April 11 / 16.05 Aintree

16.05

Heavy

Randox Foxhunters’ Open Hunters’ Chase

  • Prize money: £24155
  • 2m 5f 19y
  • Class 2
  • 22 runners
ITV
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Randox Foxhunters’ Open Hunters’ Chase

Runners: 22 runners

Type: Hunter Chase

Surface: Turf

Weather: Showers

4/1 (Won)

  • Win: £4.00
  • Place: £1.80

Form: F1-112 BF

Last run: 27 days

W: 12st 0lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 140

Form & Verdict
Very nearly became a rare winning 6yo of the big hunter chase at Cheltenham last season, in which again he went agonisingly close last month with cheekpieces back on (as effective without them); not for the first time, he raced lazily mid-race but was strong when it mattered; could easily win this if bucking up his ideas, with the long run-in very favourable; 8-1 when falling at Becher's in this last year; handles testing conditions.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

7

1st May 2026

Yielding

3m 0f 160y

16:15 Punchestown

Its On The Line

12st 0lb

J: Mr Derek O’Connor

T: Emmet Mullins

Won this for the third time last year; contrasting profile in the Cheltenham equivalent now having finished second in four consecutive years; easily the best of the Irish this year, with Panda Boy fifth and Wonderwall (his conqueror last year) seventh; never got competitive in the Aintree Foxhunter, a rare blot on his record; has his quirks, but as tough as they come.

5/2

9th

14

9th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 5f 19y

Class 2

15:30 Aintree

Its On The Line

12st 0lb

J: Mr Derek O’Connor

T: Emmet Mullins

Won this in 2024 (heavy); beaten a neck by Barton Snow at last month's Cheltenham Festival (3m2f, good to soft), finishing a close second in that hunter chase for the fourth season in a row; at this trip he may prefer more testing ground than is likely today, but he's still entitled to respect.

9/2

2nd

7

13th Mar 2026

Good

3m 2f 70y

Class 2

16:40 Cheltenham

Its On The Line

12st 0lb

J: Mr Derek O’Connor

T: Emmet Mullins

Part of the furniture in this race after going agonisingly close in the last three runnings, especially 12 months ago when he stayed on strongly to push Wonderwall to a neck, after which he secured a repeat win at Punchestown; although it's hardly encouraging that he was turned over at 1-5 in his latest point, the winner is useful on his day and this 9yo didn't exactly arrive here 12 months ago with the wind in his sails; all roads have led to this and he has clear claims.

11/2

15/2

  • Place: £3.30

Form: -PP321 D

Last run: 44 days

W: 12st 0lb

13 yo Gelding

OR: 132

Form & Verdict
Never far from the lead when an admirable runner-up to the now-absent Famous Clermont in this 12 months ago (good to soft) and, like last year, he returns on the back of a comfortable hunter chase success (on heavy); teenagers have won this in the past (as recently as 2013) and this veteran needs shortlisting on testing ground he could handle better than most.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

3rd Apr 2025

Good To Soft

2m 5f 19y

Class 2

16:05 Aintree

Bennys King

12st 0lb

J: Mr Sean O’Connor

T: Dan Skelton

Inconsistency has crept into this 14yo's game but confidence should be buoyed by his win at Leicester in February and he loves it around here, having finished second in the last two editions of this race; probably vulnerable for win purposes but has place aspirations for sure; races prominently.

14/1

11th

5

3rd Apr 2025

Good To Soft

2m 5f 19y

Class 2

16:05 Aintree

Bennys King

12st 0lb

J: Mr Sean O’Connor

T: Dan Skelton

Inconsistency has crept into this 14yo's game but confidence should be buoyed by his win at Leicester in February and he loves it around here, having finished second in the last two editions of this race; probably vulnerable for win purposes but has place aspirations for sure; races prominently.

14/1

1st

2

25th Feb 2025

Soft

2m 6f 151y

Class 3

16:45 Leicester

Bennys King

12st 4lb

J: Miss Heidi Palin

T: Dan Skelton

14yo who is no longer the force of old and has become unreliable; that said, he won this race on heavy ground a year ago and proved he retains significant ability when keeping on gamely for second in refitted cheekpieces at Warwick (3m, good to soft) last month.

