March 17 / 14.50 Cheltenham

14.50

Soft

Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 1) (Registered As The Spa Novices’ Hurdle) (GBB Race)

  • Prize money: £75964.5
  • 2m 7f 213y
  • Class 1
  • 20 runners
ITV
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Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 1) (Registered As The Spa Novices’ Hurdle) (GBB Race)

Runners: 20 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Light rain

20/1 (Won)

  • Win: £19.00
  • Place: £4.10

Form: 12 BF

Last run: 48 days

W: 11st 7lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 136

Form & Verdict
Beat Monty's Star by 6l in his point and posted a smart RPR for a hurdling newcomer when successful at Newbury in November (2m4f); perhaps unfortunate to relinquish his unbeaten record when squeezed out at a crucial stage at Doncaster (3m Grade 2); still a bit wet behind the ears and all his runs have been on good ground, but he's a feasible improver.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

14th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 58y

Class 2

15:50 Haydock

Stay Away Fay

12st 0lb

J: Freddie Gingell

T: Paul Nicholls

Had struggled badly in recent years but belatedly showed a smart level of ability remains when second over C&D (soft) in first-time blinkers (retained) four weeks ago; put back up 4lb but retains handicapping scope if building on that, with his top stable's good form providing hope that he can.

12/1

2nd

1

17th Jan 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 58y

Class 3

14:35 Haydock

Stay Away Fay

12st 0lb

J: Miss Olive Nicholls

T: Paul Nicholls

Won a Grade 1 novice hurdle and Grade 2 novice chase in 2023; his mark continues to tumble but for good reason and a major revival is required with first-time blinkers replacing cheekpieces.

25/1

25

5th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

4m 2f 74y

Class 1

16:00 Aintree

Stay Away Fay

10st 9lb

J: Paul O’Brien

T: Paul Nicholls

Won Grade 1 novice hurdle at the 2023 Cheltenham Festival (3m, soft) and made a promising start to chasing career last season, when he continued to look all about stamina; his career has taken a spectacular wrong turn since but there was a slight hint last time of getting back on track.

66/1

100/1

  • Place: £29.00

Form: 11F6

Last run: 68 days

W: 11st 7lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
A length up when falling at the last in a Grade 3 at Navan (2m4f, soft) won by Dawn Rising; jumping flaws again laid bare when nowhere in a Grade 1 next time; 3m promises to benefit him but others look to have more going for them.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

2nd Feb 2026

Soft To Heavy

3m 0f 100y

15:30 Leopardstown

Affordale Fury

11st 10lb

J: Donagh Meyler

T: Noel Meade

A revelation this season; runner-up in a Gowran Grade 2 before chasing home Envoi Allen in Down Royal Grade 1; took advantage of a drop in class when scoring at Thurles; came of age with a terrific effort under a positive ride in the Savills here at Christmas; his race-fitness was possibly a major factor and several of his victims may be closer to peak shape now.

9/1

16/1

  • Place: £7.00

Form: 2-7213

Last run: 41 days

W: 11st 7lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 140

Form & Verdict
Has improved since brushed aside by Three Card Brag (as has he) over 2m at Galway in October, following that with an easy maiden success before filling third in a 2m6f Grade 1 at Leopardstown; that latest form gives him claims despite him getting warm beforehand and having no cover, so there's reason to believe he can improve on it; one to consider.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

1

9th May 2026

Good

2m 7f 0y

15:35 Killarney

Sandor Clegane

11st 10lb

J: Sean O’Keeffe

T: Paul Nolan

Useful sort at his best and has run well in defeat in Grade 1 company over hurdles and fences; finally got off the mark over fences at Down Royal last time over 2m4f; this trip will suit better; a big player.

