April 12 / 14.20 Aintree

14.20

Soft

William Hill Handicap Hurdle (Premier Handicap) (GBB Race)

  • Prize money: £42202.5
  • 2m 4f 0y
  • Class 1
  • 19 runners
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William Hill Handicap Hurdle (Premier Handicap) (GBB Race)

Runners: 19 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Cloudy

9/2 (Won)

  • Win: £6.00
  • Place: £1.80

Form: 12-324 D

Last run: 27 days

W: 11st 5lb

7 yo Mare

OR: 136

Form & Verdict
Returned from a break with solid fourth to stablemate Boombawn on handicap debut at Kempton (2m5f, good to soft) last month; fine second in Grade 1 novice over this C&D (good to soft) last April and she could build on that latest effort; has won on soft; Harry Skelton's mount of the Dan Skelton four.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

14

11th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 5f 0y

Class 1

14:40 Cheltenham

Kateira

11st 0lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

First two runs (November) were her best from this season and she didn't shine back in handicaps on last two outings; however, her 2m4f win in a big-field handicap at 2024 Aintree festival should not be forgotten and she also ran well in Graded/Listed contests for most of last term; needs a close look, particularly given Dan Skelton's fine record in handicap hurdles at this meeting.

7/1

9th

1

14th Feb 2026

Soft

2m 3f 63y

Class 2

14:25 Ascot

Kateira

12st 0lb

J: Nico de Boinville

T: Dan Skelton

Useful mare (dual Listed scorer) but last two efforts, latest back at handicap level, suggest she's unlikely to defy top weight in this warm field.

25/1

8th

1

31st Jan 2026

Good To Soft

1m 7f 124y

Class 2

13:43 Musselburgh

Kateira

12st 0lb

J: Tristan Durrell

T: Dan Skelton

There's a suspicion she's on a tough mark and that a longer trip is preferable; however, she won at Aintree's Grand National meeting in 2024 on the last occasion she tackled a handicap (2m4f, soft) and she's won two Listed races since; this classy mare is not ruled out.

12/1

10/1

  • Place: £2.60

Form: 1122 C BF

Last run: 41 days

W: 11st 8lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 139

Form & Verdict
Won the Grade 1 Formby Novices' Hurdle here (2m, soft) on Boxing Day and runner-up the next twice at Huntingdon (2m3f, soft) and Kelso (2m2f, good to soft); improvement is needed if he's to defy his opening mark today in a hot race, but that's possible from this very lightly raced 5yo.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

2

9th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 210y

Class 1

14:55 Aintree

Jango Baie

11st 10lb

J: Nico de Boinville

T: Nicky Henderson

Kept on for close third to Impaire Et Passe in the 2m4f Manifesto here 12 months ago and has improved for longer trips this season; very close fourth in thrilling finish to the King George at Kempton (3m, good) in December and 8l second in the Gold Cup at Cheltenham (3m2f, good to soft) last month; leading claims if that hard race 27 days ago hasn't left a mark.

5/6

2nd

8

13th Mar 2026

Good

3m 2f 70y

Class 1

16:00 Cheltenham

Jango Baie

11st 10lb

J: Nico de Boinville

T: Nicky Henderson

Came from behind to win the Arkle here (2m, good to soft) 12 months ago and, as could be anticipated, was well suited by the step up to 3m when a very close fourth behind The Jukebox Man and Gaelic Warrior in the King George at Kempton (3m, good) in December; of the four involved in that thrilling finish he arguably shaped as the one most likely to improve for today's stiffer test; seems versatile ground-wise; could play a leading role.

4/1

3rd

6

3rd Apr 2025

Good To Soft

2m 3f 200y

Class 1

13:45 Aintree

Jango Baie

11st 7lb

J: Nico de Boinville

T: Nicky Henderson

Short-headed in Grade 1 Scilly Isles at Sandown (2m4f, heavy) in February on second chase start and rallied from a very unpromising position to win the Arkle at Cheltenham (2m, good to soft) last month; unraced on good ground; ran big races over hurdles on both visits here and he's a leading contender with the step back up in trip likely to be in his favour.

