December 30 / 14.25 Newbury

14.25

Good To Soft

Coral Mandarin Handicap Chase

  • Prize money: £16186.26
  • 3m 1f 214y
  • Class 3
  • 11 runners
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Coral Mandarin Handicap Chase

Runners: 11 runners

Type: Chase Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Rain

6/1 (Won)

  • Win: £4.50
  • Place: £1.70

Form: 3447-1

Last run: 61 days

W: 11st 7lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 128

Form & Verdict
0-3 over fences when with Nicky Henderson; opened his chase account at Huntingdon (2m7f, good to soft) two months ago on debut for new stable, coming home strongly and shaping as if he'll be suited by this longer distance; had wind surgery (his second) since; open to further progress and warrants respect up 8lb.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

14th Mar 2026

Good

3m 0f 0y

Class 3

16:28 Kempton

Surrey Quest

11st 12lb

J: Kevin Brogan

T: Toby Lawes

High-class staying chase form includes a close second in the 2024 Scottish National but he fell in that race last year and hasn't shown a glimmer of his old ability over hurdles or fences since; lots to prove.

20/1

3

19th Jan 2026

Soft

3m 4f 178y

Class 3

13:50 Lingfield

Surrey Quest

11st 11lb

J: Kevin Brogan

T: Toby Lawes

Very useful marathon chaser on his day but looked out of sorts in three hurdle races towards end of last year; given another wind operation (his third) since; well handicapped but reverts to chasing with lots to prove.

25/1

14th

9

25th Oct 2025

Good To Soft

2m 7f 208y

Class 2

14:55 Cheltenham

Surrey Quest

10st 11lb

J: Kevin Brogan

T: Toby Lawes

Very useful marathon chaser on his day; didn't run anything like as badly as 61l defeat might suggest when making seasonal debut in recent 2m7f hurdle race at Uttoxeter but needs that outing to have brought him on.

33/1

9/2

  • Place: £1.50

Form: 114-52

Last run: 34 days

W: 11st 0lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 121

Form & Verdict
Point/hurdles winner who still has low mileage and time on his side; ran well at Exeter (3m, good to soft; second chase attempt) most recently, while shaping as if he'll be suited by this longer trip; acts on soft; looks the type to improve further; strong contender off unaltered mark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

2

18th Apr 2026

Good

3m 0f 30y

Class 5

13:52 Bangor-on-Dee

Atlanta Brave

12st 0lb

J: Conor O’Farrell

T: Kerry Lee

Has become bitterly disappointing but handicapped accordingly and his third at Hereford was better (3m1f, good); cheekpieces are back on but they'd done little for him previously.

10/1

3rd

2

18th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 1f 44y

Class 5

17:00 Hereford

Atlanta Brave

12st 0lb

J: Conor O’Farrell

T: Kerry Lee

Thrown in on his old form but last win was in January 2023 and he was out of sorts over fences and hurdles last year; has lots to prove back from a break and he's failed to complete in his last three chase runs.

8/1

14/1

  • Place: £4.60

Form: 101-P8

Last run: 41 days

W: 12st 0lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 135

Form & Verdict
Stablemate of Bowtogreatness; all wins on good to soft; well beaten in better race at Cheltenham most recently but looks interesting back in Class 3, being 3-4 at this level; cheekpieces applied.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10

17th Nov 2024

Good

3m 3f 71y

Class 1

14:55 Cheltenham

Bangers And Cash

10st 2lb

J: Ben Jones

T: Ben Pauling

This is his first run since April and he's improved for his reappearance run in each of the last two seasons; however, he returns with his stable in flying form and is on a competitive mark on his best efforts last term; won over 3m3f/3m4f in his 2022-23 campaign and not ruled out.

12/1

10

17th Nov 2024

Good

3m 3f 71y

Class 1

14:55 Cheltenham

Bangers And Cash

10st 2lb

J: Ben Jones

T: Ben Pauling

pressed leader early, midfield 5th, collapsed when pulled up after 14th, heart attack

12/1

Form: 7PP-25 D

Last run: 36 days

W: 10st 13lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 120

Form & Verdict
Close second off 5lb higher in this race 12 months ago but isn't guaranteed to repeat the form, having been far from consistent since; below par at Catterick last time; on a near three-year losing spell.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6

14th May 2024

Good

3m 0f 60y

Class 4

15:00 Southwell

Shanty Alley

11st 11lb

J: Jack Quinlan

T: Ben Case

in touch with leaders

12/1

6

14th May 2024

Good

3m 0f 60y

Class 4

15:00 Southwell

Shanty Alley

11st 11lb

J: Jack Quinlan

T: Ben Case

in touch with leaders

12/1

3rd

2

6th Apr 2024

Heavy

3m 0f 0y

Class 4

15:55 Uttoxeter

Shanty Alley

11st 11lb

J: Jack Quinlan

T: Ben Case

Without a win since January 2021 and he hasn't really been threatening this winter, especially so at Doncaster most recently when the first beaten (3m, soft); wouldn't be the percentage call.

