December 03 / 14.05 Aintree

14.05

Good To Soft

Boylesports Becher Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap) (GBB Race)

  • Prize money: £84195
  • 3m 1f 188y
  • Class 1
  • 23 runners
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Boylesports Becher Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap) (GBB Race)

Runners: 23 runners

Type: Chase Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Partly cloudy

OUR TIP

5/1 (Won)

  • Win: £6.00
  • Place: £2.00

Form: 4235-3

Last run: 28 days

W: 11st 5lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 138

Form & Verdict
Promising novice campaign last season (on various ground) and he ran well until his stamina evaporated in the Scottish National in April; reappeared with solid third over hurdles here last month and he's on the shortlist.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

8

26th Oct 2025

Good

3m 0f 210y

Class 2

13:50 Aintree

Ashtown Lad

10st 2lb

J: Charlie Maggs

T: David O’Meara

Following a 70-day break he exploited a much-reduced mark at Kelso (3m2f, good) three weeks ago on his fourth start for this yard; versatile ground-wise; from out of the handicap today he's running off 5lb higher than last time, in a much hotter race, but he remains very well treated on old form.

9/1

7th

10

27th Jul 2025

Good

3m 2f 13y

Class 2

15:07 Uttoxeter

Ashtown Lad

10st 8lb

J: Charlie Deutsch

T: David O’Meara

Lost his way for the Skeltons and troubles have continued for his new yard; did endure a slipping saddle here last time but now into the twilight of his career.

50/1

15

29th Jun 2025

Good

3m 2f 13y

Class 2

14:00 Uttoxeter

Ashtown Lad

10st 2lb

J: Lewis Saunders

T: David O’Meara

Lost his way for the Skeltons and troubles continued when tailed off at Stratford last month; limited appeal from 9lb out of the weights.

33/1

Form: 11-212

Last run: 28 days

W: 11st 4lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 137

Form & Verdict
Ex-French 6yo who has done very well since joining this yard (wins at up to 3m on various ground) and he was beaten just a nose when a strong-finishing second in the Grand Sefton over these fences last month (2m5f, good to soft); 4lb higher today; firmly in calculations now up in trip.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

0

4

15th Dec 2023

Soft

3m 5f 56y

Class 2

15:00 Cheltenham

Gesskille

10st 12lb

J: Henry Brooke

T: Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero

Very effective in cheekpieces but has gone 2-2 since fitted with blinkers, winning a Listed chase in France before enhancing his excellent record over Aintree's Grand National fences with a 2l success in last month's Grand Sefton (2m5f, heavy); the mud is by no means a necessity for him to show his best form and he seems to possess the tools for a test of this nature provided he gets home (unraced beyond 3m2f when keeping on); high on the list.

4/1

1st

5

11th Nov 2023

Heavy

2m 5f 19y

Class 2

14:45 Aintree

Gesskille

11st 7lb

J: Henry Brooke

T: Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero

Had form on heavy in France; beaten a nose in this race last year and also runner-up in the 3m2f Becher here last December, both on good to soft; off the boil afterwards, including in the C&D Topham in April, but he returned from three months off with a narrow win when blinkers replaced cheekpieces at Auteuil (2m6f, very soft) in September, suggesting he is back in the mix.

11/4

5

20th May 2023

Good

2m 7f 70y

Class 2

19:05 Uttoxeter

Gesskille

11st 6lb

J: Toby Wynne

T: Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero

led narrowly, prominent when headed 8th, ridden after 9th, soon weakened, tailed off when pulled up after 2 out

10/1

16/1

  • Place: £3.10

Form: 41-123 D

Last run: 28 days

W: 10st 11lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 130

Form & Verdict
Improved form in the spring when these cheekpieces went on, winning two in a row (2m4f/3m, good), and stayed on well for 8l third from out of the handicap in the Grand Sefton over these fences last month (2m5f, good to soft); runs off 3lb lower today and could be a player now back up in trip.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

22

3rd Apr 2025

Good To Soft

2m 5f 19y

Class 2

16:05 Aintree

Percussion

12st 0lb

J: Mr Daniel Cherriman

T: L J Morgan

Will need to step up on his recent hunter chase efforts but he has form figures of 33237 in handicaps over the Grand National fences; a bold show would be no surprise.

