November 12 / 13.53 Wetherby

13.53

Good To Soft

Grahame Suttle & Steve Currer, Racing Forever Handicap Chase

  • Prize money: £6861.96
  • 2m 3f 85y
  • Class 3
  • 10 runners
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Grahame Suttle & Steve Currer, Racing Forever Handicap Chase

Runners: 10 runners

Type: Chase Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Partly cloudy

9/2 (Won)

  • Win: £4.50
  • Place: £1.50

Form: 25112- D

Last run: 228 days

W: 11st 11lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 134

Form & Verdict
Prone to making mistakes; that didn't stop him winning two in a row early this year (2m4f, soft/good to soft) and finishing second of four at Uttoxeter (2m4f, good to soft) in March last time out; his jumping is a concern but he has potential off this mark if minimising the blunders.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

1

21st Jun 2024

Good

2m 5f 89y

Class 3

15:55 Market Rasen

Karl Philippe

12st 0lb

J: Jack Hogan

T: Fergal O’Brien

Back on track with two good runs at Kempton (3m, good) this spring, the latter a win; probably still on a workable mark after 5lb rise but didn't find much at business end at Perth recently; now sports cheekpieces.

10/1

4th

3

9th Jun 2024

Good

2m 7f 180y

Class 2

15:42 Perth

Karl Philippe

11st 4lb

J: Jack Hogan

T: Fergal O’Brien

pressed leader, led before 6th, headed just before 13th, hit 13th, lost position before 3 out

4/1

1st

2

6th May 2024

Good

3m 0f 0y

Class 3

16:05 Kempton

Karl Philippe

12st 0lb

J: Jack Hogan

T: Fergal O’Brien

jumped slightly right throughout, led, raced in second when headed 2nd, ridden after 3 out, pressed leader 2 out, led narrowly last

7/2

14/1

  • Place: £2.90

Form: PP8P-6 D

Last run: 28 days

W: 11st 10lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 133

Form & Verdict
He's fully 12lb lower than when a good second at Cheltenham (2m4f, good to soft) last December but he's struggled over fences and hurdles since; major turnaround required in first-time blinkers.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12th

6

2nd Dec 2023

Good To Soft

3m 1f 214y

Class 1

14:50 Newbury

Zanza

10st 13lb

J: Micheal Nolan

T: Philip Hobbs & Johnson White

Tailed off over hurdles here on final run last season and same story on last month's return; something to prove regarding current form but chasing is his game nowadays and he has an excellent record here, including a convincing win in the Grade 2 Denman Chase in February (2m7f, good); on a handy mark on that form and could go well at his favourite track now back over fences.

16/1

10th

3

9th Nov 2023

Good To Soft

3m 0f 52y

Class 2

14:25 Newbury

Zanza

11st 9lb

J: Micheal Nolan

T: Philip Hobbs & Johnson White

His last five wins have been here, in two handicap hurdles and three chases (the latest a Grade 2); soft ground was an excuse when disappointing on his return to hurdling (now rated 16lb higher over fences) here in March and he's a feasible contender.

12/1

7th

1

24th Mar 2023

Good To Soft

3m 0f 52y

Class 3

15:10 Newbury

Zanza

12st 0lb

J: Micheal Nolan

T: Philip Hobbs & Johnson White

His last five wins have been here, in two handicap hurdles and three chases (the latest a Grade 2 over nearly 3m in February; beat Ryanair third Hitman off level weights); struggled off his new/harsh mark back here over 2m4f but perhaps this is more his trip these days and he returns to hurdling off 16lb lower.

11/2

11/1

  • Place: £3.70

Form: 92214- D

Last run: 205 days

W: 11st 4lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 127

Form & Verdict
He had a mixed campaign last season and was well beaten in April when last seen, but he won twice (2m3f/2m4f, good to soft/good) and returns on a competitive mark; can go well fresh and is not ruled out.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

4

29th Jun 2025

Soft

3m 1f 107y

Class 5

17:05 Cartmel

The King Of May

11st 6lb

J: Harry Reed

T: Tristan Davidson

5-30 over fences, his latest win coming off 1lb lower here (2m5f, soft) last July; still has to prove his stamina, but he ran well for a long way on his stable debut/return from 253 days off at Hexham (3m, good to soft) 15 days ago; could go well.

