Best of the Rest in Britain

Form profile

165 rated chaser. Best effort this season when third, beaten two and a quarter lengths, to Minella Drama in the Grade 2 Old Roan Chase at Haydock in October off a mark of 169.

Trainer says

He runs in the Gold Cup. Things have gone wrong with him this season and we had his wind done. He has had two racecourse gallops, and he has been an exceptional horse for us. We don’t know why he has lost his form but, hopefully, he comes good again in the spring. (Peter Scudamore, assistant to Lucinda Russell)

Form profile

150 rated chaser. Best effort this season when runner-up, beaten a length and three quarters, to the Kandoo Kid in the Grade 3 Coral Gold Cup Handicap Chase at Newbury (3m 2f) in November off a mark of 148. Only fourth, beaten 18 ½ lengths, to Chantry House when an odds-on favourite for handicap chase at Cheltenham (3m 1 1/2f) on New Year’s Day off a mark of 150.

Trainer says

Broadway Boy and Potters Charm would be our main hopes, and Broadway Boy is rated 150. If he hadn’t smashed through four out he probably would have won the Coral Cup at Newbury and he had his knees medicated after his last run on New Year’s Day which just wasn’t him. He didn’t jump well and never went a yard and was disappointing. He is in the form of his life and is going to Ben Brain’s tomorrow for a bit of work on the deep sand gallop. The National is his aim but last year we thought he was a Brown Advisory horse and 150 doesn’t look too steep. (Nigel Twiston-Davies)

Form profile

156 rated hurdler. Stayed on well when beating Hiddenvalley Lake a head in the Grade 1 Long Walk Hurdle at Ascot (3m 1/2f) in December. Failed to perform up to his best when fifth, beaten 18 lengths, to Gowel Road in the Grade 2 Cleeve Hurdle at Cheltenham (3m) in January.

Trainer says

Crambo hasn’t many other options than the Stayers’ Hurdle. He was very unlucky last time at Cheltenham when making a bad mistake and, hopefully, we can rectify that and see the best of him.” (Fergal O’Brien)

Form profile

138 rated chaser. Finished runner-up, beaten a length and a quarter, to Shakem Up’arry in the Plate Handicap Chase at Cheltenham (2m 4 1/2f) last March off a mark of 140. Hasn’t reproduced that form in three outings this season and finished sixth, beaten 44 lengths, to El Rio off a mark of 140 in a handicap chase at Kempton this month.

Trainer says

He is in the two-and-a-half-mile Plate and the three-mile one furlong Ultima and, again, it is hard to say as they could be watering Cheltenham in two weeks’ time. He ran a great race last year in the Plate. If he could go there in the same sort of form this time, he would go there with a great chance. He seems in good form, and we are happy at this stage. (Jonjo & AJ O’Neill)

Form profile

136 rated chaser. Off the mark over fences when beating Pay The Piper seven and a half lengths in a handicap chase at Wetherby (2m 3 1/2f) in November off a mark of 127.

Trainer says

Densworth will probably line-up in the two and a half mile novices’ chase as well at Pic Roc and he would be a lively outsider. (Ben Pauling)

Form profile

134 rated hurdler. Unbeaten in four starts and has won both of his hurdles this season. Scored by a length and a half from Farland at Uttoxeter (2m 4f) in November and followed up with a nose success from Honky Tonk Highway in a novices’ hurdle at Windsor (3m) in January.

Trainer says

Derryhassen Paddy is in the Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle, and we had intended running him at Haydock, but the ground was too fast. He has plenty of ability and I would say at this stage he is as good a horse as Brindisi Breeze who won the Albert Bartlett for us. We think he is a really good horse. (Peter Scudamore, assistant to Lucinda Russell)

Form profile

120 rated hurdler. Off the mark over hurdles when beating Newton Tornado a length and three quarters in a maiden hurdle at Cheltenham (2m 4 1/2f) on New Year’s Day and subsequently runner-up, beaten three and three quarter lengths, to Castle Carrock in a novices’ hurdle at Sandown (2m) in January.