7/1

11/2

  • Place: £2.60

Form: 1P-1P1

Last run: 33 days

W: 12st 0lb

11 yo Gelding

OR: 142

Form & Verdict
Experienced chaser and usually a very good jumper, as he displayed when third in the Topham Trophy over C&D two years ago; an easy winner of a Gowran hunter chase a month ago (3m1f, heavy) but Its On The Line does have his number on their previous clashes, so perhaps placed at best.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

3rd Apr 2025

Good To Soft

2m 5f 19y

Class 2

16:05 Aintree

Annamix

12st 0lb

J: Mr P W Mullins

T: W P Mullins

A three-time hunter chase winner for Willie Mullins but it was a forgettable first run back with that yard when tailed off at Gowran a month ago; cheekpieces are now added and returning here might float his boat as he was third in both the 2022 Topham and this race 12 months ago.

20/1

9th

2

3rd Apr 2025

Good To Soft

2m 5f 19y

Class 2

16:05 Aintree

Annamix

12st 0lb

J: Mr P W Mullins

T: W P Mullins

A three-time hunter chase winner for Willie Mullins but it was a forgettable first run back with that yard when tailed off at Gowran a month ago; cheekpieces are now added and returning here might float his boat as he was third in both the 2022 Topham and this race 12 months ago.

20/1

7th

1

8th Mar 2025

Soft

3m 1f 0y

17:00 Gowran Park

Annamix

12st 0lb

J: Mr P W Mullins

T: W P Mullins

held up in rear

8/1

Form: 5-1113 D

Last run: 27 days

W: 12st 0lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 134

Form & Verdict
80-1 when a close fifth in this last year and that was after making a horlicks of The Chair; returns on the back of just about his best form yet when third at Cheltenham last month (soft; just over 5l behind Its On The Line), having been in the firing line throughout; the extended 3m2f ultimately found him out and he's a strong contender with stamina assured back at this trip.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

21

11th Apr 2024

Heavy

2m 5f 19y

Class 2

16:05 Aintree

Time Leader

12st 0lb

J: Mr Huw Edwards

T: Miss Hannah Roach

80-1 when a close fifth in this last year and that was after making a horlicks of The Chair; returns on the back of just about his best form yet when third at Cheltenham last month (soft; just over 5l behind Its On The Line), having been in the firing line throughout; the extended 3m2f ultimately found him out and he's a strong contender with stamina assured back at this trip.

6/1

4th

21

11th Apr 2024

Heavy

2m 5f 19y

Class 2

16:05 Aintree

Time Leader

12st 0lb

J: Mr Huw Edwards

T: Miss Hannah Roach

80-1 when a close fifth in this last year and that was after making a horlicks of The Chair; returns on the back of just about his best form yet when third at Cheltenham last month (soft; just over 5l behind Its On The Line), having been in the firing line throughout; the extended 3m2f ultimately found him out and he's a strong contender with stamina assured back at this trip.

6/1

3rd

11

15th Mar 2024

Soft

3m 2f 70y

Class 2

16:10 Cheltenham

Time Leader

12st 0lb

J: Mr Toby McCain-Mitchell

T: Miss Hannah Roach

By no means prolific in points (3-13) but he's 5-7 in hunter chases after taking a winnable race at Hereford in January (2m5f, good to soft); showed that he can mix it at this level of competition when not beaten far into fifth (staying on) in last season's hunter chase at Aintree (2m5f good to soft; made bad mistake at The Chair); perhaps relying on some of these being off their game if he's to win, but is no forlorn hope over a longer trip that he might need these days.

