15.00
SoftBoulton Group Midlands Grand National Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap) (GBB Race)
- Prize money: £84405
- 4m 2f 8y
- Class 1
- 18 runners
Runners: 18 runners
Type: Chase Turf
Surface: Turf
Weather: Rain
14/1 (Won)
- Win: £16.40
- Place: £2.70
Form: 123-03
Last run: 36 days
W: 10st 2lb
8 yo Gelding
OR: 128
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
3 |
13th Feb 2026 Soft 3m 0f 38y Class 5 |
11st 12lb |
Last successful in the Midlands Grand National of 2023; lost his way for Alan King and a beaten favourite in his two recent points; tries blinkers. |
4/1 |
14/1
- Place: £3.00
Form: 1-2241
Last run: 26 days
W: 10st 5lb
9 yo Gelding
OR: 132
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2nd 10 |
18th Mar 2023 Soft 4m 2f 8y Class 1 |
10st 5lb |
Raised his profile this season in some decent handicap chases and saw out the stiff 3m at Carlisle (good to soft) to win gamely last time; progressive enough to deal with the 6lb rise but he's not raced over anything approaching this distance before, so bit of a guessing game as to whether he'll get home; others safer. |
14/1 |
|
1st 5 |
20th Feb 2023 Good To Soft 3m 0f 110y Class 3 |
11st 10lb |
Solid second at Exeter (2m3f, good to soft) and Kempton (3m, soft) in December, suggesting he has a decent handicap in him; disappointing favourite last time but has clear possibilities if putting that quickly behind him. |
6/1 |
|
4th 7 |
14th Jan 2023 Soft 3m 0f 0y Class 2 |
10st 11lb |
Won at Chepstow in February on final last term and second on both starts this season, most recently over C&D (soft) at Christmas when upped in trip and Smarty Wild was third; made a bad mistake three out that day but renewed his effort very well; major player raised 1lb. |
3/1 |
20/1
- Place: £4.70
Form: 23-437
Last run: 28 days
W: 10st 5lb
9 yo Gelding
OR: 132
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2 |
28th Feb 2024 Heavy 3m 5f 142y Class 4 |
11st 12lb |
never going well, in touch with leaders, cajoled along 5th, pushed along 8th, mistake 3 out, soon eased and pulled up |
11/2 |
|
5th 8 |
21st Jan 2024 Good To Soft 3m 4f 178y Class 3 |
11st 4lb |
Won the 2021 Warwick Classic over 3m5f and good third in that race last January; well handicapped on that form but this 10yo has been well beaten on both runs this season and needs to bounce back. |
14/1 |
|
8th 7 |
30th Dec 2023 Good To Soft 3m 1f 214y Class 3 |
11st 6lb |
Useful stayer on his day; won the Classic Chase at Warwick (3m5f, soft) in 2021 and placed in that same major handicap last season; could go well off a handy mark with Exeter reappearance under his belt. |
14/1 |
11/2
- Place: £2.20
Form: 1F-141 C
Last run: 35 days
W: 10st 5lb
7 yo Gelding
OR: 132
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
10th 7 |
16th Mar 2024 Heavy 4m 2f 8y Class 1 |
10st 13lb |
Dour stayer who loves the mud; five chase wins include one here; reliable in these valuable staying chases without ever looking particularly well handicapped, and he was beaten 24l into fourth in this last year when 3lb lower; having another solid season but hard to believe he's any better now than 12 months ago; first-time tongue-tie. |
13/2 |
|
3rd 7 |
13th Jan 2024 Soft 3m 5f 54y Class 1 |
11st 4lb |
Goes well on soft/heavy; his three chase wins have been at up to 3m2f and his well-held fourth in last season's Classic Chase (favourite) and Midlands National (4m2f, soft) both saw a dip in his form; there can't be much doubt that he'll stay, though, given the way he kept on strongly for third to Malina Girl over the extended 3m3f at Cheltenham on latest start; needs to improve but he's a strong each-way candidate. |
7/1 |
|
7 |
19th Nov 2023 Good To Soft 3m 3f 71y Class 1 |
11st 8lb |
Goes well on soft/heavy; won twice last season and resumed with a win at Carlisle (up 7lb since) one month ago, all at 3m to nearly 3m2f; fourth in last season's Classic Chase (3m5f, heavy) and Midlands National (4m2f, soft) both saw a dip in his form but this progressive 7yo will surely prove his stamina in due course and needs plenty of respect. |
4/1 |
11/2
Form: 3/11-1
Last run: 63 days
W: 12st 0lb
10 yo Gelding
OR: 155
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
4 |
12th Mar 2025 Good To Soft 3m 5f 56y Class 2 |
11st 3lb |
