March 18 / 14.40 Kempton

14.40

Good To Soft

Virgin Bet Fives Handicap Chase (GBB Race)

  • Prize money: £31218
  • 2m 4f 110y
  • Class 2
  • 13 runners
ITV4
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Virgin Bet Fives Handicap Chase (GBB Race)

Runners: 13 runners

Type: Chase Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Light rain

4/1 (Won)

  • Win: £2.75
  • Place: £1.20

Form: 12-512 D BF

Last run: 63 days

W: 11st 6lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 142

Form & Verdict
Won Ffos Las handicap (2m5f, soft) in December on chase debut and respectable second of four in Grade 2 novice at Warwick (3m, heavy) since; open to further progress for top yard and respected back in a handicap.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

2

27th Dec 2023

Good To Soft

3m 6f 130y

Class 1

14:50 Chepstow

Complete Unknown

11st 13lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Paul Nicholls

Highly progressive as a novice chaser last season, ending with an easy handicap win at Kempton (2m4f, soft) and staying-on second in Grade 1 novice at Aintree (3m1f, good to soft); won an intermediate chase on return but made a backward step when favourite for top 3m2f handicap at Newbury on latest outing; of major interest if that can be forgiven.

8/1

10th

8

2nd Dec 2023

Good To Soft

3m 1f 214y

Class 1

14:50 Newbury

Complete Unknown

10st 11lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Paul Nicholls

towards rear, hampered 1st

7/1

1st

2

21st Oct 2023

Soft

2m 4f 216y

Class 2

13:40 Newton Abbot

Complete Unknown

11st 6lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Paul Nicholls

raced in second early, led 2nd, increased tempo 10th, pecked on landing 12th, going best when good jump 4 out, went clear 3 out, pushed along after 2 out, ridden and reduced lead run-in, always doing enough

4/6

14/1

  • Place: £3.00

Form: P3-539 D

Last run: 49 days

W: 11st 1lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 137

Form & Verdict
Won Grade 2 novice chase at Haydock in January 2021 and returned to form when third in Chepstow handicap over Christmas; however, he's back to having something to prove having been well beaten at Cheltenham latest.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

6

18th Mar 2023

Good To Soft

2m 4f 110y

Class 2

14:40 Kempton

Silver Hallmark

11st 1lb

J: Connor Brace

T: Fergal O’Brien

Won Grade 2 novice chase at Haydock in January 2021 and returned to form when third in Chepstow handicap over Christmas; however, he's back to having something to prove having been well beaten at Cheltenham latest.

14/1

1

11th Mar 2023

Heavy

3m 0f 37y

Class 3

16:10 Sandown

Silver Hallmark

12st 2lb

J: Adam Wedge

T: Fergal O’Brien

9th

9

28th Jan 2023

Soft

2m 4f 127y

Class 1

13:50 Cheltenham

Silver Hallmark

11st 0lb

J: Jonjo O’Neill Jr

T: Fergal O’Brien

Lightly raced 9yo; creditable third to Fugitif at Chepstow with reappearance under his belt; far from sure to reverse placings with the winner, who had plenty in hand, but again has place possibilities.

14/1

20/1

  • Place: £3.50

Form: 185563 D

Last run: 24 days

W: 10st 6lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 128

Form & Verdict
Didn't run badly in two Grade 3 handicaps to kick off this year, and third of six in Class 3 handicap at Ludlow most recently; however, it seems likely he's up against it now back up in grade.
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: 2-2921 D

Last run: 22 days

W: 10st 12lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 134

Form & Verdict
Fair second at Wincanton (2m4f, good to soft) in January and was an easy winner in first-time cheekpieces at Warwick (2m4f, good) three weeks ago; strong claims if the headgear continues to have a positive effect.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

6

6th May 2024

Good

3m 0f 0y

Class 3

16:05 Kempton

Galahad Quest

11st 6lb

J: David Noonan

T: Jane Williams

prominent, weakened gradually after 4 out

10/1

6th

6

6th May 2024

Good

3m 0f 0y

Class 3

16:05 Kempton

Galahad Quest

11st 6lb

J: David Noonan

T: Jane Williams

Questionable what he achieved behind an easy winner when back chasing at Ludlow in February and especially after a lesser run at Newbury, albeit in a strong handicap (2m4f, good to soft); on the plus side, drying conditions are in his favour and his only previous attempt at 3m was in the valuable handicap at this track in 2022; could be a player after wind surgery.

