16.50
SoftJohnny Henderson Grand Annual Challenge Cup Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap) (GBB Race)
- Prize money: £70337.5
- 1m 7f 199y
- Class 1
- 22 runners
Runners: 22 runners
Type: Chase Turf
Surface: Turf
Weather: Showers
22/1 (Won)
- Win: £23.00
- Place: £4.10
Form: F-4F10 D BF
Last run: 38 days
W: 11st 1lb
7 yo Mare
OR: 142
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
4th 9 |
30th Apr 2024 Yielding 2m 0f 98y |
11st 5lb |
Gave 2lb and a 6 1/2l beating to Dinoblue in last season's Grand Annual; in the frame at Listed/Grade 2 level on her three Irish outings this season but her form has been unconvincing; faded from three out when bidding to repeat her Grand Annual win; Dinoblue now 11lb superior on official ratings; hard to fancy unless addition of tongue-tie does the trick. |
25/1 |
|
4th 9 |
30th Apr 2024 Yielding 2m 0f 98y |
11st 5lb |
Gave 2lb and a 6 1/2l beating to Dinoblue in last season's Grand Annual; in the frame at Listed/Grade 2 level on her three Irish outings this season but her form has been unconvincing; faded from three out when bidding to repeat her Grand Annual win; Dinoblue now 11lb superior on official ratings; hard to fancy unless addition of tongue-tie does the trick. |
25/1 |
|
7th 3 |
13th Mar 2024 Soft 1m 7f 199y Class 1 |
11st 8lb |
Saw off Dinoblue to land this race off 8lb lower on soft 12 months ago; below par when in the frame at Listed/Grade 2 level in her three outings this season but last year's winning form has been consistently advertised by the runner-up and this mare would be a danger to all if recapturing that level. |
9/1 |
11/2
- Place: £1.80
Form: 4-4122 D BF
Last run: 32 days
W: 10st 13lb
6 yo Mare
OR: 140
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1st 2 |
1st May 2026 Yielding 2m 4f 55y |
11st 3lb |
High-class mare has won eleven of her 20 starts over fences, including this race last year; as good as ever this season and won the Mares' Chase at Cheltenham on latest (Only By Night runner-up, Spindleberry fourth); top-rated here and best treated by race conditions; the one to beat. |
8/11 |
|
1st 2 |
13th Mar 2026 Good 2m 4f 127y Class 1 |
11st 5lb |
Runner-up in this race in 2024 (soft) and went one better last year (good to soft); made mistakes when beaten on return to action at Navan in November and has since posted easy wins at Fairyhouse (Grade 3) and Naas (Listed) when heavily odds-on each time; she's the one to beat. |
2/1 |
|
1st 2 |
7th Feb 2026 Soft 2m 0f 0y |
11st 5lb |
High-class mare is 9-18 chasing, including this race last year and Grade 2 Liberthine Mares' Chase at Cheltenham; beaten favourite on seasonal return in Fortria at Navan in November but back on track in landing long odds with ease in 3-runner Grade 3 at Fairyhouse on New Year's Day, her first attempt at 2m6f; versatile mare, back in trip and remains very much the one to beat. |
1/4 |
16/1
- Place: £3.60
Form: 31-P74 CD
Last run: 25 days
W: 10st 12lb
11 yo Gelding
OR: 139
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
9 |
13th Apr 2023 Good To Soft 1m 7f 176y Class 1 |
11st 5lb |
|
6/1 |
|
3rd 19 |
15th Mar 2023 Soft 1m 7f 199y Class 1 |
10st 12lb |
Prominent racer who saw off Andy Dufresne to win this 12 months ago (heavy) off 3lb lower mark; nowhere near that form in three starts since but last month's run in the Kingwell should have sharpened him up and this has presumably been the plan all along; no surprise if he is back to his best. |
16/1 |
|
4th 4 |
18th Feb 2023 Good 1m 7f 50y Class 1 |
11st 4lb |
pressed leader, lost second after 3 out, soon ridden, outpaced before 2 out, weakened approaching last |
25/1 |
9/1
- Place: £2.20
Form: 3-4631 CD
Last run: 39 days
W: 11st 8lb
8 yo Gelding
OR: 149
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
6 |
24th Oct 2025 Good 1m 7f 199y Class 2 |
10st 5lb |
