lightly-raced winner. Ran well in the mud at Newmarket when fourth on her yard debut in November. Well beaten at Newcastle a fortnight later and absent since. Others are more obvious. Below par on AW when last seen but encouraging stable debut previously; not written off.
17
11th (17) (33/1 +0%) Parlando
33
33/1(+0%)
(17) Parlando 33/1, Useful sort who comes here on the back of a win in Bahrain last month. His debut success back in 2021 came on heavy ground but a 5 lb penalty for that recent win demands a big career best. In good form in Bahrain over winter, winning last time; not ruled out under 5lb penalty.
13
12th (13) (33/1 -50%) Dutch Decoy
33
33/1(-50%)
(13) Dutch Decoy 33/1, Five-time 7f/1m winner in 2022 and went in on the July Course at Newmarket last summer. Plenty of creditable efforts in top-end handicaps later in 2023 but remains 3 lb above that last successful mark on reappearance. Consistent in good handicaps last year; each-way claims if at top of game on reappearance.
4
13th (4) (5/1 -25%) Liberty Lane
5
5/1(-25%)
(4) Liberty Lane 5/1, Smart and improved performance back from an 8-week break when edging out Sonny Liston (pair clear) in a 15-runner C&D handicap (soft) on St Leger day. Might not have been over those exertions when down the field in the Cambridgeshire a fortnight later. Taken to bounce back with a bang. Won 15-runner C&D handicap on soft last September; conditions in favour on reappearance.
14
14th (14) (18/1 +45%) Farhh To Shy
18
18/1(+45%)
(14) Farhh To Shy 18/1, Useful mare who scored over 1m at Ascot (soft) and 7f at Yarmouth last summer. Ended her 2023 campaign with good thirds at Ascot (handicap/listed). Jockey Benoit de la Sayette is bidding to win this for the third time in the last 4 years. Some good form in 2023 but this 6yo mare may find today's company a shade too competitive.
18
15th (18) (80/1 -100%) Hieronymus
80
80/1(-100%)
(18) Hieronymus 80/1, Has been in good form with 2 AW wins at Kempton this year but shouldered with a 5 lb penalty as a result and likely to be up against it back on the grass. In good form on AW of late but 0-17 on turf and has career-high mark now back on grass.
7
16th (7) (11/1 +21%) Vetiver
11
11/1(+21%)
(7) Vetiver 11/1, Three wins, notably a 7f Carlisle listed event on soft ground last June. Showed she can mix it in good handicaps when 2½ lengths fifth of 20 to The Gatekeeper in Balmoral at Ascot (1m, soft) final outing. This is only her eighth start so may not have reached her limit. Solid 5th in Balmoral last time out; this lightly raced 4yo could still have more to offer.
9
17th (9) (11/1 +21%) Blues Emperor
11
11/1(+21%)
(9) Blues Emperor 11/1, Winner of 2 1m handicaps in Ireland last summer. Also excellent second of 20 in the Irish Cambridgeshire at the Curragh (1m, good) at the end of August. Ran poorly in a listed race final start but gone well fresh before and capable of bouncing back. Highly progressive in Irish handicaps last year; open to further improvement; respected.
8
18th (8) (80/1 -142%) Revich
80
80/1(-142%)
(8) Revich 80/1, Returned to winning ways when narrowly taking 9-runner handicap at Ayr (1m, good) in September. Below par on AW a month later and off since. Sixth is the best he's managed in 3 previous attempts in this race. Better than ever last year but has come up short in the last three runnings of this race.
2
19th (2) (11/1 +0%) Johan
11
11/1(+0%)
(2) Johan 11/1, Won this under Silvestre de Sousa 2 years ago and landed another big handicap when proving too strong for The Gatekeeper in the Golden Mile at Glorious Goodwood on his 2023 reappearance. Fifth in Redcar listed only subsequent start. Good record fresh makes him tough to discount. Has won major handicaps on his last two reappearances; makes 2024 comeback today.
1
|RR| (1) (20/1 -67%) Migration
20
20/1(-67%)
(1) Migration 20/1, Very smart effort to defy top weight in this race on heavy ground a year ago, seeing off the reopposing Awaal. An even better performance will be needed off a 4 lb higher mark this time but can't be ruled out given how well he handles these conditions. Tongue tied first time. Won this race 12 months ago on his reappearance; major player if again at top of his game.
15:35 Doncaster Handicap (Class 2) 8f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 2 race.
Chazzesmee justified strong market support to take the Irish Lincolnshire by a length on Monday and, providing that hasn't taken too much out of him, he could be a big player as he relishes these conditions. However, the vote goes to last year's winner of that Curragh contest LATTAM. The son of Lope De Vega clearly goes well fresh and he makes his return after finishing seventh behind The Gatekeeper at Ascot in October, for which he is 4lb better off. Last year's winner Migration and The Gatekeeper are others to watch out for.
LIBERTY LANE was impressive over this C&D on soft at last year's St Leger meeting and this relatively lightly-raced 4-y-o appeals as one who could have more to come in 2024. Chazzesmee was a good winner of the Irish version of this race on Monday and a 5 lb penalty won't prevent him making a bold bid for a notable double if coping with the quick turnaround. Awaal was second in this off an identical mark last year and also makes the shortlist along with Thunder Ball.
Having travelled well when winning the Irish Lincolnshire on Monday, CHAZZESMEE (nap) can defy a penalty and complete a notable double.
(2) Grand Albert 5/6, Winning Irish pointer who offered something to work on when second of 5 in bumper at Bangor on Rules debut in December. Better effort over hurdles when second in novice at Doncaster a month ago and looks the type to do better still. Closely matched with Guard The Moon but has since improved for going further.
3
2nd (3) (Evens -10%) Guard The Moon
0
Evens(-10%)
(3) Guard The Moon Evens, Back-to-back wins in bumpers at Bangor in December and solid start over hurdles, again showing fair form when runner-up over C&D last time. Sets the standard and there might well be more to come, so leading claims. Dual bumper winner at this track and it's been a positive start over hurdles.
4
3rd (4) (40/1 -100%) Jo Arengeot Bey Aa
40
40/1(-100%)
(4) Jo Arengeot Bey Aa 40/1, Fetched £50,000 after winning his sole start between the flags. Showed a bit on first two starts under Rules but produced a tame display over hurdles at Wetherby last time. Plenty to find on form. Tailed off in a maiden last time and he's again deserted by Brian Hughes.
6
4th (6) (50/1 -150%) Dragonball Prince
50
50/1(-150%)
(6) Dragonball Prince 50/1, Ended his time on the Flat (for Hugo Palmer) out of form and didn't offer a great deal of encouragement when fifth in a juvenile at Stratford 12 days ago. Others make more appeal. 0-15 on the Flat; at Stratford he was always out the back and didn't jump well.
5
5th (5) (80/1 -142%) Kenny's Park
80
80/1(-142%)
(5) Kenny's Park 80/1, £20,000 buy after finishing second in an Irish point in December but didn't offer a great deal when eighth in a novice at Hereford on hurdling debut. Others make more appeal. Weak in the market ahead of hurdling debut at Hereford and finished tailed off.
15:40 Bangor-on-dee Maiden Hurdle
(Class 3) 20f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 3 race.
A winner of two bumpers here and runner-up over C&D on his latest start, GUARD THE MOON clearly has an affinity for Bangor and this looks like an ideal opportunity to get off the mark over hurdles. Grand Albert has half a length to find with him from their meeting here in a bumper back in December, and Donald McCain's charge has since run with credit over timber. Kenny's Park was well beaten at Hereford, but better may be expected on softer ground.
GUARD THE MOON has the best form and there's scope for better, so he makes marginally more appeal than Grand Albert, who also has potential. Galunggung is another player if he retains all of his ability back from a lengthy absence.
This looks a straight match between GUARD THE MOON and Grand Albert who are very closely matched on their bumper clash here.
(1) Regent's Stroll 7/2, Expensive purchase who justified a prominent position in the market when scoring at Ascot on debut. Off almost 4 months since but he has plenty of potential and is worth a chance to maintain his unbeaten record. Cosy winner at Ascot in November; high on the list despite conceding weight all round.
9
2nd (9) (12/1 -20%) Don't Mind If I Do
12
12/1(-20%)
(9) Don't Mind If I Do 12/1, £75,000 3-y-o, Diamond Boy gelding. Half-brother to 3 winners, including fairly useful hurdler/chaser Lord Baddesley and bumper winner/fairly useful hurdler Robins Reef. Looks the pick of the newcomers on paper. Interesting newcomer, with appealing pedigree and from yard with three wins in this race.
3
3rd (3) (9/1 -125%) Andashan
9
9/1(-125%)
(3) Andashan 9/1, Knew his job when landing a 9-runner bumper at Kempton 43 days ago but there's every chance he'll improve on it, so definite player. Attracted support before making winning debut at Kempton; one for the shortlist.
11
4th (11) (22/1 +33%) Green Splendour
22
22/1(+33%)
(11) Green Splendour 22/1, £30,000 3-y-o, Mount Nelson gelding. Dam unraced half-sister to fairly useful 19f/21f hurdle winner Smiling Getaway. Trainer’s newcomers are worthy of respect. £30,000 3yo; bred to be classy and worth monitoring in the market.
4
5th (4) (7/2 +42%) Crest Of Fortune
3.5
7/2(+42%)
(4) Crest Of Fortune 7/2, Related to several winners an looked a nice prospect when making a successful start at Wincanton 102 days ago, going away at the finish. Open to improvement and likely to be on the premises. Overcame greenness to win at Wincanton; may be the pick of the Honeyball three.
21
6th (21) (25/1 +50%) Lagertha
25
25/1(+50%)
(21) Lagertha 25/1, £40,000 3-y-o, No Risk At All filly. Half-sister to Sindarbueno (French 2½m-21f chase winner, by Sinndar): dam (h147), 2¼m-19f winner in France, also 15f winner on Flat, sister to useful hurdler/smart chaser (stayed 3¼m) Aupcharlie. £40,000 3yo; daughter of No Risk At All; Gavin Sheehan a good booking; quite interesting.
6
7th (6) (20/1 +0%) Big Ginge
20
20/1(+0%)
(6) Big Ginge 20/1, Related to a couple of winners (including in a bumper) and showed something to work on when third of 12 at Huntingdon 44 days ago. Likely to step forward from that, so not ruled out. Showed something to build on when third of 12 at Huntingdon; may improve.
5
8th (5) (6/1 -33%) Authentic Legacy
6
6/1(-33%)
(5) Authentic Legacy 6/1, Half-brother to 3 winners, including dual bumper winner Moonamacaroona. Plenty of encouragement on debut when fourth in listed contest at Cheltenham and should make a big impact in calmer waters. Shaped well on debut when fourth at Cheltenham; this longer trip should be in his favour.
13
9th (13) (25/1 -56%) Gwennie May Star
25
25/1(-56%)
(13) Gwennie May Star 25/1, £38,000 3-y-o, Masterstroke gelding. Dam placed 2 of 3 starts over hurdles. One to monitor in the betting for shrewd stable. £38,000 3yo by Arc third Masterstroke; second newcomer from the Skelton stable.
8
10th (8) (14/1 -17%) Dance And Glance
14
14/1(-17%)
(8) Dance And Glance 14/1, £16,000 3-y-o, Passing Glance gelding. Half-brother to useful hurdler/chaser Uncle Alastair and fairly useful hurdler/useful chaser Movie Legend. Worth a market check. Half-brother to two useful types; worth a market check with top bumper yard running three.
20
11th (20) (50/1 -100%) Kiss Me Moon
50
50/1(-100%)
(20) Kiss Me Moon 50/1, £18,000 3-y-o, Spanish Moon filly. Half-sister to fairly useful hurdler/useful chaser Eden du Houx. Dam unraced. Not an obvious sort for this sphere. Half-sister to useful bumper and 2m-2m3f hurdle/chase winner Eden Du Houx; makes debut.
18
12th (18) (66/1 -100%) Tom Taggle
66
66/1(-100%)
(18) Tom Taggle 66/1, £25,000 3-y-o, Soldier of Fortune gelding. Dam, modest maiden hurdler, half-sister to useful hurdler/smart chaser (stayed 3m) Three Faces West. Appeals on breeding; stable is 9% in bumpers (last five seasons) and runs three newcomers.
14
13th (14) (22/1 -83%) Interchangeable
22
22/1(-83%)
(14) Interchangeable 22/1, £16,000 3-y-o, Jack Hobbs gelding. Dam useful hurdler (2¼m/2½m winner). £16,000 3yo; Daryl Jacob's pick of the Crawford three; another newcomer to consider.
10
14th (10) (33/1 -136%) Double Dragon
33
33/1(-136%)
(10) Double Dragon 33/1, Cheap purchase but stable does well in this sphere and he offered plenty of encouragement when fourth in a Hereford bumper 3 months ago. Open to improvement. Encouragement when fourth at Hereford; wouldn't need to improve much to play a part.
19
15th (19) (150/1 -200%) Formel Park
150
150/1(-200%)
(19) Formel Park 150/1, Walk In The Park filly. Half-sister to 4 winners, including useful hurdler Out of The Loop and fairly useful 2¾m hurdle winner Russian Hawk. Likely to need more time and distance. Walk In The Park half-sister to four hurdle winners; dam bumper winner; worth market check.
16
16th (16) (150/1 -200%) Lennie Godber
150
150/1(-200%)
(16) Lennie Godber 150/1, Half-brother to 3 winners, including fairly useful hurdler/useful chaser Super Six and bumper winner/fairly useful hurdler Norman Fletcher. Offered nothing at Warwick on debut, though. Showed little on debut at Warwick two weeks ago and needs marked improvement.
15
17th (15) (66/1 -100%) Lawsky
66
66/1(-100%)
(15) Lawsky 66/1, £22,000 3-y-o, Sea The Moon gelding. Half-brother to 1½m winner Stonking. Dam, French 9f-11.5f winner, half-sister to fairly useful hurdler (stays 19f) Vorashann. Descends from useful Aga Khan family but yard has modest strike-rate in bumpers these days.
