There were 32 Races on Thursday 19th December 2024 across 4 meetings. There was 9 races at Southwell, 7 races at Exeter, 7 races at Ffos Las, 9 races at Chelmsford-City, no doubt Tomform helped you find a winner.
Races & Results Thursday 19th December 2024
The data in the racecards below is for the past year. View the racecard key.
(3) Early Release 11/2, Modest form. 11/1 and hooded first time, creditable seventh of 14 in nursery at this course (5f) 84 days ago. Up in trip. First run for yard after leaving George Scott. Worth a look in the betting. Suspicion he's better than we've seen so far and interesting starting out for a new stable.
10
2nd (10) (25/1 +24%) Ballsgrove Boy
25
25/1(+24%)
(10) Ballsgrove Boy 25/1, Eighth of 9 in nursery (12/1) at Thirsk (6f, good). Off 94 days/gelded. Makes tapeta debut. First run for yard after leaving Alice Haynes. Beat just one rival home in three nursery starts for Alice Haynes; risky on stable debut.
9
3rd (9) (5/2 +69%) Grey Operations
2.5
5/2(+69%)
(9) Grey Operations 5/2, Thrice-raced maiden. Eighth of 11 in novice (80/1) at Newmarket (6f, good to soft) 48 days ago. Gelded after. Cheekpieces on first time now handicapping. Shown some promise in novice company; gelded and headgear on for nursery debut; unexposed.
2
4th (2) (28/1 -133%) Risk
28
28/1(-133%)
(2) Risk 28/1, Modest maiden. 4/1, bit below form seventh of 12 in nursery at Southwell (1m) 43 days ago. Significantly down in trip. Makes polytrack debut. Didn't stay a mile on penultimate start and 5f inadequate latest; enough to prove.
1
5th (1) (33/1 +18%) Almasi
33
33/1(+18%)
(1) Almasi 33/1, Lightly-raced maiden. 22/1 and visored first time, last of 10 in nursery at Newcastle (5f) on yard debut 62 days ago. Back up in trip. Easy to back and never dangerous on stable debut nine weeks ago (5f); not a solid option.
4
6th (4) (33/1 +18%) Camden Flyer
33
33/1(+18%)
(4) Camden Flyer 33/1, First run since leaving Andrew Balding when last of 7 in nursery (28/1) at Salisbury (7f, good to soft). Off 97 days. Makes tapeta debut. Pulled hard when well beaten on stable debut (7f) in September; bit to prove for now.
5
7th (5) (16/1 -45%) Go Steelers Go
16
16/1(-45%)
(5) Go Steelers Go 16/1, Thrice-raced maiden. Third of 9 in maiden (66/1) at Chepstow (5f, good to firm) when last seen in June. Makes handicap debut after 6 months off. The betting should help guide to expectations. Showed more at the third attempt when 3rd of 9 at Chepstow; opening mark no gift though.
7
8th (7) (12/1 -100%) Ignition
12
12/1(-100%)
(7) Ignition 12/1, Lightly-raced maiden. 11/1, good third of 12 in nursery at this course (7f) 56 days ago, faring best of those held up. First run for yard after leaving George Scott. Respected. Third of 12 on nursery debut here (7f) eight weeks ago; sold 21,000gns since; unexposed.
11
9th (11) (13/2 -225%) Causin A Commotion
6.5
13/2(-225%)
(11) Causin A Commotion 13/2, 11/10, career best when winning 7-runner nursery at Wolverhampton (5f) 26 days ago. The return to 7f should suit him even better and a 2 lb nudge looks lenient. Came from off the pace to win a 5f nursery at Wolverhampton last month; 6f should suit.
8
10th (8) (9/1 -100%) Black Sky
9
9/1(-100%)
(8) Black Sky 9/1, Blinkered first time, shaped better than result when fifth of 12 in nursery (12/1) at Newcastle (6f) 33 days ago, finishing with running left after meeting trouble. Enters calculations. Met some trouble when dropped to 6f at Newcastle last month; not yet exposed as a sprinter.
6
|PU| (6) (3/1 +57%) Sole Spirit
3
3/1(+57%)
(6) Sole Spirit 3/1, Thrice-raced maiden. Eighth of 10 in maiden at Musselburgh (7f, good to soft) 43 days ago. Makes handicap debut. Promise on 2nd start (5f) and this may prove his trip; betting to guide on nursery debut.
11:00 Southwell Handicap (Class 6) 6f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 6 race.
Ignition shaped with plenty of promise when third over 7f on his nursery debut here in October and, stepping back in trip off 2lb higher, he should be able to make his presence felt once more. That said, it may pay to take a chance on GREY OPERATIONS. He didn't cut much ice on his three qualifying runs but, sporting first-time cheekpieces on his first run since being gelded, connections will be disappointed if this 150,000-pound son of Havana Grey didn't have a part to play on his nursery bow. Causin A Commotion looks the pick of the remainder.
CAUSIN A COMMOTION justified heavy market support at Wolverhampton and a 2 lb rise may not stop him given he shapes as if he'll prove as least as effective back at 6f. Black Sky caught the eye a bit last time and is second choice ahead of Edward Smyth-Osbourne's new recruit Ignition.
Former stablemates Ignition and EARLY RELEASE could both have more to come and the latter is marginally preferred this time.
(5) Megaphone 6/4, Promising sort. 13/2, sixth of 8 in novice at Newmarket (6f, good to firm) on debut in May for Roger Varian. Sold for 42,000gns in October. Joined a very good yard and market confidence would look significant. Shaped well in a hot Newmarket novice in May; sold 42,000gns since; check betting.
1
1st (1) (8/1 -140%) Line Of Force
8
8/1(-140%)
(1) Line Of Force 8/1, Dual novice winner on turf in summer. Limitations exposed in stronger company since but respected back down in grade after a break. Won his first two starts before struggling in strong company; respected on stable debut.
6
2nd (6) (9/4 +36%) Midnight City
2.25
9/4(+36%)
(6) Midnight City 9/4, Fair form. Cheekpieces on first time, creditable second of 7 in C&D maiden 42 days ago. Should be on the premises again. Second to an impressive newcomer over C&D six weeks ago; each-way claims once more.
2
3rd (2) (3/1 +40%) Desert Champion
3
3/1(+40%)
(2) Desert Champion 3/1, 4/1, sixth of 10 in novice at Chelmsford (6f) on debut 40 days ago. Should have more to offer. Promise amidst greenness on last month's Chelmsford debut; rates a likely improver.
10
4th (10) (28/1 -100%) Toughly
28
28/1(-100%)
(10) Toughly 28/1, Mehmas half-sister to 7f winner Ararat. Stable no stranger to first-time-out success and interesting to see what the betting makes of her. Half-sister to a 7f AW winner out of a winning German miler; useful standard to aim at.
7
5th (7) (40/1 -233%) Thunder Earthlight
40
40/1(-233%)
(7) Thunder Earthlight 40/1, Twice-raced maiden. Sixth of 9 in novice at Newcastle (6f, 5/2) 13 days ago. Not lived up to market billing in two 6f runs at Newcastle this winter; improvement needed.
4
6th (4) (40/1 -186%) Goldrush Glory
40
40/1(-186%)
(4) Goldrush Glory 40/1, €16,000 Golden Horde gelding. Half-brother to several winners, including 1½m winner Majorette and 12.4f winner Invernata. From a powerful stable and needs checking out in the betting. 16,000euros half-brother to four winners over 1m2f+; may need more time and distance.
8
7th (8) (150/1 0%) Lily's Symphony
150
150/1(0%)
(8) Lily's Symphony 150/1, 150/1, eighth of 9 in novice at Wolverhampton (6f) on debut 31 days ago. 150-1 and offered little short-term promise at Wolverhampton last month (6f).
3
8th (3) (50/1 -25%) Echo Of Glory
50
50/1(-25%)
(3) Echo Of Glory 50/1, Twice-raced maiden. 9/1, seventh of 11 in novice at Kempton (6f) 29 days ago. Improvement needed. Modest form in two 6f runs on Polytrack this autumn; handicaps more suitable after this.
9
9th (9) (125/1 -150%) Sharp Call
125
125/1(-150%)
(9) Sharp Call 125/1, £10,500 Soldier's Call filly. Dam, 1m winner, half-sister to 6f/7f winner Merlin and 1¼m-11f winner Wink of An Eye (both useful) out of useful 1¼m winner Momentary. Best watched unless the betting hints otherwise. £10,500 yearling; dam a minor 1m winner; worth a market check.
11:30 Southwell Stakes (Class 5) 6f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 5 race.
MIDNIGHT CITY shaped with promise when finishing fifth on his debut in a warm Newmarket maiden over 6f in August, before being readily outpointed in a couple of valuable sales races. He left those efforts behind most recently, though, when only finding a potentially smart sort too good over this track and trip, and he gets the nod to go one place better in this company. Line Of Force wasn't disgraced when fourth in a Ripon Listed race last time out and he commands respect on his first start for this stable. The unexposed Desert Champion is also noteworthy with improvement looking likely second time up.
MEGAPHONE hasn't been seen since his debut in May but hinted at promise on that occasion and can strike for new trainer George Boughey. Desert Champion is another likely to improve for his first run and might provide the main threat ahead of more-established pair Line of Force and Midnight City.
Line Of Force and Midnight City bring the best form but Megaphone and DESERT CHAMPION look likely improvers.
(2) Don Pacifico 8/13, Tongue strap on, shaped well when third of 10 in novice at Wolverhampton (6.1f, 11/1) on debut 31 days ago, staying on well. Will improve and every chance he'll go a couple of places better (runner-up that day has won since). Made eyecatching late headway to be third at Wolverhampton and that's good form.
6
2nd (6) (7/2 +46%) Stardancer
3.5
7/2(+46%)
(6) Stardancer 7/2, Bred to be sharp but held back by inexperience when sixth of 11 in novice at Newmarket (6f, good to soft, 17/2) on debut just under 7 weeks ago, never getting on terms. May well do better. Looked in need of the experience when kicking off at Newmarket (6f; 17-2).
5
3rd (5) (6/1 -100%) Reporter
6
6/1(-100%)
(5) Reporter 6/1, 2/1, showed improved form back up in trip for nursery debut when second of 7 at Newcastle (7.1f) 16 days ago. Back in novice company and is open to further progress. Had four defeats but last time at Newcastle was the closest he's come to winning.
1
4th (1) (40/1 -264%) Mini Mac
40
40/1(-264%)
(1) Mini Mac 40/1, Winner at Brighton in October. Run best excused when eighth of 11 in novice at Kempton (6f, 13/2) 29 days ago, not ideally placed given how the race unfolded. Soft-ground winner at Brighton (6f) but hasn't progressed since then.
10
5th (10) (7/1 -56%) Sands Of Havana
7
7/1(-56%)
(10) Sands Of Havana 7/1, Highly promising first effort when close third at Windsor in May but found things too competitive when 7¼ lengths fifteenth of 24 to Leovanni in Queen Mary Stakes (150/1) at Royal Ascot (5f, good to firm) the following month. Off since. Up in trip. Can make presence felt back in this grade. Third at Windsor before a respectable effort in the Queen Mary; absent since June.
9
6th (9) (40/1 -60%) Boyne Lady
40
40/1(-60%)
(9) Boyne Lady 40/1, Runner-up over 7f at Newcastle on debut but failed to progress when sixth of 9 in novice at same course (7.1f, 10/1) 26 days ago, hanging right from under 2f out First visit to Newcastle was better than the second but opposable even on that initial run.
4
7th (4) (400/1 -300%) Lucky Escape
400
400/1(-300%)
(4) Lucky Escape 400/1, 50/1, did no better for debut when ninth of 11 in novice at Kempton (6f) 29 days ago. No more than minor promise in his first two races and likely to remain vulnerable for now.
3
8th (3) (200/1 -506%) King At The Races
200
200/1(-506%)
(3) King At The Races 200/1, 15/2, showed only greenness when eighth of 9 in novice at Newcastle (6f) on debut 13 days ago, slowly away. In rear throughout on the Newcastle AW and beat only one home.
7
9th (7) (125/1 -400%) The Voominator
125
125/1(-400%)
(7) The Voominator 125/1, 11/2, still looked green when sixth of 11 in maiden at this C&D just over 5 weeks ago, slowly away. Will be of more interest in handicaps after this. Some promise in going down by about 6l in maidens at Beverley (5f) and here (6f).
12:00 Southwell Stakes (Class 5) 6f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 5 race.
DON PACIFICO looked to be learning on the job when finishing an admirable third over 6f at Wolverhampton on his debut last month and, with the promise of more to come, the son of Night Of Thunder may be the one to be with in what appears a trappy heat on paper. After finishing runner-up over 7f at Newcastle earlier this month, this step back in trip looks an interesting move for Reporter and the Wootton Bassett colt looks the pick of the remainder. Readily outclassed in the Queen Mary at Royal Ascot last time out, Sands Of Havana is of interest with her sights lowered.
DON PACIFICO shaped well when third at Wolverhampton last month and with improvement on the cards, Simon & Ed Crisford's colt is fancied to go a couple of places better at the expense of Stardancer, who was held back by inexperience at Newmarket on debut but should have derived plenty from that initial outing. Sands of Havana found the Queen Mary too much second time up so she can get back on track returned to calmer waters.
Sands Of Havana has been off since June so a safer option is DON PACIFICO who was quite an eyecatcher at Wolverhampton.
(4) Kap Ouest 4/7, From a decent French NH family and plenty of promise when placed in a bumper and 2 maiden hurdles. Should have more to offer and leading claims. Behind useful winners when placed on first two hurdle starts and holds leading claims.
6
2nd (6) (5/1 -43%) Tuxedo Junction
5
5/1(-43%)
(6) Tuxedo Junction 5/1, Fairly useful Flat performer for James Fanshawe and has placed on all 3 starts in 2m maiden/novice hurdles for new yard. Expect another prominent showing from him. Useful on the Flat and placed over hurdles the last twice; could be thereabouts.
2
3rd (2) (3/1 -9%) Don't Wind Me Up
3
3/1(-9%)
(2) Don't Wind Me Up 3/1, Fair form when placed in third in similar races at Ffos Las and Newbury last month. May do better again. Soundly beaten third on both hurdle starts but in useful races; he's one to consider today.
7
4th (7) (50/1 -100%) Hard Dealt
50
50/1(-100%)
(7) Hard Dealt 50/1, £50,000 buy after winning sole outing in Irish points in May but couldn't muster the pace to get involved in a Ffos Las bumper last month and is likely to need longer trips than this over jumps. Point winner; retains potential but needs to take a big step forward from her bumper debut.
8
5th (8) (33/1 -136%) Reel Orange
33
33/1(-136%)
(8) Reel Orange 33/1, Fair form when placed twice in bumpers (for Sam Curling in Ireland first occasion). Latest stable debut third at Ffos Las was her first outing for 5 months so she's entitled to strip fitter now hurdling. Placed in bumpers but improvement is needed if she's to make an impact on hurdle debut.
9
6th (9) (250/1 -150%) What U Wanna Do Is
250
250/1(-150%)
(9) What U Wanna Do Is 250/1, Well held in 2 bumpers in recent weeks (trained by James Owen first occasion). Down the field in both bumpers; now goes hurdling and others make greater appeal.
3
7th (3) (25/1 +24%) Grenadier Jed
25
25/1(+24%)
(3) Grenadier Jed 25/1, Third in a bumper in January but more one for the longer term over jumps judged on his first attempt at Fontwell. 3rd in bumper at Fontwell in January but always behind on last month's hurdle debut there.
1
8th (1) (150/1 -50%) Atlantic Power
150
150/1(-50%)
(1) Atlantic Power 150/1, Placed on last of 3 starts in Irish points but no sign of ability in a bumper and 2 hurdles under Rules. 3rd in a point in April but has struggled at triple-figure odds on all three rules starts.
5
|PU| (5) (80/1 -21%) Lions Peak
80
80/1(-21%)
(5) Lions Peak 80/1, Didn't achieve much in a pair of bumpers last season. A watching brief is advised on hurdle debut. Displayed some ability in bumpers but not enough to have pressing claims today.
12:10 Exeter Maiden Hurdle (Class 4) 17f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 4 race.
Placed behind a pair of smart Dan Skelton-trained hurdlers the last twice, KAP OUEST has shown more than enough ability to suggest that he can get off the mark in this sphere. This appeals as an ideal opportunity for the five-year-old, and he may have too much for Don't Wind Me Up, who was going well before a mistake two out at Newbury last time. A capable sort on the level, Tuxedo Junction has yet to put it together over hurdles but is expected to be thereabouts.
KAP OUEST leaves the impression he's capable of better again and is narrowly preferred to Tuxedo Junction. Don't Wind Me Up looks clear best of the rest.
Having finished placed behind useful winners on his two hurdle starts, KAP OUEST is taken to get off the mark.
