March 26 / 14.52 Exeter

14.52

Good To Soft

Devon Stayers Handicap Chase

  • Prize money: £10033.9
  • 3m 6f 153y
  • Class 3
  • 10 runners
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Devon Stayers Handicap Chase

Runners: 10 runners

Type: Chase Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Showers

8/1 (Won)

  • Win: £9.00
  • Place: £2.00

Form: -1111P

Last run: 12 days

W: 11st 9lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 130

Form & Verdict
Bit off more than he could chew in the National Hunt Chase at Cheltenham but had been going great guns with four successive wins from 2m7f to 3m3f (three at Fontwell); this is nothing like so demanding as at the Festival but it's still a step up from the grade in which he was winning; respected nonetheless.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

12

29th Apr 2023

Good

3m 4f 146y

Class 1

14:15 Sandown

Coolvalla

10st 3lb

J: Rex Dingle

T: Chris Gordon

Out of his depth in Grade 2 novice at Cheltenham Festival; 5-5 over rules fences otherwise, most recently beating Revels Hill by 1l at Exeter (3m6f, good to soft; pair well clear); highly progressive in handicaps, no ground worries, stays well and may not have reached his ceiling yet; shortlisted.

14/1

1st

3

26th Mar 2023

Good To Soft

3m 6f 153y

Class 3

14:52 Exeter

Coolvalla

11st 9lb

J: Rex Dingle

T: Chris Gordon

Bit off more than he could chew in the National Hunt Chase at Cheltenham but had been going great guns with four successive wins from 2m7f to 3m3f (three at Fontwell); this is nothing like so demanding as at the Festival but it's still a step up from the grade in which he was winning; respected nonetheless.

8/1

2

14th Mar 2023

Soft

3m 5f 201y

Class 1

17:30 Cheltenham

Coolvalla

11st 7lb

J: Mr Joshua Newman

T: Chris Gordon

Big improvement switched to chasing, with one win at Lingfield and three at Fontwell; 19l and 17l were the last two winning margins, the latest over 3m4f (good to soft) and he goes well in the mud; that handicap form leaves him with a lot to find but he's certainly been impressing at that much lower level.

20/1

2/1

  • Place: £1.50

Form: 11-243

Last run: 36 days

W: 12st 0lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 135

Form & Verdict
Won at Taunton (2m7f and 3m4f) on his final starts of last season and has produced three solid efforts in defeat this term from 2m5f to 3m5f; cheekpieces did him no harm latterly when third in a strong 3m handicap at Ascot and this longer trip is probably a better fit these days.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10

17th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 54y

Class 5

17:13 Exeter

Revels Hill

11st 12lb

J: Mr Darren Andrews

T: Mrs J Boucher

Useful handicap chaser in his prime but very lightly raced in recent years; remote when third of seven at Taunton (2m7f, heavy; behind Haven't Time) last month and current ability remains tricky to gauge but he ought to be better suited by the less testing ground here and might be boosted by the refitted cheekpieces.

20/1

3rd

6

12th Feb 2026

Heavy

2m 7f 3y

Class 5

16:00 Taunton

Revels Hill

11st 12lb

J: Mr Darren Andrews

T: Mrs J Boucher

Ran really well in defeat in some tough handicap chases in 2022-23 season and a good case can be made on that form; however, this 11yo has raced just three times since and is hard to fancy on that more recent evidence.

12/1

4th

7

25th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

2m 7f 131y

Class 5

19:35 Chepstow

Revels Hill

11st 12lb

J: Mr Darren Andrews

T: Mrs J Boucher

Only a second outing since his bet365 Gold Cup third of two years ago when fourth in a 3m4f Cothelstone mixed open last month (good; no extra 2 out); couldn't insist his present rating is still warranted on that evidence but some ability clearly remains, and he won't mind any cut.

5/2

7/1

  • Place: £2.50

Form: 564513 CD

Last run: 20 days

W: 10st 12lb

12 yo Gelding

OR: 119

Form & Verdict
Made it 2-2 over C&D when emerging from off the pace to win ridden out last month; for one who struggles with his consistency, it was encouraging that he posted the same RPR when third to a progressive winner at Wetherby (3m7f); back here he has to be of strong interest.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

5

22nd May 2023

Good

3m 3f 208y

Class 4

15:20 Ffos Las

Gwencily Berbas

11st 8lb

J: Jack Tudor

T: David Pipe

Inconsistent nowadays but proved he retains a significant chunk of ability as a 12yo when winning Devon National at Exeter (3m6f, good) in February and is now only 2lb above that mark; could have a say.

