March 17 / 16.10 Cheltenham

16.10

Soft

St. James’s Place Festival Challenge Cup Open Hunters’ Chase

  • Prize money: £24445
  • 3m 2f 70y
  • Class 2
  • 24 runners
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St. James’s Place Festival Challenge Cup Open Hunters’ Chase

Runners: 24 runners

Type: Hunter Chase

Surface: Turf

Weather: Light rain

33/1 (Won)

  • Win: £67.70
  • Place: £13.00

Form: 1/3P-

Last run: 364 days

W: 12st 0lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 122

Form & Verdict
Finished within 5l of Vaucelet at Stratford in May 2021; won all his five points in the meantime and it's unlikely he gave his true running when 25-1 for this 12 months ago (had lost his place when pulled up mid-race).
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

7

31st May 2024

Good To Soft

3m 3f 119y

Class 2

19:35 Stratford

Premier Magic

12st 0lb

J: Mr Freddie Mitchell

T: Bradley Gibbs

Three-time hunter chase winner, most notably at 2023 Cheltenham Festival (3m2f, soft); pulled up at this year's Cheltenham Festival but got back on track with good effort in defeat behind Fairly Famous there (3m2f, soft) this month and is 3lb better off with him here.

11/2

2nd

3

3rd May 2024

Good

3m 2f 70y

Class 4

18:20 Cheltenham

Premier Magic

12st 4lb

J: Mr Bradley Gibbs

T: Bradley Gibbs

Never threatened to make a successful defence of his Festival crown here in March but there was no fluke about his 66-1 success 12 months earlier which he followed up with a comfortable win in this race (on good ground); if anywhere approaching his best he'll be tough to beat.

5/4

2nd

3

3rd May 2024

Good

3m 2f 70y

Class 4

18:20 Cheltenham

Premier Magic

12st 4lb

J: Mr Bradley Gibbs

T: Bradley Gibbs

Never threatened to make a successful defence of his Festival crown here in March but there was no fluke about his 66-1 success 12 months earlier which he followed up with a comfortable win in this race (on good ground); if anywhere approaching his best he'll be tough to beat.

5/4

16/1

  • Place: £7.00

Form: 41-1P2

Last run: 122 days

W: 12st 0lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 126

Form & Verdict
Intriguing runner given his low mileage and the stable he represents, but he needs to improve on this season's form (twice beaten by The Storyteller) and only Kingscliff has won this as a 6yo (in 2003) since Attitude Adjuster in 1986; cheekpieces are added.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

7

1st May 2026

Yielding

3m 0f 160y

16:15 Punchestown

Its On The Line

12st 0lb

J: Mr Derek O’Connor

T: Emmet Mullins

Won this for the third time last year; contrasting profile in the Cheltenham equivalent now having finished second in four consecutive years; easily the best of the Irish this year, with Panda Boy fifth and Wonderwall (his conqueror last year) seventh; never got competitive in the Aintree Foxhunter, a rare blot on his record; has his quirks, but as tough as they come.

5/2

9th

14

9th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 5f 19y

Class 2

15:30 Aintree

Its On The Line

12st 0lb

J: Mr Derek O’Connor

T: Emmet Mullins

Won this in 2024 (heavy); beaten a neck by Barton Snow at last month's Cheltenham Festival (3m2f, good to soft), finishing a close second in that hunter chase for the fourth season in a row; at this trip he may prefer more testing ground than is likely today, but he's still entitled to respect.

9/2

2nd

7

13th Mar 2026

Good

3m 2f 70y

Class 2

16:40 Cheltenham

Its On The Line

12st 0lb

J: Mr Derek O’Connor

T: Emmet Mullins

Part of the furniture in this race after going agonisingly close in the last three runnings, especially 12 months ago when he stayed on strongly to push Wonderwall to a neck, after which he secured a repeat win at Punchestown; although it's hardly encouraging that he was turned over at 1-5 in his latest point, the winner is useful on his day and this 9yo didn't exactly arrive here 12 months ago with the wind in his sails; all roads have led to this and he has clear claims.

