January 15 / 15.10 Newcastle

15.10

Good To Soft

Get Raceday Ready Handicap Chase

  • Prize money: £3247.81
  • 2m 4f 19y
  • Class 5
  • 10 runners
SKY
View Course
Get Raceday Ready Handicap Chase

Runners: 10 runners

Type: Chase Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Partly cloudy

4/1 (Won)

  • Win: £10.00
  • Place: £2.10

Form: 65-512 D

Last run: 32 days

W: 11st 11lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 96

Form & Verdict
Ended 2025 in good form over hurdles, scoring at Southwell (2m4f, good to soft) before going close at Carlisle (2m3f, soft), and this Irish point winner is open to more progress on his chase debut; cheekpieces added.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

3

2nd Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 7f 96y

Class 4

16:46 Kelso

Always A Reason

11st 11lb

J: Danny McMenamin

T: Rebecca Menzies

Won in January on first two chase starts (2m4f/2m3f, good to soft/soft) and bounced back from a lesser run when second here (2m5f, good to soft) 12 days ago in a first-time tongue-tie (retained); won a 3m point in 2024 and there's every chance he'll stay this far under rules; high on the list.

7/2

2nd

8

21st Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 5f 133y

Class 2

14:40 Kelso

Always A Reason

11st 0lb

J: Ross Chapman

T: Rebecca Menzies

Won in January on first two chase starts (2m4f/2m3f, good to soft/soft), shaping each time as though he had more left in the tank; soundly beaten at Newcastle (2m, good to soft) since but that maybe shouldn't be taken as a sign that his current mark is beyond him; cheekpieces go on.

8/1

5th

4

21st Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 0f 75y

Class 4

14:10 Newcastle

Always A Reason

11st 5lb

J: Ross Chapman

T: Rebecca Menzies

Progressed well over hurdles; didn't appear to be doing a lot in front when just holding on to make it 2-2 over fences at Catterick (2m3f, soft; second run in cheekpieces); has another 6lb to contend with but very much heading the right way.

5/1

7/1

  • Place: £2.20

Form: 316-75 CD

Last run: 55 days

W: 11st 9lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 94

Form & Verdict
Dual chase winner last season, latterly when leading on the post over C&D (good; also suited by soft) off today's mark in March; not at best on either start this term but could now be back at concert pitch.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

3

11th Apr 2026

Good

2m 4f 19y

Class 5

13:30 Newcastle

Empty Nest

11st 6lb

J: Jamie Hamilton

T: Mark Walford

Usually goes well over C&D - form figures 212 - that win gained from a 2lb higher mark (favourite) over a year ago; recent Wetherby efforts were not so good but there was plenty to admire about the manner in which he rallied behind Always A Reason over C&D (good to soft) in January.

15/8

5th

7

17th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 85y

Class 4

14:37 Wetherby

Empty Nest

10st 2lb

J: Jamie Hamilton

T: Mark Walford

C&D winner who was runner-up at Newcastle (2m4f, good to soft) in January and filled same position at Doncaster (2m4f, soft) last month; disappointing over C&D last time but no surprise if he bounces back with a bold show.

13/2

6th

7

26th Feb 2026

Soft

2m 3f 85y

Class 4

15:35 Wetherby

Empty Nest

10st 13lb

J: Jamie Hamilton

T: Mark Walford

Two wins last season (including C&D) and he's run well to finish second on both outings this year (2m4f, good to soft/soft), most recently at Doncaster three weeks ago; solid contender.

11/2

OUR TIP

5/1

  • Place: £1.70

Form: 42U165 D BF

Last run: 24 days

W: 11st 12lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 97

Form & Verdict
Headed Tommy Combats on run-in to double chasing tally at Ayr (2m4f, soft) in November, his third start for Jackie Stephen; not quite in same form on either subsequent outing (2m4f/2m7f) but his mark is workable and he enters calculations.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7

13th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

1m 7f 133y

Class 4

14:30 Hexham

Too Cool Forshrule

11st 3lb

J: Jonathan Burke

T: Jackie Stephen

Pulled up in series final at Carlisle (2m, good to soft) three weeks ago; however, he's won twice this season (2m4f/2m5f, soft), the latest two starts ago; won on good ground last term and there can be hope that he's still okay at this sort of trip; in the mix if swiftly bouncing back.

