13:30 Wed 19 April 2023

MATT HAMPSON FOUNDATION SILVER TROPHY CHASE (LIMITED HANDICAP) (Grade 2) (1)

Distance 2m 4f 127y (New)

Prize £39,865 Age 5yo+ Race State Declaration Runners 12

Going Good (Good to Soft in places)

Looking at the provided horse racing data and comments, we can see that there are several contenders for the race. The top four rated horses are Heltenham, Presentandcounting, Herbiers, and Zhiguli. Let’s take a closer look at each of them and see if there are any factors that might be overlooked by the overall rating.

Heltenham (FR) is the current favorite with odds of 9/4 and has the highest total points of 477.4. He is a very progressive 6yo who completed a hat-trick when winning very comfortably at Newbury (2m4f, soft) last month. He has been hiked up another 11lb for that but still commands respect. The ground today is quicker, which should be very much in his favor. He is definitely a horse to watch out for.

Presentandcounting (IRE) is another good contender with odds of 20/1 and a total points score of 451.7. He is a good-ground specialist who won five chases in spring/summer 2021 then reverted to hurdling to collect four wins last summer/autumn. However, he has fitness to prove after a 194-day absence but is on a very good mark over fences. He is definitely a dangerous horse to ignore.

Herbiers (FR) is another contender with odds of 11/1 and a total points score of 439.1. He is a five-time hurdle winner who came good over fences at the third attempt, in a three-runner race at Newbury (2m4f, good) last month. He contests a much deeper race today but is only 2lb higher and could have more to offer as a chaser.

Zhiguli (IRE) has odds of 20/1 and a total points score of 423.9. He just held on to win at Sandown (2m4f, soft) last month, his third chase success. However, he spoiled his chance by persistently jumping right when well-held third behind Heltenham at Newbury a fortnight later. He looks risky on another left-handed track here, and he seems best suited by soft/heavy ground.

Overall, Heltenham seems to be the top pick with his current form and the suitability of the conditions. Presentandcounting and Herbiers are also strong contenders, while Zhiguli might be risky on today’s track. It’s also worth keeping an eye on Gemirande, who has been improving and could still be on a good mark after a recent 3lb rise

14:05 Wed 19 April 2023

KINGSTON STUD HANDICAP HURDLE (2)

Distance 2m 4f 56y (New)

Prize £13,008 Age 4yo+ Race State Declaration Runners 13

Going Good (Good to Soft in places)

Bold Endeavour has the highest total points and decent odds at 6/1. He has been in good form this season, winning twice over 2m4f chase and finishing fifth in a Coral Cup hurdle race last month. He is suited to today’s faster ground and has a good chance of being in the mix.

Yorksea has decent odds at 14/1 but has not been in the best form lately, finishing fourth in a Newbury handicap two months ago and running poorly when upped to 2m5f at Kempton last month. However, the comments suggest he still has potential and has low mileage, so he could be a player if back on song.

Lallygag has odds of 17/2 and has been steadily improving over hurdles, winning three out of his last five races. He is making his handicap debut today but his latest win at Taunton suggests he can handle today’s conditions. However, his speed rating is lower than some of his rivals.

Boombawn has odds of 10/1 and returned from a break with an encouraging second-place finish at Taunton in February. He moves up in trip today and has potential to improve, having won three times over 2m novice races last year, including a Listed race on good ground.

Lady Adare has a good comment regarding her performance in a recent race at Wincanton, where she finished second to a revitalized opponent following another wind operation. She won all three novice races last season and could still have untapped potential, especially if the ground stays good.

Loup De Maulde has won four times since joining a new stable last autumn and has climbed up the ratings. He didn’t get home in his latest race, which was a slog, but drops back in trip today and could still improve further.

Master Chewy is yet to win over hurdles but was unlucky not to win at Ascot in November and had a respectable sixth-place finish in a major handicap at Newbury in February. He was out of his depth in a Grade 1 Ballymore last month but could have untapped potential over today’s trip and at this more realistic level.

Overall, Bold Endeavour and Boombawn appear to be the strongest contenders based on their recent form and suitability for today’s conditions. However, Lady Adare, Loup De Maulde, and Master Chewy could also have some potential and should not be overlooked. It’s also worth noting that some of the horses with lower odds, such as Homme Public and Hystery Bere, have comments that suggest they could be in the mix as well.

