Super Sunday Selections: High-Stakes Action from Naas, Fontwell & Hereford!

Hobbyist Trixie Strategy
Bankroll Status
19th to 25th January 2025
Starting Bankroll £30 (28 days)
1st Top Up Bankroll £30 (10 days)
2nd Top Up Bankroll £30 23/2/25

Wk 1 £35 Wk 2 £32.01 Wk 3 -£18.12
Wk 4 £30.31 WK 5 £33.76

WEEK 6 £26.26 (2nd top-up)
Sun - -£7.50
Mon - £
Tue - £
Wed - £
Thrs - £
Fri - £
Sat - £

Note from Coldjack: Top-up time! £30 top-up is required! It has taken 38 days to blow through 60 quid—fantastic entertainment value and worth every penny. I hope for far more and there will be, when we go yet again!

Betfair Sportsbook odds placed at 10:42
Trixie @4 Lines
Will The Wise | Ami Bondhu | Jo Lescribaa
Stake £4.00 (4 x £1.00)
Returns £88.75 returned £nowt

(Each Way) Patent @14 Lines
Cap Du Nord | Heliko Conti | Bobalot
Stake £3.50 (14 x £0.25)
Returns £292.46 returned £nowt

Stakes £7.50 Winning £00.00 (P/L) losing £7.50
Modest returns for the 'Trickey Trixie'
Patent punting for the 'zsar bomba' of booms!
(1pt = £1 Pick Your Own Point Level & Runners)

Trixie & Patent Performance Analysis

Trixie Bet #1 (Low Risk)

💰 Selections: Jo Lescribaa, Will The Wise, Ami Bondhu
🔹 Results:

• Jo Lescribaa (16:40 Hereford) – ❌ 3rd (6/5fav)

• Will The Wise (15:50 Naas) – ✅ 1st (11/4fav)

• Ami Bondhu (16:00 Fontwell) – ❌ 2nd (4/1)

🔍 Assessment:

• One winner (Will The Wise) – returns were minimal or break-even.

• Jo Lescribaa failed to complete the hat-trick, finishing 3rd as the 6/5 favourite.

• Ami Bondhu ran well but found one too good.

📌 Key Takeaway: The low-risk strategy had one winner but wasn’t enough for a profit. Jo Lescribaa’s odds shortening suggested confidence but underperformed. This is a warning to be cautious of short-priced favourites in competitive handicaps.

Trixie Bet #2 (Higher Risk – Patent)

💰 Selections: Cap Du Nord, Heliko Conti, Bobalot
🔹 Results:

• Cap Du Nord (15:40 Hereford) – ❌ Unplaced (7/2)

• Heliko Conti (15:50 Naas) – ❌ Unplaced (15/2)

• Bobalot (16:00 Fontwell) – ❌ Pulled Up (11/2)

🔍 Assessment:

• All three selections failed to place.

• Bobalot PULLED UP, which is a major failure for the strategy.

• Cap Du Nord and Heliko Conti did not show up in highly competitive fields.

📌 Key Takeaway: The high-risk selections failed entirely. This suggests that the Patent bet needs a sharper focus on horses with stronger form over the trip and going.

Race-by-Race Breakdown

Naas (Ireland)

13:50 Naas – 1m7f Maiden Hurdle

✅ Pre-Race Pick: Kalix Delabarriere
🏆 Result: 1st (8/11fav)
🔍 Review: A strong performance, winning comfortably. Trainer indicated he’ll be even better on better ground, making him one to follow in spring festivals.

📌 Takeaway: The Pedigree Pick delivered. Betting favourite delivered as expected.

15:20 Naas – 1m7f Handicap Hurdle

✅ Pre-Race Pick: Duke Of Leggagh
🏆 Result: 1st (9/2)
🔍 Review: Bolted up and confirmed improvement, winning back-to-back. Trainer indicated Flat campaign likely next.

📌 Takeaway: Another winner, with the market holding value at 9/2.

15:50 Naas – 2m7f Handicap Hurdle

✅ Pre-Race Pick: Will The Wise
🏆 Result: 1st (11/4fav)
🔍 Review: Won well and has now qualified for the Pertemps Final, which should be his next target.

