March 14 / 13.30 Cheltenham

13.30

Soft

Turners Novices’ Chase (Grade 1) (Registered As The Golden Miller) (GBB Race)

  • Prize money: £98472.5
  • 2m 3f 168y
  • Class 1
  • 11 runners
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Turners Novices’ Chase (Grade 1) (Registered As The Golden Miller) (GBB Race)

Runners: 11 runners

Type: Chase Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Cloudy

Form: 2-1213 D

Last run: 40 days

W: 11st 7lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 147

Form & Verdict
Strong-finishing second behind Le Patron in 1m7f Grade 1 at Sandown (heavy) in December, then went one better in 2m3f Grade 2 at Wetherby (soft); looked unsuited by the much faster surface back at Sandown (2m4f, good; behind Djelo) last time; may still have more to offer when conditions are right but this assignment looks difficult on ratings.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

1st Jan 2025

Soft

2m 4f 127y

Class 1

14:05 Cheltenham

Colonel Harry

11st 4lb

J: Gavin Sheehan

T: Jamie Snowden

held up in rear, headway 10th, hampered 12th, midfield when fell 4 out

7/2

3

1st Jan 2025

Soft

2m 4f 127y

Class 1

14:05 Cheltenham

Colonel Harry

11st 4lb

J: Gavin Sheehan

T: Jamie Snowden

held up in rear, headway 10th, hampered 12th, midfield when fell 4 out

7/2

1

27th Dec 2024

Soft

2m 3f 98y

Class 2

13:05 Chepstow

Colonel Harry

12st 0lb

J: Gavin Sheehan

T: Jamie Snowden

Form: -111F2 D

Last run: 40 days

W: 11st 7lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 148

Form & Verdict
Seems to handle any ground; early faller, having been badly hampered, on penultimate outing; ran creditably, albeit without ever threatening the all-the-way winner, in Grade 1 at Sandown (2m4f) latest when taking form figures in completed chase starts to 1112; Grade 2 winner in December; proving useful over fences but needs further progress in this field.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

1st Nov 2025

Good

3m 0f 45y

Class 1

14:57 Wetherby

Djelo

11st 10lb

J: Charlie Deutsch

T: Venetia Williams

Well beaten in Grade 1s on final two starts last season; however, he impressed with two Grade 2 wins earlier in the campaign, namely the Peterborough at Huntingdon (2m4f, soft) and the Denman at Newbury (extended 2m7f, soft), and he has a very positive reappearance record; respected under 6lb penalty.

9/4

1

1st Nov 2025

Good

3m 0f 45y

Class 1

14:57 Wetherby

Djelo

11st 10lb

J: Charlie Deutsch

T: Venetia Williams

Well beaten in Grade 1s on final two starts last season; however, he impressed with two Grade 2 wins earlier in the campaign, namely the Peterborough at Huntingdon (2m4f, soft) and the Denman at Newbury (extended 2m7f, soft), and he has a very positive reappearance record; respected under 6lb penalty.

9/4

6th

2

3rd Apr 2025

Good To Soft

3m 0f 210y

Class 1

14:55 Aintree

Djelo

11st 10lb

J: Charlie Deutsch

T: Venetia Williams

Always behind and well beaten in the Ryanair but may benefit from this step back up in distance, having been well suited by 2m7f in the Denman Chase at Newbury (one of two soft-ground Grade 2 wins this term) the time before; largely progressive prior to latest start and unexposed over staying trips.

20/1

OUR TIP

Form: 21-143 C

Last run: 40 days

W: 11st 7lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 151

Form & Verdict
Has raced only at 2m-2m1f; versatile ground-wise; an exciting horse early in career and has performed well in both Cheltenham Festival attempts, winning the Champion Bumper in 2022 then runner-up in the Supreme last year; beaten twice since scoring on debut over fences but wasn't disgraced in the Irish Arkle latest; may take his form to the next level over this new trip, being out of Quevega who won the 2m4f Mares' Hurdle at this meeting six times; very interesting with that in mind.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

14th Mar 2024

Soft

2m 3f 168y

Class 1

13:30 Cheltenham

Facile Vega

11st 7lb

J: Paul Townend

T: W P Mullins

Has raced only at 2m-2m1f; versatile ground-wise; an exciting horse early in career and has performed well in both Cheltenham Festival attempts, winning the Champion Bumper in 2022 then runner-up in the Supreme last year; beaten twice since scoring on debut over fences but wasn't disgraced in the Irish Arkle latest; may take his form to the next level over this new trip, being out of Quevega who won the 2m4f Mares' Hurdle at this meeting six times; very interesting with that in mind.