14:40 Wed 19 April 2023

GLOUCESTER BREWERY HOLMAN HANDICAP CHASE (3)

Distance 3m 4f 21y (New)

Prize £10,562 Rated (0-125) Age 5yo+ Race State Declaration Runners 20

Going Good (Good to Soft in places)

Looking at the provided data, the top four rated horses are Max Dynamo, Almazhar Garde, Blame The Game, and Wake Up Early. Max Dynamo has the highest total points and comes into this race off a good performance at Chepstow. However, he will need to prove he can handle this mark. Almazhar Garde has been well below his best this season and may struggle to contend with others. Blame The Game has won consecutive races over similar distances and conditions, including a close second in the Sussex National at Plumpton. Wake Up Early is a decent stayer who has won his last race and could be suited by the quicker ground.

One horse to consider outside of the top four is Valleres. He is lightly raced and showed signs of improvement last time out when winning at Ffos Las. He is still well handicapped based on last season’s form and may handle the step up in distance.

It is important to note that the comments highlight the suitability for today’s conditions, with several horses mentioned as being able to handle the quicker ground. Additionally, the jockey and trainer ratings should also be taken into account when analyzing the form. Overall, it appears that Blame The Game and Wake Up Early are the top contenders, but Valleres could offer some value at the odds.

15:15 Wed 19 April 2023

CITIPOST NOVICES’ HURDLE (2)

Distance 2m 4f 56y (New)

Prize £10,892 Age 4yo+ Race State Declaration Runners 12

Going Good (Good to Soft in places)

Based on the provided data, comments, and my analysis, the top four rated horses are:

1. The Carpenter (IRE) – Total points: 528.7, Odds: 9/4
2. Hermino Aa (FR) – Total points: 476.9, Odds: 22/1
3. Chasing Fire – Total points: 469.5, Odds: 5/1
4. Twig – Total points: 462.9, Odds: 22/1

The Carpenter has been in excellent form this year, winning both of his hurdles races and showing impressive ratings. He has a good chance of continuing his winning streak, especially with his jockey and trainer both having high ratings. However, his odds are on the shorter side, so there may not be much value in betting on him.

Hermino Aa has won two of his four hurdles races and has been consistent in his performances. He has shown an ability to handle soft ground, which could be a factor in his favor. His odds are quite long, so he could be a value bet for those willing to take a chance.

Chasing Fire has won three of his four hurdles races, with his only loss coming in a Grade 1 race. He has shown an ability to handle various ground conditions and has a top-rated jockey. However, he is stepping up in distance for the first time, which could be a concern.

Twig has won two of his five hurdles races and has shown improvement throughout the season. He has won over today’s distance and has a top-rated jockey. However, he is still relatively inexperienced compared to some of the other runners and may have more potential for improvement.

Other factors to consider include:

• Red Dirt Road has won two of his three hurdles races and is stepping up in distance. His pedigree suggests he should handle the extra distance, but he may face stronger opposition here.
• Rock My Way is a relatively unexposed 5-year-old who has shown promise in his races. However, he was pulled up in a Grade 1 race last time out, so he may need to prove himself again.
• Pikar has won two of his four hurdles races and has shown an ability to handle various ground conditions. He also has a top-rated jockey and has had a wind operation since his last race, which could improve his performance. He could be a threat to the top-rated horses.

Overall, The Carpenter looks like the horse to beat based on his recent form, but there could be value in taking a chance on Hermino Aa or Pikar at longer odds. Chasing Fire and Twig both have a chance if they can handle the step up in distance.

15:50 Wed 19 April 2023

WEATHERITE AIR CONDITIONING HANDICAP CHASE (2)

Distance 3m 2f (New)

Prize £15,609 Rated (0-145) Age 5yo+ Race State Declaration Runners 11

Going Good (Good to Soft in places)

Looking at the provided data and comments, the top four rated horses are Hidden Heroics, Captain Cattistock, Definite Plan, and Jimmy The Digger.

Hidden Heroics has the highest total points and is currently priced at 7/1. He has had a successful start to his chase career with wins at Exeter and here, but had a poor run at Ludlow due to shoddy jumping. However, he has previously shown good form at this track and is expected to return to his best form today. He is wearing cheekpieces and a tongue-tie for the first time, which could help him improve his jumping and focus.

