December 20 / 14.50 Ludlow

14.50

Good To Soft

Tanners Champagne Handicap Chase (GBB Race)

  • Prize money: £13070.4
  • 1m 7f 212y
  • Class 2
  • 9 runners
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Tanners Champagne Handicap Chase (GBB Race)

Runners: 9 runners

Type: Chase Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Showers

Form: 545-P1 CD

Last run: 29 days

W: 10st 4lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 115

Form & Verdict
Jumped poorly throughout before pulling up at Fontwell and when bouncing straight back from that over C&D, he was effectively left with nothing to beat after both his rivals blundered away their chances; 5lb higher in this much better race and he's done all his winning on soft ground.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

6

22nd Dec 2023

Heavy

2m 4f 0y

Class 4

13:40 Uttoxeter

Desque De LIsle

11st 2lb

J: Ned Fox

T: Venetia Williams

Raced mainly at around 2m but returned to form with clearcut success when upped to 2m4f at Lingfield (good to soft) 11 days ago and is now 6-20 over fences; escapes a penalty here (due a 5lb rise) and ought to cope with the slower ground; obvious contender.

11/10

1st

4

11th Dec 2023

Good To Soft

2m 4f 0y

Class 4

14:35 Lingfield

Desque De LIsle

11st 3lb

J: Ned Fox

T: Venetia Williams

Yard had good record with chasers here in recent years and won today's race in 2021 but this one rarely runs beyond 2m and well below his best in two runs this season; has stamina to prove on first 2m4f run.

7/2

4th

5

27th Nov 2023

Good To Soft

1m 7f 212y

Class 3

14:50 Ludlow

Desque De LIsle

10st 10lb

J: Charlie Deutsch

T: Venetia Williams

10yo who is not easy to predict but he shaped as though he needed the run at Huntingdon on his recent return and he's 2-3 over C&D, including a win in this race (off 3lb higher) last year; looks interesting back at this track and he's in the mix for in-form yard.

11/4

Form: 241P-4 D

Last run: 24 days

W: 11st 3lb

11 yo Gelding

OR: 128

Form & Verdict
Veteran who has been rated way higher in the past and he's 3lb lower than for his Doncaster win in March (2m, soft; fine on drier); that's his only success in his last 14 outings and his efforts either side of it have been worryingly below par.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

2

8th May 2023

Good

2m 0f 110y

Class 3

13:45 Worcester

Bun Doran

11st 13lb

J: Tom Bellamy

T: Tom George

Won off 1lb lower at Sandown (1m7f, good) in February and evidently retains significant ability as a 12yo but became very inconsistent last season and needs to bounce back quickly from a lacklustre effort two weeks ago.

12/1

4

24th Apr 2023

Good

2m 2f 0y

Class 3

18:55 Kempton

Bun Doran

11st 9lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Tom George

towards rear

12/1

3rd

6

30th Mar 2023

Good To Soft

2m 0f 54y

Class 3

15:35 Warwick

Bun Doran

11st 5lb

J: Jonathan Burke

T: Tom George

held up in rear, got behind after 1st, headway 7th, pushed along 4 out, ridden and outpaced before 2 out, went third run-in

8/1

Form: 123-42 D

Last run: 25 days

W: 11st 10lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 135

Form & Verdict
Returned to 2m4f at Newbury last month he posed no threat to an impressive winner but still ran okay; won over this trip as a hurdler but his sole chase success came over 2m3f so could be vulnerable to sharper types here; still expected to run well.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

17

4th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 203y

Class 2

15:20 Haydock

The Widdow Maker

10st 5lb

J: Dylan Johnston

T: Joe Tizzard

Won in a small field at Exeter (2m3f, good) last March before 17l sixth in this race (good); he's run well in defeat on both starts this season but needs something extra if he's to come out on top today.

14/1

3rd

7

30th Oct 2025

Good To Soft

2m 3f 98y

Class 3

14:47 Stratford

The Widdow Maker

10st 11lb

J: Freddie Gingell

T: Joe Tizzard

Returned to form with small-field win at Exeter (2m3f, good) in March, his third run after a long absence; only 1lb higher here but he wasn't at his best in veterans' series final at Haydock in April and may not be one to rely upon heavily nowadays.

