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
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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

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

3rd

22

10th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 44y

Class 1

16:40 Cheltenham

Moon Dorange

10st 2lb

J: Callum Pritchard

T: John C McConnell

Pulled up in the 2m4f novice handicap here last March but that was out of character as he had won over that C&D the time before and generally has a good track record; not much of a force this season, though, and he doesn't look in enough form to take advantage of a weights drop; often wears headgear, first-time visor today.

50/1

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

2nd

2

24th May 2026

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 2

16:03 Uttoxeter

Riskintheground

11st 9lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

Good ground is the key to him; his form had nosedived but he was running much better when hampered late on at the Cheltenham Festival and then came good at Haydock (2m4f, good), prevailing only narrowly but under a confident ride in a strong race (he also won it the season before when staged at Cheltenham); a 4lb rise seems very generous.

11/8

1st

4

15th Apr 2026

Good

2m 3f 203y

Class 1

14:40 Haydock

Riskintheground

11st 4lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

Won this race 12 months ago at Cheltenham when 1lb higher so he's dangerously handicapped for his defence; his form had nosedived after winning in a small field at Newton Abbot in October but the signs were more encouraging last time in the 2m4f Plate at the Festival as he was staying on when hampered by a faller at the last fence; has to be of interest, especially given the yard's form.

4/1

11th

13

10th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 44y

Class 1

16:40 Cheltenham

Riskintheground

10st 11lb

J: Charlie Todd

T: Dan Skelton

He's run some of his better races at Cheltenham, including a New course win (about 2m4f, good; off this mark) from O'Moore Park last April; not much going for him on his form since beating three rivals at Newton Abbot in October but some sort of revival isn't beyond the imagination.

33/1

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

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

5th

1

14th Apr 2026

Good

2m 7f 191y

Class 4

13:35 Market Rasen

Hurricane Bay

12st 0lb

J: Mr Cian Murphy

T: Lucy Wadham

Well handicapped if judged on his two good-ground wins in cheekpieces last spring (2m7f/2m5f) but has been out of form (in various headgear) in recent months; sure to appreciate this ease in grade but needs to turn a corner; cheekpieces refitted.

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