17.20
Good To SoftNational Hunt Challenge Cup Novices’ Handicap Chase (GBB Race)
- Prize money: £51440
- 3m 5f 201y
- Class 2
- 17 runners
Runners: 17 runners
Type: Chase Turf
Surface: Turf
Weather: Partly cloudy
20/1 (Won)
- Win: £13.90
- Place: £3.40
Form: P-PU41
Last run: 31 days
W: 11st 4lb
6 yo Filly
OR: 134
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1st 10 |
10th Mar 2026 Good To Soft 3m 5f 201y Class 2 |
11st 4lb |
Lightly raced 6yo mare seen mostly on soft or heavy, including for her three wins; unseated on chase debut but fourth at Newbury (2m6f, good) next time was satisfactory and she built on that in a major way at same track (extended 2m7f, heavy) one month ago, careering 14l clear late on; up 10lb and in trip, but a move away from such testing ground looks the chief worry. |
20/1 |
|
1st 8 |
7th Feb 2026 Soft 2m 7f 91y Class 3 |
10st 11lb |
Novice Listed winner over hurdles last winter (2m3f, heavy); unseated on chase debut but ran well to be fourth here (2m6f) in December this term when Captain Bellamy was runner-up; there were no excuses, other than jumping slightly to her right on occasions. |
12/1 |
|
16 |
4th Apr 2025 Good To Soft 3m 0f 149y Class 1 |
11st 1lb |
Drew 15l clear to win Listed mares' race at Haydock (2m3f, heavy) in December, on second hurdling start, but disappointing favourite in Sandown Grade 2 for mares (2m4f, soft) in February and it's hard to tell whether today's different trip-and-ground combination will suit. |
40/1 |
12/1
- Place: £4.50
Form: 2-5141
Last run: 25 days
W: 11st 10lb
7 yo Gelding
OR: 140
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
3 |
18th Apr 2026 Soft 3m 7f 176y Class 1 |
11st 12lb |
Won two small-field handicaps at Kelso (soft/heavy) over the extended 2m7f, easily on penultimate start (made most) despite the odd jumping indiscretion; wore cheekpieces that day and again when an excellent second of 17, coming from out the back, in the NH Chase at Cheltenham (3m6f, good to soft); his jumping can be a bit sticky but he's a prime candidate for 4m. |
11/2 |
|
2nd 3 |
10th Mar 2026 Good To Soft 3m 5f 201y Class 2 |
11st 10lb |
Twice successful in small-field handicaps at Kelso (soft/heavy) over the extended 2m7f, easily on latest start (made most) despite the odd jumping indiscretion; wore first-time cheekpieces that day, in response to his Windsor run (3m, soft) in which he got going a good deal later even than the winner Guard The Moon; up 10lb since last time but he now looks a prime candidate for serious stamina tests such as this if his jumping holds up. |
12/1 |
|
1st 6 |
13th Feb 2026 Soft 2m 7f 96y Class 2 |
11st 2lb |
Won over C&D (soft) in December on second chase start; got detached before keeping on for fourth of five, beaten just over 5l, at Windsor (3m, soft) four weeks ago; this lightly raced 7yo might be just the type to benefit from the cheekpieces and he retains potential for his good yard. |
5/2 |
9/1
- Place: £3.00
Form: 5-3213 BF
Last run: 46 days
W: 11st 9lb
8 yo Gelding
OR: 139
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
3rd 4 |
10th Mar 2026 Good To Soft 3m 5f 201y Class 2 |
11st 9lb |
Fifth in last year's Pertemps Final here as a staying hurdler and also ran well here when he had no answer to Wade Out after the final fence in November (3m1f, soft) on chase debut; readily beat a useful rival in a match at Southwell (3m, good to soft) next time and 2m3f offers an excuse for latest start, so he might be capable of better, which is needed. |
9/1 |
|
3rd 2 |
23rd Jan 2026 Good To Soft 2m 3f 31y Class 3 |
11st 8lb |
Talented staying hurdler who was a good Listed second on his chase debut at Cheltenham (3m1f, soft) in November, and readily beat a useful rival in a match at Southwell (3m, good to soft) last month; drops back in trip today but there can be optimism he'll cope and he's a leading contender. |
6/4 |
|
3rd 20 |
1st May 2025 Yielding 2m 7f 110y |
11st 1lb |
