There were 44 Races on Monday 22nd April 2024 across 6 meetings. There was 6 races at Ffos Las, 8 races at Hexham, 8 races at Kempton, 8 races at Pontefract, 8 races at Windsor, 6 races at Tramore, no doubt Tomform helped you find a winner.
Races & Results Monday 22nd April 2024
The data in the racecards below is for the past year. View the racecard key.
(2) Rath Gaul Boy 2/9, A useful bumper scorer who was much more settled when easily getting off the mark over hurdles in 20-runner novice at Fairyhouse (16f, heavy) 22 days ago. This Irish challenger holds leading claims with better to come. Easy win at Fairyhouse and sets standard under penalty; strong claims for Willie Mullins.
2
2nd (1) (3/1 +14%) Patriotik
3/1(+14%)
(1) Patriotik 3/1, Course winner in March and backed it up with a good third of 7 in novice hurdle over C&D (soft) 6 days ago. This point scorer looks to have more to offer so must enter calculations. Easy win here (2m4f) last month before a third behind a useful rival over C&D; respected.
3
3rd (4) (20/1 -208%) Dunbulcan Bay
20/1(-208%)
(4) Dunbulcan Bay 20/1, Flemensfirth gelding who shaped with promise when a debut fifth of 12 in bumper at Exeter (16.7f, soft, 17/2) 154 days ago. No forlorn hope on his hurdles debut. £72,000 3yo; shaped with promise in a bumper and market informative on hurdling debut.
4
4th (8) (100/1 +0%) Culligran
100/1(+0%)
(8) Culligran 100/1, 80/1, encouraging debut fourth of 10 in novice hurdle at Hereford (19.7f, good) 8 days ago. Can build on it. Well-held fourth on rules debut at Hereford and has stacks to find on this drop to 2m.
5th
5th (7) (200/1 +20%) Victor Haze
200/1(+20%)
(7) Victor Haze 200/1, Eighth of 9 in novice hurdle at Exeter (16.7f, heavy, 150/1) on NH debut 45 days ago. Lots more is required. Remote eighth at a massive price on his debut at Exeter (2m, soft) last month.
13:42 Ffos Las Novices Hurdle (Class 4)
16f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 4 race.
Patriotik sets the standard with an official rating of 124 and he must be respected, but it is RATH GAUL BOY who gets the vote. Willie Mullins' seven-year-old was an easy winner of a maiden hurdle at Fairyhouse last month and the Closutton maestro appears to have found his gelding an excellent chance to repeat the dose under a penalty. Three Cliffs Bay will find this easier than the handicaps he has been contesting recently and looks best placed to chase the pair home.
RATH GAUL BOY looked a good prospect when a facile scorer at Fairyhouse last time out so Willie Mullins' improving sort is hard to side against here. Course-winner Patriotick appeals as the one to give him most to do, although Three Cliffs Bay, Dunbulcan Bay and El Curamach all merit respect in an intriguing contest.
This can go to Willie Mullins' RATH GAUL BOY, who was impressive at Fairyhouse last month and sets a good standard under a penalty.
(12) Hot To Dot 16/1, Foaled February 17. 10,000 gns yearling, Massaat filly. Dam 6f winner. First foal; dam 6f winner (RPR 70); trainer operating at a healthy strike-rate this year.
2
2nd (11) (40/1 +60%) Harswell Dandy
40/1(+60%)
(11) Harswell Dandy 40/1, Foaled April 17. 16,000 gns yearling, Dandy Man filly. Dam, ran once at 2 yrs, closely related to smart 5f/6f winner Zebedee out of useful 1¼m winner Cozy Maria. 16,000gns yearling; dam from talented family; may be one for further down the line.
3
3rd (3) (9/1 +44%) Eighteen Fourteen
9/1(+44%)
(3) Eighteen Fourteen 9/1, (Production):32,000Y: sixth foal: half-brother to 5f-1m winner Annie's Song (by Camacho) and 11f winner Hopespringseternal (by Harzand): dam twice-raced half-sister to very smart 6f winner Golden Horde. 32,000gns yearling; half-brother to two winners; likely to improve for this debut outing.
4
4th (10) (7/2 -56%) Theatrically
7/2(-56%)
(10) Theatrically 7/2, Promising type. Fourth of 8 in minor event at Kempton (5f, 7/2) 12 days ago. Open to progress, and respected. Has shown promise on both starts; sets a fair form standard and holds strong claims.
5th
5th (8) (11/2 +21%) Pastoral Way
11/2(+21%)
(8) Pastoral Way 11/2, Foaled February 17. 11,000 gns yearling, Pastoral Pursuits colt. Half-brother to 3 winners, including useful 7f/1m winner Ozymandis and 5f winner Spring Bloom. Dam 5f winner (including at 2 yrs). One to note. There's potential in his pedigree and he's in good hands; betting may guide on debut.
6th
6th (2) (16/1 +60%) Beauhaather
16/1(+60%)
(2) Beauhaather 16/1, Foaled April 17. 22,000 gns yearling, Mohaather gelding. Half-brother to 11.6f/1½m winner Overactive. Dam, lightly raced, closely related to very smart winner up to 2m Dashing Willoughby. One of two for yard and a market check is advised, but this newcomer isn't bred to sprint.
7th
7th (7) (10/1 +50%) Law Degree
10/1(+50%)
(7) Law Degree 10/1, Foaled April 3. €16,000 foal, €6,500 yearling, Inns of Court gelding. Closely related to 6f/7f winner Midnight Fire. Dam unraced, closely related to useful 2-y-o 6f winner Adorn. Fourth of 7 in maiden at Thirsk (5f, heavy, 100/1) on debut 13 days ago. Only 4th of seven on recent debut but no surprise if he's more competitive this afternoon.
8th
8th (5) (6/1 -140%) Inshad
6/1(-140%)
(5) Inshad 6/1, Foaled February 18. €15,000 foal, £31,000 yearling, Gregorian colt. Half-brother to numerous winners, including useful 7f-1m winner Hotsy Totsy and useful winner up to 1m Staintondale Lass. Dam 5f-8.5f winner. Interesting newcomer. Newcomer; half-brother to ten winners; good Newmarket trainer is 3-9 with 2yos here.
9th
9th (4) (25/1 -56%) I'm Next
25/1(-56%)
(4) I'm Next 25/1, Foaled May 14. 15,000 gns foal, Ardad colt. Half-brother to winner up to 1¼m Estepona Sun. Dam unraced. Half-brother to 7f 2yo/1m2f winner (RPR 89); trainer's 2yos usually need their first runs.
10th
10th (1) (5/2 +58%) Almanjoor
5/2(+58%)
(1) Almanjoor 5/2, Foaled March 12. €23,000 foal, £36,000 yearling, Sands of Mali colt. Dam, 6f winner, half-sister to useful 1m-11f winner Eftiraath. Dam 6f winner; represents powerful northern yard and could play a leading role on debut.
11th
11th (9) (80/1 -60%) Sangatien
80/1(-60%)
(9) Sangatien 80/1, Foaled March 19. Washington Dc gelding. Half-brother to 7f winner Little Edi. Half-brother to 7f winner Little Edi (including 2yo; RPR 82); check the betting on debut.
LTO Selection:hiden content, hiden content,
13:52 Pontefract Stakes (Class 5) 5f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 5 race.
George Scott and Billy Loughnane teamed up to produce the winner of this corresponding race last year and they can repeat the feat with the handily-drawn INSHAD, an early foal who appeals as a likely type for a race of this nature. An entrant for York's Premier Yearling Stakes in the summer, the selection would enhance his chance of a run by getting off the mark at the first attempt here. Theatrically and Law Degree set a modest level from those with experience, so fellow newcomer Eighteen Fourteen may be the biggest threat to the selection.
THEATRICALLY has shaped well both starts, including in the Brocklesby, and should be up to winning one of these. Before market clues, Inshad and Pastoral Ways look the pick of the newcomers on paper.
This could go to the newcomer INSHAD, whose trainer George Boughey is 3-9 at Pontefract with 2yos. Theatrically is a danger.
(1) Tedtwo 2/1, Bumper winner who won only start over hurdles for Kerry Lee and cemented positive start for new yard when running out a comfortable winner under a penalty at Sedgefield (16.8f, heavy) 6 weeks ago. One of the likelier types again despite conceding weight all round. Good efforts all four starts over hurdles, including easy win last time; one with a chance.
2
2nd (3) (4/9 +45%) Joker De Mai
4/9(+45%)
(3) Joker De Mai 4/9, Useful chaser in France and also landed 2m3f handicap hurdle at Lingfield for his new yard in December. Runner-up all 3 starts since, latterly at Newcastle 920.3f) 4 weeks ago and big player again back down in trip. Dual chase winner in France who has run well over hurdles this term; drops in trip; chance.
3
3rd (10) (11/1 -83%) French Highlands
11/1(-83%)
(10) French Highlands 11/1, Shirocco filly who is bred to stay well and, with a run in bumpers under her belt, she shaped encouragingly when third in a C&D novice on hurdles bow 31 days ago. Very much the type to improve, particularly when tackling longer trips. Improved on bumper debut when third in a C&D novice hurdle last month; each-way chance.
4
4th (4) (125/1 -89%) Foster's Fortune
125/1(-89%)
(4) Foster's Fortune 125/1, Showed little in 3 starts in bumpers and similar story in pair of hurdle starts more recently. Well beaten in bumpers and over hurdles; would be a surprise winner.
5th
5th (8) (100/1 +0%) Atlanticexpress
100/1(+0%)
(8) Atlanticexpress 100/1, Safely held on debut for Joseph O'Brien in a mares' maiden hurdle at Punchestown (22.5f) in February and, easy to back, she offered little on debut for new yard when last of 6 in a Carlisle novice (19.3f) 23 days ago. Probably one for low-grade handicaps. Ex-Joseph O'Brien; modest form so far and would be a surprise winner.
6th
6th (11) (200/1 -203%) Norse Reiver
200/1(-203%)
(11) Norse Reiver 200/1, Sent off at long odds and no promise in pair of bumper outings late last year. Well beaten at long odds in two bumpers; best watched on hurdles debut..
7th
7th (9) (100/1 -52%) Chantilly Dragon
100/1(-52%)
(9) Chantilly Dragon 100/1, Third in bumper at Sedgefield in November but well held next start and she's probably one for handicaps in this sphere judged on pair of mares' maiden/novice exploits last month. Third in a bumper on debut; well beaten on both starts hurdling; others appeal more.
|PU|
|PU| (2) (22/1 -83%) Clinton Lane
22/1(-83%)
(2) Clinton Lane 22/1, Caused a big surprise on first outing following a breathing op when winning 10-runner maiden hurdle at Fontwell (17.7f, heavy) 35 days ago. However, likely to find this much tougher under a penalty. Off the mark on second run after a wind op last time; conditions suit; stiffer task.
|PU|
|PU| (5) (40/1 -100%) Rathgearan
40/1(-100%)
(5) Rathgearan 40/1, Modest in bumpers in Ireland and similar form over hurdles/fences when last seen in 2022. Likely best watched back from 16 months off. Ex-Irish; fair efforts in 2022 but hasn't run since and no easy task.
14:00 Hexham Maiden Hurdle (Class
4) 16f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 4 race.
JOKER DE MAI may have finished second in each of his three races since he got off the mark over hurdles at Lingfield last December, but those runner-up spots were achieved in deeper races than he encounters on this occasion and the five-year-old is hard to oppose. As a dual winner in this discipline, the consistent Tedtwo picks up a double penalty yet still rates the biggest threat to the selection, although Clinton Lane is proven on deep ground and cannot be ruled out with conditions to suit.
JOKER DE MAI arrives in very good order and holds standout claims on these terms, so he looks the way to go back in novice company. Tedtwo can provide chief resistance for the Ben Haslam stable, with likely improver French Highlands rating best of the remainder.
This looks between previous winners, Tedtwo and JOKER DE MAI with the latter, who is receiving weight, just preferred.
(1) Valens Bruyee 11/4, 50/1 when off the mark in 2m Chepstow novice hurdle in the mud in January. Fair runs in handicaps since and dropping in the weights. Interesting turned out quickly back up in trip. Hasn't gone on since his 50-1 win at Chepstow but he's still lightly raced; not ruled out.
2
2nd (3) (9/2 +0%) Call Me Arthur
9/2(+0%)
(3) Call Me Arthur 9/2, Much improved stepped up in trip when going close at Exeter (21.6f, soft) in November but poor at Uttoxeter next time and off 3 months since. Tongue tie goes on. Went close at Exeter but he flopped when last seen in January; tongue-tie now added.
3
3rd (7) (6/1 +14%) Try The Money
6/1(+14%)
(7) Try The Money 6/1, Gambled on and duly offered a lot more when second of 7 on 19f Taunton handicap debut on return in February. Well held again at Huntingdon next time, though. Unexposed 6yo but he was disappointing last time and needs to step up again after that.
4
4th (4) (9/2 +0%) Everyonesacritic
9/2(+0%)
(4) Everyonesacritic 9/2, Left the form of his 3 qualifying runs well behind when making a successful handicap debut with cheekpieces added at Musselburgh (19.8f, soft) in February. Held at Sedgefield next time (winner well ahead of his mark) but remains unexposed. Won at Musselburgh before a tough task behind a major improver at Sedgefield; in the mix.
5th
5th (5) (18/1 -125%) Ceejaybe
18/1(-125%)
(5) Ceejaybe 18/1, Produced his best effort to date over hurdles when second at Huntingdon on penultimate start. Subsequent low-key display at Fontwell needs forgiving 2 months on. Cheekpieces applied. Has patchy profile but enters the reckoning on his second at Huntingdon; cheekpieces added.
6th
6th (6) (3/1 +63%) Delgany Dreamer
3/1(+63%)
(6) Delgany Dreamer 3/1, Still to build on the mild promise she showed in maidens, although didn't seem to stay 25f at Plumpton last time. Headgear removed. Eight-race maiden who was tailed off last time and needs improvement back in trip.
7th
7th (9) (18/1 +64%) Dora's Addrezz
18/1(+64%)
(9) Dora's Addrezz 18/1, Poor form at best. Can only be fancied if strong in the betting. Well held at big prices in her three handicaps and is now 0-7; no appeal.
|PU|
|PU| (10) (80/1 +20%) Sally's Girl
80/1(+20%)
(10) Sally's Girl 80/1, Looks of little account. Well held in all nine starts and is 15lb out of the weights here.
14:12 Ffos Las Handicap Hurdle (Class 5)
20f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 5 race.
Returned to further and with the hood worn across the majority of his fledgling career removed, ANOTHER LORD was able to take a big leap forward when winning at Hereford last month. A 5lb rise in the handicap might underestimated Peter Bowen's charge given that he has scope for further improvement, and he is taken to follow up. Valens Bruyee, who drops in class, joins Try The Money on the shortlist.
VALENS BRUYEE has handicaps in him and could be worth chancing back up in trip in a thin contest. Everyonesacritic is another of the likely players.
The vote goes to ANOTHER LORD, who came good with a convincing win at Hereford last month and is open to more improvement.
(9) Blufferonthebus 6/1, Displayed some promise in maidens at up to 6f as a juvenile and ran best race despite not being seen to best effect when fourth of 9 in handicap at Southwell (6.1f) on return 37 days ago. Possible she can do better again with that under her belt. Denied clear run when fourth at Southwell on reappearance and could have a part to play.
2
2nd (2) (4/1 -14%) Test Of Love
4/1(-14%)
(2) Test Of Love 4/1, Son of Time Test who showed definite signs of promise in trio of quick-fire runs in AW novice events at up to 7f last summer. Gelded ahead of this return and highly likely there's a good deal more to come now handicapping for his very shrewd yard. Three runs last summer; gelded since; handicap debut; there's potential in his pedigree.
3
3rd (3) (5/1 -11%) Macarone
5/1(-11%)
(3) Macarone 5/1, Improved for switch to handicaps during second half of last year, making it 2 wins from last 3 starts when winning 11-runner nursery at Newcastle (5f) in October. Does need to prove himself as effective at this longer trip on return, however. Won two 5f nurseries last season; faded on sole attempt at 6f but he's not ruled out.
4
4th (1) (25/1 -108%) Vanity Pays
25/1(-108%)
(1) Vanity Pays 25/1, Blinkered for 1st time, last of 8 in handicap (11/1) at Lingfield (6f, AW) 77 days ago, ridden under 3f out and soon beaten. Return to turf (best efforts on soft/heavy) needs to have a positive effect now with cheekpieces back on. Her mark continues to fall but form has gone the wrong way and she's now 0-11.
5th
5th (7) (6/1 +50%) Coin Power
6/1(+50%)
(7) Coin Power 6/1, Thrice-raced maiden. 40/1, ran to a similar level as previously when sixth of 12 in maiden on qualifying run at Beverley (5f, good) in July. Step back up in trip promises to suit on return now handicapping/having been gelded. Market should guide. Only sixth in his three 2yo runs but he's well bred and goes handicapping off modest mark.
6th
6th (4) (5/2 +44%) Cassanos Lad
5/2(+44%)
(4) Cassanos Lad 5/2, Lightly-raced maiden. Visored for 1st time, ran well under change of tactics when third of 7 in handicap at Wolverhampton (6.1f, 12/1) 54 days ago. Cheekpieces go on for turf debut and he's worth a check in the betting for positive vibes. Showed zest when third on handicap debut (AW); could be thereabouts if taking to turf.
7th
7th (5) (25/1 -108%) Desert Raider
25/1(-108%)
(5) Desert Raider 25/1, Latest win at Lingfield in January. 12/1, respectable fourth of 12 in handicap at Newcastle (8f) 14 days ago, no extra final 1f. Eased 1 lb since and not discounted dropping back down in trip. Has shown pace over 1m (AW) the last twice and today's drop to a sprint trip is worth a go.
8th
8th (6) (10/1 +9%) Dc Flyer
10/1(+9%)
(6) Dc Flyer 10/1, Found some improvement ridden more positively when successful on nursery debut at Hamilton (6f) in July. Rather disappointing he couldn't build on that in 2 starts thereafter and he needs to hit the ground running back from 6 months off. Soundly beaten last autumn on final two starts but a break may have helped; won in July.
14:22 Pontefract Handicap (Class 6) 6f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 6 race.
Craig Lidster has a couple of solid chances with his Blufferonthebus and MACARONE open to progression now they are back on turf. The former creeps in at the bottom of the handicap and is dangerous to underestimate with in-form rider Sam James booked. However, Franny Norton got a good tune out of Macarone as he took over in the saddle when the gelding won at Newcastle last October and, back on turf off just 5lb higher, another bold showing is expected. Dc Flyer is the pick of the rest.
TEST OF LOVE displayed definite signs of promise without looking anything like the finished article in a trio of starts as a juvenile and, gelded ahead of this return, he's just the type to take off now handicapping for his very shrewd stable. Desert Raider and Blufferonthebus are others to consider, whilst Coin Power is another handicap debutant to keep an eye on.
The Sir Mark Prescott-trained TEST OF LOVE returns to action having been gelded and his pedigree provides hope he'll improve,
(6) Five Dollar Fine 7/2, Maiden hurdler/chaser who went close in this sphere at Carlisle (24.5f) on penultimate start in February. However, he does need to dispel a poor run back at that venue 46 days ago. Significantly back down in trip. Ran well over 3m on penultimate start; takes a marked drop back in distance.
2
2nd (2) (9/1 -80%) Gandhi Maker
9/1(-80%)
(2) Gandhi Maker 9/1, Won twice season and having been placed on several occasions in recent months, got off the mark for the campaign with the help of an uncontested lead at Sedgefield (19.3f, heavy) in January. Now back with his former yard and should go well again up 5 lb. Made all in six-runner event last time; possibly vulnerable in this bigger field.
3
3rd (5) (5/1 +58%) Leitrim Chief
5/1(+58%)
(5) Leitrim Chief 5/1, Lightly-raced maiden who proved he retains back from an absence over hurdles around the turn of the year. Entitled to be sharper for his chase debut experience at Ayr (16.5f) in February and he could yet do better. Lightly raced 8yo who may improve dropped in grade on second chase attempt.
4
4th (10) (9/1 +25%) Going Mobile
9/1(+25%)
(10) Going Mobile 9/1, Successful 3 times last season (twice over C&D) and bounced back to form when third of 10 in handicap chase at Market Rasen (17.2f, good to firm) in August. Possibly in need of first start for 5 months at Kelso (17f) in March and likely he'll be sharper now. Cheekpieces back on. Tapped for toe at sharp Kelso last month and this is more suitable; dual C&D scorer.
5th
5th (12) (33/1 +34%) Treshnish
33/1(+34%)
(12) Treshnish 33/1, Showed signs of a revival for new connections after 9 months off (formerly with Sue Smith) when fourth of 6 in C&D handicap chase here on return but no show next 2 starts. Blinkers on 1st time. First-time blinkers may prompt a revival; successful in this contest in 2021.
6th
6th (9) (17/2 -31%) Contre Ordre
17/2(-31%)
(9) Contre Ordre 17/2, Capitalised on a career-low mark to land 17f Sedgefield handicap chase in November. Struggled next 3 starts but did at least run a lot better when second at Wetherby (15f) 25 days ago. Not taken lightly for all he's not sure to be in same form here. Solid second at Wetherby last time; remains on a workable mark; in the mix.
7th
7th (14) (80/1 +20%) Pure Surf
80/1(+20%)
(14) Pure Surf 80/1, Twice successful over hurdles for Iain Jardine but big prices and well held both starts over hurdles/fences for current stable. Likely best watched. Holds weak claims on points/rules form for current stable.
8th
8th (11) (40/1 -21%) Getaway Jewel
40/1(-21%)
(11) Getaway Jewel 40/1, Ready winner over 2m at Southwell last summer but largely struggled since, left behind from 4 out when sixth of 7 in handicap chase at Wetherby (15f, heavy) 25 days ago. Likely best watched until tackling quicker conditions again. All wins on good ground; far from consistent since last success.
|B|
|B| (1) (7/2 -5%) Heritier
7/2(-5%)
(1) Heritier 7/2, Proving most consistent for present yard, rallying well when 1 length second of 10 in series final at Carlisle (2m, heavy) 2 weeks ago. Nudged up 3 lb on the back of that but he looks sure to go well again. Consistent for current yard; ran well in better race at Carlisle most recently; respected.
|F|
|F| (3) (10/1 +0%) Rose Sea Has
10/1(+0%)
(3) Rose Sea Has 10/1, Gained reward for his consistency last season when scoring at Fontwell (17.8f) 12 months ago. Yet to hit top form in 4 runs this term though and a 4 month break needs to have had a positive effect. Cheekpieces replace blinkers. Front-runner who has gained all chase wins in much smaller fields.
|PU|
|PU| (13) (9/1 +36%) Claret Dabbler
9/1(+36%)
(13) Claret Dabbler 9/1, Maiden who ran well from the front when runner-up at Kelso (17f, soft) in March and shaped as if still in good form when fourth at Market Rasen (17.2f) earlier this month. Fancied to give another good account. Only a modest fourth in lower grade last time, taking record to 0-16.
|PU|
|PU| (7) (25/1 -178%) Hungry Tiger
25/1(-178%)
(7) Hungry Tiger 25/1, Resumed winning ways in 2m5f handicap chase at Cartmel last June but not in same form from revised mark when fourth back at that venue a month later. Possible he'll come forward from this run on the back of 9 months off. Best watched in this unsuitable scenario on return from layoff.
14:30 Hexham Handicap Chase (Class 4) 16f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 4 race.
GANDHI MAKER impressed when making all at Sedgefield in January and, proven under testing conditions, the eight-year-old could again be hard to be beat off just a 5lb higher mark. The selection has switched yards to Philip Kirby since that latest success and looks to have been ideally placed to make a big impact for his new connections. Heritier is consistent and can ensure this is a good test, while Cudgel tends to go well at this venue and also warrants consideration.
A winner over C&D in October CHAPEL GREEN dispelled some lesser displays when fourth in first-time cheekpieces at Kelso (17.1f) 6 weeks ago and having slipped 2 lb below his last winning mark, he could be worth chancing to build on that back at this venue. Heritier is operating at the top of his game and is feared, with Cudgel and Gandhi Maker a couple of others to consider in a competitive contest.
