November 01 / 15.45 Ascot

15.45

Good

Sodexo Live! Gold Cup Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap) (GBB Race)

  • Prize money: £56950
  • 2m 7f 185y
  • Class 1
  • 13 runners
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Sodexo Live! Gold Cup Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap) (GBB Race)

Runners: 13 runners

Type: Chase Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Light rain

Form: 6/4P2- CD

Last run: 216 days

W: 12st 0lb

12 yo Gelding

OR: 147

Form & Verdict
Second and fourth in the last two renewals of this and further enhanced his solid record here with another second over this trip in March; can see him running well again but it goes against the grain trends-wise to row in with a 12yo carrying 12st.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

16th Jan 2026

Good To Soft

2m 5f 89y

Class 2

14:05 Market Rasen

Two For Gold

11st 11lb

J: Tom Bellamy

T: Kim Bailey & Mat Nicholls

Teenager who ran well for a long way when very respectable sixth in valuable Ascot handicap (3m, good) on seasonal debut in November; pulled up in similar race back there just before Christmas but might be aided by the refitted tongue-tie here and has slipped to a tempting mark.

20/1

1

1st Nov 2025

Good

2m 7f 185y

Class 1

15:45 Ascot

Two For Gold

12st 0lb

J: Ciaran Gethings

T: Kim Bailey & Mat Nicholls

Second and fourth in the last two renewals of this and further enhanced his solid record here with another second over this trip in March; can see him running well again but it goes against the grain trends-wise to row in with a 12yo carrying 12st.

25/1

1

1st Nov 2025

Good

2m 7f 185y

Class 1

15:45 Ascot

Two For Gold

12st 0lb

J: Ciaran Gethings

T: Kim Bailey & Mat Nicholls

Second and fourth in the last two renewals of this and further enhanced his solid record here with another second over this trip in March; can see him running well again but it goes against the grain trends-wise to row in with a 12yo carrying 12st.

25/1

OUR TIP

Form: 45188- CD

Last run: 203 days

W: 11st 10lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 143

Form & Verdict
Record of 4-9 over fences, his best form when winning by 6l at Newbury (3m2f, good to soft; 5lb higher today); disadvantaged when slowly away (from a standing start) in the Ultima at Cheltenham and yet still made a challenge three out before fading; never got competitive in the Scottish National but he wasn't alone; a stiff 3m around here looks up his street; shortlisted.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

25th Apr 2026

Good

3m 4f 146y

Class 1

15:30 Sandown

Henrys Friend

11st 6lb

J: Ben Jones

T: Ben Pauling

Seems best making the running or racing prominently; his six races in the last 14 months have been a mixed bag, with an Ascot win (3m, good) in November the highlight; just 1lb higher today and ran respectably on penultimate start, but his two earlier attempts at 3m6f/4m did not work out; a tongue-tie (worn twice in 2023, with a win on first occasion) returns.

16/1

9th

2

21st Feb 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 0y

Class 1

15:35 Kempton

Henrys Friend

11st 8lb

J: Ben Jones

T: Ben Pauling

Back to form when 5l behind Deep Cave last time at Ascot (3m, good to soft) but he does look vulnerable to better-treated opposition, for all that he's just 2lb higher than for November's win at Ascot; likely to race on the front end.

14/1

2

1st Nov 2025

Good

2m 7f 185y

Class 1

15:45 Ascot

Henrys Friend

11st 10lb

J: Ben Jones

T: Ben Pauling

Record of 4-9 over fences, his best form when winning by 6l at Newbury (3m2f, good to soft; 5lb higher today); disadvantaged when slowly away (from a standing start) in the Ultima at Cheltenham and yet still made a challenge three out before fading; never got competitive in the Scottish National but he wasn't alone; a stiff 3m around here looks up his street; shortlisted.

15/2

Form: 22123- CD

Last run: 211 days

W: 11st 9lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 142

Form & Verdict
Unfair to knock his strike-rate of 1-12 over fences as he's run some crackers in defeat, with four seconds last season including a strong C&D handicap and the Ultima at Cheltenham in March; quite likely that he was over the top when last to finish in the 3m1f Grade 1 novice at Aintree; tough, consistent and much respected despite a challenging mark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

1st Nov 2025

Good

2m 7f 185y

Class 1

15:45 Ascot

The Changing Man

11st 9lb

J: Brendan Powell

T: Joe Tizzard

Unfair to knock his strike-rate of 1-12 over fences as he's run some crackers in defeat, with four seconds last season including a strong C&D handicap and the Ultima at Cheltenham in March; quite likely that he was over the top when last to finish in the 3m1f Grade 1 novice at Aintree; tough, consistent and much respected despite a challenging mark.

