October 24 / 15.00 Exeter

15.00

Good

Paul Ferguson’s Jumpers To Follow Best Mate Chase Handicap Chase

  • Prize money: £13202.5
  • 3m 0f 54y
  • Class 3
  • 11 runners
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Paul Ferguson’s Jumpers To Follow Best Mate Chase Handicap Chase

Runners: 11 runners

Type: Chase Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Showers

8/1 (Won)

  • Win: £23.00
  • Place: £5.70

Form: 323151 C

Last run: 6 days

W: 11st 9lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 130

Form & Verdict
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.
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

4/1

  • Place: £2.60

Form: /112P- D

Last run: 185 days

W: 11st 7lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 128

Form & Verdict
Record of 2-4 over fences and it was always a big ask for one so inexperienced in the Scottish National last time; could yet rate higher and needs considering.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

24th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

3m 2f 54y

Class 3

16:55 Chepstow

Manothepeople

12st 0lb

J: Jack Hogan

T: Fergal O’Brien

Chasing career highlights include a C&D novice handicap and the same Cheltenham April 3m2f event two years running, all on good; 3lb below his last winning mark, but has a listless recent return run to forgive.

13/2

4th

2

21st Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 7f 91y

Class 3

16:45 Newbury

Manothepeople

11st 13lb

J: Jonathan Burke

T: Fergal O’Brien

Veteran; last two wins came in the same 3m2f Cheltenham race in April 2024 and 2025; ran a lacklustre race there in October before possibly failing to stay 3m5f at Ascot; bit to prove after four months off.

10/1

6

25th Oct 2025

Good To Soft

3m 1f 0y

Class 2

14:20 Cheltenham

Manothepeople

10st 13lb

J: Jonathan Burke

T: Fergal O’Brien

Has a good record fresh and a good record at Cheltenham, albeit on the New course and he was pulled up on his only run on the Old one (today's course); on a useful mark and didn't run badly during the summer at Uttoxeter, which wouldn't be his track.

14/1

8/1

  • Place: £2.00

Form: 6311-3

Last run: 158 days

W: 11st 6lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 127

Form & Verdict
Won small-field handicaps at Catterick (3m1f, good) and Taunton (2m7f, soft) once the blinkers went on and it was a Class 2 in which he was beaten 20l at Aintree the final time; something to prove off this high a mark but could well have a productive season ahead of him.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

6

23rd May 2026

Good

3m 0f 30y

Class 2

16:10 Bangor-on-Dee

Lounge Lizard

10st 11lb

J: James Best

T: Sarah Humphrey

Four-time chase winner at up to 3m1f; well handicapped on his Huntingdon win for Henry Daly last March but he's struggled since including in two runs for new yard this spring; ran well to a point at Ludlow last time but he was on the retreat when he fell and others preferred.

40/1

5

30th Mar 2026

Good

2m 7f 171y

Class 3

15:57 Ludlow

Lounge Lizard

11st 5lb

J: Richie McLernon

T: Sarah Humphrey

Potentially well treated on old form but signed off for Henry Daly with his own ideas about the game and he made a quiet start for this yard at Huntingdon after wind surgery; risky.

16/1

5th

1

1st Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 189y

Class 3

14:45 Huntingdon

Lounge Lizard

12st 0lb

J: Tom Cannon

T: Sarah Humphrey

Comes with some risk, having proved recalcitrant in sole start this term (left Henry Daly and had wind surgery since); otherwise interesting back at Huntingdon, with record of 2-2 over fences here comprising wins in this contest for the last two years.

8/1

Form: 25214- D

Last run: 199 days

W: 10st 7lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 114

Form & Verdict
All three hurdle wins came at Taunton, the latest when cruising home in an uncompetitive handicap (3m, heavy) in March; disappointed the final time off this 6lb higher mark and now switches to fences; could do with rain.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

8

10th Nov 2024

Good To Soft

2m 7f 191y

Class 4

14:25 Ffos Las

Iberio

11st 3lb

J: Brendan Powell

T: Joe Tizzard

All three wins over hurdles were at Taunton, latest over 3m on heavy in March 2023; chasing last term and ended his time with the Hobbs/White stable on some low notes; pulled up after an early error over fences (0-6 in that sphere) 12 days ago on stable/seasonal debut; well treated on best efforts.

