April 22 / 15.35 Ayr

15.35

Good To Soft

Coral Scottish Grand National Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap) (GBB Race)

  • Prize money: £112540
  • 3m 7f 176y
  • Class 1
  • 23 runners
ITV
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Coral Scottish Grand National Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap) (GBB Race)

Runners: 23 runners

Type: Chase Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Showers

5/1 (Won)

  • Win: £5.00
  • Place: £1.70

Form: 668731

Last run: 56 days

W: 11st 0lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 140

Form & Verdict
Never-nearer second in this race last year; surged back near his best form when back up in trip eight weeks ago for the Eider at Newcastle (4m1f, good to soft; acts on good) and although he made it look very hard work for a long way, including with his jumping, he emerged in front on the run-in; back up 8lb but still 3lb lower than he was 12 months ago; a bit more fluency than last time would be preferable and cheekpieces (tried once, ran well) return; there's no doubting his stamina or that he's well handicapped.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

5

4th May 2026

Good

3m 0f 38y

Class 2

16:03 Fakenham

Kittys Light

10st 6lb

J: Jack Tudor

T: Christian Williams

Won three valuable marathons in a row in 2022-23 campaign and was honourable fifth in Grand National the following season; never really got going in 2025-25 but returns from 471-day absence on a tempting mark and will be suited by the forecast good ground; market helpful.

14/1

5th

2

18th Jan 2025

Good To Soft

2m 7f 180y

Class 3

13:05 Ascot

Kittys Light

11st 9lb

J: Richard Patrick

T: Christian Williams

took keen hold, raced in last

12/1

5th

2

18th Jan 2025

Good To Soft

2m 7f 180y

Class 3

13:05 Ascot

Kittys Light

11st 9lb

J: Richard Patrick

T: Christian Williams

took keen hold, raced in last, not fluent 4th, outpaced when mistake 14th, no impression

12/1

25/1

  • Place: £5.30

Form: 13216F

Last run: 8 days

W: 10st 7lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 133

Form & Verdict
Cheekpieces last three starts, winning a valuable handicap at Doncaster (3m, good; from Cap Du Nord) on first occasion; reportedly bled when below form there next time but he looked to be in the process of running well at Aintree (2m5f) eight days ago when badly hampered and falling four out; this sort of trip is very new territory but he impressed in that win.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price
No Results Found

33/1

  • Place: £7.40

Form: -10F95

Last run: 33 days

W: 10st 4lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 130

Form & Verdict
Career best when winning at Galway (2m6f) in October in the mud; best since when fair fifth at Navan (near 3m, heavy) in first-time cheekpieces on latest start, which was also a first run for ages with his tongue tied; plugged on pretty well that day but 4m is quite a step in the dark and good ground would be something new away from his early bumpers.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

11

25th May 2026

Good

2m 7f 80y

18:35 Ballinrobe

Flash De Touzaine

10st 6lb

J: Sean O’Keeffe

T: Liz Doyle

Exposed but useful on his day; latest of three chase wins came off same mark in veterans' chase on this card a year ago; ran well in Midlands National at Kilbeggan next time and stays this far; after a layoff, ran okay at Wexford last month but probably vulnerable to those with more upside.

16/1

5th

5

10th Apr 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 3f 100y

18:38 Wexford

Flash De Touzaine

10st 12lb

J: James Smith

T: Liz Doyle

Gained the most recent of his three chase wins in a 2m3f handicap on good ground at Ballinrobe last May; lacks a recent run but trip/ground in his favour so local challenger respected.

10/1

20/1

  • Place: £4.10

Form: 6-3U68

Last run: 39 days

W: 11st 7lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 147

Form & Verdict
This season's efforts have failed to live up to initial chasing promise; faded over 3m5f at Warwick in January, on heavy ground but that was his only test at a marathon trip; tongue tied when remote eighth in a hot 3m1f race at Cheltenham last month, failing to jump well; unseated at the first on sole go in cheekpieces, which now return for this recovery mission.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

14th Feb 2026

Soft

2m 7f 185y

Class 1

15:00 Ascot

Threeunderthrufive

11st 7lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Paul Nicholls

Two attempts in this race comprise a success in 2024 and close second last year, both off higher marks; however, has a doubt over current form and needs to stage a revival.