17
18th (17) (25/1 +24%) Tikiti Dino
25
25/1(+24%)
(17) Tikiti Dino 25/1, £50,000 3-y-o, Doctor Dino gelding. Half-brother to fair French chaser Fortasta. Dam lightly raced over hurdles/fences in France. Stable’s first-timers usually merit respect. £50,000 3yo; fits the bill on pedigree but Tom Cannon prefers Don't Mind If I Do.
7
19th (7) (25/1 -25%) Clever One
25
25/1(-25%)
(7) Clever One 25/1, £28,000 3-y-o, Affinisea gelding. Dam unraced half-sister to smart hurdler/high-class chaser (winner up to 23f) Hidden Cyclone. Wears hood. From a good family and not dismissed on debut. £28,000 3yo; by Affinisea; one of three newcomers for the same connections; hooded.
12
20th (12) (10/1 +9%) Gwennie May Jem
10
10/1(+9%)
(12) Gwennie May Jem 10/1, Manatee gelding. Dam unraced. Little to go on pedigree wise but preferred by Harry Skelton, so not discounted. Newcomer by Manatee; looks the Skelton first string judged on jockey bookings.
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 2 race.
ANDASHAN and Regent's Stroll both beat Tradecraft on their respective debuts, with slight preference for the former as he is likely to provide more value and Chris Gordon's Kempton scorer should have plenty of improvement in him. Regent's Stroll also has a 4lb penalty to carry for his Ascot triumph, but is still expected to prove a big threat. Authentic Legacy started off with a pleasing fourth in Listed company at Cheltenham, while any market confidence behind 75,000-pound purchase Don't Mind If I Do would be interesting.
This has the makings of an above-average contest but REGENT'S STROLL looked a good prospect at Ascot first time out and he may be up to defying a penalty. Fellow debut winner Crest of Fortune is a danger and Authentic Legacy needs considering after a solid start in a listed event at Cheltenham.
Regent's Stroll is a strong candidate but preference is for AUTHENTIC LEGACY who made a promising start at Cheltenham.
(2) Chapeau De Soleil 10/11, Lightly-raced winner under NH rules. 17 lengths sixth of 7 to Readin Tommy Wrong in Lawlor's of Naas Novices' Hurdle at Naas (20f, soft, 11/1) 71 days ago. Stable in good form. Likely to improve. Let down by his jumping in a Grade 1 contest at Naas, a good opportunity to redeem himself.
3
2nd (3) (10/11 +34%) Twoohthree
0.909091
10/11(+34%)
(3) Twoohthree 10/11, Promising points scorer who also won 7-runner novice hurdle (7/1) at Leopardstown (20f, heavy) on NH debut 19 days ago, cruising clear. Will take the beating. Point winner, runaway scorer at Leopardstown on hurdling debut, could be progressive.
1
3rd (1) (20/1 -150%) Binge Worthy
20
20/1(-150%)
(1) Binge Worthy 20/1, Thrice-raced winner under NH rules. Winner in hurdle at Limerick in December. Last of 4 in novice hurdle at Fairyhouse (20f, heavy, 5/2) 59 days ago so more is needed. Fairyhouse run was too bad to be true, jumped poorly, Jack Kennedy rides Twoohthree.
4
4th (4) (125/1 -400%) Miss Vivacious
125
125/1(-400%)
(4) Miss Vivacious 125/1, Lightly-raced maiden under NH rules. 33/1, very good fifth of 12 in novice hurdle at this course (16f, heavy) 21 days ago. Significantly up in trip with lots to find here though. Around 20l fifth in an ordinary 2m maiden here three weeks ago, tough task against winners.
15:58 Navan Maiden Hurdle 22f Race Speed Rating Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's race.
CHAPEAU DE SOLEIL jumped poorly early on in Grade 1 company last time and this drop in class could help his confidence now. The Soldier Of Fortune gelding, tenth in the Champion Bumper last season, had been a good winner on his hurdling bow at Clonmel in December but made a couple of serious errors early on in the Lawlor's Of Naas Novice Hurdle and made little impression after. He is better than that and this looks an ideal race for him now. Twoohthree was impressive on his 'track' debut at Leopardstown earlier in the month but the front two went very hard then and the race fell apart a bit. He is still clearly a talented sort though and represents the obvious danger. His stablemate Binge Worthy looks most likely to fill the places.
TWOOHTHREE looked a good propsect when going in at the first time of asking at Leopardstown at the start of the month and Gordon Elliott's point winner can follow up. Chapeau de Soleil has better days ahead of him too and can chase him home ahead of Binge Worthy.
An untidy round of jumping meant that CHAPEAU DE SOLEIL was eclipsed in a Grade 1 contest at Naas. He can make amends now
(7) My Margie 9/2, Thrice-raced maiden. 22/1, third of 12 in minor event at Windsor (6f, good). Off 8 months. Significantly up in trip. Makes handicap debut and she could well have more to offer now stamina is tested further. Had wind op. Progressive form last summer and she looks interesting on handicap debut; had wind surgery.
1
2nd (1) (11/2 -100%) Yaajooz
5.5
11/2(-100%)
(1) Yaajooz 11/2, Son of Ten Sovereigns who progressed with each outing as a 2-y-o for Charlie Fellowes, good third of 12 in novice at Yarmouth (7f) in October. Changed hands for 28,000 gns/gelded thereafter and very much the type to go om improving now handicapping. Progressive in 7f novice events and he needs a close look on his handicap/stable debut.
4
3rd (4) (9/2 +18%) Wait And Hope
4.5
9/2(+18%)
(4) Wait And Hope 9/2, Winner at Kempton in January. 5/1 and cheekpieces on for 1st time, creditable second of 5 in handicap at this C&D 33 days ago. Looks competitive on form. Record of 132 since switched to handicaps and his latest second was over C&D; respected.
8
4th (8) (18/1 -177%) Jolty Jem
18
18/1(-177%)
(8) Jolty Jem 18/1, Thrice-raced maiden who readily surpassed previous efforts when second of 13 in maiden at Kempton (7f, 100/1) 34 days ago, ridden over 2f out and keeping on. Cheekpieces/tongue tie go on for handicap debut and return to further shouldn't hold any fears. 100-1 second at Kempton and has claims if he can build on that on his handicap debut.
2
5th (2) (7/2 +61%) Master Franca
3.5
7/2(+61%)
(2) Master Franca 7/2, Winner at Lingfield in October. 10/1, fourth of 6 in handicap at this course (7.2f) 14 days ago. Up in trip. Needs a couple of these to falter. Looks fairly exposed after eight starts and he needs to find more at this new trip.
6
6th (6) (11/1 -10%) Dan Dee Prince
11
11/1(-10%)
(6) Dan Dee Prince 11/1, Fair gelding. Winner at Leicester (7f) in August prior to a good second from 6 lb higher mark at Newcastle (7f) later that month. Not at same level in 2 starts thereafter though and has since left Tom Dascombe. Well held in final two runs for Tom Dascombe and has some questions to answer for new yard.
5
7th (5) (15/2 +25%) Persian Phoenix
7.5
15/2(+25%)
(5) Persian Phoenix 15/2, Better with each outing in maiden/novice company, off the mark over 7f here in June. Didn't kick on in trio of handicap starts thereafter last summer and market may prove a useful guide as to expectations back from 6 months off. Disappointing in nurseries last season and has something to prove on her return.
3
8th (3) (5/1 +44%) Never Sell
5
5/1(+44%)
(3) Never Sell 5/1, Lightly-raced maiden who ran up to best having been gelded when fourth of 8 in handicap at Newcastle (7f) in October. Absent again since but this step up in trip could well play to his strengths with cheekpieces now enlisted. Still unexposed but he needs improvement upped in trip after another break; headgear on.
16:05 Wolverhampton Handicap (Class 5) 8.5f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 5 race.
Not beaten far behind a subsequent winner over C&D last time out, WAIT AND HOPE sets the form standard and he can regain the winning thread for his in-form yard. That may be at the main expense of the handicap-debutant My Margie, and Yaajooz, who must be of interest going up in trip on his first start for the George Boughey yard.
Despite looking a work-in-progress, YAAJOOZ encouragingly showed race-by-race progress in a trio of novice events for Charle Fellowes as a juvenile and, gelded ahead of this yard/handicap debut, he's fancied to prove his opening mark a lenient one. Wait And Hope comes here in form and is feared, whilst Jolty Jem and My Margie are a couple of handicap debutantes to note in the betting.
This looks tricky but George Boughey's new recruit YAAJOOZ gets the vote ahead of another handicap newcomer in My Margie.
(6) Moon Over Miami 10/1, €130,000 yearling. Half-brother to 9f-13f winner Forest of Wisdom and 11.5f/12.5f winner Veules. Good yard no stranger to success with newcomers but jockey bookings suggest that Aulis is the first-string. 130,000euros yearling; bred for this sort of distance and beyond; yard runs two.
3
2nd (3) (11/8 +50%) Harper's Ferry
1.375
11/8(+50%)
(3) Harper's Ferry 11/8, Sent off at 50/1 on debut in a 1m Newmarket novice (good to soft) in October but that didn't stop him from running a big race, just failing to get to grips with an experienced rival and pulling nicely clear of the third. Holds an entry in the Derby and improvement should be forthcoming. 50-1 when a very promising second on only 2yo start; out of an Oaks winner; major chance.
5
3rd (5) (40/1 -150%) Liberty Coach
40
40/1(-150%)
(5) Liberty Coach 40/1, 42,000 gns foal, 52,000 gns yearling. Brother to 1m winner Belief and half-brother half-sister to several winners, including 1m winner Divinity. Up against some promising/choicely-bred types here and he's entitled to come on for the run. 52,000gns yearling; bred to be useful and needs a market check on debut.
4
4th (4) (4/1 -78%) King's Reign
4
4/1(-78%)
(4) King's Reign 4/1, Dubawi colt who cost 1,500,000 gns as a yearling and he's a half-brother to smart 2-y-o 7f/1m winner Silver Knott. Always on the backfoot after missing the break on debut at Wolverhampton (12.2f) but shaped encouragingly all the same and likely to leave that form well behind in time. Beautifully bred son of Dubawi; green on debut; no surprise at all if he improves markedly.
7
5th (7) (7/1 -17%) Wild Waves
7
7/1(-17%)
(7) Wild Waves 7/1, Half-brother to several winners and shaped with clear promise in a couple of 7f novice events at Sandown last summer. This trip will be more his thing and should make his presence felt for yard that has won 2 of the last 4 running of this maiden. Stout pedigree suggests this trip will bring about improvement; yard targets this race.
1
6th (1) (7/2 +0%) Ancient Myth
3.5
7/2(+0%)
(1) Ancient Myth 7/2, Fetched 425,000 gns as a yearling and shaped well when chasing home a very promising Godolphin colt on debut at Wolverhampton (9.5f) last month. Will be more street-wise now and he's a key player. Pleasing start when second at Wolverhampton; high on the list for an in-form stable.
2
7th (2) (18/1 -100%) Aulis
18
18/1(-100%)
(2) Aulis 18/1, Clear signs of ability in novice events at Newmarket (7f) and Kempton (1m) towards the backend of last year. This stiffer test could help unlock some improvement but he's probably more one for handicaps in due course. Some promise at 7f/1m as a 2yo and bred to relish today's extra yardage.
16:10 Doncaster Maiden (Class 5) 10f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 5 race.
In what should be a very informative affair, it is hard to look past the once-raced HARPER'S FERRY. Ed Walker's charge made a pleasing start when finishing a narrow second over a mile at Newmarket last October and, with the promise of more to come now he's upped in trip, the son of Lope De Vega looks the one to side with. Better can be expected from 1,500,000gns purchase King's Reign, who kept on into fourth when sent off favourite for his debut over 1m4f at Wolverhampton last month, while Moon Over Miami also commands respect.
Several promising types on show here with ANCIENT MYTH marginally preferred to Harper's Ferry. The latter is the only one of these with an entry in the Derby and he shaped with a great deal of promise on his sole 2-y-o start but Ancient Myth's debut at Wolverhampton was also very encouraging and the Godolphin colt who beat him that day could turn out to be pretty smart. King's Reign represents the 'boys in blue' in this maiden and he also respected, along with Wild Waves.
Top of the list is HARPER'S FERRY whose promising second at Newmarket last autumn came unheralded by the market.
(4) Jalisco Star 11/1, Showed a bit in her qualifying runs but she was put firmly in her place when a well-held third on handicap debut at Huntingdon (25f, heavy) earlier this month. Beaten about 32l when plugging-on third on handicap debut; improvement needed here.
2
2nd (2) (18/1 -100%) Rostello
18
18/1(-100%)
(2) Rostello 18/1, Looked awkward when resuming winning ways over fences at Hexham in November and underwhelmed with his finishing effort at Southwell next time. Down the field at Sedgefield since and he's opposable back in this sphere (0-11 over hurdles). Five-time chase winner but 0-11 over hurdles; has become hard to predict; others preferred.
6
3rd (6) (7/2 -56%) Fantomas
3.5
7/2(-56%)
(6) Fantomas 7/2, Chase winner who finally got his head in front in this sphere at Hereford (25.5f, soft) a fortnight ago. 6 lb rise for that game success demands more but should be in the mix provided his jumping passes the test. Came good over hurdles at 15th attempt, digging deep to score by a neck this month; up 6lb.
7
4th (7) (5/1 +0%) Mistymal
5
5/1(+0%)
(7) Mistymal 5/1, Irish point winner who posted his best effort on his handicap debut when second of 8 at Southwell (20.4f, soft) in January. In nothing like the same form at Fakenham since and needs to get back on track. Not at best over 2m7f last month but was good second over 2m4f on handicap debut.
5
5th (5) (13/2 +35%) Tara Cove
6.5
13/2(+35%)
(5) Tara Cove 13/2, Winning pointer who has yet to trouble the judge under Rules and he was pulled up tried over fences at Leicester (22.7f, soft) last time. Ran quite well on handicap hurdle debut; subsequent chasing debut was very disappointing.