10/1

5th

5

23rd Mar 2024

Good To Soft

2m 3f 187y

Class 2

14:40 Newbury

Galahad Quest

10st 9lb

J: David Noonan

T: Jane Williams

prominent, outpaced after 12th, weakened after 2 out

11/2

Form: 496618 CD

Last run: 21 days

W: 10st 10lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 132

Form & Verdict
Won at Leicester last month when wearing this visor for the second time and was probably unsuited by the step up to 3m here last time; however, his chase wins have come in Class 3 handicaps and this race may be too warm.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

5

12th May 2024

Good

3m 1f 152y

Class 4

17:00 Plumpton

Jacamar

11st 2lb

J: Bradley Harris

T: Harriet Dickin

raced in last

11/2

4th

5

12th May 2024

Good

3m 1f 152y

Class 4

17:00 Plumpton

Jacamar

11st 2lb

J: Bradley Harris

T: Harriet Dickin

raced in last

11/2

3rd

5

2nd Apr 2024

Soft

2m 7f 171y

Class 3

15:30 Ludlow

Jacamar

11st 2lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Harriet Dickin

Raced mainly at around 2m4f and is on the downgrade now; went close off his much-reduced mark in four-runner race at Plumpton (3m1f, soft) in January but safely held twice since; formerly trained by Milton Harris/Anthony Charlton; now with Hariet Dickin; others preferred.

7/1

Form: F-27P7 D

Last run: 106 days

W: 10st 11lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 133

Form & Verdict
Won four times over fences in 2021 (all on good ground), including a Grade 2 novice; hasn't hit the same heights this season but he returns from a break with his trainer enjoying an excellent month; he may be okay if the ground is good to soft and he's not a forlorn hope.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

9th Jul 2023

Good

2m 5f 89y

Class 3

16:40 Market Rasen

Captain Tom Cat

11st 10lb

J: Luke Scott

T: Dr Richard Newland

pressed leader, led 9th, headed 2 out, soon ridden, 2 lengths second when fell last

3/1

8

2nd Jul 2023

Good To Soft

2m 5f 34y

Class 2

14:05 Cartmel

Captain Tom Cat

10st 9lb

J: Luke Scott

T: Dr Richard Newland

Twice finished placed this spring (2m4f, soft/good) and the handicapper has given him a big chance as he's now 8lb lower; not ruled out but he has to perform better than he's managed the last twice.

14/1

3rd

2

22nd Jun 2023

Soft

2m 3f 207y

Class 4

19:40 Uttoxeter

Captain Tom Cat

11st 13lb

J: Luke Scott

T: Dr Richard Newland

Not as good as he was over fences but remains capable of useful chase form; didn't really fire here last month but still looks interesting off his lower hurdle mark; best on good ground but handles soft.

8/1

Form: 3F-10P D

Last run: 49 days

W: 12st 2lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 152

Form & Verdict
Landed a hat-trick last winter (2m/2m1f, soft/good to soft) and impressed on reappearance at Aintree (2m4f, good to soft) in December; something to prove after below-par runs the last twice but they were at Cheltenham which may not be his course; major player if rediscovering the Aintree promise.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

1

26th Apr 2024

Good

2m 3f 98y

Class 3

18:10 Chepstow

Brave Seasca

12st 0lb

J: Charlie Deutsch

T: Venetia Williams

Won a 2m4f Aintree handicap (good to soft) in late 2022 off 6lb higher but has offered very little in his six subsequent appearances, the latest 25 days ago on his return from a break.

12/1

5th

1

26th Apr 2024

Good

2m 3f 98y

Class 3

18:10 Chepstow

Brave Seasca

12st 0lb

J: Charlie Deutsch

T: Venetia Williams

Won a 2m4f Aintree handicap (good to soft) in late 2022 off 6lb higher but has offered very little in his six subsequent appearances, the latest 25 days ago on his return from a break.

12/1

5th

2

1st Apr 2024

Soft

2m 0f 11y

Class 2

16:18 Chepstow

Brave Seasca

12st 0lb

J: Charlie Deutsch

T: Venetia Williams

Quickly lost his way after beginning 2022-23 season with excellent win at Aintree (2m4f, good to soft) and there has been no revival on his two appearances this term; leap of faith required to support him here.

8/1

OUR TIP

Form: P2-F4P CD

Last run: 81 days

W: 11st 10lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 146

Form & Verdict
Has struggled on his three starts this season and was pulled up here last time; however, perhaps the subsequent wind op will have done the trick and this three-time course winner is very well handicapped on last season's best form, including a C&D Grade 2 win last January; not ruled out.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

18th Mar 2023

Good To Soft

2m 4f 110y

Class 2

14:40 Kempton

Mister Fisher

11st 10lb

J: Nico de Boinville

T: Nicky Henderson

Has struggled on his three starts this season and was pulled up here last time; however, perhaps the subsequent wind op will have done the trick and this three-time course winner is very well handicapped on last season's best form, including a C&D Grade 2 win last January; not ruled out.

