March 28 / 15.45 Fontwell

15.45

Good

Smith And Western Chase Series Final (A Handicap Chase) (GBB Race)

  • Prize money: £20812
  • 2m 3f 104y
  • Class 2
  • 12 runners
SKY
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Smith And Western Chase Series Final (A Handicap Chase) (GBB Race)

Runners: 12 runners

Type: Chase Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Partly cloudy

Form: -52411 CD

Last run: 29 days

W: 12st 0lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 116

Form & Verdict
The cheekpieces went on for his last two starts and he's raised his game, winning in small fields at Wincanton (2m4f, soft; by 16l) and Taunton (extended 2m5f, soft; comfortably) 12 days later; won a maiden hurdle on good to soft in April 2023 but has raced on only soft or heavy since; that seems to ask as much of a question as latest 6lb rise, but he's shortlisted.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

1

24th Mar 2026

Good

2m 7f 3y

Class 4

15:45 Taunton

Good Friday Fairy

11st 12lb

J: Toby McCain-Mitchell

T: Ben Clarke

Resumed with victory at Exeter (2m3f) in November and in good form until pulled up in 2m3f handicap chase at Fontwell ten days ago; this course winner is the sort to bounce back in a change of headgear, though.

9/2

1

14th Mar 2026

Soft

2m 3f 104y

Class 4

14:35 Fontwell

Good Friday Fairy

12st 2lb

J: Rex Dingle

T: Ben Clarke

Did well for cheekpieces going on last year, winning three times at 2m3f-2m5f, latterly off 3lb lower, and going a stone and a half up the weights; 2m7f looked to find him out at Newbury last month and this is less competitive back down in trip; holds decent claims.

5/2

4th

3

17th Feb 2026

2m 7f 91y

Class 3

15:55 Newbury

Good Friday Fairy

11st 7lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Ben Clarke

All good since the cheekpieces went on, winning three times (2m3f-2m5f, good to soft/soft); kept on well for third off today's mark at Exeter (2m3f, good to soft) last month and returning to further looks the right move.

13/2

OUR TIP

Form: 142246 D

Last run: 22 days

W: 12st 0lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 116

Form & Verdict
Beaten 20l on his last two starts, after four months off; however, he did well over fences last spring/autumn and the best of those efforts give him a big shout; wears headgear first time.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

23rd May 2025

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 4

17:23 Worcester

Next Left

11st 8lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

Two 2m4f handicap wins on good ground last season included one here; hasn't fired in quite the same manner this year (in cheekpieces the last twice) but likely to come good sooner or later off his reduced mark.

100/30

3

23rd May 2025

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 4

17:23 Worcester

Next Left

11st 8lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

Two 2m4f handicap wins on good ground last season included one here; hasn't fired in quite the same manner this year (in cheekpieces the last twice) but likely to come good sooner or later off his reduced mark.

100/30

Form: 465322 D

Last run: 22 days

W: 11st 12lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 114

Form & Verdict
Won five soft-ground chases last season (the first two over about 2m4f, the rest about 2m); working his way back to form with second on his last two starts, the latest over C&D when close behind Diplomatic Ash, but both those were also in the mud and he has plenty to prove away from soft or heavy.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

1

5th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 35y

Class 4

16:15 Wincanton

Royal Mer

12st 0lb

J: Rian Corcoran

T: David Pipe

Six chase wins, the latest here (1m7f, heavy) under Rian Corcoran 19 days ago; still on workable mark after recent 5lb rise and will be fine over today's longer trip but the faster ground is probably not in his favour.

9/2

1st

1

14th Feb 2026

Heavy

1m 7f 149y

Class 4

14:50 Wincanton

Royal Mer

12st 2lb

J: Rian Corcoran

T: David Pipe

Five-time chase winner who relishes testing ground; runner-up in his first two starts this season including a close call at Exeter (2m1f, good to soft), but his form cooled at Hereford last time; needs to step up again after that but he remains well treated on his old form.

7/2

3rd

1

26th Jan 2026

Soft

2m 0f 8y

Class 4

15:00 Hereford

Royal Mer

11st 13lb

J: Rian Corcoran

T: David Pipe

Five-time chase winner who relishes testing ground; runner-up on both starts this term and looks sure to go close.

