March 10 / 15.20 Cheltenham

15.20

Good To Soft

Trustmarque Ultima Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap) (GBB Race)

  • Prize money: £84405
  • 3m 1f 0y
  • Class 1
  • 22 runners
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Trustmarque Ultima Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap) (GBB Race)

Runners: 22 runners

Type: Chase Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Partly cloudy

11/1 (Won)

  • Win: £19.40
  • Place: £3.00

Form: 25-535 BF

Last run: 52 days

W: 11st 3lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 146

Form & Verdict
Neck second in the Kim Muir here (3m2f, good to soft) 12 months ago; promise in defeat on his first two runs this season; not quite at the top of his game at Haydock last time but wind op since and cheekpieces are added; remains one to be interested in, especially given his Festival form.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

33

11th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

4m 2f 74y

Class 1

16:00 Aintree

Johnnywho

10st 4lb

J: Richie McLernon

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

Fine over these fences in November; laboured from before three out when a well-beaten fifth to Haiti Couleurs in Irish National last April; that was in the mud, though, and his top efforts have been on good to soft; they include his neck second in the 3m2f Kim Muir at Cheltenham last March and, equipped with first-time cheekpieces after wind surgery, a 3m1f win from Jagwar at this year's Festival; able to race here off the same mark as last time (due to go up 6lb) and he wasn't stopping in either of those big races at Cheltenham; seriously considered.

12/1

1st

7

10th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 1f 0y

Class 1

15:20 Cheltenham

Johnnywho

11st 3lb

J: Richie McLernon

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

Neck second in the Kim Muir here (3m2f, good to soft) 12 months ago; promise in defeat on his first two runs this season; not quite at the top of his game at Haydock last time but wind op since and cheekpieces are added; remains one to be interested in, especially given his Festival form.

11/1

5th

2

17th Jan 2026

Good To Soft

3m 1f 125y

Class 1

14:00 Haydock

Johnnywho

11st 1lb

J: Jonjo O’Neill Jr

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

Beaten just a neck in the Kim Muir at the Cheltenham Festival (3m2f, good to soft) last March and finished strongly for close third in the Silver Cup at Ascot (3m, good to soft) last month; every chance he'll be bang there.

3/1

7/2

  • Place: £1.80

Form: 311-32 C BF

Last run: 45 days

W: 11st 9lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 152

Form & Verdict
Highly progressive switched to fences last season, a campaign that culminated in a convincing win in the Plate here (2m4f, good to soft) in March; he's kept on well over 2m4f here (good to soft/soft) on both runs this season, beaten just a head last time when 10l clear of the third; today's first crack at a staying trip could prompt further improvement; lots to like.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

22

11th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

4m 2f 74y

Class 1

16:00 Aintree

Jagwar

10st 10lb

J: Mark Walsh

T: Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero

Improved his rating in every one of his eight chases, winning four and that includes the 2m4f Plate at last year's Cheltenham Festival; first venture much beyond 2m5f had to wait until his return to Cheltenham last month, in which he came from out the back to get within half a length of the winner Johnnywho; that showed he stays 3m1f and suggested he's still capable of better, but his jumping contained unnerving moments; wears cheekpieces first time and a half-brother probably stays 4m.

10/1

2nd

4

10th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 1f 0y

Class 1

15:20 Cheltenham

Jagwar

11st 9lb

J: Mark Walsh

T: Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero

Highly progressive switched to fences last season, a campaign that culminated in a convincing win in the Plate here (2m4f, good to soft) in March; he's kept on well over 2m4f here (good to soft/soft) on both runs this season, beaten just a head last time when 10l clear of the third; today's first crack at a staying trip could prompt further improvement; lots to like.

7/2

2nd

2

24th Jan 2026

Soft

2m 4f 127y

Class 1

13:15 Cheltenham

Jagwar

11st 11lb

J: Jonjo O’Neill Jr

T: Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero

Highly progressive 7yo; won at this meeting on soft ground 12 months ago and followed up in the Plate at the Festival; extended his run of excellent C&D efforts with an unlucky third six weeks ago, finishing well after making the odd mistake and being short of room; leading contender again off just 1lb higher.

7/4

9/1

  • Place: £3.00

Form: 1-2422 D BF

Last run: 21 days

W: 10st 10lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 139

Form & Verdict
Mixed form during this novice chase campaign but he went very close in handicap here (2m4f, soft) in January and 2m was against him back in novice company at Newbury latest; best performance over hurdles came when winning at 3m at Ayr (good to soft) last April; possible improver now back up in trip.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

18th Apr 2026

Soft

3m 7f 176y

Class 1

15:35 Ayr

Quebecois

11st 13lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Paul Nicholls

0-5 in this first chase campaign but pipped at Cheltenham (2m4f, soft) in January and a close third of 22 in the Ultima at the Festival there (3m1f, good to soft) on latest outing; raised 5lb for this first attempt at a marathon trip but he's relatively unexposed and kept on stoutly in that bold show last time.

