There were 32 Races on Monday 11th November 2024 across 4 meetings. There was 8 races at Carlisle, 7 races at Kempton, 8 races at Newcastle, 9 races at Wolverhampton, no doubt Tomform helped you find a winner.
Races & Results Monday 11th November 2024
The data in the racecards below is for the past year. View the racecard key.
(2) Asta La Pasta 11/8, A three-time hurdles winner last season around 2m and shaped encouragingly on his chase debut in a similar event at Ffos Las after 7 months off, despite looking in need of the experience in the jumping department. Sure to progress, though unproven over this far. 3 novice hurdle wins last season; encouraging third on chase debut and could build on that.
2
3
2nd (3) (14/1 -17%) Kilta
14
14/1(-17%)
(3) Kilta 14/1, Hasn't convinced as a chaser back on conventional tracks in 2 starts since his chasing debut win at Cartmel in May, jumping none too fluently under a patient ride at Worcester when last seen 4 months ago. Takes on 2 promising rivals on return and cheekpieces go on. Won on chase debut at Cartmel in May but two lesser runs have followed.
1
1
|F| (1) (4/5 -10%) Pic Roc
0.8
4/5(-10%)
(1) Pic Roc 4/5, Useful winning hurdler who ran two crackers in good Sandown handicaps over this trip to end last season. Will make a chaser and must demand serious respect on return. Strong handicap hurdle form at end of last term; could be type to make even better chaser.
PIC ROC (runner-up) readily accounted for Asta La Pasta (11th) when they clashed in a decent handicap hurdle at Sandown in March and the son of Mount Nelson, who looks every inch a chaser, can confirm his superiority if he takes to fences at the first time of asking. Kilta won a similar three-runner race at Cartmel on his chasing debut but has something to prove with cheekpieces added, having been soundly beaten on both starts since.
PIC ROC looks all over a chaser and is taken to concede 8 lb to the race-fit Asta La Pasta and make a successful start in this sphere. His yard has enjoyed plenty of winners first time out in the last few months and unlike Dan Skelton's charge, his stamina is proven.
Preference is for PIC ROC, who showed strong form in handicap hurdles in the spring and looks the type to do well over fences.
(7) No Questions Asked 4/9, Point winner who won a Market Rasen bumper and showed useful form when sixth in an Aintree Grade 2 in the spring. Good hurdles prospect and this looks a great opening first time up. Hood goes on. Creditable sixth in Grade 2 bumper at Aintree in April; strong claims on hurdle debut.
2
3
2nd (3) (9/1 0%) Cahier's Den
9
9/1(0%)
(3) Cahier's Den 9/1, €5,500 3-y-o, £20,000 4-y-o, Idaho gelding. Dam, ran twice over hurdles, half-sister to fair hurdler/useful chaser (stayed 29f) Ballyadam Approach. Won second of 2 outings in Irish points (May 5). 1 of 2 appealing newcomers for yard. Point winner; Brian Hughes rides stablemate Barrabooka, but not ruled out.
3
1
3rd (1) (9/2 -29%) Barrabooka
4.5
9/2(-29%)
(1) Barrabooka 9/2, Presenting gelding. Dam unraced sister to top-class hurdler/very smart chaser (winner up to 21f) Oscar Whisky. Successful sole outing in Irish points (Jan 2023). From a good family and makes plenty of appeal on Rules debut despite long absence. Point win in January 2023; absent since but no surprise if he goes well under Brian Hughes.
4
8
4th (8) (125/1 -25%) Powerofjet
125
125/1(-25%)
(8) Powerofjet 125/1, Third completed start in Irish points and well held in couple of 2m hurdles last month. Probably a staying handicapper. Displayed some ability in points but well beaten at triple-figure odds on both hurdle runs.
5th
10
5th (10) (16/1 -14%) Beorma
16
16/1(-14%)
(10) Beorma 16/1, Just modest form at best in bumpers for Thomas Gallagher this term, pulling hard under former owner/rider. Has joined Dan Skelton ahead of hurdles debut. Worth a look in the betting. Didn't achieve much in bumpers but Dan Skelton does well with recruits from other yards.
6th
9
6th (9) (11/1 +8%) Willie Shake Hands
11
11/1(+8%)
(9) Willie Shake Hands 11/1, Imposing sort but didn't do himself justice sent hurdling at Sedgefield in a hood/tongue strap having shown ability in a bumper for Ciaran Murphy 7 months earlier. Type to do better somewhere down the line. The switch to a right-handed track can suit on second hurdle start; not written off.
7th
5
7th (5) (28/1 +72%) Fond Farewell
28
28/1(+72%)
(5) Fond Farewell 28/1, Modest handicapper at best on Flat, well held twice in that sphere and in 2 goes over hurdles for current yard. Operated at lowly level on the Flat and well beaten at 150-1 on first two hurdle starts.
8th
4
8th (4) (25/1 +24%) Cringle Burn
25
25/1(+24%)
(4) Cringle Burn 25/1, Doyen gelding. Dam 2½m hurdle winner, half-sister to smart hurdler/high-class chaser (stayed 23f) Kalashnikov. Dam from talented family; yard enjoyed excellent October; not discounted on debut.
2
2
|PU| (2) (200/1 -100%) Barrister Blaster
200
200/1(-100%)
(2) Barrister Blaster 200/1, Modest maiden on Flat (stays 9f), down the field in handicap when last seen 16 months ago on final start for Mark Weatherer. Very modest maiden on the Flat and he would be a shock winner on hurdle/stable debut.
Based on the potential he showed when winning a bumper on his Rules debut before finishing a respectable sixth in a Grade 2 event at Aintree last time out, NO QUESTIONS ASKED is an intriguing option starting out over hurdles at this level. As is the case with the selection, stable companions Barrabooka and Cahier's Den also boast winning point-to-point form and they, too, catch the eye on their first starts for a highly respected yard.
NO QUESTIONS ASKED was beaten only 6 lengths in a Grade 2 bumper at Aintree when last seen and may have been found a good opening for his hurdles debut. Donald McCain sends out a couple of promising point winners in Barrabooka and Cahier's Den, while Beorma is worth a look having joined Dan Skelton ahead of her first crack over jumps.
This looks a good opportunity for useful bumper performer NO QUESTIONS ASKED to make a winning start over hurdles.
12:30 Carlisle Maiden Hurdle (Class 4) 17f PREDICTION SIMULATION
(4) Hms President 2/7, Useful handicapper on Flat lightly raced in recent times, easy to back and showing a bit on hurdles debut at Plumpton in February. Shaped as if amiss back on the level next time and while he's not been seen since, he has to make plenty of appeal here. Useful on Flat; clear second at Plumpton on sole hurdles attempt; the form pick.
2
7
2nd (7) (9/1 +55%) Golden Dove
9
9/1(+55%)
(7) Golden Dove 9/1, Fair on the Flat (stays 1½m) and some promise on recent hurdles debut at Wincanton despite racing freely in first-time hood. Shaped with some promise at Wincanton on hurdles debut; may build on that effort.
3
2
3rd (2) (50/1 +50%) Call Your Bluff
50
50/1(+50%)
(2) Call Your Bluff 50/1, 80/1, mistakes and well beaten on hurdles debut at Fairyhouse last month for John Joseph Hanlon. Beaten long way at Fairyhouse on sole start for Shark Hanlon.
4
5
4th (5) (18/1 -125%) Most Wanted
18
18/1(-125%)
(5) Most Wanted 18/1, Fairly useful form on Flat, placed all 4 starts up to 1¼m for Andrew Kinirons. Long absence to overcome now hurdling but this isn't a deep novice he returns in. Placed in four Irish Flat starts; returns from 16-month absence; market helpful.
5th
6
5th (6) (28/1 +30%) Villalobos
28
28/1(+30%)
(6) Villalobos 28/1, Modest on Flat (stays 1¼m), mainly creditable efforts since winning in March. Improvement needed now hurdling. Hurdles debutant; brings limited potential, being a Class 6 performer on Flat.
6th
3
6th (3) (100/1 +0%) Guinness Lad
100
100/1(+0%)
(3) Guinness Lad 100/1, Well held in bumper/Plumpton novice hurdle (hooded, settled better). Fared better with hood fitted last time but needs to improve again.
1
1
|U| (1) (6/1 +63%) Birthday Angel
6
6/1(+63%)
(1) Birthday Angel 6/1, Brother to useful hurdler Teqany (winner around 2m) and fairly useful hurdler Castel Gandolfo (winner around 2m). Fair maiden on Flat and showed aptitude for hurdling after 6 months off at Plumpton for new yard recently. Should come on for that. Maiden on Flat; third at Plumpton on the switch to hurdles; place possibilities.
A useful handicapper on the Flat, HMS PRESIDENT found only one too good at Plumpton on his hurdling bow back in February. He won't need to improve much on that promising effort to make a winning return to action and may prove the one to side with. Birthday Angel also placed at Plumpton on last month's debut over timber and he rates a threat, as does point-to-point winner Piper Park, who is one to note on her first attempt at hurdling.
PIPER PARK fetched a tidy sum after her point win and offered a fair bit in a Wetherby bumper in February. She returns for her hurdles debut in a pretty thin contest and is worth siding with over HMS President, who is presumably pretty fragile and didn't get the job done back from a similar absence first time up over timber in a weak race at Plumpton. Most Wanted completes the shortlist.
Armed with her 7lb sex allowance, unexposed PIPER PARK is an interesting alternative to form choice HMS President.
(9) We're Red And Blue 6/4, Debut bumper winner and shaped well when second of 10 in novice hurdle at Uttoxeter (15.8f, good to soft) 24 days ago. The form pick. Runner-up at Uttoxeter and there's a suspicion that form will work out well; key player.
2
7
2nd (7) (3/1 -9%) Jet To Vegas
3
3/1(-9%)
(7) Jet To Vegas 3/1, Easy winner sole outing in Irish points in May. Had breathing operation before shaping well when second of 7 in bumper at Carlisle last month. Interesting hurdling debutant. Point winner and bumper runner-up who could have a big say now tackling hurdles.
3
6
3rd (6) (7/2 -100%) Idaho Valley
3.5
7/2(-100%)
(6) Idaho Valley 7/2, Idaho gelding. Half-brother to fairly useful hurdler/useful chaser Toss Again. Won his only start in Irish points in February so a likely player with Brian Hughes up on his hurdling bow. Won on debut in Irish point; half-brother to useful Toss Again; could play leading role.
4
1
4th (1) (16/1 +0%) Balcomie Breeze
16
16/1(+0%)
(1) Balcomie Breeze 16/1, Lightly-raced maiden. Pulled up in novice hurdle at Wetherby (19.7f, good to soft, 40/1) on hurdles bow 26 days ago, losing place quickly 4 out. Promise in good-ground bumpers in early 2023.
5th
8
5th (8) (50/1 0%) Sam's Falcon
50
50/1(0%)
(8) Sam's Falcon 50/1, Ninth of 10 in bumper (12/1) at Sedgefield on NH debut 22 days ago. Makes hurdles debut with lots more required. Brother to the useful Sam's Gunner; interference costly on debut; not ruled out each-way.
6th
2
6th (2) (18/1 -100%) Bo Cruz
18
18/1(-100%)
(2) Bo Cruz 18/1, £19,000 5-y-o, Doyen gelding. Dam (c114/h113) 17f-2¾m hurdle/chase winner (stayed 3m). Runner-up in an Irish point so he's a considered newcomer. Point runner-up; Idaho Valley may be the yard's chief hope under Brian Hughes.
7th
5
7th (5) (125/1 -25%) Didntgotwenty
125
125/1(-25%)
(5) Didntgotwenty 125/1, Unplaced both starts in Irish points and only eighth of 10 in novice hurdle (100/1) over C&D on NH debut 25 days ago. Hinted at ability in a point but tailed off at 100-1 on last month's hurdle debut over C&D.
8th
3
8th (3) (125/1 -25%) Cage Rattler
125
125/1(-25%)
(3) Cage Rattler 125/1, Modest 7f Flat winner who came in eighth of 12 in novice hurdle at Sedgefield (16.8f, good, 125/1) on NH debut 6 days ago. Hooded for 1st time. Modest on the Flat and this headstrong sort was tailed off at 125-1 on recent hurdle debut.
As is the case with division one of this race, Donald McCain is dually represented with notable recruits from the point-to-point scene. Bo Cruz showed promise when second on his most recent start between the flags, but IDAHO VALLEY, a game maiden winner at Tallow and half-brother to winning hurdler/chaser Toss Again, looks the main hope based on jockey bookings. We're Red And Blue appeals most from those with hurdles experience, while Jet To Vegas was a promising second in a bumper here last month and is also considered.
The market should reveal plenty but Donald McCain's Irish point scorer IDAHO VALLEY is taken to go in at the first time of asking in this sphere with Brian Hughes in the saddle. We're Red And Blue is much the pick of those with experience and rates a big threat though, with other newcomers Jet To Vegas and Bo Cruz also worthy of consideration.
Bumper winner WE'RE RED AND BLUE was a promising second at Uttoxeter last month and is taken to go one better on his third hurdle start.
13:00 Carlisle Maiden Hurdle (Class 4) 17f PREDICTION SIMULATION
(6) Climbing 11/2, Fair maiden hurdler who has been placed in 2m4f novice handicap chase at Stratford and Worcester this summer. Not on his game at Sedgefield last time but hard to rule out. Well held last time but can't be written off yet; in good hands and has a useful pedigree.
2
2
2nd (2) (10/1 -82%) Steppenwolf
10
10/1(-82%)
(2) Steppenwolf 10/1, Winning hurdler for Gavin Patrick Cromwell (sold 21,500 gns in February) and made perfect start for new connections on the back of a breathing op when scoring over fences at Ffos Las in May. Bit underwhelming both starts since but has had a break. Only 1-11 over fences and hasn't gone on from the win; the most exposed contender.
3
4
3rd (4) (3/1 +14%) Muskoka
3
3/1(+14%)
(4) Muskoka 3/1, Showed a fair level of ability in bumpers and has matched that over hurdles, interesting chasing debutant returning for a stable going well. Consistent efforts over hurdles; may be capable of improvement over fences; solid claims.
