January 25 / 15.15 Doncaster

15.15

Good To Soft

Virgin Bet Great Yorkshire Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap) (GBB Race)

  • Prize money: £56950
  • 2m 7f 214y
  • Class 1
  • 13 runners
ITV
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Virgin Bet Great Yorkshire Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap) (GBB Race)

Runners: 13 runners

Type: Chase Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Partly cloudy

16/1 (Won)

  • Win: £10.00
  • Place: £3.20

Form: P-6632 C

Last run: 42 days

W: 11st 0lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 129

Form & Verdict
Has an up-and-down profile but has won here over hurdles and looked better than ever when a neck second of 14 to Charlie Uberalles over C&D (good to soft) last month; in the shake-up if backing up that performance.
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: £2.20

Form: 42-F22 D

Last run: 35 days

W: 11st 8lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 137

Form & Verdict
0-8 over fences and has had jumping issues but he's been a fine second the last twice, behind Frero Banbou in the Rehearsal at Newcastle (2m7f, good) then clear with an improving winner at Ascot (3m, good to soft) most recently; a 2lb rise for last time isn't harsh and he's a leading player.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

1st Nov 2025

Good

2m 7f 185y

Class 1

15:45 Ascot

The Changing Man

11st 9lb

J: Brendan Powell

T: Joe Tizzard

Unfair to knock his strike-rate of 1-12 over fences as he's run some crackers in defeat, with four seconds last season including a strong C&D handicap and the Ultima at Cheltenham in March; quite likely that he was over the top when last to finish in the 3m1f Grade 1 novice at Aintree; tough, consistent and much respected despite a challenging mark.

100/30

4

1st Nov 2025

Good

2m 7f 185y

Class 1

15:45 Ascot

The Changing Man

11st 9lb

J: Brendan Powell

T: Joe Tizzard

Unfair to knock his strike-rate of 1-12 over fences as he's run some crackers in defeat, with four seconds last season including a strong C&D handicap and the Ultima at Cheltenham in March; quite likely that he was over the top when last to finish in the 3m1f Grade 1 novice at Aintree; tough, consistent and much respected despite a challenging mark.

100/30

3rd

7

4th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

3m 0f 210y

Class 1

13:45 Aintree

The Changing Man

11st 7lb

J: Brendan Powell

T: Joe Tizzard

Only 1-11 over fences, the success in a Grade 2 Reynoldstown at Ascot that essentially fell apart; however, he's proved very consistent in good handicaps otherwise this term, second at the Cheltenham Festival (3m1f, good to soft) most recently; again likely to give his running.

10/1

15/2

  • Place: £2.00

Form: 127-22 D BF

Last run: 83 days

W: 10st 13lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 128

Form & Verdict
Returned to action with good second at Carlisle (3m, good to soft) in October and filled the same position there (3m2f, good to soft) in November, behind the reappearing Val Dancer who followed up in the Welsh National; this 8yo could still have more to offer for his top yard and is in with a chance.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

1

27th May 2026

Good

3m 1f 170y

Class 3

15:53 Newton Abbot

Snipe

12st 0lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

Record of 2-4 since switched to hunter chases in January and he ran well to finish six of 24 in the Foxhunters' at Aintree (2m5f) last month; on career-high mark back in a handicap but he hasn't been far off his best this year and he has won over 3m1f in the past; respected.

7/2

6th

19

9th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 5f 19y

Class 2

15:30 Aintree

Snipe

12st 0lb

J: Mr Sean O’Connor

T: Dan Skelton

Won on his first hunter chase start at Hereford (2m5f, soft) in January and bounced back from a heavy defeat behind Golden Son at Taunton (2m7f, heavy) to win at Leicester (2m, good to soft) last month; however, he needs a clear career best if he's to win this.

