April 13 / 16.05 Aintree

16.05

Good To Soft

Randox Foxhunters’ Open Hunters’ Chase

  • Prize money: £24155
  • 2m 5f 19y
  • Class 2
  • 28 runners
ITV
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Randox Foxhunters’ Open Hunters’ Chase

Runners: 28 runners

Type: Hunter Chase

Surface: Turf

Weather: Light rain

11/2 (Won)

  • Win: £6.20
  • Place: £2.60

Form: 1-P116

Last run: 27 days

W: 12st 0lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 142

Form & Verdict
Very smart hunter chaser; looked a real threat at Cheltenham last month but seemed to find 3m2f too far; this trip ideal and has the form to go very close if the latest effort hasn't left a mark; tongue-strap fitted.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8

9th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 5f 19y

Class 2

15:30 Aintree

Famous Clermont

12st 0lb

J: Mr Milo Herbert

T: C R Barber

Won this in 2023 (good to soft) and bagged further hunter chase wins in the same Stratford race in May 2024 and 2025 (2m6f, good); won a point last month and he's better than he showed when tailed off in this last April, but this 11yo probably isn't as good as he once was and others are preferred.

25/1

1st

1

30th May 2025

Good

2m 6f 125y

Class 3

18:25 Stratford

Famous Clermont

11st 13lb

J: Mrs Izzie Hill

T: C R Barber

Among the very best hunter chasers in his prime, with career highlight a success over the big Aintree fences in April 2023; beat Imperial Esprit to win this race under Izzie Hill in 2024 and has collected three point wins this year but last month's Aintree run was very disappointing and he may not be as good as he was; sports first-time cheekpieces.

10/11

1st

1

30th May 2025

Good

2m 6f 125y

Class 3

18:25 Stratford

Famous Clermont

11st 13lb

J: Mrs Izzie Hill

T: C R Barber

Among the very best hunter chasers in his prime, with career highlight a success over the big Aintree fences in April 2023; beat Imperial Esprit to win this race under Izzie Hill in 2024 and has collected three point wins this year but last month's Aintree run was very disappointing and he may not be as good as he was; sports first-time cheekpieces.

10/11

16/1

  • Place: £4.40

Form: -PP1U1 D

Last run: 27 days

W: 12st 0lb

12 yo Gelding

OR: 137

Form & Verdict
Formerly high-class handicapper and has won both completed starts in hunter chases this year, under a novice rider each time; now has the experienced John Dawson to help and no forlorn hope; one of two runners for stable.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

3rd Apr 2025

Good To Soft

2m 5f 19y

Class 2

16:05 Aintree

Bennys King

12st 0lb

J: Mr Sean O’Connor

T: Dan Skelton

Inconsistency has crept into this 14yo's game but confidence should be buoyed by his win at Leicester in February and he loves it around here, having finished second in the last two editions of this race; probably vulnerable for win purposes but has place aspirations for sure; races prominently.

14/1

11th

5

3rd Apr 2025

Good To Soft

2m 5f 19y

Class 2

16:05 Aintree

Bennys King

12st 0lb

J: Mr Sean O’Connor

T: Dan Skelton

Inconsistency has crept into this 14yo's game but confidence should be buoyed by his win at Leicester in February and he loves it around here, having finished second in the last two editions of this race; probably vulnerable for win purposes but has place aspirations for sure; races prominently.

14/1

1st

2

25th Feb 2025

Soft

2m 6f 151y

Class 3

16:45 Leicester

Bennys King

12st 4lb

J: Miss Heidi Palin

T: Dan Skelton

14yo who is no longer the force of old and has become unreliable; that said, he won this race on heavy ground a year ago and proved he retains significant ability when keeping on gamely for second in refitted cheekpieces at Warwick (3m, good to soft) last month.

7/1

33/1

  • Place: £10.00

Form: P6/0/2

Last run: 33 days

W: 12st 0lb

11 yo Gelding

OR: 131

Form & Verdict
Runner-up to a top prospect in a Gowran hunter chase last month (first time in a tongue-strap); balance of form suggests he'll struggle.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

11

30th Apr 2026

Yielding

4m 1f 11y

15:40 Punchestown

Lough Derg Spirit

11st 7lb

J: Mr J J Berry

T: Denis Paul Murphy

Useful hunter chase form at the age of 11 in 2023, third in the Aintree Foxhunter and in the championship event at this meeting; has been struggling this season after a long absence.

50/1

4

7th Mar 2026

Heavy

3m 1f 0y

16:53 Gowran Park

Lough Derg Spirit

12st 0lb

J: Mr J W Hendrick

T: Denis Paul Murphy

Veteran has won four times on the track and four times in points; second in this race in 2023 as a prelude to career-best when third (and best of the Irish) in the 27-runner Aintree Foxhunter; did not run in 2024 and lightly raced last year; third of four finishers in a recent Tinahely race; up against it here.

