March 13 / 14.50 Cheltenham

14.50

Soft

Coral Cup Handicap Hurdle (Premier Handicap) (GBB Race)

  • Prize money: £56270
  • 2m 5f 0y
  • Class 1
  • 22 runners
ITV
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Coral Cup Handicap Hurdle (Premier Handicap) (GBB Race)

Runners: 22 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Cloudy

8/1 (Won)

  • Win: £7.50
  • Place: £2.00

Form: 1-6P90 CD

Last run: 60 days

W: 11st 8lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 141

Form & Verdict
Won this race (soft) last year off the same mark; he's not shown much this season even by his usual winter standards but ulcers were diagnosed and he's raised his game for the Cheltenham or Aintree festivals in each of the last four seasons; it's hard to say he won't do it again.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

5

17th Jan 2025

Soft

2m 4f 0y

Class 2

15:00 Windsor

Langer Dan

11st 4lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

held up in last, weakened after 3 out, detached when mistake 2 out

6/1

5th

5

17th Jan 2025

Soft

2m 4f 0y

Class 2

15:00 Windsor

Langer Dan

11st 4lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

held up in last, weakened after 3 out, detached when mistake 2 out

6/1

12/1

  • Place: £2.70

Form: 5-2133

Last run: 76 days

W: 12st 0lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 147

Form & Verdict
Ran well all three Festival starts, fifth in last two editions of the 2m1f County Hurdle (on soft last year); four of his five starts since last year's Festival were over further than that (his solitary run this winter was in a 2m7f Grade 1) and he's shown enough to suggest he remains of interest.
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

20/1

  • Place: £3.80

Form: 418-48

Last run: 39 days

W: 11st 1lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 134

Form & Verdict
2m4f maiden winner (soft) last term before weakening badly from the home turn here in the 3m Grade 1 Albert Bartlett; seen only twice this term, jumping poorly over fences on first occasion and fading late on when eighth of 22 to Maxxum at Leopardstown (3m, soft); unexposed and this drop back in trip looks the right move.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

9th May 2026

Good

3m 2f 0y

16:45 Killarney

Shanbally Kid

11st 3lb

J: Brian Hayes

T: W P Mullins

Bumper and hurdle winner won a valuable chase at Punchestown last year over just short of 4m; not as good off higher marks since and unseated there last time; looks the yard's second-string on jockey bookings.

12/1

11

2nd May 2026

Yielding

3m 7f 68y

15:05 Punchestown

Shanbally Kid

10st 11lb

J: Danny Mullins

T: W P Mullins

Came good over fences in this race last year with 15l win (raised 14lb) on yielding; four runs this term in admittedly hot handicaps have been disappointing, including remote fourth in Leinster National, most recently pulled up after racing prominently for long way in Irish National; handicapper relenting but still 7lb above last year's mark.

12/1

4th

6

8th Mar 2026

Heavy

3m 0f 174y

16:02 Naas

Shanbally Kid

10st 10lb

J: Danny Mullins

T: W P Mullins

Bumper and hurdles winner came good over fences at the Punchestown festival in a 23-runner extended 3m7f handicap, winning by 15l; took a very hefty 14lb rise for that and never dangerous on seasonal return at Leopardstown at 50-1 (3m1f, yielding); never travelling when pulled up in the Theyestes last time; others preferred.

20/1

14/1

  • Place: £4.40

Form: 22122

Last run: 46 days

W: 11st 4lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 137

Form & Verdict
Easy winner at Doncaster and enhanced his reputation when second at Taunton (soft) and Cheltenham, both against rivals who are serious contenders for Graded-race novice honours this week; those three novice races were over about 2m3f-2m4f and he's a clear candidate for further improvement on this handicap debut for stable which has tasted plenty of success in this race.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

2

25th Apr 2026

Good

2m 5f 110y

Class 1

16:02 Sandown

Lucky Place

11st 10lb

J: Nico de Boinville

T: Nicky Henderson

Dual Grade 2 winner last term; finished third at the same level on penultimate start but was behind Kabral Du Mathan and stablemate Jingko Blue in that Cheltenham race; seems set for another bronze medal at best.

