Author: Peter McNeile

A new summer Jumps Championship worth £30,000 launches at Cartmel next weekend, concluding on September 19 at Newton Abbot, which will reward owners, riders, trainers, and smaller handlers through the summer months, a period when the lesser lights of the sport often win more prominence around our summer courses.

Each category will reward its winner with £7,500, based on a points system for race winners, and placed horses in fields over 5 to encourage stronger fields. And stronger fields are certainly needed this month as the unseasonably dry Spring takes its toll on field sizes, where, despite well watered ground, trainers have been sitting on their hands awaiting a little more cut in the ground.

In warm sunshine, 37 faced the starter in our latest fixture for what proved a miserable day for layers with four short-priced jollies winning, and with healthy margins too, the six races producing an aggregate winning distance of 50l.

The best finish of the day came about in the William Hill More Top Prices Mares Handicap Hurdle, where top weight Summerleaze was expected to make it a four-timer for the successful Bowen yard under new champion Sean. The field was well bunched down the back straight, led by Bright Sunbird, but turning in, it was Summerleaze who set sail for home from All Under Control. Joe Anderson found his way to the inside rail and fairly scooted past both in the final 100 yards on Portobello Girl however, to double Alistair Ralph’s season tally in this opening month, and win by 3/4l.

Bowen was in the runner-up berth in the second of the two mares races later in the afternoon, a mares handicap chase over 2m 3f. Toby Wynne got a great tune out of 2/1 favourite Irish Lullaby, who showed her rivals a clean pair of heels from some way out to win on debut. Bowen on Fancy Stuff for Tom Gretton, went second two out, but could make little impression on the leader, and the winning distance of 4 3/4l allowed some margin. Another winner from the Oliver Greenall/Josh Guerriero partnership.

Bowen rarely goes away empty-handed from meetings of this calibre, and his afternoon had begun in the best possible fashion with a pillar to post victory for brother Mickey in the opening 2m 6f Novices hurdle on All Inn Hand. Not the most competitive race with five runners, Bowen sent the 2/5 favourite into an early lead, kicked on at the halfway point, and asserted fully from two out, coasting home by 22l. The stable is likely to be a player in the new Summer Jumps Championships, with a portfolio of faster ground horses.

It was the turn of younger brother James in the novices handicap chase to maintain the Bowen name among the winners, this time for Warren Greatrex. The Lambourn handler is not best known for his summer runners, but Bowen has an excellent winning strike rate for him at 16%. In fact, the partnership would likely show a profit for each way betting too. A five year trend has 63& of Gretrex-trained, Bowen – ridden horses finishing in the frame. The six year old Tactical Affair continued the Bowen love-in with this meeting with a flagfall to judge run in front to justify his 6/4 favouritism. Rory’s Story was a respectful 10l second.

For all that he has no marquee chaser or hurdler to brighten Saturdays, Alan King is a barometer of consistency, year on year, clocking in £3/4m in prize money for his owners in each of the Jumps and Flat calendars. This total is made up largely by bread and butter horses like Baskerville, who broke a sequence of nearly races by switching to the larger obstacles in the 2m6f handicap chase for a 12l victory under Tom Cannon over Nickelforce. He may need to brush up his jumping, but looks likely to figure again at this level.

Ten lined up for the concluding bumper, where a Gina Andrews graduate of Point-to-Point bumpers made a successful transition to Rules racing for Sheila Lewis. Lord Cauvelliere and second placed Eddie My Eagle met at Bitterley in early April, and repeated the placings here under Callum Pritchard to give the Welsh wizard something to dream about over the summer.

The dry Spring is playing merry hell with the early season Jump fixtures, producing a spate of small fields. Just 31 runners stood their ground for Stratford’s Thursday evening fixture, that after the abandonment of a novices handicap chase with 3 declarations, and the division of a novices hurdle in its place. Stratford’s watered ground is well regarded in the sport, but trainers are a conservative bunch, and you rue a decision at leisure, if your horse gets a leg.

A six race card then with one chase is not the greatest advertisement for the sport, but spectators had reason to be encouraged after the first, with just half a length separating long odds on favourite Therapist from the runner-up, Crystal Glance. The Henderson team at Seven Barrows is not a stable generally in the vanguard of Summer jumping, so their runners are always worth a second glance. Freddie Gordon deputized ably for the injured Nick de Boinville, and the winner had plenty in hand at the close of this mares handicap hurdle.

