August 30 / 16.25 Fontwell

16.25

Good

Rapunzel Me Curls For The Girls Novices’ Handicap Chase

  • Prize money: £3247.81
  • 2m 5f 135y
  • Class 5
  • 10 runners
SKY
View Course
Rapunzel Me Curls For The Girls Novices’ Handicap Chase

Runners: 10 runners

Type: Chase Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Partly cloudy

OUR TIP

11/4 (Won)

  • Win: £2.75
  • Place: £1.20

Form: P-314U C

Last run: 40 days

W: 12st 0lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 89

Form & Verdict
Won quite easily by 16l here (2m3f, good) in June and was very respectable fourth of 13 in much deeper race than this off new mark at Newton Abbot (2m5f, good) later that month; suffered early mishap on latest outing but remains very much of interest.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

4

27th May 2026

Good

3m 2f 105y

Class 4

17:30 Newton Abbot

Belgarum

11st 3lb

J: Freddie Gingell

T: Joe Tizzard

Pulled up in his final two runs last year but he returned after wind surgery with a front-running win at Fontwell (2m3f, good; 22-1) this month; this is a different test but he won over fences here (3m2f) last spring and 3lb rise for that last success looks fair; respected.

4/1

1st

6

14th May 2026

Good

2m 3f 29y

Class 4

18:10 Fontwell

Belgarum

11st 7lb

J: Freddie Gingell

T: Joe Tizzard

Four-time chase winner who was out of sorts when last seen in the autumn, most recently when pulled up on return to hurdling; had another wind op (his fourth) during 168-day break; needs to get career back on track.

16/1

8/1

  • Place: £2.70

Form: 0-5P56

Last run: 41 days

W: 11st 13lb

6 yo Filly

OR: 88

Form & Verdict
Left Dan Skelton after disappointing chase debut in May but travelled well for long way on first two starts for Tom Ellis (2m4f/2m1f, good) and is not yet fully exposed; possible if stamina holds out over new trip.
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

6/1

  • Place: £2.20

Form: 5PP/44

Last run: 40 days

W: 11st 5lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 80

Form & Verdict
Bumper winner; 0-7 over hurdles but returned from long absence with two pretty good efforts this season (2m/2m2f) and it will be interesting to see how he fares over this new trip on chasing debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

15

21st Oct 2024

Good

1m 7f 195y

Class 5

15:25 Plumpton

Invictus De Brion

10st 7lb

J: Rex Dingle

T: Chris Gordon

not fluent 1st

7/1

7

22nd Sep 2024

Good

2m 3f 164y

Class 5

14:50 Plumpton

Invictus De Brion

10st 7lb

J: Rex Dingle

T: Chris Gordon

About 17l behind Belgarum when third at Fontwell (2m5f, good) on recent chasing debut but significant positives can be drawn from that performance and he's 11lb better off with that rival here; contender if new cheekpieces have any positive effect.

13/2

3rd

7

30th Aug 2024

Good

2m 5f 135y

Class 5

16:25 Fontwell

Invictus De Brion

11st 5lb

J: Rex Dingle

T: Chris Gordon

Bumper winner; 0-7 over hurdles but returned from long absence with two pretty good efforts this season (2m/2m2f) and it will be interesting to see how he fares over this new trip on chasing debut.

6/1

Form: P-8037

Last run: 13 days

W: 11st 0lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 75

Form & Verdict
Ten-race maiden; bettered inauspicious chasing debut when keeping-on third in modest race at Stratford (2m3f, good; first-time blinkers) last month but was safely held at Market Rasen a fortnight ago; others preferred.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

9

20th Oct 2024

Good

2m 5f 28y

Class 5

14:00 Sedgefield

Buck Of Maine

10st 2lb

J: Shane Fenelon

T: Peter & Michael Bowen

13-race maiden; last six races were in cheekpieces/blinkers over fences, taking two minor honours on good ground, but he is 8lb out of the handicap today; needs big improvement from the first-time visor.