On the back of a good effort in a series final at Carlisle, HERITIER gets the vote. Second choice is Cudgel.
(4) Ballinsker 14/1, Recorded a third win over fences at Chepstow last spring but no show in 4 outings since returning to action in November. Yard also saddles Lelant. On reduced mark but he's been pulled up in last two runs and needs a major revival.
2
2nd (2) (9/4 -38%) Bonza Boy
9/4(-38%)
(2) Bonza Boy 9/4, 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 opening chase account back there last month. Went in again at Chepstow (19.4f, soft) 3 weeks ago and good chance he'll complete the hat-trick. Emphatic wins at 2m3f on last two runs and he's open to more progress; major player.
3
3rd (3) (11/2 +0%) Line Of Descent
11/2(+0%)
(3) Line Of Descent 11/2, Notched third success of 2023 when scoring by a wide margin at Southwell last June but found things tougher in the second half of last year. Entitled to need this following a 6-month break. Triple chase winner but mixed results in his last four runs; returns after 195 days off.
4
4th (7) (2/1 +33%) Pilgrims King
2/1(+33%)
(7) Pilgrims King 2/1, Done little wrong since the turn of the year and produced just about his best effort yet when staying on well to land the spoils over this C&D (soft) last week. More will be needed under a penalty but he clearly likes it here and has to be respected in current form. Made it 2-4 over fences with game win over C&D last week; has a penalty but he's respected.
5th
5th (6) (10/1 -33%) Havock
10/1(-33%)
(6) Havock 10/1, Verging on fair in bumpers and ran to a similar level when second on Stratford hurdle debut in November. No show in 3 subsequent starts but he's nevertheless of interest now switched to fences. Still lightly raced but he needs a transformation on this switch to fences.
6th
6th (5) (17/2 -13%) Lelant
17/2(-13%)
(5) Lelant 17/2, Fair form over hurdles and drop back to 2m was likely the reason for a low-key effort here at the end of last month. Back up in trip with a first-time tongue strap added for this chase debut and he could have a part to play if his jumping passes the test. 0-8 over hurdles and needs this switch to fences to reinvigorate him.
7th
7th (1) (18/1 -140%) Fulgurix
18/1(-140%)
(1) Fulgurix 18/1, Signed off last season with a game success under testing conditions at Chepstow. However, he needs to get back on track having misfired at Uttoxeter on belated return and was weakening when exiting 4 out back at Chepstow last time, Proved a reliable sort last season but he's failed to complete in both runs this term.
14:42 Ffos Las Handicap Chase (Class 4)
19f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 4 race.
Things appear to have clicked for BONZA BOY of late and he arrives following wins at Exeter and Chepstow. The son of Schiaparelli is now 8lb higher than for the latest of those victories, but he has few miles on the clock over the larger obstacles and is taken to continue his upward trajectory. Pilgrims King must shoulder a 7lb penalty having been on target over C&D six days ago but he merits respect nevertheless, while Lelant makes his fencing bow and is of interest now fitted with a first-time tongue-tie.
BONZA BOY's jumping was rather iffy when scoring at Chepstow last time but he ultimately won with authority and an 8 lb rise may not be enough to prevent him from completing the hat-trick. He may have most to fear from another in-form type in Pilgrims King, who enhanced his good overall record at this track when scoring over C&D six days ago. Chase-debutants Lelant and Havock could both have a part to play if they take to the larger obstacles at the first attempt.
This can go to BONZA BOY, who has won in emphatic style at similar trips in his last two starts and still looks feasibly treated.
(1) Bolster 13/2, Landed first 2 starts in novice company 8 months apart and ran with credit without being seen to best effect when tenth in Royal Ascot Group 3 last June. Below best at Newmarket a month later but he remains low mileage ahead of this return for new stable. Very lightly raced 4yo; well beaten on handicap debut when last seen but retains potential.
2
2nd (5) (6/1 +0%) Lightening Company
6/1(+0%)
(5) Lightening Company 6/1, Took this race 12 months ago from a 2 lb lower mark and he ran well on back of 6 months off when third of 10 in handicap at Doncaster (10.2f, soft) 29 days ago, a slow start not helping his cause. That should have teed him up nicely ahead of this. Won this last year and reappeared with good third at Doncaster; could be bang there.
3
3rd (9) (13/8 +28%) Esmeray
13/8(+28%)
(9) Esmeray 13/8, Sea The Moon filly who displayed race-by-race progress in novice/maidens, off the mark at Ffos Las (10f, soft) in August. Shaped better than bare result when third on handicap debut at Newbury (12f, heavy) a month later and she's very much one to be interested in on return. Very lightly raced and brings potential to 4yo campaign, especially now back down to 1m2f.
4
4th (7) (17/2 +6%) Baryshnikov
17/2(+6%)
(7) Baryshnikov 17/2, C&D winner who comes here on a long losing run but he ran respectably on the back of 5 months off when fourth of 10 in handicap at Doncaster (10.2f, soft, 12/1) 29 days ago. Has won on his second start of the campaign for 2 of last 3 years and not dismissed from a good mark. On 17-race losing sequence but has a good record here and he made encouraging reappearance.
5th
5th (6) (6/1 +25%) Toshizou
6/1(+25%)
(6) Toshizou 6/1, Eighteen runs since last win in 2020 but stripped fitter for his reappearance when third of 7 in handicap (18/1) at Newcastle (10.2f) 14 days ago, running on. Forecast conditions will hold no fears for all losing run tempers enthusiasm. Proving hard to win with but ran well at Newcastle recently and might not be far away.
6th
6th (4) (15/2 -67%) Forceful Speed
15/2(-67%)
(4) Forceful Speed 15/2, Steady improver as a 3-y-o who completed hat-trick at Epsom (12f) in October. May of found race coming too soon when fourth at Leicester (10f) 9 days later but he could yet resume progress now embarking on his 4-y-o campaign. Progressive last year; open to further improvement this term and he's 2-2 here (both C&D).
7th
7th (8) (16/1 +11%) Thundering
16/1(+11%)
(8) Thundering 16/1, Took advantage of much-reduced mark at Ayr (10f) in September. Finished midfield in Cambridgeshire next start and caught the eye when fifth of 9 in handicap at Lingfield (10f) on final start in November. Returns just 1 lb above last winning mark. Inconsistent last year but won in September and reappears with trainer among the winners.
8th
8th (2) (33/1 +0%) Lord Protector
33/1(+0%)
(2) Lord Protector 33/1, Bolstered his good record at Sandown (10f) in July but seemed anchored by small rise in weights thereafter and well held on yard debut at York (10.2f) in October. Probably best watched on return/following wind surgery. Disappointing end to last season but reappears having had wind op; not discounted.
9th
9th (3) (33/1 +0%) Euchen Glen
33/1(+0%)
(3) Euchen Glen 33/1, Veteran who typically gave his running in a host of big-field handicaps last summer. Shaped as if amiss back from 4 months off when last of 10 in handicap at Doncaster (10.2f, soft, 22/1) 29 days ago and he's probably more effective over further nowadays. 11yo who was tailed off on reappearance, but may have needed it; down to a handy mark.
14:52 Pontefract Handicap (Class 2) 10f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 2 race.
Running off just 2lb higher than when winning this race last year, LIGHTENING COMPANY is an appealing option on the back of his respectable return off this mark to action at Doncaster last month. However, there are dangers aplenty, not least Baryshnikov, who was only a neck behind the selection at Town Moor and has been eased 1lb for that effort. Esmeray also has to be feared given she is still of low mileage and may benefit from dropping back to this trip for her seasonal debut.
Steadily progressive in novice/maidens, ESMERAY shaped better than the bare result when third on handicap debut at Newbury when last seen in September, making her effort earlier than ideal. Appealing as being on a handy mark, she looks a big player on return. Last year's winner Lightening Company and Forceful Speed are others to consider, with Baryshnikov another in the mix.
Preference is for BARYSHNIKOV, who has a good record here and reappeared with a promising performance at Doncaster.
(5) She's Notjoeking 10/3, Milan filly who made a winning start in junior bumper at Newcastle (14.3f) in November. Showed some promise when second of 3 in juvenile hurdle at Carlisle (17f, soft) on hurdles bow 46 days ago so needs considering. Bumper winner; second of three behind an odds-on stablemate on hurdles debut; chance..
2
2nd (1) (4/5 +36%) I Wish You
4/5(+36%)
(1) I Wish You 4/5, Has shaped with promise when runner-up on all his three outings, latest in juvenile hurdle at Wetherby (16f, heavy) 53 days ago. Difficult to oppose. Runner-up in a bumper and in both races over hurdles; an obvious contender.
3
3rd (3) (11/2 -144%) Briefly
11/2(-144%)
(3) Briefly 11/2, Fair form shown when second of 7 in bumper at Chepstow (16f, soft) 32 days ago. In good hands so she's much respected on her hurdles debut. Placed in two of her three bumpers and may do better now going over hurdles.
4
4th (2) (7/1 +22%) Knomorediamonds
7/1(+22%)
(2) Knomorediamonds 7/1, Showed some fair form in bumpers but made mistakes and was held in fifth when fell last in juvenile hurdle at Wetherby (16f, heavy, 22/1) on hurdles bow 53 days ago. Hood goes on now and can still do better. Behind I Wish You when falling at the last on hurdles debut; hood tried; more needed.
|PU|
|PU| (4) (200/1 -203%) Low Tolerance
200/1(-203%)
(4) Low Tolerance 200/1, Only eighth of 9 in bumper (80/1) at Wetherby (16f, heavy) on NH debut 34 days ago. Makes hurdles debut with plenty more needed. Well beaten at 80-1 in a bumper; has a jumps pedigree so should fare better now hurdling.
15:00 Hexham Conditions Hurdle (Class 4)
16f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 4 race.
Stablemates from the Lucinda Russell yard, She's Notjoeking and I WISH YOU, are hard to split on the form posted so far and each merits close inspection. Armed with a 7lb sex allowance, the former has a solid chance at the weights, especially when Patrick Wedge's 3lb thrown into the mix. However, the latter is more proven with juice in the ground and the son of Night Wish is fancied to confirm why he sets the standard on the official ratings at this stage. Briefly completes the shortlist.
Lucinda Russell holds a strong hand here with three of the five runners and clear form pick I WISH YOU can gain a deserved first success after posting three promising runner-up efforts. Anthony Honeyball's newcomer Briefly could emerge as the main danger ahead of the selection's stablemate Knomorediamonds.
This can go to bumper winner SHE'S NOTJOEKING who should improve on her debut second at Carlisle. I Wish You looks her main threat.
(1) Imperial Saint 9/4, £40,000 purchase after an Irish point win. Followed up on 2m Ludlow hurdle debut for new yard in November and made the frame all 3 starts since, latterly when staying on for third at Exeter (18.5f, heavy) 2 weeks ago. Longer trip worth exploring now. Point winner who has done well since switched to hurdling and is respected upped to 2m4f.
2
2nd (6) (17/2 +6%) He Knows Better
17/2(+6%)
(6) He Knows Better 17/2, Showed fairly useful form when placed on 2 of his 3 bumpers starts for Harry Whittington last season. Promise on 2 of his 3 starts over hurdles for new stable this term and undergone a second wind op since disappointing at Exeter in January. Handicap debut. Unexposed handicap newcomer and he needs watching in market; had a second wind op.
3
3rd (3) (10/3 -33%) Just Over Land
10/3(-33%)
(3) Just Over Land 10/3, Well-bred sort who did the job in good style back from a break/wind op when slamming dual subsequent winner Activist and 3 others in a Lingfield handicap (2m, soft) in February. Ran right up to best when second here (15.8f) latest and respected back up in trip. Went close here last time and he could find more progress back up in trip; respected.
4
4th (8) (22/1 -144%) Heure De Gloire
22/1(-144%)
(8) Heure De Gloire 22/1, Back to winning ways in 2m mares' handicap here at the beginning of February. Hasn't reproduced that level since, albeit an aggressive ride seeming to catch her out when seventh of 11 in handicap hurdle at Chepstow (19.5f) 3 weeks ago. Not discounted from an easing mark. Won over 2m here in February but she's not been in the same form since; down the list.
5th
5th (2) (20/1 -25%) Jerrash
20/1(-25%)
(2) Jerrash 20/1, 3-time winner over hurdles (at up to 25f) who was perked up by fitting of blinkers when second over fences at Fontwell (27.7f) in January. Disappointed next time and reportedly bled at Fakenham 3 weeks ago (final start for Gary Moore). Cheekpieces replace blinkers back over timber. On reduced mark but last win was 15 months ago and he has something to prove for new yard.
6th
6th (9) (11/1 +21%) Lubeat Foras
11/1(+21%)
(9) Lubeat Foras 11/1, Point/bumper winner who was placed in maiden hurdles in 2021/22 season. Hasn't always impressed with his jumping over fences since returning from an absence and latest run at Chepstow (23.6f, heavy) was particularly disappointing. Return to timber/cheekpieces needs to have positive effect. Bumper winner but he's 0-8 over jumps and was pulled up over fences latest; opposable.
7th
7th (7) (9/2 +10%) King Of The Lake
9/2(+10%)
(7) King Of The Lake 9/2, Fair maiden. who has finished runner-up both starts on the back of wind surgery, latterly in 6-runner Exeter handicap (18.5f) 2 weeks ago (Imperial Saint placed third). Return to this longer trip rates a plus and he looks sure to give his running again. Runner-up in six of his seven starts including in Exeter handicap last time; shortlisted.
8th
8th (10) (14/1 -17%) Walkinthewoods
14/1(-17%)
(10) Walkinthewoods 14/1, Fair winning hurdler, successful over C&D 11 months ago. Largely consistent efforts in defeat over fences subsequently but he does need to shrug off a lesser run at Chepstow (19.5f, soft) 3 weeks ago. Not the type to stay down for long. C&D winner who has had some close calls over fences; not ruled out back in this sphere.
|PU|
|PU| (5) (12/1 -33%) Stans The Man
12/1(-33%)
(5) Stans The Man 12/1, Bumper/maiden hurdle winner last season and also second in this race 12 months ago. Didn't take to chasing when pulled up at Warwick in September and fared no better back over hurdles at Kempton (24.5f) in November. Absent since but drop back in trip a likely plus. Pulled up last twice but he was runner-up off this mark in this race last year.
|PU|
|PU| (4) (40/1 -300%) Absolute Steel
40/1(-300%)
(4) Absolute Steel 40/1, Hadn't shown much on his first couple of starts but has plenty of stamina in his pedigree and stepped up to defy massive odds in 8-runner novice hurdle at Exeter (18.5f, heavy) in February. However, well below that level at Bangor later that month. Handicap debut. 200-1 win at Exeter but was pulled up next time; still unexposed but others are preferred.
15:12 Ffos Las Handicap Hurdle (Class 4)
20f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 4 race.
IMPERIAL SAINT hasn't run too badly on both starts in handicap company, with the gelding finishing third at Newbury and Exeter. The handicapper has given him a chance with a 2lb drop and this may be the ideal opportunity to get back to winning ways. Just Over Land is expected to be in the mix following his recent second here over 2m, while the consistent King Of The Lake and Jerrash are others capable of a decent showing.
IMPERIAL SAINT again ran well and highlighted this longer trip is worth exploring when third at Exeter (18.5f) 2 weeks ago and he shades the vote to build on that run and come out on top. This is competitive though, with Just Over Land, King of The Lake and Heure de Gloire heading up the dangers.
An open race in which recent course runner-up JUST OVER LAND gets the vote ahead of King Of The Lake and Imperial Saint.
(2) On The River 11/4, Enjoyed an excellent first season with this yard in 2023, winning 4 times, including this race on his reappearance last spring. Possibly in need of his respective return her 3 weeks ago and feasible to expect a better showing with that under his belt. Won four times last April-July, including this race; edging back down the weights.
2
2nd (8) (13/2 +13%) Golden Melody
13/2(+13%)
(8) Golden Melody 13/2, Winless last term but posted plenty of creditable efforts, good third of 16 in a C&D handicap on final start in October. Conditions will hold no fears on seasonal bow and this the lowest she's been in the weights for some time. 0-15 last year but placed on several occasions & can go well fresh; might not be far away.
3
3rd (7) (10/1 -43%) Arkenstaar
10/1(-43%)
(7) Arkenstaar 10/1, Three wins from 11 runs last year. Career best when winning 7-runner handicap at Hamilton (8.3f, soft, 4/1) in October, staying on to lead final strides. Nudged up 2 lb and of interest on his return to action. Won at Hamilton when last seen and ran well first time up last term; possible player.
4
4th (9) (16/1 +36%) Dandy's Angel
16/1(+36%)
(9) Dandy's Angel 16/1, Notched her fifth victory of 2023 at Beverley (10f, heavy) in September, just holding on in a strongly-run affair. Well below best at Chester (10.3f) final start later that month and present mark demands that bit more on return to action. Beverley specialist but has also shown promise here; ran well on last year's reappearance.
5th
5th (5) (50/1 -25%) First Dynasty
50/1(-25%)
(5) First Dynasty 50/1, AW novice winner early last year but largely underwhelming efforts since, including in 3 starts for this yard, sixth of 12 making turf debut in a C&D handicap 3 weeks ago. Hooded for 1st time. On a reduced mark and the first-time hood may help, but a major turnaround is needed.
6th
6th (1) (2/1 +11%) Perseverants
2/1(+11%)
(1) Perseverants 2/1, Returned to turf with a good second at Doncaster (7f, soft) in March and confirmed promise of that run when running out a convincing winner from the front at Windsor (8.1f) 7 days ago. No surprise to see him out under a penalty and big shout again. Easily made all at Windsor last Monday and is well treated under a 5lb penalty.
7th
7th (6) (6/1 +70%) Dogged
6/1(+70%)
(6) Dogged 6/1, Successful 4 times in apprentice/amateur riders' handicaps last year but below best on final start at Redcar (10f) in October. Possible he'll strip fitter for this first start for 6 months. Won four times last April-August; campaign ended tamely but a break may have helped.
8th
8th (3) (18/1 -80%) Paris Lights
18/1(-80%)
(3) Paris Lights 18/1, Left a poor run over hurdles behind when fourth at Newcastle (1m) last month and best not judged too harshly on his subsequent run back there 4 weeks ago. However, others appeal more for win purposes back on turf despite sliding mark. Fair fourth last month (1m, AW) then didn't see out 1m2f last time; each-way possible.
9th
9th (4) (20/1 -67%) Man Of A'an
20/1(-67%)
(4) Man Of A'an 20/1, Lightly-raced gelding. Off 9 months and 12/1, first run since leaving Harry Eustace cheaply when last of 7 in handicap at Newcastle (8f) 35 days ago, weakening from 2f out. Needs to leave that well behind to figure. Lightly raced 4yo; lost action on stable debut; something to prove regarding current form.
15:22 Pontefract Handicap (Class 5) 8f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 5 race.
Having struck the woodwork at Doncaster in March, Perseverants made no mistake when recording a commanding victory at Windsor last Monday. Scott Dixon's charge merits respect under the penalty, but a chance is taken on ON THE RIVER. The Heeraat gelding made significant progress last year, but was too keen to do himself just over C&D on his return 20 days ago. A 1lb ease in the ratings means he is now 1lb lower than when successful at Beverley last July, and it would come as no surprise were he to bounce back. Golden Melody is also noted.
Successful on his respective return over C&D 12 months ago, ON THE RIVER shaped as if needing the run this time around when fifth in a C&D handicap 3 weeks ago. Expected to take a step forward from that run, he's dropped 1 lb below his last winning mark and could well be worth chancing to come out on top. Perseverants comes here in fine form and should play a big part again, with Arkenstaar another to consider on return to action.
This revolves around PERSEVERANTS (nap), who readily made all at Windsor last week and could be difficult to reel in under a penalty.
(3) Torosay 5/1, Showed ability over hurdles last season and while she didn't take to fences initially, her efforts in small Newcastle handicap chases the last twice have been more like it. One to consider. 0-9; second to a subsequent winner over 2m7f on testing ground last time; chance.
2
2nd (1) (10/1 -82%) Dynamite Kentucky
10/1(-82%)
(1) Dynamite Kentucky 10/1, Dual hurdles winner who posted his best effort since switched to fences when second in a 6-runner Hereford handicap (25.2f, good) last February. Subsequent absence is a worry but an even bigger concern is the signs of temperament he showed both at Hereford and at Exeter on his penultimate start. Winning hurdler/pointer; second in Hereford chase when last out; chance despite long break.
3
3rd (10) (9/2 +63%) Cowboy Cooper
9/2(+63%)
(10) Cowboy Cooper 9/2, Made the frame a few times over hurdles and positive start in this sphere when third in an 11-runner handicap chase at Catterick (25.2f, soft) in January). Little impact both subsequent appearances at Ayr, though, and he's now 0-12 overall. 12-race maiden; below his best last time but has a chance on his two previous chase runs.
4
4th (7) (8/1 -14%) Gibberwell
8/1(-14%)
(7) Gibberwell 8/1, Got off the mark over fences when landing this race last year. 6 lb higher this time round but has finished second all 3 subsequent trips to this course and it would be no surprise were he to give another good account. Won this race off 6lb lower last season; well-beaten 2nd last time; has an each-way chance.
5th
5th (4) (10/1 -11%) Don Brocco
10/1(-11%)
(4) Don Brocco 10/1, Hurdle winner but yet to get his head in front over the larger obstacles. Wasn't disgraced when sixth of 11 in a higher-grade handicap at Carlisle (24.5f, heavy) where he was 3 lb out of the weights but he's likely to find one or two too good all the same. Dual winning hurdler; 0-9 over fences but 2nd over 4m here last month; below par since.
6th
6th (6) (9/2 +0%) Monaghan Boy
9/2(+0%)
(6) Monaghan Boy 9/2, Runner-up 3 times on the bounce prior to belatedly shedding his maiden tag at Sedgefield in February. 3 lb rise fair enough and he's not without each-way hope. First win over fences in first-time headgear (retained) last time; up 3lb; a possible.
7th
7th (5) (16/1 +36%) Ex S'elance
16/1(+36%)
(5) Ex S'elance 16/1, Dual chase winner with quite a consistent overall record and he was runner-up in this race off 1 lb higher 12 months ago. However, he has failed to fire in 2 starts since the turn of the year. Second to Gibberwell in this race in 2023 but all wins over 2m4f and below par recently.
|U|
|U| (2) (7/1 -56%) Poetry Man
7/1(-56%)
(2) Poetry Man 7/1, Failed to trouble the judge over hurdles and offered little on first 2 starts in this sphere. However, he has taken steps forward with cheekpieces enlisted the last twice, latterly runner-up in a 5-runner Newcastle handicap (2½m, heavy), and this step back up in trip may work in his favour. 0-7; in fair form recently, notably when second over 2m4f latest; 3m a slight concern.
|PU|
|PU| (9) (11/1 -57%) Ballynagran
11/1(-57%)
(9) Ballynagran 11/1, Notched second success when scoring over this C&D last May. Best effort since when second in a first-time visor at Wetherby (24.2f, heavy) where he was 5 lb out of the handicap, and a reproduction of that would put him firmly in the picture. C&D winner off 6lb higher last May; good second at Wetherby last time; a possible.
|PU|
|PU| (8) (14/1 -17%) Derwent Dealer
14/1(-17%)
(8) Derwent Dealer 14/1, Just modest in bumpers and over hurdles. Didn't fare any better switched to fences following a wind op at Sedgefield and it's easy enough to look elsewhere. Modest hurdler who wasn't fluent on his chase debut last month; has a bit to prove.
15:30 Hexham Handicap Chase (Class 5) 24f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 5 race.
MONAGHAN BOY was last seen recording a determined success over 3m3f in the mud at Sedgefield. He won't mind the testing ground here and a 3lb rise may not be enough to halt him on that evidence. Dynamite Kentucky only found one too good off this mark over 3m1f at Hereford last time and he has winning course form to his name, so could prove the biggest threat, ahead of Torosay.
