April 29 / 17.30 Punchestown

17.30

Good To Yielding

Fitzwilliam Sports Handicap Hurdle (Grade B)

  • Prize money: £52212.39
  • 2m 3f 30y
  • 21 runners
RTE1
View Course
Fitzwilliam Sports Handicap Hurdle (Grade B)

Runners: 21 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Showers

15/2 (Won)

  • Win: £6.80
  • Place: £1.80

Form: F23111 D

Last run: 44 days

W: 10st 12lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 134

Form & Verdict
Has really found his form again since joining this yard and put up a career best to win the Plate at Cheltenham last month; 9lb lower for his return to timber and has to be high on any shortlist.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13

(17)

11th Oct 2025

Good

2m 2f 0y

Class 2

15:40 Newmarket

Seddon

8st 7lb

J: Patrick McGettigan

T: John C McConnell

Can make the running; superb 2022-23 season was his best over hurdles/fences, including big-field wins at the Cheltenham and Punchestown festivals; a 10yo before his attentions were turned to the Flat and he won twice (2m1f/1m6f) last August/September; the five good handicaps since, however, have seen him comfortably held (last four were over fences); off since April; today's hood is his first ever headgear.

40/1

9th

8

30th Apr 2025

Yielding

2m 4f 80y

18:05 Punchestown

Seddon

10st 13lb

J: Alex Harvey

T: John C McConnell

led, headed 4th, prominent behind clear leader 8th

14/1

25/1

  • Place: £5.30

Form: -03903 D

Last run: 20 days

W: 10st 13lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 135

Form & Verdict
Posted his best effort for some time when beaten roughly 1l at Cork earlier this month; up 2lb and this is tougher but he's still feasibly treated on his peak efforts.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12th

3

(12)

23rd Aug 2024

Good

1m 6f 80y

19:12 Killarney

The Very Man

9st 12lb

J: Scott McCullagh

T: Mrs John Harrington

slowly into stride, always behind

12/1

9th

2

19th Jul 2024

Good

2m 6f 180y

15:05 Killarney

The Very Man

11st 12lb

J: Rachael Blackmore

T: Mrs John Harrington

Talented dual-purpose performer; cracking fifth in red-hot 2m4f Punchestown handicap on latest hurdles run.

7/1

12th

2

(9)

18th Jun 2024

Good To Firm

2m 3f 210y

Class 2

18:05 Ascot

The Very Man

9st 11lb

J: Shane Foley

T: Mrs John Harrington

Very solid sequence last spring/summer on ground ranging from good (unraced on firmer) to heavy, including a dominant display from the back over 2m at this track; 7lb higher mark today demands a career-best Flat performance but he was bang there in blanket finish to a good handicap hurdle last month and it's not hard to think that this trip will suit.

25/1

66/1

  • Place: £9.10

Form: 31P0-0

Last run: 349 days

W: 10st 3lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 125

Form & Verdict
Struggled for form since a Thurles win in 2021 and off nearly a year; new yard.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

4

6th Oct 2024

Yielding

2m 0f 50y

15:40 Tipperary

Mighty Tom

11st 1lb

J: Jordan Gainford

T: Cian Collins

held up in rear, headway and went third halfway, weakened before 2 out, dropped to rear approaching last

11/2

10/1

  • Place: £2.60

Form: /2-223

Last run: 21 days

W: 10st 7lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 129

Form & Verdict
Bumper winner in France and not beaten far in four starts for this yard over hurdles including his handicap debut earlier this month; respected back up in trip.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

2nd May 2026

Good

3m 0f 10y

Class 2

14:35 Uttoxeter

Horantzau Dairy

11st 1lb

J: Charlie Hammond

T: Stuart Edmunds

Now 5lb lower than when second for Micheal Keady here (2m4f, good) just under a year ago but both subsequent runs for Sara Bradstock were disappointing and he was well beaten in Cheltenham Festival cross-country chase on stable debut in March; now sports cheekpieces; needs to get career back on track.

