April 20 / 15.35 Ayr

15.35

Soft

Coral Scottish Grand National Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap) (GBB Race)

  • Prize money: £112540
  • 3m 7f 176y
  • Class 1
  • 26 runners
ITV
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Coral Scottish Grand National Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap) (GBB Race)

Runners: 26 runners

Type: Chase Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Mostly cloudy

8/1 (Won)

  • Win: £19.20
  • Place: £4.60

Form: -682F1

Last run: 19 days

W: 10st 7lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 137

Form & Verdict
6yo who's had only nine races; sent chasing this term, easily best of his five chase runs when upped markedly to 3m on latest start and winning by 12l from the front in a nine-runner handicap at Fairyhouse (heavy); has a much higher mark today and he'd be the first 6yo to win this since Earth Summit 30 years ago, but that latest display showed major staying potential.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

12th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

3m 7f 176y

Class 1

15:35 Ayr

Macdermott

11st 6lb

J: Danny Mullins

T: W P Mullins

All his form is on soft or heavy ground, including two handicap wins last April and the second of those was this race by a nose from Surrey Quest (always prominent); 5lb higher today but the chief worry is that he's been so horrendously out of form this season.

11/1

5

12th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

3m 7f 176y

Class 1

15:35 Ayr

Macdermott

11st 6lb

J: Danny Mullins

T: W P Mullins

All his form is on soft or heavy ground, including two handicap wins last April and the second of those was this race by a nose from Surrey Quest (always prominent); 5lb higher today but the chief worry is that he's been so horrendously out of form this season.

11/1

3

20th Feb 2025

Soft

3m 3f 0y

14:25 Punchestown

Macdermott

11st 6lb

J: Danny Mullins

T: W P Mullins

Two wins last April including the Scottish National; totally out of form in first two starts this term; jinked and unseated rider at start of the Thyestes.

16/1

33/1

  • Place: £6.20

Form: 47-110

Last run: 84 days

W: 10st 3lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 133

Form & Verdict
Ended his time with Nicky Henderson under a cloud but emerged for new yard with wins in October and December; the latter followed wind surgery and came at Newbury (3m2f, soft; furthest he's been) where he emerged best in a fine scrap as the first two drew well clear; this 5lb higher mark may well underestimate that performance but he needs to bounce back from a disappointing show at Doncaster in January.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8

12th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

3m 7f 176y

Class 1

15:35 Ayr

Surrey Quest

11st 3lb

J: Kevin Brogan

T: Toby Lawes

6lb lower when pipped by Macdermott in this (soft) last year; good placings on his two completions this season, latest in the Edinburgh National at Musselburgh but that third to Magna Sam indicated clearly that improvement is needed; cheekpieces (tried once in 2023, below form) return.

10/1

8

12th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

3m 7f 176y

Class 1

15:35 Ayr

Surrey Quest

11st 3lb

J: Kevin Brogan

T: Toby Lawes

6lb lower when pipped by Macdermott in this (soft) last year; good placings on his two completions this season, latest in the Edinburgh National at Musselburgh but that third to Magna Sam indicated clearly that improvement is needed; cheekpieces (tried once in 2023, below form) return.

10/1

6/1

  • Place: £2.60

Form: 11-162

Last run: 37 days

W: 10st 3lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 133

Form & Verdict
Mastered Whacker Clan two out in the Kim Muir at Cheltenham (3m2f, soft) five weeks ago and beat him 18l into third, facing an impossible task however against Inothewayurthinkin who has since added an impressive Grade 1 novice win at Aintree; has never been further than that big-race second over 3m2f but has had entries in major staying handicaps and may well be suited by today's test.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

11

13th Mar 2025

Good To Soft

3m 2f 0y

Class 2

17:20 Cheltenham

Git Maker

11st 3lb

J: Mr William Biddick

T: Jamie Snowden

Below best on both starts this term and didn't jump well at Haydock latest, but it wasn't a bad run from out of the weights; now just 1lb higher than when 8l second to handicap blot in this race last year (soft) and can play a leading role if back on song now in cheekpieces; has won on good to soft.

14/1

4th

8

15th Feb 2025

Good To Soft

3m 4f 97y

Class 1

15:15 Haydock

Git Maker

10st 2lb

J: Gavin Sheehan

T: Jamie Snowden

didn't jump with fluency, held up in rear

5/1

12th

8

19th Jan 2025

Soft

3m 0f 0y

Class 2

14:30 Windsor

Git Maker

11st 1lb

J: Gavin Sheehan

T: Jamie Snowden

prominent, not fluent 3rd, weakened before 2 out

8/1

25/1

  • Place: £10.80

Form: 6-3F32

Last run: 21 days

W: 10st 2lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 132

Form & Verdict
Bumper win in March 2022; has had only six races since and failed to win but he's been competitive sent chasing this season, beaten a neck on handicap debut at Fairyhouse (2m5f, heavy) three weeks ago; 2m7f performance the time before backs up the suggestion that serious stamina tests could suit.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

18

26th Apr 2025

Good

3m 4f 146y

Class 1

16:10 Sandown

Klarc Kent

10st 2lb

J: Kieran Callaghan

T: W P Mullins

0-14 since bumper win in 2022; fourth and second in the last two Scottish Nationals, latterly off a reduced mark when wearing second-time cheekpieces two weeks ago; while that was a welcome return to form, position 12lb out of the handicap today demands so much more; 5lb claimer is called up.