Trainer says

Diva got a bug early season, and we got her back to run at Lingfield, but I knew she wasn’t ready that day. She came to Cheltenham on New Year’s Day and won and it was an ok race. She again looked pretty good this morning and I slightly feel we are getting her where we need her. She was exceptional in bumpers last year and she is a brilliant jumper and a very straightforward horse to train. I just haven’t been able to get her to sing. Her coat this morning looked particularly good and Keilan Woods who rides her every day seems to think she is back to her best and if she is she will be competitive in the Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle. (Ben Pauling)

Form profile

135 rated over hurdles. Winner of her three starts over hurdles last season. Has finished third, beaten three and a half lengths, to Burdett Road in the Grade 3 Greatwood Hurdle at Cheltenham (2m 1/2f) in November off a mark of 131 and seventh, beaten 33 lengths, to Fiercely Proud in a Grade 3 Handicap Hurdle at Ascot (1m 7 1/2f) in December off a mark of 135.

Trainer says

She goes for the Mares’ Hurdle, and I am very happy with her. She is in a great old place, and we are hoping she comes back to her very best this spring. (Fergal O’Brien)

Form profile

129 rated hurdler. Gained his second success over hurdles at Ascot (both 2m 3 1/2f) when scoring by four and a half lengths from Crest Of Fortune this month.

Trainer says

He didn’t turn up in the Challow the first time we put him at the deep end and never travelled a yard. He didn’t beat a lot in his two Ascot wins but he has been progressive, and he has earned the right to have a day out. Stepping up to three miles in the Albert Bartlett and nicer ground will help. He deserves to have a run, but I think he has a bit to find. He is a nice horse for the future over fences. (Joe Tizzard)

Form profile

152 rated chaser. Gained his last success at Cheltenham (2m 4 1/2f) in January when scoring by a length and three quarters from Lounge Lizard off a mark of 150.

Trainer says

He is in three races, the Ultima, the Stayers’ and the Ryanair and the Ulltima is the obvious race off 152 as he has won off 150. It depends on the weather as well as the Ultima is on the Tuesday and Stayers’ Hurdle is on the Thursday. He does like nice ground and that could be the option if it’s nice ground. I don’t think we will go for the Ryanair. (Jamie Snowden)

Form profile

133 rated chaser. Finished runner-up, beaten eight lengths, to Inothewayurthinkin in the Kim Muir at Cheltenham (3m 2f) last year off a mark of 132. Finished fourth, beaten 19 lengths, to Famous Bridge in Grand National Trial Handicap Chase at Haydock (3m 4 1/2f) this month off a mark of 138.

Trainer says

He was second in the Kim Muir last year to the horse who is current favourite for the Grand National and won a Grade 1 novice chase at Aintree afterwards. He is in the Kim Muir and the Midland Grand Nationals too and we will pick one of those races. (Jamie Snowden)

Form profile

148 rated hurdler. Gained a deserved success when scoring by two and a quarter lengths from Monmiral in the Grade 2 Cleeve Hurdle at Cheltenham (3m) in January.

Trainer says

Gowel Road is a very good horse, and he ran second to The Wallpark here in October. He was giving 18lb and 25lb when runner-up in two handicaps after and the gain his just reward in the Cleeve Hurdle. If it stays soft, he will run in the Stayers’ Hurdle and he is a very genuine horse. (Nigel Twiston-Davies)

Form profile

128 rated hurdler. Finished eighth, beaten 21 lengths, to J’Ai Froid in a handicap hurdle at Chepstow (2m 7 1/2f) on Saturday.

Trainer says

He ran alright on Saturday, and we had a slight little hold up with him and he needed the run badly. If he sneaked into the Pertemps he could be quite good value and he is a very nice horse. (Nigel Twiston-Davies)

Form profile

135 rated chaser and hurdler. Progressing nicely over fences and gained his last success in a novices’ handicap chase at Cheltenham (3m 1 1/2f) in December when beating Transmission two and three quarter lengths off a mark of 130. Subsequently third, beaten five and a half

Trainer says

He was very good when winning at Cheltenham in December. I was just worried if he won another chase between now and then it would take him to nearly topweight in the National Hunt Novices’ Handicap Chase which wouldn’t be ideal over three miles and five. It would be great if Sean Bowen could ride him again, but Ollie Murphy has a couple of entries in the race, and we will find out shortly. He has come out of the Newbury race very well and I couldn’t be happier with him. (Rebecca Curtis)

Form profile

133 rated chaser. Progressive chaser who has won two handicaps at Windsor this season. Scored by three and a quarter lengths from Duhallow Boy over two and a half miles in December off a mark of 118 and followed up over two miles and six furlongs in January when having three and a half lengths to spare over Tyre Kicker off a mark of 125. Finished fourth, beaten four and three quarter lengths, to Victtorino in a Grade 3 Handicap at Ascot (3m) this month off his current mark.

