February 17 / 15.15 Haydock

15.15

Heavy

Virgin Bet Grand National Trial Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap) (GBB Race)

  • Prize money: £56950
  • 3m 4f 97y
  • Class 1
  • 10 runners
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Virgin Bet Grand National Trial Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap) (GBB Race)

Runners: 10 runners

Type: Chase Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Rain

11/2 (Won)

  • Win: £5.50
  • Place: £1.80

Form: 10-2F2

Last run: 56 days

W: 10st 12lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 133

Form & Verdict
Made debut under rules (ran in just one point) in October 2022; seen mostly over fences and was rallying strongly when he fell at the final fence in a major Ascot handicap (3m, soft) in November this term; again found his stride late on over that same C&D (good) in December, this time getting away with a last-fence error and running on into second; cheekpieces go on; probably acts on heavy going; second over 3m2f last May and looks the type to come into his own now over 3m4f, barring mishaps.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

16th

14

12th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 7f 213y

Class 1

16:40 Cheltenham

Yeah Man

10st 9lb

J: Conor Stone-Walsh

T: Gavin Cromwell

No ground worries; best winning day in the 2024 Grand National Trial at Haydock and he's been placed in last two editions of the Troytown in November; those were over fences but he has a much lower hurdles mark and was a close second to Duke Silver in the Leopardstown qualifier; good chance he'll be outspeeded in this but dangerous if he turns for home in contention.

20/1

12

22nd Jan 2026

Heavy

3m 1f 0y

15:30 Gowran Park

Yeah Man

11st 3lb

J: Keith Donoghue

T: Gavin Cromwell

Won the 2024 Grand National Trial at Haydock; fine effort in third behind Stuzzikini in the 2024 Troytown and went one place better behind Answer To Kayf in this season's edition; 143-rated chaser could finish only second from a mark of 118 in a handicap hurdle at Christmas; however, the run kept him ticking over, and he could be a big player.

10/1

2

19th Oct 2025

Good

3m 0f 0y

16:15 Limerick

Yeah Man

11st 8lb

J: Keith Donoghue

T: Gavin Cromwell

The 2024 Grand National Trial winner at Haydock; fine effort in third behind Stuzzikini in the Troytown at Navan last November; lost form later in the campaign; plenty to find with Weveallebeencaught on Kim Muir running.

16/1

5/1

  • Place: £2.10

Form: 1-1221 D

Last run: 35 days

W: 10st 6lb

8 yo Mare

OR: 127

Form & Verdict
Won a novice hurdle on heavy, below form sole start on it since; 4-11 over fences and a notable improver for two wins and two seconds from her four starts this season; the step up to 3m5f worked a treat last time when she led three out in the 14-runner Classic Chase at Warwick (soft) and went on to win it, with the first two well clear; up 5lb but highly respected.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

6

29th Jan 2026

Heavy

3m 1f 30y

Class 3

15:33 Wincanton

My Silver Lining

10st 13lb

J: James Best

T: Emma Lavelle

On a losing run but she was second in the Tommy Whittle at Haydock (3m1f, soft) and her bid for the Surrey National (3m5f, soft) ended early after a bad mistake; this is her sort of race and she's effective in the mud.

5/1

11

19th Jan 2026

Soft

3m 4f 178y

Class 3

13:50 Lingfield

My Silver Lining

11st 0lb

J: James Best

T: Emma Lavelle

Not as good as she was but ended last year with some good efforts, most recently when second in Tommy Whittle at Haydock (3m1f, soft), and this move back up in trip is sure to suit.

10/1

4th

9

26th Oct 2025

Good To Soft

3m 1f 210y

Class 3

13:30 Fontwell

My Silver Lining

10st 13lb

J: James Best

T: Emma Lavelle

Pulled up in three of her five runs last season but her third at Hereford (3m1f, good to soft) in December was a good effort and she finished fourth of 16 in the Midlands National at Uttoxeter last time; resumes off a dangerous mark and she's one to keep an eye on for in-form yard.