20/1

OUR TIP

Form: 142/1- CD

Last run: 371 days

W: 12st 0lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 140

Form & Verdict
Runner-up to Cousin Pascal in 2021 and went one better last year (always up with the pace); similar pointing preparation again and his ability to show his best around here is obviously a great asset.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

12

11th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 5f 56y

Class 2

15:20 Cheltenham

Latenightpass

10st 5lb

J: Miss Gina Andrews

T: T Ellis

Won over C&D (soft) in 2023 and a commendable second to Stumptown in this race last year (good to soft) but safely held in C&D races won by Final Orders and Favori De Champdou on his last two appearances and is getting long in the tooth now; 8lb out of the weights.

50/1

9th

3

24th Jan 2026

Soft

3m 5f 56y

Class 2

13:50 Cheltenham

Latenightpass

11st 4lb

J: Miss Gina Andrews

T: T Ellis

Won over C&D (soft) in 2023 and was commendable second over C&D (good to soft) at last season's Festival; long in the tooth now and faded into seventh in C&D race won by Final Orders six weeks ago, but it won't be a surprise if he's on the premises.

16/1

Form: 32311P D BF

Last run: 25 days

W: 12st 0lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 114

Form & Verdict
Two hunter chase wins this year and impressed in the second of them, at Stratford; reportedly bled when pulled up at Carlisle since and even a return to his best not enough; yard also runs Cousin Pascal.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

21

11th Apr 2024

Heavy

2m 5f 19y

Class 2

16:05 Aintree

Time Leader

12st 0lb

J: Mr Huw Edwards

T: Miss Hannah Roach

80-1 when a close fifth in this last year and that was after making a horlicks of The Chair; returns on the back of just about his best form yet when third at Cheltenham last month (soft; just over 5l behind Its On The Line), having been in the firing line throughout; the extended 3m2f ultimately found him out and he's a strong contender with stamina assured back at this trip.

6/1

4th

21

11th Apr 2024

Heavy

2m 5f 19y

Class 2

16:05 Aintree

Time Leader

12st 0lb

J: Mr Huw Edwards

T: Miss Hannah Roach

80-1 when a close fifth in this last year and that was after making a horlicks of The Chair; returns on the back of just about his best form yet when third at Cheltenham last month (soft; just over 5l behind Its On The Line), having been in the firing line throughout; the extended 3m2f ultimately found him out and he's a strong contender with stamina assured back at this trip.

6/1

3rd

11

15th Mar 2024

Soft

3m 2f 70y

Class 2

16:10 Cheltenham

Time Leader

12st 0lb

J: Mr Toby McCain-Mitchell

T: Miss Hannah Roach

By no means prolific in points (3-13) but he's 5-7 in hunter chases after taking a winnable race at Hereford in January (2m5f, good to soft); showed that he can mix it at this level of competition when not beaten far into fifth (staying on) in last season's hunter chase at Aintree (2m5f good to soft; made bad mistake at The Chair); perhaps relying on some of these being off their game if he's to win, but is no forlorn hope over a longer trip that he might need these days.

25/1

Form: /422-1

Last run: 31 days

W: 12st 0lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 125

Form & Verdict
Had appeared to be a solid Irish pointer but no more than that until storming home in a Thurles maiden hunter chase last month (made all, 3m1f); won't be afforded the luxury of an easy lead in this but certainly hard to rule out given the latest performance.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

3

12th Nov 2024

Good

3m 0f 74y

14:52 Fairyhouse

Dento Des Obeaux

11st 9lb

J: Mr D J Hanlon

T: Patrick Eugene Turley

Showed good form on the track two seasons ago; ran his rivals ragged from the front in a maiden hunters' chase at Thurles (only three finishers); fine effort when sixth (second-best of the Irish) in the Foxhunters' at Aintree; missed last year's pointing campaign; has has two runs this term; third behind the smart Winged Leader 16 days ago was encouraging.

11/2

3rd

3

12th Nov 2024

Good

3m 0f 74y

14:52 Fairyhouse

Dento Des Obeaux

11st 9lb

J: Mr D J Hanlon

T: Patrick Eugene Turley

led narrowly or disputed lead, headed before 2 out, no extra after 2 out, no chance with winner when left in modest second and hampered by faller last, lost second towards finish

11/2

2

19th May 2023

Good

3m 4f 150y

19:45 Downpatrick

Dento Des Obeaux

12st 0lb

J: Mr D G Lavery

T: Patrick Eugene Turley

Somewhat of a revelation when wide margin winner of 3m1f Thurles hunter chase in February and backed that up when creditable sixth of 27 over the National fences in the Aintree Foxhunters.