Career-best to beat Doddiethegreat in a Pertemps Qualifier at Haydock (3m1f, good to soft) and didn't run at all badly in the Final; couldn't dismiss with Sean Bowen taking over for the first time. |
14/1 |
22/1
- Place: £5.80
Form: 6-2P2U
Last run: 54 days
W: 11st 1lb
7 yo Gelding
OR: 131
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
6th 18 |
2nd May 2026 Yielding 3m 7f 68y |
10st 6lb |
Maiden went close to landing breakthrough win at Leopardstown (3m1f, yielding) in December but hasn't backed that up, most recently never counting when modest enough fourth at Fairyhouse; remains opposable. |
16/1 |
|
4th 8 |
6th Apr 2026 Yielding To Soft 3m 0f 120y |
11st 5lb |
Maiden went close to landing breakthrough win at Leopardstown (24.5f, yielding) in December off 3lb lower; unseated over 2m in a beginners' here, then finished a modest fourth over 3m6f at Cheltenham; 6lb lower here but needs to find extra to shed the maiden tag. |
11/1 |
|
4th 14 |
10th Mar 2026 Good To Soft 3m 5f 201y Class 2 |
11st 1lb |
Maiden; 0-8 in chases; runner-up in the Dublin National over 3m4f at Leopardstown last March and over 3m at the same track in December, both on yielding ground; 2m in cheekpieces did not work out last time; right back up in trip today but needs a big career best. |
22/1 |
15/2
Form: 6P2-11
Last run: 107 days
W: 11st 3lb
7 yo Gelding
OR: 133
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
17 |
2nd May 2026 Yielding 3m 0f 104y |
10st 5lb |
Made winning return in 2m5f Cork handicap in November (yielding) and given winter off until not looking to stay 3m6f in National Hunt Chase at Cheltenham in March; interesting contender back in trip here with ground to suit. |
14/1 |
|
5th 11 |
10th Mar 2026 Good To Soft 3m 5f 201y Class 2 |
11st 3lb |
Bids for a hat-trick after scoring over an extended 2m6f at Limerick (good) in May and moving nearly 7l clear on the run-in over 2m5f at Cork (yielding) in November; the latter is easily his best form but his chase career began with a strong finish over an extended 3m1f last March, which sparks interest for this test. |
15/2 |
|
3 |
22nd May 2025 Good To Firm 2m 6f 160y |
11st 12lb |
Winner of maiden hurdle at Navan (2m4f, heavy); some creditable handicap efforts in that sphere; 120-rated hurdler was an eyecatching second on chase debut at Wexford (25.5f, good to yielding) on latest; considered. |
11/4 |
8/1
Form: 16-114 C
Last run: 51 days
W: 12st 0lb
7 yo Gelding
OR: 144
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1st 8 |
11th Apr 2026 Good To Soft 3m 0f 149y Class 1 |
11st 2lb |
Switched to chasing with two wins in the autumn, the latter in a Cheltenham Listed race (3m1f, soft) despite not jumping that well; his fencing once again lacked fluency when sixth in the National Hunt Chase back at Cheltenham (3m6f, good) in first-time cheekpieces (blinkered now) last month; has a lower mark back hurdling, so no surprise were he to go well despite the fact Sean Bowen looks elsewhere. |
22/1 |
|
6th 1 |
10th Mar 2026 Good To Soft 3m 5f 201y Class 2 |
12st 0lb |
Switched to chasing with two wins in the autumn, the latter from One Big Bang in Listed race here (3m1f, soft) despite having been a detached last of the three remaining runners at the third-last fence; that was not a fluent round of jumping but, with a satisfactory Grade 2 run at Windsor in January under his belt, he could still have more to give, including with this stamina test and first-time headgear. |
8/1 |
|
4th 2 |
18th Jan 2026 Soft 3m 0f 60y Class 1 |
11st 9lb |
Record of 7-10 overall and 2-2 since switched to chasing (solid form); stayed on well in Listed grade at Cheltenham (3m1f, soft) most recently, proving suited by the first attempt beyond 2m4f under rules; particularly unexposed at this sort of distance and warrants respect. |
9/2 |
16/1
Form: -U1591
Last run: 38 days
W: 11st 11lb
8 yo Gelding
OR: 141
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
7th 2 |
10th Mar 2026 Good To Soft 3m 5f 201y Class 2 |