8
6th (8) (33/1 +18%) Tis But A Scratch
33
33/1(+18%)
(8) Tis But A Scratch 33/1, Essentially a poor maiden and he was pulled up when last seen at Ludlow in December. 0-12 over hurdles; not seen since pulled up in December; cheekpieces given a whirl.
1
7th (1) (11/2 -83%) Sea Village
5.5
11/2(-83%)
(1) Sea Village 11/2, Remains winless following 7 attempts in this sphere but his recent third in the big-field Hereford handicap (25.5f, soft) won by Fantomas was a decent effort. 1 lb lower now and he's needs considering. Struggled in first three handicaps but last month's Hereford third was much better.
3
|PU| (3) (9/4 +44%) Iron D'ex
2.25
9/4(+44%)
(3) Iron D'ex 9/4, Fair maiden hurdler who was fitted with first-time cheekpieces when a good second of 7 in handicap at Hereford (19.7f, soft) last month. However, didn't appear to get home upped to 21.7f at the same course next time, so this further increase in trip has to be a concern. Placed on four of his eight hurdling starts; a possible if this new trip suits.
16:15 Bangor-on-dee Handicap Hurdle (Class
5) 23f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 5 race.
A tentative vote goes to MISTYMAL, who may have disappointed at Fakenham but is better judged on his previous effort when runner-up at Southwell. This is only a third start in a handicap for Tim Vaughan's six-year-old and he may have more scope for improvement than Fantomas, who regained the winning thread in determined fashion at Hereford. Behind him in third on that occasion was Sea Village, who has plenty of ground to make up but remains on a workable mark.
SEA VILLAGE finished a fair way adrift of Fantomas at Hereford but now meets that rival on 7 lb better terms and he is taken to turn the tables on that rival here. Mistymal is third choice, albeit more owing to a process of elimination rather than a vote of confidence.
Fakenham may not have suited MISTYMAL last time, and he's probably better judged on his Southwell second two starts ago.
(8) Rath Gaul Hill 10/3, Failed to build on his hurdles debut success in 3 subsequent starts in that sphere but he has shown an aptitude for this game, most recently chasing home decisive winner William of York at Doncaster (19f, heavy). Possibilities off the same mark with this drop in trip a potentially good move. Travelled well when second over 2m3f at Doncaster and not ruled out now back down in trip.
7
2nd (7) (5/2 +44%) Duhallow Tommy
2.5
5/2(+44%)
(7) Duhallow Tommy 5/2, Has proved to be a different proposition switched to fences following a wind op this year, winning all 3 starts over the larger obstacles at Plumpton. More on his plate here but 4 lb rise for latest success is by no means prohibitive and he commands respect. 3-3 over fences, all at Plumpton; could still have more left in the tank; chance.
5
3rd (5) (6/1 -50%) Game On For Glory
6
6/1(-50%)
(5) Game On For Glory 6/1, Bumper/hurdles winner who got the job done at the fourth attempt in this sphere when landing a small-field Ludlow handicap (2½m, heavy) in a first-time visor last month. 3 lb nudge fair enough and while this is more demanding, she has to enter calculations. Won at Ludlow last month; now tackles a warmer race but could continue to improve.
2
4th (2) (11/4 +50%) Mount Tempest
2.75
11/4(+50%)
(2) Mount Tempest 11/4, Improved for the fitting of blinkers when scoring at Sandown and Wetherby either side of Christmas. Solid third back at Sandown (15.4f, soft) on penultimate start and while he misfired at Chepstow last time, this 7-y-o won't be far away if he puts his best foot forward. Pulled up latest but on heavy, and blinkers now left off; running well previously, however.
1
5th (1) (7/1 -17%) Onemorefortheroad
7
7/1(-17%)
(1) Onemorefortheroad 7/1, Made a winning chase debut in a 9-runner Doncaster handicap (16.3f, good to soft) in December but took a backward step over the same C&D later that month. Probably worth taking on back from a break here. Comfortable win at Doncaster in December and subsequent run there may have come too soon.
4
6th (4) (20/1 +0%) Bollingerandkrug
20
20/1(+0%)
(4) Bollingerandkrug 20/1, Has shown improved form switched to front-running tactics, making it four wins at Kelso in 5 starts when successful there in November. However, he has failed to fire both subsequent starts and now has a bit to prove. Four wins at Kelso last year but well beaten here and at Musselburgh the last twice.
6
7th (6) (20/1 -186%) Calgary Tiger
20
20/1(-186%)
(6) Calgary Tiger 20/1, Left hurdles form well behind when winning first 2 starts over fences last February/March. Pulled up in a strong C&D Class 2 handicap on return in December but he was the best part of a stone out of the weights that day and this is a more realistic assignment. Landed double with all-the-way C&D win last March; tough task on sole outing this season.
16:25 Newbury Handicap Chase (Class 3) 16f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 3 race.
JUPITER DU GITE impressed when making all over 2m4f at Uttoxeter last week and dropping back in trip should hold no fears, having won over this distance here as a novice hurdler. Gary Moore's charge has a 7lb rise to overcome, but is the youngest in the field so should be open to more improvement than the likes of Ludlow winner Game On For Glory and Onemorefortheroad, who has claims on December's success at Doncaster. Unbeaten over fences in three starts, Duhallow Tommy continues to go from strength to strength and may be the chief threat.
RATH GAUL HILL travelled well for a long way when runner-up over 19f on deep ground at Doncaster last month and he is interesting down in trip with quicker conditions forecast. The 6-y-o shades preference ahead of Jupiter du Gite, who did the job well from the front when opening his chase account at the second attempt at Uttoxeter last Saturday. Game On For Glory also hit the target last time and she merits respect, along with Calgary Tiger.
This could go to C&D winner CALGARY TIGER, a 9yo who has run just four times over fences and may still be capable of better.
(6) Bushmans Pass 7/1, 2 wins from 6 runs this season. Latest win in chase at Fairyhouse in January. 7/2, respectable third of 10 in handicap chase at Gowran (20f, heavy) 35 days ago. Drop to 2m4f may not have been ideal last time after two wins over further, should stay.
5
2nd (5) (3/1 +57%) Ask Anything
3
3/1(+57%)
(5) Ask Anything 3/1, Hurdles winner who matched form in that sphere when landing Down Royal maiden (20f) in December. Not in same form when fourth of 8 in rated novice chase back at that venue (16.5f) in January but this marked step up in trip a likely plus now handicapping. Progressing along the right lines until dropped in distance last time, this should suit.
8
3rd (8) (20/1 -43%) The Gradual Slope
20
20/1(-43%)
(8) The Gradual Slope 20/1, Fairly useful winner at 18f over hurdles. 8/1, respectable second of 8 in handicap chase at Limerick (17.5f, heavy) 13 days ago, that despite being badly hampered 2 out. Significantly back up in trip. Badly hampered two out when 13l second of four finishers at Limerick in his first handicap.
1
4th (1) (4/1 -14%) Battle It Out
4
4/1(-14%)
(1) Battle It Out 4/1, 6/1, career best when winning 10-runner handicap chase at Naas (20f, heavy) 27 days ago, staying on strongly over the longest trip he's faced to date over fences. Of interest once more now stamina is tested further. Raised 11lb for Naas win over 2m4f, test of stamina could bring about more improvement.
10
5th (10) (17/2 +15%) Brucejack
8.5
17/2(+15%)
(10) Brucejack 17/2, 7/2, creditable second of 12 in novice chase at Thurles (20.8f, soft) 18 days ago. Longer trip could unlock a little more improvement now handicapping in this sphere. Second in an ordinary contest at Thurles last time, this looks demanding on handicap debut.
11
6th (11) (14/1 +58%) Malton Groove
14
14/1(+58%)
(11) Malton Groove 14/1, 28/1 and hooded for 1st time, respectable fourth of 13 in novice hurdle at Thurles (20.6f, soft) 18 days ago, running on late. Switches from hurdles to chase. Makes handicap chase debut. Fair hurdles run last time, only 2lb out of the handicap but hard to make a strong case.
3
7th (3) (6/1 -167%) Paul Marvel
6
6/1(-167%)
(3) Paul Marvel 6/1, Promising type. Very good second of 10 in novice chase at Leopardstown (17f, heavy, 18/1) 19 days ago, closing all way to line. Stable in good form. Makes handicap chase debut. Should go well again. Second to a Paul Townend-ridden stablemate at Leopardstown, good chance for champion now.
9
8th (9) (6/1 +0%) Verdant Place
6
6/1(+0%)
(9) Verdant Place 6/1, Fairly useful winner at 3m over hurdles. Pulled up in handicap chase at Fairyhouse (21.2f, heavy, 7/2) 59 days ago, won by Bushmans Pass. Others more persuasive. Two disappointing handicap displays, possible excuse both times, premature to write off.
4
9th (4) (14/1 -40%) Clonmeen
14
14/1(-40%)
(4) Clonmeen 14/1, 2 wins from 6 runs this season. 10/1, creditable third of 15 in handicap chase at Punchestown (27f, heavy) 34 days ago. Can give a good account without posing serious threat to principals. Up 18lb aggregate for two wins, third over a longer trip on latest, could be in the mix.
2
|PU| (2) (28/1 -75%) Folcano
28
28/1(-75%)
(2) Folcano 28/1, Useful handicap hurdler who showed promise on each of his first 2 starts over fences during 2022. Absent since finishing down the field in a Gowran maiden (20f, heavy) 16 months ago so interesting what the market makes of him on belated return/handicap debut. First two 2022 chase attempts were respectable, below best on third run, absent since.
The chart reads from right to left to today's race.
A really competitive race and ASK ANYTHING gets the vote. Gavin Cromwell's charge had looked like a real stayer in the making when winning his maiden hurdle in testing conditions at Limerick in October and can come into his own now tackling this trip. He was a game winner over two-and-a-half miles on the middle of his three chase starts and the minimum trip looked too sharp last time back at Down Royal. Paul Marvel is another taking a big step up in distance now having chased home stablemate Horantzau D'airy at Leopardstown last time. He still looks relatively unexposed and could be a danger. Top-weight Battle It Out went up 11lb for his easy win at Naas last time and going a bit further then seemed to help him. He has to be on the shortlist despite his hike.
A low-mileage winner over hurdles, PAUL MARVEL continued his theme of race-by-race progress over fences when runner-up at Leopardstown 3 weeks ago, and with the prospect of even more to come now handicapping over this markedly longer trip, he could be the answer. Battle It Out, who was impressive when successful at Naas 4 weeks ago, rates the chief threat, with Ask Anything and Bushmans Pass completing the shortlist.
A drop in trip may not have suited ASK ANYTHING last time, and this test of stamina could help to bring out the best in him
(2) Kings Merchant 8/13, Lightly-raced gelding. Creditable second of 5 in maiden (1/3) at Newcastle (5f) 10 days ago. Runner-up in 3 of his 4 starts; beaten at short odds last time but still high on the list.
3
2nd (3) (3/1 -33%) Miss Anya
3
3/1(-33%)
(3) Miss Anya 3/1, Fair filly who ran her best race when caught near the finish in a C&D nursery last October. Possible she needed the run when below par on her 6f course reappearance and this might be her day. Her best 2yo run came over C&D; not at her best 19 days ago; favoured by the weights.
1
3rd (1) (4/1 -129%) Ingleby Archie
4
4/1(-129%)
(1) Ingleby Archie 4/1, Fair maiden. Turned over at very short odds on his Southwell reappearance and now sports cheekpieces. Bang there on last year's form. Beaten at 1-8 on last month's return but big player on 2yo best; cheekpieces now added.
4
4th (4) (50/1 -257%) Duely Spiced
50
50/1(-257%)
(4) Duely Spiced 50/1, Runner-up over 6f/7f at 2 but well held over both starts this year. Now drops in trip with a visor added. She isn't progressing and faces a stiff task at the weights dropping to 5f; visor added.
16:40 Wolverhampton Maiden (Class 4) 5f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 4 race.
A small but competitive field where it could pay to side with the largely unexposed KINGS MERCHANT, who is entitled to improve on a runner-up effort on his return at Newcastle recently. Second on three of his four career outings, the son of Bated Breath deserves a change in luck and he can get the better of the similarly consistent Ingleby Archie. Narrowly denied over C&D last October, Miss Anya cannot be ruled out either.
If MISS ANYA is back to the form she showed when worn down only near the finish in a C&D nursery last autumn she might take a bit of pegging back from the 1 box. Ingleby Archie can give her most to do.
A race to tread carefully with and INGLEBY ARCHIE is only tentatively preferred to Kings Merchant and Miss Anya.
(6) Bustaam 7/1, Lightly-raced 4-y-o who fared better than previously when fourth of 11 in handicap at Newcastle (12.5f) in November. Not seen to best effect at that venue later that month and suspicion he has an even bigger effort in his locker and one to note back on turf from career-low mark. Nothing special in 1m2f-1m4f Tapeta handicaps but gives impression he may do better yet.
3
2nd (3) (4/1 +56%) Moonlit Cloud
4
4/1(+56%)
(3) Moonlit Cloud 4/1, Returned with a respectable fifth at Kempton (11f) in January and seemed unsuited by the steady gallop when running below that level back at that venue 31 days ago. Conditions will hold no fears back on turf though and he comes here on a workable mark. All three wins at 1m2f, including on heavy; can improve on recent AW runs now back on turf.
7
3rd (7) (9/2 +31%) Awtaad Prince
4.5
9/2(+31%)
(7) Awtaad Prince 9/2, Winless last year but fallen plenty in the weights and capitalised (in first-time hood) when seeing off 8 rivals at Chelmsford (10f) in February. Creditable third at Lingfield (12f) since and he's still unexposed at this sort of trip. Tongue strap back on. Has won on heavy; took advantage of weights drop over 1m2f on AW last month.
