Chepstow Races & Results Tomform Saturday 9th December 2023
There were 48 Races on Saturday 9th December 2023 across 6 meetings. There was 8 races at Sandown, 8 races at Chepstow, 7 races at Navan, 8 races at Aintree, 8 races at Wolverhampton, 9 races at Newcastle, no doubt Tomform helped you find a winner.
Races & Results Saturday 9th December 2023
The data in the racecards below is for the past year. View the racecard key.
(2) The Imposter 9/4, Most progressive sort who made it a remarkable 8 wins in his last 9 starts when seeing off 4 rivals at Uttoxeter (23f, heavy) 13 days ago. Remains of interest up 4 lb. Did well to win at Uttoxeter given how hard he went; may well defy the 4lb rise.
2
6
2nd (6) (11/2 +31%) Burrows Park
5.5
11/2(+31%)
(6) Burrows Park 11/2, Landed 23f handicap hurdle in the mud at Exeter in January. Reappearance fourth at Plumpton was respectable but he needs to shrug off a lesser run behind Whydah Gally at Lingfield since. Capable of a big run but always risky, as he reminded us at Lingfield last time.
3
4
3rd (4) (8/1 -220%) Black Kalanisi
8
8/1(-220%)
(4) Black Kalanisi 8/1, In good form on the Flat since joining Ian Williams, winning staying events at Pontefract and Newmarket this autumn. Not seen over hurdles since for a long time but has won a handicap chase off 8 lb higher than today's mark. Interesting runner. Bumper/hurdle/chase winner and returns to jumping after winning his last two on the Flat.
4
1
4th (1) (10/3 +26%) Benign Dictator
3.333333
10/3(+26%)
(1) Benign Dictator 10/3, Better than ever when returning from a 6-month break to double his hurdle tally in 21f Warwick handicap 32 days ago. Should remain very competitive after a 5lb rise. Asserted on the run-in at Warwick; in form but 5lb higher in a better race here.
5th
3
5th (3) (10/1 -25%) Spike Jones
10
10/1(-25%)
(3) Spike Jones 10/1, Successful twice over 3¼m at Fontwell last season. Pulled up on on reappearance at Cheltenham but shaped better when fourth of 5 at Market Rasen since, set for third until bad mistake 2 out. In the process of leaving reappearance effort behind when clouting two out at Market Rasen.
6th
5
6th (5) (4/1 -45%) Whydah Gally
4
4/1(-45%)
(5) Whydah Gally 4/1, Didn't really take to chasing last season but made a successful return to hurdles in a first-time tongue (retained) at Lingfield (23f, soft) on reappearance 25 days ago. Respected up 4 lb. Recent Lingfield winner and an obvious player off 4lb higher if as good again.
LTO Selection:
11:55 Chepstow Handicap Hurdle (Class 3) 24f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 3 race.
Having won eight of his last nine starts, THE IMPOSTER has answered every questioned asked of him and, with his stamina proven and testing ground not an issue, he again looks the one to side with. However, Whydah Gally can make a race of it off just 4lb higher than his Lingfield success, while Benign Dictator is respected after his facile 2m5f victory at Warwick last month.
Quite an interesting race. BLACK KALANISI may be rising 11 but he's been better than ever on the Flat lately and might be worth siding with off what is a good mark based on the pick of his form over jumps. The prolific The Imposter may give him most to do.
There's nothing not to like about THE IMPOSTER who can make it nine wins in his last ten starts.
(7) The Newest One 11/8, Fairly useful maiden hurdler who ran a cracker from 2 lb out of the weights when runner-up in 15-runner handicap at Cheltenham (3m, heavy) 3 weeks ago, staying on well. Sets a clear standard. Latest handicap second gives him cast-iron form claims back in novice company.
2
1
2nd (1) (9/2 +36%) Big City Roller
4.5
9/2(+36%)
(1) Big City Roller 9/2, Successful on the second of 2 starts in points and followed up sent hurdling at Carlisle (20f, soft) 44 days ago, tackled before last and finding extra. Shoulders a penalty but is open to improvement all the same. Carlisle winner; lots more on his plate here with a penalty but he's a nice prospect.
3
5
3rd (5) (3/1 +33%) Paddy De Pole
3
3/1(+33%)
(5) Paddy De Pole 3/1, Alkaadhem gelding. Dam, 1m winner who stayed 1¼m, half-sister to fairly useful hurdler/fair chaser (stays 31f) The Macon Lugnatic. Easily off mark in Irish points at sixth attempt in February and has joined a top yard. It took six attempts to win an Irish point but he won that by 15l; now in a top yard.
