April 17 / 14.40 Cheltenham

14.40

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: Light rain

3/1 (Won)

  • Win: £4.00
  • Place: £1.70

Form: 2-32U5

Last run: 34 days

W: 10st 12lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 137

Form & Verdict
Both wins at about 2m1f and started this season over similar distances; however, he had shown potential for this far before an eyecatching run in the 2m4f Plate at the Festival where he powered up the hill for a close fifth after getting behind early with some untidy jumping; that wasn't his first positive performance here and, with drying ground no hindrance, there's loads to like for yard that won successive renewals of this a few seasons ago.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

6

1st Jun 2026

Yielding

2m 7f 150y

16:42 Listowel

In Excelsis Deo

11st 11lb

J: Mr S J Kenny

T: E Bolger

Won a Grade 2 handicap over 2m4f a couple of years ago for Harry Fry before losing form; some good efforts in point-to-points, including recent win under this jockey; previously, was only around 7l off stablemate Solitary Man over 2m4f at Cork (disqualified, rider weighed in marginally light).

12/1

7th

12

2nd May 2026

Yielding

2m 0f 0y

18:35 Punchestown

In Excelsis Deo

12st 0lb

J: Emma Fitzgerald

T: E Bolger

Rated in 140s at peak over fences, best form over much further, others preferred.

14/1

11th

5

6th Apr 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 4f 0y

16:10 Cork

In Excelsis Deo

12st 0lb

J: Mr S J Kenny

T: E Bolger

Solid overall form in points, highlighted by a defeat of Its On The Line at Cragmore in January; unseated rider in Belclare contest won by Asian Master; stablemate Solitary Man has superior claims.

7/1

20/1

  • Place: £5.80

Form: 253115 C

Last run: 171 days

W: 11st 12lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 151

Form & Verdict
Conditions will be borderline as he's ideally suited by good/faster ground; two wins at about 2m4f last summer took his strike-rate over fences to 7-11 but a combination of a career-high mark and good to soft ground contributed to his defeat in the Old Roan at Aintree when last seen in October (under Joe Anderson); others would appear to have more going for them.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

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

3rd

2

28th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

3m 1f 214y

Class 2

15:15 Newbury

Hang In There

12st 2lb

J: Rian Corcoran

T: Emma Lavelle

Successful in similar event at Chepstow in October (penultimate start) and returns from another break with Rian Corcoran taking off a useful 7lb; however, chance largely depends on what the weather does (ideally needs a sound surface).

14/1

8/1

  • Place: £2.20

Form: 331211 D

Last run: 16 days

W: 10st 9lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 134

Form & Verdict
Improving chaser who has won three of his last four and again impressed with his jumping en route to a clearcut success at Plumpton two weeks ago (2m3f, good); could be progressive enough to deal with the 6lb rise but now tackles some tried-and-trusted handicappers at this loftier level; unquestionably needs his best form yet.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

1

4th Apr 2026

Good

2m 4f 216y

Class 3

15:49 Newton Abbot

Scarface

12st 0lb

J: Freddie Gingell

T: Joe Tizzard

Four-time chase winner and his last success was in this race (off 2lb lower) last year; has been in and out this season but he bounced back with a fair third in Class 2 handicap at Newbury (2m4f, good to soft) two weeks ago; has possibilities if he can back that up and he's versatile ground-wise.

12/1

3rd

6

21st Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 187y

Class 2

14:25 Newbury

Scarface

11st 2lb

J: Freddie Gingell

T: Joe Tizzard

Inconsistent this season but has finished a good second on two occasions (November/December) and filled the same position in this race 12 months ago prior to beating Heltenham at Newton Abbot; well capable of posing a threat, provided he's back to form.

8/1

5th

5

2nd Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 110y

Class 3

15:07 Kempton

Scarface

11st 9lb

J: Brendan Powell

T: Joe Tizzard

Usually wears cheeekpieces; inconsistent (2P2P) this term but sole attempt in blinkers resulted in a good effort at Ascot (2m3f) on penultimate start; could go well in the reapplied blinds.

