April 28 / 14.05 Perth

14.05

Good To Soft

BetVictor Highland National Handicap Chase (For The Julian Llewellen Palmer Memorial Trophy)

  • Prize money: £15843
  • 3m 6f 121y
  • Class 3
  • 14 runners
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BetVictor Highland National Handicap Chase (For The Julian Llewellen Palmer Memorial Trophy)

Runners: 14 runners

Type: Chase Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Sunny

16/1 (Won)

  • Win: £23.00
  • Place: £5.70

Form: 845127 C

Last run: 33 days

W: 11st 2lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 115

Form & Verdict
Sedgefield winner (2m3f+, cheekpieces on for first time) in January but not quite as good twice since; has won at 3m around here but ability to stay this trip has to be taken on trust.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

2

25th May 2026

Good

3m 5f 80y

Class 3

15:58 Cartmel

If Not For Dylan

11st 4lb

J: Alan Doyle

T: Lucinda Russell & Michael Scudamore

Thorough stayer who made all at Doncaster (3m, good to soft) in February and rebounded from a lesser effort when third at Perth (3m, good) last month; has never run here before but is sure to be suited by this move back up in trip.

6/1

3rd

5

23rd Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 7f 180y

Class 3

15:40 Perth

If Not For Dylan

10st 5lb

J: Alan Doyle

T: Lucinda Russell & Michael Scudamore

Disappointing at Haydock last time (3m1f, good) but successful at Doncaster before that (3m, good to soft); each-way chance.

9/1

7th

7

4th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

3m 1f 125y

Class 3

17:05 Haydock

If Not For Dylan

11st 7lb

J: Alan Doyle

T: Lucinda Russell & Michael Scudamore

Veteran who retains enthusiasm, and he jumped well and made all at Doncaster (3m, good to soft) in February, but he's back up 6lb and probably in a stronger race here.

6/1

7/1

  • Place: £3.10

Form: 4982P1

Last run: 22 days

W: 11st 5lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 118

Form & Verdict
Back to his best when beating Gentleman De Mai in gritty style at Wetherby this month (3m); stays this trip and 5lb rise shouldn't prevent him from being very competitive if in the same mood.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7

29th Oct 2024

Good To Soft

3m 2f 54y

Class 4

14:35 Chepstow

Silver In Disguise

11st 9lb

J: Mr Edward Vaughan

T: Tim Vaughan

Got up close home for C&D (good) win under Edward Vaughan in April and, if anything, ought to be better suited by today's forecast slower ground; contender if recent reappearance run has done him good.

16/1

7

29th Oct 2024

Good To Soft

3m 2f 54y

Class 4

14:35 Chepstow

Silver In Disguise

11st 9lb

J: Mr Edward Vaughan

T: Tim Vaughan

Got up close home for C&D (good) win under Edward Vaughan in April and, if anything, ought to be better suited by today's forecast slower ground; contender if recent reappearance run has done him good.

16/1

5th

2

6th Oct 2024

Good

3m 2f 39y

Class 4

15:15 Kelso

Silver In Disguise

11st 11lb

J: Mr Edward Vaughan

T: Tim Vaughan

in touch with leaders, prominent 11th

7/1

8/1

  • Place: £2.20

Form: 236246

Last run: 20 days

W: 11st 4lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 117

Form & Verdict
Application of cheekpieces definitely perked him up when second at Sandown (3m5f) last December and ran well again later that month; never able to land a blow at Haydock 20 days ago, on return from a break, but that may have put him right for this and trainer has good record here.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

5

4th May 2026

Good

3m 5f 24y

Class 3

16:38 Fakenham

Planned Paradise

11st 6lb

J: Mr J J Murphy-Knight

T: Christian Williams

Bounced back to form and won soft-ground marathons at Banger (3m5f) and Hexham (4m) in February/March; pulled up (lame) in early stages at Plumpton last time but has made the frame in the last two editions of this race (both on good ground) and can make his presence felt again.

7/1

8

6th Apr 2026

Good

3m 4f 104y

Class 2

16:25 Plumpton

Planned Paradise

10st 8lb

J: Jack Tudor

T: Christian Williams

Exploited a reduced mark to win at Bangor (3m5f, soft) in February and again had plenty in hand at Hexham (4m, soft) 12 days ago; this is a hotter race than last time and this 10yo is up 10lb, but he's clearly in rude health and could be bang there once more; handles any ground.