20/1

11th

10

11th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 5f 56y

Class 2

15:20 Cheltenham

Horantzau Dairy

10st 5lb

J: Charlie Hammond

T: Stuart Edmunds

Very useful handicap chaser for Willie Mullins in 2024 and placed for Michael Keady last spring (2m4f, good) but absent since pulled up for Sara Bradstock in September (bled from the nose); now with another new stable for cross-country debut; 4lb wrong; best to look elsewhere.

66/1

1

23rd Sep 2025

Good

3m 1f 100y

Class 3

16:30 Warwick

Horantzau Dairy

12st 0lb

J: Miss Lily Bradstock

T: Mrs Sara V Bradstock

Temptingly treated on the best of his form for Willie Mullins; had two runs for Michael Keady, outclassed in the Grand National but then runner-up at Uttoxeter (2m4f, good); ran well for a long way in Market Rasen's Summer Plate (2m5f) on debut for current yard and this trip is a better fit; respected.

5/1

Form: 05-035

Last run: 43 days

W: 11st 11lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 147

Form & Verdict
Creditable third behind Gaelic Warrior in a Dublin Racing Festival handicap and kept on well for fifth when beaten roughly 4l in the County last month; needs to find improvement for a step back up in trip to defy this mark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

1

(4)

31st May 2026

Good

2m 0f 40y

16:50 Listowel

Ballyadam

10st 4lb

J: W J Lee

T: Henry De Bromhead

Good quality NH performer, including when good fourth in BetMGM Handicap Hurdle at Cheltenham; took the runner-up spot in a Ballinrobe maiden (1m5f, good to yielding) last time when 7l behind the winner; must carry top weight for Flat handicap debut but big chance.

11/4

2nd

1

(1)

8th May 2026

Yielding To Soft

1m 4f 183y

19:52 Ballinrobe

Ballyadam

10st 7lb

J: Ronan Whelan

T: Henry De Bromhead

High-class NH performer, most recently good fourth in BetMGM Handicap Hurdle at Cheltenham; two previous Flat runs were on the Dundalk AW, notably previous month when 2l third of 10 over 1m4f; ground no problem, not sure the tight track will suit.

13/2

4th

2

11th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 5f 0y

Class 1

14:40 Cheltenham

Ballyadam

11st 11lb

J: Patrick M O’Brien

T: Henry De Bromhead

Fifth in two editions of the County Hurdle here before his second and third in the last two runnings of this race, which is quite something; has a 1lb higher mark than last year; well held in his only hurdle race this term but placed in Flat maidens either side, and has to be in place calculations.

18/1

OUR TIP

Form: 154F31

Last run: 21 days

W: 10st 4lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 134

Form & Verdict
Only beaten a neck in the Fred Winter before getting the race in the stewards' room at Fairyhouse earlier this month when taking on older horses; 7lb higher but going the right way and there could be more to come at this trip (stamina on the dam's side of her pedigree).
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

29th Dec 2024

Yielding

2m 4f 0y

13:20 Leopardstown

Risk Belle

11st 3lb

J: Mark Walsh

T: W P Mullins

midfield early, prominent behind clear leaders after 2nd

9/1

4

29th Dec 2024

Yielding

2m 4f 0y

13:20 Leopardstown

Risk Belle

11st 3lb

J: Mark Walsh

T: W P Mullins

midfield early, prominent behind clear leaders after 2nd

9/1

2nd

1

24th Nov 2024

Yielding

2m 2f 0y

12:40 Punchestown

Risk Belle

11st 4lb

J: Mark Walsh

T: W P Mullins

Won a Grade 3 at Fairyhouse on return last year and some decent efforts in defeat since; however, below form the last thrice (an excuse in Galway Hurdle) and has to bounce back.

