15.15
SoftHappy New Year Handicap Chase
- Prize money: £4752.9
- 2m 3f 48y
- Class 5
- 14 runners
Runners: 14 runners
Type: Chase Turf
Surface: Turf
Weather: Cloudy
12/1 (Won)
- Win: £5.00
- Place: £1.70
Form: 5356-3
Last run: 42 days
W: 10st 4lb
8 yo Gelding
OR: 80
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
5 |
14th Apr 2026 Good 3m 2f 105y Class 5 |
11st 2lb |
Has more wins over fences, most recently at Exeter (3m, good to soft) last month under Ciaran O'Shea; failed to fire 20 days later but he's effective in this sphere as shown when a close second at Chepstow in February; yet to win from a mark this high but should be firmly in the mix. |
9/2 |
|
5th 6 |
26th Mar 2026 Good 3m 6f 136y Class 4 |
10st 10lb |
Often front-runner; ridden by Ciaran O'Shea on last four starts; 7-22 in chases (one of his hurdles wins was this track) and those wins include his last two completed starts in this sphere, the latest at Exeter (3m, good to soft) three weeks ago; this trip is unknown territory but he ran well over an extended 3m4f at Stratford in 2024; has to be in serious calculations. |
9/2 |
|
1st 3 |
6th Mar 2026 Good To Soft 3m 0f 54y Class 5 |
11st 1lb |
Back to form to win a Wincanton chase (3m1f, soft) in December and nearly went in again back over hurdles at Chepstow in a race he won the previous year; nothing wrong with this mark and stable goes well. |
3/1 |
8/1
- Place: £2.60
Form: 758/3
Last run: 32 days
W: 10st 8lb
7 yo Gelding
OR: 84
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
4th 2 |
1st Apr 2026 Good 2m 4f 35y Class 5 |
11st 6lb |
10yo who has won three of his last five starts and he hit a personal best when swooping late at Hereford (2m5f, good) two weeks ago; a 3lb rise for that success looks fair and he's strongly respected in his hat-trick bid. |
11/4 |
|
1st 2 |
18th Mar 2026 Good To Soft 2m 4f 194y Class 5 |
11st 6lb |
Up there with his best form when scoring for a third time over fences at Exeter (2m3f, good to soft) where he was 6l to the good at the line; up 6lb, so on a career-high mark, but he's probably the safest option. |
15/8 |
|
1st 8 |
6th Mar 2026 Good To Soft 2m 3f 48y Class 5 |
10st 12lb |
Dual chase winner who remains on a fair mark and was let down by his jumping when beaten 12l at Hereford last time; each-way claims. |
6/1 |
8/1
- Place: £1.80
Form: 65-124 C BF
Last run: 11 days
W: 11st 4lb
7 yo Gelding
OR: 94
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1st 4 |
19th Dec 2024 Good To Soft 2m 3f 48y Class 5 |
11st 10lb |
in touch with leaders |
10/1 |
|
1st 4 |
19th Dec 2024 Good To Soft 2m 3f 48y Class 5 |
11st 10lb |
in touch with leaders |
10/1 |
|
3rd 3 |
28th Nov 2024 Good To Soft 2m 2f 40y Class 5 |
11st 12lb |
All three chase wins have been over further, the last two here at 2m7f; below his best when last seen in June. |
20/1 |
5/1
Form: 133-14 BF
Last run: 52 days
W: 11st 3lb
7 yo Gelding
OR: 93
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
4th 2 |
15th Feb 2023 Good 3m 1f 44y Class 5 |
11st 4lb |
Well beaten over hurdles last month but had proved consistent in chases before that; Stratford winner in October, off just 1lb lower; ground to make up with Lightonthewing on their Exeter running six weeks ago but ought to be involved if he stays this trip. |
9/2 |
|
6th 10 |
16th Jan 2023 Soft 2m 5f 163y Class 4 |
10st 5lb |
Has shown consistent form over fences since last March, including a Stratford win (2m6f, good); scored over this C&D (good to soft) on last attempt over hurdles; now only 2lb higher; not dismissed. |
5/1 |
|
4th 5 |
1st Jan 2023 Soft 2m 3f 48y Class 5 |
11st 3lb |
Came good over fences with hard-fought success on seasonal debut at Stratford (2m6f, good) in October; not quite in same form when beaten favourite at Taunton the following month but ought to cope with today's slower ground and has less to prove than some. |
