March 13 / 16.40 Cheltenham

16.40

Good

Princess Royal Challenge Cup Open Hunters’ Chase

  • Prize money: £24445
  • 3m 2f 70y
  • Class 2
  • 23 runners
ITV
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Princess Royal Challenge Cup Open Hunters’ Chase

Runners: 23 runners

Type: Hunter Chase

Surface: Turf

Weather: Light rain

11/1 (Won)

  • Win: £5.50
  • Place: £2.30

Form: 41-111 C

Last run: 37 days

W: 12st 0lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 142

Form & Verdict
Won here at last May's hunter chase meeting but that was 2m; his 3m point wins came chiefly in small-field affairs and he was left clear late on when successful over that trip at Ludlow on latest start, and the time was ordinary; could run well for a long way but ultimately prove vulnerable to stronger stayers.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

3

9th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 5f 19y

Class 2

15:30 Aintree

Barton Snow

12st 0lb

J: Mr Henry Crow

T: J J O’Shea

Proved his stamina and made it 5-5 under rules (all in hunter chases) when beating Its On The Line by a neck to win the big one at Cheltenham (3m2f, good to soft) last month, despite a mistake at the final fence; has also won on good going; he doesn't appear to be straightforward but clearly knows how to win and should be fine back down in trip; major player.

7/4

1st

1

13th Mar 2026

Good

3m 2f 70y

Class 2

16:40 Cheltenham

Barton Snow

12st 0lb

J: Mr Henry Crow

T: J J O’Shea

Won here at last May's hunter chase meeting but that was 2m; his 3m point wins came chiefly in small-field affairs and he was left clear late on when successful over that trip at Ludlow on latest start, and the time was ordinary; could run well for a long way but ultimately prove vulnerable to stronger stayers.

11/1

1st

2

4th Feb 2026

Soft

2m 7f 171y

Class 4

16:42 Ludlow

Barton Snow

12st 6lb

J: Mr Henry Crow

T: J J O’Shea

Solid record in points, one he enhanced when winning by a distance at odds-on at Sheriff Hutton 17 days ago (3m, soft); unbeaten in hunter chases after completing a hat-trick between March and May of last year, at Stratford (twice; 2m5f/2m6f) and Cheltenham (2m); strong chance.

8/15

11/2

  • Place: £2.20

Form: 232-11

Last run: 77 days

W: 12st 0lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 140

Form & Verdict
Part of the furniture in this race after going agonisingly close in the last three runnings, especially 12 months ago when he stayed on strongly to push Wonderwall to a neck, after which he secured a repeat win at Punchestown; although it's hardly encouraging that he was turned over at 1-5 in his latest point, the winner is useful on his day and this 9yo didn't exactly arrive here 12 months ago with the wind in his sails; all roads have led to this and he has clear claims.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

7

1st May 2026

Yielding

3m 0f 160y

16:15 Punchestown

Its On The Line

12st 0lb

J: Mr Derek O’Connor

T: Emmet Mullins

Won this for the third time last year; contrasting profile in the Cheltenham equivalent now having finished second in four consecutive years; easily the best of the Irish this year, with Panda Boy fifth and Wonderwall (his conqueror last year) seventh; never got competitive in the Aintree Foxhunter, a rare blot on his record; has his quirks, but as tough as they come.

5/2

9th

14

9th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 5f 19y

Class 2

15:30 Aintree

Its On The Line

12st 0lb

J: Mr Derek O’Connor

T: Emmet Mullins

Won this in 2024 (heavy); beaten a neck by Barton Snow at last month's Cheltenham Festival (3m2f, good to soft), finishing a close second in that hunter chase for the fourth season in a row; at this trip he may prefer more testing ground than is likely today, but he's still entitled to respect.

9/2

2nd

7

13th Mar 2026

Good

3m 2f 70y

Class 2

16:40 Cheltenham

Its On The Line

12st 0lb

J: Mr Derek O’Connor

T: Emmet Mullins

Part of the furniture in this race after going agonisingly close in the last three runnings, especially 12 months ago when he stayed on strongly to push Wonderwall to a neck, after which he secured a repeat win at Punchestown; although it's hardly encouraging that he was turned over at 1-5 in his latest point, the winner is useful on his day and this 9yo didn't exactly arrive here 12 months ago with the wind in his sails; all roads have led to this and he has clear claims.

11/2

16/1

  • Place: £9.10

Form: 29/4-1 CD

Last run: 315 days

W: 12st 0lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 131

Form & Verdict
2022 Champion Bumper eighth and twice placed over hurdles here when with Gordon Elliott; has done well for current team following a long absence, winning over C&D last May after his never-dangerous 13l fourth to Wonderwall in this 12 months ago; needs to get his skates on a bit earlier to improve on that placing and he was beaten by Linelee King in a recent point (after a long break); return of cheekpieces is no bad thing; seems fine on all ground.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

18

9th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 5f 19y

Class 2

15:30 Aintree

Music Drive

12st 0lb

J: Miss Ellie Callwood

T: Kelly Morgan

He's made the frame at 33-1 in the last two runnings of the Cheltenham Festival hunter chase, finishing about 8l behind Barton Snow and Its On The Line last month when third; tackles a new track today and the drop back in trip isn't an obvious positive, but he could still be an each-way contender.

