15.35
SoftUnibet Veterans’ Handicap Chase (2023 Veterans’ Chase Series Final)
- Prize money: £38580
- 3m 0f 0y
- Class 2
- 14 runners
Runners: 14 runners
Type: Chase Turf
Surface: Turf
Weather: Cloudy
8/1 (Won)
- Win: £10.50
- Place: £3.40
Form: 5FF-P5 D
Last run: 29 days
W: 11st 8lb
12 yo Gelding
OR: 147
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
3 |
28th Feb 2026 Good To Soft 3m 1f 214y Class 2 |
12st 0lb |
The oldest of these veterans, being a 14yo, and bare form this term leaves a question mark over whether he retains the useful ability that has been present for a long time; however, won this race off 2lb higher last year (soft) and has a good chance if back on song. |
9/1 |
|
10th 1 |
14th Feb 2026 Soft 2m 7f 185y Class 1 |
12st 0lb |
Useful for a long time but has gained last three wins in veterans' events and, having turned 14 since November reappearance, can be opposed off current mark in this field. |
20/1 |
13/2
- Place: £2.60
Form: P44-23 D BF
Last run: 52 days
W: 11st 11lb
11 yo Gelding
OR: 150
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
4th 3 |
2nd Mar 2024 Good To Soft 2m 7f 96y Class 1 |
11st 2lb |
led, headed before 6th |
3/1 |
|
2nd 3 |
13th Jan 2024 Soft 3m 0f 0y Class 2 |
11st 11lb |
Agonisingly missed out in a leg of this series when tying up close home at Chepstow in October (collared by Good Boy Bobby); there are some course concerns as he wasn't so good when behind Thomas Darby and Mill Green here last time but he's still respected off the same mark as at Chepstow and new partner Dylan Johnston is good value for his 7lb; handles all ground. |
13/2 |
9/1
- Place: £2.60
Form: 333-02
Last run: 52 days
W: 11st 2lb
12 yo Gelding
OR: 141
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
27th May 2024 Good To Soft 3m 5f 80y Class 3 |
12st 2lb |
Best known as a very useful 3m handicap hurdler but was very creditable third in Veterans' Final at Warwick (3m, soft) on latest chasing start in January; did not fire in Pertemps Final at Cheltenham Festival in March and has stamina to prove here but will find this considerably easier than the races he normally contests. |
6/4 |
|
1st 1 |
27th May 2024 Good To Soft 3m 5f 80y Class 3 |
12st 2lb |
raced in third, not fluent 5 out, went second 4 out, going best 2 out, pushed along to lead last, soon went clear, ridden and idled run-in, kept on final 110yds |
6/4 |
|
15th 10 |
14th Mar 2024 Soft 2m 7f 213y Class 1 |
11st 0lb |
Third in the big 3m handicap hurdles at the Cheltenham and Aintree festivals in both 2022 and 2023; exposed 12yo but there's every indication that he retains all of that ability, so may well be seriously involved once more. |
20/1 |
13/2
Form: 12345- CD
Last run: 278 days
W: 11st 0lb
12 yo Gelding
OR: 139
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
8 |
11th Feb 2024 Heavy 3m 0f 54y Class 2 |
11st 1lb |
Well handicapped on some of last season's form and was a very creditable fourth in Veterans' Final at Warwick (3m, soft) on last month's reappearance; will cope if the ground becomes very testing here; big player. |
9/2 |
|
4th 11 |
13th Jan 2024 Soft 3m 0f 0y Class 2 |
11st 0lb |
Returning from a similar absence (and wind surgery) when dominant from the front over C&D (soft) 14 months ago when only 2lb lower, after which he finished second in the final of this race at Sandown; fortunes went into reverse soon after but he's back from further wind surgery and handicapped to run a blinder if again on good terms with himself. |
13/2 |
20/1
Form: P2-337 C
Last run: 28 days
W: 10st 7lb
11 yo Gelding
OR: 132
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
0 9 |
26th Jan 2024 Good To Soft 3m 0f 37y Class 3 |
12st 0lb |
Usually gives his running but has a poor strike-rate over fences (1-18) and he dropped away to be beaten some 31l last time at Warwick when the subject of strong market support in first-time blinkers; one of the highest rated in here but others appeal more. |
4/1 |
