15.00

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

6/1

Place: £2.00

Form: 1135-3 D BF

Last run: 35 days

W: 11st 8lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 148

Form & Verdict

Has a record of 4-6 in completed handicap starts (hurdles/fences), notably a Cheltenham success (3m2f, soft) as a novice chaser last term; finished about 12l behind Senior Chief there on reappearance but should improve with the outing under his belt; this 6yo is the type to win a big staying prize and remains of major interest.

Place / No / Draw	Date / Going / Distance / Class	Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer	Verdict	Starting price
23	5th Apr 2025 Good To Soft 4m 2f 74y Class 1	16:00 Aintree Broadway Boy 10st 9lb J: Tom Bellamy T: Nigel Twiston-Davies	Started this season brightly, notably when second to Kandoo Kid in the Coral Gold Cup at Newbury (3m2f, good to soft); he'd have a good shout judged on that display and going beyond 3m2f made plenty of appeal even before that; however, he disappointed at Cheltenham on New Year's Day and ran badly there last month; cheekpieces (tried at this meeting last year, tailed off) return.	66/1
23	5th Apr 2025 Good To Soft 4m 2f 74y Class 1	16:00 Aintree Broadway Boy 10st 9lb J: Tom Bellamy T: Nigel Twiston-Davies	Started this season brightly, notably when second to Kandoo Kid in the Coral Gold Cup at Newbury (3m2f, good to soft); he'd have a good shout judged on that display and going beyond 3m2f made plenty of appeal even before that; however, he disappointed at Cheltenham on New Year's Day and ran badly there last month; cheekpieces (tried at this meeting last year, tailed off) return.	66/1
3	11th Mar 2025 Good To Soft 3m 1f 0y Class 1	14:40 Cheltenham Broadway Boy 11st 12lb J: Sam Twiston-Davies T: Nigel Twiston-Davies	Didn't jump fluently when below par here on New Year's Day; however, he's reportedly had his knees medicated since and two starts ago was a fine second in the Coral Gold Cup at Newbury (3m2f, good to soft); two wins here (3m/3m2f) during last season's novice campaign; in the mix if back on song.	7/1

Place /
No / Draw

Date / Going /
Distance / Class

Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer

Verdict

Starting price

23

5th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

4m 2f 74y

Class 1

16:00 Aintree

10st 9lb

J: Tom Bellamy

Started this season brightly, notably when second to Kandoo Kid in the Coral Gold Cup at Newbury (3m2f, good to soft); he'd have a good shout judged on that display and going beyond 3m2f made plenty of appeal even before that; however, he disappointed at Cheltenham on New Year's Day and ran badly there last month; cheekpieces (tried at this meeting last year, tailed off) return.

66/1

23

5th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

4m 2f 74y

Class 1

16:00 Aintree

10st 9lb

J: Tom Bellamy

Started this season brightly, notably when second to Kandoo Kid in the Coral Gold Cup at Newbury (3m2f, good to soft); he'd have a good shout judged on that display and going beyond 3m2f made plenty of appeal even before that; however, he disappointed at Cheltenham on New Year's Day and ran badly there last month; cheekpieces (tried at this meeting last year, tailed off) return.

66/1

3

11th Mar 2025

Good To Soft

3m 1f 0y

Class 1

14:40 Cheltenham

11st 12lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Noel George & Amanda Zetterholm

Didn't jump fluently when below par here on New Year's Day; however, he's reportedly had his knees medicated since and two starts ago was a fine second in the Coral Gold Cup at Newbury (3m2f, good to soft); two wins here (3m/3m2f) during last season's novice campaign; in the mix if back on song.

7/1

3rd

12

Victtorino

J: Charlie Deutsch

T: Venetia Williams

7/1

Place: £2.10

Form: 1174P-

Last run: 263 days

W: 11st 3lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 143

Form & Verdict

Ex-French 6yo whose British form features notable 3m wins at Ascot (soft/good) last November/December, making a bright start to his 2023-24 campaign; mixed results afterwards but this looks the time to catch him, especially with the yard in great form; interesting on reappearance.