25/1

Form: 922323 BF

Last run: 64 days

W: 12st 0lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 132

Form & Verdict
Given the level of form he was showing in good handicaps earlier this season he's been bitterly disappointing in two hunter chases, coming up short at odds of 4-9 and 2-11 (latterly behind Captain Tommy); has been wearing these aids separately and now they're combined, but he remains unconvincing.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

5

8th Nov 2024

Good

3m 0f 54y

Class 3

15:35 Exeter

Tea Clipper

11st 7lb

J: Stan Sheppard

T: Tom Lacey

Very useful handicapper on good ground but he's 1-17 over fences and fluffed some very winnable opportunities last season in hunter chases; ran okay in a C&D handicap last month but he's rarely the percentage call and now tries a visor.

8/1

Form: 121

Last run: 25 days

W: 12st 0lb

6 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
The balance of his form in hunter chases and points suggests he might fall short, though it was just about his most convincing performance yet when justifying odds-on favouritism with ease at Down Royal (2m3f, soft) last time and this lightly raced 6yo remains open to plenty of improvement for his ultra-canny trainer; won on heavy at Limerick in December (2m6f) when tried once before in a tongue-tie.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13

27th May 2024

Good

2m 7f 89y

18:30 Ballinrobe

Romeo Magico

10st 0lb

J: Rachael Blackmore

T: Emmet Mullins

towards rear, some headway into midfield 7th

16/1

13

27th May 2024

Good

2m 7f 89y

18:30 Ballinrobe

Romeo Magico

10st 0lb

J: Rachael Blackmore

T: Emmet Mullins

towards rear, some headway into midfield 7th

16/1

2nd

3

13th May 2024

Good

2m 7f 0y

19:45 Killarney

Romeo Magico

12st 0lb

J: Mr D McGill

T: Emmet Mullins

soon disputed lead on inner, led narrowly before 7th, joined after 4 out

9/2

Form: 808-42

Last run: 44 days

W: 12st 0lb

12 yo Gelding

OR: 124

Form & Verdict
His Grade 1-winning form is a fading memory and current limitations were ruthlessly exposed by Bennys King last time at Leicester; difficult to envisage him having any notable impact; cheekpieces did nothing for him when last tried on three occasions in 2022.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8

7th Aug 2024

Good

3m 1f 70y

19:15 Wexford

Hardline

11st 5lb

J: Mr J H Williamson

T: Gordon Elliott

Course winner over hurdles but that was back in 2017; ran okay here last time but was over 30L behind her stablemate Sea Aster; looks stable second string on jockey bookings.

20/1

5th

9

24th Jul 2024

Good

3m 1f 110y

16:58 Wexford

Hardline

11st 5lb

J: Mr J H Williamson

T: Gordon Elliott

Not the horse he was (former Grade 1 winner) and only wins since 2018 have come in points; others preferred.

33/1

4th

9

3rd Jun 2024

Good

3m 0f 0y

16:50 Listowel

Hardline

11st 7lb

J: Mr J H Williamson

T: Gordon Elliott

prominent, lost position before 3 out, keeping on when left in remote fourth last

16/1

OUR TIP

Form: P-4PP1

Last run: 34 days

W: 12st 0lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 128

Form & Verdict
Pulled up in three of his last five appearances but he remains useful on his day, with his fourth in a Grade 3 2m1f handicap at Ascot in November reading well; however, his best form is over shorter than this and it was a very winnable race in which he made a successful hunter chase debut at Leicester (2m, soft); others appeal more over this far.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

28th May 2025

Good

2m 4f 216y

Class 5

16:48 Newton Abbot

Cap Du Mathan

12st 4lb

J: Miss Olive Nicholls

T: Paul Nicholls

Former useful handicapper and won a soft-ground 2m hunter chase early last year; back from an absence with a second at Ludlow and nothing wrong with his third in a deeper race than this at Cheltenham (2m4f); good chance.

13/8

2

28th May 2025

Good

2m 4f 216y

Class 5

16:48 Newton Abbot

Cap Du Mathan

12st 4lb

J: Miss Olive Nicholls

T: Paul Nicholls

Former useful handicapper and won a soft-ground 2m hunter chase early last year; back from an absence with a second at Ludlow and nothing wrong with his third in a deeper race than this at Cheltenham (2m4f); good chance.

