December 14 / 14.05 Doncaster

14.05

Good To Soft

bet365 Handicap Chase (GBB Race)

  • Prize money: £26015
  • 2m 7f 214y
  • Class 2
  • 14 runners
ITV
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bet365 Handicap Chase (GBB Race)

Runners: 14 runners

Type: Chase Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Cloudy

14/1 (Won)

  • Win: £9.00
  • Place: £2.70

Form: 217542 D

Last run: 35 days

W: 10st 2lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 120

Form & Verdict
Inconsistent and is without the cheekpieces that went on for the first time for his back-to-form second at Kelso (2m5f, good to soft) last month; however, even from out of the handicap he's just 1lb higher than when third of 18 over C&D (good) in January and is not ruled out each-way.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

4

25th Oct 2025

Good

3m 2f 39y

Class 2

15:55 Kelso

Charlie Uberalles

11st 0lb

J: Danny McMenamin

T: Dianne Sayer

Not disgraced in the 3m1f event at Cartmel won by Olivers Travels but shaped as if he may need a drop back in trip; gained his two wins this term over 2m5f (at that venue).

14/1

4th

1

25th Aug 2025

Good

3m 1f 107y

Class 3

16:05 Cartmel

Charlie Uberalles

12st 0lb

J: Henry Brooke

T: Dianne Sayer

Never got going in Market Rasen's Summer Plate but returning here is a major positive, having previously gone back-to-back in 2m5f chases (made all on good to soft; good is fine); not handicapped out of contention by any means and probably stays this far.

8/1

4

19th Jul 2025

Good

2m 5f 89y

Class 1

15:12 Market Rasen

Charlie Uberalles

11st 0lb

J: Danny McMenamin

T: Dianne Sayer

Goes particularly well at Cartmel where he won three weeks ago (2m5f, good to soft) despite looking on a toughish mark; similar concerns here raised another 5lb and wouldn't want the ground to turn proper soft.

16/1

25/1

  • Place: £5.30

Form: PP-663 C

Last run: 20 days

W: 10st 6lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 127

Form & Verdict
Hurdles winner here who runs off the same mark as for his chase win at Wetherby in January and he took a step back in the right direction when third of seven over hurdles at Uttoxeter three weeks ago; however, he reverts to fences off a higher mark and others have more compelling claims.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

7

28th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 84y

Class 2

16:15 Doncaster

Docpickedme

10st 10lb

J: Charlie Maggs

T: Richard Hobson

Doncaster form figures read 1P2114, the last five of which were over fences; not disgraced last time and this hurdles mark is 10lb lower, so a case can be made.

5/1

4th

5

24th Jan 2026

Soft

2m 7f 214y

Class 1

14:05 Doncaster

Docpickedme

11st 4lb

J: Charlie Maggs

T: Richard Hobson

Course form figures read 1P211, the last two wins coming in this race last year (good) and over C&D (good to soft) last month, both off a mark 2lb lower than today's; has also won on soft; respected given his record here.

7/1

13

5th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

3m 0f 210y

Class 1

14:30 Aintree

Docpickedme

10st 5lb

J: Charlie Maggs

T: Richard Hobson

9yo who has been inconsistent over the years but he's been better than ever the last twice, going very close at Doncaster (3m, good to soft) in December before winning another competitive handicap there (3m, good) in January, albeit having a battle on his hands before being left clear at the final fence; that latest form still reads well and a 4lb rise isn't harsh; chance.

6/1

5/1

  • Place: £1.80

Form: 1213-4 CD

Last run: 35 days

W: 11st 2lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 137

Form & Verdict
Won this 12 months ago (good to soft) and continued in fine form last season, adding a competitive handicap at Kempton (3m, soft) in February; there could still be mileage in his mark and he may have needed last month's reappearance run at Wincanton (well-beaten fourth); one to consider.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

25th Jan 2025

Good To Soft

2m 7f 214y

Class 1

15:15 Doncaster

Forward Plan

11st 9lb

J: Chad Bament

T: Anthony Honeyball

held up in rear

11/2

5

25th Jan 2025

Good To Soft

2m 7f 214y

Class 1

15:15 Doncaster

Forward Plan

11st 9lb

J: Chad Bament

T: Anthony Honeyball

held up in rear

11/2

3rd

5

14th Dec 2024

Good To Soft

2m 7f 214y

Class 2

14:05 Doncaster

Forward Plan

11st 2lb

J: Ben Godfrey

T: Anthony Honeyball

Won this 12 months ago (good to soft) and continued in fine form last season, adding a competitive handicap at Kempton (3m, soft) in February; there could still be mileage in his mark and he may have needed last month's reappearance run at Wincanton (well-beaten fourth); one to consider.