20/1

15th

22

3rd Apr 2025

Good To Soft

2m 5f 19y

Class 2

16:05 Aintree

Percussion

12st 0lb

J: Mr Daniel Cherriman

T: L J Morgan

Will need to step up on his recent hunter chase efforts but he has form figures of 33237 in handicaps over the Grand National fences; a bold show would be no surprise.

20/1

3rd

8

3rd Mar 2025

Good To Soft

3m 0f 60y

Class 5

15:07 Southwell

Percussion

11st 12lb

J: Mr Daniel Cherriman

T: L J Morgan

Close third in similar event at Ludlow (3m) last month; on a long losing spell but won his last two Southwell attempts (spring 2022) and is interesting back here.

4/1

25/1

  • Place: £9.20

Form: 231U-4

Last run: 24 days

W: 11st 12lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 145

Form & Verdict
In rear when unseating four out in the Grand National here in April; however, he was progressive prior to that, winning a quality handicap at Ascot (3m, soft) in February, and he may have needed last month's reappearance run over hurdles at Bangor; not discounted.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

3

1st Feb 2026

Soft

2m 7f 191y

Class 4

14:55 Market Rasen

Fortescue

11st 11lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Henry Daly

Veteran who was a very useful staying chaser in his prime but has regressed and become inconsistent; left behind in home straight at Doncaster (3m, good) five weeks ago and needs headgear switch to perk him up here.

10/1

4th

6

16th Apr 2025

Good

3m 4f 21y

Class 3

15:15 Cheltenham

Fortescue

11st 11lb

J: Hugh Nugent

T: Henry Daly

Six-time chase winner over 3m; began season with respectable second behind revitalised opponent at Aintree (3m1f, good) in October and should be fine stamina-wise today but his last three runs were disappointing.

20/1

4th

6

16th Apr 2025

Good

3m 4f 21y

Class 3

15:15 Cheltenham

Fortescue

11st 11lb

J: Hugh Nugent

T: Henry Daly

Six-time chase winner over 3m; began season with respectable second behind revitalised opponent at Aintree (3m1f, good) in October and should be fine stamina-wise today but his last three runs were disappointing.

20/1

Form: 1380-4

Last run: 24 days

W: 10st 13lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 132

Form & Verdict
Tailed off in the Topham here in April but 2m5f on good to soft proved too sharp and he jumped these fences well; reappeared with staying-on fourth at Bangor (2m4f, heavy) last month and he's on a handy mark on last winter's best 3m form on soft/good to soft; one to consider now up in trip.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

1st Jun 2026

Yielding

2m 7f 150y

16:42 Listowel

Five Star Getaway

11st 11lb

J: Mr J J Berry

T: John Paul Berry

Old boy was smart handicapper in Britain back in the day; took advantage of his rivals' mishaps when winning at Fairyhouse; beaten a long way in the Champion Hunter Chase at Punchestown.

20/1

11th

5

1st May 2026

Yielding

3m 0f 160y

16:15 Punchestown

Five Star Getaway

12st 0lb

J: Mr J J Berry

T: John Paul Berry

In the form of his life when winning four races over fences for Christian Williams in 2021; had been running well enough in points before profiting from the mishaps of fancied rivals to win at Fairyhouse.

28/1

1st

5

5th Apr 2026

Yielding To Soft

3m 0f 180y

17:30 Fairyhouse

Five Star Getaway

12st 0lb

J: Mr J J Berry

T: John Paul Berry

In the form of his life when winning four races over fences for Christian Williams in 2021; has been running well enough in points but nothing to suggest he could win a race of this standard

33/1

Form: 6R3P-5 D

Last run: 41 days

W: 11st 7lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 140

Form & Verdict
Won the big Newbury handicap in November 2020 and sent off favourite for the Grand National in April 2021; however, he was pulled up and his subsequent form has been patchy; others are preferred, despite his reduced mark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

3

4th Mar 2023

Good

3m 1f 214y

Class 2

13:40 Newbury

Cloth Cap

11st 2lb

J: Jonjo O’Neill Jr

T: Jonjo O’Neill

At his peak when winning the big November handicap (off 1lb higher) over C&D in 2020 and following up in the Premier Chase at Kelso; flopped when favourite for that season's Grand National and has lacked consistency since; however, this looks his easiest task for some time and he's very tempting from a handicapping perspective (peak mark was 156).