📌 Takeaway: Strongest selection of the day, confirming pre-race confidence.

Fontwell (UK)

14:30 Fontwell – 2m5f Handicap Chase

✅ Pre-Race Pick: Wellwillya
🏆 Result: 1st (7/1)
🔍 Review: Big price winner. Confirmed progression over fences.

📌 Takeaway: Massive value pick. Selections of improving chasers are working well.

16:00 Fontwell – 2m6f Handicap Hurdle

❌ Pre-Race Pick: Ami Bondhu
🥈 Result: 2nd (4/1)
🔍 Review: Ran well but was beaten by a stronger horse (Je Suis Sacre). Could be worth following in similar company.

📌 Takeaway: Good run, but no win.

❌ Pre-Race Pick: Bobalot
❌ Result: Pulled Up (11/2)
🔍 Review: Poor performance. Struggled and was pulled up, indicating something was amiss.

📌 Takeaway: Major disappointment. Needs watching for physical issues.

Hereford (UK)

16:40 Hereford – 3m1f Handicap Chase

❌ Pre-Race Pick: Jo Lescribaa
🥉 Result: 3rd (6/5fav)
🔍 Review: Well-backed favourite but faded in the closing stages. Backed too short?

📌 Takeaway: Overestimated chances. Should be noted if dropping back in trip.

Final Verdict – Areas to Improve

1️⃣ Trixie Selections – One solid winner (Will The Wise) but not enough for profit. Jo Lescribaa underperformed at short odds, showing why odds-on selections can be risky in handicaps.
2️⃣ Patent Selections – A total failure with Bobalot pulling up. This suggests a need to filter selections more carefully in tougher handicaps.
3️⃣ Strongest Picks Were the Handicappers – Duke Of Leggagh (9/2), Will The Wise (11/4), and Wellwillya (7/1) were top performers. Handicaps provided better value than short-priced favourites.
4️⃣ Pedigree Picks Were Spot On – Kalix Delabarriere was an easy winner.

Next Steps – Refinements for the Next Card

📌 Key Adjustments: ✅ Avoid backing short-priced horses in tough handicaps unless the market is overwhelmingly strong.
✅ Reassess Patent selections – recent form needs to be stronger.
✅ Focus more on improving handicappers – they produced the best results.

🔥 Conclusion: Mixed Day but Handicaps Held the Key! 🔥
While the Trixie and Patent underperformed, the handicap race selections were the stars, producing three winners. Next time, the strategy should lean more towards handicaps rather than relying on structured bets.

💰 Winners that paid well:

• Duke Of Leggagh (9/2)

• Will The Wise (11/4)

• Wellwillya (7/1)

• Kalix Delabarriere (8/11 fav, but dominant)

🔎 Going Forward: The structured bets failed this time, but the handicap-focused selections delivered great results. Refining the betting approach will lead to better profits next time! 🚀🏇💰

Pre-racing Predictions

🔥 Trixie Bet #1: The Consistency Play (Updated)

✅ Objective: Low-risk, high-probability selections with strong form and minimal downside risk.
💰 Bet Type: Trixie (3 Doubles + 1 Treble) – 4 total bets.

1️⃣ Jo Lescribaa (16:40 Hereford – 3m1f Handicap Chase)

• Trainer: Venetia Williams | Jockey: Charlie Deutsch

• Odds: ~2.40 (7/5)

• Form: 🥇🥇3 (Last three runs)

• Key Angle: Progressive young chaser going for a hat-trick. Won two staying chases (Uttoxeter & Chepstow, both heavy) and looks ahead of the handicapper despite an 8lb rise.

• Confidence Rating: ★★★★★

2️⃣ Will The Wise (15:50 Naas – 2m7f Handicap Hurdle)

• Trainer: Gavin Patrick Cromwell | Jockey: C. Stone-Walsh

• Odds: ~3.40 (12/5)

• Form: 🥇3 6 1 (Last five runs)

• Key Angle: Unexposed novice winner stepping into handicaps. Won a strong novice hurdle at Punchestown (2m6f, soft) last time, stays well and improving rapidly. Trainer excels with these types.

