May 09 / 16.20 Fakenham

16.20

Good

Snellings Norfolk National Handicap Chase

  • Prize money: £15609
  • 3m 5f 24y
  • Class 3
  • 11 runners
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Snellings Norfolk National Handicap Chase

Runners: 11 runners

Type: Chase Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Light rain

OUR TIP

7/2 (Won)

  • Win: £6.00
  • Place: £1.70

Form: 2321-2

Last run: 8 days

W: 12st 0lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 122

Form & Verdict
Wincanton winner last month (3m1f, good to soft) and creditable second off this 11lb higher mark at Kempton since (3m good); in form but stamina to prove on first run at beyond 3m1f.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

13

13th Jan 2024

Soft

3m 5f 54y

Class 1

15:00 Warwick

Duc De Beauchene

10st 2lb

J: Jack Tudor

T: David Pipe

Two wins last spring included 3m5f Norfolk National at Fakenham (good; used to act on soft); 2lb lower today as he's failed to fire in his four starts since; reverting to blinkers from recent cheekpieces might help.

20/1

6/1

  • Place: £2.30

Form: 24444-

Last run: 185 days

W: 11st 2lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 110

Form & Verdict
20l third to a stablemate on only previous run over C&D (in December 2021); last two wins were over 3m1f and 3m2f; hails from a yard with an excellent record in staying chases.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

18th Aug 2025

Good To Firm

3m 3f 119y

Class 5

17:00 Stratford

Jony Max

11st 9lb

J: Jack Tudor

T: Christian Williams

On the downgrade now and returned from a break with 37l defeat behind My Girl Katie at Newton Abbot last month; might well have needed that outing and has conditions to suit here but others appeal more all the same; wears blinkers and cheekpieces simultaneously for the first time.

11/2

2

4th Jul 2025

Good

3m 1f 170y

Class 5

16:53 Newton Abbot

Jony Max

11st 13lb

J: Tom Broughton

T: Christian Williams

Five-time chase winner (once over C&D); returned to form with a string of good efforts in the autumn but absent since pulled up in Fakenham marathon just before Christmas and entitled to benefit from this outing.

7/1

5

22nd Dec 2024

Good To Soft

3m 5f 24y

Class 4

14:13 Fakenham

Jony Max

11st 0lb

J: Ellis Collier

T: Christian Williams

Close second in C&D (good) Norfolk National in early part of last season and was a 3m course winner (good to soft) last November; needed considerable help from the handicapper before last month's Warwick success (3m1f, good) but has been placed twice since and the return to this track is an obvious plus; cheekpieces removed after one use; big player.

5/2

13/2

  • Place: £2.30

Form: 27218- CD

Last run: 20 days

W: 11st 8lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 116

Form & Verdict
Stays well, having won over 3m3f at Market Rasen in May last year (good) and over 3m3f at Sedgefield in March (soft); below best last time when tried in a visor and blinkers back on here; could play a part.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6

7th May 2024

Good

3m 5f 24y

Class 3

16:20 Fakenham

Wake Up Early

11st 0lb

J: Charlie Hammond

T: Dr Richard Newland & Jamie Insole

raced in second, pulled up quickly before 11th

12/1

6

7th May 2024

Good

3m 5f 24y

Class 3

16:20 Fakenham

Wake Up Early

11st 0lb

J: Charlie Hammond

T: Dr Richard Newland & Jamie Insole

raced in second, pulled up quickly before 11th

12/1

0

2

19th Dec 2023

Good To Soft

3m 5f 24y

Class 4

13:40 Fakenham

Wake Up Early

12st 2lb

J: Cillin Leonard

T: Dr Richard Newland & Jamie Insole

Scored over C&D (good to soft) in 2022 and was placed in Norfolk National over C&D (good) in May; disappointed on both appearances last month but returns here on a good mark and is sure to appreciate the ease in grade.

12/1

Form: 21222- C

Last run: 11 days

W: 11st 7lb

7 yo Mare

OR: 115

Form & Verdict
Dual course winner who ran creditably throughout last season, winning off 8lb lower over 2m3f at Wetherby in January; stays 3m1f and has run creditably over 3m3f but having first run at this trip.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

29th Feb 2024

Soft

2m 7f 171y

Class 3

16:15 Ludlow

Midnight Mary

11st 5lb

J: Bryony Frost

T: Lucy Wadham

Likeable mare with a consistent profile but her only chase win came off a 12lb lower mark and she's gone up 5lb for performing above herself in the face of a stiff task in a Listed race for mares last time (2m4f; fine at 3m and on soft); possibly flattered by that and opposable off current mark.