11/1

3rd

16

10th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 1f 0y

Class 1

15:20 Cheltenham

Quebecois

10st 10lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Paul Nicholls

Mixed form during this novice chase campaign but he went very close in handicap here (2m4f, soft) in January and 2m was against him back in novice company at Newbury latest; best performance over hurdles came when winning at 3m at Ayr (good to soft) last April; possible improver now back up in trip.

9/1

2nd

4

17th Feb 2026

2m 0f 92y

Class 3

14:15 Newbury

Quebecois

11st 2lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Paul Nicholls

Tongue-tie has been retained since he won a 3m handicap hurdle at last season's big April meeting at Ayr; runner-up in two of his three chases and jumped well when nosed out by the likeable Jordans Cross at Cheltenham last month (2m4f, soft); surprising to see him back at 2m but at least the ground will be testing, and he'd be giving weight to all his rivals in a handicap.

4/7

12/1

  • Place: £3.30

Form: 5-3732

Last run: 10 days

W: 11st 1lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 144

Form & Verdict
Kept on well for third in handicap at Ascot (3m, good) in November and creditable third of six on stable debut in Grade 1 Ascot Chase (2m5f, good to soft) last month, before close second in handicap at Newbury (2m4f, good to soft) ten days ago; he was 10l clear of the third last time and is 4lb ahead of the handicapper off the same mark today; the step back up in trip could be a firm plus and he showed promise here last April; one to consider seriously.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

2

25th Apr 2026

Good

2m 6f 164y

Class 1

14:20 Sandown

Blow Your Wad

11st 2lb

J: Freddie Mitchell

T: Gary & Josh Moore

Has shown good form for new stable, mostly in handicaps, including at the Cheltenham Festival (3m1f); defied top weight at Chepstow (2m3f, good to soft) most recently, looking better than ever; leading chance at the weights in his bid for a second Grade 2 success.

7/4

1st

1

2nd Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 98y

Class 2

15:32 Chepstow

Blow Your Wad

12st 0lb

J: Freddie Mitchell

T: Gary & Josh Moore

This 8yo arrives in career-best form after his staying-on efforts in Newbury's Greatwood Gold Cup (2m4f) and the Ultima at Cheltenham (3m1f; again on good to soft; won on good); has to be feared, for all that he's 4lb higher than for those runs and 2m3f is on the tight side for him.

5/2

4th

12

10th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 1f 0y

Class 1

15:20 Cheltenham

Blow Your Wad

11st 1lb

J: Freddie Mitchell

T: Gary & Josh Moore

Kept on well for third in handicap at Ascot (3m, good) in November and creditable third of six on stable debut in Grade 1 Ascot Chase (2m5f, good to soft) last month, before close second in handicap at Newbury (2m4f, good to soft) ten days ago; he was 10l clear of the third last time and is 4lb ahead of the handicapper off the same mark today; the step back up in trip could be a firm plus and he showed promise here last April; one to consider seriously.

12/1

Form: 1-1P23 CD

Last run: 31 days

W: 11st 3lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 146

Form & Verdict
Second-season chaser who is enjoying another progressive campaign, winning a novice here (3m1f, good) in October and beaten a head in a handicap at Ascot (3m, good to soft) in December; not disgraced in Grade 2 at Newbury (2m7f, heavy) last time; not ruled out each-way now back in a handicap.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

1

11th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 210y

Class 1

14:30 Aintree

Leave Of Absence

12st 0lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Anthony Honeyball

Good third to Lookaway in the bumper on this card four years ago; spoiled his chance with a couple of mistakes in the Cheltenham Festival handicap won by Grand National contender Johnnywho; however, he split that rival and Deep Cave for useful effort at Ascot (3m, good to soft) in December and may resume his progress when jumping errors are avoided.

11/1

5th

6

10th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 1f 0y

Class 1

15:20 Cheltenham

Leave Of Absence

11st 3lb

J: Rex Dingle

T: Anthony Honeyball

Second-season chaser who is enjoying another progressive campaign, winning a novice here (3m1f, good) in October and beaten a head in a handicap at Ascot (3m, good to soft) in December; not disgraced in Grade 2 at Newbury (2m7f, heavy) last time; not ruled out each-way now back in a handicap.

