March 17 / 17.30 Cheltenham

17.30

Soft

Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle (GBB Race)

  • Prize money: £39022.5
  • 2m 4f 56y
  • Class 2
  • 24 runners
RTV
View Course
Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle (GBB Race)

Runners: 24 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Light rain

8/1 (Won)

  • Win: £7.60
  • Place: £2.50

Form: 244-11 D

Last run: 62 days

W: 11st 5lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 138

Form & Verdict
Promising fourth in major juvenile hurdles last term on his first two British starts (ex-French); has justified favouritism in two handicaps at Wetherby (2m3f, good/soft) upped in trip this season, the latest powerfully by 14l; improving 5yo who is one to consider.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

4

7th Nov 2023

Soft

2m 4f 0y

Class 3

13:55 Warwick

Iroko

11st 2lb

J: Jonjo O’Neill Jr

T: Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero

travelled strongly, in touch with leaders, jumped left 1st, prominent before 3 out, went second on turn before 2 out, soon challenging and going best, shaken up briefly to lead run-in, easily

11/10

3rd

6

14th Apr 2023

Good To Soft

3m 0f 149y

Class 1

16:40 Aintree

Iroko

11st 8lb

J: Mark Walsh

T: Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero

Very progressive handicapper who finished with good late surge to win at last month's Cheltenham Festival (2m4f, soft; has also won on good); that performance already gives him a good chance on the figures here, and he's open to further improvement if suited by today's step up in trip; respected.

5/1

1st

8

17th Mar 2023

Soft

2m 4f 56y

Class 2

17:30 Cheltenham

Iroko

11st 5lb

J: Aidan Kelly

T: Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero

Promising fourth in major juvenile hurdles last term on his first two British starts (ex-French); has justified favouritism in two handicaps at Wetherby (2m3f, good/soft) upped in trip this season, the latest powerfully by 14l; improving 5yo who is one to consider.

8/1

25/1

  • Place: £3.40

Form: 13P-19 D

Last run: 34 days

W: 11st 6lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 139

Form & Verdict
Lightly raced; gamely made a winning reappearance in Kempton handicap (soft) over Christmas, then came up well short in the Betfair Hurdle at Newbury (again over 2m); he's 2-2 over 2m4f (two easy novice wins) and, still unexposed at this distance, can't be comfortably dismissed.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

0

5

1st Dec 2023

Good To Soft

2m 3f 187y

Class 1

13:50 Newbury

No Ordinary Joe

11st 4lb

J: James Bowen

T: Nicky Henderson

Useful handicap hurdler; won after a layoff at Kempton (2m) last Christmas and ran well at the Cheltenham Festival (2m4f) two starts later; disappointing favourite at Aintree when last seen; may win races over fences at some stage but has something to find on these terms.

10/1

7th

4

14th Apr 2023

Good To Soft

2m 4f 0y

Class 1

14:20 Aintree

No Ordinary Joe

11st 11lb

J: Nico de Boinville

T: Nicky Henderson

Returned from absence to win at Kempton (2m, soft) last December and bounced back from his Betfair Hurdle ninth when second of 21 in the Martin Pipe (2m4f, soft) at Cheltenham last month; also effective on good ground; this lightly raced 7yo could still have more to offer for his top yard.

9/1

2nd

7

17th Mar 2023

Soft

2m 4f 56y

Class 2

17:30 Cheltenham

No Ordinary Joe

11st 6lb

J: Luca Morgan

T: Nicky Henderson

Lightly raced; gamely made a winning reappearance in Kempton handicap (soft) over Christmas, then came up well short in the Betfair Hurdle at Newbury (again over 2m); he's 2-2 over 2m4f (two easy novice wins) and, still unexposed at this distance, can't be comfortably dismissed.

