13.50
SoftVirgin Bet December Gold Cup Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap) (GBB Race)
- Prize money: £74035
- 2m 4f 127y
- Class 1
- 12 runners
Runners: 12 runners
Type: Chase Turf
Surface: Turf
Weather: Cloudy
15/2 (Won)
- Win: £7.50
- Place: £2.50
Form: 1225-4
Last run: 28 days
W: 11st 3lb
8 yo Gelding
OR: 151
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
5th 6 |
15th Apr 2026 Good 2m 3f 203y Class 1 |
11st 2lb |
No win since late 2023 and he hasn't got a lot going this season; he had run well but looked on the retreat when unseating in Outlaw Peter's race here 11 days ago (visor replaced usual cheekpieces). |
12/1 |
|
5 |
4th Apr 2026 Good To Soft 2m 3f 203y Class 2 |
11st 5lb |
Winless since December 2023 and hasn't posed a serious threat this season; however, he was best of the rest behind easy winner Guard Your Dreams at Warwick (2m4f, heavy) last time and continues to drop down the weights; handles various ground; not ruled out in first-time visor (replacing cheekpieces). |
8/1 |
|
2nd 3 |
7th Feb 2026 Soft 2m 4f 0y Class 2 |
11st 5lb |
Quirky customer who is without a win since December 2023 and has become frustrating; that said, he ran well for a long way in a valuable Ascot handicap (2m5f, soft) three weeks ago and is another 4lb lower here. |
15/2 |
13/2
- Place: £2.60
Form: 416P-3 CD
Last run: 28 days
W: 10st 9lb
6 yo Gelding
OR: 143
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
5 |
17th Apr 2026 Soft 2m 4f 110y Class 2 |
11st 2lb |
9yo who hasn't been at his best this season but there have been signs of spark and he failed to stay 3m2f when well beaten at the Cheltenham Festival last time; continues to drop down the weights and could be in the shake-up back down in trip and in grade. |
9/1 |
|
15th 6 |
12th Mar 2026 Good To Soft 3m 2f 70y Class 2 |
11st 7lb |
Two-time course winner (2m4f, soft/good) who, having dropped down the weights, returned to form when second here on New Year's Day (2m4f, good; albeit no match for the winner); however, he doesn't appear to be crying out for the step up in trip; faded over 3m in February 2024. |
25/1 |
|
3 |
12th Oct 2025 Good To Firm 2m 3f 98y Class 2 |
11st 7lb |
Cheltenham regular who looked as good as ever when winning Paddy Power Gold Cup there (2m4f, good) last November; only 1lb higher today but seemed in need of the run when reappearing in this event last season and perhaps this race will again tee him up for Cheltenham next month. |
3/1 |
11/1
- Place: £2.90
Form: 340-32
Last run: 15 days
W: 10st 2lb
8 yo Gelding
OR: 133
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
14 |
5th Apr 2025 Good To Soft 3m 0f 210y Class 1 |
10st 4lb |
10yo who won when upped to an extended 2m7f at Newcastle (good) in November and ran well when 10l second at Kempton (3m, good to soft) next time; however, below par at Doncaster (3m, good) subsequently and pulled up at Cheltenham (3m1f, good to soft) last month; needs to get back on track. |
33/1 |
|
14 |
5th Apr 2025 Good To Soft 3m 0f 210y Class 1 |
10st 4lb |
10yo who won when upped to an extended 2m7f at Newcastle (good) in November and ran well when 10l second at Kempton (3m, good to soft) next time; however, below par at Doncaster (3m, good) subsequently and pulled up at Cheltenham (3m1f, good to soft) last month; needs to get back on track. |
33/1 |
|
20 |
11th Mar 2025 Good To Soft 3m 1f 0y Class 1 |
10st 10lb |
10yo who was below par at Doncaster (3m, good) last time but had previously enjoyed a new lease of life following a step up in trip, winning at Newcastle (2m7f, good) then runner-up at Kempton (3m, good to soft); has a consistent record at Cheltenham and he's an each-way possible if back to form. |
50/1 |
16/1
Form: 115-51
Last run: 28 days
W: 10st 2lb
7 yo Gelding
OR: 133
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
20 |
10th Mar 2026 Good To Soft 2m 4f 44y Class 1 |
10st 5lb |
Well treated on the pick of his Cheltenham form at about this trip, as when just touched off by Moon d'Orange last January, but he was pulled up last time out and these very competitive races tend to be beyond him. |
40/1 |
|
6 |
7th Feb 2026 Soft 2m 4f 0y Class 2 |
11st 1lb |
Has rather mixed record over last couple of years but gave good account when keeping-on third in valuable Cheltenham handicap (2m4f, good) on New Year's Day and will be suited by the slower ground here. |