5
4th (5) (14/1 -40%) Powerful Response
14
14/1(-40%)
(5) Powerful Response 14/1, Improved to land back-to-back handicaps at Newcastle/Hamilton last summer and made the frame next 3 starts at 1m. Possible he's not most straightforward but excuses on final start at Pontefract in October. Reappears for new yard now and the market may prove a useful guide. Two wins in 2023, over 7f (AW) and 1m (soft); much to prove for new yard up in trip.
12
5th (12) (13/2 +35%) Fifty Sent
6.5
13/2(+35%)
(12) Fifty Sent 13/2, Just the one win from 21 Flat runs (gained on AW) but proven with plenty of give underfoot and quickly dispelled a lesser effort (in first-time cheekpieces) when third of 7 in handicap at Newcastle (1m) in January. This trip within range and each-way possibilities. Has run well on soft; sole win over 1m2f on AW last May but rarely tackles this far now.
2
6th (2) (6/1 -167%) At Liberty
6
6/1(-167%)
(2) At Liberty 6/1, 3-time winner on turf for Michael Bell who opened account for present yard at Wolverhampton (12.2f) 3 weeks ago. Produced another solid display when runner-up back at that venue (9.5f) 2 weeks ago and worth considering back on turf with cheekpieces refitted. Solid 1m2f turf form; acts on soft; in good form on Tapeta and looks sure to go well.
11
7th (11) (14/1 +13%) Distinction
14
14/1(+13%)
(11) Distinction 14/1, Twice successful on AW this winter, the latest at Wolverhampton (9.5f) in January. Some way below that level in 2 subsequent outings and whilst he's proven on this sort of ground, he does need to step up to feature. Two AW wins this winter but below best on last 2 starts and turf win was back in 2021.
10
8th (10) (14/1 -40%) City Escape
14
14/1(-40%)
(10) City Escape 14/1, Back-to-back winner of heavy ground handicaps at Ffos Las (10f) late last summer and ran creditably next 3 starts returned to AW. Hasn't figured in pair of starts at Wolverhampton in recent weeks but fallen back down to last winning mark and conditions will hold no fears. Back on the same mark as the second of two 1m2f wins (heavy/soft) in August and September.
1
9th (1) (33/1 -175%) Natchez Trace
33
33/1(-175%)
(1) Natchez Trace 33/1, Resumed winning ways from the front at Southwell (12f) last June and similar form when placed at Chester (12.3f) a month later. Efforts proved mixed tried at up to 2m on turf/AW thereafter and whilst the handicapper has given him a chance, this run may bring him on. Latest 3 wins at about 1m4f on AW; 1-21 on turf and soft ground no obvious asset.
4
10th (4) (16/1 +20%) Vellner
16
16/1(+20%)
(4) Vellner 16/1, 10f maiden winner in Ireland as a 3-y-o for P. Twomey. Low-key start for present yard since the autumn but he did at least finish closer than previously when 4 lengths fifth of 8 in handicap at Kempton (1m) 17 days ago. Still, others preferred. Cheekpieces on 1st time. Won 1m2f maiden in Ireland; had some heavy defeats but didn't look a lost cause latest.
8
11th (8) (9/1 +10%) Mrs Meader
9
9/1(+10%)
(8) Mrs Meader 9/1, 3-time winner during 2022. Mark suffered as a result but largely consistent without tasting success last term, creditable fourth at Windsor (11.5f) in October. Never threatened at Newcastle final start but conditions will hold no fears on return and the assessor is relinquishing his grip. No problem with trip or surface and 6lb lower than 12 months ago; revival not ruled out.
9
12th (9) (20/1 -25%) Franco Grasso
20
20/1(-25%)
(9) Franco Grasso 20/1, Both career victories to date have come at Yarmouth but comes here having ran with credit in finishing midfield in handicaps at Southwell/Wolverhampton this winter. However, still has to prove his effectiveness on ground this testing. Stout stayer who probably handles soft; good 5th over inadequate 1m1f on AW latest.
16:45 Doncaster Handicap (Class 5) 10f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 5 race.
In a typically wide-open affair, the drop in trip may prove fruitful for connections of AWTAAD PRINCE. Amy Murphy's charge arrives on the back of a solid third over 1m4f at Lingfield and, off an unchanged mark back on the turf, he gets the vote to show his rivals the way home. Dangers are aplenty and headed by At Liberty, who races off just 1lb higher than when finishing an excellent second at Wolverhampton most recently, while Fifty Sent kept on well for third over a mile at Newcastle when last seen and now looks the perfect time to go back up to 10 furlongs.
David O'Meara has his string in good order and it could be worth chancing his 4-y-o BUSTAAM. He shaped with definite encouragement on his penultimate start at Newcastle in November and, with his subsequent run at that venue best overlooked, he's of interest back on turf from a career-low mark. At Liberty arrives fit and in-form from the all-weather and he's a player in refitted cheekpieces. Moonlit Cloud and Mrs Meader complete the shortlist.
A few of these will handle the conditions, including AT LIBERTY who may well improve on his recent AW form now back on turf.
(3) The Craftymaster 9/4, Latest win at Southwell in March. Good second of 7 in handicap (4/5) at Southwell (16.5f) 11 days ago, clear of rest. Expected to be bang there. Went close at Southwell when bidding for seven-timer; can be bang there once more.
2
2nd (2) (6/4 +40%) Haveyoumissedme
1.5
6/4(+40%)
(2) Haveyoumissedme 6/4, C&D winner. 9/1, eleventh of 13 in handicap at Southwell (16.5f) 28 days ago, finding little. Opposable. Not the force of old but has a good record here and his last win came over C&D.
6
3rd (6) (5/1 -11%) Zivaniya
5
5/1(-11%)
(6) Zivaniya 5/1, 10/1 and tongue strap on for 1st time, won 6-runner handicap at Kempton (16f) 21 days ago, suited by emphasis on speed. 3 lb rise very fair and he's a key player. Won in first-time tongue-tie at Kempton; player if backing up that latest effort.
1
4th (1) (7/1 -27%) Real Terms
7
7/1(-27%)
(1) Real Terms 7/1, Course winner. 2/1, won 6-runner handicap at Southwell (11.1f) 7 days ago. 2 lb nudge fair enough and claims if coping with this step up in trip. Won over 1m3f last Saturday; hasn't shone over this trip previously but not ruled out.
5
5th (5) (12/1 +14%) Midnight Lion
12
12/1(+14%)
(5) Midnight Lion 12/1, One win from 3 runs last year. Seventh of 10 in handicap at this course (8f, 25/1) 10 days ago. Significantly up in trip. On a reduced mark and goes up in trip; market check advised but he needs to raise his game.
4
6th (4) (20/1 -100%) Captain Square
20
20/1(-100%)
(4) Captain Square 20/1, 9/2 and tongue strap on for 1st time, creditable third of 6 in handicap at Wolverhampton (14f) 7 days ago. Should be on the premises. 0-9 on Flat but pretty good run last time & this two-time hurdle winner is not discounted.
16:55 Newcastle Handicap (Class 5) 16f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 5 race.
ZIVANIYA bounced back to form when winning over this distance at Kempton three weeks ago and the Hugo Palmer-trained four-year-old merits the utmost respect off just a 3lb higher mark here. Real Terms also scored on her most recent outing, at Southwell last week, and is an obvious threat if she stays, while the in-form The Craftymaster and Captain Square are others to note.
THE CRAFTYMASTER's winning run came to an end at Southwell recently but he lost little caste in defeat and is taken to get back on the scoresheet here. Zivaniya could be the one to follow him home, if able to build on his Kempton success three weeks ago, while Real Terms, who was also successful last time, is best of the rest.
The prolific THE CRAFTYMASTER was a good second at Southwell when bidding for a seven-timer and can come out on top.
(10) Fidux 6/1, Not the force of old but was a decent second back from a break in similar event at Doncaster before Christmas. Similar form back in open company when fourth at Wincanton in February and couldn't rule out. Long time since he won but close up under Oscar Palmer in his last two races.
1
2nd (1) (3/1 +0%) Fortescue
3
3/1(+0%)
(1) Fortescue 3/1, Increasingly temperamental nowadays and while he put in a good shift when second under Harry Cobden here (3¼m, soft) 3 weeks ago, the subsequent wind op/first-time visor will need to have a positive effect if he's to go one better. In a good run of form and he's likely to go well if accepting the change of headgear.
8
3rd (8) (9/2 +55%) First Lord De Cuet
4.5
9/2(+55%)
(8) First Lord De Cuet 9/2, Remains winless following 11 starts over fences but produced one of his best efforts in this sphere when second to Anglers Crag at Market Rasen (23.8f, good to soft) in Januay. Not discounted with blinkers refitted here, for all that his 2 subsequent efforts have not been so good. 0-12 over fences but in fair form and should give each-way backers a run for their money.
11
4th (11) (9/4 +68%) Supervisor
2.25
9/4(+68%)
(11) Supervisor 9/4, Low-mileage 10-y-o put it all together when opening his account in a handicap chase at Ludlow (23.8f, heavy) back from a 10-month absence in February. Just failed under a penalty at Exeter recently and while he needs more up in class off his new mark, another bold show could be on the way. Recent Ludlow winner who nearly followed up at Exeter; climbing the weights but respected.
9
5th (9) (17/2 -42%) Run To Milan
8.5
17/2(-42%)
(9) Run To Milan 17/2, All 3 career victories gained at Exeter and he performed with credit when second from 5 lb out of the weights in a competitive veterans' contest at that course last time. Should make his presence felt. 2nd from out of the weights at Exeter latest but saves his best efforts for that track.
6
6th (6) (14/1 -180%) Crosspark
14
14/1(-180%)
(6) Crosspark 14/1, Been a cracking servant over the years and ended a long losing when landing a veterans' event at Huntingdon on return in November. Just touched off at Market Rasen (27.6f, good to soft) since and will be a threat if able to perform to a similar level back from a break here. Resurgent 14yo who was beaten just a neck at Market Rasen on Boxing Day.
2
7th (2) (14/1 -40%) Ashtown Lad
14
14/1(-40%)
(2) Ashtown Lad 14/1, Built on encouraging hurdles return when winning Becher Chase at Aintree off a 3 lb higher mark last season. However, he has failed to complete last 4 starts (pulled up on each occasion) and needs to bounce back in a major way. Stable form offers some hope for him turning things around but too risky.
17:00 Newbury Handicap Chase (Class 3) 23f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 3 race.
A chance is taken on WAYFINDER, who may have pulled up on his last two starts in hotter company but should be well suited to better ground on this occasion. The form of his Chepstow second to subsequent Welsh National hero Nassalam reads well, and the 10-year-old is just 3lb above his last winning mark. Runner-up over further here last time out, Fortescue is a key player, along with Lincolnshire National second Crosspark and Fidux, who has run with plenty of credit on his last couple of outings.
It's best to overlook CERTAINLY RED's effort in the Grimthorpe at Doncaster where he was one of eight that failed to complete in that 10-runner contest. He shaped as though ready to strike when hitting the crossbar at Sandown on his penultimate start and the drying ground here will be a big help. The lightly-raced Supervisor has resumed in good order this season and he is feared most ahead of Crosspark, Fidux and Run To Milan.
Preference is for SUPERVISOR, a lightly raced 10yo who has been in good heart of late and gets in off a feather weight.
(3) Hardwired 15/2, 3 wins from 5 runs this season. Career best when winning 6-runner handicap chase (11/4) at Punchestown (22.7f, soft) 69 days ago, driven out. Respected once more down in trip Made it 2 wins from last 3 starts at Punchestown latest but drops in trip not sure to suit.
1
2nd (1) (3/1 -20%) Dutch Schultz
3
3/1(-20%)
(1) Dutch Schultz 3/1, Fairly useful winner at 14f on flat. 8/1, excellent second of 10 in handicap chase at Clonmel (16.4f, heavy) 37 days ago, suited by way race developed. Hood back on. Shortlist material. Arrives on the back of a career best when 2nd but 3lb rise doesn't help; must jump better.
8
3rd (8) (12/1 -85%) Mighty Oak Lad
12
12/1(-85%)
(8) Mighty Oak Lad 12/1, Winner in hurdle at Fairyhouse in January. 11/10, pulled up in handicap hurdle at Fairyhouse (24f, heavy) 56 days ago, ridden 3 out. Market best guide now making chase debut. Significant market support when winning over timber 2 starts ago; may not appreciate 2m1f.
7
4th (7) (8/1 +6%) Politicise
8
8/1(+6%)
(7) Politicise 8/1, Twenty five runs since last win in 2020. 16/1, respectable eighth of 15 in handicap hurdle at Gowran (20f, heavy) 14 days ago. Switches from hurdles to chase. Losing run since 2020 and 0-13 over fences; not well treated on this season's form.
9
5th (9) (9/1 +50%) Joke Dancer
9
9/1(+50%)
(9) Joke Dancer 9/1, Unreliable type. Eleven runs since last win in 2022. Fell in handicap chase at Taunton (16f, soft, 12/1) 12 days ago, in rearing when falling fifth. Others more persuasive overall. 5-time winner over fences incl' on heavy ground; fell latest but well treated and capable.
4
|F| (4) (3/1 +60%) De Lady In Red
3
3/1(+60%)
(4) De Lady In Red 3/1, Fairly useful winner at 20f over hurdles. Creditable fourth of 9 in handicap chase at Fairyhouse (21.2f, heavy, 15/2) 59 days ago, every chance 3 out and weakening. Worth a another try at this shorter trip. 0-4 over fences; beaten 19l on h'cap debut; chase mark looks harsh; others more convincing.
6
|PU| (6) (4/1 +27%) Noble Blue
4
4/1(+27%)
(6) Noble Blue 4/1, Respectable fifth of 10 in handicap chase at Gowran (20f, heavy, 9/2) 35 days ago, likely to have finished but for a late error. Remains low mileage and he's not out of things dropping back in trip. Some promising runs since switching to fences; below form when 5th on h'cap debut latest.
