December 26 / 12.50 Newcastle

12.50

Good To Soft

Gary Wood Memorial Handicap Chase

  • Prize money: £4901.4
  • 2m 0f 75y
  • Class 5
  • 11 runners
SKY
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Gary Wood Memorial Handicap Chase

Runners: 11 runners

Type: Chase Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Partly cloudy

10/1 (Won)

  • Win: £6.00
  • Place: £2.00

Form: 342-55

Last run: 33 days

W: 12st 2lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 102

Form & Verdict
Largely consistent maiden in bumpers and over hurdles; has not improved for a switch to chasing this term but could prove competitive now dropped in grade off a reduced mark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

28th Dec 2024

Good

2m 3f 51y

Class 5

12:25 Catterick

Ritson

10st 10lb

J: Patrick Wadge

T: Liam Bailey

held up in rear, slow jump 4th

40/1

4

28th Dec 2024

Good

2m 3f 51y

Class 5

12:25 Catterick

Ritson

10st 10lb

J: Patrick Wadge

T: Liam Bailey

held up in rear, slow jump 4th

40/1

8/1

  • Place: £3.40

Form: 2F7F26 CD

Last run: 18 days

W: 11st 1lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 87

Form & Verdict
Below par back over hurdles here 18 days ago; best as a chaser and he was a ready winner off this mark over C&D (good) in February; respected on that basis.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

2

5th Apr 2025

Good

2m 4f 19y

Class 5

16:30 Newcastle

Six One Nine

11st 7lb

J: Sean Quinlan

T: Chris Grant

led at steady pace, headed before 7th

4/1

4th

2

5th Apr 2025

Good

2m 4f 19y

Class 5

16:30 Newcastle

Six One Nine

11st 7lb

J: Sean Quinlan

T: Chris Grant

led at steady pace, headed before 7th, no extra and lost second before 3 out, weakened quickly before 2 out

4/1

7

3rd Mar 2025

Good

2m 7f 91y

Class 4

16:30 Newcastle

Six One Nine

11st 0lb

J: Danny McMenamin

T: Chris Grant

Won all three starts at Newcastle (2m and 2m4f; good and heavy) between December and April last season and was back on track when close up here two starts ago; unseated since; didn't appear to want beyond 2m4f earlier in career but times may have changed now.

6/1

6/1

  • Place: £1.30

Form: 904/1-

Last run: 416 days

W: 11st 10lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 96

Form & Verdict
Absent since opening his hurdles account at Hexham (2m7f) in November 2021 for Philip Kirby; now 18lb higher and drops back markedly in trip on chase debut; follow the market signals.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

7

25th Jan 2023

Soft

2m 3f 51y

Class 5

14:45 Catterick

McGarry

11st 4lb

J: Ross Chapman

T: Stuart Coltherd

took keen hold, held up in rear, pushed along and struggling 10th, tailed off

3/1

3rd

3

26th Dec 2022

Good To Soft

2m 0f 75y

Class 5

12:50 Newcastle

McGarry

11st 10lb

J: Sam Coltherd

T: Stuart Coltherd

Absent since opening his hurdles account at Hexham (2m7f) in November 2021 for Philip Kirby; now 18lb higher and drops back markedly in trip on chase debut; follow the market signals.

6/1

Form: 3F3-5P

Last run: 40 days

W: 11st 4lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 90

Form & Verdict
Seven-race maiden; best effort when third at Hexham in April; folded tamely there last month (made a respiratory noise); comes with some risk.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

5

15th Apr 2025

Good

2m 4f 88y

Class 5

14:40 Southwell

Coolmoyne

10st 13lb

J: Harry Bannister

T: Sara Ender

jumped right on occasions, prominent, weakening when not fluent 2 out

12/1

5

15th Apr 2025

Good

2m 4f 88y

Class 5

14:40 Southwell

Coolmoyne

10st 13lb

J: Harry Bannister

T: Sara Ender

1-24 over fences, the win for a different stable at Hexham (3m, good to soft) last May; ran well when second of five at Doncaster (2m4f, good) in February but was below that form when back at Hexham last month and is not the percentage call here.

12/1

4th

3

25th Mar 2025

Good To Soft

3m 0f 41y

Class 5

15:50 Hexham

Coolmoyne

11st 6lb

J: Harry Bannister

T: Sara Ender

Has a poor strike-rate but his sole win came over C&D (good to soft) last May and, following wind surgery, he returned to form with a close second of five at Doncaster (2m4f, good) last month; he's one to consider.

