Aintree Race 4 - JCB Melling Chase (Grade 1) (GBB Race)
HEART WOOD (3) Shot away to win by a margin of 10L last run in a chase at Cheltenham. Jockey Darragh Okeeffe is very comfortable steering. Goes very close. SOLNESS (7) First up and brave effort to win narrowly first up last preparation in a chase at Leopardstown. Has to be strongly considered. GIDLEIGH PARK (1) First up from a break of 11 weeks and felt the pinch late when 2nd beaten by 9L first up last preparation in a chase at Ascot. Expect to go close. L'EAU DU SUD (5) Amongst the placegetters when 3rd last time in a chase at Cheltenham. Include in chances.

Jockey: Bryan Carver
Weight: 74.5kgs
Stats
Comments
Resuming after three months. Finished off last preparation didn't finish the race at Ascot in the G1 Clarence House Steeple Chase January 17 over 3370m. When resuming last campaign 2 in a small field at Ascot in the G2 1965 Chase November 22 over 4200m, 9 len behind Jango Baie with 73kg at $3.80. Has claims.
Last Starts 81 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 99/4 | 17/01/2026 | 56 | G1 CHSE 5U | $322,880.00 | Ascot Uk | 3375m | Soft | Bryan Carver | 74.5kg | 4:08.66 | - | 0 |
| 99.0L | $8.00 |
| 2/5 | 22/11/2025 | 233 | G2 OPEN 4U | $143,220.00 | Ascot Uk | 4224m | Good | Bryan Carver | 73kg | 5:16.39 | 1-2-2 | 0 |
| 9.0L | $3.75 |
| 2/9 | 03/04/2025 | 76 | G1 CHSE 5U | $241,410.00 | Aintree | 4023m | Good Soft | Bryan Carver | 73kg | 4:58.58 | 1-1-2 | 0 |
| 1.3L | $8.00 |
| 1/4 | 17/01/2025 | 53 | G2 OPEN 5U | $138,380.00 | Windsor | 3248m | Soft | Bryan Carver | 71kg | 4:00.97 | 1-1-1 | 0 |
| 4.0L | $8.50 |
| 99/4 | 25/11/2024 | 255 | CHSE 4U | $35,700.00 | Kempton Park | 3621m | Good Soft | Bryan Carver | 71.5kg | 4:37.54 | - | 0 |
| 99.0L | $1.91 |
| 6/13 | 15/03/2024 | 48 | G1 NHDLE 5U | $242,530.00 | Cheltenham | 4828m | Heavy | Jonathan Burke | 73kg | 6:24.40 | 8-9-6 | 0 |
| 16.0L | $5.50 |
| 1/6 | 27/01/2024 | 38 | G2 NHDLE 4U | $99,820.00 | Cheltenham | 4123m | Good Soft | Jonathan Burke | 72kg | 5:09.96 | 2-2-1 | 0 |
| 0.5L | $1.83 |
| 1/9 | 20/12/2023 | 30 | NHDLE NOV 46 | $18,150.00 | Newbury | 4123m | Soft | Jonathan Burke | 72.5kg | 5:34.26 | - | 0 |
| 9.0L | $2.00 |
| 1/13 | 20/11/2023 | 246 | NHDLE 4U | $16,510.00 | Exeter | 3319m | Good Soft | Jonathan Burke | 70kg | 4:15.00 | 4-2-1 | 0 |
| 7.5L | $1.50 |
| 1/12 | 19/03/2023 | - | MFLAT 46 | $8,590.00 | Chepstow | 3229m | Soft | Jonathan Burke | 72kg | 4:06.21 | - | 0 |
| 6.0L | $7.00 |

Jockey: Harry Skelton
Weight: 74.5kgs
Stats
Comments
Third-up today and won third-up previously. First-up finished third in a small field at Cheltenham in the G2 Cotswold Chase on January 24 over 5100m, slow track; 5 len behind Spillane's Tower with 74.5kg at $2. Last start finished fourth of 10 starters at Cheltenham in the G1 Cheltenham Gold Cup on March 13 over 5300m, 16 len behind Gaelic Warrior with 74.5kg at $17. This race appears well within his grasp.