14/1

3rd

12

13th Mar 2026

Good

3m 2f 70y

Class 2

16:40 Cheltenham

Music Drive

12st 0lb

J: Miss Ellie Callwood

T: Kelly Morgan

2022 Champion Bumper eighth and twice placed over hurdles here when with Gordon Elliott; has done well for current team following a long absence, winning over C&D last May after his never-dangerous 13l fourth to Wonderwall in this 12 months ago; needs to get his skates on a bit earlier to improve on that placing and he was beaten by Linelee King in a recent point (after a long break); return of cheekpieces is no bad thing; seems fine on all ground.

16/1

1st

5

2nd May 2025

Good

3m 2f 70y

Class 4

18:20 Cheltenham

Music Drive

11st 12lb

J: Miss Gina Andrews

T: Kelly Morgan

prominent, disputing second from 15th, led narrowly before 2 out, ridden approaching last, kept on well final 110yds

15/8

Form: 3P3-11

Last run: 29 days

W: 12st 0lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 132

Form & Verdict
Returned from ten months off to win hunter chases at Warwick (3m, good to soft) and Taunton (2m7f, heavy); not remotely pressed on either occasion and the RPRs were highly respectable; Paul Nicholls has won this four times and this 8yo could be interesting, provided he lasts home.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

1

13th May 2026

Good

3m 1f 170y

Class 5

20:00 Newton Abbot

Golden Son

12st 8lb

J: Miss Olive Nicholls

T: Paul Nicholls

Useful handicapper; easy winner of two hunter chases before a commendable fourth in the big one at the Cheltenham Festival; he was only 17-2 for the Aintree version but never emerged from midfield; entitled to take care of these.

8/15

12th

11

9th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 5f 19y

Class 2

15:30 Aintree

Golden Son

12st 0lb

J: Miss Olive Nicholls

T: Paul Nicholls

Useful handicapper who posted easy wins this year in his first two hunter chases (3m/2m7f, good to soft/heavy); 14l fourth at the Cheltenham Festival last month (3m2f, good to soft) so has work to do with some of these, but he was left behind up the hill and is not ruled out back down in trip.

12/1

4th

5

13th Mar 2026

Good

3m 2f 70y

Class 2

16:40 Cheltenham

Golden Son

12st 0lb

J: Miss Olive Nicholls

T: Paul Nicholls

Returned from ten months off to win hunter chases at Warwick (3m, good to soft) and Taunton (2m7f, heavy); not remotely pressed on either occasion and the RPRs were highly respectable; Paul Nicholls has won this four times and this 8yo could be interesting, provided he lasts home.

14/1

Form: 3U-811

Last run: 34 days

W: 12st 0lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 142

Form & Verdict
Has always had some class about him and he went off only 11-1 for the Grand National two seasons ago; lost his way afterwards but he's back in the good books after winning two hunter chases and the RPR he posted at Naas last month (3m, heavy; fine on good ground) was up there with his best; with confidence seemingly buoyed he's a must for the shortlist.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

11

1st May 2026

Yielding

3m 0f 160y

16:15 Punchestown

Panda Boy

12st 0lb

J: Mr J L Gleeson

T: Martin Brassil

Smart staying handicap chaser in his prime; has found a new lease of life, winning two hunter chases at Thurles (beat Lifetime Ambition by 9l) and Naas (beat Hunters Yarn by 4l); might have found the ground a bit too quick when finishing fifth behind Barton Snow at Cheltenham; could play a featuring part.

5/1

5th

13

13th Mar 2026

Good

3m 2f 70y

Class 2

16:40 Cheltenham

Panda Boy

12st 0lb

J: Mr J L Gleeson

T: Martin Brassil

Has always had some class about him and he went off only 11-1 for the Grand National two seasons ago; lost his way afterwards but he's back in the good books after winning two hunter chases and the RPR he posted at Naas last month (3m, heavy; fine on good ground) was up there with his best; with confidence seemingly buoyed he's a must for the shortlist.

11/2

1st

4

7th Feb 2026

Soft

3m 0f 36y

16:35 Naas

Panda Boy

12st 0lb

J: Mr J L Gleeson

T: Martin Brassil

A good staying handicap chaser without ever winning one; twice placed in the Paddy Power at Leopardstown, fifth in the 2023 Irish Grand National, third in last season's Leinster National at this venue; third on point debut in November; responding well to a prominent ride at Thurles; 9l runner-up Lifetime Ambition (stablemate of Hunters Yarn) is a solid yardstick.