13/8

3rd

5

2nd May 2025

Good

2m 4f 127y

Class 5

20:05 Cheltenham

Cap Du Mathan

12st 1lb

J: Miss Natalie Parker

T: Paul Nicholls

took keen hold, midfield, in touch with leaders 7th, went third approaching last, not pace to challenge

8/1

Form: 153P11 D

Last run: 21 days

W: 12st 0lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 119

Form & Verdict
The winner of two small-field hunter chases at Ludlow this year, latterly proving too strong for Espoir De Guye; that form, and the balance of his handicap exploits during the past 12 months, strongly hints at limitations at this level.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

4

30th May 2025

Good

2m 4f 205y

Class 4

20:10 Stratford

Captain Tommy

11st 11lb

J: Mr Huw Edwards

T: Fred Timmis

About 6l and 2l too good for Presentandcounting at Catterick (3m1f, good) and Walkin Out at Ludlow (2m4f, good) respectively back in March, but two subdued efforts when as much in his favour since to forgive.

5/1

4th

4

30th May 2025

Good

2m 4f 205y

Class 4

20:10 Stratford

Captain Tommy

11st 11lb

J: Mr Huw Edwards

T: Fred Timmis

About 6l and 2l too good for Presentandcounting at Catterick (3m1f, good) and Walkin Out at Ludlow (2m4f, good) respectively back in March, but two subdued efforts when as much in his favour since to forgive.

5/1

5th

1

23rd Apr 2025

Good

2m 7f 171y

Class 4

16:40 Ludlow

Captain Tommy

12st 6lb

J: Mr Henry Crow

T: Fred Timmis

Won small-field hunter chases on good ground at Catterick (3m1f) and Ludlow (2m4f) last month; lost out to only the odds-on favourite at Kempton (2m4f, good) three weeks ago and, although the scale of his defeat was a bit worrying, his good record here (won the last three of his four visits) bolsters his chance today.

9/4

Form: 4BU-21 D

Last run: 27 days

W: 12st 0lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 126

Form & Verdict
Couldn't lay a glove on last season's Cheltenham hero Premier Magic when they clashed there last May and a good few of these would have won the Fakenham hunter chase he landed a month ago, and probably a lot more easily; should things go his way he could make the frame, but that might be the limit of his ambitions.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

1

30th May 2025

Good

2m 4f 205y

Class 4

20:10 Stratford

Rebel Dawn Rising

12st 9lb

J: Mr Dale Peters

T: David Kemp

As good as ever when winning the same Cheltenham contest (over essentially today's trip) for the second straight year four weeks ago; now 7lb higher than for last season's 1l defeat in this race, but without the effects of a slog on soft ground to have to shrug off.

11/8

1st

1

30th May 2025

Good

2m 4f 205y

Class 4

20:10 Stratford

Rebel Dawn Rising

12st 9lb

J: Mr Dale Peters

T: David Kemp

As good as ever when winning the same Cheltenham contest (over essentially today's trip) for the second straight year four weeks ago; now 7lb higher than for last season's 1l defeat in this race, but without the effects of a slog on soft ground to have to shrug off.

11/8

1st

4

2nd May 2025

Good

2m 4f 127y

Class 5

20:05 Cheltenham

Rebel Dawn Rising

12st 4lb

J: Mr Dale Peters

T: David Kemp

prominent, led before 2 out, faced challenge approaching last, kept on well final 110yds

6/1

Form: P-35O3 D

Last run: 44 days

W: 12st 0lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 129

Form & Verdict
Runner-up to fancied Grand National contender Latenightpass in this two years ago but his powers would appear to be on the wane these days, last time finishing a remote third to Bennys King at Leicester; there's always a hope that returning here might get his competitive juices flowing.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

5

16th Apr 2025

Good

2m 3f 83y

Class 4

18:15 Ffos Las

Cat Tiger

11st 4lb

J: Mr David Maxwell

T: Paul Nicholls

Has plenty of back-class but an 11yo now and hasn't been offering a great deal in handicap chases since rejoining Paul Nicholls.

