January 16 / 15.10 Hereford

15.10

Soft

Black Mountain Botanicals Handicap Chase

  • Prize money: £4752.9
  • 2m 4f 194y
  • Class 5
  • 10 runners
SKY
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Black Mountain Botanicals Handicap Chase

Runners: 10 runners

Type: Chase Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Showers

7/2 (Won)

  • Win: £4.20
  • Place: £1.40

Form: 758/32

Last run: 15 days

W: 11st 1lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 85

Form & Verdict
Has shown improvement with two placed efforts since joining new stable and switched to chasing, runner-up at Exeter (2m3f, heavy) latest; could well have a race of this nature in him; shortlisted.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

2

1st Apr 2026

Good

2m 4f 35y

Class 5

16:20 Wincanton

Kingcormac

11st 6lb

J: Taylor Fisher

T: Joe Tickle

10yo who has won three of his last five starts and he hit a personal best when swooping late at Hereford (2m5f, good) two weeks ago; a 3lb rise for that success looks fair and he's strongly respected in his hat-trick bid.

11/4

1st

2

18th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 194y

Class 5

14:00 Hereford

Kingcormac

11st 6lb

J: Taylor Fisher

T: Joe Tickle

Up there with his best form when scoring for a third time over fences at Exeter (2m3f, good to soft) where he was 6l to the good at the line; up 6lb, so on a career-high mark, but he's probably the safest option.

15/8

1st

8

6th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 48y

Class 5

14:10 Exeter

Kingcormac

10st 12lb

J: Taylor Fisher

T: Joe Tickle

Dual chase winner who remains on a fair mark and was let down by his jumping when beaten 12l at Hereford last time; each-way claims.

6/1

10/1

  • Place: £3.40

Form: 7335-5 D

Last run: 57 days

W: 11st 9lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 93

Form & Verdict
Scored comfortably off only 2lb lower at Bangor (2m4f, soft) last winter; inconsistent RPRs since but seemed to need his reappearance run two months ago; one to consider having become well treated.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

9

16th Nov 2023

Good To Soft

2m 5f 89y

Class 5

14:15 Market Rasen

Bitasweetsymphony

10st 13lb

J: Charlie Todd

T: Sam Allwood

took keen hold, in touch with leaders, outpaced before 5 out, weakened after 4 out

16/1

5th

6

26th Oct 2023

Good To Soft

2m 4f 11y

Class 5

13:50 Ludlow

Bitasweetsymphony

10st 7lb

J: Mr Benjamin Abbott

T: Sam Allwood

Sole win (22 races under rules) came over fences in December 2021; well down the weights now and he was placed twice early this year but pulled up on final start last season (made mistakes in first-time blinkers) and same again on reappearance three weeks ago; bit to prove.

10/1

0

5

4th Oct 2023

Good To Soft

2m 4f 72y

Class 4

14:05 Bangor-on-Dee

Bitasweetsymphony

10st 7lb

J: Lewis Stones

T: Sam Allwood

took keen hold, prominent, weakening when mistake 4 out, pulled up before 3 out

10/1

11/4

  • Place: £1.60

Form: 0-3241

Last run: 21 days

W: 11st 5lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 89

Form & Verdict
Opened his account in similar event at Huntingdon (2m4f, good to soft) on Boxing Day when having only his second attempt over fences; unraced on soft/heavy; open to further progress in this sphere.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

6th May 2025

Good

2m 5f 110y

Class 5

16:30 Ffos Las

Supasunrise

10st 11lb

J: James Turner

T: Nigel & Willy Twiston-Davies

Without a win since 2023 but was placed in three chases last season and continues to edge down the weights; beaten about 20l when third at Huntingdon (2m7f, good) on latest outing in March but this slightly shorter trip may suit him better; considered each-way.

11/2

5

6th May 2025

Good

2m 5f 110y

Class 5

16:30 Ffos Las

Supasunrise

10st 11lb

J: James Turner

T: Nigel & Willy Twiston-Davies

Without a win since 2023 but was placed in three chases last season and continues to edge down the weights; beaten about 20l when third at Huntingdon (2m7f, good) on latest outing in March but this slightly shorter trip may suit him better; considered each-way.

11/2

3rd

8

12th Mar 2025

Good

2m 7f 129y

Class 5

12:58 Huntingdon

Supasunrise

10st 13lb

J: Finn Lambert

T: Nigel Twiston-Davies

Two places but not much more than a length behind Boys Of Wexford when fourth in this race last year (soft); unimproved by a tongue-tie here latest (retained) but notably is back at last to his previous winning mark.