14/1

6th

8

10th Nov 2024

Good To Soft

2m 7f 191y

Class 4

14:25 Ffos Las

Iberio

11st 3lb

J: Brendan Powell

T: Joe Tizzard

pressed leader early, raced in second 2nd, prominent from 6th, not fluent 3 out, soon weakened

14/1

15

29th Oct 2024

Good To Soft

3m 2f 54y

Class 4

14:35 Chepstow

Iberio

11st 2lb

J: Brendan Powell

T: Joe Tizzard

Three-time hurdle winner; yet build upon last autumn's promising chase debut for the Hobbs/White stable and has been absent since March but is on a good mark for today's stable debut; cheekpieces removed.

12/1

Form: F175-1 D

Last run: 21 days

W: 10st 11lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 118

Form & Verdict
Maiden hurdle winner and doubled his tally when comfortably taking a five-runner handicap on his chase debut at Southwell (3m, good to soft) three weeks ago; now 6lb higher in a deeper race but he's the least exposed of these.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

1

27th May 2026

Good

3m 1f 170y

Class 3

15:53 Newton Abbot

Snipe

12st 0lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

Record of 2-4 since switched to hunter chases in January and he ran well to finish six of 24 in the Foxhunters' at Aintree (2m5f) last month; on career-high mark back in a handicap but he hasn't been far off his best this year and he has won over 3m1f in the past; respected.

7/2

6th

19

9th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 5f 19y

Class 2

15:30 Aintree

Snipe

12st 0lb

J: Mr Sean O’Connor

T: Dan Skelton

Won on his first hunter chase start at Hereford (2m5f, soft) in January and bounced back from a heavy defeat behind Golden Son at Taunton (2m7f, heavy) to win at Leicester (2m, good to soft) last month; however, he needs a clear career best if he's to win this.

25/1

1st

3

6th Mar 2026

Soft

1m 7f 201y

Class 5

17:03 Leicester

Snipe

12st 2lb

J: Miss Heidi Palin

T: Dan Skelton

Made a bright start to hunter chases when beating Stattler (subsequent winner) at Hereford (2m5f, soft) in January and, although well beaten at Taunton (2m7f) when trying to match strides with Golden Son last month, he likely continues in form; leading contender dropped back to 2m for the first time, with fewer questions to answer than most.

11/10

Form: 656-22 C

Last run: 18 days

W: 10st 13lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 120

Form & Verdict
Has dropped a long way down the weights for a reason but the signs have been more encouraging on his last two runs and he could have done without jumping out to his right when runner-up over too short a trip at Fontwell (2m5f); might strip fitter for that as well; respected.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

1

29th Mar 2026

Good

2m 7f 185y

Class 2

16:50 Ascot

Copperhead

12st 0lb

J: Freddie Gingell

T: Joe Tizzard

Unseated rider (still prominent) at Sandown in January when seeking a second success in the veterans final; battled his way back to pip Gabbys Cross for a Newbury win (3m2f) four weeks ago and, although 5lb rise takes him to his highest mark since 2022, this sterling character needs major respect.

2/1

1st

7

28th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

3m 1f 214y

Class 2

15:15 Newbury

Copperhead

10st 11lb

J: Freddie Gingell

T: Joe Tizzard

Unseated rider three out, having still been prominent, at Sandown last time when bidding for a second success in the final of this series; remains on the last winning mark, so holds a fighting chance provided he's in good form and completes the course.

12/1

4

26th Oct 2025

Good To Soft

3m 1f 210y

Class 3

13:30 Fontwell

Copperhead

11st 11lb

J: Brendan Powell

T: Joe Tizzard

Form: 14P2P-

Last run: 199 days

W: 11st 4lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 125

Form & Verdict
Up and down last season but he was good on his day, as when successful on reappearance (2m7f, good) and runner-up at Newbury in March off this mark; interesting contender for a yard going well.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

6

1st Apr 2025

Good

2m 4f 110y

Class 5

17:05 Kempton

Sam Barton

11st 12lb

J: Miss Thomasina Eyston

T: E M Rees

Became very disappointing under rules for Emma Lavelle last season and has not shown a great deal in points for new stable this year.

