March 12 / 14.50 Cheltenham

14.50

Soft

Ultima Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap) (GBB Race)

  • Prize money: £70337.5
  • 3m 1f 0y
  • Class 1
  • 21 runners
ITV
View Course
Ultima Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap) (GBB Race)

Runners: 21 runners

Type: Chase Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Cloudy

7/1 (Won)

  • Win: £7.00
  • Place: £1.60

Form: 1P-112 BF

Last run: 59 days

W: 11st 4lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 143

Form & Verdict
Pulled up in the Albert Bartlett last March but 3-3 over hurdles previously; has put those exploits in the shade since going handicap chasing this season, measuring his fences well when winning at Chepstow (2m7f, good to soft) and Ascot (3m, good) before doing well at the weights against a useful sort over 3m at Kempton last month; can advance further with this stiffer test and he looks a likely type for this race.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

1

13th Dec 2024

Good To Soft

3m 2f 0y

Class 1

13:50 Cheltenham

Chianti Classico

12st 0lb

J: Ciaran Gethings

T: Kim Bailey

Usually races prominently and can make the running; 7yo who had form figures of 1121 in handicap chases at 3m-3m1f last season, notably with a triumph on heavy ground here at the Festival, and he resumed with clearcut win on good in valuable handicap at Ascot six weeks ago; up another 5lb but the extra distance should help and he remains a fine prospect.

6/4

3rd

1

13th Dec 2024

Good To Soft

3m 2f 0y

Class 1

13:50 Cheltenham

Chianti Classico

12st 0lb

J: Ciaran Gethings

T: Kim Bailey

Usually races prominently and can make the running; 7yo who had form figures of 1121 in handicap chases at 3m-3m1f last season, notably with a triumph on heavy ground here at the Festival, and he resumed with clearcut win on good in valuable handicap at Ascot six weeks ago; up another 5lb but the extra distance should help and he remains a fine prospect.

6/4

20/1

  • Place: £5.50

Form: 2-1120 D

Last run: 101 days

W: 11st 4lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 143

Form & Verdict
Runner-up in all three starts at this course, twice when hurdling and once over C&D (good to soft) which followed a successful return to fences at Uttoxeter last July; on the back foot from some way out in the Coral Gold Cup at Newbury in December, though, and left on the same mark since.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

1

23rd May 2026

Good

3m 0f 30y

Class 2

16:10 Bangor-on-Dee

Twig

12st 0lb

J: Beau Morgan

T: Ben Pauling

Second at the 2024 Cheltenham Festival and he started last season with two wins, including a gritty success in the Becher at Aintree (3m2f); struggled in the Grand National last month but he's now only 2lb higher than for his last win and looks interesting on this drop back in trip and class; last success was on soft but most of his wins have been on good ground.

5/2

15th

34

11th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

4m 2f 74y

Class 1

16:00 Aintree

Twig

10st 4lb

J: Beau Morgan

T: Ben Pauling

Second at the 2024 Cheltenham Festival and started this season with two wins, notably by a short head from Mr Vango in the 3m2f Becher over these fences (wore cheekpieces second time); warmed up for this over hurdles after three months off; the Becher performance was doughty stuff but his only go at a marathon trip was last year's National in which he finished a remote tenth, always behind.

40/1

7th

4

14th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 7f 70y

Class 2

14:25 Uttoxeter

Twig

11st 7lb

J: Beau Morgan

T: Ben Pauling

Useful chaser who is 2-2 this season, latest success in notable race at Aintree; however, lower mark over hurdles reflects his level in this sphere and main target is again the Grand National next month.

20/1

11/2

  • Place: £2.10

Form: -4311U D

Last run: 37 days

W: 11st 8lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 147

Form & Verdict
No special shakes as a hurdler but has come right into his own on last two chase completions, winning a beginners' race at Cork (2m5f) and giving a powerful display to beat 11 other finishers in a major handicap at Leopardstown (3m, both on soft) after Christmas; fitting a hood (retained today) was a surprise move next time, when hampered and unseating rider at the first, but he has further to go as a staying chaser and soft ground is ideal.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

26

5th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

4m 2f 74y

Class 1

16:00 Aintree

Meetingofthewaters

10st 7lb

J: Danny Mullins

T: W P Mullins

Big improver sent chasing by his new yard last season and he then disputed the lead over the final fence in this race, only to end up 16l behind in seventh; needs to see it out a lot better and, after he faded well out of contention on all three starts this term, he nevertheless returns to Aintree with a 1lb higher mark than last year.

