April 12 / 16.05 Aintree

16.05

Heavy

Randox Supports Race Against Dementia Topham Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap) (GBB Race)

  • Prize money: £84195
  • 2m 5f 19y
  • Class 1
  • 24 runners
ITV
View Course
Randox Supports Race Against Dementia Topham Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap) (GBB Race)

Runners: 24 runners

Type: Chase Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Cloudy

12/1 (Won)

  • Win: £26.40
  • Place: £5.20

Form: -1PP11 D

Last run: 43 days

W: 10st 10lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 137

Form & Verdict
Now 4-9 over rules fences having won comfortably the last twice at Leicester (2m6f, soft) and Ludlow (3m, soft; despite bad blunder); he's 9lb higher than last time and in much tougher company, but he's clearly thriving and his trainer continues to enjoy an excellent 2024; shortlisted.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

5

1st Feb 2025

Good To Soft

2m 4f 68y

Class 2

14:50 Musselburgh

Arizona Cardinal

11st 5lb

J: Ciaran Gethings

T: Stuart Edmunds

midfield in centre of group

20/1

10th

5

1st Feb 2025

Good To Soft

2m 4f 68y

Class 2

14:50 Musselburgh

Arizona Cardinal

11st 5lb

J: Ciaran Gethings

T: Stuart Edmunds

midfield in centre of group

20/1

9/1

  • Place: £2.30

Form: 3-4437 D

Last run: 29 days

W: 11st 10lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 151

Form & Verdict
Faded into seventh behind Shakem Up'arry in the Plate at Cheltenham (2m4f, soft) last month, having travelled well; however, that's not the first time he's weakened up the Cheltenham hill and an each-way case can be made on his Irish handicap form this winter (3m/2m5f, soft/yielding to soft).
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

4

28th Feb 2026

Heavy

2m 4f 90y

16:08 Navan

James Du Berlais

11st 3lb

J: J J Slevin

T: W P Mullins

Modest strike rate over fences (2-19); smart handicap form; second in the 2024 Topham; won at the Punchestown festival last April; out of his depth in the John Durkan on reappearance; last of three in the Howden at Ascot, squeezed for room and failed to pick up from the last; justified his second-favourite status when chasing home Appreciate It at Thurles.

11/4

2nd

4

18th Jan 2026

Yielding

2m 4f 66y

15:20 Thurles

James Du Berlais

11st 3lb

J: Danny Mullins

T: W P Mullins

Modest strike over fences (2-18); however, one of those wins came in fine style in a handicap at the Punchestown festival (2m4f, yielding) last April; no impact when 50-1 in the John Durkan on reappearance; outsider of three in the Howden at Ascot, got squeezed for room and failed to pick up form the last; capable of better

4/1

1st

2

30th Apr 2025

Yielding

2m 4f 80y

18:05 Punchestown

James Du Berlais

11st 11lb

J: J J Slevin

T: W P Mullins

held up in rear

8/1

12/1

  • Place: £3.20

Form: 2212P2 BF

Last run: 41 days

W: 11st 1lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 142

Form & Verdict
Novice who progressed nicely towards end of last year and bounced back from Doncaster flop when clear second in Newbury handicap (2m4f, heavy) last month behind course specialist Heltenham, who followed up there since; 2lb rise could prove lenient and this improving 8yo is firmly in calculations.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

17

5th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

4m 2f 74y

Class 1

16:00 Aintree

Kandoo Kid

10st 11lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Paul Nicholls

Negotiated these fences in dashing style when staying-on third in the 2m5f Topham (soft) last April and returned from wind surgery to win the Coral Gold Cup at Newbury (upped to 3m2f, good to soft) in November from Broadway Boy; 7lb higher today; had a run at Newbury five weeks ago and, although there are slightly mixed signals with that display and whether he will be suited by this distance, he looks set for a bold show.

20/1

17

5th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

4m 2f 74y

Class 1

16:00 Aintree

Kandoo Kid

10st 11lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Paul Nicholls

Negotiated these fences in dashing style when staying-on third in the 2m5f Topham (soft) last April and returned from wind surgery to win the Coral Gold Cup at Newbury (upped to 3m2f, good to soft) in November from Broadway Boy; 7lb higher today; had a run at Newbury five weeks ago and, although there are slightly mixed signals with that display and whether he will be suited by this distance, he looks set for a bold show.

