January 11 / 15.34 Ffos Las

15.34

Soft

Download The DragonBet App Handicap Chase

  • Prize money: £10562
  • 2m 0f 0y
  • Class 3
  • 15 runners
SKY
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Download The DragonBet App Handicap Chase

Runners: 15 runners

Type: Chase Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather:

6/1 (Won)

  • Win: £4.34
  • Place: £1.60

Form: P32-P1 D

Last run: 47 days

W: 10st 12lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 123

Form & Verdict
Had wind surgery before this season; reportedly suffered a wound to his leg on comeback run but he's a useful front-runner on his day as he showed when always in charge at Ludlow in November (2m, good to soft); a 7lb rise could have been worse and he would be dangerous if getting a softish lead; confined to right-handed tracks over fences but won this way round over hurdles.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13

1st May 2025

Yielding

2m 0f 75y

15:05 Punchestown

Keep Running

10st 7lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Warren Greatrex

Had wind op prior to Carlisle in October, when pulled up and found to have a wound on his right hind; major improvement when easily making all at Ludlow (2m, good to soft) and Ffos Las (2m, soft), the latter effort marked up as he jumped to the right; couldn't dominate upped to 20.5f at Kempton but is on the shortlist back in trip.

16/1

13

1st May 2025

Yielding

2m 0f 75y

15:05 Punchestown

Keep Running

10st 7lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Warren Greatrex

Had wind op prior to Carlisle in October, when pulled up and found to have a wound on his right hind; major improvement when easily making all at Ludlow (2m, good to soft) and Ffos Las (2m, soft), the latter effort marked up as he jumped to the right; couldn't dominate upped to 20.5f at Kempton but is on the shortlist back in trip.

16/1

2nd

5

22nd Feb 2025

Good

2m 4f 110y

Class 2

16:10 Kempton

Keep Running

10st 12lb

J: James Bowen

T: Warren Greatrex

Had wind op prior to Carlisle in October, when pulled up and found to have a wound on his right-hind; major improvement the next twice when easily making all at Ludlow (2m, good to soft) and Ffos Las (2m, soft); deserves extra credit for latest win as he jumped to the right at that left-handed track; seemed fine at 2m4f last March; thriving and could prove tough to catch.

9/2

9/2

  • Place: £1.70

Form: U42-F6 D

Last run: 43 days

W: 11st 10lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 135

Form & Verdict
Has a fighting chance on the best of last season's form, notably a near miss at Newbury three starts back (2m4f, good to soft); made a respectable return there in November and too talented to dismiss, though confidence in him would be higher over further.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

9

1st Feb 2025

Good To Soft

2m 4f 68y

Class 2

14:50 Musselburgh

Sir Psycho

10st 13lb

J: Paul O’Brien

T: Harry Derham

in touch with leaders

12/1

14/1

  • Place: £1.90

Form: 2/1-43

Last run: 23 days

W: 10st 4lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 115

Form & Verdict
Left previous yard after winning a selling hurdle (soft); well-held fourth in a 3m handicap hurdle on debut for this stable and didn't improve for fences here in December (2m5f); good bit to prove on a few counts back at 2m.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

10th Oct 2025

Good

2m 7f 131y

Class 3

16:17 Chepstow

Art Of Diplomacy

11st 12lb

J: James Bowen

T: Mickey Bowen

Has gone 5-5 over fences (2m5f-3m2f) since the cheekpieces returned in June, last time prevailing in a match; tackling stronger opposition here and he's penalised accordingly, but he's in the zone and fighting fit.

4/1

1

19th Sep 2025

Soft

2m 4f 216y

Class 3

14:03 Newton Abbot

Art Of Diplomacy

11st 12lb

J: James Bowen

T: Mickey Bowen

Kept on well for ready success in Class 2 handicap at Bangor (3m, good) a fortnight ago and is now 4-4 over fences since cheekpieces were refitted in June; 2m5f on slower ground will also suit him; ought to be very hard to beat in current mood.

