January 17 / 15.45 Haydock

15.45

Good To Soft

Sky Bet, For The Fans Handicap Chase (GBB Race)

  • Prize money: £9769.85
  • 2m 0f 67y
  • Class 3
  • 10 runners
RTV
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Sky Bet, For The Fans Handicap Chase (GBB Race)

Runners: 10 runners

Type: Chase Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Cloudy

11/4 (Won)

  • Win: £3.25
  • Place: £1.40

Form: 6P18-1 D

Last run: 16 days

W: 11st 1lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 117

Form & Verdict
Lightly raced 6yo who took a big step forward with 10l win on his chase and seasonal debut at Windsor (2m, good) on New Year's Day; has shown promise on soft/good to soft; had just three rivals to beat last time but he's very unexposed over fences and could take an 8lb rise in his stride.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

17th Apr 2026

Soft

2m 0f 110y

Class 3

14:20 Ayr

Koukeo

11st 5lb

J: Jonjo O’Neill Jr

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

Won his first two chase starts in January (2m, good/good to soft) under Jonjo O'Neill, who is back on board today; disappointing at Newbury on his last two outings but the first was a tough assignment over 2m4f and he jumped badly last time; it wouldn't be a surprise to see him bounce back.

11/1

5th

4

21st Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 0f 92y

Class 3

16:10 Newbury

Koukeo

11st 3lb

J: Richie McLernon

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

Made encouraging start over fences with convincing victory at Windsor (2m, good) on New Year's Day, and he followed up at Haydock (2m, good to soft) two weeks later; however, the wheels came off when he went up in grade for the Greatwood here three weeks ago, and he was beaten before stamina became a factor; 5lb higher than for his second win and needs to get back on track.

9/2

7th

11

28th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 187y

Class 1

15:45 Newbury

Koukeo

10st 3lb

J: Kevin Brogan

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

Beaten favourite, albeit far from discredited, at Musselburgh last time when bidding to take his chase record (all over 2m) to 3-3; may still have more to offer and this return to further is worth a go (2m5f hurdles winner); steps up in class but receives weight all round; could go well.

10/1

7/2

  • Place: £1.30

Form: 22-221 CD

Last run: 28 days

W: 12st 0lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 130

Form & Verdict
Runner-up on first two starts for this yard (2m, good/good to soft) before winning over C&D (soft) four weeks ago; this 10yo is 5lb higher than last time but came nicely clear with the runner-up; respected.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12th

5

30th Apr 2026

Yielding

2m 0f 75y

16:50 Punchestown

Escapeandevade

11st 7lb

J: Paul O’Brien

T: Harry Derham

Bounced back from an off day at Sandown to win a small-field Newbury event; this is tougher, but he is generally reliable.

14/1

2nd

1

21st Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 0f 92y

Class 3

16:10 Newbury

Escapeandevade

12st 0lb

J: Paul O’Brien

T: Harry Derham

Ran no sort of race at Sandown seven weeks ago but his previous four efforts had all been highly creditable, including a Haydock win (2m, soft; handles good) just before Christmas; no surprise if he bounces back for a yard in form.

5/2

5

31st Jan 2026

Soft

1m 7f 99y

Class 2

14:02 Sandown

Escapeandevade

11st 2lb

J: Harry Reed

T: Harry Derham

Acts on any ground; record of 2212 this term for new yard, most recently clear of the remainder when bidding for a Haydock double (2m); back on career-high mark but looks a solid contender in current form.

5/1

3/1

  • Place: £2.00

Form: 8-8311 D

Last run: 22 days

W: 10st 11lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 113

Form & Verdict
Point winner who left his bumper/novice hurdle form behind to score on handicap/chase debut at Warwick (2m, soft) in November, and followed up at Market Rasen (2m1f, good to soft) on Boxing Day; did it cosily last time and he could still be well treated for his top yard now 7lb higher.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

7

14th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 10y

Class 2

15:35 Uttoxeter

Kykorock

10st 9lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

Has posted two wins and a placed effort, all at about 2m, since switched to chasing; may still have more to offer but goes into unknown territory upped a mile in distance; tongue-tie added.

4/1

3rd

8

17th Jan 2026

Good To Soft

2m 0f 67y

Class 3

15:45 Haydock

Kykorock

10st 11lb

J: Tristan Durrell

T: Dan Skelton

Point winner who left his bumper/novice hurdle form behind to score on handicap/chase debut at Warwick (2m, soft) in November, and followed up at Market Rasen (2m1f, good to soft) on Boxing Day; did it cosily last time and he could still be well treated for his top yard now 7lb higher.

