April 17 / 15.15 Cheltenham

15.15

Good To Soft

Gloucester Brewery Holman Handicap Chase

  • Prize money: £10562
  • 3m 4f 21y
  • Class 3
  • 16 runners
RTV
View Course
Gloucester Brewery Holman Handicap Chase

Runners: 16 runners

Type: Chase Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Light rain

OUR TIP

10/1 (Won)

  • Win: £6.50
  • Place: £2.00

Form: 32-P32

Last run: 32 days

W: 11st 12lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 120

Form & Verdict
Very lightly raced 8yo who kept on well for third at Taunton (2m7f, good to soft; first-time cheekpieces) in December and also ran well when second at Uttoxeter (2m4f, heavy) last month; open to improvement over this new trip; one to consider.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

6

29th Jun 2025

Good

3m 2f 13y

Class 2

14:00 Uttoxeter

Hymac

10st 5lb

J: Bryan Carver

T: Harry Fry

3m4f winner in April 2024 and, after a break, he followed up in a novice hurdle; continued to run well afterwards in staying chases, latterly behind Manothepeople at Cheltenham; this mark isn't beyond him; respected.

7/1

2nd

5

16th Apr 2025

Good

3m 2f 0y

Class 2

16:25 Cheltenham

Hymac

10st 11lb

J: Bryan Carver

T: Harry Fry

Kept on gamely to win the 3m4f chase on this card a year ago (good ground) and has performed well on all four outings this season, most recently when third to Moroder in last month's Grimthorpe at Doncaster (3m2f, good; first-time cheekpieces); likely contender.

11/4

2nd

5

16th Apr 2025

Good

3m 2f 0y

Class 2

16:25 Cheltenham

Hymac

10st 11lb

J: Bryan Carver

T: Harry Fry

Kept on gamely to win the 3m4f chase on this card a year ago (good ground) and has performed well on all four outings this season, most recently when third to Moroder in last month's Grimthorpe at Doncaster (3m2f, good; first-time cheekpieces); likely contender.

11/4

6/1

  • Place: £1.60

Form: 165022

Last run: 123 days

W: 11st 11lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 119

Form & Verdict
0-4 over fences but was creditable second of 19 on Old course here (3m1f, good) in October and probably bettered that performance when second on this course (3m1f, soft) in December; tries a new trip today; can make his presence felt again.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12th

12

25th May 2026

Good

2m 7f 80y

18:35 Ballinrobe

Midnight Our Fred

10st 6lb

J: Alex Harvey

T: J P Flavin

Stays a lot farther and needs good ground; some good runs in defeat around Cheltenham and when second to Perceval Legallois in 2024 Paddy Power at Leopardstown; second off much lower hurdles mark in November, but moderate form since; reckon this track will be plenty sharp for him.

20/1

7th

8

14th Apr 2026

Yielding

2m 7f 0y

17:42 Clonmel

Midnight Our Fred

11st 7lb

J: Danny Mullins

T: J P Flavin

Rated 19lb higher over fences but lost his form in that sphere; has failed to exploit his lower hurdles mark on last two runs over timber and may need quicker ground than this.

8/1

12/1

  • Place: £2.40

Form: 564122 BF

Last run: 23 days

W: 10st 12lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 106

Form & Verdict
Came good over fences at Ffos Las (3m, heavy) in early February and was runner-up twice on heavy ground last month (3m1f/3m); contests a deeper race here but will be suited by the quicker conditions and is well worth a crack at the marathon trip.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

7

26th Mar 2026

Good

3m 6f 136y

Class 4

15:50 Chepstow

Gingerbred

10st 8lb

J: Mr Jack Stenhouse

T: Carroll Gray

Runner-up twice in December (2m7f and near 3m3f) but right out of form since, way behind Lightonthewing last time; headgear first time.

25/1

66/1

  • Place: £9.60

Form: 0471P7

Last run: 113 days

W: 12st 0lb

12 yo Mare

OR: 122

Form & Verdict
Wide-margin winner of small-field contest at Fontwell (3m2f, good) in September but that form may not be reliable and her record in recent years is very mixed; not the percentage call.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

1st Jun 2024

Good To Soft

3m 3f 119y

Class 3

19:30 Stratford

Organdi

11st 9lb

J: Adam Wedge

T: Richard Phillips

Three-time chase winner; fourth of 16 at Cheltenham (3m4f, good) before a bad blunder had her on the back foot at Fakenham in the Norfolk National won by Trincomalee; was only 8-1 for that and she could easily bounce back.

