March 11 / 16.40 Taunton

16.40

Soft

William Hill Cheltenham Offers Handicap Chase

  • Prize money: £5967.53
  • 2m 0f 12y
  • Class 5
  • 10 runners
RTV
View Course
William Hill Cheltenham Offers Handicap Chase

Runners: 10 runners

Type: Chase Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Mostly cloudy

8/1 (Won)

  • Win: £7.50
  • Place: £2.30

Form: 48-1P3 D

Last run: 34 days

W: 10st 3lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 77

Form & Verdict
Won over hurdles at Southwell (2m, good) last summer and made an encouraging chase debut after seven months off when third of 13 here (2m2f, good) last month; open to improvement over fences, but soft ground would be a concern.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9

27th Sep 2024

Good To Soft

2m 0f 110y

Class 4

14:00 Worcester

Tonto Foley

11st 1lb

J: Jack Tudor

T: Christian Williams

Progressive 6yo who just did enough at Perth (2m, good) in July and has now won three chases this year (one was on soft ground); didn't fire at Newton Abbot last month but remains of interest.

8/1

5th

2

31st Aug 2024

Good

2m 0f 75y

Class 5

15:20 Newton Abbot

Tonto Foley

12st 0lb

J: Jack Tudor

T: Christian Williams

prominent, weakened quickly before 2 out

3/1

1st

5

14th Jul 2024

Good

2m 0f 0y

Class 4

14:45 Perth

Tonto Foley

10st 12lb

J: Nick Scholfield

T: Christian Williams

in touch with leaders, mistake 3 out, ridden 2 out, headway against far rail approaching last, good jump last, led and kept on well run-in, just did enough

5/2

10/1

  • Place: £2.40

Form: 4-54P5

Last run: 20 days

W: 11st 1lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 89

Form & Verdict
0-10 over hurdles, but has shown ability as when fifth of 12 here (2m3f, soft; first-time cheekpieces) last month; frame possibilities if able to transfer his best hurdles form to fences.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

12

22nd Feb 2025

Soft

2m 3f 100y

Class 5

16:17 Chepstow

Mini Yeats

10st 11lb

J: Alan Johns

T: Tim Vaughan

Gave good account when fourth at Taunton (2m, good) in December, his second start for Tim Vaughan, but last month's Ffos Las run was a backward step and he's now 0-13 over hurdles; cheekpieces removed; tongue-tie added.

16/1

8th

22

11th Jan 2025

Soft

2m 4f 0y

Class 5

14:58 Ffos Las

Mini Yeats

10st 5lb

J: Alan Johns

T: Tim Vaughan

Maiden but has hit the frame and was beaten under 5l at Taunton last time (2m, good) when shaping as though a stiffer stamina test was needed.

13/2

8th

22

11th Jan 2025

Soft

2m 4f 0y

Class 5

14:58 Ffos Las

Mini Yeats

10st 5lb

J: Alan Johns

T: Tim Vaughan

Maiden but has hit the frame and was beaten under 5l at Taunton last time (2m, good) when shaping as though a stiffer stamina test was needed.

13/2

OUR TIP

8/1

  • Place: £1.90

Form: 2-4543 C

Last run: 11 days

W: 11st 12lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 100

Form & Verdict
Dual course winner over 2m7f in the spring of last year and third of six over the same distance here (soft) 11 days ago, but he finished well behind the first two and has a major question mark against him over this trip.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

4

19th Dec 2024

Good To Soft

2m 3f 48y

Class 5

15:05 Exeter

Imperial Joe

11st 10lb

J: Mr Jake Bament

T: Tim Dennis

in touch with leaders

10/1

1st

4

19th Dec 2024

Good To Soft

2m 3f 48y

Class 5

15:05 Exeter

Imperial Joe

11st 10lb

J: Mr Jake Bament

T: Tim Dennis

in touch with leaders

10/1

3rd

3

28th Nov 2024

Good To Soft

2m 2f 40y

Class 5

15:10 Taunton

Imperial Joe

11st 12lb

J: Jonathan Burke

T: Tim Dennis

All three chase wins have been over further, the last two here at 2m7f; below his best when last seen in June.

