There were 66 Races on Monday 1st April 2024 across 9 meetings. There was 8 races at Huntingdon, 7 races at Kempton, 8 races at Cork, 7 races at Redcar, 6 races at Fakenham, 7 races at Plumpton, 7 races at Chepstow, 8 races at Fairyhouse, 8 races at Wolverhampton, no doubt Tomform helped you find a winner.
Races & Results Monday 1st April 2024
The data in the racecards below is for the past year. View the racecard key.
(4) Moon Eagle 11/2, Patchy form for Gavin Cromwell in Ireland and she hasn't pulled up any trees so far for this yard, though ran as well as could have been expected from well out of the handicap at Ludlow last time. Maiden; creditable effort latest but best form at up to 2m5f and stamina queries remain.
2
2nd (1) (11/4 -69%) River Tyne
11/4(-69%)
(1) River Tyne 11/4, Winner of sole start between the flags and though yet to strike under Rules (0-17 overall), to her credit she has made the frame on 11 times. Returned to form when second to Born At Midnight (winner again since) at Plumpton (25.7f, soft) 4 weeks ago and this looks a good opening. Can lack fluency but back in better form over 3m1f latest and weighted to win a race.
3
3rd (2) (15/2 -7%) Annie Day
15/2(-7%)
(2) Annie Day 15/2, Goes well fresh, as she demonstrated when making a winning reappearance over hurdles at Warwick in November. Failed to back that up in 4 subsequent starts and now makes a belated return to fences (placed a couple of times for previous yard). Won 2m3f hurdle off this mark in November; not as good since; first chase run for 3 years.
4
4th (8) (11/2 +31%) Set In The West
11/2(+31%)
(8) Set In The West 11/2, Only poor form at best over hurdles in 2021/22 and well held all 3 starts this season after nearly 2 years off. Switches to chasing now (Irish point winner). Irish point winner in 2021; low-key hurdle form since back from 2 years off; chase debut.
5th
5th (7) (16/5 +68%) Stop This Train
16/5(+68%)
(7) Stop This Train 16/5, Placed once from 4 starts in Irish points but has little form under Rules. Irish point promise; well held on handicap chase debut (2m) but this trip will suit better.
6th
6th (5) (14/1 -300%) The Gambler
14/1(-300%)
(5) The Gambler 14/1, Easy winner on last of her 3 starts in Irish points in April. Also made a successful start under Rules in a Market Rasen bumper in June. Well held all 3 outings over hurdles since but no surprise if she fared better now switched to fences on handicap bow. Hood applied. Won Irish point and Market Rasen bumper; goes handicap/chasing off lowly mark.
|U|
|U| (6) (8/1 -14%) Catlin
8/1(-14%)
(6) Catlin 8/1, Now dipped below last winning mark but well held both starts this term and tends to save her best efforts for Newcastle. Change of headgear. All 3 chase wins at 2m7f, most recently in late 2022; out of sorts in two runs this winter.
12:35 Huntingdon Handicap Chase (Class 5)
24f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 5 race.
Having finished second in six of her eight completed starts over fences, RIVER TYNE needs to be taken seriously and, while she is obviously hard to win with, this isn't the deepest of races, as a few of the rest arrive on the back of modest efforts. Giving weight away at this level shouldn't be too much of an issue for the nine-year-old and this presents her with a good opportunity to finally break her maiden. The unexposed Stop This Train rates the chief danger, with Moon Eagle also considered.
RIVER TYNE returned to form when runner-up to a subsequent winner in a better race than this at Plumpton 4 weeks ago and this looks a good opportunity for her to finally get off the mark. Point/bumper winner The Gambler didn't show much over hurdles but may do better now handicapping over fences, so may emerge as the biggest threat.
River Tyne looks sure to go well again but Irish point winner THE GAMBLER is the interesting one on her handicap/chase debut.
(7) Magical Hill 8/1, Kingston Hill gelding was placed in an Irish point before making a sound start to his Rules career when placed both starts in bumpers. 3rd in Irish point and 2 soft-ground bumpers; half-brother to very useful Classic Getaway.
2
2nd (1) (2/5 +73%) Rock House
2/5(+73%)
(1) Rock House 2/5, Point/bumper winner who easily landed the odds on hurdling bow at Worcester (2m) in September and built on that when third in Chepstow Grade 2 (19.4f) the following month. Couple of heavy defeats since raise questions but he's certainly in the right hands and this is easier. Cheekpieces on. Much the best hurdles form but now sports cheekpieces in revival bid after two flops.
3
3rd (13) (40/1 -150%) Love True
40/1(-150%)
(13) Love True 40/1, Fairly useful Flat winner at up to 13f in France. Shaped promisingly when third of 10 on her Doncaster hurdles debut just after Christmas but well held at Catterick since. Three French Flat wins; two maiden hurdles for new yard were modest form.
4
4th (10) (40/1 -186%) Rehill Relic
40/1(-186%)
(10) Rehill Relic 40/1, Comfortable winner of sole outing in points but was readily put in his place by the winner when second of 4 in a Haydock bumper on Rules debut and was far too keen at Carlisle next time. Fair start to hurdling career when fifth at Catterick. Again showed something in maiden at Catterick (1m7f, soft) but needs to build on that.
5th
5th (12) (14/1 -27%) Dog Fox
14/1(-27%)
(12) Dog Fox 14/1, Fairly useful 1¼m Flat winner for Ed Dunlop. Should have a future over hurdles for his new connections but he'll need to settle than he did at Market Rasen. 1m2f Flat winner (fair form); soundly beaten on hurdling debut, settling again a problem.
6th
6th (8) (50/1 -52%) Mount Ferns
50/1(-52%)
(8) Mount Ferns 50/1, Runner-up in a bumper but unable to see race out both hurdles outings so far. 2nd in Fontwell bumper last April; his two runs over hurdles were a far cry form that.
7th
7th (4) (15/2 -36%) Gwash
15/2(-36%)
(4) Gwash 15/2, Point winner who made a sound start under Rules when length second of 4 in Catterick bumper (good to soft) in November. Looked a hard work when mid-field at Doncaster 2 months later. Tongue tie reached for. ahead of hurdles debut. Won a maiden point last March by 20l; showed some ability front-running in his two bumpers.
8th
8th (3) (200/1 -100%) Grain Trade
200/1(-100%)
(3) Grain Trade 200/1, No promise in a bumper/novice hurdle. Hooded. Tailed off in bumper at Newbury and pulled up in Stratford novice (2m, soft); now hooded.
9th
9th (2) (12/1 -336%) Sea Grey
12/1(-336%)
(2) Sea Grey 12/1, Fairly useful performer on Flat who got off the mark for new connections over hurdles at Catterick (19.3f) in December. May have been undone by testing conditions at Southwell latest and must enter calculations. Fair Flat form; won a Catterick maiden hurdle before disappointing on heavy at Southwell.
|F|
|F| (11) (150/1 -500%) Djerbanni
150/1(-500%)
(11) Djerbanni 150/1, Fairly useful form when winning a 15f Dieppe Flat maiden for Mikel Delzangles last summer. Shaped better than distant fourth of 5 suggests on recent Kelso hurdles debut but since pulled up at Stratford. Fair on Flat in France but gave two uninspiring displays over hurdles in Britain.
|F|
|F| (5) (250/1 -400%) Huckleberry Sting
250/1(-400%)
(5) Huckleberry Sting 250/1, In good hands but looks limited on early evidence. Hasn't offered much in a bumper or two novice hurdles; stablemate of Rock House.
10th
10th (6) (250/1 -400%) Locked On
250/1(-400%)
(6) Locked On 250/1, Brother to bumper winner but not a great deal of encouragement in bumpers. Heavy defeats in the mud in his two bumpers, so best watched for now.
|PU|
|PU| (9) (33/1 -136%) Ned Cash
33/1(-136%)
(9) Ned Cash 33/1, Blue Bresil gelding. Half-brother to useful French hurdler/chaser Fou Et Sage and modest/ungenuine hurdler/chaser Wisecracker. Similar form it bumpers 7 months apart. Hurdles debut. Showed ability in two bumpers; improvement is needed but some should be possible.
13:05 Huntingdon Maiden Hurdle
(Class 4) 16f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 4 race.
ROCK HOUSE looked to be a bright prospect when he finished a respectable third in the Grade 2 Persian War at Chepstow last October, form which sets the standard here. He didn't did give his true running when upped to 2m5f on his latest start and, with cheekpieces now added as he drops back in distance, the Dan Skelton-trained six-year-old is worth another chance. Catterick winner Sea Grey is open to further progression over timber and rates a danger, while Magical Hill showed promise in bumpers and is worth a betting check on his hurdles debut.
There are some risks attached to taking a short price about ROCK HOUSE, who is fitted with cheekpieces on the back a of a couple of heavy defeats but this isn't a strong race. Drying ground will help Sea Grey and he could be the one to give the selection most to think about.
Rock House flopped on his last two starts and SEA GREY seems the most likely to take advantage if he disappoints again.
(3) Camarrate 11/10, Fairly useful AW Flat winner for Grant Tuer and clearly derived plenty from his opening effort over hurdles when second of 5 at Kelso a month ago, clear of the rest. Drying ground in his favour and there's more to come. Flat scorer; clear promise in two races over hurdles; one of the main contenders.
2
2nd (2) (10/3 +26%) Blue Universe
10/3(+26%)
(2) Blue Universe 10/3, Fair winner on the Flat and has shown ability over hurdles, for all his opening fourth came in a muddling contest and he hasn't been able to match that form twice since. Still firmly in the mix at this level. Flat winner; consistent in three attempts over hurdles; leading player dropped in grade.
3
3rd (1) (11/1 +21%) Alain
11/1(+21%)
(1) Alain 11/1, Manatee gelding. Half-brother to French 1¼m/10.5f winner A Special Line. Dam 7f winner in Germany. Too green to show anything starting out at Chepstow in January. Achieved nothing in heavy-ground event on debut; may do better on faster surface.
4
4th (4) (11/1 -10%) Ikigai Star
11/1(-10%)
(4) Ikigai Star 11/1, Fairly useful maiden on Flat, stays 1½m. Sold from Joseph Patrick O'Brien 25,000 gns and gelded ahead of this hurdles debut at a very realistic level. 0-6 on Flat for Joseph O'Brien; sold for 25,000gns and gelded since last run.
5th
5th (8) (16/1 -14%) Illucidate
16/1(-14%)
(8) Illucidate 16/1, Fair ex-French Flat winner who came in third of 4 in juvenile hurdle at Ludlow (15.8f, heavy) on hurdles debut in January. Heavy defeat at Hereford since and he's subsequently had a breathing op. Flat winner in France; needs to improve on her two hurdles efforts.
6th
6th (5) (28/1 -40%) Sir Cilia
28/1(-40%)
(5) Sir Cilia 28/1, Modest maiden on the Flat. Hurdles efforts not devoid of promise but he's probably one for handicaps. Modest fifth in both attempts over hurdles, latest over C&D.
|PU|
|PU| (6) (9/2 -125%) Star Player
9/2(-125%)
(6) Star Player 9/2, Closely related to smart hurdler/useful chaser Stratum (2m-25f winner, by Dansili). Fairly useful on Flat, stays 1m, winless in 2023. Has left Kevin Philippart de Foy and had breathing operation. Market check vital. Flat form suggests he'll be suited by this sharp scenario on stable/hurdles debut.
|PU|
|PU| (9) (200/1 -203%) Raincloud
200/1(-203%)
(9) Raincloud 200/1, Dam half-sister to fairly useful hurdler (2m winner) Pillar of Hercules. Poor maiden on Flat. Hurdles debutante who holds poor claims on Flat form.
13:27 Fakenham Maiden Hurdle
(Class 4) 16f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 4 race.
Blue Universe will doubtless be popular with punters after a couple of creditable efforts in warmer races at Sandown, but this will be no penalty kick and it may pay to side with IKIGAI STAR. The son of Sea The Stars was a useful Flat performer for Joseph O'Brien and judging by the pick of his efforts in that sphere, there is definitely hope that he can win a race of this nature. It may be a long final furlong for supporters of Camarrate, who has the ability to get competitive but has yet to fully prove he stays.
There should be plenty more to come from CAMARRATE over hurdles given his Flat ability and this looks a good opening for him. Newcomers to this sphere Star Player and Ikigai Star could be the main dangers.
Class-dropper BLUE UNIVERSE is the pick on hurdles form. Camarrate and Star Player look the biggest dangers.
(1) Gustoso 15/2, Modest form over hurdles, well held on handicap debut at Catterick 5 weeks ago. Cheekpieces go on and he needs to improve. Early hurdle promise; well beaten in 2m3f handicap latest; cheekpieces might help.
2
2nd (4) (12/1 -50%) No No Fizz
12/1(-50%)
(4) No No Fizz 12/1, Modest form in 3 runs over hurdles and handicaps can see her in a better light now. Cheekpieces fitted last 2 runs; useful pedigree; no surprise if she improves for handicaps.
3
3rd (2) (10/3 -33%) Shengai Enki
10/3(-33%)
(2) Shengai Enki 10/3, Fair form in bumpers in Ireland. Pitched into a handicap after just 2 outings over hurdles and improved further upped markedly in trip at Fontwell (21.8f) when last seen in August. Could do better and good shout with Sean Bowen booked. Solid chance if repeating his handicap debut 2nd over 2m4f last August.
4
4th (3) (11/2 -38%) Optimistic Joe
11/2(-38%)
(3) Optimistic Joe 11/2, £60,000 purchase after finishing third in a point last March and offered more than previously in 2m maiden hurdles at Exeter last time. Can do better again now handicapping up in trip. Ability in Irish point; some 2m hurdle promise; can do better now handicapping at 2m4f.
5th
5th (9) (9/2 +25%) Happy Index
9/2(+25%)
(9) Happy Index 9/2, Gained a first success in handicap at Ludlow (21.2f) in May and good second at Fontwell next time. Decent return over C&D 3 weeks ago and yard's runners going a lot better than they have been. Wouldn't dismiss in refitted cheekpieces. Won 2m5f handicap last May; signs of revival over C&D latest; cheekpieces back on.
6th
6th (7) (12/1 +14%) Heros De Moutiers
12/1(+14%)
(7) Heros De Moutiers 12/1, Winning Irish pointer but remains a maiden under Rules after 13 attempts and didn't find the switch back to hurdling seeming to help when down the field at Sedgefield (16.8f, heavy, 10/1) 66 days ago. Step back up in trip interesting. A grind over fences and hurdles in recent starts; hard to enthuse back at 2m4f.
7th
7th (6) (5/1 +0%) Joker Du Chenet
5/1(+0%)
(6) Joker Du Chenet 5/1, Respectable efforts at best without success for Stuart Crawford but suffered a breathing problem when backed starting out for this yard at Southwell (2m) 4 weeks ago. Has had a wind operation since. Pulled up on yard debut (SP 11-4) but had wind surgery since and too soon to dismiss.
8th
8th (10) (33/1 -106%) Scout Master
33/1(-106%)
(10) Scout Master 33/1, Maiden Irish pointer, down the field in novice/maiden hurdles. Work to do on handicap debut up in trip but starts out off a low mark. Interesting on Irish point form and may well improve now upped to 2m4f on handicap debut.
|PU|
|PU| (5) (17/2 -6%) Little Talks
17/2(-6%)
(5) Little Talks 17/2, Better in 3m handicap hurdles the last twice and could find a race as her mark falls, although she probably wants further than this. Kept on in 3rd on handicap debut at 3m; not so good next time; lesser test can suit.
|PU|
|PU| (8) (125/1 -150%) Walk In The Stars
125/1(-150%)
(8) Walk In The Stars 125/1, Little show over hurdles for various trainers. Pulled up and well held in two handicap hurdles, over 2m5f at Tramore and 2m at Fakenham.
13:35 Huntingdon Handicap Hurdle (Class 5)
21f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 5 race.
SHENGAI ENKI has been banging on the door lately and, assuming he jumps with a little more fluency than he did at Fontwell last time out, the five-year-old is likely to be a key player, with this slight drop back in trip likely to work in his favour. Little Talks has also dropped a few hints that she has a race within her and he can also benefit from stepping back in distance. No No Fizz and Happy Index complete the shortlist.
There is probably more to come from SHENGAI ENKI and he can make a winning return under Sean Bowen. Optimistic Joe is another potential improver now handicapping up in trip, as is No No Fizz.
Shengai Enki is respected but preference is for OPTIMISTIC JOE who looks open to improvement on his handicap debut.
(7) Hill Station 9/2, C&D winner. Three wins from 11 runs last year. Latest win at Southwell in December. Tongue strap on for 1st time, good second of 13 in handicap at Kempton (12f, 28/1) 19 days ago. Respected. Three wins since October and was second behind an improver at Kempton latest; respected.
2
2nd (6) (28/1 -300%) Stage Show
28/1(-300%)
(6) Stage Show 28/1, Creditable second of 10 in handicap (9/4) at Windsor (11.4f, good to firm). Off 175 days. Makes tapeta debut. First run for yard after leaving Harry & Roger Charlton. Something to find on form. 0-10 but he's been consistent and has possibilities on his stable debut.
3
3rd (3) (10/3 +17%) Percy Willis
10/3(+17%)
(3) Percy Willis 10/3, C&D winner. Didn't need to improve to win 7-runner handicap at Newcastle (12.4f, 13/8) 14 days ago, kept up to work. Capable of giving another good account. Justified favouritism at Newcastle last time and he's only 2lb higher here; big player.
4
4th (5) (9/2 +25%) Major Major
9/2(+25%)
(5) Major Major 9/2, Creditable third of 8 in handicap at Lingfield (13f, AW), well positioned. Off 158 days. Makes tapeta debut. Place claims if ready to roll on comeback run. Dual turf winner who is still unexposed on AW and he could be dangerous back from a break.
5th
5th (9) (10/1 -100%) Mirabello Bay
10/1(-100%)
(9) Mirabello Bay 10/1, Ended a year-long losing run in an 11-runner handicap at this C&D (11/2) 13 days ago. Remains potentially well treated on the pick of his form, so not ruled out. Made it 5-17 on AW when scoring over C&D last time; up 3lb but he remains feasibly treated.
6th
6th (8) (5/1 +38%) Queensland Boy
5/1(+38%)
(8) Queensland Boy 5/1, Good third of 8 in handicap at Chelmsford (14f) in December and had some excuses when mid-division there later in the month. Not fully discounted after 96 days off. Record of 1-11 and he flopped with a heavy defeat here last time; down the list.
7th
7th (2) (9/1 +36%) Daheer
9/1(+36%)
(2) Daheer 9/1, 5-time course winner. Sixteen runs since last win in 2022. Fourth of 7 in handicap (16/1) at this C&D 35 days ago. Cheekpieces on 1st time. Seemingly just going through the motions at present and others are preferred. Down the field in his four runs this winter and he's 0-9 at this trip; others preferred.
8th
8th (4) (7/1 -40%) Castel Gandolfo
7/1(-40%)
(4) Castel Gandolfo 7/1, Lightly-raced maiden on Flat. Fairly useful winner at 16f over hurdles, holding his form until latest outing. Off 144 days. Well treated on pick of form adn could be worth chancing. Fairly useful hurdler who is unexposed on Flat; needs a close look back in this sphere.
9th
9th (10) (80/1 -100%) Golden Keeper
80/1(-100%)
(10) Golden Keeper 80/1, Twelve runs since last win in 2023. Last of 11 in handicap at Lingfield (10f, AW, 100/1) 10 days ago. Back up in trip. Opposable again. Last win was 11 months ago and he's struggled for new yard this year; opposable.
10th
10th (1) (33/1 -83%) Eagle Court
33/1(-83%)
(1) Eagle Court 33/1, Course winner. 33/1, tenth of 11 in handicap at Kempton (12f). Off 6 months. Back to his last winning mark but others are greater appeal. Ended last season with two tailed-off efforts and needs a major revival on return.
13:40 Wolverhampton Handicap (Class 5) 12f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 5 race.
PERCY WILLIS won a similar event at Newcastle two weeks ago and the six-year-old merits plenty of respect here off just a 2lb higher mark. Hill Station was narrowly denied over 1m4f at Kempton last time and that form gives him a big chance, while the recent C&D winner Mirabello Bay and Stage Show are the pick of the remainder.
CASTEL GANDOLFO is still a fairly useful operator over hurdles and was capable of a similar level of form on the Flat in his younger days, so a chance is taken that he'll prove too well treated from a mark of 68 having a rare outing back on the level. Percy Willis is a consistent enough sort and should give another good account after winning at Newcaslte a fortnight ago, with Hill Station also considered after a good effort at Kempton.
An open race in which recent Newcastle winner PERCY WILLIS gets the vote ahead of Hill Station and Mirabello Bay.
(3) Pont Neuf 11/4, Foaled April 15. 24,000 gns yearling, Cotai Glory gelding. Half-brother to several winners, including useful 9.5f-1½m winner Laseen. Dam French 1½m winner. 24,000gns yearling; by Cotai Glory; yard had a 2yo winner on Friday; interesting.
2
2nd (1) (9/4 -13%) Do It Now
9/4(-13%)
(1) Do It Now 9/4, Foaled February 4. 6,500 gns foal, £60,000 yearling, Bungle Inthejungle colt. Dam 2-y-o 5f winner. £60,000 yearling; dam and granddam both scored first time out at two; likely type.
3
3rd (5) (9/2 +18%) Kimmico
9/2(+18%)
(5) Kimmico 9/2, Foaled March 20. 8,000 gns yearling, Kameko filly. Dam, placed at 6f/7f, half-sister to smart winner Mikki Charm out of useful 5f-6f winner Ripples Maid. 8,000gns yearling; by Kameko; represents in-form yard; needs a close look.
4
4th (2) (7/2 -75%) Majestic Heights
7/2(-75%)
(2) Majestic Heights 7/2, Foaled March 18. £28,000 yearling, Coulsty colt. Half-brother to 3 winners, including 2-y-o 6f winner Desert of Dreams and winner up to 6f Grand Zafeen. £28,000 yearling; siblings include a 2yo/AW winner; powerful stable; respected.
5th
5th (4) (9/1 +25%) Bownder
9/1(+25%)
(4) Bownder 9/1, Foaled January 26. 1,000 gns foal, Belardo gelding. Half-brother to several winners, including 7f-1m winner Majboor and winner up to 1m City of Stars, both useful. Dam 1¼m winner. 1,000gns foal; by Belardo; stable had a poor strike-rate with 2yos last term.
LTO Selection:
13:45 Kempton Stakes (Class 4) 5f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 4 race.
Richard Hannon is long established in this type of contest and it can pay to side with his Coulsty colt MAJESTIC HEIGHTS, whose sire and high-class dam both struck first time out. Related to winners over a mile and beyond, Pont Neuf may find this a bit sharp on debut but must be considered along with Kimmico, who is the first progeny of 2000 Guineas winner Kameko to hit the track.
A small field of newcomers, and the market should offer extra clues, but MAJESTIC HEIGHTS is bred to be precocious and speedy, so he gets the nod, ahead of Do It Now and Kimmico.
The strongest credentials belong to DO IT NOW, ahead of Majestic Heights. The market signals should help to complete the picture.
(2) Arion Soldier 12/1, Thrice-raced maiden. Third of 18 in maiden hurdle (125/1) at Thurles (15.9f, heavy) 16 days ago. Significantly up in trip. Beaten only 14l at Thurles over 2m; should have improved since; big step up in trip now.
2
2nd (4) (6/1 +70%) Driscolls Hill
6/1(+70%)
(4) Driscolls Hill 6/1, Point winner. 66/1, sixth of 21 in maiden hurdle at Naas (19f, heavy) on NH debut 22 days ago. Up in trip. Should improve. Not disgraced in a Navan maiden hurdle over 2m3f on rules debut; longer trip should suit.
3
3rd (6) (9/1 -260%) Lough Owel
9/1(-260%)
(6) Lough Owel 9/1, Cost €255,000 after striking at the third time of asking in points last April. Shaped like a stayer when placed in 2 bumpers this winter and similar story on last month's Navan hurdle debut. More to come now stepping up to 3m. Ability in bumpers and a maiden hurdle but weakened over 2m6f last time; questions.
4
4th (8) (2/1 +40%) Pirate Island
2/1(+40%)
(8) Pirate Island 2/1, Fair hurdler. 13/2, creditable fourth of 15 in handicap hurdle at Gowran (20f, heavy) 23 days ago. Up in trip. Some solid runs but weakened last time over 2m4f and not sure this trip is what he needs.
5th
5th (7) (11/4 -46%) Mickie Angel
11/4(-46%)
(7) Mickie Angel 11/4, Twice-raced maiden under NH rules. 14/1, second of 6 in maiden hurdle at Limerick (24f, heavy) on hurdles bow 22 days ago. Should go well. Second in a Limerick maiden hurdle over this trip; with improvement should be involved.
6th
6th (9) (33/1 -83%) Qatar Spirit
33/1(-83%)
(9) Qatar Spirit 33/1, Modest hurdler. Remains a maiden after 9 hurdle runs. Creditable fifth of 10 in handicap hurdle (22/1) at Limerick (19.4f, heavy) 162 days ago. Up in trip. Rated 97 after nine hurdle starts and isn't bred for a trip like this; others preferred.
7th
7th (5) (66/1 -100%) Fourcardrun
66/1(-100%)
(5) Fourcardrun 66/1, €34,000 3-y-o, Telescope gelding. Dam (c89/h94), maiden hurdler/chaser (stayed 2¾m), half-sister to useful hurdler (stayed 2¾m) Hirapour. By a promising sire and cost 34,000euros as a 3yo; one to watch for future reference.
8th
8th (10) (20/1 +39%) Always Groovin
20/1(+39%)
(10) Always Groovin 20/1, Court Cave mare. Half-sister to fair 19f hurdle winner The Lord Maid. Wears tongue strap. By a useful sire and a decent damline; tongue-tie on for debut; worth a market check.
9th
9th (3) (150/1 -355%) Beechfield
150/1(-355%)
(3) Beechfield 150/1, Point winner but pulled up in maiden hurdle (18/1) at Clonmel (16f, heavy) on NH debut 46 days ago, pulled up before last. Significantly up in trip. Point winner was unruly beforehand and ran no race in a Clonmel maiden hurdle.
10th
10th (1) (5/1 -11%) Annamaymurt
5/1(-11%)
(1) Annamaymurt 5/1, Once-raced maiden. 250/1, sixth of 25 in maiden hurdle at Naas (15.6f, heavy) on NH debut 36 days ago. Significantly up in trip. Open to progress. Beaten only 16l in a Navan maiden hurdle (2m) on recent debut; takes a big step up in trip.
13:48 Cork Maiden Hurdle 24f Race Speed Rating Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's race.
PIRATE ISLAND has to prove his stamina over this distance but if doing so, the Philip Fenton-trained six-year-old holds strong claims. The Soldier Of Fortune gelding was placed in three maidens prior to gaining valuable handicap experience at Gowran Park last time. Now reverting back into maiden company, he should prove too good for these. Limerick runner-up Mickie Angel has at least proven his effectiveness over the trip, so that in itself should see Denis Hogan's gelding play a leading role. He does look vulnerable to an improver, but there doesn't appear to be much strength in depth in this race. Arion Soldier steps up a mile here, but would certainly enter calculations if he gets the distance. Twice hampered at Thurles earlier this month, the six-year-old stayed on in eyecatching fashion to finish third.
The step up to 3m promises to suit Gordon Elliott's LOUGH OWEL and he's taken to improve past Mickie Angel and Pirate Island in this opening maiden hurdle.
MICKIE ANGEL showed that he stays this trip when runner-up at Limerick last time on his hurdling debut.
(9) Stay In The Game 6/5, Twice-raced maiden. Third of 5 in maiden (15/8) at Haydock (8f, heavy). Off 6 months. Player. Big shout on 2yo form and having shown it on this sort of ground is a big plus point.
(1) (4/1 +33%) Eastvan
4/1(+33%)
(1) Eastvan 4/1, Twice-raced maiden. 10/3, third of 8 in novice at Ayr (8f, heavy). Off 18 months. Major player on 2yo form (staying on over 1m in the mud) but has not been seen since.
(10) (4/1 +43%) Unique Spirit
4/1(+43%)
(10) Unique Spirit 4/1, €60,000 yearling, Waldgeist colt. Dam useful French 2-y-o 1m winner, third in Prix Miesque. One to note. 60,000euros yearling; by Waldgeist; newcomer to note given this does not look that strong.
(6) (17/2 +29%) Georgie Wooster
17/2(+29%)
(6) Georgie Wooster 17/2, 22,000 gns yearling, Inns of Court gelding. Closely related to 2-y-o 8.6f winner John T Chance and half-brother to 2 winners, including 9.6f/1¼m winner Alice Kitty. Dam, winner up to 10.4f (2-y-o 1m/8.2f winner), closely related to smart 1m-1¼m winner Rawdaa. 22,000gns yearling by Inns Of Court; stable also runs Evelyn's Phoenix.
(5) (14/1 +13%) Evelyn's Phoenix
14/1(+13%)
(5) Evelyn's Phoenix 14/1, £26,000 yearling, Phoenix of Spain gelding. Half-brother to winner abroad by Cracksman. Dam, 5f-7f winner, sister to useful 2-y-o 6f winner Maxi Boy. £26,000 yearling by Phoenix Of Spain; stable runs two newcomers and market can guide.
(7) (33/1 -32%) Meade Gold
33/1(-32%)
(7) Meade Gold 33/1, Twice-raced maiden. Fifth of 7 in novice at Newcastle (8f, 200/1) 25 days ago. Modest form at 1m on Tapeta at Southwell (50-1) in January and Newcastle (200-1) in March.
(2) (40/1 +20%) Jamie's Choice
40/1(+20%)
(2) Jamie's Choice 40/1, Peace Envoy filly. Half-sister to winner abroad by Footstepsinthesand. Dam, 1m winner, sister to useful 9.4f-1½m winner Curly out of unraced dam of National Stakes/Phoenix Stakes winner Danehill Dancer. Last of 6 in maiden (28/1) at Newcastle (8f) on debut. Off 6 months. 28-1, remote last of six in maiden at Newcastle (1m, AW) last September.
(4) (100/1 +50%) Emmemmcee
100/1(+50%)
(4) Emmemmcee 100/1, Twice-raced maiden. 300/1, last of 12 in novice at Newcastle (7.1f). Off 154 days. Tailed-off last in October at Redcar (7f, good) and Newcastle (7f, AW).
LTO Selection:hiden content, hiden content,
13:54 Redcar Stakes (Class 5) 8f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 5 race.
ROGUE ENCORE, a 145,000gns breeze-up purchase, finished an excellent third in a warm novice race at Newcastle on his most recent start and provided he can transfer that form to turf, a repeat of the performance may be enough to score here. Underfoot conditions will hold no fears for Stay In The Game and he may emerge as the main danger on the back of a solid third at Haydock in September. Unique Spirit is a fascinating contender on his debut and any market support for him should be noted.
ROGUE ENCORE should take the beating judged on his placed efforts on the AW. Stay In The Game showed ability as a juvenile so warrants respect, while Unique Spirit is a newcomer to note.
Eastvan and STAY IN THE GAME have placed in the mud but the former did so in 2022. Rogue Encore is a big player on his AW form
(5) Vision Of Hope 16/5, Recorded narrow successes at Huntingdon and Market Rasen for James Owen last summer. In reasonable form on AW Flat for new yard this year and has dipped back to only 1 lb above her last successful mark now back hurdling. Two 2m handicap hurdle wins but suspect finisher in latest 3 attempts; raced on AW of late.
