March 15 / 14.10 Cheltenham

14.10

Soft

Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase (Grade 1) (Registered As The Broadway Novices’ Chase) (GBB Race)

  • Prize money: £102094.61
  • 3m 0f 80y
  • Class 1
  • 11 runners
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Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase (Grade 1) (Registered As The Broadway Novices’ Chase) (GBB Race)

Runners: 11 runners

Type: Chase Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Showers

OUR TIP

11/2 (Won)

  • Win: £9.00
  • Place: £1.70

Form: 12-011 CD

Last run: 73 days

W: 11st 7lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 153

Form & Verdict
Stoutly bred sort who has been transformed for the switch to fences by trainer in his first season based in Britain; built on November's C&D win when taking the Grade 2 Dipper over extended 2m4f (soft) on New Year's Day under Sam Twiston-Davies, jumping well if again somewhat to his right; held a Gold Cup entry and clearly has potential.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

1

7th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

2m 7f 180y

Class 2

16:27 Perth

The Real Whacker

12st 0lb

J: Brian Hughes

T: Patrick Neville

Now well handicapped judged on peak efforts, but his form during the last 12 months lacks substance; pulled up in the Grand National last time on his return to fences.

5/1

25

11th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

4m 2f 74y

Class 1

16:00 Aintree

The Real Whacker

10st 9lb

J: Gavin Sheehan

T: Patrick Neville

11lb below his peak mark and well handicapped judged on best efforts, the most recent of which were over 3m on good ground late in 2024; muted in this three runs this term, only one of which was over fences but he ended up tailed off in that Wetherby race, which he'd won a year earlier; those past glories may now be too distant.

66/1

3

1st Nov 2025

Good

3m 0f 45y

Class 1

14:57 Wetherby

The Real Whacker

11st 10lb

J: Brian Hughes

T: Patrick Neville

Front-runner who won this in good style last year (good) and again has the benefit of a recent run, which could give him an advantage over a few of these; can give a good account in first-time cheekpieces but it looks a hotter contest than 12 months ago and he carries a 6lb penalty this time.

4/1

11/8

  • Place: £1.30

Form: 11-111

Last run: 39 days

W: 11st 7lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 154

Form & Verdict
Unbeaten in point-to-point and seven races under rules, including under Jordan Gainford in Grade 1 novice chases on last two starts; comfortably beat some of Britain's best novices in the Scilly Isles at Sandown last month (2m4f, good to soft) and sets a clear standard here; plenty of form on soft ground and the step up to 3m is likely to draw more from him.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

11th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

4m 2f 74y

Class 1

16:00 Aintree

Gerri Colombe

11st 10lb

J: Jack Kennedy

T: Gordon Elliott

Five Grade 1 wins and runner-up in the 2024 Cheltenham Gold Cup; reappearance at Christmas came after 421 days off and this season's form is well short of his best, but second to Grangeclare West at Fairyhouse was a big step back in the right direction and he comfortably obliged at odds-on for latest outing; cheekpieces last three starts; well handicapped on his old form and could be on his way back.

25/1

1st

3

17th Mar 2026

Yielding

3m 2f 50y

15:38 Down Royal

Gerri Colombe

11st 0lb

J: Jack Kennedy

T: Gordon Elliott

Five Grade 1 wins; runner-up to Galopin Des Champs in the 2024 Gold Cup; defeated at odds-on here in November 2024; absent until pulled up early in the Savills at Christmas; respectable third at Gowran in the Galmoy Hurdle (heavy) in first-time cheekpieces; good effort behind Grangeclare West in the Bobbyjo; gets 7lb from Nick Rockett, race-fitness in his favour

11/10

2nd

6

21st Feb 2026

Heavy

3m 2f 0y

15:15 Fairyhouse

Gerri Colombe

11st 0lb

J: Jordan Gainford

T: Gordon Elliott

Five-time Grade 1 winner was a runner-up behind Galopin Des Champs in the 2024 Gold Cup; defeated at odds-on at Down Royal in November 2024 and didn't reappear for 421 days when pulled up early in the Savills over Christmas; more promise in his third at Gowran in the Galmoy Hurdle (heavy) in first-time cheekpieces, although 18l behind; back over fences now and this is a key test to see if the ability is still there.

14/1

33/1

  • Place: £8.10

Form: 21-421

Last run: 46 days

W: 11st 7lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 145

Form & Verdict
Progressive novice hurdler last season and useful form in two chases around 2m5f on soft ground at Fairyhouse; second to Gerri Colombe on first occasion, then won three-runner race by a neck in January; big step up is required.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

30th Mar 2025

Good To Yielding

3m 4f 120y

16:05 Downpatrick

Bronn

11st 12lb

J: Darragh O’Keeffe

T: Thomas Gibney

Very useful for Willie Mullins, notably when placed in 3m1f Grade 1 novice events at Cheltenham and Aintree the season before last; lost form last season and yet to hit form in three runs for current yard, latest when faller in 3m1f Leinter National; 14lb off career-high but remains opposable and one of two runners for the owners.

