May 19 / 14.05 Stratford

14.05

Good

William Hill Epic Value Novices’ Handicap Chase

  • Prize money: £3775.91
  • 2m 0f 213y
  • Class 5
  • 10 runners
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William Hill Epic Value Novices’ Handicap Chase

Runners: 10 runners

Type: Chase Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Mostly cloudy

OUR TIP

5/1 (Won)

  • Win: £7.50
  • Place: £2.30

Form: 2/63P- C

Last run: 145 days

W: 11st 11lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 97

Form & Verdict
Kept on for close third on chase debut at Hereford (2m, good) in November, after a break, but looked badly out of sorts (albeit on soft ground) the following month and now returns from another break with a point to prove.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

6

27th May 2026

Good

3m 1f 83y

Class 5

19:38 Cartmel

Dusky Days

11st 8lb

J: Leah Noreci

T: James Moffatt

After a break he's been tailed off behind Wee Alki and here on Monday faded into sixth over 2m6f; others preferred.

16/1

6th

2

25th May 2026

Good

2m 6f 31y

Class 5

14:48 Cartmel

Dusky Days

11st 11lb

J: Charlotte Jones

T: James Moffatt

Made all over 2m1f here (good) last July and came second here on next two outings (2m6f/3m1f); probably needed recent reappearance run and has a big role to play if back on song.

5/1

12th

3

2nd May 2026

Good

2m 7f 63y

Class 5

20:15 Hexham

Dusky Days

11st 8lb

J: Charlotte Jones

T: James Moffatt

Three sound efforts on last three starts last summer (good/soft), winning over 2m1f at Cartmel and finishing creditable second over 3m there on final start; off for 252 days and likely to be better for the run.

12/1

9/2

  • Place: £1.80

Form: 22/3P-

Last run: 24 days

W: 11st 11lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 97

Form & Verdict
Runner-up in three chases for Mick Channon in 2022 and, following a long absence, made pleasing stable debut when third at Taunton (2m, soft) last month; contender if judged on that evidence but dropped out of contention very tamely at Warwick a fortnight later.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

28th Nov 2024

Good To Soft

2m 0f 0y

Class 5

15:30 Lingfield

Barest Of Margins

11st 6lb

J: Marc Goldstein

T: Sheena West

Still seeking first win (0-11; form figures over fences 2F223P2); run down late at Stratford (2m1f, good) in May; capable from this mark, but is returning from a six-month absence.

4/1

4

28th Nov 2024

Good To Soft

2m 0f 0y

Class 5

15:30 Lingfield

Barest Of Margins

11st 6lb

J: Marc Goldstein

T: Sheena West

Still seeking first win (0-11; form figures over fences 2F223P2); run down late at Stratford (2m1f, good) in May; capable from this mark, but is returning from a six-month absence.

4/1

2nd

3

19th May 2024

Good

2m 0f 213y

Class 5

14:05 Stratford

Barest Of Margins

11st 11lb

J: Marc Goldstein

T: Sheena West

led, pressed leader when headed after 3rd, led narrowly after 2 out, kept on run-in, headed towards finish

9/2

6/1

  • Place: £1.50

Form: 5/725-

Last run: 195 days

W: 11st 6lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 92

Form & Verdict
Dual Flat winner; not bred for fences but was very respectable fifth on chasing debut at Plumpton (2m3f, good to soft) in November; ought to be better suited by today's faster ground and confirmed his wellbeing with a good AW run last month; could have a say.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

3rd Jun 2026

Good To Firm

2m 4f 0y

Class 4

21:00 Warwick

Theonlywayiswessex

11st 11lb

J: Tom Bellamy

T: Alan King

On a fairly tough mark but otherwise has plenty in his favour and ran a solid second over C&D last time; every chance.

6/4

2nd

5

4th May 2026

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 4

16:25 Warwick

Theonlywayiswessex

11st 11lb

J: Tom Bellamy

T: Alan King

Below par when last seen in August but ran pretty well in his previous two races, including here; has plenty in his favour, other than a tough enough mark.

8/1

4th

4

21st Aug 2025

Good

2m 4f 216y

Class 4

17:35 Newton Abbot

Theonlywayiswessex

11st 8lb

J: Tom Cannon

T: Alan King

Two solid placed efforts since returning from a break, latest when a 7.25l third at Stratford (2m3f, good to firm; Magic Seven second) last month; should give another good account though he remains vulnerable off this sort of mark.