100/30

4

1st Nov 2025

Good

2m 7f 185y

Class 1

15:45 Ascot

The Changing Man

11st 9lb

J: Brendan Powell

T: Joe Tizzard

Unfair to knock his strike-rate of 1-12 over fences as he's run some crackers in defeat, with four seconds last season including a strong C&D handicap and the Ultima at Cheltenham in March; quite likely that he was over the top when last to finish in the 3m1f Grade 1 novice at Aintree; tough, consistent and much respected despite a challenging mark.

100/30

3rd

7

4th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

3m 0f 210y

Class 1

13:45 Aintree

The Changing Man

11st 7lb

J: Brendan Powell

T: Joe Tizzard

Only 1-11 over fences, the success in a Grade 2 Reynoldstown at Ascot that essentially fell apart; however, he's proved very consistent in good handicaps otherwise this term, second at the Cheltenham Festival (3m1f, good to soft) most recently; again likely to give his running.

10/1

Form: 15/55-

Last run: 199 days

W: 11st 9lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 142

Form & Verdict
Grade 2 novice chase winner two seasons ago and confined to just two races last campaign, performing better when beaten 5.5l at Cheltenham in April (2m4f, good; behind Bhaloo); won first time back from a previous wind operation in 2023 but has more to prove than most, with more new headgear tried and stamina for 3m not guaranteed.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

2

25th Apr 2026

Good

2m 6f 164y

Class 1

14:20 Sandown

Blow Your Wad

11st 2lb

J: Freddie Mitchell

T: Gary & Josh Moore

Has shown good form for new stable, mostly in handicaps, including at the Cheltenham Festival (3m1f); defied top weight at Chepstow (2m3f, good to soft) most recently, looking better than ever; leading chance at the weights in his bid for a second Grade 2 success.

7/4

1st

1

2nd Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 98y

Class 2

15:32 Chepstow

Blow Your Wad

12st 0lb

J: Freddie Mitchell

T: Gary & Josh Moore

This 8yo arrives in career-best form after his staying-on efforts in Newbury's Greatwood Gold Cup (2m4f) and the Ultima at Cheltenham (3m1f; again on good to soft; won on good); has to be feared, for all that he's 4lb higher than for those runs and 2m3f is on the tight side for him.

5/2

4th

12

10th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 1f 0y

Class 1

15:20 Cheltenham

Blow Your Wad

11st 1lb

J: Freddie Mitchell

T: Gary & Josh Moore

Kept on well for third in handicap at Ascot (3m, good) in November and creditable third of six on stable debut in Grade 1 Ascot Chase (2m5f, good to soft) last month, before close second in handicap at Newbury (2m4f, good to soft) ten days ago; he was 10l clear of the third last time and is 4lb ahead of the handicapper off the same mark today; the step back up in trip could be a firm plus and he showed promise here last April; one to consider seriously.

12/1

Form: -23234

Last run: 38 days

W: 11st 8lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 141

Form & Verdict
Both hurdle wins were at about 2m and others saw out the trip stronger when upped to 3m for the Kerry National at Listowel (yielding); however, that's looking a good renewal as two of those ahead of him were last week's Cheltenham winner Three Card Brag and French Dynamite who has since won a Grade 3; even before that run he had shown himself to be a better chaser than hurdler and, still only a 6yo, this trip is worth persevering with for now; interesting.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

2

21st May 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 3f 176y

17:48 Limerick

Le Coq Hardi

11st 12lb

J: Darragh O’Keeffe

T: Henry De Bromhead

Both hurdle wins came on good ground at about 2m; yet to score in six starts over fences but rated 11lb higher in this sphere courtesy of some good runs in defeat, including when a 15l fourth in the Kerry National at Listowel in September (3m, yielding); tailed off when pulled up at Ascot (3m, good) when last seen in November; top-rated over fences and goes well fresh.

