The 2026 Grand National Trial at Haydock

Eleven declared for tomorrow's William Hill Half A Mill Grand National Trial Handicap Chase  (3.15 Haydock) run over three miles four and a half furlongs; the going is described as soft, heavy in places, with an 8.00 am inspection scheduled as overnight temperatures are forecast to fall to -2.

At the time of writing bet365 go 10/1 the field bar two, with more money for Myretown than Deafening Silence at the head of the market. 

Racing from the front Myretown beat The Changing Man 11 lengths in the Ultima at last year's Festival off a mark of 127. 

Next time we saw him the gelding took a crashing fall in the Coral Gold Cup at Newbury in November and then four weeks ago held every chance in the Peter Marsh at this track when making a bad blunder three from home; to his credit he rallied bravely and was beaten less than three and a half lengths in fourth behind Imperial Saint (Richmond Lake second).

Generally Myretown's jumping is good but he can make a serious error in a race which is disconcerting; the stable has emerged from a protracted quiet spell (just one winner this year before today) with a treble at Kelso this afternoon: Triple Crown Ted (3/1jf); King Of Answers (11/8f); and Wal Buck's (4/1).

Whisper it quietly but Deafening Silence doesn't have too many miles on the clock.

On his first try beyond three miles, Dan Skelton's charge finished a very creditable third behind Haiti Couleurs and O'Connell in the Welsh Grand National at Chepstow (Monbeg Genius fifth, Git Maker pulled up). 

The general consensus is the going that day was quicker than the official good to soft recorded. On revised terms he looks weighted to conform placings with Monbeg Genius.

Rivers Corner won the Somerset National at Wincanton four weeks ago and has gone up nine pounds to a mark of 127. I thought he beat two doubtful stayers that day - Isaac Des Obeaux and Destroytheevidence.

Back in November, 35 minutes after Grey Dawning had won the Betfair Chase - with any amount in hand - over three miles one and a half furlongs at this track, Top Of The Bill put on a bit of a show of his own over same course and distance, making all to win unchallenged, finishing seven lengths clear of Saladins Son.  

Four weeks later Grand Geste looked well-named, winning the Tommy Whittle at the track (Saladins Son fourth, Grand Albert fifth, Top Of The Bill ninth). Top Of The Bill weakened quickly before entering the home straight on that occasion - no obvious excuse forthcoming - while, to date, Grand Albert appears to have experienced intermittent problems with his fencing.

Grand Geste was subsequently sent off 5/2 favourite for the Great Yorkshire Chase at Doncaster where the naming didn't appear quite so salient as he failed to give his running and was pulled up just after halfway. Joel Parkinson and Sue Smith's charge has been easy to back during the day.

Richmond Lake only just failed to collar Imperial Saint in the Peter Marsh, beaten a neck. Donald McCain's charge boasts a good record at Haydock - 2132 - but a standard benchmark for this event is a previous win over three miles; Richmond Lake's last win was over two years ago over a trip of two and a half miles.

Git Maker didn't go well for much of the trip when fourth in this race last year - beaten 19 lengths; he was subsequently promoted to third after 'winner' Famous Bridge was disqualified for a banned substance. 

His second behind Iknowthewayurthinkin in the 2024 Kim Muir reads well, as does his third behind Macdermott in the Scottish Grand National that year but his latest effort in the Welsh Grand National seven weeks ago didn't appear to indicate a revival was just around the corner. Connections try first-time blinkers.

Conversely Monbeg Genius' fifth in the Welsh Grand National, less than 12 lengths behind Haiti Couleurs, was a good effort (Deafening Silence third). 

After finishing fourth in the 2024 Welsh Grand National, he beat Richmond Lake five lengths in a three mile handicap chase at Uttoxeter off 142 and races off the same mark tomorrow. He meets Deafening Silence three pounds better off for a seven length deficit in the Welsh National. 

Holokea went into the notebook after narrowly failing to get back up when beaten a neck by Zertakt at Cheltenham in December; Mickey Bowen's charge looked all over the winner but idled on the run to the line. Last March Rivers Corner beat Zertakt just under four lengths in a novice chase at Newbury; Zertakt has been deliberately kept a novice with the National Hunt Chase at this year's Festival a target.

Next time out under top weight Holokea was collared in the shadow of the post by Neo King in the Fitzdares Personal Betting Service Stayers Handicap Chase at Windsor. Neo King starts here from four pounds out of the handicap but that penalty is offset by James Davies' five pounds claim; on revised terms the pair look closely matched once again.

Question marks everywhere, while a number in this field like to race from the front including Myretown, Top Of The Bill, Grand Geste and Rivers Corner; Monbeg Genius is often prominent.

This wouldn't be the strongest renewal and Myretown looks a big threat to all with a clear round. 

I'm going to take an each-way interest in Monbeg Genius, at the time of writing 10/1 with bet365 who are paying four places.  

Footnote:

After winning the Relkeel at Cheltenham on New Year's Day, Harry Skelton was of the opinion Kabral Du Mathan 'doesn't race like a three miler' while brother Dan said: "In my heart I think I trust him enough to relax enough and get the three mile trip..."

Doesn't sound like an 4/7f chance for the Rendlesham (2.05).

The 2026 William Hill Hurdle at Newbury

With today's meetings at Bangor and Sandown - and Sunday's at Exeter - abandoned, I was surprised to see Dan Skelton's mare Let It Rain chalked up clear favourite for tomorrow's William Hill Hurdle (3.20 Newbury) because I thought we'd seen more than enough of the wet stuff for the time being. 

The going on the hurdle track is currently described as heavy with 'one small area of standing water'; at the time of writing no inspection is planned, although further rain is forecast.

This race has a long history in various guises; since 1963 only two winners older than seven years of age have come home in front: Neblin (1987) and Geos (2009). 

My starting point is a Class 4 handicap hurdle at Ascot the Friday before Christmas, festively named the Ascot Shop Handicap Hurdle. 

Dance And Glance just held on to pip the fast-finishing All In You a head with Let It Rain third and The Hardest Geezer fourth; one and a quarter lengths covered the first four home and all were ridden from well off the pace.

Let It Rain raced off a mark of 120 for that handicap debut and was subsequently raised four pounds for her troubles; we haven't seen her since. 

Of course, Mr Skelton knows how to lay one out for a race - Superb Story in the 2016 County Hurdle is one that tends to spring to my mind, primarily because I stubbornly refused to bet the beast. 

Earlier this season the trainer saddled another mare, Panic Attack, to win the Paddy Power Gold Cup at Cheltenham over two and a half miles and then, 14 days later, sent the same mare out to win the Coral Gold Cup at Newbury over three and a quarter miles. 

The suspicion is this mare is ahead of her mark; the degree of understatement contained in that particular statement will be revealed in due course.

One day after the Ascot Shop Handicap Hurdle Hot Fuss separated winner Wilful and third Alexei in another festively named feature, the Ascot Rotary Club Festive Handicap Hurdle, previously more mundanely referred to as the Ladbrokes.

That was a decent effort from Tom Dascombe's four-year-old, having previously finished well behind Tutti Quanti in the Gerry Feilden. 

On the third day of the new year All In You reversed Ascot form with Dance And Glance (Hot Fuss fourth) at Sandown, coming from well off the pace to beat that rival with something to spare. After that race handler Warren Greatrex said [RP Weekender 07-11.01.26]:

"I took a risk running him so quickly after Ascot but I needed him to get into the William Hill Hurdle at Newbury. I was worried about the heavy ground, which rode like glue, but he handled it well and actually quickened on it. I've got five weeks to get him ready for Newbury. He has plenty of gears and likes a fast pace. I'd also like to run him at Royal Ascot in the summer."

One slight concern - much of his racing to date has been on right-handed tracks. 

13 days later Hot Fuss reversed Ascot form with Wilful in the Fitzdares Sovereign Handicap Hurdle at Windsor (The Hardest Geezer fourth, Milldam fifth, Poet Laureate ninth, Go Dante tenth and Bubl Dubi withdrawn after crashing through the rails and getting loose). A gutsy display from the winner, now rated six pounds higher than when contesting the Gerry Feilden, but that looked a hard race.

The Twiston-Davies yard has previously won this race with a novice (Splash Of Ginge in 2014, Ballyandy in 2019); Un Sens A La Vie makes his handicap debut off a mark of 132. 

His second to Old Park Star at Kempton in November, beaten three lengths conceding six pounds, reads well now, given that Old Park Star is currently 15/8 favourite for the Supreme at the Festival next month. To date he has raced on ground no worse than good to soft.

I must have been the only one who didn't know about Lanesborough when Ben Pauling's charge hosed up eight and a half lengths ahead of Williethebuilder (winner twice since) in a Doncaster handicap hurdle before Christmas. 

He was raised 14 pounds to a mark of 130; some were disappointed with fifth in the Lanzarote next time but it was a respectable effort, beaten 10 lengths.

Top weight Tutti Quanti finished sixth in the Supreme last year and needed the run on seasonal debut behind Celtic Dino in the Welsh Champion Hurdle at Chepstow. 

He looked good in the Gerry Feilden; Persian War carried 11-13 to victory in 1968 and, in more recent times, Al Dancer (2019), Glory And Fortune (2022) and Iberico Lord (2024) all carried 11-08.

 The Hardest Geezer looks a tough nut and has been thereabouts in his four starts this term without really threatening to do the business.

Milldam has a good record on heavy ground, with Isabelle Ryder's five pounds claim an added bonus. Jamie Snowden's charge has been supported in the market during the day.

Wellington Arch and Wreckless Eric represent the O'Neill yard. The former looks the pick of the pair and beat the latter over two and a half miles at Aintree last spring; his best form is over that longer trip.

Writing in this week's RP Weekender handler Neil Mulholland says of Bucephalus:

"He probably would be a big price for a horse, who if the ground is very soft, will carry a light weight. He could give a good account of himself at decent odds. He was second last time at Haydock and we're very happy with him. He's a tough horse who gives his best."  

I'd imagine the trainer was envisaging a lower weight than 11-08; Harriet Tucker claims seven.

Go Dante, third in the 2024 renewal behind Iberico Lord and L'Eau Du Sud, finished seventh last year behind Joyeuse; Olly Murphy's charge was 26 lengths behind Hot Fuss at Windsor last time and boasts a better record in the Imperial Cup at Sandown.

Veteran Faivoir finished a creditable third in the Greatwood in November but has been well beaten twice since while Poet Laureate looked in the mix in Hot Fuss' race at Windsor before weakening very quickly at the business end.

Of the principals I like the chance of All In You, a £90,000 purchase from the David Maxwell dispersal sale who should have no problems with underfoot conditions. 

At the prices though I'm going to take an each-way interest in Dance And Glance who meets All In You four pounds better off than when beaten one and a half lengths at Sandown last month. The stable has sent out four winners from 12 runners in the past fortnight.

Dance And Glance is the each-way suggestion, 18/1 at the time of writing with bet365, Sky and Paddy Power paying five places.

The 2026 Irish Gold Cup

Willie Mullins is responsible for eight of the 13 runners declared for tomorrow's Irish Gold Cup (3.30 Leopardstown); the going on the chase track is is currently described as soft to heavy - the card is subject to an inspection tomorrow morning, with heavy rain forecast overnight.