15/2

Form: 23F05- D

Last run: 25 days

W: 12st 0lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 100

Form & Verdict
Won twice over hurdles at Taunton in April 2023 and looked back in good nick when fifth of 16 there (2m, good) last month; on workable mark for today's chasing debut and a player if he jumps soundly.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

9

16th Apr 2026

Good

2m 0f 53y

Class 4

19:00 Hereford

Phoenix Risen

11st 2lb

J: Chad Bament

T: Jeremy Scott

Fine on all ground; in a good run of form since the blinkers went on four starts back and this might not be quite so demanding as the Exeter race he contested last time; in the mix.

7/1

5th

9

6th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 0f 161y

Class 4

15:10 Exeter

Phoenix Risen

11st 2lb

J: Chad Bament

T: Jeremy Scott

Only blinkered this season and the aids are working well, registering a fourth hurdle win under a positive ride at Wincanton (2m, heavy); 5lb rise sees him on a career-high mark but he has to be considered; good to soft is fine.

5/1

1st

5

3rd Feb 2026

Heavy

2m 0f 104y

Class 4

15:15 Taunton

Phoenix Risen

10st 11lb

J: Chad Bament

T: Jeremy Scott

Two good runs in blinkers this season, latterly when clear second of 13 at Wincanton (1m7f, soft; unraced on heavy) in December; nudged back up to his career-high mark since but still commands respect.

5/2

Form: P/06-6

Last run: 12 days

W: 10st 2lb

12 yo Gelding

OR: 68

Form & Verdict
Went close over C&D (good) just under a year ago but soundly beaten on all four subsequent appearances; 6lb wrong today; younger rivals are much more appealing.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8

7th Sep 2024

Good

2m 6f 125y

Class 5

17:20 Stratford

Invincible Wish

10st 2lb

J: James Best

T: Sarah-Jayne Davies

midfield, lost position 11th, no impression from 4 out

12/1

8th

10

28th Aug 2024

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 5

16:40 Worcester

Invincible Wish

10st 5lb

J: James Best

T: Sarah-Jayne Davies

Has taken time to come to hand since returning from a long absence this year but built on some better recent efforts with a hard-fought win (first over obstacles) at Stratford (2m3f, good) last month; leading player back up 3lb.

9/2

1st

11

14th Jul 2024

Good

2m 3f 98y

Class 5

13:30 Stratford

Invincible Wish

10st 2lb

J: James Best

T: Sarah-Jayne Davies

chased clear leader, in touch with leaders before 8th

20/1

Form: /P3PP-

Last run: 69 days

W: 11st 8lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 94

Form & Verdict
Sold out of Nicky Henderson's stable after disappointing start to chasing career last autumn and was pulled up over C&D (albeit on heavy ground) on stable debut in March; back on a sound surface with cheekpieces added today; others have much less to prove.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

30th May 2026

Good To Firm

2m 4f 205y

Class 4

20:20 Stratford

Boom Boom

10st 2lb

J: Robert Dunne

T: Rob Summers

Won here over 2m1f (good) and an extended 2m3f (good to firm) last summer; subsequently lost his form in three runs; hard to gauge how he will run after a layoff but he would come into this if back on song.

7/1

6

19th Nov 2025

Soft

2m 0f 54y

Class 5

15:40 Warwick

Boom Boom

11st 1lb

J: Charlie Hammond

T: Rob Summers

Won at Stratford over 2m1f (good) in June and an extended 2m3f (good to firm) in July; ran better than the margin suggests at Worcester in August; suffered a seriously heavy defeat back at Stratford last time, however, while soft ground would raise a further concern.

14/1

7

20th Aug 2025

Good

2m 0f 110y

Class 5

16:50 Worcester

Boom Boom

11st 2lb

J: Robert Dunne

T: Rob Summers

Has emerged from a spell in the wilderness this season and is on a hat-trick after two wins at Stratford (2m1f/2m3f); up another 5lb since last time but must be considered in current form.

