March 14 / 14.50 Cheltenham

14.50

Soft

Ultima Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap) (GBB Race)

  • Prize money: £70337.5
  • 3m 1f 0y
  • Class 1
  • 23 runners
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Ultima Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap) (GBB Race)

Runners: 23 runners

Type: Chase Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Showers

OUR TIP

6/1 (Won)

  • Win: £7.10
  • Place: £2.60

Form: 4U1-54 CD

Last run: 108 days

W: 11st 5lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 146

Form & Verdict
Has an unconventional streak but chase record at upwards of 3m can hardly be faulted and he came from way back when leading near the line in this race last year (good to soft); has had just one run over a similar trip since, when fourth in the Coral Gold Cup at Newbury in November (3m2f, good) where a slow jump three out stopped his momentum; this stiffer finish will suit better and he's a strong contender off 6lb higher than last year.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

1st May 2024

Good To Yielding

3m 0f 213y

17:25 Punchestown

Corach Rambler

11st 10lb

J: Derek Fox

T: Lucinda Russell

didn't always jump with fluency, held up in last, detached when pecked on landing and pushed along briefly 12th, reminders after 5 out

9/1

4

1st May 2024

Good To Yielding

3m 0f 213y

17:25 Punchestown

Corach Rambler

11st 10lb

J: Derek Fox

T: Lucinda Russell

didn't always jump with fluency, held up in last, detached when pecked on landing and pushed along briefly 12th, reminders after 5 out

9/1

7

13th Apr 2024

Heavy

4m 2f 74y

Class 1

16:00 Aintree

Corach Rambler

11st 6lb

J: Derek Fox

T: Lucinda Russell

Sole run on heavy was a win on rules debut; tasted success at two Cheltenham Festivals, coming from well off the pace, before the even sweeter prize of this race last year when he was never far away and had zero alarms before some idling in front after grabbing total control at the final fence (much earlier than usual); last month's Cheltenham Gold Cup (soft) seemed to show the ceiling of his ability, when it looked exceedingly hard work for him from the final fence, but that was while finishing an excellent third with career-best form; 13lb higher than last year but still well in and should go well if the Gold Cup did not make him dig too deep.

7/1

9/1

  • Place: £2.50

Form: 02-255

Last run: 37 days

W: 11st 9lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 150

Form & Verdict
Chase winner in France; valiant runner-up in 2022 Coral Cup (2m5f, soft; first-time tongue-tie) and similar strong form at Punchestown after; highly tried in two Grade 1s back over fences (minus tongue-tie) but he showed plenty of aptitude behind Galopin Des Champs at Punchestown (2m4f, soft) before running over an inadequate 2m1f last month; every chance of staying this far and he has potential with tongue-tie refitted.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

3

24th Nov 2024

Yielding

2m 3f 150y

14:25 Punchestown

Fastorslow

11st 12lb

J: Mr Derek O’Connor

T: Martin Brassil

prominent

5/2

4th

3

24th Nov 2024

Yielding

2m 3f 150y

14:25 Punchestown

Fastorslow

11st 12lb

J: Mr Derek O’Connor

T: Martin Brassil

prominent

5/2

9/1

  • Place: £2.40

Form: 1-4111

Last run: 39 days

W: 10st 13lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 140

Form & Verdict
Has kept a lower profile than some but is a good jumper and a promising stayer who has won the latest three of four chase starts (on soft/good to soft) and had a 2m7f Chepstow handicap sewn up from some way out last month; up 8lb now he hits the big time but looks capable of better yet for yard that has won this three times.
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

16/1

  • Place: £2.30

Form: -41231

Last run: 37 days

W: 11st 8lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 149

Form & Verdict
Won Grade 3 novice hurdle over 2m4f before finishing down the field in the Martin Pipe here last March; improved chaser this term, arriving late on the scene to win on handicap debut at Leopardstown last month (2m5f, yielding); now tackles his longest trip to date but has at least proved himself in a big-field chase; should have more to give.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

19

2nd May 2026

Good To Yielding

3m 0f 90y

14:30 Punchestown

The Goffer

11st 7lb

J: Danny Gilligan

T: Gordon Elliott

Third reserve; second to Vanillier in P P Hogan Memorial over C&D in February and most recently a close third (beaten 1.25l) to Busselton in 4m1f La Touche here on Thursday; big player if turning out again.

