October 29 / 15.15 Ascot

15.15

Good To Soft

Bateaux London Gold Cup Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap) (GBB Race)

  • Prize money: £56950
  • 2m 7f 180y
  • Class 1
  • 13 runners
ITV
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Bateaux London Gold Cup Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap) (GBB Race)

Runners: 13 runners

Type: Chase Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Showers

OUR TIP

4/1 (Won)

  • Win: £6.80
  • Place: £2.60

Form: 1F135-

Last run: 228 days

W: 11st 2lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 136

Form & Verdict
Second-season chaser; best form over hurdles and fences has been at trips from 2m3f to 2m5f and he failed to convince as a stayer on his final two runs of last season, for all that he still ran creditably in high-profile handicaps at Kempton (3m) and Cheltenham (3m1f); 3m around here is no picnic and others might see it out that bit better.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

6

25th Apr 2026

Good

3m 4f 146y

Class 1

15:30 Sandown

Our Power

10st 13lb

J: Dylan Johnston

T: Sam Thomas

Withdrawn from Scottish National last week due to the heavy ground; 6lb lower than this time last year (when third in the Scottish National) as he's not fired on all cylinders this term, but excuses can be made; he's won two major 3m handicaps going right-handed (Ascot and Kempton) on good ground, back in the 2022-23 season admittedly but this 11yo may be dangerous to dismiss, including as first-time blinkers replace his usual cheekpieces.

20/1

11/1

  • Place: £5.30

Form: 4151-2 C BF

Last run: 180 days

W: 10st 13lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 133

Form & Verdict
Seemed to benefit from the application of cheekpieces last season, though his wins came over shorter and only four ran when he was second over 3m at Kempton the final time; connections content in persevering with this trip, and drying ground would be welcomed; couldn't dismiss.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

1

13th Nov 2023

Good

2m 4f 110y

Class 2

14:25 Kempton

Danny Kirwan

12st 0lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Paul Nicholls

Has a tendency to race too freely and finished tired when reappearing at Chepstow (2m7f, good to soft) last month, but is now 2lb lower than when placed in major Ascot handicap (3m, good) last autumn; forecast good ground will suit.

5/2

5th

6

13th Oct 2023

Good

2m 7f 131y

Class 2

13:35 Chepstow

Danny Kirwan

10st 11lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Paul Nicholls

Career has been very stop-start but always possessed a huge level of ability and on last season's reappearance he finished second in a strong 3m handicap chase at Ascot during this month; returns off the same mark following further wind surgery; has won on soft but kept mostly to goodish ground the last three years.

5/1

7th

1

1st May 2023

Good

3m 0f 0y

Class 3

15:40 Kempton

Danny Kirwan

12st 1lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Paul Nicholls

Only just in front of Twenty Twenty when 5l second in this race last year (good), but form of same finishing position in a deep Ascot handicap next time reads well and he retains low mileage for his age; chance.

4/1

6/1

  • Place: £2.40

Form: 2444-2 BF

Last run: 21 days

W: 11st 11lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 145

Form & Verdict
Has yet to win beyond 2m3f under rules but he was fourth in the 3m1f handicap chase at last season's Cheltenham Festival (in front of a few of these) and it was over this trip that he just missed out at Chepstow three weeks ago; could have done without the 3lb nudge but that should have put him spot-on for this.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

5

8th Nov 2024

Good

3m 0f 54y

Class 3

15:35 Exeter

Tea Clipper

11st 7lb

J: Stan Sheppard

T: Tom Lacey

Very useful handicapper on good ground but he's 1-17 over fences and fluffed some very winnable opportunities last season in hunter chases; ran okay in a C&D handicap last month but he's rarely the percentage call and now tries a visor.

8/1

Form: 78120- D

Last run: 228 days

W: 11st 5lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 139

Form & Verdict
Strong stayer, having won a 3m2f handicap chase at Cheltenham on New Year's Day and then finished second over 3m4f at Taunton (good to soft) when up against it at the weights with course specialist Yala Enki; jumping can be hit and miss but he's capable of a bold show if that part of his game stands the test; stable has won this three times in six years.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price
No Results Found

Form: 2124-3 D BF

Last run: 38 days

W: 10st 11lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 131

Form & Verdict
Should be all the sharper for a respectable run over hurdles at Perth a month ago (3m) but he was only 1-7 over fences last season and he didn't exactly sign off on an upward curve; an assured stayer who goes on any ground but this assignment demands his best yet.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

5

24th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 7f 136y

Class 5

19:37 Chepstow

Poppa Poutine

11st 12lb

J: Mr James Murray

T: Miss A Willmott

Hampered when unseating in an open point at neighbouring Howick last month, and generally a safe ride; both handicap chase wins (from 17 starts over fences) have come over Wincanton's 3m1f on ground softer than good, and the drying forecast isn't strictly ideal.