Favourite Galopin Des Champs has won the past three renewals, going on to win the Cheltenham Gold Cup in 2023 and 2024 before being beaten by Iknowthewayurthinkin at Prestbury Park last year. 

His first defeat over fences at this track came in the Savills Chase just after Christmas when he finished third behind Affordale Fury - managed to prevail despite jumping persistently to his right - and I Am Maximus.

The consensus opinion is that a lack of fitness / ring rustiness were behind that defeat; we'll know whether age was also a contributing factor in due course.

Having the pick of the J.P. McManus owned runners, Mark Walsh has opted for Fact To File ahead of I Am Maximus and Iknowthewayurthinkin. 

Fact to File finished third behind Galopin Des Champs and Grangeclare West in last year's renewal, with Iknowthewayurthinkin fourth and I Am Maximus eighth. 

The likelihood is I Am Maximus has the Aintree Grand National as his target, having won the 2024 renewal by seven and a half lengths and then finishing second behind stablemate Nick Rockett last year (Grangeclare West third). 

That said, he ran a fine race in the Savills at odds of 50/1, hampered at the final fence and doing his best work on the run to the line.

Iknowthewayurthinkin has shown no worthwhile form since winning last year's Cheltenham Gold Cup six lengths; his jumping in the Savills looked a cause for concern. 

Gavin Cromwell's yard emerged from a protracted barren spell when the appropriately named Now Is The Hour pipped Better Times Ahead in the Thyestes Chase at Gowran Park eight days ago.

2024 Arkle winner Gaelic Warrior proved he was effective over further when beating Grey Dawning at Aintree in April the following year over three miles one furlong. 

Down in trip he pipped Fact To File a neck in the John Durkan in November and went mighty close in the King George at Kempton, beaten a nose and a nose by The Jukebox Man and Banbridge. He has yet to win a chase at this track.

Both Spindleberry and Firefox race beyond two miles five for the first time - although, back in 2022, the mare Spindleberry won a three mile point at Dromahane. Better judges than me have highlighted her chance and she has been supported in the market throughout the day.

Grangeclare West, Monty's Star, Lecky Watson and Stellar Story finished fourth, fifth, seventh and eighth respectively in the Savills, while Champ Kiely clipped heels and slipped up after the fourth flight. 

Grangeclare West looks to offers each-way potential; Lecky Watson and Stellar Story ran well for a long way before fading. The Henry De Bromhead yard (Monty's Star) is currently enduring a quiet spell.

With a number of layers paying four places, I looked at I Am Maximus, Grangeclare West and Lecky Watson for an each-way wager; the price about I Am Maximus has contracted.

Racing on the inside, Lecky Watson was in with a shout jumping the last in the Savills but could only stay on at the one pace, so Grangeclare West gets the nod.

Grangeclare West is the each-way suggestion, 20/1 generally at the time of writing but still 25/1 with bet365 who pay four places.

In the event the course fails its early morning inspection, the Racing Post is reporting this evening that the card will be moved to Monday.  

The 2026 Great Yorkshire Handicap Chase at Doncaster

Ten have been declared for the Great Yorkshire Handicap Chase (2.05 Doncaster); the going on Town Moor is now described as soft, heavy in places - there were several non-runners at the track today on account of the ground.

Grand Geste is priced up favourite. 

Rated 108 over hurdles, Joel Parkinson and Sue Smith's charge has certainly improved for a switch to fences, last time out beating My Silver Lining with something to spare in the Tommy Whittle at Haydock. The handicapper subsequently raised him ten pounds to a mark of 129.

Back in the autumn Deep Cave was given a favourable mention in a blog post, holding an entry in the Dragonbet / Native River Handicap Chase at Chepstow at the time. Christian Williams' inmate missed that appointment on account of quick ground but has since won at Bangor (11/1) and Ascot (10/1), on both occasions carrying none of my money.

Last time he looked a tad fortunate to sneak up the inside and pip Rex Dingle and Leave Of Absence a head on the line; carrying top weight here, he bids for a fourth consecutive win and looks to face a stiff task on the ground but it should be noted he has only gone up two pounds for Ascot.

Docpickedme beat The Changing Man two and a quarter lengths off a mark of 129 in last year's renewal of this race but that's only half the story - Walking On Air (125) looked all over the winner approaching the final flight before taking a crashing fall.

In November Docpickedme finished a creditable third behind Konfusion in the Rehearsal at Newcastle and was as tough as teak when seeing off allcomers - including Joyeux Machin in fourth, beaten just under five lengths -  in the Pennine Handicap Chase over course and distance six weeks ago.

Walking On Air was pulled up lame in the Scottish Grand National on his first outing for current connections and was well beaten over an inadequate trip at Newbury just before Christmas. Rated 137 over hurdles, he is potentially well treated on 127, although his profile overall appears inconsistent; the booking of Brian Hughes and the fitting of first-time cheekpieces both catch the eye.

Josh The Boss tries this trip for the first time.

A quick look through New Order's recent form shows the gelding jumped right on occasions at Bangor in November and then left at Sandown in December. Nonetheless Charlie Longsdon's charge was only beaten a neck by Welcom To Cartries at Sandown and his subsequent third behind Herakles Westwood and Katate Dori at Cheltenham reads very well; stable form is a concern, without a winner for 54 days.  

Sporting a first-time tongue-tie Dartmoor Pirate won his first chase at the third attempt, scooting clear of No Tackle to win nine lengths at Lingfield just before Christmas. Relatively unexposed, Anthony Honeyball's charge held two other five-day entries - the 12.05 Cheltenham (a hot novice contested by stablemates Jordans Cross and Kdeux Saint Fray) and the 2.38 Doncaster (a novice chase run over the same trip as the Great Yorkshire). I'm assuming the handler feels Dartmoor Pirate can be competitive here.

King's Threshold won the Mandarin at Newbury with something to spare last time, although his jumping took a while to warm up. Writing in the RP Weekender handler Emma Lavelle has said:

"I hope the ground isn't too soft for King's Threshold...as he's a better horse on a decent surface." 

Along with a number in this field Kelce likes to front run. On Boxing Day 2024 he was in the process of giving O'Connell a run for his money in the Lincolnshire National at Market Rasen when he came to grief at the last. 

Joyeux Machin was just under five lengths behind Docpickedme last time, yet there was a hint he didn't see out the trip that day, losing third after the last. Underfoot conditions tomorrow will be of no help in that regard.

Trainers with charges who prefer better ground often target Doncaster in the winter months for some respite from testing conditions but the weather hasn't obliged on this occasion. Five of the ten runners - Grand Geste, Docpickedme, Josh The Boss, Kelce and New Order - like to race from the front while Walking On Air tends to race up with the pace as well.

In what could turn out to be a slog in the mud I'm going to chance bottom weight Kelce, placed in six of his nine chase starts to date. Bradley Harris reduces the burden to be carried by a further three pounds and the yard has sent out seven winners from 32 runners in the past fortnight. 

Kelce is the each-way suggestion, at the time of writing 12/1 generally, with the vast majority of layers paying three places.

The 2025 Peter Marsh Handicap Chase at Haydock

Small fields, small fields... 

Just six declared for tomorrow's Peter Marsh Handicap Chase (2.00 Haydock) but bet365, Sky and Paddy Power are paying three places.

The going is described as good to soft, soft in places, with no significant rainfall forecast before racing.

The top two in the market, Myretown and Konfusion, both hold Gold Cup entries; the former is quoted at 66/1, the latter 150/1.

Myretown shot to prominence when making all to win the Ultima 11 lengths at the Festival last year off a mark of 127. Next time out, seven weeks ago in the Coral Gold Cup at Newbury, off 142 he jumped to his left on occasions and took a crashing fall at the third fence in the home straight on the first circuit. 

The gelding has won three of his last five starts - and fallen in the other two. 

He certainly wouldn't want the ground to dry out much more while current stable form is a concern with just one winner recorded from 21 runners in the past fortnight.        

Racing off a mark of 115 on seasonal debut, Konfusion beat Ribeye four lengths in a Class 4 handicap chase on Wetherby's Charlie Hall Chase card. 

He's now officially rated 145, having won the Rehearsal at Newcastle and the Rowland Meyrick back at Wetherby on Boxing Day. Seven days before the Rehearsal, he nodded on landing when jumping one in the back straight at Haydock, unseating Danny McMenamin in the process. All wins to date have been at distances up to - and including - three miles.

Johnnywho and Mr Derek O'Connor looked to have the Fulke Walwyn in the bag approaching the last at the Festival in March but the partnership weren't particularly fluent at that flight and couldn't reel in Daily Present up the hill, eventually beaten a neck.

Five weeks later the gelding finished fifth behind Haiti Couleurs in the Irish Grand National where he didn't appear to stay three miles five furlongs.

On seasonal debut he came home fifth behind Colonel Harry in the Grand Sefton over the National fences and was doing his best work at the finish when third behind Deep Cave at Ascot just before Christmas.

12 year old Royal Pagaille, a Haydock specialist, is burdened with a top weight of 12 stones. 

Venetia Williams' charge won the 2021 and 2022 renewals of this race and last time out ran with great credit when second behind Grey Dawning over course and distance in the Betfair Chase eight weeks ago.

However stable form has been a concern all through this season and remains so, currently without a winner for 32 days.

Back on Boxing Day 2024 Imperial Saint (137) beat Richmond Lake (142) six and a half lengths over two and a half miles at Aintree. 

In the 2025 Freebooter Handicap Chase, run over three miles and one furlong at Aintree on Grand National day, Cruz Control beat Imperial Saint (144) five lengths with Richmond Lake (140) looking all over the winner coming to two out before making a mistake and fading into eighth, beaten 34 lengths.

I've watched a replay of that race a couple of times now. Racing TV commentators seemed quick enough to say post race that Richmond Lake didn't stay the trip there but Donald McCain's charge had already finished third behind Mr Vango in last year's Peter Marsh, beaten just over three lengths off 142. 

Perhaps Richmond Lake doesn't find a lot for pressure but off 134 this year he has been given a chance by the handicapper.

Imperial Saint appeared the stronger stayer in the Freebooter, coming back to reclaim second from Erne River on the line. 

This season the gelding disappointed badly when sent off favourite for the Old Roan (won by Hitman). He appeared to become upset during the preliminaries and was reluctant to race, eventually finishing fifth. 

Next time he finished sixth behind Glengouly in the December Gold Cup at Cheltenham.

I'm going to chance Imperial Saint, owned by Richard Johnson Racing, hoping there are no further withdrawals. He's one of the runners that won't be inconvenienced by drying ground and Callum Pritchard takes off a handy three pounds. 

Imperial Saint is the each-way suggestion; 14/1 earlier in the day, he has been backed and at the time of writing is 10/1 with bet365 who pay three places.

The Classic Chase at Warwick (2025 renewal)

Warwick's Classic Chase card is subject to an 8.00am inspection with frost forecast overnight; the course has been completely covered.

A select field of eight are set to face the starter at 2.55; the going is described as soft.

L'Homme Presse, fourth behind Galopin Des Champs in the 2024 Gold Cup (Nassalam pulled up) and then third that same year behind Banbridge in the King George at Kempton, heads the weights off a mark of 162. As a result three race from out of the handicap: Destroytheevidence; Joyeux Machin; and Val Dancer.