5/2

1st

4

12th Apr 2026

Good

2m 4f 88y

16:07 Down Royal

Sandor Clegane

11st 12lb

J: Eoin Staples

T: Paul Nolan

Promising novice chaser in 2023-2024 season and ran well in Graded hurdles in winter of 2024-2025; fairly moderate form this season but he shaped better than the bare result in the Kim Muir last time when making smooth headway turning in before his effort petered out (3m3f, good); tongue tie goes back on now and this is a good opportunity.

13/8

10th

5

12th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 2f 70y

Class 2

17:20 Cheltenham

Sandor Clegane

11st 7lb

J: Mr J W Hendrick

T: Paul Nolan

Promising novice chaser in 2023-24 season and ran well in Graded hurdles in winter 2024-25; well handicapped on his peak form but he's failed to produce it over the last 12 months; 0-9 over fences and last hurdle win was in April 2023; a major turnaround is needed in first-time cheekpieces.

20/1

Form: 1/2421 D

Last run: 60 days

W: 11st 7lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 137

Form & Verdict
Smart in bumpers, winning three and beaten by good horses in the other two; similar profile over hurdles in that he was found wanting in Graded races (won by Hiddenvalley Lake and Favori De Champdou) before appreciating a drop in class to win his maiden (3m, heavy; at odds of 2-7); easy to see him running well but ultimately come up short.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8

14th Mar 2024

Soft

2m 3f 168y

Class 1

13:30 Cheltenham

Letsbeclearaboutit

11st 7lb

J: Keith Donoghue

T: Gavin Cromwell

Has raced only on softer than good; ran well (fourth) in the Albert Bartlett over 3m here 12 months ago but failed to show his form when back at similar trip on latest chase start; promising record at 2m4f over fences, winning twice then solid third in Grade 1; however, he's the wrong age according to the stats (no horse older than eight has won this prize).

25/1

3rd

1

28th Jan 2024

Heavy

3m 0f 174y

14:45 Naas

Letsbeclearaboutit

11st 6lb

J: Keith Donoghue

T: Gavin Cromwell

held up in rear, headway and went third before 5 out, raced wide from 3 out, outpaced approaching last

9/4

3rd

3

13th Jan 2024

Soft

2m 1f 60y

13:57 Fairyhouse

Letsbeclearaboutit

11st 9lb

J: Keith Donoghue

T: Gavin Cromwell

Has seemingly improved for a fence and a step up in trip to 2m4f this season; ran with credit in the Drinmore here when last seen; has more to give over fences but a return to this sort of trip is the main question mark; not one to put a line through.

5/2

Form: 1-1321

Last run: 51 days

W: 11st 7lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 142

Form & Verdict
For one with a stamina-laden pedigree he did well to win twice at 2m (bumper/maiden) and his recent form at about 2m4f makes for impressive reading, having pushed the Supreme fourth Inthepocket to a neck (Grade 2) before comfortably accounting for his market rival on return to a non-Graded novice race at Fairyhouse (soft to heavy); relentless galloper and this race should be right up his street; big player.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

7

11th May 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 4f 100y

18:37 Killarney

Three Card Brag

11st 0lb

J: Sam Ewing

T: Gordon Elliott

Shares the highest official mark with Gentleman De Mee but he's a strong stayer who hasn't raced over this short a trip since 2023; finished ninth in the Grand National last time.

13/2

9th

15

11th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

4m 2f 74y

Class 1

16:00 Aintree

Three Card Brag

11st 0lb

J: Jordan Gainford

T: Gordon Elliott

Career-best form in the autumn this season, including a win at Cheltenham (3m1f) and second to Panic Attack in the Coral Gold Cup at Newbury (3m2f); flopped when favourite in the Grade 3 won by Grangeclare West at Fairyhouse in February, admittedly after 12 weeks off but there's the additional worry of last year's Grand National in which he was 16-1 and raced very prominently but faded steadily from three out.

