13.15
Softbet365 Novices’ Chase (GBB Race)
- Prize money: £5990.6
- 3m 0f 45y
- Class 3
- 4 runners
Runners: 4 runners
Type: Chase Turf
Surface: Turf
Weather: Partly cloudy
Abandoned
Form: 1 D
Last run: 186 days
W: 11st 8lb
6 yo Gelding
OR: —
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
3 |
28th May 2025 Good 2m 4f 216y Class 5 |
12st 0lb |
Hunter chase winner in Ireland but was struggling in points before another modest effort here two weeks ago. |
25/1 |
|
3 |
28th May 2025 Good 2m 4f 216y Class 5 |
12st 0lb |
Hunter chase winner in Ireland but was struggling in points before another modest effort here two weeks ago. |
25/1 |
|
3 |
14th May 2025 Good 3m 1f 170y Class 5 |
12st 0lb |
Won a maiden hunter chase in Ireland but that was two years ago and it's been a struggle in four 3m points this year (hooded for the last three); tongue-tie now returns. |
20/1 |
Abandoned
Form: 2111F- C
Last run: 203 days
W: 11st 2lb
6 yo Gelding
OR: 141
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1st 2 |
10th Apr 2026 Good To Soft 2m 3f 200y Class 1 |
11st 10lb |
Two Grade 1 wins, namely the 2m4f novice chase at the 2024 Cheltenham Festival (soft) and this season's Betfair Chase at Haydock (3m1f, good to soft); ran well for a long way before fading into fourth in last month's Gold Cup at Cheltenham (3m2f, good to soft); this drop back in trip could well be a positive move; effective here and respected in first-time cheekpieces. |
2/1 |
|
4th 5 |
13th Mar 2026 Good 3m 2f 70y Class 1 |
11st 10lb |
Won the 2m4f novice chase at the 2024 Festival (soft) and added a second Grade 1 win in the Betfair Chase at Haydock (3m1f, good to soft) this season; a mistake two out proved costly when 5l third of four to Spillane's Tower in the Grade 2 Cotswold Chase here (3m1f, soft) in January and he rallied up the hill; however, he may just lack the required class today. |
12/1 |
|
3rd 1 |
24th Jan 2026 Soft 3m 1f 56y Class 1 |
11st 10lb |
Top-class 9yo, successful in ten of his 18 races; better than ever on his last two starts, winning Betfair Chase at Haydock (3m1f, good to soft) on reappearance with plenty in hand; has run well on both his outings at Cheltenham; again looks the one to beat. |
8/13 |
Abandoned
Form: —
Last run: —
W: 11st 2lb
6 yo Gelding
OR: —
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
0 1 |
17th Jan 2024 Soft 2m 4f 88y Class 5 |
11st 12lb |
Displayed ability in points in spring 2022 and there was a hint of promise on the second of his three novice hurdle runs, but he's not obviously well treated off this opening mark; wears a first-time tongue-tie. |
33/1 |
|
0 12 |
29th Dec 2023 Good To Soft 2m 3f 88y Class 4 |
11st 0lb |
Fair third in final Irish maiden point but well beaten at big odds on first two hurdle starts and others are readily preferred. |
66/1 |
|
6th 12 |
17th Dec 2023 Soft 1m 7f 182y Class 4 |
11st 4lb |
Improved in each of his Irish points, going down by 5l in the final one; however, at 50-1 he dropped right out before pulling up in a 3m1f maiden at Huntingdon. |
100/1 |
Abandoned
Form: 32111- D
Last run: 203 days
W: 10st 9lb
6 yo Mare
OR: 141
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1st 1 |
22nd Apr 2026 Soft 2m 7f 180y Class 1 |
11st 4lb |
Consistent sort who won this two years ago (soft); Panic Attack has better form and she's run just once this season, but that was a solid effort when third of five at Carlisle in November over an inadequate 2m4f (good to soft), and she can give a good account. |
6/1 |
|
3rd 1 |
2nd Nov 2025 Good 2m 3f 210y Class 1 |
11st 6lb |
Classy mare but very much a stayer having won last season's 3m4f Grand National Trial at Haydock (good to soft; kept on) in February, after which she disappointed in the Midlands National; does travel strongly so unwise to dismiss purely on the strength of today's trip, especially on a stiff track; returns with yard in form. |
4/1 |
|
3rd 1 |
2nd Nov 2025 Good 2m 3f 210y Class 1 |
11st 6lb |
Classy mare but very much a stayer having won last season's 3m4f Grand National Trial at Haydock (good to soft; kept on) in February, after which she disappointed in the Midlands National; does travel strongly so unwise to dismiss purely on the strength of today's trip, especially on a stiff track; returns with yard in form. |
4/1 |
Verdict
An intriguing novices’ chase that will probably concern GREY DAWNING and Apple Away, for all that Ballydesmond is evidently useful. Dan Skelton has a good record in this race and his grey was still moving within himself when capsizing in the Grade 1 hurdle at Aintree that was ultimately won by his market rival.[Alistair Jones]