(5) Boyles Hill 10/1, Runner-up in his only bumper and took well to hurdling over the summer, winning a 20.5f Market Rasen maiden in August. Ran poorly on handicap bow after 3 months off (carried head awkwardly) at Chepstow. Entitled to come on for that but needs to take a big step forward. Maiden hurdle winner this summer but well beaten on last month's handicap debut.
4
2nd (4) (10/1 +17%) Valens Bruyee
10
10/1(+17%)
(4) Valens Bruyee 10/1, A two-time winner over hurdles last season (including over C&D) but has shown little spark in 2 chase outings this term. Returns to hurdles in search of some confidence. Cheekpieces back on. C&D winner in April but reverts to hurdling after two poor chasing attempts this autumn.
9
3rd (9) (9/4 +55%) Awesome Foursome
2.25
9/4(+55%)
(9) Awesome Foursome 9/4, Bumper/hurdles winner who again ran creditably when runner-up at Ludlow in May. Not in same form since, making mistakes tried over fences at Fakenham the last twice. Back in trip reverted to hurdling now. Chasing didn't really go to plan this autumn but he reverts to hurdling on a good mark..
2
4th (2) (10/3 +0%) Hostile Hotelier
3.333333
10/3(+0%)
(2) Hostile Hotelier 10/3, Dual hurdles winner who wasn't disgraced when fourth in handicap chase at Ayr (24.1f, good to soft) in October and ran well back over hurdles at Newcastle latest (3m), travelling well into home straight and finishing third of ten. Back in distance today in new headgear. Should go well. Dual hurdle winner last season and consistent since returning from break in September.
6
5th (6) (25/1 -213%) Fame And Fun
25
25/1(-213%)
(6) Fame And Fun 25/1, Won a Plumpton handicap chase in March but patchy record over fences/hurdles since. Ran in a selling hurdle on final start for Paul Nicholls (claimed by current connections for £7,000), showing more that day, and interesting to see how he fares for new yard. Claimed after finishing second in a seller in October; would appeal more on faster ground.
1
|PU| (1) (7/1 -110%) Kiss My Face
7
7/1(-110%)
(1) Kiss My Face 7/1, Fair handicap hurdler who was back to form 15 days ago (1¼ lengths second of 10 to East Street) in conditionals event at Haydock. One to consider back in trip. Good second to bang-in-form rival this month; respected, despite career-high mark.
8
|PU| (8) (10/3 +39%) Wot You Wearing
3.333333
10/3(+39%)
(8) Wot You Wearing 10/3, Back-to-back winner at Chepstow last year and encouraging start to present campaign when just touched off in a 25.5f Hereford handicap in October. Hasn't backed that up, although last run was a step in the right direction. New headgear combination today and top conditional again aboard. Respected. Won three times last year but his improvement seems to have levelled off now.
12:22 Ffos Las Handicap Hurdle (Class 4) 20f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 4 race.
Kiss My Face bounced back to form with a good second over the extended 3m at Haydock earlier in the month and he has strong claims on that form. However, a 2lb rise and a drop in trip may not be ideal for him, so the vote goes to HOSTILE HOTELIER. The selection won over a similar distance at Southwell in March and he confirmed his well-being with a placed effort over further at Newcastle last month. Awesome Foursome has slipped back to a feasible mark and warrants respect.
With top conditional Dylan Johnston again booked for the ride, a chance is taken on WOT YOU WEARING. The pick of his form would put him bang there in this contest, and confidence would be even higher if he is supported in the market. At the head of the weights, Kiss My Face and Hostile Hotelier both look to have solid claims, with the latter taken to fill the runners-up berth.
Hostile Hotelier and Kiss My Face have claims but AWESOME FOURSOME reverts to hurdling on a tempting mark and gets the vote.
(2) Rebel Empire 8/1, Eighth of 12 in handicap at Kempton (6f, 12/1), never nearer. Off 168 days. Makes tapeta debut. Tongue strap on first time. Not built on his Windsor 3rd in two runs since; down in class and now tried in tongue-tie.
12
2nd (12) (7/1 +13%) Doon The Glen
7
7/1(+13%)
(12) Doon The Glen 7/1, Remains a maiden after 17 Flat runs. Fifth of 11 in handicap (25/1) at Newcastle (5f) 2 days ago. Back up in trip. Yet to win but he has shown some promise, including on AW; promise on Tuesday's return.
9
3rd (9) (12/1 +25%) Eldeyaar
12
12/1(+25%)
(9) Eldeyaar 12/1, Latest win at Ripon in September. Seventh of 11 in handicap at Newcastle (6f, 66/1) 2 days ago. Two Class 6 wins in September but struggled since, including when 66-1 on Tuesday.
4
4th (4) (33/1 -136%) Jimmy Knocker
33
33/1(-136%)
(4) Jimmy Knocker 33/1, Thrice-raced maiden. Tenth of 12 in maiden at Chelmsford (7f, 40/1). Off 7 months. Makes handicap debut. Improvement will be needed. Unexposed 3yo but form claims look modest; gelding op and drop in trip need to spark extra.
3
5th (3) (4/6 +52%) Walking On Clouds
0.666667
4/6(+52%)
(3) Walking On Clouds 4/6, Three-time C&D winner. 7/4, won 12-runner handicap at Wolverhampton (6f) 3 days ago. Respected under a penalty turned out again quickly. Got up late to win at Wolver on Monday (6f); has the back class to deal with a penalty.
11
6th (11) (50/1 -525%) Ustath
50
50/1(-525%)
(11) Ustath 50/1, Four-time C&D winner. Latest win at Wolverhampton in July. Seventh of 9 in handicap at Wolverhampton (5f, 15/2). Off 101 days. Prolific AW winner but absent for 101 days and could be sharper with this run behind him.
5
7th (5) (11/2 -57%) Nevernay
5.5
11/2(-57%)
(5) Nevernay 11/2, 13/2, very good third of 10 in handicap at Wolverhampton (7f) 17 days ago. One to consider. Solid effort over 7f at Wolverhampton this month; drop to 6f could be a positive.
6
8th (6) (14/1 +13%) Safanah
14
14/1(+13%)
(6) Safanah 14/1, Lightly-raced maiden. 16/1, ninth of 11 in handicap at Wolverhampton (7f) 17 days ago. Laboured effort on recent handicap debut (7f); needs to leave that well behind.
7
9th (7) (16/1 +20%) War Memorial
16
16/1(+20%)
(7) War Memorial 16/1, Runner-up at Musselburgh (7f) in August on final start for Michael Dods but comfortably held in 2 AW outings for current yard. Not found his feet yet for this stable but M Ghiani a positive booking; better expected.
10
10th (10) (100/1 -203%) Devilwala
100
100/1(-203%)
(10) Devilwala 100/1, Out of sorts for Tim Easterby when last seen in autumn 2023. Can only watch setting out for new yard unless the betting strongly hints otherwise. Smart 2yo; starts out for D Shaw off reduced mark but 6f looks too sharp; absent 455 days.
12:35 Southwell Handicap (Class 6) 6f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 6 race.
WALKING ON CLOUDS was able to justify strong market support when recording a narrow success at Wolverhampton on Monday and, turned out quickly under a 5lb penalty, he looks to hold every chance of following up. Ustath is a 10-time winner on the all-weather and is interesting debuting for the Roger Fell yard, while Nevernay is another to bear in mind.
NEVERNAY seems to be getting his act together for Kevin Frost and is taken to build on an encouraging run at Wolverhampton last time. Monday's Wolverhampton scorer Walking On Clouds might be the one to give him most to do.
Walking On Clouds isn't opposed lightly but there are grounds for expecting an improved showing from WAR MEMORIAL today.
(3) Party Vibes 1/3, Won 2 mares novices last season and shaped well in face of a stiff task on return/chase debut (runner-up in an Irish point) when third in listed race at Bangor 5 weeks ago. Open to improvement and obvious claims back down in class. Third on chase debut in Listed mares' novice at Bangor and holds leading claims.
4
2nd (4) (10/3 -90%) Sunday Soldier
3.333333
10/3(-90%)
(4) Sunday Soldier 10/3, Improved in leaps and bounds over hurdles last season, completing a 5-timer at Musselburgh in April. Better for return when excellent second at Musselburgh 3 weeks ago and big shout if taking to fences at the first attempt. Prolific over hurdles; likely player if transferring form to fences at the first attempt.
1
3rd (1) (17/2 +23%) Baby Shally
8.5
17/2(+23%)
(1) Baby Shally 17/2, Point winner who made a successful start over hurdles in Wincanton novice. Showed improved form upped in trip/grade when third in a listed event at Doncaster but struggled in Grade 2 handicap at Newbury final start. Proved a let-down on chase bow/return so bit to prove now. Headgear on. Point and novice hurdle winner, but she was tailed off on last month's chase debut.
2
|F| (2) (125/1 -25%) Nancy Till
125
125/1(-25%)
(2) Nancy Till 125/1, Made frame both starts in Irish points and little show under Rules, including on chase bow. Off 11 months. Maiden who has shown only very modest form and looks set to struggle in today's company.
12:45 Exeter Maiden Chase (Class 3) 18f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 3 race.
A promising third on her chase debut at Bangor last month, PARTY VIBES jumped well in the main and this represents a drop in grade from Listed class. The form of her stable is another plus, and the six-year-old gets the nod ahead of Sunday Soldier, who was a prolific winner over hurdles last season and must be of interest on her chasing bow. The drop back in trip is likely to suit Baby Shally.
PARTY VIBES ran very well in face of a stiff task when third in a listed race at Bangor on chase bow/return and the timefigure backs up the performance. She's preferred to chase debutante Sunday Soldier, who was the best of these over hurdles.
Two-time novice hurdle winner PARTY VIBES made a promising start to her chasing career at Bangor and can come out on top.
(3) Jalisco Star 11/2, Good winner at Bangor (23f) in March and similar form when fourth on return/following wind op in October. Below best on chase debut but bounced back when winning a 3m handicap hurdle at Ascot last month. Ridden prominently that day and should be up with pace again. Another bold bid expected. Caused 22-1 surprise at Ascot last month and now 2-8 over hurdles; 4lb rise not excessive.
2
2nd (2) (2/1 +43%) Followango
2
2/1(+43%)
(2) Followango 2/1, Course bumper winner who made the frame in all 5 starts over hurdles in early 2024. Failed to complete on chase debut but proved much more effective back over hurdles when third at Lingfield (19.5f) 10 days ago. Looks well worth a step up in trip and big chance if arriving here in the same form. 1lb well in after good 2m3f run ten days ago and could have untapped potential over 3m.
5
3rd (5) (11/8 +69%) Bridget Mary
1.375
11/8(+69%)
(5) Bridget Mary 11/8, Made a winning chasing start in October and followed it up with a good fourth of 13 at Uttoxeter (2m4f, set a lot to do). Ran here 29 days ago and would have finished closer but for mistakes. Back over hurdles and has the ability to be involved if jumping holds up. Placed in 3m chase here last month and reverts to hurdling on slightly lower mark.
4
|PU| (4) (9/1 -29%) Walkinthecotswolds
9
9/1(-29%)
(4) Walkinthecotswolds 9/1, Maiden. Second on handicap debut in a 4-runner affair at Southwell (20.4f, heavy) in March. Not so good back down to 2m at Uttoxeter a month later. Ran with credit here in first-time hood following 210-day break (tried to make all) and entitled to build on that comeback effort with hood retained. 0-7 over hurdles but ran well here (2m6f) on seasonal debut and this trip may suit better.
1
|PU| (1) (12/1 -336%) Flintara
12
12/1(-336%)
(1) Flintara 12/1, Took well to chasing last season, scoring at Fontwell in December and running with credit when runner-up at Cheltenham in April. Makes return over hurdles after 245-day absence but has ran well fresh in the past. Chance if she can replicate her chase form over the smaller obstacles. Good second in valuable Cheltenham chase in April; back hurdling on 2lb lower mark.
12:57 Ffos Las Handicap Hurdle (Class 4) 24f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 4 race.
JALISCO STAR posted a career-best effort when scoring over the extended 3m at Ascot last month and she looks to have been found a good opportunity to follow up off a 4lb higher mark. Flintara was in good form when last seen in the spring and a 2lb pull in the weights makes her dangerous on her reappearance, while Followango may be a threat if improving for the step up in trip.
A trappy contest in which all five runners hold a reasonable chance. The improver could be FOLLOWANGO who ran well behind a progressive horse of Nicky Henderson's 10 days ago (hopefully this doesn’t come too soon) and has shaped as though this step up in trip will suit. Jalisco Star is respected having bounced back to form over hurdles when scoring at Ascot last month, while Bridget Mary has claims but needs to sharpen up her jumping on her return to this sphere.
The pick is FOLLOWANGO (nap), who ran well over 2m3f recently and looks interesting on this first attempt at 3m under rules.
(5) Currumbin 9/4, Very good second of 11 in handicap at Lingfield (1½m) 15 days ago. First run for yard after leaving Hilal Kobeissi. Expected to be bang there. No wins in 12 but has dropped in the weights and has run two good races in the hood.
6
2nd (6) (5/1 +44%) Sophosc
5
5/1(+44%)
(6) Sophosc 5/1, Course winner. Eleven runs since last win in 2022. 6/1, creditable sixth of 11 in handicap at Wolverhampton (2m) 5 days ago. Has been all over the shop trip-wise but wasn't beaten far last week at Wolverhampton (2m).
1
3rd (1) (7/1 -75%) Turner Girl
7
7/1(-75%)
(1) Turner Girl 7/1, Creditable second of 10 over C&D 9 days ago. Respected off the same mark. Infrequent winner but running well at present and was second of 10 over C&D last week.
3
4th (3) (40/1 -21%) Corsican Caper
40
40/1(-21%)
(3) Corsican Caper 40/1, Course winner. Five wins from 19 runs this year. Latest win at Chester in September. Last of 11 in handicap at Lingfield (2m) 16 days ago. Not the type to stay down for long. Has won here before but he was tailed off on the Polytrack only 16 days ago.
4
5th (4) (8/1 +20%) Kissininthebackrow
8
8/1(+20%)
(4) Kissininthebackrow 8/1, Latest win at Kempton (2m) in October. 9/1, ninth of 11 in handicap at Wolverhampton (2m) 5 days ago. Bounce back needed. Well below her best on final hurdle start and back on the AW only five days ago.
8
6th (8) (33/1 -175%) Lindwall
33
33/1(-175%)
(8) Lindwall 33/1, Twelve runs since last win in 2021. Creditable fourth of 12 in handicap (20/1) at Newcastle (12.5f) 27 days ago. The step back up in trip should suit. Third over 2m here in October and ran as though 1m4f was too sharp last time.
7
7th (7) (16/1 -100%) Altanera
16
16/1(-100%)
(7) Altanera 16/1, 9/2, creditable fourth of 9 in handicap at Wolverhampton (2m) 38 days ago, having to pick way through. First run for yard after leaving David Simcock. Won a 1m6f handicap on Tapeta for David Simcock and didn't get the best of runs next time.
2
8th (2) (125/1 -400%) Sgian Dubh
125
125/1(-400%)
(2) Sgian Dubh 125/1, Lightly-raced maiden on Flat. Last of 11 in handicap (25/1) at Kempton (11f) 15 days ago. Up in trip. Makes tapeta debut. Returning from a long absence when finishing last on handicap debut at Kempton (1m3f).
9
9th (9) (9/4 +36%) Arc Zoosve
2.25
9/4(+36%)
(9) Arc Zoosve 9/4, Placed in all 4 handicaps, including a near miss over C&D. Another good run when second at Chelmsford last week and has to enter calculations. Respectable efforts in all four handicaps, the first three here; turn looks near.
13:10 Southwell Handicap (Class 5) 14f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 5 race.
CURRUMBIN has yet to register a maiden success after 12 attempts, but he kept on powerfully to finish a neck second over 1m4f at Lingfield last time out. A further step up in trip looks likely to suit on that evidence and he can make it 13th time lucky. Turner Girl bumped into an in-form rival over C&D recently and is of considerable interest from an unchanged rating. Altanera has few miles on the clock and she heads the remainder.
CURRUMBIN and Arc Zoosve are 3-y-os who have been knocking on the door in similar races and might be the pair to focus on, with the former taken to provide Michael Keady with a winner with his first runner since taking out a sole licence. Last week's C&D second Turner Girl may prove best of the rest.
A few with chances but ARC ZOOSVE and Currumbin are 3yos who went close on their latest starts and they appeal most.
(4) Star Of Guiting 11/2, Boasts a useful jumping and was well backed, yet he ran as if amiss when last of 12 in bumper at Exeter on debut. Bit more encouragement at Aintree next time and shouldn't be dismissed switched to hurdling. Encouraging fourth in Aintree bumper last month and not ruled out on hurdle debut.
3
2nd (3) (6/4 -106%) Red N Yellow
1.5
6/4(-106%)
(3) Red N Yellow 6/4, Promising type. Second of 7 in juvenile hurdle at Bangor (16.7f, soft, 10/3) on NH debut 36 days ago, running on. More to come and can put his experience to good use. Went close on last month's debut at Bangor and he sets a good standard.