5/1 |
20/1
Form: 69-800
Last run: 48 days
W: 10st 8lb
6 yo Gelding
OR: 84
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
7th 3 |
6th Mar 2026 Good To Soft 2m 3f 48y Class 5 |
11st 9lb |
Strike-rate of 6-23 over fences; not firing as he can this season but there's time yet and he's well handicapped. |
4/1 |
|
3rd 2 |
25th Feb 2026 Soft 2m 4f 35y Class 5 |
12st 0lb |
Dual winner here (including C&D) who was second in this in 2024; built on seasonal debut when third over C&D (soft) in December but jumped right and disappointed at Exeter last time; contender to bounce back returned to this venue. |
3/1 |
8/1
Form: 423-33
Last run: 47 days
W: 10st 8lb
10 yo Mare
OR: 84
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
5th 2 |
10th Mar 2025 Good To Soft 2m 7f 198y Class 5 |
11st 12lb |
Veteran mare; yet to hit top gear this season and fell when last in action but will be suited by today's trip/track/ground and has slipped to a good mark; can't be ruled out. |
11/1 |
|
3 |
23rd Feb 2025 Soft 2m 5f 164y Class 5 |
11st 13lb |
Now 12 but she won off this mark at Taunton (2m3f, soft) last March and shaped when fifth of 16 there (2m3f, good to soft) last month as though she may benefit from this step back up in trip; each-way contender. |
8/1 |
8/1
Form: /661-5 CD
Last run: 47 days
W: 11st 2lb
9 yo Gelding
OR: 92
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
15 |
19th Dec 2024 Good To Soft 2m 3f 48y Class 5 |
10st 2lb |
in touch with leaders |
33/1 |
|
15 |
19th Dec 2024 Good To Soft 2m 3f 48y Class 5 |
10st 2lb |
in touch with leaders |
33/1 |
14/1
Form: 67644- D
Last run: 260 days
W: 10st 5lb
11 yo Gelding
OR: 81
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
12 |
11th Apr 2024 Soft 2m 7f 3y Class 5 |
10st 2lb |
Three-time chase winner but latest was in 2021 and this 12yo struggled to get competitive on his five runs last year; 6lb wrong at weights. |
25/1 |
|
12 |
11th Apr 2024 Soft 2m 7f 3y Class 5 |
10st 2lb |
Three-time chase winner but latest was in 2021 and this 12yo struggled to get competitive on his five runs last year; 6lb wrong at weights. |
25/1 |
|
4th 4 |
22nd Sep 2023 Heavy 3m 1f 170y Class 4 |
10st 2lb |
Three-time winner over fences (good/soft) but not since November 2021, and has been out of form this year; 4lb out of the weights here; needs first-time tongue-tie to aid his finishing effort. |
10/1 |
10/1
Form: 46P-74 D BF
Last run: 49 days
W: 12st 0lb
10 yo Gelding
OR: 104
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
1st Jan 2023 Soft 2m 3f 48y Class 5 |
12st 0lb |
Useful on the Flat in his prime and won three times over hurdles; jumped left throughout and finished last of four when favourite for stable/chase debut at Fontwell (2m5f, good to soft) in November; may yet come good for Venetia Williams but combination of soft ground and a right-handed track doesn't look ideal today. |
10/1 |
|
4th 1 |
13th Nov 2022 Good To Soft 2m 5f 135y Class 5 |
11st 12lb |
jumped left throughout, prominent, reminders after 8th, ridden home turn, disputing third when jumped badly left and mistake 2 out (usual 3 out), kept on until no extra final 110yds (jockey said gelding jumped left-handed) |
3/1 |
50/1
Form: 3-FP87
Last run: 24 days
W: 11st 10lb
7 yo Gelding
OR: 100
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2nd 8 |
14th Feb 2024 Good To Soft 3m 1f 44y Class 5 |
10st 2lb |
Ran quite well from the front when fourth at Taunton (2m7f, good to soft) in December but this regressive 8yo is yet to add to his maiden hurdle win in spring 2021 and is not the percentage call; 1lb out of the handicap. |
12/1 |
|
4th 9 |
