October 25 / 14.20 Cheltenham

14.20

Good To Soft

William Hill Best Odds Guaranteed Handicap Chase (GBB Race)

  • Prize money: £52030
  • 3m 1f 0y
  • Class 2
  • 18 runners
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William Hill Best Odds Guaranteed Handicap Chase (GBB Race)

Runners: 18 runners

Type: Chase Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Partly sunny

Form: P0/PP-

Last run: 342 days

W: 12st 0lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 150

Form & Verdict
Still paying the price for winning the Welsh National of 2023 by 34l and remains 5lb higher despite finishing tailed off or pulled up in just four subsequent runs; all his best form is in the mud.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

5

13th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 41y

Class 5

17:00 Hexham

Nassalam

11st 12lb

J: Miss Gina Andrews

T: T Ellis

Pulled up/tailed off on all seven starts since winning the Welsh National for the Moore stable in December 2023; it's tricky to assess what he's capable of nowadays but this race is vastly easier than he's used to and if he retains any spark he'll be tough to beat on this stable debut.

3/1

2

31st Jan 2026

Soft

3m 0f 42y

Class 2

15:42 Sandown

Nassalam

11st 4lb

J: Caoilin Quinn

T: Gary & Josh Moore

Well suited by soft/heavy ground; landed the 2023 Welsh National off current mark; subsequent form figures (P0PPPP) are dismal but this first run since wind surgery may be the time to bank on a revival and catch him; attractively handicapped, with that in mind.

10/1

OUR TIP

Form: 130-82

Last run: 31 days

W: 11st 13lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 149

Form & Verdict
Fourth in the 2023 Albert Bartlett on previous visit to Cheltenham; now renowned as a useful staying chaser who ran well for a long way in last season's Grand National; only eighth in the Galway Plate but right up there with his best form when second in the 3m Kerry National a month ago (yielding; form franked since); would prefer slower ground ideally but should have a part to play.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

7

11th May 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 4f 100y

18:37 Killarney

Three Card Brag

11st 0lb

J: Sam Ewing

T: Gordon Elliott

Shares the highest official mark with Gentleman De Mee but he's a strong stayer who hasn't raced over this short a trip since 2023; finished ninth in the Grand National last time.

13/2

9th

15

11th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

4m 2f 74y

Class 1

16:00 Aintree

Three Card Brag

11st 0lb

J: Jordan Gainford

T: Gordon Elliott

Career-best form in the autumn this season, including a win at Cheltenham (3m1f) and second to Panic Attack in the Coral Gold Cup at Newbury (3m2f); flopped when favourite in the Grade 3 won by Grangeclare West at Fairyhouse in February, admittedly after 12 weeks off but there's the additional worry of last year's Grand National in which he was 16-1 and raced very prominently but faded steadily from three out.

50/1

7th

10

21st Feb 2026

Heavy

3m 2f 0y

15:15 Fairyhouse

Three Card Brag

11st 0lb

J: Jack Kennedy

T: Gordon Elliott

Has performed well in big field 3m+ chases this season; finished second to Spanish Harlem in the Kerry National at Listowel (3m, yielding) then went one better at Cheltenham (3m1f, good); posted another good performance when runner-up in the Coral Gold Cuo at Newbury (3m2f, good to soft) when last seen; ground is fine for him; player.

9/2

Form: 1122P- CD

Last run: 203 days

W: 11st 11lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 147

Form & Verdict
Doesn't want the ground worse than good to soft; took care of Transmission here last October and followed up in a Listed novice at the track, beating subsequent improver Resplendent Grey; nothing wrong with his following seconds (3m; Grade 1/hot handicap) and can be forgiven his no-show in the Grand National; goes well fresh and very feasible that there's further improvement to come.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

13

10th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 1f 0y

Class 1

15:20 Cheltenham

Hyland

11st 0lb

J: Nico de Boinville

T: Nicky Henderson

Won Listed novice chase here (3m, good) in November 2024; 0-5 in handicaps in 2025 but having edged down the weights he was a close fourth at Ascot (3m, good to soft) in December last time; 3-5 here and, with the drying ground in his favour, he could be in the mix in first-time cheekpieces.