2
3rd (2) (11/8 +75%) Le Soleil Reve
1.375
11/8(+75%)
(2) Le Soleil Reve 11/8, Goliath Du Berlais gelding. Closely related to a winner, and half-brother to useful hurdler Ecris L'Histoire and bumper winner/fair hurdler Halpha Soleil. Notable newcomer. In-form trainer does well in juvenile hurdles and he's respected on debut.
5
4th (5) (11/1 -83%) Widdybank
11
11/1(-83%)
(5) Widdybank 11/1, Half-brother to 3 winners, including smart hurdler/top-class chaser Santini. Minor promise in bumper here 58 days ago and should take to this discipline. Merely sixth in bumper here but form working out nicely; half-brother to Santini.
1
|F| (1) (50/1 +0%) Crest Of Honour
50
50/1(+0%)
(1) Crest Of Honour 50/1, Limited sign of ability to date, lacking fluency in his jumping, so up against it again. Made debut in October and has been well beaten on all three starts.
LTO Selection:hiden content, hiden content,
13:20 Exeter Conditions Hurdle (Class 4) 17f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 4 race.
A tad unlucky not to go closer when making a mistake two out at Bangor last month, RED N YELLOW is expected to improve plenty from that outing. The three-year-old is taken to go one better at the main expense of Star Of Guiting, who was a promising fourth in an Aintree bumper last time out and could be a nice proposition over hurdles. A half-brother to the high-class Santini, Widdybank will probably want further in time but cannot be ruled out at this level.
RED N YELLOW made a positive start when second at Bangor last month and, with the benefit of that initial experience, he should be able to open his account at the second attempt. Le Soleil Reve is a notable newcomer on paper and may emerge as the main danger.
Preference is for the newcomer LE SOLEIL REVE, who has potential in his pedigree and represents the in-form Jane Williams.
(2) Blue Las 2/9, Won 2 of 3 starts in bumpers and made a promising hurdling/seasonal debut when runner-up in maiden at this course (20f, heavy) last month, bumping into a nice prospect. The one to beat back in mares' company. Dual bumper winner; second here (2m4f) on last month's hurdling debut; good chance.
1
2nd (1) (4/1 -45%) Audacious Annie
4
4/1(-45%)
(1) Audacious Annie 4/1, Half-sister to numerous winners and justified favouritism in a Wetherby bumper on debut. Never a threat in listed race next time, before shaping as if needing the run after 9 months off at Cheltenham in November. One to note as she starts off over hurdles. Bumper winner from a good jumping family; likely contender on hurdling debut.
5
3rd (5) (50/1 +0%) Kate Of The Lodge
50
50/1(+0%)
(5) Kate Of The Lodge 50/1, Successful on completed start in Irish points but raced too freely when well held in bumper at this course on Rules debut in October. Pulled up in maiden back here (20f, heavy) sent hurdling last month and hood/tongue strap now reached for. Won Irish point in March but soundly beaten here on first two rules starts (bumper/hurdle).
9
4th (9) (66/1 -65%) Stylia
66
66/1(-65%)
(9) Stylia 66/1, Runner-up on completed start in Irish points, but down the field in a bumper and beaten even further when eleventh of 13 in novice at Exeter (16.7f, heavy) on hurdling debut 13 days ago. Likely to need more time. Did not get competitive when a big-priced outsider for recent hurdling debut.
7
5th (7) (10/1 +50%) Portobello Girl
10
10/1(+50%)
(7) Portobello Girl 10/1, Went backwards from her bumper debut for Nigel Twiston-Davies last season and yet to show much in 2 runs over hurdles for current yard, well-beaten fifth of 6 in maiden at Uttoxeter (19.9f, good to soft) a month ago. Needs to get back on track. Showed some promise in bumpers but has been safely held on both hurdling starts.
3
6th (3) (50/1 +0%) Dancing Dani
50
50/1(+0%)
(3) Dancing Dani 50/1, Long-standing maiden under Rules who has struggled in 2 starts over fences back from her summer break, pulled up in handicap at Market Rasen (19.2f, soft) 2 weeks ago. Blinkers now tried as she reverts to hurdling. Pulled up off lowly chase mark this month and now 0-23 under rules.
4
|PU| (4) (200/1 -100%) Grayland
200
200/1(-100%)
(4) Grayland 200/1, Offered little in a pair of bumpers and fared no better on her hurdling debut, tailed off in maiden at this C&D (heavy) last month. Looks to be up against it. Well beaten in both bumpers and when 250-1 for last month's C&D hurdle debut.
13:32 Ffos Las Maiden Hurdle (Class 4) 16f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 4 race.
BLUE LAS was 2-3 in bumpers and looked like she was going to justify the market support on her hurdling debut over 2m4f here last month, but she ran out of gas close home and had to settle for the silver medal. The combination of that experience and a drop in trip can see her gain compensation, possibly at the main expense of Audacious Annie. The latter showed signs of promise in bumpers and makes her hurdling debut for a yard amongst the winners of late, so she looks a bigger threat than Lagertha and Solid Silver.
A dual winner in bumpers, BLUE LAS shaped encouragingly behind the all-the-way winner at this course on hurdling debut and she can build on that effort to go one better. Audacious Annie could be the biggest threat as she goes hurdling with her recent bumper run behind her, ahead of Lagertha.
Dual bumper winner BLUE LAS finished rather tired when second over 2m4f here on her hurdling debut but can go one better today.
(6) Charlie's Choice 11/4, 5/1, creditable second of 10 in handicap at this course (12.1f) 9 days ago. Arrives in good order and makes the shortlist. Two wins in January; missed out by a nose over 1m4f here last week; 2lb well in; contender.
12
2nd (12) (5/1 +50%) The Bay Warrior
5
5/1(+50%)
(12) The Bay Warrior 5/1, C&D winner. Latest win here in September. Good third of 9 in handicap (10/1) at this course (12.1f) 42 days ago. Merits consideration. C&D win off 2lb lower in September; good 3rd here last month too but now back up in class.
4
3rd (4) (16/5 +9%) Switchel
3.2
16/5(+9%)
(4) Switchel 16/5, Winner at Chelmsford City in November. 11/4, good second of 10 in handicap at Lingfield (12f, AW) 28 days ago. One to consider. Improving filly who went close at Lingfield (1m4f) four weeks ago; major player.
10
4th (10) (9/1 +25%) Dr Rio
9
9/1(+25%)
(10) Dr Rio 9/1, Latest win at Beverley in September. 18/1, creditable fifth of 10 in handicap at this course (12.1f) 9 days ago. Not discounted. Two Beverley wins this summer; not beaten far here the last twice but others look stronger.
2
5th (2) (25/1 -79%) Buxted Too
25
25/1(-79%)
(2) Buxted Too 25/1, Cheekpieces on for 1st time in this code, last of 8 in handicap hurdle at Southwell (15.8f, good to firm, 8/1) 77 days ago, dropping away quickly. Fair on the Flat, poor on last Flat run. On a dangerous mark but he's been in and out since a turf win in June.
11
6th (11) (50/1 +0%) Ace Rothstein
50
50/1(+0%)
(11) Ace Rothstein 50/1, 66/1 and cheekpieces on for 1st time in this code, seventh of 9 in handicap hurdle at Huntingdon (15.8f, soft) 26 days ago. Down in trip. Blinkered for 1st time. Others preferred. Ended 2023 quietly and well beaten all starts this year; hard to recommend.
7
7th (7) (50/1 0%) It's A Love Thing
50
50/1(0%)
(7) It's A Love Thing 50/1, Course winner. Ninth of 11 in handicap at Newcastle (10.2f, 80/1) 16 days ago. Yet to fire this winter but down in the weights and needs a close market check.
5
8th (5) (10/1 +75%) Sense Of Worth
10
10/1(+75%)
(5) Sense Of Worth 10/1, C&D winner. Last of 11 in handicap (33/1) at Newcastle (10.2f) 16 days ago. Not easy to make a case for. Landed good support in this race last year; quiet return this month but better expected.
1
9th (1) (28/1 -155%) Eton Blue
28
28/1(-155%)
(1) Eton Blue 28/1, 50/1, sixth of 11 in handicap at Kempton (11f) 15 days ago, not ideally placed. On a handy mark and could build on latest effort. Struggled in 2024 and only of interest if proving stronger in the betting.
3
10th (3) (20/1 -100%) Boasty
20
20/1(-100%)
(3) Boasty 20/1, 18/1, fourth of 6 in handicap at Epsom (10.1f, good). Off 154 days. Cheekpieces back on. Worth a market check. Five-time AW winner, the latest off this mark in March; returns from a five-month absence.
9
11th (9) (9/1 +10%) Down To The Kid
9
9/1(+10%)
(9) Down To The Kid 9/1, Course winner. Respectable fifth of 11 in handicap (9/2) at Newcastle (12.4f). Off 13 months. First run for yard after leaving Alice Haynes. Becoming well treated. All wins here; handy mark if ready to go after 405-day absence; stable debut; had wind op.
13:45 Southwell Handicap (Class 5) 11f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 5 race.
Sense Of Worth might have struggled on his return to action recently, but the eight-year-old landed a division of this corresponding event from 4lb lower 12 months ago and should not be underestimated. However, it is TORTURED SOUL who gets the vote. Tony Carroll's charge had to concede first run to a comfortable winner at Kempton last time, having been denied a clear run. He pulled over a length clear of the third-placed horse, though, and compensation may await from an unchanged mark. The Bay Warrior is also noted.
SWITCHEL is going the right way and, having scored at Chelmsford in November, she backed it up with an excellent second at Lingfield, so she's worth a chance to get back to winning ways for all that Charlie's Choice and Tortured Soul look formidable opponents.
A race full of potential revivers but as things stand, last week's course runner-up CHARLIE'S CHOICE is preferred to Switchel.
(7) Don't Rightly Know 16/1, Scored over hurdles at Exeter last November and continued in good form after, runner-up on four occasions. This point winner now switches to fences after 9 months off. Point winner who was consistent over hurdles last season and could improve for fences.
2
2nd (2) (9/2 +10%) Hititi
4.5
9/2(+10%)
(2) Hititi 9/2, Likeable sort who returned to chasing with an excellent second in first-time cheekpieces at Chepstow. Disappointed at Haydock next time but type to bounce back. Tongue strap back on. Promising 2nd on reappearance and was missing his usual tongue-tie when pulled up latest.
4
3rd (4) (25/1 +24%) Sizable Sam
25
25/1(+24%)
(4) Sizable Sam 25/1, Three-time winning hurdler who got off the mark over fences in 4-runner novice chase at Exeter. First run since (off 22 months) when pulled up at Newbury 19 days ago, shaping as if badly needing the run. Likely to need this again. Well treated on February 2023 form but pulled up recently when back from a long absence.
11
4th (11) (15/2 -15%) Pachacuti
7.5
15/2(-15%)
(11) Pachacuti 15/2, Wincanton winner on final start last season and all the better for return when going close there 2 weeks ago. Needs considering in a change of headgear. Went close at Wincanton a fortnight ago; bang there if the blinkers have a positive effect.
10
5th (10) (22/1 -10%) Sporting Ace
22
22/1(-10%)
(10) Sporting Ace 22/1, Resumed from 9 months off with a solid second of 5 in handicap chase at Uttoxeter but ran poorly there next time. Hails from a yard enduring a very lean spell (just 2 wins so far in 2024) and others preferred. Change of headgear. Some fair performances in second this year but well beaten at Uttoxeter recently.
5
6th (5) (20/1 -43%) Pepe Le Moko
20
20/1(-43%)
(5) Pepe Le Moko 20/1, Winless following 5 attempts over hurdles but quickly put that right sent chasing, taking 2 of his first 3 starts (at up to 20.5f). However, both starts this term have been poor so bit to prove now. Promising last term; only 6; 3m may be within range at some stage but he's yet to prove it.
9
|PU| (9) (5/1 +17%) Enjoy Your Life
5
5/1(+17%)
(9) Enjoy Your Life 5/1, Won a pair of handicap chases around 3m last winter and reappeared with an encouraging second at Chepstow. Much respected back up in trip for his very much in-form yard. Two wins last season (including C&D) and could build on fair reappearance 2nd at Chepstow.
8
|PU| (8) (9/1 -50%) Regarde
9
9/1(-50%)
(8) Regarde 9/1, Showed improved form switched to chasing last season, winning handicaps at Huntingdon on first 2 starts. Resumed winning ways at Kempton (24f, good to soft) on return before good third at Ascot. Headgear back on and can do better still. Won at Kempton on reappearance before creditable third at Ascot; could have a say.
1
|PU| (1) (10/3 +5%) Toss Of A Coin
3.333333
10/3(+5%)
(1) Toss Of A Coin 10/3, €150,000 recruit from the pointing field who has landed the odds in novice hurdles around 2m4f at Exeter and Newton Abbot last winter. Very much bred for chasing and shaped with plenty of encouragement on chase bow/return when second at Uttoxeter. Player with improvement forthcoming, Very lightly raced 6yo who went close on his chase debut; open to further improvement.
6
|PU| (6) (11/2 +50%) Jupiter Allen
5.5
11/2(+50%)
(6) Jupiter Allen 11/2, Dual winner over hurdles who advanced his form when landing handicap chase at Exeter (24.2f, good to soft). Not quite in same form at Sandown since, however, and needs to resume progress. Soundly beaten at Sandown recently but 2-2 here; could play a leading role now back here.
3
|PU| (3) (40/1 -264%) Masters Legacy
40
40/1(-264%)
(3) Masters Legacy 40/1, Chase debut winner at Exeter 2 years ago but failed to build on that and looked very rusty after a long absence when well held there in October. In the process of showing a lot more when unseating 3 out at Ludlow, however, and entitled to come on again. Pretty encouraging run at Ludlow a fortnight ago on second start back from a long absence.
13:55 Exeter Handicap Chase (Class 3) 24f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 3 race.
Toss Of A Coin was only denied by half a length in a novice handicap on his chase debut and while he can improve for that, this looks tougher off a 2lb higher mark and preference is for PACHACUTI. A winner at Wincanton in February, David Pipe's gelding finished well clear of the remainder when a neck second off 2lb lower over that same C&D a fortnight ago and another bold bid is expected. Track-and-trip scorer Enjoy Your Life should relish the step back up in distance after filling the runner-up berth over an extended 2m3f at Chepstow last month.
Plenty to consider but the unexposed TOSS OF A COIN is the standout in terms of potential, so he's taken to defy top weight. Enjoy Your Life and Regarde head the dangers.
Exeter has brought out the best in JUPITER ALLEN and he can bounce back from a lesser run at Sandown now returned to this venue.
(2) The Scorpion King 5/2, Found his feet over fences during the spring and has kicked on again this season, building on his solid reappearance second at Stratford when going one better here (23.8f, heavy) last month, travelling more fluently through the race than usual. 5 lb rise tolerable and should make his presence felt. Travelled strongly before asserting here last month but doesn't always look enthusiastic.
5
2nd (5) (7/4 -17%) Haut Folin
1.75
7/4(-17%)
(5) Haut Folin 7/4, Dual chase winner in France and opened account on these shores when scoring over 3m here on his reappearance last season. Also made a very positive start to present campaign when going close at Lingfield (23.5f, soft) 10 days ago and he's a huge player off the same mark back here. Went close on recent seasonal debut and is back in action before 2lb rise takes effect.
4
3rd (4) (18/1 +28%) Bobmahley
18
18/1(+28%)
(4) Bobmahley 18/1, A dual 3m chase scorer in 2022/23 and was entitled to need the run at Chepstow where he was returning from an extra-long absence. Down 3 lb and this run should be more revealing with regard to how much ability remains. Well handicapped on old form and might have needed last month's reappearance outing.
9
4th (9) (33/1 +34%) Esperti
33
33/1(+34%)
(9) Esperti 33/1, Little impact over hurdles for this yard and hasn't fared any better over fences on his last 3 starts, well-beaten fifth of 10 in handicap at this course (19.4f, heavy) last time. Best watched back up in trip. Regressive 7yo who has not shown a great deal over hurdles or fences since the summer.
3
|F| (3) (7/1 -17%) Mumbles
7
7/1(-17%)
(3) Mumbles 7/1, Went the right way over hurdles last term, gaining a second victory at Fontwell in March. Started off well in this sphere when second of 9 here last month, prior to finishing fourth at Lingfield where he again shaped as though 2m was too sharp. Improvement likely back up to a more suitable trip. Dual 2m3f hurdle winner; up in trip after two respectable 2m chase runs this autumn.
10
|PU| (10) (9/2 +44%) Wide To West
4.5
9/2(+44%)
(10) Wide To West 9/2, Off the mark in 3m handicap chase here on final start of last season and probably needed the run when sixth of 13 behind The Scorpion King back at this course on his reappearance. Still, his temperament isn't all it could be and some of these look more solid. 3m course winner in April and shaped well behind The Scorpion King here last month.
