December 27 / 15.09 Kempton

15.09

Soft

Ladbrokes Play ‘”1-2-Free” On Football Handicap Chase (GBB Race)

  • Prize money: £26015
  • 3m 0f 0y
  • Class 2
  • 15 runners
ITV4
View Course
Ladbrokes Play ‘”1-2-Free” On Football Handicap Chase (GBB Race)

Runners: 15 runners

Type: Chase Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Showers

5/1 (Won)

  • Win: £6.50
  • Place: £2.40

Form: 249-12 D

Last run: 31 days

W: 12st 1lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 146

Form & Verdict
Hurdles winner on reappearance then ran well in major handicap at Newbury (3m2f, good; clear second) returned to chasing; back on career-high mark and concedes weight all round but not dismissed in current form.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

17th Jan 2025

Good To Soft

2m 7f 191y

Class 2

14:35 Market Rasen

Remastered

11st 5lb

J: David Noonan

T: David Pipe

led narrowly or disputed lead, prominent when headed 3rd, slow jump and lost position 4th, soon struggling, detached from 6th, soon pulled up

9/1

3

17th Jan 2025

Good To Soft

2m 7f 191y

Class 2

14:35 Market Rasen

Remastered

11st 5lb

J: David Noonan

T: David Pipe

2023 and 2024 did not go at all well until he won by a short head at Wincanton (extended 3m2f) in October last year; the fences have got in the way on both starts since and he's not the percentage call, but his old peak chase form was smart; blinkered first time.

9/1

12/1

  • Place: £3.80

Form: 7481-2

Last run: 25 days

W: 10st 8lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 125

Form & Verdict
Improved chase form the last twice, winning at Chepstow in February then second at Exeter this month (both 2m3f); still unexposed over fences and looks worth a crack at this new trip; not without a chance.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

10

18th Mar 2023

Soft

4m 2f 8y

Class 1

15:00 Uttoxeter

Tile Tapper

10st 5lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Chris Honour

Raised his profile this season in some decent handicap chases and saw out the stiff 3m at Carlisle (good to soft) to win gamely last time; progressive enough to deal with the 6lb rise but he's not raced over anything approaching this distance before, so bit of a guessing game as to whether he'll get home; others safer.

14/1

1st

5

20th Feb 2023

Good To Soft

3m 0f 110y

Class 3

15:15 Carlisle

Tile Tapper

11st 10lb

J: Bryan Carver

T: Chris Honour

Solid second at Exeter (2m3f, good to soft) and Kempton (3m, soft) in December, suggesting he has a decent handicap in him; disappointing favourite last time but has clear possibilities if putting that quickly behind him.

6/1

4th

7

14th Jan 2023

Soft

3m 0f 0y

Class 2

13:30 Kempton

Tile Tapper

10st 11lb

J: Bryan Carver

T: Chris Honour

Won at Chepstow in February on final last term and second on both starts this season, most recently over C&D (soft) at Christmas when upped in trip and Smarty Wild was third; made a bad mistake three out that day but renewed his effort very well; major player raised 1lb.

3/1

11/1

  • Place: £5.50

Form: 332F-2 C

Last run: 39 days

W: 11st 2lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 133

Form & Verdict
Consistent sort who has form figures of 132 in completed starts over fences at Kempton; respectable second to Larry at Ascot on seasonal debut; off an unchanged mark he again has place possibilities.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

8

19th Apr 2025

Soft

2m 4f 216y

Class 3

16:19 Newton Abbot

Smarty Wild

11st 2lb

J: Sean Houlihan

T: Philip Hobbs & Johnson White

midfield, not fluent 10th

14/1

4th

8

19th Apr 2025

Soft

2m 4f 216y

Class 3

16:19 Newton Abbot

Smarty Wild

11st 2lb

J: Sean Houlihan

T: Philip Hobbs & Johnson White

midfield, not fluent 10th

14/1

Form: 4141-1

Last run: 38 days

W: 11st 6lb

7 yo Mare

OR: 137

Form & Verdict
Progressive mare who knuckled down well on soft ground at Haydock last month, proving suited by the step up to 3m1f (from 2m4f) and taking chase record to 3-5; should have more to offer; respected.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

5

14th Mar 2025

Good To Soft

2m 4f 127y

Class 1

14:40 Cheltenham

Fontaine Collonges

11st 2lb

J: Charlie Deutsch

T: Venetia Williams

took keen hold, in touch with leaders, slow jump 1st, towards rear 2nd

33/1

2

15th Feb 2025

Good To Soft

3m 4f 97y

Class 1

15:15 Haydock

Fontaine Collonges

10st 11lb

J: Ned Fox

T: Venetia Williams

held up in rear, not fluent 2nd

16/1

2

27th Dec 2024

Soft

3m 6f 130y

Class 1

14:50 Chepstow

Fontaine Collonges

11st 12lb

T: Venetia Williams

Mightily impressive with a wide-margin win at Wetherby (3m, soft) last Christmas and same again at Haydock (extended 3m1f, soft; from Monbeg Genius) five weeks ago; her only run in between is a worry, though, as she weakened quickly from seven out in the Classic Chase at Warwick, and that was her second major failure to prove her stamina at about 3m4f/3m5f; throw in an 8lb rise since Haydock and some doubts creep in.

