Your next Ross mare? The bookie's top tip-offs.

20th MARCH 2025

With the Ross-on-Wye Grand Classic approaching in May, bookmakers Willie Hillbrokes have the race card open for betting.

Who will be the next Ross-on-Wye Mare?

Recent years have been clouded by controversy - rumours of syndicate control and race rigging abound. Rarely an event goes by without excessive use of the whip being whispered about in the paddock afterwards.

With a history of runaway winners, most somewhat suspiciously predicted pre-race, this seems to be reflected in the short odds offered by Willie Hillbrokes. Hopes for a much closer race rarely become reality, with this year being no different.

For the public still dreaming of netting a few sheets from their pay-day spondoolies, veteran race pundit and four-time rejected Doctor Who auditionee Ron McStewdick, gives you the run down on his top tips to take the title…

1/5 - Delve In Your Pocket
Building up momentum, this quiet runner has gone under most people’s radars this year. The Irish say the colt who’s been unspectacular in the novice stakes is not to be underestimated, and with the full weight of his stable behind him he’ll be difficult to beat.

3/2 – Born Free Her
Not one for the limelight, much like the favourite in that respect, there's a question mark over whether she can even be cajoled to the start line. If so though, and if others lose their nerve, it could be a win by several furlongs. An unassuming runner who could prove popular.

8/1 – Mister Ed
A previous winner, although never gaining the public’s hearts as much as other past champions like Danny Boy and Windier Willows. Not shy due to competitive dressage experience, keen to win, but prone to run off in the wrong direction. Worth a bet? Or will all your money go wasted?

8/1 - Kinjoolian
If it was purely a numbers game, perhaps the odds would shorten - but it isn’t. Seems to like to stick to the flat, and fought against the even slightly sloping market house course this year, so over the jumps does Kinjoolian have the appetite or hunger to nose ahead?

14/1 – Tis Bartmun
Difficult for bookmakers to keep up with, and odds are expected to slide. Last time out fell at the 1st after trampling a more spritely horse. Will it be one last hurrah, or is it time the veteran was put out to pasture? Pain Bob Hurts his stablemate has been a previous leader but this self-trained horse is not what it used to be.

15/1 – Stark Contrast
From Scottish stock, came out on top two years ago but we know what this race is like, no winner has come back to repeat its success within five years of winning the title. A wise animal but tends to get bogged down in soggy ground.

18/1 – The Fiddler
Late to racing so still somewhat a novice, little is known to go on. Going largely unnoticed throughout the season, and noted more for the colour of its mane than making its mark. Unless the breeder knows something we don’t, odds look long.

25/1 – Colt Hay
Not the most imposing beast, probably needs to control temper better in the parade ring and learn the craft. Likely will attract a few wild flutters but not one to watch. Very unlikely to go the distance, but maybe one to note for future years? Maybe.

33/1 - Etch A Sketch
Over the last few race calendars appears largely disinterested. Trainers will need to decide if this also ran can be turned into a prospect let alone contender – until then a rank outsider it remains. Decent odds for dreamers though.

45/1 - Come On Over Valerie
Always looks the part, acts the part, with a steely determination. Has never let the occasion overwhelm, but odds are stacked against this respected, experienced runner. A smaller stride has never proved a handicap, but being from a different stable will.

50/1 - Flowers for Katy
The only runner with significant international experience. A great steeplechaser that always goes the distance. Will always keep that head up, but going by past winners is unlikely to go far without the backing of a large stable.

55/1 - Windier Willows
Unrecognisable from when he won the race some years ago, much smarter, but that does not necessarily translate into faster, with the occasional tendency to hoof gaze. A good winner before though.

80/1 - Danny Boy
The only winner in living memory not from the same stable as all the others. Hugely popular but Covid years might have stolen the prime from this incredibly popular runner. A people’s champion, is there one last glimmer of a fairytale win? Sadly, no.

90/1 - Neon
The most recent addition to the card certainly doesn't mind if the going is good or soft, easily adapting to any terrain. Yet to make its mark on the scene, but nevertheless a solidly built animal that won't shy away from any race and will hold its ground well.

100/1 - Filly Boil’em
Unmistakeable out on the course, one of the names that almost defines modern racing. A recent hind-kick from Tis Bartmun was never going to knock the spirit out of this contender. Could there be calls for a steward’s inquiry if she doesn’t place well?

100/1 - Pope-a-Dope
Last year’s winner - rumoured to be owned by a famous heavyweight boxer - has not shown well in the last few meets, rearing up has been a problem belying a usually level temperament. Very unlikely to win again this year, but did put in a good turn at a recent charity stakes.

100/1 - The Wizard
Not been active in recent months so not expected to be in the running, an extrovertly turned out beast with some potential. Sadly that potential might have to be realised in future races, not this year.

200/1 – Low Loader
Still on the race paperwork, but recently unseen with no recent form to assess.

.…Willie Hillbrokes is also offering the following race special…

10,000/1 – Both 1st and 2nd place to NOT wear yellow.