17.30

9/1 (Won)

Win: £7.00
Place: £2.00

Form: 0-F142

Last run: 55 days

W: 11st 7lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 140

Form & Verdict

Has raced mainly on soft/heavy; disappointing when only 10-1 in the 2023 Champion Bumper; won easily at Fairyhouse (2m7f) on second hurdles start and has posted good efforts, including in Grade 2 behind subsequent Supreme winner Slade Steel, at Navan (2m4f/2m) since; possibilities provided he remains in form back at Cheltenham.

Place / No / Draw	Date / Going / Distance / Class	Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer	Verdict	Starting price
2nd 1	28th Feb 2026 Heavy 2m 4f 90y	16:08 Navan Better Days Ahead 11st 8lb J: Sam Ewing T: Gordon Elliott	Won the 2024 Martin Pipe, then third to Dancing City in 3m Grade 1 at Punchestown; won two small-field Grade 2 chases at this venue last season and finished third in the Brown Advisory; sixth in the Irish Grand National; returned with a satisfactory second behind a shorter-priced stablemate in the Boyne Hurdle here; capable sort is again the stable's number two.	7/2
2nd 5	8th Feb 2026 Heavy 2m 5f 180y	14:50 Navan Better Days Ahead 11st 3lb J: Danny Gilligan T: Gordon Elliott	Won the Martin Pipe at Cheltenham two seasons ago, then third to Dancing City in 3m Grade 1 at Punchestown; won two small-field Grade 2 chases at this venue last season and finished third in the Brown Advisory; sixth in the Irish Grand National, running off a mark of 154; hurdles rating of 145 is the lowest of this sextet.	9/2
6th 1	21st Apr 2025 Soft To Heavy 3m 5f 37y	17:00 Fairyhouse Better Days Ahead 11st 12lb J: Mr R James T: Gordon Elliott	Won the Martin Pipe at Cheltenham last year, then third to Dancing City in 3m Grade 1 at Punchestown; 2-4 over fences, including Grade 2 at Navan over 3m on soft to heavy, when jumped notably well; on better ground, failed to confirm form with Stellar Story when third in the Brown Advisory; big burden for a novice, rider's 7lb claim a major asset.	11/1

Place /
No / Draw

Date / Going /
Distance / Class

Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer

Verdict

Starting price

2nd

1

28th Feb 2026

Heavy

2m 4f 90y

11st 8lb

Won the 2024 Martin Pipe, then third to Dancing City in 3m Grade 1 at Punchestown; won two small-field Grade 2 chases at this venue last season and finished third in the Brown Advisory; sixth in the Irish Grand National; returned with a satisfactory second behind a shorter-priced stablemate in the Boyne Hurdle here; capable sort is again the stable's number two.

7/2

2nd

5

8th Feb 2026

Heavy

2m 5f 180y

11st 3lb

Won the Martin Pipe at Cheltenham two seasons ago, then third to Dancing City in 3m Grade 1 at Punchestown; won two small-field Grade 2 chases at this venue last season and finished third in the Brown Advisory; sixth in the Irish Grand National, running off a mark of 154; hurdles rating of 145 is the lowest of this sextet.

9/2

6th

1

21st Apr 2025

Soft To Heavy

3m 5f 37y

11st 12lb

Won the Martin Pipe at Cheltenham last year, then third to Dancing City in 3m Grade 1 at Punchestown; 2-4 over fences, including Grade 2 at Navan over 3m on soft to heavy, when jumped notably well; on better ground, failed to confirm form with Stellar Story when third in the Brown Advisory; big burden for a novice, rider's 7lb claim a major asset.

11/1

OUR TIP

2nd

13

Waterford Whispers

J: Mike O’Connor

T: Henry De Bromhead

7/2

Place: £1.80

Form: 7-112 D

Last run: 77 days

W: 11st 0lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 133

Form & Verdict

Unexposed sort who beat Answer To Kayf at Fairyhouse (2m4f, soft; won going away) in December, following up his reappearance success; ran creditably at Leopardstown (2m4f, soft to heavy) in the hat-trick attempt, beating all bar a rival who dictated the pace; should have more to offer and looks an ideal type for this race; strongly respected.

Place / No / Draw	Date / Going / Distance / Class	Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer	Verdict	Starting price
8th 11	12th Mar 2026 Good To Soft 3m 2f 70y Class 2	17:20 Cheltenham Waterford Whispers 11st 6lb J: Mr Alan O’Sullivan T: Henry De Bromhead	Runner-up in the Martin Pipe Handicap Hurdle here (2m4f, heavy) in March 2024; 0-6 over fences but he returned to form when third in a big-field handicap at Leopardstown (extended 2m5f, soft) last month, when shaping as though this first crack at a staying trip could be right up his street.	4/1
3rd 17	1st Feb 2026 Soft To Heavy 2m 5f 107y	14:45 Leopardstown Waterford Whispers 10st 4lb J: Mark Walsh T: Henry De Bromhead	Dual hurdle winner has shown ability in some of his five chase starts but was poor at Fairyhouse last time when favourite; may do better back left-handed and not dismissed.	16/1
10	25th Oct 2025 Yielding 2m 2f 54y	15:38 Galway Waterford Whispers 11st 5lb J: Mark Walsh T: Henry De Bromhead	135-rated hurdler whose two wins include here; limited first season chasing last term, good second on Navan debut but then dropped out tamely in Grade 1 Limerick novice at Christmas; not seen until staying on fourth (having been hampered) behind a stablemate in 2m2f Listowel novice last month; entitled to improve for that and major player.	5/2

