13.50
SoftPaddy Power Cheltenham Countdown Podcast Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap) (GBB Race)
- Prize money: £56270
- 2m 4f 127y
- Class 1
- 17 runners
Runners: 17 runners
Type: Chase Turf
Surface: Turf
Weather: Cloudy
5/1 (Won)
- Win: £5.50
- Place: £1.80
Form: 383-44
Last run: 27 days
W: 10st 12lb
6 yo Gelding
OR: 138
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
5 |
17th Apr 2026 Soft 2m 4f 110y Class 2 |
11st 2lb |
9yo who hasn't been at his best this season but there have been signs of spark and he failed to stay 3m2f when well beaten at the Cheltenham Festival last time; continues to drop down the weights and could be in the shake-up back down in trip and in grade. |
9/1 |
|
15th 6 |
12th Mar 2026 Good To Soft 3m 2f 70y Class 2 |
11st 7lb |
Two-time course winner (2m4f, soft/good) who, having dropped down the weights, returned to form when second here on New Year's Day (2m4f, good; albeit no match for the winner); however, he doesn't appear to be crying out for the step up in trip; faded over 3m in February 2024. |
25/1 |
|
3 |
12th Oct 2025 Good To Firm 2m 3f 98y Class 2 |
11st 7lb |
Cheltenham regular who looked as good as ever when winning Paddy Power Gold Cup there (2m4f, good) last November; only 1lb higher today but seemed in need of the run when reappearing in this event last season and perhaps this race will again tee him up for Cheltenham next month. |
3/1 |
9/2
- Place: £1.90
Form: 448-21
Last run: 32 days
W: 11st 3lb
8 yo Gelding
OR: 143
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
5th 6 |
15th Apr 2026 Good 2m 3f 203y Class 1 |
11st 2lb |
No win since late 2023 and he hasn't got a lot going this season; he had run well but looked on the retreat when unseating in Outlaw Peter's race here 11 days ago (visor replaced usual cheekpieces). |
12/1 |
|
5 |
4th Apr 2026 Good To Soft 2m 3f 203y Class 2 |
11st 5lb |
Winless since December 2023 and hasn't posed a serious threat this season; however, he was best of the rest behind easy winner Guard Your Dreams at Warwick (2m4f, heavy) last time and continues to drop down the weights; handles various ground; not ruled out in first-time visor (replacing cheekpieces). |
8/1 |
|
2nd 3 |
7th Feb 2026 Soft 2m 4f 0y Class 2 |
11st 5lb |
Quirky customer who is without a win since December 2023 and has become frustrating; that said, he ran well for a long way in a valuable Ascot handicap (2m5f, soft) three weeks ago and is another 4lb lower here. |
15/2 |
20/1
- Place: £3.30
Form: 211-43 CD
Last run: 21 days
W: 10st 2lb
8 yo Mare
OR: 128
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
7th 3 |
24th Mar 2023 Good To Soft 2m 6f 93y Class 3 |
11st 13lb |
All three wins at 2m4f-2m5f (good/good to soft); very creditable third in a strong Cheltenham handicap two starts ago (2m4f, soft) but disappointing she didn't do better when conditions should have suited at Warwick since (has run two of her better races there); questioned after that. |
4/1 |
|
5th 9 |
24th Feb 2023 Good 2m 4f 0y Class 3 |
11st 0lb |
All wins on good/good to soft; her recent thirds were fairly remote but in good 2m4f handicaps at Sandown/Cheltenham on soft ground that wouldn't have been absolutely ideal; needs considering. |
11/2 |
|
3rd 16 |
28th Jan 2023 Soft 2m 4f 127y Class 1 |
10st 2lb |
All wins on good/good to soft, the most recent in mares' handicap over C&D last April; soft ground wasn't ideal at Sandown (well-held third) three weeks ago; could go well granted suitable conditions. |
20/1 |
12/1
- Place: £2.80
Form: 21F-P4 D
Last run: 32 days
W: 11st 2lb
10 yo Gelding
OR: 142
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2nd 7 |
29th May 2024 Soft 2m 4f 216y Class 5 |
12st 0lb |
midfield, in touch with leaders 5th, left in second 11th, jumped right 4 out, no chance with winner from 3 out |
11/10 |
|
16 |
14th Apr 2023 Good To Soft 2m 5f 19y Class 1 |
10st 9lb |
