There were 33 Races on Thursday 12th December 2024 across 4 meetings. There was 9 races at Newcastle, 8 races at Warwick, 7 races at Taunton, 9 races at Chelmsford-City, no doubt Tomform helped you find a winner.
Races & Results Thursday 12th December 2024
The data in the racecards below is for the past year. View the racecard key.
(5) Swinging London 10/11, Winning hurdler who finally gained a deserved success on the level at Southwell on Tuesday. powering away. Has to be taken seriously under a penalty if allowed to take his chance. Runner-up in three consecutive outings before finally scoring for a second time on Tuesday.
8
2nd (8) (14/1 -17%) Letmeseethecolts
14
14/1(-17%)
(8) Letmeseethecolts 14/1, Fourth of 7 in handicap at Catterick (12.1f, good to firm, 12/1). Off 6 months. Off since June; needs extra but relatively unexposed and could have more to give.
9
3rd (9) (14/1 -40%) Visitant
14
14/1(-40%)
(9) Visitant 14/1, Unreliable type. C&D winner. Creditable fifth of 11 in handicap (12/1) at this course (10.2f) 35 days ago, nearest finish after waiting for a gap. Back up in trip. Veteran but four 2nds this season and he still looked in form on latest start.
4
4th (4) (10/1 +38%) Annandale
10
10/1(+38%)
(4) Annandale 10/1, Course winner. Latest win at Ayr in October. Tenth of 12 in handicap at this course (8f, 14/1) 9 days ago. Significantly back up in trip. 1m5f at Ayr in October saw his first win since 2021 and he's run mostly with credit since.
2
5th (2) (5/1 -11%) Galahad Threepwood
5
5/1(-11%)
(2) Galahad Threepwood 5/1, Fifteen runs since last win in 2021. Good third of 12 in handicap at this C&D (16/1) 20 days ago. Merits consideration given he hasn't had much exposure to handicaps of this level. Well down the weights and more competitive again on last two outings, C&D third on latest.
7
6th (7) (33/1 +0%) Bamboo Bay
33
33/1(+0%)
(7) Bamboo Bay 33/1, Latest win at Redcar in September. 40/1, respectable sixth of 12 in handicap at this C&D 20 days ago. Turf win in September; out of form since and his four-race AW record is not great.
3
7th (3) (4/1 +11%) Laudable
4
4/1(+11%)
(3) Laudable 4/1, Three wins from 15 runs this year. Eighth of 12 in handicap at this C&D (4/1) 20 days ago, unable to sustain effort having made smooth headway. Hood may help him settle so he's of interest. Doing well prior to C&D flop three weeks ago; first-time hood replaces usual cheekpieces.
1
8th (1) (28/1 -40%) Three Platoon
28
28/1(-40%)
(1) Three Platoon 28/1, Course winner. Latest win here in October. 40/1, last of 11 in handicap at this course (10.2f) 19 days ago, ridden when hampered. Back up in trip and this slightly easier. Won twice at 1m2f here in the autumn; out of form all four starts since, two over hurdles.
6
9th (6) (100/1 -203%) Maguire
100
100/1(-203%)
(6) Maguire 100/1, Thrice-raced maiden. 250/1, eighth of 10 in novice at Southwell (8.1f) 24 days ago, slowly away. Significantly up in trip. Makes handicap debut. No solid form; handicapping should give him more realistic prospects and it's a new trip.
11:47 Newcastle Handicap (Class 6) 12f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 6 race.
This is not the strongest of handicaps and LETMESEETHECOLTS can take advantage. Fourth at Catterick on her first start over today's distance, the three-year-old returns to the all-weather with the scope to rate higher than her current mark and a good account looks assured. Galahad Threepwood gave notice a return to form was imminent when finishing third here last month, while Laudable gets a change of headgear and is a threat if back to his best.
Having rattled off a hat-trick on turf this year, LAUDABLE has been shaping up quite nicely, much better than the result over C&D 3 weeks ago. In a change of headgear, he could be the answer, though Tuesday's easy Southwell winner Swinging London has to be feared if turned out quickly. Galahad Threepwood is another to note.
The penalty for Swinging London might make this the right opportunity for ANNANDALE or Visitant.
(6) Our Papa Smurf 50/1, Modest form when getting off the mark on the Flat in a Goodwood handicap (9.9f, good) in June and not even at that level both starts over hurdles so far. Flat winner but off lowly mark and he's finished down the field on both hurdle starts.
1
2nd (1) (5/2 -11%) Character Testing
2.5
5/2(-11%)
(1) Character Testing 5/2, Fair scorer on the Flat up to 10f for Tom Clover. Left that yard for £9,000 and matched that form over hurdles when second of 6 in a C&D juvenile last month. Keeping on in third when fell at the last at Cartmel 3 weeks ago. Hood on for the first time. Beaten just a neck over C&D last month; leading claims on that form; a faller since.
3
3rd (3) (16/1 +68%) Estate Planning
16
16/1(+68%)
(3) Estate Planning 16/1, Brother to bumper winner Ever Present. Fair form on first of 3 starts in Flat maidens for Mrs J. Harrington. Held back by mistakes on hurdles debut 11 days ago. Displayed ability on the Flat but well beaten at 50-1 on recent hurdle/stable debut.
7
4th (7) (12/1 +52%) Clear Storm
12
12/1(+52%)
(7) Clear Storm 12/1, Fair handicapper on Flat who finished mid-field on hurdling debut at Ludlow in October. No chance in listed company at Newbury latset and this far more suitable. Ran okay when 6th on hurdle debut at Ludlow; pulled up at Newbury since but in Listed race.
2
5th (2) (9/4 +68%) El Gavilan
2.25
9/4(+68%)
(2) El Gavilan 9/4, Half-brother to 3 winners on Flat in France, dam unraced. Fair form over hurdles, best effort when 2½ lengths second of 8 to Sauvignon in newcomers race at Lyon Parilly in 2023/24. Ninth of 11 to Moty Marc in juvenile at Clairefontaine and having left N. George & A. Zetterholm, he sets the standard. Down the field on final French run but showed promise in April; interesting on yard debut.
8
6th (8) (25/1 -178%) Urban Hydrangea
25
25/1(-178%)
(8) Urban Hydrangea 25/1, Dam 17f chase winner (stayed 2½m), also 1¼m winner on Flat, Down the field in varied events on Flat for John Gallagher but has at least joined a successful NH yard ahead of hurdles debut. Achieved little during light Flat career but has joined good yard for hurdling campaign.
4
7th (4) (10/1 -233%) Global Eclipse
10
10/1(-233%)
(4) Global Eclipse 10/1, Brother to fairly useful French 2¼m hurdle winner Quiniland. Dam (h115) 17f-19f hurdle winner. Second in what became a match on hurdles debut at Wetherby and failed to finish off his race over same C&D a fortnight ago. Certainly in the right hands, at least. Improvement needed on third start but in top hands and things may click at some stage.
5
|F| (5) (11/4 +50%) Lion Hill
2.75
11/4(+50%)
(5) Lion Hill 11/4, Bred to stay well but displayed some promise in a brace of Huntingdon bumpers during the autumn. Now goes hurdling for his in-form yard. Ability in bumpers and goes hurdling with yard in excellent form; could have part to play.
11:55 Warwick Maiden Hurdle (Class 4) 16f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 4 race.
CHARACTER TESTING lost little in defeat when finishing a narrow second in a similar contest over this track and trip last month and he was still in with a shout when coming down at the last over 2m at Catterick most recently. Sporting a hood for the first time, he gets the vote to gain a deserved breakthrough victory over hurdles. The unexposed Lion Hill and Global Eclipse can put up the most resistance.
EL GAVILAN sets the standard on the pick of his French form so it's worth siding that he can achieve that sort of level on return for his new stable. Character Testing took a fall at Catterick 3 weeks ago but is a big threat if over that, with Lion Hill also of interest now hurdling.
Preference is for EL GAVILAN who makes his British debut after a break having shown promise in France. Character Testing is feared.
(8) Royal Approval 5/2, Showed promise amidst clear signs of inexperience when eighth of 13 in maiden at Sandown (10f, good to soft) on debut. Off 180 days. Open to progress. Low-key Sandown debut (1m2f) in June; off for six months since and gelded..
12
2nd (12) (9/4 +0%) Stifling
2.25
9/4(+0%)
(12) Stifling 9/4, Promising type. Fourth of 11 in maiden (7/1) at Doncaster (7f, good to soft) on debut. Off 15 months but that no concern given the yard and she's open to progress upped markedly in trip. Promise when running-on fourth on Doncaster debut (7f, soft) in September 2023; off since..
7
3rd (7) (13/2 -30%) King Chaos
6.5
13/2(-30%)
(7) King Chaos 13/2, Twice-raced maiden. 85/40, third of 7 in novice at Southwell (12.1f) 52 days ago, missing break. First run for yard after leaving K. R. Burke but joined another good yard. Joined Rebecca Menzies for 38,000gns; contender on what he's shown for Karl Burke.
5
4th (5) (15/8 +0%) Cadarn
1.875
15/8(+0%)
(5) Cadarn 15/8, Promise in a bumper and runner-up both starts on the Flat, latterly in 4-runner novice at Wolverhampton (12.2f, 5/6) 26 days ago. The one to beat. Runner-up on both Flat starts (C&D and 1m4f at Wolverhampton); a leading player..
4
5th (4) (50/1 +50%) Breakwater
50
50/1(+50%)
(4) Breakwater 50/1, Promise on Kempton debut in November 2023 but off best part of a year and sent off 66/1, he finished last of 9 in novice at Redcar (10f, heavy) 45 days ago. Failed to beat single rival at Redcar (1m2f, soft) seven weeks ago after nearly a year off.
9
6th (9) (50/1 -52%) Toby Tops
50
50/1(-52%)
(9) Toby Tops 50/1, Sent off 66/1 following a very low-key debut in the mud and showed much more when sixth of 10 in novice at Southwell (8.1f) 24 days ago. Up in trip. Better when switched to Tapeta at Southwell (1m; sixth, 66-1); may have more too offer.
11
7th (11) (300/1 -20%) Bella Puledra
300
300/1(-20%)
(11) Bella Puledra 300/1, Last of 10 in maiden at this C&D (250/1) on debut, very slowly away. Off 19 months. Slowly away, reportedly running in snatches, on C&D debut (250-1, beaten 30l) in May 2023..
3
8th (3) (300/1 -200%) Dark Agent
300
300/1(-200%)
(3) Dark Agent 300/1, Twice-raced maiden. Ninth of 12 in novice at this course (12.4f, 250/1) 9 days ago. Always behind both starts (1m2f/12.5f); one of three declared for Rebecca Menzies..
2
9th (2) (300/1 -200%) Chantilly Moon
300
300/1(-200%)
(2) Chantilly Moon 300/1, Hinted at promise in bumpers but no form over hurdles. Fourth in a Catterick bumper last December; pulled up on all three starts over hurdles..
10
10th (10) (14/1 -100%) Yes Sir
14
14/1(-100%)
(10) Yes Sir 14/1, €25,000 yearling, €230,000 2-y-o, Sioux Nation colt. Dam 5f-7f winner out of winning half-sister to Juddmonte International Stakes winner Terimon. Newcomer of interest. 230,000euros breeze-up buy last May; late debut the market moves should offer advice..
1
11th (1) (300/1 -20%) Brave Musketeer
300
300/1(-20%)
(1) Brave Musketeer 300/1, Twice-raced maiden having made a very belated debut. 250/1, third of 5 in novice at this course (8f) 44 days ago. Up in trip. Well beaten both starts, a remote third of five here (1m novice; 250-1) last time..
6
12th (6) (300/1 -20%) Keeper Of Secrets
300
300/1(-20%)
(6) Keeper Of Secrets 300/1, Last of 12 in novice at this course (12.4f, 250/1) on debut 9 days ago, very slowly away. Very slowly away when last of 12 on debut in a 12.5f novice here (250-1) last week..
12:17 Newcastle Stakes (Class 5) 10f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 5 race.
CADARN found one too good again when upped to 1m4f at Wolverhampton, but looks worthy of another chance reverting to this shorter trip. Narrowly beaten over C&D in October, George Boughey's charge may prove hard to stop with any improvement on that form. King Chaos has finished third in both starts so far and should have more to offer, while Stifling makes a belated return to action having shown ability at Doncaster on last year's debut and is one to note.
CADARN found a well-bred rival too good when odds-on at Wolverhampton a month ago but it wasn't a bad effort by any means so he's well worth another chance. Stifling (returning from a long time off) and Royal Approval are potential improvers so they need considering.
The Gosdens' STIFLING has been absent since a promising debut at Doncaster 15 months ago but looks worth risking in a winnable novice.
(5) I'm A Lumberjack 4/7, Fairly-useful bumper performer who only narrowly failed to make a winning hurdling debut in novice at Bangor (16.7f, soft) 29 days ago. Likely more to come yet, particularly over this longer trip. Good form in bumpers & short-headed on last month's hurdle debut at Bangor; leading claims.
2
2nd (2) (6/5 +52%) As The Fella Says
1.2
6/5(+52%)
(2) As The Fella Says 6/5, €24,000 3-y-o, £60,000 5-y-o, Soldier of Fortune gelding. Half-brother to fair hurdler Air Drop, stays 19f, and fair hurdler/chaser Lime Drop, stays 2½m. Won third start in Irish points earlier this year and warrants plenty of respect on NH debut. Point winner who changed hands for £60,000 and has joined a top yard for his rules career.
7
3rd (7) (16/1 +0%) Libre De Choeur
16
16/1(+0%)
(7) Libre De Choeur 16/1, Choeur Du Nord gelding. Half-brother to 2 winners, including French hurdler/chaser La Limagne. Third in sole start in points earlier this year but yard not known for its winning debutants. Third on debut in Irish point and might be in with an each-way shout on rules debut.
6
4th (6) (100/1 -100%) Kalhandrion
100
100/1(-100%)
(6) Kalhandrion 100/1, Showed ability in both starts over hurdles, latest when fifth of 6 in novice at Lingfield (19.5f, good, 100/1) 30 days ago. Will likely be seen in better light when sent handicapping, though. Half-brother to Valadom but he's failed to threaten on his first two starts.
10
5th (10) (50/1 +24%) Roxboro River
50
50/1(+24%)
(10) Roxboro River 50/1, €11,000 5-y-o, Ol' Man River gelding. Half-brother to 3 winners, including bumper winner/useful hurdler Star of Lanka. Dam maiden on Flat (stayed 1m). Third on second start in Irish points last month but is likely a longer-term prospect. Third in Irish point last month and has travelled from Ireland to make his rules debut.
8
6th (8) (28/1 -155%) Noble Park
28
28/1(-155%)
(8) Noble Park 28/1, Made little impression in Sandown bumper on NH debut 32 days ago but is bred for longer trips and is worth monitoring in market on hurdles bow. Always behind on debut in bumper and looks the yard second-string, but not written off.
13
7th (13) (12/1 -60%) Wednesday Addams
12
12/1(-60%)
(13) Wednesday Addams 12/1, Made a solid start over hurdles when second at Perth (20.2f) in May but below that level at Stratford 42 days ago and finds herself in a deeper contest now. Had wind operation. Runner-up at Perth on hurdle debut; wind op since latest run; improvement is possible.
4
8th (4) (14/1 -17%) Check The Score
14
14/1(-17%)
(4) Check The Score 14/1, Successful on second of 2 starts in Irish points and made a winning start in bumpers in 17-runner event at Warwick (2m) in April 2023. However, yet to make an impact in a couple of starts over timber, Point and bumper winner but well beaten on his first two starts over hurdles.
12
9th (12) (80/1 -60%) Beorma
80
80/1(-60%)
(12) Beorma 80/1, Just modest form at best in bumpers for Thomas Gallagher this term and might be more one for handicaps in this sphere based on his first 2 starts for new yard last month. With a leading trainer but others have lots more substance to their form.
1
|PU| (1) (80/1 -300%) A Force To Reckin
80
80/1(-300%)
(1) A Force To Reckin 80/1, Workforce gelding. Half-brother to fair chaser Waddingtown Hero. Dam unraced. Sean Bowen booked for NH debut and is worth monitoring in market. In third when unseating at final fence in Irish point in April; not ruled out each-way.
9
|PU| (9) (300/1 -50%) Noble Recall
300
300/1(-50%)
(9) Noble Recall 300/1, Doesn't make much appeal on pedigree and finished down the field in a couple of bumpers last term. Can only be watched on switch to hurdling. Tailed off at big odds in two bumpers in February; hurdle debut.
12:25 Warwick Maiden Hurdle (Class 4) 21f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 4 race.
I'M A LUMBERJACK had flashes of useful bumper form last term and he made a pleasing start to life over hurdles when finishing a narrow second at Bangor last month. With this step up in trip promising to suit the son of Jack Hobbs, he looks the one to side with for the in-form Alan King team. Point-to-point winner As The Fella Says commands respect on his debut for top connections, while Wednesday Addams is noted too.
I'M A LUMBERJACK made an encouraging start over timber at Bangor last month and looks sure to benefit from this longer trip. He can get off the mark. The chief threat may come from one of the hurdling debutants, with As The Fella Says of particular interest.
Preference is for I'M A LUMBERJACK, who showed some useful bumper form and went very close on last month's hurdle debut.
