There were 48 Races on Saturday 9th December 2023 across 6 meetings. There was 8 races at Sandown, 8 races at Chepstow, 7 races at Navan, 8 races at Aintree, 8 races at Wolverhampton, 9 races at Newcastle, no doubt Tomform helped you find a winner.
Races & Results Saturday 9th December 2023
The data in the racecards below is for the past year. View the racecard key.
(1) Norman Fletcher 11/4, Made it 2 wins from 4 starts in bumpers with an improved effort at Ludlow in April. Hasn't impressed with his jumping since switched to hurdles but got the job done in 14-runner maiden at Market Rasen (16.6f) 23 days ago. Likely to find life tougher under a penalty. Two bumper wins; not a natural hurdling but getting better and won at Market Rasen latest.
4
2nd (4) (2/1 +47%) Goonhilly
2
2/1(+47%)
(4) Goonhilly 2/1, Fairly useful form in a couple of bumpers and shaped well on return/hurdles debut when third of 11 in a Uttoxeter maiden (2½m). In the process of building on that when departing at the last (held in third) at Ludlow since and merits respect down in trip. A tired faller at Ludlow (2m5f) latest; this drop back in trip can help; each-way claims.
3
3rd (3) (28/1 +15%) Fresh Speculation
28
28/1(+15%)
(3) Fresh Speculation 28/1, Signs of ability in a bumper/Chepstow maiden hurdle but is possibly more one for handicaps a bit further down the line. Low in the ratings today but could prove capable of a lot better at some point.
10
4th (10) (12/1 +25%) Raffles Wonder
12
12/1(+25%)
(10) Raffles Wonder 12/1, Maiden Irish pointer who confirmed the encouragement of his Rules debut when landing a bumper at Sedgefield in January. Only fifth at Kelso when last seen 8 months ago but should take to hurdling in a first-time tongue strap (has also had breathing op). Bumper winner who's had wind surgery and also has his tongue tied; bred to jump.
11
5th (11) (25/1 -150%) Wild Grouse
25
25/1(-150%)
(11) Wild Grouse 25/1, Won the last of his 3 starts in Irish points and shaped a fair bit better than the bare result on his hurdling debut at Uttoxeter (15.8f, heavy) 3 weeks ago, still clear second at last before weakening run-in. Likely to improve. Irish point win; modest form at Uttoxeter (2m, heavy) three weeks ago but should improve.
5
6th (5) (40/1 -21%) Gower Prince
40
40/1(-21%)
(5) Gower Prince 40/1, Showed a bit on the first of 3 starts in bumpers for Matt Sheppard but was too free sent hurdling in a first-time hood after 13 months off when fifth to a good prospect at Hereford in October. May do better. Showed significant ability on hurdling debut but looks the stable second string.
8
|U| (8) (66/1 -560%) Into The Park
66
66/1(-560%)
(8) Into The Park 66/1, €55,000 3-y-o, Walk In The Park gelding. Half-brother to fairly useful hurdler/fair chaser Goodnightngodbless. Third when fell last sole start in Irish points and showed a bit amidst inexperience when well held in a Newbury bumper on Rules debut last month. 10-1 for bumper at Newbury (2m, good to soft) but finished a remote seventh of 13.
9
|PU| (9) (10/3 +0%) Le Jeune Bresil
3.333333
10/3(+0%)
(9) Le Jeune Bresil 10/3, Imposing sort who got off the mark in Irish points at second attempt in April and shaped with plenty of encouragement on his second hurdles start when third of 15 at Wetherby (19.7f, heavy) 3 weeks ago. Can improve further. Easy Irish point win in April; bold show at Wetherby (2m3f, soft) is best form in this.
2
|PU| (2) (15/2 -125%) Old Gregorian
7.5
15/2(-125%)
(2) Old Gregorian 15/2, Showed improvement on the last of 3 starts in bumpers and built on that promise as he made a successful debut over hurdles after 6 months off in 8-runner maiden at Kelso (16.2f, heavy) in October. Has a penalty to carry in a stronger race but is open to improvement nonetheless. Improved to win on seasonal/hurdling debut in eight-runner maiden at Kelso (2m, soft).
7
|PU| (7) (22/1 -38%) Industrialist
22
22/1(-38%)
(7) Industrialist 22/1, Has shown some promise in a trio of bumpers but is bred to need time and distance, so probably won't come into his own until tackling longer trips over jumps. Major work to do after bumpers but he looks a scopey sort who should do better.
6
|PU| (6) (100/1 -614%) Honey Jack
100
100/1(-614%)
(6) Honey Jack 100/1, Has scope but looked badly in need of the experience when well-beaten on debut in a Newbury bumper last month. 17-2 from 16-1 for a bumper at Newbury (2m, good to soft) but ended among the backmarkers.
LTO Selection:
11:10 Aintree Maiden Hurdle (Class 3)
17f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 3 race.
A tricky puzzle to solve with plenty in with a chance and only a tentative vote goes to recent Market Rasen scorer NORMAN FLETCHER. The four-year-old arrives here for the in-form Nigel Twiston-Davies yard and having shed his maiden tag in comfortable fashion last time, he could be up to handling this tougher assignment. Le Jeune Bresil shaped as though this drop in trip could work the oracle when not quite lasting home over the extended 2m3f at Wetherby last month and he is feared most, while Goonhilly would enter the equation should he produce a more polished jumping display.
GOONHILLY was in the process of building on his hurdling debut when departing late at Ludlow last month and, with the Skelton yard going much better now, he's taken to get off the mark at the third attempt in this sphere. Le Jeune Bresil is an imposing sort who's open to further improvement, with Kelso-scorer Old Gregorian also feared.
The form on offer does not compare with this race's usual standards but LE JEUNE BRESIL has shown the most with his Wetherby third.
(1) Booster Bob 5/6, Fairly useful bumper winner who made it 2 from 2 over hurdles with ease in 8-runner novice at Uttoxeter (15.8f, heavy) 3 weeks ago. Open to further improvement. Two wins at Uttoxeter this season, latest by 18l on heavy ground; useful prospect.
3
2nd (3) (2/1 +76%) Helnwein
2
2/1(+76%)
(3) Helnwein 2/1, Useful bumper winner who made a successful switch to hurdling at Warwick (2m, heavy) last month. Open to plenty of improvement. Not particularly impressive on reappearance but most of his form has substance.
2
3rd (2) (7/2 +68%) Choose A Copper
3.5
7/2(+68%)
(2) Choose A Copper 7/2, Placed only completed start in points and created a good impression when readily making all in 10-runner novice hurdle at Hexham (16.2f, heavy) in October. Seems sure to go on to much better things. Made all for comfortable win at Hexham on rules debut; open to further progress.
LTO Selection:
11:35 Sandown Novices Hurdle (Class 1) 16f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 1 race.
Nicky Henderson has made no secret of the high regard in which he holds the unbeaten WILLMOUNT, who recorded a bloodless victory at Newbury on his hurdling debut last month. The five-year-old is likely to relish these testing conditions and should have too much for this field. Booster Bob has won both of his hurdles starts at Uttoxeter and edges out Helnwein to be best of the rest.
WILLMOUNT maintained his unbeaten record in the style of an exciting prospect on his hurdling debut at Newbury last month and is open to oodles of improvement, so he's very much the one to beat now stepping up in grade. Choose A Copper created a good impression when making all at Hexham in October and is fancied to fill the forecast spot.
Highly promising WILLMOUNT is taken to extend his winning sequence. Booster Bob looks the biggest danger on bare figures.
(3) Pembroke 6/4, Useful chaser who walked over at Warwick 17 days ago. One to consider for top yard. Yet to replicate his good hurdle form over fences but there's time to put that right.
1
|PU| (1) (4/5 -29%) Golden Son
0.8
4/5(-29%)
(1) Golden Son 4/5, Smart hurdler who was successful twice at Auteuil in 2021/22, in handicap and Group 2 Prix Georges de Talhouet-Roy. Encouragement when second after 19 months off in 5-runner novice chase at Warwick on yard debut. The clear form pick. Grade 2 winner over hurdles in France; encouraging second on his recent British debut.
2
|PU| (2) (9/1 +10%) Hardy Bloke
9
9/1(+10%)
(2) Hardy Bloke 9/1, A fairly useful hurdler/chaser for Emmet Mullins. Faces a tall order on his yard bow/return when patiently-ridden fourth of five at Haydock 14 days ago. Not discounted in these calmer waters. Again he's up against it on these terms and over a trip short of his best.
4
|PU| (4) (28/1 -75%) Pozo Emery
28
28/1(-75%)
(4) Pozo Emery 28/1, A fairly useful winning hurdler for Paul Nicholls but he's been off for over 2 years. Has his fitness to prove on his yard/chase debut. Useful hurdle form for Paul Nicholls in early 2021; departed that yard for only £3,000.
LTO Selection:
11:45 Aintree Maiden Chase (Class 2) 20f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 2 race.
This contest seems to revolve around the performance of GOLDEN SON, who is clear of these on official ratings and he'll be difficult to beat should he put his best foot forward. The French recruit made a pleasing start to his career on these shores, following the Martin Pipe hero Iroko home over 2m4f at Warwick last month, and Paul Nicholls' charge can improve for that outing. Pembroke rates as the main danger with the benefit of a walk over at Warwick last time and he can give the selection most to think about, while Hardy Bloke heads the remainder.
GOLDEN SON shaped well on his return from a long absence when runner-up at Warwick and looks to have been found an excellent opportunity to go one better here. Dan Skelton's Pembroke can chase home Paul Nicholls' ex-French recruit ahead of Hardy Bloke.
Smart French hurdler GOLDEN SON was second in a strong chase at Warwick and there's good reason to believe he can improve again.
(2) The Imposter 9/4, Most progressive sort who made it a remarkable 8 wins in his last 9 starts when seeing off 4 rivals at Uttoxeter (23f, heavy) 13 days ago. Remains of interest up 4 lb. Did well to win at Uttoxeter given how hard he went; may well defy the 4lb rise.
6
2nd (6) (11/2 +31%) Burrows Park
5.5
11/2(+31%)
(6) Burrows Park 11/2, Landed 23f handicap hurdle in the mud at Exeter in January. Reappearance fourth at Plumpton was respectable but he needs to shrug off a lesser run behind Whydah Gally at Lingfield since. Capable of a big run but always risky, as he reminded us at Lingfield last time.
4
3rd (4) (8/1 -220%) Black Kalanisi
8
8/1(-220%)
(4) Black Kalanisi 8/1, In good form on the Flat since joining Ian Williams, winning staying events at Pontefract and Newmarket this autumn. Not seen over hurdles since for a long time but has won a handicap chase off 8 lb higher than today's mark. Interesting runner. Bumper/hurdle/chase winner and returns to jumping after winning his last two on the Flat.
1
4th (1) (10/3 +26%) Benign Dictator
3.333333
10/3(+26%)
(1) Benign Dictator 10/3, Better than ever when returning from a 6-month break to double his hurdle tally in 21f Warwick handicap 32 days ago. Should remain very competitive after a 5lb rise. Asserted on the run-in at Warwick; in form but 5lb higher in a better race here.
3
5th (3) (10/1 -25%) Spike Jones
10
10/1(-25%)
(3) Spike Jones 10/1, Successful twice over 3¼m at Fontwell last season. Pulled up on on reappearance at Cheltenham but shaped better when fourth of 5 at Market Rasen since, set for third until bad mistake 2 out. In the process of leaving reappearance effort behind when clouting two out at Market Rasen.
5
6th (5) (4/1 -45%) Whydah Gally
4
4/1(-45%)
(5) Whydah Gally 4/1, Didn't really take to chasing last season but made a successful return to hurdles in a first-time tongue (retained) at Lingfield (23f, soft) on reappearance 25 days ago. Respected up 4 lb. Recent Lingfield winner and an obvious player off 4lb higher if as good again.
LTO Selection:
11:55 Chepstow Handicap Hurdle (Class 3) 24f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 3 race.
Having won eight of his last nine starts, THE IMPOSTER has answered every questioned asked of him and, with his stamina proven and testing ground not an issue, he again looks the one to side with. However, Whydah Gally can make a race of it off just 4lb higher than his Lingfield success, while Benign Dictator is respected after his facile 2m5f victory at Warwick last month.
Quite an interesting race. BLACK KALANISI may be rising 11 but he's been better than ever on the Flat lately and might be worth siding with off what is a good mark based on the pick of his form over jumps. The prolific The Imposter may give him most to do.
There's nothing not to like about THE IMPOSTER who can make it nine wins in his last ten starts.
(9) Jigoro 5/2, Promising sort. First run since leaving E. D'andigne when second of 18 in novice hurdle (4/1) at Cork (16f, soft) on IRE NH debut 34 days ago, travelling best. The one to beat. Placed on sole start on Flat in France, chased home a useful sort on hurdling debut.
3
2nd (3) (5/2 +29%) Butcher Hollow
2.5
5/2(+29%)
(3) Butcher Hollow 5/2, Fairly useful winner at 16f in bumpers. 11/4, won 9-runner bumper at Galway (16.4f, heavy) on NH debut 42 days ago, travelling strongly. Makes hurdles debut. Considered. A 200,000GBP purchase after Tallow point win, looked smart when winning a Galway bumper.
8
3rd (8) (4/1 +33%) Jasko Des Dames
4
4/1(+33%)
(8) Jasko Des Dames 4/1, Won 11-runner bumper at Lignieres (11.9f, good to soft) by 3 lengths from Jigoro. Off 8 months. Makes hurdles debut. First run for yard after leaving Mlle D. Mele. Wears tongue strap. Interesting. Flat winner over 1m4f on soft in France last winter, interesting recruit, wears tongue-tie.
20
4th (20) (40/1 -21%) Walk The Warrior
40
40/1(-21%)
(20) Walk The Warrior 40/1, Once-raced maiden. 12/1, ninth of 16 in bumper at Punchestown (16f, good to soft) on NH debut. Off 7 months. Makes hurdles debut. No forlorn hope. Good pedigree, has run in a bumper and a point-to-point, likely to need more experience.
26
5th (26) (20/1 -150%) The Great Unknown
20
20/1(-150%)
(26) The Great Unknown 20/1, €100,000 3-y-o, Walk In The Park filly. Dam unraced half-sister to useful hurdler/high-class chaser (stayed 3m) Coney Island. Stable in good form. Considered. Well-related filly, third in a point-to-point, one of three for the stable, interesting.
13
6th (13) (28/1 -12%) Next Stop Paris
28
28/1(-12%)
(13) Next Stop Paris 28/1, €58,000 3-y-o, Westerner gelding. Half-brother to useful hurdler/smart chaser Jetoile. Market can guide. Half-brother to progressive chaser Jetoile, from a strong family, in good hands.
15
7th (15) (66/1 -100%) Paddy's Milestone
66
66/1(-100%)
(15) Paddy's Milestone 66/1, Once-raced maiden. 40/1, seventh of 19 in novice hurdle at Down Royal (16.9f, soft) on NH debut 28 days ago. Can build on it. Soundly beaten in a point, took a step in the right direction at Down Royal, more needed.
14
8th (14) (33/1 -65%) Ossie's Lodge
33
33/1(-65%)
(14) Ossie's Lodge 33/1, Lightly-raced winner under NH rules. 1 win from 2 runs this season. Very good eighth of 24 in novice hurdle (66/1) at Fairyhouse (16f, soft) 7 days ago. Shortlisted. Bumper winner at Down Royal in May, made a satisfactory hurdling debut last Saturday.
1
9th (1) (50/1 -213%) Al Kalila
50
50/1(-213%)
(1) Al Kalila 50/1, Twice-raced maiden. 7/2, fourth of 13 in bumper at Kelso (16.2f, soft) 28 days ago, running on. Makes hurdles debut. Respected. Has made the frame in two bumpers in Scotland, likely to find a few of these too strong.
11
|B| (11) (18/1 +10%) Lieber Nicc
18
18/1(+10%)
(11) Lieber Nicc 18/1, €45,000 3-y-o, Champs Elysees gelding. Dam unraced half-sister to useful hurdler/smart chaser (stayed 2¾m) Mount Colah. Yard in good form so not ruled out on hurdling bow. First foal out of an unraced mare, fair pedigree but trainer has two stronger contenders.
4
|B| (4) (250/1 -150%) Earlofbrackenstown
250
250/1(-150%)
(4) Earlofbrackenstown 250/1, Twice-raced maiden. Tenth of 13 in novice hurdle (100/1) at Cork (16f, heavy) 13 days ago. Made little impact in two outings last month, one of trainer's three runners, best watched.
22
|F| (22) (250/1 -67%) Little Hero
250
250/1(-67%)
(22) Little Hero 250/1, Twice-raced maiden under NH rules. Thirteenth of 19 in novice hurdle at Punchestown (19.4f, soft, 250/1) on hurdles bow 14 days ago. Tailed off in a bumper last term, not much better when big price on recent hurdling debut.
12
|U| (12) (15/8 +0%) Milo Lises
1.875
15/8(+0%)
(12) Milo Lises 15/8, Once-raced maiden. Second of 16 in bumper (10/1) at Punchestown (16.4f, good to soft) on NH debut, going with enthusiasm. Off 7 months. Makes hurdles debut. Yard in good form. Well in the mix. Chased home a stablemate on debut in a Punchestown bumper, winner scored on hurdling debut.
18
10th (18) (125/1 -25%) Spatman De Cerisy
125
125/1(-25%)
(18) Spatman De Cerisy 125/1, Once-raced maiden. Seventh of 19 in novice hurdle (80/1) at Punchestown (19.4f, soft) on NH debut 14 days ago. Needs to build on it. Already beaten when making a mistake two out on hurdling debut at Punchestown, may improve.
7
11th (7) (50/1 -150%) Jack Du Large
50
50/1(-150%)
(7) Jack Du Large 50/1, Promising type. Fifth of 12 in novice hurdle at Wexford (20f, heavy, 8/1) on NH debut 22 days ago. Likely to improve. Showed a tendency to jump to the right at Wexford, Jack Kennedy deserts him for Jigoro.
23
12th (23) (250/1 -25%) Meoulflower
250
250/1(-25%)
(23) Meoulflower 250/1, Twice-raced maiden. Tenth of 15 in novice hurdle at Down Royal (22.5f, soft, 300/1) 29 days ago. Down in trip. Poor form on the Flat, jumping has let her down on her first two runs over hurdles.
19
13th (19) (200/1 -203%) Tell Us This
200
200/1(-203%)
(19) Tell Us This 200/1, Twice-raced maiden. 66/1, eighth of 13 in novice hurdle at Cork (16f, heavy) 13 days ago. Jumping needs to be more slick, may be of some interest when qualified for handicaps.
25
14th (25) (150/1 -50%) Tankardstown Diva
150
150/1(-50%)
(25) Tankardstown Diva 150/1, Thrice-raced maiden under NH rules. 100/1 and hooded for 1st time, ninth of 15 in novice hurdle at Fairyhouse (20.2f, heavy) on hurdles bow 15 days ago. Back down in trip. Fourth in a small-field bumper, remote ninth when 100-1 on hurdling debut Fairyhouse.
6
15th (6) (250/1 -67%) Jacenry
250
250/1(-67%)
(6) Jacenry 250/1, Lightly-raced maiden under NH rules. Tenth of 19 in novice hurdle at Punchestown (19.4f, soft, 250/1) 14 days ago. Down the field on all four outings, can be safely left out of calculations.
16
16th (16) (250/1 -150%) Ragmans Corner
250
250/1(-150%)
(16) Ragmans Corner 250/1, Once-raced maiden. Unseated rider 1st in novice hurdle at Thurles (16.5f, good to soft, 100/1) on NH debut 9 days ago. Decent pedigree, 100-1 on debut at Clonmel when unseated at the first flight.
10
17th (10) (250/1 -25%) Juke Box Rock
250
250/1(-25%)
(10) Juke Box Rock 250/1, Thrice-raced maiden. 200/1, eleventh of 16 in novice hurdle at Thurles (16.5f, good to soft) 9 days ago. No winning potential in three outings in maidens last month, perhaps a handicap prospect.
24
18th (24) (250/1 -279%) Missy Mu
250
250/1(-279%)
(24) Missy Mu 250/1, Mount Nelson filly. Half-sister to modest 21f hurdle winner Huckleberry Rock. Dam (h125) bumper/2m hurdle winner (stayed 2½m). Half-sister to trainer's handicap hurdle winner Huckleberry Rock, dam bumper/hurdle winner.
5
19th (5) (200/1 -506%) Fernhill Fling
200
200/1(-506%)
(5) Fernhill Fling 200/1, Once-raced maiden. 80/1, sixth of 11 in bumper at Thurles (16.1f, soft) on NH debut 37 days ago. Makes hurdles debut. Some merit in last month's run in a bumper at Thurles, not likely to pose a major threat.
2
20th (2) (250/1 -150%) Big Tom
250
250/1(-150%)
(2) Big Tom 250/1, €3,500 3-y-o, Sageburg gelding. Dam modest 2m hurdle winner out of 2m-2¾m hurdle winner (stayed 3m) Annadot. Fourth foal, dam 2m hurdle winner, out of Flat/hurdles winner Annadot, from a small stable.
21
21st (21) (250/1 -67%) Without Exception
250
250/1(-67%)
(21) Without Exception 250/1, Thrice-raced maiden. Twenty first of 24 in novice hurdle at Fairyhouse (16f, soft, 200/1) 7 days ago. No apparent chance on the evidence of three maiden hurdle outings in quick succession.
17
22nd (17) (250/1 -150%) Royal Time
250
250/1(-150%)
(17) Royal Time 250/1, Once-raced maiden. 80/1 and tongue strap on, twelfth of 19 in novice hurdle at Down Royal (16.9f, soft) on NH debut 28 days ago. Never in serious contention first time out at Down Royal, not a likely contender.
LTO Selection:
12:00 Navan Maiden Hurdle 16f Race Speed Rating Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's race.
MILO LISES ran a big race on his debut in the Goffs Bumper at Punchestown and is a nice prospect for novice hurdles this season. He chased home stablemate Predators Gold that day and the form looks good with the winner an impressive winner on his debut over jumps at Punchestown recently. Jigoro has the benefit of a run over timber and looks a danger. Gordon Elliott's charge chased home a decent sort in Flamborough at Cork last month and is entitled to improve from that experience. Butcher Hollow is unbeaten after a point-to-point win at Tallow in February and a bumper success at Galway in late October. He looks like another big player.
JIGORO made a promising start for Gordon Elliott when runner-up in a big-field Cork novice and can go one better now with a fair bit of improvement on the cards from this ex-French recruit. Willie Mullins' hurdling newcomer Milo Lises could emerge as the chief threat, although Henry de Bromhead's duo Jasko des Dames and The Great Unknown can have a say too. Butcher Hollow completes the shortlist.
Each of the three top stables has a strong contender for this, but BUTCHER HOLLOW has a fighting chance of seeing off all challengers
(4) Pretending 3/1, Consistent in the main over hurdles last season, culminating with good second in Cheltenham juvenile handicap (16.8f) in April. Looked set to go close before departing 2 out on return at Fakenham 18 days ago, so she's not dismissed lightly as she goes up in trip. 0-6 over hurdles but has encouraging form; this new trip is worth exploring; possibilities.
5
2nd (5) (4/1 +71%) Another Day Out
4
4/1(+71%)
(5) Another Day Out 4/1, Winning Irish pointer and encouraging start under Rules when runner-up in Southwell novice hurdle (15.8f) in March. However, backward steps since, offering little on her chase debut at Stratford on her reappearance. Needs to get back on track returned to hurdling. Not a solid option but could go well off this low weight provided she bounces back.
6
3rd (6) (5/2 -25%) Elle Est Beau
2.5
5/2(-25%)
(6) Elle Est Beau 5/2, On her third start over hurdles, showed improved form when third of 14 in novice at Warwick (2m) 17 days ago. going third at the last. Should benefit from the step back up in trip, so she's an interesting contender as she makes her handicap debut. Shaped promisingly on latest novice start; looks the type to do well now handicapping.
3
4th (3) (5/2 +17%) Whisky Express
2.5
5/2(+17%)
(3) Whisky Express 5/2, Bumper winner who scored in good style on her third start over hurdles at Newton Abbot in March last year. Didn't go on as hoped last season, in first-time cheekpieces when unseating early on her final outing, but she could yet do better on her return. Quirky sort who is interesting in the cheekpieces on second attempt in this race.
2
5th (2) (14/1 -17%) Fortunefavorsdbold
14
14/1(-17%)
(2) Fortunefavorsdbold 14/1, Maiden hurdle winner at Limerick (3m) for Paul Nolan last season. After 7 months off, made mistakes before falling on her seasonal/chase debut at Ludlow in October, but again let down by her jumping back over hurdles at Cheltenham last time. Has a bit to prove at present. Ex-Irish mare; faller (over fences) and well beaten (over hurdles) for new stable.
LTO Selection:
12:05 Sandown Handicap Hurdle (Class 3) 20f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 3 race.
None of these stand out but marginal preference is for the handicap-debutant ELLE EST BEAU, who appeared to be crying out for this longer trip when an eye-catching third in a Warwick novice race on soft ground last month. Pretending fell at Fakenham on her seasonal return but is a player based on previous form, while Whisky Express also merits consideration.
ELLE EST BEAU fared better than previously when third at Warwick 17 days ago and, with the return to this longer trip in her favour, she can find further progress to make a winning handicap debut. Whisky Express could still have more to offer on her return and is feared most, with Pretending also considered.
In a substandard edition of this mares' handicap, ELLE EST BEAU is first choice ahead of Pretending.
(1) Kyntara 10/3, Point/bumper winner. Failed to win over hurdles/fences for Kim Bailey but improved to make a winning start for Mel Rowley in 23f Lingfield handicap hurdle last month. It was an uncompetitive race but he did it easily so a 5 lb rise looks fair. Point/bumper winner; off the mark over hurdles last time; stiffer task but a possible.
