January 03 / 14.45 Musselburgh

14.45

Soft

Fitzdares New Year Handicap Chase

  • Prize money: £5281
  • 1m 7f 182y
  • Class 4
  • 9 runners
RTV
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Fitzdares New Year Handicap Chase

Runners: 9 runners

Type: Chase Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Light rain

OUR TIP

3/1 (Won)

  • Win: £2.38
  • Place: £1.20

Form: -U7331 D

Last run: 6 days

W: 12st 4lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 107

Form & Verdict
Ex-Irish 9yo who looked back in prime form when winning readily by 8l at Catterick (1m7f, soft) on Wednesday, his third start for Ben Haslam; obvious contender under 7lb penalty if in similar mood here.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

4

25th May 2026

Good

2m 5f 34y

Class 3

17:11 Cartmel

Arthurs Quay

10st 11lb

J: Richie McLernon

T: Ben Haslam

Getting long in the tooth now and was well beaten on latest outing in March but has a C&D win on his CV and is well handicapped on form as recent as the autumn; cannot be ruled out.

13/2

6th

3

17th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 85y

Class 4

14:37 Wetherby

Arthurs Quay

11st 10lb

J: Richie McLernon

T: Ben Haslam

12yo whose form has been up and down since he won at Newcastle (2m4f, good to soft) last February but he's dropped down the weights and performed respectably at Ayr (2m, heavy) in December when last seen; he could benefit from today's step back up in trip and he's in with a chance.

15/2

1

30th Oct 2025

Good To Firm

2m 4f 19y

Class 4

15:38 Newcastle

Arthurs Quay

12st 0lb

J: Richie McLernon

T: Ben Haslam

Veteran; winner over C&D in February off this mark (good to soft) but hasn't been in quite the same form since; withdrawn on account of fast ground last time; further rain will suit.

5/1

5/1

  • Place: £2.00

Form: 23-462

Last run: 49 days

W: 10st 9lb

8 yo Mare

OR: 91

Form & Verdict
0-6 over hurdles but ran big race in defeat on chasing debut at Fakenham (2m, good) in November, looking likely winner until succumbing to a strong-finisher close home; moves up in grade here but should be okay on the slower ground (gained her Irish point win on soft to heavy); shortlisted.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

5

2nd Jun 2024

Good

2m 0f 59y

Class 5

15:10 Fakenham

Moore Clouds

11st 5lb

J: Callum Bewley

T: Andrew Wilson

Won handicap chases at Market Rasen last June (2m, good) and Sedgefield on Boxing Day (2m1f, good to soft); hasn't been in quite such good form since; could go well.

10/1

9th

6

10th May 2024

Good

2m 3f 188y

Class 5

18:20 Sedgefield

Moore Clouds

11st 2lb

J: Callum Bewley

T: Andrew Wilson

Dual chase winner last season, latterly off today's mark here (2m1f, good to soft) on Boxing Day; not in same form when well-held third at Market Rasen last month, though, and this switch back to hurdling is not ideal.

16/1

9th

6

10th May 2024

Good

2m 3f 188y

Class 5

18:20 Sedgefield

Moore Clouds

11st 2lb

J: Callum Bewley

T: Andrew Wilson

Dual chase winner last season, latterly off today's mark here (2m1f, good to soft) on Boxing Day; not in same form when well-held third at Market Rasen last month, though, and this switch back to hurdling is not ideal.

16/1

Form: 19-033 D

Last run: 47 days

W: 11st 7lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 103

Form & Verdict
Won Kelso novice hurdle last spring (2m, good) and was placed in two handicap hurdles in the autumn (2m5f, good to soft/2m, soft); tongue-tie fitted for today's chasing debut; interesting to see how he fares.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

4th Sep 2025

Good

2m 3f 65y

Class 4

18:30 Sedgefield

Limerick Leader

11st 3lb

J: James Bowen

T: Alison Thorpe

Incredibly consistent on his last four starts, three seconds and a win (all on good between 2m3f and 2m5f) returning an RPR of 100 each time; had course form over hurdles for previous connections and he's a player once again from an unchanged mark.

6/4

2nd

9

21st Aug 2025

Good

2m 4f 216y

Class 4

17:35 Newton Abbot

Limerick Leader

10st 11lb

J: James Bowen

T: Alison Thorpe

In good form over C&D this summer since the visor returned, just denied on his June reappearance then going one better 20 days later, and matched those efforts when down in trip and runner-up at Stratford (2m3f) last month off this mark; likely to run well again.

