December 21 / 14.05 Haydock

14.05

Soft

Betfred Tommy Whittle Handicap Chase (GBB Race)

  • Prize money: £26015
  • 3m 1f 125y
  • Class 2
  • 9 runners
ITV4
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Betfred Tommy Whittle Handicap Chase (GBB Race)

Runners: 9 runners

Type: Chase Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Showers

12/1 (Won)

  • Win: £17.00
  • Place: £3.40

Form: P12P-5

Last run: 43 days

W: 11st 4lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 127

Form & Verdict
Pulled up in the Scottish National in April and tailed off on reappearance at Exeter last month; however, he looked promising when winning twice during last season's first chasing campaign (2m4f/3m, good), and he won on soft ground over hurdles; retains potential and not ruled out.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7

15th Apr 2026

Good

3m 1f 125y

Class 2

17:00 Haydock

Egbert

10st 9lb

J: Jack Tudor

T: Christian Williams

C&D winner in December 2024 (heavy; won on good) and made it 2-2 here when beating three rivals over 3m4f (good to soft) on reappearance; the glaring concern is his nothing run at Exeter last time when in trouble a long way out.

15/2

2

22nd Mar 2026

Good

3m 6f 153y

Class 3

15:02 Exeter

Egbert

11st 11lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Christian Williams

Seen only once this season, winning four-runner Haydock chase (3m4f, good to soft) from the front on stable debut in December, but was nudged up only 2lb for that and should be fine on the quicker surface here; respected.

7/2

8

15th Mar 2025

Good To Soft

4m 2f 8y

Class 1

15:00 Uttoxeter

Egbert

11st 3lb

J: Tom Cannon

T: Alan King

Won well over Haydock's extended 3m1f on heavy two runs back; has failed to complete in his two previous marathon chases and was on the retreat, though still in third, when crashing out at the final fence of the Eider (good to soft); can run well again but others might be better equipped to see this out stronger; new cheekpieces the headgear of choice today (effective in visor/blinkers).

20/1

5/2

  • Place: £1.80

Form: 1PU4-2 CD

Last run: 56 days

W: 12st 0lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 137

Form & Verdict
Won over C&D (soft) last November and followed up in this race (heavy); he's just 2lb higher than 12 months ago and he reappeared with a good second at Kelso (3m2f, good to soft) in October; solid claims.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11

18th Apr 2026

Soft

3m 7f 176y

Class 1

15:35 Ayr

Famous Bridge

11st 1lb

J: Sean Quinlan

T: Nicky Richards

The way he asserted in the Grand National Trial at Haydock (3m4f, good to soft) last February made this race look an appealing proposition, but he faded badly when it was put to the test and later lost the Haydock race due to a banned substance; this season has been very disappointing but at least he's 9lb lower than 12 months ago and his yard has been in great form.

25/1

7th

14

11th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 5f 56y

Class 2

15:20 Cheltenham

Famous Bridge

10st 5lb

J: Sean Quinlan

T: Nicky Richards

Very useful handicapper over regulation fences on his day and a very respectable sixth in last year's Ultima (3m1f, good to soft) at this meeting; won't fail through lack of stamina but has been out of form this season and makes cross-country debut from 11lb out of the handicap.

50/1

7th

2

1st Nov 2025

Soft

3m 0f 70y

Class 3

13:58 Ayr

Famous Bridge

11st 8lb

J: Sean Quinlan

T: Nicky Richards

Useful over fences, first past the post in the Grand National Trial at Haydock (disqualified due to banned substance) in February and far from disgraced in the Ultima at Cheltenham the following month; having his first hurdles outing since April 2022 here, so carries risks, but he could be dangerous off his lower mark if fully tuned up.

11/2

Form: 46-534

Last run: 28 days

W: 11st 2lb

9 yo Mare

OR: 125

Form & Verdict
She's 8lb lower than when third in this last year (heavy) and she reappeared with an encouraging third at Wincanton (3m2f, good) in October; can be in the mix if she's on song but she has to bounce back from a heavy defeat over C&D (soft) four weeks ago.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

3

8th Mar 2026

Soft

3m 0f 110y

Class 2

14:50 Carlisle

Credo

11st 2lb

J: Rex Dingle

T: Anthony Honeyball

Behind stablemate Blackjack Magic when seventh in final of this veterans' series at Sandown in January and was soundly beaten in major Ascot handicap last month but her first two runs this season were very respectable and she's now 3lb lower than when winning this race in 2025.