|
5th 16 |
13th Jan 2024 Soft 3m 0f 0y Class 2 |
10st 7lb |
Often runs well in defeat but he's now 1-17 over fences, having performed below his best the last twice; connections turn to blinkers (replacing cheekpieces) for some assistance; others are safer. |
20/1 |
10/1
Form: 722-52 D BF
Last run: 29 days
W: 11st 5lb
11 yo Gelding
OR: 144
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
8 |
25th Feb 2025 Soft 2m 6f 151y Class 3 |
11st 12lb |
Very useful staying chaser at his best and has made the frame in both hunter chases for new owner-rider this season, more recently when third at Bangor (3m, soft) this month; won't be far away if in similar form again. |
8/1 |
|
3rd 6 |
7th Feb 2025 Soft 3m 0f 30y Class 4 |
11st 12lb |
Winless since early 2021 but has run plenty of good races in the meantime, including on his recent hunter chase debut at Warwick (3m, good to soft) when returning from a lengthy break and wind surgery; that was a stronger race than this. |
7/4 |
|
3rd 6 |
7th Feb 2025 Soft 3m 0f 30y Class 4 |
11st 12lb |
Winless since early 2021 but has run plenty of good races in the meantime, including on his recent hunter chase debut at Warwick (3m, good to soft) when returning from a lengthy break and wind surgery; that was a stronger race than this. |
7/4 |
6/1
Form: 04-511 D
Last run: 62 days
W: 11st 0lb
11 yo Gelding
OR: 139
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
4th 6 |
14th Feb 2026 Good To Soft 2m 6f 54y Class 3 |
11st 12lb |
Six-time chase winner; long in the tooth now but was placed in Newbury veterans' chase (3m2f, soft) on latest outing last March and has a good record when fresh; shortlised on hunter chase debut. |
6/1 |
20/1
Form: 3F2P-P D
Last run: 17 days
W: 11st 6lb
11 yo Gelding
OR: 145
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
7th Apr 2024 Heavy 3m 6f 153y Class 3 |
12st 0lb |
Well suited by a slog in the mud and returned to form with keeping-on second in West Wales National at Ffos Las (3m4f, heavy) a week ago; Joe Anderson claims a useful 5lb today; major player if in the right mood again. |
5/2 |
|
1 |
7th Apr 2024 Heavy 3m 6f 153y Class 3 |
12st 0lb |
Well suited by a slog in the mud and returned to form with keeping-on second in West Wales National at Ffos Las (3m4f, heavy) a week ago; Joe Anderson claims a useful 5lb today; major player if in the right mood again. |
5/2 |
|
2nd 1 |
31st Mar 2024 Heavy 3m 3f 208y Class 3 |
12st 0lb |
prominent, went second omitted 5 out, briefly went third after 4 out, left in second 3 out, stayed on |
8/1 |
16/1
Form: 501-2P CD
Last run: 35 days
W: 12st 0lb
11 yo Gelding
OR: 153
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2 |
16th Jan 2026 Good To Soft 2m 5f 89y Class 2 |
11st 11lb |
Teenager who ran well for a long way when very respectable sixth in valuable Ascot handicap (3m, good) on seasonal debut in November; pulled up in similar race back there just before Christmas but might be aided by the refitted tongue-tie here and has slipped to a tempting mark. |
20/1 |
|
1 |
1st Nov 2025 Good 2m 7f 185y Class 1 |
12st 0lb |
Second and fourth in the last two renewals of this and further enhanced his solid record here with another second over this trip in March; can see him running well again but it goes against the grain trends-wise to row in with a 12yo carrying 12st. |
25/1 |
|
1 |
1st Nov 2025 Good 2m 7f 185y Class 1 |
12st 0lb |
Second and fourth in the last two renewals of this and further enhanced his solid record here with another second over this trip in March; can see him running well again but it goes against the grain trends-wise to row in with a 12yo carrying 12st. |
25/1 |
8/1
Form: 615-41 CD
Last run: 52 days
W: 11st 12lb
11 yo Gelding
OR: 151
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
0 2 |
13th Jan 2024 Soft 3m 0f 0y Class 2 |
11st 12lb |
