December 26 / 14.35 Newcastle

14.35

Good To Soft

Vickers.Bet Family Owned Independent Bookmaker Handicap Chase (Go North Monet’s Garden Series Qual’)

  • Prize money: £10562
  • 2m 4f 19y
  • Class 4
  • 13 runners
SKY
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Vickers.Bet Family Owned Independent Bookmaker Handicap Chase (Go North Monet’s Garden Series Qual’)

Runners: 13 runners

Type: Chase Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Partly cloudy

7/2 (Won)

  • Win: £5.60
  • Place: £1.90

Form: 032-22 BF

Last run: 34 days

W: 11st 8lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 109

Form & Verdict
Bumper winner in France who has shown ability over hurdles and fences; runner-up on last three starts; 2lb higher than at Southwell last time but should give it his best shot once again.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

2

22nd Apr 2026

Soft

2m 0f 0y

Class 3

15:40 Perth

Heltenham

11st 13lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

All chase wins around 2m4f, including win at this meeting last year; Newbury specialist who landed fourth win at that track when bagging valuable handicap for second time on penultimate start; never won off a mark this high and drop back down to 2m also asks a question but he's impossible to rule out.

3/1

4th

4

21st Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 187y

Class 2

14:25 Newbury

Heltenham

11st 9lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

Back to something like his best last time, registering a second success in the Greatwood Gold Cup and taking C&D record to 4-6; won this contest in 2023 and 2024; back up the weights but commands respect kept to a scenario that suits him ideally.

9/4

1st

5

28th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 187y

Class 1

15:45 Newbury

Heltenham

11st 0lb

J: Charlie Todd

T: Dan Skelton

Record of 3-5 at Newbury features a success in this contest two years ago; proved no match for Twinjets in most recent course start and was a faller in last two handicap attempts (out of depth in Grade 1 since); however, holds a major chance off current mark provided he's in top form.

10/1

OUR TIP

6/1

  • Place: £2.00

Form: 1124-2 D

Last run: 22 days

W: 11st 9lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 110

Form & Verdict
Dual chase winner early this year and showed he retains all his ability when second at Kelso on reappearance last time (third won next time); effective over this trip and should go well from the same mark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

4

22nd Jan 2024

Frozen

3m 0f 0y

Class 6

16:15 Warwick

Just Dont Know

12st 6lb

J: Mr Paddy Barlow

T: Paul Robson

Should be vulnerable at these weights but at least he comes here on the back of a solid effort in defeat in a 3m2f heavy-ground handicap at Kelso; mostly consistent last season as well.

10/1

2nd

1

29th Dec 2023

Good To Soft

3m 2f 39y

Class 4

15:32 Kelso

Just Dont Know

12st 0lb

J: Mr Callum Pritchard

T: Paul Robson

Scored over 2m7f on heavy ground here in January and was close/clear second on good ground over that trip here in May; made low-key reappearance here (2m5f) last month but might have needed that outing and will be better suited by today's longer trip; shortlisted.

9/2

3/1

  • Place: £1.50

Form: 1O21-2

Last run: 46 days

W: 11st 9lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 110

Form & Verdict
Dual chase winner in France; matched pick of that form when touched off on British debut (race has thrown up a couple of winners) over C&D last month after an absence; big chance if that can be backed up from 4lb higher mark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

24th Jul 2025

Good

2m 7f 0y

Class 4

13:45 Worcester

Heroique De Maulde

11st 8lb

J: Henry Brooke

T: Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero

In-form 8yo who scored at Bangor (3m, good) last month and is now 2-3 since cheekpieces were refitted in April; back up to his career-high mark today but still respected in current mood.

4/1

1st

1

21st Jun 2025

Good

3m 0f 30y

Class 4

17:15 Bangor-on-Dee

Heroique De Maulde

12st 0lb

J: Henry Brooke

T: Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero

It was effectively a 0-125 in which he was a solid fourth at Uttoxeter last time, and he's back at the same easier level as his win at Kelso (2m7f, good) previously; chance.

3/1

4th

9

17th May 2025

Good

3m 0f 10y

Class 3

18:30 Uttoxeter

Heroique De Maulde

11st 0lb

J: Henry Brooke

T: Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero

Pushed up 8lb for winning at Kelso (2m7f, good) but he was well on top and won off a higher mark for his previous yard; good chance.

