April 27 / 17.30 Warwick

17.30

Good To Soft

racingtv.com Open National Hunt Flat Race (Category 1 Elimination) (GBB Race)

  • Prize money: £2178.4
  • 2m 0f 0y
  • Class 5
  • 18 runners
RTV
View Course
racingtv.com Open National Hunt Flat Race (Category 1 Elimination) (GBB Race)

Runners: 18 runners

Type: NH Flat

Surface: Turf

Weather: Light rain

OUR TIP

Form:

Last run:

W: 11st 3lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Won the second of two Irish point starts, in February, and bought for £75,000 soon after; mixed messages from the form but out of a dam who is a half-sister to several winners and he represents a yard that has plenty of success in bumpers; market should tell more.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

11

15th Mar 2026

Soft

2m 7f 136y

Class 4

15:20 Chepstow

Check The Score

11st 6lb

J: Jack Hogan

T: Fergal O’Brien

No match for the winner at Southwell but that was over hurdles and after 363 days off; won his only previous chase by 3l at Market Rasen 13 months ago (3m, good to soft) when in first-time cheekpieces; he does have something to prove on soft ground.

8/1

2nd

3

2nd Feb 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 60y

Class 5

16:27 Southwell

Check The Score

11st 11lb

J: Jack Hogan

T: Fergal O’Brien

Point/bumper winner who won on chase debut at Market Rasen last February (3m, good to soft; cheekpieces on for first time); hasn't run since; harshly treated for that win as now 11lb higher over fences and 6lb higher over hurdles.; bit to prove as a hurdler.

5/2

4

4th Feb 2025

Good To Soft

2m 7f 191y

Class 5

14:10 Market Rasen

Check The Score

11st 5lb

J: Jack Hogan

T: Fergal O’Brien

No surprise to see him sent chasing as he offered little in three runs over hurdles and, not only does he have a pointing background, but there are chasers in the family; commands respect on this handicap debut with cheekpieces added.

13/2

Form: 23 BF

Last run: 39 days

W: 11st 3lb

6 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
His Plumpton debut second last December looks all the better after the winner of that race finished third in the Champion Bumper at Cheltenham; only third at Chepstow (too free) since but that race has merit; stablemate of Bentley's Return and has to be on the shortlist.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

24th Oct 2025

Good

2m 0f 87y

Class 3

14:25 Cheltenham

King William Rufus

11st 3lb

J: Freddie Gordon

T: Chris Gordon

Two wins last season, the latter when holding on gamely in 16-runner handicap on New course here (2m1f, good) in April; needs another career-best performance today but still enters calculations.

5/1

1st

8

16th Apr 2025

Good

2m 0f 179y

Class 3

17:00 Cheltenham

King William Rufus

10st 13lb

J: Charlie Maggs

T: Chris Gordon

Ascot winner in December off 7lb lower (1m7f, good to soft); this represents a welcome drop in grade after contesting two high-profile handicaps and he's not out of it.

8/1

Form: 542

Last run: 49 days

W: 11st 3lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
All starts on good to soft; improving with experience and runner-up at Wincanton last month (well backed); ought to be firmly involved again; one of two runners from the yard.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

3

10th Feb 2025

Good To Soft

2m 3f 164y

Class 4

14:45 Plumpton

Bentleys Return

11st 8lb

J: Freddie Gordon

T: Chris Gordon

Lightly raced 7yo who was an encouraging second on his chase and seasonal debut over C&D (good to soft) in December, albeit no match for the winner Theonlywayiswessex; disappointing at Wincanton (2m4f, good to soft) since but perhaps the first-time cheekpieces will prompt a return to form.

5/1

2nd

3

10th Feb 2025

Good To Soft

2m 3f 164y

Class 4

14:45 Plumpton

Bentleys Return

11st 8lb

J: Freddie Gordon

T: Chris Gordon

Lightly raced 7yo who was an encouraging second on his chase and seasonal debut over C&D (good to soft) in December, albeit no match for the winner Theonlywayiswessex; disappointing at Wincanton (2m4f, good to soft) since but perhaps the first-time cheekpieces will prompt a return to form.