9/1

9

22nd Mar 2026

Good To Soft

1m 7f 207y

Class 2

15:17 Carlisle

Too Cool Forshrule

10st 4lb

J: Dylan Johnston

T: Jackie Stephen

Consistent 7yo and the horse he beat at Sedgefield (2m5f, soft; won on good) arrived there at the top of his game; may appreciate further these days but enters the equation; raised only 3lb.

13/2

1st

2

19th Feb 2026

2m 5f 28y

Class 5

16:17 Sedgefield

Too Cool Forshrule

11st 10lb

J: Brian Hughes

T: Jackie Stephen

Ex-Greenall/Guerriero; 2m4f winner at Ayr in November (soft) and two fair runs since; back on a decent mark; could go well.

3/1

Form: 1PP1-1 CD

Last run: 40 days

W: 11st 11lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 96

Form & Verdict
Not always one to rely upon but ended last season with 6l win at Kelso (2m4f, good) and rewarded persistent Patrick Wadge ride on reappearance outing at Wetherby (2m3f, soft) in December; can feature if change of headgear helps to motivate him here.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6

2nd Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 5f 133y

Class 5

15:40 Kelso

The Jad Factor

11st 4lb

J: Patrick Wadge

T: Sandy Thomson

Inconsistent 10yo who was pulled up at Newcastle 19 days ago; however, he won here (2m4f, good) last April on the back of being pulled up twice in a row, so it will be no surprise to see him bounce back with a big run.

9/1

1

14th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 7f 91y

Class 5

16:35 Newcastle

The Jad Factor

12st 0lb

J: Patrick Wadge

T: Sandy Thomson

Hasn't always been consistent but won twice last season, including over 2m4f here (good to soft); made a winning reappearance at Wetherby in December (2m3f, soft) and creditable staying-on fourth over 2m4f here last time; quite interesting back up in trip.

7/1

4th

3

15th Jan 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 19y

Class 5

15:10 Newcastle

The Jad Factor

11st 11lb

J: Patrick Wadge

T: Sandy Thomson

Not always one to rely upon but ended last season with 6l win at Kelso (2m4f, good) and rewarded persistent Patrick Wadge ride on reappearance outing at Wetherby (2m3f, soft) in December; can feature if change of headgear helps to motivate him here.

13/2

Form: 25-235

Last run: 15 days

W: 11st 2lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 87

Form & Verdict
Made the frame on first two starts this season (3m2f/3m1f) and ran better than eventual 27l defeat might suggest when fifth at Uttoxeter (3m, good to soft) a fortnight ago; big player if combination of drop back in trip and change of headgear has desired effect.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

8

15th Jan 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 19y

Class 5

15:10 Newcastle

Emotional Roller

11st 2lb

J: Peter Kavanagh

T: Joel Parkinson & Sue Smith

Made the frame on first two starts this season (3m2f/3m1f) and ran better than eventual 27l defeat might suggest when fifth at Uttoxeter (3m, good to soft) a fortnight ago; big player if combination of drop back in trip and change of headgear has desired effect.

6/1

Form: 1242-2

Last run: 75 days

W: 12st 0lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 99

Form & Verdict
Took pretty well to fences last season (won over 1m7f at Hexham) and made pleasing reappearance when second to Too Cool Forshrule at Ayr (2m4f, soft) in November; one to consider.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

8

22nd Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 210y

Class 2

16:27 Carlisle

Tommy Combats

10st 12lb

J: Callum Bewley

T: Martin Todhunter

Ran well stepped back up to 2m4f last time when bidding for an Ayr double; remains a consistent sort and again looks likely to give his running; each-way possibilities.

8/1

2nd

6

23rd Feb 2026

Soft

2m 4f 110y

Class 4

15:00 Ayr

Tommy Combats

10st 13lb

J: Callum Bewley

T: Martin Todhunter

Runner-up over C&D in November and made it 2-8 over fences when winning in good style here (2m, soft) last month; this progressive 7yo may well take a 6lb rise in his stride.

5/2

1st

10

29th Jan 2026

Good To Soft

2m 0f 110y

Class 4

15:43 Ayr

Tommy Combats

10st 9lb

J: Callum Bewley

T: Martin Todhunter

Took well to fences last season, winning at Hexham (1m7f, soft), and reappeared with solid second here (2m4f, soft) in November; in front rank when unseating in back straight at Newcastle last time; on the shortlist.

