November 17 / 13.45 Cheltenham

13.45

Soft

Mucking Brilliant Paddy Power Handicap Chase (GBB Race)

  • Prize money: £26015
  • 1m 7f 199y
  • Class 2
  • 11 runners
ITV4
View Course
Mucking Brilliant Paddy Power Handicap Chase (GBB Race)

Runners: 11 runners

Type: Chase Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Mostly cloudy

4/1 (Won)

  • Win: £4.34
  • Place: £1.60

Form: 2U11-2

Last run: 20 days

W: 11st 4lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 130

Form & Verdict
For a 2m4f winner, it was no surprise to see him produce his best work late when runner-up in a 2m handicap here three weeks ago when some of these were behind him; today's stiffer test of stamina on soft ground should work in his favour; thereabouts.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

8

15th Apr 2026

Good

2m 3f 203y

Class 1

14:40 Haydock

Triple Trade

10st 11lb

J: Brendan Powell

T: Joe Tizzard

Still on a good mark despite winning twice this season (2m/2m4f; soft/good) and was 11-2 for the veterans' final over C&D earlier this month, only to depart early; has a lot in his favour so merits each-way consideration.

16/1

12

4th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 203y

Class 2

15:20 Haydock

Triple Trade

11st 1lb

J: Brendan Powell

T: Joe Tizzard

Two wins this season (2m/2m4f, soft/good) and 10l third behind an 8yo and a 7yo at Cheltenham (2m4f, soft) in January; 20l fourth in another competitive handicap at Newbury (2m4f, good to soft) in February but that form is working out well and he's back against fellow veterans today; chance.

11/1

4th

9

28th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 187y

Class 1

15:45 Newbury

Triple Trade

10st 11lb

J: Brendan Powell

T: Joe Tizzard

Has a solid record (1313) over 2m/2m4f this season but gained the wins in Class 3 and finished 10l behind a couple of younger rivals, albeit not disgraced, in Class 1 at Cheltenham most recently; the 10yo looks under some pressure kept to this level.

12/1

10/1

  • Place: £3.40

Form: 1-423U C

Last run: 21 days

W: 10st 9lb

6 yo Mare

OR: 121

Form & Verdict
Reliable mare on a fair mark even without taking into account Tristan Durrell's claim; Harry Skelton presumably prefers stablemate Calico but this 6yo was running better than the weights entitled her to when unseating late on in a novice chase here; has to be respected.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

7

1st Apr 2024

Good To Soft

2m 3f 164y

Class 2

14:25 Plumpton

Walk In Clover

10st 12lb

J: Fergus Gillard

T: Dan Skelton

Headstrong mare who settled okay in the first-time hood at Ascot last week (2m1f, good) but found nothing significant for pressure once the chips were down; has the form to feature but she's not one to rely on.

12/1

5th

7

1st Apr 2024

Good To Soft

2m 3f 164y

Class 2

14:25 Plumpton

Walk In Clover

10st 12lb

J: Fergus Gillard

T: Dan Skelton

Headstrong mare who settled okay in the first-time hood at Ascot last week (2m1f, good) but found nothing significant for pressure once the chips were down; has the form to feature but she's not one to rely on.

12/1

4th

5

24th Mar 2024

Good

2m 0f 167y

Class 2

15:20 Ascot

Walk In Clover

10st 12lb

J: Tristan Durrell

T: Dan Skelton

took keen hold, held up in rear, went third before 4 out

13/2

Form: 817-77 D

Last run: 20 days

W: 11st 7lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 133

Form & Verdict
Now 1lb beneath his last winning mark but all three chase wins have come at a lower level in small fields and he was never threatening when behind some of these here last month.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

4

16th May 2025

Good

2m 3f 200y

Class 3

17:45 Aintree

Prince Escalus

11st 4lb

J: Kevin Brogan

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

Missed most of last season but returned from nine-month break with quite encouraging third (albeit well held in the end) at Perth (2m, good to soft) last month; on a good mark and will also be suited by today's trip-and-ground combination; contender if that recent outing has brought him on.

9/2

4th

4

16th May 2025

Good

2m 3f 200y

Class 3

17:45 Aintree

Prince Escalus

11st 4lb

J: Kevin Brogan

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

Missed most of last season but returned from nine-month break with quite encouraging third (albeit well held in the end) at Perth (2m, good to soft) last month; on a good mark and will also be suited by today's trip-and-ground combination; contender if that recent outing has brought him on.

9/2

3rd

4

23rd Apr 2025

Good

2m 0f 0y

Class 3

15:48 Perth

Prince Escalus

11st 8lb

J: Jonjo O’Neill Jr

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

Absent since below-par effort in the 2024 Summer Plate and hasn't won for over two years; however, he's well treated on best form and market support should be noted.