50/1

7th

10

21st Feb 2026

Heavy

3m 2f 0y

15:15 Fairyhouse

Three Card Brag

11st 0lb

J: Jack Kennedy

T: Gordon Elliott

Has performed well in big field 3m+ chases this season; finished second to Spanish Harlem in the Kerry National at Listowel (3m, yielding) then went one better at Cheltenham (3m1f, good); posted another good performance when runner-up in the Coral Gold Cuo at Newbury (3m2f, good to soft) when last seen; ground is fine for him; player.

9/2

50/1

Form: 11P1 D

Last run: 27 days

W: 11st 7lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 133

Form & Verdict
Irish maiden point winner; only defeat over hurdles came in the Grade 1 Challow and there was a lot to like in how he won an Ascot handicap (2m7f, good to soft) a month ago, especially as he continued to hang left for pressure; this track will suit and he has the required stamina; still looks very vulnerable for win purposes, though.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

13

11th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 1f 0y

Class 1

14:00 Cheltenham

Thomas Mor

11st 7lb

J: Ben Jones

T: Philip Hobbs & Johnson White

Fifth in 2023 Albert Bartlett here for David Pipe; finally built on that when second to Kitzbuhel in Kauto Star on Boxing Day (3m, good); needs to improve on that and an abscess meant he missed an engagement at Ascot 25 days ago.

50/1

15th

1

13th Mar 2025

Good To Soft

2m 7f 213y

Class 1

14:40 Cheltenham

Thomas Mor

12st 0lb

J: Sean Houlihan

T: Philip Hobbs & Johnson White

650 days off before taking the Wincanton qualifier (3m1f, good to soft; 5lb higher today) in tidy style at Christmas, always prominent; chase debut one month later wasn't great but he's respected on the former run.

50/1

Form: 1-318 C

Last run: 41 days

W: 11st 7lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 139

Form & Verdict
Third to Hermes Allen here in November and bravely repelled subsequent Grade 2 winner Rock My Way in a 2m4f maiden back at this track on New Year's Day (good to soft); failed to give his running when sent to Ireland for a 2m6f Grade 1 and he was only 7-2 for that; won a point over this trip (on soft) and he's of interest.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

10

12th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 2f 70y

Class 2

17:20 Cheltenham

Weveallbeencaught

11st 6lb

J: Mr J C Barry

T: E McNamara

Disappointing at Leopardstown in December last time but in good form previously for new yard, finishing second in the Munster National in October (3m, yielding to soft); 13l fourth in this race last year when he'd have been closer but for a bad late mistake; each-way shout if back on song.

16/1

11

19th Oct 2025

Good

3m 0f 0y

16:15 Limerick

Weveallbeencaught

11st 0lb

J: Sean Flanagan

T: E McNamara

Won a 3m Doncaster novice handicap chase in fine style for Nigel Twiston-Davies in January; second-best of the home team when fourth behind Daily Present in the Kim Muir; can be expected to improve from stable debut at Listowel; prospects of reversing form with Talk In The Park.

8/1

3

27th Sep 2025

Good To Yielding

2m 6f 0y

16:30 Listowel

Weveallbeencaught

11st 12lb

J: Danny Mullins

T: E McNamara

Won a 3m Doncaster novice handicap chase in fine style for Nigel Twiston-Davies in January; not a bad effort when last seen at Aintree in April; bought for 40,000GBP at Goffs in May; worth a market check on first start for new yard.

12/1

Form: 01-41

Last run: 55 days

W: 11st 7lb

6 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Won his bumper for a different yard, so still early days with these connections; learnt plenty from his hurdling debut as his jumping was more accomplished when ridden out to beat the similarly inexperienced Monty's Star at Navan (2m4f, soft); that effort looks all the better now and he promises to stay all day.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

12

10th Jul 2026

Good

3m 1f 80y

18:32 Kilbeggan

Shanbally Kid

10st 12lb

J: Danny Gilligan

T: Gordon Elliott

Wide-margin winner of a staying handicap chase at Punchestown 14 months ago, but no real trace of that form since; switches from Willie Mullins to Gordon Elliott to try to improve his fortunes, but others preferred.