His best piece of handicap form came over this trip when winning on soft ground at Ascot last season off 2lb higher; has not been operating at quite the same level this campaign and this is his first experience of these fences; cheekpieces added. |
18/1 |
|
5th 4 |
18th Feb 2023 Good 2m 7f 180y Class 1 |
11st 7lb |
Runner-up over C&D in December last term and won over 2m5f here the following month, both off today's mark; back near that form this winter and, although all starts have been on softer than good, he's one to consider. |
9/2 |
28/1
Form: 1-0185 D
Last run: 59 days
W: 10st 4lb
8 yo Gelding
OR: 130
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
3 |
23rd Jan 2026 Good To Soft 3m 0f 0y Class 5 |
12st 6lb |
Not the force of old and might be better suited by right-handed tracks but ran well from the front when close fourth in open point at left-handed Chaddesley Corbett (3m, good to soft; also suited by soft) last month; considered each-way. |
14/1 |
|
1 |
2nd Apr 2025 Good 2m 4f 11y Class 4 |
12st 6lb |
Useful handicapper chaser when trained by Nigel Twiston-Davies, with a good record at this track; this season's pointing form for new stable has been underwhelming, though, and he was safely held when fourth in a Leicester hunter chase (2m, good to soft) last month. |
10/1 |
|
1 |
2nd Apr 2025 Good 2m 4f 11y Class 4 |
12st 6lb |
Useful handicapper chaser when trained by Nigel Twiston-Davies, with a good record at this track; this season's pointing form for new stable has been underwhelming, though, and he was safely held when fourth in a Leicester hunter chase (2m, good to soft) last month. |
10/1 |
14/1
Form: F12U-2 D
Last run: 38 days
W: 10st 8lb
8 yo Gelding
OR: 134
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
7th 4 |
14th Feb 2026 Soft 2m 7f 185y Class 1 |
10st 11lb |
Justified favouritism in the 2025 Stayers' Veterans' Chase Final at Sandown (good) most recently, taking record over 3m to 2-3; in top form aged 11 and still unexposed at this distance. |
13/2 |
12/1
Form: 112-12 D
Last run: 33 days
W: 11st 3lb
8 yo Gelding
OR: 143
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
10th 1 |
21st Jun 2024 Good 2m 5f 89y Class 3 |
12st 0lb |
Back on track with two good runs at Kempton (3m, good) this spring, the latter a win; probably still on a workable mark after 5lb rise but didn't find much at business end at Perth recently; now sports cheekpieces. |
10/1 |
|
4th 3 |
9th Jun 2024 Good 2m 7f 180y Class 2 |
11st 4lb |
pressed leader, led before 6th, headed just before 13th, hit 13th, lost position before 3 out |
4/1 |
|
1st 2 |
6th May 2024 Good 3m 0f 0y Class 3 |
12st 0lb |
jumped slightly right throughout, led, raced in second when headed 2nd, ridden after 3 out, pressed leader 2 out, led narrowly last |
7/2 |
16/1
Form: 222-23 D
Last run: 39 days
W: 10st 2lb
8 yo Gelding
OR: 128
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
6th 3 |
19th Mar 2026 Good To Soft 2m 4f 11y Class 4 |
12st 6lb |
Used to like it here, not out of the first three in five starts including over fences and when winning a novice hurdle in 2023; first start for this yard when far from disgraced in Taunton hunter chase (about 2m5f, good) in January but his 20l defeat at Cocklebarrow (3m) later that month was disappointing; still not ruled out. |
8/1 |
|
1 |
10th Apr 2025 Good 3m 2f 105y Class 4 |
12st 1lb |
Better known as a chaser and he hasn't been able to exploit his lower hurdle mark in two starts this year, tailed off last time at Doncaster (2m5f, good); has never run over this far either so has plenty to prove. |
20/1 |
|
5th 1 |
10th Apr 2025 Good 3m 2f 105y Class 4 |
12st 1lb |
always behind |
20/1 |
14/1
Form: 4P3-53 D
Last run: 32 days
W: 11st 0lb
9 yo Gelding
OR: 140
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2nd 6 |
18th Mar 2023 Good To Soft 2m 4f 110y Class 2 |
11st 1lb |