11/1

3

25th Oct 2025

Good To Soft

3m 1f 0y

Class 2

14:20 Cheltenham

Hyland

11st 11lb

J: Nico de Boinville

T: Nicky Henderson

Doesn't want the ground worse than good to soft; took care of Transmission here last October and followed up in a Listed novice at the track, beating subsequent improver Resplendent Grey; nothing wrong with his following seconds (3m; Grade 1/hot handicap) and can be forgiven his no-show in the Grand National; goes well fresh and very feasible that there's further improvement to come.

11/2

30

5th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

4m 2f 74y

Class 1

16:00 Aintree

Hyland

10st 6lb

J: Nico de Boinville

T: Nicky Henderson

Best away from soft ground; saw the 3m out well on last two starts when second at Kempton in a Grade 1 novice and a major handicap; reverting to a left-handed track here may help his jumping; however, he switched from hurdling only last June and, notwithstanding his three small-field wins, six runs over fences is a slight record for a would-be Grand National winner.

18/1

Form: 1U54U5

Last run: 31 days

W: 11st 2lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 138

Form & Verdict
Dual chase winner; ran well in handicaps during Galway Festival week and another respectable effort in the Kerry National, without suggesting he'll provide the answer to this.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

25th Oct 2025

Good To Soft

3m 1f 0y

Class 2

14:20 Cheltenham

Sea Music

11st 2lb

J: Donagh Meyler

T: Emmet Mullins

Dual chase winner; ran well in handicaps during Galway Festival week and another respectable effort in the Kerry National, without suggesting he'll provide the answer to this.

20/1

5th

15

24th Sep 2025

Yielding To Soft

2m 7f 180y

16:23 Listowel

Sea Music

10st 13lb

J: Donagh Meyler

T: Emmet Mullins

Won a 2m4f Punchestown novice handicap chase in May; made good headway in the Galway Plate before fading late; fourth over a shorter trip later in the week (Arctic Fly second then); previous jumping issues surfaced again at Killarney.

10/1

Form: -133UP

Last run: 14 days

W: 11st 1lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 137

Form & Verdict
Five-time winner over fences but got no further than the first in the Kerry National on stable debut and didn't run much of a race at Chepstow two weeks ago; this is a tough race in which to bounce back.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

3

6th May 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 216y

Class 2

13:45 Newton Abbot

Light N Strike

11st 5lb

J: James Bowen

T: Mickey Bowen

Progressive for Emma Lavelle last term, winning this off today's mark and backing it up with solid placed efforts; however, he's struggled for this yard (early unseat in Kerry National, pulled up at Chepstow and tailed off at Cheltenham when last seen in October) and now has something to prove.

13/2

5

25th Oct 2025

Good To Soft

3m 1f 0y

Class 2

14:20 Cheltenham

Light N Strike

11st 1lb

J: James Bowen

T: Mickey Bowen

Five-time winner over fences but got no further than the first in the Kerry National on stable debut and didn't run much of a race at Chepstow two weeks ago; this is a tough race in which to bounce back.

40/1

1

11th Oct 2025

Good

2m 7f 131y

Class 2

14:45 Chepstow

Light N Strike

12st 0lb

J: James Bowen

T: Mickey Bowen

Got no further than the first in the recent Kerry National at Listowel; has won five times over fences and was mostly consistent for Emma Lavelle earlier this year; wouldn't be that well handicapped but entitled to have a say.

8/1

Form: 551-65 C

Last run: 90 days

W: 10st 13lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 135

Form & Verdict
Has a good record fresh and a good record at Cheltenham, albeit on the New course and he was pulled up on his only run on the Old one (today's course); on a useful mark and didn't run badly during the summer at Uttoxeter, which wouldn't be his track.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

24th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

3m 2f 54y

Class 3

16:55 Chepstow

Manothepeople

12st 0lb

J: Jack Hogan

T: Fergal O’Brien

Chasing career highlights include a C&D novice handicap and the same Cheltenham April 3m2f event two years running, all on good; 3lb below his last winning mark, but has a listless recent return run to forgive.

13/2

4th

2

21st Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 7f 91y

Class 3

16:45 Newbury

Manothepeople

11st 13lb

J: Jonathan Burke

T: Fergal O’Brien

Veteran; last two wins came in the same 3m2f Cheltenham race in April 2024 and 2025; ran a lacklustre race there in October before possibly failing to stay 3m5f at Ascot; bit to prove after four months off.

