February 18 / 15.50 Haydock

15.50

Good To Soft

Betfred Play Fred’s 5 Million Handicap Chase

  • Prize money: £8264.76
  • 2m 3f 203y
  • Class 3
  • 12 runners
RTV
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Betfred Play Fred’s 5 Million Handicap Chase

Runners: 12 runners

Type: Chase Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Showers

6/1 (Won)

  • Win: £5.50
  • Place: £1.80

Form: 21-453

Last run: 19 days

W: 11st 4lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 120

Form & Verdict
Two-time novice hurdle winner (good to soft/good) who improved upon his first two chase starts when third at Hereford (2m5f, soft) last month; that latest run can be upgraded as he hung badly left and forfeited ground with a circuit to run; open to improvement and he's on the shortlist.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

9

19th Apr 2023

Good To Soft

2m 4f 127y

Class 1

13:30 Cheltenham

Super Six

10st 12lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Nigel Twiston-Davies

midfield, dropped to rear 8th, headway after 3 out, soon ridden, went second 2 out, challenging when short of room and badly hampered run-in, kept on when switched right final 110yds, went third final strides, finished 3rd, placed 2nd

8/1

4th

7

25th Mar 2023

Good To Soft

2m 3f 187y

Class 2

14:05 Newbury

Super Six

11st 3lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Nigel Twiston-Davies

Behind Honneur D'Ajonc at Hereford but not by far despite failing to handle the track and he posted by some margin his best form over fences to win with plenty in hand at Haydock (2m4f, good to soft; 9lb lower); jumped well there and is capable of further progress.

5/1

1st

7

18th Feb 2023

Good To Soft

2m 3f 203y

Class 3

15:50 Haydock

Super Six

11st 4lb

J: Jordan Nailor

T: Nigel Twiston-Davies

Two-time novice hurdle winner (good to soft/good) who improved upon his first two chase starts when third at Hereford (2m5f, soft) last month; that latest run can be upgraded as he hung badly left and forfeited ground with a circuit to run; open to improvement and he's on the shortlist.

6/1

9/1

  • Place: £1.90

Form: 248451 D

Last run: 20 days

W: 11st 1lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 117

Form & Verdict
Returned to form back on better ground in first-time cheekpieces (retained) at Sedgefield (2m3f, good to soft) recently, winning by 2l; 5lb higher in this better race but could have more to offer in the headgear.
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

10/1

  • Place: £2.00

Form: 8-7323 D

Last run: 17 days

W: 11st 2lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 118

Form & Verdict
Won two soft-ground novice hurdles last winter and has run well to finish in the first three in his first three chases (2m3f-2m5f, soft/heavy); each-way claims if handling this better ground (mixed messages on that score).
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

1st Nov 2025

Soft

2m 4f 110y

Class 4

14:29 Ayr

High Moon

11st 8lb

J: Nathan Moscrop

T: Rebecca Menzies

Regressive 10yo who has not won since April 2023; has conditions to suit here and some of his spring/summer form puts him on the premises but he was pulled up last time (bled) and others have more appealing profiles.

10/1

3

1st Nov 2025

Soft

2m 4f 110y

Class 4

14:29 Ayr

High Moon

11st 8lb

J: Nathan Moscrop

T: Rebecca Menzies

Regressive 10yo who has not won since April 2023; has conditions to suit here and some of his spring/summer form puts him on the premises but he was pulled up last time (bled) and others have more appealing profiles.

10/1

8

17th Sep 2025

Good

2m 5f 133y

Class 4

17:00 Kelso

High Moon

11st 3lb

J: Richie McLernon

T: Rebecca Menzies

Veteran is winless since 2023 but he wasn't disgraced when third of six in 2m1f handicap chase at Cartmel 25 days ago; he's no forlorn hope.

7/1

Form: PP1-9P D

Last run: 50 days

W: 11st 9lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 125

Form & Verdict
Pulled up four times in a row before winning at 16-1 at Carlisle (2m4f, good) last April; well beaten/pulled up on his two starts this season and has something to prove, but he's had wind surgery since his last run and is one to watch in the betting.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8

19th Mar 2023

Soft

2m 4f 0y

Class 3

16:10 Carlisle

Maypole Class

11st 8lb

J: Jamie Brace

T: Jonjo O’Neill

Pulled up four times in a row before winning over C&D last April and has since reverted back into modest mode; too risky.