5/1

7th

12

19th Apr 2023

Good To Soft

3m 4f 21y

Class 3

14:40 Cheltenham

Gwencily Berbas

11st 6lb

J: Jack Tudor

T: David Pipe

Thorough stayer who proved he retains a significant chunk of ability as a 12yo when winning Devon National at Exeter (3m6f, good) in February; again ran well over that C&D last month but is not very consistent and may not be seen to the same effect here.

16/1

3rd

8

26th Mar 2023

Good To Soft

3m 6f 153y

Class 3

14:52 Exeter

Gwencily Berbas

10st 12lb

J: Jack Tudor

T: David Pipe

Made it 2-2 over C&D when emerging from off the pace to win ridden out last month; for one who struggles with his consistency, it was encouraging that he posted the same RPR when third to a progressive winner at Wetherby (3m7f); back here he has to be of strong interest.

7/1

Form: 2/34-3

Last run: 86 days

W: 11st 2lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 123

Form & Verdict
Hasn't seen much racing since 2019; finished a well-held third at Haydock (2m5f, soft) on his only run this season and is still seeking a first success over fences (0-5); probably has to find something for the cheekpieces if he's to put that right.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

8

19th Apr 2023

Good To Soft

3m 4f 21y

Class 3

14:40 Cheltenham

Young Bull

11st 9lb

J: Daryl Jacob

T: Harry Whittington

Well beaten in first-time cheekpieces (retained) at Exeter last month and now 0-6 over fences; on a good mark now but would appeal more on slower ground and needs to turn a corner.

12/1

4th

6

26th Mar 2023

Good To Soft

3m 6f 153y

Class 3

14:52 Exeter

Young Bull

11st 2lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Harry Whittington

Hasn't seen much racing since 2019; finished a well-held third at Haydock (2m5f, soft) on his only run this season and is still seeking a first success over fences (0-5); probably has to find something for the cheekpieces if he's to put that right.

5/1

8

11th Mar 2023

Heavy

3m 0f 37y

Class 3

16:10 Sandown

Young Bull

11st 2lb

J: Daryl Jacob

T: Harry Whittington

Form: P-U546 C

Last run: 52 days

W: 11st 6lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 127

Form & Verdict
Has got himself potentially well handicapped given he won a Grade 2 novice chase (3m, soft) in February 2020; however, he's struggled to get competitive since and was never seriously involved back over fences at Wincanton (3m1f, good to soft; cheekpieces added) last time; clearly needs to find something but he's worth a try at this new trip.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

1

29th Mar 2026

Good

2m 7f 185y

Class 2

16:50 Ascot

Copperhead

12st 0lb

J: Freddie Gingell

T: Joe Tizzard

Unseated rider (still prominent) at Sandown in January when seeking a second success in the veterans final; battled his way back to pip Gabbys Cross for a Newbury win (3m2f) four weeks ago and, although 5lb rise takes him to his highest mark since 2022, this sterling character needs major respect.

2/1

1st

7

28th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

3m 1f 214y

Class 2

15:15 Newbury

Copperhead

10st 11lb

J: Freddie Gingell

T: Joe Tizzard

Unseated rider three out, having still been prominent, at Sandown last time when bidding for a second success in the final of this series; remains on the last winning mark, so holds a fighting chance provided he's in good form and completes the course.

12/1

4

26th Oct 2025

Good To Soft

3m 1f 210y

Class 3

13:30 Fontwell

Copperhead

11st 11lb

J: Brendan Powell

T: Joe Tizzard

Form: -35247

Last run: 38 days

W: 11st 6lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 127

Form & Verdict
It was unlike him to run so moderately at Sandown, albeit in a handicap that's worked out well; in form (and consistent) prior to that, having just missed out over 3m4f at Haydock before running perfectly well in a deep Cheltenham handicap (3m2f; again soft); stuck on a tough mark but is by no means dismissed.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

5

24th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 7f 136y

Class 5

19:37 Chepstow

Poppa Poutine

11st 12lb

J: Mr James Murray

T: Miss A Willmott

Hampered when unseating in an open point at neighbouring Howick last month, and generally a safe ride; both handicap chase wins (from 17 starts over fences) have come over Wincanton's 3m1f on ground softer than good, and the drying forecast isn't strictly ideal.

16/1

2

29th Mar 2025

Good

3m 0f 0y

Class 4

16:30 Uttoxeter

Poppa Poutine

12st 2lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Nigel Twiston-Davies

always behind

12/1

4

7th Feb 2025

Soft

3m 5f 142y

Class 4

14:12 Bangor-on-Dee

Poppa Poutine

11st 12lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Nigel Twiston-Davies

Rated much higher in the past so Newbury last time was disappointing (3m2f, good to soft) after going up just 3lb for winning a small-field handicap at Wincanton (3m1f, soft); getting back on soft ground should help and he'll stay okay.