20/1

Form: 33-13U BF

Last run: 19 days

W: 10st 5lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 79

Form & Verdict
0-15 in bumpers/hurdles, but made a successful debut over fences after 257 days off at Fontwell (2m2f, soft) in December; finished a well-held third of seven at Plumpton (2m2f, soft) next time but was still in a handy position when unseating at Ludlow last month (Lustleigh second); each-way claims.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

5

24th May 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 104y

Class 5

16:55 Fontwell

Gorcombe Moonshine

10st 7lb

J: Harry Kimber

T: Robert Walford

Gave very good account when close second over C&D (good to soft) last month and subsequent fifth of 12 over C&D (good) was perfectly respectable but his overall strike-rate is just 1-35 and others appeal more.

5/1

5th

9

24th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 104y

Class 5

19:20 Fontwell

Gorcombe Moonshine

10st 11lb

J: Harry Kimber

T: Robert Walford

Just 1-34 under rules but the win came here (in 2023) and he went very close to a second course success 16 days ago, going down by only a head over this trip on good to soft; another who could be involved in the finish.

5/1

2nd

7

8th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 104y

Class 5

16:47 Fontwell

Gorcombe Moonshine

10st 5lb

J: Ben Godfrey

T: Robert Walford

Just 1-33 under rules but the win came here (in 2023) and he gave a good account when second from out of the weights at Hereford (2m5f, good) last month, after a break; could have a say.

6/1

Form: 4-4022 D

Last run: 42 days

W: 11st 6lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 94

Form & Verdict
Only made his chase debut in December when chasing home a subsequent winner at Wincanton (2m, soft); beaten 19l when filling the same position at Plumpton (2m1f, good to soft) the following month, but the first and third have gone in since and the return to a more testing surface would probably be in his favour; interesting.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

13

4th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 203y

Class 2

15:20 Haydock

Filanderer

11st 0lb

J: Jonathan Burke

T: Hughie Morrison

Pulled up in the Ultima at Cheltenham last month but that was his first attempt at a staying trip and he failed to settle out wide; went to the Festival having won five of his previous six starts (2m3f-2m5f, various ground) and he could bounce back with a big effort now back down in trip and grade.

7/1

19

10th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 1f 0y

Class 1

15:20 Cheltenham

Filanderer

10st 2lb

J: Jonathan Burke

T: Hughie Morrison

10yo who is lightly raced for his age and made it five wins from his last six starts (various ground) when scoring comfortably in a veterans' chase at Market Rasen in January (extended 2m5f; the longest trip he's tackled); this is a hot race in which to test his stamina, and from out of the handicap he's 11lb higher than last time, but he was strong at the finish and the form is working out very well; it remains to be seen where his limitations lie.

50/1

1st

7

16th Jan 2026

Good To Soft

2m 5f 89y

Class 2

14:05 Market Rasen

Filanderer

10st 3lb

J: Jonathan Burke

T: Hughie Morrison

4-9 over fences, including 2m3f course win; didn't jump well enough when below form at Newbury in November but is versatile regarding ground and could plausibly still have more improvement to come.

5/1

Form: 6-6P36 D

Last run: 43 days

W: 11st 2lb

7 yo Mare

OR: 90

Form & Verdict
Point/bumper winner who was making her stable debut after 199 days off when third of ten at Ludlow (2m,5f, soft) in December, but she may not have been suited by the ground when well held at Doncaster (2m3f, good) the following month; each-way possibilities if the ground remains on the soft side.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

29th Oct 2025

Good

2m 5f 44y

Class 4

15:37 Fakenham

Fancy Stuff

10st 11lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Tom Gretton

2-13 over fences, latest off 1lb higher in June 2024 under Sean Bowen; form has been mixed since but she ran well for a long way at Chepstow on return from nearly four months off; on a fair mark if building on that.

4/1

5

29th Oct 2025

Good

2m 5f 44y

Class 4

15:37 Fakenham

Fancy Stuff

10st 11lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Tom Gretton

2-13 over fences, latest off 1lb higher in June 2024 under Sean Bowen; form has been mixed since but she ran well for a long way at Chepstow on return from nearly four months off; on a fair mark if building on that.

