December 31 / 14.25 Newbury

14.25

Good To Soft

Coral Racing Club Mandarin Handicap Chase

  • Prize money: £12852.56
  • 3m 1f 214y
  • Class 3
  • 15 runners
ITV4
View Course
Coral Racing Club Mandarin Handicap Chase

Runners: 15 runners

Type: Chase Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Showers

8/1 (Won)

  • Win: £8.50
  • Place: £2.50

Form: 13P7-P C

Last run: 52 days

W: 12st 0lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 135

Form & Verdict
Created good impression when opening chase account at this meeting (2m6f, soft) last year off 2lb higher; soundly beaten in hot handicaps on final two starts last season but although he was pulled up at Bangor on reappearance, that run could have been needed and he was not totally discredited.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

0

5

9th Nov 2023

Good To Soft

3m 0f 52y

Class 2

14:25 Newbury

Grumpy Charley

11st 5lb

J: Finn Lambert

T: Chris Honour

Pulled up in three of his four chases last season but he did win over 3m2f here on New Year's Eve (soft) off 1lb higher; was a useful hurdler back in the day and wouldn't put it past him to run well.

33/1

5

18th Feb 2023

Good To Soft

3m 4f 97y

Class 1

14:40 Haydock

Grumpy Charley

11st 0lb

J: Bryan Carver

T: Chris Honour

Won at Newbury (3m2f, soft) on New Year's Eve and there can be optimism he'll stay this far; not discounted but he's never run well away from Newbury over fences and he was pulled up at Warwick last time.

16/1

7

14th Jan 2023

Heavy

3m 5f 54y

Class 1

15:00 Warwick

Grumpy Charley

11st 4lb

J: James Bowen

T: Chris Honour

Won at Newbury (2m6f, soft) in December 2021 in his second chase and he was back to life when scoring at that same meeting (3m2f, soft) two weeks ago; back up 6lb but it looks like he has reserves of stamina and he won two hurdle races on heavy; interesting.

8/1

13/2

  • Place: £4.20

Form: /UPP-2 D

Last run: 28 days

W: 11st 4lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 125

Form & Verdict
2-15 as chaser, both wins at similar stage two years ago; failed to complete last term but, after wind surgery, stuck to his task very well when second at Wetherby four weeks ago; back up 5lb (he was another 7lb higher at his peak) but trip/ground look fine and he's firmly back in calculations.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6

14th May 2024

Good

3m 0f 60y

Class 4

15:00 Southwell

Shanty Alley

11st 11lb

J: Jack Quinlan

T: Ben Case

in touch with leaders

12/1

6

14th May 2024

Good

3m 0f 60y

Class 4

15:00 Southwell

Shanty Alley

11st 11lb

J: Jack Quinlan

T: Ben Case

in touch with leaders

12/1

3rd

2

6th Apr 2024

Heavy

3m 0f 0y

Class 4

15:55 Uttoxeter

Shanty Alley

11st 11lb

J: Jack Quinlan

T: Ben Case

Without a win since January 2021 and he hasn't really been threatening this winter, especially so at Doncaster most recently when the first beaten (3m, soft); wouldn't be the percentage call.

9/1

5/1

  • Place: £2.00

Form: 6725-1 D

Last run: 31 days

W: 11st 12lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 133

Form & Verdict
Five wins in France; runner-up on heavy last term but first British win (five attempts) came when returning from wind surgery to make all in seven-runner race at Ludlow (3m1f, good to soft) one month ago under 5lb claimer; going back up 5lb probably underestimates him.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

6

10th Mar 2025

Good To Soft

3m 4f 85y

Class 3

15:40 Taunton

Laskalin

11st 5lb

J: Miss Lucy Turner

T: Venetia Williams

Bounced back to form in first-time blinkers at Bangor (3m5f, soft) last month, winning North Wales National under Lucy Turner; it's hard to tell whether the new headgear will continue to have a positive effect, and the forecast quicker ground here is probably not ideal, but he's still 5lb lower than when second in this race a year ago.

3/1

1st

13

7th Feb 2025

Soft

3m 5f 142y

Class 4

14:12 Bangor-on-Dee

Laskalin

11st 2lb

J: Miss Lucy Turner

T: Venetia Williams

Has a similar profile to stablemate Valleres in that he's lost his way but now tries new headgear off a much reduced mark; couldn't put a line through him.