10/1

3

26th Apr 2025

Good

3m 4f 146y

Class 1

16:10 Sandown

Threeunderthrufive

11st 0lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Paul Nicholls

Fourth in the 2023 Scottish National (4m, good); commendable efforts most starts since, for instance beaten a nose by Victtorino at Ascot (3m, good; 1lb higher today) in February, but this race last year was not one of them and neither was the Grand National three weeks ago.

16/1

3

26th Apr 2025

Good

3m 4f 146y

Class 1

16:10 Sandown

Threeunderthrufive

11st 0lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Paul Nicholls

Fourth in the 2023 Scottish National (4m, good); commendable efforts most starts since, for instance beaten a nose by Victtorino at Ascot (3m, good; 1lb higher today) in February, but this race last year was not one of them and neither was the Grand National three weeks ago.

16/1

Form: 113-P1 D

Last run: 77 days

W: 10st 2lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 125

Form & Verdict
Twice won easily at Musselburgh (3m) last winter for Sophie Leech; absent 267 days before making his debut for new yard in the Edinburgh National back at Musselburgh (near 4m again good to soft) in February and won it in clearcut style; 8lb higher today, though, including 3lb out of the handicap.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price
No Results Found

Form: 423212 D BF

Last run: 31 days

W: 10st 2lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 127

Form & Verdict
Chasing this term; took a five-runner handicap at Wetherby (4m, good) by 5l and stayed on very well when close second of eight at Haydock (3m4f, soft) later in March; up another 3lb; trainer and jockey won the big one at Aintree last Saturday and have a good chance with this progressive, strong-staying 7yo one week on.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

2

16th Oct 2025

Good

3m 0f 110y

Class 3

15:07 Carlisle

Your Own Story

11st 9lb

J: Patrick Wadge

T: Lucinda Russell & Michael Scudamore

9yo who has won just one of his 17 chases but he's finished second in nine of them, including at Kelso (3m2f, good to soft) in March; also effective on good ground and he won here over hurdles; not ruled out on return.

4/1

10th

14

3rd May 2025

Yielding

3m 7f 68y

15:05 Punchestown

Your Own Story

10st 8lb

J: Patrick Wadge

T: Lucinda Russell

prominent, pressed leaders briefly 5th

10/1

10th

14

3rd May 2025

Yielding

3m 7f 68y

15:05 Punchestown

Your Own Story

10st 8lb

J: Patrick Wadge

T: Lucinda Russell

prominent, pressed leaders briefly 5th

10/1

Form: 113222 BF

Last run: 28 days

W: 10st 2lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 121

Form & Verdict
Won two in a row last autumn and has continued in good form, runner-up to Elvis Mail when upped to 3m2f at Kelso (soft) on latest outing; 7lb out of the handicap today, however, and it's unclear whether the new trip can deliver big improvement.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

30th Oct 2025

Good To Firm

2m 4f 19y

Class 4

15:38 Newcastle

Half Shot

11st 8lb

J: Brian Hughes

T: Iain Jardine

Has won four chases, latest at Kelso in April (2m7f, good); mixed form since, including fair third back at Kelso last time (3m2f, good); a possible, though perhaps better at further these days.

11/4

2

30th Oct 2025

Good To Firm

2m 4f 19y

Class 4

15:38 Newcastle

Half Shot

11st 8lb

J: Brian Hughes

T: Iain Jardine

Has won four chases, latest at Kelso in April (2m7f, good); mixed form since, including fair third back at Kelso last time (3m2f, good); a possible, though perhaps better at further these days.

