April 15 / 18.20 Aintree

18.20

Good To Soft

Weatherbys nhstallions.co.uk Standard Open National Hunt Flat Race (Grade 2) (GBB Race)

  • Prize money: £28135
  • 2m 0f 209y
  • Class 1
  • 20 runners
RTV
View Course
Weatherbys nhstallions.co.uk Standard Open National Hunt Flat Race (Grade 2) (GBB Race)

Runners: 20 runners

Type: NH Flat

Surface: Turf

Weather: Partly cloudy

14/1 (Won)

  • Win: £21.50
  • Place: £5.80

Form: 1

Last run: 102 days

W: 11st 6lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Came from towards the rear to lead inside the final furlong at Musselburgh (soft; 11-1) in January, winning with plenty in hand; interesting to see him pitched in at the deep end on just his second start and he has to be respected.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

1

(4)

25th Jun 2026

Good

1m 1f 35y

Class 4

20:00 Hamilton

Florida Dreams

10st 2lb

J: Mikey Sheehy

T: Sandy Thomson

Grade 2 bumper winner in 2023; useful hurdler subsequently; he's run okay recently over about 1m3f on his first two Flat starts but will be of greater interest when tackling further in handicaps.

7/1

3rd

1

(5)

10th Jun 2026

Good

1m 3f 15y

Class 3

19:30 Hamilton

Florida Dreams

10st 2lb

J: Kevin Stott

T: Sandy Thomson

Grade 2 bumper winner in April 2023, who also won twice over hurdles (2m) for Nicky Richards; 22-1, lacked the pace to challenge when fifth of nine on Flat debut at Haydock (11.5f, soft; Yafreh about 1l ahead in fourth) three weeks ago; likely to be seen in a better light once handicapping.

8/1

5th

3

(2)

21st May 2026

Soft

1m 3f 140y

Class 3

14:30 Haydock

Florida Dreams

10st 2lb

J: Kevin Stott

T: Sandy Thomson

Grade 2 bumper winner at Aintree in April 2023; well beaten over hurdles on last two starts (stable debut latest) but he's shown some useful form in that code and is an interesting contender on this Flat debut.

12/1

6/1

  • Place: £1.90

Form: 2-321 D

Last run: 23 days

W: 11st 6lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
One of two runners from the Willie Mullins stable; showed some improvement to build on three frame finishes when scoring at Cork (heavy; 5-4 favourite) last month, always travelling powerfully; this is a sterner assignment but he's a useful prospect and impossible to rule out.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

1

28th Jun 2026

Good

2m 7f 70y

Class 2

16:03 Uttoxeter

Blizzard Of Oz

12st 0lb

J: Jack O’Neill

T: Faye Bramley

Well treated on best chase form for Willie Mullins and is a three-time hurdles winner; sold for £39,000 since last run; interesting on debut for Faye Bramley, who has done well with recruits from other stables (including ex-Closutton runners).

7/1

5th

1

25th May 2026

Good

2m 2f 72y

16:30 Ballinrobe

Blizzard Of Oz

11st 8lb

J: J J Slevin

T: W P Mullins

146-rated chaser; decent strike rate of 3-6 over hurdles; won on testing ground at Tipperary (2m7f, sft-hvy) on penultimate but pulled up in Fairyhouse Grade 2 on latest (2m4f, yld-sft); acts on better ground but this trip may be on the sharp side; place shout.

11/2

4

6th Apr 2026

Yielding To Soft

2m 3f 180y

15:50 Fairyhouse

Blizzard Of Oz

11st 3lb

J: Danny Mullins

T: W P Mullins

Got his career back on track on returning to hurdles at Thurles (2m7f, soft to heavy), but that was still beneath his peak form and Paul Townend deserts him for Storm Heart.

