There were 37 Races on Thursday 7th December 2023 across 5 meetings. There was 7 races at Market Rasen, 7 races at Clonmel, 7 races at Wincanton, 8 races at Southwell, 8 races at Chelmsford-City, no doubt Tomform helped you find a winner.
Races & Results Thursday 7th December 2023
The data in the racecards below is for the past year. View the racecard key.
(9) Equiami 13/2, C&D winner. 20/1, ran creditably when fifth of 10 in handicap at Lingfield (8f, AW) 19 days ago, running on. 7lb lower than for win here in April and Lingfield last time represented a return to form.
2
2nd (5) (12/1 -20%) Revoquable
12/1(-20%)
(5) Revoquable 12/1, C&D winner. Latest win at Newcastle in October. 4/1, followed a good run with a below-par one when last of 10 in handicap at Wolverhampton (8.6f) 23 days ago. Tongue strap back on. Poor last time but solid claims with a repeat of his previous winning form at Newcastle.
3
3rd (6) (28/1 -100%) Tom Tulliver
28/1(-100%)
(6) Tom Tulliver 28/1, C&D winner. Fourth of 6 in handicap at Brighton (8f, good, 25/1), going with little fluency. Off 5 months. Will need to hit the ground running. Below par when last seen in June and his record after a break isn't the best.
4
4th (4) (16/1 +52%) Maraakiz
16/1(+52%)
(4) Maraakiz 16/1, Fared no better when eleventh of 12 in handicap at Ayr (10f, heavy, 200/1) 8 weeks ago. Makes tapeta debut. Tailed off in four runs since returning from a long absence and has a lot to prove.
5th
5th (12) (4/1 +11%) Marisitta
4/1(+11%)
(12) Marisitta 4/1, Shaped better than the bare result on first outing since leaving John O'Shea after 4 months off when sixth of 10 in handicap at Chelmsford City (7f, gambled-on 7/2) 4 weeks ago. Makes tapeta debut. One to be interested in, especially now stepped back up to 1m. 1lb out of the weights but may well have more to offer on just second run for this yard.
6th
6th (3) (16/1 -45%) Big Narstie
16/1(-45%)
(3) Big Narstie 16/1, Temperamental sort. Course winner. Seventh of 8 in handicap at Chelmsford City (8f, 14/1) 26 days ago. Hard to be confident he retains any enthusiasm despite falling mark. Has a lot to prove right now having beaten just two rivals in his last five appearances.
7th
7th (11) (125/1 -150%) Independent Beauty
125/1(-150%)
(11) Independent Beauty 125/1, Remains a maiden after 27 Flat runs. 33/1, tenth of 11 in handicap at Wolverhampton (8.6f) 47 days ago. Not easy to make a case for. Placed a few times but he's longstanding and inconsistent maiden; others more likely.
8th
8th (10) (6/1 +14%) Warrior Square
6/1(+14%)
(10) Warrior Square 6/1, Lightly-raced maiden. 9/2, took a step forward after 8 months off when fourth of 15 in handicap at Chelmsford City (8f) 16 days ago, running on. Makes tapeta debut. Had no excuses when a close fourth over 1m at Chelmsford but that was only his fifth run.
9th
9th (2) (5/2 -11%) Ledger
5/2(-11%)
(2) Ledger 5/2, Winner at Newcastle in October. Creditable second of 11 in handicap (7/4) at same course (8f) 30 days ago, finishing well. Remains of interest despite another small rise in the weights. First and second over 1m at Newcastle; strong contender with them claiming 3lb here.
10th
10th (1) (4/1 +11%) Kodebreaker
4/1(+11%)
(1) Kodebreaker 4/1, C&D winner. 9/1, respectable fourth of 10 in handicap at Wolverhampton (8.6f) 12 days ago. Down to a handy mark so he's high on the shortlist back at this venue. After a wide trip he ran a fair race behind in-form opposition at Wolverhampton.
11th
11th (7) (28/1 -75%) Qaabil
28/1(-75%)
(7) Qaabil 28/1, Fourteen runs since sole win in 2022. 6/1, first run since leaving Peter Fahey when tenth of 12 in handicap at Newcastle (7.1f) a couple of months ago. Others more persuasive. Returning to further will suit but he's 1-34 overall and others appeal more.
12th
12th (8) (125/1 -1150%) Beau Geste
125/1(-1150%)
(8) Beau Geste 125/1, Not disgraced when sixth of 8 in handicap (9/2) at Wolverhampton (7.2f), slowly away. Off 10 months. Will probably need this. Can go well fresh and, although exposed, this mark isn't beyond him.
LTO Selection:
11:12 Southwell Handicap (Class 6) 8f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 6 race.
Although LEDGER was unable to complete a quick-fire double when runner-up at Newcastle last month, the three-year-old lost little in defeat that day and a 2lb rise in the ratings may not prevent him from returning to winning ways. Kodebreaker has been in fair form of late too and he may give the selection most to think about, ahead of C&D winner Tom Tulliver.
This can go the way of KODEBREAKER, who won twice at this venue earlier in the year and Michael Herrington's 4-y-o can capitalise on this drop in grade down at a career-low mark. Ledger arrives in form, so he could give the selection most to think about, with Warrior Square and Marisitta another couple fancied to be in the mix.
Low-mileage filly MARISITTA didn't get the breaks when not without support on her recent stable debut at Chelmsford.
(3) Tea Sea 9/1, In first-time blinkers and hood, respectable second of 7 in maiden (11/2) at Brighton (1m, heavy) 80 days ago. Improvement needed as he makes his tapeta debut. Second in a Brighton maiden last time and the winner has gone on to better things.
2
2nd (9) (13/2 -30%) Coconut Bay
13/2(-30%)
(9) Coconut Bay 13/2, Seventeen runs since her sole success back in 2022. Has run well with the headgear left off on her last 2 starts, fourth of 10 in handicap at Wolverhampton (9.5f, 10/1) a month ago. Shortlisted. It was a good run to be close up over 9.4f at Wolverhampton a month ago.
3
3rd (5) (9/1 -20%) Advantage
9/1(-20%)
(5) Advantage 9/1, Never landed a blow when last of 6 in minor event at Newcastle (6f, 10/1) 22 days ago. Could take a step forward as he goes up in trip on his handicap debut. Modest sprint form and wouldn't be a certain stayer over this far on handicap debut.
4
4th (4) (3/1 -33%) Martin's Brig
3/1(-33%)
(4) Martin's Brig 3/1, Course winner. Built on his previous effort when second of 12 in handicap (12/1) at Newcastle (1m) 18 days ago, despite having not been ideally placed. Major player. Infrequent winner but 2-3 on Tapeta here and kept finding to finish close up at Newcastle.
5th
5th (2) (7/1 -56%) Key Look
7/1(-56%)
(2) Key Look 7/1, Having rejoined Geoffrey Harker, returned to winning ways at Newcastle (7f) in November. Ran at least as well when third of 12 in handicap (10/1) at the same C&D 18 days ago, faring best of those held up. Respected. First and third in two 7f handicaps since rejoining this yard; should be fine at 1m.
6th
6th (6) (10/1 +29%) Sea The Buckthorn
10/1(+29%)
(6) Sea The Buckthorn 10/1, Again below form when seventh of 10 in handicap (17/2) at Wolverhampton (8.6f) 23 days ago. Further drop in the weights isn't enough to tempt at present. Has dropped 16lb since switch to handicaps and that tells its own tale; opposable for now.
7th
7th (10) (25/1 -14%) Foshan
25/1(-14%)
(10) Foshan 25/1, Not in the same form as previous outing when last of 11 in handicap at Newcastle (12.4f, 16/1) 22 days ago. Significantly back down in trip with blinkers reapplied. Ten-race maiden who stays further but was third over Newcastle's 1m on his penultimate run.
8th
8th (12) (18/1 +0%) Techno Lady
18/1(+0%)
(12) Techno Lady 18/1, Went backwards form her recent run when ninth of 11 in handicap (25/1 at Newcastle (1m) a month ago. Needs to get back on the up, though does remain lightly raced at this distance. Trying 1m for the first time when fourth at Wolverhampton but she's very up and down.
9th
9th (7) (11/2 +61%) Calleveryoneuknow
11/2(+61%)
(7) Calleveryoneuknow 11/2, Step back in right direction when seventh of 15 in handicap (22/1) at Chelmsford City (1m) 16 days ago. More needed if she's to gain her first victory, though. Has shown enough to believe she can win a race of this nature; wide trip last time.
10th
10th (1) (20/1 +9%) Kananga
20/1(+9%)
(1) Kananga 20/1, After 9 months off, looked rusty when ninth of 11 on handicap debut at Newcastle (7.1f, 50/1) 23 days ago. Has something to find as he goes up in distance. Possibly needed handicap debut run on return from a layoff and remains unexposed.
11th
11th (11) (17/2 +29%) Ebury
17/2(+29%)
(11) Ebury 17/2, Forty-six runs since last win in 2019. Not seen to best effect when fifth of 9 in handicap (12/1) at Wolverhampton (7.2f) 44 days ago, denied a clear run over 2f out. Lurks on a dangerous mark. Has form here but has been struggling on his more recent starts.
12th
12th (8) (50/1 -317%) Stoney Lane
50/1(-317%)
(8) Stoney Lane 50/1, Successful at Wolverhampton (7.2f) in August. However, form has been in and out since, last of 9 in handicap at the same C&D (7.2f, 6/1) 44 days ago. Capable if on a going day. Lost a shoe when tailed off here last time but had previously run well at Newcastle.
LTO Selection:
11:42 Southwell Handicap (Class 6) 8f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 6 race.
MARTIN'S BRIG did well to finish second from an uncompromising position at Newcastle last time out and, racing off the same mark, compensation could await the son of Equiano. Fellow in-form rival Key Look has been campaigned largely over 7f of late but shouldn't be inconvenienced by this return to a mile. The six-year-old is unlikely to be far away and she also warrants consideration. Advantage enters handicaps off what looks workable mark and completes the shortlist.
MARTIN'S BRIG returned to form when runner-up at Newcastle 18 days ago, despite having not been ideally placed, and he could be ready to take advantage of his current mark. Key Look has run well on both starts since rejoining Geoffrey Harker and isn't taken lightly, while Coconut Bay could also be thereabouts once more.
It was a sound effort by MARTIN'S BRIG last time at Newcastle and returning here has to rate a positive.
(3) Start In Front 13/8, All-the-way winner of a Wetherby juvenile hurdle on British debut last December. Has failed to build on that subsequently, though wasn't ideally placed under a patient ride when third of 4 back at aforementioned venue on return 19 days ago. Not dismissed. 10l third from out of the weights in a Wetherby 0-140 latest; much more in his favour here.
2
2nd (4) (8/1 +0%) Parikarma
8/1(+0%)
(4) Parikarma 8/1, Three-time winner on Flat who got off the mark on second hurdles outing at Taunton in February. Ran at least as well in defeat under a penalty next 2 starts and perhaps found the longer trip against her when well held back at aforementioned venue (19f) last time. Anonymous handicap hurdle debut but eased 2lb and does boast two Flat wins on bad ground.
3
3rd (6) (11/4 -57%) Lady Gwen
11/4(-57%)
(6) Lady Gwen 11/4, Resumed winning ways in conditional jockeys' handicap at Taunton (16.5f) last month and followed up in determined fashion from the same mark over C&D 2 weeks ago. Thriving and looks up to completing the hat-trick. Well placed since July but now 6lb higher than for C&D win on less taxing ground latest.
4
4th (2) (4/1 +60%) Heross Du Seuil
4/1(+60%)
(2) Heross Du Seuil 4/1, Left first 3 runs for this yard behind when successful at Uttoxeter (2½m, soft) in September and backed it up when narrowly denied at Southwell. Not disgraced both starts since, going in snatches at Plumpton last time. Back down in trip. Almost defied this mark in October; ground fine; untried over this short since May 2021.
5th
5th (1) (17/2 -240%) Moonlight Glory
17/2(-240%)
(1) Moonlight Glory 17/2, Made it 2-4 this season with a career best in 12-runner handicap hurdle at Newcastle (16.9f, good to soft) 14 days ago. That was an ordinary race and now has a 7 lb higher mark to contend with, but she's still respected as a last-time-out winner. Newcastle win latest (2m1f, good to soft) takes her to career-high mark; 3-8 for rider.
6th
6th (5) (25/1 -285%) Very Excellent
25/1(-285%)
(5) Very Excellent 25/1, Produced his best effort for a while (fit from the Flat) when beaten only by an unexposed one in 10-runner handicap hurdle at Cartmel (17.2f, soft) in August. Off since then but a reproduction of that form would give him a chance. Up only 1lb for 1l second at 40-1 at Cartmel in August latest (2m1f); slow ground is fine.
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 4 race.
LADY GWEN displayed a willing attitude when completing a quick-fire double over C&D last month and Kim Bailey's mare looks more than capable of defying a 6lb rise. The selection's biggest threat may emerge from fellow last-time-out winner Moonlight Glory, who was quite taking when landing the spoils at Newcastle. Heross Du Seuil could appreciate this drop in trip and the six-year-old shouldn't be underestimated either.
LADY GWEN showed a good attitude to get the better of one who has fallen a long way in the weights over C&D a fortnight ago and looks up to completing the hat-trick. Start In Front was left poorly placed in a small-field event on his return at Wetherby and shouldn't be taken lightly now returning to a more suitable grade, especially with his stable back amongst the winners.
Down from 0-140 class and on ground that's fine, START IN FRONT (nap) is taken ahead of the hat-trick seeking Lady Gwen.
(15) Whotookthebiscuit 10/3, Thrice-raced maiden under NH rules. Stepped up on reappearance/hurdles debut effort when sixth of 18 in novice hurdle at Limerick (16f, heavy, 33/1) 46 days ago. Sound claims of hitting the frame at least in a decidedly ordinary affair. Best run yet when distant 6th in this sort of ground at Limerick latest and this is weaker.
2
2nd (6) (28/1 -40%) Sirekoff
28/1(-40%)
(6) Sirekoff 28/1, Big prices and not offered much short-term promise in trio of bumpers spread over 11 months. Makes hurdles debut. Best run yet when 5th at Ffos Las but modest form and probably needs further.
3
3rd (1) (80/1 +20%) Beeverstown Place
80/1(+20%)
(1) Beeverstown Place 80/1, Mahler mare. Down the field in bumper/both starts over hurdles to date. Cheekpieces on 1st time. Poor point form and shown nothing under rules so far; wears first-time cheekpieces.
4
4th (10) (13/2 +46%) Caughtinaspell
13/2(+46%)
(10) Caughtinaspell 13/2, Thrice-raced maiden under NH rules. 50/1, sixth of 14 in novice hurdle at Thurles (23f, soft) 14 days ago. Likely type for low-grade handicaps. Placed in a point; low-key form under rules but has shown a bit of ability.
5th
5th (2) (28/1 +58%) Carlas Big Jim
28/1(+58%)
(2) Carlas Big Jim 28/1, Poor hurdler. Ninth of 14 in handicap hurdle at Fairyhouse (23.5f, heavy, 33/1) 13 days ago. Significantly down in trip. Shown very little so far and already looks exposed; return to maiden company won't help.
6th
6th (11) (6/5 +26%) Charity Barnum
6/5(+26%)
(11) Charity Barnum 6/5, Lightly-raced maiden under NH rules. 11/2, seventh of 8 in novice hurdle at Punchestown (20.8f, soft) 21 days ago, losing place before 4 out. Displayed promise over hurdles previously last term and worth another chance in a race distinctly lacking depth. Promise last term and still involved when coming down at Navan last term; needed return.
7th
7th (3) (16/1 +76%) Downtheoldbogroad
16/1(+76%)
(3) Downtheoldbogroad 16/1, Thrice-raced maiden under NH rules. 250/1, seventeenth of 22 in novice hurdle at Naas (16f, soft) 25 days ago, making little impression from 3 out on the back of 13 months off. This ought to reveal more. Minor promise when 4th on debut but tailed off twice since; others have achieved more.
8th
8th (9) (22/1 -38%) Bigira
22/1(-38%)
(9) Bigira 22/1, Birchwood filly. Showed ability when fourth on debut in a Roscommon bumper (16.2f) in June. Failed to progress from that in 2 subsequent outings though, and probably best watched now hurdling. Promising enough debut when fourth at Roscommon but well held twice since.
9th
9th (14) (150/1 -127%) Sydney Cruiser
150/1(-127%)
(14) Sydney Cruiser 150/1, Lightly-raced maiden under NH rules. 250/1, twelfth of 15 in novice hurdle at Fairyhouse (20.2f, heavy) 13 days ago. Hard to make a case for. Poor form in bumpers and no progress in maiden hurdles since.
10th
10th (13) (200/1 -100%) May Call You Back
200/1(-100%)
(13) May Call You Back 200/1, Thrice-raced maiden. Pulled up in novice hurdle at Fairyhouse (20.2f, heavy, 250/1) 13 days ago, tailed off when pulled up before 2 out. Shown nothing at huge prices in a trio of maiden hurdles so far; pulled up latest.
11th
11th (5) (25/1 -79%) Ganderstown
25/1(-79%)
(5) Ganderstown 25/1, Modest in bumpers and didn't jump well enough to make an impact when sixth of 7 on hurdles debut in a Fairyhouse maiden (23.5f) last month, novicey mistakes and left behind from 3 out. Showed a bit more when 6th in a bumper 2 starts ago but tailed off up in trip since.
12th
12th (8) (80/1 -21%) Bellachamps
80/1(-21%)
(8) Bellachamps 80/1, Thrice-raced maiden under NH rules. Tenth of 17 in novice hurdle at Cork (16f, heavy, 200/1) 11 days ago, racing off the pace and never landing a blow. Passed over. Poor form in trio of starts so far, including in pair of maiden hurdles for this yard.
13th
13th (12) (9/2 +50%) Majestic Topaz
9/2(+50%)
(12) Majestic Topaz 9/2, Thrice-raced maiden. 14/1, showed a bit more than previously when fourth of 18 in bumper at Cork (16f, good to soft). Off 7 months. Makes hurdles debut. Unplaced in 3 bumpers last term but showed ability; may do better; off 215 days.
14th
14th (4) (80/1 -21%) Duke Of Doyen
80/1(-21%)
(4) Duke Of Doyen 80/1, Thrice-raced maiden under NH rules. 250/1, twelfth of 17 in novice hurdle at Cork (16f, heavy) 11 days ago, racing off the pace and never landing a blow. Can only be watched. Pulled up on first two runs in 2021 and tailed off on the back of an absence last week.
LTO Selection:
12:02 Clonmel Maiden Hurdle 16f Race Speed Rating Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's race.
SOLO FLIGHT finished 74 lengths behind the winner at Fairyhouse last month but it would be wise to view him on previous form. Placed in two useful point-to-points for Gerry Keane last season before finishing fifth for new connections at the Punchestown festival, he is clearly no star and usually runs in a tongue-tie but drops to a weak maiden hurdle. Charity Barnum was reported to be 'blowing hard post race' when beaten 36 lengths on her first run for 257 days last month but also has form. Her Navan fifth-placing in February reads well and she should improve considerably from her Punchestown reappearance. Majestic Topaz has bits of bumper form but debuts over hurdles on reappearance while Caughtinaspell has some pointing form and is race-fit. Ganderstown's form isn't hectic but is a four-year-old who might improve.
CHARITY BARNUM needs to shrug off a lesser effort on return at Punchestown 21 days ago but she'd previously displayed fair form in this sphere last term and is worth another chance in a race lacking any depth. Whotookthebiscuit may emerge as the chief threat.
This won't take much winning and it can go the way of CHARITY BARNUM who showed promise last season and she'll come on for her return
(3) Educate 5/2, Foaled March 28. Sea The Stars colt. Half-brother to winner abroad by Gleneagles. Dam, Italian winner up to 11f (2-y-o 1m winner), half-sister to high-class 1¼m winner Sea of Class (by Sea The Stars). Nice pedigree and in a top yard, so lots to like; best to let the market guide.