16/1

3rd

4

7th Feb 2026

Soft

2m 7f 91y

Class 1

14:10 Newbury

Leave Of Absence

11st 2lb

J: Rex Dingle

T: Anthony Honeyball

Lightly raced for his age and best form when pipped in a Grade 3 handicap at Ascot (3m, good to soft) on latest start; however, reportedly unsuited by the soft ground (his first race on it) when pulled up in a Listed novice chase at Cheltenham the time before and he has plenty to find against two of today's rivals on the ratings.

14/1

Form: 2P-974 CD

Last run: 80 days

W: 11st 0lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 143

Form & Verdict
Won Listed novice chase here (3m, good) in November 2024; 0-5 in handicaps in 2025 but having edged down the weights he was a close fourth at Ascot (3m, good to soft) in December last time; 3-5 here and, with the drying ground in his favour, he could be in the mix in first-time cheekpieces.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

13

10th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 1f 0y

Class 1

15:20 Cheltenham

Hyland

11st 0lb

J: Nico de Boinville

T: Nicky Henderson

Won Listed novice chase here (3m, good) in November 2024; 0-5 in handicaps in 2025 but having edged down the weights he was a close fourth at Ascot (3m, good to soft) in December last time; 3-5 here and, with the drying ground in his favour, he could be in the mix in first-time cheekpieces.

11/1

3

25th Oct 2025

Good To Soft

3m 1f 0y

Class 2

14:20 Cheltenham

Hyland

11st 11lb

J: Nico de Boinville

T: Nicky Henderson

Doesn't want the ground worse than good to soft; took care of Transmission here last October and followed up in a Listed novice at the track, beating subsequent improver Resplendent Grey; nothing wrong with his following seconds (3m; Grade 1/hot handicap) and can be forgiven his no-show in the Grand National; goes well fresh and very feasible that there's further improvement to come.

11/2

30

5th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

4m 2f 74y

Class 1

16:00 Aintree

Hyland

10st 6lb

J: Nico de Boinville

T: Nicky Henderson

Best away from soft ground; saw the 3m out well on last two starts when second at Kempton in a Grade 1 novice and a major handicap; reverting to a left-handed track here may help his jumping; however, he switched from hurdling only last June and, notwithstanding his three small-field wins, six runs over fences is a slight record for a would-be Grand National winner.

18/1

Form: 562415 C

Last run: 44 days

W: 11st 3lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 146

Form & Verdict
Off the mark over fences at fifth attempt in good style here (3m2f, good to soft) in December, when back up in trip; well beaten in Grade 3 novice at Naas since but the heavy ground provides an excuse; a mark 8lb higher than for his course win may not be insurmountable for this unexposed 8yo.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

18th Apr 2026

Soft

3m 7f 176y

Class 1

15:35 Ayr

Blaze The Way

12st 0lb

J: Danny Mullins

T: Ms Margaret Mullins

Off the mark over fences in good style at Cheltenham (extended 3m2f, good to soft) in December and that's the furthest he's been; worked his way into contention at the Festival there (3m1f Ultima) on latest outing until some bumping on the home turn and running out of steam; not disgraced there but 4m has to be something of a guess; cheekpieces are added.

25/1

7th

5

10th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 1f 0y

Class 1

15:20 Cheltenham

Blaze The Way

11st 3lb

J: Danny Mullins

T: Ms Margaret Mullins

Off the mark over fences at fifth attempt in good style here (3m2f, good to soft) in December, when back up in trip; well beaten in Grade 3 novice at Naas since but the heavy ground provides an excuse; a mark 8lb higher than for his course win may not be insurmountable for this unexposed 8yo.

14/1

5th

3

25th Jan 2026

Heavy

3m 0f 125y

15:25 Naas

Blaze The Way

11st 0lb

J: Danny Mullins

T: Ms Margaret Mullins

Fairly useful hurdler and stepped up a to another level on most recent of five attempts chasing when landing valuable 3m2f Cheltenham handicap (2lb wrong) last month, relishing the return to an extended trip (good-to-soft); out-and-out stayer who has winning form on heavy so has to be considered a major player.

11/4

Form: 42-561 D

Last run: 52 days

W: 11st 1lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 144

Form & Verdict
Progressive novice last season, winning three handicaps at Aintree (2m/2m4f, good/good to soft) and posting a good third here (2m4f, soft); won at Haydock (3m1f, good to soft) in January when back up in trip and he's unexposed over staying distances; up 3lb for that neck victory; could go well.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13th

36

11th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

4m 2f 74y

Class 1

16:00 Aintree

Imperial Saint

10st 2lb

J: Callum Pritchard

T: Philip Hobbs & Johnson White

Novice campaign last season went well, notably over the conventional fences here where he registered three handicap wins (2m/2m4f) and was second at this meeting (3m1f); resumed progress with a win at Haydock (3m1f) this January but badly hampered at the Cheltenham Festival; this trip is a big step into the unknown but he needs a second look.