12/1

12/1

  • Place: £7.10

Form: 11-2

Last run: 28 days

W: 11st 6lb

6 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Clearcut winner of two French AQPS races in autumn 2021 and failed by only 1l to make it 3-3 at Uttoxeter (soft; 17-2; best work late on) four weeks ago; doesn't have much to find on that form and is not ruled out by any means.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6

3rd May 2025

Yielding

3m 7f 68y

15:05 Punchestown

Hasthing

11st 1lb

J: Richie McLernon

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

held up in rear, not fluent 6th

12/1

6

3rd May 2025

Yielding

3m 7f 68y

15:05 Punchestown

Hasthing

11st 1lb

J: Richie McLernon

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

held up in rear, not fluent 6th

12/1

Form: 114 D

Last run: 63 days

W: 11st 6lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
From a useful family and successful in double-figure fields at Uttoxeter (good) and Warwick (soft; got up close home) on his first two outings; done for speed when only fourth of eight to Aslukgoes in Listed race at Newbury (good) in February, but more testing conditions today should play to his strengths and he's not without a hope of turning the tables on that rival.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

1

21st Apr 2026

Soft

2m 3f 83y

Class 4

17:42 Ffos Las

Bowenspark

12st 1lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Henry Daly

Came good over fences with small-field win at Uttoxeter (2m4f, good to soft) in February but was not in the same form on his latest outing and ran poorly the only previous time he wore cheekpieces; others look safer.

8/1

5th

4

28th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 0y

Class 3

15:08 Uttoxeter

Bowenspark

11st 2lb

J: Stan Sheppard

T: Henry Daly

Dual bumper and hurdle winner; mixed results in his first three runs over fences but he really got his act together when justifying favouritism at Bangor (2m5f, soft) last month; that was a four-runner race but he forged clear in the closing stages and a 6lb rise looks fair; shortlisted.

9/4

1st

3

25th Feb 2026

Soft

2m 4f 72y

Class 4

17:00 Bangor-on-Dee

Bowenspark

11st 5lb

J: Stan Sheppard

T: Henry Daly

Useful bumper horse and hurdler but has always struggled with consistency, a pattern that's threatening to continue over fences; however, if in the same form as when second to a sharp improver at Southwell two runs back (2m4f, good to soft; fine on soft) he'd have every chance.

5/1

OUR TIP

Form: 1 D

Last run: 110 days

W: 11st 6lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Out of a sister to Marello, who was unbeaten in three bumpers and high class over hurdles; promising in his own right, following a comfortable point win with a last-gasp success in a bumper at Leopardstown (soft; 4-1; front two well clear) on Boxing Day; already useful on the figures and has plenty of untapped potential.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6

18th Jul 2026

Good

2m 5f 89y

Class 1

14:45 Market Rasen

Pour Les Filles

10st 13lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Mickey Bowen

Ex-Gordon Elliott; made a successful handicap chase debut for this yard at Ffos Las (2m3f, soft) in January but up and down since, with recent thirds just okay efforts (latest in this new headgear combination when behind Breizh River); may prefer softer ground ideally.

8/1

3rd

1

28th Jun 2026

Good

2m 5f 34y

Class 2

16:15 Cartmel

Pour Les Filles

12st 0lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Mickey Bowen

A winning hurdler for Gordon Elliott in Ireland, he made a successful handicap chase debut for this yard at Ffos Las (2m3f, soft) in January; reportedly hard to keep right, but he returned to form after three lesser efforts when third of five in returning cheekpieces (retained) over C&D (good) last month; first-time tongue-tie is also applied and he holds claims.

7/1

3rd

1

25th May 2026

Good

2m 5f 34y

Class 3

17:11 Cartmel

Pour Les Filles

12st 0lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Mickey Bowen

Easily won four-runner contest at Ffos Las (2m3f, soft) on stable/chase debut in January but was probably fortunate that day and not much has gone to plan since; never competitive after early jumping errors over the big Aintree fences last month and arrives here with a bit to prove; cheekpieces refitted.

15/2

Form: 211 D

Last run: 47 days

W: 10st 12lb

4 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
All three runs at Ayr; made all in January (heavy) and February (good to soft), with a bit to spare on second occasion; likely to give it his best shot from the front once more but this is a much sterner assignment.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

1

26th Feb 2026

Soft

3m 0f 26y

Class 3

16:10 Wetherby

Esprit Du Potier

12st 0lb

J: Derek Fox

T: Lucinda Russell & Michael Scudamore

He's run with credit this season on two of his three starts since returning from a long absence, returning to form when third of seven at Kelso (2m6f, good to soft) in December; his novice hurdle wins came on heavy ground and he could have more to offer now back up in trip; on the shortlist.