15/8

3rd

1

3rd Feb 2024

Soft

2m 1f 0y

14:25 Leopardstown

Facile Vega

11st 12lb

J: Paul Townend

T: W P Mullins

soon raced in second, joined leader after 3 out, challenging when carried left before last, not fluent and pecked on landing last, soon lost second and ridden, no match for first two

9/2

4th

1

26th Dec 2023

Yielding

2m 1f 0y

14:20 Leopardstown

Facile Vega

11st 12lb

J: Mr P W Mullins

T: W P Mullins

Top bumper horse two seasons ago, winning all four starts, including Grade 1s at Cheltenham and Punchestown; won three of his five starts over hurdles last season, and second in the Supreme Novices'; had an excuse at this venue in February; gradually warmed to his task on his chasing debut at Navan; room for improvement in his jumping; hard to oppose.

2/7

Form: 3-7111 CD

Last run: 47 days

W: 11st 7lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 155

Form & Verdict
Appears to handle any ground; has form figures of 7111, all over 2m4f at this course, since switched to chasing; held on from Grey Dawning (who might have won but for a bad error) on penultimate occasion, then defied top weight in the useful novice handicap that his very similar stablemate Stage Star won in 2023 before following up in this contest; sound-jumping front-runner who is progressing well and has excellent credentials.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

7

4th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

2m 5f 19y

Class 1

16:05 Aintree

Ginnys Destiny

11st 4lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Paul Nicholls

Front-runner who was runner-up in two 2m4f Grade 1 novice chases last spring, at Cheltenham then here; attractively handicapped on that form and could be suited by these fences, but this season has been somewhat underwhelming and he needs a boost from the first-time tongue-tie and cheekpieces.

14/1

7th

7

4th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

2m 5f 19y

Class 1

16:05 Aintree

Ginnys Destiny

11st 4lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Paul Nicholls

Front-runner who was runner-up in two 2m4f Grade 1 novice chases last spring, at Cheltenham then here; attractively handicapped on that form and could be suited by these fences, but this season has been somewhat underwhelming and he needs a boost from the first-time tongue-tie and cheekpieces.

14/1

7th

2

13th Mar 2025

Good To Soft

2m 4f 127y

Class 1

16:40 Cheltenham

Ginnys Destiny

11st 6lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Paul Nicholls

Powerful front-runner when on song, as when winning twice over C&D (soft and good to soft) last midwinter before finishing an honourable runner-up in Grade 1 novice at the Festival; had some problems since but said to be showing better signs at home of late and is weighted to have a say, off just 2lb higher than the latest win; a revival could be on the way.

10/1

Form: F-3121

Last run: 61 days

W: 11st 7lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 153

Form & Verdict
Has raced only on ground softer than good; close second to Ginny's Destiny, who received 3lb, in Cheltenham contest (2m4f) in December and might have won but for making a bad mistake two out; that very good effort is flanked by two easy wins, latest in Grade 2 at Warwick (3m; jumped left at last two fences) where he beat a very useful mare by 14l; bypassed the Brown Advisory on Wednesday to go for this option; leading player.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

2

10th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 200y

Class 1

15:30 Aintree

Grey Dawning

11st 10lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

Two Grade 1 wins, namely the 2m4f novice chase at the 2024 Cheltenham Festival (soft) and this season's Betfair Chase at Haydock (3m1f, good to soft); ran well for a long way before fading into fourth in last month's Gold Cup at Cheltenham (3m2f, good to soft); this drop back in trip could well be a positive move; effective here and respected in first-time cheekpieces.

