April 26 / 16.10 Sandown

16.10

Good

bet365 Gold Cup Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap) (GBB Race)

  • Prize money: £98472.5
  • 3m 4f 146y
  • Class 1
  • 19 runners
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bet365 Gold Cup Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap) (GBB Race)

Runners: 19 runners

Type: Chase Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Cloudy

7/1 (Won)

  • Win: £5.50
  • Place: £1.90

Form: 112244

Last run: 46 days

W: 10st 2lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 141

Form & Verdict
1lb out of the handicap; chasing last five starts, winning first attempt and creditable results in the others; performed wonders to finish fourth in the 3m6f NH Chase at Cheltenham last time, given he'd been labouring badly out the back three out, but a much more zestful, fluent display would clearly be preferable and connections therefore reach for cheekpieces.
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

16/1

  • Place: £2.60

Form: 0P-421

Last run: 30 days

W: 10st 2lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 142

Form & Verdict
His sole start over 3m saw him pulled up, on heavy ground admittedly, but the furthest he's been otherwise was 2m5f and that too was a failure; 6yo with time on his side and his best form last time out, winning a 2m4f beginners chase at Clonmel, but big improvement is required and his suitability for this test requires plenty of guesswork.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

8

26th Apr 2025

Good

3m 4f 146y

Class 1

16:10 Sandown

Lombron

10st 2lb

J: Rachael Blackmore

T: W P Mullins

His sole start over 3m saw him pulled up, on heavy ground admittedly, but the furthest he's been otherwise was 2m5f and that too was a failure; 6yo with time on his side and his best form last time out, winning a 2m4f beginners chase at Clonmel, but big improvement is required and his suitability for this test requires plenty of guesswork.

16/1

4/1

  • Place: £1.70

Form: P-2212 BF

Last run: 42 days

W: 10st 8lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 148

Form & Verdict
Close second to Dancing City in Grade 1 Punchestown novice hurdle (3m, good to yielding) last May; while his form as a novice chaser has not matched that, defeat at 2-13 last time was over an inadequate 2m5f and he's basically made a satisfactory transition; work to do but, faced with this new, serious stamina test, this lightly raced 8yo has been favourite this week for today's handicap debut and the stable's top jockey Paul Townend takes the ride.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

2nd May 2026

Yielding

3m 0f 104y

15:45 Punchestown

High Class Hero

11st 12lb

J: Sean Cleary-Farrell

T: W P Mullins

Sole chase win came in 2m7f beginners' here last season but some fine runs in competitive handicaps, fourth in last season's bet365 Gold Cup and this term when second in 2m6f handicap here and most notably chasing clear leader when blundering last in 4m2f Aintree National and weakening late on when fifth of 16 finishers (good-to-soft); tendency to jump left is a negative but could go well if putting it all together here (in-form rider's claim a positive).

10/1

5th

18

11th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

4m 2f 74y

Class 1

16:00 Aintree

High Class Hero

10st 11lb

J: James Bowen

T: W P Mullins

One positive is his staying-on third over an extended 3m4f in the bet365 Gold Cup at Sandown (good; 5lb higher today) last April; another is that he's trained by Willie Mullins, who described him in November as likely to be "an ideal type for the Grand National"; after a solid reappearance, he's been pulled up in good handicaps on his last two outings but both were in the mud and he got loose before the latest, which presumably didn't help.

50/1

1

8th Mar 2026

Heavy

3m 0f 174y

16:02 Naas

High Class Hero

11st 12lb

J: Anna McGuinness

T: W P Mullins

Four-time hurdles winner; won Punchestown beginners' chase last February; beaten at short odds in a Thurles Grade 3 next time; better effort upped to 3m4f at Sandown when third (good); positive seasonal return at Punchestown when a 4.5l runner-up (2m6f, soft to heavy); weakened before three out and pulled up in Thyestes last time (3m1f, heavy); must shoulder top weight here again.