9/4

6

1st Nov 2025

Good

2m 7f 185y

Class 1

15:45 Ascot

Le Coq Hardi

11st 8lb

J: Mike O’Connor

T: Henry De Bromhead

Both hurdle wins were at about 2m and others saw out the trip stronger when upped to 3m for the Kerry National at Listowel (yielding); however, that's looking a good renewal as two of those ahead of him were last week's Cheltenham winner Three Card Brag and French Dynamite who has since won a Grade 3; even before that run he had shown himself to be a better chaser than hurdler and, still only a 6yo, this trip is worth persevering with for now; interesting.

11/2

6

1st Nov 2025

Good

2m 7f 185y

Class 1

15:45 Ascot

Le Coq Hardi

11st 8lb

J: Mike O’Connor

T: Henry De Bromhead

Both hurdle wins were at about 2m and others saw out the trip stronger when upped to 3m for the Kerry National at Listowel (yielding); however, that's looking a good renewal as two of those ahead of him were last week's Cheltenham winner Three Card Brag and French Dynamite who has since won a Grade 3; even before that run he had shown himself to be a better chaser than hurdler and, still only a 6yo, this trip is worth persevering with for now; interesting.

11/2

Form: 434112 D

Last run: 7 days

W: 11st 8lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 141

Form & Verdict
Has been bang in form on his favoured good ground and only narrowly failed in his hat-trick bid at Kelso last week (3m2f, good); an assured stayer who might hang around for some place money but others are more intriguing.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7

1st Nov 2025

Good

2m 7f 185y

Class 1

15:45 Ascot

Olivers Travels

11st 8lb

J: Toby McCain-Mitchell

T: Mickey Bowen

Has been bang in form on his favoured good ground and only narrowly failed in his hat-trick bid at Kelso last week (3m2f, good); an assured stayer who might hang around for some place money but others are more intriguing.

20/1

7

1st Nov 2025

Good

2m 7f 185y

Class 1

15:45 Ascot

Olivers Travels

11st 8lb

J: Toby McCain-Mitchell

T: Mickey Bowen

Has been bang in form on his favoured good ground and only narrowly failed in his hat-trick bid at Kelso last week (3m2f, good); an assured stayer who might hang around for some place money but others are more intriguing.

20/1

Form: P13-63 C

Last run: 105 days

W: 11st 3lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 136

Form & Verdict
Won the novice handicap chase on this card 12 months ago when also returning from a break; has pulled up in his two previous races over 3m but he wasn't stopping when tried in cheekpieces and finishing third in Market Rasen's 2m5f Summer Plate in July (just behind Courtland); there's stamina in his pedigree; considered.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

7

2nd May 2026

Good

3m 0f 10y

Class 2

14:35 Uttoxeter

Bhaloo

10st 12lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Nicky Henderson

Seemingly boosted by first-time cheekpieces when placed in Summer Plate at Market Rasen (2m5f, good) last year but looked out of sorts when pulled up twice in November and it's hard to predict whether this will be a going day.

14/1

8

1st Nov 2025

Good

2m 7f 185y

Class 1

15:45 Ascot

Bhaloo

11st 3lb

J: Nico de Boinville

T: Nicky Henderson

Won the novice handicap chase on this card 12 months ago when also returning from a break; has pulled up in his two previous races over 3m but he wasn't stopping when tried in cheekpieces and finishing third in Market Rasen's 2m5f Summer Plate in July (just behind Courtland); there's stamina in his pedigree; considered.

8/1

Form: 2P16-3 D

Last run: 182 days

W: 11st 2lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 135

Form & Verdict
A second-season chaser who usually races prominently; wrecked his mark by winning a 3m Kempton handicap last Christmas by some 10l in first-time blinkers but produced another noteworthy performance when third at Punchestown in May; couldn't call him well handicapped but still only a 7yo and may progress again this winter.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

20

2nd May 2026

Yielding

3m 0f 104y

15:45 Punchestown

Beachcomber

10st 2lb

J: Richie McLernon

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

Last win came in 3m Kempton handicap in Christmas of 2024; third to Bill Baxter in this race last year but not at best this season, chasing home a clear winner at Ludlow last time (only two finishers); 7lb lower than last year so don't rule out.