4
1
4th (1) (5/2 -25%) Montecam
2.5
5/2(-25%)
(1) Montecam 5/2, Fair form in bumpers/over hurdles. Fell at Punchestown when last seen 6 months ago but now upped in trip/hooded for chasing debut, so warrants respect. This half-brother to Altior remains open to further progress; respected chase debutant.
5
5
|F| (5) (8/1 +43%) Ah Whisht
8
8/1(+43%)
(5) Ah Whisht 8/1, Point recruit who was first and second in novice hurdles in early 2023. Didn't fire last season but has undergone a breathing operation and should be involved back from 7 months off. Should make a chaser and has possibilities if tapping back into her early promise.
3
3
|U| (3) (4/1 +20%) Mighty Moth
4
4/1(+20%)
(3) Mighty Moth 4/1, Fair form when placed twice in bumpers and off the mark at the third attempt over hurdles at Hereford (maiden) in February. Not at best when last seen 6 months ago but has the physical scope to make a chaser. Lacked fluency in last two hurdles attempts but made no errors when winning in February.
Steppenwolf has disappointed in both outings since winning at Ffos Las in May and has undergone a wind operation. He would have solid claims if back to his best, but a chance is taken on chasing debutant MONTECAM. Nicky Henderson's maiden hurdle winner is a half-brother to the high-class chaser Altior and is fancied to improve now tackling the larger obstacles for the first time. Muskoka and Mighty Moth are others worth noting on their chasing debuts.
MONTECAM has shown fair form as a hurdler and is likely to be well prepared for this first go at chasing by his top yard, so he's preferred to Muskoka and Mighty Moth, who are also having their first go in this discipline.
Solid-looking MUSKOKA is taken to make a successful debut over fences. Montecam is feared most.
(7) Horsesomeharry 8/1, Never landed a blow in 3 starts over hurdles last term but improvement is likely now upped in trip on handicap debut. Cheekpieces on for first time. All the more interesting if backed. Needs another step forward on h'cap debut but the step up in trip may well be a positive.
2
11
2nd (11) (13/2 +74%) Emotional Roller
6.5
13/2(+74%)
(11) Emotional Roller 13/2, Promise when third of 12 on 2½m Wetherby handicap debut last December but hasn't built on that in 4 outings since, the latest at Worcester 11 weeks ago. Dropping down the weights but he struggled in the summer on his last three starts.
3
2
3rd (2) (40/1 -186%) Haveanothergoflo
40
40/1(-186%)
(2) Haveanothergoflo 40/1, Successful sole start in Irish points and third in maiden hurdles at Ayr and over C&D in early 2023. Pulled up (found to have an irregular heartbeat) on Uttoxeter chase debut last November and not seen since. Promise in maiden hurdles in early 2023; pulled up in chase that November and absent since.
4
1
4th (1) (10/1 +0%) Gasmani
10
10/1(+0%)
(1) Gasmani 10/1, Winner of bumper at Newcastle in March. Fourth in maiden/novice events over 2m since switching to hurdles and potential improver now making a quick switch to handicaps over a longer trip. Not obviously well treated for handicap debut but could relish the step up in trip.
5th
9
5th (9) (7/2 +46%) Get A Superstar
3.5
7/2(+46%)
(9) Get A Superstar 7/2, Yet to add to his bumper victory but has run with credit when fourth in 4 handicaps this season, beaten under 2 lengths at Sedgefield with cheekpieces added (retained) on latest. Good fourth in first-time cheekpieces at Sedgefield last time and could be thereabouts.
6th
10
6th (10) (18/1 -29%) Heeztheboy
18
18/1(-29%)
(10) Heeztheboy 18/1, Made a winning chase and handicap debut at Hexham (2m, heavy) last December. A heavy fall next time possibly dented his confidence in that sphere and he now returns to hurdles in a bid to get his career back on track. Well handicapped on last season's best chase form and a break may have helped.
7th
8
7th (8) (6/1 +14%) Ruler Legend
6
6/1(+14%)
(8) Ruler Legend 6/1, Useful Flat performer who landed short odds on his handicap hurdle debut in March. Below that level in 2 outings the following month but arrives fit from a respectable effort on the Flat and with his yard going well. Considered. Soundly beaten on last two hurdle starts but well treated judged on his Flat ability.
8th
3
8th (3) (14/1 -87%) Joie More
14
14/1(-87%)
(3) Joie More 14/1, Made the frame in points and has shown promise over hurdles, including fifth of 9 on C&D handicap debut/reappearance 18 days ago. Should be sharper with that behind him. Respected. Ran well for long way over C&D on reappearance; could improve for that outing; considered.
9th
5
9th (5) (9/2 0%) She's Notjoeking
4.5
9/2(0%)
(5) She's Notjoeking 9/2, Bumper winner who got off the mark over hurdles in 5-runner juvenile hurdle at Hexham in April. Shaped as if better for the run when 18 lengths third in 2m novice there on reappearance last month. Steps up in trip for handicap debut. Unexposed. Bumper and 4yo hurdle winner; the step up in trip could be a positive on handicap debut.
10th
4
10th (4) (7/1 +42%) Top Man Tom
7
7/1(+42%)
(4) Top Man Tom 7/1, Winning pointer who was visored when second of 13 in a maiden hurdles at Uttoxeter in July. Subsequently sold out of Ben Pauling's yard for £13,500 and went without the headgear when well held in Kelso novice for new yard in September. Handicap debut. Handicap debut; well beaten on first stable start but case can be made on previous form.
11th
6
11th (6) (18/1 -177%) Jo Arengeot Bey Aa
18
18/1(-177%)
(6) Jo Arengeot Bey Aa 18/1, Fetched £50,000 after winning his sole start in points. Little better than third in maiden/novice hurdles last season but he is unexposed now switching to a handicap on return. Handicap debut; hasn't really shone over hurdles but promise previously.
Although he failed to kick on after his breakthrough victory over hurdles at Huntingdon in March, RULER LEGEND showed that he is in decent condition with his fourth-placed return on the Flat at Newbury last month. The son of Camelot is open to improvement over today's 2m4f distance and he's fancied to regain the winning thread. Handicap debutant Horsesomeharry is another who may appreciate this rise in trip and the six-year-old is feared most, ahead of Get A Superstar.
HORSESOMEHARRY wouldn't be the first from his yard to prove a different proposition in handicaps and gets the vote, with confidence in his chance increased should the betting vibes be strong. Joie More shaped quite well on his C&D handicap debut last month and is second choice ahead of Ruler Legend, who retains handicapping scope on his Flat ability and hails from an in-form stable. In common with the selection, She's Not Joeking is an unexposed type who could improve in handicaps.
Having looked a threat only to fade over C&D on his handicap debut, JOIE MORE is taken to improve for that outing and come out on top.
(2) Califet En Vol 8/11, Cost plenty after finishing runner-up on his only outing in Irish points and shaped encouragingly despite being easy to back in Ayr bumper in April, not knocked about. Should do well over jumps and leading claims for yard that targets this race. Third in good Ayr bumper on rules debut in April; good hurdling prospect.
2
1
2nd (1) (11/4 -10%) As Legends Have It
2.75
11/4(-10%)
(1) As Legends Have It 11/4, From the pointing field and made it second time lucky in bumpers at Ffos Las in April despite briefly shaping as though the relative emphasis on speed was going to catch him out. Seems sure to have a future over jumps upped in trip now. Won soft-ground Ffos Las bumper in April and should have more to offer over hurdles.
3
4
3rd (4) (13/2 -18%) Thunder N Lightnin
6.5
13/2(-18%)
(4) Thunder N Lightnin 13/2, Placed on both of his starts in points and stepped up on his hurdling debut when second in 19f Taunton novice when last seen at Christmas. Might be vulnerable to a newcomer or two on first run for 10 months. Probably needs to better form of last season's Taunton second but has potential.
4
5
4th (5) (15/2 +63%) My Louise
7.5
15/2(+63%)
(5) My Louise 15/2, Successful on the first 2 of 3 starts in bumpers, was held back by inexperience sent hurdling after 7 months off at Chepstow but did enough in the end to suggest she'll improve. Dual bumper winner; shaped well on hurdle debut but others look stronger here.
5th
6
5th (6) (400/1 -167%) Banny Hill Lass
400
400/1(-167%)
(6) Banny Hill Lass 400/1, No form in bumpers/Chepstow maiden hurdle. Pulled up when 250-1 for recent hurdling debut.
3
3
|PU| (3) (50/1 -733%) Montana Golden
50
50/1(-733%)
(3) Montana Golden 50/1, Fair form in bumpers in the summer, second on debut at Worcester then shaping better than bare result at Market Rasen. Another good prospect for hurdling upped in trip. Second in Worcester bumper in June but others here have more compelling form at that level.
Nicky Henderson has trained two of the last three winners of this contest and his CALIFET EN VOL is anticipated to make a bold bid. The five-year-old finished a respectable third in a bumper at Ayr on his debut under Rules and will likely have plenty more to offer now hurdling. As Legends Have It won a bumper at Ffos Las in April and can feature if proving as effective on this faster going, while Thunder N Lightnin finished runner-up over hurdles at Taunton last year and that experience should stand him in good stead on his reappearance.
The three hurdling newcomers could have this between them, with CALIFET EN VOL taken to give his yard another win in this novice. He shaped well in an Ayr bumper in April and looks sure to do better now jumping upped in trip. As Legends Have It is preferred over Montana Golden for the forecast.
The most interesting one is CALIFET EN VOL, who was placed in what usually turns out to be a strong Ayr bumper in April.
13:45 Kempton Maiden Hurdle (Class 4) 21f PREDICTION SIMULATION
(1) Nells Son 12/1, Consistent sort who scored over C&D and at Kelso last term. Much respected on his seasonal return. He needs the others to underperform but this C&D winner has excellent reappearance record.
2
2
2nd (2) (15/2 -200%) Unexpected Party
7.5
15/2(-200%)
(2) Unexpected Party 15/2, Landed Grand Annual Chase at Cheltenham last season. Shaped encouragingly after 7 months off despite coming in last of 5 in Old Roan Chase at Aintree last month. Big shout. Won last season's Grand Annual and he's a key player if he's at his best.
3
3
3rd (3) (5/2 +17%) Path D'oroux
2.5
5/2(+17%)
(3) Path D'oroux 5/2, Finally got off the mark in this sphere in 4-runner novice chase at Cheltenham (15.9f, good) 17 days ago. This is tougher but he's still not taken lightly. Ran well in defeat in some top handicaps last season; strong candidate if he's at his best.
4
4
|F| (4) (4/11 +76%) Kalif Du Berlais
0.363636
4/11(+76%)
(4) Kalif Du Berlais 4/11, Landed a newcomers hurdle at Compiegne last October and won twice after at Kempton for his current yard, including the Grade 2 Adonis Hurdle. Remains lightly raced and an interesting chasing debutant. Won 4yo Grade 2 hurdle last term; top trainer has extremely high hopes for him over fences.
Not for the first time, UNEXPECTED PARTY's stamina appeared stretched by the 2m4f distance when finishing last in the Old Roan Chase at Aintree last month. Last season's Grand Annual hero should appreciate this stiff 2m and any improvement for his seasonal debut should make him tough to beat. Path D'oroux justified cramped odds in a novice chase at Cheltenham 17 days ago and another bold bid is forecast from Gavin Cromwell's charge, while four-year-old Kalif Du Berlais is an intriguing chase debutant with his handy weight-for-age allowance.
None of these can be ruled out but preference is for Dan Skelton's Grand Annual Chase victor UNEXPECTED PARTY who shaped as if his reappearance fifth in Aintree's Old Roan Chase would put him spot on here. Paul Nicholls saddles an interesting chasing newcomer in the shape of Adonis Hurdle winner Kalif du Berlais and Irish-challenger Path d'Oroux also warrants plenty of respect in this intriguing contest.
The 4yo KALIF DU BERLAIS won a Grade 2 over hurdles at Kempton in February and can exploit the 8lb allowance on his chasing debut.
(3) Pyramid Place 9/2, A fairly useful 2m4f hurdles winner for Harriet Dickin but he came in a below-form fourth of 8 for his new yard in handicap hurdle at Uttoxeter (19.9f, good to soft) 24 days ago. Needs to build on it. Eight hurdle wins; just a respectable fourth on recent stable debut but may have needed it.
2
2
2nd (2) (9/2 0%) Stoner's Choice
4.5
9/2(0%)
(2) Stoner's Choice 9/2, Successful over fences at fences and hurdles at Kempton in 2022/23 but has an 18-month absence to overcome. A watching brief has to be the percentage call after such a long layoff. Very game C&D winner off this mark in April 2023 but not seen again since.
3
4
3rd (4) (11/4 -10%) Jackpot D'athou
2.75
11/4(-10%)
(4) Jackpot D'athou 11/4, Bagged 2 of his first 3 starts over hurdles last term but came in last of 13 on his handicap debut at Ayr in April. Returns after breathng surgery and well worth another chance. Dual novice winner last season; flopped on handicap debut but still has potential.
4
1
4th (1) (9/4 +0%) Dargiannini
2.25
9/4(+0%)
(1) Dargiannini 9/4, Took this 12 months ago but he came in only fifth of 8 after 11 months off in handicap hurdle at Uttoxeter (19.9f, good to soft) 24 days ago. No surprise to see him bounce back now. Not at best last month, after a layoff, but won this race by 11l a year ago.
DARGIANNINI was sent off favourite when winning this race by 11 lengths last year and, with a run at Uttoxeter last month to put him spot-on, he has every chance of a repeat today off just 4lb higher in the handicap, especially if he is allowed to bowl along in front once more. Pyramid Place needs a career-best performance on his second start for Olly Murphy to win off his current mark and may have to settle for second, while the long-absent Stoner's Choice is the pick for third.
JACKPOT D'ATHOU fluffed his lines on his handicap debut at Ayr last spring but is taken to bounce back in style after breathing surgery for his in-form yard. Last year's victor Dargiannini could emerge as the main threat ahead of Pyramid Place.
Topweight DARGIANNINI is only 4lb higher than when dominating this race from the front last year and gets the vote.
(7) Disco Annie 12/1, Surpassed bumper form when finding only one too good in 17f Cartmel novice in May. Not in the same form over C&D 5 months later but she might have needed the run. Handicap debut. Could be back on better ground here which may be a plus; every chance she'll make bold bid.