50/1

Form: 1440-2 D

Last run: 157 days

W: 11st 3lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 124

Form & Verdict
On his last winning mark (at Sandown last December; 3m, good; six ran) but seems best in small fields and the winner had him cooked when second at Uttoxeter on final start in May; record fresh is not the best.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

3

10th Mar 2025

Good

3m 1f 152y

Class 4

16:30 Plumpton

I See You Well

11st 3lb

J: Daniel Sansom

T: Seamus Mullins

raced in last but in touch with leaders, went second and 13th, hit 4 out, soon weakened

8/1

OUR TIP

Form: 231PP- C

Last run: 192 days

W: 12st 2lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 137

Form & Verdict
Last season's win came in the 3m6f cross-country chase at Cheltenham in January; not seen since pulled up in Grand National in April and may have cross-country races as his main targets this season.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

7th May 2025

Good

3m 1f 170y

Class 4

15:50 Newton Abbot

Back On The Lash

11st 8lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Martin Keighley

in touch with leaders, outpaced and dropped to rear 10th, lost touch 13th, pulled up before 14th

8/1

3

7th May 2025

Good

3m 1f 170y

Class 4

15:50 Newton Abbot

Back On The Lash

11st 8lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Martin Keighley

Very inconsistent in recent years but proved he retains ability when commendable third from out of the weights in cross-country chase at Cheltenham (3m5f, good) in November, and his run in a conventional chase there (3m4f, good) three weeks ago was a fair bit better than eventual 46l defeat might suggest; in calmer waters here and not discounted.

8/1

7th

10

16th Apr 2025

Good

3m 4f 21y

Class 3

15:15 Cheltenham

Back On The Lash

11st 8lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Martin Keighley

Proved he retains ability when commendable third from out of the weights in cross-country chase here (3m5f, good) in November but his subsequent form in orthodox handicap chases is not compelling.

12/1

Form: P4111- D

Last run: 180 days

W: 11st 0lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 121

Form & Verdict
Won four of his six starts last season after returning from a long absence, the last three victories all handicap chases from 2m4f to 3m1f; 9lb higher than for his latest 5.5l success and could do with the ground remaining good.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8

4th May 2026

Good

3m 5f 24y

Class 3

16:38 Fakenham

Northern Poet

11st 4lb

J: James Davies

T: Nick Gifford

Pulled up three consecutive times after his two good-ground wins (3m/3m5f) in March 2025; back on a good mark now and was seemingly perked up by first-time visor when close fourth of six (just behind Enjoy d'Allen) at Plumpton (3m1f, good) last month but overall profile remains unconvincing.

12/1

4th

1

19th Apr 2026

Good

3m 1f 157y

Class 4

16:02 Plumpton

Northern Poet

12st 1lb

J: James Davies

T: Nick Gifford

Has five wins over fences, including over C&D, but has been pulled up on his last three starts; back on last winning mark and first-time visor now goes on but he comes with risks.

12/1

5

27th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 7f 214y

Class 3

17:05 Doncaster

Northern Poet

11st 8lb

J: James Davies

T: Nick Gifford

Won this last year (good) and followed up at Warwick (3m5f, good) a week later; also effective on good to soft ground; pulled up on final two starts last season but can go well fresh and is not ruled out on his return.

8/1

Form: 3/P7-4 D

Last run: 159 days

W: 10st 10lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 117

Form & Verdict
Sole win did come off a higher mark when with Oliver Sherwood but he doesn't look the force of old; returns to fences after hurdling for last three runs.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7

18th Jan 2025

Good To Soft

2m 7f 198y

Class 5

14:05 Taunton

Pontresina

11st 1lb

J: Nick Scholfield

T: Ben Lund

411 days off before pulled up at 125-1 over fences four weeks ago; also hard to support on 2023 evidence (including twice in cheekpieces) but he was pretty useful before that.

50/1

7

18th Jan 2025

Good To Soft

2m 7f 198y

Class 5

14:05 Taunton

Pontresina

11st 1lb

J: Nick Scholfield

T: Ben Lund

411 days off before pulled up at 125-1 over fences four weeks ago; also hard to support on 2023 evidence (including twice in cheekpieces) but he was pretty useful before that.

50/1

7

21st Dec 2024

Good To Soft

3m 1f 44y

Class 4

13:03 Hereford

Pontresina

11st 2lb

J: Ben Poste

T: Ben Lund

An 11yo returning from 411 days away and wasn't looking the force of old when last seen; too much to prove.

33/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £182.20
Straight Forecast £156.46
Tricast £985.89
Trifecta £1873.90

Selections

RP RATINGS:

Snipe

TOPSPEED:

Lounge Lizard

SPOTLIGHT:

Sam Barton

POSTDATA:

Copperhead

The Star:

Manothepeople

Telegraph:

Snipe

The Guardian:

Snipe

Daily Mail:

Snipe

Daily Mirror:

Snipe

The Sun:

Snipe

Daily Record:

Snipe

The Times:

Lounge Lizard

D Express:

Sam Barton

WEST COUNTRY:

Copperhead