Archive›Uttoxeter · 16 May 2026

Uttoxeter

16 May 2026 · 7 races

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5:20 — QuinnBet Conditional Jockeys' Handicap Chase (Arc Summer Chase Series Qualifier)

2m5f · Good · HCAP · 11 runners

Independent Jimmy to leadFREEHISTORIC

How it ran

Independent Jimmy led, as the map showed.

Jiair Madrik won at 13.00 — raced prominently, where the map had it was held up.

4 of 10 runners raced in the group the map gave them

Race shape

Lead · 1

Independent Jimmy

Prominent · 3

Ironica De ThaixQuickasicanKing Of Cong

Midfield · 4

Universal SecretRockvaleAnnie NailSawpit Samantha

Hold Up · 3

Jiair MadrikKing Of The StoryBeep Beep Becky

Independent Jimmy will control this race from the front with no other natural pace-setters to challenge him early. The McCain runner can dictate a comfortable tempo through the early stages before quickening approaching the business end. With most of the field holding up, including Universal Secret, King Of The Story, and Jiair Madrik, the pace will be modest early but accelerate sharply from three out. This shape strongly favours prominent runners and those with tactical pace who can position closer to Independent Jimmy, as the hold-up brigade will face a wall of horses when the sprint develops.

Runner profiles

Race scenarios

Controlled Front Running

65% probability

If Independent Jimmy gets an uncontested lead and dictates fractions

Jimmy can string out the field turning for home while Universal Secret and King Of The Story get first run on the leaders. The hold-up horses get caught behind the pace injection and struggle to make ground in time.

Independent JimmyUniversal SecretKing Of The StoryAnnie Nail

Late Surge Succeeds

20% probability

If the pace is genuinely slow early and the field bunches approaching two out

Universal Secret's proven finishing kick from the back becomes decisive as King Of The Story also benefits from the condensed finish. The front runner gets swamped by superior class.

Universal SecretKing Of The StoryJiair MadrikIndependent Jimmy

Pace Collapse Drama

10% probability

If Independent Jimmy compounds or makes jumping errors under pressure

Quickasican and King Of Cong can capitalise from their prominent positions as the race falls apart. The hold-up horses still get hampered by the carnage ahead.

QuickasicanAnnie NailKing Of CongRockvale

Surprise Package

5% probability

If the headgear changes work dramatically for the outsiders

Ironica De Thaix finds her jumping or Sawpit Samantha benefits from the pace setup despite poor recent form. An unlikely but possible outcome given the competitive handicap nature.

Ironica De ThaixSawpit SamanthaBeep Beep BeckyKing Of Cong

Race position map

LeadProminentMidfieldHold up

Watch points

KEY

Independent Jimmy's jumping after 169-day layoff could determine if he maintains his crucial early advantage

WATCH

Universal Secret needs the pace to develop properly from his hold-up style or he'll have too much to do

WATCH

Quickasican was pulled up just 14 days ago and trainer Bedi is 0/9 in last 14 days

NOTE

Ironica De Thaix has been pulled up three consecutive times and cheekpieces failed to help last time

NOTE

King Of The Story's jumping quality will be crucial from his hold-up position in a competitive field

5:50 — Carlsberg Novices' Hurdle (GBB Race)

2m4f · Good · NOV · 9 runners

Final Surprise to leadHISTORIC

How it ran

Executive Producer led; the map had Final Surprise in front.

Chicker won at 3.75 — was held up, as the map had it. One of the race scenarios named it.

2 of 8 runners raced in the group the map gave them

Race shape

Lead · 1

Final Surprise

Prominent · 4

The HostageSolo EclipseBeau QualiDouble Tiger

Midfield · 1

Executive Producer

Hold Up · 3

Emerald OceanChickerManalishi

Final Surprise will take up a clear lead with Solo Eclipse, Double Tiger, Beau Quali, and The Hostage all wanting prominent positions early, creating traffic congestion. The genuine pace from Final Surprise should ensure a true gallop throughout, but the bunching of four prominent runners behind him will create tactical problems approaching the business end. The sustained pace will stretch out the field, with the hold-up horses getting a genuine pace to aim at. This race shape strongly favours the hold-up merchants who can avoid the early traffic and benefit from the strong gallop.

Runner profiles

Race scenarios

Hold-Up Brigade Thrives

55% probability

If Final Surprise maintains honest pace and prominent quartet get in each other's way

The genuine gallop will suit closers who can navigate around the early scrimmaging, with stamina coming to the fore over this extended trip. Manalishi and Chicker are ideally positioned to strike late having avoided the congestion.

