Ayr Races & Results with ratings from TomForm.
There were 435 Races on across 47 meetings. There was 9 races at Aqueduct first race 18:20, 10 races at Ascot (Aus) first race 4:19 Ascot (BG), 8 races at Ayr first race 13:15, 7 races at Bangor-on-Dee first race 13:05, 8 races at Brighton first race 16:06, 8 races at Charles Town first race 01:02, 3 races at Club Hipico first race 01:25, 7 races at Curragh first race 13:35, 9 races at Dalby first race 3:09 (BG), 9 races at Eagle Farm first race 2:38 (BG), 9 races at Enghien first race 12:23, 12 races at Fukushima first race 01:50, 8 races at Gold Coast Poly first race Kurrawa Surf Club Mdn Plate, 7 races at Golden Gate Fields first race 21:45, 11 races at Gulfstream first race 18:10, 8 races at Hawthorne first race 20:50, 17 races at Hipo Chile first race 17:30, 8 races at Horsham first race 3:36 (BG), 10 races at Keeneland first race 18:00, 8 races at Kembla Grange first race 3:25 (BG), 10 races at Kenilworth first race 11:20, 11 races at Kochi first race 07:30, 12 races at Kyoto first race 02:00, 12 races at Las Piedras first race 16:40, 11 races at Laurel Park first race 17:25, 8 races at Le Croise-Laroche first race 15:45, 17 races at Lone Star first race 01:02, 9 races at Lyon Parilly first race 10:25 Lyon-Parilly, 10 races at Mornington first race 2:50 (BG), 10 races at Morphettville first race Triple M (Rs1ly), 7 races at Newbury first race 13:30, 7 races at Nottingham first race 16:50, 12 races at Oaklawn Park first race 18:10, 6 races at Ooty first race 06:30, 6 races at Pioneer Park first race 6:22 (BG), 10 races at Randwick first race 2:25 (BG), 11 races at Saga first race 07:15, 15 races at San Isidro first race 17:15, 9 races at Santa Anita first race 01:15, 10 races at Sha Tin (HK) first race 06:00 Sha Tin, 9 races at Tampa Bay Downs first race 17:18, 6 races at Tarbes first race 09:10, 6 races at Taree first race 4:26 (BG), 8 races at Thirsk first race 15:45, 12 races at Tokyo first race 02:10, 9 races at Turffontein first race 11:00, 6 races at Warren first race 4:21 (BG), no doubt Tomform helped you find a winner. TomForm.com uses a custom rating system for each runner.
| Info | Form | Odds | Horse Rating | Rating | Weight | OR | Days since last run | Age | Jockey | Trainer | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1st (1)  Tommy's Oscar |  | |  | | | 9 | Danny McMenamin | Ann Hamilton | Won off this mark on reappearance at Kelso (2m1f, good to soft) in October and he's versatile ground-wise; not beaten far when fourth of five at Doncaster (2m, good to soft) last time, despite jumping to the right (which isn't the norm for him), and he's not ruled out. | ||
4th (6)  Persian Time | | | | | | 6 | Nico de Boinville | Nicky Henderson | Won at Ascot (2m1f, good to soft) in December on second chase start and bounced back from Cheltenham flop for neck win at Kempton (2m2f, good to soft) last month; top trainer has won three of the last six runnings and this 6yo could have a big say if conditions suit (unproven on soft/heavy). | ||
(3)  Pembroke | | | | | | 7 | Harry Skelton | Dan Skelton | Effectively gifted both chase wins, at Warwick (walkover) and Aintree (sole finisher), and he wasn't at this best at Kempton (2m4f, soft) in February last time; however, he's had wind surgery since and comes into calculations judged on his third in a Grade 2 novice at Lingfield (2m, soft) two starts ago; one to consider now back down in trip and back at a left-handed track. | ||
2nd (5)  Traprain Law | | | | | | 6 | Patrick Wadge | Lucinda Russell | Course hurdles winner (2m, good) who made it 2-4 over fences when easily making all over C&D (heavy) in February last time out; 10lb higher against classier opposition today but remains to be seen where limitations lie. | ||
(2)  Uncle Phil | | | | | | 7 | Paul Townend | W P Mullins | 3-6 over fences having made all in competitive handicap at Fairyhouse (2m1f, soft) in January; on a lofty mark for his first British start but this 7yo is clearly progressive for his top Irish yard and has to be respected. | ||
3rd (4)  Sans Bruit | | | | | | 6 | Bryony Frost | Paul Nicholls | Ex-French 6yo for whom things really clicked when comfortably making all under Bryony Frost in the Red Rum Handicap Chase at Aintree (2m, soft) nine days ago on his fourth run for Paul Nicholls; beat 14 rivals that day and a 10lb rise may not stop him if he can repeat that promise. |
Nicky Henderson has won three of the last six runnings and his progressive 6yo PERSIAN TIME earns the vote on the back of his win at Kempton. Sans Bruit is feared most following his dominant win in the Red Rum at Aintree last week, while the Willie Mullins-trained Uncle Phil has an improving profile and is next on the list. Wind surgery, the drop back in trip and return to a left-handed track could all be positives for Pembroke.[Ben Hutton]
| Info | Form | Odds | Horse Rating | Rating | Weight | OR | Days since last run | Age | Jockey | Trainer | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
(6)  Special Rate | | | | | | 7 | Thomas Dowson | Philip Kirby | A five-timer last year included three hurdles and two chases; won again in this discipline at Kelso (2m7f, soft) in January before finishing alone in a match; can make mistakes (as was the case when below par last time) but there's no knocking his strike-rate. | ||
(5)  Mofasa | | | | | | 8 | Harry Cobden | Paul Nicholls | Looked good in winning off 3lb lower at Huntingdon in November (2m7f, good to soft) but he did beat a horse who struggles to win and his subsequent runs, on either side of wind surgery, have been nothing like so good; finished behind Deeper Blue and Abuffalosoldier last time at Newbury. | ||