12/1

2

9th Mar 2025

Soft

3m 0f 174y

16:45 Naas

Bronn

11st 10lb

J: J J Slevin

T: Thomas Gibney

Very useful for Willie Mullins, notably when placed in 3m1f Grade 1 novice event at Cheltenham and Aintree the season before last; lost form last season, pulled up final two outings; tailed off on stable/seasonal debut at Clonmel and pulled up in Grade 3 at Tramore; down 12lb from career-high mark.

20/1

5

1st Jan 2025

Soft

2m 6f 170y

14:15 Tramore

Bronn

11st 0lb

J: Shane Fitzgerald

T: Thomas Gibney

in touch with leaders, dropped to rear 5 out, slow jump 3 out, soon detached, pulled up 2 out

33/1

Form: 24-224 C

Last run: 38 days

W: 11st 7lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 151

Form & Verdict
Well-held fourth behind Sir Gerhard in last year's Ballymore for Nicky Henderson; slightly better over fences this season, best effort when 11l fourth to Mighty Potter in Grade 1 at the Dublin Racing Festival (2m5f, yielding); stepping up to 3m will have to improve this Flat-bred 7yo considerably.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

1

11th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

4m 2f 74y

Class 1

16:00 Aintree

I Am Maximus

11st 12lb

J: Paul Townend

T: W P Mullins

His only three long-distance events resulted in an Irish National win in 2023, a storming success in this race in 2024 (soft) and a valiant second, from further off the pace, in repeat bid here in 2025 (good to soft); what a record that is, and 50-1 second in a 3m Grade 1 at Leopardstown on penultimate start gives every encouragement that all his ability remains; the return of cheekpieces (tried once in 2022) is interesting but, off 1lb higher than last year, he should be set for another prominent finish.

7/1

5th

8

2nd Feb 2026

Soft To Heavy

3m 0f 100y

15:30 Leopardstown

I Am Maximus

11st 10lb

J: Jack Kennedy

T: W P Mullins

Won the 2023 Irish National and a brilliant winner of the 2024 Grand National; gave a terrific display to split his stablemates Nick Rockett and Grangeclare West at Aintree last season; tailed off in the John Durkan on reappearance; spirited display when keeping on for second in the Savills after being hampered at the last; adds substance to the stable's challenge.

10/1

Form: 33-1P1 D

Last run: 60 days

W: 11st 0lb

7 yo Mare

OR: 146

Form & Verdict
Early mistakes cost her in Kauto Star (won by Thyme Hill) but otherwise she has looked a natural over fences in winning heavy-ground races at Bangor and Warwick; jumped impeccably when easily beating handicappers (including The Goffer) in 3m Grade 2 at Warwick last time and that form makes her a serious player here with her mares' allowance; more rain can only help.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

2

2nd Nov 2025

Good

3m 2f 19y

Class 3

15:12 Carlisle

Galia Des Liteaux

12st 0lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

Grade 2-winning chaser who ran well to be eighth in the 2024 Grand National; last season ended disappointingly (latterly in the Midlands National when tongue-tie joined regular cheekpieces) but she was second in the 2m4f Listed race on this card before respectable efforts in the Coral Gold Cup and Welsh National (won by Val Dancer); stays this far and the handicapper has given her a chance; interesting.

8/1

5th

2

2nd Nov 2025

Good

3m 2f 19y

Class 3

15:12 Carlisle

Galia Des Liteaux

12st 0lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

Grade 2-winning chaser who ran well to be eighth in the 2024 Grand National; last season ended disappointingly (latterly in the Midlands National when tongue-tie joined regular cheekpieces) but she was second in the 2m4f Listed race on this card before respectable efforts in the Coral Gold Cup and Welsh National (won by Val Dancer); stays this far and the handicapper has given her a chance; interesting.

8/1

5th

2

2nd Nov 2025

Good

3m 2f 19y

Class 3

15:12 Carlisle

Galia Des Liteaux

12st 0lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

Grade 2-winning chaser who ran well to be eighth in the 2024 Grand National; last season ended disappointingly (latterly in the Midlands National when tongue-tie joined regular cheekpieces) but she was second in the 2m4f Listed race on this card before respectable efforts in the Coral Gold Cup and Welsh National (won by Val Dancer); stays this far and the handicapper has given her a chance; interesting.

