December 27 / 14.50 Chepstow

14.50

Soft

Coral Welsh Grand National Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap) (Run In Memory Of Kim Gingell) (GBB)

  • Prize money: £85425
  • 3m 6f 130y
  • Class 1
  • 21 runners
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Coral Welsh Grand National Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap) (Run In Memory Of Kim Gingell) (GBB)

Runners: 21 runners

Type: Chase Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Cloudy

12/1 (Won)

  • Win: £9.20
  • Place: £3.30

Form: 1133-1

Last run: 54 days

W: 10st 4lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 126

Form & Verdict
Won three in a row last winter when cheekpieces were first enlisted and he again kept finding more when repelling the challengers at Carlisle (upped to 3m2f, good to soft; acts on heavy) on reappearance early last month; raised another 5lb but looks sure to stay beyond 3m2f and he's a fascinating candidate given the clear scope for further improvement.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

21st Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 30y

Class 3

14:15 Bangor-on-Dee

Val Dancer

11st 12lb

J: Charlie Hammond

T: Mel Rowley

Last season was one to remember, winning the Welsh National and later second in the Grand National Trial at Haydock; 0-4 this campaign but it's been anything but a washout and he should be dangerous off this mark, for all that he's made his name over further.

4/1

4th

4

21st Feb 2026

Good To Soft

4m 1f 56y

Class 2

14:43 Newcastle

Val Dancer

10st 3lb

J: Charlie Hammond

T: Mel Rowley

Won last season's Welsh National (extended 3m6f, soft) off 3lb lower and second in the Grand National Trial at Haydock; near that form on second start this term, before a lesser show (weak in the market) in the Surrey National at Lingfield; needs to be back at his peak and there are mixed messages.

8/1

4th

4

19th Jan 2026

Soft

3m 4f 178y

Class 3

13:50 Lingfield

Val Dancer

11st 10lb

J: Charlie Hammond

T: Mel Rowley

Bettered underwhelming seasonal debut when placed over the big Aintree fences (3m2f, soft) last month and remains only 4lb higher than when winning last season's Welsh National (3m6f, soft); high on the list.

6/1

6/1

  • Place: £2.70

Form: /4321-

Last run: 282 days

W: 10st 4lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 126

Form & Verdict
7yo who is narrowly the most lightly raced horse in this field; raised his game upped to 3m5f and an extended 3m4f on soft on last two starts last term, snatching a win at Haydock last time; up another 4lb but gives the very strong impression he will keep on galloping at this trip as well.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

3

20th Feb 2026

Heavy

3m 6f 153y

Class 3

15:45 Exeter

Jubilee Express

11st 10lb

J: Dylan Johnston

T: Sam Thomas

Below form on sole jumps start on heavy; finished strongest when second in the Welsh National at Chepstow (extended 3m6f, soft) in December 2024; won the Trial there in December this season, which is far and away the best of his last four starts but the ground was surely not soft enough for him when he flopped as favourite in the Welsh National last time; major player if this is one of his better days.

11/4

7th

10

15th Feb 2025

Good To Soft

3m 4f 97y

Class 1

15:15 Haydock

Jubilee Express

10st 2lb

J: Dylan Johnston

T: Sam Thomas

disputed lead early, in touch with leaders 3rd

13/2

2nd

12

27th Dec 2024

Soft

3m 6f 130y

Class 1

14:50 Chepstow

Jubilee Express

10st 4lb

J: Dylan Johnston

T: Sam Thomas

7yo who is narrowly the most lightly raced horse in this field; raised his game upped to 3m5f and an extended 3m4f on soft on last two starts last term, snatching a win at Haydock last time; up another 4lb but gives the very strong impression he will keep on galloping at this trip as well.

