October 29 / 14.40 Ascot

14.40

Good To Soft

Byrne Group Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap) (GBB Race)

  • Prize money: £42712.5
  • 2m 0f 167y
  • Class 1
  • 10 runners
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Byrne Group Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap) (GBB Race)

Runners: 10 runners

Type: Chase Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Showers

8/1 (Won)

  • Win: £10.00
  • Place: £2.70

Form: 2U12F- D

Last run: 205 days

W: 11st 6lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 142

Form & Verdict
Looked good in a weak race at Doncaster last Christmas (2m, soft) but he came up short when even-money for a five-runner handicap here and it wasn't his first mistake when falling heavily three out at Aintree (looking held); the balance of his form suggests this mark is high enough.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8

15th Mar 2023

Soft

1m 7f 199y

Class 1

16:50 Cheltenham

Thyme White

11st 6lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Paul Nicholls

Second-season chaser who readily won a Grade 3 Ascot handicap (2m1f, good; reappearance) in October; not in quite the same form when fifth of seven back there the following month; absent since but clearly capable when fresh; has won on soft but his peak RPRs have been achieved on good ground; yard has won this contest four times.

14/1

5th

3

19th Nov 2022

Good To Soft

2m 0f 167y

Class 2

15:15 Ascot

Thyme White

11st 2lb

J: Lorcan Williams

T: Paul Nicholls

Second-season chaser who readily beat Frero Banbou in Grade 3 handicap over C&D (good) three weeks ago, taking record in completed starts over fences to 2-4; looks open to further improvement in this sphere; has won on slow ground; big player despite 7lb rise.

4/1

9/2

  • Place: £2.20

Form: 31239- D

Last run: 205 days

W: 11st 6lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 142

Form & Verdict
7lb lower when third in this 12 months ago; that was the start of a solid campaign and, after making the frame in the Grand Annual at Cheltenham (heavy; from well off the pace), he was rushed off his feet on good to soft around Aintree; this is more his track but softer conditions would have been preferred and the stable is quiet.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

14

5th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

3m 0f 210y

Class 1

14:30 Aintree

Frero Banbou

10st 4lb

J: Charlie Deutsch

T: Venetia Williams

10yo who won when upped to an extended 2m7f at Newcastle (good) in November and ran well when 10l second at Kempton (3m, good to soft) next time; however, below par at Doncaster (3m, good) subsequently and pulled up at Cheltenham (3m1f, good to soft) last month; needs to get back on track.

33/1

14

5th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

3m 0f 210y

Class 1

14:30 Aintree

Frero Banbou

10st 4lb

J: Charlie Deutsch

T: Venetia Williams

10yo who won when upped to an extended 2m7f at Newcastle (good) in November and ran well when 10l second at Kempton (3m, good to soft) next time; however, below par at Doncaster (3m, good) subsequently and pulled up at Cheltenham (3m1f, good to soft) last month; needs to get back on track.

33/1

20

11th Mar 2025

Good To Soft

3m 1f 0y

Class 1

14:40 Cheltenham

Frero Banbou

10st 10lb

J: Ned Fox

T: Venetia Williams

10yo who was below par at Doncaster (3m, good) last time but had previously enjoyed a new lease of life following a step up in trip, winning at Newcastle (2m7f, good) then runner-up at Kempton (3m, good to soft); has a consistent record at Cheltenham and he's an each-way possible if back to form.

50/1

4/1

  • Place: £1.90

Form: 11426- CD

Last run: 205 days

W: 11st 11lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 147

Form & Verdict
Hit the ground running last season with wins at Cheltenham's October meeting and then over C&D a month later when short-heading Amoola Gold; well handicapped on that and indeed a later second at Doncaster, and was perhaps feeling a little frayed come Aintree in April (disappointed); should go well.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

3

1st Apr 2025

Good

2m 4f 110y

Class 5

17:05 Kempton

Before Midnight

11st 12lb

J: Mr Ben Sutton

T: S Loxton

prominent, chased clear leader after 4th

10/1

3rd

3

1st Apr 2025

Good

2m 4f 110y

Class 5

17:05 Kempton

Before Midnight

11st 12lb

J: Mr Ben Sutton

T: S Loxton

Will be suited by today's good ground and was a very useful handicap chaser in his prime but was out of form for Fergal O'Brien when last seen last summer and it's hard to gauge how much ability he retains as a 12yo.

10/1

5th

3

6th Sep 2024

Good

2m 4f 72y

Class 3

15:20 Bangor-on-Dee

Before Midnight

11st 8lb

J: Mr Ben Sutton

T: Fergal O’Brien

Ran well in defeat in Ludlow hunter chase (2m4f, soft) in April but was well beaten when back in a handicap two months ago and is patently not the force of old; pulled up at 2023 Cheltenham Festival on only previous start in cheekpieces.

