April 19 / 14.17 Carlisle

14.17

Good

Radio Carlisle Taxis Novices’ Handicap Chase

  • Prize money: £3828.72
  • 2m 4f 198y
  • Class 5
  • 10 runners
RTV
View Course
Radio Carlisle Taxis Novices’ Handicap Chase

Runners: 10 runners

Type: Chase Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Mostly cloudy

OUR TIP

9/4 (Won)

  • Win: £5.50
  • Place: £2.00

Form: 3-4P22 BF

Last run: 14 days

W: 11st 7lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 90

Form & Verdict
Remains winless but he's resumed from nine months off with a pair of good efforts for his new yard, runner-up in 2m4f Newcastle handicap chase two weeks ago; another bold showing is on the cards.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

6th Jul 2025

Good

2m 7f 191y

Class 5

16:55 Market Rasen

Top Of The Bay

11st 11lb

J: Tom Midgley

T: Sam England

Generally solid for this yard, winning his latest two races on officially good ground, at 2m5f and 2m3f, just prevailing over a well-treated one here latterly; up in trip but the first win was on Carlisle's stiff track so he could stay this far; considered.

3/1

3

13th Jun 2025

Good

2m 3f 34y

Class 5

20:10 Market Rasen

Top Of The Bay

11st 11lb

J: Tom Midgley

T: Sam England

Gentle progression this spring culminated in April's Carlisle win (2m5f, good), and possible excuses both starts since (boiled over; 2m1f too sharp); no RPR better than 91 when there's been give in the ground.

8/1

6

28th May 2025

Good To Soft

2m 1f 46y

Class 5

18:10 Cartmel

Top Of The Bay

11st 9lb

J: Jonathan England

T: Sam England

Came good for Sam England at third attempt, readily winning Carlisle chase (2m5f, good) by over 8l last month, and reportedly boiled over in the preliminaries before this month's poor run at Hexham; can be dangerous if back on song for this return to hurdling.

7/2

14/1

  • Place: £2.10

Form: 4-P636

Last run: 47 days

W: 10st 9lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 78

Form & Verdict
Still to get his head in front and he came in a remote sixth in 2m4f handicap chase at Newcastle last month; subsequent breathing surgery needs to spark a big resurgence.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6

14th Oct 2025

Good

2m 3f 34y

Class 5

16:21 Market Rasen

Great Ballinboris

10st 4lb

J: Brian Hughes

T: Micky Hammond

No wins in 11, with seven over fences; however, did finish second after wind surgery at Carlisle (2m5f, good) and could build on that, for all that it was some 178 days ago.

9/2

2nd

8

19th Apr 2025

Good

2m 4f 198y

Class 5

14:17 Carlisle

Great Ballinboris

10st 9lb

J: Brian Hughes

T: Micky Hammond

jumped left on occasions, led, headed before last, weakened gradually run-in

14/1

2nd

8

19th Apr 2025

Good

2m 4f 198y

Class 5

14:17 Carlisle

Great Ballinboris

10st 9lb

J: Brian Hughes

T: Micky Hammond

jumped left on occasions, led, headed before last, weakened gradually run-in

14/1

7/2

  • Place: £1.60

Form: 94-413 BF

Last run: 23 days

W: 11st 3lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 86

Form & Verdict
Gained his breakthrough win at Chepstow (2m3f) in March and followed it with a good third of six in 2m4f Warwick handicap 23 days ago; he can make his presence felt again off a 1lb lower mark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

3

20th May 2026

Good

3m 1f 100y

Class 5

15:00 Warwick

Yes And Yes

11st 8lb

J: Lee Edwards

T: Belinda Clarke

Appreciated the step up in trip when landing his second race over fences at Stratford (3m3f, good) last month; up 5lb and needs to back that up over this slightly shorter distance.

7/2

1st

7

19th Apr 2026

Good

3m 3f 119y

Class 5

15:43 Stratford

Yes And Yes

10st 8lb

J: Lee Edwards

T: Belinda Clarke

Sole success over fences came at Chepstow in March last year off 2lb higher; soundly beaten since and steps up to beyond 3m for the first time; down to a career-low mark and needs this extra test of stamina to bring out improvement.