4
6
4th (6) (6/1 +8%) Sprucefrontiers
6
6/1(+8%)
(6) Sprucefrontiers 6/1, Last of 3 finishers sole start in Irish points but showed plenty to work on when fourth in 11-runner novice at Plumpton (20.5f) 33 days ago, finishing with running left. Open to improvement over this longer trip. Looked as though he wanted further when fourth over 2m4f at Plumpton; respected.
5th
2
5th (2) (125/1 -25%) Cloudy Flamingo
125
125/1(-25%)
(2) Cloudy Flamingo 125/1, Winning pointer who was thrown in the deep end and nowhere near up to the task when pulled up in listed chase on his Rules bow at Cheltenham 3 weeks ago. Tries hurdling now. 1-7 in points; outclassed on rules debut; hard to recommend in first hurdles run.
6th
3
6th (3) (7/1 +36%) Drop Flight
7
7/1(+36%)
(3) Drop Flight 7/1, Fairly useful ex-French chaser who was placed on all 4 completed starts in hunter chases at the beginning of 2023. Reverts to hurdles on reappearance and first outing for Noel Williams. Better known for chasing exploits and opposable in a race of this nature.
7th
4
7th (4) (40/1 -21%) Hawaii Du Mestivel
40
40/1(-21%)
(4) Hawaii Du Mestivel 40/1, Third on only start in points but dropped away quite alarmingly at Plumpton on his belated Rules/hurdles bow 33 days ago. Can only be watched. Third in a point; stopped quickly on belated return to action in a novice at Plumpton.
8th
9
8th (9) (150/1 -50%) Easy On Me
150
150/1(-50%)
(9) Easy On Me 150/1, Placed in points last year and was still in need of the experience when well held on his hurdling debut at Market Rasen last month. Placed in a point; didn't show a lot in a mares' maiden at Market Rasen.
8
8
|PU| (8) (200/1 -100%) Valens Bruyee
200
200/1(-100%)
(8) Valens Bruyee 200/1, Didn't shape at all badly when fourth of 7 in what was probably a decent bumper at Ffos Las in October but was well held sent hurdling at Aintree subsequently and headgear soon applied. Tailed off on hurdling debut; questionable what his bumper fourth amounts to.
LTO Selection:
12:27 Chepstow Maiden Hurdle (Class 4) 24f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 4 race.
THE NEWEST ONE posted a solid effort when a close second in a decent handicap hurdle at Cheltenham last month and could be hard to repel back in novice company. Big City Roller made a pleasing start under Rules when winning at Carlisle 44 days ago and surely has more to offer as he gains experience, while Sprucefrontiers and former point-to-point winner Paddy De Pole also command respect.
THE NEWEST ONE is still a maiden over hurdles, but he returned better than ever when second in a competitive Cheltenham handicap 3 weeks ago and, with the timefigure supporting the performance, he's very hard to oppose. Sprucefrontiers shaped with promise on his debut in this sphere at Plumpton and could be the one to capitalise if the selection is below form. Paddy de Pole warrants respect also having joined Paul Nicholls following an easy point win.
While a strike-rate of 1-21 hardly sets the pulse racing, THE NEWEST ONE has cast-iron form claims in a race of this nature.
12:27 Chepstow Maiden Hurdle (Class 4) 24f PREDICTION SIMULATION
(8) Ballycamus 4/1, Doubled his career tally when scoring over hurdles at Newbury (24.2f, soft) in March, seeming to relish the emphasis on stamina. Shaped encouragingly when placed both starts this term and will make a chaser (Irish point winner). One to consider. As good as ever when second over hurdles last month; a possible on today's chasing debut.
2
12
2nd (12) (4/1 +60%) Ballybeen
4
4/1(+60%)
(12) Ballybeen 4/1, Placed all 5 starts in this sphere, including when third of 11 back from a break at Stratford (22.6f, heavy) last month. However, his finishing effort was rather underwhelming on that occasion (not for the first time) and he may again find one or two too good. Clear second off this mark over C&D in April and copes well with slow ground; shortlisted.
3
5
3rd (5) (6/4 +45%) High Game Royal
1.5
6/4(+45%)
(5) High Game Royal 6/4, Built on maiden/novice promise when making a winning handicap debut over hurdles here during the spring. Bred for chasing and duly jumped with aplomb when runner-up on his first start in this sphere at Warwick (2½m, heavy) last month. Big player. Course hurdle winner in April and made very promising start to chasing career last month.