4/1

Form: 44-652

Last run: 31 days

W: 12st 0lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 115

Form & Verdict
Hurdle winner who is 0-6 over fences but ran creditably at Doncaster last time (first-time cheekpieces); needs to raise his game and is still to prove he's as good over this trip as over shorter (bred to stay).
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

5

5th Mar 2025

Good

1m 7f 156y

Class 4

14:25 Catterick

Fusain

11st 7lb

J: Brian Hughes

T: Patrick Neville

prominent on inner, weakened gradually after 2 out

13/2

7

11th Feb 2025

Soft

2m 0f 110y

Class 4

15:10 Ayr

Fusain

11st 4lb

J: Henry Brooke

T: Patrick Neville

in touch with leaders, niggled along briefly after 4th, lost ground after 5th, dropped to last after 7th, detached and pulled up after 8th

12/1

7

11th Feb 2025

Soft

2m 0f 110y

Class 4

15:10 Ayr

Fusain

11st 4lb

J: Henry Brooke

T: Patrick Neville

in touch with leaders, niggled along briefly after 4th, lost ground after 5th, dropped to last after 7th, detached and pulled up after 8th

12/1

Form: 132484 D

Last run: 22 days

W: 12st 0lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 115

Form & Verdict
Dual chase winner this year and a versatile sort but hasn't been at his best on his last two starts, including when dropped in grade last time; back down in trip but has a bit to prove.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

2

25th May 2026

Good

3m 5f 80y

Class 3

15:58 Cartmel

If Not For Dylan

11st 4lb

J: Alan Doyle

T: Lucinda Russell & Michael Scudamore

Thorough stayer who made all at Doncaster (3m, good to soft) in February and rebounded from a lesser effort when third at Perth (3m, good) last month; has never run here before but is sure to be suited by this move back up in trip.

6/1

3rd

5

23rd Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 7f 180y

Class 3

15:40 Perth

If Not For Dylan

10st 5lb

J: Alan Doyle

T: Lucinda Russell & Michael Scudamore

Disappointing at Haydock last time (3m1f, good) but successful at Doncaster before that (3m, good to soft); each-way chance.

9/1

7th

7

4th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

3m 1f 125y

Class 3

17:05 Haydock

If Not For Dylan

11st 7lb

J: Alan Doyle

T: Lucinda Russell & Michael Scudamore

Veteran who retains enthusiasm, and he jumped well and made all at Doncaster (3m, good to soft) in February, but he's back up 6lb and probably in a stronger race here.

6/1

Form: 5-5495

Last run: 24 days

W: 10st 11lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 106

Form & Verdict
Ex-French; Flat, hurdle and chase winner but well beaten both runs in Britain for current yard; best watched for that reason.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

7

14th Jul 2024

Good

2m 0f 0y

Class 4

14:45 Perth

Contre Ordre

10st 2lb

J: Emma Smith-Chaston

T: Micky Hammond

prominent, left in second 1st, not fluent 4 out, lost position gradually after 2 out, weakening when hit last

7/1

3rd

7

29th May 2024

Good

2m 1f 61y

Class 5

19:50 Cartmel

Contre Ordre

10st 10lb

J: Brian Hughes

T: Micky Hammond

Ex-French 6yo who came good for Micky Hammond at Sedgefield (2m1f, soft) in November; has very mixed record since but is 4lb lower now and didn't run badly when fifth (behind Sword Of Fate) in first-time blinkers at Perth (2m4f, good to soft) this month.

8/1

Form: P2P2-7 D

Last run: 79 days

W: 12st 0lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 115

Form & Verdict
Triple hurdle winner who has won twice over fences; uneven form since last win just over two years ago; although on a good mark for return to fences, he has plenty to prove dropped to this trip.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

5

28th Oct 2024

Good

3m 0f 20y

Class 4

12:47 Ayr

Crixuss Escape

11st 7lb

J: William Maggs

T: Gillian Boanas

Out-and-out staying veteran; placed on all four starts last season in a light campaign, winning at Catterick (3m1f) in December before finishing a good second, off this mark, back there (3m6f) the following month; respected but his record back from a break suggests he'll likely need his first outing since January.

5/1

2nd

5

28th Oct 2024

Good

3m 0f 20y

Class 4

12:47 Ayr

Crixuss Escape

11st 7lb

J: William Maggs

T: Gillian Boanas

Out-and-out staying veteran; placed on all four starts last season in a light campaign, winning at Catterick (3m1f) in December before finishing a good second, off this mark, back there (3m6f) the following month; respected but his record back from a break suggests he'll likely need his first outing since January.