11/2

40/1

  • Place: £12.10

Form: /21-52 C

Last run: 43 days

W: 12st 0lb

13 yo Gelding

OR: 135

Form & Verdict
Has an excellent overall record at Cheltenham and the Festival included, having made the frame in an Ultima, a Kim Muir and two editions of this race; however, getting long in the tooth now and he couldn't get Famous Clermont off the bridle at Wincanton in February.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

2

31st May 2024

Good To Soft

2m 6f 125y

Class 3

18:35 Stratford

Shantou Flyer

11st 13lb

J: Miss Olive Nicholls

T: S Loxton

Grand old stager who has run well at several Cheltenham Festivals; not as good as he was and beaten 20l in the big one this March, but he won this 12 months ago and defends on the back of two point wins.

5/2

6th

10

15th Mar 2024

Soft

3m 2f 70y

Class 2

16:10 Cheltenham

Shantou Flyer

12st 0lb

J: Miss Olive Nicholls

T: S Loxton

Festival regular having made the frame in the Ultima, a Kim Muir and three editions of this race (beaten 3l by Premier Magic 12 months ago); warmed up for another crack with his sixth point win 12 days ago; however, now a 14yo, his chance of getting his hands on the treasured trophy has surely passed.

33/1

5th

5

8th Jan 2024

Soft

2m 5f 150y

Class 5

15:30 Taunton

Shantou Flyer

12st 6lb

J: Miss Natalie Parker

T: S Loxton

raced in second, pressed leader from 3rd

9/4

Form: 94F59-

Last run: 516 days

W: 12st 0lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 116

Form & Verdict
This would be some day to shed his maiden status under rules (0-18; 0-3 over fences) but he has looked on a sharp upward curve in winning five Irish points since October (mostly on testing ground), in the latest hammering former classy chaser Chatham Street Lad (who won the time before); by no means discounted.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13th

11

8th Jun 2026

Yielding To Soft

3m 1f 24y

18:48 Roscommon

Rockys Howya

10st 6lb

J: Kevin Healy

T: Declan Queally

1-7 over fences; has won four of last five starts, including his last run in a handicap chase at Limerick in March (2m7f, heavy); just 3lb higher here and advertised well-being with a claiming hurdle win at Clonmel 25 days ago (19.5f, gd-yld); not out of this.

13/2

1st

6

14th May 2026

Good

2m 3f 116y

16:47 Clonmel

Rockys Howya

10st 12lb

J: Kevin Healy

T: Declan Queally

Nine-time point winner won three in a row earlier this year on heavy, claiming hurdles at Limerick and Naas plus a handicap chase at the former track; blowing hard after pulled-up in a Wexford novice last time; might find this trip sharp; blinkers.

3/1

Form: PU/U0-

Last run: 414 days

W: 12st 0lb

11 yo Gelding

OR: 155

Form & Verdict
A high-class staying chaser back in the day and has tackled the Gold Cup and Ryanair on his last two visits to Cheltenham; boasts form that some of these can merely dream about and he's looked good in recent points; interesting.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

28th Apr 2023

Yielding

3m 0f 0y

18:35 Punchestown

Chriss Dream

12st 0lb

J: Mr J L Gleeson

T: Henry De Bromhead

prominent, disputed lead after 2nd, headed but prominent going easily when fell 3 out

11/2

5th

6

17th Mar 2023

Soft

3m 2f 70y

Class 2

16:10 Cheltenham

Chriss Dream

12st 0lb

J: Miss M O’Sullivan

T: Henry De Bromhead

A high-class staying chaser back in the day and has tackled the Gold Cup and Ryanair on his last two visits to Cheltenham; boasts form that some of these can merely dream about and he's looked good in recent points; interesting.