2
2nd (9) (11/10 +43%) Regimental Code
11/10(+43%)
(9) Regimental Code 11/10, American Pharoah colt. Dam, US 5.5f winner, half-sister to useful 2-y-o 6f winner American Apple (by American Pharoah). Promising fourth of 9 in maiden at Kempton (8f, 8/1) on debut 31 days ago. Hood on 1st time. May well do better. Eyecatching fourth at Kempton and must hold every chance if accepting the new headgear.
3
3rd (7) (50/1 -52%) Minstrel Knight
50/1(-52%)
(7) Minstrel Knight 50/1, €98,000 foal, 75,000 gns 2-y-o, Advertise colt. Dam unraced half-sister to useful 2-y-o 7f/7.4f winner First Cornerstone. 25/1, eighth of 9 in novice at Newcastle (7.1f) on debut 20 days ago. 75,000gns 2yo but went off 25-1 at Newcastle (7f) and beat just one home.
4
4th (4) (66/1 -500%) Filibustering
66/1(-500%)
(4) Filibustering 66/1, Postponed gelding. Half-brother to 2-y-o 6f winner Chepchik and 1m winner Lerwick. 40/1, fifth of 12 in novice at Newcastle (7.1f) on debut 23 days ago. Should improve. 40-1, he was producing some good late work to be beaten about 7l in 7f novice at Newcastle.
5th
5th (2) (9/2 +68%) Dubawi Time
9/2(+68%)
(2) Dubawi Time 9/2, Twice-raced maiden. 15/2, ninth of 11 in maiden at Chelmsford City (8f) 27 days ago. Comfortably held in both runs and was weak in the market on both occasions.
6th
6th (5) (80/1 -25%) Howard's Choice
80/1(-25%)
(5) Howard's Choice 80/1, £21,000 Ulysses colt. Dam unraced half-sister to smart 5f winner Ornate out of useful 2-y-o 6f winner Adorn. 20/1, last of 9 in novice at Carlisle (5.8f, good to soft) on debut. Off 6 months. Significantly up in trip. First run for yard after leaving Adrian Keatley. Finished tailed off in a 6f good-ground novice at Carlisle on sole run for previous yard.
7th
7th (12) (20/1 +45%) Walter Hartright
20/1(+45%)
(12) Walter Hartright 20/1, Twice-raced maiden. Twelfth of 15 in maiden at Leopardstown (8f, heavy, 22/1) 47 days ago, slowly away. First run for yard after leaving Joseph Patrick O'Brien. Only mild promise in two runs for Joseph O'Brien and was sold on for 26,000gns.
8th
8th (8) (22/1 -389%) Namrud
22/1(-389%)
(8) Namrud 22/1, Foaled May 13. $19,000 yearling, €110,000 2-y-o, Bernardini gelding. Closley related to minor winner in US by Malibu Moon. Dam runner-up at 1m in US from a good US family. 110,000euros 2yo; second foal; closely related to US 5f dirt winner Chaparrita (inc 2yo).
9th
9th (6) (33/1 +15%) John L Sullivan
33/1(+15%)
(6) John L Sullivan 33/1, Foaled April 27. €52,000 foal, €70,000 yearling, 1,000 gns 2-y-o, Ten Sovereigns colt. Half-brother to 3 winners, including 1¼m winner Monteria and 1m winner Indication Rocket. Dam unraced closely related to smart 1m-10.4f winner Seussical. Wears tongue strap. 70,000euros yearling but then fetched only 1,000gns earlier this year.
10th
10th (1) (10/1 +25%) Candle Wax
10/1(+25%)
(1) Candle Wax 10/1, Dubawi colt. Brother to useful 1¼m/11f winner Calmly, and half-brother to 9.5f winner Shrewdness and 1¼m winner Stimulate. 18/1, tenth of 12 in novice at Kempton (8f) on debut 22 days ago. Weak 18-1 chance when beating two home at Kempton; may need some time.
11th
11th (11) (40/1 -186%) Useless Ees
40/1(-186%)
(11) Useless Ees 40/1, Cost 20,000 gns as a foal. By Ulysses and closely related to 1½m winners Choral Work and Made of Gold. 40/1, sixth of 12 in maiden at Lingfield (10f, AW) on debut 19 days ago. Some promise when finishing sixth of 12 over 1m2f at Lingfield, weakening late on.
LTO Selection:
12:12 Southwell Stakes (Class 4) 8f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 4 race.
REGIMENTAL CODE shaped with plenty of promise when he finished fourth on his debut at Kempton last month, staying on really well at the finish. The son of American Pharoah should have plenty more to come and he can put that experience to good use in this contest. The main threat is Educate, who is a well-related colt and goes for the John & Thady Gosden yard on debut. Candle Wax could take a big step forward from his debut effort and completes the shortlist.
REGIMENTAL CODE showed plenty to work on when fourth in what looked an interesting maiden at Kempton and can put that experience to good use. Educate is a newcomer to note for the Gosdens, while Namrud fetched quite a bit at the breeze-ups.
This ordinary maiden should be within the compass of REGIMENTAL CODE after his eyecatching debut at Kempton.
(1) Balko Saint 8/1, Dual winner over hurdles and runner-up 4 times over fences, including at Newton Abbot (21f, good) in June. Weakened quickly back over hurdles back from 5 months off and again ran poorly back in this sphere here 2 weeks ago. Only sixth (Moytier third) when reverting to fences over C&D a fortnight ago; easing mark..
(5) (9/2 -13%) Moytier
9/2(-13%)
(5) Moytier 9/2, Decent placed efforts 3 of last 4 starts, including switched to fences the last twice. Should be in the mix again in a change of headgear. Ran well (weakening third) over C&D last time; headgear tweaked seeking the breakthrough..
(2) (10/3 +17%) Bolsover Bill
10/3(+17%)
(2) Bolsover Bill 10/3, Thrived with the tongue tie refitted last term, gaining a fourth success over fences at Plumpton (19.7f) in March. Well held both starts in the summer but interesting runner for new yard (formerly with Warren Greatrex) back down in the weights having been freshened up by a break. Stays well & most proficient on soft; low key on last two starts; first run for H. Derham..
(4) (10/3 -33%) Grizzly James
10/3(-33%)
(4) Grizzly James 10/3, Fairly useful ex-French hurdles winner who took advantage of reduced mark when scoring at Hereford in April. Set to follow up when falling 2 out at Chepstow later that month. Off since but remains of interest for in-form yard. Won at Hereford in April; probably unlucky at Chepstow next time; chance back from a break.
(7) (11/2 -38%) School For Scandal
11/2(-38%)
(7) School For Scandal 11/2, Belatedly opened his account when scoring from the front in a Taunton handicap chase (21.7f, soft) on final start of last season. Good second at Fakenham on return but opposable from 1 lb out of the handicap in better race here. Runner-up at Fakenham (2m5f) on seasonal reappearance; could have significant role to play.
(3) (12/1 -9%) Faustinovick
12/1(-9%)
(3) Faustinovick 12/1, Made a winning reappearance at Chepstow last season but below par so far this term. Becoming well handicapped but others make more appeal still. Failed to shine since returning from further wind surgery; usually goes well at Wincanton..
(6) (15/2 -7%) Jessie Lightfoot
15/2(-7%)
(6) Jessie Lightfoot 15/2, Left John Groucott and returned to form when landing a 6-runner Southwell handicap a year ago. Premature exit wasn't her fault next time and shaped as if still in form when third at Market Rasen final start. Off 10 months and starts out for another new yard. Southwell winner last December; 303-day absence to overcome on first run for E. Williams..
LTO Selection:
12:20 Wincanton Handicap Chase (Class 4) 20f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 4 race.
GRIZZLY JAMES won at Hereford in April and looked to have a big chance of following that up when falling two out at Chepstow later that month. The seven-year-old remains open to improvement and has to be respected on his return to action. Moytier has made the frame on his last couple of starts and is likely to be in the mix once again, while School For Scandal also makes the shortlist.
BOLSOVER BILL has run poorly on his last 2 starts but he has since joined an in-form yard so could be worth chancing back down in the weights after a break. Grizzly James was set to follow up his Hereford win when falling 2 out at Chepstow so rates the main threat ahead of Moytier and Jessie Lightfoot.
School For Scandal is respected, but a marginal preference is for GRIZZLY JAMES who ended last term on a broadly upward trajectory.
(1) Kartoon And Co 2/1, Half-brother to French chaser Hurry Up and made a successful start in 4-runner event at Stratford a couple of months ago. Hard to quantify that form but makes plenty of appeal nonetheless. Penalised for his Stratford win (four-runner contest); in safe hands with the Skeltons.
(5) (5/6 +9%) Insanity
5/6(+9%)
(5) Insanity 5/6, Fairly useful 1m4f Flat winner who posted a solid fifth in handicap at York 50 days ago. One to consider starting out in this sphere. Ffos Las novice winner (1m4f, soft); pick of the hurdling newcomers in a winnable contest..
(4) (9/2 -29%) Givemefive
9/2(-29%)
(4) Givemefive 9/2, Fair handicapper on Flat for Johnny Murtagh, successful last time. Pedigree offers hope that he'll take to this sphere so he's worth taking a chance on starting out for a shrewd, in-form stable. Won on Flat at Roscommon (1m4f) in September; market a guide on stable/hurdle debut.
(2) (33/1 -106%) Seraphic
33/1(-106%)
(2) Seraphic 33/1, Won hurdle at Clarefontaine on final start in France in July but hasn't offered much encouragement so far on these shores. Still early days. Plenty of experience from France (Clairefontaine winner); outclassed at Cheltenham latest..
(3) (40/1 -150%) Captain Potter
40/1(-150%)
(3) Captain Potter 40/1, Fair maiden on Flat (stays 1½m) for Mark Walford. Goes hurdling on back of a wind op for his new yard and not discounted. Failed to build upon initial Flat promise (0-7); best watched on stable and hurdles debut..
(6) (66/1 -230%) Star Of Sussex
66/1(-230%)
(6) Star Of Sussex 66/1, Fair maiden on Flat who pulled too hard in a juvenile at Wincanton on hurdling debut. Could better that if he settles this time. Flat maiden (0-6); didn't offer much on hurdles debut at Wincanton; plenty more required..
(7) (300/1 -200%) Youm Dejraan
300/1(-200%)
(7) Youm Dejraan 300/1, Muhaarar gelding. Dam unraced. Hard to make a case for unless the market speaks in his favour. Second foal; dam unraced half-sister to 6f Listed winner; unlikely type on pedigree..
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 4 race.
Hurdle winners Kartoon And Co and Seraphic should put their experience to good use, with the former rated as the pick of the pair after a comfortable debut victory at Stratford in October. However, they may struggle to concede 7lb to useful Flat recruit INSANITY. Alan King's charge ticks plenty of the right boxes and the son of Nathaniel looks just the type to excel in this discipline.
GIVEMEFIVE signed off for Johnny Murtagh with a win and he's joined an excellent stable ahead of this hurdling bow, so he takes marginal preference over Kartoon And Co, who scored at Stratford 59 days ago. Insanity is another notable hurdling debutant.
This seems to represent a suitable opportunity for INSANITY who was the best of these on the Flat, winning a Ffos Las novice.
(13) Birdsandthebees 3/1, 9/2, respectable eighth of 18 in handicap hurdle at Punchestown (20.8f, soft) 21 days ago, unable to sustain effort. Down in trip. Remains with potential. 0-8; 9-2 when beaten 16l latest; feasibly treated on some h'cap form; back down in trip.
(11) (6/1 +40%) Kalanisi Dubh
6/1(+40%)
(11) Kalanisi Dubh 6/1, Bit below form fourth of 14 in handicap hurdle at Limerick (21f, heavy, 15/2) 16 days ago. Return to this trip should help and she's still of interest. Off the mark last season but mark has looked on high side since; assessor slow to relent.
(9) (7/1 +0%) Natural Breeze
7/1(+0%)
(9) Natural Breeze 7/1, Course winner. One win from 24 NH runs. 9/1, creditable fourth of 14 in handicap hurdle at Limerick (16f, heavy) 16 days ago. Should be on the premises. 1-24 but sole win came here and he handles testing ground; one for the shortlist.
(12) (9/2 +0%) Stellar Symphony
9/2(+0%)
(12) Stellar Symphony 9/2, Winner in hurdle at Kilbeggan in September. Good second of 14 in handicap hurdle at Limerick (16f, heavy, 11/1) 16 days ago. Makes plenty of appeal. Kilbeggan winner in September; 2nd latest but shapes like he wants step back up in trip.
(16) (10/1 +17%) Toon Town
10/1(+17%)
(16) Toon Town 10/1, Creditable fifth of 15 in handicap hurdle at Thurles (16.1f, soft, 25/1) 35 days ago. Not beaten far in 2 of last 3 starts; can come on for latest outing.
(1) (10/1 -25%) Star Official
10/1(-25%)
(1) Star Official 10/1, Winner in hurdle at Thurles in October. Bit below form fourth of 10 in handicap hurdle at Gowran (16f, heavy, 8/1) 26 days ago. Not one to write off. Back to his best when winning at Thurles but only a distant 4th latest and on a tough mark.
(2) (11/1 +56%) Premier Queen
11/1(+56%)
(2) Premier Queen 11/1, Course winner. Eighth of 14 in handicap hurdle (16/1) at Limerick (16f, heavy) 16 days ago. Wide margin C&D winner in January but really struggled since, particularly this term.
(4) (12/1 +14%) Late Vocation
12/1(+14%)
(4) Late Vocation 12/1, 12/1 and hooded for 1st time, good fourth of 10 in novice hurdle at Galway (16f, heavy) 39 days ago. Makes handicap hurdle debut. Not dismissed. Placed in a bumper and encouraging form in maiden hurdles at Galway; fair opening mark.
(3) (16/1 +0%) All In Peder
16/1(+0%)
(3) All In Peder 16/1, Lightly-raced maiden over hurdles. Booking of Gilligan a plus. Makes handicap hurdle debut. Dangerous if scaling a revival. Won twice on Flat; low-key yard debut when tailed off latest; needs progress to defy mark.
(6) (20/1 -67%) Inchiquin Maid
20/1(-67%)
(6) Inchiquin Maid 20/1, Thrice-raced maiden. Eighth of 14 in handicap at Dundalk (12f, 11/1) 20 days ago, needing stiffer test. Switches from Flat to hurdles. Tongue strap back on. Makes handicap hurdle debut. Below form on Flat of late; best form over timber came over 3m.
(14) (25/1 -79%) Bridie Whittle
25/1(-79%)
(14) Bridie Whittle 25/1, Thrice-raced maiden. 150/1, sixth of 12 in novice hurdle at this course (16.4f, heavy) 28 days ago. Makes handicap hurdle debut. Open to progress. Tailed off in trio of maiden hurdle starts including over C&D on similar ground last month.
(17) (25/1 -56%) Shana Cloon
25/1(-56%)
(17) Shana Cloon 25/1, Respectable tenth of 20 in handicap hurdle (22/1) at Gowran (20f, heavy) 26 days ago. RESERVE. Promising fourth in a maiden hurdle at Sligo in June but struggled twice since; reserve.
(5) (33/1 -136%) Hill Rocket
33/1(-136%)
(5) Hill Rocket 33/1, Thrice-raced maiden. Eighth of 19 in novice hurdle (100/1) at Navan (16f, heavy) 18 days ago. Makes handicap hurdle debut. Should improve. Shown promise in maiden hurdles; best run came here over further; h'cap debut.
(10) (33/1 +0%) Joeswayornoway
33/1(+0%)
(10) Joeswayornoway 33/1, C&D winner. Fifteenth of 20 in handicap hurdle at Gowran (20f, heavy, 20/1) 26 days ago. Tongue strap back on. Others preferred. No wins over hurdles since course success in March 2021; tailed off on recent return.
(8) (100/1 -100%) Coole Arcade
100/1(-100%)
(8) Coole Arcade 100/1, First run since leaving Henry De Bromhead when 40/1, pulled up in handicap hurdle at Limerick (24f, heavy) 46 days ago, tailed off when pulled up before 2 out. Significantly back down in trip. Tailed off in claimer here on final start for Henry de Bromhead; pulled up on yard debut.
The chart reads from right to left to today's race.
BIRDSANDTHEBEES showed some promise on her return following 411 days off last month. An eight-race maiden but has nonetheless run well in some handicaps, should be suited by reverting to this distance and should better her rating. Stellar Symphony failed to win in 15 point-to-points, which would ordinarily ring alarm bells, but showed improvement winning a three-mile Kilbeggan hurdle in September. She ran well on heavy ground over this distance at Limerick last month and should compete. Premier Queen finished 24 lengths behind her at Limerick and while her form is in-and-out, revels over this course and distance on heavy ground. Natural Breeze has won just once from 22 runs but is consistent and likes testing conditions. Star Official also goes on testing ground and while he drops in grade from his Gowran run, has top weight. Kalanisi Dubh and Toon River have form while Late Vocation debuts in handicaps.
STELLAR SYMPHONY arrives on the up and, having found only one too good at Limerick 16 days ago, she's well worth a chance go one better. Birdsandthebees should strip fitter for her recent reappearance, so she's regarded as a danger along with Natural Breeze.
Competitive but NATURAL BREEZE goes well here and ran with credit at Limerick last time. He may gain another course win
(2) Lady In Havana 3/1, Havana Grey filly who ran to just a poor level on 2 of her 3 starts for Amy Murphy in novice/maiden company. Changed hands for 10,500 gns in October but would need to see market confidence to make her of interest on nursery debut. She's not obviously well treated for this nursery/stable debut but market check is advised.
(7) (4/1 -14%) Badosa
4/1(-14%)
(7) Badosa 4/1, Lightly-raced maiden. Good fourth of 9 in nursery (11/1) at Chelmsford City (6f) 28 days ago, faring best of those ridden prominently. Makes tapeta debut. Promising fourth on handicap/AW debut at Chelmsford and that form can be upgraded.
(9) (5/1 -122%) Lotting's Lass
5/1(-122%)
(9) Lotting's Lass 5/1, Off the mark over 5f here in September. Good fourth of 12 in nursery at Newcastle (5f, 8/1) 20 days ago, keeping on final 1f. Step up in trip rates a plus on that evidence and she's worth considering. 5f course winner who kept on well over that trip at Newcastle last time; on the shortlist.
(10) (9/2 +36%) Jungle Dance
9/2(+36%)
(10) Jungle Dance 9/2, 12/1, creditable fifth of 10 in nursery at Wolverhampton (5.1f) 16 days ago. Others more persuasive. Hasn't run badly the last twice but now 0-10 and others are more compelling.
(12) (12/1 -9%) Rust E Boy
12/1(-9%)
(12) Rust E Boy 12/1, Eighth of 10 in nursery (18/1) at Wolverhampton (5.1f) 16 days ago, effort when hampered over 1f out and not recover. Nine-race maiden and he hasn't been shaping as though a win is imminent.
(4) (16/1 -45%) Falmouth Boy
16/1(-45%)
(4) Falmouth Boy 16/1, Thrice-raced maiden. 150/1, seventh of 10 in minor event at Wolverhampton (7.2f) 59 days ago, driven early in straight and making no impression. Switch to handicaps rates a plus now at least. Showed some ability on AW last time; one to consider on nursery debut.
(5) (17/2 +29%) Pickled Pepper
17/2(+29%)
(5) Pickled Pepper 17/2, Too Darn Hot filly. Little impact in trio of maiden/novice events to date, dropping away final 1f having had run of the race when eighth of 10 in Kempton novice (7f) 5 weeks ago. Needs to take a step forward making handicap debut. Hasn't shown much but her dam was useful; interesting on handicap debut.