ManalishiChickerEmerald OceanExecutive Producer

Prominent Prevails Early

25% probability

If one of the quartet breaks clear from the pack approaching two out

Solo Eclipse or Double Tiger could capitalize on their forward positions if they jump fluently and avoid the worst of the traffic. The winner would need to resist the late challenge from hold-up horses who get a clear run.

Beau QualiDouble TigerSolo EclipseThe Hostage

Final Surprise Stays Strong

12% probability

If the pace-setter maintains his rhythm and the penalty proves manageable

His recent course win gives Final Surprise the confidence to resist all-comers, particularly if the prominent group neutralize each other. The 7lb penalty becomes irrelevant if he can dictate terms from the front throughout.

Final SurpriseSolo EclipseDouble TigerBeau Quali

Complete Traffic Chaos

8% probability

If multiple fallers or interference causes major disruption at a crucial flight

The race becomes a lottery with positioning at obstacles paramount rather than pure ability. Any horse getting a clear passage benefits while class horses get hampered by the mayhem.

Executive ProducerEmerald OceanThe HostageFinal Surprise

Race position map

LeadProminentMidfieldHold up

Watch points

KEY

Final Surprise could get loose on the lead if the prominent quartet get too focused on each other early

WATCH

Traffic problems likely approaching third last hurdle where Uttoxeter track starts to turn for home

WATCH

Manalishi and Chicker both need clean jumps throughout to maximize their hold-up advantage

NOTE

Beau Quali's recent yard switch could yield immediate improvement given his proven ability

NOTE

Solo Eclipse returning from lengthy break under inexperienced jockey creates potential for errors

6:20 — 1664 Biere Novices' Handicap Hurdle

2m7½f · Good · HCAP · 7 runners

Barry Fife likeliest to leadHISTORIC

How it ran

Galway Reel led; the map had Barry Fife in front.

Crack Ops won at 2.75 — raced midfield, where the map had it raced prominently. One of the race scenarios named it.

0 of 7 runners raced in the group the map gave them

Race shape

Lead · 1

Barry Fife

Prominent · 2

Crack OpsPepite De Saphir

Midfield · 3

Country MouseGetuptheyardDexperado

Hold Up · 1

Galway Reel

Barry Fife will take this small field along at a steady gallop over this extended trip, with Crack Ops, Country Mouse and the other prominent runners content to track closely behind. The lack of confirmed front-runners beyond Barry Fife means no genuine pace pressure until the business end, creating a rhythm that builds gradually through the race. Only Galway Reel represents hold-up tactics, but Sean Bowen will need to position him carefully in such a small field. This tactical setup strongly favours prominent racers who can sit handy and have something left for the finish, rather than pure speed horses or those needing a strong gallop.

Runner profiles

Race scenarios

Prominent Battle Unfolds

55% probability

If Barry Fife sets reasonable fractions without being pressured early

The race becomes a tactical affair where horses tracking in second and third get first run on the leader turning for home. Crack Ops and Country Mouse are perfectly positioned to exploit this, having the class and recent form to capitalize.

Crack OpsCountry MouseBarry FifePepite De Saphir

Sustainable Pace Suits

25% probability

If the early gallop is genuinely steady and nobody commits too early

The lack of pace pressure allows Barry Fife to dictate throughout and kick clear when it matters, while Galway Reel gets the perfect setup for his hold-up style. Both benefit from the tactical nature but different running styles prosper.

Barry FifeGalway ReelCrack OpsCountry Mouse

Class Rises To Top

12% probability

If the small field splits the difference tactically with moderate early pace

The race becomes about pure ability rather than tactics, suiting the highest-rated performers who can quicken when required. Crack Ops has shown the best recent hurdles form while Galway Reel brings chase experience back to the smaller obstacles.

Crack OpsGalway ReelBarry FifeCountry Mouse

Long Absence Backfires

8% probability

If either Galway Reel or Dexperado shows ring-rustiness from extended layoffs

Their fitness concerns become evident in the final furlong, allowing the more race-fit prominent runners to come through strongly. The regularly campaigned horses take advantage of their sharper condition in a tactical finish.