6/1

Form: 11-412 D BF

Last run: 51 days

W: 12st 0lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 134

Form & Verdict
Successful in half of his eight hunter chase attempts; beaten by I K Brunel at Taunton last month but may reverse those places with Jack Andrews taking over from a novice rider; stable also runs Bennys King.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

2

5th May 2023

Good

2m 4f 127y

Class 5

20:17 Cheltenham

Not That Fuisse

12st 4lb

J: Miss Heidi Palin

T: Dan Skelton

Successful in small fields in four of his nine hunter chases, the wins on good and good to soft; ran respectably when seventh in the Aintree Foxhunters' (2m5f) three weeks ago and had useful form at this track at earlier stages of his career; should be on the premises.

7/2

7th

19

13th Apr 2023

Good To Soft

2m 5f 19y

Class 2

16:05 Aintree

Not That Fuisse

12st 0lb

J: Mr Jack Andrews

T: Dan Skelton

Successful in half of his eight hunter chase attempts; beaten by I K Brunel at Taunton last month but may reverse those places with Jack Andrews taking over from a novice rider; stable also runs Bennys King.

25/1

17

17th Mar 2023

Soft

3m 2f 70y

Class 2

16:10 Cheltenham

Not That Fuisse

12st 0lb

J: Mr Jack Andrews

T: Dan Skelton

Good handicapper who wasn't beaten far in the Grand Annual here in 2021; has accrued plenty of hunter chase experience but he couldn't hold a candle to Vaucelet at Stratford last May and has others to worry about.

33/1

Form: 1/112- D

Last run: 391 days

W: 12st 0lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 139

Form & Verdict
His only defeat in his latest nine starts came when collared at Cheltenham last March; has been mopping up Irish points this season and this has been the aim; first attempt over these fences but serious challenger.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

27

13th Apr 2023

Good To Soft

2m 5f 19y

Class 2

16:05 Aintree

Winged Leader

12st 0lb

J: Mr B O’Neill

T: D M Christie

His only defeat in his latest nine starts came when collared at Cheltenham last March; has been mopping up Irish points this season and this has been the aim; first attempt over these fences but serious challenger.

7/2

Form: P/2-22

Last run: 318 days

W: 12st 0lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 100

Form & Verdict
Has won 11 of 21 points; runner-up in three of four hunter chase starts but looks outclassed in this.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

3

26th May 2024

Good To Soft

3m 2f 39y

Class 3

17:10 Kelso

Matts Commission

12st 1lb

J: Mr Jack Teal

T: Jack Teal

held up in rear

5/1

5th

3

26th May 2024

Good To Soft

3m 2f 39y

Class 3

17:10 Kelso

Matts Commission

12st 1lb

J: Mr Jack Teal

T: Jack Teal

Prolific winning pointer; off the mark under rules at Hexham in May last year (3m, good to soft); patchy form since though and well beaten at Hexham last time.

5/1

3rd

2

22nd Apr 2024

Heavy

3m 0f 41y

Class 5

17:05 Hexham

Matts Commission

12st 0lb

J: Mr Jack Teal

T: Jack Teal

Prolific winning pointer who won a maiden hunter chase over C&D last May (good to soft); goes on soft ground; one to consider.

9/2

Form: -74722

Last run: 38 days

W: 12st 0lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 124

Form & Verdict
Hunter chase winner last year and good efforts the last twice; hard to see him proving good enough to beat several of these, however; cheekpieces (no apparent help twice before) return.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

1

15th Dec 2023

Heavy

3m 0f 30y

Class 3

13:30 Bangor-on-Dee

Dieu Vivant

12st 0lb

J: William Shanahan

T: Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero

Posted career-best performance when winning easily by 13l over C&D (good) in September, his fifth chase success, but well beaten twice since (albeit faced tough task in cross-country chase last time); seems versatile regarding ground but Toby Wynne evidently prefers his stablemate Good Work today.

16/1

0

9

17th Nov 2023

Soft

3m 5f 56y

Class 2

14:55 Cheltenham

Dieu Vivant

10st 2lb

J: Toby Wynne

T: Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero

Bordering on career-best form when running away with a Bangor handicap on reappearance (3m, good) but blew out at Uttoxeter when soft ground wasn't an obvious excuse; opposable on balance of form and remains to be seen what he'll make of this new challenge; 4lb out of the weights.