5
|PU| (5) (14/1 +13%) Bigz Belief
14
14/1(+13%)
(5) Bigz Belief 14/1, Fair winner at 18f over hurdles. Fifth of 6 in novice chase at Gowran (20f, heavy, 100/1) 35 days ago. Blinkers back on. Makes handicap chase debut. Has shown nothing in 2 starts over fences and tendency to jump right won't help.
The chart reads from right to left to today's race.
DUTCH SCHULTZ ran well on his first outing in handicap company over fences at Clonmel last month and looks capable of striking now. The Golden Horn gelding chased home Mick Charlie then and that form looks solid with the first four home coming into the race off the back of good efforts. Hardwired brings winning form into the race, having scored at Punchestown last time. He's not the most straightforward but should be there or thereabouts again. De Lady In Red hasn't been far away in her last couple of runs and looks capable of going well. She wasn't helped by stumbling going to the second last at Fairyhouse last time and remains relatively unexposed over fences.
DUTCH SCHULTZ ran his best race yet in this sphere when runner-up on his handicap debut at Clonmel 37 days ago and he could just be worth chancing to back that up now and go one place better. Hardwired, who is enjoying a good spell, is feared, with De Lady In Red and Noble Blue also considered.
It may be worth taking a chance on JOKE DANCER who ran with promise on yard debut last month and his subsequent fall is worth forgiving
(4) Toxic 8/1, 4,000 gns foal, Rajasinghe filly. Dam, 2-y-o 5f winner, half-sister to smart 7f/1m winner Red Gulch. Yard capable of readying a newcomer. Bred for shorter but yard in form and a market move for this newcomer would be interesting.
8
2nd (8) (9/2 -100%) Maritime Lady
4.5
9/2(-100%)
(8) Maritime Lady 9/2, Built on her debut effort when fourth of 8 in maiden at Newcastle (7.1f, 9/1) 15 days ago, staying on late. Could be ready to get off the mark with more still to come over this longer distance. Promise in two outings over 7f and this longer trip should suit; gets the vote.
6
3rd (6) (5/2 +38%) Rosy Kiss
2.5
5/2(+38%)
(6) Rosy Kiss 5/2, Improved from her first outing when second of 9 in minor event (9/2) at Lingfield (8f, AW) in December. Enters calculations upped further in trip. Better effort at two when second at Lingfield (1m) in December; respected.
5
4th (5) (6/1 +25%) Reyaadah Star
6
6/1(+25%)
(5) Reyaadah Star 6/1, Made appeal on paper, but stumbled and unseated rider at the start in maiden at Southwell (11.1f, 14/1) on debut 11 days ago. Worth another chance. 14-1 when unseating at the start on her Southwell debut.
2
5th (2) (40/1 -400%) Adelabella
40
40/1(-400%)
(2) Adelabella 40/1, Went backwards from her first run when fifth of 10 in minor event (100/1) at Chelmsford City (7f) 9 days ago. Needs to find more as she goes up in distance. Has shown ability in two outings at Chelmsford in recent weeks; won't need much more.
3
6th (3) (2/1 +80%) Nancy P
2
2/1(+80%)
(3) Nancy P 2/1, Showed bit more than on debut when fourth of 7 in minor event at Chelmsford City (7f, 125/1) in November. Further improvement required over this longer trip on her return. Showed a bit in two outings over 7f (turf/AW) last autumn; may do better.
9
7th (9) (18/1 -13%) Northstead Gardens
18
18/1(-13%)
(9) Northstead Gardens 18/1, Offered some encouragement on debut, but merely closed up late when ninth of 11 in minor event at this C&D (25/1) 12 days ago. Will be of more appeal in handicaps. Fourth on C&D debut but only ninth back here since.
1
8th (1) (100/1 -1011%) One Colour
100
100/1(-1011%)
(1) One Colour 100/1, Won back-to-back bumpers before well-beaten eighth of 13 to Avakate in listed event at Doncaster (16.6f, good to soft, 12/1) when last seen in December. Makes first start in this sphere having left Rae Guest. Dual bumper winner for Rae Guest; starts out on the Flat in an ordinary race.
7
9th (7) (150/1 -200%) Ten To The Top
150
150/1(-200%)
(7) Ten To The Top 150/1, Very green first time up when well-beaten tenth of 12 in minor event at Kempton (8f, 200/1) 10 days ago. Looks one for the longer term. Sent off at 250-1 when well held on recent debut..
17:15 Wolverhampton Maiden (Class 4) 10f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 4 race.
MARITIME LADY has shaped on both career outings over 7f as though a step up in trip is exactly what is needed for this daughter of Crystal Ocean. The James Owen stable has been in fine form of late, and she is narrowly preferred to Rosy Kiss, who displayed marked improvement from first to second start when runner-up at Lingfield last December. Toxic could be of interest on debut if garnering any market support.
MARITIME LADY took a step forward from her debut effort when fourth at Newcastle 15 days ago, shaping as if she would benefit from going up in trip, so she is taken to continue her progress and open her account. The main danger could be Rosy Kiss, who knew more than on her first start when runner-up at Lingfield, with Reyaadah Star completing the shortlist.
James Owen's MARITIME LADY shaped as if a longer trip could suit her when fourth over 7f at Newcastle and might be up to the task.
(3) Vecchio 20/1, Ran to a fairly useful level when trained by Freddie & Martyn Meade but has finished down the field both starts for current yard this year. Step up in trip not enough to tempt. Promising 2yo; not disgraced for new yard on AW this year but question mark about new trip.
8
1st (8) (4/1 -45%) Destinado
4
4/1(-45%)
(8) Destinado 4/1, Has thrived since joining his current yard, recording a fourth win of the year when scoring in good style at Southwell (11.1f) in February. Has run well both starts since, only narrowly denied at the same C&D a week ago. Major player with the visor back on. Four wins already for new yard this year; 0-11 on turf but had soft-ground form in France.
2
2nd (2) (17/2 +15%) Big Bear Hug
8.5
17/2(+15%)
(2) Big Bear Hug 17/2, Off the mark at Leicester last May and, in first-time cheekpieces, doubled her tally at Newmarket (8f, soft) in November. Below form at Kempton on her final outing, but conditions should suit after 4 month-absence (headgear left off but she ran well first time up last year). Both wins over 1m on soft/heavy; beaten significant distances on last 3 runs over 1m2f.
7
3rd (7) (8/1 -78%) Chagall
8
8/1(-78%)
(7) Chagall 8/1, Ended 2023 on a high, making it back-to-back wins with success at Lingfield (12f) in December. Has been shaping up well this year, needing a stronger gallop when runner-up at Wolverhampton (12.2f) 3 weeks agao. Not taken lightly. Modest turf strike-rate of 2-32 but has won on heavy and in good form at 1m4f on AW.
12
4th (12) (8/1 +68%) Corsican Caper
8
8/1(+68%)
(12) Corsican Caper 8/1, Finally opened his account in minor event at Southwell (12.1f) in January. However, he hasn't gone on from that effort since, 6 lengths eighth of 10 to Destinado in handicap at the same course (11.1f) 25 days ago. Cheekpieces need to help spark a return to form. Won 1m2f classified on AW in January; not held his form since; 3lb wrong back on turf.
4
5th (4) (13/2 +68%) Molly Valentine
6.5
13/2(+68%)
(4) Molly Valentine 13/2, Improved when winning handicap at Nottingham (8.3f, heavy) in April last year and backed up that effort when making the frame next 2 starts. However, ended 2023 with a lesser run and went backwards from her reappearance at Lingfield last month. Others more persuasive. Two wins at 6f (AW) and 1m (soft); stamina questioned on three runs at 1m2f.
1
6th (1) (5/1 +29%) Val Bassett
5
5/1(+29%)
(1) Val Bassett 5/1, Fairly useful winner in France who continued to fall in the weights for his current yard last season. In first-time visor, failed to build on the promise of his fourth at Thirsk when never involved at Redcar in August, but he's not discounted on his return. Scraps of form for new yard in 2023; 13lb lower than fair 1m2f reappearance last April.
6
7th (6) (40/1 -60%) Clipsham Gold
40
40/1(-60%)
(6) Clipsham Gold 40/1, Sixteen runs since her last win in 2023 and ran poorly on first start since leaving Dylan Cunha when failing to beat a rival at Southwell (8.1f) 13 days ago. Others make more appeal as she goes back up in trip with the hood reapplied. Four wins at 7f-1m; well held on debut for new yard; stamina worries at 1m2f.
5
8th (5) (33/1 -175%) Orange Martini
33
33/1(-175%)
(5) Orange Martini 33/1, Made the frame twice in handicaps for Andrew Balding last year, but after 3 months off she possibly needed the run on her stable debut when sixth of 7 at Kempton (12f) in February. Hood now reached for as she drops back in trip. Conditions likely to suit; well treated and could revive on 2nd run for new yard.
10
9th (10) (15/2 -36%) Fen Tiger
7.5
15/2(-36%)
(10) Fen Tiger 15/2, Three-time winner of 12f handicaps (all on ground softer than good) in 2022 and returned to form on his final 2 starts last season, hitting the crossbar at Carlisle and Brighton. Task is now to pick up where he left off on his reappearance. All 3 wins at 1m4f; acts well in the mud and proven stamina an asset in the conditions.
11
10th (11) (15/2 +46%) Zambezi Magic
7.5
15/2(+46%)
(11) Zambezi Magic 15/2, Won twice at Ffos Las (both 10f) in summer 2022 but has been below that level since returning from almost year off the track, ninth of 11 at Kempton (11f) last time. Continues to fall in the weights without looking like taking advantage. Quiet since back from 11 months off in October but well treated and conditions will suit.
9
11th (9) (11/1 -144%) Eleven Eleven
11
11/1(-144%)
(9) Eleven Eleven 11/1, Had dropped to a career-low mark and took advantage when winning at Newcastle on 2 of his first 3 starts of the year. Quickly left behind a lesser efffort when a close third at the same course (7.1f) 15 days ago, so he's one to consider back up in trip. Two AW wins this year at 1m and 7f; unconvincing in most attempts beyond about 1m.
17:20 Doncaster Handicap (Class 5) 10f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 5 race.
DESTINADO gave the impression that his turn could be just around the corner when finishing second over 1m3f at Southwell last week, pulling clear with the eventual winner. Off a 1lb higher mark, he can make this return to turf a winning one. The forecast underfoot conditions should hold no fears for Fen Tiger, who was last seen finishing a close second over 1m4f at Brighton in September. He rates the main danger to the selection, while Val Bassett represents an in-form stable and completes the shortlist.
DESTINADO has been in fine form on the all-weather this year, winning 4 times and pulling clear of the rest when runner-up at Southwell last week, so he is taken to add to his tally back on turf. Chagall hasn't been seen to best effect on his last couple of starts and is respected, while Eleven Eleven is another who enters calculations.
Destinado comes here in good form from the AW but VAL BASSETT will be suited by conditions and is well treated now.
(2) Bobby Shaftoe 9/4, Four-time C&D winner. Four wins from 17 runs last year. Career best when winning 5-runner handicap (11/4) at this C&D 11 days ago, cosily. Expected to be bang there. Course win number six when doing it cosily over C&D 11 days ago; strong claims up 3lb.
1
2nd (1) (7/4 +61%) Geelong
1.75
7/4(+61%)
(1) Geelong 7/4, Latest win at Windsor in October. Creditable third of 10 in handicap (13/2) at Lingfield (13f, AW) 69 days ago. Player off the same mark. Won twice last autumn and has continued in good form; solid candidate.
5
3rd (5) (7/1 -155%) Night Bear
7
7/1(-155%)
(5) Night Bear 7/1, 11/1, 1½ lengths third of 5 to Bobby Shaftoe in handicap at this C&D 11 days ago. 4 lb better off with that rival now and he's a strong contender. Step back in right direction when third of five over C&D last time; might not be far away.
4
4th (4) (3/1 +25%) Eloped
3
3/1(+25%)
(4) Eloped 3/1, Latest win at Wolverhampton in January. 11/2, fifth of 8 in handicap there (12.2f) 29 days ago, needing stronger gallop. Looks vulnerable for win purposes. Won at Wolverhampton in January; another good run there last time; could have part to play.
3
5th (3) (20/1 -43%) Ebony Maw
20
20/1(-43%)
(3) Ebony Maw 20/1, Latest win at Catterick in October. Ninth of 10 in handicap (25/1) at this course (16.2f). Off 127 days and back down in trip. Will probably find one or two too good. Won twice on turf last October but well beaten here in November and absent since.
6
6th (6) (50/1 -100%) A Shining Moon
50
50/1(-100%)
(6) A Shining Moon 50/1, 18¾ lengths last of 10 to Bobby Shaftoe in handicap (28/1) at this course (10.2f) 32 days ago. Back up in trip and he clearly has work to do. Well beaten when back on the Flat here last month and has something to prove.
17:30 Newcastle Handicap (Class 6) 12f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 6 race.
BOBBY SHAFTOE won over C&D 11 days ago and that was his second victory from his last three starts. Off just a 3lb higher mark, Jim Goldie's gelding could take plenty of stopping once again. Night Bear was a length and a half away in third behind the selection last week and could get closer on 4lb better terms. Geelong and Eloped are the pick of the remainder.
NIGHT BEAR returned to form when third to Bobby Shaftoe over this C&D recently and, now 4 lb better off with that rival for a 1½-length beating, he is taken to emerge on top this time. Bobby Shaftoe won't go down without a fight and he is clear second choice ahead of Geelong.
Course specialist BOBBY SHAFTOE (nap) did it cosily over C&D 11 days ago and can defy a modest rise and win here for the seventh time.
(2) Harbour Highway 9/5, €17,000 3-y-o: £90,000 4-y-o, Youmzain gelding. Dam, well held in bumpers/maiden chase, sister to fair hurdler/fairly useful chaser (stayed 2½m) Dazzling Susie. Won sole start in points (May 2023). Impressive point win for Michael Goff; sold for £90,000; may need further but check market.