9/4

8/1

  • Place: £2.30

Form: 1-1412 CD BF

Last run: 55 days

W: 10st 12lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 129

Form & Verdict
Made it 4-5 when making all on handicap debut at Lingfield (2m3f, soft) in January; second in Ascot novice (2m3f, good to soft) since and that form has been franked by the winner, who was receiving 8lb; the first-time hood may be a plus (fractious pre-race last time); could be on a good mark now back in a handicap and he's open to further improvement for top trainer.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

4

28th Dec 2024

Good To Soft

2m 6f 93y

Class 3

15:35 Newbury

Inthewaterside

11st 8lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Paul Nicholls

made all, jumped right on occasions, mistake 3 out, ridden after last, kept on well

3/1

1st

4

28th Dec 2024

Good To Soft

2m 6f 93y

Class 3

15:35 Newbury

Inthewaterside

11st 8lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Paul Nicholls

made all, jumped right on occasions, mistake 3 out, ridden after last, kept on well

3/1

3rd

8

30th Nov 2024

Soft

2m 4f 118y

Class 2

13:54 Newbury

Inthewaterside

11st 6lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Paul Nicholls

sweating, led, headed after 3 out, lost second after 2 out, kept on

9/2

16/1

  • Place: £3.10

Form: 121526

Last run: 28 days

W: 11st 5lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 136

Form & Verdict
Beaten about 16l when upped in trip and sixth of 21 in the Martin Pipe at Cheltenham (2m4f, heavy) last month; however, he was behind some unexposed rivals and it could turn out to be a red-hot race; makes just his eighth rules start today and could have more to offer for top Irish yard.
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

Form: 1-4100

Last run: 34 days

W: 11st 4lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 135

Form & Verdict
5yo who made it five wins from first seven starts when landing Sandown handicap (2m, heavy) in December; however, he's finished down the field in hot handicaps the last twice and has something to prove now up in trip.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10

20th Apr 2025

Good

1m 7f 195y

Class 2

16:05 Plumpton

Spirit DAunou

10st 5lb

J: Freddie Mitchell

T: Gary & Josh Moore

took keen hold, disputed lead at fast pace, chased clear leader before 6th

10/1

10

20th Apr 2025

Good

1m 7f 195y

Class 2

16:05 Plumpton

Spirit DAunou

10st 5lb

J: Freddie Mitchell

T: Gary & Josh Moore

took keen hold, disputed lead at fast pace, chased clear leader before 6th

10/1

5th

15

14th Mar 2025

Good To Soft

2m 0f 179y

Class 1

14:00 Cheltenham

Spirit DAunou

10st 3lb

J: Freddie Mitchell

T: Gary & Josh Moore

6yo who is well treated on last season's best form; he showed some spark at Newbury in December but hasn't been at the top of his game this term and was soundly beaten last time; others make greater appeal.

66/1

16/1

Form: -52130 D

Last run: 30 days

W: 11st 9lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 140

Form & Verdict
Mixed fortunes over fences this season and needs to jump better than in the Coral Cup last month when back over hurdles; however, in the circumstances (particularly a very bad mid-race blunder) he did pretty well to finish 13th and he's now 5lb lower than when a good fourth in the Martin Pipe (2m4f, soft) last March; ran a big race on sole visit here; cheekpieces (worn on last three starts) are left off; capable of playing a leading role.
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

Form: F5P211 D

Last run: 20 days

W: 11st 4lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 135

Form & Verdict
Has won with something to spare under James Turner the last twice (2m4f, soft), particularly at Bangor three weeks ago; he's gone up another 8lb and is in a much hotter race today, but things have clearly clicked for this 7yo and it's possible he remains ahead of the handicapper.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

12

11th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 210y

Class 1

14:30 Aintree

Uncle Bert

11st 6lb

J: Toby McCain-Mitchell

T: Nigel & Willy Twiston-Davies

1-6 over fences, the success at Aintree (2m4f) on seasonal debut; seemed a non-stayer in the Welsh National before eventually falling, then ran below form at Cheltenham (2m4f); return to this venue may have a positive effect but he ideally needs assistance from the weather, having gained all wins on soft ground.