(3) (7/2 +0%) Glance At Me
7/2(+0%)
(3) Glance At Me 7/2, Won 2m handicaps at Lingfield and Plumpton last spring. Pulled up back from a break on Boxing Day but quickly returned to form when runner-up back at Plumpton in January. Has run well here before. Two 2m wins in 2023; not especially progressive but has C&D form and shouldn't be far away.
(7) (4/1 +75%) Bleue Verte
4/1(+75%)
(7) Bleue Verte 4/1, Shaped better than the result when fifth of 15 on her 19.5f Hereford handicap hurdle debut in January but weakened quickly at Catterick the following month (had wind op since). Keen goer so this sharp 2m could help. Had few chances; not yet proved stamina and pulled up on handicap debut; had wind op since.
(4) (13/2 +19%) Sawpit Sienna
13/2(+19%)
(4) Sawpit Sienna 13/2, Proved at least as good as ever when successful in 13-runner mares' handicap at Taunton (for second consecutive season) in January but tailed off when falling next time and remote third at Wincanton since. Has a bit to prove all of a sudden. Two course wins at 2m4f but beaten when falling two starts ago and well below best latest.
(1) (7/1 -75%) Billams Legacy
7/1(-75%)
(1) Billams Legacy 7/1, Bumper winner who has often proved a bit headstrong for her own good over hurdles but she did go very close in novice company at Catterick (2m, soft) when last seen in December 2022. This sharp test could suit now handicapping but the 15-month absence has to be a slight worry. Possibilities on best hurdle form now handicapping after an absence; market helpful.
(2) (7/1 -100%) Omaha Wish
7/1(-100%)
(2) Omaha Wish 7/1, Point winner and in the frame in novice hurdles at Bangor and Hereford this term. Potential improver for her top stable now handicapping after a break. Won Irish point; shaped quite nicely in bumper and over hurdles; handicaps more suitable.
(6) (11/1 -340%) Rebel Angel
11/1(-340%)
(6) Rebel Angel 11/1, Fair 5-time Flat winner who has been well held in 3 qualifying runs over hurdles this winter but no surprise were she to prove a different proposition in handicaps. Market confidence would look significant with first-time cheekpieces added to a refitted tongue strap. Six Flat wins in 2023, on AW and turf in France; low mark now handicap hurdling.
13:57 Fakenham Handicap Hurdle (Class 5)
16f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 5 race.
BILLAMS LEGACY clearly benefited from wind surgery when finishing an excellent second at Catterick in December 2022, pulling clear with the winner, and off what looks a workable mark on her handicap debut, she should take some stopping, despite the absence. The lightly-raced Omaha Wish represents title-seeking Dan Skelton and there is no doubt she will be primed to strike on her first foray into handicap company. Glance At Me completes the shortlist after a creditable second off this mark at Plumpton.
A chance is taken on REBEL ANGEL who should have scope off this opening hurdle mark judged on her Flat ability. David Pipe has his team in form and confidence in this 4-y-os chance would increase should the betting vibes be strong. Omaha Wish is another handicap newcomer in good hands and is second choice ahead of the more-established Glance At Me.
Rebel Angel and OMAHA WISH are interesting now they go handicapping while Billams Legacy is also considered despite the absence.
(3) D Art D Art 4/1, Promising sort. Latest win in hurdle at Cork in January. 13/8, creditable fourth of 19 in handicap hurdle at Gowran (20.1f, heavy) 44 days ago. Back down in trip. Has to be taken seriously. Possibly did not stay extra half-mile when fourth in his first handicap, merits respect.
(6) (9/2 +10%) Implicit
9/2(+10%)
(6) Implicit 9/2, Thrice-raced winner over hurdles. 4/1, won 14-runner novice hurdle at Clonmel (16.5f, heavy) 81 days ago, pushed out. Open to improvement now pitched into a handicap. Goes into handicap company after winning a maiden at Clonmel, likely to be progressive.
(2) (5/1 -50%) Redstone
5/1(-50%)
(2) Redstone 5/1, Promising individual. C&D winner. 1 win from 3 runs this season. Fell in handicap hurdle at Down Royal (20f, soft, 16/5) 15 days ago. Trainer going well. Enters calculations. In touch when fell three out at Down Royal, seems well handicapped based on C&D maiden win.
(15) (6/1 +40%) Master Otis
6/1(+40%)
(15) Master Otis 6/1, Good second of 15 in novice hurdle at Leopardstown (16f, soft, 10/1) 29 days ago. Makes handicap hurdle debut. Needs a couple of these to falter. Maiden who comes into the reckoning on the strength of last month's Leopardstown second.
(5) (12/1 -60%) Catena Zapata
12/1(-60%)
(5) Catena Zapata 12/1, Lightly-raced maiden over hurdles. Fairly useful winner at 8f on the Flat. Excellent second of 12 in novice hurdle at Punchestown (16.1f, heavy, 11/2) 63 days ago. Makes handicap hurdle debut. Two Flat wins were gained on AW, three seconds over hurdles, makes handicap debut.
(7) (12/1 +33%) Ring O Roses
12/1(+33%)
(7) Ring O Roses 12/1, Hooded for 1st time, respectable 12 lengths sixth of 17 to Petit King in handicap hurdle (5/1) at Punchestown (19.2f, heavy) 111 days ago. Rachael Blackmore prefers Catena Zapata. First two handicaps runs were more promising than her most recent one behind Petit King.
(16) (14/1 +13%) Ossie's Lodge
14/1(+13%)
(16) Ossie's Lodge 14/1, Ninth of 10 in handicap hurdle at Limerick (16f, heavy, 12/1) 94 days ago. Tongue strap on 1st time. Others have achieved more. Bumper winner, flopped on handicap hurdle debut, addition of tongue-tie may help his cause.
(1) (16/1 +0%) Boher Road
16/1(+0%)
(1) Boher Road 16/1, Lightly-raced hurdles winner. Successful at Wexford in September. Tailed-off last of 10 to Ballyburn in Brave Inca Novices' Hurdle at Leopardstown (16f, soft, 250/1) 57 days ago. Completely out of his depth last time, let down by his jumping in a Listowel handicap.
(8) (16/1 +27%) Petit King
16/1(+27%)
(8) Petit King 16/1, Winner in hurdle at Punchestown in December. Respectable fourth of 10 in handicap hurdle (11/1) at Naas (19f, heavy) 22 days ago. Merits consideration. Possibly too high in the ratings since Punchestown win in December, fair fourth latest.
(11) (16/1 +52%) Cave Court
16/1(+52%)
(11) Cave Court 16/1, 4 wins from 7 runs this season. Latest win in chase at Clonmel in September. Brought down in handicap hurdle at Down Royal (20f, soft, 9/1) 15 days ago. Potentially well treated relative to chase form, brought down at the fourth at Down Royal.
(9) (22/1 -100%) Kaleosun
22/1(-100%)
(9) Kaleosun 22/1, Cheekpieces on for 1st time, well-beaten last of 12 to Kala Conti in Leopardstown Juvenile Hurdle (80/1) at Leopardstown (16f, good to soft) 97 days ago. Makes handicap hurdle debut. Has run in Graded juvenile races since maiden win at Galway, opening mark looks reasonable.
(4) (22/1 -57%) Sportinthepark
22/1(-57%)
(4) Sportinthepark 22/1, Lightly-raced winner under Rules. 25/1, very good third of 14 in handicap hurdle at Down Royal (20f, soft) 15 days ago. Cheekpieces on 1st time. Ended up third in Down Royal event in which Redstone fell, needs to find extra.
(12) (28/1 -155%) Toll Stone
28/1(-155%)
(12) Toll Stone 28/1, Lightly-raced winner over hurdles. C&D winner. Bit below form third of 6 in a C&D juvenile hurdle (heavy, 7/2) 37 days ago. Hood on 1st time. C&D maiden winner but well beaten in third on handicap debut also over C&D.
(13) (28/1 -56%) Don't Talk
28/1(-56%)
(13) Don't Talk 28/1, C&D winner. 2 wins from 6 runs this season. Latest win in hurdle here in January. Fourth of 7 in minor event hurdle (5/1) at this C&D (heavy) 54 days ago. Progressive in handicaps before running in a conditions race, this will suit better.
(19) (40/1 +20%) Know The Game
40/1(+20%)
(19) Know The Game 40/1, 9/1, last of 15 in handicap hurdle at Roscommon (15.5f, good to soft). Off 8 months. First run for yard after leaving J. T. R. Dreaper. Tongue strap on 1st time. Lacks a recent run, poor effort over hurdles on his final start last year, a better chaser.
(14) (50/1 +50%) San Martino
50/1(+50%)
(14) San Martino 50/1, 50/1, unseated rider in handicap hurdle at Down Royal (20f, soft) 15 days ago. Something to find on form. Flat winner, big price when unseated at Down Royal on his most recent hurdles start.
(18) (50/1 -52%) Glendine Billy
50/1(-52%)
(18) Glendine Billy 50/1, Lightly-raced maiden under Rules. 11/2, seventh of 12 in novice hurdle at Thurles (15.6f, soft) 48 days ago. Makes handicap hurdle debut. Should have more to offer. Maiden form is not strong enough to make him one of the more likely contenders.
(17) (66/1 -65%) Single Edition
66/1(-65%)
(17) Single Edition 66/1, Fair winner at 16f in bumpers. 20/1 and hood on for 1st time in this code, tenth of 14 in maiden at Dundalk (12f) on flat debut. Off 13 months. Switches from Flat to hurdles. Poor on last hurdle run. Bumper winner, lengthy absence is likely to be a drawback in a handicap as strong as this.
The chart reads from right to left to today's race.
REDSTONE beat the smart King Of Kingsfield in a maiden over C&D in October and was travelling well when a faller three out on handicap debut at Down Royal a couple of weeks ago. He has a hefty weight to shoulder but could be on a decent mark nonetheless and gets the vote. Implicit put a poor run at Limerick behind her when scoring at Clonmel in January. She handled testing ground well on that occasion and has to be feared on handicap debut. Master Otis was runner-up to a subsequent handicap winner in a Leopardstown maiden and is another with plenty of upside on his first start in handicap company.
The vote goes to D ART D ART, who landed a big-field Cork maiden in January and acquitted himself well when fourth on his handicap debut upped to 2½m at Gowran last time. But for a last-flight mistake, the 5-y-o may have finished second there and he remains open to improvement back at 2m. Redstone and Implicit are others likely improvers with appealing profiles, while Kaleosun is of interest now handicapping and Catena Zapata is also shortlisted.
It may be worth giving another chance to REDSTONE, favourite on his handicap debut and well enough positioned when falling three out
(4) Symbolic Spirit 11/8, Fair maiden hurdler for Amy Murphy. Off 7 months when respectable third of 6 in handicap hurdle at Fakenham (16f, good to soft) 17 days ago. Bold showing is on the cards with that run under her belt. Soundly beaten third on stable debut but was well backed and could improve for that run.
(7) (4/1 +0%) Copernic Du Mazet
4/1(+0%)
(7) Copernic Du Mazet 4/1, Looks to be being brought along steadily, keeping-on third of 7 in novice hurdle (2/1) at Carlisle (17f, heavy) 42 days ago. Up in trip now handicapping. Merits consideration. This step up in trip could help on handicap debut and he receives handy 10lb 4yo allowance.
(2) (15/2 -15%) Mountain Pass
15/2(-15%)
(2) Mountain Pass 15/2, Lightly-raced maiden who came in only sixth of 8 in handicap hurdle at Newbury (16.3f, soft) 30 days ago. Up in trip with work to do. Tailed off on h'cap debut but on heavy; promise on good/good to soft at end of last year.
(1) (17/2 -6%) Twoconduit
17/2(-6%)
(1) Twoconduit 17/2, Lightly-raced ex-Irish maiden. Reportedly finished lame on his yard debut when last of 7 at Limerick on sole run for Maike Magnussen. More needed for his new handler. First past the post in a point; no threat over hurdles but check betting on stable debut.
(5) (9/1 +10%) Ballynaheer
9/1(+10%)
(5) Ballynaheer 9/1, Lightly-raced maiden. Pulled up in handicap hurdle at Doncaster (24.4f, heavy, 13/2) 29 days ago. Tongue strap is reached for now. Fair 3rd off 5lb higher on h'cap debut in February; heavy ground may not have suited since.
(3) (9/1 -100%) Charmian's Place
9/1(-100%)
(3) Charmian's Place 9/1, Tongue strap on for 1st time, already lost his place when brought down 4 out in novice hurdle (14/1) at Doncaster (19.4f, heavy) 29 days ago. Makes handicap debut with more required. Lightly raced 6yo who could have part to play on h'cap debut, particularly if ground dries.
(6) (16/1 +60%) Eric Carmen
16/1(+60%)
(6) Eric Carmen 16/1, Maiden who ended his time in Ireland with a good second at Tramore in June 2022 but pulled up both runs for his current handler. Has plenty to prove. Returned from absence this winter and has been pulled up on both starts this term.
(9) (18/1 +55%) Stargazer Belle
18/1(+55%)
(9) Stargazer Belle 18/1, Arrives out of sorts, pulled up in handicap hurdle at Hereford (21.7f, good) 160 days ago. Others appeal more. Displayed some ability last spring but tailed off in the autumn in her first two handicaps.
(10) (50/1 -25%) Fantastic Artist
50/1(-25%)
(10) Fantastic Artist 50/1, Poor maiden on the Flat. Only twelfth of 16 in novice hurdle at Newbury (16.3f, soft) 69 days ago. Needs this switch to handicap company to spark improvement. 4yo; poor maiden on Flat and hasn't shown much over hurdles, either; handicap debut.
14:10 Huntingdon Handicap Hurdle (Class 5)
21f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 5 race.
Although SYMBOLIC SPIRIT remains a maiden after 12 starts under Rules, it was interesting that she was sent off a warm favourite on her stable debut at Fakenham last month. Dan Skelton's new recruit found herself outpaced over 2m, but, eased 1lb in the handicap and back over further, it would come as no surprise were she to improve. An opening mark of 91 appears to be workable for Copernic Du Mazet and he is worth considering, along with Mountain Pass who, like the selection, should appreciate a step up in trip.
Dan Skelton's new recruit SYMBOLIC SPIRIT rates just the pick of these weights and shaped as if the run would bring her on when third after a lay-off at Fakenham so edges the vote. Handicap-newcomer Copernic du Mazet is next on the list ahead of Wonderweasle and Twoconduit.
The return to better ground could be a major plus for the unexposed 5yo MOUNTAIN PASS. The 4yo Copernic Du Mazet is feared most.
(6) Pappano Evens, Nathaniel colt. Shaped best when third of 13 in maiden at Kempton (11f, 6/1) on debut, keeping on without being unduly punished. Off 103 days. Difficult to oppose. 3rd at Kempton (1m3f, Polytrack) in December, keeping on well in a good scrap; Derby entry.
(5) (11/4 +31%) Open Secret
11/4(+31%)
(5) Open Secret 11/4, Cracksman colt. 10/1, showed plenty when third of 6 in minor event at Newcastle (8f) on debut. Off 107 days. Significantly up in trip. Should progress. 10-1, made most when third of six in novice at Newcastle (1m, Tapeta) in December.
(3) (11/2 -38%) Jacques Cartier
11/2(-38%)
(3) Jacques Cartier 11/2, Sea The Stars gelding. Matched debut form when fourth of 7 in minor event at Southwell (11.1f, 4/9) 83 days ago, hanging left off the bridle. Since been gelded and holds frame claims again. 3rd here on debut; 4-9 at Southwell (1m3f) but hung left and ended fourth of seven; gelded.
(7) (17/2 +15%) See The Green
17/2(+15%)
(7) See The Green 17/2, Postponed colt. Half-brother to 1½m-1¾m winner Claritudo. Dam, 1m winner, half-sister to smart winner up to 1¼m Law Power. Worth market check on debut. By Postponed; his stable's first 3yo runner of the season and needs a market check.
(4) (12/1 -9%) North Winterfell
12/1(-9%)
(4) North Winterfell 12/1, Golden Horn colt. Third of 12 in maiden (9/2) at Kempton (12f) 26 days ago, running on. Tongue strap on 1st time. Appeals as a staying type and may find a few too sharp again. Fair form both starts, staying-on third of 12 in maiden at Kempton (1m4f) on latest.
(2) (50/1 +0%) Rotten Row
50/1(+0%)
(2) Rotten Row 50/1, Fairly useful jumps winner. Twice-raced maiden on Flat. 150/1, 5½ lengths eighth of 12 to Cannon Rock in minor event at Southwell last time, not unduly punished. Likely to be of more interest when handicapping. Bumper, hurdle and chase winner in Ireland; seems best watched for now under Flat rules.
(1) (150/1 -275%) Payment Plan
150/1(-275%)
(1) Payment Plan 150/1, Decorated Knight gelding. 125/1, tenth of 11 in minor event at this course (9.5f) on debut 21 days ago. Up in trip. Always behind when 125-1 for a 9.4f novice here three weeks ago.
14:15 Wolverhampton Stakes (Class 4) 12f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 4 race.
PAPPANO displayed plenty of promise when only narrowly finding two rivals with race experience too good on his debut over 1m3f at Kempton in December. The son of Nathaniel could be very hard to stop with the benefit of that outing. However, Open Secret has a similar profile to the selection and should not be underestimated. Jacques Cartier is another with valid form claims, while See The Green merits a market inspection on his racecourse bow.
PAPPANO looked a smart prospect despite evident inexperience when third at Kempton on debut and he's open to significant progress. Open Secret is another who appeals as a potential improver after a promising debut and is the main danger ahead of Jacques Cartier.
Preference is for PAPPANO and Open Secret, with the former making a strong impression on his debut and he is also a Derby entry.
(7) Palace Green 7/4, Thrice-raced maiden. 5/2, fifth of 10 in maiden at Newmarket (10f, good to soft). Off 159 days. Has form in the book. Close 3rd at Bath (1m, soft) but disappointing at Newmarket (1m2f, soft) later in October.
(1) (4/1 -33%) Educate
4/1(-33%)
(1) Educate 4/1, Foaled March 28. Sea The Stars colt. Half-brother to winner abroad by Gleneagles. Dam, Italian winner up to 11f (2-y-o 1m winner). . 5/2, won 11-runner minor event at Southwell (8.1f) on debut. Off 116 days. Up in trip. Tongue strap on 1st time. Open to progress. Stuck to his task well to reel in the favourite in Southwell novice (1m, AW) in December.
(2) (4/1 -129%) Musical Dancer
4/1(-129%)
(2) Musical Dancer 4/1, Dubawi colt. Brother to very smart 1m/8.5f winner Laugh Aloud. Twice-raced winner. 10/11, won 7-runner maiden at this course (8f) 47 days ago, having run of race. Up in trip. One to take seriously. Made most to win 1m maiden here (10-11) and further improvement should be forthcoming.
(6) (13/2 -8%) Inner Wisdom
13/2(-8%)
(6) Inner Wisdom 13/2, Teofilo gelding. Half-brother to 2-y-o 6f winner Al Khazneh. Dam 11f/1½m winner. Highly respected on debut but stable but Buick seemingly picks Musical Dancer from the stable's pair. Teofilo gelding; looks the stable second string behind Musical Dancer.
(5) (8/1 -23%) Ghostlore
8/1(-23%)
(5) Ghostlore 8/1, €260,000 yearling, Frankel colt. Half-brother to very smart winner up to 1m Duke of Hazzard and 1m winner Vega Star. Dam, French 7.5f/1m winner. 15/2 and hooded, fifth of 10 in minor event at this course (8f) on debut 82 days ago. Up in trip. Likely to improve and respected. 260,000euros yearling; 15-2 and hooded, keeping-on 5th of ten in 1m novice here in January.
(3) (14/1 +0%) Cambria Legend
14/1(+0%)
(3) Cambria Legend 14/1, Twice-raced maiden. 28/1, seventh of 13 in minor event at this course (8f). Off 138 days. Up in trip. Fair form both starts (better on debut) but may be a longer-term prospect.
(8) (22/1 -10%) Scotland The Brave
22/1(-10%)
(8) Scotland The Brave 22/1, 50,000 gns foal, 30,000 gns yearling, Gleneagles colt. Half-brother to winner abroad by Camelot. Dam winner up to 12.5f (2-y-o 1¼m winner). 30,000gns yearling; needs to be pretty useful to win this but a market check is required.
(4) (40/1 -60%) Chelsea Harbour
40/1(-60%)
(4) Chelsea Harbour 40/1, Twice-raced maiden. 14/1, last of 8 in minor event at Bath (8f, soft). Off 6 months. Up in trip. Showed ability on Chelmsford debut (1m, AW); last of eight at Bath (1m, soft) in October.
14:20 Kempton Stakes (Class 5) 10f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 5 race.
MUSICAL DANCER showed marked improvement from his first to his second start when scoring comfortably over a mile here. Gelded since, the son of Dubawi looks ready to go up in trip and he gets the vote ahead of Educate, who rallied late to strike on debut at Southwell. A promising fifth on his first start here in January, Ghostlore is capable of being in the shake-up, and the selection's stable companion Inner Wisdom is worth a second glance on his introduction.
MUSICAL DANCER improved markedly to win second-time up here 47 days ago and is bred to be well above average. Ghostlore shaped well on debut and is another bred for better. Palace Green has form in the book, but is a bit more exposed.
AW winners Educate and Musical Dancer concede 7lb to the rest and that may leave them them vulnerable to PALACE GREEN.
(3) The Banger Doyle 4/1, 9/4, creditable third of 10 in handicap hurdle at this course (16.8f, heavy) 113 days ago, needing stronger gallop. Hood back on. Expected to be bang there. A decent C&D effort on heavy ground when last seen and is likely to be involved.
(5) (6/1 -140%) Ricky Bobby
6/1(-140%)
(5) Ricky Bobby 6/1, C&D winner. Eleven runs since last win in 2021. Creditable second of 19 in handicap hurdle (5/1) at Naas (15.5f, heavy) 22 days ago, travelling best. Tongue strap on 1st time. Not taken lightly. Consistent in defeat of late; creeping up the handicap too but can be closely involved.
(15) (7/1 +68%) Duffys Hodey
7/1(+68%)
(15) Duffys Hodey 7/1, Respectable fifth of 16 in handicap hurdle at Clonmel (16f, heavy, 10/1) 46 days ago. Others more persuasive. Soundly beaten last few times; 1lb out of the handicap.
(1) (7/1 +13%) Johngus
7/1(+13%)
(1) Johngus 7/1, Latest win in hurdle at Limerick in December. Creditable fourth of 20 in handicap hurdle at this course (20f, heavy, 50/1) 11 days ago. Player. Fourth over 2m4f here 11 days ago; weakened late and the drop back to this trip will suit.
(2) (8/1 -7%) Mercury Mission
8/1(-7%)
(2) Mercury Mission 8/1, Fifth of 8 in handicap hurdle at Thurles (15.6f, heavy, 6/1) 71 days ago. Tongue strap on 1st time. Poor at Thurles last time but has a chance if bouncing back in a first-time tongue-tie.
(9) (17/2 +58%) Cosmic Rock
17/2(+58%)
(9) Cosmic Rock 17/2, Fifth of 12 in handicap hurdle at Limerick (16.2f, heavy, 16/1) 8 days ago. Returned after two years away this season and has run well at times; needs to find more.
(4) (12/1 +40%) Penalty Try
12/1(+40%)
(4) Penalty Try 12/1, Promising type. Seventh of 13 in novice hurdle (66/1) at Fairyhouse (16f, heavy) 37 days ago. Makes handicap hurdle debut. Should progress. Beaten 16l at Fairyhouse last time; one to watch in the market on handicap debut.
(7) (14/1 -87%) Whateys Quest
14/1(-87%)
(7) Whateys Quest 14/1, Lightly-raced maiden. Seemed amiss when pulled up in handicap hurdle (3/1) at Clonmel (18.9f, heavy) 46 days ago, tailing off. Retains some potential. Horses from this yard often bounce back from poor runs so still one to keep in mind.
(10) (14/1 -56%) Macinamillion
14/1(-56%)
(10) Macinamillion 14/1, Lightly-raced maiden. 22/1 and hooded for 1st time, creditable fifth of 19 in handicap hurdle at Naas (15.5f, heavy) 22 days ago. Open to improvement. Not beaten far on handicap debut at Naas last time; hood retained and looks a player.
(6) (16/1 -45%) Listenheretomejack
16/1(-45%)
(6) Listenheretomejack 16/1, 13/2, below form tenth of 18 in handicap hurdle at Gowran (16f, heavy) 67 days ago. Nowhere near his best recently and need more evidence of wellbeing.
(12) (16/1 -45%) Knockaneleigh Girl
16/1(-45%)
(12) Knockaneleigh Girl 16/1, Lightly-raced maiden under NH rules. Fourteenth of 15 in handicap hurdle at Gowran (20f, heavy, 8/1) 23 days ago. May yet do better. Always in rear on handicap debut at Gowran last time and huge improvement is needed.
(14) (25/1 +38%) Out Of The Park
25/1(+38%)
(14) Out Of The Park 25/1, Lightly-raced maiden. 20/1, sixteenth of 17 in handicap hurdle at Thurles (16.5f, good to soft) 123 days ago. Poor at Thurles when last seen under rules; placed in three points since; needs more.
(8) (28/1 +15%) Contrapposto
28/1(+15%)
(8) Contrapposto 28/1, 22/1, fourteenth of 16 in handicap hurdle at Punchestown (16.5f, soft) 137 days ago. Has been mostly well beaten recently in this sphere; others preferred.
(11) (33/1 -83%) Aboy Joey
33/1(-83%)
(11) Aboy Joey 33/1, Thrice-raced maiden. 250/1, seventeenth of 24 in novice hurdle at this course (16.8f, heavy) 113 days ago. Makes handicap hurdle debut. Is likely to be better now dropped into handicaps; worth a market check.
(13) (80/1 +0%) Inchiquin Maid
80/1(+0%)
(13) Inchiquin Maid 80/1, 125/1, last of 19 in handicap hurdle at Naas (15.5f, heavy) 22 days ago. Placed a few times, including in a 3m maiden hurdle here; poor lately, though.
The chart reads from right to left to today's race.
Although yet to win over hurdles, THE BANGER DOYLE is very well handicapped relative to his chase and Flat marks. With the John Queally-trained eight-year-old having run one of his better races in this discipline when third here before Christmas, it has to be encouraging that connections return to Cork. Having shown some of his best form on testing ground, conditions look set to favour the son of Windsor Knot. Ricky Bobby finished one place ahead of The Banger Doyle in the aforementioned Cork race, but was claimer-ridden on that occasion. At the revised weights, Tim Doyle's gelding has some work to do. Mercury Mission needs to improve, but has been racing in much stronger company so could be seen in a better light now he faces an easier task.
THE BANGER DOYLE is worth persevering with over hurdles on the evidence of his last 2 efforts so gets the vote over Ricky Bobby and Johngus.
With a fine effort on handicap debut under his girth, MACINAMILLION can build upon that to get off the mark over hurdles.
(4) I'd Like To Know 6/4, Promising individual who has made an excellent start in this sphere, just denied at Newbury on debut before going one better in good style there last month. Seems sure to win more races before the season is out. Has made a good start over fences and this scopey 7yo can progress further.
(5) (16/5 +20%) Scarface
16/5(+20%)
(5) Scarface 16/5, Gradually getting the hang of things over fences, scoring over C&D in January before quickly resuming winning ways at Sandown last month. Must be respected. Recent Sandown winner and no reason why he shouldn't have a major say off 3lb higher.
(3) (11/2 +21%) Bourbali
11/2(+21%)
(3) Bourbali 11/2, Seems a better chaser than hurdler, jumping accurately when seeing off sole rival at Kempton (18f) in November. Not disgraced in Grade 2 there next time before decent second back in handicap company at Wincanton. Hood on 1st time. Player. Early days over fences and he ran well under a big weight on handicap debut latest.
(2) (13/2 -44%) Kotmask
13/2(-44%)
(2) Kotmask 13/2, Has taken well to chasing this season, improving again when winning for the third time over fences in a 4-runner C&D handicap 6 weeks ago. However, was in the process of running below form when falling at Sandown (race won by Scarface) since so needs to bounce back. Even with a trouble-free round he might be too high in the weights now.
(6) (10/1 -43%) Huelgoat
10/1(-43%)
(6) Huelgoat 10/1, Four-time winner over fences during first half of last season and impressed with his strength at the finish in a well-run race to go in again at Wincanton in November. Possible excuses both starts since so better showing wouldn't surprise. Has been waiting for the ground to dry out and his winning form in Nov brings him into it.
(7) (16/1 +0%) Walk In Clover
16/1(+0%)
(7) Walk In Clover 16/1, Back-to-back chase winner last spring and plenty of good efforts in defeat have followed, not least when third off a 3 lb higher mark in a competitive Cheltenham handicap in November. Below par since, however, including when tried in a hood at Ascot last week. Has the form to feature but she's not one to rely on; didn't improve for a hood last week.
(1) (20/1 -150%) Black Gerry
20/1(-150%)
(1) Black Gerry 20/1, Won all 4 of his starts when completing last season, including this race, but has made little impact in 4 outings this term. Won this last year off 5lb higher but this season hasn't gone half as well.
14:25 Plumpton Handicap Chase (Class 2)
20f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 2 race.
Representing the Chris Gordon yard, I'D LIKE TO KNOW was quite taking when opening his account over fences at Newbury last month. The seven-year-old looks just the type who could reach greater heights in this discipline and an 8lb rise in the ratings may not be enough to prevent him from following up. Kotmask's jumping wasn't quite up to scratch when falling at Sandown in March, but the son of Masked Marvel warrants respect back over the C&D of his triumph the previous month. Scarface also warrants a second look.
I'D LIKE TO KNOW has made an encouraging start to his chasing career and looks one to keep on the right side of after his stylish win at Newbury last month. Likely front-runner Bourbali is next best ahead of the in-form Scarface.
Chris Gordon's I'D LIKE TO KNOW (nap) has made a solid start to his chase career and he had a good bit up his sleeve at Newbury.
(1) Due Consideration 10/3, Winner at Musselburgh (1m) in September. Runner-up on AW next 2 starts and claims if he can shrug off a lesser run at Southwell last month. Form dipped last time but consistent otherwise in handicaps; won his last turf attempt.
(9) (7/2 +0%) Northern Cracksman
7/2(+0%)
(9) Northern Cracksman 7/2, 11/2, good third of 9 in handicap at Southwell (1m) 16 days ago. Blinkers on first time. Not taken lightly. Seven-race maiden who has promising 1m form; dam opened her account at eighth attempt.
(3) (11/2 +0%) Bestie
11/2(+0%)
(3) Bestie 11/2, Lightly-raced maiden. Seventh of 8 in handicap (9/2) at Newcastle (6f) 14 days ago. Significantly up in trip. Gives the impression he may improve for the step up to 1m; dam won over this trip.
(6) (6/1 +0%) Happy Helen
6/1(+0%)
(6) Happy Helen 6/1, Thrice-raced maiden. 12/1, fourth of 8 in novice at Thirsk (7f, good to soft) in August. Off 7 months ahead of handicap debut. Unexposed profile makes her a potential improver. Looks the type to improve now handicapping and upped in distance; interesting.
