January 01 / 12.45 Cheltenham

12.45

Good

AIS Handicap Chase (GBB Race)

  • Prize money: £13007.5
  • 3m 2f 70y
  • Class 2
  • 13 runners
RTV
View Course
AIS Handicap Chase (GBB Race)

Runners: 13 runners

Type: Chase Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Mostly cloudy

9/1 (Won)

  • Win: £9.90
  • Place: £3.00

Form: 110-93

Last run: 43 days

W: 11st 6lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 137

Form & Verdict
Nowhere near the first two at Haydock (3m1f, soft) six weeks ago but emerged best of the rest; wears headgear first time and he had better form with his two wins last winter, the second of which came off today's mark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

15th Jan 2026

Good To Soft

3m 2f 162y

Class 3

15:37 Wincanton

Rapper

10st 13lb

J: Richard Patrick

T: Henry Daly

Well handicapped on what he was doing two years ago but he's pulled up and finished last in two races after a year on the sidelines.

33/1

3rd

4

21st Nov 2024

Good To Soft

3m 0f 0y

Class 2

14:25 Warwick

Rapper

10st 13lb

J: Stan Sheppard

T: Henry Daly

Inconsistent in recent seasons but ran fairly well when third (albeit well held in the end) on reappearance outing at Aintree (3m1f, good) last month and possibilities if able to build on that performance here.

6/1

3rd

4

21st Nov 2024

Good To Soft

3m 0f 0y

Class 2

14:25 Warwick

Rapper

10st 13lb

J: Stan Sheppard

T: Henry Daly

Inconsistent in recent seasons but ran fairly well when third (albeit well held in the end) on reappearance outing at Aintree (3m1f, good) last month and possibilities if able to build on that performance here.

6/1

8/1

  • Place: £2.40

Form: 1311-3

Last run: 36 days

W: 11st 2lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 133

Form & Verdict
Didn't look back over fences last season and he reappeared with a creditable third at Newbury five weeks ago; ran creditably sole chase start here; unraced beyond 3m but looks worth the attempt and he's one to consider.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

15

9th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 5f 19y

Class 2

15:30 Aintree

Java Point

12st 0lb

J: Mr Paddy Barlow

T: Lemos De Souza

Useful, four-time handicap chase winner who scored at Ludlow (3m, good to soft) in January on his first hunter chase start; runner-up on next two outings (3m/2m7f, soft/good to soft); this 11yo needs a bigger run today.

33/1

2nd

2

20th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 7f 91y

Class 5

17:16 Newbury

Java Point

12st 6lb

J: Miss Gina Andrews

T: Lemos De Souza

Has always been useful; ran in a handicap on debut for this yard and then beat Fil d'Ariane at Ludlow (3m, good to soft); perhaps found soft ground against him when no match for Jeffery's Cross last time and better can be expected.

6/1

2nd

3

2nd Mar 2026

Heavy

3m 0f 60y

Class 5

15:15 Southwell

Java Point

12st 6lb

J: Mr Frederick Philipson-Stow

T: Lemos De Souza

Successful at Ludlow (3m, good to soft) last time on hunter chase debut and second start for new stable, showing he retains plenty of vitality aged 11; this is a weaker race; respected.

11/10

6/1

  • Place: £2.60

Form: /5P-92

Last run: 29 days

W: 11st 3lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 134

Form & Verdict
Two sparkling wins at Chepstow two years ago, latterly in the Welsh National; well handicapped on those heroics but very lightly raced since and disappointing until his fair second to impressive Farinet at Chepstow four weeks ago; needs another step back up the ladder.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

25

20th Apr 2024

Soft

3m 7f 176y

Class 1

15:35 Ayr

Secret Reprieve

10st 2lb

J: James Turner

T: Evan Williams

Has not had much racing, or recaptured his form, since winning the Welsh Grand National in January 2021; 2lb lower today, even from 5lb out of the handicap; two places last winter but pulled up in the 2023 Midlands National and well beaten behind Ballygriffin Cottage at Sandown when next seen nearly a year later.

66/1

25

20th Apr 2024

Soft

3m 7f 176y

Class 1

15:35 Ayr

Secret Reprieve

10st 2lb

J: James Turner

T: Evan Williams

Has not had much racing, or recaptured his form, since winning the Welsh Grand National in January 2021; 2lb lower today, even from 5lb out of the handicap; two places last winter but pulled up in the 2023 Midlands National and well beaten behind Ballygriffin Cottage at Sandown when next seen nearly a year later.