4/1

6

28th Jan 2023

Good

2m 7f 214y

Class 1

15:15 Doncaster

Cloth Cap

11st 2lb

J: Brian Hughes

T: Jonjo O’Neill

disputed lead, mistake 2nd, chased leader 3rd, lost position 12th, slow jump 13th, dropped to rear 14th, soon pulled up

8/1

6th

9

3rd Dec 2022

Good To Soft

3m 1f 188y

Class 1

14:05 Aintree

Cloth Cap

11st 7lb

J: Richie McLernon

T: Jonjo O’Neill

Won the big Newbury handicap in November 2020 and sent off favourite for the Grand National in April 2021; however, he was pulled up and his subsequent form has been patchy; others are preferred, despite his reduced mark.

25/1

Form: P42U-3

Last run: 42 days

W: 11st 12lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 145

Form & Verdict
Nose second to Snow Leopardess in this race last year (soft); he's 9lb higher this time around but showed he can cope with this sort of mark when a solid third at Kelso (3m2f, good to soft) on his reappearance six weeks ago; could have a part to play now back here.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

31

15th Apr 2023

Good To Soft

4m 2f 74y

Class 1

17:15 Aintree

Hill Sixteen

10st 2lb

J: Ryan Mania

T: Sandy Thomson

Beaten a nose in 3m2f race (soft) over these fences in December 2021; yet to prove himself beyond that but he was in sixth when badly hampered four out in last year's 4m Scottish National; started this season okay, then had wind surgery before tailed off three weeks ago; cheekpieces first time.

66/1

10th

2

25th Mar 2023

Good To Soft

3m 2f 39y

Class 2

15:35 Kelso

Hill Sixteen

11st 10lb

J: Craig Nichol

T: Sandy Thomson

held up in rear, awkward jump 3rd

5/1

7th

4

3rd Dec 2022

Good To Soft

3m 1f 188y

Class 1

14:05 Aintree

Hill Sixteen

11st 12lb

J: Ryan Mania

T: Sandy Thomson

Nose second to Snow Leopardess in this race last year (soft); he's 9lb higher this time around but showed he can cope with this sort of mark when a solid third at Kelso (3m2f, good to soft) on his reappearance six weeks ago; could have a part to play now back here.

11/1

Form: 111P-P CD

Last run: 17 days

W: 11st 13lb

10 yo Mare

OR: 146

Form & Verdict
Middle leg of a hat-trick when winning this race last year (soft); reportedly unsuited by the good to soft ground when pulled up in the Grand National in April, and pulled up swiftly after bad mistake at first fence at Warwick on recent reappearance; not written off.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

16

15th Mar 2023

Soft

3m 6f 37y

Class 2

16:10 Cheltenham

Snow Leopardess

11st 0lb

J: Aidan Coleman

T: Charlie Longsdon

Faded into sixth in C&D handicap (good to soft) in January but ran well for a long way and built on that when runner-up in first-time cheekpieces (retained) in Haydock's 3m4f Grand National Trial last month; open to improvement on her second run over these obstacles and this 2021 Becher Chase winner (soft) is very much an each-way player with her 7lb mares' allowance.

16/1

2nd

7

18th Feb 2023

Good To Soft

3m 4f 97y

Class 1

14:40 Haydock

Snow Leopardess

10st 11lb

J: Gavin Sheehan

T: Charlie Longsdon

Completed a hat-trick last season (3m/3m2f, soft; including the Becher Chase) and she's well handicapped on that form; hasn't run badly on her last few starts but needs something extra in the first-time cheekpieces if she's to win this, and her best form has come on soft ground.

