April 19 / 13.30 Cheltenham

13.30

Good To Soft

Matt Hampson Foundation Silver Trophy Handicap Chase (Grade 2) (A Limited Handicap) (GBB Race)

  • Prize money: £39865
  • 2m 4f 127y
  • Class 1
  • 12 runners
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Matt Hampson Foundation Silver Trophy Handicap Chase (Grade 2) (A Limited Handicap) (GBB Race)

Runners: 12 runners

Type: Chase Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Cloudy

14/1 (Won)

  • Win: £31.20
  • Place: £6.10

Form: F1P-5P D

Last run: 81 days

W: 11st 12lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 142

Form & Verdict
Now 3lb lower than when winning in pretty good style at Kempton (3m, soft) in January 2022 but has disappointed on his two appearances this season (had wind operations after both) and needs to prove his wellbeing.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

1

11th Jun 2023

Good

2m 7f 180y

Class 2

16:05 Perth

Caribean Boy

12st 0lb

J: Daryl Jacob

T: Nicky Henderson

prominent

11/2

7th

1

6th May 2023

Good

3m 0f 0y

Class 2

16:25 Uttoxeter

Caribean Boy

12st 0lb

J: Daryl Jacob

T: Nicky Henderson

Seen only three times last season, most recently when returning to form with clearcut success in Grade 2 handicap at Cheltenham (2m4f, good) last month; subsequent 5lb rise does not look excessive and he might be seen to better effect over today's trip; respected.

6/1

1st

2

19th Apr 2023

Good To Soft

2m 4f 127y

Class 1

13:30 Cheltenham

Caribean Boy

11st 12lb

J: Daryl Jacob

T: Nicky Henderson

jumped left on occasions, in touch with leaders, jumped left and hampered rival 4th, ridden when outpaced after 3 out, rallied after 2 out, led run-in, went clear towards finish

14/1

8/1

  • Place: £2.50

Form: -45314 D BF

Last run: 25 days

W: 10st 12lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 128

Form & Verdict
Got his act together over fences when winning by 15l at Haydock (2m4f, good to soft) in February and may yet build on that performance, but a jumping error in the home straight cooked his goose at Newbury last month (race won by Heltenham) and he seems to have a few quirks.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

9

19th Apr 2023

Good To Soft

2m 4f 127y

Class 1

13:30 Cheltenham

Super Six

10st 12lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Nigel Twiston-Davies

midfield, dropped to rear 8th, headway after 3 out, soon ridden, went second 2 out, challenging when short of room and badly hampered run-in, kept on when switched right final 110yds, went third final strides, finished 3rd, placed 2nd

8/1

4th

7

25th Mar 2023

Good To Soft

2m 3f 187y

Class 2

14:05 Newbury

Super Six

11st 3lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Nigel Twiston-Davies

Behind Honneur D'Ajonc at Hereford but not by far despite failing to handle the track and he posted by some margin his best form over fences to win with plenty in hand at Haydock (2m4f, good to soft; 9lb lower); jumped well there and is capable of further progress.

5/1

1st

7

18th Feb 2023

Good To Soft

2m 3f 203y

Class 3

15:50 Haydock

Super Six

11st 4lb

J: Jordan Nailor

T: Nigel Twiston-Davies

Two-time novice hurdle winner (good to soft/good) who improved upon his first two chase starts when third at Hereford (2m5f, soft) last month; that latest run can be upgraded as he hung badly left and forfeited ground with a circuit to run; open to improvement and he's on the shortlist.

6/1

11/2

  • Place: £2.90

Form: -21212 D

Last run: 46 days

W: 11st 5lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 135

Form & Verdict
Improving 7yo who has won twice this season (2m4f/2m3f) and lost out only by a head when clear second in Greatwood Gold Cup at Newbury (2m4f, good) in March; could still be on good mark after latest 3lb rise; major player.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

18th

17

4th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

2m 5f 19y

Class 1

16:05 Aintree

Gemirande

10st 11lb

J: Charlie Deutsch

T: Venetia Williams

Won good handicaps at Ascot (2m5f, good) and Cheltenham (2m4f, good to soft) towards the end of last year; a case can be made on that form but three lesser runs have followed and he needs to get back on track.