20/1

8th

1

1st Mar 2025

Soft

2m 3f 187y

Class 1

15:45 Newbury

Kandoo Kid

12st 0lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Paul Nicholls

Grand National hope who landed the big 3m2f handicap here (good to soft; sole outing this term) in November, taking Newbury record to 2121; not crying out for this drop back in trip but ran well in this race last year and warrants respect kept to a course that suits him well.

7/1

Form: 8-145U

Last run: 29 days

W: 10st 10lb

12 yo Gelding

OR: 137

Form & Verdict
12yo; below par on last completed start (hampered/unseated at last month's Cheltenham Festival); however, he caught the eye flying home for 29l eighth in this last year on his first taste of these fences, and he loomed large two out in the Becher (3m2f, heavy) in December only to fade; bolted up on Mildmay course in October on only other visit to Aintree; interesting.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

31

5th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

4m 2f 74y

Class 1

16:00 Aintree

Celebre DAllen

10st 6lb

J: Micheal Nolan

T: Philip Hobbs & Johnson White

Completed on all three attempts over these fences, easily best of those efforts when close fourth in last season's Topham (2m5f, soft); has twice won well over about 3m/3m1f, including in November on sole start this term, but today's trip is a leap in the dark and this 13yo has easily his highest mark.

100/1

31

5th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

4m 2f 74y

Class 1

16:00 Aintree

Celebre DAllen

10st 6lb

J: Micheal Nolan

T: Philip Hobbs & Johnson White

Completed on all three attempts over these fences, easily best of those efforts when close fourth in last season's Topham (2m5f, soft); has twice won well over about 3m/3m1f, including in November on sole start this term, but today's trip is a leap in the dark and this 13yo has easily his highest mark.

100/1

Form: 103521

Last run: 34 days

W: 11st 0lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 141

Form & Verdict
Unexposed 9yo who has shown signs of considerable promise and could have more to offer for top Irish yard; however, improvement is needed off today's mark and his jumping and chasing inexperience could count against him.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12

2nd Feb 2025

Yielding

2m 5f 107y

14:45 Leopardstown

Aime Desjy

10st 9lb

J: Brian Hayes

T: W P Mullins

Second-season novice won a beginners' at Gowran last term before fifth in the Topham; jumping has let him down this term, pulled up at Navan and early casualty in Paddy Power here at Christmas; questions to answer.

20/1

12

2nd Feb 2025

Yielding

2m 5f 107y

14:45 Leopardstown

Aime Desjy

10st 9lb

J: Brian Hayes

T: W P Mullins

Second-season novice won a beginners' at Gowran last term before fifth in the Topham; jumping has let him down this term, pulled up at Navan and early casualty in Paddy Power here at Christmas; questions to answer.

20/1

18

27th Dec 2024

Good To Yielding

3m 0f 100y

15:00 Leopardstown

Aime Desjy

10st 11lb

J: Kieran Callaghan

T: W P Mullins

visibility reduced by fog, midfield, fell 5th

50/1

Form: 023-5P D

Last run: 105 days

W: 11st 3lb

9 yo Mare

OR: 144

Form & Verdict
Very disappointing when pulled up at Doncaster in December last time out, but she returned from a similar break (and substandard run) to finish a clear second in this race last year (soft); solid fifth over C&D (heavy) in the Grand Sefton in November on reappearance; capable of a bold show.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

16th May 2025

Good

3m 0f 210y

Class 2

18:55 Aintree

Fantastic Lady

12st 0lb

J: James Bowen

T: Nicky Henderson

Smart mare who ended 2023-24 season in career-best form, winning Sandown Grade 2 (2m6f, good); not much went to plan last term but she was going well until bad jumping error knocked the stuffing out of her in last month's Topham over the big fences here and she remains well handicapped.

