16.05
Soft To HeavyBarberstown Castle Handicap Chase (Listed Race)
- Prize money: £51304.35
- 2m 1f 0y
- 14 runners
Runners: 14 runners
Type: Chase Turf
Surface: Turf
Weather: —
7/2 (Won)
- Win: £3.00
- Place: £1.60
Form: P-2312 D
Last run: 22 days
W: 11st 8lb
7 yo Gelding
OR: 143
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
3rd 2 |
30th Apr 2026 Yielding 2m 0f 75y |
11st 12lb |
Grade 3 novice hurdle winner over 2m4f last season but is comfortable at this trip too; got off the mark over fences at Fairyhouse before winning a valuable Leopardstown handicap and Navan Grade 3, all over approx' 2m; fine fourth in the WillowWarm Gold Cup last time at 2m4f; can be involved. |
14/1 |
|
4th 2 |
5th Apr 2026 Yielding To Soft 2m 4f 0y |
11st 10lb |
Grade 3 novice hurdle winner at Naas last season; off the mark over fences at third attempt, taking a 2m beginners' at this venue in first-time cheekpieces; split today's rivals Kappa JyPyke and Predators Gold in a Grade 3 event over a near-2m4f trip at Punchestown; won a DRF handicap and has since landed the odds in a 2m Grade 3 at Navan. |
6/1 |
|
1st 3 |
28th Feb 2026 Heavy 2m 0f 0y |
11st 1lb |
Grade 3 novice hurdle winner at Naas last season; off the mark over fences at third attempt, taking a 2m Fairyhouse beginners' in first-time cheekpieces; split two Mullins-trained runners in a Grade 3 event over a near-2m4f trip at Punchestown; made a stylish entry to handicap company at the DRF and can continue on an upward curve; no issues with trip or ground. |
4/5 |
20/1
- Place: £6.90
Form: 517-P4 CD
Last run: 24 days
W: 10st 9lb
7 yo Gelding
OR: 130
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
13 |
30th Apr 2026 Yielding 2m 0f 75y |
11st 4lb |
Pulled up after making a bad mistake in the race in which Release The Beast was second at Leopardstown in December; stepped up from a fourth placing at Naas when second in a valuable DRF handicap; Western Diego fourth then, Ballysax Hank sixth; each-way chance. |
12/1 |
|
21 |
11th Mar 2026 Good To Soft 1m 7f 199y Class 1 |
10st 7lb |
Reserve; up and down since winning at Leopardstown (2m1f, yielding) last March on second chase start but returned to form with 5l second of 14 in handicap there (2m1f, soft) last month in first-time visor (retained); not ruled out. |
25/1 |
|
2nd 8 |
2nd Feb 2026 Soft To Heavy 2m 1f 0y |
10st 9lb |
Won a C&D beginners' chase last March (yielding); disappointed on subsequent handicap chase debut when tailed off (made a bad mistake four out); pulled up after making a bad mistake in the race won by Addragoole here in December, needs to step on more recent Naas effort. |
20/1 |
8/1
- Place: £2.30
Form: 032141 CD
Last run: 38 days
W: 11st 7lb
7 yo Gelding
OR: 142
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
3rd 1 |
24th Aug 2026 Good 2m 1f 55y |
11st 7lb |
Won around Sligo last year and handicap winner over this trip at Leopardstown's Christmas meeting; also ran well when third at DRF; 2m6f was too far in the Galway Blazers, but fitter for that and this looks a good opportunity. |
13/8 |
|
6th 1 |
31st Jul 2026 Good 2m 6f 111y |
11st 13lb |
Won twice over fences in 2025, most recently off 9lb lower at Leopardstown in December (2m1f, yielding); has come up short in three starts since, weakening on latest when upped to 2m5f in the Topham at Aintree; stamina a query upped further in trip. |
14/1 |
|
12th 11 |
10th Apr 2026 Good To Soft 2m 5f 19y Class 1 |
10st 11lb |
Stamina to prove and he failed to threaten when ninth in the Grand Annual last month; however, Cheltenham may not be his track (also not at his best there last October) and he showed improved form to win a competitive handicap at Leopardstown (2m1f, yielding) in December; only seven and there have been hints that this sort of trip may suit; no surprise to see him go well. |
25/1 |
9/2
Form: 258-31 D
Last run: 19 days
W: 11st 3lb
9 yo Gelding
