Denostin

No Big Deal is a 5-to gelding trained by Charles O'Brien and owned by JnP McManus. He runs today off a mark of 92 with conditional Calum Hogan taking off a valuable 7 lb in a week handicap hurdle. He has been showing consistent form and has finished 2-1-4 in his last three starts. His runner-up finish at Roscommon (2/16) reads well in the context of this race when beaten 3.25 lengths by Hope She Flies, rated 84, who has since won again and is now rated some 17 lb higher. The 3/16 Spanish John, some 5 lengths behind, has since won on the flat and has finished a very respectable 4/21 in a handicap hurdle. He handles today's ground and track, having finished runner-up over 2m 1½f in a Clonmel handicap. A repeat of his form shown at Roscommon, behind a progressive Hope She Flies, should see No Big Deal, off a mark of 92, figure in today's contest.

Barrakilla Vage is a 6yo gelding trained by Edward F. Power. He makes his hurdles debut in a first-time hood and tongue-tie combination. He has run in PTP and bumpers, posting a career-high RPR of 102. He is out of a dam that won a 26-runner maiden hurdle at Navan, posting a career-high RPR of 120, which suggests Barrakilla Vage may possess some latent ability. On balance, he is probably one for handicap hurdles down the line. Nonetheless, he does represent a new start-up yard in Edward F. Power, who is 6/33 wins and 3/12 wins and 5/12 placed in hurdle races. A maiden hurdle debut in new headgear for a little-known yard appeals and he could surprise.

Maxxum is an 8-year-old gelding trained by Gordon Elliott and deserves his place in this contest. He is a winner of 8 of 29 races, opening on an official mark of 93 and running today off a career-high mark of 153. He is a course-and-distance winner of a Grade 2 hurdle here back in April. He is a battle-hardened horse who finds a way to win, having won three 20+ big-field handicaps. It may be foolish to let Maxxum loose at the front in this small field, as he can race prominently and reach the winning post earlier than expected.

A chance is taken with the 5yo gelding Gameball, who remains unbeaten after two starts and posted a career-high RPR on his last start at Punchestown, beating O'Reilly by 6l and Kovanis (Gordon Elliott) by 10.25l. Kovanis has since won a maiden hurdle at Clonmel, beating a 129-rated horse by 5l. Gameball should be open to further improvement. If he improves as much as Kovanis, who improved some 14 lb on RPR figures, Gameball could be kicking around 140 and can give Koktail Brut something to think about in the closing stages, particularly with rider Darragh O'Keeffe riding better than ever this year.

Fortunedefortunata is an 8yo gelding trained by Gordon Elliott and ridden by Jordan Gainford. He wears blinkers for the very first time off a mark of 126. Fortunedefortunata has put up some good efforts at Navan, Galway, Punchestown, Leopardstown and Fairyhouse, and is trip- and ground-versatile. He's capable in this grade, having won a Listed handicap chase over 3m 3f off 120, and has form at Fairyhouse, finishing a good 2/8 in a handicap hurdle back in January off 125 on today's yielding to soft ground. Gordon Elliott thrives in this type of contest, and his 8yo gelding should be competitive off the current mark, potentially reproducing some of his best early-season form.

Positive Thinker is an 8yo gelding trained by Michael J. McDonagh. He has been lightly raced since 2023 with just seven outings but has some decent form on the book, running well at Fairyhouse, Down Royal and Navan in three consecutive starts over 3m trips on soft and heavy ground from December 2023 through February 2024. He has run with distinction in Listed handicap chases at Naas and Cork, the latter being the Cork National over 3m 4f. He will have benefitted from his recent pipe-opener over hurdles after a 371-day break, and this race has likely been his goal for some time. Put in a CFC with Fortunedefortunata History Of Fashion and Verdant Place.