50/1

8th

11

10th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 1f 0y

Class 1

15:20 Cheltenham

Imperial Saint

11st 1lb

J: Callum Pritchard

T: Philip Hobbs & Johnson White

Progressive novice last season, winning three handicaps at Aintree (2m/2m4f, good/good to soft) and posting a good third here (2m4f, soft); won at Haydock (3m1f, good to soft) in January when back up in trip and he's unexposed over staying distances; up 3lb for that neck victory; could go well.

20/1

1st

6

17th Jan 2026

Good To Soft

3m 1f 125y

Class 1

14:00 Haydock

Imperial Saint

10st 10lb

J: Callum Pritchard

T: Philip Hobbs & Johnson White

Three wins at Aintree (2m/2m4f, good/good to soft) last season and second there (3m1f, good) in April; current mark shouldn't be beyond him if he's at his best but that hasn't been the case on his two outings this term.

12/1

Form: -2P512

Last run: 17 days

W: 10st 13lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 142

Form & Verdict
Won at Kempton (3m, good) in January and good second in competitive handicap there (3m, good to soft) last month; could give another good account but he didn't quite stay when fifth here (extended 3m2f, good to soft) in December and it's possible he'll again prove vulnerable up the hill.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7

2nd May 2026

Yielding

3m 0f 104y

15:45 Punchestown

The Doyen Chief

11st 3lb

J: Tom Bellamy

T: Alan King

Better chaser than hurdler, third win coming in 3m Kempton handicap in January (good); better again when second in better-class contest over same C&D following month, disappointingly never counted in Ultima at Cheltenham latest; possibly best going right-handed so could go well here, especially if ground continues to dry out.

12/1

9th

15

10th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 1f 0y

Class 1

15:20 Cheltenham

The Doyen Chief

10st 13lb

J: Tom Bellamy

T: Alan King

Won at Kempton (3m, good) in January and good second in competitive handicap there (3m, good to soft) last month; could give another good account but he didn't quite stay when fifth here (extended 3m2f, good to soft) in December and it's possible he'll again prove vulnerable up the hill.

33/1

2nd

5

21st Feb 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 0y

Class 1

15:35 Kempton

The Doyen Chief

11st 2lb

J: Tom Bellamy

T: Alan King

Closely matched with Deep Cave on their Bangor clash in November (soft) and, back at 3m from 3m2f, he dug deep for a course win last month (good); only went up 1lb for that and the runner-up ran well in defeat last weekend at Ascot.

8/1

OUR TIP

Form: 424-21 C

Last run: 80 days

W: 12st 0lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 157

Form & Verdict
Fourth in last season's Grand National (4m2f, good to soft) off 5lb lower; the big one at Aintree is again his main target but this 8yo looked better than ever when winning a hot, three-runner graduation chase at Ascot (2m5f, good to soft) in December and on that evidence he's entitled to considerable respect off his revised mark; won the Martin Pipe Hurdle at the 2023 Festival.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

13

11th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

4m 2f 74y

Class 1

16:00 Aintree

Iroko

11st 1lb

J: Jonjo O’Neill Jr

T: Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero

Staying-on fourth in last season's Grand National (good to soft) off 5lb lower as just a 7yo; a second crack at it has been his main target this term but he looked better than ever when winning from Firefox in a hot, three-runner race at Ascot (2m5f; second run after wind surgery) in December and had an excuse (scoped dirty) at the Cheltenham Festival last month; has to be in serious calculations.

14/1

10th

1

10th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 1f 0y

Class 1

15:20 Cheltenham

Iroko

12st 0lb

J: Jonjo O’Neill Jr

T: Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero

Fourth in last season's Grand National (4m2f, good to soft) off 5lb lower; the big one at Aintree is again his main target but this 8yo looked better than ever when winning a hot, three-runner graduation chase at Ascot (2m5f, good to soft) in December and on that evidence he's entitled to considerable respect off his revised mark; won the Martin Pipe Hurdle at the 2023 Festival.