20/1

4

9th May 2026

Good

3m 2f 0y

16:45 Killarney

Shanbally Kid

11st 3lb

J: Brian Hayes

T: W P Mullins

Bumper and hurdle winner won a valuable chase at Punchestown last year over just short of 4m; not as good off higher marks since and unseated there last time; looks the yard's second-string on jockey bookings.

12/1

11

2nd May 2026

Yielding

3m 7f 68y

15:05 Punchestown

Shanbally Kid

10st 11lb

J: Danny Mullins

T: W P Mullins

Came good over fences in this race last year with 15l win (raised 14lb) on yielding; four runs this term in admittedly hot handicaps have been disappointing, including remote fourth in Leinster National, most recently pulled up after racing prominently for long way in Irish National; handicapper relenting but still 7lb above last year's mark.

12/1

Form: 112 D BF

Last run: 29 days

W: 11st 7lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 144

Form & Verdict
Guaranteed stayer having brushed aside a respected rival by 8l in a 3m Grade 3 at Cork (yielding to soft) and it was no backward step when narrowly held by stablemate Monty's Star under a penalty at Clonmel (another Grade 3); won his maiden in a big field and returning to a left-handed track rates a further positive; first-time tongue-tie; plenty to like.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

4

7th May 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 7f 0y

18:38 Wexford

Hiddenvalley Lake

11st 12lb

J: Keith Donoghue

T: Henry De Bromhead

Classy hurdler rated (154) some way superior to these, career highlight when winning 3m Grade 1 Liverpool Hurdle at Aintree just over a year ago; only fifth when attempting repeat win there last month but looks a class apart from these rivals if anyway fluent in his jumping (wasn't that on sole previous chase start back in December 2023); interesting jockey booking.

8/11

5th

4

11th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 149y

Class 1

15:05 Aintree

Hiddenvalley Lake

11st 10lb

J: Darragh O’Keeffe

T: Henry De Bromhead

Well beaten at Punchestown last May and at Navan in February on sole start since; however, this race has brought out the best in him in the last two seasons, as he finished third in 2024 (good to soft) and first last year (good); could bounce back and play another leading role.

6/1

Form: 10-111

Last run: 69 days

W: 11st 7lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 133

Form & Verdict
Decent bumper horse and now 3-3 over hurdles (all good to soft) after winning a small-field handicap at Wincanton, though that wasn't pretty and being left clear two out helped no end; should stay this longer trip but unlikely to be good enough.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

1

13th Dec 2024

Good To Soft

3m 2f 0y

Class 1

13:50 Cheltenham

Chianti Classico

12st 0lb

J: Ciaran Gethings

T: Kim Bailey

Usually races prominently and can make the running; 7yo who had form figures of 1121 in handicap chases at 3m-3m1f last season, notably with a triumph on heavy ground here at the Festival, and he resumed with clearcut win on good in valuable handicap at Ascot six weeks ago; up another 5lb but the extra distance should help and he remains a fine prospect.

6/4

3rd

1

13th Dec 2024

Good To Soft

3m 2f 0y

Class 1

13:50 Cheltenham

Chianti Classico

12st 0lb

J: Ciaran Gethings

T: Kim Bailey

Usually races prominently and can make the running; 7yo who had form figures of 1121 in handicap chases at 3m-3m1f last season, notably with a triumph on heavy ground here at the Festival, and he resumed with clearcut win on good in valuable handicap at Ascot six weeks ago; up another 5lb but the extra distance should help and he remains a fine prospect.