25/1

6th

1

19th Sep 2023

Good

3m 0f 0y

Class 3

15:45 Uttoxeter

Dieu Vivant

12st 0lb

J: Toby Wynne

T: Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero

Runner-up in two hunter chases towards end of last season and posted career-best performance when back in a handicap a fortnight ago, coming from behind to win easily by 14l at Bangor (3m, good); won't mind if the ground deteriorates; respected.

7/2

Form: P5-PP2 CD BF

Last run: 44 days

W: 12st 0lb

11 yo Gelding

OR: 116

Form & Verdict
Won this in 2021 and bang there until two out in repeat bid last year (not helped by blunder five out); two wins this season but gives impression he's not as good as he was; still expected to be up there for a long way.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

4

13th Apr 2023

Good To Soft

2m 5f 19y

Class 2

16:05 Aintree

Cousin Pascal

12st 0lb

J: Mr Huw Edwards

T: J J O’Shea

Won this in 2021 and bang there until two out in repeat bid last year (not helped by blunder five out); two wins this season but gives impression he's not as good as he was; still expected to be up there for a long way.

25/1

2nd

1

28th Feb 2023

Good To Firm

2m 6f 151y

Class 3

16:00 Leicester

Cousin Pascal

12st 4lb

J: Mr Huw Edwards

T: J J O’Shea

His second in C&D novice hunter chase two years ago was the start of something big as he went on to win the Foxhunters' at Aintree; was only fifth in that race last year but had useful form at the start of 2022; unraced on good to firm; looks the one to beat after recent spreadeagling point win.

1/3

1

30th Jan 2023

Soft

2m 4f 194y

Class 5

16:10 Hereford

Cousin Pascal

12st 6lb

J: Mr Huw Edwards

T: J J O’Shea

Raced in points this winter, winning at Chaddesley Corbett then disappointing favourite at Larkhill; useful hunter chaser on his day, notably winning the 2021 Foxhunters' at Aintree; close second in this race last year and again looks one of the main contenders.

12/1

Form: /1-32P D

Last run: 27 days

W: 12st 0lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 132

Form & Verdict
Capable of very good form, as when narrowly beaten by a smart rival two starts ago, but not completely reliable and little impact at Cheltenham last month (28-1), when tried in cheekpieces (retained); others preferred.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

3

22nd May 2026

Good To Yielding

3m 4f 165y

20:00 Downpatrick

Dorking Cock

12st 0lb

J: Mr S Connor

T: S R B Crawford

Has won three over hurdles and fences; ran well at times in defeat in points and hunter chases last season but has to do much better today.

12/1

4

2nd May 2025

Yielding

3m 0f 160y

16:15 Punchestown

Dorking Cock

12st 0lb

J: Mr D McGill

T: S R B Crawford

prominent behind clear leader

20/1

4

2nd May 2025

Yielding

3m 0f 160y

16:15 Punchestown

Dorking Cock

12st 0lb

J: Mr D McGill

T: S R B Crawford

prominent behind clear leader

20/1

Form: 46-421 D

Last run: 43 days

W: 12st 0lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 137

Form & Verdict
Smart handicapper at best (peak RPR 160) and has taken well to hunter chasing; pipped by Benny's King at Hereford before scoring in style at Wincanton; slight doubt about stamina around here (pulled up in 2021 Topham over C&D) and Olive Nicholls unable to claim but still a candidate.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

2

6th Feb 2024

Good

2m 7f 3y

Class 3

16:20 Taunton

Magic Saint

12st 0lb

J: Freddie Gingell

T: Paul Nicholls

Smart chaser in his prime but last season's win was gained in a 2m4f hunter chase and he ran very poorly when returned to a handicap last June; not easy to weigh up at present and has stamina to prove over new trip here, but has become dangerously well treated.

11/2

4

14th Jun 2023

Good

2m 0f 75y

Class 2

15:40 Newton Abbot

Magic Saint

10st 12lb

J: Miss Olive Nicholls

T: Paul Nicholls

Doesn't look the force of old and only successful once in five hunter chase outings this year; handicapper has given him a chance, however, and much may depend on effect of blinkers (replacing cheekpieces).

13/2

Form: -25P42

Last run: 25 days

W: 12st 0lb

13 yo Gelding

OR: 115

Form & Verdict
Very much in his dotage now and behind two of these at Taunton two starts ago; usually kept to right-handed tracks and likely to find this well beyond him; pulled up in 2019 Grand National on sole outing here.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

3

9th Jul 2023

Good

3m 3f 123y

Class 4

17:50 Market Rasen

Step Back

11st 5lb

J: Miss Lily Bradstock

T: Mark Bradstock

Front-runner who stays well; thrown in today if judged even on the form shown on his first two starts last season (one on good); however, easily his best show in hunter chases since came when second at Carlisle in March (3m, heavy) and such a poor show at Cartmel last time has to be a major concern.