2/1

4th

5

13th Mar 2026

Good

3m 2f 70y

Class 1

16:00 Cheltenham

Grey Dawning

11st 10lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

Won the 2m4f novice chase at the 2024 Festival (soft) and added a second Grade 1 win in the Betfair Chase at Haydock (3m1f, good to soft) this season; a mistake two out proved costly when 5l third of four to Spillane's Tower in the Grade 2 Cotswold Chase here (3m1f, soft) in January and he rallied up the hill; however, he may just lack the required class today.

12/1

3rd

1

24th Jan 2026

Soft

3m 1f 56y

Class 1

14:25 Cheltenham

Grey Dawning

11st 10lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

Top-class 9yo, successful in ten of his 18 races; better than ever on his last two starts, winning Betfair Chase at Haydock (3m1f, good to soft) on reappearance with plenty in hand; has run well on both his outings at Cheltenham; again looks the one to beat.

8/13

Form: 1113-1 C

Last run: 128 days

W: 11st 7lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 149

Form & Verdict
Very progressive over hurdles last term (on good/soft), winning the Martin Pipe at this meeting and third in 3m Grade 1 novice at Aintree; impressive over fences at Warwick (2m4f) in November, cruising home on the bridle in a race that Stage Star won en route to 2023 Turners success; picked up an injury soon afterwards and was deemed out for the season but has recovered faster than expected; exciting contender who brings lots of potential to this second chase attempt.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

13

11th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

4m 2f 74y

Class 1

16:00 Aintree

Iroko

11st 1lb

J: Jonjo O’Neill Jr

T: Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero

Staying-on fourth in last season's Grand National (good to soft) off 5lb lower as just a 7yo; a second crack at it has been his main target this term but he looked better than ever when winning from Firefox in a hot, three-runner race at Ascot (2m5f; second run after wind surgery) in December and had an excuse (scoped dirty) at the Cheltenham Festival last month; has to be in serious calculations.

14/1

10th

1

10th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 1f 0y

Class 1

15:20 Cheltenham

Iroko

12st 0lb

J: Jonjo O’Neill Jr

T: Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero

Fourth in last season's Grand National (4m2f, good to soft) off 5lb lower; the big one at Aintree is again his main target but this 8yo looked better than ever when winning a hot, three-runner graduation chase at Ascot (2m5f, good to soft) in December and on that evidence he's entitled to considerable respect off his revised mark; won the Martin Pipe Hurdle at the 2023 Festival.

6/1

4th

18

5th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

4m 2f 74y

Class 1

16:00 Aintree

Iroko

10st 11lb

J: Jonjo O’Neill Jr

T: Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero

Noble Yeats three years ago showed a 7yo can still win the National; this one has spent most of his career at about 2m4f/2m5f and his three appearances over 2m7f-3m1f were defeats but they were among his best efforts (two were Grade 1 novice places here) and contained mouthwatering suggestions of stamina not yet called upon; it is today and there's almost no doubt he remains capable of better.

8/1

Form: 0-1114 D

Last run: 40 days

W: 11st 7lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 149

Form & Verdict
Stays 2m4f and acts on any ground; stepped up to Grade 1 level at Sandown (1m7f/2m4f) the last twice, beating Colonel Harry in the Henry VIII (took chase record to 3-3) then flopping in the Scilly Isles; the latest effort tempers enthusiasm and this is a much deeper race anyway.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8

26th Apr 2025

Good

2m 6f 164y

Class 1

14:25 Sandown

Le Patron

11st 5lb

J: David Noonan

T: Gary & Josh Moore

Won the Grade 1 Henry VIII Novices' Chase here (1m7f, heavy) in December 2023 and comfortably won handicap at Newbury (2m4f, good to soft) last November; the return to Sandown is an interesting angle but he's been well beaten the last twice and needs to be better than ever today; headgear applied.

16/1

8

26th Apr 2025

Good

2m 6f 164y

Class 1

14:25 Sandown

Le Patron

11st 5lb

J: David Noonan

T: Gary & Josh Moore

Won the Grade 1 Henry VIII Novices' Chase here (1m7f, heavy) in December 2023 and comfortably won handicap at Newbury (2m4f, good to soft) last November; the return to Sandown is an interesting angle but he's been well beaten the last twice and needs to be better than ever today; headgear applied.

