April 20 / 13.50 Ayr

13.50

Soft

CPMS Novices’ Champion Handicap Chase (GBB Race)

  • Prize money: £25720
  • 3m 0f 20y
  • Class 2
  • 13 runners
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CPMS Novices’ Champion Handicap Chase (GBB Race)

Runners: 13 runners

Type: Chase Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Mostly cloudy

10/1 (Won)

  • Win: £8.00
  • Place: £2.80

Form: 114349

Last run: 37 days

W: 12st 0lb

11 yo Gelding

OR: 147

Form & Verdict
Top-class hurdler who has shown a good level of form over fences, banging his head against a wall in Grade 1s in his last four appearances; finished fourth in last season's County Hurdle in his last handicap assignment and that was off an 8lb higher mark; may run well, though stamina could be an issue on this belated first run beyond 2m4f.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

6

30th Apr 2024

Yielding

3m 0f 213y

18:00 Punchestown

Sharjah

11st 10lb

J: Danny Mullins

T: W P Mullins

High-class hurdler had been mixing it at the top level over fences this season at shorter trips before third chase win when dropped in grade at Ayr 10 days ago, patiently ridden and seeing the 3m out well when giving away lumps of weight in novice handicap; drying ground should help his cause and not one to rule out.

10/1

6th

6

30th Apr 2024

Yielding

3m 0f 213y

18:00 Punchestown

Sharjah

11st 10lb

J: Danny Mullins

T: W P Mullins

High-class hurdler had been mixing it at the top level over fences this season at shorter trips before third chase win when dropped in grade at Ayr 10 days ago, patiently ridden and seeing the 3m out well when giving away lumps of weight in novice handicap; drying ground should help his cause and not one to rule out.

10/1

1st

1

20th Apr 2024

Soft

3m 0f 20y

Class 2

13:50 Ayr

Sharjah

12st 0lb

J: Paul Townend

T: W P Mullins

Top-class hurdler who has shown a good level of form over fences, banging his head against a wall in Grade 1s in his last four appearances; finished fourth in last season's County Hurdle in his last handicap assignment and that was off an 8lb higher mark; may run well, though stamina could be an issue on this belated first run beyond 2m4f.

10/1

16/1

  • Place: £3.90

Form: /42124 C BF

Last run: 42 days

W: 10st 5lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 124

Form & Verdict
First (2m4f) and second (2m; again heavy) in two course handicaps on his switch to fences before a disappointing run on good ground (2m4f) on his latest visit; appeared to stay 3m over hurdles and on goes the tongue-tie; today's race demands his best form yet.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13

14th Dec 2024

Good To Soft

2m 7f 214y

Class 2

14:05 Doncaster

Ballycoose

10st 6lb

J: Sean Flanagan

T: S R B Crawford

His first four chase starts were all at Ayr, finishing second in a good handicap at the Scottish National meeting in April on the final occasion (3m, soft); well beaten on reappearance at Punchestown last month but may have needed the run and he remains unexposed over staying trips; not discounted.

11/1

13

14th Dec 2024

Good To Soft

2m 7f 214y

Class 2

14:05 Doncaster

Ballycoose

10st 6lb

J: Sean Flanagan

T: S R B Crawford

His first four chase starts were all at Ayr, finishing second in a good handicap at the Scottish National meeting in April on the final occasion (3m, soft); well beaten on reappearance at Punchestown last month but may have needed the run and he remains unexposed over staying trips; not discounted.

11/1

7th

6

23rd Nov 2024

Yielding

2m 5f 70y

13:35 Punchestown

Ballycoose

11st 4lb

J: Danny Mullins

T: S R B Crawford

Has done all of his racing in the past 12 months at Ayr, running a cracker when second to Sharjah in a 3m Grade 2 handicap in April; no surprise should he improve for the run but not one to underestimate.

8/1

14/1

  • Place: £3.30

Form: 5-2243

Last run: 32 days

W: 10st 4lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 123

Form & Verdict
Bumper/hurdle winner who is 0-6 over fences and this is a tough race in which to make the breakthrough; probably no more than place claims even if the cheekpieces trigger something.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

29th Jan 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 20y

Class 3

14:13 Ayr

Donny Boy

11st 4lb

J: Bruce Lynn

T: N W Alexander

Point, bumper and maiden hurdle winner who ran well in two handicap chases here in 2024; however, this 10yo has been absent since being pulled up at Newbury that November and faces a very tough assignment on his return.