50/1

18th

17

4th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

2m 5f 19y

Class 1

16:05 Aintree

Gemirande

10st 11lb

J: Charlie Deutsch

T: Venetia Williams

Won good handicaps at Ascot (2m5f, good) and Cheltenham (2m4f, good to soft) towards the end of last year; a case can be made on that form but three lesser runs have followed and he needs to get back on track.

50/1

17th

10

13th Mar 2025

Good To Soft

2m 4f 127y

Class 1

16:40 Cheltenham

Gemirande

10st 13lb

J: Charlie Deutsch

T: Venetia Williams

Found a new level of form in late 2024 with wins at Ascot (2m5f, good) and over C&D (good to soft); disappointing here next time but he was still going well when nearly down three out over C&D in January and the 6lb higher mark than for his latest win may not be beyond him; considered for yard that's won this race three times.

12/1

Form: 715521 D

Last run: 47 days

W: 11st 9lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 139

Form & Verdict
Five-time hurdle winner who came good over fences at third attempt, in three-runner race at Newbury (2m4f, good) last month; contests a much deeper race today but is only 2lb higher and could have more to offer as a chaser.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

1

19th Mar 2025

Good

2m 2f 191y

Class 4

17:00 Haydock

Herbiers

12st 0lb

J: Henry Brooke

T: Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero

Well handicapped on his form up to May 2023 and he's one to watch in the betting, but he's struggled over hurdles and fences this season following a long absence, and has plenty to prove.

16/1

8

12th Feb 2025

Soft

2m 3f 154y

Class 3

16:13 Wetherby

Herbiers

11st 8lb

J: Henry Brooke

T: Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero

Potentially on a good mark but it's been a struggle this season after a layoff and a sudden turnaround is needed with a first-time visor replacing cheekpieces.

25/1

Form: 36-258 D

Last run: 108 days

W: 10st 11lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 127

Form & Verdict
Has often held his own in hot races at this track, including when staying-on fifth in Paddy Power Gold Cup on Old Course here (2m4f, good) in November, but wasn't at best when last seen on New Year's Day (refitted cheekpieces) and hasn't won since 2019.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

4

13th Nov 2023

Good

2m 4f 110y

Class 2

14:25 Kempton

Deyrann De Carjac

11st 4lb

J: Tom Cannon

T: Alan King

Without a win since 2019 and no longer the force of old but has often performed with credit in major races; probably didn't have race run to suit when close fifth on last month's seasonal debut (developed into a sprint) and has slipped to a very attractive mark; cheekpieces refitted.

3/1

5th

7

18th Oct 2023

Good

2m 3f 85y

Class 3

15:33 Wetherby

Deyrann De Carjac

10st 12lb

J: Tom Cannon

T: Alan King

chased clear leader, headway before 5th, lost ground before 2 out, not fluent last, weakened gradually run-in

6/1

5th

12

19th Apr 2023

Good To Soft

2m 4f 127y

Class 1

13:30 Cheltenham

Deyrann De Carjac

10st 11lb

J: Tom Cannon

T: Alan King

held up in rear, ridden after 4 out, stayed on run-in, never dangerous

9/1

Form: 121113 D BF

Last run: 194 days

W: 11st 4lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 134

Form & Verdict
Good-ground specialist who won five chases in spring/summer 2021 then reverted to hurdling to collect four wins last summer/autumn; has fitness to prove after 194-day absence but is on a very good mark over fences; dangerous to ignore.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

2

6th May 2026

Good

2m 7f 96y

Class 4

14:25 Kelso

Presentandcounting

12st 0lb

J: Theo Gillard

T: Donald McCain

Veteran; has won nine chases, often making all in small fields on good ground; hasn't been quite at his best since Uttoxeter win last July (2m4f, good) but has plenty going for him here.

5/2

4th

1

18th Apr 2026

Good

2m 4f 72y

Class 4

16:10 Bangor-on-Dee

Presentandcounting

12st 1lb

J: Theo Gillard

T: Donald McCain

Returned to winning ways at Uttoxeter (2m4f, good) last summer and remained competitive afterwards; however, he has since turned 12 and lacking a run might not be ideal.

14/1

5th

4

16th Oct 2025

Good

3m 0f 110y

Class 3

15:07 Carlisle

Presentandcounting

11st 5lb

J: Brian Hughes

T: Donald McCain

11yo who returned to winning ways at Uttoxeter (2m4f, good) in July and has run pretty well in third on his next two outings (3m/3m1f, good); might not be far away.

