June 25 / 15.30 Newton Abbot

15.30

Good

William Hill Leading Racecourse Bookmaker Handicap Chase

  • Prize money: £7208.56
  • 2m 4f 216y
  • Class 5
  • 13 runners
SKY
View Course
William Hill Leading Racecourse Bookmaker Handicap Chase

Runners: 13 runners

Type: Chase Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Partly cloudy

7/1 (Won)

  • Win: £9.60
  • Place: £2.60

Form: /207-2

Last run: 21 days

W: 11st 12lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 103

Form & Verdict
Ex-French; up and down over hurdles and his chase debut was modest, but he sprung back into life when second of 14 at Southwell (2m, good) and that performance suggests today's return to further will benefit.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

3

4th Apr 2026

Good

2m 0f 104y

Class 4

17:25 Huntingdon

Icare Grandchamp

11st 7lb

J: Caoilin Quinn

T: Gary & Josh Moore

Landed his third success over fences at Plumpton (2m1f, soft) in February; shaped as if his stamina gave out when third of five finishers here (2m4f, good to soft) last month; may be worth another chance back in trip on better ground.

4/1

3rd

6

1st Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 189y

Class 3

14:45 Huntingdon

Icare Grandchamp

10st 6lb

J: Caoilin Quinn

T: Gary & Josh Moore

Justified favouritism at Plumpton (soft) dropped back to 2m1f last time, building on a solid Haydock effort and taking chase record to 3-8; versatile and steadily progressive sort who gained his other wins over 2m4f/2m5f on good ground; respected.

7/4

1st

4

9th Feb 2026

Soft

2m 0f 219y

Class 4

15:15 Plumpton

Icare Grandchamp

11st 2lb

J: Caoilin Quinn

T: Gary & Josh Moore

Seven runs over fences have produced two wins and as many seconds; bumped into a progressive rival last time at Haydock (2m4f, good to soft) and should have a part to play.

11/8

10/1

  • Place: £2.80

Form: 1P4-52 CD

Last run: 24 days

W: 11st 12lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 103

Form & Verdict
Off his reduced mark he got back on track with a second at Stratford (2m5f, good) and he has won here in the past; if continuing the good work he won't be far away.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

1

26th May 2026

Good

2m 3f 166y

Class 4

19:09 Plumpton

Begin The Luck

12st 0lb

J: Beau Morgan

T: Daisy Hitchins

Largely reliable veteran and a three-time winner since December, latterly over C&D in April; touched off at Fontwell 20 days ago, with I Shut That d'Or about 5l back in third; nudged up 1lb but likely to make his presence felt again.

2/1

2nd

2

6th May 2026

Good

2m 3f 104y

Class 5

19:42 Fontwell

Begin The Luck

11st 13lb

J: Robbie David

T: Daisy Hitchins

Veteran who has won three times over fences since December including at Plumpton (2m4f, good) 17 days ago; that was in a small field and his main rival made a bad mistake at the last but he still looks feasibly treated and is versatile ground-wise; respected.

5/1

1st

2

19th Apr 2026

Good

2m 3f 166y

Class 5

14:17 Plumpton

Begin The Luck

11st 7lb

J: Robbie David

T: Daisy Hitchins

Reliable sort who scored at Leicester (2m4f) in March; not discredited when fifth in 2m5f handicap chase at Newton Abbot 15 days ago so ought to be in the shake-up eased 1lb.

3/1

12/1

  • Place: £4.00

Form: PP5-43 D

Last run: 26 days

W: 12st 0lb

12 yo Gelding

OR: 105

Form & Verdict
On the decline but he arrested the slide with a placed effort at Ffos Las (2m3f, good) and the winner was well handicapped; each-way claims.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

24th Oct 2024

Good

2m 4f 11y

Class 5

13:40 Ludlow

Magic Dancer

11st 9lb

J: Mr Zac Baker

T: Kerry Lee

Placed three times during the summer (2m3f-2m7f, good) but his final run was most disappointing; off new career-low mark but a 12yo now and he holds no secrets.

