20.01
SoftVirgin Bet Daily Price Boosts Handicap Chase (GBB Race)
- Prize money: £13202.5
- 2m 4f 10y
- Class 3
- 16 runners
Runners: 16 runners
Type: Chase Turf
Surface: Turf
Weather: Partly cloudy
Form: 4931-P C
Last run: 14 days
W: 12st 0lb
9 yo Gelding
OR: 140
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
13th 12 |
26th Apr 2025 Good 3m 4f 146y Class 1 |
10st 2lb |
5lb out of the handicap; 9yo whose career has contained plenty of surprises and performing so manfully in 3m handicap chases on good ground at Ascot and this track on his last two starts is arguably one of them; that's nowhere near his old hurdles form but he's been sticking on as if his next reinvention could be as a stayer. |
40/1 |
|
13th 12 |
26th Apr 2025 Good 3m 4f 146y Class 1 |
10st 2lb |
5lb out of the handicap; 9yo whose career has contained plenty of surprises and performing so manfully in 3m handicap chases on good ground at Ascot and this track on his last two starts is arguably one of them; that's nowhere near his old hurdles form but he's been sticking on as if his next reinvention could be as a stayer. |
40/1 |
|
3rd 1 |
8th Mar 2025 Good 3m 0f 37y Class 3 |
11st 12lb |
9yo who is somewhat mercurial but he's run pretty well in defeat the last twice here (2m7f, heavy; hurdles) and Ascot (3m, good; fences); goes well at Sandown and drops back down in grade today; could be involved. |
5/1 |
Form: P33-47 D BF
Last run: 50 days
W: 11st 11lb
11 yo Gelding
OR: 137
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
7th 2 |
1st Feb 2025 Soft 3m 0f 37y Class 2 |
11st 10lb |
in rear, hit 1st |
10/1 |
Form: 3-33P5
Last run: 13 days
W: 11st 10lb
7 yo Gelding
OR: 136
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
5th 4 |
18th Apr 2026 Soft 2m 0f 110y Class 1 |
10st 2lb |
Front-runner who was 11l third of 15 at Aintree (2m, good to soft) nine days ago when bidding to win that race for the third consecutive year (wins on soft/good); his last five wins have come in the month of April and there can be optimism that he will make another bold bid; third in this in 2024. |
3/1 |
|
3rd 7 |
9th Apr 2026 Good To Soft 1m 7f 176y Class 1 |
11st 1lb |
His exploits earlier in the season aren't of much concern given his last five wins have come in the month of April, including the last two runnings of this race (soft/good to soft; has also won on good); this prominent racer did it comfortably 12 months ago and is just 3lb higher today; could once more take all the beating. |
11/4 |
|
4th 3 |
18th Jan 2026 Soft 2m 0f 37y Class 2 |
11st 8lb |
Hasn't found his form this term and that may well continue until winter is out, as he's essentially a spring horse; gained last five wins in the month of April. |
10/1 |
Form: 42-F62
Last run: 21 days
W: 11st 9lb
9 yo Gelding
OR: 135
| 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 |
10st 13lb |
in touch with leaders |
12/1 |
Form: 6P0-P4
Last run: 50 days
W: 11st 9lb
11 yo Gelding
OR: 135
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
3rd 13 |
2nd May 2026 Good To Yielding 3m 0f 90y |
11st 7lb |
Hasn't won since Thurles beginners' chase win in 2020 for Gordon Elliott; some okay cross-country form in recent seasons, standout run this term when third in 3m6f Cheltenham handicap in January, tame enough Exeter effort latest when ground may have been on the quick side; others preferred. |
14/1 |
|
4th 5 |
22nd Mar 2026 Good 3m 6f 153y Class 3 |
11st 4lb |
Returned to form with creditable third in cross-country chase at Cheltenham (3m5f, soft; refitted visor) in December and remains on a good mark but this veteran has become far too inconsistent to rely upon and may not be ideally suited by the forecast good ground here. |
10/1 |
|
3rd 11 |
24th Jan 2026 Soft 3m 5f 56y Class 2 |
10st 4lb |
Looked out of sorts when pulled up here twice in the autumn (3m1f/2m4f; had wind op in between) and can't be supported with much confidence, but is now 10lb lower than when close fourth over C&D (soft) in December 2024; swaps blinkers for refitted visor. |
20/1 |
Form: 122-F2 D BF
Last run: 19 days
W: 11st 9lb
7 yo Gelding
OR: 135
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
7th 2 |
10th Mar 2026 Good To Soft 3m 5f 201y Class 2 |
11st 11lb |