7/1

Form: D33P7P- D

Last run: 20 days

W: 11st 9lb

11 yo Gelding

OR: 117

Form & Verdict
Thorough stayer who won a 4m hunter chase at Cheltenham in April 2022 (good to soft); fair run on reappearance last season but rather disappointing since, although has faced some tough tasks; others stronger.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7

3rd May 2024

Good

4m 0f 97y

Class 4

19:30 Cheltenham

Coup De Pinceau

11st 12lb

J: Mr George Hiscock

T: G Hiscock

in touch with leaders, went third after 15th, lost position 21st, struggling 4 out, weakened after 3 out, soon pulled up

14/1

7

3rd May 2024

Good

4m 0f 97y

Class 4

19:30 Cheltenham

Coup De Pinceau

11st 12lb

J: Mr George Hiscock

T: G Hiscock

Better round of jumping than Law Of Gold when just denying him in this under George Hiscock in 2022 (good); current wellbeing underlined by a win (3m4f) and second in two soft-ground Cothelstone opens of late.

14/1

3rd

3

3rd Jun 2023

Good

3m 3f 119y

Class 3

20:20 Stratford

Coup De Pinceau

11st 5lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Syd Hosie

Thorough stayer who won a 4m hunter chase at Cheltenham last year; has found life tougher in handicaps but ran well last time and a positive ride is probable given his assured stamina.

7/2

Form: 56316- CD

Last run: 27 days

W: 11st 13lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 121

Form & Verdict
Won this off a 1lb lower mark last season (good); below his best at Southwell last month but handles most ground and is an obvious contender.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

1

25th May 2026

Good

3m 5f 80y

Class 3

15:58 Cartmel

Tommie Beau

12st 0lb

J: Benjamin Macey

T: Seamus Mullins

No longer the force of old and inconsistent nowadays but he capitalised upon some significant help from the handicapper when winning Norfolk National at Fakenham (3m5f, good) three weeks ago and he is also very well suited by this track.

15/8

1st

3

4th May 2026

Good

3m 5f 24y

Class 3

16:38 Fakenham

Tommie Beau

11st 11lb

J: Benjamin Macey

T: Seamus Mullins

Gained three of his 14 wins here, including 2022 edition of this race, but has regressed and become inconsistent; didn't run badly in last month's Sussex National at Plumpton (3m4f, good; first-time cheekpieces) but younger rivals have much more appealing profiles.

14/1

6th

4

6th Apr 2026

Good

3m 4f 104y

Class 2

16:25 Plumpton

Tommie Beau

11st 2lb

J: Paul O’Brien

T: Seamus Mullins

He's won here three times and was second in this race in 2024 on his last Plumpton visit; on a reduced mark but this 11yo has struggled to get competitive on his last few starts and needs to turn things around in first-time cheekpieces.

25/1

Form: 14P30- D

Last run: 10 days

W: 11st 2lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 110

Form & Verdict
Won over 3m5f at Lingfield in February (good) and this is more realistic than the Midlands National (17lb out of the handicap; pulled up) and bet365 Gold Cup (13th of 16 when 24lb out of the weights); could go well
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

5

17th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 54y

Class 5

17:13 Exeter

DJango

12st 2lb

J: Mr Lucas Murphy

T: Miss V Collins

Teenager who has gone over two years since his latest win and has been out of form this season (three runs); revival needed.

50/1

5

23rd Jan 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 0y

Class 5

16:18 Warwick

DJango

12st 2lb

J: Mr Frederick Philipson-Stow

T: Miss V Collins

Won this race in 2024 (soft ground) but never really got going last season and was very disappointing favourite in a point last month, after a layoff; now a teenager and needs to prove he still has what it takes.