It was a rocky start for POETRY MAN over fences but he now appears to be going the right way and is taken to go one better than at Newcastle where he shaped as though this step back up in trip would be in his favour. Ballynagran may not be one to set your watch by but a reproduction of his latest Wetherby effort would bring him squarely into the argument. Torosay has been knocking on the door and also merits respect, along with last year's winner Gibberwell.
This can go to TOROSAY who is unexposed as a chaser and has run creditably on her last two starts. Ballynagran should also go well.
(9) Leissieres Express 9/2, Much improved switched to chasing, off the mark at Exeter on New Year's Day. Struck again at Chepstow (30.6f, soft) last month and while a 10 lb rise demands another personal best, he's not fully exposed and may well rise to the challenge. Clearcut win at Chepstow time and he's open to more progress back in trip; key player.
1
1st (2) (17/2 -13%) Take Your Time
17/2(-13%)
(2) Take Your Time 17/2, Winner of first 2 starts over fences, including a runaway success over 25f at Wincanton in December. Most disappointing the last twice but it would be churlish to write him off given that initial promise. Won on heavy in his first two chase starts but he's been pulled up in last two runs.
2
2nd (10) (15/8 +32%) Rouge De L'quest
15/8(+32%)
(10) Rouge De L'quest 15/8, Winning pointer who opened his Rules account at the ninth attempt when landing a handicap chase here (23.8f, heavy) at the end of last month. Unlucky when runner-up at Chepstow recently (hampered by a loose horse) and this 8-y-o probably has more to offer. Won here last month and was unkucky not to follow up at Chepstow; shortlisted.
3
3rd (4) (5/1 +58%) Windance
5/1(+58%)
(4) Windance 5/1, Won back-to-back handicaps last term and would have landed the hat-trick (back from 12 months off) but for unseating rider at last in handicap chase at Plumpton (25.7f, soft). Wasn't disgraced at Wincanton last time and he's an each-way candidate. Record of 2-6 over fences and wasn't beaten far behind a major improver latest; respected.
4
4th (3) (10/1 +17%) Dr Kananga
10/1(+17%)
(3) Dr Kananga 10/1, Back to form when runner-up at Fontwell and Catterick in February but has failed to complete the last twice and he's probably best watched at present. Two front-running seconds this year but also three non-completions; risks attached.
5th
5th (11) (10/1 +17%) Special Acceptance
10/1(+17%)
(11) Special Acceptance 10/1, Some decent efforts in defeat this season, not least when chasing home Duke of Deception at Haydock (25.6f, soft) last time. Remains on the same mark and he shold make his presence. Back to form with a second at Haydock but he's now 1-29 and sole win was in December 2020.
6th
6th (8) (12/1 -85%) Supervisor
12/1(-85%)
(8) Supervisor 12/1, Low-mileage 10-y-o who put it all together when opening his chase account at Ludlow on belated return in February. Added to his tally with a clear-cut victory at Wincanton (25f, heavy) a fortnight ago and likely to remain competitive, despite going up 7 lb. Progressive chaser who made all to win by 6l at Wincanton last time; respected up 7lb.
7th
7th (5) (9/1 -20%) Animal
9/1(-20%)
(5) Animal 9/1, Took form to a new level when accounting for 9 rivals at Sandown in December and followed that with a couple of solid efforts in defeat. Good run of form came to a halt returned to Sandown last time but he will be a threat if bouncing back. Largely in good form this season and he had an excuse on latest outing (bled); in the mix.
|PU|
|PU| (1) (16/1 -78%) Emir Sacree
16/1(-78%)
(1) Emir Sacree 16/1, Lightly-raced since registering latest success at Chepstow in March 2022. Performed with credit back at that course when third on his reappearance in October but well held both subsequent outings. Inconsistent since his last win and was tailed off at Kempton last time; others preferred.
|PU|
|PU| (7) (17/2 +66%) Balkardy
17/2(+66%)
(7) Balkardy 17/2, Gained reward for consistency when gaining a first success of the season in a handicap hurdle at Musselburgh (23.8f, soft) in February. Well held both subsequent starts, though, and hopes pinned on the return to this sphere doing the trick Disappointing over hurdles last twice and last chase run was in 2022; something to prove.
15:42 Ffos Las Handicap Chase (Class 3)
25f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 3 race.
ROUGE DE L'QUEST was an unlucky loser at Chepstow on his latest start when badly hampered by a loose horse at the final fence. The eight-year-old, who had won in fine style here on his penultimate start, has clearly benefited from the combination of blinkers and a tongue-tie, so it wouldn't be a surprise if he defied a 4lb rise. Leissieres Express is respected despite coming back in trip after scoring comfortably at Chepstow and going up 10lb for that victory, with Supervisor another solid contender based on his Wincanton success.
ROUGE DE L'QUEST has improved in this headgear combination the last twice, winning in good style at this course prior to an unlucky defeat Chepstow. He probably has more to offer as a chaser and eans narrow preference over last-time-out winners Leissieres Express and Supervisor.
Rouge De L'Quest and Leissieres Express are both respected but the vote goes to another progressive chaser in SUPERVISOR.
(1) Bhaloo 6/4, Bumper winner who built on his promising yard/hurdles debut effort here when opening his account at Doncaster (19.4f) in December, looking well served by the step up in trip. Rather disappointing when fourth at Hereford in January but very much the type to get back on track. Below form when odds on last time but won quite comfortably at Doncaster in December.
2
2nd (2) (10/11 +9%) Classic King
10/11(+9%)
(2) Classic King 10/11, Made a winning start over hurdles at Wincanton (15.2f) in October and even better form when runner-up next 3 starts. Looked likely winner when falling last at Newbury (20.5f) 31 days ago and very much of interest here provided that hasn't left its mark. Won on hurdling debut in November and unlucky not to add to his tally since; major player.
3
3rd (6) (66/1 -164%) Pottersjetamay
66/1(-164%)
(6) Pottersjetamay 66/1, Well held in trio of bumpers but did at least show a bit making hurdles debut when third of 7 in a Market Rasen maiden (20.6f) 3 weeks ago. Still, he'll need to step up significantly on that if he's to play a lead role here. Didn't show a great deal in bumpers and was remote when third on recent hurdling debut.
4
4th (5) (5/1 -25%) Patanita
5/1(-25%)
(5) Patanita 5/1, Won a point bumper and a bumper under Rules in spring 2022 and showed he retains plenty of ability on back of 22 months off when third in a Huntingdon maiden (19.6f, heavy) on hurdles bow 5 weeks ago. Possible he can build on that here. Made pleasing hurdle debut when third at Huntingdon last month, after a long layoff.
5th
5th (4) (200/1 -1011%) Kaltender
200/1(-1011%)
(4) Kaltender 200/1, Great Pretender gelding who comes from a good family but hasn't offered much short-term encouragement in 2 starts over hurdles in recent weeks. Probably one for later on, including when tackling larger obstacles. Cheekpieces on 1st time. From a very good jumping family but has struggled on his first two appearances.
6th
6th (3) (250/1 -525%) Carrickfergus
250/1(-525%)
(3) Carrickfergus 250/1, €45,000 3-y-o, Westerner gelding. Half-brother to 3 winners, including fairly useful hurdler/chaser Pressies Girl and fairly useful hurdler She's Da One. Made frame first 2 starts in points, pulled up last time (Mar 30). Probably best watched on Rules/hurdles debut. Pulled up in a point on recent stable debut; has good standard to reach on rules debut.
15:48 Kempton Novices Hurdle (Class 4) 21f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 4 race.
CLASSIC KING may well have won on his latest start at Newbury but for falling at the last. Emma Lavelle's charge has been very consistent to date over hurdles and is taken to add to his Wincanton victory in October. Bhaloo's jumping let him down at Hereford in January but he is better judged on his win at Doncaster the time before. Patanita appeals most of the remainder following his third at Huntingdon.
Having made a very encouraging start over hurdles this term, CLASSIC KING looked the most likely winner when crashing out at the last on his most recent outing at Newbury 31 days ago and Emma Lavelle's charge looks to hold serious claims once more provided that hasn't left its mark. Bhaloo rates the chief threat back from a short break with Patanita next best.
He was beaten at short odds last time but BHALOO probably has more potential than Classic King and gets the verdict.
(9) Do I Dream 5/4, C&D winner who confirmed promise of her C&D second when winning 9-runner handicap at Ripon (8f, heavy, 9/4) 4 days ago, edging ahead final 50 yds. Goes unpenalised for that success and well worth considering in present groove. Avoids a penalty for her Ripon success; dual C&D winner; leading contender.
2
2nd (3) (8/1 -7%) Harswell Duke
8/1(-7%)
(3) Harswell Duke 8/1, Eleven runs since last win in 2023. 10/1, fared better than of late when respectable third of 12 in handicap at this C&D (heavy) 20 days ago, plugging on. One to bear in mind from his much-reduced mark. Promising step back in right direction over C&D three weeks ago; in the mix.
3
3rd (8) (22/1 +12%) Fiftyshadesaresdev
22/1(+12%)
(8) Fiftyshadesaresdev 22/1, Fair maiden handicapper on the Flat who ran to a modest level in trio of hurdle runs last winter. Absent since finishing down the field in 9-runner C&D handicap last July and others appeal more despite career-low mark. Maiden; absent since finishing lame in C&D event last July.
4
4th (5) (3/1 +40%) Highfield Viking
3/1(+40%)
(5) Highfield Viking 3/1, Showed benefit of his reappearance run (also blinkered) when winning 14-runner handicap at Thirsk (7f, heavy, 8/1) 13 days ago. Merits consideration with the distinct possibility of more to come. Took well to first-time blinkers at Thirsk; possibilities in the retained blinds.
5th
5th (6) (66/1 -164%) Farhhfromforgotten
66/1(-164%)
(6) Farhhfromforgotten 66/1, First run since leaving K. R. Burke when seventh of 8 in handicap at Hamilton (9.2f, good to soft, 28/1) in September, slowly away and always behind. Needs to hit the ground running back from 7 months off. Absent since a heavy defeat seven months ago (stable debut).
6th
6th (7) (28/1 -12%) My Honey B
28/1(-12%)
(7) My Honey B 28/1, Rattled off a hat-trick at Nottingham (8.3f) in August and not disgraced when fourth at Thirsk (1m) next time. Below best final 2 starts but slipped back down to last winning mark ahead of return and she's no forlorn hope. Lacks recent match practice and has done all her winning in Class 6.
7th
7th (1) (7/1 -75%) Lerwick
7/1(-75%)
(1) Lerwick 7/1, Improved when opening his account over C&D in July and made frame next 2 starts, creditable third of 12 in handicap at Doncaster (1m, good to firm) when last seen in August. Yard have made a good start to the campaign and he's respected on return. Won over C&D last summer; has low mileage and may improve further this season.
8th
8th (4) (22/1 -120%) Mount King
22/1(-120%)
(4) Mount King 22/1, C&D winner. Latest win here in October. Bit below form fifth of 15 in handicap (10/1) at Newmarket (8f, soft) in November, weakening final 1f. Possible this run will bring him on following 171 days off. Scored over C&D in October; heed the market signals on reappearance.
9th
9th (2) (12/1 -9%) Dumfries
12/1(-9%)
(2) Dumfries 12/1, 9/1, first run since leaving Marcus Tregoning when creditable fifth of 10 in handicap at Southwell (8.1f) 33 days ago, pulling hard and weakening last ½f. That run ought to have brought him on and eased 1 lb ahead of this. May settle better and improve with Southwell reappearance under his belt.
15:55 Pontefract Handicap (Class 5) 8f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 5 race.
Considering that HARSWELL DUKE was unable to adopt his usual prominent position over C&D last time out, it was to his credit that he was able to reach the frame. Although there are a few that could challenge him today, the six-year-old has the most advantageous draw and looks set to mount a stern challenge from a competitive handicap mark. Highfield Viking kept on well when victorious over 7f at Thirsk last time out so he is interesting now sent over the mile, while Lerwick is also noted.
DO I DREAM confirmed the promise of her C&D second when resuming winning ways at Ripon 4 days ago and, unpenalised for that success, she looks to hold sound claims of going in again for her in-form yard. Fellow last-time-out winner Highfield Viking is a big threat and along with Lerwick, heads up the dangers.
In-form mare DO I DREAM is taken to follow up her Ripon success. Harswell Duke and Lerwick complete the shortlist.
(3) Paddy O'mahler 4/1, Still looking for first success but took a small step forward when third of 9 in handicap hurdle at Newcastle (20.3f, soft) 37 days ago. Claims if building on that. Career best when third at Newcastle last time (heavy); should go well again.
1
1st (7) (16/5 -16%) Blame Rose
16/5(-16%)
(7) Blame Rose 16/5, Found improvement (from a long way out of the weights) when fifth of 12 in handicap hurdle at Musselburgh (19.8f, heavy) 17 days ago, having run of race. May have been flattered by that run but must enter calculations. 15l-winner two runs back (2m1f); sound run off 21lb higher over 2m4f last time; contender.
2
2nd (4) (9/2 +44%) Halpha Soleil
9/2(+44%)
(4) Halpha Soleil 9/2, Successful twice in French bumpers and came good over hurdles at Sedgefield (19.9f) on Boxing Day. Not built on that since but has dropped to a handy mark. . Sedgefield winner off 2lb lower in December; not run as well since; wouldn't rule out.
3
3rd (5) (6/4 +40%) Raffles Wonder
6/4(+40%)
(5) Raffles Wonder 6/4, Free-going sort who proved better than ever when getting off the mark at this course (16.2f) last month. May have found race coming too soon when disappointing at Wetherby 5 days later and better expected here. 17l-winner over 2m here last month; now 11lb higher; could go well but stamina to prove.
4
4th (2) (17/2 -42%) Blue Ridge Hill
17/2(-42%)
(2) Blue Ridge Hill 17/2, Runner-up all 3 starts in bumpers and showed something like his hurdling debut form when fifth on handicap bow at Sandown (19.8f) in January. Disappointed over longer trip since but can't be ruled out. Fifth in novice handicap at Sandown in January; pulled up next time; now tried in blinkers.
5th
5th (1) (12/1 +0%) Juge Et Parti
12/1(+0%)
(1) Juge Et Parti 12/1, Took advantage of much-reduced mark when landing 6-runner handicap hurdle (4/1) over C&D (heavy) in December but not been in same form since and others make more appeal. C&D winner off 3lb lower on heavy in December; below par since; needs to bounce back.
6th
6th (9) (8/1 +56%) Ashjan
8/1(+56%)
(9) Ashjan 8/1, Posted best effort this season at Carlisle last month but failed to repeat that effort at same course since and hasn't scored for over 2 years. Creditable fourth from out of the handicap two runs back; stiff task at the weights now.
7th
7th (8) (40/1 -21%) Milan Echo
40/1(-21%)
(8) Milan Echo 40/1, Ex-Irish maiden who took a step back in the right direction on first run for this trainer in November. Failed to build on that effort when last of 5 at Newcastle 27 days ago but this longer trip may see him in a better light. Ex-Irish; well beaten both starts for this yard (2m1f); needs to improve for longer trip.
16:00 Hexham Handicap Hurdle (Class 5) 20f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 5 race.
Sue Smith won this contest in 2022 and she looks to have another strong hand in this year's renewal courtesy of PADDY O'MAHLER, who hinted his turn was near when a promising third off this mark in a similar event at Newcastle last month and that form has been franked the by winner scoring again since. Juge Et Parti is only 3lb higher than his C&D success in December and must be feared, while Blame Rose paid the price with her rating for her demolition job over 2m1f at Carlisle last month but ran well in a better race next time and remains a big player.
Course-winner RAFFLES WONDER is still low mileage in handicap company and can get back on the scoreboard. Geordie Night and Blame Rose rate the principal dangers.
Having run two fine races this year BLAME ROSE (nap) get the vote ahead of Paddy O'Mahler and Raffles Wonder.
(8) Snuggle 10/1, C&D winner. Last of 10 in handicap (33/1) at Lingfield (6f, AW) 31 days ago so needs to bounce back. C&D winner who has tumbled down the weights; quiet in two runs for this yard.
2
2nd (6) (7/2 +61%) Seven Brothers
7/2(+61%)
(6) Seven Brothers 7/2, Fifteen runs since last win in 2022. 14/1, creditable fourth of 7 in handicap at Wolverhampton (6.1f) 14 days ago. Can give a good account. More promise the last twice and he's run well over C&D before; interesting down in class.
3
3rd (5) (4/1 +50%) Northcliff
4/1(+50%)
(5) Northcliff 4/1, One win from 27 Flat runs. Winner at Wolverhampton in February. Creditable third of 9 in handicap (17/2) at Yarmouth (6f, good to firm) 9 days ago. Shortlisted. Poor strike-rate but he comes here in form and conditions will suit; each-way shout.
4
4th (1) (5/1 -11%) Mumayaz
5/1(-11%)
(1) Mumayaz 5/1, 9/2, won 8-runner handicap at Southwell (8.1f) 25 days ago, suited by emphasis on speed. Back down in trip and needs considering. Won two of his last three on AW (6f and 1m); should remain competitive back on turf.
5th
5th (10) (9/1 -38%) Gherkin
9/1(-38%)
(10) Gherkin 9/1, Course winner who signed off for 2023 with success in 13-runner handicap at Brighton (6f, heavy, 10/3) 6 months ago. Weighted to go well if fully tuned up for his return. Course winner; has gone well fresh, including when second in this race in 2022.
6th
6th (2) (13/2 +7%) Libra Tiger
13/2(+7%)
(2) Libra Tiger 13/2, 8/1, won 12-runner handicap at Kempton (6f) 26 days ago, just holding on. Stepping back in the right direction so he's not taken lightly. Game effort at Kempton last month (6f); still feasibly treated and return to turf no issue.
7th
7th (4) (10/1 +0%) Jax Edge
10/1(+0%)
(4) Jax Edge 10/1, 12/1, below-form fifth of 8 in handicap at Wolverhampton (6.1f). Off 179 days. Merits consideration if shrugging off latest effort. Won two sprints last year and still has potential; returning from six months off though.
8th
8th (3) (9/1 +55%) Sassy Belle
9/1(+55%)
(3) Sassy Belle 9/1, Latest win at Leicester in October. 50/1, tenth of 11 in handicap at Southwell (5f) 41 days ago, unsuited by drop in trip. Back up in distance with blinkers refitted. In the mix. Two 6f Leicester wins for Ed Walker; yet to fire for new yard; best watched for now.
9th
9th (9) (28/1 +30%) Whistledown
28/1(+30%)
(9) Whistledown 28/1, First run since leaving Jack Channon when last of 10 in handicap (150/1) at Lingfield (7f, AW) 77 days ago, slowly away. Lots more is required for her new handler. Quiet in a light 2023 campaign and well beaten on stable debut 11 weeks ago; lots to prove.
16:10 Windsor Handicap (Class 5) 6f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 5 race.
Last-time-out winners Mumayaz and Libra Tiger enter the reckoning despite both edging up in the ratings, while Northcliff ran well to be placed third off the same mark at Yarmouth nine days ago and can again get competitive with Harry Davies retaining the ride. However, marginal preference is for JAX EDGE, who is taken to expand on her profitable association with Gina Mangan, with her 3lb claim likely to come in handy.
A tight-knit handicap in which marginal preference is for LIBRA TIGER who arrives in excellent nick and can defy a 3 lb weights rise to follow up his Kempton victory. Mumayaz is feared most on the back of his own Southwell success with Sassy Belle, Gherkin and Conquistador, a winner at Brighton on Saturday, in the picture too.
David Probert's mount SEVEN BROTHERS may be primed to exploit today's drop in class.
(1) Bullets Hill 10/11, Career best when winning 10-runner handicap hurdle at Exeter (18.5f, good, 5/2) 3 days ago. 7 lb penalty to carry now but another bold bid is on the cards. Cheekpieces on first time. Dominant display at Exeter (2m2f) on Friday and he's strongly respected under a penalty.
2
2nd (4) (12/1 -50%) Hugueneau
12/1(-50%)
(4) Hugueneau 12/1, Still looking for first success and no real signs of improvement since switched to Dan Skelton, just respectable fourth of 10 in handicap hurdle (22/1) at Market Rasen (16.6f, good to soft) last time. Others more appealing. 0-7 over hurdles and has not finished closer than 12l to a winner; needs to raise his game.
3
3rd (2) (9/2 -13%) Passing Kate
9/2(-13%)
(2) Passing Kate 9/2, Dual winner in testing conditions this term and arrives on back of creditable second of 7 in handicap hurdle at Ludlow (15.8f, soft) 20 days ago. Likely contender. Has form figures of 123132 since November and she should be in the thick of things again.
4
4th (8) (17/2 +39%) Dundory
17/2(+39%)
(8) Dundory 17/2, Fairly useful winner on Flat who has improved in this sphere since sent handicapping, latest when fourth of 7 in handicap (5/1) at Ludlow (15.8f, soft) 20 days ago. Warrants respect. Six-time Flat winner; 0-5 over hurdles but he's shown promise in this sphere; in the mix.
5th
5th (3) (6/1 +14%) Boston Joe
6/1(+14%)
(3) Boston Joe 6/1, Back from lengthy absence when scoring over fences at Wincanton in October. Below form more recently, however, and bit to prove returned to hurdling here. Triple chase winner who is unexposed over hurdles but he has a bit to prove after a break.
6th
6th (9) (16/1 -14%) Robins Field
16/1(-14%)
(9) Robins Field 16/1, Filled runner-up spot over fences on last 3 occasions but has finished well held the last twice and is still looking for first success. Work to do back over hurdles. Well-held second in last two chase runs; now 0-16 and he needs more back over hurdles.
7th
7th (6) (33/1 -200%) The Big Man
33/1(-200%)
(6) The Big Man 33/1, Hinted at ability on hurdles debut at Newbury in February. Not built on that but can begin handicapping from a basement mark. Tongue strap on first time. Unexposed 5yo won looks a possible improver back at 2m on handicap debut; tongue-tie on.
8th
8th (5) (40/1 -186%) Jumbo Veste Verte
40/1(-186%)
(5) Jumbo Veste Verte 40/1, Still looking for first success and was below form on latest start at Bangor last month. Improvement required. Still lightly raced but he was well held at Bangor last time and others are preferred..
9th
9th (7) (18/1 -13%) Icarat
18/1(-13%)
(7) Icarat 18/1, Fair form in French bumpers for Nick Littmoden but yet to make a significant impact over obstacles, failing to complete the last twice in chases. Best watched returned to hurdling. Failed to complete in last two chase starts and has plenty to prove back over hurdles.
10th
10th (10) (80/1 -60%) Cards Are Dealt
80/1(-60%)
(10) Cards Are Dealt 80/1, Modest maiden who has struggled both outings since returning from a break of around 12 months in February. Cheekpieces now tried. Nine-race maiden who has been pulled up in two staying handicaps this year; no appeal.
16:15 Ffos Las Handicap Hurdle (Class 5)
16f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 5 race.
BULLETS HILL justified favouritism to shed the maiden tag when making every yard of the running at Exeter on Friday. The six-year-old is now tried in cheekpieces, having hung left in the closing stages, and is expected to have more improvement to come, so could defy his 7lb penalty. Passing Kate has been fairly reliable during the winter months and is likely to enter calculations along with Dundory, with the pair having finished second and fourth respectively at Ludlow recently.
BULLETS HILL has upped his game since sent handicapping and was a decisive winner at Exeter last week. He is taken to follow up. Passing Kate and Dundory look the likeliest dangers.
It's hard to get away from BULLETS HILL (nap), who put in a dominant display at Exeter and looks well treated under a penalty.
(2) Happy Boy 17/2, Maiden hurdler who posted a good third of 9 in novice hurdle at Plumpton (15.9f, good) when last seen 12 months ago. Tongue strap on for his comeback/handicap hurdle debut and needs to hit the ground running. Not seen since third in Plumpton maiden a year ago; market may guide on handicap debut.
2
2nd (7) (14/1 +0%) Mr Zee
14/1(+0%)
(7) Mr Zee 14/1, Fair handicapper on the Flat, successful 3 times last year. However, he's finished well held over hurdles, unseated 4th on his handicap debut at Wincanton last time. Others appeal more. Six-time Flat winner; unlucky to come to grief on handicap hurdle debut; still unexposed.