6
2nd (6) (9/2 +18%) Gaye Legacy
4.5
9/2(+18%)
(6) Gaye Legacy 9/2, Lightly-raced hurdler who has taken a step forward in handicaps this season, suited by the step up in trip when scoring over 23f at Market Rasen 16 days ago. Should be more to come as her stamina is drawn out. Off the mark in mares' event when tried at 2m7f latest; further progress likely.
8
3rd (8) (5/2 +38%) Moonlight Artist
2.5
5/2(+38%)
(8) Moonlight Artist 5/2, Just his second handicap when improving to win 10-runner event over 23f at Exeter (soft) last month. Unexposed as a stayer and there's likely more to come. Off the mark in 2m7f handicap last time and may improve again over this longer trip.
3
4th (3) (10/3 -11%) Harper Valley
3.333333
10/3(-11%)
(3) Harper Valley 10/3, Steadily progressive form, winning Hexham novice in May and Sedgefield handicap on return to action 6 months later (both 2½m). Has the potential for better again now stepping up to 3m. Progressive hurdler who won a 2m4f handicap last time; up 5lb; this longer should suit.
4
5th (4) (10/1 +0%) Monochromix
10
10/1(+0%)
(4) Monochromix 10/1, Ran to a fair level over hurdles last season and made a positive reappearance when second in 2½m handicap at Hexham in October. Only a respectable fifth at Kelso since but he was later found to have lost a shoe. Remains unexposed. Placed in four of his five runs at up to 2m4f but didn't seem to stay 3m2f last time.
5
|U| (5) (9/1 -50%) Call Me Harry
9
9/1(-50%)
(5) Call Me Harry 9/1, Dual bumper winner who has gradually got his act together over hurdles, well served by a good gallop when opening his account in a 3m Musselburgh handicap last month, reeling in an in-form sort. Another who can't be discounted. Off the mark over hurdles on first run at 3m last time; this stronger; unproven on soft.
7
|PU| (7) (33/1 -136%) My Brother Jack
33
33/1(-136%)
(7) My Brother Jack 33/1, Modest Flat winner and a similar standard over hurdles without managing to get his head in front. Remains to be seen if the marked step up in trip (ran over 17f last time) improves matters. 1m6f AW Flat winner; yet to win over hurdles; possible improver on first run at around 3m.
LTO Selection:
12:20 Aintree Handicap Hurdle (Class 4) 25f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 4 race.
Plenty of in-form rivals line up here with the slight preference being GAYE LEGACY, who scored in cosy fashion over 2m7f at Market Rasen last time and she looks likely to offer another bold bid. Tom Symonds' charge has been raised 4lb for that one-and-a-half-length success and it could prove lenient today. Kyntara is feared most after a bloodless win over 2m7f at Lingfield and he's not ruled out of defying a 5lb rise, while Moonlight Artist should also be thereabouts.
An interesting novice handicap in which it's worth taking a chance on the stamina of ROGER POL. His pedigree provides hope that 3m will be within range and he's shown enough in bumpers and novice hurdles to suggest a mark of 114 could underestimate him. Gaye Legacy and Harper Valley are others who should have more to offer and head the dangers.
This looks a competitive event, with five of the seven runners having won last time, but HARPER VALLEY moving up in trip gets the vote.
(7) The Newest One 11/8, Fairly useful maiden hurdler who ran a cracker from 2 lb out of the weights when runner-up in 15-runner handicap at Cheltenham (3m, heavy) 3 weeks ago, staying on well. Sets a clear standard. Latest handicap second gives him cast-iron form claims back in novice company.
1
2nd (1) (9/2 +36%) Big City Roller
4.5
9/2(+36%)
(1) Big City Roller 9/2, Successful on the second of 2 starts in points and followed up sent hurdling at Carlisle (20f, soft) 44 days ago, tackled before last and finding extra. Shoulders a penalty but is open to improvement all the same. Carlisle winner; lots more on his plate here with a penalty but he's a nice prospect.
5
3rd (5) (3/1 +33%) Paddy De Pole
3
3/1(+33%)
(5) Paddy De Pole 3/1, Alkaadhem gelding. Dam, 1m winner who stayed 1¼m, half-sister to fairly useful hurdler/fair chaser (stays 31f) The Macon Lugnatic. Easily off mark in Irish points at sixth attempt in February and has joined a top yard. It took six attempts to win an Irish point but he won that by 15l; now in a top yard.
6
4th (6) (6/1 +8%) Sprucefrontiers
6
6/1(+8%)
(6) Sprucefrontiers 6/1, Last of 3 finishers sole start in Irish points but showed plenty to work on when fourth in 11-runner novice at Plumpton (20.5f) 33 days ago, finishing with running left. Open to improvement over this longer trip. Looked as though he wanted further when fourth over 2m4f at Plumpton; respected.
2
5th (2) (125/1 -25%) Cloudy Flamingo
125
125/1(-25%)
(2) Cloudy Flamingo 125/1, Winning pointer who was thrown in the deep end and nowhere near up to the task when pulled up in listed chase on his Rules bow at Cheltenham 3 weeks ago. Tries hurdling now. 1-7 in points; outclassed on rules debut; hard to recommend in first hurdles run.
3
6th (3) (7/1 +36%) Drop Flight
7
7/1(+36%)
(3) Drop Flight 7/1, Fairly useful ex-French chaser who was placed on all 4 completed starts in hunter chases at the beginning of 2023. Reverts to hurdles on reappearance and first outing for Noel Williams. Better known for chasing exploits and opposable in a race of this nature.
4
7th (4) (40/1 -21%) Hawaii Du Mestivel
40
40/1(-21%)
(4) Hawaii Du Mestivel 40/1, Third on only start in points but dropped away quite alarmingly at Plumpton on his belated Rules/hurdles bow 33 days ago. Can only be watched. Third in a point; stopped quickly on belated return to action in a novice at Plumpton.
9
8th (9) (150/1 -50%) Easy On Me
150
150/1(-50%)
(9) Easy On Me 150/1, Placed in points last year and was still in need of the experience when well held on his hurdling debut at Market Rasen last month. Placed in a point; didn't show a lot in a mares' maiden at Market Rasen.
8
|PU| (8) (200/1 -100%) Valens Bruyee
200
200/1(-100%)
(8) Valens Bruyee 200/1, Didn't shape at all badly when fourth of 7 in what was probably a decent bumper at Ffos Las in October but was well held sent hurdling at Aintree subsequently and headgear soon applied. Tailed off on hurdling debut; questionable what his bumper fourth amounts to.
LTO Selection:
12:27 Chepstow Maiden Hurdle (Class 4) 24f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 4 race.
THE NEWEST ONE posted a solid effort when a close second in a decent handicap hurdle at Cheltenham last month and could be hard to repel back in novice company. Big City Roller made a pleasing start under Rules when winning at Carlisle 44 days ago and surely has more to offer as he gains experience, while Sprucefrontiers and former point-to-point winner Paddy De Pole also command respect.
THE NEWEST ONE is still a maiden over hurdles, but he returned better than ever when second in a competitive Cheltenham handicap 3 weeks ago and, with the timefigure supporting the performance, he's very hard to oppose. Sprucefrontiers shaped with promise on his debut in this sphere at Plumpton and could be the one to capitalise if the selection is below form. Paddy de Pole warrants respect also having joined Paul Nicholls following an easy point win.
While a strike-rate of 1-21 hardly sets the pulse racing, THE NEWEST ONE has cast-iron form claims in a race of this nature.
(5) Caldwell Potter 8/13, Fairly useful bumper winner who shaped well sent hurdling when second of 22 in maiden at Punchestown (16.5f, soft, 3/1) 23 days ago. Sets a good standard and open to improvement. Useful bumper winner, can step up a place after second to a smart horse on hurdling debut.
12
2nd (12) (4/1 +60%) Gorgeous Tom
4
4/1(+60%)
(12) Gorgeous Tom 4/1, Made frame both starts in points and shaped promisingly when fourth of 22 on hurdles debut at Navan (2m) 27 days ago. Open to improvement. Second in a point, good hurdling debut when fourth behind stablemate Slade Steel over C&D.
9
3rd (9) (11/4 -99%) Dr Eggman
2.75
11/4(-99%)
(9) Dr Eggman 11/4, Didn't need to improve to get off the mark at the third attempt in bumpers at Ballinrobe (16.2f, good, 4/9) in May, edging ahead on line. Much respected on hurdles debut. Had to work hard to win a Ballinrobe bumper, runner-up won his next two races, contender.
13
4th (13) (16/1 -167%) He's Ultimate
16
16/1(-167%)
(13) He's Ultimate 16/1, £105,000 4-y-o, Champs Elysees gelding. Closely related to fairly useful hurdler O Ceallaigh, stays 3m, and half-brother to smart hurdler/2½m chase winner Three Stripe Life. Runner-up sole start between the flags in April 2022 and one to note in the betting. Beaten by the smart It's For Me on his only point-to-point start, may need this.
7
5th (7) (80/1 -60%) Cato's Revenge
80
80/1(-60%)
(7) Cato's Revenge 80/1, 28/1, respectable seventh of 17 in maiden hurdle at Cork (16f, heavy) 13 days ago. Needs this for a handicap mark. Placed twice in bumpers, needs to improve his jumping technique on recent evidence.
6
6th (6) (17/2 -70%) Catena Zapata
8.5
17/2(-70%)
(6) Catena Zapata 17/2, Useful on the Flat and has shown an aptitude for hurdling when runner-up in 2m maidens at Gowran and Limerick. Remains open to improvement. Second in two starts over hurdles last year, two Flat wins on AW, good run on heavy latest.
2
7th (2) (20/1 -100%) Ah Remy Martin
20
20/1(-100%)
(2) Ah Remy Martin 20/1, Improved on debut form when second of 13 in bumper at Tipperary (16f, good) 6 months ago. Goes hurdling now in a potentially warm race. Fair second at Tipperary in May on the second of two bumpers runs, of some interest.
25
8th (25) (40/1 -400%) Mythical Vision
40
40/1(-400%)
(25) Mythical Vision 40/1, €70,000 3-y-o, Mount Nelson mare. Dam unraced sister to useful hurdler/chaser (stayed 3¼m) Doctor Harper. Needs a market check. Mount Nelson mare comes from a respected source, unraced dam has a decent pedigree.
14
9th (14) (50/1 +0%) Isenay
50
50/1(+0%)
(14) Isenay 50/1, Fairly useful in bumpers and was given a considerate introduction to hurdling when tenth of 16 in maiden at this course (20f, heavy, 40/1) 21 days ago. Bound to do better at some point. Promise in bumpers, placed twice at Ayr, struggled over 2m4f here on hurdling debut.
18
10th (18) (200/1 -100%) Penalty Try
200
200/1(-100%)
(18) Penalty Try 200/1, 125/1, 22¾ lengths eighth of 15 to Dr Eggman in bumper at Ballinrobe (16.2f, good) on NH debut. Off 6 months. Makes hurdles debut on first run for yard after leaving Denis W. Cullen. Pulled up in a point, down the field in a bumper at Ballinrobe won by Dr Eggman.
3
11th (3) (200/1 -203%) Bonavena
200
200/1(-203%)
(3) Bonavena 200/1, Well held in bumper at Down Royal (16.9f, soft, 12/1) on debut 28 days ago. Makes hurdles debut. Beat only one rival in a Down Royal bumper on debut, no apparent chance at this stage.
11
12th (11) (200/1 -100%) Glenriver
200
200/1(-100%)
(11) Glenriver 200/1, Well held in maiden hurdle (100/1) at Naas (16f, soft) on NH debut 27 days ago. Well held by fourth-placed Gorgeous Tom on running over C&D last month.
1
13th (1) (200/1 -100%) Agent Tequila
200
200/1(-100%)
(1) Agent Tequila 200/1, Point winner who was comfortably held in maiden hurdle (33/1) at Down Royal (16.9f, soft) on debut 28 days ago. Point winner on the sixth attempt, jumped untidily at Down Royal on first hurdles run.
24
14th (24) (200/1 -300%) Georgia Celena
200
200/1(-300%)
(24) Georgia Celena 200/1, Ninth of 12 in bumper at Down Royal (16.9f, good to soft, 12/1) on NH debut 99 days ago. Up against it on hurdle bow. Towards the rear in a mares' bumper at Down Royal on debut, unlikely to feature.
22
15th (22) (125/1 -89%) Solo Flight
125
125/1(-89%)
(22) Solo Flight 125/1, Thrice-raced maiden under NH rules. 25/1, tenth of 14 in maiden hurdle at Fairyhouse (16f, heavy) 32 days ago. Needs this for a handicap mark. Placed twice in points, first of his two runs over hurdles better than more recent display.
20
16th (20) (125/1 -213%) Renard De Noir
125
125/1(-213%)
(20) Renard De Noir 125/1, 100/1, showed something when eighth of 19 in maiden hurdle at Down Royal (16.9f, soft) on NH debut 28 days ago. Should do better somewhere down the line. Respectable run on debut at Down Royal four weeks ago, likely to need more experience.
16
17th (16) (125/1 -150%) Party Pack
125
125/1(-150%)
(16) Party Pack 125/1, Attracted support but went with little encouragement when well held in maiden hurdle at Tramore (16.2f, soft) on NH debut 11 days ago. Failed to justify market support when a moderate eighth on debut at Tramore 11 days ago.
21
18th (21) (150/1 +25%) Schiehallion
150
150/1(+25%)
(21) Schiehallion 150/1, 300/1, went backwards from debut when eleventh of 22 in maiden hurdle at Naas (16f, soft) 27 days ago. Not a bad first effort at Punchestown, big price when finishing in mid-field at Naas.
15
19th (15) (200/1 -33%) Never Present
200
200/1(-33%)
(15) Never Present 200/1, Well held in bumper/maiden hurdle. Completely tailed off on hurdling debut at Tramore four weeks ago, safe to rule out.
19
20th (19) (150/1 -355%) Pretty Soldier
150
150/1(-355%)
(19) Pretty Soldier 150/1, Fair Flat winner in Germany. Looked in need of the experience when eight of 14 in a Roscommon maiden in July. Should improve. Five Flat wins in Germany, placed over 1m5f for this stable, well beaten on hurdling debut.
4
21st (4) (200/1 -33%) Brogue Man River
200
200/1(-33%)
(4) Brogue Man River 200/1, Well held in maiden hurdle at Fairyhouse (16f, soft) on NH debut 7 days ago. Never in the hunt when three-figure odds first time out at Fairyhouse, can be ruled out.
10
22nd (10) (200/1 -100%) Ebony Jade
200
200/1(-100%)
(10) Ebony Jade 200/1, Modest form only outing in bumpers and was well held in maiden hurdle (100/1) at Down Royal (22.5f, soft) 29 days ago. Down in trip. Fourth in a six-runner bumper on debut, completely tailed off in a maiden hurdle.
17
|PU| (17) (150/1 -50%) Peddler's Lane
150
150/1(-50%)
(17) Peddler's Lane 150/1, Showed fair form on his first 2 starts on the Flat but was well beaten in first-time blinkers on handicap debut at the Curragh last time and makes little appeal now hurdling. Hinted at ability in Flat maidens for Tony Martin, sole handicap start too bad to be true.
23
|PU| (23) (200/1 -100%) Deise Bella
200
200/1(-100%)
(23) Deise Bella 200/1, Hooded for 1st time, pulled up in maiden at Thurles (16.5f, good to soft, 150/1) on hurdles bow 9 days ago. Easily passed over. Has failed to complete her first two races, looks an awkward ride, can be ruled out.
8
|PU| (8) (200/1 +0%) Cedarmount
200
200/1(+0%)
(8) Cedarmount 200/1, Looked one for later on when well held in maiden hurdle at Naas (16f, soft) on NH debut 27 days ago. Huge price when completely tailed off in a C&D maiden in which Gorgeous Tom was fourth.
LTO Selection:
12:32 Navan Maiden Hurdle 16f Race Speed Rating Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's race.
CALDWELL POTTER ran well on his hurdling debut when chasing home It's For Me at Punchestown last month and can go one better now. The Martaline gelding was a bumper winner last season and ended his campaign with a decent run to finish third in a hot winners race won by stablemate Stellar Story. Willie Mullins is represented by Dr Eggman and he obviously commands respect. The Saint des Saints gelding was a narrow winner at Ballinrobe back in May after a couple of nice runs in stronger bumpers. He could do better over jumps now. Catena Zapata finished runner-up in two maiden hurdles last season and is a decent sort on the Flat. He's another for the shortlist.
CALDWELL POTTER found only a good prospect too strong on his hurdling debut at Punchestown last month and is selected to go one better with improvement on the cards. Dr Eggmam and Catena Zapata are considered the main threats, though a market move for the selection's stablemate He's Ultimate would put a slightly different slant on matters.
Gordon Elliot's CALDWELL POTTER was second to a talented Mullins horse on his hurdling debut and may cope with Dr Eggman now
(8) Operation Manna 5/2, Improved to make a winning reappearance in 2½m course handicap last month and followed up off the same mark at Lingfield 9 days later (both under Cameron Iles). 9 lb higher now bidding for the hat-trick but he could have more to come over this trip. On a hat-trick; 9lb higher this time but worth today's second crack at 2m7f.
4
2nd (4) (11/2 +0%) Hititi
5.5
11/2(+0%)
(4) Hititi 11/2, Ended last season on a high, completing a hat-trick at up to 3m. His winning run was ended on his Newbury reappearance but he shaped encouragingly in fourth. Should be spot on now. Flourished in February-April; has not encountered soft or heavy over this sort of trip.
2
3rd (2) (25/1 -56%) On The Blind Side
25
25/1(-56%)
(2) On The Blind Side 25/1, One-time smart hurdler who cashed in from a career-low mark at Newbury (3m) in March. Ended his campaign with a poor run at Cheltenham in April and Nico de Boinville deserts him in favour of Chantry House. More miss than hit nowadays but registered a battling win at Newbury (3m, soft) in March.
3
4th (3) (14/1 -40%) Dolphin Square
14
14/1(-40%)
(3) Dolphin Square 14/1, Perfect start to last season when arriving late on the scene to win this race on soft. Hasn't reproduced that since, including beaten a long way on Newbury reappearance, but he has dipped to 8 lb below last year's winning mark if first-time blinkers (replacing cheekpieces) spark a revival. Won this race last term; 8lb lower now, having gone downhill; blinkers replace cheekpieces.
7
5th (7) (3/1 +40%) Equinus
3
3/1(+40%)
(7) Equinus 3/1, Doubled his tally when the 5-length winner of a 24.5f Aintree handicap on his reappearance in October. Presumably found the run coming too soon when beaten favourite at Newbury 11 days ago. Freshened up since and capable of bouncing back. Won well at Aintree (3m, good to soft; acts on soft) in October; evens flop 11 days later.
6
6th (6) (22/1 -83%) Sholokjack
22
22/1(-83%)
(6) Sholokjack 22/1, Dual hurdler winner in 2021/22 and posted a useful effort to win a 2½m Lingfield handicap chase last winter. Dropped out and never involved in a 3m Haydock handicap hurdle on his reappearance but it was a very hot race and no surprise were he to fare a lot better in these calmer waters. Thrown in if judged just on his 2m4f Lingfield chase win; jumping issues since.
1
7th (1) (11/2 -120%) Chantry House
5.5
11/2(-120%)
(1) Chantry House 11/2, High-class chaser at his best. Lost his way over fences in more recent times but took a step back in the right direction when third of 15 in 3m Cheltenham handicap hurdle on his reappearance. Much respected. Thrown in on best chase efforts; made a promising return to hurdles at Cheltenham latest.
5
8th (5) (6/1 +8%) Brinkley
6
6/1(+8%)
(5) Brinkley 6/1, Disappointing on his final 3 runs last term but he took a step back in the right direction when second of 5 on his 23f Uttoxeter reappearance a fortnight ago, albeit it was a weak race. Stays this trip and his two wins in handicap hurdles came on heavy; close 2nd on return.
LTO Selection:
12:40 Sandown Handicap Hurdle (Class 2) 23f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 2 race.
Operation Manna is likely to be popular following two facile wins last month but he still has a bit to prove over this trip and, following a 9lb hike, the seven-year-old could be worth taking on in this better race with CHANTRY HOUSE. The former Grade 1-winning chaser returned from an 11-month absence to finish a cracking third off this mark on his return to hurdling at Cheltenham recently, shaping very much as though the outing would bring him on. Hititi looks the pick of the remainder.
CHANTRY HOUSE is given a chance to build on last month's promising effort back over hurdles at Cheltenham. The hat-trick seeking Operation Manna, who has struck up a really good partnership with Cameron Iles, is second choice ahead of Equinus.
Chantry House was eyecatching at Cheltenham three weeks ago but OPERATION MANNA (nap) can complete his hat-trick.
(2) Zambella Evens, Highly likeable mare with an excellent record at this level. Should be ready to go after 8 months and worth chancing to make a successful return. Seeking a hat-trick of wins in this race; bold bid looks assured on reappearance.
3
2nd (3) (8/1 +27%) Burrows Diamond
8
8/1(+27%)
(3) Burrows Diamond 8/1, Resumed winning ways when taking a 7-runner handicap over 24.2f at Wetherby around a year ago. Made a solid return at Kelso and, while he went backwards from that at Market Rasen last time, her yard is going better now. Respectable fourth in handicap on return but pulled up in Listed race since.
5
3rd (5) (15/2 +38%) Sacre Coeur
7.5
15/2(+38%)
(5) Sacre Coeur 15/2, Well suited by the switch to front-running tactics as she won a couple of handicap chases this autumn. Disappointing in Elite Hurdle at Wincanton last time and faces another relatively stiff task back in this sphere. Made all in two handicap chases in October; held up when last of 4 in Grade 2 hurdle since.
1
4th (1) (7/2 -154%) Pink Legend
3.5
7/2(-154%)
(1) Pink Legend 7/2, Three-time winner during a consistent 2022/23 campaign, signing off with success in a listed chase at Perth. Returns with stable firing and bound to be thereabouts. In top form in spring; good record fresh and yard going well so has plenty going for her.
4
|PU| (4) (13/2 +54%) La Renommee
6.5
13/2(+54%)
(4) La Renommee 13/2, Progressive chaser who made a winning return in a handicap at Ludlow in October and backed it up with another solid showing at Kempton last time. More on her plate now but should give her all. Landed another Ludlow win on return; good second since but bit to find at this level..
LTO Selection:
12:55 Aintree Conditions Chase (Class 1) 20f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 1 race.
This can once again go the way of ZAMBELLA, who has won this contest for two years running, including a restaged renewal at Carlisle last November. The eight-year-old may not have an excellent record fresh, but she loves soft ground and her stable could hardly be be in any better form at present. Placed in a strong renewal of the Mares' Chase at the Cheltenham Festival, Pink Legend has won twice since and must enter calculations, along with La Renommee, who was an impressive winner on her penultimate outing at Ludlow.
ZAMBELLA and Pink Legend are both likeable mares who are closely matched on form and they're likely to dominate. Marginal preference is for the first named, with La Renommee making most appeal of the remainder.
PINK LEGEND had Zamballa behind her when they clashed most recently at Cheltenham in March and is taken to confirm that superiority.
(8) Ballycamus 4/1, Doubled his career tally when scoring over hurdles at Newbury (24.2f, soft) in March, seeming to relish the emphasis on stamina. Shaped encouragingly when placed both starts this term and will make a chaser (Irish point winner). One to consider. As good as ever when second over hurdles last month; a possible on today's chasing debut.
12
2nd (12) (4/1 +60%) Ballybeen
4
4/1(+60%)
(12) Ballybeen 4/1, Placed all 5 starts in this sphere, including when third of 11 back from a break at Stratford (22.6f, heavy) last month. However, his finishing effort was rather underwhelming on that occasion (not for the first time) and he may again find one or two too good. Clear second off this mark over C&D in April and copes well with slow ground; shortlisted.
5
3rd (5) (6/4 +45%) High Game Royal
1.5
6/4(+45%)
(5) High Game Royal 6/4, Built on maiden/novice promise when making a winning handicap debut over hurdles here during the spring. Bred for chasing and duly jumped with aplomb when runner-up on his first start in this sphere at Warwick (2½m, heavy) last month. Big player. Course hurdle winner in April and made very promising start to chasing career last month.
2
4th (2) (10/1 +50%) Ballybegg
10
10/1(+50%)
(2) Ballybegg 10/1, Pretty useful when at his best over hurdles, as he demonstrated with a decisive success off a 3 lb higher mark than this at Uttoxeter in February. However, as was the case with his first 2 starts in this sphere, he offered little on return in a C&D handicap chase. Yard also saddles Eaton Collina. Well handicapped on hurdle form but has poor record over fences (three attempts); risky.
9
5th (9) (17/2 +6%) Rock Of Star
8.5
17/2(+6%)
(9) Rock Of Star 17/2, Brought the curtain down on last season's campaign with back-to-back wins in 23.6f handicaps here on soft/good to soft. Reappearance third at Newton Abbot wasn't a bad effort, but not so good at Ffos Las next time and he's probably a shade too high in the weights. Didn't fire last time but runs this track very well and enters calculations.
11
|U| (11) (15/2 +38%) Flagrant Delitiep
7.5
15/2(+38%)
(11) Flagrant Delitiep 15/2, Has dipped to a dangerous mark but, judged on last season's evidence (and on what he's shown in 3 starts since returning to action in October), he's not the force of old. Regressive 8yo who was just a respectable fourth at favourite track Wincanton last month.
6
|PU| (6) (20/1 -150%) Old Painless
20
20/1(-150%)
(6) Old Painless 20/1, Winning pointer who looked a different proposition when scoring easily on chase debut in novice handicap at Plumpton last December. Failed to progress in second half of that season, but he's not one to write off just yet and well worth a second look starting out for his new yard here. Made good start to chasing career last December and makes stable debut from workable mark.
3
|PU| (3) (33/1 +0%) Alnadam
33
33/1(+0%)
(3) Alnadam 33/1, Took advantage of a reduced mark when landing a handicap hurdle on final start for Dan Skelton at Haydock in March. No real impact in 5 subsequent outings in France, though, and it's hard to know what to expect of him back over the larger obstacles. Unplaced in five French hurdles for current stable and patently not the force of old.
