14.20
Good To SoftPaddy Power Gold Cup Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap) (GBB Race)
- Prize money: £90032
- 2m 4f 44y
- Class 1
- 14 runners
Runners: 14 runners
Type: Chase Turf
Surface: Turf
Weather: Light rain
7/1
Form: /0111- C
Last run: 248 days
W: 12st 0lb
7 yo Gelding
OR: 162
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
25 |
11th Apr 2026 Good To Soft 4m 2f 74y Class 1 |
10st 9lb |
11lb below his peak mark and well handicapped judged on best efforts, the most recent of which were over 3m on good ground late in 2024; muted in this three runs this term, only one of which was over fences but he ended up tailed off in that Wetherby race, which he'd won a year earlier; those past glories may now be too distant. |
66/1 |
|
3 |
1st Nov 2025 Good 3m 0f 45y Class 1 |
11st 10lb |
Front-runner who won this in good style last year (good) and again has the benefit of a recent run, which could give him an advantage over a few of these; can give a good account in first-time cheekpieces but it looks a hotter contest than 12 months ago and he carries a 6lb penalty this time. |
4/1 |
|
3 |
1st Nov 2025 Good 3m 0f 45y Class 1 |
11st 10lb |
Front-runner who won this in good style last year (good) and again has the benefit of a recent run, which could give him an advantage over a few of these; can give a good account in first-time cheekpieces but it looks a hotter contest than 12 months ago and he carries a 6lb penalty this time. |
4/1 |
11/2
Form: 21115- C BF
Last run: 219 days
W: 11st 7lb
7 yo Gelding
OR: 155
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
3rd 7 |
3rd Apr 2025 Good To Soft 3m 0f 210y Class 1 |
11st 10lb |
Best known for his 2m4f exploits that include Grade 1 novice wins over hurdles/fences; however, put up a good fight against odds-on L'Homme Presse when upped to 3m1f in Grade 2 at Cheltenham (soft) most recently, emerging as the best horse at the weights; one of a few runners who remain unexposed at this sort of trip. |
13/2 |
|
3rd 7 |
3rd Apr 2025 Good To Soft 3m 0f 210y Class 1 |
11st 10lb |
Best known for his 2m4f exploits that include Grade 1 novice wins over hurdles/fences; however, put up a good fight against odds-on L'Homme Presse when upped to 3m1f in Grade 2 at Cheltenham (soft) most recently, emerging as the best horse at the weights; one of a few runners who remain unexposed at this sort of trip. |
13/2 |
|
2nd 2 |
25th Jan 2025 Good 3m 1f 56y Class 1 |
11st 8lb |
raced in second, led after 1st, faced challenge before 2 out, soon disputing lead, hung left run-in, no extra towards finish |
9/1 |
9/1
Form: 21225- D
Last run: 218 days
W: 11st 5lb
8 yo Gelding
OR: 153
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
5th 6 |
15th Apr 2026 Good 2m 3f 203y Class 1 |
11st 2lb |
No win since late 2023 and he hasn't got a lot going this season; he had run well but looked on the retreat when unseating in Outlaw Peter's race here 11 days ago (visor replaced usual cheekpieces). |
12/1 |
|
5 |
4th Apr 2026 Good To Soft 2m 3f 203y Class 2 |
11st 5lb |
Winless since December 2023 and hasn't posed a serious threat this season; however, he was best of the rest behind easy winner Guard Your Dreams at Warwick (2m4f, heavy) last time and continues to drop down the weights; handles various ground; not ruled out in first-time visor (replacing cheekpieces). |
8/1 |
|
2nd 3 |
7th Feb 2026 Soft 2m 4f 0y Class 2 |
11st 5lb |
Quirky customer who is without a win since December 2023 and has become frustrating; that said, he ran well for a long way in a valuable Ascot handicap (2m5f, soft) three weeks ago and is another 4lb lower here. |
15/2 |
20/1
Form: 456-24 D
Last run: 59 days
W: 11st 5lb