(8) (17/2 -42%) Likleman
17/2(-42%)
(8) Likleman 17/2, Modest maiden. Runner-up twice at Newcastle to start 2024. Creditable sixth of 12 in handicap at Southwell (1m, 33/1) 22 days ago. Runner-up off 2lb higher on three occasions; good chance if back to that form.
(5) (10/1 -33%) Havana Prince
10/1(-33%)
(5) Havana Prince 10/1, Won over 6f on AW last autumn. Eighth of 9 in handicap at Southwell (6f, 4/1) 16 days ago. Significantly up in trip. Has regressed since Newcastle win; enough to prove back on turf and upped in trip.
(4) (14/1 +0%) Whatwouldiknow
14/1(+0%)
(4) Whatwouldiknow 14/1, Modest form at 2, although was runner-up in a nursery at Beverley in August. Well held on AW in September. Best effort when second at Beverley; return to that form would put him in the picture.
(12) (16/1 +0%) Kingsford
16/1(+0%)
(12) Kingsford 16/1, Lightly-raced maiden. 7/1, sixth of 8 in handicap at Wolverhampton (8.6f) on reappearance 23 days ago. Blinkered first time. Chance largely depends on how well he responds to first-time headgear.
(2) (22/1 -57%) Nominal Event
22/1(-57%)
(2) Nominal Event 22/1, Lightly-raced maiden. Second in 7f Catterick maiden (soft) in October. Tenth of 11 in nursery (28/1) at Southwell (1m) when last seen in December. May be capable of progress back on turf, having shown some ability in this sphere.
(7) (25/1 +0%) Infinite Honour
25/1(+0%)
(7) Infinite Honour 25/1, Lightly-raced maiden. 40/1, fifth of 8 in handicap at Newcastle (1m) 19 days ago. May do better with Newcastle reappearance under his belt.
(10) (28/1 -40%) Amazing Winnie
28/1(-40%)
(10) Amazing Winnie 28/1, Poor maiden. Cheekpieces on first time, last of 8 in handicap at Newcastle (6f) 14 days ago. Significantly back up in trip. Has failed to progress but may fare better off this reduced mark back on turf.
(11) (66/1 -32%) On The Bubble
66/1(-32%)
(11) On The Bubble 66/1, Poor form. Last of 8 in handicap (100/1) at Newcastle (1m) 44 days ago. Hood on first time. Needs improvement. Chance largely depends on how well she responds to first-time hood.
14:29 Redcar Handicap (Class 6) 8f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 6 race.
NORTHERN CRACKSMAN showed more promise than in his previous starts when finishing a one-length third at Southwell and, off an unchanged mark and donning blinkers for the first time, he can go two places better. Bestie finished down the field over 6f at Newcastle on his most recent start but, dropped 2lb, he is a fascinating contender on his first try at a mile. Happy Helen also commands attention on her handicap debut.
NORTHERN CRACKSMAN arrives with placed form over 1m on AW this year and might prove the answer to this open-looking 3-y-o handicap. Due Consideration wasn't at his best at Southwell last month but had enjoyed a good run of form prior to that and is second choice ahead of unexposed Michael Dods handicap newcomer Happy Helen.
Having shown clear promise over 1m this year, NORTHERN CRACKSMAN looks poised to get off the mark. Happy Helen is second choice.
(1) Jerrash 8/13, Good Fontwell chasing second in first-time blinkers but only third of 4 in handicap hurdle at Plumpton (25f, soft) 21 days ago. Back chasing and sets a good standard lowered in grade. This seems a good opportunity, with all of his modest rivals out of the weights.
(2) (5/2 -11%) Ingennio
5/2(-11%)
(2) Ingennio 5/2, Went backwards from his chasing bow when only fifth of 9 in handicap chase at Huntingdon (16.5f, good to soft) 7 days ago. Up in trip. Worth another chance. Still a maiden but is one of the main players, despite being 4lb out of weights.
(3) (11/2 -22%) Shortcross Storm
11/2(-22%)
(3) Shortcross Storm 11/2, Scored over fences at Newton Abbot last May but off 7 months since pulled up over hurdles there last time. Back chasing with more required. Far from consistent over the last two years; nearly a stone out of the handicap.
(4) (66/1 -230%) Torrent Des Mottes
66/1(-230%)
(4) Torrent Des Mottes 66/1, It's now 19 runs since last win in 2021 and he came in last of 7 in handicap chase (50/1) at Huntingdon (16.5f, heavy) 15 days ago. Others appeal more. 13yo who has shown little in two runs this term; 24lb out of the weights.
(5) (100/1 -300%) Fast Deal
100/1(-300%)
(5) Fast Deal 100/1, Remains a maiden after 18 runs. 150/1, last on the Flat at Wolverhampton (9.5f) 35 days ago. Easy to look elsewhere. Longstanding maiden; 30lb out of the handicap.
14:32 Fakenham Handicap Chase (Class 4)
21f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 4 race.
JERRASH's official rating continues to slide and after a subdued effort over timber at Plumpton, this looks to be a good opportunity for him to return to the winner's enclosure back over the larger obstacles. Ingennio disappointed when down the field over an extended 2m at Huntingdon last week but while he comes with risks attached, stepping up in trip on his second start since undergoing a breathing operation can help him give the selection something to think about. Shortcross Storm completes the shortlist, but inconsistency continues to be the main concern with him.
A weak seller in which JERRASH is the only one in the handicap proper here and hard to oppose reverted to fences. Ingennio appeals as the one to chase home Gary Moore's 7-y-o ahead of Shortcross Storm.
Switched to a selling handicap, JERRASH (nap) can prove too good for his modest opponents. Ingennio looks the only realistic threat.
(3) Idefix De Ciergues 8/11, Fair form over hurdles, reacting well to cheekpieces when going close in 2½m Wincanton handicap in January. Occupied same spot over shorter here a month later and sets the standard with return to this trip looking in his favour. Beaten at odds-on here last time but still a big player on this step back up in trip.
(5) (4/1 -78%) Magical Escape
4/1(-78%)
(5) Magical Escape 4/1, Proved a different proposition second time up over hurdles when finishing a clear second in a 13-runner novice over 19.4f here in December but a couple of dislikeable efforts have followed. Steps up in trip. Good second over 2m3f here in December but safely held twice since; new trip today.
(2) (5/1 -50%) Face D'music
5/1(-50%)
(2) Face D'music 5/1, £100,000 purchase having been placed only start in Irish points and did well when second in a pair of 2m4f Hereford novice hurdles in November. Unseated in soft fashion when backed for Ascot novice handicap over this trip 8 days ago (tongue tied). Remains with potential. Placed twice over 2m3f in November and could have untapped potential over staying trips.
(7) (15/2 -50%) Coin Basket
15/2(-50%)
(7) Coin Basket 15/2, Had missed nearly 23 months since making a winning bumper debut, and looked rusty sent hurdling at Plumpton (20.5f), but she offered something to work on by the finish. Upped further in trip by new yard and should improve. Made encouraging late headway over 2m4f on recent hurdle debut; now with new stable.
(4) (28/1 -133%) Lepashe
28/1(-133%)
(4) Lepashe 28/1, Point winner who has looked better over hurdles but he's been badly out of form this season. Back from a break here. Fair hurdler; chasing has not got to plan this term; needs to get career back on track.
(6) (125/1 -213%) Mako Of The Glade
125/1(-213%)
(6) Mako Of The Glade 125/1, Fair form when reaching the frame in 2 juvenile hurdles in France in autumn 2021 but no impact in 2 runs for current connections after long absence. Placed over hurdles in France in 2021 but has struggled on both British starts; too risky.
14:35 Chepstow Maiden Hurdle
(Class 4) 24f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 4 race.
Runner-up in a point-to-point previously, IDEFIX DE CIERGUES should relish going up to almost three miles, having run with plenty of credit on his last two starts. The six-year-old could not justify short odds over the extended 2m3f here last time out, but he rallied well for second towards the finish and gets the vote ahead of Face D'music, who unseated at Ascot last time out but is better judged on his pair of second-placed efforts at Hereford. Runner-up here last December over shorter, Magical Escape is another to consider.
IDEFIX DE CIERGUES may benefit from a return to this trip and gets the vote over Face d'Music and Coin Basket in a tricky maiden.
He was turned over at odds-on here last time but IDEFIX DE CIERGUES went close in a big-field handicap two starts ago and is selected.
(8) Miss Manzor 3/1, Fairly useful hurdler. Fifth of 22 in the Fred Winter (18/1) at Cheltenham (16.4f, heavy) 20 days ago, needing stiffer test. Could be hard to pass if she is allowed to dictate. Failed to confirm previous form with Ndaawi at Cheltenham but Paul Townend picks her now.
(1) (4/1 +11%) Bottler'secret
4/1(+11%)
(1) Bottler'secret 4/1, Quickly developed into a useful Flat performer for Ciaran Murphy in the autumn and comfortably got off the mark on his yard/hurdles debut in Grade 3 Naas juvenile 36 days ago. Has a fair bit more to offer. Won two of his three Flat starts, won Grade 3 on hurdling debut, this looks tougher.
(6) (9/2 -226%) Ndaawi
9/2(-226%)
(6) Ndaawi 9/2, Useful Flat winner who confirmed previous promise in this sphere when off the mark in 16-runner event at Naas and smashing third of 22 in the Fred Winter at Cheltenham (16.4f, heavy) 20 days ago. Lots to like. Excellent third in an Irish-dominated Boodles at Cheltenham, Miss Manzor 9l away in fifth.
(4) (9/2 +36%) Givemefive
9/2(+36%)
(4) Givemefive 9/2, Fair Flat winner in Ireland who made it 2 from 2 over hurdles for his new yard at Warwick in January. Very good ¾-length second of 5 to Kalif Du Berlais in Adonis Juvenile Hurdle at Kempton since and not discounted. Has taken well to hurdling, no disgrace in Kempton second behind an unbeaten opponent.
(7) (15/2 +38%) Karia Des Blaises
15/2(+38%)
(7) Karia Des Blaises 15/2, Winner of her only start over hurdles for Emmanuel Clayeux and shaped with promise first 2 outings for new yard before falling heavily in the Fred Winter at Cheltenham (16.4f, heavy) 20 days ago. Did well to split Miss Manzor and Ndaawi at this venue, fell at the fourth in the Boodles.
(2) (9/1 +0%) Batman Girac
9/1(+0%)
(2) Batman Girac 9/1, Thirteenth of 22 in Fred Winter at Cheltenham (16.4f, heavy, 10/1) 20 days ago. Bit to find at this stage. Fourth in a Grade 2 at Leopardstown, trainer could not explain poor showing in the Boodles.
(5) (14/1 +0%) Karl Des Tourelles
14/1(+0%)
(5) Karl Des Tourelles 14/1, 100/1 winner first time up at Gowran. Second of 4 in juvenile hurdle at Limerick (16f, heavy, 10/3) 22 days ago, needing stiffer test. Open to progress. Big-priced winner on debut, no match for a smart type in a four-runner Limerick contest.
(3) (28/1 +15%) Eastern Legend
28/1(+15%)
(3) Eastern Legend 28/1, Useful handicapper on Flat (stays 14.5f), better than ever when successful last time. Some doing if he took this first time up over hurdles. Stayed well on Flat, could make a smart hurdler but is thrown in at the deep end here.
The chart reads from right to left to today's race.
NDAAWI reversed course and distance form with Miss Manzor when a fine third in the Fred Winter at Cheltenham and may now confirm that superiority. Gordon Elliott's charge, a maiden winner at Naas two runs back, finished third to Miss Manzor here in January but had that filly nine lengths in arrears when they clashed at Prestbury Park. Miss Manzor gets an extra 3lb from the selection on this occasion but it may not be enough to turn the tables. Karia Des Blaises, a faller at halfway in the Fred Winter, had previously split Miss Manzor and Ndaawi when second here in January and can't be ruled out but British raider Givemefive, second in a Grade 2 at Kempton after winning his first two starts over hurdles, may pose a bigger threat. Bottler'secret easily won a four-runner Grade 3 at Naas on hurdling debut but faces a stiffer task under a penalty.
BOTTLER'SECRET has plenty more to offer over jumps judged on his impressive Naas win and can take this. Fred Winter-third Ndaawi is an obvious threat although his old rival Miss Manzor might be hard to pass if she can dictate matters.
It could pay to trust the form of the Boodles at Cheltenham in which NDAAWI reversed C&D form with Miss Manzor, an obvious danger
(11) Mixedwave 4/1, Made it 2-3 over fences here when landing a 4-runner C&D handicap (heavy) last time. Now 4 lb higher in a deeper race/higher grade but he's a likeable type and should continue to give a good account. Two C&D wins this year and this progressive 7yo could play a leading role once more.
(6) (11/2 +50%) Concetto
11/2(+50%)
(6) Concetto 11/2, Proved a totally different proposition sent chasing last season, scoring on handicap debut here before following up at Musselburgh. Added to his tally at Market Rasen in February but failed to fire next time and needs to bounce back with first-time blinkers replacing cheekpieces. Disappointing at Carlisle last time but prior to that won in good style at Market Rasen.
(5) (11/2 +8%) Not At Present
11/2(+8%)
(5) Not At Present 11/2, Four-time hurdles winner who put in a good shift from the front when third in a 5-runner Doncaster handicap chase (3m, soft) last month, despite some jumping errors at the business end of the race. Still early days in this sphere (this will be his fourth start over fences) and he's a key player. Encouraging third at Doncaster last time and there's room for improvement in his jumping.
(9) (11/2 +39%) Island Run
11/2(+39%)
(9) Island Run 11/2, Dual winner over hurdles who made a good start in this sphere when going close at Kempton on return in October. Excuses at Wincanton last time (the very testing conditions there were probably against him) and, eased 3 lb since, he should have a part to play with better ground forecast here. Perhaps this return to better ground will help but he's been disappointing this year.
(1) (13/2 -63%) Gold Link
13/2(-63%)
(1) Gold Link 13/2, Opened chase account at Stratford last summer and has continued the good work since, resuming winning ways over 2½m here in October before finishing a creditable third back from a break at Doncaster. Best form on good/good to soft and claims granted suitable conditions. 2m4f win here last October and good third at Doncaster since; in the mix.
(10) (11/1 +8%) Lord Sparky
11/1(+8%)
(10) Lord Sparky 11/1, Recorded sixth career win over fences when making all in an amateur rider's handicap at Fakenham on New Year's Day last year. Has a fair bit to prove following 2 poor efforts this season but boasts a fine record at this course and he's dangerous to discount. No surprise to see a big revival now back at Huntingdon, where he has a good record.
(7) (12/1 -9%) Aquila Sky
12/1(-9%)
(7) Aquila Sky 12/1, Fairly useful hurdler at best and appears to be gradually working his way back to form, finishing third at Catterick (25.2f, soft) on what was just his second start over fences/third outing following almost 2 years off. Possibilities off the same mark. Fair third at Catterick on belated return to fences and today's better ground could help.
(2) (12/1 -50%) Dalamoi
12/1(-50%)
(2) Dalamoi 12/1, Positive start to life over fences last term, making a winning debut in this sphere at Kempton prior to going close off a 3 lb higher mark than this at Chepstow. No show 3 starts so far this season but now tried in a tongue strap and will be a danger to all if able to bounce back. Back on better ground and has dropped to a dangerous mark; tongue-tie goes on; interesting.
(8) (14/1 +44%) Gaelic Park
14/1(+44%)
(8) Gaelic Park 14/1, Point/bumper winner who got off the mark over hurdles in 11-runner maiden at Warwick last spring. However, he hasn't shown much at all in 2 starts switched to fences this season. On a handy mark on hurdle form but well beaten/pulled up on his first two chase starts.
(4) (16/1 +0%) Belargus
16/1(+0%)
(4) Belargus 16/1, Both chase wins gained at Sandown in 2021 and solid third over 2½m there on final run of last term. Bettered first 2 efforts of this season when fifth of 8 in first-time cheekpieces back at Sandown recently and he's on a dangerous mark should the change of headgear (now blinkered) work the oracle. Continues to drop down weights; fair fifth at Sandown last time but he likes it here.
14:45 Huntingdon Handicap Chase (Class 4)
24f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 4 race.
Successful over C&D on his last two visits here, Mixedwave merits the utmost respect at the foot of the handicap. A 4lb rise for the latest of those victories doesn't appear harsh, but a chance can be taken on IOUPY COLLONGES, who was far from disgraced when finishing third to the improving Martator on his return at Newbury last month. With few miles on the clock, Paul Nicholls' charge can take a step forward and open his chasing account, although Gold Link and Aquila Sky, who shaped with promise at Catterick 26 days ago, won't go down without a fight.
The shortlist is rather long (cases can be made for the majority of these), with NOT AT PRESENT shading preference. He would have gone very close but for some errant jumping in the home straight at Doncaster last time and is appealing off the same mark here. Dalamoi has been given a chance by the handicapper and will be a threat if he puts his best foot forward, while the reliable Mixedwave, Island Run and Lord Sparky, who boasts a terrific record at this course, are others to consider.
The Paul Nicholls-trained IOUPY COLLONGES was a promising third of four at Newbury last time and earns the vote now back up in trip.
(2) Foro Romano 2/1, Foaled February 17. 45,000 gns yearling, Acclamation colt. Dam unraced sister to/close relative of 2 US winners, including 2-y-o 6f minor stakes winner Silvercents. Makes plenty of appeal on paper. 45,000gns yearling; yard 13% with 2yos last year and he needs a close look in market.
(4) (5/2 +58%) Flicka's Girl
5/2(+58%)
(4) Flicka's Girl 5/2, Foaled January 21. 22,000 gns foal, £32,000 yearling, Sergei Prokofiev filly. Dam, 2-y-o 5f winner, half-sister to useful 2-y-o 5f winner Ardenode. Has plenty of speed in her pedigree and interesting to see how she figures in market.
(1) (7/2 -133%) Bob The Bandit
7/2(-133%)
(1) Bob The Bandit 7/2, Foaled March 17. 2,000 Aclaim colt. Dam unraced out of useful 1m-1¼m winner Horatia, herself half-sister to smart 1m-1½m winner Moment In Time. 20/1, second of 15 in minor event at Doncaster (5f, heavy) on debut 9 days ago, slowly away. Sets a good standard. Promising second in the Brocklesby and he sets a good standard on that form; big player.
(6) (9/2 -29%) Lady Dorchester
9/2(-29%)
(6) Lady Dorchester 9/2, Foaled March 22. 42,000 gns Dark Angel filly. Dam 2-y-o 5f winner. 5/2 and tongue strap on, fourth of 6 in maiden at Newcastle (5f) on debut 7 days ago. Should improve. Weak 5-2 shot at Newcastle but she shaped with promise and was only beaten 2l; in the mix.
(3) (16/1 -167%) Jimmy Henry
16/1(-167%)
(3) Jimmy Henry 16/1, Foaled February 9. €21,000 foal, €20,000 yearling, Dandy Man gelding. Half-brother to 5f winner Sallywell and useful winner up to 7f The Wild Grazer. Interesting newcomer. 20,000euros yearling; yard 30% with 2yos here last year and he needs watching in market.
(5) (50/1 -150%) Good Call
50/1(-150%)
(5) Good Call 50/1, Foaled April 11. €4,000 yearling, Soldier's Call filly. Half-sister to 11.4f winner Apologise and winner up to 9f Betfan. Dam, 1m winner, half-sister to very smart winner up to 9f Charlie Farnsbarns. Has good standard to aim at and she could be a longer-term prospect.
LTO Selection:hiden content, hiden content,
14:53 Wolverhampton Maiden (Class 4) 5f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 4 race.
BOB THE BANDIT hit the crossbar in the Brocklesby at Doncaster on debut and the son of Aclaim sets the standard on the back of that performance. Lady Dorchester also showed ability on her racecourse bow and should not be underestimated as a result. Foro Romano was a 45,000gns purchase as a yearling and is arguably the pick of the newcomers, ahead of Jimmy Henry.
BOB THE BANDIT outran his odds when second in the Brocklesby at Doncaster and sets a good standard for the others to aim at. Newcomers Foro Romano and Jimmy Henry both offer hope on paper, and it will be interesting if support comes for them in the market.
This can go to BOB THE BANDIT, who was an eyecatching second in the Brocklesby and sets a good standard on that form.
(2) Dubai Honour 4/6, Landed a pair of Group 1 wins in Australia last spring. Found life tougher at the top level in Britain later in 2023 but a potential class act with Ryan Moore doing the steering on return. Very smart globetrotter; dual G1 winner in Australia; drops back in class; top on ratings.
(1) (9/4 +0%) Lion's Pride
9/4(+0%)
(1) Lion's Pride 9/4, Rapidly developed into a really smart performer last year, culminating with listed win over 1½m here in November. Major surprise if this lightly-raced sort doesn't have more to offer in 2024. Successful in similar event here five months ago, taking Kempton record to 2-2; respected.
(5) (12/1 -20%) Okeechobee
12/1(-20%)
(5) Okeechobee 12/1, Rapidly developed into a smart performer as a 3-y-o in 2022, winning 3 of his 4 starts. It's taken a long time to get him back but capable of making up for lost time if all is well. Very progressive on AW/turf in 2022; absent since; interesting on return to action.
(6) (14/1 +65%) Sea Of Roses
14/1(+65%)
(6) Sea Of Roses 14/1, Useful filly. Runner-up at Listed/Group3 level last year but still has a bit to find on form with a few of these rivals back from 5 months off. Useful filly but hasn't added to 2yo win; stiff task on ratings in this field.
(4) (22/1 -10%) Forest Of Dean
22/1(-10%)
(4) Forest Of Dean 22/1, Useful gelding. Six wins from 22 Flat runs. 40/1, 4¾ lengths fifth of 6 to Military Order in Winter Derby at Southwell (11f) on reappearance 37 days ago. Might have a fitness edge on some of these but still a bit of a surprise were he to come out on top. Has become inconsistent; yard has a much stronger chance with Lion's Pride.
14:55 Kempton Listed (Class 1) 10f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 1 race.
This looks like a good opportunity for the classy DUBAI HONOUR, who is running outside Group 1 company for the first time since chasing Mostahdaf home here in September 2022. The booking of Ryan Moore catches the eye and the 3lb he receives from Lion's Pride, who was a comfortable winner here over further back in November, could prove decisive. Not in action since tailing off in the Dante last May and gelded in the interim, Flying Honours remains with potential judging by his fine two-year-old form.
After only 5 starts it'll be a surprise if LION'S PRIDE has reached his limit so he's taken to prove too strong for the more-established Dubai Honour in a strong renewal of this listed prize.
Floodlit Stakes winner LION'S PRIDE is taken to defy a 3lb penalty. Class-dropper Dubai Honour is feared most.
(7) Sunnyvilla 9/4, Respectable fourth of 11 in handicap chase at Gowran (16f, heavy, 17/2) 23 days ago. Not discounted. Dual chase winner has put in solid efforts the last twice and is a player dropped 2lb.
(6) (7/2 +78%) The Little Yank
7/2(+78%)
(6) The Little Yank 7/2, Twenty six runs since last win in 2022. Last of 5 in handicap chase at Limerick (19.6f, heavy, 18/1) 8 days ago. Others more persuasive. Dropping in the weights but well beaten lately and has to stage a revival.
(3) (7/2 +22%) R'evelyn Pleasure
7/2(+22%)
(3) R'evelyn Pleasure 7/2, Course winner. Latest win in chase here in January. 6/1, creditable third of 8 in handicap chase at Limerick (22.6f, heavy) 22 days ago, travelling as well as any. Back down in trip. Player. Two wins earlier this season and a solid effort last time at Limerick; can be involved.
(5) (5/1 -50%) Marelly
5/1(-50%)
(5) Marelly 5/1, Fairly useful winner at 16f over hurdles. Sixth of 10 in novice chase (80/1) at Leopardstown (17f, heavy) 28 days ago. Makes handicap chase debut. Two hurdle wins but was well beaten in novice chases last twice; fare better in this grade.
(1) (8/1 +0%) Take All
8/1(+0%)
(1) Take All 8/1, 28/1, bit below form seventh of 12 in handicap chase at Limerick (19.4f, heavy) 95 days ago. Has run well at times this season but has to bounce back from a poor effort.
(2) (9/1 -50%) Vado Forte
9/1(-50%)
(2) Vado Forte 9/1, Tongue strap on for 1st time, respectable fifth of 12 in handicap chase at Listowel (17f, soft, 14/1). Off 6 months. Been dropping in the handicap for the last 18 months but for a reason; chance if on song.
The chart reads from right to left to today's race.
Most of these have been racing over further of late, so much depends on who copes best with the drop in trip. Top-weight TAKE ALL is usually a sound jumper who tends to race up with the pace or make the running. With Shane Fenelon taking 7lb off his back, the Shark Hanlon-trained nine-year-old can race off a mark 6lb below the one he won off at Wexford last July. Donacheady Gale has to be of interest on just his third run back after a long absence. The John Ryan-trained gelding is very lightly raced so remains open to further improvement over fences. Dual hurdles winner Marelly has yet to shine since switching trainers and being sent chasing. However, he is undoubtedly well handicapped if retaining ability.
Low mileage 10-y-o DONACHEADY GALE makes his handicap debut from a potentially lenient mark so gets the vote over fellow veteran R'Evelyn Pleasure.
Having returned from a huge absence with two fine efforts in novice company lately, DONACHEADY GALE could make up for lost time.
(3) Always Busy 9/4, Good second of 14 in handicap hurdle at Taunton (23.9f, soft) 21 days ago. Has to be taken seriously off the same mark. Off his reduced mark he beat all bar an in-form mare over 3m at Taunton 21 days ago.
(1) (9/2 +25%) The Bold Thady
9/2(+25%)
(1) The Bold Thady 9/2, Weak finisher who has yet to win but he does have consistent form figures. Brought down first at Ascot last time so no forlorn hope. Brought down early at Ascot when the return to drier ground was expected to suit.
(11) (11/2 +45%) Rollo's Kingdom
11/2(+45%)
(11) Rollo's Kingdom 11/2, Remains a maiden and he came in only fifth of 7 in handicap hurdle at Stratford (22f, heavy) 21 days ago. Others are preferred. After an improved effort at Fontwell it was a disappointing run at Stratford.
(2) (15/2 -173%) Le Boulevardier
15/2(-173%)
(2) Le Boulevardier 15/2, Refiited with cheekpieces when posting a career best to win 10-runner handicap hurdle at Ludlow (23.8f, soft) 126 days ago on his final run for Sam Curling. Not ruled out for his new handler. Comfortably landed a gamble over this far at Ludlow for previous Irish connections.
(4) (8/1 +33%) Game Socks
8/1(+33%)
(4) Game Socks 8/1, Course winner who was only fifth of 8 in handicap chase at Exeter (24.2f, heavy) 24 days ago. Switches to hurdles with more needed in added blinkers. It's been hard work this season (chasing) following a long absence.
(6) (11/1 -69%) Flemen's Tipple
11/1(-69%)
(6) Flemen's Tipple 11/1, Ran poorly returned to fences when sixth of 7 in handicap chase here 21 days ago. Needs to bounce back with cheekpieces on for first time. Placed again over hurdles here before finishing well behind on his switch to fences.
(10) (12/1 +25%) Eliza Dolittle
12/1(+25%)
(10) Eliza Dolittle 12/1, Modest maiden hurdler. Below-par fourth of 7 in handicap hurdle here (15.9f, soft) 49 days ago. Significantly up in trip with work to do. 2m is looking an insuffucient test but whether she'll stay this far remains to be seen.
(9) (14/1 +30%) Mister Upton
14/1(+30%)
(9) Mister Upton 14/1, Looks limited and is set for another struggle. Lightly raced but he's offered little so far, including two handicaps at about 2m3f.
(5) (22/1 +33%) Ipso Falco
22/1(+33%)
(5) Ipso Falco 22/1, Has run to only a poor level in bumpers/over hurdles, again going with little fluency when well held in novice handicap at Fontwell (21.8f, heavy) in December. Best watched. Modest form in novice/maiden hurdles; soundly beaten in handicaps last twice.
(7) (33/1 -340%) Celine Man
33/1(-340%)
(7) Celine Man 33/1, Lightly-raced maiden. Cheekpieces on for 1st time, good second in handicap hurdle at Fakenham (20f) when last seen out 12 months ago on his final run for Mark Fahey. Tongue strap on for his new yard with his fitness to prove. Best of his five hurdle runs was when 2nd in a Fakenham handicap in March over 2m4f.
(12) (100/1 -525%) Tooting
100/1(-525%)
(12) Tooting 100/1, Out of a winning hurdler but no promise so far. Needs this switch to handicaps to yield major improvement. Raised markedly in trip for handicap debut but she's 8lb out of the weights.
15:00 Plumpton Handicap Hurdle (Class 5)
25f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 5 race.
A 6lb rise in the handicap looks on the lenient side for LE BOULEVARDIER, who appeared to score with something in hand over 3m at Ludlow in November. The eight-year-old should relish this extra furlong and he's taken to make a perfect stable bow for Gary Moore. The biggest threat may emerge from Always Busy, who found only a progressive rival too strong at Taunton last month, while Flemen's Tipple should prove more competitive on this switch back to hurdles.
Not nearly so competitive as the numbers suggest and ALWAYS BUSY looks to have been found a very good opportunity to resume winning ways on the same mark as when second at Taunton 3 weeks ago. Le Boulevardier is feared most now starting out with Gary Moore. The consistent The Bold Thady appeals as the pick of the rest for place purposes.
Patience is wearing thin with FLEMEN'S TIPPLE but his second in this last year wasn't his only near miss and he was chasing last time.
(1) Big Bear Hug 7/2, Off the mark at Leicester last May and, in first-time cheekpieces, doubled her tally at Newmarket (8f, soft) in November. Good second of 11 in handicap (17/2) at Doncaster (10.2f, heavy) 9 days ago, clear of rest. Back down in trip. Cheekpieces back on. Merits consideration. Won 2-6 over 1m in 2023 (soft/heavy); solid return at Doncaster; return to 1m will suit.
(5) (5/1 -25%) Kynsa
5/1(-25%)
(5) Kynsa 5/1, Fair maiden. Respectable third of 14 in handicap at Windsor (8.1f, heavy, 10/3) when last seen. Off 161 days. First run for yard after leaving Jamie Osborne. Not taken lightly for new yard. Maiden; lacks recent run but possibilities on best soft-ground form for previous yard.
(6) (7/1 -8%) Arkenstaar
7/1(-8%)
(6) Arkenstaar 7/1, Three victories from 11 runs last year. 4/1, career best when winning 7-runner handicap at Hamilton (8.3f, soft) when last seen, conceding first run. Off 6 months. Should win more races this term. All 3 wins at Hamilton but he ran promisingly over C&D on return last year; not discarded.
(3) (9/1 +18%) Coolree
9/1(+18%)
(3) Coolree 9/1, 9/1, good second of 9 in handicap at Wolverhampton (8.6f) 16 days ago. Blinkers on 1st time. One to consider. Found wanting off similar marks to today's on AW this winter; needs extra back on turf.
(11) (9/1 -38%) Sense Of Worth
9/1(-38%)
(11) Sense Of Worth 9/1, Latest win at Southwell in December. 11/4, creditable second of 8 in handicap at Wolverhampton (9.5f) 23 days ago, conceding first run. Unproven on turf. In good form since 1m3f Southwell win in December; 0-8 on turf but 10lb lower than on AW.