11st 11lb |
Soundly beaten when just 17-2 at last year's Festival (2m4f); finally opened his chase account in November, before staying-on fifth in major handicap at Newbury (3m2f, good to soft) where he was badly hindered at the unsatisfactory start; 13l win at Sandown (3m, soft; made most) on latest outing confirmed he's got his act together, which earned a 7lb rise but he needs respect. |
16/1 |
|
1st 3 |
31st Jan 2026 Soft 3m 0f 42y Class 2 |
10st 7lb |
Opened his chase account on reappearance, then did well to finish fifth in major handicap at Newbury (3m2f, good to soft) having badly hindered at the unsatisfactory start; lost chance with bad mistake four out when beaten favourite at Ascot since; remains of interest, assuming he puts in an error-free round. |
9/2 |
|
1st 2 |
2nd Nov 2025 Good 2m 7f 129y Class 3 |
11st 5lb |
Has the best hurdles form in this field and his good efforts (twice runner-up) over fences last season were even better; however, he was below form in first-time cheekpieces on penultimate outing and failed to complete on starts either side, the latest 11 days ago; that dents his case today (in returning cheekpieces) but he is the standout on form. |
10/11 |
33/1
Form: 21222P
Last run: 24 days
W: 10st 8lb
7 yo Gelding
OR: 124
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1st 5 |
15th Apr 2026 Good 3m 4f 97y Class 3 |
11st 11lb |
Won bumper and maiden hurdle when on good ground; scored at Ffos Las (3m1f, soft) in October and runner-up in four of his other six chases, including when mown down late on in a big field at Windsor (extended 3m4f, soft) in January; ran poorly over C&D next time and well beaten at Cheltenham Festival on latest but both those races were much warmer than this. |
5/1 |
|
8th 17 |
10th Mar 2026 Good To Soft 3m 5f 201y Class 2 |
10st 8lb |
Won at Ffos Las (3m1f, soft) in October and runner-up in four of his other five chases, including when mown down late on in a big field at Windsor (extended 3m4f, soft) in January; progressive to that point but then ran poorly behind Grand Geste at Haydock on latest outing. |
33/1 |
|
9 |
14th Feb 2026 Good To Soft 3m 4f 97y Class 1 |
10st 7lb |
7yo who has improved for the switch to fences this season, winning at Ffos Las (3m1f, soft) in October and finishing second on his three starts since, most recently behind Neo King in a big field at Windsor (extended 3m4f, soft); progressive and he could be in the mix once more up 3lb for last time. |
10/1 |
33/1
Form: P-5114
Last run: 31 days
W: 10st 8lb
7 yo Gelding
OR: 124
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
9th 16 |
10th Mar 2026 Good To Soft 3m 5f 201y Class 2 |
10st 8lb |
Plenty to like about his wins in six-runner handicap chases (3m, good to soft) at Doncaster and Exeter; heavy ground might be the excuse when he was hammered by Holloway Queen at Newbury on latest start; has a competitive mark if back on song but going beyond 3m is something new. |
33/1 |
|
4th 7 |
7th Feb 2026 Soft 2m 7f 91y Class 3 |
10st 12lb |
Jumped poorly when tailed off in his first chase but has won his last two and had a bit in hand both times; only four got round last time at Exeter (3m, good to soft; has won on heavy) but the handicapper didn't go overboard with a 4lb rise. |
15/2 |
25/1
Form: -335F1
Last run: 35 days
W: 11st 3lb
7 yo Gelding
OR: 133
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
10th 13 |
10th Mar 2026 Good To Soft 3m 5f 201y Class 2 |
11st 3lb |
Pulled up at 50-1 in last year's 3m Grade 1 novice hurdle here; ran well in three of his five chases this term, notably with his easy win in a 2m5f beginners' event at Carlisle (good to soft) last time, but Cheltenham in December was one of the exceptions and he didn't jump well that day, before falling at Exeter on his next start; work to do on a few counts. |
25/1 |
|
1st 1 |
3rd Feb 2026 Good To Soft 2m 4f 198y Class 3 |
11st 5lb |