(4)  Young Buster | | | | | | 8 | Connor Brace | Fergal O'Brien | Hit the ground running over fences with a hat-trick in handicaps (2m4f-2m7f) and this prominent racer was clear when clouting three out at Doncaster in January (3m, good; fine on softer; first run in cheekpieces); there was sufficient promise in that run to suggest he remains on a workable mark; respected. | ||
4th (8)  Abuffalosoldier | | | | | | 7 | James Bowen | Warren Greatrex | Made it 2-2 at Newbury when winning a 2m6f handicap there by 10l in January (good to soft); that triggered a 9lb rise which anchored him when a well-held there back there a month ago; held by Deeper Blue on that form. | ||
2nd (11)  Ballycoose | | | | | | 7 | J J Slevin | S R B Crawford | First (2m4f) and second (2m; again heavy) in two course handicaps on his switch to fences before a disappointing run on good ground (2m4f) on his latest visit; appeared to stay 3m over hurdles and on goes the tongue-tie; today's race demands his best form yet. | ||
3rd (13)  Donny Boy | | | | | | 8 | Bruce Lynn | N W Alexander | Bumper/hurdle winner who is 0-6 over fences and this is a tough race in which to make the breakthrough; probably no more than place claims even if the cheekpieces trigger something. | ||
(3)  Inch House | | | | | | 7 | Jonjo O'Neill Jr | Jonjo O'Neill | Sharp improver this season over fences, winning 2m6f/2m7f handicaps at Newbury (good to soft) before posting his best RPR yet in defeat at Cheltenham (3m1f, heavy); now has to bounce back from a complete blowout back at Newbury and his tendency to hang would appear a trait going nowhere, but the ability is there to take a hand; now tongue tied. | ||
(2)  Marble Sands | | | | | | 8 | Nick Slatter | David Killahena & Graeme McPherson | Only midfield in an AW 1m4f novice last time (in March) but had previously appreciated the demotion from Graded races to win a 2m4f handicap at Musselburgh (good to soft; 6lb lower) with a bit up his sleeve; was always a good horse over hurdles (often highly tried) and brings each-way hopes. | ||
(12)  Maclaine | | | | | | 7 | Harry Bannister | Richard J Bandey | On a career-high mark after going up 8lb for winning at Newbury (2m6f, good to soft) but impressed with how he jumped and travelled that day (won easily); that was also a new trip for him, offering plenty of encouragement for this far. | ||
1st (1)  Sharjah | | | | | | 11 | Paul Townend | W P Mullins | Top-class hurdler who has shown a good level of form over fences, banging his head against a wall in Grade 1s in his last four appearances; finished fourth in last season's County Hurdle in his last handicap assignment and that was off an 8lb higher mark; may run well, though stamina could be an issue on this belated first run beyond 2m4f. | ||
(9)  Montgomery | | | | | | 7 | Charlie Deutsch | Venetia Williams | Brought up the hat-trick at Bangor four weeks ago (3m, soft) but that looked unlikely for much of the race and jumping out to the right didn't help his cause; if that trait continues here then he'll do well to defy a 6lb rise in this much stronger race. | ||
(10)  Hitching Jacking | | | | | | 7 | Harry Skelton | Dan Skelton | Below the best of his hurdle form in three runs over fences and failed to quash stamina doubts over this far when a weakening third last time at Kempton (3m, good to soft); Dan Skelton happy to persevere with this trip, however, and he's on a perfectly good mark. | ||
(7)  Deeper Blue | | | | | | 8 | Jonathan Burke | Harry Fry | Runner-up in three of his five chases and latest Newbury conqueror (2m7f, good to soft) was well handicapped on a going day; there was near enough 10l back to Abuffalosoldier who had been 2-2 at that track; it's probably strong form for the grade and this 8yo is just 3lb higher now tried in cheekpieces. |
A competitive race full of in-form horses with more to offer. INCH HOUSE is one who wasn't at his best last time and he's quirky, but it's still been a likeable start to his chase career and he can prove himself well handicapped in the new tongue-tie. Deeper Blue's latest improved effort entitles him to second preference, while next on the list are Maclaine and Marble Sands.[Alistair Jones]
| Info | Form | Odds | Horse Rating | Rating | Weight | OR | Days since last run | Age | Jockey | Trainer | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
(7)  Benson | | | | | | 9 | Ryan Mania | Sandy Thomson | Approaching the veteran stage of his career but retains most of his ability, winning at Musselburgh (2m4f, soft) on New Year's Day and running well when fourth to Afadil in the Scottish County there (1m7f, good to soft) in February; however, his last two runs have been subdued and it's asking quite a lot for him to bounce back in a race as warm as this. | ||
(15)  Alvaniy | | | | | | 6 | Brian Hayes | W P Mullins | Low-mileage 6yo; off the mark at Galway (2m, soft) last September but disappointing in three British races, pulled up in the Betfair Hurdle on latest; hard to recommend from 8lb out of the handicap. | ||
(8)  Effernock Fizz | | | | | | 9 | Carl Millar | Cian Collins | Splendidly tough 9yo who took her record to 10-96 when rallying tenaciously to score at Fairyhouse (2m, heavy; 33-1) three weeks ago; still well treated on old form and likely to give another bold show from the front. | ||
