December 20 / 15.40 Ascot

15.40

Good

King Edward VII Ascot Membership Open National Hunt Flat Race (Listed Race) (GBB Race)

  • Prize money: £14237.5
  • 1m 7f 152y
  • Class 1
  • 14 runners
SKY
View Course
King Edward VII Ascot Membership Open National Hunt Flat Race (Listed Race) (GBB Race)

Runners: 14 runners

Type: NH Flat

Surface: Turf

Weather: Mostly cloudy

5/1 (Won)

  • Win: £4.00
  • Place: £1.80

Form: 121 D

Last run: 83 days

W: 11st 2lb

4 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Won at Cork (2m1f, good) in July, before second at Ballinrobe and winning in good style at Listowel (2m, soft) in September; changed hands and left Pat Flynn; the latest performance in particular suggests he is a leading player, for trainer who won this race in 2018 and 2019 when he last contested it.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

15

20th Dec 2024

Good

1m 7f 152y

Class 1

15:40 Ascot

Windbeneathmywings

11st 2lb

J: Jack Tudor

T: David Pipe

Won at Cork (2m1f, good) in July, before second at Ballinrobe and winning in good style at Listowel (2m, soft) in September; changed hands and left Pat Flynn; the latest performance in particular suggests he is a leading player, for trainer who won this race in 2018 and 2019 when he last contested it.

5/1

1st

15

20th Dec 2024

Good

1m 7f 152y

Class 1

15:40 Ascot

Windbeneathmywings

11st 2lb

J: Jack Tudor

T: David Pipe

Won at Cork (2m1f, good) in July, before second at Ballinrobe and winning in good style at Listowel (2m, soft) in September; changed hands and left Pat Flynn; the latest performance in particular suggests he is a leading player, for trainer who won this race in 2018 and 2019 when he last contested it.

5/1

1st

2

28th Sep 2024

Soft

2m 0f 0y

17:40 Listowel

Windbeneathmywings

11st 12lb

J: Mr D Doyle

T: Patrick J Flynn

Made a winning debut when taking a Cork bumper in July over this trip; was a solid second at Ballinrobe since under a penalty; this soft ground will be new territory but can be involved if handling it

4/1

11/4

  • Place: £1.60

Form: 1 D

Last run: 69 days

W: 11st 2lb

4 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Brother to smart Irish jumper Minella Crooner (stays 3m); won his Irish maiden point in April and drew 6l clear when favourite for nine-runner bumper at Chepstow (2m, good to soft) in October despite flashing his tail; stable has plenty of good prospects among its youngsters and he's one to note.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

13

13th Mar 2026

Good

2m 7f 213y

Class 1

15:20 Cheltenham

Moneygarrow

11st 7lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

Point/bumper winner with course form having finished fifth to No Drama This End in a Grade 2 in November (behind King's Bucks); had wind surgery before he beat a good horse at Warwick (2m5f, good to soft) and put another in its place at Windsor when proving his stamina for 3m (soft); won't be fazed by the nature of this race and needs a second look.

11/1

1st

1

16th Jan 2026

Soft

3m 0f 0y

Class 2

12:40 Windsor

Moneygarrow

11st 5lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

Point (3m) and bumper winner who showed promise in Grade 2s on first two hurdle starts (including on soft ground) before winning a maiden by 7l at Warwick (2m5f, good to soft) last month; there's stamina in his useful pedigree and he's a leading contender for his top yard.

9/4

6

10th Oct 2025

Good To Soft

2m 3f 100y

Class 1

15:43 Chepstow

Moneygarrow

11st 0lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

Won the bumper at this meeting 12 months ago and went on to finish second at Ascot (beaten 14l in a Listed) and Kempton (again good to soft) where he narrowly missed out to one who could turn out very good; interesting that his top trainer aims this high on hurdling debut.

11/2

12/1

  • Place: £2.80

Form: 2

Last run: 223 days

W: 11st 2lb

4 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Dam bumper winner who won two Listed mares' hurdles for this trainer; second favourite, 8l second of 11 at Haydock (near 2m, good) in May was a promising start and the form gives him a fair shout.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

3

23rd Mar 2026

Good

2m 5f 0y

Class 4

14:30 Kempton

Step Ahead

11st 9lb

J: Ciaran Gethings

T: Kim Bailey & Mat Nicholls

Disappointing favourite over C&D last time, folding rather tamely once headed, but record suggests a rebound is plausible; has solid form otherwise and proved game, as opposed to tame, in gaining his Cheltenham win.