(13) (9/1 -38%) Ey Up Its Jazz
9/1(-38%)
(13) Ey Up Its Jazz 9/1, Won twice last spring. 13/2, creditable second of 15 in handicap at Thirsk (7f, soft) when last seen 6 months ago. Player if hitting the ground running. Two wins at 6f and 7f for T Carroll; up in trip for new yard after break.
(12) (9/1 +0%) Dougies Dream
9/1(+0%)
(12) Dougies Dream 9/1, C&D winner. 13/2, third of 7 in handicap at Newcastle (8f) 14 days ago. Well treated if staging a revival for in-form yard. Well treated; C&D winner on good to soft in 2022 but mostly best on good or quicker and AW.
(7) (14/1 -17%) Copper And Five
14/1(-17%)
(7) Copper And Five 14/1, C&D winner. Off 6 months. Returns with yard in form but should come on for the run. All 4 wins and nearly all places have been on good or quicker ground; has much to prove.
(10) (14/1 +0%) Reel Prospect
14/1(+0%)
(10) Reel Prospect 14/1, Winner at Newcastle in October. 9/1, ninth of 12 in handicap at Newcastle (8f) 31 days ago. First go on turf since shaping well at Nottingham on debut. Ran well in sole 1m turf run; 1m AW novice winner; may improve on sand form back on grass.
(9) (16/1 +0%) Moush
16/1(+0%)
(9) Moush 16/1, Fair maiden. 15/2, creditable fifth of 14 in handicap at Kempton (8f) when last seen. Off 166 days. First run for yard after leaving Jack Channon. Uphill battle as 3yo for J Channon but down weights and 1m on soft suits; new yard.
(8) (25/1 -79%) End Zone
25/1(-79%)
(8) End Zone 25/1, Won 11-runner handicap at Ayr (7.2f, good to soft, 11/1) when last seen, just holding on. Off 6 months. Record fresh not great. Ended last year with 7f win; both 1m turf successes on good to firm; blinkers left off.
(2) (28/1 -12%) Vecchio
28/1(-12%)
(2) Vecchio 28/1, 100/1, seventh of 10 in handicap at Southwell (8.1f) 27 days ago, slowly away. Could do better back on turf. Well held on AW for new yard but down weights and conditions will suit back on turf.
(4) (28/1 +0%) Rievaulx Raver
28/1(+0%)
(4) Rievaulx Raver 28/1, Doubled career tally at Ripon (1m, good to firm) in June. Might need this after 177 days off. Both wins at Ripon, over 1m on good to firm; ground query; regular cheekpieces missing.
15:04 Redcar Handicap (Class 5) 8f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 5 race.
ARKENSTAAR kept on well to score cosily over an extended mile at Hamilton in October and, nudged up 2lb with forecast underfoot conditions to suit, he can show his rivals the way home once more. The consistent Sense Of Worth looks thrown in judging by his all-weather rating and can play a hand in a race of this nature, but he must prove he handles turf and comes with risk attached. Kynsa, although winless in nine starts, cannot be overlooked on her first start for Kevin Philippart De Foy.
DOUGIES DREAM is well treated if building on his more encouraging run at Newcastle and gets the vote having scored over C&D in the past. Big Bear Hug made a fine comeback at Doncaster and is feared most ahead of Kynsa.
Big Bear Hug is respected but it could be worth persevering with VECCHIO who has some potential in 1m turf handicaps.
(1) Up For Parol Evens, Three-time hurdle winner who was third in the 2023 Lanzarote at Kempton. Ran well having got a soft lead at Chepstow last time and solid claims down in grade and back up in trip. Smart handicapper at best; mixed this winter but down in class and eased in weights.
(5) (3/1 -20%) Sambezi
3/1(-20%)
(5) Sambezi 3/1, Resumed winning ways with a dominant display in a Worcester handicap hurdle over this trip in May. Good second to a thriving rival at Plumpton 7 weeks ago and can go well. Two wins at about 2m4f last spring; below best this winter but tough task latest.
(4) (13/2 -117%) Charlie's Glance
13/2(-117%)
(4) Charlie's Glance 13/2, Fair winning hurdler who scored in good style in 2m Huntingdon novice handicap chase when last seen 13 months ago. Absent and had another breathing operation since. Risky over this trip. Won last 2 completions at 2m, over hurdles and fences; stays 2m3f; off since February 2023.
(2) (10/1 +17%) Eclair De Beaufeu
10/1(+17%)
(2) Eclair De Beaufeu 10/1, Long time since his second in the 2020 Grand Annual for Gordon Elliott and he was badly out of form when last seen 6 months ago. Stamina to prove and tricky to fancy for another new yard. 2-29 over hurdles in Ireland; lacks recent run and probably needs weight off his back.
(3) (12/1 -140%) Gaelik Coast
12/1(-140%)
(3) Gaelik Coast 12/1, Mixed record recently but claims on his Doncaster third in December and has fallen to a career-low mark in the meantime. Blinkers back on. Chase winner on sole course start; well handicapped but current form is a query.
(6) (40/1 -60%) Equus Millar
40/1(-60%)
(6) Equus Millar 40/1, Looks regressive, going off at massive odds and showing nothing when pulled up in handicap hurdle at Huntingdon (19.6f, soft) on return from over a year off in January. Tongue tie goes on. Multiple hurdle chase winner but pulled up on return from absence in January; 9lb wrong.
15:07 Fakenham Handicap Hurdle (Class 4)
20f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 4 race.
SAMBEZI was well held when second at Plumpton last time, but a reproduction of that effort may still be good enough to take this contest. Up For Parol struggled in the Lanzarote two starts ago, but his efforts either side of that suggest that he could make the frame. Charlie's Glance should not be underestimated on his return to action.
UP FOR PAROL could be the way to go back up in trip after a better showing at Chepstow. Sambezi might be the danger in a tricky contest.
None of the runners are solid but CHARLIE'S GLANCE still has potential and he runs off the same mark as his chase win last February.
(4) Bonza Boy Evens, Didn't kick on from a promising start over hurdles but got back on track over fences this year, building on his Exeter second in January when registering a comfortable first success back at that venue (19.2f, heavy) 24 days ago. 10 lb higher now but that looks justified. Big shout. Drew clear to win easily at Exeter last month; still well treated on older hurdling form.
(2) (9/4 +18%) Walkinthewoods
9/4(+18%)
(2) Walkinthewoods 9/4, A fair winning hurdler who arrives in good nick over fences, again finding only one too good in 5-runner Chepstow handicap (19.5f) 2 weeks ago. Can figure again in this groove. 0-6 over fences but runner-up in three consecutive starts over C&D in recent weeks.
(3) (5/1 -11%) It's Easy
5/1(-11%)
(3) It's Easy 5/1, Fairly useful maiden chaser in France for David Cottin but just respectable efforts at best for this yard, running one of this season's lesser races when last of 4 in handicap chase at Leicester (15.9f, heavy) 24 days ago. Good second at Huntingdon in February but below form since and not an easy one to predict.
(1) (14/1 -75%) Lost Connections
14/1(-75%)
(1) Lost Connections 14/1, Finally got off the mark back at a more realistic level in 6-runner handicap chase at Ludlow (20f, good) in May, putting her experience to good use under a positive ride. Up 6 lb and off since. Emphatic winner last spring but not seen again since and seems best on good ground.
15:10 Chepstow Handicap Chase (Class 4)
19f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 4 race.
BONZA BOY was one of only two finishers when bounding clear for a facile success on soft ground at Exeter last time out, and a 10lb rise could prove lenient as he aims to follow up under similar conditions. The form of his stable is another plus and he may have too much for the mare Lost Connections, who has not been in action since scoring at Ludlow last May. Runner-up on each of his last three starts over C&D, Walkinthewoods deserves a change in luck but may be vulnerable again.
BONZA BOY is coming good over fences now and still looks on a handy mark despite a 10 lb rise for his wide-margin win at Exeter. Walkinthewoods can fill the runner-up spot once again.
This can go to BONZA BOY, who looked in excellent nick when cruising to a wide-margin success at Exeter last month.
(1) O'moore Park 13/8, Lightly-raced sort who easily landed 14-runner novice hurdle (8/11) at this course (20f, heavy) 68 days ago. Form has been franked so big shout on his handicap debut. Course maiden winner, needs to jump more fluently to cope with experienced handicappers.
(11) (11/4 +17%) Positive Thinker
11/4(+17%)
(11) Positive Thinker 11/4, 17/2 and cheekpieces on for 1st time, very good second of 12 in handicap chase at Naas (24.8f, heavy) 22 days ago, clear of rest. Switches to hurdles and expected to be bang there. Consistent over hurdles and fences this season, 11lb lower than over fences, good chance.
(3) (6/1 +0%) Western Walk
6/1(+0%)
(3) Western Walk 6/1, 10/3, career best when winning 12-runner handicap hurdle at this course (24.5f, soft), impressively. Off 11 months but remains open to progress. Arrives bidding for belated hat-trick after 359-day absence, best form is on better ground.
(6) (15/2 +0%) Slanagaibhgoleir
15/2(+0%)
(6) Slanagaibhgoleir 15/2, Lightly-raced winner over hurdles. Winner in hurdle at Punchestown in January. Below form fourth of 11 in handicap hurdle at this course (20.6f, heavy, 9/2) 37 days ago so needs to bounce back. Remote fourth of five finishers over a shorter trip at this venue in his first handicap.
(8) (10/1 +70%) Party Playboy
10/1(+70%)
(8) Party Playboy 10/1, Course winner. Creditable sixth of 19 in handicap hurdle at Gowran (20.1f, heavy, 18/1) 44 days ago. Enters calculations. Off for more than four years before reappearing this term, seems to retain some ability.
(10) (11/1 -10%) Mighty Jeremy
11/1(-10%)
(10) Mighty Jeremy 11/1, Course winner. Latest win in hurdle here in February. 7/1, pulled up in handicap hurdle at Gowran (20.1f, heavy) 44 days ago, behind when pulled up early in straight. Not easy to make a case for. Won by 10l over 2m4f here in early February, found his revised mark too much at Gowran.
(2) (11/1 +21%) Western Fold
11/1(+21%)
(2) Western Fold 11/1, 28/1, pulled up in handicap hurdle at Cheltenham (21f, heavy) 19 days ago, dropping away quickly. Can give a good account if shrugging off latest effort. Weakened from three out in the Coral Cup at Cheltenham, perhaps not sure to stay.
(4) (14/1 -17%) Whatcouldhavebeen
14/1(-17%)
(4) Whatcouldhavebeen 14/1, Course winner. Creditable fifth of 10 in handicap hurdle at Naas (19f, heavy, 10/1) 22 days ago. Cheekpieces on 1st time. In the mix. Cheekpieces tried after Naas fifth, plenty to find with Kilbree Warrior on that running.
(9) (50/1 -100%) Wild Shot
50/1(-100%)
(9) Wild Shot 50/1, 25/1 and cheekpieces on for 1st time, thirteenth of 14 in handicap at Dundalk (12f). Switches from Flat to hurdles. Rejoined yard after leaving John McConnell. Not taken lightly. Better-known as a nine-time Flat winner, two hurdles wins, best on a sound surface.
The chart reads from right to left to today's race.
POSITIVE THINKER has been most consistent over both hurdles and fences this season and has good claims off a handy weight. A creditable second to Irish National contender Hartur D'arc over fences at Naas last time, he can compete off his lower hurdles mark here and his proven stamina will be an asset on the testing ground. Explosive Boy hasn't been seen since falling at this venue when in with every chance in late 2022. Touched off at Cheltenham on his previous start, his absence is obviously a concern and market confidence would be noteworthy. Kilbree Warrior is a doughty front-runner on her day and won over 2m4f at the Easter fixture here a year ago. She was a gallant second to an unexposed type at Naas three weeks ago and has her chance again from a 4lb higher mark.
Willie Mullins' unexposed O'MOORE PARK easily opened his account in novice company here last time and with that form working out well he looks the way to go now stepping into handicap company for the first time. Positive Thinker figures on a lenient mark and could emerge as the chief threat, with in-form pair Wild Shot and Kilbree Warrior also firmly in the picture in a competitive handicap.
The consistent POSTIVE THINKER may be able to exploit his lower chase mark having run a fine race over fences at Naas last time
(1) Largy Poet 2/1, Fetched £85,000 after finishing runner-up on sole point start last spring and bolted up on third run under Rules in an Exeter maiden hurdle (21.6f, heavy) in January. Presented with a simple task when following up in a 3-runner affair at Wincanton since and he remains with potential. Cheekpieces now; trip is plausible and the hat-trick would not surprise on handicap debut.
(6) (2/1 +75%) G A Henty
2/1(+75%)
(6) G A Henty 2/1, Lightly-raced 7-y-o who shaped well on first run since leaving Tom George when second in a 7-runner maiden at Market Rasen (20.6f, good to soft, 9/4) in January. Pulled up on handicap debut at Newbury (24.2f, heavy) last month but conditions may have been against and he could be worth another chance No show on handicap debut one month ago but perhaps heavy ground excuses that.
(8) (11/2 +8%) Chris Cool
11/2(+8%)
(8) Chris Cool 11/2, Took advantage of a drop in the weights to score over C&D on return and reached the podium on his next 2 outings over hurdles. Again held back by jumping having another crack over fences last time but he's not discounted racing from a light weight back over the smaller obstacles. C&D win in November; has a shout if back to his best, last shown three starts ago..
(5) (9/1 +10%) Gazette Bourgeoise
9/1(+10%)
(5) Gazette Bourgeoise 9/1, Yet to score in 8 starts over fences but probably should have won when beaten only a nose on return from 8 months off at Ffos Las (21.5f) in December. Excuses on her next 2 outings and market can prove guide back over hurdles. Stays and will be highly competitive if back to form on this switch back to hurdles.
(4) (12/1 -100%) Blue Bikini
12/1(-100%)
(4) Blue Bikini 12/1, Possesses a good strike rate but her profile is becoming very much all-or-nothing, following up December's Catterick success with a tame effort at Market Rasen in February. Capable of getting involved if putting her best foot forward. Won four of her last seven starts, but has been pulled in two of her last three.
(2) (14/1 -211%) Bridge North
14/1(-211%)
(2) Bridge North 14/1, Went off the rails over fences but went with much more zest after the refitting of a visor and a return to hurdling before taking a late fall at Doncaster in February. Likely to have won there if staying up there, so is respected again provided that hasn't left a mark. A win was in the offing when he fell two out at Doncaster (3m, soft) latest; back up 5lb.
(7) (20/1 +0%) Time To Tinker
20/1(+0%)
(7) Time To Tinker 20/1, Winless since landing a brace of handicaps in autumn 2021 and merely underlined inconsistency when pulled up at Doncaster last time. Others easier to fancy. He isn't the force of old and needs to perk up somewhat despite his fall in the weights.
(3) (22/1 -10%) Fair Frontieres
22/1(-10%)
(3) Fair Frontieres 22/1, Lightly raced since landing a trio of maiden/novice events in 2021/22. Proved he retains some ability before falling late at Wetherby on Boxing Day but followed that up with another poor effort at Ascot and he's got something to prove now. Has failed to complete this season and has now been given wind surgery.
15:20 Huntingdon Handicap Hurdle (Class 3)
25f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 3 race.
The strength of LARGY POET's two recent victories might be up for debate, but, unlike some, he is progressive and should prove far too strong, especially if taking his second in a point-to-point to subsequent Champion Bumper winner Jasmin De Vaux at face value. Though not the most consistent, Blue Bikini has two wins from her last four starts and she looks set to feature for her in-form stable. Chris Cool is most appealing of the remainder.
LARGY POET looks a young staying hurdler to keep on the right side of and he's fancied to complete the hat-trick stepping into handicap company. Bridge North would likely have won if not for a late fall at Doncaster last time and he rates as the main threat provided headgear has the same effect second time around, with Chris Cool taken to complete the placings.
This may be decided by the potential of hat-trick seeking novice LARGY POET (nap), stepping up in trip on his handicap debut.
(4) Big Dream 5/2, Course winner. Latest win here in February. Evens, ninth of 10 in handicap at this C&D 28 days ago, badly hampered and almost came down 1f out. Respected again despite high draw. Easy win here in February and he got badly hampered last time; looks worth another chance.
(3) (4/1 -14%) Conquest Of Power
4/1(-14%)
(3) Conquest Of Power 4/1, Latest win at Chelmsford City in January. 11/2, good second of 8 in handicap at Chelmsford City (7f) 18 days ago, just failing to reel in a rival who had the run of the race. Cheekpieces back on. Shortlist material. Went close at Chelmsford latest and has claims if he can repeat that form back in trip.
(1) (5/1 +44%) Newyorkstateofmind
5/1(+44%)
(1) Newyorkstateofmind 5/1, C&D winner. Eleven runs since last win in 2023. Seventh of 10 in handicap (6/1) at Newcastle (5f). Off 150 days. Back up in trip. Makes comeback with yard going well but others are preferred. On dangerous mark on return but he's hard to win with these days and others are preferred.
(9) (7/1 +22%) Empress Of Bough
7/1(+22%)
(9) Empress Of Bough 7/1, Winner at Dundalk in October. 20/1, eighth of 11 in claimer at Dundalk (6f) 31 days ago. Operating below best at present. Record of 1-20 and she's been well held in last four runs; others are preferred.
(2) (8/1 +11%) Inspired Knowhow
8/1(+11%)
(2) Inspired Knowhow 8/1, Lightly-raced maiden. Lame when pulled up in handicap at Doncaster (7f, heavy, 9/1). Off 11 months. Pedigree and price tag both suggest he could better than this mark, so any market support would be notable. Back from a year off but he's still unexposed and needs watching in market back in trip.
(6) (9/1 -50%) White Umbrella
9/1(-50%)
(6) White Umbrella 9/1, C&D winner. Latest win here in November. Evens, again shaped well when eighth of 12 in handicap at this C&D, travelling best but failing to gap the gaps to open up (also returned lame). Off 131 days. Player if fit here. C&D winner who didn't get any luck here in her final run last year; interesting on return.
(8) (12/1 -9%) Coast
12/1(-9%)
(8) Coast 12/1, C&D winner. Latest win at Lingfield in January. 14/1, fifth of 8 in handicap at this C&D 9 days ago. Merely ticking over at present and others are preferred. Won a classified event at Lingfield in January but she's not matched that since; opposable.
(7) (12/1 -100%) Mintana
12/1(-100%)
(7) Mintana 12/1, C&D winner. Three wins from 10 runs last year. Latest win here in September. Respectable fourth of 8 in handicap (7/2) at this course (5.1f) 21 days ago. Return to this trip should suit and he's not discounted. Her last win came over C&D and she could have a big part to play back up in trip.
15:28 Wolverhampton Handicap (Class 6) 6f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 6 race.
Just five days on from her C&D success in November, WHITE UMBRELLA disappointed when sent off a warm favourite. However, that effort can be excused given that she clipped heels and stumbled passing the 2f marker. Freshened up since and with champion all-weather jockey Rossa Ryan aboard today, she can get back on track. Conquest Of Power was just touched off at Chelmsford last month and must hold every chance from 1lb higher in the ratings, while Big Dream is also noted.
Irish-raider BIG DREAM bolted up over 7f here in February and is worth another chance to build on that success, having suffered significant interference here last time. Conquest of Power was unlucky not to resume winning ways last time and is another player dropped back to 7f, whilst White Umbrella was thriving prior to Christmas and is also considered on her comeback.
The vote goes to BIG DREAM, who had an excuse in his bid for a course double last month and looks worth another chance.
(7) Isle Of Sark 2/1, Seventeen runs since last win in 2020. Shaped well when third of 12 in handicap at Southwell (11.1f, 5/2) 12 days ago, nearest finish. Isn't the easiest to win with but has to be taken very seriously. Bang there in his three runs on Tapeta this year and looks a big player.
(5) (11/4 +45%) Liseo
11/4(+45%)
(5) Liseo 11/4, Doubled career tally over C&D in January. Respectable seventh of 12 in handicap (15/2) at Southwell (11.1f) 12 days ago, needing stronger gallop. Won in January off 1lb lower; has not quite repeated the form but has good each-way claims.
(8) (15/2 +6%) Fast Steps
15/2(+6%)
(8) Fast Steps 15/2, 10/3, below form third of 7 in handicap at Sandown (10f, good to soft). Off 7 months but won after a similar absence last term. Reappearance win (1m2f, soft) was best form last term, off 2lb higher; needs a second look.
(3) (17/2 +47%) Sonnerie Power
17/2(+47%)
(3) Sonnerie Power 17/2, Doubled career tally here in October. Twelfth of 13 in handicap at Southwell (12.1f, 66/1) 22 days ago and drop in trip looks a good move. Won here last October off 1lb lower; has not shone in his four runs for current yard.
(1) (11/1 +67%) Crescent Lake
11/1(+67%)
(1) Crescent Lake 11/1, Three wins from 9 runs last year. 125/1, eleventh of 13 in handicap at Lingfield (15.8f, AW) 31 days ago. Significantly down in trip and also back at a more realistic level. Should have come on since reappearance but has a bit to prove over this short a trip.
(2) (12/1 +40%) Approachability
12/1(+40%)
(2) Approachability 12/1, Winless since debut back in 2021, finishing last of 9 in handicap at Wolverhampton (12.2f, 11/1) 16 days ago. That was on the back of 20 months off so this will reveal more. Failed to beat a rival last two starts, admittedly off 588 days in between; down weights.
(9) (12/1 +52%) Good Too
12/1(+52%)
(9) Good Too 12/1, 50/1, eighth of 9 in handicap at Lingfield (8f, AW) 42 days ago. Significantly up in trip. Missed 2022 and has not made a significant impact in handicaps in Ireland or Britain since.
(10) (16/1 -60%) Oslo
16/1(-60%)
(10) Oslo 16/1, Respectable fifth of 10 in handicap hurdle (5/1) at Kempton (16f, soft) 126 days ago, not knocked about. Off 126 days. Booking of Doyle a plus. Cheekpieces back on for first Flat run for this yard. Unraced on Flat since 2021; needs a second look with cheekpieces and Hollie Doyle.
(6) (33/1 -175%) Just An Hour
33/1(-175%)
(6) Just An Hour 33/1, First run since leaving Joseph Patrick O'Brien when last of 9 in handicap (20/1) at this course (8f) 19 days ago. This should reveal more. Did not beat many on last three runs for Joseph O'Brien and last of nine here 19 days ago.
15:30 Kempton Handicap (Class 4) 11f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 4 race.
Andrew Balding has his string in fine fettle at present and it would be no surprise if CELLO stepped forward from his return at Southwell in February. That was his first appearance for 13 months, having landed a novice event here in January 2023, and he remains unexposed on just his fifth career start. Isle Of Sark has been knocking on the door and commands the utmost respect. Liseo, who is 1lb higher than his last winning mark, appeals most of the remainder.
ISLE OF SARK seemingly needs everything to fall right but he was a pretty big eye-catcher when third held up in a steadily-run race at Southwell 12 days ago and he looks ready to strike. Cello probably needed the run on his return to action and he seems sure to leave that effort behind, with Fast Steps another to consider on reappearance.
This looks a good opportunity for ISLE OF SARK (nap) if he can maintain the form he showed on his three runs in 16 days in March.
(9) Aleish Lass 5/2, Lightly-raced maiden under NH rules. 50/1, below form thirteenth of 20 in handicap hurdle at Gowran (20f, heavy) 142 days ago. Makes chase debut (won on point debut). Wide margin point winner and 3rd in a winners' race since; should be involved.
(7) (4/1 +47%) Shiroccosmagicgem
4/1(+47%)
(7) Shiroccosmagicgem 4/1, 40/1, ninth of 13 in bumper at Limerick (19f, heavy). Off 12 months. Makes chase debut. Up in trip. First run for yard after leaving Thomas Gallagher. Multiple point winner but failed to complete last 2 starts. Triple point winner was running well in an open race last time when unseating 3 out.
(1) (5/1 -100%) Carrig Wells
5/1(-100%)
(1) Carrig Wells 5/1, Modest chaser. 14/1, fit from points when respectable fourth of 10 in hunter chase at Thurles (24.8f, soft) 27 days ago. Record of 2-16 in points; has run well in defeat in hunter chases at times; needs her best.
(5) (5/1 -100%) Native Song
5/1(-100%)
(5) Native Song 5/1, 28/1, eleventh of 16 in handicap hurdle at Kilbeggan (24.4f, good). Won both completed starts in points, including last month. Won a maiden and a winners' point lately with a poor run in between; chance if at best.
(3) (5/1 +38%) Dul Ar Aghaidh
5/1(+38%)
(3) Dul Ar Aghaidh 5/1, Winning pointer. 10/1 and tongue strap on, pulled up in hunter chase at Limerick (22.6f, heavy) on NH debut 96 days ago, pulled up before 3 out. Cheekpieces on for 1st time. Dual point winner but has been poor on two of her last three starts and questions now.
(8) (14/1 -17%) Some Joy
14/1(-17%)
(8) Some Joy 14/1, Walk In The Park mare. Half-sister to useful hurdle winner/very smart chaser Ballycasey, stayed 3¾m, and fairly useful chaser Not Sure, stays 29f. Placed on 4 of 6 starts in points. Placed several times in mares' maiden points and will have to find more today.
(10) (16/1 -113%) Its Lady Kingston
16/1(-113%)
(10) Its Lady Kingston 16/1, Kingston Hill mare. Dam unraced. Placed all 3 starts in points and starts out at a very realistic level. Placed in maiden points on all three starts; should run well but probably has to improve.
(11) (33/1 -106%) Taketwotoone
33/1(-106%)
(11) Taketwotoone 33/1, Well Chosen mare. Half-sister to fair chaser Rocco Storm. Dam, lightly raced on Flat, half-sister to useful hurdler/chaser (17f-19f winner) Granit Jack. Placed once from 5 starts in points. Runner-up in a point but pulled-up since and questions in this company.
(6) (33/1 -267%) River Grainey
33/1(-267%)
(6) River Grainey 33/1, €4,000 3-y-o: half-sister to smart hurdler/chaser Onenightinvienna (winner at around 3m, by Oscar) and useful staying chaser Major Dundee (Midlands Grand National winner, by Scorpion), dam point winner. Point winner, pulled up last time (Mar 27). Winner of 1-14 starts in points and will have to find improvement against these.
(4) (40/1 -21%) Glenetty
40/1(-21%)
(4) Glenetty 40/1, Maiden pointer. Fourth of 10 in bumper (40/1) at Downpatrick (17.3f, good to soft). Makes chase debut. Significantly up in trip. Showed some ability in bumpers but has been poor in two points lately.
(2) (50/1 -150%) Design Flaw
50/1(-150%)
(2) Design Flaw 50/1, Twelfth of 15 in novice hurdle at Thurles (22.8f, good to soft, 250/1). Maiden pointer, last of 3 finishers in January. Has run well enough in mares' maiden points lately but needs much more here.
The chart reads from right to left to today's race.
Recent Borris House winner NATIVE SONG can gain a first success under Rules. Winner of two of her three runs in point-to-points, the daughter of Fame And Glory has yet to reach the frame on the track but has time on her side. Trainer Paul Kiely has been amongst the winners of late. Aleish Lass was an easy winner of her maiden point at Aghabullogue in January before finishing third in her winner-of-one next time. Mick Winters has been sending out a few winners again in recent months, so the lightly-raced five-year-old has her chance. Dul Ar Aghaidh hasn't been in the best of form on her most recent starts, but the Liam Burke-trained mare could improve for the fitting of first-time cheekpieces here.
Unlikely to prove strong hunter chase form with NATIVE SONG taken to make a winning chase debut having landed both completed starts in points. Its Lady Kingston is another to consider, while Carrig Wells will attempt to put her experience in this sphere to good use.
This looks tricky but ALEISH LASS is a young, improving mare from a respected yard and could be the answer.
(5) Hilltown 15/8, Good second over C&D 3 weeks ago having not been in much form and won over hurdles (fortunate) at this meeting last year. Well handicapped on hurdle form and ran his best race over fences here last time out.
(2) (5/2 -25%) Proper Twelve
5/2(-25%)
(2) Proper Twelve 5/2, Got off the mark over hurdles at Market Rasen in May. Runner-up first 2 starts over fences and no chance when falling early at Taunton when last seen (had his space taken in the air over the first and had nowhere to go on landing). Likely player up in trip. Form figures of 22F over fences and there could be improvement lurking over this far.
(4) (9/2 -50%) William Ewart
9/2(-50%)
(4) William Ewart 9/2, Justified support when scoring for the first time over fences at Southwell (3m, heavy) in February. Not so good at Wincanton next time but a player in this company. Last time was very laboured but if bouncing back he'd have a chance.
(3) (15/2 -25%) Furkash
15/2(-25%)
(3) Furkash 15/2, Winning hurdler who was below form despite keeping mistakes to a minimum at Bangor (3m, heavy) last time and others preferred. Now 0-16 over fences but often thereabouts and he's competitively treated.
(6) (9/1 +73%) Bolberry Down
9/1(+73%)
(6) Bolberry Down 9/1, Poor/unreliable maiden who continues to offer little. Pulled up in his first two chases and was well held when he did get round at Huntingdon.
(1) (11/1 -83%) Kadex
11/1(-83%)
(1) Kadex 11/1, Won a poor similar race over C&D in October and nothing to write home about of late, but not the biggest surprise to see a revival in new headgear. Let down by his jumping with three pull-ups; blinkers replace previous headgear.
15:35 Plumpton Handicap Chase (Class 5)
26f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 5 race.
Proper Twelve made it no further than the first fence when falling at Taunton in late November, although he still ranks as a potential improver over staying distances. However, HILLTOWN won't be lacking for stamina judged on last month's C&D second and the six-year-old rates a more solid proposition. William Ewart needs to bounce back from a lesser effort when a well-beaten third at Wincanton in March, but Christian Williams' charge won at Southwell the time before and shouldn't be far away if running to his best.
There is probably more to come from Chris Gordon's PROPER TWELVE and he gets the vote over William Ewart and Kadex.
The 6yo HILLTOWN should be winning races off his current mark and last time here was better. Proper Twelve is the dark horse.
(13) Helter Skelter 5/2, Maiden who shaped with real promise when 5½ lengths sixth of 18 to Look Back Smiling in handicap at Doncaster (8f, heavy) 9 days ago. Expected to be bang there having been eased 1 lb. Beaten over 5l in the Spring Mile but the run contained its fair share of promise.
(1) (4/1 -20%) Look Back Smiling
4/1(-20%)
(1) Look Back Smiling 4/1, Isn't straightforward, but recorded 3 wins from 18 runs last year and was better than ever when landing 18-runner handicap at Doncaster (8f, heavy, 17/2) 9 days ago, suited by way race developed. Fit and in form. Hung right but kept on well to win the Spring Mile on his return; major player up 4lb.
(3) (9/2 +18%) Spirit Genie
9/2(+18%)
(3) Spirit Genie 9/2, Latest win at Leicester in October. 25/1, respectable sixth of 20 in handicap at Doncaster (8f, heavy) 9 days ago, unable to sustain effort. This is an easier handicap. Ran quite well in the Lincoln on recent return; loves slow ground; each-way shout.