14/1

2nd

6

30th Mar 2026

Good

2m 7f 171y

Class 3

15:57 Ludlow

Beachcomber

11st 2lb

J: Jonjo O’Neill Jr

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

Appeared to get his campaign back on track when third over hurdles at Musselburgh (3m, good to soft) and, when a 10l fifth over C&D since, he was softened up by getting competitive a good way out; he doesn't have a convincing profile but his pure ability is respected.

7/1

5th

1

26th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 7f 171y

Class 3

14:07 Ludlow

Beachcomber

12st 1lb

J: Richie McLernon

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

Out of form over fences this season but turned things around with creditable third over hurdles at Musselburgh (3m good to soft) last month and it will be interesting to see whether he can build on that performance on this return to chasing.

7/1

Form: 2P16-3 D BF

Last run: 22 days

W: 11st 1lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 134

Form & Verdict
Seven-time winner over fences and recent placed efforts in some good 2m5f-2m7f handicaps were bordering on career-best form; highly likely to give his running once more but has an air of vulnerability about him for win purposes.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

8th May 2026

Good

2m 7f 191y

Class 3

15:50 Market Rasen

Courtland

12st 2lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Mickey Bowen

Seven-time chase winner (once here); returned from break with disappointing effort last month but current mark is workable if subsequent wind operation and/or first-time cheekpieces prompt a return to form.

6/1

7

4th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 203y

Class 2

15:20 Haydock

Courtland

11st 4lb

J: James Bowen

T: Mickey Bowen

He ran well in defeat in the main last year and is effective when fresh; could give a good account on this first start since December but there's been minimal movement in his mark this season and he may again prove vulnerable in this competitive contest.

12/1

10

1st Nov 2025

Good

2m 7f 185y

Class 1

15:45 Ascot

Courtland

11st 1lb

J: Jonjo O’Neill Jr

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

Seven-time winner over fences and recent placed efforts in some good 2m5f-2m7f handicaps were bordering on career-best form; highly likely to give his running once more but has an air of vulnerability about him for win purposes.

16/1

10

1st Nov 2025

Good

2m 7f 185y

Class 1

15:45 Ascot

Courtland

11st 1lb

J: Shane Fenelon

T: Mickey Bowen

Seven-time winner over fences and recent placed efforts in some good 2m5f-2m7f handicaps were bordering on career-best form; highly likely to give his running once more but has an air of vulnerability about him for win purposes.

16/1

Form: 0/3232 D BF

Last run: 22 days

W: 11st 1lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 134

Form & Verdict
Seven-time winner over fences and recent placed efforts in some good 2m5f-2m7f handicaps were bordering on career-best form; highly likely to give his running once more but has an air of vulnerability about him for win purposes.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

8th May 2026

Good

2m 7f 191y

Class 3

15:50 Market Rasen

Courtland

12st 2lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Mickey Bowen

Seven-time chase winner (once here); returned from break with disappointing effort last month but current mark is workable if subsequent wind operation and/or first-time cheekpieces prompt a return to form.

6/1

7

4th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 203y

Class 2

15:20 Haydock

Courtland

11st 4lb

J: James Bowen

T: Mickey Bowen

He ran well in defeat in the main last year and is effective when fresh; could give a good account on this first start since December but there's been minimal movement in his mark this season and he may again prove vulnerable in this competitive contest.

12/1

10

1st Nov 2025

Good

2m 7f 185y

Class 1

15:45 Ascot

Courtland

11st 1lb

J: Jonjo O’Neill Jr

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

Seven-time winner over fences and recent placed efforts in some good 2m5f-2m7f handicaps were bordering on career-best form; highly likely to give his running once more but has an air of vulnerability about him for win purposes.

16/1

10

1st Nov 2025

Good

2m 7f 185y

Class 1

15:45 Ascot

Courtland

11st 1lb

J: Shane Fenelon

T: Mickey Bowen

Seven-time winner over fences and recent placed efforts in some good 2m5f-2m7f handicaps were bordering on career-best form; highly likely to give his running once more but has an air of vulnerability about him for win purposes.

16/1

Form: 3624-4 D

Last run: 182 days

W: 10st 11lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 130

Form & Verdict
Won his reappearance last season, a Chepstow handicap over this far off 2lb higher (good ground; following wind surgery); ran well for a long way on final appearance in Uttoxeter's Staffordshire Plate in May; each-way prospects.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

11

4th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 203y

Class 2

15:20 Haydock

Neon Moon

11st 1lb

J: Rian Corcoran

T: David Pipe

He won a four-runner handicap at Ascot (2m5f, good) in November but has failed to kick on subsequently, proving no match for Genois and Outlaw Peter when fifth at Exeter (2m3f, good to soft) four weeks ago.