A chance is taken with the Ryan Potter-trained Psychologicaldrama, who makes her hurdles debut under Stan Sheppard. She is a fourth foal related to two winning hurdlers and is out of a dam called Down Ace, a 128-rated mare who won 6 of 19 starts, including a bumper debut at Cheltenham and a maiden hurdle at Uttoxeter. She is sired by Telescope, who has produced 106 winners in the National Hunt sphere. All this suggests Psychologicaldrama could put up a bold showing and potentially surprise the two main market protagonists.

Junker d'Allier is a 6yo gelding trained by Olly Murphy and owned by the prolific Mrs Diana L. Whateley. He will have a big task on his hands trying to overcome the promising chasing debutante Juby Ball. However, his form over hurdles is comparable, being officially rated 2 lb inferior over hurdles on 126. Junker d'Allier is French-bred, so chasing should be his game, and he can capitalise on Juby Ball's lack of fitness, not having had a decent run. Junker d'Allier didn't set the world alight on his chasing debut back in October but still posted a reasonable RPR of 123 when finishing 4/5 at Uttoxeter behind Lump Sum (RPR 149) and Jax Junior (139), who has won since. Junker d'Allier wasn't unfancied in that hot contest at 9-2, so he was clearly expected to have a future. His fitness advantage today as a distance and course winner, combined with Gavin Sheehan riding, can win the day over Juby Ball.

Adrienne is a 3yo filly trained by T. M. Walsh. She won well on her second hurdles start over CD, beating one of today's rivals, I'll Be Handy, by 4.5 lengths, going clear and running on well late. She was backed; defeat was out of the question, 9-4 into 6-4f. She is taken to continue improving for a yard who are 20/96 winners with last-time-out winners in the NH sphere. When he has a winner, they are usually above average.

Eire Street is an 8yo gelding trained by Jackie Stephen. He makes his second appearance after a 277-day break and goes in first-time cheekpieces. This once-progressive hurdler finished 1-1-2 in early 2024 and rose some 19 lb in the handicap. He also landed a course win and stays further, winning twice on heavy ground, so conditions suit. He is 1 lb below his excellent 2/16 at Kelso, where he was beaten 1.25 lengths by (sent off 3-1f) Kingston Bridge, who won off a 6 lb higher mark at Hexham two starts later, on soft ground in a class 2 handicap. If fit and well, this gelding, sired by the top-class Flemenstar, could resume winning ways today under Dylan Johnston, who is having an excellent season: 17/78 wins and 12/51 wins over hurdles.

Binge Worthy is a lightly raced 7-year-old gelding with just 10 starts, trained by Gordon Elliott. He's 2/7 over hurdles and won after a 206-day break on soft ground at Punchestown, posting a career-high RPR of 123. He is 0-2 chasing but has posted an RPR of 120 and was sent off as short as 5/2 against two smart horses behind Pied Piper (146). Binge Worthy has an inexperienced 7 lb conditional on board with 1/4 wins, but she won on 16/1 (Flashaway) in a 22-runner contest on the penultimate start, leading early and in the vanguard for much of the race. She will be full of confidence. Binge Worthy looks the type to improve given his unexposed chasing profile.

Chosen Diamond is a 9yo gelding trained by Edward Cawley. He is 2/22 wins and has put up some good efforts, finishing 1-F-2-1 at top tracks such as Naas, Navan, and Fairyhouse since being sent chasing. He was unlucky not to win at Navan in January 2024 when falling when challenging at the last. He is a course winner who is seemingly ground versatile and unexposed over today's 2m 5f trip, which should eke out some improvement given the manner of victory at Fairyhouse. He won off 92 on his novice handicap chase debut after a 232-day break. Today's mark of 93 and 9st 13lb with Sarah Kavanagh on board suggests he has a huge chance. Put in an RFC with Binge Worthy.

Electric Bass is a 3yo gelding trained by Roger Teal and deserves to get his head in front after a series of close misses. He has the capable assistance of Jack Mitchell, who had only two booked rides and is 44/275 wins for Roger Teal, showing a LSP of £82.71. He was demoted to second after dead-heating at Kempton last time, posting a career-high RPR of 64.