10/1

7

30th Oct 2025

Good To Soft

2m 3f 98y

Class 3

14:47 Stratford

The Widdow Maker

10st 11lb

J: Freddie Gingell

T: Joe Tizzard

Returned to form with small-field win at Exeter (2m3f, good) in March, his third run after a long absence; only 1lb higher here but he wasn't at his best in veterans' series final at Haydock in April and may not be one to rely upon heavily nowadays.

10/1

Form: 2112-5 D

Last run: 193 days

W: 12st 0lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 139

Form & Verdict
Front-runner who won two small-field chases last season at Hereford (good/soft) but the handicapper might now be in charge, for all that he wasn't seen to best effect when unable to dominate on his final run at Newton Abbot in June; able when fresh but will need career-best form to win this.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

4

16th May 2025

Good

2m 3f 200y

Class 3

17:45 Aintree

Prince Escalus

11st 4lb

J: Kevin Brogan

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

Missed most of last season but returned from nine-month break with quite encouraging third (albeit well held in the end) at Perth (2m, good to soft) last month; on a good mark and will also be suited by today's trip-and-ground combination; contender if that recent outing has brought him on.

9/2

4th

4

16th May 2025

Good

2m 3f 200y

Class 3

17:45 Aintree

Prince Escalus

11st 4lb

J: Kevin Brogan

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

Missed most of last season but returned from nine-month break with quite encouraging third (albeit well held in the end) at Perth (2m, good to soft) last month; on a good mark and will also be suited by today's trip-and-ground combination; contender if that recent outing has brought him on.

9/2

3rd

4

23rd Apr 2025

Good

2m 0f 0y

Class 3

15:48 Perth

Prince Escalus

11st 8lb

J: Jonjo O’Neill Jr

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

Absent since below-par effort in the 2024 Summer Plate and hasn't won for over two years; however, he's well treated on best form and market support should be noted.

10/1

OUR TIP

Form: 482P-4 C

Last run: 52 days

W: 11st 10lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 135

Form & Verdict
Useful dual-purpose performer who, had he kept straight on the run-in, might have won this 12 months ago off a 6lb higher mark; beaten 15l in the end at Ascot (2m1f, good) last time but he was bang there until backing out late on and that was in a stronger handicap than this; had wind surgery since; big player.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

4

16th Jun 2023

Good

2m 0f 103y

Class 3

19:35 Aintree

Gumball

11st 6lb

J: Miss Fern O’Brien

T: Fergal O’Brien

Wasn't in the best of form in second half of last season; on a fair mark now, but others stronger.

9/1

8th

2

19th Apr 2023

Good To Soft

2m 0f 179y

Class 3

17:00 Cheltenham

Gumball

11st 13lb

J: Miss Fern O’Brien

T: Fergal O’Brien

A case can be made on plenty of his form, but he didn't impress with his finishing effort in handicap chases at Ascot or Ludlow before finishing well held on the AW and again back over hurdles a month ago.

25/1

6th

1

13th Mar 2023

Good To Soft

2m 0f 70y

Class 3

15:15 Stratford

Gumball

12st 2lb

J: Miss Fern O’Brien

T: Fergal O’Brien

A case can be made on plenty of his form, but he didn't impress with his finishing effort in handicap chases at Ascot or Ludlow before finishing well held on the AW; reservations.

5/1

Form: U3315P D

Last run: 43 days

W: 10st 5lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 116

Form & Verdict
Didn't lead as usual when ultimately pulled up at Kempton last month; did win his previous chase start at Worcester in August (2m, good) off 4lb lower but just three ran that day and, with competition for the lead seemingly assured, he'll do well to win this.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

13th Feb 2023

Good

2m 0f 214y

Class 4

14:00 Plumpton

Peterborough

11st 11lb

J: Adam Wedge

T: Evan Williams

Five chase wins, the latest off 1lb lower at Worcester (2m, good) last summer; ended last year with two very laboured efforts but combination of better ground and ease in grade may enable him to get more competitive here; cheekpieces (left off last time) are back on.

12/1

6th

8

20th Dec 2022

Good To Soft

1m 7f 212y

Class 2

14:50 Ludlow

Peterborough

10st 5lb

J: Adam Wedge

T: Evan Williams

Didn't lead as usual when ultimately pulled up at Kempton last month; did win his previous chase start at Worcester in August (2m, good) off 4lb lower but just three ran that day and, with competition for the lead seemingly assured, he'll do well to win this.