The only one of these with chasing experience; didn't jump well when soundly beaten at Cheltenham in December and fell at Exeter latest; however, before those he ran well to finish third over C&D (good to soft) and at Kempton (3m, good) in his first two chases; major player if he's on song. |
6/4 |
20/1
Form: -7020P
Last run: 47 days
W: 11st 7lb
9 yo Gelding
OR: 137
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
12 |
2nd May 2026 Yielding 3m 7f 68y |
10st 11lb |
Bumper and two-time hurdle winner; 0-15 chasing but has run well in defeat at times, most notably over 3m6f at the Cheltenham Festival in 2025 and when a neck second to Better Times Ahead in the Porterstown at Fairyhouse in November (yielding); out of sorts in four runs since however so big upturn in performance required but 13lb better off with Better Times Ahead now, plus rider's claim. |
10/1 |
|
4 |
6th Apr 2026 Yielding To Soft 3m 0f 120y |
11st 11lb |
Bumper and two-time hurdle winner; 0-14 in chases but has run well in defeat at times, most notably over 3m6f at the Cheltenham Festival in 2025 and when a neck second in the Porterstown here last November (3m6f, yielding); out of sorts in three runs since, though, and needs to rediscover best. |
16/1 |
|
11th 6 |
10th Mar 2026 Good To Soft 3m 5f 201y Class 2 |
11st 7lb |
0-13 now as a chaser but third in this race last year off 5lb lower; that was his best form last term and he's shown it only once since, when beaten a neck at Fairyhouse (3m6f, yielding to soft) in November; that was also his only long-distance assignment this term, so he could return to form with this step back up in trip; others are preferred for the win even so. |
20/1 |
12/1
Form: 51-212 BF
Last run: 60 days
W: 11st 8lb
5 yo Gelding
OR: 142
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
5 |
10th Mar 2026 Good To Soft 3m 5f 201y Class 2 |
11st 8lb |
2-3 over hurdles and saw off useful opposition at Punchestown (2m7f, heavy) in December in his second chase; found one too good for him when 5-6 at Naas (near 3m1f, soft) two months ago but stuck to his task manfully; this handicap debutant is just a 5yo and the only one of that age to win this race in this last 100 years was in 1978, but this became a handicap only last year and he's trained by Gordon Elliott, so needs a close look. |
12/1 |
|
1st 5 |
13th Mar 2025 Yielding 2m 0f 50y |
11st 7lb |
Won on hurdles debut at Auteuil last September; set a stiff task at Naas on Irish debut, finishing fifth of seven, with Castleheath back in sixth; can improve. |
4/1 |
Form: PF-1P1
Last run: 53 days
W: 11st 7lb
8 yo Gelding
OR: 137
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
7 |
10th Mar 2026 Good To Soft 3m 5f 201y Class 2 |
11st 7lb |
Made a bad mistake at the fourth fence at Newbury in December and soon pulled up; clearcut winner of small-field novice handicaps at Aintree (2m4f, soft) and Windsor (3m, soft; first-time cheekpieces) in his other two chases and he shaped in the latter as if stamina was a strong suit. |
20/1 |
|
1st 2 |
16th Jan 2026 Soft 3m 0f 60y Class 3 |
11st 7lb |
Made a bad mistake at the fourth fence and soon pulled up at Newbury last month; however, prior to that he won in good style on his chase debut at Aintree (2m4f, soft) and he should be fine now back up in trip; likely player if minimising the blunders in first-time cheekpieces. |
11/2 |
|
3 |
25th Apr 2025 Good To Soft 3m 2f 127y Class 3 |
11st 10lb |
Struggled in the Pertemps Final and his previous run was no better; however, he beat recent Cheltenham winner Long Draw at Warwick earlier this season and followed that with two excellent seconds at up to 3m; if back in that sort of form he'd be a live contender. |
6/1 |
14/1
Form: -221P1
Last run: 24 days
W: 11st 5lb
7 yo Gelding
OR: 135
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
3rd 4 |
15th Apr 2026 Good 3m 1f 125y Class 2 |
10st 12lb |
