August 25 / 16.43 Cartmel

16.43

Good

EWGA Handicap Chase (GBB Race)

  • Prize money: £8264.76
  • 2m 5f 34y
  • Class 3
  • 11 runners
RTV
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EWGA Handicap Chase (GBB Race)

Runners: 11 runners

Type: Chase Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Partly cloudy

33/1 (Won)

  • Win: £51.60
  • Place: £8.30

Form: /58/34

Last run: 50 days

W: 12st 2lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 127

Form & Verdict
Smart in Ireland but needed to show more in his first two runs for this yard, over hurdles and fences.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

27th Sep 2025

Good

2m 5f 89y

Class 3

17:10 Market Rasen

Champagne Gold

11st 7lb

J: Alice Stevens

T: Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero

Very useful at peak for Henry de Bromhead in Ireland and came good for new stable at third attempt, causing 33-1 surprise with narrow success at Cartmel (2m5f, good) last month; it's hard to tell whether he'll be in the right mood again here but a 4lb rise ought to be manageable if he is.

4/1

1st

1

25th Aug 2025

Good

2m 5f 34y

Class 3

16:43 Cartmel

Champagne Gold

12st 2lb

J: Alice Stevens

T: Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero

Smart in Ireland but needed to show more in his first two runs for this yard, over hurdles and fences.

33/1

1

6th Jul 2025

Good

2m 5f 89y

Class 3

16:20 Market Rasen

Champagne Gold

12st 1lb

J: Henry Brooke

T: Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero

Very useful hurdler/chaser in Ireland in his prime; finished a remote last of three runners in a 2m7f handicap hurdle last month on stable debut and return from a long absence; needed to show more.

10/1

13/2

  • Place: £1.90

Form: 66-113 D

Last run: 48 days

W: 11st 13lb

7 yo Filly

OR: 124

Form & Verdict
Won narrowly over hurdles at Aintree (2m4f, good; 7lb lower) and followed up back chasing at Worcester when left clear two out; wouldn't have been helped by so many flights being omitted when third of eight on return to hurdling last time; in good form.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

11th Oct 2025

Good

2m 7f 131y

Class 2

14:45 Chepstow

Ile De Jersey

11st 7lb

J: Nico de Boinville

T: Nicky Henderson

Looked a hard ride when runner-up on her return to fences at Cartmel (2m5f, good) but travelled better when winning comfortably on the step up to 3m1f at Warwick (good; 5lb lower); unexposed as a stayer.

4/1

4

23rd Sep 2025

Good

3m 1f 100y

Class 3

16:30 Warwick

Ile De Jersey

11st 1lb

J: James Bowen

T: Nicky Henderson

Useful hurdler/chaser when on song; returned to fences at Cartmel (2m5f, good) and did well to go down narrowly as she never moved with any purpose in that race; the ability is there to threaten again off her current mark; unraced over quite this far but it's worth a go.

7/2

2nd

4

25th Aug 2025

Good

2m 5f 34y

Class 3

16:43 Cartmel

Ile De Jersey

11st 13lb

J: James Bowen

T: Nicky Henderson

Won narrowly over hurdles at Aintree (2m4f, good; 7lb lower) and followed up back chasing at Worcester when left clear two out; wouldn't have been helped by so many flights being omitted when third of eight on return to hurdling last time; in good form.

13/2

10/1

  • Place: £2.50

Form: 5-2324 D

Last run: 37 days

W: 11st 0lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 111

Form & Verdict
Won over 2m4f and 2m6f last season; all four runs this campaign have been respectable, the front two clear when second at Market Rasen (2m5f, soft) in the penultimate one; 3m perhaps stretched him last time.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

14

18th Jul 2026

Good

2m 5f 89y

Class 1

14:45 Market Rasen

Nickelforce

10st 4lb

J: Jack Quinlan

T: Ben Case

Consistent chaser who was better than ever in dominating a small field at Fakenham two runs back (2m5f185yds, good); didn't run badly in defeat last time and off a light weight he could have a part to play.

20/1

2nd

2

29th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

2m 6f 125y

Class 4

16:10 Stratford

Nickelforce

11st 13lb

J: Harry Bannister

T: Ben Case

Made it 4-15 over fences when forging clear to win by 9l at Fakenham (2m5f, good) last month; that was in a small field but he hit a personal best with that success and a 4lb rise looks fair enough; respected.

11/8

1st

3

31st May 2026

Good

2m 5f 44y

Class 3

16:37 Fakenham

Nickelforce

11st 5lb

J: Harry Bannister

T: Ben Case

3-14 over fences, the latest win gained at Wincanton (2m4f, good) in November; just a respectable third at Uttoxeter (2m5f, good) this month, his second start after a layoff, and remains on fairly tough mark but still enters calculations.

