Lostintranslation: 'Now a major player in all Grade 1 staying chases'

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If The Cap Fits (IRE)
Seven-year-old gelding
21321-1
Harry Fry
Racing Post Rating 164h

Began last season being trained as a Champion Hurdle horse but only really flourished when stepped up to 3m to win at Aintree on his final run, beating Roksana and Apple’s Jade; made smart return in beating Call Me Lord in Ascot Hurdle (2m4f); very much unexposed as a stayer and should have plenty more to offer.

Verdict: big future as staying hurdler

If The Cap Fits (centre) played his part in a rousing finishCredit: Mark Cranham (racingpost.com/photos)

If You Say Run (IRE)
Seven-year-old mare
1232P-1
Paul Nicholls
Racing Post Rating 130c

Useful form in mares’ handicap hurdles last season; has ongoing breathing issues and had palate re-cauterised over the summer; never put foot wrong on Worcester chasing debut and stepped up when taking on geldings in Grade 2 at Wincanton (second to Reserve Tank).

Verdict: more success expected in mares’ novice chases

I Just Know (IRE)
Nine-year-old gelding
2F/2F-0P
Sue Smith
Racing Post Rating 148c

Missed most of last season through injury but had done enough at Kelso (in front when falling two out) to back up bright impression left by runaway win in North Yorkshire Grand National in January 2018; sent off 14-1 for the Grand National after that only to fall at Becher’s; yet to hit form after two outings this autumn.

Verdict: handicap mark plenty high enough

Indefatigable (IRE)
Six-year-old mare
2251-52
Paul Webber
Racing Post Rating 137h

Best of the British-trained runners when fifth in the mares’ novice hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival, reversing previous form with Posh Trish and building on a neck second to Lady Buttons in a Grade 2 at Doncaster; progressed again to win a Listed race at Cheltenham by ten lengths. Again second to Lady Buttons in mares’ Listed on November return.

Verdict: Consistent mare, maybe more to offer

Itchy Feet (FR)
Five-year-old gelding
11234-4
Olly Murphy
Racing Post Rating 153h

Won first two races over hurdles last season to add to bumper success and went on to twice show smart form in defeat at Cheltenham, chasing home Elixir De Nutz before finishing third in the Supreme; below his best when fourth in a Grade 1 at Aintree next time and on return at Kempton in October.

Verdict: has decent future over hurdles

Janika (FR)
Six-year-old gelding
1/2224-1
Nicky Henderson
Racing Post Rating 168c

High-class gelding formerly trained in France who finished second in three handicaps under big weights last season; defied career-high mark to win Grade 2 Haldon Gold Cup on November return; progressive and age on his side.

Verdict: classy, won't be easiest to place

Janika won the Haldon Gold Cup at Exeter with Daryl Jacob on his return in NovemberCredit: Alan Crowhurst (Getty Images)

Jarveys Plate (IRE)
Six-year-old gelding
2139-14
Fergal O’Brien
Racing Post Rating 149c

Progressive novice hurdler last season, running away with a Listed novice at Cheltenham by 13 lengths on New Year’s Day; just found out at a higher level subsequently; expected by connections to prove better over fences and got off to perfect start in Listed event at Chepstow.

Verdict: has physique to shine as a chaser

Jatiluwih (FR)

Five-year-old gelding
211-111
Philip Hobbs
Racing Post Rating 146h

Is 5-5 since joining present connections from France, ridden each time by his owner/amateur rider; well placed to win four novice hurdles before gaining most important success in 2m5f intermediate handicap hurdle at Cheltenham’s November meeting. Clearly ahead of the handicapper over hurdles; may revert to fences (won over them in France).

Verdict: going from strength to strength

Jerrysback (IRE)
Seven-year-old gelding
1/51223-
Philip Hobbs
Racing Post Rating 152c

Missed more than 18 months after winning both starts over hurdles but returned better than ever last term, perhaps surprising even connections with 50-1 win at Bangor; twice second at Grade 2 level (2m4f-2m5f) and ran well for a long way when third in a gruelling National Hunt Chase.

Verdict: should do well in 3m handicap chases

Jett (IRE)
Eight-year-old gelding
622712
Jessica Harrington (Ire)
Racing Post Rating 161c

Tough and consistent chaser who has resumed in the form of his life this autumn, winning Punchestown Grade 3 in October before chasing home mighty Douvan in Grade 2 Clonmel Oil Chase; suited by small fields.