6/1

4th

18

5th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

4m 2f 74y

Class 1

16:00 Aintree

Iroko

10st 11lb

J: Jonjo O’Neill Jr

T: Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero

Noble Yeats three years ago showed a 7yo can still win the National; this one has spent most of his career at about 2m4f/2m5f and his three appearances over 2m7f-3m1f were defeats but they were among his best efforts (two were Grade 1 novice places here) and contained mouthwatering suggestions of stamina not yet called upon; it is today and there's almost no doubt he remains capable of better.

8/1

Form: F5-P43 BF

Last run: 88 days

W: 10st 9lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 138

Form & Verdict
Didn't jump well when 16l fifth to Myretown in this race last March (good to soft); solid course record otherwise and he twice made the frame here (3m1f/3m2f, good/good to soft) towards the end of last year; has had a wind operation since and he's an each-way candidate if jumping better than 12 months ago.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

2

9th May 2026

Good

3m 2f 0y

16:45 Killarney

The Short Go

11st 6lb

J: Mike O’Connor

T: Henry De Bromhead

Won a maiden hurdle here in 2023 and is 1-10 over fences; hasn't had much racing in the last two years but ran two fine races in valuable Cheltenham handicaps last winter; not as good after wind surgery in the Ultima handicap last time; player if at best.

4/1

11th

17

10th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 1f 0y

Class 1

15:20 Cheltenham

The Short Go

10st 9lb

J: Darragh O’Keeffe

T: Henry De Bromhead

Didn't jump well when 16l fifth to Myretown in this race last March (good to soft); solid course record otherwise and he twice made the frame here (3m1f/3m2f, good/good to soft) towards the end of last year; has had a wind operation since and he's an each-way candidate if jumping better than 12 months ago.

20/1

11

25th Oct 2025

Good To Soft

3m 1f 0y

Class 2

14:20 Cheltenham

The Short Go

10st 10lb

J: Darragh O’Keeffe

T: Henry De Bromhead

Perhaps unfortunate not to win this 12 months ago and returned in March with a highly commendable fifth in the Ultima given that his jumping was a major hindrance (had fallen the time before); simply never gave his running at Punchestown on final start; if he can find any fluency over his fences he'd be a danger to all; stable has won the last two editions of this.

5/1

Form: 11-246

Last run: 53 days

W: 10st 2lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 126

Form & Verdict
Won last winter on first two starts for yard (2m4f, good to soft/soft) and looked set for another progressive season when second at Bangor (2m4f, soft) on reappearance; however, two underwhelming runs have followed.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12th

17

30th Apr 2026

Yielding

2m 7f 110y

16:15 Punchestown

Margarets Legacy

10st 5lb

J: Harry Bannister

T: Warren Greatrex

Posted two chase wins in UK in the last two years but hasn't been at his best on last three starts; all hurdle runs came in France, with two wins in 2020; others make more appeal.

40/1

12th

21

10th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 1f 0y

Class 1

15:20 Cheltenham

Margarets Legacy

10st 2lb

J: Harry Bannister

T: Warren Greatrex

Won last winter on first two starts for yard (2m4f, good to soft/soft) and looked set for another progressive season when second at Bangor (2m4f, soft) on reappearance; however, two underwhelming runs have followed.

66/1

6th

4

16th Jan 2026

Soft

2m 6f 50y

Class 3

16:05 Windsor

Margarets Legacy

11st 11lb

J: James Bowen

T: Warren Greatrex

Won two in a row last winter (2m4f, good to soft/soft) and reappeared with good second at Bangor (2m4f, soft) in November; underwhelming at Antree (2m4f, soft) since but he's better than that and it will be no surprise if he rediscovers his progressive ways this afternoon.

9/2

Form: 11-F4P CD BF

Last run: 24 days

W: 10st 13lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 142

Form & Verdict
Mistakes were costly on first two runs this term and he was pulled up at Haydock (extended 3m4f, good to soft) 24 days ago; not easy to fancy on the back of that but stamina may well have been an issue and he was hugely impressive when making all by 11l in this race last March (good to soft); might take plenty of catching, even now 15lb higher, if rediscovering that same dominant form.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

3

17th Apr 2026

Soft

2m 4f 110y

Class 2

15:30 Ayr

Myretown

11st 6lb

J: Derek Fox

T: Lucinda Russell & Michael Scudamore

Prone to making a bad blunder and arrives with something to prove following heavy defeats on his last two starts; however, he hasn't been devoid of promise this season and he'll be a major player if tapping back into the promise shown when romping to victory at last season's Cheltenham Festival.