6/4

OUR TIP

Form: 512111 D

Last run: 19 days

W: 11st 7lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 148

Form & Verdict
Much too good for Seabank Bistro in a 2m5f maiden at Limerick and followed up over 3m at Fairyhouse (handicap on soft to heavy), after which he moved to Emmet Mullins; now owned by JP McManus after showing admirable versatility to drop back to about 2m and edge home in a Grade 2 at Naas (yielding); that was only 19 days ago but any negatives stop there; settles and jumps well; massive shout.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

14th Mar 2025

Good To Soft

3m 2f 70y

Class 1

16:00 Cheltenham

Corbetts Cross

11st 10lb

J: Jack Kennedy

T: Emmet Mullins

Strong stayer who made short work of his rivals in the National Hunt Chase here (3m6f, heavy) last March and showed he could do more than just grind away when close up in the Bowl (3m1f, soft) at Aintree after; unable to go with Banbridge in the home straight in the King George at Kempton (3m) on Boxing Day and his pace was again lacking over 2m5f at Ascot (good) last month, but this test can see him back in a good place; a dollop of rain would help but he isn't a forlorn hope.

20/1

2

15th Feb 2025

Good To Soft

2m 5f 8y

Class 1

15:37 Ascot

Corbetts Cross

11st 10lb

J: Mark Walsh

T: Emmet Mullins

Second-season chaser who never landed a blow in good-ground King George last time (raced mostly on soft/heavy otherwise); not short of stamina, having been successful over 3m6f at the 2024 Cheltenham Festival, but his last attempt over 2m5f resulted in a win; major player provided he copes with the return to this distance and shows best form.

5/2

Form: 3113

Last run: 68 days

W: 11st 7lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 141

Form & Verdict
Group class on the Flat for Aidan O'Brien; had luck on his side in winning a small-field Grade 3 at Navan (2m4f, soft) but held his own in a Grade 1 over that trip next time, finishing a fair third; this longer distance is worth exploring and 2017 winner Penhill had a similar Flat background.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

1

(9)

28th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

1m 4f 0y

17:45 Curragh

Dawn Rising

10st 0lb

J: J M Sheridan

T: Joseph Patrick O’Brien

Smart dual-purpose performer but on losing run since November 2024; excellent second in the Cesarewitch at Newmarket last October but well below best in three runs this term and this trip looks far too sharp; others appeal more.

18/1

7th

2

(4)

3rd Jun 2026

Good

1m 6f 0y

19:20 Curragh

Dawn Rising

9st 9lb

J: Dylan Browne McMonagle

T: Joseph Patrick O’Brien

No wins last season but strong form in defeat in big staying handicaps; fourth in the amateur handicap at Galway, fifth in the Irish Cesarewitch and signed off with a fine second in the Cesarewitch; recent run here was over an inadequate trip, more expected of here and seemingly McMonagle's pick.

10/1

12th

1

(7)

23rd May 2026

Good To Yielding

1m 2f 0y

14:30 Curragh

Dawn Rising

10st 1lb

J: J M Sheridan

T: Joseph Patrick O’Brien

No wins last season but strong form in defeat in big staying handicaps; fourth in the amateur handicap at Galway, fifth in the Irish Cesarewitch and signed off with a fine second in the Cesarewitch; runs over an inadequate trip here on second start of the season.

16/1

Form: 15-241 D

Last run: 54 days

W: 11st 7lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 146

Form & Verdict
Bumper winner; didn't jump all that fluently when fourth in a good Leopardstown maiden in December and again he was by no means foot-perfect when coming home in isolation at Thurles in a 2m7f novice that fell apart (2m7f, yielding; fine on soft); should have better days ahead of him and a lack of stamina won't stop him; stable number one according to jockey bookings.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

3rd Apr 2025

Good To Soft

3m 0f 210y

Class 1

14:55 Aintree

Embassy Gardens

11st 10lb

J: Paul Townend

T: W P Mullins

Stablemate of Gaelic Warrior; record of 3-6 over fences features a very useful performance at Tramore (2m7f, heavy) on New Year's Day; subsequently came up short in the Irish Gold Cup, taking overall Grade 1 form figures to P6P6; still has something to prove at this level.