20/1

7th

5

24th Jan 2026

Soft

2m 4f 127y

Class 1

13:15 Cheltenham

Uncle Bert

11st 0lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Nigel & Willy Twiston-Davies

Made much of the running when winning in dominant style at Aintree (2m4f, soft) in December; beaten when falling late on in the Welsh National three weeks later, lack of stamina a possible factor; back to a more suitable trip here but now off a career-high mark and others appeal more.

9/1

Form: 1-P185

Last run: 28 days

W: 11st 1lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 132

Form & Verdict
Two-time French hurdle winner who hasn't threatened on his two runs for Willie Mullins, but he did well to finish a 15l fifth of 21 in the Martin Pipe at Cheltenham (2m4f, heavy) last month given he pulled hard; the first-time hood could help him settle and he's one to be interested in.
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

Form: 4211 D

Last run: 34 days

W: 11st 0lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 131

Form & Verdict
Won maiden at Doncaster (2m3f, good) in January on third hurdle start and followed up in the competitive EBF Novices' Final on handicap debut at Sandown (2m4f, soft) last month; the third has won since and a 7lb rise may not stop this unexposed 6yo.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

2

20th May 2026

Good

2m 5f 5y

Class 4

16:00 Warwick

Champagne Twist

11st 11lb

J: Ben Jones

T: Ben Pauling

2024 EBF Final winner off 7lb higher; unseated too far out at Uttoxeter latest to say if and where he may have figured, but his poor winter up to that point tempers enthusiasm either way; overlooked.

10/1

4

28th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 7f 70y

Class 4

16:20 Uttoxeter

Champagne Twist

11st 11lb

J: Elliott England

T: Ben Pauling

Very promising novice during 2023-24 season but generally very disappointing over last two campaigns; has dropped a long way in the weights but he was pulled up three times during the winter before a remote fifth at Newbury (3m, good to soft) last time; down the list.

12/1

Form: 3U/540 D

Last run: 30 days

W: 11st 4lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 135

Form & Verdict
Won the Grade 2 International Hurdle at Cheltenham in 2021 and is very well handicapped on that form; didn't run badly in Grade 2 at Cheltenham this January when back from a very long absence but he was tailed off in the Coral Cup there last month and needs to leave that run miles behind.
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: -79151 D

Last run: 41 days

W: 11st 0lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 131

Form & Verdict
Won at Doncaster (2m3f, good to soft) in December and, after a solid fifth of 19 in the Lanzarote, he was back on the scoresheet at Kelso (2m5f, good to soft) last month; up in grade today but has won five of his ten hurdle starts (including on soft) and could continue to progress.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

24th Apr 2026

Good

2m 4f 35y

Class 3

15:47 Perth

Serious Operator

11st 10lb

J: Patrick Wadge

T: Lucinda Russell & Michael Scudamore

9yo who was tailed off at Kelso in February last time but that was the competitive Morebattle Hurdle over 2m; in good form over 2m4f prior to that, winning at Newcastle then second at Aintree (both good to soft); likely to be in the mix back up in trip.

7/1

13th

9

28th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 0f 51y

Class 2

14:55 Kelso

Serious Operator

11st 4lb

J: Patrick Wadge

T: Lucinda Russell & Michael Scudamore

Won at Newcastle (2m4f, good to soft) in November and second to progressive winner at Aintree (2m4f, good to soft) in December; unraced over a trip this short and there's a suspicion this 9yo will be vulnerable in a race this competitive, but he's 2-3 at Kelso and is not ruled out each-way.