8/1

Form: /482P- C

Last run: 227 days

W: 11st 1lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 137

Form & Verdict
Fit from the Flat having finished second in a 2m handicap here only a month ago; has won only a beginners' chase over fences but has contested some good races and he went down narrowly off 4lb higher at Ludlow last season; this is clearly hotter than that, but his stable is having winners.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

4

16th Jun 2023

Good

2m 0f 103y

Class 3

19:35 Aintree

Gumball

11st 6lb

J: Miss Fern O’Brien

T: Fergal O’Brien

Wasn't in the best of form in second half of last season; on a fair mark now, but others stronger.

9/1

8th

2

19th Apr 2023

Good To Soft

2m 0f 179y

Class 3

17:00 Cheltenham

Gumball

11st 13lb

J: Miss Fern O’Brien

T: Fergal O’Brien

A case can be made on plenty of his form, but he didn't impress with his finishing effort in handicap chases at Ascot or Ludlow before finishing well held on the AW and again back over hurdles a month ago.

25/1

6th

1

13th Mar 2023

Good To Soft

2m 0f 70y

Class 3

15:15 Stratford

Gumball

12st 2lb

J: Miss Fern O’Brien

T: Fergal O’Brien

A case can be made on plenty of his form, but he didn't impress with his finishing effort in handicap chases at Ascot or Ludlow before finishing well held on the AW; reservations.

5/1

Form: 11221- C

Last run: 244 days

W: 11st 9lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 145

Form & Verdict
Five runs over fences last season, winning the opening novice handicap chase on this card before adding a 2m4f Grade 2 at Newbury which fell apart and a Fontwell handicap that was very winnable; talented, but it is a worry that all his wins have come in smaller fields and he has shown a tendency to jump out to his left.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

5

13th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 41y

Class 5

17:00 Hexham

Nassalam

11st 12lb

J: Miss Gina Andrews

T: T Ellis

Pulled up/tailed off on all seven starts since winning the Welsh National for the Moore stable in December 2023; it's tricky to assess what he's capable of nowadays but this race is vastly easier than he's used to and if he retains any spark he'll be tough to beat on this stable debut.

3/1

2

31st Jan 2026

Soft

3m 0f 42y

Class 2

15:42 Sandown

Nassalam

11st 4lb

J: Caoilin Quinn

T: Gary & Josh Moore

Well suited by soft/heavy ground; landed the 2023 Welsh National off current mark; subsequent form figures (P0PPPP) are dismal but this first run since wind surgery may be the time to bank on a revival and catch him; attractively handicapped, with that in mind.

10/1

16/1

Form: 440F-0 D

Last run: 94 days

W: 12st 0lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 150

Form & Verdict
Won some big races for Gigginstown but only a minor hurdle last season and it was a struggle afterwards over fences, albeit in Graded races or red-hot handicaps; has joined a respected new yard (for £40,000) but he's probably up against it with top weight.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

4

20th Apr 2024

Soft

2m 1f 77y

Class 4

14:15 Bangor-on-Dee

Daly Tiger

11st 9lb

J: John Kington

T: L J Morgan

took keen hold, held up in rear, no impression before 3 out

25/1

7th

4

20th Apr 2024

Soft

2m 1f 77y

Class 4

14:15 Bangor-on-Dee

Daly Tiger

11st 9lb

J: John Kington

T: L J Morgan

took keen hold, held up in rear, no impression before 3 out

25/1

3rd

10

30th Mar 2024

Heavy

2m 3f 203y

Class 2

15:15 Haydock

Daly Tiger

10st 10lb

J: John Kington

T: L J Morgan

His mark continues to fall and he hinted at a revival when 20l second here (2m, soft) last November; however, pulled up at Aintree (2m4f, heavy) since and he's back to having plenty to prove; visor replaces cheekpieces.

25/1

OUR TIP

Form: 64384- CD

Last run: 199 days

W: 11st 7lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 143

Form & Verdict
Won this two years ago and, off a 3lb higher mark than today's, he narrowly repelled Monsieur Lecoq last season only to be later disqualified for a banned substance; that was the last time he got his head in front but there was the odd decent run afterwards (including here) and his record when fresh is a big selling point; shortlisted.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

6

27th Nov 2023

Good

2m 4f 110y

Class 3

15:05 Kempton

Amoola Gold

11st 2lb

J: Fergus Gillard

T: Dan Skelton

Both wins last season came over hurdles, including Chepstow contest on final outing; hasn't won over fences since 2020 and current mark reflects a general decline in his form; very well handicapped on his useful best.

7/1

1st

1

15th Apr 2023

Soft

2m 0f 11y

Class 4

12:45 Chepstow

Amoola Gold

11st 9lb

J: Bridget Andrews

T: Dan Skelton

Very useful chaser at his best; very much on the downgrade now and was tailed off at Haydock last month but was able to exploit his novice hurdle status in three-runner contest at Huntingdon (2m4f, good) two starts ago and ought to play a leading role here.

