Stratford - Thursday 20th August 2026
PORCUPINE BANK raised his game again when third in a Listed contest at the Galway Festival and this represents a fine opportunity for Gordon Elliott's charge to gain a third career victory. He has to give 8lb to Fine Thing, who made a winning start over timber at Uttoxeter last month but this will require a decent chunk of improvement.
REBEL TRIBESMAN got off the mark at the third attempt over hurdles at Warwick before arguably improving on that effort when runner-up to a smart Irish raider at Cartmel. An opening mark of 109 looks to be more than workable and the five-year-old can prove too strong for Kittys Glance, who has been competitive on both outings in handicap company. Torrent appears best of the remainder.
Crebilly is 7lb lower than his last appearance over fences and the nine-year-old, who won over hurdles at Market Rasen in May, is well handicapped to strike if his jumping holds up. That said, BAGHEERA GINGE is preferred after his comfortable success over further here at the end of June and a 5lb rise seems more than fair. Captain Cool was third behind Sir Tivo here, although the step up in trip may see him reverse the form.
DUNKERQUE finished 15 lengths ahead of Krak when they were second and third at Cartmel last month and while the margin might be tighter over this more conventional course, it's hard to envisage the form being turned around if they both complete. Samuel Spade is effective at this level and he may be a bigger danger to Dunkerque if he handles cutting back in distance.
YES AND YES is hard to ignore on his bid to complete a hat-trick. Having won over C&D in April, the nine-year-old brushed aside a 5lb rise to follow up at Warwick the following month. Freshened up by a short break, a further 7lb hike might not be enough to derail the progression if he picks up where he left off. Glenmalure Flyer and Winning Paddy are the pick of the rest and can make a good fist of things.
NORTHERN ROSE built on two second-placed finishes here to gain a deserved success at Uttoxeter. Although that was the first visit to the winner's enclosure of her career, the six-year-old mare is dependable and a 4lb rise still appears workable. Reteti also arrives in good form and is less exposed than the selection so has to be feared. The returning Berry Edge is another must for consideration on his debut for Dan Skelton and first start after wind surgery.
Both of this pair look useful and it could be an interesting contest. PORCUPINE BANK shoulders a big weight but he sets a good standard having backed up his pair of victories with a solid run at Listed level. He can defeat Fine Thing who comfortably defeated some more experienced rivals on debut and should improve for this extra distance.
A tight contest can go to KITTYS GLANCE who has shown a consistent level of form this year. Her spring novice form has worked out well and she has proven herself competitive off similar marks already. Stepping up in distance she is chosen to defeat Rebel Tribesman who was only beaten by a useful Irish raider on his follow up attempt last time. Torrent has run back into form this summer and will appreciate the drop in trip having failed to stay 3m last time. He should also be bang there at the finish.
CREBILLY is the class angle here. In 2024 he was arguably unlucky to lose at Cheltenham off 11lb higher and he has returned to form over hurdles recently. He looks the best handicapped along with Sir Tivo who was a winner here last time. He looks a threat but does have big stamina concerns stepping up in distance and he won't get an easy lead here. Captain Cool has been progressing over hurdles and fences recently so should also be thereabouts.
Not much between the trio but DUNKERQUE looks the solid option after a productive summer. His winning run may have ended last time but he still posted a good effort in defeat and he will appreciate the step back up in distance. Samuel Spade has been in good form this summer and though he has just about proved his stamina for 3m he will benefit from the drop in trip. He can chase the selection home ahead of Krak who is fairly treated on his Irish form but may find this ground on the quick side.
Hat trick seeker Yes And Yes had a bit in hand last time so is likely to prove popular despite a further 7lb rise. However his form has taken some knocks and it may be best to side with top weight GLENMALURE FLYER. She's unexposed for her top stable and is forgiven her latest run here which came too soon. She was unsuited by the drop in trip that day but the 3m winner will be happier over this distance and can resume her progress. Winning Paddy's emphatic win earlier in the summer has taken a boost so he may do best of the rest.
BERRY EDGE was in good form when last seen in the spring and has undergone a wind op since. His latest placed effort has worked out well and can continue his progress for his new top stable at the expense of fellow Flat winner Clever Relation. That rival showed improved form under tender handling on his handicap debut last time and is entitled to come on for his first outing in over a year. The consistent but frustrating top weight Reteti has some decent course form and should also be on the premises.
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