10/1

4th

6

18th Feb 2023

Good To Soft

2m 3f 203y

Class 3

15:50 Haydock

Maypole Class

11st 9lb

J: Kevin Brogan

T: Jonjo O’Neill

Pulled up four times in a row before winning at 16-1 at Carlisle (2m4f, good) last April; well beaten/pulled up on his two starts this season and has something to prove, but he's had wind surgery since his last run and is one to watch in the betting.

16/1

5

30th Dec 2022

Soft

2m 5f 127y

Class 3

14:00 Haydock

Maypole Class

11st 11lb

J: Jonjo O’Neill Jr

T: Jonjo O’Neill

3-9 over fences (wins at up to 2m5f and on good/slower); ended a run of four successive non-completions when winning a 0-120 at Carlisle (2m4f, good) in April; 80-1 on recent return from a break at Exeter (2m3f), when a bad mistake two out put paid to his chance; bit to prove.

16/1

OUR TIP

Form: 321-13 D

Last run: 59 days

W: 11st 11lb

11 yo Gelding

OR: 127

Form & Verdict
11yo who was soundly beaten at Hereford (2m5f, soft) in December last time; has won on soft but this return to better ground could be a plus and he won on his comeback at Cheltenham (2m4f, good) in November; a possible.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

24th Oct 2024

Good

2m 4f 11y

Class 5

13:40 Ludlow

Magic Dancer

11st 9lb

J: Mr Zac Baker

T: Kerry Lee

Placed three times during the summer (2m3f-2m7f, good) but his final run was most disappointing; off new career-low mark but a 12yo now and he holds no secrets.

14/1

9

1st Sep 2024

Good

2m 7f 0y

Class 4

15:10 Worcester

Magic Dancer

10st 12lb

J: Richard Patrick

T: Kerry Lee

Veteran who last won in 2022 but has come down the weights and took third in three of his last four starts, latest when running on from off the pace over C&D 11 days ago; has been tried over this sort of trip on only his last two outings and that latest run showed there's something to build on.

10/1

Form: 3-3612 CD

Last run: 23 days

W: 11st 3lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 119

Form & Verdict
His best efforts in the last two seasons have come at Wetherby, where he's posted a win and a second the last twice (2m3f, good to soft/soft); however, he's won over C&D (good ground) in the past and this in-form front-runner is capable of making another bold bid.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

1

22nd Apr 2026

Good

2m 7f 171y

Class 4

17:05 Ludlow

The Paddy Pie

12st 6lb

J: Miss Venetia Thompson

T: W M Wanless

Eight-time chase winner at up 3m1f but he's well into the veteran stage now and has struggled in three points this year; this looks tough on these terms back over regulation fences and others are preferred.

16/1

6th

5

19th Apr 2025

Good

2m 3f 203y

Class 4

17:00 Haydock

The Paddy Pie

11st 2lb

J: Jack Power

T: Joel Parkinson & Sue Smith

Looked rather gone at the game last winter so connections and rider Jack Power have done brilliantly to get his enthusiasm back at his age; he completed the hat-trick a shade cosily at Sedgefield (2m5f, good; won on soft twice in midwinter) in March and another win is on the cards.

11/4

6th

5

19th Apr 2025

Good

2m 3f 203y

Class 4

17:00 Haydock

The Paddy Pie

11st 2lb

J: Jack Power

T: Joel Parkinson & Sue Smith

in touch with leaders, outpaced 4 out, weakened after 2 out

11/4

Form: 12P21/ D

Last run: 689 days

W: 12st 2lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 132

Form & Verdict
Absent since March 2021 but back then he won off this mark at Ludlow (2m4f, good); returns to action with stable in fine form and he's an interesting contender, especially if attracting market support.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11

20th May 2023

Good

3m 0f 0y

Class 3

18:35 Uttoxeter

Evander

11st 4lb

J: Toby Wynne

T: Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero

Out of form since returning from long absence and looked an unlikely winner before unseating at the third-last fence at Perth last month; might be boosted by combination of better ground and first-time cheekpieces here.