20/1

5th

26

5th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

4m 2f 74y

Class 1

16:00 Aintree

Meetingofthewaters

10st 7lb

J: Danny Mullins

T: W P Mullins

Big improver sent chasing by his new yard last season and he then disputed the lead over the final fence in this race, only to end up 16l behind in seventh; needs to see it out a lot better and, after he faded well out of contention on all three starts this term, he nevertheless returns to Aintree with a 1lb higher mark than last year.

20/1

8th

2

2nd Mar 2025

Yielding

2m 5f 107y

16:02 Leopardstown

Meetingofthewaters

11st 9lb

J: Peter Smithers

T: W P Mullins

Big improver over fences on joining this yard last season, notably running away with 3m Paddy Power here and good third in Ultima at Cheltenham; two runs here this term well below best, in Paddy Power and never landing a blow off considerably lower hurdles mark at DRF; another with a bit to prove right now.

14/1

16/1

  • Place: £6.60

Form: -411PU D BF

Last run: 24 days

W: 11st 0lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 139

Form & Verdict
Three best chase wins have come at about 3m1f on soft and heavy; pulled up on good ground at Doncaster on latest completion (unseated in February); conditions should suit but the step up in class asks more of him.
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

OUR TIP

Form: P4-858 BF

Last run: 142 days

W: 11st 8lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 147

Form & Verdict
Cracking fourth in this race last year (soft) when giving best only after the last; may have had some breathing issues as he's been tongue tied since September, when making steady late headway in the Kerry National (3m, yielding to soft); he was rested after a lesser effort at Limerick next time but won a race for stable staff on his return last month and is primed for a big run off 2lb lower than 12 months ago.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

19

2nd May 2026

Good To Yielding

3m 0f 90y

14:30 Punchestown

The Goffer

11st 7lb

J: Danny Gilligan

T: Gordon Elliott

Third reserve; second to Vanillier in P P Hogan Memorial over C&D in February and most recently a close third (beaten 1.25l) to Busselton in 4m1f La Touche here on Thursday; big player if turning out again.

3rd

13

30th Apr 2026

Yielding

4m 1f 11y

15:40 Punchestown

The Goffer

11st 7lb

J: Jack Kennedy

T: Gordon Elliott

Fourth behind Stumptown in the 2025 Glenfarclas Chase; went on to finish third in the Topham and fifth in this race; twice second over the shorter course here this season, behind Desertmore House in November and behind Vanillier in February; may rebound after below-par effort at Cheltenham.

4/1

10th

13

11th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 5f 56y

Class 2

15:20 Cheltenham

The Goffer

10st 5lb

J: Josh Williamson

T: Gordon Elliott

Has made the frame at two Cheltenham Festivals, more recently when staying on from long way off the pace to take fourth behind Stumptown in this race in 2025 (good to soft); returns here after a pretty good second to Vanillier on Bank course at Punchestown (3m1f, soft to heavy) but, from out of the weights, is effectively 5lb higher than last year; sports first-time cheekpieces.

14/1

Form: 7P-326 C BF

Last run: 87 days

W: 10st 9lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 134

Form & Verdict
Has course form over hurdles and was far from disgraced in the Albert Bartlett here (3m, soft) last March; chasing type who made a useful start over fences when third of four over 3m here (good to soft) in October and although he hasn't gone on from that in two runs since, and his handicap debut was disappointing in December, the early form puts him in the picture; fitting a tongue-tie could also help on return from a break.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

10

12th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 2f 70y

Class 2

17:20 Cheltenham

Weveallbeencaught

11st 6lb

J: Mr J C Barry

T: E McNamara

Disappointing at Leopardstown in December last time but in good form previously for new yard, finishing second in the Munster National in October (3m, yielding to soft); 13l fourth in this race last year when he'd have been closer but for a bad late mistake; each-way shout if back on song.

16/1

11

19th Oct 2025

Good

3m 0f 0y

16:15 Limerick

Weveallbeencaught

11st 0lb

J: Sean Flanagan

T: E McNamara

Won a 3m Doncaster novice handicap chase in fine style for Nigel Twiston-Davies in January; second-best of the home team when fourth behind Daily Present in the Kim Muir; can be expected to improve from stable debut at Listowel; prospects of reversing form with Talk In The Park.

