February 25 / 16.17 Chepstow

16.17

Good

Pertemps Network Emea Handicap Chase

  • Prize money: £3432.65
  • 3m 2f 54y
  • Class 5
  • 14 runners
SKY
View Course
Pertemps Network Emea Handicap Chase

Runners: 14 runners

Type: Chase Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Partly cloudy

4/1 (Won)

  • Win: £6.50
  • Place: £2.10

Form: 4-PP71

Last run: 14 days

W: 11st 0lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 86

Form & Verdict
Won 2m7f hurdle in late 2021; has raced only intermittently since but was well supported to win on second chase attempt, at Uttoxeter (3m, good to soft), and he did it well, just coasting home on the flat; should still be well treated back up to his winning hurdle mark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

8

27th Jan 2026

Soft

2m 7f 136y

Class 4

15:47 Chepstow

Ali Star Bert

11st 9lb

J: Jack Quinlan

T: Shaun Harris

Ended 2025 with two wins at Southwell (3m, soft/good to soft), looking in particularly good nick on latter occasion; struggled from just out of the weights in last week's Surrey National at Lingfield but enters calculations in this easier race.

14/1

15

19th Jan 2026

Soft

3m 4f 178y

Class 3

13:50 Lingfield

Ali Star Bert

10st 2lb

J: Murray Dodd

T: Shaun Harris

Ended 2025 with two wins at Southwell (3m, soft/good to soft); contests this much stronger race from 3lb out of the weights but he looked in particularly good nick on his latest outing and this trip should be fine.

16/1

4th

9

11th Sep 2025

Good

3m 0f 10y

Class 4

17:35 Uttoxeter

Ali Star Bert

11st 5lb

J: Jack Quinlan

T: Shaun Harris

The last of six chase wins was at Southwell (3m2f, good to soft) in March; very mixed since then and wouldn't be the percentage call.

25/1

20/1

  • Place: £9.50

Form: 354-PP

Last run: 24 days

W: 10st 11lb

12 yo Gelding

OR: 83

Form & Verdict
Four chase wins at up to 3m but the latest of them was nearly two years ago; has called it a day in both runs back from nearly a year off.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

11

20th Nov 2023

Good To Soft

3m 0f 54y

Class 4

13:50 Exeter

Tudors Treasure

10st 2lb

J: Ben Jones

T: Robert Stephens

Three-time course winner who was runner-up at Chepstow in February but he struggled otherwise last season (including here) and this 12yo is 6lb out of the handicap today.

33/1

16/1

  • Place: £4.70

Form: 3F-474

Last run: 14 days

W: 10st 2lb

11 yo Gelding

OR: 71

Form & Verdict
In the frame more often than not since winning at Leicester two years ago but he hasn't been at his best since falling behind Mr Katanga here 12 months ago; looks unlikely from 3lb out of the weights.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8

8th Mar 2024

Soft

3m 0f 54y

Class 5

15:40 Exeter

Bignorm

10st 2lb

J: Ben Poste

T: Rosemary Gasson

Veteran who ran respectably behind a couple of younger rivals at Southwell (3m, heavy) last month; however, it's three years since his sole success; not the percentage call.

10/1

3rd

9

18th Feb 2024

Soft

3m 0f 60y

Class 5

13:55 Southwell

Bignorm

10st 2lb

J: Ben Poste

T: Rosemary Gasson

disputed lead, lost position after 3 out, switched right and rallied before 2 out, weakened gradually after 2 out

10/1

4th

9

2nd Feb 2024

Good To Soft

3m 0f 60y

Class 5

13:25 Southwell

Bignorm

10st 2lb

J: Ben Poste

T: Rosemary Gasson

Scored on heavy ground in March 2021 but that remains his only win from 29 starts; place case can be made but others look stronger for the win.

16/1

13/2

Form: /0-P33

Last run: 25 days

W: 10st 4lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 76

Form & Verdict
Has yet to win but he travelled well for a long way behind one who was ahead of her mark and a subsequent winner at Ffos Las 25 days ago (3m1f, soft) and is lightly raced enough to think he can improve further.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8

30th Jan 2026

Soft

3m 1f 54y

Class 5

15:13 Catterick

Dysania

10st 2lb

J: Brendan Powell

T: Mickey Bowen

Runner-up at Southwell last April but a long way below that level on his three runs since and this 11yo's sole win came back in November 2023.

20/1

9

19th Nov 2025

Soft

2m 7f 177y

Class 5

13:35 Ffos Las

Dysania

10st 2lb

J: Brendan Powell

T: Mickey Bowen

Very inconsistent 10yo who sometimes races lazily and is never easy to predict; comes here fresh and on career-low mark but has presumably been overlooked by Sean Bowen today and cannot be supported with much confidence; versatile ground-wise.

