March 11 / 17.20 Cheltenham

17.20

Good To Soft

Princess Royal National Hunt Challenge Cup Novices’ Handicap Chase (GBB Race)

  • Prize money: £52030
  • 3m 5f 201y
  • Class 2
  • 20 runners
RTV
View Course
Princess Royal National Hunt Challenge Cup Novices’ Handicap Chase (GBB Race)

Runners: 20 runners

Type: Chase Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Cloudy

4/1 (Won)

  • Win: £4.50
  • Place: £1.60

Form: 1-2113 C

Last run: 31 days

W: 11st 4lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 135

Form & Verdict
Has made a cracking transition to chasing, with handicap wins at Aintree (good) and Cheltenham (extended 3m1f, good to soft); firmly in charge in the latter from turning for home, never threatened by the strong-finishing runner-up Transmission; creditable return to hurdling last time; should stay and can resume his improvement.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

14th

6

11th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

4m 2f 74y

Class 1

16:00 Aintree

Haiti Couleurs

11st 10lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Rebecca Curtis

In the last 13 months he's won Cheltenham's NH Chase (3m6f), the Irish National (3m5f), a hurdle race, Welsh National (near 3m7f; 12lb higher today) and a Newbury Grade 2; no way can he be ruled out, particularly as he finished well on top in those four chases, but there have also been two major blips this season; latest was in the Cheltenham Gold Cup, for which he was just 6-1 and made most but went to nothing turning for home (writing on the wall four out); however, he's bounced back before, the likely tempo of this race can suit him better and the trip looks like doing so as well.

16/1

6

13th Mar 2026

Good

3m 2f 70y

Class 1

16:00 Cheltenham

Haiti Couleurs

11st 10lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Rebecca Curtis

Prominent-racer who won the NH Chase (Handicap) at this meeting 12 months ago (3m6f, good to soft) and bounced back from November's Betfair Chase flop to win the Welsh National (3m6f, good to soft) and also the Grade 2 Denman Chase (2m7f, heavy); this highly progressive 9yo is now 6-8 over fences and should prove well suited to the demands of today's race, all the more so if there's rain and stamina is at a premium; firmly in calculations.

5/1

1st

3

7th Feb 2026

Soft

2m 7f 91y

Class 1

14:10 Newbury

Haiti Couleurs

11st 6lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Rebecca Curtis

Superbly progressive novice last term, winning Cheltenham's NH Chase (3m6f, good to soft) and the Irish National (3m5f, soft to heavy); hurdles win here in November before something seemed amiss in a Grade 1 at Haydock 16 days later, but he bounced back from that with a sparkling display to dominate the Welsh National (3m6f) six weeks ago; that was another serious advance and he looks like earning his place in top Graded races after this.

4/5

50/1

  • Place: £3.60

Form: 2-3142 C BF

Last run: 45 days

W: 11st 1lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 132

Form & Verdict
Sole hurdles win was at Cheltenham; likewise 1-7 over fences, with the win in a three-runner handicap at Doncaster (3m, good) in November; made a respectable stable debut (remains in same ownership) when remote second of five over that same C&D but that did not have the stamp of a NH Chase winner; first-time blinkers replace cheekpieces.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

3

25th Apr 2026

Good

3m 4f 146y

Class 1

15:30 Sandown

Rock My Way

11st 0lb

J: Brendan Powell

T: Joe Tizzard

2-14 record over fences includes some big runs, including when he hacked up at Ascot (3m5f, good) in November and took second in the Midlands National at Uttoxeter (4m2f, soft) on latest outing; the Ascot race was going this way round but so was his penultimate start when he kept jumping to his left at Musselburgh (12l second to Transmission); that's a niggling concern but he's handicapped to go well if this is another good day.

14/1

2nd

1

14th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

4m 2f 8y

Class 1

15:00 Uttoxeter

Rock My Way

12st 0lb

J: Brendan Powell

T: Joe Tizzard

Only 2-13 over fences and doesn't score too highly for consistency; however, flashes of his form read well, notably his second to Haiti Couleurs in last year's 3m6f National Hunt Chase at Cheltenham and a clearcut win at Ascot this season; beaten 12l by a revitalised winner at right-handed Musselburgh last time (3m7f, good to soft) but he jumped left at a good few of his fences that day; last year Mr Vango became the first top weight to win since Bonanza Boy in 1991; handles all ground; each-way claims.