25/1

18

26th Apr 2025

Good

3m 4f 146y

Class 1

16:10 Sandown

Klarc Kent

10st 2lb

J: Kieran Callaghan

T: W P Mullins

0-14 since bumper win in 2022; fourth and second in the last two Scottish Nationals, latterly off a reduced mark when wearing second-time cheekpieces two weeks ago; while that was a welcome return to form, position 12lb out of the handicap today demands so much more; 5lb claimer is called up.

25/1

2nd

21

12th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

3m 7f 176y

Class 1

15:35 Ayr

Klarc Kent

10st 2lb

J: Jonathan Burke

T: W P Mullins

Won a bumper three years ago but 0-13 since; competitive over fences last season and his 6l fourth at 50-1 in this race (soft; 8lb lower today) last April reads well, but a poor sequence since was not greatly improved by his eighth when wearing first-time cheekpieces in last month's 3m6f NH Chase.

20/1

Form: 65/PP7

Last run: 41 days

W: 10st 11lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 141

Form & Verdict
Unraced beyond 3m2f; sole chase win (12 races) was the 2021 Munster National over 3m at Limerick (soft) and that's his career-best form by some way; off 699 days before this season and he got round for the first time since on latest start, albeit beaten 22l; tongue tied in that race and today; edging down the weights but it's hard to be confident of a sufficient revival.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

10

2nd May 2025

Yielding

3m 0f 160y

16:15 Punchestown

Ontheropes

12st 0lb

J: Mr C Mullins

T: Thomas Mullins

didn't always jump with fluency, towards rear, pushed along after 6th, headway before 3 out, went remote fourth before 2 out, kept on, never on terms

16/1

4th

10

2nd May 2025

Yielding

3m 0f 160y

16:15 Punchestown

Ontheropes

12st 0lb

J: Mr C Mullins

T: Thomas Mullins

didn't always jump with fluency, towards rear, pushed along after 6th, headway before 3 out, went remote fourth before 2 out, kept on, never on terms

16/1

21

3rd Apr 2025

Good To Soft

2m 5f 19y

Class 2

16:05 Aintree

Ontheropes

12st 0lb

J: Mr C Mullins

T: Thomas Mullins

Contested some strong handicaps when with Willie Mullins, winning the 2021 Munster National and not beaten far in last season's Scottish National; however, even Cheltenham's extended 3m2f seemed too sharp a test last month and it's unlikely that he'll have the gears for this.

33/1

Form: 2P-333

Last run: 63 days

W: 10st 10lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 140

Form & Verdict
Just 6-1 for the Martin Pipe at last year's Cheltenham Festival on handicap debut but ran poorly; back to form when third in small-field beginners chases at Gowran Park (2m4f, heavy) on last two outings and going beyond 2m4f may well be overdue, but those runs are no proof that he can cut it in this very different race; tongue-tie (worn on debut) is back on.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

13

26th Apr 2025

Good

3m 4f 146y

Class 1

16:10 Sandown

Spanish Harlem

10st 2lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: W P Mullins

Sole win was in France on debut, so he's now 0-13 for Willie Mullins and 0-9 over fences; clearly best effort came in the Scottish National on soft ground last year when about 8l sixth, coming from well off the pace (2lb higher today); penultimate outing gave some renewed hope, before he was unluckily carried out in the latest Scottish National when cheekpieces were added; just 9-1 that day but he's 6lb out of the handicap this time.

20/1

4th

13

26th Apr 2025

Good

3m 4f 146y

Class 1

16:10 Sandown

Spanish Harlem

10st 2lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: W P Mullins

Sole win was in France on debut, so he's now 0-13 for Willie Mullins and 0-9 over fences; clearly best effort came in the Scottish National on soft ground last year when about 8l sixth, coming from well off the pace (2lb higher today); penultimate outing gave some renewed hope, before he was unluckily carried out in the latest Scottish National when cheekpieces were added; just 9-1 that day but he's 6lb out of the handicap this time.

20/1

10

12th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

3m 7f 176y

Class 1

15:35 Ayr

Spanish Harlem

11st 0lb

J: Brian Hayes

T: W P Mullins

Sole win was in France on debut, so he's now 0-12 for Willie Mullins and 0-8 over fences; clearly best effort on handicap chase debut in this on soft ground last year when about 8l sixth to Macdermott, coming from well off the pace; 4lb lower today and fourth of 17 at Punchestown (3m3f) on latest outing gave some renewed hope; cheekpieces are now added.