10/1

7th

7

7th May 2025

Good

3m 1f 210y

Class 5

19:40 Fontwell

Dysania

10st 2lb

J: Shane Fenelon

T: Mickey Bowen

3lb out of the weights; kept on for second at Southwell three weeks ago (3m, good) but this 10yo is hard to predict.

6/1

Form: -67397 CD

Last run: 33 days

W: 10st 11lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 83

Form & Verdict
Galloped rivals into the ground when winning a division of this 12 months ago (heavy; first-time cheekpieces) but the boot has been on the other foot this winter and he again ran moderately last time (first-time tongue-tie, now left off); ringing the changes with blinkers but has much to prove.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13

23rd Mar 2023

Soft

2m 7f 131y

Class 5

16:20 Chepstow

Mr Katanga

10st 9lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Rebecca Curtis

Won by 47l in first-time cheekpieces here (3m2f, heavy) just over a year ago; well below that form this season but didn't run badly over 3m2f here (good; behind Tudors Treasure) in first-time blinkers last month and today's slower ground is in his favour.

9/1

5th

8

25th Feb 2023

Good

3m 2f 54y

Class 5

16:17 Chepstow

Mr Katanga

10st 11lb

J: James Bowen

T: Rebecca Curtis

Galloped rivals into the ground when winning a division of this 12 months ago (heavy; first-time cheekpieces) but the boot has been on the other foot this winter and he again ran moderately last time (first-time tongue-tie, now left off); ringing the changes with blinkers but has much to prove.

6/1

7th

8

23rd Jan 2023

Soft

2m 7f 177y

Class 5

16:00 Ffos Las

Mr Katanga

10st 11lb

J: Ben Jones

T: Rebecca Curtis

Best effort this season when third, albeit no match for the first two, over C&D (soft) in November; easy winner at Chepstow last February but recent form is below that level; tongue-tie added.

10/1

Form: 15-306

Last run: 25 days

W: 11st 2lb

11 yo Mare

OR: 88

Form & Verdict
Multiple winning pointer; won consecutive 3m chases at Exeter last spring (heavy/good to soft) but she didn't look a likely player on return to a suitable trip when hampered two out at Ffos Las recently; needs more.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7

8th Mar 2024

Soft

3m 0f 54y

Class 5

15:40 Exeter

Wind Tor

10st 6lb

J: Miss Chloe Emsley

T: Polly Gundry

Difficult to quantify her form in two points this winter; debatable whether she retains peak ability aged 12 but the return to Exeter is a plus, being 2-3 over C&D; those two wins came off higher marks in March 2022.

10/1

3rd

5

17th May 2023

Soft

3m 1f 170y

Class 5

15:10 Newton Abbot

Wind Tor

11st 0lb

J: Miss Chloe Emsley

T: Polly Gundry

Latest three efforts have been a return to some form but this thorough stayer has always looked best at Exeter on genuinely soft ground; could be in the shake-up if conditions don't dry too much.

8/1

4th

9

28th Apr 2023

Good

3m 2f 54y

Class 5

17:20 Chepstow

Wind Tor

10st 7lb

J: Miss Chloe Emsley

T: Polly Gundry

Last season's form was much better; third over 3m at Exeter (scene of her only two wins under rules) one month ago and not disgraced at Fontwell nine days later; considered each-way.

9/1

OUR TIP

Form: 14-3P4

Last run: 25 days

W: 12st 2lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 102

Form & Verdict
Winning staying chaser and hurdler (on good and soft) but seems to have lost his way a touch since back from a break; is favourably treated now if first-time cheekpieces happen to do the trick.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

9

26th Mar 2026

Good

3m 6f 136y

Class 4

15:50 Chepstow

To Be Sure

10st 2lb

J: Ellis Collier

T: Mrs C Williams

Generally in much better form last March-October than in his three starts this winter; no impact in his four races beyond 3m2f and the bottom line seems to be that he last won a race in April 2023.

20/1

3rd

4

9th Feb 2026

Soft

3m 1f 157y

Class 5

16:15 Plumpton

To Be Sure

11st 2lb

J: Conor Ring

T: Evan Williams

Chance if bringing his 'A' game but he hasn't on last two outings when tailed off at Fakenham (3m5f) and Fontwell (3m2f; both on soft); risky.

25/1

10

12th Oct 2025

Good To Firm

3m 2f 54y

Class 4

13:32 Chepstow

To Be Sure

10st 4lb

J: Ellis Collier

T: Evan Williams

Running well since the spring, most recently second of four at Fontwell (3m2f, good to soft) in first-time visor last month; will probably find others too strong in this deeper race, though; usual cheekpieces refitted.