5/1

Form: 05-4PP

Last run: 19 days

W: 10st 11lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 80

Form & Verdict
Poor maiden hurdler on balance; pulled up on his first run over fences at Newcastle (23f) last month but he was scuppered by a bad error 5 out so this point winner is no forlorn hope.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

6

20th May 2025

Good

2m 4f 15y

Class 5

18:58 Hexham

Deep Strato

11st 1lb

J: Theo Gillard

T: Donald McCain

Corbridge point winner (2m4f) for Brian Harding; essentially disappointing since switched to racing under rules and has lacked for fluency in two attempts over fences; competes from an easing mark in a weak race.

8/1

7th

6

20th May 2025

Good

2m 4f 15y

Class 5

18:58 Hexham

Deep Strato

11st 1lb

J: Theo Gillard

T: Donald McCain

Corbridge point winner (2m4f) for Brian Harding; essentially disappointing since switched to racing under rules and has lacked for fluency in two attempts over fences; competes from an easing mark in a weak race.

8/1

4th

6

19th Apr 2025

Good

2m 4f 198y

Class 5

14:17 Carlisle

Deep Strato

10st 11lb

J: Theo Gillard

T: Donald McCain

in touch with leaders

20/1

Form: -65P05

Last run: 141 days

W: 10st 8lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 77

Form & Verdict
Low-mileage 7yo posted his best effort over fences when fifth of six in 3m handicap at Musselburgh in November; possibilities off a 5lb lower mark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9

4th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 188y

Class 5

16:28 Sedgefield

Uncle Mac

10st 4lb

J: Edward Austin

T: Paul Robson

0-11 under all codes and absent since never-dangerous fifth in Carlisle chase last April; others have considerably less to prove.

25/1

5th

9

19th Apr 2025

Good

2m 4f 198y

Class 5

14:17 Carlisle

Uncle Mac

10st 8lb

J: Edward Austin

T: Paul Robson

held up in rear

25/1

5th

9

19th Apr 2025

Good

2m 4f 198y

Class 5

14:17 Carlisle

Uncle Mac

10st 8lb

J: Edward Austin

T: Paul Robson

held up in rear

25/1

Form: 461231 D

Last run: 19 days

W: 12st 0lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 97

Form & Verdict
Progressive type and he pluckily resumed winning ways in handicap chase at Newcastle (2m4f) last month; up 3lb but big shout with that form having been well advertised since.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

3

11th Apr 2026

Good

2m 4f 19y

Class 5

13:30 Newcastle

Empty Nest

11st 6lb

J: Jamie Hamilton

T: Mark Walford

Usually goes well over C&D - form figures 212 - that win gained from a 2lb higher mark (favourite) over a year ago; recent Wetherby efforts were not so good but there was plenty to admire about the manner in which he rallied behind Always A Reason over C&D (good to soft) in January.

15/8

5th

7

17th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 85y

Class 4

14:37 Wetherby

Empty Nest

10st 2lb

J: Jamie Hamilton

T: Mark Walford

C&D winner who was runner-up at Newcastle (2m4f, good to soft) in January and filled same position at Doncaster (2m4f, soft) last month; disappointing over C&D last time but no surprise if he bounces back with a bold show.

13/2

6th

7

26th Feb 2026

Soft

2m 3f 85y

Class 4

15:35 Wetherby

Empty Nest

10st 13lb

J: Jamie Hamilton

T: Mark Walford

Two wins last season (including C&D) and he's run well to finish second on both outings this year (2m4f, good to soft/soft), most recently at Doncaster three weeks ago; solid contender.

11/2

Form: 338585

Last run: 14 days

W: 10st 3lb

6 yo Filly

OR: 72

Form & Verdict
Is 0-16 over hurdles but she wasn't disgraced when fifth of nine in 3m handicap at Newcastle two weeks ago; she can't be totally dismissed on her first go over fences.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9

20th May 2025

Good

3m 0f 41y

Class 5

19:28 Hexham

Lady Hamilton

10st 6lb

J: Peter Kavanagh

T: Wilf Storey

Longstanding maiden; fell four out when in touch in race won by Kicksaftersix here last time (3m, good to soft) on second run over fences.

16/1

9

20th May 2025

Good

3m 0f 41y

Class 5

19:28 Hexham

Lady Hamilton

10st 6lb

J: Peter Kavanagh

T: Wilf Storey

Longstanding maiden; fell four out when in touch in race won by Kicksaftersix here last time (3m, good to soft) on second run over fences.