10/1

6

25th Oct 2025

Good To Soft

3m 1f 0y

Class 2

14:20 Cheltenham

Manothepeople

10st 13lb

J: Jonathan Burke

T: Fergal O’Brien

Has a good record fresh and a good record at Cheltenham, albeit on the New course and he was pulled up on his only run on the Old one (today's course); on a useful mark and didn't run badly during the summer at Uttoxeter, which wouldn't be his track.

14/1

Form: /P114-

Last run: 187 days

W: 10st 13lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 135

Form & Verdict
Knows what these big-field handicaps are all about and it was a cracking run to be fourth in the Irish National in April last time considering he carried an 8lb penalty for winning the Ulster National; that Fairyhouse defeat was his first for this yard; entitled to run well.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7

25th Oct 2025

Good To Soft

3m 1f 0y

Class 2

14:20 Cheltenham

Dunboyne

10st 13lb

J: James Smith

T: Ian Patrick Donoghue

Knows what these big-field handicaps are all about and it was a cracking run to be fourth in the Irish National in April last time considering he carried an 8lb penalty for winning the Ulster National; that Fairyhouse defeat was his first for this yard; entitled to run well.

16/1

4th

24

21st Apr 2025

Soft To Heavy

3m 5f 37y

17:00 Fairyhouse

Dunboyne

10st 7lb

J: Donagh Meyler

T: Ian Patrick Donoghue

Beaten a short head in 2023 Thyestes; started last season brightly with Troytown fourth but pulled up in three big handicaps afterwards; surprise winner on debut for new yard in 2m4f Navan handicap hurdle early last month; maintained his revival with victory over Final Order in the 3m5f Ulster National; 8lb penalty makes this difficult.

25/1

4th

24

21st Apr 2025

Soft To Heavy

3m 5f 37y

17:00 Fairyhouse

Dunboyne

10st 7lb

J: Donagh Meyler

T: Ian Patrick Donoghue

Beaten a short head in 2023 Thyestes; started last season brightly with Troytown fourth but pulled up in three big handicaps afterwards; surprise winner on debut for new yard in 2m4f Navan handicap hurdle early last month; maintained his revival with victory over Final Order in the 3m5f Ulster National; 8lb penalty makes this difficult.

25/1

Form: F9-723

Last run: 24 days

W: 10st 13lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 135

Form & Verdict
A little in the doldrums before finishing second in a 2m6f Listed handicap hurdle at Galway in August and then ran well to be third in a chase at Sligo, though old jumping issues resurfaced late on; that part of his game will be tested around here in this big field and he might not stay the trip anyway.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8

25th Oct 2025

Good To Soft

3m 1f 0y

Class 2

14:20 Cheltenham

Fascile Mode

10st 13lb

J: Danny Mullins

T: Thomas Mullins

A little in the doldrums before finishing second in a 2m6f Listed handicap hurdle at Galway in August and then ran well to be third in a chase at Sligo, though old jumping issues resurfaced late on; that part of his game will be tested around here in this big field and he might not stay the trip anyway.

20/1

1

1st Oct 2025

Good To Yielding

2m 5f 27y

16:43 Sligo

Fascile Mode

11st 10lb

J: Danny Mullins

T: Thomas Mullins

Bounced back to form with a fine effort in a listed handicap hurdle at the Galway Festival in August; jumping has been an issue at times in this sphere and with a rating of 133, has a lot to find with Jesse Evans on the figures.

15/2

2nd

8

2nd Aug 2025

Good

2m 6f 108y

15:12 Galway

Fascile Mode

11st 5lb

J: Jake Coen

T: Thomas Mullins

Has been out of form since winning a beginners' chase at Punchestown (16.5f, gd-yld) last October, though has been highly tried at times; unproven over this far and has questions to answer right now.

