July 02 / 14.05 Cartmel

14.05

Good To Soft

Oakmere Homes Handicap Chase (GBB Race)

  • Prize money: £21124
  • 2m 5f 34y
  • Class 2
  • 12 runners
ITV
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Oakmere Homes Handicap Chase (GBB Race)

Runners: 12 runners

Type: Chase Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Showers

14/1 (Won)

  • Win: £9.00
  • Place: £2.30

Form: 232-94

Last run: 34 days

W: 10st 12lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 123

Form & Verdict
Good second at Newcastle (2m4f, heavy) in April and when a fair fourth of six here (2m1f, good) last time he shaped as though he would benefit from today's step back up in trip; could be a player.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

4

25th May 2026

Good

2m 5f 34y

Class 3

17:11 Cartmel

Arthurs Quay

10st 11lb

J: Richie McLernon

T: Ben Haslam

Getting long in the tooth now and was well beaten on latest outing in March but has a C&D win on his CV and is well handicapped on form as recent as the autumn; cannot be ruled out.

13/2

6th

3

17th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 85y

Class 4

14:37 Wetherby

Arthurs Quay

11st 10lb

J: Richie McLernon

T: Ben Haslam

12yo whose form has been up and down since he won at Newcastle (2m4f, good to soft) last February but he's dropped down the weights and performed respectably at Ayr (2m, heavy) in December when last seen; he could benefit from today's step back up in trip and he's in with a chance.

15/2

1

30th Oct 2025

Good To Firm

2m 4f 19y

Class 4

15:38 Newcastle

Arthurs Quay

12st 0lb

J: Richie McLernon

T: Ben Haslam

Veteran; winner over C&D in February off this mark (good to soft) but hasn't been in quite the same form since; withdrawn on account of fast ground last time; further rain will suit.

5/1

7/2

  • Place: £1.90

Form: 41-211 D

Last run: 33 days

W: 10st 7lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 118

Form & Verdict
Three wins from his seven chase starts and has scored off his lower hurdle mark the last twice; he's versatile ground-wise and is a strong contender now back over fences for his top Irish yard (one of two for stable).
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7

13th Mar 2025

Good To Soft

2m 7f 63y

Class 5

17:00 Hexham

Arctic Ambition

11st 4lb

J: Tom Midgley

T: Paul Robson

in touch with leaders, not fluent 6th

33/1

6th

1

16th Feb 2025

Good To Soft

2m 4f 68y

Class 5

15:30 Musselburgh

Arctic Ambition

12st 0lb

J: Craig Nichol

T: Paul Robson

10yo who has been pulled up the last twice but he ran well for a fair way over hurdles last time following a break, over a 3m trip that probably stretches him; now 2lb lower than when runner-up over fences at Cartmel last June and he's not written off.

16/1

9

21st Jan 2025

Soft

3m 0f 70y

Class 4

14:30 Ayr

Arctic Ambition

10st 11lb

J: Craig Nichol

T: Paul Robson

It's now 13 starts since his last success and he was tried in blinkers when pulled up in 2m5f Cartmel handicap chase in August; others appeal more.

33/1

7/1

  • Place: £2.20

Form: 5-2221 D

Last run: 21 days

W: 10st 2lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 112

Form & Verdict
Having been running well in defeat he won at Perth (3m, good to soft) three weeks ago; he's 9lb higher here and his rules strike-rate is a modest 2-32, but he did it in style last time and could go well once more.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

16th May 2026

Good

3m 0f 30y

Class 5

16:30 Bangor-on-Dee

Walking The Walk

11st 8lb

J: David Bass

T: Kerry Lee

Conversion rate of just 2-27 over fences; several long absences following his last win in summer 2023, and hasn't been since a 47l last of five finishers in this race last year; best watched.