12/1

2

7th May 2024

Good

3m 5f 24y

Class 3

16:20 Fakenham

Organdi

11st 11lb

J: Finn Lambert

T: Richard Phillips

towards rear, not fluent 15th, bad mistake 17th, soon dropped to last and struggling, pulled up before 4 out

7/1

2

7th May 2024

Good

3m 5f 24y

Class 3

16:20 Fakenham

Organdi

11st 11lb

J: Finn Lambert

T: Richard Phillips

towards rear, not fluent 15th, bad mistake 17th, soon dropped to last and struggling, pulled up before 4 out

7/1

Form: 111-P5

Last run: 32 days

W: 11st 10lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 118

Form & Verdict
Launched chasing career with three consecutive wins towards end of last season (2m4f-3m) but was pulled up on reappearance outing in October and looked rather laboured when never-dangerous fifth at Kempton last month; needs to get back in the groove.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8

4th May 2026

Good

3m 5f 24y

Class 3

16:38 Fakenham

Northern Poet

11st 4lb

J: James Davies

T: Nick Gifford

Pulled up three consecutive times after his two good-ground wins (3m/3m5f) in March 2025; back on a good mark now and was seemingly perked up by first-time visor when close fourth of six (just behind Enjoy d'Allen) at Plumpton (3m1f, good) last month but overall profile remains unconvincing.

12/1

4th

1

19th Apr 2026

Good

3m 1f 157y

Class 4

16:02 Plumpton

Northern Poet

12st 1lb

J: James Davies

T: Nick Gifford

Has five wins over fences, including over C&D, but has been pulled up on his last three starts; back on last winning mark and first-time visor now goes on but he comes with risks.

12/1

5

27th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 7f 214y

Class 3

17:05 Doncaster

Northern Poet

11st 8lb

J: James Davies

T: Nick Gifford

Won this last year (good) and followed up at Warwick (3m5f, good) a week later; also effective on good to soft ground; pulled up on final two starts last season but can go well fresh and is not ruled out on his return.

8/1

10/1

Form: 7-4413 BF

Last run: 26 days

W: 11st 8lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 116

Form & Verdict
Left disappointing stable debut a long way behind when scoring at Doncaster (3m, soft) last month but raced rather lazily before eventually finishing well for third at Newbury (2m6f, good to soft) on latest outing; may benefit from today's step up in trip but it's hard to predict the extent to which he'll warm to the task.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

2nd Oct 2025

Good

3m 0f 60y

Class 4

14:30 Southwell

Peejaybee

11st 13lb

J: James Bowen

T: Mickey Bowen

Defied a virtually identical absence to today's at Perth this time last year (good); inconsistent when last seen, however, and over three and a half years since he last lowered a mark in the 120s.

6/1

1

15th May 2025

Good

2m 7f 180y

Class 4

14:50 Perth

Peejaybee

12st 1lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Mickey Bowen

Course winner here last September (2m4f, good); back to winning ways last time at Ffos Las (3m, good to soft); interesting contender off this 5lb higher mark.

2/1

1

15th May 2025

Good

2m 7f 180y

Class 4

14:50 Perth

Peejaybee

12st 1lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Mickey Bowen

Course winner here last September (2m4f, good); back to winning ways last time at Ffos Las (3m, good to soft); interesting contender off this 5lb higher mark.

2/1

Form: -61121

Last run: 42 days

W: 11st 2lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 110

Form & Verdict
Progressive 7yo who kept on well to score at Catterick (3m1f, soft) six weeks ago and is now 3-5 over fences; has more on his plate here but open to further improvement over the longer trip.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

16

17th Apr 2024

Good To Soft

3m 4f 21y

Class 3

15:15 Cheltenham

Haston Clermont

11st 2lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Noel Williams

Progressive 7yo who kept on well to score at Catterick (3m1f, soft) six weeks ago and is now 3-5 over fences; has more on his plate here but open to further improvement over the longer trip.

9/2

7th

16

17th Apr 2024

Good To Soft

3m 4f 21y

Class 3

15:15 Cheltenham

Haston Clermont

11st 2lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Noel Williams

Progressive 7yo who kept on well to score at Catterick (3m1f, soft) six weeks ago and is now 3-5 over fences; has more on his plate here but open to further improvement over the longer trip.