(5) El Vigaro 11/2, Lightly-raced 5-y-o who is very going the right way at this modest level, supplementing his Uttoxeter win at Ludlow (length too strong for Badlands Boy) 17 days ago. Up further 6 lb but has to be of serious interest in his hat-trick bid with good-value conditional booked. Bids for a hat-trick; may improve further at this level and Ned Fox takes off useful 5lb.
8
2nd (8) (6/1 +40%) Getmetothemoon
6
6/1(+40%)
(8) Getmetothemoon 6/1, Justified support in 12-runner handicap hurdle at Stratford following a short break in June and backed that up with a good third at Newton Abbot a fortnight later. Still to be asked for her effort when falling 3 out back at former track but failed to justify favouritism at here (19f) 3 weeks ago. Off the mark in June; ran creditably at this track most recently; solid contender.
7
3rd (7) (5/4 +72%) Kotari
1.25
5/4(+72%)
(7) Kotari 5/4, Looked a work-in-progress over hurdles last season but fairly useful form when racking up a hat-trick on the Flat during the spring. Fit from that code and this mark could be very lenient. Fairly useful on Flat this year; very attractively treated back over hurdles; respected.
14
4th (14) (9/1 +73%) Mini Yeats
9
9/1(+73%)
(14) Mini Yeats 9/1, Remains winless and didn't show much starting out for this yard at Uttoxeter in October, jumping none too fluently. Looks exposed as a modest maiden; opposed.
4
5th (4) (40/1 -100%) As Fast As Wind
40
40/1(-100%)
(4) As Fast As Wind 40/1, Fair maiden at best on the Flat in Ireland (stays 1½m) and caught the eye making late gains from an unpromising position sent hurdling after 8 weeks off at Exeter in October. Unable to make much of an impact both starts since but handicaps much more suitable. Has failed to get competitive since hurdling but may do better now handicapping.
2
6th (2) (12/1 -50%) Taritino
12
12/1(-50%)
(2) Taritino 12/1, Fair on Flat for Amy Murphy and showed an aptitude for hurdling for this yard last season. Since racked up a hat-trick back on the level so has to be of interest returning from 88 days off over timber. Good chance off current mark provided best Flat form is transferred back to hurdles.
6
7th (6) (66/1 -164%) Basilette
66
66/1(-164%)
(6) Basilette 66/1, Doyen filly who made a winning bumper debut in summer 2023. Had plenty of exposure on the Flat after that without success and has looked far from straightforward in her qualifying runs over hurdles. Bumper winner who could go well off this mark on handicap hurdle debut.
12
8th (12) (50/1 +24%) Basman Palace
50
50/1(+24%)
(12) Basman Palace 50/1, Hit the frame a couple of times last season but little to shout about in handicaps. Two duck eggs this term; doesn't look set to shed maiden tag.
11
9th (11) (125/1 -150%) Zufal
125
125/1(-150%)
(11) Zufal 125/1, Showed first form when fourth of 12 in a novice hurdle here in May but no impact since, unseating rider on return to action in August. Has weak claims on form.
3
|U| (3) (12/1 +25%) Siam Park
12
12/1(+25%)
(3) Siam Park 12/1, Made the frame in maiden hurdles at Wincanton first 2 starts under Rules but hasn't progressed since. often compromising his chance by keenness. Interesting off reduced mark back in a handicap, with improvement still possible.
9
10th (9) (16/1 -100%) Card Dealer
16
16/1(-100%)
(9) Card Dealer 16/1, Placed both starts between the flags and shaped well on Rules debut in an Ascot bumper back in 2021. However, didn't show much switched to hurdles during second half of 2021/22 campaign and understandably shaped as though needing the run on handicap debut following 33 months off here in November. Shaped better than bare result on reappearance; well treated on bumper form.
10
11th (10) (20/1 -43%) Badlands Boy
20
20/1(-43%)
(10) Badlands Boy 20/1, Improved for fitting of cheekpieces when second of 7 to EL VIgaro at Ludlow 17 days ago, Task is to now back that up. Ran well in first-time cheekpieces at Ludlow, finishing 1l second to El Vigaro.
1
12th (1) (11/1 +31%) Impecunious
11
11/1(+31%)
(1) Impecunious 11/1, Has shown a fair level of form at best over hurdles but doesn't look the most straightforward and handicap efforts this autumn hardly mark her down as well treated. No progress in two handicaps; needs to raise his game to defy top weight.
12:35 Taunton Handicap Hurdle (Class 5) 16f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 5 race.
El Vigaro supplemented his breakthrough Uttoxeter victory when following up at Ludlow at the chief expense of Badlands Boy and is an obvious contender, despite going up another 6lb. Mill Street's three-year-old allowance brings him right into the reckoning and he arrives on the back of a confidence-boosting Sedgefield triumph. Getmetothemoon will likely have her supporters again, but a chance is taken that KOTARI can finally put it all together over hurdles because he is really well handicapped if he does.
This looks a strong race for the grade with KOTARI and Taritino of particular interest having displayed improved Flat form since last contesting a race over hurdles. Preference is for the former with fitness on his side. Of the rest, Mill Street makes a quick switch to handicaps from juvenile company and he's a player with his weight-for-age and excellent rider's claim thrown in, too.
Off a very attractive mark back over hurdles, KOTARI looks particularly interesting. Mill Street is second choice.
(1) Asgard's Captain 13/8, C&D winner. Six wins from 22 Flat runs. 4 wins from 12 runs this year. 14/1, good fourth of 12 in handicap at Wolverhampton (9.5f) 26 days ago, running on. Expected to be bang there given excellent AW record. Did well last winter, winning 4 on AW; sharper for recent return; needs to resume progress.
8
2nd (8) (9/1 -80%) Something
9
9/1(-80%)
(8) Something 9/1, Course winner. Latest win here in October. Quickly back on the up when second of 11 in handicap (14/1) at Wolverhampton (12.2f) 21 days ago. Two front-running wins over 1m4f here in October; second at Wolverhampton latest; chance.
2
3rd (2) (11/1 +8%) Knockbrex
11
11/1(+8%)
(2) Knockbrex 11/1, Creditable fourth of 8 in handicap (11/2) at Chelmsford City (10f) 42 days ago, keeping on at the one pace. On a career-low mark but has just the one win to his name. Yet to win a handicap but two creditable runs back from a break; should come good soon.
5
4th (5) (7/2 +22%) Wonder
3.5
7/2(+22%)
(5) Wonder 7/2, Sent off 4/11 and didn't need to improve to win 6-runner maiden at Wolverhampton (9.5f) on reappearance having been gelded 31 days ago, staying on strongly. Makes handicap debut and can rate higher after just 4 starts. Unexposed 3yo; didn't have to match 2yo best to win last month (9.5f); of some interest.
4
5th (4) (25/1 -56%) Woodstock City
25
25/1(-56%)
(4) Woodstock City 25/1, Winner at Ripon in August. Good third of 8 in novice hurdle at Uttoxeter (15.8f, good to soft, 10/3) 26 days ago. Others more persuasive back on the AW. Fair mark on this year's turf best; modest hurdles form more recently; AW winner in France.
6
6th (6) (13/2 +7%) Shimmering Sands
6.5
13/2(+7%)
(6) Shimmering Sands 13/2, Respectable fourth of 8 in handicap at Musselburgh (8f, good to soft, 10/3) 36 days ago, inadequate test. Better expected returned to this trip. Five solid runs in defeat since pulling up on his reappearance; each-way shout again.
3
7th (3) (11/1 +31%) Chuzzlewit
11
11/1(+31%)
(3) Chuzzlewit 11/1, Course winner. Tenth of 11 in handicap (16/1) at Southwell (8.1f) 21 days ago. Up in trip, which isn't certain to suit. Headgear also off. On a dangerous mark but his record is patchy and his stamina has to be proven.
9
8th (9) (8/1 +43%) Up The Jazz
8
8/1(+43%)
(9) Up The Jazz 8/1, Latest win at Wolverhampton in November. 12/1, seventh of 9 in handicap at Lingfield (10f, AW) 23 days ago, denied a clear run ridden with more restraint. Beaten off 2lb lower at Lingfield last time; a career-best is required to take this.
12:47 Newcastle Handicap (Class 4) 10f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 4 race.
WONDER justified market confidence on his belated reappearance when returning the comfortable winner of a Wolverhampton maiden. There looks plenty more to come from the son of Masar now handicapping and James Fanshawe's inmate can continue his good progress. Asgard's Captain landed a hat-trick on the Tapeta early in the year and is likely to prove competitive once again. Shimmering Sands and Something are others to consider off their current marks, with the former preferred.
ASGARD'S CAPTAIN ran right up to form on return from 5 months off at Wolverhampton in November and, with his AW record a positive one, he's fancied to build on that. Wonder isn't obviously well treated but as a lightly-raced 3-y-o there may well be more to come from him, with Shimmering Sands also of interest back up in distance.
Although he was unimpressive on his seasonal return, WONDER had 2yo form which strongly suggests this mark will be within range.
(11) Reallyntruthfully 12/1, Runner-up sole outing in points last spring and showed promise in a Huntingdon bumper/maiden hurdle back in the spring. Extra yardage here will suit and he's open to improvement. Point winner who made the frame on first two rules starts and is in good hands to progress.
1
2nd (1) (9/1 -50%) Aviation
9
9/1(-50%)
(1) Aviation 9/1, Fourth only start in bumpers and shaped with some promise when third in 16-runner novice at this course (2m) 3 weeks ago. Significantly up in trip and may do better. 3rd over 2m here on hurdle debut three weeks ago and bred to be suited by this longer trip.
6
3rd (6) (7/2 -5%) Jaccours
3.5
7/2(-5%)
(6) Jaccours 7/2, Shaped with promise when fourth in a pair of bumpers and has done the same both starts over hurdles, finishing second of 15 at Ffos Las (20f) latterly. Remains open to improvement. Improved for the step up in trip when runner-up at Ffos Las and he could be in the mix.
5
4th (5) (11/2 +0%) Histrionic
5.5
11/2(+0%)
(5) Histrionic 11/2, Successful on sole outing between the flags and has shown fair form on 2 of his 3 starts in bumpers. Upped significantly in trip for hurdling debut. Has had a breathing operation (also tongue tied). Point winner who should relish the step up in trip on his hurdle debut; in calculations.
3
5th (3) (33/1 -175%) Doctor Midas
33
33/1(-175%)
(3) Doctor Midas 33/1, Failed to live up to market expectations when only fifth of 11 in bumper at Haydock on debut in May. In top hands though, and could show more now switched to hurdling. Well beaten on sole bumper start but should leave that form well behind at some stage.
4
6th (4) (200/1 -300%) Drumheller
200
200/1(-300%)
(4) Drumheller 200/1, Fair form in 2 starts in bumpers at the end of 2023 but last month's hurdles debut at Lingfield was not especially promising. Fair 3rd on debut in bumper last November but well beaten at 50-1 over hurdles last month.
8
7th (8) (66/1 -32%) Jafimgoso
66
66/1(-32%)
(8) Jafimgoso 66/1, Fair bumper winner but has been disappointing so far over hurdles. Longer trip needs to bring about improvement. Bumper winner but things haven't gone to plan this autumn; needs to get back on track.
12
8th (12) (250/1 0%) Tony's Tipple
250
250/1(0%)
(12) Tony's Tipple 250/1, Unpromising in points and has fared little better both starts over hurdles. Hasn't shown enough to suggest he'll be making an impact today.
9
9th (9) (300/1 -275%) Kicks And Ale
300
300/1(-275%)
(9) Kicks And Ale 300/1, Successful on second of 2 starts in Irish points, though that was back in May 2021 and he was well held in a Wincanton bumper on his Rules debut in April 2023. Off since. Point winner in May 2021 but just one run since, when tailed off in bumper in April 2023.
7
|F| (7) (28/1 -133%) Jacques Clouseau
28
28/1(-133%)
(7) Jacques Clouseau 28/1, €14,000 3-y-o, £72,000 5-y-o, Notnowcato gelding. Dam unraced half-sister to fairly useful hurdler/chaser (stayed 25f) African Broadway. Won sole start in points in April and is an interesting recruit to Rules. Won on debut in British maiden point then sold for £72,000; not discounted on rules debut.
2
|PU| (2) (4/5 +47%) Bear Market
0.8
4/5(+47%)
(2) Bear Market 4/5, Won sole start in point bumpers and looked an above-average prospect in overcoming prevailing inexperience when following up in an Aintree bumper for Philip Rowley in May. Has since transferred to Nicky Henderson and type to make his mark over hurdles. Bumper winner whose pedigree suggests this step up in trip will be right up his street.
10
|PU| (10) (300/1 -500%) Poete Ardent
300
300/1(-500%)
(10) Poete Ardent 300/1, Estejo gelding. Half-brother to 5 winners, including fairly useful hurdler Flag of Honour and poor hurdler Doors Breaker, stays 3m. Dam 6f-9f winner. Half-brother to several winners but makes debut in what looks a warm race.
12:55 Warwick Maiden Hurdle (Class 4) 21f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 4 race.
Nicky Henderson looks to hold a strong hand in this, and his point-to-point winner BEAR MARKET gets the vote. He pulled clear with a useful sort when winning an Aintree bumper earlier this year and, stepping up in trip on his debut over hurdles, he gets the vote to make a winning seasonal reappearance. Doctor Midas was sent off favourite when finishing down the field on his debut at Haydock in May, but better can be expected on his hurdling bow. The combination of wind surgery and the application of a tongue-tie could help Histrionic and he is respected most of the remainder.
BEAR MARKET overcame prevailing inexperience when edging out the promising Miami Magic on his sole outing in bumpers at Aintree in May and makes plenty of appeal now going hurdling for Nicky Henderson. Jaccours has made a promising start in this sphere and remains open to improvement, with Reallyntruthfully and Histrionic others to note.
Nicky Henderson's new recruit BEAR MARKET is 2-2 and should be suited by the step up in trip on hurdle debut. Aviation is a danger.
(2) Tashan 11/8, Only narrowly failed to make a winning debut in 5-runner juvenile hurdle at Hereford in October for John Butler and he built on that when running down Denzil at Warwick 3 weeks ago. Penalty to carry this time but there shouldn't be much between the pair again. Worse off with Denzil on Warwick form but is open to further progress; respected.
1
2nd (1) (11/10 +27%) Denzil
1.1
11/10(+27%)
(1) Denzil 11/10, Landed weak 3-runner race at Stratford on debut in October. Disappointed pitched into the listed Wensleydale Juvenile Hurdle at Wetherby last month but back on track eased in class 3 weeks later when 1¼ lengths second of 7 to Tashan at Warwick. Now 7 lb better off with that rival. Clear second behind Tashan on worse terms at Warwick last time; leading player.
4
3rd (4) (100/1 -203%) For You Buzz
100
100/1(-203%)
(4) For You Buzz 100/1, Workforce gelding. Dam unraced half-sister to smart hurdler/high-class chaser (stayed 21f) Felix Yonger. Unseated rider early on debut at Wetherby and never really a factor a month ago. One for the longer term. Hampered and unseated rider early at Wetherby then never figured at Bangor.
5
4th (5) (5/1 -43%) Good For You
5
5/1(-43%)
(5) Good For You 5/1, Manatee gelding. Half-brother to fairly useful hurdler Officieux and fairly useful 17f hurdle/chase winner in France Moosetache. Newcomer for yard more than capable of getting one ready. Half-brother to two winners; represents last year's winning yard; interesting newcomer.
6
5th (6) (66/1 0%) Jackson's Bay
66
66/1(0%)
(6) Jackson's Bay 66/1, €4,000 3-y-o, Joshua Tree gelding. Closely related to fairly useful hurdler/chaser My Manekineko, stayed 3¼m, and half-brother to 6 winners, including smart hurdler Marsh Warbler. Finished a long way behind Tashan and Denzil on debut at Warwick. Long way behind two of these rivals at Warwick for an inauspicious debut.
3
6th (3) (28/1 -40%) Crest Of Honour
28
28/1(-40%)
(3) Crest Of Honour 28/1, Failed to justify market position starting out at Hereford in October (Tashan second) and ran even worse at Wincanton after. Disappointing favourite at Hereford then failed to complete at Wincanton.
13:05 Taunton Conditions Hurdle (Class 4) 16f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 4 race.
Tashan changed hands after his Hereford near-miss on debut and made an immediate return on the investment when accounting for DENZIL at Warwick. The runner-up is 7lb better off as he attempts to make up a length-and-a-quarter deficit, though, and is fancied to gain his revenge. Crest Of Honour was a disappointing favourite in that aforementioned Hereford contest and then pulled up at Wincanton. With that mind, his stable companion Good For You might be the pick of the remainder.
DENZIL was worn down by Tashan when the pair clashed at Warwick 3 weeks ago but they race off level-weights this time (with a 7 lb conditional rider also booked) and that may enable Dan Skelton's charge to come out on top this time. Good For You represents a stable with a good record first-time-out over hurdles so he needs a market check.
Armed with a 7lb pull and Harry Atkins claiming the same amount, DENZIL could well reverse Warwick placings with Tashan.
(4) Midnight Lion 16/1, C&D winner. 16/1, last of 5 in seller at Musselburgh (9f, good) 71 days ago. First run for yard after leaving Iain Jardine. C&D winner; lost his way badly on turf in September/October; first start for Jim Goldie.