2
2
2nd (2) (7/2 -5%) Strictly Tango
3.5
7/2(-5%)
(2) Strictly Tango 7/2, Third in first 2 hurdles (trained in Ireland on debut) before making it third time lucky in maiden at Sedgefield (2m, soft) last month, making all. Should be competitive from this opening handicap mark. Won Sedgefield maiden last month and could have potential off his opening mark.
3
4
3rd (4) (3/1 +60%) Diamond Koda
3
3/1(+60%)
(4) Diamond Koda 3/1, Fairly useful form when runner-up all 3 starts in bumpers. Also filled the same position on his completed starts in maiden hurdles in the spring. Makes handicap debut back from 7 months off. Lightly raced and consistent 5yo who may be on a handy opening mark.
4
1
4th (1) (5/1 -100%) Knomorediamonds
5
5/1(-100%)
(1) Knomorediamonds 5/1, Improved effort over hurdles when narrowly denied on C&D handicap debut 25 days ago. Raised 4 lb for that but it's likely this 4-y-o has more to offer. Leading claims. Close second on last month's handicap debut over C&D and open to further improvement.
5th
5
5th (5) (22/1 -10%) Rock Hurley
22
22/1(-10%)
(5) Rock Hurley 22/1, Won pair of 4-y-o hurdles in France but has been well below that level in 5 starts for current connections. It remains to be seen whether a 9-month break has had a reviving effect. Two-time French winner; has tumbled down the weights in Britain but for good reason.
6th
8
6th (8) (14/1 +44%) Paddy O'mahler
14
14/1(+44%)
(8) Paddy O'mahler 14/1, Reached the frame in a couple of handicaps last spring and shaped as if needing his first outing in 166 days when sixth of 9 over 2½m here recently. The drop back in trip isn't certain to help. On a competitive mark on last term's best form but now 0-12 and needs to get back to best.
7th
10
7th (10) (28/1 +15%) Fat Harry
28
28/1(+15%)
(10) Fat Harry 28/1, Brother to fairly useful hurdler/chaser Silva Eclipse. Didn't show that much in a trio of maiden/novice hurdles at the end of 2023 but handicaps provide him with a more realistic chance. One of 2 from the stable. Market check advised on handicap debut but well beaten on his three runs in autumn 2023.
8th
9
8th (9) (9/2 +10%) Dino Bellagio
4.5
9/2(+10%)
(9) Dino Bellagio 9/2, Dual bumper winner. Yet to better poor form over hurdles but her reappearance fourth over C&D was more encouraging and no surprise were she to prove a different proposition in handicaps. Hasn't really shone over hurdles but is on lowly opening mark relative to bumper promise.
9th
11
9th (11) (10/1 +70%) Bravethewaves
10
10/1(+70%)
(11) Bravethewaves 10/1, Still a maiden and didn't shape with much obvious encouragement back from 18 months off at Stratford 23 days ago. Market check advised on second start back from absence but he tailed off on comeback.
3
3
|U| (3) (40/1 -264%) Hourless
40
40/1(-264%)
(3) Hourless 40/1, Modest Flat winner who made a successful start over hurdles at Hexham for Alan King in June 2023. Runner-up on next 2 hurdle starts for that yard (including a handicap) and set to finish a respectable third when unseating last in Catterick juvenile for John Dixon last December. Off since. On a competitive mark but may be best watched on first run since last December (below par).
An opening mark of 106 could prove lenient for DIAMOND KODA, who found only a subsequent winner too strong at Fakenham in April. Nick Kent's inmate may prove a tough nut to crack if resuming in the same form and a first career triumph could be on the cards. Knomorediamonds finished a close-up second on his handicap bow over C&D last month and he isn't taken lightly off a 4lb higher rating. Strictly Tango and Dino Bellagio are also noted.
Lucinda Russell's KNOWMOREDIAMONDS is taken to build on his promising opening effort in handicaps over C&D last month. Dino Bellagio is a potentially dangerous opponent as her bumper ability certainly gives her scope from an opening mark in the 90s. Sedgefield maiden winner Strictly Tango also makes the shortlist.
It's likely that DISCO ANNIE will be back on better ground for this handicap debut and she gets the nod. Diamond Koda is feared.
(2) Ilovethenightlife 11/4, A fairly useful winning hurdler who made an encouraging start in this sphere when third of 5 in novice chase at Worcester (20f, heavy) 26 days ago. One to consider now going into handicaps. Useful hurdler who made a quite encouraging chase debut last month; major player.
2
1
2nd (1) (9/2 -100%) Sacre Coeur
4.5
9/2(-100%)
(1) Sacre Coeur 9/2, Three-time chase scorer last season who resumed winning ways in 6-runner handicap chase at Plumpton (25.7f, good to soft) 7 days ago. Expected to be bang there under a 7 lb penalty. Keen-goer who ran her rivals ragged from the front at Plumpton a week ago; 7lb penalty.
3
4
3rd (4) (5/2 +44%) Finest View
2.5
5/2(+44%)
(4) Finest View 5/2, Runner-up for the fourth consecutive start in handicap hurdle at Fontwell (19.1f, good) 64 days ago. Goes over fences now and a likely player for her in-form yard. Very consistent over hurdles this season; player if she jumps adequately on chase debut.
4
5
4th (5) (4/1 +20%) Mulberry Hill
4
4/1(+20%)
(5) Mulberry Hill 4/1, Bagged this prize a year ago and she wasn't discredited over hurdles when third of 7 at Ludlow (21.2f, good) 33 days ago. Must enter calculations. Won this race in good style a year ago but has lost her way a bit since.
5th
6
5th (6) (10/1 -150%) Trapista
10
10/1(-150%)
(6) Trapista 10/1, Completed a hat-trick at Ludlow (20f) in May and she posted another good effort when second of 6 in handicap chase at Uttoxeter (20f, soft) in July. Can make her presence felt after a break. Enjoyed a revival and won three in a row in the spring; still well handicapped on old form.
6th
3
6th (3) (17/2 -6%) Holly
8.5
17/2(-6%)
(3) Holly 17/2, A fairly useful winner at 17f over hurdles. Looked rusty after 6 months off when fourth of 6 in handicap chase here (18f, good to soft) on her debut over fences 22 days ago. Can build on it. Made low-key chase debut last month but could still have a good future over fences.
Some intriguing runners here include top-weight Sacre Coeur, who won last time out at Plumpton by 20 lengths and races under a 7lb penalty, and Mulberry Hill, who was third at Ludlow over hurdles last month but won this race last year when racing off exactly the same handicap mark. Both can go well, but a chance is taken on TRAPISTA, who finished second at Uttoxeter when last seen in July. The selection races from the bottom of the handicap and makes plenty of appeal with Benjamin Macey claiming a huge 10lb off her back.
This is wide open but Dan Skelton's SACRE COEUR rates the pick of the weights under a 7 lb penalty for her Plumpton victory so edges the vote from last year's heroine Mulberry Hill. Chasing-debutante Finest View comes here in fine form from hurdling and warrants lots of respect too along with Holly and Ilovethenightlife.
This pick is ILOVETHENIGHTLIFE, who won over hurdles off today's mark last season and made a satisfactory chasing debut last month.
(6) Divas Doyen 11/1, Has found just one too good over fences on several occasions and can be expected to strip fitter for her latest effort at Kelso, so not one to rule out. Maiden; runner-up 4 times over fences at up to 2m7f; relatively exposed now.
2
1
2nd (1) (6/5 +20%) Similar Story
1.2
6/5(+20%)
(1) Similar Story 6/5, Easy winner of an Irish point and left previous Rules efforts behind when making a winning chasing debut at Kelso 16 days ago. More to come in this sphere and is clearly the one to beat. Won Irish point; winning chase debut over 2m7f at Kelso recently; has some potential.
3
2
3rd (2) (13/2 +46%) Bolintlea
6.5
13/2(+46%)
(2) Bolintlea 13/2, Fair chaser who arrives on the back of a couple of poor efforts, back over hurdles at Worcester last time. Needs to return to form after a short break. Won 3m chase in January 2023; bitty since and well held over fences and hurdles of late.
4
8
4th (8) (7/1 +56%) Fiadh
7
7/1(+56%)
(8) Fiadh 7/1, Ended last season out of sorts over hurdles and will probably need this chasing debut in terms of both fitness and experience. Handy mark on chase debut; more moderate runs than good ones since hurdle win in Mar 2023.
5th
4
5th (4) (6/1 -50%) Jalisco Star
6
6/1(-50%)
(4) Jalisco Star 6/1, Creditable fourth of 10 in handicap hurdle (7/1) at Bangor (23.2f, heavy) 13 days ago. Makes chase debut. Can make presence felt if she takes to the larger obstacles. Placed in Irish points; ready 2m7f hurdle winner in March; close 3rd latest; chase debut.
6th
5
6th (5) (14/1 -56%) Baby Chou
14
14/1(-56%)
(5) Baby Chou 14/1, Seventh of 13 in handicap hurdle (8/1) at Wexford (16.7f, good to soft) 96 days ago. Switches from hurdles to chase. First run for yard after leaving Andrew Kinirons. One to monitor in the betting. Won Irish point in March; something to prove on subsequent runs now back over fences.
3
3
|F| (3) (7/1 -27%) Maimie's Magic
7
7/1(-27%)
(3) Maimie's Magic 7/1, Fair hurdler who wasn't at the top of his game towards the end of last year. Switches to chasing after 7 months off and returns on a feasible mark. Two hurdle wins; stays 2m6f; below best in March; chase debut with tongue-tie left off.
7
7
|PU| (7) (25/1 +24%) Darsi's Darling
25
25/1(+24%)
(7) Darsi's Darling 25/1, Shaped well on the first of her 2 starts in bumpers but hasn't shown a great deal over hurdles. Switches to fences on return but others are more appealing. Has shown ability in bumper company and over hurdles; chasing could be more her game.
JALISCO STAR looked to improve on her first start after wind surgery when fourth at Bangor over hurdles, beaten less than six lengths, and if she takes to fences at the first attempt, she should go close. Similar Story did win her only chase so far at Kelso but she was all out to get up over 3m and may struggle for pace over this trip off 5lb higher, while Maimie's Magic travels over from Ireland and is well worth a market check.
Ex-pointer SIMILAR STORY relished the switch to chasing when successful at Kelso last month and should improve for a while over fences, so he's preferred to chasing-debutants Maimie's Magic and Jalisco Star.
Jalisco Star is an interesting chase debutante but SIMILAR STORY (nap) made a good start over fences at Kelso and can follow up.
(1) Magical Arthur 9/4, Has improved since fitted with cheekpieces. winning at Hexham (23f) last month and second at Ayr (3m) since despite a couple of jumping lapses. First-time visor replaces the cheekpieces now. Leading claims. Backed up last month's breakthrough win with a good second; may still be on the upgrade.
2
2
2nd (2) (6/1 -200%) The Dark Edge
6
6/1(-200%)
(2) The Dark Edge 6/1, Improved further after 5 months off when off the mark in 9-runner handicap hurdle at Plumpton (20.5f, good to soft) in September. Progressed again when narrowly denied at Ludlow (21f) 18 days ago. Should go well if seeing out the longer trip. Clearcut 2m4f winner in September; upped in trip after going close over 2m5f last month.
3
4
3rd (4) (10/1 -82%) Inspector Lynley
10
10/1(-82%)
(4) Inspector Lynley 10/1, Opened his account in novice handicap at Stratford in July but pulled up at Perth only run since. Hood goes on now and the sort to bounce back. Dug deep for 2m6f win in July but needs to bounce back from a poor run in September.
4
3
4th (3) (17/2 -21%) Honey Jack
8.5
17/2(-21%)
(3) Honey Jack 17/2, Hasn't shown that much to date but handicaps provide him with a much more realistic chance and the stable is going well. Displayed minor promise in two spring maidens; up in trip for handicap debut.
5th
6
5th (6) (8/1 +43%) Jongleur D'etoiles
8
8/1(+43%)
(6) Jongleur D'etoiles 8/1, Little form of worth, including 2 handicaps during the summer. Has cheekpieces on first time. Could only consider if backed. Unplaced all six hurdling starts but not written off just yet; watch the betting.
6th
8
6th (8) (12/1 +40%) One Man Party
12
12/1(+40%)
(8) One Man Party 12/1, Poor maiden hurdler who needs to have derived a lot of benefit from a wind operation since last seen in January. Unplaced all ten hurdling starts and absent since pulled up in January.
7th
5
7th (5) (20/1 +0%) Tis But A Scratch
20
20/1(+0%)
(5) Tis But A Scratch 20/1, Remains a maiden after 19 runs. Latest Huntingdon fifth was one of his better efforts but it's still best to look elsewhere for win purposes. Ran quite well at Huntingdon last week but is 0-18 over hurdles now; others preferred.
8th
7
8th (7) (3/1 +81%) All Under Control
3
3/1(+81%)
(7) All Under Control 3/1, Poor form at best for Sheila Lewis last season, including a couple of handicap starts. Worth a precautionary betting check on her return for a new trainer among the winners. Off since 37l defeat in March but moves up in trip for stable debut and remains unexposed.
Although thwarted in his bid to land a double when runner-up at Ayr a fortnight ago, Magical Arthur lost little in defeat and a further 2lb rise shouldn't prevent the six-year-old from giving another good account. However, it could be worth taking a punt on INSPECTOR LYNLEY, who sits on an attractive mark if taking Eddie Edge's 7lb claim into consideration. Neil Mulholland's charge can be excused his Perth flop in September after not travelling well on the journey north and he had previously looked progressive. The Dark Edge completes the shortlist.
The pair at the top of the weights may dominate this, with MAGICIAL ARTHUR narrowly preferred to Charlie Longsdon's The Dark Edge. Honey Jack rates a possible improver in handicaps for the in-form Joe Tizzard stable and is next on the list.
Magical Arthur and THE DARK EDGE arrive in very good form and may fight this out. Slight preference is for the latter.
(3) Getawhisky 7/1, Getaway filly. Sister to useful hurdler/smart chase winner One For Rosie, closely related to fair hurdler Rivers Corner,. Dam unraced. One for shortlist on debut given pedigree/connections. Has an attractive pedigree and is in top hands; could play a leading role on debut.