8/1

3

3rd Apr 2025

Good To Soft

3m 0f 210y

Class 1

14:55 Aintree

Embassy Gardens

11st 10lb

J: Paul Townend

T: W P Mullins

Stablemate of Gaelic Warrior; record of 3-6 over fences features a very useful performance at Tramore (2m7f, heavy) on New Year's Day; subsequently came up short in the Irish Gold Cup, taking overall Grade 1 form figures to P6P6; still has something to prove at this level.

8/1

6th

2

1st Feb 2025

Yielding

3m 0f 70y

15:30 Leopardstown

Embassy Gardens

11st 10lb

J: Michael O’Sullivan

T: W P Mullins

led narrowly or disputed lead, prominent 3rd

12/1

Form: /2-111 D

Last run: 80 days

W: 11st 7lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 141

Form & Verdict
Beat the Cesarewitch winner Run For Oscar in a bumper; quite battle-hardened now after seven starts under rules and has won all three since returning from a year out, last time doing no more than he had to in readily keeping Letsbeclearaboutit at bay in a Grade 2 at Limerick (2m7f, soft to heavy); looks to possess all the attributes required for this test.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

14

11th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

4m 2f 74y

Class 1

16:00 Aintree

Favori De Champdou

11st 1lb

J: Danny Gilligan

T: Gordon Elliott

Experienced 11yo who's having a tremendous season; 66-1 winner of a top 3m handicap at Leopardstown (made most) over Christmas and took his form to another new level on the 3m5f Cheltenham cross-country course on last two outings, winning easily on first occasion and well clear of the third when he chased home Final Orders at last month's Festival; well handicapped and with the trip likely to suit, he's a leading contender.

40/1

2nd

2

11th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 5f 56y

Class 2

15:20 Cheltenham

Favori De Champdou

11st 5lb

J: Jack Kennedy

T: Gordon Elliott

Fell mid-race here on cross-country debut in December but quickly bounced back when causing 66-1 shock in valuable handicap over regulation fences at Leopardstown's Christmas festival (3m, yielding) before winning comfortably by just over 8l returned to this C&D (soft) in January; still unexposed in this discipline; strong contender.

5/2

1st

1

24th Jan 2026

Soft

3m 5f 56y

Class 2

13:50 Cheltenham

Favori De Champdou

12st 0lb

J: Jack Kennedy

T: Gordon Elliott

Fell mid-race here on last month's cross-country debut but quickly bounced back, causing 66-1 shock in valuable handicap over regulation fences at Leopardstown's Christmas festival (3m, yielding); well worth another go over this C&D and evidently in prime form.

8/1

Form: 13P

Last run: 48 days

W: 11st 7lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 132

Form & Verdict
His season started early when winning a soft-ground 2m4f maiden at Worcester in October; respectable third to Hermes Allen in the Challow but then pulled up at Doncaster (3m Grade 2, good) and he's hard to trust on the back of that.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

14

25th Jan 2025

Good To Soft

2m 7f 214y

Class 1

15:15 Doncaster

Idalko Bihoue

10st 13lb

J: Tom Bellamy

T: Nigel Twiston-Davies

in touch with leaders

10/1

8th

14

25th Jan 2025

Good To Soft

2m 7f 214y

Class 1

15:15 Doncaster

Idalko Bihoue

10st 13lb

J: Tom Bellamy

T: Nigel Twiston-Davies

in touch with leaders

10/1

5th

1

30th Dec 2024

Heavy

2m 3f 203y

Class 3

13:30 Haydock

Idalko Bihoue

12st 0lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Nigel Twiston-Davies

in touch with leaders, raced slightly wide back straight

3/1

Form: 4-21 D

Last run: 29 days

W: 11st 7lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 139

Form & Verdict
Light on experience for a test of this nature but Minella Indo won this for the same connections after only two hurdle races and he was still a maiden; received 6lb off his stablemate Hiddenvalley Lake when beating him by half a length at Clonmel (3m Grade 3, soft) but he's a serious looker and open to bags of improvement; couldn't be discounted.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

9

11th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

4m 2f 74y

Class 1

16:00 Aintree

Montys Star

11st 3lb

J: Darragh O’Keeffe

T: Henry De Bromhead

Just 1-11 as a chaser, largely because he keeps trying in vain at Grade 1 level; fourth in last year's Cheltenham Gold Cup was one of his peak efforts, as was this season's never-nearer fifth in a Leopardstown Grade 1 at Christmas; he didn't fare so well in the Irish Gold Cup last time but was the only one matching strides with the top-class winner on the home turn; going up markedly in trip today, in a handicap, makes him a mouthwatering proposition.