20/1

Form: 4/P9P-

Last run: 11 days

W: 11st 12lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 120

Form & Verdict
Strike-rate of 3-9 over fences but has been pulled up on two of his three starts since returning from a 711-day break; now tried blinkered; others more convincing.
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: 311P5- C

Last run: 27 days

W: 11st 11lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 119

Form & Verdict
Winner here in October (3m, good); disappointing on both starts since; could bounce back but stamina to prove on first run at beyond 3m.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

3

9th Jul 2023

Good

2m 5f 89y

Class 3

16:40 Market Rasen

Shetland Bus

11st 6lb

J: Brian Hughes

T: Dr Richard Newland

prominent, outpaced and dropped to last 3 out, left in fourth last, went third run-in

11/2

2nd

2

3rd Jul 2023

Good

3m 0f 60y

Class 4

14:25 Southwell

Shetland Bus

11st 8lb

J: Luke Scott

T: Dr Richard Newland

took keen hold, prominent, pressed leader 7th, led 9th, pushed along after 3 out, ridden approaching last, headed final 110yds, no extra towards finish

5/1

3rd

3

3rd Jun 2023

Good

2m 7f 0y

Class 4

14:35 Worcester

Shetland Bus

11st 13lb

J: Lee Edwards

T: Dr Richard Newland

Won two in a row last October (2m6f/3m, good) but this 10yo has been a long way below that level this spring and hopes are pinned on the first-time visor turning things around (replacing tongue-tie/cheekpieces).

11/2

Form: /7P36-

Last run: 36 days

W: 11st 2lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 110

Form & Verdict
On a fair mark but wasn't in the best of form last season and pulled up in only previous try at this trip (had stiff task in the Warwick Classic); visor replaces cheekpieces; others preferred.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

4

30th May 2025

Good

2m 4f 205y

Class 4

20:10 Stratford

Captain Tommy

11st 11lb

J: Mr Huw Edwards

T: Fred Timmis

About 6l and 2l too good for Presentandcounting at Catterick (3m1f, good) and Walkin Out at Ludlow (2m4f, good) respectively back in March, but two subdued efforts when as much in his favour since to forgive.

5/1

4th

4

30th May 2025

Good

2m 4f 205y

Class 4

20:10 Stratford

Captain Tommy

11st 11lb

J: Mr Huw Edwards

T: Fred Timmis

About 6l and 2l too good for Presentandcounting at Catterick (3m1f, good) and Walkin Out at Ludlow (2m4f, good) respectively back in March, but two subdued efforts when as much in his favour since to forgive.

5/1

5th

1

23rd Apr 2025

Good

2m 7f 171y

Class 4

16:40 Ludlow

Captain Tommy

12st 6lb

J: Mr Henry Crow

T: Fred Timmis

Won small-field hunter chases on good ground at Catterick (3m1f) and Ludlow (2m4f) last month; lost out to only the odds-on favourite at Kempton (2m4f, good) three weeks ago and, although the scale of his defeat was a bit worrying, his good record here (won the last three of his four visits) bolsters his chance today.

9/4

Form: 33162-

Last run: 12 days

W: 11st 2lb

11 yo Gelding

OR: 110

Form & Verdict
Had two of today's rivals behind him when winning over 3m7f at Musselburgh in November; some fair efforts since, including when close second at Perth last time; thereabouts.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10

9th May 2023

Good

3m 5f 24y

Class 3

16:20 Fakenham

Flying Verse

11st 2lb

J: Theo Gillard

T: David Dennis

midfield

6/1

2nd

3

27th Apr 2023

Good To Soft

2m 7f 180y

Class 4

14:30 Perth

Flying Verse

12st 0lb

J: Lilly Pinchin

T: David Dennis

Ran out a clearcut winner at Doncaster (3m, good) but he reminded us of his inconsistency when failing to give his running at Wincanton; goes without Ned Fox's claim here and he'll need to be right on it.

7/2

6th

6

27th Mar 2023

Good To Soft

3m 1f 30y

Class 4

15:00 Wincanton

Flying Verse

11st 4lb

J: Ned Fox

T: David Dennis

Not that predictable but capable on his day as he showed when a clearcut winner at Doncaster (3m, good); clear claims off 5lb higher with Ned Fox again on board, but wouldn't want the ground any easier than good to soft.

4/1

Non-runners

Nearly Perfect

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £38.10
Straight Forecast £38.56
Tricast £216.28
Trifecta £210.30

Selections

The Times:

Midnight Mary

RP RATINGS:

Jony Max

SPOTLIGHT:

Tommie Beau

POSTDATA:

Wake Up Early

TOPSPEED:

Captain Tommy

The Guardian:

Flying Verse

WEST COUNTRY:

Duc De Beauchene

D Express:

Jony Max

Telegraph:

Midnight Mary

Daily Mirror:

Midnight Mary

The Sun:

Midnight Mary

The Star:

Midnight Mary

Daily Record:

Midnight Mary

Daily Mail:

Tommie Beau