8/1

Form: /1-P11

Last run: 27 days

W: 12st 0lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 142

Form & Verdict
Slightly concerning that he ran so poorly on his one visit here (last April) but he's a young horse for this scene and evidently improving after making such light work of his last two hunter chases, accounting for respected opposition in the process; seems fine on all ground; could be best of the British.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8

9th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 5f 19y

Class 2

15:30 Aintree

Famous Clermont

12st 0lb

J: Mr Milo Herbert

T: C R Barber

Won this in 2023 (good to soft) and bagged further hunter chase wins in the same Stratford race in May 2024 and 2025 (2m6f, good); won a point last month and he's better than he showed when tailed off in this last April, but this 11yo probably isn't as good as he once was and others are preferred.

25/1

1st

1

30th May 2025

Good

2m 6f 125y

Class 3

18:25 Stratford

Famous Clermont

11st 13lb

J: Mrs Izzie Hill

T: C R Barber

Among the very best hunter chasers in his prime, with career highlight a success over the big Aintree fences in April 2023; beat Imperial Esprit to win this race under Izzie Hill in 2024 and has collected three point wins this year but last month's Aintree run was very disappointing and he may not be as good as he was; sports first-time cheekpieces.

10/11

1st

1

30th May 2025

Good

2m 6f 125y

Class 3

18:25 Stratford

Famous Clermont

11st 13lb

J: Mrs Izzie Hill

T: C R Barber

Among the very best hunter chasers in his prime, with career highlight a success over the big Aintree fences in April 2023; beat Imperial Esprit to win this race under Izzie Hill in 2024 and has collected three point wins this year but last month's Aintree run was very disappointing and he may not be as good as he was; sports first-time cheekpieces.

10/11

Form: 31-211 D

Last run: 81 days

W: 12st 0lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 145

Form & Verdict
An 8yo who has come a long way in the past 12 months and he might well have beaten Billaway at Punchestown last April but for fluffing the last fence; hasn't been wildly impressive since in winning two hunter chases and a point, but all roads have led to Cheltenham and the demands of this race can trigger a career-best performance (has twice won over further); won on soft; major player.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

3rd Jun 2024

Good

3m 0f 0y

16:50 Listowel

Vaucelet

12st 3lb

J: Mr S Cotter

T: D M Christie

in touch with leaders, briefly went third 5 out, went third before 2 out, no impression when bad mistake and unseated last

5/1

4th

8

24th May 2024

Good

3m 4f 165y

19:35 Downpatrick

Vaucelet

12st 0lb

J: Mr B O’Neill

T: D M Christie

High-class hunter when at his best but that hasn't been for some time; second in Punchestown Champion Hunter Chase in 2022 (to Billaway) and 2023 and also found Billaway too good in this race last year; finished upsides his old rival when well held at this year's Punchestown festival; better for that after four months off but hard to be bullish.

4/1

4th

8

24th May 2024

Good

3m 4f 165y

19:35 Downpatrick

Vaucelet

12st 0lb

J: Mr B O’Neill

T: D M Christie

High-class hunter when at his best but that hasn't been for some time; second in Punchestown Champion Hunter Chase in 2022 (to Billaway) and 2023 and also found Billaway too good in this race last year; finished upsides his old rival when well held at this year's Punchestown festival; better for that after four months off but hard to be bullish.

4/1

Form: /122F- D

Last run: 364 days

W: 12st 0lb

12 yo Gelding

OR: 132

Form & Verdict
Five-time hunter chase winner, taking the notable scalp of Billaway at the 2021 Punchestown festival; travelling as well as anything when unseating three out in this two years ago and one of the market leaders when departing early last season (without regular hood, as again is the case); getting on in years and he lacks a warm-up race this time, but hard to dismiss.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

1

13th Apr 2023

Good

2m 7f 3y

Class 5

14:00 Taunton

Bob And Co

11st 12lb

J: Mr Tommie M O’Brien

T: Harry Derham

jumped left throughout, didn't jump with fluency, led, headed 3 out, ridden after 2 out, kept on but held from last

8/15

8th

3

17th Mar 2023

Soft

3m 2f 70y

Class 2

16:10 Cheltenham

Bob And Co

12st 0lb

J: Miss Alice Stevens

T: Harry Derham

Five-time hunter chase winner, taking the notable scalp of Billaway at the 2021 Punchestown festival; travelling as well as anything when unseating three out in this two years ago and one of the market leaders when departing early last season (without regular hood, as again is the case); getting on in years and he lacks a warm-up race this time, but hard to dismiss.