2
11
2nd (11) (14/1 -180%) Roses All The Way
14
14/1(-180%)
(11) Roses All The Way 14/1, £30,000 5-y-o, Workforce mare. Half-sister to 3 winners, including fairly useful hurdler/chaser Turbo and bumper/2m hurdle winner Sweet Auburn. Dam bumper winner. Runner-up sole outing in Irish points (Feb 2024). Makes appeal on paper. Runner-up on debut in a point when beaten just 1l by a subsequent bumper winner.
3
5
3rd (5) (2/1 -6%) I've Madeupmymind
2
2/1(-6%)
(5) I've Madeupmymind 2/1, Bred to stay well but she showed encouraging speed when runner-up in mares bumper at Wincanton on debut. Not seen to best effect both starts since and looks the one to beat back from 6 months off. Ran well in defeat in all 3 bumpers last season; sets good standard for the rest to aim at.
4
8
4th (8) (3/1 +63%) Oh Clare
3
3/1(+63%)
(8) Oh Clare 3/1, €85,000 3-y-o, Walk In The Park filly. Closely related to fairly useful hurdler Timetochill, and half-sister to useful hurdler/chaser Geordie des Champs. One to note on pedigree. Represents powerful yard that does well in bumpers and she's bred for the job.
5th
1
5th (1) (100/1 -150%) Arctic Duchess
100
100/1(-150%)
(1) Arctic Duchess 100/1, Arctic Cosmos filly. Dam unraced half-sister to fairly useful hurdler/very smart chaser (stayed 3m) Pairofbrowneyes. 5,000euros foal; makes debut in what looks a useful race and she may be best watched.
6th
6
6th (6) (11/1 -10%) Kalo Athena
11
11/1(-10%)
(6) Kalo Athena 11/1, £38,000 5-y-o, Soldier of Fortune mare. Half-sister to fairly useful 17f hurdle winner Waspy. Newcomers from yard often fancied. Won both starts in Irish points in spring 2024. Needs considering. 2-2 in points; trainer 12-51 (24%) in bumpers in the last five seasons; one to consider.
7th
4
7th (4) (40/1 -21%) High As Hope
40
40/1(-21%)
(4) High As Hope 40/1, £10,000 5-y-o, Soldier of Fortune mare. Dam unraced sister to useful hurdle/chase winner (stayed 25f) Hester Flemen. Runner-up sole start in Irish points (May 5). Point runner-up; makes bumper debut; Brian Hughes rides stablemate Roses All The Way.
8th
2
8th (2) (10/1 +17%) Centurion's Sister
10
10/1(+17%)
(2) Centurion's Sister 10/1, Getaway filly. Half-sister to 3 winners, including useful hurdler/chaser Caius Marcius and bumper winner/fair 2m hurdle winner Nimby. Newcomers from yard often fancied. Half-sister to stable's Caius Marcius; trainer has a healthy strike-rate in bumpers.
9th
7
9th (7) (28/1 +44%) Lady Risky
28
28/1(+44%)
(7) Lady Risky 28/1, No Risk At All filly. Half-sister to 3 winners, including French 17f/19f hurdle/chase winner Mister Dino. Dam 13f winner on Flat in France. 16,000euros 2yo; half-sister to three French winners; may be one for further down the line.
10th
10
10th (10) (150/1 -127%) Pour Tout Le Monde
150
150/1(-127%)
(10) Pour Tout Le Monde 150/1, Related to a bumper winner and showed a bit at the second attempt when fifth at Sedgefield a month ago. Needs a fair bit more to compete, though. Midfield at Sedgefield on both starts; hasn't shown enough to suggest she'll win this.
11th
9
11th (9) (150/1 -50%) Phillyscope
150
150/1(-50%)
(9) Phillyscope 150/1, Telescope filly. Dam, lightly raced and little show over hurdles, half-sister to fairly useful chaser (stayed 31f) Boric. Others preferred. First foal; dam half-sister to two winners; a watching brief is advised on debut.
LTO Selection:hiden content, hiden content,
Getawhisky represents the in-form Skelton team and, as a daughter of Getaway related to some decent sorts, she can go well if her inexperience doesn't count against her. Donald McCain's Roses All The Way looks the best of his two runners, with her point-to-point second franked by the winner subsequently taking a Uttoxeter bumper, but I'VE MADEUPMYMIND seems the one to beat. Beaten less than seven lengths in both a Listed race at Sandown and a decent bumper at Cheltenham, she ought to find this level much more to her liking.
I'VE MADEUPMYMIND has already shown a good level of form and can put her experience to good use on return. Getawhisky looks an appealing newcomer for a top yard and Roses All The Way is an interesting recruit from points.
Preference is for the Dan Skelton-trained GETAWHISKY who is a sister to the highly talented two-time Carlisle winner One For Rosie.
(2) Sambucus 7/4, Lightly-raced maiden. Sixth of 8 in handicap at Yarmouth (10.1f, soft, 17/2) 20 days ago. Makes tapeta debut. Five-race maiden; improvement is not out of the question, provided she takes well to AW.
2
7
2nd (7) (4/1 +75%) Rock Armour
4
4/1(+75%)
(7) Rock Armour 4/1, Lightly-raced maiden. Last of 14 in handicap at Redcar (10f, good to soft, 33/1) 37 days ago. Makes tapeta debut. Regressive five-race maiden; has finished last in both handicap starts.
3
1
3rd (1) (10/3 -67%) Countess Candy
3.333333
10/3(-67%)
(1) Countess Candy 10/3, C&D winner. Third of 5 in novice (9/2) at this course (8f) 38 days ago. Back up in trip. Starts out in handicaps in a weak contest. Form figures of 313 reflect a solid start to her career, the win over C&D; respected.
4
6
4th (6) (9/1 +10%) Volcanology
9
9/1(+10%)
(6) Volcanology 9/1, 33/1, twelfth of 14 in handicap at Kempton (8f) 28 days ago. Back up in trip. Something to prove. Inconsistent since maiden win last autumn; best form gives her a fighting chance.
5th
4
5th (4) (11/2 -83%) Run For The Sun
5.5
11/2(-83%)
(4) Run For The Sun 11/2, Below form fourth of 8 in handicap at Leicester (8.2f, heavy, 14/1) 14 days ago. Down another 3 lb and this longer trip will suit. Could figure. Seven-race maiden whose 2024 efforts suggest this new trip is worth exploring; interesting.
6th
5
6th (5) (22/1 -120%) Redondo
22
22/1(-120%)
(5) Redondo 22/1, Course winner. Latest win at Hamilton in May. 50/1, tenth of 11 in handicap at this course (8f) 13 days ago. Back up in trip. Won at this course in February but has a question mark over current form.
7th
3
7th (3) (25/1 -233%) Rainproof
25
25/1(-233%)
(3) Rainproof 25/1, Thrice-raced maiden. 80/1, first run since leaving James Fanshawe when sixth of 14 in maiden at Carlisle (11.2f, good to soft) on return 61 days ago. Makes handicap debut and could do better. Perhaps needed her belated reappearance in September; makes AW/handicap debut.
COUNTESS CANDY showed significant improvement from her first start when she romped home by the best part of eight lengths over this C&D in a novice stakes in September. It is safe to put a line through her most recent start, as dropping back to a mile didn't suit the daughter of Toronado, and, now back over 1m2f, she is well worth another chance off a potentially lenient mark of 70 on her handicap debut. Run For The Sun and Sambucus are the pick of the remainder.
A modest handicap with RUN FOR THE SUN chanced. She has good claims on the pick of her efforts having been dropped another 3 lb and this step up in trip should suit. Countess Candy and Rainproof may also be in the mix.
Solid-looking handicap debutante COUNTESS CANDY is taken to defy top weight. Run For The Sun is feared most.
(5) Sanitiser 7/4, Fairly useful handicapper on the Flat. Yet to strike over hurdles but has been knocking on the door this spring, finishing second at Fontwell last time. Player. Consistent over hurdles this year, and was 20l clear of the third when second last time.
2
1
2nd (1) (15/2 +6%) Douglas Dc
7.5
15/2(+6%)
(1) Douglas Dc 15/2, Fair handicapper who arrives on the back of creditable efforts over 2m at Worcester and Wincanton in recent months. Just 1-18 over hurdles but went very close in September and has run well again since.
3
3
3rd (3) (5/2 -33%) Ikigai Star
2.5
5/2(-33%)
(3) Ikigai Star 5/2, Won a 2m Huntingdon maiden in May and even better form in handicaps this autumn, finishing runner-up at Worcester before shading a tight finish at Southwell (2m, good to firm) last month. A 2 lb nudge shouldn't prevent another prominent showing. Scored at Southwell last month and is now 2-6 for stable; high on the list.
4
2
4th (2) (9/1 -13%) Pop The Champagne
9
9/1(-13%)
(2) Pop The Champagne 9/1, Made the frame for the fourth start in succession over hurdles when fourth at Wincanton (21f) last month. Can make mistakes. Consistent over hurdles and on the Flat this year; probably won't be far away.
5th
4
5th (4) (10/3 +0%) Ezmerellda
3.333333
10/3(+0%)
(4) Ezmerellda 10/3, Fair maiden on the Flat who got off the mark in this sphere at Doncaster last December. Respectable fourth of 12 on Stratford reappearance 23 days ago and entitled to come on for the outing. Respectable fourth on recent seasonal debut and can be dangerous off a good mark here.
IKIGAI STAR built on his second at Worcester in September when landing the spoils at Southwell last month. A 2lb nudge up in the ratings looks more than fair for Charlie Longsdon's inmate and a brace could be on the horizon. Sanitiser remains a maiden in this sphere after 10 outings to date, but the five-year-old has done little wrong and a reproduction of his latest runner-up effort at Fontwell is likely to see him involved once more. Ezmerellda may fare best of the remainder.
A case can be made for all 5 in quite a trappy finale. SANITISER can't be faulted for consistency over hurdles and perhaps this is the day he'll get his head in front. Ezmerellda and Ikigai Star are feared most.
Top of the list is EZMERELLDA (nap), who is 1lb lower than when running a big race in defeat on her handicap hurdle debut in February
(6) Up The Jazz 8/1, Latest win at Ripon in June. 13/2, eighth of 12 in handicap at Newcastle (10.2f) 27 days ago, well positioned. Probably remains in form and shouldn't be ruled out. Dual turf winner who is unexposed on AW but he's not easy to predict; others preferred.
2
9
2nd (9) (7/1 +13%) Charlie's Choice
7
7/1(+13%)
(9) Charlie's Choice 7/1, C&D winner. 5/1, 8¾ lengths ninth of 10 to Tribal Wisdom in handicap at this C&D 23 days ago, lost all chance at start. Capable of getting involved for all that slow starts are an ongoing issue. Disappointing over C&D latest but he missed the break and has claims if he can bounce back.
3
1
3rd (1) (33/1 -230%) Polling Day
33
33/1(-230%)
(1) Polling Day 33/1, Respectable 3 lengths fifth of 10 to Tribal Wisdom in handicap at this C&D (14/1) 23 days ago. First run for yard after leaving Archie Watson. Not taken lightly. Both wins were in 2021 and was held behind Tribal Wisdom here latest; now with new yard.
4
5
4th (5) (9/1 +10%) Timetobenice
9
9/1(+10%)
(5) Timetobenice 9/1, 20/1, last of 9 in handicap at Sandown (10f, good). Off 150 days. Had been in form prior to latest effort and is worth monitoring in the market on return. Lightly raced 3yo but he was tailed off last time and has something to prove on return.
5th
3
5th (3) (11/4 +31%) Tribal Wisdom
2.75
11/4(+31%)
(3) Tribal Wisdom 11/4, C&D winner. 3 wins from 13 runs this year. Latest win here in October. Creditable third of 8 in handicap at Chelmsford City (10f, 7/1) 11 days ago. One to consider. Record of 2-2 at this track and was good third at Chelmsford last time; key player.
6th
8
6th (8) (3/1 +0%) Fools Rush In
3
3/1(+0%)
(8) Fools Rush In 3/1, Course winner. Latest win here in September. 11/1, good second of 10 in handicap at this course (8.6f) 7 days ago. Has good chance on form. Had near miss over 8.6f here last Monday and is a major player if he can repeat that form.
7th
2
7th (2) (16/1 +20%) Young Fire
16
16/1(+20%)
(2) Young Fire 16/1, Course winner. Latest win at York in September. Respectable seventh of 14 in handicap at Doncaster (10.2f, soft, 40/1) 17 days ago. Won at York in September but he's been disappointing since and has tough draw back on AW.
8th
7
8th (7) (15/2 +17%) Visibility
7.5
15/2(+17%)
(7) Visibility 15/2, 6-time course winner. Latest win here in October. 10/1, creditable fourth of 10 in handicap at this course (8.6f) 7 days ago, caught further back than ideal. Worthy of consideration. Six-time course winner who scored over C&D two runs back; big player if he gets some luck.
9th
11
9th (11) (28/1 -100%) Vecchio
28
28/1(-100%)
(11) Vecchio 28/1, Fifth of 10 in handicap at this course (8.6f, 80/1) 7 days ago, caught further back than ideal. Not discounted. 0-12 but was an eyecatcher over 8.6f here last time and has claims if he can build on that.
10th
4
10th (4) (50/1 -178%) Ellexis
50
50/1(-178%)
(4) Ellexis 50/1, C&D winner. Last of 10 in handicap at Kempton (11f, 66/1) 26 days ago, missing break. Needs to get back on track. Emphatic win over C&D in January but was beaten 20l at Kempton on comeback; risks attached.
11th
10
11th (10) (16/1 -14%) Flatley
16
16/1(-14%)
(10) Flatley 16/1, Course winner. Latest win at Newbury in July. 28/1, below form sixth of 11 in handicap at this C&D 23 days ago. Has lost his way since his Newbury win in July and needs a major revival.
TRIBAL WISDOM landed a more competitive handicap than this when last tried over course and distance two starts ago. The son of Frankel looks to have solid claims back this venue, with Ryan Kavanagh's 3lb allowance further helping his cause, and he can regain the winning thread. Visibility won an amateur riders' race here on his penultimate outing and the return to this longer distance will suit, while Fools Rush In is not easily discounted having won over the extended mile here in September.
FOOLS RUSH IN goes well here and, having just been collared late here a week ago, he's worth a chance to make amends if the race doesn't come too soon. Tribal Wisdom is a danger and Visibility can feature if things drop right for him.