66/1

6th

8

9th Mar 2024

Soft

3m 0f 37y

Class 3

16:10 Sandown

Secret Reprieve

11st 9lb

J: Jonjo O’Neill Jr

T: Evan Williams

Has not had much racing since winning the Welsh Grand National in January 2021, running respectably twice last winter but beaten some way out in the Midlands National when last seen in March; well handicapped but seems fragile and probably best watched after nearly a year off.

16/1

Form: 24-352 D

Last run: 43 days

W: 11st 1lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 132

Form & Verdict
Reliable sort who was pipped over 3m4f on soft at Haydock last time; now has tongue tied first time; also has 3lb higher mark but will probably be seriously involved.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

5

24th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 7f 136y

Class 5

19:37 Chepstow

Poppa Poutine

11st 12lb

J: Mr James Murray

T: Miss A Willmott

Hampered when unseating in an open point at neighbouring Howick last month, and generally a safe ride; both handicap chase wins (from 17 starts over fences) have come over Wincanton's 3m1f on ground softer than good, and the drying forecast isn't strictly ideal.

16/1

2

29th Mar 2025

Good

3m 0f 0y

Class 4

16:30 Uttoxeter

Poppa Poutine

12st 2lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Nigel Twiston-Davies

always behind

12/1

4

7th Feb 2025

Soft

3m 5f 142y

Class 4

14:12 Bangor-on-Dee

Poppa Poutine

11st 12lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Nigel Twiston-Davies

Rated much higher in the past so Newbury last time was disappointing (3m2f, good to soft) after going up just 3lb for winning a small-field handicap at Wincanton (3m1f, soft); getting back on soft ground should help and he'll stay okay.

12/1

Form: P15P-1

Last run: 29 days

W: 12st 0lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 145

Form & Verdict
3-7 over fences in Britain and those wins were all gained in good style but his other runs last season were disappointing; made all when slamming Secret Reprieve by 8l eased down at Chepstow (3m) four weeks ago, since which he has been raised 10lb but he has to be in serious calculations.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

16th Mar 2023

Soft

3m 2f 0y

Class 2

17:30 Cheltenham

Farinet

11st 11lb

J: Mr James King

T: Venetia Williams

Won at Sandown (2m4f, soft) last January and comfortably made all at Chepstow (2m7f, good to soft) in December; of interest judged on that latest win but two lesser runs have followed and he needs to get back on track.

33/1

10th

2

18th Feb 2023

Good

2m 7f 180y

Class 1

14:25 Ascot

Farinet

11st 11lb

J: Shane Quinlan

T: Venetia Williams

All starts have been on softer than good; 3-8 over fences in Britain and those wins were all gained in good style but his other runs last season were disappointing; this term he impressively made all at Chepstow (9lb higher today) but his form dipped at Newbury four weeks later; mixed messages.

16/1

5th

1

1st Jan 2023

Good

3m 2f 70y

Class 2

12:45 Cheltenham

Farinet

12st 0lb

J: Charlie Deutsch

T: Venetia Williams

3-7 over fences in Britain and those wins were all gained in good style but his other runs last season were disappointing; made all when slamming Secret Reprieve by 8l eased down at Chepstow (3m) four weeks ago, since which he has been raised 10lb but he has to be in serious calculations.

7/2

OUR TIP

Form: 24PP-4

Last run: 43 days

W: 12st 0lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 145

Form & Verdict
Smart form in a stack of Graded races but that's all been in defeat since February 2020 and he's not proved himself beyond 2m6f; most worryingly, he pulled up on last two starts last season and was last of four on reappearance after wind surgery; this handicap is a drop in class and some headgear (absent last time) returns.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

5

21st Mar 2025

Good To Soft

2m 7f 86y

Class 5

17:10 Newbury

Itchy Feet

11st 12lb

J: Mr James King

T: Olly Murphy

Grade 1 winner over fences in 2020 and still smart in 2023; now has a bit to prove after finishing tailed off in two staying handicap hurdles following a year on the sidelines; not sure what to expect on this hunter chase debut but, with his CV, he's dangerous to dismiss.

3/1

6th

3

23rd Jan 2025

Good To Soft

3m 1f 10y

Class 2

14:30 Huntingdon

Itchy Feet

11st 9lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Olly Murphy

midfield, outpaced and dropped to rear 8th, weakening when hit 3 out, tailed off

12/1

6th

3

23rd Jan 2025

Good To Soft

3m 1f 10y

Class 2

14:30 Huntingdon

Itchy Feet

11st 9lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Olly Murphy

midfield, outpaced and dropped to rear 8th, weakening when hit 3 out

12/1

Form: 35-262

Last run: 23 days

W: 11st 6lb

11 yo Gelding

OR: 137

Form & Verdict
The lack of a win since 2018 is the big disincentive but he usually runs well at Cheltenham and last month it was when upped to 3m2f on good (goes well on soft over shorter); often wears cheekpieces (not last time) but now tries blinkers; should again finish on the premises.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11

28th Jan 2023

Soft

2m 4f 127y

Class 1

13:50 Cheltenham

Spiritofthegames

10st 10lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

Has plenty of C&D form, including placed efforts in this race in 2020 and 2022; however, may need further now as his best efforts this term have come over 3m/3m2f; no win since 2018.