14/1

20/1

Form: 13/1/2

Last run: 34 days

W: 12st 0lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 128

Form & Verdict
Close up behind Vaucelet in a point last October and has given last year's principals (Billaway and Winged Leader) plenty to think about this year; comfortably exploited an easier assignment last time and brings each-way hopes.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

5

10th Dec 2024

Yielding

2m 7f 182y

15:20 Punchestown

Le Malin

11st 7lb

J: Mr N McParlan

T: S McParlan

Three-time hurdle winner in France a few years ago and a point-to-point winner for current connections; back from 276-day absence with good third in 3m handicap chase here last month and not one to rule out back hurdling off same mark.

12/1

OUR TIP

Form: 11-121 CD

Last run: 34 days

W: 12st 0lb

11 yo Gelding

OR: 141

Form & Verdict
Has become part of the furniture in this race and after two seconds he finally got his hands on the trophy when picking the pocket of Winged Leader in the dying strides 12 months ago; did well to win from where he was for much of the race (didn't jump or travel well) and he returns on the back of winning the same prep race at Naas (in a first-time tongue-tie); blinkers replace cheekpieces that have worked well; obvious claims.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

24th May 2024

Good

3m 4f 165y

19:35 Downpatrick

Billaway

12st 0lb

J: Mr P W Mullins

T: W P Mullins

One of the best hunter chasers in recent seasons; won at Cheltenham and Punchestown festivals in 2022 and landed this race a year ago when outstaying Vaucelet; ran top hunter Its On The Line close at Naas in February but well behind that rival when fifth at Cheltenham and flat effort at Punchestown last time; probably on the decline at this stage but still a huge player here.

7/4

3

24th May 2024

Good

3m 4f 165y

19:35 Downpatrick

Billaway

12st 0lb

J: Mr P W Mullins

T: W P Mullins

One of the best hunter chasers in recent seasons; won at Cheltenham and Punchestown festivals in 2022 and landed this race a year ago when outstaying Vaucelet; ran top hunter Its On The Line close at Naas in February but well behind that rival when fifth at Cheltenham and flat effort at Punchestown last time; probably on the decline at this stage but still a huge player here.

7/4

6th

1

3rd May 2024

Good To Yielding

3m 0f 160y

17:25 Punchestown

Billaway

12st 0lb

J: Mr P W Mullins

T: W P Mullins

Won this event two years ago, beating Vaucelet; unseated at fourth last season, when the race was won by Its On The Line; made a bright start to the season when narrowly beaten by Its On The Line at Naas (a race he had won in four consecutive years); almost 12l behind Its On The Line at Cheltenham; seems to be past his peak now but remains very capable.

7/1

Form: /F564-

Last run: 387 days

W: 12st 0lb

12 yo Gelding

OR: 127

Form & Verdict
High-class novice hurdler who was second in the 2018 Ballymore; had his moments in novice chases but ultimately became disappointing and his last three pointing wins have come in tiny fields when odds-on; unconvinced that he'll be up to this test.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

17th Mar 2023

Soft

3m 2f 70y

Class 2

16:10 Cheltenham

Black Op

12st 0lb

J: Mr John Dawson

T: Mrs Emma Clark

High-class novice hurdler who was second in the 2018 Ballymore; had his moments in novice chases but ultimately became disappointing and his last three pointing wins have come in tiny fields when odds-on; unconvinced that he'll be up to this test.

40/1

Form: P/1/6/ C

Last run: 880 days

W: 12st 0lb

12 yo Gelding

OR: 140

Form & Verdict
High-class performer back in the day for Nicky Henderson when donning the Constitution Hill colours; now a prolific pointer but the RPRs he's been posting in Ireland hint at limitations at this level.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

17th Mar 2023

Soft

3m 2f 70y

Class 2

16:10 Cheltenham

Brain Power

12st 0lb

J: Mr D McGill

T: Warren Ewing

High-class performer back in the day for Nicky Henderson when donning the Constitution Hill colours; now a prolific pointer but the RPRs he's been posting in Ireland hint at limitations at this level.

