January 08 / 15.40 Chepstow

15.40

Soft

Follow Vickers.Bet On Twitter Handicap Hurdle

  • Prize money: £4330.42
  • 2m 3f 100y
  • Class 4
  • 12 runners
SKY
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Follow Vickers.Bet On Twitter Handicap Hurdle

Runners: 12 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Showers

33/1 (Won)

  • Win: £45.40
  • Place: £8.40

Form: 57P6-P D

Last run: 51 days

W: 11st 11lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 115

Form & Verdict
Continues to drop down the weights and he's one to watch in the betting on his second start of the season, but this 10yo has struggled over the last 12 months or so and needs to halt the slide.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

11

9th Jul 2024

Good

2m 7f 70y

Class 3

18:05 Uttoxeter

Mr Muldoon

10st 9lb

J: Charlie Hammond

T: Dr Richard Newland & Jamie Insole

Placed off 8lb higher at Newton Abbot (2m5f, soft) in October and will also be suited by today's faster ground but has looked badly out of sorts since and needs to turn things around.

20/1

6

1st Apr 2024

Soft

2m 3f 100y

Class 4

16:55 Chepstow

Mr Muldoon

11st 12lb

J: Cillin Leonard

T: Dr Richard Newland & Jamie Insole

Won over C&D last season and was placed off 5lb higher at Newton Abbot (2m5f, soft) in October after an absence, but his form nosedived towards the end of last year and he needs to have been refreshed by another break.

20/1

4/1

  • Place: £1.20

Form: 4-364 BF

Last run: 34 days

W: 10st 13lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 103

Form & Verdict
Lightly raced 5yo who has posted fair performances in defeat in his first two handicaps, finishing sixth of 19 at Cheltenham (2m, good) then fourth of eight at Lingfield; his pedigree provides some optimism regarding the step up in trip, and return to slower ground, and he's on the shortlist.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7

4th Feb 2026

Soft

2m 4f 11y

Class 3

14:58 Ludlow

Pepe Le Moko

11st 2lb

J: Ciaran Gethings

T: Jane Williams

Rallied for a near miss over C&D in December (Regal Renaissance challenging when falling) and he was part responsible for the strong pace off which Rodney won at Hereford (2m5f, soft); capable of being involved should this pan out more favourably.

8/1

3

4th Nov 2025

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 4

15:02 Warwick

Pepe Le Moko

11st 8lb

J: Ciaran Gethings

T: Jane Williams

Won this race on chasing debut in 2023 and was also on target at Kempton (2m4f, good to soft) the following January; drew a blank and became rather disappointing last season but can be very dangerous off current mark if revitalised after 225-day break.

8/1

3

4th Nov 2025

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 4

15:02 Warwick

Pepe Le Moko

11st 8lb

J: Ciaran Gethings

T: Jane Williams

Won this race on chasing debut in 2023 and was also on target at Kempton (2m4f, good to soft) the following January; drew a blank and became rather disappointing last season but can be very dangerous off current mark if revitalised after 225-day break.

8/1

12/1

  • Place: £2.60

Form: 54-124 C

Last run: 13 days

W: 10st 4lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 94

Form & Verdict
Won on reappearance here (2m, good to soft) in October and runner-up at Hereford (2m3f, soft) next time; not ruled out but needs to perform better than when soundly beaten at Fontwell (2m3f, good to soft) on Boxing Day.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

6th Apr 2026

Good

3m 1f 44y

Class 5

16:30 Hereford

Walkinthewoods

12st 0lb

J: Conor Ring

T: Mrs C Williams

Best at about 2m4f and he's looked to have stamina limitations in the majority of his runs beyond that trip; below his latest winning mark, last May, but he's failed to complete in two of his last three runs since back chasing and some reservations remain.

6/1

1

16th Mar 2026

Soft

2m 3f 83y

Class 5

15:00 Ffos Las

Walkinthewoods

12st 0lb

J: Osian Radford

T: Mrs C Williams

Unseated rider when returned to chasing in January and has suffered a heavy defeat since; on a workable mark and suited by this C&D/slow ground but has some questions to answer.