11/4

4th

1

17th Sep 2025

Good

2m 5f 133y

Class 4

17:00 Kelso

Half Shot

12st 1lb

J: Brian Hughes

T: Iain Jardine

Captured this prize a year ago and in good form until ridden aggressively when tenth in 2m5f Cartmel handicap chase 23 days ago; it would come as no surprise to see him play a major role here.

9/1

Form: 12-701 C

Last run: 49 days

W: 11st 5lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 145

Form & Verdict
Nearly won both his chase starts here (autumn 2020); easily best of his three runs this season came in a four-runner Listed race at Kelso (2m7f, good to soft) seven weeks ago when he looked a lost cause three out (including after mistakes five and four out) but snatched a win in the final strides; back up 4lb today; had already proved himself at 3m2f on good last March but he races a bit freely, which may catch him out.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

2

8th Mar 2026

Soft

3m 0f 110y

Class 2

14:50 Carlisle

Empire Steel

11st 3lb

J: Brian Hughes

T: Sandy Thomson

Very well handicapped on old form and returned from layoff with quite encouraging run at Musselburgh (2m7f, good to soft) in January but ought to have been suited by the heavy ground when tailed off at Kelso last month and it's hard to know what to expect from him here.

5/1

5th

4

13th Feb 2026

Soft

2m 7f 96y

Class 2

15:00 Kelso

Empire Steel

11st 5lb

J: Charlie Maggs

T: Sandy Thomson

12yo who wasn't the force of old last season but he's dropped down the weights and returned from an absence with an encouraging fourth at Musselburgh (2m7f, good to soft) a fortnight ago; could show the benefit of that latest outing today, especially now back at a track where he is four from six.

9/2

4th

1

31st Jan 2026

Good To Soft

2m 7f 138y

Class 3

16:11 Musselburgh

Empire Steel

12st 0lb

J: Charlie Maggs

T: Sandy Thomson

12yo who wasn't the force of old last season and was pulled up last January when last seen; however, he can go well fresh and returns on a reduced mark and with his trainer enjoying a productive winter; not discounted.

6/1

Form: 31296P

Last run: 37 days

W: 10st 9lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 135

Form & Verdict
Well on top at Cheltenham (3m1f, good; 4lb higher today) last October and very good second at Wincanton (3m1f, good to firm) in November; soft ground presumably to blame for heavy defeats on last two starts, so better could again be forthcoming from him today.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

1

26th Mar 2026

Good

3m 0f 0y

Class 2

16:30 Warwick

Lord Accord

12st 0lb

J: Richie McLernon

T: Neil Mulholland

Pulled up at the Cheltenham Festival a fortnight ago when back from a break; this 11yo is back in much calmer waters today and he's a player if rediscovering the good front-running form he was showing on good/good to soft ground in the autumn when these blinkers first went on.

15/2

24

12th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 2f 70y

Class 2

17:20 Cheltenham

Lord Accord

10st 10lb

J: Mr N McParlan

T: Neil Mulholland

Course winner who scored in first-time blinkers (retained since) at Fontwell (3m2f, good to soft) in October before 11l second at Ascot (3m5f, good); this 11yo returns from a break today and may find this too competitive.

50/1

Form: 350219 BF

Last run: 56 days

W: 10st 6lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 132

Form & Verdict
Fifth in the big 3m5f handicap at Sandown (good) in April 2021 but others stayed on more strongly; second to Cooper's Cross at Doncaster in January and went one better at Ascot next time, while his Kempton run one week later almost certainly came too soon; still looks on a competitive mark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

4

21st Jun 2025

Good

3m 0f 30y

Class 4

17:15 Bangor-on-Dee

Cap Du Nord

11st 7lb

J: Jack Tudor

T: Christian Williams

Not quite a year since he won off a 20lb higher mark at Perth (3m, good); insufficient encouragement on last two stasrts, even allowing for the inadequacy of the trip, and hopes rest with the return of the cheekpieces worn for last four wins.