4/1

1

16th May 2025

Good

3m 0f 210y

Class 2

18:55 Aintree

Fantastic Lady

12st 0lb

J: James Bowen

T: Nicky Henderson

Smart mare who ended 2023-24 season in career-best form, winning Sandown Grade 2 (2m6f, good); not much went to plan last term but she was going well until bad jumping error knocked the stuffing out of her in last month's Topham over the big fences here and she remains well handicapped.

4/1

38

5th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

4m 2f 74y

Class 1

16:00 Aintree

Fantastic Lady

10st 3lb

T: Nicky Henderson

Pulled up in the 3m2f Kim Muir at Cheltenham last month in first-time cheekpieces, which leaves her stamina beyond 3m unproven, although it was not the trip which accounted for her poor show there (following two solid efforts); second over these fences in the 2023 Topham, sixth in it last year and she's due to have another crack at that race on Friday.

80/1

Form: 59-272

Last run: 47 days

W: 10st 9lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 136

Form & Verdict
Made it 0-7 over fences when 13l runner-up in Naas handicap (2m4f, soft to heavy) in February, and Rachael Blackmore rides stablemate Life In The Park; however, he jumped well in front last time and could be the type to relish the National fences; could have a part to play for leading Irish yard.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12

1st Aug 2025

Good

2m 6f 111y

17:30 Galway

Shantreusse

11st 12lb

J: Darragh O’Keeffe

T: Henry De Bromhead

0-13 over fences; not unfancied for the Aintree Grand National when last seen but was well beaten; his best form has come in softer conditions so he may prefer a drop of rain; one of the more likely contenders if ready to rock in first-time blinkers.

7/1

Form: 1-0314 D

Last run: 48 days

W: 10st 7lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 134

Form & Verdict
Made it 3-6 over rules fences when winning six-runner handicap by 5l in first-time tongue-tie (retained since) at Leicester (2m4f, soft) in January; up in grade here and only fourth of six at Kempton latest, but they didn't go a great gallop and he wasn't beaten far; retains potential.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

4

1st Mar 2025

Soft

3m 1f 214y

Class 2

13:20 Newbury

Grandads Cottage

11st 0lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Olly Murphy

towards rear

7/1

Form: 18-321 D

Last run: 56 days

W: 11st 4lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 145

Form & Verdict
Following a wind operation he enhanced his excellent record at Kelso when winning a five-runner handicap by 4l in February (2m5f, soft); however, he may be vulnerable now away from Kelso in this hotter race.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

2

8th Mar 2026

Soft

3m 0f 110y

Class 2

14:50 Carlisle

Empire Steel

11st 3lb

J: Brian Hughes

T: Sandy Thomson

Very well handicapped on old form and returned from layoff with quite encouraging run at Musselburgh (2m7f, good to soft) in January but ought to have been suited by the heavy ground when tailed off at Kelso last month and it's hard to know what to expect from him here.

5/1

5th

4

13th Feb 2026

Soft

2m 7f 96y

Class 2

15:00 Kelso

Empire Steel

11st 5lb

J: Charlie Maggs

T: Sandy Thomson

12yo who wasn't the force of old last season but he's dropped down the weights and returned from an absence with an encouraging fourth at Musselburgh (2m7f, good to soft) a fortnight ago; could show the benefit of that latest outing today, especially now back at a track where he is four from six.

9/2

4th

1

31st Jan 2026

Good To Soft

2m 7f 138y

Class 3

16:11 Musselburgh

Empire Steel

12st 0lb

J: Charlie Maggs

T: Sandy Thomson

12yo who wasn't the force of old last season and was pulled up last January when last seen; however, he can go well fresh and returns on a reduced mark and with his trainer enjoying a productive winter; not discounted.

6/1

Form: -1149F D

Last run: 56 days

W: 11st 2lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 143

Form & Verdict
Landed four-timer with easy win in desperate conditions on Mildmay course here (2m4f, heavy) in December, and he's just 1lb higher today; however, he hasn't hit the same heights since and needs to get back to his best.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

4

14th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

3m 4f 97y

Class 1

15:15 Haydock

Richmond Lake

11st 5lb

J: Brian Hughes

T: Donald McCain

10yo whose 13-race losing sequence goes back to December 2023 but he's run some good races in the meantime (including on soft), most recently staying on for a neck second in the Peter Marsh here (extended 3m1f, good to soft); on that evidence he's well worth a crack at a marathon trip.