25/1

Form: 5111P-

Last run: 182 days

W: 10st 12lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 134

Form & Verdict
After the tongue-tie went on he won 2m4f-2m7f handicaps at Huntingdon, Warwick and Newbury, coping with all sorts of ground; best not to knock him too harshly for his non-completion in Sandown's big end-of-season 3m4f handicap; a mark some 7lb above his last successful one demands his best form yet but he's only an 8yo and the yard is going well.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

5

2nd May 2026

Good

3m 0f 10y

Class 2

14:35 Uttoxeter

Kings Threshold

11st 0lb

J: Gavin Sheehan

T: Emma Lavelle

Below form in Kim Muir at Cheltenham in March but showed career-best form when winning at Newbury (3m2f, good) just after Christmas and will be a danger to all here if back at that level in first-time cheekpieces.

8/1

16th

9

12th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 2f 70y

Class 2

17:20 Cheltenham

Kings Threshold

11st 6lb

J: Mr H C Swan

T: Emma Lavelle

9yo who has a good strike-rate over fences and produced a career-best performance to win at Newbury (3m2f, good) in December when last seen; has also won on soft ground; had just five rivals to beat on that latest start but he was impressive and is not ruled out now 6lb higher.

25/1

Form: 14225- C

Last run: 196 days

W: 10st 11lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 133

Form & Verdict
Only 1-9 over fences but some flashes of smart form, notably his second to Irish National hero Haiti Couleurs in the 3m6f National Hunt Chase here in March (blinkers added); let down by his jumping in the Scottish National afterwards; stable is a bit quiet but he is hard to rule out off this fair mark after wind surgery.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

3

25th Apr 2026

Good

3m 4f 146y

Class 1

15:30 Sandown

Rock My Way

11st 0lb

J: Brendan Powell

T: Joe Tizzard

2-14 record over fences includes some big runs, including when he hacked up at Ascot (3m5f, good) in November and took second in the Midlands National at Uttoxeter (4m2f, soft) on latest outing; the Ascot race was going this way round but so was his penultimate start when he kept jumping to his left at Musselburgh (12l second to Transmission); that's a niggling concern but he's handicapped to go well if this is another good day.

14/1

2nd

1

14th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

4m 2f 8y

Class 1

15:00 Uttoxeter

Rock My Way

12st 0lb

J: Brendan Powell

T: Joe Tizzard

Only 2-13 over fences and doesn't score too highly for consistency; however, flashes of his form read well, notably his second to Haiti Couleurs in last year's 3m6f National Hunt Chase at Cheltenham and a clearcut win at Ascot this season; beaten 12l by a revitalised winner at right-handed Musselburgh last time (3m7f, good to soft) but he jumped left at a good few of his fences that day; last year Mr Vango became the first top weight to win since Bonanza Boy in 1991; handles all ground; each-way claims.

14/1

2nd

1

1st Feb 2026

Good To Soft

3m 7f 76y

Class 2

15:05 Musselburgh

Rock My Way

12st 0lb

J: Brendan Powell

T: Joe Tizzard

Only 2-12 over fences but he was second in the 3m6f NH Chase at Cheltenham (good to soft; has won on soft) last March and breezed home 11l in front at Ascot (3m5f, good) in November; disappointing in the Welsh National (rather getting squeezed out at the start didn't help) but he has a big shout if reverting to the Ascot level of performance.

5/2

Form: 42F5-P

Last run: 175 days

W: 10st 10lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 132

Form & Verdict
Perhaps unfortunate not to win this 12 months ago and returned in March with a highly commendable fifth in the Ultima given that his jumping was a major hindrance (had fallen the time before); simply never gave his running at Punchestown on final start; if he can find any fluency over his fences he'd be a danger to all; stable has won the last two editions of this.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

2

9th May 2026

Good

3m 2f 0y

16:45 Killarney

The Short Go

11st 6lb

J: Mike O’Connor

T: Henry De Bromhead

Won a maiden hurdle here in 2023 and is 1-10 over fences; hasn't had much racing in the last two years but ran two fine races in valuable Cheltenham handicaps last winter; not as good after wind surgery in the Ultima handicap last time; player if at best.

4/1

11th

17

10th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 1f 0y

Class 1

15:20 Cheltenham

The Short Go

10st 9lb

J: Darragh O’Keeffe

T: Henry De Bromhead

Didn't jump well when 16l fifth to Myretown in this race last March (good to soft); solid course record otherwise and he twice made the frame here (3m1f/3m2f, good/good to soft) towards the end of last year; has had a wind operation since and he's an each-way candidate if jumping better than 12 months ago.