5/1

Form: 51P-44 C

Last run: 27 days

W: 12st 0lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 149

Form & Verdict
Won the two-finisher Grimthorpe Handicap Chase here (3m2f, soft) in March off today's mark and he's been a respectable fourth at Cheltenham (3m1f/3m3f, good) on both outings this autumn; might not be far away for trainer who won this in 2020 and 2021.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

1

16th Apr 2025

Good

3m 2f 0y

Class 2

16:25 Cheltenham

Does He Know

12st 0lb

J: Ciaran Gethings

T: Kim Bailey & Mat Nicholls

Very useful staying chaser when on song and has pretty good record at Cheltenham; pulled up at Exeter two starts ago and didn't find much at the business end when third of four at Carlisle (3m, good) last month but it won't be a surprise if he runs a big race here.

11/2

3rd

1

16th Apr 2025

Good

3m 2f 0y

Class 2

16:25 Cheltenham

Does He Know

12st 0lb

J: Ciaran Gethings

T: Kim Bailey & Mat Nicholls

Very useful staying chaser when on song and has pretty good record at Cheltenham; pulled up at Exeter two starts ago and didn't find much at the business end when third of four at Carlisle (3m, good) last month but it won't be a surprise if he runs a big race here.

11/2

3rd

1

23rd Mar 2025

Good

3m 0f 110y

Class 2

16:30 Carlisle

Does He Know

12st 0lb

J: Tom Bellamy

T: Kim Bailey & Mat Nicholls

taken down early, raced in second, pressed leader 13th, led narrowly 3 out, headed when hit last, weakened and lost second run-in

9/4

Form: P112P5 D

Last run: 14 days

W: 11st 5lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 140

Form & Verdict
He won two in a row in the summer (3m2f/2m7f, good) but was pulled up at Cheltenham (3m1f, good) in October and soundly beaten in the Rehearsal at Newcastle (2m7f, good) last time; needs to bounce back.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

3

14th Dec 2024

Good To Soft

2m 7f 214y

Class 2

14:05 Doncaster

Kinondo Kwetu

11st 5lb

J: Jonathan England

T: Sam England

He won two in a row in the summer (3m2f/2m7f, good) but was pulled up at Cheltenham (3m1f, good) in October and soundly beaten in the Rehearsal at Newcastle (2m7f, good) last time; needs to bounce back.

25/1

Form: 1U-113 CD

Last run: 35 days

W: 10st 7lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 128

Form & Verdict
Won C&D handicap (good) last November and added three hunter chase wins in the spring (soft/heavy); returned from a break with staying-on third in the Grand Sefton at Aintree (2m5f, good to soft) last month and he could relish this step back up in trip; on the shortlist.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

10

9th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 5f 19y

Class 2

15:30 Aintree

Gaboriot

12st 0lb

J: Mr Huw Edwards

T: Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero

Pulled up in the Becher here in December and his two subsequent hunter chase runs have yielded an early fall and disappointing defeat; twice placed over these fences, however, most recently in the Grand Sefton over C&D in November, and could have an each-way shout if back on song in change of headgear.

25/1

3rd

2

19th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 11y

Class 4

16:50 Ludlow

Gaboriot

12st 6lb

J: Mr Huw Edwards

T: Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero

Pulled up in the Becher Chase at Aintree in December but finished a very good second in the Grand Sefton (2m5f, good to soft) the previous month; returned to hunter chasing with quite a spill at Catterick a fortnight ago but holds leading claims if that hasn't left a mark.

5/4

1

4th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 1f 54y

Class 5

16:10 Catterick

Gaboriot

12st 6lb

J: Mr Huw Edwards

T: Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero

Pulled up in the Becher Chase at Aintree last time but had previously finished a very good second in the Grand Sefton (2m5f, good to soft); did well hunter chasing back in 2024 and the one to beat.

10/11

Form: 49-PPF D

Last run: 37 days

W: 11st 1lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 136

Form & Verdict
Fair sixth in this last year (good to soft) before good fourth of 18 over C&D (good) in January and he's well handicapped on that form; things haven't gone to plan subsequently but he was in with a chance when falling four out at Newbury last month, which was encouraging; could play a leading role.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

23rd Sep 2025

Good

3m 1f 100y

Class 3

16:30 Warwick

Sail Away

11st 9lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

Won well off 4lb lower at Aintree in May (3m1f, good) and a 4lb higher mark doesn't look too damaging; strongly considered as fitness is unlikely to be an issue given his yard.

2/1

Form: 703322 D

Last run: 31 days

W: 11st 0lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 135

Form & Verdict
Just 1-10 over fences but he's been in the first three on his last four starts, finishing second at Chepstow (2m7f, good) and Bangor (3m, soft) the last twice; holds each-way claims once more.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

6th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 48y

Class 3

15:40 Exeter

Pull Again Green

11st 8lb

J: Liam Harrison

T: Fergal O’Brien

Three-time chase winner with the form to feature off this mark and a break could have done him good, as his last two efforts weren't great; hard to rule out, for all that this trip is on the sharp side.