3/1

OUR TIP

Form: 03-310 D

Last run: 28 days

W: 11st 11lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 127

Form & Verdict
This is his first chase start since March 2024 and he was tailed off over hurdles at Ascot four weeks ago; however, he won at Windsor (2m, good to soft) two starts ago and is well treated on his old chase form (including here); not discounted.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

4

4th Apr 2026

Good

2m 4f 216y

Class 3

15:49 Newton Abbot

Hardy Du Seuil

11st 10lb

J: Isabelle Ryder

T: Jamie Snowden

Won over hurdles in November and has done well on his belated return to fences, following a near-miss at Carlisle with a creditable third at Newbury (2m, good to soft) in February; still looks feasibly treated and he was a dual chase winner (2m/2m4f) in his youth; dangerous back up in trip.

15/2

3rd

2

27th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 0f 92y

Class 3

16:08 Newbury

Hardy Du Seuil

11st 11lb

J: Isabelle Ryder

T: Jamie Snowden

Won over hurdles in November and has done well on his belated return to fences, following his fourth at Haydock with a near miss at Carlisle (2m, good to soft); Isabelle Ryder again claims her 5lb and this 9yo is up 3lb in future.

9/2

2nd

4

16th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

1m 7f 207y

Class 3

13:40 Carlisle

Hardy Du Seuil

11st 11lb

J: Isabelle Ryder

T: Jamie Snowden

Won over hurdles at Windsor (2m, good to soft) in November and respectable fourth at Haydock (2m, good to soft) last month on first chase start since March 2024; has run well on both visits here; might not be far away.

7/2

Form: -12343 D

Last run: 35 days

W: 10st 8lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 110

Form & Verdict
Won on chase debut at Hexham (1m7f, good) last May and some good runs since, most recently close third of six at Doncaster (2m, good to soft) after a break; however, a career-best is needed now back up in grade.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

9

16th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

1m 7f 207y

Class 3

13:40 Carlisle

Willie Shake Hands

10st 8lb

J: Jonathan England

T: Sam England

Won on chase debut at Hexham (1m7f, good) last May and close third of six at Doncaster (2m, good to soft) in December; however, beaten 20l in fifth when upped in grade at Haydock (2m, good to soft) last month and remains in Class 3 company today; a career-best is required.

12/1

5th

10

17th Jan 2026

Good To Soft

2m 0f 67y

Class 3

15:45 Haydock

Willie Shake Hands

10st 8lb

J: Callum Bewley

T: Sam England

Won on chase debut at Hexham (1m7f, good) last May and some good runs since, most recently close third of six at Doncaster (2m, good to soft) after a break; however, a career-best is needed now back up in grade.

14/1

Form: 3413-U CD

Last run: 68 days

W: 12st 2lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 132

Form & Verdict
Four wins last season including two over fences (one C&D); not necessarily handicapped out of things but race-fitness is a query (early unseat on sole run this season) and his best form has come on soft and heavy ground, which isn't forecast to prevail today.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

4

23rd Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 20y

Class 2

15:10 Perth

Classic Maestro

10st 13lb

J: Luke Scott

T: Jennie Candlish

Good second at Sandown (1m7f, soft) in January and ran well before fading into 14 third at Ayr (2m4f, soft) last month; however, his best form has come on soft/heavy ground and such conditions seem unlikely today.

15/2

3rd

2

7th Mar 2026

Soft

2m 4f 110y

Class 3

15:55 Ayr

Classic Maestro

11st 11lb

J: Luke Scott

T: Jennie Candlish

Predictably struggled in Grade 1 Ascot Chase three weeks ago but looked as good as ever when second in good Sandown handicap (1m7f, soft) two starts ago and will be fine over today's trip; good chance.

9/4

Form: 3/531- C

Last run: 326 days

W: 11st 2lb

12 yo Gelding

OR: 118

Form & Verdict
12yo who is racing for the first time since last February; however, he won at Leicester (2m, heavy) back then and he won after some time off in November 2023 (2m, good to soft); 2-2 here (bumpers in 2018); not discounted.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

4

2nd Feb 2026

Good To Soft

1m 7f 182y

Class 4

13:37 Southwell

Mr Grey Sky

11st 10lb

J: Kielan Woods

T: Kim Bailey & Mat Nicholls

Three wins from ten runs over fences, the latest at Leicester (2m, heavy) last February; may have needed the run after 312-day break when well beaten last time; a possible.

10/1

7th

6

17th Jan 2026

Good To Soft

2m 0f 67y

Class 3

15:45 Haydock

Mr Grey Sky

11st 2lb

J: Tom Bellamy

T: Kim Bailey & Mat Nicholls

12yo who is racing for the first time since last February; however, he won at Leicester (2m, heavy) back then and he won after some time off in November 2023 (2m, good to soft); 2-2 here (bumpers in 2018); not discounted.