4
|PU| (4) (66/1 -164%) Timeforatune
66
66/1(-164%)
(4) Timeforatune 66/1, Smart bumper performer who scored twice over hurdles for Paul Nicholls last season. However, having changed hands for £12,000 in September, he hasn't shown much in 3 starts switched to fences for new connections. Hasn't shown much in three soft-ground handicap chases for new stable this autumn.
10
|PU| (10) (150/1 -355%) Calipso Collonges
150
150/1(-355%)
(10) Calipso Collonges 150/1, Now a long way below the mark of his latest success over fences, but that was over 2 years ago and no real posititives to glean from his efforts for new connections in France the last twice. Well held in two French chases for new trainer this autumn; revival needed.
LTO Selection:
13:02 Chepstow Handicap Chase (Class 3) 19f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 3 race.
CRUZ CONTROL was a game winner over 2m4f at Newcastle 16 days ago and a 5lb higher mark looks a fair assessment by the handicapper, especially as he remains open to further progression. The consistent High Game Royal has to be of some interest following his second at Warwick last month, while Ballycamus and Ballybeen also merit places on the shortlist.
HIGH GAME ROYAL made a highly encouraging start over fences when chasing home a progressive type at Warwick, in turn pulling well clear of the third who was successful next time. He is open to improvement in this sphere and is taken to go one better. Ballycamus is every inch a chaser on looks and will be a threat if he takes to this game at the first attempt, while Eaton Collina may well leave his reappearance run behind and, if that proves to be the case, he could also have a say.
Well handicapped on his C&D second in April, BALLYBEEN (nap) has only a featherweight to carry in these testing conditions.
(4) Slade Steel 2/1, Promising type. 10/3 and tongue strap on for 1st time, won 22-runner novice hurdle at Naas (16f, soft) on hurdles bow 27 days ago, forging clear. Looks promising. Solid bumper form, won well on hurdling debut, form franked by runner-up in the Royal Bond.
3
2nd (3) (9/2 -13%) Lecky Watson
4.5
9/2(-13%)
(3) Lecky Watson 9/2, Fairly useful hurdler. Career best when winning 9-runner novice hurdle (4/7) at Thurles (23f, soft) on hurdles bow 37 days ago, always holding on. This is tougher, but he should have more to offer. Very good form in bumpers without winning, had to work hard for odds-on maiden hurdle win.
5
3rd (5) (11/8 +31%) Stellar Story
1.375
11/8(+31%)
(5) Stellar Story 11/8, Lightly-raced winner under Rules. Career best when winning 16-runner novice hurdle (4/7) at this C&D (heavy) on hurdles bow 21 days ago. Open to progress and he's a major player. Dual bumper winner, emphatic C&D maiden scorer, stable dominated Sunday's Royal Bond.
2
4th (2) (5/1 -43%) Better Days Ahead
5
5/1(-43%)
(2) Better Days Ahead 5/1, Lightly-raced winner under Rules. 2/9, didn't need to be at best when winning 7-runner novice hurdle at Fairyhouse (23.5f, heavy) 15 days ago, going clear. Likely to improve. Jack Kennedy prefers Stellar Story. Atoned for Down Royal mishap when winning easily at Fairyhouse, stable's second-string.
1
5th (1) (80/1 -142%) Ballystone
80
80/1(-142%)
(1) Ballystone 80/1, Lightly-raced winner under Rules. 9/1, tailed-off fifth of 6 to Croke Park in Monksfield Novices' Hurdle at this C&D (heavy) 20 days ago. Looks vulnerable. Odds-on maiden hurdle winner at Ballinrobe in May, laboured in a recent C&D Grade 3 event.
LTO Selection:
13:07 Navan Maiden Hurdle 20f Race Speed Rating Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's race.
SLADE STEEL was impressive on his hurdling debut at Naas last month and the form has gotten a major boost since. He beat King Of Kingsfield in fine style then and that rival ran a cracker to finish second in the Grade 1 Royal Bond Novice Hurdle last weekend. The Telescope gelding looks like he will appreciate stepping up in trip now and is an exciting prospect. Gordon Elliott runs two in the race and Stellar Story looks his main hope with Jack Kennedy on board. The Shantou gelding won a couple of bumpers last term and got the job done in good style on his hurdling debut over course and distance three weeks ago. Elliott also saddles Better Days Ahead who comes here off a confidence-boosting win at Fairyhouse. Smart bumper performer Lecky Watson made heavy weather of winning on his hurdling debut at Thurles and needs to improve on that.
The pick of these promising novices could be STELLAR STORY, who did the job well in a big-field C&D maiden on his hurdles debut three weeks ago and he's open to plenty of improvement. Slade Steel represents last year's winning yard and, armed with a similar profile to the selection, he is second choice ahead of Lecky Watson and Better Days Ahead.
The strength of Gordon Elliott's novice squad was underlined by a one-two in Sunday's Royal Bond. He can land this with STELLAR STORY
(3) Not So Sleepy 9/1, Having his fourth go in this (dead-heated with Epatante in 2021). Took strong hold when held in third behind Constitution Hill last year but arrives off a good spell on the Flat having won at Newbury and finished seventh in the Cesarewitch. Dead-heated in this race in 2021 but was a humble third to Constitution Hill last year.
5
2nd (5) (6/4 +79%) Love Envoi
1.5
6/4(+79%)
(5) Love Envoi 6/4, Very smart hurdler with a good record fresh, winning her first 2 starts at Sandown last season before running a mighty race in second behind Honeysuckle in the Mares' Hurdle at Cheltenham. Best excused subsequent effort and she's the clear pick for the forecast on these terms. Progressive in the main and is 3-3 at Sandown, including a win on this card 12 months ago.
6
3rd (6) (5/4 +91%) You Wear It Well
1.25
5/4(+91%)
(6) You Wear It Well 5/4, Really likeable mare who won 4 of her first 5 starts over hurdles, the highlight being the Grade 2 Dawn Run at Cheltenham, and made all in good style on return at Wetherby 5 weeks ago. Needs to find another significant chunk of improvement but it's not beyond the realms of possibility. Front-running mare who has shown steady improvement; Grade 2 winner here; should go well.
2
4th (2) (7/1 +83%) Goshen
7
7/1(+83%)
(2) Goshen 7/1, Quirky sort but he's very smart at his best and took the Coral Hurdle at Ascot last November. Below form in his bid to defend his crown in that corresponding event last month and is highly unlikely to be troubling the principles in this. Cheekpieces back on. Smart but mercurial; has failed to show his form in two starts (Flat/hurdle) this autumn.
LTO Selection:
13:15 Sandown Conditions Hurdle (Class 1) 16f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 1 race.
It was at this track that CONSTITUTION HILL announced himself as a potential superstar two years ago. Unbeaten in seven starts under Rules, he is well clear of his rivals on ratings and can take this en route to defending his Champion Hurdle crown in March. A taking winner of all three starts here and a highly creditable runner-up in the Mares' Hurdle at Cheltenham, Love Envoi can provide the stiffest opposition, while the enigmatic but talented Shishkin is another to note on his return to hurdles.
The magnificent CONSTITUTION HILL should have no problem landing this race for the second year running to take his record over hurdles to 8-8. Mares' Hurdle runner-up Love Envoi goes well fresh and is the obvious pick for the forecast, though the selection's stablemate Shishkin adds a layer of intrigue should he consent to jump off, with the headgear experiment quickly shelved.
Brilliant CONSTITUTION HILL is again well clear on hurdle ratings and should win a second Fighting Fifth. Love Envoi can take 2nd.
(4) Richmond Lake 4/1, Quickly got his act together over fences earlier this year, the third of his 4 victories coming in listed handicap company at Ayr (20.5f) in the spring. Little fuss (granted soft lead) when successful on hurdles return at Wetherby and likely more to come back in this sphere. Won over fences on final two runs last season; reappeared with hurdle win; one to consider.
5
2nd (5) (7/1 +72%) Gustavian
7
7/1(+72%)
(5) Gustavian 7/1, Belatedly opened his account over fences at Exeter in February and in process of running well when crashing out at the second last at Uttoxeter (3m) a month later. Shaped as if he'd come on for his reappearance in the Badger Beers but he does need to keep the errors at bay. Impressive in small field at Exeter in February; could improve for last month's comeback.
6
3rd (6) (5/2 +17%) Heltenham
2.5
5/2(+17%)
(6) Heltenham 5/2, Improved markedly for switch to chasing last term, rattling off hat-trick of handicap victories at Newbury (19.8f) in March. Fell in Silver Trophy final start but resumed with a comfortable success over hurdles in novice company at Wetherby 21 days ago. Big shout with more to come in this sphere. Highly progressive novice chaser last season; could still be ahead of the handicapper.
10
|PU| (10) (6/1 +25%) Donna's Double
6
6/1(+25%)
(10) Donna's Double 6/1, Mixed bag on the back of chase success at Ayr (20.5f) in January but firmly back on track following a 7-month layoff when third back at that venue 5 weeks ago, edged out close home in a very tight finish. Remains lightly raced in this sphere but task is to build on that here. Tongue tied. Reappeared with very close third at Ayr and not ruled out in a first-time tongue-tie.
1
|PU| (1) (9/1 -157%) Brave Seasca
9
9/1(-157%)
(1) Brave Seasca 9/1, Career best display when landing this from 1 lb higher mark 12 months ago but not in anything like the same form in trio of starts thereafter. Had wind op but fared no better when well-beaten last of 6 on return in Haldon Gold Cup 4 weeks ago. Needs to step up a good deal on that. Easily won this race last year and is not ruled out, but a return to form is needed.
2
|PU| (2) (11/2 +8%) War Lord
5.5
11/2(+8%)
(2) War Lord 11/2, Smart novice chaser who essentially endured a disappointing 2022/23 but offered hope of a rival (following wind op) when third in last month's Haldon Gold Cup from out of the weights. Could well build on that back up in trip. Promising third in the Haldon Gold Cup on reappearance and he's firmly in calculations.
3
|PU| (3) (16/1 +0%) A Wave Of The Sea
16
16/1(+0%)
(3) A Wave Of The Sea 16/1, Losing run is mounting up but ended time with Joseph O'Brien with a creditable fourth in the Munster National (3m, heavy) in October. Starts out for new yard from 3 lb higher mark but this drop back in trip unlikely to inconvenience him. On long losing run but ran well on final Irish start; could be thereabouts on stable debut.
8
|PU| (8) (20/1 -25%) Daly Tiger
20
20/1(-25%)
(8) Daly Tiger 20/1, Very smart chaser in his pomp for Noel Meade. Fallen long way in the weights without threatening for present stable, finishing hollow second behind a facile winner at Haydock (16.3f) 2 weeks ago. Back up in trip now. Hints of promise on both starts this season but others are a bit more compelling.
7
|PU| (7) (22/1 -10%) Nothin To Ask
22
22/1(-10%)
(7) Nothin To Ask 22/1, Hit the ground running over fences last term, bagging handicaps at Chepstow/Doncaster. Disappointed on 2 of his 3 starts after but did shape much better than distance beaten suggests at first-named venue in October. Another needing to keep the errors at bay, however. Made excellent start to chasing career last autumn but his form has been patchy since.
LTO Selection:
13:30 Aintree Handicap Chase (Class 2) 20f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 2 race.
A comfortable winner over hurdles at Wetherby on his return last month, RICHMOND LAKE should enjoy the return to the larger obstacles, having put together a fine novice campaign. The seven-year-old can land the four-timer, with the progressive Heltenham and last year's winner of this contest, Brave Seasca, looking best placed to chase him home. War Lord bounced back to form with a strong effort behind a stablemate in the Haldon Gold Cup and he should enjoy conditions today.
HELTENHAM was most progressive from a low base over fences last season, completing a hat-trick with any amount to spare at Newbury in March. Undone by a mistake at Cheltenham on his final start, he had little fuss in resuming winning ways over hurdles at Wetherby 3 weeks ago and there's surely more to come in this sphere. War Lord finished off encouragingly in the Haldon Gold Cup and along with Richmond Lake heads up the dangers.
A tendency to make mistakes is a concern with HELTENHAM but there can be considerable optimism that he remains well handicapped.
(3) Nassalam 3/1, Had a good first season over fences in 2021-22, scoring 3 times from 5 starts. Rather flattered to deceive in winless campaign last term but posted a solid fourth on return in Grand Sefton at Aintree last month and would be a player if building on that here. Good fourth over big Aintree fences last month; well worth another crack at a staying trip.
13
2nd (13) (11/1 +31%) Wayfinder
11
11/1(+31%)
(13) Wayfinder 11/1, Off 8 months/had a wind op before getting back on track with third of 13 in handicap chase at Cheltenham on return. Fell heavily early there last time but appeared none the worse and shouldn't be fully dismissed. Four-time course winner; placed at Cheltenham in October but has become unreliable.
9
3rd (9) (9/1 +36%) Fern Hill
9
9/1(+36%)
(9) Fern Hill 9/1, Won twice over hurdles and runner-up 4 times over fences prior to deservedly getting his head in front at Uttoxeter (22.5f) over a year ago. Rather gone backwards since, though, and has something to prove returning from 7 months off. Rather lost his way last season but is a contender if refreshed by 229-day break.
7
5th (7) (7/1 -155%) Major Dundee
7
7/1(-155%)
(7) Major Dundee 7/1, Limited to just 3 starts last season, but looked better than ever when landing the Midlands Grand National at Uttoxeter (3½m, soft) in March. Creditable return at Warwick last month and expected to give another good account. Last season's Midlands National winner; sound effort when third on reappearance outing.
4
6th (4) (28/1 -133%) Pats Fancy
28
28/1(-133%)
(4) Pats Fancy 28/1, Developed into a very useful chaser in 2021/22. Only seen out once (poor run over hurdles) and has another lengthy absence to overcome, but his mark is fair. Dual C&D winner in 2021 but well beaten on only start last season; back from a year off.
1
|PU| (1) (8/1 -33%) Two For Gold
8
8/1(-33%)
(1) Two For Gold 8/1, Smart chaser who signed off last season with success in a veterans' handicap at Ascot and returned with an excellent second at the same track a month ago. Could go one better with a similar display. Classy chaser who was second in valuable Ascot handicap on last month's seasonal debut.
12
|PU| (12) (11/4 +63%) Dalamoi
2.75
11/4(+63%)
(12) Dalamoi 11/4, Real chasing type who created an excellent impression when scoring on debut in this sphere at Kempton (20.5f) and followed that with a good effort in defeat at this track. Not at best since but can't be ruled out fresh from 9 months off. Made bright start to chasing career last autumn and is very unexposed over staying trips.
2
|PU| (2) (20/1 -43%) Shan Blue
20
20/1(-43%)
(2) Shan Blue 20/1, One-time smart chaser who has only been seen out twice since April 2022, pulled up on both occasions (over hurdles at Cheltenham on return). Potentially well treated, but with a bit to prove. Pulled up on only appearance last season and also when reappearing over hurdles last month.
LTO Selection:
13:37 Chepstow Handicap Chase (Class 2) 24f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 2 race.
A deep contest in which the likes of Midlands Grand National winner Major Dundee and former Grade 1 performer Two For Gold have to be considered after encouraging reappearances. However, the younger NASSALAM underlined his considerable potential with a staying-on fourth over 2m5f at Aintree last month and, assuming that blowout has sharpened him up, the six-year-old could take some stopping over this longer trip.
TWO FOR GOLD is the class act in this field and if he's in the same form as he was on return he'll be the one to beat. Nassalam is a big danger having shaped well on his reappearance and Cyclop should give another good account.
It's worth chancing DR KANANGA, who has slipped to good mark and is sure to be very well suited by a slog in the mud around here.
(15) We'llhavewan 10/1, 2 wins from 5 runs this season. Creditable sixth of 20 in handicap hurdle at Cheltenham (24f, soft, 11/1) 42 days ago. Stable in good form. Cheekpieces back on. Shortlisted. Won at Killarney and not a bad run at Cheltenham over 3m since; needs more.
2
2nd (2) (20/1 -25%) Summerville Boy
20
20/1(-25%)
(2) Summerville Boy 20/1, Seven wins from 25 NH runs. Well-beaten fourteenth of 19 to Espanito Bello in handicap hurdle at Naas (19.9f, soft, 16/1) 27 days ago. Up in trip. Former Grade 1 winner was poor on return at Naas last month and has to bounce back.
13
3rd (13) (5/2 +50%) Canal End
2.5
5/2(+50%)
(13) Canal End 5/2, Promising individual. 7/1, creditable fifth of 15 in handicap hurdle at Galway (16f, heavy) on reappearance 41 days ago, running on late. Significant step up in trip should suit. Big player with further improvement likely. This is a major step-up in trip but can be a big player if staying; retained rider aboard.
10
4th (10) (28/1 +15%) Ailie Rose
28
28/1(+15%)
(10) Ailie Rose 28/1, Latest win in hurdle at Fairyhouse in April. Below form fifteenth of 25 in handicap hurdle (33/1) at Punchestown (23.6f, good to soft). Off 7 months. Won a Fairyhouse handicap in April before a poor run at Punchestown off this mark.
4
5th (4) (18/1 -125%) Maxxum
18
18/1(-125%)
(4) Maxxum 18/1, 25/1, 36¼ lengths fourth of 7 to Favori De Champdou in Florida Pearl Novices' Chase at Punchestown (24f, soft) 14 days ago, going in snatches. Switches from chase to hurdles. Well-held in a Grade 2 chase on return; needs his best back hurdling.
9
6th (9) (11/4 +8%) Will Do
2.75
11/4(+8%)
(9) Will Do 11/4, 2 wins from 2 runs this season. 4/11, didn't need to improve to win 6-runner novice hurdle at Thurles (23f, soft) 16 days ago, pushed out. Makes handicap hurdle debut. Open to progress. Big player. Two hurdle wins; opening mark looks fair enough and is open to improvement; considered.
17
7th (17) (5/1 +75%) Angels Dawn
5
5/1(+75%)
(17) Angels Dawn 5/1, 7/1, shaped better than result when 31 lengths second of 11 in handicap hurdle at Clonmel (24f, heavy) on reappearance 30 days ago, the lack of an outing telling after going with enthusiasm. Kim Muir winner was a 31l runner-up on return over hurdles at Clonmel but fitter today.
8
8th (8) (33/1 -175%) Pinyon Jay
33
33/1(-175%)
(8) Pinyon Jay 33/1, 22¼ lengths fourth of 6 to Croke Park in Monksfield Novices' Hurdle at this course (20f, heavy, 16/1) 20 days ago, inadequate test. Up in trip. Makes handicap hurdle debut. Well-held in a Grade 3 over 2m4f here last time and will have to improve upon that.
5
|PU| (5) (8/1 -60%) Espanito Bello
8
8/1(-60%)
(5) Espanito Bello 8/1, Five wins from 18 NH runs. Won 19-runner handicap hurdle at Naas (19.9f, soft) on reappearance 27 days ago, driven out. Back up in trip. One to consider. Won the Brown Lad Hurdle at Naas on return last time; still 13lb below his chase mark.
1
|PU| (1) (11/1 -144%) Beacon Edge
11
11/1(-144%)
(1) Beacon Edge 11/1, 1 win from 1 run this season. First run since leaving Noel Meade when didn't need to be at best when winning 5-runner minor event hurdle (11/4) at Thurles (23f, soft) 51 days ago, pushed out. Classy sort won a conditions hurdle at Thurles on seasonal/stable debut and is respected.
12
|PU| (12) (25/1 -56%) Shadow Rider
25
25/1(-56%)
(12) Shadow Rider 25/1, 9/2, respectable seventh of 12 in handicap hurdle at Punchestown (24.4f, soft) 13 days ago. Hood back on. Others more persuasive. Decent runs back over hurdles lately but jumping lacked fluency and needs more.
6
|PU| (6) (25/1 -25%) Bardenstown Lad
25
25/1(-25%)
(6) Bardenstown Lad 25/1, Five wins from 16 NH runs. Seventh of 9 in handicap hurdle at Ayr (24.3f, good, 8/1) 35 days ago. Not easy to make a case for. Was 3rd in the Grade 1 Albert Bartlett last year but been generally disappointing since.
14
|PU| (14) (28/1 -75%) Castle Field Boy
28
28/1(-75%)
(14) Castle Field Boy 28/1, 1 win from 2 runs this season. Possibly amiss when pulled up in handicap hurdle (11/4) at Clonmel (24f, heavy) 30 days ago, pulled up before 2 out. Needs a couple of these to falter. Won at Clonmel but then pulled-up back at the same track and questions now.
11
|PU| (11) (40/1 -100%) Jazzy Matty
40
40/1(-100%)
(11) Jazzy Matty 40/1, Well-beaten fifteenth of 19 to Espanito Bello in handicap hurdle (17/2) at Naas (19.9f, soft) 27 days ago. Up in trip. Needs a couple of these to falter. Has been way below his best twice since Cheltenham win and this trip is an unknown.
7
|PU| (7) (40/1 -21%) Drop The Anchor
40
40/1(-21%)
(7) Drop The Anchor 40/1, 33/1, below form 27½ lengths tenth of 19 to Espanito Bello in handicap hurdle at Naas (19.9f, soft) 27 days ago. Up in trip. Blinkered for 1st time. Well beaten on his last number of hurdle starts; blinkers will have to make a difference.
16
|PU| (16) (66/1 -100%) Cavalry Master
66
66/1(-100%)
(16) Cavalry Master 66/1, Six wins from 19 NH runs. Ninth of 14 in handicap chase (50/1) at Cork (28f, soft) 34 days ago. Switches from chase to hurdles. Tailed-off in two chase runs for this yard and isn't easy to fancy.
The chart reads from right to left to today's race.
The progressive WILL DO may be able to keep his winning run going. The Walk In The Park gelding looks well suited by this sort of trip and was pulling away to beat Getaway Charlie at Thurles last time. He doesn't look harshly treated off 128 on his handicap debut. Gordon Elliott saddles six in the race and another Gigginstown gelding, Beacon Edge, tops the weights. It's no surprise to see him claim oft the Doyen gelding, with Carl Millar taking the mount, and he could run a big race having shown himself in good heart by winning at Thurles on his comeback run. Espanito Bello was also a winner on his seasonal debut and is another that has to come into the mix.
CANAL END shaped well over an inadequate 2m on his handicap debut/reappearance and can show he's on a good mark now stepping up to 3m+. Fellow lightly-raced sort Will Do arrives on the back of maiden/novice wins in recent months and might be the one to give the selection most to do. We'llhavewan proved his stamina for 3m at Cheltenham last time and also makes the shortlist along with Espanito Bello, who remains with handicapping scope based on his peak chase form.
Though he is taking a huge step-up in trip, CANAL END is a lightly raced sort who was an eyecatcher last time.
(4) Le Patron 16/1, Fairly useful ex-French hurdles winner who looked a good prospect when making a successful chasing debut at Fontwell. Followed up in equally impressive style at this course last month. Needs a lot more in this company but his jumping is a big asset. Well ahead of the assessor in two handicaps this term, latest here; this is a harder task.
1
2nd (1) (2/1 +43%) Colonel Harry
2
2/1(+43%)
(1) Colonel Harry 2/1, Ex-pointer who quickly developed into a likeable and useful hurdler last season. Efficient start to chasing when scoring readily in a handicap at Chepstow a month ago and should give another good account. Has good hurdles form at Sandown; took well to chasing at Chepstow last month; progressive.
3
3rd (3) (5/2 -43%) JPR One
2.5
5/2(-43%)
(3) JPR One 5/2, Useful hurdler who took an immediate step forward sent chasing when landing 3-runner handicap at Newton Abbot and had the race at his mercy when unseating (in unfortunate fashion) at the last in Grade 2 at Cheltenham last time. Looks the one to beat. Won nicely at Newton Abbot; would have followed up at Cheltenham but for unseating rider.
5
4th (5) (12/1 -33%) Petit Tonnerre
12
12/1(-33%)
(5) Petit Tonnerre 12/1, Useful hurdler who appeals as the type to do better in this sphere and shaped well under a considerate ride when second to Homme Public in Grade 2 at novice at Cheltenham on first go at chasing. Has a bit to find. Appears held by JPR One on Cheltenham running but may improve for that experience.
6
5th (6) (7/1 -27%) Unexpected Party
7
7/1(-27%)
(6) Unexpected Party 7/1, Emerged with credit against some of the top-flight British novice chasers of 2022/23 and made a fine return as he saw off Knappers Hill in listed Chepstow novice. Shaped as if still in form in handicap at Cheltenham last time and drop back in trip will suit. Didn't quite get home in major 2m4f handicap last time; one of the main players on ratings.
2
|PU| (2) (7/2 +13%) Iceo
3.5
7/2(+13%)
(2) Iceo 7/2, Lightly raced over hurdles but useful form, winning the Imperial Cup here in March. Impressive winning chasing debut at Newton Abbot in October and wasn't himself when last (behind JPR One) there last time. Likely to be back on his game after a break. Beaten by JPR One last time but now meets that rival on better terms; possibilities.
LTO Selection:
13:50 Sandown Maiden Chase (Class 1) 15f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 1 race.
This could be the day that trainer Joe Tizzard breaks his duck at the top level with the highly-promising JPR ONE. The six-year-old looked on course to land a Grade 2 in imperious fashion at Cheltenham last month before unseating his rider at the last, and he can gain compensation on this occasion. Iceo (third) was well behind the selection at Newton Abbot last time out but goes well at this venue, while Colonel Harry put up a strong performance on his chasing bow at Chepstow and must be considered. Unexpected Party is the most experienced of these and that could count if this turns into a stamina test.
JPR ONE jumped superbly and was set to land a Grade 2 before stumbling and unseating after the last at Cheltenham in November. A repeat of that sort of performance should be enough for him to quickly gain compensation, although Iceo and Unexpected Party both look feasible threats.
Improving COLONEL HARRY may well give his connections another big Saturday prize. JPR One is feared most.
(8) Chambard 18/1, Ended 2021/22 campaign with success in the Kim Muir at the Festival. Disappointed initially last term but better signs on final start and, from further reduced mark he ran a cracker to finish runner-up on return in amateur's handicap at Cheltenham (25f, soft) 3 weeks ago. Good second of 16 at Cheltenham on return; this 11yo needs a career-best on Aintree debut.