Peregrine Falcon is a 3yo filly trained by Patrick Morris. She is a 9-race maiden, but the conditions are no problem. She's reliable enough and makes her British handicap debut off a mark of 65. She has posted a career-high RPR of 76. Billy Loughnane rides a horse who is familiar with Wolverhampton, having run consistently well in five UK career starts.

Pearly Squirrel is a 3yo filly making her stable debut for David Loughnane. She sits 2 lb below her last winning mark of 65 and runs off 61. She remains unexposed on the AW surface with just one start and is in good hands with an owner, Jamie Locke, who is 20/177 wins with David Loughnane, showing an LSP of £12.77. Jamie Locke is 19/141 at Wolverhampton, amassing an LSP of £47.58.

Simply Blue is a 3yo gelding trained by James Owen. He makes his third start for the stable in a first-time visor. He is a CD winner for David Loughnane just three starts back, beating Star Of Mali, who won on her next start posting an RPR of 80. A repeat of that win over CD off just a 3 lb higher mark looks plausible, given he's posted a career-high RPR of 80 and James Owen has a habit of getting the best out of stable switchers.

Forever Noah is a 4yo gelding trained by Joey Ramsden. He makes his second start for the stable, having left the Roger Varian yard. He would have needed that run after a 157-day break. He runs off a career-low handicap mark of 55 and has posted a career-high RPR of 67. He is 0-10 and badly drawn, but given the fact he's turned out quickly suggests he's well in himself. Related to five individual winners, he could find his feet in this low-grade Class 6 handicap.

Opal Storm is a 5yo gelding trained by Brian Rothwell. He was turned out quickly after being beaten 4L on his last start, having been hampered at the start. He's a three-time winner, last winning off a mark of 59 with Aiden Brookes' 3 lb claim. He takes his chance today off 52 with Aiden Brookes' 3 lb claim. 5f has been his trip, winning three Class 5 handicaps over 5f, and today's Class 6 over 6f off 52 could bring about some improvement at a working man's price of 33-1.

Hot Fuss is a 4yo gelding trained by Tim Dascombe. He runs today off a featherweight of just 10st 9lb. He is a useful dual-purpose horse who is surprisingly only 3/20 in wins. He's posted a career-high RPR of 96 on the flat, which usually translates to a hurdles rating of around 136??"140, yet he runs today off a mark of 124. There could be more to come, being unexposed over hurdles with just four starts. He shaped well on his last start at the Cheltenham Festival, finishing 4/22 on handicap hurdle debut, beaten just 6l despite being hampered and leading 3 out before being headed before the last. Given his proximity to the pace in a big-field handicap, he showed a lot of maturity. Today's smaller field, combined with suitable conditions and having won over today's trip on soft ground, means Hot Fuss's chances of success shouldn't be underestimated. He may make all the running and use his flat speed off the home turn to put his rivals under pressure.

Personal Ambition is a 6yo gelding trained by Ben Pauling and ridden by Ben Jones. He ran respectably at Carlisle, then returned to hurdles on reappearance and has the form to play a big part in proceedings. He is 3/6 over hurdles and remains unexposed over today’s trip. He looks reasonably well handicapped back over hurdles on 130, having posted a career-high RPR of 140 in a Grade 2 novice chase at Ascot, beaten 2.5 lengths behind the extremely useful Mark of Gold (level weights). Mark of Gold has since won at Exeter and Sandown and has posted a career-high RPR of 154. Personal Ambition runs off 130 and could be chucked in on that evidence. His recent 4/11 at Carlisle also reads well, having led for much of the contest and only headed at the last, beaten 4 lengths; that was after a 232-day break in a Class 2. He could potentially get an easy lead up front, his jumping can be seen to good effect, and he looks to have been found a good opportunity today in this valuable handicap for a yard and jockey who are becoming a lethal combination on big race days.