10/1

20/1

  • Place: £5.10

Form: -P074C

Last run: 14 days

W: 10st 2lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 136

Form & Verdict
Sole win was in France on debut, so he's now 0-13 for Willie Mullins and 0-9 over fences; clearly best effort came in the Scottish National on soft ground last year when about 8l sixth, coming from well off the pace (2lb higher today); penultimate outing gave some renewed hope, before he was unluckily carried out in the latest Scottish National when cheekpieces were added; just 9-1 that day but he's 6lb out of the handicap this time.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8

28th Apr 2026

Yielding

3m 0f 213y

16:50 Punchestown

Spanish Harlem

11st 10lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: W P Mullins

Smart staying handicapper at his best; won the Kerry National at Listowel last September and looked set for victory in the Thyestes at Gowran Park in January when unseating at the final fence; pulled up in the Bobbyjo at Fairyhouse, same outcome in the Grand National.

25/1

10

11th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

4m 2f 74y

Class 1

16:00 Aintree

Spanish Harlem

11st 3lb

J: Brian Hayes

T: W P Mullins

Career with Willie Mullins took a long time to catch fire but it's done so this season and he looked set for victory in the Thyestes at Gowran Park (3m1f, heavy) in January when unseating at the final fence; pulled up behind Grangeclare West last time but back catalogue includes a creditable sixth in the Scottish National and fourth in bet365 Cup at Sandown, so he stays long distances; his revised mark since the Thyestes would be the chief worry.

33/1

9

21st Feb 2026

Heavy

3m 2f 0y

15:15 Fairyhouse

Spanish Harlem

11st 0lb

J: Danny Mullins

T: W P Mullins

Got his first chase win at the 11th attempt at Punchestown in June before following up in the Kerry National at Listowel (3m, yielding); pulled up at Newbury but looked set for victory in the Theyestes (3m1f, heavy) last time when unseating at the final flight; firmly in the mix but Townend rides Grangeclare West.

4/1

OUR TIP

Form: -P6253

Last run: 21 days

W: 12st 0lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 168

Form & Verdict
Second in the Irish Gold Cup at Leopardstown (3m, yielding) in February and an excellent third in the Grand National at Aintree (4m2f, good to soft) three weeks ago, rallying very gamely after a bad mistake at the final fence; going up another 5lb demands that he reaches even greater heights.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

4

29th Apr 2026

Yielding

3m 0f 213y

18:05 Punchestown

Grangeclare West

11st 10lb

J: Brian Hayes

T: W P Mullins

Excellent third in last season's Grand National; set tough tasks in Grade 1s this season before dropped in class to beat Gerri Colombe in the Bobbyjo at Fairyhouse; unseated at the first when 9-1 for the Grand National; stable's third string now.

14/1

4

11th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

4m 2f 74y

Class 1

16:00 Aintree

Grangeclare West

11st 10lb

J: Mr P W Mullins

T: W P Mullins

Excellent 3l third in last year's renewal, somehow renewing his effort after diving at the final fence cost him plenty of momentum; creditable fifth at Sandown just three weeks later and surging clear from Gerri Colombe at Fairyhouse this February, after another last-fence dive, showed that he's at least as good as ever; 3lb higher than 12 months ago but lots to like.

9/1

1st

7

21st Feb 2026

Heavy

3m 2f 0y

15:15 Fairyhouse

Grangeclare West

11st 0lb

J: Paul Townend

T: W P Mullins

Excellent third in the Grand National last season, rallying well after a mistake at the last; poor seasonal return in the John Durkan but his 6.25l fourth behind Affordale Fury in the Savills was much better; tailed off in the Irish Gold Cup last time; it's interesting that Townend chooses him and he's well suited by the weightings; however, his best form is on better ground.