7/2

Form: P-3413 CD

Last run: 37 days

W: 10st 11lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 108

Form & Verdict
Won a heavy-ground renewal of this 12 months ago and went in again here in June (soft); good ground holds no fears as he showed when close up behind River Of Joy and No But I Will again over C&D 37 days ago; hard to knock.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

5

18th Jul 2026

Good

2m 5f 34y

Class 4

17:30 Cartmel

Sean Og

11st 4lb

J: Sean Quinlan

T: Dianne Sayer

All five wins over fences have been at this track and latest was over C&D (good) in May; didn't shine here last time but that was a Class 2 handicap and he still looks on a workable mark; respected on this big drop back in grade.

9/2

4th

6

28th Jun 2026

Good

2m 5f 34y

Class 2

16:15 Cartmel

Sean Og

10st 6lb

J: Sean Quinlan

T: Dianne Sayer

All five wins over fences have been at this track, four over today's distance; at his best when scoring over C&D (good) last month and 4lb rise still gives him a good chance.

7/2

Form: 561-25 CD

Last run: 57 days

W: 11st 11lb

11 yo Gelding

OR: 122

Form & Verdict
Six-time chase winner from 2m1f to 2m5f; close second here (2m1f, good to soft) in May and was not disgraced when fifth in valuable race over C&D in late June; getting long in the tooth but shouldn't go under the radar.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

4

25th May 2026

Good

2m 5f 34y

Class 3

17:11 Cartmel

Arthurs Quay

10st 11lb

J: Richie McLernon

T: Ben Haslam

Getting long in the tooth now and was well beaten on latest outing in March but has a C&D win on his CV and is well handicapped on form as recent as the autumn; cannot be ruled out.

13/2

6th

3

17th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 85y

Class 4

14:37 Wetherby

Arthurs Quay

11st 10lb

J: Richie McLernon

T: Ben Haslam

12yo whose form has been up and down since he won at Newcastle (2m4f, good to soft) last February but he's dropped down the weights and performed respectably at Ayr (2m, heavy) in December when last seen; he could benefit from today's step back up in trip and he's in with a chance.

15/2

1

30th Oct 2025

Good To Firm

2m 4f 19y

Class 4

15:38 Newcastle

Arthurs Quay

12st 0lb

J: Richie McLernon

T: Ben Haslam

Veteran; winner over C&D in February off this mark (good to soft) but hasn't been in quite the same form since; withdrawn on account of fast ground last time; further rain will suit.

5/1

OUR TIP

Form: PP4-2P D

Last run: 50 days

W: 12st 0lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 125

Form & Verdict
Potentially well handicapped but had been hunter chasing before pulling up on his return to handicaps at Market Rasen.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

2

25th Aug 2025

Good

2m 5f 34y

Class 3

16:43 Cartmel

Yccs Portocervo

12st 0lb

J: Miss Ellie Holder

T: Dr Richard Newland & Jamie Insole

Potentially well handicapped but had been hunter chasing before pulling up on his return to handicaps at Market Rasen.

12/1

4

6th Jul 2025

Good

2m 5f 89y

Class 3

16:20 Market Rasen

Yccs Portocervo

11st 10lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Dr Richard Newland & Jamie Insole

C&D winner last summer off 4lb higher and ran to a fair level when runner-up in a hunter chase in May; likely to run well.

11/2

1

28th May 2025

Good

2m 4f 216y

Class 5

16:48 Newton Abbot

Yccs Portocervo

12st 8lb

J: Miss Ellie Holder

T: Dr Richard Newland & Jamie Insole

Won this last season on soft ground; this year's two non-completions came over a trip too short and over the National fences at Aintree; got back on track with a respectable fourth at Ludlow; should go well.

7/4

Form: 21-474 C

Last run: 2 days

W: 10st 12lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 109

Form & Verdict
Three-time course winner but was beaten a long way here on Saturday (2m1f) and would prefer slower ground.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

1

18th Jul 2026

Good

2m 1f 61y

Class 5

16:57 Cartmel

Cuzco Du Mathan

12st 0lb

J: Leah Noreci

T: James Moffatt

Both wins over fences came over C&D in 2024; well handicapped on his old form but he's generally struggled in the last 12 months and was last of seven over C&D (good) when last seen in May; plenty to prove and all of his wins have been on soft or heavy ground.

6/1

7th

2

27th May 2026

Good

2m 1f 61y

Class 5

20:38 Cartmel

Cuzco Du Mathan

11st 13lb

J: Leah Noreci

T: James Moffatt

Not in flying form earlier this year but all three career wins have been at Cartmel, the last two over fences; the concern is the conditions as he does enjoy significant cut underfoot.

6/1

Form: 34672P

Last run: 2 days

W: 11st 4lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 115

Form & Verdict
Seven-time hurdle winner; only his third run over fences when second here a month ago but never went a yard here on Saturday and was pulled up in this new aids combination.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

7

25th Aug 2025

Good

2m 5f 34y

Class 3

16:43 Cartmel

Hurricane Ali

11st 4lb

J: Charlotte Jones

T: James Moffatt

Seven-time hurdle winner; only his third run over fences when second here a month ago but never went a yard here on Saturday and was pulled up in this new aids combination.

12/1

2

23rd Aug 2025

Good

2m 1f 61y

Class 4

17:05 Cartmel

Hurricane Ali

11st 12lb

J: Charlotte Jones

T: James Moffatt

9yo whose losing sequence goes all the way back to September 2022 but he returned to form when second over C&D (soft) last month and is also fine on good ground; a tongue-tie is added; possible player.

