December 23 / 15.00 Ascot

15.00

Good To Soft

Howden Silver Cup Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap) (GBB Race)

  • Prize money: £56950
  • 2m 7f 180y
  • Class 1
  • 10 runners
ITV4
View Course
Howden Silver Cup Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap) (GBB Race)

Runners: 10 runners

Type: Chase Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Cloudy

11/2 (Won)

  • Win: £5.00
  • Place: £1.80

Form: 2574-1 CD

Last run: 49 days

W: 12st 0lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 142

Form & Verdict
Dual chase winner in the mud in France but he was seen in a spectacularly new light when comfortably winning a valuable C&D handicap (soft) seven weeks ago on second run for this yard; lost momentum at the final fence, where two of his rivals (including the staying-on Yeah Man) came down when disputing second but it's not hard to think that a 4lb rise underestimates him.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

4

21st Dec 2024

Good To Soft

2m 7f 180y

Class 1

15:00 Ascot

Victtorino

11st 2lb

J: Charlie Deutsch

T: Venetia Williams

Kicked off last season with two valuable C&D wins (soft/good), the latter in this race and he's just 1lb higher today; in and out in his four races since but his fourth here in February was creditable, as was his strong-finishing third in top 3m2f handicap at Newbury three weeks ago; capable of jumping better than he did at Newbury and big chance if everything clicks again on his return to Ascot.

13/8

1st

4

21st Dec 2024

Good To Soft

2m 7f 180y

Class 1

15:00 Ascot

Victtorino

11st 2lb

J: Charlie Deutsch

T: Venetia Williams

Kicked off last season with two valuable C&D wins (soft/good), the latter in this race and he's just 1lb higher today; in and out in his four races since but his fourth here in February was creditable, as was his strong-finishing third in top 3m2f handicap at Newbury three weeks ago; capable of jumping better than he did at Newbury and big chance if everything clicks again on his return to Ascot.

13/8

3rd

12

30th Nov 2024

Good To Soft

3m 1f 214y

Class 1

15:00 Newbury

Victtorino

11st 3lb

J: Charlie Deutsch

T: Venetia Williams

Ex-French 6yo whose British form features notable 3m wins at Ascot (soft/good) last November/December, making a bright start to his 2023-24 campaign; mixed results afterwards but this looks the time to catch him, especially with the yard in great form; interesting on reappearance.

7/1

11/2

  • Place: £1.90

Form: 210-2F D

Last run: 49 days

W: 11st 2lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 130

Form & Verdict
Made debut under rules (after just one run in a point) last October; seen mostly over fences and was in the process of showing improved form when he fell at the final fence in major C&D handicap (soft) seven weeks ago, outpaced from six out but rallying strongly up the straight and only 2l down on Victtorino when departing; should prove well suited by further in due course but only 2lb higher today and has a big shout barring mishaps.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

6

23rd Jan 2025

Soft

3m 1f 0y

14:48 Gowran Park

Yeah Man

11st 1lb

J: Keith Donoghue

T: Gavin Cromwell

One of two runners for yard and looks the first string on jockey bookings; won a 28.5f Grade 3 handicap off 133 at Haydock last February; ran a cracker to finish a 3.75l third off 140 in the Troytown behind Stuzzikini on his seasonal return; will strip fitter now and should be thereabouts again off 2lb higher.

11/2

4th

6

23rd Jan 2025

Soft

3m 1f 0y

14:48 Gowran Park

Yeah Man

11st 1lb

J: Keith Donoghue

T: Gavin Cromwell

One of two runners for yard and looks the first string on jockey bookings; won a 28.5f Grade 3 handicap off 133 at Haydock last February; ran a cracker to finish a 3.75l third off 140 in the Troytown behind Stuzzikini on his seasonal return; will strip fitter now and should be thereabouts again off 2lb higher.

