February 04 / 15.30 Sandown

15.30

Good To Soft

Virgin Bet Masters Handicap Chase (GBB Race)

  • Prize money: £26015
  • 3m 0f 37y
  • Class 2
  • 14 runners
ITV
View Course
Virgin Bet Masters Handicap Chase (GBB Race)

Runners: 14 runners

Type: Chase Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Mostly cloudy

9/1 (Won)

  • Win: £12.80
  • Place: £3.40

Form: 611-4P D BF

Last run: 84 days

W: 11st 5lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 134

Form & Verdict
3-5 (all at 3m+) during first season over fences, the wins gained from the front and in three-runner races on last two occasions; not disgraced on reappearance but something went amiss in first-time cheekpieces (persevered with today) at Cheltenham in November; player if back to his best.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

21st Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 30y

Class 3

14:15 Bangor-on-Dee

Castle Robin

11st 5lb

J: Lilly Pinchin

T: Charlie Longsdon

Strike-rate of 4-14 over fences but has seen very little action during the past three years and now returns from an even lengthier absence at the age of 11; potentially very well handicapped should market vibes bode well.

8/1

5th

2

24th Sep 2024

Good

3m 1f 100y

Class 3

15:30 Warwick

Castle Robin

11st 12lb

J: Paul O’Brien

T: Charlie Longsdon

led, headed before 14th, soon prominent, lost ground after 3 out, weakened from 2 out

11/2

7th

5

9th Mar 2024

Soft

3m 0f 37y

Class 3

16:10 Sandown

Castle Robin

11st 11lb

J: Paul O’Brien

T: Charlie Longsdon

Front-runner; 4-12 over fences, the latest win gained off 2lb higher over C&D (good to soft) in February 2023; shaped as if retaining all his ability at Doncaster on reappearance, and less positive tactics seemed to backfire over a longer trip at Musselburgh next time; should have optimum conditions here and he's high on the list.

11/2

7/1

  • Place: £1.90

Form: 725-13 D BF

Last run: 35 days

W: 11st 4lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 133

Form & Verdict
Five wins in France; with current stable for last six starts, returning from wind surgery when he made all in seven-runner race at Ludlow (3m1f, good to soft) in November under 5lb claimer; creditable third when favourite again at Newbury (3m2f, soft) five weeks ago; in the argument.
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

12/1

  • Place: £7.00

Form: 1231-P BF

Last run: 45 days

W: 11st 5lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 134

Form & Verdict
Ex-French; 3-7 in Britain for Nicky Henderson, the latest win gained at Chepstow (2m3f, good to soft) last March; had wind surgery in July but pulled-up favourite at Hereford in December when next seen; big question to answer after that and there's another over his stamina.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

22nd Apr 2024

Soft

3m 1f 60y

Class 3

15:42 Ffos Las

Emir Sacree

12st 0lb

J: James Bowen

T: Nicky Henderson

Useful chaser at best but he's been inconsistent since his last win and was tailed off at Kempton (3m, soft) in his last run in February; mark is falling but he's in the veteran stage now and others are more convincing.

9/1

1

22nd Apr 2024

Soft

3m 1f 60y

Class 3

15:42 Ffos Las

Emir Sacree

12st 0lb

J: James Bowen

T: Nicky Henderson

Useful chaser at best but he's been inconsistent since his last win and was tailed off at Kempton (3m, soft) in his last run in February; mark is falling but he's in the veteran stage now and others are more convincing.

9/1

6th

7

9th Feb 2024

Good To Soft

3m 0f 0y

Class 3

15:40 Kempton

Emir Sacree

11st 5lb

J: Nico de Boinville

T: Nicky Henderson

Fairly useful but has shown inconsistent form since last win and sometimes jumps left, including when modest fourth at Ascot 11 weeks ago; opposed kept to right-handed course.

12/1

Form: 115-43 BF

Last run: 28 days

W: 11st 7lb

11 yo Gelding

OR: 136

Form & Verdict
Ex-French; three wins for new yard last term before good fifth in the Plate at Cheltenham, all at about 2m4f; has not been quite at that level this season (3m/2m4f) and cheekpieces are now given a go.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

31

5th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

4m 2f 74y

Class 1

16:00 Aintree

Celebre DAllen

10st 6lb

J: Micheal Nolan

T: Philip Hobbs & Johnson White

Completed on all three attempts over these fences, easily best of those efforts when close fourth in last season's Topham (2m5f, soft); has twice won well over about 3m/3m1f, including in November on sole start this term, but today's trip is a leap in the dark and this 13yo has easily his highest mark.

