April 14 / 16.05 Aintree

16.05

Good To Soft

Randox Supports Race Against Dementia Topham Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap) (GBB Race)

  • Prize money: £84195
  • 2m 5f 19y
  • Class 1
  • 30 runners
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Randox Supports Race Against Dementia Topham Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap) (GBB Race)

Runners: 30 runners

Type: Chase Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Light rain

20/1 (Won)

  • Win: £26.30
  • Place: £5.90

Form: -811F1 D

Last run: 41 days

W: 10st 4lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 133

Form & Verdict
Perhaps unlucky not to be unbeaten in his four runs following wind surgery but his handicap mark has taken a battering and this will be by some way his toughest test yet over fences; on the plus side, he's an improving 7yo who jumps well and tries hard.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

9

2nd May 2026

Yielding

3m 0f 104y

15:45 Punchestown

Bill Baxter

10st 11lb

J: Harry Bannister

T: Warren Greatrex

10yo won this last year off 126 (yielding); mixed bag this term, undergoing wind surgery after third start and good comeback run when second in 3m Kelso handicap in February; mistakes when pulled up in Topham at Aintree but remains of interest.

12/1

22

10th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 5f 19y

Class 1

16:05 Aintree

Bill Baxter

10st 4lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Warren Greatrex

10yo who won this in 2023 (soft); he's had his ups and downs since but won at Punchestown (3m, yielding) last May and bumped into a well-handicapped novice when runner-up at Kelso (2m7f, heavy) last time, following wind surgery; could give a good account and be involved.

25/1

2nd

2

13th Feb 2026

Soft

2m 7f 96y

Class 2

15:00 Kelso

Bill Baxter

11st 9lb

J: James Bowen

T: Warren Greatrex

Uncharacteristically below par at Market Rasen four weeks ago; however, he's had a wind op since and two starts ago he ran pretty well when sixth in the Becher at Aintree (3m2f, soft); this is less competitive than that penultimate assignment and he won here in 2022 on his sole previous run here.

4/1

33/1

  • Place: £5.60

Form: 13U-10 D

Last run: 103 days

W: 10st 12lb

8 yo Mare

OR: 141

Form & Verdict
Should have run a lot better in a hot 2m4f handicap at Cheltenham on New Year's Day but it was her first run there and perhaps the track didn't suit; looked good in a Listed chase for mares at Market Rasen (3m) the time before and she was only 14-1 for this last year when unfortunate to depart at the very first fence.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

16th May 2025

Good

3m 0f 210y

Class 2

18:55 Aintree

Fantastic Lady

12st 0lb

J: James Bowen

T: Nicky Henderson

Smart mare who ended 2023-24 season in career-best form, winning Sandown Grade 2 (2m6f, good); not much went to plan last term but she was going well until bad jumping error knocked the stuffing out of her in last month's Topham over the big fences here and she remains well handicapped.

4/1

1

16th May 2025

Good

3m 0f 210y

Class 2

18:55 Aintree

Fantastic Lady

12st 0lb

J: James Bowen

T: Nicky Henderson

Smart mare who ended 2023-24 season in career-best form, winning Sandown Grade 2 (2m6f, good); not much went to plan last term but she was going well until bad jumping error knocked the stuffing out of her in last month's Topham over the big fences here and she remains well handicapped.

4/1

38

5th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

4m 2f 74y

Class 1

16:00 Aintree

Fantastic Lady

10st 3lb

T: Nicky Henderson

Pulled up in the 3m2f Kim Muir at Cheltenham last month in first-time cheekpieces, which leaves her stamina beyond 3m unproven, although it was not the trip which accounted for her poor show there (following two solid efforts); second over these fences in the 2023 Topham, sixth in it last year and she's due to have another crack at that race on Friday.

80/1

28/1

  • Place: £5.40

Form: -64415

Last run: 48 days

W: 10st 3lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 132

Form & Verdict
Finished third at this meeting last year in the staying chase over the Mildmay fences on National day; right back to his best when successful at Kempton in February but well held in a tougher race back there two weeks later and now has to deal with a career-high mark; good ground is probably ideal.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

2

29th Sep 2025

Good

3m 1f 170y

Class 3

16:16 Newton Abbot

Killer Kane

11st 9lb

J: Brendan Powell

T: Joe Tizzard

Regressive 10yo who has not won since February 2023; ran fairly well when second of five over C&D (good) in May but was well held in the end, and was pulled up when reverting to hurdles in July; others have more appealing profiles.

5/1

2

20th Jul 2025

Good

2m 6f 7y

Class 4

16:58 Stratford

Killer Kane

12st 0lb

J: Brendan Powell

T: Joe Tizzard

Won a maiden hurdle in early 2021 before making a name for himself over fences; not as good as he was but handicapped accordingly and could enjoy a return to hurdles.