33/1

Form: -3410P CD

Last run: 28 days

W: 11st 10lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 141

Form & Verdict
His two visits to Aintree have yielded a good third in this race last year (good to soft) and a 6l C&D win (heavy) in December; the return to this track could reignite some spark but he's been disappointing the last twice and a major turnaround is required.
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

Form: 1-232F D BF

Last run: 29 days

W: 11st 2lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 133

Form & Verdict
Warm favourite when early faller in Plate Handicap Chase at Cheltenham last month; prior to that he was second in a hot novice handicap chase at Cheltenham (2m5f, good to soft) and has a 1lb lower mark to work with now back over hurdles; 2-4 in novice hurdles last season (both wins on soft) and he's a major player if transferring his chase form back to this sphere.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

5

22nd Mar 2025

Good To Soft

2m 3f 187y

Class 2

14:40 Newbury

Theatre Man

11st 1lb

J: Harry Bannister

T: Richard J Bandey

Launched chasing career with three good runs last season but fell next time and suffered heavy defeats in his three starts since; this should be a good mark but plenty now seems to depend on January's wind surgery.

5/1

4th

2

10th Dec 2024

Soft

2m 4f 0y

Class 3

13:42 Uttoxeter

Theatre Man

11st 6lb

J: David Bass

T: Richard J Bandey

Launched chasing career with three good runs last season, most notably when chasing home subsequent dual Grade 1 runner-up Ginny's Destiny at Cheltenham (2m4f, good to soft) in January; holds strong claims here if judged on that evidence but was a disappointing favourite when returned to Cheltenham for seasonal debut in October and needs to rebound.

4/1

4th

2

10th Dec 2024

Soft

2m 4f 0y

Class 3

13:42 Uttoxeter

Theatre Man

11st 6lb

J: David Bass

T: Richard J Bandey

Launched chasing career with three good runs last season, most notably when chasing home subsequent dual Grade 1 runner-up Ginny's Destiny at Cheltenham (2m4f, good to soft) in January; holds strong claims here if judged on that evidence but was a disappointing favourite when returned to Cheltenham for seasonal debut in October and needs to rebound.

4/1

33/1

Form: 629-11 CD

Last run: 27 days

W: 11st 4lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 135

Form & Verdict
Won over C&D (good) last May and belatedly followed up at Kempton (2m5f, good to soft) last month; this 7yo has now won five of his 13 hurdle starts and could continue to improve for his top trainer; contender if the ground suits (has run just once on soft, when fair second in novice hurdle in 2022).
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

8

10th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 5f 19y

Class 1

16:05 Aintree

Boombawn

11st 0lb

J: Tristan Durrell

T: Dan Skelton

First run over the National fences; inconsistent this season and no match for stablemate Madara (who remains Harry Skelton's mount) when ninth of 23 in the Plate at Cheltenham last month; however, Aintree brought out the best in him last year and he's well handicapped on that form; one to consider.

12/1

9th

5

10th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 44y

Class 1

16:40 Cheltenham

Boombawn

11st 7lb

J: Tristan Durrell

T: Dan Skelton

Has hurdle form at Cheltenham over a similar trip to today's but he races mostly on sharp tracks, albeit with soft ground against him in January when well back in his sole chase start here; never showed with a chance when upped to 3m at Kempton recently and he's no strong option to improve a 2-15 strike-rate over fences; yard runs two others with better claims.

40/1

12th

1

21st Feb 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 0y

Class 1

15:35 Kempton

Boombawn

12st 0lb

J: Harry Atkins

T: Dan Skelton

Only 2-14 as a chaser but has been highly tried on occasions, as when not far away in a 2m4f Grade 1 at Aintree last April; another good run in a Grade 2 here last month (RPR right up there with his best) and soft ground was no good to him back in a handicap at Cheltenham; patient tactics are likely now sent further and could be interesting with Harry Atkins claiming 7lb, provided conditions don't soften.