3rd

13

30th Apr 2026

Yielding

4m 1f 11y

15:40 Punchestown

The Goffer

11st 7lb

J: Jack Kennedy

T: Gordon Elliott

Fourth behind Stumptown in the 2025 Glenfarclas Chase; went on to finish third in the Topham and fifth in this race; twice second over the shorter course here this season, behind Desertmore House in November and behind Vanillier in February; may rebound after below-par effort at Cheltenham.

4/1

10th

13

11th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 5f 56y

Class 2

15:20 Cheltenham

The Goffer

10st 5lb

J: Josh Williamson

T: Gordon Elliott

Has made the frame at two Cheltenham Festivals, more recently when staying on from long way off the pace to take fourth behind Stumptown in this race in 2025 (good to soft); returns here after a pretty good second to Vanillier on Bank course at Punchestown (3m1f, soft to heavy) but, from out of the weights, is effectively 5lb higher than last year; sports first-time cheekpieces.

14/1

Form: P-50P1

Last run: 24 days

W: 10st 12lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 139

Form & Verdict
Runner-up in the 3m Albert Bartlett in 2021 and another rock-solid Festival run when third to Corach Rambler in this race last year (good to soft; when 1lb lower) especially as he bled from the nose; hard to catch on a good day since but was his best self when winning a three-runner Grade 2 novice at Ascot in February and ought to be set fair to go well.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

22nd Apr 2023

Good To Soft

3m 0f 20y

Class 2

13:50 Ayr

Oscar Elite

11st 11lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Joe Tizzard

Has plenty of chasing experience for a novice and chose a good day to open his account in this discipline when beating two rivals in the Grade 2 Reynoldstown at Ascot (3m, good to soft); it was not his first notable effort at the Festival when fifth in a very warm opening-day staying handicap (soft) won by Corach Rambler; solid credentials back in novice company.

9/2

5th

17

14th Mar 2023

Soft

3m 1f 0y

Class 1

14:50 Cheltenham

Oscar Elite

10st 12lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Joe Tizzard

Runner-up in the 3m Albert Bartlett in 2021 and another rock-solid Festival run when third to Corach Rambler in this race last year (good to soft; when 1lb lower) especially as he bled from the nose; hard to catch on a good day since but was his best self when winning a three-runner Grade 2 novice at Ascot in February and ought to be set fair to go well.

11/1

1st

4

18th Feb 2023

Good

2m 7f 180y

Class 1

13:50 Ascot

Oscar Elite

11st 2lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Joe Tizzard

Point winner in his younger days but he's 0-8 over rules fences and has a question mark over current form; useful on his day (finished third in last season's Ultima) but needs to stage a revival.

8/1

Form: 44-234

Last run: 109 days

W: 11st 6lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 147

Form & Verdict
In the frame at the last two Festivals, finishing third in 2m5f Coral Cup and an 11l fourth in this race (good to soft), held when making a mistake two out; has bettered that form in two 3m handicaps this winter but it's hard to look on him as well handicapped and he was out of sorts, albeit in a very tough hurdle race, when last seen in November.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

5

8th Nov 2024

Good

3m 0f 54y

Class 3

15:35 Exeter

Tea Clipper

11st 7lb

J: Stan Sheppard

T: Tom Lacey

Very useful handicapper on good ground but he's 1-17 over fences and fluffed some very winnable opportunities last season in hunter chases; ran okay in a C&D handicap last month but he's rarely the percentage call and now tries a visor.

8/1

Form: 12-127

Last run: 45 days

W: 11st 1lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 142

Form & Verdict
Three chase wins at about 2m4f (soft/good to soft/good) but he didn't find anything when seventh in January on his first start here and goes into the unknown over a much longer trip for the first time.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

1

21st Jun 2024

Good

2m 5f 89y

Class 3

15:55 Market Rasen

Karl Philippe

12st 0lb

J: Jack Hogan

T: Fergal O’Brien

Back on track with two good runs at Kempton (3m, good) this spring, the latter a win; probably still on a workable mark after 5lb rise but didn't find much at business end at Perth recently; now sports cheekpieces.