7/1

2nd

1

7th May 2025

Good

3m 1f 170y

Class 4

15:50 Newton Abbot

Killer Kane

12st 0lb

J: Brendan Powell

T: Joe Tizzard

led, faced challenge home turn, not fluent and headed 2 out, soon outpaced, not fluent and weakened last

7/2

OUR TIP

10/1

  • Place: £2.60

Form: -54F25

Last run: 29 days

W: 12st 0lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 157

Form & Verdict
Second-season chaser; no top weight has won this since Dublin Flyer in 1995 but he's a genuine Grade 2 performer (at least) who wasn't beaten at all far under top weight at the Cheltenham Festival (2m4f, soft) and his class should see him competitive for a long way, at the least; still only a 6yo and the chosen one of Paul Townend; jumps well; big player.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

9

30th Nov 2023

Yielding

2m 6f 0y

12:40 Thurles

Haut En Couleurs

11st 0lb

J: Paul Townend

T: W P Mullins

took keen hold, in touch with leaders, went second from 3 out, mistake and lost ground 2 out, soon pushed along, steadied last, kept on but no match for winner

100/30

4th

1

14th Apr 2023

Good To Soft

2m 5f 19y

Class 1

16:05 Aintree

Haut En Couleurs

12st 0lb

J: Paul Townend

T: W P Mullins

Second-season chaser; no top weight has won this since Dublin Flyer in 1995 but he's a genuine Grade 2 performer (at least) who wasn't beaten at all far under top weight at the Cheltenham Festival (2m4f, soft) and his class should see him competitive for a long way, at the least; still only a 6yo and the chosen one of Paul Townend; jumps well; big player.

10/1

5th

1

16th Mar 2023

Soft

2m 4f 127y

Class 1

16:10 Cheltenham

Haut En Couleurs

12st 0lb

J: Michael O’Sullivan

T: W P Mullins

Second-season chaser who has shown smart form in Grade 2 events over 2m4f the last twice, proving unlucky at Thurles (would likely have won but for final-fence fall) then second at Gowran behind Ryanair contender Janadil; still unexposed at this distance; seems versatile ground-wise; has the ability to play a major role on handicap debut.

13/2

Form: 5P493P

Last run: 30 days

W: 10st 12lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 141

Form & Verdict
Top class as a novice but without a win since the 2021 Galway Festival; wants further than the 2m over which he was pulled up at Cheltenham but that laboured effort was thoroughly underwhelming; readily opposed.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

15

20th Oct 2024

Good

3m 0f 0y

15:50 Limerick

Battleoverdoyen

10st 7lb

J: Danny Gilligan

T: Gordon Elliott

Veteran stepped up on hunter chase form with a battling win in the Galway Blazers Chase; that proved he is not a back number but the stable has stronger candidates for this.

16/1

1st

18

2nd Aug 2024

Good

2m 6f 111y

18:00 Galway

Battleoverdoyen

10st 11lb

J: Danny Gilligan

T: Gordon Elliott

towards rear

50/1

Form: 43118P

Last run: 90 days

W: 11st 9lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 152

Form & Verdict
Close third of 20 in the always-strong Blazers Handicap at last year's Galway Festival (2m6f, good to yielding) and kept to 2m1f since, winning at Ballinrobe and Cork before struggling in handicaps at Fairyhouse; by no means a natural chaser and these fences will test that part of his game.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

9

9th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 5f 19y

Class 2

15:30 Aintree

Fan De Blues

12st 0lb

J: Mr Daniel Williams

T: Miss Nikki Henton

Very useful for Willie Mullins and ran pretty well over these fences in the 2023 Topham; following a long absence this 11yo hasn't been devoid of promise for his new yard, but needs to take a significant step forward.

66/1

4th

5

25th Feb 2026

Soft

2m 4f 35y

Class 5

16:20 Wincanton

Fan De Blues

11st 12lb

J: Mr Daniel Williams

T: Miss Nikki Henton

Very useful when trained in Ireland by Willie Mullins; kicked off for this yard after a long absence but ran well in that race at Taunton (2m5f, good) after wind surgery, finishing best of the rest behind the smart Unexpected Party; enters the reckoning.

11/4

Form: 0-1275

Last run: 76 days

W: 10st 8lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 137

Form & Verdict
Versatile trip-wise from 2m4f to 3m and seems fine on all ground; while recent defeats point to limitations in a race of this nature, the handicapper has offered an olive branch as he's now only 1lb higher than for last May's Uttoxeter win.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

1

10th Jan 2024

Good To Soft

2m 4f 115y

Class 3

14:00 Doncaster

Demachine

12st 0lb

J: Liam Harrison

T: Kerry Lee

pressed leader

7/2

7th

18

14th Apr 2023

Good To Soft

2m 5f 19y

Class 1

16:05 Aintree

Demachine

10st 8lb

J: Jonathan Burke

T: Kerry Lee

Versatile trip-wise from 2m4f to 3m and seems fine on all ground; while recent defeats point to limitations in a race of this nature, the handicapper has offered an olive branch as he's now only 1lb higher than for last May's Uttoxeter win.