25/1

1st

13

7th Feb 2025

Soft

3m 5f 142y

Class 4

14:12 Bangor-on-Dee

Laskalin

11st 2lb

J: Miss Lucy Turner

T: Venetia Williams

Has a similar profile to stablemate Valleres in that he's lost his way but now tries new headgear off a much reduced mark; couldn't put a line through him.

25/1

Form: 113-64

Last run: 35 days

W: 11st 6lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 127

Form & Verdict
Tongue tied for last five starts, best efforts when winning early this year at Kempton (3m, good) and Sandown (2m4f, good to soft) on first two occasions; creditable fourth here (2m6f) on latest start and, although he's not proven with this sort of stamina test, he has a competitive mark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

2

29th Sep 2025

Good

3m 1f 170y

Class 3

16:16 Newton Abbot

Killer Kane

11st 9lb

J: Brendan Powell

T: Joe Tizzard

Regressive 10yo who has not won since February 2023; ran fairly well when second of five over C&D (good) in May but was well held in the end, and was pulled up when reverting to hurdles in July; others have more appealing profiles.

5/1

2

20th Jul 2025

Good

2m 6f 7y

Class 4

16:58 Stratford

Killer Kane

12st 0lb

J: Brendan Powell

T: Joe Tizzard

Won a maiden hurdle in early 2021 before making a name for himself over fences; not as good as he was but handicapped accordingly and could enjoy a return to hurdles.

7/1

2nd

1

7th May 2025

Good

3m 1f 170y

Class 4

15:50 Newton Abbot

Killer Kane

12st 0lb

J: Brendan Powell

T: Joe Tizzard

led, faced challenge home turn, not fluent and headed 2 out, soon outpaced, not fluent and weakened last

7/2

Form: 221-01

Last run: 25 days

W: 11st 2lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 123

Form & Verdict
Acts on soft; consistent last season and resumed his progress to win at Fontwell (extended 2m5f, good; 4lb higher today) on latest outing, challenging late on after early mistakes; looked sure to stay further that day but this is the first time he's been asked to do so, which asks a sizeable question.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6

23rd Feb 2025

Good To Soft

3m 1f 44y

Class 4

15:40 Hereford

Foxboro

11st 9lb

J: Miss Brodie Hampson

T: Archie Watson

Four-time chase winner for Robert Walford (2m4f-3m6f, good-soft) but out of form for new stable this season (three runs); very well handicapped now but needs to be perked up by a change of headgear here.

20/1

11

31st Jan 2025

Soft

3m 4f 178y

Class 3

14:45 Lingfield

Foxboro

10st 8lb

J: Miss Brodie Hampson

T: Archie Watson

20l win off 4lb higher for Robert Walford at Exeter (3m6f, soft; below form on heavy) in December 2023; not nearly so good since, last twice for new yard.

25/1

11

31st Jan 2025

Soft

3m 4f 178y

Class 3

14:45 Lingfield

Foxboro

10st 8lb

J: Miss Brodie Hampson

T: Archie Watson

20l win off 4lb higher for Robert Walford at Exeter (3m6f, soft; below form on heavy) in December 2023; not nearly so good since, last twice for new yard.

25/1

Form: P6P-P6 C

Last run: 28 days

W: 11st 9lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 130

Form & Verdict
Dug deep for narrow win at Doncaster (3m, soft) one year ago; has a 10lb lower mark today because that was the only time he fired last season and he's not done much in his two races this term.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13

29th Oct 2024

Good To Soft

3m 2f 54y

Class 4

14:35 Chepstow

Kalooki

11st 4lb

J: Robert Dunne

T: Christian Williams

Very useful hurdler/chaser on his day for Philip Hobbs but this year's point/hunter chase form was very disappointing, and he was tailed off in this grade of handicap on latest outing in July.

66/1

13

29th Oct 2024

Good To Soft

3m 2f 54y

Class 4

14:35 Chepstow

Kalooki

11st 4lb

J: Robert Dunne

T: Christian Williams

Very useful hurdler/chaser on his day for Philip Hobbs but this year's point/hunter chase form was very disappointing, and he was tailed off in this grade of handicap on latest outing in July.

66/1

11th

5

20th Jul 2024

Good

2m 5f 34y

Class 4

15:25 Cartmel

Kalooki

11st 9lb

J: Nick Scholfield

T: Christian Williams

Very useful hurdler/chaser on his day for Philip Hobbs but was pulled up in back-to-back points before trailing home last in a hunter chase in May; has rejoined Christian Williams but he needs a major revival after another short break; one of three runners for the yard.