12/1

Form: -66P31 D

Last run: 17 days

W: 12st 0lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 121

Form & Verdict
Barely sighted before pulling up in this last year when 66-1 and expectations can be no higher this time despite his recent Exeter success.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

2nd May 2025

Good

4m 0f 97y

Class 4

19:30 Cheltenham

Drop Flight

12st 1lb

J: Mr Ben Sutton

T: S Loxton

Ran well in only one of six hurdling starts for Dan Skelton last season and, having rejoined Sam Loxton, was pulled up in a hunter chase in February; last of three finishers in 4m point last month; revival needed.

25/1

4

2nd May 2025

Good

4m 0f 97y

Class 4

19:30 Cheltenham

Drop Flight

12st 1lb

J: Mr Ben Sutton

T: S Loxton

Ran well in only one of six hurdling starts for Dan Skelton last season and, having rejoined Sam Loxton, was pulled up in a hunter chase in February; last of three finishers in 4m point last month; revival needed.

25/1

Form: 56-312 D BF

Last run: 21 days

W: 12st 0lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 128

Form & Verdict
Nothing like as good he was when at his peak for Venetia Williams and had luck on his side when beating last year's winner of this race at Wincanton in February (2m4f, soft); now has to bounce back from a shock defeat at Ludlow at the hands of Captain Tommy.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

3rd May 2024

Good

2m 4f 127y

Class 5

20:05 Cheltenham

Espoir De Guye

12st 1lb

J: Miss Natalie Parker

T: Mrs N Sheppard

midfield, weakened after 12th, left in modest fourth before 3 out, pulled up before 2 out

6/1

2

3rd May 2024

Good

2m 4f 127y

Class 5

20:05 Cheltenham

Espoir De Guye

12st 1lb

J: Miss Natalie Parker

T: Mrs N Sheppard

Struggled in Aintree Foxhunters' three weeks ago and is not one to rely upon heavily but his win at Wincanton (2m4f, soft) for Sam Loxton in February makes him of strong interest on this stable debut.

6/1

7

11th Apr 2024

Heavy

2m 5f 19y

Class 2

16:05 Aintree

Espoir De Guye

12st 0lb

J: Miss Natalie Parker

T: S Loxton

Nothing like as good he was when at his peak for Venetia Williams and had luck on his side when beating last year's winner of this race at Wincanton in February (2m4f, soft); now has to bounce back from a shock defeat at Ludlow at the hands of Captain Tommy.

25/1

Form: 4/0/2

Last run: 346 days

W: 12st 0lb

8 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
The winner of six points but was no match for Hardline in his penultimate one and fared no better in the latest; runner-up at Down Royal last May in his only previous hunter chase; well down the pecking order here.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

4

4th May 2026

Good

2m 7f 35y

16:30 Down Royal

Focus Point

12st 0lb

J: Mr D T Hyde

T: T E Hyde

Seven point wins; has run well at times in hunter chases, including when runner-up over 2m5f here in March; however, was poor at Cork since and beaten in a point nine days ago; needs best.

3/1

10th

4

6th Apr 2026

Good To Yielding

3m 0f 100y

15:35 Cork

Focus Point

12st 0lb

J: Mr D T Hyde

T: T E Hyde

Seven wins in points; had been off the track for a long time before last month's second in a hunter chase at Down Royal; good prospects of confirming form with Sampoet.

13/2

2nd

4

17th Mar 2026

Yielding

2m 4f 86y

16:48 Down Royal

Focus Point

11st 7lb

J: Mr D T Hyde

T: T E Hyde

Unplaced behind Ballyphilip here in 2024; later gained a seventh points win; has been off the track for a long time and sports a first-time hood on his return.