16/1

5

15th Feb 2025

Good To Soft

2m 5f 8y

Class 1

15:37 Ascot

Le Patron

11st 10lb

J: David Noonan

T: Gary & Josh Moore

Record of 4-7 over fences includes a Grade 1 novice win last term and impressive handicap performance at Newbury (2m4f, good to soft) on reappearance; perhaps unsuited by the return to Cheltenham last time; has something to find at the weights but looks interesting as a second-season chaser who could rate higher still.

16/1

Form: -11333 D

Last run: 46 days

W: 11st 7lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 153

Form & Verdict
Has raced only on softer than good; ran well (fourth) in the Albert Bartlett over 3m here 12 months ago but failed to show his form when back at similar trip on latest chase start; promising record at 2m4f over fences, winning twice then solid third in Grade 1; however, he's the wrong age according to the stats (no horse older than eight has won this prize).
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8

14th Mar 2024

Soft

2m 3f 168y

Class 1

13:30 Cheltenham

Letsbeclearaboutit

11st 7lb

J: Keith Donoghue

T: Gavin Cromwell

Has raced only on softer than good; ran well (fourth) in the Albert Bartlett over 3m here 12 months ago but failed to show his form when back at similar trip on latest chase start; promising record at 2m4f over fences, winning twice then solid third in Grade 1; however, he's the wrong age according to the stats (no horse older than eight has won this prize).

25/1

3rd

1

28th Jan 2024

Heavy

3m 0f 174y

14:45 Naas

Letsbeclearaboutit

11st 6lb

J: Keith Donoghue

T: Gavin Cromwell

held up in rear, headway and went third before 5 out, raced wide from 3 out, outpaced approaching last

9/4

3rd

3

13th Jan 2024

Soft

2m 1f 60y

13:57 Fairyhouse

Letsbeclearaboutit

11st 9lb

J: Keith Donoghue

T: Gavin Cromwell

Has seemingly improved for a fence and a step up in trip to 2m4f this season; ran with credit in the Drinmore here when last seen; has more to give over fences but a return to this sort of trip is the main question mark; not one to put a line through.

5/2

Form: 211434 D

Last run: 40 days

W: 11st 7lb

11 yo Gelding

OR: 149

Form & Verdict
Similar profile to Zanahiyr, having performed well in two Champion Hurdles (runner-up in 2020 and 2021); has shown a good level of form over fences, including Grade 3 success over 2m4f, but subsequent Grade 1 defeats reinforce the unlikelihood of a belated first Cheltenham Festival success now aged 11; no horse older than eight has won this contest.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

6

30th Apr 2024

Yielding

3m 0f 213y

18:00 Punchestown

Sharjah

11st 10lb

J: Danny Mullins

T: W P Mullins

High-class hurdler had been mixing it at the top level over fences this season at shorter trips before third chase win when dropped in grade at Ayr 10 days ago, patiently ridden and seeing the 3m out well when giving away lumps of weight in novice handicap; drying ground should help his cause and not one to rule out.

10/1

6th

6

30th Apr 2024

Yielding

3m 0f 213y

18:00 Punchestown

Sharjah

11st 10lb

J: Danny Mullins

T: W P Mullins

High-class hurdler had been mixing it at the top level over fences this season at shorter trips before third chase win when dropped in grade at Ayr 10 days ago, patiently ridden and seeing the 3m out well when giving away lumps of weight in novice handicap; drying ground should help his cause and not one to rule out.

10/1

1st

1

20th Apr 2024

Soft

3m 0f 20y

Class 2

13:50 Ayr

Sharjah

12st 0lb

J: Paul Townend

T: W P Mullins

Top-class hurdler who has shown a good level of form over fences, banging his head against a wall in Grade 1s in his last four appearances; finished fourth in last season's County Hurdle in his last handicap assignment and that was off an 8lb higher mark; may run well, though stamina could be an issue on this belated first run beyond 2m4f.