5/1

Form:

Last run:

W: 10st 9lb

4 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Second foal of a French hurdle winner and cost 55,000euros last year; trainer has solid record in bumpers (4-16 at this track in last five years); certainly worth monitoring in the betting ahead of his debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

8

4th Oct 2023

Good To Soft

2m 0f 145y

Class 4

17:05 Bangor-on-Dee

Don Marione

11st 3lb

J: Richie McLernon

T: Jonjo O’Neill

took keen hold, prominent, bumped 2nd, mistake 3rd, outpaced before 2 out, weakened approaching last

10/1

4th

13

27th Apr 2023

Good To Soft

2m 0f 0y

Class 5

17:30 Warwick

Don Marione

10st 9lb

J: Kevin Brogan

T: Jonjo O’Neill

Second foal of a French hurdle winner and cost 55,000euros last year; trainer has solid record in bumpers (4-16 at this track in last five years); certainly worth monitoring in the betting ahead of his debut.

8/1

Form:

Last run:

W: 11st 3lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Half-brother to winning hurdler/chasers Fou Et Sage and Wisecracker; trainer has very respectable (5-27) record in bumpers in recent seasons; worth a check in the betting on debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

7th Nov 2024

Good

1m 7f 212y

Class 5

13:50 Ludlow

Ned Cash

11st 5lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Nigel Twiston-Davies

took keen hold, prominent

11/8

3

7th Nov 2024

Good

1m 7f 212y

Class 5

13:50 Ludlow

Ned Cash

11st 5lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Nigel Twiston-Davies

took keen hold, prominent

11/8

2nd

12

6th Oct 2024

Good To Soft

1m 7f 168y

Class 5

17:20 Uttoxeter

Ned Cash

10st 9lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Nigel Twiston-Davies

Close third on handicap debut at Stratford (2m, good) for Richard Phillips in June; below that form over 2m there the following month but remains lightly raced and it will be interesting to see what Nigel Twiston-Davies can do with him.

9/2

Form:

Last run:

W: 10st 9lb

4 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Newcomer; half-brother to a point winner; bought for £2,500 as a yearling; trainer 0-18 in bumpers in last five years.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

15

15th May 2024

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 5

15:00 Ffos Las

Tiger Blade

10st 2lb

J: Ben Godfrey

T: Harriet Brown

Six-race maiden who has been beaten 40l or more in his four hurdle runs at up to 2m5f; now switches to a handicap but he's out of the weights and needs plenty of progress back up in trip.

33/1

7th

15

15th May 2024

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 5

15:00 Ffos Las

Tiger Blade

10st 2lb

J: Ben Godfrey

T: Harriet Brown

Six-race maiden who has been beaten 40l or more in his four hurdle runs at up to 2m5f; now switches to a handicap but he's out of the weights and needs plenty of progress back up in trip.

33/1

4th

6

19th Apr 2024

Good To Soft

2m 0f 161y

Class 4

16:55 Exeter

Tiger Blade

11st 4lb

J: Dylan Johnston

T: Harriet Brown

held up in rear, outpaced 4th, weakened 3 out, tailed off

150/1

Form:

Last run:

W: 10st 10lb

5 yo Mare

OR:

Form & Verdict
Half-sister to bumper winner Eskylane and dam also won a bumper; bought for 10,000euros as a foal and trainer has 14% record in these races in last five seasons; some reasons to be optimistic, therefore.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

9

31st Jan 2025

Soft

2m 3f 66y

Class 5

13:05 Catterick

Dorcas Road

10st 4lb

J: Bradley Harris

T: Harriet Dickin

towards rear but in touch with leaders, headway on outer 7th, weakened after 2 out, not fluent last

16/1

7th

9

31st Jan 2025

Soft

2m 3f 66y

Class 5

13:05 Catterick

Dorcas Road

10st 4lb

J: Bradley Harris

T: Harriet Dickin

towards rear but in touch with leaders, headway on outer 7th, weakened after 2 out, not fluent last

16/1

8th

8

11th Dec 2024

Good To Soft

2m 0f 53y

Class 5

15:07 Hereford

Dorcas Road

10st 8lb

J: Ben Poste

T: Harriet Dickin

Glimmer of ability for previous yard but well adrift on handicap debut and pulled up for new stable in October; had wind surgery since and has a hood added to refitted tongue-tie; has work to do.