25/1

Form: 5-4340

Last run: 29 days

W: 10st 4lb

11 yo Gelding

OR: 133

Form & Verdict
Has dipped beneath his last winning mark but only tenth in the 2m4f handicap at Cheltenham last month and he was behind some of these that day.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

31

5th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

4m 2f 74y

Class 1

16:00 Aintree

Celebre DAllen

10st 6lb

J: Micheal Nolan

T: Philip Hobbs & Johnson White

Completed on all three attempts over these fences, easily best of those efforts when close fourth in last season's Topham (2m5f, soft); has twice won well over about 3m/3m1f, including in November on sole start this term, but today's trip is a leap in the dark and this 13yo has easily his highest mark.

100/1

31

5th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

4m 2f 74y

Class 1

16:00 Aintree

Celebre DAllen

10st 6lb

J: Micheal Nolan

T: Philip Hobbs & Johnson White

Completed on all three attempts over these fences, easily best of those efforts when close fourth in last season's Topham (2m5f, soft); has twice won well over about 3m/3m1f, including in November on sole start this term, but today's trip is a leap in the dark and this 13yo has easily his highest mark.

100/1

Form: -21226 D BF

Last run: 106 days

W: 10st 11lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 140

Form & Verdict
Below par at Doncaster last time but better judged on his excellent form over these fences, having gone close in the 2m5f Grand Sefton (behind Al Dancer) and the 3m2f Becher (behind Ashtown Lad; good to soft both times); a total rise of 7lb for those defeats is not the end of the world and he came from further back than ideal in the Becher; strong contender.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

0

4

15th Dec 2023

Soft

3m 5f 56y

Class 2

15:00 Cheltenham

Gesskille

10st 12lb

J: Henry Brooke

T: Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero

Very effective in cheekpieces but has gone 2-2 since fitted with blinkers, winning a Listed chase in France before enhancing his excellent record over Aintree's Grand National fences with a 2l success in last month's Grand Sefton (2m5f, heavy); the mud is by no means a necessity for him to show his best form and he seems to possess the tools for a test of this nature provided he gets home (unraced beyond 3m2f when keeping on); high on the list.

4/1

1st

5

11th Nov 2023

Heavy

2m 5f 19y

Class 2

14:45 Aintree

Gesskille

11st 7lb

J: Henry Brooke

T: Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero

Had form on heavy in France; beaten a nose in this race last year and also runner-up in the 3m2f Becher here last December, both on good to soft; off the boil afterwards, including in the C&D Topham in April, but he returned from three months off with a narrow win when blinkers replaced cheekpieces at Auteuil (2m6f, very soft) in September, suggesting he is back in the mix.

11/4

5

20th May 2023

Good

2m 7f 70y

Class 2

19:05 Uttoxeter

Gesskille

11st 6lb

J: Toby Wynne

T: Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero

led narrowly, prominent when headed 8th, ridden after 9th, soon weakened, tailed off when pulled up after 2 out

10/1

Form: 4532-1 CD

Last run: 160 days

W: 11st 6lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 149

Form & Verdict
Perhaps not the force of old but this new headgear is working well and he took an instant liking to this unique test when holding on by the skin of his teeth from Gesskille over this trip in the Grand Sefton back in November (raced prominently and jumped well); presumably saved for this since and a 5lb rise is very manageable; couldn't be dismissed.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

1

9th Nov 2024

Good

3m 1f 30y

Class 1

15:30 Wincanton

Al Dancer

12st 0lb

J: Callum Pritchard

T: Sam Thomas

pressed leaders, led 2nd, left clear 4 out, went clear from 2 out, ridden after last, kept on well

16/1

1st

1

9th Nov 2024

Good

3m 1f 30y

Class 1

15:30 Wincanton

Al Dancer

12st 0lb

J: Callum Pritchard

T: Sam Thomas

Found to have a wound on his leg when last to finish in a 2m6f Grade 2 at Sandown on final appearance; pretty much as good as ever at times last season and succumbed only to Forward Plan in Kempton's big 3m February handicap (soft; effective on good); not handicapped out of this with Callum Pritchard claiming 7lb and he's usually mustard after a break.

16/1

4

27th Apr 2024

Good

2m 6f 164y

Class 1

14:25 Sandown

Al Dancer

11st 2lb

J: Dylan Johnston

T: Sam Thomas

More or less as good as ever in handicaps this season, winning at Chepstow and running a blinder when second in valuable event at Kempton (3m, soft) in February; arrives here relatively fresh and doesn't have much to find on the ratings, even though Dylan Johnston cannot claim his usual 5lb.

8/1

Form: -3204U D

Last run: 30 days

W: 11st 2lb

7 yo Mare

OR: 145

Form & Verdict
Grade 3 winner as a novice and fourth in the competitive Kerry National at Listowel (3m, good) last September; not seen again until Cheltenham last month when getting no further than the second in the cross-country chase (16-1); probably significant that Rachael Blackmore prefers stablemate Upping The Anti.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

8

14th Apr 2023

Good To Soft

2m 5f 19y

Class 1

16:05 Aintree

Gin On Lime

11st 2lb

J: Darragh O’Keeffe

T: Henry De Bromhead

Grade 3 winner as a novice and fourth in the competitive Kerry National at Listowel (3m, good) last September; not seen again until Cheltenham last month when getting no further than the second in the cross-country chase (16-1); probably significant that Rachael Blackmore prefers stablemate Upping The Anti.