9/2

1st

4

6th Mar 2024

Soft

3m 1f 54y

Class 4

15:45 Catterick

Haston Clermont

11st 10lb

J: Jonathan Burke

T: Noel Williams

Lightly raced point runner-up who won at Lingfield (2m7f, good to soft) in December on second chase start and followed up at Wincanton (3m1f, heavy); beaten just a nose at Chepstow (2m7f, heavy) last time by a winner who has since defied a 6lb rise, and he has attractive claims up 4lb.

5/4

Form: -16414 D

Last run: 49 days

W: 11st 6lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 114

Form & Verdict
Dual winner at Lingfield this season, latterly in 3m5f chase on soft ground in February; got very tired on heavy ground at Bangor (3m5f) a fortnight later but certainly didn't run badly there, and the quicker conditions here ought to suit him better.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

6th Mar 2025

Good To Soft

3m 0f 150y

Class 4

16:50 Wincanton

Whydah Gally

12st 1lb

J: Freddie Gingell

T: Joe Tizzard

Something to prove regarding current form as he's failed to shine over fences this winter, but he's 1-14 in chases as opposed to 3-10 over hurdles, and perhaps the return to this discipline will trigger a revival.

12/1

6

27th Jan 2025

Soft

3m 1f 152y

Class 4

15:50 Plumpton

Whydah Gally

11st 1lb

J: Freddie Gingell

T: Joe Tizzard

Capable stayer but has struggled with consistency; finished a 10l fourth at Wincanton (3m1f, good to soft) on Boxing Day, a race in which Vision De Maine was pulled up, but that was a laboured effort; handles most ground and has the ability to get involved but comes with risk.

8/1

6

27th Jan 2025

Soft

3m 1f 152y

Class 4

15:50 Plumpton

Whydah Gally

11st 1lb

J: Freddie Gingell

T: Joe Tizzard

Capable stayer but has struggled with consistency; finished a 10l fourth at Wincanton (3m1f, good to soft) on Boxing Day, a race in which Vision De Maine was pulled up, but that was a laboured effort; handles most ground and has the ability to get involved but comes with risk.

8/1

Form: 6-3F21

Last run: 56 days

W: 11st 4lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 112

Form & Verdict
Had some jumping issues when first switched to chasing in the autumn but really got his act together over fences with good staying performance at Doncaster (3m, soft) in February, drawing clear to win by 14l; open to further improvement if he avoids significant errors here.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

1

9th May 2026

Good

3m 0f 41y

Class 4

16:30 Hexham

Betterforeveryone

12st 2lb

J: Tom Cannon

T: Alan King

Won over 4m here in March 2025 (good to soft); won again at Bangor in October (3m, good); pulled up at Bangor last time (3m5f, soft) but has since has 73 days off; chance.

7/2

5

25th Feb 2026

Soft

3m 5f 142y

Class 4

16:00 Bangor-on-Dee

Betterforeveryone

11st 10lb

J: Tom Bellamy

T: Alan King

Has won over 4m so did well to win over 3m here (good; has won on soft) in October when only 2lb lower; comfortably held since at Uttoxeter (3m2f) but has the form and attributes to feature in a race of this nature.

6/1

Form: -F7U0P

Last run: 130 days

W: 12st 0lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 122

Form & Verdict
Ended last year in poor form on soft/heavy ground but the drier conditions ought to suit him better here and he won't fail through lack of stamina; can be very dangerous off current mark if refreshed by 130-day break.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7

15th May 2024

Good

3m 3f 208y

Class 4

16:30 Ffos Las

Coeur Serein

11st 12lb

J: Jonjo O’Neill Jr

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

Ended last year in poor form and he struggled again on his return at Cheltenham (3m4f, good) last month; mark continues to fall but he's now 1-15 over fences and needs to get back on track.

20/1

7

15th May 2024

Good

3m 3f 208y

Class 4

16:30 Ffos Las

Coeur Serein

11st 12lb

J: Jonjo O’Neill Jr

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

Ended last year in poor form and he struggled again on his return at Cheltenham (3m4f, good) last month; mark continues to fall but he's now 1-15 over fences and needs to get back on track.

20/1

10th

1

17th Apr 2024

Good To Soft

3m 4f 21y

Class 3

15:15 Cheltenham

Coeur Serein

12st 0lb

J: Jonjo O’Neill Jr

T: Jonjo O’Neill

Ended last year in poor form on soft/heavy ground but the drier conditions ought to suit him better here and he won't fail through lack of stamina; can be very dangerous off current mark if refreshed by 130-day break.