25/1

25/1

  • Place: £4.30

Form: 706122 D

Last run: 22 days

W: 10st 12lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 131

Form & Verdict
Off the mark at Fairyhouse (2m4f, soft) in January; stuck on gamely in a battle with the market leader at Thurles (2m4f, good; Grade 3) most recently, going down by a short head and running very well on the figures; hit with a big rise in his mark but is by no means fully exposed.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

1

18th Nov 2023

Good To Soft

2m 7f 208y

Class 2

14:55 Cheltenham

Buddy One

12st 0lb

J: Jack G Gilligan

T: Paul John Gilligan

Went handicapping in January; placed over 2m4f last term at the Cheltenham (hung left on run-in, then rallied) and Aintree festivals; took the step up to 2m6f in his stride when clearcut winner at Galway (soft) three weeks ago; usually ridden by Jack Gilligan; up the weights again and not totally sure to be suited by 3m but he's reliable and highly progressive.

11/2

1st

1

28th Oct 2023

Soft

2m 5f 200y

16:17 Galway

Buddy One

11st 12lb

J: Jack G Gilligan

T: Paul John Gilligan

travelled strongly, in touch with leaders, headway after 9th, prominent after 3 out, led 2 out, ridden and ran on after last

11/2

8/1

  • Place: £2.40

Form: 232-82

Last run: 48 days

W: 11st 12lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 145

Form & Verdict
Half-brother to 2022 Cheltenham Festival winner and 2023 Gold Cup contender Stattler; showed very useful form as a novice hurdler last term, notably second in Grade 1 at Aintree (good to soft) on sole 2m4f attempt; interesting returned to this distance, on the back of his good effort in 2m1f handicap here (neck second on soft ground) seven weeks ago; tongue-tie fitted.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

2

20th Nov 2023

Good To Soft

2m 3f 48y

Class 3

12:10 Exeter

Might I

11st 2lb

J: Jonathan Burke

T: Harry Fry

raced in second, not fluent 2nd, left in lead and alone from 8th

2/11

2nd

3

21st Oct 2023

Soft

2m 4f 216y

Class 2

13:40 Newton Abbot

Might I

10st 10lb

J: Jonathan Burke

T: Harry Fry

didn't jump with fluency, held up in last, went second when awkward jump and sprawled on landing 4 out, not fluent but chased clear leader 3 out, mistake 2 out, rallied and kept on run-in, no match for winner

15/8

4th

2

17th Mar 2023

Soft

2m 4f 56y

Class 2

17:30 Cheltenham

Might I

11st 12lb

J: Lorcan Murtagh

T: Harry Fry

Half-brother to 2022 Cheltenham Festival winner and 2023 Gold Cup contender Stattler; showed very useful form as a novice hurdler last term, notably second in Grade 1 at Aintree (good to soft) on sole 2m4f attempt; interesting returned to this distance, on the back of his good effort in 2m1f handicap here (neck second on soft ground) seven weeks ago; tongue-tie fitted.

8/1

Form: 1-1222

Last run: 33 days

W: 11st 6lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 139

Form & Verdict
Solid candidate whose career form figures read 11222, most recently second in Listed novice event at Navan (good to yielding; wins came on deep ground); remains open to more progress, especially as he's bred to be suited by this new trip; with that in mind, could prove very well treated (handicapped on his 2m form); trainer won this race in 2017 and 2018; highly respected.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

2

26th Nov 2023

Soft To Heavy

2m 0f 43y

13:55 Punchestown

Imagine

11st 4lb

J: Jack Kennedy

T: Gordon Elliott

raced in second

4/7

1st

3

7th Nov 2023

Heavy

2m 0f 110y

11:53 Fairyhouse

Imagine

11st 12lb

J: Jack Kennedy

T: Gordon Elliott

jumped well, made all, ridden briefly when faced challenge after 2 out, soon clear, pushed out, comfortably

11/4

Form: 312331

Last run: 33 days

W: 11st 1lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 134

Form & Verdict
Recorded a game success in maiden event at Navan (2m, good to yielding) last month, opening his hurdles account at the fourth attempt; has posted two promising efforts over 2m4f and he's bred to relish the return to this distance; could well prove ahead of this opening mark; interesting.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

3

12th Nov 2023

Soft

2m 3f 200y

14:00 Naas

Firm Footings

11st 3lb

J: Jack Kennedy

T: Gordon Elliott

towards rear of midfield

8/1

1st

5

27th Oct 2023

Soft

2m 1f 110y

13:50 Sligo

Firm Footings

11st 9lb

J: Jack Kennedy

T: Gordon Elliott

unseated rider before start, raced in second, joined leader when mistake and stumbled 2 out, ridden to lead and kept on well run-in

3/1

7th

2

28th Apr 2023

Yielding

2m 0f 0y

19:10 Punchestown

Firm Footings

11st 12lb

J: Danny Gilligan

T: Gordon Elliott

Bumper winner who was consistent in maiden hurdles before gaining his first win at Navan in February; career best when beaten roughly 6l in the Martin Pipe; bit to find and not sure to appreciate the return to 2m.