Had his troubles after such a promising start over fences for the Skeltons but he's back in the good books after small-field handicap wins at Bangor and Uttoxeter (both on good ground; effective on softer); returns to far classier company here and may be found wanting. |
9/1 |
|
1st 2 |
29th Jun 2025 Good 1m 7f 214y Class 2 |
11st 10lb |
Has regressed since showing such smart form for the Skeltons but looked back on good terms with himself when comfortably accounting for Fringill Dike at Bangor (2m1f, good), having led from halfway; back up 9lb but might well have turned a corner. |
3/1 |
|
1st 5 |
17th May 2025 Good 2m 1f 77y Class 2 |
10st 13lb |
Very well handicapped on old form but, following a long absence, did not really fire on any of five starts for new stable last season; not beaten far when last of five in Ascot race won by Coastguard Station in March and another 5lb lower here but still needs to up his game. |
13/2 |
6/1
Form: 211111 D
Last run: 39 days
W: 11st 9lb
7 yo Gelding
OR: 150
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
7th 29 |
11th Apr 2026 Good To Soft 4m 2f 74y Class 1 |
10st 5lb |
10yo who's had 70 races (only one of today's rivals has managed even half that) and won 11; latest was the 3m5f cross-country at Cheltenham Festival, comfortably holding off Favori De Champdou for career-best form off the same mark as today; having taken so well to that discipline (he also won there in December) and produced his best performances away from soft ground, he has to be considered seriously. |
25/1 |
|
1st 3 |
11th Mar 2026 Good To Soft 3m 5f 56y Class 2 |
10st 9lb |
High-mileage 10yo who took very well to this C&D (good) in December, winning quite comfortably by just over 4l; weakened into fifth in soft-ground C&D contest won by Favori De Champdou in January but ran well for a long way and ought to be better suited by the less testing conditions today; each-way claims at least. |
7/1 |
|
5th 2 |
24th Jan 2026 Soft 3m 5f 56y Class 2 |
11st 12lb |
High-mileage 10yo who took very well to this C&D (good) last month, leading from the ninth fence and beating J'Arrive De L'Est quite comfortably by over 4l; went up 9lb for that, though, and may not be ideally suited by the slower ground today. |
4/1 |
16/1
Form: /61-23 D
Last run: 60 days
W: 11st 6lb
9 yo Gelding
OR: 147
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
3 |
8th Jul 2024 Good 2m 4f 125y |
11st 8lb |
Useful jumper for Henry De Bromhead but regressive in four runs for Gordon Elliott and current wellbeing is a big issue; cheekpieces added. |
13/2 |
|
6th 4 |
21st Apr 2024 Soft 2m 5f 80y |
11st 10lb |
in touch with leaders |
7/2 |
|
6th 4 |
21st Apr 2024 Soft 2m 5f 80y |
11st 10lb |
in touch with leaders |
7/2 |
20/1
Form: 1122F5 D
Last run: 154 days
W: 11st 4lb
7 yo Gelding
OR: 145
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
10th 2 |
22nd Feb 2025 Good To Soft 2m 0f 190y Class 3 |
12st 1lb |
midfield |
66/1 |
6/1
Form: 2-F378 D
Last run: 60 days
W: 12st 0lb
9 yo Gelding
OR: 155
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
4th 5 |
16th Mar 2024 Heavy 2m 6f 193y |
11st 0lb |
Promise behind Zanahiyr in October but really struggled for form since; tailed off in Grade 2 chase latest; drops in class at least. |
10/1 |
|
5th 3 |
2nd Mar 2024 Heavy 2m 4f 90y |
11st 3lb |
raced wide |
8/1 |
|
15th 5 |
4th Feb 2024 Soft 2m 0f 0y |
11st 6lb |
Five career wins but out of form for some time and looks up against it here. |
50/1 |
16/1
Form: P-9212 C
Last run: 32 days
W: 11st 6lb
9 yo Gelding
OR: 147
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
5 |
27th Apr 2024 Good 1m 7f 99y Class 1 |
11st 10lb |
10yo who has been better than ever this season; soft ground was against him in the Champion Chase and prior to that he beat Jonbon by a neck to win the Grade 1 Clarence House Chase at Cheltenham (2m, good to soft); however, the runner-up was well below his best; others make greater appeal. |
50/1 |
|
5 |
27th Apr 2024 Good 1m 7f 99y Class 1 |
11st 10lb |
