Listed race winners returning to their preferred track configuration rarely disappoint. When a seven-year-old mare has claimed back-to-back Listed victories on right-handed tracks at soft ground, then steps into another Listed mares' chase on identical conditions just 38 days later, serious punters take notice. Today's free racing tips focus on Huntingdon's 14:00 Gin And Dubonnet Lady Protectress Mares' Chase – where our NAP of the day looks primed to complete the hat-trick.
The Selection
Paggane is a seven-year-old mare trained by Faye Bramley and ridden by Harry Cobden. Priced at 1.73 (8/11) at the time of writing, this progressive mare offers genuine value in the £23,092 Listed contest. Better than ever for her current yard, gaining two Listed wins on right-handed tracks on good to soft ground, the expert view highlights her suitability for today's test. With proven course preferences and the return to a clockwise configuration ideal for her jumping style, this represents the kind of calculated bet that builds profitable portfolios.
Form and Class
Paggane's form figures of –2-2-1-1-3 tell the story of a mare hitting peak form at precisely the right time. Her most recent victory came by eight and a half lengths in the Pertemps Network Bud Booth Mares' Chase at Market Rasen, where she sauntered clear of defending champion Marsh Wren. Before that, she demolished the field at Carlisle's Listed race on good to soft ground, confirming her affinity for testing surfaces. Her Racing Post Rating of 160 marks her as a high-class performer in mares' company, while a Topspeed figure of 141 confirms genuine speed to match her stamina. Off an official rating of 148, she's proven at this level with consecutive Listed victories demonstrating she belongs among the elite mares over fences.
The Connections
Faye Bramley operates from Sir Anthony McCoy's pre-training yard in Lambourn, and while a relatively young handler, she's built an impressive record with Paggane since the mare left Willie Mullins' care. The former Mullins inmate has been a revelation for Bramley, who was described as being on cloud nine after watching the mare deliver back-to-back Listed successes. Bramley's patient approach has unlocked significant improvement, with the trainer acknowledging that Paggane just keeps improving and she can't get her head around it. This humble approach masks genuine training skill, as transforming a former Mullins runner into a dual Listed winner requires exceptional horsemanship.
Harry Cobden completes the dream team. The 2023/24 champion jump jockey operates at a 23 percent strike rate this season with 65 winners from 282 rides. More importantly, Cobden was recently announced as JP McManus's retained jockey in Britain from May 2026, confirming his status among racing's elite. His partnership with Paggane has been seamless, with Cobden praising the mare as very straightforward and a brilliant jumper. Their Market Rasen victory showcased tactical brilliance, with Cobden positioning perfectly before unleashing Paggane's finishing kick when it mattered. With six Cheltenham Festival victories including two Albert Bartlett triumphs, Cobden brings big-race temperament to match his tactical acumen.
Why Now
Today's conditions are tailor-made for Paggane. The ground at Huntingdon is good to soft – precisely the surface where she's claimed both Listed victories. The expert analysis says it best: better than ever for current yard, gaining two Listed wins on right-handed tracks on good to soft ground, jumped that way at times when held at left-handed Doncaster in hat-trick attempt, clear on ratings and the return to a clockwise course is ideal. This last point cannot be overstated. Paggane jumped that way at times when held at Doncaster's left-handed track, suggesting a clear preference for right-handed circuits. Huntingdon's tight, right-handed configuration should suit her natural jumping action perfectly.
The 2m3f189y trip suits ideally. While she's won at three miles, Cobden noted she's tough enough to go over two and a half miles, making today's intermediate distance perfect. Racing just 38 days since her Market Rasen triumph provides ideal timing – fresh enough to maintain peak form, experienced enough in Listed company to handle the pressure. Bramley's confidence is evident in targeting another Listed prize so quickly after the previous success, suggesting connections believe she's still improving despite already being better than ever.
The Opposition
The Gin And Dubonnet Lady Protectress Mares' Chase field will test Paggane against quality opposition, but her recent form elevates her above standard Listed fare. The expert view confirms she's clear on ratings, suggesting her official mark of 148 puts her several pounds ahead of rivals. Her consecutive Listed victories came at different tracks, demonstrating versatility while still preferring right-handed circuits. The Market Rasen performance was particularly impressive, with Cobden finding himself in the prime position before Paggane sauntered to victory by eight and a half lengths. That wide-margin success suggests significant improvement remains possible.
At 1.73, she shapes as a relatively short-priced favorite, yet market confidence appears entirely justified. Her Racing Post Rating of 160 and Topspeed figure of 141 mark her as genuinely superior to typical Listed mares' chase opposition. The combination of consecutive Listed wins, proven soft ground form, preferred track configuration, and the Bramley-Cobden partnership in peak form provides compelling reasons to back the favorite. When champion jockeys ride progressive mares in peak form returning to their ideal conditions, results typically follow.
The Bottom Line
This is the type of horse racing bet today that offers genuine value despite relatively short odds. A proven Listed winner on soft ground at right-handed tracks, now returning to precisely those conditions after jumping that way at Doncaster when held on the opposite configuration – the angles stack up convincingly. The Bramley stable's confidence in targeting another Listed prize just 38 days after Market Rasen demonstrates belief that Paggane remains on an upward trajectory. Paggane at Huntingdon represents today's best bet – at 1.73, backers are getting a mare who's clear on ratings returning to ideal conditions with a champion jockey who knows her perfectly. The short price reflects genuine class rather than market overreaction, making this the standout selection on Wednesday's British cards.
Want to see which tipsters are actually profitable? Horse Racing Oracle tracks real performance so you can back the picks that matter. [Join free today →] https://horseracingoracleai.com/
Gambling involves risk. Only bet what you can afford to lose.