8/1

4th

6

23rd May 2025

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 4

17:23 Worcester

Cap Du Nord

10st 13lb

J: Jack Tudor

T: Christian Williams

Has won plenty during his career but now on the downgrade and has struggled this year; needs further as well.

10/1

4th

6

23rd May 2025

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 4

17:23 Worcester

Cap Du Nord

10st 13lb

J: Jack Tudor

T: Christian Williams

Has won plenty during his career but now on the downgrade and has struggled this year; needs further as well.

10/1

Form: 453669

Last run: 14 days

W: 10st 2lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 120

Form & Verdict
Third in the 3m3f Lincolnshire National at Market Rasen (good to soft) on Boxing Day suggested he can be a thorough stayer but he's not fired in the same way in his three starts since; cheekpieces (tried once last term, ran poorly) return; 8lb out of the handicap.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9

16th Jan 2025

Good To Soft

3m 0f 150y

Class 3

15:10 Wincanton

Small Present

10st 13lb

J: Ben Godfrey

T: Anthony Honeyball

midfield, pushed along from 6th, towards rear after 7th, lost touch after 9th, pulled up after 3 out

16/1

Form: 151-6P C

Last run: 84 days

W: 12st 0lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 154

Form & Verdict
Lightly raced 8yo; his only defeat as a novice last term came in a Grade 1 and he had a fine piece of form in his 3m win at this meeting, looking sure to stay further; had wind and back surgery before this season and underperformed both starts since, admittedly in a tough Grade 2 last time when it's possible that Cheltenham and/or soft ground didn't suit him; headgear today.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

20th Jan 2025

Good To Soft

3m 0f 0y

Class 6

15:50 Warwick

Dusart

11st 12lb

J: Mr Tom Chatfeild-Roberts

T: Kelly Morgan

Classy chaser at his best for Nicky Henderson before losing his way, albeit in the face of some tough assignments; current ability hard to gauge having unseated mid-race in a point last month after 12 months off.

7/2

OUR TIP

Form: -41113 BF

Last run: 39 days

W: 11st 5lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 145

Form & Verdict
Won on good last term, all starts since on softer; kept looking capable of better during his hat-trick this winter; travelled well and bang there from three out in 3m1f handicap at Cheltenham (3m1f, soft) last month and he stayed on well to the line too, still outgunned however by two rivals headed by last week's National winner Corach Rambler; 5lb rise surely underestimates what he is capable of but this is a big step up in trip.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

2

12th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 2f 70y

Class 2

17:20 Cheltenham

Monbeg Genius

11st 10lb

J: Mr J L Scallan

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

Third in the Ultima here (3m1f, soft) in March 2023; this 10yo has run respectably in the Welsh National (3m6f, good to soft) and Haydock Grand National Trial (3m4f, good to soft) on his last two starts and is now below his last winning mark; not discounted with blinkers replacing cheekpieces.

33/1

7th

2

14th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

3m 4f 97y

Class 1

15:15 Haydock

Monbeg Genius

11st 11lb

J: Jonjo O’Neill Jr

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

10yo who won at Uttoxeter (3m, soft) last February and returned to form when fifth of 17 in the Welsh National at Chepstow (3m6f, good to soft) in December, when 7l and two places behind Deafening Silence; now back down to last winning mark and might not be far away.

11/1

6th

7

26th Apr 2025

Good

3m 4f 146y

Class 1

16:10 Sandown

Monbeg Genius

10st 5lb

J: Richie McLernon

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

Dictated the pace for a Uttoxeter win (3m, soft; 3lb higher today) in February with second-time cheekpieces (kept since) in a less demanding race than he's often appeared in; 13l fourth in the Welsh National (near 3m7f, soft) was respectable but he did not spark in the big one at Aintree three weeks ago and good ground would give him more to prove.