14/1

6th

11

2nd Feb 2026

Soft To Heavy

3m 0f 100y

15:30 Leopardstown

Montys Star

11st 10lb

J: Darragh O’Keeffe

T: Henry De Bromhead

Chase record is an off-putting 1-10; can perform respectably at a high level; second in Grade 1s as a novice, fourth behind Inothwayurthinkin in last season's Cheltenham Gold Cup; laboured under a big weight burden in the Coral Gold Cup; finishes behind four of these rivals (and in front of four others) in the Savills.

25/1

Form: 21 C

Last run: 48 days

W: 11st 7lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 138

Form & Verdict
Earned his crack at this when beating leading County fancy Pembroke in a 2m4f Grade 2 (soft) here in January, when value for more than his narrow winning margin (idled up the hill); today's extra yardage should be no hardship and he is not to be passed over lightly.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

3

25th Apr 2026

Good

3m 4f 146y

Class 1

15:30 Sandown

Rock My Way

11st 0lb

J: Brendan Powell

T: Joe Tizzard

2-14 record over fences includes some big runs, including when he hacked up at Ascot (3m5f, good) in November and took second in the Midlands National at Uttoxeter (4m2f, soft) on latest outing; the Ascot race was going this way round but so was his penultimate start when he kept jumping to his left at Musselburgh (12l second to Transmission); that's a niggling concern but he's handicapped to go well if this is another good day.

14/1

2nd

1

14th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

4m 2f 8y

Class 1

15:00 Uttoxeter

Rock My Way

12st 0lb

J: Brendan Powell

T: Joe Tizzard

Only 2-13 over fences and doesn't score too highly for consistency; however, flashes of his form read well, notably his second to Haiti Couleurs in last year's 3m6f National Hunt Chase at Cheltenham and a clearcut win at Ascot this season; beaten 12l by a revitalised winner at right-handed Musselburgh last time (3m7f, good to soft) but he jumped left at a good few of his fences that day; last year Mr Vango became the first top weight to win since Bonanza Boy in 1991; handles all ground; each-way claims.

14/1

2nd

1

1st Feb 2026

Good To Soft

3m 7f 76y

Class 2

15:05 Musselburgh

Rock My Way

12st 0lb

J: Brendan Powell

T: Joe Tizzard

Only 2-12 over fences but he was second in the 3m6f NH Chase at Cheltenham (good to soft; has won on soft) last March and breezed home 11l in front at Ascot (3m5f, good) in November; disappointing in the Welsh National (rather getting squeezed out at the start didn't help) but he has a big shout if reverting to the Ascot level of performance.

5/2

Form: 141-5F D

Last run: 27 days

W: 11st 7lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 140

Form & Verdict
Better known as a chaser these days and he made it 0-6 over hurdles when falling late on at Haydock, where he would have been placed at best in a Grade 2 (3m, good to soft); closer to the finished article than many of his rivals but lacks their potential.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

2

16th Mar 2026

Soft

2m 7f 177y

Class 3

16:00 Ffos Las

Saint Palais

11st 12lb

J: Harry Bannister

T: Richard J Bandey

4-7 over fences but ended 2025 with two disappointing hurdle runs and made very underwhelming return to chasing when seventh of eight at Newbury (2m7f, soft) in February; needs to turn things around.

