February 18 / 14.25 Ascot

14.25

Good

LK Bennett Swinley Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap) (GBB Race)

  • Prize money: £56950
  • 2m 7f 180y
  • Class 1
  • 14 runners
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LK Bennett Swinley Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap) (GBB Race)

Runners: 14 runners

Type: Chase Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Cloudy

OUR TIP

9/2 (Won)

Form: -53502 D

Last run: 21 days

W: 10st 8lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 127

Form & Verdict
Valuable 3m win at Kempton last February was easily the highlight last term; same mark today, having been runner-up off 2lb lower at Doncaster (3m, good) on latest outing; has to be in very serious calculations.
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: -656F2

Last run: 11 days

W: 10st 6lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 125

Form & Verdict
Had wind surgery before penultimate start; went clear after four out in five-runner race at Taunton (2m7f, good) 11 days ago but tired on run-in and was collared in the final strides; that was his best form (raised 2lb since) but leaves a lingering question over his stamina at this stiffer track.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

11

4th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 203y

Class 2

15:20 Haydock

Neon Moon

11st 1lb

J: Rian Corcoran

T: David Pipe

He won a four-runner handicap at Ascot (2m5f, good) in November but has failed to kick on subsequently, proving no match for Genois and Outlaw Peter when fifth at Exeter (2m3f, good to soft) four weeks ago.

18/1

5th

4

6th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 48y

Class 3

15:40 Exeter

Neon Moon

11st 7lb

J: Jack Tudor

T: David Pipe

Won an uncompetitive race by Ascot standards in November (2m5f) and then only fourth of six at Ludlow; fell mid-race back at Ascot last time; bit to prove on the balance of this form in the last 12 months.

15/2

Form: U11-24 D BF

Last run: 77 days

W: 11st 4lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 137

Form & Verdict
Ran well both starts on good ground but withdrawn this month from one good-ground engagement; won at Taunton (2m7f and 3m4f) on last two starts last season and ran creditably here (2m5f) and at Sandown (3m5f) this term; in the mix assuming he takes to first-time headgear.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10

17th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 54y

Class 5

17:13 Exeter

Revels Hill

11st 12lb

J: Mr Darren Andrews

T: Mrs J Boucher

Useful handicap chaser in his prime but very lightly raced in recent years; remote when third of seven at Taunton (2m7f, heavy; behind Haven't Time) last month and current ability remains tricky to gauge but he ought to be better suited by the less testing ground here and might be boosted by the refitted cheekpieces.

20/1

3rd

6

12th Feb 2026

Heavy

2m 7f 3y

Class 5

16:00 Taunton

Revels Hill

11st 12lb

J: Mr Darren Andrews

T: Mrs J Boucher

Ran really well in defeat in some tough handicap chases in 2022-23 season and a good case can be made on that form; however, this 11yo has raced just three times since and is hard to fancy on that more recent evidence.

12/1

4th

7

25th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

2m 7f 131y

Class 5

19:35 Chepstow

Revels Hill

11st 12lb

J: Mr Darren Andrews

T: Mrs J Boucher

Only a second outing since his bet365 Gold Cup third of two years ago when fourth in a 3m4f Cothelstone mixed open last month (good; no extra 2 out); couldn't insist his present rating is still warranted on that evidence but some ability clearly remains, and he won't mind any cut.

5/2

20/1

Form: 7-2086 D

Last run: 14 days

W: 10st 13lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 132

Form & Verdict
Second at Cheltenham (3m1f, good) in October off 6lb higher; remote over the big Aintree fences next time and he's not fired on all cylinders in his two starts since; tried cheekpieces on penultimate start, blinkers on latest; his jumping frequently lacks fluency.
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: 1F-P44 C

Last run: 21 days

W: 11st 7lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 140

Form & Verdict
Runner-up over C&D in December last term and won over 2m5f here the following month, both off today's mark; back near that form this winter and, although all starts have been on softer than good, he's one to consider.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