14/1

9

1st Sep 2024

Good

2m 7f 0y

Class 4

15:10 Worcester

Magic Dancer

10st 12lb

J: Richard Patrick

T: Kerry Lee

Veteran who last won in 2022 but has come down the weights and took third in three of his last four starts, latest when running on from off the pace over C&D 11 days ago; has been tried over this sort of trip on only his last two outings and that latest run showed there's something to build on.

10/1

Form: 3PP-31

Last run: 13 days

W: 10st 12lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 89

Form & Verdict
Looks to have responded well to a wind operation and he won comfortably at Fontwell (2m3f, good) to earn this 11lb higher mark; his new figure still falls shy of his hurdle rating so there's good reason to expect another big run from him.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

4

27th May 2026

Good

3m 2f 105y

Class 4

17:30 Newton Abbot

Belgarum

11st 3lb

J: Freddie Gingell

T: Joe Tizzard

Pulled up in his final two runs last year but he returned after wind surgery with a front-running win at Fontwell (2m3f, good; 22-1) this month; this is a different test but he won over fences here (3m2f) last spring and 3lb rise for that last success looks fair; respected.

4/1

1st

6

14th May 2026

Good

2m 3f 29y

Class 4

18:10 Fontwell

Belgarum

11st 7lb

J: Freddie Gingell

T: Joe Tizzard

Four-time chase winner who was out of sorts when last seen in the autumn, most recently when pulled up on return to hurdling; had another wind op (his fourth) during 168-day break; needs to get career back on track.

16/1

OUR TIP

Form: 41-522 D BF

Last run: 20 days

W: 12st 0lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 105

Form & Verdict
This was the trip for his Taunton win in April (good) and he might have even surpassed that form with his recent seconds over C&D; has the same mark as last time and should have a big say.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

2

25th Jun 2024

Good

2m 4f 216y

Class 5

15:30 Newton Abbot

American Gerry

12st 0lb

J: Freddie Gingell

T: Hughie Morrison

This was the trip for his Taunton win in April (good) and he might have even surpassed that form with his recent seconds over C&D; has the same mark as last time and should have a big say.

9/2

2nd

3

5th Jun 2024

Good

2m 4f 216y

Class 4

15:40 Newton Abbot

American Gerry

11st 0lb

J: Freddie Gingell

T: Hughie Morrison

Good second over C&D 16 days ago ridden by Freddie Gingell, keeping on well; could prove vulnerable for the win back up 3lb but with his chase experience he's likely to be thereabouts.

5/2

2nd

7

20th May 2024

Soft

2m 4f 216y

Class 4

15:43 Newton Abbot

American Gerry

11st 8lb

J: Freddie Gingell

T: Hughie Morrison

midfield

9/1

Form: 46323/

Last run: 490 days

W: 10st 13lb

8 yo Mare

OR: 90

Form & Verdict
Competitive in her two previous handicap chases (second over 2m3f/third over 3m) and returns to David Dennis after winning her last three points; entitled to be in the mix.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

8

22nd Apr 2026

Good

2m 5f 55y

Class 5

16:00 Ludlow

Imperial Pride

10st 10lb

J: Jonathan Burke

T: David Dennis

Veteran who has turned things around over fences recently, with a win at Huntingdon (2m7f, good to soft) followed by a second on similar ground at Plumpton (3m1f); now returns to hurdling but she's lightly raced in this sphere and looks interesting off the same mark as last time.

11/2

2nd

6

16th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 1f 157y

Class 5

16:15 Plumpton

Imperial Pride

10st 9lb

J: Tom Bellamy

T: David Dennis

Out of sorts initially this season but she wasn't without her supporters when back to form and winning at Huntingdon (2m7f, good to soft) two weeks ago, and the 5lb rise looks manageable in her follow-up bid; leading contender if in the same frame of mind.

4/1

1st

5

1st Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 7f 129y

Class 5

15:15 Huntingdon

Imperial Pride

10st 2lb

J: Charlie Maggs

T: David Dennis

Triple point winner but she's 0-12 under rules and hasn't been running well this winter; hard to recommend unless transformed by the cheekpieces.