4
2
4th (2) (10/1 +50%) Ballybegg
10
10/1(+50%)
(2) Ballybegg 10/1, Pretty useful when at his best over hurdles, as he demonstrated with a decisive success off a 3 lb higher mark than this at Uttoxeter in February. However, as was the case with his first 2 starts in this sphere, he offered little on return in a C&D handicap chase. Yard also saddles Eaton Collina. Well handicapped on hurdle form but has poor record over fences (three attempts); risky.
5th
9
5th (9) (17/2 +6%) Rock Of Star
8.5
17/2(+6%)
(9) Rock Of Star 17/2, Brought the curtain down on last season's campaign with back-to-back wins in 23.6f handicaps here on soft/good to soft. Reappearance third at Newton Abbot wasn't a bad effort, but not so good at Ffos Las next time and he's probably a shade too high in the weights. Didn't fire last time but runs this track very well and enters calculations.
11
11
|U| (11) (15/2 +38%) Flagrant Delitiep
7.5
15/2(+38%)
(11) Flagrant Delitiep 15/2, Has dipped to a dangerous mark but, judged on last season's evidence (and on what he's shown in 3 starts since returning to action in October), he's not the force of old. Regressive 8yo who was just a respectable fourth at favourite track Wincanton last month.
6
6
|PU| (6) (20/1 -150%) Old Painless
20
20/1(-150%)
(6) Old Painless 20/1, Winning pointer who looked a different proposition when scoring easily on chase debut in novice handicap at Plumpton last December. Failed to progress in second half of that season, but he's not one to write off just yet and well worth a second look starting out for his new yard here. Made good start to chasing career last December and makes stable debut from workable mark.
3
3
|PU| (3) (33/1 +0%) Alnadam
33
33/1(+0%)
(3) Alnadam 33/1, Took advantage of a reduced mark when landing a handicap hurdle on final start for Dan Skelton at Haydock in March. No real impact in 5 subsequent outings in France, though, and it's hard to know what to expect of him back over the larger obstacles. Unplaced in five French hurdles for current stable and patently not the force of old.
4
4
|PU| (4) (66/1 -164%) Timeforatune
66
66/1(-164%)
(4) Timeforatune 66/1, Smart bumper performer who scored twice over hurdles for Paul Nicholls last season. However, having changed hands for £12,000 in September, he hasn't shown much in 3 starts switched to fences for new connections. Hasn't shown much in three soft-ground handicap chases for new stable this autumn.
10
10
|PU| (10) (150/1 -355%) Calipso Collonges
150
150/1(-355%)
(10) Calipso Collonges 150/1, Now a long way below the mark of his latest success over fences, but that was over 2 years ago and no real posititives to glean from his efforts for new connections in France the last twice. Well held in two French chases for new trainer this autumn; revival needed.
LTO Selection:
13:02 Chepstow Handicap Chase (Class 3) 19f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 3 race.
CRUZ CONTROL was a game winner over 2m4f at Newcastle 16 days ago and a 5lb higher mark looks a fair assessment by the handicapper, especially as he remains open to further progression. The consistent High Game Royal has to be of some interest following his second at Warwick last month, while Ballycamus and Ballybeen also merit places on the shortlist.
HIGH GAME ROYAL made a highly encouraging start over fences when chasing home a progressive type at Warwick, in turn pulling well clear of the third who was successful next time. He is open to improvement in this sphere and is taken to go one better. Ballycamus is every inch a chaser on looks and will be a threat if he takes to this game at the first attempt, while Eaton Collina may well leave his reappearance run behind and, if that proves to be the case, he could also have a say.
Well handicapped on his C&D second in April, BALLYBEEN (nap) has only a featherweight to carry in these testing conditions.
(3) Nassalam 3/1, Had a good first season over fences in 2021-22, scoring 3 times from 5 starts. Rather flattered to deceive in winless campaign last term but posted a solid fourth on return in Grand Sefton at Aintree last month and would be a player if building on that here. Good fourth over big Aintree fences last month; well worth another crack at a staying trip.
2
13
2nd (13) (11/1 +31%) Wayfinder
11
11/1(+31%)
(13) Wayfinder 11/1, Off 8 months/had a wind op before getting back on track with third of 13 in handicap chase at Cheltenham on return. Fell heavily early there last time but appeared none the worse and shouldn't be fully dismissed. Four-time course winner; placed at Cheltenham in October but has become unreliable.
