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
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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

9th

7

27th Apr 2024

Good

3m 4f 146y

Class 1

15:35 Sandown

Kittys Light

11st 3lb

J: Jack Tudor

T: Christian Williams

Won this last year (good to soft; placed in 2021/2022); back on song with highly creditable fifth in Grand National at Aintree (4m2f, soft) two weeks ago; had a hard race then which is a worry, but he won this 12 months ago just seven days after landing the Scottish National (good); key player.

5/1

9th

7

27th Apr 2024

Good

3m 4f 146y

Class 1

15:35 Sandown

Kittys Light

11st 3lb

J: Jack Tudor

T: Christian Williams

Won this last year (good to soft; placed in 2021/2022); back on song with highly creditable fifth in Grand National at Aintree (4m2f, soft) two weeks ago; had a hard race then which is a worry, but he won this 12 months ago just seven days after landing the Scottish National (good); key player.

5/1

5th

34

13th Apr 2024

Soft

4m 2f 74y

Class 1

14:00 Aintree

Kittys Light

10st 7lb

J: Jack Tudor

T: Christian Williams

Stormed home in major staying chases on good/good to soft last February/April, winning the Eider (4m1f), Scottish National (4m) and at Sandown (3m4f); wore cheekpieces with tongue-tie last two occasions; uncompetitive this term, for which the handicapper has dropped him back just the 1lb; the ground is a bigger question (not often seen on soft or heavy) but he's reportedly blossomed since Cheltenham and there's no doubt he'll be suited by every yard of this race if he's back to form.

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

4

26th Apr 2024

Soft

2m 7f 180y

Class 3

15:50 Perth

Coopers Cross

11st 5lb

J: Sam Coltherd

T: Stuart Coltherd

towards rear, outpaced 5 out, struggling 4 out, pulled up before 3 out

12/1

4

26th Apr 2024

Soft

2m 7f 180y

Class 3

15:50 Perth

Coopers Cross

11st 5lb

J: Sam Coltherd

T: Stuart Coltherd

Second in last season's Scottish National off an 8lb higher mark but this season hasn't got going at all and there's no sign of him turning things around.

12/1

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

4th

9

2nd Aug 2024

Good

2m 6f 111y

18:00 Galway

Flash De Touzaine

11st 1lb

J: Donagh Meyler

T: Liz Doyle

midfield, good headway and prominent before 2nd, briefly disputed lead 7th, slightly hampered and left in lead 5 out

12/1

2nd

7

13th Jul 2024

Good

2m 3f 110y

15:50 Wexford

Flash De Touzaine

10st 2lb

J: Sean O’Keeffe

T: Liz Doyle

Sole chase win came over 2m6f; third in last year's Scottish National but lightly raced and nothing since, tailed off in Kim Muir last time; can go well fresh and new jockey.

16/1

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

13th

1

27th Apr 2024

Good

3m 4f 146y

Class 1

15:35 Sandown

Threeunderthrufive

12st 0lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Paul Nicholls

Ran well when fourth in last year's Scottish National (4m, good) and he's been better than ever this year in good handicaps, finishing second twice in a row (3m1f/3m2f, good to soft/soft) before winning at Ascot (3m, good to soft) in February; carries top weight but holds solid claims.

8/1

13th

1

27th Apr 2024

Good

3m 4f 146y

Class 1

15:35 Sandown

Threeunderthrufive

12st 0lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Paul Nicholls

Ran well when fourth in last year's Scottish National (4m, good) and he's been better than ever this year in good handicaps, finishing second twice in a row (3m1f/3m2f, good to soft/soft) before winning at Ascot (3m, good to soft) in February; carries top weight but holds solid claims.

8/1

1st

1

17th Feb 2024

Good To Soft

2m 7f 180y

Class 1

15:00 Ascot

Threeunderthrufive

12st 0lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Paul Nicholls

disputed lead, not fluent 1st

4/1

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

6

1st Jun 2024

Good To Soft

3m 3f 119y

Class 3

19:30 Stratford

Magna Sam

11st 9lb

J: Jonathan Burke

T: Alastair Ralph

In 2023 he won the Edinburgh National and was fifth in the Scottish; those were his last efforts of any note but the form is in the book (and off higher marks) if he can stage a revival.