25/1

10

30th Nov 2024

Good

2m 7f 91y

Class 1

15:20 Newcastle

Donny Boy

10st 9lb

J: Bruce Lynn

T: N W Alexander

0-8 over rules fences but knocking at the door for a while, finishing a highly creditable third at the Scottish National meeting at Ayr (3m, soft) in April and reappearing with a good second there (2m4f, good) four weeks ago; effective here and there's every chance he'll be thereabouts.

8/1

10

30th Nov 2024

Good

2m 7f 91y

Class 1

15:20 Newcastle

Donny Boy

10st 9lb

J: Bruce Lynn

T: N W Alexander

0-8 over rules fences but knocking at the door for a while, finishing a highly creditable third at the Scottish National meeting at Ayr (3m, soft) in April and reappearing with a good second there (2m4f, good) four weeks ago; effective here and there's every chance he'll be thereabouts.

8/1

Form: 752613 D

Last run: 29 days

W: 10st 9lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 128

Form & Verdict
Made it 2-2 at Newbury when winning a 2m6f handicap there by 10l in January (good to soft); that triggered a 9lb rise which anchored him when a well-held there back there a month ago; held by Deeper Blue on that form.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

9

17th Nov 2024

Good

3m 3f 71y

Class 1

14:55 Cheltenham

Abuffalosoldier

10st 3lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Warren Greatrex

Front-runner who reappeared with a rallying second at Exeter (3m, good to soft) last month and he's back in cheekpieces today, in which he showed improved form earlier this year (including 10l win at Newbury); only seven and there's every chance this trip will be within range; one to consider.

11/2

1st

9

17th Nov 2024

Good

3m 3f 71y

Class 1

14:55 Cheltenham

Abuffalosoldier

10st 3lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Warren Greatrex

jumped well, made all, kept on well, ridden out, collapsed after finish, heart attack

11/2

4

22nd Oct 2024

Good To Soft

3m 0f 54y

Class 3

16:28 Exeter

Abuffalosoldier

11st 12lb

J: James Bowen

T: Warren Greatrex

Not an instant success over fences last season but won by 10l in first-time cheekpieces at Newbury (2m6f, good to soft) in January and signed off with creditable fourth in valuable novices' handicap at Ayr (3m, soft) in April; respected.

3/1

Form: 25-533 BF

Last run: 35 days

W: 10st 6lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 125

Form & Verdict
Below the best of his hurdle form in three runs over fences and failed to quash stamina doubts over this far when a weakening third last time at Kempton (3m, good to soft); Dan Skelton happy to persevere with this trip, however, and he's on a perfectly good mark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

9

18th May 2024

Good

3m 0f 0y

Class 3

18:30 Uttoxeter

Hitching Jacking

11st 8lb

J: Fergus Gillard

T: Dan Skelton

midfield but in touch with leaders

6/1

6th

9

18th May 2024

Good

3m 0f 0y

Class 3

18:30 Uttoxeter

Hitching Jacking

11st 8lb

J: Fergus Gillard

T: Dan Skelton

midfield but in touch with leaders

6/1

OUR TIP

Form: 6-14P1 C

Last run: 77 days

W: 12st 0lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 147

Form & Verdict
Only midfield in an AW 1m4f novice last time (in March) but had previously appreciated the demotion from Graded races to win a 2m4f handicap at Musselburgh (good to soft; 6lb lower) with a bit up his sleeve; was always a good horse over hurdles (often highly tried) and brings each-way hopes.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

30

11th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

4m 2f 74y

Class 1

16:00 Aintree

Marble Sands

10st 5lb

J: Kielan Woods

T: David Killahena & Graeme McPherson

Negotiated these fences safely in the 2m5f Topham one year ago, albeit fading into 12th; a strong-staying display to win at Cheltenham (near 3m4f, soft; 5lb higher today) in November hints at untapped potential over long distances.

50/1

Form: 2-4251

Last run: 29 days

W: 10st 5lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 124

Form & Verdict
On a career-high mark after going up 8lb for winning at Newbury (2m6f, good to soft) but impressed with how he jumped and travelled that day (won easily); that was also a new trip for him, offering plenty of encouragement for this far.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

1

8th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 5f 135y

Class 4

15:40 Fontwell

Maclaine

12st 2lb

J: Harry Bannister

T: Richard J Bandey

Now only 1lb higher than for emphatic win at Newbury (2m6f, good to soft) in March 2024 but absent since a lesser effort the following October and entitled to benefit from this outing.

6/1

8

22nd Oct 2024

Good To Soft

3m 0f 54y

Class 3

16:28 Exeter

Maclaine

11st 6lb

J: Brendan Powell

T: Richard J Bandey

Did not jump well enough when disappointing favourite at Ayr on final start last season but came good over fences with ready win at Newbury (2m6f, good to soft) in March and still has plenty of scope to progress from that performance.