7/2

Form: UU0P-7 C

Last run: 32 days

W: 11st 11lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 96

Form & Verdict
Lightly raced and generally disappointing since spring 2024, having been in a few different yards, but shaped quite well on debut for latest new trainer, in recent 2m1f hurdle, and reverts to chasing on tempting mark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

15th Jan 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 19y

Class 5

15:10 Newcastle

Gandhi Maker

11st 11lb

J: Sean Quinlan

T: Noel Wilson

Lightly raced and generally disappointing since spring 2024, having been in a few different yards, but shaped quite well on debut for latest new trainer, in recent 2m1f hurdle, and reverts to chasing on tempting mark.

33/1

6

19th Apr 2025

Good

2m 1f 0y

Class 4

13:42 Carlisle

Gandhi Maker

11st 6lb

J: Peter Kavanagh

T: David Thompson

A fair winning chaser (at up to 2m3f) for Stuart Coltherd but he came in last of 17 back hurdling at Doncaster (3m) on his final run for Rebecca Menzies in January; he starts out for another new yard now with plenty to prove.

25/1

6

19th Apr 2025

Good

2m 1f 0y

Class 4

13:42 Carlisle

Gandhi Maker

11st 6lb

J: Peter Kavanagh

T: David Thompson

soon disputed lead, led 2nd

25/1

Form: 0-3P5P BF

Last run: 48 days

W: 11st 9lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 94

Form & Verdict
0-6 over fences; seemed to be getting his act together when staying-on third at Hexham (1m7f, good) last May but returned from break with three disappointing runs in the autumn (made favourite last time); needs to get career back on track.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

8

24th May 2026

Good

2m 4f 189y

Class 5

15:37 Kelso

Stylish Recruit

11st 2lb

J: Patrick Wadge

T: Sandy Thomson

Ended a run of rather disappointing efforts when scoring at Hexham last month (2m4f, good) and better than he showed last time as his saddle slipped on home turn; interesting.

5/1

6th

10

2nd May 2026

Good

2m 7f 63y

Class 5

20:15 Hexham

Stylish Recruit

11st 1lb

J: Patrick Wadge

T: Sandy Thomson

Took advantage of his reduced mark and some better ground to win off 3lb lower mark over 2m4f here last time (good); may fare even better up to this trip (3m Irish point winner).

6/1

1st

8

13th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 28y

Class 5

16:00 Hexham

Stylish Recruit

10st 13lb

J: Patrick Wadge

T: Sandy Thomson

Very hard to fancy on what he's shown over fences/hurdles since last October; however, he's tumbled down the weights and the two best RPRs in his career have been achieved at Hexham, so no surprise to see a good run.

12/1

Form: 6060

Last run: 20 days

W: 11st 2lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 87

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

Form: P88-P7 C

Last run: 35 days

W: 10st 2lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 69

Form & Verdict
Caused 33-1 surprise off lowly mark here (2m7f, soft) in November 2023 but it's a good while since he showed any worthwhile form; 4lb wrong.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

5

10th Apr 2026

Good

3m 2f 59y

Class 5

15:38 Sedgefield

Goodoldbill

10st 2lb

J: Peter Kavanagh

T: Jane Walton

Seeking a hat-trick after wins over C&D (soft) and at Newcastle (2m7f, good to soft); up another 5lb for latest success but drying ground not ideal.

5/2

1st

11

14th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 7f 91y

Class 5

16:35 Newcastle

Goodoldbill

10st 5lb

J: Charlie Maggs

T: Jane Walton

Reportedly jumped better than on his previous start (here) when returning to form to win at Sedgefield last time (3m2f, soft); has a chance on that, but isn't particularly consistent.

12/1

1st

5

19th Feb 2026

3m 2f 59y

Class 5

15:08 Sedgefield

Goodoldbill

10st 2lb

J: Charlie Maggs

T: Jane Walton

Won a novice handicap chase at Newcastle in November 2023 (2m7f, soft); mainly disappointing since and hard to fancy.

66/1

Non-runners

King Horse

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £83.60
Straight Forecast £62.95
Tricast £251.72
Trifecta £347.30

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Emotional Roller

The Times:

Tommy Combats

RP RATINGS:

Too Cool Forshrule

Daily Mail:

Empty Nest

Daily Record:

The Jad Factor

The Guardian:

Tommy Combats

D Express:

Tommy Combats

Daily Mirror:

Tommy Combats

POSTDATA:

Emotional Roller

Telegraph:

Emotional Roller

The Sun:

Emotional Roller

The Star:

Emotional Roller