January 24 / 14.05 Doncaster

14.05

Soft

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

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

Runners: 8 runners

Type: Chase Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Light rain

9/1 (Won)

  • Win: £8.80
  • Place: £2.60

Form: 250-51

Last run: 34 days

W: 10st 12lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 125

Form & Verdict
7yo who produced a career-best to win at Lingfield (2m6f, good to soft) last month, in a first-time tongue-tie (retained) in his third chase; had just four rivals to beat and he's up 7lb in a hotter race, but he had plenty in hand and could have more to offer over fences; effective on soft.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

14

2nd May 2026

Yielding

3m 0f 104y

15:45 Punchestown

Dartmoor Pirate

10st 7lb

J: Sean Flanagan

T: Anthony Honeyball

Tongue-tie brought about improvement with wins over the winter in handicaps at Lingfield and valuable 3m Great Yorkshire Chase at Doncaster (soft); reportedly never travelled when unseating at latter venue in February however and given time off since; can't rule out.

14/1

4

28th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

3m 2f 1y

Class 2

14:30 Doncaster

Dartmoor Pirate

11st 7lb

J: Rex Dingle

T: Anthony Honeyball

He's 2-2 since the tongue-tie went on and, although it looked unlikely for much of the race, he stayed on much the best in the 3m Great Yorkshire Chase here a month ago (soft); he'll need to travel a bit better if he's to defy the 5lb rise but the extra 2f should help.

6/1

1st

8

24th Jan 2026

Soft

2m 7f 214y

Class 1

14:05 Doncaster

Dartmoor Pirate

10st 12lb

J: Rex Dingle

T: Anthony Honeyball

7yo who produced a career-best to win at Lingfield (2m6f, good to soft) last month, in a first-time tongue-tie (retained) in his third chase; had just four rivals to beat and he's up 7lb in a hotter race, but he had plenty in hand and could have more to offer over fences; effective on soft.

9/1

12/1

  • Place: £2.80

Form: 11-523 D

Last run: 23 days

W: 10st 12lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 125

Form & Verdict
Three wins during last season's first campaign over fences (2m3f-3m, including on soft) and this front-runner has run well to be placed on his last two starts, most recently when just outstayed over Cheltenham's stiff, extended 3m1f; today's 3m around a flat track could prove ideal.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

2

26th Mar 2026

Good

3m 0f 0y

Class 2

16:30 Warwick

New Order

11st 12lb

J: David Bass

T: Charlie Longsdon

Weakened when well-beaten third at Doncaster (3m2f, soft) last month and needs to bounce back; however, he was running very well in defeat otherwise this winter (3m/3m1f, good-soft) and this C&D winner will be in the mix if back on song this afternoon.

100/30

3rd

7

28th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

3m 2f 1y

Class 2

14:30 Doncaster

New Order

11st 2lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Charlie Longsdon

Seems to be adding some consistency to his game and has been bang there in his last three handicap chases (3m-3m1f), latterly chasing home Dartmoor Pirate here; he does look in the grip of the handicapper but he'll probably run well once more.

7/1

2nd

9

24th Jan 2026

Soft

2m 7f 214y

Class 1

14:05 Doncaster

New Order

10st 12lb

J: David Bass

T: Charlie Longsdon

Three wins during last season's first campaign over fences (2m3f-3m, including on soft) and this front-runner has run well to be placed on his last two starts, most recently when just outstayed over Cheltenham's stiff, extended 3m1f; today's 3m around a flat track could prove ideal.

12/1

7/1

  • Place: £2.70

Form: 3F0P-8 D

Last run: 38 days

W: 11st 0lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 127

Form & Verdict
He's struggled on both runs for this yard but his new trainer may well find the key to him at some point and he was in with a big shout when falling at the final fence in this race 12 months ago; the tongue-tie returns, having been absent last time, and cheekpieces are added.
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

Form: 1P-531 CD

Last run: 42 days

W: 11st 4lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 131

Form & Verdict
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.
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

Form: 461-11 D

Last run: 35 days

W: 12st 0lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 141

Form & Verdict
Won big-field handicap hurdle at Aintree's Grand National meeting last April (3m, good) and 2-2 this season, reverting to fences with wins at Bangor (3m, soft) and Ascot (3m, good to soft); it was a tight finish last time but this progressive 8yo is just 2lb higher today; firmly in calculations.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

3

9th May 2026

Good

3m 0f 58y

Class 2

12:45 Haydock

Deep Cave

11st 4lb

J: Jack Tudor

T: Christian Williams

3m hat-trick in 2025 started with a success over hurdles at Aintree (good) in April before two chase wins late in the year; three marked backward steps over fences since but he's well handicapped on best chase efforts.

16/1

39

11th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

4m 2f 74y

Class 1

16:00 Aintree

Deep Cave

10st 2lb

T: Christian Williams

Reserve; won a handicap hurdle at this meeting last year, plus over fences at Bangor in November and Ascot in December, all over about 3m; backward steps in two further useful handicap chases, which he needs to reverse in a major way, but arriving late on the scene for those wins offers some potential for going beyond 3m; 3lb out of the handicap.

100/1

10

11th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 210y

Class 1

14:30 Aintree

Deep Cave

11st 9lb

J: Jack Tudor

T: Christian Williams

3m hat-trick in 2025 started with a success over hurdles on this card (good) and ended with nabbing Leave Of Absence on the line in notable handicap chase at Ascot (good to soft); couple of backward steps since but a bad early error, and perhaps losing a shoe, contributed to a poor effort last time; may well rebound on a significant day in his calendar.