9/1

1st

2

25th Feb 2025

Soft

1m 7f 201y

Class 4

15:45 Leicester

Mr Grey Sky

11st 10lb

J: Tom Bellamy

T: Kim Bailey & Mat Nicholls

Jumped poorly and was well beaten on seasonal debut in November but got back on track with front-running third at Exeter (2m1f, soft) last month and remains well handicapped on older form.

5/2

Form: 852-63 CD

Last run: 49 days

W: 10st 9lb

12 yo Gelding

OR: 111

Form & Verdict
C&D winner whose mark continues to fall and he was an encouraging third at Bangor in November following a break; however, this inconsistent 12yo is winless since March 2023 and others arrive with more pressing claims.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

6

9th Mar 2026

Soft

2m 0f 213y

Class 4

14:50 Stratford

Grey Diamond

11st 1lb

J: Theo Gillard

T: Donald McCain

Dual winner over fences but last success was three years ago; his mark continues to fall but he doesn't look ready to take advantage.

12/1

8th

9

17th Jan 2026

Good To Soft

2m 0f 67y

Class 3

15:45 Haydock

Grey Diamond

10st 9lb

J: Theo Gillard

T: Donald McCain

C&D winner whose mark continues to fall and he was an encouraging third at Bangor in November following a break; however, this inconsistent 12yo is winless since March 2023 and others arrive with more pressing claims.

25/1

Form: 20-2U6 D

Last run: 83 days

W: 11st 10lb

6 yo Colt

OR: 126

Form & Verdict
Flat/hurdle winner who was runner-up for Paul Nolan on chase debut at Wexford (2m3f, good) last July; his jumping held him back on his two starts since but he's joined a top British yard and makes his stable debut following wind surgery; interesting, especially if well backed.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

4

25th Apr 2026

Good

2m 4f 15y

Class 2

16:40 Sandown

Palamon

10st 10lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

Returned to form and rewarded heavy market support at Bangor (2m4f, good; tongue-tie refitted) last month, his fifth start for Dan Skelton; just a respectable sixth under penalty in the Red Rum at Aintree (2m, good to soft) nine days later and his mark is another 5lb higher here, but he remains very much of interest.

11/4

6th

15

9th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

1m 7f 176y

Class 1

16:40 Aintree

Palamon

10st 2lb

J: Harry Atkins

T: Dan Skelton

Well-backed, even-money favourite at Bangor (2m4f) last Tuesday, when reverting to good ground in a reapplied tongue-tie and returning to form with a convincing win; 9lb higher in a much hotter race today but not ruled out for his top yard on the back of that stylish success.

9/1

1st

8

31st Mar 2026

Good

2m 4f 72y

Class 4

15:50 Bangor-on-Dee

Palamon

11st 5lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

Maiden chaser and with an overall strike-rate of 2-32; he hasn't got anything going over fences for current yard but he's dropped sharply in the weights and getting back on good ground can only help; would be interesting if the market offered encouragement.

5/2

Form: 31-PPU D

Last run: 31 days

W: 11st 2lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 118

Form & Verdict
Four chase wins last season and well handicapped on his best form; however, pulled up on first two runs this term and 200-1 when unseating early at Ludlow last month; plenty to prove.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

12th Feb 2026

Heavy

2m 4f 25y

Class 4

15:50 Leicester

Stormin Crossgales

11st 7lb

J: Miss Clara Brewitt

T: Max Young

Four chase wins last season and he's well handicapped on his best form; however, he's struggled this term; cheekpieces go on.

66/1

5

17th Jan 2026

Good To Soft

2m 0f 67y

Class 3

15:45 Haydock

Stormin Crossgales

11st 2lb

J: Charlie Deutsch

T: Max Young

Four chase wins last season and well handicapped on his best form; however, pulled up on first two runs this term and 200-1 when unseating early at Ludlow last month; plenty to prove.

100/1

3

1st Jun 2025

Good

2m 5f 44y

Class 3

16:35 Fakenham

Stormin Crossgales

11st 11lb

J: David Noonan

T: Max Young

Signed off for the Pogson stable with victory in a two-runner claimer over C&D and then joined Max Young for £5,000; it was a good-quality handicap in which he struggled at Aintree and this is easier.

16/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £9.60
Straight Forecast £8.45
Tricast £27.17
Trifecta £38.90

Selections

The Times:

Kykorock

SPOTLIGHT:

Escapeandevade

RP RATINGS:

Koukeo

POSTDATA:

Hardy Du Seuil

Daily Mail:

Grey Diamond

TOPSPEED:

Koukeo

Telegraph:

Kykorock

The Guardian:

Kykorock

D Express:

Kykorock

The Star:

Kykorock

Daily Record:

Kykorock

LAMBOURN:

Escapeandevade

Daily Mirror:

Escapeandevade

The Sun:

Escapeandevade