November 17 / 13.10 Cheltenham

13.10

Soft

Lycetts Insurance Brokers Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle (Challenger Stayers’ Series Qual’)

  • Prize money: £10562
  • 2m 5f 0y
  • Class 3
  • 20 runners
RTV
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Lycetts Insurance Brokers Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle (Challenger Stayers’ Series Qual’)

Runners: 20 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Mostly cloudy

16/1 (Won)

  • Win: £17.00
  • Place: £3.70

Form: 263-70

Last run: 20 days

W: 11st 9lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 122

Form & Verdict
Proved hard to catch right as a novice last season and it's not been the best of starts to this campaign, with him beaten 21l at Chepstow (2m3f, heavy) and 40l here (3m, good to soft); tongue-tie added with cheekpieces reapplied.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

1

27th May 2026

Good

2m 5f 122y

Class 4

16:56 Newton Abbot

American Sniper

12st 2lb

J: Rian Corcoran

T: David Pipe

Has patchy profile but he's well handicapped on his Taunton second (2m3f, good) in December and he may have needed his reappearance run at Hereford this month; this step back up in trip is no problem and he's one to keep an eye on for in-form yard.

11/2

5th

1

5th May 2026

Good

2m 3f 147y

Class 4

19:17 Hereford

American Sniper

12st 0lb

J: Jack Tudor

T: David Pipe

Has become hard to predict, as his 16l fourth at Taunton (2m3f, good) in January would suggest, having failed to back up a decent effort there the previous month; back on his last winning mark and could play a leading role if at his best.

7/2

15

24th Oct 2025

Good

2m 3f 200y

Class 3

13:15 Cheltenham

American Sniper

10st 13lb

J: James Davies

T: David Pipe

Won big-field handicap off today's mark here (2m5f, good to soft) in November 2023 and was creditable sixth of 25 at Punchestown festival (2m3f, yielding) in April but his record between those two runs if very mixed and he's not an easy one to predict.

28/1

Form: 1112-1 D

Last run: 29 days

W: 11st 5lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 118

Form & Verdict
Made it 4-5 in handicaps when coming some 9l clear in a Class 4 event at Carlisle on his reappearance (heavy; also won on good) having been well backed; goes into a deeper race here off 9lb higher (Toby Wynne also claimed 3lb last time) but difficult to gauge the ceiling of his ability.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

1st Mar 2025

Good To Soft

3m 2f 1y

Class 2

15:15 Doncaster

White Rhino

11st 9lb

J: Henry Brooke

T: Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero

Big progress as hurdler initially last term (2m4f-3m) and also won handicaps when switched to chasing for first two starts this season (up to an extended 2m5f); 12-1 but unseated early for 3m Grade 1 novice at Kempton on Boxing Day (has similar Cheltenham entry); has a question to answer with new trip but, barring mishaps, best days are still ahead of him.

5/1

25/1

  • Place: £6.40

Form: 3256P- D

Last run: 249 days

W: 11st 2lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 115

Form & Verdict
Excellent strike-rate over hurdles (9-29) but his last jumps season didn't end well and, following wind surgery, he was tailed off on the Flat two weeks ago (has form on heavy); seemingly plenty to prove.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

29th Oct 2024

Good To Soft

2m 7f 32y

Class 4

12:50 Bangor-on-Dee

Paricolor

11st 11lb

J: Gearoid Harney

T: David Pipe

Without a win since late 2021 and was struggling for form when last seen; needs a major turnaround in another change of headgear.

14/1

5

29th Oct 2024

Good To Soft

2m 7f 32y

Class 4

12:50 Bangor-on-Dee

Paricolor

11st 11lb

J: Gearoid Harney

T: David Pipe

Without a win since late 2021 and was struggling for form when last seen; needs a major turnaround in another change of headgear.

14/1

5th

2

15th May 2024

Good

2m 7f 191y

Class 4

15:30 Ffos Las

Paricolor

12st 0lb

J: Tom Bellamy

T: David Pipe

Has nine hurdle wins on his CV but last success was in December 2021 and he's been pulled up in both runs this spring; mark continues to fall and conditions are no problem but he needs a major turnaround; equipment removed.