5
2nd (5) (6/5 +20%) Mywayofthinkin
1.2
6/5(+20%)
(5) Mywayofthinkin 6/5, Once-raced maiden. 3/1, second of 12 in bumper at Leopardstown (16f, good to soft) on NH debut 88 days ago. Sets a good standard and should take the beating. 3-1 for his debut when 2nd at Leopardstown; form working out okay; should be involved.
4
3rd (4) (5/1 -150%) Masterboy Davis
5
5/1(-150%)
(4) Masterboy Davis 5/1, Once-raced maiden. 15/8, second of 8 in bumper at Punchestown (15.9f, heavy) on NH debut 34 days ago. Likely to step forward from that, so worth considering. 2nd in a point; chased home subsequent Champion Bumper 4th on rules bow; the one to beat.
6
4th (6) (12/1 -167%) Net Boy
12
12/1(-167%)
(6) Net Boy 12/1, €60,000 3-y-o, Robin Du Nord gelding. Half-brother to 3 winners, including fairly useful 2m hurdler/chaser Netywell and fair French hurdler Blekova. Wears tongue strap. Notable newcomer. 60,000euros as a 3yo; half-brother to useful chaser Netywell; this is tough on debut.
7
5th (7) (125/1 +0%) Private Policy
125
125/1(+0%)
(7) Private Policy 125/1, Kalanisi gelding. Half-brother to modest chaser Auld Sod, stays 3¼m, and bumper winner You Caught My Eye. Half-brother to 2 winners but pulled up on only point start two years ago; best watched.
1
6th (1) (40/1 +50%) Black Heather
40
40/1(+50%)
(1) Black Heather 40/1, Lauro gelding. Closely related to poor staying hurdler Danzini. Dam (h98) placed in bumper/maiden hurdle. Lauro gelding; closely related to 3m1f hurdle winner Danzini; stoutly bred; best watched.
8
7th (8) (11/1 +21%) Syracus Du Houx
11
11/1(+21%)
(8) Syracus Du Houx 11/1, Thrice-raced maiden under NH rules. Sixth of 8 in novice hurdle at Punchestown (19.8f, heavy, 4/1) 34 days ago. Switches from hurdles to bumpers. Back down in trip. Placed in 2 points and creditable runs under rules but may be one for h'caps now.
3
8th (3) (50/1 +60%) Lynchy Boy
50
50/1(+60%)
(3) Lynchy Boy 50/1, Affinisea gelding. Dam bumper winner (stayed 2½m over hurdles). Not an obvious sort on paper. Affinisea gelding; dam bumper winner, half-sister to point winner The Lask; best watched.
9
9th (9) (100/1 -25%) Dance Floor Drama
100
100/1(-25%)
(9) Dance Floor Drama 100/1, Geordieland mare. Sister to fairly useful 3m chase winner Charlie Uberalles and modest staying hurdler Atomic Angel. Wears tongue strap. Unplaced sole start in points (Mar 2023). Tailed off on only point start; hood and tongue-tie possibly not a good sign on rules bow.
The chart reads from right to left to today's race.
MYWAYOFTHINKIN can do his bit for the family here after two of his siblings won at Cheltenham recently. The Flemensfirth gelding, a half-brother to Limerick Lace and Inothewayurthinkin, ran a lovely race on his debut when chasing home Goldinthemountains at Leopardstown over Christmas and can build on that. Masterboy Davis was narrowly edged out on his 'track' debut at Punchestown last month and looks like an obvious danger. Patrick Mullins rides Harbour Highway for his cousin Emmet and he's one to note in the market. The Youmzain gelding was a good winner of his point-to-point at Bartlemy last May.
MYWAYOFTHINKIN made a positive start when runner-up at Leopardstown almost 3 months ago and the third has scored since, so he's worth a chance to go one better at the possible expense of points winner Harbour Highway. Masterboy Davis is open to improvement and worthy of consideration, too.
MASTERBOY DAVIS' Punchestown form received a major boost at the Festival last week and he may be hard to beat with improvement likely
(4) Mamalouka 2/1, Made it 3 wins in her last 4 starts when pulling 3 lengths clear over 9.5f here a week ago. Handicapper hasn't missed her with an 8 lb rise but she's thriving and could make another bold bid if her stamina holds now up in trip. Progressive; three wins this year from 1m-1m2f; thriving and not dismissed lightly.
3
2nd (3) (20/1 -67%) Capla Mojo
20
20/1(-67%)
(3) Capla Mojo 20/1, Lightly-raced maiden. Sixth of 8 in handicap (33/1) at Newcastle (1m) 35 days ago. Significantly longer trip needs to spark improvement. Not beaten far on debut but hasn't built on that; hopes rest on a step up in trip.
5
3rd (5) (10/3 -11%) Flowering
3.333333
10/3(-11%)
(5) Flowering 10/3, Did too much too soon when 7¼ lengths third of 7 to Pegasus of Harry over C&D 19 days ago. Could get a lot closer to that rival if ridden more conservatively this time. Third to Pegasus Of Harry here last time and now 10lb better off; interesting contender.
2
4th (2) (13/2 +19%) Pilgrim Of Culture
6.5
13/2(+19%)
(2) Pilgrim Of Culture 13/2, Thrice-raced maiden. Seventh of 9 in maiden at this course (8.6f, 14/1) 46 days ago. Significantly up in trip for handicap debut. Modest form; needs to improve for today's significantly longer distance on handicap debut.
1
5th (1) (7/4 -7%) Pegasus Of Harry
1.75
7/4(-7%)
(1) Pegasus Of Harry 7/4, Much improved when winning 7-runner C&D handicap 19 days ago, suited by emphasis on stamina. Raised 10 lb but there could easily be more to come. Convincing C&D winner last time and seems sure to go well again even with a 10lb rise.
17:45 Wolverhampton Handicap (Class 6) 12f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 6 race.
PEGASUS OF HARRY bolted up on just her second start in a handicap over C&D earlier this month and a 10lb hike may not be enough to anchor Marco Botti's charge. Fellow impressive last-time-out winner Mamalouka looks to be the main danger to the selection, although the step up in trip and 8lb rise in the handicap are a concern, while Pilgrim Of Culture also commands attention on her handicap debut for a top stable.
PEGASUS OF HARRY relished the step up in trip when scoring comfortably over C&D at the beginning of the month and may be able to overcome a 10 lb hit from the handicapper. Flowering was better than the result behind the selection last time and is second choice ahead of Mamalouka.
Pegasus Of Harry was impressive here last time but third-placed FLOWERING may well gain her revenge on today's revised terms.
(4) Prince Achille 3/1, 13/2, career best when winning 8-runner handicap at this C&D 15 days ago, readily. This 5 lb higher mark looks manageable and he's one for the shortlist. Stepped up on reappearance effort when winning well over C&D two weeks ago; player up 5lb.
5
2nd (5) (20/1 -100%) Busby
20
20/1(-100%)
(5) Busby 20/1, Third of 10 in handicap (40/1) at this C&D 42 days ago. 1 lb lower now and he will have a serious chance if able to build on that effort. Inconsistent but ran well for third over C&D six weeks ago; in the mix with a repeat.
1
3rd (1) (6/1 +14%) Urban Road
6
6/1(+14%)
(1) Urban Road 6/1, C&D winner. Four wins from 15 runs last year. Latest win here in January. Respectable third of 6 in handicap at Southwell (11.1f, 7/2) 7 days ago. Should give a good account of himself. C&D winner in January off 1lb lower; drop into Class 6 can help; one to consider.
3
4th (3) (18/1 -177%) Russian Virtue
18
18/1(-177%)
(3) Russian Virtue 18/1, C&D winner. Two wins from 3 runs last year. Last of 11 in handicap (9/1) at Wolverhampton (9.5f) 76 days ago. Will need to leave that effort well behind if he's to make an impact. Multiple winner, including C&D, but needs to bounce back from a low-key run 11 weeks ago.
6
5th (6) (12/1 +40%) Loom Large
12
12/1(+40%)
(6) Loom Large 12/1, C&D winner in October. Last of 12 in handicap (22/1) at this course (8f) 22 days ago. Back up in trip and the percentage call is to look elsewhere. C&D winner in October off this mark (ridden by P Mulrennan); revival could be forthcoming.
8
6th (8) (4/1 +50%) Hurtle
4
4/1(+50%)
(8) Hurtle 4/1, Seventh of 8 in handicap (18/1) at Wolverhampton (12.2f) 57 days ago. Needs a couple of these to falter. Has undergone a wind op. Quiet this winter and his latest wind operation needs to have a positive effect.
2
7th (2) (7/2 +56%) Armoured
3.5
7/2(+56%)
(2) Armoured 7/2, Course winner in January. 8/1, seventh of 10 in handicap at this C&D 8 days ago, not knocked about. Can give a good account without posing serious threat to principals. 1m winner here in January; no improvement for this trip last week; others look stronger.
10
8th (10) (9/1 -64%) Humble Spark
9
9/1(-64%)
(10) Humble Spark 9/1, 66/1, second of 11 in handicap at this course (12.4f) 16 days ago. Possibilities if able to build on that effort. 66-1 second over 1m4f here 16 days ago; chance if backing it up but that's not assured.
7
9th (7) (20/1 -122%) Emer Elysees
20
20/1(-122%)
(7) Emer Elysees 20/1, Thrice-raced maiden on Flat. Last of 8 in maiden at this course (7.1f, 200/1) 15 days ago. Significantly up in trip for this handicap debut. Potential improver now upped in distance for her handicap debut.
9
10th (9) (28/1 -460%) Ashkhabad
28
28/1(-460%)
(9) Ashkhabad 28/1, Thrice-raced maiden on Flat. Eighth of 12 in minor event at Kempton (8f, 250/1) 24 days ago. Up in trip for this handicap debut and worth a second look in the betting. Poor form in two bumpers/three Flat runs but needs a market check now handicapping.
18:00 Newcastle Handicap (Class 6) 10f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 6 race.
Prince Achille has to be respected following his C&D win, but a 5lb rise will make life tougher for him. With that in mind, preference is for BUSBY, who returned to form when third over this track and trip last month and he can race off a 1lb lower mark now. Humble Spark edges out Urban Road to be best of the rest.
The vote goes to PRINCE ACHILLE, who resumed winning ways in ready fashion over this C&D recently and a 5 lb rise is by no means the end of the world. Busby took a major step back in the right direction when third here last time and is feared most ahead of Humble Spark and Urban Road.
Urban Road is feared dropping in class but PRINCE ACHILLE may be able to follow up his recent C&D success.
(1) Navello 22/1, Course winner. 22/1, tenth of 11 in handicap at Lingfield (6f, AW). Off 101 days. Now 4lb lower than when winning the Epsom Dash but lost his form in second half of 2023.
3
2nd (3) (9/1 +10%) Leap Abroad
9
9/1(+10%)
(3) Leap Abroad 9/1, C&D winner. Latest win here in November. Eighth of 11 in handicap (12/1) at Kempton (6f) 34 days ago. Something to find on form. Best when making running; won here in November; not dismissed under 7lb claimer.
8
3rd (8) (6/1 +14%) Habooba
6
6/1(+14%)
(8) Habooba 6/1, Winner at Lingfield in December. Fourth of 5 in handicap at Kempton (6f, 9/4) 56 days ago. Can't be discounted. Lingfield winner in December; second there next time is solid form; still unexposed.
5
3rd (5) (11/1 -120%) Muscika
11
11/1(-120%)
(5) Muscika 11/1, 3-time C&D winner. Four wins from 17 runs last year. Creditable second of 9 in handicap at Lingfield (6f, AW, 8/1) 16 days ago. Should be on the premises again. 16-time winner, thrice here; arrives in good form and respected again.
7
5th (7) (11/2 +21%) Tyger Bay
5.5
11/2(+21%)
(7) Tyger Bay 11/2, C&D winner. Latest win here in December. Good fourth of 9 in handicap at Lingfield (6f, AW, 15/2) 16 days ago, nearest finish. Merits consideration. C&D winner; did well at Lingfield last time after blowing the start; solid chance.
4
6th (4) (10/3 -48%) Ice Cool Harry
3.333333
10/3(-48%)
(4) Ice Cool Harry 10/3, Career best when winning 5-runner handicap (9/4) at this C&D 43 days ago by ¾ length from Muscika, slowly away. Quirky, but still unexposed and remains well treated, so worth a chance to follow up. Lightly raced 4yo; cajoled along to score here in February; dangerous if in same mood.
2
7th (2) (2/1 +43%) Laheg
2
2/1(+43%)
(2) Laheg 2/1, C&D winner. Didn't need to improve to win 7-runner handicap (2/1) at Lingfield (6f, AW) 48 days ago by short head from Muscika. Remains on a fair mark and seems likely to go well again. Up just 2lb for gutsy Lingfield win and should be in the thick of things once more.
6
8th (6) (14/1 -17%) Pockley
14
14/1(-17%)
(6) Pockley 14/1, 7/1, eighth of 9 in handicap at Newcastle (5f) 10 days ago, merely closing up late. Back up in trip. Others more persuasive. In and out this winter, winning at Newcastle; 0-3 at Wolverhampton; others preferred.
18:15 Wolverhampton Handicap (Class 4) 6f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 4 race.
LAHEG led close home to narrowly beat Muscika over 6f at Lingfield last month and, despite the latter being marginally better off at the weights this time around, the former is expected to confirm that form. Ice Cool Harry raced keenly before hanging left in the straight when winning over C&D recently, and that success was a testament to his obvious ability, but he will need to settle better if he is to defy a 4lb higher mark here.
ICE COOL HARRY did well to get up after a slow start over C&D last time and, with a solid pace on the cards, he's expected to do better again, so he's marginally preferred to Laheg, who remains on a fair mark after his cosy success at Lingfield. Muscika has been beaten by both of the aforementioned pair recently but should still be on the premises.
The suggestion is TYGER BAY who did well after blowing the start at Lingfield last time and whose previous C&D run resulted in a win.