14/1

2nd

1

1st Feb 2026

Good To Soft

3m 7f 76y

Class 2

15:05 Musselburgh

Rock My Way

12st 0lb

J: Brendan Powell

T: Joe Tizzard

Only 2-12 over fences but he was second in the 3m6f NH Chase at Cheltenham (good to soft; has won on soft) last March and breezed home 11l in front at Ascot (3m5f, good) in November; disappointing in the Welsh National (rather getting squeezed out at the start didn't help) but he has a big shout if reverting to the Ascot level of performance.

5/2

10/1

  • Place: £2.80

Form: 332562

Last run: 19 days

W: 11st 1lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 132

Form & Verdict
0-6 over fences under rules; blinkered on last three starts when fifth, sixth and second in major Irish handicaps over 3m+; failed to capitalise on a rival's bad blunder on latest but that was improved form when upped to 3m3f in the Grand National Trial at Punchestown (soft) and he was 13l clear of the third; looks well capable of getting seriously involved.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12

2nd May 2026

Yielding

3m 7f 68y

15:05 Punchestown

Will Do

10st 11lb

J: Josh Williamson

T: Gordon Elliott

Bumper and two-time hurdle winner; 0-15 chasing but has run well in defeat at times, most notably over 3m6f at the Cheltenham Festival in 2025 and when a neck second to Better Times Ahead in the Porterstown at Fairyhouse in November (yielding); out of sorts in four runs since however so big upturn in performance required but 13lb better off with Better Times Ahead now, plus rider's claim.

10/1

4

6th Apr 2026

Yielding To Soft

3m 0f 120y

17:40 Fairyhouse

Will Do

11st 11lb

J: Josh Williamson

T: Gordon Elliott

Bumper and two-time hurdle winner; 0-14 in chases but has run well in defeat at times, most notably over 3m6f at the Cheltenham Festival in 2025 and when a neck second in the Porterstown here last November (3m6f, yielding); out of sorts in three runs since, though, and needs to rediscover best.

16/1

11th

6

10th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 5f 201y

Class 2

17:20 Cheltenham

Will Do

11st 7lb

J: Danny Gilligan

T: Gordon Elliott

0-13 now as a chaser but third in this race last year off 5lb lower; that was his best form last term and he's shown it only once since, when beaten a neck at Fairyhouse (3m6f, yielding to soft) in November; that was also his only long-distance assignment this term, so he could return to form with this step back up in trip; others are preferred for the win even so.

20/1

9/1

  • Place: £2.70

Form: -11224

Last run: 45 days

W: 11st 11lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 142

Form & Verdict
Chasing on last four starts, winning first attempt; close second in Listed novice here (near 3m1f, good) before creditable minor honours on soft ground in 3m Grade 2 novice at Sandown and 2m4f handicap here; needs to resume improvement but he's stayed on strongly over those shorter trips.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

1

25th Apr 2026

Good

3m 4f 146y

Class 1

15:30 Sandown

Resplendent Grey

12st 0lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Olly Murphy

Won this race (good ground) last year in first-time cheekpieces off a 10lb lower mark; first and second in two small fields this season, alongside two heavy defeats in top handicaps; tried blinkers when fading right out of it at the Cheltenham Festival last time and now reverts to cheekpieces; also back on firmer ground but a new career best is needed.

12/1

15th

3

10th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 1f 0y

Class 1

15:20 Cheltenham

Resplendent Grey

11st 10lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Olly Murphy

Won the bet365 Gold Cup at Sandown (extended 3m4f, good) last April in first-time cheekpieces and returned to form when second at Windsor (2m6f, soft) in January; his jumping can sometimes lack fluency but, with first-time blinkers replacing the cheekpieces, he has an each-way chance if minimising the mistakes; fourth of 18 in the NH Chase here (3m6f, good to soft) last March.

16/1

2nd

3

18th Jan 2026

Soft

2m 6f 50y

Class 2

15:00 Windsor

Resplendent Grey

11st 6lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Olly Murphy

Won the bet365 Gold Cup at Sandown (3m4f, good) last April and reappeared with Listed Intermediate win at Carlisle (2m4f, good to soft); also effective on soft ground; however, soundly beaten in the Coral Gold Cup at Newbury (3m2f, good to soft) last time and has something to find today.