20/1

9

6th May 2024

Good

3m 0f 0y

Class 3

16:05 Kempton

Magna Sam

11st 1lb

J: Jonathan Burke

T: Alastair Ralph

prominent early, towards rear after 2nd, weakened 13th, pulled up after 4 out

12/1

9

6th May 2024

Good

3m 0f 0y

Class 3

16:05 Kempton

Magna Sam

11st 1lb

J: Jonathan Burke

T: Alastair Ralph

Won last year's Edinburgh National and later finished fifth in the Scottish National (4m, good); has clear wellbeing questions to answer after last season's two runs amounted to nothing; if he could stage a revival he's effective at 3m for all that he stays so well.

12/1

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

2nd

10

4th May 2024

Yielding

3m 7f 68y

15:05 Punchestown

Your Own Story

10st 13lb

J: Patrick Wadge

T: Lucinda Russell

Respectable sixth in last year's Scottish Grand National having proved his stamina with a 3m7f Wetherby success; runner-up in races over just short of 3m at Newcastle and Kelso in recent months; acts on soft/heavy but better suited by good ground.

12/1

2nd

10

4th May 2024

Yielding

3m 7f 68y

15:05 Punchestown

Your Own Story

10st 13lb

J: Patrick Wadge

T: Lucinda Russell

Respectable sixth in last year's Scottish Grand National having proved his stamina with a 3m7f Wetherby success; runner-up in races over just short of 3m at Newcastle and Kelso in recent months; acts on soft/heavy but better suited by good ground.

12/1

22

27th Apr 2024

Good

3m 4f 146y

Class 1

15:35 Sandown

Your Own Story

10st 2lb

J: Derek Fox

T: Lucinda Russell

Second reserve; 4lb out of the handicap today but he's run well in defeat over 2m7f on his two starts this spring and could build on those runs now back up in trip, having won over 3m7f last March; not ruled out.

20/1

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

8th

4

17th Aug 2024

Good

2m 4f 35y

Class 4

17:35 Perth

Half Shot

11st 8lb

J: Henry Brooke

T: Iain Jardine

in touch with leaders

16/1

6th

6

14th Jul 2024

Good

2m 7f 180y

Class 3

15:45 Perth

Half Shot

11st 7lb

J: Dylan Johnston

T: Iain Jardine

Scored off 2lb higher at Musselburgh (2m7f, soft) in November and kept on for creditable fourth in good-quality chase at Ayr (2m4f, soft) in April; finished tired when well-held fourth over C&D (good to firm) last month, having battled with Everyday Champagne for the lead, but still a likely contender today.

7/1

4th

2

9th Jun 2024

Good

2m 7f 180y

Class 4

16:17 Perth

Half Shot

12st 2lb

J: Dylan Johnston

T: Iain Jardine

raced in second, not fluent 6th

6/1

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

4th

1

17th May 2024

Good

3m 0f 210y

Class 2

19:30 Aintree

Empire Steel

12st 0lb

J: Ryan Mania

T: Sandy Thomson

Looked as good as ever when winning from the front at regular haunt Kelso (2m5f, soft) in February and last month's defeat over the big fences here is not viewed harshly; 3m1f on good ground will also suit; can make his presence felt.

5/1

4th

1

17th May 2024

Good

3m 0f 210y

Class 2

19:30 Aintree

Empire Steel

12st 0lb

J: Ryan Mania

T: Sandy Thomson

Looked as good as ever when winning from the front at regular haunt Kelso (2m5f, soft) in February and last month's defeat over the big fences here is not viewed harshly; 3m1f on good ground will also suit; can make his presence felt.

5/1

9th

4

12th Apr 2024

Heavy

2m 5f 19y

Class 1

16:05 Aintree

Empire Steel

11st 4lb

J: Ryan Mania

T: Sandy Thomson

Following a wind operation he enhanced his excellent record at Kelso when winning a five-runner handicap by 4l in February (2m5f, soft); however, he may be vulnerable now away from Kelso in this hotter race.

25/1

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

10

28th Jul 2024

Good

2m 7f 70y

Class 2

15:25 Uttoxeter

Lord Accord

10st 11lb

J: Richie McLernon

T: Neil Mulholland

Capable hurdler but a better chaser; returned to this discipline he never posed much of a threat behind Secret Trix here 19 days ago; has become a hard horse to predict.