Place / No / Draw	Date / Going / Distance / Class	Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer	Verdict	Starting price
7th 6	26th Apr 2025 Good 3m 4f 146y Class 1	16:10 Sandown Victtorino 10st 8lb J: Charlie Deutsch T: Venetia Williams	Poor Cheltenham record was extended at the Festival last time; 3m at right-handed Ascot, on the other hand, produced four wins (two on good ground) from five attempts and his strong finish in Newbury's big 3m2f handicap in November catches the eye with regard to today's new trip; his stable has had a long dry spell recently (it ended on Thursday) but he's a strong candidate otherwise.	16/1
7th 6	26th Apr 2025 Good 3m 4f 146y Class 1	16:10 Sandown Victtorino 10st 8lb J: Charlie Deutsch T: Venetia Williams	Poor Cheltenham record was extended at the Festival last time; 3m at right-handed Ascot, on the other hand, produced four wins (two on good ground) from five attempts and his strong finish in Newbury's big 3m2f handicap in November catches the eye with regard to today's new trip; his stable has had a long dry spell recently (it ended on Thursday) but he's a strong candidate otherwise.	16/1
6	11th Mar 2025 Good To Soft 3m 1f 0y Class 1	14:40 Cheltenham Victtorino 11st 11lb J: Charlie Deutsch T: Venetia Williams	Struggled last term on both previous Cheltenham runs (including in this), which is a worry; this winter's two wins came at favourite course Ascot (3m, good to soft/good) but he also ran well at Newbury in November and this progressive 7yo is climbing the weights only slowly; dangerous to rule out.	25/1

Place /
No / Draw

Date / Going /
Distance / Class

Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer

Verdict

Starting price

7th

6

26th Apr 2025

Good

3m 4f 146y

Class 1

10st 8lb

Poor Cheltenham record was extended at the Festival last time; 3m at right-handed Ascot, on the other hand, produced four wins (two on good ground) from five attempts and his strong finish in Newbury's big 3m2f handicap in November catches the eye with regard to today's new trip; his stable has had a long dry spell recently (it ended on Thursday) but he's a strong candidate otherwise.

16/1

7th

6

26th Apr 2025

Good

3m 4f 146y

Class 1

10st 8lb

Poor Cheltenham record was extended at the Festival last time; 3m at right-handed Ascot, on the other hand, produced four wins (two on good ground) from five attempts and his strong finish in Newbury's big 3m2f handicap in November catches the eye with regard to today's new trip; his stable has had a long dry spell recently (it ended on Thursday) but he's a strong candidate otherwise.

16/1

6

11th Mar 2025

Good To Soft

3m 1f 0y

Class 1

11st 11lb

Struggled last term on both previous Cheltenham runs (including in this), which is a worry; this winter's two wins came at favourite course Ascot (3m, good to soft/good) but he also ran well at Newbury in November and this progressive 7yo is climbing the weights only slowly; dangerous to rule out.

25/1

4th

6

General En Chef

J: Benjamin Gelhay

12/1

Form: 11-313 BF

Last run: 28 days

W: 11st 8lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 148

Form & Verdict

Trained in France; versatile sort who has a record of 3-6, including 2m3f Grade 3 success, since joining the George/Zetterholm stable and was placed in the 3m6f 'Grand Steep' a few outings back; useful and in-form chaser who could go well.

Place / No / Draw	Date / Going / Distance / Class	Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer	Verdict	Starting price
4th 6	30th Nov 2024 Good To Soft 3m 1f 214y Class 1	15:00 Newbury General En Chef 11st 8lb J: Benjamin Gelhay T: Noel George & Amanda Zetterholm	Trained in France; versatile sort who has a record of 3-6, including 2m3f Grade 3 success, since joining the George/Zetterholm stable and was placed in the 3m6f 'Grand Steep' a few outings back; useful and in-form chaser who could go well.	12/1

Place /
No / Draw

Date / Going /
Distance / Class

Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer

Verdict

Starting price

4th

6

30th Nov 2024

Good To Soft

3m 1f 214y

Class 1

15:00 Newbury

General En Chef

11st 8lb

J: Benjamin Gelhay

T: Noel George & Amanda Zetterholm

Trained in France; versatile sort who has a record of 3-6, including 2m3f Grade 3 success, since joining the George/Zetterholm stable and was placed in the 3m6f 'Grand Steep' a few outings back; useful and in-form chaser who could go well.