The previous five runnings of this race have gone to the favourite. They have all been super smart and all come from top yards: Paul Nicholls (3), and wins coming from the Nicky Henderson and Dan Skelton yards. This year's renewal is more open than previous years. The Nicky Henderson-trained Buddy Holly and Paul Nicholls' Grand Garcon are of interest given his recent exploits at Chepstow. That form translates well to Newbury, with 3 of the previous 5 winners of this contest either winning at Chepstow or finishing a close runner-up in their last start. Buddy Holly looks the obvious choice ??" 7/21 in a hot Punchestown bumper ??" and makes his stable debut for Nicky Henderson and top owners Mrs Paul Shanahan & Mrs John Magnier. He's out of an unraced dam related to the super smart Pettifour, a 160-rated hurdler trained by Nigel Twiston-Davies. Buddy Holly is likely to be well above average given the history of this race, with the likes of Stage Star, Bravemansgame, Jingko Blue and The New Lion taking the honours. Buddy Holly can't be missed today. Put in an RFC with Grand Garcon.

Course form in this race seems to be key, with 3 of the last 4 runnings being won by course winners, and all 4 having run at Newbury in one of their last 2 starts. Two of the last 4 winners were making either their first start after a 200+ day absence (Wiseguy in this race last year and Kapcourse). Two of the last 4 winners had a decent run in November and either won (Inch House) or finished runner-up in their last start (Zanza). As expected, there are about five with a chance, all priced 5/1 to 8/1, but I'm going to side with Wiseguy, who won this race last year off just a 2 lb lower mark after a lengthy absence and dug deep to win grittily, having led and been headed in the closing stages on today's good to soft ground. Nicky Henderson's yard are firing and Wiseguy can get the better of Scarface and Eyed. Put all in a CFC.

A chance is taken with the Dan Skelton-trained Sheezer Dancer, a French-bred filly who was clearly in need of the run on her hurdles debut (9-1 to 20-1) when finishing a never-dangerous 6/13, beaten 9.75l in a Class 2 hurdle at Newbury. That run was full of promise, and her pedigree suggests there is more to come. She is a second foal to run over hurdles and a half-sister to the useful French-trained Plougala, a six-time winner who posted a career-high RPR of 140. Sheezer Dancer is out of a once-raced dam who was a half-sister to the 155-rated, Paul Nicholls-trained Aerial (6/33 wins). With the normal expected level of improvement from a hurdles debut after a 203-day absence, Sheezer Dancer could be a fly in the ointment in a race that doesn't seem to have the strength in depth of the previous three runnings, all won by hot favourites who had all won their last start. Incidentally, 3/5 recent winners of this race had previously run at Newbury, so course form could be a big positive.

Diamond Ri is a 6yo gelding trained by Joe Tizzard and ridden by Brendan Powell. The in-form duo make his handicap hurdle debut off what looks like a fair opening mark of 128 given his recent form, finishing 2/7 behind Peaky Boy by 2.25l at Cheltenham on level weights. Peaky Boy is now rated 139 and has posted a career-high RPR of 145, so Diamond Ri clearly looks well treated. His pedigree also backs this notion, being a half-brother to three individual winners who posted career-high RPRs of 143, 144 and 159. He's likely to become a better chaser in the long term, being French-bred, but looks to have enough ability to make his presence felt in today's company.

Crest Of Fortune is a consistent 5yo gelding trained by Anthony Honeyball. He finished a creditable second in a 2m4f handicap at Cheltenham on chase debut, posting a career-high RPR of 141. That came after a 204-day absence, and he should strip fitter today. He has a lovely pedigree, being related to three smart horses, and is out of a French-bred dam who was a half-sister to Marello (11/15 wins), rated as high as 164. Crest Of Fortune is in good hands and should possess enough potential now back in novice company to make a big impression on just his second start as a chaser.

