December 26 / 12.27 Wetherby

12.27

Good To Soft

William Hill Play Responsibly Novices’ Handicap Chase

  • Prize money: £3322.06
  • 3m 0f 45y
  • Class 5
  • 14 runners
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William Hill Play Responsibly Novices’ Handicap Chase

Runners: 14 runners

Type: Chase Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Mostly sunny

10/1 (Won)

  • Win: £11.40
  • Place: £3.20

Form: 014-43

Last run: 23 days

W: 11st 8lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 99

Form & Verdict
Won over hurdles at Newcastle (2m4f, good to soft) in March and good runs in defeat in that sphere on both outings this term (2m4f/3m, soft; here latest); one of two for trainer who won this last year (with one making second chase start) and this 5yo chasing newcomer is an interesting contender.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

8

9th May 2026

Good

3m 0f 41y

Class 4

16:30 Hexham

Court At Slip

11st 2lb

J: Jamie Hamilton

T: Tim Easterby

Pulled up over 4m here last time (soft); plenty of decent placed efforts in 3m chases before that; has an each-way chance.

8/1

8

25th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 7f 199y

Class 4

15:41 Hexham

Court At Slip

10st 12lb

J: Jamie Hamilton

T: Tim Easterby

Without a win since December 2023 but this consistent sort has finished second at Catterick (3m1f/3m, soft) on his last two starts and ran well over 3m6f there in January 2024; each-way claims.

8/1

12/1

  • Place: £4.00

Form: 004-P4

Last run: 23 days

W: 10st 4lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 81

Form & Verdict
3m point runner-up who was a fair fourth over hurdles here (3m, soft) in March and left his chase debut run miles behind when fair fourth here three weeks ago (2m3f, soft; Fever Roque third); could benefit from this step back up in trip and he's a possible player in first-time blinkers.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

7

27th May 2026

Good

2m 1f 61y

Class 5

20:38 Cartmel

Beat The Edge

10st 2lb

J: Alice Stevens

T: Micky Hammond

Extremely hard to win with and modest runs outweigh the good ones these days.

20/1

5th

10

9th May 2026

Good

1m 7f 133y

Class 5

15:55 Hexham

Beat The Edge

10st 2lb

J: Alice Stevens

T: Micky Hammond

Good third at Market Rasen two runs back (2m1f, good to soft); hard to win with, but an each-way chance; new combination of headgear tried.

10/1

6th

8

5th Apr 2026

Good

2m 1f 43y

Class 5

15:58 Market Rasen

Beat The Edge

10st 2lb

J: Alice Stevens

T: Micky Hammond

On a good mark now (even from 3lb out of the weights) and arrested his decline with fairly good third of seven here (2m1f, good to soft; first-time hood) three weeks ago; however, this quirky customer doesn't always find much when the chips are down and has a modest strike-rate.

7/1

OUR TIP

6/1

  • Place: £3.30

Form: 14U5-P

Last run: 238 days

W: 11st 10lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 101

Form & Verdict
Pulled up over hurdles at Warwick last time out in May; however, he's on a competitive mark on his best form in that sphere and he won his sole point in 2019, so this lightly raced 7yo could be suited by the switch to fences; not ruled out in a first-time tongue-tie.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

7

5th Mar 2023

Good To Soft

2m 7f 177y

Class 4

15:55 Ffos Las

Get Prepared

11st 6lb

J: Luca Morgan

T: Ben Pauling

Third on chasing debut at Wetherby on Boxing Day and quickly put a mishap behind him when second at Uttoxeter (also 3m, good to soft; first-time cheekpieces) last month, form that has already been boosted by the winner; respected.

4/1

2nd

2

11th Feb 2023

Good To Soft

3m 0f 0y

Class 5

15:55 Uttoxeter

Get Prepared

12st 1lb

J: Kielan Woods

T: Ben Pauling

Point and hurdle winner; not beaten far when third of 13 on chasing debut at Wetherby (3m, good to soft) in December, and the fourth and fifth have won since; unseated his rider early when favourite at Southwell two weeks ago; now wears cheekpieces; far more persuasive than most of these.