Verdict: benefits from shrewd placing

Joe Farrell (IRE)
Ten-year-old gelding
1/62PP-3
Rebecca Curtis
Racing Post Rating 149c

Won the Scottish Grand National in 2018, capping a sharply progressive novice campaign; trained for the Grand National last season and well backed after a hugely promising prep run at Newbury only to never figure; pulled up again in the bet365 Gold Cup.

Verdict: struggling to return to best

Joe Farrell won the 2018 Scottish Grand National under Adam WedgeCredit: Grossick Racing

Jury Duty (IRE)
Eight-year-old gelding
11UP-64
Gordon Elliott (Ire)
Racing Post Rating 160c

Smart staying chaser; below his best in October when trying to repeat last year’s success in the Grand National Hurdle in the US; was going well in the Grand National at Aintree when unseating his rider at the 18th.

Verdict: can win a big staying chase

Just Your Type (IRE)

Seven-year-old gelding
45F6F-1
Charlie Longsdon
Racing Post Rating 146c

Previous frustrating record over fences - falling twice in five outings (very unlucky at Exeter when departing two out) - ended with Hexham novice win on return; stiff task on handicap debut in Eider Chase (not disgraced in sixth); remains unexposed.

Verdict: should win staying handicap chase

Kalashnikov (IRE)

Six-year-old gelding
22U1-22
Amy Murphy
Racing Post Rating 160c

High-class performer who shaped well on Grade 2 return at Aintree when outpaced by winner; narrowly beaten when again runner-up in Newbury (2m4f) handicap chase in November; matched hurdles form over fences when winning a 2m4f Grade 1 at Aintree last spring after a stop-start campaign; unlucky in the Racing Post Arkle when badly hampered and unseating his rider.

Verdict: could win a big chase

Kalashnikov finished second to Forest Bihan on his return to action at AintreeCredit: Edward Whitaker

Kapcorse (FR)

Six-year-old gelding
61/7117-
Paul Nicholls
Racing Post Rating 146c

Has won two out of three over fences, including a handicap at Newbury last season by ten lengths; described as weak and backward following that victory by his trainer and given a light campaign back over hurdles subsequently; expected to get better with age.

Verdict: unexposed, decent staying prize awaits

Kateson

Six-year-old gelding
11377-7
Tom Lacey
Racing Post Rating 141h

Smart performer in bumpers and novice hurdles over the last two seasons, winning his first two races over hurdles last season and placed in Graded company; unsuited by good ground; trainer expects him to be even better as a chaser.

Verdict: scope to improve over fences

Keeper Hill (IRE)

Eight-year-old gelding
21003-1
Warren Greatrex
Racing Post Rating 145h

Hugely promising as a novice chaser two seasons ago (Grade 2 winner) only to fall twice and lose confidence; put back over hurdles last term and did well in good staying handicaps, winning at Warwick and finishing third behind Aux Ptits Soins at Aintree; won graduation chase at Haydock on his return.

Verdict: lower rating over fences makes him tempting

Kemboy (FR)

Seven-year-old gelding
1/11U1-1
Willie Mullins (Ire)
Racing Post Rating 178c

Owners barred from having runners. Hugely progressive staying chaser last season and claimed the notable scalp of Cheltenham Gold Cup hero Al Boum Photo in thrilling fashion at Punchestown; was completing a Grade 1 treble after wins at Leopardstown and Aintree but unseated his rider at the first at Cheltenham.

Verdict: huge shout in staying Grade 1s

Kemboy won the Punchestown Gold Cup last seasonCredit: Getty Images

Khage (IRE)

Six-year-old gelding
7211-55
Harry Whittington
Racing Post Rating 137c

Considering he has always been regarded as a future chaser, did well over hurdles last season, winning three times in maiden or novice company (made all on each occasion); jumped left at right-handed Carlisle on chasing debut in October and fifth when trying left-handed Newbury in novices' handicap chase (2m) in November.

Verdict: can win novice chases at 2m

Kilbricken Storm (IRE)

Eight-year-old gelding
13/1600-
Colin Tizzard
Racing Post Rating 154h

Surprise winner of the Albert Bartlett at Cheltenham in 2018 but backed that up with a half-length third behind Next Destination and Delta Work at Punchestown; didn’t jump well in two runs over fences last season and twice well beaten when sent back over hurdles.