3
3rd (8) (11/2 -57%) Exclusive Getaway
11/2(-57%)
(8) Exclusive Getaway 11/2, Lightly-raced maiden who came in only seventh of 9 in novice hurdle at Bangor (19.6f, heavy) 142 days ago. Much more required on his handicap hurdle debut. Showed no notable promise in maiden/novice hurdles; better ground may help in handicaps.
4
4th (4) (2/1 +50%) Orchestra
2/1(+50%)
(4) Orchestra 2/1, Fair handicapper on Flat. Made a promising hurdling start for new yard when runner-up at Taunton but has twice failed to build on it, cheekpieces on when seventh at Ludlow last time. Handily weighted if back on track going into handicaps. Below form on latest outing but remains open to improvement on this handicap debut.
5th
5th (3) (7/2 -56%) Ferrybridge
7/2(-56%)
(3) Ferrybridge 7/2, A fair winning hurdler/chaser who comes here on the back of a win in 9-runner handicap chase at Huntingdon (16.5f, good to soft) 28 days ago. Not taken lightly back in this sphere. Hurdle winner in December and added a chase to his tally last month; respected.
6th
6th (1) (11/2 +0%) Shinji
11/2(+0%)
(1) Shinji 11/2, Fairly useful bumper winner but yet to show that form in this sphere, running out 3 out (still close up) in handicap hurdle at Uttoxeter (15.8f, heavy, 9/2) 86 days ago. Cheekpieces are reached for now. Held every chance before running out at third-last flight on handicap debut; big player.
7th
7th (6) (22/1 -38%) Emanate
22/1(-38%)
(6) Emanate 22/1, Dual 2m winner at Worcester in late summer but below par of late on the Flat at Wolverhampton. Needs to bounce back reverted to hurdles. Dual hurdle winner last summer but has not shown much on the Flat lately.
8th
8th (10) (66/1 -100%) Captain Howse
66/1(-100%)
(10) Captain Howse 66/1, Lightly-raced maiden over hurdles. 250/1, pulled up in novice at Huntingdon (20.7f, soft) 40 days ago. Hard to warm to on his handicap hurdle debut from 11 lb "wrong" in the weights. Low-grade Flat winner in 2022 but hs struggled over hurdles this season.
9th
9th (9) (80/1 -220%) Chronos
80/1(-220%)
(9) Chronos 80/1, Yet to trouble the judge and he came in last of 5 in Huntingdon handicap last month after 13 months off. Can only be watched at present. Well beaten in all four handicaps but did at least run well to a point last time.
|PU|
|PU| (5) (14/1 +30%) Millford Sound
14/1(+30%)
(5) Millford Sound 14/1, Fair maiden hurdler for Peter Fahey in 2021. Only twice raced since and better effort when tenth of 14 in handicap hurdle at Market Rasen (18.6f, good to soft) 22 days ago. Can take another step forward. Ex-Irish 8yo; back from long layoff with two underwhelming runs for new stable.
16:20 Kempton Handicap Hurdle (Class 5)
16f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 5 race.
Cheekpieces go on Shinji after running out on his handicap debut at Uttoxeter when challenging for the lead and he would be a player if the headgear has the desired effect. The vote, though, goes to HAPPY BOY. Returning from over a year off the track today, he shaped with promise on his final start at Plumpton last April and a tongue-tie on handicap debut may unlock some improvement. Ferrybridge and Orchestra are feared most of the remainder.
Most of these arrive with a question mark against them but FERRYBRIDGE is a notable exception and taken to follow up his recent Huntingdon chase win back in this sphere. Orchestra is weighted to have a big say if back on song now going handicaps so must enter calculations, while Millford Sound is another to consider if building on his Market Rasen tenth.
Topweight SHINJI is not without risk but he looked set to be involved in the finish before running out on his handicap debut.
(8) Tarbat Ness 5/2, Blinkered for 1st time, creditable sixth of 12 in handicap at Wolverhampton (16.6f, 15/2) on return 20 days ago. Cheekpieces back on. Ran well in this last year when again taking a keen hold and big effort could be on the way under De Sousa. Third in this race last year and recent AW comeback could have put him spot on for today.
(6) (11/2 -10%) Ney
11/2(-10%)
(6) Ney 11/2, Winner at Southwell in February. Creditable third of 12 in handicap (11/8) at Southwell (16.5f) 32 days ago. Significantly up in trip and a player if he stays. Soft-ground hurdle winner who has been in good form over 2m on AW; possible contender.
(3) (7/1 -17%) Show No Fear
7/1(-17%)
(3) Show No Fear 7/1, Winner at Newcastle in January. Off 91 days. Significantly up in trip. Worth a look back from a break. Third quick run in a row when below par in January; in good form previously; chance.
(1) (15/2 -25%) Cold Henry
15/2(-25%)
(1) Cold Henry 15/2, Twelve runs since last win in 2022. Sixth of 8 in handicap at Southwell (16.5f, 10/1) 77 days ago. Significantly up in trip. Gone well in a couple of these races. Positive performances when tackling 2m2f at this course and he could be in the mix.
(2) (8/1 -78%) Wannabe Brave
8/1(-78%)
(2) Wannabe Brave 8/1, Cheekpieces on for 1st time in this code, eighth of 15 in novice hurdle at Huntingdon (19.6f, heavy, 80/1) 36 days ago. Fair on the Flat and one to note. Poor strike-rate but stamina looks an asset and he could be suited by today's test.
(4) (14/1 +13%) Alchemystique
14/1(+13%)
(4) Alchemystique 14/1, Creditable sixth of 11 in handicap at Wolverhampton (12.2f, 22/1) 34 days ago, left poorly placed. Significantly up in trip. On long losing run and has patchy profile, but stays 2m5f over hurdles and not discounted.
(11) (14/1 -133%) Brickadank
14/1(-133%)
(11) Brickadank 14/1, Career best when winning 7-runner handicap chase at Market Rasen (17.2f, soft, 17/2) 33 days ago. Been in good form over fences and well worth considering for yard that does well in these races. Has won over fences the last twice, albeit at lowly level; basement mark for Flat return.
(9) (20/1 -43%) Blenheim Lad
20/1(-43%)
(9) Blenheim Lad 20/1, First run since leaving Andrew Oliver when creditable sixth of 10 in handicap at Kempton (16f, 17/2) 86 days ago. Significantly up in trip. Ran okay when sixth on stable debut in January but now 0-9 and others appeal more.
(7) (33/1 -136%) Gold Ring
33/1(-136%)
(7) Gold Ring 33/1, Had Tarbat Ness ½ length behind him in second when scoring over 2m at Redcar this time last year. Little impact since (over hurdles this year). Won at Redcar last April and can't be written off, but he has a very patchy profile.
(10) (35/1 -6%) Quiet Thunder
35/1(-6%)
(10) Quiet Thunder 35/1, 28/1 and blinkers on for 1st time in this code, fourth of 7 in handicap at Southwell (16.5f) 13 days ago. Has work to do. Has run well at up to 3m1f over hurdles but soundly beaten back on the Flat last time.
(5) (66/1 -164%) Lough Salt
66/1(-164%)
(5) Lough Salt 66/1, Fair jumper at best. Lightly-raced on Flat, unraced in sphere since 2020. Veteran can only be watched. Stays well over fences but this 13yo may be best watched on a very rare Flat outing.
16:25 Pontefract Handicap (Class 6) 22f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 6 race.
The consistent Ney deserves to feature amongst those prominent on the shortlist, but TARBAT NESS could be worth siding with. Third in this from a 4lb lower mark 12 months ago, he represents a stable that won this in 2022 and he is likely to improve on last month's Wolverhampton return. The booking of Silvestre De Sousa is also notable, while Cold Henry is most appealing of the remainder.
TARBAT NESS should have come on for his Wolverhampton return and is very interesting under Silvestre De Sousa. Brickadank has won his last two over fences and has to be respected. Ney and Wannabe Brave are also in the mix.
Last year's third TARBAT NESS can improve for his recent reappearance outing on AW and come out on top. Brickadank is a danger.
(9) Lewa House 2/1, Not the most consistent but his last success came over this C&D and he returned to form when third of 12 in handicap hurdle at Ayr (20.4f, good to soft) 45 days ago. Claims if able to build on that. C&D winner who has run creditably in two of her three races this year; worth considering.
(7) (4/1 +50%) Scalloway Bay
4/1(+50%)
(7) Scalloway Bay 4/1, Better efforts switched to handicaps this year, latest when fourth at Newcastle (23.7f, heavy) last month. Needs to sharpen up in the jumping department but he merits consideration off a 1 lb lower mark. 0-7; three decent runs in handicaps ncluding over 2m7f latest; return to 2m4f should suit.
(1) (9/2 -100%) Master Breffni
9/2(-100%)
(1) Master Breffni 9/2, Confirmed promise of previous start when winning 9-runner handicap hurdle (9/1) at Carlisle (19.3f, soft) 23 days ago. 7 lb higher now but may be capable of better yet. Suited by return to hurdling when scoring over 2m3f last time; chance off 4lb higher.
(5) (13/2 +19%) Josie Alice
13/2(+19%)
(5) Josie Alice 13/2, Winning Irish pointer who has run to only a modest level in bumpers/hurdles so far, finishing a well-held fourth switched to handicap company at this course (23.3f) last month. In good hands, though, and she may be suited by drop to shorter trip here. Irish point winner; 2m7f seemed too far on handicap debut; return to this trip should suit.
(3) (10/1 -54%) Jimmy Rabbitte
10/1(-54%)
(3) Jimmy Rabbitte 10/1, Shaped encouragingly, back from 7 months off, when 8½ lengths fifth of 9 to Master Breffni in handicap hurdle at Carlisle (19.3f, soft, 28/1) 23 days ago, not knocked about. Entitled to build on that and warrants respect. Last win was back in 2019; on a fair mark now, but a bit to find with Master Breffni.
(8) (10/1 -43%) Paramaribo
10/1(-43%)
(8) Paramaribo 10/1, Successful in points last month and shaped well on debut for new yard when third of 11 in handicap hurdle at Market Rasen (20.6f, good to soft, 28/1) 12 days ago, running on. Can race off same mark and is one for the shortlist. Point/Flat winner who was a creditable 3rd over hurdles at Market Rasen last time; chance.
(6) (12/1 -50%) Ange Endormi
12/1(-50%)
(6) Ange Endormi 12/1, Opened his account at Cartmel in July and in good form therefafter, fourth of 11 in handicap at this course (23.3f) in September on his final run for Barbara Butterworth. Warrants respect on stable debut. Winner over 2m6f in July 2022; no easy task after long break; this ground not ideal.
(4) (25/1 -108%) Magical Arthur
25/1(-108%)
(4) Magical Arthur 25/1, Imposing sort who has shaped like a stayer in a trio of starts in novice hurdles. May do better now sent handicapping. Fair form in three bumpers/novice hurdles; improvement needed on handicap debut.
16:30 Hexham Handicap Hurdle (Class 5) 20f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 5 race.
Recent point-to-point winner Paramaribo shaped well in third off this mark on his return to hurdling in a similar event at Market Rasen 12 days ago, while C&D scorer Lewa House continues to slide down the ratings and looks feasibly treated now. However, preference is for MASTER BREFFNI, who was raised 7lb for getting off the mark over Carlisle's extended 2m3f last month but he won with a bit up his sleeve and could kick on following that confidence booster.
Preference is for MASTER BREFFNI, who opened his account over hurdles in decisive fashion at Carlisle last month and remains feasibly treated. Paramaribo and Ange Endormi are feared most.
It could pay to side with PARAMARIBO, who followed up his point win in March by running a sound race back over hurdles at Market Rasen.
(1) Al Gasparo 5/6, Lightly-raced maiden under NH rules. First run since leaving Dermot Anthony McLoughlin when good fourth of 18 in novice hurdle at Fairyhouse (19.6f, heavy, 4/1) 23 days ago. That may not prove his limit for this yard and one to consider. Comes here on the back of two good runs in Fairyhouse maidens; major player.
(11) (2/1 -23%) Touch Me Not
2/1(-23%)
(11) Touch Me Not 2/1, Thrice-raced maiden. 9/1, fourth of 19 in novice hurdle at Naas (16f, soft) 18 days ago, headed 2 out and no extra. One of the likelier types on best form. Solid if not progressive in better maidens; prominent racer has to be a major player.
(12) (10/3 -33%) Whatsyourproblem
10/3(-33%)
(12) Whatsyourproblem 10/3, Twice-raced maiden under NH rules. 12/1, well-beaten sixth of 9 in bumper at Gowran (18f, heavy) on bumper debut 44 days ago. Hurdles debut second previously was an encouraging start in this sphere and he's one to consider if dispelling latest run. Gowran bumper run a concern, big chance on earlier Clonmel maiden hurdle second.
(14) (25/1 +24%) A Brandy For Bob
25/1(+24%)
(14) A Brandy For Bob 25/1, Westerner mare. Dam (c104/h110), 2½m hurdle winner, half-sister to smart hurdler/chaser (stays 25f) Sporting John. Nicely-bred newcomer, worth a market check.
(7) (33/1 +67%) Rocky's Glory
33/1(+67%)
(7) Rocky's Glory 33/1, Thrice-raced maiden under NH rules. 150/1 and tongue strap on for 1st time, seventh of 15 in bumper at Punchestown (16.2f, good) on bumper debut. Off 10 months. Switches from bumpers to hurdles. Well held last year, probably best watched on return although yard in good form.
(8) (66/1 +34%) Sloan Sq
66/1(+34%)
(8) Sloan Sq 66/1, Malinas gelding. Half-brother to 3 winners, including bumper winner/useful 2m hurdle winner Favour And Fortune and useful hurdler Dreal Deal. Dam unraced. Wears hood. Hooded for debut and market likely best guide.
(4) (66/1 -371%) Desert Cave
66/1(-371%)
(4) Desert Cave 66/1, Thrice-raced maiden. Tongue strap on for 1st time, twelfth of 21 in novice hurdle (200/1) at Naas (19f, heavy) 43 days ago. Likely type for low-grade handicaps in due course. Nothing to take from three runs in stronger maidens; probably more one for handicaps.
(9) (66/1 +74%) Storm Ryder
66/1(+74%)
(9) Storm Ryder 66/1, Lightly-raced maiden under NH rules. 200/1, fell in novice hurdle at Thurles (16.2f, soft) 48 days ago, off the pace when falling 2 out. Passed over. Little to take from three maidens, handicaps likely to be his scene in due course.
(2) (66/1 -65%) Benzine
66/1(-65%)
(2) Benzine 66/1, Showed little in trio of starts on the Flat and fared no better in pair of hurdle runs last year, seventh of 9 in novice hurdle at Downpatrick (17.8f, soft) in October. Can only be watched on return. Soundly beaten both maiden hurdle runs, easily overlooked.
(3) (125/1 -25%) Deise Bhoy
125/1(-25%)
(3) Deise Bhoy 125/1, Twice-raced maiden. 150/1, twelfth of 18 in novice hurdle at Clonmel (16.4f, soft) 4 days ago. Maiden pointer and two maiden hurdle runs modest.
(5) (125/1 +38%) Diamondfranticsoup
125/1(+38%)
(5) Diamondfranticsoup 125/1, Well held all 3 starts in maiden hurdles at up to 19f so far this year and another who can only be watched. Poor form in three recent maidens, easily discounted.
(6) (150/1 +40%) Helicon
150/1(+40%)
(6) Helicon 150/1, Lightly-raced maiden under NH rules. 500/1 and tongue strap on for 1st time, seventeenth of 20 in novice hurdle at Fairyhouse (16f, heavy) 22 days ago. Well held in three bumpers and twice in maiden hurdles.
(10) (200/1 -100%) Tidy Fellow
200/1(-100%)
(10) Tidy Fellow 200/1, Once-raced maiden. 25/1, eighth of 9 in novice hurdle at Limerick (21f, heavy) on NH debut 11 days ago, losing touch early final circuit. Down in trip. None too fluent, tailed off on recent Limerick debut.
16:35 Tramore Maiden Hurdle 17f Race Speed Rating Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's race.
AL GASPARO won a point-to-point for Ciaran Murphy last year and showed promise over hurdles including when runner-up to the odds-on Mirazur West at Fairyhouse. The selection was having his first run for Gavin Cromwell at the same venue when fourth to Don Chalant over Easter and a return to two miles should suit. Touch Me Not was unlucky not to score in his only point-to-point last spring and has been in the money on all three hurdle starts this year. The Gordon Elliott-trained gelding has tended to finish a bit weakly and could be suited by this tighter track, while Whatsyourproblem made a promising start over hurdles at Clonmel but needs to bounce back after a disappointing effort in a Gowran bumper.
AL GASPARO continued his theme of race-by-race progress when finishing a good fourth on his yard debut at Fairyhouse 23 days ago and, with the drop back in trip unlikely to hold any fears, he shades the vote to come out on top. Whatsyourproblem back over hurdles and partnered by Paul Townend and Touch Me Not head up the dangers in a race distinctly lacking depth.
Only three matter, AL GASPARO getting the nod over Touch Me Not and Whatsyourproblem
(1) Beyond Equal 3/1, Nineteen runs since last win in 2021. 6/1, creditable sixth of 10 in handicap at Kempton (6f) 51 days ago, slowly away. Tongue strap on 1st time. Holds good claims off an easing mark. On a losing run but returns to turf off a lowly mark and has a tongue tie added.
(2) (10/3 -21%) Ghathanfar
10/3(-21%)
(2) Ghathanfar 10/3, Eighteen runs since last win in 2022. Fifth of 10 in handicap at Pontefract (6f, good to soft, 11/2), going off too hard. Off 6 months and needs to hit the ground running. 20lb lower than 12 months ago; well drawn; interesting contender now down to 0-70 level.
(4) (4/1 -45%) Strike
4/1(-45%)
(4) Strike 4/1, One win from 21 Flat runs. 15/2, respectable fourth of 12 in handicap at Kempton (7f). Looks competitive on form if fully tuned up after 6 months off the track. Modest strike-rate but conditions to suit & he's on a winning mark; back from 6 months off.
(5) (13/2 +0%) On Edge
13/2(+0%)
(5) On Edge 13/2, C&D winner. Four wins from 8 runs last year. Latest win here in October. Tenth of 11 in handicap (13/2) at Lingfield (6f, AW). Off 149 days but the sort to bounce back. Completed hat-trick in the autumn, the last leg over C&D; more to come but absent 5 months.
(8) (9/1 +55%) Symbol Of Hope
9/1(+55%)
(8) Symbol Of Hope 9/1, Twelve runs since last win in 2023. 12/1, thirteenth of 14 in handicap at Bath (5.7f, soft). Off 6 months. First run for yard after leaving Grace Harris. Needs a couple of these to falter. New yard has won this race a couple of times and he resumes his career off a fair mark.
(3) (12/1 -220%) Newyorkstateofmind
12/1(-220%)
(3) Newyorkstateofmind 12/1, Made light of 5 months off when landing 8-runner handicap at Wolverhampton (6.1f) 21 days ago. That form has been franked so big shout despite taking a 3 lb rise. Winning return to action at Wolverhampton three weeks ago; up 3lb but one to consider.
(7) (14/1 +0%) The Cola Kid
14/1(+0%)
(7) The Cola Kid 14/1, Three wins from 18 runs last year. Below form seventh of 12 in handicap at Kempton (6f, 4/1). Off 159 days. Can give a good account if shrugging off latest effort. Three wins last year but returns from a break off a tough mark; Rossa Ryan booked though.
(9) (14/1 +22%) Roman Spring
14/1(+22%)
(9) Roman Spring 14/1, Still a maiden and he went off too hard when sixth of 8 in handicap at Kempton (6f) 96 days ago. More is required. 0-12 but has shown enough to think he could win races at this sort of level.
(6) (125/1 -150%) Beau Roc
125/1(-150%)
(6) Beau Roc 125/1, Last of 11 in handicap (33/1) at Wolverhampton (7.2f). Off 7 months. First run for yard after leaving George Boughey with work to do. Ended time with G Boughey quietly; sold for 1,000gns in November; no headgear for return.
16:45 Windsor Handicap (Class 5) 6f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 5 race.
Newyorkstateofmind exploited a drop in the ratings to score at Wolverhampton three weeks ago and can still be a force off just 3lb higher now back on turf, while Beyond Equal is dangerously well handicapped on older form and, with a first-time tongue strap applied, is fancied to be on the premises. However, STRIKE is back on a winning mark and, with the return to 6f not expected to be an issue, Jonathan Portman's gelding looks the pick of the bunch in this wide-open contest.
A few with chances but Ruth Carr's NEWYORKSTATEOFMIND looks the way to go here with the form of his reappearance Wolverhampton success working out well. Beyond Equal is on a long losing sequence but still rates the main danger off an easing mark. Strike is another weighted to play a part if ready to roll after six months off the course.
Ghathanfar is interesting off his lowly mark but SYMBOL OF HOPE came to hand early last year and can make a winning stable debut.
(3) Cawthorne Banker 5/2, A fairly useful bumper performer but he's yet to match that in this sphere, cheekpieces on when just a respectable third of 7 in handicap hurdle at Hereford (16.2f, soft) 26 days ago. Needs to step forward. Third on last month's handicap debut; might well fare better on today's faster ground.
(8) (16/5 +68%) Freddie Fleetfoot
16/5(+68%)
(8) Freddie Fleetfoot 16/5, Still to get his head in front but he posted a good second of 12 in handicap hurdle at Taunton (16.5f, soft) 11 days ago. One for the shortlist. 0-12 over hurdles but chased home well-handicapped rival at Taunton recently.
(4) (9/2 -13%) Albert Park
9/2(-13%)
(4) Albert Park 9/2, Fairly useful ex-Irish Flat maiden who has been brought along steadily over hurdles, not knocked about when fifth of 13 in novice hurdle at Taunton (16.5f, soft) 42 days ago, Has more to offer now going handicapping. Player. Shaped with promise in last two qualifying races and can improve again in handicaps.
(5) (5/1 +44%) Pride Of Nepal
5/1(+44%)
(5) Pride Of Nepal 5/1, Fair on the Flat, sixth in 12f Lingfield handicap in January. Has also shown some promise over hurdles, last seen in this sphere when sixth at Fakenham in October 2022. Worth a market check back hurdling. Not seen over jumps since well-held fourth on handicap hurdle debut in October 2022.
(6) (7/1 -8%) Inigo
7/1(-8%)
(6) Inigo 7/1, A fairly useful bumper winner in France. Off 20 months before never dangerous in a trio of maiden hurdles, a running-on seventh in 2m Plumpton novice last time out. Sort to do better in handicaps. Made low-key start to hurdling career but might get more competitive in this handicap.
(1) (12/1 -220%) Ronaldoreturns
12/1(-220%)
(1) Ronaldoreturns 12/1, Lightly-raced maiden hurdler who came in last of 4 on his yard debut in 10f Lingfield novice on the Flat last time. Lots more is needed on his handicap hurdle debut. Failed to build upon promising hurdle debut for the Pogson stable; tricky to predict here.
(2) (20/1 -264%) Mi Sueno
20/1(-264%)
(2) Mi Sueno 20/1, In excellent form when bagging 2m handicaps at Fakenham and Plumpton but he was pulled up in handicap hurdle at Plumpton (17.8f, good to soft) 21 days ago. Sort to bounce back though. Dual winner at Plumpton this year but well beaten there three weeks ago.
(9) (80/1 -142%) Haafback
80/1(-142%)
(9) Haafback 80/1, Lightly-raced maiden hurdler who came in last of 9 in novice hurdle at Southwell (15.8f, heavy) 64 days ago. Needs this switch to handicaps to spark improvement. Struggled when a big-priced outsider for three maiden/novice hurdles at start of this year.
(7) (150/1 -200%) Phil The Sock
150/1(-200%)
(7) Phil The Sock 150/1, Maiden hurdler/chaser for Ben Pauling when last seen out 12 months ago. Hard to warm to on his yard/handicap debut. Became very disappointing under rules last season and recent point form also uninspiring.
16:55 Kempton Handicap Hurdle (Class 5)
16f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 5 race.