Place /
No / Draw

Date / Going /
Distance / Class

Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer

Verdict

Starting price

8th

11

12th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 2f 70y

Class 2

17:20 Cheltenham

Waterford Whispers

11st 6lb

J: Mr Alan O’Sullivan

T: Henry De Bromhead

Runner-up in the Martin Pipe Handicap Hurdle here (2m4f, heavy) in March 2024; 0-6 over fences but he returned to form when third in a big-field handicap at Leopardstown (extended 2m5f, soft) last month, when shaping as though this first crack at a staying trip could be right up his street.

4/1

3rd

17

1st Feb 2026

Soft To Heavy

2m 5f 107y

10st 4lb

Dual hurdle winner has shown ability in some of his five chase starts but was poor at Fairyhouse last time when favourite; may do better back left-handed and not dismissed.

16/1

10

25th Oct 2025

Yielding

2m 2f 54y

11st 5lb

135-rated hurdler whose two wins include here; limited first season chasing last term, good second on Navan debut but then dropped out tamely in Grade 1 Limerick novice at Christmas; not seen until staying on fourth (having been hampered) behind a stablemate in 2m2f Listowel novice last month; entitled to improve for that and major player.

5/2

3rd

5

Quai De Bourbon

J: Michael O’Sullivan

T: W P Mullins

3/1

Place: £1.90

Form: P4-11

Last run: 64 days

W: 11st 7lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 140

Form & Verdict

Ex-French youngster who is 2-2 (2m3f/2m) since joining Willie Mullins, who has won this contest four times; all out in small field at Clonmel (2m, heavy) last time, having jumped none too fluently, and that form lacks depth; however, he looks open to further progress now up in trip and has to be feared given the yard he represents.

Place / No / Draw	Date / Going / Distance / Class	Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer	Verdict	Starting price
26	11th Apr 2026 Good To Soft 4m 2f 74y Class 1	16:00 Aintree Quai De Bourbon 10st 9lb J: Donagh Meyler T: W P Mullins	Third in the 3m5f Irish National last April, despite an indifferent round of jumping, and third of 16 with cheekpieces at Leopardstown on latest outing was his best form, despite just the 2m5f; kept jumping out to his right in the latter and although a case can be made for him, it would have to gloss over that he's completed only four of his eight chases.	25/1
3rd 1	2nd Mar 2026 Soft To Heavy 2m 5f 120y	16:25 Leopardstown Quai De Bourbon 11st 12lb J: Paul Townend T: W P Mullins	Won 2m4f Gowran beginners' chase last season but completion record since has been poor, standout run when good third in 3m5f Irish National, despite indifferent round of jumping; pulled up both outings this term in 3m handicaps, in Troytown at Navan and after a hesitant round of jumping in Thyestes at Gowran in January; hard to be confident in.	7/1
3	22nd Jan 2026 Heavy 3m 1f 0y	15:30 Gowran Park Quai De Bourbon 11st 11lb J: Brian Hayes T: W P Mullins	Won 2m4f beginners' event on this card last year; made a bad mistake and unseated rider four out in the Brown Advisory; making progress when brought down four out in the Mildmay; fine effort, despite an indifferent round of jumping, when third in the Irish Grand National; weakened from five out when favourite for the Troytown at Navan on seasonal debut.	8/1

Place /
No / Draw

Date / Going /
Distance / Class

Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer

Verdict

Starting price

26

11th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

4m 2f 74y

Class 1

10st 9lb

Third in the 3m5f Irish National last April, despite an indifferent round of jumping, and third of 16 with cheekpieces at Leopardstown on latest outing was his best form, despite just the 2m5f; kept jumping out to his right in the latter and although a case can be made for him, it would have to gloss over that he's completed only four of his eight chases.

25/1

3rd

1

2nd Mar 2026

Soft To Heavy

2m 5f 120y

11st 12lb

Won 2m4f Gowran beginners' chase last season but completion record since has been poor, standout run when good third in 3m5f Irish National, despite indifferent round of jumping; pulled up both outings this term in 3m handicaps, in Troytown at Navan and after a hesitant round of jumping in Thyestes at Gowran in January; hard to be confident in.