14/1

Form: P-3P52

Last run: 42 days

W: 10st 8lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 138

Form & Verdict
Acts on soft; fourth in the 3m Grade 1 novice hurdle at 2022 Cheltenham Festival; mostly chasing since and failed to beat a rival in four runs in 2023 but he's been working his way back to form in his two runs this year, second at Sandown (3m) latest; back up 3lb but going beyond 3m1f for the first time is an attractive move.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

4

8th Feb 2025

Soft

3m 0f 52y

Class 3

13:50 Newbury

Ballygrifincottage

11st 11lb

J: Paul O’Brien

T: Harry Derham

Has flattered to deceive over fences (1-12) and jumping mistakes played a part; a bit below his best on his two completions this autumn/winter and has now left Dan Skelton; blinkers replace his usual cheekpieces for this first hurdle race since March 2023; well handicapped judged on best efforts but he's now a 10yo.

20/1

9th

4

8th Feb 2025

Soft

3m 0f 52y

Class 3

13:50 Newbury

Ballygrifincottage

11st 11lb

J: Paul O’Brien

T: Harry Derham

Has flattered to deceive over fences (1-12) and jumping mistakes played a part; a bit below his best on his two completions this autumn/winter and has now left Dan Skelton; blinkers replace his usual cheekpieces for this first hurdle race since March 2023; well handicapped judged on best efforts but he's now a 10yo.

20/1

2

16th Jan 2025

Good To Soft

3m 2f 162y

Class 3

15:45 Wincanton

Ballygrifincottage

11st 11lb

J: Fergus Gillard

T: Dan Skelton

held up in rear, not fluent 3rd

14/1

Form: 2-P23P BF

Last run: 35 days

W: 10st 9lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 139

Form & Verdict
Remote second in the Welsh National (near 3m7f, heavy) and back in top form when third at Haydock (near 3m5f, heavy) next time; pulled up in his other two starts this term, latest when Midlands National favourite (signs of post-race heat stress); 4m should suit but this season presents rather a mixed story.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

15th Mar 2025

Good To Soft

4m 2f 8y

Class 1

15:00 Uttoxeter

Iron Bridge

11st 7lb

J: Richie McLernon

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

In two of his last four races he was pulled up in this last year and again in the Welsh National in December when amongst the favourites on both occasions; very capable stayer when on his game, though, and looked set for a good season when third to Val Dancer on his Carlisle reappearance (3m2f, good to soft); has run well here before and could yet have his day in the sun; makes the shortlist in first-time blinkers.

16/1

8

27th Dec 2024

Soft

3m 6f 130y

Class 1

14:50 Chepstow

Iron Bridge

11st 0lb

J: Jonjo O’Neill Jr

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

The winner was almost out of sight on heavy going in this race last year but Iron Bridge beat the rest, just in front of Iwilldoit; third in another major long-distance handicap on his next start (below form in two afterwards) and back to form when third at Carlisle on reappearance eight weeks ago; 6lb lower than 12 months ago but may still need to find extra.

8/1

8

27th Dec 2024

Soft

3m 6f 130y

Class 1

14:50 Chepstow

Iron Bridge

11st 0lb

J: Jonjo O’Neill Jr

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

The winner was almost out of sight on heavy going in this race last year but Iron Bridge beat the rest, just in front of Iwilldoit; third in another major long-distance handicap on his next start (below form in two afterwards) and back to form when third at Carlisle on reappearance eight weeks ago; 6lb lower than 12 months ago but may still need to find extra.

8/1

Form: 1-8480

Last run: 37 days

W: 10st 8lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 138

Form & Verdict
Good fourth at Doncaster (3m, good to soft) in December but backward steps in major handicaps both starts since; latest was the 3m2f Kim Muir at Cheltenham and that's the furthest he's been; it's possible that soft ground has been against him but he may get that again here.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price
No Results Found

Form: 21-1P4

Last run: 35 days

W: 10st 4lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 134

Form & Verdict
Both chase wins were over 3m in the mud at Uttoxeter; bled from the nose in the Welsh National at Christmas; back in serious contention when next seen in the Midlands National at Uttoxeter (4m2f, heavy; tongue tied first time) five weeks ago but ran out of steam behind three of these approaching the final fence and, although this race is a bit shorter, that performance leaves him with a bit to prove.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

9

2nd May 2025

Good

2m 4f 127y

Class 5

20:05 Cheltenham

Autonomous Cloud

11st 12lb

J: Mr Harry O’Dwyer

T: Fergal O’Brien

prominent, lost position when outpaced after 12th, soon towards rear

12/1

6th

9

2nd May 2025

Good

2m 4f 127y

Class 5

20:05 Cheltenham

Autonomous Cloud

11st 12lb

J: Mr Harry O’Dwyer

T: Fergal O’Brien

prominent, lost position when outpaced after 12th, soon towards rear

12/1

3

3rd Apr 2025

Good To Soft

2m 5f 19y

Class 2

16:05 Aintree

Autonomous Cloud

12st 0lb

J: Mr P A King

T: Fergal O’Brien

Fourth in last season's Midlands National but below that level this campaign, latterly proving no match for Bennys King on hunter chase debut; needs slower ground at this sort of trip.