20/1

7th

6

1st Jan 2023

Good

3m 2f 70y

Class 2

12:45 Cheltenham

Spiritofthegames

11st 6lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

The lack of a win since 2018 is the big disincentive but he usually runs well at Cheltenham and last month it was when upped to 3m2f on good (goes well on soft over shorter); often wears cheekpieces (not last time) but now tries blinkers; should again finish on the premises.

7/1

2nd

6

9th Dec 2022

Good

3m 2f 0y

Class 1

14:25 Cheltenham

Spiritofthegames

11st 6lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

Well-held sixth in the Grand Sefton at Aintree last month; has plenty of placed form off higher marks, albeit over 2m4f, at this track; stamina to prove over this new trip and long losing run continues.

8/1

10/1

Form: 227-20

Last run: 29 days

W: 11st 7lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 138

Form & Verdict
No win since October 2020 but runner-up twice in a row early last year (in this race on first occasion) and he reappeared with another good second at Cheltenham (off today's mark) in October; no show over the big Aintree fences four weeks ago (his jumping can lack fluency) but should have each-way prospects back here; cheekpieces (tried once early in 2021) return.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

3

16th May 2025

Good

3m 0f 210y

Class 2

18:55 Aintree

The Wolf

11st 2lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Olly Murphy

No longer the force of old and not always a fluent jumper but won two chases in November (2m7f/2m6f) and was runner-up in three small-field races towards end of last season; suited by good ground and will probably give another good account.

11/4

4th

3

16th May 2025

Good

3m 0f 210y

Class 2

18:55 Aintree

The Wolf

11st 2lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Olly Murphy

No longer the force of old and not always a fluent jumper but won two chases in November (2m7f/2m6f) and was runner-up in three small-field races towards end of last season; suited by good ground and will probably give another good account.

11/4

2nd

2

11th Apr 2025

Good

2m 7f 129y

Class 3

18:08 Huntingdon

The Wolf

12st 0lb

J: Robert Dunne

T: Olly Murphy

Veteran who has been running well, finishing second to an improver at Kempton (3m, good) before another sound effort at Stratford; solid claims.

7/4

Form: 17-0PF

Last run: 29 days

W: 10st 3lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 120

Form & Verdict
Made all in February and May 2021 but he's run just four times since and achieved very little; tongue-tie and cheekpieces are removed; down the weights but there's a lot to take on trust.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

0

5

31st Oct 2023

Good To Soft

3m 2f 54y

Class 4

13:30 Chepstow

Minella Bobo

11st 6lb

J: James Bowen

T: Rebecca Curtis

Won two staying handicap chases during the first half of 2021, the latest off 8lb higher; his last campaign never got off the ground and a watching brief is probably best after a lengthy break.

20/1

9th

13

1st Jan 2023

Good

3m 2f 70y

Class 2

12:45 Cheltenham

Minella Bobo

10st 3lb

J: Brendan Powell

T: Rebecca Curtis

Made all in February and May 2021 but he's run just four times since and achieved very little; tongue-tie and cheekpieces are removed; down the weights but there's a lot to take on trust.

33/1

Form: PPP-P0 C

Last run: 43 days

W: 11st 6lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 137

Form & Verdict
High-class over the cross-country here on soft in March 2020 but, having moved from France, he was a sorry sight last season and tailed off in November when back from his summer break; usually tongue tied but not today.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6

15th Mar 2023

Soft

3m 6f 37y

Class 2

16:10 Cheltenham

Easysland

11st 7lb

J: Jonjo O’Neill Jr

T: Jonjo O’Neill

Two C&D wins in 2019-20 season, including this race; best of the rest behind Tiger Roll 12 months later but has struggled to get competitive since; major turnaround is needed in first-time blinkers (replacing cheekpieces).

50/1

9th

13

28th Jan 2023

Good To Soft

3m 6f 37y

Class 2

12:40 Cheltenham

Easysland

10st 2lb

J: Richie McLernon

T: Jonjo O’Neill

Explosive winner over C&D on his British debut in late 2019 and he went on to win the big one in March later that season; the wheels have come off big time but that's reflected in a much reduced handicap mark, and the signs have been a tad more encouraging of late over regulation fences despite finishing well held; considered.