Lightly raced since Welsh Grand National success in 2021 but a commendable third in this season's edition of that race (3m6f, soft) in December and again ran very well at Haydock (3m1f, soft) in January; drying ground will reduce his appeal but he has possibilities if he enjoys this new test. |
20/1 |
|
2nd 3 |
18th Jan 2025 Heavy 3m 1f 125y Class 1 |
10st 12lb |
Won the Welsh National (3m6f, soft) in 2021 and the Warwick Classic (3m5f, heavy) in 2023; now 12 but he was a fine third in the Welsh National (3m6f, soft) three weeks ago and his surplus stamina may be no bad thing today; possible player if this doesn't come too soon after his hard Chepstow race. |
9/1 |
|
2nd 3 |
18th Jan 2025 Heavy 3m 1f 125y Class 1 |
10st 12lb |
Won the Welsh National (3m6f, soft) in 2021 and the Warwick Classic (3m5f, heavy) in 2023; now 12 but he was a fine third in the Welsh National (3m6f, soft) three weeks ago and his surplus stamina may be no bad thing today; possible player if this doesn't come too soon after his hard Chepstow race. |
9/1 |
50/1
Form: 113P-1
Last run: 43 days
W: 10st 2lb
13 yo Gelding
OR: 120
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
5 |
26th Apr 2024 Good 3m 2f 54y Class 4 |
11st 11lb |
Late-blooming teenager who won posted career-best performance when scoring by 25l over C&D (good to soft) last season; ought to have coped better with the heavy ground when running poorly at Fontwell last month but today's much quicker conditions will suit; can't be ruled out. |
8/1 |
|
5 |
26th Apr 2024 Good 3m 2f 54y Class 4 |
11st 11lb |
Late-blooming teenager who won posted career-best performance when scoring by 25l over C&D (good to soft) last season; ought to have coped better with the heavy ground when running poorly at Fontwell last month but today's much quicker conditions will suit; can't be ruled out. |
8/1 |
|
2 |
18th Mar 2024 Heavy 3m 1f 210y Class 4 |
11st 8lb |
Late-blooming teenager who won posted career-best performance when scoring by 25l at Chepstow (3m2f, good to soft) last season and was runner-up in Southern National here (3m3f, heavy) in November; ran well for a long way in Lingfield marathon last month and drops in grade today; good chance. |
6/1 |
11/1
Form: 42-731
Last run: 81 days
W: 10st 5lb
11 yo Gelding
OR: 132
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
4 |
31st Jan 2025 Soft 3m 4f 178y Class 3 |
11st 4lb |
13yo, 2lb lower today than for his win in the 2022 Welsh National (3m7f, soft); only three runs since, absent 627 days before this season but he showed that plenty of fire remains when front-running second to Saint Xavier at Haydock (3m4f) last time; that returns him to serious calculations. |
8/1 |
|
4 |
31st Jan 2025 Soft 3m 4f 178y Class 3 |
11st 4lb |
13yo, 2lb lower today than for his win in the 2022 Welsh National (3m7f, soft); only three runs since, absent 627 days before this season but he showed that plenty of fire remains when front-running second to Saint Xavier at Haydock (3m4f) last time; that returns him to serious calculations. |
8/1 |
|
2nd 4 |
30th Dec 2024 Heavy 3m 4f 97y Class 2 |
11st 8lb |
5lb lower than for 2022 Welsh National win (soft) and he may have needed the run here 26 days ago, when pulled up on his first outing since March 2023; however, this 12yo needs to prove how much ability he retains. |
12/1 |
12/1
Form: 36-945 CD
Last run: 42 days
W: 10st 8lb
11 yo Gelding
OR: 135
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
9th 4 |
16th Mar 2024 Heavy 4m 2f 8y Class 1 |
11st 3lb |
An easy winner of this race on heavy ground four years ago but unplaced in the last three runnings, well held in the last two; his powers are on the wane, despite reconfirming his affection for the mud when beating Beauport at Sandown in December (3m4f), since when he's pulled up in the Welsh National (a regular in that as well). |
14/1 |
|
0 8 |
27th Dec 2023 Good To Soft 3m 6f 130y Class 1 |
11st 2lb |
Second, seventh, third and fourth in the last four Welsh Nationals, as well as winning the Midlands National (4m2f, heavy) in 2020; this year he's added wins in the West Wales and London versions at Ffos Las (3m4f) and Sandown (3m4f, heavy) under his now regular partner Freddie Gingell, the latter race 18 days ago; has 4lb penalty and this probably requires his best form in nearly two years, but he should be on the premises once more. |
11/1 |
8/1
Form: RP-B23
Last run: 2 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
12th Apr 2025 Good To Soft 3m 7f 176y Class 1 |