33/1

Form:

Last run:

W: 10st 9lb

4 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Bought for 80,000euros last year and half-brother to a French hurdle winner; trainer is a past master in bumpers; of obvious interest on debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8

29th Mar 2026

Yielding To Soft

2m 3f 100y

17:00 Downpatrick

Strutter

11st 12lb

J: Paul Townend

T: W P Mullins

Winner of his last two handicap hurdle races seven months apart, at Uttoxeter for Nicky Henderson in May 2024 and on first run for Willie Mullins at Limerick in December that year; ought to be capable of much better than at Leopardstown on chasing; far too keen then, and dropped away very quickly before the last; tongue-tie now in addition to hood.

5/2

7th

9

3rd Mar 2026

Soft To Heavy

2m 5f 120y

16:25 Leopardstown

Strutter

11st 12lb

J: Danny Mullins

T: W P Mullins

Winner of his last two handicap hurdle races seven months apart, at Uttoxeter for Nicky Henderson in May 2024 and on first run for Willie Mullins at Limerick in December that year; has a lengthy absence to overcome on chase debut.

11/4

Form:

Last run:

W: 10st 9lb

4 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Home-bred half-brother to a 2m3f hurdle winner; trainer has some success in bumpers; worth a glance on debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

1

26th Jan 2025

Soft

2m 5f 164y

Class 5

14:20 Fontwell

Maximum Effort

12st 0lb

J: James Davies

T: Noel Williams

Three runs at Chepstow look easily the best of his seven appearances over hurdles, the most recent when fifth of 17 in handicap (2m3f, good to soft; acts on heavy) in November; his dam had stamina but this 6yo was pulled up on both his attempts at this sort of trip, including latest outing.

7/1

7th

1

26th Jan 2025

Soft

2m 5f 164y

Class 5

14:20 Fontwell

Maximum Effort

12st 0lb

J: James Davies

T: Noel Williams

Three runs at Chepstow look easily the best of his seven appearances over hurdles, the most recent when fifth of 17 in handicap (2m3f, good to soft; acts on heavy) in November; his dam had stamina but this 6yo was pulled up on both his attempts at this sort of trip, including latest outing.

7/1

6

20th Dec 2024

Good To Soft

2m 6f 45y

Class 5

14:40 Uttoxeter

Maximum Effort

11st 13lb

J: James Davies

T: Noel Williams

in touch with leaders

8/1

Form:

Last run:

W: 10st 9lb

4 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Cost 35,000euros last year; stamina in the pedigree and half-brother to three winners including bumper/chase Armattiekan; trainer enjoying fine season, in which he is 5-26 in bumpers (compared to 10% last five seasons).
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

7

17th Oct 2025

Good

3m 0f 10y

Class 4

14:57 Uttoxeter

Golden Ambition

11st 4lb

J: Kielan Woods

T: Ben Pauling

Disappointed when dropped back to 2m4f here in July but began his chasing career with two promising thirds (2m5f/2m7f, good) and will be suited by today's return to 3m; has a fighting chance if back on song.

9/2

9th

7

27th Jul 2025

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 4

16:07 Uttoxeter

Golden Ambition

11st 2lb

J: Kielan Woods

T: Ben Pauling

Won twice over hurdles and has kicked off over fences with fairly close thirds over 2m5f here and 2m7f at Worcester; looks on the right sort of mark but considered each-way.

9/2

7

7th Jul 2025

Good

2m 7f 0y

Class 4

14:42 Worcester

Golden Ambition

11st 5lb

J: Kielan Woods

T: Ben Pauling

Dual hurdle winner who was beaten 5l on chase debut at Uttoxeter (2m5f; stays this far) where a mistake three out didn't help the cause; should run well.

8/1

Form:

Last run:

W: 11st 3lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Would have made an easy winning debut in a point last month but for falling at the final fence; form of that is nothing special but he's still of interest now switched to a bumper.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

2

13th May 2026

Good

2m 7f 180y

Class 5

16:18 Perth

Deerstalker

11st 12lb

J: Miss Isobel Mactaggart

T: Mrs K B Mactaggart

Last of four (beaten 26l) in this last year; arrives in better form this year, with back-to-back point wins at Overton (3m); however, there wasn't much depth to his latest win, with his main market rival departing at the first fence.