3
9
3rd (9) (9/1 +36%) Fern Hill
9
9/1(+36%)
(9) Fern Hill 9/1, Won twice over hurdles and runner-up 4 times over fences prior to deservedly getting his head in front at Uttoxeter (22.5f) over a year ago. Rather gone backwards since, though, and has something to prove returning from 7 months off. Rather lost his way last season but is a contender if refreshed by 229-day break.
5th
7
5th (7) (7/1 -155%) Major Dundee
7
7/1(-155%)
(7) Major Dundee 7/1, Limited to just 3 starts last season, but looked better than ever when landing the Midlands Grand National at Uttoxeter (3½m, soft) in March. Creditable return at Warwick last month and expected to give another good account. Last season's Midlands National winner; sound effort when third on reappearance outing.
6th
4
6th (4) (28/1 -133%) Pats Fancy
28
28/1(-133%)
(4) Pats Fancy 28/1, Developed into a very useful chaser in 2021/22. Only seen out once (poor run over hurdles) and has another lengthy absence to overcome, but his mark is fair. Dual C&D winner in 2021 but well beaten on only start last season; back from a year off.
1
1
|PU| (1) (8/1 -33%) Two For Gold
8
8/1(-33%)
(1) Two For Gold 8/1, Smart chaser who signed off last season with success in a veterans' handicap at Ascot and returned with an excellent second at the same track a month ago. Could go one better with a similar display. Classy chaser who was second in valuable Ascot handicap on last month's seasonal debut.
12
12
|PU| (12) (11/4 +63%) Dalamoi
2.75
11/4(+63%)
(12) Dalamoi 11/4, Real chasing type who created an excellent impression when scoring on debut in this sphere at Kempton (20.5f) and followed that with a good effort in defeat at this track. Not at best since but can't be ruled out fresh from 9 months off. Made bright start to chasing career last autumn and is very unexposed over staying trips.
2
2
|PU| (2) (20/1 -43%) Shan Blue
20
20/1(-43%)
(2) Shan Blue 20/1, One-time smart chaser who has only been seen out twice since April 2022, pulled up on both occasions (over hurdles at Cheltenham on return). Potentially well treated, but with a bit to prove. Pulled up on only appearance last season and also when reappearing over hurdles last month.
LTO Selection:
13:37 Chepstow Handicap Chase (Class 2) 24f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 2 race.
A deep contest in which the likes of Midlands Grand National winner Major Dundee and former Grade 1 performer Two For Gold have to be considered after encouraging reappearances. However, the younger NASSALAM underlined his considerable potential with a staying-on fourth over 2m5f at Aintree last month and, assuming that blowout has sharpened him up, the six-year-old could take some stopping over this longer trip.
TWO FOR GOLD is the class act in this field and if he's in the same form as he was on return he'll be the one to beat. Nassalam is a big danger having shaped well on his reappearance and Cyclop should give another good account.
It's worth chancing DR KANANGA, who has slipped to good mark and is sure to be very well suited by a slog in the mud around here.
(7) Sporting Ace 6/1, Solid record in bumpers and held form well over hurdles despite proving expensive to follow during a busy 2022/23 schedule. Probably needed the run on chasing debut at Huntingdon but, even so, he looks vulnerable here. Consistent over hurdles last season but made underwhelming chase debut in October.
2
8
2nd (8) (13/2 -18%) Lagonda
6.5
13/2(-18%)
(8) Lagonda 13/2, Dual point winner who went close on chase debut at Exeter in February before finishing fifth of 15 in a mares' listed handicap hurdle at Newbury. Shade disappointing on second start in this sphere at Warwick recently, though, and better will certainly be needed here. 2m7f hurdle winner here in April and probably still has untapped potential over fences.
3
1
3rd (1) (5/2 +64%) Hurricane Highway
2.5
5/2(+64%)
(1) Hurricane Highway 5/2, Point winner who built on a promising hurdling debut last winter when opening his account in a Ffos Las novice last December. Departed before the race began in earnest on return/chase debut at Exeter where he was pitched in against some potentially smart novices. Intriguing candidate. Useful novice hurdler last season; unseated rider mid-race on chasing debut.
4
2
4th (2) (6/1 -100%) Hurlerontheditch
6
6/1(-100%)
(2) Hurlerontheditch 6/1, Placed all 4 starts in hurdles and, having undergone a wind op, he had the race at his mercy when coming down at the final fence on chase debut at Warwick (3m, heavy). Clearly a promising novice and very much of interest here, despite being hit with a 10 lb rise. Dominated from front and was set for clearcut win before last-fence fall on chase debut.