(3)  Westport Cove | | | | | | 6 | Danny Mullins | W P Mullins | Decidedly in and out in his short career to date, running respectably but finding far less than the winner when third of 12 to Effernock Fizz at Fairyhouse (2m, heavy) three weeks ago; needs more, but he may not be fully exposed and a strongly run race would probably play to his strengths. | ||
(9)  Petit Tonnerre | | | | | | 6 | Jonjo O'Neill Jr | Jonjo O'Neill | Wasn't beaten far in last year's County but things haven't gone to plan this season; chasing was shelved after four defeats and he then finished last of all when sent back hurdling at Cheltenham five weeks ago; visored on that occasion and now fitted with cheekpieces; plenty to prove. | ||
(12)  Ginger Mail | | | | | | 8 | Bruce Lynn | N W Alexander | Likeable 2m hurdler who beat Cracking Rhapsody at Kelso (soft) in January and chased him home in the Morebattle there (good to soft) last time; just as effective on this course but now needs to find something extra. | ||
(14)  Salsada | | | | | | 7 | Dylan Johnston | Brian Ellison | Fifth to Rubaud in this race (good) last year; below par this season but she might have needed her first two runs and then got going too late to land a blow when third of nine at Haydock (1m7f, soft) three weeks ago; has to run from 8lb out of the weights but Dylan Johnston claims a handy 5lb; returning to Ayr may suit and she's not ruled out by any means. | ||
(1)  Rubaud | | | | | | 6 | Harry Cobden | Paul Nicholls | Bids for back-to-back successes in this race, having made all on good ground 12 months ago; more progress this season, winning Kempton Listed race (good) and Wincanton Grade 2 (good to soft) in the autumn, but he ran poorly on heavy when last seen two months ago and might need the ground to dry out if he's to follow up from a 13lb higher mark than last year. | ||
3rd (11)  Cracking Rhapsody | | | | | | 5 | Craig Nichol | Ewan Whillans | Progressing in leaps and bounds, notching his third win from just five attempts over hurdles when storming clear of Ginger Mail in the Morebattle at Kelso (2m, good to soft; has won on heavy) seven weeks ago; a big rise in the weights is fully justified and it's unlikely we've seen the best of him yet; like his half-brother, the useful chaser Cracking Destiny, he's an excellent advertisement for the skills of his trainer. | ||
4th (10)  Afadil | | | | | | 5 | Freddie Gingell | Paul Nicholls | Fine efforts this year in some of the warmest 2m handicaps, winning the Scottish County at Musselburgh (good to soft) and performing at least as well off higher marks at Cheltenham (County; heavy) and Aintree (soft; third of 19 eight days ago) since; seems to be thriving on a busy schedule and likely to be in the thick of things again under regular rider Freddie Gingell. | ||
| 2nd (4) Bialystok | | | | | | 6 | Paul Townend | W P Mullins | Won a competitive 2m handicap at Punchestown this time last year, but hasn't built on that and beat only one other finisher (Petit Tonnerre) in the County at Cheltenham last month; enough to prove off an unchanged mark. | ||
(13)  Florida Dreams | | | | | | 6 | Danny McMenamin | Nicky Richards | Had finest hour when winning last season's Grade 2 bumper at the Aintree festival (good to soft); made heavy weather of justifying short odds over C&D (soft) in December, and was let down by his jumping when upped in trip at Musselburgh (3m, good to soft) in February; needs to get back on track but there could still be untapped potential after just four hurdles runs. | ||
(2)  First Street | | | | | | 7 | Nico de Boinville | Nicky Henderson | Smart 2m hurdler at his best but hasn't quite hit peak form this season, respectable 10l third of five to Lossiemouth in Grade 2 at Cheltenham three months ago; now 3lb lower than for his last handicap success (November 2022) but he was only eighth of ten behind Rubaud 12 months ago and needs to rediscover his spark; perhaps recent wind surgery will give him a boost. | ||
1st (6)  Favour And Fortune | | | | | | 6 | Tom Cannon | Alan King | Useful novice who ran up to his best when sixth of 11 in the Supreme at Cheltenham (2m, soft; has won on good and heavy) last month; may have more to offer on his handicap debut, but jumping errors are becoming a habit and he'll need to hurdle more fluently in this bigger field. | ||
(5)  L'Eau du Sud | | | | | | 6 | Harry Skelton | Dan Skelton | Has improved with virtually every run in Britain, posting excellent efforts in defeat in the Betfair and County Hurdles on his last two outings; they came on heavy ground but he's just as effective on good to soft; edging up the weights but has a rock-solid profile and should go well again. |
The most solid credentials belong to L'EAU DU SUD who deserves to land a big prize after silver medals in the Betfair at Newbury and the County at Cheltenham. Dangers abound, and they include Afadil, third at Aintree last week, the 2023 winner Rubaud and the upwardly mobile Morebattle winner Cracking Rhapsody. The lightly raced Florida Dreams is dangerous judged on last spring's bumper form, while last year's fifth Salsada should not be discounted despite having to run from 8lb out of the weights.[Richard O'Brien]
| Info | Form | Odds | Horse Rating | Rating | Weight | OR | Days since last run | Age | Jockey | Trainer | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (6) Condesa | | | | | | 8 | J J Slevin | S R B Crawford | Pulled up on handicap debut at Newbury (2m4f, good to soft) last month but she's much better than that, having finished second to a subsequent Grade 2 winner at Sedgefield (2m4f, soft) in January; there's stamina in her pedigree and this lightly raced 8yo is not written off now up in trip. | ||