9/4

Form: -46233 D

Last run: 40 days

W: 11st 2lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 88

Form & Verdict
Gained both wins at Kelso in March 2021; placed in his last three races, latest at Hexham (1m7f) back from a break; thereabouts again.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

9

16th May 2024

Good To Soft

2m 4f 20y

Class 5

16:50 Perth

Fourth Of July

10st 7lb

J: Callum Bewley

T: R Mike Smith

Dual 2m1f chase winner (both good to soft); losing run is now at 20 starts; hasn't threatened to end that on either his final start last spring or his return last month after a lengthy break; others preferred.

20/1

9th

9

16th May 2024

Good To Soft

2m 4f 20y

Class 5

16:50 Perth

Fourth Of July

10st 7lb

J: Callum Bewley

T: R Mike Smith

Dual 2m1f chase winner (both good to soft); losing run is now at 20 starts; hasn't threatened to end that on either his final start last spring or his return last month after a lengthy break; others preferred.

20/1

9th

8

25th Apr 2024

Soft

2m 0f 47y

Class 5

17:20 Perth

Fourth Of July

11st 1lb

J: Gavin Sheehan

T: R Mike Smith

14-race maiden over hurdles, but has won two chases, both over 2m1f on good to soft at Kelso; effective on soft ground, is 3lb lower over hurdles but may need the run after 345-day break.

8/1

Form: 5F7413 CD

Last run: 34 days

W: 10st 8lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 80

Form & Verdict
Belatedly regained the winning thread at Musselburgh (2m, good to soft) last month; unable to follow up next time but is one to consider in this context; defied a 15lb higher mark over C&D in 2019.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

11

10th May 2024

Good

2m 1f 0y

Class 5

17:48 Sedgefield

Budarri

10st 5lb

J: Edward Austin

T: Stuart Coltherd

No win since scoring at Musselburgh (2m4f, soft) in February 2023, but has finished runner-up four times since, including to Kicksaftersix at Hexham (2m) last summer; was "never travelling" when last in action at Musselburgh three months ago; no issue with the forecast conditions.

14/1

9th

11

10th May 2024

Good

2m 1f 0y

Class 5

17:48 Sedgefield

Budarri

10st 5lb

J: Edward Austin

T: Stuart Coltherd

No win since scoring at Musselburgh (2m4f, soft) in February 2023, but has finished runner-up four times since, including to Kicksaftersix at Hexham (2m) last summer; was "never travelling" when last in action at Musselburgh three months ago; no issue with the forecast conditions.

14/1

5

18th Feb 2024

Soft

2m 4f 68y

Class 5

16:20 Musselburgh

Budarri

10st 13lb

J: Sam Coltherd

T: Stuart Coltherd

Fair second here (2m, soft) last month when 6lb out of the handicap and runs off his proper mark today, which is the same as when winning this 12 months ago (soft); strong contender.

7/2

OUR TIP

Form: F22-42

Last run: 51 days

W: 12st 0lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 100

Form & Verdict
Scored on chase debut in February and has proved consistent since, most recently second at Kelso (2m1f, good to soft); solid contender, assuming he takes well to first-time headgear.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

0

6

16th Nov 2023

Good To Soft

2m 5f 89y

Class 5

14:15 Market Rasen

Edmond Dantes

11st 8lb

J: Callum Bewley

T: Paula Smith

held up in rear, always behind, pulled up after 4 out

33/1

0

3

3rd Oct 2023

Good

2m 4f 88y

Class 5

15:30 Southwell

Edmond Dantes

11st 7lb

J: Emma Smith-Chaston

T: Paula Smith

Won over fences for Ruth Jefferson last year but was sold out of that stable after a disappointing run in May and was safely held on stable debut the following month; returns from break with quite a bit to prove.

20/1

Form: U441-5 D

Last run: 223 days

W: 10st 9lb

12 yo Gelding

OR: 81

Form & Verdict
Multiple winner down the years but he's rising 13 and lacks recent match practice having been absent since May; others preferred.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

8

14th Mar 2023

Soft

2m 1f 0y

Class 5

14:30 Sedgefield

Roxyfet

10st 7lb

J: Emma Smith-Chaston

T: Micky Hammond

Has won nine times over C&D; below par recently, but now 5lb below his last winning mark and no surprise were he to bounce back.

18/1

6th

9

9th Jan 2023

Soft

2m 0f 110y

Class 5

14:45 Ayr

Roxyfet

10st 11lb

J: Emma Smith-Chaston

T: Micky Hammond

midfield, slow jump 1st

16/1

8th

9

26th Dec 2022

Good To Soft

2m 0f 75y

Class 5

12:50 Newcastle

Roxyfet

10st 9lb

J: Miss Becky Smith

T: Micky Hammond

Multiple winner down the years but he's rising 13 and lacks recent match practice having been absent since May; others preferred.