Country MouseBarry FifeCrack OpsPepite De Saphir

Race position map

LeadProminentMidfieldHold up

Watch points

KEY

Galway Reel could be positioned too far back by Sean Bowen in this small field, making his hold-up style ineffective

WATCH

Barry Fife's jumping needs monitoring as any mistakes will disrupt his front-running tactics and hand initiative to trackers

WATCH

Crack Ops showed jumping errors last time at Bangor, any repeat issues will cost him dearly in a tactical finish

NOTE

The pace early will determine everything - if Barry Fife goes too slow it hands the advantage to Galway Reel

NOTE

Market support for either Dexperado or Pepite De Saphir would suggest their lengthy absences aren't concerns to connections

6:50 — Eaton Hall Shooting Ground Handicap Hurdle (GBB Race)

2m7½f · Good · HCAP · 8 runners

Skyjack Hijack to leadHISTORIC

How it ran

Skyjack Hijack led, as the map showed.

Geezer Rockstar won at 4.33 — raced midfield, where the map had it raced prominently. One of the race scenarios named it.

2 of 8 runners raced in the group the map gave them

Race shape

Lead · 1

Skyjack Hijack

Prominent · 1

Geezer Rockstar

Midfield · 4

LihyanKayf DancerSecret TrixWa Wa

Hold Up · 2

Super SurvivorMinella Rescue

Skyjack Hijack will set the pace from the front with minimal pressure in this small field of hold-up horses. With only Geezer Rockstar likely to race prominently early, Skyjack Hijack can dictate a comfortable tempo through the first half of this 2m7½f test. The lack of pace pressure means the leaders can conserve energy for a sustained finish, while the six hold-up horses will need to rely on late kicks from potentially compromised positions. This race shape strongly favors front-runners and prominent racers who can avoid traffic problems and capitalize on the soft early pace.

Runner profiles

Race scenarios

Skyjack Hijack Controls

45% probability

If Skyjack Hijack maintains his jumping rhythm and isn't pressured for pace

The 8yo can use his class from his 2024 winning streak to control the race from pillar to post, while the hold-up brigade struggle to make up ground on the leaders who've had an easy time of it. His 441-day absence is a concern but the tactical advantage is enormous.

Skyjack HijackGeezer RockstarMinella RescueSecret Trix

Hold-Up Horse Late Surge

30% probability

If the pace becomes genuinely slow and bunches the field for a sprint finish

The lack of early pace allows patient riders like Sean Bowen and Gavin Sheehan to time their challenges perfectly, with Secret Trix and Super Survivor using their class to sweep past tiring leaders. The good ground suits these staying types who can quicken late.

Secret TrixSuper SurvivorMinella RescueLihyan

Minella Rescue Repeats

15% probability

If Minella Rescue's course form and tactical speed proves decisive in the straight

The 2025 course winner can use James Davies' tactical nous to position perfectly and strike at the optimum moment, benefiting from both the race shape and proven course ability. His 35-day break should have him spot-on for this exact test.

Minella RescueKayf DancerLihyanSecret Trix

Pace Collapse Chaos

10% probability

If Skyjack Hijack's lengthy absence tells and he fades dramatically from the front

The leader's capitulation creates a messy finish where any horse with a clear run can capitalize, potentially allowing an outsider like Wa Wa or Kayf Dancer to sneak through. Positioning becomes crucial as the field concertinas in the final furlong.

Kayf DancerWa WaGeezer RockstarLihyan

Race position map

LeadProminentMidfieldHold up

Watch points

KEY

Skyjack Hijack's jumping early - any mistakes will end his tactical advantage immediately

WATCH

Secret Trix and Super Survivor's positioning turning in - both need clear runs from hold-up positions

NOTE

Minella Rescue's early tracking position - James Davies must judge the pace perfectly to repeat last year's win

WATCH

The pace through the first mile - if genuinely slow it will completely change the complexion of the finish

NOTE

Geezer Rockstar's willingness to race prominently - could provide crucial early pace support for Skyjack Hijack

7:20 — Chemique Bonded For Victory Cup Novices' Limited Handicap Chase (GBB Race)

2m4f · Good · HCAP · 5 runners

Orderoftheday to leadHISTORIC

How it ran

Black Hawk Eagle led; the map had Orderoftheday in front.

Orderoftheday won at 2.62 — was held up, where the map had it led. One of the race scenarios named it.

1 of 4 runners raced in the group the map gave them

Race shape

Lead · 1

Orderoftheday

Prominent · 1

That's Nice

Midfield · 1

Stanners Glen

Hold Up · 2

Queensbury BoyBlack Hawk Eagle

Orderoftheday is the sole confirmed front runner and will dictate terms from the flag in this small field. With no other natural pace angles, he'll get an uncontested lead and can bowl along at a sustainable rhythm that suits his style. The three hold-up horses (Queensbury Boy, Black Hawk Eagle, Stanners Glen) and prominent runner That's Nice will track behind, creating a bunched field turning for home. This setup clearly favours the front runner who can control the tempo without pressure, making life difficult for the closers who need a strong pace to aim at.

