March 23 / 15.45 Chepstow

15.45

Soft

Ashcroft Services Handicap Hurdle

  • Prize money: £6337.2
  • 2m 3f 100y
  • Class 5
  • 15 runners
SKY
View Course
Ashcroft Services Handicap Hurdle

Runners: 15 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Light rain

14/1 (Won)

  • Win: £10.00
  • Place: £3.10

Form: P-4U1P

Last run: 51 days

W: 11st 0lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 91

Form & Verdict
Opened hurdling account at eighth attempt, in first-time visor at Plumpton (2m4f, soft) in January, but ran poorly later that month (reportedly made a respiratory noise) and needs to bounce back here.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9

31st Jan 2025

Soft

2m 3f 110y

Class 4

16:18 Lingfield

Bert Wilson

10st 2lb

J: Lorcan Murtagh

T: Nigel Hawke

Both wins early in 2023; last season was disappointing but he's since had wind surgery (second time) and is 3lb below his last winning mark.

25/1

9

31st Jan 2025

Soft

2m 3f 110y

Class 4

16:18 Lingfield

Bert Wilson

10st 2lb

J: Lorcan Murtagh

T: Nigel Hawke

jumped slightly right throughout, pressed leader, briefly led before 2 out, soon weakened, pulled up approaching last

25/1

OUR TIP

9/4

  • Place: £1.80

Form: 931111 D

Last run: 40 days

W: 11st 13lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 104

Form & Verdict
Very progressive and has won four in a row this year (2m4f-2m5f; ground ranging from good to soft to heavy); up another 8lb since last time but it's hard to tell when his improvement will level off; commands respect.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

8th May 2023

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 4

16:50 Worcester

Barrier Peaks

11st 3lb

J: Jack Tudor

T: David Pipe

Chancing his arm at 3m2f didn't come off last month but previously in fine form this year, winning first four starts at about 2m5f (heavy and good to soft) then running at least as well in defeat at Chepstow in March; should go well again if latest run hasn't taken the sting out of him.

11/2

3rd

4

8th Apr 2023

Heavy

3m 2f 105y

Class 4

14:50 Newton Abbot

Barrier Peaks

11st 9lb

J: Fergus Gillard

T: David Pipe

prominent in chasing group

11/4

2nd

3

23rd Mar 2023

Soft

2m 3f 100y

Class 5

15:45 Chepstow

Barrier Peaks

11st 13lb

J: Fergus Gillard

T: David Pipe

midfield

9/4

14/1

  • Place: £2.00

Form: 8-2288 D

Last run: 51 days

W: 11st 12lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 103

Form & Verdict
Runner-up on chasing debut in November but soundly beaten twice since (cheekpieces added last time) and now reverts to hurdling; needs to get back on track but his current mark ought to be workable.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

4th Jun 2026

Good

2m 4f 189y

Class 4

16:30 Uttoxeter

Immortal Fame

12st 0lb

J: James Bowen

T: Deborah Cole

2m4f winner here over hurdles and fences with a little give underfoot, and possible excuses on both starts since his most recent success elsewhere (holding ground, pace battle); remains above any winning mark.

7/1

4th

2

1st Apr 2026

Good

3m 0f 60y

Class 4

16:30 Southwell

Immortal Fame

11st 13lb

J: Jonjo O’Neill Jr

T: Deborah Cole

Five-time hurdle winner who has raced exclusively over fences since joining Deborah Cole in the middle of 2024, scoring a further four times, including over 2m4f here last season; off the mark for the current campaign when shading a close finish at Market Rasen (3m, soft) in February but pulled up when favourite at Hereford since and now back over timber.

9/1

1

22nd Feb 2026

Soft

3m 1f 44y

Class 4

15:10 Hereford

Immortal Fame

12st 0lb

J: James Bowen

T: Deborah Cole

Three wins last term; got off the mark for the season when winning by a head at Market Rasen last time (3m, soft; first two clear); up 3lb; chance.