(6) (20/1 -122%) Calafrio
20/1(-122%)
(6) Calafrio 20/1, Better signs when finishing midfield in pair of 6f nurseries at Newcastle and best excused latest run at Wolverhampton having stumbled at the start. One to consider on balance. 0-6 but has produced some fair efforts in nurseries and might not be far away.
(3) (25/1 -14%) Unavailable
25/1(-14%)
(3) Unavailable 25/1, Lightly-raced maiden. 80/1, twelfth of 18 in nursery at Leicester (6f, good) 58 days ago, flashing tail and always behind. Others more persuasive. Yard has been going well but she was well beaten at 80-1 on her nursery debut.
(11) (28/1 -40%) Mehigburn
28/1(-40%)
(11) Mehigburn 28/1, 33/1, ninth of 11 in nursery at Newcastle (7.1f) 20 days ago, weakening inside final 1f. Cheekpieces on 1st time but others make more appeal. From his eight starts he's yet to finish better than fifth; wears first-time headgear.
(1) (33/1 -313%) Alibi Warning
33/1(-313%)
(1) Alibi Warning 33/1, Thrice-raced maiden. 200/1, showed a little more than previously when tenth of 12 in minor event at Newcastle (7.1f) 23 days ago. Return to 6f will suit making handicap debut and she rates a likely improver. Improvement needed on nursery debut but there's potential in her pedigree; watch betting.
(8) (80/1 -142%) Parson's Meadow
80/1(-142%)
(8) Parson's Meadow 80/1, Lightly-raced maiden. Last of 10 in nursery at Newcastle (6f, 50/1) 66 days ago, dropping away from 2f out. Needs to leave that well behind to figure. Fair debut effort in May but has struggled since, most recently when 50-1 on nursery debut.
LTO Selection:
12:47 Southwell Handicap (Class 6) 6f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 6 race.
Badosa finished a fair fourth on her nursery debut at Chelmsford last time and she was kindly dropped 2lb for that display, which should put her right in contention. However, preference is for PICKLED PEPPER, who makes her first start in a nursery after only fading rapidly in the last furlong when attempting to make all over 7f at Kempton last time. The drop in distance and booking of Daniel Tudhope could see her get off the mark. Of the remainder, Lady In Havana and Alibi Warning are interesting.
A winner over the minimum trip here in September, LOTTING'S LASS has remained in good form since, shaping as though this step up in trip would suit when fourth at Newcastle recently, and she could be the way to go. Calafrio wasn't seen to best effect latest and is feared, whilst it would come as no surprise to see better showings from Rust E Boy and Alibi Warning.
This can go to BADOSA (nap), a promising fourth on her nursery and AW debut at Chelmsford last month. Pickled Pepper is feared.
(11) Stuti 9/2, Bumper winner. 12/1, third of 13 in novice hurdle at Market Rasen (20.6f, good to soft) on hurdles bow 21 days ago. Should go well again. Bumper winner who was placed on last month's hurdling debut at Market Rasen; a player.
(5) (9/2 +25%) Country Lady
9/2(+25%)
(5) Country Lady 9/2, Vonfirmed promise of her Lingfield debut effort when landing a bumper at Plumpton in April. Shaped like a stayer on hurdling bow at the latter course, so should step forward now upped in trip. Plumpton bumper winner; just a modest third there on hurdling debut (2m); up in trip here.
(1) (9/4 -29%) Kay Tara Tara
9/4(-29%)
(1) Kay Tara Tara 9/4, Above-average bumper performer who made a comfortable winning start in this sphere in a novice at Huntingdon 51 days ago. Open to plenty of improvement and makes appeal. Ready winner of four-runner maiden on hurdle debut; ought to have a lot more to offer.
(4) (10/1 +0%) Bethka
10/1(+0%)
(4) Bethka 10/1, Showed fair form when placed twice from 3 starts in bumpers and better effort over hurdles when fourth in a novice at Market Rasen last time. Tongue strap is on and there's more to come. Stayed on for respectable fourth at Market Rasen last month; should improve again.
(7) (11/4 -22%) Queen Annie
11/4(-22%)
(7) Queen Annie 11/4, Better effort in bumpers when scoring at Chepstow in March and showed plenty to work on when third in a novice at Exeter on hurdling debut. Should improve for that experience and longer trip is in her favour, so strong claims. Chepstow bumper winner; third on recent hurdling debut; leading contender.
(2) (14/1 +0%) Annie Express
14/1(+0%)
(2) Annie Express 14/1, £35,000 buy easily off mark in Irish points at third attempt (Mar 26). Shaped with promise prior to unseating at Exeter on hurdling debut and looks open to improvement. Irish point winner; was running well until coming to grief on recent stable/hurdle debut.
(10) (25/1 -25%) Spring Gale
25/1(-25%)
(10) Spring Gale 25/1, Down the field in a couple of bumpers and likely to have an educational start to hurdling after 8 months off. From a good jumping family but showed only minor promise in her two bumpers last season.
(3) (25/1 +24%) Astro Annie
25/1(+24%)
(3) Astro Annie 25/1, Schiaparelli mare. Dam (c103), prolific point winner/3m chase winner, half-sister to fairly useful hurdler/useful chaser (stays 27f) Ridgeway Flyer. Pulled up both starts in points in early-2023. With good stable for rules career but was pulled up in both points last season.
(12) (50/1 +0%) Theweddingcanwait
50/1(+0%)
(12) Theweddingcanwait 50/1, Placed in a pair of Worcester bumpers this summer (for Fergal O'Brien first occasion) but has yet to offer much over hurdles. Well beaten on both hurdling starts in October; moves up in trip here.
(6) (66/1 +0%) Nomoreblackjack
66/1(+0%)
(6) Nomoreblackjack 66/1, Third on first of 2 starts in points but looks a low-level handicap project judged on level achieved under Rules so far. Soundly beaten in a bumper and two maiden hurdles since switched to racing under rules.
(9) (66/1 +0%) Seasmoke
66/1(+0%)
(9) Seasmoke 66/1, Runner-up on second of 2 starts in Irish points (Feb 12) but little encouragement to be gleaned from her sixth in a novice at Ffos Las 25 days ago. Second in an Irish point in February but struggled on last month's hurdling debut.
(8) (150/1 +25%) Raindance Queen
150/1(+25%)
(8) Raindance Queen 150/1, Placed both starts between the flags early-2022 but offered little in novice at Newbury on hurdling debut. Hard to make a case for. Tailed off when 300-1 for last month's hurdle debut at Newbury (2m).
LTO Selection:
12:55 Wincanton Maiden Hurdle (Class 4) 21f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 4 race.
QUEEN ANNIE confirmed the promise that she displayed in bumpers when third on her hurdling debut at Exeter 17 days ago. With the benefit of that experience under her belt, Harry Fry's mare could be hard to beat. That said, Stuti has a similar profile to the selection and may give her plenty to think about, while Kay Tara Tara and Country Lady are others to note.
QUEEN ANNIE and Kay Tara Tara have both won bumpers and shaped with encouragement on hurdling debut, so they might fight this out with the first named taken to marginally prevail. Stuti also boasts solid claims.
Top of the list is STUTI, who began her hurdling career with a pretty solid third at Market Rasen three weeks ago.
(6) The Doyen Chief 1/2, Successful sole start in Irish points and followed up with a bit in hand in 9-runner bumper at Hereford in April. Looked a useful prospect in going down only narrowly on his Ludlow hurdles debut (21.2, soft) 4 weeks ago and sets a good standard on that form. Well clear with another potentially useful one on last month's hurdle debut (2m5f); player.
(4) (2/1 +0%) Take No Chances
2/1(+0%)
(4) Take No Chances 2/1, Point winner who was placed on all 3 of her starts in bumpers last season and wasn't extended in making a successful transition to hurdles after 7 months off at Huntingdon (19.6f) 32 days ago. Sure to progress and win more races. Twice third here in bumpers (one Listed); cosy Huntingdon win on hurdling debut (2m4f).
(3) (12/1 -9%) Strackan
12/1(-9%)
(3) Strackan 12/1, Bred to be stayer and has shaped accordingly in a bumper/maiden hurdle 7 months apart. Probably more one for handicaps a bit further down the line. Weakened late on when fourth in a bumper and 2m3f maiden hurdle; may need more time.
(1) (33/1 -313%) Best Life
33/1(-313%)
(1) Best Life 33/1, €35,000 3-y-o, Leading Light gelding. Half-brother to fairly useful hurdler/useful chaser Reigning Supreme. Dam (c95/h103) bumper/3m hurdle winner. Successful in point in April but subsequently disqualified. Lost point win (3m, good to soft; carried insufficient weight); starts at realistic level.
(2) (66/1 -32%) Samourai One
66/1(-32%)
(2) Samourai One 66/1, Placed on 2 of his 3 starts in bumpers but has been well held in a brace of novice hurdles 13 months apart. Needs this for a handicap mark. Placed in two bumpers in 2021-22 but hurdling career yet to catch fire; others preferred.
LTO Selection:
13:05 Market Rasen Maiden Hurdle (Class 4) 21f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 4 race.
THE DOYEN CHIEF drew 20 lengths clear of the third when a close-up second at Ludlow last month and a similar level of performance should be enough for the six-year-old to shed his maiden tag over hurdles. Take No Chances created a good impression when making a winning start over timber at Huntingdon and further improvement cannot be ruled out. Dan Skelton's mare is feared most, ahead of Rules debutant Best Life.
THE DOYEN CHIEF looked a useful prospect in making the odds-on favourite pull out all the stops on his hurdling debut at Ludlow last month and is likely to take all the beating with improvement on the cards. Take No Chances impressed at Huntingdon and is the obvious threat.
Better jumping and less pulling would help win this for form pick THE DOYEN CHIEF, ahead of Huntingdon scorer Take No Chances.
(5) Chapeau De Soleil 4/6, Won a point before coming in tenth of 21 to A Dream To Share in Champion Bumper (40/1) at Cheltenham (16.4f, soft). Off 8 months. Makes hurdles debut. Trainer going well. Interesting prospect. Point winner; 2nd when odds on for bumper; promise in Champion Bumper; new trip may suit.
(14) (7/1 -27%) Prince Palace
7/1(-27%)
(14) Prince Palace 7/1, Promising second of 14 in novice hurdle (250/1) at Naas (18.9f, soft) on NH debut 25 days ago. Must enter calculations. Modest form in 2 points but outran odds of 250-1 on rules debut; should come on for that.
(3) (10/3 +5%) St Cuthbert's Cave
10/3(+5%)
(3) St Cuthbert's Cave 10/3, Promising individual. 1 win from 2 runs this season. First run since leaving Rose Dobbin when excellent third of 14 in novice hurdle (9/4) at Fairyhouse (16f, heavy) on hurdles bow 30 days ago. Should improve. Player. Bumper winner; didn't jump well when 3rd latest; further will help.
(2) (11/2 +15%) Great Universe
11/2(+15%)
(2) Great Universe 11/2, Winner in bumper here in March. 5/1, respectable third of 11 in bumper at Listowel (20f, good), refusing to settle. Off 6 months. Switches from bumpers to hurdles. Untrustworthy individual. Bolted up in bumper here last term; return to testing ground should suit; warrants respect.
(4) (11/1 +50%) Ballybrack Wood
11/1(+50%)
(4) Ballybrack Wood 11/1, Promising sort. Fifth of 17 in novice hurdle (8/1) at this course (19.4f, heavy) on NH debut 28 days ago. Trainer going well. Likely to improve. 2nd in a point; tailed off here on hurdle bow last month on similar ground; bit to prove.
(13) (20/1 -122%) On Lovers Walk
20/1(-122%)
(13) On Lovers Walk 20/1, Promising individual. 14/1, second of 12 in novice hurdle at this course (16.4f, heavy) on NH debut 28 days ago. Should progress. Well in the mix. 2-9 in points; promising rules debut when 2nd here latest and won't mind step up in trip.
(19) (40/1 -21%) Cato's Revenge
40/1(-21%)
(19) Cato's Revenge 40/1, Modest hurdler. Respectable seventh of 17 in novice hurdle at Cork (16f, heavy, 28/1) 11 days ago. Possibilities. RESERVE Promise in bumpers but hasn't built on that in maiden hurdles; reserve.
(1) (50/1 -150%) Chosen Thyme
50/1(-150%)
(1) Chosen Thyme 50/1, Lightly-raced winner under NH rules. 50/1, third of 17 in novice hurdle at Gowran (16f, heavy). Off 12 months. Bumper winner; distant 3rd in maiden hurdle latest; RPRs in low 100s.
(6) (100/1 -100%) Glas Acres
100/1(-100%)
(6) Glas Acres 100/1, Twice-raced maiden. Fourth of 17 in novice hurdle at Tipperary (20f, good to soft, 20/1) 154 days ago. Needs another step forward. Failed to complete in 4 points; shown more over timber but plenty to find; off 154 days.
(18) (100/1 -52%) Pipers Boreen
100/1(-52%)
(18) Pipers Boreen 100/1, Lightly-raced maiden under NH rules. Sixteenth of 19 in bumper at Naas (16f, soft, 20/1) 25 days ago. Switches from bumpers to hurdles. Runner-up in a bumper here in May but tailed off twice since; has plenty to find.
(11) (125/1 -150%) Monslatt
125/1(-150%)
(11) Monslatt 125/1, Zambezi Sun gelding. Half-brother to bumper winner Too Falutin. No forlorn hope. Zambezi son gelding; half-brother to bumper winner Too Falutin; tough ask for a newcomer.
(10) (125/1 -89%) Magic Sadler
125/1(-89%)
(10) Magic Sadler 125/1, Once-raced maiden. Fourth of 7 in novice hurdle at Galway (21.4f, heavy, 16/1) on NH debut 39 days ago. Can build on it. 1-6 in points; outpaced over a bit further on rules debut at Galway in October.
(9) (200/1 -33%) Hatfield Hammer
200/1(-33%)
(9) Hatfield Hammer 200/1, Once-raced maiden. 150/1, twelfth of 19 in novice hurdle at Punchestown (19.4f, soft) on NH debut 12 days ago. Tailed off 150-1 shot at Punchestown last week on debut; can only be watched.
(8) (250/1 -67%) Hagi
250/1(-67%)
(8) Hagi 250/1, Dylan Thomas gelding. Dam behind in bumpers. Little show in 2 points (latest Apr 2). Poor form in a pair of point starts and hard to make a case for; off 249 days.
(21) (250/1 -25%) The Lucky Lobster
250/1(-25%)
(21) The Lucky Lobster 250/1, Twice-raced maiden. Tenth of 12 in novice hurdle at Tramore (16.2f, soft, 80/1) 9 days ago. RESERVE Unseated early on debut and tailed off last week; best watched; reserve.
(7) (250/1 +0%) Grizzley Adams
250/1(+0%)
(7) Grizzley Adams 250/1, Twice-raced maiden. 250/1, tailed off when fell last in novice hurdle at Wexford (20f, heavy) 20 days ago. Shown nothing in two starts at huge odds so far.
(16) (250/1 +0%) Val Rapide
250/1(+0%)
(16) Val Rapide 250/1, Thrice-raced maiden. 300/1, fourteenth of 17 in novice hurdle at this course (19.4f, heavy) 28 days ago. Poor form in 3 starts so far including over a similar trip here last month; hard to fancy.
(17) (250/1 +0%) Howl A Minute
250/1(+0%)
(17) Howl A Minute 250/1, Once-raced maiden. 250/1, fourteenth of 15 in novice hurdle at Fairyhouse (20.2f, heavy) on NH debut 13 days ago. Beaten a long way out when 250-1 for her debut 13 days ago; tough ask.
LTO Selection:
13:12 Clonmel Maiden Hurdle 19f Race Speed Rating Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's race.
ST CUTHBERT'S CAVE conceded 8lb to the subsequent Grade 1-placed winner at Fairyhouse last month, is race-fit and proven on heavy ground. He finished tired when beaten 12 lengths at Fairyhouse – with the runner-up also winning subsequently, and while he steps up in distance, should improve jumping-wise and today's rider claims 5lb. Chapeau De Soleil finished mid-field in the Cheltenham bumper and has winning point-to-point form for Colin Bowe. He hinted in both bumper runs that longer distances might suit, and while he receives 3lb from the selection, lacks race-fitness. Great Universe won a March course heavy-ground bumper by 25 lengths and while Derek O'Connor is a positive booking, carries top weight. Prince Palace chased home a smart type at Naas but faces similarly tough opponents while Ballybrack Wood was beaten 37 lengths by a subsequent Grade 1 winner here last month but should improve. Dual point-to-point winner On Lovers Walk ran well in a lesser course maiden recently.
Willie Mullins' CHAPEAU DE SOLEIL showed plenty of ability in bumpers, coming home tenth in the Champion Bumper at the Cheltenham Festival, and is taken to become the latest in a long line of winners to emerge from that contest now going hurdling. St Cuthbert's Cave is feared most on the back of a promising debut second for Gordon Elliott at Fairyhouse, with Prince Palace and On Lovers Walk also in the mix.
GREAT UNIVERSE relished testing ground when winning a bumper here and he might be capable of springing a minor upset if ready to go
(7) Blackcurrent 4/1, Course winner. Ninth of 12 in handicap at Wolverhampton (7.2f, 10/1) 19 days ago, ridden too aggressively. Better showing anticipated returned to sprinting. Didn't get home over 7f latest but he's an each-way player back down in trip..
(1) (7/2 +13%) Fircombe Hall
7/2(+13%)
(1) Fircombe Hall 7/2, 10/1, won 11-runner handicap at Wolverhampton (7.2f) 3 days ago, staying on to lead final 50 yds. Suited by the way the race developed then but definite possibilities under a penalty here. 7f winner on Monday; fully effective over 6f and may have good chance under a penalty..
(11) (9/2 +55%) Beneficiary
9/2(+55%)
(11) Beneficiary 9/2, Course winner. Thirteen runs since last win in 2022. Eighth of 12 in handicap at Newcastle (5f, 12/1) 23 days ago, never nearer. Back up in trip. Cheekpieces back on. Blew the start latest but not written off if able to reproduce his penultimate effort..
(5) (9/2 +10%) Sassy Redhead
9/2(+10%)
(5) Sassy Redhead 9/2, 5/1, respectable sixth of 11 in handicap at Lingfield (6f, AW) 19 days ago, denied a run over 1f out. Comes here on a handy mark and no surprise to see her thereabouts on tapeta debut. Dual 6f Polytrack winner; handy mark if she takes to this surface..
(4) (11/1 -100%) Stallone
11/1(-100%)
(4) Stallone 11/1, Course winner. Creditable fourth of 12 in handicap (17/2) at Newcastle (5f) 23 days ago, staying on final 1f. Back up in trip. Merits consideration. Has claims if able to repeat his form here (5f) three starts back; not ruled out..
(8) (11/1 -83%) Havechatma
11/1(-83%)
(8) Havechatma 11/1, Blinkered for 1st time, won 8-runner handicap (20/1) at Lingfield (6f, AW) 30 days ago by 1¼ lengths from Sassy Redhead. Possibilities if headgear has desired effect once more. Made all (6f) latest; up 4lb; repeat effort would see her go close..
(6) (12/1 -85%) The Tron
12/1(-85%)
(6) The Tron 12/1, Course winner. Respectable fourth of 9 in handicap at Chelmsford City (5f, 15/2), nearest finish. Off 168 days. Up in trip. Can go well fresh and has been effective over this trip, so is entitled to consideration..
(9) (17/2 -31%) Deputise
17/2(-31%)
(9) Deputise 17/2, Ended lengthy losing run in 10-runner C&D minor event in August. Best effort since when fourth of 11 in handicap (4/1) at Wolverhampton (6.1f) 24 days ago. Blinkers back on. Each-way claims if repeating his latest effort but consistency is not his strong suit..