11/1

Form: 33-F47

Last run: 76 days

W: 11st 5lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 138

Form & Verdict
Chasing did not work out on first two starts this term and well beaten back over hurdles at Christmas, albeit on heavy going; wore these cheekpieces last April (career best) and on latest start, and the tongue-tie (worn on penultimate start) is back; opposable on nearly all evidence, except his 80-1 third in a Grade 1 novice at Punchestown (3m, yielding) last April.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

2

30th Apr 2026

Yielding

2m 7f 110y

18:05 Punchestown

Franciscan Rock

11st 10lb

J: Josh Williamson

T: M F Morris

Most recent of his three wins was in 2024; ran his best race for a long time when 50-1 runner-up in the BetMGM Cup at Cheltenham; remote eighth behind Teahupoo here 12 months ago; up against it.

33/1

2nd

19

11th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 5f 0y

Class 1

14:40 Cheltenham

Franciscan Rock

10st 12lb

J: Josh Williamson

T: M F Morris

Fifth when 50-1 in this race in 2024 (1lb higher today) and 20l sixth when 80-1 for the Grade 1 Stayers' in 2025, close up turning for home on both occasions; not so good this season and this is a rare run without tongue-tie or other headgear; not entirely dismissed, though.

50/1

5th

3

22nd Jan 2026

Heavy

2m 7f 110y

13:45 Gowran Park

Franciscan Rock

11st 3lb

J: Gavin Brouder

T: M F Morris

Smart hurdler at his best; often highly tried, including at Cheltenham and Punchestown last season after he had finished third behind Rocky's Diamond in this race; anchored by a big burden in a handicap at Leopardstown at Christmas.

16/1

Form: 235166 D

Last run: 39 days

W: 10st 9lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 128

Form & Verdict
Bumper winner who's won a 2m4f Cork maiden (last October) from seven hurdle races; hooded first time when he came from well off the pace for sixth of 22 to Maxxum at Leopardstown (upped to 3m, soft) on latest outing; hood left off today; could still be capable of better.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

5

18th Jan 2026

Yielding

1m 7f 168y

13:40 Thurles

Black Bamboo

11st 6lb

J: Ricky Doyle

T: John Joseph Murphy

Bumper and maiden hurdle winner but out of form both over hurdles and fences last year; hard to recommend him at the moment.

33/1

4th

3

12th May 2025

Good

2m 4f 50y

18:08 Killarney

Black Bamboo

11st 10lb

J: Tom Harney

T: John Joseph Murphy

midfield, in touch with leaders 3rd, pushed along and lost position after 4 out, not fluent 2 out, went fourth approaching last, not fluent last, kept on, not reach leaders

14/1

4th

3

12th May 2025

Good

2m 4f 50y

18:08 Killarney

Black Bamboo

11st 10lb

J: Tom Harney

T: John Joseph Murphy

midfield, in touch with leaders 3rd, pushed along and lost position after 4 out, not fluent 2 out, went fourth approaching last, not fluent last, kept on, not reach leaders

14/1

Form: -15P13

Last run: 31 days

W: 11st 12lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 145

Form & Verdict
Usually ridden by 7lb-claiming amateur Darragh Allen, including when he won narrowly at Cork (2m4f, soft to heavy) in January; ran respectably at Navan (2m5f, heavy) latest but now has first-time headgear; it's a concern that he ran poorly last April/August in his two biggest handicaps.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

5

9th May 2026

Good

2m 7f 0y

15:35 Killarney

Da Capo Glory

11st 4lb

J: Michael Kenneally

T: Padraig Butler

Three hurdle wins and ran a fine race in the Martin Pipe at Cheltenham, beaten only 8l; unluckily unseated at Punchestown last week; his best chase effort of three came at Gowran in February; gets weight from some of his rivals today and has a solid chance.

2/1

3

30th Apr 2026

Yielding

2m 7f 110y

16:15 Punchestown

Da Capo Glory

10st 13lb

J: Michael Kenneally

T: Padraig Butler

Three hurdle wins including at this track and ran respectably in this race in 2024; mixing chasing with hurdles after returning from an absence this season; not a bad run in the Martin Pipe last time; needs a bit more.