7/1

3

22nd Jan 2026

Heavy

3m 1f 0y

11st 11lb

Won 2m4f beginners' event on this card last year; made a bad mistake and unseated rider four out in the Brown Advisory; making progress when brought down four out in the Mildmay; fine effort, despite an indifferent round of jumping, when third in the Irish Grand National; weakened from five out when favourite for the Troytown at Navan on seasonal debut.

8/1

4th

9

Answer To Kayf

J: John Shinnick

T: Terence O’Brien

7/1

Place: £3.10

Form: -81231

Last run: 34 days

W: 11st 4lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 137

Form & Verdict

Steadily improving novice hurdler who has built up a good partnership with John Shinnick this season, winning at Naas (2m3f, heavy) most recently; ran well at Fairyhouse (2m4f; just under 2l behind Waterford Whispers) and Limerick (2m7f Grade 2) in December; holds very solid claims on handicap debut and is one for the shortlist.

Place / No / Draw	Date / Going / Distance / Class	Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer	Verdict	Starting price
11th 27	11th Apr 2026 Good To Soft 4m 2f 74y Class 1	16:00 Aintree Answer To Kayf 10st 8lb J: John Shinnick T: Terence O’Brien	Faded into sixth at Punchestown (3m7f) last May on his only attempt at a marathon trip; worth another go, having rallied so well to win a major 3m handicap at Navan in November, but it's a little hard to ignore that clearly his best five ratings have been registered on soft or heavy going, as have all his four wins.	66/1
4th 4	21st Feb 2026 Heavy 3m 2f 0y	15:15 Fairyhouse Answer To Kayf 11st 0lb J: John Shinnick T: Terence O’Brien	Off the mark over fences at the third attempt off 130 at Naas last January (2m4f, soft); failed to make an impact at Cheltenham and faded from two out at Punchestown in a 3m7f handicap; produced in fine shape to win the Troytown on reappearance (3m, heavy); showed up well for a long way before fading from two out in the Theyestes last time (3m1f, heavy); can get involved	8/1
4th 4	22nd Jan 2026 Heavy 3m 1f 0y	15:30 Gowran Park Answer To Kayf 11st 10lb J: John Shinnick T: Terence O’Brien	Got off the mark over fences at the third attempt off 130 at Naas last January (2m4f, soft); failed to make an impact in the Jack Richards at Cheltenham; faded from two out in Punchestown festival handicap over a near-4m trip; produced in fine shape to win the Troytown on reappearance, beating Yeah Man and earning a 9lb hike in the ratings; can remain competitive.	13/2

Place /
No / Draw

Date / Going /
Distance / Class

Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer

Verdict

Starting price

11th

27

11th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

4m 2f 74y

Class 1

10st 8lb

Faded into sixth at Punchestown (3m7f) last May on his only attempt at a marathon trip; worth another go, having rallied so well to win a major 3m handicap at Navan in November, but it's a little hard to ignore that clearly his best five ratings have been registered on soft or heavy going, as have all his four wins.

66/1

4th

4

21st Feb 2026

Heavy

3m 2f 0y

11st 0lb

Off the mark over fences at the third attempt off 130 at Naas last January (2m4f, soft); failed to make an impact at Cheltenham and faded from two out at Punchestown in a 3m7f handicap; produced in fine shape to win the Troytown on reappearance (3m, heavy); showed up well for a long way before fading from two out in the Theyestes last time (3m1f, heavy); can get involved

8/1

4th

4

22nd Jan 2026

Heavy

3m 1f 0y

11st 10lb

Got off the mark over fences at the third attempt off 130 at Naas last January (2m4f, soft); failed to make an impact in the Jack Richards at Cheltenham; faded from two out in Punchestown festival handicap over a near-4m trip; produced in fine shape to win the Troytown on reappearance, beating Yeah Man and earning a 9lb hike in the ratings; can remain competitive.

13/2

5th

14

Ocastle Des Mottes

J: Kieran Callaghan

T: W P Mullins

10/1

Form: 71-P18 BF

Last run: 34 days

W: 11st 0lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 133

Form & Verdict

Acts on heavy; successful in handicap hurdles (2m2f) in two of his last three French starts; didn't live up to market expectations in major race at Newbury (2m; reshod beforehand) on debut for Willie Mullins, fading in the latter stages; should do better at some stage but he's not guaranteed to stay this new trip judged on breeding.

Place / No / Draw	Date / Going / Distance / Class	Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer	Verdict	Starting price
4th 4	5th Apr 2026 Good To Yielding 2m 1f 45y	16:45 Cork Ocastle Des Mottes 11st 12lb J: Shane Fitzgerald T: W P Mullins	Dual hurdle winner in France; yet to score for this yard but some good runs in defeat including in the first of two chase starts last season; yard has a better chance with Funiculi Funcicula.	16/1
5th 8	23rd Jan 2025 Soft 2m 4f 0y	15:23 Gowran Park Ocastle Des Mottes 11st 12lb J: J J Slevin T: W P Mullins	Smart hurdle form in France; didn't kick on over timber for new yard last season but ran a cracker behind Ballyburn on chase debut and interesting that Slevin seemingly prefers him to Blizzard Of Oz.	5/1

Place /
No / Draw

Date / Going /
Distance / Class

Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer

Verdict

Starting price

4th

4

5th Apr 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 1f 45y

11st 12lb

Dual hurdle winner in France; yet to score for this yard but some good runs in defeat including in the first of two chase starts last season; yard has a better chance with Funiculi Funcicula.