10/1

Form: 1-2126 C

Last run: 45 days

W: 11st 2lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 133

Form & Verdict
Has taken well to chasing over 3m+ on good/good to soft at this track this term, arriving late on the scene; never a threat to Haiti Couleurs on latest chase start (extended 3m1f) but finished strongly for second; well beaten in Grade 2 hurdle race last time but he's a lot more interesting back in this sphere and should have a big shout.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

5

25th Apr 2026

Good

3m 4f 146y

Class 1

15:30 Sandown

Transmission

10st 13lb

J: Conor O’Farrell

T: Neil Mulholland

Tapped back into last season's initial promising form, and then some, to win by 12l in the Edinburgh National at Musselburgh (3m7f, good to soft; from Rock My Way) in February with a first-time visor, which has been kept since; ridden by 7lb claimer when fair third off this 8lb higher mark behind Havaila in the Sussex National at Plumpton 19 days ago but needs to hit new heights again.

16/1

3rd

1

6th Apr 2026

Good

3m 4f 104y

Class 2

16:25 Plumpton

Transmission

12st 0lb

J: Harry Atkins

T: Neil Mulholland

Tapped back into last season's promising form, and then some, to win by 12l in a first-time visor at Musselburgh (3m7f, good to soft; Edinburgh National) in February; has also won on good ground and 2-2 over hurdles here; an 8lb rise may not stop him if the visor maintains its positive effect.

7/2

1st

3

1st Feb 2026

Good To Soft

3m 7f 76y

Class 2

15:05 Musselburgh

Transmission

11st 4lb

J: Conor O’Farrell

T: Neil Mulholland

Cheltenham regular over fences and competitive off slightly higher marks than this last season, never-nearer fifth in the NH Chase when shaping as if he stayed 3m6f; that's not been the case this campaign and although a good deal closer at Ascot last time, he was still only eighth of ten finishers; needs to build markedly on that in new visor, replacing cheekpieces.

9/2

Form: 2-0113

Last run: 38 days

W: 11st 3lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 134

Form & Verdict
Ridden by his owner; major progress when switched to chasing this winter for small-field handicap wins over 3m at Taunton (good to soft) and Ascot (good); found his revised mark at Sandown (3m, heavy) a bit too much in hat-trick bid but again ran well and staying beyond 3m may be possible.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

7

25th Apr 2026

Good

3m 4f 146y

Class 1

15:30 Sandown

In DOr

10st 13lb

J: Jonathan Burke

T: Fergal O’Brien

3m6f for the NH Chase at Cheltenham last March was his only attempt beyond 3m and he was below form; that was also his last run for Venetia Williams (bought for £220,000 in October at the David Maxwell dispersal) and he's been a good third this winter in 3m handicaps here and at Ascot; needs to build on that, as he's edging up the weights, but he's not fully exposed.

5/1

3rd

4

17th Jan 2026

Good To Soft

2m 7f 185y

Class 3

13:00 Ascot

In DOr

11st 11lb

J: Jonathan Burke

T: Fergal O’Brien

Bought for £220,000 at the David Maxwell dispersal prior to running well, only 2l behind Welcom To Cartries, at Sandown (3m, good to soft) on debut for new connections; this second-season chaser likely has further progress in him; sole attempt at Ascot resulted in a success in this race 12 months ago (good ground); big player back here.

4/1

6th

7

11th Mar 2025

Good To Soft

3m 5f 201y

Class 2

17:20 Cheltenham

In DOr

11st 3lb

J: Mr David Maxwell

T: Venetia Williams

Ridden by his owner; major progress when switched to chasing this winter for small-field handicap wins over 3m at Taunton (good to soft) and Ascot (good); found his revised mark at Sandown (3m, heavy) a bit too much in hat-trick bid but again ran well and staying beyond 3m may be possible.