9/1

OUR TIP

Form: 197-43 D

Last run: 21 days

W: 12st 2lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 137

Form & Verdict
Completed a hat-trick (over 2m4f/3m1f) last winter; best effort since when third in the London National at Sandown (3m4f, heavy) three weeks ago; each-way possibilities despite carrying top weight.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price
No Results Found

Form: 28P-65 D BF

Last run: 24 days

W: 11st 7lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 128

Form & Verdict
Beaten favourite in this contest last year (soft) but ran creditably in third place and is 5lb lower this time; likely player provided he's back in top form (disappointing in both outings this season).
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

6

10th Mar 2025

Good To Soft

3m 4f 85y

Class 3

15:40 Taunton

Laskalin

11st 5lb

J: Miss Lucy Turner

T: Venetia Williams

Bounced back to form in first-time blinkers at Bangor (3m5f, soft) last month, winning North Wales National under Lucy Turner; it's hard to tell whether the new headgear will continue to have a positive effect, and the forecast quicker ground here is probably not ideal, but he's still 5lb lower than when second in this race a year ago.

3/1

1st

13

7th Feb 2025

Soft

3m 5f 142y

Class 4

14:12 Bangor-on-Dee

Laskalin

11st 2lb

J: Miss Lucy Turner

T: Venetia Williams

Has a similar profile to stablemate Valleres in that he's lost his way but now tries new headgear off a much reduced mark; couldn't put a line through him.

25/1

1st

13

7th Feb 2025

Soft

3m 5f 142y

Class 4

14:12 Bangor-on-Dee

Laskalin

11st 2lb

J: Miss Lucy Turner

T: Venetia Williams

Has a similar profile to stablemate Valleres in that he's lost his way but now tries new headgear off a much reduced mark; couldn't put a line through him.

25/1

Form: 1PP-27 D

Last run: 35 days

W: 11st 8lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 129

Form & Verdict
Went close off 2lb lower at Warwick (3m1f, soft) on stable/seasonal debut; failed to back up that effort later in November and needs to rebound; yet to defy a mark this high.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

7

28th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 84y

Class 2

16:15 Doncaster

Docpickedme

10st 10lb

J: Charlie Maggs

T: Richard Hobson

Doncaster form figures read 1P2114, the last five of which were over fences; not disgraced last time and this hurdles mark is 10lb lower, so a case can be made.

5/1

4th

5

24th Jan 2026

Soft

2m 7f 214y

Class 1

14:05 Doncaster

Docpickedme

11st 4lb

J: Charlie Maggs

T: Richard Hobson

Course form figures read 1P211, the last two wins coming in this race last year (good) and over C&D (good to soft) last month, both off a mark 2lb lower than today's; has also won on soft; respected given his record here.

7/1

13

5th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

3m 0f 210y

Class 1

14:30 Aintree

Docpickedme

10st 5lb

J: Charlie Maggs

T: Richard Hobson

9yo who has been inconsistent over the years but he's been better than ever the last twice, going very close at Doncaster (3m, good to soft) in December before winning another competitive handicap there (3m, good) in January, albeit having a battle on his hands before being left clear at the final fence; that latest form still reads well and a 4lb rise isn't harsh; chance.

6/1

14/1

Form: 4373-0 C

Last run: 50 days

W: 11st 6lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 127

Form & Verdict
Useful stayer on his day; won the Classic Chase at Warwick (3m5f, soft) in 2021 and placed in that same major handicap last season; could go well off a handy mark with Exeter reappearance under his belt.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

28th Feb 2024

Heavy

3m 5f 142y

Class 4

15:20 Bangor-on-Dee

Notachance

11st 12lb

J: Tom Cannon

T: Alan King

never going well, in touch with leaders, cajoled along 5th, pushed along 8th, mistake 3 out, soon eased and pulled up

11/2

5th

8

21st Jan 2024

Good To Soft

3m 4f 178y

Class 3

15:35 Lingfield

Notachance

11st 4lb

J: Tom Cannon

T: Alan King

Won the 2021 Warwick Classic over 3m5f and good third in that race last January; well handicapped on that form but this 10yo has been well beaten on both runs this season and needs to bounce back.

14/1

8th

7

30th Dec 2023

Good To Soft

3m 1f 214y

Class 3

14:25 Newbury

Notachance

11st 6lb

J: Tom Cannon

T: Alan King

Useful stayer on his day; won the Classic Chase at Warwick (3m5f, soft) in 2021 and placed in that same major handicap last season; could go well off a handy mark with Exeter reappearance under his belt.