Trainer says

He runs hopefully if we can keep him right and he is another with multiple entries. I would like to split with Johnnywho but we will see how it goes. (Jonjo & AJ O’Neill)

Form profile

145 rated chaser, Returned to winning form when scoring by six lengths from Hymac in a handicap chase at Newbury (3m 2f) in December off a mark of 138.

Trainer says

He did a nice piece of work in Lambourn, and he is not the world’s best work horse, you have to ask him to keep going and he does. He definitely goes for the Ultima; it has been the aim for a while now. I wouldn’t say he is well handicapped, but he should be very competitive. (Ben Pauling)

Form profile

127 rated hurdler. Winner of three of her four starts this season and landed her most prestigious success in the Grade 2 Jane Seymour Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle at Sandown (2m 4f) this month when making all for a short head success from That’ll Do Moss.

Trainer says

I think we are going to run in the Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle, she has won five of her six career starts and won a Grade 2 last time out. The only time she was beaten was when finishing second at Taunton when faster ground and a sharp track found her out. The New Course should suit her best and it is a race we won with You Wear It Well. Hopefully, it would be nice to do the same with Hollygrove Cha Cha. I think she will be better with a lead and a fast run race, and she has a lot on her side. (Jamie Snowden)

Form profile

128 rated hurdler. Gained his last success in a handicap hurdle at Kelso (2m 6 1/2f) in December when beating I Am Max a length and a quarter off a mark of 124.Finished fourth, beaten four and three quarter lengths in a Pertemps Qualifier at Musselburgh (3m) this month off his current mark.

Trainer says

Idem is in the Coral Cup and the Pertemps and I would love to run him in the Pertemps. He is a bit of a character but a horse with good ability. He ran a good race in the Qualifier at Musselburgh and he goes there with a chance. (Peter Scudamore, assistant to Lucinda Russell)

Form profile

Made a winning debut for the stable when beating Blue Las six lengths in a maiden hurdle at Ffos Las (2m 4f) in November and subsequently finished fourth, beaten 21 lengths, to Yellow Car in the Grade 2 River Don Novices’ Hurdle at Doncaster (3m 1/2f) in January.

Trainer says

He will go for Albert Bartlett. He won earlier in the season at Ffos Las when beating a horse of Neil Mulholland’s Blue Las and there another couple in it that have gone and won since. We then went to Doncaster - I wanted to run him beforehand but he just wasn’t right - for the River Don where he was too keen and too fresh. He was too exuberant and fell in a hole two out, so he doesn’t really qualify as Albert Bartlett hardy horse, but I think he has lots of ability and I think he is in good form. (Ben Pauling)

Form profile

131 rated hurdler. Gained his last success in a handicap hurdle at Newbury (2m 4 1/2f) in December when beating Mr Hope Street six and a half length off a mark of 121. Finished fourth, beaten 10 ½ lengths, to One Big Bang in a Pertemps Qualifier at Haydock (3m 1/2f) this month.

Trainer says

He has been very consistent this season and he has the options of the Coral Cup and the Pertemps. He is quite highly strung and not the easiest, but Kielan has done a great job getting him settled and he seems to try hard. (Jonjo & AJ O’Neill)

Form profile

140 rated chaser Finished third, beaten 27 lengths, to Jingko Blue in a Grade 2 Novices’ Chase at Windsor (3m) in January.

Trainer says

He is in good form and entitled to go there and he has a few options and really we won’t know until we have studied the entries and found out where everyone goes. (Jonjo & AJ O’Neill)

Form profile

156 rated chaser. At his best on his reappearance in the Haldon Gold Cup on good ground at Exeter (2m 1 1/2f) in November when scoring by three quarters of a length from Djelo off a mark of 149.