100/1

31

5th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

4m 2f 74y

Class 1

16:00 Aintree

Celebre DAllen

10st 6lb

J: Micheal Nolan

T: Philip Hobbs & Johnson White

Completed on all three attempts over these fences, easily best of those efforts when close fourth in last season's Topham (2m5f, soft); has twice won well over about 3m/3m1f, including in November on sole start this term, but today's trip is a leap in the dark and this 13yo has easily his highest mark.

100/1

Form: 10-931 D

Last run: 34 days

W: 12st 0lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 143

Form & Verdict
Headgear first time when he won at Cheltenham (3m2f, soft) five weeks ago, registering a career best; 6lb higher today but he scored in very good style by just over 8l, so needs plenty of respect.
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

OUR TIP

Form: 41-621 D

Last run: 57 days

W: 12st 0lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 143

Form & Verdict
Visored last four outings; second and first in Grade 3 handicaps over 3m3f/3m2f on good ground at Cheltenham on his last two; raised another 3lb but has never been better and must be in calculations.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

9

3rd Apr 2025

Good To Soft

2m 5f 19y

Class 2

16:05 Aintree

Evas Oskar

12st 0lb

J: Mr Edward Vaughan

T: Tim Vaughan

Running well in the 2023 Grand National when he unseated at the 21st; confined to only four runs in the meantime and he'll need to find plenty on his recent hunter chase exploits (narrowly beaten by Captain Tommy last time).

33/1

9

3rd Apr 2025

Good To Soft

2m 5f 19y

Class 2

16:05 Aintree

Evas Oskar

12st 0lb

J: Mr Edward Vaughan

T: Tim Vaughan

Running well in the 2023 Grand National when he unseated at the 21st; confined to only four runs in the meantime and he'll need to find plenty on his recent hunter chase exploits (narrowly beaten by Captain Tommy last time).

33/1

2nd

3

5th Mar 2025

Good

3m 1f 54y

Class 5

17:00 Catterick

Evas Oskar

12st 2lb

J: Mr Edward Vaughan

T: Tim Vaughan

prominent, went second 5th, pushed along after 5 out, outpaced and lost second 3 out, soon ridden, rallied and went second again last, stayed on and challenging towards finish, just held

7/4

12/1

Form: 35P-16 C

Last run: 39 days

W: 11st 7lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 136

Form & Verdict
Won the first two of his four races over these Sandown fences, with lesser efforts both at 3m5f; won well at Ascot (3m) on reappearance and respectable fifth at Kempton over Christmas; one of many plausible each-way candidates.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

22nd Apr 2024

Good

3m 0f 0y

Class 3

18:30 Kempton

Larry

11st 11lb

J: Tom Cannon

T: Gary Moore

took keen hold, held up in rear, no impression before 4 out, pulled up before 3 out

12/1

4

22nd Apr 2024

Good

3m 0f 0y

Class 3

18:30 Kempton

Larry

11st 11lb

J: Tom Cannon

T: Gary Moore

took keen hold, held up in rear, no impression before 4 out, pulled up before 3 out

12/1

7

24th Mar 2024

Good

2m 7f 180y

Class 2

16:30 Ascot

Larry

10st 11lb

J: Tom Cannon

T: Gary Moore

Twice well beaten over C&D this winter, including last time, but in between he won at Plumpton and he's a two-time C&D winner who was third in this race last year; has won on a variety of ground; not ruled out.

7/1

Form: 141-76

Last run: 39 days

W: 11st 3lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 132

Form & Verdict
Wide-margin wins in small fields (2m3f/2m5f) last January and March; well beaten both starts this term but first hit his best form on third run last term and this would probably be a good mark if the same happens today.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6

7th Dec 2024

Good To Soft

3m 4f 146y

Class 2

15:35 Sandown

Broken Halo

11st 4lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Paul Nicholls

Had wind surgery (his second) since last run; scored over 3m4f at Taunton (soft) in March and was still going well (4l down, disputing third) when falling two out in this contest last year; shortlisted.