9/1

4th

4

1st Nov 2025

Soft

3m 0f 70y

Class 3

13:58 Ayr

Esprit Du Potier

11st 4lb

J: Derek Fox

T: Lucinda Russell & Michael Scudamore

4-10 under rules, posting a personal best when slamming four rivals in novice hurdle at Newcastle (2m4f, heavy) in March 2024; in much deeper when down the field in Grade 1 novice at Aintree the following month, and has not been seen since; retains potential and will probably stay 3m, so he's quite an interesting candidate despite a lengthy absence.

9/2

14/1

Form: 12/32

Last run: 63 days

W: 11st 6lb

6 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
6yo who ran well after a long absence when third to Bowenspark at Warwick (soft) on New Year's Eve and improved a bit more when second to Aslukgoes in Listed race at Newbury (good) in February; in the mix once again but he'll need more if he's to turn those placed efforts into a win.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

1

12th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

3m 0f 20y

Class 2

13:43 Ayr

Masaccio

12st 0lb

J: Tom Cannon

T: Alan King

Flat-bred gelding who hasn't convinced on two previous attempts at 3m, the latest a Grade 1 novice at Kempton in December; however, he rallied for third at Cheltenham (nearly 2m5f, soft) in January and kept on well when filling the same position in the Plate at the Festival (extended 2m4f, good to soft); worth another go at this trip and could have a part to play.

3/1

1st

1

12th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

3m 0f 20y

Class 2

13:43 Ayr

Masaccio

12st 0lb

J: Tom Cannon

T: Alan King

in touch with leaders

3/1

3rd

9

13th Mar 2025

Good To Soft

2m 4f 127y

Class 1

16:40 Cheltenham

Masaccio

11st 1lb

J: Tom Cannon

T: Alan King

Found immediate improvement for the switch to fences when winning on chase debut at Newbury (2m4f, good) in November; useful, persevering efforts in two good 2m4f races since, on that track and when third to Jagwar in a well-contested C&D handicap, and a truly run race kept to this trip will suit; has win possibilities if fitting cheekpieces brisks him up.

7/1

Form: 1

Last run: 169 days

W: 11st 6lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Beat a well-backed favourite on debut at Uttoxeter (good) in October and that rival went one better at Chepstow over Christmas in runaway style; not seen since (withdrawn from Aslukgoes' Newbury race in February when the ground dried out) but remains a most promising sort; another to consider.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

3

24th Apr 2026

Good

3m 2f 127y

Class 3

14:40 Perth

Go To War

11st 11lb

J: James Bowen

T: Nicky Henderson

After a brief stint over fences he got back on track in beating 14 rivals over 3m at Windsor (soft) under a positive ride; however, there was a further reminder of his inconsistency when he dropped away tamely at Haydock in February; what does heighten interest is a pretty good record when fresh.

8/1

7th

9

14th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 58y

Class 2

15:50 Haydock

Go To War

11st 0lb

J: Brian Hughes

T: Nicky Henderson

Back to form with a bang returned to hurdles when fending off Doughmore Bay in a valuable 3m handicap at Windsor (soft) 27 days ago; allowed to bowl along at the head of affairs in that contest and there's possible competition for the lead from the likes of Red Dirt Road, Stone's Throw and Stay Away Fay here; still no surprise were he to progress again, though.

9/1

1st

14

18th Jan 2026

Soft

3m 0f 0y

Class 2

14:25 Windsor

Go To War

10st 4lb

J: Nico de Boinville

T: Nicky Henderson

Two chase efforts this season leave a doubt over his current form; disappointing in last hurdles attempt so there are enough reasons to oppose him in this competitive race.

20/1

7/1

Form: 1

Last run: 63 days

W: 10st 12lb

4 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Flat-bred gelding from the family of Enable; drew clear closing stages when winning at Naas (yielding; 3-1 favourite) in February; withdrawn from the Champion Bumper at Cheltenham due to soft ground; hard to pin down but with an excellent stable and impossible to discount.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

4

(6)

12th Jul 2025

Good

1m 5f 188y

Class 1

15:45 York

Samui

9st 0lb

J: Hollie Doyle

T: Gordon Elliott

Twice ran well in defeat at Royal Ascot last month, finishing third in the Copper Horse Handicap (1m6f, good to firm) and second in the Queen Alexandra (2m5f, good to firm; albeit no match for the winner); could give a good account but needs others to underperform if he's to come out on top.

