February 15 / 15.00 Ascot

15.00

Good To Soft

Betfair Swinley Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap) (GBB Race)

  • Prize money: £56950
  • 2m 7f 180y
  • Class 1
  • 11 runners
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Betfair Swinley Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap) (GBB Race)

Runners: 11 runners

Type: Chase Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Cloudy

OUR TIP

Form: 2210-3 CD

Last run: 56 days

W: 12st 0lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 153

Form & Verdict
Record of 5-15 over fences; creditable third to Victtorino here in sole run this term; being aimed at the Grand National but won this race last year and has clear possibilities off just 1lb higher.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

14th Feb 2026

Soft

2m 7f 185y

Class 1

15:00 Ascot

Threeunderthrufive

11st 7lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Paul Nicholls

Two attempts in this race comprise a success in 2024 and close second last year, both off higher marks; however, has a doubt over current form and needs to stage a revival.

10/1

3

26th Apr 2025

Good

3m 4f 146y

Class 1

16:10 Sandown

Threeunderthrufive

11st 0lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Paul Nicholls

Fourth in the 2023 Scottish National (4m, good); commendable efforts most starts since, for instance beaten a nose by Victtorino at Ascot (3m, good; 1lb higher today) in February, but this race last year was not one of them and neither was the Grand National three weeks ago.

16/1

3

26th Apr 2025

Good

3m 4f 146y

Class 1

16:10 Sandown

Threeunderthrufive

11st 0lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Paul Nicholls

Fourth in the 2023 Scottish National (4m, good); commendable efforts most starts since, for instance beaten a nose by Victtorino at Ascot (3m, good; 1lb higher today) in February, but this race last year was not one of them and neither was the Grand National three weeks ago.

16/1

Form: 74P-31 CD

Last run: 56 days

W: 11st 7lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 146

Form & Verdict
Ascot specialist whose latest performance took his C&D record to 3-4; beaten favourite (finished fourth) in this contest 12 months ago, having made errors, but has major claims provided his jumping holds up.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

6

26th Apr 2025

Good

3m 4f 146y

Class 1

16:10 Sandown

Victtorino

10st 8lb

J: Charlie Deutsch

T: Venetia Williams

Poor Cheltenham record was extended at the Festival last time; 3m at right-handed Ascot, on the other hand, produced four wins (two on good ground) from five attempts and his strong finish in Newbury's big 3m2f handicap in November catches the eye with regard to today's new trip; his stable has had a long dry spell recently (it ended on Thursday) but he's a strong candidate otherwise.

16/1

7th

6

26th Apr 2025

Good

3m 4f 146y

Class 1

16:10 Sandown

Victtorino

10st 8lb

J: Charlie Deutsch

T: Venetia Williams

Poor Cheltenham record was extended at the Festival last time; 3m at right-handed Ascot, on the other hand, produced four wins (two on good ground) from five attempts and his strong finish in Newbury's big 3m2f handicap in November catches the eye with regard to today's new trip; his stable has had a long dry spell recently (it ended on Thursday) but he's a strong candidate otherwise.

16/1

6

11th Mar 2025

Good To Soft

3m 1f 0y

Class 1

14:40 Cheltenham

Victtorino

11st 11lb

J: Charlie Deutsch

T: Venetia Williams

Struggled last term on both previous Cheltenham runs (including in this), which is a worry; this winter's two wins came at favourite course Ascot (3m, good to soft/good) but he also ran well at Newbury in November and this progressive 7yo is climbing the weights only slowly; dangerous to rule out.

25/1

Form: 1F-131 C

Last run: 28 days

W: 11st 1lb

8 yo Mare

OR: 140

Form & Verdict
Ready winner at this track (2m5f, good) four weeks ago, coming from last to first and taking chase record to 4-9; likely to be as effective back up to 3m; progressive mare who is one for the shortlist.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

15th Feb 2025

Good To Soft

2m 7f 180y

Class 1

15:00 Ascot

Terresita

11st 1lb

J: Tom Cannon

T: Lucy Wadham

Ready winner at this track (2m5f, good) four weeks ago, coming from last to first and taking chase record to 4-9; likely to be as effective back up to 3m; progressive mare who is one for the shortlist.

7/1

1st

4

18th Jan 2025

Good To Soft

2m 5f 8y

Class 2

14:15 Ascot

Terresita

10st 6lb

J: Gavin Sheehan

T: Lucy Wadham

Useful mare who has shown career-best form this term, winning Listed event at Carlisle (2m4f) then third in C&D handicap; could go well but likely needs to find some further improvement to defy current mark.