7/1

Form: 11P-30 D

Last run: 39 days

W: 11st 8lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 137

Form & Verdict
Being hampered at the start may help to explain a modest show last time but he is often held up anyway; ran creditably time before and won twice at Kempton last February, but he has not shone in his three visits to Sandown.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

1

1st Apr 2025

Good

3m 0f 0y

Class 3

15:55 Kempton

Flegmatik

11st 11lb

J: Tristan Durrell

T: Dan Skelton

Three-time course winner (2m4f-3m); not quite at best this season but handicapped according, and went down fighting when a clear second here (2m4f, good) last month; likely contender.

9/4

2nd

1

1st Apr 2025

Good

3m 0f 0y

Class 3

15:55 Kempton

Flegmatik

11st 11lb

J: Tristan Durrell

T: Dan Skelton

Three-time course winner (2m4f-3m); not quite at best this season but handicapped according, and went down fighting when a clear second here (2m4f, good) last month; likely contender.

9/4

Form: FP12-7 D

Last run: 63 days

W: 12st 0lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 143

Form & Verdict
Last season ended with a win (2m5f, heavy) and a near-miss (3m2f, good), both at Kelso; Aintree two months ago was the first time he's underperformed on reappearance but he was 20-1 that day over 2m4f, which is probably inadequate for him nowadays; player if he's back to his best.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

2

8th Mar 2026

Soft

3m 0f 110y

Class 2

14:50 Carlisle

Empire Steel

11st 3lb

J: Brian Hughes

T: Sandy Thomson

Very well handicapped on old form and returned from layoff with quite encouraging run at Musselburgh (2m7f, good to soft) in January but ought to have been suited by the heavy ground when tailed off at Kelso last month and it's hard to know what to expect from him here.

5/1

5th

4

13th Feb 2026

Soft

2m 7f 96y

Class 2

15:00 Kelso

Empire Steel

11st 5lb

J: Charlie Maggs

T: Sandy Thomson

12yo who wasn't the force of old last season but he's dropped down the weights and returned from an absence with an encouraging fourth at Musselburgh (2m7f, good to soft) a fortnight ago; could show the benefit of that latest outing today, especially now back at a track where he is four from six.

9/2

4th

1

31st Jan 2026

Good To Soft

2m 7f 138y

Class 3

16:11 Musselburgh

Empire Steel

12st 0lb

J: Charlie Maggs

T: Sandy Thomson

12yo who wasn't the force of old last season and was pulled up last January when last seen; however, he can go well fresh and returns on a reduced mark and with his trainer enjoying a productive winter; not discounted.

6/1

Form: 1/11-1

Last run: 45 days

W: 11st 5lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 134

Form & Verdict
8-17 under rules and 4-7 in chases; first start for 552 days and first-time headgear when he took a seven-runner chase at Hereford (2m5f, soft) in December in a sustained duel; going up 6lb demands a career best, which can't be ruled out given his strike-rate but he was below form on sole attempt at 3m, on heavy ground two years ago.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

9

25th Aug 2025

Good

3m 1f 107y

Class 3

16:05 Cartmel

Equus Dancer

10st 9lb

J: Shane Fenelon

T: Mickey Bowen

Never that threatening when inheriting second over 3m5f here three months ago, finishing 10l behind Ilikedwayurthinkin; this shorter trip could be a plus but an 11yo now.

12/1

2nd

3

26th May 2025

Good

3m 5f 80y

Class 3

16:05 Cartmel

Equus Dancer

11st 4lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Mickey Bowen

Has won four times over fences, the latest over 2m5f at Hereford in first-time cheekpieces in December 2022; stable going great guns but needs to recapture his form after two modest runs this year; stamina to prove.

9/2

Form: 53-U5U D

Last run: 28 days

W: 11st 5lb

12 yo Gelding

OR: 134

Form & Verdict
His peak ratings, including from two runs last winter, make this look a very good mark and a case can certainly be made; however, he's won only once (February 2020) in the last four years and has unseated in two of his last three outings.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

4

27th May 2023

Good

3m 1f 107y

Class 3

16:30 Cartmel

Kauto Riko

11st 7lb

J: Brian Hughes

T: Tom Gretton

Smart at his best but hasn't won since 2020, and completed only one of four races during light campaign last season; had excuse when pulled up at Sandown in February (scoped dirty) but others look less risky.