10/1

7th

7

31st May 2023

Good

3m 1f 107y

Class 5

20:20 Cartmel

Step Back

12st 0lb

J: Miss Lily Bradstock

T: Mark Bradstock

Best hunter chase run when creditable second at Carlisle in March (3m, heavy); well beaten in the Aintree Foxhunters next time; each-way chance.

4/1

12

5th May 2023

Good

4m 0f 97y

Class 4

19:45 Cheltenham

Step Back

11st 12lb

J: Miss Lily Bradstock

T: Mark Bradstock

Won Sandown's big end-of-season finale in 2018 and took two further handicaps in 2020; nearly won a hunter chase at Carlisle in March but a weaker one than this, and he's always been a more potent force going right-handed.

12/1

Form: /117-2 D

Last run: 316 days

W: 12st 0lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 123

Form & Verdict
Beaten nearly 40l when seventh in this last year and recent heavy point defeat doesn't suggest he'll do any better this time.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

16

11th Apr 2024

Heavy

2m 5f 19y

Class 2

16:05 Aintree

Reikers Island

12st 0lb

J: Mr Daniel Cherriman

T: Alan Hill

Has completed in his own time in the last two runnings of this race when 33-1 and 150-1; there's no reason to expect anything better from him this afternoon.

100/1

16

11th Apr 2024

Heavy

2m 5f 19y

Class 2

16:05 Aintree

Reikers Island

12st 0lb

J: Mr Daniel Cherriman

T: Alan Hill

Has completed in his own time in the last two runnings of this race when 33-1 and 150-1; there's no reason to expect anything better from him this afternoon.

100/1

15th

20

13th Apr 2023

Good To Soft

2m 5f 19y

Class 2

16:05 Aintree

Reikers Island

12st 0lb

J: Mr Daniel Cherriman

T: Alan Hill

Beaten nearly 40l when seventh in this last year and recent heavy point defeat doesn't suggest he'll do any better this time.

50/1

Form: 53P/33 D

Last run: 81 days

W: 12st 0lb

11 yo Gelding

OR: 125

Form & Verdict
Absent for two years before three respectable efforts this season, even if he was beaten a long way in the latest of them; fourth in this in 2019 but hard to see him matching that now.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

16th

3

13th Apr 2023

Good To Soft

2m 5f 19y

Class 2

16:05 Aintree

Coastal Tiep

12st 0lb

J: Mr B G Crawford

T: S R B Crawford

Absent for two years before three respectable efforts this season, even if he was beaten a long way in the latest of them; fourth in this in 2019 but hard to see him matching that now.

33/1

3rd

4

22nd Jan 2023

Yielding To Soft

3m 0f 149y

16:10 Thurles

Coastal Tiep

11st 7lb

J: Mr S Connor

T: S R B Crawford

didn't jump with fluency, pressed leaders on outer, mistake 7th, pushed along 3 out, no impression when pecked on landing 2 out, ridden when went modest third last, kept on, no match for first two

13/2

3rd

2

26th Dec 2022

Good To Yielding

3m 0f 0y

14:33 Down Royal

Coastal Tiep

12st 0lb

J: Mr S Connor

T: S R B Crawford

Made a race of it with Vaucelet when runner-up at Portrush on the back of a huge layoff (693-days) in October; clearly retains plenty of ability and if he can reproduce that effort, he won't be far away.

12/1

66/1

Form: 113-93 D

Last run: 324 days

W: 12st 0lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 116

Form & Verdict
Two hunter chase wins last year but below his best since; modest pointing form this year, including a win; no real appeal.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10

2nd Jun 2023

Good

3m 3f 119y

Class 2

19:05 Stratford

Wagner

12st 0lb

J: Mr James King

T: Max Comley

jumped right on occasions, prominent, lost position when not fluent 15th

50/1

17th

26

13th Apr 2023

Good To Soft

2m 5f 19y

Class 2

16:05 Aintree

Wagner

12st 0lb

J: Mr Darren Andrews

T: Max Comley

Two hunter chase wins last year but below his best since; modest pointing form this year, including a win; no real appeal.

66/1

Form: 651-24 D

Last run: 38 days

W: 12st 0lb

13 yo Gelding

OR: 125

Form & Verdict
Two good runs a year ago but even a repeat of those unlikely to suffice; no show in last two starts; fell in 2021 Grand National.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

13th Apr 2023

Good To Soft

2m 5f 19y

Class 2

16:05 Aintree

Ami Desbois

12st 0lb

J: Mr Tom Broughton

T: Fergal O’Brien

Two good runs a year ago but even a repeat of those unlikely to suffice; no show in last two starts; fell in 2021 Grand National.