Verdict: somewhat under a cloud

Kildisart (IRE)

Seven-year-old gelding
21141-3
Ben Pauling
Racing Post Rating 160c

Progressive novice chaser last season, winning three times in five races; looked short of pace at around 2m4f when raised in grade for the JLT at Cheltenham but took a big leap forward when stepped up in trip for the first time at Aintree, running away with a competitive handicap. Bit below best on return in Carlisle Listed chase (may have needed run).

Verdict: looks big improver at 3m

Kilfilum Cross (IRE)

Eight-year-old gelding
43124-3
Henry Oliver
Racing Post Rating 147c

Finished second in last season’s Kim Muir at Cheltenham on just his fourth run over fences, running a huge race for one so inexperienced having gained his sole win a month earlier at Ludlow; promising return at Stratford at the end of October over inadequate trip.

Verdict: totally unexposed as staying handicapper

Killultagh Vic (IRE)

Ten-year-old gelding
53402-4
Willie Mullins (Ire)
Racing Post Rating 157h

Classy performer at his best, though often fails to convince with his jumping; hasn’t won over hurdles or fences since December 2017 but showed the engine is still there with close fourth in Grade 1 Champion Stayers Hurdle at Punchestown.

Verdict: losing sequence goes back a long way

King Of Realms (IRE)

Seven-year-old gelding
10/1421-
Ian Williams
Racing Post Rating 146c

Relished going chasing last season; failed to build on the promise of his successful Ascot performance next time but bounced back to form on his final run when making all in a handicap at Warwick; could be a future Grand National horse according to connections.

Verdict: staying handicap within his compass

King Roland (IRE)

Five-year-old gelding
1/11-2
Harry Fry
Racing Post Rating 131b

Posted one of the most impressive bumper performances of the season on his debut when winning by 22 lengths; not so emphatic next time but was giving weight away to 15 rivals; second, beaten favourite, when making debut in maiden hurdle (2m) in November.

Verdict: shrewd connections entertain high hopes

King's Odyssey (IRE)

Ten-year-old gelding
2F6F-21
Evan Williams
Racing Post Rating 148c

Useful handicap chaser at his best (placed in numerous top handicaps) but below his best for most of last season; Aintree second last November showed he retains his ability; ran to same level of form when second on Stratford return in October and in veterans' chase victory at Warwick this month.

Verdict: can win again in veterans' chases

Klassical Dream (FR)

Five-year-old gelding
P/111-13
Willie Mullins (Ire)
Racing Post Rating 160h

Won all four novice hurdles last season, three of them at Grade 1 level including the Supreme at Cheltenham; seemed to appreciate soft ground but won just as easily on a quicker surface at Punchestown; ran as if just needing the race (looked likely winner turning in) when third to stablemate Saldier in Grade 1 Morgiana Hurdle in November.

Verdict: obvious Champion Hurdle contender

Klassical Dream finished third on his reappearance at PunchestownCredit: Mark Cranham (racingpost.com/photos)

Knocknanuss (IRE)

Nine-year-old gelding
2F55-36
Gary Moore
Racing Post Rating 158c

Bold-jumping front-runner who took really well to fences last season, making all in minor novice chases at Fakenham and Newbury to win by wide margins; came up short in Grade 1 company in the spring, finishing fifth in the Racing Post Arkle and at Aintree; promising return in well-contested Cheltenham handicap in October.

Verdict: on good mark for handicaps

La Bague Au Roi (FR)

Eight-year-old mare
11112-P
Warren Greatrex
Racing Post Rating 155c

Prolific hurdler who proved even more effective when sent chasing, winning four races (two at Grade 1 level over 2m5f and 3m), with sole defeat when second behind Kalashnikov at Aintree; skipped Cheltenham having twice disappointed there over hurdles. Poor return in Charlie Hall Chase (didn't jump as well as usual).

Verdict: consistent stayer at highest level

Labaik (FR)

Eight-year-old gelding
RR6174/
Gordon Elliott (Ire)
Racing Post Rating 162h

Winner of 2017 Supreme Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham, not sighted past two seasons; often digs in heels and refuses to race; being considered for Champion Hurdle tilt if standing training.

Verdict: reluctance at start a persistent worry

Lady Buttons

Nine-year-old mare
11142-1
Philip Kirby
Racing Post Rating 158c

Prolific mare who won four times last season, twice each over hurdles and fences from 2m to 2m4½f; repeated last year’s win in Wetherby Listed mares’ hurdle on return; still unexposed as a chaser after just six runs, with only two defeats coming at Aintree (good second when favourite for a fiercely competitive 2m handicap in April).