2/1

6

29th Jan 2023

Good

3m 1f 185y

Class 4

13:15 Southwell

Get Prepared

11st 2lb

J: Luca Morgan

T: Ben Pauling

Won a 2m4f handicap hurdle here (good to soft) off just 1lb lower last season and performed to a similar level afterwards; not beaten far into third on last month's chase debut (3m, good to soft; first-time tongue-tie) and entitled to build on that first start in eight months.

4/1

Form: 3PFP-P D

Last run: 24 days

W: 11st 2lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 93

Form & Verdict
Fair third over hurdles last December after a very long absence but he's failed to complete since on his first four chase starts (stable debut last time); a first-time tongue-tie needs to make a big difference.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

6

25th Jan 2023

Soft

2m 3f 51y

Class 5

14:45 Catterick

Roccowithlove

11st 7lb

J: Emma Smith-Chaston

T: Joanne Foster

led but pestered, headed but prominent 6th, pressed leader after 4 out, led 3 out

11/2

1st

2

12th Jan 2023

Soft

3m 1f 54y

Class 5

13:40 Catterick

Roccowithlove

11st 9lb

J: Emma Smith-Chaston

T: Joanne Foster

Big step back in right direction when fourth of 13 at Wetherby (3m, good to soft) on Boxing Day in a first-time tongue-tie on his second stable start; something to find with runner-up Beat The Edge but he could be suited by the stiffer test of stamina on today's deeper ground; one to consider.

8/1

4th

8

26th Dec 2022

Good To Soft

3m 0f 45y

Class 5

12:27 Wetherby

Roccowithlove

11st 2lb

J: Emma Smith-Chaston

T: Joanne Foster

Fair third over hurdles last December after a very long absence but he's failed to complete since on his first four chase starts (stable debut last time); a first-time tongue-tie needs to make a big difference.

66/1

Form: 922-F3 BF

Last run: 34 days

W: 10st 10lb

7 yo Mare

OR: 87

Form & Verdict
Point winner who was runner-up last season in her final two handicap hurdles (including here; 3m, soft), and she was an 11l third to Sir Apollo at Sedgefield (3m3f, soft) last month on her second chase start; improvement needed but she may have more to offer over fences and is not ruled out.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

4

7th Feb 2024

Soft

3m 3f 9y

Class 5

16:40 Sedgefield

Onestepatatime

11st 6lb

J: Mr Thomas Easterby

T: John Wainwright

Three-time course winner over today's trip over fences, and ran much better than eventual 21l defeat might suggest when third in recent soft-ground chase here; switches back to hurdling on a lower mark; contender.

6/1

3rd

5

26th Jan 2024

Soft

3m 2f 202y

Class 5

15:55 Sedgefield

Onestepatatime

11st 7lb

J: Sean Quinlan

T: John Wainwright

prominent behind clear leaders

9/2

Form: 524-41

Last run: 34 days

W: 10st 10lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 87

Form & Verdict
His form has been up and down during a light career but things very much clicked when he made all at Sedgefield (3m3f, soft) last month to beat Espoir Moriviere by 3l and get off the mark at the ninth attempt; up 5lb but he could take some stopping if in the same good heart here.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

4

30th Jul 2023

Good To Soft

3m 0f 0y

Class 5

16:20 Uttoxeter

Sir Apollo

11st 6lb

J: Craig Nichol

T: Harriet Graham & Gary Rutherford

Both wins for previous yard came over 3m3f at Sedgefield; yet to find top form for current stable; doesn't look the percentage call.

9/1

5th

7

6th Jul 2023

Good

2m 7f 180y

Class 5

16:18 Perth

Sir Apollo

10st 13lb

J: Conor O’Farrell

T: Harriet Graham & Gary Rutherford

Best efforts have been at Sedgefield and he was well behind over C&D last month, finishing adrift of Castletown.