16/1

5th

8

23rd Jan 2025

Soft

2m 4f 0y

11st 12lb

Smart hurdle form in France; didn't kick on over timber for new yard last season but ran a cracker behind Ballyburn on chase debut and interesting that Slevin seemingly prefers him to Blizzard Of Oz.

5/1

6th

10

Whats Up Darling

J: Conor Stone-Walsh

14/1

Form: -12152 BF

Last run: 27 days

W: 11st 4lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 137

Form & Verdict

Campaigned at 2m (on soft/heavy) since switched to hurdles; ties in with Answer To Kayf on October running and bagged Grade 3 honours next time; readily brushed aside by useful mare on latest start; pedigree and other factors suggest this step up in trip is well worth exploring.

Place / No / Draw	Date / Going / Distance / Class	Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer	Verdict	Starting price
3	2nd Oct 2025 Good 3m 0f 0y	17:00 Clonmel Whats Up Darling 11st 7lb J: Jack Kennedy T: Gordon Elliott	Off the mark over fences on the ninth attempt at Killarney last time, responding well for pressure to run out a comfortable victor at the finish (2m7f, good); closely matched with Donnie Devito based on Galway beginners' chase meeting; cheekpieces may help him now and he looks a key contender despite a penalty.	9/4
1st 6	21st Aug 2025 Good 2m 7f 100y	18:07 Killarney Whats Up Darling 11st 12lb J: Jack Kennedy T: Gordon Elliott	His hurdling form is right up there in this company; as good over fences despite being 0-8 in this discipline and he was a close fourth of 16 in a beginners at Galway (2m6f, good); barring mishaps, he'll be seriously involved.	13/8
16	1st Aug 2025 Good 2m 6f 111y	17:30 Galway Whats Up Darling 11st 12lb J: Jack Kennedy T: Gordon Elliott	0-7 over fences; has been running well in defeat in beginners' events but his run in a handicap chase at Punchestown last time was not one of his best (2m, yielding); Kennedy chooses him but others make more appeal.	8/1

Place /
No / Draw

Date / Going /
Distance / Class

Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer

Verdict

Starting price

3

2nd Oct 2025

Good

3m 0f 0y

11st 7lb

Off the mark over fences on the ninth attempt at Killarney last time, responding well for pressure to run out a comfortable victor at the finish (2m7f, good); closely matched with Donnie Devito based on Galway beginners' chase meeting; cheekpieces may help him now and he looks a key contender despite a penalty.

9/4

1st

6

21st Aug 2025

Good

2m 7f 100y

11st 12lb

His hurdling form is right up there in this company; as good over fences despite being 0-8 in this discipline and he was a close fourth of 16 in a beginners at Galway (2m6f, good); barring mishaps, he'll be seriously involved.

13/8

16

1st Aug 2025

Good

2m 6f 111y

11st 12lb

0-7 over fences; has been running well in defeat in beginners' events but his run in a handicap chase at Punchestown last time was not one of his best (2m, yielding); Kennedy chooses him but others make more appeal.

8/1

7th

4

No Ordinary Joe

J: Aidan Kelly

T: Nicky Henderson

8/1

Form: 27-P83 D

Last run: 20 days

W: 11st 7lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 140

Form & Verdict

Acts on soft ground, unraced on heavy; showed clear signs of a return to form at Kempton (2m5f) last month, setting him up nicely for a return to the Cheltenham Festival; good second off only 1lb lower in this race last year and can't be dismissed, though the current form of his stable is a note of caution.

Place / No / Draw	Date / Going / Distance / Class	Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer	Verdict	Starting price
6th 5	24th May 2026 Good 2m 3f 207y Class 2	15:28 Uttoxeter No Ordinary Joe 11st 9lb J: Ben Jones T: Faye Bramley	Off a reduced mark he won over 2m4f on good ground at Sandown and some interference didn't help matters when well beaten off this 5lb higher mark in the Swinton; still well treated on old form.	14/1
13th 12	9th May 2026 Good 1m 7f 144y Class 1	13:15 Haydock No Ordinary Joe 10st 12lb J: Richie McLernon T: Faye Bramley	Finally took advantage of some leniency from the handicapper when winning at Sandown (2m4f, good) two weeks ago, always in the firing line; still well treated on old form but he's not sure to be so effective back over this shorter trip.	18/1
1st 11	25th Apr 2026 Good 2m 3f 178y Class 2	17:15 Sandown No Ordinary Joe 10st 5lb J: Richie McLernon T: Faye Bramley	Kept on for sixth of 21 in first-time visor at Aintree (2m, good to soft) a fortnight ago and will be suited by this move back up in trip, but his last win came in 2022 and he's patently not the force of old.	12/1

Place /
No / Draw

Date / Going /
Distance / Class

Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer

Verdict

Starting price

6th

5

24th May 2026

Good

2m 3f 207y

Class 2

11st 9lb

Off a reduced mark he won over 2m4f on good ground at Sandown and some interference didn't help matters when well beaten off this 5lb higher mark in the Swinton; still well treated on old form.