Last Starts 26 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4/10 | 13/03/2026 | 48 | G1 OPEN 5U | $1,134,340.00 | Cheltenham | 5330m | Good Soft | Harry Skelton | 74.5kg | 6:39.02 | - | 0 |
| 16.5L | $17.00 |
| 3/4 | 24/01/2026 | 63 | G2 OPEN 5U | $217,600.00 | Cheltenham | 5129m | Soft | Harry Skelton | 74.5kg | 6:50.24 | 3-3-3 | 0 |
| 5.0L | $2.00 |
| 1/5 | 22/11/2025 | 233 | G1 OPEN 5U | $354,390.00 | Haydock Park | 5129m | Good Soft | Harry Skelton | 74.5kg | 6:36.98 | 4-2-1 | 0 |
| 2.8L | $1.91 |
| 2/7 | 03/04/2025 | 33 | G1 CHSE 5U | $461,250.00 | Aintree | 5020m | Good Soft | Harry Skelton | 74.5kg | 6:22.15 | 2-2-2 | 0 |
| 3.0L | $3.25 |
| 1/4 | 01/03/2025 | 65 | LR OPEN 5U | $98,550.00 | Kelso | 4727m | Good Soft | Harry Skelton | 72kg | 5:52.67 | 1-1-1 | 0 |
| 2.5L | $1.83 |
| 99/11 | 26/12/2024 | 33 | G1 OPEN 4U | $479,800.00 | Kempton Park | 4828m | Good | Harry Skelton | 74.5kg | 5:55.20 | - | 0 |
| 99.0L | $7.50 |
| 2/7 | 23/11/2024 | 226 | G1 OPEN 5U | $374,240.00 | Haydock Park | 5129m | Soft | Harry Skelton | 74.5kg | 7:07.20 | 4-2-2 | 0 |
| 2.0L | $2.88 |
| 3/5 | 11/04/2024 | 28 | G1 NCHSE 5U | $212,630.00 | Aintree | 4023m | Soft | Harry Skelton | 73kg | 5:13.47 | 4-3-3 | 0 |
| 9.3L | $2.10 |
| 1/11 | 14/03/2024 | 61 | G1 WFA NOVCHSE 5U | $322,880.00 | Cheltenham | 3976m | Soft | Harry Skelton | 73kg | 5:04.64 | 2-2-1 | 0 |
| 2.0L | $3.50 |
| 1/5 | 13/01/2024 | 29 | G2 NCHSE 5U | $134,270.00 | Warwick Uk | 4828m | Soft | Harry Skelton | 73kg | 6:10.00 | 4-1-1 | 0 |
| 14.0L | $2.25 |
| 2/6 | 15/12/2023 | 20 | NCHSE 4U | $71,500.00 | Cheltenham | 4123m | Soft | Harry Skelton | 75.5kg | 5:13.71 | 2-3-2 | 0 |
| 0.8L | $3.00 |

Jockey: Darragh O'Keeffe
Weight: 74.5kgs
Stats
Comments
Having second run back today. Fresh up after two to post a big 10 len win. Cheltenham in a G1 Ryanair (Festival Trophy) Steeplechase on March 12 over 4100m defeating Jonbon carrying 74.5kg at $5.50 in a jumps. Previously second-up finished fourth of 10 runners at Punchestown in the G1 John Durkan Memorial Punchestown Chase on November 23 over 3922m, 31 len behind Gaelic Warrior carrying 75.5kg at $11. Look for better showing here.