6/1

14/1

  • Place: £3.60

Form: /2335- CD

Last run: 314 days

W: 11st 11lb

11 yo Gelding

OR: 147

Form & Verdict
Won this on soft by 9l in 2021 and the 3m5f Classic at Warwick (clear best form; same mark today) on heavy in January 2023; well-beaten third under 7lb claimer in last season's Welsh National and needs better than anything he produced in that campaign even though he's 8lb below his career-high mark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

12th Mar 2025

Good To Soft

3m 5f 56y

Class 2

15:20 Cheltenham

Iwilldoit

11st 3lb

J: Dylan Johnston

T: Sam Thomas

Lightly raced since Welsh Grand National success in 2021 but a commendable third in this season's edition of that race (3m6f, soft) in December and again ran very well at Haydock (3m1f, soft) in January; drying ground will reduce his appeal but he has possibilities if he enjoys this new test.

20/1

2nd

3

18th Jan 2025

Heavy

3m 1f 125y

Class 1

14:30 Haydock

Iwilldoit

10st 12lb

J: Dylan Johnston

T: Sam Thomas

Won the Welsh National (3m6f, soft) in 2021 and the Warwick Classic (3m5f, heavy) in 2023; now 12 but he was a fine third in the Welsh National (3m6f, soft) three weeks ago and his surplus stamina may be no bad thing today; possible player if this doesn't come too soon after his hard Chepstow race.

9/1

2nd

3

18th Jan 2025

Heavy

3m 1f 125y

Class 1

14:30 Haydock

Iwilldoit

10st 12lb

J: Dylan Johnston

T: Sam Thomas

Won the Welsh National (3m6f, soft) in 2021 and the Warwick Classic (3m5f, heavy) in 2023; now 12 but he was a fine third in the Welsh National (3m6f, soft) three weeks ago and his surplus stamina may be no bad thing today; possible player if this doesn't come too soon after his hard Chepstow race.

9/1

Form: P35P-2 C

Last run: 34 days

W: 11st 8lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 144

Form & Verdict
Good third in the 3m2f Coral Gold Cup at Newbury in December 2023, despite jumping problems, and he has 3lb lower mark today; that was the only time that things went remotely right for him last term but he made a very solid reappearance this season when a rallying second to 12l winner Fontaine Collonges, with what looked an excellent confidence-booster under his new jockey Nick Scholfield; promises to stay beyond 3m2f and goes on the shortlist.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

2

12th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 2f 70y

Class 2

17:20 Cheltenham

Monbeg Genius

11st 10lb

J: Mr J L Scallan

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

Third in the Ultima here (3m1f, soft) in March 2023; this 10yo has run respectably in the Welsh National (3m6f, good to soft) and Haydock Grand National Trial (3m4f, good to soft) on his last two starts and is now below his last winning mark; not discounted with blinkers replacing cheekpieces.

33/1

7th

2

14th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

3m 4f 97y

Class 1

15:15 Haydock

Monbeg Genius

11st 11lb

J: Jonjo O’Neill Jr

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

10yo who won at Uttoxeter (3m, soft) last February and returned to form when fifth of 17 in the Welsh National at Chepstow (3m6f, good to soft) in December, when 7l and two places behind Deafening Silence; now back down to last winning mark and might not be far away.

11/1

6th

7

26th Apr 2025

Good

3m 4f 146y

Class 1

16:10 Sandown

Monbeg Genius

10st 5lb

J: Richie McLernon

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

Dictated the pace for a Uttoxeter win (3m, soft; 3lb higher today) in February with second-time cheekpieces (kept since) in a less demanding race than he's often appeared in; 13l fourth in the Welsh National (near 3m7f, soft) was respectable but he did not spark in the big one at Aintree three weeks ago and good ground would give him more to prove.