50/1

1

26th Dec 2022

Good To Yielding

3m 0f 0y

14:33 Down Royal

Brain Power

12st 0lb

J: Mr D McGill

T: Warren Ewing

Handy operator on his day for Nicky Henderson and a shade unlucky not to be coming here on the back of a hat-trick of 'point' wins; interesting here on stable debut for Warren Ewing and should give a good account.

7/1

Form: 2102-5 BF

Last run: 119 days

W: 12st 0lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 139

Form & Verdict
Second in last season's Aintree Foxhunters' but he finished tailed off in the Kim Muir here the time before (also ran poorly on his previous visit to Cheltenham) and his reappearance in an Ascot handicap chase in November was forgettable (after wind surgery); will need one of his good days and those have become hard to predict.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

5

16th Apr 2025

Good

2m 3f 83y

Class 4

18:15 Ffos Las

Cat Tiger

11st 4lb

J: Mr David Maxwell

T: Paul Nicholls

Has plenty of back-class but an 11yo now and hasn't been offering a great deal in handicap chases since rejoining Paul Nicholls.

12/1

Form: P/P-13 CD

Last run: 294 days

W: 12st 0lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 130

Form & Verdict
C&D winner last April but he shouldn't beat Vaucelet based on their Stratford form last May; minor role on the cards.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

4

2nd Jun 2023

Good

2m 6f 125y

Class 3

18:05 Stratford

Dandy Dan

11st 10lb

J: Miss Lauren Keen-Hawkins

T: J Bourne

Produced very good performance to win at Cheltenham (3m2f, good) last April and was placed in the big race here a few weeks later; yet to scale the same heights this year but proved his wellbeing in a recent, three-runner point and will be a danger to all if somewhere close to his best.

7/1

4th

1

5th May 2023

Good

3m 2f 70y

Class 4

18:35 Cheltenham

Dandy Dan

12st 4lb

J: Miss Lauren Keen-Hawkins

T: J Bourne

Won this 12 months ago and followed it with a decent third behind the talented Vaucelet at Stratford; would have found the ground too soft when pulled up behind Premier Magic here last month and he was a shorter price than the winner; respected.

8/1

2

11th Apr 2023

Good To Soft

3m 0f 54y

Class 5

16:15 Exeter

Dandy Dan

12st 2lb

J: Miss Lauren Keen-Hawkins

T: J Bourne

Had a bright spell last spring, looking good when winning over 3m2f at Cheltenham in April (good) and another sound effort followed at Stratford; soft ground not ideal in the big one at Cheltenham (pulled up) in March but would have every chance on best form.

9/2

Form: 2/1-32

Last run: 81 days

W: 12st 0lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 135

Form & Verdict
Tailed off behind Billaway and Vaucelet at Punchestown last April but does have a verdict over the latter and also pushed him to a neck at Down Royal in December (3m, soft; steady pace was no help to the winner); prone to his off days but the ability is there to have some say and cheekpieces (last used in 2020) now return.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

13th Jun 2026

Good

2m 3f 100y

15:45 Downpatrick

Dorking Cock

11st 12lb

J: John Shinnick

T: S R B Crawford

3-20 over fences but no win of any description since November 2023; soundly beaten in a hunter chase here in May (3m5f, good to yielding); others make more appeal.

18/1

4th

3

22nd May 2026

Good To Yielding

3m 4f 165y

20:00 Downpatrick

Dorking Cock

12st 0lb

J: Mr S Connor

T: S R B Crawford

Has won three over hurdles and fences; ran well at times in defeat in points and hunter chases last season but has to do much better today.