9/2

5

21st Jul 2025

Good

2m 1f 61y

Class 3

15:45 Cartmel

Hurricane Ali

10st 8lb

J: Charlotte Jones

T: James Moffatt

Seven-time hurdle winner who was useful on good ground in his prime; launched chasing career with two very respectable runs here (2m1f/2m5f) in May and was not disgraced in competitive 2m6f handicap hurdle here on Saturday (albeit finishing behind Sea The Clouds); could have a say.

7/1

Form: 5PP-34

Last run: 43 days

W: 12st 0lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 125

Form & Verdict
Has lost his way since winning at Kelso last October; cheekpieces added the last twice after a break, beaten about 14l in 2m/3m chases at Perth.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

5

18th Jul 2026

Good

2m 5f 89y

Class 1

14:45 Market Rasen

Breizh River

11st 2lb

J: Harry Reed

T: Tristan Davidson

Win/placed form in his usual cheekpieces before making all for a narrow success in the newly fitted visor (with tongue-tie worn for last seven starts) at Cartmel (2m5f, good); he's getting high in the weights now (raised another 4lb) and he won't be the only one racing prominently.

9/1

1st

3

28th Jun 2026

Good

2m 5f 34y

Class 2

16:15 Cartmel

Breizh River

11st 11lb

J: Harry Reed

T: Tristan Davidson

In fine fettle in recent runs, landing his fifth win over fences at Kelso (2m5f, good) in April and placed since at Aintree and Perth; swaps cheekpieces for a first-time visor and looks sure to give another good account.

3/1

2nd

9

7th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

2m 7f 180y

Class 2

16:27 Perth

Breizh River

10st 2lb

J: Harry Reed

T: Tristan Davidson

Career bests on the RPR front in his last two races, winning at Kelso (2m5f) and close up at Aintree (2m4f; again on good); could run well, though a nagging concern that he didn't appear to stay 3m when he tried it once before (at this track).

10/1

Form: 71-533 D

Last run: 43 days

W: 11st 6lb

11 yo Gelding

OR: 117

Form & Verdict
Kelso winner over 2m7f in April and only 1lb higher now; solid enough runs at Perth the last twice (3m) and he's fine at this trip; considered.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

30th Oct 2025

Good To Firm

2m 4f 19y

Class 4

15:38 Newcastle

Half Shot

11st 8lb

J: Brian Hughes

T: Iain Jardine

Has won four chases, latest at Kelso in April (2m7f, good); mixed form since, including fair third back at Kelso last time (3m2f, good); a possible, though perhaps better at further these days.

11/4

2

30th Oct 2025

Good To Firm

2m 4f 19y

Class 4

15:38 Newcastle

Half Shot

11st 8lb

J: Brian Hughes

T: Iain Jardine

Has won four chases, latest at Kelso in April (2m7f, good); mixed form since, including fair third back at Kelso last time (3m2f, good); a possible, though perhaps better at further these days.

11/4

4th

1

17th Sep 2025

Good

2m 5f 133y

Class 4

17:00 Kelso

Half Shot

12st 1lb

J: Brian Hughes

T: Iain Jardine

Captured this prize a year ago and in good form until ridden aggressively when tenth in 2m5f Cartmel handicap chase 23 days ago; it would come as no surprise to see him play a major role here.

9/1

Form: P/3-11 CD

Last run: 37 days

W: 10st 12lb

8 yo Mare

OR: 109

Form & Verdict
Made it 2-2 over fences when running on well to deny No But I Will over C&D (good) a month ago and a 2lb rise is nothing to sweat about; tough and respected.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10

25th Aug 2025

Good

2m 5f 34y

Class 3

16:43 Cartmel

River Of Joy

10st 12lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Mickey Bowen

Made it 2-2 over fences when running on well to deny No But I Will over C&D (good) a month ago and a 2lb rise is nothing to sweat about; tough and respected.

9/4

8

19th Jul 2025

Good To Soft

2m 5f 34y

Class 4

16:00 Cartmel

River Of Joy

11st 1lb

J: Richard Patrick

T: Mickey Bowen

Low-mileage 8yo who drew clear on run-in to make winning chase debut at Hexham (3m, good) in May and now has 4-9 strike-rate under all codes; open to improvement over fences if her jumping is more fluent here but the forecast slower ground may not be ideal.

4/1

Non-runners

No But I Will, Jelski

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £675.90
Straight Forecast £213.59
Tricast £1542.05

Selections

The Times:

River Of Joy

SPOTLIGHT:

Nickelforce

TOPSPEED:

Sean Og

Daily Mirror:

Ile De Jersey

Telegraph:

Breizh River

D Express:

Arthur's Quay

RP RATINGS:

Nickelforce

POSTDATA:

Sean Og

The Guardian:

River Of Joy

Daily Mail:

River Of Joy

The Sun:

River Of Joy

The Star:

River Of Joy

Daily Record:

Ile De Jersey