Won Grade 2 novice chase at Haydock in January 2021 and returned to form when third in Chepstow handicap over Christmas; however, he's back to having something to prove having been well beaten at Cheltenham latest. |
14/1 |
|
1 |
11th Mar 2023 Heavy 3m 0f 37y Class 3 |
12st 2lb |
|
|
|
9th 9 |
28th Jan 2023 Soft 2m 4f 127y Class 1 |
11st 0lb |
Lightly raced 9yo; creditable third to Fugitif at Chepstow with reappearance under his belt; far from sure to reverse placings with the winner, who had plenty in hand, but again has place possibilities. |
14/1 |
14/1
Form: 3-7P15 CD
Last run: 14 days
W: 11st 7lb
12 yo Gelding
OR: 147
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
7th 3 |
19th Apr 2023 Good To Soft 2m 4f 127y Class 1 |
11st 10lb |
jumped slightly right throughout, led narrowly, joined 11th, ridden when headed before 2 out, weakened approaching last |
10/1 |
|
8th 11 |
16th Mar 2023 Soft 2m 4f 127y Class 1 |
11st 0lb |
The winner of three major handicap chases over 2m4f at this venue, including this contest (off 2lb higher on soft ground) 12 months ago; however, his Cheltenham form this season (three visits) has taken a turn for the worse, with advancing years a likely factor (now a 12yo). |
25/1 |
|
10th 3 |
28th Jan 2023 Soft 2m 4f 127y Class 1 |
11st 7lb |
Fortuitous success in two-runner Grade 2 at Ascot two starts ago; the winner of three major handicap chases over 2m4f at this venue, albeit off lower marks; less likely to bag another one now aged 12. |
14/1 |
33/1
Form: 5P7-70 C
Last run: 32 days
W: 11st 9lb
7 yo Gelding
OR: 149
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1st 2 |
13th Apr 2025 Good 2m 6f 125y Class 5 |
11st 10lb |
led, awkward jump and briefly headed 5th, headed 12th, pressed leader 4 out |
Evs |
|
1st 2 |
13th Apr 2025 Good 2m 6f 125y Class 5 |
11st 10lb |
led, awkward jump and briefly headed 5th |
Evs |
|
1 |
14th Mar 2025 Good To Soft 3m 2f 70y Class 2 |
12st 0lb |
In the same colours when third in the 2020 Triumph and fourth in the following year's Arkle; rediscovered some form back over hurdles last year for James Owen and has gone on to win two small-field 3m points, beating What A Glance by 3l in the penultimate one; he likes to crack on up front and his stamina could be stretched over this extra yardage; proven in this headgear combination. |
14/1 |
10/1
Form: 13F-10 D
Last run: 27 days
W: 12st 0lb
8 yo Gelding
OR: 154
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
5th 1 |
26th Apr 2024 Good 2m 3f 98y Class 3 |
12st 0lb |
Won a 2m4f Aintree handicap (good to soft) in late 2022 off 6lb higher but has offered very little in his six subsequent appearances, the latest 25 days ago on his return from a break. |
12/1 |
|
5th 1 |
26th Apr 2024 Good 2m 3f 98y Class 3 |
12st 0lb |
Won a 2m4f Aintree handicap (good to soft) in late 2022 off 6lb higher but has offered very little in his six subsequent appearances, the latest 25 days ago on his return from a break. |
12/1 |
|
5th 2 |
1st Apr 2024 Soft 2m 0f 11y Class 2 |
12st 0lb |
Quickly lost his way after beginning 2022-23 season with excellent win at Aintree (2m4f, good to soft) and there has been no revival on his two appearances this term; leap of faith required to support him here. |
8/1 |
25/1
Form: 0F1P-5 D
Last run: 56 days
W: 11st 7lb
9 yo Gelding
OR: 147
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
6th 1 |
11th Jun 2023 Good 2m 7f 180y Class 2 |
12st 0lb |
prominent |
11/2 |
|
7th 1 |
6th May 2023 Good 3m 0f 0y Class 2 |
12st 0lb |
Seen only three times last season, most recently when returning to form with clearcut success in Grade 2 handicap at Cheltenham (2m4f, good) last month; subsequent 5lb rise does not look excessive and he might be seen to better effect over today's trip; respected. |
6/1 |
|
1st 2 |
19th Apr 2023 Good To Soft 2m 4f 127y Class 1 |
11st 12lb |
jumped left on occasions, in touch with leaders, jumped left and hampered rival 4th, ridden when outpaced after 3 out, rallied after 2 out, led run-in, went clear towards finish |