Evs

Form: 111411 D

Last run: 13 days

W: 11st 5lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 130

Form & Verdict
Handicap mark has taken a right battering for winning six of his last seven chases and he's gone up 10lb for winning a race at Kelso (2m1f, good to soft) 13 days ago in which the favourite departed early; however, his confidence must be sky-high.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

25th Feb 2026

Soft

2m 4f 35y

Class 5

16:20 Wincanton

Beat Box

12st 6lb

J: Mr Martin McIntyre

T: Anthony Ward-Thomas

Useful handicapper for Dan Skelton but looks regressive judged on his recent pointing exploits.

12/1

4th

4

11th Jan 2025

Soft

2m 0f 0y

Class 3

15:34 Ffos Las

Beat Box

11st 5lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

midfield, headway on outer before 4 out, weakened before 2 out

7/2

4th

4

11th Jan 2025

Soft

2m 0f 0y

Class 3

15:34 Ffos Las

Beat Box

11st 5lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

midfield, headway on outer before 4 out, weakened before 2 out

7/2

Form: 55-211 D

Last run: 30 days

W: 10st 2lb

7 yo Mare

OR: 113

Form & Verdict
Clearly all the better for wind surgery, having chased home a progressive winner at Warwick and won comfortably at Ludlow (2m, good to soft) and Taunton (2m2f, good; carried a penalty); it's unlikely that today's softer ground will trouble her but she's up another 7lb and going in against far classier opposition; still commands considerable respect.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

1

22nd Mar 2026

Good

3m 0f 54y

Class 5

15:37 Exeter

Ostrava Du Berlais

12st 0lb

J: Charlie Deutsch

T: Venetia Williams

Made encouraging seasonal debut over 2m4f in November but has been well beaten over that trip three times since; she's suited by good ground and can outclass this field if back on song but is unraced beyond about 2m5f and arrives with a fair bit to prove.

13/2

5th

2

23rd Feb 2026

Soft

2m 3f 166y

Class 5

16:15 Plumpton

Ostrava Du Berlais

11st 13lb

J: Charlie Deutsch

T: Venetia Williams

Dual chase winner in December 2024 and fairly consistent since, but she has struggled back up in class on last two starts, albeit they were some tough assignments; should appreciate this ease in class and she's capable of making her presence felt.

4/1

8th

8

16th Jan 2026

Soft

2m 4f 42y

Class 2

14:25 Windsor

Ostrava Du Berlais

10st 4lb

J: Charlie Deutsch

T: Venetia Williams

Struggled in similar event at Cheltenham last time, ending a reasonably consistent spell of form; faces another difficult assignment and may need a return to calmer waters; gained her only wins in Class 4 and Class 5 in December 2024.

25/1

25/1

Form: 312-4P D

Last run: 26 days

W: 10st 12lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 123

Form & Verdict
Hit and miss last season in 2m handicap chases for Lucinda Russell when a free-going front-runner for the most part; ridden patiently on stable debut at Southwell (2m4f; this new headgear combination applied) last month and he was in trouble a long way out; others are safer.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

1

13th Jul 2025

Good

2m 0f 0y

Class 4

14:33 Perth

Salamanca Bay

12st 0lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: L J Morgan

Free-goer who was useful in his prime and was in front before last-fence fall over C&D (good) on last month's stable debut; subsequent 2lb rise is manageable and, providing his confidence has not been affected, he's an obvious contender.

11/8

3

8th Jun 2025

Good

2m 0f 0y

Class 3

15:22 Perth

Salamanca Bay

10st 9lb

J: Brian Hughes

T: L J Morgan

Back in better form the last twice, then sold for £7,000; gained his sole chase win off 7lb higher and can't be dismissed on debut for another new yard (his fifth).

5/1

2nd

5

13th May 2025

Good

2m 0f 110y

Class 4

14:30 Worcester

Salamanca Bay

11st 7lb

J: Micheal Nolan

T: Philip Hobbs & Johnson White

Should be well handicapped and he ran well for a long way when a 4l third behind Jet Of Dreams at Chepstow (2m, good); perhaps went off a bit too hot that day and has to be of interest.