7/1

9/2

  • Place: £1.90

Form: 122-P2 C

Last run: 52 days

W: 11st 5lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 140

Form & Verdict
Only ten races in all, winning five; put a poor reappearance behind him when he ran in the Welsh National at Chepstow (3m6f, heavy) at Christmas, a street behind by the winner but beating all the rest after passing Iwilldoit on the run-in; could have more to offer in these long-distance races.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

2

15th Apr 2026

Good

3m 1f 125y

Class 2

17:00 Haydock

Iron Bridge

10st 13lb

J: Jonjo O’Neill Jr

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

A strong stayer but with a strike-rate of only 2-17 over fences and excuses are wearing thin; on the plus side, they were solid enough efforts on last two starts (3m4f/3m6f) and he nearly won off this mark on his reappearance (3m2f).

9/2

3rd

1

22nd Mar 2026

Good

3m 6f 153y

Class 3

15:02 Exeter

Iron Bridge

12st 0lb

J: Jonjo O’Neill Jr

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

Struggled on heavy ground two starts ago (first-time cheekpieces) but quickly got back on track with battling second at Haydock (3m4f, good to soft) this month; remains on a workable mark and good ground also suits; ought to make his presence felt again.

7/2

2nd

1

5th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 4f 97y

Class 3

14:45 Haydock

Iron Bridge

12st 0lb

J: Jonjo O’Neill Jr

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

Last win came here back in 2022 and he's not proving easy to catch right nowadays either, tried in cheekpieces when pulled up in 3m2f handicap chase at Wincanton in January; others are preferred.

7/2

Form: 24/2U5 D

Last run: 27 days

W: 11st 10lb

11 yo Gelding

OR: 145

Form & Verdict
2021 Welsh National runner-up who returned from long absence with a good second on stable debut at Kelso in October; early unseat over National fences at Aintree next time and not disgraced behind Iwilldoit at Lingfield latest, but he probably needs a return to peak form; this season's tongue-tie is joined by cheekpieces; 7lb-claiming amateur is recruited.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

12th Mar 2024

Soft

3m 1f 0y

Class 1

14:50 Cheltenham

Highland Hunter

11st 10lb

J: Paddy Brennan

T: Fergal O’Brien

Stout stayer who was runner-up in the 2021 Welsh National; off for 20 months after next outing but quickly found his form for new yard and he was the freshest horse in the race when galloping on relentlessly at Newbury (3m2f, heavy) ten days ago; however, a penalty takes him back to a career-high mark which will be hard to overcome at this level.

40/1

1st

1

2nd Mar 2024

Soft

3m 1f 214y

Class 2

13:20 Newbury

Highland Hunter

12st 0lb

J: Mr Tom Broughton

T: Fergal O’Brien

Former Welsh National runner-up; has run well in both completed handicaps since joining this yard after an absence, last time hanging around in the attritional Grand National Trial at Haydock (3m4f, heavy); that was a hard race only two weeks ago but he's a player if fully recovered from those exertions.

7/2

4th

3

17th Feb 2024

Heavy

3m 4f 97y

Class 1

15:15 Haydock

Highland Hunter

11st 10lb

J: Mr Tom Broughton

T: Fergal O’Brien

taken down early

16/1

Form: 15-233 D

Last run: 27 days

W: 12st 0lb

11 yo Gelding

OR: 149

Form & Verdict
Won the 3m6f Welsh National on soft in 2021 and the 3m5f Warwick Classic (clear best form) on heavy last January; gave it a fair shot when well-beaten third in this season's Welsh National (under Dylan Johnston) and not at all discredited at Lingfield four weeks ago given the exalted company, but to win this he needs to get back closer to his best form.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

12th Mar 2025

Good To Soft

3m 5f 56y

Class 2

15:20 Cheltenham

Iwilldoit

11st 3lb

J: Dylan Johnston

T: Sam Thomas

Lightly raced since Welsh Grand National success in 2021 but a commendable third in this season's edition of that race (3m6f, soft) in December and again ran very well at Haydock (3m1f, soft) in January; drying ground will reduce his appeal but he has possibilities if he enjoys this new test.

20/1

2nd

3

18th Jan 2025

Heavy

3m 1f 125y

Class 1

14:30 Haydock

Iwilldoit

10st 12lb

J: Dylan Johnston

T: Sam Thomas

Won the Welsh National (3m6f, soft) in 2021 and the Warwick Classic (3m5f, heavy) in 2023; now 12 but he was a fine third in the Welsh National (3m6f, soft) three weeks ago and his surplus stamina may be no bad thing today; possible player if this doesn't come too soon after his hard Chepstow race.