(11)  Presenting Nelly | | | | | | 7 | Connor Brace | Dan Skelton | Won two novice hurdles last September (2m4f/2m1f; good to soft/heavy); pulled up/well beaten over fences/hurdles in first two handicaps but was a ready winner over 2m4f here yesterday; unpenalised but has more to prove up in trip if turning up again from out of the weights. | ||
| (8) Flower Of Scotland | | | | | | 9 | Danny McMenamin | Sandy Thomson | On a handy mark but has been well below her best over fences this season and needs to turn things around. | ||
1st (7)  Czech Her Out | | | | | | 10 | Patrick Wadge | Lucinda Russell | Won at Perth (3m, good to soft) last August and, after a break, kept on for good third here (2m5f, good) last month; the step back up in trip is a plus and she could be in the mix if conditions suit (ran okay in a bumper on soft in 2019; all starts since on good to soft or faster). | ||
3rd (1)  Saylavee | | | | | | 7 | Danny Mullins | W P Mullins | Won Listed mares' novice at Punchestown (2m3f, yielding) in December 2022 and second of four in mares' Grade 3 at Punchestown (2m4f, heavy) last time, behind an easy winner who went on to be third at Cheltenham; she's not obviously well treated and has something to prove at this new trip, but she's with a top Irish trainer (one of three for yard) and is not ruled out. | ||
(9)  Phillapa Sue | | | | | | 9 | Nick Slatter | David Killahena & Graeme McPherson | Won comfortably at Doncaster (3m, good to soft) in December and returned to form when narrowly winning a four-runner mares' handicap on last month's chase debut (3m, heavy); could have a say now back on song. | ||
(3)  Pink In The Park | | | | | | 7 | Mr P W Mullins | W P Mullins | Well beaten in recent Grade 1 mares' novice at Fairyhouse (2m4f, heavy) and has to bounce back; however, a case can be made on form such as her Grade 3 mares' second at Leopardstown (2m4f, soft to heavy) in December, and this trip may be within range; one of three for Willie Mullins. | ||
4th (4)  Ottizzini | | | | | | 7 | Sean Quinlan | S R B Crawford | Comfortably won Musselburgh novice (3m, good to soft) in February and went close in Listed mares' novice at Doncaster (3m, soft) last time; jumped to the right on that most recent start and she's again going left-handed today, but she's entitled to respect on her first handicap start. | ||
| (10) Larchmont Lass | | | | | | 6 | Harry Cobden | Paul Nicholls | Listed bumper winner (heavy) who scored at Wincanton (2m5f, good to soft) in February on her third hurdle start and was a 13l fourth of 17 on handicap debut at Newbury (2m4f, good to soft) last month; that latest race could prove to be a hot one (the third ran well at Cheltenham on Thursday) and she may have more to offer now up in trip for last year's winning yard. | ||
2nd (5)  Coco Mademoiselle | | | | | | 6 | Harry Skelton | Dan Skelton | Pulled up when upped to 2m7f on handicap debut at Ascot (good to soft) in February; however, there seemed more amiss that day than just a possible lack of stamina and she's since made it 2-5 over hurdles with a novice win at Chepstow (2m3f, heavy); won a point over 3m and retains potential. | ||
(2)  A Penny A Hundred | | | | | | 5 | Paul Townend | W P Mullins | Won on hurdle debut at Limerick (2m, heavy) in October and some good runs in defeat since; needs a bigger performance than when 20l fourth of 17 in Grade 1 mares' novice at Fairyhouse (2m4f, heavy) recently but this lightly raced 5yo stamina in pedigree and the step up in trip could suit on handicap debut; Townend's mount of the Mullins three; contender. |
Willie Mullins has a strong hand with his three runners but some of the contenders further down the weights catch the eye. CZECH HER OUT returned from a break with a staying-on third over 2m5f here last month and earns the vote now back up in trip, with last year's wins having come over 3m. Confidence in her chance will increase the more the ground dries out. Phillapa Sue won in fine style over hurdles at Doncaster in December and, having returned to form on last month's chase debut, she is feared most. Coco Mademoiselle and Larchmont Lass are interesting contenders for Dan Skelton and Paul Nicholls respectively.[Ben Hutton]
| Info | Form | Odds | Horse Rating | Rating | Weight | OR | Days since last run | Age | Jockey | Trainer | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
(24)  Punitive | | | | | | 10 | William Maggs | Peter Bowen | Won at Fairyhouse (3m5f, soft) for Gordon Elliott in December 2022; right out of form in his seven subsequent races for that trainer and sold for £5,000 this January; first run for new yard was much more positive but he needs to build seriously on that Ffos Las third and position 5lb out of the handicap does not help; 7lb claimer is recruited. | ||
5th (5)  Ontheropes | | | | | | 10 | Brian Hayes | W P Mullins | Unraced beyond 3m2f; sole chase win (12 races) was the 2021 Munster National over 3m at Limerick (soft) and that's his career-best form by some way; off 699 days before this season and he got round for the first time since on latest start, albeit beaten 22l; tongue tied in that race and today; edging down the weights but it's hard to be confident of a sufficient revival. | ||
(25)  Secret Reprieve | | | | | | 10 | James Turner | Evan Williams | Has not had much racing, or recaptured his form, since winning the Welsh Grand National in January 2021; 2lb lower today, even from 5lb out of the handicap; two places last winter but pulled up in the 2023 Midlands National and well beaten behind Ballygriffin Cottage at Sandown when next seen nearly a year later. | ||