7/1

1st

6

25th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 7f 199y

Class 4

15:41 Hexham

Planned Paradise

11st 7lb

J: Charlie Maggs

T: Christian Williams

Exploited a reduced mark to win readily at Bangor (extended 3m5f, soft) four weeks ago; on last season's evidence a 9lb rise is unlikely to stop him if he can back up that latest performance; high on the list.

3/1

Form: -34223 BF

Last run: 41 days

W: 11st 9lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 122

Form & Verdict
Twice ran well at Market Rasen (at 3m3f+ once) before not living up to expectations at Newcastle latest; just 2-25 as a chaser but Brian Hughes keeps the faith and perhaps the tongue-strap will give him a boost.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

4

11th Apr 2026

Good

2m 4f 19y

Class 3

14:42 Newcastle

Geryville

11st 8lb

J: Alice Stevens

T: Micky Hammond

7-52; enjoyed the run of the race, making all, at Wetherby (2m4f, soft; 18-1; from 6lb lower) on penultimate start; ran to a similar level (third) behind the newly blinkered Rath Gaul Hill back there subsequently; no issue with Newcastle; player with Alice Stevens claiming 3lb.

5/2

3rd

1

17th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 85y

Class 4

14:37 Wetherby

Geryville

12st 2lb

J: Conor O’Farrell

T: Micky Hammond

His last two wins have come over C&D (soft), the latest in January when last seen; also effective on good ground; this 10yo is inconsistent and has never won off a mark this high, but he comfortably made all last time and could well make another bold bid if he's on another going day.

11/4

Form: -53622 BF

Last run: 22 days

W: 10st 13lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 112

Form & Verdict
Just seven career starts and runner-up in both chases, most recently behind Silver In Disguise at Wetherby; first attempt beyond 3m and possibilities, especially if a visor provokes some improvement.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

4

29th Dec 2023

Good To Soft

2m 6f 70y

Class 3

13:55 Kelso

Gentleman De Mai

11st 0lb

J: Craig Nichol

T: Rose Dobbin

Came good over fences at fourth attempt, with hard-fought course win (2m7f, good to soft) on last month's seasonal debut; drew clear of the others with the runner-up that day and a 5lb rise ought to be manageable.

3/1

Form: 114423

Last run: 33 days

W: 10st 6lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 105

Form & Verdict
Two wins last November and has run consistently since, without threatening another success; needs step up in trip to unlock some improvement.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

14th Apr 2025

Good

3m 0f 41y

Class 5

15:48 Hexham

Return Fire

11st 11lb

J: Patrick Wadge

T: Lucinda Russell

midfield, lost ground 4th, detached after 5th, struggling when pulled up before 15th

10/1

2

14th Apr 2025

Good

3m 0f 41y

Class 5

15:48 Hexham

Return Fire

11st 11lb

J: Patrick Wadge

T: Lucinda Russell

Bagged a second C&D victory in November but his more recent form is less encouraging, only sixth over C&D last time; handily weighted if getting back on track, though.

10/1

6th

3

13th Mar 2025

Good To Soft

3m 0f 41y

Class 5

16:22 Hexham

Return Fire

11st 9lb

J: Alan Doyle

T: Lucinda Russell

Resumed winning ways over C&D in November and posted a respectable sixth of ten in 3m Musselburgh handicap chase following month; much respected for his in-form yard after a break.

6/1

Form: P50112 BF

Last run: 36 days

W: 11st 3lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 116

Form & Verdict
Dominant displays in first two chases and, despite suffering a first defeat over fences at Ludlow latest, again ran well; quite a test for a 6yo tackling beyond 3m for the first time but major claims if he stays.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

14th Feb 2026

Heavy

3m 1f 30y

Class 4

16:00 Wincanton

Concetto

11st 6lb

J: Robert Dunne

T: Sam Allwood

Four-time chase winner for Greenall-Guerriero stable; has a patchy record but he's run well in two of his three starts for current yard, including a clear second at Market Rasen (3m, soft) last month; has claims if he can back that up and his last win was off 1lb higher.

8/1

2nd

4

16th Jan 2026

Good To Soft

2m 7f 191y

Class 4

15:45 Market Rasen

Concetto

11st 4lb

J: Tom Bellamy

T: Sam Allwood

Four-time chase winner (once over C&D) for Greenall-Guerriero stable; made quite pleasing seasonal/stable debut when second of four at Ludlow (3m1f, good) in November but ran very poorly at Hereford last month and needs to bounce back from that.