6/1

3

(7)

21st Jun 2025

Good To Firm

2m 5f 143y

Class 2

18:10 Ascot

Samui

9st 4lb

J: Colin Keane

T: Gordon Elliott

Proven in this headgear; pays his way under both codes and, if able to reproduce his effort here on Tuesday when hitting the line well for third in the 1m6f Copper Horse Stakes (good to firm), then he won't be far away on these favourable terms; the grey areas are inconsistency and the extra 7f (he did run over 3m over jumps) but he's one of only a few with realistic ambitions of winning.

11/2

3

(5)

17th Jun 2025

Good

1m 6f 34y

Class 2

18:10 Ascot

Samui

9st 9lb

J: Colin Keane

T: Gordon Elliott

In rude health last summer, including when second off this mark in competitive handicap at York (2m, good to firm); won over hurdles in January but his form has been mixed since across both codes; below best back on Flat last time.

20/1

Form: 111 D

Last run: 63 days

W: 11st 6lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Has made a flawless start to his career, winning twice for Ian Williams last summer and maintaining his unbeaten record in Listed race at Newbury (again good ground; improved form to beat Masaccio in workmanlike style) in February; leading contender if handling today's more testing conditions.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

4

10th Jul 2026

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 5

17:00 Worcester

Aslukgoes

11st 9lb

J: James Bowen

T: Mickey Bowen

2m bumper and maiden hurdle wins (good) among his course record of 121P; exited too far out on this month's Cartmel chase debut (2m5f) to know how close he'd have run the prolific Passengerontheship, but he was traveling easily at the time; remains of interest.

9/4

5

26th Jun 2026

Good

2m 5f 34y

Class 4

15:18 Cartmel

Aslukgoes

11st 3lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Mickey Bowen

Three bumper wins included Listed honours and he won a maiden hurdle last summer; goes chasing on the back of a close fourth at Ffos Las (2m4f, good to soft; perhaps better on good ground) and should have a role to play if finding some fluency.

4/1

Form: 1 D

Last run: 275 days

W: 11st 6lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Changed hands for £70,000 in between a battling point success and a more convincing win in a Killarney bumper (good; 3-1) last summer; has to overcome a nine-month absence and a step up in grade, but he's in excellent hands and could have a say if handling today's softer ground.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

0

1

17th Dec 2023

Yielding

2m 7f 0y

15:10 Thurles

Kinbara

12st 0lb

J: Ben Harvey

T: John C McConnell

Recorded two wide-margin wins in July, over 3m Wexford on good to yielding and over 2m6f at Cartmel; weakened from two out in 2m5f Cheltenham Grade 2 contest a month ago; down in class now.

6/1

4th

3

17th Nov 2023

Soft

2m 5f 0y

Class 1

15:30 Cheltenham

Kinbara

11st 2lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: John C McConnell

Irish 5yo who is 2-2 since switch to hurdles, recording 18l wins at Wexford (3m, good to yielding) and Cartmel (2m6f, heavy) in July; now goes in tongue-tie; faces stiffer opposition upped in class but looks useful and brings respectable RPRs to this bigger stage; interesting contender.

5/1

1st

2

22nd Jul 2023

Soft

2m 6f 31y

Class 4

14:15 Cartmel

Kinbara

11st 9lb

J: Ben Harvey

T: John C McConnell

Point and bumper winner; easily justified favouritism on hurdles debut at Wexford (3m maiden; good to yielding) a fortnight ago; penalised accordingly but trainer usually does well with his British runners (2-4 at Cartmel this season); likely to have plenty more to offer with conditions to suit.

4/9

Form: 21 D

Last run: 14 days

W: 11st 6lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Bought for £100,000 after finishing second in an Irish point in January and has done well for his new connections, winning comfortably at Stratford (heavy; 7-2) two weeks ago; however, nearly all of today's rivals have stronger form so he'll need a jolt of improvement to follow up.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8

23rd Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 20y

Class 2

15:10 Perth

Westerninthepark

10st 5lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Olly Murphy

Disappointing on his last few starts and a major turnaround is necessary; however, he's dropped to a dangerous mark and his trainer has an excellent strike-rate at Perth; no surprise if he bounces back.

15/2

4th

4

1st Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 189y

Class 3

14:45 Huntingdon

Westerninthepark

11st 5lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Olly Murphy

Comes with a caution label, having failed to complete the last twice; however, reasonably consistent otherwise so a good effort can't be ruled out; on a workable mark and drops back to 2m4f for the first time this term; has gained all jumps wins at about this trip.