10yo who has been better than ever this season; soft ground was against him in the Champion Chase and prior to that he beat Jonbon by a neck to win the Grade 1 Clarence House Chase at Cheltenham (2m, good to soft); however, the runner-up was well below his best; others make greater appeal. |
50/1 |
|
5 |
13th Mar 2024 Soft 1m 7f 199y Class 1 |
11st 10lb |
Often a front-runner; has won on soft but seems ideally suited by good/good to soft; rallied gamely to beat odds-on Jonbon in the rescheduled Clarence House here in January, making it three wins from his last four starts; however, looks far from sure to confirm placings with that otherwise superior rival who blew his chance with a dodgy round of jumping; in great form this term but needs better still to land a Champion Chase. |
25/1 |
12/1
Form: 511519 CD
Last run: 122 days
W: 11st 4lb
8 yo Gelding
OR: 145
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
5th 2 |
15th Aug 2024 Good 2m 0f 0y |
11st 7lb |
Dual-purpose but been struggling for form in both codes; well-beaten on the Flat at Galway last month; same story on last run over hurdles at Bellewstown; last win came in a Cheltenham handicap chase in 2022 off 135; thrown in off 117 on that form but impossible to fancy on recent exploits. |
16/1 |
|
16th 17 (13) |
29th Jul 2024 Soft 2m 0f 179y |
11st 0lb |
Five wins over jumps, much more effective over fences (rated 137) than hurdles (117); has run only three times on the Flat; this rider aboard when a 28-1 winner of a 1m4f maiden at the 2022 festival; soundly beaten behind Enniskerry at Listowel; in rear over hurdles on latest. |
33/1 |
|
14th 15 |
6th Jul 2024 Good 2m 1f 40y |
10st 10lb |
held up in midfield, soon weakened |
16/1 |
33/1
Form: 42P114 D
Last run: 32 days
W: 11st 8lb
9 yo Gelding
OR: 149
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
4 |
17th Sep 2025 Good 2m 1f 14y Class 3 |
11st 11lb |
An 11yo now who isn't as good as he was and has predictably lost some of his old speed; hasn't been running badly in handicaps at about this trip but looks vulnerable. |
8/1 |
|
2 |
20th Jul 2025 Good 2m 0f 213y Class 2 |
11st 8lb |
On a good mark but an 11yo now and has lost some of his old zip; ran okay at Uttoxeter last time but got outpaced when it mattered and was never threatening; what will help here is the likelihood of a good pace and some rain; respected. |
10/1 |
|
4th 3 |
29th Jun 2025 Good 1m 7f 214y Class 2 |
11st 10lb |
An 11yo now and, in first-time cheekpieces, finished well behind at Ayr in a race he had done well in previously; this wouldn't be so demanding and his penultimate effort was quite encouraging; by no means ruled out. |
14/1 |
12/1
Form: 7-2F42 D BF
Last run: 17 days
W: 11st 12lb
8 yo Gelding
OR: 153
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
17th 2 |
3rd Dec 2023 Soft 2m 0f 0y |
11st 10lb |
midfield |
14/1 |
|
2nd 1 (6) |
31st Oct 2023 Heavy 1m 4f 0y |
12st 0lb |
dwelt start, towards rear, headway against far rail 2f out, went third over 1f out, ran on and went second inside final 110yds, no match for winner |
7/2 |
33/1
Form: F64P03 D
Last run: 39 days
W: 11st 7lb
7 yo Gelding
OR: 148
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
7th 13 |
15th Jun 2026 Yielding To Soft 2m 4f 0y |
10st 5lb |
5-46 over fences, including three over C&D; is 1lb lower than when scoring here in September and took a step in the right direction when fifth over C&D on latest (behind Milan Forth); can't be discounted given his affinity for this venue. |
18/1 |
|
5th 6 |
15th May 2026 Good To Yielding 2m 4f 90y |
11st 6lb |
A Grade 1-winning juvenile hurdler in his younger days, far from the force of old but still well capable; latest win came in handicap chase over C&D in September; down the field at Leopardstown and in veterans' event at Wexford last twice; dropped 3lb; 3-6 at this track and each-way player. |
12/1 |
|
12th 9 |
10th Apr 2026 Good To Yielding 2m 3f 100y |
10st 7lb |