10/1

OUR TIP

Form: 53P4-1

Last run: 39 days

W: 11st 2lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 133

Form & Verdict
Second-season chaser who had plenty to spare at Ascot (2m5f, good to soft; eased towards finish) last month and could well prove capable of further improvement; big player provided he stays this new trip.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

2nd May 2026

Yielding

3m 0f 104y

15:45 Punchestown

Your Darling

11st 6lb

J: Ben Jones

T: Ben Pauling

Most of five chase wins have come on decent ground, including last time when taking 3m Ludlow handicap (just 2 finishers) having been dropped in grade following some good runs in better-class handicaps; seems suited by going right-handed; respected.

12/1

1st

1

30th Mar 2026

Good

2m 7f 171y

Class 3

15:57 Ludlow

Your Darling

11st 13lb

J: Ben Jones

T: Ben Pauling

Showed he stays 3m when only just missing out at Kempton in January (good) where he would probably have won but for fluffing the last fence; another good effort at Ascot (3m) since, when coming from a long way off the pace to take third; strong contender off his competitive mark.

15/8

3rd

3

14th Feb 2026

Soft

2m 7f 185y

Class 1

15:00 Ascot

Your Darling

10st 13lb

J: Ben Jones

T: Ben Pauling

Record of 2-3 over 2m5f at Ascot, all in the same November race; showed he stays 3m, at least under sharp conditions, at Kempton (good) most recently; this is a stiffer test at the trip.

8/1

11/1

Form: 635P-1 D

Last run: 39 days

W: 11st 6lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 137

Form & Verdict
Made a successful reappearance at Ascot (3m, good to soft) last month, beating Smarty Wild by 6l; 5lb rise is offset by Caoilin Quinn's claim; likely player if taking to Kempton (all chase wins at Ascot/Sandown).
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

22nd Apr 2024

Good

3m 0f 0y

Class 3

18:30 Kempton

Larry

11st 11lb

J: Tom Cannon

T: Gary Moore

took keen hold, held up in rear, no impression before 4 out, pulled up before 3 out

12/1

4

22nd Apr 2024

Good

3m 0f 0y

Class 3

18:30 Kempton

Larry

11st 11lb

J: Tom Cannon

T: Gary Moore

took keen hold, held up in rear, no impression before 4 out, pulled up before 3 out

12/1

7

24th Mar 2024

Good

2m 7f 180y

Class 2

16:30 Ascot

Larry

10st 11lb

J: Tom Cannon

T: Gary Moore

Twice well beaten over C&D this winter, including last time, but in between he won at Plumpton and he's a two-time C&D winner who was third in this race last year; has won on a variety of ground; not ruled out.

7/1

Form: 23-668 D

Last run: 31 days

W: 11st 6lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 137

Form & Verdict
Fourth in this contest 12 months ago and was placed in three major handicaps, including over C&D, later in the 2021-22 campaign; yet to find his form this term but could revive off current mark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

5

4th May 2026

Good

3m 0f 38y

Class 2

16:03 Fakenham

Kittys Light

10st 6lb

J: Jack Tudor

T: Christian Williams

Won three valuable marathons in a row in 2022-23 campaign and was honourable fifth in Grand National the following season; never really got going in 2025-25 but returns from 471-day absence on a tempting mark and will be suited by the forecast good ground; market helpful.

14/1

5th

2

18th Jan 2025

Good To Soft

2m 7f 180y

Class 3

13:05 Ascot

Kittys Light

11st 9lb

J: Richard Patrick

T: Christian Williams

took keen hold, raced in last

12/1

5th

2

18th Jan 2025

Good To Soft

2m 7f 180y

Class 3

13:05 Ascot

Kittys Light

11st 9lb

J: Richard Patrick

T: Christian Williams

took keen hold, raced in last, not fluent 4th, outpaced when mistake 14th, no impression

12/1

Form: 4245-3

Last run: 36 days

W: 11st 0lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 131

Form & Verdict
Only a distant third at this course (2m4f, soft) on reappearance but shaped as if he may well improve for this return to 3m; second-season chaser who is attractively treated down another 2lb; one to consider.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

5

26th May 2026

Good

3m 0f 217y

Class 4

19:39 Plumpton

Striking A Pose

11st 1lb

J: Freddie Gingell

T: Joe Tizzard

Recorded his sixth hurdle win when making all off a reduced mark at Newton Abbot (3m2f, good) in April, and his follow-up bid off this mark was respectable back there 20 days ago; capable off this mark but not without risk.