25/1

1st

3

6th Mar 2026

Soft

1m 7f 201y

Class 5

17:03 Leicester

Snipe

12st 2lb

J: Miss Heidi Palin

T: Dan Skelton

Made a bright start to hunter chases when beating Stattler (subsequent winner) at Hereford (2m5f, soft) in January and, although well beaten at Taunton (2m7f) when trying to match strides with Golden Son last month, he likely continues in form; leading contender dropped back to 2m for the first time, with fewer questions to answer than most.

11/10

Form: P-PPU4 CD

Last run: 27 days

W: 11st 2lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 131

Form & Verdict
10yo who isn't the force of old; however, he showed some zest in first-time blinkers (retained since) over C&D last month (mid-race unseat) and ran okay when fourth of six over hurdles here (3m, good to soft) last time; seems best over fences and this three-time course winner could be a contender.
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: 6-3611 D

Last run: 38 days

W: 11st 11lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 140

Form & Verdict
8yo whose form went the wrong way after promising start over fences in late 2023, but he's got back on track the last twice with handicap chase wins at Exeter (3m, good) and Ludlow (3m, good to soft); has shot back up the weights and this is much tougher, but he was impressive last time; respected.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

3

25th Jan 2025

Good To Soft

2m 7f 214y

Class 1

15:15 Doncaster

Tightenourbelts

11st 11lb

J: Rex Dingle

T: Emma Lavelle

towards rear

10/1

5th

3

25th Jan 2025

Good To Soft

2m 7f 214y

Class 1

15:15 Doncaster

Tightenourbelts

11st 11lb

J: Rex Dingle

T: Emma Lavelle

towards rear

10/1

1st

4

18th Dec 2024

Good To Soft

2m 7f 171y

Class 3

12:50 Ludlow

Tightenourbelts

11st 11lb

J: Rex Dingle

T: Emma Lavelle

Became rather disappointing after winning over 2m4f here 13 months ago but got himself firmly back on track when making most of the running at Exeter (3m, good) and battling on best; a 3lb rise is no hardship; chance.

2/1

Form: 6P-612 D BF

Last run: 29 days

W: 11st 6lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 135

Form & Verdict
10yo who had been hard to win with in recent seasons but he was suited by the step up in trip when winning the Rehearsal at Newcastle (2m7f, good) in December and again ran well when 10l second to a much-improved winner at Kempton (3m, good to soft) last month; could be in the mix.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

14

5th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

3m 0f 210y

Class 1

14:30 Aintree

Frero Banbou

10st 4lb

J: Charlie Deutsch

T: Venetia Williams

10yo who won when upped to an extended 2m7f at Newcastle (good) in November and ran well when 10l second at Kempton (3m, good to soft) next time; however, below par at Doncaster (3m, good) subsequently and pulled up at Cheltenham (3m1f, good to soft) last month; needs to get back on track.

33/1

14

5th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

3m 0f 210y

Class 1

14:30 Aintree

Frero Banbou

10st 4lb

J: Charlie Deutsch

T: Venetia Williams

10yo who won when upped to an extended 2m7f at Newcastle (good) in November and ran well when 10l second at Kempton (3m, good to soft) next time; however, below par at Doncaster (3m, good) subsequently and pulled up at Cheltenham (3m1f, good to soft) last month; needs to get back on track.

33/1

20

11th Mar 2025

Good To Soft

3m 1f 0y

Class 1

14:40 Cheltenham

Frero Banbou

10st 10lb

J: Ned Fox

T: Venetia Williams

10yo who was below par at Doncaster (3m, good) last time but had previously enjoyed a new lease of life following a step up in trip, winning at Newcastle (2m7f, good) then runner-up at Kempton (3m, good to soft); has a consistent record at Cheltenham and he's an each-way possible if back to form.

50/1

Form: 13P-25 D BF

Last run: 91 days

W: 11st 3lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 132

Form & Verdict
9yo who is lightly raced for his age and won in 2023 on his first three chase starts (2m4f-2m7f, various ground); some fair efforts since but a career-best is needed if he's to win this competitive handicap.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

23rd Sep 2025

Good

3m 1f 100y

Class 3

16:30 Warwick

Young Buster

11st 7lb

J: Jonathan Burke

T: Fergal O’Brien

Made it 4-9 over fences when coming clear for a 24l success at Kempton in April (3m, good) but that race fell apart and he faded to be beaten a long way at Uttoxeter two months ago (3m2f, good); needs to leave that run behind but he's not handicapped out of it.