5
5
|PU| (5) (10/1 +50%) Ballydisco
10
10/1(+50%)
(5) Ballydisco 10/1, Improved for switch to handicaps/step up in trip last season, winning in the mud at Ffos Las in March and added to that over 3m here the following month. Entitled to come on for his reappearance spin back at Ffos Las last month, but needs to raise his game now switched to fences. Course hurdle winner; fine on slow ground; a possible if he jumps well on chase debut.
3
3
|PU| (3) (12/1 +0%) Grove Road
12
12/1(+0%)
(3) Grove Road 12/1, Sedgefield bumper winner who looked a promising stayer in the making when winning a brace of novice hurdles in late 2022. Reappearance third in a Ffos Las handicap (3m, heavy) was no backward step, but will need to improve for the switch to fences if he's to take this. Made satisfactory seasonal debut over hurdles; dropped 2lb for today's chasing debut.
9
9
|RO| (9) (3/1 +70%) Iberio
3
3/1(+70%)
(9) Iberio 3/1, Bumper winner who opened his account over hurdles at Taunton (3m, heavy) in March. Some encouragement both starts over fences and could produce a bigger effort when sharpening up in the jumping department. Triple hurdle winner; versatile regarding ground; made bad jumping errors in both chases.
LTO Selection:
14:12 Chepstow Handicap Chase (Class 3) 24f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 3 race.
An interesting contest in which Hurlerontheditch has a chance to atone for an agonising last-fence fall at Warwick on his chasing bow when well clear. He has to go on the shortlist, despite a 10lb rise, but Paul Nicholls' mud-loving TAKE YOUR TIME hinted at better things to come when gamely defying a long absence at Newton Abbott on his chasing bow. Pimlico Point and Lagonda are others who should build on encouraging fencing debuts.
There was plenty to like about TAKE YOUR TIME's performance when making a winning start over fences at Newton Abbot and a 3 lb rise is negligible given that he was a hurdles winner here off a 9 lb higher mark than this in 2021. The 8-y-o shades preference ahead of Hurlerontheditch, who had the race in safe-keeping when coming down at the final fence at Warwick. Pimlico Point also made a promising start to his chase career and merits respect, while Hurricane Highway is worth a second look, too.
Preference is for PIMLICO POINT, who was a good second on last month's seasonal/chase debut and remains very lightly raced.
(4) Can't Say 66/1, Phenomena gelding who was well beaten in points and failed to beat a rival in a course bumper back in April 2021. Best watched. No worthwhile form in three points and a bumper; impossible to recommend.
1
1
1st (1) (5/4 +9%) Isaac Des Obeaux
1.25
5/4(+9%)
(1) Isaac Des Obeaux 5/4, Looked a good prospect when making a winning debut in a bumper here last November and proved a different proposition to in the choppier waters of a Cheltenham novice when bolting up over C&D just over 2 weeks ago. Likely to keep improving for some time so holds major claims. Both wins here; it wasn't a strong race he won last time but the type to improve.
2
6
2nd (6) (9/1 +25%) Haiti Couleurs
9
9/1(+25%)
(6) Haiti Couleurs 9/1, £68,000 5-y-o, Dragon Dancer gelding. Closely related to fair French 2½m chase winner Suavamente. Dam French bumper winner. Made frame both starts in Irish points, runner-up latest (Dec 2021). His second in a point reads well but he has a long absence to overcome here.
3
9
3rd (9) (6/5 +80%) Katate Dori
1.2
6/5(+80%)
(9) Katate Dori 6/5, Confirmed previous promise in bumpers when off the mark at the third attempt (8/13) at Market Rasen (16.6f, soft) in March. In need of experience when well beaten at Cheltenham on hurdling debut just over 6 weeks ago but may well have derived plenty from that. Useful bumper form; made mistakes at Cheltenham and that was a tough starter over hurdles.
4
5
4th (5) (80/1 +20%) Gentleman
80
80/1(+20%)
(5) Gentleman 80/1, 50/1, didn't show much when ninth of 16 in bumper at this track on debut last month. Outsider switched to hurdles. Didn't show a great deal at a big price in a Chepstow bumper (2m, good to soft) in October.
5th
15
5th (15) (10/1 -11%) Village Master
10
10/1(-11%)
(15) Village Master 10/1, £65,000 4-y-o, Mastercraftsman gelding. Half-brother to 4 winners, including fairly useful hurdler/very smart chaser Bun Doran and useful hurdler/smart chaser Shantou Village. Placed on second of 2 starts in Irish points (May 14) and he rates an interesting hurdles newcomer. Second in an Irish point and bought for £65,000; probably has a bright future.