16/1

5th

2

17th May 2025

Good

3m 0f 30y

Class 5

16:05 Bangor-on-Dee

Walking The Walk

12st 0lb

J: Liam Harrison

T: Kerry Lee

Started off for Kerry Lee with two pretty good thirds in early part of last season, the latter over C&D on good ground, but was pulled up in refitted cheekpieces (retained) on next two outings and it's hard to know what to expect from him after a 200-day absence.

16/1

5th

2

17th May 2025

Good

3m 0f 30y

Class 5

16:05 Bangor-on-Dee

Walking The Walk

12st 0lb

J: Liam Harrison

T: Kerry Lee

Started off for Kerry Lee with two pretty good thirds in early part of last season, the latter over C&D on good ground, but was pulled up in refitted cheekpieces (retained) on next two outings and it's hard to know what to expect from him after a 200-day absence.

16/1

OUR TIP

Form: 868-22 D

Last run: 28 days

W: 10st 7lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 118

Form & Verdict
Has returned from a break in good form this season, going very close at Killarney (2m4f, good) then also runner-up at Kilbeggan (2m3f, good to yielding); he might not want the ground to be overly slow (wins have come on good/good to yielding) but this Irish raider is a contender if conditions suit.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

3

14th Jul 2026

Good

2m 1f 165y

15:07 Downpatrick

Broken Ice

11st 10lb

J: Alex Harvey

T: John C McConnell

Three-time winner; veteran last scored over 3m at Perth last August; signs of life on latest at Wexford but this trip may be a touch sharp.

16/1

5th

2

27th May 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 1f 0y

17:47 Wexford

Broken Ice

11st 12lb

J: Shane Fitzsimons

T: John C McConnell

Most recent of three wins came in 3m Perth handicap hurdle last summer; tailed off on comeback run at Newcastle and never counted over the banks at Punchestown festival early this month; trip on the short side reverting to hurdles.

12/1

Form: 2458-1 CD

Last run: 34 days

W: 11st 3lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 128

Form & Verdict
Beat Marshalled by a nose to win over C&D (good) in May, when returning to form after a break; remains feasibly treated back up 6lb and he handles a variety of ground; could be bang there once more.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

6

25th Jul 2024

Good

2m 7f 0y

Class 4

14:50 Worcester

Ubetya

11st 5lb

J: Craig Nichol

T: Jedd O’Keeffe

midfield

14/1

3rd

1

15th Jun 2024

Good

2m 7f 70y

Class 4

20:15 Uttoxeter

Ubetya

12st 2lb

J: Charlie Hammond

T: Jedd O’Keeffe

Very well handicapped on old chasing form and seemed to have turned a corner when fourth over hurdles at Ludlow (3m, good) in April but last month's Huntingdon fouth was a rather laboured effort and others in this field have more persuasive profiles; won't mind what the weather does.

14/1

4th

7

21st May 2024

Good

3m 1f 10y

Class 3

19:40 Huntingdon

Ubetya

11st 4lb

J: Henry Brooke

T: Jedd O’Keeffe

Lost his way over fences last season and was safely held when back over hurdles in February but last month's staying-on fourth at Ludlow (3m, good; about 6l behind Planet Legend) was much more encouraging, and he remains very well handicapped on older form.

10/1

Form: 5411-2

Last run: 32 days

W: 10st 12lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 123

Form & Verdict
Fortunate to win at Sedgefield (2m1f, soft) in March but followed up in good style at Perth (2m4f, good to soft) in April and bumped into a progressive winner when second over this C&D (good) last time; his profile is heading in the right direction and he's firmly in calculations.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

4

15th May 2026

Good

2m 0f 209y

Class 4

19:30 Aintree

Grey Skies

11st 11lb

J: Theo Gillard

T: Donald McCain

Won twice in blinkers on good ground last summer (2m/2m1f) but was given a break after two disappointing runs in the autumn and made a low-key return without blinkers last month; has blinkers back on today but needs to get back in the groove.