11/10

Form: 1-13 BF

Last run: 77 days

W: 12st 0lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 132

Form & Verdict
An up-and-coming 9yo with so few runs on the board; 2-4 in points and suffered his first defeat in hunter chases when a rallying third behind Its On The Line and Willitgoahead at Down Royal during the Christmas period; he was favourite that day; this greater emphasis on stamina promises to play to his strengths; good chance in first-time cheekpieces.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

4

13th Mar 2026

Good

3m 2f 70y

Class 2

16:40 Cheltenham

Cons Roc

12st 0lb

J: Mr D Allen

T: Terence O’Brien

An up-and-coming 9yo with so few runs on the board; 2-4 in points and suffered his first defeat in hunter chases when a rallying third behind Its On The Line and Willitgoahead at Down Royal during the Christmas period; he was favourite that day; this greater emphasis on stamina promises to play to his strengths; good chance in first-time cheekpieces.

6/1

1st

3

29th Dec 2024

Yielding To Soft

2m 6f 120y

12:00 Limerick

Cons Roc

12st 0lb

J: Mr D Allen

T: Terence O’Brien

Beat only two opponents at Knockanard and then finished alone at Ballyknock; however, was only beaten 2.5l by The Doyen Chief in his first point and the winner is now very useful for Alan King.

14/1

1st

3

29th Dec 2024

Yielding To Soft

2m 6f 120y

12:00 Limerick

Cons Roc

12st 0lb

J: Mr D Allen

T: Terence O’Brien

Beat only two opponents at Knockanard and then finished alone at Ballyknock; however, was only beaten 2.5l by The Doyen Chief in his first point and the winner is now very useful for Alan King.

14/1

11/2

Form: 34321- CD

Last run: 364 days

W: 12st 0lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 140

Form & Verdict
4-4 since bought for £33,000 in July 2024 and he emerged from midfield to win this last year (good to soft; effective on softer), fending off the late charge of Its On The Line; has undergone a similar preparation, arriving here fresh after winning a point in early November; there have been back-to-back winners of this race and a bold defence looks on the cards.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

13

1st May 2026

Yielding

3m 0f 160y

16:15 Punchestown

Wonderwall

12st 0lb

J: Mr R James

T: S Curling

Has run only three times since beating Its On The Line at Cheltenham last season; winner of points at Dromahane in November and 19 days ago, that recent display providing reassurance after a disappointingly lifeless Cheltenham defence; leading contender for the stable that has dominated the point-to-point scene this season.

3/1

7th

23

13th Mar 2026

Good

3m 2f 70y

Class 2

16:40 Cheltenham

Wonderwall

12st 0lb

J: Mr R James

T: S Curling

4-4 since bought for £33,000 in July 2024 and he emerged from midfield to win this last year (good to soft; effective on softer), fending off the late charge of Its On The Line; has undergone a similar preparation, arriving here fresh after winning a point in early November; there have been back-to-back winners of this race and a bold defence looks on the cards.

11/2

1st

23

14th Mar 2025

Good To Soft

3m 2f 70y

Class 2

16:40 Cheltenham

Wonderwall

12st 0lb

J: Mr R James

T: S Curling

Only three runs over regulation fences but he was third in a Grade 2 in 2022 and fourth in a good novice handicap here in late 2023; signed off for the Bowen yard last summer with respectable runs over hurdles and hasn't been overly pressed to win two small-field points in Ireland for this stable; positive jockey booking and brings each-way hopes provided a 131-day break doesn't come back to bite him.

25/1

Form: 1-4432

Last run: 27 days

W: 12st 0lb

11 yo Gelding

OR: 126

Form & Verdict
125-1 for this last year but was still travelling within himself when falling three out; returns on the back of a positive performance at Haydock when just ahead of Shearer; hood returns; he's no forlorn hope by any means.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

20

9th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 5f 19y

Class 2

15:30 Aintree

Take All

12st 0lb

J: Mr Samuel Scott

T: Myles Osborne

Good efforts in defeat behind Java Point (3m, good to soft) and Unexposed Party (2m6f, good to soft) this year and ran well for a long way before fading at last month's Cheltenham Festival (3m2f); could have an each-way shout at big odds now back down in trip; reapplied cheekpieces replace hood.

40/1

8th

19

13th Mar 2026

Good

3m 2f 70y

Class 2

16:40 Cheltenham

Take All

12st 0lb

J: Mr Samuel Scott

T: Myles Osborne

125-1 for this last year but was still travelling within himself when falling three out; returns on the back of a positive performance at Haydock when just ahead of Shearer; hood returns; he's no forlorn hope by any means.

50/1

2nd

4

14th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 6f 54y

Class 3

16:30 Haydock

Take All

12st 1lb

J: Mr Samuel Scott

T: Myles Osborne

Ran well when fifth in this race a year ago (good to soft) and has some notable form since, including fourth of 16 in amateur riders' handicap at Cheltenham (3m1f, heavy) in November and third in recent Ludlow hunter chase (3m, good to soft); can make his presence felt.