20/1

5th

8

11th Jun 2023

Good

2m 7f 180y

Class 4

15:00 Perth

Sir Apollo

10st 8lb

J: Conor O’Farrell

T: Harriet Graham & Gary Rutherford

took keen hold, disputed lead, led from 3rd, headed but raced in second before 11th, led again 14th

20/1

Form: 5232F- BF

Last run: 282 days

W: 12st 0lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 105

Form & Verdict
Four-time 3m point winner who was runner-up at Fontwell (2m5f, soft) in February on his second chase start and had every chance when falling four out there (2m5f, good to soft) last time out in March; however, he could do with jumping better if he's to make a winning return to action.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10

21st Jun 2024

Good

2m 7f 16y

Class 5

13:35 Market Rasen

Concrete King

10st 3lb

J: Adam Wedge

T: L J Morgan

held up in rear, raced wide when on turn after 2nd, headway from 3rd, lost position after 8th, weakened 3 out, tailed off when pulled up before 2 out

10/1

5th

6

1st Jun 2024

Heavy

2m 4f 15y

Class 5

16:55 Hexham

Concrete King

10st 9lb

J: John Kington

T: L J Morgan

Has won four points, but 0-20 under rules (12 over fences); best recent run when second over 2m3f at Fontwell in March (heavy); quite interesting with visor replacing cheekpieces on stable debut.

11/1

7th

8

19th Apr 2024

Good To Soft

2m 3f 104y

Class 5

15:30 Fontwell

Concrete King

10st 11lb

J: Bryan Carver

T: Neil Mulholland

Has very mixed record this season but ran well and looked the likely winner for a long way before weakening into third over C&D (heavy; just behind Mister Murchan) last month; 2lb lower today; can't rule out.

6/1

Form: F64-26

Last run: 23 days

W: 10st 2lb

8 yo Mare

OR: 79

Form & Verdict
Runner-up at 66-1 on last month's reappearance at Newcastle but that performance stands out in her winless 13-race profile and she failed to threaten here next time (2m3f, soft); the percentage call is to oppose.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

9

12th Jan 2023

Soft

3m 1f 71y

Class 5

13:05 Catterick

Black Opium

10st 7lb

J: Stephen Mulqueen

T: Tina Jackson

held up in rear, steady headway halfway, ridden and outpaced 8th, beaten before 2 out

20/1

8th

13

26th Dec 2022

Good To Soft

3m 0f 45y

Class 5

12:27 Wetherby

Black Opium

10st 2lb

J: Stephen Mulqueen

T: Tina Jackson

Runner-up at 66-1 on last month's reappearance at Newcastle but that performance stands out in her winless 13-race profile and she failed to threaten here next time (2m3f, soft); the percentage call is to oppose.

33/1

6th

6

3rd Dec 2022

Soft

2m 3f 85y

Class 5

12:13 Wetherby

Black Opium

10st 5lb

J: Stephen Mulqueen

T: Tina Jackson

12-race maiden but she ran her best race over fences so far when a 66-1 second from out of the weights at Newcastle (2m7f, soft) on her return last month; 5lb higher here but she pulled clear of the third last time and has possibilities if she can back that up back at this trip.

5/1

Form: 5P6-P7

Last run: 23 days

W: 10st 10lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 87

Form & Verdict
Won Irish maiden hurdle; his mark continues to fall but he's struggled to get competitive this year and didn't jump well on chase debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

8

13th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 41y

Class 5

15:30 Hexham

Gibberwell

10st 8lb

J: Theo Gillard

T: Jake Thomas Coulson

His last two wins have come here (including this race in 2023) and he was 8lb out of the handicap when back here last time; however, this 10yo has been pulled up on his last three starts and needs to turn things around.

33/1

11

25th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 7f 199y

Class 4

15:41 Hexham

Gibberwell

10st 2lb

J: Philip Armson

T: Jake Thomas Coulson

His last two wins have come here but this 10yo has been pulled up on his last two starts and is 8lb wrong at the weights.