5/1

2nd

7

11th Jan 2024

Soft

3m 5f 214y

Class 3

14:30 Catterick

Crixuss Escape

10st 11lb

J: Theo Gillard

T: Gillian Boanas

Ended long losing run with an easy win here (3m1f, soft) a fortnight ago; on that evidence his claims shouldn't be dismissed off today's 8lb higher mark, but this 11yo is in a tougher race and is unproven at the trip.

16/1

Form: 3-1126 C

Last run: 51 days

W: 11st 13lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 114

Form & Verdict
Hurdle winner who has won half of last six starts over fences; won sole start at this venue and, although bit below best last time, is one to consider in an open event.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

3

13th May 2023

Good To Soft

3m 0f 41y

Class 4

14:15 Hexham

Avoid De Master

11st 12lb

J: Dillan Hurst

T: Susan Corbett

Versatile type who has won three times over fences including at 2m and 3m; now 4lb lower than for his last success 12 months ago but he's been pulled up in last two runs (fences/hurdles) and needs to turn things around; cheekpieces reapplied.

33/1

6

27th Apr 2023

Good To Soft

2m 4f 35y

Class 4

14:00 Perth

Avoid De Master

11st 9lb

J: Sam Coltherd

T: Susan Corbett

in rear throughout, lost touch 4 out, pulled up before 2 out

16/1

4

26th Dec 2022

Good To Soft

2m 4f 19y

Class 4

14:35 Newcastle

Avoid De Master

11st 13lb

J: Bruce Lynn

T: Susan Corbett

in touch with leaders, lost ground and towards rear after 2nd

11/1

Form: 1O23-7

Last run: 51 days

W: 11st 12lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 113

Form & Verdict
Looked set to better his hurdle form on chase debut last November but ran out at the last; similar form later that year; below that level early last month on sole 2022 start but entitled to come on for that run.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6

15th May 2025

Good

2m 7f 180y

Class 4

14:50 Perth

Fete Champetre

11st 4lb

J: Ryan Mania

T: Paul Robson

Ex-Rose Dobbin; has run three fair races for new trainer (in front when falling two out at Ayr in March); could go well but stamina to prove on first run at 3m.

8/1

6

15th May 2025

Good

2m 7f 180y

Class 4

14:50 Perth

Fete Champetre

11st 4lb

J: Ryan Mania

T: Paul Robson

Ex-Rose Dobbin; has run three fair races for new trainer (in front when falling two out at Ayr in March); could go well but stamina to prove on first run at 3m.

8/1

4th

5

7th Apr 2025

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 4

14:45 Kelso

Fete Champetre

11st 10lb

J: Craig Nichol

T: Paul Robson

Low-mileage 10yo; fair fourth at Sedgefield (2m3f, good to soft) in December on return from an absence and he was in front when falling two out at Ayr (2m4f, soft) a month ago; recently withdrawn on account of good ground which is worrying.

6/1

Form: P2-764 CD

Last run: 24 days

W: 11st 12lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 113

Form & Verdict
Four wins over fences last year (one over C&D) and put a couple of poor runs behind him when fourth at Sedgefield this month on the switch to this headgear; can't be ruled out from a tempting mark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

4

14th Apr 2023

Soft

2m 5f 28y

Class 4

14:45 Sedgefield

Road Warrior

11st 10lb

J: Ross Chapman

T: Rebecca Menzies

Took advantage of a reduced mark on his second run after wind surgery when making all to score by 12l at Newcastle (2m4f, heavy) last month; back up 7lb in the weights but he remains well treated on his best form and is versatile ground-wise; major player again.

7/4

1st

6

18th Mar 2023

Soft

2m 4f 19y

Class 4

14:15 Newcastle

Road Warrior

11st 8lb

J: Ross Chapman

T: Rebecca Menzies

made all, set steady pace

11/1

4th

3

27th Feb 2023

Good To Soft

2m 4f 110y

Class 4

15:15 Ayr

Road Warrior

11st 13lb

J: Ross Chapman

T: Rebecca Menzies

Won four chases in 2011 but hasn't really fired this season; had another wind op last month and is too well handicapped to rule out but needs to up his game.