8/1

3

27th Sep 2025

Good To Yielding

2m 6f 0y

16:30 Listowel

Weveallbeencaught

11st 12lb

J: Danny Mullins

T: E McNamara

Won a 3m Doncaster novice handicap chase in fine style for Nigel Twiston-Davies in January; not a bad effort when last seen at Aintree in April; bought for 40,000GBP at Goffs in May; worth a market check on first start for new yard.

12/1

Form: 1-4705 D

Last run: 77 days

W: 11st 7lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 146

Form & Verdict
Carried all before him in staying chases last spring, winning the Eider (4m1f, good to soft), Scottish National (4m, good) and bet365 (3m4f, good to soft); easy to excuse hurdle defeats since but he would have finished closer in the Coral Gold Cup in December (cheekpieces/tongue-tie refitted) had he been in top form; turnaround needed with tongue-tie back on after one run without.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

5

4th May 2026

Good

3m 0f 38y

Class 2

16:03 Fakenham

Kittys Light

10st 6lb

J: Jack Tudor

T: Christian Williams

Won three valuable marathons in a row in 2022-23 campaign and was honourable fifth in Grand National the following season; never really got going in 2025-25 but returns from 471-day absence on a tempting mark and will be suited by the forecast good ground; market helpful.

14/1

5th

2

18th Jan 2025

Good To Soft

2m 7f 180y

Class 3

13:05 Ascot

Kittys Light

11st 9lb

J: Richard Patrick

T: Christian Williams

took keen hold, raced in last

12/1

5th

2

18th Jan 2025

Good To Soft

2m 7f 180y

Class 3

13:05 Ascot

Kittys Light

11st 9lb

J: Richard Patrick

T: Christian Williams

took keen hold, raced in last, not fluent 4th, outpaced when mistake 14th, no impression

12/1

Form: 4-21P8 C

Last run: 24 days

W: 11st 7lb

12 yo Gelding

OR: 146

Form & Verdict
Won the Kim Muir here in 2022 (3m2f, soft); well into the golden years now but he followed an excellent second over C&D (soft) with a barnstorming win over the big Aintree fences (3m2f, heavy) in December; lesser efforts since, though, and on a high mark now.
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: 54-345 C

Last run: 65 days

W: 12st 0lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 153

Form & Verdict
Has run at the last four Festivals, second in the Arkle in 2021 and third in the Ryanair in 2022; ran with credit when fourth in the Coral Gold Cup at Newbury (3m2f, good to soft) in December but has his share of weight and he didn't run well off his lower hurdle mark in January; has had wind surgery since and cheekpieces return for the first time since last April.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9

10th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 5f 19y

Class 1

16:05 Aintree

Eldorado Allen

10st 12lb

J: Brendan Powell

T: Joe Tizzard

12yo who staged a renaissance when winning a veterans' chase at Cheltenham in November and has continued in pretty good heart; however, it's likely he'll be vulnerable today; soundly beaten in this race 12 months ago.

66/1

4th

4

28th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

3m 1f 214y

Class 2

15:15 Newbury

Eldorado Allen

11st 9lb

J: Brendan Powell

T: Joe Tizzard

Form over shorter this term features a reappearance success in veterans' race at Cheltenham (2m4f, soft; beat Mister Coffey); record at Newbury includes a success in 2m7f Grade 2 in 2022 and respectable effort in major 3m2f handicap in 2023; solid claims.

9/2

4th

4

18th Jan 2026

Soft

2m 6f 50y

Class 2

15:00 Windsor

Eldorado Allen

11st 2lb

J: Brendan Powell

T: Joe Tizzard

Three-time Grade 2 chase winner who snapped long losing sequence to land veterans' handicap at Cheltenham (2m4f, soft) in November; ran okay when third next time; however, this 12yo looks vulnerable in today's company.

50/1

Form: 3-59PB

Last run: 34 days

W: 11st 10lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 149

Form & Verdict
His solitary chase win from 19 attempts came back in 2021; subsequently runner-up in the National Hunt Chase here (3m6f, good to soft) four months later but he has plenty to prove on his two most recent completed runs and he was brought down at Fairyhouse last month.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

8

6th Apr 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 4f 0y

16:10 Cork

Run Wild Fred

12st 0lb

J: Mr C J Shine

T: Raymond Hurley

Troytown winner in 2021 and second in the National Hunt Chase later that season; has not been a force in recent seasons; pulled up in a point in January; risky at this stage.