Fine servant won a Grade 1 juvenile hurdle and most recent successes came in 2m4f Kilbeggan handicap chases last year; penultimate Thurles fourth his best recent effort, stamina test probably beyond him in valuable 2m6f Leopardstown handicap latest; more suitable trip/ground here and drops in grade. |
8/1 |
14/1
Form: 12F-15 D
Last run: 116 days
W: 11st 6lb
7 yo Gelding
OR: 147
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
8 |
15th Mar 2023 Soft 1m 7f 199y Class 1 |
11st 6lb |
Second-season chaser who readily won a Grade 3 Ascot handicap (2m1f, good; reappearance) in October; not in quite the same form when fifth of seven back there the following month; absent since but clearly capable when fresh; has won on soft but his peak RPRs have been achieved on good ground; yard has won this contest four times. |
14/1 |
|
5th 3 |
19th Nov 2022 Good To Soft 2m 0f 167y Class 2 |
11st 2lb |
Second-season chaser who readily beat Frero Banbou in Grade 3 handicap over C&D (good) three weeks ago, taking record in completed starts over fences to 2-4; looks open to further improvement in this sphere; has won on slow ground; big player despite 7lb rise. |
4/1 |
20/1
Form: -22315 D
Last run: 79 days
W: 11st 5lb
9 yo Gelding
OR: 146
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
10 |
15th Mar 2023 Soft 1m 7f 199y Class 1 |
11st 5lb |
Recorded some smart efforts in defeat before coming good at the eighth time of asking over fences when making all in Grade 2 at Punchestown (2m1f, yielding) in November; given a break since fading to finish a remote last of five in a Leopardstow n Grade 1 over Christmas; this is his first start in a handicap over fences. |
20/1 |
|
5th 2 |
26th Dec 2022 Yielding 2m 1f 0y |
11st 12lb |
prominent, mistake 5 out, pushed along towards rear after 4 out, headway and prominent 3 out, ridden and dropped to rear approaching last |
16/1 |
|
1st 6 |
19th Nov 2022 Yielding To Soft 2m 0f 180y |
11st 4lb |
made all, pushed along and went clear after 3 out, went further clear approaching last, easily |
7/2 |
33/1
Form: F02-09 D
Last run: 60 days
W: 11st 3lb
9 yo Gelding
OR: 144
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
19th 2 |
12th Mar 2025 Good To Soft 1m 7f 199y Class 1 |
11st 10lb |
Has landed some notable handicaps at 2m, including over C&D in October 2023; creditable third when attempting to repeat that success and has had a break since; might be vulnerable to younger legs. |
18/1 |
|
2 |
2nd Feb 2025 Yielding 2m 5f 107y |
11st 11lb |
Has landed some big handicaps at 2m, notably at Aintree and Cheltenham in 2023; respectable third when attempting to repeat latter success in October and has had a break since; probably not quite the force of old and now steps up in trip. |
14/1 |
|
2 |
2nd Feb 2025 Yielding 2m 5f 107y |
11st 11lb |
Has landed some big handicaps at 2m, notably at Aintree and Cheltenham in 2023; respectable third when attempting to repeat latter success in October and has had a break since; probably not quite the force of old and now steps up in trip. |
14/1 |
33/1
Form: 35P493 D
Last run: 17 days
W: 11st 3lb
10 yo Gelding
OR: 144
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
11th 15 |
20th Oct 2024 Good 3m 0f 0y |
10st 7lb |
Veteran stepped up on hunter chase form with a battling win in the Galway Blazers Chase; that proved he is not a back number but the stable has stronger candidates for this. |
16/1 |
|
1st 18 |
2nd Aug 2024 Good 2m 6f 111y |
10st 11lb |
towards rear |
50/1 |
20/1
Form: 26-334 CD
Last run: 47 days
W: 11st 2lb
10 yo Gelding
OR: 143
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
3rd 3 |
1st Apr 2025 Good 2m 4f 110y Class 5 |
11st 12lb |
prominent, chased clear leader after 4th |
10/1 |
|
3rd 3 |
1st Apr 2025 Good 2m 4f 110y Class 5 |
11st 12lb |
Will be suited by today's good ground and was a very useful handicap chaser in his prime but was out of form for Fergal O'Brien when last seen last summer and it's hard to gauge how much ability he retains as a 12yo. |
10/1 |