12/1

Form: 22

Last run: 294 days

W: 12st 0lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 115

Form & Verdict
Just the two runs over regulation fences, finishing second over C&D last April and again going close at Stratford the following month (both on good); won't be disgraced if repeating either of those efforts and it was a doddle in his recent points.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13

2nd May 2025

Good

4m 0f 97y

Class 4

19:30 Cheltenham

Go Go Geronimo

11st 12lb

J: Mr Tom Chatfeild-Roberts

T: Kelly Morgan

Struggled in last month's Aintree Foxhunters' but his sights are lowered here and he's largely consistent in points/hunter chases; suited by a marathon trip on good ground; might be the answer.

16/1

13

2nd May 2025

Good

4m 0f 97y

Class 4

19:30 Cheltenham

Go Go Geronimo

11st 12lb

J: Mr Tom Chatfeild-Roberts

T: Kelly Morgan

Struggled in last month's Aintree Foxhunters' but his sights are lowered here and he's largely consistent in points/hunter chases; suited by a marathon trip on good ground; might be the answer.

16/1

18th

13

3rd Apr 2025

Good To Soft

2m 5f 19y

Class 2

16:05 Aintree

Go Go Geronimo

12st 0lb

J: Mr Tom Chatfeild-Roberts

T: Kelly Morgan

Likeably consistent but it was his fifth defeat in hunter chases when beaten in a small field at Fakenham 20 days ago (first-time visor).

100/1

Form: 3156-1

Last run: 24 days

W: 12st 0lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 130

Form & Verdict
Pretty useful on his day for Olly Murphy and has won both his starts for Alan Hill, a 3m point and 2m7f hunter chase at Taunton when runner-up Not That Fuisse was perhaps unlucky; stamina might be stretched to the limit over this far on softer ground.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

2

2nd Jun 2023

Good

2m 4f 205y

Class 4

19:35 Stratford

I K Brunel

12st 3lb

J: Miss Izzie Marshall

T: Alan Hill

raced in last

4/1

13

13th Apr 2023

Good To Soft

2m 5f 19y

Class 2

16:05 Aintree

I K Brunel

12st 0lb

J: Miss Izzie Marshall

T: Alan Hill

Beat Not That Fuisse in good style at Taunton in February; stumbled and unseated before halfway at Cheltenham last month; 80-1 then but wasn't a forlorn hope going into that race, nor is he for this.

33/1

11

17th Mar 2023

Soft

3m 2f 70y

Class 2

16:10 Cheltenham

I K Brunel

12st 0lb

J: Miss Izzie Marshall

T: Alan Hill

Pretty useful on his day for Olly Murphy and has won both his starts for Alan Hill, a 3m point and 2m7f hunter chase at Taunton when runner-up Not That Fuisse was perhaps unlucky; stamina might be stretched to the limit over this far on softer ground.

40/1

Form: 0/33-P

Last run: 322 days

W: 12st 0lb

12 yo Gelding

OR: 126

Form & Verdict
Remote sixth in this two years ago but ran a lot better last year when third, having got competitive a good way out with runner-up Winged Leader; another year older now, though, and hasn't been in the same form since leaving Gordon Elliott.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

14

17th Mar 2023

Soft

3m 2f 70y

Class 2

16:10 Cheltenham

Mighty Stowaway

12st 0lb

J: Mr Ben Sutton

T: Alan Hill

Remote sixth in this two years ago but ran a lot better last year when third, having got competitive a good way out with runner-up Winged Leader; another year older now, though, and hasn't been in the same form since leaving Gordon Elliott.

66/1

Form: /82-22

Last run: 41 days

W: 12st 0lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 123

Form & Verdict
Useful novice hurdler when with Gordon Elliott but hasn't reached the same heights over fences; finished second at the hunter chase meeting here last April but was beaten fair and square by Not That Fuisse at Wetherby last month.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

4

10th Sep 2023

Good

3m 1f 210y

Class 4

15:03 Fontwell

Moratorium

11st 2lb

J: Liam Harrison

T: Gary Brown

5-8 in points; 0-13 over regulation fences but gave pretty good account when second in Newton Abbot hunter chase (3m2f, good) in May and probably won't be far away if in similar form in this handicap; now in the care of Gary Brown (same owner).