7/1

Form: P-6434

Last run: 54 days

W: 12st 0lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 136

Form & Verdict
Only an 8yo; he'll need to run better than when 17l fourth behind Panda Boy at Thurles in January but the market expected better of him and in his subsequent point he beat Winged Leader, who nearly won this in 2022; there are stamina queries over this far but his trainer has won this three times, so he knows what's required; first-time visor; seems able on all ground.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

7

10th Jul 2026

Good

3m 1f 80y

18:32 Kilbeggan

Solitary Man

11st 2lb

J: Aidan Kelly

T: E Bolger

Fair novice chaser before going pointing and hunter chasing; again showed his affinity for Killarney when winning a hunter chase there in May before disappointing at Listowel; more needed.

8/1

4th

2

1st Jun 2026

Yielding

2m 7f 150y

16:42 Listowel

Solitary Man

12st 3lb

J: Mr J M Halford

T: E Bolger

Has a particular fondness for Killarney and won for the fifth time there three weeks ago, where he beat What Path by 1.5l over a slightly shorter trip; was just doing enough, so headgear back on; likes good ground.

7/4

1st

2

11th May 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 7f 0y

19:37 Killarney

Solitary Man

12st 0lb

J: Mr J M Halford

T: E Bolger

Another in here with plenty of back-class; visored when disappointing at the Cheltenham Festival but that aid was missing when 15l behind Journey With Me at Cork, where 2m4f was on the sharp side; better expected here.

4/1

OUR TIP

Form: 256-P6

Last run: 77 days

W: 12st 0lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 126

Form & Verdict
Ran well for a 100-1 shot in this last year (sixth), doing best work late on; that was also the case when only 6l off Its On The Line at Down Royal over Christmas and, like last year, he arrives here after winning a point; cheekpieces offered nothing when tried once before (hurdles); place squeak.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

10

2nd May 2026

Yielding

2m 0f 0y

18:35 Punchestown

Carnfunnock

12st 0lb

J: Sophie Connor

T: S R B Crawford

Two-time hurdles winner, rated 126 over fences, 3m his best trip, this too sharp.

10/1

10th

2

13th Mar 2026

Good

3m 2f 70y

Class 2

16:40 Cheltenham

Carnfunnock

12st 0lb

J: Mr S Connor

T: S R B Crawford

Ran well for a 100-1 shot in this last year (sixth), doing best work late on; that was also the case when only 6l off Its On The Line at Down Royal over Christmas and, like last year, he arrives here after winning a point; cheekpieces offered nothing when tried once before (hurdles); place squeak.

33/1

2

2nd May 2025

Yielding

3m 0f 160y

16:15 Punchestown

Carnfunnock

12st 0lb

J: Mr S Connor

T: S R B Crawford

midfield

10/1

Form: 046-50 C

Last run: 226 days

W: 12st 0lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 141

Form & Verdict
Won a novice chase here in October 2022 and second in the NH Chase at this fixture that season; on a losing run of 14 under rules but contested plenty of strong handicaps in that time and back-to-back point wins in the autumn may give him some renewed belief; has soft-ground form but his trainer has always believed that good ground is ideal, so watch the weather; well held in a Galway Plate when tried in this equipment combination.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

12

2nd May 2026

Good To Yielding

3m 0f 90y

14:30 Punchestown

Chemical Energy

11st 7lb

J: Jack Kennedy

T: Gordon Elliott

Very smart as a novice and some good runs in the Galway Plate and Munster National in 2024; generally ineffective in cross-country races since then however, reportedly burst blood vessels when fifth in this race last year, most recently (after two point-to-point wins) pulled up after never counting in 3m1f Fairyhouse hunter-chase at Easter; questions remain.

9/2

3

5th Apr 2026

Yielding To Soft

3m 0f 180y

17:30 Fairyhouse

Chemical Energy

12st 0lb

J: Mr H C Swan

T: Gordon Elliott

High-class novice chaser in the 2022/23 season, when second in the National Hunt Chase at Cheltenham; ran well in the Galway Plate and Munster National in 2024; generally ineffective in cross-country races since then; back-to-back point wins in the autumn offer some hope; however, he was tailed off in the hunter chase at Cheltenham last month.

9/1

11th

3

13th Mar 2026

Good

3m 2f 70y

Class 2

16:40 Cheltenham

Chemical Energy

12st 0lb

J: Mr B O’Neill

T: Gordon Elliott

Won a novice chase here in October 2022 and second in the NH Chase at this fixture that season; on a losing run of 14 under rules but contested plenty of strong handicaps in that time and back-to-back point wins in the autumn may give him some renewed belief; has soft-ground form but his trainer has always believed that good ground is ideal, so watch the weather; well held in a Galway Plate when tried in this equipment combination.