12/1

5th

13

Henrys Friend

J: Ben Jones

T: Ben Pauling

12/1

Form: 111P-4 C

Last run: 23 days

W: 10st 13lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 139

Form & Verdict

Record of 3-5 as a novice chaser last term featured wins at this course (2m6f handicap) and Ascot (3m Grade 2); well held off his lower hurdles mark here on reappearance but remains open to further progress back over fences, with that outing under his belt; not ruled out.

Place / No / Draw	Date / Going / Distance / Class	Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer	Verdict	Starting price
2	25th Apr 2026 Good 3m 4f 146y Class 1	15:30 Sandown Henrys Friend 11st 6lb J: Ben Jones T: Ben Pauling	Seems best making the running or racing prominently; his six races in the last 14 months have been a mixed bag, with an Ascot win (3m, good) in November the highlight; just 1lb higher today and ran respectably on penultimate start, but his two earlier attempts at 3m6f/4m did not work out; a tongue-tie (worn twice in 2023, with a win on first occasion) returns.	16/1
9th 2	21st Feb 2026 Good To Soft 3m 0f 0y Class 1	15:35 Kempton Henrys Friend 11st 8lb J: Ben Jones T: Ben Pauling	Back to form when 5l behind Deep Cave last time at Ascot (3m, good to soft) but he does look vulnerable to better-treated opposition, for all that he's just 2lb higher than for November's win at Ascot; likely to race on the front end.	14/1
2	1st Nov 2025 Good 2m 7f 185y Class 1	15:45 Ascot Henrys Friend 11st 10lb J: Ben Jones T: Ben Pauling	Record of 4-9 over fences, his best form when winning by 6l at Newbury (3m2f, good to soft; 5lb higher today); disadvantaged when slowly away (from a standing start) in the Ultima at Cheltenham and yet still made a challenge three out before fading; never got competitive in the Scottish National but he wasn't alone; a stiff 3m around here looks up his street; shortlisted.	15/2

Place /
No / Draw

Date / Going /
Distance / Class

Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer

Verdict

Starting price

2

25th Apr 2026

Good

3m 4f 146y

Class 1

11st 6lb

Seems best making the running or racing prominently; his six races in the last 14 months have been a mixed bag, with an Ascot win (3m, good) in November the highlight; just 1lb higher today and ran respectably on penultimate start, but his two earlier attempts at 3m6f/4m did not work out; a tongue-tie (worn twice in 2023, with a win on first occasion) returns.

16/1

9th

2

21st Feb 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 0y

Class 1

11st 8lb

Back to form when 5l behind Deep Cave last time at Ascot (3m, good to soft) but he does look vulnerable to better-treated opposition, for all that he's just 2lb higher than for November's win at Ascot; likely to race on the front end.

14/1

2

1st Nov 2025

Good

2m 7f 185y

Class 1

11st 10lb

Record of 4-9 over fences, his best form when winning by 6l at Newbury (3m2f, good to soft; 5lb higher today); disadvantaged when slowly away (from a standing start) in the Ultima at Cheltenham and yet still made a challenge three out before fading; never got competitive in the Scottish National but he wasn't alone; a stiff 3m around here looks up his street; shortlisted.

15/2

OUR TIP

6th

3

Senior Chief

J: Darragh O’Keeffe

T: Henry De Bromhead

5/1

Form: 321P-1 D

Last run: 35 days

W: 11st 11lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 151

Form & Verdict

Second-season chaser who took well to first-time cheekpieces at Cheltenham (3m1f, good) on reappearance, taking record in this sphere to 2-5; may well have more to offer in the retained headgear; consistent in the main, having finished out of the first three only once; shortlisted.