10/1

Form: 55P-9P

Last run: 57 days

W: 10st 3lb

11 yo Gelding

OR: 73

Form & Verdict
All wins over shorter trips, the most recent at Bangor (2m1f) one year ago; subsequent form leaves a lot to be desired; percentage call is to oppose this veteran.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11

3rd May 2024

Good

2m 4f 127y

Class 5

20:05 Cheltenham

Royal Act

11st 12lb

J: Miss Jess Stewart

T: Sarah-Jayne Davies

pressed leader, led after 5th, headed 8th, hit 10th, soon weakened, pulled up before 4 out

100/1

11

3rd May 2024

Good

2m 4f 127y

Class 5

20:05 Cheltenham

Royal Act

11st 12lb

J: Miss Jess Stewart

T: Sarah-Jayne Davies

Struggled to get competitive off lowly marks in handicap chases last season and was again well beaten in a recent point; cheekpieces refitted.

100/1

Form: /P09-2 BF

Last run: 42 days

W: 11st 0lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 84

Form & Verdict
Heavy-ground point winner who is 0-10 under rules but remains unexposed over fences; back in much better form at Lingfield (2m, good to soft; clear second) on seasonal debut when having only his second chase start and third run for new stable; shaped as if this step back up in distance will suit; could well go one better.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8

5th Mar 2023

Good To Soft

2m 4f 199y

Class 5

15:20 Ffos Las

Magnificent Ben

10st 9lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Neil Mulholland

Heavy-ground maiden point winner; 0-11 under rules but went down by just a neck in handicap at Lingfield (2m, good to soft) on reappearance when having only his second chase start; failed to match that when favourite at Hereford (2m5f, soft) in the race won by Kingcormac.

8/1

5th

6

16th Jan 2023

Soft

2m 4f 194y

Class 5

15:10 Hereford

Magnificent Ben

11st 0lb

J: Tom Scudamore

T: Neil Mulholland

Heavy-ground point winner who is 0-10 under rules but remains unexposed over fences; back in much better form at Lingfield (2m, good to soft; clear second) on seasonal debut when having only his second chase start and third run for new stable; shaped as if this step back up in distance will suit; could well go one better.

11/4

8

1st Jan 2023

Soft

2m 3f 48y

Class 5

15:15 Exeter

Magnificent Ben

10st 8lb

J: Niall Houlihan

T: Neil Mulholland

Well beaten on both hurdling starts for Neil Mulholland last season but returned from ten-month break with close second over fences at Lingfield (2m, good to soft) four weeks ago; still unexposed as a chaser and today's move back up in trip will suit; major player.

7/2

Form: 5-7525

Last run: 26 days

W: 10st 11lb

7 yo Mare

OR: 81

Form & Verdict
Best form at about 2m, including sole win over hurdles and respectable second over fences at Leicester two starts ago; has a stamina doubt back over 2m5f, especially if the ground is deep.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

9th May 2023

Good

2m 5f 44y

Class 5

14:40 Fakenham

Legendary Rhythm

10st 13lb

J: Ben Poste

T: Tom Symonds

Has won two small-field mares chases at Leicester (2m4f, good; by 3l from Auditoria) and Wincanton (2m4f, good; Auditoria third) on last two starts; still feasibly treated and has a chance.

5/2

5

10th Apr 2023

Good

2m 7f 129y

Class 5

15:55 Huntingdon

Legendary Rhythm

11st 1lb

J: Jordan Nailor

T: Tom Symonds

Plenty to find with Methodtothemagic on Leicester form in February (2m6f, good) but has done better since returned to 2m4f on last two starts, making all at Leicester and Wincanton (good/good to soft); has a stamina query beyond that trip.

2/1

1st

5

27th Mar 2023

Good To Soft

2m 4f 35y

Class 5

15:30 Wincanton

Legendary Rhythm

10st 9lb

J: Ben Poste

T: Tom Symonds

Made all in similar event at Leicester (2m4f, good; opened her chase account) last month, beating Auditoria who went one better last week; likely player provided she's in the same form (lacks consistency).

9/4

OUR TIP

Form: 113-PP D

Last run: 57 days

W: 12st 0lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 98

Form & Verdict
Last March he made an encouraging start to chase career, including Wincanton win (2m4f, soft); couple of pulled-up runs this season but subsequent wind surgery may prompt a revival; not written off yet.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

7

30th Aug 2023

Good

2m 3f 207y

Class 5

19:20 Uttoxeter

Alberic

11st 1lb

J: Sean Houlihan

T: Philip Hobbs & Johnson White

Has been running reasonably and didn't seem to stay 2m7f at Worcester latest, having held every chance; tricky customer but ought to be involved, especially off current mark (has won off 9lb higher).

5/1

4th

8

27th Jul 2023

Soft

2m 7f 0y

Class 5

17:07 Worcester

Alberic

11st 2lb

J: Mr Callum Pritchard

T: Philip Hobbs & Johnson White

Tricky customer whose two wins came early in 2022; showed enough in two Fontwell outings in the spring to warrant consideration if he stays this trip; no ground problems.