4/1

Form: -171F1 D

Last run: 20 days

W: 11st 6lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 139

Form & Verdict
Went clear for a 14l success under Caoilin Quinn at Kempton (2m5f, good) three weeks ago, taking his record over hurdles to 6-12; acts on soft; has 10lb higher mark but earns points for having a progressive profile and good strike-rate.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

1

24th Nov 2023

Good To Soft

1m 7f 152y

Class 2

14:35 Ascot

Mark Of Gold

12st 0lb

J: Niall Houlihan

T: Gary Moore

Three wins during last season's highly progressive campaign, including on reappearance and at Kempton (2m5f, good) in February; creditable seventh of 21 in the Martin Pipe at the Cheltenham Festival next time; won on the Flat at Goodwood (2m, heavy) in May; drops back in trip on this comeback but respected nevertheless.

9/2

1st

2

(6)

6th May 2023

Good To Soft

2m 0f 0y

Class 5

15:45 Goodwood

Mark Of Gold

9st 10lb

J: Tom Queally

T: Gary Moore

Well handicapped on best Flat form (1m2f) and on recent hurdles form (ran creditably in 2m4f handicap at Cheltenham Festival last time); good chance provided he stays 2m under this code (first attempt).

9/4

7th

6

17th Mar 2023

Soft

2m 4f 56y

Class 2

17:30 Cheltenham

Mark Of Gold

11st 6lb

J: Caoilin Quinn

T: Gary Moore

Went clear for a 14l success under Caoilin Quinn at Kempton (2m5f, good) three weeks ago, taking his record over hurdles to 6-12; acts on soft; has 10lb higher mark but earns points for having a progressive profile and good strike-rate.

25/1

Form: 378-04

Last run: 76 days

W: 11st 2lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 135

Form & Verdict
Respectable fourth at Punchestown (2m3f) when last seen, despite jumping sloppily in first-time cheekpieces (retained today); not disgraced (about 10l seventh) in this contest 12 months ago but isn't especially well treated off only 2lb lower this time round.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

5

26th Aug 2023

Good

2m 6f 80y

15:40 Killarney

Au Fleuron

11st 3lb

J: Jack Kennedy

T: Gordon Elliott

in touch with leaders, headway and went third 6th

7/1

9th

1

14th Jul 2023

Good

3m 1f 0y

19:20 Kilbeggan

Au Fleuron

11st 12lb

J: Keith Donoghue

T: Gordon Elliott

Bumper and maiden hurdle winner has acquitted himself with credit in smart handicap company in that sphere but has been below form the last twice; beaten a long way in testing ground on chasing debut last year; can better that but looks stable second-string.

5/2

Form: 095321 D

Last run: 10 days

W: 11st 4lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 132

Form & Verdict
Regained the winning thread in emphatic style at Sandown (2m4f, soft) ten days ago, scoring by a wide margin, and retains plenty of ability aged ten; however, unlikely to follow up at this stronger level, taking on numerous younger and less exposed rivals.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

0

2

21st Oct 2023

Soft

3m 2f 105y

Class 2

15:35 Newton Abbot

West To The Bridge

11st 10lb

J: Tristan Durrell

T: Dan Skelton

led, joined 6th, headed home turn, soon edged right and raced wide, weakening when lost second and fell 2 out

2/1

2nd

1

8th Oct 2023

Soft

2m 7f 70y

Class 3

15:45 Uttoxeter

West To The Bridge

12st 0lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

Drew 19l clear to win Sandown slog (2m4f, soft) in March, his ninth success over hurdles, and ran big race from the front when sixth of 20 at Aintree festival (2m4f, good to soft) in April; runner-up in this race when fresh in 2020; big player if fully tuned up.