8/1

3

27th Dec 2022

Soft

2m 0f 0y

Class 1

14:30 Kempton

Mister Fisher

11st 8lb

J: James Bowen

T: Nicky Henderson

raced in second, lost second when not fluent 6th, not fluent 7th, weakened 8th

33/1

4th

3

4th Dec 2022

Good

2m 3f 189y

Class 1

14:55 Huntingdon

Mister Fisher

11st 10lb

J: James Bowen

T: Nicky Henderson

prominent

13/2

Form: 13U-10 D

Last run: 76 days

W: 11st 5lb

8 yo Mare

OR: 141

Form & Verdict
Better could have been expected in a hot handicap at Cheltenham on New Year's Day but it was her first run there and the track may not have suited; prior to that she won a Listed mares' chase at Market Rasen (3m, good to soft) and she's of interest if tapping back into that promise.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

16th May 2025

Good

3m 0f 210y

Class 2

18:55 Aintree

Fantastic Lady

12st 0lb

J: James Bowen

T: Nicky Henderson

Smart mare who ended 2023-24 season in career-best form, winning Sandown Grade 2 (2m6f, good); not much went to plan last term but she was going well until bad jumping error knocked the stuffing out of her in last month's Topham over the big fences here and she remains well handicapped.

4/1

1

16th May 2025

Good

3m 0f 210y

Class 2

18:55 Aintree

Fantastic Lady

12st 0lb

J: James Bowen

T: Nicky Henderson

Smart mare who ended 2023-24 season in career-best form, winning Sandown Grade 2 (2m6f, good); not much went to plan last term but she was going well until bad jumping error knocked the stuffing out of her in last month's Topham over the big fences here and she remains well handicapped.

4/1

38

5th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

4m 2f 74y

Class 1

16:00 Aintree

Fantastic Lady

10st 3lb

T: Nicky Henderson

Pulled up in the 3m2f Kim Muir at Cheltenham last month in first-time cheekpieces, which leaves her stamina beyond 3m unproven, although it was not the trip which accounted for her poor show there (following two solid efforts); second over these fences in the 2023 Topham, sixth in it last year and she's due to have another crack at that race on Friday.

80/1

Form: 1244-2 C

Last run: 41 days

W: 11st 5lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 141

Form & Verdict
Smart front-running chaser in 2021 for Paul Nicholls (wins over 2m/2m2f, including here) and, having missed all of last year, he was a good second on last month's stable debut at Musselburgh (2m, good to soft); has run well at up to an extended 2m3f in the past and could make a bold bid.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

1

22nd Mar 2025

Good To Soft

2m 7f 86y

Class 3

17:35 Newbury

Fidelio Vallis

12st 0lb

J: Paul O’Brien

T: Harry Derham

Won at Musselburgh (2m4f, soft) on the first day of 2024, registering a career best; absent 334 days afterwards and he's weakened out of it on all four starts this season but latest was a step back in the right direction and he's dropped in class; tried cheekpieces penultimate start (they now return) and he's unproven beyond 2m4f (tried 3m2f last time).

8/1

6th

5

1st Mar 2025

Good To Soft

3m 2f 1y

Class 2

15:15 Doncaster

Fidelio Vallis

11st 5lb

J: Alice Stevens

T: Harry Derham

Career best to win under Alice Stevens at Musselburgh (2m4f) on the first day of 2024 but absent 334 days afterwards and he's weakened right out of it on all three starts this season; tried cheekpieces last time (they are now removed) and he's unproven beyond 2m4f (has tried 2m5f and 2m6f).

33/1

7th

6

1st Feb 2025

Good To Soft

2m 4f 68y

Class 2

14:50 Musselburgh

Fidelio Vallis

11st 4lb

J: Alice Stevens

T: Harry Derham

prominent

9/1

Form: 4-F596

Last run: 50 days

W: 11st 1lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 137

Form & Verdict
He's well treated on his old form and took a step back in the right direction when back over hurdles and sixth at Doncaster in January on his third run since rejoining this yard; has to build on that latest run, however.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

1

21st Apr 2025

Good

2m 0f 11y

Class 4

14:59 Chepstow

Rouge Vif

12st 0lb

J: Bryan Carver

T: Alex Hales

Smart 2m chaser in his prime; generally very disappointing in recent years and absent since pulled up for Richard Bandey last May, but makes debut for latest new stable on a very tempting mark; worth a second look.