11/4

Form: -06024

Last run: 21 days

W: 10st 2lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 78

Form & Verdict
Second to progressive stablemate on handicap debut at Ffos Las (2m, soft) in December and didn't have race run to suit when very respectable fourth at Ludlow (2m, good) three weeks ago; slightly out of the weights here but bred to be suited by the step up in trip; high on the list.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6

16th Oct 2025

Good

2m 7f 191y

Class 4

16:22 Ffos Las

Weavers Answer

11st 1lb

J: James Bowen

T: Tim Vaughan

Placed on final three outings last season, most recently when third of ten at Taunton (3m, good) in March; remains on career-high mark for this reappearance but won't be far away if fully tuned up.

5/1

3rd

1

10th Mar 2025

Good To Soft

2m 7f 198y

Class 5

16:10 Taunton

Weavers Answer

12st 0lb

J: Alan Johns

T: Tim Vaughan

Back on track with two good seconds this winter, the latter at Lingfield (2m7f, soft) last month, and ought to handle the faster ground here; can make his presence felt again.

4/1

2nd

3

20th Feb 2025

Soft

2m 7f 0y

Class 5

16:05 Lingfield

Weavers Answer

11st 10lb

J: Alan Johns

T: Tim Vaughan

Dual hurdle winner who got back on track with a second at Hereford (3m2f, good to soft) in December and the first three pulled well clear in that race; looks interesting off unchanged mark and he's still unexposed as a stayer.

7/2

Form: 4-52U9

Last run: 55 days

W: 12st 1lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 106

Form & Verdict
Bumper winner who was second in a maiden hurdle in November; unable to justify prominence in the betting when midfield on handicap debut at Huntingdon (2m4f good to soft) in January but remains unexposed.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

8

26th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 7f 171y

Class 3

14:07 Ludlow

Rockinastorm

10st 10lb

J: David Bass

T: Henry Daly

Dual course winner (3m/3m1f); not beaten far when fifth of six in C&D (good to soft) contest won by Ballycamus in December and didn't run badly in competitive Windsor marathon last month; can't be ignored off this mark.

6/1

7th

9

18th Jan 2026

Soft

3m 4f 162y

Class 3

15:35 Windsor

Rockinastorm

11st 8lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Henry Daly

Front-runner who won two in a row in late 2024 (3m1f/3m, good/soft), on the second occasion off today's mark, and he ran pretty well over 3m4f at Haydock last March; hasn't run badly on either outing this season but needs something extra this afternoon.

20/1

11

24th Oct 2025

Good

3m 1f 0y

Class 3

16:45 Cheltenham

Rockinastorm

11st 6lb

J: Mr P W Mullins

T: Henry Daly

Dual chase winner towards end of 2024 (3m1f/3m); only third of four behind Regarde at Haydock (3m4f, good) in March but wasn't beaten far; resumes on a workable mark and with Patrick Mullins a good jockey booking.

9/1

Form: -96336

Last run: 15 days

W: 11st 4lb

6 yo Mare

OR: 95

Form & Verdict
Struggled when upped to 3m2f for handicap debut a fortnight ago but was placed twice in novice company over 2m beforehand and still has scope to build on those performances over today's intermediate trip.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

8

15th Mar 2026

Soft

2m 3f 100y

Class 3

15:55 Chepstow

Casts Tasha

10st 9lb

J: Ben Jones

T: Ben Clarke

Had a near miss at Leicester in December (2m4f, soft) but now has to bounce back from three lesser efforts; wears a first-time visor.

20/1

7th

5

17th Feb 2026

2m 4f 118y

Class 4

16:30 Newbury

Casts Tasha

11st 13lb

J: Toby McCain-Mitchell

T: Ben Clarke

Has performed moderately the last twice but her near miss behind One Eye On Vegas at Leicester in December (2m4f, soft) brings her into this; hard to be confident about her chances, though.

25/1

5th

2

30th Jan 2026

Heavy

1m 7f 182y

Class 4

16:00 Ffos Las

Casts Tasha

12st 1lb

J: Toby McCain-Mitchell

T: Ben Clarke

Campaigned mostly over further (stays 2m6f); ran poorly last time, failing to back up her reappearance effort; 2-2 at Ffos Las but this drop back in trip presents a question mark.