11/2

4th

1

14th May 2025

Good

2m 7f 180y

Class 5

20:00 Perth

Deerstalker

11st 12lb

J: Miss Isobel Mactaggart

T: Mrs K B Mactaggart

Fair hurdler/chaser when with Ben Pauling and a good-ground point winner for new connections this year; unseated rider at sixth fence on last month's hunter chase debut but was clear second in open point at Witton Castle (good to firm) nine days ago and has a fighting chance in this.

7/2

4th

1

14th May 2025

Good

2m 7f 180y

Class 5

20:00 Perth

Deerstalker

11st 12lb

J: Miss Isobel Mactaggart

T: Mrs K B Mactaggart

Fair hurdler/chaser when with Ben Pauling and a good-ground point winner for new connections this year; unseated rider at sixth fence on last month's hunter chase debut but was clear second in open point at Witton Castle (good to firm) nine days ago and has a fighting chance in this.

7/2

Form: 3

Last run: 37 days

W: 11st 3lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Beaten 18l when third on last month's Wetherby debut but that looks a solid piece of form; repeat puts him in with every chance.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

1

18th Apr 2026

Good

3m 0f 30y

Class 5

13:52 Bangor-on-Dee

Streamsforth Lad

12st 0lb

J: Gavin Sheehan

T: Gary Hanmer

Jumping has been an issue but it's improved in his last two races when runner-up behind winners who were well backed and well handicapped; has course form; big shout.

6/1

2nd

3

13th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 41y

Class 5

15:30 Hexham

Streamsforth Lad

11st 11lb

J: Alan Doyle

T: Gary Hanmer

He's fallen/unseated on three of his five starts over hurdles but was going well when exiting two out at Stratford (2m6f, soft) last month and ran well when runner-up to well-backed winner at Bangor (3m, good) a fortnight ago; major player granted a clear round.

7/2

2nd

4

31st Mar 2026

Good

3m 0f 30y

Class 5

16:20 Bangor-on-Dee

Streamsforth Lad

11st 12lb

J: Alan Doyle

T: Gary Hanmer

Maiden; three times third over hurdles; 0-4 over fences and yet to complete the course, yet he was bang in contention when falling two out at Stratford three weeks ago (2m6f, soft; has form on good); if avoiding the mistakes he should have a role to play.

7/2

Form: 353

Last run: 62 days

W: 10st 10lb

6 yo Mare

OR:

Form & Verdict
Has finished third in two of her three attempts but the form of those doesn't match that of several of her rivals.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

8

19th Nov 2023

Heavy

2m 1f 162y

Class 4

12:30 Fontwell

Grangeclare North

10st 7lb

J: Harry Reed

T: Jim & Suzi Best

Minor bumper form and was 200-1 when pulled up on her hurdling debut at Plumpton.

66/1

0

11

6th Nov 2023

Good To Soft

2m 4f 114y

Class 4

14:07 Plumpton

Grangeclare North

10st 7lb

J: Nick Scholfield

T: Jim & Suzi Best

Third in two of her four bumpers last season but the form is modest; faces a tough assignment on hurdling debut.

100/1

Form: 535

Last run: 17 days

W: 11st 3lb

6 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Consistent to date with the pick of his three efforts when third at Kempton in February; couldn't build on that at Plumpton 17 days ago and this looks a stronger contest.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7

11th May 2025

Good

3m 0f 217y

Class 5

14:25 Plumpton

Forlano

11st 1lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Jim & Suzi Best

prominent, lost ground after 2nd, soon towards rear, weakening when not fluent 3 out, soon pulled up

11/2

7

11th May 2025

Good

3m 0f 217y

Class 5

14:25 Plumpton

Forlano

11st 1lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Jim & Suzi Best

prominent, lost ground after 2nd, soon towards rear, weakening when not fluent 3 out, soon pulled up

11/2

5th

5

21st Mar 2025

Good To Soft

2m 4f 118y

Class 3

13:55 Newbury

Forlano

11st 2lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Jim & Suzi Best

Has no realistic form claims in this company and Sean Bowen was aboard when tailed off in a Fontwell maiden two weeks ago for which he was 100-1.