20/1

Form: 12414

Last run: 34 days

W: 10st 11lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 128

Form & Verdict
Two novice hurdle wins this term (2m1f/2m, heavy) along with a Grade 2 second, and he rallied for a near-9l fourth of 16 on handicap debut in the Imperial Cup at Sandown (2m, soft) last month; this 3m point winner is open to improvement now up in trip and is one to consider; cheekpieces go on.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

15th

22

12th Apr 2024

Soft

2m 4f 0y

Class 1

14:20 Aintree

Making Headway

10st 11lb

J: Henry Brooke

T: Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero

Two novice hurdle wins this term (2m1f/2m, heavy) along with a Grade 2 second, and he rallied for a near-9l fourth of 16 on handicap debut in the Imperial Cup at Sandown (2m, soft) last month; this 3m point winner is open to improvement now up in trip and is one to consider; cheekpieces go on.

6/1

15th

22

12th Apr 2024

Soft

2m 4f 0y

Class 1

14:20 Aintree

Making Headway

10st 11lb

J: Henry Brooke

T: Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero

Two novice hurdle wins this term (2m1f/2m, heavy) along with a Grade 2 second, and he rallied for a near-9l fourth of 16 on handicap debut in the Imperial Cup at Sandown (2m, soft) last month; this 3m point winner is open to improvement now up in trip and is one to consider; cheekpieces go on.

6/1

4th

7

9th Mar 2024

Heavy

1m 7f 216y

Class 2

14:25 Sandown

Making Headway

11st 4lb

J: Henry Brooke

T: Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero

3m point winner who scored on hurdle debut at Carlisle (2m1f, heavy) in October and, after making the frame in Graded races the next twice, won Newbury novice (2m, heavy) last month when back down in grade; improvement needed on handicap debut but that's possible from this unexposed 6yo, who could prove well suited by this big-field scenario and expected strong pace.

5/1

Form: 213-26

Last run: 13 days

W: 11st 2lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 133

Form & Verdict
Below par at Haydock (2m, soft) 13 days ago but rallied for close second at Stratford (2m, heavy) earlier last month when back from a layoff; staying-on third in the Imperial Cup (2m, heavy) last March also suggests this lightly raced 9yo has potential now up in trip, if bouncing back.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

1

25th May 2024

Soft

2m 1f 61y

Class 3

18:15 Cartmel

Playful Saint

11st 10lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

Three-time hurdle winner who recovered from significant jumping error at penultimate fence to make winning chase debut at Hexham (2m4f, good to soft) three weeks ago; can cope with today's drop back in trip and is probably still on a workable mark after recent 4lb rise.

2/1

1st

1

25th May 2024

Soft

2m 1f 61y

Class 3

18:15 Cartmel

Playful Saint

11st 10lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

Three-time hurdle winner who recovered from significant jumping error at penultimate fence to make winning chase debut at Hexham (2m4f, good to soft) three weeks ago; can cope with today's drop back in trip and is probably still on a workable mark after recent 4lb rise.

2/1

Form: 16-142 D BF

Last run: 68 days

W: 12st 0lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 145

Form & Verdict
Second-season hurdler who won on reappearance at Cheltenham (2m5f, soft) in November and, after failing to get home there (3m, heavy) next time, went very close at Musselburgh (3m, soft) when drawing clear with the neck winner who has since followed up; solid each-way claims up 2lb.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

13th Mar 2025

Good To Soft

2m 4f 127y

Class 1

14:00 Cheltenham

Springwell Bay

11st 12lb

J: Jonjo O’Neill Jr

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

midfield

13/2

1st

4

1st Jan 2025

Soft

2m 4f 127y

Class 1

14:05 Cheltenham

Springwell Bay

11st 3lb

J: Jonjo O’Neill Jr

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

took keen hold, towards rear, mistake 11th, headway going easily from 3 out, led after 2 out, good jump last, went clear run-in, comfortably