Alas, the rest of the evening’s entertainment looked a little one-sided, the remaining five races accumulating 65l of distance between first and second, the highlight being a short-priced double by Olly Murphy in races 2 & 3, both ridden by new champion rider Sean Bowen, who has every reason to be cheerful.

The first of these was Sir Galahad, a four year old graduate from the flat, yet to be beaten in two outings over the smaller obstacles. Alas, this, however, was no dragon-slaying; the six competitors have plenty to prove that racing is their forte, but take nothing away from the winner; he took it up 2 out and never saw another horse for a resounding 28l victory. No great surprise at 1/3.

Bowen has enjoyed a fertile association with Summerleaze since he joined the Murphy School of Excellence in February, and this latest 14l win over Special John in the 2m 6f Solidcam UK Partner Novices Handicap Hurdle completed a hat-trick started here in March. Now that Summerleaze has won his spurs, so to speak, expect to see him in fully fledged handicap company, where he is capable of winning again.

The second half of the card proved a welcome chance for punters to get their teeth into some odds-against favourites.

Daisy Hitchins had good reason to thank the BHA for dividing this 2m 6f novices handicap hurdle. It is doubtful Broomfield Gale would have beaten Summerleaze in the original manifestation of the race, but in this weaker company, the 7 year old mare overcame her reluctance to line up, and made a beeline for the finish from two out, 11l the margin of victory. Robbie David enjoyed the ride.

There was a pillar to post victory in the only chase of the evening, the Len’s Light Supports British Farming Mares novices handicap. Ella Pickard’s Fox Wallace led the rest a merry dance, and it only needed ben Godfrey to shake the reins on the home turn to ensure an 8l advantage at the line.

The conclusion of the evening, a VE Day Handicap Hurdle over the minimum trip, also produced a one horse race. At least, that must be what Time Interval might have thought when sent into a lead on the final circuit. Spartan Robby and Raby Mere closed 2 out, but the winner had enough in hand to hold a 3 3/4l advantage where it counts.

The Preakness Stakes, long viewed as a distinctly American tradition, has recently captured the imagination of British bettors. While the Kentucky Derby has always enjoyed some attention overseas, not least as part of Godolphin’s fantastic Saturday special with both Guineas, the middle jewel of the U.S. Triple Crown is carving its own niche.

British racing fans, already familiar with flat racing’s nuances, are finding new appeal in the Preakness’ speed, prestige, and growing accessibility through global betting platforms. Understanding why this Baltimore spectacle is gaining traction offers insight into how transatlantic betting interests are evolving in 2025.

Familiarity with flat racing formats is drawing interest

British bettors have a deep-rooted passion for flat racing. From Royal Ascot to the Epsom Derby, the United Kingdom boasts some of the world’s most celebrated turf events. The Preakness Stakes, though shorter in length than many British classics, mirrors the format and pace that British fans understand. A race contested over one and 3/16 miles suits those who appreciate tactical positioning, early speed, and dramatic late surges.

Unlike steeplechases or longer handicap races common in Britain, the Preakness offers a familiar dynamic. Bettors accustomed to analyzing pace scenarios, jockey tactics, and sectional timings find it easy to apply their skills. This sense of crossover familiarity helps reduce perceived risk, making it easier for UK bettors to engage confidently with the American classic.

Media coverage and streaming access are expanding reach

Until recently, watching the Preakness Stakes from Britain required either niche satellite subscriptions or late-night highlights. Today’s bettors enjoy unprecedented live access. Major UK bookmakers now offer direct streaming of the Preakness through their apps and websites. Additionally, mainstream sports broadcasters increasingly cover the U.S. Triple Crown races with expert analysis tailored for British audiences. Enhanced national media coverage is also helping demystify the event. Previews, post-position breakdowns, and historical features introduce British bettors to the storylines behind each contender. This richer narrative context elevates the Preakness from a distant curiosity to a meaningful betting opportunity. As a result, interest surges not just among veteran racing fans but also among casual punters looking for something new and exciting.

The appeal of international betting odds and offers

Another driving factor is the growing competitiveness of betting odds. British sportsbooks are sharpening their U.S. racing markets to attract more volume. Unlike the past, where odds were often non-competitive or limited to major favorites, today’s offerings are robust and comprehensive. Bettors now enjoy early prices, enhanced odds specials, and unique prop bets tied specifically to the Preakness.