3/1

6th

12

14th Apr 2023

Good To Soft

2m 4f 0y

Class 1

14:20 Aintree

West To The Bridge

11st 4lb

J: Tristan Durrell

T: Dan Skelton

Easy winner at Sandown (2m4f, soft) last month, taking that race for the second year running; respectable ninth in the Martin Pipe at Cheltenham (2m4f, soft) subsequently but this 10yo may again be vulnerable here.

33/1

Form: -22111 D

Last run: 27 days

W: 11st 1lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 134

Form & Verdict
Improving youngster who has form figures of 2111 since having wind surgery, most recently winning a useful 2m3f handicap at Ascot; now 5-10 over hurdles and may not have stopped progressing yet; trainer won this race in 2013 and 2016; big player granted ideal conditions (all wins on good/good to soft).
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

9

2nd Dec 2023

Good To Soft

2m 4f 118y

Class 2

13:40 Newbury

Irish Hill

11st 0lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Paul Nicholls

in touch with leaders, towards rear when not fluent 5 out, outpaced 3 out

9/1

4th

6

13th Nov 2023

Good

2m 5f 0y

Class 2

15:00 Kempton

Irish Hill

10st 12lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Paul Nicholls

Made good progress last season, with the latest of three wins gained in valuable Ascot handicap (2m3f, good to soft) in February; safely held at Cheltenham Festival in March and tailed off at Aintree in April but will be dangerous here if back on song after his break; had second wind op in July.

3/1

14th

17

14th Apr 2023

Good To Soft

2m 4f 0y

Class 1

14:20 Aintree

Irish Hill

11st 1lb

J: Bryony Frost

T: Paul Nicholls

Won three handicaps in a row this winter (2m3f/2m4f, good/good to soft); having gone up the weights he finished in midfield in the Martin Pipe (2m4f, soft) at Cheltenham last month but perhaps the ground wasn't ideal and this 5yo may still have potential when he's back on a better surface.

20/1

Form: 8-1352 D

Last run: 34 days

W: 11st 7lb

9 yo Mare

OR: 140

Form & Verdict
Useful mare who has winning form at Listed/Graded level; no match for a less exposed rival at Warwick (2m5f) most recently; has a record of 2-3 in handicaps and is on a workable mark but has something to prove back against males; all wins against her own sex.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

1

18th Nov 2023

Soft

2m 3f 154y

Class 3

13:19 Wetherby

Molly Ollys Wishes

12st 1lb

J: Tristan Durrell

T: Dan Skelton

in touch with leaders

7/1

8th

3

14th Oct 2023

Good To Soft

2m 3f 100y

Class 2

16:15 Chepstow

Molly Ollys Wishes

11st 12lb

J: Tristan Durrell

T: Dan Skelton

Last season rather fizzled out after she'd won a Listed hurdle for mares on her reappearance at Wetherby (for the second year running); back on a dangerous mark and she's mustard when fresh, so dangerous to discount.

20/1

13th

9

14th Apr 2023

Good To Soft

2m 4f 0y

Class 1

14:20 Aintree

Molly Ollys Wishes

11st 5lb

J: Bridget Andrews

T: Dan Skelton

There's a suspicion this 9yo mare isn't as good as she used to be and she was merely mid-division in the Martin Pipe last month; however, perhaps Cheltenham isn't her course and her reduced mark appeals on form as recent as last October (Listed mares' hurdle win); she's not a forlorn hope.

33/1

Form: 021-P0 D

Last run: 27 days

W: 10st 7lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 126

Form & Verdict
Won off 1lb higher, albeit in a much weaker field, at Ascot (2m5f) last spring; not in anything like the same form in two runs this term, long way behind Irish Hill at Ascot (folded tamely) latest.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

1

14th Nov 2023

Good To Soft

2m 7f 0y

Class 3

15:05 Lingfield

Fifty Ball

11st 10lb

J: Niall Houlihan

T: Gary Moore

travelled strongly, held up in rear but in touch with leaders, mistake 6th, headway before 7th, disputed lead just before 2 out

4/1

4th

5

7th Oct 2023

Good

2m 3f 49y

Class 2

16:35 Fontwell

Fifty Ball

10st 5lb

J: Niall Houlihan

T: Gary Moore

Out of sorts last season but at least perked up when close second over 3m2f here in May on latest start; this trip looks short of his best (most recent win was over a stiff 2m5f+) but he should have a strong pace to aim at.