(2) (11/1 -47%) Pisanello
11/1(-47%)
(2) Pisanello 11/1, 25/1, ninth of 12 in handicap at York (7.9f, heavy), merely passing beaten rivals. Off 171 days and back in his pay grade for yard in excellent form. Very well in with Look Back Smiling on a Hamilton run last summer; goes well fresh; trip ?.
(9) (11/1 -57%) Perseverants
11/1(-57%)
(9) Perseverants 11/1, Good second of 8 in handicap at Doncaster (7f, soft, 6/1) 8 days ago, running on. Same mark here so he should be competitive. Running himself into form this year, most recently 2nd of 8 at Doncaster last week; chance.
(6) (12/1 -20%) Legal Reform
12/1(-20%)
(6) Legal Reform 12/1, Three wins from 8 runs last year. Bit below form seventh of 12 in handicap at Southwell (7.1f, 22/1) 22 days ago, slowly away. Should strip fitter with that under his belt. Usual hood left off. Sharper for last month's reappearance and a better effort should be forthcoming.
(7) (14/1 -17%) Danzan
14/1(-17%)
(7) Danzan 14/1, Bit below form fourth of 10 in handicap at Doncaster (7f, heavy, 12/1). Off 156 days. Now below last winning mark. Returns off a reduced mark but the five-month absence is enough to look elsewhere.
(11) (16/1 -33%) Leap Day
16/1(-33%)
(11) Leap Day 16/1, Winner at Southwell in December. 6/1, last of 10 in handicap at Southwell (8.1f) 27 days ago. Others more persuasive. Flopped at Southwell last time but in good form on AW beforehand; promise on soft.
(4) (18/1 -50%) Oso Rapido
18/1(-50%)
(4) Oso Rapido 18/1, C&D winner. Latest win at Catterick in October. 9/1, respectable sixth of 12 in handicap at Newcastle (7.1f). Off 142 days. Course winner last year and handles slow ground; high in weights back from a break.
(10) (18/1 -29%) William Dewhirst
18/1(-29%)
(10) William Dewhirst 18/1, Ninth of 11 in handicap (28/1) at Newcastle (6f) 29 days ago. Something to find on form back up in trip. Should win more races this year but this one might prove too competitive.
(8) (25/1 -25%) Archduke Ferdinand
25/1(-25%)
(8) Archduke Ferdinand 25/1, 15/2, below form 14 lengths sixth of 10 to Look Back Smiling in handicap at Doncaster (7f, heavy). Off 156 days. Can give a good account with drying ground in his favour. Two turf wins last summer but he returns from a break in a competitive event.
(5) (28/1 -100%) Spioradalta
28/1(-100%)
(5) Spioradalta 28/1, Tenth of 12 in handicap (11/1) at Newcastle (8f), not much room. Off 146 days. Two soft-ground wins last year; may do better as a 4yo but conceding race fitness today.
(12) (40/1 -60%) Violets Star
40/1(-60%)
(12) Violets Star 40/1, Ffos Las maiden winners last summer. Last of 10 in handicap (7/1) at Doncaster (5f, soft) 8 days ago. Significantly back up in trip and hood reached for. Not obviously well handicapped and the addition of a hood isn't enough to tempt.
15:39 Redcar Handicap (Class 4) 7f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 4 race.
LOOK BACK SMILING picked up where he left off last year when returning to Doncaster to land the Spring Mile and conditions are in his favour once again in his bid for a hat-trick of victories. Perseverants improved back on turf with a runner-up display at the same meeting on Town Moor and is capable of being in the mix again, along with Lincoln sixth Spirit Genie and Oso Rapido.
HELTER SKELTER's inability to keep straight under pressure cost him a place at Doncaster last week but it was a very encouraging effort nonetheless and he might be a sporting wager to reverse the form with winner Look Back Smiling. Of the rest, Perseverants is likely to give it another good go.
Look Back Smiling is respected but HELTER SKELTER may be able to reverse Spring Mile placings with him.
(5) Cloudy Wednesday 5/2, Generally held his form well during a busy period in first half of last year, bagging handicap chases here (21.2f) and Huntingdon. Below form first 2 starts after a break but back to form when going close at latter course last week. Big shout off same mark. Course winner last year and back in good form with close second at Huntingdon last week.
(6) (7/2 +50%) Via Dante
7/2(+50%)
(6) Via Dante 7/2, Little impact in varied events over hurdles but surely would have won but for departing late (in control when falling 2 out) at Newton Abbot last spring. Failed to perform to the same level on return at Market Rasen (23.9f, good to soft) and took little interest at Chepstow (heavy) since. Ran well on Boxing Day, after a layoff, but was in very poor form at Chepstow in January.
(1) (4/1 +0%) Conceroe
4/1(+0%)
(1) Conceroe 4/1, Off the mark over fences at the second attempt when landing a weak 5-runner event over 21f here in November 2022. Off 15 months subsequently and proved all the better for return when second of 4 in handicap chase at this course (29.1f, good to soft) 17 days ago. Respected off same mark. Ran big race in defeat here last month, his second start after a long absence; respected.
(2) (9/2 -13%) Steal My Sunshine
9/2(-13%)
(2) Steal My Sunshine 9/2, Has improved since the cheekpieces went on, building on Uttoxeter breakthrough success in May when following up at Worcester (2½m, soft) on return. Failed to kick on after and now goes chasing. Dual hurdle winner in 2023; flopped last time but makes chasing debut from workable mark.
(8) (9/1 +64%) Noah's Light
9/1(+64%)
(8) Noah's Light 9/1, Hasn't shown much in 9 runs in this sphere so easy to look elsewhere from out of the handicap. Has struggled in low-grade handicap chases this season and is 7lb wrong here.
(4) (14/1 -56%) Conceal
14/1(-56%)
(4) Conceal 14/1, Won at Uttoxeter in autumn 2022 but more lows than highs since, remote fourth of 8 at Southwell when last seen in September. Has very mixed record over fences and was out of form when last seen last summer.
(3) (40/1 -233%) Call Off The Dogs
40/1(-233%)
(3) Call Off The Dogs 40/1, Career best when winning 5-runner handicap chase at Plumpton (25.7f, good, 6/5) but showed nothing both starts this season after 2 years off. Blinkered first time. Pulled up on both outings since very long absence; needs to prove he retains ability.
15:42 Fakenham Handicap Chase (Class 5)
24f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 5 race.
CLOUDY WEDNESDAY was only beaten a neck into second over 2m4f at Huntingdon a week ago and the eight-year-old merits the utmost respect off the same mark here. Conceroe also filled the runner-up position on his most recent outing, over 3m5f at this venue, and he could prove to be the main threat, although Vetoncall showed more last time and cannot be discounted.
CLOUDY WEDNESDAY looked back to his best when edged out only by an unexposed sort at Huntingdon last week so can resume winning ways off the same mark. Low-mileage veteran Vetoncall stepped up on his return when fourth at Chepstow and rates the main threat back on his winning mark, with Conceroe best of the others.
Course winners VETONCALL, Conceroe and Cloudy Wednesday have all recently returned to form. The first-named is selected.
(1) Ballee 4/6, Showed fairly useful form in bumpers and progressing fast over hurdles, winning a brace of novice events at Taunton to end 2023. Double penalty to carry but still very much the one to beat. Useful form when winning twice at Taunton in late 2023; leading contender.
(5) (15/8 -25%) Phantomofthepoints
15/8(-25%)
(5) Phantomofthepoints 15/8, Failed to complete in 2 points but showed plenty when placed in a pair of bumpers. Shaped well again when going down only narrowly on 2m Ayr hurdle debut in December but unable to kick on since, spurning what looked a good opening at Hexham 18 days ago. Should still be in the mix. Very good second on hurdling debut in December but two lesser efforts have followed.
(2) (15/2 -67%) Cloud Dancer
15/2(-67%)
(2) Cloud Dancer 15/2, Made a winning hurdles debut over 2m at Newbury in February 2023 and bettered that form when third of 4 in a useful conditions race at Ascot (2m, good) on his reappearance in November. Backward step at Plumpton last month upped in trip but it's still early days. Shade disappointing over 2m4f last month but a contender if judged on 1m7f/2m form.
(4) (50/1 +50%) Lucky Lugger
50/1(+50%)
(4) Lucky Lugger 50/1, First worthwhile form when fifth fitted with a tongue tie at Warwick 3 weeks ago. Made inauspicious start to hurdling career but last month's Warwick fifth was much better.
(3) (50/1 -25%) Bredon Hill Dart
50/1(-25%)
(3) Bredon Hill Dart 50/1, Looks a longer-term handicap project, clipping heels and falling early at Exeter last time. Has shown minor promise but faces a tough assignment here.
(6) (250/1 -25%) Seren Y Teigr
250/1(-25%)
(6) Seren Y Teigr 250/1, Down the field in minor event/maidens on Flat and showed nothing both hurdles starts. Has struggled in two maiden hurdles this year (2m/2m7f).
(7) (250/1 -25%) Karakoy
250/1(-25%)
(7) Karakoy 250/1, Fair winner on the Flat for Harry & Roger Charlton and cost new connections 30,000 gns in October. No promise to be taken from efforts over hurdles so far, however. Flat winner here last summer but well beaten in three hurdle races this year.
15:45 Chepstow Maiden Hurdle
(Class 4) 16f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 4 race.
BALLEE may have a 12lb penalty to overcome for a pair of successes at Taunton, but the ease with which he made all last time out suggested that there should be even more to come. Soft ground is a question mark, though he should still have too much class for the likes of Cloud Dancer and Phantomofthepoints, who has yet to rediscover the form he showed when narrowly denied on his hurdles debut at Ayr last December.
It hasn't taken BALLEE to reach a useful level over hurdles despite the fact he's not yet the finished article and he's expected to successfully concede weight all round and complete the hat-trick. Phantomofthepoints and Cloud Dancer can fight it out for second.
Dual Taunton winner BALLEE quickly developed into a very useful novice hurdler in late 2023 and can complete a hat-trick.
(3) Zarak The Brave 5/6, Smart hurdler. Good 9½ lengths fourth of 8 to State Man in Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham (16.4f, heavy, 22/1) 20 days ago. Up in trip. Trainer going well. Big player. Respectable 10l fourth to stablemate State Man in the Champion Hurdle; trip a concern.
(6) (5/2 +44%) Thedevilscoachman
5/2(+44%)
(6) Thedevilscoachman 5/2, Smart hurdler. Cheekpieces on for 1st time, 32½ lengths last of 4 to Monkfish in John Mulhern Galmoy Hurdle at Gowran (24f, heavy, 5/4) 67 days ago. Tongue strap on 1st time. In the picture. Capable Graded performer over hurdles and fences, handles heavy; tongue-tie interesting.
(1) (11/2 -57%) Brewin'upastorm
11/2(-57%)
(1) Brewin'upastorm 11/2, Smart hurdler. Good second of 9 in handicap hurdle at Kelso (20.9f, soft, 12/1) 30 days ago, conceding first run. Booking of Kennedy a plus so this veteran can't be ruled out. Solid Grade 2 performer on his day, good run under top weight in Kelso handicap last time.
(5) (10/1 -25%) Maxxum
10/1(-25%)
(5) Maxxum 10/1, Useful hurdler. 2 wins from 6 runs this season. 15/2, creditable sixth of 14 in handicap hurdle at Naas (22.7f, heavy) 36 days ago. Shortlisted. Useful 3m handicapper missed a Cheltenham engagement; up in grade and down in trip here.
The chart reads from right to left to today's race.
ZARAK THE BRAVE should prove difficult to beat if staying this extra half-mile. The selection can race quite keenly and enjoyed a big payday when taking the Galway Hurdle last summer. He bounced back from a disappointing effort at Tipperary to take a Grade 3 at Naas and certainly wasn't disgraced when fourth to stablemate State Man in the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham. Brewin'upastorm is well proven over this distance having twice won the National Spirit Hurdle at Fontwell and ran up to his mark in a Kelso handicap last month. Thedevilscoachman has been given a break since finishing very tired last time in the Galmoy Hurdle at Gowran and previously put in a decent effort behind Sir Gerhard over this trip at Punchestown.
ZARAK THE BRAVE has much less on his plate than when coming in a good fourth to stablemate State Man in the Champion Hurdle last time and can quickly resume winning ways at the chief expense of Thedevilscoachman who can also boast some smart form. Veteran Brewin'upastorm can edge out the Gordon Elliott-trained duo Beacon Edge and Maxxum for minor honours.
Champion Hurdle fourth Zarak The Brave is the one to beat but over the trip, on this ground, THEDEVILSCOACHMAN has a decent chance
(9) Wreckless Eric 11/8, Built one debut promise when landing the odds at Wetherby (2m, heavy) in February. Looks on a favourable mark now making a quick switch to handicaps with further progress likely. Leading claims. 4yo; has potential off opening mark and receives valuable 10lb allowance from older horses.
(4) (4/1 -33%) Notimeforanother
4/1(-33%)
(4) Notimeforanother 4/1, Fairly useful AW Flat winner for Keith Dalgleish and promising start over hurdles for this stable, making a successful handicap debut at Doncaster (2m, good to soft) at the end of January. Raised 7 lb but he had a bit in hand and there should be more to come. Respected. Won in big field on h'cap hurdle debut at Doncaster; may well take 7lb rise in his stride.
(3) (15/2 +17%) Fourofakind
15/2(+17%)
(3) Fourofakind 15/2, Fairly useful form on the Flat in Ireland and dual hurdle winner for this yard, the second success coming in 19.5f Hereford handicap in February. Not in the same form when only sixth at Kelso since. First-time blinkers replace cheekpieces. Began year in good form; only sixth at Kelso latest but better than that; headgear switch.
(7) (10/1 -67%) Rascal
10/1(-67%)
(7) Rascal 10/1, Too free when well held sole outing in bumpers but has fared better over hurdles, building on his Warwick debut third last spring when winning 2m Doncaster maiden 6 months later. Failed to stay 20.5f on course handicap debut in January and retains potential back at 2m. Well beaten on handicap debut here but over 2m4f; won over 2m at Doncaster previously.
(11) (14/1 +13%) State Of Bliss
14/1(+13%)
(11) State Of Bliss 14/1, Bagged 4-runner Fakenham maiden last June but hasn't replicated that subsequently. Others make greater appeal. He's struggled to get competitive in handicaps and others make greater appeal.
(10) (14/1 +30%) Lucky Lover Boy
14/1(+30%)
(10) Lucky Lover Boy 14/1, Won 4 times in the first half of last season but hasn't fired over hurdles or fences this term and needs a revival. Well handicapped on 2022 form but not at his best earlier this season.
(6) (14/1 +44%) John Betjeman
14/1(+44%)
(6) John Betjeman 14/1, Likeable type who has largely held his form well since landing a 2m Ffos Las handicap a year ago, although latest Taunton seventh no more than respectable. It's likely the wait for the next win will go on. Well treated on his Boxing Day third but soundly beaten on his three runs since.
(1) (22/1 -83%) Homme D'un Soir
22/1(-83%)
(1) Homme D'un Soir 22/1, Pretty useful hurdler/chaser for Stuart Crawford in his prime. Placed twice in handicap hurdles for new yard this winter but he needs to shrug off a poor run at Plumpton in February. Well beaten at Plumpton last time but made encouraging start for this yard previously.
(8) (22/1 -83%) Fandabidozi
22/1(-83%)
(8) Fandabidozi 22/1, Fair placed form over hurdles last summer without winning. Arrives fit from AW Flat but others look better treated. Poor strike-rate but on a competitive mark on last summer's hurdle form; each-way claims.
(5) (50/1 +0%) Charlie My Boy
50/1(+0%)
(5) Charlie My Boy 50/1, Big improver over hurdles when winning a pair of handicaps at up to 2½m for Keiran Burke at the start of last summer but made a disappointing return from 8 months off at Newbury, his first run back with John Jenkins. Won two in a row last May/June but tailed off ten days ago when back from an absence.
15:55 Huntingdon Handicap Hurdle (Class 4)
16f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 4 race.
KANSAS DU BERLAIS found only a downgraded rival too strong over an extended 2m4f here last week and the five-year-old makes plenty of appeal racing off the same mark. Adam West's charge shouldn't be inconvenienced by this return to 2m and a third victory over hurdles could beckon. A 7lb rise in the ratings shouldn't prevent a bold follow-up bid from Doncaster scorer Notimeforanother. The Time Test gelding is feared most, ahead of fellow last-time-out winner Wreckless Eric.
The Ban Pauling-trained 4-y-o WRECKLESS ERIC looks on a very workable opening handicap mark and is preferred to Doncaster-scorer Notimeforanother. The drop back to 2m should suit Rascal and he can get involved in the battle for minor honours along with last Monday's course runner-up Kansas du Berlais.
The 4yo WRECKLESS ERIC has shown plenty of promise on his first two starts and is taken to make a winning handicap debut.
(1) Rocking Tree 10/3, Lightly-raced winner. First run since leaving Ger Lyons when winning 8-runner novice at this course (7f) 23 days ago, kept up to work. Could have more to offer now handicapping. Leading claims. Won a 7f maiden here on recent stable debut; respected back up in trip in first handicap.
(6) (7/2 +53%) Miguel
7/2(+53%)
(6) Miguel 7/2, Two wins from 6 runs last year. Latest win at Ripon in September. 5/1, creditable second of 6 in handicap at this course (7f) 23 days ago. Up in trip. Second on his return here last month but he's gone up 2lb and this is highly competitive.
(3) (4/1 +20%) Invincible Aura
4/1(+20%)
(3) Invincible Aura 4/1, Career best when winning 11-runner maiden at Southwell (1m) 11 days ago, always holding on. Will need a bit more back in handicap company. Won at Southwell on return but this is tougher off 5lb higher and he needs more progress.
(4) (4/1 +20%) The Ice Phoenix
4/1(+20%)
(4) The Ice Phoenix 4/1, Fairly useful form. Didn't need to be at best when winning 7-runner novice at Lingfield (7f) when last seen in November. Up in trip. Makes handicap debut. Expected to be bang there. Won a Lingfield novice in November but he needs more at this new trip on handicap debut.
(2) (17/2 -143%) Sennockian
17/2(-143%)
(2) Sennockian 17/2, Arrives on a 4-timer after AW wins around 1m at Newcastle, Lingfield and C&D in February. A further 4 lb rise is unlikely to prevent him making another bold bid. Unbeaten in three 1m handicaps this year and latest was a brave win over C&D; key player.
(7) (9/1 -13%) Lavender Hill Mob
9/1(-13%)
(7) Lavender Hill Mob 9/1, Won novice at Lingfield in January. Stepped up on that form when third of 4 in handicap there since but it underlines he needs more from this mark. Still unexposed but he needs to kick on again on this drop back in trip; Tapeta debut.
(5) (12/1 -140%) Tasmanian Legend
12/1(-140%)
(5) Tasmanian Legend 12/1, Has won 3 of 4 starts since joining Alice Haynes, the last 2 over this C&D. 7 lb higher in a stronger race now so he'll need to progress again to keep his winning run going. 3-4 since joining new yard this year and last two wins have been over C&D; shortlisted.
16:03 Wolverhampton Handicap (Class 4) 9f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 4 race.
A tricky puzzle to solve with over half of the field arriving on the back of wins, so only a tentative vote can go to TASMANIAN LEGEND. Now a dual C&D winner following last month's cosy success, a 7lb rise not might prevent him from completing a hat-trick. Rocking Tree made a successful debut for the George Boughey team 23 days ago and he must be respected now sent handicapping, while others to note include Sennockian and The Ice Phoenix.
ROCKING TREE won a maiden here on his first start for George Boughey and there could be more to come for his new trainer so he's taken to bring to an end the winning run of Sennockian Star. The Ice Phoenix is another to consider in what looks quite a warm race despite the lack of numbers.
A fascinating race in which hat-trick seeker TASMANIAN LEGEND gets the vote ahead of Sennockian, who has won his last three starts.
(2) Al Barez 5/2, 11/2, respectable sixth of 12 in handicap at Wolverhampton (6.1f) 23 days ago, having hopeless task from position. More handicaps in him if he stands his racing and has to be taken seriously. Two good runs back from a break; can win off this mark and not yet fully exposed.
(3) (13/2 -63%) The Thames Boatman
13/2(-63%)
(3) The Thames Boatman 13/2, Career best when winning 9-runner handicap (7/2) at Lingfield (6f, AW) 25 days ago. Can go well again. Signs this winter that he's become more straightforward, winning two at Lingfield; solid.
(11) (15/2 +38%) Al Ameen
15/2(+38%)
(11) Al Ameen 15/2, C&D winner starting out for this yard in October. Seventh of 11 in handicap (18/5) at Newcastle (6f) when last seen. Off 114 days and might need this. C&D winner on stable debut last October; quiet latest but still has some potential.
(5) (15/2 +70%) Holy Fire
15/2(+70%)
(5) Holy Fire 15/2, C&D winner. 16/1 and visored for 1st time, respectable seventh of 12 in handicap at Wolverhampton (6.1f) 23 days ago. Could do better back here. Fully effective over C&D but she needs to step up on her last two runs to win.
(9) (15/2 -7%) Brazen Idol
15/2(-7%)
(9) Brazen Idol 15/2, C&D winner. Six wins from 21 Flat runs. Latest win here in January. 22/1, last of 14 in handicap at Doncaster (6f, soft) 8 days ago. Could do better back on AW. C&D win in January looks rock solid; ignore last week; type to bounce back quickly.
(1) (17/2 -89%) Radio Goo Goo
17/2(-89%)
(1) Radio Goo Goo 17/2, Improved model at 3, winning 5 times, including class 2 fillies' handicap at York (6f) in June. Not so good when sixth of 7 in handicap (4/1) at Southwell (6.1f) 22 days ago. Has now dropped below her last winning mark; ran okay twice last month; can be involved.
(7) (11/1 -10%) Shalaa Asker
11/1(-10%)
(7) Shalaa Asker 11/1, Four wins from 17 runs last year. 9/1, respectable sixth of 12 in handicap at Chelmsford City (6f) 142 days ago. Multiple AW winner; can go well fresh and he's returning off a fair mark; not discounted.
(8) (12/1 -9%) Twilight Madness
12/1(-9%)
(8) Twilight Madness 12/1, C&D winner. 4/7, second of 4 in handicap at Chelmsford City (5f) 32 days ago. This is harder. In good form on AW this winter, winning over 6f at Lingfield in December; each-way shout.
(6) (14/1 +0%) Almaty Star
14/1(+0%)
(6) Almaty Star 14/1, Winner at Lingfield in September. 3/1, first run since leaving Roger Varian when bit below form fifth of 9 in handicap at Chelmsford City (5f) 144 days ago. Something to find. Chelmsford second last October was a good run; not as convincing on stable debut latest.
(4) (18/1 -80%) Sergeant Pep
18/1(-80%)
(4) Sergeant Pep 18/1, Career best when winning 13-runner handicap (9/1) at Bath (5.7f, soft) when last seen, kept up to work. Off 6 months. Might need this. Progressing on soft ground last autumn; better to come but absent for six months.
(12) (50/1 -257%) Crazy Luck
50/1(-257%)
(12) Crazy Luck 50/1, Fourteen runs since last win in 2022. Off 169 days. Rare run on the AW and others preferred. On a lowly mark but her record fresh and on AW suggests there may be other days.
16:05 Kempton Handicap (Class 4) 6f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 4 race.
THE THAMES BOATMAN arrives in fine fettle having won two of his last three starts, both at Lingfield, and the Richard Hughes-trained four-year-old has plenty in his favour, with connections opting to use Ethan Jones' 7lb claim. Brazen Idol cannot be written off just yet having lost all chance at the start at Doncaster's Lincoln meeting, while others for the shortlist include Radio Goo Goo and Al Barez.
AL BAREZ shaped well at Wolverhampton last time and could be the way to go. The Thames Boatman continues to shine on the AW and is a big player. Orbital Chime is also in the box on his return.
Brazen Idol's run last week can be safely ignored but he might find AL BAREZ too strong this time.
(8) Ryehill Evens, Winning pointer, including by wide margin in February. Shaped well when second of 10 in hunter chase at Thurles (24.8f, soft) on NH debut 27 days ago, clear of rest. Hard to beat. Won a point by clear daylight before nearly following up in a maiden hunter chase.
(5) (7/2 +0%) Glady Max
7/2(+0%)
(5) Glady Max 7/2, No impact in 3 maidens hurdles but has won last 2 completed starts in point since. Interesting contender on Rules debut. Has won two of last 3 points and would probably have been placed when he fell in between.
(1) (4/1 +67%) Ballinrea
4/1(+67%)
(1) Ballinrea 4/1, Winning pointer, third last time (Dec 2023). Betting should guide on Rules debut. Form figures of 133 in points, posting a best RPR of 90; could do well in hunter chases.
(2) (7/1 +0%) Bigbraveboy
7/1(+0%)
(2) Bigbraveboy 7/1, Successful on last of 5 starts in points (Mar 17). Would enter the reckoning if the market vibes are strong now switching to a hunter. Made pretty much all to win a 3m heavy-ground point at Knockanohill two weeks ago.
(3) (20/1 -82%) Delta Melody
20/1(-82%)
(3) Delta Melody 20/1, Modest form over hurdles. Second in a point on latest start in February. Hunter debut. Limited hurdler and he's 0-6 in points, though has finished runner-up in three of them.
(4) (20/1 +0%) Farmers Future
20/1(+0%)
(4) Farmers Future 20/1, Won a point in January. Well-held third both starts since. Hunter debut. Others preferred. Successful pointing RPR of 80 is inferior to what some of today's rivals have achieved.
(10) (50/1 +50%) Ta Se Rua
50/1(+50%)
(10) Ta Se Rua 50/1, Modest chaser. 100/1, creditable fifth of 10 in hunter chase at Thurles (24.8f, soft) 27 days ago but the reopposing Ryehill was a long way ahead of him. Just one win from 15 points and he was 100-1 when well behind Ryehill at Thurles.
(7) (66/1 +0%) Misty Fandango
66/1(+0%)
(7) Misty Fandango 66/1, Maiden pointer, last of 4 finishers last time (Mar 3). Probably best to look elsewhere. No closer than 15l in his four points and has to step up; tries a tongue-tie.
(6) (80/1 -60%) Hardy Buck
80/1(-60%)
(6) Hardy Buck 80/1, Unplaced in 4 points and down the field in 4 hurdles in the first half of this season. Likely outsider. Pointing exploits nothing to shout about and same can be said about his runs over hurdles.
The chart reads from right to left to today's race.
Runner-up in a similar race at Thurles last month, the Ross O'Sullivan-trained RYEHILL can go one better here. An impressive winner of his winner-of-one at Belharbour on his previous start, the Mahler gelding has more potential than most of these rivals. Bigbraveboy has failed to complete in three of his five point-to-point starts, but has won and finished runner-up in the other two. Granted a clear round, the Daniel Murphy-trained gelding has to have a strong place claim at the very least. Glady Max, winner of two of his last three starts, is another who will need to do things right, but he has to be a contender on his point-to-point form.
RYEHILL made an encouraging start to his hunter career when second at Thurles 4 weeks ago and this looks a good chance for him to go one better. Glady Max has won twice in the pointing field this year and is second choice ahead of Bigbraveboy, another with a recent point to his name.
This is a gilt-edged opportunity for RYEHILL, who posted a standout RPR when giving a good horse something to think about at Thurles.
(7) Saladins Son 1/3, Bought for £95,000 after landing a maiden point. Hit the frame twice over hurdles and will find this a lot easier than the handicap he contested at Sandown last month. One to beat. Seventh in Sandown's EBF Final three weeks ago and this is a whole lot easier than that.
(5) (3/1 +0%) Kaituna River
3/1(+0%)
(5) Kaituna River 3/1, Winning Irish pointer but presumably had share of issues given he missed 16 months after his Rules debut. That said, he did shape with a bit of promise at Doncaster. Beaten 14l after getting outpaced at Doncaster and he's entitled to build on that.
(3) (14/1 -87%) Harrys Game
14/1(-87%)
(3) Harrys Game 14/1, Shaped better than on debut when third at Ffos Las on final start for Jeremy Scott in May. Off since and hood removed. Flat-bred 7yo; beaten 41l (2m) and 17l (2m4f) in two hurdles for Jeremy Scott.
(4) (25/1 -25%) Honey Jack
25/1(-25%)
(4) Honey Jack 25/1, Has scope but looked badly in need of the experience when well-beaten on debut in a Newbury bumper and pulled up over hurdles since. Early days but comes here with plenty to prove after two quiet runs.
(1) (28/1 +15%) Captain's Pick
28/1(+15%)
(1) Captain's Pick 28/1, Better effort in bumpers in Ireland when second of 12 at Kilbeggan in June, but failed to threaten on first start for this yard at Worcester 2 months later and was pulled up on hurdles bow. Ordinary stuff in Britain and went off at 125-1 before pulling up in a maiden at Exeter.
(2) (50/1 -52%) Clifton Mist
50/1(-52%)
(2) Clifton Mist 50/1, Kapgarde gelding. Dam fairly useful hurdler (15f winner in France, stayed 21f). Raced freely and offered little starting out at Chepstow. Didn't get home on heavy ground at Chepstow (2m3f; 18-1), though was beaten a fair way out.
(8) (50/1 +0%) Westtara
50/1(+0%)
(8) Westtara 50/1, Well held in bumpers and again showed little over hurdles. Minor rules form before embarking on a point career that has yielded one win.
(9) (80/1 -220%) Lady Dena
80/1(-220%)
(9) Lady Dena 80/1, Dylan Thomas mare. Half-sister to 1m winner Barrsbrook. Dam, maiden on Flat, half-sister to fair hurdler/fairly useful but unreliable chaser (stayed 3m) Daldini. Wears hood and likely best watched on this belated debut. Flat-bred mare who makes a very belated debut at the age of eight and she's hooded.
16:10 Plumpton Maiden Hurdle
(Class 4) 20f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 4 race.
This doesn't look the deepest of contests and so it appears to present SALADINS SON, who finished a creditable seventh in a warm premier handicap at Sandown last month, with a good chance to shed his maiden tag. Kaituna River reached the frame at Doncaster last time out and must be of interest with Harry Cobden aboard for the first time, while Record High could prove to be best of the remainder.
SALADINS SON takes a big drop in class having contested a warm handicap at Sandown 3 weeks ago and he looks ready to take full advantage. Kaituna River and Record High have both had light careers so far but a step forward from either would come as no surprise here.
This is a modest maiden hurdle and SALADINS SON may only have to repeat his run in the always-strong EBF Final at Sandown.
(4) Glorious Angel 9/4, C&D winner. Three wins from 22 runs last year. Solid sixth to Montassib in listed race at Doncaster (6f, heavy) 9 days ago. Weighted to go well back in handicap company. Ran well in the face of stiff task at Doncaster nine days ago; conditions fine; big player.
(2) (9/2 -35%) Bajan Bandit
9/2(-35%)
(2) Bajan Bandit 9/2, 15/2, creditable second of 10 in handicap at Newmarket (7f, good to firm). Off 6 months but still needs considering. Progressive at 7f/1m last year; trip and ground the imponderables back from a break.
(1) (5/1 +0%) Twelfth Knight
5/1(+0%)
(1) Twelfth Knight 5/1, C&D winner. Three wins from 10 runs last year. 14/1, twelfth of 13 in handicap at Ripon (6f, good). Off 6 months. Can give a good account if fully tuned up. Won this race last year and added two more wins at Ripon; high in weights on return.