12/1

4th

7

9th Jul 2024

Good

2m 7f 70y

Class 3

18:05 Uttoxeter

Lord Accord

11st 3lb

J: Richie McLernon

T: Neil Mulholland

Useful chaser on good ground; lost his way a bit last season but has been given a good chance by the handicapper over hurdles and has a C&D win on his CV; not ruled out.

16/1

6th

3

1st Feb 2024

Good To Soft

3m 1f 30y

Class 3

15:45 Wincanton

Lord Accord

11st 9lb

J: Brendan Powell

T: Neil Mulholland

Won a valuable chase at Cheltenham (3m1f, good) in October 2022 and next time was runner-up here to Frodon in the Badger Beer; he is back on a favourable mark but this season has yet to get off the ground (chasing the last twice).

9/1

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

11th

11

2nd Aug 2024

Good

2m 6f 111y

18:00 Galway

Cap Du Nord

10st 13lb

J: Jack Tudor

T: Christian Williams

midfield, bad mistake and lost position 1st

6/1

1st

4

14th Jul 2024

Good

2m 7f 180y

Class 3

15:45 Perth

Cap Du Nord

11st 9lb

J: Nick Scholfield

T: Christian Williams

Not quite as good as he was but battled on well to snatch a good prize at Plumpton (3m1f, good; front pair clear) in March and also ran well when placed over C&D (good to firm; behind Everyday Champagne) last month; each-way claims at least.

5/1

3rd

4

9th Jun 2024

Good

2m 7f 180y

Class 4

16:17 Perth

Cap Du Nord

12st 1lb

J: Jack Tudor

T: Christian Williams

midfield

7/2

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

11th

23

22nd Apr 2023

Good To Soft

3m 7f 176y

Class 1

15:35 Ayr

Small Present

10st 2lb

J: Sean Quinlan

T: Sue Smith

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.

50/1

5

21st Apr 2023

Good To Soft

3m 0f 70y

Class 3

16:45 Ayr

Small Present

11st 10lb

J: Daryl Jacob

T: Sue Smith

9th

10

8th Apr 2023

Good To Soft

3m 1f 125y

Class 2

14:40 Haydock

Small Present

11st 7lb

J: Ross Chapman

T: Sue Smith

Thorough stayer whose best form this season came when third over 3m3f at Market Rasen on Boxing Day; hammered a distance in his two subsequent starts and looks vulnerable.

10/1

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

0

4

2nd Dec 2023

Good To Soft

3m 1f 214y

Class 1

14:50 Newbury

Dusart

10st 13lb

J: James Bowen

T: Nicky Henderson

raced wide, towards rear, not fluent 1st

20/1

1

22nd Apr 2023

Good To Soft

3m 7f 176y

Class 1

15:35 Ayr

Dusart

12st 0lb

J: Nico de Boinville

T: Nicky Henderson

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.

16/1

5

28th Jan 2023

Soft

3m 1f 56y

Class 1

14:25 Cheltenham

Dusart

11st 4lb

J: James Bowen

T: Nicky Henderson

8yo who's had just seven races; about 14l fifth in Grade 1 novice here (3m, soft; 20-1) last March, with Ahoy Senor well ahead in second, but won his other three races last term; had wind and back surgery before this season but underperformed when favourite for handicap hurdle here on return; best days could still be in front of him but he has a fair bit to prove at the moment.

14/1

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

5

12th Mar 2024

Soft

3m 1f 0y

Class 1

14:50 Cheltenham

Monbeg Genius

11st 8lb

J: Jonjo O’Neill Jr

T: Jonjo O’Neill

Looked destined for big things when first going chasing and the handicap form of his close third in this race (soft; equally effective on good to soft) last year could hardly be bettered; ran up to his best when third in the Coral Gold Cup at Newbury in December but things haven't gone to plan since and he came home a tired horse at Kelso ten days ago; doubts have crept in but cheekpieces are added and the yard has won this race three times.