66/1

4th

3

6th Mar 2023

Good

3m 0f 60y

Class 5

14:25 Southwell

Ami Desbois

12st 2lb

J: Mr James King

T: Fergal O’Brien

in touch with leaders, on outer when not fluent 7th

7/1

Form: 67-533 D

Last run: 44 days

W: 12st 0lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 101

Form & Verdict
Once quite smart in France but has proved disappointing in Britain; blinkers will need to provoke a minor miracle if he's to be involved.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7

3rd May 2024

Good

2m 4f 127y

Class 5

20:05 Cheltenham

Dalahast

11st 12lb

J: Mr Bradley Gibbs

T: Andrew Leyshon

prominent, struggling and lost position before 7th, weakened after 10th, pulled up before 13th

66/1

7

3rd May 2024

Good

2m 4f 127y

Class 5

20:05 Cheltenham

Dalahast

11st 12lb

J: Mr Bradley Gibbs

T: Andrew Leyshon

Regressive 11yo who was well beaten when fourth in pair of 2m4f Ludlow hunter chases this spring; needs first-time visor to make a massive difference here.

66/1

4th

4

2nd Apr 2024

Soft

2m 4f 11y

Class 4

16:30 Ludlow

Dalahast

11st 12lb

J: Mr James King

T: Andrew Leyshon

A regressive 11yo without a performance of note for a good while now; very opposable.

40/1

Form: 98-322 D

Last run: 20 days

W: 12st 0lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 121

Form & Verdict
French chasing winner; fine seconds in latest two starts, behind Envoye Special at Ffos Las before finishing well at Newbury last month; can be considered on those although Ben Sutton unable to claim.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

2nd May 2025

Good

4m 0f 97y

Class 4

19:30 Cheltenham

Drop Flight

12st 1lb

J: Mr Ben Sutton

T: S Loxton

Ran well in only one of six hurdling starts for Dan Skelton last season and, having rejoined Sam Loxton, was pulled up in a hunter chase in February; last of three finishers in 4m point last month; revival needed.

25/1

4

2nd May 2025

Good

4m 0f 97y

Class 4

19:30 Cheltenham

Drop Flight

12st 1lb

J: Mr Ben Sutton

T: S Loxton

Ran well in only one of six hurdling starts for Dan Skelton last season and, having rejoined Sam Loxton, was pulled up in a hunter chase in February; last of three finishers in 4m point last month; revival needed.

25/1

Form: 44-113 D

Last run: 43 days

W: 12st 0lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 119

Form & Verdict
Has his own ideas but beat Drop Flight well enough over this trip at Ffos Las before being put in his place by Magic Saint at Wincanton; again has the assistance of James King and could run well if taking to the test.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10

13th Apr 2023

Good To Soft

2m 5f 19y

Class 2

16:05 Aintree

Envoye Special

12st 0lb

J: Mr James King

T: Keiran Burke

Has his own ideas but beat Drop Flight well enough over this trip at Ffos Las before being put in his place by Magic Saint at Wincanton; again has the assistance of James King and could run well if taking to the test.

33/1

3rd

2

1st Mar 2023

Good

2m 4f 35y

Class 5

17:20 Wincanton

Envoye Special

12st 6lb

J: Mr James King

T: Keiran Burke

Won three points and a 2m Cheltenham hunter chase last season, and looked in excellent nick when gaining comfortable success on last month's stable debut at Ffos Las (2m5f, good to soft); contests a stronger race here but ought to make his presence felt.

7/2

1st

4

9th Feb 2023

Good To Soft

2m 4f 199y

Class 4

16:53 Ffos Las

Envoye Special

12st 2lb

J: Mr James King

T: Keiran Burke

travelled strongly, made all

2/1

Form: 0/2-

Last run: 356 days

W: 12st 0lb

8 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Touched off at Chepstow a year ago in only previous hunter chase attempt but has taken his pointing form to new levels this season, with three devastating wins; habit of jumping right a concern but fascinating contender representing trainer-rider who landed the Cheltenham prize last month.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

3

31st May 2024

Good To Soft

2m 0f 213y

Class 5

20:40 Stratford

Fier Jaguen

12st 2lb

J: Mr Freddie Mitchell

T: Bradley Gibbs

Won 2m hunter chase at Cheltenham (good) in May 2023 and looked all set for repeat success in that race until collared close home four weeks ago (soft); his tendency to jump right remains a concern but, nevertheless, he ought to play a significant role here.

