November 04 / 16.00 Exeter

16.00

Good

Betway ‘Challenger’ Stayers’ Handicap Chase (Challenger Staying Chase Series Qualifier)

  • Prize money: £11491.06
  • 3m 0f 54y
  • Class 3
  • 11 runners
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Betway ‘Challenger’ Stayers’ Handicap Chase (Challenger Staying Chase Series Qualifier)

Runners: 11 runners

Type: Chase Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Partly cloudy

8/1 (Won)

  • Win: £8.00
  • Place: £1.80

Form: 5200-6

Last run: 27 days

W: 12st 0lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 130

Form & Verdict
Given his good record when fresh his recent Chepstow run was a tad underwhelming, for all that it came in a competitive handicap hurdle; current mark is not beyond him but this is a tough starter over fences.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

28th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 10y

Class 4

15:45 Uttoxeter

Masters Legacy

12st 0lb

J: Sean Houlihan

T: Philip Hobbs & Johnson White

Well treated on old form but he's been lightly raced since his chase win at Exeter (3m, good) in November 2022; returned from 11 months off with fair fourth at Ascot in November but he was tailed off at Hereford the following month; cheekpieces are now added and he has something to prove after another break.

16/1

12/1

  • Place: £2.00

Form: P3126-

Last run: 205 days

W: 11st 8lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 124

Form & Verdict
Struggled over fences to begin with last season (just two attempts) but with cheekpieces fitted he did well when returned to hurdles, defying a 4lb higher mark at Wincanton in February (2m5f, soft; handles good); stays 3m and if he fancies another crack at this discipline he's handicapped to go well.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

11th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 7f 136y

Class 4

14:50 Chepstow

Sizable Sam

12st 0lb

J: Bryan Carver

T: Jeremy Scott

Veteran who is hard to predict but he may have had stamina issues when pulled up in the Devon National (3m7f) and he ran well over an inadequate 2m3f (good to soft) on his penultimate run; this trip is a much better fit and he's well handicapped on old form; not ruled out in new headgear.

7/1

4

20th Feb 2026

Heavy

3m 6f 153y

Class 3

15:45 Exeter

Sizable Sam

11st 1lb

J: Lorcan Williams

T: Jeremy Scott

11yo who has had some layoffs; unseated at the first fence on November reappearance; fifth of ten here eight days later, when 2m3f was probably far too short, was a step back in the right direction and his sole chase win (from ten attempts) was at this track, but he's yet to prove himself beyond 3m1f (tailed off once over 3m2f); acts on soft but not the percentage call.

14/1

5th

9

16th Jan 2025

Good To Soft

3m 2f 162y

Class 3

15:45 Wincanton

Sizable Sam

10st 12lb

J: Rex Dingle

T: Jeremy Scott

in touch with leaders, outpaced when mistake 4 out

10/1

3/1

  • Place: £1.70

Form: 4134-1 D

Last run: 19 days

W: 11st 1lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 117

Form & Verdict
Up and down last season over hurdles (won a maiden) but this winning pointer (on soft) looked a very different proposition on his chase debut when landing a five-runner 3m Kempton handicap (good) with lots in hand; quite likely that he's still ahead of his mark despite a 9lb rise; major player.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

1

20th Sep 2024

Good

3m 1f 170y

Class 4

17:30 Newton Abbot

Minella Buster

12st 2lb

J: Tom Bellamy

T: Emma Lavelle

disputed lead, swerved sharply right and badly hampered rival before 1st, led clearly 2nd, went clear before 4th, reduced lead 8th

14/1

8th

2

14th Apr 2024

Good

3m 1f 152y

Class 4

15:50 Plumpton

Minella Buster

12st 0lb

J: Joe Anderson

T: Emma Lavelle

Last season started well before he lost his way; however, he does seem best when fresh and was returning from 153 days off when going close at Stratford in October (2m6f, good); over this more suitable trip, after a break, he has to be of interest.

7/1

8th

2

14th Apr 2024

Good

3m 1f 152y

Class 4

15:50 Plumpton

Minella Buster

12st 0lb

J: Joe Anderson

T: Emma Lavelle

Last season started well before he lost his way; however, he does seem best when fresh and was returning from 153 days off when going close at Stratford in October (2m6f, good); over this more suitable trip, after a break, he has to be of interest.

7/1

Form: /129-3 CD

Last run: 163 days

W: 10st 13lb

11 yo Gelding

OR: 115

Form & Verdict
Both wins have been over C&D, including when left clear at the final fence in this 12 months ago on his return from an even longer absence; has a big run in him off this mark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12

20th Nov 2022

Soft

3m 0f 54y

Class 3

15:00 Exeter

St Erney

11st 3lb

J: Ben Ffrench Davis

T: Jackie Du Plessis

Has gained both wins over this C&D (soft/good to soft); respectable fourth back at this track 16 days ago; clear second (off 1lb higher) in this contest 12 months ago; solid chance.