5/1

8/1

Form: 0-2157 CD

Last run: 19 days

W: 10st 12lb

6 yo Mare

OR: 134

Form & Verdict
Consistent in the last couple of seasons and ran with credit when beaten roughly 9l at Fairyhouse earlier this month when having her first start since the Galway festival; may be able to build on that and she's the yard's first-string from six runners.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

3

10th Dec 2023

Soft

2m 0f 160y

13:45 Cork

Heia

10st 13lb

J: Brian Hayes

T: W P Mullins

Dual winner over hurdles and successful start chasing when making all in ordinary Tramore mares event in June; hasn't progressed however in three starts since in better company and looks to have it to do here.

16/1

2nd

3

26th Oct 2023

Heavy

2m 2f 65y

16:20 Clonmel

Heia

11st 0lb

J: Paul Townend

T: W P Mullins

took keen hold early, raced in second, pressed leader when jumped slightly left 7th, led before 4 out, headed 2 out, soon no extra, weakening when mistake and pecked on landing last

7/2

5th

3

20th Sep 2023

Good

2m 4f 0y

15:50 Listowel

Heia

11st 5lb

J: Paul Townend

T: W P Mullins

Twice successful over hurdles, rated 134; made a bright start over fences with a comfortable win at Tramore in June; stable's second-string when unable to make much impression at Galway.

2/1

Form: 40-510 D

Last run: 43 days

W: 11st 12lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 148

Form & Verdict
Winning start for this yard when bolting up at Leopardstown in December; 16lb higher mark made life tough at Cheltenham last month in the County; 4lb lower here and a return to further may help eke out some improvement.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

4

1st Nov 2025

Good

3m 0f 26y

Class 1

14:22 Wetherby

Winter Fog

11st 2lb

J: Brian Hayes

T: W P Mullins

11yo who appeared to be outstayed when fourth, beaten about 8l, in the Grade 1 Champion Stayers Hurdle at Punchestown (extended 2m7f, yielding) in May; however, that was still a good performance in today's context and he's fit from the Flat; possible player for top Irish stable.

8/1

4th

4

1st Nov 2025

Good

3m 0f 26y

Class 1

14:22 Wetherby

Winter Fog

11st 2lb

J: Brian Hayes

T: W P Mullins

11yo who appeared to be outstayed when fourth, beaten about 8l, in the Grade 1 Champion Stayers Hurdle at Punchestown (extended 2m7f, yielding) in May; however, that was still a good performance in today's context and he's fit from the Flat; possible player for top Irish stable.

8/1

14

(11)

11th Oct 2025

Good

2m 2f 0y

Class 2

15:40 Newmarket

Winter Fog

8st 5lb

J: Sean D Bowen

T: W P Mullins

Aged 11 but he's a seriously unexposed, dark horse on Flat; smart hurdles form in Grade 1s in August 2024-May 2025; three Irish maiden races are all he's contested on Flat, when runner-up twice last year (2m/1m6f) and winning by a short head this August (2m) but he's not been hit hard with this opening Flat mark and having Willie Mullins as his trainer demands respect.

12/1

Form: 81-002 CD

Last run: 45 days

W: 11st 3lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 139

Form & Verdict
Won here last season; missed almost a year but bounced back from a couple of lesser runs when only beaten a head in the Coral Cup last month; nudged up 2lb but should be a big player if he's in the same form.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

10th Dec 2024

Yielding

2m 0f 98y

11:50 Punchestown

An Epic Song

11st 5lb

J: Ricky Doyle

T: Martin Brassil

led narrowly or disputed lead early, prominent after 1st, lost position but in touch with leaders before 4 out, 4 lengths down when fell 3 out

14/1

3

10th Dec 2024

Yielding

2m 0f 98y

11:50 Punchestown

An Epic Song

11st 5lb

J: Ricky Doyle

T: Martin Brassil

led narrowly or disputed lead early, prominent after 1st, lost position but in touch with leaders before 4 out, 4 lengths down when fell 3 out

14/1

6th

1

23rd Nov 2024

Yielding

2m 2f 200y

12:30 Punchestown

An Epic Song

11st 12lb

J: Ricky Doyle

T: Martin Brassil

Touched off by Langer Dan in last year's Coral Cup; hasn't shown much in two starts over fences; jumped left when beaten a long way in race won by Gaelic Warrior here and, after four months off, again not fluent at Cork; up against it.