10/1

Form: 3-3PPB

Last run: 20 days

W: 11st 10lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 96

Form & Verdict
Far from disgraced in a useful 3m Exeter novice (good to soft) on chase debut last February but he hasn't gone on from that, including in handicaps, and was held when brought down two out at Hereford recently.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9

15th May 2024

Good

2m 7f 177y

Class 5

17:05 Ffos Las

Reign Suepreme

10st 8lb

J: James Davies

T: Nikki Evans

Belatedly off the mark under rules with hard-fought success at Sedgefield (3m3f, good) in October and also ran well when second over same C&D (soft) the following month; has fitness to prove after 169-day break, though, and others in this line-up appeal more.

8/1

9

15th May 2024

Good

2m 7f 177y

Class 5

17:05 Ffos Las

Reign Suepreme

10st 8lb

J: James Davies

T: Nikki Evans

Belatedly off the mark under rules with hard-fought success at Sedgefield (3m3f, good) in October and also ran well when second over same C&D (soft) the following month; has fitness to prove after 169-day break, though, and others in this line-up appeal more.

8/1

2nd

7

28th Nov 2023

Soft

3m 2f 202y

Class 5

12:50 Sedgefield

Reign Suepreme

10st 7lb

J: Shane Quinlan

T: Nikki Evans

led, soon clear, reduced lead 5th, faced challenge 12th, headed 2 out, outpaced before last, switched right before last, rallied and went second inside final 110yds, no match for winner

11/4

Form: 54P-PP

Last run: 56 days

W: 12st 0lb

11 yo Gelding

OR: 100

Form & Verdict
Triple chase winner at up to 3m1f, most recently in late 2020; in the doldrums last winter and carried on the bad work when pulled up for the third consecutive time in December (first-time blinkers, discarded); connections persevere and he may yet show more.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9

1st Apr 2023

Soft

3m 0f 0y

Class 4

16:30 Uttoxeter

Cuban Pete

10st 8lb

J: Charlie Deutsch

T: Venetia Williams

On a massively reduced mark but that reflects his poor recent form; pulled up in his last four races and looks hard to support with confidence.

20/1

2

25th Feb 2023

Good

3m 2f 54y

Class 5

16:17 Chepstow

Cuban Pete

12st 0lb

J: Charlie Deutsch

T: Venetia Williams

Triple chase winner at up to 3m1f, most recently in late 2020; in the doldrums last winter and carried on the bad work when pulled up for the third consecutive time in December (first-time blinkers, discarded); connections persevere and he may yet show more.

12/1

8

31st Dec 2022

Soft

3m 0f 0y

Class 4

14:10 Warwick

Cuban Pete

10st 12lb

J: Ned Fox

T: Venetia Williams

Triple chase winner at up to 3m1f but his last win was in November 2020 and he's been pulled up in his last two starts, most recently at Uttoxeter on his return last month; mark is tumbling but he needs to turn things around in first-time blinkers.

14/1

Form: P2/P7P D

Last run: 25 days

W: 12st 0lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 100

Form & Verdict
Capable staying jumper at this level two years ago but he missed 20 months and few signs of life as yet for this yard; first-time tongue-tie/visor replace cheekpieces but he has lots to prove at present.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

25th Feb 2023

Good

3m 2f 54y

Class 5

16:17 Chepstow

Talktomenow

12st 0lb

J: Lucy Gardner

T: Sue Gardner

Capable staying jumper at this level two years ago but he missed 20 months and few signs of life as yet for this yard; first-time tongue-tie/visor replace cheekpieces but he has lots to prove at present.

33/1

2

31st Jan 2023

Soft

3m 1f 60y

Class 5

14:15 Ffos Las

Talktomenow

12st 2lb

J: Lucy Gardner

T: Sue Gardner

Won over hurdles and fences for Warren Greatrex during 2020-21 season but he's struggled on both starts since returning from a long absence and it's difficult to gauge his current ability.

66/1

7th

10

1st Jan 2023

Soft

3m 0f 54y

Class 4

14:40 Exeter

Talktomenow

11st 6lb

J: Lucy Gardner

T: Sue Gardner

Won over hurdles and fences for Warren Greatrex during 2020-21 season but, following a long absence, made very disappointing stable debut in November; current ability hard to gauge.

50/1

Form: 24-612

Last run: 20 days

W: 11st 8lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 94

Form & Verdict
Had few chances in staying chases and he ran well in defeat at Leicester last January before forging clear at Huntingdon last month (2m7f, good to soft); ran up against a reviver (won again since) at Hereford 20 days ago; should go well again.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8

13th Feb 2026

Soft

3m 5f 24y

Class 5

13:50 Fakenham

Spotty Dog

10st 4lb

J: Megan Fox

T: Michael Hawker

Thorough stayer but he was a remote third in this 12 months ago and nowhere near his best this campaign; an 11yo now and age seems to be catching up.