1
|PU| (1) (12/1 +40%) Monbari
12
12/1(+40%)
(1) Monbari 12/1, Found improvement dropped in trip fitted with first-time cheekpieces when second of 11 in handicap hurdle at Chepstow (19.4f, soft) in April. However, he has offered little in 2 subsequent starts, including on return/chase debut at Bangor. Ran no race on seasonal/chase debut but refitted cheekpieces might perk him up.
7
|PU| (7) (80/1 -220%) Game Line
80
80/1(-220%)
(7) Game Line 80/1, On a good mark judged on form from a few seasons back but his wellbeing needs taking on trust following an absence of over 2 years. Sports a first-time visor. Five chase wins; absent since November 2022 but resumes on very tempting mark.
6
|PU| (6) (80/1 -142%) Pilgrims King
80
80/1(-142%)
(6) Pilgrims King 80/1, Last season's campaign was a productive one, bagging handicap chases at Doncaster and here (both at around 19f) and placed on several occasions, too. However, he now needs to get back on track having been pulled up on his last 3 starts. Blinkers refitted having sported a visor on his latest start. Has looked out of sorts and been pulled up on all three starts this term.
8
|PU| (8) (80/1 -60%) Fashion's Model
80
80/1(-60%)
(8) Fashion's Model 80/1, Sent chasing last season, off the mark on final start of the campaign as she landed mares' handicap at Wincanton (20.2f, heavy) in April. No show in a handful of runs so far this term, though, and it's easy enough to look elsewhere. Ended last season with clearcut 2m4f win but has been out of form this term.
14:07 Ffos Las Handicap Chase (Class 5) 25f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 5 race.
Although unable to justify favouritism on his seasonal debut over an extended 2m7f at Lingfield recently, HAUT FOLIN lost little in defeat when finishing a staying-on second. Venetia Williams' charge is due to go up 2lb in future races and this trip should really suit the seven-year-old. The Scorpion King arrives on the back of a victory in a 13-runner affair at this venue and a 5lb higher mark shouldn't prevent another bold bid, while Mumbles is a potential improver.
HAUT FOLIN went down narrowly on his recent reappearance at Lingfield and is likely to prove hard to beat off the same mark (due to go up 2 lb) back at the course where he opened his account for present connections last November. Following a couple of spins over 2m this season, Mumbles could be about to take a step forward now faced with a more suitable test and he rates the main danger ahead of The Scorpion King, who was a winner here last month.
It's worth chancing BOBMAHLEY, who made good progress over fences during the 2022-23 season and might have needed last month's run.
(10) Paladin 6/1, Seventh of 8 in handicap (7/2) at Newcastle (8f) 48 days ago. Others preferred. Not built on promising seasonal return; personal best required to land first handicap win.
1
2nd (1) (9/2 +40%) Partisan Hero
4.5
9/2(+40%)
(1) Partisan Hero 9/2, 12/1, first run since leaving D. K. Weld when good second of 7 in handicap at Windsor (10f, good to firm). Off 7 months. Makes tapeta debut. Worthy of respect despite the absence. Only seen once for new yard this year but it was a good second at Windsor in May (1m2f).
5
3rd (5) (11/2 -83%) Wilde And Dandy
5.5
11/2(-83%)
(5) Wilde And Dandy 11/2, 2 wins from 5 runs this year. 5/1, career best when winning 12-runner handicap at this course (7.1f) 9 days ago. Looks the one to beat under a penalty. Cosy 7f win here last week but that race set up beautifully for him; stamina query at 1m.
12
4th (12) (10/1 -67%) Overlooked
10
10/1(-67%)
(12) Overlooked 10/1, Respectable fourth of 9 in handicap (3/1) at this course (7.1f) 42 days ago. On a handy mark and is likely to be on the premises again. 12-race maiden; creditable efforts for new yard and returning to a mile can help.
8
5th (8) (7/2 +46%) Dream Pirate
3.5
7/2(+46%)
(8) Dream Pirate 7/2, Creditable third of 12 in handicap (9/2) at Nottingham (8.3f, heavy) 43 days ago. Makes tapeta debut. Worthy of consideration. Ended turf season with two good Nottingham runs on slow ground; 0-7 on AW; Tapeta debut.
2
6th (2) (13/2 +28%) Fools Rush In
6.5
13/2(+28%)
(2) Fools Rush In 13/2, Latest win at Wolverhampton in September. Respectable sixth of 11 in handicap (3/1) at Wolverhampton (9.5f) 38 days ago, having run of race. Can't be ruled out. Conditions no problem and one of a number to consider in an open race.
9
7th (9) (80/1 -100%) Distinction
80
80/1(-100%)
(9) Distinction 80/1, 4 wins from 16 runs this year. Latest win at Pontefract in July. 50/1, last of 9 in handicap at Newcastle (7.1f) 16 days ago. Others make more appeal. Did well last summer and fully effective on Tapeta; low-key return this month though.
11
8th (11) (12/1 -71%) Love Your Work
12
12/1(-71%)
(11) Love Your Work 12/1, 5-time C&D winner. 3 wins from 18 runs this year. 5/1, didn't need to improve to win 11-runner handicap at Wolverhampton (8.6f) 26 days ago. Remains well treated but has a wide draw to contend with. Conditions to suit and comes here in form; still feasibly weighted.
3
9th (3) (14/1 +13%) Golspie
14
14/1(+13%)
(3) Golspie 14/1, Eleven runs since last win in 2023. Respectable fifth of 10 in handicap at Newcastle (8f, 11/1) 42 days ago. He's run some fair races for new yard this year but needs more if he's to take this.
6
10th (6) (7/1 -56%) Between Me And U
7
7/1(-56%)
(6) Between Me And U 7/1, Latest win at Wolverhampton in September. 5/2, respectable fifth of 11 in handicap at Wolverhampton (8.6f) 55 days ago, running on. Should remain competitive. Four solid efforts for new yard, including a Wolverhampton win; easy lead unlikely.
4
11th (4) (33/1 -32%) Royal Jet
33
33/1(-32%)
(4) Royal Jet 33/1, Lightly-raced winner. Last of 10 in handicap at Wolverhampton (8.6f, 16/1) 45 days ago, slowly away. Blinkers on 1st time. Others have achieved more. No impact in two handicaps for new yard this year; blinkers now added & tongue-tie absent.
7
12th (7) (200/1 -203%) Sceptic
200
200/1(-203%)
(7) Sceptic 200/1, Last of 11 in handicap at Wolverhampton (7.2f, 200/1) 31 days ago. Hard to make a case for in current form. Beaten one rival in four runs for current yard; down in weights but can't be recommended.
14:20 Southwell Handicap (Class 5) 8f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 5 race.
Love Your Work, who went agonisingly close over this C&D before landing a similar event at Wolverhampton last month, should be on the premises with Alice Bond's 7lb more than compensating for a 2lb rise in the handicap. Nevertheless, the vote goes to WILDE AND DANDY, who was eased down when scoring over 7f here last week and, unexposed at the trip, he can complete a quick-fire double under a 5lb penalty. Partisan Hero and Dream Pirate complete the shortlist.
WILDE AND DANDY has hit a rich vein of form lately and is taken to make it three from his last four after scoring here 9 days ago. Partisan Hero is one to be interested in despite being off 7 months since his stable debut and Overlooked should be involved once more.
Fools Rush In can bounce back from a quiet run last time but DREAM PIRATE ended the turf season in good form and is preferred.
(5) Mayhem Mya 9/1, Opened chase account at this course (17.5f) a year ago and has shaped well in defeat on several occasions since. Faced a stiff task back hurdling in listed race at Auteuil (17.9f, soft) last month, but others still preferred. Good record over fences here last season and she's well handicapped on that form.
4
2nd (4) (5/6 +70%) Into The Park
0.833333
5/6(+70%)
(4) Into The Park 5/6, Plenty about him physically and improved when bagging a Newbury maiden and Taunton handicap (both at around 2m) early this year. After 7 months off, possibly needed the run in Silver Trophy at Chepstow in October, so he remains with potential. Tailed off on reappearance but may have needed the run and this 5yo retains potential.
2
3rd (2) (5/2 +0%) Issam
2.5
5/2(+0%)
(2) Issam 5/2, Won twice last season, including this same race, and returned with a rallying fourth in Welsh Champion Hurdle at Ffos Las in October. Went backwards from that effort at Newbury (20.5f, good to soft) 19 days ago, but could fare better back here. Won twice last season (including this race); disappointing last time but could bounce back.
3
4th (3) (14/1 -250%) Investment Manager
14
14/1(-250%)
(3) Investment Manager 14/1, Won over fences at Newton Abbot (25.8f) in May and capitalised on lower hurdles mark at the same course (26.5f) in September. However, lacklustre display when third of 5 in handicap chase at Wincanton (25.1f, good) last time, so bounce back called for. Won over 3m2f at Newton Abbot in September; reverts to hurdles but over much shorter trip.
6
5th (6) (11/1 -120%) Centara
11
11/1(-120%)
(6) Centara 11/1, Bumper winner who scored twice over hurdles last season, ending the campaign with success in a Taunton handicap (19f) in April. However, after 7 months off (had wind op) he shaped as if amiss when pulled up at this course (16.7f, good) in November. Two wins last term; pulled up on return but lightly raced and not written off for top yard.
14:30 Exeter Handicap Hurdle (Class 3) 18f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 3 race.
ISSAM won this 12 months ago and returns off an 8lb higher mark. Tom Symonds' six-year-old was a solid fourth in the Welsh Champion Hurdle prior to coming up short at Newbury, but his sights are lowered and he is fancied to capitalise. Investment Manager won in this sphere at Newton Abbot and reverts to timber following his subsequent well-held third over fences at Wincanton. Into The Park was disappointing in Chepstow's Silver Trophy, but must not be written off yet.
ISSAM has won both starts over C&D, including this race last year, and is one to be with, while Into The Park could step forward from his reappearance.
The mare MAYHEM MYA showed some good chase form here last season and has a lower mark to exploit over hurdles.
(3) Rosscahill 11/10, Bought for £70,000 after easily winning an Irish point in December. Landed the odds without impressing visually on debut at this course (21.9f, soft) in October. Penalised but can progress given soft underfoot conditions (displayed a most ungainly action on Rules bow). Created good impression when winning comfortably over 2m6f here on hurdling debut.
1
2nd (1) (8/1 +27%) Ben Solo
8
8/1(+27%)
(1) Ben Solo 8/1, Irish point winner who was placed in the first of 2 bumpers last season and made a successful start to his hurdle career in a 2m Chepstow novice in October. However, he failed to fire upped to 2½m at Aintree since and looks vulnerable under a penalty here. Claims if judged on Chepstow win in October; connections blamed the ground last time.
4
3rd (4) (20/1 -43%) A Moments Madness
20
20/1(-43%)
(4) A Moments Madness 20/1, Has an ordinary pedigree but finished runner-up sole start in Irish points in February and made an encouraging enough start over hurdles when fourth of 13 in a Wetherby novice (19.7f, good to soft) in October. Tiring when carried out at Leicester subsequently and others look stronger. Shaped well on hurdling debut and was in contention when carried out last time.
6
4th (6) (4/1 +0%) Jakar Du Moulin
4
4/1(+0%)
(6) Jakar Du Moulin 4/1, Winner of a maiden point in February (sole start in that sphere) and, having subsequently fetched £175,000 and joined top jumps yard, shaped with some encouragement before tying up when runner-up in 12-runner novice hurdle at Leicester (20.5f, good to soft) last month. Can build on that. Irish point winner; no match for winner when second on hurdle debut but can improve.
2
5th (2) (22/1 -83%) Holokea
22
22/1(-83%)
(2) Holokea 22/1, Irish point winner who made the perfect start when landing a Worcester bumper in the summer. Proved a disappointment at Chepstow 4 months later but back to winning ways on hurdling bow at Southwell (24.3f, good) just over 8 weeks ago, pouncing on the favourite late. Cheekpieces applied. 2-3 under rules, the latter win gained on hurdling debut; has more on his plate here.
9
6th (9) (9/2 -13%) Saint Palais
4.5
9/2(-13%)
(9) Saint Palais 9/2, Progressed into a smart chaser during 2021/22 season, winning 4 of his 5 starts. However, proved bitterly disappointing returned to hurdling at Bangor in November 2022 and let down by his jumping in graded company next 2 starts. This far more suitable but has been off 21 months. Very useful chaser; unlucky not to be placed in G2 hurdle in 2023; back from long absence.
8
7th (8) (200/1 -400%) Mohawk Chief
200
200/1(-400%)
(8) Mohawk Chief 200/1, Fairly useful form on Flat at 2 yrs, though failed to beat a rival on both starts in 2023. Sold from Aidan O'Brien 16,000 gns/gelded and best watched after 19 months off now hurdling. Promising as a 2yo in Ireland but makes stable/hurdle debut after long absence.
7
8th (7) (17/2 -55%) King Of Thieves
8.5
17/2(-55%)
(7) King Of Thieves 17/2, Runner-up sole outing in Irish points and shaped well when occupying same spot in a bumper at this course (15.8f, heavy) in March. More will be needed if he's to go one better now switched to hurdles but he's interesting nonetheless. Second to the very smart Potters Charm in heavy-ground course bumper in March.
5
|PU| (5) (300/1 -50%) Illico Du Breuil
300
300/1(-50%)
(5) Illico Du Breuil 300/1, Maiden Irish pointer who went with little encouragement on hurdles debut in June 2023 and showed nothing in a first-time tongue strap after 18 months off at this course (15.8f, heavy) recently. Very hard to see him involved. Pulled up here last month, after a long absence; moves up in trip today.
14:42 Ffos Las Maiden Hurdle (Class 4) 20f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 4 race.
It will be interesting to see what the market makes of smart chaser Saint Palais on his return from a 643-day layoff, as this is undoubtedly less demanding than when pulled up in the Albert Bartlett at the Cheltenham Festival. ROSSCAHILL looks the most solid proposition after confirming his point-to-point victory with a ready victory on his hurdles bow over 2m6f here in October. Jakar Du Moulin is the pick of the remainder.
An intriguing novice with the suggestion being SAINT PALAIS, who was let down by his jumping in a couple of graded events when last seen early last year, but this rates as good opportunity for Richard Bandey's 7-y-o to open his account in this sphere provided he's ready to roll. Rosscahill landed the odds without impressing visually on debut here in October, so he heads up the dangers, with Jakar du Moulin and Holokea taken to fight out third.
Irish point winner ROSSCAHILL impressed over 2m6f here on his rules debut in October and is selected to defy a penalty today.
(5) Bravo Zulu 7/1, Former C&D winner who was better than ever in first-time blinkers (retained) when winning 12-runner handicap at Lingfield (1m) 16 days ago. Should remain competitive up 3 lb. Winning stable debut (1m) at Lingfield this month; still has potential up 3lb.
8
2nd (8) (9/1 +25%) Justcallmepete
9
9/1(+25%)
(8) Justcallmepete 9/1, Four-time course winner. Latest win at Newbury in September. Twelfth of 13 in handicap at Chelmsford (7f) 14 days ago. Good record at the track and he had a wide draw as an excuse at Chelmsford last time.
10
3rd (10) (16/1 -33%) Commander Of Life
16
16/1(-33%)
(10) Commander Of Life 16/1, Twelve runs since last win in 2023. Fifth of 8 in handicap at Newcastle (1m) 48 days ago. Others are more obvious. Three fair efforts for new yard but he'll need to pull out extra in this stronger race.
4
4th (4) (10/1 +0%) Enola Grey
10
10/1(+0%)
(4) Enola Grey 10/1, Course winner. 4/1, respectable second of 5 in handicap at this course (1m) 9 days ago, no match for winner. Runner-up in three of her last four starts; should make another bold bid.
3
5th (3) (17/2 +0%) Lessay
8.5
17/2(+0%)
(3) Lessay 17/2, Cheekpieces on first time, very good second of 14 in handicap (22/1) at Kempton (1m) 78 days ago (final start for Andrew Balding). New stable leaves the headgear off. Handily drawn and capable of going well. Promising on AW, including a good 2nd at Kempton in October; sold 20,000gns since.
1
6th (1) (28/1 -75%) Aljari
28
28/1(-75%)
(1) Aljari 28/1, C&D winner. Not at best on his last 2 outings but has been cut a bit of slack by the handicapper as a result. Not kicked on this year and could prove vulnerable despite his reduced mark.
7
7th (7) (40/1 -344%) Legal Reform
40
40/1(-344%)
(7) Legal Reform 40/1, C&D winner. Bit below form when fourth of 8 in handicap at Catterick (7f, heavy, 8/1) 61 days ago but is on a winning mark if back to his best. Conditions to suit; not at best when last seen nine weeks ago but better expected today.
2
8th (2) (11/10 +69%) Billyb
1.1
11/10(+69%)
(2) Billyb 11/10, Course winner. Latest win at Beverley in June. Creditable second of 14 in a warm race over C&D 5 days ago, running on. Has good chance on form. Good second over C&D on Saturday; strong claims off the same mark.