As far as I can recall Venetia Williams' charge is the highest rated horse to contest this race - and I remember he won the 2022 Rehearsal Chase at Newcastle off 164. Hey Big Spender won the 2012 renewal of this race off 156. 

L'Homme Presse didn't come up the hill in the Gold Cup but four weeks ago he was doing his best work at the business end over the same course and distance when beaten five lengths by Blaze The Way.

Favourite Myretown appeared to win the Ultima at the 2025 Festival off 127 with something to spare. 

Next time, racing off 142 in the Coral Gold Cup at Newbury, he took a crashing fall at the third in the home straight. He attempts this marathon trip for the first time; Lucinda Russell and Michael Scudamore clearly hold this one in high regard as they've given their charge a Gold Cup entry for which he's quoted a 66/1 chance.

Twelve months ago Mr Vango won the London National off 135 and then added the Peter Marsh and the Midlands Grand National to his tally. Five weeks ago he was pipped a short head by Twig in the Becher Chase at Aintree and was raised a further three pounds for his trouble to a mark of 155. 

After the race handler Sara Bradstock said:

"I couldn't be more delighted with him as he wants all of the trip and slightly softer ground, then you've got a big chance. He's such a big horse, you can't make definite plans."    

Resplendent Grey finished fourth behind Haiti Couleurs in the National Hunt Challenge Cup at the Festival in March, beaten 11 lengths conceding seven pounds. A fine effort - and next time Olly Murphy's charge improved again - sporting first-time cheekpieces - to win the bet365 Gold Cup at Sandown.

I'm not inclined to take his defeat of Handstands in the Colin Parker at Carlisle too literally as that was a tactical affair and was meant to blow away cobwebs before a run in the Coral Gold Cup. Unfortunately he never established any sort of rhythm at Newbury and, ultimately, was disappointing in eleventh, beaten some 27 lengths.

After the Colin Parker, pilot Sean Bowen said:

"I said at the start of the season that I hope he will end up as my Grand National horse."

From a yard in fine form (2 wins from 8 runs in the past fortnight) Destroytheevidence has come in for some support during the day.

In a recent Straight from the Stable article [RP Weekender 24-28.12.25] Kim Bailey and Mat Nicholls said:

"He's handicapped off beating Haiti Couleurs at Chepstow first time out last season [11.10.24]. If you took that form literally then he's incredibly well handicapped, but I think we were probably ready that day and he wasn't. He ran very well last time, fighting off the horse on the outside (Hunter Legend) and then getting mugged up the inside by one (Ballycamus) he didn't see coming. He's consistent and because of that the handicapper doesn't help him. It's tough for him, but I hope he'll win something like the Forbra Gold Cup at Ludlow [run over three miles towards the end of February]. 

Connections have decided to replace the usual cheekpieces with a first-time visor.

Val Dancer won the 2024 Welsh Grand National off a mark of 126. He usually races with the pace but last time lost his pitch after the third in the Becher Chase before staying on to claim third behind Twig and Mr Vango.

Four weeks ago Joyeux Machin weakened approaching the last, ceding third place in a three mile handicap chase at Doncaster to stablemate Prince Zaltar; Harry Atkins' seven pounds claim more than compensates for the fact he races from out of the handicap.  

Nassalam won the 2023 Welsh Grand National 34 lengths off 145 and, for the first time since, races off that mark tomorrow. He underwent wind surgery after being pulled up behind Marble Sands at Cheltenham in November - he has failed to complete in five of his six starts since that Welsh National win.

Not a typical renewal of this mid-season marathon with the emphasis more on quality than quantity. Several like to race prominently including Myretown, Mr Vango, L'Homme Presse and Val Dancer. 

To my mind only four of the eight declared are guaranteed to stay; I'm going to chance the lowest rated in the field, Val Dancer, hoping he can lie up with the classier sorts likely to be cutting out the pace.

Val Dancer is the each-way suggestion, 10/1 generally with the bare eight set to go to post. 

Finally I thought Green Book worth a second look in the Pertemps Qualifier (3.32) at 20/1 with Paddy Power (four places). Last time at Sandown he jumped nicely in front and ran well up to a point before tiring on his first outing for 996 days. Fourth in the 2023 Pertemps Final off 139, he races off 133 tomorrow, although stable form is the worry with no winner for the past 25 days.   

A Sandown situation

Earlier today, on hearing of the death of Ian Balding, I dug out my copy of Brough Scott's 'Of Horses and Heroes', to read the section dedicated to Mill Reef. It begins:

"Mill Reef was so small you could put your arm over his withers. He may have measured 15.2 hands, but he was so neatly put together that he seemed even less than that - until he moved. Then there was absolute assurance at every step: at the walk, the trot, the the canter and on into the gallop. He was mesmerising."

I've struggled to get my ducks in a row for tomorrow's card at Sandown - and Hurricane Bay, my pick for the 1.50, has just been declared a non-runner.

Not the best of starts to the new year; what follows is only for those who enjoy reading about form... 

At present the course is completely covered but temperatures are forecast to fall to -3C overnight. An 8.00am inspection has been called, with clerk of the course Andrew Cooper saying the covers give the meeting 'a fighting chance'.

Small fields and good ground wouldn't constitute typical mid-winter fare at Sandown. The 2025 Veterans' Chase Final, due off at 3.05, is the feature but I've taken a passing interest in the other chase for veterans on the card, the Unibet Middle Distance Veterans' Chase Qualifier, due off at 1.50.

At the time of writing Jet Plane heads the market. 

In March 2024 Dan Skelton's charge, in receipt of two pounds, beat Can You Call two and a quarter lengths over course and distance off a mark of 124. 

He didn't jump particularly well then but stayed on to collar the eventual runner-up in the final 110 yards (as entries in the form book habitually say). The gelding went off the 22/1 outsider of eight that day; the trainer could offer no explanation for the apparent improvement in form (as entries in the form book regularly say).

Jet Plane's form rather took off after that. 

Raised two pounds, he beat William Cody 12 lengths next time out (eased inside final 110 yards) and then in October finished third behind Jagwar at Wetherby off 135. 

His second behind Gracchus De Balme in the 2025 Aintree Foxhunters reads well; after that run connections clearly decided to target the Grand Sefton (along with the Duty Free) and he was backed in to 4/1 favourite on the day. 

Pilot Harry Skelton looked to have a full tank of fuel two from home - a place looked a formality - but he stalled on the runway, finding nothing and finishing seventh, over ten lengths behind winner Colonel Harry.

Last time out he beat Moonshine Man comfortably at Leicester and the handicapper reacted by raising him seven pounds to a career-high mark of 137. The Topham in the spring is a likely target.

Can You Call's profile suggests he would prefer more cut underfoot.

Evan Williams' charge finished third behind Eldorado Allen (Numitor pulled up) in a series qualifier on the Old Course at Cheltenham in November and returned four weeks later to beat Torn And Frayed and Eldorado Allen on the New Course from a mark three pounds out of the handicap. Now rated 128, he certainly looks weighted to reverse placings with Jet Plane on their meeting in 2024.

Triple Trade appeared to have a hard enough time behind David's Well and JPR One over two miles at Cheltenham three weeks ago. The first two established a clear lead; Joe Tizzard's charge made up some ground from the rear but finished ten lengths adrift in a race that was run in a time below standard.

Minella Trump was last seen winning a hunter chase at Carlisle in May so could lack a race fitness edge while the grey Numitor has failed to complete on his last three starts and has since undergone wind surgery.

Hurricane Bay won the Prince Of Wales Cup at Fakenham in June where he wore a first-time tongue tie after it was reported he had made a noise when pulled up behind Coco Mademoiselle in the Staffordshire Plate at Uttoxeter. 

Lucy Wadham's inmate underwent wind surgery in October and ran well behind the well-regarded Moon Rocket at Doncaster at the end of November. Fifteen days later he returned to the South Yorkshire track where he ran well but only to a point, weakening badly up the home straight when fifth behind Docpickedme.

He doesn't have too many miles on the clock - in a recent Straight from the Stable article [RP Weekender 10-14.12.25] his handler described him as 'a good ground horse'. I was hoping, racing off a mark two pounds higher than when winning at Fakenham, he could be competitive on the better ground at around 11/1 - but the gelding has just been declared a non-runner.

Sigh. 

Wishing all readers a happy new year.

The 2025 Welsh Grand National

A vintage renewal of the King George at Kempton earlier today, with The Jukebox Man (7/1), owned by Harry Redknapp, beating Banbridge (16/1) and Gaelic Warrior (9/4jf) a nose and a nose, and Jango Baie (9/4jf) half a length away in fourth.  

19 runners declared for tomorrow's Welsh Grand National (2.50 Chepstow) run over three miles six and a half furlongs; the going on the chase course is currently described as good to soft and the drying ground won't suit a few in this field.

Sent off 6/1 favourite for last year's renewal, Jubilee Express finished second, one and a half lengths behind Val Dancer, with stablemate Iwilldoit third and fourth horse Monbeg Genius a further ten lengths in arrears.

Sam Thomas' charge raced off 126 that day, Dylan Johnson claiming three. He races off 130 tomorrow, having beaten Collectors Item two and a half lengths here in the Trial over three miles three weeks ago (Pats Fancy over 50 lengths behind in sixth). That represented a commendable effort by the runner-up on seasonal debut; pilot Kevin Brogan dropped his whip just after two out and meets the winner four pounds better off.

Git Maker, second behind subsequent Gold Cup winner Inothewayurthinkin in the 2024 Kim Muir, finished third in the Scottish Grand National the following month. The gelding likes soft ground; this looks to have been the target after a prep race over the Lingfield hurdles six and a half weeks ago to blow away the cobwebs.   

Unbeaten in three starts last season Mr Vango returned as good as ever three weeks ago, pipped a short head by Twig in the Becher at Aintree (Monbeg Genius pulled up) conceding a stone to the winner. The handicapper has raised him another three pounds for that effort and he now races off a mark 20 pounds higher than when beating Collectors Item one and a half lengths in the 2024 London National at Sandown. 

Rock My Way, fifth in the Scottish Grand National in April, went into several notebooks when jumping like a stag and shooting clear from two out to win the Berkshire National at Ascot 11 lengths. After the race handler Joe Tizzard said:

"He's always been consistent but he's never done anything like that. It was a beautiful performance to watch and he actually put himself in the Grand National picture after that."  

Drying ground will not be a concern.

Haiti Couleurs won the National Hunt Challenge Cup at Cheltenham in March and followed that up by winning the Irish Grand National at Fairyhouse the following month. Rebecca Curtis' charge was awash with sweat in the preliminaries that day and, once again, on his first try in Graded company, he was on edge before the Betfair Chase at Haydock last month where, caught on the back foot at the start, he failed to establish a rhythm and never jumped with much fluency, eventually being pulled up before four out.

Subsequently the trainer said:

"He came back from Haydock quite sore on his sacroiliac joint which we had medicated the Monday after, it seems to have really helped." 

He has form on better ground - in receipt of seven pounds, he beat Uncle Bert 15 lengths at Aintree just over a year ago. Now in receipt of 18 pounds, that opponent is certainly weighted to reverse the form but his ability to see out the trip has to be taken on trust. 