10/1

Form: -21131 D

Last run: 36 days

W: 12st 0lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 126

Form & Verdict
Ex-French 8yo; suffered some reality checks last term when well held in races won by today's rivals Bennys King and Time Leader but something has clicked this season in winning three of his last four starts, in two 3m handicaps and a hunter chase (beat Windsor Avenue by 6l); this race has been on the agenda for a good while but it demands a career best from him.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

10

9th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 5f 19y

Class 2

15:30 Aintree

Gaboriot

12st 0lb

J: Mr Huw Edwards

T: Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero

Pulled up in the Becher here in December and his two subsequent hunter chase runs have yielded an early fall and disappointing defeat; twice placed over these fences, however, most recently in the Grand Sefton over C&D in November, and could have an each-way shout if back on song in change of headgear.

25/1

3rd

2

19th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 11y

Class 4

16:50 Ludlow

Gaboriot

12st 6lb

J: Mr Huw Edwards

T: Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero

Pulled up in the Becher Chase at Aintree in December but finished a very good second in the Grand Sefton (2m5f, good to soft) the previous month; returned to hunter chasing with quite a spill at Catterick a fortnight ago but holds leading claims if that hasn't left a mark.

5/4

1

4th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 1f 54y

Class 5

16:10 Catterick

Gaboriot

12st 6lb

J: Mr Huw Edwards

T: Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero

Pulled up in the Becher Chase at Aintree last time but had previously finished a very good second in the Grand Sefton (2m5f, good to soft); did well hunter chasing back in 2024 and the one to beat.

10/11

Form: 03422P BF

Last run: 23 days

W: 12st 0lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 115

Form & Verdict
Only an 8yo but his rating has capitulated during the last two years and his recent form is nowhere near good enough for a test of this magnitude.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10

11th Apr 2024

Heavy

2m 5f 19y

Class 2

16:05 Aintree

Grand Roi

12st 0lb

J: Mr Tommie M O’Brien

T: Mrs J Owen

Only an 8yo but his rating has capitulated during the last two years and his recent form is nowhere near good enough for a test of this magnitude.

100/1

10

11th Apr 2024

Heavy

2m 5f 19y

Class 2

16:05 Aintree

Grand Roi

12st 0lb

J: Mr Tommie M O’Brien

T: Mrs J Owen

Only an 8yo but his rating has capitulated during the last two years and his recent form is nowhere near good enough for a test of this magnitude.

100/1

4

19th Mar 2024

Soft

3m 0f 54y

Class 5

16:30 Exeter

Grand Roi

11st 12lb

J: Mr Alex Chadwick

T: Mrs J Owen

Grade 2 hurdle winner in 2020 and bits of form in better races than this in recent times; out of sorts in the autumn but he might well have pegged back Forest Chimes at Stratford (2m5f, heavy) last week with a better jump at the last; this stiffer test can suit; can go well.

5/2

Form: 14-P23 D

Last run: 43 days

W: 12st 0lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 123

Form & Verdict
Looked as though he might develop into a smart handicapper a few seasons back only for injury to intervene; won a Kempton handicap (2m4f, good; has won on heavy) 14 months ago but holding his form has been a challenge and he was well beaten by Espoir De Guye last time.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

8

27th Oct 2024

Good

3m 2f 162y

Class 3

15:15 Wincanton

Lieutenant Rocco

10st 9lb

J: Tom Cannon

T: Anthony Charlton

pressed leader, led before 12th, pressed leader when headed 15th, not fluent 17th, outpaced before 3 out, weakened after 2 out

14/1

13

11th Apr 2024

Heavy

2m 5f 19y

Class 2

16:05 Aintree

Lieutenant Rocco

12st 0lb

J: Mr William Biddick

T: Syd Hosie

Looked as though he might develop into a smart handicapper a few seasons back only for injury to intervene; won a Kempton handicap (2m4f, good; has won on heavy) 14 months ago but holding his form has been a challenge and he was well beaten by Espoir De Guye last time.

25/1

13

11th Apr 2024

Heavy

2m 5f 19y

Class 2

16:05 Aintree

Lieutenant Rocco

12st 0lb

J: Mr William Biddick

T: Syd Hosie

Looked as though he might develop into a smart handicapper a few seasons back only for injury to intervene; won a Kempton handicap (2m4f, good; has won on heavy) 14 months ago but holding his form has been a challenge and he was well beaten by Espoir De Guye last time.