7/2

8th

7

14th Feb 2026

Soft

2m 7f 185y

Class 1

15:00 Ascot

Credo

10st 4lb

J: Rex Dingle

T: Anthony Honeyball

Successful in two legs of the 2025 Stayers' Veterans' Chase Series but came up short in the Final won by Nocte Volatus; hasn't won a conventional race since 2023.

20/1

5th

4

30th Mar 2025

Good

2m 7f 180y

Class 2

16:30 Ascot

Credo

11st 3lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Anthony Honeyball

In-form mare who won four-runner veterans' chase fairly comfortably at Carlisle (3m, good) a week ago and is now 2-3 since fitted with a visor; has 6lb penalty to carry today but is respected in her current mood.

2/1

Form: 42-427 D

Last run: 42 days

W: 11st 2lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 125

Form & Verdict
Good second of 14 in the Summer Cup at Uttoxeter (3m2f, good to soft) in June and is versatile ground-wise; it's possible he needed the run in the Grand Sefton at Aintree last month (midfield) but he's been frustrating to follow having been beaten in his last 15 races; visor replaces cheekpieces.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

22

3rd Apr 2025

Good To Soft

2m 5f 19y

Class 2

16:05 Aintree

Percussion

12st 0lb

J: Mr Daniel Cherriman

T: L J Morgan

Will need to step up on his recent hunter chase efforts but he has form figures of 33237 in handicaps over the Grand National fences; a bold show would be no surprise.

20/1

15th

22

3rd Apr 2025

Good To Soft

2m 5f 19y

Class 2

16:05 Aintree

Percussion

12st 0lb

J: Mr Daniel Cherriman

T: L J Morgan

Will need to step up on his recent hunter chase efforts but he has form figures of 33237 in handicaps over the Grand National fences; a bold show would be no surprise.

20/1

3rd

8

3rd Mar 2025

Good To Soft

3m 0f 60y

Class 5

15:07 Southwell

Percussion

11st 12lb

J: Mr Daniel Cherriman

T: L J Morgan

Close third in similar event at Ludlow (3m) last month; on a long losing spell but won his last two Southwell attempts (spring 2022) and is interesting back here.

4/1

Form: P-7P6P D

Last run: 30 days

W: 10st 11lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 120

Form & Verdict
Well handicapped on his best form for Gordon Elliott but he struggled to get competitive last season and this 10yo has been pulled up/tailed off on his three starts for this yard; cheekpieces reapplied; hard to fancy.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12

28th Oct 2025

Soft

3m 1f 60y

Class 4

14:58 Ffos Las

Diol Ker

10st 12lb

J: Conor Ring

T: Evan Williams

Very useful in Ireland in his prime but 0-7 and generally very disappointing for Evan Williams since last autumn; returns from break on another career-low mark but considered only if lively in the betting.

33/1

12

28th Oct 2025

Soft

3m 1f 60y

Class 4

14:58 Ffos Las

Diol Ker

10st 12lb

J: Conor Ring

T: Evan Williams

Very useful in Ireland in his prime but 0-7 and generally very disappointing for Evan Williams since last autumn; returns from break on another career-low mark but considered only if lively in the betting.

33/1

3

14th May 2025

Good

3m 1f 170y

Class 4

15:22 Newton Abbot

Diol Ker

11st 11lb

J: Osian Radford

T: Evan Williams

High-class hurdler/chaser in his prime but has struggled for a long time now and although this is a welcome drop in grade he continues with something to prove; cheekpieces discarded.

14/1

Form: 42/2-2 BF

Last run: 17 days

W: 11st 9lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 132

Form & Verdict
Returned from long absence with highly creditable second at Ludlow (3m1f, good to soft) this month; the bounce factor is a possible concern just 17 days ago, but his yard is excelling in the big Saturday races and the returning cheekpieces may be a plus; fine on soft/heavy ground; respected.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

2

24th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

3m 0f 30y

Class 3

18:40 Bangor-on-Dee

Frenchy Du Large

12st 0lb

J: Ned Fox

T: Venetia Williams

pressed leader

9/2

7th

2

24th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

3m 0f 30y

Class 3

18:40 Bangor-on-Dee

Frenchy Du Large

12st 0lb

J: Ned Fox

T: Venetia Williams

pressed leader

9/2

4

13th Feb 2025

Soft

3m 0f 37y

Class 3

15:05 Sandown

Frenchy Du Large

12st 0lb

J: Sgt Nick Oliver

T: Venetia Williams

May have bounced when pulled up on heavy ground at Haydock in December on second start back from a long absence, and he's had wind surgery since; prior to that he reappeared with a good second at Ludlow (3m1f, good to soft) and is a major player if rediscovering that form; has won on soft.