(6) Rainbows Edge 5/2, Night of Thunder filly. Closely related to 6f winner Reminder and half-sister to several winners, including smart 1m-2m winner Call To Mind and smart 2-y-o 7f winner Recorder. Interesting debutante for top yard. Bred to be smart and she's of obvious interest on her debut for a yard who do well here.
8
2nd (8) (4/1 -33%) Star Jasmine
4
4/1(-33%)
(8) Star Jasmine 4/1, 4/1, second of 8 in maiden at this course (7.1f) on debut 15 days ago, never nearer. This Churchill filly should progress so is very much one to consider. Promising 2nd (Absolute Star 3rd) on her 7f debut here this month; 1m can help; chance.
1
3rd (1) (11/1 -175%) Absolute Star
11
11/1(-175%)
(1) Absolute Star 11/1, Twice-raced filly, creditable third of 8 in maiden (9/4) at this course (7.1f) 15 days ago, having run of race. No forlorn hope. Placed in two 7f fillies' maidens here this year; needs more for the longer trip to win.
3
4th (3) (14/1 +0%) Cabrera
14
14/1(+0%)
(3) Cabrera 14/1, 70,000 gns yearling, Phoenix of Spain filly. Half-sister to useful 1m-1¾m winner Post Impressionist and 11f winner Whity. Dam, 2-y-o 9f winner who stayed 1¾m, also won over hurdles. Noteworthy newcomer. 70,000gns yearling with a useful pedigree; betting can guide on debut.
2
5th (2) (9/2 -35%) Bolsena
4.5
9/2(-35%)
(2) Bolsena 9/2, Promising Kingman filly. Failed to build on debut Haydock second when fifth of 7 in minor event there (8f) on soft ground 175 days ago. Well worth another chance. Fine pedigree; made pleasing debut last September; soft ground no good next time; player.
5
6th (5) (2/1 +60%) Miss Alpilles
2
2/1(+60%)
(5) Miss Alpilles 2/1, Third of 5 in minor event (14/1) at this C&D on debut 35 days ago, not knocked about. This Sea The Stars filly should improve. Green but promise over C&D five weeks ago; open to improvement; contender.
7
7th (7) (50/1 -213%) Rasmah
50
50/1(-213%)
(7) Rasmah 50/1, 9/2, last of 5 in minor event at this C&D on debut 35 days ago. Open to improvement. Disappointed here on debut when a long way behind Miss Alpilles; one of two for the yard.
4
8th (4) (200/1 -100%) Fairfax Beauty
200
200/1(-100%)
(4) Fairfax Beauty 200/1, Twice-raced filly. Last of 5 in maiden (150/1) at this C&D 8 days ago. Huge prices and down the field in two C&D runs this year; handicaps more suitable in time.
18:30 Newcastle Maiden (Class 4) 8f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 4 race.
STAR JASMINE had Absolute Star just behind her in third when touched off over 7f here on her racecourse debut. Upped in trip and with improvement on the cards, George Boughey's charge is fancied to confirm that form en route to victory. Kingman filly Bolsena is related to some class acts and she might make more of an impact as a three-year-old, while Royal runner Rainbows Edge warrants a market check ahead of her first start.
BOLSENA had shaped up well on her debut at Haydock before failing to land the odds on soft ground there next time so is fancied to bounce back in style here on her return. Course runner-up Star Jasmine also has better days ahead of her and could prove the chief threat to Kevin Ryan's Kingman filly, although newcomers Rainbows Edge and Cabrera could also have a say, especially if the market speaks in their favour.
Miss Alpilles should be more streetwise today but BOLSENA, who made a pleasing 2yo debut, could have her measure this evening.
(6) Sisters In The Sky 11/2, Twenty runs since last win in 2023. Left behind a lesser effort when third of 8 in handicap at this C&D (8/1) 3 weeks ago. Capable of getting involved. On a losing run but he's run some solid races over C&D this winter; one to consider.
1
2nd (1) (6/4 +45%) Bernie The Bear
1.5
6/4(+45%)
(1) Bernie The Bear 6/4, Three wins from 11 runs last year, with latest success at this C&D in December. Better than result when fourth of 11 in handicap (4/1) at this course (7.2f) 4 days ago, stumbling before 3f out. Major player. Series of good runs for this yard and likely to be in the thick of it once again.
5
3rd (5) (7/2 +0%) Fircombe Hall
3.5
7/2(+0%)
(5) Fircombe Hall 7/2, Course winner. Confirmed promise of previous run when successful in 9-runner minor event (11/2) at Newcastle (6f) 8 days ago, just holding on. One to consider in his current form. Two wins this winter and this not much stronger than the classified event he won last week.
7
4th (7) (11/1 -175%) Viewfromthestars
11
11/1(-175%)
(7) Viewfromthestars 11/1, Remains a maiden after 27 Flat runs. Soon back on track when second of 7 in minor event at Chelmsford City (6f, 11/4) 23 days ago, despite having raced freely. Could be thereabouts once more. Second in two of his last three starts but 0-27 and he'll need luck in running.
10
5th (10) (17/2 +15%) Tommytwohoots
8.5
17/2(+15%)
(10) Tommytwohoots 17/2, C&D winner. Fared better than of late when fourth of 12 in handicap at this C&D (18/1) 12 days ago. Not discounted at this venue. C&D win in November; not beaten far here 12 days ago but headgear is now left off.
3
6th (3) (10/1 +0%) Princess Naomi
10
10/1(+0%)
(3) Princess Naomi 10/1, Not seen to best effect when fifth of 9 in handicap at Southwell (7.1f, 6/1) 13 days ago, denied clear run early in straight. Lurks on a dangerous mark as she drops back down in trip. Thrown in on last spring's turf form; not really fired this winter but yard is going well.
4
7th (4) (22/1 -120%) Port Noir
22
22/1(-120%)
(4) Port Noir 22/1, C&D winner. Run best excused when seventh of 9 in handicap at this course (7.2f, 22/1) 12 days ago, badly hampered approaching final 1f. However, she needs to find more to take advantage of her falling mark. Needs things to fall right for her and no guarantee there will be a suitable pace for her.
2
8th (2) (22/1 -120%) Zeno
22
22/1(-120%)
(2) Zeno 22/1, Went the wrong way after his debut, in first-time cheekpieces when last of 8 in handicap at this C&D (15/2) last summer. Needs to get back on track after 9 months off (has been gelded). Unexposed; absent since a low-key h'cap debut nine months ago; can't discount.
11
9th (11) (100/1 -300%) Pink Stripes
100
100/1(-300%)
(11) Pink Stripes 100/1, Remains a maiden after 21 Flat runs. Has finished down the field all 3 starts this year, last of 7 in minor event at Chelmsford City (6f, 125/1) a month ago. Best watched. Exposed 21-race maiden who hasn't found her form yet this year.
18:45 Wolverhampton Handicap (Class 6) 6f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 6 race.
FIRCOMBE HALL made his return to 6f a winning one when scoring in a classified event at Newcastle last week and, pitched back into handicap company, he gets the tentative vote to come home in front. Bernie The Bear's recent fourth over 7f here can be upgraded after he clipped heels at a crucial stage, and he warrants respect off an unchanged mark, while Viewfromthestars is also noted.
BERNIE THE BEAR has been going through a good spell for his current yard, not having things go his way when fourth here on his latest outing, so he could be ready to return to winning ways this time around. Viewfromthestars did well under the circumstances when runner-up at Chelmsford last month and is next on the list, ahead of Fircombe Hall.
An open race in which SISTERS IN THE SKY is tentatively preferred to Princess Naomi and Bernie The Bear.
(3) Be Here Now 4/1, 4/1, creditable second of 11 in nursery at Redcar (6f, good to firm), running on. Off 178 days ahead of his tapeta debut but not ruled out. Placed in all four nursery runs last season; absence to defy but respected all the same.
1
2nd (1) (8/15 +27%) Ziggy's Missile
0.533333
8/15(+27%)
(1) Ziggy's Missile 8/15, Improving sort who posted a career best when winning 7-runner handicap at Southwell (5f, 6/1) 11 days ago. Impressive there so the one to beat in his hat-trick bid despite another 8 lb rise. 2-2 in AW handicaps this year, winning decisively latest; feared despite an 8lb rise.
4
3rd (4) (18/1 -157%) Musical Diva
18
18/1(-157%)
(4) Musical Diva 18/1, Latest win at Southwell in January. Only seventh of 11 in handicap at Southwell (5f, 4/1) 9 days ago so needs to bounce back. Two 5f wins in January but the handicapper may have her measure now.
5
4th (5) (9/2 +10%) Tees Douge
4.5
9/2(+10%)
(5) Tees Douge 9/2, Unreliable individual. Below form sixth of 11 in handicap at Southwell (5f, 7/2) 9 days ago. Hood on 1st time. Good C&D run last month but looked a difficult ride at Southwell last week; now hooded.
2
5th (2) (40/1 -300%) Keldeo
40
40/1(-300%)
(2) Keldeo 40/1, Lightly-raced winner. Sixth of 8 in nursery at Catterick (5f, soft, 5/1). Off 6 months. Makes tapeta debut with more needed on her return. Turf winner last summer; only 6th on h'cap debut; needs more switched to AW after a break.
19:00 Newcastle Handicap (Class 5) 5f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 5 race.
Keldeo wasn't disgraced on her handicap bow at Catterick in September and she's worth a second look, being a half-sister to an all-weather winner. However, the vote goes to ZIGGY'S MISSILE, who arrives following wins at Wolverhampton and Southwell. A further 8lb rise might not be enough to prevent the progressive son of Blue Point going in again, while Tees Douge, who might improve for the fitting of a first-time hood, heads the remainder.
ZIGGY'S MISSILE's form is on an upward curve so he looks very much the way to go in his hat-trick attempt. Be Here Now appeals as the pick of the rest and can chase home Robert Cowell's improver ahead of Musical Diva and Keldeo.
Topweight ZIGGY'S MISSILE looked a cut above a Class 5 performer when surging clear in a stronger race at Southwell 11 days ago.
(8) Red Walls 18/1, Course winner. Latest win at Lingfield in January. Last of 9 in minor event (12/1) at Newcastle (5f) 5 days ago. Back up in trip. Something to find on form. Three wins this winter but he was a remote last of nine at Newcastle on Monday.
2
1st (2) (6/1 -50%) Buraback
6
6/1(-50%)
(2) Buraback 6/1, Losing run is mounting up but gradually eased in weights and best effort for current yard when second of 10 in handicap (20/1) at Southwell (6.1f) 7 days ago, keeping on final 1f. Worth considering if he can build on that here. On reduced mark and he showed signs of a revival when runner-up at Southwell; dangerous.
6
2nd (6) (3/1 +79%) Alfred Cove
3
3/1(+79%)
(6) Alfred Cove 3/1, One win from 28 Flat runs. Eleven runs since last win in 2023. 22/1, second of 7 in minor event at Southwell (6.1f) 2 days ago. Runner-up at Southwell on Thursday but he's now 1-28 and is not easy to predict.
4
3rd (4) (20/1 -67%) Monsieur Fantaisie
20
20/1(-67%)
(4) Monsieur Fantaisie 20/1, Latest win at Chelmsford City in February. Fifth of 8 in handicap at this C&D (18/1) 21 days ago, reverting to her slow starting ways and meeting with trouble. Will need things to fall just right drawn widest of all. Well held in two C&D runs for new yard and needs new headgear to give him a boost.
1
4th (1) (2/1 +56%) Bear To Dream
2
2/1(+56%)
(1) Bear To Dream 2/1, Latest win at Chelmsford in February. Respectable third of 12 in handicap at this C&D (7/1) 12 days ago, staying on final 1f having come from further back than the front pair. One of the likelier types. Record of 223413 this year and her latest third was over C&D 12 days ago; respected.
7
5th (7) (14/1 +0%) Coast
14
14/1(+0%)
(7) Coast 14/1, C&D winner. Latest win at Lingfield in January. 18/1, eighth of 12 in handicap at this C&D 21 days ago, weakening approaching final 1f having been up with the strong pace. Mark has eased a little more. Won at Lingfield in January but has not come close to that form since; down the list.
3
6th (3) (11/1 -83%) Q Twenty Boy
11
11/1(-83%)
(3) Q Twenty Boy 11/1, 11/4, ¾-length fourth of 7 to Admirable Lad in minor event at Chelmsford City (6f) 23 days ago, needing stronger gallop. Not out of things returned to handicap company. Won over C&D in January and was a close second here on penultimate run; in the mix.
9
7th (9) (6/1 +57%) Billian
6
6/1(+57%)
(9) Billian 6/1, C&D winner. Seventh of 11 in handicap (14/1) at Southwell (6.1f) 77 days ago, forced to switch over 1f out and never on terms. Others preferred back from a break. On dangerous mark but he's finished down the field in last four runs; opposable.
10
8th (10) (15/2 +53%) Balmy Breese
7.5
15/2(+53%)
(10) Balmy Breese 15/2, 11/1, first run since leaving Sarah Hollinshead when sixth of 9 in handicap at Southwell (7.1f) 13 days ago, losing place gradually. Cheekpieces on 1st time. 14-race maiden who was well held on recent stable debut; now returns to 6f in new headgear.
19:15 Wolverhampton Handicap (Class 6) 6f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 6 race.
Bear To Dream has held her form well of late and is a must for the shortlist in this company, while Balmy Breese, who tries first-time cheekpieces, is dangerous to underestimate from the bottom of the handicap based on his peak efforts. However, connections of MONSIEUR FANTAISIE also have also opted to experiment with the same headgear and, with the possibility of him breaking more sharply, this could be a good time to side with the Peter Niven-trained gelding.
BURABACK ran his best race yet for his present stable from a sliding mark when chasing home a class-dropper at Southwell 7 days ago and he could be worth chancing to build on that here. Bear To Dream and Admirable Lad are other in-form sorts to consider, with Q Twenty Boy not out of things either.
The vote goes to BEAR TO DREAM, who has a record of 223413 this year and that latest third was an eyecatching effort over C&D.