7/2

Form: 07PF2-

Last run: 30 days

W: 11st 11lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 97

Form & Verdict
Held every chance before last-fence fall on chasing debut at March (2m, good) and also ran well when second (albeit no match for easy winner) at Exeter (2m1f, good) last month; needs to prove he can handle a left-handed track but otherwise has pretty solid claims.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11

20th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 6f 93y

Class 4

16:07 Newbury

Dunstall Rambler

11st 2lb

J: Tom Bellamy

T: Tom George

Weakened to be beaten 22l last time at Southwell (2m4f, good to soft) and all his three wins have been at about 2m; wouldn't be the obvious answer no matter how well the new headgear works.

25/1

4th

3

2nd Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 88y

Class 4

13:02 Southwell

Dunstall Rambler

11st 11lb

J: Kielan Woods

T: Tom George

Won for the third time over fences at Worcester in October (2m, good; by 18l); has a chance on that run but best form has been at shorter (jumped poorly when well beaten on last completed run at 2m4f); acts on good to soft but he's not a real mudlark.

7/1

1

15th Oct 2025

Good

2m 0f 110y

Class 5

14:57 Worcester

Dunstall Rambler

12st 0lb

J: Jonathan Burke

T: Tom George

Consistent sort who won twice over fences last term; stable's first runner over fences this season and may have more to give.

10/1

Form: /PP/6/

Last run: 730 days

W: 10st 2lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 64

Form & Verdict
Struggled when 33-1 for chase/handicap debut two years ago and not seen since; effectively 3lb higher from 10lb out of the weights today.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

10

19th May 2024

Good

2m 0f 213y

Class 5

14:05 Stratford

Theoule

10st 2lb

J: James Best

T: Emma-Jane Bishop

always behind, weakened after 2 out

33/1

8th

10

19th May 2024

Good

2m 0f 213y

Class 5

14:05 Stratford

Theoule

10st 2lb

J: James Best

T: Emma-Jane Bishop

always behind, weakened after 2 out

33/1

Form: /420-5

Last run: 12 days

W: 11st 11lb

6 yo Filly

OR: 97

Form & Verdict
Displayed significant promise in two slow-ground novice hurdles in the autumn but was safely held in both handicap hurdles this spring; in good hands and remains lightly raced but it's hard to know what to expect from her on this chasing debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

4

24th Mar 2026

Good

3m 1f 185y

Class 4

14:00 Southwell

Smurfette

11st 9lb

J: Miss Gina Andrews

T: T Ellis

Consistent 8yo who made it 2-2 here when a narrow winner earlier this month; only raised 3lb and this willing mare should have every chance; has won on good.

2/1

1st

6

2nd Mar 2026

Heavy

3m 0f 60y

Class 4

14:45 Southwell

Smurfette

11st 1lb

J: Jack Andrews

T: T Ellis

Latest effort, upped to this grade, suggests she remains in form; proving consistent and she is 1-1 at Southwell (scored comfortably in November 2024); respected.

15/8

Form: 4P/PP-

Last run: 24 days

W: 10st 3lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 75

Form & Verdict
Pulled up on chasing debut for Phil Kirby in November and, following a break, also struggled when he reverted to hurdling for recent stable debut; has travelled from the Scottish Borders to run here and may appreciate the return to decent ground but considered only if lively in the betting.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

10

15th Jun 2024

Good

1m 7f 133y

Class 5

16:52 Hexham

Barley Breeze

10st 2lb

J: Ross Chapman

T: Stuart Coltherd

held up in rear

28/1

6th

10

29th May 2024

Good

2m 1f 61y

Class 5

19:50 Cartmel

Barley Breeze

10st 2lb

J: Ross Chapman

T: Stuart Coltherd

Pulled up on final two starts for Philip Kirby and also failed to complete both races for new stable this spring; 2lb out of the weights here and it takes a big leap of faith to support him.

25/1

8

19th May 2024

Good

2m 0f 213y

Class 5

14:05 Stratford

Barley Breeze

10st 3lb

J: Ross Chapman

T: Stuart Coltherd

midfield, hampered when unseated 2nd

16/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £40.50
Straight Forecast £32.91
Tricast £94.98
Trifecta £171.20

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Dunstall Rambler

Telegraph:

Theonlywayiswessex

RP RATINGS:

Dusky Days

POSTDATA:

Barest Of Margins

The Times:

Dunstall Rambler

Daily Mirror:

Dunstall Rambler

The Star:

Dunstall Rambler

Daily Record:

Dunstall Rambler

D Express:

Dusky Days