Place / No / Draw	Date / Going / Distance / Class	Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer	Verdict	Starting price
6th 20	5th Apr 2025 Good To Soft 4m 2f 74y Class 1	16:00 Aintree Senior Chief 10st 10lb J: Darragh O’Keeffe T: Henry De Bromhead	Lightly raced 8yo; 10-1 when pulled up in the Irish National (3m5f, heavy) last April, in touch five out on his only go at a marathon trip; reappearance win at Cheltenham (3m1f, good) in October was a great deal more auspicious, staying on strongly; creditable sixth off this 9lb higher mark in Coral Gold Cup next time and had a hurdle race in February; needs a second look.	33/1
6th 20	5th Apr 2025 Good To Soft 4m 2f 74y Class 1	16:00 Aintree Senior Chief 10st 10lb J: Darragh O’Keeffe T: Henry De Bromhead	Lightly raced 8yo; 10-1 when pulled up in the Irish National (3m5f, heavy) last April, in touch five out on his only go at a marathon trip; reappearance win at Cheltenham (3m1f, good) in October was a great deal more auspicious, staying on strongly; creditable sixth off this 9lb higher mark in Coral Gold Cup next time and had a hurdle race in February; needs a second look.	33/1
9th 1	23rd Feb 2025 Heavy 2m 7f 20y	15:50 Naas Senior Chief 11st 12lb J: Rachael Blackmore T: Henry De Bromhead	Two-time winner over timber; won a handicap chase on his return to action off 142 at Cheltenham in October and wasn't disgraced off 9lb higher in the Coral Gold Gup at Newbury subsequently; could be well treated off 135 in his first handicap hurdle and handles heavy; chance.	17/2

Place /
No / Draw

Date / Going /
Distance / Class

Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer

Verdict

Starting price

6th

20

5th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

4m 2f 74y

Class 1

10st 10lb

Lightly raced 8yo; 10-1 when pulled up in the Irish National (3m5f, heavy) last April, in touch five out on his only go at a marathon trip; reappearance win at Cheltenham (3m1f, good) in October was a great deal more auspicious, staying on strongly; creditable sixth off this 9lb higher mark in Coral Gold Cup next time and had a hurdle race in February; needs a second look.

33/1

6th

20

5th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

4m 2f 74y

Class 1

10st 10lb

Lightly raced 8yo; 10-1 when pulled up in the Irish National (3m5f, heavy) last April, in touch five out on his only go at a marathon trip; reappearance win at Cheltenham (3m1f, good) in October was a great deal more auspicious, staying on strongly; creditable sixth off this 9lb higher mark in Coral Gold Cup next time and had a hurdle race in February; needs a second look.

33/1

9th

1

23rd Feb 2025

Heavy

2m 7f 20y

11st 12lb

Two-time winner over timber; won a handicap chase on his return to action off 142 at Cheltenham in October and wasn't disgraced off 9lb higher in the Coral Gold Gup at Newbury subsequently; could be well treated off 135 in his first handicap hurdle and handles heavy; chance.

17/2

7th

11

Galia Des Liteaux

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

9/1

Form: 2248-2 BF

Last run: 27 days

W: 11st 4lb

8 yo Mare

OR: 144

Form & Verdict

Good staying mare who finished second in the Classic Chase at Warwick (3m5f) and ran better than the bare result suggests in the Grand National last term; this return to a longer distance is ideal with Carlisle reappearance (2m4f; first run since wind surgery) under her belt; Welsh National is apparently the main aim but she's not dismissed.

Place / No / Draw	Date / Going / Distance / Class	Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer	Verdict	Starting price
5th 2	2nd Nov 2025 Good 3m 2f 19y Class 3	15:12 Carlisle Galia Des Liteaux 12st 0lb J: Harry Skelton T: Dan Skelton	Grade 2-winning chaser who ran well to be eighth in the 2024 Grand National; last season ended disappointingly (latterly in the Midlands National when tongue-tie joined regular cheekpieces) but she was second in the 2m4f Listed race on this card before respectable efforts in the Coral Gold Cup and Welsh National (won by Val Dancer); stays this far and the handicapper has given her a chance; interesting.	8/1
5th 2	2nd Nov 2025 Good 3m 2f 19y Class 3	15:12 Carlisle Galia Des Liteaux 12st 0lb J: Harry Skelton T: Dan Skelton	Grade 2-winning chaser who ran well to be eighth in the 2024 Grand National; last season ended disappointingly (latterly in the Midlands National when tongue-tie joined regular cheekpieces) but she was second in the 2m4f Listed race on this card before respectable efforts in the Coral Gold Cup and Welsh National (won by Val Dancer); stays this far and the handicapper has given her a chance; interesting.	8/1
5th 2	2nd Nov 2025 Good 3m 2f 19y Class 3	15:12 Carlisle Galia Des Liteaux 12st 0lb J: Harry Skelton T: Dan Skelton	Grade 2-winning chaser who ran well to be eighth in the 2024 Grand National; last season ended disappointingly (latterly in the Midlands National when tongue-tie joined regular cheekpieces) but she was second in the 2m4f Listed race on this card before respectable efforts in the Coral Gold Cup and Welsh National (won by Val Dancer); stays this far and the handicapper has given her a chance; interesting.	8/1