6/1

Form: /F6560 CD

Last run: 34 days

W: 10st 6lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 126

Form & Verdict
Had a long spell on the sidelines after winning over C&D in January 2022 off 5lb higher (on good); this season's struggles continued when behind In Excelsis Deo and Il Ridoto at the Festival here last month, yet horses from this yard can turn things around in the blink of an eye and James Turner's claim is welcomed from out of the weights.
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

15:15 Newbury

Torn And Frayed

10st 10lb

J: Kevin Brogan

T: Nigel & Willy Twiston-Davies

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

13:50 Aintree

Torn And Frayed

10st 13lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Nigel & Willy Twiston-Davies

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

Form: P5-F16 C

Last run: 113 days

W: 10st 9lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 134

Form & Verdict
Absent since running an inexplicably bad race at Kempton on Boxing Day (2m4f, good; 7-2); that was only his third run over fences and he merely had to be pushed out to win comfortably over this far on the Old course here the time before (good; off 7lb lower); placed in a Grade 1 novice as a hurdler and could be better handicapped than a lot of these.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

14

25th Jan 2025

Good To Soft

2m 7f 214y

Class 1

15:15 Doncaster

Idalko Bihoue

10st 13lb

J: Tom Bellamy

T: Nigel Twiston-Davies

in touch with leaders

10/1

8th

14

25th Jan 2025

Good To Soft

2m 7f 214y

Class 1

15:15 Doncaster

Idalko Bihoue

10st 13lb

J: Tom Bellamy

T: Nigel Twiston-Davies

in touch with leaders

10/1

5th

1

30th Dec 2024

Heavy

2m 3f 203y

Class 3

13:30 Haydock

Idalko Bihoue

12st 0lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Nigel Twiston-Davies

in touch with leaders, raced slightly wide back straight

3/1

OUR TIP

Form: F-0149 D

Last run: 151 days

W: 11st 7lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 146

Form & Verdict
Irish challenger who hasn't threatened in two previous visits to Cheltenham but they were in strong handicaps and the ground was soft on both occasions; has the ability to run well off his current mark and has won his last two races when fitted with reapplied cheekpieces, a hurdle in August 2022 and a Flat handicap last summer; respected.
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

16:00 Aintree

Final Orders

10st 5lb

J: Conor Stone-Walsh

T: Gavin Cromwell

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

15:20 Cheltenham

Final Orders

10st 9lb

J: Conor Stone-Walsh

T: Gavin Cromwell

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

13:50 Cheltenham

Final Orders

11st 12lb

J: Keith Donoghue

T: Gavin Cromwell

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

Form: 6-3123 D BF

Last run: 83 days

W: 10st 8lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 133

Form & Verdict
The cheekpieces are working well as he's been competitive in his last three races at about this distance; however, he's come up short in weaker races than this the last twice and Harry Skelton could have ridden him.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

4

6th May 2024

Good

3m 0f 0y

Class 3

16:05 Kempton

Our Jet

11st 10lb

J: Ciaran Gethings

T: Dan Skelton

The cheekpieces had been working well in handicaps at about 2m4f before he came up well short in a strong handicap at Cheltenham 19 days ago; didn't stay 3m here when trying it once before but conditions will be quicker this time and that should help.

10/1

5th

4

6th May 2024

Good

3m 0f 0y

Class 3

16:05 Kempton

Our Jet

11st 10lb

J: Ciaran Gethings

T: Dan Skelton

held up in rear, some headway after 4 out, outpaced from 3 out

10/1

7th

10

17th Apr 2024

Good To Soft

2m 4f 127y

Class 1

14:40 Cheltenham

Our Jet

10st 8lb

J: Ciaran Gethings

T: Dan Skelton

The cheekpieces are working well as he's been competitive in his last three races at about this distance; however, he's come up short in weaker races than this the last twice and Harry Skelton could have ridden him.