25/1

Form: /229-1

Last run: 334 days

W: 12st 0lb

11 yo Gelding

OR: 100

Form & Verdict
His only win under rules came in a maiden hunter chase at Hexham last May; he was winning for the 11th time in points at Dalton Park last month (heavy) but will soon be out of his comfort zone at this level.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

3

26th May 2024

Good To Soft

3m 2f 39y

Class 3

17:10 Kelso

Matts Commission

12st 1lb

J: Mr Jack Teal

T: Jack Teal

held up in rear

5/1

5th

3

26th May 2024

Good To Soft

3m 2f 39y

Class 3

17:10 Kelso

Matts Commission

12st 1lb

J: Mr Jack Teal

T: Jack Teal

Prolific winning pointer; off the mark under rules at Hexham in May last year (3m, good to soft); patchy form since though and well beaten at Hexham last time.

5/1

3rd

2

22nd Apr 2024

Heavy

3m 0f 41y

Class 5

17:05 Hexham

Matts Commission

12st 0lb

J: Mr Jack Teal

T: Jack Teal

Prolific winning pointer who won a maiden hunter chase over C&D last May (good to soft); goes on soft ground; one to consider.

9/2

Form: 17/20- D

Last run: 364 days

W: 12st 0lb

11 yo Gelding

OR: 114

Form & Verdict
Has completed in his own time in the last two runnings of this race when 33-1 and 150-1; there's no reason to expect anything better from him this afternoon.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

16

11th Apr 2024

Heavy

2m 5f 19y

Class 2

16:05 Aintree

Reikers Island

12st 0lb

J: Mr Daniel Cherriman

T: Alan Hill

Has completed in his own time in the last two runnings of this race when 33-1 and 150-1; there's no reason to expect anything better from him this afternoon.

100/1

16

11th Apr 2024

Heavy

2m 5f 19y

Class 2

16:05 Aintree

Reikers Island

12st 0lb

J: Mr Daniel Cherriman

T: Alan Hill

Has completed in his own time in the last two runnings of this race when 33-1 and 150-1; there's no reason to expect anything better from him this afternoon.

100/1

15th

20

13th Apr 2023

Good To Soft

2m 5f 19y

Class 2

16:05 Aintree

Reikers Island

12st 0lb

J: Mr Daniel Cherriman

T: Alan Hill

Beaten nearly 40l when seventh in this last year and recent heavy point defeat doesn't suggest he'll do any better this time.

50/1

Form: P003-1

Last run: 54 days

W: 12st 0lb

11 yo Gelding

OR: 134

Form & Verdict
Classy customer in his pomp for Henry de Bromhead and his final run in Ireland last March was highly respectable; back from near enough a year out to make a successful hunter chase debut at Haydock (2m6f, heavy); the fourth in that race filled the same berth at Cheltenham last month (beaten about 12l) and this 11yo could strip a whole lot fitter this time; respected.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

26th May 2025

Good

2m 5f 34y

Class 3

17:15 Cartmel

Spyglass Hill

12st 0lb

J: James Bowen

T: Barry Brennan

Veteran; two fair efforts since joining this yard, last time finishing runner-up at Newton Abbot (2m5f, good); has won on heavy ground so should handle these conditions; one to consider.

9/4

2

26th May 2025

Good

2m 5f 34y

Class 3

17:15 Cartmel

Spyglass Hill

12st 0lb

J: James Bowen

T: Barry Brennan

Veteran; two fair efforts since joining this yard, last time finishing runner-up at Newton Abbot (2m5f, good); has won on heavy ground so should handle these conditions; one to consider.

9/4

2nd

8

7th May 2025

Good

2m 4f 216y

Class 2

13:45 Newton Abbot

Spyglass Hill

10st 2lb

J: Jack Tudor

T: Barry Brennan

Veteran who has done all his winning on heavy ground and is no longer the force of old; looked a shade unlucky not to win on good ground at Exeter (2m3f) in March, having made a bad jumping error in the straight, but is 4lb wrong here and younger rivals appeal more.