4/1

Form: 812B6 D

Last run: 20 days

W: 11st 4lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 137

Form & Verdict
Made a winning hurdles debut at Navan and ran well in Leopardstown handicap next time (both 2m4f); only sixth at Fairyhouse (returned to 2m4f) most recently but that race panned out unfavourably as he came from a difficult position; may do better still.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

7

19th Nov 2023

Soft To Heavy

2m 4f 0y

15:05 Navan

Spirit Of Legend

11st 12lb

J: Rachael Blackmore

T: Henry De Bromhead

Maiden hurdle winner at this meeting last year; only narrowly denied at Leopardstown over Christmas but lost his way a little subsequently; interesting that he's the yard's first-string over Lets Go Champ and he has a squeak.

5/1

13th

9

17th Mar 2023

Soft

2m 4f 56y

Class 2

17:30 Cheltenham

Spirit Of Legend

11st 4lb

J: Mike O’Connor

T: Henry De Bromhead

Made a winning hurdles debut at Navan and ran well in Leopardstown handicap next time (both 2m4f); only sixth at Fairyhouse (returned to 2m4f) most recently but that race panned out unfavourably as he came from a difficult position; may do better still.

25/1

1

26th Feb 2023

Yielding

1m 7f 109y

16:40 Naas

Spirit Of Legend

11st 12lb

J: Rachael Blackmore

T: Henry De Bromhead

8/1

Form: 14B702

Last run: 55 days

W: 11st 12lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 145

Form & Verdict
Campaigned mostly at about 2m but performed well returned to 2m4f last time, finishing second at Navan (soft); has respectable Cheltenham Festival form having finished sixth in the 2018 Champion Bumper, fifth in the 2019 Supreme and tenth in the 2022 County; should give his running.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

29th Apr 2023

Good To Yielding

2m 3f 30y

17:30 Punchestown

Felix Desjy

11st 4lb

J: Corey McGivern

T: Gordon Elliott

Big run behind HMS Seahorse at Navan in January; tailed off in the Martin Pipe at Cheltenham last time but he has a better record at this venue (four wins from six starts) and he's on a good mark.

20/1

14th

1

17th Mar 2023

Soft

2m 4f 56y

Class 2

17:30 Cheltenham

Felix Desjy

11st 12lb

J: Corey McGivern

T: Gordon Elliott

Campaigned mostly at about 2m but performed well returned to 2m4f last time, finishing second at Navan (soft); has respectable Cheltenham Festival form having finished sixth in the 2018 Champion Bumper, fifth in the 2019 Supreme and tenth in the 2022 County; should give his running.

28/1

2nd

2

21st Jan 2023

Soft To Heavy

2m 4f 0y

13:07 Navan

Felix Desjy

11st 8lb

J: Corey McGivern

T: Gordon Elliott

Grade 1 winning hurdler who signed off last season with a win in a competitive Punchestown handicap; fair way below that form in four starts this term; 2lb above last winning mark; off four months.

13/2

OUR TIP

Form: -61124 D

Last run: 41 days

W: 11st 7lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 140

Form & Verdict
Solid record (and progressive RPRs) since switched to hurdles, winning 2m4f maiden and 3m Listed event then running well in Grade 3 at Cork (3m) and Grade 1 at Leopardstown (2m6f); appears to act on any ground; doesn't shape as if he's crying out for a return to 2m4f but has an attractive profile.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

3

25th Nov 2023

Soft To Heavy

2m 2f 200y

12:48 Punchestown

Cool Survivor

11st 12lb

J: Jack Kennedy

T: Gordon Elliott

Some smart form over hurdles last season including a fourth to Good Land at Leopardstown in February; poor run at Cheltenham and fell at Aintree subsequently; however, plenty to like about his chase debut at Limerick last month when battling on gamely once headed and he should progress with that under his belt.