20/1

33/1

Form: 713619 D

Last run: 25 days

W: 10st 12lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 131

Form & Verdict
Three wins in 2023, taking a particular step forward at Newbury (2m4f, soft) at the end of the year; 8lb higher today and he was never dangerous when 16-1 at Ascot last month, but a running-on third here (2m4f) in October ensures he is not entirely ruled out.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

2

15th May 2026

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 3

18:20 Aintree

Rambo T

11st 11lb

J: Gavin Sheehan

T: Olly Murphy

It's been a struggle in some competitive handicaps but he ran well enough here at the National meeting (behind Ike Sport) to merit some attention; others still preferred.

16/1

11th

2

10th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 0y

Class 1

13:45 Aintree

Rambo T

11st 12lb

J: Kevin Brogan

T: Olly Murphy

Landed a notable handicap at Chepstow (2m3f, good; off just 1lb lower) in the autumn; not in anything like the same form since, always behind at the Cheltenham Festival (2m5f) most recently; other preferred.

66/1

19th

17

11th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 5f 0y

Class 1

14:40 Cheltenham

Rambo T

10st 13lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Olly Murphy

Landed a notable prize at Chepstow (near 2m4f, good; 3lb higher today) in October but failed to show his form in his three starts since; Sean Bowen rides him for the first time since Chepstow; he'd still be a surprise winner.

50/1

Form: 6-1P42 D

Last run: 31 days

W: 11st 12lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 145

Form & Verdict
Acts on heavy; smart performer for Noel Meade in 2021, fourth here in the Grade 1 Stayers'; more miss than hit since and last year's Coral Cup saw one of his lesser efforts; his better shows last term give him a shout but while plenty of ability remains this term for new yard, judged on those the handicapper has not shown him enough leniency.
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

12/1

Form: 120-P0 C

Last run: 38 days

W: 11st 9lb

6 yo Colt

OR: 142

Form & Verdict
Won the 4yo handicap at 2022 Festival (good to soft) on his sole appearance at Cheltenham; his two hurdle races in 2023 and one last month were all poor, having been gelded before the latter, but there was a Flat win at last year's Galway Festival, so he might not be done with just yet; this is his first foray beyond 2m1f.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

14th Oct 2025

Good

2m 2f 197y

15:05 Punchestown

Brazil

11st 2lb

J: Mark Walsh

T: Padraig Roche

Won the Fred Winter in 2022; no success over hurdles since later that year; struggled over fences last season; soundly beaten in two runs over hurdles in recent months.

10/1

23

(15)

12th Oct 2025

Yielding

2m 0f 7y

16:20 Naas

Brazil

8st 7lb

T: Padraig Roche

Third reserve; dual-purpose sort who has two wins on the level, his last win coming in a Galway festival premier handicap in 2023 off 82 (1m4f, good to yielding); not far behind at the Curragh in June (16.5f, good) but well beaten over hurdles the last two times and 3lb wrong.

4

8th Sep 2025

Yielding To Soft

2m 5f 129y

16:50 Galway

Brazil

11st 0lb

J: Aidan Kelly

T: Padraig Roche

Course winner on the Flat; rated 132 but no win over hurdles since November 2022; ran well on the level at the Curragh in June but beaten 17l on return to this sphere at Kilbeggan last month; others make more appeal.

8/1

33/1

Form: 3-147

Last run: 24 days

W: 11st 0lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 133

Form & Verdict
Ran in one hurdle race in France and three in Ireland, easy winner of a Thurles maiden (2m, yielding); beaten about 25l at Punchestown in a Grade 2 (soft) and Listed event (heavy) but that leaves him extremely unexposed and this is a marked step up in trip for handicap debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

8

26th Apr 2025

Good

3m 4f 146y

Class 1

16:10 Sandown

Lombron

10st 2lb

J: Rachael Blackmore

T: W P Mullins

His sole start over 3m saw him pulled up, on heavy ground admittedly, but the furthest he's been otherwise was 2m5f and that too was a failure; 6yo with time on his side and his best form last time out, winning a 2m4f beginners chase at Clonmel, but big improvement is required and his suitability for this test requires plenty of guesswork.