7

29th May 2024

Soft

2m 4f 216y

Class 5

16:28 Newton Abbot

Phoenix Way

12st 0lb

J: Miss Megan Bevan

T: Mrs C Fry

midfield, in touch with leaders 5th, left in second 11th, jumped right 4 out, no chance with winner from 3 out

11/10

16

14th Apr 2023

Good To Soft

2m 5f 19y

Class 1

16:05 Aintree

Phoenix Way

10st 9lb

J: Kevin Brogan

T: Harry Fry

His best piece of handicap form came over this trip when winning on soft ground at Ascot last season off 2lb higher; has not been operating at quite the same level this campaign and this is his first experience of these fences; cheekpieces added.

18/1

5th

4

18th Feb 2023

Good

2m 7f 180y

Class 1

14:25 Ascot

Phoenix Way

11st 7lb

J: Lorcan Murtagh

T: Harry Fry

Runner-up over C&D in December last term and won over 2m5f here the following month, both off today's mark; back near that form this winter and, although all starts have been on softer than good, he's one to consider.

9/2

Form: -01855 D

Last run: 21 days

W: 10st 9lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 128

Form & Verdict
Narrow win in small field on good ground at Market Rasen (2m6f; stays 2m7f) last September; not so good in his three races since, albeit with a partial revival under James Turner when about 4l behind Phoenix Way at Cheltenham latest; others are a bit more persuasive.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

23rd Jan 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 0y

Class 5

16:18 Warwick

One True King

12st 6lb

J: Miss Anna Johnston

T: Miss B Coward

Not the force of old and might be better suited by right-handed tracks but ran well from the front when close fourth in open point at left-handed Chaddesley Corbett (3m, good to soft; also suited by soft) last month; considered each-way.

14/1

1

2nd Apr 2025

Good

2m 4f 11y

Class 4

16:48 Ludlow

One True King

12st 6lb

J: Mr Martin McIntyre

T: Miss B Coward

Useful handicapper chaser when trained by Nigel Twiston-Davies, with a good record at this track; this season's pointing form for new stable has been underwhelming, though, and he was safely held when fourth in a Leicester hunter chase (2m, good to soft) last month.

10/1

1

2nd Apr 2025

Good

2m 4f 11y

Class 4

16:48 Ludlow

One True King

12st 6lb

J: Mr Martin McIntyre

T: Miss B Coward

Useful handicapper chaser when trained by Nigel Twiston-Davies, with a good record at this track; this season's pointing form for new stable has been underwhelming, though, and he was safely held when fourth in a Leicester hunter chase (2m, good to soft) last month.

10/1

Form: 0P0-10 C

Last run: 77 days

W: 11st 8lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 141

Form & Verdict
Pinnacle of his career came with two wins at Ascot three winters back; reappearance was easily his best effort last term and, having won the Old Roan at Aintree on this season's return, he was soundly beaten back there six weeks later, so it's a concern the same may be happening (notwithstanding a bad mistake last time); connections turn to cheekpieces; unraced beyond an extended 2m5f; best efforts on softer than good.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

4

30th Mar 2024

Heavy

2m 3f 203y

Class 2

15:15 Haydock

Riders Onthe Storm

11st 8lb

J: Gavin Sheehan

T: Richard Hobson

/Just two runs this season and, following a wind op, he returned to form with a good second at Doncaster (2m, good to soft) four weeks ago; he's fine over this trip and on soft/heavy going, and is one to consider.

9/2

2nd

7

2nd Mar 2024

Good To Soft

2m 0f 78y

Class 2

14:35 Doncaster

Riders Onthe Storm

10st 3lb

J: Gavin Sheehan

T: Richard Hobson

Grade 1 chase winner in 2020 but has regressed and become very inconsistent; finished remote when third of four in veterans' chase at Aintree (2m4f, soft) on Boxing Day and is not sure to be suited by today's drop back in trip; had wind surgery last month; cheekpieces refitted; others have much more persuasive profiles.