9/1

Form: 641P-3 D

Last run: 22 days

W: 12st 1lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 136

Form & Verdict
Not the most consistent last term but he reappeared with a creditable third of eight at Cheltenham (3m2f) three weeks ago and that was despite jumping errors; it's possible that a return to testing ground would suit.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

16th Apr 2025

Good

3m 4f 21y

Class 3

15:15 Cheltenham

Undersupervision

12st 0lb

J: James Turner

T: Nigel Twiston-Davies

Very well handicapped on old form but has been pulled up on six of his eight starts over the last two years, most recently in last month's Grimthorpe at Doncaster (a race he won in 2022); sports first-time tongue-tie and swaps visor for refitted cheekpieces here; revival needed.

33/1

1

16th Apr 2025

Good

3m 4f 21y

Class 3

15:15 Cheltenham

Undersupervision

12st 0lb

J: James Turner

T: Nigel Twiston-Davies

Very well handicapped on old form but has been pulled up on six of his eight starts over the last two years, most recently in last month's Grimthorpe at Doncaster (a race he won in 2022); sports first-time tongue-tie and swaps visor for refitted cheekpieces here; revival needed.

33/1

10

1st Mar 2025

Good To Soft

3m 2f 1y

Class 2

15:15 Doncaster

Undersupervision

10st 9lb

J: James Turner

T: Nigel Twiston-Davies

Failed to complete far too often for comfort and soundly beaten when he did get round in a first-time visor (replacing usual cheekpieces) at Ludlow in December when last seen; the big positives are that he won this race in 2022 and was beaten a neck in it in 2023, but last year's performance in the Grimthorpe was poor; down to his lowest mark as a chaser.

16/1

Form: 61111- D

Last run: 284 days

W: 12st 0lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 135

Form & Verdict
Acts on soft, well beaten both jumps starts on heavy; won last four of his five starts last season (3m2f, 3m twice and 3m6f); last three of those were at Exeter and he was hugely in charge on last two occasions, so needs plenty of respect despite latest 8lb rise in this much more competitive race.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

27th May 2026

Good

3m 1f 170y

Class 3

15:53 Newton Abbot

Moroder

11st 7lb

J: James Best

T: Seamus Mullins

Six-time chase winner who returned to form with a rallying second at Taunton (3m4f, good) last month; only 1lb higher here and has claims if he can build on that back in trip.

13/2

2nd

1

9th Apr 2026

Good

3m 4f 85y

Class 4

16:15 Taunton

Moroder

12st 0lb

J: James Best

T: Seamus Mullins

Six-time chase winner but now appears to be on the downgrade; pulled up when bidding to win the Grimthorpe at Doncaster for the third time in February and was tailed off at Ascot (2m5f, good) 11 days ago; can only be watched at present.

12/1

4th

1

29th Mar 2026

Good

2m 5f 13y

Class 4

14:30 Ascot

Moroder

12st 0lb

J: James Best

T: Seamus Mullins

Ran no race in Doncaster's Grimthorpe last month (3m2f, soft; blinkers returned) and he had a good record in that race; did run quite well there the time before; unwise to focus too much on his reduced mark when clearly not the force of old, but he has returned to winning ways from out of the blue in the past, and he'll enjoy getting back on forecast good ground; earns respect.

12/1

Form: 7/2P-0 C

Last run: 28 days

W: 11st 13lb

12 yo Gelding

OR: 134

Form & Verdict
Won by 8l here (2m7f, heavy) in January 2021 off just 2lb lower; has run only four times since, showing his form only once, but had a year off prior to his run over the National fences at Aintree four weeks ago (100-1) and can probably be forgiven that; veteran who's not entirely dismissed.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

4

19th Mar 2023

Soft

3m 0f 110y

Class 2

15:35 Carlisle

Fagan

10st 10lb

J: Harriet Tucker

T: Alex Hales

11lb lower than when going close at Warwick in November 2021, which was only five starts back; outpaced on good ground last time and wouldn't be too dismissive in first-time cheekpieces.

10/1

4th

2

22nd Feb 2023

Good

2m 7f 214y

Class 2

15:00 Doncaster

Fagan

11st 13lb

J: Harry Bannister

T: Alex Hales

Now 8lb lower than when going close at Warwick in November 2021 but pulled up the following month and has struggled on his two starts this season, following an absence; major revival required.