8/1

6th

1

25th Feb 2026

Soft

2m 4f 35y

Class 5

15:50 Wincanton

Walkinthewoods

12st 0lb

J: Osian Radford

T: Evan Williams

Landed the odds in three-runner chase at Plumpton (about 2m3f, good; acts on soft/heavy) in May; solid hurdles second under Osian Radford in December and still on the premises when blundering that rider away over fences (also Ludlow, 3m, good to soft) last month; drops back down in trip; respected.

4/1

Form: 144-33 BF

Last run: 38 days

W: 11st 1lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 105

Form & Verdict
Three-time Flat winner (at up to 12.4f) who won at Taunton (2m, soft) last January on his second hurdle start and has been a fair third in 2m handicaps on his two outings this season; not ruled out but he could do with settling better now up in distance.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

27th Feb 2024

Heavy

2m 6f 151y

Class 5

15:05 Leicester

Natty Night

12st 0lb

J: Shane Quinlan

T: Venetia Williams

walked into the start, in touch with leaders, dropped to last 2nd, mistake 8th, mistake 10th, mistake 12th, weakened omitted 3 out

6/4

5th

3

14th Feb 2024

Good To Soft

3m 1f 44y

Class 5

15:00 Hereford

Natty Night

11st 11lb

J: Shane Quinlan

T: Venetia Williams

Has stamina to prove today and is not one for maximum faith, having virtually refused to race three outings ago and looked reluctant to line up last time; however, he drew clear on the run-in to open his chasing account at Leicester (2m4f, soft) three weeks ago and today's 4lb higher mark ought to be manageable.

4/1

1st

4

23rd Jan 2024

Good To Soft

2m 4f 25y

Class 5

13:35 Leicester

Natty Night

11st 8lb

J: Shane Quinlan

T: Venetia Williams

prominent, jumped left 2nd, led after 4th, headed but prominent 6th, lost position 9th, pushed along and rallied before 3 out

100/30

Form: 452-25

Last run: 36 days

W: 11st 3lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 107

Form & Verdict
Fairly encouraging runs when runner-up in Exeter novice (2m2f, soft) last February and Hereford handicap (2m5f, good to soft) in November; tailed off at Aintree (3m, good to soft) last time but failed to settle and this lightly raced 6yo could go well now back down in distance.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

4

4th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 203y

Class 4

15:55 Haydock

Bonza Boy

11st 13lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Jeremy Scott

Added to his strong chase record at Exeter with a win over the extended 2m1f there (good to soft) in January; just as good when runner-up over 2m4f on heavy at Wincanton since; bold show likely off the same mark.

9/2

Form: 531-43

Last run: 43 days

W: 11st 4lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 108

Form & Verdict
Untested on soft/heavy ground and he needs to produce more than when third of four at Newcastle (2m6f, good to soft) last time; however, prior to that this bumper winner (2m1f, good) was an encouraging fourth on hurdle debut at Wetherby (2m3f, good) and he retains potential now handicapping.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

2

7th Oct 2023

Good

3m 1f 166y

Class 5

14:15 Fontwell

Imperial B G

12st 0lb

J: James Turner

T: Nigel Twiston-Davies

Runner-up at Haydock in April but tailed off at Warwick the following month and absent since; yard in good form and James Turner takes off a very handy 10lb, so there are grounds for optimism.

9/2

9th

8

13th May 2023

Good To Soft

3m 1f 0y

Class 4

19:55 Warwick

Imperial B G

11st 9lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Nigel Twiston-Davies

Bumper winner who has been inconsistent in his five-race hurdling career but he returned to form with a good second at Haydock (3m, good to soft) last month and is a key player if he's on song once more.

11/2

Form: /244-3

Last run: 51 days

W: 11st 2lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 106

Form & Verdict
Point winner (3m, soft to heavy) who ran well from the front when upped in trip and third over C&D (good to soft) in November on his second handicap start; could build on that first outing since last March and he's respected in a first-time tongue-tie.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8

23rd Apr 2024

Good To Soft

2m 4f 88y

Class 4

14:18 Southwell

Rossbeigh Strand

11st 0lb

J: Finn Lambert

T: Richard Phillips

Pulled up on both hurdling starts this season and now 0-7 in that sphere; his Irish point win in 2020 offers a ray of hope on this chasing debut but he remains a risky option.