15/8

5th

2

2nd Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 5f 0y

Class 4

14:02 Kempton

Step Ahead

11st 12lb

J: Ciaran Gethings

T: Kim Bailey & Mat Nicholls

Solid form in bumpers (for previous yard) and over hurdles; recorded a game success in maiden event at Cheltenham (2m4f, good) on New Year's Day most recently, building on reappearance effort; likely to improve further and holds strong claims.

11/4

Form: 2-1 D

Last run: 41 days

W: 11st 2lb

4 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Second to a talented rival at Ballinrobe (soft) in April and fetched 165,000euros in May; 11-8 favourite at Wincanton (1m7f, good) six weeks ago, against just three opponents and scoring by a neck but he should improve on that; No Drama This End may be stable first string on jockey bookings.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

6

23rd Mar 2026

Good

2m 3f 179y

Class 3

16:57 Wincanton

Swingin Safari

11st 4lb

J: Freddie Gingell

T: Paul Nicholls

Useful bumper performer (course winner on good ground) who opened hurdling account in maiden here (1m7f, soft) in December; big player on this handicap debut if judged on that evidence but two rather disappointing efforts have followed (2m/2m4f); tongue-tie added.

5/1

3rd

2

13th Feb 2026

Soft

2m 4f 1y

Class 4

14:20 Fakenham

Swingin Safari

11st 8lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Paul Nicholls

Good bumper form; fell in a strong Chepstow maiden when running well and then won in a big field at Wincanton (1m7f, soft); well held when penalised at Kempton (good) but the winner is well above average; bred for this far.

5/2

4th

17

5th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

2m 0f 209y

Class 1

17:35 Aintree

Swingin Safari

11st 4lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Paul Nicholls

in touch with leaders

16/1

Form: 1 D

Last run: 22 days

W: 11st 2lb

4 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Eighth foal; half-brother to five French winners including The Stomp (5.5f-1m Flat and useful 2m1f-2m6f hurdle/chase); 5-4 favourite for debut at Taunton (2m, good to soft) three weeks ago and got up by a length in the closing stages in that eight-runner race, looking capable of better.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

5

28th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 0f 69y

Class 3

14:10 Newbury

Doctor Blue

10st 13lb

J: Dylan Johnston

T: Sam Thomas

Bumper winner who went close in Cheltenham Grade 2 on hurdle debut before getting off the mark at Ascot (1m7f, good) in November; found to have bled when well held next time and played up at the start (deemed a non-runner) at Exeter eight days ago; wore tongue-tie on those last three appearances and cheekpieces at Exeter, but has neither today; unexposed handicap debutant.

5/2

1

20th Feb 2026

Heavy

2m 0f 161y

Class 4

14:14 Exeter

Doctor Blue

11st 12lb

J: Dylan Johnston

T: Sam Thomas

Bumper winner who went close in Cheltenham Grade 2 on hurdle debut before getting off the mark at Ascot (1m7f, good; first-time tongue-tie) in November; found to have bled when well held at Doncaster since, which is a concern, but would have obvious claims if back to best with cheekpieces added.

11/10

2nd

1

24th Oct 2025

Good

2m 0f 87y

Class 1

15:00 Cheltenham

Doctor Blue

11st 2lb

J: Dylan Johnston

T: Sam Thomas

Favourite for two of his three bumpers (good to soft or good), winning the first and on the latest occasion finishing third under a penalty at Chepstow where they didn't go much of a gallop; others in here have superior form but he's a likely improver over hurdles.

25/1

Form: 231 D

Last run: 38 days

W: 11st 2lb

4 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Bred to stay well; unraced on softer than good; placed in bumpers at Stratford and Worcester before winning one at Hereford; that form puts him well down this field on ratings.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

25th May 2025

Good

2m 3f 29y

Class 4

13:48 Fontwell

Presenting Milan

11st 4lb

J: Robert Dunne

T: Richard Hawker

Won good-ground bumper at Hereford last November and returned from break with pretty good second on hurdling debut at Market Rasen (2m4f, good) five weeks ago; features prominently in calculations here.