9/2

OUR TIP

Form: 7P1508 CD

Last run: 34 days

W: 11st 10lb

12 yo Gelding

OR: 140

Form & Verdict
Game and bold-jumping front-runner who has won three valuable handicaps here, the latest over C&D at last season's Festival; getting long in the tooth now and was just a respectable eighth here last month but no surprise if he gives this a good shot.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

3

19th Apr 2023

Good To Soft

2m 4f 127y

Class 1

13:30 Cheltenham

Coole Cody

11st 10lb

J: Adam Wedge

T: Evan Williams

jumped slightly right throughout, led narrowly, joined 11th, ridden when headed before 2 out, weakened approaching last

10/1

8th

11

16th Mar 2023

Soft

2m 4f 127y

Class 1

16:10 Cheltenham

Coole Cody

11st 0lb

J: Adam Wedge

T: Evan Williams

The winner of three major handicap chases over 2m4f at this venue, including this contest (off 2lb higher on soft ground) 12 months ago; however, his Cheltenham form this season (three visits) has taken a turn for the worse, with advancing years a likely factor (now a 12yo).

25/1

10th

3

28th Jan 2023

Soft

2m 4f 127y

Class 1

13:50 Cheltenham

Coole Cody

11st 7lb

J: Adam Wedge

T: Evan Williams

Fortuitous success in two-runner Grade 2 at Ascot two starts ago; the winner of three major handicap chases over 2m4f at this venue, albeit off lower marks; less likely to bag another one now aged 12.

14/1

Form: 2-34P8

Last run: 25 days

W: 11st 12lb

11 yo Gelding

OR: 142

Form & Verdict
Smart chaser for Willie Mullins but was pulled up in French hurdle on last month's stable debut and didn't see his race out after leading in 3m2f Kelso chase three weeks later; today's drop back in trip looks the right move but he still has a fair bit to prove; tongue-tie added.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

1

29th Dec 2023

Good To Soft

2m 1f 14y

Class 3

13:20 Kelso

Cilaos Emery

12st 0lb

J: Miss Roisin Leech

T: Sophie Leech

didn't always jump with fluency, took keen hold, raced in third, pecked on landing 3rd, soon recovered and went second, not fluent 4 out, lost position before 2 out

10/1

8th

1

19th Apr 2023

Good To Soft

2m 4f 127y

Class 1

13:30 Cheltenham

Cilaos Emery

11st 12lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Sophie Leech

in touch with leaders, prominent after 3rd, not fluent 12th, in touch with leaders when ridden after 3 out, weakened before 2 out

33/1

8th

1

25th Mar 2023

Good To Soft

3m 2f 39y

Class 2

15:35 Kelso

Cilaos Emery

12st 0lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Sophie Leech

led

33/1

Form: -22111 D

Last run: 25 days

W: 11st 4lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 134

Form & Verdict
Very progressive 6yo who completed a hat-trick when coming from off the pace to win very comfortably at Newbury (2m4f, soft) last month; hiked up another 11lb for that but still commands respect.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

2

22nd Apr 2026

Soft

2m 0f 0y

Class 3

15:40 Perth

Heltenham

11st 13lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

All chase wins around 2m4f, including win at this meeting last year; Newbury specialist who landed fourth win at that track when bagging valuable handicap for second time on penultimate start; never won off a mark this high and drop back down to 2m also asks a question but he's impossible to rule out.

3/1

4th

4

21st Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 187y

Class 2

14:25 Newbury

Heltenham

11st 9lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

Back to something like his best last time, registering a second success in the Greatwood Gold Cup and taking C&D record to 4-6; won this contest in 2023 and 2024; back up the weights but commands respect kept to a scenario that suits him ideally.

9/4

1st

5

28th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 187y

Class 1

15:45 Newbury

Heltenham

11st 0lb

J: Charlie Todd

T: Dan Skelton

Record of 3-5 at Newbury features a success in this contest two years ago; proved no match for Twinjets in most recent course start and was a faller in last two handicap attempts (out of depth in Grade 1 since); however, holds a major chance off current mark provided he's in top form.