25/1

Form: 412150 D

Last run: 200 days

W: 10st 10lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 135

Form & Verdict
Fine strike-rate of 7-17 over fences; won two handicaps last summer (2m4f/3m) before struggling on his last couple of appearances; has been waiting for good ground but he was well beaten in this 12 months ago under suitable conditions on his return from a similar break.
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

Form: 1-5644

Last run: 60 days

W: 11st 3lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 142

Form & Verdict
Was running well in handicaps (fourth of 18 in the latest; 3m, good) before faring as well as could have been expected when last of the four runners in a Grade 1 at Ascot last month; thankfully, the handicapper treated that 10l defeat with a pinch of salt and he's interesting back in a handicap with this very much his time of year (all three wins during April/May).
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

23rd Sep 2025

Good

3m 1f 100y

Class 3

16:30 Warwick

Sail Away

11st 9lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

Won well off 4lb lower at Aintree in May (3m1f, good) and a 4lb higher mark doesn't look too damaging; strongly considered as fitness is unlikely to be an issue given his yard.

2/1

Form: 123-55 D

Last run: 35 days

W: 10st 6lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 131

Form & Verdict
Came into this in better form 12 months ago when beaten only 4l off a 4lb higher mark; has contested deep handicaps this campaign but was no closer than 17l and he's now on a revival mission with his stable enduring a rocky period.
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: 789183 D

Last run: 32 days

W: 10st 8lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 133

Form & Verdict
Well held in 2m/2m4f handicaps here earlier in the season before signing off for Lucinda Russell with a narrow defeat of Our Jet at Wetherby (2m3f, soft; closely matched with that rival); his second run since joining this yard was better than the first but he was still beaten 10l at Kempton and this is stronger again.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

5th Jun 2025

Good

2m 4f 189y

Class 4

16:00 Uttoxeter

Do Your Job

11st 10lb

J: Lilly Pinchin

T: Charlie Longsdon

Made all for clearcut success at Wetherby (2m3f, good) in March but beaten fair and square the last twice; he's not as good as he was and now struggles for consistency.

12/1

4

5th Jun 2025

Good

2m 4f 189y

Class 4

16:00 Uttoxeter

Do Your Job

11st 10lb

J: Lilly Pinchin

T: Charlie Longsdon

Made all for clearcut success at Wetherby (2m3f, good) in March but beaten fair and square the last twice; he's not as good as he was and now struggles for consistency.

12/1

3rd

2

9th May 2025

Good

2m 4f 194y

Class 4

18:40 Hereford

Do Your Job

11st 12lb

J: Lilly Pinchin

T: Charlie Longsdon

Exploited some considerable help from the handicapper when making all for clearcut success at Wetherby (2m3f, good) in March but was safely held on his latest outing and is nothing like the force of old.

5/1

Form: -32308 CD

Last run: 34 days

W: 11st 4lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 143

Form & Verdict
Boasts a solid record in competitive 2m4f handicaps on both courses here and he's back on the same mark off which he went so close in the big December handicap; not at his very best the last twice (behind In Excelsis Deo here last month) but couldn't put a line through him.
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

15:30 Ayr

Il Ridoto

11st 2lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Paul Nicholls

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

17:20 Cheltenham

Il Ridoto

11st 7lb

J: Miss Olive Nicholls

T: Paul Nicholls

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

15:52 Chepstow

Il Ridoto

11st 7lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Paul Nicholls

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

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £118.30
Straight Forecast £100.72
Tricast £735.21
Trifecta £868.60

Selections

WEST COUNTRY:

In Excelsis Deo

RP RATINGS:

Sail Away

SPOTLIGHT:

Idalko Bihoue

Telegraph:

Scarface

POSTDATA:

Il Ridoto

Daily Mirror:

Gemirande

The Times:

In Excelsis Deo

Daily Mail:

In Excelsis Deo

D Express:

In Excelsis Deo

The Sun:

In Excelsis Deo

The Star:

Idalko Bihoue

Daily Record:

Scarface

TOPSPEED:

Sail Away

The Guardian:

Sail Away