14/1

13th

12

9th May 2026

Good

1m 7f 144y

Class 1

10st 12lb

Finally took advantage of some leniency from the handicapper when winning at Sandown (2m4f, good) two weeks ago, always in the firing line; still well treated on old form but he's not sure to be so effective back over this shorter trip.

18/1

1st

11

25th Apr 2026

Good

2m 3f 178y

Class 2

10st 5lb

Kept on for sixth of 21 in first-time visor at Aintree (2m, good to soft) a fortnight ago and will be suited by this move back up in trip, but his last win came in 2022 and he's patently not the force of old.

12/1

8th

19

Fiveonefive

J: E Walsh

T: Cian Collins

50/1

Form: 163135

Last run: 39 days

W: 10st 10lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 129

Form & Verdict

Irish hurdler who has winning form on British soil, namely at Cartmel (2m1f, good to soft) and Hereford (2m, good); seemingly outstayed over 2m4f at Punchestown (soft to heavy) last month and evidently needs a return to shorter; headgear enlisted.

Place / No / Draw	Date / Going / Distance / Class	Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer	Verdict	Starting price
8th 4	25th May 2026 Good 2m 6f 100y	17:35 Ballinrobe Fiveonefive 11st 7lb J: Ben Harvey T: Cian Collins	Gained a fifth win over hurdles at Cartmel last June but has lost his way since; heavy defeats the last twice at Naas and Aintree; is at least back down to last winning mark, but needs a revival.	22/1
20th 15	10th Apr 2026 Good To Soft 2m 4f 0y Class 1	13:45 Aintree Fiveonefive 11st 4lb J: Jordan Gainford T: Cian Collins	Irish challenger who has done his winning at about 2m, mostly at Cartmel where he remains unbeaten; far from consistent and can be opposed in this highly competitive scenario back up in distance.	66/1

Place /
No / Draw

Date / Going /
Distance / Class

Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer

Verdict

Starting price

8th

4

25th May 2026

Good

2m 6f 100y

11st 7lb

Gained a fifth win over hurdles at Cartmel last June but has lost his way since; heavy defeats the last twice at Naas and Aintree; is at least back down to last winning mark, but needs a revival.

22/1

20th

15

10th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 0y

Class 1

11st 4lb

Irish challenger who has done his winning at about 2m, mostly at Cartmel where he remains unbeaten; far from consistent and can be opposed in this highly competitive scenario back up in distance.

66/1

9th

15

50/1

Form: 121640 D

Last run: 41 days

W: 10st 13lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 132

Form & Verdict

Successful twice over 2m4f this term, overcoming adversity to beat Stuzzikini at Galway (heavy) on second occasion; not in the same form since, most recently never landing a blow in big-field handicap at Leopardstown (3m); not the percentage call in another warm event.

Place / No / Draw	Date / Going / Distance / Class	Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer	Verdict	Starting price
9	21st Apr 2025 Soft To Heavy 3m 5f 37y	17:00 Fairyhouse Sequestered 11st 1lb J: Jack G Gilligan T: Paul John Gilligan	Easy winner of 3m handicap chase at Leopardstown in December; ran well off revised mark when second over 2m5f at same track at DRF; failed to make any impression in the Ultima at Cheltenham; up against it.	25/1
9	21st Apr 2025 Soft To Heavy 3m 5f 37y	17:00 Fairyhouse Sequestered 11st 1lb J: Jack G Gilligan T: Paul John Gilligan	Easy winner of 3m handicap chase at Leopardstown in December; ran well off revised mark when second over 2m5f at same track at DRF; failed to make any impression in the Ultima at Cheltenham; up against it.	25/1
10th 9	11th Mar 2025 Good To Soft 3m 1f 0y Class 1	14:40 Cheltenham Sequestered 11st 6lb J: Jack G Gilligan T: Paul John Gilligan	Irish-trained novice who has improved the last twice, easily winning big-field handicap at Leopardstown (extended 3m, good to yielding) in December then second of 16 at same track (2m5f, yielding); could do with jumping better than last time but this progressive 7yo may have more left in the tank.	14/1

Place /
No / Draw

Date / Going /
Distance / Class

Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer

Verdict

Starting price

9

21st Apr 2025

Soft To Heavy

3m 5f 37y

17:00 Fairyhouse

11st 1lb

Easy winner of 3m handicap chase at Leopardstown in December; ran well off revised mark when second over 2m5f at same track at DRF; failed to make any impression in the Ultima at Cheltenham; up against it.