9/2 |
|
1 |
30th Oct 2025 Good To Soft 2m 3f 98y Class 3 |
12st 0lb |
Not much went to plan on his final two starts last season but he enhanced his very good record when fresh with a good win at Chepstow (2m3f, good) last October and bettered that performance when very close second in valuable Cheltenham race (2m4f, soft) in January; major player. |
7/2 |
8/1
Form: 52132- C BF
Last run: 246 days
W: 12st 0lb
8 yo Gelding
OR: 162
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
9th 6 |
25th May 2026 Good 2m 7f 80y |
10st 13lb |
Four-time Grade 1 winner back in the day, but not the same force nowadays; has been running in cross-country chases lately, sixth at Cheltenham and second over 3m at Punchestown; trainer is a wizard with these types, but unlikely to feature all the same. |
12/1 |
|
2nd 14 |
2nd May 2026 Good To Yielding 3m 0f 90y |
11st 7lb |
Four-time Grade 1 chase winner (peaked at 167) for Joseph O'Brien but left yard after a disappointing cross-country debut in December 2024; just okay efforts back on cross-country circuit this term, most recently poor effort back over conventional fences at Wexford last month; hard to assess right now. |
12/1 |
|
14th 1 |
10th Apr 2026 Good To Yielding 2m 3f 100y |
11st 12lb |
Four-time Grade 1 chase winner (peaked at 167) for Joseph O'Brien but left yard after a disappointing cross-country debut in December 2024; just okay efforts back on cross-country circuit of late, at Punchestown and when not looking to stay 3m6f at Cheltenham last month; back over the conventional fences here and hard to assess (trip/ground to suit) but handicapper giving him every chance. |
15/2 |
18/1
Form: 22P1/F CD
Last run: 28 days
W: 10st 2lb
9 yo Gelding
OR: 133
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
8 |
28th Feb 2026 Good To Soft 3m 1f 214y Class 2 |
10st 10lb |
Has shown consistent form (3122) this term, all in veterans' events, the success at Aintree (3m1f, good); ran creditably, one place in front of Eldorado Allen, at Cheltenham (2m4f) last time; likely player, assuming he continues in the same vein. |
9/2 |
|
1st 3 |
26th Oct 2025 Good 3m 0f 210y Class 2 |
10st 13lb |
His jumping can be an issue, as was the case when well beaten in this race last year and when third of seven on recent reappearance at Chepstow (2m7f, good to firm); however, he did well in the circumstances and can have a big say if minimising the blunders; has won on good and soft. |
9/4 |
5/1
Form: /2247-
Last run: 245 days
W: 10st 11lb
6 yo Gelding
OR: 145
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
8th 2 |
21st Feb 2026 Soft 2m 7f 131y Class 2 |
12st 0lb |
2024 Pertemps Final winner but that was off 8lb lower; contested two Grade 1s last spring, before a wind operation (his second) and heavy defeat when returned to fences three months ago (easily his worst chase performance); Freddie Keighley takes off 7lb on this return to a handicap. |
9/1 |
|
6th 8 |
5th Apr 2025 Good To Soft 3m 0f 149y Class 1 |
11st 10lb |
Creditable fifth to Gwennie May Boy on this card last year, having won the Pertemps Final (3m, soft) the time before; creditable second in Grade 2 contests the last twice but this is harder; well beaten in this race in 2023. |
40/1 |
|
6th 8 |
5th Apr 2025 Good To Soft 3m 0f 149y Class 1 |
11st 10lb |
Creditable fifth to Gwennie May Boy on this card last year, having won the Pertemps Final (3m, soft) the time before; creditable second in Grade 2 contests the last twice but this is harder; well beaten in this race in 2023. |
40/1 |
33/1
Form: 51-235
Last run: 14 days
W: 10st 5lb
7 yo Gelding
OR: 139
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
7 |
15th Mar 2024 Soft 2m 4f 56y Class 2 |
11st 6lb |
Campaigned mostly on good/good to soft; contrasting performances since switched back to hurdles from fences, winning major handicap at Kempton (2m5f) under Tristan Durrell then well held at Ascot; the penultimate piece of form gives him a chance. |
20/1 |
|
12th 3 |
17th Feb 2024 Good To Soft 2m 3f 58y Class 2 |
11st 7lb |
Had been competing over fences prior to springing a 33-1 surprise in the Lanzarote at Kempton (2m5f, good to soft) in January, travelling well for a long way and sealing the issue with a good jump at the last; up 7lb but that's solid form and he's likely to be in the thick of things again. |