12/1

5th

6

2nd Mar 2024

Good To Soft

2m 7f 96y

Class 1

15:25 Kelso

Monbeg Genius

11st 2lb

J: Jonjo O’Neill Jr

T: Jonjo O’Neill

in touch with leaders on inner, nudged along 11th, going okay 13th

7/4

3rd

12

2nd Dec 2023

Good To Soft

3m 1f 214y

Class 1

14:50 Newbury

Monbeg Genius

10st 6lb

J: Jonjo O’Neill Jr

T: Jonjo O’Neill

towards rear, jumped right and hampered rival 1st

13/2

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

3

20th Apr 2024

Soft

3m 7f 176y

Class 1

15:35 Ayr

Elvis Mail

11st 3lb

J: Bruce Lynn

T: N W Alexander

2-3 over fences at Ayr and his fifth chase win came at Carlisle (3m, heavy) 13 days ago; missed this race last year because of good ground, so the furthest he's been is still 3m2f, over which he twice strode out well to win on soft at Kelso; has a career-high mark but the longer trip is interesting.

50/1

3

20th Apr 2024

Soft

3m 7f 176y

Class 1

15:35 Ayr

Elvis Mail

11st 3lb

J: Bruce Lynn

T: N W Alexander

2-3 over fences at Ayr and his fifth chase win came at Carlisle (3m, heavy) 13 days ago; missed this race last year because of good ground, so the furthest he's been is still 3m2f, over which he twice strode out well to win on soft at Kelso; has a career-high mark but the longer trip is interesting.

50/1

1st

2

7th Apr 2024

Heavy

3m 0f 110y

Class 2

16:32 Carlisle

Elvis Mail

11st 7lb

J: Bruce Lynn

T: N W Alexander

held up in rear, not fluent 13th, smooth headway on outer after 4 out, went third 3 out, ridden and went second before last, kept on to lead inside final 110yds, won going away

4/1

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

4th

1

24th Apr 2024

Soft

2m 7f 180y

Class 1

15:25 Perth

Malina Girl

11st 4lb

J: Brian Hughes

T: Gavin Cromwell

towards rear

11/4

4th

1

24th Apr 2024

Soft

2m 7f 180y

Class 1

15:25 Perth

Malina Girl

11st 4lb

J: Brian Hughes

T: Gavin Cromwell

Smart mare who was an easy winner of a Cheltenham handicap in November (3m3f, soft); hasn't run quite as well since although was runner-up in an Exeter Listed mares' chase two runs ago (3m, heavy); worth considering.

11/4

5th

4

4th Mar 2024

Heavy

2m 4f 0y

15:30 Leopardstown

Malina Girl

11st 11lb

J: Conor Stone-Walsh

T: Gavin Cromwell

Most progressive staying chaser whose best run came when winning valuable 3m4f Cheltenham premier handicap in November on soft; fell at same venue subsequently but encouraging enough Exeter second last month; trip on the short side for hurdles return but 31lb lower hurdles mark can't be sniffed at with added bonus of rider's claim.

6/4

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

6

2nd Mar 2024

Good To Soft

3m 2f 1y

Class 2

15:40 Doncaster

Undersupervision

10st 13lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Nigel Twiston-Davies

Won this race in 2022 and lost out only by a neck when second in it last year; left disappointing seasonal debut behind when placed in big field at Cheltenham (3m1f, soft) in November and can be forgiven his non-completion in gruelling race the following month; given 12-week break to recover from that and is likely to be primed for another big run in this contest.

6/1

0

11

9th Dec 2023

Soft

3m 1f 188y

Class 1

14:05 Aintree

Undersupervision

10st 2lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Nigel Twiston-Davies

2lb out of the handicap and he's inconsistent; however, he returned to form with a good third of 16 at Cheltenham (3m1f, soft) three weeks ago and his trainer knows what it takes in this race, having won it a record six times; no surprise if this 7yo is in the mix on his Aintree debut.

11/1

3rd

6

18th Nov 2023

Good To Soft

3m 1f 0y

Class 3

13:10 Cheltenham

Undersupervision

11st 7lb

J: Mr Toby McCain-Mitchell

T: Nigel Twiston-Davies

Placed in two valuable handicaps last season, including close second off today's mark at Doncaster (3m2f, good), but was pulled up in Scottish National in April and also disappointed over C&D on recent reappearance.

20/1

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

20

27th Apr 2024

Good

3m 4f 146y

Class 1

15:35 Sandown

Flash Collonges

10st 2lb

J: Bryony Frost

T: Paul Nicholls

Has struggled on both runs this season, but the first was his reappearance and the second was on soft ground; progressive last term and if this prominent-racer gets into a rhythm in first-time blinkers (replacing cheekpieces), he'll be just the type Bryony Frost excels with; not written off.

