January 24 / 13.15 Cheltenham

13.15

Soft

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

  • Prize money: £56950
  • 2m 4f 127y
  • Class 1
  • 11 runners
ITV
View Course
Betfair Exchange Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap) (GBB Race)

Runners: 11 runners

Type: Chase Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Sunny

12/1 (Won)

  • Win: £14.20
  • Place: £3.20

Form: 11-322

Last run: 28 days

W: 10st 8lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 132

Form & Verdict
Hard to knock in terms of consistency and he again ran creditably when second of seven at Chepstow (2m3f, good to soft) on Welsh National day; however, he's prone to the odd mistake and may not get away with them on his first run over fences at Cheltenham.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

4

17th Apr 2026

Soft

2m 4f 110y

Class 2

15:30 Ayr

Donnacha

11st 3lb

J: James Davies

T: Nigel Hawke

Can make mistakes but he was runner-up twice in a row prior to winning a quality handicap at Cheltenham (2m4f, soft) in January, when clear with subsequent Ultima runner-up Jagwar; a 5lb rise for that career-best performance isn't harsh and he's entitled to respect.

5/2

1st

7

24th Jan 2026

Soft

2m 4f 127y

Class 1

13:15 Cheltenham

Donnacha

10st 8lb

J: James Davies

T: Nigel Hawke

Hard to knock in terms of consistency and he again ran creditably when second of seven at Chepstow (2m3f, good to soft) on Welsh National day; however, he's prone to the odd mistake and may not get away with them on his first run over fences at Cheltenham.

12/1

3rd

1

28th Oct 2025

Soft

2m 3f 83y

Class 3

15:28 Ffos Las

Donnacha

12st 0lb

J: James Davies

T: Nigel Hawke

Struck form over fences at start of this year, winning over 2m3f on soft ground at Exeter and Chepstow; subsequent 261-day break may have checked his momentum but further progress is possible this season.

4/1

Form: 1311-3 CD BF

Last run: 42 days

W: 11st 11lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 149

Form & Verdict
Highly progressive 7yo; won at this meeting on soft ground 12 months ago and followed up in the Plate at the Festival; extended his run of excellent C&D efforts with an unlucky third six weeks ago, finishing well after making the odd mistake and being short of room; leading contender again off just 1lb higher.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

22

11th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

4m 2f 74y

Class 1

16:00 Aintree

Jagwar

10st 10lb

J: Mark Walsh

T: Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero

Improved his rating in every one of his eight chases, winning four and that includes the 2m4f Plate at last year's Cheltenham Festival; first venture much beyond 2m5f had to wait until his return to Cheltenham last month, in which he came from out the back to get within half a length of the winner Johnnywho; that showed he stays 3m1f and suggested he's still capable of better, but his jumping contained unnerving moments; wears cheekpieces first time and a half-brother probably stays 4m.

10/1

2nd

4

10th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 1f 0y

Class 1

15:20 Cheltenham

Jagwar

11st 9lb

J: Mark Walsh

T: Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero

Highly progressive switched to fences last season, a campaign that culminated in a convincing win in the Plate here (2m4f, good to soft) in March; he's kept on well over 2m4f here (good to soft/soft) on both runs this season, beaten just a head last time when 10l clear of the third; today's first crack at a staying trip could prompt further improvement; lots to like.

7/2

2nd

2

24th Jan 2026

Soft

2m 4f 127y

Class 1

13:15 Cheltenham

Jagwar

11st 11lb

J: Jonjo O’Neill Jr

T: Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero

Highly progressive 7yo; won at this meeting on soft ground 12 months ago and followed up in the Plate at the Festival; extended his run of excellent C&D efforts with an unlucky third six weeks ago, finishing well after making the odd mistake and being short of room; leading contender again off just 1lb higher.

7/4

14/1

  • Place: £1.90

Form: 24-131 C

Last run: 21 days

W: 10st 7lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 131

Form & Verdict
Seemed to be treading water last season but has taken advantage of some leniency from the handicapper this term, winning over 2m here (soft) and 2m4f at Sandown (good); creeping back up the weights but in the mix again.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

8

15th Apr 2026

Good

2m 3f 203y

Class 1

14:40 Haydock

Triple Trade

10st 11lb

J: Brendan Powell

T: Joe Tizzard

Still on a good mark despite winning twice this season (2m/2m4f; soft/good) and was 11-2 for the veterans' final over C&D earlier this month, only to depart early; has a lot in his favour so merits each-way consideration.