Verdict: big player in handicap chases

Lake View Lad (IRE)

Nine-year-old gelding
23/113P-
Nick Alexander
Racing Post Rating 160c

Progressive staying chaser who won two of the top 3m handicaps in the north last season, the Rehearsal and Rowland Meyrick; stayed on strongly when a fine third in the Ultima at Cheltenham but never a factor when pulled up in the Grand National.

Verdict: more to come as staying handicapper

Lalor (GER)

Seven-year-old gelding
1/13P6-4
Kayley Woollacott
Racing Post Rating 159c

Ended last season on a low ebb after three successive disappointments and didn't show much sparkle on Exeter return in November; still hard to forget promise of comfortable victory on chasing debut at Cheltenham over Dynamite Dollars, building on Grade 1 novice hurdle win at Aintree, but has plenty to prove now.

Verdict: hasn't fulfilled early promise

L’Ami Serge (IRE)

Nine-year-old gelding
22381/7-
Nicky Henderson
Racing Post Rating 162h

Difficult to win with but had developed into a consistent staying hurdler at the top level before missing last season through injury; picked up two Grade 1 victories prior to that, adding the Aintree Hurdle to the French Champion Hurdle.

Verdict: classy, hard to win with

Larry

Six-year-old gelding
F1421-0
Gary Moore
Racing Post Rating 147c

Steadily progressive over fences last season and signed off by winning a competitive novice handicap at Sandown; no show on Ascot return in Grade 3 handicap in November; yet to win beyond 2m4½f but had run just as well over 2m7½f when a neck second at Newbury and trainer is confident he has bigger races in him over further.

Verdict: could improve further in handicaps

Laurina (FR)

Six-year-old mare
11/114-1
Willie Mullins (Ire)
Racing Post Rating 160h

Exciting mare who won first six races for Willie Mullins before well beaten when just 5-2 for the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham; looked short of pace for the two miles when fourth that day (last three wins over 2m4f) but still full of potential back up in trip; made superb debut over fences in defeating Minella Indo decisively at Gowran.

Verdict: monster, can continue in winning vein

Laurina is expected to have another fruitful campaignCredit: Patrick McCann

Le Breuil (FR)

Seven-year-old gelding
23241-P
Ben Pauling
Racing Post Rating 151c

Gutsy winner of last season’s gruelling National Hunt Chase, wearing down Discorama close home; relished the step up in distance having shown promise over insufficient distances in earlier novice chases; possibly needed the run on return in Grade 2 hurdle at Wetherby; set to be aimed at the Grand National.

Verdict: clearly suited by extreme test

Le Patriote (FR)

Seven-year-old gelding
P/811-14
Dr Richard Newland
Racing Post Rating 152h

Big improver in second season in Britain last term and completed a hat-trick in the Swinton Hurdle in May either side of a layoff for a stress fracture of the pelvis; had been due to go novice chasing this summer but instead held back for a crack at bigger hurdles races.

Verdict: can handle rise in class

Le Richebourg (FR)

Six-year-old gelding
511211-
Joseph O’Brien (Ire)
Racing Post Rating 162c

Favourite for the Racing Post Arkle for much of last season until ruled out by injury; had won four out of five chases, with sole defeat a narrow one by Delta Work in the Drinmore; looked better at 2m, twice easily beating Arkle runner-up Us And Them.

Verdict: top class at around 2m

Like The Sound (FR)

Eight-year-old gelding
21PU1-9
Charlie Mann
Racing Post Rating 143c

Not easy to catch right but useful staying handicap chaser when on song; second of his chase wins (over extended 3m4½f) came off 10lb higher mark than the first, but found to be suffering from rare balance disorder after, and broke blood vessel when pulled up on another occasion. Made running over hurdles on his return, fading late on but eventually finishing last.

Verdict: fragile, useful chaser at his best

Lil Rockerfeller (USA)

Eight-year-old gelding
530-323
Neil King
Racing Post Rating 152c

Hugely popular and versatile stayer who had his finest hour when second in the 2017 Stayers’ Hurdle; won three times over fences last season but jumped poorly in stronger company; best effort back over hurdles when third in a Grade 2 at Fontwell on first run after wind surgery.