25/1

8

23rd Apr 2024

Good To Soft

2m 4f 88y

Class 4

14:18 Southwell

Rossbeigh Strand

11st 0lb

J: Finn Lambert

T: Richard Phillips

Pulled up on both hurdling starts this season and now 0-7 in that sphere; his Irish point win in 2020 offers a ray of hope on this chasing debut but he remains a risky option.

25/1

0

5

17th Jan 2024

Soft

1m 7f 182y

Class 5

14:45 Southwell

Rossbeigh Strand

11st 10lb

J: Finn Lambert

T: Richard Phillips

prominent

16/1

Form: 862-4P

Last run: 212 days

W: 11st 3lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 107

Form & Verdict
Runner-up off this mark at Newbury last April (3m, good; also effective on soft) and he appeared unsuited by the return to chasing the next twice; however, having run well just once in the first half of last year, and with the cheekpieces absent for his return, others are more compelling.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

4

22nd May 2026

Good

2m 7f 0y

Class 4

19:41 Worcester

Im A Starman

12st 0lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Mark Rimell

Grand veteran with eight wins over hurdles, including two over C&D last summer; down to his last winning mark and should be sharper for his fifth at Hereford last month following a five-month layoff, but you have to think that one of his younger rivals should have his measure.

12/1

5th

4

16th Apr 2026

Good

3m 1f 119y

Class 4

18:30 Hereford

Im A Starman

11st 6lb

J: Callum Pritchard

T: Mark Rimell

Registered a four-timer last April-June (3m1f/2m7f, good/good to soft); very in and out since and he's now a 13yo but he finished on the heels of the principals off today's mark at Warwick in November when last seen; more to prove after the break.

4/1

3

19th Nov 2025

Soft

3m 1f 5y

Class 4

15:10 Warwick

Im A Starman

11st 9lb

J: Callum Pritchard

T: Mark Rimell

Secured the second leg of a four-timer with wide-margin win over C&D (good) in May; now just 2lb above his last winning mark but generally well beaten since (the exception in a four-runner race) and he was tailed off last time; others look more likely.

16/1

Form: 21-3 CD

Last run: 42 days

W: 12st 0lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 118

Form & Verdict
Point winner (3m, yielding to soft) who scored on his hurdle debut over C&D (good to soft) last March and reappeared with a fair third of four in a Leicester novice (2m4f, good to soft) in November; open to improvement and he could have a part to play on handicap debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

2

25th Feb 2026

Soft

3m 5f 142y

Class 4

16:00 Bangor-on-Dee

Pimlico Point

11st 13lb

J: Tom Cannon

T: Kerry Lee

Handicapped to be competitive and he'll go on the ground, but he had a complete off-day at Wincanton last month and blinkers now replace cheekpieces.

11/1

5

29th Jan 2026

Heavy

3m 1f 30y

Class 3

15:33 Wincanton

Pimlico Point

10st 13lb

J: Conor O’Farrell

T: Kerry Lee

Heavy-ground winner; back from another break, as was the case when second at Worcester (2m7f, good to soft) and a respectable fifth at Ffos Las (3m1f, soft); handicapped to be competitive.

8/1

OUR TIP

Form: 23-661 D

Last run: 42 days

W: 11st 13lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 117

Form & Verdict
Having been well beaten on his first two hurdle starts, he tapped back into the promise he showed in a point and in bumpers when winning a novice hurdle at Carlisle (2m3f, soft) in October; that form reads well and he could be better than his opening mark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

4

14th Apr 2026

Good

2m 7f 191y

Class 4

13:35 Market Rasen

Knockanore

11st 9lb

J: Mr Lucas Murphy

T: Ryan Potter

Generally very disappointing since winning last season's Eider Chase at Newcastle (4m1f, good to soft) by 16l but took small step back in right direction when fourth over hurdles last month (wore first-time blinkers) and is too well handicapped to rule out on this return to chasing; usual cheekpieces back on.