12/1

Form: P1-21P

Last run: 57 days

W: 12st 0lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 133

Form & Verdict
Only last April he enjoyed his finest hour when winning the hunters' chase over the Grand National fences (good to soft); followed that with a second over C&D to Music Drive before winning Stratford's Horse & Hound Cup; he's not without hope judged on all that and, although this year's form is underwhelming, so too was his run prior to winning at Aintree.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

12

9th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 5f 19y

Class 2

15:30 Aintree

Gracchus De Balme

12st 0lb

J: Mr P A King

T: J J O’Shea

Pulled up at the Cheltenham Festival (3m2f, good to soft) last month; however, he was also pulled up at Leicester last February prior to winning this race at 22-1 (good to soft) so he's capable of bouncing back.

16/1

6

13th Mar 2026

Good

3m 2f 70y

Class 2

16:40 Cheltenham

Gracchus De Balme

12st 0lb

J: Mr P A King

T: J J O’Shea

Only last April he enjoyed his finest hour when winning the hunters' chase over the Grand National fences (good to soft); followed that with a second over C&D to Music Drive before winning Stratford's Horse & Hound Cup; he's not without hope judged on all that and, although this year's form is underwhelming, so too was his run prior to winning at Aintree.

25/1

3

15th Jan 2026

Good To Soft

2m 7f 171y

Class 5

15:27 Ludlow

Gracchus De Balme

12st 6lb

J: Mr Henry Crow

T: J J O’Shea

Landed two of British hunter chasing's three big prizes (Aintree, 2m5f and Stratford, 3m3f) during a 2024-25 season founded on consistency at a high level rather than progression; match-fitness is a given for his yard's runners and, with stamina to spare, he may not be for catching.

11/4

Form: 13/P5-

Last run: 326 days

W: 12st 0lb

12 yo Gelding

OR: 120

Form & Verdict
Has been running well in points, though was grossly flattered by his close proximity to Wonderwall in November; he's only 1-8 over regulation fences and doesn't look up to this at the age of 12.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8

13th Mar 2026

Good

3m 2f 70y

Class 2

16:40 Cheltenham

King Alex

12st 0lb

J: Mr J P Ahern

T: G Ahern

Has been running well in points, though was grossly flattered by his close proximity to Wonderwall in November; he's only 1-8 over regulation fences and doesn't look up to this at the age of 12.

66/1

5th

4

21st Apr 2025

Yielding

2m 4f 0y

16:10 Cork

King Alex

12st 0lb

J: Mr J Ahern

T: G Ahern

led, not fluent 8th, hit 5 out, headed before 4 out, weakened before 3 out

20/1

5th

4

21st Apr 2025

Yielding

2m 4f 0y

16:10 Cork

King Alex

12st 0lb

J: Mr J Ahern

T: G Ahern

led, not fluent 8th, hit 5 out, headed before 4 out, weakened before 3 out

20/1

Form: 1P6

Last run: 112 days

W: 12st 0lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 120

Form & Verdict
Won a hunter chase last May (on good ground) and probably wasn't in love with the heavy surface (has won on yielding to soft) when tailed off behind Con's Roc at Fairyhouse in November in his latest hunter chase; has since run well behind a prolific pointer; only a 6yo but this race looks too tough.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11

3rd Jul 2026

Good

2m 3f 110y

19:25 Wexford

Kings Jet

10st 0lb

J: Philip Donovan

T: C W J Farrell

Comes from the point-to-point/hunter chase scene and won 2m7f hunters' on good ground last year; 80-1 when pulled up in the Cheltenham festival hunter chase in March; hard to weigh up and only a 6yo, but prefer to watch.

20/1

9

13th Mar 2026

Good

3m 2f 70y

Class 2

16:40 Cheltenham

Kings Jet

12st 0lb

J: Mr T A Halford

T: C W J Farrell

Won a hunter chase last May (on good ground) and probably wasn't in love with the heavy surface (has won on yielding to soft) when tailed off behind Con's Roc at Fairyhouse in November in his latest hunter chase; has since run well behind a prolific pointer; only a 6yo but this race looks too tough.

50/1

8

30th May 2025

Good

3m 3f 119y

Class 2

19:00 Stratford

Kings Jet

12st 0lb

J: Mr T A Halford

T: C W J Farrell

Little about his maiden point efforts presaged the huge personal best of last month's Down Royal hunter chase win (2m7f, good; RPR 133), though as a sibling of Aintree Foxhunters' second Jet Plane and prolific mare Found On he might always have made a chaser; player if backing that up.

5/2

Form: 3210-P

Last run: 27 days

W: 12st 0lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 122

Form & Verdict
Jumping failed the test when he was tailed off in this last year, going off at 33-1, and his credentials are no more compelling this time around.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10

13th Mar 2026

Good

3m 2f 70y

Class 2

16:40 Cheltenham

Lift Me Up

12st 0lb

J: Miss Heidi Palin

T: Miss M Filby

Jumping failed the test when he was tailed off in this last year, going off at 33-1, and his credentials are no more compelling this time around.

