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1.47 QuinnBet Daily Free Bet ‘Chasing Excellence’ Beginners’ Chase

(3m 10y, Class 3)

Rank	Horse	TimeWise Rating	SP	Trainer	Jockey
1	Laurens Bay	129 (OR)	4/6	J Snowden	Gavin Sheehan
2	Dartan	135 (OR)	13/8	Mrs S Humphrey	Sean Bowen

Recent Form and Comments

Laurens Bay (6yo, 11st 6lb)
This horse was 2-5 over hurdles last season. The latter success was achieved from a long way off the pace when winning the valuable EBF Final at Sandown (2m4f, good to soft) in March. He makes his seasonal debut and chase debut, moving up in trip. He looks like a very good prospect over fences this term.

Dartan (8yo, 11st 6lb)
He was a very useful handicap hurdler in Ireland when on song. However, he has not been at the same level on his three previous chasing attempts. He looked very unenthusiastic when third in a four-runner beginners’ event at Kilbeggan (3m1f, good) in July. He now wears a first-time visor (swapping out blinkers) on this stable debut and will probably need to travel with much greater zest.

Spotlight Verdict

LAURENS BAY won the always-competitive EBF Final on his final hurdling start last season and could have a lot more to offer over fences this term. Dartan raced lazily in a beginners’ chase on his latest outing in July and it is hard to tell whether he will be perked up by a change of headgear on this stable debut.

Race Statistics

• Age Groups (W-Pl-R): 4yo (0-0-0), 5yo (0-0-0), 6yo (0-3-13), 8yo (0-0-1).
• Fate of Favourites: The fate of favourites record is 20112113.
• Trainer Records: J Snowden (W-R) 16-91 overall, 7-13 recently; Mrs S Humphrey (W-R) 2-21 overall, 0-3 recently.

Assessment of Top Two Chances

Laurens Bay:

• Strengths: Highly talented hurdler (EBF Final winner), makes chasing debut as a very good prospect. Trainer Jamie Snowden has a good recent strike-rate (7-13).
• Weaknesses: Unproven over fences and at this extended trip.
• Suitability: High potential, highly respected on switch to fences.

Dartan:

• Strengths: Previously a very useful handicap hurdler. Highest Official Rating (OR 135).
• Weaknesses: Recent chasing attempts have been lacklustre; looked unenthusiastic in July. Difficult to predict on stable debut with a new visor.
• Suitability: Questionable, needs a significant attitude revival.

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2.22 British EBF “National Hunt” Novices’ Hurdle (Qualifier)

(1m 7f 168y, Class 4)

Rank	Horse	TimeWise Rating	SP	Trainer	Jockey
1	Storming George	110 (OR)	4/5	N King	Jack Quinlan
2	White Riot	117 (RPR)	7/2	F O’Brien	Kielan Woods

Recent Form and Comments

Storming George (5yo, 11st 0lb)
Won a 16-runner Doncaster bumper (good to soft) on debut in January. He ran a creditable fifth of 15 in a Grade 2 Aintree bumper in April. He is expected to have a good future over jumps and is rated the leading contender. OR 110 and RPR Master 120.

White Riot (5yo, 11st 0lb)
This Flat-bred 5yo made all to win a good-ground Wetherby bumper by 8l in March, building on a promising stable debut. He must be considered on his hurdling debut. RPR Master 117.

Spotlight Verdict

White Riot and Shabalko d’Herm (third choice) can probably both make their mark in novice hurdles in the near future but STORMING GEORGE looked useful in his two bumpers last season and gets the vote today.

Race Statistics

• Age Groups (W-Pl-R): 4yo (2-4-30), 5yo (6-9-46), 6yo (0-3-13).
• Fate of Favourites: The fate of favourites record is 20112113.
• Trainer Records: Dan Skelton (W-pl-r) 3-2-9; H Oliver 6-47 overall, 2-4 recently; F O’Brien 48-267 overall, 4-18 recently.

Assessment of Top Two Chances

Storming George:

• Strengths: Proven ability at a high level (Grade 2 bumper). Should transfer ability well to jumps. Voted the selection.
• Weaknesses: Hurdling debut.
• Suitability: Highly suitable (leading contender with strong bumper form).

White Riot:

• Strengths: Impressive 8l bumper winner on good ground. Must be considered on hurdling debut.
• Weaknesses: None explicit; ranked behind the selection.
• Suitability: Suitable (expected to make his mark).

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2.57 quinnbet.com Handicap Chase

(3m 10y, Class 4)

Rank	Horse	TimeWise Rating	SP	Trainer	Jockey
1	Another Lord	109 (OR)	5/2	M Bowen	James Bowen
2	Mikhailovich	112 (OR)	7/2	K Bailey & M Nicholls	Tom Bellamy

Recent Form and Comments

Another Lord (8yo, 11st 7lb)
Progressive 8yo who achieved a new career level when winning readily over C&D (good) last month. He was an obvious contender based on that performance. However, he was pulled up as though something was amiss at Ffos Las yesterday. RPR Master 122, TS 103.