15/2

Form: 85-644 D

Last run: 28 days

W: 11st 2lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 127

Form & Verdict
Won Class 2 handicaps last season at Cheltenham (2m, good to soft) and Ascot (2m3f, good; handles softer); both those wins came off higher marks and, in second-time cheekpieces, there was a hint of a return to form at Cheltenham last month; player.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

8

15th Apr 2026

Good

2m 3f 203y

Class 1

14:40 Haydock

Triple Trade

10st 11lb

J: Brendan Powell

T: Joe Tizzard

Still on a good mark despite winning twice this season (2m/2m4f; soft/good) and was 11-2 for the veterans' final over C&D earlier this month, only to depart early; has a lot in his favour so merits each-way consideration.

16/1

12

4th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 203y

Class 2

15:20 Haydock

Triple Trade

11st 1lb

J: Brendan Powell

T: Joe Tizzard

Two wins this season (2m/2m4f, soft/good) and 10l third behind an 8yo and a 7yo at Cheltenham (2m4f, soft) in January; 20l fourth in another competitive handicap at Newbury (2m4f, good to soft) in February but that form is working out well and he's back against fellow veterans today; chance.

11/1

4th

9

28th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 187y

Class 1

15:45 Newbury

Triple Trade

10st 11lb

J: Brendan Powell

T: Joe Tizzard

Has a solid record (1313) over 2m/2m4f this season but gained the wins in Class 3 and finished 10l behind a couple of younger rivals, albeit not disgraced, in Class 1 at Cheltenham most recently; the 10yo looks under some pressure kept to this level.

12/1

OUR TIP

25/1

Form: 2291-7 D

Last run: 42 days

W: 11st 9lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 134

Form & Verdict
Signed off for Willie Mullins with a smart effort to win a beginners chase (2m7f, soft) in August 2023, after which he changed hands for £50,000; it took a long time for new trainer to get him out and more from him would have been preferable on his return, for all that it was a strong 2m4f handicap hurdle at Newbury (66-1); now back chasing but over a trip that looks short of his best.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

2

1st Jun 2025

Good

2m 5f 44y

Class 3

16:35 Fakenham

Hubrisko

11st 11lb

J: Paul O’Brien

T: Harry Derham

Formerly with Willie Mullins; five starts for this yard following a long absence, easily the best when beaten 5l over nearly 3m at Musselburgh in February (good to soft); becoming hard to predict, though, and has been tailed off since (latterly tried in cheekpieces; now goes in blinkers).

11/2

5th

2

1st Jun 2025

Good

2m 5f 44y

Class 3

16:35 Fakenham

Hubrisko

11st 11lb

J: Paul O’Brien

T: Harry Derham

Formerly with Willie Mullins; five starts for this yard following a long absence, easily the best when beaten 5l over nearly 3m at Musselburgh in February (good to soft); becoming hard to predict, though, and has been tailed off since (latterly tried in cheekpieces; now goes in blinkers).

11/2

5th

2

20th Apr 2025

Good

3m 1f 152y

Class 3

15:30 Plumpton

Hubrisko

11st 13lb

J: Paul O’Brien

T: Harry Derham

led, headed 3 out

8/1

Form: 0-P521 C

Last run: 15 days

W: 12st 0lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 139

Form & Verdict
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

3

21st Feb 2026

Soft

2m 0f 16y

Class 2

15:40 Chepstow

Harpers Brook

11st 4lb

J: Kielan Woods

T: Dan Skelton

Quirky customer who tends to idle when striking the front and needs to be produced with a well-timed challenge; on a good mark now and Kielan Woods knows his foibles well but he's seemingly on the downgrade and always comes with extra risk.

11/2

5th

4

24th Jan 2026

Soft

2m 0f 78y

Class 2

15:13 Doncaster

Harpers Brook

10st 12lb

J: Kielan Woods

T: Dan Skelton

Back in better form, albeit wilted a bit late on, at Wetherby (1m7f, soft) last time and remains below last winning mark but continues to carry risk, being a quirky sort.