10/1

4th

3

9th Jun 2024

Good

2m 7f 180y

Class 2

15:42 Perth

Karl Philippe

11st 4lb

J: Jack Hogan

T: Fergal O’Brien

pressed leader, led before 6th, headed just before 13th, hit 13th, lost position before 3 out

4/1

1st

2

6th May 2024

Good

3m 0f 0y

Class 3

16:05 Kempton

Karl Philippe

12st 0lb

J: Jack Hogan

T: Fergal O’Brien

jumped slightly right throughout, led, raced in second when headed 2nd, ridden after 3 out, pressed leader 2 out, led narrowly last

7/2

Form: 16-3U6 CD

Last run: 59 days

W: 11st 9lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 150

Form & Verdict
Handles most ground; well-held sixth in 3m Albert Bartlett here in 2021; progressive in 3m chases last winter until unable to raise his game for the big novice at this meeting; unseated early on return to fences in November, then worn down by heavy ground when upped to 3m5f at Warwick in January; a possible improver for the fitting of a tongue-tie.
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: 121/30 C

Last run: 72 days

W: 11st 11lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 152

Form & Verdict
Uncomplicated stayer who ran a blinder in this race two years ago (soft; off 5lb lower) before gaining compensation at Aintree; jarred up after and missed last winter but has lost nothing in the meantime, as shown by a close third on return, just behind Into Overdrive, at Newcastle in November (2m7f, good to soft); the return to 2m4f was no help since; solid contender back up in trip although first-time cheekpieces are an unknown.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

8

5th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

3m 0f 210y

Class 1

14:30 Aintree

Happygolucky

10st 11lb

J: Jonathan Burke

T: Mel Rowley

11yo who has raced just five times since winning this in 2021 (good to soft) for Kim Bailey; however, he was a creditable fourth of 24 behind the easy winner in the Ultima at Cheltenham (3m1f, good to soft) last month on his second start for this stable and he could be involved.

11/2

5th

8

5th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

3m 0f 210y

Class 1

14:30 Aintree

Happygolucky

10st 11lb

J: Jonathan Burke

T: Mel Rowley

11yo who has raced just five times since winning this in 2021 (good to soft) for Kim Bailey; however, he was a creditable fourth of 24 behind the easy winner in the Ultima at Cheltenham (3m1f, good to soft) last month on his second start for this stable and he could be involved.

11/2

4th

14

11th Mar 2025

Good To Soft

3m 1f 0y

Class 1

14:40 Cheltenham

Happygolucky

11st 2lb

J: Jonathan Burke

T: Mel Rowley

11yo; well-beaten ninth in this race in 2023 then absent until 17l fifth of 11 over nearly 2m5f here in January on stable debut; in the circumstances it was a respectable run last time and he's 7lb lower than when second in this race in 2021; no surprise if he goes well now back up in trip.

25/1

8/1

Form: 21-563

Last run: 72 days

W: 11st 3lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 144

Form & Verdict
Has raced over shorter in eight chases (three wins at 2m3f/2m4f) but showed reserves of stamina when doing best work late here in January (about 2m4f, soft; first-time cheekpieces, retained); a step up in trip is in order but this is a big one on the likely soft ground, so some uncertainty remains.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

5

13th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 41y

Class 5

17:00 Hexham

Nassalam

11st 12lb

J: Miss Gina Andrews

T: T Ellis

Pulled up/tailed off on all seven starts since winning the Welsh National for the Moore stable in December 2023; it's tricky to assess what he's capable of nowadays but this race is vastly easier than he's used to and if he retains any spark he'll be tough to beat on this stable debut.

3/1

2

31st Jan 2026

Soft

3m 0f 42y

Class 2

15:42 Sandown

Nassalam

11st 4lb

J: Caoilin Quinn

T: Gary & Josh Moore

Well suited by soft/heavy ground; landed the 2023 Welsh National off current mark; subsequent form figures (P0PPPP) are dismal but this first run since wind surgery may be the time to bank on a revival and catch him; attractively handicapped, with that in mind.

10/1

Form: 34-734

Last run: 31 days

W: 12st 0lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 155

Form & Verdict
Yet to win beyond 2m4f but he looks a stayer now and after working hard from a long way out he took a late third behind Into Overdrive at Wetherby in December (3m, good to soft; suited by soft); first-time cheekpieces no help next time (left off now) and he is up against it off top weight.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

1

14th Mar 2023

Soft

3m 1f 0y

Class 1

14:50 Cheltenham

Fanion DEstruval

12st 0lb

J: Miss Lucy Turner

T: Venetia Williams

Yet to win beyond 2m4f but he looks a stayer now and after working hard from a long way out he took a late third behind Into Overdrive at Wetherby in December (3m, good to soft; suited by soft); first-time cheekpieces no help next time (left off now) and he is up against it off top weight.