Soundly beaten when just 17-2 at last year's Festival (2m4f); finally opened his chase account in November, before staying-on fifth in major handicap at Newbury (3m2f, good to soft) where he was badly hindered at the unsatisfactory start; 13l win at Sandown (3m, soft; made most) on latest outing confirmed he's got his act together, which earned a 7lb rise but he needs respect. |
16/1 |
|
1st 3 |
31st Jan 2026 Soft 3m 0f 42y Class 2 |
10st 7lb |
Opened his chase account on reappearance, then did well to finish fifth in major handicap at Newbury (3m2f, good to soft) having badly hindered at the unsatisfactory start; lost chance with bad mistake four out when beaten favourite at Ascot since; remains of interest, assuming he puts in an error-free round. |
9/2 |
|
1st 2 |
2nd Nov 2025 Good 2m 7f 129y Class 3 |
11st 5lb |
Has the best hurdles form in this field and his good efforts (twice runner-up) over fences last season were even better; however, he was below form in first-time cheekpieces on penultimate outing and failed to complete on starts either side, the latest 11 days ago; that dents his case today (in returning cheekpieces) but he is the standout on form. |
10/11 |
Form: 31-233 BF
Last run: 34 days
W: 11st 8lb
8 yo Gelding
OR: 134
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
3rd 1 |
16th Apr 2026 Good 2m 4f 194y Class 3 |
12st 0lb |
Back to his winning trip over fences after failing to defy some serious stamina doubts over the 3m2f of the Kim Muir; he's none too consistent and looked a hard ride at Musselburgh the run before (2m4f), but he's realistically handicapped if he can travel kinder in the new cheekpieces. |
100/30 |
|
18th 4 |
12th Mar 2026 Good To Soft 3m 2f 70y Class 2 |
11st 7lb |
Impressive at Musselburgh (2m4f, good to soft) last February and back to form when third there (2m4f, good to soft) in January; however, this inconsistent 9yo was well beaten at Musselburgh last month and this is a big step into the unknown in terms of stamina (albeit that he did win a 3m point). |
33/1 |
|
8th 2 |
31st Jan 2026 Good To Soft 2m 4f 68y Class 2 |
10st 11lb |
Inconsistent but he's run really well on both visits here, winning comfortably over C&D (good to soft) at this meeting 12 months ago and doing well to finish third over C&D (good to soft) on reappearance having made a bad blunder three out; effective on soft ground earlier in career; big chance. |
3/1 |
Form: 114P-P C
Last run: 57 days
W: 11st 7lb
10 yo Gelding
OR: 133
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
4 |
26th Jan 2026 Soft 2m 4f 194y Class 5 |
11st 12lb |
Useful hurdler/chaser in his pomp who is a three-time chase winner, with back-to-back wins coming in December 2023; below that level in limited appearances since, including after a third wind operation; nevertheless, he could still make his presence felt at this lower level. |
9/2 |
|
4th 6 |
8th Feb 2025 Soft 2m 4f 0y Class 2 |
11st 0lb |
in touch with leaders, not fluent 11th, prominent when jumped right 12th, not fluent 3 out, weakening when mistake last, lost third towards finish |
14/1 |
|
4th 6 |
8th Feb 2025 Soft 2m 4f 0y Class 2 |
11st 0lb |
in touch with leaders, not fluent 11th, prominent when jumped right 12th, not fluent 3 out, weakening when mistake last, lost third towards finish |
14/1 |
Form: 55-242 D BF
Last run: 49 days
W: 11st 5lb
7 yo Gelding
OR: 131
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
8th 12 |
1st Nov 2025 Good 2m 0f 172y Class 1 |
10st 2lb |
Favourably treated with Martator on his beating of that rival in late 2023 and, when second to the Williams horse in this last year, he committed a good way from home; didn't really fire back in the spring but he's very able when fresh and worth a second look despite being 2lb wrong; Freddie Mitchell aboard for five of his last six races. |
9/1 |
|
8th 12 |
1st Nov 2025 Good 2m 0f 172y Class 1 |
10st 2lb |
Favourably treated with Martator on his beating of that rival in late 2023 and, when second to the Williams horse in this last year, he committed a good way from home; didn't really fire back in the spring but he's very able when fresh and worth a second look despite being 2lb wrong; Freddie Mitchell aboard for five of his last six races. |
9/1 |
|
7 |
26th Oct 2025 Good To Soft 2m 3f 104y Class 2 |
11st 3lb |
|
Form: 778453 D
Last run: 14 days
W: 11st 5lb
10 yo Gelding
OR: 131
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2nd 1 |
1st Apr 2025 Good 3m 0f 0y Class 3 |