3
2nd (3) (5/6 +72%) Federated
0.833333
5/6(+72%)
(3) Federated 5/6, C&D winner. 2 wins from 5 runs this year. 15/8, didn't need to improve to win 10-runner handicap at Kempton (12f). Off 6 months. Remains unexposed and player if ready to go. Back from 204-day absence on hat-trick mission; promising 3lb claimer booked; key player.
9
3rd (9) (28/1 -40%) Blackstone Cliff
28
28/1(-40%)
(9) Blackstone Cliff 28/1, Eighth of 10 in handicap hurdle (16/1) at Fairyhouse (16f, good) 61 days ago. Makes tapeta debut. First run for yard after leaving Gerard Keane. Hood back on. Well held on last Flat outing. No joy over hurdles but a three-time AW winner (Dundalk); first run for this trainer.
1
4th (1) (4/1 -60%) Urban Road
4
4/1(-60%)
(1) Urban Road 4/1, 4-time course winner. 15/2, career best when winning 11-runner handicap at this C&D 9 days ago, confidently ridden. Remains of interest under a penalty. Carries a 5lb penalty for last week's C&D win; there or thereabouts at a track which suits.
6
5th (6) (15/2 -88%) Triple Force
7.5
15/2(-88%)
(6) Triple Force 15/2, 9/2, creditable fourth of 11 in handicap at Southwell (8.1f) 40 days ago. Up in trip. Can make presence felt. Runner-up at Southwell (1m Class 6) in September; consistent since; set to tackle new trip.
7
6th (7) (50/1 -400%) Hot Team
50
50/1(-400%)
(7) Hot Team 50/1, C&D winner. 14/1, creditable third of 7 in handicap at Hamilton (12.1f, good to soft) 73 days ago. Has good chance on form. Ten-week break since finishing third at beloved Hamilton (1m4f, soft) in September.
2
7th (2) (10/1 -43%) No Nay Nicki
10
10/1(-43%)
(2) No Nay Nicki 10/1, Thirteen runs since last win in 2023. 8/1, seventh of 11 in handicap at this course (7.1f) 19 days ago. Significantly up in trip. Modest strike-rate (2-29); late-season turf efforts (Class 4) okay; stamina over 1m2f a ?.
8
8th (8) (11/1 +45%) Tiger Trap
11
11/1(+45%)
(8) Tiger Trap 11/1, 33/1, ninth of 12 in handicap at Southwell (11.1f) 49 days ago. Maiden (0-14); few positives taken at Southwell (1m3f) from first attempt beyond 1m.
5
9th (5) (125/1 -150%) Dundory
125
125/1(-150%)
(5) Dundory 125/1, Fourteen runs since last win in 2023. 40/1, first run since leaving John O'Shea when last of 12 in handicap at this course (12.4f) 20 days ago. 0-17 AW, toiling on stable debut over 12.5f here three weeks ago; best watched for now.
13:17 Newcastle Handicap (Class 6) 10f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 6 race.
FEDERATED appeared to appreciate the step up in trip when scoring gamely over C&D on his penultimate start and he then brought up a double over 1m4f at Kempton in May. Provided he is fully tuned up for this reappearance, he gets the vote to go in again. Urban Road won a shade cosily over track and trip last week and merits respect under a 5lb penalty, while Triple Force looks the pick of the remainder off what is becoming a manageable mark.
URBAN ROAD moved through the race like a horse right at the top of his game when scoring over C&D 9 days ago and can defy a penalty. Hot Team should be in the thick of things off his current mark, with the returning Federated a player if ready to go.
Despite his absence, the vote goes to hat-trick seeker FEDERATED ahead of last week's C&D winner Urban Road.
(1) Skycutter 6/4, Useful Flat performer and back in good form in handicap hurdles for new yard last term, winning at Carlisle in February. Positive start to chasing career when runner-up at this track/Wetherby last month and every chance he can go one better. Runner-up last month on his first two chase starts and he brings solid claims.
2
2nd (2) (5/1 +0%) The Good Doctor
5
5/1(+0%)
(2) The Good Doctor 5/1, Built on encouraging yard debut when winning a Fontwell novice hurdle on Boxing Day and lost little caste in defeat when runner-up at Sandown (good to soft) in February. Returns with plenty to prove after a couple of dismal efforts, but fences may well spark him back to life. Out of form when last seen but a break may have helped; interesting chasing newcomer.
5
3rd (5) (9/2 +25%) Lucky Lugger
4.5
9/2(+25%)
(5) Lucky Lugger 9/2, Standout effort over hurdles came when third in a Chepstow maiden in April. Has made a fine start to his chasing career this season, twice finishing runner-up at that venue last month and he'll surely go one better before long. Runner-up at Chepstow on first two chase starts and he could continue to progress.
4
4th (4) (4/1 +0%) Damarta
4
4/1(+0%)
(4) Damarta 4/1, Comfortable winner over hurdles at Southwell in January and backed it up with two solid performances. Has the physique for chasing and offered something to work on until his jumping inexperience shone through late on when fourth on return at Carlisle 8 weeks ago and seems sure to improve. Won over hurdles in January and could build on October's fair fourth on his chase debut.
6
5th (6) (33/1 +18%) Seasett
33
33/1(+18%)
(6) Seasett 33/1, Got up late in the piece at Limerick in May but has been rather in-and-out since, running poorly after 12 weeks off back at that venue (21f, soft) just over 3 weeks ago. Isn't really bred for chasing and was pulled up on his only start over fences back in the spring. Best watched. Irish raider who didn't jump well and was pulled up in May on sole previous chase start.
3
6th (3) (8/1 -60%) Onethreefivenotout
8
8/1(-60%)
(3) Onethreefivenotout 8/1, Made a winning bumper debut at Worcester in October 2021 then off 2 years. Landed the odds returned to maiden company at Wincanton (15.2f, heavy) in February but ran a shocker for the second time in as many handicap starts at Newbury the following month (bled). Makes return/chase bow (had wind op). Inconsistent over hurdles last season but he's good when he's on song; makes chase debut.
13:25 Warwick Handicap Chase (Class 4) 16f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 4 race.
SKYCUTTER will likely prove a warm order to open his account over fences. A runner-up over the larger obstacles both here and at Wetherby, Dan Skelton's charge looks set to go one better with improvement forthcoming. Lucky Lugger has also taken well to chasing and can feature again, having finished second at Chepstow on a couple of occasions last month, while Onethreefivenotout has undergone a wind operation since last seen over hurdles and is worth noting on his fencing bow.
A tricky puzzle to solve despite the small field but SKYCUTTER backed up his chasing debut effort here when filling the same spot at Wetherby last month and, with further progress anticipated, Dan Skelton's charge can make it third time lucky. Damarta made a promising start in this sphere at Carlisle 8 weeks ago and, likely to make a better chaser than hurdler, he heads up the opposition. Lucky Lugger completes the shortlist.
Topweight SKYCUTTER (nap) has been a good second on his first two chase starts and can go one better today, from The Good Doctor.
(2) Alexei 4/7, Fairly useful 4-time winner on Flat in Germany (stays 1½m) and created a good impression when making a successful hurdling debut in 4-runner novice at this course (19f) 4 weeks ago. Sure to progress and looks capable of defying a penalty. Progressive on Flat in Germany; won easily at this course on hurdles debut; respected.
9
2nd (9) (9/1 -13%) Thistle Be The One
9
9/1(-13%)
(9) Thistle Be The One 9/1, Useful in bumpers, winning on debut at Kempton before an excellent second at Ayr. However, lacks scope and proved a let-down switched to hurdles when fifth of 15 at Kempton 17 days ago. Should be capable of better. Bit disappointing on hurdles debut but remains of interest judged on bumper form.
11
3rd (11) (15/2 +17%) Tuxedo Junction
7.5
15/2(+17%)
(11) Tuxedo Junction 15/2, Fairly useful Flat performer for James Fanshawe and has a promising start over hurdles, building on debut promise when second of 16 in a Wincanton novice (15.2f) just over 6 weeks ago. Tongue strap on for 1st time. Open to further progress. Fairly useful on Flat; respectable second at Wincanton on latest hurdles start; in the mix.
3
4th (3) (16/5 -71%) Byzantium
3.2
16/5(-71%)
(3) Byzantium 16/5, Won on his only Flat start in France in autumn 2023 and has found only one too good both starts over hurdles 9 months apart, shaping as if need of the run at Chepstow (2m) latest. Remains capable of better. Flat winner in France; runner-up in both attempts over hurdles; one of the main players.
14
5th (14) (66/1 -32%) Don't Tell Rosie
66
66/1(-32%)
(14) Don't Tell Rosie 66/1, Wll held only outing on Flat for Daniel & Claire Kubler back in late 2022. Can only be watched on this switch to hurdling. Absent since well beaten in Flat event over two years ago (sole start).
4
6th (4) (12/1 0%) Chedington's Guest
12
12/1(0%)
(4) Chedington's Guest 12/1, Improved under a change of tactics when third of 8 in bumper (22/1) at this C&D (soft), having run of race. Off 8 months. Makes hurdles debut. 0-3 in bumpers but finished a solid third at this venue the final time; possibilities.
13
7th (13) (25/1 +24%) Calli Black
25
25/1(+24%)
(13) Calli Black 25/1, Winner of her sole completed start in points and placed in a couple of bumpers. Upped to 21f for hurdles debut and proved too free to last out at Warwick in October. Tongue tie on. Open to improvement. Chance depends on whether she improves for application of tongue-tie.
5
8th (5) (250/1 -525%) Clever Relation
250
250/1(-525%)
(5) Clever Relation 250/1, Fair on Flat (stays 1¾m), won seller in August, tailed off in handicap last time. Sold from Hughie Morrison's yard for just 4,000 gns. Record of 2-8 on Flat for Hughie Morrison; sold for 4,000gns since last run.
7
9th (7) (250/1 -150%) Staff Sergeant Len
250
250/1(-150%)
(7) Staff Sergeant Len 250/1, Fair form standout effort in bumpers but has been tailed off both starts over hurdles. Has failed to beat a rival in both attempts over hurdles.
10
|U| (10) (150/1 -127%) Torre Del Oro
150
150/1(-127%)
(10) Torre Del Oro 150/1, Formerly fairly useful up to 1½m for Andrew Balding but has offered little both starts over hurdles. Form for current yard leaves a lot to be desired.
8
10th (8) (150/1 -355%) Steel Dancer
150
150/1(-355%)
(8) Steel Dancer 150/1, Made an unpromising start to his career when sixth of 10 in bumper at Wincanton (15.2f, good) on NH debut. Off 7 months. Makes hurdles debut. Only sixth in spring bumper at Wincanton; in good hands and may improve.
6
11th (6) (150/1 -50%) D'gesteevo
150
150/1(-50%)
(6) D'gesteevo 150/1, Well beaten in bumpers but hinted at ability for the first time fitted with cheekpieces when seventh of 13 in novice hurdle at this C&D (good to soft) 14 days ago. Needs another run for a mark. Midfield over C&D two weeks ago; needs improvement.
12
|PU| (12) (250/1 -25%) Youm Jameel
250
250/1(-25%)
(12) Youm Jameel 250/1, Half-brother to smart hurdler Saglawy (2m winner, by Youmzain). Showed fair form when fourth on second of 3 starts in minor events on Flat but it's a little concerning he broke a blood vessel last time. Makes hurdle/stable bow. Modest form at best on Flat; stable/hurdles debut.
13:35 Taunton Maiden Hurdle (Class 4) 16f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 4 race.
BYZANTIUM has been turned over at short odds in his two starts since arriving from France, but drying ground should enable him to show his true colours and he can make amends. German import Alexei struck at the first time of asking over obstacles over 2m3f here and while he probably didn't beat much, he is a serious contender. Thistle Be The One, Tuxedo Junction and Chedington's Guest all warrant consideration, while Pigeon House comes right into the mix if turning up after Wednesday's Hereford second.
It was a thin maiden ALEXEI won here last month, but he couldn't have done it any easier and, with the drop in trip holding no fears, he's fancied to defy a penalty en route to better things. Tuxedo Junction and Pigeon House are fancied to give the selection most to think about.
Promising ALEXEI is taken to defy a penalty and follow up his course success. Byzantium is second choice.
(2) Alpine Sierra 6/1, Seventeen runs since last win in 2023. Respectable fifth of 10 in handicap at this course (7.1f, 14/1) 9 days ago. Significantly back up in trip. AW record reads 0-10, being caught a little flat-footed over 7f here (fifth) last week..
3
2nd (3) (10/3 +33%) Powerful Response
3.333333
10/3(+33%)
(3) Powerful Response 10/3, Course winner. Creditable sixth of 14 in handicap (15/2) at Doncaster (10.2f, soft) 48 days ago. Respected back on AW. Respectable third at Redcar (1m2f Class 5, soft; 5-1) on penultimate start; interesting..
4
3rd (4) (9/4 +10%) Rock Armour
2.25
9/4(+10%)
(4) Rock Armour 9/4, 13/2, good second of 11 in handicap at this C&D 19 days ago. Cheekpieces on 1st time. Shortlist material. Runner-up over C&D last twice (latest effort solid); shortlisted in first cheekpieces..
7
4th (7) (11/2 +15%) Rampant
5.5
11/2(+15%)
(7) Rampant 11/2, First run since leaving James Ewart when good third of 11 in handicap at this C&D (5/1) 35 days ago, nearest finish. Cheekpieces back on. One to consider. Closing third over C&D (Class 6; first start for Patrick Morris) five weeks ago; chance..
8
5th (8) (4/1 +38%) Gemini Man
4
4/1(+38%)
(8) Gemini Man 4/1, Remains a maiden after 17 Flat runs. First run since leaving C. P. Donoghue when respectable fourth of 14 in handicap at Redcar (10f, heavy, 5/1) 45 days ago. Makes tapeta debut. Cheekpieces back on. Ex-Irish; 0-18; fair fourth at Redcar (1m2f) on first start for this trainer..
9
6th (9) (18/1 -13%) Lady Phoebe
18
18/1(-13%)
(9) Lady Phoebe 18/1, Seventh of 11 in handicap (12/1) at Southwell (12.1f) 29 days ago. Cheekpieces back on. 12-race maiden; runner-up at Hamilton (1m4f, Class 6) in August; has form with Gemini Man..
1
7th (1) (40/1 -233%) Russian Virtue
40
40/1(-233%)
(1) Russian Virtue 40/1, C&D winner. Respectable sixth of 13 in handicap hurdle at Musselburgh (17.4f, heavy, 18/1). Off 8 months. First run for yard after leaving Rebecca Menzies. Dual C&D winner for R. Menzies; could need this comeback run having moved on for 5,000gns..
6
8th (6) (40/1 -60%) Arranmore
40
40/1(-60%)
(6) Arranmore 40/1, Thirty five runs since last win in 2021. Last of 8 in handicap (33/1) at Wolverhampton (12.2f) 26 days ago. Yet to win on AW (0-12), or anywhere for that matter since August 2021 (Carlisle)..
5
9th (5) (40/1 -471%) Budding
40
40/1(-471%)
(5) Budding 40/1, Bit below form fourth of 8 in handicap at Yarmouth (11.5f, soft, 11/4) 51 days ago. First run for yard after leaving Hughie Morrison. Nine-race maiden; left the care of Hughie Morrison for 1,000gns since latest Yarmouth run..
13:47 Newcastle Handicap (Class 6) 10f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 6 race.
RAMPANT caught the eye when staying on strongly from the rear to finish a close-up third over track and trip last month and, with cheekpieces reapplied in a bid to eke out further improvement, he gets the vote to score off an unchanged mark. Rock Armour has hit the crossbar over C&D on his last couple of starts and, sporting cheekpieces for the first time, he looks the main danger. Powerful Response completes the shortlist with his sights lowered.
ROCK ARMOUR has been knocking on the door of late and the application of headgear can see him get off the mark. Rampant made a positive start for this yard when a close third over this C&D 5 weeks ago so is next best ahead of Powerful Response.
The suggestion is Geoff Harker's POWERFUL RESPONSE, who is low-mileage on AW and has slipped in the weights.
(1) Cherie D'am 7/1, Progressed into quite a useful novice hurdler last season and sound start over fences when close-up last of 3 in a Carlisle novice (20f) 49 days ago. Promises to do better and is worthy of respect. Talented novice hurdler last term; going left-handed could be a plus on second chase start.
7
2nd (7) (11/2 +45%) Telepathique
5.5
11/2(+45%)
(7) Telepathique 11/2, Boasts an excellent strike rate and maintained unbeaten record over fences when scoring at this course last month. Bold jumper with a good attitude, so well worth her place at this level. 2-2 over fences, winning easily each time; this is tougher but still on the shortlist.
8
3rd (8) (4/5 +47%) You Wear It Well
0.8
4/5(+47%)
(8) You Wear It Well 4/5, Won Grade 2 Mares' Novice Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival in 2023 and successful return at Wetherby last November. Didn't really fire afterwards but solid start to chasing in listed contest at Bangor a month ago and is fancied to go one better. 2 Grade 2 wins over hurdles & Listed runner-up on last month's chase debut; leading claims.
3
4th (3) (12/1 +0%) Ilovethenightlife
12
12/1(+0%)
(3) Ilovethenightlife 12/1, A fairly useful winning hurdler who built on an encouraging chasing debut when landing a Kempton handicap a month ago. This is tougher but may not have reached her limit. Won Kempton handicap on second chase start; further improvement needed but not ruled out.