Trainer says

He is still in the Queen Mother, and he won’t run in the Ryanair. He is also in the Grand Annual and he will probably run in that race. We have had a dab at the Grade 1s, and he just come up a bit short on ratings. He is ground dependent and his best performance this season was when bouncing off the ground in the Haldon Gold Cup. If the heavens open, then he won’t run as there are plenty of options for him through the spring. (Joe Tizzard)

Form profile

Scored by a length and a quarter from Deep Purple in a bumper at Warwick in October.

Trainer says

I was very impressed with the way he won his first bumper, and I was really happy with him. He did a good bit of work at Warwick on Friday, and I am looking forward to running him in the Champion Bumper. (Fergal O’Brien)

Form profile

134 rated chaser. Returned to winning form when beating Pic Roc a length and a half in a novices’ handicap chase at Newbury (2m 7 1/2f) this month off a mark of 129.

Trainer says

He has a few entries and is in the novices’ handicap chase and the Plate. He was a slower burner over hurdles and took a lot of getting fit and he was running a lovely race in the autumn at Cheltenham and then just tipped up two out. He did it nicely at Newbury last time and is progressing over fences. He wouldn’t mind a bit of cut in the ground and can get away with it. He is right on cut off 134. (Joe Tizzard)

Form profile

121 rated hurdler. Made a winning debut over hurdles at Wetherby (2m) in November when scoring by 13 lengths from Mix De Gris. Runner-up, beaten eight length, to Nietzsche Has in the Grade 2 Coral Finale Juvenile Hurdle at Chepstow (2m). Subsequently fourth, beaten 24 lengths, to Gibbs Island in the Victor Ludorum at Haydock (1m 7 1/2f) this month.

Trainer says

I would like to run Marche d’Aligre in the Fred Winter Juvenile. He won first time out at Wetherby and was second in the Coral Finale Juvenile Hurdle and then found the ground a little bit quick when fourth around Haydock. If there is a little bit of rain around, he would run well in the Fred Winter. (Jamie Snowden)

Form profile

156 rated chaser. Returned to winning form when beating Libberty Hunter a length and a quarter in the Grade 2 Game Spirit Chase at Newbury (2m 1 1/2f) this month.

Trainer says

We look like we will step Master Chewy up in trip in the Ryanair, ground depending. We all thought he got outpaced in the Game Spirit and then landed there on the bridle and ran on well. I felt that he has run well over three miles in a point-to-point and he is crying out for a step up in trip so the Ryanair seems the obvious course. (Nigel Twiston-Davies)

Form profile

123 rated hurdler. Finished runner-up, beaten a length and a quarter, to Viyanni in a Juvenile Hurdle at Ludlow (2m) this month.

Trainer says

It looks like he will get a run in the Fred Winter. His last run at Ludlow was very good. He can be very competitive at Cheltenham, and he is fit and well. (Fergal O’Brien)

Form profile

138 rated hurdler. A winner three times over hurdles this season and finished runner-up, beaten half a length, to Califet En Vol in the Listed Sidney Banks Memorial at Huntingdon (2m 3 1/2f) this month. Had an easy task when beating John Barbour two lengths at Ludlow (2m) later in the month.

Trainer says

I’m undecided where he goes at this point in time. He wassecond in the Sidney Banks the other day and we have since given him a float around Ludlow to give him a fifth run, so he is qualified for the handicaps. There will be very few novices’ in the handicaps this year because of the new rules but he has had five and he has taken his racing very well. I think the Sidney Banks will turn out to be a very good race. Jax Junior (third) is very solid and a top 130 horse so I think that race will work out. I think the Turners’ is competitive but the Supreme probably has one stand out and then there is probably going to be plenty of others high up. He is very quick and will travel early doors and you normally need to stay two and a half to win a Supreme. He may be running there and if not, we will probably go for Martin Pipe. He is in good order. (Ben Pauling)

Form profile

130 rated chaser. Finished sixth, beaten 36 lengths, to O’Connell in a handicap chase at Sandown (3m) this month off a mark of 133 on his first outing for 420 days.