|
5th 3 |
6th Sep 2024 Good 2m 4f 72y Class 3 |
11st 8lb |
Ran well in defeat in Ludlow hunter chase (2m4f, soft) in April but was well beaten when back in a handicap two months ago and is patently not the force of old; pulled up at 2023 Cheltenham Festival on only previous start in cheekpieces. |
8/1 |
25/1
Form: -12956 D
Last run: 46 days
W: 10st 13lb
9 yo Gelding
OR: 140
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
7th 8 |
24th Apr 2024 Heavy 2m 3f 207y Class 4 |
11st 2lb |
led, not fluent and briefly headed 2nd, not fluent and headed 7th, lost position 3 out |
10/1 |
|
7th 8 |
24th Apr 2024 Heavy 2m 3f 207y Class 4 |
11st 2lb |
led, not fluent and briefly headed 2nd, not fluent and headed 7th, lost position 3 out, weakened 2 out |
10/1 |
|
3rd 3 |
31st Mar 2024 Heavy 1m 7f 182y Class 4 |
11st 10lb |
Smart chaser in his prime; on the downgrade now and has rather mixed record over hurdles this season but lurks on a very tempting mark and ought to handle today's ground well; will be very dangerous if perked up by first-time blinkers. |
7/1 |
20/1
Form: 6/F1-5 D
Last run: 67 days
W: 10st 12lb
11 yo Gelding
OR: 139
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
4th 7 |
15th Feb 2024 Soft 1m 7f 99y Class 3 |
11st 10lb |
Won twice on heavy early in career; Aintree brings out the best in him and he was below form last January on his only start at Sandown; Wetherby second last time (the race in which Xcitations and Gunsight Ridge came a cropper) was a step back in the right direction but others are preferred. |
10/1 |
|
2nd 3 |
13th Jan 2024 Soft 1m 7f 36y Class 2 |
11st 10lb |
didn't jump with fluency, held up in rear, awkward jump 1st, headway and disputing third 8th, left in second 4 out |
13/2 |
33/1
Form: 2-5481 D
Last run: 28 days
W: 10st 12lb
8 yo Gelding
OR: 139
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
4th 4 |
16th May 2025 Good 2m 3f 200y Class 3 |
11st 4lb |
Missed most of last season but returned from nine-month break with quite encouraging third (albeit well held in the end) at Perth (2m, good to soft) last month; on a good mark and will also be suited by today's trip-and-ground combination; contender if that recent outing has brought him on. |
9/2 |
|
4th 4 |
16th May 2025 Good 2m 3f 200y Class 3 |
11st 4lb |
Missed most of last season but returned from nine-month break with quite encouraging third (albeit well held in the end) at Perth (2m, good to soft) last month; on a good mark and will also be suited by today's trip-and-ground combination; contender if that recent outing has brought him on. |
9/2 |
|
3rd 4 |
23rd Apr 2025 Good 2m 0f 0y Class 3 |
11st 8lb |
Absent since below-par effort in the 2024 Summer Plate and hasn't won for over two years; however, he's well treated on best form and market support should be noted. |
10/1 |
28/1
Form: P0-107 D
Last run: 25 days
W: 10st 12lb
10 yo Gelding
OR: 139
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
6th 4 |
30th Mar 2024 Heavy 2m 3f 203y Class 2 |
11st 8lb |
/Just two runs this season and, following a wind op, he returned to form with a good second at Doncaster (2m, good to soft) four weeks ago; he's fine over this trip and on soft/heavy going, and is one to consider. |
9/2 |
|
2nd 7 |
2nd Mar 2024 Good To Soft 2m 0f 78y Class 2 |
10st 3lb |
Grade 1 chase winner in 2020 but has regressed and become very inconsistent; finished remote when third of four in veterans' chase at Aintree (2m4f, soft) on Boxing Day and is not sure to be suited by today's drop back in trip; had wind surgery last month; cheekpieces refitted; others have much more persuasive profiles. |
16/1 |
Non-runners
Dancing On My Own
+o+e Accumulators
| Payout | |
|---|---|
| Exacta | £104.60 |
| Straight Forecast | £99.51 |
| Tricast | £1038.86 |
| Trifecta | £1543.50 |
Selections
Daily Mirror:
Third Time LuckiTOPSPEED:
MalysticDaily Mail:
Coeur SublimeD Express:
Sizing PottsieThe Sun:
Andy DufresneWEST COUNTRY:
Elixir De Nutz