• Confidence Rating: ★★★★☆

3️⃣ Ami Bondhu (16:00 Fontwell – 2m6f Handicap Hurdle)

• Trainer: Nick Gifford | Jockey: James Davies

• Odds: ~7.00 (6/1)

• Form: 4️⃣ 3️⃣ 5️⃣ 8️⃣ 4️⃣ (Last five runs)

• Key Angle: Clearly has ability at this level and looks to be progressing steadily. Third at Lingfield over 2m in December and fourth at Market Rasen (2m4f) last time. Step up in trip should unlock more improvement.

• Confidence Rating: ★★★★☆

🔢 Expected Outcome Breakdown:

• Two winners: Recovers the stake or brings small profit.

• Three winners: Multiplies the stake significantly.

🚀 Trixie Bet #2: The All-Ways Patent (Higher-Risk Play)

✅ Objective: Higher odds but genuine contenders with potential for value plays.
💰 Bet Type: Patent (7 bets: 3 singles, 3 doubles, 1 treble)

1️⃣ Cap Du Nord (15:40 Hereford – 3m1f Handicap Chase)

• Trainer: Christian Williams | Jockey: Adam Wedge

• Odds: ~7.00 (6/1)

• Form: 5️⃣ 4️⃣ 8️⃣ 5️⃣ P (Last five runs)

• Key Angle: Peaks around this time of year (February/March specialist). Has won off a 7lb higher mark and finally dropped to a winnable rating.

• Confidence Rating: ★★★☆☆

2️⃣ Bobalot (16:00 Fontwell – 2m6f Handicap Hurdle)

• Trainer: Laura Horsfall | Jockey: K. Brogan

• Odds: ~6.50 (11/2)

• Form: 🥈6️⃣ 0️⃣ 5️⃣ P (Last five runs)

• Key Angle: Finished 2nd at Chepstow on stable debut last time. C&D winner and looks primed to build on that effort.

• Confidence Rating: ★★★★☆

3️⃣ Heliko Conti (15:50 Naas – 2m7f Handicap Hurdle)

• Trainer: Paul Nolan | Jockey: S. F. O’Keeffe

• Odds: ~8.50 (15/2)

• Form: 🥈7️⃣ 1️⃣4️⃣ 0️⃣ (Last five runs)

• Key Angle: Big improvement when stepped up to 3m last time. Strong finisher, stays all day, value at a price in a big field.

• Confidence Rating: ★★★☆☆

🔢 Expected Outcome Breakdown:

• One winner: Covers most of the stake.

• Two winners: Brings profit.

• All three: Major payday.

🔥 Trixie #1 (Low Risk) → Reliable, consistent winners.
🔥 Trixie #2 (Higher Risk) → Value selections that could return a big profit.

Best of luck – let’s cash these in! 🏇💰🔥

📌 Gamble Responsibly! Keep the wit sharp and the bets smarter—the universe still owes us all a winning streak! 😆🔥

Notes from AJ the Hobbyist: I'm waiting until much closer to off time to see which Hobby Picks (my denture has finally arrived 😆) are drifters or steamers, based on Betfair odds at the time of publishing and updated Timeform data.
Key Reminders:
Parading: Look for calm, focused horses with a good walk—avoid those sweating excessively or agitated.
Going Down: Smooth, controlled canter = positive. Overly keen or reluctant = caution.
At the Post: Composed behaviour signals readiness; restlessness, rearing, or sweating could be negatives.
Odds Market Sentiment:
Steamers (shortening odds): Positive market confidence, but watch for overbet favourites.
Drifters (lengthening odds): Could signal trainer/jockey concerns—or just market overreaction, offering value.
Keep emotions out—trust the data, the visuals, and the odds shifts. 🎯

Race-by-Race Predictions

Introducing the Pedigree Pick: A New Angle for Smarter Selections

For those following our daily race analysis, you’ll notice a new addition to our selections—The Pedigree Pick. This isn’t just about finding the best-bred horse on paper; it’s a strategic insight into which runners have the strongest bloodlines for today’s conditions.