(7) (6/1 +0%) Broken Spear
6/1(+0%)
(7) Broken Spear 6/1, Below form fourth of 8 in handicap (11/4) at Doncaster (7f, soft) 8 days ago. Visor back on. Must improve. Didn't run badly at Doncaster last week and not a hopeless cause back at 6f.
(6) (8/1 -45%) Bay Breeze
8/1(-45%)
(6) Bay Breeze 8/1, Three wins from 13 runs last year. 25/1, fourteenth of 17 in handicap at Newmarket (7f, heavy). Off 149 days. Can make presence felt if primed for his seasonal return. Can go well fresh and 6f on slow ground suits him well; one to consider.
(8) (10/1 -25%) Fortamour
10/1(-25%)
(8) Fortamour 10/1, 20/1, respectable fifth of 11 in handicap at Newcastle (6f) 29 days ago. Possibilities. Goes well at Ripon; handy mark but will be of greater interest at his favourite track.
(3) (14/1 -40%) Snazzy Jazzy
14/1(-40%)
(3) Snazzy Jazzy 14/1, Unreliable sort. 4/1, below form sixth of 12 in handicap at Ayr (6f, heavy). Off 172 days. Something to find on form. Conditions will suit and he's on a fair mark but not sure fresh is the time to catch him.
(5) (16/1 -33%) Roundhay Park
16/1(-33%)
(5) Roundhay Park 16/1, Three wins from 13 runs last year. 10/1, seventh of 8 in handicap at Pontefract (6f, good to soft). Off 6 months with more needed. Multiple winner (three last year), but high in the weights & returning from six months off.
16:14 Redcar Handicap (Class 3) 6f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 3 race.
GLORIOUS ANGEL didn't disgrace herself in the Cammidge Trophy when beaten just over four lengths. Grant Tuer's filly, who ran really well on testing ground at the back end of the 2023 turf season, has been given a chance by the handicapper following a string of below-par efforts on the all-weather. Twelfth Knight's Ripon success on his penultimate start would give him every chance of repeating last year's triumph, while others to consider include Bajan Bandit and Broken Spear.
GLORIOUS ANGEL has his fitness proven on the back of a creditable listed sixth at Doncaster last week so looks the way to go now reverted to handicap company. Both Bajan Bandit and Twelfth Knight are also weighted to make their mark if ready to roll on their respective reappearances and can chase home Grant Tuer's filly in that order.
Bay Breeze is considered on his return but GLORIOUS ANGEL (nap) can build on her creditable run in Listed company nine days ago.
(4) Star Walking 10/11, €26,000 3-y-o, £115,000 4-y-o, Jukebox Jury mare. Half-sister to 3 winners, including fairly useful hurdler/chaser Uptown Harry and fair hurdler/chaser Dont Kick Nor Bite, stayed 25f. Dam unraced. Successful sole outing in Irish points (Nov 2023). Leading claims. Sold for £115,000 after Irish point win; has potential and warrants respect.
(5) (10/3 +52%) Briery Bee
10/3(+52%)
(5) Briery Bee 10/3, Dartmouth filly. Dam useful hurdle/chase winner at around 2½m. Stable can get one ready on debut, so worth monitoring in the betting. First foal of a bumper/jumps winner for these connections; shortlisted.
(2) (11/2 -144%) Jazzmina Queen
11/2(-144%)
(2) Jazzmina Queen 11/2, Jack Hobbs mare. Half-sister to fair hurdler Dorisa Queen. Highly respected on debut, particularly if the market speaks in her favour. Bred to do well in bumpers and looks an interesting newcomer.
(6) (9/1 +44%) Chattamento
9/1(+44%)
(6) Chattamento 9/1, Out of a winning hurdler and looked in need of experience when mid-field at Newbury first time out. Off 103 days since and expected to take a step forward. Attracted support at Newbury and is evidently thought capable of better.
(1) (18/1 -29%) Dropitlikeitshot
18/1(-29%)
(1) Dropitlikeitshot 18/1, Promise on debut but failed to back it up at Lingfield 112 days ago. Has a bit to prove but could feature if she's back on track. Both starts on Polytrack at Lingfield, better effort when fourth on debut.
(3) (28/1 -75%) Red Panda
28/1(-75%)
(3) Red Panda 28/1, Sir Percy filly who offered little when well held in bumper at Ludlow (15.8f, soft) 126 days ago. Hard to fancy. Nicely bred but was beaten long way at Ludlow in November.
(7) (50/1 -213%) Cyclonic
50/1(-213%)
(7) Cyclonic 50/1, From a reasonable family but only a hint of ability when sixth at Sedgefield on debut 20 days ago. Will need to have learned plenty from that. Only sixth of seven at Sedgefield; others preferred.
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 4 race.
STAR WALKING was impressive between the flags in Ireland a few months ago and it would be no surprise to see Harry Fry's mare, who cost 115,000 pounds subsequently, make a successful debut under Rules. Jazzmina Queen is related to plenty of winners and has to be of interest on her racecourse bow, while Briery Bee and Dropitlikeitshot are next best.
STAR WALKING won her only start in points and has Brian Hughes booked for this Rules debut in what doesn't look a strong race on paper, so she's an obvious choice. Jazzmina Queen is in good hands and makes some appeal on pedigree, so she looks the main threat ahead of fellow newcomer Briery Bee.
Irish point winner STAR WALKING is first choice, ahead of the attractively bred newcomers Jazzmina Queen and Briery Bee.
(6) Prince Quali 11/8, Useful French hurdle/chase scorer who got off the mark for his new yard in 5-runner handicap chase at this C&D (heavy) 37 days ago by ½ length from Dr T J Eckleburg, always holding on. In the mix despite taking a 4 lb rise. Won similar race to this over C&D in February; obvious contender.
(4) (11/4 +31%) Sans Bruit
11/4(+31%)
(4) Sans Bruit 11/4, A smart winning hurdler/chaser in France but yet to fire in two runs for his current yard, twelfth of 16 in handicap hurdle at Sandown (16f, soft) 23 days ago. Switches to chasing with more needed. Chase and five-time hurdle winner in France; safely held in two British handicap hurdles.
(1) (5/1 -122%) Calico
5/1(-122%)
(1) Calico 5/1, In good form until only tenth of 16 in Grand Annual at Cheltenham (15.9f, heavy) 19 days ago. Expected to be bang there back in this less exacting company. Second in two valuable 2m handicaps this season; excused last month's Cheltenham defeat.
(7) (11/2 +8%) Dr T J Eckleburg
11/2(+8%)
(7) Dr T J Eckleburg 11/2, A two-time 2m chase winner at Worcester and Ludlow this term. Posted a creditable fourth of 7 in handicap chase at Sandown (20f, good to soft) 23 days ago so enters calculations. 3lb out of the weights today but went close over C&D two starts ago; a possible.
(2) (14/1 -75%) Brave Seasca
14/1(-75%)
(2) Brave Seasca 14/1, Scored at Aintree in 2022 but below par since and pulled up in handicap chase back there 114 days ago. Others appeal more. Lost his way last season and there has been no revival this term.
(5) (33/1 -106%) L'impertinent
33/1(-106%)
(5) L'impertinent 33/1, Fairly useful winner at 18f over hurdles for Enda Bolger. Hooded on first run for 20 months when a fading fourth of 6 in handicap chase (14/1) at Hereford (16f, soft) 23 days ago. Can build on it now. Well beaten on what was effectively his stable debut last month; has quite a bit to prove.
(3) (40/1 -186%) Fighter Allen
40/1(-186%)
(3) Fighter Allen 40/1, First run since leaving Willie Mullins when pulled up in handicap chase at Cheltenham (20.6f, soft) 18 days ago. Useful at his best but tough to assess at present. Pulled up at Cheltenham on recent stable debut; this is easier but he's hard to weigh up.
16:18 Chepstow Handicap Chase (Class 2)
16f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 2 race.
Although finishing down the field in the ultra-competitive Grand Annual at Cheltenham last month, CALICO should fare much better in these calmer waters. A reproduction of his runner-up effort at Doncaster in January may prove sufficient, with amateur Sean O'Connor good value for his 7lb claim. The biggest threat may emerge from Prince Quali, who landed a first victory on these shores when scoring over C&D in late February, while Sans Bruit may prove more competitive on this return to chasing.
CALICO found the Grand Annual too tough an assignment last time but had been in good nick prior to that so Dan Skelton's 8-y-o is fancied to bag a first win of the season at the chief expense of C&D winner Prince Quali. Dr T J Eckleburg is 3 lb out of the handicap but still commands respect if backing up his recent Sandown fourth.
Topweight CALICO (nap) has performed well in stronger handicaps than this over the last few months and can dominate from the front.
(1) Saint Sam 6/5, High-class chaser. 10/11, won 5-runner Red Mills Chase at Gowran (20f, heavy) 44 days ago by 8½ lengths from Riviere D'etel, hard held. Major player. Has won his last four completed starts since returning to the larger obstacles last year.
(4) (10/3 +26%) Appreciate It
10/3(+26%)
(4) Appreciate It 10/3, High-class hurdler. Eight wins from 18 NH runs. 24 lengths third of 4 to Allaho in Kinloch Brae Chase at Thurles (20.2f, heavy, 11/4) 71 days ago. Paul Townend prefers Saint Sam. Fine return in Durkan Chase when splitting Fastorslow and Galopin Des Champs; poor since.
(2) (4/1 -78%) Journey With Me
4/1(-78%)
(2) Journey With Me 4/1, Smart chaser. 4/6 and tongue strap on for 1st time, 3¾ lengths third of 5 to Ash Tree Meadow in Webster Cup Chase at Navan (20.4f, heavy) 30 days ago. Merits respect. Grade 3 winner as a novice last term; third at Navan after a long lay-off; still unexposed.
(6) (9/2 +25%) Fil Dor
9/2(+25%)
(6) Fil Dor 9/2, Very smart chaser. Five wins from 16 NH runs. 28/1, 19¾ lengths seventh of 11 to Protektorat in Ryanair Chase (Festival Trophy) at Cheltenham (20.6f, soft) 18 days ago. Expected to be bang there. Below par when beaten 20l in the Ryanair Chase having run well over 2m earlier this season.
(5) (33/1 -106%) Espanito Bello
33/1(-106%)
(5) Espanito Bello 33/1, Smart chaser. Latest win in hurdle at Naas in November. Unseated rider in handicap chase at Naas (24.8f, heavy, 13/2) 22 days ago. Back down in trip. All five career wins have come at Naas; fair third in 2m Grade 3 chase there latest.
(3) (50/1 -100%) Rebel Gold
50/1(-100%)
(3) Rebel Gold 50/1, Smart chaser. Course winner. 14/1, very good 5½ lengths second of 6 to Ferny Hollow in Newlands Chase at Naas (16f, heavy) 36 days ago, no match for winner. Back up in trip. Easy to look elsewhere. Fair bit to find at the weights and, although he stays this trip, best form over shorter.
The chart reads from right to left to today's race.
SAINT SAM had some jumping issues as a novice but has switched back to fences with great effect winning his last four completed starts. The selection likes to force the pace and impressed last time over this trip in the Grade 2 Red Mills Chase at Gowran. Appreciate It probably holds the strongest piece of form here when dividing Fastorslow and Galopin Des Champs in the John Durkan Chase at Punchestown but hasn't got near that level on both outings since. Journey With Me should benefit from his belated seasonal debut at Navan and may prove more of a threat than Fil Dor who has shown his best form over shorter distances.
Willie Mullins has landed four of the five previous running of this and SAINT SAM is taken to enhance that record. He barely broke sweat in the Red Mills Chase at Gowran last time and while the competition here is sterner, there could be better to come from this 7-y-o, who has won five of his seven completed starts over fences (the two defeats were in Grade 1 company). Stablemate Appreciate It is second choice ahead of Fil Dor and Journey With Me.
A chance is taken with JOURNEY WITH ME who should be better for last month's return and is still open to progress with sharper jumping
(4) Country Mile 2/1, €26,000 3-y-o, £80,000 4-y-o, Ocovango gelding. Dam runner-up in point. Runner-up sole start in points (Dec 3). Makes plenty of appeal on Rules bow for top yard. British point runner-up; has joined top yard for rules career and could have a big say.
(9) (4/1 +47%) Reallyntruthfully
4/1(+47%)
(9) Reallyntruthfully 4/1, €26,000 3-y-o, £48,000 4-y-o, Jet Away gelding. Half-brother to fair hurdler Gold Smoke. Dam (h106), bumper winner. Runner-up sole outing in points (Apr 2023). Notable Rules newcomer. Runner-up in British maiden point on sole start & he's a possible contender on rules debut.
(5) (11/2 -57%) Dino Magic
11/2(-57%)
(5) Dino Magic 11/2, Closely related to a winner on Flat and half-brother to fairly useful hurdler/chaser Los Banderos. Only seventh in bumper at Ascot on debut 149 days ago but should have learned from that and is worth a market check. Seventh on debut in Ascot bumper that has worked out well; firmly in calculations.
(2) (6/1 +0%) The Hardest Geezer
6/1(+0%)
(2) The Hardest Geezer 6/1, Dam unraced sister to high-class hurdler (stayed 3m) Kilcooley. Belied odds of 18/1 to make a comfortable winning debut at Ay 149 days ago for Donald Whillans and has been bought for £90,000 by new connections, so they will have high hopes. Won at Ayr on sole run for Donald Whillans; £90,000 sale since; could go well.
(1) (9/1 -200%) Just Lucky Sivola
9/1(-200%)
(1) Just Lucky Sivola 9/1, From a good family, with an excellent stable, and made a successful debut at Southwell four months ago. This might be a better race, but he's open to improvement and worth a chance to follow up. Won on debut at Southwell last November; open to improvement and respected under a penalty.
(11) (12/1 -140%) Silver Thorn
12/1(-140%)
(11) Silver Thorn 12/1, Related to a bumper winner and offered some encouragement when fourth at Fontwell 64 days ago. Could benefit from that initial outing, so potential for better. Promising fourth on debut at Fontwell in January and he's one to consider.
(8) (14/1 -40%) Pure Carbon
14/1(-40%)
(8) Pure Carbon 14/1, €32,000 3-y-o, Diamond Boy gelding. Ninth of 13 in bumper (7/1) at Newbury (16.3f, good to soft) on NH debut 53 days ago. Needs to take a step forward. Only ninth on debut at Newbury but ran better than the bare facts; could pose a threat.
(13) (16/1 -14%) Eagles Gold
16/1(-14%)
(13) Eagles Gold 16/1, Free Eagle gelding. Half-brother to 2 winners, including modest hurdler Only Fools. Dam, lightly raced on Flat, half-sister to a winner abroad. Worth a market check. Up-and-coming stable does well here and a market move would be interesting on debut.
(12) (80/1 -60%) Undone
80/1(-60%)
(12) Undone 80/1, Had wind surgery (also tongue tied) ahead of underwhelming debut at Doncaster a couple of months, so others are more persuasive. 20-1, beaten a long way on debut at Doncaster (2m, good) in January.
(10) (100/1 -300%) Rogue Bull
100/1(-300%)
(10) Rogue Bull 100/1, From a good family and there was some ability on show when fifth at this course on debut 16 months ago. Has left Tom Clover since and has something to prove. Fifth here in November 2022 on sole start; might be best watched on stable debut.
(7) (125/1 -25%) John Balliol
125/1(-25%)
(7) John Balliol 125/1, Failed to beat a rival in bumper here 64 days ago and looks up against it again. Tailed off at 100-1 on debut at Fontwell (2m1f, soft) in January; tongue-tie goes on.
(3) (250/1 -67%) Boots Bridge
250/1(-67%)
(3) Boots Bridge 250/1, Cheap purchase who finished last at a big price at Warwick on debut. Visored for the first time now but hard to make any sort of case for. Tailed off at 150-1 on debut at Warwick (2m, soft) three weeks ago; visor goes on.
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 5 race.
Representing Paul Nicholls, Just Lucky Sivola displayed a willing attitude when getting up to win a bumper on his debut at Southwell in November. Olive Nicholls effectively negates the 7lb penalty with her claim and the five-year-old should give another good account of himself. However, SILVER THORN makes slightly more appeal having finished fourth on his opening bid at Fontwell in January. That form rates a touch stronger and the son of Martaline could take this en route to better things. The Hardest Geezer completes the shortlist.
JUST LUCKY SIVOLA was professional when getting the job done at Southwell first time out and, while this looks a trickier assignment under a penalty, he could improve enough to maintain his unbeaten record. Fellow winner The Hardest Geezer is a danger and Silver Thorn merits plenty of respect.
This could go to DINO MAGIC, who was seventh in a warm Ascot bumper on his debut and has had wind surgery since.
(4) Autumn Angel 3/1, Latest win at Southwell in January. Respectable seventh of 12 in handicap (16/1) at Lingfield (7f, AW) 25 days ago when would have benefited from stronger handling. Not taken lightly. 25-1 win at Southwell in January but she's not matched that since and others are preferred.
(3) (3/1 +33%) Reputation
3/1(+33%)
(3) Reputation 3/1, Latest win at Chelmsford City in December. 9/1, creditable third of 7 in handicap at Chelmsford City (7f) 23 days ago. Needs considering. Veteran who has finished placed in last two runs including over C&D; each-way claims again.
(7) (9/2 -13%) Swiss Rowe
9/2(-13%)
(7) Swiss Rowe 9/2, C&D winner. Latest win at Kempton in January. Sixth of 9 in handicap at Kempton (7f, 5/1) 26 days ago so needs to bounce back. Close third over C&D on penultimate run and he's on same mark here; possibilities.
(1) (6/1 -20%) To The Bar
6/1(-20%)
(1) To The Bar 6/1, C&D winner. Latest win at Newcastle in February. 11/2, last of 11 in handicap at Newcastle (7.1f) 24 days ago. Others more persuasive. Won off a much-reduced mark at Newcastle in February but he was tailed off there last time.
(2) (9/1 +10%) A Pint Of Bear
9/1(+10%)
(2) A Pint Of Bear 9/1, C&D winner. Latest win here in January. Last of 12 in handicap at Southwell (7.1f, 66/1) 20 days ago. Merits consideration if back on song. Ended a 14-race losing run over C&D in January but he's been disappointing since.
(8) (9/1 +10%) Port Noir
9/1(+10%)
(8) Port Noir 9/1, C&D winner. 22/1, seventh of 9 in handicap at this course (6.1f) 9 days ago. Enters calculations if shrugging off latest effort. Dual C&D winner but she needs things to drop right and has been well held here last twice.
(5) (11/1 +8%) Gordonstoun
11/1(+8%)
(5) Gordonstoun 11/1, 33/1, last of 10 in handicap at Ayr (7.2f, soft). Off 6 months. Blinkered for 1st time. Out of sorts in his three runs last year and has plenty to prove on return; new headgear.
(9) (20/1 -43%) Rebel Redemption
20/1(-43%)
(9) Rebel Redemption 20/1, Course winner. 16/1, ninth of 11 in handicap at this C&D 13 days ago. Tongue strap back on. Twenty two runs since last win in 2022. Multiple AW winner but he's on a lengthy losing run and is hard to predict; risks attached.
16:38 Wolverhampton Handicap (Class 6) 7f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 6 race.
To The Bar was unable to back up February's Newcastle success when finishing a remote last at the Gosforth Park venue next time and for all that he is worth considering, it tempers enthusiasm slightly. With that in mind, it could pay to side with LOCKDOWN. Anthony McCann's gelding does not have the best of strike-rates, but he is competitively treated and might appreciate the return to 7f. 11-year-old Reputation continues to run well in defeat and the veteran must also enter calculations.
AUTUMN ANGEL wasn't seen to best effect under a 7 lb claimer when seventh at Lingfield last time out and with Rossa Ryan now up she can capitalise on a handy-looking mark. Reputation is next on the list ahead of Port Noir and A Pint Of Bear who are also weighted to have a say if bringing their A-game.
This looks tricky but January's Kempton winner SWISS ROWE gets the vote ahead of the in-form veteran Reputation.
(3) Dragon Icon 7/4, Course winner. Ninth of 12 in handicap (5/1) at Lingfield (10f, AW) 31 days ago, left poorly placed. Not one to write off. Good fourth over C&D but couldn't get into it at Lingfield (1m2f); retains potential.
(5) (10/3 -11%) Vultar
10/3(-11%)
(5) Vultar 10/3, Career best when winning 9-runner handicap at this C&D (4/5) 19 days ago by short head from Farasi Lane, driven out. Should make a bold bid for the hat-trick. 2-2 in h'caps, both here, and this unexposed 4yo could continue to progress; solid claims.
(8) (13/2 +46%) Lieber Power
13/2(+46%)
(8) Lieber Power 13/2, Lightly-raced winner. Well held all 3 starts last season, including when fourteenth of 19 in handicap at Royal Ascot (12f, good to firm). Off 9 months and subsequently gelded. Return to form is needed back from absence but he's been gelded; 2yo winner here in 2022.
(9) (7/1 +13%) Baltimore Boy
7/1(+13%)
(9) Baltimore Boy 7/1, C&D winner. 14/1, eighth of 10 in handicap at Chelmsford City (8f), slowly away. Off 172 days. Sold from Michael Bell 13,000 gns later in October. On a feasible mark judged on his good C&D form last August/September; could be a contender.
(6) (10/1 +50%) Hieronymus
10/1(+50%)
(6) Hieronymus 10/1, 4-time course winner. Latest win here in February. 80/1, found run of good form coming to a halt returned to turf when fifteenth of 20 in handicap at Doncaster (8f, heavy) 9 days ago. Should bounce back. Well beaten in the Lincoln but all four wins have come here, including two this year.
(7) (12/1 -85%) Farasi Lane
12/1(-85%)
(7) Farasi Lane 12/1, Course winner. 17/2, first run since leaving Tom Ward when very good short-head second of 9 to Vultar in handicap at this C&D 19 days ago. Has to be taken seriously. Short-headed by Vultar over C&D on his recent stable and seasonal debut; respected up 4lb.
(2) (16/1 -129%) Rainbow Fire
16/1(-129%)
(2) Rainbow Fire 16/1, 12/1, creditable fifth of 11 in handicap at Wolverhampton (8.6f) 23 days ago. Others more persuasive. Close fifth at Wolverhampton recently when back from some time off and he's not ruled out.
(1) (18/1 -80%) Excel Power
18/1(-80%)
(1) Excel Power 18/1, Eight wins from 29 Flat runs. 9/1, ran one of lesser races when twelfth of 13 in handicap at Southwell (7.1f) 83 days ago, met some trouble. Below par at Southwell (7f) last time but in good form over 1m on Polytrack previously.
(4) (25/1 -213%) Bluelight Bay
25/1(-213%)
(4) Bluelight Bay 25/1, Found run of good form coming to a halt when twenty first of 34 in handicap at Newmarket (9f, good to firm, 80/1). Off 6 months. Makes polytrack debut. Well treated on last year's best turf efforts and reappears with trainer in fine form.
(10) (125/1 -793%) Dancing In Paris
125/1(-793%)
(10) Dancing In Paris 125/1, 12/1, given a considerate reappearance when 8¾ lengths eighth of 9 to Vultar in handicap at this C&D 19 days ago. Should do better. Three places in a row last summer but well beaten on final two runs and on reappearance.
16:40 Kempton Handicap (Class 3) 8f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 3 race.
VULTAR arrives here on the back of two victories at this venue and a 5lb rise for the most recent of those wins may not be enough to stop him from making it a hat-trick. Farasi Lane was only a short-head behind the selection last time and is an obvious threat once again, while Rainbow Fire and Bluelight Bay are others who make the shortlist.
VULTAR and Farasi Lane pulled clear of the rest when a close first and second over C&D last month and can dominate again, with the former taken to confirm the placings despite a 1 lb swing. Dragon Icon didn't have things go his way at Lingfield last time and looks best of the others.
James Horton's first two runners from his new Newmarket base have run really well and BALTIMORE BOY can make a winning stable debut.
(9) Lifetime Ambition 8/15, Useful hurdler. 13/2, bit below form fourth of 8 in handicap chase at Killarney (20.8f, good to soft). Unseated rider in a point last time but he's the class act here. Classy chaser under rules and has been paying his way in points; the one to beat.
(5) (7/2 -40%) Early Doors
7/2(-40%)
(5) Early Doors 7/2, Fairly useful chaser. 5/2, first run since leaving Joseph Patrick O'Brien when respectable second of 6 in hunter chase at Gowran (25f, heavy) 23 days ago. One to take seriously. Not as good as he was but still capable in points and second in latest hunter chase.
(10) (11/1 +0%) Nice To Meet
11/1(+0%)
(10) Nice To Meet 11/1, Fairly useful chaser. 1 win from 3 runs this season. Pulled up in hunter chase (25/1) at Thurles (24.6f, heavy) 71 days ago, pulled up. It was always going to be tough against Ferns Lock in his comeback race.
(11) (14/1 -87%) The West's Awake
14/1(-87%)
(11) The West's Awake 14/1, Fairly useful hurdler. Third of 6 in hunter chase (25/1) at Gowran (25f, heavy) 23 days ago. Comes here in good form but relying on some of these being off their game.
(6) (16/1 +52%) Earths Furies
16/1(+52%)
(6) Earths Furies 16/1, Fair hurdler. Thirteen runs since last win in 2022. 5/1, respectable fifth of 10 in handicap chase at Limerick (25.5f, good to soft). Maiden pointer, third last time. On a losing run of 17 (points/rules); balance of his form leaves him with plenty to find.
(3) (20/1 -82%) Break The Boundary
20/1(-82%)
(3) Break The Boundary 20/1, €10,000 3-y-o, £30,000 5-y-o, French Navy gelding. Dam (h85) maiden hurdler (stayed 2½m). Successful on second point start in January. RPR of 88 in winning last time suggests that this might be too tough a task.
(8) (25/1 +62%) Francois
25/1(+62%)
(8) Francois 25/1, Fairly useful hurdler. Twelve runs since last win in 2022. Sixth of 7 in handicap chase at Wexford (16f, good to soft, 7/1). Pulled up last 2 starts in points. Hasn't kicked on since finishing fourth to Its On The Line in November.
(4) (66/1 +34%) Dr Robin
66/1(+34%)
(4) Dr Robin 66/1, Moody sort. Fifth of 6 in handicap chase (15/2) at Cartmel (25.5f, good). Maiden pointer, last of 3 finishers in February. 14yo who was behind The West's Awake in latest point; has him and others to worry about.
(1) (100/1 +50%) Amenon
100/1(+50%)
(1) Amenon 100/1, Fair hurdler. 33/1, first run since leaving Paul Nicholls when below form seventh of 16 in hunter chase at Limerick (22.6f, heavy) 96 days ago. Winning pointer, last of 4 finishers in March. Has won a point but remote finishes in his recent ones and doesn't look good enough here.
The chart reads from right to left to today's race.
LIFETIME AMBITION was a smart performer, including at Grade 1 level, for Jessica Harrington and was running off marks in the 150s as recently as last summer. He has been in good form over the winter with three wins in point-to-points and can prove too good for these rivals. Early Doors was also a very useful rules performer in his heyday and landed the Galway Plate in 2020. He's operating at a lower level nowadays but won a point-to-point in January and was second in a hunter chase over 3m1f at Gowran last time. This shorter trip should be more suitable. The West's Awake, a five-time winner over fences, is into the veteran stage but was only just behind Early Doors at Gowran having previously won a point-to-point at Lisronagh in which the selection unseated rider.
LIFETIME AMBITION is a really classy recruit to this sphere and this looks a good chance for him to make a winning start under Rules for his new stable. Early Doors is offered for forecast purposes.
This will probably concern LIFETIME AMBITION (nap) and Early Doors, who were big names earlier in their careers.
(7) Soir De Gala 5/4, Promise on Wincanton bumper debut last spring and again when fifth of 16 on hurdling bow at Exeter on New Year's Day, albeit he did finish rather weakly. Well held both subsequent starts but he's in good hands and he appeals as the type to step up now switched to handicap company. Nothing to shout about over hurdles but now handicapped accordingly.
(9) (11/2 +0%) Macari
11/2(+0%)
(9) Macari 11/2, Modest maiden hurdler who found just one too good on his handicap debut here (2m, soft) at the end of February. Should pick up a race at some point on that evidence but others look stronger here all the same. Improved second on handicap debut here when chasing home a subsequent winner.
(5) (13/2 +19%) Star Of Affinity
13/2(+19%)
(5) Star Of Affinity 13/2, Some promise when fifth in Taunton bumper and 2m Kempton novice hurdle first 2 starts. Yet to be asked for his effort when falling 4 out at Fontwell last time and it will be interesting to see how he shapes up in the betting on this handicap debut. Smidgeons of promise and should raise his game in handicaps.
(4) (8/1 +20%) Angel's Dream
8/1(+20%)
(4) Angel's Dream 8/1, Much-improved on third hurdles start when landing a 2m maiden here (good to firm) last May. Has failed to make much of an impact in 4 starts switched to handicaps this time round, though, and yard saddles a stronger candidate in Sanitiser. Got stuck in the mud at Wincanton last time; everything is more suitable this time.
(2) (11/1 -267%) Mi Sueno
11/1(-267%)
(2) Mi Sueno 11/1, Belatedly opened his account when making all in Fakenham selling handicap in February. Again allowed a soft lead when following up here (2m, soft) next time but only raised 2 lb for that and another bold show could be on the way. Two front-running wins but it could be harder to dominate this bigger field.
(6) (12/1 +0%) Uncle Arthur
12/1(+0%)
(6) Uncle Arthur 12/1, Opened hurdles account on fourth and final start for Fergal O'Brien in December and ran with credit back in handicap company for new yard at Newcastle next time. Ran no sort of a race at Lingfield last time but will have a fighting chance if able to get back on track. Hasn't built on a fair first run for this yard and has enough to prove on balance.
(10) (12/1 +52%) Who Is That
12/1(+52%)
(10) Who Is That 12/1, Notched third chase success at Fontwell last spring but he has failed to fire both starts here since returning from a break in December, including back hurdling last time. Three chase wins last season; this campaign has been a nightmare but could turn it around.
(8) (25/1 -25%) Berlais Du George
25/1(-25%)
(8) Berlais Du George 25/1, Encouraging signs when fourth in an 8-runner novice on hurdles debut here (2m, good to soft) in October. However, he hasn't offered much in 2 subsequent starts and needs to raise his game considerably now pitched into a handicap. Handicap debutant whose best run was an 8l fourth over 2m here in October.
(11) (40/1 -100%) Gardons La
40/1(-100%)
(11) Gardons La 40/1, Just a modicum of promise in 2 starts in France and has shown barely anything for current yard. Looking exposed after offering little in six handicaps and refused to race in one of those.
(13) (50/1 +24%) Importateur
50/1(+24%)
(13) Importateur 50/1, No show in 4 starts over hurdles to date and he faces a stiff task from 14 lb out of the weights on this handicap debut/first run for new yard following a 9-month absence. Poor so far and he's a long way out of the weights on this handicap debut.
16:45 Plumpton Handicap Hurdle (Class 5)
18f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 5 race.
Things have really clicked into place for MI SUENO, who complemented his Fakenham victory with a 2m success here last month. Paddy Butler's charge is just 2lb higher today and that is unlikely to prevent him from mounting another stern challenge. Star Of Affinity, Soir De Gala and Berlais Du George all make their handicap debut and must be monitored closely in the betting, while Sanitiser, who caught the eye having travelled strongly into contention at Kempton when last seen in November, is no back number.