9/1

2nd

3

18th Jan 2025

Heavy

3m 1f 125y

Class 1

14:30 Haydock

Iwilldoit

10st 12lb

J: Dylan Johnston

T: Sam Thomas

Won the Welsh National (3m6f, soft) in 2021 and the Warwick Classic (3m5f, heavy) in 2023; now 12 but he was a fine third in the Welsh National (3m6f, soft) three weeks ago and his surplus stamina may be no bad thing today; possible player if this doesn't come too soon after his hard Chepstow race.

9/1

Form: 4-1234

Last run: 35 days

W: 10st 11lb

9 yo Mare

OR: 132

Form & Verdict
Acts on heavy; won in good style at Wincanton (extended 3m2f) in October; placed twice behind Famous Bridge here (3m1f) and ran well again when fourth of 14 to My Silver Lining in the Classic at Warwick (3m5f) on latest; having a good season but this is another hot race and she needs to find extra.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

3

8th Mar 2026

Soft

3m 0f 110y

Class 2

14:50 Carlisle

Credo

11st 2lb

J: Rex Dingle

T: Anthony Honeyball

Behind stablemate Blackjack Magic when seventh in final of this veterans' series at Sandown in January and was soundly beaten in major Ascot handicap last month but her first two runs this season were very respectable and she's now 3lb lower than when winning this race in 2025.

7/2

8th

7

14th Feb 2026

Soft

2m 7f 185y

Class 1

15:00 Ascot

Credo

10st 4lb

J: Rex Dingle

T: Anthony Honeyball

Successful in two legs of the 2025 Stayers' Veterans' Chase Series but came up short in the Final won by Nocte Volatus; hasn't won a conventional race since 2023.

20/1

5th

4

30th Mar 2025

Good

2m 7f 180y

Class 2

16:30 Ascot

Credo

11st 3lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Anthony Honeyball

In-form mare who won four-runner veterans' chase fairly comfortably at Carlisle (3m, good) a week ago and is now 2-3 since fitted with a visor; has 6lb penalty to carry today but is respected in her current mood.

2/1

Form: -15212

Last run: 21 days

W: 10st 3lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 124

Form & Verdict
Sent chasing for this second campaign under rules and it's gone well, notably at Aintree (3m1f, soft; unraced on heavy) on Boxing Day for his second chase win; that was smooth, asserting well from two out, and he got going much too late when creditable second on good ground at Doncaster (3m) three weeks ago, so this greater test of stamina makes serious appeal for him.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

1

27th May 2026

Good

3m 1f 170y

Class 3

15:53 Newton Abbot

Snipe

12st 0lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

Record of 2-4 since switched to hunter chases in January and he ran well to finish six of 24 in the Foxhunters' at Aintree (2m5f) last month; on career-high mark back in a handicap but he hasn't been far off his best this year and he has won over 3m1f in the past; respected.

7/2

6th

19

9th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 5f 19y

Class 2

15:30 Aintree

Snipe

12st 0lb

J: Mr Sean O’Connor

T: Dan Skelton

Won on his first hunter chase start at Hereford (2m5f, soft) in January and bounced back from a heavy defeat behind Golden Son at Taunton (2m7f, heavy) to win at Leicester (2m, good to soft) last month; however, he needs a clear career best if he's to win this.

25/1

1st

3

6th Mar 2026

Soft

1m 7f 201y

Class 5

17:03 Leicester

Snipe

12st 2lb

J: Miss Heidi Palin

T: Dan Skelton

Made a bright start to hunter chases when beating Stattler (subsequent winner) at Hereford (2m5f, soft) in January and, although well beaten at Taunton (2m7f) when trying to match strides with Golden Son last month, he likely continues in form; leading contender dropped back to 2m for the first time, with fewer questions to answer than most.