9/2

4th

1

6th May 2026

Good To Soft

3m 2f 105y

Class 4

16:20 Newton Abbot

Striking A Pose

11st 12lb

J: Freddie Gingell

T: Joe Tizzard

Recorded his sixth hurdle win when making all off a reduced mark over C&D (good; 4-1) three weeks ago; back up 4lb but remains well treated on old form and is versatile ground-wise; key player.

5/2

1st

2

14th Apr 2026

Good

3m 2f 105y

Class 5

16:17 Newton Abbot

Striking A Pose

11st 13lb

J: Freddie Gingell

T: Joe Tizzard

Five-time hurdle winner who hasn't looked like adding to that on recent efforts, although latest was more encouraging over C&D; well treated on past form but needs to step up.

10/1

Form: 252-21

Last run: 37 days

W: 11st 9lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 140

Form & Verdict
Has form figures of 22221 in handicap chases, the latest performance at Uttoxeter (2m6f, soft) where he scored comfortably; could well build on that success and improve further; stays 3m; solid contender.
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

14:30 Southwell

Fern Hill

12st 0lb

J: Jack Quinlan

T: Ben Case

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

15:20 Chepstow

Fern Hill

11st 11lb

J: Jack Quinlan

T: Ben Case

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

Form: 311P-3 CD

Last run: 39 days

W: 11st 8lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 139

Form & Verdict
Finished third in this race last year (on soft) then scored twice here (3m/2m4f) in February; creditable third to Your Darling at Ascot on reappearance; well suited by Kempton and should go well again.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

1

1st Apr 2025

Good

3m 0f 0y

Class 3

15:55 Kempton

Flegmatik

11st 11lb

J: Tristan Durrell

T: Dan Skelton

Three-time course winner (2m4f-3m); not quite at best this season but handicapped according, and went down fighting when a clear second here (2m4f, good) last month; likely contender.

9/4

2nd

1

1st Apr 2025

Good

3m 0f 0y

Class 3

15:55 Kempton

Flegmatik

11st 11lb

J: Tristan Durrell

T: Dan Skelton

Three-time course winner (2m4f-3m); not quite at best this season but handicapped according, and went down fighting when a clear second here (2m4f, good) last month; likely contender.

9/4

Form: 380-45 CD

Last run: 24 days

W: 10st 13lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 130

Form & Verdict
Couple of respectable efforts this term, latest in the Becher Chase at Aintree; has become nicely handicapped, having slipped back to same mark as when winning this race (on soft) last year; strong claims.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

1st Jun 2026

Yielding

2m 7f 150y

16:42 Listowel

Five Star Getaway

11st 11lb

J: Mr J J Berry

T: John Paul Berry

Old boy was smart handicapper in Britain back in the day; took advantage of his rivals' mishaps when winning at Fairyhouse; beaten a long way in the Champion Hunter Chase at Punchestown.

20/1

11th

5

1st May 2026

Yielding

3m 0f 160y

16:15 Punchestown

Five Star Getaway

12st 0lb

J: Mr J J Berry

T: John Paul Berry

In the form of his life when winning four races over fences for Christian Williams in 2021; had been running well enough in points before profiting from the mishaps of fancied rivals to win at Fairyhouse.

28/1

1st

5

5th Apr 2026

Yielding To Soft

3m 0f 180y

17:30 Fairyhouse

Five Star Getaway

12st 0lb

J: Mr J J Berry

T: John Paul Berry

In the form of his life when winning four races over fences for Christian Williams in 2021; has been running well enough in points but nothing to suggest he could win a race of this standard

33/1

Form: 67P7-4

Last run: 39 days

W: 11st 8lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 139

Form & Verdict
Respectable fourth to Your Darling at Ascot (2m5f; cheekpieces applied) on seasonal debut and remains well treated on peak form; however, not crying out for this return to 3m and long losing spell continues.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

13th Mar 2026

Good

3m 0f 38y

Class 5

16:50 Fakenham

Janika

12st 2lb

J: Miss Charlotte Butler

T: E Turner

Safe as houses (never fallen or unseated) and 2-3 C&D record includes this race last year (good to soft); obvious claims again following a fine return at Higham last month, but won't want a total dryout.