1
2nd (1) (6/1 +50%) Coko Beach
6
6/1(+50%)
(1) Coko Beach 6/1, 8-y-o who returned with a good third in the Munster National in October and built on that to land 20-runner Troytown Chase at Navan (3m) 3 weeks ago, typically jumping well and asserting on the run-in. Evidently in rude health but career-high mark demands more. Very lofty mark to defy but better than ever last time & he's effective over these fences.
12
3rd (12) (6/1 +14%) Percussion
6
6/1(+14%)
(12) Percussion 6/1, 3-time winner over fences who is building up a sound record over these fences (third in this race 12 months ago) and he ran another fine race when runner-up in last month's Grand Sefton behind Gesskille. Shortlisted for all he's operating from 6 lb out of the weights. 6lb out of the handicap but his proven ability over these fences is a significant positive.
5
4th (5) (7/1 +36%) Celebre D'allen
7
7/1(+36%)
(5) Celebre D'allen 7/1, 11-y-o who was largely highly tried in 5 starts last term and he justified good support on back of 7 months off when cruising clear of his 10-rivals to land 25f handicap here in October. 11yo who was right back to his very best on his reappearance and could go well.
13
5th (13) (11/1 +73%) Lounge Lizard
11
11/1(+73%)
(13) Lounge Lizard 11/1, Looked more straightforward than had previously been the case (in blinkers) when landing small-field handicaps at Catterick/Taunton during second half of last term. Creditable third back from 5 months off when third at Exeter (24.2f) in October but this tougher from out of the weights. Close third on return and this 6yo could have more to offer, but he's 6lb out of the h'cap.
3
|U| (3) (7/1 +42%) Highland Hunter
7
7/1(+42%)
(3) Highland Hunter 7/1, Thorough stayer who landed the London National at Sandown prior to finishing second in the Welsh National at Chepstow during a light 2021/22 campaign. Highly encouraging return from 21 months off when second on yard debut at Kelso 6 weeks ago and this 10-y-o is of interest. Returned from very long absence with creditable second at Kelso and not ruled out.
14
|U| (14) (10/1 +70%) Dorking Cock
10
10/1(+70%)
(14) Dorking Cock 10/1, Lightly raced for this yard and bounced back to form to capitalise on much lower mark over hurdles at Navan (22f, heavy) 3 weeks ago, keeping on well run-in. However, returns to chasing operating from 8 lb out of the weights and others make more appeal. Exploited lower hurdle mark last month; career-best needed from 8lb out of the handicap.
10
|U| (10) (50/1 +0%) Sidi Ismael
50
50/1(+0%)
(10) Sidi Ismael 50/1, Hurdles/chase winner who ended last season with a brace of placed efforts in long distance chases at Taunton/Ffos Las. Underwhelming reappearance at Haydock (25.5f) on back of a wind op 2 weeks ago and he'll need to leave that well behind to figure. Good second on final two starts last term but tailed off on recent reappearance at Haydock.
11
|PU| (11) (9/1 +44%) Undersupervision
9
9/1(+44%)
(11) Undersupervision 9/1, Unreliable as a rule but showed benefit of his reappearance run when third in big-field amateurs' handicap at Cheltenham (25f) 21 days ago. Operating from a workable mark if he can back that up on first try over these fences for yard with very good record in this race. Inconsistent but good third at Cheltenham last time and stable has won this race six times.
2
|PU| (2) (11/2 +66%) The Big Breakaway
5.5
11/2(+66%)
(2) The Big Breakaway 11/2, Started last term with 2 fine efforts, including when runner-up in Welsh National over Christmas. Given a break and failed to complete final 2 starts (fell early in Grand National) but not disgraced when midfield on last month's return in the Badger Beer. Still, not easy to catch right. Hampered/fell early in National; 1lb lower than when 2nd in last season's Welsh equivalent.
7
|PU| (7) (13/2 -8%) Ashtown Lad
6.5
13/2(-8%)
(7) Ashtown Lad 13/2, Built on an encouraging hurdles return when bagging this race from a 2 lb lower mark 12 months ago, notably travelling/jumping fluently. Lines up here following pair of non-completions, latterly in Badger Beer at Wincanton 4 weeks ago but return to these fences may perk him up. May have needed reappearance and he won this in good style last year; has to be respected.
6
|PU| (6) (22/1 +56%) Moroder
22
22/1(+56%)
(6) Moroder 22/1, Good strike rate over fences and he resumed winning way in the Grimthorpe Chase at Doncaster in March prior to a career-best second in Bet365 Gold Cup final outing. Stamina assured but needs to leave October's reappearance run at Wincanton in his wake (reportedly bled). Runner-up in the bet365 Gold Cup and can leave reappearance run well behind; interesting.
LTO Selection:
14:05 Aintree Handicap Chase (Class 1) 26f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 1 race.
HIGHLAND HUNTER looks just the type to excel over theses fences, having been runner-up in the Welsh Grand National and won the London National at Sandown around this time two years ago. The 10-year-old caught the eye on his first start for new connections when runner-up in a decent contest at Kelso in October, and he looks to have been laid out for this since. A taking winner of this prestigious handicap last year, Ashtown Lad returns off just 2lb higher and must be considered, while Percussion, who has never failed to place over theses fences, cannot be ruled out either. Former Kim Muir scorer Chambard had the capable Undersupervision (third) behind when runner-up at Cheltenham last month and both are entitled be thereabout again.
Following a lengthy absence, HIGHLAND HUNTER shaped with plenty of promise when runner-up at Kelso 6 weeks ago. With the forecast rain very much in his favour, he's given the nod to confirm the promise of that run now. Last year's winner Ashtown Lad was below his best on return but this has likely been on his agenda for a while and better can be expected. Last month's Grand Sefton runner-up Percussion, Undersupervision and potentially well-treated Now Where Or When complete the shortlist.
A good case can be made for MORODER judged on his second in the bet365 Gold Cup in April. Now Where Or When is second choice.
(7) Sporting Ace 6/1, Solid record in bumpers and held form well over hurdles despite proving expensive to follow during a busy 2022/23 schedule. Probably needed the run on chasing debut at Huntingdon but, even so, he looks vulnerable here. Consistent over hurdles last season but made underwhelming chase debut in October.
8
2nd (8) (13/2 -18%) Lagonda
6.5
13/2(-18%)
(8) Lagonda 13/2, Dual point winner who went close on chase debut at Exeter in February before finishing fifth of 15 in a mares' listed handicap hurdle at Newbury. Shade disappointing on second start in this sphere at Warwick recently, though, and better will certainly be needed here. 2m7f hurdle winner here in April and probably still has untapped potential over fences.
1
3rd (1) (5/2 +64%) Hurricane Highway
2.5
5/2(+64%)
(1) Hurricane Highway 5/2, Point winner who built on a promising hurdling debut last winter when opening his account in a Ffos Las novice last December. Departed before the race began in earnest on return/chase debut at Exeter where he was pitched in against some potentially smart novices. Intriguing candidate. Useful novice hurdler last season; unseated rider mid-race on chasing debut.
2
4th (2) (6/1 -100%) Hurlerontheditch
6
6/1(-100%)
(2) Hurlerontheditch 6/1, Placed all 4 starts in hurdles and, having undergone a wind op, he had the race at his mercy when coming down at the final fence on chase debut at Warwick (3m, heavy). Clearly a promising novice and very much of interest here, despite being hit with a 10 lb rise. Dominated from front and was set for clearcut win before last-fence fall on chase debut.
5
|PU| (5) (10/1 +50%) Ballydisco
10
10/1(+50%)
(5) Ballydisco 10/1, Improved for switch to handicaps/step up in trip last season, winning in the mud at Ffos Las in March and added to that over 3m here the following month. Entitled to come on for his reappearance spin back at Ffos Las last month, but needs to raise his game now switched to fences. Course hurdle winner; fine on slow ground; a possible if he jumps well on chase debut.
3
|PU| (3) (12/1 +0%) Grove Road
12
12/1(+0%)
(3) Grove Road 12/1, Sedgefield bumper winner who looked a promising stayer in the making when winning a brace of novice hurdles in late 2022. Reappearance third in a Ffos Las handicap (3m, heavy) was no backward step, but will need to improve for the switch to fences if he's to take this. Made satisfactory seasonal debut over hurdles; dropped 2lb for today's chasing debut.
9
|RO| (9) (3/1 +70%) Iberio
3
3/1(+70%)
(9) Iberio 3/1, Bumper winner who opened his account over hurdles at Taunton (3m, heavy) in March. Some encouragement both starts over fences and could produce a bigger effort when sharpening up in the jumping department. Triple hurdle winner; versatile regarding ground; made bad jumping errors in both chases.
LTO Selection:
14:12 Chepstow Handicap Chase (Class 3) 24f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 3 race.
An interesting contest in which Hurlerontheditch has a chance to atone for an agonising last-fence fall at Warwick on his chasing bow when well clear. He has to go on the shortlist, despite a 10lb rise, but Paul Nicholls' mud-loving TAKE YOUR TIME hinted at better things to come when gamely defying a long absence at Newton Abbott on his chasing bow. Pimlico Point and Lagonda are others who should build on encouraging fencing debuts.
There was plenty to like about TAKE YOUR TIME's performance when making a winning start over fences at Newton Abbot and a 3 lb rise is negligible given that he was a hurdles winner here off a 9 lb higher mark than this in 2021. The 8-y-o shades preference ahead of Hurlerontheditch, who had the race in safe-keeping when coming down at the final fence at Warwick. Pimlico Point also made a promising start to his chase career and merits respect, while Hurricane Highway is worth a second look, too.
Preference is for PIMLICO POINT, who was a good second on last month's seasonal/chase debut and remains very lightly raced.
(6) Embittered 16/1, Twelve runs since last win in 2021. First run since leaving Joseph Patrick O'Brien when seventh of 11 in handicap chase (28/1) at Cork (21f, soft) 13 days ago. Over two years since his last win for Joseph O'Brien, made little impact on stable debut.
7
2nd (7) (4/1 +60%) Shantreusse
4
4/1(+60%)
(7) Shantreusse 4/1, 5/1 and cheekpieces on for 1st time, ninth of 12 in handicap chase at this course (23.5f, heavy) in March, finding less than looked likely. Absent subsequently and interesting what the market makes of him with yard also saddling Eklat De Rire. Grade 3 novice hurdle winner two seasons ago, stays 3m, yet to convince as a chaser.
9
3rd (9) (5/1 +64%) Genois
5
5/1(+64%)
(9) Genois 5/1, 4/1, sixth of 8 in novice chase at Fairyhouse (21.5f, soft) 63 days ago. Cheekpieces on 1st time. Needs a couple of these to falter. Has shown jumping frailties untypical of horses from this yard, premature to write off.
11
4th (11) (11/1 +67%) The Little Yank
11
11/1(+67%)
(11) The Little Yank 11/1, Twenty runs since last win in 2022. Pulled up in handicap chase (33/1) at Fairyhouse (29.6f, soft) 6 days ago, pulled up before 3 out. Significantly back down in trip. Just the one win over fences for this heavily-raced individual, hard to be confident.
4
5th (4) (6/1 -80%) Mars Harper
6
6/1(-80%)
(4) Mars Harper 6/1, 2 wins from 6 runs this season. Latest win in chase at Listowel in September. 15/2 and tongue strap on for 1st time, creditable second of 8 in handicap chase at Punchestown (21.3f, soft) 14 days ago. Possibilities. Two wins before below-par Limerick run, more like it again when second at Punchestown.
8
6th (8) (18/1 +10%) Fakiera
18
18/1(+10%)
(8) Fakiera 18/1, Pulled up in handicap chase (12/1) at Downpatrick (28.6f, heavy), struggling when pulled up before 4 out. Off 8 months. Down in trip. First run for yard after leaving Gordon Elliott. Lost his way for Gordon Elliott last season, stays a lot further than this, stable debut.
1
7th (1) (9/1 -170%) Any Second Now
9
9/1(-170%)
(1) Any Second Now 9/1, C&D winner who had little go right having been hampered early when pulled up in last season's Grand National at Aintree. Now rising 12 and this sort of assignment may be more suitable. Returns with yard amongst the winners. Twice placed in the Grand National, pulled up in last season's edition, may need this.
2
8th (2) (8/1 -100%) Eklat De Rire
8
8/1(-100%)
(2) Eklat De Rire 8/1, Very smart form over fences, defeating Conflated for latest success at Wexford in Autumn 2021. Lost his way to an extent thereafter and absent since finishing fourth over hurdles at Clonmel 12 months ago. However, record fresh a positive and likely he can get back on the up. Useful chaser in 2021, only one run since disappointing display in the 2022 Thyestes Chase.
5
9th (5) (17/2 +58%) Fire Attack
8.5
17/2(+58%)
(5) Fire Attack 17/2, Sixteenth of 17 in handicap chase (18/1) at Galway (22.5f, good) in August, dropping away from 4 out. Yard switch needs to perk him up back from a break. Won over 2m5f at Punchestown last year, has been plagued by jumping problems since then.
10
|PU| (10) (13/2 +46%) The Flier Begley
6.5
13/2(+46%)
(10) The Flier Begley 13/2, Fairly useful winner at 20f in chases. 12/1, creditable third of 17 in handicap hurdle at this course (20f, heavy) 21 days ago. Switches from hurdles to chase and he may be sharper with that run under his belt. Good effort off his much lower hurdles mark last time, should be sharper for the run.
12
|PU| (12) (16/1 -60%) All Those Years
16
16/1(-60%)
(12) All Those Years 16/1, 11/1, pulled up in handicap chase at Limerick (19f, heavy) 48 days ago, making mistakes and soon beaten. Hard to warm to at present. No sign of best form since Limerick win in March, jumping an issue on his last two starts.
The chart reads from right to left to today's race.
MARS HARPER has progressed well this term winning twice over 2m6f at Galway and Listowel and again ran a cracker last time when beating all bar Idas Boy over a similar distance at Punchestown. A stiff 2m4f around here on testing ground should suit him well. The Flier Begley won a beginners chase over this trip at Down Royal and shaped well on his reappearance over hurdles here last month. Any Second Now has won three times at this venue including the Grade 2 Webster Cup over C&D last March but may just need the run as he presumably builds towards another crack at the Grand National. Union Park has been in good form both over fences and hurdles and has the assistance of a useful 5lb claimer, while Eklat De Rire handles heavy ground well but has obviously had training problems.
EKLAT DE RIRE is evidently fragile but he's capable of very smart form on his day and, boasting a good record fresh, he could be worth siding with to hit the ground running back from 12 months off. Any Second Now had little go right from an early stage when last seen in the National at Aintree and he's not underestimated on return. Mars Harper and Union Park complete the shortlist.
After a blip in the Munster National MARS HARPER resumed a progressive profile when second at Punchestown. He may go one better now
(5) Spirit D'aunou 4/1, C&D winner who raced too keenly after 7 months off when fourth of 7 in Cheltenham conditions event (16.4f, soft) 42 days ago. No surprise to see him get back on track here though. May resume his progress with Cheltenham reappearance under his belt; 2-2 in handicaps.
12
2nd (12) (9/1 -20%) Bucksy Des Epeires
9
9/1(-20%)
(12) Bucksy Des Epeires 9/1, Showed fair form when twice second in juvenile events in France and made light of a 13-month absence when scoring on his yard debut in 2m3f Lingfield noivce hurdle 18 days ago. Merits serious consideration on his handicap debut despite being 3 lb 'wrong' in the weights. Ex-French 4yo who won at Lingfield last month on British debut; open to further progress.
10
3rd (10) (11/2 +27%) Punta Del Este
5.5
11/2(+27%)
(10) Punta Del Este 11/2, Winner in France and promising start for this yard when third in the Victor Ludorum at Haydock in February. Shaped up quite well in Fred Winter next time and creditable second of 4 on 2m Wetherby reappearance 3 weeks ago. In the mix. 0-4 in Britain but may build on Wetherby reappearance effort (clear second); interesting.
8
4th (8) (14/1 +58%) Thereisnodoubt
14
14/1(+58%)
(8) Thereisnodoubt 14/1, Rising 11 but he was better than ever when returning from 5 months off to win at Perth (2m, heavy) in September. Below-par seventh at Ascot last time but he's likely to give it his all again. Veteran who came up well short in similar event at Ascot five weeks ago.
11
5th (11) (3/1 +57%) Arqoob
3
3/1(+57%)
(11) Arqoob 3/1, Useful handicapper on the level for William Jarvis. Has made a positive start over hurdle too, landing 10-runner handicap over C&D (soft) 27 days ago. Up 7 lb but expected to be bang there. Clearcut win over C&D last month; still favourably treated on Flat form; solid claims.
9
6th (9) (14/1 +36%) Jupiter Du Gite
14
14/1(+36%)
(9) Jupiter Du Gite 14/1, Caused a major upset when making all on British/hurdles debut at Newbury in December but has proved far too headstrong since, pulled up on his handicap bow over C&D last month. Lots more is needed. Impressive at Newbury on British debut nearly a year ago; disappointing since.
3
7th (3) (7/1 +56%) Red Rookie
7
7/1(+56%)
(3) Red Rookie 7/1, Returned to pick of his chase form when landing 6-runner Warwick handicap (2m) in March. Not disgraced when third at Kempton (18f) in May but some way below that level when well held on return at Ascot (16.7f) 35 days ago. May be sharper now. Returns to hurdles looking well treated on best chase form; has won over C&D.
7
|U| (7) (14/1 +30%) Mr Freedom
14
14/1(+30%)
(7) Mr Freedom 14/1, Likeable type who followed 4 wins over hurdles last season with a hat-trick on the Flat during the summer. Posted another good effort when third of 7 in handicap hurdle at Doncaster (16.6f, good) 7 days ago so ought to be in the shake-up. Consistent efforts this season but faces a tougher assignment in this field.
6
|PU| (6) (13/2 +41%) Jilaijone
6.5
13/2(+41%)
(6) Jilaijone 13/2, Arrves in good nick, third of 6 in handicap hurdle at Ascot (15.7f, good) 15 days ago. He can go well again off the same mark. Proving consistent; finished third at Ascot most recently; place possibilities.
1
|PU| (1) (40/1 -21%) Langer Dan
40
40/1(-21%)
(1) Langer Dan 40/1, Landed the third big handicap win of his career when seeing off 25 rivals in the Coral Cup at Cheltenham in March. Shaped as if needing his reappearance run at Kempton (21f) 26 days ago though, and he's tended to save his best for the big Spring Festivals. Landed the 2021 Imperial Cup over C&D but his two subsequent wins came at 2m4f/2m5f.
LTO Selection:
14:25 Sandown Handicap Hurdle (Class 2) 16f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 2 race.
IMPOSE TOI can take this rise in grade in his stride as he looks to overcome a hefty 10llb rise for a comfortable success at Cheltenham last month. The five-year-old has handled soft ground in the past and he may have too much for Spirit D'aunou, who had won four straight before a disappointing effort on his return at Cheltenham. A promising second at Wetherby, Punta Del Este is another player to note, along with the recent C&D winner Arqoob and Jilaijone.
IMPOSE TOI is thriving under the expert tutelage of Nicky Henderson and fancied to bag a fourth success for the yard on the back of his impressive big-field Cheltenham victory. Venetia Williams' new-recruit Bucksy des Epeires also has better days ahead of him and heads the list of dangers, with C&D scorer Arqoob and Punta del Este also well in the mix in this competitive handicap.
The suggestion is PUNTA DEL ESTE who may well be ready to strike in Britain. Spirit D'Aunou is second choice.
(6) Liari 11/4, Ran to a fairly useful level in just 3 races on Flat in France for Jean-Claude Rouget and looked a promising recruit to hurdles when scoring at Wincanton (soft) 6 weeks ago. Could be plenty more to come for top yard. Got the job done on hurdle/stable debut at Wincanton and is in excellent hands to progress.
3
2nd (3) (9/2 +72%) Knight Of Allen
4.5
9/2(+72%)
(3) Knight Of Allen 9/2, Carried out soon after the first on his debut in a Cheltenham Grade 2 last month so this is effectively his first start. Bred for the job. Carried out when 22-1 in Grade 2 on debut; no surprise to see a good run, however.
5
3rd (5) (5/2 +29%) Le Fauve
2.5
5/2(+29%)
(5) Le Fauve 5/2, Ran a promising first race when narrowly denied by a next-time-out winner in a Bordeaux juvenile in September. Interesting having joined Dan Skelton, particularly if the betting vibes are strong. Went very close in France on sole run; winner has followed up; has joined top British yard.
9
4th (9) (11/4 -10%) Max Of Stars
2.75
11/4(-10%)
(9) Max Of Stars 11/4, Took very well to hurdling in the first half of the season, winning 4 times. Fine second in a fillies' listed juvenile at Newbury 8 days ago. Likely to give it her usual good shot. Runner-up in Listed fillies' race at Newbury last Friday; could make another bold bid.
4
5th (4) (28/1 -133%) Latin Verse
28
28/1(-133%)
(4) Latin Verse 28/1, Fair Flat winner for Ralp Beckett. Struck at the third time of asking over hurdles in Catterick juvenile 15 days ago (only run for Syd Hosie). More will be needed at this level. Off the mark on third hurdle start at Catterick; others have more substance to their form.
8
|PU| (8) (10/1 +29%) Palio
10
10/1(+29%)
(8) Palio 10/1, Fair maiden at up to 1½m on the Flat and translated that ability to hurdles when second at Huntingdon 5 weeks ago, understandably no match for the very talented Burdett Road. A good deal more will be needed at this level. Bumped into subsequent Grade 2 winner Burdett Road on hurdle debut and not ruled out.
7
|PU| (7) (33/1 -106%) Midnight Lion
33
33/1(-106%)
(7) Midnight Lion 33/1, Fairly useful Flat winner for Charlie Johnston. An interesting one for juvenile hurdles for new connections but this is a tough starting point. Has had wind surgery (also wears a first-time tongue tie). Hurdle debut; useful on the Flat and half-brother Eradicate won the Swinton Hurdle twice.
10
|PU| (10) (66/1 -164%) Virginia Lodge
66
66/1(-164%)
(10) Virginia Lodge 66/1, Well beaten on Ludlow debut in October but totally different proposition when seeing off 4 rivals at Fakenham 6 weeks later. Probably capable of better again but jockey bookings suggest Le Fauve is the stable first string. Easy win against fellow fillies at Fakenham but the strength of the form is questionable.
LTO Selection:
14:40 Aintree Conditions Hurdle (Class 1) 17f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 1 race.
LIARI showed a good attitude when making a winning debut over hurdles at Wincanton in October and Paul Nicholls' gelding merits the utmost respect now upped in grade. Max Of Stars is an obvious threat to the selection following her second to a useful prospect at Newbury eight days ago. Le Fauve has to be of some interest on his first start for Dan Skelton, while Eagle Prince and Knight Of Allen are others to note.
LIARI drew clear with another promising type when making a successful start to his hurdle career at Wincanton at the end of October and is selected to take the step up in class in his stride. Fellow French recruit Le Fauve is an interesting opponent on his first outing for Dan Skelton. The more-established Max of Stars ran a cracker in listed company among her own sex at Newbury last week and should get involved in the battle for minor honours along with Cheltenham Grade 2 fourth Eagle Prince.
Preference is for French recruit LE FAUVE on his debut for Dan Skelton. Liari could be a major threat.
(4) Can't Say 66/1, Phenomena gelding who was well beaten in points and failed to beat a rival in a course bumper back in April 2021. Best watched. No worthwhile form in three points and a bumper; impossible to recommend.
1
1st (1) (5/4 +9%) Isaac Des Obeaux
1.25
5/4(+9%)
(1) Isaac Des Obeaux 5/4, Looked a good prospect when making a winning debut in a bumper here last November and proved a different proposition to in the choppier waters of a Cheltenham novice when bolting up over C&D just over 2 weeks ago. Likely to keep improving for some time so holds major claims. Both wins here; it wasn't a strong race he won last time but the type to improve.
6
2nd (6) (9/1 +25%) Haiti Couleurs
9
9/1(+25%)
(6) Haiti Couleurs 9/1, £68,000 5-y-o, Dragon Dancer gelding. Closely related to fair French 2½m chase winner Suavamente. Dam French bumper winner. Made frame both starts in Irish points, runner-up latest (Dec 2021). His second in a point reads well but he has a long absence to overcome here.
9
3rd (9) (6/5 +80%) Katate Dori
1.2
6/5(+80%)
(9) Katate Dori 6/5, Confirmed previous promise in bumpers when off the mark at the third attempt (8/13) at Market Rasen (16.6f, soft) in March. In need of experience when well beaten at Cheltenham on hurdling debut just over 6 weeks ago but may well have derived plenty from that. Useful bumper form; made mistakes at Cheltenham and that was a tough starter over hurdles.
5
4th (5) (80/1 +20%) Gentleman
80
80/1(+20%)
(5) Gentleman 80/1, 50/1, didn't show much when ninth of 16 in bumper at this track on debut last month. Outsider switched to hurdles. Didn't show a great deal at a big price in a Chepstow bumper (2m, good to soft) in October.
15
5th (15) (10/1 -11%) Village Master
10
10/1(-11%)
(15) Village Master 10/1, £65,000 4-y-o, Mastercraftsman gelding. Half-brother to 4 winners, including fairly useful hurdler/very smart chaser Bun Doran and useful hurdler/smart chaser Shantou Village. Placed on second of 2 starts in Irish points (May 14) and he rates an interesting hurdles newcomer. Second in an Irish point and bought for £65,000; probably has a bright future.
13
6th (13) (33/1 -106%) Ri Na Cuirte
33
33/1(-106%)
(13) Ri Na Cuirte 33/1, Finished runner-up on the second of 2 starts in Irish points and shaped with some encouragement when fifth of 15 in a course maiden (19.4f) on Rules debut. Failed to take a step forward at Wincanton recently so he looks an easy enough swerve. Shown ability but ran flat at Wincanton last time and others are far more convincing.