5
5th (5) (10/1 +0%) Smiling Getaway
10
10/1(+0%)
(5) Smiling Getaway 10/1, Winning Irish pointer who landed first 2 starts in mares' novice hurdles (on soft/heavy) last winter prior to finishing third in Grade 2 company. Improved again when making a winning chase bow/return at Ffos Las two months ago and can make her presence felt back up in class. Won Ffos Las handicap on chase debut; this unexposed 7yo could have more left in the tank.
2
6th (2) (22/1 -238%) El Elefante
22
22/1(-238%)
(2) El Elefante 22/1, Fairly useful hurdler, scoring twice over this sort of trip last term, and made a winning start to her chasing career in novice at Worcester on return. Solid third in listed event since and should be on the premises. Listed third against more experienced chasers last time; now reverts to novice company.
4
|F| (4) (100/1 +0%) Mary
100
100/1(+0%)
(4) Mary 100/1, Off the mark in big-field Stratford handicap (16.3f) in August. Would have won but for falling at Worcester on chase debut at Worcester in September but below form over hurdles last time and this looks a big ask. Unexposed over fences and has potential, but plenty to find now upped markedly in grade.
6
|PU| (6) (25/1 -150%) Springtime Promise
25
25/1(-150%)
(6) Springtime Promise 25/1, Showed useful form when completing his hat-trick over hurdles in February. Not at best since, including on chasing debut at Carlisle last month, but return to testing conditions is in her favour. Won Grade 2 mares' novice hurdle in February and can improve for last month's chase debut.
13:55 Warwick Maiden Chase (Class 1) 20f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 1 race.
A Grade 2 winner over hurdles, YOU WEAR IT WELL is clear of the opposition on ratings. The daughter of Midnight Legend returned to the fray with a creditable second in a Listed contest at Bangor on her chasing bow and a bold bid is anticipated with that pipe-opener under her belt. Cherie D'am could land a blow at this level having acquitted herself well in a competitive novice chase at Carlisle on her first start over fences, while El Elefante had the subsequent winner Ilovethenightlife back in third when successful at Worcester in October.
YOU WEAR IT WELL is the best hurdler in this field and made a positive start to chasing when runner-up in a similar event at Bangor last time, so she gets the marginal vote over Telepathique, who has made a terrific start in this sphere and promises to go well again. Cherie d'Am is one of several others to consider in a fascinating mares' event.
Classy hurdler YOU WEAR IT WELL made a promising start to her chasing career when runner-up at Bangor and can go one better.
(4) De Tellers Fortune 8/1, Off the mark at the third attempt over hurdles in Ffos Las maiden in May. Opening mark looks high enough on what he has achieved but he's likely to make a better chaser (won sole start in Irish points). Form of his Irish point win has substance; attractively treated off his opening mark.
10
2nd (10) (10/1 +0%) Langley Hundred
10
10/1(+0%)
(10) Langley Hundred 10/1, Bounced back to capitalise on a reduced mark and end a losing run at Hereford last time, always doing enough. Remains feasibly treated if he turns up in the same form. Exposed sort who looks unlikely to follow up his Hereford win; this is harder.
2
3rd (2) (4/1 -20%) Law Of Supply
4
4/1(-20%)
(2) Law Of Supply 4/1, Winning pointer who left hurdles form behind when successful on chase/handicap debut at Worcester on return and improved again when following up at Ascot 3 weeks ago. Should make a bold bid for the hat-trick. 2-2 since switched to chasing and handicap level, the latest win at Ascot; big player.
8
4th (8) (9/1 +44%) Tout Sur Moi
9
9/1(+44%)
(8) Tout Sur Moi 9/1, Showed promise in bumpers and similar story in trio of maiden hurdles earlier this year. However, turned over when odds on for a 4-runner novice here (19f, good) 4 weeks ago and needs to improve now tackling the larger obstacles. Maiden who needs improvement for the new trip and switch to fences.
1
5th (1) (3/1 +25%) Florencethemachine
3
3/1(+25%)
(1) Florencethemachine 3/1, Winning pointer who scored twice over hurdles last season. Confirmed chase debut promise when winning 3-runner handicap at Exeter and remains with potential as a chaser. Made all for easy win at Exeter last time; respected, with further progress plausible.
6
6th (6) (15/2 +46%) Bertie Wooster
7.5
15/2(+46%)
(6) Bertie Wooster 15/2, Gained reward for consistency over hurdles when opening his account in handicap at Taunton (19f, good) in April. Ran respectably after 6 months off when mid-field at Newton Abbot but was below par on chase bow at Ascot 3 weeks ago. Well held at Ascot (race won by Law Of Supply) on the switch to fences.
3
7th (3) (4/1 +33%) Shy Love
4
4/1(+33%)
(3) Shy Love 4/1, Showed ability only start in bumpers and looked potentially useful when making winning start over hurdles at Huntingdon (20.5f, soft) in March. Excuses next 2 starts, including on return, and not taken lightly now chasing (third sole start in Irish points). Lightly raced 6yo who looks interesting on handicap/chase debut.
5
8th (5) (12/1 -9%) Hall Lane
12
12/1(-9%)
(5) Hall Lane 12/1, Opened chase account under a change of tactics in 4-runner handicap at Market Rasen (23.9f, good to firm) in July and better effort since when respectable fourth in this headgear at Ascot 3 weeks ago. Remains vulnerable to progressive ones. More exposed than most of these rivals and looks set for another supporting role.
9
9th (9) (80/1 -300%) Thirtyfour Thirty
80
80/1(-300%)
(9) Thirtyfour Thirty 80/1, Bumper/hurdles winner but offered little on return after 4 months off at Wincanton and well held in a match race on chase bow here since. Change of headgear. Combination of step back up in trip and new headgear may help.
14:05 Taunton Handicap Chase (Class 4) 23f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 4 race.
LAW OF SUPPLY has had a terrific start to his chasing career and a 7lb rise for his most recent success at Ascot may not be enough to prevent him from landing the hat-trick. The form of the stable is another plus and the son of Mahler gets the vote ahead of Florencethemachine, who improved from first to second start in this sphere when easily scoring at Exeter over 3m last month. De Tellers Fortune must be of interest on his chase debut, while Immortal Fame is another to note on the back of his latest success at Ayr.
LAW OF SUPPLY has been most progressive since going chasing and is fancied to make it 3 from 3 in this sphere. Florencethemachine is the obvious threat after her easy win at Exeter, while De Tellers Fortune is a chasing newcomer to note.
As regards the runners who already have chasing experience, LAW OF SUPPLY and Florencethemachine are particularly appealing.
(3) Blue Lakota 5/6, Lightly-raced maiden. Good second of 11 in nursery (9/2) at this C&D 20 days ago. Shortlist material. Runner-up in course nurseries in both runs following a wind op; leading claims once more.
8
2nd (8) (40/1 -60%) Mile By Mile
40
40/1(-60%)
(8) Mile By Mile 40/1, Thrice-raced maiden. 50/1, fifth of 8 in maiden at this C&D 19 days ago. Makes handicap debut. Modest form in three runs, two over C&D; improvement a must now handicapping.
5
3rd (5) (12/1 +25%) Final Angel
12
12/1(+25%)
(5) Final Angel 12/1, 50/1, tenth of 12 in nursery at Wolverhampton (6.1f) 26 days ago. Not progressing but she's edging down the weights and this is a drop in grade; yard runs 2.
1
4th (1) (9/1 -64%) Avalon
9
9/1(-64%)
(1) Avalon 9/1, Lightly-raced maiden. 11/4, fourth of 6 in nursery at Nottingham (5f, soft) 36 days ago. Makes tapeta debut. Tongue strap on 1st time. 5f looked too sharp on nursery debut last month; now tongue tied; unexposed.
2
5th (2) (8/1 +50%) Bantz
8
8/1(+50%)
(2) Bantz 8/1, 50/1, eighth of 12 in nursery at Wolverhampton (6.1f) 26 days ago. Yet to shine for new yard but dropping down the weights and this is his first Class 6.
4
6th (4) (17/2 +39%) Rex Carver
8.5
17/2(+39%)
(4) Rex Carver 17/2, Ninth of 10 in maiden (28/1) at Musselburgh (7.1f, good to soft) 36 days ago. Makes tapeta debut. 0-9 but best efforts give him claims; not ruled out on AW debut.
6
7th (6) (6/1 +0%) Followeroffashion
6
6/1(+0%)
(6) Followeroffashion 6/1, Lightly-raced maiden. 16/1, creditable fourth of 12 in nursery at this C&D 26 days ago, nearest finish. Shaped much better than bare figures will indicate over C&D on nursery debut; unexposed.
10
8th (10) (66/1 +0%) Good Reward
66
66/1(+0%)
(10) Good Reward 66/1, Lightly-raced maiden. 80/1, last of 11 in nursery at this C&D 20 days ago. Blinkered for 1st time. Well-beaten 80-1 shot on nursery debut (C&D) three weeks ago; now tried in blinkers.
9
9th (9) (16/1 -300%) Bella Fortunata
16
16/1(-300%)
(9) Bella Fortunata 16/1, Lightly-raced winner. Career best when winning 5-runner nursery at this C&D (11/2) 34 days ago. Merits consideration. Off the mark in a C&D nursery five weeks ago; that looked weak though and she's now up 4lb.
14:17 Newcastle Handicap (Class 6) 6f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 6 race.
BELLA FORTUNATA didn't cut much ice in her three qualifying runs, but she left that form well behind when scoring readily on her handicap debut over C&D. Upped 4lb, she gets the nod to bring up the double. This step back up to 6f, coupled with the application of a tongue tie, could help Avalon be seen to better effect and she can emerge as the main danger. Blue Lakota has hit the woodwork the last twice and another bold bid would come as no surprise.
BELLA FORTUNATA looks far from the finished article but still showed much-improved form to make a successful nursery debut over C&D 5 weeks ago so remains of interest. Blue Lakota has gone close switched to nurseries here the last twice and is the obvious threat ahead of Black Sky.
Followeroffashion has more to offer but BLUE LAKOTA is fancied to gain an overdue first success.
(6) Mr Hope Street 11/10, Progressive handicapper who made it three from his last 4 in ready style at Southwell 9 days ago. Clearly the one to beat under a penalty. Three wins from his last four starts and a 7lb penalty may well not stop him today.
5
2nd (5) (4/1 0%) Don't Tell Su
4
4/1(0%)
(5) Don't Tell Su 4/1, Bumper winner. Bright start over hurdles last season, completing simple task in a Wincanton maiden (15.2f) in March. Returned with a good second at Sandown and seems likely to put up another solid showing. Has bumped into highly progressive winners when runner-up the last twice.
10
3rd (10) (11/1 -38%) Bredon Hill
11
11/1(-38%)
(10) Bredon Hill 11/1, Shaped with encouragement in bumpers and stepped forward from hurdling debut when off the mark in novice here last month, responding well. Handicapper has taken no chances with opening mark but could do better. Won novice hurdle here last month and this unexposed 4yo could continue to progress.
11
4th (11) (20/1 -25%) Jet Marshall
20
20/1(-25%)
(11) Jet Marshall 20/1, Attracted support and showed improved form to make a winning handicap in a 17-runner contest at Wincanton (19.8f, good to soft) in February 2023. Unseated at Haydock on return 8 days ago but isn't one to write off. Looking promising in February 2023; early unseat at Haydock last week on sole run since.
8
5th (8) (40/1 -21%) Hardy Fella
40
40/1(-21%)
(8) Hardy Fella 40/1, Scored over fences at Fontwell last year but generally out of sorts since and a more compelling case can be made for most of his rivals. Won twice off higher marks in 2023 but the first-time visor needs to prompt a revival.
7
6th (7) (18/1 -29%) Itsnoteasy
18
18/1(-29%)
(7) Itsnoteasy 18/1, £100,000 recruit from the Irish pointing field who contested 3 2½m maiden hurdles at Uttoxeter at the end of 2023, going close on the second occasion before making it third time lucky in December. Disappointing return in a handicap at Bangor last month, though. Won maiden hurdle last December; not written off but he flopped on last month's comeback.
3
7th (3) (10/1 -43%) Montecam
10
10/1(-43%)
(3) Montecam 10/1, Fair form in bumpers/over hurdles. Fell at Punchestown in May and was let down by his jumping on his first go over fences at Kempton a month ago. May have learned from that. Didn't jump well when fourth of six on chase debut; retains potential back in this sphere.
2
8th (2) (14/1 +0%) Ballybegg
14
14/1(+0%)
(2) Ballybegg 14/1, Creditable third of 7 in handicap hurdle (11/2) at Uttoxeter (19.9f, heavy) 18 days ago. Well treated on his best form if he's able to build on that and has excellent conditional on board. Not the force of old but fair third at Uttoxeter recently off his reduced mark.
1
9th (1) (33/1 -106%) Hooper
33
33/1(-106%)
(1) Hooper 33/1, Quirky sort who shaped as if better for the run back from a long absence when fourth of 7 at Newbury last month. Up in trip with cheekpieces back on and the handicapper has given him a chance. Well beaten last month after absence but may have needed it; not ruled out off handy mark.
9
10th (9) (50/1 +0%) Breaking Waves
50
50/1(+0%)
(9) Breaking Waves 50/1, Untrustworthy individual who followed his Uttoxeter victory in June with some lesser efforts, including over fences at Huntingdon last time. Hard to make a case for. Won by 8l at Uttoxeter in June but has struggled to get competitive since.
4
|PU| (4) (20/1 -300%) Moon Over Mexico
20
20/1(-300%)
(4) Moon Over Mexico 20/1, Off the mark in Irish points (dead-heated) at the third attempt and made a successful Rules debut in a novice at Wincanton 10 months ago. Straight into handicaps from a fair mark, so interesting contender. Well backed, won novice hurdle at Newcastle in January and that form has worked out well.
14:25 Warwick Handicap Hurdle (Class 4) 21f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 4 race.
DON'T TELL SU ran into the progressive Act Of Authority when second at Sandown on last month's reappearance. Paul Nicholls' charge drops in grade for this and the six-year-old can regain the winning thread. Mr Hope Street is penalised for a recent victory at Southwell, but he won with plenty in hand and is expected to go well again, while Hooper can also have a say in the outcome.
MR HOPE STREET is improving fast and had something in hand at Southwell 9 days ago so, if the race doesn't come too soon, he could be tough to beat for all that this is a stronger race. Don't Tell Su and Moon Over Mexico could emerge as the main dangers.
This can go to MR HOPE STREET, who continues to thrive and is well treated under a 7lb penalty for last week's commanding win.
(9) Him Malaya 10/1, Fair performer who posted good placed efforts over hurdles at Kempton/Ludlow in the spring. Never figured sent chasing at Newton Abbot (21f) in June and below best when sixth of 9 to Getalead in handicap hurdle at Wincanton (15.2f) 46 days ago. Back up in trip. Looks nicely weighted but has something to prove back up in trip.
1
2nd (1) (3/1 +0%) Choccabloc
3
3/1(+0%)
(1) Choccabloc 3/1, Bumper winner who made a bright start over hurdles last winter, off the mark at Ludlow (21.2f) in November. Not disgraced when fifth in Cheltenham Grade 2 next time and back on the up when second of 6 in Ayr novice (20.5f) in April. Interesting now handicapping on return. Steadily progressive sort who ran well at Ayr on Scottish National day; respected.
7
3rd (7) (14/1 -17%) Liverpool Knight
14
14/1(-17%)
(7) Liverpool Knight 14/1, 3-time winner over hurdles for Olly Murphy during 2023 who showed benefit of a recent debut for new yard aided with the run of things when second of 4 in handicap hurdle at Wetherby (19.7f) 26 days ago. Likely to give another good account. Ran creditably behind a well-treated opponent last time; place possibilities.
3
4th (3) (7/1 +13%) Ilanz
7
7/1(+13%)
(3) Ilanz 7/1, Bumper/3-time hurdle scorer who has posted solid efforts on 2 of his 3 starts since joining Olly Murphy, finishing third in race that worked out well at Market Rasen (20.6f) when last seen in July. Capable of exploiting this sort of mark this winter and yard continue in good order. Placed in two of his three starts for new stable; 1-1 at Taunton; in the mix.
8
5th (8) (10/3 +17%) Getalead
3.333333
10/3(+17%)
(8) Getalead 10/3, Returned from 6 months off in fine form, benefiting from return to calmer waters when making it 3 wins from last 4 starts at Wincanton (19.8f) 21 days ago. 4 lb rise should see him competitive again but he needs to keep the errors at bay. 3-3 under Gearoid Harney, recording all those wins this winter; not ruled out.
5
6th (5) (17/2 -42%) Latin Verse
8.5
17/2(-42%)
(5) Latin Verse 17/2, Won twice over hurdles last season and returned to that sort of form with usual cheekpieces left off when second of 9 in handicap hurdle (11/2) at Huntingdon (15.8f, soft) 19 days ago, pulling clear of the remainder. Longer trip worth exploring. Ran well last time but this longer distance presents a question mark.
6
7th (6) (50/1 -456%) Paso Doble
50
50/1(-456%)
(6) Paso Doble 50/1, Fairly useful Flat winner who quickly reached a similar level in this sphere, gaining his second victory as a novice here (16.5f) 3 years ago. Things can't have been plain sailing to have been absent since but significant his leading yard have persisted with him. Interesting. Absent since winning the novice hurdle on this card in 2021; check the betting.