How Does the Pedigree Pick Work?

Each day, we’ll highlight a runner whose breeding suggests hidden potential, untapped improvement, or suitability for the race conditions. This is based on:
✅ Sire/Dam Influence – Do they produce winners on today’s surface and trip?
✅ Progeny Trends – Has the family improved with racing experience?
✅ Under-the-Radar Value – If the clear best-bred horse is a short-priced favourite, we’ll find a well-bred contender at a bigger price.

How to Use It in Betting Decisions

🔹 If the Pedigree Pick is unexposed, it may outrun its odds—a great option for place markets or forecasts.
🔹 If it has proven ability, the pedigree can point to improvement—especially in maidens, novices, and handicaps.
🔹 If it’s a longer price, it may be worth a small each-way bet if conditions are in its favour.

We’re trialling this approach across UK, Irish, and U.S. racing to see where it offers the most value. Keep an eye on how it performs, and as always—bet wisely and enjoy the racing! 🏇🔥

🏇 13:50 Naas (1m7f Maiden Hurdle)

1️⃣ Kalix Delabarriere

Trainer: W. P. Mullins | Jockey: P. Townend
Pedigree: By Galiway out of Zayade (FR) – bred for stamina and versatility in soft conditions.
Key Form: Strong form profile, finishing an excellent 2nd of 14 at Naas (18.7f, heavy) last time, only narrowly beaten. Prior to that, 4th in a good novice hurdle at Leopardstown.
Why: Sets a high standard on the back of his recent runner-up effort, with the drop in trip unlikely to be an issue. The Mullins-Townend combination is in flying form, and the addition of a hood and tongue strap suggests further improvement is expected. Market confidence (1.75) underlines his strong claims.

2️⃣ Road To Home

Trainer: W. P. Mullins | Jockey: B. Hayes
Pedigree: By Gamut (IRE) out of Rosshill Opera (IRE) – suggests improvement over obstacles with time.
Key Form: Was running well on hurdles debut at this track before running out 2 out. Had previously won a bumper in good style at Listowel.
Why: Represents the same stable as the favourite and remains open to significant improvement. If he had completed last time, he might have pushed the winner close. The slight drop in trip should help him settle better, and he could be a big threat if keeping straight this time.

3️⃣ Walk On The Beach

Trainer: Joseph Patrick O'Brien | Jockey: Mr J. L. Gleeson
Pedigree: By Footstepsinthesand out of Rose Of Milana (IRE) – a flat-influenced pedigree, should suit the test of speed here.
Key Form: A winner of a competitive bumper at Killarney (17f, soft), showing good tactical speed and resilience.
Why: Making hurdles debut but brings solid bumper form to the table. Has a sharp turn of foot and, if he jumps fluently, could be involved for the places. Given the trainer’s strong record with hurdlers, he could surprise at fair odds.

🎯 Pedigree Pick: Son Of Anarchy

Trainer: Gordon Elliott | Jockey: M. P. Walsh
Pedigree: By Soldier Of Fortune (IRE) out of She's Got Grit (IRE) – should develop into a proper staying hurdler.
Key Form: Ran over 2m7f at Punchestown last time, finishing 6th in a deep contest. The big drop in trip today is a major tactical shift.
Why: With stamina assured, he could stay on late past beaten horses. If the stronger pace suits him, he might nick a place at double-figure odds.

🏇 14:30 Fontwell (2m5f Hcap Chs)

1️⃣ Celtic Ned

Trainer: Gary & Josh Moore | Jockey: N F Houlihan
Pedigree: By Well Chosen out of Belsalsa (FR) – a blend of speed and stamina ideally suited for chasing, with the pedigree to improve over fences.
Key Form: A fair hurdler with a modest chasing record but backed by solid physical attributes and an official rating of 96.
Why: Timeform tops his selection here, and despite an underwhelming start to his chasing career, his natural ability and pedigree suggest he can rise to the challenge today.