OR: 138
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
14th 2 |
30th Apr 2026 Yielding 2m 0f 75y |
11st 11lb |
Inconsistent and just one win from his nine chase starts but that came in the Grade 3 Dan & Joan Moore Memorial Handicap at Fairyhouse (2m1f, yielding) in January; weakened when fourth of 14 in a 2m1f DRF handicap, only 3l behind runner-up Golden Joy; Grand Annual faller. |
12/1 |
|
10 |
11th Mar 2026 Good To Soft 1m 7f 199y Class 1 |
11st 0lb |
Inconsistent and just one win from his eight chase starts but that came in a Grade 3 novice at Fairyhouse (2m1f, yielding) in January; weakened when fourth of 14 in handicap at Leopardstown (2m1f, soft) last month and today's forecast better ground could help; looks the type who may prove well suited by this big-field scenario; not discounted for top Irish stable. |
16/1 |
|
4th 5 |
2nd Feb 2026 Soft To Heavy 2m 1f 0y |
11st 3lb |
Struggled in his first two handicap chase attempts before getting the hang of things with experience; shaped more encouragingly when third behind Drumgill at Fairyhouse in November, and now on an upward curve following an emphatic defeat of stablemate More Coko at the same venue; fair chance of confirming form with the second on these terms. |
9/2 |
12/1
Form: 13-F55 D
Last run: 19 days
W: 11st 12lb
9 yo Gelding
OR: 147
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
14th 1 |
9th Apr 2026 Good To Soft 1m 7f 176y Class 1 |
12st 0lb |
His fortunes over fences have been mixed but he made good headway in the Grand Annual at Cheltenham (2m, good) last month prior to falling two out; finest hour came when winning Grade 1 Top Novices' Hurdle here (2m, good to soft) in April 2023; could have a big say if avoiding mishap. |
13/2 |
|
5 |
11th Mar 2026 Good To Soft 1m 7f 199y Class 1 |
11st 5lb |
Won Grade 1 Top Novices' Hurdle at Aintree (2m, good to soft) in April 2023; he's raced seven times since, all over fences, with just one win (a beginners chase in October 2024) and he can be difficult to settle; however, he took a step back in the right direction when fifth of 14 in a handicap at Leopardstown (2m1f, soft) last month and is capable of building on that. |
8/1 |
|
5th 1 |
2nd Feb 2026 Soft To Heavy 2m 1f 0y |
11st 12lb |
Grade 1 novice hurdle winner at Aintree in 2023; won a 2m Wexford beginners' chase last season; jumping frailties apparent in races at Naas; had an excuse (lost a shoe and suffered an overreach) at Navan in his first handicap; plenty to prove after a moderate fifth behind Western Diego at Fairyhouse. |
12/1 |
8/1
Form: 2-3128 BF
Last run: 37 days
W: 11st 4lb
7 yo Gelding
OR: 139
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
11th 1 |
30th Apr 2026 Yielding 2m 0f 75y |
11st 12lb |
Summer Plate winner at Market Rasen (2m5f, good) last July and went close in the American Grand National (2m5f, firm) in October; excuses on both winter starts; has around 5lb to find with Release The Beast on Cheltenham running; big task under this weight and would prefer further. |
10/1 |
|
6th 14 |
11th Mar 2026 Good To Soft 1m 7f 199y Class 1 |
10st 12lb |
5l win in the Summer Plate at Market Rasen (2m5f, good) last July and went close in the American Grand National (2m5f, firm) in October; excuses on both winter starts (3m then soft ground); the drop back to 2m poses a question but the stiff track and strong pace will help; possible player. |
10/1 |
|
6th 4 |
2nd Feb 2026 Soft To Heavy 2m 1f 0y |
11st 4lb |
2-5 over fences, won the Summer Plate at Market Rasen (21.5f, good) in July off 128; won sole Flat start next time at Gowran on good to yielding before a fine second to Zanahiyr over hurdles in the American Grand National (2m5f, firm); failed to stay 3m in the Paddy Power at Christmas; ground conditions not certain to suit. |
8/1 |
14/1
Form: 10P-60 CD
Last run: 38 days
W: 10st 7lb
9 yo Gelding
OR: 128
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