50/1

Form: 122123

Last run: 35 days

W: 10st 3lb

8 yo Mare

OR: 133

Form & Verdict
Rock solid this term, showing herself in a particularly favourable light with serious stamina tests in the mud for major handicaps at Warwick (won), Haydock (second) and Uttoxeter (third to Beauport and Mr Incredible) on last three outings; had a clear lead for most of the closing stages last time (4m2f, heavy) and another bold show would not surprise under this 2lb higher mark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

16

15th Mar 2025

Good To Soft

4m 2f 8y

Class 1

15:00 Uttoxeter

My Silver Lining

10st 9lb

J: James Best

T: Emma Lavelle

Only 2lb higher than when winning Warwick's Classic Chase (3m5f, soft) 14 months ago but her third at Hereford just before Christmas is her only effort of note this campaign and her jumping left a lot to be desired last time when tried in cheekpieces (soon discarded); others safer.

22/1

5

16th Jan 2025

Good To Soft

3m 2f 162y

Class 3

15:45 Wincanton

My Silver Lining

11st 1lb

J: James Best

T: Emma Lavelle

didn't always jump with fluency, prominent, jumped right and lost position 4th, slow jump and pushed along 6th, dropped to rear with one circuit to go

7/1

5

16th Jan 2025

Good To Soft

3m 2f 162y

Class 3

15:45 Wincanton

My Silver Lining

11st 1lb

J: James Best

T: Emma Lavelle

didn't always jump with fluency, prominent, jumped right and lost position 4th, slow jump and pushed along 6th, dropped to rear with one circuit to go, struggling 5 out

7/1

OUR TIP

Form: 4-113P

Last run: 38 days

W: 12st 0lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 158

Form & Verdict
Acts on soft; a leading staying novice hurdler last term and the same as a novice chaser this season, although he did not show it with first-time cheekpieces at Cheltenham Festival last month (scoped dirty); tops the weights after his Graded events but a win today is not entirely ruled out, as it's long appeared that an outright test of stamina would suit him well.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

25

5th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

4m 2f 74y

Class 1

16:00 Aintree

Stay Away Fay

10st 9lb

J: Paul O’Brien

T: Paul Nicholls

Won Grade 1 novice hurdle at the 2023 Cheltenham Festival (3m, soft) and made a promising start to chasing career last season, when he continued to look all about stamina; his career has taken a spectacular wrong turn since but there was a slight hint last time of getting back on track.

66/1

25

5th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

4m 2f 74y

Class 1

16:00 Aintree

Stay Away Fay

10st 9lb

J: Paul O’Brien

T: Paul Nicholls

Won Grade 1 novice hurdle at the 2023 Cheltenham Festival (3m, soft) and made a promising start to chasing career last season, when he continued to look all about stamina; his career has taken a spectacular wrong turn since but there was a slight hint last time of getting back on track.

66/1

11th

5

11th Mar 2025

Good To Soft

3m 1f 0y

Class 1

14:40 Cheltenham

Stay Away Fay

11st 12lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Paul Nicholls

Won the Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle (3m, soft) at the Festival in 2023 and made promising start to chasing career last season; pulled up on final two starts last term and over hurdles on sole run this season, but he's had various excuses (dirty scope; respiratory issue; lack of a recent run) and is not ruled out for his top trainer off what could be a handy mark.

33/1

Form: 23U-2U

Last run: 7 days

W: 11st 9lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 153

Form & Verdict
Placed in major handicaps on his three completions for this yard and the three non-completions weren't his fault, hampered when unseating at the Chair at Aintree last week (10-1); towards rear at the time having been very slow to stride following the standing start; that was four weeks after his Midlands National second (4m2f, heavy) which came after 336 days off; connections thought he'd improve fitness-wise after that run but now it remains to be seen how he's come out of last week's race.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

12th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

3m 7f 176y

Class 1

15:35 Ayr

Mr Incredible

12st 0lb

J: Alice Stevens

T: Sandy Thomson

Runner-up off this mark for Willie Mullins in the 4m2f Midlands Grand National last March; that, however, was the last time he's completed and he's mostly been back to his old tricks since by refusing to race; last two "starts" were for new connections but he didn't start at all on the first of those and threw in the towel at a later point three weeks ago.