Top of the list is TRIBAL WISDOM, who is 2-2 at this track and was a creditable third behind an improver at Chelmsford last time.
(1) Force And Valour 6/4, Winner at Thirsk in August. 10/11, good second of 10 in nursery at Southwell (5f) 14 days ago, finishing well after being forced to switch last ½ and unlucky. Strong claims back in a novice. Nearly justified favouritism in Southwell nursery dropped to 5f last time; major player.
2
4
2nd (4) (50/1 -150%) Dc Cogent
50
50/1(-150%)
(4) Dc Cogent 50/1, Foaled January 30. Washington DC gelding. Half-brother to 5f winner Circus Lion. Dam unraced half-sister to Prix Robert Papin winner Tis Marvellous. Washington DC half-brother to a 5f winner; one of two newcomers in the field.
3
6
3rd (6) (9/1 +55%) Star Chorus
9
9/1(+55%)
(6) Star Chorus 9/1, Twice-raced maiden. Third of 10 in novice at Southwell (5f, 22/1) 18 days ago, slowly away. Looks one for handicaps. Only a modest third at Southwell last time but could well take another step forward.
4
8
4th (8) (8/11 +9%) Queenofdestruction
0.727273
8/11(+9%)
(8) Queenofdestruction 8/11, €42,000 foal, €10,000 yearling, £100,000 2-y-o, Dandy Man filly. Dam 1m winner out of useful 6f/7f winner Girouette. 9/1, second of 7 in novice at Wolverhampton (5.1f) on debut 28 days ago, edged out post. That was a very promising start and she could be hard to beat with improvement likely. Went very close at Wolverhampton four weeks ago for a promising debut; leading claims.
5th
7
5th (7) (50/1 -100%) Fair Call
50
50/1(-100%)
(7) Fair Call 50/1, Twice-raced maiden. 10/1, sixth of 8 in novice at Yarmouth (5.2f, soft) 20 days ago, very slowly away. Slowly away in both runs but showed promise on first occasion; may improve.
6th
9
6th (9) (25/1 +0%) Tiva
25
25/1(+0%)
(9) Tiva 25/1, €100,000 Mehmas filly. Dam, sprint maiden, closely related to very smart winner up to 7f Tasleet. 16/1, fifth of 9 in novice at Southwell (5f) on debut 18 days ago, slowly away. Showed signs of ability over 5f at Southwell but shaped as if in need of further.
7th
2
7th (2) (14/1 -75%) Bueno Nacho
14
14/1(-75%)
(2) Bueno Nacho 14/1, Twice-raced maiden. First run since leaving Dominic Ffrench Davis when last of 20 in sales race (33/1) at York (6f, good to firm) 81 days ago, possibly amiss. Debut run at Newmarket was promising. Both starts over 6f on turf; debut form (third at Newmarket) gives him place claims.
8th
5
8th (5) (100/1 0%) Nobody's Business
100
100/1(0%)
(5) Nobody's Business 100/1, Twice-raced maiden. 80/1, eighth of 9 in maiden at this course (6f) 13 days ago. Needs to improve plenty on his 6f efforts.
9th
3
9th (3) (125/1 -279%) Crackinthunder
125
125/1(-279%)
(3) Crackinthunder 125/1, Foaled March 27. 4,000 gns foal, Land Force gelding. Dam 5f winner (including at 2 yrs). Wears hood. 4,000gns foal; wears hood on debut; yard has modest strike-rate with 2yos.
Force And Valour is not one to ignore after the Mehmas colt came home second in a Southwell nursery last month when beaten just a head, and a return to novice company can see him get into the mix. Dc Cogent is bred to be a sprinter and is related to plenty of winners over 5f and 6f, but QUEENOFDESTRUCTION is preferred. Second on her only start when beaten a nose at Wolverhampton, normal improvement may be all she needs to go one better today.
QUEENOFDESTRUCTION made a very promising start when just failing at Wolverhampton 4 weeks ago and could be hard to beat with progress imminent. Force And Valour looked unlucky not to win for a second time at Southwell and is the clear danger. Bueno Nacho is probably worth another chance switched to AW.
Wolverhampton runner-up QUEENOFDESTRUCTION can go one better. Force And Valour is second choice.
(2) Wonder 4/11, Thrice-raced gelding. Pulled up in maiden at Newmarket (8f, good to firm, 5/1). Off 13 months and gelded since last seen, but has shown plenty of ability on first couple of starts, so worthy of respect. Clear promise in first two of his three 2yo runs and he needs a close look on comeback.
2
4
2nd (4) (5/1 -67%) Steps In Time
5
5/1(-67%)
(4) Steps In Time 5/1, Shalaa gelding. Closely related to 1m winners Enlighted and Zanibar and half-brother to winner up to 15f Anecdotic. Dam 1m winner. Interesting newcomer. Has good pedigree and he needs watching in market on debut.
3
3
3rd (3) (25/1 -150%) Mr Grimes
25
25/1(-150%)
(3) Mr Grimes 25/1, Twice-raced gelding. Fifth of 7 in maiden at Chelmsford City (8f, 5/1) 53 days ago, slowly away. Needs to up his game. Promising second on Lingfield debut but he failed to build on that at Chelmsford.
4
1
4th (1) (7/1 -331%) Show Biz Kid
7
7/1(-331%)
(1) Show Biz Kid 7/1, Fairly useful gelding. Remains a maiden after 7 Flat runs. First run since leaving Richard Hannon when sixth of 7 in novice at this C&D (evens) 23 days ago. Definite claims on his best form. Flopped over C&D on stable debut but is a big player if he can bounce back near best.
5th
5
5th (5) (22/1 +33%) Ricardo Phillips
22
22/1(+33%)
(5) Ricardo Phillips 22/1, Lightly-raced gelding. 40/1, seventh of 9 in handicap at Brighton (9.9f, heavy) 25 days ago. Makes tapeta debut. Others make more appeal. Well held in all five runs including two Class 6 handicaps; can only be watched.
6th
6
6th (6) (80/1 -142%) Rohilla
80
80/1(-142%)
(6) Rohilla 80/1, £20,000 yearling, 1,000 gns 2-y-o, Raven's Pass filly. Sister to 6f winner Mana Pass. Dam, 6f-7f winner, half-sister to smart 1¼m winner Solva out of useful 2-y-o 7f winner Annapurna. Yard 2-31 in maidens in recent years and she could be one for further down the line.
Show Biz Kid attempted to make all when starting favourite here on his first start for new connections, but faded tamely in the closing stages. He can fare better with that outing under his belt, but a chance is taken on WONDER. The son of Masar makes a belated reappearance after suffering a setback at Newmarket over a year ago, though he had shown enough when runner-up at Salisbury before that to suggest he can win at this level. Mr Grimes may prove best of the rest.
This looks a weak race and STEPS IN TIME makes some appeal on pedigree, so he's worth a chance to make a winning start at the possible expense of Show Biz Kid. Wonder can make his presence felt if tuned up after a long absence/gelding operation.
This looks a bit trappy but SHOW BIZ KID has leading claims if he can bounce back near his best and he gets the vote.
16:45 Wolverhampton Maiden (Class 5) 10f PREDICTION SIMULATION
(3) Laurens Dream 11/2, Lightly-raced maiden. Creditable second of 9 in nursery at Leicester (7f, heavy, 5/1) 14 days ago, just bumping into one who showed much improved form, and clear of the rest. Good shout now switched to AW. Had Paulie Two Lockers behind when a clear second on heavy ground latest; shortlisted.
2
2
2nd (2) (7/4 +68%) Clever Jack
1.75
7/4(+68%)
(2) Clever Jack 7/4, Thrice-raced maiden. Off 4 months/gelded, eighth of 9 in novice (200/1) at Kempton (8f) 28 days ago. More needed now handicapping but it's possible. Beaten a long way in three runs to date at huge prices (6f-1m); would want to see support.
3
6
3rd (6) (11/4 -10%) A Fine Claret
2.75
11/4(-10%)
(6) A Fine Claret 11/4, Lightly-raced maiden. Cheekpieces on for 1st time, second of 10 in nursery at Southwell (7.1f, 10/3) 7 days ago. Player off basement mark if building on that. Best effort yet, upped to this trip in first-time cheekpieces last Tuesday; leading claims.
4
1
4th (1) (13/2 +7%) Paulie Two Lockers
6.5
13/2(+7%)
(1) Paulie Two Lockers 13/2, Hasn't looked straightforward, fourth of 9 in nursery at Leicester (7f, heavy, 12/1) 14 days ago, hanging right. Cheekpieces on 1st time. Had issues at the stalls and been inclined to hang right; need to improve on his AW debut.
4
5
4th (5) (16/1 -33%) Invincible Love
16
16/1(-33%)
(5) Invincible Love 16/1, Lightly-raced maiden. Fifth of 6 in nursery at this course (5f, 10/1) 10 days ago. Significantly up in trip. Not been seeing it out in sprints, including down to 5f here ten days ago; hard to fancy.
6th
4
6th (4) (13/2 -8%) Fastnet Jenkins
6.5
13/2(-8%)
(4) Fastnet Jenkins 13/2, Lightly-raced maiden. 4/1, fifth of 7 in nursery at this course (8f) 10 days ago. Pulled hard and didn't see it out over 1m here ten days ago; should do better back at 7f.
Karl Burke won this in 2022 with Monty Man and the Middleham-based handler bids to repeat the dose today with Southwell second A FINE CLARET. He can go close, assuming the headgear works a second time, and he may prove too strong in the finish for Leicester runner-up Laurens Dream, who makes her all-weather debut. Paulie Two Lockers has shown glimpses of ability and sports first-time cheekpieces as connections search for the improvement needed.
LAURENS DREAM has been shaping up nicely in nurseries over this trip and seems sure to go well if taking to the new surface. A Fine Claret is feared most ahead of Clever Jack.
Having posted two solid efforts in turf nurseries, LAURENS DREAM (nap) can break her duck. A Fine Claret is the obvious danger.
(9) Naughty Eyes 6/1, Foaled March 23. 12,000 gns yearling, Mehmas filly. Dam, maiden (stayed 6f), closely related to smart winner up to 7f Campanelle out of useful 2-y-o 5f winner Janina. One to note on debut. Yard 20% with 2yos this year and she needs a close look on debut.
2
3
2nd (3) (9/2 +55%) Sandscreendeliverd
4.5
9/2(+55%)
(3) Sandscreendeliverd 9/2, Foaled April 12. Bated Breath gelding. Half-brother to useful French 5f-6.5f winner Mgheera and another winner abroad by Showcasing. Not dismissed. Plenty to like on paper and interesting to see how he figures in market.
3
8
3rd (8) (5/1 +17%) Mrs Dowley
5
5/1(+17%)
(8) Mrs Dowley 5/1, Foaled March 31. €12,000 yearling, Footstepsinthesand filly. Dam, maiden (stayed 10.5f), half-sister to useful 1m-1¼m winner Waarif. Likely to be on the premises. Yard 13% with 2yos here in recent years and market should guide on debut.
4
2
4th (2) (25/1 -56%) Moby Quick
25
25/1(-56%)
(2) Moby Quick 25/1, Once-raced gelding. Last of 8 in novice at Redcar (9f, heavy, 10/1) on debut 14 days ago. Significantly down in trip. Might do better away from testing ground. Trailed home in last of eight on recent Redcar debut (1m1f) and now drops to 6f.
5th
4
5th (4) (4/1 -20%) Sundiata Keita
4
4/1(-20%)
(4) Sundiata Keita 4/1, Foaled April 3. €15,000 yearling, Sands of Mali colt. Half-brother to 5f winner Kodiac Express and 7f winner Cill Mocheallog. Dam, 2-y-o 5f/6f winner, sister to smart winner up to 6f Taajub. Worth chancing on debut. Has plenty of speed in pedigree and he needs watching in market on debut.
6th
11
6th (11) (40/1 +0%) Sarabi
40
40/1(+0%)
(11) Sarabi 40/1, Twice-raced filly. Last of 4 in maiden (33/1) at Catterick (5f, heavy) 13 days ago. Up in trip. Hard to make a case for. RPRs in the 30s when beaten around 11l in 5f maidens here and at Catterick last month.
7th
1
7th (1) (6/1 -140%) Beta Reader
6
6/1(-140%)
(1) Beta Reader 6/1, Twice-raced colt. Fifth of 10 in novice at Southwell (7.1f, 6/1) 11 days ago. May do better and experience could be put to good use. Showed promise at Southwell 11 days ago and he's open to more progress on this drop to 6f.
8th
12
8th (12) (25/1 +0%) Swizzle
25
25/1(+0%)
(12) Swizzle 25/1, Once-raced filly. Eighth of 10 in maiden (14/1) at Chelmsford City (6f) on debut 11 days ago, missing break. More required. Made low-key start at Chelmsford 11 days ago and needs to leave that form well behind.
9th
7
9th (7) (5/1 +80%) Mercutia
5
5/1(+80%)
(7) Mercutia 5/1, Once-raced filly. 18/1, last of 12 in novice at Newbury (6f, good to firm) on debut, slowly away. Off 139 days. Hard to fancy. Reported to have finished lame when last of 12 at Newbury but was an outsider in that race.
10th
5
10th (5) (12/1 +40%) Unfortunate Heir
12
12/1(+40%)
(5) Unfortunate Heir 12/1, Twice-raced colt. Eleventh of 12 in maiden at Kempton (7f, 66/1) 19 days ago. Unlikely to feature. Finished out the back in two runs at Kempton (6f/7f) this autumn, with a best RPR of 40.
11th
10
11th (10) (100/1 -203%) Polk Salad Annie
100
100/1(-203%)
(10) Polk Salad Annie 100/1, Foaled March 5. 7,500 gns yearling, Time Test filly. Dam, maiden (stayed 1½m), half-sister to very smart 8.6f-1¼m winner Kalpana out of useful 9.5f-1½m winner Zero Gravity. Looks a longer-term prospect on pedigree and others are preferred.