2/1

3

25th May 2025

Good

2m 3f 29y

Class 4

13:48 Fontwell

Presenting Milan

11st 4lb

J: Robert Dunne

T: Richard Hawker

Won good-ground bumper at Hereford last November and returned from break with pretty good second on hurdling debut at Market Rasen (2m4f, good) five weeks ago; features prominently in calculations here.

2/1

2nd

7

20th Apr 2025

Good

2m 4f 139y

Class 4

15:45 Market Rasen

Presenting Milan

11st 6lb

J: Harry Reed

T: Richard Hawker

in touch with leaders, lost ground before 6th

10/1

9/1

Form: 1 D

Last run: 44 days

W: 11st 2lb

4 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Won a point bumper in April and ten-runner bumper at Chepstow (again 2m on good to soft) in November; tongue tied when holding the upper hand in a sustained scrap last time and the form has been boosted by the second and third; one of many to consider.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

7

2nd Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 100y

Class 4

16:07 Chepstow

Its Top

11st 9lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Oliver Signy

Bumper winner who chased home Sober Glory on his hurdle debut and then made all for a novice win at odds-on at Carlisle in February (2m1f, good to soft); trainer could offer no explanation for his poor handicap debut at Uttoxeter but he's better than that.

9/1

14

14th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 207y

Class 3

13:50 Uttoxeter

Its Top

11st 0lb

J: Gavin Sheehan

T: Oliver Signy

Bumper winner who scored at the second attempt over hurdles at Carlisle (2m1f, good to soft) last month when making all; steps up in trip on his handicap debut and while this looks tougher he could still be anything.

6/1

1st

4

3rd Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 1f 0y

Class 4

13:30 Carlisle

Its Top

11st 5lb

J: Gavin Sheehan

T: Oliver Signy

Won a point bumper in April 2024 and a Chepstow bumper on rules debut in November 2024 (2m, good to soft; form solid); made a promising hurdles debut on return from 327-day break when 13l second to a 2-13 shot at Newbury last month (2m, good to soft; first run after wind surgery); contender.

5/4

Form: 1 D

Last run: 54 days

W: 11st 2lb

4 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
35,000euros 3yo; winning newcomers from the yard in bumpers are not frequent but he scored in clearcut style when 12-1 in eight-runner race at Wincanton (1m7f, good) in October, having travelled up smoothly to lead over 2f out; the form may not be great but the style left a good impression.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

4

6th Apr 2026

Good

2m 4f 116y

Class 3

15:45 Plumpton

Tennessee Tango

11st 11lb

J: Brendan Powell

T: Joe Tizzard

Good-ground bumper runner-up who improved with each of his first four runs over hurdles, easily winning a maiden here (2m, soft) in February; pulled up in the competitive EBF Final at Sandown (2m4f, soft) since and needs to prove his stamina, but pedigree provides hope; not written off.

12/1

10

7th Mar 2026

Soft

2m 3f 178y

Class 1

13:50 Sandown

Tennessee Tango

11st 5lb

J: Brendan Powell

T: Joe Tizzard

Took a few goes to get off the mark over hurdles but did so in emphatic fashion at Plumpton (2m, soft), making all in a canter; bred to be suited by 2m4f+ and is a very interesting contender now tackling handicaps.

14/1

1st

5

9th Feb 2026

Soft

1m 7f 195y

Class 4

14:45 Plumpton

Tennessee Tango

11st 7lb

J: Brendan Powell

T: Joe Tizzard

Bumper winner who has shown ability in 2m hurdle races won by smart novices and this could be his best opening yet; leading chance on figures.

10/11

Form: 2-

Last run: 300 days

W: 11st 2lb

4 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
45,000euros 3yo; 11-1, beaten nearly 2l when second of nine at Kempton (2m, soft) in February, running on well and showing plenty of promise.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

8

18th Apr 2026

Soft

2m 5f 91y

Class 2

16:15 Ayr

West Hill Verde

11st 5lb

J: Sean Houlihan

T: Seamus Mullins

0-8 but placed in three maiden hurdles in a row (2m-2m5f, soft) prior to 12l third Grade 2 novice at Kelso (2m2f, good to soft) in February when 33-1; receives weight from his main rivals and is firmly in the picture.