Last Starts 27 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/7 | 12/03/2026 | 70 | G1 OPEN 5U | $680,600.00 | Cheltenham | 4123m | Good | Darragh O'keeffe | 74.5kg | 5:07.34 | - | 0 |
| 10.0L | $5.50 |
| 1/7 | 01/01/2026 | 39 | G3 OPEN 5U | $70,930.00 | Tramore | 4626m | Soft | D J O'keeffe | 72.5kg | 5:54.20 | - | 0 |
| 8.5L | $3.00 |
| 4/10 | 23/11/2025 | 39 | G1 OPEN 5U | $260,150.00 | Punchestown | 3922m | SH | D J O'keeffe | 75.5kg | 5:06.50 | - | 0 |
| 31.8L | $11.00 |
| 1/6 | 15/10/2025 | 177 | G3 OPEN 5U | $65,040.00 | Punchestown | 4626m | GY | D J O'keeffe | 70kg | 6:03.30 | - | 0 |
| 1.8L | $1.44 |
| 99/7 | 21/04/2025 | 39 | G2 OPEN 5U | $171,590.00 | Fairyhouse | 4023m | SH | Rachael Blackmore | 71.5kg | 5:15.70 | - | 0 |
| 0.0L | $2.75 |
| 2/9 | 13/03/2025 | 75 | G1 OPEN 5U | $691,880.00 | Cheltenham | 4139m | Good Soft | Darragh O'keeffe | 74.5kg | 5:09.61 | 5-2-2 | 0 |
| 9.0L | $19.00 |
| 4/9 | 28/12/2024 | 27 | G1 OPEN 5U | $303,510.00 | Leopardstown | 4928m | GY | Rachael Blackmore | 74.5kg | 6:17.20 | - | 0 |
| 15.0L | $19.00 |
| 2/5 | 01/12/2024 | 34 | G1 OPEN 4U | $145,850.00 | Fairyhouse | 4023m | Y | D J O'keeffe | 74.5kg | 5:13.20 | - | 0 |
| 0.3L | $3.00 |
| 1/3 | 28/10/2024 | 199 | LR OPEN 5U | $40,130.00 | Wexford | 4626m | Soft | D J O'keeffe | 67.5kg | 6:24.70 | - | 0 |
| 7.0L | $1.62 |
| 3/6 | 12/04/2024 | 68 | G1 NCHSE 5U | $212,630.00 | Aintree | 5029m | Soft | Rachael Blackmore | 73kg | 6:42.41 | 4-2-3 | 0 |
| 5.3L | $6.00 |
| 1/25 | 04/02/2024 | 52 | G3 STPLE HCP 5U | $260,150.00 | Leopardstown | 4325m | YS | Rachael Blackmore | 64kg | 5:30.30 | - | 0 |
| 14.0L | $7.00 |

Jockey: Brendan Powell
Weight: 74.5kgs
Stats
Comments
Comes off a 29 day let-up. Last start finished fourth of 7 starters at Cheltenham in the G1 Ryanair (Festival Trophy) Steeplechase on March 12 over 4100m, 16 len behind Heart Wood carrying 74.5kg at $19. Run before won by 2.75 len Musselburgh on January 31 over 4100m defeating Tommy's Oscar carrying 76kg at $5 in a steeplechase. Better off looking to others.