The globalisation of racing markets has also made it easier for British punters to find better value. With multiple platforms now offering detailed coverage, researching horses, jockey stats, and track conditions has never been simpler. This depth of information gives bettors an edge when exploring opportunities like evaluating the latest 2025 Preakness odds, where finding slight advantages in pricing or matchup markets can lead to smarter wagers.

Promotions around American races have become especially attractive. Some UK bookmakers provide free bet offers tied to Triple Crown races, including money-back promotions if a horse finishes second or third. These betting incentives lower entry risk for new bettors while amplifying the excitement around the event. As offers become more aggressive each year, more British punters find it worthwhile to place a stake on the Preakness.

British appreciation for tradition and narrative

British racing fans have long cherished events steeped in tradition, and the Preakness offers a rich, compelling history. Run since 1873, it stands only behind the Kentucky Derby in terms of American racing prestige. The symbolism of the Black-Eyed Susan blanket, the tight turns of Pimlico, and the pursuit of Triple Crown immortality resonate deeply with those who value pageantry and legacy in sports.

Many British bettors are drawn to the layered stories surrounding Preakness contenders. Whether it’s a Derby winner chasing history, a fresh challenger seeking redemption, or a late-blooming long shot defying expectations, these narratives align with the British love of sporting drama. The ability to follow these arcs, fuelled by comprehensive coverage and accessible odds, makes wagering on the Preakness more emotionally engaging than ever before.

Social betting culture and big event appeal

The rise of social betting communities also plays a role. Betting in Britain is no longer a solitary activity. Forums, group chats, and social media platforms buzz with discussion about major events, and the Preakness is becoming one of them. Influencers and tipsters across platforms such as Twitter and TikTok have begun covering the U.S. Triple Crown with more regularity.

This communal experience transforms Preakness into more than just another race. It becomes a shared event—something to discuss, analyze, and celebrate among friends and online communities. Bettors enjoy comparing tips, sharing predictions, and celebrating wins together. For many, participating in the Preakness discussion is just as rewarding as the betting itself.

A fresh alternative to crowded British race programmes

The British racing calendar is dense, especially during the spring and summer months. Yet, the Preakness offers something slightly different. Scheduled outside the major UK racing festivals, it provides a welcome change of pace. Bettors who might otherwise feel overwhelmed by domestic fixtures find the Preakness a refreshing alternative.

Its singular focus on three-year-old colts and its fixed place in May give it breathing room in a crowded season. For those who love big-race atmospheres but want to diversify their betting portfolios, the Preakness offers the ideal combination of prestige, simplicity, and excitement.

What the future holds for the Preakness in Britain

Looking ahead, the upward trend of growing interest seems likely to continue – and bookmakers are investing more in U.S. racing products. Cross-promotions tied to major global racing events, including the Breeders’ Cup and Dubai World Cup, hint that American racing will only become more integrated into British betting culture.

Moreover, the appetite for marquee, story-driven sports events is growing. British bettors, always eager to find an edge or uncover an overlooked gem, are embracing the Preakness as a fixture worth circling on their annual calendars. With every thrilling stretch run at Pimlico, the bond between the Preakness Stakes and Britain’s passionate punters grows a little stronger.

The prolonged dry spell is playing havoc with field sizes, albeit it hasn’t prevented Champion Trainer contender Dan Skelton sending runners far and wide in defence of his challenge against Willie Mullins, now breathing down his neck after a rampant Cheltenham, Aintree and Ayr. Skelton was a surprise absentee from Stratford yesterday, when easy pickings were on offer with only 35 runners in total.

The six race card reflected the change of the seasons, with just two steeplechases, one a Hunters chase. Pottlerath made the best of a week turnout for the Racecourse Streams On Racing TV Extra Handicap Chase over 3m, run at a muddling pace, some 32 seconds below standard. The starter was already one runner down at flagfall, Groom de Cotte being withdrawn on account of the ground, but the judge had an even less arduous task, only three finishing. Pottlerath is no champion, but scored his fourth over fences, and first past the post since running up a hat-trick in Summer ’23. He added a 17th success to Matt Sheppard’s best ever season in numerical, if not yet prize money, terms, with son Stan in the plate for an unchallenged 5l victory over Getthepot.

Richard Hawker was the beneficiary of the withdrawal of Milton Harris’ licence in mid-summer last year when taking charge of Presenting Yeats. The nine year old son of four time Ascot Gold Cup winner has but a smidgen of his sire’s talent, but returned to form in the Alan Adcock 90th Birthday Handicap Hurdle over 3m. Held up at the back of the field, he made headway around the final bend to win handily by 9 1/2l from Clover Pass, under Harry Reed.