33/1

Form: 1633U1 C

Last run: 28 days

W: 11st 3lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 143

Form & Verdict
Probably okay on good, usually seen on softer; good record here; can throw in the odd mistake and was slow to warm up behind Coopers Cross at Doncaster four starts back; unseated at the first over hurdles in March but bounced straight back with a dominant performance over fences at Kelso (3m2f, soft) four weeks ago, striding clear on the run-in under Bruce Lynn and that was his stiffest test of stamina before today; up 5lb but considered.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

13th Feb 2026

Soft

2m 7f 96y

Class 2

15:00 Kelso

Elvis Mail

12st 0lb

J: Bruce Lynn

T: N W Alexander

12yo who lacked fluency when back over fences and was soundly beaten at Haydock in December; however, prior to that he made a fairly encouraging return from an absence over hurdles at Ayr and he's a six-time winner at Kelso; could have a part to play now back here.

13/2

5th

1

1st Nov 2025

Soft

3m 0f 70y

Class 3

13:58 Ayr

Elvis Mail

12st 0lb

J: Dominic Hislop

T: N W Alexander

Likeable veteran whose ten wins include six at Kelso and three here; made a successful reappearance in 3m2f chase at Kelso (from Famous Bridge) last autumn; doesn't run often over hurdles these days but he has a lower mark and cannot be ruled out completely.

15/2

5th

1

1st Nov 2025

Soft

3m 0f 70y

Class 3

13:58 Ayr

Elvis Mail

12st 0lb

J: Dominic Hislop

T: N W Alexander

Likeable veteran whose ten wins include six at Kelso and three here; made a successful reappearance in 3m2f chase at Kelso (from Famous Bridge) last autumn; doesn't run often over hurdles these days but he has a lower mark and cannot be ruled out completely.

15/2

Form: 3123P1

Last run: 20 days

W: 10st 11lb

6 yo Mare

OR: 137

Form & Verdict
Scored over 2m5f last September and 2m4f in December, but she also stayed on well over 3m1f at Cheltenham (good) in between and took her form to a new level with 3m4f win in the 13-runner Ulster National at Downpatrick (soft) three weeks ago; handicap mark has risen too but she may well have more to offer over long distances.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

15th

14

25th Sep 2025

Yielding

2m 4f 0y

16:35 Listowel

Malina Girl

11st 4lb

J: Eoghan Finegan

T: Gavin Cromwell

Lightly raced over hurdles (1-6) and was a disappointing favourite on her final run in this discipline off a similar mark in March; 2m4f is on the tight side for one who stays so well over fences (ran in the Irish National last time).

10/1

12th

11

21st Apr 2025

Soft To Heavy

3m 5f 37y

17:00 Fairyhouse

Malina Girl

11st 0lb

J: Sean Flanagan

T: Gavin Cromwell

Most recent of four chase wins when scoring by 10l over an extended 3m3f on soft at Cheltenham in November 2023; ran creditably when second in 3m Listed mares' chase on heavy at Exeter in February; game display when best of the Irish in third behind Myretown in the Ultima at Cheltenham; helps to give her trainer a strong hand.

14/1

12th

11

21st Apr 2025

Soft To Heavy

3m 5f 37y

17:00 Fairyhouse

Malina Girl

11st 0lb

J: Sean Flanagan

T: Gavin Cromwell

Most recent of four chase wins when scoring by 10l over an extended 3m3f on soft at Cheltenham in November 2023; ran creditably when second in 3m Listed mares' chase on heavy at Exeter in February; game display when best of the Irish in third behind Myretown in the Ultima at Cheltenham; helps to give her trainer a strong hand.

14/1

Form: P-3PU2

Last run: 49 days

W: 10st 10lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 136

Form & Verdict
1-11 over fences and sometimes makes mistakes but it wasn't his fault when he unseated two out at Doncaster on penultimate start; he was working his way into place contention at the time (3m) and went down by a neck there on latest start (3m2f, good); back up 4lb but he's shaping more and more like an out-and-out stayer and this is his first chance to prove it.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

16th Apr 2025

Good

3m 4f 21y

Class 3

15:15 Cheltenham

Undersupervision

12st 0lb

J: James Turner

T: Nigel Twiston-Davies

Very well handicapped on old form but has been pulled up on six of his eight starts over the last two years, most recently in last month's Grimthorpe at Doncaster (a race he won in 2022); sports first-time tongue-tie and swaps visor for refitted cheekpieces here; revival needed.