8/1

6

19th Nov 2025

Soft

2m 7f 177y

Class 5

13:35 Ffos Las

Spotty Dog

10st 13lb

J: Harry Reed

T: Michael Hawker

Began this year with some respectable efforts, most notably when second in first-time blinkers at Chepstow (3m6f, good); should be fine on the slower ground here but has fitness to prove after 224-day break and others appeal more; cheekpieces refitted.

6/1

3rd

4

9th Apr 2025

Good To Firm

3m 4f 85y

Class 4

15:55 Taunton

Spotty Dog

10st 2lb

J: Harry Reed

T: Michael Hawker

2lb out of the weights; he was 3lb wrong and didn't jump that well but stuck to his task to be second at Chepstow (3m6f, good) in the first-time blinkers 20 days ago; thereabouts with something similar.

3/1

Form: 6-P794

Last run: 29 days

W: 10st 9lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 81

Form & Verdict
Hurdle winner in Ireland; can look hard work over fences but he did keep on grimly when fourth to Spotty Dog at Huntingdon in January (2m7f, good to soft) when visored for the first time (retained); weights turnaround on this stiffer track could play in his favour.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

8

13th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 41y

Class 5

15:30 Hexham

Gibberwell

10st 8lb

J: Theo Gillard

T: Jake Thomas Coulson

His last two wins have come here (including this race in 2023) and he was 8lb out of the handicap when back here last time; however, this 10yo has been pulled up on his last three starts and needs to turn things around.

33/1

11

25th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 7f 199y

Class 4

15:41 Hexham

Gibberwell

10st 2lb

J: Philip Armson

T: Jake Thomas Coulson

His last two wins have come here but this 10yo has been pulled up on his last two starts and is 8lb wrong at the weights.

50/1

Form: 80-790

Last run: 18 days

W: 10st 8lb

9 yo Mare

OR: 80

Form & Verdict
Chase career abandoned last winter but no benefit from return to hurdles and again down the field at Taunton after wind surgery; soundly beaten in two tries with headgear, cheekpieces return back chasing.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11

25th Feb 2023

Good

3m 2f 54y

Class 5

16:17 Chepstow

Born In Borris

10st 8lb

J: Harry Kimber

T: Joe Tizzard

Chase career abandoned last winter but no benefit from return to hurdles and again down the field at Taunton after wind surgery; soundly beaten in two tries with headgear, cheekpieces return back chasing.

16/1

11th

11

7th Feb 2023

Good To Soft

2m 3f 1y

Class 5

16:30 Taunton

Born In Borris

10st 8lb

J: Brendan Powell

T: Joe Tizzard

Her mark continues to fall but she struggled last season and it's been the same story on both outings this term; major turnaround required on first run since wind surgery.

20/1

9th

5

2nd Nov 2022

Good To Soft

2m 7f 131y

Class 5

16:22 Chepstow

Born In Borris

11st 7lb

J: Brendan Powell

T: Joe Tizzard

Lost her way last season and no imminent sign of a revival when seventh over 2m3f here last week (attracted support); only win gained in March 2020; others have more pressing claims.

8/1

Form: 576-PF

Last run: 20 days

W: 10st 2lb

7 yo Mare

OR: 69

Form & Verdict
Won both points last May (firm) but has failed to complete in two chases under rules and she may need much quicker ground; 5lb wrong.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

10

20th May 2023

Good

2m 7f 70y

Class 5

17:35 Uttoxeter

Luckello

10st 2lb

J: Charlie Price

T: Tim Vaughan

Dual point winner in spring 2022 but failed to complete three consecutive chases during the winter and was safely held (albeit after running well to a point) when back over hurdles last month; 9lb out of the handicap.

25/1

5th

13

23rd Apr 2023

Good

3m 2f 83y

Class 5

15:15 Stratford

Luckello

10st 2lb

J: Alan Johns

T: Tim Vaughan

Poor form under rules for Olly Murphy; won two points on firm ground last May; failed to complete in three chase runs for current start; risky back hurdling.

33/1

14

25th Feb 2023

Good

3m 2f 54y

Class 5

16:17 Chepstow

Luckello

10st 2lb

J: William Kennedy

T: Tim Vaughan

Won both points last May (firm) but has failed to complete in two chases under rules and she may need much quicker ground; 5lb wrong.

20/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £209.50
Straight Forecast £150.12
Tricast £2895.87
Trifecta £3198.90

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Ali Star Bert

The Times:

Spotty Dog

WEST COUNTRY:

Wind Tor

The Guardian:

Dysania

RP Ratings:

Ali Star Bert

POSTDATA:

Ali Star Bert

D Express:

Ali Star Bert

Daily Mirror:

Ali Star Bert

Telegraph:

Spotty Dog

Daily Mail:

Spotty Dog

The Sun:

Spotty Dog

Daily Record:

Spotty Dog

The Star:

Wind Tor