25/1

15

15th Mar 2023

Soft

3m 6f 37y

Class 2

16:10 Cheltenham

Gin On Lime

11st 0lb

J: Rachael Blackmore

T: Henry De Bromhead

Won Grade 3 novice chase at Tipperary (2m4f, yielding) in 2021 and fair fourth of 16 in the competitive Kerry National at Listowel (3m, good) last September when last seen; won on very soft ground when trained in France; makes her cross-country debut and has something to find with the chief form players, but she's worth each-way respect with her 7lb mares' allowance.

14/1

4th

12

21st Sep 2022

Good

3m 0f 0y

16:20 Listowel

Gin On Lime

10st 6lb

J: Darragh O’Keeffe

T: Henry De Bromhead

midfield, mistake 10th, headway after 4 out, in touch with leaders when pushed along home turn, soon ridden, left in fourth last, kept on

20/1

Form: P-353P

Last run: 31 days

W: 10st 10lb

11 yo Gelding

OR: 139

Form & Verdict
Excelled himself when third in a notable 2m5f handicap at Leopardstown's Dublin Racing Festival but 33-1 when pulled up in the Ultima at Cheltenham; won't have fond memories of these fences having fallen/pulled up on his two encounters.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

1

31st Dec 2024

Soft

3m 0f 0y

Class 4

13:20 Warwick

Top Ville Ben

12st 0lb

J: Luke Scott

T: Jennie Candlish

led, headed 13th, weakened after 4 out

7/2

3rd

1

31st Dec 2024

Soft

3m 0f 0y

Class 4

13:20 Warwick

Top Ville Ben

12st 0lb

J: Luke Scott

T: Jennie Candlish

led, headed 13th, weakened after 4 out

7/2

5th

2

9th Dec 2024

Soft

2m 4f 0y

Class 4

15:30 Lingfield

Top Ville Ben

11st 12lb

J: Luke Scott

T: Jennie Candlish

Mostly struggled last season, best effort when a close second of four at Aintree (2m4f, soft) on Boxing Day but form slumped after and well held in a Class 2 at Uttoxeter (3m) in May on final start for Philip Kirby; on a good mark but needs the change of scenery to have revived him.

8/1

Form: 421130 D

Last run: 29 days

W: 10st 6lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 135

Form & Verdict
Paid his way last year; didn't run much of a race in a Cheltenham handicap (2m4f) four weeks ago that the stable won and this looks a big ask even if back to his best.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

16th

3

14th Oct 2025

Good

2m 0f 46y

14:35 Punchestown

Hereditary Rule

11st 8lb

J: Dylan Kidd

T: John C McConnell

Badly out of form in eight runs since winning at Punchestown festival in 2023; pulled up at Listowel last time; impossible to recommend.

50/1

4

25th Sep 2025

Yielding

2m 0f 0y

16:00 Listowel

Hereditary Rule

11st 10lb

J: Dylan Kidd

T: John C McConnell

Poor over hurdles and fences when last seen in 2024; not easy to fancy after a long absence.

50/1

Form: P-1455 D

Last run: 69 days

W: 10st 8lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 137

Form & Verdict
Prominent racer who could show up well for a long way if taking to these fences and it's probably a mere coincidence that he's yet to win a chase with more than six runners; 3lb below his last winning mark, he's no forlorn hope.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

14th

19

14th Apr 2023

Good To Soft

2m 5f 19y

Class 1

16:05 Aintree

Kiltealy Briggs

10st 8lb

J: A P Heskin

T: Jamie Snowden

Prominent racer who could show up well for a long way if taking to these fences and it's probably a mere coincidence that he's yet to win a chase with more than six runners; 3lb below his last winning mark, he's no forlorn hope.

33/1

5th

4

4th Feb 2023

Good To Soft

1m 7f 99y

Class 2

13:45 Sandown

Kiltealy Briggs

11st 8lb

J: A P Heskin

T: Jamie Snowden

Prominent-racer who scored at Market Rasen (2m5f, good to soft) on reappearance but has failed to repeat the form, well held at Wincanton (2m4f) on latest start; back down to his last winning mark but needs to bounce back and there's a doubt about his effectiveness over this shorter trip.

16/1

5th

2

7th Jan 2023

Soft

2m 4f 35y

Class 2

13:30 Wincanton

Kiltealy Briggs

11st 13lb

J: A P Heskin

T: Jamie Snowden

raced in second, pressed leader from 9th, ridden after 4 out, lost second after 3 out, weakened after 2 out

5/1

14/1

Form: 11-101 D

Last run: 27 days

W: 10st 4lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 133

Form & Verdict
A dab hand at mixing hurdling with chasing over the last three years and looks better than ever since returning from an absence; hardy 9yo who is unlikely to be fazed by a race of this nature (debut over the fences) and it's unwise to turn a blind eye to his stable's excellent record in this race having won it for a fifth time 12 months ago.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

9

25th Aug 2025

Good

3m 1f 107y

Class 3

16:05 Cartmel

Equus Dancer

10st 9lb

J: Shane Fenelon

T: Mickey Bowen

Never that threatening when inheriting second over 3m5f here three months ago, finishing 10l behind Ilikedwayurthinkin; this shorter trip could be a plus but an 11yo now.