4th (21)  Klarc Kent | | | | | | 8 | Sean O'Keeffe | W P Mullins | Bumper win in March 2022; has had only six races since and failed to win but he's been competitive sent chasing this season, beaten a neck on handicap debut at Fairyhouse (2m5f, heavy) three weeks ago; 2m7f performance the time before backs up the suggestion that serious stamina tests could suit. | ||
(23)  Egbert | | | | | | 7 | Brendan Powell | Alan King | Won a maiden hurdle on sole start on soft; ran poorly on second outing this term but the other three yielded two wins and a good second; first-time visor for 4l win at Doncaster (good) in January and first-time blinkers when front-running second at Kempton (good to soft) five weeks ago; both were 3m and, although 2lb out of the handicap here, the move up in trip is interesting. | ||
(3)  Elvis Mail | | | | | | 10 | Bruce Lynn | N W Alexander | 2-3 over fences at Ayr and his fifth chase win came at Carlisle (3m, heavy) 13 days ago; missed this race last year because of good ground, so the furthest he's been is still 3m2f, over which he twice strode out well to win on soft at Kelso; has a career-high mark but the longer trip is interesting. | ||
| (7) Gold Cup Bailly | | | | | | 8 | J J Slevin | S R B Crawford | Stays 3m and goes well on soft/heavy; the switch to chasing last term went swimmingly, including two impressive wins at this track, before heavy defeats in better races on his last two outings; should have brought potential to this second chase campaign but he's not raced for a year. | ||
9th (9)  Whistleinthedark | | | | | | 9 | Danny McMenamin | L J Morgan | Good fourth at Doncaster (3m, good to soft) in December but backward steps in major handicaps both starts since; latest was the 3m2f Kim Muir at Cheltenham and that's the furthest he's been; it's possible that soft ground has been against him but he may get that again here. | ||
(13)  Broken Halo | | | | | | 9 | Bryony Frost | Paul Nicholls | Held up; first three attempts at 3m4f/3m5f did not work out but last month he had a fourth go at it and was produced late for a tidy win at Taunton (soft); back up 5lb near career-high mark but could have more to offer in long-distance chases. | ||
(12)  Tommie Beau | | | | | | 9 | Micheal Nolan | Seamus Mullins | Won regional Nationals over 3m4f/3m5f at Fakenham, Sedgefield and Fontwell, the last two in small fields in the mud last autumn; never better than on last two starts when placed in the Sussex National at Plumpton and the 4m1f Eider (third to Anglers Crag) at Newcastle, but to win this requires a fair bit better still. | ||
(26)  We'llhavewan | | | | | | 9 | Kieran Callaghan | W P Mullins | December's hurdle win saw him 5-4 favourite when returned to chasing (first time since 2022) off a lower mark for Grand National Trial at Punchestown (3m3f, heavy) in February and he came 16l second of 15; needs better than that but took a backward step when 26l sixth under Kieran Callaghan in the Irish National itself (3m5f, heavy) 19 days ago; 5lb out of the handicap. | ||
10th (15)  Autonomous Cloud | | | | | | 8 | Jonathan Burke | Fergal O'Brien | Both chase wins were over 3m in the mud at Uttoxeter; bled from the nose in the Welsh National at Christmas; back in serious contention when next seen in the Midlands National at Uttoxeter (4m2f, heavy; tongue tied first time) five weeks ago but ran out of steam behind three of these approaching the final fence and, although this race is a bit shorter, that performance leaves him with a bit to prove. | ||
(4)  Beauport | | | | | | 8 | Jordan Nailor | Nigel Twiston-Davies | Nearly always ridden by Jordan Nailor; barely went a yard in Warwick's Classic Chase in January but he was second at Sandown (3m4f, heavy) the time before and in top form to win the Midlands National from Mr Incredible at Uttoxeter (4m2f, heavy) five weeks ago; up 5lb today but clearly a force in these long-distance races on his day. | ||
| 8th (8) Iron Bridge | | | | | | 8 | Jonjo O'Neill Jr | Jonjo O'Neill | Remote second in the Welsh National (near 3m7f, heavy) and back in top form when third at Haydock (near 3m5f, heavy) next time; pulled up in his other two starts this term, latest when Midlands National favourite (signs of post-race heat stress); 4m should suit but this season presents rather a mixed story. | ||
2nd (20)  Surrey Quest | | | | | | 7 | Kevin Brogan | Toby Lawes | Ended his time with Nicky Henderson under a cloud but emerged for new yard with wins in October and December; the latter followed wind surgery and came at Newbury (3m2f, soft; furthest he's been) where he emerged best in a fine scrap as the first two drew well clear; this 5lb higher mark may well underestimate that performance but he needs to bounce back from a disappointing show at Doncaster in January. | ||
1st (11)  Macdermott | | | | | | 6 | Danny Mullins | W P Mullins | 6yo who's had only nine races; sent chasing this term, easily best of his five chase runs when upped markedly to 3m on latest start and winning by 12l from the front in a nine-runner handicap at Fairyhouse (heavy); has a much higher mark today and he'd be the first 6yo to win this since Earth Summit 30 years ago, but that latest display showed major staying potential. | ||