25/1

6th

9

7th Oct 2024

Soft

2m 3f 98y

Class 5

17:02 Stratford

Buck Of Maine

10st 2lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Peter & Michael Bowen

in rear, not fluent then weakened 4 out

5/1

8

25th Sep 2024

Good

2m 4f 20y

Class 5

15:38 Perth

Buck Of Maine

10st 2lb

J: Shane Fenelon

T: Peter & Michael Bowen

Placed off today's mark in modest race at Stratford (2m3f, good; first-time blinkers) in July but safely held twice since and now 0-11 overall; others look stronger.

13/2

Form: 4635P/

Last run: 519 days

W: 11st 11lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 86

Form & Verdict
Not seen under rules since two disappointing 2m runs in March 2023 but 3-5 in points in the meantime and has been given a good chance by the handicapper; interesting.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

10

20th Nov 2024

Good To Soft

2m 7f 177y

Class 5

12:50 Ffos Las

Prime Pretender

10st 10lb

J: Osian Radford

T: Evan Williams

Won two small-field points in the spring and returned to racing under rules with three respectable runs under Osian Radford this summer/autumn; probably won't be far away but others appeal more all the same.

16/1

7th

10

20th Nov 2024

Good To Soft

2m 7f 177y

Class 5

12:50 Ffos Las

Prime Pretender

10st 10lb

J: Osian Radford

T: Evan Williams

Won two small-field points in the spring and returned to racing under rules with three respectable runs under Osian Radford this summer/autumn; probably won't be far away but others appeal more all the same.

16/1

4th

5

21st Oct 2024

Good

3m 1f 152y

Class 5

16:55 Plumpton

Prime Pretender

10st 10lb

J: Mr Osian Radford

T: Evan Williams

in touch with leaders, not fluent 8th, bad mistake 10th, soon lost position, some headway before last (usual 2 out), weakened run-in

13/2

Form: 52-413

Last run: 44 days

W: 11st 13lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 88

Form & Verdict
Battled on well to open chasing account at Uttoxeter (3m, good) in June and ran at least as well when close third there (3m2f, soft) last month; not sure to benefit from today's drop back in trip but still respected.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

3

30th Aug 2024

Good

2m 5f 135y

Class 5

16:25 Fontwell

Barrakhov

11st 13lb

J: Kielan Woods

T: David Killahena & Graeme McPherson

Battled on well to open chasing account at Uttoxeter (3m, good) in June and ran at least as well when close third there (3m2f, soft) last month; not sure to benefit from today's drop back in trip but still respected.

4/1

3rd

5

17th Jul 2024

Good

3m 2f 13y

Class 5

15:40 Uttoxeter

Barrakhov

11st 6lb

J: Kielan Woods

T: David Killahena & Graeme McPherson

Runner-up at Warwick (3m, good) in April, and toughed it out when deservedly off the mark over fences here (3m; beating Jean Genie by half a length) last month; 5lb higher - 1lb worse off with the runner-up - but should give another decent account.

7/2

1st

9

15th Jun 2024

Good

3m 0f 0y

Class 5

18:40 Uttoxeter

Barrakhov

11st 0lb

J: Kielan Woods

T: David Killahena & Graeme McPherson

Seemed to have got his act together over fences when creditable second of 15 at Warwick (3m, good) in April but was slightly disappointing when only fourth here (2m5f, good to soft) last month and today's forecast rain is not in his favour; others preferred.

7/1

Form: -52445

Last run: 35 days

W: 11st 7lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 82

Form & Verdict
Low-mileage 6yo who launched chasing career with two pretty good 2m4f runs at Worcester in June; not quite in same form on last couple of outings (3m/3m2f) but this drop back in trip looks the right move.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

1

2nd Mar 2026

Heavy

3m 0f 60y

Class 5

15:15 Southwell

Camino Rocio

12st 6lb

J: Miss Amber Jackson-Fennell

T: E M Rees

Has proved consistent in points this winter and looks likely to give his running in this hunter chase debut; however, faces a difficult task on rules form, as ratings reflect.

7/1

1

19th Jul 2025

Good

2m 7f 191y

Class 4

17:00 Market Rasen

Camino Rocio

12st 2lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Jim & Suzi Best

Won five handicap chases in the space of six starts during the winter; that came a cost mark-wise and he was twice well held before suffering same fate back over hurdles last time (2m7f novice; tried blinkers); bit to prove now.