4/1

7th

12

20th Apr 2024

Soft

3m 0f 20y

Class 2

13:50 Ayr

Maclaine

10st 5lb

J: Harry Bannister

T: Richard J Bandey

On a career-high mark after going up 8lb for winning at Newbury (2m6f, good to soft) but impressed with how he jumped and travelled that day (won easily); that was also a new trip for him, offering plenty of encouragement for this far.

8/1

Form: 114113 D BF

Last run: 49 days

W: 10st 13lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 132

Form & Verdict
A five-timer last year included three hurdles and two chases; won again in this discipline at Kelso (2m7f, soft) in January before finishing alone in a match; can make mistakes (as was the case when below par last time) but there's no knocking his strike-rate.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

2

20th Apr 2026

Good

2m 5f 133y

Class 4

15:00 Kelso

Special Rate

11st 13lb

J: Danny McMenamin

T: Hugh Burns

Yet to add to his four chase wins for Philip Kirby during 2023-24 season but has made the frame on all four starts for current stable since December, most recently when third of five at Newcastle (2m4f, good) nine days ago; tried in cheekpieces today; probably won't be far away.

11/2

3rd

5

11th Apr 2026

Good

2m 4f 19y

Class 3

14:42 Newcastle

Special Rate

11st 6lb

J: Ryan Mania

T: Hugh Burns

With Phil Kirby when left alone in a match at Kelso (3m, soft) in February 2024, that being his fourth (and most recent) win over fences; runner-up in this last year (beaten 11l) for Lizzie Quinlan; in the frame three times (Musselburgh) for Hugh Burns; competes from an easing mark, needing more.

4/1

4th

1

15th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 7f 138y

Class 4

16:20 Musselburgh

Special Rate

12st 1lb

J: Brian Hughes

T: Hugh Burns

On a two-year losing spell but looks reasonably solid, having posted two respectable efforts over C&D this winter for new yard; remains well treated on peak form.

4/1

Form: 4-4111 D

Last run: 28 days

W: 10st 8lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 127

Form & Verdict
Brought up the hat-trick at Bangor four weeks ago (3m, soft) but that looked unlikely for much of the race and jumping out to the right didn't help his cause; if that trait continues here then he'll do well to defy a 6lb rise in this much stronger race.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

4

30th Jan 2025

Heavy

3m 1f 30y

Class 3

14:55 Wincanton

Montgomery

11st 8lb

J: Charlie Deutsch

T: Venetia Williams

Low-mileage 8yo who is 3-6 over fences and was a highly commendable fifth in Sandown's London National (3m4f, soft) before a puzzling effort when only 6-4 at Haydock; strong contender on that penultimate effort.

3/1

5th

4

30th Jan 2025

Heavy

3m 1f 30y

Class 3

14:55 Wincanton

Montgomery

11st 8lb

J: Charlie Deutsch

T: Venetia Williams

Low-mileage 8yo who is 3-6 over fences and was a highly commendable fifth in Sandown's London National (3m4f, soft) before a puzzling effort when only 6-4 at Haydock; strong contender on that penultimate effort.

3/1

3

30th Dec 2024

Heavy

3m 4f 97y

Class 2

15:10 Haydock

Montgomery

11st 13lb

J: Charlie Deutsch

T: Venetia Williams

Lightly raced 7yo who won his first three chase starts earlier this year (2m6f/3m, soft/heavy) and he reappeared with a fair fifth at Sandown (3m4f, soft) this month; could improve for that latest outing and he's one of two for a trainer with a fine record in this race; likely player.

7/4

Form: -31124 D BF

Last run: 70 days

W: 11st 3lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 136

Form & Verdict
Sharp improver this season over fences, winning 2m6f/2m7f handicaps at Newbury (good to soft) before posting his best RPR yet in defeat at Cheltenham (3m1f, heavy); now has to bounce back from a complete blowout back at Newbury and his tendency to hang would appear a trait going nowhere, but the ability is there to take a hand; now tongue tied.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7

20th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 7f 91y

Class 5

17:16 Newbury

Inch House

11st 12lb

J: Miss Olive Nicholls

T: Paul Nicholls

Has essentially become disappointing since his novice season but he did run well first time back in a strong Cheltenham handicap (3m1f, good) and this is his hunter chase debut; disappointing if he's not involved.

4/1

14

25th Oct 2025

Good To Soft

3m 1f 0y

Class 2

14:20 Cheltenham

Inch House

10st 10lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Paul Nicholls

Well handicapped if back to his peak and he does have Cheltenham form; ran no race on his debut for Paul Nicholls but the second run can be excused after he suffered interference; still only an 8yo and a revival is not out of the question by any means.