6th
13
6th (13) (33/1 -106%) Ri Na Cuirte
33
33/1(-106%)
(13) Ri Na Cuirte 33/1, Finished runner-up on the second of 2 starts in Irish points and shaped with some encouragement when fifth of 15 in a course maiden (19.4f) on Rules debut. Failed to take a step forward at Wincanton recently so he looks an easy enough swerve. Shown ability but ran flat at Wincanton last time and others are far more convincing.
7th
8
7th (8) (125/1 -25%) Jongleur D'etoiles
125
125/1(-25%)
(8) Jongleur D'etoiles 125/1, Failed to meet expectations on sole bumper outing and well held both starts over hurdles subsequently. Likely type for low-grade handicaps. Disappointing favourite in his bumper and has finished well behind in both hurdles.
8th
11
8th (11) (150/1 -50%) Meraki Mist
150
150/1(-50%)
(11) Meraki Mist 150/1, Minor promise in a couple of bumpers but could hardly of shown anything less on hurdles debut here last October. Can only be watched. 200-1 when pulled up here more than a year ago after his jumping lacked fluency.
9th
10
9th (10) (40/1 -150%) Largy Valley
40
40/1(-150%)
(10) Largy Valley 40/1, Overcame definite greenness to make a winning debut in Ayr bumper (2m) last November for Stuart Crawford. Well beaten for new yard at Hereford 4 months on, though, but not one to discount sent hurdling after 8 months off. Bumper winner; kept hanging left at Hereford so this track can help on hurdling debut.
10th
12
10th (12) (125/1 -25%) Parliament
125
125/1(-25%)
(12) Parliament 125/1, Fair winner on Flat in France in 2022 but off for 512 days prior to finishing down the field on his Warwick hurdle debut 32 days ago. Entitled to come on for the outing. Flat winner in France; tailed off on hurdling debut following a long absence.
7
7
|PU| (7) (33/1 +0%) Highway One O Four
33
33/1(+0%)
(7) Highway One O Four 33/1, Better effort in bumpers 11 months apart at Plumpton on return, forced wide for effort but holding second for most of straight. Well held on both starts in novice hurdles and will be of more interest in handicaps after this. Best run was in a Plumpton bumper and yet only four ran and he produced a modest RPR.
LTO Selection:
14:47 Chepstow Maiden Hurdle (Class 4) 20f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 4 race.
Isaac Des Obeaux underlined his liking for this track when opening his account over timber at the second attempt last month. That said, preference is for THE JUKEBOX MAN, who looks capable of defying a 7lb penalty on the evidence of his resounding win in the mud at Ffos Las on his hurdling bow last month. Katate Dori looks the most interesting of the remainder.
ISAAC DES OBEAUX didn't need to come off the bridle when scoring over C&D just over a fortnight ago, and with further progress almost assured, Paul Nicholls' 5-y-o gets the nod over The Jukebox Man, who was an impressive winner stepped up in trip on his hurdling debut at Ffos Las last month. Katate Dori and hurdling-debutant Village Master are a couple others certainly worth a mention, too.
Better is expected from Katate Dori but THE JUKEBOX MAN still looked full of energy when asserting late on in a maiden at Ffos Las.
14:47 Chepstow Maiden Hurdle (Class 4) 20f PREDICTION SIMULATION
(12) Range 6/5, Fair form in bumpers last season and promise amidst inexperience when second on return/hurdles debut in an Exeter novice (16.7f) 19 days ago, pulling long way clear of rest. Longer trip promises to suit and claims with progress likely. Ran big race in defeat behind very good prospect on last month's hurdling debut.
2
11
2nd (11) (18/1 +45%) Magical Escape
18
18/1(+45%)
(11) Magical Escape 18/1, Looked a stayer in the making in a couple of bumpers last winter and no immediate promise in this sphere when tenth of 16 in a C&D maiden 39 days ago. Cheekpieces on 1st time. Always towards rear over C&D on hurdling debut; now sports cheekpieces.
3
15
3rd (15) (14/1 +30%) Ottoline
14
14/1(+30%)
(15) Ottoline 14/1, Sister to fairly useful hurdler/useful chaser Yalltari. Placed in 2 of her 3 bumpers and offered something to work on when fifth of 10 on her C&D hurdles debut in March. Should be more to come from her but handicaps in due course likely to be more her bag. Placed in two bumpers and also showed promise over C&D on hurdle debut.
4
7
4th (7) (9/2 -139%) Hurricane Danny
4.5
9/2(-139%)
(7) Hurricane Danny 9/2, Looked his yard's second string but still showed more than previously when good second behind stablemate in a C&D maiden (19.5f) 15 days ago, staying on dourly. Can do better again for leading stable. Improved form when clear second here last month; should still have more to offer.