10/1

10/1

  • Place: £8.40

Form: 63-141 C

Last run: 21 days

W: 11st 5lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 118

Form & Verdict
Conceding 14lb to White Rhino when beaten 8l by that rival at Southwell earlier this year; has won two of his three subsequent starts and decisively saw off a well-handicapped rival here the last time (2m4f, good; 6lb lower); has to be of interest with Harry Atkins now taking off 10lb, assuming he'll be okay on softer ground (some doubts).
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

20th Mar 2025

Good

2m 5f 55y

Class 4

16:30 Ludlow

Pinnacle Peak

11st 7lb

J: Daire McConville

T: Martin Keighley

Far from solid judged on bare form this term, albeit had a physical excuse (found to have an irregular heartbeat) last time; this five-time hurdles scorer drops back in grade and is competitively treated provided he stages a revival.

20/1

14

15th Feb 2025

Good To Soft

2m 7f 118y

Class 3

13:15 Ascot

Pinnacle Peak

11st 2lb

J: Daire McConville

T: Martin Keighley

Well handicapped on hurdles form up to autumn 2023; had a year off before two lesser shows this term (over fences latest) and 7lb claimer is recruited.

33/1

4th

8

14th Dec 2024

Good To Soft

2m 3f 31y

Class 3

12:25 Doncaster

Pinnacle Peak

10st 9lb

J: James Best

T: Martin Keighley

in touch with leaders, steadied into midfield 2nd

16/1

Form: 38357-

Last run: 291 days

W: 11st 4lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 117

Form & Verdict
Useful form as a novice hurdler but lost his way last season, predominantly over fences; now has to prove he can turn the tide.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

3

26th Dec 2023

Soft

3m 1f 166y

Class 4

15:27 Fontwell

High Stakes

11st 11lb

J: Caoilin Quinn

T: Warren Greatrex

Bumper and 2m7f hurdle winner (good to soft); has been unable to kick on over fences; returned to hurdles for reappearance at Cheltenham (2m5f, good to soft) latest, when creditable fifth; more needed.

6/1

5th

15

17th Nov 2023

Soft

2m 5f 0y

Class 3

13:10 Cheltenham

High Stakes

11st 4lb

J: Lilly Pinchin

T: Warren Greatrex

Useful form as a novice hurdler but lost his way last season, predominantly over fences; now has to prove he can turn the tide.

25/1

Form: 12-154 D

Last run: 119 days

W: 11st 8lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 121

Form & Verdict
The winner of two 2m4f handicaps in Ireland this year and late mistakes did him no favours when beaten 14l over 2m7f the final time; needs to resume improvement to defy this sort of mark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

5

26th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 7f 171y

Class 3

14:07 Ludlow

Prince Zaltar

11st 1lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

Won over hurdles on stable debut in September and was third in valuable chase at Doncaster (3m, good to soft) in December; struggled in heavy-ground hurdle last month but he's better than that and now returns to fences on a good mark; might be the answer.

9/2

8

7th Feb 2026

Soft

2m 5f 5y

Class 3

16:10 Warwick

Prince Zaltar

10st 12lb

J: Tristan Durrell

T: Dan Skelton

3m winner over fences in Ireland and made a winning debut for this yard over hurdles in September (2m5f, good to soft); his subsequent defeats, all over 3m and divided between hurdles and fences, suggest his current mark is on the high side.

5/1

Form: 12 BF

Last run: 36 days

W: 11st 11lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 124

Form & Verdict
Won a 2m4f good-ground novice at Worcester in May and posted the same RPR when the runner-up reversed those placings on better terms in a rematch last month (good to soft); doesn't want the ground too soft according to his trainer, but he enters handicaps dangerously unexposed.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

7

14th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 7f 70y

Class 2

14:25 Uttoxeter

Doughmore Bay

11st 0lb

J: Ben Jones

T: Emma Lavelle

Never landed a blow in Pertemps qualifier at Haydock last time, failing to back up his Windsor effort and taking record since winning on rules debut to 0-9; not the percentage call.

14/1

6th

5

14th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 58y

Class 2

15:50 Haydock

Doughmore Bay

11st 6lb

J: Gavin Sheehan

T: Emma Lavelle

Placed both hurdle starts since returning from lengthy layoff (pulled up after bad early mistake on chase debut in between), finishing second to reopposing Go To War in a competitive 3m event at Windsor (soft) last time; his previous outing over C&D (also soft) resulted in a very good second in a series final; has to enter calculations.