10/1

Form: -12421

Last run: 30 days

W: 11st 7lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 150

Form & Verdict
Versatile ground-wise; has finished third in two Champion Hurdles (disqualified on first occasion); no match for highly notable rival at Leopardstown (2m5f) on debut over fences, then justified favouritism at Thurles (2m); worth his place in this field, given his ability over hurdles, but has comparatively high mileage (raced 26 times in total) and others are open to much greater progress.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

4

(3)

8th Apr 2026

Soft To Heavy

1m 5f 180y

17:25 Gowran Park

Zanahiyr

10st 1lb

J: Sam Coen

T: Gordon Elliott

Fine dual-purpose sort has 10 wins under all codes including a Bellewstown Flat handicap last August beating a below par Light Up The Dark; won the American Grand National when last seen; handles all ground; a big player.

5/2

7

(7)

26th Aug 2025

Yielding

2m 1f 110y

19:55 Bellewstown

Zanahiyr

11st 9lb

J: Mr J H Williamson

T: Gordon Elliott

Useful dual-purpose sort ran a solid fourth on the Flat at Killarney in May; won over fences at Galway last time after being unplaced in the Plate earlier in the week; should run well.

2/1

3

3rd Aug 2025

Good

2m 6f 111y

14:55 Galway

Zanahiyr

11st 3lb

J: Jack Kennedy

T: Gordon Elliott

High-class hurdler; has won only one of his nine starts over fences, a Thurles beginners' event the season before last; fell at the fourth in the Ultima at Cheltenham on his final start last season; had a Flat run in May; third to Pinkerton in last year's Galway Plate; beaten almost 20l in seventh behind stablemate Western Fold in Wednesday's 2025 edition.

11/8

100/1

Form: 266-31

Last run: 271 days

W: 11st 5lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 124

Form & Verdict
Ex-French 5yo who has been absent since opening his account in Auteuil chase (2m1f, very soft) last June; sold for 310,000euros the following month and should win more races at the right level but this looks a baptism of fire on British debut; has easily the worst chance on bare figures.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12

17th Jan 2025

Soft

2m 6f 41y

Class 3

16:08 Windsor

Jamaico

11st 7lb

J: Jack Tudor

T: David Pipe

Ex-French 6yo; opened his account in good style in a chase at Auteuil (2m1f, very soft) in June 2023 and sold for 310,000euros the following month; had a baptism of fire on British debut in 2m4f Grade 1 at the Cheltenham Festival last March, making mistakes before pulled up at 150-1, but he should be a vastly more interesting proposition in this handicap.

10/1

12

17th Jan 2025

Soft

2m 6f 41y

Class 3

16:08 Windsor

Jamaico

11st 7lb

J: Jack Tudor

T: David Pipe

Ex-French 6yo; opened his account in good style in a chase at Auteuil (2m1f, very soft) in June 2023 and sold for 310,000euros the following month; had a baptism of fire on British debut in 2m4f Grade 1 at the Cheltenham Festival last March, making mistakes before pulled up at 150-1, but he should be a vastly more interesting proposition in this handicap.

10/1

11

14th Mar 2024

Soft

2m 3f 168y

Class 1

13:30 Cheltenham

Jamaico

11st 5lb

J: Jack Tudor

T: David Pipe

Ex-French 5yo who has been absent since opening his account in Auteuil chase (2m1f, very soft) last June; sold for 310,000euros the following month and should win more races at the right level but this looks a baptism of fire on British debut; has easily the worst chance on bare figures.

100/1

Selections

TOPSPEED:

Ginny's Destiny

RP RATINGS:

Grey Dawning

SPOTLIGHT:

Iroko

Telegraph:

Facile Vega

LAMBOURN:

Colonel Harry

The Guardian:

Grey Dawning

The Sun:

Grey Dawning

The Star:

Grey Dawning

Daily Record:

Grey Dawning

POSTDATA:

Ginny's Destiny

WEST COUNTRY:

Ginny's Destiny

The Times:

Ginny's Destiny

Daily Mail:

Ginny's Destiny

Daily Mirror:

Ginny's Destiny

D Express:

Iroko