10/1

Form: 3036-8

Last run: 28 days

W: 10st 13lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 134

Form & Verdict
Inconsistent last season and unraced at this trip, also soundly beaten in last month's Paddy Power Gold Cup; however, he stayed on well for third in the 2m4f Plate at last season's Cheltenham Festival and his dam won over an extended 2m7f, so he's worth a go at 3m; not written off.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

4

26th Oct 2025

Good

3m 0f 210y

Class 2

13:50 Aintree

Straw Fan Jack

10st 7lb

J: Sean Houlihan

T: Sheila Lewis

Capitalised on a reduced mark in three-runner handicap at Ludlow (3m, good) in April and could improve for this month's 25l second of five on reappearance at Ludlow (3m, good to firm), when making mistakes; also effective on soft ground; possible player if jumping better this time.

7/1

1

8th Oct 2025

Good To Firm

2m 7f 171y

Class 3

15:35 Ludlow

Straw Fan Jack

12st 0lb

J: Sean Houlihan

T: Sheila Lewis

10yo who turned things around when narrowly beating an odds-on rival in a C&D handicap (good; 11-2) in April; been absent since then but he's only 1lb higher than for that win and has claims if he can pick up where he left off.

9/2

1st

5

2nd Apr 2025

Good

2m 7f 171y

Class 3

15:45 Ludlow

Straw Fan Jack

10st 13lb

J: Sean Houlihan

T: Sheila Lewis

Commendable third off 11lb higher at last year's Cheltenham Festival (2m4f, soft; good ground also suits) but badly out of form this season (four runs) and is the one in this line-up with by far the most to prove.

7/1

Form: 809-98

Last run: 167 days

W: 10st 9lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 130

Form & Verdict
Ran well for a long way in the Scottish National in April and has dropped down the weights; however, he was well beaten in June on his last two outings and needs to raise his game following a break.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

23rd Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 20y

Class 2

15:10 Perth

Whistleinthedark

11st 0lb

J: Miss Ellie Callwood

T: L J Morgan

11yo who was tailed off at Cheltenham in December and pulled up at Haydock this month on sole run since; arrives with something to prove but three visits to Perth have yielded two wins, including this race in 2023, so he's worth a second look; a first-time visor replaces cheekpieces.

25/1

9

4th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 203y

Class 2

15:20 Haydock

Whistleinthedark

11st 3lb

J: Charlie Maggs

T: L J Morgan

Inconsistent last year but won twice (3m/2m4f, good/soft), those victories coming on the back of respective breaks of 89 and 120 days; may be best caught fresh nowadays so is worth a second look after 113 days off.

33/1

1

13th Jul 2025

Good

2m 7f 180y

Class 3

15:43 Perth

Whistleinthedark

12st 0lb

J: Harry Reed

T: L J Morgan

Back in rude health over C&D (good) in May, easily beating Saint Arvans to win by 20l, and his subsequent Market Rasen fourth (2m5f, good) was also a good effort; still well handicapped on old form; shortlisted.

3/1

OUR TIP

Form: 371P-1 D

Last run: 49 days

W: 12st 0lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 149

Form & Verdict
10yo who enhanced his excellent record at Kelso when winning there in October on his reappearance (3m, good to soft) and he's now on a career-high mark; however, he was a good third over C&D (good) in January 2023 on his sole visit to Doncaster and is not ruled out.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

13th Feb 2026

Soft

2m 7f 96y

Class 2

15:00 Kelso

Elvis Mail

12st 0lb

J: Bruce Lynn

T: N W Alexander

12yo who lacked fluency when back over fences and was soundly beaten at Haydock in December; however, prior to that he made a fairly encouraging return from an absence over hurdles at Ayr and he's a six-time winner at Kelso; could have a part to play now back here.

13/2

5th

1

1st Nov 2025

Soft

3m 0f 70y

Class 3

13:58 Ayr

Elvis Mail

12st 0lb

J: Dominic Hislop

T: N W Alexander

Likeable veteran whose ten wins include six at Kelso and three here; made a successful reappearance in 3m2f chase at Kelso (from Famous Bridge) last autumn; doesn't run often over hurdles these days but he has a lower mark and cannot be ruled out completely.

15/2

5th

1

1st Nov 2025

Soft

3m 0f 70y

Class 3

13:58 Ayr

Elvis Mail

12st 0lb

J: Dominic Hislop

T: N W Alexander

Likeable veteran whose ten wins include six at Kelso and three here; made a successful reappearance in 3m2f chase at Kelso (from Famous Bridge) last autumn; doesn't run often over hurdles these days but he has a lower mark and cannot be ruled out completely.