33/1

Form: 248-27

Last run: 27 days

W: 11st 6lb

8 yo Mare

OR: 142

Form & Verdict
Had wind surgery in July; 2m4f was too short on reappearance and she was not at all discredited in the 3m2f Coral Gold Cup at Newbury next time, outpaced from four out; that sees her back to the same mark as when a close second in the Classic at Warwick (3m5f, soft) in January, staying on dourly, and she has strong each-way claims if she returns to her peak form.
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

Form: 22-2P2 D

Last run: 19 days

W: 10st 6lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 128

Form & Verdict
Only one win from 13 starts as a chaser, so the chances are that he will come up a bit short once again; however, the win (March 2023) was over 3m7f and the last two of his eight seconds over fences came on soft ground at Punchestown (3m7f; pipped) this May and Kelso (4m Borders National; first-time cheekpieces) 19 days ago; there's no doubting his stamina.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

2

16th Oct 2025

Good

3m 0f 110y

Class 3

15:07 Carlisle

Your Own Story

11st 9lb

J: Patrick Wadge

T: Lucinda Russell & Michael Scudamore

9yo who has won just one of his 17 chases but he's finished second in nine of them, including at Kelso (3m2f, good to soft) in March; also effective on good ground and he won here over hurdles; not ruled out on return.

4/1

10th

14

3rd May 2025

Yielding

3m 7f 68y

15:05 Punchestown

Your Own Story

10st 8lb

J: Patrick Wadge

T: Lucinda Russell

prominent, pressed leaders briefly 5th

10/1

10th

14

3rd May 2025

Yielding

3m 7f 68y

15:05 Punchestown

Your Own Story

10st 8lb

J: Patrick Wadge

T: Lucinda Russell

prominent, pressed leaders briefly 5th

10/1

Form: 213P-F

Last run: 26 days

W: 10st 1lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 123

Form & Verdict
7yo who drew clear over an extended 2m5f at Fairyhouse (heavy) in February; stamina for this is an unknown but he was in serious contention when falling four out in an extended 3m5f race at Fairyhouse on reappearance nearly four weeks ago; dark horse from a highly respected stable.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

22

2nd May 2026

Yielding

3m 7f 68y

15:05 Punchestown

Evies Vladimir

10st 0lb

J: Alix Balfe

T: Gavin Cromwell

Two chase wins on heavy in the 2023/24 season; sole piece of form this season came when second to an improver over 3m at Navan in similar ground, well held the last twice at 3m4f including in National Trial here; 6lb wrong.

25/1

6th

3

2nd Mar 2026

Soft To Heavy

3m 4f 61y

16:55 Leopardstown

Evies Vladimir

11st 11lb

J: Keith Donoghue

T: Gavin Cromwell

Two chase wins on heavy in the 2023/24 season; pulled up on Cork seasonal return but more like it at Navan next time when a runner-up (3m, soft to heavy); moderate Punchestown run next time and pulled up at Navan in February (3m, heavy); 16l ninth in a Listed handicap at Punchestown later in the month was an improvement (3m4f, heavy); Donoghue rides for first time since 2024.

14/1

9th

15

15th Feb 2026

3m 3f 60y

15:00 Punchestown

Evies Vladimir

10st 9lb

J: Patrick M O’Brien

T: Gavin Cromwell

Two chase wins on heavy in the 2023/24 season; failed to find his best form last season; pulled up on Cork return; more like it when second to shorter-priced stablemate The Lovely Man over 3m at Navan December; moderate run at this venue last month, tailed off at Navan last Sunday; questions to answer.

20/1

Form: 226-P4 C

Last run: 33 days

W: 10st 1lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 123

Form & Verdict
Upped to 3m2f when excellent second at Newbury (soft) in this week last year; two more runs this term take his chase score to 0-6 but he ran creditably back at 3m last time and looks a strong candidate for long distances; wears headgear for the first time; needs a very close look for the stable which won this race in 2011, 2013 and 2015.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

2

18th Apr 2026

Good

3m 0f 30y

Class 5

13:52 Bangor-on-Dee

Atlanta Brave

12st 0lb

J: Conor O’Farrell

T: Kerry Lee

Has become bitterly disappointing but handicapped accordingly and his third at Hereford was better (3m1f, good); cheekpieces are back on but they'd done little for him previously.