16/1

Form: 54335- CD BF

Last run: 62 days

W: 11st 8lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 99

Form & Verdict
Did well to be third over an inadequate 2m on his penultimate start but then a beaten favourite back at Taunton in the race won by American Gerry (2m5f, good); that wasn't his best form and if rediscovering it then he's off his last winning mark.
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: P513-7

Last run: 43 days

W: 11st 12lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 103

Form & Verdict
Dual hurdle winner who got off the mark on his return from a break at Plumpton in March (2m3f, good); that's not been a springboard to better things and cheekpieces are now called upon; nothing wrong with his mark if returning to form.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8

19th Jul 2025

Good

2m 7f 191y

Class 4

17:00 Market Rasen

Fame And Fun

11st 7lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Mickey Bowen

Has returned from a break in good order and gave an in-form rival a right fright at Worcester (2m7f, good); won't mind rain.

11/2

8

2nd Jul 2025

Good

2m 7f 0y

Class 4

14:45 Worcester

Fame And Fun

10st 9lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Mickey Bowen

Encouraging third after a three-month break at Stratford (2m7f, good) last month; looks the type to be at his best in the summer and holds sound claims.

5/1

6

17th Jun 2025

Good

2m 6f 125y

Class 4

16:30 Stratford

Fame And Fun

11st 2lb

J: James Bowen

T: Mickey Bowen

Won modest chase at Fontwell (2m5f, heavy) in January and is also suited by much faster ground but has become very inconsistent in recent years; others in this line-up have much more appealing profiles.

12/1

Form: 114P-3 D

Last run: 32 days

W: 11st 7lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 98

Form & Verdict
Likes good ground; ran a pleasing race at Hereford (2m, good; goes well there) after a break of 156 days and that run may have tightened him up; today's longer trip won't pose a problem.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

6

2nd Jan 2025

Good To Soft

2m 0f 104y

Class 5

12:55 Huntingdon

Ben Buie

11st 5lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Martin Keighley

7-30 over fences; no win last year but ran creditably twice in the autumn before seemingly reluctant to put his best foot forward in the Abaya Du Mathan race at Southwell on latest start; chance if putting that swiftly behind him.

6/1

6th

6

2nd Jan 2025

Good To Soft

2m 0f 104y

Class 5

12:55 Huntingdon

Ben Buie

11st 5lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Martin Keighley

7-30 over fences; no win last year but ran creditably twice in the autumn before seemingly reluctant to put his best foot forward in the Abaya Du Mathan race at Southwell on latest start; chance if putting that swiftly behind him.

6/1

Form: 6U8-42 D

Last run: 26 days

W: 11st 6lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 97

Form & Verdict
Dual 2m4f chase winner at Wincanton; had dropped to a career-low mark when returning to form with a near miss at Warwick (2m4f, good) and fair chance if following one good run with another.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8

25th Jun 2024

Good

2m 4f 216y

Class 5

15:30 Newton Abbot

Harlem Soul

11st 6lb

J: Miss Megan Bevan

T: Syd Hosie

Dual 2m4f chase winner at Wincanton; had dropped to a career-low mark when returning to form with a near miss at Warwick (2m4f, good) and fair chance if following one good run with another.

10/1

2nd

4

30th May 2024

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 5

20:40 Warwick

Harlem Soul

11st 9lb

J: Beau Morgan

T: Syd Hosie

Dual 2m4f chase winner (both good to soft) at Wincanton, where six of his best seven efforts have come; handy mark but little encouragement in his recent form.

8/1

4th

1

11th May 2024

Good

3m 0f 0y

Class 5

17:35 Warwick

Harlem Soul

12st 0lb

J: Beau Morgan

T: Syd Hosie

Won twice over 2m4f in 2022-23 season but was out of form last term and is yet to convince stamina-wise over this sort of trip; drops in grade today but still needs to up his game.

14/1

Form: /7134- C

Last run: 357 days

W: 11st 5lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 96

Form & Verdict
Bumper/hurdle/chase winner who likes good ground; on a competitive mark but this is his first run since last July so probably best watched.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

28th Nov 2024

Good To Soft

2m 2f 40y

Class 5

15:10 Taunton

Holerday Ridge

11st 9lb

J: Elizabeth Gale

T: Claire Hitch

disputed lead, lost position 1st, soon in touch with leaders

16/1

4

28th Nov 2024

Good To Soft

2m 2f 40y

Class 5

15:10 Taunton

Holerday Ridge

11st 9lb

J: Elizabeth Gale

T: Claire Hitch

Had lost his form so an 8l fifth at Worcester in September (2m, good) got him back on track to some extent; others still preferred.