16/1

Form: 0/4P-5

Last run: 40 days

W: 10st 2lb

7 yo Mare

OR: 60

Form & Verdict
Unplaced all six hurdling starts but, following a long layoff and a wind op, shaped with more promise than eventual 43l defeat might suggest at Stratford (3m2f, good) last month; might have needed that outing and is no forlorn hope if she takes well to chasing; 3lb wrong.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

10

30th Aug 2024

Good

2m 5f 135y

Class 5

16:25 Fontwell

Double Or Quits

10st 2lb

J: Kevin Brogan

T: Alexandra Dunn

Unplaced all six hurdling starts but, following a long layoff and a wind op, shaped with more promise than eventual 43l defeat might suggest at Stratford (3m2f, good) last month; might have needed that outing and is no forlorn hope if she takes well to chasing; 3lb wrong.

33/1

5th

9

21st Jul 2024

Good

3m 2f 83y

Class 5

14:55 Stratford

Double Or Quits

10st 2lb

J: Kevin Brogan

T: Alexandra Dunn

Weak form claims and hasn't been seen for a year, since when she's had wind surgery; well out of the weights on her first run beyond 2m4f.

33/1

12

3rd Jul 2023

Good

2m 4f 88y

Class 5

16:45 Southwell

Double Or Quits

10st 2lb

J: Adam Wedge

T: Alexandra Dunn

midfield, ridden after 5 out

33/1

Form: F5-307

Last run: 52 days

W: 11st 5lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 80

Form & Verdict
Placed over hurdles for Sean Curran in May (2m6f, good) but suffered heavy defeats over fences on first two starts for Gary Brown (both 2m); moves back up in trip here but still looks too risky.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

4

3rd Jun 2026

Good To Firm

3m 2f 0y

Class 5

18:55 Warwick

Groom De Cotte

11st 5lb

J: Richie McLernon

T: Gary Brown

Won over fences 13 months ago but returned from layoff with lacklustre hurdle run in April and is difficult to enthuse over after that performance; has usual tongue-tie refitted; seems versatile ground-wise.

14/1

8th

2

2nd Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 7f 131y

Class 5

16:39 Chepstow

Groom De Cotte

11st 12lb

J: Richie McLernon

T: Gary Brown

Won over fences at Huntingdon (2m7f, good to soft) last March and returned from break with pleasing fourth over hurdles there (3m1f, good to soft) in November; absent for another 131 days since but won't be far away if in similar form again.

5/1

Form: 0P8-8P

Last run: 56 days

W: 11st 2lb

5 yo Filly

OR: 77

Form & Verdict
Unplaced in three bumpers and on all four hurdling starts, most recently when pulled up over 2m5f on last month's handicap debut; needs this switch to fences to enable huge improvement.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9

13th Jun 2025

Good

2m 7f 16y

Class 5

20:45 Market Rasen

JVentile

10st 5lb

J: James Davies

T: Oliver Signy

0-11 under rules and little sign of encouragement this year; hood is now removed and has plenty to prove.

40/1

7th

11

7th May 2025

Good

2m 3f 29y

Class 5

20:10 Fontwell

JVentile

10st 8lb

J: Mr Frederick Tett

T: Oliver Signy

always behind

33/1

7th

11

7th May 2025

Good

2m 3f 29y

Class 5

20:10 Fontwell

JVentile

10st 8lb

J: Mr Frederick Tett

T: Oliver Signy

always behind

33/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £23.00
Straight Forecast £21.86
Tricast £77.04
Trifecta £112.80

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Belgarum

Daily Mail:

Barrakhov

D Express:

Invictus De Brion

POSTDATA:

Prime Pretender

Telegraph:

Camino Rocio

The Star:

Invictus De Brion

RP RATINGS:

Belgarum

The Guardian:

Belgarum

Daily Mirror:

Belgarum

The Sun:

Barrakhov

Daily Record:

Barrakhov

The Times:

Prime Pretender