16/1

Form: /1/124 D

Last run: 32 days

W: 10st 13lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 132

Form & Verdict
8yo but just six races; won the first four and finishing second at Cheltenham (2m1f, soft) in December was a solid introduction to handicaps; 18-1 for a top handicap at Newbury (2m, heavy) last month and, having tried to settle him out the back, his late progress into fourth of 21 caught the eye, despite hanging left; stable form is the big worry but, off the same mark as last time and back up in trip, having run away with a 2m5f novice in 2021, he should have a big shout.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

11th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 149y

Class 1

15:05 Aintree

Doddiethegreat

11st 10lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Nicky Henderson

Won the Pertemps Final at Cheltenham (3m, good to soft) last March and some respectable runs in Grade 2s this term; wore blinkers when pulled up in the Stayers' Hurdle at Cheltenham last month and is back in his usual cheekpieces this afternoon, but he still has something to find.

28/1

3

12th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 7f 213y

Class 1

15:20 Cheltenham

Doddiethegreat

11st 10lb

J: James Bowen

T: Nicky Henderson

Won the Pertemps Final Handicap over C&D (good to soft) last March and he's performed respectably in Graded races this term, most recently third of six over C&D behind Ma Shantou and Impose Toi (soft; jockey dropped whip after final flight); it's possible he'll produce his best performance of the season now he's back into a bigger field over a C&D that clearly suits, but he'll probably still come up short; blinkers replace cheekpieces.

50/1

3rd

4

24th Jan 2026

Soft

2m 7f 213y

Class 1

15:35 Cheltenham

Doddiethegreat

11st 6lb

J: Freddie Gordon

T: Nicky Henderson

Won the Pertemps Handicap Final over C&D (good to soft) at the Festival last March; he has something to find with Impose Toi and Strong Leader on the evidence of this season's three outings but he's been running pretty well and the return to Cheltenham may be a positive; not ruled out each-way.

7/1

14/1

Form: 4-5213

Last run: 82 days

W: 11st 9lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 142

Form & Verdict
Fourth in the Martin Pipe here (2m4f, soft) one year ago off 3lb higher; his jumping has not been so convincing switched to fences this term but he's still looked in form; strong-travelling sort who should get into serious contention on this return to hurdling.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

1

7th Feb 2026

Soft

3m 0f 57y

Class 3

13:35 Newbury

Might I

12st 0lb

J: Isabelle Ryder

T: Faye Bramley

Acts on heavy; useful for Harry Fry but became inconsistent and has never won a handicap; bought for £35,000 last May and had a remote finish at Worcester in July on his only start since; has career-low mark but plenty to prove, including stamina on this fourth attempt at about 3m.

25/1

1

7th Jul 2025

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 2

15:45 Worcester

Might I

12st 0lb

J: Richie McLernon

T: Faye Bramley

Smart for Harry Fry but became inconsistent; wasn't disgraced in Coral Cup at Cheltenham Festival (2m5f, good to soft) on latest outing in March and sights are lowered on stable debut having changed hands for £35,000.

8/1

OUR TIP

Form: 05-811 D

Last run: 44 days

W: 11st 6lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 139

Form & Verdict
Same connections had one beaten a head in this race last year at 16-1; this 6yo has run in only two bumpers and four hurdle races, on last two outings winning on heavy ground in a maiden at Limerick (2m5f) and novice at Punchestown (2m4f); had to work to get there in the latter but he drew 12l clear and looks a scopey sort with major potential; cheekpieces join the tongue-tie; needs to prove he's quick enough for this but he's one to note.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

21st Mar 2026

Soft To Heavy

2m 7f 150y

16:17 Navan

Built By Ballymore

11st 9lb

J: Ricky Doyle

T: Martin Brassil

No wins since two hurdles two seasons ago at around 2m4f; much improved to take third in the Punchestown Grand National Trial in February (3m4f, heavy), coming from further back than first two; may have won a Listed contest at Naas last time (3m1f, soft to heavy) but unseated at the last when jumping into challenger; he's in form and no surprise to see him feature.