16/1

Form: 25-132 D BF

Last run: 14 days

W: 11st 2lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 135

Form & Verdict
Five wins in France; with current stable for last seven starts, returning from wind surgery when he made all at Ludlow in November under 5lb claimer; creditable places since at Newbury and Sandown; all runs have been on softer than good; should go well if the ground is okay for him.
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

Form: 12U-26

Last run: 21 days

W: 11st 0lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 133

Form & Verdict
Won on good ground last January; had a very solid record when completing over fences until his modest show 9l behind Phoenix Way at Cheltenham last time; needs a bit of overall improvement, goes beyond 2m5f for the first time and may well be ready for it.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

4

14th Feb 2026

Soft

2m 7f 185y

Class 1

15:00 Ascot

Nocte Volatus

10st 11lb

J: Stan Sheppard

T: Tom Lacey

Justified favouritism in the 2025 Stayers' Veterans' Chase Final at Sandown (good) most recently, taking record over 3m to 2-3; in top form aged 11 and still unexposed at this distance.

13/2

Form: 15P-15 D BF

Last run: 48 days

W: 11st 11lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 144

Form & Verdict
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.
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

Form: 141-4P C

Last run: 54 days

W: 12st 0lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 147

Form & Verdict
Won Grade 1 novice chase at Sandown (2m4f, heavy) in February 2021 and two handicap hurdles (3m/3m1f, one on good) last season; backward steps this term in a Grade 2 hurdle race and Grade 3 handicap chase; had wind surgery soon after the latter, which gives hope given the resurgence after his 2021 wind operation, and he's well handicapped too, but four of his five chase displays are very discouraging.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

2

20th May 2023

Good

2m 7f 70y

Class 2

19:05 Uttoxeter

Sporting John

11st 13lb

J: Aidan Coleman

T: Philip Hobbs & Johnson White

in touch with leaders, headway after 8th, ridden after 3 out, weakened after 2 out

12/1

8th

4

1st May 2023

Good

3m 0f 0y

Class 3

15:40 Kempton

Sporting John

11st 9lb

J: Aidan Coleman

T: Philip Hobbs & Johnson White

Grade 1 novices' chase winner in his prime; no trip/ground issues, but 21lb descent since pulling up in the Rowland Meyrick says plenty about a pretty poor 2022-23 season, including dropped to Class 3 latest.

14/1

4th

2

10th Apr 2023

Good To Soft

2m 7f 131y

Class 3

14:35 Chepstow

Sporting John

11st 10lb

J: Aidan Coleman

T: Philip Hobbs & Johnson White

Smart in his prime but has become disappointing this season; will find this much easier than Cheltenham Festival handicap hurdle he contested last month but he was never competitive there and now switches back to chasing with some questions to answer.

12/1

Form: 151-22 C

Last run: 112 days

W: 11st 3lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 136

Form & Verdict
Won here last March and good second in Grade 3 handicap over C&D in October when back from his summer break, both of those races on good ground; every chance he will again prove highly competitive.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

1

13th Nov 2023

Good

2m 4f 110y

Class 2

14:25 Kempton

Danny Kirwan

12st 0lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Paul Nicholls

Has a tendency to race too freely and finished tired when reappearing at Chepstow (2m7f, good to soft) last month, but is now 2lb lower than when placed in major Ascot handicap (3m, good) last autumn; forecast good ground will suit.

5/2

5th

6

13th Oct 2023

Good

2m 7f 131y

Class 2

13:35 Chepstow

Danny Kirwan

10st 11lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Paul Nicholls

Career has been very stop-start but always possessed a huge level of ability and on last season's reappearance he finished second in a strong 3m handicap chase at Ascot during this month; returns off the same mark following further wind surgery; has won on soft but kept mostly to goodish ground the last three years.