16/1

12

4th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 203y

Class 2

15:20 Haydock

Triple Trade

11st 1lb

J: Brendan Powell

T: Joe Tizzard

Two wins this season (2m/2m4f, soft/good) and 10l third behind an 8yo and a 7yo at Cheltenham (2m4f, soft) in January; 20l fourth in another competitive handicap at Newbury (2m4f, good to soft) in February but that form is working out well and he's back against fellow veterans today; chance.

11/1

4th

9

28th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 187y

Class 1

15:45 Newbury

Triple Trade

10st 11lb

J: Brendan Powell

T: Joe Tizzard

Has a solid record (1313) over 2m/2m4f this season but gained the wins in Class 3 and finished 10l behind a couple of younger rivals, albeit not disgraced, in Class 1 at Cheltenham most recently; the 10yo looks under some pressure kept to this level.

12/1

11/2

  • Place: £1.90

Form: 125-42 BF

Last run: 56 days

W: 10st 4lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 128

Form & Verdict
Front-runner who usually jumps soundly; reappearance fourth at Aintree worked out well and he ran a cracker when second at Newbury (again 2m, good to soft) later in November; now steps up in distance and his pedigree gives real hope that the increased test of stamina will suit; interesting.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

13

9th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

1m 7f 176y

Class 1

16:40 Aintree

Javert Allen

10st 8lb

J: Ciaran Gethings

T: Jane Williams

Below par at Kempton (2m4f) in February last time but he's run well in defeat otherwise this season, including when fourth over C&D (good to soft) on his reappearance in a race that worked out extremely well; this front-runner could make a bold bid in first-time cheekpieces back at 2m.

15/2

5th

8

21st Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 110y

Class 2

16:05 Kempton

Javert Allen

10st 11lb

J: Ciaran Gethings

T: Jane Williams

Free-going front-runner who was a little too keen for his own good when weakening into a 10l third at Cheltenham four weeks ago (2m4f, soft); the ground might not be quite so slow this afternoon and that would help him; respected.

7/2

3rd

11

24th Jan 2026

Soft

2m 4f 127y

Class 1

13:15 Cheltenham

Javert Allen

10st 4lb

J: Ciaran Gethings

T: Jane Williams

Front-runner who usually jumps soundly; reappearance fourth at Aintree worked out well and he ran a cracker when second at Newbury (again 2m, good to soft) later in November; now steps up in distance and his pedigree gives real hope that the increased test of stamina will suit; interesting.

11/2

Form: 3231-1 D

Last run: 56 days

W: 11st 3lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 141

Form & Verdict
Tends to finish strongly from off the pace and posted another personal best when winning at Newbury (2m6f, good to soft) at the end of November; a 9lb rise means he'll need another leap forward but he keeps progressing and it's certainly possible.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13th

18

10th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 5f 19y

Class 1

16:05 Aintree

Booster Bob

10st 7lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Olly Murphy

Held by Madara and Will The Wise but running well when falling at final fence in the Plate at Cheltenham (2m4f, good to soft) last month; two wins during a progressive 2025 (2m4f/2m6f, soft/good to soft); each-way shout.

16/1

10

10th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 44y

Class 1

16:40 Cheltenham

Booster Bob

11st 0lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Olly Murphy

Has a useful jumps strike-rate and a Newbury chase win (about 2m6f, good to soft) in November showed he was still improving; a 9lb rise appeared beyond him on the New course since but he travelled strongly for a long way and may yet show he hasn't exhausted the handicapping options.

14/1

5th

4

24th Jan 2026

Soft

2m 4f 127y

Class 1

13:15 Cheltenham

Booster Bob

11st 3lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Olly Murphy

Tends to finish strongly from off the pace and posted another personal best when winning at Newbury (2m6f, good to soft) at the end of November; a 9lb rise means he'll need another leap forward but he keeps progressing and it's certainly possible.

7/2

Form: 772005 CD

Last run: 23 days

W: 10st 6lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 130

Form & Verdict
Overcame a howling error at the last when winning this race (soft ground) in 2025; 0-8 since, although he wasn't disgraced here on New Year's Day and he's now only 1lb higher than 12 months ago; not ruled out.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

1

25th Sep 2026

Good

2m 7f 0y

Class 4

15:50 Worcester

Moon Dorange

12st 2lb

J: Jack Tudor

T: Christian Williams

Useful chaser when trained by John McConnell in Ireland but absent since last of 15 in competitive handicap hurdle in May; eased in grade for this stable debut but his usual headgear is missing; the market may guide.