25/1

10/1

Form: 316052 C

Last run: 4 days

W: 10st 11lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 133

Form & Verdict
Only beaten roughly 2l by his stablemate here on Tuesday and can race off the same mark but needs to prove he's as effective at this trip.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

3

22nd Apr 2026

Good

2m 7f 171y

Class 4

15:30 Ludlow

Tax For Max

11st 9lb

J: J J Slevin

T: Nigel & Willy Twiston-Davies

Three wins at around 2m in Ireland and latest was over fences for Willie Mullins in June 2023; record of 0-8 for current yard but he rallied well when a creditable third here (2m, good) last month; this is a different test at this new trip but he's well treated on his old form and needs watching in the market; tongue-tie back on.

5/1

3rd

2

19th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

1m 7f 212y

Class 4

15:50 Ludlow

Tax For Max

11st 7lb

J: J J Slevin

T: Nigel & Willy Twiston-Davies

Another previously useful ex-Mullins horse who's yet to score for this yard; some fair efforts, though, including when second of six at Huntingdon (2m4f, good to soft) at the start of the month; drops back in trip and also needs considering from a career-low mark.

15/8

2nd

5

1st Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 189y

Class 3

14:45 Huntingdon

Tax For Max

10st 11lb

J: J J Slevin

T: Nigel & Willy Twiston-Davies

Hurdles/chase winner for Willie Mullins but is 0-6 since joining current stable and returning from long absence; failed to derive benefit from going back over fences the last twice; current mark reflects a decline in his form (20lb higher at his peak).

14/1

Form: 80F130

Last run: 14 days

W: 10st 0lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 122

Form & Verdict
Finished mid-division in Aintree handicap a fortnight ago and this looks tougher; back down in trip.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11

17th Aug 2025

Good

2m 6f 0y

16:30 Tramore

Starzov

10st 3lb

J: Simon Torrens

T: P J Rothwell

Won twice over hurdles; no sign of similar form over fences; fell here in May, tailed off at Downpatrick last month, pulled up at Wexford last time.

25/1

12

6th Aug 2025

Good

3m 1f 70y

19:17 Wexford

Starzov

10st 0lb

J: Calum Hogan

T: P J Rothwell

Won twice over hurdles; no sign of similar form over fences; tailed off at Downpatrick last month; trainer has a better chance with Prince Zaltar.

16/1

4

14th Jul 2025

Good

2m 3f 100y

16:28 Downpatrick

Starzov

11st 6lb

J: Tiernan Power Roche

T: P J Rothwell

Dual hurdles winner but regressive last season; two chase efforts don't make him an obvious contender now on handicap debut unless first-time tongue-tie brings improvement.

10/1

Form: 7-31P5

Last run: 20 days

W: 10st 11lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 133

Form & Verdict
Tailed off at Fairyhouse earlier this month and was pulled up in the Challow at Newbury; however, the form of his maiden hurdle success earlier in the season has worked out and one to consider on handicap debut with cheekpieces on for the first time.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

4

2nd May 2026

Good

3m 0f 10y

Class 2

14:35 Uttoxeter

Joyeux Machin

11st 1lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

Appreciated eased in grade at Bangor (3m, good to soft) six weeks ago, winning readily by 10l; contests deeper race here but probably still on workable mark after 5lb rise, and quicker ground also suits.

9/2

1st

1

21st Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 30y

Class 3

14:15 Bangor-on-Dee

Joyeux Machin

12st 2lb

J: Harry Atkins

T: Dan Skelton

Exposed ex-Irish gelding who has yet to score for Dan Skelton (0-10); however, he has been contesting stronger races and was going nicely in clear lead when falling six out in major handicap chase at Doncaster (3m, soft; fine on good) in January; his subsequent Ascot run needs forgiving but that was a Class 1 race.