Suffered two flops in his last three races but the latest was in the National Hunt Chase at Cheltenham; both wins since December have been here (3m1f/3m4f), latterly in the 11-runner Grand National Trial that always takes some winning; if on a going day then he would have strong claims, for all that softer ground would be preferred. |
2/1 |
|
8 |
10th Mar 2026 Good To Soft 3m 5f 201y Class 2 |
11st 5lb |
Impressive in a useful handicap at Haydock (extended 3m1f, soft) and, following a Doncaster flop, even better when he emerged on top in the Grand National Trial back at Haydock (extended 3m4f, good to soft); up another 6lb but little to prove regarding stamina and should have more to give. |
14/1 |
|
1st 7 |
14th Feb 2026 Good To Soft 3m 4f 97y Class 1 |
10st 12lb |
Impressive when winning the Tommy Whittle here (extended 3m1f, soft) in December and on that evidence today's 10lb higher mark may not be beyond this unexposed 7yo; he's a lot better than he showed at Doncaster (3m, soft) three weeks ago but has something to prove following that flop. |
10/1 |
4/1
Form: -78201
Last run: 37 days
W: 11st 5lb
7 yo Gelding
OR: 135
| 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 |
11st 5lb |
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 |
10st 0lb |
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 |
10st 2lb |
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 |
9/2
Form: 1-F1P1
Last run: 45 days
W: 11st 3lb
7 yo Gelding
OR: 133
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
12 |
10th Mar 2026 Good To Soft 3m 5f 201y Class 2 |
11st 3lb |
Got the fourth-last fence all wrong here in October and pulled up at Newbury after a mistake; there's a strikingly good side too, however, as he scored comfortably at Bangor (3m, heavy) and Doncaster (3m, soft) in his other two chases; looks sure to stay beyond 3m; up another 6lb but he's a prime candidate, for last year's winning trainer, if the mistakes can be avoided. |
9/2 |
|
1st 2 |
24th Jan 2026 Soft 2m 7f 214y Class 3 |
11st 8lb |
Best to forgive latest effort (lost his action); solid record in completed starts otherwise and scored comfortably at Bangor (3m, heavy) the time before; may still have more to offer over fences. |
7/2 |
|
11 |
25th Oct 2025 Good To Soft 2m 4f 44y Class 3 |
10st 10lb |
A couple of odds-on defeats before he got off the mark over hurdles at the sixth attempt in a maiden at Ffos Las (2m4f, good to soft) in April when last seen; this point winner is open to improvement now switched to fences on his handicap and seasonal debut and goes on the shortlist. |
15/2 |
11/1
Form: F0P-83
Last run: 45 days
W: 10st 11lb
9 yo Gelding
OR: 127
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
4th 7 |
23rd May 2026 Good 3m 0f 30y Class 2 |
10st 5lb |
Back over hurdles with respectable fifth of 15 in Class 2 event at Haydock (3m, good) two weeks ago; 5lb lower back over fences but he's 0-12 in this sphere and he fell at Ayr on his penultimate run; down the list. |
9/1 |
|
5th 8 |
9th May 2026 Good 3m 0f 58y Class 2 |
10st 10lb |
Sparked just once in each of the last two seasons, at Doncaster; visored on latest start, after three runs in cheekpieces; often tongue tied as well but goes without any equipment today; his last hurdle race was in February 2024 and other options look a lot more solid. |
25/1 |
|
9 |
18th Apr 2026 Soft 3m 0f 20y Class 2 |
10st 11lb |
Good third off 4lb higher in first-time cheekpieces at Doncaster (3m, soft) in January; however, his form away from Doncaster hasn't been great in the last two seasons and the visor needs to have a positive influence. |
20/1 |
+o+e Accumulators
| Payout | |
|---|---|
| Exacta | £323.70 |
| Straight Forecast | £258.44 |
| Tricast | £3032.14 |
| Trifecta | £3871.90 |
Selections
TOPSPEED:
Newton TornadoSPOTLIGHT:
BackmersackmeDaily Mirror:
Iceberg TheoryNEWMARKET:
One Big BangLAMBOURN:
Walking On AirRP RATINGS:
Holloway QueenWEST COUNTRY:
Guard The MoonTHE NORTH:
Grand GesteTelegraph:
BackmersackmeDaily Mail:
BackmersackmeThe Star:
Iceberg TheoryThe Guardian:
One Big BangD Express:
Walking On Air