Keep an eye on Haiti Couleurs in the preliminaries. 

O'Connell, best on soft, won this year's London National at Sandown (Hung Jury second, Tanganyika a disappointment and pulled up before The Pond Fence); Gavin Sheehan's move up the inside rail approaching two out proved decisive. Danny McMenamin, in fine form lately, takes over tomorrow but I'm not certain this track, which can favour those that race prominently, will suit O'Connell who is often played late for a turn of foot.

Intense Raffles, winner of the 2024 Irish Grand National,  faces a stiff task off top weight. He ran well for a long way in the Coral Gold Cup at Newbury last time but usually appreciates plenty of cut underfoot.

Collectors Item has some respectable efforts to his name including second in the 2024 London National behind Mr Vango - meets that rival 12 pounds better off - and beating Katate Dori in the Somerset National at Wincanton in January. He's three pounds 'well in' after that latest run behind Jubilee Express and won a novice hurdle at the track in 2022.

I thought Dom Of Mary a tad lucky to win at Newcastle last time. That day Ned Fox sent 2/1 favourite Zertakt into a clear lead between the final two flights but the gelding slowed markedly approaching the last, losing all momentum and allowing James Owen's charge to scoot away and win two and a quarter lengths. Dom Of Mary is one pound out of the handicap.

Incidentally Zertakt made amends at Cheltenham two weeks ago - handler Venetia Williams has the National Hunt Chase at the Festival in March as his target.

Nassalam won the 2023 renewal of this race 34 lengths on heavy ground off 145 - only five of the 19 to go to post completed. The handicapper duly clobbered Gary & Josh Moore's charge; back now to a mark of 145, he has been pulled up in five of his six starts since and underwent wind surgery last month.

Deafening Silence stayed on well enough when second behind Konfusion in the Rehearsal Chase at Newcastle last time (Konfusion won the Rowland Meyrick at Wetherby earlier today) but was some 15 lengths behind the winner. Trainer Dan Skelton is on record saying that the gelding wants soft ground and a gap between his races; this will be the first chase with more than eight runners he has contested.

Uncle Bert blew away his field over two and a half miles at Aintree earlier this month, recording his first chase win in four starts. Now rated 140, he's four pounds 'well in' here and in January won a Haydock hurdle over an extended three miles. He's a tough cookie and weighted to reverse placings with Haiti Couleurs on Aintree form from last year but he's not guaranteed to see out the marathon trip. 

Livin On Luco made all and stayed on dourly to hold Neo King a neck in the Southern National at Fontwell six weeks ago; last December he finished sixth at Cheltenham, some 69 lengths behind Haiti Couleurs. Another one racing from one pound out of the handicap.

Tanganyika failed to build on a promising seasonal return at Sandown last time while Hung Jury, one of two veterans in the field, had no answer to O'Connell's turn of foot when second in that same race; Hung Jury is another to race from out of the handicap. 

Back in 2023 Monbeg Genius won a couple of novice chases at this track. Fourth in last year's renewal off 144, he's two pounds better off here - a bad mistake four out put paid to any chance he might have held in the Becher on seasonal debut.

Where It All Began finished fourth in the 2024 Kim Muir, eighth behind Intense Raffles in the 2024 Irish Grand National but has shown no worthwhile form since, while Beaufort Scale - six pounds out of the handicap - remains a maiden over fences and is a reserve for tomorrow's Paddy Power Chase (3.00 Leopardstown).

Pat's Fancy, the other veteran, races from a mark nine pounds out of the handicap.

Of the principals, Rock My Way and Haiti Couleurs should not be inconvenienced by drying ground.

The vote goes to Collectors Item, with the O'Neill yard now in better form; I'm hoping he can build on that effort behind Jubilee Express last time.

Collectors Item is the each-way suggestion, 10/1 generally at the time of writing, with most layers paying five places. 

Christmas musings and an Ascot handicap

Last Sunday afternoon, while watching 'The Grinch' on telly, I was suddenly distracted by a story in the Racing Post about an anonymous punter who walked into a Ladbrokes shop and collected £60 on a bet placed on Denman to win the 2009 Hennessy Gold Cup. 

The punter in question discovered the sleeper "while cleaning out clothes" so I thought I'd better check out my old clothes - not an insignificant undertaking, I might add, given I don't own many new ones - just in case... I didn't manage to back Blowers at 300/1 yesterday and, of course, I'd appreciate an unexpected bonus at any time of the year. Who wouldn't? 

Following protracted searching carried out during the week, so far I've turned up a collection of items that a contestant on a Christmas edition of The Generation Game would never have seen pass by on the conveyor belt: a small HB lead pencil; one monocle with cracked lens; a pair of bicycle clips; a broken cigar; some fluff; a White Horse whisky miniature drained of its contents; a Steradent tablet; a Moet & Chandon champagne cork, and a faded black & white photo of a man known to all in the family as Uncle Fester - Fester for short; together with five tangled tissues; four sticky sweets; three thrupenny bits; two train tickets (London Waterloo to Kempton Park return); - and an old William Hill betting slip...

'Oh no you didn't!'

'Oh yes I did!'

'OH NO YOU DIDN'T!'

'OH YES I DID!'

Unfortunately there was nothing written on it.

Followers of pantomime horses, collectors of unused betting slips, read on.

Thirteen have been declared for the Ascot Rotary Club Festive Handicap Hurdle (3.35) run over one mile seven and a half furlongs; the going is currently described as soft, good to soft in places, with sunny intervals and light winds forecast.

Two weeks ago Gary Moore sent out four winners over the course of Sandown's two day meeting; his Mondo Man is priced up favourite here.

'Oh no he isn't!'

Don't start.

With a Flat rating of 105 - he finished fourth behind Calandagan in the 2024 King Edward VII Stakes at Royal Ascot - the chestnut four-year-old races off a mark of just 123 on handicap debut. 

Second over this course and distance behind Lulamba in January (pulled too hard), he subsequently finished ninth in the Triumph. A handicap blot? He remains a maiden over hurdles and, to date, has shown a preference for better ground.

Five weeks ago Alexei looked impressive hosing up six lengths clear in the Greatwood (Helnwein second, Faivoir third, Welsh Charger fourth, Fiercely Proud fifth) 

The first five from that race re-oppose here and, unsurprisingly, the handicapper has had his say. 

Alexei has been raised 13 pounds for that six length defeat of Helnwein who in turn finished seven lengths ahead of Faivoir and has been raised four pounds. Fifth horse Fiercely Proud, winner of last year's renewal of this race off 128, has been dropped one pound to 135.

Should Alexei prevail here, then connections are likely to look seriously at a Champion Hurdle entry.

Back in October 2024, David Crosse from the Noel Fehily Racing Syndicate said of Helnwein in a Straight from the Syndicate article [RP Weekender 23-27.10.24]:

"He's a very exciting 2m chaser and we can't wait to see him jump a fence."

Before the start of the core 2025 season handler Alan King said in a Sporting Life article:

"We will go chasing at some stage again with him, but the plan, at the moment, is to head to the Greatwood at Cheltenham. Whether he has a run beforehand I don't know, but he has got a good record fresh. We will go to Cheltenham and then we will decide if we go chasing again.

"I think he will take to fences, but he is an early and late season horse as we lose him though the winter. He doesn't want soft, or heavy ground, even though he has form on it. He is a much better horse in the spring."

Faivoir made good ground from rear in the Greatwood to finish third but both Welsh Charger and Fiercely Proud were outpaced from two out before staying on up the hill.

Of Faivoir, handler Dan Skelton said in a recent Sporting Life stable tour:

"He is a little rascal in that he does what he wants when he wants."

There were bits and pieces for Welsh Charger at Cheltenham. He raced prominently for much of the trip and, beaten just over 13 lengths, he's certainly entitled to finish closer to Alexei; the same comment applies to Fiercely Proud. 

Take Alexei out of the Greatwood and Helnwein would have won with something to spare - I think the second recorded a personal best in the race. He meets Alexei nine pounds better off for six lengths, racing off a career high mark of 133; the handler's comments above appear to indicate it would be unwise to assume he will reproduce the same level of performance tomorrow.

Wilful finished third behind Celtic Dino and Alexei in the Welsh Champion Hurdle at Chepstow in October. On that occasion Jonjo O'Neill's charge had to concede seven pounds to Alexei and was beaten just under four lengths; tomorrow he will be in receipt of 12 pounds from that rival. The yard is slowly emerging from a quiet spell.

Two make their seasonal debut - Live Conti and Wreckless Eric.

Dan Skelton had said the ground at Cheltenham in October was unlikely to be soft enough for Live Conti; subsequently the gelding was scheduled to run in the Gerry Feilden at Newbury but missed that engagement on account of soft ground. 

Connections clearly hold this one in high regard. His second behind Murcia in the Grade 1 Boodles Anniversary 4-Y-O Juvenile Hurdle at Aintree in April catches the eye - six length Fred Winter winner Puturhandstogether was behind in third. 

However, since this race moved to Ascot in 2001, only three four-year-olds have prevailed: Cause Of Causes (2012); Sternrubin (2015 - in a dead-heat with Jolly's Cracked It); and Tritonic (2021). No four-year-old has carried more than 11-00 to victory.

In March Wreckless Eric snatched second from Afadil in the Imperial Cup won by Go Dante (Hardy Du Seuill fourteenth). Prior to that Hardly Du Seuil and Wreckless Eric finished fifth and sixth respectively, the pair three lengths or so behind Secret Squirrel at Windsor.

Two of Hardy Du Seuil's three hurdle wins have come at Windsor; in the past the eight-year-old has jumped to his left on occasions when racing on a right-handed track.

Olly Murphy had Indeevar Bleu and Sticktotheplan entered up but only the latter made the final declaration stage. 

This one won the Persian War at Chepstow on his first run for new connections but disappointed behind Diamond Hunter and Masked Man at Haydock next time. Good ground appears important to him; this is his first run in a handicap.

Joyeuse comes into this after filling the runner-up spot on two chase starts this season. 

Off a mark of 123, and under a textbook ride by Nico De Boinville, the grey mare beat Lump Sum eight lengths in the William Hill Hurdle at Newbury in February. Tomorrow she goes off 140.

Four-year-old Hot Fuss lost two places in the final strides when fourth in the Fred Winter in March.

Beaten eleven and a half lengths behind East India Dock in the Chester Cup, the gelding finished mid-division in the November Handicap at Doncaster before coming home in sixth behind Tutti Quanti in the Gerry Feilden three weeks ago. Rated 92 on the Flat, he goes off 123.

An enthralling renewal - it's possible to make a case for several in the field.

I keep coming back to the Greatwood form; Alan King's quote about Helnwein reported on the Racing Post site this evening has helped to allay doubts:

"He has always run his best races either in the first part of the season or towards the end, but for some reason he hasn't performed well after Christmas. I was delighted with the way he travelled throughout his race at Cheltenham and, remember, he was also second in the Swinton Hurdle at Haydock in May. So hopefully, he'll be right there at the finish again."  

Helnwein is the each-way suggestion, at the time of writing 12/1 with several layers, William Hill and Betfred amongst those paying four places.

Right, off now to see what I can find in the pockets of my tweeds...

Season's greetings.