11/1

13th

14

10th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 1f 0y

Class 1

15:20 Cheltenham

Myretown

10st 13lb

J: Derek Fox

T: Lucinda Russell & Michael Scudamore

Mistakes were costly on first two runs this term and he was pulled up at Haydock (extended 3m4f, good to soft) 24 days ago; not easy to fancy on the back of that but stamina may well have been an issue and he was hugely impressive when making all by 11l in this race last March (good to soft); might take plenty of catching, even now 15lb higher, if rediscovering that same dominant form.

10/1

Form: 64-0P3 C

Last run: 10 days

W: 11st 2lb

11 yo Gelding

OR: 145

Form & Verdict
Course winner who is well handicapped on his form in 2023 but this 11yo has struggled since; tailed off on stable debut at Kelso ten days ago.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

1

4th May 2026

Good

3m 5f 24y

Class 3

16:38 Fakenham

Stolen Silver

12st 2lb

J: Miss Olive Nicholls

T: Georgina Nicholls

Well beaten all five starts last season, the last three times in valuable chases for new stable since February; plummeting down the weights and will appreciate this ease in grade but needs a revival.

33/1

10

18th Apr 2026

Soft

3m 7f 176y

Class 1

15:35 Ayr

Stolen Silver

11st 2lb

J: Miss Olive Nicholls

T: Georgina Nicholls

Seemingly nothing like the force of old; not proven beyond 3m either, with heavy defeats on his only two attempts at 3m1f or 3m2f; the former was on latest start when beaten 46l at 150-1 in the Ultima at Cheltenham and all this season's form suggests he will be a big outsider again.

100/1

Form: 41-102

Last run: 51 days

W: 11st 10lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 153

Form & Verdict
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.
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: 1P-243 D

Last run: 51 days

W: 11st 12lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 155

Form & Verdict
2m4f Grade 1 novice chase winner last February; a couple of good runs in defeat this term, last time third of five at Windsor (2m6f, soft; first run after wind surgery), but he needs something extra today and there's a suspicion a shorter trip may be preferable; well beaten (over hurdles) on sole run here; cheekpieces go on.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

10th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 1f 0y

Class 1

15:20 Cheltenham

Handstands

11st 12lb

J: Ben Jones

T: Ben Pauling

2m4f Grade 1 novice chase winner last February; a couple of good runs in defeat this term, last time third of five at Windsor (2m6f, soft; first run after wind surgery), but he needs something extra today and there's a suspicion a shorter trip may be preferable; well beaten (over hurdles) on sole run here; cheekpieces go on.

11/1

3rd

1

18th Jan 2026

Soft

2m 6f 50y

Class 2

15:00 Windsor

Handstands

11st 10lb

J: Ben Jones

T: Ben Pauling

Concedes weight all round and he hasn't been able to recapture last season's abundant novice chase promise on his two outings this season; however, he's had wind surgery since last time, which may have helped, and he could be a contender if rediscovering the form shown when winning the Grade 1 Scilly Isles Novices' Chase at Sandown last February (2m4f, heavy; made all).

4/1

2nd

1

2nd Nov 2025

Good

2m 3f 210y

Class 1

14:37 Carlisle

Handstands

11st 10lb

J: Ben Jones

T: Ben Pauling

Lost touch after being hampered when one of the favourites for a 3m1f Grade 1 at the Grand National meeting; had won all his completed starts over fences, the pick when edging out subsequent Arkle winner Jango Baie in the Grade 1 Scilly Isles at Sandown (2m4f, heavy; versatile ground-wise); these terms are favourable despite top weight and he will be tough to conquer if on his game.

8/15

Form: -1U113 D BF

Last run: 52 days

W: 11st 2lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 145

Form & Verdict
8yo who thrived towards the end of last year, winning three times (2m7f/3m, good-soft); having gone up the weights he was third of six (beaten about 2l) behind Imperial Saint at Haydock (3m1f, good to soft) in January but that was still a big performance and further improvement can't be ruled out.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

3

11th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 210y

Class 1

14:30 Aintree

Konfusion

12st 0lb

J: Gavin Sheehan

T: Joel Parkinson & Sue Smith

Faller in the Cheltenham Festival contest won by Grand National runner Johnnywho; progressive otherwise and his record of 5-11 over fences features wins in notable handicaps at Newcastle (2m7f, good to soft) and Wetherby (3m, soft) this term; likely to go well barring mishaps.

11/1

8

10th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 1f 0y

Class 1

15:20 Cheltenham

Konfusion

11st 2lb

J: Callum Bewley

T: Joel Parkinson & Sue Smith

8yo who thrived towards the end of last year, winning three times (2m7f/3m, good-soft); having gone up the weights he was third of six (beaten about 2l) behind Imperial Saint at Haydock (3m1f, good to soft) in January but that was still a big performance and further improvement can't be ruled out.