13/2

Form: 5/2-55 D

Last run: 39 days

W: 12st 0lb

12 yo Gelding

OR: 110

Form & Verdict
Very well handicapped on old form and returned from long absence with encouraging run at Kelso (2m1f, good to soft) in October; needs to bounce back from a poor run at Doncaster in November but can't be ruled out.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

1

23rd May 2023

Good

1m 7f 133y

Class 4

20:20 Hexham

Lake Takapuna

12st 0lb

J: Brian Hughes

T: James Ewart

prominent

5/2

5

10th May 2023

Good

2m 1f 14y

Class 3

16:30 Kelso

Lake Takapuna

10st 2lb

J: Danny McMenamin

T: James Ewart

Capitalised on a reduced mark at Ayr (2m, soft) in February but not as good since and he inherited his close third back at Ayr last time (on good) in what was an eventful race; others appeal more.

7/1

3rd

5

10th Mar 2023

Good

2m 0f 110y

Class 4

16:55 Ayr

Lake Takapuna

11st 9lb

J: Brian Hughes

T: James Ewart

12yo who capitalised on a reduced mark over C&D (soft) last month; still very well treated on older form and will be suited by today's forecast quicker ground but his run at Newcastle three weeks ago was disappointing.

8/1

Form: B365-3

Last run: 38 days

W: 12st 0lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 110

Form & Verdict
Chase and dual hurdle winner when trained in France but has failed to make a splash in Britain and finished a remote last of three finishers at Ayr yesterday.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

5

22nd Apr 2026

Good

2m 7f 171y

Class 4

17:05 Ludlow

Fix At All

11st 12lb

J: Mr T Walsh

T: Callum Bickers-Price

Back to form with some respectable efforts this spring but his second at Kempton (2m4f, good) was in a match and he was well held when third here last time; record for current yard is now 0-7 and he looks vulnerable again back up in trip.

13/2

3rd

3

30th Mar 2026

Good

2m 4f 11y

Class 4

16:57 Ludlow

Fix At All

11st 12lb

J: Mr T Walsh

T: Callum Bickers-Price

Won this in 2023; somewhat resurgent at Catterick this month but in a weaker race than this and he was beaten fair and square in a match at Kempton last week.

7/1

2nd

2

23rd Mar 2026

Good

2m 4f 110y

Class 5

17:15 Kempton

Fix At All

12st 2lb

J: Mr B T Stone

T: Callum Bickers-Price

Unconvincing record for current yard; somewhat resurgent at Catterick last time but that effort is well short of his fairly useful best form.

13/2

Form: 5642/F D

Last run: 43 days

W: 11st 8lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 104

Form & Verdict
Absent for over two years after his second at Hexham (1m7f, good) in October 2020 but was in process of running well before crashing out at first fence in straight here (2m4f, good to soft) in November; not sure to be suited by today's slower ground but remains well handicapped on old form.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

5

15th May 2024

Good To Soft

3m 2f 127y

Class 4

18:52 Perth

Jimmy Rabbitte

11st 0lb

J: Sam Coltherd

T: Stuart Coltherd

Ran plenty of good races without winning last season, including runner up over 3m on good ground here in August; not at his best on last two starts (soft/heavy); each-way chance provided the ground isn't very slow.

8/1

5th

5

15th May 2024

Good To Soft

3m 2f 127y

Class 4

18:52 Perth

Jimmy Rabbitte

11st 0lb

J: Sam Coltherd

T: Stuart Coltherd

Ran plenty of good races without winning last season, including runner up over 3m on good ground here in August; not at his best on last two starts (soft/heavy); each-way chance provided the ground isn't very slow.

8/1

6th

3

22nd Apr 2024

Heavy

2m 4f 28y

Class 5

16:30 Hexham

Jimmy Rabbitte

11st 9lb

J: Sam Coltherd

T: Stuart Coltherd

Hasn't won since 2019; on a fair mark now but has a bit to make up with Master Breffni on recent Carlisle form (2m3f, soft).

10/1

Form: P-4357 D

Last run: 2 days

W: 12st 2lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 112

Form & Verdict
Makes quick reappearance after struggling from out of the weights in good-quality 2m4f contest here on New Year's Day; will find this race easier but is patently not the force of old and others in this line-up have much more persuasive profiles.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

1

16th Feb 2023

Good

2m 0f 75y

Class 4

14:45 Newcastle

Antey

12st 1lb

J: Stephen Mulqueen

T: Lucinda Russell

His mark continues to tumble but it's a long time since this 10yo posed a threat and others make greater appeal.