12/1

6th

5

28th Jan 2023

Good To Soft

3m 6f 37y

Class 2

12:40 Cheltenham

Snow Leopardess

10st 8lb

J: Aidan Coleman

T: Charlie Longsdon

Last season went so well that she was sent off one of the favourites for the Grand National only to run no race; below par so far this campaign and comes here with a bit to prove on her cross-country debut.

11/1

Form: 51P2-6 D

Last run: 30 days

W: 11st 1lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 134

Form & Verdict
Inconsistent last season and tailed off over hurdles on last month's reappearance; however, he may have needed that latest run and an each-way case can be made off a mark 1lb lower than when second to a progressive winner at Haydock (3m1f, good to soft) in April.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6

9th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 5f 19y

Class 2

15:30 Aintree

Enqarde

12st 0lb

J: Miss Molly Armytage

T: Mrs David Plunkett

Career highlight was the Tommy Whittle at Haydock in 2021; 50-1 winner of four-runner hunter chase at Leicester (2m6f, soft) this February but pulled up at Exeter (3m, good to soft) since; this 12yo is probably vulnerable.

100/1

1

17th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 54y

Class 5

17:13 Exeter

Enqarde

12st 6lb

J: Miss Molly Armytage

T: Mrs David Plunkett

Useful in his prime; 0-6 in points this season but drew 14l clear to cause 50-1 shock in four-runner Leicester hunter chase (2m6f, soft) three weeks ago; it's tricky to gauge what that form is worth or whether his revival will gather momentum but, nevertheless, he enters calculations.

7/1

1st

5

24th Feb 2026

Heavy

2m 6f 151y

Class 3

16:50 Leicester

Enqarde

11st 12lb

J: Miss Molly Armytage

T: Mrs David Plunkett

Landed the Tommy Whittle at Haydock in his younger days but is a shadow of his former self; 0-6 switched to points last term; unlikely to regain the winning thread on reappearance.

33/1

10th
15
Fagan

50/1

Form: 17/2P-

Last run: 358 days

W: 11st 4lb

12 yo Gelding

OR: 137

Form & Verdict
Close second in veterans' chase at Warwick last November but pulled up at Cheltenham the following month and absent since; this 12yo may be best watched on his return to action.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

4

19th Mar 2023

Soft

3m 0f 110y

Class 2

15:35 Carlisle

Fagan

10st 10lb

J: Harriet Tucker

T: Alex Hales

11lb lower than when going close at Warwick in November 2021, which was only five starts back; outpaced on good ground last time and wouldn't be too dismissive in first-time cheekpieces.

10/1

4th

2

22nd Feb 2023

Good

2m 7f 214y

Class 2

15:00 Doncaster

Fagan

11st 13lb

J: Harry Bannister

T: Alex Hales

Now 8lb lower than when going close at Warwick in November 2021 but pulled up the following month and has struggled on his two starts this season, following an absence; major revival required.

12/1

4

31st Dec 2022

Good To Soft

3m 1f 214y

Class 3

14:25 Newbury

Fagan

11st 13lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Alex Hales

Won by 8l here (2m7f, heavy) in January 2021 off just 2lb lower; has run only four times since, showing his form only once, but had a year off prior to his run over the National fences at Aintree four weeks ago (100-1) and can probably be forgiven that; veteran who's not entirely dismissed.

50/1

Form: 317P-6 BF

Last run: 20 days

W: 11st 8lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 141

Form & Verdict
Pulled up in the Scottish National on final start last season and he needs to jump better than on last month's reappearance at Cheltenham (soundly beaten); however, this 7yo was a very useful novice last season and his yard has done well over these fences over the years; not ruled out.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

17th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

2m 7f 177y

Class 4

17:12 Ffos Las

Fantastikas

11st 11lb

J: James Turner

T: Nigel Twiston-Davies

led, headed 14th, weakened before 4 out, pulled up before 3 out

10/1

4

17th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

2m 7f 177y

Class 4

17:12 Ffos Las

Fantastikas

11st 11lb

J: James Turner

T: Nigel Twiston-Davies

No win since January 2022; shaped reasonably well when third at Uttoxeter (3m, soft) in December but lesser efforts at Haydock and Plumpton since temper enthusiasm; first run since January.