66/1

1

12th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

3m 7f 176y

Class 1

15:35 Ayr

Mr Incredible

12st 0lb

J: Alice Stevens

T: Sandy Thomson

Runner-up off this mark for Willie Mullins in the 4m2f Midlands Grand National last March; that, however, was the last time he's completed and he's mostly been back to his old tricks since by refusing to race; last two "starts" were for new connections but he didn't start at all on the first of those and threw in the towel at a later point three weeks ago.

66/1

1

22nd Mar 2025

Good

3m 2f 39y

Class 2

13:15 Kelso

Mr Incredible

12st 0lb

J: Ryan Mania

T: Sandy Thomson

Runner-up off this mark for Willie Mullins in the Midlands Grand National last March; however, he can often be reluctant at the start and he refused to race on his stable debut at Wetherby in December; very risky.

12/1

Form: -17371 C

Last run: 13 days

W: 11st 3lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 147

Form & Verdict
2-3 over fences at Ayr and his fifth chase win came at Carlisle (3m, heavy) 13 days ago; missed this race last year because of good ground, so the furthest he's been is still 3m2f, over which he twice strode out well to win on soft at Kelso; has a career-high mark but the longer trip is interesting.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

14th Dec 2024

Good To Soft

2m 7f 214y

Class 2

14:05 Doncaster

Elvis Mail

12st 0lb

J: Bruce Lynn

T: N W Alexander

10yo who enhanced his excellent record at Kelso when winning there in October on his reappearance (3m, good to soft) and he's now on a career-high mark; however, he was a good third over C&D (good) in January 2023 on his sole visit to Doncaster and is not ruled out.

12/1

1

14th Dec 2024

Good To Soft

2m 7f 214y

Class 2

14:05 Doncaster

Elvis Mail

12st 0lb

J: Bruce Lynn

T: N W Alexander

10yo who enhanced his excellent record at Kelso when winning there in October on his reappearance (3m, good to soft) and he's now on a career-high mark; however, he was a good third over C&D (good) in January 2023 on his sole visit to Doncaster and is not ruled out.

12/1

1st

1

26th Oct 2024

Good

3m 2f 39y

Class 2

15:55 Kelso

Elvis Mail

11st 12lb

J: Bruce Lynn

T: N W Alexander

Won this last season (soft) off 3lb lower when returning from a similar break and went in again at Carlisle in April (heavy) before struggling in the Scottish National; likeable type who runs this track well but would prefer easier ground ideally.

11/2

Form: F-52P1

Last run: 35 days

W: 11st 1lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 145

Form & Verdict
Nearly always ridden by Jordan Nailor; barely went a yard in Warwick's Classic Chase in January but he was second at Sandown (3m4f, heavy) the time before and in top form to win the Midlands National from Mr Incredible at Uttoxeter (4m2f, heavy) five weeks ago; up 5lb today but clearly a force in these long-distance races on his day.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12th

12

5th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

4m 2f 74y

Class 1

16:00 Aintree

Beauport

11st 1lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Nigel Twiston-Davies

Jumped and hung badly right in the Midlands National at Uttoxeter (4m2f, heavy) last March but nevertheless battled back to win, the clear highlight among seven chases going this way round; scoring by 31l at Ascot (3m5f, good; 12lb higher today) was a good way to start this season and he's run with credit over hurdles since; going left-handed is a concern but there are lots of positives otherwise.

22/1

12th

12

5th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

4m 2f 74y

Class 1

16:00 Aintree

Beauport

11st 1lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Nigel Twiston-Davies

Jumped and hung badly right in the Midlands National at Uttoxeter (4m2f, heavy) last March but nevertheless battled back to win, the clear highlight among seven chases going this way round; scoring by 31l at Ascot (3m5f, good; 12lb higher today) was a good way to start this season and he's run with credit over hurdles since; going left-handed is a concern but there are lots of positives otherwise.

22/1

6

15th Feb 2025

Good To Soft

3m 0f 58y

Class 1

14:40 Haydock

Beauport

11st 2lb

J: Tom Bellamy

T: Nigel Twiston-Davies

Has an inconsistent profile over fences but he reappeared with a dominant handicap chase win at Ascot (3m5f, good) in November before a fine third in the Grade 1 Long Walk Hurdle there (3m, good to soft) in December, which was his first hurdle run since April 2022; leading claims on that latest form.

15/8

Form: 11249- C

Last run: 371 days

W: 10st 10lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 140

Form & Verdict
Stays 3m and goes well on soft/heavy; the switch to chasing last term went swimmingly, including two impressive wins at this track, before heavy defeats in better races on his last two outings; should have brought potential to this second chase campaign but he's not raced for a year.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

25th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

2m 7f 180y

Class 3

15:17 Perth

Gold Cup Bailly

12st 0lb

J: J J Slevin

T: S R B Crawford

Showed that he retained spark when fourth of five at Ayr (3m, soft) in January, when he made a bad mistake and jumped to the right at that left-handed track; goes right-handed today; however, tailed off in Grade 2 novice hurdle since and best form has come on soft/heavy going; a visor goes on.