12/1

4

31st Dec 2022

Good To Soft

3m 1f 214y

Class 3

14:25 Newbury

Fagan

11st 13lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Alex Hales

Won by 8l here (2m7f, heavy) in January 2021 off just 2lb lower; has run only four times since, showing his form only once, but had a year off prior to his run over the National fences at Aintree four weeks ago (100-1) and can probably be forgiven that; veteran who's not entirely dismissed.

50/1

OUR TIP

Form: 41P2-1

Last run: 46 days

W: 11st 12lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 133

Form & Verdict
Acts on soft, ran poorly last term in one start on heavy; asserted in good style from Pemberley at Lingfield on reappearance (both were hampered turning for home); up 5lb but this second-season chaser stays 3m well and should have more to offer.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

10th Apr 2023

Good To Soft

2m 7f 131y

Class 3

14:35 Chepstow

Tallow For Coal

11st 2lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Jamie Snowden

Began season with convincing win off today's mark at Lingfield (2m7f, soft) but looked badly out of sorts when pulled up on next two appearances; seemingly aided by first-time cheekpieces when third in military riders' race at Sandown (3m, good to soft) last month but was beaten over 30l there and it's hard to know what to expect from him in first-time blinkers here.

10/1

3rd

7

7th Mar 2023

Good

3m 0f 37y

Class 3

15:00 Sandown

Tallow For Coal

12st 5lb

J: Maj Will Kellard

T: Jamie Snowden

midfield, in touch with leaders 3rd, pressed leader 3 out, soon ridden, lost second just before 2 out, weakened approaching last

3/1

3

2nd Feb 2023

Good To Soft

3m 1f 30y

Class 3

15:00 Wincanton

Tallow For Coal

11st 11lb

J: Gavin Sheehan

T: Jamie Snowden

Didn't jump well when pulled up at Newbury on New Year's Eve and has to leave that performance well behind; however, he looked one to follow when winning at Lingfield (2m7f, soft) in November and is not written off.

10/1

Form: 20-5F8

Last run: 28 days

W: 11st 11lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 132

Form & Verdict
Sometimes front-runs; no win since April 2021 but three seconds last term, stays further than this and ran creditably in one of his appearances on soft (unraced on heavy); soundly beaten in his two completions this term, having probably overdone it up front on latest outing; edging down the weights.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

22nd Apr 2026

Good

2m 7f 171y

Class 4

15:30 Ludlow

Almazhar Garde

12st 2lb

J: David Bass

T: Charlie Longsdon

Not the force of old and has failed to complete in his last two starts but this is a drop back in grade and he went close at Catterick (3m1f, good) in November; looks interesting on that form and he made all when winning this race last year.

9/1

5

21st Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 7f 91y

Class 3

16:45 Newbury

Almazhar Garde

11st 3lb

J: Paul O’Brien

T: Charlie Longsdon

Not the force of old and his second at Catterick (3m1f, good) in November came in a two-horse race; followed that with a poor run in a veterans' chase at Doncaster; others appeal more.

20/1

4

27th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 7f 214y

Class 3

17:05 Doncaster

Almazhar Garde

11st 12lb

J: David Bass

T: Charlie Longsdon

Won three times last year (3m/2m7f, good to soft/good) and finished close up on final two outings in the autumn; in the mix if returning from a break in similarly good form.

6/1

Form: 8-1416 C

Last run: 25 days

W: 11st 8lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 129

Form & Verdict
Acts on soft, unraced on heavy; mixes chasing with hurdling and registered a win in both disciplines this autumn, at this track over hurdles on second occasion; his two other runs this season were heavy defeats and he was a disappointing co-favourite in this race two years ago.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

23rd May 2025

Good

3m 4f 165y

19:37 Downpatrick

Champagne Court

12st 0lb

J: Mr A P Kennedy

T: A J Kennedy

Veteran won six races between 2018 and 2022 when trained by Jeremy Scott; still has an appetite for racing, twice runner-up in points for this rider in April; one length in front of Grange Soldier at Dromahane last time.

20/1

2

23rd May 2025

Good

3m 4f 165y

19:37 Downpatrick

Champagne Court

12st 0lb

J: Mr A P Kennedy

T: A J Kennedy

Veteran won six races between 2018 and 2022 when trained by Jeremy Scott; still has an appetite for racing, twice runner-up in points for this rider in April; one length in front of Grange Soldier at Dromahane last time.