11/2

3rd

9

17th Nov 2024

Good To Yielding

3m 0f 50y

14:30 Navan

Yeah Man

11st 6lb

J: Keith Donoghue

T: Gavin Cromwell

First three runs last season in Britain; came into his own over extended 3m4f at Haydock, winning Grand National Trial in first-time cheekpieces; absent since ninth in Irish Grand National.

10/1

10/1

  • Place: £3.70

Form: 926-U2 D

Last run: 29 days

W: 11st 9lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 137

Form & Verdict
Acts on soft; last won in early 2022 but nearly took a valuable Kempton 3m handicap in February off 2lb lower; has run creditably both starts this term, including runner-up over 2m5f here on latest; each-way chance.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

7

7th Feb 2025

Good To Soft

2m 4f 110y

Class 3

15:25 Kempton

Flegmatik

11st 5lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

Back in better form at Ascot the last twice; good record at Kempton features three wins (2m4f/3m) and he returns here off a very attractive mark; big player, provided he takes well to new headgear.

100/30

3rd

7

7th Feb 2025

Good To Soft

2m 4f 110y

Class 3

15:25 Kempton

Flegmatik

11st 5lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

prominent, went second 11th, mistake 3 out, soon lost second, hit 2 out, no extra approaching last

100/30

OUR TIP

Form: 21P1-1 D

Last run: 42 days

W: 11st 10lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 138

Form & Verdict
Ran no race at Uttoxeter in March but has otherwise been a notable improver since joining this trainer and has won three of his five starts for him; latest was on reappearance at Wincanton (3m1f, good to soft; acts on heavy) six weeks ago in the Badger Beer, with another 14l back to the third, and this 8yo demands major respect despite 6lb rise.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

30th Nov 2024

Good

2m 7f 91y

Class 1

15:20 Newcastle

Blackjack Magic

11st 4lb

J: Richie McLernon

T: Anthony Honeyball

Pulled up at Punchestown in May when last seen but he has a very good record when fresh around this time of year, and he won the Badger Beer at Wincanton when reappearing last November; on the shortlist.

12/1

Form: 2/71-3

Last run: 29 days

W: 11st 7lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 135

Form & Verdict
Lightly raced now but won at Wincanton (3m1f) in February and creditable third under Freddie Gingell over C&D four weeks ago (both on good); acts on good to soft but he was withdrawn the last five times he was due to run on soft; probably needs career best.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

1

20th May 2024

Soft

3m 1f 170y

Class 5

16:43 Newton Abbot

Switch Hitter

12st 8lb

J: Miss Natalie Parker

T: Paul Nicholls

Useful handicap chaser on good ground when on song; pulled up on consecutive outings at end of last season and needs to prove his wellbeing, but is in much calmer waters for today's hunter chase debut.

4/6

5th

1

20th May 2024

Soft

3m 1f 170y

Class 5

16:43 Newton Abbot

Switch Hitter

12st 8lb

J: Miss Natalie Parker

T: Paul Nicholls

Useful handicap chaser on good ground when on song; pulled up on consecutive outings at end of last season and needs to prove his wellbeing, but is in much calmer waters for today's hunter chase debut.

4/6

3

22nd Apr 2024

Good

3m 0f 0y

Class 3

18:30 Kempton

Switch Hitter

11st 12lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Paul Nicholls

prominent, bumped 1st, dropped to rear 12th, pulled up before 5 out

8/1

Form: 2211-1 D

Last run: 32 days

W: 11st 5lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 133

Form & Verdict
Won six of nine races under rules; all of his five chases have been in small fields but he looks on the up, ending last season with two wins at Catterick (3m1f, soft) in January and reappearing with another at Lingfield (2m7f, good to soft) last month; up another 5lb and this is much more of a test but he may well pass it.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12th

8

19th Jan 2025

Soft

3m 0f 0y

Class 2

14:30 Windsor

Git Maker

11st 1lb

J: Gavin Sheehan

T: Jamie Snowden

prominent, not fluent 3rd, weakened before 2 out

8/1

12th

8

19th Jan 2025

Soft

3m 0f 0y

Class 2

14:30 Windsor

Git Maker

11st 1lb

J: Gavin Sheehan

T: Jamie Snowden

Absent since finishing third in the Scottish Grand National last April; however, he has a good reappearance record and reverts to hurdles on a mark 6lb lower than at Ayr; 3-4 in this discipline in early 2022; respected.