10/1

Form: 4P5P4B CD

Last run: 4 days

W: 10st 12lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 89

Form & Verdict
Unlucky to be brought down early in a chase here on Sunday and now makes a quick reappearance; badly out of form over fences this season but has a C&D hurdle win on his CV and lurks on a dangerous mark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

30th Mar 2023

Soft

2m 0f 12y

Class 5

16:25 Taunton

Treasure Dillon

11st 2lb

J: Adam Wedge

T: Evan Williams

Point/hurdles winner whose chase record is far from solid; below par back hurdling last week; however, along with stablemate Prime Pretender he's running in a first-time visor, which may help.

4/1

7th

10

23rd Mar 2023

Soft

2m 3f 100y

Class 5

15:45 Chepstow

Treasure Dillon

10st 12lb

J: Adam Wedge

T: Evan Williams

in touch with leaders

14/1

12

19th Mar 2023

Soft

2m 3f 98y

Class 5

16:25 Chepstow

Treasure Dillon

10st 12lb

J: Adam Wedge

T: Evan Williams

Two wins over hurdles, one of them here and one on testing ground; hopelessly out of sorts in 2m chases this winter but he's dropped 19lb in the weights and the return to a more suitable trip, as well as the return of cheekpieces (worn for both wins) point to a better run being on the cards.

8/1

Form: 060/95

Last run: 66 days

W: 10st 2lb

6 yo Mare

OR: 72

Form & Verdict
Ridden very patiently in rear before keeping on for never-dangerous fifth on handicap debut at Hereford (2m, soft) in January; effectively 4lb higher from out of the weights here but combination of longer trip and first-time tongue-tie may unlock improvement; not ruled out.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11

13th Jun 2024

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 5

17:50 Worcester

Call Me Sainte

10st 2lb

J: David Noonan

T: Nigel Hawke

Modest fifth on chasing debut at Ffos Las (19.5f, heavy) in April and now 0-12 under all codes; may appreciate this better ground but is 1lb wrong and has a tough task.

20/1

5th

8

16th Apr 2024

Heavy

2m 3f 83y

Class 5

15:05 Ffos Las

Call Me Sainte

10st 2lb

J: David Noonan

T: Nigel Hawke

Has struggled in her handicap hurdles and goes chasing from a long way out of the weights.

50/1

5th

8

16th Apr 2024

Heavy

2m 3f 83y

Class 5

15:05 Ffos Las

Call Me Sainte

10st 2lb

J: David Noonan

T: Nigel Hawke

Has struggled in her handicap hurdles and goes chasing from a long way out of the weights.

50/1

Form: 582583

Last run: 10 days

W: 10st 2lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 69

Form & Verdict
Gave good account when keeping-on third at Taunton (3m, good to soft) ten days ago but is 7lb higher from out of the weights here and his hurdling strike-rate is 0-15.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

10

28th Jun 2024

Good

3m 0f 30y

Class 4

17:40 Bangor-on-Dee

Justshortofabubble

10st 10lb

J: Ben Jones

T: Grace Harris

Three-time chase winner (including C&D), but he's been well held over fences and hurdles in last three runs; made a mistake at a crucial stage at Southwell last time but he needs to get right back near his best on this return to fences.

8/1

8th

10

11th Jun 2024

Good

3m 0f 60y

Class 5

18:05 Southwell

Justshortofabubble

10st 11lb

J: Ben Jones

T: Grace Harris

held up in rear

13/2

4th

8

28th May 2024

Good To Soft

2m 7f 32y

Class 5

18:55 Bangor-on-Dee

Justshortofabubble

10st 11lb

J: Ben Jones

T: Grace Harris

Three chase wins last season, the latest gained at Taunton (2m7f, good to soft) in November; has 6lb lower hurdle mark but remains without a win in this discipline after 17 attempts and tends to need his first run back from a break (absent since December); others make more appeal.