33/1

1

16th Apr 2025

Good

3m 4f 21y

Class 3

15:15 Cheltenham

Undersupervision

12st 0lb

J: James Turner

T: Nigel Twiston-Davies

Very well handicapped on old form but has been pulled up on six of his eight starts over the last two years, most recently in last month's Grimthorpe at Doncaster (a race he won in 2022); sports first-time tongue-tie and swaps visor for refitted cheekpieces here; revival needed.

33/1

10

1st Mar 2025

Good To Soft

3m 2f 1y

Class 2

15:15 Doncaster

Undersupervision

10st 9lb

J: James Turner

T: Nigel Twiston-Davies

Failed to complete far too often for comfort and soundly beaten when he did get round in a first-time visor (replacing usual cheekpieces) at Ludlow in December when last seen; the big positives are that he won this race in 2022 and was beaten a neck in it in 2023, but last year's performance in the Grimthorpe was poor; down to his lowest mark as a chaser.

16/1

Form: 6-U215

Last run: 20 days

W: 10st 9lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 135

Form & Verdict
Second and first in two 3m2f races at Uttoxeter (good/good to soft) last summer and that's the furthest he's been; jumping badly to his left didn't help when next seen at Ascot three weeks ago and he may have needed that run anyway; not entirely dismissed, for trainer who won this in 2018.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

0

5

22nd Aug 2023

Good

2m 7f 0y

Class 2

18:00 Worcester

Ruthless Article

11st 1lb

J: Brian Hughes

T: Rebecca Curtis

Back pretty much at his best when second in the Summer Cup at Uttoxeter in early July; not so good when favourite there (again 3m2f on good) four weeks later, 13l behind Hell Red, and needs to revert to that better form.

9/1

4th

1

30th Jul 2023

Good To Soft

3m 2f 13y

Class 2

15:10 Uttoxeter

Ruthless Article

12st 0lb

J: Brian Hughes

T: Rebecca Curtis

prominent, mistake 6th, hit 11th, ridden when outpaced after 3 out (usual 4 out), not fluent 2 out, weakened last

11/8

2nd

7

2nd Jul 2023

Good

3m 2f 13y

Class 2

15:12 Uttoxeter

Ruthless Article

11st 1lb

J: Danny Mullins

T: Rebecca Curtis

Clear second in this contest last year then went one better (off this mark) in C&D event next time out; well-held fourth to Kinondo Kwetu at Aintree most recently but looks interesting returned to Uttoxeter.

9/1

Form: 2-2231

Last run: 49 days

W: 10st 8lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 134

Form & Verdict
Had wind surgery after last season and the one before that; hurdles win in March 2021 remains his best form but he took another step closer to it on latest start when always front rank in five-runner novice handicap at Newbury (near 3m, good) to gain his first chase win, at the seventh attempt; should stay beyond that, so not totally ruled out with 4lb rise.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

1st Nov 2025

Good

3m 0f 0y

14:40 Down Royal

Flash Collonges

11st 10lb

J: Alex Harvey

T: R K Watson

Useful sort for Paul Nicholls early in his career; last win was March 2023; tailed off in a Downpatrick handicap hurdle in July on stable debut and has missed all three engagements since; completely out of his depth here.

150/1

3

1st Nov 2025

Good

3m 0f 0y

14:40 Down Royal

Flash Collonges

11st 10lb

J: Alex Harvey

T: R K Watson

Useful sort for Paul Nicholls early in his career; last win was March 2023; tailed off in a Downpatrick handicap hurdle in July on stable debut and has missed all three engagements since; completely out of his depth here.