10/1

Form: 32-115 D

Last run: 20 days

W: 11st 0lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 126

Form & Verdict
Buoyed by his return to winning ways over hurdles in May, he reappeared last month with a comfortable chase win at Fontwell (2m2f, good); ran perfectly well when a 6l fifth over C&D last time but no obvious reason why he should find the necessary improvement off just 1lb lower.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

3

19th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 11y

Class 4

16:50 Ludlow

Guy

12st 6lb

J: Mr Samuel Scott

T: Mrs Mary Cookson

Used to like it here, not out of the first three in five starts including over fences and when winning a novice hurdle in 2023; first start for this yard when far from disgraced in Taunton hunter chase (about 2m5f, good) in January but his 20l defeat at Cocklebarrow (3m) later that month was disappointing; still not ruled out.

8/1

1

10th Apr 2025

Good

3m 2f 105y

Class 4

15:55 Newton Abbot

Guy

12st 1lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Nigel Twiston-Davies

Better known as a chaser and he hasn't been able to exploit his lower hurdle mark in two starts this year, tailed off last time at Doncaster (2m5f, good); has never run over this far either so has plenty to prove.

20/1

5th

1

10th Apr 2025

Good

3m 2f 105y

Class 4

15:55 Newton Abbot

Guy

12st 1lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Nigel Twiston-Davies

always behind

20/1

Form: 1F-82U D

Last run: 20 days

W: 10st 12lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 132

Form & Verdict
Nine starts in France, winning a hurdle and two chases; 33-1 for recent stable debut in a C&D handicap three weeks ago and was far from cooked when unseating three out; 3lb lower this time and couldn't rule out.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

7

10th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 5f 19y

Class 1

16:05 Aintree

Madara

11st 4lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

3-1 favourite when easily winning the 23-runner Plate at Cheltenham (2m4f, good to soft) last month in reapplied cheekpieces (retained); hit with a 10lb rise but that may not stop this 7yo, who could still have more to offer.

4/1

1st

9

10th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 44y

Class 1

16:40 Cheltenham

Madara

11st 0lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

Four chase wins for other yards, most recently in February 2024; 0-4 for this trainer but he achieved a lifetime best when close up on the New course (about 2m4f, good to soft) in December 2024, off this mark to an improver; has a strong record in other races here and looks to retain all his ability since back from an absence; regular cheekpieces refitted; rock-solid contender.

4/1

2nd

1

2nd Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 110y

Class 3

15:07 Kempton

Madara

12st 0lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

Useful on his day, particularly in cheekpieces which were missing when he seemed to need the outing over Christmas on return from 12-month layoff; with the headgear again left off, the market may offer extra guidance.

11/4

Form: 223-53 D

Last run: 30 days

W: 10st 9lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 121

Form & Verdict
All five efforts during his first season over fences were respectable and showed that he can live with this sort of mark; entitled to come on for his reappearance over hurdles at Wetherby but, while he won a point on soft, good ground has seemed ideal for him under rules.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

1

31st May 2026

Good

2m 5f 44y

Class 3

16:37 Fakenham

Coastguard Station

12st 0lb

J: David Noonan

T: Henry Oliver

Good-ground specialist who was a course winner in 2024 and returns here after two good efforts this spring, the latter a close fourth at Aintree (2m4f, good) 16 days ago; respected.

3/1

4th

4

15th May 2026

Good

2m 3f 200y

Class 3

17:45 Aintree

Coastguard Station

11st 7lb

J: David Noonan

T: Henry Oliver

Enjoys good ground; bumped into the enigmatic Numitor on a good day at Hereford last month (2m5f) but this 10yo also struggles with his consistency; he's capable but risky enough.

10/1

2nd

3

16th Apr 2026

Good

2m 4f 194y

Class 3

18:00 Hereford

Coastguard Station

11st 1lb

J: Bryan Carver

T: Henry Oliver

Enjoys good ground on which he beat the useful Mahons Glory by 8l at Market Rasen in September (2m5f); tailed off since then on either side of a 140-day break but those were strong handicaps; respected.

9/1

Form: /655-7 D

Last run: 19 days

W: 12st 0lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 140

Form & Verdict
Quiet last season after showing useful novice chase form for Michael Scudamore; returning from a lengthy break (and further wind surgery) when running well for a long way in the Old Roan at Aintree (2m4f, good to soft) where he would have been inconvenienced by the omission of so many fences (jumps well); should be sharper for this and won't mind returning to 2m.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

5th Jun 2025

Good

2m 4f 189y

Class 4

16:00 Uttoxeter

Do Your Job

11st 10lb

J: Lilly Pinchin

T: Charlie Longsdon

Made all for clearcut success at Wetherby (2m3f, good) in March but beaten fair and square the last twice; he's not as good as he was and now struggles for consistency.

12/1

4

5th Jun 2025

Good

2m 4f 189y

Class 4

16:00 Uttoxeter

Do Your Job

11st 10lb

J: Lilly Pinchin

T: Charlie Longsdon

Made all for clearcut success at Wetherby (2m3f, good) in March but beaten fair and square the last twice; he's not as good as he was and now struggles for consistency.

12/1

3rd

2

9th May 2025

Good

2m 4f 194y

Class 4

18:40 Hereford

Do Your Job

11st 12lb

J: Lilly Pinchin

T: Charlie Longsdon

Exploited some considerable help from the handicapper when making all for clearcut success at Wetherby (2m3f, good) in March but was safely held on his latest outing and is nothing like the force of old.