12/1

2nd

3

26th May 2025

Good

3m 5f 80y

Class 3

16:05 Cartmel

Equus Dancer

11st 4lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Mickey Bowen

Has won four times over fences, the latest over 2m5f at Hereford in first-time cheekpieces in December 2022; stable going great guns but needs to recapture his form after two modest runs this year; stamina to prove.

9/2

Form: 12-507

Last run: 68 days

W: 11st 9lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 152

Form & Verdict
Prolific novice last season but he's 0-3 in handicap chases (2m5f-3m) when yet to finish within 10l of the principals; return of blinkers (replacing cheekpieces) might not be a bad thing but he clearly needs to raise his game if he's to land a blow on his first visit here.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

2nd May 2025

Yielding

3m 0f 160y

16:15 Punchestown

Ciel De Neige

12st 0lb

J: Mr B Dunleavy

T: Mary Ellen Doyle

prominent behind clear leader

33/1

3

2nd May 2025

Yielding

3m 0f 160y

16:15 Punchestown

Ciel De Neige

12st 0lb

J: Mr B Dunleavy

T: Mary Ellen Doyle

prominent behind clear leader

33/1

10th

1

23rd Sep 2024

Good

2m 3f 188y

Class 4

16:15 Sedgefield

Ciel De Neige

12st 0lb

J: Richie McLernon

T: Ben Haslam

Formerly smart; yet to be placed for Ben Haslam (mostly chasing) but mark continues to fall and there have been positive signs; not ruled out.

7/1

50/1

Form: -4PU68

Last run: 30 days

W: 10st 6lb

11 yo Gelding

OR: 135

Form & Verdict
Had Grade 1 honours as a novice but those days are long gone and he's a worthy outsider on his exploits during the last 12 months.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8

7th Aug 2024

Good

3m 1f 70y

19:15 Wexford

Hardline

11st 5lb

J: Mr J H Williamson

T: Gordon Elliott

Course winner over hurdles but that was back in 2017; ran okay here last time but was over 30L behind her stablemate Sea Aster; looks stable second string on jockey bookings.

20/1

5th

9

24th Jul 2024

Good

3m 1f 110y

16:58 Wexford

Hardline

11st 5lb

J: Mr J H Williamson

T: Gordon Elliott

Not the horse he was (former Grade 1 winner) and only wins since 2018 have come in points; others preferred.

33/1

4th

9

3rd Jun 2024

Good

3m 0f 0y

16:50 Listowel

Hardline

11st 7lb

J: Mr J H Williamson

T: Gordon Elliott

prominent, lost position before 3 out, keeping on when left in remote fourth last

16/1

Form: 61-236

Last run: 30 days

W: 11st 2lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 145

Form & Verdict
Lightly raced 9yo but only 2lb lower than when beaten a good way in one of the handicaps at Cheltenham (2m) and all his best form is at around that distance; no real significance in the return of a hood; Rachael Blackmore jumps ship.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

8th Jul 2024

Good

2m 4f 125y

17:00 Roscommon

Epson Du Houx

11st 8lb

J: Keith Donoghue

T: J P Dempsey

Useful jumper for Henry De Bromhead but regressive in four runs for Gordon Elliott and current wellbeing is a big issue; cheekpieces added.

13/2

6th

4

21st Apr 2024

Soft

2m 5f 80y

15:50 Tramore

Epson Du Houx

11st 10lb

J: Carl Millar

T: Gordon Elliott

in touch with leaders

7/2

6th

4

21st Apr 2024

Soft

2m 5f 80y

15:50 Tramore

Epson Du Houx

11st 10lb

J: Carl Millar

T: Gordon Elliott

in touch with leaders

7/2

Form: 23U-03

Last run: 28 days

W: 11st 9lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 152

Form & Verdict
Winner of the 2019 Irish Grand National and has contested the last two Nationals around here, finishing fourth in 2021 (travelled strongly before not getting home) and departing at The Chair 12 months ago; confined to just two starts in the meantime and there were plenty of positives to take from his return from an absence at Down Royal when behind big National hope Longhouse Poet; this race might just suit him down the ground.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

19th

2

14th Apr 2023

Good To Soft

2m 5f 19y

Class 1

16:05 Aintree

Burrows Saint

11st 9lb

J: Mr P W Mullins

T: W P Mullins

Winner of the 2019 Irish Grand National and has contested the last two Nationals around here, finishing fourth in 2021 (travelled strongly before not getting home) and departing at The Chair 12 months ago; confined to just two starts in the meantime and there were plenty of positives to take from his return from an absence at Down Royal when behind big National hope Longhouse Poet; this race might just suit him down the ground.