8/1

2nd

7

17th Jan 2026

Good To Soft

3m 1f 125y

Class 1

14:00 Haydock

Richmond Lake

10st 3lb

J: Brian Hughes

T: Donald McCain

Ran really well when third in this last year (soft) and kept on for second at Aintree (2m4f, soft) last month, albeit no match for the winner; this 10yo has a good record here and, now 8lb lower than 12 months ago, he could be involved back up in trip.

10/1

Form: 71P030 D

Last run: 29 days

W: 11st 2lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 143

Form & Verdict
Won in good style at Navan (2m4f, heavy) in December on second stable start but this 10yo has failed to reproduce that form on his four starts since (most recently at the Cheltenham Festival) and needs to raise his game.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

2

28th Mar 2026

Good

2m 2f 148y

Class 5

14:15 Stratford

Embittered

11st 10lb

J: Paddy Hanlon

T: Syd Hosie

Scored over hurdles and fences for Eric McNamara in Ireland last summer; well beaten on both runs for his current yard recently, though he faced a very stiff task in the Plate at Cheltenham last time; back hurdling now with something to prove.

8/1

21

10th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 44y

Class 1

16:40 Cheltenham

Embittered

10st 4lb

J: Paddy Hanlon

T: Syd Hosie

Four chase wins at up to about 2m4f on a range of surfaces but out of sorts since the latest of them, at Killarney in August, including for new yard on Friday; often wears cheekpieces, first-time blinkers now.

100/1

7th

6

6th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 48y

Class 3

15:40 Exeter

Embittered

11st 5lb

J: Paddy Hanlon

T: Syd Hosie

Won a 2m1f handicap chase at Killarney last August but three heavy defeats since, with latest second remote in a claiming hurdle; first run for Syd Hosie.

25/1

Form: -53380

Last run: 29 days

W: 10st 2lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 128

Form & Verdict
Runs off 3lb lower than when 14l third in this last year (soft), albeit no match for Bill Baxter and Fantastic Lady; has run two good races this term but below his best the last twice; others are more compelling.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

2

29th Sep 2025

Good

3m 1f 170y

Class 3

16:16 Newton Abbot

Killer Kane

11st 9lb

J: Brendan Powell

T: Joe Tizzard

Regressive 10yo who has not won since February 2023; ran fairly well when second of five over C&D (good) in May but was well held in the end, and was pulled up when reverting to hurdles in July; others have more appealing profiles.

5/1

2

20th Jul 2025

Good

2m 6f 7y

Class 4

16:58 Stratford

Killer Kane

12st 0lb

J: Brendan Powell

T: Joe Tizzard

Won a maiden hurdle in early 2021 before making a name for himself over fences; not as good as he was but handicapped accordingly and could enjoy a return to hurdles.

7/1

2nd

1

7th May 2025

Good

3m 1f 170y

Class 4

15:50 Newton Abbot

Killer Kane

12st 0lb

J: Brendan Powell

T: Joe Tizzard

led, faced challenge home turn, not fluent and headed 2 out, soon outpaced, not fluent and weakened last

7/2

Form: 511735

Last run: 24 days

W: 10st 8lb

11 yo Gelding

OR: 135

Form & Verdict
Prominent-racer who won two veterans' chases in a row in the autumn and is now back on his last winning mark; however, his subsequent form has been patchy and this 11yo needs to better this year's efforts.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

6

14th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 6f 54y

Class 3

16:30 Haydock

Good Boy Bobby

11st 12lb

J: Miss Amber Jackson-Fennell

T: Nigel & Willy Twiston-Davies

Six-time chase winner; long in the tooth now but was placed in Newbury veterans' chase (3m2f, soft) on latest outing last March and has a good record when fresh; shortlised on hunter chase debut.