12st 0lb |
Runner-up off this mark for Willie Mullins in the 4m2f Midlands Grand National last March; that, however, was the last time he's completed and he's mostly been back to his old tricks since by refusing to race; last two "starts" were for new connections but he didn't start at all on the first of those and threw in the towel at a later point three weeks ago. |
66/1 |
|
1 |
12th Apr 2025 Good To Soft 3m 7f 176y Class 1 |
12st 0lb |
Runner-up off this mark for Willie Mullins in the 4m2f Midlands Grand National last March; that, however, was the last time he's completed and he's mostly been back to his old tricks since by refusing to race; last two "starts" were for new connections but he didn't start at all on the first of those and threw in the towel at a later point three weeks ago. |
66/1 |
|
1 |
22nd Mar 2025 Good 3m 2f 39y Class 2 |
12st 0lb |
Runner-up off this mark for Willie Mullins in the Midlands Grand National last March; however, he can often be reluctant at the start and he refused to race on his stable debut at Wetherby in December; very risky. |
12/1 |
11/2
Form: 1D1-3F2
Last run: 21 days
W: 11st 4lb
10 yo Gelding
OR: 145
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
7th Apr 2024 Heavy 3m 6f 153y Class 3 |
12st 0lb |
Well suited by a slog in the mud and returned to form with keeping-on second in West Wales National at Ffos Las (3m4f, heavy) a week ago; Joe Anderson claims a useful 5lb today; major player if in the right mood again. |
5/2 |
|
1 |
7th Apr 2024 Heavy 3m 6f 153y Class 3 |
12st 0lb |
Well suited by a slog in the mud and returned to form with keeping-on second in West Wales National at Ffos Las (3m4f, heavy) a week ago; Joe Anderson claims a useful 5lb today; major player if in the right mood again. |
5/2 |
|
2nd 1 |
31st Mar 2024 Heavy 3m 3f 208y Class 3 |
12st 0lb |
prominent, went second omitted 5 out, briefly went third after 4 out, left in second 3 out, stayed on |
8/1 |
50/1
Form: -P0188
Last run: 49 days
W: 11st 1lb
8 yo Gelding
OR: 142
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
25th Apr 2024 Soft 3m 2f 127y Class 3 |
12st 1lb |
raced in second |
16/1 |
|
1 |
25th Apr 2024 Soft 3m 2f 127y Class 3 |
12st 1lb |
raced in second |
16/1 |
|
10 |
13th Apr 2024 Soft 3m 0f 149y Class 1 |
11st 1lb |
Unpredictable over the years for several different stables; easily best effort this season when going down narrowly at Doncaster (3m, soft) in March but was beaten 41l at Uttoxeter on Midlands National day; unconvincing. |
66/1 |
9/1
Form: F1-1F1
Last run: 46 days
W: 10st 13lb
8 yo Gelding
OR: 140
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
5th 6 |
14th Oct 2023 Good To Soft 2m 7f 131y Class 2 |
11st 3lb |
in rear |
7/1 |
|
5 |
18th Mar 2023 Soft 4m 2f 8y Class 1 |
10st 13lb |
Improved in a big way this season and would have been on a four-timer had he not tipped up with the race in safe-keeping at Ffos Las (3m, soft) two starts back; showed no ill effects when winning as he liked at Newcastle and it's hard to grumble with the 11lb hike; will be entering new territory trip-wise a long way from home (unraced beyond 3m) but lots to like otherwise. |
9/1 |
|
1st 4 |
31st Jan 2023 Soft 2m 7f 91y Class 3 |
11st 11lb |
Progressive 8yo who scored at Wetherby (3m, heavy) on seasonal debut in November and looked sure to follow up before last-fence fall at Ffos Las (3m, soft) last month; has to take a 7lb rise on the chin but might still be improving; major player. |
9/4 |
20/1
Form: 21UFPF
Last run: 27 days
W: 10st 8lb
8 yo Gelding
OR: 135
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
6 |
18th Mar 2023 Soft 4m 2f 8y Class 1 |
10st 8lb |
Has National honours having won the Cork version in November (3m4f, soft/heavy); it's been a sorry state of affairs since then with four non-completions and, while his trainer can work wonders, he's not overly appealing with that background. |
20/1 |
|
7 |
19th Feb 2023 Yielding To Soft 3m 4f 40y |
10st 9lb |
Beat Defi Bleu in the Munster National, now 10lb higher; let down by his jumping over the National fences in the Becher and in the Paddy Power; reportedly made a noise when pulled up in the Thyestes; not a betting proposition against that background. |
16/1 |
10/1
Form: 5P-923
Last run: 76 days
W: 10st 5lb
9 yo Gelding
OR: 132
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
25 |