33/1

Form: 2-2113 BF

Last run: 31 days

W: 10st 12lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 129

Form & Verdict
Won three successive handicap hurdles last winter and two in a row at about 3m over fences (Newbury and Windsor) this winter; those improved efforts came to an end when he only struggled into third back at Newbury one month ago, which makes others much more persuasive today.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7

18th Apr 2026

Soft

3m 7f 176y

Class 1

15:35 Ayr

Herakles Westwood

11st 5lb

J: James Bowen

T: Warren Greatrex

Second-season chaser who took his form to new levels over about 3m1f-3m2f at Cheltenham initially this season but, after wind surgery, faded badly from three out when 10-1 for the Kim Muir there last month; needs to bounce back with another career best and he has more to prove on this third attempt at a marathon trip.

20/1

13th

8

12th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 2f 70y

Class 2

17:20 Cheltenham

Herakles Westwood

11st 6lb

J: Mr Finian Maguire

T: Warren Greatrex

Second-season chaser who has run well here on his last three starts, finishing second of 16 under Finian Maguire (3m1f, heavy) then fourth over this C&D (good to soft; lost a shoe) before winning here (3m1f, good) on New Year's Day; has had wind surgery since and he's a solid contender.

9/1

5th

13

3rd May 2025

Yielding

3m 7f 68y

15:05 Punchestown

Herakles Westwood

10st 8lb

J: James Bowen

T: Warren Greatrex

in touch with leaders, dropped to midfield 9th

16/1

Form: -P0P90

Last run: 19 days

W: 10st 10lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 127

Form & Verdict
Won a bumper three years ago but 0-12 since; while he was competitive over fences last season and his fourth at 50-1 in the Scottish National (4m, soft; 5lb lower today) last April reads well, a poor sequence since seems to confirm he's no Superman; headgear goes on for the first time.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

18

26th Apr 2025

Good

3m 4f 146y

Class 1

16:10 Sandown

Klarc Kent

10st 2lb

J: Kieran Callaghan

T: W P Mullins

0-14 since bumper win in 2022; fourth and second in the last two Scottish Nationals, latterly off a reduced mark when wearing second-time cheekpieces two weeks ago; while that was a welcome return to form, position 12lb out of the handicap today demands so much more; 5lb claimer is called up.

25/1

18

26th Apr 2025

Good

3m 4f 146y

Class 1

16:10 Sandown

Klarc Kent

10st 2lb

J: Kieran Callaghan

T: W P Mullins

0-14 since bumper win in 2022; fourth and second in the last two Scottish Nationals, latterly off a reduced mark when wearing second-time cheekpieces two weeks ago; while that was a welcome return to form, position 12lb out of the handicap today demands so much more; 5lb claimer is called up.

25/1

2nd

21

12th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

3m 7f 176y

Class 1

15:35 Ayr

Klarc Kent

10st 2lb

J: Jonathan Burke

T: W P Mullins

Won a bumper three years ago but 0-13 since; competitive over fences last season and his 6l fourth at 50-1 in this race (soft; 8lb lower today) last April reads well, but a poor sequence since was not greatly improved by his eighth when wearing first-time cheekpieces in last month's 3m6f NH Chase.

20/1

Form: 14-P43

Last run: 38 days

W: 11st 2lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 133

Form & Verdict
Useful in bumpers for Gordon Elliott, eighth in Champion Bumper here; only two reminders of that in his seven starts since (sent chasing by new yard this term) but one was in a handicap at Musselburgh (extended 2m7f) on latest start when tongue tied first time and shaping like a stayer.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

22

2nd May 2026

Yielding

3m 0f 104y

15:45 Punchestown

No Time To Wait

10st 0lb

J: Michael Kenneally

T: John C McConnell

Now 0-10 chasing and hasn't progressed from his novice season; looks to have a good bit to find.

25/1

21

12th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 2f 70y

Class 2

17:20 Cheltenham

No Time To Wait

10st 12lb

J: Mr J M Halford

T: John C McConnell

He's on a competitive mark on chase form as recent as last July; however, he hasn't been at his best on either outing this winter and is now 0-9 over fences; needs to raise his game in first-time blinkers (replacing a visor); well beaten in the NH Chase (3m6f) at last season's Festival.

100/1

4th

1

21st Feb 2026

Heavy

3m 2f 0y

15:45 Fairyhouse

No Time To Wait

11st 12lb

J: Michael Kenneally

T: John C McConnell

Bumper/hurdles winner for Gordon Elliott; 0-8 chasing; well beaten when unseating at the last in the Troytown at Navan (3m, heavy); better effort when 14l behind in the Paddy Power (3m, yielding) at Leopardstown; others preferred.