6/1

Form: 8-1122 D BF

Last run: 48 days

W: 10st 9lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 136

Form & Verdict
Reappeared with two front-running wins (2m3f/2m4f, soft/heavy) and has gone close the last twice (2m3f/2m4f, soft/heavy); today's company is hotter than he's used to but this course should suit his style and he's appeared to idle late on a couple of times, so may have more left in the tank.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

2

15th Feb 2025

Good To Soft

2m 3f 203y

Class 3

14:05 Haydock

The Edgar Wallace

11st 9lb

J: Tom Bellamy

T: Kim Bailey & Mat Nicholls

Front-runner who hasn't been at his best this term and was a 12l third behind two of these at Market Rasen (2m5f, good to soft) last time; however, he deserves credit for that performance having set a strong pace and he continues to drop down the weights; every chance he'll make a bold bid.

7/1

3rd

7

17th Jan 2025

Good To Soft

2m 5f 89y

Class 2

13:25 Market Rasen

The Edgar Wallace

11st 1lb

J: Ciaran Gethings

T: Kim Bailey & Mat Nicholls

Front-runner; well handicapped on some of last season's form but failed to build upon his satisfactory reappearance run when well held at Newbury last month; needs to get back in the groove.

10/1

3rd

7

17th Jan 2025

Good To Soft

2m 5f 89y

Class 2

13:25 Market Rasen

The Edgar Wallace

11st 1lb

J: Ciaran Gethings

T: Kim Bailey & Mat Nicholls

set good pace, led, hit 7th, headed 3 out, soon lost second, kept on

10/1

Form: -60070

Last run: 29 days

W: 10st 3lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 130

Form & Verdict
Running a fair race when unseating two out in this last year (soft) and is 22lb lower today; however, below par in September on final run for Willie Mullins and well beaten in three runs since joining this yard.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

2nd May 2025

Yielding

3m 0f 160y

16:15 Punchestown

Ciel De Neige

12st 0lb

J: Mr B Dunleavy

T: Mary Ellen Doyle

prominent behind clear leader

33/1

3

2nd May 2025

Yielding

3m 0f 160y

16:15 Punchestown

Ciel De Neige

12st 0lb

J: Mr B Dunleavy

T: Mary Ellen Doyle

prominent behind clear leader

33/1

10th

1

23rd Sep 2024

Good

2m 3f 188y

Class 4

16:15 Sedgefield

Ciel De Neige

12st 0lb

J: Richie McLernon

T: Ben Haslam

Formerly smart; yet to be placed for Ben Haslam (mostly chasing) but mark continues to fall and there have been positive signs; not ruled out.

7/1

Form: 238425 D

Last run: 63 days

W: 10st 7lb

11 yo Gelding

OR: 134

Form & Verdict
11yo whose performances over these fences have been mixed and he was well beaten at Kempton last time; however, he was fourth in this two years ago and has shown promise in cross-country races at Cheltenham this season; yard has won this race five times and he's not written off.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

11th Oct 2024

Good To Soft

2m 7f 131y

Class 2

15:50 Chepstow

Francky Du Berlais

11st 9lb

J: James Bowen

T: Peter & Michael Bowen

Seemingly on the downgrade now but enjoyed the chance to dominate small field from the front at Market Rasen (2m5f, good) a fortnight ago; contests a much deeper race here but recent 4lb rise ought to be manageable and he's evidently in good heart.

11/2

1st

2

28th Sep 2024

Good

2m 5f 89y

Class 3

17:10 Market Rasen

Francky Du Berlais

11st 7lb

J: James Bowen

T: Peter & Michael Bowen

made all, went clear from 1st, reduced lead 3 out, kept on well, unchallenged

4/1

13th

9

24th Aug 2024

Good

2m 4f 180y

17:25 Killarney

Francky Du Berlais

10st 12lb

J: Mr J L Gleeson

T: Peter & Michael Bowen

midfield

11/2

OUR TIP

Form: 4-P611 D

Last run: 29 days

W: 11st 8lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 149

Form & Verdict
10yo who has been better than ever the last twice with wins at Cheltenham (2m4f, heavy/soft), latest in the Plate at the Festival when he went clear before appearing to idle close home; a 6lb rise for last time certainly isn't harsh and he's run well on the Mildmay course here; respected.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

35

5th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

4m 2f 74y

Class 1

16:00 Aintree

Shakem UpArry

10st 4lb

J: Ben Jones

T: Ben Pauling

11yo whose three peak ratings were recorded over an extended 2m4f in the mud at Cheltenham, notably his Plate win at the 2024 Festival (2lb higher today); flew over these fences in the Topham next time but cracked badly in the closing stages and he's not really got going this season, 14th back in the Plate last time; lots of doubts.