5/1

Form: 546-32 D

Last run: 20 days

W: 10st 11lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 123

Form & Verdict
Exposed over fences after 20 runs but he's 7lb lower than when a 12l fourth in this last year and they were satisfactory efforts last month at Kelso; each-way claims if putting his best foot forward.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

7th Apr 2025

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 4

14:45 Kelso

Gold Des Bois

11st 12lb

J: Ryan Mania

T: Sandy Thomson

Has a good record here but all his best days have been over shorter distances and, now an 11yo, he's leaving it late to prove his worth over this far.

14/1

3

7th Apr 2025

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 4

14:45 Kelso

Gold Des Bois

11st 12lb

J: Ryan Mania

T: Sandy Thomson

Has a good record here but all his best days have been over shorter distances and, now an 11yo, he's leaving it late to prove his worth over this far.

14/1

5th

2

22nd Mar 2025

Good

2m 1f 14y

Class 4

15:35 Kelso

Gold Des Bois

11st 8lb

J: Ryan Mania

T: Sandy Thomson

in touch with leaders, weakened 5 out

7/2

Form: 4121F- D

Last run: 216 days

W: 11st 13lb

7 yo Filly

OR: 139

Form & Verdict
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

15th

2

16th Nov 2024

Good To Yielding

2m 0f 50y

12:50 Navan

Calico

11st 12lb

J: Finn Brickley

T: Gordon Elliott

Five-time winner including over hurdles in America 12 months ago, not long after opening her chase account at Galway; has been chasing lately; trainer appears to have stronger candidates.

12/1

15th

2

16th Nov 2024

Good To Yielding

2m 0f 50y

12:50 Navan

Calico

11st 12lb

J: Finn Brickley

T: Gordon Elliott

Five-time winner including over hurdles in America 12 months ago, not long after opening her chase account at Galway; has been chasing lately; trainer appears to have stronger candidates.

12/1

6th

1

1st Nov 2024

Good To Yielding

2m 0f 100y

14:40 Down Royal

Calico

12st 0lb

J: Carl Millar

T: Gordon Elliott

Five-time winner including over hurdles in America 12 months ago, not long after opening her chase account at Galway; out of her depth in a Grade 2 chase at Punchestown festival; had a run over hurdles before 12l second to The Banger Doyle on handicap debut at Cork.

7/2

OUR TIP

Form: 41613- D

Last run: 251 days

W: 11st 11lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 137

Form & Verdict
Third in a strong 2m4f handicap at Sandown on final run and he's never won going that way round (six wins on left-handed tracks); looked good when he did win last season and returns on a competitive mark; fine on most ground and from 2m to 2m4f.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

5

23rd Jan 2025

Soft

2m 3f 85y

Class 3

13:30 Wetherby

No Risk Des Flos

11st 3lb

J: Kevin Brogan

T: Olly Murphy

towards rear, not fluent 5 out, brief headway 4 out, soon no impression

11/4

5th

5

23rd Jan 2025

Soft

2m 3f 85y

Class 3

13:30 Wetherby

No Risk Des Flos

11st 3lb

J: Kevin Brogan

T: Olly Murphy

towards rear, not fluent 5 out, brief headway 4 out, soon no impression

11/4

4

16th Dec 2024

Good To Soft

2m 4f 88y

Class 3

12:22 Southwell

No Risk Des Flos

11st 10lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Olly Murphy

0-6 during his last campaign but he dropped down the weights and returned with encouraging second to a handicap blot at Stratford (2m3f, good to soft); could build on that latest run and he's one to consider.

7/2

Form: 3/17F- D BF

Last run: 222 days

W: 10st 8lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 120

Form & Verdict
Left his hurdling form behind when winning comfortably on chase debut at Chepstow (2m, good) last October; unsurprisingly outclassed in the Arkle here but was in the process of running another personal best when coming down late on at Market Rasen (2m1f, good to soft); had wind surgery and might be better treated than a few in here.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

3

11th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 0f 16y

Class 4

13:40 Chepstow

Ballybreeze

11st 11lb

J: Brendan Powell

T: Samuel Drinkwater

Record of 2-2 over C&D (good) includes a neck success off 1lb higher last April; failed to get home over 2m3f on soft ground here last month on return from a break; respected back down in trip.

7/2

3rd

3

15th Mar 2026

Soft

2m 3f 98y

Class 4

17:05 Chepstow

Ballybreeze

11st 9lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Samuel Drinkwater

2-2 over fences here, albeit at 2m; has been off another four months since his Cheltenham reappearance in November, while stamina is another question mark.

9/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £20.10
Straight Forecast £24.42
Tricast £249.65
Trifecta £274.40

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Ballybreeze

TOPSPEED:

Triple Trade

The Times:

Calico

The Guardian:

Madara

POSTDATA:

Guy

Telegraph:

Do Your Job

WEST COUNTRY:

Triple Trade

Daily Mail:

Triple Trade

The Sun:

Triple Trade

RP RATINGS:

Ballybreeze

D Express:

Ballybreeze

Daily Mirror:

Ballybreeze

The Star:

Ballybreeze

Daily Record:

Calico