8/1

Form: 1-1133

Last run: 39 days

W: 11st 7lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 149

Form & Verdict
Started brightly with two wins over fences, beating subsequent Grade 2 winner Solo on latter occasion; jumping has not been as assured in Graded races at around 2m4f the last twice, just over 5l third to Gerri Colombe in the Scilly Isles at Sandown last time; step up in trip should suit and may help his jumping.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

16th

21

9th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 5f 19y

Class 2

15:30 Aintree

Thunder Rock

12st 0lb

J: Mr James King

T: Olly Murphy

Very talented in his prime; this 10yo isn't the force of old and today's race is much tougher than the hunter chases he's won easily on his last two starts (2m4f, good to soft/good) but if he can tap further into his back-class he may well be in the mix; James King has won this twice.

16/1

1st

1

23rd Mar 2026

Good

2m 4f 110y

Class 5

17:15 Kempton

Thunder Rock

12st 6lb

J: Mr James King

T: Olly Murphy

Listed winner in his prime and has made a solid start to hunter chasing, namely a close second and easy success at Wincanton; should follow up.

1/10

1st

2

25th Feb 2026

Soft

2m 4f 35y

Class 5

16:20 Wincanton

Thunder Rock

12st 6lb

J: Mr James King

T: Olly Murphy

Powers were on the decline when confined to hurdling last season but he was a classy chaser back in the day and nearly won his first hunter chase over 3m1f here a month ago (heavy); may need that longer trip now but strong claims otherwise.

Evs

Form: 011522

Last run: 38 days

W: 11st 7lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 153

Form & Verdict
Staying chaser on pedigree and improved for fences this season, winning twice at up to 2m2f on good ground in autumn; second to Gerri Colombe and Mighty Potter in Grade 1s the last twice, comfortably held both times; supplemented for this race by a trainer with four other declared runners.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

19

30th Jul 2025

Good

2m 6f 111y

18:40 Galway

Adamantly Chosen

11st 1lb

J: Paul Townend

T: W P Mullins

Failed to add to his tally last season; fair effort in third behind a stablemate at the Punchestown festival and has Paul Townend's assistance; however, none of his three chase wins have been in a handicap.

16/1

3rd

4

30th Apr 2025

Yielding

2m 4f 80y

18:05 Punchestown

Adamantly Chosen

11st 1lb

J: Brian Hayes

T: W P Mullins

prominent, prominent behind clear leader 8th

20/1

3rd

4

30th Apr 2025

Yielding

2m 4f 80y

18:05 Punchestown

Adamantly Chosen

11st 1lb

J: Brian Hayes

T: W P Mullins

prominent, prominent behind clear leader 8th

20/1

Form: 25-121 C

Last run: 79 days

W: 11st 7lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 156

Form & Verdict
High-class staying hurdler whose belated switch to fences kicked up a gear in first-time cheekpieces last time when landing Grade 1 Kauto Star at Kempton on Boxing Day (3m, soft); plenty of his rivals fluffed their lines that day and he needs to back up the performance jumping-wise (has been hesitant on occasions) but his ability cannot be doubted.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

6

4th Nov 2023

Soft

3m 0f 26y

Class 1

14:25 Wetherby

Thyme Hill

11st 2lb

J: Micheal Nolan

T: Philip Hobbs & Johnson White

Two-time Grade 1 hurdle winner who won the Grade 1 novice chase at Kempton (3m, soft) last December; below par on his two starts in the spring but a slow gallop was against him when a close fourth of five back over hurdles in a Grade 2 at Sandown (2m5f, soft) when last seen; reappearance record provides optimism he'll be close to his peak; if so he has strong claims.

7/4

4th

5

29th Apr 2023

Good

2m 5f 110y

Class 1

16:00 Sandown

Thyme Hill

11st 4lb

J: Tom O’Brien

T: Philip Hobbs & Johnson White

High-class staying hurdler who took well to fences towards end of last year, notably when winning Grade 1 Kauto Star at Kempton (3m, soft; first-time cheekpieces) on Boxing Day; disappointed at Cheltenham last month (reportedly lost his jumping confidence) but has very good chance at the weights on today's return to hurdling and is versatile regarding ground.

5/2

8th

10

15th Mar 2023

Soft

3m 0f 80y

Class 1

14:10 Cheltenham

Thyme Hill

11st 7lb

J: Micheal Nolan

T: Philip Hobbs & Johnson White

High-class staying hurdler whose belated switch to fences kicked up a gear in first-time cheekpieces last time when landing Grade 1 Kauto Star at Kempton on Boxing Day (3m, soft); plenty of his rivals fluffed their lines that day and he needs to back up the performance jumping-wise (has been hesitant on occasions) but his ability cannot be doubted.