6/1

Form: 080407

Last run: 13 days

W: 11st 0lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 91

Form & Verdict
0-11 over hurdles when trained in Ireland and well beaten on both recent starts for new yard (2m3f/2m5f); considered only if lively in the betting.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

4th Jun 2026

Good

2m 3f 207y

Class 5

16:00 Uttoxeter

Hillsin

12st 0lb

J: James Turner

T: Alan Jones

The consistency of his summer 2024 campaign has long deserted him, the return to the mark of October's Exeter win (2m2f, good to firm) owed to three poor runs since; others convince more.

25/1

5

6th May 2026

Good

2m 5f 164y

Class 5

17:42 Fontwell

Hillsin

11st 12lb

J: James Turner

T: Alan Jones

Won in a small field at Exeter (2m2f, good to firm) in October but holding his form is becoming troublesome; risky enough.

10/1

1

21st Oct 2025

Good To Firm

2m 2f 111y

Class 5

16:30 Exeter

Hillsin

12st 0lb

J: Mr Edward Vaughan

T: Alan Jones

Won three in a row for Alan Jones in 2024 and now returns to former trainer after three defeats for Richard Hawker, which included one placed effort; nothing wrong with his mark.

6/4

10/1

Form: 47063

Last run: 26 days

W: 11st 10lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 101

Form & Verdict
Unexposed 5yo who has improved with experience over hurdles and kept on for respectable third in C&D (good to soft) maiden last month; could easily have more to offer in handicaps; one to consider.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

7

21st Feb 2026

Soft

2m 0f 16y

Class 3

16:13 Chepstow

Ito Ditto

11st 0lb

J: James Best

T: Nicky Martin

Very progressive in 2023-24 season (gained two of his three wins over C&D) but lightly raced (mainly over fences) and very disappointing since; current ability hard to gauge; market may guide.

14/1

5th

2

31st Dec 2024

Good To Soft

2m 4f 0y

Class 4

15:05 Uttoxeter

Ito Ditto

11st 12lb

J: James Bowen

T: Nicky Martin

Won three times over hurdles last season (2m-2m3f) but stopped quickly and was pulled up in both chases this autumn, so it takes a big leap of faith to support him here; hood refitted.

16/1

5th

2

31st Dec 2024

Good To Soft

2m 4f 0y

Class 4

15:05 Uttoxeter

Ito Ditto

11st 12lb

J: James Bowen

T: Nicky Martin

Won three times over hurdles last season (2m-2m3f) but stopped quickly and was pulled up in both chases this autumn, so it takes a big leap of faith to support him here; hood refitted.

16/1

Form: 3P08

Last run: 31 days

W: 11st 4lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 95

Form & Verdict
Useful Flat-racer who won three times in France; soundly beaten all four hurdling starts this season (2m3f-3m) but could be very dangerous off opening handicap mark if a chunk of his Flat ability can be transferred.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

2

(4)

18th Oct 2023

Soft

1m 6f 0y

Class 4

16:35 Bath

Merveillo

9st 8lb

J: Shane Kelly

T: Jonjo O’Neill

Won 1m4f Listed race (very soft) in France during 2021; wasn't beaten far in a better race than this over 2m at Haydock last spring but he's generally struggled under both codes since and was tailed off back at Haydock (1m7f, heavy) 18 days ago; lots to prove.

40/1

5th

3

(2)

30th Sep 2023

Soft

1m 6f 0y

Class 4

17:35 Haydock

Merveillo

10st 1lb

J: Rob Hornby

T: Jonjo O’Neill

Won 1m4f Listed race in France during 2021; wasn't beaten far in a better race than this over 2m (good) on this track in May 2022 but all at sea over hurdles since and that mark is now lower than his Flat one; no joy at Goodwood recently and has it to prove at present.

20/1

8th

6

(3)

5th Sep 2023

Soft

2m 0f 0y

Class 2

15:20 Goodwood

Merveillo

9st 5lb

J: Kieran Shoemark

T: Jonjo O’Neill

Listed winner on Flat in France; 0-12 in Britain, mostly over hurdles (well held off modest marks the last twice); well treated on best form in this sphere but is by no means guaranteed to reproduce it.