16/1

15th

9

9th May 2026

Good

3m 0f 58y

Class 2

12:45 Haydock

Moon Dorange

10st 8lb

J: Callum Pritchard

T: John C McConnell

Inconsistent chaser who's saved his best for Cheltenham in 2025 and 2026, including a win (his only handicap success) in January 2025 and third at the Festival this March; both were over an extended 2m4f and he's shown his form only once from seven attempts under rules over 3m+; not the percentage call.

16/1

7th

9

15th Apr 2026

Good

2m 3f 203y

Class 1

14:40 Haydock

Moon Dorange

10st 10lb

J: Callum Pritchard

T: John C McConnell

9lb higher when beaten 3.5l by Riskintheground 12 months ago; 0-10 in the meantime but the new visor worked well when a never-nearer third in the Plate at Cheltenham last month and clear claims if he can back that up.

9/1

Form: 159-1F D

Last run: 28 days

W: 11st 0lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 138

Form & Verdict
Made much of the running when winning in dominant style at Aintree (2m4f, soft) in December; beaten when falling late on in the Welsh National three weeks later, lack of stamina a possible factor; back to a more suitable trip here but now off a career-high mark and others appeal more.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

12

11th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 210y

Class 1

14:30 Aintree

Uncle Bert

11st 6lb

J: Toby McCain-Mitchell

T: Nigel & Willy Twiston-Davies

1-6 over fences, the success at Aintree (2m4f) on seasonal debut; seemed a non-stayer in the Welsh National before eventually falling, then ran below form at Cheltenham (2m4f); return to this venue may have a positive effect but he ideally needs assistance from the weather, having gained all wins on soft ground.

20/1

7th

5

24th Jan 2026

Soft

2m 4f 127y

Class 1

13:15 Cheltenham

Uncle Bert

11st 0lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Nigel & Willy Twiston-Davies

Made much of the running when winning in dominant style at Aintree (2m4f, soft) in December; beaten when falling late on in the Welsh National three weeks later, lack of stamina a possible factor; back to a more suitable trip here but now off a career-high mark and others appeal more.

9/1

Form: 45-443 D

Last run: 14 days

W: 12st 0lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 152

Form & Verdict
Six of his seven wins have come on good ground, and he's been below par on soft; ran creditably when third of four in Grade 2 at Kempton (goes well there) two weeks ago but he faces a sterner assignment conceding weight to some smart handicappers here.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

8

10th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 5f 19y

Class 1

16:05 Aintree

Boombawn

11st 0lb

J: Tristan Durrell

T: Dan Skelton

First run over the National fences; inconsistent this season and no match for stablemate Madara (who remains Harry Skelton's mount) when ninth of 23 in the Plate at Cheltenham last month; however, Aintree brought out the best in him last year and he's well handicapped on that form; one to consider.

12/1

9th

5

10th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 44y

Class 1

16:40 Cheltenham

Boombawn

11st 7lb

J: Tristan Durrell

T: Dan Skelton

Has hurdle form at Cheltenham over a similar trip to today's but he races mostly on sharp tracks, albeit with soft ground against him in January when well back in his sole chase start here; never showed with a chance when upped to 3m at Kempton recently and he's no strong option to improve a 2-15 strike-rate over fences; yard runs two others with better claims.

40/1

12th

1

21st Feb 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 0y

Class 1

15:35 Kempton

Boombawn

12st 0lb

J: Harry Atkins

T: Dan Skelton

Only 2-14 as a chaser but has been highly tried on occasions, as when not far away in a 2m4f Grade 1 at Aintree last April; another good run in a Grade 2 here last month (RPR right up there with his best) and soft ground was no good to him back in a handicap at Cheltenham; patient tactics are likely now sent further and could be interesting with Harry Atkins claiming 7lb, provided conditions don't soften.

20/1

Form: 3P-331 D

Last run: 29 days

W: 10st 11lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 135

Form & Verdict
5-16 over fences and his win at Aintree (2m4f, good to soft) on Boxing Day was up there with his best efforts; made the frame at this meeting two years ago and likely to give his running again, but he's up 3lb for Aintree and this is more competitive.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

5

21st Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 187y

Class 2

14:25 Newbury

Prairie Wolf

11st 6lb

J: Jack Tudor

T: Joel Parkinson & Sue Smith

Northern runner who has looked as good as ever in winning two of his last three races, taking chase record to 6-18; did it quite readily at Newcastle (2m4f, good to soft) latest; ran respectably at Newbury in November; likely player in current form.