15/2

Form: U421-7 D

Last run: 49 days

W: 11st 4lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 139

Form & Verdict
Well beaten in midfield on reappearance at Cheltenham (3m1f, good) in October but he may have needed the run and last season's novice campaign culminated in a convincing win at Perth (3m, soft) in April; has also won on good to soft; retains potential and not discounted in first-time cheekpieces.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

25th Sep 2025

Good To Soft

2m 7f 207y

Class 2

16:18 Perth

Chasing Fire

10st 13lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Olly Murphy

Generally disappointing during light campaign last season but turned things around with staying-on third here (2m4f, good to soft) on final start in April; remains well handicapped on older form and will be suited by this return to 3m; can't be ignored.

9/2

3rd

3

24th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

2m 4f 35y

Class 3

15:59 Perth

Chasing Fire

11st 7lb

J: Lewis Saunders

T: Olly Murphy

in rear

14/1

3rd

3

24th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

2m 4f 35y

Class 3

15:59 Perth

Chasing Fire

11st 7lb

J: Lewis Saunders

T: Olly Murphy

in rear

14/1

Form: 15P-PP CD

Last run: 31 days

W: 10st 11lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 132

Form & Verdict
Pulled up at Aintree (twice) and Bangor on last three starts and has lots to prove regarding his current form; however, he has an excellent record here and perhaps the return to Doncaster will trigger a revival; now 2lb lower than when winning over C&D last December; blinkers replace cheekpieces.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

15th May 2026

Good

3m 0f 210y

Class 3

18:55 Aintree

Erne River

11st 10lb

J: James Bowen

T: Nick Kent

Still runs well now and again but this 11yo is not as good as he was and become inconsistent.

16/1

4th

2

20th Apr 2026

Good

2m 7f 96y

Class 3

15:30 Kelso

Erne River

11st 8lb

J: Tom Broughton

T: Nick Kent

Ran well for a long way when fourth at Doncaster (3m, good to soft; first-time tongue-tie) in February and remains well handicapped but this steadily regressive 11yo has become inconsistent, and others appeal more.

4/1

4th

1

27th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 7f 214y

Class 3

17:05 Doncaster

Erne River

12st 1lb

J: Kielan Woods

T: Nick Kent

Winless since December 2023 and pulled up over C&D in December on sole run this term; however, he may have needed that outing and is on a handy mark on last season's best efforts; has won here three times, including in these reapplied cheekpieces, and is not ruled out; the tongue-tie is a first.

10/1

Form: 1242-7

Last run: 21 days

W: 10st 6lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 127

Form & Verdict
His first four chase starts were all at Ayr, finishing second in a good handicap at the Scottish National meeting in April on the final occasion (3m, soft); well beaten on reappearance at Punchestown last month but may have needed the run and he remains unexposed over staying trips; not discounted.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13

14th Dec 2024

Good To Soft

2m 7f 214y

Class 2

14:05 Doncaster

Ballycoose

10st 6lb

J: Sean Flanagan

T: S R B Crawford

His first four chase starts were all at Ayr, finishing second in a good handicap at the Scottish National meeting in April on the final occasion (3m, soft); well beaten on reappearance at Punchestown last month but may have needed the run and he remains unexposed over staying trips; not discounted.

11/1

13

14th Dec 2024

Good To Soft

2m 7f 214y

Class 2

14:05 Doncaster

Ballycoose

10st 6lb

J: Sean Flanagan

T: S R B Crawford

His first four chase starts were all at Ayr, finishing second in a good handicap at the Scottish National meeting in April on the final occasion (3m, soft); well beaten on reappearance at Punchestown last month but may have needed the run and he remains unexposed over staying trips; not discounted.

11/1

7th

6

23rd Nov 2024

Yielding

2m 5f 70y

13:35 Punchestown

Ballycoose

11st 4lb

J: Danny Mullins

T: S R B Crawford

Has done all of his racing in the past 12 months at Ayr, running a cracker when second to Sharjah in a 3m Grade 2 handicap in April; no surprise should he improve for the run but not one to underestimate.

8/1

Non-runners

Kittys Light

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £127.70
Straight Forecast £114.02
Tricast £774.44
Trifecta £1004.10

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Gaboriot

WEST COUNTRY:

Does He Know

The Sun:

Forward Plan

The Times:

Ballycoose

The Star:

Pull Again Green

RP RATINGS:

Erne River

Daily Mail:

Elvis Mail

Daily Record:

Forward Plan

Telegraph:

Ballycoose

TOPSPEED:

Gaboriot

POSTDATA:

Gaboriot

D Express:

Does He Know

Daily Mirror:

Does He Know