20/1

7th

2

31st Aug 2024

Good

2m 4f 216y

Class 4

16:30 Newton Abbot

Champagne Court

11st 13lb

J: Lorcan Williams

T: Jeremy Scott

in touch with leaders

10/1

Form: /F21-4 BF

Last run: 29 days

W: 11st 7lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 128

Form & Verdict
Won a novice hurdle (2m7f) and four-runner novice handicap chase (3m) in his six races for Nicky Henderson; well beaten when 5-6 at Sandown four weeks ago and has since changed hands; tongue tied first time; unraced on worse than good to soft; relatively unexposed but others look a bit more solid.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

3rd Jun 2023

Good

3m 3f 119y

Class 3

20:20 Stratford

Valsheda

11st 10lb

J: Brendan Powell

T: Warren Greatrex

Won 3m chase at Ffos Las for Nicky Henderson last March (good to soft) but out of sorts in various aids for new connections since December; tongue-tie refitted and first-time blinkers added; risky.

8/1

1

9th May 2023

Good

3m 1f 125y

Class 4

18:25 Ludlow

Valsheda

12st 0lb

J: Dylan Kitts

T: Warren Greatrex

10

24th Apr 2023

Good

3m 0f 0y

Class 3

18:55 Kempton

Valsheda

10st 13lb

J: Dylan Kitts

T: Warren Greatrex

Won off a 5lb higher mark last spring for Nicky Henderson; however, form for current yard (three attempts) is far from convincing; change of headgear needs to spark a revival.

20/1

Form: 4-1P13 C

Last run: 29 days

W: 11st 6lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 127

Form & Verdict
Smart staying chaser in 2018-19; ended a long losing run to take a hunter chase in May and added a handicap in November, both four-runner races at Huntingdon on good ground (acts on heavy); creditable third at Sandown latest but this race demands a good deal more.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12

31st Dec 2022

Good To Soft

3m 1f 214y

Class 3

14:25 Newbury

Le Breuil

11st 6lb

J: Luca Morgan

T: Ben Pauling

Smart staying chaser in 2018-19; ended a long losing run to take a hunter chase in May and added a handicap in November, both four-runner races at Huntingdon on good ground (acts on heavy); creditable third at Sandown latest but this race demands a good deal more.

16/1

3rd

2

2nd Dec 2022

Good To Soft

3m 0f 37y

Class 3

12:40 Sandown

Le Breuil

11st 12lb

J: Miss Megan Fox

T: Ben Pauling

Smart staying chaser in 2018-19; ended a long losing run at Huntingdon (hunter) in May and he went in again there (2m7f, good) three weeks ago; nudged back up 4lb but he's still well treated on old form and his stable's purple patch shows no sign of coming to an end; has to be respected.

4/1

1st

1

8th Nov 2022

Good

2m 7f 129y

Class 3

15:37 Huntingdon

Le Breuil

12st 0lb

J: Luca Morgan

T: Ben Pauling

held up in rear, not fluent 2nd, headway before 5 out, left in lead just after 4 out, went clear going best after 3 out, eased run-in

4/6

Form: 241-B1 D

Last run: 30 days

W: 11st 6lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 127

Form & Verdict
Signed off last season with win at Kempton (3m, good) despite his jumping lacking fluency; left well clear two out in a very foggy four-finisher race at Wincanton (3m1f, good to soft) one month ago, which isn't that easy to assess (he's gone up 5lb since) and there's more to prove on soft, but he's had only five chases and may therefore have more to offer.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price
No Results Found

Non-runners

Le Breuil, Certainly Red, Pemberley

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £113.90
Straight Forecast £82.98
Tricast £341.95
Trifecta £662.70

Selections

TOPSPEED:

Laskalin

SPOTLIGHT:

Shanty Alley

LAMBOURN:

Valsheda

RP Ratings:

Undersupervision

The Star:

Tallow For Coal

WEST COUNTRY:

Killer Kane

Daily Mirror:

Foxboro

POSTDATA:

Le Breuil

The Guardian:

Valsheda

The Times:

Undersupervision

Telegraph:

Laskalin

D Express:

Laskalin

Daily Record:

Laskalin

Daily Mail:

Shanty Alley

The Sun:

Shanty Alley