11/2

2

16th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 110y

Class 3

14:40 Carlisle

Westerninthepark

11st 11lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Olly Murphy

Promising fourth on reappearance here (3m2f, good to soft) in November and now 4lb lower; however, soundly beaten in Becher Chase next time and pulled up at Windsor (2m6f, soft) recently; has to get back on track.

13/2

Form: 216 D

Last run: 31 days

W: 11st 6lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Unplaced in a point less than a year ago but has made great strides in bumpers since, flooring a shorter-priced stablemate at Limerick before running a cracker when a close sixth at the Cheltenham Festival (soft; 50-1); that's the best form on offer here and he commands major respect.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

2

2nd May 2026

Yielding

3m 0f 104y

15:45 Punchestown

Captain Cody

11st 11lb

J: Danny Mullins

T: W P Mullins

Last season's 4m Scottish National winner but mixed bag this term however, including early faller in Thyestes and most recently mistakes before unseating four out in Aintree National; hard to be confident in and handicapper not relenting.

16/1

21

11th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

4m 2f 74y

Class 1

16:00 Aintree

Captain Cody

10st 10lb

J: Jonathan Burke

T: W P Mullins

Leopardstown seventh to Favori De Champdou at Christmas was a glimpse of what he's capable of; the performance which really gets the juices flowing, however, came in the Scottish National at Ayr (4m, good to soft) last April when very confidently ridden and unleashed to find a tremendous response on the run-in, cutting down the leader; it's very hard to rule him out after that, despite the 12lb higher mark.

16/1

5th

5

21st Feb 2026

Heavy

3m 2f 0y

15:15 Fairyhouse

Captain Cody

11st 0lb

J: Brian Hayes

T: W P Mullins

Ended last season with Scottish National win at Ayr (4m, good to soft); very pleasing return when third to top-class Romeo Coolio in Grade 1 Drinmore here (2m4f, yielding to soft); a shade disappointing in the Paddy Power at Leopardstown when seventh (3m, yielding); well backed to land the Theyestes last time when stable first string but fell at the fifth; Townend abandons ship now but he has ability and likes this track.

6/1

Form: 110

Last run: 31 days

W: 10st 12lb

4 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Bought for £125,000 after a successful debut at Market Rasen in October and he followed up in a Listed race at Cheltenham (soft) on New Year's Day; however, he was well beaten at the Cheltenham Festival (100-1; 19l behind Captain Cody) last time and needs to up his game significantly.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13th

6

10th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 0y

Class 1

13:45 Aintree

Fiercely Proud

11st 11lb

J: Kielan Woods

T: Ben Pauling

Has gained both handicap wins in useful contests at Ascot (1m7f/2m3f); something to prove back at Aintree and finished behind some of today's rivals at the Cheltenham Festival (2m4f, soft) last time.

25/1

12th

9

13th Mar 2026

Good

2m 4f 56y

Class 2

17:20 Cheltenham

Fiercely Proud

11st 8lb

J: Callum Pritchard

T: Ben Pauling

Has gained both handicap wins in useful races at Ascot, including latest start when upped to 2m3f (good to soft) and back to best; back on career-high mark but is unexposed at this sort of trip and not necessarily track dependent; has bits of Cheltenham form, including a bumper success.

16/1

1st

5

14th Feb 2026

Soft

2m 3f 63y

Class 2

14:25 Ascot

Fiercely Proud

11st 4lb

J: Kielan Woods

T: Ben Pauling

Folded tamely last time when bidding to land a notable Ascot handicap (1m7f) for the second year running; capable of being involved on best form and has sometimes shaped as if this new trip is worth exploring.

12/1

Form: 13-21 D

Last run: 21 days

W: 11st 6lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Has improved with each of his four runs, notching second win in big field at Kelso (soft) three weeks ago; he'll need better still to follow up in this higher grade but he's a likeable sort, not dismissed lightly.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

6

17th Apr 2026

Soft

2m 0f 0y

Class 3

13:45 Ayr

Berties Ballet

11st 11lb

J: Ryan Mania

T: Dianne Sayer

Won a Class 3 handicap at Haydock last season off this mark so wouldn't be too dismissive about his chances despite failing to reach anything like the same level in two of his three races this campaign.