FREDDIE FLEETFOOT produced his best effort to date when dropped back in trip at Taunton earlier in the month and that performance suggested he may go one better sooner rather than later. Albert Park hasn't disgraced himself in juvenile hurdles and is likely to be in the mix with his attentions now switched to handicaps. Inigo and Pride Of Nepal complete the shortlist.
Both ALBERT PARK and Inigo appeal as likely improvers now stepping into handicap company for the first time and can fight this out with narrow preference for Nigel Hawke's fairly useful ex-Irish Flat maiden over Gary Moore's French bumper scorer. Pride of Nepal appeals as the pick of the rest for minor honours now returned to hurdles.
This return to good ground is a big plus for CAWTHORNE BANKER (nap), who can deliver on the considerable promise he showed in bumpers.
(3) Heartwarmer 2/1, Promising type. Won 11-runner minor event at Newcastle (6f, 17/2) on debut in December. Likely to progress with that run under his belt and a bold show is anticipated. Scored at Newcastle on sole 2yo start; open to major progress; respected.
(6) (2/1 +60%) Lordsbridge Flyer
2/1(+60%)
(6) Lordsbridge Flyer 2/1, Twice-raced maiden. 5/1, last of 3 in minor event at Leicester (6f, heavy). Off 6 months and she will find easier opportunities than this. Showed ability in 6f races on soft ground last autumn; leading contender.
(5) (13/2 +28%) Dee's Girl
13/2(+28%)
(5) Dee's Girl 13/2, €22,000 foal, £60,000 yearling. Half-sister to 3 winners, including useful 6f winner Zaman Jemil and 2-y-o 7f winner Pink Sunrise. Will be of interest if the market vibes are positive. £60,000 yearling; Dandy man half-sister to three winners.
(2) (8/1 -33%) Thursday's Child
8/1(-33%)
(2) Thursday's Child 8/1, 66/1, won 8-runner maiden at Newcastle (7.1f) on debut 45 days ago, always holding on. The form looks decent (the second has won since) and she's a live each-way player with improvement on the cards. Belied her 66-1 odds with neck win at Newcastle on debut; this is harder.
(4) (17/2 +39%) Beauty Appeal
17/2(+39%)
(4) Beauty Appeal 17/2, Once-raced maiden. Ninth of 11 in maiden (9/2) at Newcastle (6f) on debut. Off 172 days and it's easy enough to elsewhere. Down the field in sole 2yo start but should be capable of better.
(1) (11/1 -38%) Nammos
11/1(-38%)
(1) Nammos 11/1, Fair filly. Good second of 11 in handicap (11/1) at Southwell (6.1f). Off 115 days ahead of this debut for new yard and and she may find one or two too good. Lightly raced 4yo who has a record of 222 over 6f; debut for new stable.
(8) (25/1 +0%) Mostar Dreams
25/1(+0%)
(8) Mostar Dreams 25/1, €52,000 foal, 45,000 gns yearling. Half-sister to winner up to 6.5f Habshan andher Dam unraced half-sister to smart 7f-1¼m winner Hosier. Will only be of interest on debut if notably strong in the betting. 45,000gns yearling by Saxon Warrior; market should guide.
(7) (50/1 +50%) Mambha
50/1(+50%)
(7) Mambha 50/1, Twice-raced maiden. Eighth of 9 in minor event at Newcastle (5f, 150/1) 6 days ago. Readily passed over. Plenty to find on the figures; handicaps more suitable shortly.
17:00 Pontefract Stakes (Class 5) 6f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 5 race.
HEARTWARMER boasts a smart pedigree and made a winning start to her career at Newcastle in December. That form arguably sets the standard and George Boughey's filly could prove tough to beat, despite being drawn wide in stall nine. Lordsbridge Flyer is capable of building on his two juvenile efforts, while Thursday's Child and Nammos are others worth a second look.
HEARTWARMER and Thursday's Child both looked promising when making winning debuts at Newcastle, particularly the former who put in good late work when landing a 6f novice at that track. George Boughey's charge is taken to see off Thursday's Child, with newcomer Dee's Girl most interesting of the remainder.
The chief form contender is LORDSBRIDGE FLYER. Promising Heartwarmer is feared most.
(5) Jerrysback 11/10, Useful chaser who landed a couple of veterans' events in 2022 and shaped as if retaining ability after 18 months off in Catterick hunter 7 weeks ago. One to consider. Quite useful on his day; had a long break before fair run in March; worth considering.
(2) (9/4 +65%) Matts Commission
9/4(+65%)
(2) Matts Commission 9/4, C&D winner who didn't get very far in the Foxhunters' at Aintree (125/1) on the back of another point success. Prolific winner in points; won C&D maiden hunter chase in May; goes on the ground; chance.
(6) (11/4 -202%) Stratagem
11/4(-202%)
(6) Stratagem 11/4, Useful sort who made all in extended 3m Southwell hunter in May 2022 and shaped better than the distance beaten suggests after lengthy absence/another breathing operation there 7 weeks ago. Clearly retains ability and probably the way to go. Dual hunter chase winner in 2022; below par after long break last month; can do better.
(1) (25/1 -127%) Shanroe Street
25/1(-127%)
(1) Shanroe Street 25/1, C&D winner who ran well in Kelso hunter when last seen in May. Returns at 14. In good form last May but hasn't been out since and today's ground not ideal.
(3) (40/1 -100%) Dressedforsuccess
40/1(-100%)
(3) Dressedforsuccess 40/1, All wins at Cartmel. Pulled up in Catterick hunter 7 weeks ago and bit to prove. Has won five chases on good at Cartmel; not so good on this ground; others stronger.
(4) (125/1 -25%) Glory
125/1(-25%)
(4) Glory 125/1, Point winner (pulled up latest) who has shown very little over regulation fences under Rules. Won a maiden point last February (3m, good) but has plenty to find overall.
17:05 Hexham Hunter Chase (Class 5) 24f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 5 race.
Hexham wouldn't be a course that immediately springs to mind as a target venue for Paul Nicholls but this could be an ideal piece of placement for STRATAGEM on just his second start back after wind surgery. Given the selection is already a dual winner in this sphere and should have benefitted from last month's Southwell return, it would be no surprise to see him shine in this company. Shanroe Street and Jerrysback complete the shortlist.
STRATAGEM shaped better than the result back from a long time off at Southwell and could prove too good if building on that. Jerrysback is the danger for a bang in-form yard.
Although below his best after a long break last month, former useful chaser JERRYSBACK should come on for the run.
(2) Pidoyne 7/2, Course winner. 5/1, thirteenth of 16 in handicap hurdle at Limerick (16f, heavy) 117 days ago. Expected to be bang there. Last year's winner absent since disappointing Christmas effort; runs well fresh though.
(6) (7/2 +0%) Miss Gherkin
7/2(+0%)
(6) Miss Gherkin 7/2, 16/1, career best when winning 18-runner handicap hurdle at Leopardstown (16f, soft) 50 days ago, driven clear. Hit with a 9 lb hike for that but she is one of the most solid options. Leopardstown winner remains unexposed and likely more to offer.
(5) (9/1 +44%) Contrapposto
9/1(+44%)
(5) Contrapposto 9/1, 28/1, sixth of 15 in handicap hurdle at Cork (16f, heavy) 21 days ago. Veteran better for recent Cork comeback run but others preferred.
(4) (9/1 +59%) Garcon Doux
9/1(+59%)
(4) Garcon Doux 9/1, Twelve runs since last win in 2022. 40/1, sixth of 18 in handicap hurdle at Cork (18.7f, good to soft). Off 8 months. Others have achieved more. May need this comeback run although yard among the winners of late.
(8) (10/1 +9%) Queen Of Seduction
10/1(+9%)
(8) Queen Of Seduction 10/1, Fairly useful Flat winner. Thrice-raced maiden over hurdles. First run for yard after leaving Mrs J. Harrington. Makes handicap hurdle debut. Difficult ask. May want better ground over hurdles and opening mark looks on the high side.
(11) (10/1 +70%) Forever Frankie
10/1(+70%)
(11) Forever Frankie 10/1, Twelfth of 15 in handicap hurdle at Thurles (16.2f, soft, 25/1) 151 days ago. Has struggled in opening handicaps off a harsh enough mark; others preferred.
(16) (11/1 +73%) Prince Quattro
11/1(+73%)
(16) Prince Quattro 11/1, 22/1, 33 lengths eighth of 10 to Duke Otto in handicap hurdle at this course (16f, heavy). Off 6 months and looks up against it. Hasn't imposed himself so far in handicaps; reduced mark however and yard going well.
(13) (11/1 -57%) Astrophysicist
11/1(-57%)
(13) Astrophysicist 11/1, Remains a maiden after 20 NH runs. 9/1 and blinkers on for 1st time in this code, running well fell in handicap hurdle at Naas (15.5f, heavy) 43 days ago. Not taken lightly. Naas fall when running best race for sometime; worth considering.
(7) (14/1 -40%) Up And Out
14/1(-40%)
(7) Up And Out 14/1, Remains a maiden after 16 NH runs. Sixteenth of 18 in handicap hurdle (15/2) at Navan (15.6f, good to soft). Off 7 months. Well held on softer ground at Navan in September so will want the ground to dry out here.
(10) (14/1 -40%) Craic Eile
14/1(-40%)
(10) Craic Eile 14/1, C&D winner. Nineteen runs since last win in 2021. 22¼ lengths thirteenth of 15 to Duke Otto in handicap hurdle at Thurles (16.1f, soft, 18/1) 172 days ago. Looks competitive on form. Runs well here but on a long losing run and wants better ground.
(3) (18/1 +18%) Duke Otto
18/1(+18%)
(3) Duke Otto 18/1, Course winner. 2 wins from 6 runs this season. Latest win in hurdle at Thurles in November. 14/1, last of 16 in handicap hurdle at Limerick (16f, heavy) 117 days ago. Others more persuasive. Progressive autumn campaign included C&D win but handicapper seems to have his measure now.
(9) (22/1 -175%) Bite That
22/1(-175%)
(9) Bite That 22/1, Course winner. One win from 26 NH runs. Thirteen runs since last win in 2022. Fifteenth of 18 in handicap hurdle (40/1) at Gowran (16f, heavy) 88 days ago. Merits consideration. C&D winner but well held of late and remains opposable.
(14) (25/1 +38%) Rauzan
25/1(+38%)
(14) Rauzan 25/1, Lightly-raced maiden. 66/1, pulled up in handicap hurdle at Naas (18.8f, soft) 18 days ago, tailed off when pulled up early in straight. Tongue strap on 1st time. Easy to look elsewhere. Never sighted on handicap debut at Naas; may improve on better ground, tongue-tie tried.
The chart reads from right to left to today's race.
BOSTON BONGO spoiled a winning chance when blundering two out at Limerick last time and may have found a good opportunity to make amends. The Barry Fitzgerald-trained gelding, who was having just his second handicap start, rallied well after that mistake to be beaten only half-a-length and the sixth (Another Ocana) gave the form a timely boost when successful on Friday. Miss Gherkin left some modest maiden form well behind when scoring on her handicap debut at Leopardstown last month, while dual-purpose gelding Contrapposto made a pleasing reappearance at the Cork Easter meeting. Inchiquin Star, Pidoyne and Duke Otto all won over C&D last year, while Astrophysicist is another to consider.
The vote goes to PIDOYNE, who failed to fire at Limerick when last seen in late-December but he was in good form prior to that and will have every chance if he puts his best foot forward. Miss Gherkin has to be feared on the back of her Leopardstown display a couple of weeks ago, while Boston Bongo is another with decent enough claims.
Preference is for BOSTON BONGO (nap), who might likely of won but for blundering two out at Limerick last time
(3) Kaadi 13/8, Foaled March 10. €52,000 yearling, Soldier's Call filly. Half-sister to several winners, including useful 1m/9f winner Hotel Wren and 5f winner Mythical Phoenix. Promising individual. 9/4, second of 6 in maiden at Wolverhampton (5.1f) on debut 12 days ago. Likely to improve and one to note. Second of six on AW debut 12 days ago, showing good speed; that experience a plus today.
(7) (3/1 +65%) Patsy Snugfit
3/1(+65%)
(7) Patsy Snugfit 3/1, Foaled February 27. 18,000 gns foal, Havana Grey filly. Closely related to winner up to 7.4f Idoapologise and half-sister to 3 winners, including 2-y-o 1¼m winner Let's Dream and winner up to 1½m Speedful. 18,000gns foal; 4 winning siblings & dam was useful; yard's 2yos have made a flying start.
(6) (6/1 +50%) Miss Collada
6/1(+50%)
(6) Miss Collada 6/1, Foaled April 25. 13,000 gns foal, 37,000 gns yearling, Mehmas filly. Half-sister to winner abroad by Mondialiste. Dam, 2-y-o 5f winner, half-sister to smart winner up to 10.3f Cai Shen. 37,000gns half-sister to a 7f winner in Qatar; dam a 5f 2yo winner (RPR 87); interesting.
(5) (11/1 -100%) Liberty Bird
11/1(-100%)
(5) Liberty Bird 11/1, Foaled January 28. 30,000 gns foal, 16,000 gns yearling, Without Parole filly. Dam useful German 7f winner out of half-sister to dam of Cheveley Park Stakes winner Lumiere and E. P. Taylor Stakes winner Sheikha Reika. 16,000gns yearling; dam 7f Listed winner in Germany; yard had winning 2yo newcomer already.
(1) (11/1 -450%) Bacor
11/1(-450%)
(1) Bacor 11/1, (Production):105,000Y: second foal: dam, winner up to 7f (2-y-o 5f winner), half-sister to Nunthorpe Stakes winner Winter Power. 105,000gns yearling; dam Listed-placed and from a good family; late April foal though.
(9) (12/1 +76%) Woodhay Whisper
12/1(+76%)
(9) Woodhay Whisper 12/1, Foaled February 6. €7,000 foal, 30,000 gns yearling, Coulsty filly. Half-sister to 8.5f winner Where's The Party and 9f winner Do It My Way. 30,000gns yearling; half-sister to two winners in France; yard has modest 2yo strike-rate.
(4) (14/1 -250%) Lady Lovebug
14/1(-250%)
(4) Lady Lovebug 14/1, Foaled April 4. Kodiac filly. Dam, 5f winner, closely related to useful 6f (including at 2 yrs) winner Tashaaboh. First foal of a 2yo Listed winner; yard off mark with 2yos this year; looks a likely type.
(8) (28/1 +15%) Piranha Rama
28/1(+15%)
(8) Piranha Rama 28/1, Foaled February 22. 12,000 gns yearling, Massaat filly. Half-sister to 3 winners, including useful winner up to 6f Go On Go On Go On and 5f/6f winner Dahawi. Dam 2-y-o 5f winner. February foal who is bred to be useful; one to note for market confidence.
(2) (33/1 +0%) Harmonia
33/1(+0%)
(2) Harmonia 33/1, Foaled January 21. Time Test filly. Sister to 11f/1½m winner Gibside and half-sister to 1m-9.4f winner Overheer. Dam lightly-raced sister to smart winner up to 10.7f Jackaroo. January foal; has two winning siblings but over much further; one of two for the yard.
LTO Selection:hiden content,
17:20 Windsor Stakes (Class 5) 5f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 5 race.
KAADI was just edged out by a very promising filly on her debut at Wolverhampton 12 days ago and, sure to be wiser, the daughter of Soldier's Call can put that experience to good use here. Lady Lovebug appeals on pedigree and the Amo Racing-owned filly is one to seriously consider if attracting support in the betting. Miss Collada runs for a yard in flying form and is another must for consideration.
Mostly newcomers, and the market should guide, but KAADI showed more than enough on debut to suggest she'll be winning sooner rather than later. Lady Lovebug and Bacor could be the pick of the debutantes.
The betting should provide clues but as things stand PATSY SNUGFIT is tentatively preferred to Miss Collada and Lady Lovebug.
(2) Sanitiser 2/1, Fairly useful handicapper on the Flat and, though yet to strike over hurdles, he caught the eye when fourth of 13 at Kempton (2m, good to soft) in November. No surprise if he takes a step forward now. Useful Flat-racer who made the frame in first two handicap hurdles; can still do better.
(8) (10/3 -11%) Swiss Money
10/3(-11%)
(8) Swiss Money 10/3, A fairly useful winner on the Flat in France who showed promise in three runs over hurdles in 2023. No surprise to see him take a step forward for his new yard now going into handicaps after a couple of spins back on the level. Displayed minor promise in two juvenile hurdles last year; makes handicap debut today.
(3) (7/2 -27%) Salvatore
7/2(-27%)
(3) Salvatore 7/2, A fairly useful winner on the Flat for Peter Schiergen. Yet to match that form over hurdles, tongue tied and cheekpieces on when well-held second in handicap at Plumpton (15.9f, soft) 42 days ago. Not ruled out though. Well held when second of five on handicap debut; may fare better on this quicker ground.
(5) (9/2 -13%) Martin Spirit
9/2(-13%)
(5) Martin Spirit 9/2, Winner over fences in France and, having had a wind op, opened his hurdles account with a comfortable success at Plumpton in March. Remote fourth of 6 in 2m2f Market Rasen handicap last time but the sort to get back on track. Made all to win readily by 12l at Plumpton last month, his 24th start over hurdles.
(1) (17/2 -113%) By The Grace
17/2(-113%)
(1) By The Grace 17/2, Lightly-raced maiden who was a below-form seventh of 13 in novice hurdle at Ludlow (21.2f, soft) 75 days ago. Back down in trip with more required on her handicap hurdle debut. Placed in both bumpers; yet to make a splash over hurdles but still has potential.
(6) (20/1 +0%) Uncle Arthur
20/1(+0%)
(6) Uncle Arthur 20/1, Opened his hurdles account for Fergal O'Brien in December but going the wrong way for his current yard. Cheekpieces added with plenty to prove. Seems badly to have lost his way this year; needs a good boost from the new cheekpieces.
(7) (50/1 -52%) Eric Carmen
50/1(-52%)
(7) Eric Carmen 50/1, A fair maiden in Ireland but pulled up all three runs for his current handler. Very hard to make a case for. Pulled up all three starts for new stable this season; leap of faith needed to support him.
(4) (80/1 -471%) Lahire
80/1(-471%)
(4) Lahire 80/1, Vastly improved with cheekpieces added when landing juvenile hurdle at Sedgefield (soft) in October. Well below that form both runs since though so has it to prove now. Won Sedgefield juvenile hurdle in October but well beaten twice since.
(9) (100/1 -400%) Clenched
100/1(-400%)
(9) Clenched 100/1, Poor Flat maiden who has also offered little in this sphere. Hard to warm to on her handicap hurdle debut. Makes handicap hurdle debut from 8lb out of the weights; major improvement required..
17:25 Kempton Handicap Hurdle (Class 5)
16f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 5 race.
By The Grace has failed to land a serious blow in maiden/novice company but could be a different proposition now sent handicapping and must be respected for Nicky Henderson. Martin Spirit won well from the reopposing Salvatore over 2m at Plumpton last month and was too bad to be true at Market Rasen next time, but the vote goes to SANITISER. His fourth off this mark in a better C&D event in November reads well in the context of this race and Gary Moore's gelding looks a big player if ready to roll on his reappearance.
SWISS MONEY looks to have got in very lightly for his first venture into handicap company so this fairly useful ex-French Flat scorer is fancied to resume winning ways. Gary Moore's Sanitiser appeals as the chief danger on the back of his eye-catching Kempton fourth, with Salvatore and Martin Spirt appealing as the pick of the rest for minor honours.
Useful Flat-racer SANITISER caught the eye when travelling strongly for a long way in a higher-grade C&D handicap in November.
(4) Trilby 11/4, Career best when winning 10-runner handicap (9/2) at Catterick (6f, heavy) 19 days ago. 2 lb nudge fair enough and he has to enter calculations. Cosy success at Catterick on reappearance; major contender up just 2lb.
(7) (10/3 +26%) Showalong
10/3(+26%)
(7) Showalong 10/3, 17/2, below form fourth of 13 in handicap at Thirsk (5f, heavy) 13 days ago. Down amother 2 lb and he's a live candidate with conditions no problem. Runner-up off 5lb higher in this race last year; enters calculations.
(6) (7/2 +36%) Herakles
7/2(+36%)
(6) Herakles 7/2, Latest win at Newcastle in January. 4/1, good second of 11 in handicap at the same course (5f) 14 days ago. Opposable back on turf. Inconsistent; not certain to transfer latest AW effort back to turf.
(1) (7/2 +0%) Sound Reason
7/2(+0%)
(1) Sound Reason 7/2, 11/1 and tongue strap on for 1st time, tenth of 13 in handicap at Newmarket (5f, soft), left poorly placed. Off 171 days. Has slipped to an attractive mark and he's one to note in the betting. Record of 5-27 for Kevin Ryan; good chance on best form; stable debut.
(5) (10/1 +0%) Alafdhal
10/1(+0%)
(5) Alafdhal 10/1, Latest win at Kempton in February. Good second of 9 in handicap at Bath (5f, heavy, 16/1) 15 days ago. Clearly in good nick but his strike rate on turf is very modest (1-16). Should remain competitive provided his Bath effort is backed up.
(8) (16/1 -45%) Hardy Angel
16/1(-45%)
(8) Hardy Angel 16/1, Seventh of 11 in handicap at Newcastle (5f, 15/2) when last seen in November. Yard saddles a more appealing candidate in Showalong. Record of 2-3 over 5f on turf; may have more to offer; interesting.
(2) (20/1 -100%) Speedacus
20/1(-100%)
(2) Speedacus 20/1, Three wins from 14 runs last year. 50/1, last of 10 in handicap at Yarmouth (5.2f, good to firm) 9 days ago. Every chance if back to best but there's no real reason to anticipate a revival on this occasion. Best watched unless the market suggests a revival is expected.
(9) (66/1 -65%) Bingley Crocker
66/1(-65%)
(9) Bingley Crocker 66/1, 80/1, fifth of 9 in handicap at Catterick (5f, heavy) 19 days ago. Can only be watched at present The only maiden in this field and has weak claims on recent form.
17:30 Pontefract Handicap (Class 5) 5f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 5 race.
TRILBY built on his promising runs at the back end of last season when gaining a first victory at Catterick earlier in the month. A 2lb rise may not be enough to stop the four-year-old from backing that success up. Huddle Up refused to race at Thirsk on Saturday but did shape well on his return at Doncaster before that and the stiffer finish here is unlikely to be an inconvenience. Alafdhal, Herakles and Hardy Angel complete the shortlist.
SHOWALONG is now 5 lb lower than for his Nottingham success last spring and he has shown enough in 2 starts since returning to action last month to suggest that his turn could again be near. Huddle Up will be a threat if reproducing form akin to his reappearance effort at Doncaster and he is next on the list ahead of Sound Reason and Trilby.
Tim Easterby holds an interesting hand with SHOWALONG and Hardy Angel. Third choice is Trilby.
(8) Hollygrove Cha Cha 5/6, Half-sister to bumper winner/modest hurdler Sheila Nash and successful start in this sphere at Stratford 6 weeks ago, readily coming clear in the mud. Second won next time and she can defy a penalty. Beat a next-time-out winner when scoring on debut; bred to stay well; the one to beat.
(4) (2/1 +67%) Orkney Blue
2/1(+67%)
(4) Orkney Blue 2/1, Blue Bresil gelding. Brother to fairly useful hurdler Bertie Blue. Dam bumper/25f hurdle winner. Noteworthy newcomer for yard with good record in bumpers. Brother to a winning 2m4f hurdler; worth a market check on debut.
(2) (7/1 +30%) Cusack Park
7/1(+30%)
(2) Cusack Park 7/1, Half-brother to bumper winner Meadowsweet. Unplaced both starts in Irish points but offered something to work on making Rules debut at Ayr 8 weeks ago. Can progress. Promise in Irish points and fair third on bumper/stable debut; likely improver.
(5) (12/1 +64%) Where's Willy
12/1(+64%)
(5) Where's Willy 12/1, Fourth in a point bumper in January. Ran in void race at Kelso last week. Beaten 28l in a point bumper in January; much more needed.