12
9th (12) (16/1 -60%) Charencey
16
16/1(-60%)
(12) Charencey 16/1, Latest win at Doncaster in July. 8¾ lengths eleventh of 12 to Bravo Zulu in handicap at Lingfield (1m) 16 days ago, not much room. Good run back from wind op last month before luckless effort latest; chance with clear run.
11
10th (11) (10/1 -43%) Barnaby
10
10/1(-43%)
(11) Barnaby 10/1, Completed a 7f Newcastle 4-timer between September and November. Winning run came to a halt but still performed with credit when third of 9 at Newcastle (7f) 16 days ago. Likely to be very competitive again assuming stall 12 isn't too big an inconvenience. Four wins and a 3rd (all 7f at Newcastle) since switched to AW; needs more up to Class 4.
9
11th (9) (16/1 -33%) Chola Empire
16
16/1(-33%)
(9) Chola Empire 16/1, C&D winner. 13/2, last of 13 in handicap at Chelmsford (7f) 14 days ago. C&D record reads 1312 and he's on a winning mark; has to bounce back from poor run latest.
14:55 Southwell Handicap (Class 4) 7f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 4 race.
During the turf season, BILLYB faced stiffer tests than this and he may be able to make the most of dropping back in grade after another creditable effort when finishing second in a class 3 event over C&D on Saturday. Bravo Zulu made a winning start for his new yard at Lingfield earlier this month and, assuming the retained blinkers have the same impact, he can also figure off just 3lb higher. Barnaby and Legal Reform are others to bear in mind.
BILLYB was a good second in a well-contested race over C&D on Saturday evening and will surely go close at the least if in similar form. Barnaby has had a cracking spell on Newcastle's tapeta lately and is second choice ahead of Lessay, a new recruit for Ed Dunlop.
Bravo Zulu and Billyb are high on the list but CHARENCEY (nap) is given another chance to prove himself well handicapped.
(4) Imperial Joe 7/1, Good 1¼ lengths third of 13 to My Rockstar in handicap chase (11/1) at Taunton (18.2f, good to soft) 21 days ago. Enters calculations. Having edged down the weights he returned to form with a close third at Taunton.
11
2nd (11) (12/1 +14%) The Cox Express
12
12/1(+14%)
(11) The Cox Express 12/1, Winless since his debut but he posted a very good second of 12 in handicap hurdle at Fontwell on final outing last season. Below form both recent outings, though, and has a bit to prove switched to chasing. Fair second in handicap hurdle in May but below par on both runs last month; chase debut.
5
3rd (5) (12/1 +40%) Coconut Twist
12
12/1(+40%)
(5) Coconut Twist 12/1, Point winner at the start of the year and made a successful chase debut starting out for this yard at Newton Abbot (21f, soft) in May. In-and-out form since but race may have come too soon at Ludlow last time, so not written off. Won at Newton Abbot in May and placed a few times since, but tailed off at Ludlow latest.
12
4th (12) (12/1 +14%) Wellwillya
12
12/1(+14%)
(12) Wellwillya 12/1, Took form up a notch when getting off the mark on fencing bow in 12-runner handicap chase here in October. Not in the same form at Hereford next time but return to this track could help. Pulled up at Hereford last time but won on chase debut here previously; not written off.
1
5th (1) (28/1 +30%) Rangatira Jack
28
28/1(+30%)
(1) Rangatira Jack 28/1, Fair form without tasting success in novice/maiden hurdles last season but hasn't fired in two chase outings this term. Runner-up in maiden hurdle here in April but hasn't shone on either run this season.
2
|PU| (2) (9/1 -50%) Ileny Royale
9
9/1(-50%)
(2) Ileny Royale 9/1, Placed twice from 4 starts over hurdles for Gabriel Leenders in France. Advanced his form when getting off the mark in 10-runner handicap chase at Ffos Las (19.4f, heavy) 29 days ago. Can do better still. Well in the mix. Won at Ffos Las on second chase run and this lightly raced 6yo may well have more to offer.
13
|PU| (13) (9/1 +10%) My Rockstar
9
9/1(+10%)
(13) My Rockstar 9/1, Poor handicap chaser who got back to winning ways under a positive ride in a thin race at Taunton three weeks ago. This is tougher but he's likely to give his running. Won at Taunton when back from break; not an obvious one to follow up but he's up just 2lb.
3
|PU| (3) (11/1 +8%) Time To Bite
11
11/1(+8%)
(3) Time To Bite 11/1, Got back on the up when making all at Newton Abbot in May and continued in good heart when runner-up at Fakenham (21.2f, good) 13 days later. Bit better than the result the last twice and this drop back in trip is in his favour. Below par on both runs this autumn but won this last year and he may bounce back.
10
|PU| (10) (13/2 +28%) Zmiinyi
6.5
13/2(+28%)
(10) Zmiinyi 13/2, Went close on second of his 2 starts between the flags and bettered hurdles form at the first attempt when second at Market Rasen last month. Failed to back it up there but too soon to write off. Of interest on his chase debut second at Market Rasen but a lesser run followed there.
9
|PU| (9) (15/8 +46%) Mister Upton
1.875
15/8(+46%)
(9) Mister Upton 15/8, Better hurdler than chaser and doubled his tally in this sphere in 13-runner event at Hereford 8 days ago. Not all out, so should go well again if the race doesn't come too soon. Escapes a penalty for last week's win at Hereford and he could be tough to beat.
8
|PU| (8) (22/1 +33%) Nadim
22
22/1(+33%)
(8) Nadim 22/1, Scored 3 times over hurdles in 2023 and showed some promise sent chasing for his new yard when third in Stratford novice handicap. Has gone over the edge temperament wise subsequently though, and was down the field at Taunton last time. Fair third on chase debut in October but has failed to kick on subsequently.
7
|PU| (7) (25/1 +24%) You Say Nothing
25
25/1(+24%)
(7) You Say Nothing 25/1, Exploits decidedly mixed since last win and again failed to fire at Southwell last time. Well treated if he can bounce back. Continues to drop down the weights but he's struggled to get competitive this year.
15
|PU| (15) (50/1 -52%) Eurowork
50
50/1(-52%)
(15) Eurowork 50/1, Little form since winning over C&D 3 years ago and looks firmly up against it returning from 18 months off. Won this in 2021 but has raced just five times since and has been well beaten each time.
16
|PU| (16) (50/1 -52%) Master Mikey Dee
50
50/1(-52%)
(16) Master Mikey Dee 50/1, Out of sorts when last seen 20 months and unlikely he retains much ability. Wasn't really threatening when last seen in spring 2023 and others are preferred.
14
|PU| (14) (66/1 -32%) Benville Bridge
66
66/1(-32%)
(14) Benville Bridge 66/1, Looks limited and set for another struggle having been pulled up in handicap at Wincanton on chasing debut. Lightly raced but pulled up on handicap/chase debut; others have far less to prove.
15:05 Exeter Handicap Chase (Class 5) 19f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 5 race.
Having scored at Uttoxeter and Sedgefield last month, the hat-trick seeking Pep Talking must enter calculations on his upward trajectory. However, a 5lb higher mark for the six-year-old's latest triumph does demand another career-best performance and MISTER UPTON may prove too strong. Chris Gordon's gelding escapes a penalty for his success in a conditional handicap at Hereford eight days ago and a quick double may be in the offing. Fellow last-time-out winners Ileny Royale and My Rockstar aren't easily dismissed.
PEP TALKING is thriving for his current yard and had a bit to spare at Sedgefield recently, so he's fancied to complete the hat-trick for all that this is a bit more competitive.
The 5yo MISTER UPTON (nap) escapes a penalty for last week's win at Hereford, where he had just over 3l to spare in a 13-runner field.
(3) Karuma Grey 100/1, Galway maiden hurdle winner last spring has made the frame on 2 of his 3 starts switched to fences for Ellmarie Holden last term. However, he was pulled up in a handicap hurdle on sole start for Christian Williams in April and probably worth taking on back from a break on debut for another new yard. Showed some chasing ability in Ireland last year but probably best watched on stable debut.
1
2nd (1) (16/5 +57%) Hurricane Highway
3.2
16/5(+57%)
(1) Hurricane Highway 16/5, Point winner/hurdles winner who was placed on his first 2 completed starts in this sphere. Disappointing favourite at Exeter (24.2f, heavy) when last seen in February but it's still early days and he's worth a second look eased 3 lb and back down in trip for this seasonal reappearance. 0-4 over fences last season but can be dangerous off this mark if all goes to plan.
4
3rd (4) (20/1 -43%) Art Of Diplomacy
20
20/1(-43%)
(4) Art Of Diplomacy 20/1, Flat winner who won 3 times over hurdles for Dr Richard Newland, leaving that stable after taking a Wetherby seller in March. Satisfactory start for this yard when fourth of 10 at Kempton in May and could have a part to play off 2 lb lower on chase debut, provided his jumping passes the test. Won selling hurdle in the spring but is not bred for fences and has fitness to prove.
5
4th (5) (11/4 +66%) Just Over Land
2.75
11/4(+66%)
(5) Just Over Land 11/4, Consistent sort over hurdles last season and bright start in this sphere after 6 months off when second of 8 in handicap here (2m, soft) in October. Not so good at Chepstow next time but this step back up in trip could be a good thing and he remains of interest. Shade disappointing last time but made good start to chasing career in October; up in trip.
12
5th (12) (11/1 +45%) Rock Danse
11
11/1(+45%)
(12) Rock Danse 11/1, Point scorer who struck at the third time of asking over hurdles in a Hexham maiden last December. However, he found life tougher thereafter and improvement is needed sent chasing following a 10-month absence. Absent since falling heavily over hurdles in February; makes chasing debut today.
7
6th (7) (14/1 +30%) Knowwhentoholdem
14
14/1(+30%)
(7) Knowwhentoholdem 14/1, Hurdles winner for Anthony Charlton at Newbury in March and ran to similar level on debut for this yard when fourth of 11 in handicap at Wetherby 26 days later. Pulled up on chase debut at Newton Abbot in October, though, and he's opposable on the back of that display. Tongue strap added. Ended last season in good form over hurdles; dropped out tamely on chase debut in October.
6
7th (6) (8/1 -60%) Not Long Left
8
8/1(-60%)
(6) Not Long Left 8/1, Hurdles winner for Christian Williams in May 2023. Only got as far as the second fence (unseated rider) on first start since at Uttoxeter where he was making his chase/stable debut, but he was strong in the betting that day and it'll be interesting to see if that's again the case. Unexposed 7yo; unseated rider in early stages of recent stable/chase/handicap debut.
10
8th (10) (33/1 -32%) Hold Your Fort
33
33/1(-32%)
(10) Hold Your Fort 33/1, Thrived during the summer, completing a Newton Abbot 4-timer in September. Form has nosedived since, though, and he's probably best watched for now. Won four times at Newton Abbot this summer but the ground may have turned against him now.
8
|PU| (8) (15/8 +53%) Saladins Son
1.875
15/8(+53%)
(8) Saladins Son 15/8, Runner-up twice over hurdles for Chris Gordon last term and went one better on return/debut for new yard in a Huntingdon maiden (25f, soft). This former point winner is a scopey sort and better is expected of him now switched to fences. Won over hurdles on last month's stable debut and looks interesting on chase debut.
15:17 Ffos Las Handicap Chase (Class 4) 22f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 4 race.
LEADER IN THE PARK may have been beaten a long way on his chase debut at Cheltenham last month, but he travelled well up until two out. Improvement is likely on the back of that and he may be able to strike for his in-form connections, with recent Huntingdon winner Saladins Son looking best placed to chase him home on his first start over the larger obstacles. Hurricane Highway has strong claims too.
This looks very competitive, with several appealing candidates to choose from. SALADINS SON was workmanlike when landing the odds in a small-field maiden hurdle last month, but he is likely to come into his own now tackling the larger obstacles. Anthony Honeyball's charge gets the nod ahead of Hurricane Highway, who remains of interest despite misfiring on his final run of last season. Leader In The Park should leave his chase debut well behind in time and Just Over Land also merits respect.
Dual point winner STRATTON OAKMONT was placed behind two well-handicapped rivals over hurdles last month and can strike on chase debut.
(2) Toptime 7/1, C&D winner. 4/1, respectable fourth of 10 in handicap at this C&D 52 days ago. Likely to be on the premises again. Conditions to suit; satisfactory return from a break in October; more appealing than many.
1
2nd (1) (5/4 +38%) Popular Dream
1.25
5/4(+38%)
(1) Popular Dream 5/4, Evens, career best when winning 12-runner maiden at this C&D 6 days ago. Carries penalty. Progressing recently. Easy win in a weak C&D maiden last week; more on his plate here but still feared.
4
3rd (4) (22/1 +33%) Stone Of Destiny
22
22/1(+33%)
(4) Stone Of Destiny 22/1, Untrustworthy individual. C&D winner. Eighth of 10 in handicap at this C&D (66/1) 28 days ago. Up against it. 8lb lower than for last December's C&D win; the drop into Class 6 company will be welcomed.
3
4th (3) (17/2 -13%) Rogue De Vega
8.5
17/2(-13%)
(3) Rogue De Vega 17/2, Latest win at Wolverhampton in November. Respectable fifth of 11 in handicap (11/1) at Newcastle (5f) 7 days ago, nearest finish. Enters calculations. Wolverhampton win last month then did best of the hold-up horses at Newcastle; e-w shout.
10
5th (10) (80/1 -220%) Stroxx
80
80/1(-220%)
(10) Stroxx 80/1, One win from 53 Flat runs. Ninth of 11 in handicap at this C&D (16/1) 31 days ago. Cheekpieces back on. Poor strike-rate but effective over C&D & 2 runs back from a break should have him spot on.
8
6th (8) (25/1 -108%) Mrs Bagerran
25
25/1(-108%)
(8) Mrs Bagerran 25/1, 9/1, eighth of 9 in handicap at Musselburgh (5f, good to soft) 43 days ago. Needs to get back on track. Two 5f wins last year; light campaign in 2024 but retains ability; dangerous mark.
7
7th (7) (20/1 +0%) La Boo
20
20/1(+0%)
(7) La Boo 20/1, Remains a maiden after 16 Flat runs. 18/1, sixth of 9 in handicap at Wolverhampton (5.1f) 10 days ago. 0-16; ran okay over C&D last month but less good at Wolverhampton ten days ago.
5
8th (5) (11/1 +0%) Three Beauz
11
11/1(+0%)
(5) Three Beauz 11/1, Winner at Newcastle in July. Eighth of 11 in handicap (9/2) at Newcastle (5f) 48 days ago, unable to sustain effort. Hood back on. Not one to write off. Chance on this summer's best and the return of a hood could be a good move.
6
9th (6) (3/1 +50%) Beneficiary
3
3/1(+50%)
(6) Beneficiary 3/1, C&D winner. 3 wins from 17 runs this year. 5/1, creditable third of 9 in handicap at Wolverhampton (5.1f) 3 days ago, faring best of those ridden prominently. Can make presence felt. C&D winner who shaped well at Wolverhampton on Monday; solid contender.
9
10th (9) (40/1 -300%) Loco Lobo
40
40/1(-300%)
(9) Loco Lobo 40/1, 3/1, second of 5 in handicap at Bath (5f, heavy) 59 days ago. Not sure to build on that. Best on slow turf and her AW efforts leave her with something to find.
11
11th (11) (16/1 -33%) Cuban Rock
16
16/1(-33%)
(11) Cuban Rock 16/1, Two wins from 41 Flat runs. 6/1, ninth of 12 in handicap at Newcastle (5f) 41 days ago. Stable going well but others are still more appealing. Yet to shine on AW but not out of this if running to his 2024 best; others more persuasive.
12
12th (12) (66/1 -100%) Belvoir Kitten
66
66/1(-100%)
(12) Belvoir Kitten 66/1, Seventh of 11 in handicap (40/1) at this C&D 31 days ago, unable to sustain effort. First run for yard after leaving Derek Shaw. Blinkers on 1st time. Difficult ask. Exposed 19-race maiden; hopes pinned on change of stable/headgear having a positive effect.
15:30 Southwell Handicap (Class 6) 5f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 6 race.
POPULAR DREAM fully justified good support in the betting when he comfortably landed a maiden over this C&D last week and given he was rated 4lb inferior to the runner-up in that race, the son of Oasis Dream appeals back in a handicap under a 5lb penalty. Beneficiary and Toptime are consistent enough to rate as major threats, while Rogue De Vega, a winner over 5f at Wolverhampton on his penultimate start, also enters the reckoning from just 1lb higher.
POPULAR DREAM won a maiden here readily last week and looks well treated back in a handicap under a penalty, so he gets the vote ahead of in-form pair Rogue De Vega and Beneficiary.
Popular Dream needs more back in a handicap and the return of a hood could spark a full revival from THREE BEAUZ.
(7) Martalite 10/1, Career best when winning 13-runner handicap hurdle (7/1) at Ludlow (21f, good to soft) in October, suited by increase in trip. Would have been closer at Southwell since but for a bad mistake last. Still not fully exposed. Won at Ludlow in October and fair fourth at Southwell since; might not be far away.