13/8

Form: U43P11 CD

Last run: 11 days

W: 11st 12lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 107

Form & Verdict
Won this month over C&D (soft; from Royal Mer) and back here (2m2f, good) 11 days later; wore first-time cheekpieces last time; both wins were in small fields but his career seems to be taking off again and he's respected despite the clear need for better still under 7lb penalty.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

3

26th May 2026

Good

2m 4f 116y

Class 4

18:09 Plumpton

Diplomatic Ash

11st 2lb

J: Rob Hargreaves

T: Gary & Josh Moore

Dual chase winner but below his best in two runs over fences during March; returns to hurdling off a realistic mark and has placed form in this discipline.

100/30

2nd

4

29th Mar 2026

Good

2m 5f 13y

Class 4

14:30 Ascot

Diplomatic Ash

11st 4lb

J: Tom Cannon

T: Gary & Josh Moore

Won twice around Fontwell (2m3f/2m2f) during this month last year and well treated on all that; didn't appear to see out 3m last time at Kempton and the return of cheekpieces is a likely positive; goes on good ground; hard to dismiss.

3/1

Form: 423241 D

Last run: 33 days

W: 11st 7lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 109

Form & Verdict
4-6 at Hereford and has never scored anywhere else but he was short-headed at Uttoxeter in November; last month's win (2m3f, good to soft) was his first for over two years and his best form for almost as long, also his first chase win at 12th attempt, but the runner-up scored next time and they were miles clear of the third, so going back up 5lb does not rule him out.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

3rd Jun 2026

Good To Firm

2m 4f 0y

Class 4

21:00 Warwick

Zestful Hope

11st 9lb

J: James Bowen

T: Charlie Longsdon

Five wins include two over fences, the latest at Huntingdon in October (2m4f, good) when 2lb higher; not so good in his five subsequent defeats and record when fresh is modest.

9/2

3rd

2

22nd Feb 2026

Soft

2m 2f 208y

Class 4

16:40 Hereford

Zestful Hope

11st 13lb

J: James Bowen

T: Charlie Longsdon

Won this in 2025 (good to soft) and was also on target at Huntingdon (2m4f, good) in October; back on a good mark now and should be fine on today's forecast soft ground but has become far too inconsistent to rely upon.

6/1

5th

2

4th Nov 2025

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 4

15:02 Warwick

Zestful Hope

11st 9lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Charlie Longsdon

Drew clear on run-in to score by 13l at Huntingdon (2m4f, good) last month, form that was franked by the runner-up over the weekend; not one to rely upon heavily, though.

5/1

Form: -22146 C

Last run: 22 days

W: 11st 6lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 108

Form & Verdict
Two seconds (one here) before winning over 2m2f at this track on soft ground in December; not so good at Huntingdon next time and tailed off when tried in cheekpieces here three weeks ago; they are now set aside but the return to this longer trip may not be ideal.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

6

27th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 104y

Class 2

16:30 Fontwell

Koenigsstern

10st 3lb

J: James Davies

T: Nick Gifford

Can be a bit in and out but he stuck to his task and just got the better of Le Galli Bier for second last time at Plumpton (2m4f, soft); however, the winner left both behind and this 9yo is off the same mark.

8/1

2nd

1

23rd Feb 2026

Soft

2m 3f 166y

Class 5

16:15 Plumpton

Koenigsstern

12st 0lb

J: James Davies

T: Nick Gifford

Rather in and out since winning at Fontwell in December 2024, but he was in the process of running one of his better races when falling at the second last at Lingfield (2m4f, heavy) 18 days ago; likely to play a part if none the worse for that experience.

4/1

4

5th Feb 2026

Soft

2m 4f 0y

Class 4

15:20 Lingfield

Koenigsstern

10st 12lb

J: James Davies

T: Nick Gifford

Seemed to find 2m7f too taxing here last month but had arguably been fortunate to escape with just a small nudge up the weights for his clear second at Warwick (2m4f, good to soft) on New Year's Eve, and this drop back in trip looks the right move.