(1) Filly One 9/4, Promising daughter of Calyx who has landed back-to-back minor events over C&D in November and December. More to offer now handicapping so she's a big player. 2-2 in C&D novice events; more needed now h'capping but she has to be seriously considered.
3
1st (3) (3/1 +50%) Sergeant Wilko
3
3/1(+50%)
(3) Sergeant Wilko 3/1, Thirsk maiden winner in the spring who posted a solid fifth of 10 in nursery at this C&D 133 days ago. Solid claims. Promising early 2yo; failed to progress but this represents an ease in grade; considered.
4
2nd (4) (13/2 -44%) Artistic Mission
6.5
13/2(-44%)
(4) Artistic Mission 13/2, Thrice-raced maiden. 9/2 and visored for 1st time, good second of 8 in minor event at Southwell (6.1f) 77 days ago. Much respected on his handicap debut. Improved with each start & goes handicapping with the prospect of better; headgear off now.
6
3rd (6) (20/1 -100%) Havana Rose
20
20/1(-100%)
(6) Havana Rose 20/1, Winner at Carlisle in September and not disgraced on her final run for Ed Bethell when third of 6 in handicap at this course (7.1f) 67 days ago. Shortlisted for her new stable. Chance on last year's best 6f form; effective here too; could go well for a yard on the up.
2
4th (2) (2/1 -14%) Siobhanbrogan
2
2/1(-14%)
(2) Siobhanbrogan 2/1, Fair sort who won 7-runner minor event (8/11) at Wolverhampton (6.1f) 26 days ago, well on top at the finish. Should progress on her handicap debut. Well in the mix. Improved with each run, winning decisively at Wolverhampton last month; more to come.
5
5th (5) (50/1 -317%) Kipp Kelly
50
50/1(-317%)
(5) Kipp Kelly 50/1, Lightly-raced maiden. 22/1, solid fourth of 5 in minor event at Southwell (5f) 18 days ago. Back up in trip for his handicap debut. No forlorn hope. More encouragement the last twice (5f) but not obviously well treated for h'cap debut.
19:30 Newcastle Handicap (Class 4) 6f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 4 race.
The unbeaten Filly One is likely to have her supporters after justifying favouritism by just over two lengths over track and trip in December, and she warrants huge respect on her handicap debut. However, preference is for ARTISTIC MISSION, who has progressed with each run to date and his most recent second at Southwell makes a mark of 74 look attractive. The son of Showcasing was beaten by Roman Emperor, who is currently rated 80, so he looks to have a big chance. Siobhanbrogan completes the shortlist.
FILLY ONE looked a good prospect when going 2-2 over C&D before Christmas and is taken to maintain her unbeaten run now venturing into handicap company. Kevin Ryan's handily-weighted Sergeant Wilko is next on the list ahead of Wolverhampton scorer Siobhanbrogan.
A trappy race in which SERGEANT WILKO is tentatively preferred to the unbeaten Filly One.
(5) Trojan Truth 7/1, 5/1, creditable third of 13 in handicap at Windsor (10f, good to firm). Off 6 months. Can get involved if he's straight enough for this return. Just 1-16 but he's on a workable mark and is effective on Tapeta; watch market on return.
7
2nd (7) (18/1 -177%) Kingston Joy
18
18/1(-177%)
(7) Kingston Joy 18/1, 11/1, fourth of 7 in handicap at Chelmsford City (10f) 9 days ago, merely closing up late. On a handy mark and shouldn't be discounted. Inconsistent sort with a record of 1-12 and others are more convincing.
1
3rd (1) (10/11 +60%) Snooze Lane
0.909091
10/11(+60%)
(1) Snooze Lane 10/11, Improved on recent efforts to win 9-runner handicap at this C&D (15/2) 8 days ago. Expected to be bang there. Got back on the scoresheet over C&D last week and a 3lb rise looks fair; big player.
2
4th (2) (9/1 -29%) Seraphic
9
9/1(-29%)
(2) Seraphic 9/1, 15/2, second of 6 in handicap at Chelmsford City (16f) 37 days ago. Significantly down in trip. Not sure to be in the same form. Sole win came in a claiming hurdle and his latest Flat run was at 2m; others preferred.
4
5th (4) (9/2 +18%) Edmund Ironside
4.5
9/2(+18%)
(4) Edmund Ironside 9/2, One win from 21 Flat runs. 13/2, creditable third of 8 in handicap at this course (8.6f) 12 days ago. Should give another good account. Won at Lingfield in November and he's held his form since then; should go well again.
9
6th (9) (25/1 -178%) Tawtheef
25
25/1(-178%)
(9) Tawtheef 25/1, C&D winner. Fifteen runs since last win in 2022. 11/2, eighth of 9 in minor event at Lingfield (10f, AW) 41 days ago, unable to sustain effort. Others more persuasive. His last win was in May 2022 and he has some work to do from a wide draw here.
3
7th (3) (10/1 -67%) Sir Titan
10
10/1(-67%)
(3) Sir Titan 10/1, Course winner. Latest win at Lingfield in January. Creditable fourth of 8 in handicap (6/1) at this course (8.6f) 12 days ago. Others look better treated. Ended a 21-race losing run at Lingfield in January but he's faded in his last two starts.
8
8th (8) (18/1 -29%) Barbarosa
18
18/1(-29%)
(8) Barbarosa 18/1, One win from 22 Flat runs. Winner at Lingfield in February. Ninth of 10 in handicap at Southwell (11.1f, 12/1) 25 days ago. Not easy to make a case for. Won a classified at Lingfield in February but he beat only one back in a handicap latest.
10
9th (10) (80/1 -300%) Rainbow Mirage
80
80/1(-300%)
(10) Rainbow Mirage 80/1, Eleven runs since last win in 2022. 40/1, sixth of 8 in minor event at Southwell (8.1f) 9 days ago. Blinkered for 1st time. Plenty to prove. Most wins have come in sprints and she's regressed sharply in the past year; opposable.
19:45 Wolverhampton Handicap (Class 6) 10f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 6 race.
EDMUND IRONSIDE has been threatening to land one of these modest handicaps for a while now and, with the return to this trip a possible reason for improvement, the Michael Attwater-trained gelding looks worth chancing off a competitive mark. Trojan Truth is another who has been knocking on the door and warrants close inspection, while Barbarosa got no luck in running last time and could bounce back with a clear run.
SNOOZE LANE was back to his best when scoring with a bit to spare over C&D last time and there's a good chance he'll follow up from a mark that still looks feasible. Another solid showing is expected from Edmund Ironside.
Top of the list is SNOOZE LANE (nap), who finished well when scoring over C&D last week and a 3lb rise for that success looks fair.
(2) Pepsi Cat 6/1, C&D winner. Latest win here in January. Solid ½-length third of 12 to Castan in handicap at this C&D (5/1) 20 days ago so she ought to be in the shake-up. Continues on the upgrade and well suited by conditions; unlikely to be far away.
8
2nd (8) (4/1 +20%) Moon Flight
4
4/1(+20%)
(8) Moon Flight 4/1, C&D winner. Latest win here in February. 10/3, creditable 1½ lengths fifth of 12 to Castan in handicap at this C&D 20 days ago. Can go well again. Series of good runs since joining this yard and likely to be in the shake up again.
5
3rd (5) (16/1 -78%) Strong Johnson
16
16/1(-78%)
(5) Strong Johnson 16/1, C&D winner who came in sixth of 10 in handicap at Wolverhampton (5.1f, 9/2) 76 days ago, racing closer to pace than ideal. Sort to bounce back. Well treated on this winter's best, including a C&D win off 2lb higher; one to consider.
9
4th (9) (7/2 +13%) Bonito Cavalo
3.5
7/2(+13%)
(9) Bonito Cavalo 7/2, 6-time course winner who bagged 9-runner handicap at this C&D 10 days ago. Must enter calculations despite having a career-high mark to overcome. Been a revelation on AW this year, winning 6 times; overcame trouble latest; 3lb rise fair.
3
5th (3) (18/1 +28%) Elegant Erin
18
18/1(+28%)
(3) Elegant Erin 18/1, Probably needed the run after 5 months off when eighth of 12 to Castan in handicap at this C&D (33/1) 20 days ago. No surprise to see her take a step forward now. Behind a couple of these last time but that was back from a break; should fare better now.
4
6th (4) (3/1 +33%) Dream For Gold
3
3/1(+33%)
(4) Dream For Gold 3/1, Off 4 months/gelded and back on track this year, clear of the rest when second of 9 in handicap here (6f) 11 days ago. Big shout nudged up just 1 lb. Two good runs here since a gelding operation; should be involved once more.
10
7th (10) (12/1 +14%) Gustav Graves
12
12/1(+14%)
(10) Gustav Graves 12/1, C&D winner. Latest win here in March. 11/1, Fair seventh of 9 to Bonito Cavalo in handicap at this C&D 10 days ago. Possibilities. He has enjoyed a fine winter but the handicapper may now have his measure.
1
8th (1) (25/1 -108%) Grace Angel
25
25/1(-108%)
(1) Grace Angel 25/1, Earned her second front-running victory of the year at Haydock in June but in nowhere near the same form in a trio of runs since. Bounce back needed on her seasonal return. Did well on turf last year and plenty of AW promise as a 2yo; 195-day absence to overcome.
6
9th (6) (7/1 -56%) Castan
7
7/1(-56%)
(6) Castan 7/1, Career best when winning 12-runner handicap at this C&D (10/1) 20 days ago, digging deep. Up 4 lb but he's still not taken lightly. Gained 2nd C&D win with a game effort here three weeks ago; up 4lb but set to go well.
7
10th (7) (80/1 -567%) Soul Seeker
80
80/1(-567%)
(7) Soul Seeker 80/1, A three-time 5f winner last year. Latest at Haydock in September. Raced up with the strong pace when twelfth of 13 in handicap at Redcar (5f) final run and sort to get back on track. Useful turf sprinter but yet to show comparable form on AW; best watched after an absence.
20:00 Newcastle Handicap (Class 4) 5f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 4 race.
BONITO CAVALO is in the form of his life after making it six wins from his last seven starts, which means he has improved a whopping 32lb since January. The manner of the five-year-old's latest C&D victory shows he might not be done improving yet. Pepsi Cat has been in good form over track and trip this year and is taken to go well, while last-time-out winner Castan won't go down without a fight.
A case can be made for lots of these but DREAM FOR GOLD has looked an improved model since being gelded and can go one better than when an excellent recent second here. Strong Johnson makes appeal at these weights and is next on the list. Course-specialist Bonito Cavalo and other C&D scorers Pepsi Cat and Castan must come into the reckoning too.
Pepsi Cat and Strong Johnson are high on the list but BONITO CAVALO's remarkable start to the year could be set to continue.
(1) Crafter 6/5, C&D winner. Winner here in December. Very good third of 9 in handicap at this C&D (8/1) 8 days ago, not ideally placed. Can get back to winning ways if the pace is solid. Has a largely consistent record over C&D; good third last week; solid contender.
7
2nd (7) (10/1 -54%) Prince Hector
10
10/1(-54%)
(7) Prince Hector 10/1, C&D winner. One win from 24 Flat runs. Winner here in December. 9/2, bit below form fifth of 11 in handicap at Southwell (11.1f) 25 days ago, unable to sustain effort. Strong in the betting last time and isn't one to completely rule out. C&D winner; latest race didn't go smoothly for him; treated as still in form.
3
3rd (3) (11/2 -144%) Moon Over The Sea
5.5
11/2(-144%)
(3) Moon Over The Sea 11/2, Three wins from 13 runs last year. 7/2, back on track to land 8-runner handicap at this course (8.6f) 12 days ago. Likely to give another good account. Last three races include two wins at this venue; should remain competitive.
2
4th (2) (10/3 +52%) Come On John
3.333333
10/3(+52%)
(2) Come On John 10/3, C&D winner. Three wins from 20 runs last year. Latest win here in November. Fifth of 8 in handicap at this C&D (15/2) 57 days ago, needing stronger gallop. Has fallen to a workable mark and shouldn't be ruled out. Won off 1lb higher over C&D in November; good chance if back to that form.
6
5th (6) (7/1 -17%) Kingwell
7
7/1(-17%)
(6) Kingwell 7/1, Course winner. One win from 23 Flat runs. Eleven runs since last win in 2023. Creditable third of 7 in handicap (8/1) at Chelmsford City (10f) 14 days ago. One to consider. Largely consistent since last autumn; frame possibilities on most of that form.
4
6th (4) (12/1 -20%) Portoro
12
12/1(-20%)
(4) Portoro 12/1, 16/1, ninth of 10 in handicap at Chelmsford City (10f) 23 days ago. Hood back on. Has a fair bit to prove at present but still warrants a market check. Still has something to prove on AW but may do better off this reduced mark.
5
7th (5) (40/1 -300%) Premiership
40
40/1(-300%)
(5) Premiership 40/1, Three wins from 6 runs last year. Last of 12 in handicap at Kempton (8f, 25/1) 21 days ago. Needs to bounce back. Poor form on AW; has done all his winning at 1m on turf.
9
8th (9) (150/1 -650%) Vaudevillian
150
150/1(-650%)
(9) Vaudevillian 150/1, 125/1 and cheekpieces on for 1st time, last of 5 in handicap at Kempton (6f) 24 days ago. Significantly up in trip. Others make more appeal. Poor maiden who still has no placed form; opposed.
20:15 Wolverhampton Handicap (Class 6) 10f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 6 race.
Having won over this course and distance in January and then again over the extended mile here on his latest start, MOON OVER THE SEA has a lot going for him in this company and is fancied to extend his run of good form. Crafter, who is also a previous C&D winner, is feared most, with the burden of top-weight not expected to cause too many problems, although Kingwell can also get competitive off 3lb below his last winning rating.
CRAFTER kept on well from an unpromising position when third over C&D last time and he should put up a bold showing provided the race is run to suit. Last-time-out winner Moon Over The Sea is a danger and Kingwell can't be ruled out.
Topweight CRAFTER looks poised to record a second C&D success. Moon Over The Sea is second choice.
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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.
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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.
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