January 28 / 12.10 Cheltenham

12.10

Soft

Timeform Novices’ Handicap Chase (GBB Race)

  • Prize money: £15609
  • 2m 4f 127y
  • Class 2
  • 11 runners
RTV
View Course
Timeform Novices’ Handicap Chase (GBB Race)

Runners: 11 runners

Type: Chase Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Cloudy

OUR TIP

9/2 (Won)

  • Win: £3.75
  • Place: £1.80

Form: PP-121 D

Last run: 26 days

W: 12st 0lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 142

Form & Verdict
Won the Challow as a novice hurdler last season and that form received a nice boost when the runner-up went one better in the Lanzarote two weeks ago; 2-3 in novice chases this term, easily beating sole rival at Plumpton (2m3f, soft) most recently; still open to further progress; respected.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

7

3rd Apr 2025

Good To Soft

3m 0f 210y

Class 1

14:55 Aintree

Stage Star

11st 10lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Paul Nicholls

Best known for his 2m4f exploits that include Grade 1 novice wins over hurdles/fences; however, put up a good fight against odds-on L'Homme Presse when upped to 3m1f in Grade 2 at Cheltenham (soft) most recently, emerging as the best horse at the weights; one of a few runners who remain unexposed at this sort of trip.

13/2

3rd

7

3rd Apr 2025

Good To Soft

3m 0f 210y

Class 1

14:55 Aintree

Stage Star

11st 10lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Paul Nicholls

Best known for his 2m4f exploits that include Grade 1 novice wins over hurdles/fences; however, put up a good fight against odds-on L'Homme Presse when upped to 3m1f in Grade 2 at Cheltenham (soft) most recently, emerging as the best horse at the weights; one of a few runners who remain unexposed at this sort of trip.

13/2

2nd

2

25th Jan 2025

Good

3m 1f 56y

Class 1

14:25 Cheltenham

Stage Star

11st 8lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Paul Nicholls

raced in second, led after 1st, faced challenge before 2 out, soon disputing lead, hung left run-in, no extra towards finish

9/1

8/1

  • Place: £3.20

Form: 4-2134 C

Last run: 30 days

W: 11st 10lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 138

Form & Verdict
Consistent sort who has form figures of 2134 (at 2m on good going) since switched to fences, most recently fourth in Doncaster handicap; has a bit of form over 2m4f and on slow ground but that combination may not be optimal; needs a drying surface.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

0

3

27th Jan 2024

Good To Soft

3m 1f 56y

Class 1

13:50 Cheltenham

Datsalrightgino

11st 8lb

J: Gavin Sheehan

T: Jamie Snowden

Delivered with a well-timed challenge to win major 3m2f handicap at Newbury (good to soft) eight weeks ago, proving suited by the new trip and taking chase record to 3-10; generally progressive and is unexposed beyond 2m4f; possibilities.

11/2

1st

11

2nd Dec 2023

Good To Soft

3m 1f 214y

Class 1

14:50 Newbury

Datsalrightgino

10st 7lb

J: Tom Cannon

T: Jamie Snowden

Unraced beyond an extended 2m4f and this is a tough race in which to test his stamina; however, he was strong at the finish when winning a Grade 2 novice at Ayr (2m4f, good) in April and may well have staying potential; might have needed his reappearance in the Old Roan and is not ruled out.

16/1

6/1

  • Place: £2.10

Form: 1P-232 D BF

Last run: 31 days

W: 11st 12lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 140

Form & Verdict
Not disgraced behind a smart rival on chase debut, then faced a stiff task in Grade 1; beaten favourite when back down in grade last time but looks open to improvement in this handicap; mostly progressive in handicaps hurdles last term; tongue-tie applied; interesting.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

1

1st May 2026

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 5

20:00 Warwick

Unexpected Party

12st 4lb

J: Miss Heidi Palin

T: Dan Skelton

Bled from the nose when a fading fourth in the Aintree Foxhunters latest (2m5f, good to soft), though still had Fan De Blues comfortably behind for the second time this year; more prolific on easier surfaces but Taunton win in January reaffirmed he's effective on good as well.