20/1

7th

7

16th Apr 2026

Good

2m 0f 53y

Class 4

19:00 Hereford

Grey Skies

11st 3lb

J: Theo Gillard

T: Donald McCain

Two wins last summer (2m/2m1f, good), the latest off just a 1lb lower mark; form has dipped in his last two races, at Cheltenham and then Carlisle where he should have run better; absent since November.

12/1

15

24th Oct 2025

Good

2m 0f 87y

Class 3

14:25 Cheltenham

Grey Skies

10st 4lb

J: William Maggs

T: Donald McCain

Perked up by blinkers this summer, winning twice, but faded into third after setting the pace in run-of-the-mill Worcester handicap (2m, good) last month and is patently not the force of old.

25/1

Form: 533-12 BF

Last run: 34 days

W: 11st 2lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 127

Form & Verdict
Close third at Sedgefield (2m5f, soft) in April then won at Newcastle (2m4f, good); beaten just a nose by Ubetya over C&D (good) last time and he's a solid candidate; cheekpieces return (has won in them three times).
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

5

28th Mar 2024

Soft

2m 3f 154y

Class 4

14:45 Wetherby

Marshalled

11st 0lb

J: Richie McLernon

T: Ben Haslam

Better chaser than hurdler, last win being in a Cartmel handicap chase in August (2m5f, good to soft); well beaten last twice; could go well but better on faster ground than is forecast.

7/2

4th

1

16th Feb 2024

Soft

2m 1f 14y

Class 3

16:32 Kelso

Marshalled

11st 13lb

J: Richie McLernon

T: Ben Haslam

prominent early, raced in third after 1st, outpaced from 4 out, lost third after 3 out, weakened quickly before 2 out

8/1

5th

5

25th Jan 2024

Soft

2m 3f 85y

Class 3

14:25 Wetherby

Marshalled

11st 12lb

J: Richie McLernon

T: Ben Haslam

10yo who makes his first start since last August but he did well for his new yard last year, winning twice (2m4f/2m5f, good/good to soft), and he's also effective on soft; the betting may be informative on his return.

8/1

Form: 12-283 C

Last run: 21 days

W: 10st 2lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 105

Form & Verdict
Second in this last year and, from 8lb out of the handicap, he's essentially off the same mark today; has produced some positive results in recent months but needs extra to threaten in this competitive race.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

6

13th Jul 2025

Good

2m 0f 0y

Class 4

14:33 Perth

Sword Of Fate

10st 2lb

J: Patrick Wadge

T: Leonard Kerr

Veteran who gained four of his 14 wins here (one over C&D); ran much better than eventual 22l defeat might suggest on slower-than-ideal ground at Cartmel (2m1f good to soft) a fortnight ago; worth a second look here, even from 4lb out of the weights.

16/1

9

29th Jun 2025

Soft

2m 1f 61y

Class 5

17:40 Cartmel

Sword Of Fate

10st 7lb

J: Patrick Wadge

T: Leonard Kerr

Veteran who has won 14 races in his career including three over C&D; 13lb below his last winning mark but his efforts since last autumn leave plenty to be desired.

20/1

7

28th May 2025

Good To Soft

2m 1f 61y

Class 5

20:10 Cartmel

Sword Of Fate

10st 12lb

J: Brian Hughes

T: Leonard Kerr

Veteran with three C&D wins and seven other chase victories on his CV; lurks on a dangerous mark but has been out of form this spring (cheekpieces added last time) and the ground may turn against him today.

20/1

Form: 3/P15- D

Last run: 99 days

W: 11st 12lb

11 yo Gelding

OR: 137

Form & Verdict
11yo who has been lightly raced in recent seasons; well beaten at Newbury (2m4f, soft) in March last time out but won at Warwick (2m4f, good) the run before; can be effective on slow ground; not discounted.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

2

2nd Jul 2023

Good To Soft

2m 5f 34y

Class 2

14:05 Cartmel

Messire Des Obeaux

11st 12lb

J: Daryl Jacob

T: Alan King

11yo who has been lightly raced in recent seasons; well beaten at Newbury (2m4f, soft) in March last time out but won at Warwick (2m4f, good) the run before; can be effective on slow ground; not discounted.