20/1

11

25th Oct 2025

Good To Soft

3m 1f 0y

Class 2

14:20 Cheltenham

The Short Go

10st 10lb

J: Darragh O’Keeffe

T: Henry De Bromhead

Perhaps unfortunate not to win this 12 months ago and returned in March with a highly commendable fifth in the Ultima given that his jumping was a major hindrance (had fallen the time before); simply never gave his running at Punchestown on final start; if he can find any fluency over his fences he'd be a danger to all; stable has won the last two editions of this.

5/1

Form: 21265- CD BF

Last run: 228 days

W: 10st 10lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 132

Form & Verdict
Sent chasing last season and all five runs were here; hammered by Hyland (who was conceding 5lb) in a 3m novice at this meeting 12 months ago but was then first and second in two handicaps before Christmas and was last seen finishing fifth in the 3m6f National Hunt Chase in March, when he could never land a blow from off the pace; with course form and a competitive mark, he's considered.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

5

25th Apr 2026

Good

3m 4f 146y

Class 1

15:30 Sandown

Transmission

10st 13lb

J: Conor O’Farrell

T: Neil Mulholland

Tapped back into last season's initial promising form, and then some, to win by 12l in the Edinburgh National at Musselburgh (3m7f, good to soft; from Rock My Way) in February with a first-time visor, which has been kept since; ridden by 7lb claimer when fair third off this 8lb higher mark behind Havaila in the Sussex National at Plumpton 19 days ago but needs to hit new heights again.

16/1

3rd

1

6th Apr 2026

Good

3m 4f 104y

Class 2

16:25 Plumpton

Transmission

12st 0lb

J: Harry Atkins

T: Neil Mulholland

Tapped back into last season's promising form, and then some, to win by 12l in a first-time visor at Musselburgh (3m7f, good to soft; Edinburgh National) in February; has also won on good ground and 2-2 over hurdles here; an 8lb rise may not stop him if the visor maintains its positive effect.

7/2

1st

3

1st Feb 2026

Good To Soft

3m 7f 76y

Class 2

15:05 Musselburgh

Transmission

11st 4lb

J: Conor O’Farrell

T: Neil Mulholland

Cheltenham regular over fences and competitive off slightly higher marks than this last season, never-nearer fifth in the NH Chase when shaping as if he stayed 3m6f; that's not been the case this campaign and although a good deal closer at Ascot last time, he was still only eighth of ten finishers; needs to build markedly on that in new visor, replacing cheekpieces.

9/2

Form: P4480- D

Last run: 204 days

W: 10st 10lb

11 yo Gelding

OR: 132

Form & Verdict
100-1 when pulled up in this 12 months ago; not entirely disgraced in some of his subsequent races but, unlike others in here, he's on the downgrade; no significance in the return of cheekpieces.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

13

2nd May 2026

Good To Yielding

3m 0f 90y

14:30 Punchestown

Escaria Ten

11st 7lb

J: James Best

T: Martin Keighley

Hasn't won since Thurles beginners' chase win in 2020 for Gordon Elliott; some okay cross-country form in recent seasons, standout run this term when third in 3m6f Cheltenham handicap in January, tame enough Exeter effort latest when ground may have been on the quick side; others preferred.

14/1

4th

5

22nd Mar 2026

Good

3m 6f 153y

Class 3

15:02 Exeter

Escaria Ten

11st 4lb

J: James Best

T: Martin Keighley

Returned to form with creditable third in cross-country chase at Cheltenham (3m5f, soft; refitted visor) in December and remains on a good mark but this veteran has become far too inconsistent to rely upon and may not be ideally suited by the forecast good ground here.

10/1

3rd

11

24th Jan 2026

Soft

3m 5f 56y

Class 2

13:50 Cheltenham

Escaria Ten

10st 4lb

J: James Best

T: Martin Keighley

Looked out of sorts when pulled up here twice in the autumn (3m1f/2m4f; had wind op in between) and can't be supported with much confidence, but is now 10lb lower than when close fourth over C&D (soft) in December 2024; swaps blinkers for refitted visor.