150/1

Form: 11-112 BF

Last run: 29 days

W: 10st 4lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 130

Form & Verdict
Lightly raced 8yo, with best days almost certainly still in front of him; raced very prominently to win novice handicaps at Chepstow (3m2f/3m) on first two starts over fences; it's just possible that soft ground was not ideal when second of three at Newbury four weeks ago but he needs to stay on a lot more strongly than he did that day.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

24th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

3m 2f 54y

Class 3

16:55 Chepstow

Manothepeople

12st 0lb

J: Jack Hogan

T: Fergal O’Brien

Chasing career highlights include a C&D novice handicap and the same Cheltenham April 3m2f event two years running, all on good; 3lb below his last winning mark, but has a listless recent return run to forgive.

13/2

4th

2

21st Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 7f 91y

Class 3

16:45 Newbury

Manothepeople

11st 13lb

J: Jonathan Burke

T: Fergal O’Brien

Veteran; last two wins came in the same 3m2f Cheltenham race in April 2024 and 2025; ran a lacklustre race there in October before possibly failing to stay 3m5f at Ascot; bit to prove after four months off.

10/1

6

25th Oct 2025

Good To Soft

3m 1f 0y

Class 2

14:20 Cheltenham

Manothepeople

10st 13lb

J: Jonathan Burke

T: Fergal O’Brien

Has a good record fresh and a good record at Cheltenham, albeit on the New course and he was pulled up on his only run on the Old one (today's course); on a useful mark and didn't run badly during the summer at Uttoxeter, which wouldn't be his track.

14/1

Form: P-3411 C

Last run: 32 days

W: 10st 2lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 128

Form & Verdict
Overcame a last-fence mistake to win at Wetherby (2m5f, good) and knuckled down gamely to add a three-finisher race there (3m, soft) later in March; this is only his fifth race over fences and it's hard to be adamant that he will stay but it's unlikely we've seen the best of him.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11

18th Apr 2026

Soft

3m 7f 176y

Class 1

15:35 Ayr

Famous Bridge

11st 1lb

J: Sean Quinlan

T: Nicky Richards

The way he asserted in the Grand National Trial at Haydock (3m4f, good to soft) last February made this race look an appealing proposition, but he faded badly when it was put to the test and later lost the Haydock race due to a banned substance; this season has been very disappointing but at least he's 9lb lower than 12 months ago and his yard has been in great form.

25/1

7th

14

11th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 5f 56y

Class 2

15:20 Cheltenham

Famous Bridge

10st 5lb

J: Sean Quinlan

T: Nicky Richards

Very useful handicapper over regulation fences on his day and a very respectable sixth in last year's Ultima (3m1f, good to soft) at this meeting; won't fail through lack of stamina but has been out of form this season and makes cross-country debut from 11lb out of the handicap.

50/1

7th

2

1st Nov 2025

Soft

3m 0f 70y

Class 3

13:58 Ayr

Famous Bridge

11st 8lb

J: Sean Quinlan

T: Nicky Richards

Useful over fences, first past the post in the Grand National Trial at Haydock (disqualified due to banned substance) in February and far from disgraced in the Ultima at Cheltenham the following month; having his first hurdles outing since April 2022 here, so carries risks, but he could be dangerous off his lower mark if fully tuned up.

11/2

Form: 0785P8

Last run: 41 days

W: 10st 2lb

9 yo Mare

OR: 126

Form & Verdict
2lb out of the handicap; third at Punchestown (good) one year ago showed she stays 3m7f, rallying well after bad interference three out; inconsistent and fair fifth in the Cork National in November was easily the best of her more recent efforts (tried first-time blinkers on latest) but that Punchestown display means she's not entirely ruled out.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

7

25th Aug 2023

Good

3m 1f 0y

19:20 Kilbeggan

Waitnsee

11st 4lb

J: Danny Mullins

T: John Patrick Ryan

Dual chase winner, including a Cork Grade 3 in 2021; has won at this track over hurdles and was also 2nd in the Midlands National over C&D; poor when last seen over fences but a decent hurdles run here since; cheekpieces tried.