12/1

2

20th Apr 2025

Good

2m 7f 191y

Class 4

14:35 Market Rasen

Concetto

11st 9lb

J: Mr Edward Vaughan

T: Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero

Won over C&D (soft) last season and has twice finished second over 3m3f here this term (good to soft; including Lincolnshire National); also suited by good ground and current mark is workable; respected.

7/2

Form: -85153

Last run: 37 days

W: 11st 3lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 116

Form & Verdict
Two respectable efforts since a narrow Kelso win (off just 2lb lower) last December; stays well but was pulled up in this a year ago and may need mud to show his best.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11

24th Feb 2024

Heavy

4m 1f 56y

Class 2

14:08 Newcastle

Rath An Iuir

10st 3lb

J: Craig Nichol

T: Rose Dobbin

The new visor (kept since, replacing cheekpieces) worked a treat when he won at Kelso (3m2f, heavy) over Christmas for the second year running; he hasn't sparked that often in the last two years, though, showing little on latest outing; beaten just over 20l when sixth and fifth in the last two Eiders, so others look more solid.

14/1

5th

4

24th Jan 2024

Soft

3m 1f 54y

Class 4

12:50 Catterick

Rath An Iuir

11st 10lb

J: Ciaran O’Shea

T: Rose Dobbin

The new visor worked a treat when winning a 3m2f handicap at Kelso (heavy) over Christmas for the second year running; 4lb rise won't prevent another bold show if he's as good again (not guaranteed).

11/4

Form: 11-P1P C

Last run: 84 days

W: 11st 6lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 119

Form & Verdict
Six chase starts have produced four wins at Ffos Las (fortunate in the latest) but two pulled-ups elsewhere; disappointing latest but can bounce back and has won over hurdles here; no surprise to see him involved.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

4

7th Jul 2026

Good

3m 0f 10y

Class 4

14:30 Uttoxeter

Fairlawn Flyer

11st 8lb

J: Mr James Murray

T: Mickey Bowen

Has won ten of his 30 chases, four of them last year; hasn't been in quite such good form this term, last time finishing 8l fourth of six at Cartmel (3m1f, good), but he's on a good mark now.

11/2

4th

6

26th Jun 2026

Good

3m 1f 107y

Class 4

15:50 Cartmel

Fairlawn Flyer

11st 9lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Mickey Bowen

Admirable strike-rate of 10-29 over fences; won this 12 months ago off 1lb higher and had only five starts in the meantime, the latest respectable in a higher grade behind stablemate Stratagem; chance.

4/1

3rd

3

25th May 2026

Good

3m 5f 80y

Class 3

15:58 Cartmel

Fairlawn Flyer

11st 3lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Mickey Bowen

10-28 over fences, including three 3m1f course wins; below form at Ffos Las this month, after a break, but is back on a good mark and this marathon trip will suit; must be considered.

11/4

Form: 3148-P

Last run: 306 days

W: 12st 0lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 127

Form & Verdict
Absent since being pulled up last June; previous wind ops have led to an upturn in fortunes so perhaps he may revive but clearly something to prove off top weight after the break.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10

30th Jun 2024

Good

3m 2f 13y

Class 2

15:00 Uttoxeter

Court Master

10st 2lb

J: James Turner

T: Neil Mulholland

Placed over C&D last summer and ran well to a point when sixth at Cheltenham (3m2f, good) in April, after a break, but did not build on that performance when filling same position behind Hidden Heroics at Stratford (3m3f, good) this month and is 7lb out of the handicap today.

20/1

6th

3

1st Jun 2024

Good To Soft

3m 3f 119y

Class 3

19:30 Stratford

Court Master

11st 13lb

J: Dylan Johnston

T: Neil Mulholland

Dropped out for a remote finish last time at Cheltenham but that was after a break and he was only 2l away when fifth there the run before (October; 3m1f, good); strong stayer on a handy mark but he does need the ground to remain good.

9/2

Form: 7P1235

Last run: 9 days

W: 11st 10lb

11 yo Gelding

OR: 123

Form & Verdict
Beat three rivals at Hereford in February and put up a good effort when fifth in a big field at Cheltenham last week; no secrets at this stage of his career but stays well and could be a factor.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

5

12th Nov 2024

Good

2m 7f 129y

Class 4

13:25 Huntingdon

Innisfree Lad

11st 2lb

J: Theo Gillard

T: David Dennis

Thorough stayer with nine wins on his CV; not an easy one to predict nowadays and failed to build upon his encouraging seasonal debut when never dangerous at Chepstow last month but has his headgear switched today and is too well handicapped to rule out.