Verdict: harder to place from now on

Lisnagar Oscar (IRE)

Six-year-old gelding
153-239
Rebecca Curtis
Racing Post Rating 142c

Strong chasing type who shaped with abundant promise on Chepstow fencing debut in October, although well below that form at Stratford next time (sharp track may not have suited); proved a smart staying novice hurdler last season; most impressive when running away with a Grade 2 at Haydock; fair fifth in the Albert Bartlett.

Verdict: likely very decent novice chaser

Lisp (IRE)

Five-year-old gelding
2285-43
Alan King
Racing Post Rating 145h

Consistent last season in major 2m handicap hurdles; following career-best second in £140,000 event at Ascot in December was highly tried in the spring (not disgraced when eighth in Betfair Hurdle, fifth in County); ran right up to best on return in Ascot Listed handicap hurdle and not disgraced when third (took keen hold) in novice chase at Warwick in November; seen as ideal sort for novice chases.

Verdict: potentially quite exciting 2m novice

Livelovelaugh (IRE)

Nine-year-old gelding
F/P200-2
Willie Mullins (Ire)
Racing Post Rating 148c

Yet to add to sole chase win in January 2018 but went close in valuable handicap chases at Leopardstown and Punchestown last season; three other runs beyond 3m but yet to convince over further and a clear non-stayer in the Grand National after travelling particularly well.

Verdict: deserves to halt losing sequence

Longhouse Sale (IRE)

Five-year-old gelding
1-11106
Dan Skelton
Racing Post Rating 140 hurdle

Won three minor novice hurdles at start of the season; needs decent surface and reportedly unsuited by rain-softened good ground when suffering first defeat in Market Rasen handicap hurdle; will go novice hurdling in autumn, novice chasing in spring.

Verdict: do well chasing at modest level

Looksnowtlikebrian (IRE)

Eight-year-old gelding
11P8-4P
Tim Vaughan
Racing Post Rating 146c

Made it four wins in first six races over fences when winning twice at Carlisle last season, hacking up by ten lengths on second occasion; well fancied for the Welsh National after that only to be pulled up when always behind; being aimed at the same race again.

Verdict: needs to brush up on jumping

Looksnowtlikebrian is expected to go for the Welsh Grand National this seasonCredit: Grossick Racing

Lord Napier (IRE)

Six-year-old gelding
63165-P
Peter Bowen
Racing Post Rating 148h

Improving hurdler who resumed progress when stepped up in trip last season, winning a valuable 2m7½f handicap at Sandown; below par next time (second flop on heavy ground, although has won on soft) before back on track with a fifth at Grade 1 level at Aintree; probably needed the run on Wetherby return in November.

Verdict: should win another staying handicap

Lostintranslation (IRE)

Seven-year-old gelding
1221-11
Colin Tizzard
Racing Post Rating 165c

Carlisle Listed win on return proved stepping stone to emphatic, impressive victory over Bristol De Mai in Betfair Chase at Haydock (3m1f); enjoyed a terrific rivalry with Defi Du Seuil last season, beating him in the Dipper at Cheltenham before finishing second to him in the Scilly Isles and the JLT; proved even better when stepped up to 3m at Aintree, beating RSA winner Topofthegame in the Grade 1 Mildmay.

Verdict: now a major player in all Grade 1 staying chases

Lough Derg Spirit (IRE)

Seven-year-old gelding
0/151P6-
Paul Nicholls
Racing Post Rating 144c

Bought by new owner to go hunter chasing as potential replacement for Pacha Du Polder, dual winner of the Foxhunter at the Cheltenham Festival; successful twice over fences last season for Nicky Henderson.

Verdict: seen as ideal hunter chase recruit

Louis' Vac Pouch (IRE)

Seven-year-old gelding
1F2-U53
Henry Oliver
Racing Post Rating 151c

One-time useful hurdler who got back on track when switched to fences last season; ran well in all three completed chases, winning twice and finishing a fine second to Secret Investor at Ayr; unlucky when hampered and unseated rider (still going well) at Punchestown. Should be cherry ripe now after two autumn runs in a handicap hurdle and graduation chase (2m too short each time).

Verdict: more to offer in handicaps

Lust For Glory (IRE)

Six-year-old mare
12105-2
Nicky Henderson
Racing Post Rating 129h

Successful in an Irish point, a bumper and twice over hurdles; following victories in mares’ novice events, her progress petered out (down the field in Grade 2 mares’ novice at Cheltenham and last at Ayr); possibly feeling effects of flu jab at the festival.

Verdict: can bounce back in mares’ chases

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