2️⃣ Leading Swoop

Trainer: Robert Walford | Jockey: Harry Kimber
Pedigree: By Leading Light (IRE) out of One Swoop (IRE) – offering a balanced mix of speed and staying power, well-suited to the test of 2m5f.
Key Form: A modest maiden hurdler/chaser who showed flashes despite a disappointing last run; a change of headgear could spark a return to form.
Why: With bits of his form intact and the potential to correct previous shortcomings, he’s well placed to post a close second if he harnesses his current mark.

3️⃣ Wellwillya

Trainer: Helen Nelmes | Jockey: Brendan Powell
Pedigree: By Universal (IRE) out of Mons Meg – bred to handle the rigours of chasing with a blend of toughness and tactical speed.
Key Form: Stepped up impressively on chasing bow at Exeter, showing a marked improvement and a consistent touch in his recent runs.
Why: His upward trajectory and the ability to run on strongly make him a smart each-way contender for a third-place finish.

🎯 Pedigree Pick: Doc Mccoy

Trainer: Tom Buckley | Jockey: (as provided)
Pedigree: By Getaway (GER) out of Salvatrice (IRE) – a top-notch combination that promises both grit and class over fences.
Key Form: An impressive winner on his sole start in points and a successful return to hurdling, his form suggests untapped potential with the added benefit of headgear.
Why: Selected for his superior breeding and the potential to blossom under the right conditions, Doc Mccoy offers an attractive pedigree alternative at a price that could deliver strong value.

🏇 15:20 Naas (1m7f Handicap Hurdle)

1️⃣ Duke Of Leggagh

Trainer: Michael Mulvany | Jockey: Patrick Michael O'Brien
Pedigree: By Tough As Nails (IRE) out of Lucky Beguine (IRE) – combines durability with a strong turn of foot, well suited to fast-run handicap hurdles.
Key Form: Won here over 15.7f (good to soft) just 15 days ago, outbattling rivals in a gutsy finish. Prior to that, a solid 3rd in a 12-runner handicap at Fairyhouse (2m, soft).
Why: Comes into this at peak fitness and is thriving over hurdles, showing progressive form. The track and trip suit, and the way he dug deep to win last time suggests he’s tough to pass when in front. With the experience of winning here already, he rates a strong contender to double up.

2️⃣ Kimy

Trainer: Thomas Mullins | Jockey: J. Coen
Pedigree: By Barastraight out of Minimiss (FR) – an improving type who should continue to develop over hurdles.
Key Form: A fast-finishing 2nd of 19 at Leopardstown (18f, good to soft) last time at huge odds (28/1), suggesting a handicap win is not far away. Previously won a Tramore novice hurdle in September.
Why: That latest runner-up effort proved she’s on the up and handles big-field handicaps well. Down in trip slightly today, but her stamina could be an asset late on, making her a serious challenger in the closing stages.

3️⃣ Balko Dange

Trainer: Philip Fenton | Jockey: Niall Moore
Pedigree: By Balko (FR) out of Rue Cler (FR) – a pedigree full of staying influence but capable of speed when needed.
Key Form: Winner at Limerick in December (2m, soft) before a narrow 2nd at Punchestown over 19.4f (soft) last time out, travelling well throughout.
Why: Back down in trip, but has enough tactical pace to be competitive. He travels strongly in his races, and if he gets a good early position, he should be in contention jumping the last.

🎯 Pedigree Pick: Captains Nephew

Trainer: P. J. Rothwell | Jockey: T. Power Roche
Pedigree: By Mahler out of Drumbug (IRE) – strong staying influence, suggesting improvement over obstacles is likely.
Key Form: More experienced over fences but has switched back to hurdles, most recently 6th in a Leopardstown handicap chase (2m1f, good to soft).
Why: Back in the right discipline today, and his chasing experience should help his jumping efficiency over hurdles. If he travels well and jumps slickly, he’s got the stamina to run past tired rivals late on.