20/1

1

25th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

2m 7f 180y

Class 3

15:17 Perth

Gold Cup Bailly

12st 0lb

J: J J Slevin

T: S R B Crawford

dwelt start, in rear, not fluent 1st, struggling 4 out

20/1

Form: 241123

Last run: 56 days

W: 10st 6lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 136

Form & Verdict
Won regional Nationals over 3m4f/3m5f at Fakenham, Sedgefield and Fontwell, the last two in small fields in the mud last autumn; never better than on last two starts when placed in the Sussex National at Plumpton and the 4m1f Eider (third to Anglers Crag) at Newcastle, but to win this requires a fair bit better still.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

1

6th May 2025

Good

3m 0f 38y

Class 2

16:15 Fakenham

Tommie Beau

12st 0lb

J: Ellis Collier

T: Seamus Mullins

prominent, raced in second before 4 out

4/1

2nd

1

6th May 2025

Good

3m 0f 38y

Class 2

16:15 Fakenham

Tommie Beau

12st 0lb

J: Ellis Collier

T: Seamus Mullins

prominent, raced in second before 4 out, outpaced after 3 out, rallied approaching last, no extra run-in

4/1

6th

6

25th Jan 2025

Good

3m 1f 56y

Class 1

14:25 Cheltenham

Tommie Beau

11st 4lb

J: Micheal Nolan

T: Seamus Mullins

in touch with leaders, dropped to last 14th, tailed off

66/1

Form: -FPU21

Last run: 40 days

W: 10st 5lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 135

Form & Verdict
Held up; first three attempts at 3m4f/3m5f did not work out but last month he had a fourth go at it and was produced late for a tidy win at Taunton (soft); back up 5lb near career-high mark but could have more to offer in long-distance chases.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6

7th Dec 2024

Good To Soft

3m 4f 146y

Class 2

15:35 Sandown

Broken Halo

11st 4lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Paul Nicholls

Had wind surgery (his second) since last run; scored over 3m4f at Taunton (soft) in March and was still going well (4l down, disputing third) when falling two out in this contest last year; shortlisted.

7/1

Form: P3-313

Last run: 39 days

W: 10st 5lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 135

Form & Verdict
Upped to nearly 3m7f for the Devon National at Exeter (heavy) in February and made all to win by 60l; that's not the easiest form to pinpoint (he has a 15lb higher mark today) and he did not reproduce it when third to a runaway winner in the NH Chase at Cheltenham (3m6f, heavy; first-time cheekpieces) 18 days later, but this very lightly raced 8yo could have more to give.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

1

15th Mar 2025

Good To Soft

4m 2f 8y

Class 1

15:00 Uttoxeter

Mr Vango

12st 0lb

J: Jack Tudor

T: Mrs Sara V Bradstock

A 9yo with just ten runs behind him; an out-and-out galloper who is made for a race of this nature and a 3lb rise for his latest Haydock win in this new aids combination (3m1f, soft; stays further) seems lenient; built to carry the 12st (though no horse has defied top weight since Bonanza Boy in 1991) but the glaring concern is that all his best form is in the mud, which he won't be getting here.

8/1

1st

7

18th Jan 2025

Heavy

3m 1f 125y

Class 1

14:30 Haydock

Mr Vango

10st 2lb

J: Jack Tudor

T: Mrs Sara V Bradstock

Very lightly raced 9yo who bolted up at Exeter (3m6f, heavy) last February on his second chase start and tapped back into that abundant promise to win the London National at Sandown (3m4f, soft) last month; stamina will be at a premium today, which will be in his favour, and he could have more left in the tank; one to consider off a mark 5lb higher than last time.

5/2

1st

7

18th Jan 2025

Heavy

3m 1f 125y

Class 1

14:30 Haydock

Mr Vango

10st 2lb

J: Jack Tudor

T: Mrs Sara V Bradstock

Very lightly raced 9yo who bolted up at Exeter (3m6f, heavy) last February on his second chase start and tapped back into that abundant promise to win the London National at Sandown (3m4f, soft) last month; stamina will be at a premium today, which will be in his favour, and he could have more left in the tank; one to consider off a mark 5lb higher than last time.

5/2

Form: 7-1111

Last run: 56 days

W: 10st 4lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 134

Form & Verdict
Had wind surgery last August and is 4-4 for his new yard since; first three of those were over about 3m-3m2f on good to soft but he coped admirably with a move up to 4m1f on heavy in the Eider at Newcastle last time, confidently ridden to challenge three out and to overcome an error two out by getting up close home; up another 8lb but remains capable of better and may well extend his winning sequence.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

25th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

2m 7f 180y

Class 3

15:17 Perth

Anglers Crag

11st 5lb

J: Henry Brooke

T: Brian Ellison

Has had a patchy campaign and was pulled up in the Midland National last time; however, he showed some spark at Musselburgh (3m7f, good to soft) in February and is just 1lb higher than when winning the Eider at Newcastle (4m1f, heavy) last season; not ruled out now back down in trip/grade.