3/1

Form: P-241P

Last run: 21 days

W: 10st 5lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 145

Form & Verdict
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.
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: P-311P

Last run: 46 days

W: 10st 8lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 148

Form & Verdict
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.
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

Form: -1521P

Last run: 63 days

W: 10st 2lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 135

Form & Verdict
Emerged in second for London National over C&D (soft) in December and won from the front in the Somerset National at Wincanton (3m3f, good to soft) in January; flop in the Eider at Newcastle in February, while good ground may be a problem today; position 7lb out of the handicap certainly is.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

16

18th Apr 2026

Soft

3m 7f 176y

Class 1

15:35 Ayr

Collectors Item

10st 13lb

J: Jonjo O’Neill Jr

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

Won the Somerset National over an extended 3m2f at Wincanton in January 2025 and second in the Welsh National Trial at Chepstow in December this term; he also showed last season that he stays 3m4f but there have been too many disappointing shows in major long-distance handicaps for him to be greatly fancied for this one.

50/1

4

14th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

4m 2f 8y

Class 1

15:00 Uttoxeter

Collectors Item

11st 9lb

J: Jonjo O’Neill Jr

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

Has a National in the bag already having captured the Somerset version over an extended 3m2f at Wincanton 14 months ago (good to soft; fine on softer), and best run since was his second in the Welsh National Trial in December; however, his form has dipped markedly on his last two starts, and his two runs over extreme distances have ended in disappointment.

20/1

4th

2

29th Jan 2026

Heavy

3m 1f 30y

Class 3

15:33 Wincanton

Collectors Item

12st 1lb

J: Jonjo O’Neill Jr

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

Has contested some competitive staying chases since winning the Somerset National over 3m3f here last January and found only one too good in the Welsh National Trial in December; offered little when only 11-1 for the real thing over Christmas but capable of bouncing back from that; hasn't shone on heavy ground previously but he's effective on soft.

5/2

Form: -58947 CD

Last run: 21 days

W: 11st 1lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 155

Form & Verdict
Delivered late to win this race on good ground last year by a neck, 26 days after his third in a heavy-ground Irish National; he shaped as if back to his best in the Grand National three weeks ago, travelling well to dispute the lead two out but ending up seventh as the 4m2f took its toll; this trip is presumably the ideal fit and, although 4lb higher than last year, a big run should be forthcoming if Aintree has not taken it out of him.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

2

26th Apr 2025

Good

3m 4f 146y

Class 1

16:10 Sandown

Minella Cocooner

11st 1lb

J: Danny Mullins

T: W P Mullins

Delivered late to win this race on good ground last year by a neck, 26 days after his third in a heavy-ground Irish National; he shaped as if back to his best in the Grand National three weeks ago, travelling well to dispute the lead two out but ending up seventh as the 4m2f took its toll; this trip is presumably the ideal fit and, although 4lb higher than last year, a big run should be forthcoming if Aintree has not taken it out of him.

7/1

9th

2

26th Apr 2025

Good

3m 4f 146y

Class 1

16:10 Sandown

Minella Cocooner

11st 1lb

J: Danny Mullins

T: W P Mullins

Delivered late to win this race on good ground last year by a neck, 26 days after his third in a heavy-ground Irish National; he shaped as if back to his best in the Grand National three weeks ago, travelling well to dispute the lead two out but ending up seventh as the 4m2f took its toll; this trip is presumably the ideal fit and, although 4lb higher than last year, a big run should be forthcoming if Aintree has not taken it out of him.

7/1

7th

8

5th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

4m 2f 74y

Class 1

16:00 Aintree

Minella Cocooner

11st 2lb

J: Jonathan Burke

T: W P Mullins

Third to Intense Raffles in the Irish National (3m5f, heavy) and delivered late to win the bet365 Gold Cup at Sandown (extended 3m4f, good; 6lb higher today) later last April; Grade 1 rivals proved far too hot for him this season and he failed to trouble Nick Rockett and Intense Raffles at Fairyhouse on latest outing, but he looks a far more interesting prospect for today's assignment and this could be when he wins again.