(12) (28/1 -75%) Banana
28/1(-75%)
(12) Banana 28/1, Remains a maiden after 16 Flat runs. 40/1, possibly needed the run following 12 months off when fifth of 9 in handicap at Wolverhampton (5.1f) 23 days ago. Entitled to be sharper here and mark has eased a little more. 0-16; back from a year off latest and needs to step up on that to have any chance..
(3) (28/1 -211%) Alainn Tu
28/1(-211%)
(3) Alainn Tu 28/1, 8/1, seventh of 11 in handicap at Wolverhampton (6.1f) in July, beaten when carried left entering final 1f. Better showing not ruled out here. 6f Tapeta winner; returns from a break; yet to show much when fresh but is not ruled out..
(10) (80/1 -100%) Royal Mariner
80/1(-100%)
(10) Royal Mariner 80/1, Fourteen runs since last win in 2022. Cheekpieces on for 1st time, tenth of 12 in handicap (33/1) at Wolverhampton (6.1f) 15 days ago. Aside from one run he has struggled to make an impact this year; can only be watched..
(2) (125/1 -150%) Gunmetal
125/1(-150%)
(2) Gunmetal 125/1, Formerly a useful sprint handicapper but out of sorts during the summer for Brett Johnson and likely best watched now starting out for new yard despite tumbling mark. Well beaten in all three starts this year; has changed hands; watching brief advised..
LTO Selection:
13:22 Southwell Handicap (Class 6) 6f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 6 race.
Fircombe Hall struck by half a length over 7f at Wolverhampton on Monday and is likely to be bang there once again. However, the vote goes to HAVECHATMA, who made every yard of the running in first-time blinkers at Lingfield last time. The daughter of Havana Grey is now asked to compete off a 4lb higher mark and she is well worth sticking with. Deputise completes the shortlist.
SASSY REDHEAD has fared better on the back of a drop in class of late, not seen to anything like best effect at Lingfield on her latest outing 3 weeks ago. On a handy mark on the pick of her form, she gets the narrow vote to come out on top. Havechatma responded well to first-time blinkers when defeating the selection on her latest start and is respected on these revised terms. Wolverhampton-scorer Fircombe Hall and Stallone are others in the mix.
This looks a good opportunity for FIRCOMBE HALL to add to Monday's Wolverhampton win, even under his 5lb penalty.
(6) Chandlers Bay 5/1, Has made the podium on both completed starts over hurdles, finishing well when third of 12 in a Plumpton maiden (15.9f, good to soft) in February. Capable of better again now handicapping. Latest run has worked out well and he's potentially well handicapped.
(3) (8/1 +27%) No No Tonic
8/1(+27%)
(3) No No Tonic 8/1, Dual winner here last term, including over C&D, and bounced back to form after a spell in the doldrums when third of 14 in handicap hurdle at Taunton (19f, good to soft) 21 days ago, coming clear with a pair of less-exposed rivals. Player. Goes well here and it was a welcome return to form when third at Taunton three weeks ago.
(5) (10/11 -36%) West End Boy
10/11(-36%)
(5) West End Boy 10/11, Left last season's novice efforts well behind when making a successful handicap debut over C&D in October before following up from same mark the following week. That form has been franked and an 11 lb rise shouldn't be enough to stop him in pursuit of the hat-trick. Hacked up here and again won easily with no penalty at Plumpton; up 11lb but respected.
(2) (11/2 +27%) Aurigny Mill
11/2(+27%)
(2) Aurigny Mill 11/2, Left previous efforts well behind to get off the mark in 14-runner novice at Taunton in March. Shaped as if needing the run when fifth of 10 in handicap hurdle at Sandown (16f, soft, 11/1) 25 days ago and he's entitled to go closer now from workable-looking mark. Novice winner; reappearance effort (handicap debut) at Sandown was better than it looks.
(4) (13/2 +13%) Despereaux
13/2(+13%)
(4) Despereaux 13/2, Off the mark at Huntingdon on his second start before defying a penalty at Taunton in March. Failed to come on significantly for his comeback when fifth of 6 in handicap hurdle at Lingfield (16f, good to soft) 23 days ago and others look better treated. Finding life tougher this season but mark has slipped and this sharper test will suit him..
(1) (14/1 -40%) Prince Quali
14/1(-40%)
(1) Prince Quali 14/1, Fair chaser in France, winning amateur riders minor event at Auteuil in 2021/22. Missed all of last season and left David Cottin for €10,000 in February. Joined a good yard but watching brief advised on UK debut. Four wins in France; long absence to overcome but it makes sense to check the market.
LTO Selection:
13:30 Wincanton Handicap Hurdle (Class 4) 15f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 4 race.
It is hard to oppose WEST END BOY, who arrives here having won both starts with plenty in hand since switching to handicap company in October. The unexposed five-year-old should be capable of defying an 11lb rise in the ratings in this company. An opening mark of 110 for Chandlers Bay should be workable and he edges out No No Tonic to be the pick of the remainder.
WEST END BOY has been most impressive in winning both handicap outings this season and looks set to complete the hat-trick from an 11 lb higher mark. Chandlers Bay showed plenty in juvenile company last season and steps into handicaps from a workable-looking mark, with 3-time course winner No No Tonic also meriting consideraton on the back of a good effort at Taunton.
He's been off since February but CHANDLERS BAY (nap) is potentially very well treated given how the form of his last run worked out.
(1) Diamond Twin 2/1, Lightly-raced 5-y-o who shaped well in a first-time tongue strap when third past the post in 10-runner C&D handicap (good to soft, 4/1) 21 days ago, promoted to second having been bumped again late on. Can gain compensation. Firmly in mix (awarded second) in three-way tussle over C&D three weeks ago; more to come..
(8) (8/1 -140%) Dr Lockdown
8/1(-140%)
(8) Dr Lockdown 8/1, Maiden pointer who showed first form in a first-time tongue strap from 7 lb out of the weights when third in a 10-runner C&D handicap (good to soft, 40/1) 21 days ago (second past the post but subsequently disqualified). Needs to back that up now. Better over C&D latest but hung left; positions with 3rd-placed Diamond Twin were reversed.
(4) (10/1 +17%) Beaufort West
10/1(+17%)
(4) Beaufort West 10/1, Seemed to show more spark when third over hurdles at Plumpton (25f) in February. Not matched that since but shaped as if needing the run back from 6 months off at Chepstow recently and is well weighted. Well down the weights; could strip fitter since last month's Chepstow run..
(7) (10/1 +38%) Howzat Hiris
10/1(+38%)
(7) Howzat Hiris 10/1, Seen to maximum effect when opening her account in a Newcastle handicap (23.7f) in March. Did too much too soon there on her final outing last season and understandably looked a shade rusty when sixth of 10 over C&D on her return 3 weeks ago. Cheekpieces back on. Modest win ratio (1-17); work to do to reverse C&D form with two of these; others stronger.
(2) (11/8 +61%) A Dublin Job
11/8(+61%)
(2) A Dublin Job 11/8, Modest maiden who was in the process of running well when departing late at Downpatrick in May. Not in the same form at Kilbeggan when last seen in July but has made an interesting stable switch and market support would be noteworthy. Yet to win but has Irish placed form (3m); noteworthy on first start for Harry Derham..
(6) (12/1 +0%) It's Maisy
12/1(+0%)
(6) It's Maisy 12/1, Promise on final start in bumpers but was a most fortunate winner of a 5-runner novice at Sedgefield in April, well adrift before being left clear last. Predictably found life hard back down in trip under a penalty at Warwick 6 months later and has been handed a stiff-looking mark. Fortunate winner at Sedgefield (2m4f) in April; makes little appeal on handicap debut (3m).
(5) (28/1 -12%) Journey West
28/1(-12%)
(5) Journey West 28/1, Winner of a Downpatrick handicap in Ireland for Colin McBratney but has offered little all 3 starts for new yard this season. Sole win came in first-time blinkers at Downpatrick in May 2022; poor so far for new yard..
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 5 race.
DIAMOND TWIN produced by far the best performance of his career so far when finishing third (placed second in front of Dr Lockdown) over C&D on his handicap bow last month. The son of Diamond Boy looks to have lots in his favour and could prove tough to beat off a 3lb higher mark. The main threat might be Fine By Her, who was still going well before the race was declared void at Worcester last time, which came after her victory at Ludlow. Howzat Hiris completes the shortlist.
DIAMOND TWIN was done no favours by the reopposing Dr Lockdown on the run-in over C&D 3 weeks ago, so Dan Skelton's 5-y-o is taken to gain compensation. Beaufort West is potentially very well handicapped now and should be all the better for a recent run, with A Dublin Job also feared on debut for Harry Derham.
A rematch between DIAMOND TWIN and Dr Lockdown. Dan Skelton's charge has scope for further improvement and gets the vote.
(2) Cash Back 2/5, Smart chaser. Course winner. Good second of 5 in minor event hurdle (3/1) at Thurles (23f, soft) 49 days ago. Stable in good form. One to keep on right side. Busy through summer without winning but this is a good opportunity; only beaten 1l latest.
(3) (9/4 +50%) Desert Heather
9/4(+50%)
(3) Desert Heather 9/4, Useful hurdler. 2 wins from 3 runs this season. 9/4, 7¼ lengths fourth of 7 to Solitary Man in listed hurdle at Cork (24f, soft) 32 days ago, left poorly placed. Tongue strap back on. Considered. Recorded belated hat-trick 2 starts ago; beaten fav in Listed class since; this is tough.
(4) (16/1 +0%) Monishter Are Mwee
16/1(+0%)
(4) Monishter Are Mwee 16/1, Fairly useful chaser. Course winner. Won 11-runner novice chase at Cork (21f, soft, 7/2) on debut over fences. Off 12 months. Switches from chase to hurdles with her fitness to prove. Encouraging start to life over fences but tough ask at these weights; off 382 days.
The chart reads from right to left to today's race.
CASH BACK is an 11 year old but is holding form and receives 10lb from Absolute Notions. This is his first run at this distance but ran well over slightly-shorter 2m7f at Thurles in October and, importantly, has winning course form on heavy ground. Absolute Notions was Grade 1-placed last February before pulling up at Aintree, where a post-race examination failed to reveal any abnormalities although his rider opined he 'would have preferred a quicker surface'. He beat inferior rivals to win on heavy-ground reappearance last month and today concedes plenty weight. Desert Heather has a chance on official ratings with her rider's 5lb claim. However she was a fraction underwhelming on her most recent Cork run, when also receiving some weight from the placed-horses. Course winner Monishter Are Mwee revels in heavy ground and has a feather weight but hasn't run for 382 days.
CASH BACK holds the clear edge on form so rates a confident choice for the in-form Willie Mullins team. Absolute Notions is feared most on the back of his easy Fairyhouse success ahead of in-form Desert Heather.
This looks like a good opportunity for CASH BACK who has been running well in defeat and has an advantage at the weights here
(11) Haworth Star 4/1, Improved again when second of 11 in handicap at Newcastle (7.1f) 27 days ago, finishing well. Cheekpieces on for 1st time. Remains of interest. Placed in both AW handicaps, latterly when very close second at Newcastle last month.
(9) (7/2 +56%) Soames Forsyte
7/2(+56%)
(9) Soames Forsyte 7/2, Remains a maiden after 16 Flat runs but took a step back in the right direction from a declining mark when third of 8 in handicap at Newcastle (7.1f) 35 days ago. Has had a breathing operation since then. Third off 1lb higher when dropped to 7f at Newcastle last month; had wind op soon after.
(2) (9/2 +47%) At Liberty
9/2(+47%)
(2) At Liberty 9/2, Respectable seventh of 14 in handicap (9/2) at Redcar (10f, good) 61 days ago. First run for yard after leaving Michael Bell. Ought to remain competitive. Triple 1m2f winner for Michael Bell; drops to 7f for first time since 2021 for yard debut.
(7) (10/1 +29%) Big R
10/1(+29%)
(7) Big R 10/1, Fair maiden who was well held in first-time cheekpieces at Salisbury (6f, good) in July. Off since but has run well after a break before. Good fourth when upped to 7f at Newbury in June; absent since lesser effort in July.
(1) (16/1 -33%) Selby's Pride
16/1(-33%)
(1) Selby's Pride 16/1, Twelve runs since last win in 2022 but shaped as if still in good form when fourth of 11 in handicap at this C&D (20/1) 13 days ago, conceding first run. Not ruled out. Consistent over 6f in recent months and also ran well over C&D a fortnight ago.
(4) (17/2 +39%) Just Janet
17/2(+39%)
(4) Just Janet 17/2, Course winner who wasn't seen to best effect when eight of 11 in handicap (20/1) at this C&D 13 days ago, short of room over 1f out and not persevered with once held. Has developed habit of started slowly but has claims if judged on Lingfield October form.
(3) (17/2 -113%) Keep Me Stable
17/2(-113%)
(3) Keep Me Stable 17/2, Arrives at the top of her game having landed a brace of handicaps at Newcastle (7.1f) last month. Has to be respected. Came good with two 7f wins at Newcastle last month and might still be on the upgrade.
(5) (17/2 -113%) Rocket Rod
17/2(-113%)
(5) Rocket Rod 17/2, Shaped best when nose second of 11 in handicap at Newcastle (8f, 11/2) 23 days ago, conceding first run. Clearly on a good mark and one to be interested in. Back in good nick when very close second at Newcastle (1m) last month; 7f also suits.
(8) (20/1 +20%) Vondelpark
20/1(+20%)
(8) Vondelpark 20/1, Has slipped in the weights and got back on track when third of 11 in handicap at Catterick (7f, heavy) 37 days ago, despite being slowly away. Makes tapeta debut. Ran well well on heavy turf in October but is unraced on an AW surface; others preferred.
(10) (22/1 -389%) Royal Bliss
22/1(-389%)
(10) Royal Bliss 22/1, Resumed progress and winning ways in 8-runner handicap at Lingfield (7f, AW) 41 days ago, well on top finish. Makes tapeta debut and a 3 lb rise shouldn't prevent another good run. Has won two of her last three races and is a player if suited by this switch to Tapeta.
(12) (28/1 -133%) Kath's Toyboy
28/1(-133%)
(12) Kath's Toyboy 28/1, C&D winner who was below form at Pontefract when last seen in July but could bounce back after a break. Not seen since July and still 5lb higher than for hard-fought C&D win in April.
(6) (33/1 +0%) Sycamore
33/1(+0%)
(6) Sycamore 33/1, Course winner who again underperformed when well held over C&D (25/1) 13 days ago. Enough to prove at present. Suited by this C&D but has quite a bit to prove at present.
LTO Selection:
13:57 Southwell Handicap (Class 5) 7f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 5 race.
Keep Me Stable arrives on the back of a brace of 7f wins at Newcastle and is capable of another bold bid despite a 5lb higher mark. However, this is a step up in class for her and the more wily SELBY'S PRIDE, who runs off 9lb below her last winning mark, is a slightly more tempting proposition on these terms. Royal Bliss and Rocket Rod are a couple of others to consider.
Cases can be made for a few, but ROCKET ROD shaped best when going down only narrowly at Newcastle last month and gets the nod to go one better. Haworth Star and Royal Bliss are a couple of 3-y-os going the right way and they head the opposition.
3yo filly KEEP ME STABLE struck form at Newcastle last month and, with further progress possible, she is taken to complete a hat-trick.
(2) Lets Do This 9/4, Lightly-raced maiden hurdler who comes here on the back of a creditable sixth of 16 in handicap at Navan (21.6f, good to soft) 82 days ago. This Irish challenger can't be ruled out. Went very close on handicap debut at Sligo in summer; major player here.
(4) (9/4 +0%) Stratton Oakmont
9/4(+0%)
(4) Stratton Oakmont 9/4, Finally got off the mark in 3-runner handicap hurdle at Southwell (24.3f, heavy) 9 days ago. Not taken lightly though off an unchanged mark. Escapes penalty for recent win in three-runner contest at Southwell; 3lb well in here.
(1) (10/1 +0%) Lucky So And So
10/1(+0%)
(1) Lucky So And So 10/1, Promise in 3 novice hurdles at the start of 2022 but pulled up on his last two starts. Cheekpieces on for 1st time. Others appeal more. Dual point winner in spring but pulled up on last month's rules return; cheekpieces added.
(7) (11/2 -83%) Rajaran
11/2(-83%)
(7) Rajaran 11/2, 20/1, took a step forward after 8 months off when running-on fifth of 11 in novice hurdle at Plumpton (20.5f, good to soft) 31 days ago. Player off a handy mark on his handicap debut with this step up in trip also a likely plus. Made some encouraging late headway over 2m4f last month; up in trip for handicap debut.
(6) (11/1 -38%) Thirtyfour Thirty
11/1(-38%)
(6) Thirtyfour Thirty 11/1, Fairly useful bumper winner for Nigel Twiston-Davies in the summer. Best of his three runs over hurdles when fourth of 9 in novice here (21.4f, soft) 14 days ago. Much respected on his handicap debut. Fourth in two novice hurdles here last month (1m7f/2m5f); makes handicap debut today.
(8) (12/1 -50%) Letmetellusomethin
12/1(-50%)
(8) Letmetellusomethin 12/1, Signs of ability in bumpers and while he has failed to make an impact in a trio of novice hurdles, improvement may well be forthcoming now that he goes down the handicap route. One to keep a close eye on in the betting. Has shown only minor promise in novice hurdles (2m-2m3f); may fare better now in handicaps.
(5) (16/1 +0%) Johnny B
16/1(+0%)
(5) Johnny B 16/1, Quickly struck over fences at Chepstow (3m2f) in April 2022. Yet to score in this sphere but returns on a handy mark after 12 months off with yard going well. Worth a look. Inconsistent hurdler/chaser who was pulled up last month, after a break; others preferred.
(3) (22/1 -57%) Bertie B
22/1(-57%)
(3) Bertie B 22/1, Bumper winner but he has offered little both runs in 2m4f handicap hurdles this term. Cheekpieces are reached for now. Third on handicap debut in February but well held on both starts this season; up in trip.
(9) (22/1 -10%) Hobb's Delight
22/1(-10%)
(9) Hobb's Delight 22/1, Yet to build on the promise of his hurdling debut, only eleventh in novice at Chepstow (19.4f, soft) 37 days ago. More is required now going into handicaps. Yet to build upon his fairly encouraging hurdle debut but may do so now handicapping.
LTO Selection:
14:05 Wincanton Handicap Hurdle (Class 5) 25f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 5 race.
STRATTON OAKMONT escapes a penalty after recently opening his NH account in a conditional jockeys' event at Southwell. Kayley Woollacott's gelding won with plenty in hand that day and a quick-fire double could be in the offing. Three-time Flat champion jockey Oisin Murphy rides over hurdles for the first time aboard Irish raider Lets Do This, who may give the selection most to think about. Handicap debutant Rajaran is also of some interest now faced with a stiffer test of stamina.
RAJARAN looks to have got in lightly for his handicap debut and with this longer distance a likely positive too he gets the vote. Stratton Oakmont rates the chief threat on the back of his recent Southwell success ahead of the returning Johnny B and Irish-raider Lets Do This.
The pick is handicap debutant RAJARAN, who ended up with a lot to do before making some encouraging late headway in his latest novice.
(5) Mixedwave 9/4, Front runner who took well to fences last term, scoring twice, and showed benefit of reappearance run when making all in a C&D handicap 14 days ago, just holding on (later disqualified for rider's overuse of the whip). Good shout. Made all over C&D latest, but disqualified due to whip misuse; slower ground not a plus.
(1) (11/4 -175%) Roger Rarebit
11/4(-175%)
(1) Roger Rarebit 11/4, Improved since visored, successful over hurdles at Ffos Las in January, and made light of a 7-month absence to make winning chase debut at Uttoxeter (20f, heavy) 11 days ago, produced to lead 3 out and soon clear. Big shout under a penalty with prospect of more to come. Turned Uttoxeter chasing debut into a procession (2m4f, heavy); live claims under penalty.