14/1

7

28th Apr 2023

Good To Soft

2m 7f 180y

Class 3

15:50 Perth

Evander

10st 12lb

J: Toby Wynne

T: Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero

Out of form following an absence of 689 days this season, although last two runs have been on heavy ground (has won on soft); could bounce back off a reduced mark but plenty to prove, not least his stamina, although won over 3m pointing.

14/1

2

15th Apr 2023

Soft

2m 4f 19y

Class 3

15:25 Newcastle

Evander

11st 12lb

J: Henry Brooke

T: Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero

in touch with leaders on outer, lost position and reminders after 6th

6/1

Form: 143-62 D

Last run: 53 days

W: 11st 12lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 128

Form & Verdict
Won at Chepstow (2m3f, soft) in December 2021 and returned to form when second in that same race (soft) in first-time cheekpieces (retained) last time; he's a player on that form but today's drier conditions are a worry as he's done all of his winning on soft/heavy ground.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

23rd Feb 2025

Good To Soft

2m 2f 208y

Class 4

14:40 Hereford

Golden Whisky

11st 11lb

J: Miss Eleanor Williams

T: Evan Williams

Useful in his prime but has not been firing on all cylinders since returning from long layoff in the autumn (four runs); continues to slide down the weights but it's probably wise to wait for some encouraging signals from the betting.

9/1

5th

3

13th Jan 2025

Soft

2m 1f 109y

Class 4

15:08 Exeter

Golden Whisky

11st 9lb

J: Miss Eleanor Williams

T: Evan Williams

Has dropped a long way in the weights and hasn't been running too badly following an absence without suggesting he's a winner waiting to happen.

10/1

5th

3

13th Jan 2025

Soft

2m 1f 109y

Class 4

15:08 Exeter

Golden Whisky

11st 9lb

J: Miss Eleanor Williams

T: Evan Williams

Has dropped a long way in the weights and hasn't been running too badly following an absence without suggesting he's a winner waiting to happen.

10/1

Form: 36/192 D

Last run: 18 days

W: 11st 10lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 126

Form & Verdict
Prominent-racer who has a patchy profile but he's 3-8 over fences and returned to form when 12l second of four behind an unexposed winner at Lingfield (2m4f, good to soft) recently; not ruled out.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

6

28th Apr 2023

Good

2m 3f 98y

Class 3

18:25 Chepstow

Enzo DAiry

11st 3lb

J: Charlie Deutsch

T: Venetia Williams

Missed last season; may be best front-running nowadays, as when winning over C&D (good to soft; acts on soft) in December and runner-up in small fields in two of his four completions since; 2m7f may have contributed when below form last time and he should be more potent today.

8/1

3rd

1

24th Mar 2023

Good To Soft

2m 6f 93y

Class 3

15:40 Newbury

Enzo DAiry

12st 1lb

J: Charlie Deutsch

T: Venetia Williams

Can jump right but two of his three wins have come on left-handed tracks and he gave a dashing display from the front at Wetherby recently (2m5f, good; has won on soft) only to get reeled in by an improved one who followed up this week; bold bid likely.

7/2

2nd

3

6th Mar 2023

Good

2m 5f 75y

Class 3

16:25 Wetherby

Enzo DAiry

11st 5lb

J: Charlie Deutsch

T: Venetia Williams

Has won three of his nine chase starts, the latest at Chepstow (2m3f, good to soft) in December; back to form when second of four to unexposed winner at Lingfield (2m4f, good to soft) at the end of January and he unseated at the first fence at Warwick recently; capable of a bold show.

7/2

Form: 6/1147 D

Last run: 99 days

W: 11st 10lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 126

Form & Verdict
Bumper winner (good to soft) who won his first two hurdle starts last May/June (2m3f/2m5f, good); unplaced in two Grade 2 novice hurdles in the autumn and takes on battle-hardened chasers on this first run over fences, but this unexposed 7yo is in top hands and could go well on handicap debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

2

13th Nov 2024

Good

2m 4f 100y

Class 4

14:50 Ayr

Quid Pro Quo

11st 13lb

J: Richie McLernon

T: Ben Haslam

raced in second, mistake 4 out, not fluent and lost position 3 out

12/1

6th

2

13th Nov 2024

Good

2m 4f 100y

Class 4

14:50 Ayr

Quid Pro Quo

11st 13lb

J: Richie McLernon

T: Ben Haslam

raced in second, mistake 4 out, not fluent and lost position 3 out, no impression after 2 out

12/1

11th

1

16th Oct 2024

Good To Soft

3m 0f 26y

Class 4

17:03 Wetherby

Quid Pro Quo

12st 0lb

J: Richie McLernon

T: Ben Haslam

Bumper/hurdle/chase winner at up to 2m6f for Dan Skelton; placed on first four starts over fences last season, but absent for over a year and changed yards since finishing a well-beaten fifth of six at Warwick in October (2m4f, good); probably best watched back over hurdles after a year off.