8/1

Form: 111-31 C

Last run: 48 days

W: 11st 7lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 155

Form & Verdict
Dual Cheltenham Festival winner, having taken the Bumper in 2021 and Ballymore last year; clearly had issues this season, sole outing since April when justifying skinny odds in three-runner race at Gowran Park in January (2m, soft/heavy); lack of chasing experience is more of a concern than stamina for this maiden point winner, whose 2m5f Ballymore win was his only rules run beyond 2m.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

3

20th Apr 2025

Good

1m 7f 195y

Class 2

16:05 Plumpton

Sir Gerhard

11st 10lb

J: Jonjo O’Neill Jr

T: W P Mullins

Former top-notcher who has understandably lost some of his old zip at the age of ten, but didn't run too badly in a Grade 3 last time and cheekpieces are fitted for his first handicap of any description; can't be ruled out.

14/1

6th

3

20th Apr 2025

Good

1m 7f 195y

Class 2

16:05 Plumpton

Sir Gerhard

11st 10lb

J: Jonjo O’Neill Jr

T: W P Mullins

Former top-notcher who has understandably lost some of his old zip at the age of ten, but didn't run too badly in a Grade 3 last time and cheekpieces are fitted for his first handicap of any description; can't be ruled out.

14/1

3

15th Feb 2025

Soft

2m 0f 0y

13:55 Gowran Park

Sir Gerhard

11st 5lb

J: Danny Mullins

T: W P Mullins

Former dual Grade 1 winner whose wins also include a beginners chase here; good bit below best in two runs at Punchestown this season, dropping away tamely last time; hard to be confident in now.

7/2

Form: 1-13U3

Last run: 45 days

W: 11st 7lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 142

Form & Verdict
Stamina-laden pedigree but has a tendency to over-race, including when winning on chase debut at Fairyhouse in October (2m5f, good); some creditable efforts in minor graded company since, including Grade 3 at Naas last time (3m1f, soft), but all point to him being a little out of his depth here.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

1

10th Jul 2026

Good

3m 1f 80y

18:32 Kilbeggan

Amirite

11st 12lb

J: Patrick M O’Brien

T: Henry De Bromhead

Was in the form of his life in the spring and summer of last year, victory in this race being followed by an excellent fourth in the Galway Plate; by contrast, his spring form this year leaves plenty to be desired, but he is only 3lb higher than last year and cannot be dismissed with the stable in such form.

12/1

37

11th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

4m 2f 74y

Class 1

16:00 Aintree

Amirite

10st 2lb

T: Henry De Bromhead

A fluent fourth in the 2m5f Topham over these fences was the first of three big runs in good handicaps last April-July; ran creditably in one (Sandown in April 2024) of his three attempts at 3m4f-3m5f and excuses might be made for his latest two outings (first cross-country, then the mud) but other candidates are more persuasive.

80/1

Form: 16-612 D BF

Last run: 45 days

W: 11st 7lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 147

Form & Verdict
Maiden point winner who has improved for fences, winning at Thurles (3m, yielding) in December and passing the post first in Grade 3 at Naas (3m1f, soft; subsequently demoted for causing interference) in January; there is surely more to come from him as his stamina is teased out, but he looks a place prospect at best here.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8

22nd May 2026

Good To Yielding

3m 4f 165y

20:00 Downpatrick

Ramillies

12st 0lb

J: Mr T C Kileff

T: D M Christie

Second runner for yard; six-time point winner has been well below his best in that sphere last season and isn't easy to fancy on that form.

28/1

11

2nd May 2025

Yielding

3m 0f 160y

16:15 Punchestown

Ramillies

12st 0lb

J: Mr R James

T: D M Christie

never better than midfield, pulled up 11th

12/1

11

2nd May 2025

Yielding

3m 0f 160y

16:15 Punchestown

Ramillies

12st 0lb

J: Mr R James

T: D M Christie

never better than midfield, pulled up 11th

12/1

Non-runners

Amirite

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £17.30
Straight Forecast £18.36
Tricast £486.04
Trifecta £913.60

Selections

Daily Mail:

The Real Whacker

SPOTLIGHT:

Gerri Colombe

RP Ratings:

Thyme Hill

POSTDATA:

Sir Gerhard

D Express:

The Real Whacker

Daily Mirror:

The Real Whacker

The Sun:

The Real Whacker

The Star:

The Real Whacker

Daily Record:

The Real Whacker

TOPSPEED:

Gerri Colombe

Telegraph:

Gerri Colombe

The Guardian:

Gerri Colombe

WEST COUNTRY:

Thyme Hill

The Times:

Thyme Hill