Two mares races made up part of the card, the first a maiden hurdle, where Keep On Cobbling under Sam Twiston-Davies, improved on her second at Doncaster a month ago when landing the odds in the opener for Henry Daly by 2 1/2l from El Fabienne.

The second mares’ contest, the Howley Energy & Water Handicap Hurdle, attracted just 4 runners. Three met the last together, but Magical Annie took a heavy (and it turned out, fatal) fall, hampering Honeywort, and leaving the Nicky Henderson – trained Therapist to pick up the pieces, a distance clear under Nico de Boinville.

James Owen generated a short-priced across the card double with Jackpot Cash at Stratford and It’s A Love Thing at Musselburgh on the flat. The length winner of a novices handicap hurdle was the latest in a strong suit of winners for the Newmarket yard: 10 from the latest 39 runners.

Allmankind, once a leading light at Skelton’s, is now treading the light fantastic in hunter chases, and will likely return for the Hunters meeting at the end of May after a 1 3/4l win with plenty in hand in the closing 2m6f hunters evening for Alex Chadwick and Mrs J Owen.

When you’re faced with deciphering a race card, handicapping might seem like an enigmatic science. You’re not alone—even seasoned bettors struggle with the complex weight assignments that define modern horse racing. The difference between profit and loss often hinges on your ability to interpret these carefully calibrated systems. Dear old Admiral Rous has a lot to answer for!

While 60% of casual bettors overlook vital handicapping factors, understanding these principles gives you a statistical edge that bookmakers would prefer you didn’t have.

Key Takeaways

• Handicapping equalizes competition by allocating different weights to horses based on their abilities and past performances. The handicapper’s intention is for all runners to finish in line abreast at the winning line, weighting them to their optimal performance and ability.
• Professional handicappers analyze speed figures, earnings, class levels, and fitness indicators to identify value betting opportunities.
• Weight penalties are applied after victories to ensure stronger horses carry more weight in subsequent races.
• Ratings are dynamically updated to maintain fairness as horses demonstrate improvement or decline in performance.
• Successful handicap betting requires a balanced assessment of statistics, track conditions, and team dynamics, avoiding overemphasis on single metrics.

Core Principles of Handicap Weight Assignment

While many casual racing fans focus primarily on horse pedigree and jockey skills, the handicapping system serves as the fundamental equalizer in horse racing through its sophisticated weight allocation principles. By strategically adjusting weight assignments, racing officials aim to level the playing field, ensuring that no single horse has an overwhelming advantage based solely on past performance.

Weight assignments follow strict standards: minimum weights for different race categories, benchmark-based calculations, and adjustments for horse ratings. These calculations take into account factors such as age, gender, and past race conditions, further refining the balance between competitors.

Post-victory penalties reflect win quality, while dynamic rating updates guarantee fairness through performance-based modifications. This ensures that consistently strong performers carry appropriate weight increases, preventing dominance by a single horse while allowing developing contenders to remain competitive.

The primary goal of these meticulously calculated weights is to create a fairer competitive field for horses of varying abilities competing against each other. By maintaining this balance, the sport remains both unpredictable and engaging, fostering excitement for bettors, trainers, and fans alike.

But handicapping is not a science; this is why you’ll hear trainers reporting that their horse has been unfairly treated by the handicapper, although you never hear them say he’s been leniently weighted! It’s an irony of races at the Cheltenham Festival and the Grand National, mother of all handicaps, that trainers are often seeking a higher handicap mark, else they won’t make the cut in the race. A racecard description of the Long handicap illustrates the weight a horse would carry were the race conditions not to stipulate a minimum weight to be carried.

Crucial Factors Professional Handicappers Analyse

Professional handicappers distinguish themselves from casual bettors by meticulously analyzing five interconnected factors that distinctly impact race outcomes.

These experts prioritize fitness indicators, class levels, and timing patterns that casual observers typically overlook. Experienced handicappers carefully evaluate horses that have not raced recently by looking for ample workout evidence or a history of performing well after layoffs.

Looking ahead, evaluating potential 2025 contenders early in the season offers bettors a valuable edge, as identifying rising stars before market prices adjust is a hallmark of professional strategy. Look for these parameters:

1. Performance metrics – speed figures and earnings correlate with 26% and 55% win rates respectively
2. Physical compatibility – surface/distance suitability determines ideal performance conditions
3. Team dynamics – top trainers achieve ~18% win rates and equipment changes signal intention

Strategic Betting Approaches for Handicaps

Beyond understanding the factors that influence race outcomes, successful handicappers must develop systematic betting approaches tailored to handicap racing’s unique dynamics.