25/1

4th

4

11th Feb 2023

Good

2m 7f 86y

Class 1

14:25 Newbury

Fanion DEstruval

11st 2lb

J: Charlie Deutsch

T: Venetia Williams

Classy chaser who has run several of his best races at Newbury; shaped encouragingly when seventh of 15 in the Coral Gold Cup over 3m2f here in November, and he was back to near his best when third in a competitive Rowland Meyrick at Wetherby (3m, good to soft) on Boxing Day; should be at concert pitch now and makes plenty of appeal in first-time headgear.

7/2

3rd

1

26th Dec 2022

Good To Soft

3m 0f 45y

Class 1

13:35 Wetherby

Fanion DEstruval

12st 0lb

J: Miss Lucy Turner

T: Venetia Williams

Unproven at 3m and soundly beaten in midfield when upped to 3m2f in last month's Coral Gold Cup; however, he may have needed that reappearance run and his staying-on third in the Grade 1 Ascot Chase (2m5f, soft) in February provides hope regarding today's trip and him defying his lofty mark.

10/1

Form: P-60P3

Last run: 24 days

W: 10st 5lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 132

Form & Verdict
Two chase wins at 2m7f (good to soft and heavy) but his stamina wasn't equal to the task when seventh in this race last year; much lower in the weights now but that's as a result of some ordinary efforts and the new aids have a big job to do.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

17th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

2m 7f 177y

Class 4

17:12 Ffos Las

Fantastikas

11st 11lb

J: James Turner

T: Nigel Twiston-Davies

led, headed 14th, weakened before 4 out, pulled up before 3 out

10/1

4

17th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

2m 7f 177y

Class 4

17:12 Ffos Las

Fantastikas

11st 11lb

J: James Turner

T: Nigel Twiston-Davies

No win since January 2022; shaped reasonably well when third at Uttoxeter (3m, soft) in December but lesser efforts at Haydock and Plumpton since temper enthusiasm; first run since January.

10/1

4th

1

27th Jan 2025

Soft

3m 1f 152y

Class 4

15:50 Plumpton

Fantastikas

12st 0lb

J: Mr Toby McCain-Mitchell

T: Nigel Twiston-Davies

Returned to form when keeping on for third at Uttoxeter (3m, soft) in early December but failed to really build on that when a well-held fourth at Haydock three weeks later, albeit in a higher grade; hasn't won for three years but he's plied his trade at a higher level for some time and could find life easier contesting a class 4 with a capable 7lb-claiming amateur booked.

9/2

Form: 7P-74P D

Last run: 74 days

W: 10st 13lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 140

Form & Verdict
Acts here and suited by soft; enters the argument on 3m form last winter, having dropped back down the weights, but he hasn't been in his old form of late and was pulled up some way out at Haydock after Christmas.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

6

14th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 6f 54y

Class 3

16:30 Haydock

Good Boy Bobby

11st 12lb

J: Miss Amber Jackson-Fennell

T: Nigel & Willy Twiston-Davies

Six-time chase winner; long in the tooth now but was placed in Newbury veterans' chase (3m2f, soft) on latest outing last March and has a good record when fresh; shortlised on hunter chase debut.

6/1

Form: 9-121P D

Last run: 38 days

W: 11st 10lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 151

Form & Verdict
Had a golden spell this winter following another wind surgery, finishing a close second in the Coral Gold Cup at Newbury (3m2f, good) before winning at Kempton (3m, soft); disappointed badly off lower hurdle mark at Sandown since but had been pulled up in his only other run there and perhaps has just taken against the place; cheekpieces return but they didn't seem to make much difference in sole fitting three years ago.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

17th Jan 2025

Good To Soft

2m 7f 191y

Class 2

14:35 Market Rasen

Remastered

11st 5lb

J: David Noonan

T: David Pipe

led narrowly or disputed lead, prominent when headed 3rd, slow jump and lost position 4th, soon struggling, detached from 6th, soon pulled up

9/1

3

17th Jan 2025

Good To Soft

2m 7f 191y

Class 2

14:35 Market Rasen

Remastered

11st 5lb

J: David Noonan

T: David Pipe

2023 and 2024 did not go at all well until he won by a short head at Wincanton (extended 3m2f) in October last year; the fences have got in the way on both starts since and he's not the percentage call, but his old peak chase form was smart; blinkered first time.