8
7th (8) (125/1 -25%) Jongleur D'etoiles
125
125/1(-25%)
(8) Jongleur D'etoiles 125/1, Failed to meet expectations on sole bumper outing and well held both starts over hurdles subsequently. Likely type for low-grade handicaps. Disappointing favourite in his bumper and has finished well behind in both hurdles.
11
8th (11) (150/1 -50%) Meraki Mist
150
150/1(-50%)
(11) Meraki Mist 150/1, Minor promise in a couple of bumpers but could hardly of shown anything less on hurdles debut here last October. Can only be watched. 200-1 when pulled up here more than a year ago after his jumping lacked fluency.
10
9th (10) (40/1 -150%) Largy Valley
40
40/1(-150%)
(10) Largy Valley 40/1, Overcame definite greenness to make a winning debut in Ayr bumper (2m) last November for Stuart Crawford. Well beaten for new yard at Hereford 4 months on, though, but not one to discount sent hurdling after 8 months off. Bumper winner; kept hanging left at Hereford so this track can help on hurdling debut.
12
10th (12) (125/1 -25%) Parliament
125
125/1(-25%)
(12) Parliament 125/1, Fair winner on Flat in France in 2022 but off for 512 days prior to finishing down the field on his Warwick hurdle debut 32 days ago. Entitled to come on for the outing. Flat winner in France; tailed off on hurdling debut following a long absence.
7
|PU| (7) (33/1 +0%) Highway One O Four
33
33/1(+0%)
(7) Highway One O Four 33/1, Better effort in bumpers 11 months apart at Plumpton on return, forced wide for effort but holding second for most of straight. Well held on both starts in novice hurdles and will be of more interest in handicaps after this. Best run was in a Plumpton bumper and yet only four ran and he produced a modest RPR.
LTO Selection:
14:47 Chepstow Maiden Hurdle (Class 4) 20f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 4 race.
Isaac Des Obeaux underlined his liking for this track when opening his account over timber at the second attempt last month. That said, preference is for THE JUKEBOX MAN, who looks capable of defying a 7lb penalty on the evidence of his resounding win in the mud at Ffos Las on his hurdling bow last month. Katate Dori looks the most interesting of the remainder.
ISAAC DES OBEAUX didn't need to come off the bridle when scoring over C&D just over a fortnight ago, and with further progress almost assured, Paul Nicholls' 5-y-o gets the nod over The Jukebox Man, who was an impressive winner stepped up in trip on his hurdling debut at Ffos Las last month. Katate Dori and hurdling-debutant Village Master are a couple others certainly worth a mention, too.
Better is expected from Katate Dori but THE JUKEBOX MAN still looked full of energy when asserting late on in a maiden at Ffos Las.
(3) Indiana Dream 5/2, Easy winner of a maiden hurdles at Fairyhouse (2½m, heavy) on hurdles debut/first run for Willie Mullins when last seen in January. Completely unexposed and interesting to see if there's confidence behind him in the betting now switched to fences. Bumper and maiden hurdle winner is capable of making his presence felt over fences.
5
2nd (5) (9/4 +25%) Saint Felicien
2.25
9/4(+25%)
(5) Saint Felicien 9/4, Promising type. Smart winner at 17f over hurdles. Third of 12 in novice chase (9/1) at this course (17f, heavy) on debut over fences 21 days ago. Up in trip and a bold show is anticipated. A fine 3rd in a 2m1f novice on return; raised in trip despite doing plenty in front then.
6
3rd (6) (28/1 -100%) Santonito
28
28/1(-100%)
(6) Santonito 28/1, Fairly useful hurdler. 20/1, eleventh of 15 in handicap hurdle at Galway (21.9f, heavy) 42 days ago. Makes chase debut. Saint Felicien appears to be the stable No 1. Below form on his last three starts; needs a career best to take this on chasing debut.
7
4th (7) (9/2 +18%) Shanbally Kid
4.5
9/2(+18%)
(7) Shanbally Kid 9/2, Lightly-raced winner under Rules. Latest win in hurdle here in January. Off 8 months ahead of this chase debut. Indiana Dream is presumably the stable first-string. Ran poorly in the Albert Bartlett but should be capable of running well on chasing debut.
2
5th (2) (66/1 -313%) Highland Charge
66
66/1(-313%)
(2) Highland Charge 66/1, Useful hurdler. 20/1, bit below form fifth of 16 in handicap hurdle at Galway (22.6f, soft) 126 days ago. Switches from hurdles to chase for new yard and likely to find one or two too good. Useful hurdler showed ability on the first of his two chase starts; has a bit to find.
1
|F| (1) (11/5 +66%) Hiddenvalley Lake
2.2
11/5(+66%)
(1) Hiddenvalley Lake 11/5, Lightly-raced winner over hurdles. Off 8 months ahead of this chase debut and, granted a clean round of jumping, he could have a say. Smart novice hurdler disappointed at Cheltenham but rates a fine novice chasing prospect.
4
|PU| (4) (300/1 -355%) Mythical Times
300
300/1(-355%)
(4) Mythical Times 300/1, Poor hurdler. Pulled up in handicap hurdle (16/1) at Wexford (20f, heavy) 22 days ago, pulled up before next. Makes chase debut and it's easy enough to look elsewhere. Maiden under all codes is out of his depth on chasing debut.
LTO Selection:
14:52 Navan Maiden Chase 20f Race Speed Rating Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's race.
HIDDENVALLEY LAKE was unlucky not to win his only point-to-point start and was a useful stayer over hurdles last season winning twice including a Grade 3 at Cork. He looks the type to do better over fences. Saint Felicien is in the same ownership and also won twice over hurdles plus finishing runner-up in a Grade 3. Gordon Elliott's charge was absent for 20 months before making his debut here over fences in a hot beginners race when third to Facile Vega but this trip on heavy ground may stretch his stamina. Indiana Dream is still in the could be anything bracket having easily won a maiden on his hurdle debut at Fairyhouse on New Years Day while stablemate Shanbally Kid won a maiden hurdle here over this trip and is another exciting recruit to fences.
All eyes will be on INDIANA DREAM, who was a winner of a bumper on his sole start in France and he barely came out of second gear when landing a Fairyhouse maiden hurdle on debut for this yard. Provided all is well following an 11-month absence and, of course, his jumping passes the test now tackling fences, the 5-y-o will take plenty of stopping. Saint Felicien get the nod forecast purposes ahead of Hiddenvalley Lake and Indiana Dream's stablemate Shanbally Kid.
HIDDENVALLEY LAKE was a leading staying novice hurdler last season before disappointing at Cheltenham but rates a fine chasing prospect
(4) Jonbon 3/10, Grade 1 winning hurdler who has quickly developed into a top-class chaser, his only defeat in 6-race novice campaign coming at the hands of El Fabiolo in last season's Arkle. Teed himself up for this with an authoritative success in Shloer Chase 3 weeks ago and he's hard to oppose here. Beat two of these rivals in the Shloer, taking career record to 12-14; 2-2 at Sandown.
2
2nd (2) (9/2 +36%) Edwardstone
4.5
9/2(+36%)
(2) Edwardstone 9/2, Likeable sort who won the Arkle at the 2022 Festival and showed top-class form when a commanding winner of this race on last season's reappearance. Below best in Champion Chase on final start and seemed beaten fair and square by Jonbon on return in Grade 2 at Cheltenham last month. Impressive in the Henry VIII on this card in 2021 and this race last year; respected.
3
3rd (3) (10/1 +50%) Haddex Des Obeaux
10
10/1(+50%)
(3) Haddex Des Obeaux 10/1, Very progressive over fences, typically tanking along when landing valuable pot at Warwick (16.2f, heavy) in January. In process of running very well when falling last at Cheltenham (15.9f) in October and likely we've not seen very best of him. However, this demands even more. Held a fighting chance when final-fence faller in Cheltenham handicap on reappearance.
5
4th (5) (33/1 -32%) Nube Negra
33
33/1(-32%)
(5) Nube Negra 33/1, Added the Shloer Chase to his tally for second successive season 13 months ago but below his best confined to just 2 starts thereafter last term and he was some way behind Jonbon when third in aforementioned race 3 weeks ago. Likely to come up short again. Some way behind two of these opponents when bidding for a third Shloer win.
LTO Selection:
15:00 Sandown Conditions Chase (Class 1) 15f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 1 race.
Jonbon looked imperious when hacking up in the Shloer at Cheltenham last month, finishing in front of a few rivals his rivals here, and Nicky Henderson's charge is obviously the one to beat. Having said that, last year's winner EDWARDSTONE can be fancied to reverse that form. Alan King's 2022 Arkle hero boasts an unbeaten record at this venue and he was entitled to have needed his reappearance run last time. The in-form Boothill makes most appeal of the remainder.
A grade 1 winning hurdler, JONBON quickly cemented his status as a top-class chaser last term, runner-up in the Arkle prior to registering back-to-back Grade 1 victories at Aintree/over C&D. Teed up perfectly for this when running out an authoritative winner of the Shloer Chase 3 weeks ago (Edwardstone second), he's hard to oppose. The latter-named may be the one to chase him home again, with the likeable and hat-trick seeking Boothill next best.
Talented JONBON is currently one of the leading players in this division and should be hard to beat. Edwardstone is next best.
(5) Rafferty's Return 16/1, 3-time hurdle winner (at up to 21f) who showed benefit of reappearance run when 7 lengths third of 10 in handicap at Wetherby (19.7f) 3 weeks ago. Fallen 1 lb below last winning mark ahead of this and not discounted. Fair third to Bashers Reflection at Wetherby last time but needs something extra today.
1
1st (1) (10/3 +26%) Sonigino
3.333333
10/3(+26%)
(1) Sonigino 10/3, Progressive type last season, winning 3 times before signing off the campaign with an excellent third over C&D in April. Promise when third in Silver Trophy at Chepstow and backed that up when fourth in last month's Greatwood at Cheltenham. In the mix eased in class. Has run well in defeat on both starts this season and he's effective over C&D; solid.
6
2nd (6) (14/1 +0%) Prince Zaltar
14
14/1(+0%)
(6) Prince Zaltar 14/1, Irish raider who scored twice earlier in the year and returned from 4 month absence with a good sixth of 20 in handicap at Cheltenham (21f, soft) 3 weeks ago, faring best of those held up. 6th of 20 at Cheltenham recently and he may be able to build on that first run since July.
8
3rd (8) (4/1 +11%) Vicki Vale
4
4/1(+11%)
(8) Vicki Vale 4/1, Low-mileage mare who bookended first season over hurdles with victories in mares' events at Hereford/Taunton. Solid reappearance effort (following wind op) when second on handicap debut at Wincanton (21.3f) in November and she may well come on again from that. Good second at Wincanton on handicap debut and she could have more to offer for top yard.
2
4th (2) (15/2 +12%) Benson
7.5
15/2(+12%)
(2) Benson 15/2, Useful handicap hurdler who deservedly opened account for present yard at Musselburgh in January and followed up in Morebattle Hurdle at Kelso 2 months later. Creditable fourth on return/chase debut at Carlisle in October and interesting having finished runner-up in this 12 months ago. Won competitive handicap at Kelso in March and is just 3lb higher; capable of going well.
3
5th (3) (25/1 -56%) Fingal's Hill
25
25/1(-56%)
(3) Fingal's Hill 25/1, Real credit to connections, finding further progress as he extended his winning sequence on return from 6 months off at Carlisle (20f, soft) in November. Raced off the pace and not in same form when seventh of 10 in handicap hurdle at Haydock since, though. Completed a four-timer at Carlisle last month but down the field at Haydock subsequently.
11
6th (11) (9/1 +25%) Chance A Tune
9
9/1(+25%)
(11) Chance A Tune 9/1, Solid comeback third from lengthy absence at Market Rasen in September and confirmed as much when running out an emphatic winner at Chepstow (2m, heavy) a month later. Latest Ascot fourth in a stronger race was another creditable display and return to this longer trip could unlock a little more. Running well since back from huge absence; time looks right for the step back up in trip.
7
7th (7) (4/1 -14%) Bashers Reflection
4
4/1(-14%)
(7) Bashers Reflection 4/1, Improved performer switched to handicaps, taking his form up another notch with his reappearance behind him to score at Wetherby (19.7f, heavy) 3 weeks ago. Handicapper applies a little more pressure but strong suspicion his progress hasn't levelled out yet. Player. Travelled well to win at Wetherby and a 7lb rise could underestimate his dominance.
4
8th (4) (9/1 +18%) Holmes St Georges
9
9/1(+18%)
(4) Holmes St Georges 9/1, Fairly useful hurdler who opened his account at Musselburgh 13 months ago and made the frame all 4 starts thereafter, good third in Down Royal minor hurdle (3m) when last seen in May. Gone well fresh previously. Consistent and versatile sort who can go well fresh; could be a player back from a break.
10
|PU| (10) (12/1 +14%) Largy Shark
12
12/1(+14%)
(10) Largy Shark 12/1, Lightly-raced 6-y-o who landed a brace of novice hurdles at upto 19.5f last season and shaped as if better for the run on return/handicap debut at Navan (2m) 3 weeks ago, his effort flattening out. Remains with potential now stepping back up in trip. Unexposed 6yo who is open to improvement now back up in trip on second handicap start.
9
|PU| (9) (40/1 -122%) Voix Du Reve
40
40/1(-122%)
(9) Voix Du Reve 40/1, Capitalised on a reduced mark when winning at Ayr (20.5f, good) in April and confirmed he retains plenty of zest in 2 starts this term, a shuddering error as he made his move ending his chance at Musselburgh 31 days ago. This tougher, however. Bad blunder three out was costly at Musselburgh latest; this 11yo is an each-way possible.
LTO Selection:
15:15 Aintree Handicap Hurdle (Class 2) 20f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 2 race.
SONIGINO was far from disgraced when fourth in the Greatwood at Cheltenham last time and he is likely to be hard to stop if reproducing that level of form in this company. Benson did not take to fences but he is only 3lb higher than when winning the Morebattle Hurdle at Kelso in March and, on that evidence, Sandy Thomson's gelding could well make his presence felt here. Vicki Vale edges out Holmes St Georges and Bashers Reflection to be the pick of the rest.
BASHERS REFLECTION resumed progress with his reappearance under his belt when running out an authoritative winner at Wetherby 3 weeks ago and a 7 lb rise shouldn't prevent another bold showing on that evidence. Last year's runner-up Benson and Sonigino, stepping back up in trip, head up the dangers, with the returning Holmes St Georges another worth a look.
The progressive 6yo BASHERS REFLECTION (nap) appeared to have bundles in hand at Wetherby and a 7lb rise could underestimate him.
(12) Range 6/5, Fair form in bumpers last season and promise amidst inexperience when second on return/hurdles debut in an Exeter novice (16.7f) 19 days ago, pulling long way clear of rest. Longer trip promises to suit and claims with progress likely. Ran big race in defeat behind very good prospect on last month's hurdling debut.
11
2nd (11) (18/1 +45%) Magical Escape
18
18/1(+45%)
(11) Magical Escape 18/1, Looked a stayer in the making in a couple of bumpers last winter and no immediate promise in this sphere when tenth of 16 in a C&D maiden 39 days ago. Cheekpieces on 1st time. Always towards rear over C&D on hurdling debut; now sports cheekpieces.
15
3rd (15) (14/1 +30%) Ottoline
14
14/1(+30%)
(15) Ottoline 14/1, Sister to fairly useful hurdler/useful chaser Yalltari. Placed in 2 of her 3 bumpers and offered something to work on when fifth of 10 on her C&D hurdles debut in March. Should be more to come from her but handicaps in due course likely to be more her bag. Placed in two bumpers and also showed promise over C&D on hurdle debut.
7
4th (7) (9/2 -139%) Hurricane Danny
4.5
9/2(-139%)
(7) Hurricane Danny 9/2, Looked his yard's second string but still showed more than previously when good second behind stablemate in a C&D maiden (19.5f) 15 days ago, staying on dourly. Can do better again for leading stable. Improved form when clear second here last month; should still have more to offer.
4
5th (4) (22/1 +56%) El Curamach
22
22/1(+56%)
(4) El Curamach 22/1, El Salvador gelding. Dam unraced sister to fair hunter chaser (25f winner) Hix Fix. Probably best watched on debut. Seems very unlikely to meet the standard required on today's debut outing.
2
6th (2) (200/1 -100%) Crossbeau
200
200/1(-100%)
(2) Crossbeau 200/1, Modest maiden on the Flat who has finished well held in pair of maiden hurdles in recent weeks. Lowly rated Flat maiden who was a well-beaten outsider on both hurdling starts last month.
13
7th (13) (6/1 -33%) Vision De Maine
6
6/1(-33%)
(13) Vision De Maine 6/1, £95,000 4-y-o, Buck's Boum gelding. Successful sole start in Irish points (Mar 4). Showed ability when second of 6 in bumper at Sedgefield (16.8f) in October. Longer trip should suit him now hurdling and worth noting if the market spoke in his favour. Irish point winner; bumped into a good one when second in Sedgefield bumper in October.
1
8th (1) (7/2 -17%) Theyseekhimthere
3.5
7/2(-17%)
(1) Theyseekhimthere 7/2, Well held only start in bumpers yet, following wind op, caused a major shock when scoring on hurdles debut at Lingfield (19.5f) 25 days ago, staying on to lead final strides. Respected with progress anticipated. Kept on strongly for surprise win on last month's hurdling debut; likely contender.
9
|PU| (9) (80/1 -60%) Joker De Thaix
80
80/1(-60%)
(9) Joker De Thaix 80/1, Down the field in a Newbury bumper back in March. Passed over on return now hurdling. Beaten out of sight (albeit in valuable race) when 40-1 for bumper debut at Newbury.
6
|PU| (6) (80/1 +20%) He'llstopatthetop
80
80/1(+20%)
(6) He'llstopatthetop 80/1, More one for handicaps judged on his efforts at Chepstow and Kempton this autumn. Not disgraced over C&D on hurdle debut but probably one for low-grade handicaps.
8
|PU| (8) (100/1 -525%) Ideal De Romay
100
100/1(-525%)
(8) Ideal De Romay 100/1, Successful at the third attempt in Irish points. Hurdles debut run in October not without hope but failed by a long chalk to build on that at Huntingdon 2 weeks ago. Won Irish point in May but well beaten on first two hurdling starts.
5
|PU| (5) (200/1 -1150%) Harbour Bridge
200
200/1(-1150%)
(5) Harbour Bridge 200/1, Showed ability in finishing midfield both starts in bumpers, latterly when fifth of 13 at Newbury (16.3f) 30 days ago. However, not one of the more obvious ones on pedigree/physique now tackling timber. Displayed significant promise in both bumpers but needs to improve to win this.
14
|PU| (14) (200/1 -100%) Wotastunner
200
200/1(-100%)
(14) Wotastunner 200/1, Passing Glance half-brother to fairly useful hurdler Midnight Midge. Well beaten only start in bumpers and struggling when unseating 3 out on hurdles bow at Warwick in April. Best watched starting out for new yard. Struggled on both rules starts in spring 2022 and was pulled up on point debut in January.
LTO Selection:
15:20 Chepstow Maiden Hurdle (Class 4) 20f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 4 race.
HURRICANE DANNY took a big step forward when chasing home a stablemate over C&D a couple of weeks ago and it would be no surprise to see him get off the mark here. Range also hit the crossbar on his most recent outing and could prove to be the main threat to the selection, ahead of Theyseekhimthere and Vision De Maine.
RANGE produced a promising debut effort over hurdles amidst inexperience when second at Exeter 3 weeks ago and, with improvement anticipated now stepping up in trip, he earns the vote to go one place better. Hurricane Danny and Theyseekhimthere head up the dangers.
This can go to RANGE who was ultimately well beaten by a good prospect on his hurdling debut at Exeter last month but still ran well.
(4) My Trump Card 3/10, Twice-raced maiden under NH rules. Second of 7 in bumper (7/4) at this C&D (heavy) on bumper debut 21 days ago, closing all way to line. Difficult to oppose. Just denied in a C&D bumper here on return; should be sharper for that and take beating.
7
2nd (7) (9/2 -176%) The Story So Far
4.5
9/2(-176%)
(7) The Story So Far 9/2, Once-raced maiden. Third of 10 in bumper at Clonmel (16.4f, heavy, 10/3) on NH debut 30 days ago. Cheekpieces on 1st time. May do better. Was 3rd in a Clonmel bumper on debut; should have improved from that and be involved.
3
3rd (3) (16/1 +36%) Jackmoon
16
16/1(+36%)
(3) Jackmoon 16/1, €40,000 3-y-o, Spanish Moon gelding. Dam 5.5f-1m winner. Should have plenty of pace, so warrants a market check. A 40,000euros 3yo is by the sire of El Fabiolo and from a quite speedy French family.
1
4th (1) (18/1 +45%) Aclass
18
18/1(+45%)
(1) Aclass 18/1, Flemensfirth gelding. Half-brother to fair hurdler Kealshore Again and modest hurdler Dev of Tara, stays 3¼m. Dam unraced. Has shown ability in three uncompleted point runs; could run respectably.
2
5th (2) (7/1 -17%) Big Chou
7
7/1(-17%)
(2) Big Chou 7/1, Once-raced maiden. Fourth of 14 in novice hurdle at Naas (18.9f, soft, 66/1) on NH debut 27 days ago. Makes bumpers debut. One to consider. Was 4th in a 2m3f Naas maiden hurdle on debut; give a bold show back in a bumper.
6
6th (6) (80/1 -100%) Takenasred
80
80/1(-100%)
(6) Takenasred 80/1, Once-raced maiden. Eighth of 11 in bumper at Down Royal (16.9f, soft, 80/1) on NH debut 28 days ago. Hooded for 1st time. Raced keenly on debut; will need to have improved plenty from that but a hood could help.
5
7th (5) (33/1 +0%) Nelson Muntz
33
33/1(+0%)
(5) Nelson Muntz 33/1, Once-raced maiden. Thirteenth of 18 in bumper (80/1) at Fairyhouse (16f, good to soft) on NH debut. Off 8 months. Beaten 23l in a valuable sales bumper in April on debut; will need to have improved plenty.
10
8th (10) (80/1 -220%) So Far Away
80
80/1(-220%)
(10) So Far Away 80/1, Malinas mare. Half-sister to fairly useful staying hurdler Small Present. Dam (h137) 2m-3m hurdle winner, also 1m winner who stayed 2m on Flat. A 1,500euros yearling; best watched for future reference.
9
9th (9) (50/1 -150%) Koko Kan
50
50/1(-150%)
(9) Koko Kan 50/1, Once-raced maiden. Twelfth of 16 in bumper (14/1) at Tipperary (20.2f, soft) on NH debut. Off 7 months. Down in trip. Hard to fancyn on the back of that. Beaten 23l on debut at Tipperary in April and will need to have improved plenty.
8
10th (8) (125/1 -89%) Work Man Jimmy
125
125/1(-89%)
(8) Work Man Jimmy 125/1, Once-raced maiden. 50/1 and hooded, thirteenth of 15 in bumper at this course (15.6f, good to soft) on NH debut 84 days ago. Tailed-off on debut over C&D and can't be fancied.
The chart reads from right to left to today's race.
MY TRUMP CARD looks the one to beat with the booking of Patrick Mullins catching the eye. The well-bred Shantou gelding cost 230,000 euro as a store at Goffs and made a promising start here over hurdles but was then absent for a year before just denied in a bumper over C&D last month. Big Chou was friendless in the market but shaped well on debut in a maiden hurdle at Naas, keeping on nicely in the closing stages when fourth to Mahon's Way over 2m3f and should be suited by this stiff uphill finish. The Story So Far also came home strongly on debut last month when third to the selection's stablemate Rainbow Trail at Clonmel and is now fitted with cheek pieces.
MY TRUMP CARD was beaten only by Grangeclare West on debut and closed all the way to the line when denied over C&D on return. He's firmly expected to open his account at the third attempt, with The Story So Far looking the main threat after a positive start. Big Chou can't be fully discounted.
A beaten favourite when just denied over C&D on return, MY TRUMP CARD(nap) should be able to make amends today.
(9) To Catch A Thief 5/6, Son of Cracksman who continued theme of race-by-race progress when running out a comfortable winner of a Wolverhampton novice (9.5f) in November. Type to go on improving for leading yard and serious claims on handicap debut. Emphatic win at Wolverhampton last month and he looks on a good opening mark; big player.
1
2nd (1) (6/1 +57%) Sir Busker
6
6/1(+57%)
(1) Sir Busker 6/1, Useful gelding who landed Group 2 York Stakes last summer. Largely operating below best in recent months, albeit not seen to best effect when 3½ lengths last of 7 to Blue Trail in listed race at Lingfield (10f, AW) 21 days ago. Ease in class rates a plus. 7yo who is not the force he used to be and has some work to do back in a handicap.
3
3rd (3) (5/1 -11%) Onesmoothoperator
5
5/1(-11%)
(3) Onesmoothoperator 5/1, 15/2, won 13-runner November Handicap at this course (12.4f) 28 days ago, quickening to lead late on. 3 lb higher now but no reason why he won't give another good account. Overcame trouble when ending a losing run here (1m4f) last time; up 3lb back in trip.
7
4th (7) (11/1 +21%) Afterwards
11
11/1(+21%)
(7) Afterwards 11/1, Time Test gelding who confirmed debut promise when landing 1m novice here back in March. Ran to a similar level without threatening when fifth of 6 in listed Dee Stakes at Chester in May but absent since. Market could prove a useful guide making handicap debut. Unexposed 3yo who is back in calmer waters for this handicap debut; one to keep an eye on.
2
5th (2) (10/1 -11%) Felix
10
10/1(-11%)
(2) Felix 10/1, Sixteen runs since last win in 2021. Creditable third of 7 in handicap at Chelmsford City (10f, 12/1) 30 days ago, finishing to good effect in a slowly-run race. Looks competitive on form. Back from a break with a good third in tactical race at Chelmsford last month; dangerous.
8
6th (8) (14/1 -17%) Island Bandit
14
14/1(-17%)
(8) Island Bandit 14/1, Six wins from 21 Flat runs. Latest win at Sandown in August. 13/2, creditable second of 8 in handicap at Newmarket (9f, good to firm) 71 days ago. Makes tapeta debut. Ran well at Newmarket last time but he looks weighted near best and is untried on Tapeta.