16/1

2

29th Mar 2025

Good

3m 0f 0y

Class 4

16:30 Uttoxeter

Poppa Poutine

12st 2lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Nigel Twiston-Davies

always behind

12/1

4

7th Feb 2025

Soft

3m 5f 142y

Class 4

14:12 Bangor-on-Dee

Poppa Poutine

11st 12lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Nigel Twiston-Davies

Rated much higher in the past so Newbury last time was disappointing (3m2f, good to soft) after going up just 3lb for winning a small-field handicap at Wincanton (3m1f, soft); getting back on soft ground should help and he'll stay okay.

12/1

Form: 7223-6 D

Last run: 21 days

W: 11st 8lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 142

Form & Verdict
Drew a blank last season but he ended it well, finishing bang there in consecutive red-hot handicaps over 3m, 4m and 3m5f; no sign of that form when a laboured sixth on his reappearance at Chepstow and he really needed to show a bit more spark there.
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: 1217P- D

Last run: 203 days

W: 12st 0lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 148

Form & Verdict
Only 2lb higher than when winning last December's Rowland Meyrick at Wetherby (3m, soft) but he ran no race next time at right-handed Kempton and nine of his career ten wins have come on left-handed tracks (the exception was a novice hurdle); pulled up in the Grand National when last seen; not crying out to be backed with top weight.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

6

14th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 6f 54y

Class 3

16:30 Haydock

Good Boy Bobby

11st 12lb

J: Miss Amber Jackson-Fennell

T: Nigel & Willy Twiston-Davies

Six-time chase winner; long in the tooth now but was placed in Newbury veterans' chase (3m2f, soft) on latest outing last March and has a good record when fresh; shortlised on hunter chase debut.

6/1

Form: 31P31- CD

Last run: 211 days

W: 11st 5lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 139

Form & Verdict
Impressed when exploiting a good mark over hurdles at Newbury in March (3m, good to soft) and he's off a perfectly decent figure as a chaser, only 5lb higher than when a clearcut winner over C&D last December; can no doubt progress again this season, although his trainer indicated earlier this week that he'll improve a lot for today's run.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

2

8th May 2026

Good

2m 7f 191y

Class 3

15:50 Market Rasen

Annsam

12st 0lb

J: Ben Jones

T: Mrs C Williams

Returned to form with clear win off much-reduced mark at Ludlow (3m1f, good to soft) in December but three non-completions have followed, most recently when he was pulled up back at Ludlow last month; others look safer.

12/1

4

30th Mar 2026

Good

2m 7f 171y

Class 3

15:57 Ludlow

Annsam

11st 6lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Mrs C Williams

Won this race three years ago and gained his first win since when drawing clear over 3m1f back here in December; since then he's suffered a heavy fall at Sandown and an unfortunate early unseat at Kempton but respected back here as he could still be in fair form.

5/1

3

23rd Mar 2026

Good

3m 0f 0y

Class 3

16:05 Kempton

Annsam

11st 11lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Mrs C Williams

Mid-race faller in the Stayers' Veterans' Final at Sandown last time; ended a long losing spell with his Ludlow performance in most recent completed start and he remains well treated on historical data, which includes a useful win over this C&D.

4/1

Form: P2110- D

Last run: 228 days

W: 11st 7lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 141

Form & Verdict
After two wins in small fields it was all too much for him when 50-1 for the big staying handicap on day one of the Cheltenham Festival (50-1), finishing behind a few of these; may not have reached his full potential yet as a chaser but he wouldn't be the obvious answer.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

15th Jan 2026

Good To Soft

3m 2f 162y

Class 3

15:37 Wincanton

Rapper

10st 13lb

J: Richard Patrick

T: Henry Daly

Well handicapped on what he was doing two years ago but he's pulled up and finished last in two races after a year on the sidelines.

33/1

3rd

4

21st Nov 2024

Good To Soft

3m 0f 0y

Class 2

14:25 Warwick

Rapper

10st 13lb

J: Stan Sheppard

T: Henry Daly

Inconsistent in recent seasons but ran fairly well when third (albeit well held in the end) on reappearance outing at Aintree (3m1f, good) last month and possibilities if able to build on that performance here.

6/1

3rd

4

21st Nov 2024

Good To Soft

3m 0f 0y

Class 2

14:25 Warwick

Rapper

10st 13lb

J: Stan Sheppard

T: Henry Daly

Inconsistent in recent seasons but ran fairly well when third (albeit well held in the end) on reappearance outing at Aintree (3m1f, good) last month and possibilities if able to build on that performance here.

6/1

9/2

Form: /1123- D

Last run: 210 days

W: 10st 12lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 132

Form & Verdict
Record of 2-4 over fences last season and, for one so inexperienced, he ran a mighty race to finish third in the Scottish National (4m, good to soft; Kitty's Light runner-up) in April; returns off an untouched mark so, with further improvement highly likely and a good record when fresh, he rates a very solid contender.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

13th Feb 2026

Soft

3m 0f 38y

Class 5

15:25 Fakenham

Major Dundee

11st 12lb

J: Mr Sam Lee

T: Francesca Poste

Last successful in the Midlands Grand National of 2023; lost his way for Alan King and a beaten favourite in his two recent points; tries blinkers.