The 2025 December Gold Cup

Eleven declared for tomorrow's December Gold Cup, to be run this year as The Hunt Family Fund December Gold Cup in support of the fund set up by BBC racing commentator John Hunt and his daughter Amy in memory of Carol, John's wife, and daughters Hannah and Louise. 

The going in Gloucestershire is currently described as good to soft; curmudgeonly, perhaps, given recent rains, but the forecast sunshine is likely to prove problematic and may well lead to fences being omitted.

Favourite Jagwar won the TrustATrader Plate Handicap Chase over course and distance at the Festival in March. He missed his intended return in the Paddy Power Gold Cup four weeks ago on account of heavy ground and shows up here surrounded by whispers he could be a Graded level performer.

His rivals may possess a race-fitness edge but the gelding tends to travel well through a race and clearly has an engine; the jumping isn't always foot perfect though while the stable is just starting to emerge from a quiet spell - Passing Pleasure won at Musselburgh on Monday and Gamesters Guy beat sole rival Moon Rocket (1/3f) in the opener at Doncaster earlier today.

Although run over a slightly shorter trip on the Old Course, last month's Paddy Power Gold Cup is a pertinent piece of form. 

Vincenzo and Hoe Joly Smoke finished second and third respectively behind Panic Attack, with Il Ridoto eighth - beaten 16 lengths - and Es Perfecto pulled up before the last, jockey Tom Bellamy reporting the gelding stopped quickly.

On revised terms Vincenzo and Hoe Joly Smoke look closely matched. 

The latter, ridden by Kielan Woods last time as stable jockey Harry Skelton was aboard the winner, made a mistake two out which may just have cost him second place. Having won over three miles, Hoe Joly Smoke is likely to benefit from the greater emphasis the New Course places on stamina but perhaps wouldn't be best suited by fences being omitted.

Five-year-old Kim Roque, second in the Listed Grand Steeple-Chase de Dieppe in the summer, has his second start for Joseph O'Brien since moving from Daniela Mele's yard in France.

On his first start for current connections he finished three lengths behind Kdeux Saint Fray over two and a half miles on the Old Course four weeks ago; he runs off a mark three pounds out of the handicap. 

Since 2000 only two runners younger than six have come home in front - Unioniste (2012) and Frodon (2016), both four-year-olds and both trained by Paul Nicholls.

I have to say I was impressed with Colonel Harry's victory in the Grand Sefton five weeks ago - was there even a hint he had more up his sleeve? 

Sixth behind Grey Dawning in the 2024 Turners at the Festival, he would probably prefer a bit more cut underfoot, but he has only been raised four pounds for that win over the National fences..

Stablemate and top weight Ga Law won the 2022 Paddy Power Gold Cup and finished second behind Il Ridoto in the 2024 renewal of the same race. 

Isabelle Ryder can claim seven but, much like my good self, he isn't getting any younger and these days is prone to make the odd mistake here and there.

Having watched a replay of last month's Paddy Power, I was struck by how open the race was as they turned for home. Il Ridoto, prominent throughout, had his chance, as indeed did Es Perfecto. 

Il Ridoto goes off a mark of 141, the same mark off which he won last year's Paddy Power (although Freddie Gingell claimed three pounds).

On his Betfair blog this evening handler Paul Nicholls said:

"The more it dries out, the better for Il Ridoto, he's a good ground horse who has bits and pieces of form on the soft but doesn't really like it."  

Imperial Saint showed a liking for the New Course when third behind Moon d'Orange in January.

Sent off 2/1 favourite at Aintree on seasonal debut seven weeks ago he disappointed, eventually finishing fifth. Subsequently the Racing Post reported Richard Johnson, manager of several syndicates, saying:

"[Imperial Saint] tweaked his backside before Aintree and and I think that's what got him upset before the race that day. He still ran okay but he definitely wasn't on his A-game. That's sorted now and I'd like to think he goes there with a decent chance." 

Just by way of an aside I suffered a similar misfortune on a car park in Braintree some years ago and had to take three months off work.

The winners have been a while coming for Venetia Williams this season but the yard appears to have turned a corner - Djelo won the Peterborough Chase at Huntingdon on Sunday and Authodidcate won at Uttoxeter on Tuesday.

After a poor run in the Haldon Gold Cup - fifth of six, beaten 65 lengths - Martator hinted at a return to form when second behind Calico at Ascot three weeks ago. The fact the majority of his chase form is on right-handed tracks is a concern, although he did finish midfield behind Jazzy Matty in the Grand Annual at the Festival. 

Glengouly faces a stiff task from seven pounds out of the handicap.

The 2025 Paddy Power Gold Cup wasn't the strongest renewal and similar comments apply to this race; 7/2 Jagwar could look a big price after the weigh-in.

I'm going to take a chance on Martator, the one to beat on Racing Post ratings. He has won over this trip and shouldn't be inconvenienced by drying conditions.

Martator is the each-way suggestion, 14/1 generally at the time of writing, with bet365, Paddy Power and Sky all paying four places.

The 2025 Becher Chase

There are plenty of options for a staying chaser this weekend: the London National (3.35 Sandown Saturday); the Welsh Grand National Trial (1.36 Chepstow Saturday); the Becher (2.40 Aintree Saturday); and the Scottish Borders National (2.00 Kelso Sunday). Earlier this afternoon Art Decco won the Hawke Barn Wedding & Special Events Handicap Chase run over an extended three and threequarters miles at Exeter.

Helpfully, Google (AI Mode) informs me that a staying chaser with a turn of foot is 'a highly valued description in horse racing, referring to a horse that possesses both the stamina for long-distance races and the ability to accelerate quickly at a crucial point in the race.'

Rather less helpfully, Google (AI Mode) doesn't provide an example of any such beast currently in training, and in any case comes with the catch-all caveat that AI responses may include mistakes.

Just the sort of paradox I thought I might bring up with Keira Knightley if, on the off chance, I happened to bump into her in the local Waitrose this morning, but, of course, the actress was nowhere to be seen, and I left the premises in the full knowledge I'd paid over the odds for a selection of sundry seasonal items that any Cassandra in the store would describe as nothing more than Christmas tat.

Enough.

Thirteen are set to face the starter for the Becher feature tomorrow (2.40 Aintree) run over a trip of three miles two furlongs - and over the Grand National fences; the going on the National course is currently described as good to soft, soft in places, with further rain forecast.

Favourite and top weight Mr Vango had some season last year. 

Sarah Bradstock's charge started off by winning the London National at Sandown off a mark of 135, followed up in the Peter Marsh at Haydock, and then added the Midlands Grand National at Uttoxeter in March. 

On a mark of 143 in February when the weights for the Grand National were framed, the front-runner wasn't high enough in the handicap to ensure a place in the final field of 34; now rated 152, there should be no concerns on that score this time around. 

Connections will undoubtedly have the Aintree showpiece in April as his ultimate aim; along with Monbeg Genius he makes his seasonal debut tomorrow. Both horses also hold entries in the Welsh Grand National (Chepstow Saturday 27 December), as do last year's winner Val Dancer and Westerninthepark.

Oliver Greenall and Josh Guerriero saddle two, Gaboriot and White Rhino.

The former, second behind Colonel Harry in the Grand Sefton four weeks ago (Excello third, Mahons Glory fourth and White Rhino ninth of the ten to finish - over 20 lengths behind the winner), races from one pound out of the handicap and won a hunters' chase over four miles at Cheltenham in 2024 so looks guaranteed to stay. 

White Rhino's chance was compromised to some extent by the fall of Seddon at the Chair, although I wasn't totally convinced he took a real cut at his fences that day. 

With just five chase starts to his name, he's relatively unexposed but wouldn't be certain to see out the trip - on his penultimate start he was pulled up behind Moroder in the Grimthorpe at Doncaster and was found to have bled from the nose. 

Of the pair Gaboriot looks the more solid option.

Seven days ago three pound claimer Tristan Durrell landed a big Saturday prize aboard a mare called Panic Attack and he goes for a famous double tomorrow aboard a mare called Galia Des Liteaux.

Last time out she finished fifth behind Sound And Fury in the Cumberland Handicap Chase at Carlisle, a pertinent piece of form. That day O'Connell (current favourite for the London National) and Westerninthepark finished ahead in third and fourth respectively, with Val Dancer last of the nine runners.

On revised terms, taking Durrell's three pound claim into account, she's weighted to finish just ahead of Westerninthepark but that only tells half the story. 

Westerninthepark travelled through much of that Carlisle race looking the likely winner; set alight by Sean Bowen approaching the last, Olly Murphy's charge found nothing for pressure, losing two places in the final 110 yards. 

The comments in running compiled by Andrew Sheret in the RP Weekender results section record that the gelding appeared to blow up after the last and remains unexposed over three miles plus; he's sired by Walk In The Park whose progeny includes Walk In The Mill, winner of this race in 2018 and 2019.

Val Dancer won last year's renewal of the Cumberland off 121 before going on to win the Welsh Grand National off a mark of 126 (Monbeg Genius fourth, Galia Des Liteaux fifth). 

Mel Rowley's charge has won five of his ten chase starts and been placed on four occasions, so has to be respected; he was beaten just over 15 lengths off 132 at Carlisle five weeks ago and has been supported in the market this afternoon.

Bill Baxter showed his liking for the National fences when winning the 2023 renewal of the Topham run over two miles five furlongs. Trainer Warren Greatrex was firmly of the opinion the grey would stay a trip but subsequent 20 length defeats in the Coral Gold Cup at Newbury and the Tommy Whittle at Haydock told a different story. 

He won a listed handicap chase over three miles at Punchestown in May - the first time he has won over that distance - but in my book still has to prove he stays three and a quarter miles.

Current stable form is the main concern with Bioluminescence (Gavin Cromwell 1 win from 61 runners in the past fortnight) and Monbeg Genius - the first runner for the O'Neill yard following a three week shutdown, Sugar Road, was pulled up at Southwell on Tuesday having bled from the nose.

Both Excello and Mahons Glory ran well to finish third and fourth respectively in the Grand Sefton but neither looks guaranteed to stay. 

Of the pair Excello is less exposed but since 2000 only two under the age of eight have come home in front - Silver Birch (2004; subsequently won the 2007 Grand National at 33/1) and Vieux Lion Rouge (2016).

By contrast, since 2000 eight winners have been aged ten or older and both Twig and Roi Mage won last time out.

Twig finished tenth behind Nick Rockett in this year's Grand National and held Courtland and Only The Bold a neck and a neck in a four runner veterans' handicap chase at Sandown four weeks ago.

Roi Mage came home in seventh behind Corach Rambler in the 2023 Grand National and won a listed cross country race in France at the end of September; Patrick Griffin's charge will appreciate any further rain. 

An open renewal with question marks surrounding a number in the field; two pertinent pieces of form are the Grand Sefton at Aintree four weeks ago and the Cumberland at Carlisle five weeks ago.

I'm going to chance Westerninthepark with Brian Hughes up. 

He travelled well the last day but the way he was passed after the last was disconcerting. In a recent stable tour article on the Sporting Life website Olly Murphy told readers:

"There could be a nice staying handicap chase in him. He didn't fulfill (sic) what we hoped he would do last season. He wants soft ground, but he is a grand horse.

"I think those nice three mile handicaps at Ascot, and races like that, are the sort of races we can look at with him.