Koapey is a 5-year-old gelding trained by Warren Greatrex and has the capable assistance of James Bowen. He is nothing if not consistent, not finishing out of the top two in five starts and just needs something to click. Runner-up on chase debut at Uttoxeter and having had wind surgery after a 204-day break, he was beaten 5 lengths by Mister Cessna, rated 125 (received 5 lb), who has since bumped into a smart chasing prospect. Excelero, rated 128, is entitled to come on leaps and bounds for that opening salvo over the bigger obstacles. He is French-bred and built for this game. He represents a partnership between Warren Greatrex and James Bowen, who do particularly well when combining (53/304) wins, and it will be extremely difficult to keep Koapey out of the frame on just his second start as a chaser off a mark of 119, which may have some wiggle room.

Ride Like A Girl is a 4-year-old filly trained by Jamie Snowden and ridden by Gavin Sheehan. She has run with credit in her last two starts, arguably against stronger company, beaten 7.25 lengths on her penultimate start by Hamlet's Night (115), now rated 133. Beau Quali (116), 1.25 lengths ahead, won next time out and is now rated 121. The 4/7 Jet Of Dreams is a five-time winner, and the 5/7 Squeezebox (RPR 108) won on the next start. Ride Like A Girl was then sent off 4/9f over CD and got beaten 8.5 lengths by Ninna Collina (RPR 92), a horse who has won again since and is now rated 114. The form looks strong, and Ride Like A Girl should take care of today's opposition for a yard and a jockey who have both been knocking the lights out of late. She is my short-priced banker of the day.

Collingham is a 7-year-old gelding trained by Jake Thomas Coulson. He heads the weights off 12st and 105 and 11st 9lb and 98, with the useful amateur Mr. Huw Edwards taking off a valuable 7lb. Collingham is 11/45 wins, winning on the flat and over hurdles, and is a 6-time winner on today's good ground. He sits some 8lb below his last win in a handicap hurdle off 106 under Charlie Maggs, claiming 7lb. Today is his first start in a class 5 handicap hurdle in 28 starts, and given his liking for good ground and current mark of 98, gives him a serious chance under an amateur who knows how to win 17/88 wins. He was beaten 10.25l off 104 under today's jockey on last start, and that was against horses rated 114-116. He would have finished a lot closer if not for a couple of errors late on in proceedings. He's 6lb lower today and could well figure.

Missus Beeton is a 7-year-old mare trained by J P Dempsey. She is 1/20 wins, so clearly not an easy horse to win with, but remains some 8lb above her only win off 98, mainly due to this mare's consistency in big field handicap hurdles and continually catches the eye of the Irish handicapper. She has arguably the best line of form in this race finishing 2/11 on her penultimate start - the 1/11 D Art D Art finished 3-2 in the next two starts and rose some 17lb. The 3/11 Pray Tell (won two prior starts) then won a grade 3 at Cork and rose some 19lb. The 4/11 Sequoiaspirit won a 23-runner handicap on the next start at Navan. Missus Beeton was sent off as short as 15-2 for a listed handicap hurdle on her next start but flopped. She probably went over the top after a busy 11-race campaign and returns after a break, just 1lb higher than Punchestown and a repeat of that effort in today's lesser company off 11st 8lb would see her being difficult to beat, particularly as Donaghue and Dempsey are 9/47 wins and 24/47 placed when combining on horses 10-1 or less.

Moody Girl is a 5-year-old mare trained by Ian Patrick Donoghue and ridden by Sam Ewing. She put in a fine effort on her hurdles debut at Fairyhouse when finishing 3rd out of 16, beaten by 3.5 lengths under an inexperienced conditional. Bred to stay this far, she has leading claims for a trainer, Ian Patrick Donoghue, who has been amongst the winners of late, picking up three winners this month and is 3/9 wins at Tramore. Given the normal level of improvement from her maiden hurdles debut, Moody Girl should be at the thick of things come race end.