4/1

Form: 39840- CD

Last run: 204 days

W: 11st 2lb

14 yo Gelding

OR: 136

Form & Verdict
Approaching his 15th birthday but has always been a force to be reckoned with around Ascot and his form figures in the last three renewals of this race alone read 213; it goes against the grain to side with a veteran in races of this nature but you wouldn't put it past him off his lowest mark in years.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13

18th Feb 2023

Good

2m 7f 180y

Class 1

14:25 Ascot

Regal Encore

10st 8lb

J: Aidan Coleman

T: Anthony Honeyball

15yo who last won in October 2020, with 12 races since; 3m at Ascot was the scene of his last four wins (including this race in 2018) but also seven of those last 12 defeats; player judged on his fourth in this race last year (13lb lower today) but not if judged on his two visits this autumn.

33/1

9

18th Nov 2022

Good To Soft

2m 7f 180y

Class 3

14:40 Ascot

Regal Encore

11st 6lb

J: Richie McLernon

T: Anthony Honeyball

14yo who has been beaten 11 times since his last win in October 2020, and he was tailed off over C&D on reappearance three weeks ago; however, he may have needed that run and, if he is to snap his losing sequence, it's highly likely to be at Ascot which has been the venue for his last four wins.

10/1

11th

8

29th Oct 2022

Good To Soft

2m 7f 180y

Class 1

15:15 Ascot

Regal Encore

11st 2lb

J: Richie McLernon

T: Anthony Honeyball

held up in rear, struggling after 15th, weakened 4 out, tailed off

20/1

Form: 05022- CD

Last run: 199 days

W: 11st 13lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 147

Form & Verdict
Became fiendishly difficult to predict in these colours for Colin Tizzard but has always had some class about him and he turned things around for his new yard last spring with two solid seconds in good staying handicaps; back up 5lb for his troubles but that's no big deal if he can resume where he left off; dual course winner.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

19th Apr 2023

Good To Soft

3m 2f 0y

Class 2

15:50 Cheltenham

Mister Malarky

12st 0lb

J: Harry Bannister

T: Richard J Bandey

held up in rear, pushed along and dropped to rear before 4th, mistake 7th, pushed along and detached before 8th

7/1

3rd

1

4th Mar 2023

Good

3m 1f 214y

Class 2

13:40 Newbury

Mister Malarky

12st 0lb

J: Harry Bannister

T: Richard J Bandey

Threatening to regain the winning thread, having finished second in three of his four starts for current stable, latest in veterans' race at Exeter (3m, good; beaten only a neck); landed a major handicap at Kempton off this mark three years ago; respected.

15/8

2nd

2

12th Feb 2023

Good

3m 0f 54y

Class 2

16:30 Exeter

Mister Malarky

12st 0lb

J: Harry Bannister

T: Richard J Bandey

Became fiendishly difficult to predict in these colours for Colin Tizzard; runner-up last March/April on first two runs for this yard but pulled up in October on sole run this season, so the doubts about him return.

8/1

Form: 3P31-2

Last run: 29 days

W: 10st 12lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 132

Form & Verdict
Has some flashes of highly respectable form over fences on which he's well treated; signed off last season in winning his first handicap at Sandown (2m4f, good) and, often a strong stayer at that trip, this first run over 3m heightens interest in him; seemed to idle when beaten on his reappearance and can strip fitter for that; strongly considered.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

25th May 2025

Good

2m 5f 164y

Class 4

14:58 Fontwell

Up The Straight

11st 5lb

J: James Davies

T: Richard Rowe

Useful over fences and hurdles in his prime; three races this spring represents his busiest spell for ages and he was second of four over fences at Exeter (3m, good) on second occasion, but return to hurdling saw him well held over C&D (despite similar form) one month ago.

25/1

5

25th May 2025

Good

2m 5f 164y

Class 4

14:58 Fontwell

Up The Straight

11st 5lb

J: James Davies

T: Richard Rowe

Useful over fences and hurdles in his prime; three races this spring represents his busiest spell for ages and he was second of four over fences at Exeter (3m, good) on second occasion, but return to hurdling saw him well held over C&D (despite similar form) one month ago.

25/1

7th

8

25th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

2m 5f 164y

Class 4

18:17 Fontwell

Up The Straight

10st 12lb

J: Niall Houlihan

T: Richard Rowe

Useful over fences and hurdles in his prime, winning four times at up to 2m5f; very lightly raced now but he showed signs of a revival when second of four over fences at Exeter (3m, good) three weeks ago; mark continues to fall and he's not ruled back in trip on return to hurdling.

12/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £129.00
Straight Forecast £70.94
Tricast £358.37
Trifecta £837.00

Selections

The Times:

Our Power

Daily Mail:

Annsam

TOPSPEED:

Danny Kirwan

D Express:

Poppa Poutine

RP Ratings:

Kitty's Light

Daily Record:

Major Dundee

SPOTLIGHT:

Up The Straight

WEST COUNTRY:

Regal Encore

Daily Mirror:

Annsam

The Star:

Annsam

Telegraph:

Our Power

The Guardian:

Our Power

The Sun:

Our Power

POSTDATA:

Danny Kirwan