5/1

1st

3

21st Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 19y

Class 3

15:58 Newcastle

Prairie Wolf

11st 8lb

J: Callum Bewley

T: Joel Parkinson & Sue Smith

5-17 over fences and his win at Aintree (2m4f, good to soft) on Boxing Day was up there with his best efforts; ran poorly at Cheltenham four weeks later but in the mix if bouncing back.

5/1

OUR TIP

Form: 7-4196 CD

Last run: 23 days

W: 11st 4lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 142

Form & Verdict
Showed he's as good as ever with a win in an intermediate chase at Newton Abbot (2m5f, good to soft) in October but hasn't repeated the form, including over C&D on New Year's Day; looks the stable's second string on jockey bookings.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

4

14th Oct 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 83y

Class 2

16:38 Ffos Las

Riskintheground

11st 6lb

J: Charlie Todd

T: Dan Skelton

Made up into smart chaser last term with success in Haydock's Silver Trophy (2m4f) in April; has continued in fine form with 3m Perth win and an excellent third of 13 in 3m Uttoxeter handicap this summer; can't be discounted but Harry Skelton sides with Il Est Francais.

13/2

3rd

2

28th Jun 2026

Good

3m 0f 10y

Class 2

15:27 Uttoxeter

Riskintheground

11st 12lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

Successful on this card two years ago; campaigned mostly over 2m4f/2m5f but saw out 3m well at Perth (good) most recently, adding to his Grade 2 handicap success in April and taking chase record to 9-30; better than ever and commands respect.

9/2

1st

2

7th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

2m 7f 180y

Class 2

16:27 Perth

Riskintheground

11st 4lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

Good ground is key to him, though good to soft is acceptable; after signs of a revival at the Cheltenham Festival he duly delivered in a competitive 2m4f handicap at Haydock, winning cosily despite narrow margin of victory; the 4lb rise seemed generous and when beaten at Uttoxeter he bumped into the talented Glengouly on a good day; all his best form is at shorter, so stamina would be the principal concern.

100/30

Form: 1-P125 D

Last run: 42 days

W: 10st 5lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 129

Form & Verdict
Both chase wins have come on good ground on sharp tracks; tailed off at Doncaster last month; lots to prove.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

1

12th Jun 2026

Good

2m 5f 89y

Class 4

19:26 Market Rasen

Hurricane Bay

12st 2lb

J: Tom Cannon

T: Lucy Wadham

Not particularly consistent but won at Huntingdon early last month (2m4f, good) and would have a chance on that form; however, pulled up when favourite at Fakenham last time having reportedly made a respiratory noise.

6/1

2

31st May 2026

Good

2m 5f 44y

Class 3

16:37 Fakenham

Hurricane Bay

11st 12lb

J: Tom Cannon

T: Lucy Wadham

Well below best last season but exploited some help from the handicapper when winning in pretty good style at Huntingdon (2m4f, good) this month; even after a 5lb rise, he's still 5lb lower than when winning this race in 2025; good chance.

7/4

1st

2

7th May 2026

Good

2m 3f 189y

Class 4

13:45 Huntingdon

Hurricane Bay

11st 11lb

J: Tom Cannon

T: Lucy Wadham

Well handicapped if judged on his two good-ground wins in cheekpieces last spring (2m7f/2m5f) but has been well below best (in various headgear) in recent months; ran well for a long way before weakening quickly at Market Rasen (3m, good) last time and might benefit from this drop back in trip but others have much less to prove.

10/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £50.30
Straight Forecast £35.62
Tricast £199.67
Trifecta £185.10

Selections

POSTDATA:

Jagwar

SPOTLIGHT:

Javert Allen

The Guardian:

Booster Bob

RP RATINGS:

Moon d'Orange

Daily Mail:

Riskintheground

Daily Mirror:

Booster Bob

Daily Record:

Booster Bob

TOPSPEED:

Javert Allen

WEST COUNTRY:

Javert Allen

The Sun:

Javert Allen

The Times:

Jagwar

Telegraph:

Jagwar

D Express:

Jagwar

The Star:

Jagwar