5th
4
5th (4) (22/1 +56%) El Curamach
22
22/1(+56%)
(4) El Curamach 22/1, El Salvador gelding. Dam unraced sister to fair hunter chaser (25f winner) Hix Fix. Probably best watched on debut. Seems very unlikely to meet the standard required on today's debut outing.
6th
2
6th (2) (200/1 -100%) Crossbeau
200
200/1(-100%)
(2) Crossbeau 200/1, Modest maiden on the Flat who has finished well held in pair of maiden hurdles in recent weeks. Lowly rated Flat maiden who was a well-beaten outsider on both hurdling starts last month.
7th
13
7th (13) (6/1 -33%) Vision De Maine
6
6/1(-33%)
(13) Vision De Maine 6/1, £95,000 4-y-o, Buck's Boum gelding. Successful sole start in Irish points (Mar 4). Showed ability when second of 6 in bumper at Sedgefield (16.8f) in October. Longer trip should suit him now hurdling and worth noting if the market spoke in his favour. Irish point winner; bumped into a good one when second in Sedgefield bumper in October.
8th
1
8th (1) (7/2 -17%) Theyseekhimthere
3.5
7/2(-17%)
(1) Theyseekhimthere 7/2, Well held only start in bumpers yet, following wind op, caused a major shock when scoring on hurdles debut at Lingfield (19.5f) 25 days ago, staying on to lead final strides. Respected with progress anticipated. Kept on strongly for surprise win on last month's hurdling debut; likely contender.
9
9
|PU| (9) (80/1 -60%) Joker De Thaix
80
80/1(-60%)
(9) Joker De Thaix 80/1, Down the field in a Newbury bumper back in March. Passed over on return now hurdling. Beaten out of sight (albeit in valuable race) when 40-1 for bumper debut at Newbury.
6
6
|PU| (6) (80/1 +20%) He'llstopatthetop
80
80/1(+20%)
(6) He'llstopatthetop 80/1, More one for handicaps judged on his efforts at Chepstow and Kempton this autumn. Not disgraced over C&D on hurdle debut but probably one for low-grade handicaps.
8
8
|PU| (8) (100/1 -525%) Ideal De Romay
100
100/1(-525%)
(8) Ideal De Romay 100/1, Successful at the third attempt in Irish points. Hurdles debut run in October not without hope but failed by a long chalk to build on that at Huntingdon 2 weeks ago. Won Irish point in May but well beaten on first two hurdling starts.
5
5
|PU| (5) (200/1 -1150%) Harbour Bridge
200
200/1(-1150%)
(5) Harbour Bridge 200/1, Showed ability in finishing midfield both starts in bumpers, latterly when fifth of 13 at Newbury (16.3f) 30 days ago. However, not one of the more obvious ones on pedigree/physique now tackling timber. Displayed significant promise in both bumpers but needs to improve to win this.
14
14
|PU| (14) (200/1 -100%) Wotastunner
200
200/1(-100%)
(14) Wotastunner 200/1, Passing Glance half-brother to fairly useful hurdler Midnight Midge. Well beaten only start in bumpers and struggling when unseating 3 out on hurdles bow at Warwick in April. Best watched starting out for new yard. Struggled on both rules starts in spring 2022 and was pulled up on point debut in January.
LTO Selection:
15:20 Chepstow Maiden Hurdle (Class 4) 20f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 4 race.
HURRICANE DANNY took a big step forward when chasing home a stablemate over C&D a couple of weeks ago and it would be no surprise to see him get off the mark here. Range also hit the crossbar on his most recent outing and could prove to be the main threat to the selection, ahead of Theyseekhimthere and Vision De Maine.
RANGE produced a promising debut effort over hurdles amidst inexperience when second at Exeter 3 weeks ago and, with improvement anticipated now stepping up in trip, he earns the vote to go one place better. Hurricane Danny and Theyseekhimthere head up the dangers.
This can go to RANGE who was ultimately well beaten by a good prospect on his hurdling debut at Exeter last month but still ran well.
15:20 Chepstow Maiden Hurdle (Class 4) 20f PREDICTION SIMULATION
(2) Jurancon 9/4, Free Port Lux gelding. Half-brother to fairly useful hurdler/useful chaser Git Maker. Successful on second of 2 starts in Irish points (Oct 14). Stable does well in this sphere with similar types. Easily won soft-ground Irish point in October; new stable does well in bumpers.