14/1

Form: 35P02-

Last run: 259 days

W: 12st 0lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 135

Form & Verdict
Hurdles winner on soft/heavy; 0-6 over fences but ran very well at Aintree (3m1f, good to soft; clear second off 3lb lower) on Grand National day when last seen and remains unexposed at this sort of trip; interesting back down in grade on reappearance.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

13th Mar 2026

Good

3m 0f 38y

Class 5

16:50 Fakenham

Bowtogreatness

12st 6lb

J: Mr Dale Peters

T: D Peters

Winless away from galloping tracks, but recorded some of his best RPRs in Graded chases around Kempton and the Mildmay Course; still capable of fairly useful form little more than a year ago, and right in the mix if racing more sparingly with the hood debuted latest quickly discarded.

2/1

1

24th Feb 2026

Heavy

2m 6f 151y

Class 3

16:50 Leicester

Bowtogreatness

12st 4lb

J: Mr Dale Peters

T: D Peters

Has made the frame in a couple of points this winter for new yard; fairly useful for previous stable and, accordingly, is one of the main players on ratings in this hunter chase debut; hood applied.

9/1

11

25th Jan 2025

Good To Soft

2m 7f 214y

Class 1

15:15 Doncaster

Bowtogreatness

11st 2lb

J: Ben Jones

T: Ben Pauling

towards rear

14/1

Form: 42-234

Last run: 15 days

W: 11st 4lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 125

Form & Verdict
Useful in France; 0-10 in Britain but has some encouraging form this year, including narrow defeat at this venue; significant mistake contributed to below-par run last time; each-way hopes if on song.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

4th Jun 2026

Good

2m 4f 189y

Class 4

16:30 Uttoxeter

Yes Indeed

11st 9lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Martin Keighley

Respectable efforts on both previous course visits, including a close fourth in this in 2024; weighted to strike, but must prove that the effects of the cheekpieces aren't on the wane after a sub-par latest effort.

5/1

3rd

2

23rd May 2026

Good

2m 1f 77y

Class 4

15:32 Bangor-on-Dee

Yes Indeed

11st 11lb

J: James Best

T: Martin Keighley

Won twice over fences at around this trip last spring; not so good since but is 1lb lower than his last winning mark so cannot be ruled out.

13/2

3rd

2

4th May 2026

Good

2m 0f 54y

Class 4

15:15 Warwick

Yes Indeed

11st 13lb

J: James Best

T: Martin Keighley

Won twice last spring at about this trip but essentially underwhelming since, albeit in better races than this; the drop in class should be welcomed.

10/1

Form: 35-2P3

Last run: 18 days

W: 10st 6lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 113

Form & Verdict
Had wind surgery prior to modest third at Wincanton (3m1f) last time; that form isn't compelling but he has been capable of much better; on a 13-race losing sequence that goes back two years, however.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

5

26th May 2026

Good

3m 0f 217y

Class 4

19:39 Plumpton

Striking A Pose

11st 1lb

J: Freddie Gingell

T: Joe Tizzard

Recorded his sixth hurdle win when making all off a reduced mark at Newton Abbot (3m2f, good) in April, and his follow-up bid off this mark was respectable back there 20 days ago; capable off this mark but not without risk.

9/2

4th

1

6th May 2026

Good To Soft

3m 2f 105y

Class 4

16:20 Newton Abbot

Striking A Pose

11st 12lb

J: Freddie Gingell

T: Joe Tizzard

Recorded his sixth hurdle win when making all off a reduced mark over C&D (good; 4-1) three weeks ago; back up 4lb but remains well treated on old form and is versatile ground-wise; key player.

5/2

1st

2

14th Apr 2026

Good

3m 2f 105y

Class 5

16:17 Newton Abbot

Striking A Pose

11st 13lb

J: Freddie Gingell

T: Joe Tizzard

Five-time hurdle winner who hasn't looked like adding to that on recent efforts, although latest was more encouraging over C&D; well treated on past form but needs to step up.

10/1

Non-runners

Fantastikas

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £15.50
Straight Forecast £14.43
Tricast £204.98
Trifecta £327.10

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Atlanta Brave

The Times:

Surrey Quest

TOPSPEED:

Fantastikas

RP RATINGS:

Shanty Alley

The Star:

Bowtogreatness

D Express:

Notachance

Daily Mirror:

Atlanta Brave

The Sun:

Atlanta Brave

Daily Record:

Atlanta Brave

Telegraph:

Surrey Quest

Daily Mail:

Surrey Quest

POSTDATA:

Fantastikas

The Guardian:

Shanty Alley