10/1

4th

1

27th Jan 2025

Soft

3m 1f 152y

Class 4

15:50 Plumpton

Fantastikas

12st 0lb

J: Mr Toby McCain-Mitchell

T: Nigel Twiston-Davies

Returned to form when keeping on for third at Uttoxeter (3m, soft) in early December but failed to really build on that when a well-held fourth at Haydock three weeks later, albeit in a higher grade; hasn't won for three years but he's plied his trade at a higher level for some time and could find life easier contesting a class 4 with a capable 7lb-claiming amateur booked.

9/2

Form: -21023 D BF

Last run: 27 days

W: 11st 11lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 144

Form & Verdict
Won two handicap chases in the spring and has continued the good work in autumn, finishing second in the Kerry National (3m, good) then third to stablemate Captain Kangaroo in the Cork National (3m4f, soft to heavy); this 7yo could have more to offer for his top trainer and is respected.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

33

15th Apr 2023

Good To Soft

4m 2f 74y

Class 1

17:15 Aintree

Recite A Prayer

10st 2lb

J: Jack Foley

T: W P Mullins

All his three wins under rules were on good ground but his third of 17 in the Cork National (3m4f) came in the mud; major backward steps in his two races since (he's been off since Christmas) and the first of them was over these fences.

66/1

20th

12

27th Dec 2022

Yielding

3m 0f 50y

15:00 Leopardstown

Recite A Prayer

11st 5lb

J: Danny Mullins

T: W P Mullins

in touch with leaders on inner, lost position and pushed along before 3 out, soon weakened

18/1

12th

6

3rd Dec 2022

Good To Soft

3m 1f 188y

Class 1

14:05 Aintree

Recite A Prayer

11st 11lb

J: Brian Hayes

T: W P Mullins

Won two handicap chases in the spring and has continued the good work in autumn, finishing second in the Kerry National (3m, good) then third to stablemate Captain Kangaroo in the Cork National (3m4f, soft to heavy); this 7yo could have more to offer for his top trainer and is respected.

12/1

14/1

Form: 4227-2

Last run: 42 days

W: 11st 5lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 138

Form & Verdict
Runner-up twice in a row (3m2f/3m7f, soft/good) early this year and he reappeared with another good second at Cheltenham (3m1f, good) in October; however, his jumping can lack fluency which is a worry on his first encounter with these fences.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

3

16th May 2025

Good

3m 0f 210y

Class 2

18:55 Aintree

The Wolf

11st 2lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Olly Murphy

No longer the force of old and not always a fluent jumper but won two chases in November (2m7f/2m6f) and was runner-up in three small-field races towards end of last season; suited by good ground and will probably give another good account.

11/4

4th

3

16th May 2025

Good

3m 0f 210y

Class 2

18:55 Aintree

The Wolf

11st 2lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Olly Murphy

No longer the force of old and not always a fluent jumper but won two chases in November (2m7f/2m6f) and was runner-up in three small-field races towards end of last season; suited by good ground and will probably give another good account.

11/4

2nd

2

11th Apr 2025

Good

2m 7f 129y

Class 3

18:08 Huntingdon

The Wolf

12st 0lb

J: Robert Dunne

T: Olly Murphy

Veteran who has been running well, finishing second to an improver at Kempton (3m, good) before another sound effort at Stratford; solid claims.

7/4

Form: /4U-52 D

Last run: 17 days

W: 12st 0lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 147

Form & Verdict
Not his fault he unseated in the Grand National in April (hampered); won what is now the Coral Gold Cup at Newbury (3m2f, good to soft) in 2019; this 10yo hasn't hit the same heights in his seven starts since but he was a solid second at Warwick (3m, soft) last time and may not be far away.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

1

11th Mar 2024

Soft

3m 4f 85y

Class 3

15:40 Taunton

De Rasher Counter

12st 0lb

J: Tom Bellamy

T: Emma Lavelle

disputed lead, prominent 3rd

7/1

6th

6

13th Jan 2024

Good To Soft

3m 0f 0y

Class 2

13:30 Kempton

De Rasher Counter

11st 4lb

J: Tom Bellamy

T: Emma Lavelle

Staged something of a revival in first-time cheekpieces at Sandown (3m veterans' chase) two months ago; possibilities if building on that second-place finish; defied a 13lb higher mark in top 3m2f handicap at Newbury in 2019.