10/1

3rd

2

17th Mar 2023

Yielding To Soft

3m 2f 50y

15:50 Down Royal

Burrows Saint

11st 0lb

J: Conor McNamara

T: W P Mullins

in touch with leaders, prominent 5th, led narrowly 6th, headed 13th

5/1

Form: 111115

Last run: 30 days

W: 11st 7lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 150

Form & Verdict
Has not looked back since sent over fences, winning for a fifth time in this discipline when coming home clear at the Dublin Racing Festival (2m1f handicap; has won over 3m); found it all happening too quickly when a never-dangerous fifth in the Grand Annual at Cheltenham (2m, soft) and, at this level, he would appear to need further than that; has a chance.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

29

11th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

4m 2f 74y

Class 1

16:00 Aintree

Final Orders

10st 5lb

J: Conor Stone-Walsh

T: Gavin Cromwell

10yo who's had 70 races (only one of today's rivals has managed even half that) and won 11; latest was the 3m5f cross-country at Cheltenham Festival, comfortably holding off Favori De Champdou for career-best form off the same mark as today; having taken so well to that discipline (he also won there in December) and produced his best performances away from soft ground, he has to be considered seriously.

25/1

1st

3

11th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 5f 56y

Class 2

15:20 Cheltenham

Final Orders

10st 9lb

J: Conor Stone-Walsh

T: Gavin Cromwell

High-mileage 10yo who took very well to this C&D (good) in December, winning quite comfortably by just over 4l; weakened into fifth in soft-ground C&D contest won by Favori De Champdou in January but ran well for a long way and ought to be better suited by the less testing conditions today; each-way claims at least.

7/1

5th

2

24th Jan 2026

Soft

3m 5f 56y

Class 2

13:50 Cheltenham

Final Orders

11st 12lb

J: Keith Donoghue

T: Gavin Cromwell

High-mileage 10yo who took very well to this C&D (good) last month, leading from the ninth fence and beating J'Arrive De L'Est quite comfortably by over 4l; went up 9lb for that, though, and may not be ideally suited by the slower ground today.

4/1

Form: 3-4416 D

Last run: 29 days

W: 11st 3lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 146

Form & Verdict
Hard to fault in strong 2m4f handicaps this season, winning on Trials' Day at Cheltenham when in this first-time headgear; beaten just under 10l off this mark at the Festival but still only a 6yo and could easily have better days ahead of him; newcomer over these fences.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

17th Apr 2026

Soft

2m 4f 110y

Class 2

15:30 Ayr

Il Ridoto

11st 2lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Paul Nicholls

9yo who hasn't been at his best this season but there have been signs of spark and he failed to stay 3m2f when well beaten at the Cheltenham Festival last time; continues to drop down the weights and could be in the shake-up back down in trip and in grade.

9/1

15th

6

12th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 2f 70y

Class 2

17:20 Cheltenham

Il Ridoto

11st 7lb

J: Miss Olive Nicholls

T: Paul Nicholls

Two-time course winner (2m4f, soft/good) who, having dropped down the weights, returned to form when second here on New Year's Day (2m4f, good; albeit no match for the winner); however, he doesn't appear to be crying out for the step up in trip; faded over 3m in February 2024.

25/1

3

12th Oct 2025

Good To Firm

2m 3f 98y

Class 2

15:52 Chepstow

Il Ridoto

11st 7lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Paul Nicholls

Cheltenham regular who looked as good as ever when winning Paddy Power Gold Cup there (2m4f, good) last November; only 1lb higher today but seemed in need of the run when reappearing in this event last season and perhaps this race will again tee him up for Cheltenham next month.

3/1

Form: 5-3123 C

Last run: 55 days

W: 11st 1lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 144

Form & Verdict
Respectable efforts over hurdles the last twice (Grade 2 latest) but he's a superior chaser who repelled Gesskille in the Becher Chase over these fences in December (3m2f, good to soft; now 6lb higher); this looks to have been a plan and assured stamina could become an asset with rain in the air.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

8

26th Oct 2025

Good

3m 0f 210y

Class 2

13:50 Aintree

Ashtown Lad

10st 2lb

J: Charlie Maggs

T: David O’Meara

Following a 70-day break he exploited a much-reduced mark at Kelso (3m2f, good) three weeks ago on his fourth start for this yard; versatile ground-wise; from out of the handicap today he's running off 5lb higher than last time, in a much hotter race, but he remains very well treated on old form.

9/1

7th

10

27th Jul 2025

Good

3m 2f 13y

Class 2

15:07 Uttoxeter

Ashtown Lad

10st 8lb

J: Charlie Deutsch

T: David O’Meara

Lost his way for the Skeltons and troubles have continued for his new yard; did endure a slipping saddle here last time but now into the twilight of his career.

50/1

15

29th Jun 2025

Good

3m 2f 13y

Class 2

14:00 Uttoxeter

Ashtown Lad

10st 2lb

J: Lewis Saunders

T: David O’Meara

Lost his way for the Skeltons and troubles continued when tailed off at Stratford last month; limited appeal from 9lb out of the weights.