5
7th (5) (80/1 -100%) Furzig
80
80/1(-100%)
(5) Furzig 80/1, C&D winner. 40/1, 11½ lengths last of 13 to Onesmoothoperator in handicap at this course (12.4f) 28 days ago. Needs to leave that well behind if he's to figure here. His last AW win was in 2020 and was last of 12 behind Onesmoothoperator here last month.
4
8th (4) (28/1 -133%) United Front
28
28/1(-133%)
(4) United Front 28/1, Course winner who capitalised on the drop in class when successful at Beverley (7.4f) in June. Largely creditable efforts thereafter and clearly not 100% when last seen at Wolverhampton (8.6f) in September. Still, others rate stronger here. Just one win in the last two years and he had a major blip at Wolverhampton last time.
6
9th (6) (18/1 -80%) Zozimus
18
18/1(-80%)
(6) Zozimus 18/1, One win from 27 Flat runs but went close in handicaps at Beverley/Haydock this summer. 11/1, not seen to best effect when eighth of 12 in handicap at this course (1m) 24 days ago, finishing with running left. Not one to dismiss out of hand back up in trip. Hood/cheekpieces on. Just one win from 27 starts and he didn't fire here last time; others preferred.
LTO Selection:
15:30 Newcastle Handicap (Class 2) 10f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 2 race.
Handicap debutant To Catch A Thief is undoubtedly a three-year-old with lots to offer and is respected, even though he takes on some battle-hardened campaigners here. None fit that bill more than SIR BUSKER, a regular Pattern performer. In fact, this is his first start in a handicap since October 2021 and, with his sights considerably lowered, he looks worth chancing. Felix and the improving Afterwards complete the shortlist.
TO CATCH A THIEF continued his theme of race-by-race progress on the back of 5 months off/being gelded when readily accounting for a next-time-out winner at Wolverhampton last month and, with the prospect of more to come now handicapping, he looks to hold serious claims of following up. Felix, Zozimus and Onesmoothoperator head up the dangers.
The most striking contender is TO CATCH A THIEF (nap), who won by 5l at Wolverhampton and looks on a good mark for this handicap debut.
(5) Truckers Lodge 11/2, A regular in big-field staying handicaps and ended a losing run dating back to the Midlands National in 2020 when bagging a Ffos Las handicap over this trip in April. Brought down early on when returning to action at Cheltenham last month and each-way chance granted a clear round here. Veteran; effectiveness with the trip/ground in big races means he can't be ruled out.
2
2nd (2) (3/1 +0%) Beauport
3
3/1(+0%)
(2) Beauport 3/1, Progressive hurdler who made a winning chase debut at Cheltenham last October. Largely underwhelming since, including on return at Ascot, but he's down to an attractive mark and will be a threat if on-song back here (form figures over hurdles at Sandown read 221), and assuming he stays this trip. Still has time to click as chaser but there were jumping blemishes again on reappearance.
4
3rd (4) (4/1 +43%) Certainly Red
4
4/1(+43%)
(4) Certainly Red 4/1, Likeable sort completed a hat-trick last season, scoring twice over 25f at Wincanton either side of a victory here (2½m) in January. Didn't shape badly returned to Wincanton on his reappearance last month and possibilities back up in trip here off a 2 lb lower mark. Seventh in the big end-of-season handicap over C&D in April did not prove his stamina.
6
4th (6) (33/1 -83%) Boldmere
33
33/1(-83%)
(6) Boldmere 33/1, Just touched off by Cyclop at Newbury in March and he was a winner of 3m handicaps at Doncaster and Fakenham either side of that. Best to put a line through his reappearance display at Aintree, but likely to find one or two too good in any case. Not having proved himself beyond 3m (no attempts beyond 3m1f) poses the big question.
8
|F| (8) (17/2 -21%) Broken Halo
8.5
17/2(-21%)
(8) Broken Halo 17/2, Useful chaser who landed back-to-back military races over 3m here last season. Struggled in a major C&D handicap when last seen during the spring (treated for heat stress in the aftermath) and, talented though he is, his overall profile is not convincing. Won two 3m military races here last winter; well beaten in big end-of-season C&D handicap.
9
|U| (9) (5/2 +25%) Fontaine Collonges
2.5
5/2(+25%)
(9) Fontaine Collonges 5/2, Benefited from step up to 25.6f when landing a valuable Haydock handicap on his reappearance last season. Ended that campaign on a downer, but since undergone another wind op and very much one to consider with his yard in teriffic form. Had wind surgery in Juy; stable form this autumn suggests she could be back with a bang.
10
|PU| (10) (12/1 +64%) Coeur Serein
12
12/1(+64%)
(10) Coeur Serein 12/1, Now 14 lb below the mark off which he landed a 3-runner Newbury handicap chase in February, but largely struggled since and he needs to bounce back in a major way. 1-13 over fences, the win gained in a three-runner race; out of form but trip interesting.
LTO Selection:
15:35 Sandown Handicap Chase (Class 2) 29f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 2 race.
FONTAINE COLLONGES makes most appeal of these and, having won first time out last season, she can exploit a mark of 133. Venetia Williams saddled Quick Wave to victory in this contest last year and the eight-year-old can claim the prize for the trainer once more. Beauport was heavily backed in a valuable premier handicap over 3m at Ascot last month, where he shaped as if this extra yardage could suit, and appears to be the main danger, while Certainly Red heads the remainder.
The vote goes to CERTAINLY RED, a likeable type who should strip fitter following his reappearance spin at Wincanton and shapes as though well worth another try over a marathon trip such as this. The fact that he has winning form here is another plus point. Beauport hasn't gone on as hoped since his successful chase debut last term, but he's edged down to a dangerous mark and is feared most ahead of Fontaine Collonges and Truckers Lodge.
Venetia Williams-trained FONTAINE COLLONGES looks a suitable candidate judged on her win over 3m1f at Haydock first time out last term.
(2) Jurancon 9/4, Free Port Lux gelding. Half-brother to fairly useful hurdler/useful chaser Git Maker. Successful on second of 2 starts in Irish points (Oct 14). Stable does well in this sphere with similar types. Easily won soft-ground Irish point in October; new stable does well in bumpers.
6
2nd (6) (9/2 +44%) Ski Lodge
4.5
9/2(+44%)
(6) Ski Lodge 9/2, €5,500 3-y-o, Gatewood gelding. Dam, poor maiden hurdler, sister to smart hurdler (stayed 3m) Call The Cops. Runner-up sole start in Irish points (Apr 23). One to consider on Rules debut. First foal from sister to smart hurdler Call The Cops; 2nd on Irish point debut in April.
9
3rd (9) (7/4 +7%) Walk In The Hills
1.75
7/4(+7%)
(9) Walk In The Hills 7/4, Half-brother to useful hurdler/high-class chaser Invitation Only and made a promising start when runner-up to a good prospect over C&D on debut. Worth a chance to go one better. Kept on well for second of 16 over C&D on debut in October; respected.
1
4th (1) (17/2 +15%) Bobbi's Endeavour
8.5
17/2(+15%)
(1) Bobbi's Endeavour 17/2, €35,000 3-y-o, Soldier of Fortune gelding. Half-brother to useful hurdler/chaser Minella Warrior and fairly useful hurdler Harefield. Probably one for the longer term. Out of a half-sister to high-class jumper Menorah; well worth a glance in the betting.
4
5th (4) (9/1 -80%) Mount Gay Run
9
9/1(-80%)
(4) Mount Gay Run 9/1, From a good jumping family and showed some promise when fourth of 6 in a heavy-ground Chepstow bumper 31 days ago. From top stable, so he can be expected to improve. Made just a mildly encouraging debut over C&D but should be more streetwise today.
7
6th (7) (28/1 +15%) Snapdance
28
28/1(+15%)
(7) Snapdance 28/1, Dragon Dancer gelding. Half-brother to modest 2½m chase winner Boys of Wexford. Wears hood. Half-brother to low-grade chase winner Boys Of Wexford; yard not known for bumper winners.
8
7th (8) (25/1 -25%) Timeforarum
25
25/1(-25%)
(8) Timeforarum 25/1, Pulled very hard when fourth at Hereford in February. More tractable but ultimately failed to progress when filling that same position there 3 weeks later and it's likely he will find a few too strong on return. Had a wind op. Displayed significant ability in two Hereford bumpers in February but others look stronger.
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 5 race.
MONTY BODKIN put in a very promising display when filling second place on his racecourse debut at Ascot a month ago and Ben Pauling's gelding could be hard to stop with the benefit of that experience under his belt. However, Walk In The Hills has a similar profile and should not be underestimated, while Mount Gay Run also merits a place on the shortlist.
Only an exciting prospect got the better of WALK IN THE HILLS first time out and, with the potential for better to come, he's preferred to Monty Bodkin, who is closely matched on form. Juranncon looks an interesting recruit from points.
The suggestion in what looks a good-quality bumper is MONTY BODKIN, who was a very creditable second at Ascot last month.
(2) Never Fear 5/1, Lightly-raced winner. 2 wins from 5 runs this year. Career best when winning 9-runner nursery (15/2) at Wolverhampton (7.2f) 25 days ago. More needed up 4 lb, but not without an each-way chance. Made it 2-3 on Tapeta when scoring at Wolverhampton last month; respected up 4lb.
7
2nd (7) (12/1 -60%) Petra Celera
12
12/1(-60%)
(7) Petra Celera 12/1, Career best when winning 12-runner nursery at Wolverhampton (6.1f, 40/1) 21 days ago. 5 lb rise probably won't be too much of an issue if she is able to build on that, but it is an 'if'. Finished well to cause a 40-1 surprise at Wolverhampton last time; respected upped to 7f.
4
3rd (4) (2/1 +56%) Enpassant
2
2/1(+56%)
(4) Enpassant 2/1, 5/4, respectable second of 7 in nursery at Lingfield (8f, AW) 32 days ago. Too free on that occasion and likely to be firmly in the mix if responding well to the first-time hood. First past the post over C&D before a close second at Lingfield (1m) last time; big player.
3
4th (3) (25/1 -127%) Leveret
25
25/1(-127%)
(3) Leveret 25/1, Thrice-raced maiden. Seventh of 10 in minor event at Wolverhampton (7.2f, 16/1) 16 days ago. Sizeable step forward needed now handicapping. Nursery newcomer but she was disappointing when upped to 7f last time; others preferred.
8
5th (8) (33/1 -136%) Flying Fletcher
33
33/1(-136%)
(8) Flying Fletcher 33/1, Lightly-raced maiden. 9/2, sixth of 9 in maiden at this course (8f) 64 days ago. Like stablemate Leveret, he needs to improve now making the switch to handicap company. Struggled in last two runs and needs a transformation back at 7f on nursery debut.
1
6th (1) (15/2 +32%) Callianassa
7.5
15/2(+32%)
(1) Callianassa 15/2, 4/1, fourth of 7 in minor event at this course (6f) 20 days ago, needing stiffer test. Extra furlong will help, but others make more appeal all the same. 0-8 but she still has potential and looks interesting back in a nursery at this new trip.
6
7th (6) (14/1 -87%) Game Management
14
14/1(-87%)
(6) Game Management 14/1, Thrice-raced maiden. 18/1, fifth of 6 in maiden at Redcar (7f, good to firm) 73 days ago, better placed than most. Needs to raise his game now pitched into a handicap. Unexposed nursery newcomer but he needs to kick on again to defy this mark.
5
8th (5) (22/1 +33%) Valadero
22
22/1(+33%)
(5) Valadero 22/1, 18/1, eighth of 10 in nursery at Kempton (7f) 38 days ago. Makes tapeta debut and cheekpieces on 1st time. Others preferred for win purposes. Went close in first two runs in April but he's been disappointing since; plenty to prove.
9
9th (9) (9/4 -63%) Fariha
2.25
9/4(-63%)
(9) Fariha 9/4, Promising sort. 3/1 and cheekpieces on for 1st time, excellent second of 11 in nursery at this C&D 22 days ago, caught further back than ideal. Major player. Big improvement when going very close on her nursery debut over C&D last month; key player.
10
10th (10) (80/1 -142%) Chat Up Line
80
80/1(-142%)
(10) Chat Up Line 80/1, 66/1, below form sixth of 11 in nursery at Southwell (6.1f) 15 days ago. Hood back on. Likely to come up short once more. Record of 1-11 and she's been held in last six runs; hood returns at this new trip.
LTO Selection:
16:05 Newcastle Handicap (Class 5) 7f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 5 race.
Enpassant has held his form without winning and again rates as shortlist material now connections try him in a hood. Fariha showed some improvement when a close second on her nursery debut here last month and, with cheekpieces retained, she is another to have on side. However, CALLIANASSA has fared well against higher-rated rivals in recent starts and is fancied to make the most of this slight drop in class. Joint top-weight Never Fear is also considered.
FARIHA was unlucky not to make a winning handicap debut in first-time cheekpieces over C&D last month and, up just 2 lb, she looks the way to go with further improvement on the cards. She may have most to fear from Enpassant, who was first past the post here on his penultimate start and is now equipped with a hood having raced too freely at Lingfield next time. Last-time-out winners Never Fear and Petra Celera can do battle for minor honours.
Preference is for FARIHA, who found plenty of improvement on her nursery debut when going very close over C&D three weeks ago.
(1) Champagne Prince 2/5, Made plenty of appeal on paper and looked a good prospect when landing 5-runner Chelmsford novice (7f) on debut 18 days ago, leading entering final 1f and storming clear. Obvious claims under a penalty with further progress likely. 230,000gns yearling; won by 4l on Chelmsford debut and sets useful standard under penalty.
2
2nd (2) (11/1 -57%) Artistic Mission
11
11/1(-57%)
(2) Artistic Mission 11/1, Showcasing gelding. Half-brother to smart 6f winner First Folio. Well backed, held back by inexperience when fifth of 6 in maiden at Wolverhampton (7.2f, 11/4) on debut 37 days ago, left behind from 2f out. Type to do better given pedigree/good yard. Tongue tied. Made a low-key start at Wolverhampton and he needs to leave that form well behind.
3
3rd (3) (3/1 -20%) Kilt
3
3/1(-20%)
(3) Kilt 3/1, Foaled April 16. Kingman colt. Half-brother to 7f winner Doom. Dam, 1m-1¼m (Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf) winner, closely related to high-class winner up to 1¼m (stayed 1½m) Eagle Mountain. Bred in the purple so highly respected on debut. Looks the part on paper and he's an interesting newcomer for leading yard.
4
4th (4) (22/1 +33%) Smooth Transition
22
22/1(+33%)
(4) Smooth Transition 22/1, Foaled April 10. €3,500 foal, €26,000 yearling, Smooth Daddy gelding. Dam 2-y-o 5f winner. Likely best watched in what could prove a warm 4-runner affair. 26,000euros yearling; has good target to aim at on debut and is probably best watched.
LTO Selection:
16:40 Newcastle Stakes (Class 3) 7f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 3 race.
The manner in which CHAMPAGNE PRINCE put daylight between himself and his four rivals on debut created a most favourable impression and this son of Lope De Vega is hard to oppose on the back of such an eye-catching display. Kilt is a half-brother to Doom, who won a Listed race in France for the same connections, and is most appealing of the two debutants. Smooth Transition, the other newcomer, could beat Artistic Mission to third spot.
CHAMPAGNE PRINCE marked himself down as a very good prospect as he overcame greenness to make a winning debut at Chelmsford (7f) 18 days ago, storming clear as the penny dropped. Open to further improvement, he can make it 2-2. Kilt makes plenty of appeal on paper for his leading yard and market confidence behind him on debut would look significant.
This can go to CHAMPAGNE PRINCE, who cost 230,000gns as a yearling and made an impressive start at Chelmsford 18 days ago.
(1) Assailant 5/4, Half-brother to several winners and shaped encouragingly when third of 7 in maiden at York (7.9f, soft, 9/4) on debut 56 days ago, keeping on well final 1f. Can open his account upped in trip. Promise amidst greenness when third on 1m York debut; looks sure to improve.
3
2nd (3) (5/2 -11%) Duke's Command
2.5
5/2(-11%)
(3) Duke's Command 5/2, Improved a bit from debut when second of 11 in maiden (5/4) at Chelmsford City (1m) 29 days ago. May do better still as he goes up in trip with cheekpieces on 1st time. Not taken lightly. Stepped up on debut when second over 1m on AW latest; longer trip/cheekpieces may help.
5
3rd (5) (14/1 -75%) Jacques Cartier
14
14/1(-75%)
(5) Jacques Cartier 14/1, Foaled March 9. Sea The Stars colt. Half-brother to 11f winner Omanense. Watch for market clues with yard capable of readying a newcomer. Well-bred newcomer from an in-form stable; needs a betting check.
4
4th (4) (11/2 +66%) French Duke
5.5
11/2(+66%)
(4) French Duke 11/2, Shaped with a little encouragement when eighth of 12 in minor event at Newmarket (1m, good to soft, 16/1) on debut 45 days ago. Could take a step forward upped in distance. Hinted at ability on 1m Newmarket debut; open to progress.
7
5th (7) (9/1 -29%) Mach Ten
9
9/1(-29%)
(7) Mach Ten 9/1, Showed promise when fourth of 10 in minor event at Salisbury (1m, heavy, 15/2) on debut 65 days ago, taking fourth line. First run for yard after leaving Andrew Balding. Open to improvement over this longer trip. Promise on 1m Salisbury debut for Andrew Balding; likely improver for new stable.
11
6th (11) (28/1 -40%) Polly Sherman
28
28/1(-40%)
(11) Polly Sherman 28/1, Foaled January 22. €45,000 yearling, Golden Horn filly. Half-sister to 1¼m winner Baselitz. Dam, 1½m winner, closely related to smart 1¼m winner Shanjo. One to consider for yard enjoying a fine season with their 2-y-os. Dam 1m4f Group 2 winner in Germany; betting should help guide to expectations.
6
7th (6) (14/1 -87%) Lanfranco
14
14/1(-87%)
(6) Lanfranco 14/1, Made plenty of appeal on paper and offered something to work on when fifth of 12 in maiden at Lingfield (10f, AW, 7/2) on his first start 3 weeks ago. Helps to give his yard a strong hand in the race. Fifth of 12 on his 1m2f Lingfield debut 21 days ago; very well bred and should improve.
2
8th (2) (150/1 -275%) Carnival Day
150
150/1(-275%)
(2) Carnival Day 150/1, Very green on his first outing when seventh of 9 in minor event (50/1) at Chelmsford City (10f) 28 days ago. Looks one of the longer term. More one for longer term judged on his Chelmsford debut last month.
12
9th (12) (150/1 -500%) Shadowofyoursmile
150
150/1(-500%)
(12) Shadowofyoursmile 150/1, Foaled April 26. Gleneagles filly. Closely related to smart/moody 1¼m-1½m winner Grand Alliance and half-sister to 3 winners, including very smart 7f winner Dutch Connection. May just be better for this first experience. Another newcomer from a good family; check the betting..
8
10th (8) (66/1 -65%) Spartan Warrior
66
66/1(-65%)
(8) Spartan Warrior 66/1, Sent off big odds (50/1) but showed a bit when eighth of 10 in maiden at Kempton (1m) on debut 33 days ago. Could do better with that first outing behind him. Needs to have come on a lot for last month's 1m Kempton debut.
9
11th (9) (16/1 -191%) Zarandeo
16
16/1(-191%)
(9) Zarandeo 16/1, Foaled March 25. 270,000 gns yearling, Sea The Stars gelding. Dam unraced half-sister to Nunthorpe Stakes winner Margot Did, herself dam of US Grade 1 1¼m winner Magic Attitude. Trainer's newcomers command respect. 270,000gns son of Sea The Stars; top yard also runs Duke's Command; check the betting.
10
12th (10) (250/1 -213%) Dont Blame Tequila
250
250/1(-213%)
(10) Dont Blame Tequila 250/1, Foaled May 13. 7,000 gns yearling, Nathaniel filly. Closely related to winner abroad by Intello. Dam, 1½m-16.5f winner, half-sister to smart winner up to 1½m (stayed 14.5f) Windshear. Faces a tough task. More one for longer trips next year judged on pedigree.
LTO Selection:
17:00 Wolverhampton Stakes (Class 5) 10f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 5 race.
Little went right for DUKE'S COMMAND in a maiden at Chelmsford last month, when starting slowly and meeting trouble in running, and he did well to finish second under the circumstances. That form has been franked by the fourth scoring since and the son of Dubawi can go one place better if he adapts to racing with cheekpieces applied. Assailant took time to get going when third on debut at York in October but is entitled to be wiser for the run, while the selection's stablemate, Zarandeo, appeals most of the newcomers.
ASSAILANT made an encouraging debut when third at York in October, the only one to get involved from off the pace, and he can build on that effort as he goes up in trip. He is taken to get the better of Duke's Command and Mach Ten, who are both also open to improvement over this longer distance.
Several strong stables are represented. ASSAILANT shaped promisingly on his York debut and gets the nod ahead of Duke's Command.
(5) Heartwarmer 17/2, Foaled March 25. Holy Roman Emperor filly. Dam unraced half-sister to Hong Kong Cup winners Glorious Forever and Time Warp (also 2-time Hong Kong Gold Cup winner). Makes plenty of appeal on paper. By Hold Roman Emperor; unraced dam from a good family; worth considering on debut.
1
2nd (1) (10/3 -67%) Valentine Catcher
3.333333
10/3(-67%)
(1) Valentine Catcher 10/3, Bated Breath colt who overcame greenness and testing conditions to make a winning start in 11-runner minor event at Redcar (6f, heavy) on debut in October. Matched rather than advanced that form at Newmarket next time and he could have a say on all-weather debut. Two good turf runs so far, winning over 6f on debut; half-brother to an AW winner; chance.
4
3rd (4) (9/4 +50%) Smart Vision
2.25
9/4(+50%)
(4) Smart Vision 9/4, Promising type. 28/1, showed plenty more than first time up when fourth of 9 in minor event at this course (7.1f) 22 days ago, clear of rest. Likely to improve. Creditable fourth in a 7f novice here last time; drops in trip; further progress likely.
6
4th (6) (14/1 +13%) Alreet Cha
14
14/1(+13%)
(6) Alreet Cha 14/1, 28/1, third of 11 in minor event at Wolverhampton (6.1f) 16 days ago, keeping on after short of room home turn. Looks one for low-grade handicaps. Best run when 7l third in a Wolverhampton novice last time (6f); improvement needed.
2
5th (2) (5/2 +0%) Front Gunner
2.5
5/2(+0%)
(2) Front Gunner 5/2, Improved from debut when third of 7 in minor event (28/1) at this C&D 20 days ago, having run of race. Fancied to be in the shake-up. Promise on both starts so far, notably when third over C&D last time; interesting.
8
6th (8) (28/1 -12%) Dollarindex
28
28/1(-12%)
(8) Dollarindex 28/1, Foaled March 6. Washington Dc filly. Half-sister to several winners, including smart 2-y-o 5f-6f winner Eddie's Boy and useful winner up to 1m Masaru. Dam sprint maiden. Washington DC newcomer; half-sister to four winners (three won on the AW); a possible.
7
7th (7) (22/1 +33%) Lady Phoebe
22
22/1(+33%)
(7) Lady Phoebe 22/1, 40/1, showed a bit more than on debut when fifth of 11 in minor event at this course (7.1f) 25 days ago. More needed to feature. Fair efforts in a 6f maiden and a 7f novice, both here; more needed.
10
8th (10) (125/1 -279%) Groove Inn
125
125/1(-279%)
(10) Groove Inn 125/1, Shaped better than first time up when seventh of 10 in minor event (150/1) at this C&D 29 days ago, leading until over 1f out. Modest efforts in a maiden and a novice, both over C&D; improvement needed.
9
9th (9) (250/1 -150%) Grand Lady
250
250/1(-150%)
(9) Grand Lady 250/1, Well held in maiden/minor event. Well beaten at long odds in two AW events, one of them here; would be a surprise winner.
11
10th (11) (125/1 -279%) Royal City
125
125/1(-279%)
(11) Royal City 125/1, 66/1, shaped better than first time up when fifth of 8 in maiden at this course (7.1f) 74 days ago, late headway after not clear run under 3f out. Hasn't shown a great deal in two races here and looks more the sort for handicaps.
3
11th (3) (13/2 +7%) Marmaduke Lemon
6.5
13/2(+7%)
(3) Marmaduke Lemon 13/2, Foaled May 17. Sioux Nation gelding. Dam, ran once, granddaughter of Coronation Stakes winner Rebecca Sharp. By Sioux Nation; first foal of a lightly race mare; from a good yard; worth a market check.
LTO Selection:
17:15 Newcastle Stakes (Class 5) 6f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 5 race.
This looks like as good an opportunity as any for FRONT GUNNER to get off the mark, having shown up well on both starts here over the past month. Ann Duffield's charge gets the vote ahead of Smart Vision and Valentine Catcher, who was a good winner at Redcar on his debut before a decent effort under a penalty at Newmarket. A well-bred daughter of Holy Roman Emperor, Heartwarmer looks to be the pick of the newcomers.
Preference is for SMART VISION, who showed plenty more than first time up when fourth here just over 3 weeks ago, and with further progress on the cards, Jessica Macey's charge is fancied to make it third time lucky at the expense of Valentine Catcher, who must shoulder a penalty on all-weather debut. Marmaduke Lemon and Alreet Cha can fight out minor honours.
Although giving weight away all round, VALENTINE CATCHER is taken to win on his AW debut, with newcomer Heartwarmer a live threat.
(8) Win Win Power 5/1, Won 4 times at Southwell earlier this year. After 8 months off, ran well back on all-weather when fourth of 8 in handicap (3/1) at this C&D 17 days ago. Can give another good account. Four wins on Tapeta at start of 2023; solid return from a break over C&D recently; claims.