Runner profiles

Race scenarios

Uncontested Leader Dominates

45% probability

If Orderoftheday gets an easy lead and maintains his jumping rhythm

He can dictate ideal fractions and kick clear when the field comes to him turning in. The lack of pace pressure allows him to save energy for a decisive move when challenged.

OrderofthedayStanners GlenThat's NiceQueensbury Boy

Late Rally Catches Leader

30% probability

If the pace becomes too slow and Orderoftheday ties up in the final half-mile

The hold-up horses get the strong gallop they need when the tempo lifts approaching the last few fences. Queensbury Boy and Black Hawk Eagle can use their superior ratings.

Queensbury BoyBlack Hawk EagleOrderofthedayThat's Nice

Prominent Tracker Strikes

15% probability

If That's Nice can sit handy and benefit from her Nicky Henderson stable momentum

She can travel sweetly in behind Orderoftheday and strike when he comes back to her. Her hurdles form suggests she has the class when things go right.

That's NiceOrderofthedayQueensbury BoyStanners Glen

Jumping Errors Decide

10% probability

If the favourite or leader makes a crucial mistake at a key fence

The race opens up for whichever horse is traveling best and jumping most fluently in behind. Stanners Glen's recent hurdles win suggests he's in form.

Stanners GlenThat's NiceBlack Hawk EagleOrderoftheday

Race position map

LeadProminentMidfieldHold up

Watch points

KEY

Orderoftheday's jumping under pressure - any significant mistake hands initiative to closers

WATCH

Black Hawk Eagle's temperament after his fall last time, could be keen early and compromise his hold-up style

NOTE

Queensbury Boy's breathing post-wind surgery, particularly in the final half-mile when race tempo lifts

WATCH

That's Nice's fence technique in the back straight, she's made errors in recent chase starts

NOTE

Stanners Glen's inexperience over fences when the pace quickens, jumping will determine his chance

7:55 — Somersby Handicap Hurdle

2m4f · Good · HCAP · 13 runners

Victoria Milano to leadHISTORIC

How it ran

Scrumpyjack led; the map had Victoria Milano in front.

Fighting Falcon won at 6.00 — raced midfield, where the map had it raced prominently.

4 of 12 runners raced in the group the map gave them

Race shape

Lead · 1

Victoria Milano

Prominent · 4

Kingdom Of StarsFighting FalconWhenthemusicstopsLegendary Day

Midfield · 4

Stay HopefulSaint VicEarlofbrackenstownScrumpyjack

Hold Up · 4

Nitty GrittyGood Boy GriffSumatran TigerEskimo Sam

Victoria Milano will lead from flag to finish without pressure, being the only confirmed front-runner in this field. The prominent runners Kingdom Of Stars, Legendary Day, Whenthemusicstops and Fighting Falcon will track her in second gear, creating a modest gallop through the early stages. With so many hold-up horses including Nitty Gritty, Good Boy Griff, Sumatran Tiger and others relying on late kicks, the pace will be steady rather than searching. This sustainable tempo strongly favours the prominent runners who can position close enough to strike when Victoria Milano weakens, rather than the army of hold-up horses who will find insufficient pace to close into.

Runner profiles

Race scenarios

Prominent Runners Strike

45% probability

If Victoria Milano sets a steady tempo and the prominent horses track her comfortably

Kingdom Of Stars and Whenthemusicstops can position perfectly to pounce when the leader tires in the straight. Their tactical advantage over the hold-up brigade becomes decisive in a steadily-run race.

Kingdom Of StarsWhenthemusicstopsLegendary DayGood Boy Griff

Leader Lasts Home

30% probability

If Victoria Milano maintains her rhythm and the field fails to apply enough pressure

Her uncontested lead becomes unassailable as the hold-up horses struggle to make up ground in the closing stages. The 42-day break could have her primed for a bold showing.

Victoria MilanoKingdom Of StarsGood Boy GriffWhenthemusicstops

Hold-Up Horse Surges

15% probability

If the early pace is quicker than expected or Victoria Milano folds early

Good Boy Griff or Nitty Gritty can produce their trademark late kicks to maximum effect. The faster tempo sets up perfectly for their closing styles to be most potent.