(4) (13/2 -18%) Brandisova
13/2(-18%)
(4) Brandisova 13/2, In good form earlier this year, landing handicaps over hurdles/fences at around 3m at Fakenham. Good second final start and she promises to strip fitter for her solid reappearance third at Lingfield (23.5f, soft) last month. Holds Mixedwave on March Fakenham form; good recent Lingfield return; can jump left.
(2) (15/8 +77%) O'Connell
15/8(+77%)
(2) O'Connell 15/8, Winning Irish pointer who has shown promise under Rules, quickly dispelling his Wetherby blip when runner-up over C&D 21 days ago, that despite wandering off the bridle. Not out of things. C&D second last month rates a clear personal best under rules; player if jumping holds up.
(3) (33/1 -313%) The Lion Dancer
33/1(-313%)
(3) The Lion Dancer 33/1, Four-time winner over fences for Charlie Mann who produced his best effort for some time when making a winning return from 9 months off at Uttoxeter (3m, heavy) on New Year's Eve. Will need to bring his A Game back from another absence now, however. Trip and deep ground are perfect; not defied higher than 100 since April 2018, however.
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 5 race.
ROGER RAREBIT returned from an 219-day break to be eased down to score by six lengths over 2m4f at Uttoxeter recently. He has a 7lb penalty to carry, with Conor Ring claiming 3lb in the plate, and the son of Black Sam Bellamy could improve for the step up to this distance so rates the one to beat. The main threat is Brandisova, who failed to justify favouritism at Lingfield last time but performed with credit in third. O'connell is another to note.
ROGER RAREBIT showed improved form when making a winning chase debut at Uttoxeter 11 days ago, impressing with how he travelled before quickening clear. He can follow up under a penalty with the likelihood of more to come in this sphere. Mixedwave and O'Connell are the dangers.
Representing a trainer finally back among the winners, C&D second O'CONNELL may capitalise if Roger Rarebit doesn't last home.
(5) Kopon 8/1, 13/2, off 12 months when eleventh of 20 in handicap hurdle at Gowran (20f, heavy) 26 days ago. Should come on for that. Well held on recent return from year's absence; entitled to come on for that.
(8) (8/1 -14%) Always Enchanting
8/1(-14%)
(8) Always Enchanting 8/1, 9/1, respectable seventh of 14 in handicap hurdle at Limerick (16f, heavy) 16 days ago. Opening handicap efforts underwhelming although heavy ground possibly not ideal latest.
(1) (9/1 -50%) Bite That
9/1(-50%)
(1) Bite That 9/1, One win from 24 NH runs. Eleven runs since last win in 2022. Excuses when ninth of 14 in handicap hurdle at Limerick (16f, heavy, 13/2) 16 days ago. In good form prior to that so worth another chance. Good Tramore comeback run; excuses at Limerick since so still respected.
(2) (10/3 +39%) Kitsilano
10/3(+39%)
(2) Kitsilano 10/3, 28/1, creditable tenth of 17 in handicap hurdle at Cheltenham (16.4f, soft) 20 days ago. Never counted at Cheltenham; can't be ruled out dropped in grade.
(15) (11/1 +8%) Kate Ill Know
11/1(+8%)
(15) Kate Ill Know 11/1, Below form sixth of 15 in handicap hurdle at Clonmel (19.1f, soft, 10/1). Off 7 months. First run for yard after leaving Miss D. M. O'Shea. Modest mare but best runs have been here albeit at 2m; first start for new yard.
(17) (13/8 +90%) The Big Cloud
13/8(+90%)
(17) The Big Cloud 13/8, Lightly-raced maiden. Eighth of 20 in handicap hurdle (22/1) at Gowran (20f, heavy) 26 days ago. RESERVE. Opening two handicap runs have been underwhelming; much more needed; reserve.
(14) (14/1 -56%) Cornmarket
14/1(-56%)
(14) Cornmarket 14/1, 22/1 and cheekpieces on for 1st time in this code, good fourth of 10 in handicap hurdle at Wexford (20f, heavy) 20 days ago. 3 Wexford run more encouraging and shorter trip should suit.
(16) (18/1 -13%) Eddies Pride
18/1(-13%)
(16) Eddies Pride 18/1, 12/1, sixth of 9 in handicap chase at Galway (22.5f, heavy) 39 days ago, not knocked about. Switches from chase to hurdles. Best form in handicap chases; now reverts to hurdles (0-19).
(12) (22/1 +33%) Kadys Dirha
22/1(+33%)
(12) Kadys Dirha 22/1, Fourteenth of 17 in handicap hurdle at Cork (19f, good to soft, 33/1) 53 days ago. Placed in maiden here a year ago, nothing in handicaps though.
(18) (28/1 +15%) Chosen Shant
28/1(+15%)
(18) Chosen Shant 28/1, First run since leaving Ian Williams when pulled up in handicap hurdle at Limerick (24.4f, heavy, 33/1) 16 days ago, dropping away before 3 out. Down in trip. RESERVE. Jumped left before pulled up on return from two year's off at Limerick; reserve.
(4) (33/1 +0%) Jimli's Cave
33/1(+0%)
(4) Jimli's Cave 33/1, Lightly-raced maiden under NH rules. Seventeenth of 19 in novice hurdle (250/1) at Down Royal (16.9f, soft) 26 days ago. Makes handicap hurdle debut. Recent runs have been poor, easily passed over on handicap debut.
(10) (40/1 -60%) Perfectway
40/1(-60%)
(10) Perfectway 40/1, Lightly-raced maiden under NH rules. Below form seventh of 15 in novice hurdle at Kilbeggan (19f, good, 80/1) 90 days ago. Makes handicap hurdle debut. Plenty to find on form. Poor form in four maidens runs, hard to see her making an immediate impact in handicaps.
(9) (50/1 -52%) Gendarme
50/1(-52%)
(9) Gendarme 50/1, 40/1, respectable eighth of 14 in handicap hurdle at Limerick (21f, heavy) 47 days ago. Others more persuasive. Winning form is at 2m and this trip has looked beyond him of late.
(7) (66/1 -100%) Perfect Pupil
66/1(-100%)
(7) Perfect Pupil 66/1, Lightly-raced maiden under NH rules. Sixteenth of 19 in novice hurdle (200/1) at Down Royal (16.9f, soft) 26 days ago. Makes handicap hurdle debut. Precious little to take from three maiden runs, hard to make a case for on handicap debut.
(13) (100/1 -150%) Mollys Dream
100/1(-150%)
(13) Mollys Dream 100/1, Eighth of 10 in handicap hurdle at Wexford (20f, heavy, 50/1) 20 days ago. Cheekpieces on 1st time. Nothing yet over hurdles, jumping badly on last month's handicap debut; cheekpieces tried.
The chart reads from right to left to today's race.
Dual point-to-point winner KITSILANO drops markedly in grade from a recent Cheltenham run. His hurdling form is ordinary but, notably, in his point-to-points he twice easily defeated the 113-rated chaser Dundaniel. He should be suited by reverting to this distance and more testing ground might also play to his strengths. Kopon showed promise on her comeback following 350 days off in November and has winning distance form on heavy ground. She defeated a subsequent three-time winner to score at Gowran in November 2022 and should compete. Course winner Kate Ill Know makes her reappearance debuting for a new yard and likes testing ground while Eddies Pride reverts from chasing but is a 19-race maiden over hurdles. Bite That, a half-brother to Might Bite, has won just once from 24 runs while four-year-old Cornmarket seemed to improve a little at Wexford and again runs on heavy. Pana To Milan reverts from chasing having run well at Tramore.
It's best to overlook BITE THAT's previous run (stumbled home turn) so is worth another chance to build on his decent comeback run at Tramore. Pana To Milan and Kopon head the dangers.
Not too much to get excited about here but it could pay to take a chance on PANA TO MILAN on the back of a promising run over fences
(10) Mini Mildred 3/1, Arrives on the back of placed efforts at Wolverhampton in recent months, including this trip. Each-way claims. Creditable third this autumn on Wolverhampton Tapeta (1m4f/1m6f) in her two AW handicaps.
(6) (5/1 -100%) Upepo
5/1(-100%)
(6) Upepo 5/1, Failed to win in 8 starts in Ireland for Sheila Lavery but struck at the first time of asking for new yard in 1½m Lingfield handicap 6 weeks ago. Could have more to offer for this stable and the much longer trip should be within range. 1m4f AW win latest; looks a leading player now he's made the breakthrough on stable debut.
(3) (9/2 +31%) Prince Abu
9/2(+31%)
(3) Prince Abu 9/2, C&D winner. Fourteen runs since last win in 2022. 10/1, good fifth of 11 in C&D handicap 13 days ago. Likely to be in the shake-up. C&D winner; close 3rd to Shadowfax on penultimate start; also on premises over C&D latest.
(9) (9/1 +44%) Cape Point
9/1(+44%)
(9) Cape Point 9/1, Lightly-raced maiden. Made a respectable start to her handicap career when sixth of 12 over C&D 70 days ago but it underlines she needs more from her mark. Moving up to 1m6f here when 18-1 for handicap debut in September sparked some improvement.
(2) (9/4 +44%) Heatherdown Hero
9/4(+44%)
(2) Heatherdown Hero 9/4, One win from 25 runs but has shown promise back on AW in recent weeks, catching the eye when third at Wolverhampton on Monday. Given a chance to build on that. Running with credit at the other Tapeta tracks this autumn but has a record of 1-25.
(7) (11/1 +0%) Zephlyn
11/1(+0%)
(7) Zephlyn 11/1, Good third of 11 in handicap at Hamilton (13f, good, 14/1) when last seen in July. Acts on tapeta. Claims if ready to roll after 139 days off. Inconsistent but one (Newcastle this March) of his three AW runs was up with his best form.
(5) (20/1 -25%) Great Colaci
20/1(-25%)
(5) Great Colaci 20/1, Latest win at Newcastle (12.5f) in September. Respectable seventh of 12 at Newcastle (1¼m) 18 days ago, not ideally placed. Up in trip. 8th Newcastle win came over 1m4f in September; not proven beyond that and unraced here.
(1) (25/1 -127%) Shadowfax
25/1(-127%)
(1) Shadowfax 25/1, Reacted well to cheekpieces when winning at Chelmsford in November but folded tamely to finish last of 11 over C&D since. Made most to win at Chelmsford (1m6f); tailed off in cheekpieces again over C&D latest.
(4) (25/1 -56%) Steel Helmet
25/1(-56%)
(4) Steel Helmet 25/1, Successful over this trip at Wolverhampton in May and June. Went close over 2m at Newcastle in July but off since a lesser effort at Chelmsford in August. 1m6f wins at Wolverhampton this May and June; close call at Newcastle on penultimate start.
(12) (33/1 -500%) Rapallo
33/1(-500%)
(12) Rapallo 33/1, Down the field in 3 qualifying runs at up to 1¼m but wouldn't be the first from this yard to prove a totally different proposition in handicaps. Up significantly in trip with cheekpieces added. One to keep a close eye on in the market. From this yard she needs a close look on handicap debut; poor form but upped in trip.
(8) (33/1 -83%) Sociologist
33/1(-83%)
(8) Sociologist 33/1, Course winner. Sixteen runs since last win in 2022 but did record a few creditable placed efforts in the first half of the year. Off since a lesser effort at Kempton in June. Tailed off latest and absent for 162 days; player if back on song.
(11) (100/1 -100%) Run At Dawn
100/1(-100%)
(11) Run At Dawn 100/1, Looked limited on the Flat/over hurdles for Nigel Hawke. Watching brief advised on stable debut unless the betting suggests otherwise. Absent four months; moves up from 1m2f for this AW debut and he's left Nigel Hawke.
LTO Selection:
14:32 Southwell Handicap (Class 6) 14f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 6 race.
Heatherdown Hero was the subject of good support when a respectable third at Wolverhampton on Monday and, with cheekpieces now added, he again rates as one to monitor closely in the betting. Upepo also commands respect off just 3lb higher than when winning over 1m4f at Lingfield last time out. Nevertheless, the vote goes to PRINCE ABU, who won over this course and distance off 8lb higher around this time last year.
A 1-25 career record hardly makes HEATHERDOWN HERO one for maximum faith but he was an eyecatcher at Wolverhampton on Monday and is worth a chance to confirm that promise turned out again quickly. Lingfield-winner Upepo could have more to offer for new trainer Tony Carroll and rates an obvious threat. George Boughey handicap newcomer Rapallo would also very much enter the reckoning if the betting vibes are strong.
Rapallo has to be feared. Otherwise this is probably all about the ex-Irish UPEPO who made a winning debut for Tony Carroll.
(6) Williamdeconqueror 3/1, Yet to win a race of any description but went very close at Lingfield on return so must be respected back up in trip. Went close at Lingfield last month but the form looks somewhat dubious; others preferred.
(3) (4/1 -33%) Head And Heart
4/1(-33%)
(3) Head And Heart 4/1, Got off the mark in 3m handicap chase at Huntingdon in April and signed off with a good third at Ffos Las (23.8f, soft). Below par at Chepstow on return but better expected now back down in class. Safely held last month, after a break, but won a chase in April and still has low mileage.
(1) (6/1 +0%) Moodofthemoment
6/1(+0%)
(1) Moodofthemoment 6/1, Showed some ability over hurdles but bombed out switched to handicaps last 2 starts. Off 7 months/tongue strap on for 1st time. Should at least make a better chaser (winning Irish pointer). Pulled up in both handicap hurdles but could still have a good future over fences.
(9) (8/1 +0%) Wide To West
8/1(+0%)
(9) Wide To West 8/1, Placed on completed start in points and improved on hurdles form despite finishing last of 5 (beaten 8 lengths) on chase bow at Lingfield on return. Up against from 5 lb out of the handicap. Not beaten far when last of five on recent chasing debut but needs to take a step forward.
(8) (9/1 +25%) Tudors Treasure
9/1(+25%)
(8) Tudors Treasure 9/1, Just the one decent effort last season and didn't offer much on return. Opposable. Regressive veteran; didn't run badly on seasonal debut but others appeal more.
(5) (9/2 +10%) Caeruleum
9/2(+10%)
(5) Caeruleum 9/2, Well held in novice hurdles to date but showed some improvement switched to a handicap when sixth of 13 at this course (19.8f, soft, 11/1) on belated return 2 weeks ago. Makes chase debut. Significantly up in trip. Unexposed 5yo; switched to fences and up in trip after encouraging handicap hurdle debut.
(7) (16/1 +20%) Aikenbreakinheart
16/1(+20%)
(7) Aikenbreakinheart 16/1, Off the mark over fences here (25f, soft) in March. Not in the same form next 2 starts but might have needed the run back over hurdles on return. Soundly beaten on both outings since winning in very slow time here in April.
(4) (20/1 -25%) The Late Legend
20/1(-25%)
(4) The Late Legend 20/1, Scored at Warwick (24f) in April of 2022 but he's been out of sorts over hurdles and fences since, including on return. Out of form last season, and was struggling from fairly early stage at Warwick last month.
(2) (33/1 +0%) Putdecashonthedash
33/1(+0%)
(2) Putdecashonthedash 33/1, Signed off 2021/22 on a winning note at Plumpton but he rarely stands much racing and well held both starts this season. Three-time chase winner, but has been in the doldrums for a good while now.
LTO Selection:
14:40 Wincanton Handicap Chase (Class 5) 27f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 5 race.
WILLIAMDECONQUEROR appeared somewhat of an unlucky loser when short of room in the latter stages at Lingfield last month. The seven-year-old has been nudged up 2lb in the ratings for that performance but compensation could await if running to a similar level. Head And Heart is entitled to improve for her reappearance fifth at Chepstow in November and a better showing is anticipated, while chasing debutant Caeruleum also makes some appeal.
HEAD AND HEART did well over fences last season and should come on for her return, so gets the vote back down in class. Williamdeconqueror was only just edged out at Lingfield so is next best, while winning Irish-pointer Moodofthemoment could bounce back now switched to fences.
Lightly raced 5yo CAERULEUM switches to a staying chase after an encouraging handicap hurdle debut over 2m4f and is worth chancing.
(2) Jack Doyen 3/1, Placed in points and scored over fences at Warwick in March. Shaped as if needing the run after 7 months off when pulled up at Stratford on return but not written off after a wind op here. Warwick win off just 2lb lower in March (2m4f, soft) came in the returning cheekpieces.
(4) (3/1 +0%) Supasunrise
3/1(+0%)
(4) Supasunrise 3/1, Gained his second chase win when seeing off 9 rivals over 2m4f at Warwick 29 days ago, avoiding the mistakes he's sometimes prone to. Should remain competitive after a 4 lb rise. Huntingdon and Warwick 2m4f chase scorer off 4lb lower for same rider; bit more needed.
(6) (5/1 -300%) Caro Des Flos
5/1(-300%)
(6) Caro Des Flos 5/1, Improved to win 10-runner handicap chase here (21.4f, good to soft) 21 days ago, forging clear. Hiked up 8 lb but still merits serious consideration. Easy winner over further here latest; third in this race off 14lb higher on soft in 2021.
(5) (9/1 -13%) Baghdad Central
9/1(-13%)
(5) Baghdad Central 9/1, Got off the mark over hurdles in 19f handicap at Carlisle in April and backed it up with a good third at Southwell following month. Must enter calculations now going chasing. Only 2lb higher than for April's Carlisle hurdles win; doesn't always settle; chase debut.
(3) (11/4 +31%) Hard Frost
11/4(+31%)
(3) Hard Frost 11/4, Bred for chasing and duly improved on his hurdles form when just failing at Wincanton (20f) in April. Signed off with a below-par fourth at Taunton but no surprise to see him get back on track here. Multiple near misses last term, two of them chases; still looks to be on a workable mark.
(1) (17/2 +47%) Cokytho
17/2(+47%)
(1) Cokytho 17/2, A fair chaser in France. Well held in 3 outings for Oliver Sherwood last season but no surprise were he to make more of an impact on this return for a new stable. One to keep a close eye on in the betting. Mark and ground both fine, but could be this trip is still a shade further than optimum.
(7) (40/1 -21%) Enforcement
40/1(-21%)
(7) Enforcement 40/1, Got off the mark over fences at Uttoxeter (24f) in summer of 2021 but has clearly had his problems since, restricted to just 3 runs and making little impact. 3 lb out of the handicap too. Not at his best on the three starts he's been limited to these past two and a half years.
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 5 race.
CARO DES FLOS won in facile fashion over the extended 2m5f at this venue last time and he looks primed to follow up that success. Julian Smith's charge won by 14 lengths on that occasion, making a mockery of his mark of 74, and this 8lb rise doesn't appear likely to stop him. Supasunrise also won last time out over 2m4f at Warwick but may struggle to defy a 4lb rise in the ratings for that neck success, while better can be expected from Hard Frost.
A few with chances but CARO DES FLOS looks the way to go on the back of his wide-margin success here despite taking an 8 lb rise in the weights. Hard Frost is weighted to go well on his return with chasing newcomer Baghdad Central and Alex Hales's new recruit Cokytho also in the picture.
Each retaining handicapping scope and likely to appreciate conditions, HARD FROST and Jack Doyen are preferred in that order.
(2) Captains Nephew 3/1, Below form back over hurdles when eighth of 11 in handicap at Down Royal (16.9f, soft, 12/1) 26 days ago. Switches from hurdles to chase. Makes handicap chase debut and is open to improvement in this sphere. Well held in handicap hurdles; two chase runs okay, more needed on handicap debut.
(6) (3/1 +57%) Lovely Reaction
3/1(+57%)
(6) Lovely Reaction 3/1, 9/1, shaped well after 6 months off when fourth of 10 in handicap hurdle at Punchestown (16.2f, good to soft) just over 8 weeks ago. Makes chase debut and certainly worth a market check given connections. Encouraging enough comeback run over hurdles; 5yo respected on chase debut.