Last Starts 27 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4/7 | 12/03/2026 | 40 | G1 OPEN 5U | $680,600.00 | Cheltenham | 4123m | Good | Brendan Powell | 74.5kg | 5:07.34 | - | 0 |
| 16.5L | $19.00 |
| 1/8 | 31/01/2026 | 49 | STPLE HCP 5U | $145,200.00 | Musselburgh | 4123m | Good Soft | Brendan Powell | 76kg | 4:57.33 | 1-1-1 | 0 |
| 2.8L | $5.00 |
| 2/7 | 13/12/2025 | 21 | STPLE HCP 4U | $81,670.00 | Cheltenham | 3319m | Good Soft | Brendan Powell | 76kg | 4:00.80 | 2-2-2 | 0 |
| 0.5L | $5.50 |
| 3/10 | 22/11/2025 | 15 | STPLE HCP 4U | $181,490.00 | Ascot Uk | 3419m | Good Soft | Brendan Powell | 73.5kg | 4:19.20 | 3-2-3 | 0 |
| 2.3L | $4.33 |
| 3/6 | 07/11/2025 | 200 | G2 OPEN 4U | $181,490.00 | Exeter | 3520m | Good | Brendan Powell | 74kg | 4:18.70 | 5-3-3 | 0 |
| 22.0L | $4.33 |
| 5/10 | 21/04/2025 | 40 | HCP CHSE 5U | $203,240.00 | Plumpton | 3419m | Good | Brendan Powell | 76kg | 4:17.16 | 2-3-5 | 0 |
| 6.8L | $7.00 |
| 12/20 | 12/03/2025 | 32 | HCP CHSE 5U | $276,750.00 | Cheltenham | 3199m | Good Soft | Brendan Powell | 76kg | 3:59.51 | 5-2-12 | 0 |
| 22.3L | $9.00 |
| 4/5 | 08/02/2025 | 63 | G2 OPEN 5U | $152,170.00 | Newbury | 3319m | Soft | Brendan Powell | 73.5kg | 4:09.10 | 3-5-4 | 0 |
| 9.0L | $5.50 |
| 3/6 | 07/12/2024 | 29 | G1 OPEN 4U | $322,880.00 | Sandown Park Uk | 3108m | Heavy | Brendan Powell | 74.5kg | 4:05.03 | 3-3-3 | 0 |
| 10.3L | $12.00 |
| 1/5 | 08/11/2024 | 241 | G2 OPEN 4U | $194,020.00 | Exeter | 3520m | Good | Brendan Powell | 75.5kg | 4:12.00 | 3-4-4-3-2-1-1 | 0 |
| 0.8L | $3.75 |
| 7/10 | 12/03/2024 | 51 | G1 NCHSE 5U | $331,510.00 | Cheltenham | 3218m | Soft | B J Powell | 73kg | 4:08.36 | 4-6-7 | 0 |
| 34.0L | $17.00 |

Jockey: Tristan Durrell
Weight: 74.5kgs
Stats
Comments
Having second run back today. First-up after three months finished third of 10 starters at Cheltenham in the G1 Queen Mother Champion Chase on March 11 over 3200m, 11 len behind Il Etait Temps with 74.5kg at $7.50. Previously second-up came from midfield; finished third in a small field at Sandown Park in the G1 Tingle Creek Chase on December 6 over 3100m, 18 len behind Il Etait Temps with 74.5kg at $4.50. Top chance, with upside.
Last Starts 28 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3/10 | 11/03/2026 | 95 | G1 OPEN 5U | $725,980.00 | Cheltenham | 3218m | Good Soft | Harry Skelton | 74.5kg | 3:51.84 | - | 0 |
| 11.8L | $7.50 |
| 3/5 | 06/12/2025 | 22 | G1 OPEN 4U | $313,290.00 | Sandown Park Uk | 3118m | Good Soft | Harry Skelton | 74.5kg | 3:58.60 | 2-3-3 | 0 |
| 18.0L | $4.50 |
| 1/6 | 14/11/2025 | 223 | G2 OPEN 4U | $181,490.00 | Cheltenham | 3218m | Soft | Harry Skelton | 73kg | 4:06.63 | 2-1-1 | 0 |