2
8th (2) (4/1 +11%) Wilful
4
4/1(+11%)
(2) Wilful 4/1, Progressive winner in bumpers and similar story over hurdles, completing hat-trick of novice victories with fair bit in hand in 8-runner contest at Worcester (20f) in August. Further progress distinctly possible now handicapping after 4 months off and he needs considering. Gained his three hurdles wins by an aggregate of 47l; interesting handicap debutant.
4
9th (4) (18/1 -64%) Kamaxos
18
18/1(-64%)
(4) Kamaxos 18/1, Made light of a long absence to comfortably see off 6 rivals in 2m Sandown handicap hurdle in February. Decent efforts in defeat next 2 starts and found to have bled on return/chase debut at Warwick (16.2f) 3 weeks ago. Sort to bounce back. Failed to show his form over fences on seasonal debut; consistent over hurdles.
14:40 Taunton Handicap Hurdle (Class 3) 19f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 3 race.
WILFUL continues to go from strength to strength, having won his last three outings in impressive fashion, and a mark of 125 on handicap debut could prove lenient. Choccabloc may have only scored once last season, but he is an intriguing sort at this level. Runner-up on his most recent start at Huntingdon, Latin Verse seems to be finding his way since joining the Anthony Charlton stable and cannot be ruled out.
CHOCCABLOC resumed progress when chasing home a more seasoned novice at Ayr on his final start back in the spring and, appealing as the type to go forward again this term, he could be the answer on handicap debut. Paso Doble is an intriguing contender returning from 3 years off and confidence behind him in the betting would look significant. Improving 5-y-o Wilful and thriving 8-y-o Getalead complete the shortlist.
With further improvement on the cards, CHOCCABLOC is taken to defy top weight. Wilful is second choice.
(7) Cut To The Chase 7/1, Tenth of 12 in handicap (4/1) at Wolverhampton (8.6f) 31 days ago. Significantly down in trip. Maiden (0-7); improved switched to classified/handicaps; too free over 8.5f last time..
4
2nd (4) (17/2 +29%) Bomb Squad
8.5
17/2(+29%)
(4) Bomb Squad 17/2, Creditable fifth of 11 in handicap (22/1) at Wolverhampton (7.2f) 10 days ago. C&D form figures (262), coupled with a handy mark, suggest he could have a role to play..
9
3rd (9) (9/2 +63%) Autumn Angel
4.5
9/2(+63%)
(9) Autumn Angel 9/2, 12/1, bit below form fourth of 12 in handicap at this C&D 20 days ago. Blinkers back on. Close up (fourth) behind Gunnerside over C&D latest; stablemate of Cut To The Chase..
10
4th (10) (20/1 -233%) Blackcurrent
20
20/1(-233%)
(10) Blackcurrent 20/1, 6-time course winner. Very good second of 12 in handicap at this course (5f, 16/1) 34 days ago. In the mix. Runner-up over 5f here (16-1) last time; likely pace angle; 6f probably not his optimum..
3
5th (3) (9/1 +25%) Absolute Dream
9
9/1(+25%)
(3) Absolute Dream 9/1, C&D winner. Eighth of 11 in handicap at Southwell (7.1f, 15/2) 24 days ago. Cheekpieces back on. Beaten by a neck over C&D (same mark) in October; less productive in three starts since..
5
6th (5) (40/1 -233%) Tommytwohoots
40
40/1(-233%)
(5) Tommytwohoots 40/1, Latest win at Nottingham in October. 10/11, fourth of 5 in handicap at Brighton (5.3f, heavy) 56 days ago. Sprung a surprise at Nottingham (6f, heavy) in October; eight weeks off; 2-31 on AW.
12
7th (12) (7/1 -17%) Variety Island
7
7/1(-17%)
(12) Variety Island 7/1, C&D winner. Two wins from 41 Flat runs. Good second of 10 in handicap at this C&D (7/1) 37 days ago. Needs considering. 2-41; closed late on over C&D when beaten a neck last time; can't be discounted.
6
8th (6) (5/1 +38%) My Boy Jack
5
5/1(+38%)
(6) My Boy Jack 5/1, 9/1, creditable second of 11 in handicap at Lingfield (7f, AW) 9 days ago, finishing well. Player. Difficult to knock for consistency with recent form figures of 222322; enters calculations.
2
9th (2) (11/4 +63%) Gunnerside
2.75
11/4(+63%)
(2) Gunnerside 11/4, Course winner. 11/2, respectable fourth of 12 in handicap at this course (7.1f) 6 days ago. Enters calculations. Running well here (6f-7f) in recent weeks; form of C&D third (penultimate start) franked..
11
10th (11) (25/1 +0%) Ben Dikduk
25
25/1(+0%)
(11) Ben Dikduk 25/1, Winner at Hamilton in June. Eleventh of 12 in handicap (16/1) at Southwell (7.1f) 49 days ago. Not easy to make a case for. Easing mark, coupled with a drop back in trip, isn't enough to tempt; seeking first AW win.
1
11th (1) (33/1 -106%) Mumcat
33
33/1(-106%)
(1) Mumcat 33/1, C&D winner. 33/1, eleventh of 12 in handicap at this course (7.1f) 20 days ago. Pulled hard and always in rear here (7f) three weeks ago but that was after a layoff..
14:52 Newcastle Handicap (Class 6) 6f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 6 race.
CUT TO THE CHASE was too keen to do himself justice when down the field at Wolverhampton, but the drop to 6f might be the difference needed to get his head in front for the first time. The consistent My Boy Jack is expected to be in the mix once again following his second at Lingfield last week. Variety Island and Blackcurrent are others capable of a decent showing.
VARIETY ISLAND confirmed himself back in form when going close over this C&D last time and remains of interest. My Boy Jack should go well again along with the veteran Blackcurrent.
A chance is taken on BOMB SQUAD, who came second on two of his three visits to Newcastle and has a competitive mark.
(8) New Order 5/1, Point winner who made the frame on each of his first 4 starts over hurdles. Showed plenty to work on when sixth of 14 in handicap chase at Bangor (24.1f, heavy) on debut over fences 44 days ago. Tongue tie refitted following wind op and he appeals as the type to do better in this sphere. Point winner and twice second over hurdles; had wind op since a quiet chase debut.
6
2nd (6) (25/1 -79%) Roger Rarebit
25
25/1(-79%)
(6) Roger Rarebit 25/1, Made a winning seasonal/chase debut at Uttoxeter (20f, heavy) 13 months ago. Seen only 3 times thereafter, finding his chance compromised by a serious error (also bled) when pulled up at Southwell (24.3f) in April. Good record fresh a positive at least ahead of this. Impressed on chase debut but the wheels have come off, twice bleeding from the nose.
3
3rd (3) (4/1 +33%) Ultra Beat
4
4/1(+33%)
(3) Ultra Beat 4/1, Improved model this term, third over hurdles in May and, following 5 months off, progressed again when second on handicap chase debut at Bangor (3m) in October. Fell early at Hereford (25.2f) 15 days ago and he's respected as a low-mileage sort here. Lightly raced; stayed on well for second at Bangor and then departed early at Hereford.
2
4th (2) (9/2 +55%) Walks Like The Man
4.5
9/2(+55%)
(2) Walks Like The Man 9/2, Scored over hurdles at Plumpton (20.5f) in January for Anthony Charlton. Probably in need of the run after 7 months off for new yard when ninth of 11 in handicap chase at Lingfield (20f, good) on debut over fences 30 days ago and he's likely capable of better in this sphere. Disappointing chase debut but on good ground and probably wants it softer.
7
5th (7) (11/4 +0%) Heard That
2.75
11/4(+0%)
(7) Heard That 11/4, Fair maiden over hurdles who dispelled his return/chase debut blip when winning 6-runner handicap chase at this course (20f, soft) 22 days ago, well on top finish. Unexposed at around this trip and he's fancied to be firmly in the mix again. Recent 2m4f winner here who stays 3m; only a 5yo and should have more to offer.
4
6th (4) (9/1 -50%) Lady Jago
9
9/1(-50%)
(4) Lady Jago 9/1, Fair winning hurdler who couldn't replicate that level on first try in this sphere when third of 7 in handicap chase at this course (20f, soft) 3 weeks ago. Still, this former point winner looks the part for this discipline and she should do better. Up in trip. Course winner over hurdles; made a bad mid-race mistake on recent chase debut here.
1
7th (1) (13/2 -30%) Betterforeveryone
6.5
13/2(-30%)
(1) Betterforeveryone 13/2, Got off the mark over fences at Doncaster in February and failed to stay at Cheltenham (28.1f) in April. Ran respectably when fourth in his comeback at Chepstow and is one to consider from same mark. Will need more than at Chepstow last time and he's burdened with a lot of weight.
9
8th (9) (22/1 -214%) Mako Of The Glade
22
22/1(-214%)
(9) Mako Of The Glade 22/1, Fair form when reaching the frame in 2 juvenile hurdles in France in autumn 2021 but no impact in 3 runs following a lengthy absence earlier this year. Goes chasing now after 8 months off/on back of wind surgery with yard in great nick and the market can lead the way. Not built on early French promise but had a wind operation ahead of this chasing debut.
5
|PU| (5) (100/1 -150%) Tide Times
100
100/1(-150%)
(5) Tide Times 100/1, All 4 of his wins over fences have come at Ludlow, the latest over 23.8f this time last winter. However, failed to complete all 4 starts since, off bridle some way out and well held when refusing at the last back at Ludlow 5 weeks ago. Made it four non-competions on the trot when refusing late on at Ludlow last month.
15:00 Warwick Handicap Chase (Class 4) 24f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 4 race.
Now that the penny has dropped for HEARD THAT after a relatively comfortable success over 2m4f here last time out, Olly Murphy's charge could have more to come off a 4lb higher mark. Stepping back up to 3m should not inconvenience, and it may be that Betterforeveryone gives him the most to think about, having won on his last go at this distance at Doncaster in February and shaped well to a point on his return at Chepstow in October. Lady Jago got going late in the day on her chasing bow here last month and stepping up in trip looks a good move.
Claims can be made for a few here with Charlie Longsdon's NEW ORDER the suggestion. He offered plenty to work on when finishing midfield on his chase debut at Bangor in October and, with a tongue strap re-applied following wind surgery, he appeals as having an even bigger effort in his locker. Recent course winner Heard That looks sure to be suited by the return to this longer trip and, along with Ultra Beat, heads up the dangers.
Another chance is given to useful hurdler WALKS LIKE THE MAN who perhaps found good ground against him on his chase debut.
(1) Ostrava Du Berlais 1/4, Built on promising Warwick chase debut when readily taking 6-runner handicap chase at Ludlow (16f, soft) 8 days ago. Looks well in under 7 lb penalty and holds outstanding claims. Opened her account with 10l success at Ludlow last week; leading player under a penalty.
2
2nd (2) (12/1 -167%) My Mate Polly
12
12/1(-167%)
(2) My Mate Polly 12/1, Sprang something of a surprise when taking 6-runner handicap chase (28/1) at Wincanton (20.2f, good to soft) 21 days ago. 3 lb rise fair and remains low mileage in this sphere. One of the main players, provided the form of her Wincanton success is backed up.
6
3rd (6) (13/2 +19%) Miss Fedora
6.5
13/2(+19%)
(6) Miss Fedora 13/2, Got back on track reverted to hurdling when landing 8-runner handicap at Cartmel (17.2f, soft) in August. However, yet to score over fences and arrives on back of poor effort at Lingfield 3 days ago. Well treated on best hurdles form; ran poorly on Monday, taking chase record to 0-8.
3
4th (3) (9/1 +36%) Firefly Lane
9
9/1(+36%)
(3) Firefly Lane 9/1, Winning pointer who opened her account over fences at Newton Abbot (21f) in September. Shaped as if still in good form when third at Fakenham (24.2f, good to soft) latest and ought to give another good account here. Outstayed over 3m last time but, conversely, may find this trip on the sharp side.
5
5th (5) (100/1 -203%) Lady Ironside
100
100/1(-203%)
(5) Lady Ironside 100/1, Long-standing maiden on level and over hurdles. Not seen for 22 months and is best watched on chase debut. Maiden who has been absent for 22 months; makes chase debut; market helpful.
15:15 Taunton Handicap Chase (Class 5) 18f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 5 race.
A ready winner over 2m at Ludlow last week, OSTRAVA DU BERLAIS appeals under a 7lb penalty with the step up in trip considered a potential source of improvement. Furthermore, this is just her third start since having a wind problem addressed and, as she is officially 1lb well-in, the case for support looks rock-solid. Miss Fedora boasts winning form and commands respect on that basis. Firefly Lane cuts back in trip and also needs considering of 2lb above her last winning mark.
It's hard to get away from OSTRAVA DU BERLAIS, who had plenty in hand when scoring at Ludlow last week and remains open to improvement. Firefly Lane may be the one to chase her home.
Back down in grade, Ludlow winner OSTRAVA DU BERLAIS looks capable of defying a penalty. My Mate Polly is second choice.
(8) Red Maids 8/1, Won 9-runner handicap (2/1) at this C&D 9 days ago. Carries penalty. Has good chance on form. Seeking quickfire C&D hat-trick; carries a 5lb penalty for last week's win; strong chance.
2
2nd (2) (6/1 +50%) Judgment Call
6
6/1(+50%)
(2) Judgment Call 6/1, Unreliable individual. Fourteen runs since last win in 2023. Creditable fifth of 12 in handicap at this C&D (10/1) 19 days ago, well positioned. Caught close home by Beattie Is Back over C&D on penultimate start; place chance..
6
3rd (6) (11/2 +21%) Beattie Is Back
5.5
11/2(+21%)
(6) Beattie Is Back 11/2, 18/1, won 9-runner handicap at this C&D 41 days ago by short head from Judgment Call. Respected. Produced from off the pace to claim Judgement Call over C&D last month; 3lb higher now..
4
4th (4) (17/2 -21%) Northern Spirit
8.5
17/2(-21%)
(4) Northern Spirit 17/2, Course winner. Latest win at York in September. Fifth of 8 in handicap (3/1) at this course (6f) 20 days ago, slowly away. Latest 6f fifth here was boosted by Alfa Whiteburd this week; 7f is the concern..
7
5th (7) (16/1 +0%) Swiss Ace
16
16/1(+0%)
(7) Swiss Ace 16/1, 3-time C&D winner. 16/1, 4¼ lengths ninth of 12 to Red Maids in handicap at this C&D 26 days ago. Others more persuasive. Took backward step when fading (ninth) behind today's rival Red Maids over C&D 26 days ago.
3
6th (3) (15/2 -15%) Vibrato
7.5
15/2(-15%)
(3) Vibrato 15/2, C&D winner. 2 wins from 6 runs this year. 15/2, career best when winning 11-runner handicap at Wolverhampton (7.2f) 24 days ago. Can go well again in his hat-trick bid. 2-2 over 7f; up 4lb for Wolverhampton win latest; could have more to offer in this Class 4.
9
7th (9) (9/2 +44%) Project Geofin
4.5
9/2(+44%)
(9) Project Geofin 9/2, C&D winner. Latest win here in October. 3½ lengths eighth of 12 to Red Maids in handicap at this C&D (9/2) 26 days ago. Work to do with hat-trick seeking Red Maids on the basis of their C&D clash 26 days ago..
1
8th (1) (7/2 +42%) The Cookstown Cafu
3.5
7/2(+42%)
(1) The Cookstown Cafu 7/2, C&D winner. Latest win here in October. Good second of 10 in handicap (5/1) at this course (8f) 31 days ago, conceding first run. Looks competitive on form. Second over 1m latest; AW record (all here) reads 1412; steadily rising mark is the issue..
5
9th (5) (40/1 -186%) Danielsflyer
40
40/1(-186%)
(5) Danielsflyer 40/1, 3-time C&D winner. 4 wins from 10 runs this year. Sixth of 9 in handicap (12/1) at this C&D 41 days ago. Registered four-timer here (7f-1m) early in the year; others look on more manageable marks.
11
10th (11) (16/1 +43%) Bowman
16
16/1(+43%)
(11) Bowman 16/1, 18/1, sixth of 8 in handicap at this course (6f) 20 days ago. Consistent since winning at Catterick (7f) in April; handicapper probably in charge though.
15:25 Newcastle Handicap (Class 4) 7f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 4 race.
Red Maids arrives in search of a C&D three-timer having returned to form of late, but the four-year-old faces a tougher assignment on this occasion under a 5lb penalty. With that in mind, fellow hat-trick seeker VIBRATO gets the vote. The son of No Nay Never is expected to handle a 4lb rise after scoring on his handicap debut at Wolverhampton. The Cookstown Cafu and Beattie Is Back appeal most of the remainder.
VIBRATO and Red Maids are both going for the hat-trick with narrow preference for the unexposed 3-y-o. The Cookstown Cafu enhanced his good record here when second last month and is another to consider.
Mark Rimell's RED MAIDS (nap) is thriving and appeared value for more than the winning margin over C&D last week.
(8) Legal Weapon 2/1, €70,000 3-y-o, Al Wukair gelding. Half-brother to French 1½m winner Levia. Dam, French 13.5f-15.5f winner, half-sister to fairly useful hurdler/chaser (winner around 2m) Laterly. Betting can unearth clues on debut. 70,000euros 3yo; interesting newcomer for a yard that's won this with smart types before.