11/1

1st

4

18th Jan 2025

Good To Soft

2m 5f 8y

Class 2

14:15 Ascot

Terresita

10st 6lb

J: Gavin Sheehan

T: Lucy Wadham

Useful mare who has shown career-best form this term, winning Listed event at Carlisle (2m4f) then third in C&D handicap; could go well but likely needs to find some further improvement to defy current mark.

11/1

Form: 10/0P4 CD

Last run: 28 days

W: 11st 1lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 140

Form & Verdict
Nicely handicapped on best form and hinted at a revival in C&D event last month on third run back from lengthy absence; possibilities provided he builds on that effort.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

2

8th May 2026

Good

2m 7f 191y

Class 3

15:50 Market Rasen

Annsam

12st 0lb

J: Ben Jones

T: Mrs C Williams

Returned to form with clear win off much-reduced mark at Ludlow (3m1f, good to soft) in December but three non-completions have followed, most recently when he was pulled up back at Ludlow last month; others look safer.

12/1

4

30th Mar 2026

Good

2m 7f 171y

Class 3

15:57 Ludlow

Annsam

11st 6lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Mrs C Williams

Won this race three years ago and gained his first win since when drawing clear over 3m1f back here in December; since then he's suffered a heavy fall at Sandown and an unfortunate early unseat at Kempton but respected back here as he could still be in fair form.

5/1

3

23rd Mar 2026

Good

3m 0f 0y

Class 3

16:05 Kempton

Annsam

11st 11lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Mrs C Williams

Mid-race faller in the Stayers' Veterans' Final at Sandown last time; ended a long losing spell with his Ludlow performance in most recent completed start and he remains well treated on historical data, which includes a useful win over this C&D.

4/1

Form: 931-P3 C

Last run: 14 days

W: 11st 1lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 140

Form & Verdict
Smart hurdler on his day but is mercurial and doesn't seem the force of old; narrowly beat one other finisher when scoring over fences last March and this is a stiffer assignment.
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

16:10 Sandown

Goshen

10st 2lb

J: Niall Houlihan

T: Gary & Josh Moore

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

16:10 Sandown

Goshen

10st 2lb

J: Niall Houlihan

T: Gary & Josh Moore

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

15:35 Sandown

Goshen

11st 12lb

J: Niall Houlihan

T: Gary & Josh Moore

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: 76-411

Last run: 29 days

W: 10st 8lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 133

Form & Verdict
Overcome trouble to justify favouritism at Windsor (2m6f, soft) last month, taking chase form figures to 411; this improving novice commands respect upped further in distance (3m is likely to suit).
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6

3rd May 2025

Yielding

3m 7f 68y

15:05 Punchestown

Hasthing

11st 1lb

J: Richie McLernon

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

held up in rear, not fluent 6th

12/1

6

3rd May 2025

Yielding

3m 7f 68y

15:05 Punchestown

Hasthing

11st 1lb

J: Richie McLernon

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

held up in rear, not fluent 6th

12/1

Form: P1-256 D

Last run: 50 days

W: 10st 8lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 133

Form & Verdict
Record of 4-8 over fences; admittedly 0-3 this term and failed to show his form the last twice; good second over C&D on seasonal debut and has place possibilities on that effort.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

2

2nd May 2025

Good

2m 4f 127y

Class 5

20:05 Cheltenham

Highstakesplayer

12st 4lb

J: Mr Sean O’Connor

T: Tom Lacey

held up in rear, midfield 4th, prominent 8th, pressed winner approaching last, kept on

4/1

2nd

2

2nd May 2025

Good

2m 4f 127y

Class 5

20:05 Cheltenham

Highstakesplayer

12st 4lb

J: Mr Sean O’Connor

T: Tom Lacey

held up in rear, midfield 4th, prominent 8th, pressed winner approaching last, kept on

4/1

7

15th Feb 2025

Good To Soft

2m 7f 180y

Class 1

15:00 Ascot

Highstakesplayer

10st 8lb

J: David Bass

T: Tom Lacey

Record of 4-8 over fences; admittedly 0-3 this term and failed to show his form the last twice; good second over C&D on seasonal debut and has place possibilities on that effort.

10/1

Form: 4P-323

Last run: 94 days

W: 10st 7lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 132

Form & Verdict
Record of 0-5 for current stable; consistent efforts at Uttoxeter (twice, in the summer) and Bangor (autumn) this season but faces a stiffer task in this field.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8

1st Mar 2025

Good To Soft

3m 2f 1y

Class 2

15:15 Doncaster

Monte Igueldo

10st 12lb

J: James Davies

T: Gary Hanmer

All three of his wins came in autumn 2022; running creditably this season, including over 3m2f, but he could not hold his own in a valuable handicap at Ascot on latest occasion and it's likely to be the same story today unless first-time cheekpieces receive a very positive response.