50/1

Form: -25621 CD

Last run: 23 days

W: 11st 8lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 99

Form & Verdict
Bumper/hurdle winner for whom things have clicked again the last twice and he got off the mark over fences at the 12th attempt over C&D (soft) three weeks ago, despite jumping to the right; had 4l to spare and a 5lb rise shouldn't prevent another good run; respected.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

4th Mar 2024

Soft

3m 0f 60y

Class 5

15:05 Southwell

Aire Valley Lad

12st 6lb

J: Mr Gary Derwin

T: J J M Winston

prominent, bumped and squeezed out 1st, lost position gradually after 6th, dropped to last and pushed along 10th

50/1

8th

3

5th Feb 2024

Soft

3m 0f 110y

Class 5

16:07 Carlisle

Aire Valley Lad

11st 12lb

J: Nick Scholfield

T: Sue Smith

bumped start

14/1

10

13th Jan 2024

Soft

3m 0f 45y

Class 4

15:25 Wetherby

Aire Valley Lad

10st 6lb

J: Nick Scholfield

T: Sue Smith

Well backed when reverting to fences at Newcastle (2m7f, soft) in November and bounced back to form with a win; his inconsistent profile is a concern but he remains well treated back up 5lb and has won over C&D.

7/1

Form: 4522-4

Last run: 23 days

W: 12st 0lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 105

Form & Verdict
Runner-up to the highly progressive Into Overdrive on final two runs last season (2m5f/2m4f, good to soft) and he could improve for his recent comeback fourth behind Aire Valley Lad over C&D (soft); one to consider.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

23rd May 2023

Good

2m 4f 15y

Class 5

18:50 Hexham

Trevelyns Corn

11st 13lb

J: Emma Smith-Chaston

T: Micky Hammond

Yet to win over fences but acts well over C&D and heavy ground has tested him on last two starts, finding little in the closing stages when last seen in March (cheekpieces added, retained today); this less draining ground can suit; thereabouts again.

9/2

4th

1

30th Mar 2023

Heavy

2m 4f 15y

Class 5

16:30 Hexham

Trevelyns Corn

12st 0lb

J: Emma Smith-Chaston

T: Micky Hammond

His jumping wasn't great over C&D (heavy) a fortnight ago but he nevertheless returned to form with that second to Ex S'Elance, and the first-time cheekpieces could help him find greater fluency today; player.

7/2

2nd

1

16th Mar 2023

Heavy

2m 4f 15y

Class 5

17:10 Hexham

Trevelyns Corn

12st 0lb

J: Emma Smith-Chaston

T: Micky Hammond

Hurdles winner for Paul Nicholls in March 2019 (2m4f, good to soft); not as good over fences so far although twice runner-up to a progressive sort over 2m4f/2m5f last season (one here); won a point on heavy and interesting back down in trip.

10/1

Form: -22225

Last run: 35 days

W: 11st 13lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 104

Form & Verdict
Made it 0-24 (0-17 over fences) when below par at Ludlow (3m, good to soft) last month; however, he went there having finished runner-up four times in a row and was beaten just a head at Ffos Las (3m, good to soft) on his penultimate outing; can be thereabouts if bouncing back.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

2

17th Jul 2024

Good

3m 2f 13y

Class 5

15:40 Uttoxeter

Jean Genie

11st 10lb

J: Alan Johns

T: Tim Vaughan

Point winner (3m maiden); 0-29 under rules; runner-up to today's rival Barrakhov over 3m here (good) last month; raised 4lb since, albeit is 1lb better off with Barrakhov; fair chance.

5/1

2nd

7

15th Jun 2024

Good

3m 0f 0y

Class 5

18:40 Uttoxeter

Jean Genie

11st 5lb

J: David Noonan

T: Tim Vaughan

Won maiden point in March and returns to racing under rules after going close in restricted race last month; has 0-20 strike-rate in chases but is very well handicapped on old form and versatile regarding ground.