3/1

2nd

2

3rd May 2024

Good

2m 0f 62y

Class 5

16:35 Cheltenham

Fier Jaguen

12st 1lb

J: Mr Bradley Gibbs

T: Bradley Gibbs

Kept on well to beat Caryto Des Brosses in this race last year, despite jumping badly right throughout, and was 11l too good for same rival in Garthorpe point (3m, soft) in February; beaten odds-on favourite in latest point but went down fighting behind a useful rival; good chance.

11/10

2nd

2

3rd May 2024

Good

2m 0f 62y

Class 5

16:35 Cheltenham

Fier Jaguen

12st 1lb

J: Mr Bradley Gibbs

T: Bradley Gibbs

Kept on well to beat Caryto Des Brosses in this race last year, despite jumping badly right throughout, and was 11l too good for same rival in Garthorpe point (3m, soft) in February; beaten odds-on favourite in latest point but went down fighting behind a useful rival; good chance.

11/10

Form: 156-1U

Last run: 27 days

W: 12st 0lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 130

Form & Verdict
Beat Not That Fuisse in good style at Taunton in February; stumbled and unseated before halfway at Cheltenham last month; 80-1 then but wasn't a forlorn hope going into that race, nor is he for this.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

2

2nd Jun 2023

Good

2m 4f 205y

Class 4

19:35 Stratford

I K Brunel

12st 3lb

J: Miss Izzie Marshall

T: Alan Hill

raced in last

4/1

13

13th Apr 2023

Good To Soft

2m 5f 19y

Class 2

16:05 Aintree

I K Brunel

12st 0lb

J: Miss Izzie Marshall

T: Alan Hill

Beat Not That Fuisse in good style at Taunton in February; stumbled and unseated before halfway at Cheltenham last month; 80-1 then but wasn't a forlorn hope going into that race, nor is he for this.

33/1

11

17th Mar 2023

Soft

3m 2f 70y

Class 2

16:10 Cheltenham

I K Brunel

12st 0lb

J: Miss Izzie Marshall

T: Alan Hill

Pretty useful on his day for Olly Murphy and has won both his starts for Alan Hill, a 3m point and 2m7f hunter chase at Taunton when runner-up Not That Fuisse was perhaps unlucky; stamina might be stretched to the limit over this far on softer ground.

40/1

Form: 1-1P22

Last run: 27 days

W: 12st 0lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 136

Form & Verdict
Top connections; two point wins this year but rather unconsidered at Cheltenham last month (28-1), where he staged a late run to finish second (in cheekpieces, retained); possible he may lack the pace required for this but, in terms of form, is right up there.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

7

1st May 2026

Yielding

3m 0f 160y

16:15 Punchestown

Its On The Line

12st 0lb

J: Mr Derek O’Connor

T: Emmet Mullins

Won this for the third time last year; contrasting profile in the Cheltenham equivalent now having finished second in four consecutive years; easily the best of the Irish this year, with Panda Boy fifth and Wonderwall (his conqueror last year) seventh; never got competitive in the Aintree Foxhunter, a rare blot on his record; has his quirks, but as tough as they come.

5/2

9th

14

9th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 5f 19y

Class 2

15:30 Aintree

Its On The Line

12st 0lb

J: Mr Derek O’Connor

T: Emmet Mullins

Won this in 2024 (heavy); beaten a neck by Barton Snow at last month's Cheltenham Festival (3m2f, good to soft), finishing a close second in that hunter chase for the fourth season in a row; at this trip he may prefer more testing ground than is likely today, but he's still entitled to respect.

9/2

2nd

7

13th Mar 2026

Good

3m 2f 70y

Class 2

16:40 Cheltenham

Its On The Line

12st 0lb

J: Mr Derek O’Connor

T: Emmet Mullins

Part of the furniture in this race after going agonisingly close in the last three runnings, especially 12 months ago when he stayed on strongly to push Wonderwall to a neck, after which he secured a repeat win at Punchestown; although it's hardly encouraging that he was turned over at 1-5 in his latest point, the winner is useful on his day and this 9yo didn't exactly arrive here 12 months ago with the wind in his sails; all roads have led to this and he has clear claims.

11/2

Form: 2-3P4P

Last run: 21 days

W: 12st 0lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 104

Form & Verdict
Twice placed in hunter chases last April but has shown nothing since.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7

19th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 11y

Class 4

16:50 Ludlow

Rewritetherules

11st 12lb

J: Mr David O’Brien

T: Fred Timmis

Struck for the first time since 2021 with two wide-margin point wins towards the end of 2024 but it's been a struggle since and first-time cheekpieces need to have a fairly dramatic effect.