SANITISER wasn't given a hard time when fourth on his first run over hurdles for this yard at Kempton in November and he is of strong interest here. Next on the list is Soir de Gala, who may well get back on track for his top connections now that he ventures down the handicap route, while the hat-trick seeking Mi Sueno has to enter calculations, too.
This is wide open. CUBAN COURT earns narrow preference in the hope that it was the heavy ground that contributed to his poor last run.
(6) Arlington 10/3, Career best when winning 8-runner handicap (9/1) at Newcastle (6f) 14 days ago. Game sort who is expected to be bang there despite taking a 2 lb rise. Game win in a 6f Newcastle handicap two weeks ago; should remain competitive at this level.
(1) (9/2 +0%) Big Blue Boy
9/2(+0%)
(1) Big Blue Boy 9/2, Thrice-raced maiden, best run when third of 5 in minor event at Southwell (5f, 14/1) 34 days ago. Up in trip with tongue strap on 1st time. Much respected handicap debutant. In good hands but his form claims look modest, his latest third coming in a weak race.
(10) (15/2 -36%) Showboated
15/2(-36%)
(10) Showboated 15/2, Lightly-raced maiden. First form when 2 lengths fourth of 8 to Arlington in handicap at Newcastle (6f, 7/1) 14 days ago, slowly away. Considered. Offered more when 4th to Arlington on his handicap debut last month; ground a query.
(3) (15/2 -7%) Blufferonthebus
15/2(-7%)
(3) Blufferonthebus 15/2, 40/1, good fourth of 9 in handicap at Southwell (6.1f) 16 days ago. Ought to be in the shake-up. Shaped okay on recent AW return; promise on soft as a 2yo; more appealing than many.
(8) (8/1 +50%) The Sky Is Blue
8/1(+50%)
(8) The Sky Is Blue 8/1, Thrice-raced maiden. 150/1, last of 11 in maiden at Southwell (7.1f) 46 days ago. Makes handicap debut. Others appeal more. Looks a likely improver now down in trip for his handicap debut; check the market.
(5) (8/1 -14%) Socialise
8/1(-14%)
(5) Socialise 8/1, Seventh of 11 in nursery at Newcastle (6f, 7/2). Off 164 days. Can give a good account if shrugging off latest effort. 0-11 but has shown promise; one of three runners for Nigel Tinkler.
(2) (10/1 -67%) Born To Charm
10/1(-67%)
(2) Born To Charm 10/1, Thrice-raced maiden who posted a good third of 5 in maiden at Newcastle (6f, 200/1) 10 days ago. Makes handicap debut. Merits consideration. Improved for the drop to 6f on 3rd start; should handle slow ground; open to improvement.
(4) (12/1 +0%) Uwaittillplaytime
12/1(+0%)
(4) Uwaittillplaytime 12/1, Thrice-raced maiden, posting a solid seventh of 10 in minor event (25/1) at this C&D (good to firm) 7 months ago. Makes handicap debut. Possibilities. Looks a likely big improver in handicaps this year; soft ground not sure to suit.
(9) (16/1 -33%) Bella Camina
16/1(-33%)
(9) Bella Camina 16/1, 50/1, ninth of 12 in nursery at Southwell (5f). Off 6 months. Back up in trip with work to do. Best 2yo run came when 3rd over 5f on fast ground (blinkered); these conditions a query.
(7) (20/1 -25%) Askim
20/1(-25%)
(7) Askim 20/1, Thrice-raced maiden. Creditable fifth of 9 in maiden at Newcastle (6f, 50/1). Off 153 days. Much respected on her handicap bow. Whiff of promise last year and appeals as the type to do much better now handicapping.
16:49 Redcar Handicap (Class 6) 6f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 6 race.
A tentative vote goes to ARLINGTON, who got off the mark with a determined success at Newcastle and the runner-up boosted the form by going really close again subsequently. Bryan Smart's gelding needs to prove himself on turf, but a 2lb rise could prove lenient as he looks to uphold form with Showboated (fourth), who is only marginally better off for a two-length defeat. Others to consider include handicap debutant Big Blue Boy and Socialise for the in-form Nigel Tinkler team.
ARLINGTON showed a good attitude when getting off the mark at Newcastle last time and can make light of a 2 lb rise in the weights. Born To Charm came home a good third at the same track recently and rates the main danger ahead of in-form pair Showboated and Blufferonthebus.
A trappy event. Blufferonthebus can go well but BORN TO CHARM looks open to further progress now handicapping on slow ground.
(11) Il Va De Soi 11/8, Improved effort with cheekpieces added (retained) when second of 11 in 20.5f Newbury handicap last month. Pulled well clear of the third so a 2 lb nudge could prove lenient. Unexposed 6yo; clear second in new cheekpieces at Newbury last month; major player here.
(8) (4/1 +11%) One Eye On Vegas
4/1(+11%)
(8) One Eye On Vegas 4/1, Improved since fitting with cheekpieces, winning handicaps at Leicester and Hereford in January/February. Progressed again when third in a higher grade at Uttoxeter since. Looks sure to give another good account. A big improver since cheekpieces were fitted in January, winning twice before a good third.
(7) (11/2 -22%) Florencethemachine
11/2(-22%)
(7) Florencethemachine 11/2, Successful in Irish points and confirmed previous hurdling promise when landing 2m novice at Exeter in January. Subsequent handicap debut run at Newbury was disappointing but it's still early days for her top stable. Maiden winner; flopped badly on handicap debut but still has potential.
(5) (17/2 -113%) Herakles Westwood
17/2(-113%)
(5) Herakles Westwood 17/2, Firmly on the up when racking up a handicap hurdle hat-trick this winter. Had his winning ended at Ludlow last time but her might have raced on the unfavoured part of the track and no surprise were he to resume his progression now. Below form last time but is 3-5 in handicaps and further progress remains possible.
(9) (9/1 +44%) Current Mood
9/1(+44%)
(9) Current Mood 9/1, Fairly useful hurdler at her best, though below that level this season. Bit better when fourth of 6 at Newbury last month and she was a respectable third on her Warwick chase debut since. Ran quite well in a chase last month but well below her best over hurdles this season.
(13) (10/1 +70%) Monbari
10/1(+70%)
(13) Monbari 10/1, Runner-up in a bumper on his debut but he hasn't gone on over hurdles, pulling up on his 3m Ffos Las handicap debut (heavy) in February. First-time cheekpieces need to make a difference. Pulled up on handicap debut; drops back from 3m with cheekpieces tried.
(12) (12/1 +0%) Heure De Gloire
12/1(+0%)
(12) Heure De Gloire 12/1, Back to winning ways in 2m Ffos Las mares' handicap at the beginning of February but hasn't reproduced that level in her 3 outings since. Edging back down the weights but hard to be confident about. Heavy-ground winner in early February but not in same form since; too unreliable.
(6) (16/1 +20%) Mr Muldoon
16/1(+20%)
(6) Mr Muldoon 16/1, Solid third in handicap hurdle at Newton Abbot (21.5f) on reappearance in October but has struggled since. A 3-month break needs to have had a reviving effect. On very good mark but ended 2023 in poor form; needs 93-day break to have done him good.
(14) (50/1 -257%) Lyla Garrity
50/1(-257%)
(14) Lyla Garrity 50/1, Modest maiden hurdler in Ireland. Watching brief advised now setting out for new stable. 0-12 over hurdles in Ireland, signing off with down-the-field run in January; stable debut.
(10) (80/1 -220%) Sobegrand
80/1(-220%)
(10) Sobegrand 80/1, Fairly useful maiden on the Flat who improved again when landing 9-runner maiden at Stratford in July. However, poor efforts both starts since and has left Olly Murphy ahead of this first outing since September. Cheekpieces refitted. Left Olly Murphy after two poor runs last summer; best watched on stable/handicap debut.
(1) (80/1 -100%) Jac Jumper
80/1(-100%)
(1) Jac Jumper 80/1, Fairly useful form over hurdles and fences in France but pulled up in 20.5f Market Rasen handicap on his stable debut in January. A subsequent wind operation needs to spark a major upturn in his fortunes. Ex-French 5yo; pulled up on British debut in January; had wind op soon afterwards.
(3) (80/1 -60%) Art Approval
80/1(-60%)
(3) Art Approval 80/1, Fairly useful form over hurdles and fences for Fergal O'Brien but pulled up at Ludlow on his yard debut in November. Off another 5 months since. Can only watch. Pulled up when 66-1 for seasonal/stable debut in November and has not raced again since.
16:55 Chepstow Handicap Hurdle (Class 4)
20f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 4 race.
IL VA DE SOI travelled with a lot more verve in first-time cheekpieces when finding only a progressive rival too strong in a competitive affair at Newbury last month. Harry Derham's gelding finished 24 lengths ahead of the third that day and, now that Alice Stevens' 5lb claim can be used, the six-year-old is effectively racing off a 3lb lower mark. Although thwarted in his hat-trick bid at Uttoxeter in March, One Eye On Vegas was far from disgraced in that third-placed effort and he's feared most, ahead of Florencethemachine.
A reproduction of the form IL VA DE SOI showed when runner-up at Newbury last time could well be good enough to see him go one better here. One Eye On Vegas hasn't looked back since equipped with cheekpieces and is second choice ahead of Herakles Westwood.
The suggestion is IL VA DE SOI, who was a long way clear of the third when second at Newbury last month and remains lightly raced.
(3) Nick Rockett 4/1, Rapidly developed into a smart novice hurdler last spring (won Grade 2 at this meeting) and has taken well to fences on return, winning Fairyhouse maiden and second in 3m Navan Grade 3. More to come over this marathon trip and will relish conditions. Leading claims. Only three runs over fences but has a strong chance for last year's winning combination.
(19) (13/2 +59%) We'llhavewan
13/2(+59%)
(19) We'llhavewan 13/2, Career best when winning 16-runner handicap hurdle at Navan (25.2f, heavy) in December. 5/4, good 16 lengths second of 15 to Where It All Began in handicap chase at Punchestown (27f, heavy) 43 days ago. Could have more to offer over fences. Ran from out of the handicap and with overweight when 16l second in Grand National Trial.
(7) (13/2 +7%) Intense Raffles
13/2(+7%)
(7) Intense Raffles 13/2, Made it 2-2 for new yard here in 4-runner novice chase (4/6, 25.4f, heavy) 37 days ago, going with enthusiasm. Could be smart and one to note now handicapping. French import, two wins at this venue, leading chance on his defeat of Where It All Began.
(8) (8/1 +20%) Yeah Man
8/1(+20%)
(8) Yeah Man 8/1, Been in excellent form this season, in 1st-time cheekpieces when winning 10-runner Grand National Trial (Handicap) at Haydock (28.4f, heavy, 9/2) 44 days ago, value extra. Can go well again. Came into his own over extended 3m4f at Haydock winning well in first-time cheekpieces.
(5) (10/1 +17%) Senior Chief
10/1(+17%)
(5) Senior Chief 10/1, Useful hurdler who got off the mark over fences in workmanlike fashion at Punchestown (22.8f, heavy) 43 days ago, taking a while to find top gear off what was a very steady gallop. Remains with both untapped potential and stamina (will stay further than 3m) and can go well. Chased home Minella Cocooner at Navan, made heavy weather of landing short odds on latest.
(15) (10/1 +29%) Good Time Jonny
10/1(+29%)
(15) Good Time Jonny 10/1, Took the Pertemps Hurdle at the 2023 Cheltenham Festival. Yet to score in this sphere but he has caught the eye under a patient ride on his last two outings. Interesting up in trip. Last season's Pertemps Final winner, should be fully primed now after a quiet campaign.
(6) (14/1 -17%) Any Second Now
14/1(-17%)
(6) Any Second Now 14/1, One-time top-class chaser, placed in Grand National at Aintree in 2021 (unlucky) and 2022. Down the field in valuable handicap chases this season (well held over hurdles latest), though has dropped plenty in the weights as a result and been well backed for this in recent weeks. Admirable veteran, twice placed in Grand National, has a realistic chance off this mark.
(4) (14/1 +30%) Favori De Champdou
14/1(+30%)
(4) Favori De Champdou 14/1, Winner of 3 of his 6 starts over hurdles and impressive when taking the Florida Pearl at Punchestown in November. Not so good twice since though and revival needed now handicapping over new trip. Held by Nick Rockett and Minella Cocooner on Navan running, other stablemates preferred.
(13) (16/1 +0%) Where It All Began
16/1(+0%)
(13) Where It All Began 16/1, Showed much improved form to open his account as a chaser in 15-runner handicap at Punchestown (27f, heavy) in February. Fair fourth in the Kim Muir 18 days ago and remains unexposed in these sort of events. The pick of Kennedy from Elliott's seven. Second to Intense Raffles here before winning Grand National Trial, fourth in the Kim Muir.
(20) (16/1 +20%) Where's Frankie
16/1(+20%)
(20) Where's Frankie 16/1, 13/2, career best when winning 11-runner handicap chase at Leopardstown (28.3f, soft) 29 days ago, keeping on well. Stacks of course form but suspect he just lacks the class for a race like this. Thorough stayer, record as a four-time course winner gives him an each-way chance.
(17) (16/1 +36%) Daily Present
16/1(+36%)
(17) Daily Present 16/1, Tongue tied and left previous chasing efforts well behind switched to a handicap when scoring at Down Royal (3m) in January. Well backed and shaped as if still in good form when fifth in the Kim Muir next time. Stayed well when winning at Down Royal, behind Where It All Began when fifth in Kim Muir.
(1) (20/1 +20%) Minella Cocooner
20/1(+20%)
(1) Minella Cocooner 20/1, Smart winner at 22f over hurdles (second in the 2022 Albert Bartlett) and similar form over fences, although disappointed with his finishing effort when fancied for the Leinster National at Naas 22 days ago. An unplaced favourite in Naas contest won by Hartur D'Arc, plenty to prove as a result.
(11) (20/1 -150%) Hartur D'arc
20/1(-150%)
(11) Hartur D'arc 20/1, Has done well for new yard, career best when winning 12-runner handicap chase (4/1) at Naas (24.8f, heavy) 22 days ago, bit in hand. Could have even more to offer and 1 of 2 strong contenders for yard. Won Leinster National at Naas on handicap debut, has gone up 9lb but could be progressive.
(12) (25/1 +24%) Frontal Assault
25/1(+24%)
(12) Frontal Assault 25/1, Second in this in 2022 and better effort than for a while when 11¾ lengths fourth of 12 to Hartur d'Arc in handicap chase at Naas (24.8f, heavy) 22 days ago. 7 lb conditional up. Fair form in big-value staying handicaps earlier in the season, needs to find extra.
(16) (33/1 +34%) Street Value
33/1(+34%)
(16) Street Value 33/1, C&D winner in December but has failed to complete the last twice, pulled up in handicap chase at Punchestown (27f, heavy) 43 days ago won by Where It All Began. Hard to fancy now. C&D winner of Porterstown Chase, has his work cut out having been pulled up last two runs.
(10) (40/1 +0%) Dunboyne
40/1(+0%)
(10) Dunboyne 40/1, Unreliable type. Tongue strap on for 1st time, pulled up in handicap chase at Punchestown (27f, heavy, 33/1) 43 days ago won by Where It All Began, again folding tamely. Hard to fancy on that showing. Dropped away tamely in the Thyestes, again stopped quickly in the Grand National Trial.
(21) (50/1 +50%) History Of Fashion
50/1(+50%)
(21) History Of Fashion 50/1, Eighteen runs since sole win under Rules in 2022. 21½ lengths eighth of 12 to Hartur d'Arc in handicap chase (33/1) at Naas (24.8f, heavy) 22 days ago, left poorly placed. Tricky to fancy. Only one win from 22 chase starts, good C&D second before two much less encouraging runs.
(2) (50/1 -100%) Churchstonewarrior
50/1(-100%)
(2) Churchstonewarrior 50/1, Smart chaser. Has failed to complete in 2 good 3m events this term but will appreciate return to good staying handicap like this after a break. Smart staying type at his best, failure to complete on this term's two starts is a concern.
(14) (50/1 +0%) Cool Survivor
50/1(+0%)
(14) Cool Survivor 50/1, Useful winner at 24f over hurdles. Went close in Limerick maiden chase on return but hasn't kicked on since, let down by jumping in the Kim Muir 18 days ago. Fair fourth in 2m5f handicap chase at Leopardstown, tailed off in the Kim Muir..
(9) (80/1 +20%) Diol Ker
80/1(+20%)
(9) Diol Ker 80/1, Useful hurdler/chaser. Thirteen runs since last win in 2022. Well-beaten tenth of 12 to Hartur D'arc in handicap chase at Naas (24.8f, heavy, 12/1) 22 days ago. Has work to do. Generally found wanting in major staying handicap chases this season.
The chart reads from right to left to today's race.
ANY SECOND NOW has generally shown his best form around this time of the year and has been given a chance by the handicapper although his age is a big minus for followers of trends. The Ted Walsh-trained gelding has no stamina concerns having been placed twice at Aintree and his seven career wins include the Bobbyjo Chase at this venue. Intense Raffles is at the opposite end of the spectrum in terms of age and experience but has been really exciting in making all and jumping superbly on both outings here this year. The Gavin Cromwell-trained pair Hartur D'arc and Yeah Man both come here off the back of valuable handicap wins, while Where It All Began drew clear in the closing stages to beat We'llhavewan by 16 lengths in the 3m4f National Trial at Punchestown. Course winner Nick Rockett, Senior Chief, Good Time Jonny and Minella Cocooner all represent the novice brigade that have done well in this race over the years, while Where's Frankie is a four-time course winner and won over 3m4f at Leopardstown last time.
The novices usually come to the fore in Ireland's premier handicap chase and NICK ROCKETT can give Willie Mullins another victory. A smart hurdler, he's taken really well to chasing this term and has more improvement to come when stamina is at a premium, as it will be here. Senior Chief boasts a similar profile and is a big player. Good Time Jonny is yet to show all he's capable of over fences, while Gavin Cromwell has a strong hand with Hartur d'Arc and Haydock-winner Yeah Man.
Not a huge field but a fascinating race in which GOOD TIME JONNY can exploit a mark that compares favourably with his hurdles rating
(1) Revolucion 5/2, Course winner. One win from 25 Flat runs. Blinkered for 1st time, respectable fourth of 12 in handicap at Kempton (6f, 9/4) 5 days ago. Should be well suited by the return to this trip and is worth taking a chance on. Just 1-25 but he's a reliable type who has finished close up in last three runs; respected.
(2) (3/1 +57%) Mokaatil
3/1(+57%)
(2) Mokaatil 3/1, Course winner. Latest win here in February. 8/1, good second of 11 in handicap at this course (6.1f) 2 days ago. Could feature if the race doesn't come too soon. 5f win here in Feb but well held in next two runs; bounced back when 2nd here on Sat (6f).
(6) (6/1 +40%) Fieldsman
6/1(+40%)
(6) Fieldsman 6/1, C&D winner. Latest win here in January. 7/1, seventh of 10 in handicap at Southwell (7.1f) 11 days ago, doing too much too soon. Not dismissed. 12yo who made all over C&D in January but he's faded at Southwell in last two starts.
(7) (15/2 -7%) Powdering
15/2(-7%)
(7) Powdering 15/2, Twelve runs since last win in 2023. 15/2, creditable fourth of 9 in handicap at this C&D 21 days ago. Merits consideration. Fair fourth off sliding mark over C&D last twice but she's 1-16 and others look stronger.
(8) (10/1 +0%) Viewfromthestars
10/1(+0%)
(8) Viewfromthestars 10/1, Remains a maiden after 28 Flat runs. 11/1, respectable fourth of 9 in handicap at this course (6.1f) 9 days ago, nearest finish. Not dismissed. 0-28 but he's had some close calls this year and could be dangerous back up in trip.
(4) (10/1 -43%) Mudlahhim
10/1(-43%)
(4) Mudlahhim 10/1, C&D winner. Respectable fourth of 9 in handicap (20/1) at Lingfield (7f, AW) 10 days ago. Can't be ruled out. Dual C&D winner who is on dangerous mark and has claims if he gets a good pace.
(9) (12/1 -20%) Haalim
12/1(-20%)
(9) Haalim 12/1, Sixth of 8 in handicap (15/2) at this course (8.6f) 44 days ago. Others make more appeal. Well held in all six starts and he needs a transformation back in trip.
(5) (16/1 -167%) Midnightattheoasis
16/1(-167%)
(5) Midnightattheoasis 16/1, 6/1, good fourth of 10 in handicap at Southwell (7.1f) 11 days ago. Consistent sort who is likely to be on the premises again. 0-9 in handicaps but he's reached the frame at Southwell (7f) last twice; in the mix.
(3) (20/1 -186%) Theotherside
20/1(-186%)
(3) Theotherside 20/1, Seventeen runs since last win in 2021. 25/1, creditable fourth of 9 in handicap at Southwell (7.1f) 18 days ago. More required. 0-16 on AW but he was beaten less than 2l at Southwell last time; not ruled out.
17:13 Wolverhampton Handicap (Class 6) 7f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 6 race.
Faithful supporters of REVOLUCION have endured a frustrating time since the gelding won over 6f here in December, but he has done very little wrong and is worth another chance at this level. Set to race off just 3lb above that winning mark, the selection tends to go well for Rossa Ryan and has little to fear back up in trip. Mudlahhim is a dual C&D winner and enters the reckoning on that basis, while Powdering and the veteran Fieldsman are others with solid place claims.
REVOLUCION wasn't seen to best effect when fourth at Kempton last time but he'd been in excellent form prior to that and, with blinkers on for a second time, he makes most appeal. Midnightattheoasis is a danger and Powdering should give another good account.
The most persuasive option is REVOLUCION, who won here in December and has finished close up on Polytrack in his last three runs.
(2) Dembe 15/8, Course winner. 9/1, sixth of 9 in handicap at Lingfield (10f, AW) 31 days ago, left poorly placed. First run for yard after leaving Brett Johnson and could have a part to play off this reduced mark if the change of scenery has a positive effect. Possibilities off current mark, provided the cards drop right; debut for new yard.
(6) (4/1 +50%) Ivasecret
4/1(+50%)
(6) Ivasecret 4/1, C&D winner in February. Bit below form sixth of 12 in handicap at Newcastle (7.1f, 7/2) 29 days ago, unable to sustain effort. Needs a couple of these to falter. Remains well handicapped on peak form and unexposed at 1m; likely player.
(4) (9/2 +31%) Dream Pirate
9/2(+31%)
(4) Dream Pirate 9/2, Latest win at Bath in October. 16/1, ninth of 14 in handicap at Newmarket (8f, heavy), doing too much too soon. Drops in class back from a 5-month break and needs considering from a handy draw with Oisin Murphy booked. In great form on soft last autumn; booking of Oisin Murphy is a positive back on AW.
(1) (6/1 -50%) Green Power
6/1(-50%)
(1) Green Power 6/1, Three-time C&D winner. Didn't need to improve to win 8-runner handicap at Wolverhampton (8.6f, 7/2) 45 days ago. 4 lb rise fair enough and another bold show is on the cards, despite double-digit draw. Claimed a notable scalp over C&D in January; followed up at Wolverhampton; respected.
(8) (12/1 -33%) Embarked
12/1(-33%)
(8) Embarked 12/1, Course winner. Two wins from 6 runs last year. Latest win here in September. Creditable third of 9 in handicap (12/1) at this course (7f) 30 days ago. Each-way shout. Place possibilities, provided he's as effective back up in distance.
(3) (16/1 -191%) Intercessor
16/1(-191%)
(3) Intercessor 16/1, 17/2, first run since leaving John Gallagher when creditable second of 10 in handicap at Lingfield (8f, AW) 10 days ago, no match for winner. Looks competitive on form. Very solid effort at Lingfield on stable/seasonal debut; interesting off the same mark.
(7) (20/1 -122%) Strategia
20/1(-122%)
(7) Strategia 20/1, 9/2, first run since leaving E. Botti when sixth of 9 in handicap at Chelmsford City (8f) 23 days ago. Has work to do. Has some encouraging form and is bred to do better still; interesting.
(5) (22/1 -10%) Night Arc
22/1(-10%)
(5) Night Arc 22/1, 25/1, good fifth of 9 in handicap at this C&D 19 days ago. 0-6 on the AW and he looks vulnerable for win purposes. On an attractive mark but may be more interesting when returned to turf.
(10) (25/1 -25%) Whitcombe Rockstar
25/1(-25%)
(10) Whitcombe Rockstar 25/1, 28/1, seventh of 9 in handicap at Salisbury (14.2f, heavy). Off 179 days and significantly back down in trip here. Others preferred. May be tapped for toe, back down markedly in trip; sole win came over 1m2f.
(12) (28/1 -250%) Buy The Dip
28/1(-250%)
(12) Buy The Dip 28/1, 7/2, career best when winning 11-runner handicap at Brighton (8f, good) when last seen in October, all out. 7 lb higher back on the AW and he's probably worth taking on this time. Yard also saddles Otago. Absent since Brighton win last autumn; has form figures of 5321 on AW; in the mix.
(11) (50/1 -525%) Solanna
50/1(-525%)
(11) Solanna 50/1, Three wins from 12 runs last year. 22/1, eighth of 9 in handicap at Wolverhampton (8.6f) 16 days ago. Tongue strap back on. Can give a good account without posing serious threat to principals. Has a question mark over current form and may need a step back up in distance.
(13) (80/1 -700%) Otago
80/1(-700%)
(13) Otago 80/1, Cheekpieces on for 1st time, didn't need to improve to win 9-runner handicap at Brighton (7f, heavy, 9/2) in October, suited by emphasis on stamina. Remains in a good mark up 2 lb and while stall 14 isn't ideal, he's in with a chance. Far from certain to follow up his 7f Brighton win; 0-4 on AW and 0-10 at about 1m.
(14) (150/1 -355%) Daphne May
150/1(-355%)
(14) Daphne May 150/1, Course winner. Four wins from 15 runs last year. Eighth of 9 in handicap at Lingfield (7f, AW, 50/1) 10 days ago, left poorly placed. Readily passed over based on recent exploits. Holds poor claims on 2024 efforts and needs a big revival.
17:15 Kempton Handicap (Class 5) 8f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 5 race.
Green Power merits the utmost respect in his bid for a hat-trick, but marginal preference is for INTERCESSOR. The seven-year-old caught the eye when second to a rapidly-improving opponent on his debut for these connections at Lingfield 10 days ago and he could be hard to stop with the benefit of that outing. Embarked edges out Buy The Dip and Otago to be best of the rest.
Several to consider in this open-looking handicap and a chance is taken on CHARENCEY, who has edged back down to the mark off which he opened his account at Newcastle towards the end of last year. The 4-y-o wasn't beaten far upped to this trip for the first time in a Class 3 C&D contest in February and the booking of Jim Crowley is an obvious plus. The hat-trick seeking Green Power looks a big threat, while Dream Pirate is also high on the list, along with Intercessor and Otago.
The most appealing contenders are INTERCESSOR and Green Power, who both tie in with Good Friday winner Cephalus.
(1) Backmersackme 8/15, €12,000 3-y-o, £70,000 4-y-o, Getaway gelding. Dam unraced sister to useful bumper winner Very Much So and half-sister to smart hurdler/chaser (stayed 3m) Jessies Dream. Successful on second of 2 starts in points (Nov 2023). Lots to like. Bought by high-profile connections for £70,000 after winning a 3m heavy-ground point.
(12) (7/1 +7%) Summer In Milan
7/1(+7%)
(12) Summer In Milan 7/1, £30,000 3-y-o, Milan gelding. Half-brother to bumper winner Check The Score. Dam unraced half-sister to fair hurdler/fairly useful chaser (2m-2½m winner) Bohemian Lass. Third sole start in points (Nov 2023). Grabbed third late on at Lisronagh (soft) and 2m3f in a bumper could be unsufficient.
(4) (8/1 +84%) Corbally Cross
8/1(+84%)
(4) Corbally Cross 8/1, €23,000 3-y-o, Malinas gelding. Dam placed sole start in bumpers/ran once over hurdles. Last of 3 completed start in points, fell last time (Feb 11). Last of three in his first point and was looking held when falling in his second.
(5) (11/1 +0%) Custom Taylor
11/1(+0%)
(5) Custom Taylor 11/1, Malinas gelding. Dam (h114), 19f hurdle winner, half-sister to useful chaser (stays 23f) Lord Schnitzel and fairly useful hurdler/chaser (stays 2¾m) The Dubai Way. Fourth sole outing in points (Feb 4). A one-paced fourth when one of the favourites for a 3m point at Ballyvodock.
(10) (14/1 -87%) Rock On Jet
14/1(-87%)
(10) Rock On Jet 14/1, Jet Away gelding. Brother to fair hurdler/fairly useful chaser Jet Legs, and half-brother to 4 winners, including useful hurdler/chaser Shantou Magic. Runner-up both starts in points (latest Mar 17). Runner-up in both points, beaten by Backmersackme on his debut.
(6) (20/1 -67%) Dancingondaceiling
20/1(-67%)
(6) Dancingondaceiling 20/1, Workforce gelding. Dam failed to complete in points. Successful on second of 2 starts in points (Feb 18). It was never in doubt when making all on heavy ground at Knockanard (heavy).
(11) (20/1 +50%) Shadow Chaser
20/1(+50%)
(11) Shadow Chaser 20/1, Mahler gelding. Successful on last of 6 starts in points (Feb 25). Not dismissed. It was his first time on testing ground when running out a 9l winner at Kildorrery (RPR 89.
(7) (22/1 -144%) Getaway King
22/1(-144%)
(7) Getaway King 22/1, €80,000 3-y-o, £23,000 6-y-o, Getaway gelding. Half-brother to fairly useful hurdler The Gradual Slope. Successful on second of 2 starts in points (Mar 3). Respected. Won at Borris House a month ago but the time was nothing to shout about.
(8) (50/1 -127%) Mickthesoldier
50/1(-127%)
(8) Mickthesoldier 50/1, Soldier of Fortune gelding. Dam unraced half-sister to bumper winner/fairly useful 21f hurdle winner Hel Tara out of fair hurdler/useful staying chaser Heltornic. Runner-up on last (only completed start) of 3 starts in points (Dec 2023). No match for the winner when he did complete at Dromahane three months ago.
(2) (50/1 +0%) Can Daddy Dance
50/1(+0%)
(2) Can Daddy Dance 50/1, €32,000 3-y-o, Mahler gelding. Half-brother to 4 winners, including fairly useful French hurdler Hahnville and 17f French hurdle winner Rosaville. Successful on last of 6 starts in points (Mar 3). Took six goes to win a point and the form of that Borris House success doesn't look strong.
(9) (100/1 +0%) Nothingtodowithyou
100/1(+0%)
(9) Nothingtodowithyou 100/1, Once-raced maiden. 80/1, fourteenth of 15 in bumper at Punchestown (16.2f, good) on NH debut. Off 9 months. Tongue strap on for 1st time. Standout effort in five points was his win at Ballyvodock but the RPR was only in the 70s.
(13) (200/1 +0%) Trooper Carton
200/1(+0%)
(13) Trooper Carton 200/1, Hillstar gelding. Half-brother to 4 winners, including useful hunter chaser Billaway and fair chaser Tiny Dancer, stayed 25f. Last of 4 finishers completed start in points (Mar 17). Beaten 22l in his only completion to date in points and probably up against it.
The chart reads from right to left to today's race.