5/2

9th

6

14th Feb 2026

Soft

2m 7f 185y

Class 1

15:00 Ascot

Joyeux Machin

10st 7lb

J: Tristan Durrell

T: Dan Skelton

Record of 0-9 for current yard but he ran well over hurdles on this card last year; still going nicely in clear lead when falling six out in major handicap chase at Doncaster (3m, soft) most recently; shortlisted.

7/2

Form: -P1P62 D

Last run: 19 days

W: 11st 4lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 140

Form & Verdict
Posted a career best when runner-up at Fairyhouse on debut for this yard earlier this month; only up 2lb and warrants respect.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

2

4th Jul 2023

Good To Yielding

2m 0f 170y

14:05 Tipperary

Galore Desassences

11st 12lb

J: Kieren Buckley

T: Gavin Cromwell

Former Nigel Hawke-trained gelding made a bright start for the stable when second over hurdles at Fairyhouse in April; switch to chasing (second roll of the dice) at Wexford worked out reasonably well when third behind Watch House Cross (facile winner on next start) and if he brushes his jumping up another notch here, he could be one to have on your side; should take high rank.

9/4

2

19th Jun 2023

Good

2m 3f 100y

19:13 Kilbeggan

Galore Desassences

11st 12lb

J: Kieren Buckley

T: Gavin Cromwell

Four-time winner in UK is rated 140 over hurdles after a fine run in defeat on debut for this yard; however, didn't jump well on second chase start last time and needs a fair bit more.

3/1

2

29th May 2023

Good

2m 1f 0y

18:00 Ballinrobe

Galore Desassences

11st 12lb

J: Kieren Buckley

T: Gavin Cromwell

Form: -21B1P CD

Last run: 188 days

W: 10st 12lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 134

Form & Verdict
Won novice hurdle at Listowel in September and too bad to be true when pulled up a long way out at Limerick a month later; given a break and may resume progress given his lightly raced profile.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7

1st Jun 2026

Yielding

2m 7f 150y

16:42 Listowel

Ambitious Fellow

11st 7lb

J: Mr G Devitt

T: Peter Fahey

Four wins over hurdles (rated 130), one of them here; maiden after 10 chase starts and has had jumping issues, but was second off 120 at Roscommon last summer; only beaten 7l in Champion Hunters Chase at Punchestown where he was a huge price.

6/1

5th

1

1st May 2026

Yielding

3m 0f 160y

16:15 Punchestown

Ambitious Fellow

12st 0lb

J: Mr G Devitt

T: Peter Fahey

Four wins over hurdles; has never won a chase; point-to-point form nowhere near good enough.

66/1

Form: P7-863 C

Last run: 56 days

W: 11st 4lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 140

Form & Verdict
Ran well in the November Handicap at Naas on the Flat last year; didn't jump well over fences at Kelso when last seen but was only beaten 7l; only beaten 1l in this two year's ago and he's down to a good mark; best form has come with good in the going description.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

4

(2)

2nd Nov 2025

Heavy

2m 0f 71y

14:30 Curragh

The Shunter

9st 9lb

J: Ben Coen

T: Emmet Mullins

Useful jumper has won twice on the Flat, the last being the 2023 Cesarewitch; didn't get the clearest passage when beaten 11l in this year's renewal; handles this ground and can run well.

12/1

2nd

4

(2)

2nd Nov 2025

Heavy

2m 0f 71y

14:30 Curragh

The Shunter

9st 9lb

J: Ben Coen

T: Emmet Mullins

Useful jumper has won twice on the Flat, the last being the 2023 Cesarewitch; didn't get the clearest passage when beaten 11l in this year's renewal; handles this ground and can run well.