10/1

Form: 2-5152 C

Last run: 67 days

W: 11st 2lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 132

Form & Verdict
Held on gamely to make virtually all on Old Course here (2m4f, good) on chasing debut in November but not in same form on either subsequent appearance, albeit with an excuse last time (broke blood vessel); others have more persuasive claims.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6

4th May 2026

Good

3m 5f 24y

Class 3

16:38 Fakenham

Unanswered Prayers

11st 5lb

J: Caoilin Quinn

T: Chris Gordon

Well suited by a stamina test on good ground and lurks on a dangerous mark but has not been firing on all cylinders since running well on last season's reappearance outing in October; safely held when fourth in recent Sussex National; needs to up his game.

12/1

4th

9

6th Apr 2026

Good

3m 4f 104y

Class 2

16:25 Plumpton

Unanswered Prayers

10st 8lb

J: Tom Cannon

T: Chris Gordon

Won the Southern National (3m3f, good) in November 2024 and he's on a dangerous mark on form as recent as October 2025; however, this 10yo hasn't threatened since and needs to raise his game.

14/1

3rd

4

8th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 5f 54y

Class 3

16:48 Warwick

Unanswered Prayers

11st 10lb

J: Freddie Gordon

T: Chris Gordon

Landed the Southern National at Fontwell (3m3f, good) last term; form this season features two respectable efforts at Cheltenham, including in 3m5f cross-country race; possibilities off an attractive mark.

7/1

Form: 27P762 C

Last run: 9 days

W: 10st 12lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 128

Form & Verdict
Yet to add to his Grade 2 novice win in November 2021 and has regressed this season but took big step back in right direction when second in recent Sussex Champion Chase at Plumpton (2m3f, soft), and today's quicker ground ought to be very much in his favour.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

9th Jul 2023

Good

2m 5f 89y

Class 3

16:40 Market Rasen

Captain Tom Cat

11st 10lb

J: Luke Scott

T: Dr Richard Newland

pressed leader, led 9th, headed 2 out, soon ridden, 2 lengths second when fell last

3/1

8

2nd Jul 2023

Good To Soft

2m 5f 34y

Class 2

14:05 Cartmel

Captain Tom Cat

10st 9lb

J: Luke Scott

T: Dr Richard Newland

Twice finished placed this spring (2m4f, soft/good) and the handicapper has given him a big chance as he's now 8lb lower; not ruled out but he has to perform better than he's managed the last twice.

14/1

3rd

2

22nd Jun 2023

Soft

2m 3f 207y

Class 4

19:40 Uttoxeter

Captain Tom Cat

11st 13lb

J: Luke Scott

T: Dr Richard Newland

Not as good as he was over fences but remains capable of useful chase form; didn't really fire here last month but still looks interesting off his lower hurdle mark; best on good ground but handles soft.

8/1

Form: -P3513 D

Last run: 25 days

W: 10st 12lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 128

Form & Verdict
Just held on to win at Sandown (2m4f, soft) last month, his third chase success, and today's 2lb higher mark is manageable but he spoiled his chance by persistently jumping right when well-held third behind Heltenham at Newbury a fortnight later; looks risky on another left-handed track here, and he seems best suited by soft/heavy ground.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7

4th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 1f 54y

Class 5

16:10 Catterick

Zhiguli

11st 12lb

J: Mr Thomas Easterby

T: Mrs C A Coward

One-timer useful hurdler/chaser for Gary Moore; not quite the force of old, but won two small-field points on good ground last year; creditable third in a point last time; each-way chance.

11/4

4th

2

17th Feb 2024

Heavy

2m 3f 203y

Class 3

13:37 Haydock

Zhiguli

11st 8lb

J: Caoilin Quinn

T: Gary Moore

Soundly beaten in a match at Fontwell (2m5f, heavy) last time but he bumped into a rejuvenated rival, who has followed up, and he's now dropped below his last winning mark; the testing conditions are right up his street and he's one to consider in first-time cheekpieces.

11/4

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £372.20
Straight Forecast £306.87
Tricast £2414.15
Trifecta £2714.10

Selections

The Times:

Heltenham

SPOTLIGHT:

Gemirande

LAMBOURN:

Caribean Boy

WEST COUNTRY:

Super Six

Daily Record:

Herbiers

POSTDATA:

Zhiguli

RP Ratings:

Captain Tom Cat

The Star:

Deyrann De Carjac

The Guardian:

Heltenham

Daily Mail:

Heltenham

D Express:

Heltenham

Daily Mirror:

Heltenham

The Sun:

Heltenham

TOPSPEED:

Gemirande

Telegraph:

Caribean Boy