11/10

6th

4

22nd Mar 2023

Soft

2m 0f 67y

Class 3

17:20 Haydock

Amoola Gold

11st 10lb

J: Bridget Andrews

T: Dan Skelton

No win since 2020 as a chaser and he's not been firing on all cylinders this season; won latest start but that came when 8-13 in a three-runner novice hurdle; acts on soft, unraced on heavy; down the weights (14lb lower than this time last year) but has questions to answer.

13/2

Form: 9525-2 CD

Last run: 180 days

W: 11st 8lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 144

Form & Verdict
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

26th Apr 2024

Good

2m 3f 98y

Class 3

18:10 Chepstow

Diego Du Charmil

11st 11lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Paul Nicholls

All seven career wins at up to 2m1f and he cut out quickly at the business end of a 3m veterans' chase at Ascot a month ago on his return from a long absence; did move well enough for long enough to believe he retains plenty of his old ability, on which he's well handicapped.

3/1

2

26th Apr 2024

Good

2m 3f 98y

Class 3

18:10 Chepstow

Diego Du Charmil

11st 11lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Paul Nicholls

All seven career wins at up to 2m1f and he cut out quickly at the business end of a 3m veterans' chase at Ascot a month ago on his return from a long absence; did move well enough for long enough to believe he retains plenty of his old ability, on which he's well handicapped.

3/1

5

24th Mar 2024

Good

2m 7f 180y

Class 2

16:30 Ascot

Diego Du Charmil

11st 3lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Paul Nicholls

Multiple winner who has been absent since good second at Kempton (2m2f, good) in May 2022, when 5lb higher; in top hands and Ascot has brought out the best in him in the past (at up to 2m3f), but it's a hefty layoff to defy and he's very much going into the unknown in terms of stamina.

11/2

Form: 7P21-4 CD

Last run: 22 days

W: 10st 8lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 130

Form & Verdict
Well-held fourth over hurdles recently but it was a similar story prior to his second place in this 12 months ago, a race he was later awarded; returns off 2lb lower and the blinkers that worked well earlier this year are back on; drying ground is not ideal but there's much to like otherwise.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7

25th Mar 2023

Good To Soft

2m 0f 92y

Class 3

16:25 Newbury

Monsieur Lecoq

11st 4lb

J: David Noonan

T: Jane Williams

Now 8lb lower than when winning over C&D last March but he's having a ragged season and not sure his second to easy winner Family Business represented a return to form; others appeal more.

11/2

2nd

1

19th Feb 2023

Good To Firm

2m 0f 92y

Class 3

16:10 Newbury

Monsieur Lecoq

11st 13lb

J: Ciaran Gethings

T: Jane Williams

C&D winner last March (good to soft) off a 5lb higher mark but he was an early faller on his return to chasing at Ascot, then ran flat back here (good) and ran no race at all at Ludlow; has lots to prove all of a sudden and is unraced on ground faster than good.

2/1

6

20th Dec 2022

Good To Soft

1m 7f 212y

Class 2

14:50 Ludlow

Monsieur Lecoq

11st 3lb

J: Ciaran Gethings

T: Jane Williams

Back on his last winning mark but he was an early faller on his return to chasing at Ascot and then ran flat at Newbury (2m, good) when beaten a distance into third; that effort casts plenty of doubt.

12/1

Form: 14-142 D

Last run: 17 days

W: 10st 6lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 128

Form & Verdict
Won by 10l over this trip at Kelso (good) in the spring but he's 5lb higher in a better race here; only three ran when he was second at Wetherby 17 days ago and he was beaten in the back straight there yesterday before tailing off.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12

9th May 2024

Yielding

2m 0f 110y

18:10 Tipperary

Joke Dancer

11st 0lb

J: Michael O’Sullivan

T: Patrick Griffin

held up in rear, struggling before 5 out, pulled up before 3 out

25/1

12

9th May 2024

Yielding

2m 0f 110y

18:10 Tipperary

Joke Dancer

11st 0lb

J: Michael O’Sullivan

T: Patrick Griffin

held up in rear, struggling before 5 out, pulled up before 3 out

25/1

10th

6

24th Apr 2024

Yielding

2m 1f 0y

17:20 Bellewstown

Joke Dancer

11st 9lb

J: Michael O’Sullivan

T: Patrick Griffin

midfield

16/1

Non-runners

Diego Du Charmil, Joke Dancer

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £71.50
Straight Forecast £63.20
Tricast £405.75
Trifecta £438.70

Selections

RP Ratings:

Monsieur Lecoq

POSTDATA:

Gumball

Telegraph:

Nassalam

The Sun:

Before Midnight

SPOTLIGHT:

Amoola Gold

WEST COUNTRY:

Thyme White

TOPSPEED:

Frero Banbou

Daily Mail:

Nassalam

The Guardian:

Monsieur Lecoq

The Star:

Monsieur Lecoq

The Times:

Gumball

D Express:

Gumball

Daily Record:

Before Midnight

Daily Mirror:

Amoola Gold