| 15.0L | $4.33 |
| 3/5 | 05/04/2025 | 25 | G1 CHSE 5U | $238,120.00 | Aintree | 3218m | Good | Harry Skelton | 73kg | 3:51.68 | 3-2-3 | 0 |
| 5.5L | $2.25 |
| 4/5 | 11/03/2025 | 31 | G1 OPEN 5U | $354,390.00 | Cheltenham | 3218m | Good Soft | Harry Skelton | 73kg | 3:53.57 | 4-2-4 | 0 |
| 1.5L | $6.00 |
| 1/4 | 08/02/2025 | 63 | G2 OPEN 5U | $130,560.00 | Warwick Uk | 3218m | Soft | Harry Skelton | 73kg | 3:56.98 | 1-1-1 | 0 |
| 1.0L | $1.20 |
| 1/4 | 07/12/2024 | 21 | G1 OPEN 4U | $184,500.00 | Sandown Park Uk | 3108m | Heavy | Harry Skelton | 73kg | 4:08.26 | 2-2-2-2-2-1-1 | 0 |
| 3.8L | $1.91 |
| 1/8 | 16/11/2024 | 16 | G2 OPEN 4U | $136,120.00 | Cheltenham | 3218m | Good | Harry Skelton | 71.5kg | 3:55.61 | 4-3-1 | 0 |
| 11.0L | $1.91 |
| 1/5 | 31/10/2024 | 194 | STPLE HCP 4U | $25,970.00 | Stratford Avon | 3922m | Good Soft | Harry Skelton | 76kg | 4:46.21 | 1-1-1 | 0 |
| 10.0L | $1.53 |
| 5/15 | 20/04/2024 | 36 | G2 HDLE HCP 4U | $179,650.00 | Ayr | 3218m | Soft | Harry Skelton | 71kg | 3:54.38 | 9-5-5 | 0 |
| 1.5L | $3.75 |
| 2/17 | 15/03/2024 | 34 | HDLE HCP 5U | $179,650.00 | Cheltenham | 3419m | Heavy | Harry Skelton | 66.5kg | 4:25.10 | 10-2-2 | 0 |
| 1.0L | $4.50 |

Jockey: C Gethings
Weight: 74.5kgs
Stats
Comments
Freshened for 30 days. Last outing pulled up at Cheltenham in the G1 Queen Mother Champion Chase on March 11 over 3200m. Start before finished second in a small field at Newbury in the G2 Game Spirit Chase on February 7 over 3300m, on rain affected going; 6 len behind Lulamba carrying 71kg at $7. Finds a few better today. Can't recommend.
Last Starts 28 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 99/10 | 11/03/2026 | 32 | G1 OPEN 5U | $725,980.00 | Cheltenham | 3218m | Good Soft | Ciaran Gethings | 74.5kg | 3:51.84 | - | 0 |
| 99.0L | $51.00 |
| 2/6 | 07/02/2026 | 42 | G2 OPEN 5U | $163,350.00 | Newbury | 3319m | Heavy | Ciaran Gethings | 71kg | 4:10.96 | 2-3-2 | 0 |
| 6.5L | $7.00 |
| 2/7 | 27/12/2025 | 20 | G2 OPEN 4U | $181,490.00 | Kempton Park | 3218m | Good | Ciaran Gethings | 75.5kg | 3:45.93 | 3-2-2 | 0 |
| 10.0L | $5.50 |
| 1/9 | 07/12/2025 | 30 | STPLE HCP 4U | $149,040.00 | Kelso | 3419m | Soft | Ciaran Gethings | 72.5kg | 4:22.57 | 1-1-1 | 0 |
| 5.5L | $4.33 |
| 2/6 | 07/11/2025 | 26 | G2 OPEN 4U | $181,490.00 | Exeter | 3520m | Good | Ciaran Gethings | 71.5kg | 4:18.70 | 2-2-2 | 0 |
| 7.0L | $9.00 |
| 1/4 | 12/10/2025 | 174 | HCP CHSE 4U | $76,640.00 | Chepstow | 3922m | Good Firm | Ciaran Gethings | 74kg | 4:53.21 | 1-1-1 | 0 |
| 4.8L | $1.91 |
| 1/9 | 21/04/2025 | 30 | HCP CHSE 5U | $45,370.00 | Chepstow | 3922m | Good | David Noonan | 76kg | 4:41.09 | 1-1-1 | 0 |