150/1

3

14th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 6f 54y

Class 3

16:30 Haydock

Lift Me Up

12st 1lb

J: Mr Martin McIntyre

T: Miss M Filby

Runner-up in Champion Hunters' Chase at Stratford (3m3f, good) in spring 2024 and won under rules at Warwick (3m, good to soft) in January last year; made satisfactory reappearance in open point last month and handles soft ground (unraced on heavy); no surprise if he features.

10/1

13th

11

14th Mar 2025

Good To Soft

3m 2f 70y

Class 2

16:40 Cheltenham

Lift Me Up

12st 0lb

J: Mr Jack Andrews

T: Miss M Filby

Low-mileage 9yo; beat a talented hunter chaser when wearing the new cheekpieces at Warwick (3m, good to soft) last time; has appreciably more on his plate now and was a long way behind Fairly Famous here last May; the latter was not at his best when those placings were reversed at Stratford later in the month (both behind What A Glance); a minor role looks on the cards.

40/1

Form: /4/1-2

Last run: 289 days

W: 12st 0lb

11 yo Gelding

OR: 124

Form & Verdict
This is his first visit to Cheltenham since beating one home in the Champion Bumper six years ago; has won one of his two hunter chases and the Cartmel defeat came at the hands of a useful rival; back from a break to beat Music Drive readily in a point in January and he could run well at lengthy odds; effective on good to soft and slower ground.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11

13th Mar 2026

Good

3m 2f 70y

Class 2

16:40 Cheltenham

Linelee King

12st 0lb

J: Mr James King

T: Olly Murphy

This is his first visit to Cheltenham since beating one home in the Champion Bumper six years ago; has won one of his two hunter chases and the Cartmel defeat came at the hands of a useful rival; back from a break to beat Music Drive readily in a point in January and he could run well at lengthy odds; effective on good to soft and slower ground.

33/1

2nd

1

28th May 2025

Good To Soft

3m 1f 107y

Class 5

20:40 Cartmel

Linelee King

12st 4lb

J: Mr James King

T: Olly Murphy

Useful handicapper who returned from long absence to make winning hunter chase debut at Southwell (3m, good to soft) in March; remains lightly raced for his age and ought to be a tough nut to crack here.

13/8

2nd

1

28th May 2025

Good To Soft

3m 1f 107y

Class 5

20:40 Cartmel

Linelee King

12st 4lb

J: Mr James King

T: Olly Murphy

Useful handicapper who returned from long absence to make winning hunter chase debut at Southwell (3m, good to soft) in March; remains lightly raced for his age and ought to be a tough nut to crack here.

13/8

Form: /P-211

Last run: 17 days

W: 12st 0lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 120

Form & Verdict
Beaten 6l by Golden Son at Warwick in January and his subsequent wins (in the new cheekpieces) were races he was entitled to win at odds-on; lacks Cheltenham experience; opposable.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

14

13th Mar 2026

Good

3m 2f 70y

Class 2

16:40 Cheltenham

Paul Marvel

12st 0lb

J: Miss Amber Jackson-Fennell

T: J J O’Shea

Beaten 6l by Golden Son at Warwick in January and his subsequent wins (in the new cheekpieces) were races he was entitled to win at odds-on; lacks Cheltenham experience; opposable.

66/1

1st

1

24th Feb 2026

Heavy

2m 4f 25y

Class 5

16:20 Leicester

Paul Marvel

12st 4lb

J: Mr Henry Crow

T: J J O’Shea

Took well to first-time cheekpieces in similar event (2m6f, heavy) at the last Leicester fixture, opening his chase account; solid effort on penultimate start; commands respect in the retained headgear.

2/1

1st

6

12th Feb 2026

Heavy

2m 6f 151y

Class 5

16:25 Leicester

Paul Marvel

12st 0lb

J: Mr Henry Crow

T: J J O’Shea

Maiden hurdle and two-time point winner (including on heavy ground) who was runner-up in a hunter chase at Warwick (3m, good to soft) three weeks ago; that performance reads well in today's context and he's a key player in first-time cheekpieces.

11/10

Form: 31P-12

Last run: 17 days

W: 12st 0lb

11 yo Gelding

OR: 123

Form & Verdict
Dual hunter chase winner but tends to struggle on the bigger stage; remote third on sole visit here (2023) and pulled up in 2025 Aintree Foxhunters'.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

15

13th Mar 2026

Good

3m 2f 70y

Class 2

16:40 Cheltenham

Pyleigh Court

12st 0lb

J: Miss Ella Herbison

T: R C Pudd

Dual hunter chase winner but tends to struggle on the bigger stage; remote third on sole visit here (2023) and pulled up in 2025 Aintree Foxhunters'.

80/1

2nd

3

24th Feb 2026

Heavy

2m 6f 151y

Class 3

16:50 Leicester

Pyleigh Court

12st 4lb

J: Miss Ella Herbison

T: R C Pudd

Lightly raced 11yo who resumed his progress in similar event at Wincanton (3m1f, heavy) on seasonal debut, taking chase record to 2-5; successful on this card last year (2m4f, heavy) and warrants respect.