2
6
2nd (6) (9/2 +44%) Ski Lodge
4.5
9/2(+44%)
(6) Ski Lodge 9/2, €5,500 3-y-o, Gatewood gelding. Dam, poor maiden hurdler, sister to smart hurdler (stayed 3m) Call The Cops. Runner-up sole start in Irish points (Apr 23). One to consider on Rules debut. First foal from sister to smart hurdler Call The Cops; 2nd on Irish point debut in April.
3
9
3rd (9) (7/4 +7%) Walk In The Hills
1.75
7/4(+7%)
(9) Walk In The Hills 7/4, Half-brother to useful hurdler/high-class chaser Invitation Only and made a promising start when runner-up to a good prospect over C&D on debut. Worth a chance to go one better. Kept on well for second of 16 over C&D on debut in October; respected.
4
1
4th (1) (17/2 +15%) Bobbi's Endeavour
8.5
17/2(+15%)
(1) Bobbi's Endeavour 17/2, €35,000 3-y-o, Soldier of Fortune gelding. Half-brother to useful hurdler/chaser Minella Warrior and fairly useful hurdler Harefield. Probably one for the longer term. Out of a half-sister to high-class jumper Menorah; well worth a glance in the betting.
5th
4
5th (4) (9/1 -80%) Mount Gay Run
9
9/1(-80%)
(4) Mount Gay Run 9/1, From a good jumping family and showed some promise when fourth of 6 in a heavy-ground Chepstow bumper 31 days ago. From top stable, so he can be expected to improve. Made just a mildly encouraging debut over C&D but should be more streetwise today.
6th
7
6th (7) (28/1 +15%) Snapdance
28
28/1(+15%)
(7) Snapdance 28/1, Dragon Dancer gelding. Half-brother to modest 2½m chase winner Boys of Wexford. Wears hood. Half-brother to low-grade chase winner Boys Of Wexford; yard not known for bumper winners.
7th
8
7th (8) (25/1 -25%) Timeforarum
25
25/1(-25%)
(8) Timeforarum 25/1, Pulled very hard when fourth at Hereford in February. More tractable but ultimately failed to progress when filling that same position there 3 weeks later and it's likely he will find a few too strong on return. Had a wind op. Displayed significant ability in two Hereford bumpers in February but others look stronger.
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 5 race.
MONTY BODKIN put in a very promising display when filling second place on his racecourse debut at Ascot a month ago and Ben Pauling's gelding could be hard to stop with the benefit of that experience under his belt. However, Walk In The Hills has a similar profile and should not be underestimated, while Mount Gay Run also merits a place on the shortlist.
Only an exciting prospect got the better of WALK IN THE HILLS first time out and, with the potential for better to come, he's preferred to Monty Bodkin, who is closely matched on form. Juranncon looks an interesting recruit from points.
The suggestion in what looks a good-quality bumper is MONTY BODKIN, who was a very creditable second at Ascot last month.
Please Watch this short video that will help you learn how to use Tomform.com to filter out the runners and find a winner in each race.
This is the 16:15 Kempton race from the video above backed at 28/1 earlier in the day.
About U.K Horse Racing
Horse racing is a popular and historic sport in the UK, with a tradition dating back centuries. It is a multi-billion pound industry that attracts millions of spectators each year and generates significant economic activity.
There are two main types of horse racing in the UK: flat racing and jump racing. Flat racing is run on a level course and is typically shorter in distance, while jump racing involves horses jumping over obstacles and is generally longer in distance. Both types of racing are popular with spectators and bettors, and they take place at various racetracks throughout the country.
The most famous horse racing event in the UK is the Grand National, which is held annually at Aintree Racecourse in Liverpool. It is a jump racing event that is known for its challenging course and has become a national institution in the UK. Other notable horse racing events in the UK include the Derby, held at Epsom Downs Racecourse in Surrey, and the Royal Ascot, held at Ascot Racecourse in Berkshire.
Horse racing in the UK is regulated by the British Horseracing Authority (BHA), which sets rules and standards for the industry. It is responsible for the welfare of racehorses and the safety of jockeys and trainers, as well as ensuring fair and transparent racing practices.
In addition to its economic and cultural importance, horse racing in the UK also plays a significant role in the breeding and training of thoroughbred horses. Many of the world's top thoroughbreds are bred and trained in the UK, and the industry plays a vital role in the preservation and promotion of the breed.
Overall, horse racing is an integral part of British culture and a major contributor to the country's economy. It is a thrilling and exciting sport that continues to attract a loyal following and generate significant interest from spectators and bettors around the world.
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