1
2nd (1) (11/2 -57%) Tormund Giantsbane
5.5
11/2(-57%)
(1) Tormund Giantsbane 11/2, Won his sole start in points (March 2024) and perfect start under Rules when winning 12-runner bumper at Worcester (2m) in October, leading inside final 1f and keeping on. Represents top yard and he promises to go on again from that. Worcester winner; has the penalty though and this could be a good bumper.
11
3rd (11) (13/2 +7%) Sutherland
6.5
13/2(+7%)
(11) Sutherland 13/2, €100,000 3-y-o, Flemensfirth gelding. Well held only start for Jamie Albert Sloan when ninth of 17 in bumper at Punchestown (16.7f) in April but he very much appeals as the type to do better now starting out for Nicky Henderson. Hood goes on and he merits respect. Well beaten in one Irish start but now with Nicky Henderson who applies a hood.
5
4th (5) (8/1 -7%) Forward Thinking
8
8/1(-7%)
(5) Forward Thinking 8/1, €32,000 3-y-o, Elusive Pimpernel gelding. Half-brother to fair chaser A Definite Getaway. Dam unraced half-sister to fairly useful hurdler/smart chaser (17f-19f winner) Wenyerreadyfreddie. Yard no stranger to success with their runners in this sphere. 32,000euros 3yo; third foal; half-brother to 2m4f/3m chase winner A Definite Getaway.
10
5th (10) (33/1 -230%) Surrey Lord
33
33/1(-230%)
(10) Surrey Lord 33/1, £35,000 3-y-o, Getaway gelding. Looked green off the bridle but did plenty of work on it when third of 10 in bumper at Uttoxeter (15.7f) on debut 6 weeks ago. Entitled to have derived plenty from that initial experience and there's better to come. It didn't look a strong bumper in which he was beaten 8l at Uttoxeter (good; 14-1).
3
6th (3) (66/1 -313%) Claim The Throne
66
66/1(-313%)
(3) Claim The Throne 66/1, £55,000 Kapgarde gelding. Runner-up on last of 3 starts in Irish points (Mar 2024) and ridden from the front, found himself out speeded when fifth of 6 in bumper at Newbury (16.3f, good to soft) on NH debut 35 days ago. Type to step forward. Dictated a modest pace at Newbury (good) but dropped away late on.
9
7th (9) (12/1 +0%) Mr Griffiths
12
12/1(+0%)
(9) Mr Griffiths 12/1, €68,000 3-y-o, Masked Marvel gelding. Dam, 11f winner, half-sister to useful hurdler (stayed 2½m) Petite Parisienne. Appeals as a type to make his mark in this sphere for yard enjoying a good season and he's worth a second look. 68,000euros 3yo; dam French 1m3f winner, sister to French 1m1f/9.5f winner Seven Even.
7
8th (7) (9/2 -29%) Jeriko Place
4.5
9/2(-29%)
(7) Jeriko Place 9/2, €100,000 3-y-o, Masked Marvel gelding. Closely related to fair hurdler/fairly useful chaser Hawai Tree. Dam 17f hurdle winner in France. Noteworthy newcomer for top stable boasting a very impressive strike rate in this sphere. 100,000euros 3yo; closely related to French 2m-2m1f hurdle/chase winner Hawai Tree.
12
9th (12) (16/1 +20%) Tuscany
16
16/1(+20%)
(12) Tuscany 16/1, Milan gelding. Half-brother to 3 winners, including modest hurdler Monthyne and bumper winner Wellntyne. Dam ran twice over hurdles. One to note in the betting for clues on debut. Half-brother to three winners and stable has success in bumpers.
2
10th (2) (150/1 -20%) A Great Excuse
150
150/1(-20%)
(2) A Great Excuse 150/1, £5,000 4-y-o, Lucky Speed gelding. Dam, failed to complete all 4 starts in points, sister to fair hurdler/fairly useful chaser (stayed 25f) A Decent Excuse. Little impact in 3 Irish points (latest May 4). Minor form in Irish points (well held when third) and was bought for £5,000.
13
11th (13) (40/1 -100%) Keep On Cobbling
40
40/1(-100%)
(13) Keep On Cobbling 40/1, Passing Glance filly who showed ability when fourth of 7 in bumper at Uttoxeter (15.8f, soft) on debut in June. Ought to be capable of better with that under her belt now returning from 6 months off. Promising when a one-paced fourth at Uttoxeter; this is deeper and she's bred to stay.
4
12th (4) (14/1 +30%) Duffry Trixs
14
14/1(+30%)
(4) Duffry Trixs 14/1, €28,000 3-y-o, Mahler gelding. Half-brother to useful hurdler Alletrix. Dam unraced half-sister to fairly useful hurdler/very smart chaser (stayed 25f) Aces Four. Runner-up only outing in Irish points (Jan 2024) and market should guide on bumper debut/following wind surgery. Second in a 3m Irish point in January and the winner has since triumphed over hurdles.
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 5 race.
TORMUND GIANTSBANE was value for more than the winning margin when scoring at Worcester on his Rules debut in October. With conditions in his favour again, the four-year-old is taken to overcome a 7lb penalty. Jeriko Place is an intriguing newcomer for the Paul Nicholls stable, while similar comments apply to Forward Thinking, who is related to the useful Shewearsitwell. Surrey Lord should be open to improvement on the back of a promising debut effort when third at Uttoxeter last month.
Newcomer JERIKO PLACE very much appeals as a likely type to make his mark with his top yard boasting an impressive strike rate in this discipline and he earns the vote before market clues. Tormund Giantsbane sets the standard on his Worcester bumper debut victory and merits plenty of respect under a penalty. Another newcomer Mr Griffiths and Sutherland, who makes his debut for Nicky Henderson, also command respect.
Ben Pauling winning this race in the past with smart types Barters Hill and Willoughby Court heightens interest in LEGAL WEAPON.
(4) Despereaux 5/2, Had rather lost his way this season but bounced back to form in first-time cheekpieces when winning weak 7-runner handicap at Ludlow (23.8f, soft) last week. Gets to race from the same mark here so certainly not out of things despite this being more competitive. 5lb well-in after winning comfortably over 3m last week at Ludlow; obvious claims.
14
2nd (14) (4/1 +0%) Happy Index
4
4/1(+0%)
(14) Happy Index 4/1, Confirmed promise of yard debut when winning at Perth in September and defied a hike in the weights when landing 9-runner handicap hurdle at Market Rasen (23.1f, good) 4 weeks ago, driven out under an excellent ride. Every chance for the hat-trick with a conditional negating most of a 6 lb rise. Won her last two races by 6l and 5l; still looks on a competitive mark.
5
3rd (5) (25/1 -178%) Badbury Rings
25
25/1(-178%)
(5) Badbury Rings 25/1, From a good jumps family and runner-up second (only completed) of 2 starts in points but has looked a longer-term project in a trio of runs over timber thus far. Could progress now handicapping hiked up in trip. No surprise to see him raise his profile now sent handicapping over further.
13
4th (13) (17/2 -6%) The Dark Edge
8.5
17/2(-6%)
(13) The Dark Edge 17/2, Improved further after 5 months off when off the mark in 9-runner handicap hurdle at Plumpton (20.5f, good to soft) in September and has held form well in filling the runner-up spot both outings since. Cheekpieces now go on. In form; might be high in the weights but the cheekpieces are new.
2
5th (2) (11/1 +45%) Brownstone
11
11/1(+45%)
(2) Brownstone 11/1, A fair hurdle winner in Ireland and in good nick for current yard, shaping as if still in good form but letting himself down off the bridle when fourth of 10 in handicap at Exeter (18.5f, heavy) 6 days ago, no extra run-in having hung badly left from 3 out. Won two handicaps in Ireland; building some momentum for his new yard.
3
6th (3) (8/1 +50%) Wot You Wearing
8
8/1(+50%)
(3) Wot You Wearing 8/1, Back-to-back winner at Chepstow last November and very encouraging start to present campaign when just touched off in a 25.5f Hereford handicap (good) in October. Not in same form on both subsequent starts though but appeals as a likely candidate to bounce back down in grade. Although Cheltenham last time was tough his previous Chepstow run was no better.
8
7th (8) (33/1 -106%) Broomfield Gale
33
33/1(-106%)
(8) Broomfield Gale 33/1, Modest hurdler at best in Ireland for Robert Murphy. Played up beforehand but ran creditably on her first outing for this yard when third of 10 in handicap hurdle at Ludlow (21.2f, soft) last month but has work to do from this mark. Questionable what she achieved at Ludlow in finishing a remote third.
15
8th (15) (22/1 -120%) Elusiveness
22
22/1(-120%)
(15) Elusiveness 22/1, Flat-bred mare who took a step forward when runner-up on her handicap debut at Exeter on final start of last season. Looked rusty returning from 6 months off back there in October but more like it with cheekpieces added when fifth of 10 at Ffos Las (21.9f, heavy) just over 3 weeks ago. Hasn't progressed further since finishing second on her handicap debut; beaten 6l latest.
9
9th (9) (12/1 +14%) Lock Out
12
12/1(+14%)
(9) Lock Out 12/1, Firmly back on track when making a winning return in handicap chase at Chepstow in October under this rider. Unable to land the odds off 5 lb lower at Hereford 3 days later, but back on song when third at this track (23f, good) 4 weeks ago. Blinkers back on for his return to hurdling. Has been in competitive form over fences; capable hurdler and not ruled out.
11
|U| (11) (11/2 +15%) Ugo Bingo
5.5
11/2(+15%)
(11) Ugo Bingo 11/2, Stepped up in trip and duly showed improved form to get off the mark over hurdles at this course (19f, good to soft) a fortnight ago, tackled run-in and all out to hold on. Capable of better again as his stamina is drawn out further, so certainly one to look out for. Improving but recent win here was over 2m3f so stamina could be an issue.
6
10th (6) (40/1 -60%) No Rematch
40
40/1(-60%)
(6) No Rematch 40/1, Denied only by an unexposed type in 15-runner handicap hurdle at Exeter (21.6f, heavy) on final outing for Evan Williams last December. Not seen to best effect on both starts for this yard in the summer and failed to complete in his first chase since spring 2023 at Hereford recently. Tailed off and fallen in last two races; turns 11 soon and wouldn't be the obvious answer.
10
11th (10) (100/1 -100%) Just Four Fame
100
100/1(-100%)
(10) Just Four Fame 100/1, Third in an Aintree bumper in May 2022 but hurdling efforts have been uninspiring in the main, faring no better in first-time cheekpieces at Huntingdon (19.6f, good) last month. Can only be watched. Signs of progress in his novices but has pulled up in both handicaps.
7
12th (7) (18/1 -13%) Chauffeur Driven
18
18/1(-13%)
(7) Chauffeur Driven 18/1, Point winner. Also third in maiden/novice hurdles around 2m last winter but disappointed first 2 starts handicaps. However, he made more impact than previously fitted in blinkers/tongue tie when fifth of 10 at this C&D (good to soft) 2 weeks ago and he could well build on that. Latest fifth here is something to build on and could get involved.
16
13th (16) (66/1 -100%) R Bernard
66
66/1(-100%)
(16) R Bernard 66/1, Scored at Stratford in May but off 6 months before a fading sixth of 9 in handicap at Ludlow in October. Tailed-off last of 6 at Huntingdon (25f, soft) 19 days ago so the percentage call is to look elsewhere. Dual Stratford winner but has looked off his game in two runs since back from a break.
1
14th (1) (66/1 -230%) Kendelu
66
66/1(-230%)
(1) Kendelu 66/1, Won back-to-back handicaps at this venue before Christmas in 2021 and following a couple of lesser efforts, returned to form back under less testing conditions when third of 17 in handicap at this course (19f, good to soft) when last seen in February 2022. Best watched given the absence. Multiple winner on a competitive mark but has been off an awful long time.
15:50 Taunton Handicap Hurdle (Class 5) 24f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 5 race.
Olly Murphy's horses have been in excellent form of late, with HAPPY INDEX notably flourishing after winning two of her three starts since joining the yard in the summer. Running off 6lb higher than last month's Market Rasen success over 2m7f, this additional furlong should be ideal and another bold showing is expected with today's rider claiming 5lb. Ludlow winner Despereaux is capable of another big run if the retained cheekpieces have the same impact. The Dark Edge is also noted with the same headgear added.
A tricky finale to solve but the suggestion is HAPPY INDEX, who has returned this season an improved model and Olly Murphy's mare can complete the hat-trick with a good-value conditional negating most of her latest 6 lb rise. Despereaux left previous efforts behind this season when scoring at Ludlow last week, so he heads up the opposition, with recent course winner Ugo Bingo and The Dark Edge both fancied to be in the mix, too.
The pick is DESPEREAUX (nap) who was strong in the market ahead of winning last week and he's turned out quickly off the same mark.
(1) Doddie's Impact 17/2, Fifth of 11 in handicap (80/1) at Southwell (6.1f) 38 days ago. Cheekpieces on 1st time. Something to find on form. Best effort for some time when fifth at Southwell last month; headgear now added; chance.
3
2nd (3) (8/1 -78%) Fortunate Star
8
8/1(-78%)
(3) Fortunate Star 8/1, Arrives in good heart after winning 2 of his last 3 starts, latest an 11-runner handicap (15/8) at Southwell (5f) 24 days ago. 7 lb higher now but looks sure to go well again. Two Southwell wins last month; hit with a 7lb rise for latest but still feasibly treated.
6
2nd (6) (11/2 +0%) Tickets
5.5
11/2(+0%)
(6) Tickets 11/2, Back to winning ways here (7.1f) in October and ran to similar level when neck second of 9 in handicap at this course (7.1f) 37 days ago. Down in trip. Must be taken seriously. Comes here in good form but this first experience of racing over 5f could find him out.
10
4th (10) (11/2 +61%) Show Me Show Me
5.5
11/2(+61%)
(10) Show Me Show Me 11/2, C&D winner. Twelve runs since last win in 2023. Fourth of 9 in handicap (14/1) at Wolverhampton (5.1f) 52 days ago, nearest finish. Others look better treated. On a lowly mark and ran okay dropped to Class 6 latest; can't afford to get too far back.
9
5th (9) (11/1 -10%) Rogue De Vega
11
11/1(-10%)
(9) Rogue De Vega 11/1, Back on the up when narrowly taking 9-runner handicap at Wolverhampton (5.1f) 21 days ago. Just 1 lb higher now and warrants respect. Overcame a difficult start to win at Wolverhampton last month; just a 1lb rise; chance.
12
6th (12) (4/1 +33%) So Grateful
4
4/1(+33%)
(12) So Grateful 4/1, Eighteen runs since last win in 2023. 5/4, creditable neck fourth of 9 to Rogue De Vega in handicap at Wolverhampton (5.1f) 21 days ago, nearest finish. One of likelier contenders. Unlucky loser at Wolverhampton latest; runs off the same mark and he's a strong contender.
8
7th (8) (9/1 -13%) The Gay Blade
9
9/1(-13%)
(8) The Gay Blade 9/1, Course winner. 4 wins from 18 runs this year. Good second of 12 in handicap at this course (7.1f, 6/1) 20 days ago, having run of race. Back down in trip. Merits consideration. Four wins this year and ran well over 7f here last month; more to prove over today's trip.
4
8th (4) (11/1 +56%) Azucena
11
11/1(+56%)
(4) Azucena 11/1, C&D winner. Latest win here in October. 28/1, seventh of 10 in handicap at this C&D 35 days ago. Others more appealing. Both wins have come over C&D; ran okay in a Class 5 latest; chance with Mulrennan booked.
5
9th (5) (15/2 +0%) Better
7.5
15/2(+0%)
(5) Better 15/2, C&D winner. Good nose third of 12 to Fortunate Star in handicap (4/1) at Southwell (5f) 35 days ago, slowly away. Just 1 lb higher now and must enter calculations. C&D win in October was followed by a near miss at Southwell; not fully exposed on AW.
11
10th (11) (18/1 -29%) Travel Candy
18
18/1(-29%)
(11) Travel Candy 18/1, Respectable fourth of 9 in handicap (17/2) at Musselburgh (5f, good to soft) 36 days ago. Each-way claims. Down in the weights and she's run well in 2 of her last 3 starts; others look stronger.
7
11th (7) (25/1 -25%) Sheriff's Call
25
25/1(-25%)
(7) Sheriff's Call 25/1, Thrice-raced maiden. Second of 3 in maiden (22/1) at Redcar (6f, heavy) 45 days ago. Improvement required on handicap debut. Lightly raced but latest 2nd of 3 not a persuasive formline; stable also run So Grateful.
16:00 Newcastle Handicap (Class 6) 5f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 6 race.
BETTER won over C&D on his penultimate start before going close at Southwell when beaten a nose into third by the reopposing Fortunate Star, who dead-heated for the win. The latter has held his form well on both subsequent outings at the same venue, but it wouldn't be a surprise if he struggled to confirm the placings with Paul Midgley's gelding. Tickets rates best of the rest.
Preference is for FORTUNATE STAR, who has rediscovered the winning habit of late and remains fairly treated on old form. Tickets heads the list of dnagers.
A cracking race of its type. SO GRATEFUL and Better look extremely well treated and the former is just preferred this time.
(13) Royal Observatory 14/1, 5/2, ninth of 11 in handicap at Wolverhampton (8.6f) 26 days ago, slowly away. Makes polytrack debut. Step back up in trip is in his favour. Third over 9.4f at Wolverhampton since and unsuited by shorter trip back there since.