14/1

7

3rd May 2025

Yielding

3m 7f 68y

15:05 Punchestown

Run Wild Fred

11st 1lb

J: Conor Clarke

T: Raymond Hurley

midfield, not fluent 7th

20/1

7

3rd May 2025

Yielding

3m 7f 68y

15:05 Punchestown

Run Wild Fred

11st 1lb

J: Conor Clarke

T: Raymond Hurley

midfield, not fluent 7th

20/1

Form: /2U541 D

Last run: 10 days

W: 11st 10lb

11 yo Gelding

OR: 144

Form & Verdict
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.
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: P-48P1 C

Last run: 71 days

W: 11st 9lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 148

Form & Verdict
Had an excellent spell in early 2023 which culminated in a narrow defeat in the 3m2f Kim Muir at this meeting (soft); he rather switched off for his next four runs but the fitting of blinkers breathed new life into him when a convincing winner back here (3m1f, heavy) in January; not ruled out if the headgear continues to work but he is 13lb higher than 12 months ago.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

1

11th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 5f 56y

Class 2

15:20 Cheltenham

Stumptown

11st 10lb

J: Keith Donoghue

T: Gavin Cromwell

Dual C&D winner last season, latterly when beating Latenightpass by 7l in this race (good to soft; first-time cheekpieces); seen only once this term, landing prestigious Velka Pardubicka cross-country chase in Czech Republic (4m2f, good; back in cheekpieces) in October, and has a lofty handicap mark to overcome but still commands respect; blinkers back on today.

11/4

10

5th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

4m 2f 74y

Class 1

16:00 Aintree

Stumptown

11st 2lb

J: Keith Donoghue

T: Gavin Cromwell

Cross-country chasing could hardly have gone better, which augurs well, as does his markedly improved form over 3m5f in the Cheltenham version on last two outings; spending the last third of it off the bridle at the Festival last month (with first-time cheekpieces; last season's blinkers now return) is a niggling worry, and slogging it out was a taxing as well as serious achievement, but he finished well on top and can race off the same mark today; on the shortlist.

10/1

10

5th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

4m 2f 74y

Class 1

16:00 Aintree

Stumptown

11st 2lb

J: Keith Donoghue

T: Gavin Cromwell

Cross-country chasing could hardly have gone better, which augurs well, as does his markedly improved form over 3m5f in the Cheltenham version on last two outings; spending the last third of it off the bridle at the Festival last month (with first-time cheekpieces; last season's blinkers now return) is a niggling worry, and slogging it out was a taxing as well as serious achievement, but he finished well on top and can race off the same mark today; on the shortlist.

10/1

Form: 13-P35

Last run: 10 days

W: 11st 8lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 147

Form & Verdict
Looked destined for big things when first going chasing and the handicap form of his close third in this race (soft; equally effective on good to soft) last year could hardly be bettered; ran up to his best when third in the Coral Gold Cup at Newbury in December but things haven't gone to plan since and he came home a tired horse at Kelso ten days ago; doubts have crept in but cheekpieces are added and the yard has won this race three times.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

2

12th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 2f 70y

Class 2

17:20 Cheltenham

Monbeg Genius

11st 10lb

J: Mr J L Scallan

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

Third in the Ultima here (3m1f, soft) in March 2023; this 10yo has run respectably in the Welsh National (3m6f, good to soft) and Haydock Grand National Trial (3m4f, good to soft) on his last two starts and is now below his last winning mark; not discounted with blinkers replacing cheekpieces.

33/1

7th

2

14th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

3m 4f 97y

Class 1

15:15 Haydock

Monbeg Genius

11st 11lb

J: Jonjo O’Neill Jr

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

10yo who won at Uttoxeter (3m, soft) last February and returned to form when fifth of 17 in the Welsh National at Chepstow (3m6f, good to soft) in December, when 7l and two places behind Deafening Silence; now back down to last winning mark and might not be far away.

11/1

6th

7

26th Apr 2025

Good

3m 4f 146y

Class 1

16:10 Sandown

Monbeg Genius

10st 5lb

J: Richie McLernon

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

Dictated the pace for a Uttoxeter win (3m, soft; 3lb higher today) in February with second-time cheekpieces (kept since) in a less demanding race than he's often appeared in; 13l fourth in the Welsh National (near 3m7f, soft) was respectable but he did not spark in the big one at Aintree three weeks ago and good ground would give him more to prove.