1
2nd (1) (13/2 +46%) Diamatiste
6.5
13/2(+46%)
(1) Diamatiste 13/2, Fourth both starts in points. Hinted at ability in maiden/novices at the beginning of 2024 and confirmed those impressions when fourth of 10 in 3m Taunton handicap on reappearance. Claims if he can build on that. Reappeared with fair fourth at Taunton and this lightly raced 5yo could build on that run.
12
3rd (12) (10/1 +29%) Unspeakable
10
10/1(+29%)
(12) Unspeakable 10/1, Hurdles winner who has performed respectably over fences on his last 2 outings. Has a career-low mark to work with back hurdling. On a reduced mark and Olive Nicholls rides, but he has a patchy profile this year.
13
5th (13) (11/2 +39%) Sindabella
5.5
11/2(+39%)
(13) Sindabella 11/2, Resumed winning ways on the back of a wind op in 15-runner course handicap hurdle (18.5f) in October. Ran to a similar level when third back here (18.5f again) since but it was a rather laboured display. Running well here this season under Megan Bevan and she's in with a chance.
14
6th (14) (50/1 +24%) Silver Chord
50
50/1(+24%)
(14) Silver Chord 50/1, Poor form in her qualifying runs and pulled up on Newton Abbot handicap debut in August. Can't make a case for. Pulled up at 66-1 on her handicap debut at Newton Abbot (2m1f, good) in August.
2
7th (2) (11/2 +8%) Moorland Rambler
5.5
11/2(+8%)
(2) Moorland Rambler 11/2, Course winner who was back to form returned to hurdles when second of 10 over 18.5f here 13 days ago. Considered. Returned to form with creditable second here recently; should be fine now back up in trip.
18
8th (18) (28/1 +58%) Pour Une Raison
28
28/1(+58%)
(18) Pour Une Raison 28/1, C&D winner but gone 17 wins since his latest success at Warwick in 2021 and none of his 3 runs this season suggest he's likely to snap that losing run now. Course winner but no victory since March 2021; not shaping as though a win is imminent.
16
9th (16) (28/1 +44%) Wearapinkribbon
28
28/1(+44%)
(16) Wearapinkribbon 28/1, It's now 22 runs since his last win in 2020 and he has been below par all 4 outings this term. A long time since he's been competitive and it's probably best to look elsewhere.
11
|U| (11) (33/1 -32%) Kentford Mallard
33
33/1(-32%)
(11) Kentford Mallard 33/1, Won over 25f at Hereford in October 2023. Mixed record since but this veteran showed she can be competitive from her reduced mark when fourth of 10 over 2½m at Wincanton last month. Fair fourth at Wincanton last month and today's extra yardage could be in her favour.
6
10th (6) (80/1 -60%) Blackhillsofdakota
80
80/1(-60%)
(6) Blackhillsofdakota 80/1, Fair hurdler/chaser but lightly raced and hasn't shown the same level of ability in Britain, pulling up back from another absence at Taunton last month. Plenty to prove. Pulled up over fences at Taunton last month when back from long absence; plenty to prove.
15
11th (15) (50/1 0%) Till You Can't
50
50/1(0%)
(15) Till You Can't 50/1, No show in 2 bumpers/4 starts over hurdles to date, including a handicap. First-time cheekpieces need to spark significant improvement. Displayed some ability in bumpers but he's been well beaten on all four hurdle starts.
4
12th (4) (9/1 -64%) Jukebox Fury
9
9/1(-64%)
(4) Jukebox Fury 9/1, First sign of ability when fifth of 8 in 21f Kempton maiden in May. Appeals as one who can go on to better things in handicaps for his leading stable. Yet to threaten but in top hands and is bred to be considerably better than opening mark.
9
13th (9) (80/1 -142%) Butterwick Brook
80
80/1(-142%)
(9) Butterwick Brook 80/1, Has lost his way badly over fences, pulling up on his last 4 starts. His mark has plummeted as a result but it remains to be seen whether a return to hurdles sparks a revival. Also tongue tied first time. Pulled up over fences on last four starts; reverts to hurdles in first-time tongue-tie.
8
14th (8) (4/1 +11%) Catboy
4
4/1(+11%)
(8) Catboy 4/1, Scored at Fontwell in September and in decent nick since, finishing a good second of 13 at Musselburgh (2½m, good to soft) 10 days ago. Pulled clear of the rest and interesting from the same mark (due to be 5 lb higher from the weekend). Close second at Musselburgh last week and reappears before 5lb rise kicks in; shortlist.
10
15th (10) (25/1 -25%) Fantomas
25
25/1(-25%)
(10) Fantomas 25/1, Scored at Hereford in March. Placed twice later in the spring but off since a poor run at Market Rasen in June. Tends to make mistakes. Returns with stable among winners and he's just 2lb higher than for big-field win in March.
17
|PU| (17) (14/1 +13%) Russian Invasion
14
14/1(+13%)
(17) Russian Invasion 14/1, Little impact in maiden/novice hurdles much earlier in his career but did win twice in points in the spring and worth monitoring in the betting on this handicap debut with a tongue tie added. Three-time point winner who goes handicapping off basement mark; worth a second look.
5
|PU| (5) (18/1 -125%) Back Yourself
18
18/1(-125%)
(5) Back Yourself 18/1, Much improved when making a winning handicap hurdle debut at Ffos Las (3m, soft) for Victor Dartnall in May 2023. Safely held on chase/yard debut at Newton Abbot last autumn. Off since but he remains capable of better over hurdles and it'll be very interesting to see what the betting says. Returns from absence but off a handy mark and he's one to watch in the betting.
15:40 Exeter Handicap Hurdle (Class 5) 22f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 5 race.
Catboy returned to form with a close-up second over 2m4f at Musselburgh 10 days ago and the four-year-old warrants respect racing off an unchanged mark. With that being said, the son of Agent Secret isn't certain to stay this extended 2m5f distance, so MOORLAND RAMBLER edges the vote. Jane Williams' inmate appreciated a switch to hurdles when finishing a staying-on second here earlier in the month and he looks ready to strike up in trip. Dual course winner Sindabella is also noted.
CATBOY turns out again before a 5 lb rise for last week's Musselburgh second kicks in and might prove the answer to this big-field finale. Jukebox Fury has the profile of a likely improver in handicaps for Nicky Henderson and could be a big threat, particularly if the betting vibes are strong. A market move for the returning Back Yourself would also bring him firmly into the reckoning, while Moorland Rambler also merits respect on the back of his recent course second.
The Nicky Henderson-trained JUKEBOX FURY is bred to be much better than his opening mark and he's the selection ahead of Catboy.
(1) Gillespie 9/4, €100,000 3-y-o, Getaway gelding. Brother to 2 winners, including useful hurdler/smart chaser The Big Breakaway, stays 31f. Dam lightly raced over hurdles. Had wind surgery ahead of debut with tongue tie fitted and he's appealing. 100,000euros 3yo and a brother to smart staying chaser The Big Breakaway.
6
2nd (6) (16/1 +68%) Freddiemissmolli
16
16/1(+68%)
(6) Freddiemissmolli 16/1, €27,000 3-y-o, Order of St George filly. Half-sister to useful hurdler Forge Meadow and bumper winner Franks A Million. Cost 27,000euros as a 3yo and she's a half-sister to two bumper winners.
7
3rd (7) (11/2 -38%) Wassailing Along
5.5
11/2(-38%)
(7) Wassailing Along 11/2, Telescope filly. Half-sister to fairly useful hurdler/fair chaser So Said I and fair hurdler/chaser My Lady Grey. Yard get plenty of bumper winners and she's highly respected on debut. Positive pedigree and her trainer has a good record in bumpers.
5
4th (5) (5/4 +69%) Trade War
1.25
5/4(+69%)
(5) Trade War 5/4, €50,000 3-y-o, Flemensfirth gelding. Half-brother to 3 winners, including fairly useful hurdler/useful chaser Drumlee Sunset and fair hurdler Land League, stayed 21f. 50,000euros 3yo; stable has only occasional success in bumpers but he's one to note.
8
5th (8) (17/2 +87%) Slemish
8.5
17/2(+87%)
(8) Slemish 17/2, Jet Away gelding. Half-brother to fairly useful hurdler/fair chaser Futbolisto and fair hurdler Fandjo. Gets plenty of weight and 3-y-os have done well in this race in the past. Half-brother to French winners Futbolisto (2m1f-2m6f hurdle/chase) and Fandjo (2m hurdle).
3
6th (3) (25/1 +62%) Saddlers Dream
25
25/1(+62%)
(3) Saddlers Dream 25/1, Saddler's Rock gelding. Dam 17f hurdle winner, half-sister to useful hurdler/chaser (stayed 3¼m) Thomas Crapper. Dam a hurdle winner and half-sister to useful 2m-3m1f hurdle/chase winner Thomas Crapper.
LTO Selection:
15:50 Ffos Las NH Flat Race (Class 5) 16f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 5 race.
Related to talented individuals like Kildistart and The Big Breakaway, GILLESPIE has a strong pedigree and he looks the one to be with for leading connections on debut. The booking of Nico de Boinville catches the eye and he gets the vote ahead of My Fortune, who is a half-brother to the stable's Fine Casting, who scored in this sphere. Three Pikes and Wassailing Along should be monitored for market support.
The betting will be revealing in this newcomers' bumper and WASSAILING ALONG, Gillespie and My Fortune could be the three against the field before market clues.
Ben Pauling had a newcomer win last week at Warwick and MY FORTUNE edges preference ahead of Three Pikes.
(1) Blue Lakota 10/11, Career best when winning 9-runner nursery (5/6) at Newcastle (6f) 7 days ago, forging clear. Carries penalty. Makes polytrack debut. Improving and can score again. Improving fast; 3lb well in under penalty for easy Newcastle success.
2
2nd (2) (3/1 +25%) Bank On Kent
3
3/1(+25%)
(2) Bank On Kent 3/1, Blinkered for 1st time, creditable third of 7 in nursery at this C&D (9/2) 40 days ago, reportedly bled. Respected. 2nd or 3rd in three of six nurseries, the latest when third of seven over C&D last month.
7
3rd (7) (50/1 -150%) Sunny Time
50
50/1(-150%)
(7) Sunny Time 50/1, Poor maiden. 80/1, last of 8 in novice at Kempton (6f) 29 days ago. Cheekpieces on for 1st time. Beaten upwards of 8l in five starts; cheekpieces given a go; drawn widest.
5
4th (5) (16/1 -33%) Frankies Dream
16
16/1(-33%)
(5) Frankies Dream 16/1, Modest maiden. 15/2, sixth of 7 in nursery at Wolverhampton (5.1f) 26 days ago. Makes polytrack debut. Hood on 1st time. Not beaten far at Wolverhampton last time but still needs to improve; hood goes on.
6
5th (6) (11/2 +45%) Mister Coco Fizz
5.5
11/2(+45%)
(6) Mister Coco Fizz 11/2, Modest maiden. 12/1, sixth of 10 in nursery at Lingfield (5f, AW) 16 days ago, would have benefited from stronger handling. Sold from Robert Cowell 3,000 gns later in December. Tongue strap on 1st time. Not taken lightly. Can compromise his chance with a slow start; tongue tied on stable debut.
3
6th (3) (14/1 +22%) Love Rock
14
14/1(+22%)
(3) Love Rock 14/1, Modest maiden. Hooded for 1st time, last of 7 in nursery at this C&D (5/1) 70 days ago. Went close on nursery debut at Wolverhampton in September but last over this C&D next time.
9
7th (9) (20/1 +0%) Master Zack
20
20/1(+0%)
(9) Master Zack 20/1, Poor maiden. Last of 7 in nursery at Wolverhampton (5.1f, 12/1) 26 days ago. Fair fourth in two nurseries over C&D during the autumn; return here is the main hope.
4
8th (4) (16/1 0%) Apple's Angel
16
16/1(0%)
(4) Apple's Angel 16/1, Course winner. Winner here in October. Seventh of 10 in nursery at Lingfield (5f, AW, 9/1) 16 days ago. Twice well held since making a successful nursery debut over 6f here.
16:10 Chelmsford Handicap (Class 6) 5f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 6 race.
BLUE LAKOTA made amends for a couple of runner-up efforts when bolting up over 6f in a Newcastle nursery last week, and the suspicion is that a 6lb penalty may not be enough to anchor Kevin Ryan's in-form two-year-old. Bank On Kent was sporting first-time blinkers (retained) when finishing a creditable third in a similar event over this track and trip last month and he gets the vote to emerge as the main danger to the selection after being eased 1lb. The unexposed Frankies Dream looks the pick of the remainder.
The progressive BLUE LAKOTA looks capable of defying a penalty given the way he forged clear at Newcastle last week. Michael Appleby has a good record with new recruits so Mister Coco Fizz isn't taken lightly, while Bank On Kent responded well to blinkers when third over C&D 6 weeks ago.
It's hard to oppose BLUE LAKOTA who is 3lb well in under a penalty for his comprehensive Newcastle success a week ago.
(12) Sunlit Uplands 4/11, Well backed and shaped best when second of 11 in maiden at Chelmsford City (6f, 8/1) on debut 49 days ago, finishing strongly. Sure to improve and has to be considered the one to beat. Not strong form when going close here in October but finished well from unpromising place.
3
2nd (3) (50/1 -213%) Lydia Eva
50
50/1(-213%)
(3) Lydia Eva 50/1, Foaled April 12. 32,000 gns yearling, Showcasing filly. Half-sister to 5f/6f winner Wudang and 2-y-o 6f winner Mahato. Dam, maiden (stayed 7f), half-sister to winner up to 1m Market Day and 6f-7f winner Whinmoor (both useful). 32,000gns yearling; positive pedigree but drawn wide for today's debut.
6
3rd (6) (4/1 +43%) Antalya
4
4/1(+43%)
(6) Antalya 4/1, Time Test filly. Half-sister to several winners, including useful 2-y-o 5f winner Istanbul and winner up to 6f in Scandinavia Soulofchess. Dam 2-y-o 5f winner. Third of 14 in maiden (16/1) at this course (7f) on debut 35 days ago, sticking to task. Should improve. Close up from a wide draw over 7f here and she looks quick enough for 6f.
7
4th (7) (125/1 -400%) Kewmill
125
125/1(-400%)
(7) Kewmill 125/1, Foaled March 22. Eqtidaar filly. Half-sister to 7f-9f winner Casaruan and 1m winner Maruna. Dam lightly raced. Half-sister to winners Maruna (1m AW; RPR 67) and Casaruan (7f-1m1f including AW; 66).
11
5th (11) (33/1 -32%) Spicy Jalapeno
33
33/1(-32%)
(11) Spicy Jalapeno 33/1, Foaled May 4. 5,000 gns yearling, Mehmas filly. Half-sister to winner up to 6f Harry Brown. Dam 5f winner (including at 2 yrs). 5,000gns yearling; third foal; half-sister to 5f/6f AW winner Harry Brown (2yo; RPR 92).
10
6th (10) (14/1 -180%) Sixteen One
14
14/1(-180%)
(10) Sixteen One 14/1, Land Force filly. Half-sister to winner up to 1m Silent Move. Dam unraced. Second of 8 in maiden (3/1) at Leicester (6f, good to firm) on debut 42 days ago, clear of rest. Unable to repeat that at Lingfield since. Off 99 days. Beaten favourite in both her races; probably has to step up and has been off for 99 days.
4
7th (4) (5/1 +33%) Sun Keeper
5
5/1(+33%)
(4) Sun Keeper 5/1, Once-raced maiden. Sixth of 9 in novice (13/2) at Wolverhampton (6.1f) on debut 31 days ago. Should progress. Havana Grey filly who didn't go unbacked at Wolverhampton but ran green and faded.
8
8th (8) (66/1 -100%) Little Chanter
66
66/1(-100%)
(8) Little Chanter 66/1, Foaled February 15. Mekhtaal filly. Dam smart French 1¼m/10.5f winner, won Prix Cleopatre and third in Prix de Diane. First foal; dam French 1m2f/10.5f winner (including Group 3; RPR 107).
5
9th (5) (200/1 -300%) Always Eternal
200
200/1(-300%)
(5) Always Eternal 200/1, In good hands but no promise in 2 AW runs in recent months. Beaten about 10l in 6f races at Newcastle and here; has since refused to enter the stalls.
9
10th (9) (100/1 -203%) Pipkin
100
100/1(-203%)
(9) Pipkin 100/1, Foaled May 9. Mayson filly. Half-sister to 3 winners, including 7f winner Chalk Mountain and 2-y-o 6f winner Malvern. Dam 5f winner. Half-sister to winners Chalk Mountain (multiple 7f AW; RPR 91) and Malvern (6f 2yo; 79).
16:40 Chelmsford Stakes (Class 4) 6f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 4 race.