12/1

Form: 445614 C BF

Last run: 105 days

W: 10st 0lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 121

Form & Verdict
Justified favouritism in a Leopardstown handicap in December; last of four finishers in the 20-runner Lanzarote on very testing ground when last seen 105 days ago; effectively 5lb lower here (1lb wrong at weights) and there's potential for more to come on just his third handicap start.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

16th

21

29th Apr 2023

Good To Yielding

2m 3f 30y

17:30 Punchestown

Green Glory

10st 0lb

J: Phillip Enright

T: C Byrnes

Justified favouritism in a Leopardstown handicap in December; last of four finishers in the 20-runner Lanzarote on very testing ground when last seen 105 days ago; effectively 5lb lower here (1lb wrong at weights) and there's potential for more to come on just his third handicap start.

10/1

4th

16

14th Jan 2023

Soft

2m 5f 0y

Class 2

14:40 Kempton

Green Glory

10st 8lb

J: Philip Byrnes

T: C Byrnes

Unexposed contender who represents a very shrewd Irish trainer; justified favouritism with 1l success under Philip Byrnes at Leopardstown (2m4f, soft) last month when making handicap debut; should be capable of further progress; has to be feared.

4/1

1st

10

29th Dec 2022

Soft

2m 4f 0y

14:55 Leopardstown

Green Glory

10st 12lb

J: Philip Byrnes

T: C Byrnes

towards rear, bit short of room soon after start

3/1

Form: P43036 C

Last run: 2 days

W: 11st 6lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 142

Form & Verdict
Fourth in the Stayers' Hurdle two seasons ago and bounced back to form with a solid third in a Grade 2 at Fairyhouse earlier this month; feasibly treated back in handicap company and versatile with regards to conditions; engaged here on Thursday.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

12th Feb 2026

Heavy

2m 7f 3y

Class 5

16:00 Taunton

Beacon Edge

11st 12lb

J: Mr Joshua Newman

T: J Newman

Best known as a very talented hurdler, also landing a Grade 1 novice chase in 2021; had jumping issues over fences subsequently and this is his first chase start since 2022; returned from some time off with a point win last month (3m, soft); it remains to be seen how much ability this 12yo retains but he's entitled to considerable respect on his hunter chase debut.

13/8

1st

1

28th May 2025

Good To Firm

2m 1f 0y

16:55 Wexford

Beacon Edge

12st 0lb

J: Mr J M Halford

T: Gordon Elliott

Winner of nine races; 7-34 record over hurdles, including a four-runner Grade 2 event over 3m at Wetherby last October; ran creditably when seventh in the 26-runner Coral Cup at Cheltenham; down the field at Aintree subsequently; trip is short of his best but he won a stronger race than this over 2m2f at Ballinrobe a year ago; amateur rider, 2-11 over hurdles.

11/8

1

28th May 2025

Good To Firm

2m 1f 0y

16:55 Wexford

Beacon Edge

12st 0lb

J: Mr J M Halford

T: Gordon Elliott

Winner of nine races; 7-34 record over hurdles, including a four-runner Grade 2 event over 3m at Wetherby last October; ran creditably when seventh in the 26-runner Coral Cup at Cheltenham; down the field at Aintree subsequently; trip is short of his best but he won a stronger race than this over 2m2f at Ballinrobe a year ago; amateur rider, 2-11 over hurdles.

11/8

Form: 22-45P D

Last run: 2 days

W: 11st 5lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 141

Form & Verdict
Promising novice chase campaign last term; below form in two runs this term including back over timber last time when fifth of six (Beacon Edge third); needs to bounce back; engaged here Thursday.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

29th Apr 2023

Good To Yielding

2m 3f 30y

17:30 Punchestown

Master McShee

11st 5lb

J: Ian Power

T: P Corkery

Promising novice chase campaign last term; below form in two runs this term including back over timber last time when fifth of six (Beacon Edge third); needs to bounce back; engaged here Thursday.

20/1

2

27th Apr 2023

Yielding To Soft

2m 7f 130y

18:00 Punchestown

Master McShee

11st 11lb

J: Ian Power

T: P Corkery

Useful novice hurdler won a Grade 1 novice over fences in 2021 and some fine runs in defeat after, mostly behind Galopin Des Champs; well beaten back over hurdles last time but can improve from that.