4/1

2nd

4

22nd Oct 2023

Heavy

2m 3f 0y

17:25 Limerick

Cool Survivor

11st 12lb

J: Jack Kennedy

T: Gordon Elliott

Progressive novice hurdler this time last year, winning twice and Grade 3 runner-up over 3m at Cork; disappointing joint-favourite (with fifth-placed stablemate Imagine) for the Martin Pipe at Cheltenham; fell three out when 50-1 chance in Aintree Grade 1 event won by stablemate Irish Point; could make a good novice chaser.

2/1

33/1

Form: 111515 D

Last run: 48 days

W: 11st 4lb

6 yo Mare

OR: 137

Form & Verdict
Productive mare who is 4-6 this season but her Listed win at Punchestown (2m3f, yielding) in December is flanked by Grade 3 defeats that exposed her limitations to some extent; an unlikely winner in this hot handicap back against males.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

2

26th Nov 2023

Soft

2m 2f 40y

13:20 Punchestown

Saylavee

11st 1lb

J: Sean O’Keeffe

T: W P Mullins

Smart mare at her best, winning a Listed hurdle at this track last year over 2m4f; however, was well below that level on her last two starts; needs to bounce back but has a good record fresh, so has to be considered.

3/1

13th

3

25th Apr 2023

Yielding

2m 0f 100y

15:40 Punchestown

Saylavee

11st 7lb

J: Danny Mullins

T: W P Mullins

midfield

5/1

16th

10

17th Mar 2023

Soft

2m 4f 56y

Class 2

17:30 Cheltenham

Saylavee

11st 4lb

J: Jack Foley

T: W P Mullins

Productive mare who is 4-6 this season but her Listed win at Punchestown (2m3f, yielding) in December is flanked by Grade 3 defeats that exposed her limitations to some extent; an unlikely winner in this hot handicap back against males.

33/1

Form: 404-8P

Last run: 103 days

W: 11st 0lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 133

Form & Verdict
Had bits of Graded form for previous stable but completely failed to show it on debut for Gordon Elliott; subsequently placed in 1m2f AW Flat event; has stamina to prove on first attempt beyond 2m.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12th

1

17th Oct 2023

Heavy

1m 3f 184y

17:25 Gowran Park

In From The Cold

10st 3lb

J: Shelley Brickley

T: Gordon Elliott

Six-time Flat winner, most recently at Sligo in May off 79; well below his best since then, including over hurdles; 10lb claimer aboard.

25/1

8th

2

(10)

7th Sep 2023

Good

2m 0f 144y

18:55 Clonmel

In From The Cold

9st 13lb

J: Jack Kearney

T: Gordon Elliott

midfield, towards rear 4f out, outpaced under 2f out

14/1

5th

9

26th Aug 2023

Good

1m 4f 0y

19:40 Curragh

In From The Cold

12st 3lb

J: Miss K Quayle

T: Gordon Elliott

Gained sixth Flat win at Sligo in May; not much since but rated to be competitive.

8/1

Form: 1322 BF

Last run: 36 days

W: 11st 2lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 135

Form & Verdict
Bought for 360,000euros after winning his sole start in France; consistent efforts for Willie Mullins without yet making the expected progress, most recently second at Thurles (2m4f, good to yielding); has been untidy with his jumping the last twice but is open to any amount of improvement off this opening mark granted an error-free round and his trainer has won this contest four times with horses who proved handicap snips in hindsight; has to be feared.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12

17th Mar 2023

Soft

2m 4f 56y

Class 2

17:30 Cheltenham

Spanish Harlem

11st 2lb

J: Michael O’Sullivan

T: W P Mullins

Bought for 360,000euros after winning his sole start in France; consistent efforts for Willie Mullins without yet making the expected progress, most recently second at Thurles (2m4f, good to yielding); has been untidy with his jumping the last twice but is open to any amount of improvement off this opening mark granted an error-free round and his trainer has won this contest four times with horses who proved handicap snips in hindsight; has to be feared.