10/1

6

23rd Mar 2023

Soft

2m 7f 131y

Class 5

16:20 Chepstow

Jean Genie

11st 10lb

J: Alan Johns

T: Tim Vaughan

27-race maiden who was unable to land a significant blow at Ffos Las (3m, good) this month; ought to cope with today's slower ground but needs a significant boost from the change of headgear.

14/1

Form: 12-3F3

Last run: 23 days

W: 11st 10lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 101

Form & Verdict
Won over hurdles at Market Rasen (2m4f, soft) on Boxing Day last year and he's been a fair third on two of his three chase starts (2m4f/2m3f, good to soft/soft), here most recently; might not be far away if staying this longer trip (he was placed in a 3m point).
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

6th May 2023

Good To Soft

2m 4f 15y

Class 5

20:10 Hexham

Fever Roque

11st 12lb

J: Nathan Moscrop

T: Rebecca Menzies

Sole win was over hurdles at Market Rasen on soft in December 2021 (2m4f); in fair form this year and has an each-way chance.

11/2

4th

6

17th Apr 2023

Good To Soft

2m 5f 133y

Class 5

14:45 Kelso

Fever Roque

11st 8lb

J: Conor O’Farrell

T: Rebecca Menzies

prominent on inner

4/1

4th

6

26th Mar 2023

Heavy

2m 4f 0y

Class 2

14:35 Carlisle

Fever Roque

10st 6lb

J: Aaron Anderson

T: Rebecca Menzies

0-5 over fences but has had a solid first campaign, bumping into Knocknamona (who followed up) at Newcastle (2m4f, soft) in January then runner-up at Wetherby (2m5f, good) three weeks ago; can be thereabouts.

4/1

Form: P24-72 C

Last run: 34 days

W: 10st 2lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 79

Form & Verdict
Creditable efforts last spring in first two chases (3m, heavy/good to soft; including over C&D) and a 3l second to Sir Apollo at Sedgefield (3m3f, soft) last month when back over fences; again thereabouts.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

14

6th Feb 2023

Soft

3m 0f 110y

Class 5

16:15 Carlisle

Espoir Moriviere

10st 2lb

J: Dylan Johnston

T: Rose Dobbin

Dual hurdles winner; 0-5 over fences, most recently last of four behind To The Limit at Kelso; now first-time visored; 5lb wrong.

16/1

4th

3

15th Jan 2023

Soft

2m 7f 96y

Class 5

15:30 Kelso

Espoir Moriviere

10st 7lb

J: Dylan Johnston

T: Rose Dobbin

raced in second, mistake 3rd, pressed leader 7th, lost second 13th, outpaced and pushed along before 4 out, soon ridden

5/2

14

26th Dec 2022

Good To Soft

3m 0f 45y

Class 5

12:27 Wetherby

Espoir Moriviere

10st 2lb

J: Dylan Johnston

T: Rose Dobbin

Creditable efforts last spring in first two chases (3m, heavy/good to soft; including over C&D) and a 3l second to Sir Apollo at Sedgefield (3m3f, soft) last month when back over fences; again thereabouts.

9/1

Non-runners

Fever Roque

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £127.10
Straight Forecast £113.82
Tricast £1040.54
Trifecta £1012.90

Selections

POSTDATA:

Espoir Moriviere

Telegraph:

Aire Valley Lad

SPOTLIGHT:

Sir Apollo

WEST COUNTRY:

Get Prepared

TOPSPEED:

Trevelyn's Corn

The Sun:

Fever Roque

The Times:

Onestepatatime

RP Ratings:

Jean Genie

Daily Mail:

Aire Valley Lad

The Star:

Sir Apollo

D Express:

Get Prepared

The Guardian:

Espoir Moriviere

Daily Record:

Espoir Moriviere

Daily Mirror:

Trevelyn's Corn