Trainer says

Pats Fancy will run at the Festival in either the Kim Muir of the Ultima. I know his form isn’t very inspiring, but he had a long time off and he needed that run at Sandown the other day. On old form he is well handicapped and if he does get in, I expect a good run. He has been working very well since his Sandown run and I expect him to come on a lot. (Rebecca Curtis)

Form profile

137 rated chaser. Fell on his chasing bow at Carlisle (2m 4f) in November and then failing b only a head behind Issam in a novices’ handicap chase at Exeter (2m 3f) in January off a mark of 132. Again runner-up, beaten a length and a half, to Lord Of Thunder in a similar event at Newbury (2m 7 1/2f) this month off a mark of 135.

Trainer says

He is a horse that I am very sweet on I think he was my standout from this morning’s work. I feel that we are just getting him where we want him. He fell at Carlisle and had to have six weeks off and wasn’t fit at Exeter. I still think he will improve for that run, and he is bucking and kicking, and he is in the two and a half mile novices’ handicap and the National Hunt Challenge Cup Novices’ Handicap. I think he will go over two and a half unless we got a lot of fine weather, and it dried out. He is a horse who hasn’t won over fences, but he took a while to win over hurdles as well and then was second in the EBF Final after winning at Ascot. I am very sweet on him. (Ben Pauling)

Form profile

145 rated hurdler. Impressed when winning his first four races over hurdles which included an 11-length victory from Valgrand in the Grade 2 Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham (2m 5f) in November and a two and a quarter length defeat of Miami Magic in the Grade 1 Formby Novices’ Hurdle at Aintree (2m 1f) on Boxing Day. Finished runner-up, beaten eight and a half lengths, to Sixmilebridge in another Grade 2 at Cheltenham (2m 4 1/2f) in January.

Trainer says

He is fine, and he worked well this morning. His form works out very good and we were disappointed to be beaten last time. He had two weeks break after that and he did a very good bit of work on Friday morning. I wouldn‘t swap him for any of the UK runners. The New Lion was very impressive, but we had Bill Joyce (third in the Challow) behind us. He is very versatile and falls asleep in his races and we can stick him wherever we want. I think he has a very good chance. He will definitely go for the Turners Novices’ Hurdle. (Nigel Twiston-Davies)

Form profile

145 rated chaser. Winner of the Plate Handicap Chase at Cheltenham (2m 4 1/2f) last March when beating Crebilly a length and a quarter off a mark of 143. Fell at the sixth on his reappearance in a handicap chase at Cheltenham (2m 4 1/2f) last December off a mark of 149 and subsequently fifth, beaten 17 lengths, to Le Milos in a Veterans’ Handicap Chase at Warwick (2m 4f) this month off a mark of 147.

Trainer says

He has been a bit of a slower burner this season. He obviously took a fall early in the season and we worked the horses in Lambourn this morning and he really shone and looked like he was his normal self. He tells you when he is ready so he was probably an unlikely runner in the Plate until this morning and we will have to work him in the week more seriously and see how we go. He will probably go for the Plate over the Ultima. (Ben Pauling)

Form profile

142 rated hurdler. Progressing nicely and completed a hat trick over hurdles when beating Potters Charm eight and a half lengths in a Grade 2 Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham (2m 4 1/2f) in January.

Trainer says

Hopefully, he will go back to Cheltenham and run very well in the Turners Novices’ Hurdle. It is very competitive obviously, but we will do our best. He is improving, is training very well and I am happy with him. (Fergal O’Brien)

Form profile

154 rated chaser. A winner twice this season and placed in two other outings. Returned to winning form on his latest start in a valuable handicap chase at Cheltenham on New Year’s Day when scoring by nine lengths from Marble Sands off a mark of 145.