33/1

Form: 5-8112 D BF

Last run: 34 days

W: 11st 10lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 96

Form & Verdict
Won soft-ground chases at Hexham (1m7f) and Sedgefield (2m3f) this autumn, then ran well in the hat-trick attempt; may improve further over fences; still of interest.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8

7th Apr 2024

Heavy

1m 7f 207y

Class 2

14:47 Carlisle

Rocco Storm

10st 2lb

J: Joe Williamson

T: Danny Brooke

towards rear, bad mistake and sprawled on landing 8th

16/1

8

7th Apr 2024

Heavy

1m 7f 207y

Class 2

14:47 Carlisle

Rocco Storm

10st 2lb

J: Joe Williamson

T: Danny Brooke

towards rear, bad mistake and sprawled on landing 8th

16/1

6th

1

12th Mar 2024

Soft

2m 1f 0y

Class 5

15:10 Sedgefield

Rocco Storm

12st 0lb

J: Henry Brooke

T: Danny Brooke

held up in rear, outpaced 3 out (usual 4 out)

6/1

Form: /9515- BF

Last run: 259 days

W: 10st 12lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 84

Form & Verdict
Absent since Hexham defeat in April when failing to build on his Wetherby win; has inconsistent chase form and doesn't look an obvious bet.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6

6th May 2023

Good To Soft

2m 0f 48y

Class 4

18:05 Hexham

Choix Des Armes

11st 1lb

J: Nathan Moscrop

T: Alison Hamilton

Shouldn't be the answer on these terms but at least he ran a half-decent race last time.

25/1

3rd

16

24th Apr 2023

Good To Soft

1m 7f 133y

Class 5

14:15 Hexham

Choix Des Armes

10st 2lb

J: Nathan Moscrop

T: Alison Hamilton

Well treated on his win at Wetherby (1m7f, heavy) last March but things have not gone well this season and he was tailed off behind Cudgel over C&D last month; has something to prove and he needs to jump better than last time.

25/1

4th

4

30th Mar 2023

Heavy

1m 7f 133y

Class 5

14:10 Hexham

Choix Des Armes

10st 3lb

J: Nathan Moscrop

T: Alison Hamilton

7lb lower than when winning at Wetherby (1m7f, heavy) last March and he's not totally written off in this weak race, but this inconsistent 11yo has been soundly beaten the last twice and needs to raise his game.

7/1

Form: 06-432

Last run: 190 days

W: 10st 6lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 78

Form & Verdict
Maiden who has been progressing steadily in handicap hurdles, most recently second at Hexham (2m, good) in June; major player off same mark, provided he transfers the improvement to fences.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

15th Jan 2026

Good To Soft

2m 7f 91y

Class 4

14:00 Newcastle

Chemical Warfare

12st 2lb

J: Conor O’Farrell

T: David Pipe

He's struggled on his last four starts but is now 3lb lower than when winning at Sedgefield (3m2f, good) last April and his southern trainer has a very healthy 24% strike-rate here; interesting, especially if backed.

12/1

3

18th Nov 2025

Good

2m 6f 10y

Class 4

14:45 Lingfield

Chemical Warfare

11st 10lb

J: Jack Tudor

T: David Pipe

Went up 40lb for winning six handicap chases last season (also won twice over hurdles); below par in three runs this season; needs to bounce back after a 139-day break.

10/1

2

2nd Jul 2025

Good

2m 7f 0y

Class 4

14:45 Worcester

Chemical Warfare

11st 12lb

J: Jack Tudor

T: David Pipe

Scored off 3lb lower mark at Sedgefield (3m2f, good) in April but well held subsequently at Fakenham (3m5f, good) and here over hurdles in May; looks too high in the weights.

12/1

Non-runners

Rocco Storm

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £84.60
Straight Forecast £81.16
Tricast £219.06
Trifecta £496.70

Selections

POSTDATA:

Edmond Dantes

RP Ratings:

Fourth Of July

D Express:

Rocco Storm

SPOTLIGHT:

Chemical Warfare

Telegraph:

McGarry

The Times:

Edmond Dantes

Daily Mail:

Edmond Dantes

The Sun:

Edmond Dantes

The Star:

Edmond Dantes

Daily Record:

Edmond Dantes

Daily Mirror:

Rocco Storm

TOPSPEED:

Fourth Of July

The Guardian:

Fourth Of July