10/1

14

8th Mar 2026

Heavy

3m 0f 174y

16:02 Naas

Built By Ballymore

10st 0lb

J: Gavin Brouder

T: Martin Brassil

Two hurdles wins two seasons ago at around 2m4f; 0-3 chasing last term; never dangerous in opening two runs this season, however much improved in the Punchestown Grand National Trial (3m4f, heavy) last month when taking third; came from further back than the first two that day so deserves extra credit; 4lb wrong but in the mix with a repeat.

7/1

Form: /4/P1-

Last run: 571 days

W: 11st 9lb

8 yo Mare

OR: 142

Form & Verdict
Best results front-running; rattled off a hat-trick in 2020, two of those wins on soft; very few miles on the clock since, winning a handicap at Killarney (2m6f, good to yielding) in August 2022 when last seen; withdrawn three times last summer (lame on third occasion) and has left Willie Mullins; returns in a hot race and in need of a career best.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

1

17th Jan 2025

Soft

2m 4f 0y

14:15 Cork

Finest Evermore

12st 0lb

J: Danny Mullins

T: Paul Hennessy

Four-time winner for Willie Mullins but has struggled in two of her three starts for this yard; needs to improve massively on those poor runs.

16/1

9th

1

17th Jan 2025

Soft

2m 4f 0y

14:15 Cork

Finest Evermore

12st 0lb

J: Danny Mullins

T: Paul Hennessy

soon led narrowly or disputed lead, raced in second 5th, joined leader after 6th

16/1

5/1

Form: 3/16-1

Last run: 77 days

W: 11st 7lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 140

Form & Verdict
Won a 4yo hurdle at Auteuil in May 2022; only two starts for Willie Mullins but latest was a striking performance when he swatted aside high-class staying chaser Noble Yeats late on at level weights in a four-runner conditions hurdle race at Limerick (2m4f, heavy) over Christmas; unsurprisingly of major interest on this handicap debut, clear favourite in the build-up.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9

2nd May 2026

Yielding

3m 7f 68y

15:05 Punchestown

Sa Majeste

10st 13lb

J: Aidan Kelly

T: W P Mullins

Dual chase winner last term and good third to Daily Present in 3m2f Kim Muir at Cheltenham; has struggled in big handicaps this season, exception a never-nearer remote third in Leinster National; never really recovered from bad early blunder when pulled up in Irish National on latest; others look more reliable.

20/1

3rd

5

8th Mar 2026

Heavy

3m 0f 174y

16:02 Naas

Sa Majeste

10st 10lb

J: Aidan Kelly

T: W P Mullins

Dual chase winner last term and ran a cracker in the Kim Muir over 3m2f at Cheltenham; not at the same level in four runs since, including when always behind and pulled up at Leopardstown last time; needs to show some spark.

18/1

10

1st Feb 2026

Soft To Heavy

2m 5f 107y

14:45 Leopardstown

Sa Majeste

10st 12lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: W P Mullins

Dual chase winner last term and ran a cracker in the Kim Muir over 3m2f at Cheltenham; hasn't been at that level since and was beaten a long way in the Paddy Power here last time, so has to do much better.

25/1

66/1

Form: -44140

Last run: 11 days

W: 11st 6lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 139

Form & Verdict
Made all at Musselburgh (2m4f, soft) on New Year's Day 2023 and 2024; last season he then came from the rear to win the Morebattle at Kelso (2m, good to soft) but he pulled up in this race next time and never got out of the rear division in the Morebattle 11 days ago; has a fair bit to prove now, especially given need for a career best; tongue-tie (last worn in 2022) returns.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

1

25th Oct 2025

Good

2m 0f 51y

Class 4

15:20 Kelso

Benson

12st 1lb

J: William Maggs

T: Sandy Thomson

Last of his six wins over hurdles was off a 25lb higher mark at Musselburgh in January 2024 (2m4f, soft); mainly disappointing since then, including when tried over fences; best watched for now.

14/1

9

14th Jun 2025

Good

2m 4f 28y

Class 3

18:28 Hexham

Benson

10st 12lb

J: Sean Quinlan

T: Sandy Thomson

One-time very useful handicapper; nothing like as good these days and has finished last on last two starts, latest a four-runner C&D handicap last month; very well handicapped (dropped a further 4lb for his run last time so now 22lb below last winning mark); plenty to prove at present.