33/1

Form: 113FB2

Last run: 27 days

W: 10st 13lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 142

Form & Verdict
Better chaser than hurdler and after two non-completions he finished best of the rest in a Grade 3 novice at Thurles (2m2f, soft) won easily by last weekend's Grade 1 Fairyhouse winner Flame Bearer; nothing wrong with that form and, if his jumping holds up, this mark might be okay.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

15

30th Apr 2024

Yielding

2m 3f 93y

15:05 Punchestown

Upping The Anti

10st 10lb

J: Rachael Blackmore

T: Henry De Bromhead

midfield

20/1

10th

15

30th Apr 2024

Yielding

2m 3f 93y

15:05 Punchestown

Upping The Anti

10st 10lb

J: Rachael Blackmore

T: Henry De Bromhead

midfield

20/1

5th

4

2nd Mar 2024

Heavy

2m 4f 0y

14:40 Navan

Upping The Anti

11st 10lb

J: Rachael Blackmore

T: Henry De Bromhead

Had been struggling this winter but definite step back in the right direction at Naas last time when only beaten 2l; will relish the longer trip and he acts on this ground.

6/1

Form: F-P445 D BF

Last run: 55 days

W: 10st 9lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 138

Form & Verdict
His best piece of handicap form came over this trip when winning on soft ground at Ascot last season off 2lb higher; has not been operating at quite the same level this campaign and this is his first experience of these fences; cheekpieces added.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

7

29th May 2024

Soft

2m 4f 216y

Class 5

16:28 Newton Abbot

Phoenix Way

12st 0lb

J: Miss Megan Bevan

T: Mrs C Fry

midfield, in touch with leaders 5th, left in second 11th, jumped right 4 out, no chance with winner from 3 out

11/10

16

14th Apr 2023

Good To Soft

2m 5f 19y

Class 1

16:05 Aintree

Phoenix Way

10st 9lb

J: Kevin Brogan

T: Harry Fry

His best piece of handicap form came over this trip when winning on soft ground at Ascot last season off 2lb higher; has not been operating at quite the same level this campaign and this is his first experience of these fences; cheekpieces added.

18/1

5th

4

18th Feb 2023

Good

2m 7f 180y

Class 1

14:25 Ascot

Phoenix Way

11st 7lb

J: Lorcan Murtagh

T: Harry Fry

Runner-up over C&D in December last term and won over 2m5f here the following month, both off today's mark; back near that form this winter and, although all starts have been on softer than good, he's one to consider.

9/2

Form: 4342-U

Last run: 24 days

W: 10st 9lb

11 yo Gelding

OR: 138

Form & Verdict
Has some strong handicap form in Ireland and ran a cracker to be runner-up in this 12 months ago off only 3lb lower (good to soft); well beaten when departing in a conditions chase last month on his only sighting since and it's difficult to gauge where he is right now.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

17

14th Apr 2023

Good To Soft

2m 5f 19y

Class 1

16:05 Aintree

Batcio

10st 9lb

J: Brian Hayes

T: T M Walsh

Has some strong handicap form in Ireland and ran a cracker to be runner-up in this 12 months ago off only 3lb lower (good to soft); well beaten when departing in a conditions chase last month on his only sighting since and it's difficult to gauge where he is right now.

18/1

3

21st Mar 2023

Heavy

2m 3f 202y

16:50 Clonmel

Batcio

11st 2lb

J: Shane O’Callaghan

T: T M Walsh

Ended last season with career-best second of 29 in the Topham Chase at Aintree in April; missed intended Galway target over the summer and has had time off since; may just need this.

9/1

Form: 2-3P32

Last run: 20 days

W: 10st 6lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 135

Form & Verdict
Progressive last season from 1m7f to 2m3f; stays this far and he bumped into a sharp Skelton improver at Newbury (2m4f, soft) last time, but there are more intriguing candidates.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

4th May 2026

Good

3m 0f 38y

Class 2

16:03 Fakenham

Numitor

10st 13lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Heather Main

Bounced back to form with game win at Hereford (2m5f, good) last month, his ninth success over fences; still well handicapped after recent 4lb rise and will be fine over this longer trip but it's hard to predict whether he'll be in the right mood again.

9/2

1st

2

16th Apr 2026

Good

2m 4f 194y

Class 3

18:00 Hereford

Numitor

11st 6lb

J: James Bowen

T: Heather Main

Potentially very well handicapped but has become a law unto himself and is wickedly hard to predict.

14/1

4

4th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 203y

Class 2

15:20 Haydock

Numitor

11st 5lb

J: Richie McLernon

T: Heather Main

Pulled up in this race last year and same outcome on first two runs this season; 13l fourth behind Genois at Exeter (2m3f, good to soft) last month following wind surgery and a break but he could improve for that outing, and he won this race in 2024; not written off.