25/1

9

21st Apr 2025

Soft To Heavy

3m 5f 37y

17:00 Fairyhouse

11st 1lb

Easy winner of 3m handicap chase at Leopardstown in December; ran well off revised mark when second over 2m5f at same track at DRF; failed to make any impression in the Ultima at Cheltenham; up against it.

25/1

10th

9

11th Mar 2025

Good To Soft

3m 1f 0y

Class 1

14:40 Cheltenham

11st 6lb

Irish-trained novice who has improved the last twice, easily winning big-field handicap at Leopardstown (extended 3m, good to yielding) in December then second of 16 at same track (2m5f, yielding); could do with jumping better than last time but this progressive 7yo may have more left in the tank.

14/1

10th

2

Hollow Games

J: Kieren Buckley

20/1

Form: 4-3P9U D

Last run: 40 days

W: 11st 11lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 144

Form & Verdict

Chase form has gone pear-shaped since finishing third in the Galway Plate in August; filled the same position in this contest two years ago (good to soft; off 1lb lower) and holds each-way claims provided the effort is repeated on this return to hurdles.

Place / No / Draw	Date / Going / Distance / Class	Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer	Verdict	Starting price
3rd 7	2nd May 2025 Yielding 3m 0f 160y	16:15 Punchestown Hollow Games 12st 0lb J: Mr J H Williamson T: Gordon Elliott	midfield, pushed along after 5th, some headway and went remote third before 2 out, kept on, no match for first two	8/1

Place /
No / Draw

Date / Going /
Distance / Class

Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer

Verdict

Starting price

3rd

7

2nd May 2025

Yielding

3m 0f 160y

12st 0lb

midfield, pushed along after 5th, some headway and went remote third before 2 out, kept on, no match for first two

8/1

1

Magic Tricks

J: Charlie O’Dwyer

40/1

Form: /98140

Last run: 40 days

W: 11st 12lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 145

Form & Verdict

Useful handicap hurdler at about 2m; won at Down Royal (soft) in November and had no luck (badly hampered, unable to recover) at Leopardstown last month; however, he's more exposed than many of these rivals, looks vulnerable off top weight and has something to prove over this new trip.

Place / No / Draw	Date / Going / Distance / Class	Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer	Verdict	Starting price
4	23rd Nov 2024 Yielding 2m 5f 70y	13:35 Punchestown Magic Tricks 11st 9lb J: Mark Walsh T: Gordon Elliott	143-rated hurdler made a winning chase debut at Down Royal in May; mostly disappointing since but has ground and maybe trip on his side here; well handicapped on his hurdles form and might make that count here.	9/2
4	23rd Nov 2024 Yielding 2m 5f 70y	13:35 Punchestown Magic Tricks 11st 9lb J: Mark Walsh T: Gordon Elliott	didn't jump well, jumped left on occasions, prominent early, reminder 3rd, lost position when slow jump and reminder 7th, dropped to midfield 9th, towards rear when pushed along after 10th, detached when pulled up after 4 out	9/2

Place /
No / Draw

Date / Going /
Distance / Class

Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer

Verdict

Starting price

4

23rd Nov 2024

Yielding

2m 5f 70y

11st 9lb

143-rated hurdler made a winning chase debut at Down Royal in May; mostly disappointing since but has ground and maybe trip on his side here; well handicapped on his hurdles form and might make that count here.

9/2

4

23rd Nov 2024

Yielding

2m 5f 70y

11st 9lb

didn't jump well, jumped left on occasions, prominent early, reminder 3rd, lost position when slow jump and reminder 7th, dropped to midfield 9th, towards rear when pushed along after 10th, detached when pulled up after 4 out

9/2

3

Sonigino

J: Freddie Gingell

T: Paul Nicholls

12/1

Form: 3-3410 D

Last run: 62 days

W: 11st 10lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 143

Form & Verdict

Acts on any going; disappointing last time but may well bounce back, having been mostly progressive otherwise in the last two seasons; solid effort under Freddie Gingell in major 2m handicap here (form has worked out well) in November, then defied top weight in clearcut style at Aintree (2m4f); still of interest.