(3) (16/1 -33%) Lance Les Des
16/1(-33%)
(3) Lance Les Des 16/1, Held back by inexperience on debut at Kelso in February. Ran in void race there last week. Fair fifth at 22-1 in a Kelso bumper on debut in February; should improve.
(9) (33/1 -65%) Laddie Cooper Mia
33/1(-65%)
(9) Laddie Cooper Mia 33/1, Better effort in Hereford bumpers first time up. Improvement needed. Fair fourth of six on Hereford debut, but well beaten last time; bit to prove.
(1) (50/1 -317%) Coast To Coast
50/1(-317%)
(1) Coast To Coast 50/1, 5/1, offered little first time up in Newcastle bumper last month and likely to need more time. 32,000euros 3yo; tailed off when 5-1 for a Newcastle bumper on debut; should do better.
(7) (50/1 -150%) The Masters Maiden
50/1(-150%)
(7) The Masters Maiden 50/1, From the family of smart hurdler/top-class chaser Bellshill. Well held in Worcester bumper for Mel Rowley in June. By Jack Hobbs; well-beaten 4th at Worcester last June; improvement needed on stable debut.
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 4 race.
HOLLYGROVE CHA CHA got better the further she went on her racecourse bow in a similar race at Stratford last month and the four-year-old created such a favourable impression that a 7lb penalty is not enough to dissuade support in her bid to follow up. Point-to-point winner Squiggles is a notable Rules debutant to monitor in the betting, while Cusack Park rates the pick of the rest with bumper experience.
HOLLYGROVE CHA CHA saw off a subsequent winner when making a successful debut in the mud at Stratford last month and she can defy a penalty. Orkney Blue is interesting on debut for a yard with a good record in bumpers, while Squiggles is respected having been bought for £45,000 after landing a point.
This can go to HOLLYGROVE CHA CHA whose Stratford debut win was franked by the second winning next time. Cusack Park is next best.
(2) Glady Max 7/2, Lightly-raced maiden under NH rules. 7/2, second of 9 in hunter chase at Cork (24f, heavy) on debut over fences 21 days ago. Switches from chase to hurdles. Much respected on his handicap hurdle debut. Recent hunter-chase second a potential improver here on handicap hurdle debut.
(10) (9/2 +18%) Brownstone
9/2(+18%)
(10) Brownstone 9/2, 11/2, pulled up in handicap hurdle at Punchestown (20f, heavy) 84 days ago, tailed off when pulled up early in straight. Cheekpieces back on with more needed. Better ground here should suit but stamina unproven.
(5) (9/2 -29%) Blossom De Mai
9/2(-29%)
(5) Blossom De Mai 9/2, C&D winner. Winner in hurdle here in November. 18/1 and tongue strap on for 1st time, good third of 12 in handicap hurdle at Leopardstown (20f, heavy) 49 days ago. Player. C&D winner a player on recent Leopardstown third but needs to jump better.
(12) (17/2 -21%) Jacks Fancy
17/2(-21%)
(12) Jacks Fancy 17/2, 6/1, tenth of 15 in handicap hurdle at Galway (24f, heavy) 177 days ago. Others appeal more. Placed form last September but more likely needed here on return.
(1) (17/2 -89%) I Am Spider Man
17/2(-89%)
(1) I Am Spider Man 17/2, Cheekpieces on for 1st time, fifteenth of 18 in handicap hurdle at Punchestown (20.8f, soft, 8/1) 158 days ago. Weighted to go well if back on song. Top-weight drops in grade but wants better ground.
(17) (10/1 +38%) Little Token
10/1(+38%)
(17) Little Token 10/1, Thirteen runs since last win in 2022. Creditable fifth of 15 in handicap hurdle at Limerick (19f, heavy, 18/1) 11 days ago. One for the shortlist. Definite encouragement from recent Limerick effort but this trip her limit; reserve.
(13) (11/1 -10%) Mrs Millionaire
11/1(-10%)
(13) Mrs Millionaire 11/1, Lightly-raced maiden. Hooded/tongue strap on for 1st time, twelfth of 18 in handicap hurdle at Limerick (22.3f, heavy, 22/1) 43 days ago. Hard to make a case for on second handicap attempt but yard in good form.
(4) (12/1 -60%) Toor Moon
12/1(-60%)
(4) Toor Moon 12/1, Remains a maiden after 17 NH runs. 13/2, fifteenth of 18 in handicap hurdle at Thurles (22.4f, soft) 69 days ago. Merits consideration if shrugging off latest effort. Excuses latest, previous C&D second puts him in the mix.
(18) (16/1 -33%) Frazel Express
16/1(-33%)
(18) Frazel Express 16/1, C&D winner. Tenth of 16 in handicap hurdle at Naas (19.3f, soft, 50/1) 6 days ago. Sixteen runs since last win in 2022. Dual C&D winner better for comeback run 6 days ago but this may come too soon; reserve.
(6) (22/1 -38%) Shes So Glorious
22/1(-38%)
(6) Shes So Glorious 22/1, First run since leaving Paul O'Flynn when sixteenth of 20 in handicap hurdle at Cork (20f, heavy, 28/1) 32 days ago. Cheekpieces on 1st time. Ran no sort of race on yard/handicap debut at Cork last month; cheekpieces now fitted.
(8) (28/1 -56%) Mrs Biddle
28/1(-56%)
(8) Mrs Biddle 28/1, Lightly-raced maiden under NH rules. Seventh of 11 in novice hurdle (125/1) at Cork (19f, heavy) 22 days ago. Makes handicap hurdle debut. C&D maiden run last summer on much better ground; opposable for now.
(14) (28/1 -40%) Queen Kulina
28/1(-40%)
(14) Queen Kulina 28/1, Below form fifth of 12 in handicap hurdle (50/1) at this course (21f, soft). Off 16 months. Needs to improve loads from C&D handicap debut in December but not out of the question.
(7) (33/1 -83%) Heidi's Frontiere
33/1(-83%)
(7) Heidi's Frontiere 33/1, Eleventh of 19 in novice hurdle at Naas (16f, soft, 300/1) 18 days ago. Significantly up in trip. Makes handicap hurdle debut. Just glimpses of ability in maidens, probably best watched on handicap debut.
(9) (50/1 -178%) Weliketoparty
50/1(-178%)
(9) Weliketoparty 50/1, Thrice-raced maiden. 150/1, ninth of 15 in novice hurdle at Killarney (20f, good). Off 9 months. Makes handicap hurdle debut. May well do better. Hard to see her making an immediate impact in handicaps after a long break.
(15) (50/1 +38%) Oscar Tonic
50/1(+38%)
(15) Oscar Tonic 50/1, 100/1, twelfth of 15 in handicap hurdle at Limerick (19f, heavy) 11 days ago. Others more persuasive. Dual points' winner but plenty to find on recent handicap hurdle efforts at Limerick.
(16) (125/1 -25%) Stradbally Village
125/1(-25%)
(16) Stradbally Village 125/1, Pulled up in handicap hurdle (125/1) at Cork (24.3f, heavy) 32 days ago. Cheekpieces on for 1st time. Poor form in handicaps, none too fluent when pulled up last time; cheekpieces tried.
The chart reads from right to left to today's race.
BLOSSOM DE MAI returned from nearly a year's absence to open her account over C&D last November. The Philip Rothwell-trained mare has been quite lightly raced since and comes here on the back of a creditable third to Lovely Reaction at Leopardstown. Brownstone hails from a yard that recorded a double recently at Down Royal and the Yeats gelding has been generally consistent since winning over two miles at Fairyhouse last autumn, although he needs to bounce back after a disappointing effort at Punchestown. Glady Max showed some promise over hurdles last spring and now tackles handicap company for the first time after winning twice in point-to-points. Toor Moon and Jacks Fancy are others to note.
Lots of these have a question mark against them but BLOSSOM DE MAI arrives on the back of a good Leopardstown third and can also boast a C&D success so looks the way to go. Handicap debutant Glady Max is feared most with few miles on the clock, with I Am Spider Man weighted to have a say too if back on his A-game.
C&D winner BLOSSOM DE MAI, a good third in a better-class Leopardstown contest last month, gets the vote
(6) Deira Mile 4/9, Lightly-raced maiden. First run since leaving Charlie Johnston when 2½ lengths fourth of 7 to Ancient Wisdom in Futurity Trophy (50/1) at Doncaster (8f, heavy) on final 2-y-o start. Hard to oppose. Fourth in a Group 1 (1m, heavy) when last seen; that run sets the standard; ground a query.
(5) (15/8 +0%) Castle In The Sand
15/8(+0%)
(5) Castle In The Sand 15/8, Lightly-raced maiden. Creditable second of 11 in maiden (11/10) at Southwell (8.1f) 32 days ago. Up in trip and he should pick up a race soon enough. Useful form at up to 1m but he'll need to progress for the longer trip to beat Deira Mile.
(7) (11/1 +73%) St Mungos Park
11/1(+73%)
(7) St Mungos Park 11/1, Once-raced maiden. 33/1, last of 13 in minor event at Newmarket (7f, soft) on debut, slowly away. Off 171 days. Significantly up in trip. Last of 13 in a heavy-ground novice (7f) in November; bred to do much better at some point.
(2) (66/1 +47%) Bobacious
66/1(+47%)
(2) Bobacious 66/1, Once-raced maiden on Flat. 200/1 and hood on for 1st time in this code, sixth of 11 in maiden at Lingfield (10f, AW) on debut in this sphere 12 days ago. Has hinted at ability, including on Flat debut 12 days ago (1m2f, AW); still best watched.
(3) (80/1 -21%) Grey Owl
80/1(-21%)
(3) Grey Owl 80/1, Twice-raced maiden. Fifth of 6 in maiden at Lingfield (8f, AW, 22/1), slowly away. Off 6 months. Back up in trip and he's hard to warm to. Modest form in two runs last September; handicaps more suitable after this.
(1) (125/1 +0%) Alberto
125/1(+0%)
(1) Alberto 125/1, Twice-raced maiden. First run since leaving George Baker when last of 10 in maiden (25/1) at Chepstow (7.1f, good to firm). Off 8 months and now steps significantly up in trip. Well beaten in two runs over shorter; plenty to prove.
(8) (150/1 -50%) Cutting Edge Queen
150/1(-50%)
(8) Cutting Edge Queen 150/1, Once-raced maiden. 250/1, eleventh of 12 in maiden at Lingfield (8f, AW) on debut 18 days ago. Up in trip. 250-1 and little short-term promise at Lingfield (1m, AW) 18 days ago.
17:50 Windsor Stakes (Class 5) 10f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 5 race.
DEIRA MILE belied odds of 50-1 when finishing an excellent fourth in the Group 1 Futurity at Doncaster in October and, should all be well ahead of his return, he looks the one to beat. Castle In The Sand, a runner-up on each of his last three starts, looks best placed to take advantage should the selection underperform. St Mungos Park struggled in a warm Newmarket novice on his debut, but he could pick up some minor money in these calmer waters.
DEIRA MILE showed plenty in four starts last season, culminating in a solid fourth in a Group 1 at Doncaster, and he will prove hard to beat back up in trip here. Castle In The Sand is the clear pick for forecast purposes, with Bobacious perhaps the best option for those seeking an each-way angle.
This might be tighter than BHA ratings suggest but DEIRA MILE still edges preference over Castle In The Sand.
(13) Duhallow Tommy 9/4, Proved to be a different proposition switched to fences following a wind op this year, winning 3 times (at up to 19.8f) at Plumpton and finding further improvement when second of 7 in Newbury handicap (16.4f, good to soft) last month. Big player. Has taken very well to chasing this year (three wins) and might still be on the upgrade.
(3) (10/3 +5%) Frere D'armes
10/3(+5%)
(3) Frere D'armes 10/3, Improved for switch to chasing last season, landing handicaps over C&D andt Newbury. Hasn't added to those victories this term but got back on track when third at Ascot (16.8f, good to soft) last month and his yard could hardly be in better form. Close second in valuable Ascot handicap in the autumn and ran pretty well there last month.
(2) (5/1 +50%) General Medrano
5/1(+50%)
(2) General Medrano 5/1, Fairly useful hurdler who has done even better over fences this term, winning 2m handicaps at Uttoxeter and Huntingdon in October. Some decent efforts in defeat since but may not want the ground too quick. Posted sound effort when third at Huntingdon last month this quicker ground will suit.
(7) (9/1 -20%) Issar D'airy
9/1(-20%)
(7) Issar D'airy 9/1, Progressive 6-y-o who landed back-to-back handicaps over shorter trips at Newbury in December/January. Not in same form here last month but remains fairly treated if he can bounce back. Made jumping errors over C&D last month but began chasing career with two winter wins.
(5) (10/1 -82%) Fringill Dike
10/1(-82%)
(5) Fringill Dike 10/1, Multiple hurdles winner who made a fine start over fences (in blinkers) last summer, scoring 3 times at up to 16.5f. Not seen since falling early on at Carlisle in October but can go well fresh and Harry Cobden is an eye-catching booking. Won three in a row when blinkers were added in early part of season; returns from a break.
(1) (11/1 -22%) Thelasthighking
11/1(-22%)
(1) Thelasthighking 11/1, Successful at Wincanton and Southwell last spring and returned with a pair of good runner-up efforts at this course in the autumn. Below form back from 4 months off at Ascot latest but better expected here. Not at best at Ascot last month, after a break, but considered on his autumn course form.
(12) (14/1 +30%) Charlie's Glance
14/1(+30%)
(12) Charlie's Glance 14/1, Scored at Huntingdon early in 2023 and not disgraced on his return (after a breathing op) when third in handicap hurdle at Fakenham (20f) earlier this month. However, not in quite same form back in this sphere at Bangor 2 days ago. Gave good account at Bangor on Saturday; will be moving up in grade if he runs here.
(11) (18/1 -50%) Alto Alto
18/1(-50%)
(11) Alto Alto 18/1, Four-time winner at Plumpton who arrives on back of solid second of 6 in handicap (9/4) at that venue (17f, good to soft) 22 days ago. This looks more competitive, though. Aided by tongue-tie/cheekpieces this year but has never won away from Plumpton.
(8) (18/1 +36%) Onemorefortheroad
18/1(+36%)
(8) Onemorefortheroad 18/1, Made a winning chase debut in Doncaster handicap (16.3f, good to soft) in December but not been in same form either start since. Cheekpieces (applied for victory) back on but percentage call is to look elsewhere. Won quite comfortably off reduced mark on chasing debut but next two runs were below par.
(4) (22/1 -159%) Prince Escalus
22/1(-159%)
(4) Prince Escalus 22/1, In-and-out form last season but gained a third win over fences when making all in handicap at Wetherby in February. More miss than hit this term but is now 4 lb below his last winning mark and has had a breathing operation since his last run. Seemingly back in good form in November but was well beaten the following month.
(6) (22/1 -10%) Le Ligerien
22/1(-10%)
(6) Le Ligerien 22/1, Built up an impressive strike rate for present yard, adding small-field veterans' chase to his tally at this course in November. Has remained in good form since but others make more appeal for win purposes. Course winner in November but has not fired lately and younger rivals appeal more.
(9) (40/1 -43%) Another Crick
40/1(-43%)
(9) Another Crick 40/1, In good form in the first half of 2023, including a win at Warwick (20f) in May. Ran poorly on return at Wincanton in November, though, and been off for a further 5 months since. No longer the force of old and has been absent since a disappointing effort in November.
18:00 Kempton Handicap Chase (Class 3) 18f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 3 race.
After being pulled up in the Grand Annual at Cheltenham, FRERE D'ARMES ran well for a long way when a respectable third off 1lb higher in a valuable handicap at Ascot last time (second has won since) and Dan Skelton's C&D winner has strong claims now eased in class. Fringill Dike fell when bidding to make it four wins from four over fences in October, but he was progressing well before that and warrants the utmost respect on his return. Duhallow Tommy was going for a four-timer of his own when runner-up at Newbury last month, but a further 2lb rise for that doesn't help.
DUHALLOW TOMMY is going the right way over fences and the form of his Newbury second has already been franked. He gets the nod in a tricky-looking contest. Fringill Dike and Thelasthighking are also of interest.
Several have possibilities but DUHALLOW TOMMY has thrived since switched to fences this year and may still be improving.
(10) Whateys Quest 5/2, Fair hurdler who posted career best when winning 7-runner novice at Clonmel (18.7f, soft) 4 days ago, plenty in hand. Sent chasing now and is one for the shortlist. Easy winner of a maiden hurdle four days ago and should maker a chaser.
(8) (11/4 +8%) Surf Club
11/4(+8%)
(8) Surf Club 11/4, Fared a bit better than previously over hurdles when third of 12 in handicap at Limerick (16.2f, heavy) last month and must enter calculations on switch to chasing. Very lightly raced 8yo who isn't progressing by the looks; could make a better chaser.
(15) (7/2 +50%) Walk Out
7/2(+50%)
(15) Walk Out 7/2, Made the frame on several occasions over hurdles and arrives on back of a successful debut in points. Merits consideration. Did threaten in some of her hurdles and easy winner of a point last time (left clear).
(2) (8/1 -7%) Gali Flight
8/1(-7%)
(2) Gali Flight 8/1, Fair hurdler. Seventh of 14 in handicap chase (10/1) at Thurles (18.3f, soft) 172 days ago, finding nothing. Still looking for first success. 30-race maiden, with ten of those defeats over fences; opposable.
(3) (9/1 +18%) General Clermont
9/1(+18%)
(3) General Clermont 9/1, Unreliable type. One win from 33 NH runs. Respectable fourth of 10 in handicap hurdle at Naas (19.3f, soft, 11/1) 6 days ago. Switches from hurdles to chase. 1-33 overall and 0-5 as a chaser; did at least win a hurdle last August.
(4) (16/1 +36%) Hard Target
16/1(+36%)
(4) Hard Target 16/1, Fair hurdler. One win from 21 NH runs. Eighth of 9 in handicap hurdle at Gowran (20.3f, heavy, 11/4). Off 6 months. Work to do on chase debut. Poor strike-rate over hurdles but consistent until last time; chase debut.
(13) (18/1 -29%) Knocknagappagh
18/1(-29%)
(13) Knocknagappagh 18/1, Modest hurdler. Remains a maiden after 23 NH runs. Ran no sort of race at Ayr in February but acquitted herself well in defeat previously and must enter calculations. 0-23 but runner-up in three of her five chases and unlikely to be far away.
(7) (20/1 -100%) Rock On Pedro
20/1(-100%)
(7) Rock On Pedro 20/1, Fair hurdler. Tenth of 13 in handicap hurdle (22/1) at Listowel (20f, soft). Off 7 months. Yet to score over timber and now tries chasing. Capable handicap hurdler at the right level and some good runs last year; chase debut.
(5) (28/1 -155%) Iron Allen
28/1(-155%)
(5) Iron Allen 28/1, Fair hurdler. Winner in hurdle at Naas in December. Respectable sixth of 10 in handicap hurdle at Naas (19.3f, soft, 16/1) 6 days ago. Switches from hurdles to chase. Others more persuasive. Maiden hurdle winner in December; jumping has looked an issue in his early chases.
(9) (28/1 -100%) Thedancingfarrier
28/1(-100%)
(9) Thedancingfarrier 28/1, Fair chaser. Latest win in hurdle at Cork in March. Sixth of 7 in handicap hurdle at Cork (24.4f, heavy, 4/1) 22 days ago. Switches from hurdles to chase. Has good chance on form. All three hurdle wins at Cork; opposable away from there and he's 0-8 as a chaser.
(1) (33/1 -175%) Duncarrig
33/1(-175%)
(1) Duncarrig 33/1, Fair hurdler. Winner in hurdle at Navan in September. Fair winner at 16f over hurdles. Pulled up in novice chase (40/1) at Thurles (20.8f, soft) on debut over fences 48 days ago. Work to do. Winning hurdler and ground more suitable here than when pulled up on chase debut.
(12) (33/1 +34%) Imperial Fox
33/1(+34%)
(12) Imperial Fox 33/1, Cheekpieces on for 1st time, pulled up in handicap hurdle at Cork (24.3f, heavy, 18/1) 32 days ago won by Thedancingfarrier. Makes chase debut. Pulled up at Cork last month in the handicap hurdle won by Thedancingfarrier.
(11) (66/1 -100%) Bents Hollow
66/1(-100%)
(11) Bents Hollow 66/1, Lightly-raced winner over hurdles who was in the frame all 4 starts for Donald McCain last season. However, offered little returning from 9 months off/on yard debut at Limerick in November. Chase debut. Win\place form over hurdles in Britain but was sold on cheaply; tailed off on stable debut.
(6) (125/1 -25%) Mythical Times
125/1(-25%)
(6) Mythical Times 125/1, Poor hurdler. Below form ninth of 18 in handicap hurdle at Limerick (22.3f, heavy, 100/1) 43 days ago. Switches from hurdles to chase. Lowly-rated maiden hurdler; 300-1 when pulled up in his previous chase.
(14) (150/1 +40%) May Call You Back
150/1(+40%)
(14) May Call You Back 150/1, Lightly-raced maiden under NH rules. Pulled up in novice chase at this course (15.4f, heavy, 150/1) on debut over fences 112 days ago, pulled up before last. Significantly up in trip. No worthwhile form as yet, including on her chase debut here in January.
18:10 Tramore Maiden Chase 22f Race Speed Rating Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's race.
WHATEYS QUEST might benefit from some neat planning and having won on Thursday, is well-in as he pursues a debut chase win. His Clonmel success was gained in an unplaced maiden hurdle but nonetheless his revised 111 rating would have excluded him from this race, prior to entry stage. Today's same rider claims 2lb less but has the size to do well over fences. Willie Mullins' lightly-raced eight-year-old Surf Club is no star but is race-fit and could be suited by stepping up in distance on chase debut. Walk Out was left clear at the final fence to win by 37 lengths in a recent point-to-point and being rated 94 over hurdles, has place claims receiving her 7lb mares' allowance. Similarly rated Knocknagappagh is a 23-race maiden while Gali Flight is a 30-race maiden. Iron Allen won an unplaced maiden hurdle last December and has chase experience, while General Clermont is quite exposed.
WHATEYS QUEST is immediately sent chasing after getting off the mark over hurdles at Clonmel last week and can make a successful debut over the larger obstacles. Surf Club and Walk Out head the list of dangers.
A very ordinary beginners' chase and last week's maiden hurdle winner WHATEYS QUEST should have as good a chance as any.
(1) Composite 5/2, Thrice-raced winner on Flat. One win from 2 runs last year. Won 9-runner minor event (5/2) at Kempton (11f), well on top finish. Off 103 days ahead of this handicap debut. Should improve. Progressed nicely on AW during the winter; respected on handicap debut.
(3) (11/4 +66%) Insanity
11/4(+66%)
(3) Insanity 11/4, Lightly-raced winner on Flat. Pulled up in juvenile hurdle at Kempton (16f, soft, 9/1) 117 days ago. Off 117 days and others make more appeal. Has some promising Flat form, notably a Ffos Las win under Rossa Ryan.
(8) (11/2 +0%) Rockit Tommy
11/2(+0%)
(8) Rockit Tommy 11/2, Twice-raced winner. Evens, won 7-runner minor event at this course (10f, heavy), driven out. Off for 11 months and more needed now pitched into a handicap but he's unexposed and could have lote more to offer. 2-2 in novice events last spring, latest win at this venue; interesting.
(2) (10/1 -150%) Liseo
10/1(-150%)
(2) Liseo 10/1, Career best when winning 9-runner handicap at Kempton (11f, 11/4) 21 days ago, kept up to work. 3 lb nudge demands further improvement from this 5-y-o. Not an obvious type to follow up his latest AW win; 0-9 on turf.
(4) (10/1 -25%) Way Of Life
10/1(-25%)
(4) Way Of Life 10/1, Eighteen runs since last win in 2022. Creditable third of 9 in handicap (9/2) at Kempton (12f) 51 days ago. Likely to give another good account of himself. Very consistent, mostly on AW, since September; place claims.
(7) (11/1 +73%) Wahraan
11/1(+73%)
(7) Wahraan 11/1, Tenth of 12 in handicap at Southwell (11.1f, 25/1) 33 days ago, considerately handled. Hood on 1st time. Expected to be bang there. Needs to prove he retains ability but may fare better now back on turf.