33/1

Form: P-15P3

Last run: 45 days

W: 11st 12lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 120

Form & Verdict
Regressive 10yo; stayed on well for narrow win off reduced mark on seasonal debut at Warwick (3m1f, soft) in November but has not been in the same form again since; others preferred.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6

9th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 5f 19y

Class 2

15:30 Aintree

Enqarde

12st 0lb

J: Miss Molly Armytage

T: Mrs David Plunkett

Career highlight was the Tommy Whittle at Haydock in 2021; 50-1 winner of four-runner hunter chase at Leicester (2m6f, soft) this February but pulled up at Exeter (3m, good to soft) since; this 12yo is probably vulnerable.

100/1

1

17th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 54y

Class 5

17:13 Exeter

Enqarde

12st 6lb

J: Miss Molly Armytage

T: Mrs David Plunkett

Useful in his prime; 0-6 in points this season but drew 14l clear to cause 50-1 shock in four-runner Leicester hunter chase (2m6f, soft) three weeks ago; it's tricky to gauge what that form is worth or whether his revival will gather momentum but, nevertheless, he enters calculations.

7/1

1st

5

24th Feb 2026

Heavy

2m 6f 151y

Class 3

16:50 Leicester

Enqarde

11st 12lb

J: Miss Molly Armytage

T: Mrs David Plunkett

Landed the Tommy Whittle at Haydock in his younger days but is a shadow of his former self; 0-6 switched to points last term; unlikely to regain the winning thread on reappearance.

33/1

Form: 39P2PP

Last run: 10 days

W: 11st 4lb

11 yo Gelding

OR: 112

Form & Verdict
Gave good account when placed in 3m5f cross-country chase here (good to soft) in November; also suited by the conventional chase course on this track but nothing like the force of old and has become very unreliable.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10

2nd May 2025

Good

4m 0f 97y

Class 4

19:30 Cheltenham

Didero Vallis

11st 12lb

J: Mr Daniel Williams

T: Miss Olive Nicholls

Useful staying chaser in his prime but became very disappointing for Venetia Williams during 2023-24 season; made the frame in Taunton hunter chase (2m7f, good to soft) for new stable in February but beat only one rival when winning a recent point; others look stronger.

20/1

10

2nd May 2025

Good

4m 0f 97y

Class 4

19:30 Cheltenham

Didero Vallis

11st 12lb

J: Mr Daniel Williams

T: Miss Olive Nicholls

Useful staying chaser in his prime but became very disappointing for Venetia Williams during 2023-24 season; made the frame in Taunton hunter chase (2m7f, good to soft) for new stable in February but beat only one rival when winning a recent point; others look stronger.

20/1

4th

5

5th Mar 2025

Good

3m 1f 54y

Class 5

17:00 Catterick

Didero Vallis

11st 12lb

J: Mr Daniel Williams

T: Miss Olive Nicholls

prominent, outpaced 13th, weakened 3 out

11/1

Form: 11PPP3 D

Last run: 49 days

W: 11st 10lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 118

Form & Verdict
Won two chases in the autumn (2m7f/3m1f) but was then pulled up three consecutive times; step back in the right direction when modest third at Wincanton (3m1f, soft) in February but needs to do better again here.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

4

9th Feb 2026

Soft

3m 0f 217y

Class 4

14:15 Plumpton

Blade Runner

11st 7lb

J: Freddie Gordon

T: Chris Gordon

Has a good record over fences at Plumpton and returns to this venue off an attractive mark; however, he's 0-7 over hurdles and needs to step up sharply on Fontwell reappearance effort (beaten 35l).

12/1

3rd

3

12th May 2024

Good

3m 1f 152y

Class 4

17:00 Plumpton

Blade Runner

11st 5lb

J: Freddie Gordon

T: Chris Gordon

disputed lead, led from 2nd, mistake 14th, not fluent 4 out, not fluent and headed 3 out

7/2

3rd

3

12th May 2024

Good

3m 1f 152y

Class 4

17:00 Plumpton

Blade Runner

11st 5lb

J: Freddie Gordon

T: Chris Gordon

disputed lead, led from 2nd, mistake 14th, not fluent 4 out, not fluent and headed 3 out

7/2

Form: -32312

Last run: 38 days

W: 11st 8lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 116

Form & Verdict
Posted career-best performance when making all to win readily by 8l at Sandown (3m, soft) in February and, despite a much less fluent round of jumping, he lost out only by a nose when returned to 3m5f at Warwick (soft) last month; might give this a good shot from the front.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8

26th Oct 2025

Good To Soft

3m 1f 210y

Class 3

13:30 Fontwell

Bretney

11st 0lb

J: David Bass

T: Henry Daly

Front-runner who ended last year with an emphatic success in the Borders National at Kelso (4m, soft); looks interesting on that form but he's been pulled up in three subsequent runs and needs a major revival after another break; reapplied cheekpieces replace blinkers.