16/1

3rd

3

17th Jan 2026

Good To Soft

3m 1f 125y

Class 1

14:00 Haydock

Konfusion

11st 0lb

J: Callum Bewley

T: Joel Parkinson & Sue Smith

Front-runner who is 3-3 this season when completing, posting easy wins on last two starts at Newcastle (2m7f, good to soft) and Wetherby (3m, soft); had just three rivals to beat last time and now 9lb higher in a tougher race, but he's clearly thriving and his stable has won this race five times.

5/2

Form: 0-022P

Last run: 47 days

W: 11st 2lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 145

Form & Verdict
Didn't jump well when seventh in this last year and pulled up in the Thyestes at Gowran Park (3m1f, heavy) in January on latest run; however, he was in good form previously, finishing second of nine at Navan (2m4f, soft to heavy) then second of 28 in the Paddy Power Chase at Leopardstown (3m, yielding); each-way player if back on song and finding some fluency.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9

10th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 1f 0y

Class 1

15:20 Cheltenham

Search For Glory

11st 2lb

J: James Smith

T: Gordon Elliott

Didn't jump well when seventh in this last year and pulled up in the Thyestes at Gowran Park (3m1f, heavy) in January on latest run; however, he was in good form previously, finishing second of nine at Navan (2m4f, soft to heavy) then second of 28 in the Paddy Power Chase at Leopardstown (3m, yielding); each-way player if back on song and finding some fluency.

25/1

10

22nd Jan 2026

Heavy

3m 1f 0y

15:30 Gowran Park

Search For Glory

11st 4lb

J: Jack Kennedy

T: Gordon Elliott

Failed to add to Galway beginners' chase win last season; jumping was untidy in the Ultima at Cheltenham; failed to stay in the Irish Grand National; ran well for a long way in Troytown on return before fading; fine second over inadequate trip at Navan (Harry Des Ongrais third); big chance now based on second in the Paddy Power; Jack Kennedy takes over from a claimer.

13/2

Form: -32530

Last run: 23 days

W: 10st 5lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 134

Form & Verdict
7yo who is lightly raced over fences and represents top Irish yard; went close at Fairyhouse in November on second chase start but his form has gone the wrong way since and he was soundly beaten at Punchestown last month in his first handicap chase; ninth in the Pertemps Final here last March.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

5

6th Apr 2026

Yielding To Soft

3m 0f 120y

17:40 Fairyhouse

Patter Merchant

11st 9lb

J: Danny Gilligan

T: Gordon Elliott

Bumper and maiden hurdle winner is 0-6 over fences; ran well in a beginners' here in November but beaten 21l and pulled up in first two handicap chases at Punchestown and Cheltenham; others have more appealing profiles.

18/1

18

10th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 1f 0y

Class 1

15:20 Cheltenham

Patter Merchant

10st 5lb

J: Jack Kennedy

T: Gordon Elliott

7yo who is lightly raced over fences and represents top Irish yard; went close at Fairyhouse in November on second chase start but his form has gone the wrong way since and he was soundly beaten at Punchestown last month in his first handicap chase; ninth in the Pertemps Final here last March.

33/1

11th

2

15th Feb 2026

3m 3f 60y

15:00 Punchestown

Patter Merchant

11st 10lb

J: Josh Williamson

T: Gordon Elliott

Bumper winner; failed to add to a maiden hurdle win; remote third behind top-class stablemate Romeo Coolio on chase debut at Down Royal; went close in less demanding company over 2m4f at Fairyhouse; has failed to build on that in races at Leopardstown and Navan; cheekpieces fitted for handicap debut.

10/1

Form: 11-151

Last run: 53 days

W: 10st 2lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 128

Form & Verdict
10yo who is lightly raced for his age and made it five wins from his last six starts (various ground) when scoring comfortably in a veterans' chase at Market Rasen in January (extended 2m5f; the longest trip he's tackled); this is a hot race in which to test his stamina, and from out of the handicap he's 11lb higher than last time, but he was strong at the finish and the form is working out very well; it remains to be seen where his limitations lie.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

13

4th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 203y

Class 2

15:20 Haydock

Filanderer

11st 0lb

J: Jonathan Burke

T: Hughie Morrison

Pulled up in the Ultima at Cheltenham last month but that was his first attempt at a staying trip and he failed to settle out wide; went to the Festival having won five of his previous six starts (2m3f-2m5f, various ground) and he could bounce back with a big effort now back down in trip and grade.