16/1

10

3rd May 2025

Good

3m 0f 41y

Class 5

19:10 Hexham

Lady Hamilton

10st 2lb

J: Peter Kavanagh

T: Wilf Storey

Seems well suited by this track but was well beaten on last month's chasing debut at Carlisle (2m5f, good) and is now 0-25 under all codes; 3lb out of the weights today; others preferred.

20/1

Form: 30-570

Last run: 59 days

W: 11st 3lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 86

Form & Verdict
Yet to get his head in front and he came in only 11th in 3m Doncaster handicap hurdle in February; much more is needed now he goes chasing after a break.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

8

7th May 2025

Good

2m 4f 189y

Class 5

15:25 Kelso

Lucky Soldier

11st 0lb

J: Bruce Lynn

T: N W Alexander

Fair novice; generally disappointing in handicaps last season, over fences on last two occasions; back over hurdles with cheekpieces tried; others appeal more.

14/1

5th

8

7th May 2025

Good

2m 4f 189y

Class 5

15:25 Kelso

Lucky Soldier

11st 0lb

J: Bruce Lynn

T: N W Alexander

Fair novice; generally disappointing in handicaps last season, over fences on last two occasions; back over hurdles with cheekpieces tried; others appeal more.

14/1

3

19th Apr 2025

Good

2m 4f 198y

Class 5

14:17 Carlisle

Lucky Soldier

11st 3lb

J: Patrick Wadge

T: N W Alexander

mistake 1st, pulled up after 3rd

12/1

Form: -52PPP

Last run: 37 days

W: 11st 0lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 83

Form & Verdict
Has failed to complete in a trio of starts for his present stable, tried in cheekpieces when pulled up at Hexham (4m) last time; significantly more is required if he is to get off the mark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

19th Apr 2025

Good

2m 4f 198y

Class 5

14:17 Carlisle

Hey Brother

11st 0lb

J: Lorcan Murtagh

T: Barry Murtagh

towards rear

33/1

5

19th Apr 2025

Good

2m 4f 198y

Class 5

14:17 Carlisle

Hey Brother

11st 0lb

J: Lorcan Murtagh

T: Barry Murtagh

towards rear

33/1

9

13th Mar 2025

Good To Soft

3m 7f 199y

Class 4

15:02 Hexham

Hey Brother

10st 5lb

J: Lorcan Murtagh

T: Barry Murtagh

Ex-Jedd O'Keefe; good second at Uttoxeter in June (3m, good); hasn't jumped well on either start for new yard; cheekpieces now tried; others stronger.

50/1

Form: -5078P

Last run: 135 days

W: 10st 10lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 79

Form & Verdict
Yet to offer much over hurdles and he was pulled up in 23f handicap at Market Rasen when last seen out in December; goes chasing now with lots to prove.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8

9th May 2026

Good

3m 0f 0y

Class 5

17:35 Warwick

Stonegate

10st 2lb

J: Cameron Iles

T: Brian Rothwell

Modest form over jumps so far and has been pulled up on last three chase starts; can only watch from 9lb out of the weights.

100/1

11

2nd May 2026

Good

3m 0f 10y

Class 5

15:10 Uttoxeter

Stonegate

10st 2lb

J: Cameron Iles

T: Brian Rothwell

14-race maiden who has no worthwhile form over jumps and was pulled up on his last two appearances; can't be recommended from out of the weights.

50/1

14

21st Jan 2026

Good To Soft

3m 1f 54y

Class 5

14:50 Catterick

Stonegate

10st 2lb

J: Charlie Maggs

T: Brian Rothwell

Pulled up/tailed off on all six chase starts and he would be a shock winner from 10lb out of the handicap.

100/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £42.00
Straight Forecast £38.79
Tricast £127.60
Trifecta £203.70

Selections

RP RATINGS:

Top Of The Bay

SPOTLIGHT:

Empty Nest

Telegraph:

Yes And Yes

POSTDATA:

Empty Nest

The Times:

Empty Nest

The Guardian:

Empty Nest

Daily Mail:

Yes And Yes

D Express:

Top Of The Bay

Daily Mirror:

Top Of The Bay

The Sun:

Top Of The Bay

The Star:

Top Of The Bay

Daily Record:

Top Of The Bay