66/1

35

5th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

4m 2f 74y

Class 1

16:00 Aintree

Shakem UpArry

10st 4lb

J: Ben Jones

T: Ben Pauling

11yo whose three peak ratings were recorded over an extended 2m4f in the mud at Cheltenham, notably his Plate win at the 2024 Festival (2lb higher today); flew over these fences in the Topham next time but cracked badly in the closing stages and he's not really got going this season, 14th back in the Plate last time; lots of doubts.

66/1

3

5th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

3m 0f 210y

Class 1

14:30 Aintree

Shakem UpArry

11st 1lb

J: Ben Jones

T: Ben Pauling

Runs off the same mark as for his Cheltenham Festival win last year (2m4f, soft) and he was a creditable fourth of 15 in this race in 2023 (good to soft); however, he was outstayed on that occasion and this 11yo has finished down the field on both outings this year.

25/1

Form: 4-12P3 D BF

Last run: 26 days

W: 12st 0lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 155

Form & Verdict
Lightly raced 8yo who won a Listed chase at Thurles (2m6f, yielding) in November before Grade 3 second at Tramore (2m7f, heavy); made mistakes when pulled up in Leopardstown handicap in February and 3m2f stretched him last time, but he has a lofty mark to defy even if bouncing back.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

4

1st Jun 2026

Yielding

2m 3f 0y

16:07 Listowel

Classic Getaway

11st 2lb

J: Sean O’Keeffe

T: W P Mullins

Hasn't been at his best since winning last year's Grade 2 Red Mills at Gowran but a couple of subsequent runs read well, especially in the context of today's easier assignment; unlikely to be far away; any rain welcomed.

4/1

8th

3

29th Apr 2026

Yielding

2m 4f 80y

17:25 Punchestown

Classic Getaway

11st 10lb

J: Danny Mullins

T: W P Mullins

Grade 2 Red Mills Chase winner at Gowran last season hasn't recaptured that level of form this term, although third in same event was a solid run; last of three in 3m Grade 3 Cork conditions event on latest, back to probably his optimum trip here so considered.

12/1

3rd

1

5th Apr 2026

Good To Yielding

3m 0f 100y

16:10 Cork

Classic Getaway

11st 8lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: W P Mullins

Grade 2 chase winner was poor at Tramore on New Year's Day but was much better when third to a stablemate at Gowran last time; has to give away plenty of weight but is still the one to beat with a top rider aboard; hasn't won over this trip but looks likely to stay.

4/9

Form: U23142 D

Last run: 27 days

W: 11st 2lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 143

Form & Verdict
Won at Kempton (3m, good to soft) in January and good runs in defeat there the next twice (3m/2m4f, soft/good to soft), clear second last time; has his first run here and has a particularly good record at Kempton, but he can also be effective elsewhere and this consistent 9yo holds each-way claims.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

1

1st Apr 2025

Good

3m 0f 0y

Class 3

15:55 Kempton

Flegmatik

11st 11lb

J: Tristan Durrell

T: Dan Skelton

Three-time course winner (2m4f-3m); not quite at best this season but handicapped according, and went down fighting when a clear second here (2m4f, good) last month; likely contender.

9/4

2nd

1

1st Apr 2025

Good

3m 0f 0y

Class 3

15:55 Kempton

Flegmatik

11st 11lb

J: Tristan Durrell

T: Dan Skelton

Three-time course winner (2m4f-3m); not quite at best this season but handicapped according, and went down fighting when a clear second here (2m4f, good) last month; likely contender.