8/1

5

25th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

2m 7f 180y

Class 3

15:17 Perth

Anglers Crag

11st 5lb

J: Henry Brooke

T: Brian Ellison

in rear, outpaced 5 out

8/1

Form: -U4251 D

Last run: 77 days

W: 10st 3lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 133

Form & Verdict
7yo who's in his first season chasing; upped in trip and switched to front-running with a first-time visor in the Edinburgh National at Musselburgh 11 weeks ago and he took the field apart, moving 21l clear in the closing stages; that was over an extended 3m7f on good to soft, but he has been placed on soft; up 14lb today but that latest performance could hardly have been more authoritative.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

5

25th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

3m 6f 121y

Class 3

14:05 Perth

Inis Oirr

11st 11lb

J: Patrick Wadge

T: Lucinda Russell

raced in second

7/1

7th

5

25th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

3m 6f 121y

Class 3

14:05 Perth

Inis Oirr

11st 11lb

J: Patrick Wadge

T: Lucinda Russell

raced in second

7/1

4th

1

10th Mar 2025

Good To Soft

3m 4f 85y

Class 3

15:40 Taunton

Inis Oirr

12st 0lb

J: Derek Fox

T: Lucinda Russell

Took form to whole new level when wide-margin winner of Edinburgh National at Musselburgh (3m7f, good to soft) in first-time visor last season; yet to match that performance this term and didn't get far when fitted with blinkers for this year's Edinburgh National but he's on a good mark and the new headgear may yet prompt a revival.

5/2

Form: 931173

Last run: 37 days

W: 10st 2lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 131

Form & Verdict
Progressive last year, making all at Tramore (2m5f, soft) in August and Cheltenham (3m1f, good to soft) in October; returned to Cheltenham last month for the Kim Muir (3m2f, soft) and made most, finishing third of 22 but he was 18l behind the runner-up Git Maker, so needs to step up on that and it's the furthest he's been.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

17th

8

2nd Aug 2024

Good

2m 6f 111y

18:00 Galway

Whacker Clan

11st 3lb

J: Rachael Blackmore

T: Henry De Bromhead

prominent, went second before 2nd, led after 3rd, not fluent and headed 7th, hampered by faller 5 out

10/1

22

20th Apr 2024

Soft

3m 7f 176y

Class 1

15:35 Ayr

Whacker Clan

10st 2lb

J: Rachael Blackmore

T: Henry De Bromhead

Progressive last year, making all at Tramore (2m5f, soft) in August and Cheltenham (3m1f, good to soft) in October; returned to Cheltenham last month for the Kim Muir (3m2f, soft) and made most, finishing third of 22 but he was 18l behind the runner-up Git Maker, so needs to step up on that and it's the furthest he's been.

12/1

22

20th Apr 2024

Soft

3m 7f 176y

Class 1

15:35 Ayr

Whacker Clan

10st 2lb

J: Rachael Blackmore

T: Henry De Bromhead

Progressive last year, making all at Tramore (2m5f, soft) in August and Cheltenham (3m1f, good to soft) in October; returned to Cheltenham last month for the Kim Muir (3m2f, soft) and made most, finishing third of 22 but he was 18l behind the runner-up Git Maker, so needs to step up on that and it's the furthest he's been.

12/1

Form: 4-1P12

Last run: 35 days

W: 10st 2lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 130

Form & Verdict
Won a maiden hurdle on sole start on soft; ran poorly on second outing this term but the other three yielded two wins and a good second; first-time visor for 4l win at Doncaster (good) in January and first-time blinkers when front-running second at Kempton (good to soft) five weeks ago; both were 3m and, although 2lb out of the handicap here, the move up in trip is interesting.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8

15th Mar 2025

Good To Soft

4m 2f 8y

Class 1

15:00 Uttoxeter

Egbert

11st 3lb

J: Tom Cannon

T: Alan King

Won well over Haydock's extended 3m1f on heavy two runs back; has failed to complete in his two previous marathon chases and was on the retreat, though still in third, when crashing out at the final fence of the Eider (good to soft); can run well again but others might be better equipped to see this out stronger; new cheekpieces the headgear of choice today (effective in visor/blinkers).

20/1

3

22nd Feb 2025

Good To Soft

4m 1f 56y

Class 2

14:10 Newcastle

Egbert

11st 10lb

J: Tom Cannon

T: Alan King

in touch with leaders, niggled along briefly after 10th, prominent 16th, led 4 out, headed after 3 out, 12 lengths third and weakening when stumbled and fell just after last

14/1

1st

4

21st Dec 2024

Soft

3m 1f 125y

Class 2

14:05 Haydock

Egbert

11st 4lb

J: Gavin Sheehan

T: Alan King

Pulled up in the Scottish National in April and tailed off on reappearance at Exeter last month; however, he looked promising when winning twice during last season's first chasing campaign (2m4f/3m, good), and he won on soft ground over hurdles; retains potential and not ruled out.