Trainer says

It would depend on the going but I would say that two and a half would be far enough maybe and if it was soft and then if it was drying out, we might go the other way. We will see what the entries are like and decide at the last minute and see where the others go. He has been on and off, but he seems in good old form. He won well the last time but I think he may have been flattered as they went too fast, but they will probably go a good strong gallop which will suit him. (Jonjo & AJ O’Neill)

Form profile

131 rated hurdler. Returned to winning form when beating Pyffo half a length in a handicap hurdle at Doncaster (3m 1/2f) in December off a mark of 122 and followed up with a two and three quarter length success from Shanagh Bob in a Pertemps Qualifier at Huntingdon (3m 1f) in January off a mark of 125.

Trainer says

He would be the most likely of my two entries in the Pertemps, but he does want soft ground. He has won his last two and he was favourite for the Welsh Grand National last year, but things didn’t quite go right for him and it has taken awhile to get him back on track. He is qualified for the Pertemps and it’s the right race for him off a light weight. (Jamie Snowden)

Form profile

140 rated chaser. Gained a well-deserved victory when beating Leave Of Absence 24 lengths in a Grade 2 Novices’ Handicap Chase at Ascot (3m) this month off a mark of 138. Had previously finished runner-up in his three starts beforehand. Finished a length and a quarter behind Frero Banbou in the Rehearsal Chase at Newcastle (2m 7 1/2f) in November, beaten half a length by Victtorino in a Grade 3 Handicap Chase at Ascot in December off a mark of 135, two and a quarter lengths by Docpickedme in the Grade 3 Great Yorkshire Chase at Doncaster (3m) in January off a mark of 137.

Trainer says

He will run in the Ultima. He won last time and was finishing second in some decent handicaps all season and it did him good to get his head in front at Ascot. I wanted that to happen for the horse and he gets in off 10st 11lb. He is pretty versatile ground-wise and if we did have a dry couple of weeks that would be fine. (Joe Tizzard)

Form profile

136 rated chaser. Finished third, beaten six length, to The Kalooki Kid in a handicap chase at Musselburgh (2m 4 1/2f) this month off a mark of 137.

Trainer says

He has been taking on some good horses and he likes soft ground. I think two miles is his best trip even though he stays two and a half. (Peter Scudamore, assistant to Lucinda Russell)

Form profile

137 rated hurdler. Finished runner-up, beaten four and three quarter lengths, to The New Lion in the Grade 1 Challow Hurdle at Newbury (2m 4 1/2f) in December. Had an easy task when slamming Ailt An Chorrain seven and a half lengths in a novices’ hurdle at Wetherby (2m 3 1/2f) this month

Trainer says

Wendigo could go in the Albert Bartlett. He was obviously second in the Challow and has won a couple of novices so far. He stayed well in the Challow and got himself slightly outpaced entering the home straight and did all his best work entering the final furlongs. The step up to three miles looks sure to suit and he is the shortest of the English horses going into the race. He is a lovely young horse. (Jamie Snowden)

Form profile

136 rated chaser. Returned to winning form with a nine and a half length victory from Rock My Way in a novices’ handicap chase at Doncaster (3m) in January off a mark of 128.

Trainer says

He is running in the Grimthorpe at Doncaster on Saturday, and he won very well around Doncaster last time under Tom Bellamy. It’s a very good race and a good prize and if the Owners are still keen, we will look at the three mile two at Cheltenham. It’s only eleven days in between but we will see. (Nigel Twiston-Davies)

Form profile

136 rated chaser. Finished fifth, beaten 15 ¼ lengths, to Jagwar in the Timeform Novices’ Handicap Chase at Cheltenham (2m 4 1/2f) in January off a mark of 137 and had previously scored by three and three quarter lengths from Wasdell Dundalk in a handicap chase at Ayr (3m) off a mark of 130.

Trainer says

We have Whistle Stop tour in the Ultima and we like him. We took him to Cheltenham in January and he has had a nice preparation for the Ultima. He is a good as anything we have sent down there but you need a bit of luck. (Peter Scudamore, assistant to Lucinda Russell)

Form profile

Winner of three of his four bumpers and second in the other. Made a highly satisfying debut for the stable when having up by 14 lengths from Moneygarrow in a Listed bumper at Ascot in December.

Trainer says

The Champion Bumper has been the plan since Ascot. He put in a good performance at Ascot, and we are looking forward to Cheltenham. He is in great form, and it is going to be very competitive, but he goes there with a live chance. (David Pipe)