11/2

8th

2

27th Jul 2025

Good

3m 2f 13y

Class 2

15:07 Uttoxeter

Young Buster

11st 11lb

J: Jonathan Burke

T: Fergal O’Brien

Made it 4-9 over fences when coming clear for a 24l success at Kempton in April (3m, good); the two other finishers perhaps ran below form but a 4lb rise could have been a lot worse.

9/2

Form: 165-85

Last run: 26 days

W: 10st 13lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 128

Form & Verdict
Won in good style off 1lb lower at Cheltenham (2m4f, good) in October 2023 on his second chase start; unable to reproduce that promise since but he stayed on well for a 5l fifth of seven at Haydock (2m4f, soft) last month and this step back up in trip could bear fruit.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

14

25th Jan 2025

Good To Soft

2m 7f 214y

Class 1

15:15 Doncaster

Idalko Bihoue

10st 13lb

J: Tom Bellamy

T: Nigel Twiston-Davies

in touch with leaders

10/1

8th

14

25th Jan 2025

Good To Soft

2m 7f 214y

Class 1

15:15 Doncaster

Idalko Bihoue

10st 13lb

J: Tom Bellamy

T: Nigel Twiston-Davies

in touch with leaders

10/1

5th

1

30th Dec 2024

Heavy

2m 3f 203y

Class 3

13:30 Haydock

Idalko Bihoue

12st 0lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Nigel Twiston-Davies

in touch with leaders, raced slightly wide back straight

3/1

Form: 21P-1P C

Last run: 43 days

W: 12st 0lb

11 yo Gelding

OR: 143

Form & Verdict
11yo who is untested at today's trip under rules and was pulled up at Cheltenham last month following a break; however, he may have needed the run and won here (2m4f, good to soft) last January and at Aintree (2m4f, good) last May; showed staying potential and strong form at Aintree and has a very healthy 4-10 strike-rate over fences; has bounced straight back before and may well do so again with a big performance today.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

25th Jan 2025

Good To Soft

2m 7f 214y

Class 1

15:15 Doncaster

Raffle Ticket

12st 0lb

J: Shane Quinlan

T: Mel Rowley

raced wide, midfield, bad mistake and lost ground 13th

20/1

1

25th Jan 2025

Good To Soft

2m 7f 214y

Class 1

15:15 Doncaster

Raffle Ticket

12st 0lb

J: Shane Quinlan

T: Mel Rowley

raced wide, midfield, bad mistake and lost ground 13th

20/1

6

13th Dec 2024

Good To Soft

2m 4f 127y

Class 2

14:25 Cheltenham

Raffle Ticket

11st 9lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Mel Rowley

in rear, mistake 2nd, detached after 11th

12/1

Form: 11-158 D

Last run: 42 days

W: 11st 10lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 139

Form & Verdict
Made it four wins in a row (2m4f-2m7f, various ground) when narrowly landing the competitive Summer Plate Handicap at Market Rasen last July; however, unable to threaten on his two starts towards the end of last year and needs to raise his game this afternoon.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

1

14th Oct 2025

Good

2m 5f 89y

Class 3

15:51 Market Rasen

Sure Touch

12st 0lb

J: Lewis Saunders

T: Olly Murphy

Hasn't been running well for a while now, since winning the Summer Plate over C&D in July 2024; too well handicapped to dismiss with confidence, though, and a tongue-tie belatedly returns.

11/2

5th

2

5th Sep 2025

Good

3m 0f 30y

Class 2

15:40 Bangor-on-Dee

Sure Touch

12st 0lb

J: Lewis Saunders

T: Olly Murphy

Won last year's Summer Plate at Market Rasen after an absence so his 99-day break was no excuse when never counting in that race in mid-July; the cheekpieces tried there are swiftly removed but he's not been running great for a while now.