Good Boy GriffNitty GrittySaint VicSumatran Tiger

Outsider Benefits

10% probability

If the race becomes a tactical crawl and the main fancies disappoint

Saint Vic drops in trip but showed promise over longer last time, while Sumatran Tiger's class could tell. The steady pace allows an unfancied runner to sneak through.

Saint VicSumatran TigerEskimo SamStay Hopeful

Race position map

LeadProminentMidfieldHold up

Watch points

KEY

Victoria Milano could get an uncontested lead and prove hard to peg back if her wind surgery has worked effectively

WATCH

Good Boy Griff has Sean Bowen up and showed career-best form last time but needs sufficient pace to close into from his hold-up style

NOTE

Kingdom Of Stars is unexposed in handicaps and could surprise if Kerry Lee has him ready after the 40-day break

WATCH

Multiple horses carrying fading finish warnings including Earlofbrackenstown, Eskimo Sam, Fighting Falcon and Stay Hopeful make them risky propositions

NOTE

Nitty Gritty has the visor back on after his Kelso second and the quick 10-day turnaround suggests Mark Walford confidence

8:30 — Hobgoblin Handicap Hurdle

2m · Good · HCAP · 9 runners

Spartan Times to leadHISTORIC

How it ran

Genbu led; the map had Spartan Times in front.

Genbu won at 5.00 — led, where the map had it raced midfield. One of the race scenarios named it.

5 of 8 runners raced in the group the map gave them

Race shape

Lead · 1

Spartan Times

Prominent · 2

Roarin' SuccessCollanisi

Midfield · 3

Merry ShuilCastle QuarterGenbu

Hold Up · 3

ZafaanAsk A SainteModern Style

Spartan Times is the sole confirmed front runner and will control proceedings from the gate, likely setting a steady, sustainable tempo over this 2m trip without early pressure. The prominent runners Roarin' Success and Collanisi may track within striking distance, but the field is dominated by hold-up horses including Modern Style, Zafaan, Castle Quarter, Genbu, Ask A Sainte and Merry Shuil who will look to mount late challenges. With minimal early pace pressure and a single leader setting honest fractions, this race shape strongly favours the hold-up horses who can sit off the pace and unleash late kicks in the final half-mile.

Runner profiles

Race scenarios

Hold-Up Brigade Prevails

60% probability

If Spartan Times sets honest pace without burning out early

The steady tempo allows the patient hold-up horses to conserve energy and produce their best finishing efforts. Modern Style, Zafaan, or Castle Quarter benefit most from this tactical setup.

Modern StyleZafaanCastle QuarterAsk A Sainte

Front Runner Steals It

25% probability

If Spartan Times gets soft fractions and kicks clear turning in

The lack of early pace allows the leader to dictate terms completely and build an unassailable advantage. Spartan Times proves too strong for the late challengers who leave themselves too much to do.

Spartan TimesModern StyleZafaanRoarin' Success

Prominent Trackers Strike

10% probability

If Roarin' Success or Collanisi position perfectly in behind the leader

The tracking horses get first run on the leader while the hold-up brigade are still making ground from the back. This tactical positioning proves decisive in a steadily-run race.

Roarin' SuccessCollanisiSpartan TimesModern Style

Pace Collapse Chaos

5% probability

If Spartan Times goes too slow and creates a sprint finish

The crawling pace turns the race into a pure speed test over the final 3 furlongs. The most gifted athlete rather than the best-positioned horse wins in a blanket finish.

GenbuModern StyleZafaanAsk A Sainte

Race position map

LeadProminentMidfieldHold up

Watch points

KEY

Spartan Times must be monitored early - if he gets uncontested soft fractions, the hold-up horses may have too much ground to make up

WATCH

Modern Style carries a 14lb penalty for his recent wins and needs watching if the pace becomes truly testing

NOTE

Castle Quarter returns from a 53-day break and requires monitoring for signs of rustiness in the early stages

WATCH

Ask A Sainte makes his debut for new trainer Olly Murphy and watch for any market moves indicating stable confidence

NOTE

The overall pace development needs watching - if Spartan Times goes too steady, expect a cavalry charge from the rear

About this analysis

Every race on PaceMap is read from the in-running comments of each runner’s recent form — how a horse actually ran, not only where it finished. Those comments decide the groups above, and the same comments are read back after the race to score what was published. The record is public, including the months it was worse.

Read the method behind this analysis →

This meeting ran on 16 May 2026.

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