100/1

100/1

Form:

Last run:

W: 11st 3lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Newcomer; dam won a point; trainer without success in bumpers.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

14

25th Apr 2024

Good

2m 3f 0y

Class 4

13:30 Warwick

Red Ripple

11st 6lb

J: Ben Poste

T: Adrian Wintle

towards rear, not fluent 3rd

200/1

14

25th Apr 2024

Good

2m 3f 0y

Class 4

13:30 Warwick

Red Ripple

11st 6lb

J: Ben Poste

T: Adrian Wintle

towards rear, not fluent 3rd

200/1

8th

5

29th Nov 2023

Good

2m 0f 53y

Class 5

15:45 Hereford

Red Ripple

11st 2lb

J: Kevin Brogan

T: Adrian Wintle

Third foal from a point winner; always behind when 150-1 for debut at Warwick (good) in April.

66/1

Form:

Last run:

W: 11st 3lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Half-brother to a French chase winner; trainer 2-41 in bumpers in last five years; probably best watched on debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

21st May 2023

Good

2m 0f 70y

Class 4

15:05 Stratford

Le Douet Vacu

11st 2lb

J: Tabitha Worsley

T: Gary Hanmer

raced in last, lost touch from 3rd, tailed off when pulled up after 2 out

33/1

16th

6

27th Apr 2023

Good To Soft

2m 0f 0y

Class 5

17:30 Warwick

Le Douet Vacu

11st 3lb

J: Tabitha Worsley

T: Gary Hanmer

Half-brother to a French chase winner; trainer 2-41 in bumpers in last five years; probably best watched on debut.

50/1

Form:

Last run:

W: 11st 3lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Newcomer; limited appeal on pedigree and likely to do better when faced with a real test of stamina.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

16

22nd May 2024

Good

3m 0f 60y

Class 5

20:40 Southwell

Madra Morjohn

10st 2lb

J: Lewis Stones

T: Phillippa Taylor

Pulled up in two of four attempts over hurdles, including on handicap debut at Fakenham (2m4f; 125-1) a fortnight ago; hard to fancy.

150/1

16

22nd May 2024

Good

3m 0f 60y

Class 5

20:40 Southwell

Madra Morjohn

10st 2lb

J: Lewis Stones

T: Phillippa Taylor

Pulled up in two of four attempts over hurdles, including on handicap debut at Fakenham (2m4f; 125-1) a fortnight ago; hard to fancy.

150/1

7

7th May 2024

Good

2m 4f 1y

Class 5

15:45 Fakenham

Madra Morjohn

10st 2lb

J: Lewis Stones

T: Phillippa Taylor

led, headed but prominent after 1st, lost ground after 5th, soon dropped to last

33/1

Form: 2

Last run: 28 days

W: 10st 9lb

4 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
No match for the winner but still shaped well when C&D second four weeks ago (race confined to newcomers); this race is almost certainly stronger but he's entitled to improve for the initial experience.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

2

28th Feb 2024

Heavy

2m 7f 32y

Class 4

16:50 Bangor-on-Dee

Globe Player

12st 0lb

J: Ciaran Gethings

T: Stuart Edmunds

led, mistake 5th, good jump 6th, pushed along 3 out, soon headed, weakened quickly before 2 out

11/8

1st

2

2nd Feb 2024

Good To Soft

3m 0f 60y

Class 4

15:25 Southwell

Globe Player

11st 11lb

J: Ciaran Gethings

T: Stuart Edmunds

Second in his only bumper and third in two maiden hurdles; favourite for handicap debut in eight-runner race here (2m4f, good to soft) on latest outing but was floundering before the home straight and finished more than 20l behind the first two; needs much better than that and cheekpieces go on for yard among the winners.

3/1

Non-runners

Globe Player

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Straight Forecast £73.83

Selections

TOPSPEED:

King William Rufus

SPOTLIGHT:

Strutter

WEST COUNTRY:

Check The Score

RP Ratings:

Bentley's Return

D Express:

Dorcas Road

Daily Mail:

Globe Player

LAMBOURN:

Strutter

Daily Mirror:

Strutter

The Times:

King William Rufus

Telegraph:

King William Rufus

The Guardian:

King William Rufus

Daily Record:

King William Rufus

The Star:

Check The Score

POSTDATA:

Bentley's Return