4/1

2nd

6

17th May 2023

Soft

3m 1f 170y

Class 5

16:55 Newton Abbot

Moratorium

12st 0lb

J: Mr Myles Osborne

T: M Osborne

took keen hold, prominent, pressed leader from 4th

6/1

3rd

7

5th May 2023

Good

3m 1f 56y

Class 4

18:00 Cheltenham

Moratorium

12st 0lb

J: Mr Myles Osborne

T: M Osborne

in touch with leaders, pushed along from 6th, ridden after 15th, went fourth after 4 out, hit 3 out, went third run-in, no match for first two

7/1

Form: 03510- D

Last run: 344 days

W: 12st 0lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 130

Form & Verdict
Made all in a weak point three weeks ago but very opposable at this level on the balance of his form these past 12 months.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

16

2nd May 2025

Good

4m 0f 97y

Class 4

19:30 Cheltenham

Myth Buster

11st 12lb

J: Miss Lily Bradstock

T: Miss L A N Bradstock

Rarely seen under rules in recent years but has a 4m point win on his CV and ran a big race in defeat in 4m1f open at Sheriff Hutton (good) last month; shortlisted.

10/1

16

2nd May 2025

Good

4m 0f 97y

Class 4

19:30 Cheltenham

Myth Buster

11st 12lb

J: Miss Lily Bradstock

T: Miss L A N Bradstock

Rarely seen under rules in recent years but has a 4m point win on his CV and ran a big race in defeat in 4m1f open at Sheriff Hutton (good) last month; shortlisted.

10/1

Form: 11-412 BF

Last run: 24 days

W: 12st 0lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 134

Form & Verdict
Good handicapper who wasn't beaten far in the Grand Annual here in 2021; has accrued plenty of hunter chase experience but he couldn't hold a candle to Vaucelet at Stratford last May and has others to worry about.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

2

5th May 2023

Good

2m 4f 127y

Class 5

20:17 Cheltenham

Not That Fuisse

12st 4lb

J: Miss Heidi Palin

T: Dan Skelton

Successful in small fields in four of his nine hunter chases, the wins on good and good to soft; ran respectably when seventh in the Aintree Foxhunters' (2m5f) three weeks ago and had useful form at this track at earlier stages of his career; should be on the premises.

7/2

7th

19

13th Apr 2023

Good To Soft

2m 5f 19y

Class 2

16:05 Aintree

Not That Fuisse

12st 0lb

J: Mr Jack Andrews

T: Dan Skelton

Successful in half of his eight hunter chase attempts; beaten by I K Brunel at Taunton last month but may reverse those places with Jack Andrews taking over from a novice rider; stable also runs Bennys King.

25/1

17

17th Mar 2023

Soft

3m 2f 70y

Class 2

16:10 Cheltenham

Not That Fuisse

12st 0lb

J: Mr Jack Andrews

T: Dan Skelton

Good handicapper who wasn't beaten far in the Grand Annual here in 2021; has accrued plenty of hunter chase experience but he couldn't hold a candle to Vaucelet at Stratford last May and has others to worry about.

33/1

Form: 01/611

Last run: 28 days

W: 12st 0lb

11 yo Gelding

OR: 144

Form & Verdict
Off for 650 days after beating Clan Des Obeaux in a Grade 2 chase at Newbury in February 2021; although not the same force now judged on this season's exploits, he has won both his hunter chases without too much fuss, making all; that's very much his style of racing, however, and assured competition for the lead tempers enthusiasm; cheekpieces are a first.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

2

22nd Mar 2024

Good To Soft

2m 7f 86y

Class 5

14:00 Newbury

Secret Investor

12st 6lb

J: Miss Natalie Parker

T: Paul Nicholls

Lightly raced since beating top-notcher Clan Des Obeaux in the Grade 2 Denman here just over three years ago (on good to soft); nothing like as good now but remains prolific in hunter chases and soft ground was against him when a lucky winner at Fakenham last month (Tigerbythetail going best when departing); runs here having bypassed Cheltenham but he wouldn't want the forecast light rain to be anything heavier than that.