12/1

Form: /3P132

Last run: 34 days

W: 10st 6lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 135

Form & Verdict
Impressive strike-rate of 10-29; made a rocky start after his long absence but has steadied the ship with three solid efforts in victory and defeat, from 1m7f to 2m4f; looks handicapped about right for his current ability and others will probably see it out stronger at this trip.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

26th Jan 2026

Soft

2m 4f 194y

Class 5

16:00 Hereford

Quel Destin

11st 12lb

J: Miss Olive Nicholls

T: Paul Nicholls

Useful hurdler/chaser in his pomp who is a three-time chase winner, with back-to-back wins coming in December 2023; below that level in limited appearances since, including after a third wind operation; nevertheless, he could still make his presence felt at this lower level.

9/2

4th

6

8th Feb 2025

Soft

2m 4f 0y

Class 2

15:15 Warwick

Quel Destin

11st 0lb

J: Lorcan Williams

T: Paul Nicholls

in touch with leaders, not fluent 11th, prominent when jumped right 12th, not fluent 3 out, weakening when mistake last, lost third towards finish

14/1

4th

6

8th Feb 2025

Soft

2m 4f 0y

Class 2

15:15 Warwick

Quel Destin

11st 0lb

J: Lorcan Williams

T: Paul Nicholls

in touch with leaders, not fluent 11th, prominent when jumped right 12th, not fluent 3 out, weakening when mistake last, lost third towards finish

14/1

Form: 213216 BF

Last run: 41 days

W: 10st 4lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 133

Form & Verdict
Career-best form in winning a notable handicap at Doncaster (3m, good) in January when in cheekpieces for the first time and he reportedly bled when below par on his return visit; this race demands another jolt of improvement.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price
No Results Found

Form: 4-31UB D

Last run: 55 days

W: 10st 2lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 129

Form & Verdict
Won by a wide margin at Kempton (2m4f, soft) in November; jumping has been an issue since and he had made mistakes before getting brought down last time; effective in the reapplied cheekpieces but well down the pecking order here.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

6

1st May 2023

Good

3m 0f 0y

Class 3

15:40 Kempton

Dorking Lad

11st 6lb

J: Niall Houlihan

T: Gary Moore

Career-best RPR for soft-ground 2m5f score here off 5lb lower last November, but mistakes have prevented any further progress, and never looked happy in the Topham latest; others more greatly proven over 3m.

25/1

29

14th Apr 2023

Good To Soft

2m 5f 19y

Class 1

16:05 Aintree

Dorking Lad

10st 2lb

J: Jamie Moore

T: Gary Moore

Won by a wide margin at Kempton (2m4f, soft) in November; jumping has been an issue since and he had made mistakes before getting brought down last time; effective in the reapplied cheekpieces but well down the pecking order here.

66/1

10

18th Feb 2023

Good

2m 7f 180y

Class 1

14:25 Ascot

Dorking Lad

10st 12lb

J: Caoilin Quinn

T: Gary Moore

Seen much more often on good ground than many of these, winning twice; first attempt much beyond 2m5f was at Kempton (3m; joint-second favourite) on latest start but he unseated at the first; 16l win there (2m4f, soft; 9lb higher today) the time before gave plenty of hope regarding stamina, so he's one to consider.

12/1

Form: -60P30

Last run: 31 days

W: 10st 2lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 128

Form & Verdict
Has found it a challenge since emerging from novice company (won twice) and this new headgear didn't do much for him at Cheltenham; opposable.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

17th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

2m 7f 177y

Class 4

17:12 Ffos Las

Fantastikas

11st 11lb

J: James Turner

T: Nigel Twiston-Davies

led, headed 14th, weakened before 4 out, pulled up before 3 out

10/1

4

17th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

2m 7f 177y

Class 4

17:12 Ffos Las

Fantastikas

11st 11lb

J: James Turner

T: Nigel Twiston-Davies

No win since January 2022; shaped reasonably well when third at Uttoxeter (3m, soft) in December but lesser efforts at Haydock and Plumpton since temper enthusiasm; first run since January.

10/1

4th

1

27th Jan 2025

Soft

3m 1f 152y

Class 4

15:50 Plumpton

Fantastikas

12st 0lb

J: Mr Toby McCain-Mitchell

T: Nigel Twiston-Davies

Returned to form when keeping on for third at Uttoxeter (3m, soft) in early December but failed to really build on that when a well-held fourth at Haydock three weeks later, albeit in a higher grade; hasn't won for three years but he's plied his trade at a higher level for some time and could find life easier contesting a class 4 with a capable 7lb-claiming amateur booked.

9/2

Non-runners

Quel Destin

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £791.20
Straight Forecast £443.60
Tricast £11891.85
Trifecta £17254.80

Selections

RP Ratings:

Al Dancer

WEST COUNTRY:

Il Ridoto

Daily Mail:

Ashtown Lad

POSTDATA:

Phoenix Way

LAMBOURN:

Fantastic Lady

SPOTLIGHT:

Haut En Couleurs

The Star:

Bill Baxter

TOPSPEED:

Gesskille

The Times:

Numitor

D Express:

Equus Dancer

Telegraph:

Il Ridoto

Daily Record:

Ashtown Lad

Daily Mirror:

Phoenix Way

The Guardian:

Al Dancer

The Sun:

Al Dancer