14/1

Form: 4U3-14 D

Last run: 48 days

W: 11st 1lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 117

Form & Verdict
Improved for the switch to fences when winning on chase debut at Bangor (2m4f, heavy) in November; fair fourth at Exeter (2m3f, heavy) since and could have more to offer, but he does need to better that last performance and it remains to be seen if the ground will suit (best form on soft/heavy).
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

4

15th Jan 2025

Soft

2m 7f 86y

Class 4

14:25 Newbury

Garincha

11st 12lb

J: Freddie Mitchell

T: Neil Mulholland

held up in rear, awkward jump 1st, headway after 14th, disputing third 2 out, stayed on final 110yds, went second towards finish

14/1

2nd

4

15th Jan 2025

Soft

2m 7f 86y

Class 4

14:25 Newbury

Garincha

11st 12lb

J: Freddie Mitchell

T: Neil Mulholland

Sent chasing two seasons back and won three from six; absent 568 days before third of 15 at Bangor (extended 2m4f, soft) in November but tailed off at Exeter (2m3f) over three weeks later; not proven beyond 2m5f; latest win was under a 7lb claimer and another claimer gets the leg up today.

14/1

6th

6

6th Dec 2024

Soft

2m 3f 48y

Class 3

13:00 Exeter

Garincha

11st 0lb

J: James Bowen

T: Neil Mulholland

prominent, lost position but in touch with leaders 6th, dropped to last before 7th

8/1

Form: 11-5U5

Last run: 49 days

W: 10st 12lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 114

Form & Verdict
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

8th May 2026

Good

2m 7f 191y

Class 3

15:50 Market Rasen

Courtland

12st 2lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Mickey Bowen

Seven-time chase winner (once here); returned from break with disappointing effort last month but current mark is workable if subsequent wind operation and/or first-time cheekpieces prompt a return to form.

6/1

7

4th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 203y

Class 2

15:20 Haydock

Courtland

11st 4lb

J: James Bowen

T: Mickey Bowen

He ran well in defeat in the main last year and is effective when fresh; could give a good account on this first start since December but there's been minimal movement in his mark this season and he may again prove vulnerable in this competitive contest.

12/1

10

1st Nov 2025

Good

2m 7f 185y

Class 1

15:45 Ascot

Courtland

11st 1lb

J: Jonjo O’Neill Jr

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

Seven-time winner over fences and recent placed efforts in some good 2m5f-2m7f handicaps were bordering on career-best form; highly likely to give his running once more but has an air of vulnerability about him for win purposes.

16/1

10

1st Nov 2025

Good

2m 7f 185y

Class 1

15:45 Ascot

Courtland

11st 1lb

J: Shane Fenelon

T: Mickey Bowen

Seven-time winner over fences and recent placed efforts in some good 2m5f-2m7f handicaps were bordering on career-best form; highly likely to give his running once more but has an air of vulnerability about him for win purposes.

16/1

Non-runners

Golden Whisky, Enzo D'Airy, Courtland

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £24.40
Straight Forecast £25.47
Tricast £112.84
Trifecta £147.90

Selections

TOPSPEED:

Enzo D'Airy

WEST COUNTRY:

Super Six

D Express:

Quid Pro Quo

The Guardian:

Golden Whisky

RP Ratings:

The Paddy Pie

SPOTLIGHT:

If Not For Dylan

POSTDATA:

Magic Dancer

The Star:

Super Six

The Sun:

Quid Pro Quo

The Times:

Enzo D'Airy

Daily Mail:

Enzo D'Airy

Daily Record:

Enzo D'Airy

Daily Mirror:

Golden Whisky

Telegraph:

The Paddy Pie