33/1

Form: P-1P33 D

Last run: 17 days

W: 11st 7lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 146

Form & Verdict
Useful chase form as a novice but he was out of sorts in the National Hunt Chase here last year; back on track when winning a Listed race on return and he bettered that when a good third in a Grade 3 at Tramore (also 2m7f, heavy) on New Year's Day; not the same force either side of that but still has possibilities.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

15th Apr 2026

Good

3m 1f 125y

Class 2

17:00 Haydock

Minella Crooner

10st 13lb

J: James Best

T: Sarah Humphrey

Once very smart for Gordon Elliott but left that yard on a downer and has continued in similar vein for current team; too risky at the minute.

25/1

11

11th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 5f 56y

Class 2

15:20 Cheltenham

Minella Crooner

10st 5lb

J: James Best

T: Sarah Humphrey

Very useful at his best for Gordon Elliott but was pulled up in this race last year and changed hands after a heavy defeat over regulation fences at Punchestown festival; struggled when dropped back to 2m4f for last month's stable debut; 6lb wrong here and has too much to prove.

100/1

1

21st Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 19y

Class 3

15:58 Newcastle

Minella Crooner

12st 2lb

J: Richie McLernon

T: Sarah Humphrey

His last win was at the Punchestown festival (3m, soft) in May 2024; right out of form in his last three starts (same Punchestown race last time) and this is his first start since leaving Gordon Elliott for £10,000 last May; probably best watched this time.

20/1

Form: -3P1PP

Last run: 47 days

W: 11st 7lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 146

Form & Verdict
Versatile trip-wise, having been a strong-finishing fourth in the 2m4f Plate here last March, then runner-up in the Irish National (3m5f, soft); signs of further improvement when winning the Munster National in October but two pulled-up runs since temper enthusiasm for this task.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13

12th Mar 2025

Good To Soft

3m 5f 56y

Class 2

15:20 Cheltenham

Gevrey

10st 5lb

J: Jake Coen

T: Gordon Elliott

Placed in the Plate here (2m4f, soft) two years ago and in Irish Grand National (3m5f, soft) a few weeks later but his form nosedived after Munster National success at Limerick (3m, soft) later in 2023; well beaten on last month's cross-country debut at Punchestown (race won by Vanillier) and arrives here with a lot to prove.

33/1

9th

3

3rd Feb 2025

Soft To Heavy

3m 0f 193y

13:00 Punchestown

Gevrey

11st 11lb

J: Sam Ewing

T: Gordon Elliott

Has lost his form since winning the Munster National at Limerick in October 2023; pulled up three times in a row subsequently and was beaten 55l on his return to action at Navan in November; switch to the banks needs to spark a revival.

16/1

9th

3

3rd Feb 2025

Soft To Heavy

3m 0f 193y

13:00 Punchestown

Gevrey

11st 11lb

J: Sam Ewing

T: Gordon Elliott

Has lost his form since winning the Munster National at Limerick in October 2023; pulled up three times in a row subsequently and was beaten 55l on his return to action at Navan in November; switch to the banks needs to spark a revival.

16/1

Form: 0/4-82 D

Last run: 34 days

W: 11st 7lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 146

Form & Verdict
Smart chaser earlier in career; sparingly raced now and had been struggling until showing more at Fairyhouse (3m, heavy; only two finished) last month; well treated if that proves his first step back; best form on testing ground.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

15th

32

13th Apr 2024

Heavy

4m 2f 74y

Class 1

16:00 Aintree

Eklat De Rire

10st 7lb

J: Darragh O’Keeffe

T: Henry De Bromhead

Used to act on heavy; started favourite for the big 3m2f handicap at Newbury in November 2021 but pulled up that day and there's been only one ray of sunshine in his light career since, when second in a four-runner race this February; pulled up at Cheltenham last month.

100/1

15th

32

13th Apr 2024

Soft

4m 2f 74y

Class 1

15:00 Aintree

Eklat De Rire

10st 7lb

J: Darragh O’Keeffe

T: Henry De Bromhead

Used to act on heavy; started favourite for the big 3m2f handicap at Newbury in November 2021 but pulled up that day and there's been only one ray of sunshine in his light career since, when second in a four-runner race this February; pulled up at Cheltenham last month.