2/5

4th

22

9th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 5f 19y

Class 2

15:30 Aintree

Unexpected Party

12st 0lb

J: Miss Heidi Palin

T: Dan Skelton

Won the Grand Annual at Cheltenham Festival in March 2024 (2m, soft) and runner-up in it last year (good to soft); comfortable wins in hunter chases on last two starts (2m5f/2m6f, good/good to soft); his stamina will be more severely tested in today's hotter company but leading claims if seeing it out.

4/1

1st

2

14th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 6f 54y

Class 3

16:30 Haydock

Unexpected Party

12st 4lb

J: Miss Heidi Palin

T: Dan Skelton

Useful handicapper who won the Grand Annual Chase at the 2024 Cheltenham Festival (2m, soft) and was second in that race last year (good to soft); did not need to be at best to make winning hunter chase debut at Taunton (2m5f, good; main rival disappointed) last month and ought to remain a potent threat at this level.

5/4

Form: 1-2713 C

Last run: 33 days

W: 11st 2lb

7 yo Mare

OR: 130

Form & Verdict
Ran creditably against males in similar event at Kempton (2m4f, soft; second chase start) on Boxing Day and remains unexposed over fences; however, may have to settle for another supporting role, as all her wins remain in mares' races.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

2

22nd Apr 2026

Soft

2m 7f 180y

Class 1

15:10 Perth

Panic Attack

11st 4lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

Ran in the Grand National 11 days ago, badly hampered at the second fence and falling at the third; won two high-profile handicaps last November before Listed win at Newbury and the drop back to 2m4f didn't appear ideal at the Cheltenham Festival; leading claims if none the worse for last time.

2/5

31

11th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

4m 2f 74y

Class 1

16:00 Aintree

Panic Attack

10st 5lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

10yo who is better than ever this term, including with a big handicap double in November in the Paddy Power Gold Cup at Cheltenham (2m4f, soft) and Coral Gold Cup at Newbury (3m2f, good to soft); dropping back to 2m4f, however, was probably not ideal when creditable third in mares' race at Cheltenham last month; 8lb higher than in the Newbury race but her dominance that day is hard to forget.

15/2

3rd

7

13th Mar 2026

Good

2m 4f 127y

Class 1

14:40 Cheltenham

Panic Attack

11st 2lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

10yo who has been better than ever this term, completing a notable handicap double in November in the Paddy Power Gold Cup (2m4f, soft; here) and the Coral Gold Cup (3m2f, good to soft) before easily completing a hat-trick in a Listed mares' chase (2m7f, good to soft); the drop back in trip isn't an obvious plus but rain would aid her cause and she's entitled to respect.

11/4

Form: 4P-422 BF

Last run: 38 days

W: 11st 3lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 131

Form & Verdict
Placed over 2m3f once but raced mainly at about 2m; useful hurdler; consistent efforts over fences this season, most recently second in novice handicap at Hereford on soft ground; has something to prove in this warmer race back up in distance.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

2

6th Oct 2024

Good To Soft

1m 7f 214y

Class 4

16:10 Uttoxeter

Llandinabo Lad

11st 10lb

J: David Bass

T: Tom Symonds

led, raced in second when headed after 3rd, lost second 2 out (usual 3 out), weakened approaching last

7/1

7

23rd Mar 2024

Soft

2m 3f 123y

Class 2

13:30 Bangor-on-Dee

Llandinabo Lad

10st 10lb

J: David Bass

T: Tom Symonds

Not firing on all cylinders over fences this season and now reverts to hurdling for first time since March 2022; given very good chance by the handicapper and has conditions to suit but needs 119-day break to have done him good.