20/1

2

3rd Jan 2023

Soft

1m 7f 182y

Class 4

14:45 Musselburgh

Antey

12st 2lb

J: Stephen Mulqueen

T: Lucinda Russell

Makes quick reappearance after struggling from out of the weights in good-quality 2m4f contest here on New Year's Day; will find this race easier but is patently not the force of old and others in this line-up have much more persuasive profiles.

25/1

7th

9

1st Jan 2023

Soft

2m 4f 68y

Class 2

13:35 Musselburgh

Antey

10st 2lb

J: Stephen Mulqueen

T: Lucinda Russell

10yo who has been regressive and, although he took a step back in the right direction over hurdles here last time, he didn't shape as though a win was imminent; 7lb out of the handicap now back over fences and others preferred.

33/1

Form: 7511-1 C

Last run: 43 days

W: 11st 12lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 108

Form & Verdict
Started off in handicap hurdles with two 2m4f course wins last season (good/soft) and completed his hat-trick when switched to fences here (2m4f, good to soft) six weeks ago; needs to prove he can cope with today's drop in trip but could still have significant further improvement to come.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

19th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 11y

Class 4

16:50 Ludlow

Hold Onto The Line

12st 6lb

J: Mr James King

T: Mrs Jessica Botham

Three-time winner over fences for James Ewart (2m-2m4f) but he didn't get going for Olly Murphy and it's been a similar story in two points and a hunter chase (all about 3m) for these connections; the drop back in trip might help, though.

50/1

3rd

2

2nd Mar 2026

Heavy

3m 0f 60y

Class 5

15:15 Southwell

Hold Onto The Line

12st 6lb

J: Mr James King

T: Mrs Jessica Botham

Has folded in a couple of points for new yard and his record over 3m remains far from solid; yet to win beyond 2m4f and faces a stiff task at the weights; hunter chase debut.

16/1

7th

5

25th Sep 2025

Good To Soft

2m 7f 180y

Class 4

15:43 Perth

Hold Onto The Line

11st 10lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Olly Murphy

Did well over fences for James Ewart but a beaten favourite in both his runs for Olly Murphy (2m/2m2f handicap chases) and currently has a bit to prove; does stay this far so stamina will be no excuse.

11/2

Form: 027-13 BF

Last run: 36 days

W: 11st 5lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 101

Form & Verdict
Unexposed 7yo who made all to beat two rivals on seasonal/chase debut at Market Rasen (2m1f, good to soft) in October and also ran well when close third at Catterick (1m7f, good to soft) the following month; today's forecast slower ground is a slight concern, though.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

19th Feb 2025

Good To Soft

2m 0f 78y

Class 4

14:50 Doncaster

Snowy Clouds

11st 6lb

J: Sean Quinlan

T: Nicky Richards

Pulled up just over two months ago when back from a long absence and needs to prove how much ability he retains; however, he shaped pretty well for a fair way on that latest start and he was a highly progressive novice chaser in the 2022-23 campaign; no surprise if he has a big say today.

9/2

4

14th Dec 2024

Good To Soft

2m 0f 78y

Class 4

12:55 Doncaster

Snowy Clouds

11st 10lb

J: Danny McMenamin

T: Nicky Richards

Highly progressive novice chaser in 2022-23 season; absent since falling in April of that season but he's on a good mark if retaining his ability and his trainer's horses often run well fresh; interesting contender.

9/2

4

14th Dec 2024

Good To Soft

2m 0f 78y

Class 4

12:55 Doncaster

Snowy Clouds

11st 10lb

J: Danny McMenamin

T: Nicky Richards

Highly progressive novice chaser in 2022-23 season; absent since falling in April of that season but he's on a good mark if retaining his ability and his trainer's horses often run well fresh; interesting contender.

9/2

Non-runners

Antey, Hold Onto The Line, Snowy Clouds

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £5.90
Straight Forecast £7.75
Tricast £14.58
Trifecta £17.80

Selections

RP Ratings:

Arthur's Quay

SPOTLIGHT:

Hold Onto The Line

TOPSPEED:

Snowy Clouds

D Express:

Limerick Leader

The Guardian:

Moore Clouds

The Times:

Jimmy Rabbitte

POSTDATA:

Hold Onto The Line

Daily Mirror:

Hold Onto The Line

Daily Record:

Hold Onto The Line

Telegraph:

Arthur's Quay

Daily Mail:

Arthur's Quay

The Sun:

Arthur's Quay

The Star:

Arthur's Quay