10/1

Form: 2/53/3

Last run: 53 days

W: 11st 0lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 131

Form & Verdict
0-7 over fences but that includes his seconds in a 3m5f Classic at Warwick and 3m1f Ultima here, along with third in the 3m2f Coral Cup at Newbury in November 2022 before a long layoff; finally reappeared with an encouraging run at Windsor (20-1) in January; 7lb lower than in the 2022 Ultima and lightly raced, he's on a tempting mark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

17th

20

12th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 2f 70y

Class 2

17:20 Cheltenham

Gericault Roque

10st 12lb

J: Mr B Lawless

T: David Pipe

10yo who has been lightly raced, with mixed results, since finishing second in the 2022 Ultima here (3m1f, good to soft); however, he returned to form when second at Ascot (3m, good to soft) last month in first-time cheekpieces (retained) and can be in the mix if backing up that effort.

20/1

2nd

11

14th Feb 2026

Soft

2m 7f 185y

Class 1

15:00 Ascot

Gericault Roque

10st 2lb

J: Jack Tudor

T: David Pipe

Very lightly raced since 2022; soundly beaten in last two appearances, taking chase record to 0-9, and needs to prove he retains peak ability; 4lb out of weights; cheekpieces added.

14/1

8th

3

16th Jan 2026

Soft

2m 6f 50y

Class 3

16:05 Windsor

Gericault Roque

11st 12lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: David Pipe

Ran pretty well when third of six on this card last year (3m, soft) after mammoth absence; this 10yo was well beaten at the Cheltenham Festival on sole run since but is not ruled out now 5lb lower than 12 months ago.

7/1

Form: -514P1

Last run: 35 days

W: 10st 7lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 124

Form & Verdict
Scored at Exeter (3m, good to soft) in October on second attempt over fences and brushed two lesser efforts aside with a game, front-running win in first-time cheekpieces at Taunton (2m7f, soft) five weeks ago; up 4lb but stays 3m well and could have more to offer.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8

14th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

4m 2f 8y

Class 1

15:00 Uttoxeter

Jupiter Allen

11st 3lb

J: Lorcan Williams

T: Chester Williams

Won twice as a novice last season and ended up in the National Hunt Chase at Cheltenham (tailed off after racing freely); this campaign is going well and he should stay okay as he wasn't stopping when runner-up over Exeter's super-stiff 3m6f in December (soft); the race he won at Wincanton last time (3m1f, heavy; cheekpieces returned) rather fell apart but he did hack up and the 6lb rise could been a whole lot worse; it's a nagging concern that all five wins have been on right-handed tracks but there's lots to like otherwise about this 7yo.

9/1

1st

4

29th Jan 2026

Heavy

3m 1f 30y

Class 3

15:33 Wincanton

Jupiter Allen

11st 0lb

J: Lorcan Williams

T: Chester Williams

Dual chase winner who goes well in the mud and he could have done with slower ground when a 6l third over C&D on Boxing Day (good to soft); entitled to step up on that effort here and enters the reckoning.

5/2

11th

18

11th Mar 2025

Good To Soft

3m 5f 201y

Class 2

17:20 Cheltenham

Jupiter Allen

10st 7lb

J: David Noonan

T: Jane Williams

Scored at Exeter (3m, good to soft) in October on second attempt over fences and brushed two lesser efforts aside with a game, front-running win in first-time cheekpieces at Taunton (2m7f, soft) five weeks ago; up 4lb but stays 3m well and could have more to offer.

50/1

Form: 1352P4 C

Last run: 49 days

W: 12st 0lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 145

Form & Verdict
Won the Mayo National at Ballinrobe (good) last May but that's not much beyond 2m7f and he was not at his best over an extended 3m1f two starts later; runner-up in the Galway Plate (extended 2m6f, good) in July and soft ground may have been against him on both starts since (September and January) but others are more persuasive.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8

2nd May 2026

Yielding

3m 7f 68y

15:05 Punchestown

Duffle Coat

10st 13lb

J: James Smith

T: Gordon Elliott

Sole win over fences came in 3m Mayo National in 2024 on good ground; good second in Galway Plate that summer but last year's form was poor; pulled up after never counting on return from long absence in Irish National; hard to be confident in although has ground to suit.