8 yo Gelding
OR: 153
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
9 |
1st Nov 2025 Good 2m 0f 172y Class 1 |
10st 7lb |
Flashes of smart form for Willie Mullins but a 10yo now and hasn't yet threatened a breakthrough win for the Moores; needed to run a lot better than he did at Kempton two weeks ago. |
33/1 |
|
9 |
1st Nov 2025 Good 2m 0f 172y Class 1 |
10st 7lb |
Flashes of smart form for Willie Mullins but a 10yo now and hasn't yet threatened a breakthrough win for the Moores; needed to run a lot better than he did at Kempton two weeks ago. |
33/1 |
|
1 |
19th Oct 2025 Good 2m 2f 0y Class 3 |
12st 0lb |
Useful for Willie Mullins; 0-5 for current yard, beaten in a veterans' event when last seen; however, this drop in grade may have positive effect, off a reduced mark. |
9/1 |
7/1
Form: 1112-4 D
Last run: 21 days
W: 11st 4lb
7 yo Gelding
OR: 152
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
0 5 |
13th Jan 2024 Good To Soft 2m 4f 110y Class 1 |
11st 2lb |
Very solid record (form figures 111242) since joining Laura Morgan and switched to fences; good second in major 2m4f handicap at Cheltenham most recently and filled same position in Grade 1 novice there last March; versatile ground-wise; has progressive RPRs and should go well again. |
5/1 |
|
5 |
18th Nov 2023 Good To Soft 2m 4f 44y Class 1 |
11st 4lb |
Very progressive last season, winning three novice handicaps then good second to Stage Star in 2m4f Festival Grade 1; posted another sound Cheltenham effort (2m, good) on reappearance, which tees him up nicely for this prize; clear possibilities with the return to 2m4f a likely plus. |
7/1 |
|
4th 1 |
28th Oct 2023 Good To Soft 1m 7f 199y Class 2 |
12st 0lb |
Has not looked back since joining this progressive yard, winning three Class 3 handicaps (1m7f-2m4f; from soft to good) before excelling himself when second at 40-1 in the 2m4f Grade 1 here in March (soft); raised 10lb but there was no obvious reason to believe that improved effort flattered him; his jumping should be an asset over this sharper test; respected. |
9/1 |
20/1
Form: 5F-014 D
Last run: 35 days
W: 11st 0lb
7 yo Gelding
OR: 148
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
7th 29 |
11th Apr 2026 Good To Soft 4m 2f 74y Class 1 |
10st 5lb |
10yo who's had 70 races (only one of today's rivals has managed even half that) and won 11; latest was the 3m5f cross-country at Cheltenham Festival, comfortably holding off Favori De Champdou for career-best form off the same mark as today; having taken so well to that discipline (he also won there in December) and produced his best performances away from soft ground, he has to be considered seriously. |
25/1 |
|
1st 3 |
11th Mar 2026 Good To Soft 3m 5f 56y Class 2 |
10st 9lb |
High-mileage 10yo who took very well to this C&D (good) in December, winning quite comfortably by just over 4l; weakened into fifth in soft-ground C&D contest won by Favori De Champdou in January but ran well for a long way and ought to be better suited by the less testing conditions today; each-way claims at least. |
7/1 |
|
5th 2 |
24th Jan 2026 Soft 3m 5f 56y Class 2 |
11st 12lb |
High-mileage 10yo who took very well to this C&D (good) last month, leading from the ninth fence and beating J'Arrive De L'Est quite comfortably by over 4l; went up 9lb for that, though, and may not be ideally suited by the slower ground today. |
4/1 |
13/2
Form: 2353-1 D
Last run: 35 days
W: 10st 12lb
8 yo Gelding
OR: 146
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
3rd 1 |
1st May 2026 Good 2m 4f 0y Class 5 |
12st 4lb |