30th Dec 2023 Good To Soft 2m 7f 3y Class 5 |
10st 3lb |
Now 13lb lower than when placed in good-ground hurdle in the spring but was soundly beaten in two chases this autumn (2m7f/3m1f) and has a lot more to prove than some of these. |
20/1 |
8/1
Form: 42F32- BF
Last run: 286 days
W: 11st 6lb
8 yo Gelding
OR: 96
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
9th 3 |
7th Feb 2023 Good To Soft 2m 2f 40y Class 5 |
11st 7lb |
Made it 0-18 when pulled up on reappearance at Exeter last month and hard to be confident on the back of that; however, he may have needed the run and his reduced mark appeals on last season's best efforts; not ruled out. |
10/1 |
|
3 |
1st Jan 2023 Soft 2m 3f 48y Class 5 |
11st 6lb |
0-4 over fences and 0-17 overall; ran quite well when clear second at Wincanton (1m7f, good) last March and today's trip-and-ground combination should also suit but he has fitness to prove and his overall profile is not particularly appealing. |
8/1 |
20/1
Form: 2445/8
Last run: 31 days
W: 10st 9lb
9 yo Mare
OR: 85
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
4 |
21st Mar 2025 Good 2m 3f 83y Class 5 |
10st 12lb |
pressed leader, lost position 8th, bad mistake 11th, weakened 3 out, pulled up before 2 out |
16/1 |
|
10th 12 |
12th Feb 2025 Good To Soft 2m 4f 194y Class 5 |
10st 4lb |
took keen hold, prominent, weakening when mistake 3 out |
40/1 |
|
5 |
18th Nov 2024 Good To Firm 2m 6f 151y Class 5 |
10st 9lb |
Won a mares' handicap hurdle at Ffos Las last December (2m4f, heavy); poor efforts since, last time finishing 60l last of four when back over fences (pulled up on first occasion) at Hereford (3m, good); hard to fancy. |
14/1 |
7/2
Form: /P09-2 BF
Last run: 27 days
W: 10st 8lb
8 yo Gelding
OR: 84
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
8 |
5th Mar 2023 Good To Soft 2m 4f 199y Class 5 |
10st 9lb |
Heavy-ground maiden point winner; 0-11 under rules but went down by just a neck in handicap at Lingfield (2m, good to soft) on reappearance when having only his second chase start; failed to match that when favourite at Hereford (2m5f, soft) in the race won by Kingcormac. |
8/1 |
|
5th 6 |
16th Jan 2023 Soft 2m 4f 194y Class 5 |
11st 0lb |
Heavy-ground point winner who is 0-10 under rules but remains unexposed over fences; back in much better form at Lingfield (2m, good to soft; clear second) on seasonal debut when having only his second chase start and third run for new stable; shaped as if this step back up in distance will suit; could well go one better. |
11/4 |
|
8 |
1st Jan 2023 Soft 2m 3f 48y Class 5 |
10st 8lb |
Well beaten on both hurdling starts for Neil Mulholland last season but returned from ten-month break with close second over fences at Lingfield (2m, good to soft) four weeks ago; still unexposed as a chaser and today's move back up in trip will suit; major player. |
7/2 |
33/1
Form: P06-0
Last run: 38 days
W: 10st 2lb
8 yo Gelding
OR: 73
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
9th 12 |
6th Feb 2024 Good 2m 2f 40y Class 5 |
10st 2lb |
Pulled up in four consecutive handicap chases since last spring and now 0-12 overall; huge leap of faith required to support him here; 3lb wrong. |
66/1 |
|
0 10 |
12th Jan 2024 Soft 2m 4f 35y Class 5 |
10st 2lb |
held up in rear |
25/1 |
|
0 7 |
26th Dec 2023 Soft 2m 1f 165y Class 5 |
10st 2lb |
0-10; placed twice over fences on good ground, at up to 2m4f last season; form tailed off in the spring; returns with a bit to prove, including if it's soft ground and from 5lb out of the handicap. |
25/1 |
Non-runners
Magnificent Ben
+o+e Accumulators
| Payout | |
|---|---|
| Exacta | £39.50 |
| Straight Forecast | £33.59 |
| Tricast | £197.50 |
| Trifecta | £257.40 |
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