9/4

1st

4

29th Jan 2026

Heavy

3m 1f 30y

Class 5

16:03 Wincanton

Pyleigh Court

12st 0lb

J: Miss Ella Herbison

T: R C Pudd

Won a small-field Leicester maiden hunter chase last February (2m4f, heavy) before pulling up over the big fences at Aintree; looks vulnerable, especially over this far.

12/1

Form: /115-3 C BF

Last run: 27 days

W: 12st 0lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 132

Form & Verdict
Relinquished an unbeaten record over regulation fences when fifth in this race last year, though he did well to be only 13l off Wonderwall given that he was in the firing line throughout; it's best not to read too much into a recent odds-on defeat behind past Festival hero Unexpected Party at Haydock (2m6f) as that was probably needed after 11 months off; has no ground preferences; can run well.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

16

13th Mar 2026

Good

3m 2f 70y

Class 2

16:40 Cheltenham

Shearer

12st 0lb

J: Miss Gina Andrews

T: Paul Nicholls

Relinquished an unbeaten record over regulation fences when fifth in this race last year, though he did well to be only 13l off Wonderwall given that he was in the firing line throughout; it's best not to read too much into a recent odds-on defeat behind past Festival hero Unexpected Party at Haydock (2m6f) as that was probably needed after 11 months off; has no ground preferences; can run well.

20/1

3rd

1

14th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 6f 54y

Class 3

16:30 Haydock

Shearer

12st 4lb

J: Miss Gina Andrews

T: Paul Nicholls

Useful hurdler/chaser who launched hunter chase career with two wins in this month last year (2m5f/2m7f) before a creditable fifth at the Cheltenham Festival (3m2f, good to soft); returns from 11-month absence but still commands respect.

9/4

5th

18

14th Mar 2025

Good To Soft

3m 2f 70y

Class 2

16:40 Cheltenham

Shearer

12st 0lb

J: Miss Olive Nicholls

T: Paul Nicholls

Unbeaten over regulation fences, having won two handicaps at about 3m in 2023 and come back from a long absence to win hunter chases at Ffos Las (2m5f, heavy) and Taunton (2m7f, good to soft); Haven't Time gave him something to think about last time and this demands more of him, probably a lot more; the cheekpieces he wore for those handicap wins are back on; Paul Nicholls has won this four times.

10/1

Form: 24P/21 C

Last run: 28 days

W: 12st 0lb

11 yo Gelding

OR: 137

Form & Verdict
Won the 3m6f National Hunt Chase at this meeting four years ago when in the care of Willie Mullins, for whom he signed off when pulled up in the 2024 Grand National; remains in the same ownership; long absence before competitive shows in hunter chases at Hereford and Fakenham; cheekpieces added; all ground comes alike to him; could be running on when others have cried enough.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

18

13th Mar 2026

Good

3m 2f 70y

Class 2

16:40 Cheltenham

Stattler

12st 0lb

J: Mr P W Mullins

T: Faye Bramley

Won the 3m6f National Hunt Chase at this meeting four years ago when in the care of Willie Mullins, for whom he signed off when pulled up in the 2024 Grand National; remains in the same ownership; long absence before competitive shows in hunter chases at Hereford and Fakenham; cheekpieces added; all ground comes alike to him; could be running on when others have cried enough.

12/1

1st

4

13th Feb 2026

Soft

3m 0f 38y

Class 5

15:25 Fakenham

Stattler

11st 12lb

J: Mr P W Mullins

T: Faye Bramley

Classy customer when with Willie Mullins, winning the 2022 National Hunt Chase at Cheltenham; looked sure to win after an absence at Hereford (2m5f, soft) only to be reeled in at the death; probably the one to beat.

8/13

2nd

6

26th Jan 2026

Soft

2m 4f 194y

Class 5

16:00 Hereford

Stattler

11st 12lb

J: Mr Nick Orpwood

T: Faye Bramley

2022 National Hunt Chase winner, with several decent efforts in Grade 1s and 2s since, but he's been absent since pulling up in the 2024 Grand National on final start for Willie Mullins; off for 653 days but the one to beat if retaining much of his ability on hunter chase and stable debut.

4/6

Form: /110-F C

Last run: 37 days

W: 12st 0lb

11 yo Gelding

OR: 137

Form & Verdict
Winner at this track in 2024 and he then beat Lift Me Up in Stratford's Horse & Hound Cup; however, he never counted in this 12 months ago and returns a year older and in no better form.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

4

1st May 2026

Good

3m 1f 100y

Class 4

17:40 Warwick

What A Glance

12st 0lb

J: Mr Frederick Philipson-Stow

T: Tom Britten

Easy winner of this race in 2024 (soft) and the Stratford champion event (good) straight after, and nearest miss since when held by a neck at Brocklesby in February; there's always the chance he'll thrown in a mistake, but case is still good on this easiest-looking hunter chase assignment for some time.