(10) (14/1 +0%) Just An Hour
14/1(+0%)
(10) Just An Hour 14/1, 4¾ lengths sixth of 9 to Liseo in handicap at Kempton (11f, 33/1) 21 days ago. Minor place monety is probably the very best she can hope for. Seemed a non-stayer over 1m3f last time; stamina still to prove.
(5) (18/1 -157%) Sonnerie Power
18/1(-157%)
(5) Sonnerie Power 18/1, Latest win at Kempton in October. 17/2, very good 1½ lengths fourth of 9 to Liseo in handicap at Kempton (11f) 21 days ago, running on. Enters calculations. Clear signs of a return to form on latest AW start; possibilities.
(9) (25/1 +24%) Croeso Cymraeg
25/1(+24%)
(9) Croeso Cymraeg 25/1, Seventh of 8 in handicap at Chelmsford City (13.3f, 6/1), unable to sustain effort. Off 165 days. Veteran who has never made a winning reappearance.
(11) (28/1 -250%) Lusaka
28/1(-250%)
(11) Lusaka 28/1, Career best when winning 14-runner handicap at Bath (14f, good, 10/3) when last seen in September, keeping on well. 5 lb rise fair enough and she has to be respected in her hat-trick bid. Productive in 2023 but isn't crying out for this drop back in trip.
(6) (100/1 -52%) Tarjamah
100/1(-52%)
(6) Tarjamah 100/1, 150/1, first run since leaving Francois Rohaut when last of 7 in handicap at Newcastle (10.2f) 14 days ago. Probably best watched for now. Lightly raced; trailed home last on stable/seasonal debut.
18:20 Windsor Handicap (Class 4) 11f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 4 race.
Although COMPOSITE doesn't look obviously well treated ahead of his handicap bow, the gelded son of Cracksman ought to progress on turf this season and must surely have what it takes to land a race of this nature. Lusaka landed a valuable stayers' final at Bath when last in action and he merits respect ahead of his reappearance, while others to note include Insanity and Rockit Tommy.
SONNERIE POWER posted his best effort for current connections when an unlucky-in-running fourth behind Liseo at Kempton at the beginning of the month. If able to avoid traffic problems this time, the 5-y-o could be the answer. The unexposed duo Composite and Rockit Tommy are live dangers, while Liseo should give his running and Lusaka is also shortlisted. The ex-Sir Michael Stoute-trained Wahraan is worth a second look, too, in what is a competitive handicap.
Handicap debutants ROCKIT TOMMY and Composite are the most interesting contenders in this field.
(12) King's Threshold 6/4, Fairly useful hurdler who has improved over fences, taking well-contested 21f Ascot handicap 4 weeks ago. Remains unexposed in this sphere and a big player if he lasts out over longer trip (didn't seem to stay in 3m handicap hurdle here last year). Progresive 7yo who did well to win at Ascot (2m5f) last month and is unexposed over 3m.
(6) (4/1 +0%) Highstakesplayer
4/1(+0%)
(6) Highstakesplayer 4/1, C&D winner back from 15 months off in February and suffered first defeat over fences in the Greatwood Gold Cup at Newbury next time (run possibly coming too soon). Could resume progress if all is well. Didn't fire on heavy ground last month but won his first three chases; shortlisted.
(7) (9/2 +59%) Grozni
9/2(+59%)
(7) Grozni 9/2, Three-time hurdles winner for Charles Byrnes last season when also off the mark over fences at Downpatrick. Holding form for new yard, running about as well as could be expected reverted to patient tactics when sixth in the Kim Muir last time. This is a bit easier and he's respected. Second off this mark on first two stable starts; didn't run badly at Cheltenham last month.
(2) (11/1 +45%) Karl Philippe
11/1(+45%)
(2) Karl Philippe 11/1, Useful handicap chaser but bled when pulled up in the Rowland Meyrick at Wetherby on Boxing Day. Should be better for last month's spin over hurdles after a wind op (was tongue tied first time). Caught the eye when third at Newbury in December and is on a very good mark now.
(10) (11/1 -38%) Fidux
11/1(-38%)
(10) Fidux 11/1, Not the force of old but ended a long losing run in a highly unorthodox race at Newbury last month (9 fences omitted). This is tougher. Won off much reduced mark at Newbury last month but not the obvious type to follow up.
(3) (14/1 -115%) Switch Hitter
14/1(-115%)
(3) Switch Hitter 14/1, Returned from 9 months off with a pair of creditable efforts in 3m Ascot handicaps but needs to shrug off a poor run at Sandown 6 weeks ago. Pulled up on latest outing but is much better judged on his good-ground form; a possible.
(5) (16/1 -191%) Docpickedme
16/1(-191%)
(5) Docpickedme 16/1, Back to form with a bang with a career-best win at Wetherby (19.4f) in January and shaped much better than result after wind op in Grimthorpe Chase at Doncaster last time. Respected back on better ground here. Kept on dourly to win two starts ago and also ran well last time (even though pulled up).
(4) (22/1 -83%) Larry
22/1(-83%)
(4) Larry 22/1, Got back on the scoreboard when landing a 4-runner Plumpton handicap (25.7f, soft) in January and back to form in an Ascot veterans' contest 4 weeks ago. Wouldn't dismiss. Close fifth in Ascot veterans' chase last month but others are more persuasive.
(11) (25/1 -79%) Le Cameleon
25/1(-79%)
(11) Le Cameleon 25/1, Dual winner last term but no show in 2 runs this time around. First start for 5 months and new stable. In poor form when last seen in the autumn but makes stable debut from a good mark.
(1) (33/1 -175%) Bobhopeornohope
33/1(-175%)
(1) Bobhopeornohope 33/1, Produced a game front-running display when winning at Ludlow (3m) in December 2022 but pulled up last 3 starts, including both outings this term. First start for 4 months. Ran well in major handicap over C&D in February 2023 but pulled up three times since.
(8) (40/1 -21%) Broken Quest
40/1(-21%)
(8) Broken Quest 40/1, Won 3 on the bounce during spring 2022 and should have come on for February Exeter run after 13 months off. Could do better in re-fitted cheekpieces now. Ran well to a point on belated seasonal debut and has conditions to suit here.
18:30 Kempton Handicap Chase (Class 3) 24f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 3 race.
Fidux stayed on nicely to score over slightly shorter at Newbury last month, but that ended a long losing run and he's not an obvious candidate to follow up off a 5lb higher mark. HIGHSTAKESPLAYER completed a hat-trick over this C&D off 3lb lower in February and his outing when pulling up in the Greatwood 22 days later may have come too soon, so he is given a chance to bounce back now eased in class. Larry has slipped back to the mark he won off at Plumpton in January and must be considered for the yard that won this race in 2022.
DOCPICKEDME shaped better than the result in the Grimthorpe 7 weeks ago and is taken to bounce back to winning ways returned to better ground here. Highstakesplayer could resume his progress, while King's Threshold, successful at Ascot 4 weeks ago, can be a force again if he stays.
This season has not yet got going for KARL PHILIPPE but he's on a good mark now and might be poised to strike.
(2) Kilmurry Jj 4/1, 11/2, first run since leaving Michael Barry when eighth of 12 in handicap chase at Thurles (20.5f, soft) on debut over fences. Off 6 months. Far from fluent on chase debut in October, straight into handicap company here on return.
(3) (11/2 -10%) Gold Haven
11/2(-10%)
(3) Gold Haven 11/2, Below form fifth of 16 in handicap hurdle at Naas (19.3f, soft, 10/1) 6 days ago. Makes chase debut. Respected. Overall in good form over hurdles, straight into handicap company for chase debut.
(1) (8/1 -100%) Carrig Carol
8/1(-100%)
(1) Carrig Carol 8/1, Twelve runs since last win in 2022. Seventh of 9 in handicap hurdle at Navan (20f, heavy, 16/1) 51 days ago. Switches from hurdles to chase. Better for recent hurdles comeback run but bit to do off this opening chase mark.
(4) (8/1 -14%) Listenheretomejack
8/1(-14%)
(4) Listenheretomejack 8/1, 16/1, tenth of 15 in handicap hurdle at Cork (16f, heavy) 21 days ago. Significantly up in trip. Makes handicap chase debut. One to consider. Out of form hurdling and stamina concerns back chasing.
(10) (8/1 -14%) Da Big Fella
8/1(-14%)
(10) Da Big Fella 8/1, One win from 25 NH runs. 17/2, below form seventh of 14 in handicap chase at Down Royal (20.4f, heavy) 90 days ago. Tongue strap back on. 2nd in Galway handicap over this trip in October; lots to find on recent Down Royal run.
(5) (10/1 +44%) Keep Me Posted
10/1(+44%)
(5) Keep Me Posted 10/1, Multiple point winner but well held in a bumper and hunters under Rules. 40/1, ninth of 13 in hunter chase at Clonmel (21f, heavy) 102 days ago. Makes handicap chase debut. Three runs in hunter-chases this season not that encouraging; opposable on handicap debut.
(7) (11/1 -57%) Port Rashid
11/1(-57%)
(7) Port Rashid 11/1, C&D winner. 15/2, thirteenth of 14 in handicap hurdle at Thurles (16.4f, soft) 60 days ago. Switches from hurdles to chase. Significantly back up in trip. C&D winner; ground against him of late so respected if the ground dries out.
(6) (12/1 +0%) Elegant Dan
12/1(+0%)
(6) Elegant Dan 12/1, Latest win in chase here in June. Off 6 months. Switches from hurdles to chase. Not taken lightly. Absent since October but given his record here veteran has to be respected off a nice mark.
(14) (12/1 +33%) Double Windsor
12/1(+33%)
(14) Double Windsor 12/1, Unreliable sort. Seventeen runs since last win in 2021. Off 8 months. C&D fourth his best run last summer in limited campaign, may well need this comeback run.
(8) (12/1 +64%) Coastguard Lady
12/1(+64%)
(8) Coastguard Lady 12/1, 40/1, pulled up in novice chase at this course (15.4f, heavy) 112 days ago, pulled up before last. Significantly back up in trip. Makes handicap chase debut. Hasn't completed in both chases, some maiden hurdle form to recommend; hard to fancy.
(15) (14/1 +22%) Golden Glen
14/1(+22%)
(15) Golden Glen 14/1, One win from 38 NH runs. Twenty eight runs since last win in 2019. 66/1, tenth of 13 in handicap hurdle at Limerick (24.4f, heavy) 153 days ago. Switches from hurdles to chase. C&D hurdle win came back in 2019; bit of form this time last year but overall regressive.
(17) (14/1 +65%) Queensteel
14/1(+65%)
(17) Queensteel 14/1, 33/1, eleventh of 23 in handicap hurdle at Naas (23.8f, soft) 18 days ago. Makes chase debut. Makes handicap chase debut. RESERVE. After mammoth absence soundly beaten of late so very hard to fancy; reserve.
(9) (25/1 -56%) Ciankyle
25/1(-56%)
(9) Ciankyle 25/1, Thirteen runs since last win in 2021. Off 6 months. Switches from hurdles to chase. Veteran on a long losing run; hard to fancy although drying ground would be in his favour.
(12) (28/1 -133%) Glorious Singer
28/1(-133%)
(12) Glorious Singer 28/1, Remains a maiden after 27 NH runs. 50/1, fourth of 6 in novice hurdle at Limerick (24f, heavy) 43 days ago. Switches from hurdles to chase. 27-race maiden, well held only chase start over C&D in January.
The chart reads from right to left to today's race.
LISTENHERETOMEJACK's recent form is ordinary but a capable three-time hurdle winner who competes from a favourable chase rating. Winner of a competitive hurdle on Thyestes Chase day in 2023, he returned lame on his next run and, in last January's renewal of the Gowran race, was reported to be 'clinically abnormal'. However, he showed a little more at Cork recently and today competes from a 9lb lower rating than over hurdles. Drying ground will suit Kilmurry Jj, who is unexposed in chases, but makes his seasonal reappearance. A 10-race maiden, he has nonetheless run some nice races in defeat over hurdles and while well beaten on chase debut at Thurles last October, that was on unsuitably soft ground. Gold Haven is a 20-race maiden but has been running reasonably well in recent hurdles, although debuts over fences. Keep Me Posted is a three-time point-to-point winner and while his racecourse form is poor, is interesting on handicap debut.
GOLD HAVEN has been placed 3 times over hurdles this season and might be worth chancing to make a winning start over fences in a modest handicap. Listenheretomejack and Elegant Dan are respected, while Erigmoor would be of real interest if getting a run.
On his Galway run earlier in the season DA BIG FELLA would have to hold a serious chance, although he needs to improve on recent form
(2) Cock And Bull 5/6, Promising sort who opened his account in 5-runner handicap at Kempton (12f) 19 days ago, kept up to work. 8lb higher now but remains open to improvement. Off the mark at Kempton last time and looks open to further progress in handicaps.
(5) (7/2 +56%) Arch Legend
7/2(+56%)
(5) Arch Legend 7/2, Promising sort. 150/1, ninth of 12 in maiden at Lingfield (10f, AW), badly hampered. Off 156 days. Oisin Murphy booked for handicap debut and warrants respect. Camelot colt who is open to improvement in middle-distance handicaps.
(3) (9/2 +10%) Spartan Warrior
9/2(+10%)
(3) Spartan Warrior 9/2, Thrice-raced maiden. Seventh of 13 in minor event (33/1) at Kempton (7f) 26 days ago, needing stiffer test. Significantly up in trip. Makes handicap debut. Likely to improve. Looks the type to improve now handicapping and upped in distance; interesting.
(1) (10/1 -82%) Continuance
10/1(-82%)
(1) Continuance 10/1, Lightly-raced maiden. Fifth of 7 in nursery (11/2) at this course (8.1f, good to firm). Off 6 months. Significantly up in trip. First run for yard (gelded since last run) after leaving Jack Channon. Others look better treated. May improve for this new trip on debut for new yard; market support should be noted.
(4) (22/1 -238%) Walter Hartright
22/1(-238%)
(4) Walter Hartright 22/1, Lightly-raced maiden. Last of 8 in handicap at Wolverhampton (12.2f, 5/2) 12 days ago, slowly away. Cheekpieces on 1st time. Needs to bounce back. Gives the impression he'll benefit from the first-time headgear; should improve.
(6) (33/1 -32%) Weston Court
33/1(-32%)
(6) Weston Court 33/1, Still looking for first success and was below form when last seen at Kempton in December. The most exposed contender and isn't certain to stay the new trip.
(7) (100/1 -150%) Potters Diamond
100/1(-150%)
(7) Potters Diamond 100/1, Yet to threaten in 4 starts, including on handicap bow at Wolverhampton last month. Tried over longer trip on turf debut. 1 lb out of the weights. Turf debutante who has poor claims judged on her AW efforts.
18:50 Windsor Handicap (Class 6) 11f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 6 race.
Although 8lb higher now back on turf following his recent Kempton success, Cock And Bull can put his stamina to good use and play a leading role. However, a chance is taken on SPARTAN WARRIOR. Ollie Sangster's charge didn't show much across his three qualifying runs, but it could be a different story stepped up in trip and sent handicapping for the first time. Continuance is also noted.
COCK AND BULL built on his promising handicap bow when scoring at Kempton earlier this month and remains low mileage. He can follow up. Potential improvers Arch Legend and Spartan Warrior are feared most.
The form choice is Kempton winner COCK AND BULL. Handicap debutants Spartan Warrior and Arch Legend are interesting.
(7) Yalla Habibi 5/2, Ran to a fairly useful level in bumpers and bright start over hurdles, badly hampered and unlucky not to win when third on final start for Anthony Charlton at Hereford. Made no mistake when odds-on for a Fakenham maiden (2m, good) on debut for this yard and mark for this handicap bow looks fair. Makes handicap debut after winning recent Fakenham maiden very comfortably.
(8) (11/2 +31%) Mr Mackay
11/2(+31%)
(8) Mr Mackay 11/2, Hasn't managed to add to his Huntingdon maiden success in half-a-dozen subsequent starts but he has been keeping pretty good company. Latest fourth at Haydock was in a Class 2 handicap and this 5-y-o needs considering off a 1 lb lower mark here. Runner-up twice before last month's fourth in a valuable series final; in the mix again.
(14) (7/1 -8%) King William Rufus
7/1(-8%)
(14) King William Rufus 7/1, Showed plenty when placed all 3 bumper outings last season and opened his account at the sixth attempt in this sphere when landing a 2m Plumpton maiden last time. Likely to remain competitive back in handicap company. Safely held off this mark in first two handicaps but won a recent maiden in good style.
(9) (15/2 -25%) Toonagh Warrior
15/2(-25%)
(9) Toonagh Warrior 15/2, Duly built on promising debut for this yard when landing a 2m Wetherby novice in November before going close on handicap bow at Ascot the following month. Has continued to give his running since and no reason to think he won't be on the premises once again. Has solid record in handicaps since novice win in November; a possible.
(3) (9/1 +36%) Galata Bridge
9/1(+36%)
(3) Galata Bridge 9/1, Shaped well back from a break at Ludlow last May prior to resuming winning ways in a Uttoxeter handicap (2m, good to soft) later that month. Placed both subsequent starts at Worcester but entitled to come on for this following a 9-month absence. Off since last summer and needs to be in peak form to have a chance off current mark.
(13) (12/1 +14%) Him Malaya
12/1(+14%)
(13) Him Malaya 12/1, ot off the mark when landing 2m Wincanton handicap in November and backed it up with a solid third there following month. However, he ran no sort of a race at Sandown when last seen at the end of January, which tempers enthusiasm. Needs to bounce back from a duff effort in January but ended 2023 in good form.
(4) (14/1 +13%) Amelia's Dance
14/1(+13%)
(4) Amelia's Dance 14/1, Has found just one to good on several occasions since latest success in 2022, including twice over this C&D. Represents last year's winning trainer-jockey combination and few would begrudge this mare another moment in the sun but she needs to bounce back from a disappointing effort last time. Second of five of her seven starts this season (twice over C&D) but others appeal more.
(12) (14/1 -250%) Mojo Ego
14/1(-250%)
(12) Mojo Ego 14/1, French import who made it 2-4 for present connections when landing a 5-runner juvenile event in decisive fashion at Kelso (16.2f, soft) last month. Doesn't look overly burdened for this handicap debut and he's high on the shortlist. 2-4 in British juvenile hurdles; this is a tougher assignment but he might be up to it.
(11) (16/1 -33%) Kourosh
16/1(-33%)
(11) Kourosh 16/1, Fair winner on the Flat in Germany who bolted up on his Wetherby hurdle debut in November. No real progress both completed starts since but he's in good hands and it's still early days, so it would be unwise to overlook this 4-y-o. Low-mileage 4yo; very respectable fifth in valuable juvenile handicap at Ascot last month.
(2) (16/1 -100%) Junkanoo
16/1(-100%)
(2) Junkanoo 16/1, Fairly useful handicapper on Flat and, having finishing runner-up on first 3 hurdles, he duly landed the odds in a 2m Plumpton novice (good to soft) in January. Pulled up in the Imperial Cup at Sandown next time (never in the hunt after a bad mistake early on) but his sights are now lowered. Pulled up in major Sandown handicap last month but still has potential over hurdles.
(1) (25/1 -127%) Eclair De Beaufeu
25/1(-127%)
(1) Eclair De Beaufeu 25/1, Long time since his second in the 2020 Grand Annual for Gordon Elliott and little to shout about in 3 runs for Philip Fenton last year. However, produced his best effort for a while when making a winning debut for this yard at Fakenham (2½m, good to soft) and has only be raised 2 lb for that. Not the force of old but scored on recent stable debut; one to consider.
(5) (40/1 -100%) Fransham
40/1(-100%)
(5) Fransham 40/1, Five-time winner over hurdles but latest success in this sphere was gained back in December 2020 (sole subsequent win was in a 3-runner handicap chase in 2021). Good second following a wind op over C&D in January but took a heavy fall at Fakenham last time and others make more appeal. Sound effort when second over C&D two runs ago but still without a win since November 2021.
(10) (40/1 -100%) Shetland Tony
40/1(-100%)
(10) Shetland Tony 40/1, Drew a blank in 5 outings for Gordon Elliott but returned an improved performer for Nigel Twiston-Davies, easily taking 2m Stratford novice in October. However, he made a low-key start for present connections in France and is now tried in a first-time tongue strap/cheekpieces. Well beaten when sent to France for stable debut; now sports tongue-tie/cheekpieces.
(15) (40/1 -21%) Ve Day
40/1(-21%)
(15) Ve Day 40/1, Fair maiden on the level for Andrew Balding and landed 4-runner juvenile at Musselburgh (2m, good to soft) on hurdles debut last spring. Has failed to add to that in 5 subsequent starts, though, and he remains on what looks a stiff mark. Absent since respectable fourth at Sedgefield in October; not the percentage call.
(6) (50/1 -52%) Rotten Row
50/1(-52%)
(6) Rotten Row 50/1, Safely held back hurdling in a claimer on final start for Anthony Mullins at Clonmel in September, and he hasn't shown much in 2 starts on the Flat for new yard in recent weeks. Well beaten in recent AW novice race and tricky to weigh up on return to hurdling.
19:00 Kempton Handicap Hurdle (Class 4)
16f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 4 race.
A wide-open contest in which only a tentative vote can go to GALATA BRIDGE. The gelded son of Golden Horn was progressing steadily when last seen and, given that he is likely to have ideal ground conditions on today's return, there might be room for manoeuvre from his current mark. Robert Walford landed the corresponding event 12 months ago and his representative, Amelia's Dance, looks to hold solid claims. Others to note include Mojo Ego and Yalla Habibi.
The vote in this competitive contest goes to MOJO EGO, who pulled well clear with the runner-up (winner since) when striking at Kelso and he may well have more to offer now moving into a handicap. Fellow handicap debutant Yalla Habibi did the job well in a Fakenham maiden last time and he is feared most, albeit only marginally as Mr Mackay is of strong interest now eased in class, while King William Rufus and Toonagh Warrior are others with decent claims.
Not much went to plan for JUNKANOO in a valuable Sandown handicap last month but he's in much calmer waters here and gets the nod.
(6) Dromleigh 11/8, 9/2, good head second of 13 to Casey West in hunter chase at Clonmel (21f, heavy) 102 days ago. Derek O'Connor up and can reverse the placings on these revised terms. Pushed Casey West to a head on the same terms at Clonmel; strong chance.
(2) (7/2 +46%) Nice To Meet
7/2(+46%)
(2) Nice To Meet 7/2, Fairly useful chaser. 11/1, respectable fourth of 9 in hunter chase at Cork (20f, heavy) 21 days ago. Some flashes of very good form and it was a good hunter chase in which he was 4th latest.
(3) (11/2 +31%) Ballinrea
11/2(+31%)
(3) Ballinrea 11/2, Unseated rider in hunter chase at Cork (24f, heavy, well-backed 4/1) 21 days ago, bled. Winning pointer; only 4-1 when departing midrace on hunter chase debut.
(13) (8/1 +0%) Shiroccosmagicgem
8/1(+0%)
(13) Shiroccosmagicgem 8/1, Modest chaser. 4/1, first run since leaving Thomas Gallagher when 9½ lengths fifth of 11 to Carrig Wells in hunter chase at Cork (24f, heavy) 21 days ago. Cheekpieces on 1st time. Triple point winner; didn't run badly in a Cork hunter chase latest but more is needed.
(9) (11/1 +21%) The Brickey Ranger
11/1(+21%)
(9) The Brickey Ranger 11/1, Winning pointer, runner-up last time (Apr 13). Respected on hunter debut. Lightly raced winning pointer; poor last time and this is a tough starter under rules.
(11) (11/1 +56%) Tuff Days
11/1(+56%)
(11) Tuff Days 11/1, Modest hurdler. Off 8 months. Makes chase debut. Winning pointer with placed form in handicap hurdles; probably up against it.
(5) (12/1 -140%) Carrig Wells
12/1(-140%)
(5) Carrig Wells 12/1, 5/1, career best when winning 11-runner hunter chase at Cork (24f, heavy) 21 days ago. More needed again. Last year's third and the game winner of a 3m maiden hunter chase at Cork 21 days ago.