8/1

2nd

8

18th Jan 2026

Soft

3m 0f 0y

Class 2

14:25 Windsor

Doughmore Bay

10st 12lb

J: Ben Jones

T: Emma Lavelle

Hinted at retaining ability in C&D event on return from lengthy layoff but this is a stronger race; lost chance with bad early mistake switched to fences since; gained only win in May 2023.

16/1

Form: 21 D

Last run: 89 days

W: 11st 3lb

7 yo Mare

OR: 116

Form & Verdict
Point win was followed by a long absence; has returned in good order and showed the right spirit to win a 2m5f maiden at Tramore (soft) three months ago; the runner-up has done nothing for that form but it reads okay through the subsequent exploits of the third; could be on a useful mark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

17

17th Nov 2023

Soft

2m 5f 0y

Class 3

13:10 Cheltenham

Gentle And Kind

11st 3lb

J: Mike O’Connor

T: Henry De Bromhead

Point win was followed by a long absence; has returned in good order and showed the right spirit to win a 2m5f maiden at Tramore (soft) three months ago; the runner-up has done nothing for that form but it reads okay through the subsequent exploits of the third; could be on a useful mark.

15/2

1st

12

20th Aug 2023

Yielding

2m 5f 100y

15:15 Tramore

Gentle And Kind

10st 11lb

J: Rachael Blackmore

T: Henry De Bromhead

in touch with leaders

7/4

Form: 224-34 D

Last run: 26 days

W: 11st 6lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 119

Form & Verdict
Has plenty of back-class off higher marks but couldn't win a race last season despite some creditable efforts and his comeback run was underwhelming, even if that was needed; others preferred.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

1

2nd May 2026

Good

2m 3f 207y

Class 3

15:50 Uttoxeter

Whatsupwithyou

12st 1lb

J: Elliott England

T: Ben Pauling

Grand servant to the yard with five wins in this sphere, the latest at Ascot (2m5f, soft) in December off 2lb lower; well held since and it's hard to see him being able to give weight away to these younger rivals.

10/1

5th

4

29th Mar 2026

Good

2m 5f 146y

Class 3

17:25 Ascot

Whatsupwithyou

11st 10lb

J: Elliott England

T: Ben Pauling

Veteran who is usually ridden these days by Elliott England, including for a 2m5f Ludlow win last February and a C&D win (4lb higher today) in December; 33-1 when tailed off at Kempton five weeks ago but no shock if he surges back to form today in search of his third C&D win.

12/1

7th

4

21st Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 5f 0y

Class 3

13:10 Kempton

Whatsupwithyou

11st 3lb

J: Elliott England

T: Ben Pauling

Veteran who goes well for Elliott England, gaining his second success for this rider in conditionals' event at Ascot (2m5f, soft) in December; no obvious reason why he won't be thereabouts again but he'll need more off 5lb higher.

9/1

Form: 235633

Last run: 19 days

W: 11st 7lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 120

Form & Verdict
Did well to remain competitive in his recent handicap chases at Galway (2m6f) considering the mistakes he made; seems more effective over hurdles but he's hard to win with (1-24 in this discipline).
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

5

28th May 2026

Good

2m 3f 200y

18:50 Limerick

Takarengo

11st 2lb

J: Millie Barcoe

T: James M Barcoe

Dual-purpose; record of 1-31 over hurdles; couple of promising placed efforts after joining this yard last year but modest form so far in 2026 on the Flat and over hurdles; beaten 23l off 2lb higher at Clonmel latest; others preferred.

20/1

8th

11

14th May 2026

Good

2m 0f 159y

19:50 Clonmel

Takarengo

10st 8lb

J: Millie Barcoe

T: James M Barcoe

No win since 2021; has occasionally run well in defeat; improved from a run on the Flat at Navan in March when going well for this jockey (on her first ride over jumps) at Wexford last month; beaten 8l in fourth, so needs to raise his game another notch.

16/1

Form: 632P1-

Last run: 210 days

W: 11st 7lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 120

Form & Verdict
Lightly raced and signed off last season with a career best when appreciating the step up to 3m at Ayr (good to soft; 7lb lower); could need this first run back and chasing is reportedly on the agenda sooner rather than later.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

1

31st Mar 2025

Good

2m 5f 82y

Class 4

14:15 Wincanton

Off To A Flyer

12st 0lb

J: Mr Richard Upton

T: Joe Tizzard

made all, not fluent 3rd, not fluent 9th, kept on well from 2 out, comfortably

9/4

1

31st Mar 2025

Good

2m 5f 82y

Class 4

14:15 Wincanton

Off To A Flyer

12st 0lb

J: Mr Richard Upton

T: Joe Tizzard

Absent since justifying market support at Huntingdon (3m1f, good) ten months ago when returned to hurdles after an unsuccessful spell over fences; the betting may again prove instructive.