9/2

2nd

1

9th Feb 2023

Yielding

2m 4f 0y

15:15 Thurles

Spanish Harlem

11st 8lb

J: Paul Townend

T: W P Mullins

Expensive purchase from France; respectable debut in a Gowran maiden hurdle in November but no match for the useful Three Card Brag at Fairyhouse; holds entries in the Ballymore and the Albert Bartlett but would need to win this well to justify that.

2/1

2nd

2

25th Jan 2023

Soft To Heavy

2m 3f 110y

13:53 Fairyhouse

Spanish Harlem

11st 10lb

J: Paul Townend

T: W P Mullins

raced in second, not fluent 6th, not fluent 3 out, made challenge when pushed along home turn, outpaced when ridden before last, kept on but no match for winner

11/8

Form: -51431 D

Last run: 30 days

W: 11st 0lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 133

Form & Verdict
Campaigned this term exclusively on good ground; won at Huntingdon (2m) in November and Wetherby (narrowly, upped to an extended 2m3f) last month; has a consistent record in handicaps but this is a harder task, especially if he doesn't get a sound surface.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

4

4th Nov 2023

Good To Soft

2m 0f 110y

Class 3

15:28 Ayr

Impulsive One

10st 13lb

J: Tom Midgley

T: Brian Ellison

Five-time hurdle winner; gave good account when third at Sedgefield (2m4f, soft) two weeks ago but his two attempts at chasing in the summer were not entirely convincing, albeit he wasn't beaten far when last of four on second occasion; others have more potential.

8/1

3rd

1

22nd Oct 2023

Good To Soft

2m 3f 188y

Class 3

17:00 Sedgefield

Impulsive One

12st 1lb

J: Dylan Johnston

T: Brian Ellison

Five-time hurdle winner (good/good to soft) for Nicky Henderson; not beaten far when last of four at Stratford (2m1f, good) last month on second chase start and has had a wind op since; however, his claims aren't compelling on this season's evidence and testing ground would be a worry.

5/1

4th

1

9th Sep 2023

Good

2m 0f 213y

Class 3

15:40 Stratford

Impulsive One

11st 10lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Brian Ellison

prominent, slightly hampered 4 out, kept on until no extra run-in

8/1

Form: 626-71 D

Last run: 46 days

W: 10st 13lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 132

Form & Verdict
Out of his depth in last year's Ballymore at this meeting on second start for Willie Mullins; opened his hurdles account at Punchestown (2m4f, soft) in January, adding to his French bumper win; still has low mileage and may have more to offer for powerful stable; hard to dismiss.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

17

27th Apr 2023

Yielding To Soft

2m 7f 130y

18:00 Punchestown

Haxo

10st 9lb

J: Jack Foley

T: W P Mullins

Course maiden winner over 2m4f has twice been well below that level and has questions to answer stepping up in trip; tongue-tie on now.

33/1

12th

11

10th Apr 2023

Yielding

2m 5f 155y

16:15 Fairyhouse

Haxo

11st 1lb

J: Brian Hayes

T: W P Mullins

soon midfield, lost position when pushed along after 3 out, weakened before 2 out

12/1

19

17th Mar 2023

Soft

2m 4f 56y

Class 2

17:30 Cheltenham

Haxo

10st 13lb

J: Kieran Callaghan

T: W P Mullins

Out of his depth in last year's Ballymore at this meeting on second start for Willie Mullins; opened his hurdles account at Punchestown (2m4f, soft) in January, adding to his French bumper win; still has low mileage and may have more to offer for powerful stable; hard to dismiss.

14/1

Form: 26-P52

Last run: 26 days

W: 10st 10lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 129

Form & Verdict
Ran creditably in maiden hurdle at Punchestown (2m4f, yielding; clear second) last month; however, rather exposed (now 0-9 in this sphere) and looks unlikely to go one better in this hot handicap.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

22

17th Mar 2023

Soft

2m 4f 56y

Class 2

17:30 Cheltenham

Hollow Sound

10st 10lb

J: Charlie O’Dwyer

T: Luke Comer

Ran creditably in maiden hurdle at Punchestown (2m4f, yielding; clear second) last month; however, rather exposed (now 0-9 in this sphere) and looks unlikely to go one better in this hot handicap.