"He won at Stratford and ran a cracker at Cheltenham at the November Meeting. He then went to Aintree and never turned up, but he ran better at Leicester.

"He ran okay in the Kim Muir, but good ground didn't suit. Hopefully he can run well at Carlisle." 

Westerninthepark is the each-way suggestion, at the time of writing 10/1 generally, with bet365, William Hill and Betfred among the layers paying four places.

The 2025 Coral Gold Cup at Newbury

A maximum field of 24 will face the starter tomorrow for the Coral Gold Cup (2.55 Newbury) run over three miles two furlongs. The going on the chase course is currently described as good to soft but up to 10mm of rain is forecast before the scheduled off-time.

There has only been one Irish winner of the race since 1990 - the Willie Mullins trained Total Recall in 2017 - but this year six of ten Irish trained runners sit at the head the handicap; top weight Monty's Star finished fourth behind Inothewayurthinkin in the Cheltenham Gold Cup in March and then third behind Galopin Des Champs in the Punchestown Gold Cup at the end of April.

Current favourite Myretown, trained by Lucinda Russell and Michael Scudamore, hasn't been seen since making all under Patrick Wadge to win the Ultima at the Festival by 11 lengths off a mark of 127 (The Changing Man second, Grandeur d'Ame twelfth, Victtorino and Katate Dori both pulled up). Irked somewhat by such a blatant display of precocity, the handicapper reacted by raising the gelding 15 pounds. 

Earlier this week Lucinda sounded quite bullish, indicating this race has been the target for some time; her charge has taken in a number of racecourse gallops and she clearly believes there's more improvement to come.

Sporting first-time cheekpieces Resplendent Grey won the bet365 Gold Cup at Sandown on the final day of last season (Spanish Harlem fourth, Victtorino seventh, O'Moore Park eleventh). 

He held Handstands over two and a half miles at Carlisle four weeks ago; the cheekpieces weren't in use for that seasonal debut but they're back on tomorrow.

Connections try cheekpieces on The Changing Man for the first time. 

I don't think anyone would begrudge Joe Tizzard's charge a day in the spotlight; the gelding has been a model of consistency - placed in his last seven chase starts - but still has just one chase win to his name, the Reynoldstown at Ascot last February.

The manner in which Katate Dori won last season's Ladbrokes Trophy at Kempton sticks in the mind. 

He beat second placed horse Hyland 15 lengths, with Lowry's Bar pulled up and subsequently reported to have bled from the nose. His mark tomorrow is 12 pounds higher although Dylan Johnson can claim three.

Meanwhile Hyland beat Resplendent Grey conceding three pounds in a Cheltenham novice chase just over 12 months ago. 

Nicky Henderson's charge finished ninth behind Three Card Brag at the same track last month (Inch House sixth), weakening on the approach to the final flight. At the time a lot of the yard's runners needed that first run; the grey seems to appreciate better ground.

Spanish Harlem appears to have benefitted from cheekpieces. 

On his penultimate start, in receipt of six pounds, he beat Three Card Brag four and a half lengths in the Kerry National at Listowel. At level weights here, the pair look evenly matched; both race off career-high marks.

Panic Attack won the Paddy Power Gold Cup over two and a half miles at Cheltenham a fortnight ago. 

Dan Skelton's mare has yet to win over three miles and tries this trip for the first time. Since 2000 only two winners have been aged older than eight: Denman (2009) and Sizing Tennessee (2018).

Third in last year's renewal on seasonal debut, Victtorino tries again off a mark four pounds higher. 

The gelding ran a strange race that day, apparently struggling in rear and not jumping particularly well before making up ground from two out without ever worrying winner Kandoo Kid and Broadway Boy. 

Venetia Williams' charge subsequently won two chases at Ascot, beating The Changing Man on the first occasion. His run in the Ultima (pulled up) is forgiven as he got loose beforehand. The stable won this with Cloudy Glen in 2021 but hasn't been firing on all cylinders so far this year.

Paul Nicholls won this race twice as a jockey, on Broadheath (1986) and Playschool (1987) - both trained by David Barons - and four times as a trainer, with Strong Flow (2003), Denman twice (2007 and 2009) and Kandoo Kid last year.

This year he will be represented by Inch House, described on his blog as a lively outsider who will benefit from the forecast rain. The gelding runs off a mark two pounds out of the handicap.   

To my mind The Doyen Chief may have been outstayed by Deep Cave over three miles on soft ground at Bangor two and a half weeks ago. 

Alan King's charge made a mistake at the last which saw Tom Bellamy lose an iron - he might have prevailed with a better leap at the last but I'm not convinced. Still, every cloud - he's due to go up three pounds but races off 137, the same mark as at Bangor.

Five weeks ago Blizzard Of Oz won at Wexford on his first try beyond two and a half miles. 

Not the best of jumpers, he takes another step up in trip here; speaking on ITV Racing earlier this afternoon Ruby Walsh named this one as probably Willie Mullins' best chance. 

Jockey bookings suggest Gorgeous Tom is the pick of Henry De Bromhead's pair.  

Racing prominently he finished fourth behind Lecky Watson in the Brown Advisory at the Festival and seven weeks later occupied the same position behind Champ Kiely in the three mile novice chase at the Punchestown Festival. The cobwebs were blown away over a shorter trip at Down Royal 28 days ago.

Stablemate Monty's Star carries 12-00 - Mill House carried that same weight to victory in 1963 and Borough Hill Lad in 1984. Arkle won the 1964 and 1965 renewals under a welter burden of 12-07. 

Last Christmas Perceval Legallois won the Listed Paddy Power Chase at Leopardstown off 142 (subsequent Grand National winner Nick Rockett fourth, Three Card Brag seventh, Spanish Harlem thirteenth) and then a Listed handicap hurdle at the same track off 135.

Gavin Cromwell's charge was sent off a 10/1 chance for the Aintree Grand National but got no further than the ninth fence.

Philip Hobbs and Johnson White have their team in excellent order - six winners from 24 runs in the past fortnight; Keable won on seasonal debut at the Berkshire track earlier today. 

Lowry's Bar bled when pulled up behind Katate Dori in the Ladbrokes Trophy at Kempton in February. He likes to race up with the pace and his form behind Jagwar at Bangor reads well but speaking after Keable's victory today the handler didn't seem particularly prolix, preferring to highlight the chance of French Ship who goes in the 1.40.

O'Moore Park has yet to win over fences in seven attempts.

On his penultimate start he finished eleventh behind Resplendent Grey over an extended three and a half miles in the bet365 Gold Cup at Sandown (Spanish Harlem fourth, Victtorino seventh). He appeared to weaken from three out that day so the trip could well be within his range.

Annual Invictus has been off the track 581 days. In this week's RP Weekender Chris Gordon says:

"He's going to come on for his runs this season and he's got a high mark.

"Age is catching up with him a wee bit and they'll be tough races wherever we go off this sort of mark, but we've got to start somewhere and Newbury suits him. 

"He'll probably get a bit tired going into the home straight, which you'd expect with a horse who's had a long time off. His ultimate aim will be the bet365 Gold Cup again."

Earlier today Intense Raffles was 66/1 which I thought quite a big price if the forecast rain were to arrive; he's currently half that price.

Conceding three pounds, this one was only beaten threequarters of a length by Nick Rockett in the Bobbyjo Chase at Fairyhouse in February. 

However, since moving to Thomas Gibney's yard two years ago, his three wins have all come at Fairyhouse, a right-handed track. He jumped right throughout before being pulled up in the Aintree Grand National but turns up here with the benefit of a prep run at Clonmel three weeks ago. 

At the Trials meeting at Cheltenham in January Moon d'Orange pipped Grandeur d'Ame a short head in a two and a half mile handicap chase; for the most part their best form is around that trip, a comment that also applies to Pic Roc and Riskintheground while A Penny A Hundred goes from out of the handicap. 

A cracking, highly competitive renewal. 

Katate Dori made quite an impression at Kempton in February and had a prep over hurdles at Aintree three weeks ago; with Dylan Johnson claiming three, Sam Thomas' charge gets the vote. The start will be no place for the faint-hearted - I'm hoping to see him race prominently.

Katate Dori is the each-way suggestion, 10/1 generally with bet365 and Unibet among those layers paying six places.

The 2025 Betfair Stayers' Handicap Hurdle at Haydock

Seventeen are set to face the starter for the Betfair Stayers' Handicap Hurdle (2.25 Haydock) tomorrow; the going on the hurdle course is currently described as good to soft.

Ma Shantou, seventh in the Albert Bartlett at the Festival, comfortably beat Electric Mason two and threequarters lengths at Cheltenham four weeks ago - and looked to have a bit left in the tank as well. 

Amongst those in behind that day were Supremely West (third), Long Draw (fourth); Prince Zaltar (sixth), Gowel Road (eleventh) and Patriotik (twelfth) - those listed also finished behind Kikijo over the same course and distance (on soft ground) last Saturday. Kikijo is now rated 127.

In this week's RP Weekender handler Emma Lavelle says of Ma Shantou:

"I suggested in my recent stable tour that he could step up to Graded company were he to win, and plenty of people have reminded me that we won this with a certain Paisley Park back in 2018.

"He was rated 147 that day and Ma Shantou is on 138, so he has a little way to go, but he's on an upward trajectory and we hope it can keep going." 

Ace Of Spades, owned by the Noel Fehily Racing Syndicate, won on the Old Roan undercard at Aintree 27 days ago; race reader Richard Lowther commented:

"If he continues to progress, he could be one for Graded contests later in the season." 

In a Sporting Life stable tour article, trainer Dan Skelton subsequently said:

"We are going to try and get him ready for the long distance handicap hurdle at Haydock Park. We could have a couple in that but it would be my intention to have him ready for that. 

"We stepped him up in trip midway through last season and he improved for it. He had a good season. He nicked a race at Cheltenham and not many do that, but we did."

The race referenced was the Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice Maiden Hurdle (17.11.24); last April Ace Of Spades was pipped a head by Billy Boi Blue in a Class 3 handicap hurdle over three miles at Ayr.

Joe Tizzard said of Hartington in his Sporting Life stable tour:

"I thought his final run last season at Windsor was good [four lengths second behind Emma Lavelle trained Guard Duty]. He was just weak last season and he just had a little setback which was enough that we couldn't run him, so we protected his mark a little bit.

"It was a good little race that he won up at Carlisle on Sunday [beat Florida Dreams - declared 1.15 Haydock - a neck, Karafon seventh 02.11.25], but we thought his Windsor run had worked out really well and we thought he had improved over the summer.

We went up there for that pot and it came off. It was a lovely first run and it looks like we could step him up to three miles now."  

Horaces Pearl looked a smart prospect winning at Newbury in February but, when last seen, his jumping remained a work in progress.

Jingko Blue sprawled on landing and unseated Nico De Boinville in the Reynoldstown at Ascot nine months ago; his hurdle mark (145) is six pounds lower than his chase mark and Brian Hughes rides. Stablemate Jango Baie, in the same ownership, won the Arkle at the Festival and goes in the Ladbrokes 1965 Chase (1.30 Ascot).

The Skelton second string Joyeux Machin is no mug. 

