13.50
GoodAIS December Gold Cup Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap) (GBB Race)
- Prize money: £74035
- 2m 4f 127y
- Class 1
- 15 runners
Runners: 15 runners
Type: Chase Turf
Surface: Turf
Weather: Rain and snow
Abandoned
Form: 4341-U CD BF
Last run: 28 days
W: 12st 0lb
7 yo Gelding
OR: 150
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
7th 1 |
4th May 2026 Good 3m 5f 24y Class 3 |
12st 2lb |
Well beaten all five starts last season, the last three times in valuable chases for new stable since February; plummeting down the weights and will appreciate this ease in grade but needs a revival. |
33/1 |
|
10 |
18th Apr 2026 Soft 3m 7f 176y Class 1 |
11st 2lb |
Seemingly nothing like the force of old; not proven beyond 3m either, with heavy defeats on his only two attempts at 3m1f or 3m2f; the former was on latest start when beaten 46l at 150-1 in the Ultima at Cheltenham and all this season's form suggests he will be a big outsider again. |
100/1 |
Abandoned
Form: P252-7 CD
Last run: 28 days
W: 11st 13lb
9 yo Gelding
OR: 149
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
5th 1 |
1st Dec 2023 Good To Soft 3m 0f 52y Class 2 |
12st 0lb |
First hurdle race for exactly five years; still a smart chaser as recently as April 2022 and reappearance last November was respectable, before one heavy defeat and an early unseat (the latter when trying headgear); too well handicapped to be discounted entirely but his stamina is unproven beyond 2m4f, after two attempts in 3m1f Grade 2 chases two winters back. |
40/1 |
|
5 |
28th Jan 2023 Soft 2m 4f 127y Class 1 |
11st 5lb |
Has some good form at this track, notably wins on this card and in the Plate in 2020 (for previous yard); below best in two races here this term but has possibilities if taking well to first-time headgear. |
16/1 |
|
9th 4 |
1st Jan 2023 Good 2m 4f 127y Class 1 |
11st 8lb |
Has good form at this track, notably Plate win in 2020 (off this mark; for previous yard) and second in this contest last year; however, finished behind some of these rivals in the Paddy Power seven weeks ago and got trounced by Stolen Silver last April; opposed judged on those efforts. |
16/1 |
Abandoned
Form: 2142-3
Last run: 36 days
W: 11st 12lb
7 yo Gelding
OR: 148
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2 |
20th Oct 2025 Good 2m 3f 166y Class 3 |
11st 11lb |
Very useful chaser in his prime but last month's hurdling win at Fontwell (2m5f, good) came off a hugely reduced handicap mark and it's not easy to predict whether his revival will gather momentum. |
4/1 |
|
1st 2 |
22nd Sep 2025 Good To Soft 2m 5f 164y Class 4 |
12st 0lb |
Has been through a quiet spell but he ran respectably when fourth at Worcester (2m4f, good; tongue-tie refitted) last time; likely to need more. |
13/2 |
|
6 |
5th Sep 2025 Good 2m 4f 0y Class 4 |
11st 6lb |
Very useful chaser in his prime but this year's efforts, in three hurdles and a chase, make him tough to recommend. |
14/1 |
Abandoned
Form: 2243-3
Last run: 21 days
W: 11st 10lb
7 yo Gelding
OR: 146
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
7th Dec 2024 Good To Soft 3m 0f 45y Class 3 |
12st 1lb |
prominent, disputed lead 7th, led 10th |
14/1 |
|
1 |
7th Dec 2024 Good To Soft 3m 0f 45y Class 3 |
12st 1lb |
prominent, disputed lead 7th, led 10th |
14/1 |
|
7th 5 |
13th Nov 2024 Good To Soft 2m 3f 123y Class 2 |
11st 6lb |
Returned to form and won four-runner chase in first-time cheekpieces in February but was pulled up on consecutive outings in the spring (hurdle/chase) and has done all his winning on soft/heavy ground; others preferred. |
16/1 |
Abandoned
Form: 126333 D
Last run: 28 days
W: 11st 9lb
8 yo Gelding
OR: 145
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
12th 1 |
6th Aug 2023 Good 2m 2f 54y |
11st 12lb |
slowly away, in rear |
13/2 |
|
1st 1 |
21st Jul 2023 Yielding 2m 1f 0y |
11st 12lb |
Put up a career best when runner-up in a Listed chase at Ballinrobe in May but blotted his copybook when refusing to race in a Grade 3 last time; new headgear combination now tried and while he's potentially risky, he also looks feasibly treated. |
4/1 |
|
10 |
6th Jul 2023 Good To Yielding 2m 0f 0y |
11st 1lb |
refused to race |
6/1 |
Abandoned
Form: 239-24
Last run: 21 days
W: 11st 5lb
7 yo Gelding
OR: 141
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
14 |
5th Apr 2025 Good To Soft 3m 0f 210y Class 1 |
10st 4lb |
10yo who won when upped to an extended 2m7f at Newcastle (good) in November and ran well when 10l second at Kempton (3m, good to soft) next time; however, below par at Doncaster (3m, good) subsequently and pulled up at Cheltenham (3m1f, good to soft) last month; needs to get back on track. |