10/1

3rd

3

25th Nov 2023

Good To Soft

2m 7f 180y

Class 3

12:20 Ascot

Llandinabo Lad

10st 5lb

J: David Noonan

T: Tom Symonds

jumped slightly left throughout, led, pressed leaders when headed 16th, weakened before 2 out

8/1

Form: 212/13 D

Last run: 28 days

W: 11st 3lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 131

Form & Verdict
Lightly raced 8yo; has returned from a lengthy absence in good form, winning at Newcastle (2m7f, good to soft; handicap/chase debut) then creditable third at Newbury (2m6f, soft); hurdles win (in 2020) came over 2m4f; should still have further improvement in him; shortlisted.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6

14th Mar 2023

Soft

3m 5f 201y

Class 1

17:30 Cheltenham

Malinello

11st 7lb

J: Miss Gina Andrews

T: Ben Pauling

Lightly raced 8yo, tongue tied this term; lengthy absence and wind surgery before winning at Newcastle (2m7f) on handicap/chase debut; creditable third at Newbury (2m6f, soft) next time, before soundly beaten over 2m4f here; has stamina in the family but his form is badly lacking in this context.

100/1

6th

7

28th Jan 2023

Soft

2m 4f 127y

Class 2

12:10 Cheltenham

Malinello

11st 3lb

J: Luca Morgan

T: Ben Pauling

Lightly raced 8yo; has returned from a lengthy absence in good form, winning at Newcastle (2m7f, good to soft; handicap/chase debut) then creditable third at Newbury (2m6f, soft); hurdles win (in 2020) came over 2m4f; should still have further improvement in him; shortlisted.

8/1

3rd

5

31st Dec 2022

Good To Soft

2m 6f 93y

Class 3

15:35 Newbury

Malinello

11st 3lb

J: Luca Morgan

T: Ben Pauling

Won well on soft as a hurdler; absent 686 days (had wind surgery in September) and tongue tied when he won a five-runner novice handicap at Newcastle (2m7f, good to soft) five weeks ago on chase debut in gritty style, always up with the pace; raised 5lb but very lightly raced and more to offer.

8/1

8/1

Form: 35-12F D BF

Last run: 32 days

W: 11st 1lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 129

Form & Verdict
Scored comfortably at Kempton (2m4f, good to soft) on debut over fences, beating a rival who has advertised the form since; ran well at Chepstow (2m3f) on next outing and fell before halfway at same track (2m7f) latest; nicely bred and should still have more to offer; remains of interest.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

2

25th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

2m 7f 131y

Class 5

19:35 Chepstow

Dalamoi

11st 12lb

J: Mr Edward Vaughan

T: Tim Vaughan

3-3 in open points across a variety of going types this term, with March's Didmarton success franked by the runner-up at Kimble last weekend; twice a non-finisher over today's C&D previously, but his earlier 2m3.5f second here (good to soft) remains a career-best effort judged on RPRs; player.

6/4

3rd

2

25th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

2m 7f 131y

Class 5

19:35 Chepstow

Dalamoi

11st 12lb

J: Mr Edward Vaughan

T: Tim Vaughan

3-3 in open points across a variety of going types this term, with March's Didmarton success franked by the runner-up at Kimble last weekend; twice a non-finisher over today's C&D previously, but his earlier 2m3.5f second here (good to soft) remains a career-best effort judged on RPRs; player.

6/4

6th

2

1st Apr 2024

Good To Soft

2m 7f 129y

Class 4

14:45 Huntingdon

Dalamoi

12st 2lb

J: Alan Johns

T: Tim Vaughan

held up in rear

8/1

Form: 2343-8

Last run: 33 days

W: 11st 3lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 131

Form & Verdict
Ran well on chase debut but has not progressed from that effort; soundly beaten in Wetherby handicap on Boxing Day (back from layoff) most recently; on a reduced mark but that reflects the way he's been heading.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

31st Mar 2024

Good To Soft

3m 1f 152y

Class 3

15:40 Plumpton

Any News

11st 10lb

J: Brendan Powell

T: Neil Mulholland

Won at Worcester, Wetherby (walked over) and Exeter in the autumn, from 15 starts in total over fences; unraced beyond 3m but stayed on gamely to take 11-runner race over that trip (good) last time and this distance looks worth a go; 5lb higher today but has gone well on occasions after a layoff and needs plenty of respect.