13/2

Form: 725143 C

Last run: 28 days

W: 11st 1lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 103

Form & Verdict
Won easily here (2m6f, heavy) in January when back over fences for his second start for this stable; didn't jump well over hurdles next time but third in a chase at Ffos Las (2m4f) was much more like it again and he did win on good ground one year ago; considered each-way.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8

19th Jul 2025

Good

2m 7f 191y

Class 4

17:00 Market Rasen

Fame And Fun

11st 7lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Mickey Bowen

Has returned from a break in good order and gave an in-form rival a right fright at Worcester (2m7f, good); won't mind rain.

11/2

8

2nd Jul 2025

Good

2m 7f 0y

Class 4

14:45 Worcester

Fame And Fun

10st 9lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Mickey Bowen

Encouraging third after a three-month break at Stratford (2m7f, good) last month; looks the type to be at his best in the summer and holds sound claims.

5/1

6

17th Jun 2025

Good

2m 6f 125y

Class 4

16:30 Stratford

Fame And Fun

11st 2lb

J: James Bowen

T: Mickey Bowen

Won modest chase at Fontwell (2m5f, heavy) in January and is also suited by much faster ground but has become very inconsistent in recent years; others in this line-up have much more appealing profiles.

12/1

Form: 112145 CD

Last run: 127 days

W: 11st 0lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 102

Form & Verdict
Four wins and two seconds from ten races at Fontwell, including two wins last May and one last September; off since November and now a 10yo but he's still one to note with ground to suit.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

25th May 2025

Good

3m 1f 210y

Class 5

14:23 Fontwell

Call Off The Dogs

12st 0lb

J: Freddie Mitchell

T: Gary & Josh Moore

Gained three of his four chasing wins here and seems very versatile regarding trips but ended last season with two disappointing efforts and needs to be perked up by a change of headgear today.

7/1

1

25th May 2025

Good

3m 1f 210y

Class 5

14:23 Fontwell

Call Off The Dogs

12st 0lb

J: Freddie Mitchell

T: Gary & Josh Moore

Gained three of his four chasing wins here and seems very versatile regarding trips but ended last season with two disappointing efforts and needs to be perked up by a change of headgear today.

7/1

7

11th Apr 2025

Good

2m 5f 135y

Class 4

14:15 Fontwell

Call Off The Dogs

11st 1lb

J: Caoilin Quinn

T: Gary & Josh Moore

Four wins and two seconds from 11 races at Fontwell; his last success was off this mark over an extended 2m3f in September but he's been well held in all three runs since and needs a major revival; stablemate of All Authorized.

12/1

Form: 422223 D BF

Last run: 21 days

W: 10st 10lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 98

Form & Verdict
Sole win under rules was chase debut one year ago; cheekpieces all seven starts since, including when runner-up four times (once here) in a row October-January; respectable third at Exeter latest outing and it's easy to see him on the premises if first-time blinkers don't have an adverse effect.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

14th Feb 2026

Heavy

1m 7f 149y

Class 4

14:50 Wincanton

Joe Cotton

12st 1lb

J: Bryan Carver

T: Jeremy Scott

Won at Fontwell (2m3f, good) last March and he finished in the first three in his next five starts; still looks on workable mark but he had a rare blip at Windsor (2m6f, soft) last month and he's never raced at shorter than 2m3f; bit to prove and others are preferred.

9/2

7th

11

16th Jan 2026

Soft

2m 6f 50y

Class 3

16:05 Windsor

Joe Cotton

10st 10lb

J: Lorcan Williams

T: Jeremy Scott

Consistent sort who won at Fontwell (2m3f, good) last March and has been in the first three on all five starts since, most recently runner-up here (2m4f, good); stays this far and versatile ground-wise; each-way player.

10/1

9

29th Oct 2025

Good To Soft

2m 4f 216y

Class 4

15:23 Newton Abbot

Joe Cotton

11st 0lb

J: Lorcan Williams

T: Jeremy Scott

First-time blinkers did the trick when scoring at Fontwell (2m3f, good) in March and he was short of room at a crucial stage when close third at Plumpton (2m4f) the following month; now 8lb higher than for his last win but he's a reliable type who still has potential in this sphere; respected on his return.