11/4

OUR TIP

Form: P1P1-P C

Last run: 38 days

W: 11st 8lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 131

Form & Verdict
Inconsistent and pulled up on last month's reappearance at Bangor but he may have needed the run and this lightly raced 7yo could be tailor-made for today's assignment in view of last season's best efforts, including two fine runs on heavy ground here and a win at Uttoxeter (3m, heavy) in March.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7

19th Jan 2026

Soft

3m 4f 178y

Class 3

13:50 Lingfield

Regal Blue

11st 7lb

J: Jonjo O’Neill Jr

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

Inconsistent 9yo who often looks very unenthusiastic; made all in valuable novices' handicap chase at Uttoxeter (3m, heavy) in March 2024 but absent since two lacklustre runs at end of that year; had wind in September and now sports first-time cheekpieces; this first run after a layoff might be a good day to catch him in the right mood, but others are much less risky.

25/1

3

21st Dec 2024

Soft

3m 1f 125y

Class 2

14:05 Haydock

Regal Blue

11st 8lb

J: Nick Scholfield

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

Inconsistent and pulled up on last month's reappearance at Bangor but he may have needed the run and this lightly raced 7yo could be tailor-made for today's assignment in view of last season's best efforts, including two fine runs on heavy ground here and a win at Uttoxeter (3m, heavy) in March.

8/1

3

21st Dec 2024

Soft

3m 1f 125y

Class 2

14:05 Haydock

Regal Blue

11st 8lb

J: Nick Scholfield

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

Inconsistent and pulled up on last month's reappearance at Bangor but he may have needed the run and this lightly raced 7yo could be tailor-made for today's assignment in view of last season's best efforts, including two fine runs on heavy ground here and a win at Uttoxeter (3m, heavy) in March.

8/1

Form: 6-P111 C

Last run: 17 days

W: 11st 0lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 123

Form & Verdict
Thriving in a visor for new yard this season and made it two wins in a row over fences when scoring at Leicester (2m4f, soft) on December 1, before exploiting lower hurdle mark here (3m, soft) three days later; up in grade and 9lb higher than for last chase start, but he did it easily; contender.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

1st Nov 2025

Good

3m 0f 45y

Class 4

16:05 Wetherby

East Street

11st 10lb

J: Alex Chadwick

T: James Owen

Moved to this yard last season and won three in a row towards the end of last year (2m4f/3m, good to soft/soft); disappointing subsequently but perhaps a break will have helped and he's down to a handy mark; interesting to see how he goes in the betting.

20/1

4

1st Nov 2025

Good

3m 0f 45y

Class 4

16:05 Wetherby

East Street

11st 10lb

J: Alex Chadwick

T: James Owen

Moved to this yard last season and won three in a row towards the end of last year (2m4f/3m, good to soft/soft); disappointing subsequently but perhaps a break will have helped and he's down to a handy mark; interesting to see how he goes in the betting.

20/1

1

23rd Mar 2025

Good

3m 0f 110y

Class 2

15:20 Carlisle

East Street

12st 0lb

J: Gavin Sheehan

T: James Owen

always behind

14/1

Form: 4411-7

Last run: 20 days

W: 10st 10lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 119

Form & Verdict
Ex-French 5yo who won at Uttoxeter (3m, heavy) in April on his second stable start and followed up at Perth (3m, soft) three weeks later; well beaten on reappearance at Carlisle three weeks ago but the tongue-tie goes back on today and this half-brother to stable star Iroko remains of interest.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price
No Results Found

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £76.70
Straight Forecast £80.80
Tricast £270.92
Trifecta £325.30

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Famous Bridge

RP RATINGS:

Credo

TOPSPEED:

Regal Blue

D Express:

Jacks Parrot

The Guardian:

East Street

The Times:

Famous Bridge

Telegraph:

Famous Bridge

Daily Mirror:

Famous Bridge

The Sun:

Famous Bridge

The Star:

Famous Bridge

Daily Record:

Famous Bridge

POSTDATA:

Credo

Daily Mail:

Regal Blue