8/1

Form: 743-46 D

Last run: 21 days

W: 10st 11lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 122

Form & Verdict
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11

17th Jan 2025

Soft

2m 6f 41y

Class 3

16:08 Windsor

Red Rookie

11st 7lb

J: Ben Jones

T: Emma Lavelle

10yo who is 2-16 over fences with latest win in March 2023, but he took some minor honours over a wide variety of trips last January-May; has a recent run under his belt and, having run creditably in the first of two runs with cheekpieces, he now tries a visor.

25/1

11

17th Jan 2025

Soft

2m 6f 41y

Class 3

16:08 Windsor

Red Rookie

11st 7lb

J: Ben Jones

T: Emma Lavelle

10yo who is 2-16 over fences with latest win in March 2023, but he took some minor honours over a wide variety of trips last January-May; has a recent run under his belt and, having run creditably in the first of two runs with cheekpieces, he now tries a visor.

25/1

8

11th Jan 2025

Soft

2m 0f 0y

Class 3

15:34 Ffos Las

Red Rookie

10st 11lb

T: Emma Lavelle

Form: 34-312 D

Last run: 15 days

W: 10st 8lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 119

Form & Verdict
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

14

9th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

1m 7f 176y

Class 1

16:40 Aintree

Dr T J Eckleburg

10st 2lb

J: Conor Ring

T: Mrs C Williams

Runs off a mark 10lb lower than when fifth of 14 in this last year, beaten just over 13l; he's run a couple of reasonable races this season but hasn't shown enough to suggest he's the one to be on today.

33/1

3rd

5

21st Feb 2026

Soft

2m 0f 16y

Class 2

15:40 Chepstow

Dr T J Eckleburg

10st 9lb

J: Conor Ring

T: Evan Williams

Led close home to win this race off 5lb higher a year ago (soft ground) and was seemingly perked up by cheekpieces when third on both outings last month; made up considerable ground from the rear at Sandown (1m7f, soft) on latter occasion and has strong claims here if the headgear continues to aid him.

15/8

3rd

9

31st Jan 2026

Soft

1m 7f 99y

Class 2

14:02 Sandown

Dr T J Eckleburg

10st 3lb

J: Conor Ring

T: Evan Williams

Acts on any ground; half-length second off 4lb higher in this contest 12 months ago; out of sorts this term until posting a resurgent effort, behind solid rivals, in first-time cheekpieces at Windsor most recently; enters calculations in the retained headgear.

11/2

Form: 1P-465 C

Last run: 21 days

W: 10st 7lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 118

Form & Verdict
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

1

5th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 35y

Class 4

16:15 Wincanton

Royal Mer

12st 0lb

J: Rian Corcoran

T: David Pipe

Six chase wins, the latest here (1m7f, heavy) under Rian Corcoran 19 days ago; still on workable mark after recent 5lb rise and will be fine over today's longer trip but the faster ground is probably not in his favour.

9/2

1st

1

14th Feb 2026

Heavy

1m 7f 149y

Class 4

14:50 Wincanton

Royal Mer

12st 2lb

J: Rian Corcoran

T: David Pipe

Five-time chase winner who relishes testing ground; runner-up in his first two starts this season including a close call at Exeter (2m1f, good to soft), but his form cooled at Hereford last time; needs to step up again after that but he remains well treated on his old form.

7/2

3rd

1

26th Jan 2026

Soft

2m 0f 8y

Class 4

15:00 Hereford

Royal Mer

11st 13lb

J: Rian Corcoran

T: David Pipe

Five-time chase winner who relishes testing ground; runner-up on both starts this term and looks sure to go close.

13/8

Form: 311-3P D

Last run: 15 days

W: 10st 4lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 115

Form & Verdict
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

2nd May 2026

Good

2m 4f 189y

Class 4

16:50 Uttoxeter

Doyouknowwhatimean

11st 8lb

J: Benjamin Macey

T: Gary Hanmer

Won four times for the Skeltons but, following a good second on his stable debut here (2m4f, heavy) in December, he has been pulled up on three of his last four starts; hard to fancy.