Any horse acquired by the ultra-shrewd Paul Byrne is of automatic interest and BACKMERSACKME is taken to make a winning start for his new connections. The son of Getaway was snapped up for 70,000 pounds at Cheltenham in December after winning his second start in point-to-points at Moig South the previous month. Colonel Nelson is a half-brother to a couple of jumps winners and made a promising start to his career when runner-up in a point-to-point at Ballycrystal in January. His trainer has handled plenty of good bumper horses over the years. Rock On Jet, related to plenty of winners, chased home the selection at Moig South and was again runner-up more recently at Ballyragget. He's another that has to come into calculations.
BACKMERSACKME won a point and is bred to go well in this sphere, so he's an obvious choice having joined shrewd connections. Colonel Nelson looks the main threat and Getaway King will warrant respect if the market speaks in his favour.
The 5yo BACKMERSACKME has joined a notable team for £70,000 since winning his point in November.
(3) El Muchacho 15/8, Point winner who also scored twice over hurdles last January. Easily best effort over fences so far when third of 4 at Hereford last time, shaping better than the result. Has left Anthony Charlton since. His third in a field of four at Hereford last time wasn't overly convincing.
(4) (11/4 +21%) Pearly Island
11/4(+21%)
(4) Pearly Island 11/4, 9/4, career best when winning 10-runner handicap chase at Huntingdon (19.9f, soft) 19 days ago. Back up in the weights/grade now. It was a likeable display when getting off the mark over fences at Huntingdon.
(2) (16/5 -83%) Toothless
16/5(-83%)
(2) Toothless 16/5, Dual 2m hurdles winner last season who got back on track switched to chasing when second in handicap at Wincanton 44 days ago. Open to improvement and worth taking a chance on. Back to form when second on chase debut; heavy ground would not have been ideal either.
(1) (7/2 -133%) Aggagio
7/2(-133%)
(1) Aggagio 7/2, Likeable dual-purpose performer who was in good form on the level during the summer, good third at Goodwood (2m) in September. Made a solid start to chasing when second at Huntingdon a couple of months ago and merits plenty of respect. Useful dual-purpose 6yo; runner-up on chase debut latest despite jumping struggles.
17:20 Plumpton Handicap Chase (Class 4)
17f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 4 race.
The versatile AGGAGIO didn't always look a natural chaser on his debut in this sphere when second at Huntingdon in January, but he is in the right hands and ought to have learned greatly from the experience. Open to any amount of progression, Gary Moore's six-year-old could be a different proposition here. Pearly Island rates a danger despite this trip potentially being on the sharp side, while Toothless is another potential improver to consider on just his second start over fences.
TOOTHLESS doesn't have a fully convincing profile but there was enough encouragement in his chasing debut at Wincanton to think he's worth taking a chance on here. Aggagio is the solid alternative and last-time-out winner Pearly Island can't be fully dismissed for all that he's back up in grade.
Pearly Island is solid but TOOTHLESS is worth chancing after returning to form at Wincanton on ground that was not ideal for him.
(8) Crocodile Power 5/1, Creditable fourth of 12 in handicap (7/2) at Wolverhampton (6.1f) 30 days ago. Cheekpieces back on and he could have a part to play. Of interest on his AW best; cheekpieces return for this rare turf outing.
(4) (5/1 +17%) Enderman
5/1(+17%)
(4) Enderman 5/1, C&D winner. Blinkered for 1st time, respectable fourth of 11 in handicap at Newcastle (5f, 5/1) 57 days ago. One to consider. Yard also represented by Yazaman. C&D winner; fully effective on slow ground; in fair form on AW of late; not ruled out.
(3) (7/1 -8%) Captain Dandy
7/1(-8%)
(3) Captain Dandy 7/1, Latest win at Thirsk in September. 15/2, below form sixth of 10 in handicap at Ripon (6f, good). Off 6 months but wouldn't be without a chance if raring to go. 6f on soft no problem; absent for six months; chance if returning at his best.
(7) (17/2 -31%) One Hart
17/2(-31%)
(7) One Hart 17/2, Thirteen runs since last win in 2023. Last of 11 in handicap at Kempton (6f, 14/1) 43 days ago. Knocking on the door prior to that and he's shortlist material. Last turf run saw him beaten narrowly off 3lb higher last May; in fair form on AW; player.
(5) (10/1 -33%) Langholm
10/1(-33%)
(5) Langholm 10/1, Twenty-one runs since last win in 2022. Tenth of 12 in handicap at Southwell (6.1f, 12/1). Off 129 days. Has work to do. On a losing run and usually runs at Catterick; good mark though and conditions will suit.
(12) (10/1 -25%) Dandys Gold
10/1(-25%)
(12) Dandys Gold 10/1, Creditable second of 9 in handicap at Newcastle (6f, 7/1) 7 days ago, no match for winner. Place possibilities off the same mark. Infrequent winner these days but conditions will suit and she's coming here in good form.
(13) (10/1 -11%) One For The Ladies
10/1(-11%)
(13) One For The Ladies 10/1, Respectable fifth of 12 in minor event (6/1) at Newcastle (6f) 57 days ago. Needs a couple of these to falter if she's to get her head in front in this contest. Handles slow ground and she's been running well on AW since October; each-way claims again.
(1) (12/1 -20%) Willow Baby
12/1(-20%)
(1) Willow Baby 12/1, 13/2, last of 5 in minor event at Newcastle (6f) 51 days ago. Can give a good account without posing serious threat to principals. Eight-race maiden but has shown promise and could still have her best days ahead of her.
(11) (12/1 +0%) Yazaman
12/1(+0%)
(11) Yazaman 12/1, Temperamental sort. One win from 39 Flat runs, which was gained back in 2020. Seventh of 10 in handicap (12/1) at Newcastle (6f) 20 days ago. Visor back on. Others more persuasive. Losing run stands at 38; conditions fine and fit from AW but not easily recommended.
(6) (14/1 -40%) Glorious Rio
14/1(-40%)
(6) Glorious Rio 14/1, Twenty-three runs since last win in 2022. Seventh of 9 in handicap (12/1) at Newcastle (5f) 76 days ago, hampered. Down to a workable mark and he has to enter calculations. On a losing run but latest effort not without hope and conditions won't faze him.
(2) (18/1 -13%) Dr Rio
18/1(-13%)
(2) Dr Rio 18/1, 16/1, respectable fifth of 10 in handicap at Southwell (6.1f) 16 days ago. Needs a couple of these to falter. On a good mark and won't want for fitness but trip/ground look big enough concerns.
(9) (25/1 -108%) Fylingdale
25/1(-108%)
(9) Fylingdale 25/1, One win from 2 runs last year. 13/8, twelfth of 13 in handicap at Southwell (6.1f). Entitled to come on for this run on the back of a 14-month absence. Good mark judged on AW win in Jan 2023; absent for 440 days; soft ground a concern too.
(10) (28/1 -75%) Stormy Pearl
28/1(-75%)
(10) Stormy Pearl 28/1, Ninth of 11 in handicap at Newcastle (7.1f, 66/1) 24 days ago. Best to look elsewhere. On a good mark and returning to turf could help; Paul Mulrennan a good booking.
(14) (66/1 -32%) Carmentis
66/1(-32%)
(14) Carmentis 66/1, Pulled up in juvenile hurdle (66/1) at Cartmel (17.2f, soft) when last seen 7 months ago. Looks set for another struggle back on the Flat. Poor form on Flat and over hurdles; soft ground needs to transform her.
17:24 Redcar Handicap (Class 6) 6f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 6 race.
Successful as favourite in a selling handicap at Thirsk on his penultimate outing back in September, CAPTAIN DANDY proved he can handle testing conditions and a repeat that form may be good enough to land this contest too. Enderman has been plying his trade on the all-weather but should relish a test of this nature, having scored on heavy ground at Nottingham last summer. Crocodile Power and Dandys Gold are expected to be thereabouts as well.
Though his good run of form came to a halt at Kempton last time, ONE HART was placed three times on the bounce on the all-weather in January and he is appealing returned to turf off an attractive mark. Glorious Rio has also edged down the weights and he will be a threat if back to something like his best, while Crocodile Power and Enderman are others to consider.
One Hart returns to turf off a dangerous mark but the booking of Paul Mulrennan points to an improved display from STORMY PEARL.
(3) Eceparti 10/11, Notched back-to-back wins in the mud here in the autumn, latterly over this C&D. Left behind by the winner when runner-up back here recently but that nevertheless represented a step forward on the back of a couple of very poor efforts. On a decent mark and he's the one to beat. Dual course winner in the autumn and looked back in good form here last month.
(4) (15/8 +66%) Aeronisi
15/8(+66%)
(4) Aeronisi 15/8, Modest over hurdles for Tim Vaughan but much improved when making a winning chase bow at Fontwell for this yard in March 2022. Followed that with a good second over 3¼m here later that year and should be all the better for his recent comeback spin over hurdles (first run for 16 months). Claims. Well held over hurdles last month, after long layoff and would appeal more on good ground.
(1) (4/1 +20%) Sublime Heights
4/1(+20%)
(1) Sublime Heights 4/1, Seemingly back on track back following a string of tame efforts when runner-up at his regular haunt, Plumpton (all 3 chase wins gained there), at the end of January. However, he offered little back at the same course last time and, though now 1 lb below last winning mark, he has a bit to prove. Plumpton regular; looked back in form there two starts again but latest run was lacklustre.
LTO Selection:hiden content, hiden content,
17:30 Chepstow Handicap Chase (Class 4)
24f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 4 race.
SUBLIME HEIGHTS is handicapped to be competitive and a repeat of his penultimate second at Plumpton in January off a 1lb higher mark may suffice in a contest lacking depth on paper. Aeronisi is entitled to improve following his return from a lengthy absence at Doncaster, while Eceparti took a step back in the right direction when runner-up over C&D last month and could have more to offer on this occasion.
The vote goes to ECEPARTI, who clearly likes it here and he's just 3 lb above the mark off which he struck over C&D in November. Aeronisi's spin over hurdles at Doncaster will have blow away the cobwebs and, with the Stellar Stream due to run at Ffos Las on Sunday, he rates the main danger. Sublime Heights is capable of a big run off this sort of mark but he is hard to warm to based on the majority of his performances this season.
Three-time course winner ECEPARTI is not very reliable but he ran well in defeat here a fortnight ago and appeals most.
(10) Better Times Ahead 11/4, Below form sixth of 10 in handicap chase (12/1) at Gowran (20f, heavy) 44 days ago. Up in trip and remains open to improvement. Won big novice handicap at Navan a year ago on heavy and better for Gowran return.
(11) (4/1 +84%) Read To Return
4/1(+84%)
(11) Read To Return 4/1, Promising type. Winner in chase at Killarney in October. 5/2, sixth of 8 in handicap chase at this course (21.6f, heavy) 2 days ago. Needs to brush up on his jumping. Expensive to follow since Killarney win in October; poor run over 2m5f here on Saturday.
(7) (5/1 +9%) St Denis's Well
5/1(+9%)
(7) St Denis's Well 5/1, 4 wins from 7 runs this season. Career best when winning 7-runner novice chase at Down Royal (19.6f, soft, 13/2) 15 days ago, going with enthusiasm. Up in trip. Looks competitive on form. Likeably progressive youngster has won three of his last four chases under Kennedy.
(6) (5/1 -100%) Macdermott
5/1(-100%)
(6) Macdermott 5/1, Promising type. Fell in handicap chase (2/1) at Limerick (17.5f, heavy) 22 days ago. Significantly up in trip and there could be better to come from this 6-y-o. Fell two out when in front on handicap debut at Limerick (2m1f); big step up in trip.
(4) (9/1 -64%) Battle Of Mirbat
9/1(-64%)
(4) Battle Of Mirbat 9/1, Creditable second of 10 in handicap chase (7/1) at Leopardstown (21.5f, soft) 29 days ago. Each-way chance. Latest win was off 12lb lower; mark edging up after three seconds during the winter.
(3) (12/1 +0%) Cavalry Master
12/1(+0%)
(3) Cavalry Master 12/1, Six wins from 22 NH runs. 8/1, fell in handicap chase at Leopardstown (28.3f, soft) 29 days ago. Can give a good account without posing serious threat to principals. First-time blinkers had an effect when runner-up over 2m4f at Gowran on heavy in February.
(2) (12/1 -71%) Walk Away
12/1(-71%)
(2) Walk Away 12/1, Sixth of 8 in handicap chase at Punchestown (21.3f, soft, 11/2) 128 days ago. Trainer going well but this 11-y-o looks vulnerable. Some classy form in defeat over fences and ran well after a long absence last year.
(5) (14/1 +58%) Bodhisattva
14/1(+58%)
(5) Bodhisattva 14/1, Latest win in chase at Perth in May. 5/2, unseated rider in handicap chase at Perth (23.8f, heavy). Off 6 months. 3m winner at Perth last May for Gordon Elliott and fair efforts for this yard afterwards.
(9) (33/1 -50%) Salmanino
33/1(-50%)
(9) Salmanino 33/1, 10/1, pulled up in handicap chase at Cork (28f, soft) 148 days ago. Opposable. Won 2m6f beginners' on heavy ground at Punchestown in early 2023; poor form since.
The chart reads from right to left to today's race.
BATTLE OF MIRBAT won over this trip at Wexford last summer and a return to this stamina test should suit after a consistent series of runs when filling the runner-up spot three times. The selection usually finishes well and was beaten less than two lengths by Brideswell Lad at Leopardstown last time with Birchdale just a neck away in third. Enda Bolger's charge won over the banks at Punchestown earlier this season. St Denis's Well has taken really well to fences winning three times but a 14lb hike for his latest success at Down Royal makes life more difficult while Macdermott has generally been let down by his jumping. Better Times Ahead won a valuable 2m7f novice handicap at Navan last spring and should benefit from his reappearance at Gowran.
It could be worth siding with BETTER TIMES AHEAD, who signed off last season with a decisive breakthrough success upped to 3m at Navan and he should be all the better for his reappearance spin at Gowran where he was returning from an 11-month absence. Robert Tyner's charge is unexposed as a stayer. Macdermott is untried beyond 21f but he remains open to improvement as a chaser and will be a threat if his jumping/stamina holds out here. St Denis's Well is also shortlisted.
The handicapper certainly hasn't missed ST DENIS'S WELL (nap) in recent starts but the 6yo is an idle type who can continue to progress
(2) Crimson Angel 9/4, Two wins from 6 runs last year. Creditable third of 8 in handicap at Southwell (5f, 11/2) 69 days ago, keeping on well. Big player off the same mark. Dual AW winner who was placed at Southwell latest and she still has potential; dangerous.
(7) (4/1 +11%) Night On Earth
4/1(+11%)
(7) Night On Earth 4/1, C&D winner. Latest win at Lingfield in January. Creditable second of 9 in handicap at Chelmsford City (5f, 9/2) 18 days ago. Still on a workable mark and he has to enter calculations in current form. Trailblazer who was a good second behind a major improver at Chelmsford latest; respected.
(3) (5/1 +29%) Skallywag Bay
5/1(+29%)
(3) Skallywag Bay 5/1, Latest win at Lingfield in October. Bit below form fourth of 9 in handicap (9/1) at Chelmsford City (5f). Off 144 days ahead of this tapeta debut. Looks competitive on form. 3-5 on AW but was vulnerable at Chelmsford last time and needs to find more on her return.
(8) (11/2 -10%) Jojo Rabbit
11/2(-10%)
(8) Jojo Rabbit 11/2, Three-time C&D winner, including a 9-runner handicap (17/2) on latest start in October. 3 lb rise fair enough and he is likely to be in the mix once more. Ended a lengthy losing run when scoring over C&D in October; 3lb higher on his return.
(5) (15/2 -25%) Level Up
15/2(-25%)
(5) Level Up 15/2, C&D winner. Five wins from 21 runs last year. Latest win at Lingfield in January. Creditable second of 11 in handicap (16/1) at Southwell (5f) 20 days ago. Should give another good account. Four-time AW winner who was a good second at Southwell last time; respected.
(1) (10/1 -67%) Faustus
10/1(-67%)
(1) Faustus 10/1, C&D winner. Respectable third of 11 in handicap at Leicester (5f, good, 18/1). Off 174 days. Cheekpieces back on and shouldn't be far away. Dual Tapeta winner who has won when fresh before; needs a close look on his return.
(9) (12/1 -33%) Henery Hawk
12/1(-33%)
(9) Henery Hawk 12/1, C&D winner. Latest win at Newcastle in February. 16/1, creditable fourth of 11 in handicap at Newcastle (5f) 31 days ago, slowly away. This assignment demands a personal-best. Two wins at Newcastle this winter but he's not threatened there in last two runs.
(4) (28/1 -75%) Umming N' Ahing
28/1(-75%)
(4) Umming N' Ahing 28/1, Three wins from 9 runs last year. 25/1 and cheekpieces on for 1st time, last of 10 in handicap at Windsor (6f, good to soft), left poorly placed. Off 168 days and others preferred. Out of sorts in final two runs last season and has questions to answer on his return.
17:48 Wolverhampton Handicap (Class 4) 5f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 4 race.
With a handy draw, a good record when fresh and the potential to blow his current mark out of the water, everything looks to be in place for a big run from JOJO RABBIT, who won over this course and distance off 3lb lower when last seen in October. Additionally, the selection's yard has been firing in the winners of late, which only bolsters the case for supporting this well-handicaped five-year-old. Night On Earth is feared most, although Crimson Angel is still of low mileage and commands respect given she is 2-5 over the trip.
CRIMSON ANGEL shaped well under the circumstances when third behind a pair who'd dominated at Southwell last time and she could be the answer. Next on the list is Jojo Rabbit, who regained the winning thread over C&D during the autumn and he'll be a big danger if fully tuned-up following a break. Night on Earth is holding his form well and should be in the mix, along with Level Up and Skallywag Bay.
Top of the list is NIGHT ON EARTH (nap) who was a good second behind a major improver at Chelmsford 18 days ago.
(1) Air Of Entitlement Evens, €90,000 3-y-o, Westerner mare. Dam, little show in bumpers, half-sister to winning hurdler/useful chaser (stayed 4m) Rogue Angel. Successful on second of 2 starts in points (Dec 2023). Likely type. With Colin Bowe but in these colours when justifying favouritism with ease at Lingstown.
(6) (9/4 +32%) Ma Bess
9/4(+32%)
(6) Ma Bess 9/4, Thrice-raced maiden. 14/1, 11¼ lengths fourth of 9 to Aurora Vega in listed bumper at Gowran (16f, heavy) 6 months ago. Winning pointer since, third last time. Hooded. Only third in her latest point but her bumper runs before that were quite notable.
(7) (7/1 -211%) Ocean Brew
7/1(-211%)
(7) Ocean Brew 7/1, €46,000 3-y-o, Westerner mare. Half-sister to dual bumper winner/useful hurdler Eric Bloodaxe. Successful on second of 2 starts in points (Mar 2). Obvious player on Rules debut. Not strong form in winning at Tyrella but in the right hands to keep progressing.
(5) (9/1 +18%) Grainne A Chroi
9/1(+18%)
(5) Grainne A Chroi 9/1, Mount Nelson mare. Half-sister to 3 winners, including fairly useful 2½m hurdle winner Gaillimh A Stor, stays 3m, and fair hurdler Mag Dillane. Dam dual bumper winner. Successful on last of 3 starts in points (Feb 25). Wears hood. Modest RPR of 73 when winning at Kildorrery but she's heading in the right direction.
(9) (10/1 -82%) Shantou Princess
10/1(-82%)
(9) Shantou Princess 10/1, €40,000 3-y-o, Shantou mare. Half-sister to 4 winners, including fairly useful hurdler/useful chase winner. Successful on last of 3 starts in points (Mar 17), so worthy of plenty of respect on Rules bow. Beat five rivals with some comfort at Knockanohill but can pick holes in that form.
(4) (25/1 +24%) Deravarra Rose
25/1(+24%)
(4) Deravarra Rose 25/1, Soldier of Fortune mare. Half-sister to fair 3m hurdle winner Kaletto. Wears tongue strap. Placed both completed starts in points, runner-up last time (Mar 10). Every chance when falling two runs back and then ran a solid race to be second at Belclare.
(3) (66/1 +34%) Born Bright
66/1(+34%)
(3) Born Bright 66/1, Kalanisi mare. Half-sister to fairly useful hurdler/chaser Born Famous. Dam (h88), point winner, made frame once over hurdles. Placed on second of 2 starts in points (Feb 17). Made the frame in second point but she's unlikely to provide the answer to this.
(2) (100/1 +0%) Beacon Storm
100/1(+0%)
(2) Beacon Storm 100/1, €1,200 3-y-o, September Storm mare. Dam unraced half-sister to smart hurdler/chaser (stayed 3m) Jessies Dream and useful bumper winner Very Much So. Maiden pointer, pulled up last time (Jan 7). Ten-race maiden in points and looks very vulnerable in a race of this nature.
(8) (100/1 +0%) Red Night Sky
100/1(+0%)
(8) Red Night Sky 100/1, Zambezi Sun mare. Dam maiden pointer. Maiden pointer, last of 3 finishers last time (Feb 11). Others more persuasive. Finished a long way behind Ma Bess when they met at Dromahane a year ago.
The chart reads from right to left to today's race.
Henry de Bromhead landed this bumper with a useful type two years ago and AIR OF ENTITLEMENT looks a leading contender. The daughter of Westerner is from the family of Irish Grand National winner Rogue Angel and impressed when a wide margin winner of a Lingstown point-to-point for Colin Bowe four months ago. Gordon Elliott is another trainer who has won this race before and is represented by Ocean Brew. Also by Westerner and a half-sister to the smart Eric Bloodaxe, she had to work hard to land a point-to-point at Tyrella in early March but is open to improvement. Ma Bess, fitted with a hood for the first time, has the advantage of plenty of bumper experience. Runner-up twice and fourth in a Listed contest at Gowran in the autumn, she'll be fitter for a recent comeback outing in a point-to-point.
AIR OF ENTITLEMENT has already won a point and has since been picked up by top connections, so she's preferred to Ocean Brew, who arrives with a similar profile. Shantou Princess is also considered.
Henry De Bromhead won this race two years ago and his AIR OF ENTITLEMENT is probably a good horse in the making.
(1) Duke Of Baddesley 11/8, £32,000 3-y-o, Kalanisi gelding. Half-brother to modest hurdler Nimbus Boy. The stable has a healthy 17% strike-rate in bumpers in the last 5 seasons. Interesting newcomer, particularly if backed. £32,000 3yo; third foal; half-brother to 2m3f hurdle winner Nimbus Boy.
(3) (9/4 -50%) Ken Roy
9/4(-50%)
(3) Ken Roy 9/4, 2/1 and showed promise amidst greenness when third of 8 on Kempton debut in February. His position at the head of the market on that occasion suggests he's quite well regarded by his top yard. The winner of his Kempton race is useful and this 5yo should improve.
(6) (6/1 -33%) Mask Of Zorro
6/1(-33%)
(6) Mask Of Zorro 6/1, €50,000 Masked Marvel gelding. Half-brother to 2 winners, including fairly useful hurdler/useful chaser Frere d'Armes. Dam unraced. Stable only 3-41 in bumpers in the last seasons but he still needs monitoring in the betting. 50,000euros 3yo; fourth foal; half-brother to useful jumper Frere D'Armes.
(4) (8/1 +33%) Bluey
8/1(+33%)
(4) Bluey 8/1, Picked up for £27,000 after making it fifth time lucky in points in January. Wears a hood on Rules debut. The market should provide more clues. Bought for £27,000 after making it fifth-time lucky in Irish points two months ago.
(7) (14/1 -367%) Ocean Walz
14/1(-367%)
(7) Ocean Walz 14/1, Ran to a fair level when narrowly denied on his Hereford debut (2m, soft) 5 weeks ago. Likely to go well again. Very nearly got up to win at Hereford but remains to be seen how strong that form is.
(2) (25/1 -213%) Jumble Jury
25/1(-213%)
(2) Jumble Jury 25/1, Point winner last spring. Ran to only a modest level when fourth of 8 on his Chepstow bumper debut 5 weeks ago but he might come on for the outing. Won his point on good ground and perhaps not seen to best effect on heavy at Chepstow.
(5) (28/1 -40%) Takeachancewithme
28/1(-40%)
(5) Takeachancewithme 28/1, Pour Moi mare. Half-sister to useful hurdler/chaser Jay Bee Why, stays 3m. Trainer no stranger to bumper success. The betting should guide to expectations. Half-sister to useful 2m3f/2m5f hurdle winner Jay Bee Why; dam bumper winner.
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 4 race.
KEN ROY showed promise on his debut in a Kempton bumper last month and, having had a wind issue addressed since, there could be plenty more to come from the Paul Nicholls-trained gelding. The betting market should be informative as far as the newcomers are concerned, but Mask Of Zorro makes plenty of appeal on paper. Ocean Walz was beaten by just a short head on his racecourse bow in a similar contest at Hereford last month and rates the pick of the rest.
KEN ROY couldn't justify favouritism on his Kempton debut but showed promise amidst greenness and is taken to improve past Hereford runner-up Ocean Waltz. Duke of Baddesley is a noteworthy newcomer from a stable which has lots of winners here.
This could go to KEN ROY. He may have failed favourite backers at Kempton but it was still a promising run behind a useful winner.
(4) The Bluesman 4/9, Expensive recruit from points and offered plenty to work on when third at Kempton on Rules debut. Can improve enough to open his account this time. Clear third in good Kempton race on rules debut; probably has a lot more to offer.
(6) (7/2 +78%) Shade Of Winter
7/2(+78%)
(6) Shade Of Winter 7/2, Affinisea gelding. Half-brother to 3 winners, including useful hurdler/smart chaser Adamantly Chosen and useful hurdler/chaser Kylecrue, stayed 25f. Dam unraced. Last of 2 finishers sole outing in Irish points (Feb 11). Second in two-finisher Irish point on debut; has a good standard to reach on rules debut.
(2) (7/1 +72%) Badentaggart
7/1(+72%)
(2) Badentaggart 7/1, (Production):closely related to 2 winners, including fairly useful hurdler/chaser (became unreliable) Victor Leudorum (19f-3½m winner, by Wareed), and half-brother to 2 winners, including fairly useful hurdler Miss Maiden Over (winner around 2½m, by Carlo Bank): dam bumper/fair 21f hurdle winner. Stable has healthy bumper strike-rate (11%) but this newcomer will need to be quite useful.
(3) (40/1 +0%) D'gesteevo
40/1(+0%)
(3) D'gesteevo 40/1, Half-brother to fairly useful hurdler Bonza Girl and out of a winning hurdler but not a great deal of encouragement to be gleaned from his C&D debut a couple of months ago. Struggled (albeit on heavy ground) when 25-1 for debut here two months ago.
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 5 race.
CELTIC DINO sets the standard based on his victory at Ascot in November and his subsequent third in a Listed event at the same track just before Christmas. Despite giving 7lb and upwards to the opposition, this appears to be a decent opportunity for the five-year-old before going hurdling next season. The Bluesman placed in a Kempton bumper on his Rules debut and shaped as though he would benefit from a stiffer test of stamina. Woodland Park and Shade Of Winter complete the shortlist.
THE BLUESMAN fetched £200,000 after finishing third in a point and showed signs of lingering greenness when filling the same position at Kempton on Rules debut. With that behind he can improve to open his account at the possible expense of Celtic Dino, who drops in grade after placing in listed company last time. Woodland Park is another obvious player.
Celtic Dino is respected but Paul Nicholls' expensive recruit THE BLUESMAN made a very promising rules debut and gets the vote.
(6) Redemption Day 2/1, Lightly-raced winner in bumpers. 7/2, creditable 6¾ lengths third of 10 to Jeroboam Machin in Gr 2 bumper at Leopardstown (16f, soft) 58 days ago. Hood on 1st time. Worth a chance to capitalise on a drop in grade. Grade 1-placed in 2022 and back from long absence with two solid runs at Leopardstown.
(2) (2/1 -14%) Coco Masterpiece
2/1(-14%)
(2) Coco Masterpiece 2/1, Winning pointer who followed suit when landing an 11-runner bumper at Thurles on Rules debut. More to come and makes plenty of appeal. Beat stablemate and subsequent Champion Bumper fifth Fishery Lane at Thurles in February.
(5) (13/2 -136%) Patter Merchant
13/2(-136%)
(5) Patter Merchant 13/2, Won sole start in points. Also successful in 5-runner bumper at Leopardstown (16.2f, heavy, 1/2) on NH debut 95 days ago, pushed out. Another bold showing is on the cards. Just got the better of subsequent Champion Bumper fourth Sounds Victorius at Leopardstown.
(3) (7/1 -8%) Fleur In The Park
7/1(-8%)
(3) Fleur In The Park 7/1, Made a winning start at Roscommon and excellent efforts in second on each of his next 3 starts. Should give his running but may have to settle for minor honours again. Three seconds since winning debut at Roscommon in September; second to a good one at Naas.
(1) (10/1 -54%) Lieutenant Mayne
10/1(-54%)
(1) Lieutenant Mayne 10/1, Third in sole point last February and has looked potentially useful in winning his first two starts under Rules, again having something to spare at Uttoxeter last time. More on his plate here but can't be ruled out. Winner at Musselburgh in January and when making all at Uttoxeter (heavy) last month.
(7) (18/1 -13%) The Passing Wife
18/1(-13%)
(7) The Passing Wife 18/1, Winner in bumper at Punchestown in November. 7/1, fourth of 8 in bumper at Leopardstown (16f, soft) 94 days ago. Others have more potential. Long way behind runner-up Redemption Day when fourth at Leopardstown over Christmas.
(4) (20/1 +39%) Hens Tooth
20/1(+39%)
(4) Hens Tooth 20/1, Twice-raced winner in bumpers. 22¼ lengths eighth of 10 to Jeroboam Machin in Gr 2 bumper at Leopardstown (16f, soft, 40/1) 58 days ago. Stable having good spell. Uphill task. Won by 10l on rules debut at Limerick over Christmas; outclassed in Leopardstown Grade 2.
The chart reads from right to left to today's race.
Redemption Day sets a high standard having finished second to Facile Vega in the Champion Bumper at the Punchestown Festival two years ago and following a lengthy layoff, has been placed on both outings this term including a Grade 2 at the Dublin Racing Festival. However, it looks significant that Patrick Mullins is aboard COCO MASTERPIECE who won a point-to-point for Stuart Crawford and his Thurles bumper win was given a big boost when the runner-up Fishery Lane ran a cracker at Cheltenham. Patter Merchant also won between the flags and on collateral form has probably achieved a similar level to the selection in beating Sounds Victorius at the Leopardstown Christmas meeting. Fleur In The Park is another to consider having filled the runner-up spot behind some useful types.
REDEMPTION DAY might not be quite as good as he looked in his first season but he still has enough ability to finish second in a Grade 2, so he should be capable of taking this down in class. The unbeaten Patter Merchant is an obvious danger and Coco Masterpiece, a stablemate of the selection, can't be ruled out.
Several have form with some who finished close up in the Cheltenham bumper and COCO MASTERPIECE is taken to build on his Thurles victory
Racecard Key
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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
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At the races watchout for
At the races top pick
Top rated for thet statistic
How to use Tomform
Please Watch this short video that will help you learn how to use Tomform.com to filter out the runners and find a winner in each race.
This is the 16:15 Kempton race from the video above backed at 28/1 earlier in the day.
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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