1
2nd (1) (3/1 +10%) Meadram
3
3/1(+10%)
(1) Meadram 3/1, 11/4, won 11-runner handicap under this rider over C&D 75 days ago. Remains well treated and should go well again if the race is run to suit. Led late over C&D under Alice Tregoning in September; taken to follow up despite stall 16.
14
3rd (14) (33/1 -65%) Reverberation
33
33/1(-65%)
(14) Reverberation 33/1, C&D winner. 28/1, first run since leaving J. S. Moore when ninth of 11 in handicap at Wolverhampton (9.5f) 52 days ago. Dual course winner and may have needed October's stable debut after six months off.
6
4th (6) (15/2 +6%) Saved Lizzie
7.5
15/2(+6%)
(6) Saved Lizzie 15/2, Creditable second of 11 in handicap at Wolverhampton (8.6f, 6/1) 26 days ago, no match for winner. Not taken lightly. Runner-up in AW handicaps around 1m last twice; should go well again.
5
5th (5) (28/1 -100%) Mirabello Bay
28
28/1(-100%)
(5) Mirabello Bay 28/1, C&D winner. Respectable fifth of 10 in handicap (10/1) at Wolverhampton (12.2f), needing stronger gallop. Off 8 months. First run for yard after leaving J. S. Moore. Five AW wins, the latest in March; fair fourth in April; changed yard and off since.
7
6th (7) (3/1 +54%) Jenson Benson
3
3/1(+54%)
(7) Jenson Benson 3/1, 4-time course winner. Seventeen runs since last win in 2023. 13/2, sixth of 9 in handicap at this C&D 35 days ago, not ideally placed. Not ruled out. Four-time course winner but hard to fancy on recent efforts.
12
7th (12) (66/1 -100%) Morindoo
66
66/1(-100%)
(12) Morindoo 66/1, Hooded for 1st time, eleventh of 12 in handicap at Lingfield (8f, AW, 28/1) 23 days ago, slowly away. Back up in trip. Others have achieved more. Relatively unexposed after eight starts but well held on recent return from break.
8
8th (8) (7/1 +0%) Diffident Spirit
7
7/1(+0%)
(8) Diffident Spirit 7/1, Latest win at Nottingham in November. Respectable fifth of 11 in handicap (16/5) at Wolverhampton (8.6f) 26 days ago, not clear run. Merits consideration. Won over 1m2f at Nottingham last month; shaped as if still in form at Wolverhampton since.
16
9th (16) (33/1 +0%) Luna Magic
33
33/1(+0%)
(16) Luna Magic 33/1, Fifteen runs since last win in 2023. Last of 8 in handicap (12/1) at Lingfield (8f, AW). Off 103 days. Back up in trip. Proven winner but not in the best of form when last seen in the summer.
9
10th (9) (18/1 -13%) Star Of St James
18
18/1(-13%)
(9) Star Of St James 18/1, Latest win at Nottingham in August. Step back in right driection when fourth of 10 in handicap at Nottingham (10.2f, heavy, 6/1) 43 days ago, faring best of those ridden prominently. One to consider from handy mark. Two front-running wins on turf this summer under Stephanie Dorey but below par of late.
2
11th (2) (28/1 -75%) Dan Dee Prince
28
28/1(-75%)
(2) Dan Dee Prince 28/1, 15/2 and tongue strap on for 1st time, last of 6 in handicap at Leicester (7f, good to firm). Off 168 days. Significantly up in trip. More miss than hit for this yard earlier in year; best watched up in trip after a break.
4
12th (4) (28/1 -75%) First Dynasty
28
28/1(-75%)
(4) First Dynasty 28/1, Creditable fourth of 10 in handicap at Wolverhampton (7.2f, 4/1) 21 days ago. First run for yard after leaving Sam England. Worthy of respect despite poor draw. C&D winner who made all over 1m in October; fair fourth latest; first run for new yard.
11
13th (11) (9/2 +72%) Edvard Grieg
4.5
9/2(+72%)
(11) Edvard Grieg 9/2, 10/1, eighth of 12 in handicap at Lingfield (8f, AW) 29 days ago. Up in trip. Not firing at present and others are more persuasive. Second on yard debut but struggled in three outings since.
16:30 Chelmsford Handicap (Class 6) 10f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 6 race.
MEADRAM ran on well under today's rider when he landed a hands and heels event over C&D on his most recent start and a 3lb higher mark might not be enough to prevent the son of Mukhadram from following up. Fellow C&D winner First Dynasty also needs consideration as he steps back up in trip on his debut for a new yard. Similar comments apply to Mirabello Bay, who is another track-and-trip scorer who commands respect.
DIFFIDENT SPIRIT is on a lower AW mark and shaped better than the result (not clear run) when fifth at Wolverhampton last time, so he gets the tentative vote in an open-looking contest. Last-time-out C&D winner Meadram is a player along with Saved Lizzie.
The outside stall isn't ideal but MEADRAM is still taken to land a second successive C&D win under Alice Tregoning.
(3) Vilaine Verlaine 11/1, Fair filly. C&D winner. Winner here in October. 12/1, fifth of 6 in nursery at Newmarket (9f, heavy) 40 days ago. More needed. Made a winning AW debut in C&D nursery; held on turf since but better expected back here.
2
2nd (2) (5/1 +9%) Ruling Master
5
5/1(+9%)
(2) Ruling Master 5/1, Thrice-raced maiden. 4/1, eighth of 15 in novice at Redcar (8f, soft) 55 days ago. Up in trip. Needs to get back on track. Fair fourth at Yarmouth in September and soft ground an excuse at Redcar since.
5
3rd (5) (4/11 +60%) Cloth Of Gold
0.363636
4/11(+60%)
(5) Cloth Of Gold 4/11, Twice-raced maiden. Second of 11 in maiden (11/10) at Southwell (8.1f) 38 days ago. Up in trip. Sets the standard and has found a good opportunity to open his account. Promising second on turf/AW in recent months; sets a good standard.
4
4th (4) (7/1 +13%) Captain Robert
7
7/1(+13%)
(4) Captain Robert 7/1, Foaled February 17. Indian Haven colt. Half-brother to 1½m winner Wannabe Betsy and 2m/16.6f winner Wannabe Brave. Dam unraced half-sister to smart 8.3f winner Wannabe Yours. Notable newcomer. Half-brother to winners and needs checking out in the betting ahead of debut.
8
5th (8) (150/1 -127%) Crimson Velvet
150
150/1(-127%)
(8) Crimson Velvet 150/1, Once-raced maiden. 33/1, thirteenth of 14 in novice at Kempton (8f) on debut 43 days ago, missing break. Up in trip. Churchill fill who didn't offer any short-term promise on her Kempton debut in October.
7
6th (7) (33/1 +34%) Reload
33
33/1(+34%)
(7) Reload 33/1, Once-raced maiden. 150/1, twelfth of 15 in novice at Newmarket (7f, good to soft) on debut 41 days ago. Significantly up in trip. 150-1, always behind on 7f Newmarket debut six weeks ago.
6
7th (6) (150/1 -127%) Expect Anything
150
150/1(-127%)
(6) Expect Anything 150/1, Twice-raced maiden. Cheekpieces on for 1st time, ninth of 11 in maiden (200/1) at Lingfield (10f, AW) 21 days ago. More one for handicaps judged on his efforts in recent weeks.
17:00 Chelmsford Stakes (Class 4) 10f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 4 race.
CLOTH OF GOLD found just one too good on both his previous starts over a mile but can make those experiences count now he takes a step up in trip. Mdawi, a stable companion of the selection, also appeals after he was denied a clear run over 1m at Lingfield most recently. James Fanshawe's newcomer Captain Robert is a half-brother to a couple of all-weather winners and needs a betting check.
CLOTH OF GOLD has the best form and should be able to see off stablemate Mdawi, who has the potential for better. Captain Robert makes appeal on pedigree and is one to note first time out.
Charlie Johnston can dominate this, with CLOTH OF GOLD preferred to last week's Lingfield third Mdawi.
(3) Epimeteo 10/11, Twice-raced maiden. Fifth of 12 in maiden at Southwell (8.1f, 10/3) 49 days ago. Up in trip. Claims if he can get back to his debut form. Failed to build on promising turf debut third when only fifth on AW but still early days.
7
2nd (7) (7/1 -110%) Trusted Advisor
7
7/1(-110%)
(7) Trusted Advisor 7/1, Twice-raced maiden. Fourth of 10 in novice at Wolverhampton (8.6f, 8/1) 27 days ago. Should have more to offer and makes plenty of appeal against this sort of opposition. Promise when making late gains over shorter at Wolverhampton; more to come at 1m2f.
2
3rd (2) (7/1 -56%) Orchestral Wave
7
7/1(-56%)
(2) Orchestral Wave 7/1, Twice-raced maiden. 7/2, third of 9 in maiden at Wolverhampton (8.6f) 26 days ago. Needs to take a more marked step forward this time. Third over extended 1m at Wolverhampton on second start; should stay further.
8
4th (8) (33/1 -288%) Rosso Levanto
33
33/1(-288%)
(8) Rosso Levanto 33/1, Twice-raced maiden. Twelfth of 13 in novice (9/1) at Kempton (7f) 57 days ago. Significantly up in trip. Shaped well on debut and shouldn't be written off. Third on turf debut; quick turnaround excuse for heavy defeat since; claims on debut form.
5
5th (5) (18/1 +45%) What A Nation
18
18/1(+45%)
(5) What A Nation 18/1, Once-raced maiden. Ninth of 12 in maiden at Southwell (8.1f, 50/1) on debut 49 days ago. Up in trip. Behind reopposing Epimeteo on Southwell debut; improvement needed.
1
6th (1) (3/1 +14%) Nobleman
3
3/1(+14%)
(1) Nobleman 3/1, Foaled March 3. Sir Percy colt. Brother to 1½m-2m winner Damned Elusive and half-brother to 2m winner Table Mountain and 1¼m-1¾m winner Whimsy. Noteworthy newcomer in a thin race. Newcomer from good yard who would firmly enter reckoning should betting speak for him.
6
7th (6) (33/1 -267%) Jackrabbit
33
33/1(-267%)
(6) Jackrabbit 33/1, Foaled April 12. €40,000 yearling, Arizona filly. Half-sister to smart 2-y-o 7f winner Panic Alarm. Worth a market check. Makes enough appeal on paper to warrant a betting check in this ordinary race.
4
8th (4) (200/1 -203%) Juanfortherhode
200
200/1(-203%)
(4) Juanfortherhode 200/1, Once-raced maiden. 100/1, last of 10 in novice at Lingfield (7f, AW) on debut 21 days ago. Significantly up in trip. 100-1, green and in rear throughout on 7f Lingfield debut three weeks ago.
17:30 Chelmsford Stakes (Class 4) 10f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 4 race.
TRUSTED ADVISOR, whose dam is a half-sister to a Listed winner over a mile, has an appealing pedigree and runs for a yard which knows the family well. Indeed, Sir Mark Prescott has a knack of finding the right races for fillies of this type and now could be a good time to side with the daughter of Ulysses as she steps up in trip. Orchestral Wave is also noted and Nobleman needs a betting check on his racecourse bow.
NOBLEMAN is from a top yard and related to a couple of winning stayers, so he might be able to make a successful start in a race where the bar isn't set very high. Trusted Advisor looks capable of better still and is feared most ahead of Epimeteo.
Sir Mark Prescott's TRUSTED ADVISOR leaves the impression she can pull out more now stepping up to 1m2f and gets the vote.
(1) Cabelleroso 11/2, Twice-raced maiden. Fifth of 9 in maiden at Doncaster (7f, good to soft, 11/10), slowly away. Off 179 days. Hood on 1st time. Remains with potential based on encouraging debut. Chester 2nd (6f) in May; disappointed when 11-10 at Doncaster (7f; raced freely) in June.
2
2nd (2) (4/9 +39%) Circus Of Rome
0.444444
4/9(+39%)
(2) Circus Of Rome 4/9, Promising sort. Second of 10 in maiden (15/8) at Lingfield (8f, AW) 9 days ago, clear of rest. Shouldn't have a problem going one better. Always prominent and much improved when short-headed at Lingfield (1m, AW) nine days ago.
6
3rd (6) (7/2 +0%) San Juanito
3.5
7/2(+0%)
(6) San Juanito 7/2, Promising type. 20/1, fifth of 12 in maiden at Kempton (7f) on debut 22 days ago. Should progress, so not ruled out. Slow to get the hang of things at Kempton (7f, AW) but much more positive from over 1f out.
3
4th (3) (40/1 -100%) Crackalackin
40
40/1(-100%)
(3) Crackalackin 40/1, Foaled March 9. €37,000 foal, €50,000 yearling, Cracksman colt. Half-brother to 3 winners, including smart Adler and German 1m winner Amalie. Dam German 10.5f winner. 50,000euros yearling; sixth foal; Cracksman half-brother to four winners; stable runs two.
9
5th (9) (100/1 -400%) Silent Affair
100
100/1(-400%)
(9) Silent Affair 100/1, Once-raced maiden. Fourth of 5 in novice (40/1) at Ayr (7.2f, good) on debut, slowly away. Off 122 days. 40-1, faded into 7l fourth of five in novice at Ayr (7f, good) in August.
7
6th (7) (200/1 -60%) Pink Petunia
200
200/1(-60%)
(7) Pink Petunia 200/1, Twice-raced maiden. Seventh of 8 in novice (22/1) at Lingfield (8f, AW) 8 days ago. Hooded and never figured seriously on Polytrack at Kempton (7f) or Lingfield (1m; 22-1).
5
7th (5) (18/1 -29%) Opening Bat
18
18/1(-29%)
(5) Opening Bat 18/1, Twice-raced maiden. Sixth of 15 in novice (18/1) at Newmarket (7f, good to soft) 41 days ago. Has work to do after two novice events on turf but his sights are lowered.
4
8th (4) (125/1 +0%) Hot Talent
125
125/1(+0%)
(4) Hot Talent 125/1, Twice-raced maiden. 80/1, first run since leaving Mike Murphy & Michael Keady when seventh of 9 in novice at Southwell (8.1f) 21 days ago. Encouraging debut at Southwell (7f, AW) before beaten 19l when 80-1 in novice there (1m).
8
9th (8) (66/1 -230%) Rajlakshmi
66
66/1(-230%)
(8) Rajlakshmi 66/1, Foaled February 19. Dandy Man filly. Dam, 7f-1¼m winner, half-sister to useful winner up to 9f Hoku. Worth a market check. Dandy Man; first foal; dam 7f-1m2f winner (including AW; RPR 91); stable runs two.
18:00 Chelmsford Stakes (Class 3) 7f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 3 race.
CIRCUS OF ROME benefited from his debut performance when filling the runner-up spot at Lingfield at the start of the month and Richard Hughes' gelding is likely to prove a tough nut to crack in his attempt to shed the maiden tag. San Juanito shaped with promise when fifth at Kempton on his first start and is likely to go well along with Cabelleroso, who makes his first appearance since finishing a beaten favourite at Doncaster in June.
CIRCUS OF ROME stands out clearly on form and has the scope to do better still, so he's a straightforward choice, with Cabelleroso the likeliest to capitalise if the selection fluffs his lines. San Juanito remains with potential and isn't completely ruled out.
A drop in trip gives him a bit more to prove but CIRCUS OF ROME still presents much the strongest case following his recent close call.
(5) Harryella 11/2, Thrice-raced maiden. Hooded for 1st time, ninth of 12 in novice at Lingfield (8f, AW, 150/1) 29 days ago. Makes handicap debut but progress anticipated. Should have better prospects on this handicap debut but the market can guide again.
3
2nd (3) (5/1 +17%) No Release
5
5/1(+17%)
(3) No Release 5/1, 14/1, creditable sixth of 11 in nursery at Wolverhampton (9.5f) 10 days ago, headway over 1f out without landing a blow. No forlorn hope back down in trip. Second here (1m2f) on penultimate start and he was not discredited on latest.
2
3rd (2) (11/4 -22%) Flaine
2.75
11/4(-22%)
(2) Flaine 11/4, Winner at Southwell (7f) in November and posted solid efforts both subsequent outings, second of 11 in nursery (5/2) at Wolverhampton (7.2f) 19 days ago. Has to be taken seriously with the return to 1m in her favour. Won at Southwell (7f) on stable debut, before second here (1m) and at Wolverhampton (7f).
6
4th (6) (33/1 -18%) Perfect Parole
33
33/1(-18%)
(6) Perfect Parole 33/1, Visored for 1st time, tenth of 12 in nursery (50/1) at Wolverhampton (8.6f) 24 days ago, weakening final 1f. Application of cheekpieces/tongue tie need to have positive effect ahead of this. AW nurseries on last three starts failed to spark improvement; different equipment today.
1
5th (1) (17/2 -89%) Borderline Madness
8.5
17/2(-89%)
(1) Borderline Madness 17/2, Lightly-raced maiden. Respectable fourth of 12 in nursery (40/1) at Wolverhampton (8.6f) 24 days ago, keeping on having been left with too much to do. Respected operating from 1 lb lower mark. 40-1 for Wolverhampton nursery (8.6f, AW debut) last time but ran on late into 4th of 12.
9
6th (9) (15/2 -25%) Good Call
7.5
15/2(-25%)
(9) Good Call 15/2, Creditable fourth of 8 in nursery at this course (10f, 12/1) 35 days ago, challenging over 1f out and one paced. Another in with an each-way squeak from her basement mark. 11-race maiden but reliable and again should not be far away.