13/2

Form: 153120

Last run: 43 days

W: 12st 0lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 147

Form & Verdict
Fair fourth in the Topham over these fences in April (2m5f, good to soft) and he's won twice since (3m/2m5f, good); he may have needed the run over hurdles at Cheltenham in October but appears to be on a tough mark and could do with the ground drying out (best form on good going).
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

11th Oct 2024

Good To Soft

2m 7f 131y

Class 2

15:50 Chepstow

Francky Du Berlais

11st 9lb

J: James Bowen

T: Peter & Michael Bowen

Seemingly on the downgrade now but enjoyed the chance to dominate small field from the front at Market Rasen (2m5f, good) a fortnight ago; contests a much deeper race here but recent 4lb rise ought to be manageable and he's evidently in good heart.

11/2

1st

2

28th Sep 2024

Good

2m 5f 89y

Class 3

17:10 Market Rasen

Francky Du Berlais

11st 7lb

J: James Bowen

T: Peter & Michael Bowen

made all, went clear from 1st, reduced lead 3 out, kept on well, unchallenged

4/1

13th

9

24th Aug 2024

Good

2m 4f 180y

17:25 Killarney

Francky Du Berlais

10st 12lb

J: Mr J L Gleeson

T: Peter & Michael Bowen

midfield

11/2

11/1

Form: 5112-2 D

Last run: 24 days

W: 11st 7lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 140

Form & Verdict
Front-runner who won two in a row in February (3m2f/3m, soft) and was a clear second at Exeter (3m, heavy) in March, form that has been franked by the winner; fair second over hurdles on last month's reappearance and today's assignment should suit his prominent style; could make a bold bid.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

2

17th Mar 2025

Good

3m 1f 185y

Class 4

14:20 Southwell

Dr Kananga

11st 10lb

J: Tom Bellamy

T: Ben Clarke

Three chase wins, the latest at Sandown in February 2022 (3m, soft); creditable 14l third to a subsequent winner in a veterans' chase at Doncaster last time (3m, good); contender.

11/4

3rd

5

2nd Mar 2025

Good

2m 7f 214y

Class 3

14:00 Doncaster

Dr Kananga

11st 4lb

J: Joe Anderson

T: Ben Clarke

led, headed 13th, not fluent and dropped to last 5 out, rallied and went third after 3 out, soon no extra

8/1

10

31st Jan 2025

Soft

3m 4f 178y

Class 3

14:45 Lingfield

Dr Kananga

10st 8lb

J: Rex Dingle

T: Ben Clarke

Not the force of old and his losing spell goes back to February 2022; pulled up in this race last year but runner-up on next two starts (3m2f/3m1f) and his front-running sixth in the 3m4f London National at Sandown eight weeks ago wasn't a bad reappearance; stamina not proven.

9/1

Form: 0UP-69 D

Last run: 20 days

W: 10st 13lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 132

Form & Verdict
Respectable fourth (beaten 22l) in this race last year and he's now fully 15lb lower; however, he's been a long way below that level subsequently and has finished down the field on both outings this autumn.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

28th Feb 2024

Heavy

3m 5f 142y

Class 4

15:20 Bangor-on-Dee

Domaine De LIsle

11st 12lb

J: Richie McLernon

T: Sean Curran

prominent, pulled up before 16th

25/1

Form: 200-08 D

Last run: 73 days

W: 11st 11lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 144

Form & Verdict
Three-time chase winner who is on a competitive mark on hurdles form as recent as January; however, he hasn't been at his best on the Flat and over hurdles/fences since, and he has to raise his game; tongue-tie goes on.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

7

6th Apr 2026

Good

3m 1f 119y

Class 4

15:20 Hereford

The Jam Man

10st 13lb

J: Lorcan Williams

T: Ryan Potter

Veteran whose last win under rules was in 2020 (won a point early in 2024); fourth of 16 at Chepstow in January may look the only positive result in his nine races this season but he was beaten 35l, so that does not persuade; not even with his 37lb fall in the weights this term.