Bled from the nose when a fading fourth in the Aintree Foxhunters latest (2m5f, good to soft), though still had Fan De Blues comfortably behind for the second time this year; more prolific on easier surfaces but Taunton win in January reaffirmed he's effective on good as well. |
2/5 |
|
4th 22 |
9th Apr 2026 Good To Soft 2m 5f 19y Class 2 |
12st 0lb |
Won the Grand Annual at Cheltenham Festival in March 2024 (2m, soft) and runner-up in it last year (good to soft); comfortable wins in hunter chases on last two starts (2m5f/2m6f, good/good to soft); his stamina will be more severely tested in today's hotter company but leading claims if seeing it out. |
4/1 |
|
1st 2 |
14th Feb 2026 Good To Soft 2m 6f 54y Class 3 |
12st 4lb |
Useful handicapper who won the Grand Annual Chase at the 2024 Cheltenham Festival (2m, soft) and was second in that race last year (good to soft); did not need to be at best to make winning hunter chase debut at Taunton (2m5f, good; main rival disappointed) last month and ought to remain a potent threat at this level. |
5/4 |
8/1
Form: 4416P- C
Last run: 218 days
W: 10st 10lb
6 yo Gelding
OR: 144
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
5 |
17th Apr 2026 Soft 2m 4f 110y Class 2 |
11st 2lb |
9yo who hasn't been at his best this season but there have been signs of spark and he failed to stay 3m2f when well beaten at the Cheltenham Festival last time; continues to drop down the weights and could be in the shake-up back down in trip and in grade. |
9/1 |
|
15th 6 |
12th Mar 2026 Good To Soft 3m 2f 70y Class 2 |
11st 7lb |
Two-time course winner (2m4f, soft/good) who, having dropped down the weights, returned to form when second here on New Year's Day (2m4f, good; albeit no match for the winner); however, he doesn't appear to be crying out for the step up in trip; faded over 3m in February 2024. |
25/1 |
|
3 |
12th Oct 2025 Good To Firm 2m 3f 98y Class 2 |
11st 7lb |
Cheltenham regular who looked as good as ever when winning Paddy Power Gold Cup there (2m4f, good) last November; only 1lb higher today but seemed in need of the run when reappearing in this event last season and perhaps this race will again tee him up for Cheltenham next month. |
3/1 |
25/1
Form: 21111- D
Last run: 205 days
W: 10st 10lb
8 yo Gelding
OR: 144
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
3 |
23rd Apr 2026 Good To Soft 2m 4f 20y Class 2 |
11st 0lb |
11yo who was tailed off at Cheltenham in December and pulled up at Haydock this month on sole run since; arrives with something to prove but three visits to Perth have yielded two wins, including this race in 2023, so he's worth a second look; a first-time visor replaces cheekpieces. |
25/1 |
|
9 |
4th Apr 2026 Good To Soft 2m 3f 203y Class 2 |
11st 3lb |
Inconsistent last year but won twice (3m/2m4f, good/soft), those victories coming on the back of respective breaks of 89 and 120 days; may be best caught fresh nowadays so is worth a second look after 113 days off. |
33/1 |
|
1 |
13th Jul 2025 Good 2m 7f 180y Class 3 |
12st 0lb |
Back in rude health over C&D (good) in May, easily beating Saint Arvans to win by 20l, and his subsequent Market Rasen fourth (2m5f, good) was also a good effort; still well handicapped on old form; shortlisted. |
3/1 |
8/1
Form: 1/P2-2 D
Last run: 22 days
W: 10st 10lb
9 yo Gelding
OR: 144
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2 |
14th Mar 2025 Good To Soft 3m 2f 70y Class 2 |
12st 0lb |
Smart back in the day for Nicky Henderson; an 11yo now and after winning his first hunter chase he was hammered by Shearer at Ffos Las (2m5f; heavy was no excuse); opposable. |
50/1 |
|
2nd 2 |
6th Feb 2025 Heavy 2m 5f 110y Class 4 |
12st 2lb |
prominent, disputing second before 2nd, lost ground when not fluent 4 out, no chance with winner before 2 out |
6/4 |