5/1

7th

1

1st May 2023

Good

3m 0f 0y

Class 3

15:40 Kempton

Danny Kirwan

12st 1lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Paul Nicholls

Only just in front of Twenty Twenty when 5l second in this race last year (good), but form of same finishing position in a deep Ascot handicap next time reads well and he retains low mileage for his age; chance.

4/1

Form: 34-31U

Last run: 8 days

W: 10st 12lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 131

Form & Verdict
Seen much more often on good ground than many of these, winning twice; first attempt much beyond 2m5f was at Kempton (3m; joint-second favourite) on latest start but he unseated at the first; 16l win there (2m4f, soft; 9lb higher today) the time before gave plenty of hope regarding stamina, so he's one to consider.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

6

1st May 2023

Good

3m 0f 0y

Class 3

15:40 Kempton

Dorking Lad

11st 6lb

J: Niall Houlihan

T: Gary Moore

Career-best RPR for soft-ground 2m5f score here off 5lb lower last November, but mistakes have prevented any further progress, and never looked happy in the Topham latest; others more greatly proven over 3m.

25/1

29

14th Apr 2023

Good To Soft

2m 5f 19y

Class 1

16:05 Aintree

Dorking Lad

10st 2lb

J: Jamie Moore

T: Gary Moore

Won by a wide margin at Kempton (2m4f, soft) in November; jumping has been an issue since and he had made mistakes before getting brought down last time; effective in the reapplied cheekpieces but well down the pecking order here.

66/1

10

18th Feb 2023

Good

2m 7f 180y

Class 1

14:25 Ascot

Dorking Lad

10st 12lb

J: Caoilin Quinn

T: Gary Moore

Seen much more often on good ground than many of these, winning twice; first attempt much beyond 2m5f was at Kempton (3m; joint-second favourite) on latest start but he unseated at the first; 16l win there (2m4f, soft; 9lb higher today) the time before gave plenty of hope regarding stamina, so he's one to consider.

12/1

Form: 840-0P CD

Last run: 92 days

W: 10st 8lb

15 yo Gelding

OR: 127

Form & Verdict
15yo who last won in October 2020, with 12 races since; 3m at Ascot was the scene of his last four wins (including this race in 2018) but also seven of those last 12 defeats; player judged on his fourth in this race last year (13lb lower today) but not if judged on his two visits this autumn.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13

18th Feb 2023

Good

2m 7f 180y

Class 1

14:25 Ascot

Regal Encore

10st 8lb

J: Aidan Coleman

T: Anthony Honeyball

15yo who last won in October 2020, with 12 races since; 3m at Ascot was the scene of his last four wins (including this race in 2018) but also seven of those last 12 defeats; player judged on his fourth in this race last year (13lb lower today) but not if judged on his two visits this autumn.

33/1

9

18th Nov 2022

Good To Soft

2m 7f 180y

Class 3

14:40 Ascot

Regal Encore

11st 6lb

J: Richie McLernon

T: Anthony Honeyball

14yo who has been beaten 11 times since his last win in October 2020, and he was tailed off over C&D on reappearance three weeks ago; however, he may have needed that run and, if he is to snap his losing sequence, it's highly likely to be at Ascot which has been the venue for his last four wins.

10/1

11th

8

29th Oct 2022

Good To Soft

2m 7f 180y

Class 1

15:15 Ascot

Regal Encore

11st 2lb

J: Richie McLernon

T: Anthony Honeyball

held up in rear, struggling after 15th, weakened 4 out, tailed off

20/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Straight Forecast £56.36
Tricast £321.87

Selections

WEST COUNTRY:

Revels Hill

SPOTLIGHT:

Cap Du Nord

TOPSPEED:

Laskalin

D Express:

Phoenix Way

The Sun:

Sporting John

Daily Record:

Danny Kirwan

POSTDATA:

Laskalin

The Times:

Revels Hill

Telegraph:

Revels Hill

The Guardian:

Revels Hill

Daily Mirror:

Phoenix Way

RP Ratings:

Cap Du Nord

Daily Mail:

Cap Du Nord

The Star:

Cap Du Nord