9/1

Form: 23P-22 CD

Last run: 77 days

W: 11st 10lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 151

Form & Verdict
Promised much in early days over hurdles, then fences; career hasn't panned out quite as expected since finishing third in the 3m novice chase here in 2021 but he put shin problems behind him to run two good races this winter, most recently a close second in the Welsh National (3m6f, soft); might find some of these have the legs of him back down in trip off career-high mark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

16

24th Jan 2026

Soft

3m 5f 56y

Class 2

13:50 Cheltenham

The Big Breakaway

10st 2lb

J: Paddy Hanlon

T: Syd Hosie

Smart in his prime but has not shown a great deal this season and was tailed off in C&D contest won by Final Orders last month; effectively 1lb higher today; difficult to enthuse over.

66/1

3rd

2

9th Mar 2025

Good To Soft

3m 5f 54y

Class 3

16:58 Warwick

The Big Breakaway

12st 0lb

J: Miss Anna Johnston

T: Anthony Charlton

Regular in marathon chases who bounced back to form when second of 14 in this headgear combination at Bangor (3m6f, soft; 40-1) last month; back up 5lb and despite some fine efforts he has gone 22 starts without a win since November 2020; others more solid.

11/2

2nd

1

7th Feb 2025

Soft

3m 5f 142y

Class 4

14:12 Bangor-on-Dee

The Big Breakaway

12st 0lb

J: Miss Anna Johnston

T: Anthony Charlton

Former Welsh National runner-up but rarely seems up for the challenge these days and was beaten a distance on his sole completion this season; new headgear provides some cause for optimism but far too risky to trust.

33/1

Form: 11-121 D

Last run: 78 days

W: 11st 6lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 147

Form & Verdict
Patiently campaigned to win five of his last six chases, the defeat coming against high-class L'Homme Presse at Newcastle in November (2m7f, good to soft); had a big Wetherby handicap in the bag from a fair way out on Boxing Day and, despite being raised 5lb, he can continue to go the right way if soft ground doesn't count against him (best efforts on good to soft).
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

23rd Jan 2025

Soft

2m 3f 85y

Class 3

13:30 Wetherby

Into Overdrive

12st 0lb

J: Mr Thomas Easterby

T: Tim Easterby

lost many lengths start, reluctant to race, in rear, pulled up after 2nd

12/1

1

23rd Jan 2025

Soft

2m 3f 85y

Class 3

13:30 Wetherby

Into Overdrive

12st 0lb

J: Mr Thomas Easterby

T: Tim Easterby

lost many lengths start, reluctant to race, in rear, pulled up after 2nd

12/1

2

17th May 2024

Good

3m 0f 210y

Class 2

19:30 Aintree

Into Overdrive

11st 12lb

J: Jamie Hamilton

T: Mark Walford

Won five times and developed into very useful chaser in 2022 but was disappointing on both appearances last season, latterly when reverting to hurdling in January; hooded for first time here; needs to get career back on track.

12/1

Form: /1P9-3 D

Last run: 24 days

W: 11st 4lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 145

Form & Verdict
Runner-up in the 3m2f Kim Muir here in 2021 but his good days are not glaringly easy to predict and his win in the big 3m2f Newbury handicap later that year (good to soft) was another twist in his career; went back into his shell again afterwards and although he ran well for a long way over 3m4f at Haydock last month he needs to have his game face on today.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

2

23rd Mar 2025

Good

3m 0f 110y

Class 2

16:30 Carlisle

Cloudy Glen

11st 5lb

J: Charlie Deutsch

T: Venetia Williams

led at steady pace, faced challenges from 13th, not fluent 14th, headed and lost second 3 out, soon lost third, lost touch from 2 out, tailed off

7/1

8th

3

1st Mar 2025

Soft

3m 1f 214y

Class 2

13:20 Newbury

Cloudy Glen

11st 4lb

J: Charlie Deutsch

T: Venetia Williams

disputed lead

10/1

5th

3

9th Feb 2025

Good To Soft

3m 0f 54y

Class 2

15:00 Exeter

Cloudy Glen

11st 6lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Venetia Williams

Has an excellent reappearance record and won at Haydock (3m1f, soft) in December following a break; however, two lesser performances have followed from this 12yo and he needs to raise his game.