(4) (7/2 +0%) Chosen Diamond
7/2(+0%)
(4) Chosen Diamond 7/2, 7/1, wasted no time proving himself a better chaser than hurdler when winning 12-runner handicap chase at Naas (20f, soft) on debut over fences 25 days ago, leading before last. Should have more to offer. Quite impressive debut chase winner in Naas handicap; could well have more to offer.
(1) (9/2 +18%) Midnight It Is
9/2(+18%)
(1) Midnight It Is 9/2, Course winner in October. 6/1, shaped as if still in good form when 12 lengths fourth of 12 to Chosen Diamond in handicap chase at Naas (20f, soft) 25 days ago. Didn't stay 2m4f at Navan behind Chosen Diamond so drop back in trip here should suit.
(5) (12/1 -118%) Danny The Fence
12/1(-118%)
(5) Danny The Fence 12/1, 15/2 and tongue strap on for 1st time, showed much improved form when winning 14-runner handicap hurdle at Fairyhouse (23.5f, heavy) 13 days ago, suited by increase in trip. Back down in distance for his chase debut and interesting to see how he fares in the market. Much improved for recent comeback hurdles win; chase debut and takes a fair drop in trip.
(9) (12/1 +57%) Kilashee
12/1(+57%)
(9) Kilashee 12/1, Unreliable sort. Twenty-nine runs since last win in 2021. 10/1, ran badly when pulled up in handicap chase at Tramore (21.4f, soft) 9 days ago, dropping away quickly 5 out. Must bounce back. Reportedly didn't handle soft ground at Tramore latest; too many questions and 2lb wrong.
(7) (17/2 +23%) Mac's Xpress
17/2(+23%)
(7) Mac's Xpress 17/2, Shaped well in a more competitive handicap than he'd been contesting sixth of 17 in handicap hurdle at Cheltenham (16.4f, soft, 33/1) 20 days ago, not ideally placed. Makes chase debut. Experienced maiden hurdler not discredited at Cheltenham latest; now goes chasing.
The chart reads from right to left to today's race.
CAPTAINS NEPHEW previously won a course maiden hurdle by 18 lengths and drops in grade having been beaten exactly 21 lengths on three of his last four runs. Highly-tried in five of six runs since his February course success, he today makes his handicap chase debut rated 5lb lower in this sphere than over hurdles. Chosen Diamond won on Naas chase debut last month and while 9lb higher, might continue to progress. He previously failed to win in 11 hurdles but appears better in this sphere. Course winner Midnight It Is finished 12 lengths fourth in that Naas race but being 9lb better off, should compete. Time Marches On returned to form when winning at Cork and while raised 6lb, is suited by conditions. Danny The Fence remains slightly unexposed having won at Fairyhouse but makes his chase debut over an inadequate looking distance. Lovely Reaction and 16-race maiden Mac's Xpress are each useful but have tough tasks on respective chase debuts.
CAPTAINS NEPHEW was a wide-margin winner over hurdles on his previous visit to this venue earlier in the year, and with better to come in this sphere, Philip Rothwell's 6-y-o is fancied to open his account over the larger obstacles now sent down the handicap route. Chosen Diamond made a winning chasing debut at Naas last month, so he's put forward as the main threat, with Time Marches On and Midnight It Is also considered.
Preference is for TIME MARCHES ON who seemed to have turned a corner when winning at Cork, the form of which is working out well
(12) Have You A Minute 5/1, Respectable fifth of 10 in handicap (9/2) at Beverley (1¼m, heavy) 78 days ago, helped by being held up in strongly-run race. Close second at Beverley (1m2f, heavy) in July is the clear pick of his nine races.
(10) (5/1 +17%) Debby's Delight
5/1(+17%)
(10) Debby's Delight 5/1, Lightly-raced maiden. 12/1, creditable fourth of 10 on handicap debut at Wolverhampton (1½m) 42 days ago. Unexposed profile provides hope that she can build on that. Closer at Wolverhampton (1m4f) on handicap debut and may be able to build on that display.
(9) (6/1 -33%) Tortured Soul
6/1(-33%)
(9) Tortured Soul 6/1, Modest maiden at up to 1½m on turf for Ger Lyons in Ireland but one to keep an eye on in the betting now switching to AW for new trainer Tony Carroll. 0-7 but made the frame in large-field Irish handicaps at 1m2f/1m4f on turf; considered.
(3) (7/2 -27%) Casa Luna
7/2(-27%)
(3) Casa Luna 7/2, Remains a maiden after 17 starts. Creditable second of 12 in handicap at Newcastle (1¼m) 18 days ago. Merits consideration under Tudhope. Back to some form when second at Newcastle (1m2f) on latest start but she's now 0-17.
(2) (8/1 +43%) Uther Pendragon
8/1(+43%)
(2) Uther Pendragon 8/1, C&D winner. Latest win at Bath in July. 28/1, tenth of 13 in handicap at Bath (13f, soft) 66 days ago. Hit form with quickfire hat-trick at almost this time last year; nose 2nd two runs ago.
(11) (11/1 -83%) Private Bryan
11/1(-83%)
(11) Private Bryan 11/1, 33/1, good second of 13 in handicap at Chelmsford (1¼m) 21 days ago. Hood back on. 0-15 but his best was second of 13 under Liam Wright at Chelmsford (1m2f) last time.
(6) (15/2 +25%) Duveen
15/2(+25%)
(6) Duveen 15/2, 22/1, respectable sixth of 13 in handicap at Chelmsford (1¼m) 21 days ago. Something to find on form. 0-10 but has done enough over 1m4f, including at Wolverhampton, to hold place chance.
(1) (17/2 +6%) Perthshire
17/2(+6%)
(1) Perthshire 17/2, Modest maiden but did show he retains ability when fifth of 14 over 1½m at Kempton on his recent return from a 797-dya absence. Claims if he can build on that. Absent for over two years before his promising fifth of 14 at Kempton (1m4f) 17 days ago.
(7) (25/1 -25%) Raffles Rebel
25/1(-25%)
(7) Raffles Rebel 25/1, Remains a maiden after 20 stats. 40/1, eleventh of 12 in handicap at Newcastle (1m) 51 days ago. Significantly back up in trip. Cassa Luna the more obvious of the yard's pair. 20-race maiden but a case can be made with this step back up from 7f/1m.
(4) (33/1 -136%) Captain St Lucifer
33/1(-136%)
(4) Captain St Lucifer 33/1, One win from 34 Flat runs. Nineteen runs since last win in 2021. Best forgiven latest eighth of 10 at Wolverhampton (1½m) as he had no chance after being hampered under 2f out . Runner-up there prior to that. 1-34; five 2nds at Wolverhampton, including penultimate start; more to prove beyond 1m2f.
(8) (40/1 +20%) Kovu
40/1(+20%)
(8) Kovu 40/1, Modest form. Last of 12 in handicap (33/1) at this course (1¾m) 70 days ago. Down in trip. Eight-race maiden who hasn't offered a great deal lately, last two outings at 1m4f/1m6f.
(5) (125/1 -400%) Persian Wolf
125/1(-400%)
(5) Persian Wolf 125/1, Sixteen runs since last win in 2022. First run since leaving Phil McEntee when last of 12 in handicap at Newcastle (1¼m) 18 days ago. Cheekpieces back on. Not easy to make a case for. 5yo who has won just two of his 38 starts; did not show much 18 days ago on stable debut.
LTO Selection:
15:07 Southwell Handicap (Class 6) 11f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 6 race.
CASA LUNA hasn't always been the sharpest away from the stalls and, with that in mind, a wide draw in stall 10 might not be too much of a hinderance to the Philip Kirby-trained filly who made good headway between rivals when second at Newcastle latest. Fellow maidens Private Bryan and Have You A Minute run off light weights and enter calculations given both are still unexposed on the all-weather.
Although CASA LUNA has had a few chances she looked unlucky not to finish closer when second at Newcastle last month and gets the nod with Danny Tudhope a good booking. Debby's Delight's unexposed profile provides hope that she can build on her Wolverhampton handicap debut fourth. Tony Carroll does quite well with his recruits from Ireland so Tortured Soul would also come into it if the betting speaks in his favour.
Uther Pendragon and Debby's Delight are considered but top of the list are Perthshire and TORTURED SOUL.
(8) Ede'iffs Elton 7/2, All 3 career wins over fences at this course and, after 8 months off, he took a step back in the right direction when fourth of 12 here (20.2f, soft) in November. Interesting contender as he goes back up in trip with usual cheekpieces reapplied. Fine overall Wincanton record (3-9); could strip fitter for recent comeback run over 2m4f..
(4) (10/1 +17%) Striking A Pose
10/1(+17%)
(4) Striking A Pose 10/1, Dual hurdles winner who also scored on his chase debut at Exeter (19.2f) back in November 2021. However, hasn't been able to add to his tally since and, after 5 months off, ran no sort of race at this C&D in October. Wind op needs to help spark a return to form. No win since November 2021; undergone wind surgery since struggling over C&D in October..
(1) (10/3 +26%) Take Your Time
10/3(+26%)
(1) Take Your Time 10/3, Lost his way over hurdles after back-to-back victories in 2021/22, but switched to chasing (had won his sole start in points) got back on track when winning handicap at Newton Abbot (25.8f, heavy) in October. Can follow up with progress to come over fences. Headgear change when making winning chasing debut at Newton Abbot (3m2f); 3lb higher.
(3) (11/2 +8%) Not Sure
11/2(+8%)
(3) Not Sure 11/2, Won twice switched to chasing last season and, making only his second start at 3m, resumed his progress when scoring at Wetherby (heavy) last month on his return. Could still have more to offer as he goes further up in trip. Made winning return at Wetherby (3m; cheekpieces reapplied); 6lb higher; more to come?.
(7) (11/4 -175%) Eceparti
11/4(-175%)
(7) Eceparti 11/4, Having dropped to a career-low mark, took advantage in emphatic style when making a winning return at Chepstow (26.3f) in October. Followed up under a penalty at the same course (23.6f, heavy) 8 days later and he still remains well treated on old form. Respected. Resurgent; climbing a combined total of 15lb for two Chepstow wins; hat-trick is possible..
(2) (14/1 -133%) Raddon Top
14/1(-133%)
(2) Raddon Top 14/1, Landed hat-trick of handicap hurdles at Exeter at the start of 2022 and off the mark over fences at the same course (24.3f, heavy) early this year. Returned to form when runner-up there over hurdles on his reappearance, so task is to build on his latest effort back chasing. Often saves best for Exeter; runner-up over hurdles there on recent seasonal reappearance..
(5) (18/1 -29%) Nearly Perfect
18/1(-29%)
(5) Nearly Perfect 18/1, Three-time winner in staying chases back in 2020 but after a lengthy absence has gone the wrong way since, well beaten all 3 starts over fences earlier this year. Little encouragement over hurdles at Uttoxeter in June, so has enough to prove after 6 months off. C&D winner (Dec 2020); struggling for form for some time now; safer options lie elsewhere..
(6) (33/1 -32%) Harlem Soul
33/1(-32%)
(6) Harlem Soul 33/1, Successful twice in handicap chases here (both at 20.2f) last season but not in the same form since, offering little back over fences at this C&D in October. Others preferred. Nothing remotely positive since winning over 2m4f here (good to soft) on Boxing Day 2022..
LTO Selection:
15:15 Wincanton Handicap Chase (Class 4) 25f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 4 race.
A tentative vote is for TAKE YOUR TIME, who won more easily than the half-length winning distance suggests over 3m2f at Newton Abbot in October. Paul Nicholls' charge has been raised 3lb in the ratings which could prove lenient for a gelding likely to be running on strongly at the line. Not Sure is the obvious danger following his comfortable success over 3m at Wetherby last month, while Eceparti and Raddon Top should also be on the premises.
Having dropped in the weights, TAKE YOUR TIME got back on track when making a successful chasing debut at Newton Abbot on his return, jumping soundly and showing a good attitude to lead close home. He is taken to see off the challenge of the hat-trick seeking Eceparti, while Ede'iffs Elton could go well back up in trip at this venue.
An interesting contest featuring the in-form Eceparti, Not Sure and TAKE YOUR TIME. The Paul Nicholls-runner receives the vote.
(3) Casual Observer 2/1, €20,000 3-y-o, £55,000 4-y-o, Pillar Coral gelding. Dam unraced. Runner-up sole outing in Irish points (Mar 19) and he's well worth a second look on Rules/bumper debut. Yard 1-5 with their runners in this sphere this term. Tried to make most when about 2l second to Jeroboam Machin in sole Irish point (3m, heavy).
(2) (10/3 +5%) Ballyvango
10/3(+5%)
(2) Ballyvango 10/3, Showed ability when fifth in big-field Kempton bumper on debut in March that has worked out well but not in same form back from 7 months off when midfield in 15-runner Cheltenham bumper in October. Still, it remains early days and better showing anticipated here. Keeping-on seventh in a Cheltenham Class 2 latest (good); chance back down in class.
(5) (13/8 +7%) Diamond Koda
13/8(+7%)
(5) Diamond Koda 13/8, Half-brother to a winning hurdler and fairly useful form himself in pair of bumpers 6 months apart, runner-up over C&D in May and filling same spot at Sandown (2m) 25 days ago. Big player on that evidence again partnered by Brian Hughes. Half-length second on both bumper starts; latest run at Sandown (soft) sets the standard.
(4) (16/1 +0%) Dark Mix
16/1(+0%)
(4) Dark Mix 16/1, Black Sam Bellamy gelding. Half-brother to modest chaser Mixedwave. Dam (c111/h112), 2m-2¾m hurdle/chase winner, half-sister to useful hurdler/smart chaser (stayed 25f) Helpston. Debutant from a long-established homebred family; dam won a bumper, but not on debut.
(1) (17/2 -42%) Absolute Steel
17/2(-42%)
(1) Absolute Steel 17/2, €16,000 3-y-o, Mount Nelson gelding. Half-brother to fair hurdler/fairly useful chaser Daphne Moon and fair hurdler/fairly useful chaser Mulberry Hill. Market should prove a useful guide on debut. Likelier one for 2m4f-plus over jumps, but yard's form this last month rates a plus.
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 5 race.
DIAMOND KODA has made a pleasing start to his career, finding just one too good on each occasion, and this looks the perfect opportunity to get off the mark. Nick Kent's charge was only beaten half a length last time over 2m at Sandown, beating the remainder comfortably, and he should go well. Ballyvango is respected dropping into these calmer waters after struggling to land a blow at Cheltenham, while Absolute Steel is a newcomer to keep an eye on.
DIAMOND KODA again ran to a fairly useful level when runner-up back from 6 months off at Sandown 25 days ago, encouraging he could pull clear with the winner given the steady pace. He can get off the mark now with Ballyvango possibly the lead threat. Casual Observer rates an interesting Rules debutant having finished runner-up to a promising one on his only start between the flags.
A win for Diamond Koda would be deserved, but the form of CASUAL OBSERVER's point second has been franked in an Irish bumper since.
(4) Ideal Du Tabert 7/1, Promising type. 20/1, fourth of 14 in novice chase at Cork (21f, soft) on debut over fences 11 days ago, doing too much too soon. Should improve. Promising Cork chasing debut; drop in trip could suit and Jack Kennedy booking a positive.
(3) (11/8 -25%) Henn See
11/8(-25%)
(3) Henn See 11/8, Fairly useful chaser. Creditable second of 11 in novice chase at Wexford (16f, heavy, 13/8) 20 days ago, clear of rest. Should go well again. Wexford comeback run much improved; similar effort will see him go close here.
(1) (11/8 +45%) Ask Anything
11/8(+45%)
(1) Ask Anything 11/8, Lightly-raced winner under NH rules. Fairly useful winner at 21f over hurdles. Excellent second of 17 in handicap hurdle (4/1) at Navan (20f, heavy) 19 days ago. Makes chase debut. Has returned much improved over hurdles of late; interesting now switched to fences.
(9) (12/1 -20%) Mighty Mo Missouri
12/1(-20%)
(9) Mighty Mo Missouri 12/1, Fairly useful hurdler. Winner in hurdle at Kilbeggan in August. Fairly useful winner at 19f over hurdles. 15/2, seventh of 11 in novice chase at Wexford (16f, heavy) on debut over fences 20 days ago. Didn't count on last month's chasing debut at Wexford; 4yo may need more time.
(8) (14/1 -17%) Takarengo
14/1(-17%)
(8) Takarengo 14/1, Fairly useful chaser. Twenty runs since last win in 2021. 18/1, fifth of 17 in handicap hurdle at Punchestown (24.4f, soft) 11 days ago. Switches from hurdles to chase. Significantly down in trip. Placed form over fences gives him claims of sorts but likely to find a couple too good.
(5) (33/1 -136%) Jet Setting Johnny
33/1(-136%)
(5) Jet Setting Johnny 33/1, Fair hurdler. 14/1, fourth of 12 in novice chase at Gowran (20f, heavy) on debut over fences 26 days ago. May well do better. Ran okay to a point on last month's chasing debut at Gowran but lot more likely needed.
(10) (50/1 -52%) Mount Frisco
50/1(-52%)
(10) Mount Frisco 50/1, Modest hurdler. Creditable fourth of 12 in novice hurdle (66/1) at this course (16.4f, heavy) 28 days ago. Makes chase debut. 0-5 hurdling and hasn't been progressing; probably best watched on chase debut.
(6) (66/1 -313%) Kendancer
66/1(-313%)
(6) Kendancer 66/1, Fair hurdler. Fair winner at 18f over hurdles. Seventh of 14 in novice chase at Cork (21f, soft, 150/1) on debut over fences 11 days ago. Cheekpieces on for 1st time in this code. Didn't jump well on last month's chasing debut at Cork and probably best watched for now.
LTO Selection:
15:32 Clonmel Maiden Chase 17f Race Speed Rating Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's race.
It isn't ideal that ASK ANYTHING drops in distance for his chasing debut but heavy ground will ensure a stamina test. A point-to-point winner, he was unplaced in three hot bumpers before winning in October and running well at Navan. He might progress a little further than his 115 hurdle-rating and likes testing conditions. Henn See fell at the second-last in last year's renewal but this year brings race-fitness, having run well enough at Wexford. A strong traveller, he remains vulnerable to lesser exposed types but should run well. Ideal Du Tabert was rated 114 over hurdles but faded late-on on chase debut at Cork recently while Jet Setting Johnny was beaten 25 lengths on chase debut recently. Takarengo is frustrating while Mighty Mo Missouri was well behind the selection at Wexford.
HENN SEE was unlucky to bump into such a progressive rival at Wexford on his return 3 weeks ago and this looks a good opportunity for him to go one better. Ask Anything showed big improvement when second on his handicap bow over hurdles last month so is an interesting contender switched to fences, while Ideal du Tabert shaped better than the distance beaten suggests on his chase bow at Cork recently.
Ask Anything would be the choice over further but Wexford second over this trip HENN SEE looks the safe bet
(1) Lightning Flash 3/1, Mount Nelson gelding who knew what was required to make a winning start in 11-runner bumper at Ludlow (15.8f, soft) 4 weeks ago, better placed than most. Conditional's 7 lb claims offsets the penalty so he looks sure to go well again. Made most at Ludlow and James Turner's claim erases the penalty.
(2) (6/1 +0%) Crest Of Fortune
6/1(+0%)
(2) Crest Of Fortune 6/1, £45,000 3-y-o, Doyen gelding. Closely related to fair hurdler/fairly useful chaser Allo Allo, and half-brother to 2 winners, including bumper winner Pour Les Filles. Dam (h126), bumper/21f hurdle winner, sister to bumper winner/high-class hurdler (2m-25f winner) Marello. 1 of 5 for this yard. £45,000 3yo; seventh foal; closely related to 2m4f/2m7f hurdle/chase winner Allo Allo.