10/1

3rd

2

18th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 1f 44y

Class 5

17:00 Hereford

Atlanta Brave

12st 0lb

J: Conor O’Farrell

T: Kerry Lee

Thrown in on his old form but last win was in January 2023 and he was out of sorts over fences and hurdles last year; has lots to prove back from a break and he's failed to complete in his last three chase runs.

8/1

Form: 01P7-0 C

Last run: 62 days

W: 9st 10lb

11 yo Gelding

OR: 118

Form & Verdict
Six wins over about 2m7f-3m last term, including on this card on fifth occasion and back at Chepstow for final win (career-best form); all those were over hurdles, however, and although he had plenty of success in points leading into that, his chase career under rules had previously gone the wrong way; tailed off on hurdle reappearance two months ago; more to prove at this trip and 4lb out of handicap.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

2

25th Feb 2026

Soft

2m 7f 32y

Class 4

15:00 Bangor-on-Dee

Classic Concorde

11st 10lb

J: Harry Atkins

T: David Brace

Veteran who is on a losing run but ran well enough for a long way in a Class 2 handicap at Chepstow two months ago (2m7f, good to soft) to command respect at this lower level; goes well on this ground.

6/1

10th

1

11th Oct 2025

Good To Soft

2m 7f 131y

Class 4

17:10 Chepstow

Classic Concorde

12st 0lb

J: Callum Pritchard

T: David Brace

Won twice over C&D in 2023-24 season and ran well when fourth over C&D in February but this 12yo is far too inconsistent to rely upon nowadays, and has been absent since two heavy defeats in the spring.

20/1

5

24th Apr 2025

Good

3m 1f 0y

Class 3

15:37 Warwick

Classic Concorde

10st 13lb

J: Connor Brace

T: David Brace

Veteran who has proved far from consistent since winning a Pertemps qualifier at Chepstow 14 months ago; not the percentage call.

16/1

OUR TIP

Form: 4133/8 C

Last run: 14 days

W: 12st 0lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 150

Form & Verdict
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

5

21st Apr 2025

Good

2m 3f 98y

Class 2

15:34 Chepstow

Paint The Dream

11st 7lb

J: Connor Brace

T: David Brace

Best known for his heroics at Newbury but is also suited by this track; very well handicapped on old form for Fergal O'Brien but, following a long absence, has not shown a great deal for his owner-trainer this season, including when back at Newbury last month; revival needed.

25/1

7th

5

21st Apr 2025

Good

2m 3f 98y

Class 2

15:34 Chepstow

Paint The Dream

11st 7lb

J: Connor Brace

T: David Brace

Best known for his heroics at Newbury but is also suited by this track; very well handicapped on old form for Fergal O'Brien but, following a long absence, has not shown a great deal for his owner-trainer this season, including when back at Newbury last month; revival needed.

25/1

7

1st Mar 2025

Soft

2m 3f 187y

Class 1

15:45 Newbury

Paint The Dream

10st 11lb

J: Connor Brace

T: David Brace

Record of 3-4 over fences at Newbury includes two attempts in this contest, winning easily (off 12lb higher) in 2022 and third in 2023; has struggled elsewhere since returning from long absence but may prove resurgent back here, despite his advancing years.