12th
6
12th (6) (66/1 -100%) Lady Monroe
66
66/1(-100%)
(6) Lady Monroe 66/1, Foaled April 6. €2,500 yearling, Profitable filly. Half-sister to 2-y-o 6f winner Lady Amanda. Dam, winner up to 1m (2-y-o 6f winner) who stayed 10.5f, sister to useful winner up to 1m Conniption. Not an obvious sort on paper. 2,500euros yearling; yard 2-42 with 2yos in recent years and others look more likely.
BETA READER's inexperience has got the better of him in both starts so far, although last month's improved effort at Southwell indicated he was going the right way. This shorter trip will likely suit and he gets another chance, with Charlie Johnston's yard back among the winners in the past week. Sandscreendeliverd is a half-brother to a Listed sprint winner and could go well if attracting support on his debut, while Naughty Eyes and Sundiata Keita are other newcomers to note in the market.
SUNDIATA KEITA is bred for speed and, if he has enough know-how on debut, he could land what looks a thin race on paper. Naughty Eyes is another newcomer to respect and Beta Reader is the best of those with experience.
The vote goes to BETA READER, who showed promise at Southwell last time and is open to more progress on this drop in trip.
17:15 Wolverhampton Maiden (Class 5) 6f PREDICTION SIMULATION
(4) North Star 1/1, €160,000 yearling, Sea The Stars filly. Half-sister to several winners, including 2-y-o 6f-1m winner Sweet Gentle Kiss and winner up to 1½m Sunset Key, both useful. 7/2, second of 7 in novice at this C&D on debut 24 days ago, finishing with running left. Should improve and strong claims. Promising debut in C&D contest, beating all bar a rival who ran well in Listed grade since.
2
8
2nd (8) (40/1 -21%) Shwaimah
40
40/1(-21%)
(8) Shwaimah 40/1, Foaled March 21. Siyouni filly. Dam, 1m-1¼m winner, half-sister to smart winner up to 7f Jallota. Useful female line bodes well for her future; runs in same colours as her dam.
3
2
3rd (2) (33/1 +18%) Like A Vision
33
33/1(+18%)
(2) Like A Vision 33/1, 60,000 gns yearling, €215,000 2-y-o, Blue Point filly. Half-sister to 2-y-o 6f winner Najat. Dam 1½m winner. Seventh of 9 in maiden at Doncaster (7f, good, 12/1) on debut 59 days ago. Came up well short in Doncaster maiden but is open to improvement.
4
3
4th (3) (9/2 -80%) Majaz
4.5
9/2(-80%)
(3) Majaz 9/2, Foaled April 30. 450,000 gns yearling, Dubawi filly. Sister to useful 2-y-o 7f winner Hafit and half-sister to 1m winner Bright Idea and 1m winner Ten Dimes. Yard in form with plenty of newcomers showing up well. Highly respected on debut. 450,000gns yearling; by Dubawi; major connections; interesting debutante.
5th
5
5th (5) (3/1 +25%) Pineal
3
3/1(+25%)
(5) Pineal 3/1, Foaled April 8. Pinatubo filly. Dam, twice-raced, closely related to smart 1m winner Moohaarib and half-sister to smart 1m winner Argentello. 3 of last 6 newcomers from leading yard have won. Newcomer by Pinatubo and from a good family; notable connections; respected.
6th
6
6th (6) (18/1 +64%) Platinum Crystal
18
18/1(+64%)
(6) Platinum Crystal 18/1, 65,000 gns yearling, Iffraaj filly. Half-sister to several winners, including smart winner up to 9.5f Lamar and useful winner up to 1m Haddaf. Seventh of 8 in maiden (40/1) at Doncaster (8f, soft) on debut 17 days ago. Beat only one rival at Doncaster but may do better over this shorter trip.
7th
1
7th (1) (15/2 -173%) Searchingtheblues
7.5
15/2(-173%)
(1) Searchingtheblues 15/2, Caused a shock at Kempton first time out, then produced an emphatic display to defy a penalty at Wolverhampton (7.2f, 9/2) 105 days ago. Looks a talented filly and may well maintain her unbeaten record back from a break. Two from two, both wins over 7f on AW in July; limitations are not yet exposed.
8th
7
8th (7) (150/1 -355%) Rosezan
150
150/1(-355%)
(7) Rosezan 150/1, Foaled February 8. 60,000 gns foal, 38,000 gns yearling, Ardad filly. Half-sister to 3 winners, including useful Italian 9f-11f winner Blue Sky Dreamer and 9.5f/1¼m winner Mostaqqer. Dam maiden (stayed 1¼m). 38,000gns yearling; by Ardad; one of four newcomers in the field.
9th
10
9th (10) (100/1 -52%) Yellow Dream
100
100/1(-52%)
(10) Yellow Dream 100/1, €40,000 foal, £46,000 yearling, Saxon Warrior filly. Half-sister to 3 winners, including useful 2-y-o 6f-1m winner Rainbow Royal and winner up to 7f Rose Marmara. Dam 6f winner (including at 2 yrs). Fifth of 7 in novice at this C&D (50/1) on debut 24 days ago. Likely to need more time. Finished just over 6l behind North Star in C&D event.
10th
9
10th (9) (250/1 -150%) Sovereign Applause
250
250/1(-150%)
(9) Sovereign Applause 250/1, 20,000 gns Ten Sovereigns filly. Half-sister to 1m winner Good Heavens and 1¼m winner Puturhandstogether. Last of 7 in novice (22/1) at Redcar (6f, heavy) on debut 14 days ago, very green. Brings the worst piece of form, having trailed home last at Redcar.
Searchingtheblues has done nothing wrong in two starts, winning at Kempton by a neck and Wolverhampton by eight lengths, but she has to give 9lb to all her rivals here which might prove beyond her. North Star has to be considered after her debut C&D second last month when she ran on strongly, but a chance is taken on exciting newcomer MAJAZ. A 450,000gns daughter of Dubawi, she looks the part on paper for a stable firing in the winners recently and is certainly one to consider very closely.
NORTH STAR made a bright start here 3 weeks ago, finishing with running left, and could deliver a first defeat to Searchingtheblues, who hasn't been seen since her second victory at Wolverhampton at the end of July. Expensive yearling Majaz and Pineal are very interesting newcomers representing top Newmarket stables.
Solid-looking NORTH STAR is taken to build on her debut effort and go one better. Majaz is second choice.
(4) Beauzon 10/3, 5-time C&D winner. 4 wins from 15 runs this year. 11/1, seventh of 10 in handicap at Chelmsford City (5f) 16 days ago, left poorly placed. Back up in trip. Four wins in a row over C&D last winter but he's been out of sorts in last eight runs.
2
3
2nd (3) (11/2 +8%) Outer Edge
5.5
11/2(+8%)
(3) Outer Edge 11/2, Winner at Chepstow in August. 7/2, sixth of 8 in handicap at Chepstow (5.1f, good) 77 days ago. Back up in trip. Makes tapeta debut. Could bounce back after a break. 6f winner on penultimate run and he's not ruled out back up in trip on AW debut.
3
5
3rd (5) (12/1 -100%) Gherkin
12
12/1(-100%)
(5) Gherkin 12/1, Seventh of 9 in handicap at Bath (5f, soft, 4/1) 11 days ago, slowly away. Shaped quite well on penultimate run and step back up in trip/refitting of blinkers should help. 7yo who is not easy to predict and doesn't have a great record on Tapeta; others preferred.
4
2
4th (2) (2/1 -7%) My Genghis
2
2/1(-7%)
(2) My Genghis 2/1, C&D winner. Latest win at Brighton in October. 11/4, respectable second of 10 in handicap at this course (5.1f) 18 days ago. Will take the beating. Two wins (6f/5.3f) this autumn before good second in hat-trick bid here latest; key player.
5th
1
5th (1) (66/1 -65%) Baynoona
66
66/1(-65%)
(1) Baynoona 66/1, Last of 7 in handicap at Bath (10.2f, heavy, 150/1) 21 days ago. Significantly down in trip. Others are more appealing. Tailed off in all four handicaps and has lots to prove on this return to sprinting.
6th
6
6th (6) (11/1 -47%) Araifjan
11
11/1(-47%)
(6) Araifjan 11/1, C&D winner. Fourteen runs since last win in 2023. Seventh of 8 in handicap at Chelmsford City (6f, 5/1) 30 days ago. Others make more appeal. Close second over C&D on penultimate run and has claims if he can recapture that form.
7th
9
7th (9) (40/1 -43%) Balmy Breese
40
40/1(-43%)
(9) Balmy Breese 40/1, 15/2 and cheekpieces on for 1st time, last of 8 in handicap at this C&D. Off 7 months. Rejoined yard after leaving John Mackie. Blinkers back on. 15-race maiden who has been well held in last two runs and latest was in March; opposable.
8th
8
8th (8) (18/1 +45%) Revolucion
18
18/1(+45%)
(8) Revolucion 18/1, C&D winner. One win from 36 Flat runs. Nineteen runs since last win in 2023. Tenth of 12 in handicap (20/1) at Southwell (7.1f) 18 days ago. Only one win from 36 starts and he's been well held on AW in his last four runs (6f/7f).
9th
7
9th (7) (5/1 +29%) Captain Dandy
5
5/1(+29%)
(7) Captain Dandy 5/1, C&D winner. 6/1 and visored for 1st time, sixth of 11 in handicap at Southwell (6.1f) 21 days ago. Needs to get back on track but on a feasible mark now. Well treated on C&D win in April but he's struggled for current yard and has lots to prove.
Beauzon has not been at his best lately but with seven wins over this trip off higher marks, and five of coming them here, he still makes the shortlist in this field. Araifjan has six all-weather wins but disappointed at Chelmsford last month, and it may be best to side with MY GENGHIS. Second here off 2lb lower over 5f when staying on well last month, he steps back up a furlong now which may be all he needs for a fourth career success.
MY GHENGIS has been in top form lately and wasn't seen to best effect (caught wide) when bidding for the hat-trick here last time, so he's fancied to resume winning ways at the possible expense of Gherkin. Captain Dandy is too well handicapped to completely dismiss.
Preference is for MY GENGHIS, who was a good second in his hat-trick bid here last time and still looks on a workable mark.
(6) Rogue Encore 11/4, 7/2 and cheekpieces on for 1st time, career best when winning 8-runner handicap at this C&D 10 days ago. Needs considering despite a 3 lb rise. Off the mark here latest (first-time cheekpieces) off 3lb lower; fair chance of follow-up.
2
4
2nd (4) (5/1 -25%) The Cookstown Cafu
5
5/1(-25%)
(4) The Cookstown Cafu 5/1, C&D winner. Latest win here in October. Last of 11 in handicap (7/1) at Doncaster (7f, heavy) 16 days ago. Others more persuasive. Lesser turf run latest when soft going wouldn't have posed a problem; has to bounce back.
3
8
3rd (8) (3/1 +63%) Savvy Exchange
3
3/1(+63%)
(8) Savvy Exchange 3/1, Winner at Pontefract in May. Seventh of 11 in handicap (6/1) at Southwell (8.1f) 21 days ago. Visor on 1st time now. Mixed bag since handicapping; a lot will hinge on how he responds to first-time headgear.
4
3
4th (3) (12/1 -200%) Titian
12
12/1(-200%)
(3) Titian 12/1, C&D winner. Latest win at Ripon in May. Off 4 months before a fading fourth of 8 in handicap at Redcar (8f, heavy) 14 days ago. Can take a step forward now and weighted to go very well. Does well in the autumn; returns to Tapeta on a workable mark and is one to consider.
5th
2
5th (2) (12/1 -33%) Mudamer
12
12/1(-33%)
(2) Mudamer 12/1, Seventh of 11 in handicap at Chester (7f, heavy, 18/1) 59 days ago. Not taken lightly if back on his A-game. Ex-Irish gelding whose three wins all came in the summer months; others are stronger.
6th
9
6th (9) (16/1 -33%) Alreet Cha
16
16/1(-33%)
(9) Alreet Cha 16/1, Course winner in October. 4/1, seventh of 9 in handicap at this course (7.1f) 10 days ago, merely closing up late. Needs to step forward. No obvious excuse back in a handicap latest; has to improve for stiffest test to date.
7th
5
7th (5) (13/2 +74%) Bellarchi
6.5
13/2(+74%)
(5) Bellarchi 13/2, 50/1, fair seventh of 10 in handicap at Newmarket (8f, soft) 19 days ago. Can give a good account. Currently 1-1 on Tapeta; offered a bit more last time and no shock were she to pop up.
8th
1
8th (1) (12/1 -71%) The African Queen
12
12/1(-71%)
(1) The African Queen 12/1, Latest win at Brighton in April. Last of 7 in handicap (7/2) at Chelmsford City (10f). Off 6 months with work to do. Six-month layoff looks a bonus if anything and she's 1-1 on Tapeta; goes on the shotlist.
9th
10
9th (10) (150/1 -275%) Deauville
150
150/1(-275%)
(10) Deauville 150/1, 50/1, eighth of 9 in handicap at this course (10.2f) 13 days ago. Down in trip with more required. No better here latest (1m2f); would be a surprise winner dropping down in distance again.
7
7
|RR| (7) (12/1 +45%) Star Zinc
12
12/1(+45%)
(7) Star Zinc 12/1, Thoroughly unreliable individual. Course winner. Refused to race in handicap at this course (10.2f, 11/1) 39 days ago. Quite capable off this mark if in the mood but comes with obvious risks attached.
THE COOKSTOWN CAFU switched to David O'Meara's yard in September and has won twice at this venue subsequently. The five-year-old has been raised 5lb for last month's success, but has scored off higher marks in the past and is likely to prove competitive once again. Rogue Encore opened his account with a recent victory over this course and distance and has scope for further improvement, while Titian will be sharper for last month's comeback at Redcar and has a shout in this lower grade.
TITIAN made an encouraging return from a lay-off when a recent fourth at Redcar and this C&D winner can build on it and capitalise on a lenient mark. Recent C&D scorer Rogue Encore is next on the list with Bellarchi and Mudamer appealing as the pick of the rest for minor honours.
Front-runner THE AFRICAN QUEEN, who's won twice when fresh, could yet be capable of better and she's preferred to Rogue Encore
(7) Global Effort 9/2, C&D winner. One win from 28 Flat runs. Respectable fourth of 12 in handicap (25/1) at Kempton (6f) 12 days ago. Not ruled out. C&D winner in June; not in great form since but now 7lb lower in first 6f run here since.