25/1

Form: 83-UFP D

Last run: 46 days

W: 12st 0lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 139

Form & Verdict
Useful on his day when with Joseph O'Brien but jumping issues remain after making race-ending mistakes in his two handicaps for this yard during the summer and again he blundered early in the Haldon Gold Cup; he should know better after 26 runs over fences and, even with a clear round, others may have his measure.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

1

25th Mar 2025

Good

2m 0f 104y

Class 5

15:35 Taunton

Us And Them

12st 0lb

J: Charlie Hammond

T: Joe Ponting

prominent, weakened before 2 out

50/1

5

21st Feb 2025

Soft

2m 3f 0y

Class 4

15:40 Warwick

Us And Them

11st 10lb

J: Charlie Hammond

T: Joe Ponting

Smart chaser in his prime but absent since 38l defeat on stable debut at Sedgefield in November 2023; reverts to hurdling on a very tempting mark but it takes a leap of faith to support him.

33/1

5th

1

16th Nov 2023

Soft

2m 3f 65y

Class 4

13:25 Sedgefield

Us And Them

12st 0lb

J: Danny McMenamin

T: Joe Ponting

Had some smart form over fences when trained by Joseph O'Brien including when runner-up in the 2019 Arkle, but not at the same level now and was last seen finishing third of five in a claiming hurdle for Alan Jones at Fakenham (2m, good to soft) in March; makes his debut for another new yard after eight months off and lots to prove.

14/1

Form: 6UF-PP CD

Last run: 11 days

W: 11st 10lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 135

Form & Verdict
Multiple winner but not in the last 17 months and he comes here after four non-completions; too well handicapped to completely ignore but clearly has much to prove at the minute.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

0

3

13th Nov 2023

Good

2m 4f 110y

Class 2

14:25 Kempton

Hatcher

11st 6lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

Prolific winner (mostly at around 2m on good ground) and fine servant to connections over the years; not as good as he was and didn't run very well on latest outing in September, but should be fine over today's trip and his spring form puts him in the mix.

4/1

4th

4

18th Sep 2023

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 2

14:40 Worcester

Hatcher

10st 11lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

held up in rear, headway before 4 out, outpaced before 3 out, no impression from 2 out

7/1

Form: 21-4F3 D

Last run: 24 days

W: 11st 3lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 128

Form & Verdict
Back on his last winning mark but he was an early faller on his return to chasing at Ascot and then ran flat at Newbury (2m, good) when beaten a distance into third; that effort casts plenty of doubt.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7

25th Mar 2023

Good To Soft

2m 0f 92y

Class 3

16:25 Newbury

Monsieur Lecoq

11st 4lb

J: David Noonan

T: Jane Williams

Now 8lb lower than when winning over C&D last March but he's having a ragged season and not sure his second to easy winner Family Business represented a return to form; others appeal more.

11/2

2nd

1

19th Feb 2023

Good To Firm

2m 0f 92y

Class 3

16:10 Newbury

Monsieur Lecoq

11st 13lb

J: Ciaran Gethings

T: Jane Williams

C&D winner last March (good to soft) off a 5lb higher mark but he was an early faller on his return to chasing at Ascot, then ran flat back here (good) and ran no race at all at Ludlow; has lots to prove all of a sudden and is unraced on ground faster than good.

2/1

6

20th Dec 2022

Good To Soft

1m 7f 212y

Class 2

14:50 Ludlow

Monsieur Lecoq

11st 3lb

J: Ciaran Gethings

T: Jane Williams

Back on his last winning mark but he was an early faller on his return to chasing at Ascot and then ran flat at Newbury (2m, good) when beaten a distance into third; that effort casts plenty of doubt.

12/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Straight Forecast £41.85
Tricast £139.07

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Gumball

RP Ratings:

Desque De L'Isle

POSTDATA:

The Widdow Maker

TOPSPEED:

Bun Doran

Daily Mirror:

The Widdow Maker

Daily Record:

The Widdow Maker

WEST COUNTRY:

Gumball

The Times:

Gumball

Daily Mail:

Gumball

The Sun:

Gumball

Telegraph:

Desque De L'Isle

The Guardian:

Desque De L'Isle

D Express:

Desque De L'Isle

The Star:

Desque De L'Isle