14/1

2nd

7

19th Jun 2023

Good

3m 0f 100y

18:13 Kilbeggan

Waitnsee

10st 13lb

J: Liam Quinlan

T: John Patrick Ryan

Course winner 11 months ago but lost her way since and pulled up or tailed off in last three starts; reverts to hurdles.

14/1

16

29th May 2023

Good

2m 7f 0y

18:30 Ballinrobe

Waitnsee

10st 5lb

J: Mark McDonagh

T: John Patrick Ryan

Strong stayer but struggled with consistency and only effort of note since her last win (July 2022) was a fifth in November's Cork National; others preferred.

40/1

Form: 0PF765 CD

Last run: 28 days

W: 10st 2lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 125

Form & Verdict
Won this race in 2021 but not remotely in the same form since; latest start was probably his best form this term but he had a remote view of Elvis Mail nevertheless and is 3lb out of the handicap today.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

20

22nd Apr 2023

Good To Soft

3m 7f 176y

Class 1

15:35 Ayr

Mighty Thunder

10st 2lb

J: Patrick Wadge

T: Lucinda Russell

Won this race in 2021 but not remotely in the same form since; latest start was probably his best form this term but he had a remote view of Elvis Mail nevertheless and is 3lb out of the handicap today.

16/1

5th

7

25th Mar 2023

Good To Soft

3m 2f 39y

Class 2

15:35 Kelso

Mighty Thunder

10st 8lb

J: Patrick Wadge

T: Lucinda Russell

midfield on outer, in touch with leaders 4th

12/1

6th

5

25th Feb 2023

Good To Soft

4m 1f 56y

Class 2

15:25 Newcastle

Mighty Thunder

11st 4lb

J: Patrick Wadge

T: Lucinda Russell

Career peak when winning the Scottish National in April 2021 off 12lb higher, rounding off an excellent season; nothing resembling that since, taking a step back in the right direction on latest start (ridden by claimer Patrick Wadge) but he needs a great deal better than that.

25/1

Form: 4-3133 D

Last run: 28 days

W: 10st 2lb

8 yo Mare

OR: 122

Form & Verdict
Virtually all her form is on softer than good; well-backed favourite when asserting in good style late on in the Borders National at Kelso (4m, soft) in December; made eyecatching late gains when third to Magna Sam at Musselburgh two months later and had a satisfactory run over hurdles four weeks ago; position 6lb out of the handicap makes her 14lb higher than at Kelso, so that's a stumbling block, but she's one to consider.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11

25th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

3m 2f 127y

Class 3

15:52 Perth

Flower Of Scotland

10st 3lb

J: Lewis Dobb

T: Sandy Thomson

Rated much higher back in the day but she was out of form last season and no sign of turning things around this campaign.

25/1

11

25th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

3m 2f 127y

Class 3

15:52 Perth

Flower Of Scotland

10st 3lb

J: Lewis Dobb

T: Sandy Thomson

in rear

25/1

7

9th Mar 2025

Good To Soft

3m 0f 110y

Class 4

16:00 Carlisle

Flower Of Scotland

10st 13lb

J: Ryan Mania

T: Sandy Thomson

never going well, always behind, pulled up after 9th

7/1

Non-runners

Monbeg Genius, Elvis Mail, Famous Bridge, Waitnsee, Flower Of Scotland

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £140.10
Straight Forecast £109.96
Tricast £3598.66
Trifecta £5373.40

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Your Own Story

RP Ratings:

Kitty's Light

WEST COUNTRY:

Monbeg Genius

LAMBOURN:

Dusart

TOPSPEED:

Cooper's Cross

POSTDATA:

Flash Collonges

D Express:

Flash De Touzaine

Telegraph:

Your Own Story

Daily Mirror:

Your Own Story

Daily Record:

Your Own Story

Daily Mail:

Monbeg Genius

The Sun:

Monbeg Genius

The Times:

Kitty's Light

The Guardian:

Kitty's Light

The Star:

Kitty's Light