14/1

7th

1

17th Feb 2026

2m 7f 91y

Class 3

15:55 Newbury

Saint Palais

12st 0lb

J: Harry Bannister

T: Richard J Bandey

Well handicapped on his old chase form but this is a belated return to fences and recent hurdling exploits leave him with much to prove.

25/1

Form: 4-6321

Last run: 47 days

W: 11st 7lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 137

Form & Verdict
Fourth in last season's Champion Bumper here; turned over when odds-on for his first two hurdle races (2m5f; just over 3l behind Corbetts Cross in the second) and it was a very winnable maiden that he picked up at Naas (2m3f, soft); however, the demands of this race can spike significant improvement and it would be no surprise if he ran his best race yet.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7

27th Apr 2023

Yielding To Soft

2m 7f 130y

18:00 Punchestown

Seabank Bistro

11st 1lb

J: Paul Townend

T: W P Mullins

Won a Naas maiden over 2m3f before running poorly in the Albert Bartlett at Cheltenham; bounced back to run a fine race over this trip at Fairyhouse and could have further improvement.

6/1

3rd

4

8th Apr 2023

Soft

3m 0f 110y

16:30 Fairyhouse

Seabank Bistro

11st 5lb

J: Paul Townend

T: W P Mullins

Had progressed with each run, getting off the mark in a maiden hurdle at Naas, prior to a poor showing in the Albert Bartlett last time; not obviously well treated from this mark.

8/1

14

17th Mar 2023

Soft

2m 7f 213y

Class 1

14:50 Cheltenham

Seabank Bistro

11st 7lb

J: Mr P W Mullins

T: W P Mullins

Fourth in last season's Champion Bumper here; turned over when odds-on for his first two hurdle races (2m5f; just over 3l behind Corbetts Cross in the second) and it was a very winnable maiden that he picked up at Naas (2m3f, soft); however, the demands of this race can spike significant improvement and it would be no surprise if he ran his best race yet.

20/1

Form: 133

Last run: 29 days

W: 11st 7lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 137

Form & Verdict
Team Elliott would appear sweeter on others but he took a notable step forward to finish hot on the heels of both Monty's Star and Hiddenvalley Lake at Cork (3m, soft) in his first Graded assignment; scopey individual with better days ahead of him and a case can be made for him being overpriced.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9

10th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 1f 0y

Class 1

15:20 Cheltenham

Search For Glory

11st 2lb

J: James Smith

T: Gordon Elliott

Didn't jump well when seventh in this last year and pulled up in the Thyestes at Gowran Park (3m1f, heavy) in January on latest run; however, he was in good form previously, finishing second of nine at Navan (2m4f, soft to heavy) then second of 28 in the Paddy Power Chase at Leopardstown (3m, yielding); each-way player if back on song and finding some fluency.

25/1

10

22nd Jan 2026

Heavy

3m 1f 0y

15:30 Gowran Park

Search For Glory

11st 4lb

J: Jack Kennedy

T: Gordon Elliott

Failed to add to Galway beginners' chase win last season; jumping was untidy in the Ultima at Cheltenham; failed to stay in the Irish Grand National; ran well for a long way in Troytown on return before fading; fine second over inadequate trip at Navan (Harry Des Ongrais third); big chance now based on second in the Paddy Power; Jack Kennedy takes over from a claimer.

13/2

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £2820.00
Straight Forecast £1587.40
Tricast £52244.14
Trifecta £29605.20

Selections

RP Ratings:

Corbetts Cross

SPOTLIGHT:

Three Card Brag

TOPSPEED:

Stay Away Fay

Daily Mirror:

Monty's Star

POSTDATA:

Letsbeclearaboutit

Daily Mail:

Hiddenvalley Lake

D Express:

Sandor Clegane

Daily Record:

Favori De Champdou

The Sun:

Three Card Brag

The Times:

Corbetts Cross

Telegraph:

Corbetts Cross

WEST COUNTRY:

Stay Away Fay

The Star:

Monty's Star

The Guardian:

Letsbeclearaboutit