5/4

Form: 2/2P/3 C

Last run: 27 days

W: 11st 8lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 139

Form & Verdict
Missed last season; should be sharper for Haydock reappearance run (2m5f; last of three) but has stamina to prove upped further in distance; gained all hurdles wins at about 2m; cheekpieces applied.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

26th Jan 2026

Soft

2m 4f 194y

Class 5

16:00 Hereford

Quel Destin

11st 12lb

J: Miss Olive Nicholls

T: Paul Nicholls

Useful hurdler/chaser in his pomp who is a three-time chase winner, with back-to-back wins coming in December 2023; below that level in limited appearances since, including after a third wind operation; nevertheless, he could still make his presence felt at this lower level.

9/2

4th

6

8th Feb 2025

Soft

2m 4f 0y

Class 2

15:15 Warwick

Quel Destin

11st 0lb

J: Lorcan Williams

T: Paul Nicholls

in touch with leaders, not fluent 11th, prominent when jumped right 12th, not fluent 3 out, weakening when mistake last, lost third towards finish

14/1

4th

6

8th Feb 2025

Soft

2m 4f 0y

Class 2

15:15 Warwick

Quel Destin

11st 0lb

J: Lorcan Williams

T: Paul Nicholls

in touch with leaders, not fluent 11th, prominent when jumped right 12th, not fluent 3 out, weakening when mistake last, lost third towards finish

14/1

Form: /F40-6

Last run: 39 days

W: 10st 13lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 130

Form & Verdict
Well weighted having dropped back to last winning mark; however, finished some way behind a few of these rivals at Ascot last month and needs to improve plenty on that effort; yet to score beyond 2m4f.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

4

1st Jun 2025

Good

2m 5f 44y

Class 3

16:35 Fakenham

Belargus

11st 4lb

J: James Davies

T: Nick Gifford

Runner-up off a reduced mark at Huntingdon (2m7f, good; first-time blinkers) last April and didn't run badly at Stratford (2m5f, heavy; no blinkers) on next start in October; now back from another absence and he's not as good as he was.

7/1

3rd

4

1st Jun 2025

Good

2m 5f 44y

Class 3

16:35 Fakenham

Belargus

11st 4lb

J: James Davies

T: Nick Gifford

Runner-up off a reduced mark at Huntingdon (2m7f, good; first-time blinkers) last April and didn't run badly at Stratford (2m5f, heavy; no blinkers) on next start in October; now back from another absence and he's not as good as he was.

7/1

Form: UP23-7 D

Last run: 241 days

W: 10st 2lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 118

Form & Verdict
Ex-David Bridgwater; chase record is only 1-18 and he lacks recent match practice having been off since April; best watched unless the market speaks favourably on debut for new stable (still with same owner).
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

4

30th May 2025

Good

2m 4f 205y

Class 4

20:10 Stratford

Captain Tommy

11st 11lb

J: Mr Huw Edwards

T: Fred Timmis

About 6l and 2l too good for Presentandcounting at Catterick (3m1f, good) and Walkin Out at Ludlow (2m4f, good) respectively back in March, but two subdued efforts when as much in his favour since to forgive.

5/1

4th

4

30th May 2025

Good

2m 4f 205y

Class 4

20:10 Stratford

Captain Tommy

11st 11lb

J: Mr Huw Edwards

T: Fred Timmis

About 6l and 2l too good for Presentandcounting at Catterick (3m1f, good) and Walkin Out at Ludlow (2m4f, good) respectively back in March, but two subdued efforts when as much in his favour since to forgive.

5/1

5th

1

23rd Apr 2025

Good

2m 7f 171y

Class 4

16:40 Ludlow

Captain Tommy

12st 6lb

J: Mr Henry Crow

T: Fred Timmis

Won small-field hunter chases on good ground at Catterick (3m1f) and Ludlow (2m4f) last month; lost out to only the odds-on favourite at Kempton (2m4f, good) three weeks ago and, although the scale of his defeat was a bit worrying, his good record here (won the last three of his four visits) bolsters his chance today.

9/4

Non-runners

Belargus

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £69.70
Straight Forecast £54.96
Tricast £1027.76
Trifecta £1690.80

Selections

POSTDATA:

Your Darling

The Times:

Flegmatik

TOPSPEED:

Tile Tapper

The Guardian:

Remastered

The Star:

Fern Hill

Telegraph:

Fontaine Collonges

SPOTLIGHT:

Five Star Getaway

LAMBOURN:

Janika

RP Ratings:

Larry

D Express:

Your Darling

Daily Mirror:

Your Darling

WEST COUNTRY:

Tile Tapper

Daily Mail:

Flegmatik

The Sun:

Flegmatik

Daily Record:

Remastered