12/1

Form: 213316 BF

Last run: 42 days

W: 10st 2lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 127

Form & Verdict
First foray beyond 3m saw him win the Eider at Newcastle (4m1f, good to soft) in February eased down by 16l; raised 10lb when nowhere near repeating the dose as favourite for the Midlands National (4m2f, good to soft) six weeks ago and he's now an additional 15lb out of the handicap.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

4

14th Apr 2026

Good

2m 7f 191y

Class 4

13:35 Market Rasen

Knockanore

11st 9lb

J: Mr Lucas Murphy

T: Ryan Potter

Generally very disappointing since winning last season's Eider Chase at Newcastle (4m1f, good to soft) by 16l but took small step back in right direction when fourth over hurdles last month (wore first-time blinkers) and is too well handicapped to rule out on this return to chasing; usual cheekpieces back on.

7/1

4th

2

18th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 1f 119y

Class 4

14:30 Hereford

Knockanore

11st 10lb

J: Freddie Mitchell

T: Ryan Potter

Hasn't run a race of note since winning last season's 4m1f Eider Chase at Newcastle, in which his struggles continued last time out (tailed off or pulled up over hurdles prior to that); too well handicapped to rule out and blinkers go on for cheekpieces.

12/1

7th

10

21st Feb 2026

Good To Soft

4m 1f 56y

Class 2

14:43 Newcastle

Knockanore

10st 2lb

J: Freddie Mitchell

T: Ryan Potter

Stormed clear for a 16l win under Freddie Mitchell in this race last year, form which has not been seen from him before or since but his last three outings were over hurdles; 11lb higher (10lb out of the handicap) than 12 months ago but well treated if he returns to that peak form and stranger things have happened.

11/1

Form: 0FF432 BF

Last run: 10 days

W: 10st 2lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 140

Form & Verdict
2lb out of the handicap; fell in his first two chases but has got his act together since and placed over the extended 2m4f when racing prominently at Cheltenham on last two outings; ridden by Sean O'Keeffe throughout chase career; stamina is a big question, particularly after he attempted 2m7f twice as a hurdler, and he's rather a free-going sort, but a hood (tried once) returns and he's been staying on admirably at the finish of late.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

1

9th May 2026

Good

3m 2f 0y

16:45 Killarney

OMoore Park

11st 12lb

J: Paul Townend

T: W P Mullins

Point and hurdle winner is yet to score over fences but has lots of fine efforts to his name; only beaten 13l in the competitive Topham Chase at Aintree last time; this is a bit easier so has to be on the shortlist even though is unproven over this far.

5/2

7th

17

10th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 5f 19y

Class 1

16:05 Aintree

OMoore Park

10st 8lb

J: Sean O’Keeffe

T: W P Mullins

0-11 over fences and 14l behind Madara when sixth of 23 in the Plate at Cheltenham (2m4f, good to soft) last month; however, that was still a respectable run and the fact he represents Willie Mullins, who has won three of the last six runnings and saddles three today, means he's not discounted.

25/1

6th

7

10th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 44y

Class 1

16:40 Cheltenham

OMoore Park

11st 1lb

J: Sean O’Keeffe

T: W P Mullins

Winless after ten chase starts but he ran two cracking races at about 2m4f on the New course here (good to soft and good) last spring off much the same mark as today's; has more to prove on this season's form but he has revival potential now back on less testing ground than last time and returned to a course that suits.

16/1

Form: -073UP

Last run: 14 days

W: 10st 2lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 135

Form & Verdict
Won novice handicap hurdle at Ayr (3m, soft) last April in a first-time hood (tried twice since); only one echo of that form in his five races since, when third in a beginners chase; seemed to be running well when unseating four out in a Grade 2 on penultimate start but pulled up when 12-1 for the Scottish National on latest; 7lb out of the handicap.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6

6th Apr 2026

Yielding To Soft

3m 0f 120y

17:40 Fairyhouse

Chosen Witness

11st 8lb

J: Sean O’Keeffe

T: W P Mullins

0-8 over fences and hasn't won since scoring over hurdles at Ayr in April 2024; failed to complete in two of three starts this season and beaten 63l at Leopardstown when he did get around; top yard and mark tumbling but hard to make a case for on form.