8/1

3rd

19

20th Apr 2024

Soft

3m 7f 176y

Class 1

15:35 Ayr

Git Maker

10st 3lb

J: Gavin Sheehan

T: Jamie Snowden

Mastered Whacker Clan two out in the Kim Muir at Cheltenham (3m2f, soft) five weeks ago and beat him 18l into third, facing an impossible task however against Inothewayurthinkin who has since added an impressive Grade 1 novice win at Aintree; has never been further than that big-race second over 3m2f but has had entries in major staying handicaps and may well be suited by today's test.

6/1

Form: /664-1 D

Last run: 43 days

W: 11st 3lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 131

Form & Verdict
Very promising novice hurdler in 2020-21; unable to hit the same heights over fences last season, following a near-two-year absence, but he had wind surgery (his third) in August and reappeared with a win at Exeter (3m, good to soft) six weeks ago when he travelled much the best before hanging on by half a length; up 6lb but could have more to offer.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

9

23rd Dec 2023

Good To Soft

2m 7f 180y

Class 1

15:00 Ascot

Make Me A Believer

11st 3lb

J: Jack Tudor

T: David Pipe

Very promising novice hurdler in 2020-21; unable to hit the same heights over fences last season, following a near-two-year absence, but he had wind surgery (his third) in August and reappeared with a win at Exeter (3m, good to soft) six weeks ago when he travelled much the best before hanging on by half a length; up 6lb but could have more to offer.

11/1

1st

8

10th Nov 2023

Soft

3m 0f 54y

Class 3

16:00 Exeter

Make Me A Believer

11st 8lb

J: Jack Tudor

T: David Pipe

towards rear of midfield, midfield 10th, prominent 13th, disputed lead 4 out, pushed along when led clearly 2 out, 4 lengths ahead when hung left and ridden run-in, much reduced lead towards finish, all out

9/1

4th

2

1st Apr 2023

Soft

2m 4f 0y

Class 3

15:55 Uttoxeter

Make Me A Believer

11st 9lb

J: Fergus Gillard

T: David Pipe

Very promising novice hurdler in 2020-21; missed all of last season but made encouraging chase/handicap debut in December (2m3f) and didn't run badly before looking a non-stayer over 3m last month; drops back in trip here and is 5lb lower now; dangerous to ignore.

7/1

14/1

Form: 6723-4 CD

Last run: 41 days

W: 11st 5lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 133

Form & Verdict
Last two wins were over C&D (autumn 2021 and 2022) and he's effective on a range of ground; his reappearance six weeks ago was not as good as those in the previous two campaigns but he has a good mark and enters calculations.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

22nd Apr 2024

Good

3m 0f 0y

Class 3

18:30 Kempton

Larry

11st 11lb

J: Tom Cannon

T: Gary Moore

took keen hold, held up in rear, no impression before 4 out, pulled up before 3 out

12/1

4

22nd Apr 2024

Good

3m 0f 0y

Class 3

18:30 Kempton

Larry

11st 11lb

J: Tom Cannon

T: Gary Moore

took keen hold, held up in rear, no impression before 4 out, pulled up before 3 out

12/1

7

24th Mar 2024

Good

2m 7f 180y

Class 2

16:30 Ascot

Larry

10st 11lb

J: Tom Cannon

T: Gary Moore

Twice well beaten over C&D this winter, including last time, but in between he won at Plumpton and he's a two-time C&D winner who was third in this race last year; has won on a variety of ground; not ruled out.