7/1

4th

2

18th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 1f 119y

Class 4

14:30 Hereford

Knockanore

11st 10lb

J: Freddie Mitchell

T: Ryan Potter

Hasn't run a race of note since winning last season's 4m1f Eider Chase at Newcastle, in which his struggles continued last time out (tailed off or pulled up over hurdles prior to that); too well handicapped to rule out and blinkers go on for cheekpieces.

12/1

7th

10

21st Feb 2026

Good To Soft

4m 1f 56y

Class 2

14:43 Newcastle

Knockanore

10st 2lb

J: Freddie Mitchell

T: Ryan Potter

Stormed clear for a 16l win under Freddie Mitchell in this race last year, form which has not been seen from him before or since but his last three outings were over hurdles; 11lb higher (10lb out of the handicap) than 12 months ago but well treated if he returns to that peak form and stranger things have happened.

11/1

Form: 22443-

Last run: 300 days

W: 11st 11lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 115

Form & Verdict
Better could have been expected on his final three starts last season and he needs to raise his game on this reappearance; however, he showed promise in autumn 2021 on his first two hurdle runs (2m4f/2m5f, soft/good) and perhaps the first-time blinkers (replacing cheekpieces) will give him a boost.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

13th Jun 2025

Good

2m 4f 139y

Class 4

17:50 Market Rasen

Jazz King

12st 0lb

J: Joe Anderson

T: Alastair Ralph

Arguably unlucky to have just two wins to his name rather than four; cheekpieces of his below-par efforts the last thrice are off, and back down to his highest winning mark (lowered in a 2m4f chase); not ruled out.

11/1

13th

8

6th May 2025

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 4

19:18 Worcester

Jazz King

11st 7lb

J: Tom Cannon

T: Alastair Ralph

Only seen sporadically down the years and his best efforts have all come without headgear (cheekpieces retained after two poor runs in them this year); has it to prove currently.

25/1

13th

8

6th May 2025

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 4

19:18 Worcester

Jazz King

11st 7lb

J: Tom Cannon

T: Alastair Ralph

Only seen sporadically down the years and his best efforts have all come without headgear (cheekpieces retained after two poor runs in them this year); has it to prove currently.

25/1

Form: 1784-4 CD

Last run: 32 days

W: 11st 4lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 108

Form & Verdict
Won on his stable debut at Leicester (2m4f, soft) in December 2021 and is now 3lb lower; may have needed the run in that same race last month but he was also below par on his final two starts last season and the first-time blinkers need to make a difference.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

8th Jan 2023

Soft

2m 3f 100y

Class 4

15:40 Chepstow

Present Value

11st 4lb

J: Gavin Sheehan

T: Jamie Snowden

Won on his stable debut at Leicester (2m4f, soft) in December 2021 and is now 3lb lower; may have needed the run in that same race last month but he was also below par on his final two starts last season and the first-time blinkers need to make a difference.

11/1

4th

7

7th Dec 2022

Soft

2m 4f 110y

Class 4

15:35 Leicester

Present Value

11st 5lb

J: Gavin Sheehan

T: Jamie Snowden

Made a winning debut for Jamie Snowden when taking this race last year, off this mark; didn't quite repeat that form in three subsequent outings but makes plenty of appeal on repeat bid.

4/1

Non-runners

Jazz King

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £221.90
Straight Forecast £178.27
Tricast £1229.46
Trifecta £1500.10

Selections

RP Ratings:

Knockanore

The Times:

Pimlico Point

SPOTLIGHT:

Pepe Le Moko

POSTDATA:

Walkinthewoods

D Express:

Rossbeigh Strand

WEST COUNTRY:

Pepe Le Moko

Daily Mail:

Pepe Le Moko

TOPSPEED:

Knockanore

Telegraph:

Knockanore

Daily Mirror:

Knockanore

The Sun:

Pimlico Point

The Star:

Pimlico Point

Daily Record:

Pimlico Point