16/1

Form: /U19-1

Last run: 34 days

W: 11st 12lb

9 yo Mare

OR: 148

Form & Verdict
Mightily impressive with a wide-margin win at Wetherby (3m, soft) last Christmas and same again at Haydock (extended 3m1f, soft; from Monbeg Genius) five weeks ago; her only run in between is a worry, though, as she weakened quickly from seven out in the Classic Chase at Warwick, and that was her second major failure to prove her stamina at about 3m4f/3m5f; throw in an 8lb rise since Haydock and some doubts creep in.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

5

14th Mar 2025

Good To Soft

2m 4f 127y

Class 1

14:40 Cheltenham

Fontaine Collonges

11st 2lb

J: Charlie Deutsch

T: Venetia Williams

took keen hold, in touch with leaders, slow jump 1st, towards rear 2nd

33/1

2

15th Feb 2025

Good To Soft

3m 4f 97y

Class 1

15:15 Haydock

Fontaine Collonges

10st 11lb

J: Ned Fox

T: Venetia Williams

held up in rear, not fluent 2nd

16/1

2

27th Dec 2024

Soft

3m 6f 130y

Class 1

14:50 Chepstow

Fontaine Collonges

11st 12lb

T: Venetia Williams

Mightily impressive with a wide-margin win at Wetherby (3m, soft) last Christmas and same again at Haydock (extended 3m1f, soft; from Monbeg Genius) five weeks ago; her only run in between is a worry, though, as she weakened quickly from seven out in the Classic Chase at Warwick, and that was her second major failure to prove her stamina at about 3m4f/3m5f; throw in an 8lb rise since Haydock and some doubts creep in.

10/1

Form: 1P88-P

Last run: 14 days

W: 11st 9lb

12 yo Gelding

OR: 145

Form & Verdict
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

16

12th Mar 2025

Good To Soft

3m 5f 56y

Class 2

15:20 Cheltenham

Chambard

10st 5lb

J: Miss Lucy Turner

T: Venetia Williams

Won 2022 Kim Muir here (3m2f, soft) and produced career-best performance when scoring by 13l over the big Aintree fences last season (3m2f, heavy); badly out of form this term, though, and this new discipline needs to rekindle his enthusiasm; 6lb out of the handicap.

100/1

7th

1

10th Feb 2025

Good To Soft

3m 4f 102y

Class 3

15:45 Plumpton

Chambard

12st 2lb

J: Miss Lucy Turner

T: Venetia Williams

towards rear, headway on outer after 10th, lost ground after 15th

25/1

7th

1

10th Feb 2025

Good To Soft

3m 4f 102y

Class 3

15:45 Plumpton

Chambard

12st 2lb

J: Miss Lucy Turner

T: Venetia Williams

towards rear, headway on outer after 10th, lost ground after 15th

25/1

Form: 23P8-3

Last run: 54 days

W: 11st 0lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 136

Form & Verdict
The winner was almost out of sight on heavy going in this race last year but Iron Bridge beat the rest, just in front of Iwilldoit; third in another major long-distance handicap on his next start (below form in two afterwards) and back to form when third at Carlisle on reappearance eight weeks ago; 6lb lower than 12 months ago but may still need to find extra.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

2

15th Apr 2026

Good

3m 1f 125y

Class 2

17:00 Haydock

Iron Bridge

10st 13lb

J: Jonjo O’Neill Jr

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

A strong stayer but with a strike-rate of only 2-17 over fences and excuses are wearing thin; on the plus side, they were solid enough efforts on last two starts (3m4f/3m6f) and he nearly won off this mark on his reappearance (3m2f).

9/2

3rd

1

22nd Mar 2026

Good

3m 6f 153y

Class 3

15:02 Exeter

Iron Bridge

12st 0lb

J: Jonjo O’Neill Jr

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

Struggled on heavy ground two starts ago (first-time cheekpieces) but quickly got back on track with battling second at Haydock (3m4f, good to soft) this month; remains on a workable mark and good ground also suits; ought to make his presence felt again.

7/2

2nd

1

5th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 4f 97y

Class 3

14:45 Haydock

Iron Bridge

12st 0lb

J: Jonjo O’Neill Jr

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

Last win came here back in 2022 and he's not proving easy to catch right nowadays either, tried in cheekpieces when pulled up in 3m2f handicap chase at Wincanton in January; others are preferred.