11st 11lb |
Three-time course winner (2m4f-3m); not quite at best this season but handicapped according, and went down fighting when a clear second here (2m4f, good) last month; likely contender. |
9/4 |
|
2nd 1 |
1st Apr 2025 Good 3m 0f 0y Class 3 |
11st 11lb |
Three-time course winner (2m4f-3m); not quite at best this season but handicapped according, and went down fighting when a clear second here (2m4f, good) last month; likely contender. |
9/4 |
Form: P42-41 C
Last run: 57 days
W: 11st 3lb
8 yo Gelding
OR: 129
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
8 |
12th Oct 2025 Good To Firm 2m 3f 98y Class 2 |
10st 7lb |
Ex-Dan Skelton; started off for Sophie Leech with two disappointing French hurdle runs this summer (wore cheekpieces) but caused a 50-1 shock when back over fences at Worcester (2m4f, good to soft; blinkers) last month; subsequent 4lb rise is not insurmountable if he's in the same form. |
11/2 |
|
1st 10 |
15th Sep 2025 Good 2m 4f 0y Class 2 |
10st 10lb |
Last win for the Skeltons was off this mark last December (1m7f, soft) but he's offered little since, including in two French hurdles for current yard. |
20/1 |
|
4 |
19th Apr 2025 Soft 2m 4f 216y Class 3 |
11st 6lb |
towards rear |
12/1 |
Form: 43-3P2 D
Last run: 37 days
W: 11st 0lb
10 yo Gelding
OR: 126
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
23rd Mar 2026 Good 3m 0f 0y Class 3 |
12st 0lb |
Solid performances in notable handicaps this season, winning the Badger Beers at Wincanton then fourth in the Stayers' Veterans' Final at Sandown and Ladbrokes Trophy over C&D; retains plenty of ability despite his advancing years; respected back down in class. |
9/4 |
|
4th 8 |
21st Feb 2026 Good To Soft 3m 0f 0y Class 1 |
10st 12lb |
Jumped well and dominated throughout in the Badger Beers at Wincanton (3m1f, good; handles softer) and gave it another good go off this 8lb higher mark at Sandown; assured competition for the lead here has to reduce his appeal. |
25/1 |
|
7th 7 |
1st Mar 2025 Soft 3m 1f 214y Class 2 |
10st 5lb |
didn't jump with fluency, disputed lead, hit 5th |
7/2 |
Form: 9123-8 D
Last run: 43 days
W: 10st 13lb
9 yo Gelding
OR: 125
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
5th 5 |
15th Mar 2025 Good 3m 0f 0y Class 3 |
11st 9lb |
Added to his fine Huntingdon record when runner-up over 2m4f (good to soft) 13 days ago; claims if showing up in similar form. |
7/2 |
|
2nd 7 |
2nd Mar 2025 Good To Soft 2m 3f 189y Class 3 |
10st 12lb |
Could so easily have been chasing a hat-trick in this race having won it two years ago and gone down by just a neck to Lounge Lizard last year; returns again on a competitive mark and he wasn't far away last time at Ludlow despite some mistakes; respected. |
7/2 |
|
5th 1 |
5th Feb 2025 Good To Soft 2m 4f 11y Class 3 |
12st 0lb |
prominent |
6/1 |
Form: P/4-P4 D
Last run: 36 days
W: 10st 10lb
11 yo Gelding
OR: 122
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
5th 9 |
1st Feb 2025 Soft 3m 0f 37y Class 2 |
10st 9lb |
midfield |
11/1 |
Form: 1134-5 D
Last run: 36 days
W: 10st 9lb
9 yo Gelding
OR: 121
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
3 |
23rd Feb 2026 Soft 3m 1f 157y Class 4 |
11st 11lb |
Mudlover who has won four times over fences and he's run creditably at Warwick (3m, good to soft) and over C&D (soft) in last two starts; finished behind Lumi Plugin last time but he should give it another good shot and any rain would be a bonus. |
9/4 |
|
3rd 3 |
26th Jan 2026 Soft 3m 1f 157y Class 4 |
11st 4lb |
Mudlover who was out of sorts in just three runs last winter but ran well for a long way in a better race than this at Bangor (3m, soft) in April and kept on gamely when third at Warwick (3m, good to soft) last month; this more testing ground will suit better; solid claims. |
2/1 |
Form: 4-3123
Last run: 14 days
W: 10st 7lb
7 yo Gelding
OR: 119
| 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 |
10st 2lb |
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 |
10st 9lb |
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 |
10st 3lb |
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 |
Betting Forcast
Goshen, Shan Blue, Sans Bruit, Sir Psycho, Escaria Ten, Pic Roc, Insurrection, Quel Destin, Issar dAiry, Flegmatik, Mount Tempest, Gustavian, Dibble Decker, Eden Du Houx, Georges Saint, Dr T J Eckleburg