December 28 / 15.35 Newbury

15.35

Good To Soft

Coral ‘Pipped-At-The Post’ And Win Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase (GBB Race)

  • Prize money: £11090.1
  • 2m 6f 93y
  • Class 3
  • 8 runners
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Coral ‘Pipped-At-The Post’ And Win Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase (GBB Race)

Runners: 8 runners

Type: Chase Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Cloudy

3/1 (Won)

  • Win: £2.88
  • Place: £1.30

Form: 4123-3

Last run: 28 days

W: 11st 8lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 132

Form & Verdict
Did well in bumpers and in his first season over hurdles, third of 19 in handicap at the Aintree Grand National meeting (2m4f, soft); wind surgery before creditable third here four weeks ago; has been making the running and wore a hood on last two outings but it is absent today; has a bit further to go and it's also his chase debut but he brings potential.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

4

28th Dec 2024

Good To Soft

2m 6f 93y

Class 3

15:35 Newbury

Inthewaterside

11st 8lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Paul Nicholls

made all, jumped right on occasions, mistake 3 out, ridden after last, kept on well

3/1

1st

4

28th Dec 2024

Good To Soft

2m 6f 93y

Class 3

15:35 Newbury

Inthewaterside

11st 8lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Paul Nicholls

made all, jumped right on occasions, mistake 3 out, ridden after last, kept on well

3/1

3rd

8

30th Nov 2024

Soft

2m 4f 118y

Class 2

13:54 Newbury

Inthewaterside

11st 6lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Paul Nicholls

sweating, led, headed after 3 out, lost second after 2 out, kept on

9/2

12/1

  • Place: £2.80

Form: 10-334 D

Last run: 14 days

W: 11st 4lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 128

Form & Verdict
4l third to Shanagh Bob in Grade 2 novice hurdle at Cheltenham (3m, soft) last December; chase form (last three starts, last two at Cheltenham) has not matched up to his best efforts over hurdles and this does not look a great mark, but the drop back from 3m+ might help.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

15th

9

9th May 2026

Good

3m 0f 58y

Class 2

12:45 Haydock

Moon Dorange

10st 8lb

J: Callum Pritchard

T: John C McConnell

Inconsistent chaser who's saved his best for Cheltenham in 2025 and 2026, including a win (his only handicap success) in January 2025 and third at the Festival this March; both were over an extended 2m4f and he's shown his form only once from seven attempts under rules over 3m+; not the percentage call.

16/1

7th

9

15th Apr 2026

Good

2m 3f 203y

Class 1

14:40 Haydock

Moon Dorange

10st 10lb

J: Callum Pritchard

T: John C McConnell

9lb higher when beaten 3.5l by Riskintheground 12 months ago; 0-10 in the meantime but the new visor worked well when a never-nearer third in the Plate at Cheltenham last month and clear claims if he can back that up.

9/1

3rd

22

10th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 44y

Class 1

16:40 Cheltenham

Moon Dorange

10st 2lb

J: Callum Pritchard

T: John C McConnell

Pulled up in the 2m4f novice handicap here last March but that was out of character as he had won over that C&D the time before and generally has a good track record; not much of a force this season, though, and he doesn't look in enough form to take advantage of a weights drop; often wears headgear, first-time visor today.

50/1

12/1

  • Place: £2.50

Form: 18/3-3

Last run: 13 days

W: 10st 5lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 112

Form & Verdict
Three-time hurdle winner in France in 2022; has managed only three appearances in Britain but latest was easily the most positive, when third of nine in handicap at Windsor (2m4f, good to soft) on second chase start; produced a strong rally that day, which makes this longer trip look appealing; 3lb out of the handicap but one to note.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

4

1st Mar 2025

Soft

2m 7f 86y

Class 3

14:30 Newbury

Zertakt

10st 11lb

J: Charlie Deutsch

T: Venetia Williams

Three hurdles wins in France; 0-5 in Britain but has found some consistency over fences (2m4f-3m4f) this term and looks the type to succeed for Venetia Williams soon; interesting off unaltered mark.

4/1

4th

8

19th Jan 2025

Soft

3m 4f 162y

Class 3

15:40 Windsor

Zertakt

11st 3lb

J: Charlie Deutsch

T: Venetia Williams

Three-time hurdle winner in France; 0-4 in Britain but was placed in two chases last month (2m4f/2m6f) and has possibilities if this big step up in trip suits.