5
2nd (5) (5/1 +41%) Outrace
5
5/1(+41%)
(5) Outrace 5/1, Placed on his last 3 starts, bumping into an improver when second of 14 in handicap at Kempton (1m, 12/1) 19 days ago. Could be thereabouts once more. Arrives on the back of three placed efforts on AW and should have a part to play again.
3
3rd (3) (11/1 -47%) Wadacre Grace
11
11/1(-47%)
(3) Wadacre Grace 11/1, Four wins from 20 runs this year, with latest success at Chelmsford City in November. Excuses when sixth of 10 in handicap (5/1) at Lingfield (1m, AW) 3 weeks ago, denied a clear run. No surprise to see her bounce back. Gained fifth AW win at Chelmsford last month; excuses at Lingfield since.
4
4th (4) (33/1 -106%) Covert Legend
33
33/1(-106%)
(4) Covert Legend 33/1, Lesser effort when ninth of 10 in handicap (9/2) at Kempton (1m) in June, weakening quickly having again raced freely. Tongue strap applied as he makes first run for yard after leaving Joseph Parr. Off since July but some promise for previous yard and worth a look in betting; tongue tied.
10
5th (10) (11/1 +8%) Harbour Vision
11
11/1(+8%)
(10) Harbour Vision 11/1, Three-time C&D winner, including in October, and ran creditably when fifth of 11 in handicap (7/1) here 4 days ago. May just find it tougher returned to this higher grade, though. Third C&D success in October and two creditable runs here since, fifth of 11 on Tuesday.
9
6th (9) (9/1 +25%) King Of York
9
9/1(+25%)
(9) King Of York 9/1, Remains a maiden after 16 Flat runs. Ran poorly when last of 10 in handicap at Haydock (10.2f, good to firm, 12/1) in June. However, he could fare better back at this level after a break. Well held at Haydock when last seen in June and 0-16 overall.
12
7th (12) (15/2 -114%) Island Of Skye
7.5
15/2(-114%)
(12) Island Of Skye 15/2, Has been holding his form well and, in first-time blinkers, recorded his second win of the year when readily landing 11-runner handicap (11/4) at Kempton (1m) 33 days ago. Leading contender. In good form since joining this yard, including 1m Kempton win latest; player.
2
8th (2) (10/3 +5%) Al Baahy
3.333333
10/3(+5%)
(2) Al Baahy 10/3, One win from 23 Flat runs. Respectable fifth of 11 in handicap (9/2) at Southwell (7.1f) 15 days ago. Has run well on both previous outings at this C&D and he can make his presence felt. 1-23 overall but running well lately and the booking of Oisin Murphy is eyecatching.
6
9th (6) (9/1 -29%) Monkmoor Pip
9
9/1(-29%)
(6) Monkmoor Pip 9/1, Made winning debut at Lingfield in September. After a below-par run, back on track when fifth of 8 in handicap (6/1) at this C&D 17 days ago, despite having been left poorly placed. Could still have more to offer. Low-mileage AW winner who was 2l fifth in C&D handicap latest; not discounted.
11
10th (11) (7/1 +42%) Dancing Gypsy
7
7/1(+42%)
(11) Dancing Gypsy 7/1, After 6 days off, below the level of his stable debut effort when eighth of 12 in handicap at Newcastle (10.2f, 6/1) 20 days ago. Not one to write off having been edged down further in the weights. Third over 9.4f here on yard debut but only eighth at Newcastle since; down in trip.
7
11th (7) (66/1 -32%) Candy Warhol
66
66/1(-32%)
(7) Candy Warhol 66/1, In first-time tongue strap, virtually refused to race when last of 11 in handicap (40/1) at this course (7.2f) 37 days ago. One to treat with caution on the back of his latest run. Struggled badly lately, including virtually refusing to race latest.
LTO Selection:
17:30 Wolverhampton Handicap (Class 5) 9f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 5 race.
A low draw and the booking of Oisin Murphy could be a lethal combination for AL BAAHY in his bid to exploit a handy handicap mark. A close second over C&D off this rating on his penultimate start (Wadacre Grace was third), returning to this trip is a positive and a bold showing is expected. The in-form Outrace is suggested as the biggest threat to the selection this time around, while Monkmoor Pip could offer some value for a place.
In first-time blinkers, ISLAND OF SKYE gained his first success for his current yard when scoring decisively at Kempton last month and he can continue his good run of form to follow up. Al Baahy ran one of this season's better races when second at this C&D on his penultimate outing and could be the main danger, ahead of Outrace.
Perhaps AL BAAHY can get his head back in front with Oisin Murphy taking the ride. Island Of Skye is feared most.
(3) Fletchers Dream 33/1, £40,000 yearling but 20,000 gns 2-y-o, Advertise colt. Dam, 2-y-o 6f winner, half-sister to useful 2-y-o 6f winner Queen's Grace out of smart winner up to 7f (2-y-o 6f winner) Palace Affair. The betting should guide to expectations. 20,000gns 2yo; second foal; dam 6f 2yo winner; likely to be better for the run.
1
2nd (1) (9/4 -13%) Heathcliff
2.25
9/4(-13%)
(1) Heathcliff 9/4, 15/8, eighth of 12 in maiden (15/8) at Chelmsford (6f) on debut 35 days ago, very slowly away. Evidently thought capable of better and could prove a different proposition now. 15-8 favourite on debut but well beaten after running very green; looks certain to improve.
8
3rd (8) (17/2 -13%) Twirler
8.5
17/2(-13%)
(8) Twirler 17/2, Cable Bay half-sister to 7f winner Desert Marathon. Dam, 11f winner, half-sister to useful winner up to 6f Bannister. Interesting to see what the betting makes of this Newmarket raider. Fifth foal of a 1m3f AW winner; half-sister won over 6f in Belgium; could go well on debut.
5
4th (5) (9/1 +73%) Cassanos Lad
9
9/1(+73%)
(5) Cassanos Lad 9/1, 50/1, unseated rider leaving stalls in novice at Wolverhampton (7f) on debut 16 days ago. Unseated rider at the start (swerved and bucked) on debut (7f; 50-1); best watched.
7
5th (7) (7/4 -46%) Elderflower
1.75
7/4(-46%)
(7) Elderflower 7/4, 28/1, showed ability when sixth of 22 in sales race at Newmarket (6f, good to firm, 28/1) on debut 63 days ago. Entitled to improve for the experience and likely to go well. 28-1, sixth of 22 in a 6f sales race at Newmarket; dam AW winner; big player down in grade.
10
6th (10) (125/1 -25%) Showmeagoodtime
125
125/1(-25%)
(10) Showmeagoodtime 125/1, Twice-raced maiden. 125/1, ninth of 11 in novice at Wolverhampton (6f) 16 days ago. Some ability on debut (200-1) but well beaten at 150-1 last time; looks one for handicaps.
9
7th (9) (28/1 +15%) Highclere Girl
28
28/1(+15%)
(9) Highclere Girl 28/1, £6,000 yearling, Land Force filly. Dam, placed at 1m-1¼m, closely related to useful 2-y-o 5f/6f winner Infamous Angel. £6,000 yearling; dam placed over 1m (AW); stable's juveniles usually improve for a run..
4
8th (4) (11/1 +8%) Walter Mitty
11
11/1(+8%)
(4) Walter Mitty 11/1, 28/1, seventh of 9 in maiden over this C&D on debut 28 days ago. Beaten nearly 6l when seventh of nine in a C&D maiden last month (28-1); needs to improve.
6
9th (6) (66/1 +0%) Lang Toon Lad
66
66/1(+0%)
(6) Lang Toon Lad 66/1, 33/1, last of 11 in novice at this course (7f) on debut 25 days ago. 33-1, beaten 25l when last of 11 on debut here last month.
2
10th (2) (6/1 +20%) Manhattan Sunday
6
6/1(+20%)
(2) Manhattan Sunday 6/1, Mayson gelding. Half-brother to 5f winner Enraged. Dam winner up to 1m (2-y-o 6f/7f winner). Newcomer to note in the betting. Mayson half-brother to a 5f AW winner; stable's newcomers usually improve for the run.
LTO Selection:
17:45 Newcastle Stakes (Class 5) 6f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 5 race.
ELDERFLOWER was pitched in at the deep end on her debut when finishing a highly encouraging sixth in the valuable sales race at Newmarket. With plenty of improvement expected on the back of that effort, the daughter of Ten Sovereigns can get off the mark. Heathcliff went off favourite but disappointed first time out at Chelmsford. Better is expected from him, while Fletchers Dream and Twirler are newcomers to note for market support.
The strength behind HEATHCLIFF on his Chelmsford debut suggests he's held in good regard by his stable and it would be no surprise to see him leave that opening effort well behind now. Elderflower made a decent start to her career in a sales race at Newmarket and is the obvious threat unless the betting speaks in the favour of one or more of the newcomers.
In what looks the weaker of the two divisions, ELDERFLOWER is taken to confirm the promise of her debut run by beating Heathcliff.
(6) Follow Your Heart 7/2, Won first 3 starts this year (at this C&D on first 2 occasions). Good third of 12 in handicap at Kempton (7f, 17/2) 38 days ago, faring best of those held up. Major player in his current form. In excellent nick, third at Kempton latest; C&D winner is a player off an unchanged mark.
2
2nd (2) (5/2 +9%) Johnny James
2.5
5/2(+9%)
(2) Johnny James 5/2, Won first 2 starts, scoring at Southwell in June on the second occasion. After 3 months off, ran well when second of 10 in handicap (8/1) at this C&D 26 days ago. Enters calculations. Good runner-up over C&D latest; less exposed than most here and firmly in the picture.
3
3rd (3) (25/1 +24%) Bass Player
25
25/1(+24%)
(3) Bass Player 25/1, Has been struggling for form this year, in first-time blinkers when ninth of 10 in handicap at Newmarket (7f, good to firm, 33/1) 70 days ago. Has work to do on first run for yard after leaving Tom Clover. Winless since debut and beat only one at Newmarket in September; more needed on yard debut.
1
4th (1) (10/1 +0%) Titan Rock
10
10/1(+0%)
(1) Titan Rock 10/1, C&D winner. Run best excused when eleventh of 12 in handicap (14/1) at Newcastle (1m) 24 days ago, no room from 2f out. Had been in good form previously, so he's one to note back down in grade. C&D winner who arrives in good nick; he's well in the mix.
7
5th (7) (6/1 +40%) Love De Vega
6
6/1(+40%)
(7) Love De Vega 6/1, Made it back-to-back wins when successful at Musselburgh in August. Respectable efforts last 2 starts, fourth of 8 in handicap (11/2) at this C&D 17 days ago. Needs to find more. Dual scorer in August who posted a solid fourth over C&D 17 days ago; can go well again.
9
6th (9) (10/1 -100%) Leap Abroad
10
10/1(-100%)
(9) Leap Abroad 10/1, Back to form when won 9-runner handicap at this course (6.1f, 10/1) 2 weeks ago, edging ahead close home. Remains on a workable mark based on his strong early-season form. Won 6f handicap here two weeks ago; he ought to be in the shake-up nudged up just 1lb.
4
7th (4) (11/2 +21%) Letmelivemylife
5.5
11/2(+21%)
(4) Letmelivemylife 11/2, Three wins this year, including over C&D. First outing since leaving Sean Curran when fifth of 12 in handicap (40/1) at Chelmsford City (6f) 28 days ago, short of room final 1f. Could fare better with his recent run behind him C&D winner; off four months before encouraging Chelmsford fifth on yard debut; considered.
8
8th (8) (17/2 -6%) Revolutionise
8.5
17/2(-6%)
(8) Revolutionise 17/2, C&D winner. Better for run after 7 months off when sixth of 10 in handicap (22/1) at Chelmsford City (7f) 23 days ago, late headway without being knocked about. Interesting contender. Considerately-handled when sixth at Chelmsford latest; C&D winner; very much considered.
5
9th (5) (28/1 -100%) Walking On Clouds
28
28/1(-100%)
(5) Walking On Clouds 28/1, Four wins from 15 runs this year. Followed a good run with a below-par one when eighth of 10 in handicap (7/1) at Kempton (6f) 54 days ago. Has now dropped below his last winning mark, though. Four-time winner in 2023; only eighth at Kempton in October but sort to bounce back.
LTO Selection:
18:00 Wolverhampton Handicap (Class 4) 7f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 4 race.
Follow Your Heart is consistent at this level and rates as shortlist material once again, while similar comments apply to Love De Vega, who runs off just 1lb higher than his last winning mark (turf) and is feared despite his wide stall. However, LETMELIVEMYLIFE has a much more favourable draw and, having blown the cobwebs away with a solid effort at Chelmsford 28 days ago, everything looks set up for a big run on just his second start for the Barry Brennan yard.
FOLLOW YOUR HEART did well in the circumstances when third at Kempton on his latest outing, faring best of those held up, so he could be ready to return to winning ways back at this C&D. Johnny James remains lightly raced and is respected on his second start back following a break, with Titan Rock completing the shortlist.
Dual C&D scorer FOLLOW YOUR HEART signalled he is ready to go in again when an excellent Kempton third last time and he edges the vote
(10) Master Zoffany 16/1, Latest win at Chester in September. 9/1, ran just respectably when fourth of 7 in handicap at Lingfield (7f, AW) 14 days ago. Effective on Tapeta but having his first run here and seems to like turning tracks.
1
2nd (1) (11/4 -10%) Greatgadian
2.75
11/4(-10%)
(1) Greatgadian 11/4, Justified support to take advantage of a drop in grade over C&D in October. Not seen to best effect in a slowly-run race back up in trip at Lingfield since and remains well treated on old form. Strong traveller and could be interesting back at 7f, a trip not tried since his debut.
2
3rd (2) (4/1 +0%) Zip
4
4/1(+0%)
(2) Zip 4/1, 3-time C&D winner who proved as good as ever when landing a 7f Doncaster handicap in the mud in October. Not seen to best effect caught wide here last time and remains of interest. Ran well here back at 6f and yet he's done all his winning over this far.
3
4th (3) (13/2 +13%) Chuzzlewit
6.5
13/2(+13%)
(3) Chuzzlewit 13/2, Lightly-raced winner who produced a laboured effort when well held in valuable handicap at York (6f, soft) 56 days ago, missing break. Has been gelded since and he ran his best race on his only previous all-weather start. Interesting back from a break. Has run well in a Listed race here; gelded after two lesser efforts; hard to rule out.
4
5th (4) (5/1 +9%) Tough Enough
5
5/1(+9%)
(4) Tough Enough 5/1, 2 wins from 6 runs this year and shaped as if back in form when sixth of 10 in handicap at Wolverhampton (7.2f) 26 days ago, left poorly placed. Needs considering. Not a lot has gone right the last twice and could have a big run in him off this mark.
6
6th (6) (7/1 +56%) Scottish Summit
7
7/1(+56%)
(6) Scottish Summit 7/1, Course winner who shaped as if amiss when trailing home last of 10 to Zip in handicap (16/1) at Doncaster (7f, heavy) 42 days ago. Form claims on best turf efforts this year; hasn't had a lot of racing on the AW.
5
7th (5) (16/1 -14%) Symbolize
16
16/1(-14%)
(5) Symbolize 16/1, Thirteen runs since last win in 2021 and failed to build on the promise of last run when only seventh of 10 in handicap at Wolverhampton (7.2f) 26 days ago. Must up his game. Only 2-27 and managed only seventh on a belated AW debut at Wolverhampton last month.
7
8th (7) (16/1 -129%) Darwell Lion
16
16/1(-129%)
(7) Darwell Lion 16/1, Produced a strong finish to win 14-runner handicap at Kempton (8f, 10/1) 6 months ago. Has since left John Butler. Four-time winner but off since May and seems best at a mile these days.
8
9th (8) (10/1 +0%) Escobar
10
10/1(+0%)
(8) Escobar 10/1, Fifteen runs since last win in 2022 and ran poorly in a first-time visor when eighth of 11 in handicap (28/1) at Wolverhampton (7.2f) 43 days ago. Others more persuasive. Hard to win with these days having not got his head in front in more than a year.
9
10th (9) (33/1 -175%) Marshal Dan
33
33/1(-175%)
(9) Marshal Dan 33/1, Latest win at Leicester in October. Shaped better than the distance beaten suggests when seventh of 17 in handicap at Newmarket (7f, heavy, 11/1) 35 days ago. Multiple winner but only 1-13 on the AW and best figures have come on grass.
LTO Selection:
18:15 Newcastle Handicap (Class 2) 7f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 2 race.
Runner-up in this contest last year, ZIP has a fine record around here and going back up in trip should be right up his street as he looks to bounce back to the form of his Doncaster success in October. Stablemate Master Zoffany has run with plenty of credit on the all-weather the last twice and should be thereabouts, along with Greatgadian, who won here on his penultimate start. Darwell Lion and Escobar are capable of being in the shake-up also.
GREATGADIAN took advantage of a drop in grade over C&D in October and, having not been seen to best effect in a slowly-run race back up in trip at Lingfield since, he remains one to be interested in, especially as he's still well treated on past exploits. Zip can give another good account, while 3-y-o Chuzzlewit looks interesting returning to the all-weather after a break.
This looks open. TOUGH ENOUGH is in better form than his form figures suggest and he edges preference.
(6) Not Afraid 3/1, Highly promising individual. Fifth of 12 in minor event at Kempton (6f, 8/1) on debut 24 days ago, very slowly away. Open to significant improvement and can't be discounted. Eyecatching debut when fifth in Kempton novice, going on strongly at finish; interesting.
1
1st (1) (4/7 +67%) Lion's House
0.571429
4/7(+67%)
(1) Lion's House 4/7, Oasis Dream gelding who looked above average when making a winning start at Newcastle last month. Plenty more to come and worth a chance to maintain his unbeaten record. Created a good impression when making a winning debut in 6f Newcastle maiden; player.
4
2nd (4) (11/1 -69%) Influence
11
11/1(-69%)
(4) Influence 11/1, Foaled January 14. 23,000 gns 2-y-o, No Nay Never gelding. Half-brother to useful 2-y-o 6f winner A New Dawn and smart 1¼m/10.7f winner Sir Lamorak. Interesting newcomer. This No Nay Never gelding is in good hands and needs considering on his first run.
9
3rd (9) (6/1 -80%) Tourist
6
6/1(-80%)
(9) Tourist 6/1, Lightly-raced maiden. Below form fifth of 13 in maiden at Dundalk (7f, 5/2) 38 days ago, having to pick way through. First run for yard after leaving Ger Lyons. Sets a good standard. Fairly useful maiden at best for Ger Lyons; leading form claims if on song for new yard.
5
4th (5) (25/1 -150%) Musical Touch
25
25/1(-150%)
(5) Musical Touch 25/1, Once-raced maiden. Fifth of 7 in minor event (15/2) at Newcastle (6f) on debut 20 days ago, slowly away. Should progress. Encouraging debut fifth at Newcastle; this son of Mehmas can take a step forward.
3
5th (3) (12/1 +25%) Harrier Man
12
12/1(+25%)
(3) Harrier Man 12/1, Once-raced maiden. Seventh of 13 in maiden (16/1) at Kempton (7f) on debut 19 days ago, slowly away. 16-1, hinted at promise when a debut seventh at Kempton; can build on it.
7
6th (7) (28/1 -133%) Pickwell
28
28/1(-133%)
(7) Pickwell 28/1, Twice-raced maiden. 6/4, fourth of 12 in maiden at this C&D 26 days ago. Tongue strap on for 1st time. Others make more appeal. In the frame in a pair of C&D maidens; tongue tied now and he's no forlorn hope.
10
7th (10) (50/1 -257%) Erin May
50
50/1(-257%)
(10) Erin May 50/1, Foaled April 21. €50,000 foal, €40,000 yearling, Invincible Spirit filly. Sister to useful 7f winner Sense of Power and half-sister to 5f/6f winner Naughty Ana. This Invincible Spirit filly can't be dismissed on her first outing; worth a market check.
11
8th (11) (250/1 -200%) Lunar Rocks
250
250/1(-200%)
(11) Lunar Rocks 250/1, Twice-raced maiden. 66/1, tenth of 12 in maiden at Lingfield (6f, AW) 14 days ago. Cut little ice in a pair of maidens (C&D and Lingfield) last month; lots more needed.
2
9th (2) (200/1 -300%) Barnsnape Boy
200
200/1(-300%)
(2) Barnsnape Boy 200/1, Twice-raced maiden. Seventh of 8 in minor event at Kempton (6f, 16/1) 19 days ago. Hooded for 1st time. Failed to build on his debut sixth when only seventh at Kempton; hood is reached for now.
LTO Selection:
18:30 Wolverhampton Stakes (Class 4) 6f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 4 race.
There was plenty to like about the manner of LION'S HOUSE's cosy debut victory at Newcastle and, being a half-brother to a couple of useful all-weather winners, there is likely sufficient improvement in the tank to defy a penalty in this company. For all that, Tourist could be dangerous if repeating the pick of his Irish form on his first start for Jack Jones, whilst Musical Touch and Roman Emperor shaped encouragingly on their respective debuts.
Having opened his account at the first time of asking in ready fashion, LION'S HOUSE is taken to defy a penalty despite the presence of Tourist, who sets the standard based on what he achieved for Ger Lyons in Ireland. Newcomer Influence is worthy of interest if he attracts market support.
Roger Varian's LION'S HOUSE looked an exciting prospect when going in at the first time of asking at Newcastle and looks the way to go.
(8) Admiral Nelson 16/1, 12/1, eleventh of 14 in handicap at Dundalk (7f) 50 days ago. Makes tapeta debut. First run for yard after leaving J. F. Levins. Lost his way after winning a Cork handicap in May; now with a new yard.
11
2nd (11) (14/1 -75%) Plink
14
14/1(-75%)
(11) Plink 14/1, Lightly-raced maiden. Run best excused when last of 12 in handicap (6/1) at this course (8f) 20 days ago, badly hampered over 1f out. Promising first run for this yard and suffered interference the next time.
1
3rd (1) (4/1 -60%) Maxzeno
4
4/1(-60%)
(1) Maxzeno 4/1, Respectable fifth of 11 in handicap (6/4) at Chelmsford City (6f) 23 days ago. Worth another chance to confirm the promise of his Newmarket run on penultimate start. Respectable the last twice; unraced over this far but it's worth a go.
7
4th (7) (25/1 +0%) Miss Britain
25
25/1(+0%)
(7) Miss Britain 25/1, Eleventh of 12 in handicap at this course (6f, 18/1) 20 days ago. Others make more appeal. Has essentially become disappointing, last time beating one home here.
5
5th (5) (10/3 +58%) Amaysmont
3.333333
10/3(+58%)
(5) Amaysmont 10/3, Course winner. Thirteen runs since last win in 2022. 20/1, fourth of 7 in handicap at Sandown (8f, heavy). Off 129 days and has enough to prove despite much-reduced mark. Has struggled for this yard but has dropped to a dangerous mark; best on AW.
3
6th (3) (12/1 +25%) Berkshire Phantom
12
12/1(+25%)
(3) Berkshire Phantom 12/1, Took a step back in the right direction when sixth of 12 in handicap (33/1) at Leicester (7f, good) 60 days ago, never nearer. Cheekpieces on for 1st time and has possibilities if building on that run. Useful for Andrew Balding earlier this year but the wheels have come off big time.
6
7th (6) (11/1 +21%) Fiftyshadesofred
11
11/1(+21%)
(6) Fiftyshadesofred 11/1, C&D winner. Fifteen runs since last win in 2022. 28/1, respectable fifth of 10 in handicap at Wolverhampton (8.6f) 17 days ago. Has eased in the weights and can't be dismissed. Hasn't been offering much and raced keenly in this headgear last time.
10
8th (10) (5/1 +29%) Code Purple
5
5/1(+29%)
(10) Code Purple 5/1, C&D winner. Operating below his best at present but is now down to a mark 4 lb below his last winning one. Returning to 7f a plus but doesn't seem in the best of form judged on recent efforts.
4
9th (4) (15/2 -7%) Dandys Derriere
7.5
15/2(-7%)
(4) Dandys Derriere 15/2, Successful here in August but produced a laboured effort when well held at Chepstow (6.1f, good) later that month. Off since and has had a breathing operation. On a fair mark if sufficiently fit after a while off; had a wind operation.
12
10th (12) (33/1 -500%) Absolute Dream
33
33/1(-500%)
(12) Absolute Dream 33/1, Course winner. Latest win at Hamilton in September. Good third of 12 in handicap at this C&D (28/1) 36 days ago. Perhaps committed a shade early over C&D last time and was mowed down by late arrivals.
2
11th (2) (14/1 -40%) Bonkersinabundance
14
14/1(-40%)
(2) Bonkersinabundance 14/1, Won twice at Brighton during the summer and seemed unsuited by conditions when beating only one home in 9-runner handicap there 51 days ago. Could bounce back. Dual fast-ground winner during the summer; AW record of 0-5 is none too inspiring.
9
12th (9) (10/1 -43%) Jems Bond
10
10/1(-43%)
(9) Jems Bond 10/1, 5-time course winner. 3 wins from 12 runs this year. 18/1, seventh of 15 in handicap at Redcar (7f, good). Reverts to all-weather from a 14lb higher mark after 6 months off. Absent since May but usually gives his running here and handicap mark isn't a problem.
LTO Selection:
18:45 Newcastle Handicap (Class 6) 7f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 6 race.
A chance is taken on MAXZENO, who wasn't disgraced over 6f at Chelmsford last time and can make his presence felt off a career-low mark. The form of that latest effort has been boosted given the third has subsequently scored and Michael Appleby's charge looks set to mount a bold bid this evening. Dandys Derriere rates the biggest danger off the same mark as his neck second over 6f at Wolverhampton on his penultimate start. He commands respect back on the all-weather, while Amaysmont is also noted.
MAXZENO was a bit underwhelming at Chelmsford last time, but he's worth another chance to confirm the promise of his Newmarket effort dropped further in grade. Code Purple and Fiftyshadesofred have both eased in the weights and could figure prominently.
The frustrating MAXZENO has had a tendency to finish his races off well over shorter and this new trip is worth a go.