25/1

5th

5

10th Apr 2023

Yielding

2m 4f 0y

16:50 Fairyhouse

Master McShee

11st 3lb

J: Ian Power

T: P Corkery

in rear but in touch with leaders, pushed along before 2 out, weakened after 2 out

16/1

Form: 4B7020 C

Last run: 43 days

W: 11st 4lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 140

Form & Verdict
Big run behind HMS Seahorse at Navan in January; tailed off in the Martin Pipe at Cheltenham last time but he has a better record at this venue (four wins from six starts) and he's on a good mark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

1

8th Aug 2024

Good

2m 1f 185y

17:05 Sligo

Felix Desjy

12st 0lb

J: Jack Kennedy

T: Gordon Elliott

High-class performer at his best over hurdles and fences but has been absent since well beaten in the Martin Pipe Hurdle at Cheltenham last year; hard to know how much ability he retains but a player if running close to his mark

7/2

5

29th Apr 2023

Good To Yielding

2m 3f 30y

17:30 Punchestown

Felix Desjy

11st 4lb

J: Corey McGivern

T: Gordon Elliott

Big run behind HMS Seahorse at Navan in January; tailed off in the Martin Pipe at Cheltenham last time but he has a better record at this venue (four wins from six starts) and he's on a good mark.

20/1

Form: 4-2116 C

Last run: 123 days

W: 10st 10lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 132

Form & Verdict
Tailed off in Grade 1 at Leopardstown over Christmas and not seen since but had previously looked progressive; not an easy task from this opening mark though.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

5

20th Jan 2024

Frozen

2m 4f 0y

13:55 Navan

Itswhatunitesus

11st 7lb

J: Kieren Buckley

T: H Rogers

Won back-to-back over hurdles last season but has really struggled since and shown nothing in two runs for this yard.

33/1

10th

5

27th Dec 2023

Yielding To Soft

2m 0f 0y

14:20 Leopardstown

Itswhatunitesus

10st 13lb

J: Kieren Buckley

T: H Rogers

in rear, mistake 1st

33/1

10th

2

17th Dec 2023

Soft To Heavy

2m 4f 0y

13:10 Navan

Itswhatunitesus

11st 6lb

J: Kieren Buckley

T: H Rogers

towards rear

50/1

Form: 34B6/7 C

Last run: 21 days

W: 10st 10lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 132

Form & Verdict
Won his first two hurdle starts in 2020 but hasn't managed to build on that subsequently; well held on return from lengthy absence at Fairyhouse earlier this month; back up in trip and others have more obvious claims.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

6

5th Nov 2023

Soft

2m 4f 0y

14:40 Cork

Power Of Pause

11st 0lb

J: Paul Townend

T: W P Mullins

Former point winner and useful 132-rated hurdler, though pulled up in two of his last three races in that sphere; made an encouraging start over fences when making almost all to beat the error-prone favourite Genois at Listowel; will need to raise his game to win here.

5/1

1st

7

20th Sep 2023

Good

2m 6f 0y

17:00 Listowel

Power Of Pause

11st 12lb

J: Paul Townend

T: W P Mullins

Useful hurdler is rated 132 in that sphere but has been pulled-up on two of last four starts; has the ability to go well if his jumping holds up; has won a point' which can help.

3/1

0

7

5th Aug 2023

Good To Yielding

2m 6f 108y

14:30 Galway

Power Of Pause

11st 2lb

J: Paul Townend

T: W P Mullins

Off the track for two years and gradually coming back to form; stayed on well to be runner-up in a competitive Ballinrobe handicap in May; should be spot on for this.

8/1

Non-runners

Beacon Edge, Master McShee, Felix Desjy

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta €171.70
Straight Forecast €171.59
Tricast €6060.37
Trifecta €0.00

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Seddon

The Irish Sun:

Risk Belle

TOPSPEED:

Joyeux Machin

POSTDATA:

Beacon Edge

RP Ratings (IRE):

Seddon