12/1 |
|
1st 8 |
13th Jan 2024 Good To Soft 2m 5f 0y Class 2 |
11st 3lb |
Successful over hurdles and fences at Kempton; however, hasn't raced in this sphere since a heavy defeat over C&D in March 2022; watching brief is advised. |
33/1 |
33/1
Form: 655-78 D
Last run: 29 days
W: 10st 2lb
9 yo Gelding
OR: 136
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
4 |
5th Jun 2025 Good 2m 4f 189y Class 4 |
11st 10lb |
Made all for clearcut success at Wetherby (2m3f, good) in March but beaten fair and square the last twice; he's not as good as he was and now struggles for consistency. |
12/1 |
|
4 |
5th Jun 2025 Good 2m 4f 189y Class 4 |
11st 10lb |
Made all for clearcut success at Wetherby (2m3f, good) in March but beaten fair and square the last twice; he's not as good as he was and now struggles for consistency. |
12/1 |
|
3rd 2 |
9th May 2025 Good 2m 4f 194y Class 4 |
11st 12lb |
Exploited some considerable help from the handicapper when making all for clearcut success at Wetherby (2m3f, good) in March but was safely held on his latest outing and is nothing like the force of old. |
5/1 |
7/2
Form: 3362-1 D
Last run: 41 days
W: 10st 12lb
7 yo Gelding
OR: 146
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
16th 21 |
9th Apr 2026 Good To Soft 2m 5f 19y Class 2 |
12st 0lb |
Very talented in his prime; this 10yo isn't the force of old and today's race is much tougher than the hunter chases he's won easily on his last two starts (2m4f, good to soft/good) but if he can tap further into his back-class he may well be in the mix; James King has won this twice. |
16/1 |
|
1st 1 |
23rd Mar 2026 Good 2m 4f 110y Class 5 |
12st 6lb |
Listed winner in his prime and has made a solid start to hunter chasing, namely a close second and easy success at Wincanton; should follow up. |
1/10 |
|
1st 2 |
25th Feb 2026 Soft 2m 4f 35y Class 5 |
12st 6lb |
Powers were on the decline when confined to hurdling last season but he was a classy chaser back in the day and nearly won his first hunter chase over 3m1f here a month ago (heavy); may need that longer trip now but strong claims otherwise. |
Evs |
11/2
Form: 127U-4 D
Last run: 35 days
W: 10st 7lb
6 yo Gelding
OR: 141
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2 |
21st Sep 2025 Yielding To Soft 2m 1f 150y |
11st 6lb |
Dual-purpose sort is on a long losing run; in action on Flat and over hurdles since a good run over fences in the spring; blinkers added now; potentially interesting, though he needs to reverse Grand Annual form with Jasko Des Dames. |
6/1 |
|
10 (5) |
16th Aug 2025 Yielding 2m 0f 0y |
9st 2lb |
Dual-purpose sort is on a long losing run, well held in valuable 2m6f Galway handicap hurdle on latest; previous two Flat maiden runs were poor so seemingly fair bit to do off this opening mark but is unexposed in this sphere. |
13/2 |
|
12th 9 |
2nd Aug 2025 Good 2m 6f 108y |
11st 5lb |
One of three for yard; generally out of form in 2025 in chases and on the Flat; narrowly denied in this race last year off this mark and this may have been a long-term target so would be no surprise to see a revival; interesting. |
14/1 |
20/1
Form: 41P223
Last run: 27 days
W: 10st 2lb
8 yo Gelding
OR: 129
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
5th 2 (4) |
28th Jan 2026 Standard 1m 2f 150y |
9st 11lb |
Dual winner over both hurdles and fences albeit some time ago; returned from 277-day absence for current yard in October, well held on the Flat and twice over hurdles; belated AW debut and only second career Flat start. |
13/2 |
|
11th 13 (15) |
21st Oct 2025 Soft 1m 4f 0y |
11st 4lb |
Useful four-time jumps winner; has never run on the Flat and lacks a recent outing; has moved from Gavin Cromwell to Paul Flynn. |
50/1 |
|
4th 5 |
17th Jan 2025 Good To Soft 2m 5f 89y Class 2 |
11st 7lb |
Has modest 2-36 strike-rate over fences but is largely consistent and has been as good as ever this season; not beaten far when seventh in competitive Leopardstown handicap (2m1f, good to yielding) just after Christmas and should be fine over today's longer trip; ought to be on the premises. |
15/2 |
+o+e Accumulators
| Payout | |
|---|---|
| Exacta | £48.30 |
| Straight Forecast | £57.50 |
| Tricast | £504.64 |
| Trifecta | £576.90 |