5/1

4th

8

19th Jan 2025

Soft

3m 4f 162y

Class 3

15:40 Windsor

Zertakt

11st 3lb

J: Charlie Deutsch

T: Venetia Williams

Three-time hurdle winner in France; 0-4 in Britain but was placed in two chases last month (2m4f/2m6f) and has possibilities if this big step up in trip suits.

5/1

Form: 232-31

Last run: 29 days

W: 11st 10lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 134

Form & Verdict
Has run well on a range of ground in all his five chases, two of them at this track; won under a 7lb claimer at Doncaster (3m) last time, in just a three-runner race but the runner-up makes the form look solid; back up 3lb but looks a player.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

3

25th Apr 2026

Good

3m 4f 146y

Class 1

15:30 Sandown

Rock My Way

11st 0lb

J: Brendan Powell

T: Joe Tizzard

2-14 record over fences includes some big runs, including when he hacked up at Ascot (3m5f, good) in November and took second in the Midlands National at Uttoxeter (4m2f, soft) on latest outing; the Ascot race was going this way round but so was his penultimate start when he kept jumping to his left at Musselburgh (12l second to Transmission); that's a niggling concern but he's handicapped to go well if this is another good day.

14/1

2nd

1

14th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

4m 2f 8y

Class 1

15:00 Uttoxeter

Rock My Way

12st 0lb

J: Brendan Powell

T: Joe Tizzard

Only 2-13 over fences and doesn't score too highly for consistency; however, flashes of his form read well, notably his second to Haiti Couleurs in last year's 3m6f National Hunt Chase at Cheltenham and a clearcut win at Ascot this season; beaten 12l by a revitalised winner at right-handed Musselburgh last time (3m7f, good to soft) but he jumped left at a good few of his fences that day; last year Mr Vango became the first top weight to win since Bonanza Boy in 1991; handles all ground; each-way claims.

14/1

2nd

1

1st Feb 2026

Good To Soft

3m 7f 76y

Class 2

15:05 Musselburgh

Rock My Way

12st 0lb

J: Brendan Powell

T: Joe Tizzard

Only 2-12 over fences but he was second in the 3m6f NH Chase at Cheltenham (good to soft; has won on soft) last March and breezed home 11l in front at Ascot (3m5f, good) in November; disappointing in the Welsh National (rather getting squeezed out at the start didn't help) but he has a big shout if reverting to the Ascot level of performance.

5/2

Form: 114-5 BF

Last run: 34 days

W: 11st 8lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 132

Form & Verdict
Irish maiden point winner who took a Grade 2 novice at Cheltenham (3m, soft) on second run over hurdles; 18l fourth in Grade 1 novice at Aintree in April; should be all set for better as a chaser but he was put firmly in his place from two out when 11-10 favourite in a novice handicap at Uttoxeter (3m, soft) on first attempt; early days and he might have needed that run.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

5

15th Jan 2026

Good To Soft

2m 7f 171y

Class 5

15:27 Ludlow

Shanagh Bob

12st 6lb

J: Mr Nick Oliver

T: Henry Oliver

C&D match last May (good, RPR 128) gave him his only chase win to date; habit of jumping right too great to ignore since, including when twice second in points lately, so a return to a clockwise track is timely.

14/1

9th

3

27th Jul 2025

Good

3m 2f 13y

Class 2

15:07 Uttoxeter

Shanagh Bob

11st 4lb

J: David Noonan

T: Henry Oliver

Didn't reach the heights he once promised for Nicky Henderson but still fetched £43,000 at the sales and made a reasonable debut for this yard at Newton Abbot (3m2f, good; first-time cheekpieces) when behind Art Of Diplomacy; clearly needs to find something on that run.

12/1

1

13th Jun 2025

Good

3m 1f 170y

Class 3

18:45 Newton Abbot

Shanagh Bob

11st 10lb

J: David Noonan

T: Henry Oliver

Arguably didn't fulfil his potential for Nicky Henderson, having won a Grade 2 novice hurdle in 2023, and was sold for £43,000 after winning two-runner chase at Ludlow (3m, good) last month; remains on a workable mark for this stable debut, though, and might be aided by the new tongue-tie.

3/1

Form: 413-23

Last run: 14 days

W: 10st 6lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 116

Form & Verdict
1-5 over hurdles for Chris Gordon; with new stable over fences this term, beaten easily by Menaggio at Plumpton on first occasion; lucky to get third at Doncaster (2m3f) in another novice handicap two weeks ago and was beaten 15l, part of it explained by being hampered but he needs to step up on his performances over fences; new trip holds possibilities.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

4

26th May 2026

Good

3m 0f 217y

Class 4

19:39 Plumpton

Sea Invasion

11st 8lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Anthony Honeyball

All four wins have come here, three over fences at around 3m and one over hurdles at 2m4f; latest success over fences came here last month in this headgear combination, but he's just as effective over hurdles and a key player reverting to this sphere off a small rise.