4/1

Form: /4/0P2

Last run: 19 days

W: 10st 12lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 86

Form & Verdict
Was having his second start over fences and only his sixth overall when second of six at Ludlow (2m, soft) last month; races off the same mark and shortlisted with the possibility of further improvement.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7

17th Jan 2025

Good To Soft

2m 0f 125y

Class 5

11:45 Market Rasen

Lustleigh

10st 8lb

J: Charlie Price

T: Robbie Llewellyn

held up in last, pushed along 3 out, soon struggling, tailed off when pulled up before 2 out

14/1

7

17th Jan 2025

Good To Soft

2m 0f 125y

Class 5

11:45 Market Rasen

Lustleigh

10st 8lb

J: Charlie Price

T: Robbie Llewellyn

held up in last, pushed along 3 out, soon struggling, tailed off when pulled up before 2 out

14/1

11th

8

19th Apr 2024

Good To Soft

2m 1f 109y

Class 5

19:00 Exeter

Lustleigh

11st 0lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Polly Gundry

Not devoid of ability in three starts for Dan Skelton; cause for optimism from his second chase start, when second at Ludlow (2m, soft) in February; below that level at Taunton (2m, soft) since but if you can forgive that he could be competitive now 2lb lower.

7/1

Form: 56P-P3 D

Last run: 27 days

W: 12st 0lb

11 yo Gelding

OR: 102

Form & Verdict
Nine wins over hurdles/fences for Sue Smith (best RPR 146), but none since May 2022; however, he made an encouraging debut for this yard after 273 days off when third of ten at Thurles (2m, soft to heavy; first-time tongue-tie) last month; would be a threat to all if building on that.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12

9th May 2024

Yielding

2m 0f 110y

18:10 Tipperary

Joke Dancer

11st 0lb

J: Michael O’Sullivan

T: Patrick Griffin

held up in rear, struggling before 5 out, pulled up before 3 out

25/1

12

9th May 2024

Yielding

2m 0f 110y

18:10 Tipperary

Joke Dancer

11st 0lb

J: Michael O’Sullivan

T: Patrick Griffin

held up in rear, struggling before 5 out, pulled up before 3 out

25/1

10th

6

24th Apr 2024

Yielding

2m 1f 0y

17:20 Bellewstown

Joke Dancer

11st 9lb

J: Michael O’Sullivan

T: Patrick Griffin

midfield

16/1

Form: 161-05 D

Last run: 42 days

W: 11st 13lb

12 yo Gelding

OR: 101

Form & Verdict
Often makes the running and has won eight times over hurdles/fences (plus a point); back off his last winning mark, but his two efforts in a hurdle and a chase since returning from nine months off in December leave him with a bit to prove.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

1

7th May 2024

Good

2m 0f 8y

Class 5

20:30 Hereford

Ardmayle

12st 0lb

J: Jack Tudor

T: Ali Stronge

Two wins in 2023, at Southwell in February (2m, good) and over C&D in April (good to soft); not fared quite so well since although signs of a return to form when third over C&D last time (soft); on a good mark now and not out of it.

10/1

7th

1

7th May 2024

Good

2m 0f 8y

Class 5

20:30 Hereford

Ardmayle

12st 0lb

J: Jack Tudor

T: Ali Stronge

Two wins in 2023, at Southwell in February (2m, good) and over C&D in April (good to soft); not fared quite so well since although signs of a return to form when third over C&D last time (soft); on a good mark now and not out of it.

10/1

3rd

1

27th Mar 2024

Soft

2m 0f 8y

Class 5

15:10 Hereford

Ardmayle

12st 0lb

J: Ben Jones

T: Ali Stronge

Won this race last year and is now 2lb lower; however, this 12yo has plenty to prove having struggled on his three runs this season.

12/1

Form: 2383/6 D

Last run: 42 days

W: 11st 5lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 93

Form & Verdict
Sole success in 16 starts under rules came over hurdles in May 2021; didn't run badly on his return from 22 months off when in midfield at Plumpton (1m, good to soft) in January, but has something to prove with his attention now switched to fences; market can guide.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

8

11th Jun 2024

Good

1m 7f 182y

Class 5

15:15 Southwell

Man Of Light

10st 11lb

J: Sean Houlihan

T: Philip Hobbs & Johnson White

in touch with leaders, mistake 8th

10/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £45.40
Straight Forecast £49.23
Tricast £229.08
Trifecta £230.70

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Filanderer

The Guardian:

Gorcombe Moonshine

POSTDATA:

Imperial Joe

WEST COUNTRY:

Lustleigh

D Express:

Man Of Light

The Sun:

Fancy Stuff

RP RATINGS:

Filanderer

Daily Record:

Filanderer

Daily Mail:

Gorcombe Moonshine

Daily Mirror:

Gorcombe Moonshine

The Times:

Imperial Joe

Telegraph:

Lustleigh

The Star:

Man Of Light