Consider each-way bets for competitive or large fields, exactas when strong favourites dominate, and boxed wagers for unpredictable “Chaos Board” situations.

Shop across bookmakers for ideal lines, and track odds movements that signal sharp money. In short, follow the market.

Focus on value bets where horses’ true chances exceed their market price.

Establishing clear objectives for your betting goals helps maintain discipline when faced with the unpredictable nature of handicap races.

The World’s Best known Handicaps

Across the globe, major handicaps represent the pinnacle of weight-based racing challenges, drawing international attention and substantial purses. These prestigious events test both horses and handicappers alike.

1. Aintree Grand National (UK) – The world’s most famous steeplechase handicap, featuring 30 jumps over 4.5 miles.
2. Melbourne Cup (Australia) – “The race that stops a nation,” offering $8 million in prize money. This 3200-metre race has become known for attracting international competition and features festive attire.
3. Yulong Stud Newmarket Handicap (Australia) – Premier sprint handicap recognized among global elite races.

Handicapping in Flat vs Jump racing

Handicapping principles apply across horse racing formats, but their execution differs between flat and jump racing.

 In flat racing, speed and acceleration often dominate, so weight assignments are finely tuned for shorter distances.  In contrast, jump races involve longer distances and obstacles, placing greater emphasis on stamina and jumping form when assigning handicaps.
 Fitness and recovery play a larger role in jump racing as well, given the physical toll of repeated jumps.
 Understanding the nuances between these formats ensures that bettors tailor their strategies appropriately to each racing style.

Glossary of Key Handicapping terms

• Weight Penalty – Extra weight assigned to a horse after a win, designed to balance the competition,
• Official Rating (OR) – A numerical value assigned to a horse’s ability by the racing authority, used to determine its handicap weight,
• Each-Way Bet – A bet that covers both winning and placing, effectively two bets in one,
• Benchmark Race – A race type where horses are weighted relative to a standard rating, allowing comparability,
• Class Level – A ranking of race difficulty, helping to evaluate a horse’s past competition quality,
• Boxed Wager – A betting strategy that covers all combinations of selected horses finishing in set positions,
• Chaos Board – A betting term describing a race with no clear favorite and unpredictable outcomes.

Common Mistakes Bettors Make in Evaluating Handicaps

The complex world of handicap betting presents numerous pitfalls that can derail even experienced bettors’ strategies when evaluating weighted races.

You’ll often prioritize raw statistics while neglecting vital intangibles like horse health, jockey-trainer relationships, stable form, and track-specific biases.

Weather conditions and recent performance trends provide essential context.

Without accounting for these non-quantifiable factors, you’re making decisions with incomplete information—a common route to handicapping failure.

Many bettors fall into the trap of overvaluing speed when handicapping races, failing to balance this metric with other crucial performance indicators.

There’s a racing adage that the sport allows you to get close up to the action, mingling among the jockeys and trainers, or watching from a fence, unlike some stadium – based sports. Stratford racegoers on Saturday certainly had their share of close-up action after one of the runners in the opener decanted his rider, and jumped into the public enclosures. Happily, that effort alone was enough to slow him to a trot whereupon a member of staff was able to usher him back into the pre-parade ring.

By comparison, events on the track were somewhat less eventful. St Pancras, successful in a listed juvenile hurdle at Musselburgh in February, and a subsequent second to Mambonumberfive in the Grade II Adonis Hurdle at Kempton, made all in this less exalted all-age company to maintain his excellent record over the smaller obstacles for Toby Lawes and long time owners Andrew & Sarah Wates. On-Course bookmakers, sponsors of the entire card, ensured no-one got rich however; the four year old went off at a prohibitive 1/5 under Kevin Brogan.

A novices handicap followed with a similar-sized 10 runner field, in stark comparison to Sunday’s Ascot card which attracted just 30 runners, and a winner that might have been designed for the sponsors. Get The Value disputed the lead in the Cash Is King Handicap Hurdle, and bar a blunder at the last, had the race in safe keeping from the home bend, winning by 6l. It was a welcome return to the winner’s enclosure for John O’Shea, whose winner drought had extended back to November, less so for rider Kielan Woods, his 45th of the term.