Place / No / Draw	Date / Going / Distance / Class	Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer	Verdict	Starting price
3rd 1	2nd May 2026 Good 2m 4f 15y Class 3	18:15 Hexham Sonigino 11st 10lb J: Freddie Gingell T: Paul Nicholls	Useful hurdler with 6-22 strike-rate; beat sole other finisher by 16l on chasing debut at Fakenham (2m5f, good) four weeks ago; that form is not easy to read but he jumped soundly and should go well again.	13/8
1st 2	6th Apr 2026 Good 2m 5f 44y Class 3	15:25 Fakenham Sonigino 11st 2lb J: Freddie Gingell T: Paul Nicholls	Very useful hurdler with 6-22 strike-rate; has shown his form on only one of three starts since returning from a long absence this season, when close third at Sandown (2m4f, good) two starts ago, but has obvious claims if on song for this chasing debut.	11/8
10th 6	1st Feb 2026 Good To Soft 2m 7f 180y Class 2	15:40 Musselburgh Sonigino 11st 1lb J: Freddie Gingell T: Paul Nicholls	Ended 2023-24 season in poor form and had 596 days off before this term; Sandown (2m4f) on latest start was promising, though, as he didn't get the best of runs but kept on well to be a close third of ten; unraced beyond 2m5f but that latest performance makes him interesting.	9/2

Place /
No / Draw

Date / Going /
Distance / Class

Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer

Verdict

Starting price

3rd

1

2nd May 2026

Good

2m 4f 15y

Class 3

11st 10lb

Useful hurdler with 6-22 strike-rate; beat sole other finisher by 16l on chasing debut at Fakenham (2m5f, good) four weeks ago; that form is not easy to read but he jumped soundly and should go well again.

13/8

1st

2

6th Apr 2026

Good

2m 5f 44y

Class 3

11st 2lb

Very useful hurdler with 6-22 strike-rate; has shown his form on only one of three starts since returning from a long absence this season, when close third at Sandown (2m4f, good) two starts ago, but has obvious claims if on song for this chasing debut.

11/8

10th

6

1st Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 7f 180y

Class 2

11st 1lb

Ended 2023-24 season in poor form and had 596 days off before this term; Sandown (2m4f) on latest start was promising, though, as he didn't get the best of runs but kept on well to be a close third of ten; unraced beyond 2m5f but that latest performance makes him interesting.

9/2

7

Jay Jay Reilly

J: Tristan Durrell

T: Dan Skelton

20/1

Form: 235810 D

Last run: 27 days

W: 11st 6lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 139

Form & Verdict

Campaigned mostly on good/good to soft; contrasting performances since switched back to hurdles from fences, winning major handicap at Kempton (2m5f) under Tristan Durrell then well held at Ascot; the penultimate piece of form gives him a chance.

Place / No / Draw	Date / Going / Distance / Class	Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer	Verdict	Starting price
7	15th Mar 2024 Soft 2m 4f 56y Class 2	17:30 Cheltenham Jay Jay Reilly 11st 6lb J: Tristan Durrell T: Dan Skelton	Campaigned mostly on good/good to soft; contrasting performances since switched back to hurdles from fences, winning major handicap at Kempton (2m5f) under Tristan Durrell then well held at Ascot; the penultimate piece of form gives him a chance.	20/1
12th 3	17th Feb 2024 Good To Soft 2m 3f 58y Class 2	14:25 Ascot Jay Jay Reilly 11st 7lb J: Harry Skelton T: Dan Skelton	Had been competing over fences prior to springing a 33-1 surprise in the Lanzarote at Kempton (2m5f, good to soft) in January, travelling well for a long way and sealing the issue with a good jump at the last; up 7lb but that's solid form and he's likely to be in the thick of things again.	12/1
1st 8	13th Jan 2024 Good To Soft 2m 5f 0y Class 2	14:42 Kempton Jay Jay Reilly 11st 3lb J: Tristan Durrell T: Dan Skelton	Successful over hurdles and fences at Kempton; however, hasn't raced in this sphere since a heavy defeat over C&D in March 2022; watching brief is advised.	33/1

Place /
No / Draw

Date / Going /
Distance / Class

Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer

Verdict

Starting price

7

15th Mar 2024

Soft

2m 4f 56y

Class 2

11st 6lb

Campaigned mostly on good/good to soft; contrasting performances since switched back to hurdles from fences, winning major handicap at Kempton (2m5f) under Tristan Durrell then well held at Ascot; the penultimate piece of form gives him a chance.

20/1

12th

3

17th Feb 2024

Good To Soft

2m 3f 58y

Class 2

11st 7lb

Had been competing over fences prior to springing a 33-1 surprise in the Lanzarote at Kempton (2m5f, good to soft) in January, travelling well for a long way and sealing the issue with a good jump at the last; up 7lb but that's solid form and he's likely to be in the thick of things again.

12/1

1st

8

13th Jan 2024

Good To Soft

2m 5f 0y

Class 2

11st 3lb

Successful over hurdles and fences at Kempton; however, hasn't raced in this sphere since a heavy defeat over C&D in March 2022; watching brief is advised.

33/1

8

Yeats Star

J: Shane Fitzgerald

16/1

Form: 321133

Last run: 41 days

W: 11st 5lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 138

Form & Verdict

Successful twice (2m2f/2m) on soft ground in the autumn; good third in a couple of handicaps at Leopardstown (2m4f/3m) since and the latest effort shows he's effective in a huge field; ties in with Waterford Whispers on the penultimate piece of form; consistent and steadily progressive, so looks set for another big run.

