Worcester - Sun 23 Aug 2026
AXEL BLEUE has stepped forward on his last couple of starts over fences, with a C&D success followed by a narrow defeat here. A recent wind operation is unlikely to do his claims any harm. The hat-trick seeking Gata Ban is likely to enter the reckoning once again, while Camino Rocio has to be of interest on stable debut for Dan Skelton.
AT THE OCHE hit the bullseye on his chasing bow at Uttoxeter when doing particularly well to recover from a bad mistake at a crucial stage. Despite a 9lb rise for that success, it wouldn't be a surprise if the five-year-old had plenty of improvement to come in this sphere. Pep Talking also won last time at the Midlands venue and is respected, along with Little Ledgend, who makes his first appearance over the larger obstacles.
TURBOGEIST displayed a fair amount of promise when second over C&D on his racecourse debut and that experience is unlikely to be lost on him returning from a three-month absence. Things didn't quite go as expected for Stratford winner Thetype Istitle at Uttoxeter last month but the booking of Harry Cobden is significant and she may well bounce back. Newcomers Delulu and Pedro's Moon appeal most of the remainder.
Although the 124-rated Whinney Hill would take all the beating if running to his best form, he has plenty to prove on his stable/British debut. With that in mind it may pay to look elsewhere, with fellow ex-Irish recruit THISCOULDBETHEONE topping the bill. Now under the tutelage of Henry Oliver, the five-year-old was last seen finishing third at Tramore and a similar performance may suffice. Down To Business is feared most on the back of a wind procedure, ahead of Network Gold.
The hat-trick seeking Cawthorne Banker merits plenty of respect given his current vein of form and he's fancied to confirm his superiority over reopposing runner-up Ocean Heights, despite the latter being 4lb better off. However, it could be worth chancing the returning GRAECIA, who scored over C&D on her last visit to this track and may have been freshened up by a break. Playful Fox and the unexposed Network Rgb are others of interest.
Dream Diamond has proved expensive to follow since scoring over 2m here last August, for all that he's posted some creditable efforts in defeat this summer. A 1lb ease in the ratings can only help the six-year-old, but handicap debutant TROUVILLE is open to more improvement. Olly Murphy's inmate wasn't disgraced shouldering a 7lb penalty when fourth on his most recent outing at Uttoxeter and this step up in distance is forecast to suit. The hat-trick seeking Harry is a feasible alternative.
Having been knocking on the door in maiden company, an opening mark of 100 could see DIAMOND WHITE shedding her maiden tag. The third from her latest runner-up effort at Newton Abbot subsequently won here and the O'Neills' mare looks nicely treated. Mya Du Clos posted her best effort to date when finishing second at Uttoxeter 71 days ago and she may serve the most resistance to the selection, ahead of Kylenoe Dancer
ARTISTE D'AINAY does face competition for the lead but if he's able to get there he could prove tough to peg back. He impressed with his jumping when an emphatic winner on his last chase start on fast ground and he looks well treated off 9lb higher. Gaelic Rambler has proven frustrating but his latest placed effort looks strong form. His best hurdles form came over this longer trip so he looks the biggest threat despite his maiden status. Billy Boi Blue bounced back to form over hurdles last time and remains well treated on his old efforts. He is unexposed over fences and could pose a threat.
AT THE OCHE was a cosy winner over 2 1/2m on his chase debut and is expected to defy a 9lb rise. The runner up has boosted the form and he stayed up to 3m over hurdles so should be suited by this stiff track. The same can be said of Little Ledgend who proved a touch frustrating over hurdles but arrives in form and on a fair mark for his chase debut. He can chase the selection home ahead of the steadily progressive Pep Talking who continues to creep up the weights.
TURBOGEIST flew home when the penny dropped over C&D first time out and is picked to build on that here. His greatest threats may be a pair of newcomers from top yards which get plenty of first time out winners in this sphere. Pedro's Moon's dam was successful over hurdles and fences while Delulu's dam was a multiple point winner. Any market support for either would be notable.
The consistent DOWN TO BUSINESS will find this much easier than his winter assignments and can make a winning return following a wind op. His penultimate form has been franked in the Fred Winter and he should be suited by the quicker surface. Multiple Flat winner Fervent went too fast on debut and was beaten when falling but he can do much better if ridden more conservatively. He is selected to fill the places with Happy Chandler another Flat winner who shaped well here first time out over hurdles.
Tough to call but the verdict goes to RAFFLES NOBU who has been in good form over slightly further and will appreciate the stiff track dropping in trip. The recent runs have proven his effectiveness on a quicker surface and he remains well treated on his old French form. Multiple Flat winner Ocean Heights is yet to taste victory in this discipline but he arrives in good form and his latest run is worth marking up as he wound it up too soon. He can pose a big challenge along with hat trick seeker Cawthorne Banker who would appreciate a stiff test.
Useful Flat performer TROUVILLE has looked a stayer in the discipline and should relish the step up in trip on his handicap debut. His course win has been boosted and his opening mark looks lenient judged on his latest novice run. Letterston Lily was unsuited by the drop to 2m last time but she proved she retained her ability with a previous victory. He looks the chief threat ahead of Dream Diamond who has held his form well since a stable debut victory which has been boosted.
DIAMOND WHITE can defy top weight on her handicap debut. She proved steadily progressive in maidens despite some wayward jumping and has been given a lenient opening mark. She has shaped as if this step up in trip would suit and is chosen to defeat in form Kylenoe Dancer whose recent run here has been boosted. La Lolita needed the run last time but is on a fair mark judged on her novice form. She can fill the places on favourable good ground.
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