11/10

OUR TIP

Form: 44-21P

Last run: 52 days

W: 11st 12lb

12 yo Gelding

OR: 147

Form & Verdict
Ridden last two years by Lucy Turner; won at the 2022 Cheltenham Festival and, after a patchy campaign last term, never better than first two starts this season, latterly when winning by 13l over the big Aintree fences (3m2f, heavy); first race beyond that was the Welsh National, just 18 days later which might help to explain his modest show but he also made mistakes early on final circuit; 7lb higher than at Aintree and needs another career best.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

16

12th Mar 2025

Good To Soft

3m 5f 56y

Class 2

15:20 Cheltenham

Chambard

10st 5lb

J: Miss Lucy Turner

T: Venetia Williams

Won 2022 Kim Muir here (3m2f, soft) and produced career-best performance when scoring by 13l over the big Aintree fences last season (3m2f, heavy); badly out of form this term, though, and this new discipline needs to rekindle his enthusiasm; 6lb out of the handicap.

100/1

7th

1

10th Feb 2025

Good To Soft

3m 4f 102y

Class 3

15:45 Plumpton

Chambard

12st 2lb

J: Miss Lucy Turner

T: Venetia Williams

towards rear, headway on outer after 10th, lost ground after 15th

25/1

7th

1

10th Feb 2025

Good To Soft

3m 4f 102y

Class 3

15:45 Plumpton

Chambard

12st 2lb

J: Miss Lucy Turner

T: Venetia Williams

towards rear, headway on outer after 10th, lost ground after 15th

25/1

Form: 0/4P-F

Last run: 27 days

W: 10st 12lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 133

Form & Verdict
All four wins on soft, not proven on heavy; well treated if judged on peak efforts, the latest in January 2022 when second of five on step up to 3m4f; fell five out behind two of these when facing a very stiff task at Lingfield last month on return from 434 days off, so current form is the big unknown.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price
No Results Found

Form: 1-411P C BF

Last run: 21 days

W: 11st 4lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 139

Form & Verdict
Won four of first seven chases, notably two over 3m1f in the mud here this winter; on second occasion he came from behind and got to the leader at the final fence in the Tommy Whittle (heavy) and it was good ground when he failed to show anything at Doncaster (3m) three weeks ago, not aided by a bad early mistake; this first attempt at a marathon trip could suit.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11

18th Apr 2026

Soft

3m 7f 176y

Class 1

15:35 Ayr

Famous Bridge

11st 1lb

J: Sean Quinlan

T: Nicky Richards

The way he asserted in the Grand National Trial at Haydock (3m4f, good to soft) last February made this race look an appealing proposition, but he faded badly when it was put to the test and later lost the Haydock race due to a banned substance; this season has been very disappointing but at least he's 9lb lower than 12 months ago and his yard has been in great form.

25/1

7th

14

11th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 5f 56y

Class 2

15:20 Cheltenham

Famous Bridge

10st 5lb

J: Sean Quinlan

T: Nicky Richards

Very useful handicapper over regulation fences on his day and a very respectable sixth in last year's Ultima (3m1f, good to soft) at this meeting; won't fail through lack of stamina but has been out of form this season and makes cross-country debut from 11lb out of the handicap.

50/1

7th

2

1st Nov 2025

Soft

3m 0f 70y

Class 3

13:58 Ayr

Famous Bridge

11st 8lb

J: Sean Quinlan

T: Nicky Richards

Useful over fences, first past the post in the Grand National Trial at Haydock (disqualified due to banned substance) in February and far from disgraced in the Ultima at Cheltenham the following month; having his first hurdles outing since April 2022 here, so carries risks, but he could be dangerous off his lower mark if fully tuned up.

11/2

Non-runners

Fontaine Collonges

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £31.60
Straight Forecast £30.31
Tricast £129.29
Trifecta £171.10

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Yeah Man

RP RATINGS:

My Silver Lining

WEST COUNTRY:

Iron Bridge

Telegraph:

Famous Bridge

POSTDATA:

Fontaine Collonges

The Star:

Iwilldoit

TOPSPEED:

Yeah Man

The Times:

Yeah Man

The Guardian:

Yeah Man

D Express:

Yeah Man

Daily Mail:

Iron Bridge

Daily Mirror:

My Silver Lining

The Sun:

My Silver Lining

Daily Record:

My Silver Lining