2
3
2nd (3) (5/2 -25%) Sisters In The Sky
2.5
5/2(-25%)
(3) Sisters In The Sky 5/2, C&D winner. 3 wins from 22 runs this year. Latest win at Bath in October. 9/2, respectable fourth of 9 in handicap at Bath (5f, soft) 11 days ago, running on. Back up in trip. Makes most appeal. Three wins this year, including C&D; still in form; good claims back on AW.
3
5
3rd (5) (5/1 +75%) Bomb Squad
5
5/1(+75%)
(5) Bomb Squad 5/1, C&D winner. Ninth of 11 in handicap at Southwell (6.1f, 33/1) 7 days ago, doing too much too soon. Multiple 6f winner, including here; in the wilderness since back in October from a break.
4
8
4th (8) (16/1 +0%) Peachey Carnehan
16
16/1(+0%)
(8) Peachey Carnehan 16/1, 6-time C&D winner. Seventh of 9 in handicap (33/1) at this course (8.6f) 28 days ago. Back down in trip. Visor back on. Not ruled out. Magnificent career with 17 wins, last two over C&D in early 2024; below best of late.
5th
4
5th (4) (11/2 -22%) Spanish Angel
5.5
11/2(-22%)
(4) Spanish Angel 11/2, 4-time course winner. Ninth of 10 in handicap at Chelmsford City (5f, 9/1) 16 days ago. Up in trip. Shaped well on previous outing and should bounce back. C&D winner; weighted to win again but has run only once over 6f in the last three years.
6th
6
6th (6) (11/1 +0%) Coast
11
11/1(+0%)
(6) Coast 11/1, C&D winner. 3 wins from 23 runs this year. Fourth of 6 in handicap at this C&D (40/1) 17 days ago. Others are more appealing. Front-running 6f turf win in August; not as good since, including over C&D latest.
7th
2
7th (2) (9/2 +0%) Heartrate
4.5
9/2(+0%)
(2) Heartrate 9/2, Eleven runs since last win in 2023. Fifth of 7 in handicap (12/1) at Bath (5f, good to firm) 68 days ago. Back up in trip. Not ruled out in a weak affair. Two turf wins; tempting on best AW form last winter; needs to improve on most 2024 form.
Sisters In The Sky could prove popular here with Rossa Ryan in the saddle following a close-up fourth at Bath last month. He can go well off the same mark, but a chance is taken on GLOBAL EFFORT. Not the most rewarding gelding with one win from 28 starts, that victory was over this C&D off 7lb higher and he is undoubtedly well handicapped at present. Coast is another to take seriously in a race full of out of sorts sprinters.
SISTERS IN THE SKY has been in good order and, in a race that won't take much winning, he makes most appeal. Spanish Lady and Heartrate could also get involved.
Toussarok is respected off his tempting mark, now down in grade, but SISTERS IN THE SKY is still in form and looks the one to beat.
(2) Brummell 11/2, Latest win at Beverley in May. Had a wind op before a very good second of 6 in handicap at Yarmouth (5.2f, soft) 20 days ago. Another bold showing is on the cards. Another solid effort on his first run (turf) since wind surgery; player.
2
1
2nd (1) (9/1 -125%) Thunder Star
9
9/1(-125%)
(1) Thunder Star 9/1, Respectable third of 11 in handicap at Newmarket (5f, good to soft, 11/2) 10 days ago. Shortlisted. Showed more back in cheekpieces last time and this is less competitive than she's used to.
3
3
3rd (3) (11/4 +80%) Buzz Box
2.75
11/4(+80%)
(3) Buzz Box 11/4, Course winner. 9/2, respectable fifth of 9 in handicap at this course (6f) 13 days ago. In the mix. Lightly raced and won't mind the return to 5f, having hung left throughout here latest.
4
5
4th (5) (12/1 +40%) Brian The Snail
12
12/1(+40%)
(5) Brian The Snail 12/1, Course winner. Latest win at Thirsk in July. 14/1, good sixth of 10 in handicap at this C&D 14 days ago, slowly away. Ought to be in the shake-up. Rated a stone higher on the AW than turf; comfortably held behind Herakles over C&D latest.
5th
6
5th (6) (3/1 +45%) Honour Your Dreams
3
3/1(+45%)
(6) Honour Your Dreams 3/1, Latest win at Bath in September. Good second of 10 in handicap at Wolverhampton (6.1f, 9/2) 18 days ago. Can make his presence felt. Didn't quite see it out over 6f on Tapeta last time; goes on the shortlist back over 5f.
6th
4
6th (4) (15/2 -67%) Zuffolo
7.5
15/2(-67%)
(4) Zuffolo 15/2, C&D winner. Latest win at Redcar in September. Good second of 9 in handicap at this C&D (12/1) 14 days ago. Can go well again. C&D winner off the same mark this time last year; consistent spell since blinkers went on.
7th
7
7th (7) (9/2 +18%) Herakles
4.5
9/2(+18%)
(7) Herakles 9/2, C&D winner. Good second of 10 in handicap at this C&D (5/1) 14 days ago. Heading back in the right direction recently. Dual C&D winner who's consistent and arrives in form; hard to leave out of the equation.
BRUMMELL found only the progressive Balmoral Lady too good in a tougher sprint at Yarmouth last month. A potential improver on his second start after wind surgery, the son of Dandy Man can resume winning ways in this lower grade. Thunder Star placed at Newmarket on her latest outing and another good account seems assured competing off a slightly lower mark, while Zuffolo arrives in fine fettle and is preferred to Herakles of the remainder.
None of these can be ruled out but the vote goes to BRUMMELL who rates just the pick of these weights on the back of his very good recent Yarmouth second. C&D scorer Zuffolo heads the list of dangers with Herakles, Thunder Star and Honour Your Dreams also well in the mix.
The return to 5f will suit the hard-pulling HONOUR YOUR DREAMS. Brummell is second choice in a trappy handicap.
(4) Arazzo 18/1, Good third of 8 in handicap (7/4) at Newcastle (12.5f) 24 days ago. First run for yard after leaving Harry Charlton. Much the least exposed runner in the line-up and should go well. 0-6 for Harry Charlton but ran well in AW event most recently; sold for 8,500gns since.
2
6
2nd (6) (12/1 +40%) Oriental Art
12
12/1(+40%)
(6) Oriental Art 12/1, One win from 31 Flat runs. 22/1, eleventh of 14 in handicap at Chelmsford (1¼m) 25 days ago. Back up in trip. Form dipped the last twice; has a poor strike-rate; others preferred.
3
9
3rd (9) (11/8 +21%) Come On John
1.375
11/8(+21%)
(9) Come On John 11/8, Course winner who struck at only the second time of asking for James Owen at Southwell 11 days ago. Readily on top and a 6 lb rise shouldn't stop him. Scored comfortably at Southwell on Halloween (second run for new stable); shortlisted.
4
3
4th (3) (5/1 -11%) Pysanka
5
5/1(-11%)
(3) Pysanka 5/1, Four-time C&D winner, including 3 this year. Creditable 1½ lengths third of 7 to Seraphic here last time, not ideally placed. Good record over C&D includes four wins and podium finishes the last twice; solid.
5th
2
5th (2) (5/2 +62%) Hill Station
2.5
5/2(+62%)
(2) Hill Station 5/2, C&D winner. 9/1, respectable seventh of 14 in handicap at Chelmsford (1¼m) 30 days ago. Back up in trip. 3-3 under Rossa Ryan, most recently winning off this mark over C&D in April; respected.
6th
5
6th (5) (12/1 -140%) Seraphic
12
12/1(-140%)
(5) Seraphic 12/1, C&D winner in October. 6/1, respectable 5½ lengths fifth of 9 to Come On John in handicap at Southwell (11f) 11 days ago. Recent C&D winner but needs to bounce back from Southwell defeat behind Come On John.
7th
7
7th (7) (20/1 +9%) Boy George
20
20/1(+9%)
(7) Boy George 20/1, Two turf wins in the summer and there have been excuses for his below-par runs this autumn. Failed to sparkle back on AW last time; still has a much better strike-rate on turf.
8th
8
8th (8) (50/1 -150%) Lhebayeb
50
50/1(-150%)
(8) Lhebayeb 50/1, 11/2, seventh of 11 at Nottingham 18 days ago but was a creditable third at Windsor (11.5f) prior to that. 0-14 on AW but has been placed several times in this sphere and is on a workable mark.
9th
1
9th (1) (100/1 -203%) Cherryhawk
100
100/1(-203%)
(1) Cherryhawk 100/1, Winner at Chepstow in May. Below form sixth of 11 in handicap at Leicester (1½m, heavy, 20/1) 14 days ago. Has failed to repeat the form of Chepstow win in two subsequent runs.
COME ON JOHN was cleverly ridden by Sean D Bowen last time out over a furlong shorter when winning comfortably at Southwell, and if he gets the rub of the green again, then he could follow up despite an added 6lb from the handicapper. Arazzo left Harry Charlton as a six-race maiden but showed more when placed at Newcastle last month and it will be interesting to see how he gets on for new owner/trainer Bernard Llewellyn, while Pysanka brings consistency to the table after four consecutive top-three finishes and he is another to take very seriously.
COME ON JOHN is yet another who has been turned around by James Owen and can defy the handicapper. Low-mileage 3-y-o Arazzo is feared most for new trainer Bernard Llewellyn.
Off his last winning mark and with Rossa Ryan back on board, HILL STATION is preferred. Come On John is feared most.
(6) William Dewhirst 14/1, Sixth of 8 in handicap (9/2) at Catterick (7f, heavy) 23 days ago, not ideally placed. Not ruled out. Inconsistent this term; attractively handicapped but isn't entirely solid.
2
4
2nd (4) (4/1 0%) King's School
4
4/1(0%)
(4) King's School 4/1, Still to score but he's knocking on the door, not enjoying the clearest of passages when an excellent second of 12 in handicap (7/1) at this C&D 13 days ago. Expected to be bang there. In-form maiden who has finished a solid second in two races here since dropped to 7f.
3
10
3rd (10) (18/1 -80%) Sir Maxi
18
18/1(-80%)
(10) Sir Maxi 18/1, C&D winner. Fifteen runs since last win in 2023. Below-par fifth of 8 in handicap at Southwell (7.1f, 8/1) 9 days ago. Can give a good account if shrugging off latest effort. Inconsistent for current stable; fighting chance if this is one of his better days.
4
3
4th (3) (6/1 +8%) Finn Ironside
6
6/1(+8%)
(3) Finn Ironside 6/1, Winner at York in July. Creditable third of 12 in handicap (11/1) at this C&D 13 days ago. One to consider. Ran creditably over C&D most recently and ties in with King's School on that form.
5th
1
5th (1) (11/4 +21%) Lahab
2.75
11/4(+21%)
(1) Lahab 11/4, Thirteen runs since last win in 2023. 13/2, eighth of 12 in handicap at Chester (5.5f, soft) 51 days ago, having hopeless task from position. Back up in trip. Needs considering. 0-13 in handicaps but looks interesting off a reduced mark dropped to Class 6.
6th
7
6th (7) (33/1 +0%) Izzari
33
33/1(+0%)
(7) Izzari 33/1, Lightly-raced maiden. 33/1, ninth of 11 in handicap at Ayr (8f, good) 32 days ago, slowly away. Makes tapeta debut. Must improve. Chance depends on whether this switch to AW prompts improvement.
7th
9
7th (9) (66/1 0%) Rob's Umberella
66
66/1(0%)
(9) Rob's Umberella 66/1, Last of 11 in handicap at this course (8f, 80/1) 13 days ago. Easy to look elsewhere. Three duck eggs switched to handicap level this autumn; opposed.
8th
8
8th (8) (8/1 +11%) King's Crown
8
8/1(+11%)
(8) King's Crown 8/1, One win from 27 Flat runs. Twenty three runs since last win in 2022. 4/1, fifth of 7 in handicap at Wolverhampton (7.2f) 18 days ago. Others more persuasive. Has a poor strike-rate but C&D effort in September puts him in the picture.
9th
5
9th (5) (10/1 -43%) Turbo Command
10
10/1(-43%)
(5) Turbo Command 10/1, C&D winner. Good third of 9 in handicap at Southwell (7.1f, 9/2) 9 days ago. Cheekpieces back on and in the mix. Won off 2lb lower over C&D in March; generally consistent since; solid chance.
10th
2
10th (2) (11/2 +8%) Ahamoment
5.5
11/2(+8%)
(2) Ahamoment 11/2, C&D winner. Career best when winning 13-runner handicap at Ayr (7.2f, good to firm, 9/1) 53 days ago, driven out. Merits consideration. Record of 314 at Newcastle; won at Ayr last time and is still competitively treated.
11th
11
11th (11) (150/1 -127%) Zebra Star
150
150/1(-127%)
(11) Zebra Star 150/1, Last of 11 in handicap at this C&D (33/1) 48 days ago. Has work to do. Won at Ayr on seasonal debut; poor form since.
King's School may prove popular after coming home second on his last two starts, but an added 5lb from the handicapper won't help and he may have to settle for another place. Ahamoment scored by a couple of lengths at Ayr in September and he can go well despite a 5lb rise having won off 1lb higher over C&D in January, but TURBO COMMAND gets the nod. All five career wins have been over this trip on the all-weather and, after a close-up third at Southwell last time, he may be ready to strike again.
A few with chances but KING'S SCHOOL signalled he is ready to strike when a fine recent runner-up over C&D and can gain a deserved breakthrough victory. C&D scorer Ahamoment heads the list of dangers, with Turbo Command, Lahab and William Dewhirst all worthy of consideration too.
Judged on his recent C&D efforts, KING'S SCHOOL looks set to get off the mark. Finn Ironside is second choice.
(5) Dance Time 10/3, 5/1 and cheekpieces on first time, fifth of 7 in handicap at Southwell (1½m) 9 days ago, unable to sustain effort. Significantly up in trip. Looks competitive on form. On dangerous mark but she's now 1-11 and has stamina to prove at this new trip.
2
1
2nd (1) (9/2 +63%) Two Auld Pals
4.5
9/2(+63%)
(1) Two Auld Pals 9/2, Latest win at Hamilton in May but more miss than hit since. Makes tapeta debut. Disappointing since Hamilton win in May and he's untried on AW; plenty to prove.