Captain Cattistock is the second highest rated horse and is priced at 4/1. He has won twice at this track, including this race last year off a 5lb lower mark. He has been performing well this season, and his last run at Musselburgh showed he is in good form. He is a course and distance specialist and should be hard to beat.

Definite Plan is priced at 10/1 and has recently rediscovered some form, finishing close at Navan last month. He won at this track in October 2021 but has struggled since then. He is not entirely trustworthy but could be dangerous if he reproduces his best form.

Jimmy The Digger is priced at 6/1 and has been consistently running well this season, with a solid second at Haydock followed by a good run at Uttoxeter until a late mistake. He has previously performed well at this track and is effective under Alice Stevens. He is expected to run well today and has a good chance of winning.

Other horses that could be worth considering based on the comments are Lord Du Mesnil, who has performed well at Haydock and could benefit from softer ground, and Java Point, who has been placed in his two previous chases at this track and is wearing new cheekpieces.

Overall, Hidden Heroics and Captain Cattistock are the top two rated horses and should be the main contenders, but Jimmy The Digger could also cause an upset. Factors that could be overlooked by the overall rating include the addition of cheekpieces and tongue-tie for Hidden Heroics, and the fact that Java Point has been placed in his previous races at this track.

16:25 Wed 19 April 2023

SAFRAN LANDING SYSTEMS HANDICAP HURDLE (2)

Distance 2m 7f 213y (New)

Prize £13,202 Rated (0-145) Age 4yo+ Race State Declaration Runners 11

Going Good (Good to Soft in places)

Looking at the provided data, the top four rated horses are Santos Blue, On The Blind Side, The Kniphand, and Abuffalosoldier.

Santos Blue has a high total score of 501.0 and comes into this race unbeaten in three starts under jockey Ben Sutton. He has won over 2m3f-2m5f handicaps on good to soft ground, which suggests that he will stay this far. However, he has a further 6lb rise to deal with, which could make things difficult.

On The Blind Side comes in with a total score of 444.0 and won last time out at Newbury off a career-low mark. He returned to winning ways with a front-running ride and came a long way clear with an improving novice. He may not prefer the soft ground, but he is a danger to the field with his current form.

The Kniphand has a total score of 396.6 and has been consistent since December. He dug deep to win last time out at Market Rasen (2m7f, soft), but the 3lb higher mark may be a problem in this deeper race. However, he is hard to leave out of calculations.

Abuffalosoldier has a total score of 391.1 and won over 3m at Newbury in November (good) and posted the same RPR when third here next time (soft). He took a backward step at Musselburgh, but there was no obvious reason for that. He has a chance to bounce back and may not be overlooked.

17:00 Wed 19 April 2023

CHELTENHAM PONY RACING AUTHORITY GRADUATES HANDICAP HURDLE (CONDITIONAL JOCKEYS’ AND AMATEUR RIDERS’) (3)

Distance 2m 179y (New)

Prize £8,143 Rated (0-135) Age 4yo+ Race State Declaration Runners 13

Going Good (Good to Soft in places)

Looking at the provided data and comments, there are a few horses that stand out as having a good chance of winning.

Ballygeary is a horse that caught the eye, having won a novice race at Kelso on his last start and getting away with a double penalty. He’s making his handicap debut, but his total points and last race rating suggest he could be up to the task.

Black Poppy is also worth considering, having returned to form with a close third at Newbury in a race he won the previous season. He’s reliable and has a good chance of going well here.

Mayhem Mya won a military riders’ race at Sandown on her last start and only carries a 4lb higher weight today. She seems to be suited by softer conditions, but her speed rating and suitability for today’s conditions suggest she could be in the mix.

By Your Side won a maiden hurdle at Naas on his last start and is respected here, with his total points and last race rating suggesting he could be competitive.

Of the other runners, Walhaan is an interesting Irish challenger making his handicap hurdle debut. He won a decent maiden hurdle at Leopardstown on good to yielding ground and would have found the ground too testing at Naas last time. His total points and speed rating suggest he has the potential to be competitive.

It’s also worth noting that Elham Valley, despite being third in this race two years ago off a higher mark, has been out of form lately and finished last on the AW two weeks ago. Martator has yet to show his form on ground that’s not soft or heavy and it’s been a quiet start for his yard.

Overall, Ballygeary, Black Poppy, Mayhem Mya, By Your Side, and Walhaan are the horses that stand out as having the best chances of winning.