7th (10)  Ballygrifincottage | | | | | | 9 | Harry Skelton | Dan Skelton | Acts on soft; fourth in the 3m Grade 1 novice hurdle at 2022 Cheltenham Festival; mostly chasing since and failed to beat a rival in four runs in 2023 but he's been working his way back to form in his two runs this year, second at Sandown (3m) latest; back up 3lb but going beyond 3m1f for the first time is an attractive move. | ||
(1)  Stay Away Fay | | | | | | 7 | Harry Cobden | Paul Nicholls | Acts on soft; a leading staying novice hurdler last term and the same as a novice chaser this season, although he did not show it with first-time cheekpieces at Cheltenham Festival last month (scoped dirty); tops the weights after his Graded events but a win today is not entirely ruled out, as it's long appeared that an outright test of stamina would suit him well. | ||
11th (18)  My Silver Lining | | | | | | 8 | James Best | Emma Lavelle | Rock solid this term, showing herself in a particularly favourable light with serious stamina tests in the mud for major handicaps at Warwick (won), Haydock (second) and Uttoxeter (third to Beauport and Mr Incredible) on last three outings; had a clear lead for most of the closing stages last time (4m2f, heavy) and another bold show would not surprise under this 2lb higher mark. | ||
(22)  Whacker Clan | | | | | | 8 | Rachael Blackmore | Henry De Bromhead | Progressive last year, making all at Tramore (2m5f, soft) in August and Cheltenham (3m1f, good to soft) in October; returned to Cheltenham last month for the Kim Muir (3m2f, soft) and made most, finishing third of 22 but he was 18l behind the runner-up Git Maker, so needs to step up on that and it's the furthest he's been. | ||
6th (6)  Spanish Harlem | | | | | | 6 | Paul Townend | W P Mullins | Just 6-1 for the Martin Pipe at last year's Cheltenham Festival on handicap debut but ran poorly; back to form when third in small-field beginners chases at Gowran Park (2m4f, heavy) on last two outings and going beyond 2m4f may well be overdue, but those runs are no proof that he can cut it in this very different race; tongue-tie (worn on debut) is back on. | ||
(14)  Mr Vango | | | | | | 8 | Ben Jones | Mrs Sara V Bradstock | Upped to nearly 3m7f for the Devon National at Exeter (heavy) in February and made all to win by 60l; that's not the easiest form to pinpoint (he has a 15lb higher mark today) and he did not reproduce it when third to a runaway winner in the NH Chase at Cheltenham (3m6f, heavy; first-time cheekpieces) 18 days later, but this very lightly raced 8yo could have more to give. | ||
(16)  Anglers Crag | | | | | | 9 | Henry Brooke | Brian Ellison | Had wind surgery last August and is 4-4 for his new yard since; first three of those were over about 3m-3m2f on good to soft but he coped admirably with a move up to 4m1f on heavy in the Eider at Newcastle last time, confidently ridden to challenge three out and to overcome an error two out by getting up close home; up another 8lb but remains capable of better and may well extend his winning sequence. | ||
(2)  Mr Incredible | | | | | | 8 | Mr P W Mullins | W P Mullins | Placed in major handicaps on his three completions for this yard and the three non-completions weren't his fault, hampered when unseating at the Chair at Aintree last week (10-1); towards rear at the time having been very slow to stride following the standing start; that was four weeks after his Midlands National second (4m2f, heavy) which came after 336 days off; connections thought he'd improve fitness-wise after that run but now it remains to be seen how he's come out of last week's race. | ||
(17)  Inis Oirr | | | | | | 7 | Derek Fox | Lucinda Russell | 7yo who's in his first season chasing; upped in trip and switched to front-running with a first-time visor in the Edinburgh National at Musselburgh 11 weeks ago and he took the field apart, moving 21l clear in the closing stages; that was over an extended 3m7f on good to soft, but he has been placed on soft; up 14lb today but that latest performance could hardly have been more authoritative. | ||
3rd (19)  Git Maker | | | | | | 8 | Gavin Sheehan | Jamie Snowden | Mastered Whacker Clan two out in the Kim Muir at Cheltenham (3m2f, soft) five weeks ago and beat him 18l into third, facing an impossible task however against Inothewayurthinkin who has since added an impressive Grade 1 novice win at Aintree; has never been further than that big-race second over 3m2f but has had entries in major staying handicaps and may well be suited by today's test. |
The British trainers' championship has seemingly added plenty to this field and Macdermott, despite his age and inexperience, may be the best option in a multi-faceted Mullins challenge. Meanwhile, Paul Nicholls provides a high-profile topweight in Stay Away Fay, plus a second string with possibilities in Broken Halo, and Dan Skelton has an interesting each-way candidate in Ballygrifincottage. Top of the list, however, are ANGLERS CRAG (nap), who has been going from strength to strength and has proved his stamina, ahead of Git Maker, who ran so well in the Kim Muir, and Inis Oirr who won by a street in the Edinburgh National. Tough mare My Silver Lining just has to be given a mention.[Richard Austen]
| Info | Form | Odds | Horse Rating | Rating | Weight | OR | Days since last run | Age | Jockey | Trainer | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1st (2)  Chosen Witness | | | | | | 7 | Paul Townend | W P Mullins | Off the mark over hurdles in Thurles maiden (2m, heavy) last month and solid fourth of nine on subsequent handicap debut at Cork (2m3f, soft to heavy); the first-time hood could help him settle now up in trip and this 3m point winner has to be respected for the all-conquering Willie Mullins. | ||