Mikhailovich (8yo, 11st 10lb)
Won his chasing debut by 7l (Market Rasen, 2m5f) in June 2024. He returned from a long absence with a good second over hurdles in August, travelling much more sweetly. He could still have significant potential over fences. He is described as a bit of a character and is hard to predict. RPR Master 120, TS 101.

Spotlight Verdict

Mikhailovich still has unfinished business over fences but he is a bit of a character. Jet Smart (second choice) remains of interest. It might be worth chancing FERN HILL, who makes his seasonal debut from a career-low mark and who usually runs well when fresh.

Race Statistics

• Age Groups (W-Pl-R): 5yo (1-0-2), 6yo (0-0-1), 7yo (0-1-3), 8yo (0-0-1), 11yo (0-1-1).
• Fate of Favourites: Only one favourite listed (13-8fav, unplaced).
• Trainer Records: David Pipe (W-pl-r) 1-0-1; K Bailey & M Nicholls 1-11 overall, 2-12 recently; M Bowen 5-21 overall, 1-14 recently.

Assessment of Top Two Chances

Another Lord:

• Strengths: Recently won over C&D impressively.
• Weaknesses: Was pulled up yesterday, casting severe doubt on his participation/condition today.
• Suitability: Highly conditional/unsuitable due to recent pulled-up status.

Mikhailovich:

• Strengths: Holds significant potential over fences; pleasing run over hurdles recently.
• Weaknesses: Unpredictable nature, “a bit of a character”.
• Suitability: High potential, but a risky proposition.

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3.32 Bagley & Rylance 80th Celebration Handicap Hurdle

(2m 3f 207y, Class 2)

Rank	Horse	TimeWise Rating	SP	Trainer	Jockey
1	Lookaway	135 (OR)	7/2	N King	Jack Quinlan
2	Minella Rescue	139 (OR)	3/1	G Hanmer	Sean Bowen

Recent Form and Comments

Lookaway (8yo, 11st 10lb)
This front-runner has a 3-3 strike-rate at Uttoxeter. He is back hurdling on a good mark, having been chasing last season. He has been absent since November, but had a wind operation in March. RPR Master 146. He is a contender if fully tuned up.

Minella Rescue (7yo, 12st 0lb)
Scored over 2m7f here in May and posted a career-best performance when second over that trip in June on good ground. He was not disgraced in a Listed Flat race most recently and should be okay back at 2m4f; he is respected. RPR Master 138, TS 124.

Spotlight Verdict

Today’s step up in trip may unlock improvement from useful Flat stayer BRAVE KNIGHT (nap), who posted a good effort over 2m at Plumpton last month. C&D winner Dargiannini is feared most but Minella Rescue was in career-best form here in the early part of this season and Disco Davis begins his new campaign with significant potential.

Race Statistics

• Age Groups (W-Pl-R): 5yo (1-0-1), 7yo (0-0-2), 8yo (0-1-2), 9yo (0-1-3).
• Fate of Favourites: Only one favourite listed (11-4fav, winner).
• Trainer Records: G Hanmer 11-110 overall, 1-3 recently; N King 7-71 overall, 0-0 recently; F Bramley 0-1 overall, 1-2 recently.

Assessment of Top Two Chances

Lookaway:

• Strengths: Unbeaten at Uttoxeter (3-3). Back hurdling on a potentially generous mark (RPR Master 146). Front-running style may suit.
• Weaknesses: Significant absence since November; needs fitness and tune-up after wind op.
• Suitability: Highly suitable based on course record and handicap potential, provided he is ready after the layoff.

Minella Rescue:

• Strengths: Ran career-best form here earlier this season (winner and second over 2m7f). Respectable recent run on the Flat.
• Weaknesses: Dropping back slightly in distance (from 2m7f to 2m4f).
• Suitability: Suitable, highly respected given recent course form.

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4.07 Eaton Hall Shooting Ground Handicap Chase

(1m 7f 214y, Class 4)

Rank	Horse	TimeWise Rating	SP	Trainer	Jockey
1	Mister Cessna	120 (OR)	7/2	F O’Brien	Jonathan Burke
2	My Friend Sean	122 (OR)	11/2	T Lacey	Stan Sheppard

Recent Form and Comments

Mister Cessna (4yo, 11st 5lb)
Placed on his chasing debut in France last summer. He subsequently looked useful as a juvenile hurdler, signing off with a wide-margin win at Ludlow (2m, good) in April. He reverts to fences and bids to exploit a 9lb weight-for-age allowance. He is considered a major player.

My Friend Sean (6yo, 12st 2lb)
Made excellent progress over hurdles from December to May, winning five times (2m-2m1f), including three times at this course. He makes his chasing debut after a 145-day absence. Further improvement remains possible. OR 122.

Spotlight Verdict

The selection is MISTER CESSNA, who jumped well when a close third on his chasing debut in France last summer and now reverts to fences after ending last season with an emphatic hurdle win. Dog Fox is second choice. Koapey, Chief Sunday and My Friend Sean could all have significant potential over fences.