11/2

4th

7

10th May 2023

Good To Soft

2m 5f 135y

Class 5

19:45 Fontwell

Alberic

10st 10lb

J: Ben Jones

T: Philip Hobbs & Johnson White

Looked badly out of sorts for most of last season but seemed to have turned a corner when very respectable fourth here (2m3f, good) last month and, if that run can be built upon, he's still well handicapped.

14/1

Form: F2-5PP

Last run: 19 days

W: 10st 3lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 73

Form & Verdict
Runner-up four times last season, suggesting he's capable of winning an ordinary race; form has dipped markedly this term, however; blinkers replace the cheekpieces worn last time; also declared 3:30 Fontwell.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

11

27th May 2023

Good

3m 1f 107y

Class 5

14:45 Cartmel

Passing Secrets

10st 2lb

J: Robert Dunne

T: Tom Gretton

Maiden; runner-up four times in 2021-22 but not in same form since; not beaten too far at Fontwell this month but still limited appeal.

14/1

4th

10

10th May 2023

Good To Soft

3m 1f 210y

Class 5

18:15 Fontwell

Passing Secrets

10st 2lb

J: Robert Dunne

T: Tom Gretton

Badly out of form over fences last season; hinted at possible upturn in fortunes when running well for a long way over hurdles in March but still has a lot more to prove than some of these, and is 5lb wrong.

33/1

5th

10

25th Mar 2023

Good To Soft

2m 7f 7y

Class 5

13:58 Bangor-on-Dee

Passing Secrets

10st 2lb

J: Mitchell Bastyan

T: Tom Gretton

Threatened to win over fences on a few occasions last season but in poor form this term, most recently when switched back to hurdling 19 days ago; 5lb wrong here; very difficult to enthuse over at present.

50/1

Form: 25-606 D

Last run: 27 days

W: 11st 6lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 90

Form & Verdict
All wins on good to soft ground; has slipped to a very handy mark but that's due to his poor form (hurdles/fences) this season; revival looks unlikely if the going is soft/heavy.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

2

31st Aug 2023

Good

2m 3f 98y

Class 4

18:00 Stratford

Arcade Attraction

11st 12lb

J: Brian Hughes

T: Sophie Leech

disputed lead, not fluent and lost position 7th

9/4

1st

2

3rd Aug 2023

Good

2m 3f 98y

Class 5

16:50 Stratford

Arcade Attraction

11st 12lb

J: Brian Hughes

T: Sophie Leech

Stable debut when making most over C&D last month to beat Atlantic Storm (pair well clear): up 7lb but handles softer ground and Brian Hughes again rides; strong claims if able to repeat the effort.

2/1

1st

3

16th Jul 2023

Good

2m 3f 98y

Class 5

16:35 Stratford

Arcade Attraction

11st 9lb

J: Brian Hughes

T: Sophie Leech

Made all in first-time cheekpieces at Fontwell (2m3f, good to soft) for Evan Williams in February but was quickly back in the doldrums next time; sold for £6,5000 in May; no cheekpieces for today's stable debut; versatile regarding ground but not an easy horse to predict.

12/1

Form: 3-PU95

Last run: 52 days

W: 10st 13lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 83

Form & Verdict
Has not built on hurdles win at Chepstow (2m3f, good) last April and the switch to chasing had no effect at Doncaster (3m) six weeks ago; this forecast slower ground looks a negative; also declared 3:30 Fontwell.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

6

16th Feb 2023

Good To Firm

2m 4f 25y

Class 5

15:10 Leicester

Heron Creek

10st 4lb

J: Charlie Hammond

T: Dr Richard Newland

jumped left on occasions, in touch with leaders, headway before 12th, outpaced and dropped to last before 3 out

9/1

4th

5

30th Jan 2023

Good To Soft

2m 0f 214y

Class 5

14:05 Plumpton

Heron Creek

10st 8lb

J: Lee Edwards

T: Dr Richard Newland

Won over hurdles last spring (2m3f, good) but has been out of form this season, the last twice over fences; needs combination of drop of back in trip and first-time cheekpieces to pay dividends here.

9/2

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £41.50
Straight Forecast £37.06
Tricast £151.51
Trifecta £207.10

Selections

RP Ratings:

Kingcormac

WEST COUNTRY:

Supasunrise

SPOTLIGHT:

Magnificent Ben

The Star:

Bitasweetsymphony

D Express:

Supasunrise

Daily Mirror:

Supasunrise

POSTDATA:

Kingcormac

The Times:

Kingcormac

Telegraph:

Kingcormac

Daily Mail:

Kingcormac

Daily Record:

Kingcormac

The Guardian:

Magnificent Ben

The Sun:

Magnificent Ben