Khmer is a 5-year-old gelding trained by Thomas Cooper. He is well-bred and fell at the last when holding every chance at Fairyhouse. The yard is in form, having picked up two bumper winners at Cheltenham last week: Celestial Tune at 9-4 and Saint Clovis at 12-1. Leading claims on that form, given form at Fairyhouse holds up well at tracks like Tramore, and is another good booking for Sam Ewing.

Stans The Man is an 8-year-old gelding trained by Ella Pickard and has 7/31 wins, so he knows how to get the job done. He's 4/15 wins as a chaser, and unlike most of his rivals, he's more exposed. But equally, he's a battle-hardened handicap chaser receiving weight from many of his rivals. He's won over today's 24f and stays further, winning three times at 24f+. He loves to hear his feet rattle, winning four times on good ground. He sits just 1lb above his last win in a class 3 off 118 by an emphatic 12l and managed to win twice this time last year. He can put his experience into play today with suitable conditions and put up a bold showing. Put in a RFC with Irish raider Chance Another One.

Jimmy Hurdstrom is a 5-year-old gelding trained by Tom Lacey and ridden by Stan Sheppard. He makes his handicap hurdle debut on his sixth start. This 24f Point To Point winner is stepped up to 24.5f today for the very first time under rules, which should suit. He runs off 118, which also looks workable given he's related to three winners who all posted higher RPR. Tom Lacey has his yard in good form with 4/13 wins of late, and he's an expert in handicap hurdles with this type of animal. Tom Lacey and Stan Sheppard combined on horses in handicap hurdles with horses with six starts or less are 19/75 wins if well found in the market at 15-2 or less, and 18/61 wins with geldings. Jimmy Hurdstrom will relish today's trip and can take care of matters on his handicap hurdle debut.

Miami Magic is a 6-year-old gelding trained by Stuart Edmunds. He made a very promising start to his hurdles career, finishing 1-1-2 in 2024, finishing runner-up in a Grade 1 behind the highly rated Potters Charm. 2025 didn't go to plan, as he was beaten twice as a favorite in two graded hurdles and has since reverted to chasing after wind surgery but again disappointed at 5/6f (bet if defeat was out of the question) behind Alnilam and Country Mile on chasing debut, who have both since finished 1-3 at Cheltenham with the winner posting a career-high RPR of 152. Miami Magic has bags of potential and is clearly highly regarded but just not transferring that ability to the track. However, it's too soon to write him off, and at 13-2, this French-bred can return to winning ways at a track he's shown a liking for, finishing 1-2 on the second start after wind surgery.

Zarakerjack is a 4-year-old colt trained by Gary & Josh Moore. He has been consistent on the flat, and he's one to be interested in on his hurdle/stable debut. Being out of an unraced dam related to three others who all picked up wins on the flat, he has plenty of speed in the pedigree. Zarakerjack is also sired by top-class dual-purpose sire Zarak, whose progeny in the NH sphere is 25/109 wins, boasting a 23% win strike rate. His progeny often reside within the ranks of top-class stables, with useful sorts such as Zarak The Brave, Mister Gif, and Bo Zenith being trained by the likes of Willie Mullins and Nicky Henderson, and other stables like Gordon Elliott and Dan Skelton. Zarakerjack is in good hands and could prove to be one of Gary & Josh Moore's (trainers who have historically done well with juveniles) leading lights in the juvenile ranks and Freddie Mitchells 5lb conditional claim could just tip the balance in today's contest.

Mwabani is a 3-year-old gelding trained by Jane Williams and is sired by the useful Masked Marvel. This French-bred is out of an unraced dam sired by Spanish Moon, so Mwabani is impeccably bred. Jane Williams does well with debutantes and is 6/30 wins and 3/7 YTD and 3/8 wins at Exeter. Mwabani is likely to be extremely well-schooled and has, in all probability, plenty of ability. Progeny making debut sired by Masked Marvel are 16/36 wins if occupying the top three in the market, and Mwabani is my short-priced banker of the day.