Made his name over hurdles but he's 2-6 over fences and 3m on soft ground is right up his alley; it was quite comfortable when he accounted for Mill Green and Aye Right over C&D in November and a 4lb rise is not the end of the world; he's not your typical veteran chaser being so lightly raced in this discipline. |
8/1 |
|
1st 2 |
22nd Nov 2023 Heavy 3m 0f 0y Class 2 |
11st 11lb |
prominent, led 4th |
5/1 |
9/1
Form: 0/7-41
Last run: 29 days
W: 11st 4lb
12 yo Gelding
OR: 143
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
3rd 2 |
25th Apr 2024 Soft 2m 4f 20y Class 2 |
11st 7lb |
Veteran who has been rather disappointing over 3m plus since winning a 2m4f handicap in first-time cheekpieces at Cheltenham in December (soft); slightly better in blinkers (retained) at Cheltenham last week (3m2f, good) but needs to do even better. |
9/1 |
|
3rd 2 |
25th Apr 2024 Soft 2m 4f 20y Class 2 |
11st 7lb |
Veteran who has been rather disappointing over 3m plus since winning a 2m4f handicap in first-time cheekpieces at Cheltenham in December (soft); slightly better in blinkers (retained) at Cheltenham last week (3m2f, good) but needs to do even better. |
9/1 |
|
8th 3 |
17th Apr 2024 Good To Soft 3m 2f 0y Class 2 |
11st 7lb |
Rejuvenated by first-time cheekpieces when winning veterans' chase by 7l here (2m4f, soft) in December but looked out of sorts when pulled up on next three outings; blinkers given a whirl today. |
40/1 |
20/1
Form: F511P2 D
Last run: 76 days
W: 10st 10lb
11 yo Gelding
OR: 135
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
0 13 |
13th Jan 2024 Soft 3m 0f 0y Class 2 |
10st 10lb |
Three wins last year came at a cost mark-wise and he was beaten 16l when second to Celebre D'Allen at Aintree in late October; others should be better handicapped. |
20/1 |
|
2nd 3 |
29th Oct 2023 Good To Soft 3m 0f 210y Class 2 |
11st 7lb |
Form dipped sharply in similar event at Chepstow 16 days ago when bidding for a hat-trick; even if bouncing back, current mark leaves him needing a career-best performance. |
16/1 |
|
0 4 |
13th Oct 2023 Good 2m 7f 131y Class 2 |
11st 1lb |
Sometimes in need of mid-race encouragement but often strong in the finish and he arrives here on a hat-trick after wins at Uttoxeter (3m2f, good) and Cartmel (3m1f, good to soft); unlike a few of these there are no wellbeing issues, but rain might be an issue as 0-13 on soft or heavy. |
6/1 |
22/1
Form: P-233P CD
Last run: 35 days
W: 10st 8lb
13 yo Gelding
OR: 133
| 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 |
11st 4lb |
prominent |
12/1 |
25/1
Form: 121-P4 D
Last run: 35 days
W: 10st 7lb
11 yo Gelding
OR: 132
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
3rd 1 |
4th Nov 2024 Good 3m 1f 152y Class 3 |
12st 0lb |
Pulled up on three of four appearances during very disappointing campaign last season and not an easy horse to weigh up at present but has slipped to a dangerous mark and may have been refreshed by eight-month break. |
12/1 |
|
3rd 1 |
4th Nov 2024 Good 3m 1f 152y Class 3 |
12st 0lb |
Pulled up on three of four appearances during very disappointing campaign last season and not an easy horse to weigh up at present but has slipped to a dangerous mark and may have been refreshed by eight-month break. |
12/1 |
|
9 |
9th Mar 2024 Soft 3m 0f 37y Class 3 |
11st 7lb |
Pulled up twice this season but was badly hampered on reappearance and never on an even keel after early mistakes at Warwick last time; far from disgraced over 3m4f here in between; returning to 3m should suit and he's been given a big chance by the handicapper; interesting at likely lengthy odds. |
16/1 |
Non-runners
Celebre D'Allen, De Rasher Counter, Top Ville Ben
+o+e Accumulators
| Payout | |
|---|---|
| Exacta | £82.20 |
| Straight Forecast | £58.13 |
| Tricast | £316.07 |
| Trifecta | £489.70 |
Selections
The Times:
Thomas DarbyDaily Mail:
Lord Du MesnilRP RATINGS:
Aye RightSPOTLIGHT:
Ramses De TeilleeDaily Mirror:
Thomas DarbyDaily Record:
Thomas DarbyThe Guardian:
Aye RightThe Sun:
Lord Du MesnilThe Star:
Lord Du MesnilTOPSPEED:
Ramses De Teillee