20/1

12th

14

28th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 0f 51y

Class 2

14:55 Kelso

Berties Ballet

10st 9lb

J: Sean Quinlan

T: Dianne Sayer

On a handy mark on last winter's form and he was an encouraging fourth of nine over C&D recently on his second start back from a long absence; however, this is a higher grade than he's used to; could be vulnerable.

33/1

4th

1

13th Feb 2026

Soft

2m 0f 51y

Class 4

14:30 Kelso

Berties Ballet

12st 0lb

J: Brian Hughes

T: Dianne Sayer

Others have less to prove regarding current form but he shaped at Haydock last month as though he may have needed that comeback run; on a competitive mark and he's well suited by testing ground; not discounted.

6/1

Form: 21 D

Last run: 49 days

W: 11st 6lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Went down narrowly on Wincanton debut on Boxing Day and gained compensation two months later in 14-runner race at Chepstow (good to soft; 6-4 favourite), always prominent; promising type, in good hands and ought to make his presence felt again.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

12

1st May 2025

Yielding

2m 7f 110y

16:15 Punchestown

Beat The Bat

11st 3lb

J: Bryan Carver

T: Harry Fry

Sometimes let down by his jumping and he was none too fluent at the final flight when beaten about 5l in the Coral Cup (2m5f); wasn't exactly strong through the line that day and others might see this out better at 3m.

10/1

5th

12

1st May 2025

Yielding

2m 7f 110y

16:15 Punchestown

Beat The Bat

11st 3lb

J: Bryan Carver

T: Harry Fry

Sometimes let down by his jumping and he was none too fluent at the final flight when beaten about 5l in the Coral Cup (2m5f); wasn't exactly strong through the line that day and others might see this out better at 3m.

10/1

4th

24

12th Mar 2025

Good To Soft

2m 5f 0y

Class 1

14:40 Cheltenham

Beat The Bat

10st 8lb

J: Bryan Carver

T: Harry Fry

Has a largely solid record and ran well over 2m3f at Haydock on reappearance; back to 2m for both starts since and he ran as if in need of further, nevertheless finishing a good fifth of 17 in top handicap at Newbury (soft; has won on good) last time; could be a leading player if he can iron out the repeated sticky jumping he showed that day.

10/1

Form: 12

Last run: 41 days

W: 11st 6lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Has shaped well in two races at Huntingdon, scoring on debut in January (good to soft) and running at least as well when second under a penalty in March (good); may not have reached his limit but faces a tougher task.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

11

14th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 203y

Class 3

13:28 Haydock

Taras Halls

11st 0lb

J: Callum Bewley

T: Joel Parkinson & Sue Smith

Resumed winning ways in first-time blinkers at Newcastle (2m4f) in November but very in and out since, pulled up in 2m6f Leicester handicap chase 25 days ago; he's not easy to warm to today.

14/1

4

20th Jan 2026

Good To Soft

2m 6f 151y

Class 3

14:02 Leicester

Taras Halls

11st 9lb

J: Danny McMenamin

T: Joel Parkinson & Sue Smith

Inconsistent this season but won in first-time blinkers at Newcastle in November and looked unlucky not to add to his tally at Haydock (also 2m4f, good to soft) three weeks ago, when a last-fence error was costly; up another 4lb for that but could have more to offer if in the right mood again.

9/2

1

31st Oct 2025

Good

2m 3f 207y

Class 4

14:30 Uttoxeter

Taras Halls

12st 0lb

J: Gavin Sheehan

T: Joel Parkinson & Sue Smith

Won over fences here (2m4f, good to soft) on New Year's Eve but began this year with two disappointing runs; reverts to hurdling after 261-day break and with usual cheekpieces missing; others have much less to prove.

20/1

Form: 101 D

Last run: 77 days

W: 10st 12lb

4 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Saddle slipped at Cheltenham on New Year's Day but he has a 100% record otherwise, scoring at Ayr (soft) in November and Doncaster (good) in January; in much deeper waters here but his second win came easily by 8l and it's hard to know where his ceiling lies.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

2

(8)

5th Jul 2026

Standard

1m 6f 21y

Class 5

16:50 Southwell (AW)

Dino Bellagio

10st 2lb

J: David Nolan

T: Donald McCain

Made all in a big field here (2m) last July and he's on a handy mark on last season's best efforts; however, he's been well beaten on both outings this year and needs to turn things around.