14/1

8

4th Feb 2023

Good To Soft

3m 0f 37y

Class 2

15:30 Sandown

Kauto Riko

11st 5lb

J: Robert Dunne

T: Tom Gretton

always towards rear

40/1

9

7th Jan 2023

Soft

3m 0f 37y

Class 2

15:00 Sandown

Kauto Riko

11st 5lb

J: Robert Dunne

T: Tom Gretton

His peak ratings, including from two runs last winter, make this look a very good mark and a case can certainly be made; however, he's won only once (February 2020) in the last four years.

33/1

Form: 6U-511 D

Last run: 40 days

W: 11st 3lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 132

Form & Verdict
14l win at Exeter (3m) in November; followed up in the Lincolnshire National at Market Rasen (3m3f, again good to soft) on Boxing Day, quickly going clear in the home straight but blundering at the last and doing very well to renew his effort; 7lb rise gives him more than the bare result but he's 3-6 over fences and very much heading the right way.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10

17th Nov 2024

Good

3m 3f 71y

Class 1

14:55 Cheltenham

Bangers And Cash

10st 2lb

J: Ben Jones

T: Ben Pauling

This is his first run since April and he's improved for his reappearance run in each of the last two seasons; however, he returns with his stable in flying form and is on a competitive mark on his best efforts last term; won over 3m3f/3m4f in his 2022-23 campaign and not ruled out.

12/1

10

17th Nov 2024

Good

3m 3f 71y

Class 1

14:55 Cheltenham

Bangers And Cash

10st 2lb

J: Ben Jones

T: Ben Pauling

pressed leader early, midfield 5th, collapsed when pulled up after 14th, heart attack

12/1

Form: 1111-5 D

Last run: 39 days

W: 10st 12lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 127

Form & Verdict
Four runs at Lingfield, all in chases over the extended 2m7f and they resulted in 16l, 12l, 20l and 14l wins, the latest of which was on heavy last February; no sign that they got to the bottom of him but, having been just about in touch turning for home, he ended up a remote fifth when reappearing in the Welsh National (3m6f) at Christmas; this drop back in trip may help and he's one to consider.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

21st Mar 2024

Soft

3m 6f 130y

Class 4

15:15 Chepstow

Movethechains

12st 2lb

J: Rob Hargreaves

T: Gary Moore

Enhanced his excellent record at Lingfield when comfortably winning the Surrey National (3m5f, soft) in January; placed again there next time (well held) before having a rare spin over hurdles 16 days ago (beaten 27l off lower mark in that discipline); tailed off in a Welsh National on only previous visit here but entitled to be thereabouts.

100/30

4th

1

5th Mar 2024

Heavy

2m 7f 0y

Class 4

16:02 Lingfield

Movethechains

11st 13lb

J: Rob Hargreaves

T: Gary Moore

Enhanced his excellent record on the chase track here when comfortably winning the Sussex National (3m5f, soft) in January and again placed on his return visit after a 9lb rise; rated 11lb lower over hurdles and he's a better horse now than when last seen in this discipline.

9/2

3rd

1

13th Feb 2024

Soft

3m 4f 178y

Class 3

15:00 Lingfield

Movethechains

12st 0lb

J: Caoilin Quinn

T: Gary Moore

Won five from six chases on this track, the one defeat coming when runner-up in this last year on good ground which may have been faster than ideal; went into his shell after but took advantage of a generous mark in no uncertain fashion over C&D 23 days ago (soft; first completion in blinkers); back up 9lb but still 3lb lower than last February; solid chance.

3/1

Non-runners

Bangers And Cash, Movethechains

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £62.00
Straight Forecast £46.15
Tricast £875.59
Trifecta £1289.60

Selections

TOPSPEED:

Laskalin

SPOTLIGHT:

Bangers And Cash

The Times:

Empire Steel

RP Ratings:

Rapper

LAMBOURN:

Emir Sacree

Daily Mirror:

Eva's Oskar

WEST COUNTRY:

Celebre D'Allen

The Star:

Bangers And Cash

Daily Record:

Bangers And Cash

POSTDATA:

Laskalin

The Guardian:

Laskalin

Daily Mail:

Laskalin

D Express:

Empire Steel

The Sun:

Empire Steel

Telegraph:

Rapper