7/1

4th

5

14th Jun 2025

Good

3m 0f 41y

Class 5

17:28 Hexham

The King Of May

11st 8lb

J: Robert Dunne

T: Tristan Davidson

Won off a much reduced mark at Cartmel (2m5f, soft) last summer but didn't go on from there and this 11yo has been out for a while.

14/1

5th

3

4th Oct 2024

Good

2m 4f 15y

Class 5

17:15 Hexham

The King Of May

11st 8lb

J: Craig Nichol

T: Brian Ellison

in touch with leaders

10/1

Form: 22511-

Last run: 291 days

W: 11st 9lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 132

Form & Verdict
Made it 2-4 over fences when winning on final two starts last season (2m, good to soft/good); he's in a much tougher race on this reappearance but he should be fine now back up in trip and his in-form trainer has an excellent record at Wetherby.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

5

21st Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 0f 92y

Class 3

16:10 Newbury

Xcitations

11st 2lb

J: Robert Dunne

T: Pam Sly

Grand servant for the yard with eight wins (six over fences) and he showed he was no back number when second of four at Leicester (2m, soft; handles good) in February; took the wrong course last time; has form here and should be thereabouts.

7/1

1

9th Mar 2026

Soft

2m 0f 213y

Class 4

14:50 Stratford

Xcitations

12st 1lb

J: Jack Andrews

T: Pam Sly

Grand servant for the yard with eight wins (six over fences); showed he was no back number when second of four in returning cheekpieces (left off here) at Leicester (2m, soft) 13 days ago; should run his race.

9/4

2nd

2

24th Feb 2026

Heavy

1m 7f 201y

Class 4

15:50 Leicester

Xcitations

12st 0lb

J: Paul O’Brien

T: Pam Sly

Veteran who achieved nothing at Uttoxeter on reappearance but may be back in better form with that outing under his belt; gained last three wins at Sandown but he's 1-1 at Leicester.

4/1

Form: 165P-4

Last run: 30 days

W: 11st 5lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 128

Form & Verdict
Won off 1lb higher over hurdles at Haydock (3m, soft) in January and he was an encouraging fourth when back over fences for his second chase start on last month's reappearance at Carlisle (3m, good); could build on that at some point but this drop back in trip isn't an obvious plus.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9

16th Jan 2025

Good To Soft

3m 0f 150y

Class 3

15:10 Wincanton

Small Present

10st 13lb

J: Ben Godfrey

T: Anthony Honeyball

midfield, pushed along from 6th, towards rear after 7th, lost touch after 9th, pulled up after 3 out

16/1

Form: 15623-

Last run: 237 days

W: 11st 13lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 136

Form & Verdict
Won French 4yo Listed chase in April 2021; unproven on good/good to soft ground and there have been jumping issues when tailed off on two of his three British starts, but in between those he was a good second at Newbury (2m6f, soft) in February and that form puts him firmly in the picture.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

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

16/1

Form: 112517 D

Last run: 29 days

W: 11st 2lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 125

Form & Verdict
Has won four times this season (2m7f/3m, good); however, he's tackling a different trip here, and perhaps slower ground, and this may prove too competitive even if he can bounce back from his disappointing latest run.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

6

27th Feb 2024

Soft

2m 3f 66y

Class 5

14:20 Catterick

The Vollan

11st 9lb

J: Miss Ellie Callwood

T: L J Morgan

Regressive 10yo who is better known as a staying chaser now; didn't run badly when switched back to hurdling two starts ago (2m7f) and will appreciate today's ease in grade but younger rivals appeal more.

16/1

4th

6

24th Jan 2024

Soft

3m 1f 54y

Class 4

12:50 Catterick

The Vollan

10st 12lb

J: Lewis Dobb

T: L J Morgan

Ran some fair races over fences last autumn but this 10yo is nothing like as good as he was; well beaten back over hurdles last time and others have more going for them.

8/1

5th

6

6th Jan 2024

Soft

2m 7f 149y

Class 3

13:05 Newcastle

The Vollan

10st 11lb

J: Lewis Dobb

T: L J Morgan

10yo who isn't the force of old but ran some fair races over fences in the autumn, most recently third at Musselburgh (2m7f, soft); continues to edge down the weights and might not be far away if the return to hurdling isn't a problem (three wins in this sphere, which he last tackled in May 2022).