9/4

Form: 330504 D

Last run: 29 days

W: 10st 13lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 140

Form & Verdict
This 7yo returned to form in a first-time tongue-tie (retained) with his strong-finishing fourth behind Shakem Up'arry in the Plate at Cheltenham (2m4f, soft) last month; he's one to consider under Rachael Blackmore.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

14th

8

2nd Feb 2025

Yielding

2m 5f 107y

14:45 Leopardstown

Life In The Park

11st 2lb

J: Mike O’Connor

T: Henry De Bromhead

Sole win in 14 chase starts came in 2022; creditable runs in the Plate at Cheltenham and the Galway Plate but more recent 3m efforts have been poor; plenty to find.

25/1

14th

8

2nd Feb 2025

Yielding

2m 5f 107y

14:45 Leopardstown

Life In The Park

11st 2lb

J: Mike O’Connor

T: Henry De Bromhead

Sole win in 14 chase starts came in 2022; creditable runs in the Plate at Cheltenham and the Galway Plate but more recent 3m efforts have been poor; plenty to find.

25/1

18th

11

27th Dec 2024

Good To Yielding

3m 0f 100y

15:00 Leopardstown

Life In The Park

11st 5lb

J: Rachael Blackmore

T: Henry De Bromhead

visibility reduced by fog, midfield

28/1

Form: 3-8114 D

Last run: 48 days

W: 10st 11lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 138

Form & Verdict
Rejuvenated in these blinkers in December, winning two in a row from the front in small fields (2m5f/2m3f, heavy/soft); however, tailed off at Chepstow (2m, heavy) in February last time and isn't easy to fancy after that.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

26th Jan 2026

Soft

2m 4f 194y

Class 5

16:00 Hereford

Quel Destin

11st 12lb

J: Miss Olive Nicholls

T: Paul Nicholls

Useful hurdler/chaser in his pomp who is a three-time chase winner, with back-to-back wins coming in December 2023; below that level in limited appearances since, including after a third wind operation; nevertheless, he could still make his presence felt at this lower level.

9/2

4th

6

8th Feb 2025

Soft

2m 4f 0y

Class 2

15:15 Warwick

Quel Destin

11st 0lb

J: Lorcan Williams

T: Paul Nicholls

in touch with leaders, not fluent 11th, prominent when jumped right 12th, not fluent 3 out, weakening when mistake last, lost third towards finish

14/1

4th

6

8th Feb 2025

Soft

2m 4f 0y

Class 2

15:15 Warwick

Quel Destin

11st 0lb

J: Lorcan Williams

T: Paul Nicholls

in touch with leaders, not fluent 11th, prominent when jumped right 12th, not fluent 3 out, weakening when mistake last, lost third towards finish

14/1

Form: 15P-91 D

Last run: 140 days

W: 10st 10lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 137

Form & Verdict
He has an in-and-out profile but won in fine style at Ascot (2m5f, good) in November when last seen, landing that race for the second consecutive season, and a 9lb rise may not stop him if he can reproduce that form; won a bumper on heavy and all five of his wins have come when fresh.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

2nd May 2026

Yielding

3m 0f 104y

15:45 Punchestown

Your Darling

11st 6lb

J: Ben Jones

T: Ben Pauling

Most of five chase wins have come on decent ground, including last time when taking 3m Ludlow handicap (just 2 finishers) having been dropped in grade following some good runs in better-class handicaps; seems suited by going right-handed; respected.

12/1

1st

1

30th Mar 2026

Good

2m 7f 171y

Class 3

15:57 Ludlow

Your Darling

11st 13lb

J: Ben Jones

T: Ben Pauling

Showed he stays 3m when only just missing out at Kempton in January (good) where he would probably have won but for fluffing the last fence; another good effort at Ascot (3m) since, when coming from a long way off the pace to take third; strong contender off his competitive mark.

15/8

3rd

3

14th Feb 2026

Soft

2m 7f 185y

Class 1

15:00 Ascot

Your Darling

10st 13lb

J: Ben Jones

T: Ben Pauling

Record of 2-3 over 2m5f at Ascot, all in the same November race; showed he stays 3m, at least under sharp conditions, at Kempton (good) most recently; this is a stiffer test at the trip.