(8) (6/1 -33%) Night Stalker
6/1(-33%)
(8) Night Stalker 6/1, Sixties Icon gelding who showed ability when 3½ lengths third of 11 to Lightning Flash in bumper at Ludlow (15.8f, soft) 4 weeks ago, well positioned. Could build on that here. Couldn't lay a glove on front-runner Lightning Flash at Ludlow but that was a good run.
(9) (7/2 +0%) Oakley's Way
7/2(+0%)
(9) Oakley's Way 7/2, €55,000 3-y-o, Walk In The Park gelding. Half-brother to 3 winners, including top-class 2m chaser Special Tiara and useful hurdler Accidental Rebel. Dam unraced. 1 of 5 for this yard. 55,000euros 3yo and a half-brother to top-class 2m chaser Special Tiara.
(4) (8/1 +0%) Dark Material
8/1(+0%)
(4) Dark Material 8/1, Jack Hobbs gelding. Half-brother to useful bumper winner The Kemble Brewery. Dam (h79), maiden hurdler, sister to useful hurdler/smart chaser (stayed 3m) Warriors Tale. Needs a market check. £18,000 yearling; second foal; half-brother to dual bumper winner The Kemble Brewery.
(5) (8/1 +0%) Double Dragon
8/1(+0%)
(5) Double Dragon 8/1, £12,000 3-y-o, Dragon Dancer gelding. Half-brother to fair hurdler Chase A Fortune, stays 19f. Dam (c113/h109) bumper/2¾m hurdle winner. Of obvious interest on debut. £12,000 3yo; second foal; half-brother to 2m hurdle winner Chase A Fortune.
(3) (10/1 +0%) Dance And Glance
10/1(+0%)
(3) Dance And Glance 10/1, £16,000 3-y-o, Passing Glance gelding. Half-brother to useful hurdler/chaser Uncle Alastair and fairly useful hurdler/useful chaser Movie Legend. Dam (h115), 2½m/2¾m hurdle winner, half-sister to fairly useful hurdler (stayed 19f) Emral Silk. £16,000 3yo; fifth foal; half-brother to useful jumper Uncle Alastair.
(7) (20/1 +70%) Infantryman
20/1(+70%)
(7) Infantryman 20/1, 8,000 gns 3-y-o, Lope De Vega gelding. Dam 9.5f winner. Made 200,000euros as a yearling but never raced for Godolphin; sold on for 8,000gns.
(6) (33/1 +0%) Grenadier Jed
33/1(+0%)
(6) Grenadier Jed 33/1, Frontiersman gelding. Half-brother to bumper winner Montenay. Dam, 1¼m winner, half-sister to fairly useful chaser (3m-25f winner) Graduation Night. Fifth foal; half-brother to bumper winner Montenay; dam 1m2f winner (RPR 88).
(10) (33/1 +0%) Sea Victory
33/1(+0%)
(10) Sea Victory 33/1, £13,000 3-y-o, Sea The Moon gelding. Half-brother to 11f winner Ring Fenced. Dam 1¼m winner who stayed 1½m. Wears tongue strap. £13,000 3yo; third foal; half-brother to 1m3f AW winner Ring Fenced (RPR 80).
(11) (33/1 +0%) Square Du Roule
33/1(+0%)
(11) Square Du Roule 33/1, It's Gino gelding who offered little on debut when well held in bumper at Exeter (13.2f, soft) just over 6 weeks ago. May do better with experience but a significant step forward will be required to feature. Never made any real inroads from off the pace when midfield at Exeter.
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 5 race.
LIGHTNING FLASH made the perfect start to to his career, scoring by three and a half lengths over 2m at Ludlow last month, and he can follow up that success. The three-year-old arrives here for the in-form Nigel Twiston-Davies yard with James Turner claiming a useful 7lb in the plate. The reopposing Night Stalker (third) also has the benefit of experience and he could build on that effort and get closer to the selection, while Oakley's Way is another to consider.
The majority of these are newcomers so the market will no doubt reveal plenty, but LIGHTNING FLASH made a winning debut at Ludlow 4 weeks ago and with conditional rider James Turner offsetting a 7 lb penalty, he gets the nod to remain unbeaten. Anthony Honeyball saddles 5 with Oakley's Way and Crest of Fortune possibly his best chances, while Night Stalker is another worth a mention having not finished far behind the selection on debut.
The market should reveal plenty but DARK MATERIAL is a half-brother to this season's Cheltenham bumper winner The Kemble Brewery.
(4) Letaba 7/2, 5/1, seventh of 11 in handicap at Newcastle (12.4f) 20 days ago. Others more persuasive. 0-12 but only beaten a neck over C&D in October; worth a second look.
(2) (7/1 -100%) Cavalluccio
7/1(-100%)
(2) Cavalluccio 7/1, 3 wins from 13 runs this year. Career best when winning 10-runner handicap (3/1) at this C&D 26 days ago, kept up to work. Merits consideration. 2lb higher than when winning for the second time over C&D last month; should go well again.
(10) (8/1 -45%) Swing To The Stars
8/1(-45%)
(10) Swing To The Stars 8/1, Fair maiden. 7/4, respectable third of 9 in handicap at Wolverhampton (9.5f) 20 days ago, though a beaten favourite once again. 0-10, but placed in five of her seven starts since handicapping; each-way claims again.
(9) (9/2 +10%) Jumeira Vision
9/2(+10%)
(9) Jumeira Vision 9/2, 6/1, improved when winning 9-runner handicap at Wolverhampton (9.5f) 20 days ago, sticking to task. Cheekpieces on 1st time. Remains of firm interest. Off the mark at Wolverhampton last time; still open to further progress; cheekpieces on.
(1) (9/2 -29%) Kentucky Kingdom
9/2(-29%)
(1) Kentucky Kingdom 9/2, 4-time C&D winner. Won 8-runner handicap at this C&D (7/2) 16 days ago, cosily. Thriving and can win again. Record over C&D reads 214511332231; another big run is anticipated off just 2lb higher.
(6) (10/1 +29%) Beau Vintage
10/1(+29%)
(6) Beau Vintage 10/1, Eighth of 11 in handicap at Wolverhampton (8.6f, 17/2) 31 days ago. Blinkers on 1st time. Not built on a promising handicap debut in June; up in trip with blinkers on.
(5) (11/1 +8%) Give A Little Back
11/1(+8%)
(5) Give A Little Back 11/1, One win from 21 Flat runs. First run since leaving Sean Curran when seventh of 11 in handicap (8/1) at Lingfield (10f, AW) 12 days ago, never nearer. Cheekpieces back on. Back off his winning mark and interesting to see if the money comes for him again.
(11) (11/2 +21%) Sun Festival
11/2(+21%)
(11) Sun Festival 11/2, C&D winner. 3 wins from 19 runs this year. Latest win here in September. Creditable second of 10 in handicap (7/1) at Wolverhampton (9.5f) 31 days ago, well positioned. Should continue to give a good account. Ultra-consistent performer and a C&D winner; very likely to go well again.
(13) (33/1 -106%) Khangai
33/1(-106%)
(13) Khangai 33/1, Eleventh of 12 in handicap at Kempton (12f, 13/2) 17 days ago. Blinkers on 1st time. 1lb above winning mark; out of the frame in five AW starts and drawn widest; blinkers on.
(12) (40/1 -60%) Alibaba
40/1(-60%)
(12) Alibaba 40/1, Sixteen runs since last win in 2020. 16/1, seventh of 11 in handicap at Newcastle (8f) 27 days ago. Up in trip. On a losing run of 16 and well held in four starts on the AW; enough to prove.
(3) (66/1 -100%) Zambezi Magic
66/1(-100%)
(3) Zambezi Magic 66/1, 66/1, eighth of 11 in handicap at Wolverhampton (12.2f) 15 days ago. Shown little since winning twice in the summer of 2022; best watched for now.
(8) (80/1 -471%) Lucky Protector
80/1(-471%)
(8) Lucky Protector 80/1, Lightly-raced maiden. Third of 5 in novice at Pontefract (8f, good, 3/1). Off 109 days. Up in trip. Makes polytrack debut. Hood on 1st time. Makes handicap debut. More required. Makes handicap/AW debut in a first-time hood; should stay, but others have less to prove.
(7) (80/1 -220%) Fantizzy
80/1(-220%)
(7) Fantizzy 80/1, Sixth of 7 in handicap at Chester (10.3f, soft, 28/1) 83 days ago. Makes polytrack debut. First run for yard after leaving Steph Hollinshead. 0-9 and makes his stable/AW debut; enough to prove.
(14) (125/1 -279%) Grand Central
125/1(-279%)
(14) Grand Central 125/1, Remains a maiden after 21 Flat runs. Ninth of 12 in handicap (16/1) at Wolverhampton (8.6f). Off 135 days. Not easy to make a case for. 0-21 and hard to recommend from his high draw after 135 days off.
LTO Selection:
17:00 Chelmsford Handicap (Class 6) 10f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 6 race.
KENTUCKY KINGDOM arrives here on the back of two wins last month and a 2lb rise for the most recent of those victories, which came over C&D, may not be enough to stop him making it a hat-trick. Cavalluccio also scored over this track and trip last time and is an obvious threat to the selection as a result, while Jumeira Vision and Sun Festival complete the shortlist.
KENTUCKY KINGDOM arrives at the top of his game and can make it 4 wins from his last 5 starts given the manner of his most recent success over C&D. This does look competitive, though, with last-time-out winners Jumeira Vision and Cavalluccio heading the dangers.
Both KENTUCKY KINGDOM and Cavalluccio are 2lb higher than when winning over C&D last time with preference for the former.
(1) Coolnaugh Haze 3/1, Twice-raced gelding on Flat/fair winner at 2m over hurdles, back on the scoreboard on yard debut at Worcester in August. However, handicaps may be more his bag in this sphere. Three-time winner over hurdles; probably best watched on AW debut.
(6) (6/5 +60%) Gold Aura
6/5(+60%)
(6) Gold Aura 6/5, Fair filly. 11/1, creditable fourth of 11 in handicap at Newbury (10f, good to firm), not knocked about. Off 100 days. First run for yard after leaving Richard Hannon. Cheekpieces on 1st time and she's not out of things returned to AW. In the frame in five of her six starts; respected on debut for yard that does well here.
(8) (6/1 -33%) Catrake Force
6/1(-33%)
(8) Catrake Force 6/1, Sent off at a big price but showed plenty to work on when second of 8 in maiden (33/1) at Wolverhampton (9.5f) on debut 31 days ago. Rates a likely improver with that under her belt. Runner-up on last month's Wolverhampton debut; any improvement puts her right in the mix.
(3) (7/1 -27%) Reason To Pass
7/1(-27%)
(3) Reason To Pass 7/1, €11,000 yearling, Raven's Pass gelding. Half-brother to 9f/9.5f winner Hodeng. Dam 2-y-o 7.5f winner on sole start. Hood fitted for debut and betting may prove a useful guide. Hooded for his debut, but this isn't a strong race and market support should be noted.
(4) (13/2 +59%) Siempre Arturo
13/2(+59%)
(4) Siempre Arturo 13/2, Outstrip gelding. Half-brother to 1m winner Glam Puss. Hooded, eighth of 12 in minor event (66/1) at Wolverhampton (9.5f) on debut 47 days ago, left poorly placed. Probably one for handicaps later on. Well held on Wolverhampton debut, though ran green and didn't enjoy the clearest of runs.
(7) (14/1 -115%) Pourquoi
14/1(-115%)
(7) Pourquoi 14/1, Lightly-raced filly. 25/1, fifth of 8 in maiden at Wolverhampton (9.5f) 31 days ago, midfield and not quicken. Lines up here with yard in good form but step up in trip may be worth exploring. Twice runner-up on turf earlier in year, but efforts on the AW not at the same level.
(10) (80/1 -567%) Moda Minx
80/1(-567%)
(10) Moda Minx 80/1, Twice-raced filly. 25/1, better for debut when third of 6 in novice event at Lingfield (1m, AW) 12 days ago, outpaced 2f out and keeping on. Steps up in trip now but handicaps likely to be more her bag. Over 4l behind On The Cards at Lingfield last time; can be handicapped after this.
(9) (150/1 -200%) Daring Greatly
150/1(-200%)
(9) Daring Greatly 150/1, Twice-raced filly. 150/1, twelfth of 14 in minor event at Kempton (8f) 31 days ago, running green 2f out and dropping away. Best watched. Well beaten in two starts at Kempton this autumn; needs this for a mark.
(5) (300/1 -200%) Blondelle
300/1(-200%)
(5) Blondelle 300/1, Modest filly. Remains a maiden after 7 Flat runs. Last of 13 in handicap (66/1) at this C&D 21 days ago, hampered under2f out and eased off. Visored for 1st time. Unplaced all seven starts and has an official mark of 43; visor on.
LTO Selection:
17:30 Chelmsford Maiden (Class 5) 10f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 5 race.
ON THE CARDS improved on his debut effort when a head second over a mile at Lingfield 12 days ago and the three-year-old could be hard to stop if finding further progression. That said, Catrake Force should not be underestimated having shown plenty of promise when second on her racecourse bow at Wolverhampton last month, while Gold Aura and Pourquoi are others with valid form claims.
CATRAKE FORCE produced a promising debut effort when second in a Wolverhampton maiden 31 days ago and, entitled to improve for that experience, it would come as no surprise to see her go well. On The Cards showed the benefit of his debut run when second at Lingfield and he's feared, with Gold Aura. Newcomer Reason To Pass is one to note in the betting.
The vote goes to GOLD AURA who showed plenty of ability for Richard Hannon and has joined a stable with a fine record at this track.
(8) King's Code 2/1, 4 wins from 9 runs this year. Latest win at Wolverhampton in October. Creditable fourth of 12 in handicap at Wolverhampton (9.5f, 7/1) 12 days ago. Makes polytrack debut. Not taken lightly. Four wins this year; doing best work late when fourth over 9.5f at Wolverhampton last time.
(5) (5/2 +25%) Liseo
5/2(+25%)
(5) Liseo 5/2, C&D winner. Winner here in September. 10/1, good fourth of 12 in handicap at Kempton (11f) 31 days ago, faring best of those held up. Shortlist material. C&D winner in September and close fourth in warm handicap at Kempton last time; respected.
(12) (5/1 +0%) Penzance
5/1(+0%)
(12) Penzance 5/1, First run since leaving Simon & Ed Crisford when creditable fourth of 10 in handicap (9/2) at Wolverhampton (9.5f) 23 days ago. Still unexposed and probably has a bigger effort in him. 0-6, but went close over C&D in June and ran well last time; shortlisted.
(3) (11/1 -10%) Silver Gunn
11/1(-10%)
(3) Silver Gunn 11/1, Latest win at Windsor in July. 28/1, fourth of 7 in handicap at this C&D 30 days ago. Could strip fitter for latest effort. Looks better on turf (5-17) than on the AW (0-5); often pulls hard; others preferred.
(6) (11/2 +15%) Borgi
11/2(+15%)
(6) Borgi 11/2, Good second of 7 in handicap (4/1) at Wolverhampton (9.5f) 23 days ago, having run of race. Cheekpieces on 1st time. Not discounted. Dual Tapeta winner last year and just beaten at Wolverhampton last time; cheekpieces on.
(11) (14/1 -17%) Silver Nightfall
14/1(-17%)
(11) Silver Nightfall 14/1, 3 wins from 10 runs this year. Latest win at Kempton in August. Bit below form sixth of 10 in handicap at Newcastle (12.4f, 9/2) 69 days ago, slowly away. Cheekpieces on 1st time. 3-8 on AW and had excuses last time; not dismissed back from a short break; cheekpieces on.
(9) (14/1 +50%) True Statesman
14/1(+50%)
(9) True Statesman 14/1, Course winner. Tenth of 11 in handicap at Southwell (8.1f, 14/1) 13 days ago. Up in trip. Something to prove at present. Little in three starts since returning in May; isn't bred to improve for the longer trip.
(1) (33/1 -230%) Buxted Too
33/1(-230%)
(1) Buxted Too 33/1, C&D winner. 5 wins from 10 runs this year. 50/1, thirteenth of 14 in handicap at Kempton (12f) 22 days ago, left poorly placed. C&D winner and won five times on the AW at the start of the year; worth a second look.
(4) (66/1 -371%) Vellner
66/1(-371%)
(4) Vellner 66/1, 80/1, eleventh of 14 in handicap at Kempton (12f) 22 days ago, unable to sustain effort. Turf winner in Ireland last year, but well held in both starts for this yard.
(7) (66/1 -65%) Throne Hall
66/1(-65%)
(7) Throne Hall 66/1, Nineteen runs since last win in 2021. 40/1, eleventh of 12 in handicap at Wolverhampton (9.5f) 12 days ago. Hard to fancy. Won twice over hurdles in the autumn of 2022, but form since then has been moderate.
(2) (100/1 -355%) Law Supreme
100/1(-355%)
(2) Law Supreme 100/1, 76/10 and tongue strap on for 1st time, fourth of 10 in claimer at Deauville (9.4f). Off 16 months. First run for yard after leaving A. & G. Botti. Not easy to make a case for. Makes stable debut after 483 days off having been gelded in the meantime; watch market.
LTO Selection:
18:00 Chelmsford Handicap (Class 4) 10f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 4 race.
BORGI was only beaten a neck into second off a 1lb lower mark over an extended 1m1f at Wolverhampton last time and the first-time application of cheekpieces could help the four-year-old to go one better. Liseo has not been disgraced on either start since winning over C&D in September and he is likely to be in the mix once again. Penzance rates best of the rest.
LISEO scored over C&D in September and shaped as if still ahead of his mark when fourth at Kempton last time, faring best of those held up. As such he gets the nod over his former stablemate Penzance, who should strip fitter for his latest outing. Borgi and Rogue Soldier are also considered.
Preference is for LISEO who won over C&D in September and probably ran even better when fourth in a valuable handicap last time.
(10) Band Of Steel 4/1, Winless since shedding maiden tag at Wolverhampton but has been holding form well in defeat recently, not getting much room to open up when third of 10 in handicap at this course (8f, 4/1) 26 days ago. Looks competitive with equipment reapplied. Ran well over 1m here last time, but tends to pull hard so drop in trip worth exploring.
(2) (5/1 +0%) Riot
5/1(+0%)
(2) Riot 5/1, Three wins from 15 runs this year. 4/1, won 10-runner handicap at this C&D 21 days ago. Consistent sort enters calculations from 2 lb higher mark. Record over C&D reads 315321 likely to go well again under conditions that suit him well..
(6) (7/1 +0%) Rogue Thunder
7/1(+0%)
(6) Rogue Thunder 7/1, Promise in 3 AW starts in the winter and after 9 months off (underwent wind-op), showed improved form to land 11-runner minor event at this C&D (5/2) 21 days ago. Should have more to offer now handicapping. Beat a subsequent winner over C&D three weeks ago; one for the shortlist on handicap debut.
(7) (10/1 +17%) Eden Storm
10/1(+17%)
(7) Eden Storm 10/1, Back on track when 2¼ lengths fifth of 10 to Riot in handicap at this C&D 21 days ago but others appeal as better treated. Finished just over 2l behind Riot over C&D three weeks ago; shouldn't be far away.
(13) (10/1 -122%) King Of Ithaca
10/1(-122%)
(13) King Of Ithaca 10/1, Successful at this C&D last year and returned to winning ways at Kempton (7f) in September. Back to form in similar contest here last time and shouldn't be discounted. C&D maiden winner as a 2yo and third here last month, but that form hasn't worked out.
(1) (11/4 +61%) Oliver Show
11/4(+61%)
(1) Oliver Show 11/4, Unreliable individual. Winner at Kempton in June. 5/1, third of 5 in handicap at Newmarket (8f, good). Off 132 days. First run for yard after leaving Sir Michael Stoute 30,000 gns. Has been gelded and had wind-op since last seen but still has to bit to prove. Kempton winner for Sir Michael Stoute; stable debut having been gelded and had a wind op.