20/1

1

17th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 7f 25y

Class 5

14:20 Exeter

The Jam Man

12st 0lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Ryan Potter

In poor form over hurdles and fences for new stable this season and getting very long in the tooth now but has plummeted down the weights and may yet stage some sort of a revival; watch the betting.

33/1

6

22nd Feb 2026

Soft

3m 1f 44y

Class 4

15:10 Hereford

The Jam Man

10st 12lb

J: Conor Ring

T: Ryan Potter

One-time smart hurdler/chaser but very much on the decline these days and is best watched after some ordinary efforts this season.

16/1

Form: 1111U2 D

Last run: 17 days

W: 11st 4lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 137

Form & Verdict
6yo novice who has won five times at Cartmel (2m5f-3m1f, good/good to soft) this season and bumped into an exciting prospect when 20l second at Hexham (3m, soft) last time; his trainer has won this race but it's a very tough task for his return to a handicap and he could be vulnerable.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

14

3rd Dec 2022

Good To Soft

3m 1f 188y

Class 1

14:05 Aintree

Rapid Flight

11st 4lb

J: Danny McMenamin

T: James Moffatt

6yo novice who has won five times at Cartmel (2m5f-3m1f, good/good to soft) this season and bumped into an exciting prospect when 20l second at Hexham (3m, soft) last time; his trainer has won this race but it's a very tough task for his return to a handicap and he could be vulnerable.

50/1

9

19th Nov 2022

Soft

3m 1f 125y

Class 2

15:35 Haydock

Rapid Flight

11st 6lb

J: Charlotte Jones

T: James Moffatt

All five chase wins have been at Cartmel and this is a quick reappearance after coming up well short under his penalties in novice company at Hexham on Wednesday; others might be happier in these testing conditions.

25/1

2nd

1

16th Nov 2022

Good To Soft

3m 0f 41y

Class 3

12:53 Hexham

Rapid Flight

11st 12lb

J: Charlotte Jones

T: James Moffatt

Carries a 10lb penalty against some interesting rivals and his five chase wins have come at Cartmel (2m5f-3m1f, good/good to soft), so he needs to prove he can do it elsewhere; however, he's achieved a good standard of form and his experience is a positive factor; unproven on soft/heavy.

5/1

Form: 664421

Last run: 27 days

W: 11st 2lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 135

Form & Verdict
Left his previous jumping displays behind when off the mark at the sixth attempt over fences in the Cork National (3m4f, soft to heavy) last month; 13lb higher here but this 7yo is open to further improvement for his leading Irish trainer now things have clicked; handles various ground.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6

18th Mar 2023

Soft

4m 2f 8y

Class 1

15:00 Uttoxeter

Captain Kangaroo

10st 8lb

J: Danny Mullins

T: W P Mullins

Has National honours having won the Cork version in November (3m4f, soft/heavy); it's been a sorry state of affairs since then with four non-completions and, while his trainer can work wonders, he's not overly appealing with that background.

20/1

7

19th Feb 2023

Yielding To Soft

3m 4f 40y

14:10 Punchestown

Captain Kangaroo

10st 9lb

J: Jack Foley

T: W P Mullins

Beat Defi Bleu in the Munster National, now 10lb higher; let down by his jumping over the National fences in the Becher and in the Paddy Power; reportedly made a noise when pulled up in the Thyestes; not a betting proposition against that background.

16/1

Form: 3P32-1

Last run: 29 days

W: 10st 11lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 130

Form & Verdict
This is much hotter than the Down Royal handicap he won last month and that was over 2m (yielding to soft), but he's versatile in terms of trip having finished third over 3m at Ayr (good to soft) in April; bar a mistake at the first fence at Down Royal his jumping was excellent and he could be just the type to excel over these fences; interesting for in-form yard.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10

1st May 2026

Yielding

3m 0f 160y

16:15 Punchestown

Now Where Or When

12st 0lb

J: Mr S Connor

T: S R B Crawford

Veteran has been competing quite effectively in points; however, could manage only a moderate fourth in an incident-packed Fairyhouse race won by Five Star Getaway.