15/8

1st

4

19th Apr 2026

Good

3m 1f 157y

Class 4

16:02 Plumpton

Sea Invasion

11st 11lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Anthony Honeyball

Both wins over fences have been over C&D, the first in first-time headgear a year ago; not at his best when fifth in the Sussex National back here 13 days ago but must be taken seriously down in grade with visor replacing blinkers.

7/2

Form: 614-41

Last run: 25 days

W: 11st 4lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 128

Form & Verdict
Irish maiden point winner; found his feet over hurdles in the spring after wind surgery and has raised his game further over fences this season, on second attempt winning by 10l when cheekpieces were added for a handicap at Southwell (extended 2m4f, good to soft); likely to stay 2m6f and looks seriously interesting despite 10lb rise.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

2

17th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 54y

Class 5

17:13 Exeter

Theformismighty

12st 6lb

J: Miss Heidi Palin

T: Dan Skelton

Held on well to exploit reduced mark in Newcastle handicap (2m7f, heavy) in January but was quickly back in the doldrums when pulled up (albeit in valuable race) at Doncaster last month; this hunter chase debut is much less competitive but it's hard to predict whether he'll warm to the task.

11/2

13

28th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

3m 2f 1y

Class 2

14:30 Doncaster

Theformismighty

10st 9lb

J: Tristan Durrell

T: Dan Skelton

Exploited what was a very good mark at Newcastle (2m7f, heavy) and the front two pulled clear; raised only 3lb for that but consistent he is not; others safer.

12/1

1st

4

27th Jan 2026

Good To Soft

2m 7f 91y

Class 3

15:35 Newcastle

Theformismighty

11st 10lb

J: Tristan Durrell

T: Dan Skelton

Represents top southern stable and he's very well handicapped on last season's best form; could stage a revival at some point but he struggled in the autumn on his last three starts and there's also a stamina query.

8/1

OUR TIP

Form: 13-211 D

Last run: 40 days

W: 11st 8lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 132

Form & Verdict
1-5 over hurdles but 2-2 over fences after three-runner handicaps at Plumpton (about 2m4f, good to soft/good) this autumn; those were by wide margins and his hurdles win was over 2m6f; up another 6lb but no shock if that proves manageable.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

1

20th Apr 2026

Good

2m 6f 151y

Class 4

14:30 Kelso

Menaggio

11st 13lb

J: Gavin Sheehan

T: Billy Aprahamian

Seemed to be travelling well before falling four out at Southwell (2m4f, good; first run after wind op) last month and remains well handicapped but has not been firing on all cylinders for new stable this season; swaps visor for first-time cheekpieces; others have more pressing claims.

10/1

2

24th Mar 2026

Good

2m 4f 88y

Class 4

16:30 Southwell

Menaggio

11st 12lb

J: Gavin Sheehan

T: Billy Aprahamian

Won a novice hurdle and two handicap chases for Alan King; no closer than 13l in five runs for this yard, the last two over hurdles; had a wind operation.

11/1

4th

2

9th Feb 2026

Heavy

2m 3f 66y

Class 4

15:00 Catterick

Menaggio

11st 12lb

J: Gavin Sheehan

T: Billy Aprahamian

Won two three-runner handicap chases at Plumpton (2m3f, good) for Alan King in 2024; mainly disappointing for present yard, including in today's headgear back over hurdles at Uttoxeter last time (2m4f, good to soft); first hurdle/chase run on slower than good to soft ground.

16/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £19.40
Straight Forecast £21.92
Tricast £163.16
Trifecta £101.00

Selections

The Times:

Menaggio

SPOTLIGHT:

Zertakt

RP RATINGS:

Rock My Way

Daily Mirror:

Theformismighty

LAMBOURN:

Shanagh Bob

D Express:

Inthewaterside

TOPSPEED:

Moon D'Orange

WEST COUNTRY:

Sea Invasion

Telegraph:

Menaggio

Daily Mail:

Menaggio

Daily Record:

Menaggio

The Guardian:

Zertakt

The Star:

Zertakt

POSTDATA:

Rock My Way

The Sun:

Theformismighty