16/1

Form: 42-566

Last run: 42 days

W: 12st 2lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 107

Form & Verdict
Ex-French 5yo; safely held on all three British starts but last month's sixth of 14 at Ffos Las (2m4f, good to soft) was quite encouraging and it won't be a big surprise if he comes good for Venetia Williams soon.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

0

6

31st Jan 2024

Good To Soft

2m 4f 25y

Class 3

15:55 Leicester

Oxygen

11st 2lb

J: Charlie Deutsch

T: Venetia Williams

Looked an exciting prospect (on the back of a wind op) when landing 2m4f handicap chases at Lingfield and Plumpton this winter but he beat only one at Plumpton last time; he remains with potential though and shouldn't be written off by any means.

3/1

4th

5

7th Jan 2024

Soft

2m 3f 164y

Class 3

13:15 Plumpton

Oxygen

10st 6lb

J: Charlie Deutsch

T: Venetia Williams

Ex-French 6yo; unplaced all four hurdling starts for Venetia Williams last season but, following a wind op, is 2-2 since switched back to chasing this term, the latter win over C&D (good to soft) three weeks ago; should be fine on today's slower ground and has plenty of scope for further progress.

9/4

Form: 700-58 D

Last run: 10 days

W: 10st 2lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 77

Form & Verdict
Chase and dual hurdle winner when trained in France but has struggled to get seriously competitive in Britain; tongue-tie/blinkers refitted today; 2lb out of the weights.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

12

22nd Dec 2023

Heavy

2m 3f 207y

Class 5

13:05 Uttoxeter

Portentoso

10st 6lb

J: Elizabeth Gale

T: Chris Honour

Needs to bounce back from disappointing run 26 days ago but bumped into progressive rival when clear second of 17 on last month's seasonal debut at Chepstow (2m3f, heavy; well backed), and is a major player if judged on that performance.

7/1

0

12

26th Nov 2023

Good To Soft

2m 5f 137y

Class 5

15:45 Exeter

Portentoso

10st 6lb

J: Bryan Carver

T: Chris Honour

0-10 in Britain and is more exposed than some of these rivals; however, showed positive signs at Chepstow (2m3f, heavy; clear second) on seasonal debut and holds a fighting chance if able to build on that effort.

9/2

2nd

15

8th Nov 2023

Heavy

2m 3f 100y

Class 5

15:50 Chepstow

Portentoso

10st 2lb

J: Elizabeth Gale

T: Chris Honour

pressed leader, led 4th, increased tempo going easily before 3 out

20/1

Form: PP-PPP CD

Last run: 75 days

W: 10st 2lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 75

Form & Verdict
Scored over C&D off much higher mark in November 2021 but pulled up on last five appearances (three hurdles, two chases) and urgently needs to stop the rot; cheekpieces the headgear of choice today.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8

24th Mar 2023

Good To Soft

2m 4f 194y

Class 5

15:50 Hereford

Kenyan Cowboy

10st 7lb

J: Max Kendrick

T: Neil King

Won over hurdles in 2021 but has badly lost his way since last winter; pulled up over hurdles in refitted cheekpieces at Chepstow yesterday.

33/1

13

23rd Mar 2023

Soft

2m 3f 100y

Class 5

15:45 Chepstow

Kenyan Cowboy

10st 2lb

J: Max Kendrick

T: Neil King

led

33/1

Non-runners

Oxygen, Portentoso

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £46.90
Straight Forecast £34.59
Tricast £291.08
Trifecta £599.70

Selections

POSTDATA:

Barrier Peaks

The Times:

Ito Ditto

SPOTLIGHT:

Weaver's Answer

Daily Mirror:

Immortal Fame

The Guardian:

Ito Ditto

Daily Mail:

Ito Ditto

Daily Record:

Ito Ditto

RP Ratings:

Weaver's Answer

WEST COUNTRY:

Barrier Peaks

Telegraph:

Barrier Peaks

D Express:

Barrier Peaks

The Sun:

Barrier Peaks

The Star:

Barrier Peaks