🏇 15:40 Hereford (3m1f Handicap Chase)

1️⃣ Cap Du Nord

Trainer: Christian Williams | Jockey: Adam Wedge
Pedigree: By Voix Du Nord (FR) out of Qualite Controlee (FR) – a strong national hunt pedigree with proven staying ability.
Key Form: A dual chase winner in 2024, including a Plumpton and Perth success off a 7lb higher mark. His form this season has been underwhelming, but he’s known for peaking around this time of year (six wins in February/March).
Why: The handicapper has dropped him to a dangerous mark, and his seasonal pattern suggests he comes alive in these months. With the yard finding winners again, he looks a smart value selection to bounce back.

2️⃣ Champagnesuperover

Trainer: Olly Murphy | Jockey: Sean Bowen
Pedigree: By Jeremy (USA) out of Meldrum Hall (IRE) – a mix of speed and stamina, with a versatile staying profile.
Key Form: A two-time chase winner at 3m, lightly raced since but was travelling strongly when unseating at Catterick last time. Prior to that, he was 3rd at Leicester over 2m4f (soft) and had fallen when looking dangerous at Southwell.
Why: He has clearly retained ability and was going well before his untimely exit last time. This is a weaker race, and if he gets into a rhythm, he’s a big danger to all off the same mark.

3️⃣ Lagonda

Trainer: Venetia Williams | Jockey: Shane Quinlan
Pedigree: By Great Pretender (IRE) out of Lago D’oro – a staying pedigree with stamina built into the bloodline.
Key Form: Gained a breakthrough chasing win at Bangor (3m, heavy) 16 days ago, having been knocking on the door prior to that. Consistent, with placed efforts at Hereford and Wincanton this season.
Why: Jumps well from the front, and Venetia Williams’ horses are always tough in these conditions. If she can dictate the pace, she will be hard to peg back.

🎯 Pedigree Pick: Almazhar Garde

Trainer: Charlie Longsdon | Jockey: Paul O’Brien
Pedigree: By Kapgarde (FR) out of Loin De Moi (FR) – bred to be a long-distance chaser.
Key Form: A model of consistency this season, with four runner-up finishes in a row. Placed in good-quality chases at Leicester, Kempton, and Worcester before taking a break.
Why: Although not the strongest finisher, his consistency makes him reliable, and he has the class to be competitive if fresh. He might just find one or two stronger late on, but he’s a solid each-way option.

🏇 15:50 Naas (2m7f Handicap Hurdle)

1️⃣ Bridie's Beau

Trainer: Gavin Patrick Cromwell | Jockey: K. C. Sexton
Pedigree: By Blue Bresil (FR) out of Jessber’s Dream (IRE) – stamina bred into his pedigree, thriving under testing conditions.
Key Form: Two wins in a row – won a big 20-runner handicap hurdle at Gowran (19.8f, heavy) just 8 days ago despite a 14lb rise. Prior to that, bolted up in a 17-runner Punchestown handicap hurdle (2m3½f, heavy).
Why: Red-hot form and has defied the handicapper before. There’s more to come over this trip, and despite another 9lb rise, he’s still improving.

2️⃣ Will The Wise

Trainer: Gavin Patrick Cromwell | Jockey: C. Stone-Walsh
Pedigree: By Well Chosen out of Now Were Broke (IRE) – an unexposed stayer.
Key Form: Novice hurdle winner at Punchestown (2m6f, soft) last time when only nudged out to score comfortably. Third at Limerick over 2m5f prior, shaping like a strong stayer.
Why: Handicap debutant stepping up in trip, which should unlock further improvement. His trainer does well with these types, and with a light racing weight (11st), he is a big danger.

3️⃣ Heliko Conti

Trainer: Paul Nolan | Jockey: S. F. O’Keeffe
Pedigree: By Lauro (GER) out of Sonate Du Rheu (FR) – a genuine stayer with deep stamina roots.
Key Form: Massive improvement when stepped up to 3m at Gowran (heavy), finishing second in a big-field handicap. Prior to that, his shorter trips weren’t suitable.
Why: The step up in trip has transformed him, and if the ground stays soft, he’ll be a strong closer. Could hit the frame at a big price.