100/1

12

12th Mar 2024

Soft

3m 1f 0y

Class 1

14:50 Cheltenham

Eklat De Rire

11st 7lb

J: Rachael Blackmore

T: Henry De Bromhead

Smart chaser earlier in career; sparingly raced now and had been struggling until showing more at Fairyhouse (3m, heavy; only two finished) last month; well treated if that proves his first step back; best form on testing ground.

18/1

Form: 4-1174 BF

Last run: 24 days

W: 11st 6lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 145

Form & Verdict
Made bright start to chase career in Britain when winning two 3m handicaps at Ascot (soft and good) before Christmas but he could keep on only at the same pace when beaten nearly 5l back over 3m there 24 days ago and this looks so much harder.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

6

26th Apr 2025

Good

3m 4f 146y

Class 1

16:10 Sandown

Victtorino

10st 8lb

J: Charlie Deutsch

T: Venetia Williams

Poor Cheltenham record was extended at the Festival last time; 3m at right-handed Ascot, on the other hand, produced four wins (two on good ground) from five attempts and his strong finish in Newbury's big 3m2f handicap in November catches the eye with regard to today's new trip; his stable has had a long dry spell recently (it ended on Thursday) but he's a strong candidate otherwise.

16/1

7th

6

26th Apr 2025

Good

3m 4f 146y

Class 1

16:10 Sandown

Victtorino

10st 8lb

J: Charlie Deutsch

T: Venetia Williams

Poor Cheltenham record was extended at the Festival last time; 3m at right-handed Ascot, on the other hand, produced four wins (two on good ground) from five attempts and his strong finish in Newbury's big 3m2f handicap in November catches the eye with regard to today's new trip; his stable has had a long dry spell recently (it ended on Thursday) but he's a strong candidate otherwise.

16/1

6

11th Mar 2025

Good To Soft

3m 1f 0y

Class 1

14:40 Cheltenham

Victtorino

11st 11lb

J: Charlie Deutsch

T: Venetia Williams

Struggled last term on both previous Cheltenham runs (including in this), which is a worry; this winter's two wins came at favourite course Ascot (3m, good to soft/good) but he also ran well at Newbury in November and this progressive 7yo is climbing the weights only slowly; dangerous to rule out.

25/1

Form: P-546P

Last run: 37 days

W: 11st 6lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 145

Form & Verdict
Has run creditably in a variety of competitive races but his last win came in the Kerry National (3m, good) in October 2022 and he has rarely been at his best over the last 12 months; could do with the ground drying out.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

3

30th Apr 2026

Yielding

4m 1f 11y

15:40 Punchestown

Busselton

11st 12lb

J: Darragh O’Keeffe

T: E Bolger

Beat Desertmore House in this event in last year when trained by Joseph O'Brien, for whom he won five chases in all, including the 2022 Kerry National; well below best when fifth behind Desertmore House here in November, tailed off at Cheltenham in November, had a first spin for Enda Bolger over hurdles and an inadequate trip at Cork; not ruled out.

7/2

5th

4

5th Apr 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 0f 70y

13:50 Cork

Busselton

11st 2lb

J: Rian Lane

T: E Bolger

Five-time chase winner's last two runs for Joseph O'Brien came in Cross Country races at Punchestown and Cheltenham; now with Enda Bolger and faces a tough task on these terms over a trip that looks too sharp.

9/1

Form: 1-1323

Last run: 30 days

W: 11st 5lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 144

Form & Verdict
All races on soft or heavy; stretched away when making it 3-4 over hurdles in 2m7f handicap last March but has raced at about 2m4f over fences, winning on chase debut and running particularly well when a keeping-on third to two hotshots here in December; two good efforts since (in cheekpieces latest, refitted today) and this stamina test can suit; solid contender.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

11th Mar 2025

Good To Soft

3m 1f 0y

Class 1

14:40 Cheltenham

Trelawne

12st 0lb

J: Tom Bellamy

T: Kim Bailey & Mat Nicholls

Well-backed 5-1 shot in this last year only to fall early (a stablemate won); 8lb higher this time; won over an extended 2m7f over hurdles and this second-season chaser reappeared with a win in a graduation chase at Haydock (extended 2m5f, soft) in November; fair efforts when fourth in handicaps the next twice (3m/3m1f, good to soft/soft) but needs something extra today.