20/1

Form: -341P3 D

Last run: 34 days

W: 12st 0lb

11 yo Gelding

OR: 124

Form & Verdict
Formerly useful in Ireland; won a handicap on the Mildmay course here last summer for James Owen; however, good ground seems the key to him and he'll see none of that today; struggled on soft behind Cap Du Mathan last month.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

6

30th May 2025

Good

2m 0f 213y

Class 5

20:45 Stratford

The Big Lense

11st 12lb

J: Mr Rupert Stearn

T: Mrs J Owen

Undefeated in four small-field 3m open points (good/good to firm), the successes around the sharp left-handers at Higham and Fakenham particularly relevant in today's context; can lead but needn't, and won't want for experience of regulation fences (24 chase starts); player.

2/1

2nd

6

30th May 2025

Good

2m 0f 213y

Class 5

20:45 Stratford

The Big Lense

11st 12lb

J: Mr Rupert Stearn

T: Mrs J Owen

Undefeated in four small-field 3m open points (good/good to firm), the successes around the sharp left-handers at Higham and Fakenham particularly relevant in today's context; can lead but needn't, and won't want for experience of regulation fences (24 chase starts); player.

2/1

11th

13

20th Jul 2024

Good

2m 5f 89y

Class 1

15:15 Market Rasen

The Big Lense

11st 3lb

J: Lilly Pinchin

T: James Owen

Better over fences than hurdles so encouraging to see him win over the smaller obstacles last month before chasing home a hot Bowen-trained favourite over C&D two weeks ago; should go well despite the 3lb rise.

33/1

Form: 43-352 D

Last run: 36 days

W: 12st 0lb

12 yo Gelding

OR: 122

Form & Verdict
Has some strong handicap form but he was pulled up on his previous run over these fences in the Topham two years ago and his recent hunter chase efforts were unconvincing, beaten by Spyglass Hill and Gaboriot the last twice.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

9

29th May 2024

Good

3m 1f 107y

Class 5

20:50 Cartmel

Windsor Avenue

12st 0lb

J: Mr Jack Teal

T: Jack Teal

Smart chaser for Brian Ellison and second in two hunter chases for new yard in recent months; no match for Gaboriot at Catterick (3m1f, soft) in March, though, and has been very inconsistent in recent years.

6/1

2nd

4

8th May 2024

Good

2m 7f 96y

Class 4

17:25 Kelso

Windsor Avenue

12st 6lb

J: Mr Jack Teal

T: Jack Teal

Smart chaser at his best and he still retains quite a bit of ability; has mixed record this year and was pulled up in Foxhunters' at Aintree last time but he's been in much calmer waters now and was runner-up at Catterick (3m1f, soft) on his penultimate run; dangerous if in the mood.

7/2

2nd

4

8th May 2024

Good

2m 7f 96y

Class 4

17:25 Kelso

Windsor Avenue

12st 6lb

J: Mr Jack Teal

T: Jack Teal

Smart chaser at his best and he still retains quite a bit of ability; has mixed record this year and was pulled up in Foxhunters' at Aintree last time but he's been in much calmer waters now and was runner-up at Catterick (3m1f, soft) on his penultimate run; dangerous if in the mood.

7/2

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £35.80
Straight Forecast £27.24
Tricast £128.15
Trifecta £214.80

Selections

RP RATINGS:

Its On The Line

Daily Mail:

Spyglass Hill

The Times:

Romeo Magico

WEST COUNTRY:

Lieutenant Rocco

SPOTLIGHT:

Time Leader

The Guardian:

Cap Du Mathan

POSTDATA:

Annamix

Telegraph:

Bennys King

Daily Record:

Romeo Magico

TOPSPEED:

Its On The Line

The Sun:

Its On The Line

D Express:

Lieutenant Rocco

Daily Mirror:

Spyglass Hill

The Star:

Spyglass Hill