50/1

2nd

9

19th Feb 2023

Yielding To Soft

2m 4f 0y

15:10 Punchestown

Hollow Sound

11st 12lb

J: Ricky Doyle

T: Luke Comer

Bumper winner and hard to assess over hurdles as he has been quite highly tried; had a couple of subsequent winners behind him when fifth in a Leopardstown handicap hurdle last time; could go well here.

16/1

5th

4

29th Dec 2022

Soft

2m 4f 0y

14:55 Leopardstown

Hollow Sound

11st 6lb

J: Jordan Gainford

T: Luke Comer

led narrowly, headed and raced in second before 6th

33/1

Form: UP4153

Last run: 19 days

W: 10st 8lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 127

Form & Verdict
In decent form at about 2m of late, winning at Thurles (yielding) then running creditably at Leopardstown (valuable handicap) and Naas; bred to be suited by this step up in trip, being half-brother to last year's Ballymore winner Sir Gerhard; could go well at big odds.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

0

15

19th Nov 2023

Good To Soft

2m 0f 87y

Class 1

15:30 Cheltenham

Hey Johnny

10st 11lb

J: Jack Foley

T: Thomas Mullins

Wins have come on ground ranging from good through to soft to heavy; unseated at the first when joint-favourite for the novice handicap at this meeting last year; won twice last term and twice ran well in defeat in big fields before going off the boil in April; reappearance three weeks ago (well-beaten sixth of 15) was a step back in the right direction, so he needs a second look.

50/1

6th

7

29th Oct 2023

Soft

2m 0f 11y

16:10 Galway

Hey Johnny

11st 6lb

J: Jack Foley

T: Thomas Mullins

in touch with leaders

16/1

Form: -63275 BF

Last run: 19 days

W: 10st 6lb

5 yo Filly

OR: 125

Form & Verdict
Dual bumper scorer in France; ran well in Grade 2 juvenile hurdle (2m) last April but hasn't progressed since, including for new yard the last twice; new trip needs to have major effect.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

10

19th Nov 2023

Good To Soft

2m 0f 87y

Class 2

13:10 Cheltenham

Innatendue

10st 11lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: John C McConnell

Following a spell with Tony Martin she's back with a trainer who has enjoyed plenty of success here; might not be far away if reproducing her best form but she's 0-8 over hurdles and it will be no surprise if her limitations are exposed once more.

10/1

14th

4

9th Apr 2023

Soft

2m 4f 100y

14:00 Fairyhouse

Innatendue

11st 7lb

J: Liam McKenna

T: A J Martin

Dual bumper winner in France was runner-up in a Grade 2 juvenile hurdle at this meeting last year; hasn't reached that level since and was a beaten favourite twice; step up in trip might help.

14/1

Form: 21-0P0

Last run: 19 days

W: 10st 5lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 124

Form & Verdict
Successful on Flat and over hurdles for Joseph O'Brien; has shown little in handicaps for new stable this season and is hard to fancy on that recent evidence; tongue-tie reapplied.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

2

(10)

7th Oct 2023

Soft

1m 4f 0y

14:20 Curragh

Vultan

11st 3lb

J: Ms Pandora Briselden

T: A J Martin

in rear

33/1

11th

8

(6)

21st Sep 2023

Yielding To Soft

1m 4f 0y

16:35 Listowel

Vultan

9st 4lb

J: Ben Coen

T: A J Martin

reluctant to load

12/1

Non-runners

Wonderwall, Grozni, Hey Johnny

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £104.90
Straight Forecast £79.21
Tricast £2266.38
Trifecta £2580.00

Selections

RP Ratings:

Iroko

Daily Mail:

Cool Survivor

SPOTLIGHT:

Imagine

Telegraph:

Spanish Harlem

The Star:

Haxo

POSTDATA:

Irish Hill

WEST COUNTRY:

Might I

LAMBOURN:

Impulsive One

TOPSPEED:

Molly Ollys Wishes

The Times:

Imagine

THE NORTH:

Iroko

The Guardian:

Iroko

Daily Mirror:

Iroko

D Express:

Cool Survivor

The Sun:

Cool Survivor

Daily Record:

Cool Survivor