(8) (40/1 +20%) Lucky Policy
40/1(+20%)
(8) Lucky Policy 40/1, Fourth in a point latest. Makes hunter chase debut. No form in maiden hurdles and his latest fourth in a point was remote.
(10) (80/1 -142%) Thethirstyfarrier
80/1(-142%)
(10) Thethirstyfarrier 80/1, Maiden pointer, last of 4 finishers last time (Feb 11). 0-5 in points and was never that threatening in any of them.
(7) (100/1 +0%) Hardy Buck
100/1(+0%)
(7) Hardy Buck 100/1, Lightly-raced maiden under NH rules. 80/1, sixth of 9 in hunter chase at Cork (24f, heavy) on debut over fences 21 days ago. 80-1 when a long way behind Bigbraveboy at Cork and the latter was well held.
The chart reads from right to left to today's race.
Consistent DROMLEIGH can turn previous form with today's rival Casey West. Twice beaten by Casey West, is 7lb better off today and was within in a head of that rival at Clonmel last-time-out. The selection has fine jumping scope and has winning point-to-point form on yielding ground. Casey West is himself consistent and able and there shouldn't be too much between the pair. Mikey O'Connor switches to ride his own Nice To Meet, who won at Listowel last June and while well-held behind a smart winner at Cork recently, will be ideally suited by today's drying ground. Carrig Wells steps up in grade from his Cork success, where Shiroccosmagicgem finished fifth.
DROMLEIGH can reverse Clonmel placings with Casey West on these revised terms. The Brickey Ranger is a winning pointer and might be up to making his presence felt on his first go in one of these.
A few chances but NICE TO MEET has some flashes of really good form in hunter chases and he edges preference.
(6) Auric 13/8, Built on encouraging debut when landing 8-runner minor event at Kempton (6f) 16 days ago. Switches to handicaps now and should have more to offer. Did well to win at Kempton latest; opening mark looks fair; lots more to come; turf debut.
(3) (9/2 +55%) Miami Heat
9/2(+55%)
(3) Miami Heat 9/2, Winner at Kempton (7f) in November. Last of 7 in nursery at Wolverhampton (7.2f, 12/1). Off 126 days. Joined new yard and gelded since. Worth a market check on return. 7f winner for former yard; gelded prior to stable debut; not ruled out down in trip.
(4) (11/2 +21%) Mesaafi
11/2(+21%)
(4) Mesaafi 11/2, Stepped up on previous efforts (gelded since last start) when third of 12 in maiden at Kempton (7f, 14/1) 19 days ago. Likely more to come on handicap debut and merits consideration. Opening mark looks fair judged on recent Kempton 3rd (7f); not sure sharp 6f is optimal.
(2) (15/2 +6%) South Shore
15/2(+6%)
(2) South Shore 15/2, Lightly-raced maiden. Last of 5 in handicap at Pontefract (6f, heavy, 9/2) 20 days ago. Improvement required. Heavy ground a valid excuse for low-key return; still has time to do better; down in class.
(11) (12/1 +0%) Acer
12/1(+0%)
(11) Acer 12/1, Second of 4 in maiden at Bath (5f, good to firm, 1/3). Off 7 months. Something to find on form. Consistent in maidens last year but well beaten over C&D in her one nursery start.
(7) (12/1 +25%) Marie Ellen
12/1(+25%)
(7) Marie Ellen 12/1, Lightly-raced maiden. 14/1, sixth of 9 in nursery at Wolverhampton (7.2f). Off 160 days. Must improve. Free-going filly; best 2yo efforts on soft; improvement required for faster ground.
(5) (14/1 -17%) Hint Of The Jungle
14/1(-17%)
(5) Hint Of The Jungle 14/1, Lightly-raced winner. Two wins from 4 runs last year. 5/1, fifth of 6 in handicap at Southwell (5f) 22 days ago. Up in trip. Looks competitive on form. Won twice over 5f as a 2yo; pulled hard on reappearance; first attempt at 6f.
(8) (20/1 -11%) Giorgio M
20/1(-11%)
(8) Giorgio M 20/1, Lightly-raced maiden. Bit below form fourth of 11 in minor event at Wolverhampton (6.1f, 15/2). Off 135 days. Makes turf debut. Gelded/Had wind operation since last run. Mixed bag at two; wind and gelding operations offer hope of better this year.
(10) (25/1 +50%) Kapparis Kid
25/1(+50%)
(10) Kapparis Kid 25/1, Temperamental sort. Winner at Chelmsford City in December. Eighth of 12 in handicap (33/1) at Chelmsford City (6f) 24 days ago, hampered. Cheekpieces on 1st time. Others preferred. Not kicked on from his novice win in December; now tried in cheekpieces.
(12) (33/1 -106%) Land Of Magic
33/1(-106%)
(12) Land Of Magic 33/1, Unreliable individual. Good second of 7 in nursery at Goodwood (7f, soft, 5/1), well positioned. Off 6 months. Others more persuasive. Progressive at two but saved her best efforts for slow ground; opposable after an absence.
(9) (40/1 -60%) Call Time
40/1(-60%)
(9) Call Time 40/1, Thrice-raced maiden. 66/1, sixth of 9 in minor event at Salisbury (6f, heavy). Off 6 months. Improvement required on handicap debut. Gelded since last start. Promise on slow turf last year; gelded prior to handicap debut; improvement required.
19:20 Windsor Handicap (Class 5) 6f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 5 race.
AURIC is a handicapper with a bright future and may well blow his introductory mark of 74 out of the water if he lives up to Oisin Murphy's glowing appraisal following his hard-fought victory at Kempton 16 days ago. Murphy suggested the son of Havana Gold will benefit from a stronger pace and looks sure to get that if the usually free-going Miami Heat helps to set a decent tempo. Acer is respected but can also be keen in his races, a scenario which can set things up nicely for the selection.
Preference is for AURIC, who showed a good attitude when scoring at Kempton earlier this month and remains with potential on handicap debut. Shelbourne and Mesaafi rate the principal dangers.
Miami Heat is of interest on his stable debut but the unexposed AURIC (nap) can make light of his opening mark.
(1) Kaproyale 8/11, Prolific winning pointer (including latest start) who has made an excellent start in hunters, scoring at Huntingdon and Stratford in early summer. Leading claims. Chased home subsequent Cheltenham Festival third at Hereford in January; good chance here.
(2) (9/2 +55%) Yccs Portocervo
9/2(+55%)
(2) Yccs Portocervo 9/2, Won back to back over this trip at Uttoxeter at the beginning of the summer. Too free on first go in hunter at Taunton at the start of the year. Could do better here. Useful handicapper; struggled on hunter chase debut but this better ground will suit.
(4) (5/1 +9%) Duc De Bourbon
5/1(+9%)
(4) Duc De Bourbon 5/1, Successful hurdler/chaser at Worcester over this trip for Paul Nicholls and a winning pointer (runner-up latest start last month). Respected on first go in a hunter. Fair hurdler/chaser when trained by Paul Nicholls and has won a point this year.
(3) (8/1 -191%) No Getaway
8/1(-191%)
(3) No Getaway 8/1, Bounced back to form to open his account for the yard at the third attempt in 3-runner hunter chase at Newton Abbot (21f, good) last May under this rider and no match only for rejuvenated rival at Uttoxeter next time. Respected on return. A useful handicapper in his prime and won small-field hunter chase last year.
(6) (20/1 +20%) Rewritetherules
20/1(+20%)
(6) Rewritetherules 20/1, Multiple point winner but rarely shows his form in hunters. New rider among the winners. Second in this race in 2022 but pulled up on both appearances this year.
(5) (22/1 +0%) Imperial Esprit
22/1(+0%)
(5) Imperial Esprit 22/1, Successful on first of 2 starts in handicap chases for Harry Fry (sold £2,000) in 2021/22. Winning pointer but well held in that sphere latest start. First-time cheekpieces. Work to do. Dual point winner in 2023 but below form on latest outing; others look stronger.
19:30 Kempton Hunter Chase (Class 5) 20f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 5 race.
This would appear to revolve around KAPROYALE, who chased home Aintree Foxhunters' fourth Time Leader at Hereford before landing a point-to-point at Charing last month. Francesca Poste's charge has yet to run a poor race since changing hands in May of 2021 and this looks a golden opportunity for him to enhance that record further. No Getaway appeals as the main danger, while Yccs Portocervo heads the remainder.
KAPROYALE scored again between the flags last month and makes most appeal here. No Getaway is feared most.
Preference is for KAPROYALE, who was second to one of this season's leading British hunter chasers at Hereford in January.
(8) Hatadora 4/1, Lingfield winner (8f) in February who arrives on back of creditable fourth of 13 in handicap at Kempton (7f, 11/4) 5 days ago, having to pick way through. Makes turf debut. Merits consideration. Things haven't gone to plan twice since her Lingfield win in Feb; looks well handicapped.
(4) (11/2 -38%) Persian Phoenix
11/2(-38%)
(4) Persian Phoenix 11/2, 17/2, fourth of 6 in handicap at Wolverhampton (7.2f) 18 days ago, having run of race. Others more persuasive. 7f AW win at two but she's found life tough in handicaps; more realistically treated now.
(11) (7/1 -17%) Ocean Bliss
7/1(-17%)
(11) Ocean Bliss 7/1, Consistent sort who posted another solid effort when fourth of 13 in handicap at Yarmouth (8f, good to firm) 9 days ago, having run of race. Should give another good account. Better for the step up to 1m the last twice; needs a career best but that's possible.
(9) (15/2 +25%) Theworldsnotenough
15/2(+25%)
(9) Theworldsnotenough 15/2, Thrice-raced maiden. Ninth of 11 in maiden (22/1) at Wolverhampton (7.2f), not knocked about. Off 126 days. Makes handicap debut. Open to progress. Likely big improver upped in trip and switched to minor handicaps; interesting contender.
(1) (15/2 -173%) Palazzo Persico
15/2(-173%)
(1) Palazzo Persico 15/2, Posted personal best on final start of 2023 when taking 14-runner nursery (9/2) at Kempton (8f). Fairly treated on return and is one for shortlist. Ended 2023 in fine form on AW; up 7lb for latest success; something to prove on turf.
(6) (9/1 -13%) Morindoo
9/1(-13%)
(6) Morindoo 9/1, Lightly-raced maiden. Seventh of 8 in handicap at Wolverhampton (8.6f, 6/1) 79 days ago. Makes turf debut. Booking of Marquand a plus. Needs a couple of these to falter. Not beaten far on nursery debut; below par in February but returns with yard going well.
(10) (10/1 +50%) Sunny Corner
10/1(+50%)
(10) Sunny Corner 10/1, Thrice-raced maiden. Eighth of 10 in minor event at Wolverhampton (7.2f, 100/1). Off 6 months. Looks on a stiff mark for handicap debut. Gelded since last run. Modest form at two but several reasons to expect better now handicapping; has been gelded.
(5) (12/1 +25%) Quickfire
12/1(+25%)
(5) Quickfire 12/1, 22/1, sixth of 9 in nursery at Wolverhampton (9.5f). Off 151 days. First run for yard after leaving Ed Walker. Gelded since last run. Others more appealing. Chance on best 2yo form for Ed Walker; return to turf/gelding op could help.
(7) (12/1 +33%) Anthracite
12/1(+33%)
(7) Anthracite 12/1, Thrice-raced maiden. 200/1, ninth of 14 in maiden at Kempton (8f). Off 166 days. First run for yard after leaving Robert Eddery. Makes handicap debut. Up against it. Modest form in three runs for R Eddery as a 2yo; sold 5,000gns in December; best watched.
(12) (14/1 +44%) Tres Chic
14/1(+44%)
(12) Tres Chic 14/1, Creditable sixth of 11 in handicap at Kempton (8f, 16/1) 68 days ago. Can give a good account without posing serious threat to principals. 1 lb out of the weights. 1m winner on soft last year; quiet on AW over the winter; others look stronger.
(2) (20/1 +0%) Make A Scene
20/1(+0%)
(2) Make A Scene 20/1, Lightly-raced winner. Winner at Wolverhampton in February. 20/1, last of 11 in handicap at Kempton (8f) 51 days ago. Makes turf debut. Blinkers on 1st time. Others more persuasive. Well-beaten 20-1 shot on last month's handicap debut; now tried in blinkers.
(3) (22/1 +33%) Forest Hills
22/1(+33%)
(3) Forest Hills 22/1, Thrice-raced maiden. 200/1, eighth of 13 in maiden at Kempton (8f), needing stiffer test. Off 166 days. Work to do on handicap debut. Gelded since last run. Ran better on third start but the handicapper has taken no chances; gelded since last seen.
19:50 Windsor Handicap (Class 6) 8f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 6 race.
Richard Hannon's tendency to target races at Windsor cannot be underestimated and, on the back of what has been a sparkling return to form by runners from the yard, HATADORA has a lot going for her as she bids expand on the healthy strike-rate for the stable at this venue. Open to any amount of improvement, the selection debuts on turf from a potentially lenient mark, with the return to 1m a major factor. Kempton winner Palazzo Persico has 7lb more to shoulder, so perhaps Persian Phoenix may pose a bigger threat on these terms.
HATADORA should be suited by the return to this longer trip and gets the nod in the finale. Palazzo Persico and Ocean Bliss can also make their presence felt.
Stall 12 isn't ideal for the well-handicapped Hatadora and the unexposed THEWORLDSNOTENOUGH could be worth siding with.
Racecard Key
Ths is the racecard key.
Icon
Meaning
TomForm top stats, gold rated
TomForm top stats silver rated
Ran similar race before
S
TomForm fatstest rated speed horse, last time out
T
Top Time speeed rated
Top Racingpost rated
At the races watchout for
At the races top pick
Top rated for thet statistic
How to use Tomform
Please Watch this short video that will help you learn how to use Tomform.com to filter out the runners and find a winner in each race.
This is the 16:15 Kempton race from the video above backed at 28/1 earlier in the day.
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.
(2/9 +39%)
(3/1 +14%)
(20/1 -208%)
(100/1 +0%)
(200/1 +20%)
(16/1 +76%)
(40/1 +60%)
(9/1 +44%)
(7/2 -56%)
(11/2 +21%)
(16/1 +60%)
(10/1 +50%)
(6/1 -140%)
(25/1 -56%)
(5/2 +58%)
(80/1 -60%)
(2/1 -14%)
(4/9 +45%)
(11/1 -83%)
(125/1 -89%)
(100/1 +0%)
(200/1 -203%)
(100/1 -52%)
(22/1 -83%)
(40/1 -100%)
(11/4 +45%)
(9/2 +0%)
(6/1 +14%)
(9/2 +0%)
(18/1 -125%)
(3/1 +63%)
(18/1 +64%)
(80/1 +20%)
(6/1 +33%)
(4/1 -14%)
(5/1 -11%)
(25/1 -108%)
(6/1 +50%)
(5/2 +44%)
(25/1 -108%)
(10/1 +9%)
(7/2 +65%)
(9/1 -80%)
(5/1 +58%)
(9/1 +25%)
(33/1 +34%)
(17/2 -31%)
(80/1 +20%)
(40/1 -21%)
(7/2 -5%)
(10/1 +0%)
(9/1 +36%)
(25/1 -178%)
(14/1 +30%)
(9/4 -38%)
(11/2 +0%)
(2/1 +33%)
(10/1 -33%)
(17/2 -13%)
(18/1 -140%)
(13/2 +7%)
(6/1 +0%)
(13/8 +28%)
(17/2 +6%)
(6/1 +25%)
(15/2 -67%)
(16/1 +11%)
(33/1 +0%)
(33/1 +0%)
(10/3 -21%)
(4/5 +36%)
(11/2 -144%)
(7/1 +22%)
(200/1 -203%)
(9/4 +36%)
(17/2 +6%)
(10/3 -33%)
(22/1 -144%)
(20/1 -25%)
(11/1 +21%)
(9/2 +10%)
(14/1 -17%)
(12/1 -33%)
(40/1 -300%)
(11/4 -10%)
(13/2 +13%)
(10/1 -43%)
(16/1 +36%)
(50/1 -25%)
(2/1 +11%)
(6/1 +70%)
(18/1 -80%)
(20/1 -67%)
(5/1 -25%)
(10/1 -82%)
(9/2 +63%)
(8/1 -14%)
(10/1 -11%)
(9/2 +0%)
(16/1 +36%)
(7/1 -56%)
(11/1 -57%)
(14/1 -17%)
(9/2 -50%)
(17/2 -13%)
(15/8 +32%)
(5/1 +58%)
(10/1 +17%)
(10/1 +17%)
(12/1 -85%)
(9/1 -20%)
(16/1 -78%)
(17/2 +66%)
(6/4 +14%)
(10/11 +9%)
(66/1 -164%)
(5/1 -25%)
(200/1 -1011%)
(250/1 -525%)
(5/4 +44%)
(8/1 -7%)
(22/1 +12%)
(3/1 +40%)
(66/1 -164%)
(28/1 -12%)
(7/1 -75%)
(22/1 -120%)
(12/1 -9%)
(4/1 +33%)
(16/5 -16%)
(9/2 +44%)
(6/4 +40%)
(17/2 -42%)
(12/1 +0%)
(8/1 +56%)
(40/1 -21%)
(10/1 +17%)
(7/2 +61%)
(4/1 +50%)
(5/1 -11%)
(9/1 -38%)
(13/2 +7%)
(10/1 +0%)
(9/1 +55%)
(28/1 +30%)
(10/11 +24%)
(12/1 -50%)
(9/2 -13%)
(17/2 +39%)
(6/1 +14%)
(16/1 -14%)
(33/1 -200%)
(40/1 -186%)
(18/1 -13%)
(80/1 -60%)
(17/2 -31%)
(14/1 +0%)
(11/2 -57%)
(2/1 +50%)
(7/2 -56%)
(11/2 +0%)
(22/1 -38%)
(66/1 -100%)
(80/1 -220%)
(14/1 +30%)
(5/2 +17%)
(11/2 -10%)
(7/1 -17%)
(15/2 -25%)
(8/1 -78%)
(14/1 +13%)
(14/1 -133%)
(20/1 -43%)
(33/1 -136%)
(35/1 -6%)
(66/1 -164%)
(2/1 +73%)
(4/1 +50%)
(9/2 -100%)
(13/2 +19%)
(10/1 -54%)
(10/1 -43%)
(12/1 -50%)
(25/1 -108%)
(5/6 +17%)
(2/1 -23%)
(10/3 -33%)
(25/1 +24%)
(33/1 +67%)
(66/1 +34%)
(66/1 -371%)
(66/1 +74%)
(66/1 -65%)
(125/1 -25%)
(125/1 +38%)
(150/1 +40%)
(200/1 -100%)
(3/1 +33%)
(10/3 -21%)
(4/1 -45%)
(13/2 +0%)
(9/1 +55%)
(12/1 -220%)
(14/1 +0%)
(14/1 +22%)
(125/1 -150%)
(5/2 -11%)
(16/5 +68%)
(9/2 -13%)
(5/1 +44%)
(7/1 -8%)
(12/1 -220%)
(20/1 -264%)
(80/1 -142%)
(150/1 -200%)
(2/1 -45%)
(2/1 +60%)
(13/2 +28%)
(8/1 -33%)
(17/2 +39%)
(11/1 -38%)
(25/1 +0%)
(50/1 +50%)
(11/10 +37%)
(9/4 +65%)
(11/4 -202%)
(25/1 -127%)
(40/1 -100%)
(125/1 -25%)
(7/2 +50%)
(7/2 +0%)
(9/1 +44%)
(9/1 +59%)
(10/1 +9%)
(10/1 +70%)
(11/1 +73%)
(11/1 -57%)
(14/1 -40%)
(14/1 -40%)
(18/1 +18%)
(22/1 -175%)
(25/1 +38%)
(13/8 +82%)
(3/1 +65%)
(6/1 +50%)
(11/1 -100%)
(11/1 -450%)
(12/1 +76%)
(14/1 -250%)
(28/1 +15%)
(33/1 +0%)
(2/1 +69%)
(10/3 -11%)
(7/2 -27%)
(9/2 -13%)
(17/2 -113%)
(20/1 +0%)
(50/1 -52%)
(80/1 -471%)
(100/1 -400%)
(11/4 +0%)
(10/3 +26%)
(7/2 +36%)
(7/2 +0%)
(10/1 +0%)
(16/1 -45%)
(20/1 -100%)
(66/1 -65%)
(5/6 +9%)
(2/1 +67%)
(7/1 +30%)
(12/1 +64%)
(16/1 -33%)
(33/1 -65%)
(50/1 -317%)
(50/1 -150%)
(7/2 +13%)
(9/2 +18%)
(9/2 -29%)
(17/2 -21%)
(17/2 -89%)
(10/1 +38%)
(11/1 -10%)
(12/1 -60%)
(16/1 -33%)
(22/1 -38%)
(28/1 -56%)
(28/1 -40%)
(33/1 -83%)
(50/1 -178%)
(50/1 +38%)
(125/1 -25%)
(4/9 -10%)
(15/8 +0%)
(11/1 +73%)
(66/1 +47%)
(80/1 -21%)
(125/1 +0%)
(150/1 -50%)
(9/4 +50%)
(10/3 +5%)
(5/1 +50%)
(9/1 -20%)
(10/1 -82%)
(11/1 -22%)
(14/1 +30%)
(18/1 -50%)
(18/1 +36%)
(22/1 -159%)
(22/1 -10%)
(40/1 -43%)
(5/2 -43%)
(11/4 +8%)
(7/2 +50%)
(8/1 -7%)
(9/1 +18%)
(16/1 +36%)
(18/1 -29%)
(20/1 -100%)
(28/1 -155%)
(28/1 -100%)
(33/1 -175%)
(33/1 +34%)
(66/1 -100%)
(125/1 -25%)
(150/1 +40%)
(5/2 +29%)
(11/4 +66%)
(11/2 +0%)
(10/1 -150%)
(10/1 -25%)
(11/1 +73%)
(14/1 +0%)
(18/1 -157%)
(25/1 +24%)
(28/1 -250%)
(100/1 -52%)
(6/4 +63%)
(4/1 +0%)
(9/2 +59%)
(11/1 +45%)
(11/1 -38%)
(14/1 -115%)
(16/1 -191%)
(22/1 -83%)
(25/1 -79%)
(33/1 -175%)
(40/1 -21%)
(4/1 +50%)
(11/2 -10%)
(8/1 -100%)
(8/1 -14%)
(8/1 -14%)
(10/1 +44%)
(11/1 -57%)
(12/1 +0%)
(12/1 +33%)
(12/1 +64%)
(14/1 +22%)
(14/1 +65%)
(25/1 -56%)
(28/1 -133%)
(5/6 +34%)
(7/2 +56%)
(9/2 +10%)
(10/1 -82%)
(22/1 -238%)
(33/1 -32%)
(100/1 -150%)
(5/2 +58%)
(11/2 +31%)
(7/1 -8%)
(15/2 -25%)
(9/1 +36%)
(12/1 +14%)
(14/1 +13%)
(14/1 -250%)
(16/1 -33%)
(16/1 -100%)
(25/1 -127%)
(40/1 -100%)
(40/1 -100%)
(40/1 -21%)
(50/1 -52%)
(11/8 +21%)
(7/2 +46%)
(11/2 +31%)
(8/1 +0%)
(11/1 +21%)
(11/1 +56%)
(12/1 -140%)
(40/1 +20%)
(80/1 -142%)
(100/1 +0%)
(13/8 +46%)
(9/2 +55%)
(11/2 +21%)
(15/2 +6%)
(12/1 +0%)
(12/1 +25%)
(14/1 -17%)
(20/1 -11%)
(25/1 +50%)
(33/1 -106%)
(40/1 -60%)
(8/11 +12%)
(9/2 +55%)
(5/1 +9%)
(8/1 -191%)
(20/1 +20%)
(22/1 +0%)
(4/1 -14%)
(11/2 -38%)
(7/1 -17%)
(15/2 +25%)
(15/2 -173%)
(9/1 -13%)
(10/1 +50%)
(12/1 +25%)
(12/1 +33%)
(14/1 +44%)
(20/1 +0%)
(22/1 +33%)