14/1

Form: 23U/54 C

Last run: 25 days

W: 11st 4lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 137

Form & Verdict
Very well handicapped judged on best efforts, including on soft at this track, but they were two seasons ago; 660 days off before last of five to high-class Lossiemouth here in January, which didn't look bad strictly on form but he struggled on heavy ground at Wincanton in another Grade 2 three weeks later; back up in trip but does not look the percentage call.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

2

4th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 203y

Class 2

15:20 Haydock

Guard Your Dreams

11st 12lb

J: Toby McCain-Mitchell

T: Nigel & Willy Twiston-Davies

Brought down at the first fence in the Plate at Cheltenham last month; made most of the running when winning easily at Warwick (2m4f, heavy) in February and, although now 8lb higher, he was rated higher over hurdles earlier in his career; versatile ground-wise; one to note.

15/2

8

10th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 44y

Class 1

16:40 Cheltenham

Guard Your Dreams

11st 1lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Nigel & Willy Twiston-Davies

Fell in the Ultima last March but he has often run creditably over fences here and handles most surfaces; however, he's on his highest-ever chase mark following a Warwick win (about 2m4f, heavy) last month and now looks up against it.

25/1

1st

5

7th Feb 2026

Soft

2m 4f 0y

Class 2

14:25 Warwick

Guard Your Dreams

11st 2lb

J: Toby McCain-Mitchell

T: Nigel & Willy Twiston-Davies

Absent since clear second of 14 at Uttoxeter (3m, good) last May but it's worth remembering his narrow C&D (good) win in October 2024 came after a layoff; versatile regarding ground and current mark is workable; a possible.

11/2

Form: 7-54F1 D

Last run: 18 days

W: 11st 8lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 141

Form & Verdict
Creditable seventh in 2023 Martin Pipe here; won the same 2m5f race at Kempton in February for the last two seasons and in good style, on soft ground latest; revised mark is a career high, though, and he needs to find extra.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

1

26th Apr 2025

Good

2m 4f 10y

Class 2

13:50 Sandown

Mark Of Gold

12st 0lb

J: Caoilin Quinn

T: Gary & Josh Moore

Last season over hurdles ended on a low note at this meeting; solid for most of this term, switched to fences for last five starts and winning twice in small fields; put firmly in his place in Grade 1 novice events over 2m4f here in February and particularly at Aintree last time, but this return to a handicap will also demand a career best.

14/1

1st

1

26th Apr 2025

Good

2m 4f 10y

Class 2

13:50 Sandown

Mark Of Gold

12st 0lb

J: Caoilin Quinn

T: Gary & Josh Moore

Last season over hurdles ended on a low note at this meeting; solid for most of this term, switched to fences for last five starts and winning twice in small fields; put firmly in his place in Grade 1 novice events over 2m4f here in February and particularly at Aintree last time, but this return to a handicap will also demand a career best.

14/1

6th

7

3rd Apr 2025

Good To Soft

2m 3f 200y

Class 1

13:45 Aintree

Mark Of Gold

11st 7lb

J: Caoilin Quinn

T: Gary & Josh Moore

Experienced hurdler who won Grade 2 novice on chase debut at Ascot (2m3f, good to soft) in December and made it 2-4 over fences in warm little handicap at Exeter (2m1f, good) last time; ran well behind two of these in Grade 2 at Kempton in February but likely to be vulnerable in this company.

40/1

Form: 8-3233 D

Last run: 46 days

W: 11st 10lb

7 yo Mare

OR: 143

Form & Verdict
Second in the 2022 County Hurdle here and ran creditably when 11th in it last year, though that shows he was on a tough mark; 9lb lower today and not at all discredited against top rivals in his last two outings; had wind surgery since; rarely seen over this sort of trip but he was a good third in 2m4f Grade 2 here last winter, so a pretty good case can be made.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price
No Results Found