7
7th (7) (20/1 -150%) Galette
20
20/1(-150%)
(7) Galette 20/1, 40/1 and cheekpieces on for 1st time, creditable fourth of 10 in nursery at this C&D 28 days ago, losing place approaching final 1f. Each-way claims possibly her best hope. Latest run was in first-time cheekpieces and easily her best result from four nurseries.
10
8th (10) (50/1 -52%) Astroqualis
50
50/1(-52%)
(10) Astroqualis 50/1, Offered little in trio of runs in novice company during the summer and yet to better poor form in handicaps, fifth of 8 in nursery at this course (10f, 50/1) 35 days ago. More needed Held by Good Call on latest result and overall has plenty to find.
4
9th (4) (3/1 +70%) Aneedah Hero
3
3/1(+70%)
(4) Aneedah Hero 3/1, Well held all 3 starts in novice company at up to 1m during the summer but gelded ahead of return/handicap debut and interesting if the market spoke in his favour. Last on his first two starts and beaten 23l when switched to AW on latest; gelded since.
8
10th (8) (80/1 -142%) Just Dawned On Me
80
80/1(-142%)
(8) Just Dawned On Me 80/1, Thrice-raced maiden. 200/1, last of 12 in maiden at Wolverhampton (8.6f) 21 days ago. Cheekpieces on for 1st time. Makes handicap debut. Down the field at big odds in two novice events and a maiden; headgear for handicap debut.
18:30 Chelmsford Handicap (Class 6) 8f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 6 race.
FLAINE has stepped forward considerably since winning at Southwell at the beginning of November with a pair of runner-up efforts proving that success was no fluke. The return to a mile is unlikely to pose any concerns and she gets the vote ahead of Good Call, who drops back to a mile after tackling 1m2f when fourth here last time. Others for the shortlist include No Release and Aneedah Hero.
FLAINE has proved to be a different proposition since fitted with a tongue tie, off the mark at Southwell prior to posting good runner-up efforts on each of her last 2 starts. With the return to this 1m trip expected to suit, David Loughnane's filly is fancied to make another bold bid. Borderline Madness and No Release may provide chief resistance.
She's not the only one to consider seriously but FLAINE has clearly the most solid achievements in this field.
(8) Sterling Knight 14/1, Successful twice in handicaps on turf at up to 1m during the summer. Not beaten far when ninth of 14 in handicap at Kempton (1m, 33/1) 22 days ago and he comes here operating from an exploitable mark. Now 4lb below the mark he defied on turf in July but operating below best lately.
1
2nd (1) (7/2 +42%) Kingdom Come
3.5
7/2(+42%)
(1) Kingdom Come 7/2, All 4 career victories have come on all-weather, the latest when taking Lincoln Trial at Wolverhampton (8.6f) in March. Efforts mixed thereafter but entitled to be sharper for his Kempton run last month and he comes here just 1 lb above his last winning mark. Recent Kempton effort can be forgiven and has strong overall AW record.
5
3rd (5) (10/1 +38%) Mcmanaman
10
10/1(+38%)
(5) Mcmanaman 10/1, Low-key start for present yard but more like it in recent starts, running on for second at Wolverhampton (7f) on penultimate start last month. However, disappointed when tenth of 11 in handicap at Newcastle (1m) 6 days ago. Needs to bounce back. Good in-frame efforts over 7f on AW last month but not so good back at 1m latest.
7
4th (7) (5/1 +38%) Christian David
5
5/1(+38%)
(7) Christian David 5/1, Career best when winning 7-runner handicap (11/2) at Goodwood (1m, good) back in June. Absent since but he's unexposed on synthetics and there could yet be more to come on the back of just 8 career starts. Form of Goodwood win in June has substance; former AW winner; respected back from break.
4
5th (4) (6/1 +8%) Blue Prince
6
6/1(+8%)
(4) Blue Prince 6/1, Latest win at Goodwood (7f) in July. Off 10 weeks/gelded shaped well back on AW WHEN creditable fourth of 9 in handicap at Lingfield (7f, AW) 29 days ago, going well when forced wide home turn and finishing with running left. Has more wins in him this winter and unexposed at 1m. Tough AW winner who was back from short break with good run at Lingfield last month; solid.
3
6th (3) (10/1 -150%) Empirestateofmind
10
10/1(-150%)
(3) Empirestateofmind 10/1, Capitalised on much-reduced mark at York (7.9f) in October. 9/2, creditable sixth of 17 in handicap at the Curragh (1m, good to soft) 39 days ago. Not out of things returned to an artificial surface. Ended losing run at York in October; fair run in Ireland since; placed on AW before.
9
7th (9) (13/2 +35%) Longlai
6.5
13/2(+35%)
(9) Longlai 13/2, Building up a good strike rate for this yard, successful at Kempton/Wolverhampton during the summer. Feasible to think he'll strip fitter for his latest run at first-named venue 3 weeks ago and no surprise to see a good showing. Solid AW record and might have just needed it after short break latest; considered.
2
8th (2) (10/1 -100%) Diderot
10
10/1(-100%)
(2) Diderot 10/1, Bagged fourth career success when landing this race 12 months ago. Run respectably when third of 8 in handicap at Windsor (11.5f) when last seen in August and whilst he has a higher mark to contend with on AW, his record fresh is a positive. Player. C&D winner; ran in void race over 1m2f here last month, still in rear when race stopped.
6
9th (6) (13/2 +35%) Farasi Lane
6.5
13/2(+35%)
(6) Farasi Lane 13/2, Had a good spell on AW for this yard last spring and wasn't discredited by any means when fourth of 12 in handicap at Newcastle (1m) when last seen in June. Fallen back down to last winning mark on this first start for 6 months. Creditable fourth over 1m at Newcastle when last seen in June and gone well fresh before.
19:00 Chelmsford Handicap (Class 2) 8f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 2 race.
Christian David went up 4lb for his latest success at Goodwood in June and remains open to further improvement on his return to action. Kingdom Come has been given a chance by the handicapper, with the five-year-old only 1lb higher than his last winning mark, but EMPIRESTATEOFMIND might be the answer. A winner at York on his penultimate outing, he wasn't disgraced subsequently at the Curragh and he remains feasibly treated.
DIDEROT boasts an excellent record when fresh and, lining up here operating from the same mark as when taking this prize 12 months ago, it would come as no surprise to see him primed for a big run following a 4-month break. Kingdom Come is entitled to be sharper for his run at Kempton and can be seen to much better effect from a handy draw on this occasion. Blue Prince caught the eye at Lingfield and is another in the mix in a competitive affair.
A wide draw offers KINGDOM COME (nap) an excuse in a hot race at Kempton last time and he'll make a bold bid if back to his best.
(8) Carlton 10/3, Bit below form sixth of 12 in handicap at Newcastle (10.2f, 9/2) 72 days ago. Significantly back up in trip. Makes polytrack debut. Since joined James Owen and is worth monitoring in market on yard debut. Now has his first go for James Owen but Shaad may be his first string.
7
2nd (7) (3/1 +0%) Arc Zoosve
3
3/1(+0%)
(7) Arc Zoosve 3/1, 6/1, creditable third of 10 in handicap at Southwell (14.1f) 2 days ago. Makes polytrack debut. One to consider. Upped to 1m6f then 2m when runner-up at Southwell; solid third back there on Tuesday.
3
3rd (3) (11/4 +8%) Sullivan Bay
2.75
11/4(+8%)
(3) Sullivan Bay 11/4, Returned to winning ways here (16f) in October and backed that up with good third at Southwell. Since gone close over hurdles at Plumpton and looks a big player here. Two wins and a third from three appearances at this track; he's doing well for new yard.
6
4th (6) (9/2 +25%) Arch Legend
4.5
9/2(+25%)
(6) Arch Legend 9/2, 10/1, good fourth of 12 in handicap at Lingfield (13f, AW) 23 days ago. Can give a good account without posing serious threat to principals. Partial recovery on last two starts, fourth of 12 at Lingfield (1m5f, Polytrack) on latest.
10
5th (10) (22/1 -10%) Two Plus Two
22
22/1(-10%)
(10) Two Plus Two 22/1, Respectable fifth of 10 in handicap (28/1) at Wolverhampton (14f) 21 days ago. Needs a couple of these to falter. Off 383 days before not disgraced three weeks ago but others have more pressing claims.
5
6th (5) (12/1 +0%) Dame Sarra
12
12/1(+0%)
(5) Dame Sarra 12/1, C&D winner. 11/4, below form fifth of 9 in novice hurdle at Worcester (16f, good) 147 days ago. Off 147 days. Modest on the Flat, respectable on last Flat run. Others preferred. C&D win last November; wind op since a hurdles flop in July; needs a second look.
9
7th (9) (17/2 -6%) Shaad
8.5
17/2(-6%)
(9) Shaad 17/2, Disappointed in muddling race at Lingfield latest but had posted good second at Southwell (14.1f) on yard debut previously and must enter calculations. Southwell 2nd (1m6f) in November was easily best result from four handicaps, on yard debut.
2
8th (2) (66/1 -100%) Hidden Pearl
66
66/1(-100%)
(2) Hidden Pearl 66/1, 2 wins from 5 runs this year. Latest win at Catterick in August. Fifth of 6 in handicap (14/1) at Wolverhampton (14f) 52 days ago. Not easy to make a strong case for. Two 1m6f turf wins this summer; there is a bit more for her to prove in this sphere.
19:30 Chelmsford Handicap (Class 6) 14f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 6 race.
A comfortable winner over 2m here in October and runner-up over hurdles at Plumpton last time out, SULLIVAN BAY arrives in great shape and he looks capable of notching up a third career success. That may come at the main expense of Shaad, who has done well since joining the James Owen yard and should appreciate dropping back in trip. Arch Legend can be expected to go well too.
Preference is for SULLIVAN BAY, who has been in good form on the level and over hurdles. He remains on a workable mark. Arc Zoosve and Shaad can also make their presence felt.
Having performed well on all three starts for his current yard, SULLIVAN BAY is taken to enhance his 2-3 record at this track.
(8) Rebel Path 6/1, Thirteen runs since last win in 2021. Creditable second of 9 in handicap (5/2) at this C&D 28 days ago. Claims if building on that. Second from front over C&D last time and he's well drawn to attack again.
1
2nd (1) (9/4 +44%) Aberama Gold
2.25
9/4(+44%)
(1) Aberama Gold 9/4, C&D winner. Been given a chance by the assessor and posted best effort for while when ¾-length second of 11 to Fiscal Policy in handicap at Wolverhampton (6.1f, 7/1) 24 days ago. Warrants respect. Collared only late on by Fiscal Policy back on AW last time; should go well again.
4
3rd (4) (7/1 +56%) Many A Star
7
7/1(+56%)
(4) Many A Star 7/1, 25/1, 4½ lengths eighth of 11 to Fiscal Policy in handicap at Wolverhampton (6.1f) 24 days ago, worst of draw. Others more persuasive. On a good mark but held by Fiscal Policy and Aberama Gold on latest Wolverhampton form.
2
4th (2) (7/1 +42%) Batal Dubai
7
7/1(+42%)
(2) Batal Dubai 7/1, C&D winner. 17/2, eighth of 11 in handicap at this C&D 56 days ago. First run for yard after leaving Harry Charlton. Work to do. Ended time with Harry Charlton on a low note; needs a change of scenery to perk him up.
3
5th (3) (40/1 -186%) Perennial
40
40/1(-186%)
(3) Perennial 40/1, Thrice-raced winner. 7/2 and hooded for 1st time, third of 5 in handicap at Sandown (7f, good). Off 126 days. First run for yard after leaving Ed Walker. Tongue strap on 1st time. Market should prove best guide to claims on yard debut. Has looked tricky but won 7f novice for Ed Walker and 6f could suit for new yard.
5
6th (5) (4/1 +0%) Fiscal Policy
4
4/1(+0%)
(5) Fiscal Policy 4/1, Bagged fourth success of 2024 when landing 11-runner handicap at Wolverhampton (6.1f, 10/1) 24 days ago by ¾ length from Aberama Gold. 4 lb higher now but another bold bid is on the cards. Made it 4-8 for Ruth Carr when collaring Aberama Gold at Wolver last time; should go well.
7
7th (7) (4/1 -100%) Hiatus
4
4/1(-100%)
(7) Hiatus 4/1, Posted career best when resuming winning ways in 11-runner handicap over C&D (3/1) 7 days ago, easily. Looks well in under 5 lb penalty and holds strong claims. Thundered 4l clear over C&D last Thursday and 2lb well-in under a 5lb penalty.
20:00 Chelmsford Handicap (Class 4) 6f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 4 race.
Turned out again quickly after a taking success over C&D last week, HIATUS is likely to have plenty more improvement forthcoming and can overcome a 5lb penalty in his bid for the double. Fiscal Policy arrives in the form of his life after successes at Newcastle and Wolverhampton and he must enter calculations, along with old rival Aberama Gold and the unexposed Perennial.
HIATUS was an easy winner here last week and a 5 lb penalty may not be sufficient to prevent the follow up. Fiscal Policy and Aberama Gold rate the principal dangers.
Bargain buy FISCAL POLICY can confirm recent Wolverhampton superiority over Aberama Gold and make it 5-9 since joining Ruth Carr.
(1) Mighty Nebula 11/4, 33/1, seventh of 11 in handicap at Wolverhampton (12.2f) 21 days ago, slowly away. Claims on best form. Dropped 5lb in two runs for new yard and Sean Levey does well for stable; check betting.
8
2nd (8) (33/1 -65%) Auguste Lumiere
33
33/1(-65%)
(8) Auguste Lumiere 33/1, 16/1, thirteenth of 18 in handicap at the Curragh (10f, good). Off 110 days. First run for yard after leaving J. S. Bolger. Needs a couple of these to falter. Struggled in handicaps in Ireland this summer; best watched on first run for new yard.
7
3rd (7) (13/2 -18%) Etretat
6.5
13/2(-18%)
(7) Etretat 13/2, Career best when winning 14-runner handicap at this course (8f) in October. Below that level at Musselburgh since but useful claimer takes off 5 lb here and he's a likely player. Second AW win when leading late over 1m here in October; fair run on turf since; claims.
3
4th (3) (4/1 +0%) War Chant
4
4/1(+0%)
(3) War Chant 4/1, Below par at Wolverhampton latest but had got back to winning ways over C&D previously and must enter calculations. Front-runner; won twice this autumn but well below par latest.
5
5th (5) (11/4 +63%) At Vimeiro
2.75
11/4(+63%)
(5) At Vimeiro 11/4, 10/1, eighth of 12 in handicap at Southwell (12.1f). Off 105 days. Makes polytrack debut. Still looking for first success. No impact in two handicaps in August but has been dropped 5lb; first run for 105 days.
9
6th (9) (25/1 -79%) Myna
25
25/1(-79%)
(9) Myna 25/1, 4/1 and hooded for 1st time, tenth of 14 in handicap at this C&D 56 days ago, met some trouble. Others more persuasive. Runner-up twice at Newbury this year but lacks consistency and well held over C&D latest.
2
7th (2) (22/1 -175%) Dashing Roger
22
22/1(-175%)
(2) Dashing Roger 22/1, 12/1, seventh of 9 in handicap at Doncaster (7f, heavy) 33 days ago. Significantly up in trip. Work to do. Former AW winner but has struggled for form in 2024.
4
8th (4) (5/1 -43%) His Finest Hour
5
5/1(-43%)
(4) His Finest Hour 5/1, Left debut form behind when taking 7-runner novice at Wolverhampton (9.5f) 54 days ago, digging deep. Likely more to come on handicap debut and is one for shortlist. Showed good attitude to win 9.4f Wolver novice on second start; unexposed now handicapping.
6
9th (6) (100/1 -150%) The Hun
100
100/1(-150%)
(6) The Hun 100/1, Visored for 1st time, last of 13 in handicap at this course (8f, 80/1) 61 days ago, slowly away. Back up in trip. Cheekpieces on for 1st time. Hard to fancy. Runner-up four times for Karl Burke but well held both runs for this yard; plenty to prove.
20:30 Chelmsford Handicap (Class 4) 10f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 4 race.
WAR CHANT wasn't suited by hold-up tactics last time out at Wolverhampton and is better judged on his success over C&D when making all two starts ago. Rae Guest's charge may not be the most consistent, but he is narrowly preferred to His Finest Hour, who makes his handicap debut following a determined success at Wolverhampton in October. At Vimeiro and Etretat are likely to have a say in proceedings as well.
There should be more to come from HIS FINEST HOUR, who got off the mark at the second time of asking at Wolverhampton in October and begins handicapping on a fair mark. Etretat and War Chant should also go well.
Charlie Johnston's ETRETAT has quite a solid AW record and that earns him the vote over AW novice winner His Finest Hour.
Racecard Key
Ths is the racecard key.
Icon
Meaning
TomForm top stats, gold rated
TomForm top stats silver rated
Ran similar race before
S
TomForm fatstest rated speed horse, last time out
T
Top Time speeed rated
Top Racingpost rated
At the races watchout for
At the races top pick
Top rated for thet statistic
How to use Tomform
Please Watch this short video that will help you learn how to use Tomform.com to filter out the runners and find a winner in each race.
This is the 16:15 Kempton race from the video above backed at 28/1 earlier in the day.
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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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