This gelding underwent wind surgery after finishing seventh behind Rambo T in the Silver Trophy at Chepstow six weeks ago. Back in March he looked to have a Class 2 handicap hurdle in the bag at Uttoxeter but was run out of it by Red Risk in the shadow of the post (Phantomofthepoints seventh). This one was put up by the Racing Post's Graeme Rodway as a horse to follow this season (RP Weekender 05-09.11.25). 

Navajo Indy won the Gerry Feilden at Newbury in November and was marked down as an eyecatcher when third behind Joyeuse and Lump Sum in the William Hill Hurdle (formerly known as the Betfair Hurdle and once upon a time as the Schweppes) at the same track in February, spotted doing his best work from two out. 

On seasonal debut four weeks ago he finished second behind French Ship over two and a half miles at Cheltenham and tries three miles for the first time here. Trainer Tom Symonds has sent out four winners from eight runners in the past fortnight.

Irish raider Shoot First won last year's renewal (with Phantomofthepoints third) off a mark of 139 (Alex Harvey claiming five); he races off 145 tomorrow with Benjamin Macey claiming seven. 

It's no surprise to see connections of Electric Mason decide to reoppose Ma Shantou, eight pounds better off when Freddie Gordon's three pound claim is taken into consideration. 

Best on good to soft, the gelding belied odds of 40/1 in the Challow, losing two places in the final 110 yards when fifth behind The New Lion, before finishing down the field in the Martin Pipe. 

Nab Wood appeared to win with something in hand off the steady pace set by Esprit Du Potier at Ayr three weeks ago. 

Nicky Richards' charge, sporting a sheepskin noseband, wasn't always fluent at the hurdles that day and looked as though he'd probably appreciate a stronger pace. Esprit Du Potier finished five lengths adrift in fourth, having lost third on the run to the line, and reopposes six pounds better off.

Titan Discovery won over this trip at Windsor in January and missed his intended comeback in the Welsh Champion Hurdle on account of the ground. Robbie Llewellyn identified this one as his trainer's pick in a 'Straight from the Stable' article (RP Weekender 31.01-04.02.24); sister Lunar Discovery moved to the yard from Jimmy Moffat's over the summer.  

Joint top weight Harbour Lake pipped Tiny Tetley over course and distance on good ground in May and has been raised five pounds for that effort while Phantomofthepoints, part owned by Kenny Alexander, tends to race prominently and won off this mark at Wincanton in January. 

Veteran Red Risk looks to face a stiff task on seasonal debut and would probably prefer more testing conditions.

I Love My Baie and Karafon are both in the ownership of Simon Munir and Isaac Souede. The former has had three runs since a spell on the sidelines while the latter was moved out the Willie Mullins yard over the summer.

Recent winners (with official ratings and SP) include:

2018 Paisley Park; 148; 4/1

2020 Main Fact; 147; 13/2

2021 Dans Le Vent; 135; 16/1

2022 Botox Has; 144; 17/2

2023 Slate Lane; 127; 11/4f

2024 Shoot First; 139; 22/1

The market leader has been placed in six of the past ten renewals but Slate Lane remains the only favourite to have obliged in that timeframe.

On the shortlist Navajo Indy and Electric Mason; Nab Wood was of some interest but his jumping the last day was, on occasions, a cause for concern.

I've missed the price about Navajo Indy so Electric Mason is the each-way suggestion, at the time of writing 9/1 with bet365, Betfred and Ladbrokes / Coral among those who are paying five places. 

To finish, another in an occasional series of random racing references overheard on the telly. 

Bella Ainsworth (Natascha McElhone), on welcoming family guests to the eponymous Hotel Portofino which she runs on the Italian Riviera for the rich and the wealthy, helpfully explains in hushed tones:

"Grand Papa is in Epsom, and Aunt Amelia in Aintree."

I've still to discover who spent the night in the Newton Abbot.

The 2025 Paddy Power Gold Cup

Tomorrow's Paddy Power Gold Cup (2.20 Cheltenham) is to be run in memory of Irish trainer Edward O'Grady who sent out 18 Festival winners between 1974 and 2006.

He trained Tranquil Sea to win this race in 2009 - and we haven't seen an Irish winner since. Five have crossed the Irish Sea to take their chance tomorrow. 

The going at Cheltenham is currently described as soft, good to soft in places, with a precautionary inspection called for 7.30 tomorrow morning as further heavy rain associated with Storm Claudia is forecast. 

Talking to ITV cameras before this afternoon's finale, clerk of the course Jon Pullen pointed out the rain was due to stop around 1.00 am and, with drying conditions, he was 'hopeful' racing could go ahead - the card would be given every chance.     

A final field of fifteen was declared on Thursday but this evening top weight and market leader Jagwar has been declared a non-runner on account of the ground. 

Vicenzo, a big horse who goes well fresh and generally needs time between his races, has replaced Jagwar at the head of the market. Sam Thomas' charge has yet to win over this trip but the stable has sent out five winners from seven runners in the past fortnight. 

Last year's winner Il Ridoto tries to repeat the trick this time off a mark just one pound higher.

Paul Nicholls' inmate raced from out the handicap that day but caries 11-08 tomorrow which indicates this year's running wouldn't be considered the highest quality renewal - last year top weight Protektorat was rated 167 and five others runners in the field of 15 ran off a mark in the 150s.

The lowest rated winner in the past decade is Coole Coady (137) in 2020.

Dan Skelton saddles three -  Panic Attack, Hoe Joly Smoke and Riskintheground. 

Harry rides the mare Panic Attack which suggests she's the stable's best chance - in a recent stable tour article the handler said:

"The plan is to give her one run and go for the Paddy Power Gold Cup."

She hasn't had that one run - last seen out at Warwick in February - and spent more time hurdling than chasing last season. Three of her five chase starts have been in mares' only races which I find off-putting but clearly this has been the target for some time and the stable is operating at a 26% win strike rate over the past fortnight.

On seasonal debut stablemate Hoe Joly Smoke ran well at this track over three miles one furlong when third behind Three Card Brag three weeks ago. 

Connections subsequently indicated they felt their charge didn't see the trip out that day as they'd done plenty of work with the horse and fitness wasn't the issue - the gelding has won over three miles but not beyond. I feel the step back to two and a half miles wouldn't necessarily suit - yet to win over the distance under rules - although the rain should help his stamina come into play.

Riskintheground won the Silver Trophy Handicap Chase on the New Course in April (Il Ridoto over ten lengths adrift in seventh) but his form is mostly on decent ground.

Thecompanysergeant finished two and threequarters lengths behind Jagwar in the TrustATrader Plate Handicap Chase at the Festival in March (Il Ridoto over 20 lengths adrift in twelfth). On a strict reading of that form he was closely matched with Jagwar but Gavin Cromwell's gelding hasn't been in the same form this summer and has drifted out to 9/1 with some layers.

Henry De Bromhead saddles two - Coming Up Easy and the mare Theatre Native.

Last year Lets Go Champ raced prominently before eventually finishing third for the yard; Coming Up Easy is a progressive front runner in a rich vein of form having won his last three starts in Ireland, the last a Listed handicap chase at Killarney. This one has won a Limerick maiden hurdle over two miles five on heavy ground and didn't appear to stay three miles behind Three Card Brag at Navan in January.

The booking of Sean Bowen for Theatre Native is interesting; she won the Aston Martin Mares' Novices' Handicap Chase on the New Course in April.

When the rain arrives, so does money for Venetia Williams trained runners - Hunter Legend has more than halved in price over the past 24 hours. He has won five of his 11 chase starts; this will be the first chase he has contested with more than eight runners in the field.

Hold-up ride Conyers Hill was sixth behind Jazzy Matty in the Grand Annual in March and has yet to win over this trip while veteran Es Perfecto doesn't have a lot of miles on the clock and finished fifth behind Caldwell Potter in the Jack Richards at the Festival in March (run on the New Course) - that day he lost three places after the final fence. 

The last horse older than nine to come home in front was Clear Cut in 1975.

While Bad has turned out to be rather good since blinkers were fitted for the first time in January - he has won three of his six chase starts - the arrival of rain looks a bit of a negative for Ben Pauling's runner. Lady Cricket, the last mare to come home in front, won the 2000 renewal as a six year old and since then only four horses have replicated the feat: Celestial Gold (2004); Exotic Dancer (2006); Johns Spirit (2013); and Ga Law (2002).

Stablemate of Thecompanysergeant The Other Mozzie finished a further two places behind Es Perfecto in seventh in the Jack Richards and hasn't won beyond two miles two furlongs while Issar D'Airy's form over two miles with Martator and Libberty Hunter reads well enough.

In summary, not the highest quality renewal of the race once known as the Mackeson Gold Cup and it's no real surprise to see connections decide to withdraw Jagwar - which has seen prices contract.

Hoe Joly Smoke and Coming Up Easy were the two each-way chances under consideration; Henry De Bromhead's charge gets the nod although the handicapper doesn't appear to have been overly lenient with a mark of 142.

Coming Up Easy is the each-way suggestion, currently 9/1 with bet365 and William Hill both paying four places, provided, of course, the card passes tomorrow morning's inspection. 

Footnote

I've spent a lifetime struggling to sort the wheat from the chaff and I realise it must be even harder for blog readers, so here's a helpful little pointer.

Last month, in a post entitled 'Hoping to come on for the run', I indicated Deep Cave was worth a second look in the Native River Handicap Chase at Chepstow. After winning the opening handicap hurdle at Aintree on Grand National day, trainer Christian Williams had said of his charge:

"It's probably taken us a long time to figure him out, but we thought he'd be better on nice ground and he's going to be very special over fences next year. He won a novice chase in France, so he's not a novice, but hopefully he'll be a Saturday horse."

In the event Deep Cave didn't run at Chepstow on account of the ground but he did contest the Weatherbys and Birdie Calendars Handicap Chase at Bangor on Wednesday - and won at odds of 11/1.

Did you bet it, PG?

Good Lord! No! Who ever backs a Saturday horse on a Wednesday?

Factual correction published 15.11.25 @ 17:15

Happy Diva was the last mare to win the race - in 2019 - not Lady Cricket as stated above. 

The 2025 Grand Sefton Handicap Chase

Ordinarily I wouldn't be inclined to give you so much as a 'More tea, vicar?' for an episode of Murder Before Evensong, Channel 5's TV adaptation of Richard Coles' novel set in the 1980s, but last night, as my wife took in the finer detail of the fifth instalment, my own interest was piqued by Canon Daniel Clement's mother Audrey  - played with a delightful serving of old school sanctimony by Amanda Redman - popping into the village on Grand National day for a copy of the Racing Post. At that time a copy of the Racing Post would have cost considerably less than £5.50. 

Having studied the form, Audrey likes the look of Strands Of Gold for Aintree's 1988 showpiece. 

Meanwhile Dora Sharman (Amanda Hadingue), one of two middle aged sisters who live together, walks straight into a licenced betting office, extracts two substantial wads of cash from her handbag, and asks to stick the lot on Rhyme 'N' Reason. 'To win,' adds Dora, with a certain air of determination, obviously intent on making a killing. Recently I had a £70 bet on a 9/4 chance knocked back by a rails bookmaker at Ludlow. 