50/1

4th

7

5th Apr 2026

Yielding To Soft

3m 0f 180y

17:30 Fairyhouse

Now Where Or When

12st 0lb

J: Mr S Connor

T: S R B Crawford

Veteran has been competing quite effectively in points, this looks too demanding.

20/1

16

26th May 2025

Good

2m 7f 72y

18:30 Ballinrobe

Now Where Or When

10st 13lb

J: J J Slevin

T: S R B Crawford

Veteran is 3-19 over fences; won off 121 at Down Royal (3m, gd-yld) in January; pulled up next two starts then beaten 16.5l off this mark on latest at Punchestown; likes going right-handed but others hold more pressing claims.

16/1

Form: 843P-3 D

Last run: 13 days

W: 10st 8lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 127

Form & Verdict
Inconsistent last season (soundly beaten sixth in this) but he's off the same mark as when third in the Kim Muir (3m2f, soft) at Cheltenham in March and he was a fair third on his recent reappearance at Exeter (3m, good to soft); could build on that latest run and he's an each-way possible.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10

2nd May 2025

Good

4m 0f 97y

Class 4

19:30 Cheltenham

Didero Vallis

11st 12lb

J: Mr Daniel Williams

T: Miss Olive Nicholls

Useful staying chaser in his prime but became very disappointing for Venetia Williams during 2023-24 season; made the frame in Taunton hunter chase (2m7f, good to soft) for new stable in February but beat only one rival when winning a recent point; others look stronger.

20/1

10

2nd May 2025

Good

4m 0f 97y

Class 4

19:30 Cheltenham

Didero Vallis

11st 12lb

J: Mr Daniel Williams

T: Miss Olive Nicholls

Useful staying chaser in his prime but became very disappointing for Venetia Williams during 2023-24 season; made the frame in Taunton hunter chase (2m7f, good to soft) for new stable in February but beat only one rival when winning a recent point; others look stronger.

20/1

4th

5

5th Mar 2025

Good

3m 1f 54y

Class 5

17:00 Catterick

Didero Vallis

11st 12lb

J: Mr Daniel Williams

T: Miss Olive Nicholls

prominent, outpaced 13th, weakened 3 out

11/1

Form: /17-0P D

Last run: 24 days

W: 10st 2lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 120

Form & Verdict
Looked one to follow when easily making all at Ffos Las (3m, good to soft) in May 2021 but he's run just three times since and has been tailed off or pulled up each time; has plenty to prove.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

0

5

31st Oct 2023

Good To Soft

3m 2f 54y

Class 4

13:30 Chepstow

Minella Bobo

11st 6lb

J: James Bowen

T: Rebecca Curtis

Won two staying handicap chases during the first half of 2021, the latest off 8lb higher; his last campaign never got off the ground and a watching brief is probably best after a lengthy break.

20/1

9th

13

1st Jan 2023

Good

3m 2f 70y

Class 2

12:45 Cheltenham

Minella Bobo

10st 3lb

J: Brendan Powell

T: Rebecca Curtis

Made all in February and May 2021 but he's run just four times since and achieved very little; tongue-tie and cheekpieces are removed; down the weights but there's a lot to take on trust.

33/1

Non-runners

Now Where Or When

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £35.30
Straight Forecast £26.12
Tricast £214.31
Trifecta £407.40

Selections

The Times:

Ashtown Lad

SPOTLIGHT:

Five Star Getaway

WEST COUNTRY:

Dr Kananga

POSTDATA:

Hill Sixteen

The Star:

Fantastikas

The Guardian:

Gesskille

TOPSPEED:

Cloth Cap

RP Ratings:

Didero Vallis

Daily Mirror:

Ashtown Lad

Daily Record:

Ashtown Lad

D Express:

Five Star Getaway

Telegraph:

Dr Kananga

Daily Mail:

Hill Sixteen