11/4

20

13th Mar 2026

Good

3m 2f 70y

Class 2

16:40 Cheltenham

What A Glance

12st 0lb

J: Miss Clara Brewitt

T: Tom Britten

Winner at this track in 2024 and he then beat Lift Me Up in Stratford's Horse & Hound Cup; however, he never counted in this 12 months ago and returns a year older and in no better form.

100/1

3

4th Feb 2026

Soft

2m 7f 171y

Class 4

16:42 Ludlow

What A Glance

12st 6lb

J: Mr Frederick Philipson-Stow

T: Tom Britten

Won hunter chases in summer of 2024, including on soft ground at Cheltenham (3m1f); lightly raced in the meantime but didn't run too badly after an absence at Larkhill.

8/1

Form: /122P-

Last run: 344 days

W: 12st 0lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 127

Form & Verdict
Five-time point winner but turned over at odds-on in latest start in that sphere; Gracchus De Balme and Linelee King have had his measure in the past.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

24

9th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 5f 19y

Class 2

15:30 Aintree

Willewonga

12st 0lb

J: Mr Alan O’Sullivan

T: J J O’Shea

Pulled up at 50-1 in this last year and same outcome at the Cheltenham Festival last month, when 100-1; however, that latest outing was his first run for 110 days and he may have needed it; in front when making a bad blunder at the final fence at Bangor (3m, soft) last February and that form suggests he might not be a forlorn hope each-way, at what should be a big price.

100/1

21

13th Mar 2026

Good

3m 2f 70y

Class 2

16:40 Cheltenham

Willewonga

12st 0lb

J: Mr Thomas Easterby

T: J J O’Shea

Five-time point winner but turned over at odds-on in latest start in that sphere; Gracchus De Balme and Linelee King have had his measure in the past.

100/1

27

3rd Apr 2025

Good To Soft

2m 5f 19y

Class 2

16:05 Aintree

Willewonga

12st 0lb

J: Mr William Easterby

T: J J O’Shea

Might have beaten Eva's Oskar at Bangor had he not clouted the last fence and he again found one too good at Southwell latest (again over 3m); in points this season he's been beaten by Gracchus De Balme and Bardenstown Lad; has no more than place aspirations.

50/1

Form: 30-P2U BF

Last run: 54 days

W: 12st 0lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 134

Form & Verdict
Took form to new level in hunter chases last season and recruited by these connections prior to a staying-on third in this race; that campaign ended on a low note and, as in this last year, Its On The Line was ahead of him on his comeback at Down Royal; unseated mid-race last time; needs a career best but eight is no age in this discipline and he may have more to give.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

4

28th Apr 2026

Yielding

3m 0f 90y

14:30 Punchestown

Willitgoahead

11st 12lb

J: Mr J L Scallan

T: Gordon Elliott

Mixed form in the top hunter chases last season; stand-out effort third behind Wonderwall and Its On The Line at Cheltenham; started this season brightly with second to Its On The Line at Down Royal; unseated mid-race at Thurles; pulled up at Cheltenham; major chance if he adapts to the demands of this circuit; cheekpieces fitted; good 7lb claimer.

11/8

22

13th Mar 2026

Good

3m 2f 70y

Class 2

16:40 Cheltenham

Willitgoahead

12st 0lb

J: Mr H C Swan

T: Gordon Elliott

Took form to new level in hunter chases last season and recruited by these connections prior to a staying-on third in this race; that campaign ended on a low note and, as in this last year, Its On The Line was ahead of him on his comeback at Down Royal; unseated mid-race last time; needs a career best but eight is no age in this discipline and he may have more to give.

16/1

7

18th Jan 2026

Yielding

3m 0f 184y

15:55 Thurles

Willitgoahead

11st 11lb

J: Mr J H Williamson

T: Gordon Elliott

Won this race 12 months ago for Sean Doyle; made a fine start for Gordon Elliott when staying on for third in the Irish-dominated St James's Place at Cheltenham; in contrast, a tame effort and pulled up in the championship event at Punchestown; back near the top of his form when splitting Its On The Line and the smart Con's Roc at Down Royal; sets the standard.

9/4

Non-runners

Wrappedupinmay

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £28.50
Straight Forecast £21.19
Tricast £504.05
Trifecta £634.10

Selections

RP RATINGS:

Panda Boy

SPOTLIGHT:

Con's Roc

TOPSPEED:

Wonderwall

POSTDATA:

Its On The Line

THE NORTH:

Barton Snow

Telegraph:

Stattler

The Times:

Con's Roc

D Express:

Con's Roc

Daily Mail:

Its On The Line

The Guardian:

Panda Boy

Daily Mirror:

Panda Boy

The Star:

Panda Boy

The Sun:

Wonderwall

Daily Record:

Wonderwall