Sunlit Uplands was the subject of market support when finishing an good second over C&D on her debut in October and another prominent showing would come as no surprise. That said, PREANKA edges preference. She scored in the style of a smart prospect over 6f at Windsor in the summer and, after being outclassed in a Listed race over the same trip at Ripon most recently, she can get back on track with her sights lowered. This step back in trip could see Sixteen One get competitive and she cannot be taken lightly at this level.
SUNLIT UPLANDS only just failed to make a winning debut over C&D 7 weeks ago and looks the one to beat. Preanka is worth another chance to confirm debut promise so rates the main threat despite her 7 lb penalty, with Antalya best of the others.
This isn't a strong race. SUNLIT UPLANDS came from well behind to very nearly win over C&D in October and she might be the one.
(1) Silver Arrow 12/1, Lightly-raced maiden. 33/1 and blinkered for 1st time, last of 12 in nursery at Lingfield (7f, AW) 15 days ago. Blinkers persevered with despite him going off too fast at Lingfield last time.
7
2nd (7) (7/2 +50%) Thiscouldbefun
3.5
7/2(+50%)
(7) Thiscouldbefun 7/2, Creditable third of 8 in nursery at Kempton (8f, 50/1) 8 days ago. Can give a good account. Placed last time at Kempton but now 0-8 and doesn't look that well handicapped.
6
3rd (6) (4/1 -113%) Crest Of Light
4
4/1(-113%)
(6) Crest Of Light 4/1, Lightly-raced maiden. 11/1, excellent second of 7 in nursery at Southwell (8.1f) 9 days ago. Expected to be bang there. Kept one of the favourites honest when never far away on nursery debut at Southwell.
2
4th (2) (15/2 -88%) Brightandbeautiful
7.5
15/2(-88%)
(2) Brightandbeautiful 15/2, Thrice-raced maiden. Third of 10 in maiden at Southwell (7.1f, 100/1) 31 days ago. Makes handicap debut. May well do better. Well-bred filly who showed more last time at Southwell (7f) despite a 6l defeat.
3
5th (3) (4/1 +20%) Chadleeny
4
4/1(+20%)
(3) Chadleeny 4/1, Thrice-raced maiden. 14/1, fifth of 7 in novice at Southwell (7.1f) 52 days ago. Makes handicap debut. Has shown a bit of ability and might raise her game now into nurseries.
4
6th (4) (11/2 +66%) Rage Of Thunder
5.5
11/2(+66%)
(4) Rage Of Thunder 11/2, Lightly-raced maiden. 12/1, ninth of 12 in nursery at Lingfield (7f, AW) 15 days ago, racing closer to pace than ideal. Not taken lightly. Has shown some talent but his handicap debut last time was forgettable (7f).
8
7th (8) (9/1 -29%) Rotation
9
9/1(-29%)
(8) Rotation 9/1, Winner at Leicester in July. 18/1, creditable fourth of 12 in nursery at Wolverhampton (6.1f) 17 days ago, never nearer. Respected. Selling winner; beaten only 2l last time over 6f and looks up to winning off this mark.
9
8th (9) (33/1 -32%) Tequila Rose
33
33/1(-32%)
(9) Tequila Rose 33/1, 25/1, eleventh of 12 in nursery at Wolverhampton (6.1f) 17 days ago. Has won on turf and ran well here two runs back, but looking hard to predict.
5
9th (5) (12/1 +40%) Dark Thunderstorm
12
12/1(+40%)
(5) Dark Thunderstorm 12/1, Cheekpieces on for 1st time, ninth of 10 in nursery at Thirsk (6f, good, 14/1). Off 94 days. Visor on 1st time. Has work to do. Has run well in nurseries and now returns from a gelding operation with new headgear tried.
17:10 Chelmsford Handicap (Class 5) 7f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 5 race.
CREST OF LIGHT looked the most likely winner for a long way before being worn down late on over a mile at Southwell on his nursery debut earlier this month. Now stepping back in trip off an unchanged mark, he looks well capable of going one place better at this level. Brightandbeautiful was last seen finishing a respectable third behind a couple of potentially useful sorts over 7f at Southwell last month and she commands respect on her nursery bow. The unexposed Chadleeny also looks capable of making her presence felt.
CREST OF LIGHT left his previous form behind when runner-up on his nursery bow at Southwell 9 days ago and is likely to make another bold bid off the same mark (due to go up 1 lb). Brightandbeautiful has got better with each run and is likely to improve again on nursery bow, so rates the main threat ahead of Thiscouldbefun.
The suggestion is BRIGHTANDBEAUTIFUL, a well-bred filly who ran her best race last time behind a good prospect at Southwell.
(2) Rajeko 4/6, Thrice-raced winner. 33/1, 12¾ lengths eighth of 11 to The Lion In Winter in Acomb Stakes at York (7f, good to firm) when last seen in August. Looked promising prior to that and he's the one to beat eased in class here. Twice highly tried since a winning debut but ran well in first of those; the one to beat.
1
2nd (1) (6/4 +20%) Port Light
1.5
6/4(+20%)
(1) Port Light 6/4, Promising individual. Hooded, won 11-runner maiden at Southwell (8.1f, 9/4) on debut 45 days ago. More will be needed under a penalty but he's certainly open to improvement. Won on Southwell debut; major player despite the penalty and outside stall.
10
3rd (10) (50/1 -317%) Dojin
50
50/1(-317%)
(10) Dojin 50/1, Foaled April 2. 30,000 gns yearling, Iffraaj filly. Dam, 2-y-o 7.5f/8.5f winner, half-sister to smart 8.3f-1¼m winner Mashhoor. Interesting to see what the market has to say. Stable can get them ready first time and market support would be interesting.
4
4th (4) (9/1 -20%) English Lady
9
9/1(-20%)
(4) English Lady 9/1, Promising type. Won 14-runner maiden at this course (7f, 33/1) on debut 35 days ago, well on top finish. As a rare first-time-out winner for her yard, she could be pretty decent and improvement is on the cards. Made a winning debut over 7f here last month; will need to improve to defy the penalty.
7
5th (7) (100/1 -203%) Malay Massaman
100
100/1(-203%)
(7) Malay Massaman 100/1, Foaled April 13. Masar gelding. Half-brother to 6f winner Charleston Belle and smart 1m winner Lord Campari. Market should point the way. Enough to like on pedigree and stable does have winning 2yo newcomers; watch the market.
8
6th (8) (18/1 -50%) Ravens King
18
18/1(-50%)
(8) Ravens King 18/1, Once-raced maiden. Third of 10 in maiden at Lingfield (8f, AW, 9/1) on debut 16 days ago, not knocked about. Should improve with that run under his belt and he's not without each-way hope. Third on his Lingfield debut, albeit around 11l behind the first two; improvement required.
5
7th (5) (33/1 -32%) Maximus Decimus
33
33/1(-32%)
(5) Maximus Decimus 33/1, Foaled March 25. 22,000 gns yearling, Kodi Bear colt. Dam, winner up to 7.5f (2-y-o 6f winner), half-sister to useful 6f winner Chocoya out of half-sister to Falmouth Stakes winner Nahoodh. Watch the betting for clues. Stable can get one ready first time and the market should be revealing.
3
8th (3) (150/1 -50%) Backer Bilk
150
150/1(-50%)
(3) Backer Bilk 150/1, Twice-raced maiden. 300/1, last of 15 in novice at Haydock (6f, good). Off 6 months and moves up in trip on this debut for new yard. Tailed off in two starts on turf for another yard in May/June.
11
9th (11) (100/1 -52%) Casual Encounter
100
100/1(-52%)
(11) Casual Encounter 100/1, Twice-raced maiden. Fifth of 10 in maiden (80/1) at Lingfield (8f, AW) 16 days ago. Another who will be of greater interest when handicapping in due course. Finished behind a couple of these in her first two starts; looks one for handicaps.
6
10th (6) (50/1 -52%) Arundel
50
50/1(-52%)
(6) Arundel 50/1, Foaled April 3. 1,000 gns yearling, Make Believe colt. Half-brother to useful 1½m/13f winner Birdman and 2-y-o 6f-7f winner Manhattanville. Dam 1m winner who stayed 1¼m. Entitled to come on for the run. Cost 1,000gns as a yearling and the stable has very few winning 2yo newcomers.
9
11th (9) (250/1 -150%) Reload
250
250/1(-150%)
(9) Reload 250/1, Twice-raced maiden. Sixth of 7 in novice (33/1) at this course (10f) 7 days ago. Probably more one for handicaps later on. Well beaten in his first two starts; may be one for handicaps.
12
12th (12) (125/1 -89%) Holywell Bay
125
125/1(-89%)
(12) Holywell Bay 125/1, Foaled March 17. Expert Eye filly. Closely related to 5f winner Agent Shiftwell and 5f winner Pretty Shiftwell and half-sister to 1m-1¼m winner Shifter. Yard is not synonymous with winning newcomers. Bred to handle the AW, but stable not noted for winning 2yo newcomers.
13
13th (13) (250/1 -150%) Sister Seagull
250
250/1(-150%)
(13) Sister Seagull 250/1, Foaled May 18. 2,000 gns yearling, Study of Man filly. Half-sister to useful 12.4f-2m winner Murau. Dam, 2m winner, half-sister to very smart winner up to 14.6f Craigsteel. Probably best watched on debut. Would be a very rare winning 2yo newcomer from the yard..
17:40 Chelmsford Stakes (Class 4) 8f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 4 race.
RAJEKO was highly tried after he made a winning debut over 6f at Windsor in June and looks the one to be with, given this appears to be easiest assignment he has faced so far. The selection does have a stamina question to answer, however, and the betting should be informative. English Lady, who won over 7f here on her racecourse bow, and Port Light, who scored over 1m at Southwell first time out, look the most obvious alternatives.
This can go the way of RAJEKO, who had five subsequent winners behind when making a winning debut at Windsor in June before contesting a couple of Group races. He will appreciate this drop in class and stepping up to a mile on this all-weather debut shouldn't be an issue. Port Light and English Lady are both of interest following their winning debuts, while Ravens King shaped with promise on his recent introduction at Lingfield and is open to improvement.
This probably revolves around RAJEKO who will find this much easier than the Group races he contested the last twice.
(5) Union Island 15/2, Winner at Musselburgh in July. Respectable sixth of 10 in handicap at this C&D (10/1) 14 days ago. Place possibilities. Out of the frame in last five handicaps and looked a non-stayer over C&D a fortnight ago.
2
2nd (2) (7/2 +30%) Kitaro Kich
3.5
7/2(+30%)
(2) Kitaro Kich 7/2, 4/1 and blinkered for 1st time, creditable fourth of 11 in handicap at this course (7f) 14 days ago. Every chance if back to best. 0-13 but showed ability when fourth here last time; return to this trip should suit.
12
3rd (12) (66/1 +0%) Dors Delight
66
66/1(+0%)
(12) Dors Delight 66/1, Ninth of 13 in handicap at this course (10f, 66/1) 35 days ago. Now tried in a hood and tongue strap. Poor in six starts; hood and tongue-tie go on.
3
4th (3) (6/1 +8%) Jaamir
6
6/1(+8%)
(3) Jaamir 6/1, Thrice-raced maiden. Hooded for 1st time, fourth of 8 in novice (66/1) at Redcar (6f, good to firm), slowly away. Off 93 days and significantly up in trip for this handicap debut. Well worth a second look in the betting. Up in trip for handicap debut after three months off and worth a second look.
8
5th (8) (11/2 +35%) Edmund Ironside
5.5
11/2(+35%)
(8) Edmund Ironside 11/2, One win from 28 Flat runs. Thirteen runs since last win in 2023. Seventh of 10 in handicap (10/1) at this C&D 14 days ago. Looks competitive on form. 1-28; not so good when headgear was removed last time and it is missing again today.
4
6th (4) (9/1 +73%) Glencalvie
9
9/1(+73%)
(4) Glencalvie 9/1, C&D winner. 80/1, eighth of 12 in handicap at Kempton (8f) 78 days ago, slowly away. Readily passed over. C&D winner early in year but little impact lately, including in both starts for this yard.
11
7th (11) (14/1 +44%) Tea Leaf Ted
14
14/1(+44%)
(11) Tea Leaf Ted 14/1, 50/1, respectable seventh of 14 in handicap at Kempton (8f) 45 days ago. No more than an each-way squeak. 0-11; twice went close at Kempton last winter but modest since; still has stamina to prove.
10
8th (10) (33/1 -32%) Summanus
33
33/1(-32%)
(10) Summanus 33/1, Lightly-raced maiden. 40/1 and cheekpieces on for 1st time, 9¾ lengths eighth of 10 to Kessaar Power in handicap at this C&D 54 days ago. Needs to find improvement from somewhere. Hasn't beaten many in four starts on Polytrack and he was behind two of these last time.
6
9th (6) (40/1 +0%) Floridian
40
40/1(+0%)
(6) Floridian 40/1, 50/1, twelfth of 15 in handicap at this course (10f) 77 days ago. Others make more appeal. 0-7; poor form since handicapping; hard to recommend.
1
10th (1) (7/2 -27%) Kessaar Power
3.5
7/2(-27%)
(1) Kessaar Power 7/2, C&D winner. Latest win here in October. Below form sixth of 11 in handicap at this C&D (9/2) 14 days ago. Shortlist material. Needs to bounce back from a lesser effort last time but previous form here reads well.
7
11th (7) (25/1 -456%) Reel Power
25
25/1(-456%)
(7) Reel Power 25/1, Third of 14 in handicap at Kempton (8f, 66/1) 43 days ago. Can make his presence felt once again off the same mark. Ran well when third at Kempton last month and a few winners have come out of that race.
9
12th (9) (12/1 -33%) Miss Harmony
12
12/1(-33%)
(9) Miss Harmony 12/1, Visored for 1st time, tenth of 11 in handicap at Windsor (11.4f, heavy, 18/1) 66 days ago. Significantly down in trip on this debut for new yard. Makes her stable debut having been picked up for 1,000gns in October; market informative.
18:10 Chelmsford Handicap (Class 6) 8f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 6 race.
Kessaar Power won over C&D off 6lb lower in October and, having been placed twice since, should get competitive given he was rated 15lb higher around this time last year. Reel Power also appeals after a solid third-placed finish at Kempton last month. However, in the quest for a bit of value, EDMUND IRONSIDE, whose only previous win came on Polytrack from a 7lb higher rating, looks worth chancing with his effectiveness over this track and trip also assured.
The vote goes to REEL POWER, who showed the benefit of his Brighton spin in October (first run for 13 months) when third at Kempton last time and he is appealing off the same mark. Kitaro Kich took a step back in the right direction here a fortnight ago and he is next on the list ahead of Kessaar Power and Union Island, while handicap debutant Jaamir needs a second look in the betting.
This can go to KESSAAR POWER (nap) with the form of his C&D win and two runner-up efforts during the autumn reading well at this level.
(9) Forever Proud 3/1, 7/1 and cheekpieces on for 1st time, bit below form when sixth of 12 in handicap at this course (10f) 14 days ago. Dual winner who isn't badly handicapped but it wasn't that positive a run here last time.
6
2nd (6) (7/1 -133%) Rising Force
7
7/1(-133%)
(6) Rising Force 7/1, Won 10-runner handicap (12/1) at this C&D 14 days ago, forging clear. Can give a good account. Had a bit in hand from off the pace here 14 days ago; 5lb higher but a contender.
1
3rd (1) (9/2 +25%) Bo Taifan
4.5
9/2(+25%)
(1) Bo Taifan 9/2, C&D winner. Good second of 10 in handicap (25/1) at Lingfield (8f, AW) 15 days ago. Can make presence felt. Had the visor back on when runner-up over 1m at Lingfield having raced prominently.
2
4th (2) (5/2 +38%) Dubai Harbour
2.5
5/2(+38%)
(2) Dubai Harbour 5/2, 11/2, career best when winning 12-runner handicap at Lingfield (10f, AW) 16 days ago. Needs considering. Came in for support after a break at Lingfield (1m2f) and prevailed narrowly; up 2lb.
3
5th (3) (66/1 -32%) Artificer
66
66/1(-32%)
(3) Artificer 66/1, Lightly-raced maiden. Hooded for 1st time, ninth of 12 in handicap (100/1) at Lingfield (8f, AW) 30 days ago. Only five ran when third in a 1m novice at Lingfield; uncompetitive in her two handicaps.
12
5th (12) (66/1 -32%) Dash Power
66
66/1(-32%)
(12) Dash Power 66/1, Last of 10 in handicap (40/1) at Southwell (6.1f) 36 days ago. Significantly up in trip. First run for yard after leaving Derek Shaw. Blinkers on 1st time. Others have achieved more. 0-17 and doesn't arrive here in much form, so unappealing from 5lb out of the weights.
4
7th (4) (11/1 -38%) Tactical Control
11
11/1(-38%)
(4) Tactical Control 11/1, 22/1 and cheekpieces on for 1st time, eighth of 11 in handicap at this C&D 14 days ago. Others more persuasive. It's been a struggle for him since winning on turf during the summer.