11/2

5th

5

12th Nov 2024

Good

2m 7f 129y

Class 4

13:25 Huntingdon

Innisfree Lad

11st 2lb

J: Theo Gillard

T: David Dennis

Thorough stayer with nine wins on his CV; not an easy one to predict nowadays and failed to build upon his encouraging seasonal debut when never dangerous at Chepstow last month but has his headgear switched today and is too well handicapped to rule out.

11/2

7

11th Oct 2024

Good To Soft

2m 7f 131y

Class 4

17:30 Chepstow

Innisfree Lad

11st 10lb

J: Finn Lambert

T: David Dennis

Veteran with nine wins to his name and, with cheekpieces back on, he ran well for a long way at Warwick 17 days ago (good to soft); that was encouraging after a lengthy break but he's no certainty to be as good again.

10/1

Form: 114/P9

Last run: 85 days

W: 11st 9lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 122

Form & Verdict
Three wins in 2020 but absent for two years before two outings this season; hasn't done enough in either to convince and others more obvious; often makes the running.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

0

5

12th Dec 2023

Soft

3m 1f 30y

Class 4

14:15 Wincanton

Nearly Perfect

11st 10lb

J: Jack Quinlan

T: Neil King

Completed a double over C&D (soft) in December 2020 and has run just five times since; has tumbled down the weights but for good reason and he needs to turn things around.

20/1

Form: 221416

Last run: 41 days

W: 11st 5lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 118

Form & Verdict
Rare duff effort at Kempton latest (race reportedly came too soon after a win seven days earlier); model of consistency apart and, while he didn't appear to get home over 3m7f+ three starts ago, has each-way claims.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

4

22nd Jan 2024

Frozen

3m 0f 0y

Class 6

16:15 Warwick

Just Dont Know

12st 6lb

J: Mr Paddy Barlow

T: Paul Robson

Should be vulnerable at these weights but at least he comes here on the back of a solid effort in defeat in a 3m2f heavy-ground handicap at Kelso; mostly consistent last season as well.

10/1

2nd

1

29th Dec 2023

Good To Soft

3m 2f 39y

Class 4

15:32 Kelso

Just Dont Know

12st 0lb

J: Mr Callum Pritchard

T: Paul Robson

Scored over 2m7f on heavy ground here in January and was close/clear second on good ground over that trip here in May; made low-key reappearance here (2m5f) last month but might have needed that outing and will be better suited by today's longer trip; shortlisted.

9/2

OUR TIP

Form: -21322

Last run: 47 days

W: 11st 2lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 115

Form & Verdict
Consistent and very solid seconds in cheekpieces the last twice, including over 3m5f at Warwick last month; every reason to expect another bold effort and leading contender.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

2

22nd Apr 2025

Good

2m 7f 96y

Class 4

16:45 Kelso

Destiny Is All

12st 1lb

J: Jack Power

T: Lucinda Russell

Five-time chase winner (once over C&D); back on a good mark now but suffered dip in form after his winning seasonal debut at Ayr (3m, good to soft) in October and fell when last in action.

8/1

6th

2

22nd Apr 2025

Good

2m 7f 96y

Class 4

16:45 Kelso

Destiny Is All

12st 1lb

J: Jack Power

T: Lucinda Russell

Five-time chase winner (once over C&D); back on a good mark now but suffered dip in form after his winning seasonal debut at Ayr (3m, good to soft) in October and fell when last in action.

8/1

1

13th Mar 2025

Good To Soft

3m 7f 199y

Class 4

15:02 Hexham

Destiny Is All

12st 0lb

J: Jack Power

T: Lucinda Russell

Has a good record fresh, winning first time after a summer break for last two seasons; won over 3m off this at Ayr in October but not quite at his best since; close fourth of five to Breeze Of Wind in this race 12 months ago.

7/2

Non-runners

Court Master

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £264.70
Straight Forecast £228.62
Tricast £1399.26
Trifecta £1736.50

Selections

POSTDATA:

Concetto

SPOTLIGHT:

Destiny Is All

RP Ratings:

Planned Paradise

The Guardian:

Gentleman De Mai

The Times:

Fairlawn Flyer

Daily Mail:

Silver In Disguise

Daily Mirror:

Innisfree Lad

Telegraph:

Concetto

Daily Record:

Concetto

TOPSPEED:

Planned Paradise

D Express:

Gentleman De Mai

The Sun:

Destiny Is All

The Star:

Destiny Is All