7/2

Form: 32148-

Last run: 270 days

W: 10st 12lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 134

Form & Verdict
Much the strongest up the straight to win the 3m3f Grand National Trial at Punchestown (heavy) in February by 16l; well beaten since when fourth in the Kim Muir at Cheltenham and eighth in the Irish National; absent 270 days and blinkers replace the cheekpieces of last five starts, but the Punchestown performance ensures he is one to take seriously.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10

24th Jan 2026

Soft

3m 5f 56y

Class 2

13:50 Cheltenham

Where It All Began

10st 4lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Gordon Elliott

Well suited by a slog in the mud but seems badly to have lost his way; needs combination of change of headgear and switch to cross-country chasing to rekindle his enthusiasm.

25/1

9

15th Mar 2025

Good To Soft

4m 2f 8y

Class 1

15:00 Uttoxeter

Where It All Began

11st 3lb

J: Danny Gilligan

T: Gordon Elliott

None too consistent and was well held when falling at Punchestown last time in the race won by stablemate Fortunedefortunata; however, he does have a valuable staying 3m3f handicap in the bag and was looking threatening in the Welsh National in December until he clouted four out (in first-time blinkers that have been retained since); his best days have been on slow ground.

16/1

Form: 33-145 C

Last run: 14 days

W: 10st 5lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 127

Form & Verdict
9yo who ran over fences for the first time since 2022 when winning an 18-runner race at Cheltenham (3m1f) on reappearance in October; good fourth over that same C&D next time and respectable fifth there two weeks ago; stays 3m2f but a bit below form in March 2022 when he attempted 3m5f.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

11th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 7f 136y

Class 4

14:50 Chepstow

The Newest One

11st 7lb

J: Brendan Powell

T: Nigel & Willy Twiston-Davies

11yo who was runner-up at Warwick (3m, good to soft) on New Year's Eve but he's had a heavy defeat and a fall in two subsequent runs; new headgear is now tried but he's hard to predict and has not won since October 2024; down the list.

8/1

4

28th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 10y

Class 4

15:45 Uttoxeter

The Newest One

11st 13lb

J: Toby McCain-Mitchell

T: Nigel & Willy Twiston-Davies

11yo who was runner-up at Warwick (3m, good to soft) on New Year's Eve but he's hard to predict and was tailed off at Ludlow (visor added) last time; comes with risks attached and he needs to bounce back again.

12/1

6th

4

18th Feb 2026

2m 7f 171y

Class 4

15:35 Ludlow

The Newest One

11st 9lb

J: Miss Amber Jackson-Fennell

T: Nigel & Willy Twiston-Davies

11yo who has an up-and-down profile but finished second at Warwick (3m, good to soft) on New Year's Eve; versatile ground-wise; major player if backing up that good performance with another; wears a first-time visor.

5/2

Form: P-1PPP C

Last run: 21 days

W: 10st 3lb

11 yo Gelding

OR: 125

Form & Verdict
Veteran who's been pulled up in six of his last seven races, in this contest last year on first occasion (50-1); the exception was over 3m4f at Ffos Las in May and his last four wins have now been over that C&D in spring 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024; probably best watched at this juncture.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

6

24th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

3m 2f 54y

Class 3

16:55 Chepstow

Amateur

10st 10lb

J: Sean Houlihan

T: John & Rhys Flint

Last four victories all gained over Ffos Las's 3m4f trip in April or May (good, good to soft); present attainment level is conjectural, having survived just two fences on his recent first outing since last May.

25/1

1

26th Mar 2026

Good

3m 6f 136y

Class 4

15:50 Chepstow

Amateur

12st 2lb

J: Mr Edward Vaughan

T: John & Rhys Flint

A regular in long-distance chases, with an excellent record at Ffos Las but pulled up on all four appearances over these fences (twice in Welsh National); he's now a 13yo with no win since May 2024 (his only race under Edward Vaughan) but some ability remained last spring when last seen and he's accelerating down the weights.