20/1

9th

11

24th Sep 2025

Yielding To Soft

2m 7f 180y

16:23 Listowel

Duffle Coat

11st 0lb

J: Sam Ewing

T: Gordon Elliott

1-17 over fences; out of form since second in last season's Galway Plate; failed to feature in this year's edition; trainer has stronger candidates.

33/1

OUR TIP

Form: 415310

Last run: 47 days

W: 11st 9lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 140

Form & Verdict
Experienced chaser who showed he stays 3m2f well at Sligo (good) in October and took a major handicap prize in the Troytown at Navan (3m, yielding) in November; may have needed his only run since (January) and he's is in the mix.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9

5th Apr 2026

Yielding To Soft

3m 0f 180y

17:30 Fairyhouse

Stuzzikini

12st 0lb

J: Mr J C Barry

T: Stephanie Ocsko-Moore

Failed to prosper in top staying handicaps after winning the 2024 Troytown for Gordon Elliott; should show the benefit of a point-to-point run at Oldtown in February.

10/1

Form: 1-0443

Last run: 52 days

W: 11st 9lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 140

Form & Verdict
Sixth in the Champion Bumper here in 2023; Grade 2 novice hurdle winner over 2m4f last term and showed he stays 3m well at Navan (soft) in his latest chase start, retaking third from Now Is The Hour; more to prove on good or good to soft, like so many this week, but that latest run was promising.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

2

2nd May 2026

Yielding

3m 0f 104y

15:45 Punchestown

Captain Cody

11st 11lb

J: Danny Mullins

T: W P Mullins

Last season's 4m Scottish National winner but mixed bag this term however, including early faller in Thyestes and most recently mistakes before unseating four out in Aintree National; hard to be confident in and handicapper not relenting.

16/1

21

11th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

4m 2f 74y

Class 1

16:00 Aintree

Captain Cody

10st 10lb

J: Jonathan Burke

T: W P Mullins

Leopardstown seventh to Favori De Champdou at Christmas was a glimpse of what he's capable of; the performance which really gets the juices flowing, however, came in the Scottish National at Ayr (4m, good to soft) last April when very confidently ridden and unleashed to find a tremendous response on the run-in, cutting down the leader; it's very hard to rule him out after that, despite the 12lb higher mark.

16/1

5th

5

21st Feb 2026

Heavy

3m 2f 0y

15:15 Fairyhouse

Captain Cody

11st 0lb

J: Brian Hayes

T: W P Mullins

Ended last season with Scottish National win at Ayr (4m, good to soft); very pleasing return when third to top-class Romeo Coolio in Grade 1 Drinmore here (2m4f, yielding to soft); a shade disappointing in the Paddy Power at Leopardstown when seventh (3m, yielding); well backed to land the Theyestes last time when stable first string but fell at the fifth; Townend abandons ship now but he has ability and likes this track.

6/1

Form: 12-654

Last run: 52 days

W: 11st 8lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 139

Form & Verdict
2023 point winner whose second win over hurdles early last year came stylishly in a 3m Grade 2 novice at Haydock (heavy); that's his best performance (four chases since) but latest was a major echo (on soft; just behind Captain Cody) and showed plenty of promise; highly interesting if he's effective on what's likely to be very different ground.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

7

11th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 1f 0y

Class 1

14:00 Cheltenham

Now Is The Hour

11st 7lb

J: Keith Donoghue

T: Gavin Cromwell

Second-season novice who has improved significantly of late, winning Thyestes Chase at Gowran Park (3m1f handicap, heavy) in January; something of a fortunate winner that day and needs to improve again.

40/1

1st

13

22nd Jan 2026

Heavy

3m 1f 0y

15:30 Gowran Park

Now Is The Hour

11st 1lb

J: Eoin Staples

T: Gavin Cromwell

Grade 2 winner over hurdles; 0-9 over fences but might have given Haiti Couleurs something to think about in the 3m6f National Hunt Chase at Cheltenham had he not come down two out; no show in the Irish National; good third to Final Demand in Navan beginners' on return; only midfield in the 3m5f Porterstown before a better effort when fourth in the Paddy Power.