10/1

10

8th Mar 2026

Heavy

3m 0f 174y

16:02 Naas

Chosen Witness

10st 3lb

J: Sean Cleary-Farrell

T: W P Mullins

Point, bumper and dual hurdles winner has been out of form in final runs of last season and outings in this; pulled up on seasonal debut at Cork and tailed off in a grade 3 handicap at Leopardstown when last seen at 80-1; needs to come back to his best.

33/1

16th

14

1st Feb 2026

Soft To Heavy

2m 5f 107y

14:45 Leopardstown

Chosen Witness

10st 6lb

J: Mr Elliot Ohgren

T: W P Mullins

Dual hurdle winner is yet to score in six chase starts and was poor the last three times, so isn't easy to make a case for.

33/1

Form: 1-P353 C

Last run: 49 days

W: 10st 2lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 137

Form & Verdict
5lb out of the handicap; 9yo whose career has contained plenty of surprises and performing so manfully in 3m handicap chases on good ground at Ascot and this track on his last two starts is arguably one of them; that's nowhere near his old hurdles form but he's been sticking on as if his next reinvention could be as a stayer.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13th

12

26th Apr 2025

Good

3m 4f 146y

Class 1

16:10 Sandown

Goshen

10st 2lb

J: Niall Houlihan

T: Gary & Josh Moore

5lb out of the handicap; 9yo whose career has contained plenty of surprises and performing so manfully in 3m handicap chases on good ground at Ascot and this track on his last two starts is arguably one of them; that's nowhere near his old hurdles form but he's been sticking on as if his next reinvention could be as a stayer.

40/1

13th

12

26th Apr 2025

Good

3m 4f 146y

Class 1

16:10 Sandown

Goshen

10st 2lb

J: Niall Houlihan

T: Gary & Josh Moore

5lb out of the handicap; 9yo whose career has contained plenty of surprises and performing so manfully in 3m handicap chases on good ground at Ascot and this track on his last two starts is arguably one of them; that's nowhere near his old hurdles form but he's been sticking on as if his next reinvention could be as a stayer.

40/1

3rd

1

8th Mar 2025

Good

3m 0f 37y

Class 3

15:35 Sandown

Goshen

11st 12lb

J: Niall Houlihan

T: Gary & Josh Moore

9yo who is somewhat mercurial but he's run pretty well in defeat the last twice here (2m7f, heavy; hurdles) and Ascot (3m, good; fences); goes well at Sandown and drops back down in grade today; could be involved.

5/1

Form: 10-32P

Last run: 21 days

W: 11st 0lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 154

Form & Verdict
Fourth in the 2023 Scottish National (4m, good); commendable efforts most starts since, for instance beaten a nose by Victtorino at Ascot (3m, good; 1lb higher today) in February, but this race last year was not one of them and neither was the Grand National three weeks ago.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

14th Feb 2026

Soft

2m 7f 185y

Class 1

15:00 Ascot

Threeunderthrufive

11st 7lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Paul Nicholls

Two attempts in this race comprise a success in 2024 and close second last year, both off higher marks; however, has a doubt over current form and needs to stage a revival.

10/1

3

26th Apr 2025

Good

3m 4f 146y

Class 1

16:10 Sandown

Threeunderthrufive

11st 0lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Paul Nicholls

Fourth in the 2023 Scottish National (4m, good); commendable efforts most starts since, for instance beaten a nose by Victtorino at Ascot (3m, good; 1lb higher today) in February, but this race last year was not one of them and neither was the Grand National three weeks ago.