20th Apr 2024 Soft 3m 7f 176y Class 1 |
10st 2lb |
Has not had much racing, or recaptured his form, since winning the Welsh Grand National in January 2021; 2lb lower today, even from 5lb out of the handicap; two places last winter but pulled up in the 2023 Midlands National and well beaten behind Ballygriffin Cottage at Sandown when next seen nearly a year later. |
66/1 |
|
25 |
20th Apr 2024 Soft 3m 7f 176y Class 1 |
10st 2lb |
Has not had much racing, or recaptured his form, since winning the Welsh Grand National in January 2021; 2lb lower today, even from 5lb out of the handicap; two places last winter but pulled up in the 2023 Midlands National and well beaten behind Ballygriffin Cottage at Sandown when next seen nearly a year later. |
66/1 |
|
6th 8 |
9th Mar 2024 Soft 3m 0f 37y Class 3 |
11st 9lb |
Has not had much racing since winning the Welsh Grand National in January 2021, running respectably twice last winter but beaten some way out in the Midlands National when last seen in March; well handicapped but seems fragile and probably best watched after nearly a year off. |
16/1 |
12/1
Form: 30-PP8 CD
Last run: 28 days
W: 10st 3lb
10 yo Gelding
OR: 130
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
5th 6 |
9th Apr 2023 Heavy 3m 3f 208y Class 3 |
11st 5lb |
Won the 2021 Midlands National and third in it in 2022 but he was pulled up three weeks ago in the latest renewal, which was symptomatic of his poor season; way down the weights. |
16/1 |
|
13 |
18th Mar 2023 Soft 4m 2f 8y Class 1 |
10st 3lb |
This campaign hasn't taken off at all but he has history in this race, having won it two seasons ago (good to soft) on only his fourth start over fences and he was a highly credible 12l third last year (soft); dangerously well handicapped if he can stage a revival and you wouldn't put it past him. |
12/1 |
|
8th 9 |
18th Feb 2023 Good To Soft 3m 4f 97y Class 1 |
10st 7lb |
Ran well when third in last year's Midlands National (4m2f, soft), a race he won in 2021, and he's well handicapped on that form; however, he's been pulled up on both starts this term and a major turnaround is needed. |
20/1 |
20/1
Form: 31-341
Last run: 32 days
W: 10st 2lb
7 yo Gelding
OR: 129
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
5 |
6th Oct 2024 Good 3m 2f 39y Class 4 |
11st 4lb |
in rear |
10/1 |
|
4th 5 |
26th Aug 2024 Soft 3m 1f 107y Class 3 |
10st 3lb |
Useful hurdler/chaser when with Tom Lacey but had very disappointing five-race spell with Stuart Coltherd last season and was tailed off behind Tommie Beau over hurdles here on stable debut in May; can cope with slow ground but needs combination of wind surgery and refitted tongue-tie to make a big difference. |
12/1 |
|
11th 10 |
27th May 2024 Good To Soft 3m 1f 83y Class 2 |
10st 9lb |
led early, headed but prominent before 2nd |
16/1 |
14/1
Form: P-PP21
Last run: 65 days
W: 10st 2lb
9 yo Gelding
OR: 127
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
4th 1 |
30th Jan 2026 Soft 3m 1f 54y Class 5 |
12st 0lb |
12yo who is without a win since December 2023 but he ran his best race for some time when fourth at Carlisle (3m2f, soft) in November and when seventh at Ayr last time he was back up in grade; his mark continues to fall and this front-runner, who has won here, could make a bold bid. |
11/2 |
100/1
Form: 7P3414
Last run: 22 days
W: 10st 2lb
10 yo Gelding
OR: 112
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
4th 5 |
17th Mar 2026 Good To Soft 3m 0f 54y Class 5 |
12st 2lb |
Teenager who has gone over two years since his latest win and has been out of form this season (three runs); revival needed. |
50/1 |
|
5 |
23rd Jan 2026 Good To Soft 3m 0f 0y Class 5 |
12st 2lb |
Won this race in 2024 (soft ground) but never really got going last season and was very disappointing favourite in a point last month, after a layoff; now a teenager and needs to prove he still has what it takes. |
20/1 |
Non-runners
Mr Incredible
+o+e Accumulators
| Payout | |
|---|---|
| Exacta | £208.20 |
| Straight Forecast | £139.46 |
| Tricast | £3280.16 |
| Trifecta | £4355.20 |
Selections
LAMBOURN:
French ParadoxeRP Ratings:
The Two AmigosD Express:
The Galloping BearThe Times:
IwilldoitDaily Mail:
Guetapan CollongesDaily Record:
BushyparkDaily Mirror:
Major DundeeSPOTLIGHT:
Secret ReprievePOSTDATA:
Truckers LodgeTelegraph:
French ParadoxeThe Star:
French ParadoxeThe Sun:
The Galloping Bear