9/1

Form: 11112- D BF

Last run: 378 days

W: 10st 13lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 122

Form & Verdict
Completed a French four-timer (2m1f-2m3f, good-very soft) when winning on his chase debut last October; runner-up later that month and changed hands for 45,000euros last November; absent since but this 5yo has joined a good yard for his British career and could have a part to play.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

7

22nd Jan 2025

Good To Soft

3m 1f 54y

Class 5

14:08 Catterick

Batman For Ever

11st 2lb

J: Sam Coltherd

T: Stuart Coltherd

Ex-French; last April's win was in a point and he's 0-9 under rules in Britain; third of 13 in handicap at Uttoxeter (3m, good) last June on latest outing, which gives him a place chance if he's okay after the break.

5/1

7

22nd Jan 2025

Good To Soft

3m 1f 54y

Class 5

14:08 Catterick

Batman For Ever

11st 2lb

J: Sam Coltherd

T: Stuart Coltherd

Ex-French; last April's win was in a point and he's 0-9 under rules in Britain; third of 13 in handicap at Uttoxeter (3m, good) last June on latest outing, which gives him a place chance if he's okay after the break.

5/1

3rd

6

6th Jun 2024

Good

3m 0f 0y

Class 5

16:50 Uttoxeter

Batman For Ever

11st 3lb

J: Sam Coltherd

T: Stuart Coltherd

Won a 2m3f chase (soft) when trained by Guillaume Macaire; unable to replicate his French form for either Rebecca Menzies or Stuart Coltherd but did win a point for the latter in April; more needed back under rules.

9/1

Form: 44554-

Last run: 237 days

W: 10st 8lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 117

Form & Verdict
Well handicapped on his form up to April 2021 but he failed to shine last season and he needs to raise his game on this reappearance.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

3

6th Dec 2022

Good To Soft

2m 4f 189y

Class 4

15:25 Uttoxeter

Defi Sacre

11st 12lb

J: Brian Hughes

T: Richard Hobson

Five chase wins, the latest in March 2021 off 12lb higher; out of form last season and no sign of an imminent revival when tailed off on return at Wetherby 24 days ago; Brian Hughes keeps the faith but doubts for now.

9/1

9th

10

12th Nov 2022

Good To Soft

2m 3f 85y

Class 3

13:53 Wetherby

Defi Sacre

10st 8lb

J: Brian Hughes

T: Richard Hobson

midfield on outer, mistake and reminder 5th, ridden and struggling after 5 out, tailed off when eased after 4 out

12/1

OUR TIP

Form: 5131-5 D

Last run: 20 days

W: 12st 0lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 137

Form & Verdict
Two chase wins during last season's novice campaign (2m3f/2m4f, soft/good); no threat in the Old Roan Chase at Aintree on his reappearance but this lightly raced 6yo could have more to offer now back down in grade and with that outing under his belt.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

13th May 2024

Good

3m 1f 119y

Class 4

16:05 Hereford

Soldier Of Destiny

12st 2lb

J: Will Featherstone

T: Jamie Snowden

Quickly developed into useful chaser in early 2022 but has lost his way a bit since; disappointing odds-on favourite when bidding to exploit novice status over hurdles in December and reverts to this sphere after two non-completions over fences; needs good boost from first-time cheekpieces; suited by good and soft ground.

13/2

1

13th May 2024

Good

3m 1f 119y

Class 4

16:05 Hereford

Soldier Of Destiny

12st 2lb

J: Will Featherstone

T: Jamie Snowden

Quickly developed into useful chaser in early 2022 but has lost his way a bit since; disappointing odds-on favourite when bidding to exploit novice status over hurdles in December and reverts to this sphere after two non-completions over fences; needs good boost from first-time cheekpieces; suited by good and soft ground.

13/2

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £43.30
Straight Forecast £41.38
Tricast £548.95
Trifecta £399.20

Selections

WEST COUNTRY:

Karl Philippe

SPOTLIGHT:

Soldier Of Destiny

RP Ratings:

Zanza

D Express:

Xcitations

POSTDATA:

The Vollan

LAMBOURN:

Soldier Of Destiny

The Times:

Soldier Of Destiny

Telegraph:

Soldier Of Destiny

The Guardian:

Karl Philippe

Daily Mail:

Karl Philippe

Daily Mirror:

Karl Philippe

The Star:

Karl Philippe

Daily Record:

Karl Philippe

TOPSPEED:

Zanza