33/1 |
|
14 |
5th Apr 2025 Good To Soft 3m 0f 210y Class 1 |
10st 4lb |
10yo who won when upped to an extended 2m7f at Newcastle (good) in November and ran well when 10l second at Kempton (3m, good to soft) next time; however, below par at Doncaster (3m, good) subsequently and pulled up at Cheltenham (3m1f, good to soft) last month; needs to get back on track. |
33/1 |
|
20 |
11th Mar 2025 Good To Soft 3m 1f 0y Class 1 |
10st 10lb |
10yo who was below par at Doncaster (3m, good) last time but had previously enjoyed a new lease of life following a step up in trip, winning at Newcastle (2m7f, good) then runner-up at Kempton (3m, good to soft); has a consistent record at Cheltenham and he's an each-way possible if back to form. |
50/1 |
Abandoned
Form: 252-21 D
Last run: 20 days
W: 11st 4lb
7 yo Gelding
OR: 140
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
3rd 1 |
1st Apr 2026 Good 3m 0f 60y Class 4 |
12st 0lb |
Two small-field wins around 3m on good in the autumn; went off the boil subsequently but very much back on his game when second of 11 at Chepstow 17 days ago; raised 5lb for pulling clear of the rest but it looks justified given the third was successful back at Chepstow last week. |
6/4 |
|
2nd 3 |
15th Mar 2026 Soft 2m 7f 136y Class 4 |
11st 11lb |
Two small-field wins in the autumn but his form has dipped and he was last to complete at Huntingdon most recently (2m7f, heavy). |
16/1 |
Abandoned
Form: 113U-1 D
Last run: 30 days
W: 11st 4lb
7 yo Mare
OR: 140
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
16th May 2025 Good 3m 0f 210y Class 2 |
12st 0lb |
Smart mare who ended 2023-24 season in career-best form, winning Sandown Grade 2 (2m6f, good); not much went to plan last term but she was going well until bad jumping error knocked the stuffing out of her in last month's Topham over the big fences here and she remains well handicapped. |
4/1 |
|
1 |
16th May 2025 Good 3m 0f 210y Class 2 |
12st 0lb |
Smart mare who ended 2023-24 season in career-best form, winning Sandown Grade 2 (2m6f, good); not much went to plan last term but she was going well until bad jumping error knocked the stuffing out of her in last month's Topham over the big fences here and she remains well handicapped. |
4/1 |
|
38 |
5th Apr 2025 Good To Soft 4m 2f 74y Class 1 |
10st 3lb
|
Pulled up in the 3m2f Kim Muir at Cheltenham last month in first-time cheekpieces, which leaves her stamina beyond 3m unproven, although it was not the trip which accounted for her poor show there (following two solid efforts); second over these fences in the 2023 Topham, sixth in it last year and she's due to have another crack at that race on Friday. |
80/1 |
Abandoned
Form: P383-4
Last run: 28 days
W: 11st 3lb
5 yo Gelding
OR: 139
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
5 |
17th Apr 2026 Soft 2m 4f 110y Class 2 |
11st 2lb |
9yo who hasn't been at his best this season but there have been signs of spark and he failed to stay 3m2f when well beaten at the Cheltenham Festival last time; continues to drop down the weights and could be in the shake-up back down in trip and in grade. |
9/1 |
|
15th 6 |
12th Mar 2026 Good To Soft 3m 2f 70y Class 2 |
11st 7lb |
Two-time course winner (2m4f, soft/good) who, having dropped down the weights, returned to form when second here on New Year's Day (2m4f, good; albeit no match for the winner); however, he doesn't appear to be crying out for the step up in trip; faded over 3m in February 2024. |
25/1 |
|
3 |
12th Oct 2025 Good To Firm 2m 3f 98y Class 2 |
11st 7lb |
Cheltenham regular who looked as good as ever when winning Paddy Power Gold Cup there (2m4f, good) last November; only 1lb higher today but seemed in need of the run when reappearing in this event last season and perhaps this race will again tee him up for Cheltenham next month. |
3/1 |
Abandoned
Form: 453-U5
Last run: 29 days
W: 10st 12lb
11 yo Gelding
OR: 134
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
4th 4 |
27th May 2023 Good 3m 1f 107y Class 3 |
11st 7lb |
Smart at his best but hasn't won since 2020, and completed only one of four races during light campaign last season; had excuse when pulled up at Sandown in February (scoped dirty) but others look less risky. |
14/1 |
|
8 |
4th Feb 2023 Good To Soft 3m 0f 37y Class 2 |
11st 5lb |
always towards rear |
40/1 |
|
9 |
7th Jan 2023 Soft 3m 0f 37y Class 2 |
11st 5lb |
His peak ratings, including from two runs last winter, make this look a very good mark and a case can certainly be made; however, he's won only once (February 2020) in the last four years. |
33/1 |
Abandoned