5/2

1st

3

16th Feb 2024

Soft

3m 0f 38y

Class 5

16:15 Fakenham

Secret Investor

12st 6lb

J: Miss Natalie Parker

T: Paul Nicholls

Quality performer back in the day and still prolific in hunter chases, winning four last year including the Horse & Hound Cup at Stratford (3m3f, good) the final time when accounting for a talented Northern Irish raider; likes goodish ground but can handle soft; one to beat.

11/10

1st

7

2nd Jun 2023

Good

3m 3f 119y

Class 2

19:05 Stratford

Secret Investor

12st 0lb

J: Miss Natalie Parker

T: Paul Nicholls

prominent, pressed leader before 15th

4/1

Form: 5/7P-7 C

Last run: 81 days

W: 12st 0lb

12 yo Gelding

OR: 155

Form & Verdict
Won a handicap chase at this meeting in 2018 and very nearly took the Pertemps Final in 2020; good to see him still doing the business in points and he clearly failed to give his running behind Vaucelet at Down Royal in December (favourite); odds-on defeat on latest start reduces his appeal but returning here might get his competitive juices flowing; cheekpieces on for the first time.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

22

17th Mar 2023

Soft

3m 2f 70y

Class 2

16:10 Cheltenham

The Storyteller

12st 0lb

J: Mr J J Codd

T: Gordon Elliott

Won a handicap chase at this meeting in 2018 and very nearly took the Pertemps Final in 2020; good to see him still doing the business in points and he clearly failed to give his running behind Vaucelet at Down Royal in December (favourite); odds-on defeat on latest start reduces his appeal but returning here might get his competitive juices flowing; cheekpieces on for the first time.

14/1

7th

9

26th Dec 2022

Good To Yielding

3m 0f 0y

14:33 Down Royal

The Storyteller

12st 0lb

J: Mr J J Codd

T: Gordon Elliott

Grade One C&D winner has made an excellent start to life as a 'Pointer', winning all three starts, latest with a nice bit left in the locker from Some Are Lucky; fits into the 'class is permanent' type of category, and could have a bit too much firepower for his rivals here, albeit a hot affair.

5/2

Form: /3-125 D

Last run: 67 days

W: 12st 0lb

13 yo Gelding

OR: 117

Form & Verdict
Competitive in hunter chases at Newton Abbot last May but those were meek races and he's performed moderately in two runs following a break; outclassed in this company.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

2

17th May 2023

Soft

3m 1f 170y

Class 5

16:55 Newton Abbot

Wotzizname

12st 4lb

J: Miss Megan Bevan

T: Mrs Diane Ward

towards rear, in touch with leaders after 6th, prominent after 9th, towards rear before 12th, soon shaken up

8/1

3rd

4

11th Apr 2023

Good To Soft

3m 0f 54y

Class 5

16:15 Exeter

Wotzizname

12st 2lb

J: Miss Megan Bevan

T: Mrs Diane Ward

Easy 3m2f hunter chase win at Newton Abbot last May came against one other rival; not in much form earlier in 2023 before pulled up at the Cheltenham Festival (200-1; hampered); has work to do here as well.

20/1

24

17th Mar 2023

Soft

3m 2f 70y

Class 2

16:10 Cheltenham

Wotzizname

12st 0lb

J: Miss Megan Bevan

T: Mrs D Ward

Competitive in hunter chases at Newton Abbot last May but those were meek races and he's performed moderately in two runs following a break; outclassed in this company.

200/1

Non-runners

Not That Fuisse

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £1942.10
Straight Forecast £1352.47
Tricast £59185.51
Trifecta £26440.90

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Vaucelet

WEST COUNTRY:

Famous Clermont

POSTDATA:

Secret Investor

LAMBOURN:

Bob And Co

TOPSPEED:

Cat Tiger

Daily Mirror:

Billaway

Daily Record:

Brain Power

RP Ratings:

Vaucelet

The Times:

Vaucelet

Daily Mail:

Vaucelet

D Express:

Vaucelet

The Sun:

Vaucelet

The Star:

Famous Clermont

The Guardian:

Secret Investor

Telegraph:

Bob And Co