8/1

4th

11

4th Nov 2022

Good

3m 0f 54y

Class 3

16:00 Exeter

St Erney

10st 13lb

J: Harry Kimber

T: Jackie Du Plessis

Both wins have been over C&D, including when left clear at the final fence in this 12 months ago on his return from an even longer absence; has a big run in him off this mark.

8/1

Form: 1711-6

Last run: 181 days

W: 11st 12lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 128

Form & Verdict
The winner of three handicap hurdles (2m4f/2m5f; improved for blinkers) on soft and good ground last season; only sixth off this career-high mark when trying 3m at Haydock in May but he didn't run badly and his pointing background would suggest there are better days ahead of him as a chaser.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

11

4th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 203y

Class 2

15:20 Haydock

Neon Moon

11st 1lb

J: Rian Corcoran

T: David Pipe

He won a four-runner handicap at Ascot (2m5f, good) in November but has failed to kick on subsequently, proving no match for Genois and Outlaw Peter when fifth at Exeter (2m3f, good to soft) four weeks ago.

18/1

5th

4

6th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 48y

Class 3

15:40 Exeter

Neon Moon

11st 7lb

J: Jack Tudor

T: David Pipe

Won an uncompetitive race by Ascot standards in November (2m5f) and then only fourth of six at Ludlow; fell mid-race back at Ascot last time; bit to prove on the balance of this form in the last 12 months.

15/2

Form: 36113- C

Last run: 209 days

W: 12st 0lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 130

Form & Verdict
Won two of his six starts in his first season over fences, suffering his first defeat in the tongue-tie when finishing a remote third in an always-strong 3m1f handicap at the Grand National meeting; returns from his break with yard in flying form and has the potential to rate higher.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

2

29th Sep 2025

Good

3m 1f 170y

Class 3

16:16 Newton Abbot

Killer Kane

11st 9lb

J: Brendan Powell

T: Joe Tizzard

Regressive 10yo who has not won since February 2023; ran fairly well when second of five over C&D (good) in May but was well held in the end, and was pulled up when reverting to hurdles in July; others have more appealing profiles.

5/1

2

20th Jul 2025

Good

2m 6f 7y

Class 4

16:58 Stratford

Killer Kane

12st 0lb

J: Brendan Powell

T: Joe Tizzard

Won a maiden hurdle in early 2021 before making a name for himself over fences; not as good as he was but handicapped accordingly and could enjoy a return to hurdles.

7/1

2nd

1

7th May 2025

Good

3m 1f 170y

Class 4

15:50 Newton Abbot

Killer Kane

12st 0lb

J: Brendan Powell

T: Joe Tizzard

led, faced challenge home turn, not fluent and headed 2 out, soon outpaced, not fluent and weakened last

7/2

Form: 11-1P3 D

Last run: 27 days

W: 11st 8lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 124

Form & Verdict
He was 3-3 in staying chases at Chepstow and he still ran well despite relinquishing his unblemished record there a month ago; burdened with a 7lb higher mark than for his last win, he might be placed at best.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

31st May 2025

Good

3m 3f 119y

Class 3

20:00 Stratford

Gats And Co

11st 9lb

J: Connor Brace

T: David Brace

Won comfortably at regular haunt Chepstow (3m6f, good) in March and was probably unlucky not to follow up there (3m2f, good; in front when sprawling on landing at final fence) last month; went up another 5lb after the latter run, though, and may not be quite so effective on this sharper track.

7/1

2

31st May 2025

Good

3m 3f 119y

Class 3

20:00 Stratford

Gats And Co

11st 9lb

J: Connor Brace

T: David Brace

Won comfortably at regular haunt Chepstow (3m6f, good) in March and was probably unlucky not to follow up there (3m2f, good; in front when sprawling on landing at final fence) last month; went up another 5lb after the latter run, though, and may not be quite so effective on this sharper track.

7/1

4th

2

25th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

3m 2f 54y

Class 4

17:05 Chepstow

Gats And Co

12st 2lb

J: Connor Brace

T: David Brace

Record of 11142P1 here includes a Dunraven Bowl first and second and (latest) a cosy win over 3m6.5f (good; Stellar Stream unseated when beaten); almost three years since he last defied this 9lb higher mark.