| 2.5L | $6.00 |
| 3/9 | 22/03/2025 | 21 | HCP CHSE 5U | $73,800.00 | Newbury | 3993m | Good | David Noonan | 73.5kg | 4:58.40 | 1-1-3 | 0 |
| 4.5L | $3.75 |
| 3/14 | 01/03/2025 | 28 | HCP CHSE 5U | $181,490.00 | Newbury | 4023m | Soft | David Noonan | 70.5kg | 4:59.60 | 1-1-3 | 0 |
| 5.8L | $11.00 |
| 2/12 | 01/02/2025 | 45 | HCP CHSE 5U | $179,450.00 | Musselburgh | 4123m | Good Soft | David Noonan | 70.5kg | 5:07.25 | 2-2-2 | 0 |
| 2.8L | $8.00 |
| 1/6 | 18/12/2024 | 19 | HCP CHSE 4U | $40,590.00 | Newbury | 3993m | Good Soft | Jonathan Burke | 71kg | 5:10.00 | 1-1-1 | 0 |
| 11.0L | $3.00 |

Jockey: J J Slevin
Weight: 74.5kgs
Stats
Comments
Resuming after a two months break. Finished off last campaign 5 in a small field at Leopardstown in the G1 Dublin Chase February 1 over 3419m, slow track; 87 len behind Majborough carrying 75.5kg at $6. Previous preparation first-up won by 0.5 len Leopardstown G1 Paddy's Reward Club Chase December 27 over 3419m defeating Marine Nationale carrying 75.5kg at $9. Has to improve sharply.
Last Starts 66 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5/6 | 01/02/2026 | 36 | G1 OPEN 5U | $275,930.00 | Leopardstown | 3419m | Soft | J J Slevin | 75.5kg | 4:16.10 | - | 0 |
| 87.3L | $6.00 |
| 1/7 | 27/12/2025 | 242 | G1 OPEN 5U | $237,370.00 | Leopardstown | 3419m | Y | Sam Ewing | 75.5kg | 4:11.90 | - | 0 |
| 0.5L | $9.00 |
| 3/6 | 29/04/2025 | 48 | G1 OPEN 5U | $503,690.00 | Punchestown | 3319m | Y | J J Slevin | 75.5kg | 4:00.40 | - | 0 |
| 11.3L | $12.00 |
| 4/8 | 12/03/2025 | 38 | G1 OPEN 5U | $738,010.00 | Cheltenham | 3199m | Good Soft | J J Slevin | 74.5kg | 3:57.91 | 1-4-4 | 0 |
| 19.8L | $13.00 |
| 1/8 | 02/02/2025 | 37 | G1 OPEN 5U | $260,150.00 | Leopardstown | 3419m | Y | D J Mullins | 75.5kg | 4:07.40 | - | 0 |
| 2.0L | $7.00 |
| 1/9 | 27/12/2024 | 20 | G1 OPEN 5U | $229,490.00 | Leopardstown | 3419m | GY | J J Slevin | 75.5kg | 4:08.20 | - | 0 |
| 3.8L | $29.00 |
| 4/6 | 07/12/2024 | 21 | G1 OPEN 4U | $322,880.00 | Sandown Park Uk | 3108m | Heavy | Danny Mullins | 74.5kg | 4:05.03 | 4-4-4 | 0 |
| 25.3L | $19.00 |
| 2/6 | 16/11/2024 | 9 | G2 OPEN 5U | $91,720.00 | Navan | 3218m | Y | D J Mullins | 71.5kg | 3:53.10 | - | 0 |
| 0.3L | $13.00 |
| 3/6 | 07/11/2024 | 13 | G2 OPEN 4U | $111,240.00 | Clonmel | 4224m | Good | D J Mullins | 71kg | 5:07.00 | - | 0 |
| 7.8L | $3.25 |
| 1/3 | 25/10/2024 | 33 | HDLE 4U | $19,260.00 | Sligo | 3621m | Y | D J Mullins | 75.5kg | 4:21.80 | - | 0 |
| 3.0L | $1.91 |
| 1/11 | 22/09/2024 | 53 | STPLE HCP 4U | $81,820.00 | Listowel | 3520m | Good | Oakley Brown | 76.5kg | 4:25.20 | - | 0 |
| 0.5L | $7.50 |