6/1

Form: -82112 C BF

Last run: 29 days

W: 11st 6lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 133

Form & Verdict
Walked over on second chase start then easily made all in four-runner handicap here (2m3f, soft); another big run from the front when second of five at Aintree (2m4f, good to soft) last month; it's possible this new trip will be within range and this unexposed novice could make another bold bid.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

15

11th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 210y

Class 1

14:30 Aintree

Josh The Boss

11st 0lb

J: Mr Jamie Neild

T: Nigel & Willy Twiston-Davies

Novice chaser who has several pieces of sound form at up to 2m4f this season, including a second at Aintree; however, below that level in major handicaps in two of his last three starts, seeming a non-stayer at Doncaster (soft) in the sole 3m attempt; stamina to prove back up in trip.

16/1

7

28th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 187y

Class 1

15:45 Newbury

Josh The Boss

10st 12lb

J: Mr Jamie Neild

T: Nigel & Willy Twiston-Davies

Fairly useful novice chaser who scored easily at Doncaster in November and has performed creditably off current mark twice since, albeit failed to justify favouritism when sent up to Newcastle (2m4f) last time; goes into deeper waters at this level.

11/1

2nd

5

21st Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 19y

Class 3

15:58 Newcastle

Josh The Boss

11st 6lb

J: Mr Jamie Neild

T: Nigel & Willy Twiston-Davies

Always ridden by Jamie Neild; walked over on his second chase assignment and easily made all in four-runner handicap at Doncaster (2m3f, soft) in November; another big run from the front when second of five at Aintree (2m4f) next time, before his first attempt at 3m did not work out in a Grade 3 handicap four weeks ago; he should be of renewed interest back at 2m4f.

4/1

Form: 22-784 D

Last run: 42 days

W: 11st 6lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 133

Form & Verdict
Placed three times in a row over hurdles early last year (2m3f-2m7f, good-soft) and ran pretty well when reverting to fences over C&D (good to soft) last month, finishing fourth of seven behind Docpickedme; however, he needs something extra to pose a serious threat in this warmer race.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

4

2nd May 2026

Good

3m 0f 10y

Class 2

14:35 Uttoxeter

Joyeux Machin

11st 1lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

Appreciated eased in grade at Bangor (3m, good to soft) six weeks ago, winning readily by 10l; contests deeper race here but probably still on workable mark after 5lb rise, and quicker ground also suits.

9/2

1st

1

21st Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 30y

Class 3

14:15 Bangor-on-Dee

Joyeux Machin

12st 2lb

J: Harry Atkins

T: Dan Skelton

Exposed ex-Irish gelding who has yet to score for Dan Skelton (0-10); however, he has been contesting stronger races and was going nicely in clear lead when falling six out in major handicap chase at Doncaster (3m, soft; fine on good) in January; his subsequent Ascot run needs forgiving but that was a Class 1 race.

5/2

9th

6

14th Feb 2026

Soft

2m 7f 185y

Class 1

15:00 Ascot

Joyeux Machin

10st 7lb

J: Tristan Durrell

T: Dan Skelton

Record of 0-9 for current yard but he ran well over hurdles on this card last year; still going nicely in clear lead when falling six out in major handicap chase at Doncaster (3m, soft) most recently; shortlisted.

7/2

Form: 4P-221

Last run: 35 days

W: 11st 2lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 129

Form & Verdict
Runner-up on first two chase starts (2m5f/2m4f, good to soft) before benefitting from the step up in trip to win the Tommy Whittle at Haydock (3m1f, soft) last month; hit with a 10lb rise but he did it easily and he's open to further improvement for a stable enjoying an excellent season.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

4

15th Apr 2026

Good

3m 1f 125y

Class 2

17:00 Haydock

Grand Geste

10st 12lb

J: Danny McMenamin

T: Joel Parkinson & Sue Smith

Suffered two flops in his last three races but the latest was in the National Hunt Chase at Cheltenham; both wins since December have been here (3m1f/3m4f), latterly in the 11-runner Grand National Trial that always takes some winning; if on a going day then he would have strong claims, for all that softer ground would be preferred.

2/1

8

10th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 5f 201y

Class 2

17:20 Cheltenham

Grand Geste

11st 5lb

J: Danny McMenamin

T: Joel Parkinson & Sue Smith

Impressive in a useful handicap at Haydock (extended 3m1f, soft) and, following a Doncaster flop, even better when he emerged on top in the Grand National Trial back at Haydock (extended 3m4f, good to soft); up another 6lb but little to prove regarding stamina and should have more to give.

14/1

1st

7

14th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

3m 4f 97y

Class 1

15:15 Haydock

Grand Geste

10st 12lb

J: Danny McMenamin

T: Joel Parkinson & Sue Smith

Impressive when winning the Tommy Whittle here (extended 3m1f, soft) in December and on that evidence today's 10lb higher mark may not be beyond this unexposed 7yo; he's a lot better than he showed at Doncaster (3m, soft) three weeks ago but has something to prove following that flop.

10/1

Non-runners

Kings Threshold, Kelce

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £72.00
Straight Forecast £64.92
Tricast £684.85
Trifecta £456.70

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Grand Geste

D Express:

Deep Cave

Telegraph:

Docpickedme

TOPSPEED:

New Order

The Times:

Dartmoor Pirate

WEST COUNTRY:

Josh The Boss

POSTDATA:

Joyeux Machin

RP RATINGS:

Grand Geste

Daily Mail:

Grand Geste

The Sun:

New Order

The Star:

Deep Cave

Daily Record:

Deep Cave

The Guardian:

Docpickedme

Daily Mirror:

Docpickedme