8/1

Form: -38486 CD BF

Last run: 41 days

W: 10st 7lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 134

Form & Verdict
Enjoyed a progressive campaign prior to winning this last year (soft), whereas he's been unable to get competitive on his five starts this season; however, he's just 1lb higher than 12 months ago and perhaps the first-time cheekpieces and return to these fences will reignite his spark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

9

2nd May 2026

Yielding

3m 0f 104y

15:45 Punchestown

Bill Baxter

10st 11lb

J: Harry Bannister

T: Warren Greatrex

10yo won this last year off 126 (yielding); mixed bag this term, undergoing wind surgery after third start and good comeback run when second in 3m Kelso handicap in February; mistakes when pulled up in Topham at Aintree but remains of interest.

12/1

22

10th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 5f 19y

Class 1

16:05 Aintree

Bill Baxter

10st 4lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Warren Greatrex

10yo who won this in 2023 (soft); he's had his ups and downs since but won at Punchestown (3m, yielding) last May and bumped into a well-handicapped novice when runner-up at Kelso (2m7f, heavy) last time, following wind surgery; could give a good account and be involved.

25/1

2nd

2

13th Feb 2026

Soft

2m 7f 96y

Class 2

15:00 Kelso

Bill Baxter

11st 9lb

J: James Bowen

T: Warren Greatrex

Uncharacteristically below par at Market Rasen four weeks ago; however, he's had a wind op since and two starts ago he ran pretty well when sixth in the Becher at Aintree (3m2f, soft); this is less competitive than that penultimate assignment and he won here in 2022 on his sole previous run here.

4/1

Form: 232P66

Last run: 29 days

W: 10st 4lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 131

Form & Verdict
On a 15-race losing run and hasn't been at his very best on last three starts; however, last month's sixth in the Plate at Cheltenham was a big step back in the right direction and he's on a handy mark on form such as his third in the Grand Sefton over C&D (heavy) in November; each-way chance.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

14

5th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

3m 0f 210y

Class 1

14:30 Aintree

Frero Banbou

10st 4lb

J: Charlie Deutsch

T: Venetia Williams

10yo who won when upped to an extended 2m7f at Newcastle (good) in November and ran well when 10l second at Kempton (3m, good to soft) next time; however, below par at Doncaster (3m, good) subsequently and pulled up at Cheltenham (3m1f, good to soft) last month; needs to get back on track.

33/1

14

5th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

3m 0f 210y

Class 1

14:30 Aintree

Frero Banbou

10st 4lb

J: Charlie Deutsch

T: Venetia Williams

10yo who won when upped to an extended 2m7f at Newcastle (good) in November and ran well when 10l second at Kempton (3m, good to soft) next time; however, below par at Doncaster (3m, good) subsequently and pulled up at Cheltenham (3m1f, good to soft) last month; needs to get back on track.

33/1

20

11th Mar 2025

Good To Soft

3m 1f 0y

Class 1

14:40 Cheltenham

Frero Banbou

10st 10lb

J: Ned Fox

T: Venetia Williams

10yo who was below par at Doncaster (3m, good) last time but had previously enjoyed a new lease of life following a step up in trip, winning at Newcastle (2m7f, good) then runner-up at Kempton (3m, good to soft); has a consistent record at Cheltenham and he's an each-way possible if back to form.

50/1

Non-runners

Lounge Lizard

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £234.10
Straight Forecast £137.38
Tricast £1339.72
Trifecta £2798.60

Selections

RP RATINGS:

Bill Baxter

POSTDATA:

Shakem Up'arry

D Express:

Life In The Park

SPOTLIGHT:

Kandoo Kid

WEST COUNTRY:

Your Darling

The Times:

Empire Steel

Daily Mail:

Celebre D'Allen

Daily Mirror:

Life In The Park

Daily Record:

Kandoo Kid

TOPSPEED:

Bill Baxter

LAMBOURN:

Bill Baxter

The Star:

Bill Baxter

Telegraph:

Shakem Up'arry

The Guardian:

Shakem Up'arry

The Sun:

Shakem Up'arry