12/1

OUR TIP

Form: 33P411 D

Last run: 22 days

W: 11st 11lb

12 yo Gelding

OR: 132

Form & Verdict
Veteran chaser who is bang in the zone after completing a hat-trick in ultra-game fashion at Newbury yesterday (2m7f); a hard race there would temper enthusiasm should he be turned out again under a penalty.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

4

11th Mar 2024

Soft

3m 4f 85y

Class 3

15:40 Taunton

Cyclop

11st 4lb

J: William Maggs

T: David Dennis

prominent

12/1

Form: 2U3-P7

Last run: 6 days

W: 11st 1lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 122

Form & Verdict
Restricted to only three starts since being unlucky not to be placed in a 3m1f handicap chase at Cheltenham in November 2021 (unseated at final fence; finished lame); only recently returned from nearly a year out and hasn't been showing much over hurdles; has more to prove than a lot of these.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7

18th Jan 2025

Good To Soft

2m 7f 198y

Class 5

14:05 Taunton

Pontresina

11st 1lb

J: Nick Scholfield

T: Ben Lund

411 days off before pulled up at 125-1 over fences four weeks ago; also hard to support on 2023 evidence (including twice in cheekpieces) but he was pretty useful before that.

50/1

7

18th Jan 2025

Good To Soft

2m 7f 198y

Class 5

14:05 Taunton

Pontresina

11st 1lb

J: Nick Scholfield

T: Ben Lund

411 days off before pulled up at 125-1 over fences four weeks ago; also hard to support on 2023 evidence (including twice in cheekpieces) but he was pretty useful before that.

50/1

7

21st Dec 2024

Good To Soft

3m 1f 44y

Class 4

13:03 Hereford

Pontresina

11st 2lb

J: Ben Poste

T: Ben Lund

An 11yo returning from 411 days away and wasn't looking the force of old when last seen; too much to prove.

33/1

Form: 3-4176 CD BF

Last run: 30 days

W: 10st 11lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 118

Form & Verdict
Enhanced his good strike-rate over fences when successful over C&D (good to soft) in December off a 3lb lower mark; possibilities if returning to that level but he's been too quiet for comfort here the last twice (3m, heavy; 3m6f, good).
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

3

22nd Aug 2024

Good

3m 1f 170y

Class 5

14:45 Newton Abbot

Favori De Sivola

12st 0lb

J: David Noonan

T: Jane Williams

took keen hold, midfield, dropped to rear after 5 out, no impression from 4 out

16/1

10th

13

8th Jul 2024

Good

2m 7f 0y

Class 4

14:35 Worcester

Favori De Sivola

11st 6lb

J: David Noonan

T: Jane Williams

held up in rear, not fluent 10th, no impression before 4 out

10/1

Form: P-3P3P CD

Last run: 14 days

W: 10st 8lb

11 yo Gelding

OR: 115

Form & Verdict
Won the Devon National over C&D just over two years ago and he ran well to be third over hurdles back here last month; not sure what happened at Warwick two weeks ago but this is more his scene and he lurks on a dangerous mark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

19th Mar 2024

Soft

3m 0f 54y

Class 5

16:00 Exeter

Samuel Jackson

12st 0lb

J: Micheal Nolan

T: Richard Mitford-Slade

Veteran who is very well suited by this track and won't fail through lack of stamina; proved he retains some ability when respectable fourth at Warwick (3m1f, soft) in January but was pulled up on three of his last four appearances and it's hard to predict whether he'll fancy the job today.

12/1

6

17th Feb 2024

Soft

3m 1f 30y

Class 4

16:17 Wincanton

Samuel Jackson

11st 9lb

J: Micheal Nolan

T: Richard Mitford-Slade

Now a 12yo and he's struggling to recapture his best form, with a remote fourth at Warwick no real indication that he's about to turn a corner.

16/1

4th

7

22nd Jan 2024

Frozen

3m 1f 100y

Class 4

15:40 Warwick

Samuel Jackson

11st 11lb

J: James Best

T: Richard Mitford-Slade

It was over hurdles that he pulled up on his comeback and this is more his game, though he also failed to complete on his final two chases of last season; has just turned 12 and might do well to get his form back.

20/1

Non-runners

Cyclop, Pontresina

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £28.20
Straight Forecast £34.20
Tricast £225.39
Trifecta £206.50

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Revels Hill

LAMBOURN:

Young Bull

TOPSPEED:

Samuel Jackson

The Star:

Cyclop

RP Ratings:

Revels Hill

POSTDATA:

Revels Hill

The Times:

Revels Hill

Telegraph:

Revels Hill

Daily Mirror:

Revels Hill

The Sun:

Revels Hill

Daily Record:

Revels Hill

D Express:

Young Bull