16/1

5th

4

25th Mar 2023

Good To Soft

2m 3f 187y

Class 2

14:05 Newbury

Messire Des Obeaux

11st 12lb

J: Daryl Jacob

T: Alan King

Fragile 11yo with low mileage; pulled up on his return from a year out but he stuck on well to win at Warwick (2m4f, good), albeit in a race that fell apart at the seams a little; only 2lb higher but not sure to be as good again.

8/1

Form: 512-41 D

Last run: 28 days

W: 11st 0lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 125

Form & Verdict
Only two completed when he won by a neck at Fakenham (2m5f, good) four weeks ago; however, his mark remains unchanged and a case can be made on last season's best efforts; good to soft is probably okay, perhaps not soft.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

2

17th Jul 2024

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 4

16:40 Uttoxeter

Quoi De Neuf

11st 13lb

J: Adam Wedge

T: Evan Williams

Fakenham scorer off 8lb higher just over a year ago (2m5f, good) but with one exception miles below that level since; appreciable rain would diminish his appeal yet further.

16/1

4th

2

24th May 2024

Good

2m 4f 194y

Class 4

19:30 Hereford

Quoi De Neuf

11st 11lb

J: Adam Wedge

T: Evan Williams

Inconsistent and generally regressive 10yo; has claims if judged on his second at Catterick (2m3f, good to soft) in November but two lesser efforts followed that; returns from 108-day break today.

6/1

Form: P14-25 D

Last run: 23 days

W: 12st 0lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 139

Form & Verdict
Well beaten over hurdles three weeks ago but good second in that sphere in May; won five novice chases last season (2m4f/2m5f, good/good to firm; including Grade 2) and versatile ground-wise in the past; not ruled out.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

28th Jun 2026

Good

3m 0f 10y

Class 2

15:27 Uttoxeter

Hang In There

12st 0lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Emma Lavelle

Gained most recent success in a veterans' event; two attempts at this prize comprise a success (off 9lb higher) in 2024 and below-par seventh last year; the 12yo's chance of regaining the Cup partly depends on the effects of first-time visor.

14/1

4th

1

4th May 2026

Good

3m 0f 38y

Class 2

16:03 Fakenham

Hang In There

12st 0lb

J: Gavin Sheehan

T: Emma Lavelle

9-28 over fences, the latest win gained at Chepstow (2m7f, good to firm) in October; below that form three times on good to soft ground since but didn't run badly on penultimate appearance and will be better suited by the forecast good ground here; might be the answer.

9/2

4th

1

15th Apr 2026

Good

3m 1f 125y

Class 2

17:00 Haydock

Hang In There

12st 1lb

J: Rian Corcoran

T: Emma Lavelle

Strike-rate of 9-27 over fences and his third in a veterans' chase at Newbury in February (3m2f) was encouraging given he had been absent for three months and good to soft ground would have been slow enough; should run well.

15/2

Form: 2U-383 D BF

Last run: 10 days

W: 10st 9lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 120

Form & Verdict
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.
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

Non-runners

Hang In There, Captain Tom Cat

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £33.70
Straight Forecast £37.90
Tricast £210.66
Trifecta £100.10

Selections

RP RATINGS:

Grey Skies

POSTDATA:

Broken Ice

The Sun:

Arctic Ambition

SPOTLIGHT:

Arthur's Quay

Telegraph:

Marshalled

TOPSPEED:

Grey Skies

The Times:

Grey Skies

Daily Record:

Grey Skies

D Express:

Broken Ice

The Star:

Arctic Ambition

Daily Mirror:

Arthur's Quay