12/1

3rd

4

26th May 2025

Good

3m 5f 80y

Class 3

16:05 Cartmel

Amateur

11st 2lb

J: Connor Brace

T: John & Rhys Flint

A regular in long-distance chases and faces an easier task than on some occasions; two decent efforts when fifth of eight at Newbury (3m2f, soft) and 21l last of three at Haydock (3m4f, good) in March but was well beaten at Perth last time; others preferred.

10/1

Form: 7317/P CD

Last run: 23 days

W: 10st 3lb

12 yo Gelding

OR: 125

Form & Verdict
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

31st Jan 2025

Soft

3m 4f 178y

Class 3

14:45 Lingfield

The Two Amigos

11st 4lb

J: Sean Houlihan

T: Nicky Martin

13yo, 2lb lower today than for his win in the 2022 Welsh National (3m7f, soft); only three runs since, absent 627 days before this season but he showed that plenty of fire remains when front-running second to Saint Xavier at Haydock (3m4f) last time; that returns him to serious calculations.

8/1

4

31st Jan 2025

Soft

3m 4f 178y

Class 3

14:45 Lingfield

The Two Amigos

11st 4lb

J: Sean Houlihan

T: Nicky Martin

13yo, 2lb lower today than for his win in the 2022 Welsh National (3m7f, soft); only three runs since, absent 627 days before this season but he showed that plenty of fire remains when front-running second to Saint Xavier at Haydock (3m4f) last time; that returns him to serious calculations.

8/1

2nd

4

30th Dec 2024

Heavy

3m 4f 97y

Class 2

15:10 Haydock

The Two Amigos

11st 8lb

J: Sean Houlihan

T: Nicky Martin

5lb lower than for 2022 Welsh National win (soft) and he may have needed the run here 26 days ago, when pulled up on his first outing since March 2023; however, this 12yo needs to prove how much ability he retains.

12/1

Form: 5111-4 D

Last run: 61 days

W: 10st 2lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 124

Form & Verdict
Ended last season in excellent form on heavy ground in blinkers, winning twice over 3m1f at Wincanton before drawing 6l clear over an extended 3m6f at Exeter; should have come on markedly since October reappearance and this is only his second run over a marathon trip; could have more to offer, though seemingly the deeper the ground the better it is for him.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

3

10th Mar 2025

Good To Soft

3m 4f 85y

Class 3

15:40 Taunton

No Hubs No Hoobs

11st 12lb

J: Tom Bellamy

T: Joe Tizzard

Ended last season in excellent form, completing a hat-trick with clearcut success at Exeter (3m6f, heavy), but made nothing better than a satisfactory reappearance in October and was pulled up in Welsh Grand National on only subsequent appearance; still on a fairly tough mark and needs to get back in the groove.

6/1

16

27th Dec 2024

Soft

3m 6f 130y

Class 1

14:50 Chepstow

No Hubs No Hoobs

10st 2lb

J: Brendan Powell

T: Joe Tizzard

Ended last season in excellent form on heavy ground in blinkers, winning twice over 3m1f at Wincanton before drawing 6l clear over an extended 3m6f at Exeter; should have come on markedly since October reappearance and this is only his second run over a marathon trip; could have more to offer, though seemingly the deeper the ground the better it is for him.

16/1

Form: 11-198 C

Last run: 17 days

W: 9st 13lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 121

Form & Verdict
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

2

30th May 2026

Good To Firm

3m 3f 119y

Class 3

19:20 Stratford

Imperial Alex

12st 0lb

J: Stan Sheppard

T: Tom Lacey

Four-times winning chaser over around 3m; returned to his best when beaten a neck at Ffos Las (3m, good) 25 days ago with 15l back to the third; nudged up 4lb but holds claims if he gets home over this marathon trip.