20/1

2

18th Apr 2026

Good

2m 4f 72y

Class 4

16:10 Bangor-on-Dee

Doyouknowwhatimean

11st 11lb

J: Benjamin Macey

T: Gary Hanmer

Ex-Dan Skelton; went close on yard debut in December (2m4f, heavy) but then twice pulled up and was beaten 14l here 18 days ago (good); wouldn't be the percentage call.

11/2

4th

2

31st Mar 2026

Good

2m 4f 72y

Class 4

15:50 Bangor-on-Dee

Doyouknowwhatimean

12st 0lb

J: Benjamin Macey

T: Gary Hanmer

Ex-Dan Skelton; he has pulled up in his three of his last four races but did go close when he did get round at Uttoxeter in December (2m4f, heavy; effective on good); he's risky but also capable.

25/1

Form: 23-254 D

Last run: 23 days

W: 10st 4lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 115

Form & Verdict
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

11

18th Apr 2026

Soft

3m 0f 20y

Class 2

13:45 Ayr

Just Over Land

10st 11lb

J: Dylan Johnston

T: Sam Thomas

Two chase wins towards the end of last year (2m3f, good to soft) and did well to finish third of five at Sandown (2m4f, soft) last month having made mistakes; pulled up over 3m4f last January on sole previous run beyond 2m5f but he's worth a go at this trip; could go well if finding fluency.

9/1

3rd

3

7th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 15y

Class 3

16:10 Sandown

Just Over Land

11st 3lb

J: Mr Harvey Barfoot-Saunt

T: Sam Thomas

Returned to win handicap chases at Fontwell and Chepstow (both 2m3f, good to soft) in November/December; fared about as well as could be expected from 10lb out of the weights when fourth of 12 in a valuable Premier Handicap at Cheltenham (just short of 2m5f, good) on New Year's Day; respected with his sights lowered.

4/1

5

13th Feb 2025

Soft

1m 7f 201y

Class 3

14:40 Leicester

Just Over Land

10st 8lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Sam Thomas

Yet to score over fences and he has failed to progress since a promising second at Ffos Las (2m) in October; didn't stay 3m4f when pulled up in Windsor handicap chase 25 days ago but more is still needed on this drop back in trip.

10/1

Form: 146-P9 C

Last run: 29 days

W: 10st 1lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 112

Form & Verdict
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

2

15th May 2026

Good

2m 0f 209y

Class 4

19:30 Aintree

Lively Citizen

11st 12lb

J: Harry Atkins

T: D J Jeffreys

Long in the tooth and no longer the force of old but bounced back from two poor chase runs with respectable effort over hurdles at Haydock (1m7f, good) last month and is now 5lb lower than when going close in this race a year ago; could have a say.

12/1

5th

7

15th Apr 2026

Good

1m 7f 144y

Class 3

17:35 Haydock

Lively Citizen

11st 6lb

J: Harry Atkins

T: D J Jeffreys

Very capable over fences but pulled up in that discipline on his last two starts following a break of 217 days; he did go close over hurdles at Aintree three runs ago so there's a big effort in him if he can get his act together.

25/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £23.50
Straight Forecast £23.95
Tricast £98.22
Trifecta £92.50

Selections

RP RATINGS:

Ostrava Du Berlais

TOPSPEED:

Keep Running

SPOTLIGHT:

Triple Trade

POSTDATA:

Beat Box

LAMBOURN:

Keep Running

Daily Record:

Keep Running

The Times:

Ostrava Du Berlais

Telegraph:

Ostrava Du Berlais

Daily Mail:

Ostrava Du Berlais

Daily Mirror:

Ostrava Du Berlais

The Star:

Ostrava Du Berlais

WEST COUNTRY:

Triple Trade

D Express:

Triple Trade

The Guardian:

Beat Box

The Sun:

Beat Box