The feature Green Diamond Handicap Chase proved a somewhat select affair, attracting 4 declarations, which became three after the withdrawal of Pedley Wood at the start. Newmarket runners are an unfamiliar sight at Stratford, and spectators might have been forgiven for thinking winner Mahon’s Wood was in Gigginstown Stud colours, but trainer Dylan Cunha has a 100% record with his jumps runners, and Mahon’s Wood never saw another horse in his 3 1/4l pillar to post victory.

Second-placed combination Olly Murphy and Sean Bowen in that handicap made a winning return an hour or so later when combining to justify 7/2 favouritism in the 2m 6f Service With A Smile On Course Bookmakers Handicap Hurdle with Tropical Speed, who saw off the largest field of the day to overcome 11 others. If truth be told, the smiles of on-course layers were, by now, more than a little false, this being the fifth of six winning favourites through the course of the day.

The Tizzard yard passed the £1m prize money marker earlier this month, and Siam Park became winner number 61 for Brendan Powell in the other chase of the day, the 2m3f Better Value With Racecourse Bookmakers Handicap. The six year old wasn’t pushed to land the odds and might readily defy a penalty.

Selling races exist but few nowadays, and Stratford remains one of the last bastions of this genre of race. Time was when they produced a steady stream of revenue for racecourses, but the frequency of public auctions nowadays has made them largely redundant, except as a winning opportunity for low – rated horses. This privilege was afforded to Honneur d’Ajonc, who kept close to the pace throughout under Alex Chadwick, and scored by 2 3/4l over the inappropriately – named Greatness Awaits for trainer James Owen. there was no bid for the winner.

Unbeaten chaser Aworkinprogress has shot up the ratings this season following four straight victories over fences. The first of those four wins came at Stratford in a handicap chase back in October where he prevailed by just over a length.

Nick Gifford’s runner now has two entries, with the Kim Muir Challenge Cup and Midlands Grand National at Uttoxeter both being considered.

Talented chaser looks set to be a strong stayer

Stamina is something Aworkinprogress has shown he has lots of, so it is no surprise Gifford has his horse entered in the Kim Muir Challenge Cup – one of the longest races at the Cheltenham Festival. He has Cheltenham Festival odds of 16/1 for the contest.

Aworkinprogress is likely to be one of the leading Cheltenham betting tips for the Kim Muir Challenge Cup as he has one of the lowest weight allocations in the race. The six-year-old, who prevailed at Lingfield on his last start, will have just 10st 5lb on his back, should he line up in the contest.

Gifford’s runner has a lot of solid form in testing conditions, with his best wins coming on heavy ground. His connections will be hoping rain falls ahead of the final contest of day three of the meeting. It will be the horse’s first appearance at Cheltenham, and the New Course is expected to suit him.

🟢🟡 @DerekOConnor82 has ice in his veins 🥶

Glorious ride, glorious performance. Inothewayurthinkin absolutely hoses up in the Kim Muir for Gavin Cromwell & JP McManus pic.twitter.com/ai5EUtWulm

— Racing TV (@RacingTV) March 14, 2024

The Stratford winner is part of a strong team of horses that leading owner JP McManus has entered for the 2025 Cheltenham Festival. The Irishman has entries in a number of the championship races across the week, including the blue riband event of the meeting, with Corbetts Cross and Inothewayurthinkin in the Cheltenham Gold Cup. He last won the Gold Cup in 2012 with Synchronised.

Midlands Grand National entry at Uttoxeter

The Midlands Grand National at Uttoxeter is one of the most valuable handicap races run in the UK. It is often a stepping stone for novice chasers towards graded action later in their careers. Gifford has entered Aworkinprogress, and he is likely to relish the marathon distance at the Midlands racecourse.

Aworkinprogress has been given a weight allocation of 101st 6lb at Uttoxeter for the 4m2f contest. He will take on 19 other rivals if he is part of the final field for the race. No six-year-old has prevailed in the Midlands Grand National since Big Occasion in 2013.

Should Aworkinprogress come out on top at Uttoxeter, Giffford and McManus will have the Grand National Aintree in mind in 2026. He currently has an official rating of 121, and victory in the Midlands Grand National will see him rise significantly up the ratings. Next season will see him step out on novice company, so he will take on some of the best chasers in the stayers’ division.

The six-year-old is considered one of the brightest novice chasers in the UK. With the entries he has for the rest of the season, it’s set to be a huge end to the campaign for him, and it could determine the path his connections take going forward.