7/4

2nd

4

5th May 2026

Good

2m 7f 177y

Class 4

16:18 Ffos Las

Imperial Alex

11st 9lb

J: Stan Sheppard

T: Tom Lacey

In career-best form last summer over 3m on good ground; soundly beaten in his last three races, disappointingly so at Warwick last time when back on his favoured surface (good); bit to prove now.

10/1

5th

4

26th Mar 2026

Good

3m 0f 0y

Class 2

16:30 Warwick

Imperial Alex

11st 5lb

J: Stan Sheppard

T: Tom Lacey

In top form over 3m on good ground last May/June, finishing second at Uttoxeter then first at Perth; soundly beaten on both runs since but those were on heavy/soft going and perhaps today's return to a better surface will trigger a revival.

11/1

Form: 3432-5

Last run: 6 days

W: 9st 5lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 113

Form & Verdict
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

5

22nd Feb 2026

Soft

3m 1f 44y

Class 4

15:10 Hereford

Not Sure

11st 1lb

J: Conor O’Farrell

T: Kerry Lee

No win since November 2023, but conditions suit and he comes into the reckoning following his good second at Chepstow nine days ago (2m7f, soft).

7/2

2nd

11

13th Feb 2026

Soft

2m 7f 136y

Class 4

15:45 Chepstow

Not Sure

11st 4lb

J: Conor O’Farrell

T: Kerry Lee

Well handicapped on old form and will be suited by today's trip/ground but was pulled up at Ffos Las (3m, heavy) last month, after a layoff, and needs to have taken significant benefit from that outing.

14/1

2nd

2

10th May 2025

Good

3m 0f 41y

Class 4

16:40 Hexham

Not Sure

11st 13lb

J: Liam Harrison

T: Kerry Lee

Three-time chase winner who should be well handicapped and ran his best race for a while when second at Carlisle in February (3m, good to soft); has handled good ground in the past and should go well as his Herefordshire yard's only runner on the card.

3/1

Form: 46-64P

Last run: 5 days

W: 9st 2lb

8 yo Mare

OR: 110

Form & Verdict
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

9th May 2026

Good

3m 0f 41y

Class 4

16:30 Hexham

Gold Clermont

11st 12lb

J: Chad Bament

T: Andy Irvine

Ex-Olly Murphy; off the mark for present yard when winning five-runner handicap chase by a short head at Fontwell last time (3m2f, good); up 3lb; interesting.

9/2

1st

2

24th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

3m 1f 210y

Class 4

17:45 Fontwell

Gold Clermont

11st 12lb

J: Chad Bament

T: Andy Irvine

All four wins have came over fences Andy Irvine; her last success was in January 2024 but that was at this track (3m3f) and she returned to form with a creditable third over hurdles here (3m2f, soft) last month; that was only her second start since rejoining her former stable and she's in the mix back over fences.

7/1

3rd

4

14th Mar 2026

Soft

3m 1f 166y

Class 5

15:45 Fontwell

Gold Clermont

11st 10lb

J: Rian Corcoran

T: Andy Irvine

All four wins have came over fences for Andy Irvine; had no joy in three starts for Olly Murphy and rejoined former stable before pulling up at Exeter (3m6f, heavy) last month; bids to exploit 10lb lower mark over hurdles; needs to show more.

5/1

Non-runners

Stuzzikini

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £73.40
Straight Forecast £59.75
Tricast £507.58
Trifecta £593.30

Selections

The Times:

Stuzzikini

TOPSPEED:

Val Dancer

D Express:

Jubilee Express

Daily Mirror:

Iwilldoit

SPOTLIGHT:

Atlanta Brave

The Guardian:

Galia Des Liteaux

POSTDATA:

Iron Bridge

Daily Mail:

Where It All Began

RP RATINGS:

Fontaine Collonges

The Sun:

Stuzzikini

Telegraph:

Val Dancer

Daily Record:

Jubilee Express

The Star:

Iwilldoit