16/1

3

26th Apr 2025

Good

3m 4f 146y

Class 1

16:10 Sandown

Threeunderthrufive

11st 0lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Paul Nicholls

Fourth in the 2023 Scottish National (4m, good); commendable efforts most starts since, for instance beaten a nose by Victtorino at Ascot (3m, good; 1lb higher today) in February, but this race last year was not one of them and neither was the Grand National three weeks ago.

16/1

Form: -1116F

Last run: 22 days

W: 10st 11lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 151

Form & Verdict
Three-time Grade 1 winner as a novice hurdler, including twice last spring, and he began his chasing career in promising style with two wins this winter; there have since been significant reverses when well beaten at Cheltenham and falling at Aintree, both in Grade 1s over about 3m, but he'd previously suggested a strength in stamina which gives this test some appeal.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

26th Apr 2025

Good

3m 4f 146y

Class 1

16:10 Sandown

Dancing City

10st 11lb

J: Jonjo O’Neill Jr

T: W P Mullins

Three-time Grade 1 winner as a novice hurdler, including twice last spring, and he began his chasing career in promising style with two wins this winter; there have since been significant reverses when well beaten at Cheltenham and falling at Aintree, both in Grade 1s over about 3m, but he'd previously suggested a strength in stamina which gives this test some appeal.

6/1

4

26th Apr 2025

Good

3m 4f 146y

Class 1

16:10 Sandown

Dancing City

10st 11lb

J: Jonjo O’Neill Jr

T: W P Mullins

Three-time Grade 1 winner as a novice hurdler, including twice last spring, and he began his chasing career in promising style with two wins this winter; there have since been significant reverses when well beaten at Cheltenham and falling at Aintree, both in Grade 1s over about 3m, but he'd previously suggested a strength in stamina which gives this test some appeal.

6/1

2

4th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

3m 0f 210y

Class 1

13:45 Aintree

Dancing City

11st 7lb

J: Paul Townend

T: W P Mullins

Has finished behind Stellar Story at the last two Cheltenham Festivals but was hindered by being pestered up front in latest; otherwise a smart stayer who retains the potential to land a top prize over fences, having been a three-time Grade 1 winner as a novice hurdler, including on this card 12 months ago; remains of major interest.

3/1

Form: -P4617 BF

Last run: 14 days

W: 10st 2lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 142

Form & Verdict
Lightly raced 8yo; jumping was a major issue on his first two starts over fences but some improvement when he won a 2m4f beginners chase at Naas seven weeks ago, rallying extremely well; favourite for the Scottish National (4m) a fortnight ago but he didn't settle in front and subsided into seventh; today's hood could help with that and he may still bring potential.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6

2nd May 2026

Good To Yielding

3m 0f 90y

14:30 Punchestown

Olympic Man

11st 12lb

J: Alex Harvey

T: John C McConnell

Decent performer at his best for Willie Mullins, winning 2m4f Naas beginners' chase last season and ran well for a long way in 4m Scottish National; struggled back hurdling earlier this season before let go for 16,000gns in January; surpassed expectations (125-1) on yard debut in 3m Kim Muir at Cheltenham when beaten under 10l in first-time cheekpieces; can't be ruled out on banks' debut.

12/1

5th

14

12th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 2f 70y

Class 2

17:20 Cheltenham

Olympic Man

11st 5lb

J: Mr D Doyle

T: John C McConnell

Won 2m4f beginners chase at Naas last March and ran well for a long way in the Scottish National in April (4m) before fading; however, struggled over hurdles on final two runs for Willie Mullins and sold for 16,000gns in January; big revival needed in first-time cheekpieces on stable debut.