14/1

3rd

6

4th Feb 2026

Soft

2m 7f 171y

Class 4

16:42 Ludlow

Rewritetherules

11st 12lb

J: Mr Huw Edwards

T: Fred Timmis

Three wins over regulation fences and a multiple point scorer; however, beaten at odds of 2-5 in his penultimate point and was pulled up in the next.

66/1

9

8th Jan 2025

Soft

2m 5f 150y

Class 5

14:45 Taunton

Rewritetherules

11st 12lb

J: Mr Henry Crow

T: Miss Hannah Roach

in touch with leaders, towards rear before 6th, struggling before 9th, no chance when fell 4 out

8/1

Form: P55-22 D

Last run: 27 days

W: 12st 0lb

12 yo Gelding

OR: 108

Form & Verdict
Has completed all five C&D attempts (two in this race) but not as good as he was and well beaten by Bennys King at Fakenham last month.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

22

13th Apr 2023

Good To Soft

2m 5f 19y

Class 2

16:05 Aintree

Sir Jack Yeats

12st 0lb

J: Miss Fern O’Brien

T: Fergal O’Brien

Has completed all five C&D attempts (two in this race) but not as good as he was and well beaten by Bennys King at Fakenham last month.

50/1

2nd

8

17th Mar 2023

Good To Soft

3m 0f 38y

Class 5

17:00 Fakenham

Sir Jack Yeats

11st 12lb

J: Miss Fern O’Brien

T: Fergal O’Brien

prominent

9/1

2nd

5

17th Feb 2023

Good

2m 7f 96y

Class 4

16:35 Kelso

Sir Jack Yeats

11st 12lb

J: Miss Fern O’Brien

T: Fergal O’Brien

took keen hold, raced in second

25/1

Form: /P731- D

Last run: 368 days

W: 12st 0lb

11 yo Gelding

OR: 113

Form & Verdict
Reliable pointer but has twice had a distant view of Famous Clermont in the last year; hard to see him proving good enough.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

6

31st May 2024

Good To Soft

2m 4f 205y

Class 4

20:05 Stratford

Sixteen Letters

11st 11lb

J: Mr Joshua Newman

T: J Newman

Beat Peacocks Secret to win this race off 3lb lower in 2023, his latest rules start, and has collected three small-field points this year; not getting any younger but still features prominently in calculations.

5/1

1st

6

2nd Jun 2023

Good

2m 4f 205y

Class 4

19:35 Stratford

Sixteen Letters

10st 11lb

J: Mr Joshua Newman

T: J Newman

in touch with leaders, not fluent 2nd, not fluent 3rd

10/1

23

13th Apr 2023

Good To Soft

2m 5f 19y

Class 2

16:05 Aintree

Sixteen Letters

12st 0lb

J: Mr Joshua Newman

T: J Newman

Reliable pointer but has twice had a distant view of Famous Clermont in the last year; hard to see him proving good enough.

50/1

Form: 36-414 D

Last run: 54 days

W: 12st 0lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 108

Form & Verdict
Modest performer; long way behind Famous Clermont at Haydock and beaten in a point since; likely to struggle.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

3

31st May 2023

Good

3m 1f 107y

Class 5

20:20 Cartmel

Write It Down

12st 4lb

J: Miss Immy Robinson

T: R A Owen

Awarded the race after finishing runner-up at 50-1 in this contest last year (good to soft); mixed form since, but won a point on latest start; not out of it.

8/1

28

13th Apr 2023

Good To Soft

2m 5f 19y

Class 2

16:05 Aintree

Write It Down

12st 0lb

J: Miss Immy Robinson

T: R A Owen

Modest performer; long way behind Famous Clermont at Haydock and beaten in a point since; likely to struggle.

100/1

4th

5

18th Feb 2023

Good To Soft

2m 6f 54y

Class 3

17:00 Haydock

Write It Down

12st 4lb

J: Miss Immy Robinson

T: R A Owen

Awarded Cartmel hunter chase (3m1f, good to soft) last spring (first past the post lost weight cloth) but the form isn't anything to get excited about and not much has gone to plan in points this year.

50/1

Non-runners

Sir Jack Yeats

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £86.00
Straight Forecast £71.79
Tricast £2691.15
Trifecta £4391.20

Selections

TOPSPEED:

Latenightpass

WEST COUNTRY:

Famous Clermont

SPOTLIGHT:

Winged Leader

POSTDATA:

Magic Saint

D Express:

Not That Fuisse

The Times:

Famous Clermont

RP Ratings:

Winged Leader

Telegraph:

Latenightpass

Daily Mail:

Latenightpass

Daily Mirror:

Latenightpass

The Sun:

Latenightpass

The Star:

Latenightpass

Daily Record:

Latenightpass

The Guardian:

Magic Saint