33/1

20

27th Apr 2024

Good

3m 4f 146y

Class 1

15:35 Sandown

Flash Collonges

10st 2lb

J: Bryony Frost

T: Paul Nicholls

Has struggled on both runs this season, but the first was his reappearance and the second was on soft ground; progressive last term and if this prominent-racer gets into a rhythm in first-time blinkers (replacing cheekpieces), he'll be just the type Bryony Frost excels with; not written off.

33/1

7

2nd Mar 2024

Good To Soft

3m 2f 1y

Class 2

15:40 Doncaster

Flash Collonges

10st 11lb

J: Bryony Frost

T: Paul Nicholls

Belatedly came good over fences with Newbury win (2m7f, good) off 2lb lower a year ago but was well beaten on only appearance this season (at Ascot in December) and may need the ground to dry out here; others have more pressing claims.

20/1

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

1st

6

17th Apr 2024

Good To Soft

3m 2f 0y

Class 2

16:25 Cheltenham

Manothepeople

10st 13lb

J: Paddy Brennan

T: Fergal O’Brien

Runner-up on two of his four appearances this season, more recently at Wincanton (3m1f, good to soft) in early February; not yet fully exposed over fences and has a fighting chance here.

8/1

1st

6

17th Apr 2024

Good To Soft

3m 2f 0y

Class 2

16:25 Cheltenham

Manothepeople

10st 13lb

J: Paddy Brennan

T: Fergal O’Brien

Runner-up on two of his four appearances this season, more recently at Wincanton (3m1f, good to soft) in early February; not yet fully exposed over fences and has a fighting chance here.

8/1

2nd

2

1st Feb 2024

Good To Soft

3m 1f 30y

Class 3

15:45 Wincanton

Manothepeople

11st 12lb

J: Mr Tom Broughton

T: Fergal O’Brien

Won 2m7f/3m2f chases at Chepstow last season; just failed to get up on his reappearance at Exeter (3m, good) before unseating early at Ascot; never got involved at Doncaster last month but in a deep race and this isn't so demanding; fine on all ground.

6/1

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

4th

21

12th Mar 2024

Soft

3m 1f 0y

Class 1

14:50 Cheltenham

Famous Bridge

11st 0lb

J: Sean Quinlan

T: Nicky Richards

Three best chase wins have come at about 3m1f on soft and heavy; pulled up on good ground at Doncaster on latest completion (unseated in February); conditions should suit but the step up in class asks more of him.

16/1

6

17th Feb 2024

Heavy

3m 4f 97y

Class 1

15:15 Haydock

Famous Bridge

11st 4lb

J: Sean Quinlan

T: Nicky Richards

Won four of first seven chases, notably two over 3m1f in the mud here this winter; on second occasion he came from behind and got to the leader at the final fence in the Tommy Whittle (heavy) and it was good ground when he failed to show anything at Doncaster (3m) three weeks ago, not aided by a bad early mistake; this first attempt at a marathon trip could suit.

13/2

0

6

27th Jan 2024

Good

2m 7f 214y

Class 1

15:15 Doncaster

Famous Bridge

11st 5lb

J: Sean Quinlan

T: Nicky Richards

Brought along steadily as is usually the cases with horses from this yard; made it 4-7 over fences with game success in Haydock's Tommy Whittle (3m1f, heavy) and still looks well handicapped off 4lb higher; won't mind this less taxing surface; heart is in the right place and that should count for plenty when the going gets tough.

13/2

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

8

20th Apr 2024

Soft

3m 0f 70y

Class 2

15:00 Ayr

Flower Of Scotland

10st 5lb

J: Danny McMenamin

T: Sandy Thomson

midfield behind clear leaders, weakened gradually from 7th, tailed off when pulled up before 3 out

16/1

8

20th Apr 2024

Soft

3m 0f 70y

Class 2

15:00 Ayr

Flower Of Scotland

10st 5lb

J: Danny McMenamin

T: Sandy Thomson

On a handy mark but has been well below her best over fences this season and needs to turn things around.

16/1

4th

3

30th Mar 2024

Soft

2m 3f 210y

Class 3

15:40 Carlisle

Flower Of Scotland

11st 7lb

J: William Maggs

T: Sandy Thomson

didn't jump well, pressed leader, not fluent 1st

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