14/1

Form: 2P-353 D

Last run: 37 days

W: 10st 13lb

11 yo Gelding

OR: 140

Form & Verdict
The handicapper has given him a chance and he showed he can still operate at this level when a close third to The Goffer at Leopardstown in February (2m5f, yielding); the return to further can suit but he will do well to end a losing chase run going back more than three years.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

1

31st Dec 2024

Soft

3m 0f 0y

Class 4

13:20 Warwick

Top Ville Ben

12st 0lb

J: Luke Scott

T: Jennie Candlish

led, headed 13th, weakened after 4 out

7/2

3rd

1

31st Dec 2024

Soft

3m 0f 0y

Class 4

13:20 Warwick

Top Ville Ben

12st 0lb

J: Luke Scott

T: Jennie Candlish

led, headed 13th, weakened after 4 out

7/2

5th

2

9th Dec 2024

Soft

2m 4f 0y

Class 4

15:30 Lingfield

Top Ville Ben

11st 12lb

J: Luke Scott

T: Jennie Candlish

Mostly struggled last season, best effort when a close second of four at Aintree (2m4f, soft) on Boxing Day but form slumped after and well held in a Class 2 at Uttoxeter (3m) in May on final start for Philip Kirby; on a good mark but needs the change of scenery to have revived him.

8/1

Form: 366UF2

Last run: 65 days

W: 10st 9lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 140

Form & Verdict
Useful chase form at up to 2m7f in France, including in Graded company, and acts well on testing surfaces; hard to weigh up now making British debut in such a strong handicap but these colours have been carried with distinction in recent runnings of this, winning twice and runner-up last year.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6

24th Jan 2026

Soft

3m 5f 56y

Class 2

13:50 Cheltenham

Iceo Madrik

10st 9lb

J: Leo-Paul Brechet

T: D Cottin

Dual cross-country chase winner at Compiegne in 2024 (2m7f/3m3f, heavy) and a creditable third over C&D (good) behind Final Orders six weeks ago, despite jumping left throughout; will be a danger to all if his jumping is just a bit straighter today.

7/1

18

12th Mar 2025

Good To Soft

3m 5f 56y

Class 2

15:20 Cheltenham

Iceo Madrik

10st 5lb

J: Felix De Giles

T: D Cottin

Represents a respected French stable and was a dual cross-country chase winner on heavy ground at Compiegne (2m7f/3m3f) in the autumn; unseated rider at third fence over C&D in December and is 8lb out of the weights today but has a fighting chance if he handles the ground (has raced only once on quicker than soft); reserve.

12/1

16

13th Dec 2024

Soft

3m 5f 56y

Class 2

15:00 Cheltenham

Iceo Madrik

10st 2lb

J: Thomas Journiac

T: D Cottin

Having returned to France after a poor spell in Britain, he's been a rising force again switched to cross-country races and won in the mud at Compiegne over 2m7f and 3m3f on last two occasions (not without incident); 11lb out of the handicap today but French raiders have popped up plenty of times in this discipline, including for this yard, and last month's C&D race was won by a French 5yo who was 17lb out of the handicap; one to note.

7/2

Form: 5-1328 D

Last run: 24 days

W: 10st 8lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 135

Form & Verdict
Made successful return from a layoff and wind surgery at Ludlow in November (3m1f, good to soft) but three defeats since, including a heavy one at Ascot recently, mean he's won just one of eight starts for this yard; high in the weights for such a competitive race.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

6

10th Mar 2025

Good To Soft

3m 4f 85y

Class 3

15:40 Taunton

Laskalin

11st 5lb

J: Miss Lucy Turner

T: Venetia Williams

Bounced back to form in first-time blinkers at Bangor (3m5f, soft) last month, winning North Wales National under Lucy Turner; it's hard to tell whether the new headgear will continue to have a positive effect, and the forecast quicker ground here is probably not ideal, but he's still 5lb lower than when second in this race a year ago.

3/1

1st

13

7th Feb 2025

Soft

3m 5f 142y

Class 4

14:12 Bangor-on-Dee

Laskalin

11st 2lb

J: Miss Lucy Turner

T: Venetia Williams

Has a similar profile to stablemate Valleres in that he's lost his way but now tries new headgear off a much reduced mark; couldn't put a line through him.