25/1

5

28th Dec 2024

Good To Soft

3m 1f 214y

Class 2

14:20 Newbury

Inch House

11st 6lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Paul Nicholls

Won twice here late last year but started hanging badly left subsequently and ran poorly here in February on his final completion; left Jonjo O'Neill and reappeared with a disappointing show here four weeks ago in a race he won last term; may have needed that run but connections also now reach for cheekpieces; should stay and is well handicapped if back to his peak.

6/1

Form: 4-1113 D BF

Last run: 84 days

W: 11st 2lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 135

Form & Verdict
Hit the ground running over fences with a hat-trick in handicaps (2m4f-2m7f) and this prominent racer was clear when clouting three out at Doncaster in January (3m, good; fine on softer; first run in cheekpieces); there was sufficient promise in that run to suggest he remains on a workable mark; respected.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

23rd Sep 2025

Good

3m 1f 100y

Class 3

16:30 Warwick

Young Buster

11st 7lb

J: Jonathan Burke

T: Fergal O’Brien

Made it 4-9 over fences when coming clear for a 24l success at Kempton in April (3m, good) but that race fell apart and he faded to be beaten a long way at Uttoxeter two months ago (3m2f, good); needs to leave that run behind but he's not handicapped out of it.

11/2

8th

2

27th Jul 2025

Good

3m 2f 13y

Class 2

15:07 Uttoxeter

Young Buster

11st 11lb

J: Jonathan Burke

T: Fergal O’Brien

Made it 4-9 over fences when coming clear for a 24l success at Kempton in April (3m, good); the two other finishers perhaps ran below form but a 4lb rise could have been a lot worse.

9/2

Form: 0-2155 D

Last run: 29 days

W: 11st 0lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 133

Form & Verdict
Looked good in winning off 3lb lower at Huntingdon in November (2m7f, good to soft) but he did beat a horse who struggles to win and his subsequent runs, on either side of wind surgery, have been nothing like so good; finished behind Deeper Blue and Abuffalosoldier last time at Newbury.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

11

9th Feb 2025

Good To Soft

2m 7f 25y

Class 2

15:33 Exeter

Mofasa

11st 1lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Paul Nicholls

Pulled up on final start last season and the same story on both this term, tried in cheekpieces on latest; 13lb below his career-high mark and reverts to hurdling (from chasing) for the first time since April 2023.

20/1

Form: 6-2822

Last run: 29 days

W: 10st 13lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 132

Form & Verdict
Runner-up in three of his five chases and latest Newbury conqueror (2m7f, good to soft) was well handicapped on a going day; there was near enough 10l back to Abuffalosoldier who had been 2-2 at that track; it's probably strong form for the grade and this 8yo is just 3lb higher now tried in cheekpieces.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

10

22nd Feb 2025

Good

3m 0f 0y

Class 1

15:35 Kempton

Deeper Blue

10st 10lb

J: Conor O’Farrell

T: David Pipe

towards rear, not fluent 4th

20/1

7

20th Apr 2024

Soft

3m 0f 20y

Class 2

13:50 Ayr

Deeper Blue

10st 13lb

J: Jonathan Burke

T: Harry Fry

Runner-up in three of his five chases and latest Newbury conqueror (2m7f, good to soft) was well handicapped on a going day; there was near enough 10l back to Abuffalosoldier who had been 2-2 at that track; it's probably strong form for the grade and this 8yo is just 3lb higher now tried in cheekpieces.

6/1

7

20th Apr 2024

Soft

3m 0f 20y

Class 2

13:50 Ayr

Deeper Blue

10st 13lb

J: Jonathan Burke

T: Harry Fry

Runner-up in three of his five chases and latest Newbury conqueror (2m7f, good to soft) was well handicapped on a going day; there was near enough 10l back to Abuffalosoldier who had been 2-2 at that track; it's probably strong form for the grade and this 8yo is just 3lb higher now tried in cheekpieces.

6/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £123.40
Straight Forecast £82.65
Tricast £781.21
Trifecta £1182.70

Selections

RP RATINGS:

Deeper Blue

D Express:

Maclaine

POSTDATA:

Abuffalosoldier

The Times:

Hitching Jacking

SPOTLIGHT:

Inch House

Telegraph:

Mofasa

Daily Record:

Montgomery

TOPSPEED:

Donny Boy

The Sun:

Maclaine

LAMBOURN:

Abuffalosoldier

WEST COUNTRY:

Deeper Blue

The Guardian:

Deeper Blue

Daily Mail:

Deeper Blue

Daily Mirror:

Deeper Blue

The Star:

Deeper Blue