40/1

8

15th Feb 2025

Good To Soft

2m 7f 180y

Class 1

15:00 Ascot

Monte Igueldo

10st 7lb

J: James Davies

T: Gary Hanmer

Record of 0-5 for current stable; consistent efforts at Uttoxeter (twice, in the summer) and Bangor (autumn) this season but faces a stiffer task in this field.

25/1

Form: 466P-1 D

Last run: 77 days

W: 10st 6lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 131

Form & Verdict
Returned to fences in sole run this term and that Newbury win (2m6f) took his chase record to 2-4; still makes errors, however, and ideally needs to jump better as he's now on a career-high mark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

14

12th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

3m 7f 176y

Class 1

15:35 Ayr

Wiseguy

10st 7lb

J: Nico de Boinville

T: Nicky Henderson

Rallied to win at Newbury (extended 2m6f, good to soft; 4lb higher today) in November after slow jump at the final fence; nothing of that ilk before or since and while he did plug on for seventh in the 3m2f Kim Muir at Cheltenham last time, this much longer trip does not significantly boost his prospects.

25/1

14

12th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

3m 7f 176y

Class 1

15:35 Ayr

Wiseguy

10st 7lb

J: Nico de Boinville

T: Nicky Henderson

Rallied to win at Newbury (extended 2m6f, good to soft; 4lb higher today) in November after slow jump at the final fence; nothing of that ilk before or since and while he did plug on for seventh in the 3m2f Kim Muir at Cheltenham last time, this much longer trip does not significantly boost his prospects.

25/1

7th

17

13th Mar 2025

Good To Soft

3m 2f 0y

Class 2

17:20 Cheltenham

Wiseguy

11st 0lb

J: Mr Joshua Newman

T: Nicky Henderson

Has an in-and-out profile and his jumping can be an issue; however, he did well to rally for a cosy win after a slow jump at the final fence on his reappearance at Newbury (extended 2m6f, good to soft) in November, and the manner in which he stayed on for a fair sixth at Ascot (3m, good) last month suggests today's extra yardage will be a positive; interesting.

25/1

Form: 145-24 D

Last run: 64 days

W: 10st 4lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 129

Form & Verdict
Still capable of fairly useful form but spoiled his chance by hitting a flat spot at Cheltenham last time, failing to back up reappearance effort; successful in just one of last 12 races.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

15

9th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 5f 19y

Class 2

15:30 Aintree

Java Point

12st 0lb

J: Mr Paddy Barlow

T: Lemos De Souza

Useful, four-time handicap chase winner who scored at Ludlow (3m, good to soft) in January on his first hunter chase start; runner-up on next two outings (3m/2m7f, soft/good to soft); this 11yo needs a bigger run today.

33/1

2nd

2

20th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 7f 91y

Class 5

17:16 Newbury

Java Point

12st 6lb

J: Miss Gina Andrews

T: Lemos De Souza

Has always been useful; ran in a handicap on debut for this yard and then beat Fil d'Ariane at Ludlow (3m, good to soft); perhaps found soft ground against him when no match for Jeffery's Cross last time and better can be expected.

6/1

2nd

3

2nd Mar 2026

Heavy

3m 0f 60y

Class 5

15:15 Southwell

Java Point

12st 6lb

J: Mr Frederick Philipson-Stow

T: Lemos De Souza

Successful at Ludlow (3m, good to soft) last time on hunter chase debut and second start for new stable, showing he retains plenty of vitality aged 11; this is a weaker race; respected.

11/10

Form: 27-223 D

Last run: 21 days

W: 10st 3lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 128

Form & Verdict
Second-season chaser whose consistent form this term includes a solid effort behind the subsequent Welsh National winner; good third in major handicap at Doncaster (3m) most recently; interesting off bottom weight.
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

Selections

The Times:

Hasthing

The Guardian:

Victtorino

RP RATINGS:

Wiseguy

SPOTLIGHT:

Snipe

POSTDATA:

Terresita

Daily Mail:

Annsam

Telegraph:

Hasthing

D Express:

Hasthing

Daily Mirror:

Hasthing

Daily Record:

Hasthing

The Sun:

Victtorino

The Star:

Victtorino

TOPSPEED:

Wiseguy