12/1

Form: 122-33 D

Last run: 30 days

W: 11st 10lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 111

Form & Verdict
Hurdle winner who matched the pick of his form in that sphere when fitted with cheekpieces last time on only second chase start (over further at this venue); player back in distance.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

6

16th Oct 2024

Good To Soft

3m 0f 26y

Class 4

17:03 Wetherby

Son Of The Somme

11st 7lb

J: Kevin Brogan

T: Toby Lawes

Hurdle/chase winner for Brian Ellison; decent second in Newbury chase on stable debut (2m4f, good to soft) but well beaten at Southwell last time (3m, good); has run well at 3m; likely to be sharper for the run following a break.

11/1

5th

3

7th May 2024

Good

3m 0f 60y

Class 4

17:12 Southwell

Son Of The Somme

11st 11lb

J: Harry Bannister

T: Toby Lawes

Hurdle/chase winner for Brian Ellison; no match for a progressive winner at Newbury (2m6f, good to soft) but that was a positive start for this yard; unreliable in the past but if holding his form he could be the answer.

100/30

5th

3

7th May 2024

Good

3m 0f 60y

Class 4

17:12 Southwell

Son Of The Somme

11st 11lb

J: Harry Bannister

T: Toby Lawes

Hurdle/chase winner for Brian Ellison; no match for a progressive winner at Newbury (2m6f, good to soft) but that was a positive start for this yard; unreliable in the past but if holding his form he could be the answer.

100/30

Form: 1U-277 C

Last run: 58 days

W: 11st 7lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 108

Form & Verdict
4-10 over fences but hasn't had much racing since last win 15 months ago and needs to better most recent efforts to get back to winning ways.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

5th Mar 2023

Good

3m 1f 10y

Class 5

16:10 Huntingdon

Wye Aye

11st 11lb

J: Joe Williamson

T: Philip Kirby

Far from solid based on this season's chase form; returns to hurdles off a much lower mark and has scored twice here over fences, so could be dangerous if he's on song; 0-9 in this sphere.

16/1

11

26th Dec 2022

Good To Soft

2m 4f 19y

Class 4

14:35 Newcastle

Wye Aye

11st 7lb

J: Joe Williamson

T: Philip Kirby

in touch with leaders, mistake 2nd, towards rear after 3rd, niggled along when fell 7th

50/1

7th

6

29th Oct 2022

Good To Soft

3m 0f 45y

Class 4

16:45 Wetherby

Wye Aye

11st 6lb

J: Ross Chapman

T: Philip Kirby

took keen hold, jumped right on occasions, in touch with leaders, led 3rd, clear halfway, much reduced lead after 15th, headed and weakened quickly before 4 out

20/1

Form: /46-72

Last run: 30 days

W: 11st 4lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 105

Form & Verdict
Won on hurdle debut last April; hasn't had much racing since but posted best effort since that win when second over C&D last time; still has to raise game to win this, though.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

3

11th Apr 2026

Good

2m 4f 19y

Class 3

14:42 Newcastle

Hello Judge

11st 8lb

J: Charlie Maggs

T: Ann Hamilton

Carlisle specialist; sits close to a career-high mark following a gritty win there (2m, good to soft) in February; "never travelling and jumped poorly" in the Monet's Garden Series Final there three weeks ago; bit to prove for the time being, even acknowledging a 2024 C&D win.

4/1

1

22nd Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 210y

Class 2

16:27 Carlisle

Hello Judge

12st 0lb

J: Danny McMenamin

T: Ann Hamilton

Record of 6-10 over fences at Carlisle features wins in this race last year (on good ground) and latest outing (2m); on a career-high mark but commands major respect kept to this venue.

6/1

1st

7

16th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

1m 7f 207y

Class 3

13:40 Carlisle

Hello Judge

11st 3lb

J: Danny McMenamin

T: Ann Hamilton

Won here (2m4f, good) in October and followed up at Hexham (2m4f, good to soft); below par at Newcastle and Wetherby since and arrives with something to prove, but he's back on his last winning mark and ten visits to Carlisle have yielded five wins (various ground); not ruled out now back here.

7/1

Non-runners

Fete Champetre, Son Of The Somme

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £31.60
Straight Forecast £26.65
Tricast £61.74
Trifecta £75.40

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Heroique De Maulde

POSTDATA:

Son Of The Somme

The Star:

Hello Judge

TOPSPEED:

If Not For Dylan

RP Ratings:

Crixus's Escape

The Times:

Heroique De Maulde

Telegraph:

Heroique De Maulde

The Guardian:

Heroique De Maulde

Daily Mail:

Heroique De Maulde

D Express:

Heroique De Maulde

Daily Mirror:

Heroique De Maulde

Daily Record:

Heroique De Maulde