11/4

OUR TIP

Form: 1702-0 C

Last run: 181 days

W: 12st 1lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 131

Form & Verdict
Three-time winner over hurdles in these colours when with Philip Hobbs and he very nearly defied a 3lb higher mark over 3m at Cheltenham on his penultimate run; didn't appear to fancy fences when tailed off/pulled up two years ago but his new trainer is not fazed by giving them another go; respected.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9

8th Apr 2023

Good To Soft

3m 0f 58y

Class 2

15:15 Haydock

Pileon

11st 4lb

J: Jack Tudor

T: Christian Williams

Ran his best race for this yard when second to Docpickedme in a three-finisher race at Doncaster (3m, good) but Newbury was underwhelming even when taking into account the drop back to 2m4f; not easily recommended on the back of that.

16/1

10th

7

4th Mar 2023

Good

2m 4f 118y

Class 3

14:10 Newbury

Pileon

11st 9lb

J: Jack Tudor

T: Christian Williams

Handily treated and he ran his best race for this yard when second of three finishers at Doncaster recently (3m, good); his best form these days is at that trip though so he needs to show he still has what it takes at 2m4f.

6/1

2nd

5

9th Feb 2023

Good

3m 0f 84y

Class 3

14:50 Doncaster

Pileon

11st 9lb

J: Ellis Collier

T: Christian Williams

Has dropped to a mark 9lb lower than when going very close at Cheltenham (3m, good) last April and a market check is advised, but he's been a long way below his best on his three starts for this yard; major turnaround needed.

12/1

Form: 312PF-

Last run: 200 days

W: 12st 0lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 130

Form & Verdict
Progressive handicapper over fences last season at about 2m4f until pulling up in a handicap at the Cheltenham Festival and then falling mid-race at Chepstow when trying 3m for the first time; could have improvement lurking as a stayer and there's nothing wrong with his mark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

5

4th Nov 2022

Good

3m 0f 54y

Class 3

16:00 Exeter

When Youre Ready

12st 0lb

J: Jonjo O’Neill Jr

T: Jonjo O’Neill

Progressive handicapper over fences last season at about 2m4f until pulling up in a handicap at the Cheltenham Festival and then falling mid-race at Chepstow when trying 3m for the first time; could have improvement lurking as a stayer and there's nothing wrong with his mark.

12/1

Form: /8P0P- D

Last run: 216 days

W: 12st 2lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 132

Form & Verdict
Won four handicap chases (2m4f-3m) within five starts during a prolific period between February and April two seasons ago; his latest campaign was a washout, albeit in decidedly strong handicaps; watching brief makes sense on his first run since finishing lame in the Scottish National.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

2

11th May 2024

Good

3m 1f 0y

Class 4

19:35 Warwick

One More Fleurie

12st 0lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Ian Williams

led at steady pace, headed 3 out, soon ridden and lost position, weakened before 2 out, tailed off

7/1

5th

2

11th May 2024

Good

3m 1f 0y

Class 4

19:35 Warwick

One More Fleurie

12st 0lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Ian Williams

led at steady pace, headed 3 out, soon ridden and lost position, weakened before 2 out, tailed off

7/1

Form: -1P956 D

Last run: 45 days

W: 11st 9lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 125

Form & Verdict
Decent on his day but they were out-of-form rivals he beat at Newton Abbot (3m2f) in May and he has achieved precious little since; opposable.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

30th Jan 2023

Good To Soft

3m 1f 152y

Class 4

15:50 Plumpton

Sizing Cusimano

11st 13lb

J: Brendan Powell

T: Joe Tizzard

Returned from break with wide-margin win last spring but generally very disappointing since; last month's Taunton fourth (3m2f, good) was a step back in the right direction but he was well held in the end; others have more appealing profiles.

12/1

4th

1

21st Dec 2022

Good

3m 2f 57y

Class 4

13:23 Taunton

Sizing Cusimano

12st 2lb

J: Freddie Gingell

T: Joe Tizzard

Emphatic winner off a 3m2f handicap at Newton Abbot (good) in May but he's not come close to that form since and has been tailed off and pulled up at Exeter (3m) in last two starts; now 4lb lower than for last win but he has a lot to prove.

25/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £41.50
Straight Forecast £38.35
Tricast £158.53
Trifecta £291.40

Selections

RP Ratings:

Minella Buster

WEST COUNTRY:

Killer Kane

SPOTLIGHT:

Sizable Sam

Daily Mail:

Masters Legacy

TOPSPEED:

When You're Ready

POSTDATA:

Minella Buster

D Express:

Minella Buster

Daily Mirror:

Minella Buster

Daily Record:

Minella Buster

The Times:

Killer Kane

Telegraph:

Killer Kane

The Guardian:

Killer Kane

The Sun:

Killer Kane

The Star:

Sizable Sam