Race Statistics

• Age Groups (W-Pl-R): 4yo (0-0-1), 5yo (1-0-1), 6yo (0-0-1), 7yo (0-0-2), 8yo (0-1-1), 9yo (0-0-1).
• Fate of Favourites: One favourite listed (15-8fav, unplaced).
• Trainer Records: T Lacey 23-122 overall, 2-7 recently; F O’Brien 48-267 overall, 4-18 recently.

Assessment of Top Two Chances

Mister Cessna:

• Strengths: Already placed over fences in France; highly impressive hurdle winner last time. Benefits significantly from a 9lb weight-for-age allowance. Voted the selection.
• Weaknesses: None apparent, major player status confirmed.
• Suitability: Highly suitable (major player, exploiting allowance).

My Friend Sean:

• Strengths: Excellent course form over hurdles (three wins) and overall progression. Potential for further improvement over fences.
• Weaknesses: Chasing debut in the UK after a 145-day absence.
• Suitability: Potential chance, but untested over fences at home.

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4.40 QuinnBet Handicap Hurdle

(1m 7f 168y, Class 5)

Rank	Horse	TimeWise Rating	SP	Trainer	Jockey
1	Cuban Court	103 (OR)	7/4	N King	Jack Quinlan
2	Dinofromberlais	104 (OR)	5/2	O Murphy	Sean Bowen

Recent Form and Comments

Cuban Court (7yo, 11st 13lb)
He had three wins last season, the last two coming at Huntingdon (2m3f, good) in the spring. He should cope with today’s drop back to 2m. RPR Master 104, TS 98. A six-month break may have checked his momentum.

Dinofromberlais (5yo, 12st 0lb)
He came good over hurdles at the third attempt, making virtually all in a Fakenham maiden (2m, good to soft) in March. Although the form is not spectacular, he should have more to offer in handicaps this season. He is a handicap debutant. RPR Master 101.

Spotlight Verdict

Zafaan will be feared if he runs here instead of at Fakenham but EAGLES GOLD has slipped to a tempting mark and, following a satisfactory reappearance, is taken to open his account here. Handicap debutant Dinofromberlais is next on the list.

Race Statistics

• Age Groups (W-Pl-R): 5yo (1-0-4), 6yo (0-0-6), 8yo (0-2-4).
• Fate of Favourites: One favourite listed (10-3fav, winner).
• Trainer Records: O Murphy 60-273 overall, 5-15 recently; N King 7-71 overall, 0-0 recently.

Assessment of Top Two Chances

Cuban Court:

• Strengths: Consistent winner last spring. Handicap mark is workable.
• Weaknesses: Six-month break may affect momentum.
• Suitability: Suitable, should handle the shorter trip.

Dinofromberlais:

• Strengths: Unexposed, major potential for improvement in handicaps. Trainer Olly Murphy has a good overall record.
• Weaknesses: Maiden hurdle win was not strong.
• Suitability: High potential as a handicap debutant.

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5.10 QuinnBet Mares’ National Hunt Flat Race

(1m 7f 168y, Class 5)

Rank	Horse	TimeWise Rating	SP	Trainer	Jockey
1	Aj’s Diamond	115 (RPR)	6/1	C Gordon	Freddie Gordon (3)
2	Kaydence	97 (RPR)	10/1	O Murphy	Lewis Saunders (7)

Recent Form and Comments

Aj’s Diamond (5yo, 11st 2lb)
Showed promising form when a clear second at Warwick (soft) in February. She raced too freely and was rather disappointing when fifth at Plumpton (good) in April. She has possibilities if judged on her Warwick run. RPR Master 115.

Kaydence (5yo, 11st 2lb)
Looked rather one-paced on C&D debut (good) in May but stayed on well from the rear to snatch fourth. She is probably better suited to longer trips. RPR Master 97.

Spotlight Verdict

Irish point winner SAPPHOS WORD has a nice pedigree and might enhance Jamie Snowden’s excellent bumper strike-rate. She’s Delighted is feared more. Dan Skelton’s newcomer Sassipants has very good credentials on paper and must also be considered.

Race Statistics

• Age Groups (W-Pl-R): 4yo (1-4-27), 5yo (2-3-14), 6yo (1-0-1).
• Fate of Favourites: The fate of favourites record is 1211.
• Trainer Records: Dan Skelton (W-pl-r) 1-1-3; Fergal O’Brien 1-1-5; C Gordon 4-31 overall, 1-2 recently; O Murphy 60-273 overall, 5-15 recently.

Assessment of Top Two Chances

Aj’s Diamond:

• Strengths: Posted the best form in the field (Warwick second).
• Weaknesses: Raced freely previously, which led to a disappointing run.
• Suitability: Has the ability if settling better.

Kaydence:

• Strengths: Stayed on well on debut.
• Weaknesses: Likely needs longer trips to be seen at her best; looked one-paced at this distance.
• Suitability: Likely to be best watched until tackling further.