🎯 Wildcard Pick: Senior Chief

Trainer: Henry de Bromhead | Jockey: Rachael Blackmore
Pedigree: By Gentlewave (IRE) out of Absalom’s Girl – a chaser with proven staying ability.
Key Form: Won at Cheltenham over fences before a solid 6th in a 3m1f handicap chase at Newbury. This is his handicap hurdle debut, and he could be very well treated off 135.
Why: Back over hurdles after a chase campaign, and if he’s fit and ready, he’s classy enough to take this. Watch the market!

🏇 16:00 Fontwell (2m6f Handicap Hurdle)

1️⃣ Ami Bondhu

Trainer: Nick Gifford | Jockey: James Davies
Pedigree: By Choeur Du Nord (FR) out of Rogation (FR) – stamina-influenced bloodline.
Key Form: Bumper winner who has shown promise since switching to handicaps – third at Lingfield over 2m in December and fourth at Market Rasen (2m4f) last time.
Why: Clearly has ability at this level and looks to be progressing steadily. The step up in trip could be key in unlocking a breakthrough win.

2️⃣ Lightonthewing

Trainer: Susan Gardner | Jockey: Lucy Gardner
Pedigree: By Winged Love (IRE) out of Neat ‘n Nimble – a galloper with a staying profile.
Key Form: Course winner who bounced back to form last time with a strong front-running win at Chepstow (2m7½f, Heavy).
Why: Only one in this field to have won this season – that makes him stand out. Drop in trip isn’t ideal, but confidence should be high after his dominant display last time.

3️⃣ Bobalot

Trainer: Laura Horsfall | Jockey: K. Brogan
Pedigree: By Camelot out of Riva Snows (IRE) – Flat pedigree with some jumping ability.
Key Form: C&D winner who returned to form on first start for this stable when second at Chepstow (2m3½f, heavy) last time.
Why: If he backs that up over this longer trip, he’s one of the more likely winners in a weak field.

🎯 Wildcard Pick: Nowyouvebinandunit

Trainer: Neil Mulholland | Jockey: C. O’Farrell
Pedigree: By Roderic O’Connor (IRE) out of Oceana Blue – Flat-bred with stamina questions.
Key Form: Placed over hurdles in 2023 but below form on return after 16 months off at Uttoxeter.
Why: If there's market support, take note – Mulholland’s horses improve massively from first run back. Could spring a surprise if sharper now.

🏇 16:40 Hereford (3m1f Handicap Chase)

1️⃣ Jo Lescribaa

Trainer: Venetia Williams | Jockey: Charlie Deutsch
Pedigree: By Tin Horse (IRE) out of Violaine (FR) – stamina-rich background.
Key Form: Improving young chaser, back-to-back wins at Uttoxeter & Chepstow (both 3m on heavy ground).
Why: Progressive profile, yard in flying form, and still looks ahead of the handicapper despite an 8lb rise.

2️⃣ Minniemum

Trainer: Henry Daly | Jockey: Stan Sheppard
Pedigree: By Telescope (IRE) out of Mighty Minnie – staying pedigree.
Key Form: Third over hurdles at Warwick last time (3m1f, GS). Unexposed over fences and could improve.
Why: Stable does well with staying chasers. Debut over fences but has the right profile for this test.

3️⃣ Iron Dex

Trainer: Sheila Lewis | Jockey: Sean Houlihan
Pedigree: By Jeu St Eloi (FR) out of Soiree D'ex (FR) – a stamina-influenced French line.
Key Form: Winning chase debut at Ludlow in October, placed twice since at this level.
Why: Consistent and solid stayer, should give another good account.

🎯 Wildcard Pick: Shillanavogy

Trainer: Warren Greatrex | Jockey: James Bowen
Pedigree: By Soldier Of Fortune (IRE) out of Lady Azamour (IRE) – quality NH breeding.
Key Form: Won at Fontwell (2m5½f, Soft) in December, but below par at Wincanton last time.
Why: Capable of bouncing back and has stamina in his pedigree to improve at this trip.

"May you never be a penny short of a full wallet."

ChatGPT said:

Now that is a blessing I’ll gladly take! 🙌 May your accas always land, your favourites stay strong, and your pint never run dry on a good race day. 🍻🏇💰

Keep the wit sharp and the bets smarter—the universe still owes us all a winning streak! 😆🔥