(3) Ippotheos 11/4, Thrice-raced maiden. 28/1, last of 11 in minor event at Leicester (7f, soft) 88 days ago. First run for yard after leaving Paul & Oliver Cole but can't be discounted for new handler. Last at Leicester in September final run for Paul/Oliver Cole; not ruled out for new yard.
1
2nd (1) (5/2 +69%) Completely Random
2.5
5/2(+69%)
(1) Completely Random 5/2, Sixth of 12 in minor event (12/1) at Kempton (6f) on debut 24 days ago. Should have more to offer. Hinted at promise when sixth at Kempton on his debut; can take a step forward now.
6
3rd (6) (7/1 -56%) Quiet Resolve
7
7/1(-56%)
(6) Quiet Resolve 7/1, Foaled February 26. €36,000 foal, €30,000 yearling, €75,000 2-y-o, Showcasing colt. Dam unraced half-sister to winner up to 1½m Starlish and winner up to 12.5f Staros (both smart). Worth a market check. Son of Showcasing who is in good hands and worth a market check on his first run.
2
4th (2) (15/2 -233%) Giorgio M
7.5
15/2(-233%)
(2) Giorgio M 15/2, Fair maiden. Creditable sixth of 7 in nursery at Kempton (8f, 14/1) 19 days ago. Back down in trip and not discounted. Fair form; not disgraced when sixth at Kempton latest; holds good claims.
9
5th (9) (9/2 -125%) Caroline Bay
4.5
9/2(-125%)
(9) Caroline Bay 9/2, Foaled March 18. No Nay Never filly. Dam 2-y-o 5f/6f winner. Interesting debutant and well worth monitoring in the betting. No Nay Never filly; dam Group 3 winner; yard can ready them so she looks a player on debut.
11
6th (11) (33/1 -32%) Smooth Silesie
33
33/1(-32%)
(11) Smooth Silesie 33/1, Lightly-raced maiden. 16/1, last of 8 in nursery at Carlisle (6.9f, good). Off 100 days. Makes tapeta debut with more required. Fair form at best but last in Carlisle nursery in August; lots more needed on Tapeta debut.
7
7th (7) (33/1 -106%) Ten Club
33
33/1(-106%)
(7) Ten Club 33/1, Twice-raced maiden. Twelfth of 13 in maiden at Kempton (7f, 16/1) 19 days ago. Beat only one in 7f Kempton maiden 19 days ago; he needs to bounce back.
4
8th (4) (150/1 -500%) Maveric's Magic
150
150/1(-500%)
(4) Maveric's Magic 150/1, Twice-raced maiden. Ninth of 12 in maiden at this C&D (200/1) 26 days ago, never nearer. Never a threat in 6f maidens at Newcastle and over C&D this autumn.
10
9th (10) (250/1 -279%) Inawe
250
250/1(-279%)
(10) Inawe 250/1, Twice-raced maiden. 125/1, first run since leaving W. Ross when seventh of 11 in minor event at this C&D 16 days ago. Tongue strap on for 1st time. Offered little on her yard debut when seventh in C&D novice 16 days ago; tongue tied now.
5
10th (5) (11/2 -38%) Power Shot
5.5
11/2(-38%)
(5) Power Shot 11/2, Sixth of 9 in minor event at Newcastle (7.1f, 14/1) on debut 22 days ago. Should improve. Encouraging debut sixth at Newcastle; son of Showcasing can do better now dropped in trip.
8
11th (8) (200/1 -203%) Top Flight Century
200
200/1(-203%)
(8) Top Flight Century 200/1, Thrice-raced maiden. 200/1, ninth of 10 in minor event at this course (7.2f) 16 days ago. Can do better once handicapping. Has been brought along very steadily; sort to do better once in handicaps over further.
LTO Selection:
19:00 Wolverhampton Stakes (Class 4) 6f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 4 race.
A market move for Andrew Balding's newcomer Caroline Bay, a No Nay Never filly out of a Group 3-winning dam, could be significant in a race where none of those to have raced look fully persuasive. Fellow debutant Quiet Resolve has seen his price-tag increase incrementally and also warrants consideration, but it may pay to side with Karl Burke's POWER SHOT, who ran well for a long way over an extra furlong at Newcastle first time out.
Andrew Balding's newcomer CAROLINE BAY is bred to be sharp so is fancied to get off to a flying start. Giorgio M rates the form pick of those with experience and is next on the list ahead of Mick Appleby's new recruit Ippotheos and Richard Fahey's debutant Quiet Resolve.
It may be worth siding with Andrew Balding's filly CAROLINE BAY to make a winning start at the chief expense of Giorgio M
(9) Solray 9/4, Just third start and AW debut when winning C&D novice in September. Shaped better than the result when fifth of 9 in C&D handicap since. Big player here with further progress on the cards. 3yo who still has untapped potential and looks interesting in only his second handicap.
7
2nd (7) (7/1 +7%) Clipsham La Habana
7
7/1(+7%)
(7) Clipsham La Habana 7/1, C&D winner. Creditable fifth of 9 in handicap (4/1) at Wolverhampton (6f) 14 days ago. Another who could make his presence felt. C&D winner who wasn't far behind Dickieburd at Wolverhampton latest; could be dangerous.
8
3rd (8) (20/1 -67%) Illusionist
20
20/1(-67%)
(8) Illusionist 20/1, Creditable fourth of 11 in handicap over C&D 24 days ago but his losing run goes back a bit. Fair fourth over C&D latest but his losing run is mounting up and others are preferred.
1
4th (1) (20/1 -67%) Jump The Gun
20
20/1(-67%)
(1) Jump The Gun 20/1, Unreliable individual. C&D winner in November but only eighth of 9 back here since. 66-1 win over C&D last month but was only eighth of nine here last time.
6
5th (6) (18/1 -50%) Pockley
18
18/1(-50%)
(6) Pockley 18/1, Six-time course winner, including this race last year. Back to winning ways here (5f) in November. Creditable fifth of 11 in handicap at this course (5f,) 22 days ago. Blinkers back on. Won this race last year and he scored over 5f here on penultimate run; not ruled out.
2
6th (2) (10/3 +33%) Secret Guest
3.333333
10/3(+33%)
(2) Secret Guest 10/3, Latest win at Redcar in September. 4/1, good second of 9 over C&D 25 days ago, finishing well. 3yo who has been as good as ever this autumn and was a close second over C&D last time.
11
7th (11) (7/2 -20%) Al Ameen
3.5
7/2(-20%)
(11) Al Ameen 7/2, Made a winning return for new yard after a year off at Kempton (6f) in October. Even better form when second of 10 at Lingfield since. Likely to give another good account. Won on his comeback at Kempton and was a good second at Lingfield last time; possibilities.
12
8th (12) (66/1 -164%) Installation
66
66/1(-164%)
(12) Installation 66/1, Won a 5f novice in September 2022. Third in a 6f handicap there in May but off since well held at Nottingham in June. Makes AW debut back from 6 months off. Been gelded and is still lightly raced but has something to prove on his return; visor off.
4
9th (4) (10/1 -33%) Dickieburd
10
10/1(-33%)
(4) Dickieburd 10/1, C&D winner in November. Couple of good placed efforts since. Likely to be in the shake-up again. Generally progressive 3yo who went close off this mark at Wolverhampton latest; respected.
5
10th (5) (33/1 -32%) Venturous
33
33/1(-32%)
(5) Venturous 33/1, Five-time course winner but it's 22 runs since the latest back in March 2022. 16/1, ninth of 11 in handicap at this course (5f) 22 days ago. Need to see more. His last win was 21 months ago and he's finished down the field in last seven starts.
3
11th (3) (22/1 -193%) Haziym
22
22/1(-193%)
(3) Haziym 22/1, Eleven runs since last win in 2022. Good second of 11 in handicap over C&D 24 days ago. Well handicapped if he can build on that. Record of 1-13 but he made a bold bid off a tumbling mark over C&D last time; shortlisted.
LTO Selection:
19:15 Newcastle Handicap (Class 4) 6f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 4 race.
Having been beaten just a neck over 6f at Wolverhampton last time, DICKIEBURD is fancied to get his head in front this evening. Craig Lidster's charge has been a model of consistency of late and he likes it at this track, not being out of the first two on each of his last two outings here. Secret Guest should be thereabouts raised just 1lb after a half-length defeat over C&D last time, while Haziym is also worthy of consideration.
A competitive handicap. Although SOLRAY lacks the experience of his rivals his promising effort on his C&D handicap debut last month suggests this 3-y-o has a race in him from this sort of mark. Fellow Newmarket raider Al Ameen is second choice ahead of Bryan Smart's Secret Guest.
Plenty have possibilities but SECRET GUEST gets the vote ahead of Dickieburd and the very lightly raced 3yo Solray.
(6) Vaguely Royal 8/15, On the up since sent handicapping and he landed 7-runner handicap (11/8) at Newcastle (12.4f) 68 days ago. Merits serious consideration. Progressive son of Galileo who scored at Newcastle latest; big player despite a 3lb rise.
4
2nd (4) (17/2 -42%) Graphite
8.5
17/2(-42%)
(4) Graphite 17/2, Good second of 14 in handicap at Kempton (12f, 14/1) 24 days ago. Ought to be in the shake-up. Without a win since 2021 but back to some form when 2nd at Kempton latest; shortlisted.
3
3rd (3) (12/1 -85%) Oneforthegutter
12
12/1(-85%)
(3) Oneforthegutter 12/1, Latest win at Ascot in July. Creditable fourth of 10 in handicap (28/1) at this course (14f) 16 days ago, well positioned. In the mix. Got back on track on his AW debut when fourth here 16 days ago; needs considering.
2
4th (2) (7/1 +50%) Bascule
7
7/1(+50%)
(2) Bascule 7/1, Respectable eighth of 16 in handicap at Chester (18.6f, soft, 33/1). Off 7 months. Significantly down in trip and needs to hit the ground running. Off since creditable eighth in Chester Cup in May; needs to hit the ground running.
7
5th (7) (28/1 -100%) The Thunderer
28
28/1(-100%)
(7) The Thunderer 28/1, C&D winner. Latest win at Chester in June. 80/1 and cheekpieces on for 1st time, creditable fifth of 12 in handicap at Southwell (12.1f) 87 days ago. Can go well again. C&D winner; fair fifth at Southwell (1m4f) in September; he's not ruled out after a break.
1
6th (1) (6/1 +0%) Wynter Wildes
6
6/1(+0%)
(1) Wynter Wildes 6/1, 3 wins from 11 runs this year. Latest win at Yarmouth in September. 14/1, good 1¼ lengths third of 14 to Safety Catch in listed race at Lingfield (13f, AW) 32 days ago. Not ruled out back in handicap company. Solid third in 1m5f Listed event at Lingfield latest; can go well again in h'cap company.
5
7th (5) (28/1 -133%) Wahraan
28
28/1(-133%)
(5) Wahraan 28/1, Useful winner at his best but off 14 months since seventh of 11 in handicap at Windsor (11.4f, good to firm, 4/1) on final run for Sir Michael Stoute. Market can guide on tapeta/yard debut. Useful 1m2f winner for Sir Michael Stoute in 2021; lightly raced since; no forlorn hope.
LTO Selection:
19:30 Wolverhampton Handicap (Class 2) 12f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 2 race.
A competitive event in which the consistent Wynter Wildes has to be considered back in handicap company after posting arguably a career-best effort to place in a Lingfield Listed event last month. Graphite also arrives in terrific form after going close at Kempton last time but preference is for the less-exposed VAGUELY ROYAL, who doesn't look to have been over-penalised (3lb rise) for swooping late to win on his all-weather debut at Newcastle.
VAGUELY ROYAL is the improver in the field so he looks the way to go on the back of his Newcastle victory last time out. Graphite is feared most on the back of his good Kempton second ahead of C&D scorer The Thunderer and in-form Oneforthegutter.
Sole 3yo VAGUELY ROYAL (nap) arrives on the up and this son of Galileo is a confident choice to defy a 3lb rise for his Newcastle win.
(12) Rory 7/1, Unreliable type. Course winner. Twenty-three runs since last win in 2022. Respectable fourth of 10 in handicap (5/1) at this C&D 37 days ago. Cheekpieces back on and not without an each-way chance. Back to form with a fair fourth over C&D last time and has claims if he can build on that.
11
2nd (11) (14/1 +30%) Warminster
14
14/1(+30%)
(11) Warminster 14/1, First run since leaving Robert Cowell when tenth of 11 in handicap (28/1) at this C&D 24 days ago. Something to find on form. Inconsistent type with a record of 1-13 and others are more solid.
9
3rd (9) (10/1 +50%) Ignac Lamar
10
10/1(+50%)
(9) Ignac Lamar 10/1, Eighth of 12 in handicap (25/1) at this C&D 39 days ago. Hard to warm to. Last success was 11 months ago and he's struggled in both runs for new yard; down the list.
4
4th (4) (7/2 -5%) Rainbow Rain
3.5
7/2(-5%)
(4) Rainbow Rain 7/2, C&D winner. 3 wins from 11 runs this year. Creditable third of 12 in handicap (5/1) at this C&D 20 days ago. Solid chance. Prominent-racer who has form figures of 1221153 since July; in the mix again.
7
5th (7) (9/2 +0%) Carlton And Co
4.5
9/2(+0%)
(7) Carlton And Co 9/2, Course winner in August. 10/3, creditable fourth of 12 in handicap at this C&D 39 days ago. Likely to be on the premises once more. Won here in August and was an eyecatching fourth over C&D latest; dangerous.
8
6th (8) (66/1 -100%) The Princes Poet
66
66/1(-100%)
(8) The Princes Poet 66/1, 28/1, first run since leaving Eve Johnson Houghton when eighth of 9 in handicap at Chelmsford City (6f) 18 days ago. Readily passed over. Disappointing since Brighton win in May and was in rear on his stable debut at Chelmsford.
5
7th (5) (9/1 +10%) Athollblair Boy
9
9/1(+10%)
(5) Athollblair Boy 9/1, Sevem-time C&D winner. Eighth of 12 in handicap at this C&D (10/1) 20 days ago. Cheekpieces back on and this 10-y-o is dangerous to discount having slipped to an attractive mark. Nine-time course winner but he's been quiet here in his three runs this autumn.
2
8th (2) (8/1 +0%) Noteable
8
8/1(+0%)
(2) Noteable 8/1, C&D winner in October. 9/1, tenth of 12 in handicap at Wolverhampton (6.1f) 22 days ago. Needs to bounce back. Off the mark over C&D in October but she's flopped at Wolverhampton in both runs since.
3
9th (3) (50/1 -213%) Dercol
50
50/1(-213%)
(3) Dercol 50/1, Lightly-raced maiden. 13/2, last of 9 in handicap at Bath (5.7f, soft). Off 7 months ahead of this debut for new yard and it's probably best to look elsewhere. Struggled on handicap debut in May and has something to prove on return for new yard.
1
10th (1) (16/1 -100%) Pride Of Spain
16
16/1(-100%)
(1) Pride Of Spain 16/1, Lightly-raced maiden. 8/1, last of 10 in handicap at this course (8f) 24 days ago. Back down in trip and cheekpieces on 1st time. Looks vulnerable. Still unexposed but he needs to get back on track on this return to sprinting; headgear on.
6
11th (6) (14/1 -27%) Holbache
14
14/1(-27%)
(6) Holbache 14/1, Seventh of 11 in handicap (6/1) at Lingfield (6f, AW) 14 days ago. Chance on old form, but opposable based on recent evidence. Ended 2022 with a 5l win at Kempton but he's been out of sorts in his five runs this year.
10
12th (10) (11/2 -10%) Lezardrieux
5.5
11/2(-10%)
(10) Lezardrieux 11/2, Won 12-runner handicap (6/1) at this C&D 25 days ago, kept up to work. 4 lb rise tolerable and likely to give another good account. Emerged from the doldrums this autumn and he won over C&D last time; respected up 4lb.
LTO Selection:
19:45 Newcastle Handicap (Class 6) 6f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 6 race.
RAINBOW RAIN was only beaten a length over C&D last month and a repeat of that effort would see him go close. Carlton And Co is also given a favourable mention dropped 1lb in the ratings after being beaten just under two lengths over C&D last time, while Holbache runs off 2lb lower than his last winning mark and warrants plenty of respect.
The consistent RAINBOW RAIN put in another good shift when hitting the crossbar over C&D and he could take some pegging back off the same mark. Athollblair Boy is 2 lb lower than for this success here during the spring and is feared on the back of an encouraging effort last time. Lezardrieux has been in good heart since returned to the all-weather and is also considered, along with Carlton And Co.
Preference is for LEZARDRIEUX, who got back on the scoresheet over C&D last month and remians well treated on his best form.
(3) Whatawit 7/4, Fairly useful bumper winner who shaped well in a competitive Leopardstown maiden 5 months ago. Unusual profile, particularly for one from this stable, but he sets the standard and is open to improvement. Dual bumper scorer; promising third in Leopardstown maiden; holds leading form claims.
6
2nd (6) (3/1 +33%) Lartigue
3
3/1(+33%)
(6) Lartigue 3/1, Tapit colt. Half-brother to 2-y-o 1m winner Monorail. Dam US winner up to 8.5f (Grade 1 and 2-y-o 5f-6f (Grade 3) winner). Highly respected on debut. Tapit colt; considered newcomer, especially if market speaks in his favour.
5
3rd (5) (11/2 -144%) Composite
5.5
11/2(-144%)
(5) Composite 11/2, Making GB/IRE Flat debut. 6/4, fourth of 11 in bumper at Huntingdon (13.7f, good) on NH debut 14 days ago. Will need to step up on that if he's to feature. Shaped well when fourth in Huntingdon bumper; in good hands and must enter calculations.
11
4th (11) (10/3 +17%) Beyond Words
3.333333
10/3(+17%)
(11) Beyond Words 10/3, Once-raced maiden. Sixth of 8 in minor event (15/8) at Newcastle (8f) on debut 64 days ago. Significantly up in trip. Should have more to offer. Green when encouraging debut sixth at Newcastle; son of Frankel can do fair bit better.
1
5th (1) (50/1 -213%) Lookingdandy
50
50/1(-213%)
(1) Lookingdandy 50/1, Once-raced maiden on Flat. 150/1, first run since leaving Ben Pauling when sixth of 12 in minor event at Lingfield (10f, AW) on flat debut 21 days ago. Up in trip. Step forward for new yard when sixth in Lingfield novice; not ruled out if building on it.
2
6th (2) (13/2 +19%) Thirtyfourstitches
6.5
13/2(+19%)
(2) Thirtyfourstitches 13/2, Useful jumps winner. Once-raced maiden on Flat. Useful winner at 23f over hurdles. 40/1, third of 8 in minor event at this C&D on Flat debut 21 days ago. May do better in this sphere. Useful hurdler who shaped with encouragement when C&D third latest; firmly in the picture.
9
7th (9) (125/1 -25%) Pacific
125
125/1(-25%)
(9) Pacific 125/1, Once-raced maiden on Flat. 125/1, sixth of 8 in minor event at this C&D on flat debut 21 days ago. Little promise shown in a Warwick bumper and C&D novice last month.
12
8th (12) (200/1 -100%) Silver Bobbin
200
200/1(-100%)
(12) Silver Bobbin 200/1, Twice-raced maiden. 250/1, last of 11 in maiden at Kempton (12f) 87 days ago. Has failed to beat a rival in maidens at Goodwood (1m2f) and Kempton (11f) this summer.
7
9th (7) (22/1 -57%) Villazon
22
22/1(-57%)
(7) Villazon 22/1, Reluctant individual. 4/1 and blinkered, third of 8 in maiden at Windsor (10f, heavy) on debut. Off 7 months. Up in trip. First run for yard after leaving John & Thady Gosden. Blinkered when debut third at Windsor in May; gelded since and not ruled out for new yard.
4
10th (4) (250/1 -150%) Amenadiel
250
250/1(-150%)
(4) Amenadiel 250/1, Once-raced maiden on Flat. 150/1, last of 11 in maiden at this course (7.2f) on flat debut 5 days ago. Significantly up in trip. Last of 11 on his Flat debut in 7f maiden here five days ago; lots more is needed.
10
11th (10) (100/1 -900%) Alta Comedia
100
100/1(-900%)
(10) Alta Comedia 100/1, Twice-raced maiden. Last of 8 in maiden at this course (9.5f, 9/1) 33 days ago. Up in trip. Off seven months before last of eight in maiden here 33 days ago; she may still do better.
8
12th (8) (250/1 -150%) Mazaminsky
250
250/1(-150%)
(8) Mazaminsky 250/1, Twice-raced maiden. Last of 11 in maiden at Kempton (8f, 300/1). Off over 3 years. Significantly up in trip. First run for yard after leaving Frank Bishop. Cut little ice in maidens at Windsor (6f) and Kempton (1m) in 2020 for Frank Bishop.
LTO Selection:
20:00 Wolverhampton Stakes (Class 5) 12f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 5 race.
A tricky puzzle to solve sees the tentative nod going to COMPOSITE, who was very well backed on debut when finishing a modest fourth over the extended 1m5f in a bumper at Huntingdon and he can be seen to better effect this evening. George Boughey's charge shaped as if this drop in trip would suit and he can gain compensation in this low-grade affair. Dual bumper winner Whatawit is feared most after a decent third over 1m7f at Leopardstown in June for Sir Mark Prescott, whose runners are always worth a second look, while Villazon can build on his debut effort.
WHATAWIT hasn't made the usual start that might be expected for one from the Prescott stable, but he has plenty of ability and should improve in this sphere, so he's preferred to Lartigue, a newcomer with an above-average pedigree. Beyond Words also has some potential.
Sir Mark Prescott's dual bumper winner WHATAWIT shaped well when third in a big-field Leopardstown maiden so looks the way to go here
(7) Haku 9/2, C&D winner. 6/1, creditable fifth of 14 in handicap at Kempton (12f) 24 days ago. In the picture. Comes here in good order, fifth of 14 at Kempton (1m4f) 24 days ago; well in the mix.
1
2nd (1) (2/1 +27%) Nolton Cross
2
2/1(+27%)
(1) Nolton Cross 2/1, Dual C&D winner early this year and he returned from 11 weeks off with an encouraging fifth of 10 here (14f) 16 days ago. Weighted to go well. Two-time C&D scorer; promising return from layoff when fifth here latest; big shout.
2
3rd (2) (9/2 +0%) Enthrallment
4.5
9/2(+0%)
(2) Enthrallment 9/2, Respectable seventh of 14 in handicap at Kempton (12f, 9/2) 24 days ago, needing stronger gallop. Makes tapeta debut. Enters calculations. Winless since 2021 but arrives in good nick; considered.
6
4th (6) (9/2 +18%) Way Of Life
4.5
9/2(+18%)
(6) Way Of Life 9/2, C&D winner. Thirteen runs since last win in 2022. 18/5, creditable second of 8 in handicap at this C&D 16 days ago. Not discounted. C&D scorer who has been knocking on the door; ought to be in the shake-up nudged up 1lb.
3
5th (3) (11/2 +39%) La Pulga
5.5
11/2(+39%)
(3) La Pulga 11/2, Respectable seventh of 12 in handicap (8/1) at Newcastle (12.4f) 24 days ago. One for the shortlist. Scored at Hamilton (1m5f) in June and back on song of late; possibilities.
4
6th (4) (12/1 -140%) Haliphon
12
12/1(-140%)
(4) Haliphon 12/1, Creditable fourth of 8 in handicap (5/2) at Chelmsford City (13.3f) 30 days ago. Makes tapeta debut. Twelve runs since last win in 2022. Not disgraced when fourth at Chelmsford 30 days ago; considered on his Tapeta debut.
5
7th (5) (18/1 -177%) Lexington Knight
18
18/1(-177%)
(5) Lexington Knight 18/1, 3 wins from 15 runs this year. Eighth of 12 in handicap (12/1) at Newcastle (12.4f) 24 days ago. Blinkers back on. Can give a good account if shrugging off latest effort. C&D winner; not discredited when eighth at Newcastle 24 days ago; he's not discounted.
8
8th (8) (80/1 -21%) Robert Walpole
80
80/1(-21%)
(8) Robert Walpole 80/1, Last of 10 in handicap (80/1) at this course (9.5f) 25 days ago. Back up in trip with work to do. A dual winner in 2022 but he's failed to beat a rival in his two starts this term.
LTO Selection:
20:30 Wolverhampton Handicap (Class 4) 12f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 4 race.
WAY OF LIFE was only narrowly beaten over C&D last time and he looks primed to go one better today. Jonathan Portman's charge has been knocking on the door of late and, raised just 1lb in the ratings for that latest effort, he looks the one to beat. Nolton Cross is feared most on a tempting mark now dropped in trip after being well supported when fifth over 1m6f at this venue last month, while Haliphon completes the shortlist.
NOLTON CROSS made an encouraging return from a break when fifth here last month and can build on it to bag a third C&D success of 2023. Fellow C&D scorer Haku is next on the list, with Way of Life and Enthrallment also in the picture in an open handicap.
Dual C&D scorer NOLTON CROSS signalled he's ready to go close again when a promising fifth here last time out, so gets the verdict.
Racecard Key
Ths is the racecard key.
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Meaning
TomForm top stats, gold rated
TomForm top stats silver rated
Ran similar race before
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TomForm fatstest rated speed horse, last time out
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Top Time speeed rated
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At the races watchout for
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Top rated for thet statistic
How to use Tomform
Please Watch this short video that will help you learn how to use Tomform.com to filter out the runners and find a winner in each race.
This is the 16:15 Kempton race from the video above backed at 28/1 earlier in the day.
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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.
There are two main types of horse racing in the UK: flat racing and jump racing. Flat racing is run on a level course and is typically shorter in distance, while jump racing involves horses jumping over obstacles and is generally longer in distance. Both types of racing are popular with spectators and bettors, and they take place at various racetracks throughout the country.
The most famous horse racing event in the UK is the Grand National, which is held annually at Aintree Racecourse in Liverpool. It is a jump racing event that is known for its challenging course and has become a national institution in the UK. Other notable horse racing events in the UK include the Derby, held at Epsom Downs Racecourse in Surrey, and the Royal Ascot, held at Ascot Racecourse in Berkshire.
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