18/1

5th

4

6th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 48y

Class 3

15:40 Exeter

Neon Moon

11st 7lb

J: Jack Tudor

T: David Pipe

Won an uncompetitive race by Ascot standards in November (2m5f) and then only fourth of six at Ludlow; fell mid-race back at Ascot last time; bit to prove on the balance of this form in the last 12 months.

15/2

Form: 6-3441 C

Last run: 35 days

W: 10st 9lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 128

Form & Verdict
The vast majority of his form over hurdles and fences is at around 2m; a collapsing pace resulted in the race rather falling apart when winning over 2m5f at Market Rasen (good; 5lb lower) and he has considerably further to travel this afternoon; his jumping can also be an issue.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

1

31st May 2026

Good

2m 5f 44y

Class 3

16:37 Fakenham

Coastguard Station

12st 0lb

J: David Noonan

T: Henry Oliver

Good-ground specialist who was a course winner in 2024 and returns here after two good efforts this spring, the latter a close fourth at Aintree (2m4f, good) 16 days ago; respected.

3/1

4th

4

15th May 2026

Good

2m 3f 200y

Class 3

17:45 Aintree

Coastguard Station

11st 7lb

J: David Noonan

T: Henry Oliver

Enjoys good ground; bumped into the enigmatic Numitor on a good day at Hereford last month (2m5f) but this 10yo also struggles with his consistency; he's capable but risky enough.

10/1

2nd

3

16th Apr 2026

Good

2m 4f 194y

Class 3

18:00 Hereford

Coastguard Station

11st 1lb

J: Bryan Carver

T: Henry Oliver

Enjoys good ground on which he beat the useful Mahons Glory by 8l at Market Rasen in September (2m5f); tailed off since then on either side of a 140-day break but those were strong handicaps; respected.

9/1

Form: 3F4-44 D

Last run: 7 days

W: 10st 5lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 124

Form & Verdict
Finished behind Olivers Travels last week at Kelso and there are plenty of others to worry about; useful on his day but those days tend to be at a lower level than this.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

1

27th May 2026

Good

3m 1f 170y

Class 3

15:53 Newton Abbot

Snipe

12st 0lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

Record of 2-4 since switched to hunter chases in January and he ran well to finish six of 24 in the Foxhunters' at Aintree (2m5f) last month; on career-high mark back in a handicap but he hasn't been far off his best this year and he has won over 3m1f in the past; respected.

7/2

6th

19

9th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 5f 19y

Class 2

15:30 Aintree

Snipe

12st 0lb

J: Mr Sean O’Connor

T: Dan Skelton

Won on his first hunter chase start at Hereford (2m5f, soft) in January and bounced back from a heavy defeat behind Golden Son at Taunton (2m7f, heavy) to win at Leicester (2m, good to soft) last month; however, he needs a clear career best if he's to win this.

25/1

1st

3

6th Mar 2026

Soft

1m 7f 201y

Class 5

17:03 Leicester

Snipe

12st 2lb

J: Miss Heidi Palin

T: Dan Skelton

Made a bright start to hunter chases when beating Stattler (subsequent winner) at Hereford (2m5f, soft) in January and, although well beaten at Taunton (2m7f) when trying to match strides with Golden Son last month, he likely continues in form; leading contender dropped back to 2m for the first time, with fewer questions to answer than most.

11/10

Non-runners

Marble Sands

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £49.80
Straight Forecast £41.95
Tricast £130.16
Trifecta £422.60

Selections

WEST COUNTRY:

The Changing Man

POSTDATA:

Marble Sands

SPOTLIGHT:

Le Coq Hardi

RP RATINGS:

Blow Your Wad

D Express:

Henry's Friend

LAMBOURN:

Bhaloo

TOPSPEED:

Neon Moon

The Guardian:

Le Coq Hardi

Daily Mail:

Blow Your Wad

The Times:

The Changing Man

The Sun:

The Changing Man

The Star:

The Changing Man

Daily Record:

The Changing Man

Telegraph:

Marble Sands

Daily Mirror:

Marble Sands