(7)  Idem | | | | | | 6 | Patrick Wadge | Lucinda Russell | Won last year on first two hurdle starts (2m/2m5f, good to soft/good) and fair fourth on handicap debut at Ascot (2m3f, soft) in November; bang there when falling two out at Wetherby (2m5f, soft) last month; his trainer excels with staying types and this one could be a leading player now up in trip. | ||
(1)  Doughmore Bay | | | | | | 6 | Tom Bellamy | Emma Lavelle | Runner-up at Plumpton (3m1f, good to soft) in January on second handicap start and improved again when filling same position at Haydock (3m, soft) three weeks ago; this progressive 6yo might not be far away. | ||
4th (6)  President Scottie | | | | | | 6 | Danny McMenamin | Nicky Richards | Won 2m4f maiden here (2m4f, soft) in February on third hurdle start and suited by the step up in trip when following up on last month's handicap debut at Haydock (3m, soft; half the hurdles omitted); this unexposed 6yo could continue to improve and is one to consider up 5lb. | ||
2nd (10)  Major Fortune | | | | | | 6 | Harry Skelton | Dan Skelton | Has won his last five starts (2m4f-3m1f), most recently at Lingfield (2m7f, heavy) without having to come off the bridle; his last three wins have come in small fields and he's 11lb higher than last time and in a much better race, but it remains to be seen where the ceiling of his ability lies. | ||
(9)  Young Jack | | | | | | 6 | Gavin Sheehan | Chris Grant | 3m point winner (good) who was second on rules debut at Newcastle (2m6f, heavy) in December and won there in February (2m4f, heavy); another good run at Newcastle when third most recently over what looked an inadequate 2m1f (heavy), and he could relish this step up in trip on handicap debut. | ||
| (8) Milcree | | | | | | 6 | Sean Quinlan | Nicky Richards | Point-to-point bumper winner (good to soft) who ran well in defeat on first two hurdle starts (firstly over 2m5f here on soft) before easily justifying 1-4 odds at Carlisle (2m3f, heavy) a fortnight ago; makes handicap debut off a fair mark and pedigree suggests he'll improve for today's longer trip. | ||
| 3rd (3) I Love My Baie | | | | | | 6 | J J Slevin | S R B Crawford | Tailed off in 3m Grade 2 novice at Doncaster in January but has won either side of that, in a 2m4f novice here (soft) and a 2m3f handicap at Newbury (good to soft); stayed on well last time, when clear with one who has since gone one better, and he's well worth another crack at this trip. | ||
(4)  Welcom To Cartries | | | | | | 6 | Harry Cobden | Paul Nicholls | 3m point winner (yielding) who went close at Ascot (2m3f, good) in November on rules debut and won there next time (2m5f, good to soft); runner-up in Grade 2 novice at Doncaster in January last time (3m, good; beaten about 8l); in excellent hands and has potential off his opening mark. | ||
(5)  Masaccio | | | | | | 7 | Tom Cannon | Alan King | Kept on for fifth in Grade 1 Challow at Newbury (2m4f, soft) in December and easily returned to winning ways when 1-6 in Kempton novice (2m5f, soft) in February; has a chiefly Flat pedigree but has shaped as though he might be a stayer, and he could be thereabouts now up in trip on handicap debut. |
This is a fascinating race featuring a stack of promising stayers. MILCREE has plenty of stamina in his pedigree and this very lightly raced 6yo is the selection now up in trip for his handicap debut. Lucinda Russell's stable is renowned for staying types and Idem may be the chief danger ahead of Young Jack, who also has potential now up in trip. Welcom To Cartries, President Scottie and Major Fortune also warrant respect, although cases can be made for the entire field.[Ben Hutton]
| Info | Form | Odds | Horse Rating | Rating | Weight | OR | Days since last run | Age | Jockey | Trainer | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (5) Dripsey Moon | | | | | | 7 | Craig Nichol | John C McConnell | Outclassed in four consecutive Graded races before failing to land a telling blow on his handicap debut over 2m5f here yesterday when a market drifter; makes no appeal on the back of that in a race of this nature. | ||
6th (6)  Jetronic | | | | | | 5 | Harry Cobden | Paul Nicholls | Winning chaser in France and first two runs for this yard were over fences; made all on his return to hurdling at Plumpton (2m4f, soft) and probably beat a good horse, despite that one flopping since; lightly raced and in top hands, so hard to dismiss. | ||
(7)  Phantomofthepoints | | | | | | 6 | Jack Tudor | David Pipe | His breakthrough win had been coming and he made the most of his market rival's departure to win a Chepstow novice easily 19 days ago (2m, soft); however, from a prominent position he dropped out to finish well out of the money on his handicap debut here yesterday. | ||
2nd (1)  Choccabloc | | | | | | 6 | Nico de Boinville | Nicky Henderson | Bumper winner who beat a useful horse to get off the mark over hurdles at Ludlow in November (2m5f, good to soft); the penalty found him out in a Grade 2 at Cheltenham next time and it could be a similar tale here. | ||
3rd (3)  Bertie's Ballet | | | | | | 6 | Henry Brooke | Dianne Sayer | Dual bumper winner (good/soft) and won a Haydock novice (heavy) on his second run over hurdles; limitations somewhat exposed since then (in good company) and could be up against it again here; unraced beyond 2m2f. | ||