6/1

Form: 6-5297 D

Last run: 33 days

W: 10st 9lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 97

Form & Verdict
Has won a point (2022) and maiden hurdle (2023) but this season's four runs over fences have not been inspiring; tried cheekpieces here last time and now it's blinkers.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

3rd Jun 2026

Good

2m 4f 216y

Class 4

15:00 Newton Abbot

Doc McCoy

11st 11lb

J: Isabelle Ryder

T: Jamie Snowden

Five-time hurdle winner but 0-6 over fences; hasn't had much go his way since scoring in October but he was still in contention when unseating three out over fences last time in a race won by Dunkerque; now 10lb better off with that rival and he should be competitive given a change in fortune; forecast rain is a concern though.

11/8

2

11th May 2026

Good

2m 4f 88y

Class 4

15:12 Southwell

Doc McCoy

12st 0lb

J: Isabelle Ryder

T: Jamie Snowden

Strike-rate of 5-13 over hurdles and he's rated 10lb lower as a chaser (0-5); however, hasn't offered a lot in this discipline and it's over a year since he last went chasing.

8/1

2

12th Apr 2026

Good

2m 5f 82y

Class 3

16:00 Wincanton

Doc McCoy

11st 11lb

J: Isabelle Ryder

T: Jamie Snowden

Strike-rate of 5-12 over hurdles and won easily at Warwick (2m5f, good) before pulling up at Ascot in October; he does have a bit to prove off this mark even if returning in good order.

13/2

Form: -33434

Last run: 21 days

W: 10st 5lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 93

Form & Verdict
Made the frame on all five appearances this season but he was soundly beaten on last two occasions; continues to slip down the weights; usually tongue tied but not today.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

24th May 2026

Good To Soft

3m 1f 210y

Class 5

15:10 Fontwell

Hatos

11st 3lb

J: Freddie Gingell

T: Joe Tizzard

Made the frame on final four starts last season, most recently when third of 12 here (2m3f, good) one month ago; remains on a workable mark but has stamina to prove over this much longer trip.

5/1

3rd

8

24th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 104y

Class 5

19:20 Fontwell

Hatos

11st 3lb

J: Freddie Gingell

T: Joe Tizzard

All three wins have been on heavy ground; C&D second in January was also on soft but his two placed efforts over 2m4f at Wincanton since came on good to soft and good; ought to be thereabouts again but it is now over two years since his last win.

6/1

3rd

5

1st Apr 2026

Good

2m 4f 35y

Class 5

16:20 Wincanton

Hatos

10st 8lb

J: Brendan Powell

T: Joe Tizzard

All three wins have been on heavy ground but he ran well on good to soft over C&D last month when runner-up behind Universal Secret; nudged up 2lb but he usually races prominently and should go well again.

5/1

Form: 363244 CD

Last run: 33 days

W: 10st 2lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 86

Form & Verdict
His form is up and down and he's posted just one win (here last February) from his last 20 starts; 4lb out of the handicap.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

9

6th May 2026

Good

3m 1f 210y

Class 5

18:42 Fontwell

Valirann Gold

10st 13lb

J: Ben Godfrey

T: Harriet Brown

Course winner; a lot of his form is over shorter but he proved his stamina for 3m when runner-up at Ffos Las two weeks ago (good); unlikely to be far away off the same mark.

5/1

2nd

10

21st Apr 2026

Soft

2m 7f 177y

Class 5

18:42 Ffos Las

Valirann Gold

10st 5lb

J: Ned Fox

T: Harriet Brown

Produced a remarkable late surge to snatch what had looked an unlikely victory at Fontwell (2m5f, good to soft; blinkers removed) last month but this inconsistent 9yo tends to race lazily nowadays and got going too late when back at Fontwell a fortnight ago; other are much less risky.

12/1

Selections

TOPSPEED:

Good Friday Fairy

The Times:

Diplomatic Ash

Telegraph:

Royal Mer

RP RATINGS:

Zestful Hope

D Express:

Hatos

SPOTLIGHT:

Call Off The Dogs

The Star:

Diplomatic Ash

Daily Record:

Diplomatic Ash

POSTDATA:

Good Friday Fairy

WEST COUNTRY:

Good Friday Fairy

The Guardian:

Good Friday Fairy

Daily Mail:

Good Friday Fairy

Daily Mirror:

Good Friday Fairy