Form: 1448-2
Last run: 29 days
W: 10st 11lb
7 yo Gelding
OR: 133
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
5th 6 |
15th Apr 2026 Good 2m 3f 203y Class 1 |
11st 2lb |
No win since late 2023 and he hasn't got a lot going this season; he had run well but looked on the retreat when unseating in Outlaw Peter's race here 11 days ago (visor replaced usual cheekpieces). |
12/1 |
|
5 |
4th Apr 2026 Good To Soft 2m 3f 203y Class 2 |
11st 5lb |
Winless since December 2023 and hasn't posed a serious threat this season; however, he was best of the rest behind easy winner Guard Your Dreams at Warwick (2m4f, heavy) last time and continues to drop down the weights; handles various ground; not ruled out in first-time visor (replacing cheekpieces). |
8/1 |
|
2nd 3 |
7th Feb 2026 Soft 2m 4f 0y Class 2 |
11st 5lb |
Quirky customer who is without a win since December 2023 and has become frustrating; that said, he ran well for a long way in a valuable Ascot handicap (2m5f, soft) three weeks ago and is another 4lb lower here. |
15/2 |
Abandoned
Form: 42-496 D
Last run: 14 days
W: 10st 10lb
7 yo Gelding
OR: 132
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
4th 5 |
12th May 2024 Good 3m 1f 152y Class 4 |
11st 2lb |
raced in last |
11/2 |
|
4th 5 |
12th May 2024 Good 3m 1f 152y Class 4 |
11st 2lb |
raced in last |
11/2 |
|
3rd 5 |
2nd Apr 2024 Soft 2m 7f 171y Class 3 |
11st 2lb |
Raced mainly at around 2m4f and is on the downgrade now; went close off his much-reduced mark in four-runner race at Plumpton (3m1f, soft) in January but safely held twice since; formerly trained by Milton Harris/Anthony Charlton; now with Hariet Dickin; others preferred. |
7/1 |
Abandoned
Form: /332-3 BF
Last run: 43 days
W: 10st 10lb
7 yo Gelding
OR: 132
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
6th 10 |
21st Mar 2026 Good To Soft 2m 4f 189y Class 2 |
10st 12lb |
11yo who has a poor strike-rate and isn't the force of old but, following a wind op, he returned to form with a clear, close second in a first-time visor (retained) at Ayr (2m4f, soft) a fortnight ago; also effective on good to soft; in the mix if backing up that latest run, despite 6lb rise. |
20/1 |
|
2nd 9 |
6th Mar 2026 Soft 2m 4f 100y Class 4 |
11st 2lb |
Useful in his prime but has been out of form since returning from long absence for new stable in the autumn; needs combination of wind surgery and first-time visor to prompt a revival. |
20/1 |
|
8th 8 |
29th Jan 2026 Good To Soft 2m 4f 100y Class 4 |
11st 0lb |
Veteran who has tumbled down the weights but his last win was in 2020 and he's been well held in three runs for new yard this winter; has something to prove and he needs a transformation with cheekpieces added |
20/1 |
Abandoned
Form: PP-358 C
Last run: 28 days
W: 10st 10lb
9 yo Gelding
OR: 132
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
3rd 1 |
18th Jun 2024 Good 2m 6f 125y Class 4 |
12st 2lb |
Has performed well in some valuable handicaps over the years but has seen little action in recent times and needs to stage a revival; front runs. |
10/1 |
Abandoned
Form: F36-25 D
Last run: 28 days
W: 10st 6lb
9 yo Gelding
OR: 128
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
3rd 4 |
13th Nov 2023 Good 2m 4f 110y Class 2 |
11st 4lb |
Without a win since 2019 and no longer the force of old but has often performed with credit in major races; probably didn't have race run to suit when close fifth on last month's seasonal debut (developed into a sprint) and has slipped to a very attractive mark; cheekpieces refitted. |
3/1 |
|
5th 7 |
18th Oct 2023 Good 2m 3f 85y Class 3 |
10st 12lb |
chased clear leader, headway before 5th, lost ground before 2 out, not fluent last, weakened gradually run-in |
6/1 |
|
5th 12 |
19th Apr 2023 Good To Soft 2m 4f 127y Class 1 |
10st 11lb |
held up in rear, ridden after 4 out, stayed on run-in, never dangerous |
9/1 |
Verdict
Judged on his point/hurdles form, this first attempt in a double-figure field over rules fences may well enable the consistent COCONUT SPLASH to open his chase account. Off a handy mark and relatively low weight he’s interesting in this suitable-looking scenario. Second choice is Fantastic Lady, an improving mare who has some strong form and is ahead of the assessor. Il Ridoto holds obvious claims, as the early betting suggests, while Deyrann De Carjac ties in closely with that rival on Paddy Power running. Stolen Silver and War Lord remain of interest, while a few others also have possibilities in a typically warm race of its type.[Steve Boow]
Selections
Telegraph:
Stolen SilverRP Ratings:
Simply The BettsLAMBOURN:
Fantastic LadySPOTLIGHT:
Coconut Splash