11/2

3rd

10

28th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 2f 25y

Class 1

14:15 Kelso

West Hill Verde

11st 5lb

J: Sean Houlihan

T: Seamus Mullins

Placed in maiden hurdles on last three starts (2m-2m5f, soft), most recently runner-up at Doncaster; however, looks up against it today.

50/1

Form:

Last run:

W: 11st 2lb

4 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Eighth foal; brother to six winners including Can You Call (bumper/2m3f chase/2m4f hurdle), Finest View (bumper and 2m/2m1f hurdle) and Passing Call (2m/2m1f hurdle), half-brother to a point winner; dam bumper and useful 2m-2m1f hurdle/chase winner; this is a tough debut, though, surely.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

3

5th Feb 2026

Soft

2m 3f 137y

Class 1

15:10 Huntingdon

Glance At Midnight

11st 5lb

J: Shane Quinlan

T: Andrew J Martin

Unraced on soft/heavy; out of depth in Grade 1 race last time; ran well behind Supreme favourite Old Park Star at Cheltenham (2m1f) earlier in December, albeit no match for that rival, and he's 2-2 at Huntingdon (bumper/hurdle); interesting back here, assuming he stays the new trip.

12/1

1st

1

11th Apr 2025

Good

1m 7f 171y

Class 5

19:08 Huntingdon

Glance At Midnight

11st 3lb

J: Shane Quinlan

T: Andrew J Martin

Both runs on good to soft; tailed off in a Listed race at Ascot first time and then showed more in easier company at Doncaster, where beaten under 6l; could be vulnerable to a useful newcomer should there be one lurking.

7/1

1st

1

11th Apr 2025

Good

1m 7f 171y

Class 5

19:08 Huntingdon

Glance At Midnight

11st 3lb

J: Shane Quinlan

T: Andrew J Martin

Both runs on good to soft; tailed off in a Listed race at Ascot first time and then showed more in easier company at Doncaster, where beaten under 6l; could be vulnerable to a useful newcomer should there be one lurking.

7/1

OUR TIP

Form: 1 D

Last run: 49 days

W: 11st 2lb

4 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Won a British maiden point (2m4f, good to soft) in January and a ten-runner bumper at Uttoxeter (2m, good) seven weeks ago, in the latter always prominent and firmly in charge through the closing stages; looks open to plenty of progress with that run and experience under his belt.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

2

21st Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 2f 183y

Class 3

13:50 Newbury

Fresh Perspective

11st 12lb

J: Jonathan Burke

T: Jamie Snowden

Possibly best left-handed; either way, he ran poorly at right-handed Huntingdon last time, when some moderate jumps did not help; tongue tied that day (but not today) and had wind surgery soon afterwards; consistent form over hurdles before that run but needs better on this handicap debut.

4/1

5th

1

5th Feb 2026

Soft

2m 3f 137y

Class 1

15:10 Huntingdon

Fresh Perspective

11st 8lb

J: Gavin Sheehan

T: Jamie Snowden

Has gained all wins on left-handed tracks and jumped that way when an otherwise creditable third in Listed event at right-handed Sandown (2m, soft) last time; again goes clockwise, which doesn't look ideal, and needs progress on ratings; tongue-tie fitted.

12/1

4

3rd Oct 2025

Good

2m 1f 162y

Class 4

15:03 Fontwell

Fresh Perspective

11st 2lb

J: Gavin Sheehan

T: Jamie Snowden

British point winner over 2m4f on good to soft; won a Uttoxeter bumper before finishing tailed off in a Listed race at Aintree in December; interesting hurdling debutant.

2/1

Form: 1-2 D BF

Last run: 28 days

W: 11st 2lb

4 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Well on top in a big field at Kempton (2m, good to soft) in March and beaten a nose, having come from last to first in a six-runner race, over C&D (good) four weeks ago; good prospect with among the best form.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

1

13th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 0f 48y

Class 4

14:00 Hexham

Blues Singer

11st 9lb

J: Tom Bellamy

T: Alan King

Bumper winner (good to soft) who had contested some warm races over hurdles prior to winning a big-field maiden at Huntingdon (2m, good) last month with something to spare; Alan King has a 42% strike-rate at Hexham; leading claims under a 7lb penalty.