25/1

1st

13

7th Feb 2025

Soft

3m 5f 142y

Class 4

14:12 Bangor-on-Dee

Laskalin

11st 2lb

J: Miss Lucy Turner

T: Venetia Williams

Has a similar profile to stablemate Valleres in that he's lost his way but now tries new headgear off a much reduced mark; couldn't put a line through him.

25/1

Form: 21-215

Last run: 72 days

W: 10st 7lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 134

Form & Verdict
Chasing type who won twice over hurdles and has taken well to fences, winning a Bangor handicap on second attempt (2m4f, heavy); travelled well for a long way but ultimately found little in a Grade 2 here on New Year's Day and doubts linger about the new trip and first-time aids.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

3

21st Feb 2026

Soft

2m 0f 16y

Class 2

15:40 Chepstow

Harpers Brook

11st 4lb

J: Kielan Woods

T: Dan Skelton

Quirky customer who tends to idle when striking the front and needs to be produced with a well-timed challenge; on a good mark now and Kielan Woods knows his foibles well but he's seemingly on the downgrade and always comes with extra risk.

11/2

5th

4

24th Jan 2026

Soft

2m 0f 78y

Class 2

15:13 Doncaster

Harpers Brook

10st 12lb

J: Kielan Woods

T: Dan Skelton

Back in better form, albeit wilted a bit late on, at Wetherby (1m7f, soft) last time and remains below last winning mark but continues to carry risk, being a quirky sort.

8/1

Form: -20864

Last run: 24 days

W: 10st 3lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 130

Form & Verdict
Creditable runner-up over C&D in October (good) but hasn't been in the same form since and his sole chase win was back in late 2020; unlikely to improve markedly on a remote tenth in this race two years ago.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

3

16th May 2025

Good

3m 0f 210y

Class 2

18:55 Aintree

The Wolf

11st 2lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Olly Murphy

No longer the force of old and not always a fluent jumper but won two chases in November (2m7f/2m6f) and was runner-up in three small-field races towards end of last season; suited by good ground and will probably give another good account.

11/4

4th

3

16th May 2025

Good

3m 0f 210y

Class 2

18:55 Aintree

The Wolf

11st 2lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Olly Murphy

No longer the force of old and not always a fluent jumper but won two chases in November (2m7f/2m6f) and was runner-up in three small-field races towards end of last season; suited by good ground and will probably give another good account.

11/4

2nd

2

11th Apr 2025

Good

2m 7f 129y

Class 3

18:08 Huntingdon

The Wolf

12st 0lb

J: Robert Dunne

T: Olly Murphy

Veteran who has been running well, finishing second to an improver at Kempton (3m, good) before another sound effort at Stratford; solid claims.

7/4

Form: 43932U

Last run: 17 days

W: 10st 2lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 128

Form & Verdict
Operates well in big-field handicaps, winning a valuable one at Leopardstown in February 2020 (2m5f) and back to form in the same race when dividing The Goffer and Top Ville Ben (yielding); unseated since; seems likely to be caught out by a truly run race at this trip.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

3

19th Jun 2023

Good

2m 3f 100y

19:43 Kilbeggan

Glamorgan Duke

10st 11lb

J: Jack G Gilligan

T: Paul John Gilligan

Useful sort won a valuable Leopardstown handicap in 2020 and was runner-up in the same race last season; is back down to the same mark as latter run so has to be respected.

9/1

5th

4

31st Mar 2023

Heavy

2m 3f 170y

18:10 Wexford

Glamorgan Duke

10st 7lb

J: Danny Gilligan

T: Paul John Gilligan

prominent, led after 1st, headed before 5th, not fluent and lost second 3 out, ridden and weakened from 2 out

5/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £68.80
Straight Forecast £47.60
Tricast £279.89
Trifecta £442.70

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Fastorslow

THE NORTH:

Into Overdrive

Telegraph:

Corach Rambler

WEST COUNTRY:

Harper's Brook

Daily Mail:

Oscar Elite

RP Ratings:

Fantastikas

TOPSPEED:

The Big Breakaway

The Guardian:

Happygolucky

POSTDATA:

The Wolf

The Star:

Cloudy Glen

The Sun:

Remastered

Daily Record:

Into Overdrive

Daily Mirror:

Corach Rambler

The Times:

Fastorslow

D Express:

Fastorslow