11th 1 |
23rd Jul 2026 Good 2m 4f 0y |
12st 0lb |
Both wins of 20-race career came over fences back-to-back 18 months ago when landing competitive handicaps at Leopardstown over 2m1f; largely struggled since, pulled up on last two starts; last run over hurdles in October when beaten 16l in novice; up in trip and rated 10lb lower over hurdles; questions attached and yard perhaps holds better claims with Sean Mc. |
12/1 |
|
1 |
30th Jun 2026 Good 2m 0f 0y |
11st 12lb |
One of two runners for these connections; best run when winning a valuable 2m1f Leopardstown handicap chase in 2025; hasn't been as good since, with best runs coming back at that track; questions after pulled-up over C&D last time. |
14/1 |
|
2 |
7th May 2026 Good To Yielding 2m 0f 0y |
11st 11lb |
Both chase wins have been in 2m1f handicaps at Leopardstown; sights are lowered here after running in stronger company at that venue during the winter. |
10/1 |
14/1
Form: 117-P1
Last run: 30 days
W: 10st 0lb
7 yo Gelding
OR: 119
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
7th 7 |
28th Jul 2026 Good 2m 0f 110y |
11st 2lb |
Decent strike rate over fences (3-10) and rated 121; disappointed on sole start over hurdles at Punchestown in April and beaten 5l in Kilbeggan handicap chase on latest; cheekpieces worn that day discarded; others are more persuasive. |
15/2 |
|
3rd 3 |
24th Jul 2026 Good 2m 4f 85y |
11st 13lb |
Won off 5lb lower at Cork in January (2m4f, yielding to soft); excellent effort over C&D in May when 0.5l behind the winner (good); took fourth in a deeper contest here last time (2m4f, yielding); cheekpieces are added to the tongue tie and he's in the mix. |
6/1 |
|
4th 10 |
15th Jun 2026 Yielding To Soft 2m 4f 0y |
10st 8lb |
Won off 6lb lower at Cork in January (2m4f, yld-sft); excellent effort off 3lb lower over C&D on latest when a 0.5l second behind Littlefoot; this race is deeper so more needed to win but place claims again at the very least. |
8/1 |
20/1
Form: PP2318 D
Last run: 19 days
W: 11st 1lb
7 yo Gelding
OR: 136
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
4th 9 |
22nd Aug 2026 Good 2m 4f 180y |
10st 0lb |
Seven-time winner over hurdles and fences; won a Listed handicap chase over 2m1f at Fairyhouse in November, but it's been mostly downhill since; showed a spark over hurdles at Kilbeggan last time; 3lb wrong here. |
14/1 |
|
3rd 1 |
8th Aug 2026 Good 3m 1f 0y |
11st 2lb |
Seven-time winner over hurdles and fences; won a Listed handicap chase over 2m1f at Fairyhouse in November, but it's been all downhill since over a variety of trips; first run over hurdles since October. |
16/1 |
|
8th 7 |
2nd Aug 2026 Good 2m 2f 54y |
10st 1lb |
Won a nice pot over 2m1f at Fairyhouse in November, but it's been all downhill since and he's now 4lb lower than that last winning mark. |
10/1 |
16/1
Form: 22-345 D
Last run: 38 days
W: 10st 2lb
12 yo Gelding
OR: 123
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
11 |
25th May 2026 Good 2m 3f 136y |
10st 13lb |
Had some good form last spring and same again this time around; hurdles winner in March, third to Supreme Jet at Wexford and good third of 20 to exciting stablemate in 2m handicap at Punchestown festival; doesn't win often, though. |
13/2 |
|
3rd 19 |
30th Apr 2026 Yielding 2m 0f 75y |
10st 3lb |
Dual chase winner who got off the mark over hurdles at Wexford in March; fair third back over fences at the same venue last time; held by several of these on running in a DRF handicap. |
40/1 |
|
3rd 16 |
10th Apr 2026 Good To Yielding 2m 3f 100y |
10st 0lb |
Dual chase winner who got off the mark over hurdles here last month in decisive fashion, going clear on the run-in over 2m (soft); second in this race last year (Krabat third) off 7lb higher so obvious claims (1lb wrong). |
11/2 |
40/1
Form: 223P89 CD
Last run: 15 days
W: 10st 0lb
11 yo Gelding
OR: 113