7/1

Form: 893U11 D

Last run: 35 days

W: 10st 12lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 126

Form & Verdict
Initially disappointing over fences but won at Galway (2m6f, heavy) and Cheltenham (3m1f, soft) last two outings; 9lb raise demands more from him (5lb claimer is recruited) but this 6yo probably has more to give.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

6

28th Jan 2025

Soft To Heavy

2m 5f 0y

13:05 Limerick

Hascoeur Clermont

11st 0lb

J: Conor Stone-Walsh

T: Gavin Cromwell

123-rated chaser; 2-10 over hurdles but hasn't been seen in this sphere since July 2023; rated 110 over timber; testing ground not a problem and his yard is 3-12 in claimers; leading chance.

9/2

6th

6

28th Jan 2025

Soft To Heavy

2m 5f 0y

13:05 Limerick

Hascoeur Clermont

11st 0lb

J: Conor Stone-Walsh

T: Gavin Cromwell

123-rated chaser; 2-10 over hurdles but hasn't been seen in this sphere since July 2023; rated 110 over timber; testing ground not a problem and his yard is 3-12 in claimers; leading chance.

9/2

11th

6

29th Dec 2024

Good To Yielding

3m 0f 100y

13:55 Leopardstown

Hascoeur Clermont

11st 6lb

J: Patrick M O’Brien

T: Gavin Cromwell

Won over 2m6f at Galway and over 3m1f Cheltenham last season, a long way below his best in two outings in August; signs of a return to form when second over this trip at Cork; down the field at Down Royal since; Jouster may be stable's number one.

14/1

Form: 2231F- D

Last run: 245 days

W: 11st 6lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 134

Form & Verdict
Always front rank in novice handicap at Newbury (near 3m, good) in March to gain first chase win at seventh attempt; should stay beyond that but fell before push came to shove in the Scottish National in April when last seen; something to prove if the ground is worse than good to soft; withdrawn on intended return last month; needs improvement on chase form.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

20

27th Apr 2024

Good

3m 4f 146y

Class 1

15:35 Sandown

Flash Collonges

10st 2lb

J: Bryony Frost

T: Paul Nicholls

Has struggled on both runs this season, but the first was his reappearance and the second was on soft ground; progressive last term and if this prominent-racer gets into a rhythm in first-time blinkers (replacing cheekpieces), he'll be just the type Bryony Frost excels with; not written off.

33/1

20

27th Apr 2024

Good

3m 4f 146y

Class 1

15:35 Sandown

Flash Collonges

10st 2lb

J: Bryony Frost

T: Paul Nicholls

Has struggled on both runs this season, but the first was his reappearance and the second was on soft ground; progressive last term and if this prominent-racer gets into a rhythm in first-time blinkers (replacing cheekpieces), he'll be just the type Bryony Frost excels with; not written off.

33/1

7

2nd Mar 2024

Good To Soft

3m 2f 1y

Class 2

15:40 Doncaster

Flash Collonges

10st 11lb

J: Bryony Frost

T: Paul Nicholls

Belatedly came good over fences with Newbury win (2m7f, good) off 2lb lower a year ago but was well beaten on only appearance this season (at Ascot in December) and may need the ground to dry out here; others have more pressing claims.

20/1

Non-runners

Bangers And Cash

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £27.20
Straight Forecast £24.66
Tricast £253.16
Trifecta £266.40

Selections

WEST COUNTRY:

Blackjack Magic

SPOTLIGHT:

Git Maker

The Times:

Yeah Man

RP RATINGS:

Victtorino

D Express:

Hascoeur Clermont

TOPSPEED:

Make Me A Believer

Daily Mail:

Yeah Man

POSTDATA:

Victtorino

LAMBOURN:

Git Maker

The Star:

Git Maker

Daily Record:

Git Maker

Telegraph:

Blackjack Magic

The Guardian:

Blackjack Magic

Daily Mirror:

Blackjack Magic

The Sun:

Blackjack Magic