5/1

1st

2

24th Oct 2023

Good

3m 0f 54y

Class 3

15:00 Exeter

Any News

11st 9lb

J: Richie McLernon

T: Neil Mulholland

Walked over last week at Wetherby; the ground was too soft the time before and he had previously opened his account over fences by 10l in a small field at Worcester (2m7f, good; 6lb lower); consistency is not his forte.

8/1

1st

2

18th Oct 2023

Good

3m 0f 45y

Class 3

17:15 Wetherby

Any News

11st 2lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Neil Mulholland

Belatedly opened account over fences with 10l success at Worcester (2m7f, good) last month and remains well handicapped on older form; subsequent defeat on soft ground should not be viewed too harshly; sets his rival a good standard of chasing form.

Evs

Form: 52-219 D

Last run: 32 days

W: 11st 12lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 140

Form & Verdict
Form dipped at Kempton (3m) last time; consistent otherwise in handicap chases and scored comfortably at Uttoxeter (2m6f, soft) in November; may bounce back but is perhaps harshly treated; hasn't been dropped for latest effort and remains on career-high mark.
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: 2362-3

Last run: 71 days

W: 11st 1lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 135

Form & Verdict
Placed a few times at Listed/Graded level over fences in France; remote last of three finishers at Ascot (2m3f) on British debut; that effort doesn't suggest a first chase win is imminent but some improvement looks possible, given his French form; tongue-tie/cheekpieces refitted.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9

28th Jan 2023

Soft

2m 4f 127y

Class 2

12:10 Cheltenham

Iamastar

11st 1lb

J: Mr David Maxwell

T: Philip Hobbs

Placed a few times at Listed/Graded level over fences in France; remote last of three finishers at Ascot (2m3f) on British debut; that effort doesn't suggest a first chase win is imminent but some improvement looks possible, given his French form; tongue-tie/cheekpieces refitted.

33/1

3rd

5

18th Nov 2022

Good To Soft

2m 2f 175y

Class 3

12:55 Ascot

Iamastar

10st 13lb

J: Mr David Maxwell

T: Philip Hobbs

in touch with leaders, pushed along and weakened after 3 out, left in remote third 2 out

13/2

Form: 9132/1 D

Last run: 22 days

W: 10st 6lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 120

Form & Verdict
Ex-French 7yo who scored with more in hand than the narrow margin suggests at Ludlow (2m4f, good to soft) three weeks ago when making British debut; looks just the type to improve further; big player off bottom weight, provided he's none the worse for that latest run, which came after a long absence.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8

9th Feb 2025

Good To Soft

2m 3f 48y

Class 4

16:08 Exeter

Fire Dancer

11st 9lb

J: Miss Lucy Turner

T: Venetia Williams

Just 1-14 over fences and needs to run better than on his two starts this winter, but he twice finished runner-up off higher marks last spring and perhaps the first-time cheekpieces will give him a boost; not discounted.

8/1

8

9th Feb 2025

Good To Soft

2m 3f 48y

Class 4

16:08 Exeter

Fire Dancer

11st 9lb

J: Miss Lucy Turner

T: Venetia Williams

Just 1-14 over fences and needs to run better than on his two starts this winter, but he twice finished runner-up off higher marks last spring and perhaps the first-time cheekpieces will give him a boost; not discounted.

8/1

5th

3

2nd Jan 2025

Good To Soft

2m 3f 189y

Class 4

13:25 Huntingdon

Fire Dancer

11st 7lb

J: Charlie Deutsch

T: Venetia Williams

in rear

4/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £36.00
Straight Forecast £35.33
Tricast £317.40
Trifecta £251.50

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Dalamoi

RP Ratings:

Fire Dancer

Telegraph:

Stage Star

LAMBOURN:

Datsalrightgino

POSTDATA:

Malinello

TOPSPEED:

Dalamoi

The Times:

Dalamoi

The Guardian:

Dalamoi

The Sun:

Stage Star

The Star:

Stage Star

Daily Mail:

Datsalrightgino

WEST COUNTRY:

Malinello

D Express:

Fire Dancer

Daily Mirror:

Fire Dancer

Daily Record:

Fire Dancer