4th (8)  Twoohthree | | | | | | 5 | Jack Kennedy | Gordon Elliott | Impressive winner of a 2m4f Leopardstown maiden (soft) in March and would have pushed his market rival (Willie Mullins novice) closer at Navan had he not fluffed the last flight; has a 3m Grade 1 entry at Punchestown and he's open to considerable improvement. | ||
| 5th (4) Billericay Dickie | | | | | | 5 | Mr P W Mullins | W P Mullins | 1m4f good-ground winner in France (ran only twice); returning from 548 days off when well on top in the finish of a 2m4f maiden at Punchestown in January (heavy; some novicey jumping) and impossible to know how good he could be; holds Grade 1 entries at Punchestown over 2m, 2m3f and 3m. | ||
1st (2)  Quai De Bourbon | | | | | | 5 | Paul Townend | W P Mullins | Has a 3m Grade 1 entry at Punchestown; kicked off for this yard with wins in two minor hurdles before showing much improved form to finish a 2l third in the Martin Pipe Handicap at Cheltenham (2m4f, heavy) for which he was a big talking horse beforehand; travelled well then before staying on and that effort gives him compelling claims in a race of this nature. |
Willie Mullins sets a poser by running two and while QUAI DE BOURBON unquestionably brings the strongest form credentials courtesy of his competitive run in the Martin Pipe at Cheltenham, Billericay Dickie is packed with potential. Third best is fellow Irish raider Twoohthree, another unexposed gelding who, like the Mullins pair, has a top-level entry at Punchestown.[Alistair Jones]
| Info | Form | Odds | Horse Rating | Rating | Weight | OR | Days since last run | Age | Jockey | Trainer | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
(10)  Disco Annie | | | | | | 6 | Nathan Moscrop | Rebecca Menzies | Looked to have a bright future when second in an Irish point, but since then she's been well held in bumpers at Aintree (14-1) and Kelso (66-1); hooded last time, and now fitted with a tongue-strap after wind surgery; others preferred. | ||
(11)  Authorized Mission | | | | | | 4 | Conor O'Farrell | Iain Jardine | Beaten about 16l at Newcastle (7-1; pulled hard, ran green) and Kelso (25-1; faded) in the winter; still early days but needs to improve. | ||
(1)  Gasmani | | | | | | 5 | Tom Bellamy | David Dennis | Point winner who built on fourth on bumper debut when scoring gamely at Newcastle (heavy) in March; open to further improvement but meets stronger opposition here. | ||
(7)  Jony R | | | | | | 5 | J J Slevin | S R B Crawford | Home-bred by Leading Light; dam runner-up in points, closely related to 2m1f/2m4f hurdle winner Island Mahee, half-sister to bumper/2m hurdle winner Henry Box Brown, out of half-sister to smart jumper Mendip Express; stable does well (20% strike-rate last five seasons) in British bumpers. | ||
(8)  The Dipper | | | | | | 5 | Sean Quinlan | Nicky Richards | 21,000euros 3yo; brother to a point winner; dam pulled up both points, half-sister to bumper/useful 2m-2m5f hurdle winner Lady Zephyr; yard has fine record in bumpers over the years but is just 1-8 this season. | ||
2nd (2)  Thistle Be The One | | | | | | 5 | Gavin Sheehan | Keiran Burke | Finished last in both his points but proved a completely different proposition on bumper debut at Kempton (soft; 40-1) in February, making all; the third has since boosted the form by winning in clearcut style at Market Rasen; has to be respected. | ||
| (9) Reflection Of You | | | | | | 5 | Derek Fox | Lucinda Russell | Bought for £140,000 soon after winning a soft-ground Irish point, and she maintained her unbeaten record when making all in Musselburgh bumper (soft; 11-8 favourite) two weeks ago in clearcut fashion; faces sterner opposition here but she retains plenty of potential. | ||
| (5) Histrionic | | | | | | 5 | Harry Cobden | Paul Nicholls | Easy winner of Irish point (yielding) in April 2023 after which he changed hands for 450,000euros; beaten favourite in two Newbury bumpers, shaping well in third on debut (good to soft) before disappointing on heavy ground last time; improvement needed but he's in good hands and still low-mileage. | ||
3rd (4)  Califet En Vol | | | | | | 5 | Nico de Boinville | Nicky Henderson | Bought for £145,000 after finishing second in an Irish point in December; new stable has won this race five times since 2010, including with the mighty Sprinter Sacre; very interesting rules debutant. | ||
1st (6)  Jazz De Cotte | | | | | | 5 | Jack Kennedy | Gordon Elliott | 26,000euros yearling; by Group 3-winning stayer Fly With Me; dam well held in AQPS Flat races, half-sister to winners Lilium De Cotte (useful hurdle/chase around 2m) and Safran De Cotte (2m-3m hurdle/chase); second in a soft-ground point in November; represents top connections and must be considered, especially if strong in the market. | ||
| 4th (3) C'Est Ta Chance | | | | | | 5 | Mr P W Mullins | W P Mullins | 1-1 in points; bumped into a smart prospect when short-headed in bumper at Navan (soft/heavy; pair clear) in January; only thirteenth of 19 in the Champion Bumper at Cheltenham but this is much less competitive and it's unlikely we've seen the best of him yet. |
The percentage call is the Willie Mullins-trained C'EST TA CHANCE, who bumped into a smart prospect on his bumper debut at Navan and contested the Champion Bumper at Cheltenham next time. He may still have untapped potential. Among the threats with bumper form are the penalised winners Thistle Be The One and Reflection Of You, while Histrionic still has time on his side. However, the main danger could be the promising recruit from points Califet En Vol, whose stable has won this race several times, including with Sprinter Sacre.[Richard O'Brien]