10/1

4th

1

21st Apr 2025

Good

2m 0f 11y

Class 4

14:59 Chepstow

Rouge Vif

12st 0lb

J: Bryan Carver

T: Alex Hales

Smart 2m chaser in his prime; generally very disappointing in recent years and absent since pulled up for Richard Bandey last May, but makes debut for latest new stable on a very tempting mark; worth a second look.

10/1

2

9th May 2024

Good

2m 0f 104y

Class 4

15:25 Huntingdon

Rouge Vif

12st 2lb

J: Harry Bannister

T: Richard J Bandey

Wins this all day on back class (RPRs peaked at 164 in 2020), but he lost his way in 2022-23 and second place (beaten 23l; made mistakes) on his stable debut in March owed plenty to others' mishaps; down in class and dropped another 5lb, but still couldn't have absolute faith in a revival.

8/1

Form: 13-444 D

Last run: 12 days

W: 10st 11lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 133

Form & Verdict
10yo who hasn't been at his best the last twice, most recently at Wetherby 12 days ago; however, before those he was a creditable fourth in the Old Roan at Aintree (2m4f, good to soft) and is not ruled out now 6lb lower.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9

18th Mar 2023

Good To Soft

2m 4f 110y

Class 2

14:40 Kempton

Beakstown

10st 11lb

J: Bridget Andrews

T: Dan Skelton

10yo who hasn't been at his best the last twice, most recently at Wetherby 12 days ago; however, before those he was a creditable fourth in the Old Roan at Aintree (2m4f, good to soft) and is not ruled out now 6lb lower.

9/1

4th

1

6th Mar 2023

Good

2m 5f 75y

Class 3

16:25 Wetherby

Beakstown

12st 0lb

J: Bridget Andrews

T: Dan Skelton

Disappointing at Newbury in November last time out but he struck into his left-fore; prior to that he was a creditable fourth in the Old Roan at Aintree and that form gives him a big shout now 4lb lower in this easier race.

3/1

4th

6

25th Nov 2022

Good

2m 3f 187y

Class 2

14:30 Newbury

Beakstown

10st 11lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

Has modest chasing strike-rate for a horse of his ability (1-12) but kept on strongly to win Listed handicap at Ayr (2m4f, good to soft) in April and ran big race when fourth in last month's Old Roan at Aintree (2m4f, good to soft); must be considered.

100/30

Form: -52935 D

Last run: 35 days

W: 10st 10lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 132

Form & Verdict
Has an inconsistent profile and can make mistakes; not at his best last time but this drop back down in trip could help and he's handicapped to be a contender if minimising the blunders and producing his peak form.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10

29th Oct 2024

Good To Soft

3m 2f 54y

Class 4

14:35 Chepstow

Dublin Four

11st 7lb

J: Nick Slatter

T: David Killahena & Graeme McPherson

Useful in his prime but without a win since April 2022 and has looked out of sorts over fences and hurdles this season; needs to turn a corner.

40/1

10

29th Oct 2024

Good To Soft

3m 2f 54y

Class 4

14:35 Chepstow

Dublin Four

11st 7lb

J: Nick Slatter

T: David Killahena & Graeme McPherson

Useful in his prime but without a win since April 2022 and has looked out of sorts over fences and hurdles this season; needs to turn a corner.

40/1

6th

3

24th Sep 2024

Good

3m 2f 0y

Class 4

16:40 Warwick

Dublin Four

11st 11lb

J: Kielan Woods

T: David Killahena & Graeme McPherson

Tailed off in his last hurdle race and suffered a similar fate in three subsequent chases; that's more his game, so opposable on this occasion.

16/1

Non-runners

Mister Fisher, Fantastic Lady, Fidelio Vallis

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £18.70
Straight Forecast £18.17
Tricast £167.83
Trifecta £182.30

Selections

The Guardian:

Fidelio Vallis

WEST COUNTRY:

Complete Unknown

TOPSPEED:

Fantastic Lady

POSTDATA:

One True King

SPOTLIGHT:

Brave Seasca

The Times:

Silver Hallmark

RP Ratings:

Dublin Four

Daily Mirror:

Rouge Vif

Telegraph:

Mister Fisher

LAMBOURN:

Fantastic Lady

D Express:

Complete Unknown

The Star:

Complete Unknown

Daily Mail:

Fidelio Vallis

The Sun:

Fidelio Vallis

Daily Record:

Fidelio Vallis