5/4

1st

2

11th Mar 2026

Good

1m 7f 171y

Class 4

14:58 Huntingdon

Blues Singer

11st 6lb

J: Tom Bellamy

T: Alan King

Bumper winner whose hurdles form comprises a good third in useful race at Newbury (2m, good) flanked by less solid efforts in the last two runnings of the Dovecote at Kempton; major contender on bare figures back down in class.

5/2

9th

3

21st Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 0f 0y

Class 1

15:00 Kempton

Blues Singer

11st 5lb

J: Tom Bellamy

T: Alan King

Beaten 24l into fourth in this race 12 months ago, and he raced too freely when 13l third of eight at Newbury in December on first outing since; may not be fully exposed but has something to find on the figures.

25/1

16/1

Form: 1 CD

Last run: 48 days

W: 11st 2lb

4 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
120,000euros 3yo; second foal; dam twice-raced French 2m1f hurdle winner; 17-2 and hooded when he made a winning first appearance by a neck in six-runner bumper over C&D (good) seven weeks ago, coming from last despite looking green; promising and from a top yard but he does not look their first string on jockey bookings.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

1

20th Oct 2025

Good

1m 7f 195y

Class 4

14:10 Plumpton

Kajikia

11st 7lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Paul Nicholls

Won Ascot bumper on debut last November and put a lesser effort behind him when third in quite valuable course bumper (also on good) in April; seems to have some quirks but comfortably exploited good opportunity in modest maiden here (2m4f, good) on recent hurdling debut and has obvious claims again.

4/7

1st

1

21st Sep 2025

Good To Firm

2m 4f 116y

Class 4

15:20 Plumpton

Kajikia

11st 4lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Paul Nicholls

Hooded for his first two races at Ascot, winning on debut (good) before finishing tailed off in a Listed race; wore no headgear when an 8l third under a penalty in another bumper here in April that was dominated by strong yards (Willie Mullins had the winner); all that gives him cast-iron claims in today's company on hurdling debut.

1/8

3rd

2

21st Apr 2025

Good

2m 1f 164y

Class 2

17:35 Plumpton

Kajikia

11st 7lb

J: Jay Tidball

T: Paul Nicholls

prominent

10/1

Form: 0/6-3

Last run: 14 days

W: 11st 2lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Defeats at Cheltenham, Lingfield (AW) and Sedgefield (soft; third of six, looked set to win over 2f out) make him look one of the outsiders.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

20th Dec 2024

Good

1m 7f 152y

Class 1

15:40 Ascot

Gallant Approach

11st 2lb

J: David Bass

T: Hughie Morrison

Defeats at Cheltenham, Lingfield (AW) and Sedgefield (soft; third of six, looked set to win over 2f out) make him look one of the outsiders.

66/1

4

20th Dec 2024

Good

1m 7f 152y

Class 1

15:40 Ascot

Gallant Approach

11st 2lb

J: David Bass

T: Hughie Morrison

Defeats at Cheltenham, Lingfield (AW) and Sedgefield (soft; third of six, looked set to win over 2f out) make him look one of the outsiders.

66/1

3rd

4

6th Dec 2024

Soft

2m 0f 178y

Class 5

15:27 Sedgefield

Gallant Approach

11st 2lb

J: Brian Hughes

T: Hughie Morrison

prominent, led and going best over 3f out, clear when ran green and unbalanced 2f out, reduced lead and faced challenge 1f out, no extra and headed inside final furlong, weakened and lost second inside final 110yds

100/30

Non-runners

No Drama This End

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £13.60
Straight Forecast £10.09
Trifecta £106.80

Selections

TOPSPEED:

Windbeneathmywings

SPOTLIGHT:

Step Ahead

The Times:

Moneygarrow

The Guardian:

Doctor Blue

POSTDATA:

Blues Singer

WEST COUNTRY:

No Drama This End

LAMBOURN:

Fresh Perspective

Telegraph:

Windbeneathmywings

Daily Mirror:

Windbeneathmywings

RP RATINGS:

Step Ahead

The Sun:

Step Ahead

Daily Mail:

Moneygarrow

Daily Record:

Moneygarrow

D Express:

Doctor Blue

The Star:

Blues Singer