|
2nd 2 |
6th Feb 2025 Heavy 2m 5f 110y Class 4 |
12st 2lb |
prominent, disputing second before 2nd, lost ground when not fluent 4 out, no chance with winner before 2 out |
6/4 |
40/1
Form: 1PP11- D
Last run: 222 days
W: 10st 8lb
8 yo Gelding
OR: 142
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
3rd 2 |
11th May 2025 Good 3m 1f 152y Class 4 |
11st 6lb |
His second over 2m4f (good) here 13 months ago reads well but he's become a hard horse to predict and previous ventures over 3m+ have amounted to little. |
8/1 |
|
3rd 2 |
11th May 2025 Good 3m 1f 152y Class 4 |
11st 6lb |
His second over 2m4f (good) here 13 months ago reads well but he's become a hard horse to predict and previous ventures over 3m+ have amounted to little. |
8/1 |
|
8th 10 |
22nd Mar 2025 Good To Soft 2m 3f 187y Class 2 |
10st 6lb |
Last ran off this low a mark in spring 2022; Plumpton second (2m4f, good) last April reads well but he has been well beaten more often than not over the last two seasons. |
12/1 |
9/1
Form: /2115- D BF
Last run: 252 days
W: 10st 7lb
8 yo Gelding
OR: 141
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
4 |
9th Mar 2024 Soft 3m 0f 37y Class 3 |
11st 12lb |
Second-season chaser who shaped with some encouragement in Paddy Power Gold Cup at Cheltenham (2m4f, soft) on reappearance but has disappointed twice since; slipping in the weights but needs to rediscover his spark. |
9/1 |
|
12th 9 |
27th Jan 2024 Good To Soft 2m 4f 127y Class 1 |
10st 9lb |
prominent, lost position and midfield after 3rd, dropped to last 10th, mistake 11th, bad mistake 5 out |
9/1 |
|
6th 8 |
16th Dec 2023 Soft 3m 2f 0y Class 1 |
10st 2lb |
Won emphatically at Haydock (2m5f, soft) and Newcastle (2m4f, good to soft) last season and looked ready for a step up in distance when a never-nearer sixth of 14 to Stage Star in the 2m4f Paddy Power here on reappearance; bred to relish today's extra yardage (he's out of a half-sister to the high-class staying jumper Time For Rupert) and looks a fascinating candidate at the bottom of the weights. |
9/2 |
16/1
Form: 322P1/ C
Last run: 658 days
W: 10st 2lb
9 yo Gelding
OR: 135
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
8 |
28th Feb 2026 Good To Soft 3m 1f 214y Class 2 |
10st 10lb |
Has shown consistent form (3122) this term, all in veterans' events, the success at Aintree (3m1f, good); ran creditably, one place in front of Eldorado Allen, at Cheltenham (2m4f) last time; likely player, assuming he continues in the same vein. |
9/2 |
|
1st 3 |
26th Oct 2025 Good 3m 0f 210y Class 2 |
10st 13lb |
His jumping can be an issue, as was the case when well beaten in this race last year and when third of seven on recent reappearance at Chepstow (2m7f, good to firm); however, he did well in the circumstances and can have a big say if minimising the blunders; has won on good and soft. |
9/4 |
14/1
Form: 215P2- D BF
Last run: 203 days
W: 10st 2lb
7 yo Gelding
OR: 134
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
4th 3 |
21st Feb 2026 Soft 2m 0f 16y Class 2 |
11st 4lb |
Quirky customer who tends to idle when striking the front and needs to be produced with a well-timed challenge; on a good mark now and Kielan Woods knows his foibles well but he's seemingly on the downgrade and always comes with extra risk. |
11/2 |
|
5th 4 |
24th Jan 2026 Soft 2m 0f 78y Class 2 |
10st 12lb |
Back in better form, albeit wilted a bit late on, at Wetherby (1m7f, soft) last time and remains below last winning mark but continues to carry risk, being a quirky sort. |
8/1 |
Selections
WEST COUNTRY:
Harper's BrookDaily Mail:
FugitifD Express:
Angels BreathDaily Record:
NotlongtillmayThe Times:
Unexpected PartyThe Sun:
Unexpected Party