11
8th (11) (22/1 -83%) Aspire To Glory
22
22/1(-83%)
(11) Aspire To Glory 22/1, 22/1, creditable fourth of 11 in handicap at this course (7f) 40 days ago. Blinkers on 1st time, hood back on. Exposed 3yo who is 1lb out of the weights, but ran okay over 7f here last time.
5
9th (5) (18/1 -140%) Reverberation
18
18/1(-140%)
(5) Reverberation 18/1, C&D winner. Creditable third of 13 in handicap at this course (10f, 33/1) 7 days ago. Enters calculations. Close third here last week in a race he won the previous year; has won off this mark.
10
10th (10) (33/1 +0%) Lucy Lockett
33
33/1(+0%)
(10) Lucy Lockett 33/1, Last of 12 in handicap (40/1) at Wolverhampton (7.2f) 33 days ago. Has work to do. Showed a bit at two but opposable on this year's exploits; finished last most recently.
8
11th (8) (25/1 +11%) Red Scotch
25
25/1(+11%)
(8) Red Scotch 25/1, Creditable sixth of 11 in handicap at this course (7f, 14/1) 14 days ago, slowly away. 0-9 and might not be straightforward; detached before running on late here two weeks ago.
7
12th (7) (10/1 -33%) Starshot
10
10/1(-33%)
(7) Starshot 10/1, Remains a maiden after 23 Flat runs. Good second of 11 in handicap at this course (7f, 16/1) 40 days ago. Place claims once again. 23-race maiden but ran another solid race here 40 days ago when second over 7f.
18:40 Chelmsford Handicap (Class 6) 8f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 6 race.
RISING FORCE was in a dominant mood when he scored comfortably in a deeper-looking race over this C&D a fortnight ago and should make a bold attempt at brushing aside a 5lb higher mark in this company. Fellow last-time-out winner Dubai Harbour is far less exposed and, assuming he isn't caught flat-footed by dropping back in trip, should also be capable of figuring prominently. Aspire To Glory and Bo Taifan are others to monitor in the betting.
Low-mileage 4-y-o DUBAI HARBOUR overcame a wide trip when off the mark at Lingfield so is taken to defy a 2 lb rise. Rising Force forged clear under this rider over C&D 2 weeks ago and is feared most ahead of veterans Bo Taifan and Reverberation.
An open handicap. DUBAI HARBOUR was a market mover prior to scoring at Lingfield and, although back in trip, he may have more to offer.
(2) Talis Evolvere 2/1, Landed a valuable AW handicap on Final's Day at Newcastle in March. Hard to knock his consistency in host of valuable turf handicaps subsequently and he had a hopeless task from position when tenth of 14 in handicap at Kempton (1m) back in September. Just 1lb above last winning mark, but remains to be seen if he still has the speed for 7f.
4
2nd (4) (5/2 +25%) Alzahir
2.5
5/2(+25%)
(4) Alzahir 5/2, Latest win at Leicester in October. 15/2, wasted no time getting back to form when third of 14 in handicap at Southwell (7.1f) 5 days ago, nearest finish. Has the odd quirk or 2 but expected to be bang there. Running well lately as when third at Southwell last Saturday; respected from same mark.
1
3rd (1) (5/2 -25%) Brewing
2.5
5/2(-25%)
(1) Brewing 5/2, Cheekpieces on for 1st time, returned to best when fourth of 10 in handicap (14/1) at Wolverhampton (7.2f) 26 days ago, running on after forced wide early in straight. Should be bang there. 5-9 on the AW and latest close fourth at Wolverhampton can be marked up; much respected.
6
4th (6) (8/1 +20%) How Impressive
8
8/1(+20%)
(6) How Impressive 8/1, C&D winner. 5 wins from 19 runs this year, latest at Southwell in October. 20/1, followed a below-par effort with an even worse one when eleventh of 14 in handicap at Southwell (7.1f) 5 days ago. Bounce back needed. C&D winner but well beaten the last twice; needs to bounce back.
3
5th (3) (12/1 -20%) Street Kid
12
12/1(-20%)
(3) Street Kid 12/1, Runner-up on penultimate outing at Newmarket but ran poorly back on all-weather when twelfth of 13 in handicap (11/1) at Southwell (7.1f) 7 weeks ago. Freshened up since and needs to leave that effort well behind. Modest at Southwell last time, but back off last winning mark; has gone close on Polytrack.
5
6th (5) (80/1 -186%) Court Of Session
80
80/1(-186%)
(5) Court Of Session 80/1, Course winner. First run since leaving Simon & Ed Crisford (15,000 gns) when last of 12 in handicap (80/1) at Southwell (8.1f) just over 5 weeks ago. Stiff task in this company. Has failed to beat a rival in either start since returning in September; enough to prove.
19:10 Chelmsford Handicap (Class 2) 7f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 2 race.
BREWING caught the eye when staying on for fourth from off the pace at Wolverhampton last month and William Haggas' gelding was afforded a 1lb ease in the handicap for his troubles. He'll want to be within striking distance today and, if that is the case, he looks capable of going very close. Alzahir has been running well in defeat and is one of the likelier dangers, while Court Of Session, who won over 1m here from 1lb lower 12 months ago, should not be written off.
ALZAHIR wasted no time getting back to form when finishing a staying-on third at Southwell last Saturday so, provided this doesn't come too soon, Jennie Candlish's 4-y-o gets the nod to land the feature contest. Brewing returned to his best sporting first-time cheekpieces last month, so he may emerge as the main danger, with Talis Evolvere completing the shortlist returning from over 3 months off the track.
There may still be more to come from BREWING who suggested he was on the way back when a close fourth at Wolverhampton last time.
(4) Carlton 8/15, First run since leaving Tracy Waggott when winning 8-runner handicap at this C&D 7 days ago, sticking to task. Another bold show likely under a penalty. Made a successful stable debut over C&D a week ago; likely there is still more to come.
9
2nd (9) (50/1 +0%) Lumberjack
50
50/1(+0%)
(9) Lumberjack 50/1, 40/1 and cheekpieces on for 1st time, last of 8 in handicap at Kempton (16f) 50 days ago. Looks set for another struggle. 0-10 for five different trainers and has failed to beat a rival in his last three starts.
11
3rd (11) (25/1 -56%) Leon Trotsky
25
25/1(-56%)
(11) Leon Trotsky 25/1, Creditable seventh of 13 in handicap at this course (10f, 16/1) 35 days ago. Significantly up in trip and needs to raise his game a notch. Out of the frame in all six starts; not bred to improve for the longer trip.
2
4th (2) (11/1 +45%) Anisoptera
11
11/1(+45%)
(2) Anisoptera 11/1, Seventeen runs since last win in 2023. Seventh of 10 in handicap at Lingfield (12f, AW, 50/1) 28 days ago. Looks vulnerable for win purposes. Losing run up to 17 and another 2lb drop not enough to tempt.
6
5th (6) (11/2 +35%) Zooks
5.5
11/2(+35%)
(6) Zooks 11/2, 11/2, creditable fifth of 10 in handicap at Wolverhampton (12.2f) 31 days ago. Can make presence felt off this 1 lb lower mark, for all that it's a concern that she remains a maiden following 16 attempts. 0-16 under rules, but she hasn't been disgraced the last twice; could make the frame.
8
6th (8) (66/1 +34%) Rogue Raider
66
66/1(+34%)
(8) Rogue Raider 66/1, Last of 9 in handicap at Southwell (12.1f, 150/1) 42 days ago, slowly away. Readily passed over. 0-9; has been beaten a long way in his last five starts; makes little appeal for now.
10
7th (10) (16/1 +0%) Two Plus Two
16
16/1(+0%)
(10) Two Plus Two 16/1, 10 lengths fifth of 8 to Carlton in handicap (22/1) at this C&D 7 days ago. Clearly has work to do. 0-15; has 10l to find with Carlton on latest C&D running.
3
8th (3) (11/1 +0%) Smokey Malone
11
11/1(+0%)
(3) Smokey Malone 11/1, Course winner. 7/1, respectable fourth of 11 in handicap at Southwell (12.1f) 36 days ago. Not taken lightly. 6lb below last winning mark and return to this trip should suit; each-way claims.
12
9th (12) (14/1 -87%) Royal Expert
14
14/1(-87%)
(12) Royal Expert 14/1, Good third of 11 in handicap at Wolverhampton (9.5f, 22/1) 59 days ago, sticking to task. Going into the unknown trip-wise here (first run beyond 9.5f) but she will certainly have a chance if her stamina passes the test. 0-11; ran well last time but enough to prove taking another big step up in trip.
1
10th (1) (12/1 +0%) Dubai Immo
12
12/1(+0%)
(1) Dubai Immo 12/1, Course winner. Latest win at Wolverhampton in July. Creditable fifth of 12 in handicap (25/1) at Lingfield (13f, AW) 30 days ago. Place possibilities. 2-29, but has won over this far elsewhere and 2lb below last winning mark.
5
11th (5) (66/1 +0%) Orange Martini
66
66/1(+0%)
(5) Orange Martini 66/1, 80/1, last of 11 in handicap at Southwell (12.1f) 36 days ago, missing break. Would be a player if back to her best but she has a fair bit to prove at present. Little to get excited about in six starts for current yard this year and now 0-14.
19:40 Chelmsford Handicap (Class 6) 14f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 6 race.
CARLTON had looked in trouble before powering to the front approaching the furlong pole over C&D a week ago, ultimately recording a half-length success. James Owen's new recruit must shoulder a 5lb penalty today, but talented apprentice Sean D Bowen takes off a handy 3lb and he is taken to go in again. Smokey Malone has proven to be a relatively consistent performer at this level and he is unlikely to be far away, although Anisoptera will appreciate a return to further and might be the bigger threat.
The obvious starting point is CARLTON, who was well backed prior to making a winning debut for this yard over C&D last week and he remains feasibly treated under a penalty. Royal Expert's stamina has to be taken on trust but she put in a good shift at Wolverhampton on her latest start and will be a threat if coping with this significant step up in trip. Smokey Malone and Zooks are others to consider.
The choice is CARLTON who is taken to back up last week's successful stable debut over C&D. There is likely more to come from him.
(11) Southbank 7/2, C&D winner. 3 wins from 15 runs this year. Bit below form 5 lengths seventh of 12 to Poetic Jack in handicap (16/1) at Lingfield (6f, AW) 15 days ago. Cheekpieces back on and capable of a bold show. Dual C&D winner off higher marks in April; big run is anticipated.
8
2nd (8) (28/1 +30%) Nubough
28
28/1(+30%)
(8) Nubough 28/1, C&D winner. Three wins from 61 Flat runs. Thirteenth of 14 in handicap at Kempton (7f, 50/1) 29 days ago. Others look stronger. C&D winner who has become inconsistent but his best form would put him in the mix.
4
3rd (4) (4/1 +67%) Katie G
4
4/1(+67%)
(4) Katie G 4/1, Latest win at Southwell in August. Respectable fifth of 9 in handicap (9/1) at this C&D 49 days ago. Should give a good account. Back off last winning mark and didn't enjoy a clear run over C&D last time; frame material.
6
4th (6) (15/2 +12%) Silky Robin
7.5
15/2(+12%)
(6) Silky Robin 15/2, Seventh of 9 in handicap at Southwell (5f, 11/2) 56 days ago. Up in trip for this polytrack debut/first run for yard after leaving Paul Midgley. Hood on 1st time. 0-10 for another yard; probably only of interest if attracting support; hood on.
14
5th (14) (22/1 -38%) Zachary
22
22/1(-38%)
(14) Zachary 22/1, C&D winner. Nineteen runs since last win in 2023. Bit below form sixth of 10 in handicap (14/1) at Southwell (6.1f) 36 days ago. Others boast more compelling credentials. Won a couple of nurseries here in the autumn of 2023, but 0-19 since the latest of those.
7
6th (7) (20/1 +20%) Frightening
20
20/1(+20%)
(7) Frightening 20/1, Sixth of 12 in handicap at Wolverhampton (7.2f, 33/1) 10 days ago. Tongue strap back on. Looks up against it. 0-7; drop in trip could be a good move; worth a second look.
1
7th (1) (11/1 -69%) Smasher
11
11/1(-69%)
(1) Smasher 11/1, Three wins from 8 runs this year. Second of 12 in handicap (12/1) at Kempton (6f) 15 days ago. Likely to be on the premises once again. Three wins at Wolverhampton earlier in year and second at Kempton last time; shortlisted.
13
8th (13) (20/1 -67%) Fai Fai
20
20/1(-67%)
(13) Fai Fai 20/1, Ninth of 10 in handicap (6/1) at Bath (5.7f, soft) 49 days ago. Modest strike rate on the AW (1-22) and needs to bounce back following a wind op. Two wins over 6f on turf/Polytrack this year; has had a wind op; others make more appeal.
10
9th (10) (3/1 +0%) Poetic Jack
3
3/1(+0%)
(10) Poetic Jack 3/1, Course winner. 10/3, career best when winning 12-runner handicap at Lingfield (6f, AW) 15 days ago. Expected to be bang there off this 4 lb higher mark. Made all at Lingfield 15 days ago; 4lb rise less of a concern than the outside stall.
9
10th (9) (25/1 -25%) Due Date
25
25/1(-25%)
(9) Due Date 25/1, C&D winner. 4 wins from 15 runs this year, the latest at Southwell in August. Sixth of 8 in handicap (12/1) at this C&D 68 days ago. Will probably find one or two too good. Four wins on the AW this year including one over C&D; back off last winning mark.
12
11th (12) (14/1 +30%) Zina Colada
14
14/1(+30%)
(12) Zina Colada 14/1, 6/1, below form sixth of 10 in handicap at Yarmouth (6f, good). Off 134 days and she again looks vulnerable from a win point of view. 10lb below last winning mark but patchy form since; has undergone wind surgery; drawn wide.
2
12th (2) (125/1 -213%) Lady In Havana
125
125/1(-213%)
(2) Lady In Havana 125/1, 66/1, first run since leaving David Loughnane when last of 11 in handicap at this course (7f) 14 days ago. Given a chance by the assessor but others preferred all the same. Last few starts not so hot and failed to beat a rival on stable debut here a fortnight ago.
5
13th (5) (12/1 +0%) Ballybaymoonshiner
12
12/1(+0%)
(5) Ballybaymoonshiner 12/1, Course winner. 2 wins from 5 runs this year. 5/1, bit below form fifth of 10 in handicap at this course (7f), slowly away. Off 7 months but could have a part to play if fully tuned-up. Has never raced over a trip this short but he goes well fresh and has the rail draw.
20:10 Chelmsford Handicap (Class 6) 6f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 6 race.
A typically open sprint in which only a tentative vote can go to KATIE G. Ed Dunlop's filly had excuses over this course and distance last time, but she drops into 0-58 company now and with a good pace to aim at, could offer some value. Smasher posted a creditable second at Kempton earlier this month and he merits respect from 1lb higher. Lingfield winner Poetic Jack can't be taken lightly either, though he will have to break alertly if he's to make all from stall 14.
Stall 14 is hardly ideal but POETIC JACK was very quick off the blocks when making all at Lingfield recently and may well follow off 4 lb higher here, provided that he is again sprightly from the gate. Southbank was five lengths of the selection in that Lingfield handicap but he could finish closer granted a better start this time, while Big Bard and Smasher also warrant places on the shortlist.
The vote goes to SOUTHBANK who looks attractively handicapped having twice won over C&D from higher marks back in April.
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
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This is the 16:15 Kempton race from the video above backed at 28/1 earlier in the day.
About U.K Horse Racing
Horse racing is a popular and historic sport in the UK, with a tradition dating back centuries. It is a multi-billion pound industry that attracts millions of spectators each year and generates significant economic activity.
There are two main types of horse racing in the UK: flat racing and jump racing. Flat racing is run on a level course and is typically shorter in distance, while jump racing involves horses jumping over obstacles and is generally longer in distance. Both types of racing are popular with spectators and bettors, and they take place at various racetracks throughout the country.
The most famous horse racing event in the UK is the Grand National, which is held annually at Aintree Racecourse in Liverpool. It is a jump racing event that is known for its challenging course and has become a national institution in the UK. Other notable horse racing events in the UK include the Derby, held at Epsom Downs Racecourse in Surrey, and the Royal Ascot, held at Ascot Racecourse in Berkshire.
Horse racing in the UK is regulated by the British Horseracing Authority (BHA), which sets rules and standards for the industry. It is responsible for the welfare of racehorses and the safety of jockeys and trainers, as well as ensuring fair and transparent racing practices.
In addition to its economic and cultural importance, horse racing in the UK also plays a significant role in the breeding and training of thoroughbred horses. Many of the world's top thoroughbreds are bred and trained in the UK, and the industry plays a vital role in the preservation and promotion of the breed.
Overall, horse racing is an integral part of British culture and a major contributor to the country's economy. It is a thrilling and exciting sport that continues to attract a loyal following and generate significant interest from spectators and bettors around the world.
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