3
6
3rd (6) (25/1 +24%) Tango Sunset
25
25/1(+24%)
(6) Tango Sunset 25/1, Lightly-raced maiden. 50/1, eighth of 9 in handicap at Southwell (1½m) 46 days ago. Significantly up in trip. Improvement needed. Well held in all five runs so far and has plenty to prove on this big step up in trip.
4
8
4th (8) (9/2 -140%) Altanera
4.5
9/2(-140%)
(8) Altanera 9/2, Just second handicap when winning over slightly shorter here last month. A 4 lb nudge doesn't look enough to stop her. Unexposed 3yo who won here last time and is open to more progress on this step up to 2m.
5th
4
5th (4) (9/2 +18%) Grand Duchess Olga
4.5
9/2(+18%)
(4) Grand Duchess Olga 9/2, Latest win at Kempton in June. Creditable second of 7 over C&D 23 days ago. Thereabouts. Triple AW winner who was runner-up over C&D last time; shortlisted.
6th
9
6th (9) (66/1 +0%) Robeam
66
66/1(+0%)
(9) Robeam 66/1, C&D winner. Seventeen runs since last win in 2021. 25/1, last of 11 in handicap at Bath (17., heavy) 21 days ago. 6 lb out of handicap. Tailed off at Bath last month and he's 6lb out of the weights this time; opposable.
7th
3
7th (3) (4/1 -20%) Dark Mystery
4
4/1(-20%)
(3) Dark Mystery 4/1, One win from 22 Flat runs but he can't be knocked for consistency this year, placing at Southwell on his last 2 starts. Likely to be in the shake-up again. Record of 1-23 but he's been placed in three of his last four runs; each-way claims again.
8th
7
8th (7) (66/1 -100%) Zillion
66
66/1(-100%)
(7) Zillion 66/1, Tenth of 11 in handicap at Bath (17f, heavy, 10/1) 21 days ago. Has dipped to below his last winning mark but others are more obvious. Four-time turf winner but he was tailed off at Bath on recent return and is 0-12 on AW.
9th
2
9th (2) (9/1 -6%) Greatness Awaits
9
9/1(-6%)
(2) Greatness Awaits 9/1, Creditable third of 9 in handicap hurdle (7/2) at Fontwell (19f, good to soft) 38 days ago. First run for yard after leaving Ben Pauling. Cheekpieces back on. New stable in good form. Good record over hurdles since June and he's in the mix back on the Flat for new yard.
Breeding suggested ALTANERA would appreciate the step up to 1m6f here and she duly returned a cosy winner. This further test of stamina will likely bring more improvement and the unexposed three-year-old is taken to defy a 4lb rise. Dance Time has placed over 1m4f on the Tapeta and is respected with Rossa Ryan taking over the reins, while Grand Duchess Olga can feature again on the back of finishing second over this course and distance.
ALTANERA stands out as an unexposed type in this line-up and can make light of a 4 lb rise. Dark Mystery and Grand Duchess Olga may provide the main opposition.
This can go to the lightly raced ALTANERA (nap), who won over 1m6f here last month and is open to more progress over this longer trip.
(2) Howzak 7/2, Arrives in very good nick, third of 11 in handicap (14/1) at this course (5f) 10 days ago. Big shout. Good record at this time of year and has been running well on Tapeta lately; player.
2
5
2nd (5) (6/1 -33%) Laura's Breeze
6
6/1(-33%)
(5) Laura's Breeze 6/1, Below form sixth of 10 in handicap (33/1) at this C&D 6 days ago. Needs a couple of these to falter. Not been at her best in two runs back from a summer break, latterly over C&D last Tuesday.
3
6
3rd (6) (9/1 -80%) Miami Hills
9
9/1(-80%)
(6) Miami Hills 9/1, Thrice-raced maiden. Creditabel fourth of 6 in novice (16/1) at this C&D 41 days ago. Makes handicap debut and may do better still. This is more realistic off a lowly opening mark back from a break; look for support.
4
1
4th (1) (4/1 +11%) Kats Bob
4
4/1(+11%)
(1) Kats Bob 4/1, C&D winner. 16/1, seventh of 9 in handicap at Hamilton (6f, good) 50 days ago. Needs to bounce back. Drops in class but he does need a revival back from a seven-week break; market useful.
5th
4
5th (4) (18/1 -125%) Pinpoint
18
18/1(-125%)
(4) Pinpoint 18/1, 12/1, tenth of 12 in handicap at this course (5f). Off 101 days. Has good chance on pick of form. Done a lot of racing over 5f and has had his moments at the stalls; back from a break.
6th
7
6th (7) (13/2 +35%) Havana Rose
6.5
13/2(+35%)
(7) Havana Rose 13/2, Fifteen runs since last win in 2023. 28/1, seventh of 9 in handicap at Wolverhampton (7.2f) 18 days ago. Hasn't been seeing it out over 7f since undergoing wind surgery; is one to consider.
7th
3
7th (3) (85/40 +87%) Wessex
2.125
85/40(+87%)
(3) Wessex 85/40, Lightly-raced maiden. Ninth of 10 in handicap at Redcar (6f, heavy, 28/1) 14 days ago, slowly away. Makes tapeta debut. Has continued to struggle since a poor odds-on comeback; has it to prove on his AW debut.
With a lack of recent winning form to work with, it may be sensible to side with HOWZAK, who has won five times on the all-weather and was only beaten half a length here when third earlier in the month. Three of his victories have been off higher marks and a repeat of his last run may be all he needs to score. Miami Hills is lightly raced and could have more to offer from a lowly mark on her handicap debut, leaving the dropped-in-class Kats Bob to possibly chase them home.
This is wide open but HOWZAK edges the verdict on the back of his very good recent third here. Pinpoint is weighted to have a big say if back on his A-game so could emerge as the chief danger ahead of handicap-debutante Miami Hills.
The return to 6f will suit HAVANA ROSE, who's tumbled down the weights in recent times. Keep an eye on Miami Hills in the market.
(12) Overnight Oats 4/1, Fifteen runs since last win in 2023. Fourth of 7 in handicap at this course (7f, 13/2) 18 days ago. Back up in trip. Has dropped a long way in the weights and wasn't beaten far here last time; not ruled out.
2
3
2nd (3) (16/1 -60%) Fitz Perfectly
16
16/1(-60%)
(3) Fitz Perfectly 16/1, Remains a maiden after 18 starts 18/1, first run since leaving Charlie Fellowes when creditable fourth of 12 in C&D handicap 28 days ago. Enters calculations. 0-18 but she was close up over C&D on recent stable debut and is not ruled out.
3
1
3rd (1) (4/1 +0%) Plumette
4
4/1(+0%)
(1) Plumette 4/1, Five-time course winner. Twenty one runs since last win in 2023. 5/1, creditable second of 8 in handicap at this course (7f) 7 days ago. Back up in trip. Shortlist material. Finished well to go close over 7f here last Monday and she's respected back up in trip.
4
11
4th (11) (25/1 -25%) Handel
25
25/1(-25%)
(11) Handel 25/1, One win from 40 Flat runs. Nineteen runs since last win in 2023. Ninth of 11 in handicap at Chelmsford 44 days ago. Cheekpieces back on. Had a near miss here in July but he's lost his way again since then and is now 1-40.
5th
5
5th (5) (28/1 -75%) Ciara Storm
28
28/1(-75%)
(5) Ciara Storm 28/1, 80/1, good fifth of 11 in handicap at this course (9.5f) 21 days ago. Needs to build on that now. Fair fifth here (9.4f) on recent return but he's now 0-11 and others are more persuasive.
5th
2
5th (2) (40/1 -21%) King Of The Dance
40
40/1(-21%)
(2) King Of The Dance 40/1, Ninth of 11 in handicap at Bath (1m, soft, 20/1) 11 days ago. Was runner-up there prior to that. 5yo who is not easy to predict and his record stands at 1-20; others are more convincing.
7th
7
7th (7) (13/2 -44%) Harlington
6.5
13/2(-44%)
(7) Harlington 13/2, Course winner in September. 5/4, creditable second of 7at Bath (10.2f, heavy) since. Respected. Won here (9.4f) in September before a clear second at Bath last time; respected.
8th
9
8th (9) (14/1 -17%) Storm Asset
14
14/1(-17%)
(9) Storm Asset 14/1, Course winner. Nineteen runs since last win in 2023. 8/1, respectable third of 11 in handicap at Southwell (11f) 25 days ago, never nearer. Back down in trip. Dual course winner who has been placed on AW in last two runs; in the mix back in trip.
9th
10
9th (10) (7/2 +13%) Just Typical
3.5
7/2(+13%)
(10) Just Typical 7/2, Cheekpieces on first time, career best when winning 10-runner handicap at Newcastle (7f) 10 days ago. Back up in trip. Should remain competitive up 4 lb. Justified favouritism at Newcastle last time and a 4lb rise looks fair; big player again.
10th
8
10th (8) (4/1 +11%) Cut To The Chase
4
4/1(+11%)
(8) Cut To The Chase 4/1, Creditable second of 12 in handicap at Chelmsford (7f, 4/1) 53 days ago. Up in trip. Can give a good account. Lightly raced 3yo who has been placed in last three runs and he's a key player here.
11th
6
11th (6) (33/1 +0%) Van Zant
33
33/1(+0%)
(6) Van Zant 33/1, Course winner. Bit below form sixth of 10 in handicap at Chelmsford (1m, 18/1) 16 days ago. Overall strike-rate of 2-33 and he's been well held in both runs this autumn.
12th
4
12th (4) (66/1 -100%) Mr Slicker
66
66/1(-100%)
(4) Mr Slicker 66/1, AW winner in France but no obvious short-term promise on last month's C&D stable debut after a break. Eight wins in France but he's been out of sorts this year including on recent stable debut.
First-time cheekpieces worked the oracle for JUST TYPICAL when returning the ready winner at Newcastle. Ian Williams' charge had gone close over this course and distance before that and a 4lb rise may not be enough to anchor him in this. Plumette is potentially well treated and showed signs of a resurgence when runner-up over 7f here a week ago. Another good account seems likely from her, while Cut To The Chase and Fitz Perfectly are others worthy of consideration.
PLUMETTE has made a positive start to life back with the David Loughnane stable here in recent weeks and can resume winning ways with Rossa Ryan taking over in the saddle. Fitz Perfectly, Cut To The Chase and Harlington head the dangers.
An open race in which recent Newcastle winner JUST TYPICAL gets the vote ahead of another 3yo in Harlington.
(8) Moe's Legacy 6/1, 7/2, bit below form third of 6 in handicap at this course (6f) 17 days ago. First outing over a bare 5f for a while but it may help. Tough and reliable at 6f until below par latest; something to prove in first 5f run on AW.
2
5
2nd (5) (11/4 +50%) Alafdhal
2.75
11/4(+50%)
(5) Alafdhal 11/4, Course winner. Three wins from 22 runs this year. Creditable third of 6 in handicap (11/1) at Chelmsford (5f) 4 days ago. Can give a good account. Multiple 6f AW wins; yet to win at 5f on sand but some good efforts of late; thereabouts.
3
11
3rd (11) (11/1 -120%) Darkened Edge
11
11/1(-120%)
(11) Darkened Edge 11/1, Winner at Bath in August. 7/2, creditable third of 8 in handicap at Bath (5f, good to firm) 57 days ago. Considered. In good form over 5f on turf; form claims if proving as capable in first AW handicap.
4
1
4th (1) (12/1 +40%) Symbol Of Hope
12
12/1(+40%)
(1) Symbol Of Hope 12/1, Latest win at Bath in August. 22/1, tenth of 11 in C&D handicap 28 days ago. Bounce back needed. 0-9 on AW and beat only one home over C&D last time out; better drawn today.
5th
3
5th (3) (28/1 -40%) Buraback
28
28/1(-40%)
(3) Buraback 28/1, Course winner. Four wins from 15 runs this year. Latest win at Leicester in April. Last of 9 in handicap (18/1) at Nottingham (5f, soft) 12 days ago. Four wins in 2024, all in cheekpieces; well treated now but headgear missing again.
6th
6
6th (6) (12/1 -20%) State Of Madness
12
12/1(-20%)
(6) State Of Madness 12/1, Eighth of 10 in handicap (6/1) at Southwell (5f) 14 days ago. Others arrive with more pressing claims. Went handicapping off high mark and hasn't been up to the job; slowly dropping in weights.
7th
9
7th (9) (25/1 -79%) My Delilah
25
25/1(-79%)
(9) My Delilah 25/1, One win from 21 runs. Thirteen runs since last win in 2023. Seventh of 9 in C&D handicap (14/1) 21 days ago. Turf winner in 2023; has C&D form but needs to improve on her recent return to this track.
8th
10
8th (10) (28/1 +15%) Unavailable
28
28/1(+15%)
(10) Unavailable 28/1, Won twice on AW at Lingfield in the spring but has struggled since. Two front-running wins at 6f/5f in April when cheekpieces first fitted; headgear returns.
9th
7
9th (7) (2/1 +64%) Cooperation
2
2/1(+64%)
(7) Cooperation 2/1, Sixteen runs since last win in 2023. Third of 9 in handicap (10/1) at this course (6f) 65 days ago. First run for yard after leaving Michael Attwater. Interesting runner. All wins at 6f; rare to see him over 5f now but well treated on debut for new yard.
4
4
|PU| (4) (8/1 -45%) Pearl Abbey
8
8/1(-45%)
(4) Pearl Abbey 8/1, Course winner. 10/1, respectable fifth of 9 in C&D handicap 21 days ago. Won 6f maiden here; minor handicap form since; had wind op; not disgraced over C&D latest.
ALAFDHAL was winning off a similar mark here at the start of the year and the six-year-old looks set to get his head back in front based on recent efforts, including a third-placed finish at Chelmsford just four days ago. Darkened Edge has been in the mix since scoring at Bath in August and remains unexposed on the all-weather. She rates a threat, while Cooperation drops in trip with a shout on his first start for Mick Appleby's yard after placing over 6f here in September.
It's worth taking a chance that Mick Appleby has been able to work his magic on COOPERATION. Alafdhal has been knocking on the door lately and is second choice ahead of Darkened Edge.
An open race and a chance is taken with COOPERATION now making his debut for Mick Appleby off a generous mark.
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.
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