40/1

5th

9

(5)

21st Oct 2025

Soft

1m 4f 0y

16:25 Curragh

Olympic Man

11st 7lb

J: Mr P W Mullins

T: W P Mullins

Winner on sole Flat start in a French 1m7f conditions race on very soft ground in 2021; useful but error-prone chaser; made mistakes when pulled up in the bet365 at Sandown and the Galway Plate; deprived better-fancied stablemate Sorrentino of third in a 1m6f Listowel event; more on his plate here

5/1

Form: -65111

Last run: 35 days

W: 10st 2lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 134

Form & Verdict
Ran poorly in December on sole visit here; tongue-tie went on when he won all three starts since (Huntingdon, Warwick and Newbury) and, following wind surgery, he's done it pretty smoothly on last two occasions; however, he's not proven beyond an extended 2m7f (this is his first run much beyond 3m) and is now 8lb out of the handicap, on top of latest 7lb rise.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

5

2nd May 2026

Good

3m 0f 10y

Class 2

14:35 Uttoxeter

Kings Threshold

11st 0lb

J: Gavin Sheehan

T: Emma Lavelle

Below form in Kim Muir at Cheltenham in March but showed career-best form when winning at Newbury (3m2f, good) just after Christmas and will be a danger to all here if back at that level in first-time cheekpieces.

8/1

16th

9

12th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 2f 70y

Class 2

17:20 Cheltenham

Kings Threshold

11st 6lb

J: Mr H C Swan

T: Emma Lavelle

9yo who has a good strike-rate over fences and produced a career-best performance to win at Newbury (3m2f, good) in December when last seen; has also won on soft ground; had just five rivals to beat on that latest start but he was impressive and is not ruled out now 6lb higher.

25/1

Form: 0P9082

Last run: 14 days

W: 10st 2lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 130

Form & Verdict
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.
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: 2-2151 C

Last run: 49 days

W: 10st 2lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 130

Form & Verdict
Bled from the nose on penultimate start but has otherwise done well switched to chasing this term, notably for two 3m wins at this track (Goshen a close third last time); just a 7yo and a lightly raced one at that, whose style of victory last time (he travelled much the best) suggested he could have plenty more to give, but he's 15lb higher today, thanks largely to his position 12lb out of the handicap.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

3

13th May 2026

Good

3m 1f 170y

Class 3

19:30 Newton Abbot

Hoe Joly Smoke

11st 2lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

Ran really well in defeat in some strong Cheltenham handicaps (2m4f-3m1f) during the first half of last season and his Kempton effort in February wasn't too shoddy; what needs forgiving is his Ayr run after a wind operation as that was underwhelming; still looks dangerous.

11/8

6th

7

17th Apr 2026

Soft

2m 4f 110y

Class 2

15:30 Ayr

Hoe Joly Smoke

10st 10lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

He hasn't quite been at the top of his game on his last two starts; however, he's had wind surgery since and is certainly of interest on his two third-place finishes at Cheltenham in the autumn (3m1f/2m4f, good/soft); top trainer has won five of the last eight runnings of this race.

7/2

6th

9

21st Feb 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 0y

Class 1

15:35 Kempton

Hoe Joly Smoke

10st 8lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

Won twice as a novice chaser over 3m at Sandown (soft/good); has been running well in some strong Cheltenham handicaps this season without looking that well handicapped, but returning to a right-handed track might benefit him, as might the first-time cheekpieces; could also have this run to suit if he's held up as usual; effective from 2m4f to 3m1f, he's a big player.

7/1

Non-runners

Transmission

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £79.10
Straight Forecast £49.00
Tricast £181.57
Trifecta £570.90

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Minella Cocooner

The Times:

High Class Hero

Telegraph:

Resplendent Grey

RP RATINGS:

Victtorino

Daily Record:

Transmission

POSTDATA:

Grangeclare West

WEST COUNTRY:

Monbeg Genius

Daily Mail:

Resplendent Grey

TOPSPEED:

Victtorino

Daily Mirror:

High Class Hero

The Sun:

High Class Hero

The Guardian:

Minella Cocooner

D Express:

Minella Cocooner

The Star:

Minella Cocooner