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
7th 8 |
8th Aug 2026 Good 2m 4f 40y |
10st 2lb |
Six-time winner, 4-38 over fences; chase mark has tumbled but good third at Ballinrobe (2m4f, good) in veterans race in May and decent run over hurdles at Sligo over inadequate trip; brought down at first at Kilbeggan last time; yard won this last two years. |
10/1 |
|
11 |
24th Jul 2026 Good 2m 4f 85y |
10st 12lb |
Six-time winner (four over fences) is now 31lb lower than his last chase win in 2023; good effort when third of 13 at Ballinrobe in May (2m4f, good); 2m2f over hurdles last time at Sligo was on the short side for him; place chance. |
9/1 |
13/2
Form: 550-22 D BF
Last run: 101 days
W: 10st 13lb
7 yo Gelding
OR: 134
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2nd 1 |
8th Aug 2026 Good 2m 4f 40y |
11st 12lb |
Consistent handicap chaser who had some good runs in top handicaps last season, such as fifth in the Grand Annual and fourth in Red Rum; returned from 99 days off with fifth at Killarney 22 days ago, weakening after being tight for room in the straight; should prove sharper for that and player if so; question whether step up in trip will suit but won his beginners chase over this distance two years ago. |
5/1 |
|
5th 2 |
17th Jul 2026 Good 2m 1f 0y |
11st 6lb |
Two chase wins came in 2024 but some good runs in competitive handicaps last season, notably Grand Annual fifth and decent fourth in Red Rum at Aintree; down in grade with conditions to suit, so big player. |
9/2 |
|
4th 6 |
9th Apr 2026 Good To Soft 1m 7f 176y Class 1 |
11st 3lb |
Returned to form back on better ground when fifth, beaten just over 10l, in the Grand Annual at Cheltenham (2m, good); he led jumping two out at the Festival and this less demanding track could be right up his street. |
12/1 |
15/2
Form: -45892 D
Last run: 19 days
W: 10st 9lb
6 yo Gelding
OR: 130
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2nd 4 |
14th Aug 2026 Good 2m 5f 180y |
10st 12lb |
Has won a bumper here, a maiden hurdle here and a novice hurdle at Carlisle, all at around 2m1f; yet to prove he stays this sort of trip and has jumped left at times in most recent chase starts; off since heavy handicap defeat at Fairyhouse in April. |
11/2 |
|
6th 8 |
5th Apr 2026 Yielding To Soft 2m 0f 140y |
11st 4lb |
Standout run from seven attempts over fences when chasing home a stablemate in Grade 3 handicap over C&D in January from 4lb out of handicap proper (yielding); heavy ground probably against him when 10l off Jigoro at Gowran last time, will appreciate any drying. |
12/1 |
|
6th 6 |
7th Mar 2026 Heavy 2m 0f 0y |
11st 4lb |
Soundly beaten in four starts in beginners' events; found his level on handicap debut at Fairyhouse, despite being 4lb out of the handicap, beating all bar stablemate Western Diego; fell at the sixth when one of the main fancies for a valuable DRF handicap; tongue-tie added. |
5/1 |
10/1
Form: 913431 D
Last run: 50 days
W: 10st 6lb
8 yo Gelding
OR: 127
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
11 |
2nd Feb 2026 Soft To Heavy 2m 1f 0y |
10st 6lb |
Has improved since finishing third at the Listowel festival, splitting Jasko De Dames and Drumgill; recorded his third chase win at Navan in December; up in grade here following a 9lb rise in the ratings; handles testing conditions. |
10/1 |
|
6 |
26th Oct 2025 Good To Yielding 2m 3f 130y |
10st 12lb |
Got his second chasing win when taking a C&D handicap in August by a short head (good), probably value for more (idled and rider misjudged finish line); raised to current mark for run at Listowel and not disgraced when a keeping on third (17.5f, yielding to soft); one of the likelier contenders. |
4/1 |
+o+e Accumulators
| Payout | |
|---|---|
| Exacta | €61.40 |
| Straight Forecast | €61.38 |
| Tricast | €327.64 |
| Trifecta | €429.90 |
Selections
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