9/4

1st

2

27th May 2024

Good To Soft

3m 1f 10y

Class 4

14:05 Huntingdon

Off To A Flyer

12st 0lb

J: Freddie Gingell

T: Joe Tizzard

made all

6/1

Form: 5-6875

Last run: 21 days

W: 11st 4lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 117

Form & Verdict
Multiple Flat winner but has only won an Irish maiden over hurdles and is just 1lb lower than when fifth behind Pinnacle Peak here three weeks ago; won't mind today's softer surface but looks up against it.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

29th Nov 2024

Good

2m 4f 48y

15:20 Thurles

Arabian King

12st 0lb

J: Carl Millar

T: Cian Collins

AW winner whose sole hurdles success came in 2m4f Killarney maiden in 2022; didn't quite stay the 3m last few runs but drop back in trip should suit and he's there with every chance.

8/1

1

29th Nov 2024

Good

2m 4f 48y

15:20 Thurles

Arabian King

12st 0lb

J: Carl Millar

T: Cian Collins

AW winner whose sole hurdles success came in 2m4f Killarney maiden in 2022; didn't quite stay the 3m last few runs but drop back in trip should suit and he's there with every chance.

8/1

6th

9

12th Nov 2024

Good

2m 7f 110y

13:07 Fairyhouse

Arabian King

11st 1lb

J: Danny Gilligan

T: Cian Collins

AW winner whose sole hurdles success came in 2m4f Killarney maiden in 2022; didn't look to quite stay when fourth over C&D last month but that was a step in the right direction and cheekpieces now tried.

8/1

Form: -42416 D

Last run: 12 days

W: 11st 8lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 121

Form & Verdict
Won a Fairyhouse maiden hurdle from the front last month (2m4f, soft) but can race keenly and he dropped out to be sixth on his handicap debut at Cork (2m); lightly raced still and could yet have an improved run in him.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13th

5

17th Nov 2023

Soft

2m 5f 0y

Class 3

13:10 Cheltenham

Skradin

11st 8lb

J: Charlie O’Dwyer

T: Conor O’Dwyer

Won a Fairyhouse maiden hurdle from the front last month (2m4f, soft) but can race keenly and he dropped out to be sixth on his handicap debut at Cork (2m); lightly raced still and could yet have an improved run in him.

25/1

6th

4

5th Nov 2023

Soft

2m 0f 0y

12:55 Cork

Skradin

11st 12lb

J: Charlie O’Dwyer

T: Conor O’Dwyer

Can race keenly but still won a Fairyhouse maiden hurdle from the front last time over 2m4f; has the pace to cope with the drop back to this trip; raised 7lb but looks a big player on handicap debut.

3/1

Form: 316-P3 D

Last run: 13 days

W: 11st 4lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 117

Form & Verdict
Had been chasing before returning to hurdles with a close third in first-time blinkers at Ayr (3m, good to soft); had no excuses from the front there and this mark is challenging.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

6

16th Oct 2024

Good To Soft

3m 0f 26y

Class 4

17:03 Wetherby

Son Of The Somme

11st 7lb

J: Kevin Brogan

T: Toby Lawes

Hurdle/chase winner for Brian Ellison; decent second in Newbury chase on stable debut (2m4f, good to soft) but well beaten at Southwell last time (3m, good); has run well at 3m; likely to be sharper for the run following a break.

11/1

5th

3

7th May 2024

Good

3m 0f 60y

Class 4

17:12 Southwell

Son Of The Somme

11st 11lb

J: Harry Bannister

T: Toby Lawes

Hurdle/chase winner for Brian Ellison; no match for a progressive winner at Newbury (2m6f, good to soft) but that was a positive start for this yard; unreliable in the past but if holding his form he could be the answer.