14/1 |
16/1
Form: 252-79 CD
Last run: 27 days
W: 11st 5lb
10 yo Gelding
OR: 145
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
5th 1 |
1st Dec 2023 Good To Soft 3m 0f 52y Class 2 |
12st 0lb |
First hurdle race for exactly five years; still a smart chaser as recently as April 2022 and reappearance last November was respectable, before one heavy defeat and an early unseat (the latter when trying headgear); too well handicapped to be discounted entirely but his stamina is unproven beyond 2m4f, after two attempts in 3m1f Grade 2 chases two winters back. |
40/1 |
|
5 |
28th Jan 2023 Soft 2m 4f 127y Class 1 |
11st 5lb |
Has some good form at this track, notably wins on this card and in the Plate in 2020 (for previous yard); below best in two races here this term but has possibilities if taking well to first-time headgear. |
16/1 |
|
9th 4 |
1st Jan 2023 Good 2m 4f 127y Class 1 |
11st 8lb |
Has good form at this track, notably Plate win in 2020 (off this mark; for previous yard) and second in this contest last year; however, finished behind some of these rivals in the Paddy Power seven weeks ago and got trounced by Stolen Silver last April; opposed judged on those efforts. |
16/1 |
20/1
Form: 5-2627 D
Last run: 27 days
W: 10st 10lb
11 yo Gelding
OR: 136
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
11 |
28th Jan 2023 Soft 2m 4f 127y Class 1 |
10st 10lb |
Has plenty of C&D form, including placed efforts in this race in 2020 and 2022; however, may need further now as his best efforts this term have come over 3m/3m2f; no win since 2018. |
20/1 |
|
7th 6 |
1st Jan 2023 Good 3m 2f 70y Class 2 |
11st 6lb |
The lack of a win since 2018 is the big disincentive but he usually runs well at Cheltenham and last month it was when upped to 3m2f on good (goes well on soft over shorter); often wears cheekpieces (not last time) but now tries blinkers; should again finish on the premises. |
7/1 |
|
2nd 6 |
9th Dec 2022 Good 3m 2f 0y Class 1 |
11st 6lb |
Well-held sixth in the Grand Sefton at Aintree last month; has plenty of placed form off higher marks, albeit over 2m4f, at this track; stamina to prove over this new trip and long losing run continues. |
8/1 |
7/1
Form: 3P4-15 D BF
Last run: 32 days
W: 10st 6lb
8 yo Gelding
OR: 132
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
4 |
2nd May 2026 Yielding 3m 0f 104y |
11st 6lb |
Most of five chase wins have come on decent ground, including last time when taking 3m Ludlow handicap (just 2 finishers) having been dropped in grade following some good runs in better-class handicaps; seems suited by going right-handed; respected. |
12/1 |
|
1st 1 |
30th Mar 2026 Good 2m 7f 171y Class 3 |
11st 13lb |
Showed he stays 3m when only just missing out at Kempton in January (good) where he would probably have won but for fluffing the last fence; another good effort at Ascot (3m) since, when coming from a long way off the pace to take third; strong contender off his competitive mark. |
15/8 |
|
3rd 3 |
14th Feb 2026 Soft 2m 7f 185y Class 1 |
10st 13lb |
Record of 2-3 over 2m5f at Ascot, all in the same November race; showed he stays 3m, at least under sharp conditions, at Kempton (good) most recently; this is a stiffer test at the trip. |
8/1 |
12/1
Form: 3P32-1 D
Last run: 85 days
W: 10st 4lb
8 yo Gelding
OR: 130
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
10 |
1st May 2026 Yielding 3m 0f 160y |
12st 0lb |
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 |
12st 0lb |
Veteran has been competing quite effectively in points, this looks too demanding. |
20/1 |
|
16 |
26th May 2025 Good 2m 7f 72y |
10st 13lb |
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 |
Non-runners
Now Where Or When
+o+e Accumulators
| Payout | |
|---|---|
| Exacta | £24.10 |
| Straight Forecast | £21.94 |
| Tricast | £216.64 |
| Trifecta | £495.70 |