16/1

5th

3

11th Sep 2024

Good

2m 0f 110y

Class 5

16:03 Worcester

Holerday Ridge

11st 7lb

J: Mr Robbie David

T: Claire Hitch

Quickly lost his form after winning at Ffos Las (2m3f, good) in spring 2023 and has been pulled up on both appearances this season; drops back in trip with huge amount to prove; considered only if lively in betting.

33/1

Form: /U214- CD

Last run: 257 days

W: 10st 8lb

12 yo Gelding

OR: 85

Form & Verdict
C&D winner last summer off 4lb lower and that was a narrow success; fared less well after 81 days off at Exeter and now returns from another break; others safer on debut for another new trainer.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12

25th Jun 2024

Good

2m 4f 216y

Class 5

15:30 Newton Abbot

Scrumpy Boy

10st 8lb

J: Harry Kimber

T: Mitchell Hunt

C&D winner last summer off 4lb lower and that was a narrow success; fared less well after 81 days off at Exeter and now returns from another break; others safer on debut for another new trainer.

25/1

4th

7

12th Oct 2023

Good To Firm

2m 3f 48y

Class 5

16:35 Exeter

Scrumpy Boy

10st 9lb

J: Harry Kimber

T: Alexandra Dunn

Wouldn't want much rain but has turned a corner on his last couple of runs and the front two were nicely on top when edging home at Newton Abbot (2m5f, good) in July; suffered a wound on his leg which would explain the subsequent break; 5lb higher.

3/1

1st

5

23rd Jul 2023

Good

2m 4f 216y

Class 5

17:10 Newton Abbot

Scrumpy Boy

10st 11lb

J: Harry Kimber

T: Keiran Burke

Scored over C&D last year and looked back in good form when second at Stratford (2m6f, good) last month; probably won't be favoured by the forecast rain here but, otherwise, he's a contender.

5/1

Form: 7P37-2 D

Last run: 49 days

W: 10st 2lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 73

Form & Verdict
6lb out of the weights but that was also the case when suffering a narrow defeat at Fakenham (2m5f, good); however, this is a deeper race than that.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

5

20th Oct 2025

Good

2m 3f 166y

Class 5

14:40 Plumpton

Noahs Light

10st 2lb

J: Harry Kimber

T: Richenda Ford

Won off a lowly mark at Newton Abbot (2m5f, good to soft) in summer 2024, but his form this spring was not particularly inspiring and he's 8lb out of the weights on this first appearance in five months.

20/1

5th

9

25th May 2025

Good

2m 3f 104y

Class 5

16:43 Fontwell

Noahs Light

10st 2lb

J: Dylan Johnston

T: Richenda Ford

Won at Newton Abbot (2m5f, good to soft) last summer and ended last season with two fairly respectable runs, latterly when sixth in C&D race won by Millies Mite one month ago, but is out of the weights again today.

20/1

5th

9

25th May 2025

Good

2m 3f 104y

Class 5

16:43 Fontwell

Noahs Light

10st 2lb

J: Dylan Johnston

T: Richenda Ford

Won at Newton Abbot (2m5f, good to soft) last summer and ended last season with two fairly respectable runs, latterly when sixth in C&D race won by Millies Mite one month ago, but is out of the weights again today.

20/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £62.40
Straight Forecast £64.01
Tricast £835.50
Trifecta £664.50

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Belgarum

TOPSPEED:

Imperial Joe

The Guardian:

American Gerry

Telegraph:

Imperial Pride

The Star:

Icare Grandchamp

RP RATINGS:

Belgarum

POSTDATA:

Belgarum

WEST COUNTRY:

Belgarum

The Times:

Belgarum

D Express:

Belgarum

Daily Mirror:

Belgarum

Daily Record:

Belgarum

The Sun:

Imperial Joe

Daily Mail:

American Gerry