100/30

5th

3

7th May 2024

Good

3m 0f 60y

Class 4

17:12 Southwell

Son Of The Somme

11st 11lb

J: Harry Bannister

T: Toby Lawes

Hurdle/chase winner for Brian Ellison; no match for a progressive winner at Newbury (2m6f, good to soft) but that was a positive start for this yard; unreliable in the past but if holding his form he could be the answer.

100/30

Form: /222-2 BF

Last run: 200 days

W: 11st 3lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 116

Form & Verdict
Bumper winner who has been competitive in defeat over hurdles; would have appreciated a stronger pace and perhaps softer ground when a beaten favourite in his latest maiden (3m1f, good); could have something better lurking on handicap debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

4

2nd Mar 2025

Good To Soft

3m 0f 84y

Class 3

15:40 Doncaster

Hauraki Gulf

11st 3lb

J: Ellis Collier

T: Deborah Cole

pressed leader, weakened after 2 out

4/1

9

1st Feb 2025

Heavy

2m 7f 98y

Class 1

15:07 Sandown

Hauraki Gulf

10st 5lb

J: Cameron Iles

T: Deborah Cole

Scored twice over fences early last year (once on heavy); 0-10 over hurdles but runner-up in eight of those, including at Warwick (3m2f, soft) on latest start when he blundered at the final flight but looked booked for second anyway; this race looks too tough.

16/1

9

1st Feb 2025

Heavy

2m 7f 98y

Class 1

15:07 Sandown

Hauraki Gulf

10st 5lb

J: Cameron Iles

T: Deborah Cole

Scored twice over fences early last year (once on heavy); 0-10 over hurdles but runner-up in eight of those, including at Warwick (3m2f, soft) on latest start when he blundered at the final flight but looked booked for second anyway; this race looks too tough.

16/1

Form: 0/4P4-

Last run: 233 days

W: 11st 11lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 124

Form & Verdict
A long way beneath his best in three chases last season but did well as a novice hurdler in his previous campaign and he's on a handy mark if as good as he was; joined this outfit for £30,000; trip/ground fine.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12th

4

2nd Mar 2024

Soft

2m 0f 128y

Class 4

16:50 Doncaster

Skytastic

11st 11lb

J: Kevin Brogan

T: Ben Pauling

A very promising novice hurdler two years ago but lightly raced and disappointing since (including spell over fences); well beaten on both starts for new stable this season; big leap of faith required to support him here.

20/1

12th

8

15th Dec 2023

Soft

2m 0f 179y

Class 3

13:15 Cheltenham

Skytastic

11st 1lb

J: Ben Jones

T: Ben Pauling

Out of form in his last four outings (spread over a year, last three over fences) for Sam Thomas and tailed off at 22-1 when making the running on reappearance here (2m5f) four weeks ago; unraced over shorter than 2m3f over jumps; lots to prove.

16/1

33/1

Form: 71/PF- D

Last run: 356 days

W: 11st 3lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 116

Form & Verdict
Capable off this mark in the past but he failed to complete in two chases last winter for his previous yard and absent since; others safer.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

3

30th Mar 2024

Soft

2m 3f 61y

Class 4

17:25 Carlisle

Foillan

11st 10lb

J: Joe Williamson

T: Patrick Neville

Three wins over hurdles, over 2m4f on good to soft and twice over 3m on heavy; hasn't been at his best since returning from a year out and, having travelled well, his finishing effort in this new headgear combination last time was disappointing.

12/1

4th

3

27th Feb 2024

Soft

3m 1f 71y

Class 4

16:50 Catterick

Foillan

11st 12lb

J: Henry Brooke

T: Patrick Neville

3m winner on heavy ground and has become very well handicapped; has been contesting stronger races than this and didn't run at all badly at Haydock last time in a race he won two years earlier; that was after wind surgery and in new headgear; visor replaces cheekpieces this time.

11/2

OUR TIP

Form: 41P-14 D BF

Last run: 34 days

W: 11st 12lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 125

Form & Verdict
Won a bit too well for his own good on handicap debut at Perth (2m4f, soft) as a 9lb higher mark appeared to find him out at Chepstow (heavy); however, James Turner's hefty 10lb claim sees to that rise and he's probably open to further progress.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

12

11th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 210y

Class 1

14:30 Aintree

Uncle Bert

11st 6lb

J: Toby McCain-Mitchell

T: Nigel & Willy Twiston-Davies

1-6 over fences, the success at Aintree (2m4f) on seasonal debut; seemed a non-stayer in the Welsh National before eventually falling, then ran below form at Cheltenham (2m4f); return to this venue may have a positive effect but he ideally needs assistance from the weather, having gained all wins on soft ground.