Place /
No / Draw

Date / Going /
Distance / Class

Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer

Verdict

Starting price

5th

2

2nd Nov 2025

Good

3m 2f 19y

Class 3

12st 0lb

Grade 2-winning chaser who ran well to be eighth in the 2024 Grand National; last season ended disappointingly (latterly in the Midlands National when tongue-tie joined regular cheekpieces) but she was second in the 2m4f Listed race on this card before respectable efforts in the Coral Gold Cup and Welsh National (won by Val Dancer); stays this far and the handicapper has given her a chance; interesting.

8/1

5th

2

2nd Nov 2025

Good

3m 2f 19y

Class 3

12st 0lb

Grade 2-winning chaser who ran well to be eighth in the 2024 Grand National; last season ended disappointingly (latterly in the Midlands National when tongue-tie joined regular cheekpieces) but she was second in the 2m4f Listed race on this card before respectable efforts in the Coral Gold Cup and Welsh National (won by Val Dancer); stays this far and the handicapper has given her a chance; interesting.

8/1

5th

2

2nd Nov 2025

Good

3m 2f 19y

Class 3

12st 0lb

Grade 2-winning chaser who ran well to be eighth in the 2024 Grand National; last season ended disappointingly (latterly in the Midlands National when tongue-tie joined regular cheekpieces) but she was second in the 2m4f Listed race on this card before respectable efforts in the Coral Gold Cup and Welsh National (won by Val Dancer); stays this far and the handicapper has given her a chance; interesting.

8/1

8th

8

J: Ricky Doyle

16/1

Form: 24/8-1

Last run: 34 days

W: 11st 7lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 147

Form & Verdict

Seen only twice since spring 2023 but looked better than ever at Galway (2m6f, soft) last month; faces a stiffer task off new mark in this stronger race and is going into unknown territory over this distance.

Place / No / Draw	Date / Going / Distance / Class	Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer	Verdict	Starting price
18th 6	28th Apr 2026 Yielding 2m 3f 81y	15:05 Punchestown Grandero Bello 11st 5lb J: Kieren Buckley T: Eddie & Patrick Harty	Has come up dry since winning a handicap chase at Galway in October 2024; soundly beaten all four starts this term; won his maiden hurdle here but others arrive in better form.	50/1
8th 4	8th Mar 2026 Heavy 3m 0f 174y	16:02 Naas Grandero Bello 10st 11lb J: Kieren Buckley T: Eddie & Patrick Harty	Dual chase winner with last win coming at Galway in October 2024 (2m7f, soft); tailed off in a Grade 2 hurdle on seasonal return at Navan and similar story in a Listed handicap chase back there next time (2m5f, soft to heavy); distant third over hurdles at Gowran last month (2m4f, heavy); back down to winning mark now but others more likely.	12/1
3	3rd May 2025 Yielding 3m 0f 104y	16:15 Punchestown Grandero Bello 11st 5lb J: Ricky Doyle T: Eddie & Patrick Harty	in touch with leaders, dropped to rear 7th	25/1

Place /
No / Draw

Date / Going /
Distance / Class

Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer

Verdict

Starting price

18th

6

28th Apr 2026

Yielding

2m 3f 81y

15:05 Punchestown

11st 5lb

J: Kieren Buckley

Has come up dry since winning a handicap chase at Galway in October 2024; soundly beaten all four starts this term; won his maiden hurdle here but others arrive in better form.

50/1

8th

4

8th Mar 2026

Heavy

3m 0f 174y

16:02 Naas

10st 11lb

J: Kieren Buckley

Dual chase winner with last win coming at Galway in October 2024 (2m7f, soft); tailed off in a Grade 2 hurdle on seasonal return at Navan and similar story in a Listed handicap chase back there next time (2m5f, soft to heavy); distant third over hurdles at Gowran last month (2m4f, heavy); back down to winning mark now but others more likely.

12/1

3

3rd May 2025

Yielding

3m 0f 104y

16:15 Punchestown

11st 5lb

J: Ricky Doyle