12/1

Form: F-0PP3

Last run: 20 days

W: 10st 2lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 127

Form & Verdict
Won at Fairyhouse (3m5f, soft) for Gordon Elliott in December 2022; right out of form in his seven subsequent races for that trainer and sold for £5,000 this January; first run for new yard was much more positive but he needs to build seriously on that Ffos Las third and position 5lb out of the handicap does not help; 7lb claimer is recruited.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

2

27th May 2024

Good To Soft

3m 5f 80y

Class 3

15:30 Cartmel

Punitive

11st 6lb

J: James Bowen

T: Peter & Michael Bowen

led, not fluent and briefly headed 10th, pushed along before 16th

7/1

2

27th May 2024

Good To Soft

3m 5f 80y

Class 3

15:30 Cartmel

Punitive

11st 6lb

J: James Bowen

T: Peter & Michael Bowen

Won't fail through lack of stamina but was pulled up on final two starts for Gordon Elliott during the winter and has not yet built upon his fairly respectable stable debut in March; tailed off when fourth of five here on Saturday (3m1f, good to soft); needs a sudden revival.

7/1

4th

4

25th May 2024

Soft

3m 1f 107y

Class 3

17:40 Cartmel

Punitive

11st 3lb

J: James Bowen

T: Peter & Michael Bowen

led, headed 5th, not fluent 9th, lost second 11th, soon nudged along, lost third after 12th, lost ground quickly from 14th, tailed off from 3 out

11/2

Form: 923P-6

Last run: 42 days

W: 10st 2lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 127

Form & Verdict
Has not had much racing, or recaptured his form, since winning the Welsh Grand National in January 2021; 2lb lower today, even from 5lb out of the handicap; two places last winter but pulled up in the 2023 Midlands National and well beaten behind Ballygriffin Cottage at Sandown when next seen nearly a year later.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

25

20th Apr 2024

Soft

3m 7f 176y

Class 1

15:35 Ayr

Secret Reprieve

10st 2lb

J: James Turner

T: Evan Williams

Has not had much racing, or recaptured his form, since winning the Welsh Grand National in January 2021; 2lb lower today, even from 5lb out of the handicap; two places last winter but pulled up in the 2023 Midlands National and well beaten behind Ballygriffin Cottage at Sandown when next seen nearly a year later.

66/1

25

20th Apr 2024

Soft

3m 7f 176y

Class 1

15:35 Ayr

Secret Reprieve

10st 2lb

J: James Turner

T: Evan Williams

Has not had much racing, or recaptured his form, since winning the Welsh Grand National in January 2021; 2lb lower today, even from 5lb out of the handicap; two places last winter but pulled up in the 2023 Midlands National and well beaten behind Ballygriffin Cottage at Sandown when next seen nearly a year later.

66/1

6th

8

9th Mar 2024

Soft

3m 0f 37y

Class 3

16:10 Sandown

Secret Reprieve

11st 9lb

J: Jonjo O’Neill Jr

T: Evan Williams

Has not had much racing since winning the Welsh Grand National in January 2021, running respectably twice last winter but beaten some way out in the Midlands National when last seen in March; well handicapped but seems fragile and probably best watched after nearly a year off.

16/1

Form: 916126

Last run: 19 days

W: 10st 2lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 127

Form & Verdict
December's hurdle win saw him 5-4 favourite when returned to chasing (first time since 2022) off a lower mark for Grand National Trial at Punchestown (3m3f, heavy) in February and he came 16l second of 15; needs better than that but took a backward step when 26l sixth under Kieran Callaghan in the Irish National itself (3m5f, heavy) 19 days ago; 5lb out of the handicap.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

2

24th Nov 2024

Good To Soft

2m 7f 70y

Class 3

14:00 Uttoxeter

Wellhavewan

11st 12lb

J: Charlie Maggs

T: Rebecca Menzies

Listed hurdle winner last December for Willie Mullins; departed that yard for £11,000 and no form as yet for current stable (2m7f hurdle/3m5f chase); no real significance in another headgear switch.

25/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £731.10
Straight Forecast £350.59
Tricast £3142.17
Trifecta £9321.50

Selections

LAMBOURN:

Git Maker

RP RATINGS:

Mr Vango

Telegraph:

Mr Incredible

The Sun:

Macdermott

The Times:

Spanish Harlem

THE NORTH:

Inis Oirr

WEST COUNTRY:

Stay Away Fay

SPOTLIGHT:

Anglers Crag

D Express:

Ballygrifincottage

POSTDATA:

Elvis Mail

TOPSPEED:

Mr Vango

Daily Mirror:

Mr Vango

The Guardian:

Mr Incredible

Daily Mail:

Git Maker

The Star:

Git Maker

Daily Record:

Git Maker