20/1

7th

5

24th Jan 2026

Soft

2m 4f 127y

Class 1

13:15 Cheltenham

Uncle Bert

11st 0lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Nigel & Willy Twiston-Davies

Made much of the running when winning in dominant style at Aintree (2m4f, soft) in December; beaten when falling late on in the Welsh National three weeks later, lack of stamina a possible factor; back to a more suitable trip here but now off a career-high mark and others appeal more.

9/1

Form: 327313 BF

Last run: 42 days

W: 11st 4lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 117

Form & Verdict
Tongue tie only applied the last twice at Downpatrick; didn't need to dig too deep to win his maiden and was probably not seen to best effect when close up on handicap debut (soft); looks progressive and proven on undulating tracks; respected.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

29th Aug 2025

Good

2m 1f 87y

17:53 Down Royal

Fathom Two

11st 9lb

J: Thomas O’Connor

T: Mark Fahey

Point-to-point winner and maiden hurdle scorer for Gavin Cromwell at Downpatrick two years ago; not great in runs since and returned from break/made stable debut at Galway on the Flat last month when tailed off.

28/1

16th

1

(7)

30th Jul 2025

Good

1m 4f 43y

19:15 Galway

Fathom Two

11st 12lb

J: Mr C J White

T: Mark Fahey

Point-to-point winner; maiden hurdle scorer for Gavin Cromwell; no Flat racing experience; lacks a recent run and makes seasonal debut.

66/1

5

12th Nov 2024

Good

2m 7f 110y

13:07 Fairyhouse

Fathom Two

11st 9lb

J: Keith Donoghue

T: Gavin Cromwell

Downpatrick maiden winner last September but form afterwards largely disappointing until encouraging comeback run at Listowel, staying on well over 2m4f; step up in trip could suit.

9/1

Form: P371-3

Last run: 19 days

W: 11st 4lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 117

Form & Verdict
Won two novice hurdles last season (2m3f/2m) and was given a positive ride when ultimately third behind a well-handicapped winner on his return at Aintree (2m4f, good to soft); perhaps flattered to some extent there but off the same mark he's hard to rule out.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

4

14th Apr 2026

Good

2m 7f 191y

Class 4

13:35 Market Rasen

Knockanore

11st 9lb

J: Mr Lucas Murphy

T: Ryan Potter

Generally very disappointing since winning last season's Eider Chase at Newcastle (4m1f, good to soft) by 16l but took small step back in right direction when fourth over hurdles last month (wore first-time blinkers) and is too well handicapped to rule out on this return to chasing; usual cheekpieces back on.

7/1

4th

2

18th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 1f 119y

Class 4

14:30 Hereford

Knockanore

11st 10lb

J: Freddie Mitchell

T: Ryan Potter

Hasn't run a race of note since winning last season's 4m1f Eider Chase at Newcastle, in which his struggles continued last time out (tailed off or pulled up over hurdles prior to that); too well handicapped to rule out and blinkers go on for cheekpieces.

12/1

7th

10

21st Feb 2026

Good To Soft

4m 1f 56y

Class 2

14:43 Newcastle

Knockanore

10st 2lb

J: Freddie Mitchell

T: Ryan Potter

Stormed clear for a 16l win under Freddie Mitchell in this race last year, form which has not been seen from him before or since but his last three outings were over hurdles; 11lb higher (10lb out of the handicap) than 12 months ago but well treated if he returns to that peak form and stranger things have happened.

11/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £180.10
Straight Forecast £110.56
Tricast £2169.15
Trifecta £5598.40

Selections

The Times:

Gentle And Kind

SPOTLIGHT:

Fathom Two

TOPSPEED:

Knockanore

The Guardian:

White Rhino

Telegraph:

Uncle Bert

POSTDATA:

Son Of The Somme

WEST COUNTRY:

Skytastic

RP RATINGS:

Paricolor

LAMBOURN:

High Stakes

The Sun:

Pinnacle Peak

Daily Mirror:

Whatsupwithyou

D Express:

Fathom Two

The Star:

Knockanore

Daily Mail:

Gentle And Kind

Daily Record:

Gentle And Kind