9/1

15

21st Apr 2025

Soft To Heavy

3m 5f 37y

17:00 Fairyhouse

Now Is The Hour

10st 13lb

J: Conor Stone-Walsh

T: Gavin Cromwell

2023 point winner; won a 3m Grade 2 novice hurdle on heavy at Haydock last season; shaped promisingly on fourth chase start, when not far off today's rival Kinturk Kalanisi and subsequent Scottish National winner Captain Cody at Navan; around two lengths off Haiti Couleurs when falling at the second-last at Cheltenham; a leading contender.

6/1

Form: 6-4114 BF

Last run: 24 days

W: 11st 2lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 133

Form & Verdict
Overcame major adversity to pull it out of the fire for his second chase win (2m6f, soft) at Windsor this winter; creditable, never-dangerous fourth in valuable event at Ascot (good) on his first attempt at 3m and he's highly likely to stay beyond that; considered.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6

3rd May 2025

Yielding

3m 7f 68y

15:05 Punchestown

Hasthing

11st 1lb

J: Richie McLernon

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

held up in rear, not fluent 6th

12/1

6

3rd May 2025

Yielding

3m 7f 68y

15:05 Punchestown

Hasthing

11st 1lb

J: Richie McLernon

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

held up in rear, not fluent 6th

12/1

Form: 22F-44

Last run: 53 days

W: 10st 8lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 125

Form & Verdict
Had an excellent hurdles campaign last term, going agonisingly close in the Pertemps Final at this meeting (3m, soft; 6lb lower today); his first go at fences under rules was in 2022 and he's having another crack at it this season, last time threatening to get competitive three out at Windsor when making a mistake and also badly hampered; jumps rather ponderously and has more to prove away from soft ground but he's well handicapped and likely to stay.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

4th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

3m 1f 0y

Class 4

13:48 Carlisle

Kyntara

12st 2lb

J: Mr Darren Andrews

T: Mel Rowley

Useful staying handicap hurdler in his prime; fair run at Cheltenham on first two starts this season but not been at his best on last three starts.

12/1

5th

4

8th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 2f 0y

Class 3

16:13 Warwick

Kyntara

11st 4lb

J: Charlie Deutsch

T: Mel Rowley

Big improver during the 2023-24 season but chasing didn't go well last campaign; this one started well back over hurdles but he's been back in the doldrums in his last two races.

10/1

2

7th Feb 2026

Soft

3m 0f 57y

Class 3

13:35 Newbury

Kyntara

11st 11lb

J: Charlie Deutsch

T: Mel Rowley

Highly progressive staying hurdler in the 2023-24 campaign, including on heavy ground, and chasing didn't work out for him last season; ran pretty well over hurdles on first two starts this term but needs to bounce back from a poor show at Haydock three weeks ago; player if he does.

13/2

Form: 4532F4

Last run: 80 days

W: 10st 7lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 124

Form & Verdict
Often front-runner; 1-11 over hurdles; four seconds in this sphere (at up to 3m, usually seen over significantly shorter these days) but his score over fences is now 0-19; mind you, his trainer's Rule The World was 0-13 before winning the 2016 Grand National.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

8

9th May 2026

Good

3m 2f 0y

16:45 Killarney

Caesar Rock

10st 5lb

J: Josh Williamson

T: M F Morris

A record of 1-29 over fences but has been placed lots of times including at Limerick and Wexford the last twice; needs to do more but shouldn't be far away off an unchanged mark.

12/1

2nd

15

10th Apr 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 3f 100y

18:38 Wexford

Caesar Rock

10st 0lb

J: Josh Williamson

T: M F Morris

Veteran with modest strike rate including 2m6f Tramore chase last summer on good; comes here in decent form though, most recently second to Krabat in 2m4f Limerick handicap last month after a break, having every chance; better ground here could see him turn the tables on that rival (1lb wrong).

13/2

2nd

7

22nd Mar 2026

Soft To Heavy

2m 3f 120y

15:27 Limerick

Caesar Rock

11st 0lb

J: Charlie O’Dwyer

T: M F Morris

Veteran with modest strike rate including 2m6f Tramore chase last summer on good; two good runs in December though, latter occasion when fourth in 3m1f Leopardstown handicap chase off this mark; more needed.