7/1

5th

6

(10)

13th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

1m 7f 196y

Class 4

16:37 Chester

Dino Bellagio

9st 4lb

J: David Probert

T: Donald McCain

Made all to win by 5l on heavy ground here (1m6f) in September and will warrant consideration if conditions become similarly testing today but his seasonal debut was disappointing and he's not one to rely upon.

20/1

3rd

3

(2)

9th May 2026

Good

1m 6f 0y

Class 4

17:10 Nottingham

Dino Bellagio

9st 10lb

J: Conor Whiteley

T: Donald McCain

Two-time bumper winner (soft/good) who made all in Flat handicaps on Tapeta (1m6f) and turf (2m, heavy) in the second half of last year; ended last season on a low note but he still has scope for further progress and needs watching in market on his return.

4/1

25/1

Form: 13 D

Last run: 63 days

W: 10st 12lb

4 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Won a weak contest at Fakenham when with top Flat trainer Roger Varian, then did well to finish third to Aslukgoes at Newbury (good) given how freely he raced; a first-time hood may help him to settle better today.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

14th

13

15th Nov 2024

Good

2m 0f 87y

Class 3

16:00 Cheltenham

Shinji

10st 12lb

J: Daire McConville

T: Martin Keighley

Came good over hurdles in low-grade Southwell handicap (2m, good) in June and has remained in good nick since (2m-2m5f) but others in this line-up have stronger form and/or more potential.

25/1

14th

13

15th Nov 2024

Good

2m 0f 87y

Class 3

16:00 Cheltenham

Shinji

10st 12lb

J: Daire McConville

T: Martin Keighley

Came good over hurdles in low-grade Southwell handicap (2m, good) in June and has remained in good nick since (2m-2m5f) but others in this line-up have stronger form and/or more potential.

25/1

5th

7

7th Nov 2024

Good

2m 5f 55y

Class 4

12:40 Ludlow

Shinji

11st 2lb

J: Mr Freddie Keighley

T: Martin Keighley

Southwell winner in June (2m, good) but was no match for Parikarma next time and again wasn't at his best when a beaten favourite at Perth; cheekpieces are replaced by a hood that hasn't done wonders for him previously; stamina to prove over this far.

15/2

Form: 1 D

Last run: 26 days

W: 11st 6lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Plenty of bumper winners in his pedigree and he created a most favourable impression when making a successful debut at Taunton (good to soft; 5-1) last month, easily pulling clear; yard has won two of the last three runnings of this race; open to plenty of improvement and high on the list.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

1

19th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

2m 0f 213y

Class 2

15:58 Stratford

Centara

11st 12lb

J: Freddie Gingell

T: Paul Nicholls

Free-going front-runner who won five 2m chases in early part of last season; comfortably reeled in on both outings since returning from a break this spring, though, and comes here with a point to prove.

5/1

4th

2

3rd Jun 2026

Good

2m 0f 167y

Class 3

16:30 Newton Abbot

Centara

11st 10lb

J: Freddie Keighley

T: Paul Nicholls

Highly progressive over fences in the first half of last season, winning here four times (2m, good to soft/good); 2m5f here appeared to stretch him last month following some time off; has a lower mark to work with back over hurdles and he could play a leading role back down in trip.

7/2

6th

4

6th May 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 216y

Class 2

13:45 Newton Abbot

Centara

11st 5lb

J: Freddie Gingell

T: Paul Nicholls

Highly progressive over fences last summer, winning five handicaps (four here) at around 2m on ground no worse than good to soft, though he ended the campaign pulled up at Cheltenham; has since had a second wind op and could find more at this longer trip (2m3f hurdle winner), which will be needed off this mark following a break.

11/2

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £127.80
Straight Forecast £75.54
Tricast £1716.80
Trifecta £3386.20

Selections

Telegraph:

Centara

SPOTLIGHT:

Pour Les Filles

The Times:

Florida Dreams

RP Ratings:

Captain Cody

TOPSPEED:

Blizzard Of Oz

Daily Mirror:

Samui

D Express:

Beat The Bat

WEST COUNTRY:

Hasthing

The Guardian:

Kinbara

Daily Mail:

Centara

Daily Record:

Pour Les Filles

The Star:

Florida Dreams

POSTDATA:

Captain Cody

The Sun:

Blizzard Of Oz