16/1

4

6th May 2025

Good

3m 0f 38y

Class 2

16:15 Fakenham

Bretney

10st 12lb

J: Alice Stevens

T: Henry Daly

raced lazily, in touch with leaders, not fluent 1st, dropped to last 2nd, bumped 3rd, detached when pulled up before 10th

14/1

4

6th May 2025

Good

3m 0f 38y

Class 2

16:15 Fakenham

Bretney

10st 12lb

J: Alice Stevens

T: Henry Daly

raced lazily, in touch with leaders, not fluent 1st, dropped to last 2nd, bumped 3rd, detached when pulled up before 10th

14/1

Form: 15P2P6

Last run: 178 days

W: 11st 6lb

11 yo Gelding

OR: 114

Form & Verdict
Late-blooming veteran who is best known as a Cartmel specialist; drew clear to win by 3m5f there (good ground) last spring but signed off in the autumn with two disappointing runs and remains on a fairly tough mark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

11th May 2024

Good

3m 0f 41y

Class 4

16:00 Hexham

Dee Star

12st 0lb

J: Mr Murray Dodd

T: Gary Hanmer

in touch with leaders

33/1

1

11th May 2024

Good

3m 0f 41y

Class 4

16:00 Hexham

Dee Star

12st 0lb

J: Mr Murray Dodd

T: Gary Hanmer

in touch with leaders

33/1

11

17th Apr 2024

Good To Soft

3m 4f 21y

Class 3

15:15 Cheltenham

Dee Star

11st 6lb

J: Kevin Brogan

T: Gary Hanmer

Late-blooming veteran who is best known as a Cartmel specialist; drew clear to win by 3m5f there (good ground) last spring but signed off in the autumn with two disappointing runs and remains on a fairly tough mark.

50/1

Form: 42831U BF

Last run: 17 days

W: 11st 2lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 110

Form & Verdict
Improved to win North Wales National at Bangor (3m5f, heavy) in first-time cheekpieces in February and was in front before unseating rider at third-last fence in West Wales National at Ffos Las (3m4f, heavy) last month; also has winning form on good ground, and evidently in very good nick.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

26th Mar 2026

Good

3m 6f 136y

Class 4

15:50 Chepstow

Stellar Stream

10st 13lb

J: Callum Pritchard

T: Kayley Woollacott

Last won in the North Wales National at Bangor (extended 3m5f, heavy) in February 2024 with first-time cheekpieces; best effort this term was back in November (four races since) but he's down the weights, back chasing and some headgear returns after two hurdles races without; yard going well too.

11/2

5th

7

20th Feb 2026

Soft

2m 7f 191y

Class 4

16:52 Ffos Las

Stellar Stream

10st 2lb

J: Callum Pritchard

T: Kayley Woollacott

Won the North Wales National in 2024 but nothing over either obstacle since; best efforts this term both recorded on slow ground here, albeit his C&D third last time owed most to the rider's perseverance.

9/1

3rd

6

30th Jan 2026

Heavy

2m 7f 191y

Class 5

14:50 Ffos Las

Stellar Stream

11st 8lb

J: Mr Joshua Newman

T: Kayley Woollacott

Thorough stayer who is 1-16 over fences since his last hurdle race in March 2023; the win came over 3m5f in first-time cheekpieces in February 2024 but headgear is removed today; has easily the lowest mark of his career but he's inconsistent and hard to rely on; yard also runs Sparkling Duke.

10/1

Non-runners

Animal, Planned Paradise

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £42.30
Straight Forecast £35.27
Tricast £280.14
Trifecta £391.70

Selections

RP RATINGS:

Betterforeveryone

Daily Mail:

Midnight Our Fred

WEST COUNTRY:

Hymac

Telegraph:

Haston Clermont

SPOTLIGHT:

Stellar Stream

The Times:

Planned Paradise

Daily Mirror:

Animal

TOPSPEED:

Betterforeveryone

POSTDATA:

Betterforeveryone

The Star:

Midnight Our Fred

Daily Record:

Midnight Our Fred

The Guardian:

Hymac

D Express:

Hymac

The Sun:

Haston Clermont