8/1

Form: 1-1111

Last run: 28 days

W: 10st 4lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 121

Form & Verdict
Reserve; won last March on final hurdle start and he's 4-4 in handicap chases (also on soft/heavy) this season, with the last three wins coming over an extended 2m7f at Lingfield; faces different ground and raised another 7lb but the latest win was his most impressive and there's no doubt he's a rising force with plenty of stamina.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6

14th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

4m 2f 8y

Class 1

15:00 Uttoxeter

Aworkinprogress

11st 6lb

J: James Davies

T: Nick Gifford

Well named as a hurdler and proving a revelation over fences, racking up six wins in his seven starts; has the canny habit of never prevailing by wide margins, with none of those wins gained by more than two lengths; unraced over this far (the same can be said for many) but he stayed on best over 3m5f at Lingfield last time (soft) and he impressed in how he moved through that race; loves the mud, so the recent rain was a major blessing.

13/2

1st

8

19th Jan 2026

Soft

3m 4f 178y

Class 3

13:50 Lingfield

Aworkinprogress

11st 5lb

J: James Davies

T: Nick Gifford

Launched chasing career with five consecutive wins, the latest on seasonal debut at Uttoxeter (3m2f, heavy) in November; could still have more improvement to come over this new trip but needs to bounce back from last month's disappointing run.

8/1

26

13th Mar 2025

Good To Soft

3m 2f 0y

Class 2

17:20 Cheltenham

Aworkinprogress

10st 5lb

T: Nick Gifford

Reserve; won final hurdle start last March (2m5f, heavy) and 4-4 over fences this term (heavy/soft); travelled well at Lingfield (extended 2m7f) latest and this thriving 6yo could have plenty more left in the tank; may well take a 7lb rise in his stride if handling the forecast quicker ground.

12/1

Form: 573122

Last run: 27 days

W: 10st 2lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 119

Form & Verdict
Reserve; 4-7 in points; 1-7 under rules but staying-on second in hunter chase here (3m2f) on first of those, won handicap debut at Wetherby (3m) in December and creditable second on both runs since; all three of those were on soft, so he has something to prove there, but he sprawled at the last when looking the likely winner on latest outing (up 3lb today) and he's a fascinating prospect in first-time cheekpieces over this longer trip; very useful half-brother Latenightpass has won over the 3m5f cross-country course here.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

7

21st Apr 2026

Soft

2m 3f 83y

Class 4

17:42 Ffos Las

Latenightrumble

11st 4lb

J: Jack Andrews

T: T Ellis

On a good mark now and was seemingly back in good form when close fourth of 11 at Chepstow (2m7f, soft) in February; tended to jump left and was below that level without cheekpieces at Carlisle (3m) last month but has possibilities if combination of drop back in trip, first-time blinkers and return to a left-handed track has desired effect.

10/1

4th

4

8th Mar 2026

Soft

3m 0f 110y

Class 4

16:25 Carlisle

Latenightrumble

11st 6lb

J: Jack Andrews

T: T Ellis

Got off the mark over fences at Wetherby (3m) in December 2024; little encouragement this term until fourth of 11 in 3m Chepstow handicap 23 days ago; this lightly raced 9yo is not out of this if able to build on that recent effort.

5/1

4th

4

13th Feb 2026

Soft

2m 7f 136y

Class 4

15:45 Chepstow

Latenightrumble

11st 11lb

J: Jack Andrews

T: T Ellis

Yet to strike form after three runs this season (cheekpieces added two starts ago); back on a good mark now and drops in grade today but still needs to up his game; suited by soft ground; unraced on heavy.

10/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £69.90
Straight Forecast £57.27
Tricast £646.18
Trifecta £679.10

Selections

Daily Mail:

Haiti Couleurs

SPOTLIGHT:

Transmission

POSTDATA:

Gericault Roque

Telegraph:

Hasthing

RP RATINGS:

Herakles Westwood

The Guardian:

Now Is The Hour

D Express:

Captain Cody

Daily Mirror:

Hasthing

LAMBOURN:

Herakles Westwood

The Star:

Haiti Couleurs

Daily Record:

Haiti Couleurs

TOPSPEED:

Transmission

The Sun:

Transmission

WEST COUNTRY:

Gericault Roque

The Times:

Gericault Roque