3/1

1st

4

1st Jan 2025

Soft

2m 4f 127y

Class 1

14:05 Cheltenham

Springwell Bay

11st 3lb

J: Jonjo O’Neill Jr

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

took keen hold, towards rear, mistake 11th, headway going easily from 3 out, led after 2 out, good jump last, went clear run-in, comfortably

3/1

OUR TIP

Form: 84353P

Last run: 29 days

W: 11st 11lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 142

Form & Verdict
Had work to do when making bad mistake two out in last month's Pertemps Final at Cheltenham (3m, soft; pulled up); however, that was his first run since November, when a near-9l third here (3m, soft) having travelled well; could be suited by the drop back in trip on yard debut (has left Willie Mullins; still owned by JP McManus); each-way possibilities in first-time hood.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

2

26th Feb 2026

Soft

3m 0f 26y

Class 3

16:10 Wetherby

Icare Allen

12st 0lb

J: Benjamin Macey

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

Inconsistent but he won at Uttoxeter (2m4f, good) last July and returned from a break with a close third here (2m5f, soft) on Boxing Day, staying on nicely; he's fine at this trip; not his fault when unseating mid-race at Haydock last month; could be involved.

12/1

6

17th Jan 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 58y

Class 3

14:35 Haydock

Icare Allen

11st 2lb

J: Jonjo O’Neill Jr

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

Inconsistent but he won at Uttoxeter (2m4f, good) last July and returned from a break with a close third at Wetherby (2m5f, soft) on Boxing Day, staying on nicely; he'll be fine now back up in trip and could be involved.

11/1

4

26th Oct 2025

Good

3m 0f 149y

Class 3

12:40 Aintree

Icare Allen

11st 12lb

J: Benjamin Macey

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

Returned to form to win at Uttoxeter (2m4f, good) in July and again ran well when fourth there (2m4f, good) last month; stays this far and is effective on soft ground; goes well for Benjamin Macey, with form figures of 29214, and he could have a part to play.

6/1

Form: 00-3P5 CD

Last run: 154 days

W: 10st 13lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 130

Form & Verdict
Won this race in 2021 and 21l eighth in 2022; some good form on the Flat and over hurdles last summer but he wasn't at his best over hurdles or fences in the autumn and has been absent since; others are more compelling.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

2

31st Aug 2024

Good

2m 5f 122y

Class 2

15:55 Newton Abbot

Tronador

11st 4lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Olly Murphy

in touch with leaders, not fluent 6th

12/1

16th

19

2nd Aug 2024

Good To Firm

2m 4f 97y

Class 2

13:50 Goodwood

Tronador

8st 6lb

J: Silvestre De Sousa

T: Olly Murphy

Ex-Gordon Elliott, third in this race last year from out the back off 2lb higher; won over hurdles in May on debut for Olly Murphy and not disgraced here next time, before a poor show over hurdles 25 days ago; not impossible if that latest run can be forgiven.

18/1

10th

2

8th Jul 2024

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 2

15:45 Worcester

Tronador

11st 10lb

J: Lewis Saunders

T: Olly Murphy

sweating, took keen hold, held up in rear, not fluent 7th, no impression from 4 out

6/1

Non-runners

Santos Blue, Kamsinas, West To The Bridge

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £70.20
Straight Forecast £50.05
Tricast £338.18
Trifecta £503.70

Selections

POSTDATA:

Inthewaterside

TOPSPEED:

Champagne Twist

The Times:

Making Headway

SPOTLIGHT:

Might I

LAMBOURN:

Jango Baie

RP RATINGS:

Sonigino

The Sun:

Champagne Twist

Daily Record:

Champagne Twist

WEST COUNTRY:

Inthewaterside

D Express:

Inthewaterside

Daily Mirror:

Inthewaterside

The Star:

Inthewaterside

Telegraph:

Making Headway

The Guardian:

Making Headway

Daily Mail:

Might I