7/1

19

10th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 1f 0y

Class 1

15:20 Cheltenham

Filanderer

10st 2lb

J: Jonathan Burke

T: Hughie Morrison

10yo who is lightly raced for his age and made it five wins from his last six starts (various ground) when scoring comfortably in a veterans' chase at Market Rasen in January (extended 2m5f; the longest trip he's tackled); this is a hot race in which to test his stamina, and from out of the handicap he's 11lb higher than last time, but he was strong at the finish and the form is working out very well; it remains to be seen where his limitations lie.

50/1

1st

7

16th Jan 2026

Good To Soft

2m 5f 89y

Class 2

14:05 Market Rasen

Filanderer

10st 3lb

J: Jonathan Burke

T: Hughie Morrison

4-9 over fences, including 2m3f course win; didn't jump well enough when below form at Newbury in November but is versatile regarding ground and could plausibly still have more improvement to come.

5/1

Form: 1-2142

Last run: 31 days

W: 10st 2lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 127

Form & Verdict
Kept on for creditable fourth of five in novice chase here (2m4f, good) in January when up against it at the weights and he may have bumped into a handicap blot when 14l second at Newbury (extended 2m7f, heavy) last month; this unexposed 6yo is not ruled out each-way, despite being 4lb wrong.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

4

2nd Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 98y

Class 2

15:32 Chepstow

Knight Of Allen

10st 7lb

J: Ciaran Gethings

T: Jane Williams

1-5 over fences; bumped into a handicap blot when 14l second at Newbury (extended 2m7f, heavy) and early mistakes/interference had him on the back foot when only 11-1 for the Ultima at Cheltenham (4lb out of the weights); with trip/ground fine, he can go well here.

100/30

20

10th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 1f 0y

Class 1

15:20 Cheltenham

Knight Of Allen

10st 2lb

J: Ciaran Gethings

T: Jane Williams

Kept on for creditable fourth of five in novice chase here (2m4f, good) in January when up against it at the weights and he may have bumped into a handicap blot when 14l second at Newbury (extended 2m7f, heavy) last month; this unexposed 6yo is not ruled out each-way, despite being 4lb wrong.

14/1

2nd

5

7th Feb 2026

Soft

2m 7f 91y

Class 3

15:55 Newbury

Knight Of Allen

11st 0lb

J: Ciaran Gethings

T: Jane Williams

This looks stronger than the 2m4f handicap chase he won here (good to soft; fine on soft) in December off 5lb lower but he ran well in the face of a stiff task at the weights at Cheltenham a month ago; each-way claims back up in trip.

4/1

Form: 24-275

Last run: 52 days

W: 10st 2lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 122

Form & Verdict
9yo who was progressive last season, winning three times (2m5f/3m, good/good to soft); he didn't run badly when fifth at Ascot (3m, soft) in January last time but is 9lb out of the handicap today, so faces a tough task.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

7

17th Apr 2026

Soft

3m 0f 70y

Class 3

16:43 Ayr

Eyed

11st 11lb

J: Jonathan Burke

T: Hughie Morrison

His chase form has been mixed this season but he faced a tough task from out of the handicap at the Cheltenham Festival (pulled up); runner-up at Kempton (2m5f) in November on last hurdle start and he was second over fences at this meeting 12 months ago (3m); might not be a forlorn hope today.

25/1

22

10th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 1f 0y

Class 1

15:20 Cheltenham

Eyed

10st 2lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Hughie Morrison

9yo who was progressive last season, winning three times (2m5f/3m, good/good to soft); he didn't run badly when fifth at Ascot (3m, soft) in January last time but is 9lb out of the handicap today, so faces a tough task.

66/1

5th

9

17th Jan 2026

Good To Soft

2m 7f 185y

Class 3

13:00 Ascot

Eyed

11st 0lb

J: Tom Cannon

T: Hughie Morrison

Form dipped last time but otherwise a consistent sort and may rebound; however, looks considerably more exposed than some of these rivals and possibly has nothing in hand off current mark.

14/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £91.00
Straight Forecast £72.59
Tricast £630.82
Trifecta £822.00

Selections

POSTDATA:

Quebecois

RP RATINGS:

Jagwar

Daily Record:

Handstands

SPOTLIGHT:

Blow Your Wad

The Star:

Myretown

LAMBOURN:

Hyland

The Guardian:

Leave Of Absence

D Express:

Johnnywho

WEST COUNTRY:

Quebecois

The Times:

Quebecois

Daily Mail:

Quebecois

Daily Mirror:

Quebecois

The Sun:

Quebecois

TOPSPEED:

Jagwar

Telegraph:

Jagwar