20/1

Form: 4F/PP-

Last run: 301 days

W: 10st 10lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 132

Form & Verdict
Well handicapped if back to his peak and he does have Cheltenham form; ran no race on his debut for Paul Nicholls but the second run can be excused after he suffered interference; still only an 8yo and a revival is not out of the question by any means.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7

20th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 7f 91y

Class 5

17:16 Newbury

Inch House

11st 12lb

J: Miss Olive Nicholls

T: Paul Nicholls

Has essentially become disappointing since his novice season but he did run well first time back in a strong Cheltenham handicap (3m1f, good) and this is his hunter chase debut; disappointing if he's not involved.

4/1

14

25th Oct 2025

Good To Soft

3m 1f 0y

Class 2

14:20 Cheltenham

Inch House

10st 10lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Paul Nicholls

Well handicapped if back to his peak and he does have Cheltenham form; ran no race on his debut for Paul Nicholls but the second run can be excused after he suffered interference; still only an 8yo and a revival is not out of the question by any means.

25/1

5

28th Dec 2024

Good To Soft

3m 1f 214y

Class 2

14:20 Newbury

Inch House

11st 6lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Paul Nicholls

Won twice here late last year but started hanging badly left subsequently and ran poorly here in February on his final completion; left Jonjo O'Neill and reappeared with a disappointing show here four weeks ago in a race he won last term; may have needed that run but connections also now reach for cheekpieces; should stay and is well handicapped if back to his peak.

6/1

Form: 2151P- D

Last run: 182 days

W: 10st 7lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 129

Form & Verdict
12lb out of the weights at Sandown in April (3m4f, good) and duly found that too tough a test; now thrown into another competitive race but at least off his correct mark, only 2lb higher than for his 3m win at Sandown (good; narrowly); lightly raced still and fitness shouldn't be an issue.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

3

13th May 2026

Good

3m 1f 170y

Class 3

19:30 Newton Abbot

Hoe Joly Smoke

11st 2lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

Ran really well in defeat in some strong Cheltenham handicaps (2m4f-3m1f) during the first half of last season and his Kempton effort in February wasn't too shoddy; what needs forgiving is his Ayr run after a wind operation as that was underwhelming; still looks dangerous.

11/8

6th

7

17th Apr 2026

Soft

2m 4f 110y

Class 2

15:30 Ayr

Hoe Joly Smoke

10st 10lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

He hasn't quite been at the top of his game on his last two starts; however, he's had wind surgery since and is certainly of interest on his two third-place finishes at Cheltenham in the autumn (3m1f/2m4f, good/soft); top trainer has won five of the last eight runnings of this race.

7/2

6th

9

21st Feb 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 0y

Class 1

15:35 Kempton

Hoe Joly Smoke

10st 8lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

Won twice as a novice chaser over 3m at Sandown (soft/good); has been running well in some strong Cheltenham handicaps this season without looking that well handicapped, but returning to a right-handed track might benefit him, as might the first-time cheekpieces; could also have this run to suit if he's held up as usual; effective from 2m4f to 3m1f, he's a big player.

7/1

Form: 1P14-2 D

Last run: 14 days

W: 10st 5lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 127

Form & Verdict
Went up 5lb for winning a 3m handicap that fell apart at Ludlow (good to soft) in February and that was under a 3lb claimer; probably has no margin for error off this mark and that spells danger in this warm a race; that said, his Chepstow run after a break was encouraging.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

4

21st Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 7f 91y

Class 3

16:45 Newbury

Ballycamus

11st 7lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Nigel & Willy Twiston-Davies

Rather in and out, and followed a Ludlow win (3m, good to soft) in December with a listless fourth over the same C&D three weeks ago; needs first-time headgear to inject some sparkle.

6/1

4th

2

26th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 7f 171y

Class 3

14:07 Ludlow

Ballycamus

11st 10lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Nigel & Willy Twiston-Davies

Returned to form with hard-fought C&D (good to soft) win in December, his second C&D success, and was nudged up only 1lb for that; obvious contender if in similar mood again.