6/1

Form: 213-43 CD

Last run: 42 days

W: 11st 9lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 138

Form & Verdict
Won two competitive 3m handicaps last winter (good to soft/soft; including C&D), which sandwiched a near miss in this race (good); returned to form with good third of 14 to Charlie Uberalles over C&D (good to soft) last month and there's every chance he'll be bang there.
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: -651P3 D

Last run: 24 days

W: 11st 2lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 131

Form & Verdict
Impressed when making all in small field at Newbury (2m7f, good) in November; pulled up at Newcastle (2m7f, good) next time and needs more than when third of five at Cheltenham (3m1f, soft) most recently, but that was still a fair run and Cheltenham may not be his track; possible player.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

13th Mar 2026

Good

3m 0f 38y

Class 5

16:50 Fakenham

Bowtogreatness

12st 6lb

J: Mr Dale Peters

T: D Peters

Winless away from galloping tracks, but recorded some of his best RPRs in Graded chases around Kempton and the Mildmay Course; still capable of fairly useful form little more than a year ago, and right in the mix if racing more sparingly with the hood debuted latest quickly discarded.

2/1

1

24th Feb 2026

Heavy

2m 6f 151y

Class 3

16:50 Leicester

Bowtogreatness

12st 4lb

J: Mr Dale Peters

T: D Peters

Has made the frame in a couple of points this winter for new yard; fairly useful for previous stable and, accordingly, is one of the main players on ratings in this hunter chase debut; hood applied.

9/1

11

25th Jan 2025

Good To Soft

2m 7f 214y

Class 1

15:15 Doncaster

Bowtogreatness

11st 2lb

J: Ben Jones

T: Ben Pauling

towards rear

14/1

Form: 2P-P63 D

Last run: 38 days

W: 10st 10lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 125

Form & Verdict
13lb lower than when going very close for Nicky Henderson on his chase debut in December 2023, but he was pulled up on his final start for that yard and has struggled on his three outings for this stable; also declared 12.40 Cheltenham today.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

7

23rd May 2026

Good

3m 0f 30y

Class 2

16:10 Bangor-on-Dee

Walking On Air

10st 5lb

J: Harry Kimber

T: Faye Bramley

Back over hurdles with respectable fifth of 15 in Class 2 event at Haydock (3m, good) two weeks ago; 5lb lower back over fences but he's 0-12 in this sphere and he fell at Ayr on his penultimate run; down the list.

9/1

5th

8

9th May 2026

Good

3m 0f 58y

Class 2

12:45 Haydock

Walking On Air

10st 10lb

J: Richie McLernon

T: Faye Bramley

Sparked just once in each of the last two seasons, at Doncaster; visored on latest start, after three runs in cheekpieces; often tongue tied as well but goes without any equipment today; his last hurdle race was in February 2024 and other options look a lot more solid.

25/1

9

18th Apr 2026

Soft

3m 0f 20y

Class 2

13:45 Ayr

Walking On Air

10st 11lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Faye Bramley

Good third off 4lb higher in first-time cheekpieces at Doncaster (3m, soft) in January; however, his form away from Doncaster hasn't been great in the last two seasons and the visor needs to have a positive influence.

20/1

Non-runners

Arizona Cardinal, Charlie Uberalles, Famous Bridge, Sine Nomine

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £53.30
Straight Forecast £41.50
Tricast £227.38
Trifecta £520.90

Selections

TOPSPEED:

The Changing Man

Daily Mail:

Tightenourbelts

The Guardian:

Forward Plan

D Express:

Snipe

The Star:

Sine Nomine

Telegraph:

Arizona Cardinal

The Times:

Bowtogreatness

SPOTLIGHT:

Raffle Ticket

RP RATINGS:

Erne River

Daily Record:

Tightenourbelts

Daily Mirror:

Forward Plan

POSTDATA:

The Changing Man

WEST COUNTRY:

The Changing Man

The Sun:

The Changing Man