25/1

4th

2

18th Jan 2025

Heavy

3m 1f 125y

Class 1

14:30 Haydock

Trelawne

11st 0lb

J: Tom Bellamy

T: Kim Bailey & Mat Nicholls

Promising novice chaser last season and his reappearance win in a graduation chase here (2m5f, soft) represents strong form; won over an extended 2m7f over hurdles; merely fourth off this mark when back in a handicap at Ascot (3m, good to soft) last month but it was still a reasonable performance on ground that may not have been ideal; respected now back on testing surface.

7/2

4th

2

18th Jan 2025

Heavy

3m 1f 125y

Class 1

14:30 Haydock

Trelawne

11st 0lb

J: Tom Bellamy

T: Kim Bailey & Mat Nicholls

Promising novice chaser last season and his reappearance win in a graduation chase here (2m5f, soft) represents strong form; won over an extended 2m7f over hurdles; merely fourth off this mark when back in a handicap at Ascot (3m, good to soft) last month but it was still a reasonable performance on ground that may not have been ideal; respected now back on testing surface.

7/2

Form: 2-5264 D

Last run: 30 days

W: 11st 1lb

11 yo Gelding

OR: 140

Form & Verdict
Has run some good races on this track, including when runner-up in the National Hunt Chase in 2020, but his losing run goes back three years and others have more going for them at this level.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8

25th Feb 2025

Soft

2m 6f 151y

Class 3

16:45 Leicester

Lord Du Mesnil

11st 12lb

J: Mr David Maxwell

T: Richard Hobson

Very useful staying chaser at his best and has made the frame in both hunter chases for new owner-rider this season, more recently when third at Bangor (3m, soft) this month; won't be far away if in similar form again.

8/1

3rd

6

7th Feb 2025

Soft

3m 0f 30y

Class 4

13:12 Bangor-on-Dee

Lord Du Mesnil

11st 12lb

J: Mr David Maxwell

T: Richard Hobson

Winless since early 2021 but has run plenty of good races in the meantime, including on his recent hunter chase debut at Warwick (3m, good to soft) when returning from a lengthy break and wind surgery; that was a stronger race than this.

7/4

3rd

6

7th Feb 2025

Soft

3m 0f 30y

Class 4

13:12 Bangor-on-Dee

Lord Du Mesnil

11st 12lb

J: Mr David Maxwell

T: Richard Hobson

Winless since early 2021 but has run plenty of good races in the meantime, including on his recent hunter chase debut at Warwick (3m, good to soft) when returning from a lengthy break and wind surgery; that was a stronger race than this.

7/4

Form: 12-310

Last run: 45 days

W: 11st 1lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 144

Form & Verdict
Chase winner in France (2m1f, heavy) last March; looked promising when winning at Ascot (2m5f, good) in December on second start for this yard but he was a long way from justifying a shortish price in a competitive 2m4f handicap here in January and has a lot to prove with this big step up in trip.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

30

10th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 5f 19y

Class 1

16:05 Aintree

Excello

10st 2lb

J: Nico de Boinville

T: Nicky Henderson

4lb out of the handicap today and his losing sequence is up to 12 races; however, he ran pretty well when outstayed in the Kim Muir at Cheltenham (3m2f, good) last month and is racing off just 2lb higher than when third of 17 over C&D (good to soft) in the Grand Sefton in November; yard has won this five times and he holds each-way possibilities back down in trip.

25/1

9th

15

12th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 2f 70y

Class 2

17:20 Cheltenham

Excello

11st 1lb

J: Mr Henry Main

T: Nicky Henderson

Very close fourth of six at Sandown last March (3m, good; albeit lost three places close home) and good third over the National fences at Aintree (2m5f, good to soft) in November; however, tailed off there (3m2f, soft) in December and there's a suspicion he'll again be lacking the necessary stamina.

33/1

Non-runners

Found On, Risk And Roll

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £202.40
Straight Forecast £170.43
Tricast £1091.46
Trifecta £2457.00

Selections

The Times:

Trelawne

SPOTLIGHT:

The Goffer

Telegraph:

Stumptown

WEST COUNTRY:

Chianti Classico

LAMBOURN:

Excello

D Express:

Weveallbeencaught

TOPSPEED:

Twig

POSTDATA:

Lord Du Mesnil

The Guardian:

Trelawne

The Star:

Trelawne

Daily Record:

Trelawne

Daily Mail:

Stumptown

RP RATINGS:

The Goffer

The Sun:

The Goffer

Daily Mirror:

Chianti Classico