7/1

10th

5

1st Jan 2023

Good

3m 2f 70y

Class 2

12:45 Cheltenham

Easysland

11st 6lb

J: Richie McLernon

T: Jonjo O’Neill

High-class over the cross-country here on soft in March 2020 but, having moved from France, he was a sorry sight last season and tailed off in November when back from his summer break; usually tongue tied but not today.

33/1

Form: P5-535

Last run: 36 days

W: 10st 11lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 128

Form & Verdict
Unraced here and his biggest win came over Kempton's 3m last February; has just a 1lb higher mark today, not having repeated the form but also not discredited on last two outings; often wears cheekpieces but they are removed today; probably has the stamina and acts on soft; worth a market check.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

4

21st Jun 2025

Good

3m 0f 30y

Class 4

17:15 Bangor-on-Dee

Cap Du Nord

11st 7lb

J: Jack Tudor

T: Christian Williams

Not quite a year since he won off a 20lb higher mark at Perth (3m, good); insufficient encouragement on last two stasrts, even allowing for the inadequacy of the trip, and hopes rest with the return of the cheekpieces worn for last four wins.

8/1

4th

6

23rd May 2025

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 4

17:23 Worcester

Cap Du Nord

10st 13lb

J: Jack Tudor

T: Christian Williams

Has won plenty during his career but now on the downgrade and has struggled this year; needs further as well.

10/1

4th

6

23rd May 2025

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 4

17:23 Worcester

Cap Du Nord

10st 13lb

J: Jack Tudor

T: Christian Williams

Has won plenty during his career but now on the downgrade and has struggled this year; needs further as well.

10/1

Form: -1111P C BF

Last run: 53 days

W: 11st 7lb

8 yo Mare

OR: 138

Form & Verdict
Ended last season with three wins and began this campaign with two more, over 2m4f here on last occasion and none on worse than good to soft; pulled up on heavy going on latest outing; she has won at up to 3m but has more to prove than some of these if it's a right slog.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

18th Dec 2024

Good To Soft

2m 7f 171y

Class 3

12:50 Ludlow

Found On

11st 13lb

J: James Best

T: Martin Keighley

Pulled up on her final two outings last season and suffered the same fate on reappearance in October; potentially well handicapped but she's hard to trust at the minute.

12/1

2

18th Dec 2024

Good To Soft

2m 7f 171y

Class 3

12:50 Ludlow

Found On

11st 13lb

J: James Best

T: Martin Keighley

Pulled up on her final two outings last season and suffered the same fate on reappearance in October; potentially well handicapped but she's hard to trust at the minute.

12/1

Form: 1322-7

Last run: 23 days

W: 11st 2lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 133

Form & Verdict
Had a solid record switched to chasing last season, the win gained at Hereford (3m1f, good); not needs to bounce back from a heavy defeat here last month on reappearance and now sports headgear for the first time; not proven on worse than good to soft.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

2nd Apr 2025

Good

3m 0f 54y

Class 4

17:00 Exeter

Switch Hitter

11st 12lb

J: Miss Olive Nicholls

T: S Loxton

Very useful over fences in his prime for Paul Nicholls; last rules win was over two years ago but he's won points in his last three starts including a comfortable success (3m, good to firm) ten days ago; looks a major player now back in this sphere and yard won this in 2023 and 2024.

4/7

5

2nd Apr 2025

Good

3m 0f 54y

Class 4

17:00 Exeter

Switch Hitter

11st 12lb

J: Miss Olive Nicholls

T: S Loxton

Very useful over fences in his prime for Paul Nicholls; last rules win was over two years ago but he's won points in his last three starts including a comfortable success (3m, good to firm) ten days ago; looks a major player now back in this sphere and yard won this in 2023 and 2024.

4/7

5th

1

20th May 2024

Soft

3m 1f 170y

Class 5

16:43 Newton Abbot

Switch Hitter

12st 8lb

J: Miss Natalie Parker

T: Paul Nicholls

Useful handicap chaser on good ground when on song; pulled up on consecutive outings at end of last season and needs to prove his wellbeing, but is in much calmer waters for today's hunter chase debut.

4/6

Non-runners

Found On, Switch Hitter

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £55.20
Straight Forecast £53.62
Tricast £368.45
Trifecta £370.50

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Java Point

POSTDATA:

Spiritofthegames

The Times:

The Wolf

RP Ratings:

Itchy Feet

The Star:

Poppa Poutine

Telegraph:

Farinet

Daily Mirror:

Cap Du Nord

WEST COUNTRY:

Java Point

D Express:

Java Point

The Sun:

The Wolf

TOPSPEED:

Itchy Feet

Daily Mail:

Spiritofthegames

Daily Record:

Spiritofthegames