3/1

16

25th Oct 2025

Good To Soft

3m 1f 0y

Class 2

14:20 Cheltenham

Ballycamus

10st 5lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Nigel & Willy Twiston-Davies

Went up 5lb for winning a 3m handicap that fell apart at Ludlow (good to soft) in February and that was under a 3lb claimer; probably has no margin for error off this mark and that spells danger in this warm a race; that said, his Chepstow run after a break was encouraging.

12/1

Form: 846-78

Last run: 28 days

W: 10st 2lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 124

Form & Verdict
Not unrealistically treated on the best of his hurdle form but yet to get anything going over fences (0-4) and never threatened to land any sort of blow from off the pace on his handicap chase debut at Listowel (3m; 10-1); however, that was after a lengthy break and his ultra-canny connections have secured the services of Sean Bowen; dangerous to dismiss.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9

10th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 5f 201y

Class 2

17:20 Cheltenham

Backmersackme

11st 5lb

J: Donagh Meyler

T: Emmet Mullins

Made up a lot of ground when second in handicap at Cheltenham (3m1f, good) in October; disappointingly no show in a top 3m handicap at Leopardstown at Christmas but he took another valuable prize there (soft) five weeks ago; has a revised mark and that breakthrough win was over an extended 2m5f but the Cheltenham display augurs well, as do his connections.

4/1

1st

20

1st Feb 2026

Soft To Heavy

2m 5f 107y

14:45 Leopardstown

Backmersackme

10st 0lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Emmet Mullins

Maiden over hurdles and fences but a fine chase run to be second at Cheltenham two starts back; never involved in the Paddy Power Chase last time, but can do better; 1lb out of the handicap.

12/1

17

25th Oct 2025

Good To Soft

3m 1f 0y

Class 2

14:20 Cheltenham

Backmersackme

10st 2lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Emmet Mullins

Not unrealistically treated on the best of his hurdle form but yet to get anything going over fences (0-4) and never threatened to land any sort of blow from off the pace on his handicap chase debut at Listowel (3m; 10-1); however, that was after a lengthy break and his ultra-canny connections have secured the services of Sean Bowen; dangerous to dismiss.

9/1

Form: 52711-

Last run: 224 days

W: 10st 2lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 122

Form & Verdict
Surprising to see the cheekpieces left off as their introduction worked well when he went back-to-back in 3m handicaps at Ludlow (soft) and Uttoxeter (good to soft) earlier this year; with him up in grade and the weights (also 2lb wrong), others are much preferred.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12

14th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

4m 2f 8y

Class 1

15:00 Uttoxeter

Minella Blueway

10st 10lb

J: Isabel Williams

T: Mrs C Williams

Won the 3m novice handicap chase on this card 12 months ago (good to soft) when 5lb lower and he produced a similar effort to finish second at Plumpton in January (3m1f, soft); however, this race demands a career best and on the back of a laboured display at Ludlow.

50/1

7th

4

26th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 7f 171y

Class 3

14:07 Ludlow

Minella Blueway

11st 4lb

J: Isabel Williams

T: Evan Williams

Won this race in first-time cheekpieces a year ago (soft ground) and followed up in valuable event at Uttoxeter (3m, good to soft) last March; made disappointing start to current campaign but last month's second of four at Plumpton (3m1f, soft) was much better and his current mark ought to be workable; respected.

4/1

2nd

1

26th Jan 2026

Soft

3m 1f 157y

Class 4

15:50 Plumpton

Minella Blueway

11st 11lb

J: Isabel Williams

T: Evan Williams

Won two in a row when cheekpieces first fitted (3m; soft and good to soft) last spring; hard to judge current wellbeing as he's been running in better races since back from a break but he was soundly beaten in his only completion and fell early at Ascot only nine days ago.

11/4

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £61.70
Straight Forecast £46.66
Tricast £482.98
Trifecta £1072.30

Selections

LAMBOURN:

Hyland

The Times:

Transmission

SPOTLIGHT:

The Short Go

TOPSPEED:

Three Card Brag

D Express:

Backmersackme

RP RATINGS:

Manothepeople

The Guardian:

Dunboyne

POSTDATA:

Three Card Brag

The Sun:

Hyland

Daily Record:

Hyland

Daily Mirror:

Transmission

The Star:

Transmission

Telegraph:

The Short Go

Daily Mail:

The Short Go