Various clips from the race are weaved into the storyline, complete with Sir Peter O'Sullevan's commentary: Strands Of Gold falls at Becher's second time around when in the lead, much to Audrey's dismay; Little Polveir takes up the running but unseats; Rhyme 'N' Reason is headed two out by Durham Edition but fights back tenaciously to lead on the long run-in, much to Dora's delight. 

A wonderful race;  and, of course, Little Polveir returned the following year to win.

Tomorrow's Grand Sefton Handicap Chase (2.40 Aintree) is run over two miles five furlongs over the National fences but these days they're nowhere near as stiff as they were in the 1980s; 17 are set to face the starter with the going currently described as good to soft, with soft places located primarily from Becher's Brook to the fence after Valentines.

Skirting quickly over the form, two points catch my eye. 

A few in the field have form over three miles and further while only six have run in the past 60 days: Jet Plane (54 days); If Not For Dylan (13); Vintage Fizz (54); Mahons Glory (24); Seddon (15 Flat); and Mount Tempest (27). 

Last year King Turgeon collected the spoils off a mark of 125, with Vintage Fizz second, Gaboriot third, and Frero Banbou sixth. 

David Pipe's grey put in some spectacular leaps that day but appears to have considerably more on his plate off 137 tomorrow on his first run for 242 days; the likelihood is this will have been a target, probably for the past 12 months.

Ollie Greenall and Josh Guerriero hold a strong hand with Gaboriot and White Rhino; the yard won the 2023 renewal with the ill-fated Gesskille, with the same horse pipped a nose by Al Dancer the year before. 

Gaboriot, four and a half lengths third behind King Turgeon last year, races off a mark three pounds lower this time; all his chase victories in this country have come over three miles or further. 

White Rhino is priced up favourite and the booking of Sean Bowen catches the eye. 

Although nine years of age, the gelding still only has four chase starts to his name and he failed to complete in two of those - unseated at the third in the Kauto Star at Kempton and then last time pulled up before two out in the Grimthorpe at Doncaster where he was found to have bled from the nose. Connections clearly expect a big run but the lack of chase experience is a concern.

Owned by J P McManus, top weight Johnnywho has form in the book but looks to face a stiff task. 

His third behind The Jukebox Man in the Grade 2 John Francome at Newbury reads well, and he was only beaten a neck in the Kim Muir at Cheltenham in March. He didn't appear to stay the extended trip when finishing a respectable fifth behind Haiti Couleurs in the Irish Grand National National at Fairyhouse.

Sam Thomas knows how to target a race - he won the 2022 renewal with Al Dancer. Our Power can go well fresh and has been backed but hasn't raced over this sort of trip since January 2022.   

Excello looked to be in with a shout in this year's Topham back in April but a bad mistake two out put paid to his chance; he goes off a mark two pounds lower here.

Colonel Harry has useful novice form in the book. 

He won the 2024 Towton at Wetherby, was third in the Scilly Isles at Sandown, and then sixth in the Turners at Cheltenham that March. He didn't appear to stay the trip when sent off a 10/1 chance for last year's Coral Gold Cup at Newbury and hasn't been seen since a fall at Cheltenham on New Year's Day. 

Vintage Fizz finished three and a quarter lengths behind Jagwar at Wetherby before running second in last year's renewal off 127. 

His sixth behind Ballysax Hank in the Summer Plate at Market Rasen is perfectly respectable but he has been well beaten on his two most recent starts, showing a tendency to jump left on occasions at Worcester the last day. That said, he's three pounds lower this time and the booking of Sam Twiston-Davies catches my eye. 

A fine leap at the Canal Turn took Frero Banbou past King Turgeon and into the lead last year.

Venetia Williams' charge travelled like the winner crossing the Melling Road but he just ran out of petrol between the final two flights, eventually finishing sixth. Third in the 2023 renewal, I just wonder whether his best chances of a win in the race are already behind him.

Jet Plane's second behind Gracchus De Baume over this course and distance in the Foxhunters in April - beaten a length - reads well; Team Skelton banged in three winners at Exeter this afternoon and another at Hexham.

Better known for his exploits on the Flat, Dylan Cunha saddles Mahons Glory who likes to front run but can jump left on occasions. This one has tended to show better form on good ground.

If Not For Dylan is another who races prominently and was third behind Torn And Frayed in a veterans' chase over the Mildmay fences 13 days ago; he's two pounds out of the handicap. 

He jumped slightly right that day but a quick look over his form reveals that on occasions he has jumped left on a right-handed track. The yard registered a double at Hexham earlier today with Out Of The Woods and Hay Meadow.

Bleu d'Enfer has his first start for Donald McCain. Previously trained in Ireland, to date he has been campaigned primarily on right-handed tracks when racing over fences.

On his last two starts Nocte Volatus finished behind The Flier Begley and Dubai Days in veterans' chases. 

Seddon and Happy And Fine both tend to be prominent in their races; age is catching up with the former while the latter has shown a preference for soft and heavy ground. 

Finally a word for rank outsider Mount Tempest who moved from Dan Skelton's yard to Sophie Leech this summer. 

After a couple of nondescript efforts over hurdles at Clairefontaine and Dieppe in France, he was sent off a 50/1 chance for a handicap chase at Worcester which he won at odds of 50/1, Jet Plane over ten lengths away in fifth and Vintage Fizz over 30 lengths adrift in seventh. Next time, with Sean Bowen up, he went off a 3/1 shot but ran a bit of a stinker behind Saint Segal and was pulled up in the home straight; after the race the handler indicated the gelding was not suited by the good to firm going. 

He's something of a curate's egg and wouldn't be considered the most reliable of individuals but a year ago he finished fourth behind Jagwar at Bangor and on a good day, with the going on the soft side, I could see Mount Tempest outrunning odds of 66/1. 

A competitive renewal which is likely to be run at a good clip with a few in the field keen to set the pace. After winning on Theonewedreamof at Exeter earlier this afternoon, jockey Harry Skelton had a word for Jet Plane who has been backed this evening.

I'm going to chance Mount Tempest who didn't do a tap when hitting the front at Worcester; he'll need to keep a tab on those front runners from the start. 

I certainly won't be taking a leaf out of Dora Sharman's book but I will be saying my prayers just before the off.   

Mount Tempest is the each-way suggestion, at the time of writing 66/1 with William Hill, BetVictor and Coral, all paying five places. 

The 2025 Lavazza Handicap Hurdle at Ascot

All that talk about holding the Cheltenham Festival from Wednesday to Saturday has given me the spooks. It's bats.

Anyway, for coffee lovers looking to blow away the pumpkins and the cobwebs, here's a shot at tomorrow's Lavazza Handicap Hurdle (3.10 Ascot). 12 face the starter with the going currently described as good, good to firm in places, the quicker ground to be found up the home straight. Rain is forecast.

I've spent some time looking at the less exposed types; many hold a rating from the Flat:

127h 74 Flat (GER)  Alexei

121h 83 Flat             Indemnity

119h 69 Flat             Torrent

 116h 100 Flat          Fasol

113h 79 Flat             High Fibre

110h 81 Flat             Maasai Mara

One or two look potentially 'well in' if an arbitrary figure of +45 is used to convert a British Flat rating to a hurdle mark; market leader Alexei's Flat rating was achieved in Germany.

Joe Tizzard's charge was beaten two and a quarter lengths by Celtic Dino in the Welsh Champion Hurdle at Chepstow three weeks ago - and may have finished closer to the winner with a better leap at the last. Stable form is the concern though with just one winner from 23 runners in the past fortnight.

Bought out of Roger Varian's yard for £80,000 at the beginning of the year, Indemnity has won each of the three handicap hurdles he has contested, last time beating solid yardstick Bowmore, the pair 17 lengths clear of Vocito in third. Part owned by Andrew Gemmell, the gelding travelled strongly that day at Market Rasen and, for the most part, looked quick over the obstacles.

Torrent's second behind Gibbs Island in a four-year-old hurdle at Chepstow last time reads well - the winner beat Give It To Me Oj six lengths in the Victor Ludorum at Haydock in February before weakening from three out in the Triumph Hurdle at Cheltenham.

No four-year-old has won this race in the past decade.

Fasol beat High Fibre in a Taunton maiden in March before going down a neck to Dance And Glance in a novice at the same track. Paul Nicholls' charge subsequently finished five lengths third to Give It To Me Oj in the Novices' Championship Final at Sandown in April. 

On his blog the handler hints the gelding doesn't always find what might be expected at the business end of a race but there still looks plenty of mileage in a hurdle mark of 116 compared to his Flat rating and Freddie Keighley takes off seven pounds.

After winning a novice maiden hurdle at Warwick in May, the Harry Fry trained High Fibre has been racing over two and a half miles. 

He finished a (remote) fifth behind Don Virginia in the Fixed Brush Hurdle Series Final at Worcester five weeks ago. I was at the track that day - racing from the front Don Virginia blew apart what looked on paper a very competitive field, a race in which hold up runners had no chance. The gelding steps back down in trip here; connections will hope first-time cheekpieces help the cause.

Maasai Mara races from one pound out of the handicap and is one of only three in the field without a recent run to their name.

Afadil and the mare Ooh Betty are the other two runners making their seasonal debut.

Mr Nicholls thinks Afadil, stablemate of Fasol, will come on for the run. 

Ooh Betty won first time out at Sandown last November and led to the final flight before finishing third behind Take No Chances (contests Grade 2 West Yorkshire Hurdle 2.20 Wetherby tomorrow) and Kargese over course and distance in the Grade 2 Warfield Mares' Hurdle in January. That form reads well and Toby McCain-Mitchell claims five pounds.

Dance And Glance was sent off 5/1favourite for the Swinton at Haydock in May, eventually finishing fifth behind Our Champ. He looked to have Manuelito in his sights a fortnight ago at Newton Abbot but a bad mistake two out effectively cost him his winning chance. 

Washington, fifth in this race in 2022 when trained by Olly Murphy, has won three of his five starts since the move to Harry Dereham's yard 12 months ago. 

Last time the gelding held Moveit Like Minnie at Chepstow - the pair 40 lengths clear - but team Twiston-Davies will fancy their chance off 118 with five pound claimer James Turner replacing Tom Bellamy in the plate. 

Moveit Like Minnie was beaten less than three lengths behind Luccia, Impose Toi and Altobelli over course and distance off a mark of 124 in the 2023 running of the Betfair Exchange Trophy (once known as the Ladbrokes).

Top weight No Ordinary Joe contested the last three Martin Pipe Hurdles at the Cheltenham Festival when trained by Nicky Henderson, finding only Iroko too good in the 2023 renewal. He looks to face a stiff task on his second start for Faye Bramley. 

I'm haunted by the spectre of Michelle Keegan recently informing TV viewers the latest Sky / Netflix deal represents 'handsomely good value'; I've struggled to find a bookmaker offering anything like that in this race - am I under a spell?

At various junctures since final declarations, I've thought Indemnity, Fasol, Ooh Betty, Moveit Like Minnie - only to see the price disappear, ghost-like, before my eyes.

More likely a trick than a treat but I'm hoping a mark of 113 underestimates High Fibre's abilities. This is just his third start in a handicap - the last run at Worcester is ignored. The stable has fired in two winners from seven runners over the past fortnight.

High Fibre is the each-way suggestion, currently 20/1 with Sky and Paddy Power, both paying four places.