(12) (14/1 +13%) Maysan
14/1(+13%)
(12) Maysan 14/1, Winner on turf at Lyon in June and ran well when placed at Kempton last month. Not quite in same form at Wolverhampton last time and others are more persuasive. Won in France in the summer and has run well for this yard; still needs a bit more.
(4) (16/1 +27%) Captain Cuddles
16/1(+27%)
(4) Captain Cuddles 16/1, Back to form on first outing since leaving Richard Hannon when third of 9 in handicap (28/1) at Wolverhampton (7.2f) 12 days ago. Place claims again from same mark. Third on stable/AW debut at Wolverhampton last time; each-way claims if building on that.
(8) (18/1 -50%) Beltane
18/1(-50%)
(8) Beltane 18/1, Two wins from 6 runs this year, latest coming at Beverley in June. Rare poor effort at that course when last seen but he's not ruled out making polytrack debut after 113 days off. In good form on turf after returning in April, but below form the last twice.
(3) (18/1 +36%) Remarkable Force
18/1(+36%)
(3) Remarkable Force 18/1, Standout effort of the campaign when third at Sandown (7f) in August but ran so poorly it's possible he was amiss when last of 9 in handicap at Newbury (8f, good to firm). Best watched having since left Alice Haynes to join rookie trainer. Makes his stable/AW debut after 100 days off and the market may be revealing.
(11) (20/1 -264%) Supreme King
20/1(-264%)
(11) Supreme King 20/1, Failed to build on a promising effort when fifth of 8 in handicap at Wolverhampton (7.2f, 4/1) 12 days ago. Needs a couple of these to falter. Has shown ability, but is now 0-11 and isn't progressing.
(5) (66/1 -200%) Al Marmar
66/1(-200%)
(5) Al Marmar 66/1, Ended time with Andrew Balding badly out of sorts and fared no better on debut for this yard at Newmarket (7f, heavy, 66/1) 33 days ago. Tongue strap applied but others are far more persuasive despite slipping mark. Hasn't shown much since returning in March; tongue-tie will need to have a major effect.
(9) (100/1 -456%) Okami
100/1(-456%)
(9) Okami 100/1, Three AW wins for Roger Varian this year, including when showing a fine attitude at Lingfield in September. Underperformed on yard debut last time, though, so needs to bounce back. Won three times on Polytrack for Roger Varian this year, but below form the last twice.
LTO Selection:
18:30 Chelmsford Handicap (Class 4) 7f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 4 race.
Riot just got up in the dying strides in this grade over C&D last month and he is likely to be on the premises off a 2lb higher rating. However, the vote goes to the much less exposed ROGUE THUNDER, who shed his maiden tag over C&D after returning from a 258-day break and wind surgery. The three-year-old's form was franked with the second winning next time and he could defy a mark of 78 on his handicap debut. Of the remainder, Oliver Show makes most appeal on his first start for George Boughey.
ROGUE THUNDER was just kept up to his work to make a winning return over C&D last month and can step forward again now switched to handicap company. Riot is a consistent sort and he should give another good account on the back of a 2 lb rise, with Band of Steel and King of Ithaca others to consider.
The vote goes to RIOT (nap) who has a good record over C&D (315321) and is just 2lb higher than when winning here three weeks ago.
(2) Ravenglass 3/1, Fifteen runs since last win in 2022. Below form seventh of 10 in handicap (8/1) at Wolverhampton (8.6f) 15 days ago. However, ran well on his previous 2 starts so could bounce back dropped in grade. Two runner-up finishes in better races last month make good reading at this level.
(4) (3/1 +14%) Dors Toyboy
3/1(+14%)
(4) Dors Toyboy 3/1, C&D winner. In frame last 2 starts, running well from widest draw when fourth of 12 in handicap at Lingfield (7f, AW, 9/2) 12 days ago. Merits consideration from 2 lb below his last winning mark. Dual C&D winner; 2lb below his last winning mark and high on the list..
(8) (7/1 -17%) Stella Hogan
7/1(-17%)
(8) Stella Hogan 7/1, Off the mark in good style in 14-runner handicap (28/1) at Kempton (7f) 57 days ago, overcoming positional bias. Capable of scoring again now that she's up and running, especially with a strong pace to aim at. 4lb higher than when off the mark at Kempton last time; more needed but open to progress.
(5) (7/1 +0%) High Court Judge
7/1(+0%)
(5) High Court Judge 7/1, Course winner. Left previous effort behind when third of 7 in handicap (13/2) at this course (1m) a month ago, albeit better placed than most. On a workable mark but more needed to take advantage. Dual Polytrack winner at the start of the year and ran well last time, but he needs 1m now.
(6) (11/2 +15%) Once Adaay
11/2(+15%)
(6) Once Adaay 11/2, In first-time visor, again ran creditably when second of 12 in handicap at Wolverhampton (7.2f, 7/1) 20 days ago. Can make his presence felt. No problem with the step up to 7f, beaten a neck last time; should make presence felt.
(7) (12/1 -85%) Nubough
12/1(-85%)
(7) Nubough 12/1, Two wins from 50 Flat runs but placed on his last 4 starts, conceding first run when third of 10 in handicap at Lingfield (7f, AW, 9/4) a month ago. Can give his running once more. Placed in his last four starts including twice over C&D. but is just 2-50.
(3) (15/2 +17%) H Key Lails
15/2(+17%)
(3) H Key Lails 15/2, Has won twice at Wolverhampton this year, with latest success in May. After 12 weeks off, back on track when third of 9 in handicap at Lingfield (1m, AW, 12/1) 19 days ago. Could take a step forward from his recent run. In good form on Tapeta in the spring, but not sure the return to this trip is a positive.
(10) (16/1 -129%) Nemorum
16/1(-129%)
(10) Nemorum 16/1, Sole win at this C&D winner in October. However, down the field both starts since, ridden too aggressively when last of 10 in handicap (14/1) at Wolverhampton (8.6f) 19 days ago. Others preferred. Made all when off the mark over C&D in October, but well beaten in both starts since.
(11) (28/1 -100%) Dazzerling
28/1(-100%)
(11) Dazzerling 28/1, Remains a maiden after 21 Flat runs. Fourth of 10 in handicap (40/1) at this C&D 3 weeks ago, plugging on. Looks to be vulnerable once again. Fair fourth over C&D three weeks ago, but is now 0-21.
(9) (33/1 -136%) Maurices Men
33/1(-136%)
(9) Maurices Men 33/1, Well held in each of his 3 outings so far, ninth of 11 in minor event (20/1) at this C&D 3 weeks ago. Needs to leave his previous form behind as he makes his handicap debut. Not within 11l of the winner in three starts; not the greatest surprise if he showed more.
(1) (80/1 -142%) United Force
80/1(-142%)
(1) United Force 80/1, Successful at Leicester in April but has lost his way since his next start, again failing to beat a rival in 10-runner handicap at this course (10f, 200/1) 26 days ago. Best watched back down in trip. Has failed to beat a rival in four starts for this yard; makes little appeal.
LTO Selection:
19:00 Chelmsford Handicap (Class 6) 7f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 6 race.
ONCE ADAAY has been inching close with each run since September, with his latest second at Wolverhampton being his best performance. The three-year-old was put up 1lb for that effort, which may not be enough to prevent him from going one better. Stella Hogan is 4lb higher than when securing victory at Kempton in October but it would be no surprise to see her involved at the finish, while Nubough is another to consider after his third at Lingfield.
STELLA HOGAN was value for extra when getting off the mark at Kempton last time, held up in a steadily-run race, so she is taken to follow up with the promise of a stronger pace to aim at in this contest. Dors Toyboy has made the frame on his last 2 starts and could be thereabouts again, while Once Adaay also enters calculations.
The vote goes to RAVENGLASS whose two runner-up finishes in better races than this last month make good reading at this level.
(6) Adace 7/2, Proved better than ever when winning 10-runner handicap at this C&D 21 days ago, plenty in hand. 5 lb rise seems fair and fancied to follow up. A 5lb rise asks a question but it was pretty easy for her when winning here last time.
(9) (7/1 +0%) Little Red Dancer
7/1(+0%)
(9) Little Red Dancer 7/1, Winner at Catterick in May. 17/2, good short-head second of 10 to Poetic Jack in handicap at this C&D 21 days ago, running on. Can give another good account. There were no excuses when edged out by Poetic Jack here recently; back up 2lb.
(7) (9/2 +10%) Split Elevens
9/2(+10%)
(7) Split Elevens 9/2, Unreliable individual but didn't shape badly when fifth of 13 in handicap at Kempton (7f, 17/2) 17 days ago, nearest finish. Well treated and threatening to come good soon. He has slipped to a good mark and he's not been far away in finishing fifth the last twice.
(8) (9/2 +36%) Kodi Noir
9/2(+36%)
(8) Kodi Noir 9/2, C&D winner who looked a hard ride when tenth of 11 in handicap at Wolverhampton (8.6f, 10/3) 19 days ago. Cheekpieces on for 1st time. Not the easiest but effective here and the application of cheekpieces could be a positive.
(1) (11/2 +21%) Legende D'art
11/2(+21%)
(1) Legende D'art 11/2, C&D winner. Respectable third of 6 in handicap at this C&D (7/1) 30 days ago. Cheekpieces back on and not taken lightly down in grade. Back to form with a third here last time and he's dropped into a Class 6 now.
(2) (12/1 +14%) Reputation
12/1(+14%)
(2) Reputation 12/1, Yet to fire this season, though run best excused when seventh of 9 in handicap at Wolverhampton (7.2f) 12 days ago, hampered. Has really struggled since returning from a year out and he's a veteran now; opposable.
(5) (12/1 -140%) Poetic Jack
12/1(-140%)
(5) Poetic Jack 12/1, Showed improved form to get off the mark in 10-runner handicap (11/1) at this C&D 21 days ago, by short head from Little Red Dancer. May do better still. Assumed control quite early over C&D three weeks ago and held on by the skin of his teeth.
(3) (15/2 -25%) Sienna Breeze
15/2(-25%)
(3) Sienna Breeze 15/2, Stepped up markedly on reappearance run when second of 8 in handicap (10/1) at this course (8f) 26 days ago, having run of race. In the mix with a repeat. Connections tinkering with headgear and she went close in the cheekpieces here last time.
(4) (40/1 -60%) Afterlife
40/1(-60%)
(4) Afterlife 40/1, 50/1, last of 11 in handicap at Lingfield (6f, AW) 12 days ago. Something to prove at present. Occasional promise for this yard but hasn't beaten a rival in three of last four starts.
LTO Selection:
19:30 Chelmsford Handicap (Class 6) 7f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 6 race.
Having won in good style over C&D last time, ADACE looks the one to beat in this field. Dean Ivory's charge won by more than three lengths on that occasion and she can defy a 5lb rise in the ratings. Sienna Breeze was touched off over 1m at this venue last time and she rates the main danger, despite being raised 2lb for that effort. Poetic Jack also warrants respect.
ADACE only beat a field of maidens over C&D 3 weeks ago, but she did it easily and a 5 lb rise doesn't look enough to prevent the follow up if turning up in similar form. Poetic Jack's lightly-raced profile provides hope for better still, with Legende d'Art and Split Elevens others to consider.
Dean Ivory's ADACE won with a bit of a swagger here three weeks ago and she's taken to defy the 5lb rise.
(1) Big Bard 6/4, C&D winner. 3 wins from 9 runs this year. Latest win at Nottingham in July. Respectable third of 13 in handicap at Newmarket (5f, soft, 10/1) 34 days ago. Should be on the premises. C&D winner in October 2021; respected off his lower AW mark back on Polytrack.
(2) (9/2 -13%) Revolucion
9/2(-13%)
(2) Revolucion 9/2, 7/2, creditable third of 10 in handicap at this C&D 33 days ago. Should give his running again if a double-figure draw doesn't scupper him. Placed the last twice; 0-15 and drawn wider than ideal, but each-way claims all the same.
(5) (9/2 -13%) Kitbag
9/2(-13%)
(5) Kitbag 9/2, Thirteen runs since last win in 2022. Cheekpieces on for 1st time, creditable fifth of 11 in handicap at Lingfield (6f, AW, 5/1) 19 days ago. Has slipped to a handy mark and can't be ruled out. 1-15, but well treated on his two runner-up finishes in the spring; frame possibilities.
(7) (9/1 -13%) Monitola
9/1(-13%)
(7) Monitola 9/1, Lightly-raced maiden. 9/2, respectable fifth of 15 in handicap at Gowran (7f, good to soft). Off 172 days. First run for yard after leaving G. M. Lyons. Eyeshields on 1st time, tongue strap back on. Worth monitoring in the betting. Makes stable debut in a new headgear combination after six months off; dam won twice on AW.
(4) (10/3 +33%) Thank The Lord
10/3(+33%)
(4) Thank The Lord 10/3, Course winner. Latest win at Brighton in September. Respectable fourth of 9 in handicap at this C&D (4/1) 27 days ago. Can make presence felt. All four wins over 5f, but ran well over C&D last time; respected from 1lb lower.
(3) (16/1 -100%) Global Effort
16/1(-100%)
(3) Global Effort 16/1, Last of 12 in handicap (8/1) at Wolverhampton (7.2f) 20 days ago. Needs to bounce back. Poor over 7f last time and 0-14, but just beaten off this mark at Wolverhampton in October.
(9) (40/1 -60%) Stoic Syd
40/1(-60%)
(9) Stoic Syd 40/1, 22/1, below form seventh of 12 in handicap at Wolverhampton (6.1f) 15 days ago, doing too much too soon. Tongue strap on 1st time. Others preferred. Unplaced all six starts, including on return from 195 days off last month; tongue-tie on.
(12) (50/1 -100%) Kangaroo
50/1(-100%)
(12) Kangaroo 50/1, 50/1, eighth of 10 in handicap at this course (7f) 21 days ago. Others make more appeal. Showed some ability at the start of the year, but has gone the wrong way since.
(11) (100/1 -400%) Carry On Aitch
100/1(-400%)
(11) Carry On Aitch 100/1, 50/1, twelfth of 14 in handicap at Kempton (7f) 57 days ago. Up against it again. 150-1 when third over 7f here in September, but well beaten next time; others more solid.
(14) (150/1 -127%) Bringhomethebacon
150/1(-127%)
(14) Bringhomethebacon 150/1, Thrice-raced maiden. 250/1, last of 11 in minor event at this course (7f) 21 days ago. Makes handicap debut. Has an official mark of 17 after finishing last in three starts on the AW; handicap debut.
LTO Selection:
20:00 Chelmsford Handicap (Class 6) 6f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 6 race.
Q TWENTY BOY has been in good form of late, registering successive seconds after his win over C&D three starts ago, and he could be difficult to stop. Mark Usher's charge was running on when second over 5f here last month and this return to 6f looks to be a positive, with a 1lb rise in the ratings unlikely to be an issue. First-time gelding Monitola is feared most on his all-weather/stable debut, while Revolucion should also be thereabouts at the finish.
BIG BARD returned to form last time and has a solid record on polytrack, so he's a tentative choice from a plum draw in a wide-open sprint handicap. Thank The Lord looks a danger and Revolucion should feature if he can get across from stall 11.
It may be worth siding with THANK THE LORD who ran well enough over C&D last time to suggest that a race like this is within reach.
(4) Diomed Spirit 4/1, 2 wins from 5 runs this year. 9/4, career best when winning 8-runner handicap at this C&D 16 days ago. Well on top at the finish so must enter calculations despite a 6 lb rise. Couple of tidy wins since returned to AW, latest over C&D; could well improve further.
(1) (4/1 -14%) Alexi Boy
4/1(-14%)
(1) Alexi Boy 4/1, Winner at Lingfield in August. Very good second of 9 in handicap at Lingfield (5f, AW, 7/1) 12 days ago. Not taken lightly. Good second in similar event at Lingfield last time; may improve further; major player.
(6) (7/1 -8%) Star Of Lady M
7/1(-8%)
(6) Star Of Lady M 7/1, 6/5, won 11-runner handicap at Lingfield (6f, AW) 12 days ago. Can give another good account. Solid record since switched to AW; ready winner at Lingfield most recently; shortlisted.
(8) (10/1 +0%) Mick's Spirit
10/1(+0%)
(8) Mick's Spirit 10/1, C&D winner. Latest win here in October. 5/1, below-par fifth of 8 to Diomed Spirit in handicap at this C&D 16 days ago. Others more persuasive. C&D scorer in October; held by Diomed Spirit on course running last time.
(2) (11/2 +50%) Pop Star
11/2(+50%)
(2) Pop Star 11/2, Lightly-raced winner. 4/1, only seventh of 11 in handicap at the Curragh (5f, soft) 61 days ago on final run for Aidan O'Brien. Since had a wind op and handily weighted on yard debut. Disappointing on final run for Aidan O'Brien; bit to prove off unaltered mark.
(3) (11/4 +8%) Holkham Bay
11/4(+8%)
(3) Holkham Bay 11/4, Latest win at Kempton in October. Respectable third of 9 in handicap (5/4) at Lingfield (5f, AW) 12 days ago. Needs considering. Latest effort (one place behind Alexi Boy) can be marked up; solid chance off same mark.
(5) (11/1 -57%) Dynamic Force
11/1(-57%)
(5) Dynamic Force 11/1, Took a step back in the right direction when fifth of 7 in handicap at Wolverhampton (5.1f, 12/1) 14 days ago. Cheekpieces on 1st time. In the mix. Won twice off higher marks on turf in 2022; possibilities if taking well to cheekpieces.
(7) (20/1 +39%) Reigning Profit
20/1(+39%)
(7) Reigning Profit 20/1, 3 wins from 10 runs this year. 25/1, eighth of 9 in handicap at Wolverhampton (5.1f) 19 days ago so needs to bounce back. Not in top form this autumn and he's yet to score in this grade; opposed.
LTO Selection:
20:30 Chelmsford Handicap (Class 4) 5f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 4 race.
DIOMED SPIRIT arrives here seeking a hat-trick after wins at Wolverhampton and, most recently, over C&D. Stuart Williams' charge won cosily last time and he could be up to defying a further 6lb rise in the ratings. Fellow last-time-out winner Star Of Lady M is respected despite a 7lb rise, while Holkham Bay is on better terms with Alexi Boy from 12 days ago and may reverse that form.
A few with chances but POP STAR starts out with Alice Haynes after a wind op on a lenient mark so is taken to go in at the chief expense of Lingfield runner-up Alexi Boy. C&D winner Diomed Spirit and the resurgent Dynamic Force can both have a say too in a competitive handicap.
Hat-trick seeker DIOMED SPIRIT is first choice, ahead of Alexi Boy, Holkham Bay and Star Of Lady M.
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Meaning
TomForm top stats, gold rated
TomForm top stats silver rated
Ran similar race before
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At the races watchout for
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How to use Tomform
Please Watch this short video that will help you learn how to use Tomform.com to filter out the runners and find a winner in each race.
This is the 16:15 Kempton race from the video above backed at 28/1 earlier in the day.
About U.K Horse Racing
Horse racing is a popular and historic sport in the UK, with a tradition dating back centuries. It is a multi-billion pound industry that attracts millions of spectators each year and generates significant economic activity.
There are two main types of horse racing in the UK: flat racing and jump racing. Flat racing is run on a level course and is typically shorter in distance, while jump racing involves horses jumping over obstacles and is generally longer in distance. Both types of racing are popular with spectators and bettors, and they take place at various racetracks throughout the country.
The most famous horse racing event in the UK is the Grand National, which is held annually at Aintree Racecourse in Liverpool. It is a jump racing event that is known for its challenging course and has become a national institution in the UK. Other notable horse racing events in the UK include the Derby, held at Epsom Downs Racecourse in Surrey, and the Royal Ascot, held at Ascot Racecourse in Berkshire.
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