Form: 2-2123

Last run: 24 days

W: 11st 8lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 141

Form & Verdict
Has run in just one French bumper and four Irish hurdle races; impressive in a maiden at Navan (heavy) and, although put firmly in his place, he's run with credit since behind Tuesday's Mullins-trained Supreme runners Mystical Power and Tullyhill; all those were at about 2m and stepping up in trip may well suit; makes his handicap debut too and looks the first string on jockey bookings for his powerful stable.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

1

22nd Apr 2026

Soft

2m 0f 0y

Class 3

15:40 Perth

Jigoro

12st 0lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Gordon Elliott

Blinkered first time when third of 14 on his handicap debut in this sphere at Thurles (2m5f, yielding) in January and off the mark over fences when landing fairly valuable event at Gowran (2m, heavy) last month; 22-1 and pulled up in Listed novice handicap last time but that had the makings of a warm event and he needs respecting.

7/2

2

5th Apr 2026

Yielding To Soft

2m 0f 140y

16:25 Fairyhouse

Jigoro

11st 11lb

J: James Smith

T: Gordon Elliott

Improved since going handicapping, decent Thurles effort followed by 2m Gowran win last month on heavy under a positive ride from today's rider; 5lb higher and this looks a much stronger race.

7/1

1st

5

7th Mar 2026

Heavy

2m 0f 0y

16:18 Gowran Park

Jigoro

11st 5lb

J: James Smith

T: Gordon Elliott

Second on his first two starts over fences last April/May; remote seventh behind Kopek Des Bordes at Navan in November; below-par when sharing favouritism in a Punchestown conditions hurdle in December; ran out of steam late on handicap chase debut over 2m5f at Thurles, 2m may suit better.

8/1

Form: 3U15F1

Last run: 50 days

W: 11st 7lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 140

Form & Verdict
Won a maiden at Gowran (2m, heavy) in November on fourth start and huge improvement to score by 15l in a novice at Down Royal (2m1f, soft) in January latest; fell at halfway on penultimate start in his only handicap (2m4f); has a tempting mark in this top handicap and there's enough stamina in pedigree to make today's third attempt at this sort of trip look worth a go.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

9

28th Apr 2026

Yielding

3m 0f 213y

16:50 Punchestown

Western Fold

11st 10lb

J: Jack Kennedy

T: Gordon Elliott

Progressive in the first half of the season; won the Galway Plate, beat subsequent Savills Chase winner Affordale Fury at Gowran in October; second to Kaid d'Authie in an unsatisfactory four-runner DRF event; faded from three out in Brown Advisory; badly hampered and unseated two out in Fairyhouse Grade 1 won by Fleur In The Park.

12/1

8

5th Apr 2026

Yielding To Soft

2m 4f 0y

17:00 Fairyhouse

Western Fold

11st 10lb

J: Danny Gilligan

T: Gordon Elliott

Progressive last summer, winning the Galway Plate (extended 2m6f, good), and a defeat of subsequent Savills Chase winner Affordale Fury at Gowran Park (2m4f, yielding to soft) in October; second to Kaid d'Authie in an unsatisfactory four-runner DRF event; faded from three out in Brown Advisory

10/1

10th

15

11th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 1f 0y

Class 1

14:00 Cheltenham

Western Fold

11st 7lb

J: Danny Gilligan

T: Gordon Elliott

Progressive last summer, winning the Galway Plate (extended 2m6f, good), and he beat subsequent Savills Chase winner Affordale Fury at Gowran Park (2m4f, yielding to soft) in October; good second to Kaid d'Authie at Dublin Racing Festival last time and enters each-way calculations.

12/1

Non-runners

Maxxum, First Street, Supreme Gift, Zanndabad

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £84.70
Straight Forecast £49.38
Tricast £532.27
Trifecta £2484.60

Selections

TOPSPEED:

Doddiethegreat

The Times:

Built By Ballymore

WEST COUNTRY:

Might I

Telegraph:

Sa Majeste

SPOTLIGHT:

Zanndabad

RP RATINGS:

First Street

The Sun:

Langer Dan

The Guardian:

Built By Ballymore

Daily Mirror:

Built By Ballymore

Daily Mail:

Might I

D Express:

Might I

POSTDATA:

Doddiethegreat

LAMBOURN:

Doddiethegreat

The Star:

Doddiethegreat

Daily Record:

Doddiethegreat