Place / No / Draw	Date / Going / Distance / Class	Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer	Verdict	Starting price
4	2nd Feb 2026 Heavy 3m 0f 19y	14:25 Leopardstown Yeats Star 10st 10lb J: Jordan Gainford T: Gordon Elliott	All three wins came on soft over shorter trips; has looked in the handicapper's grasp over both hurdles and fences of late; cheekpieces now tried.	40/1
9	19th Oct 2025 Good 3m 0f 0y	16:15 Limerick Yeats Star 11st 2lb J: Sam Ewing T: Gordon Elliott	Very useful handicap hurdler on his day but yet to make any further progress over fences since winning Listowel beginners' chase last season; went close at Perth last time, faces a much harder task in a handicap of this standard.	14/1

Place /
No / Draw

Date / Going /
Distance / Class

Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer

Verdict

Starting price

4

2nd Feb 2026

Heavy

3m 0f 19y

10st 10lb

All three wins came on soft over shorter trips; has looked in the handicapper's grasp over both hurdles and fences of late; cheekpieces now tried.

40/1

9

19th Oct 2025

Good

3m 0f 0y

11st 2lb

Very useful handicap hurdler on his day but yet to make any further progress over fences since winning Listowel beginners' chase last season; went close at Perth last time, faces a much harder task in a handicap of this standard.

14/1

11

Angels Breath

J: Dylan Johnston

T: Sam Thomas

25/1

Form: -27445 D

Last run: 33 days

W: 11st 3lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 136

Form & Verdict

Grade 2 winner over hurdles/fences in his younger days but career got interrupted by a mammoth absence; 0-7 for current yard and it's hard to envisage him winning this hot contest aged ten, despite having course form (runner-up in lower grade over 2m4f here in October).

Place / No / Draw	Date / Going / Distance / Class	Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer	Verdict	Starting price
2	14th Mar 2025 Good To Soft 3m 2f 70y Class 2	16:40 Cheltenham Angels Breath 12st 0lb J: Mr Edward Vaughan T: Tim Vaughan	Smart back in the day for Nicky Henderson; an 11yo now and after winning his first hunter chase he was hammered by Shearer at Ffos Las (2m5f; heavy was no excuse); opposable.	50/1
2nd 2	6th Feb 2025 Heavy 2m 5f 110y Class 4	16:50 Ffos Las Angels Breath 12st 2lb J: Mr Edward Vaughan T: Tim Vaughan	prominent, disputing second before 2nd, lost ground when not fluent 4 out, no chance with winner before 2 out	6/4
2nd 2	6th Feb 2025 Heavy 2m 5f 110y Class 4	16:50 Ffos Las Angels Breath 12st 2lb J: Mr Edward Vaughan T: Tim Vaughan	prominent, disputing second before 2nd, lost ground when not fluent 4 out, no chance with winner before 2 out	6/4

Place /
No / Draw

Date / Going /
Distance / Class

Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer

Verdict

Starting price

2

14th Mar 2025

Good To Soft

3m 2f 70y

Class 2

12st 0lb

Smart back in the day for Nicky Henderson; an 11yo now and after winning his first hunter chase he was hammered by Shearer at Ffos Las (2m5f; heavy was no excuse); opposable.

50/1

2nd

2

6th Feb 2025

Heavy

2m 5f 110y

Class 4

12st 2lb

prominent, disputing second before 2nd, lost ground when not fluent 4 out, no chance with winner before 2 out

6/4

2nd

2

6th Feb 2025

Heavy

2m 5f 110y

Class 4

12st 2lb

prominent, disputing second before 2nd, lost ground when not fluent 4 out, no chance with winner before 2 out

6/4

12

Stuzzikini

J: Jake Coen

33/1

Form: 322189

Last run: 19 days

W: 11st 3lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 136

Form & Verdict

Consistent spell culminated in a wide-margin win at Clonmel (3m, heavy) in November; form has dipped markedly in his two subsequent starts, which is far from ideal coming to this bigger stage and also leaves him with still something to prove off this sort of mark.

Place / No / Draw	Date / Going / Distance / Class	Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer	Verdict	Starting price
9	5th Apr 2026 Yielding To Soft 3m 0f 180y	17:30 Fairyhouse Stuzzikini 12st 0lb J: Mr J C Barry T: Stephanie Ocsko-Moore	Failed to prosper in top staying handicaps after winning the 2024 Troytown for Gordon Elliott; should show the benefit of a point-to-point run at Oldtown in February.	10/1

Place /
No / Draw

Date / Going /
Distance / Class

Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer

Verdict

Starting price

9

5th Apr 2026

Yielding To Soft

3m 0f 180y

17:30 Fairyhouse

Stuzzikini

12st 0lb

J: Mr J C Barry

T: Stephanie Ocsko-Moore

Failed to prosper in top staying handicaps after winning the 2024 Troytown for Gordon Elliott; should show the benefit of a point-to-point run at Oldtown in February.

10/1

17

Mel Monroe

J: Ben Harvey