December 02 / 15.05 Newcastle

15.05

Soft

BetMGM Rehearsal Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap) (GBB Race)

  • Prize money: £39865
  • 2m 7f 91y
  • Class 1
  • 8 runners
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BetMGM Rehearsal Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap) (GBB Race)

Runners: 8 runners

Type: Chase Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Partly cloudy

OUR TIP

Form: 3121-R BF

Last run: 7 days

W: 12st 0lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 173

Form & Verdict
Powerhouse two-miler for a long time and reinvented himself as a top chaser over longer trips last term, winning Grade 1 events at 2m5f/3m1f (both on good to soft); blotted his copybook by refusing to race at Ascot last Saturday but was perhaps affected by first-time cheekpieces, which are now removed; has the class to defy top weight on handicap debut, provided he consents to start.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

6

11th Apr 2024

Soft

3m 0f 210y

Class 1

14:55 Aintree

Shishkin

11st 10lb

J: Nico de Boinville

T: Nicky Henderson

Won this last year (good to soft); refused to race on reappearance (his sole outing in cheekpieces); may well have won the Grade 1 King George at Kempton (3m, good) in December but for stumbling/unseating just after two out; ready Grade 2 win at Newbury (2m7f, heavy) in February; didn't run in last month's Gold Cup due to an unsatisfactory scope and there remains a question mark regarding the form of the stable, but he's a key player if at his best.

5/2

4th

6

11th Apr 2024

Soft

3m 0f 210y

Class 1

14:55 Aintree

Shishkin

11st 10lb

J: Nico de Boinville

T: Nicky Henderson

Won this last year (good to soft); refused to race on reappearance (his sole outing in cheekpieces); may well have won the Grade 1 King George at Kempton (3m, good) in December but for stumbling/unseating just after two out; ready Grade 2 win at Newbury (2m7f, heavy) in February; didn't run in last month's Gold Cup due to an unsatisfactory scope and there remains a question mark regarding the form of the stable, but he's a key player if at his best.

5/2

1st

2

10th Feb 2024

Soft

2m 7f 86y

Class 1

14:05 Newbury

Shishkin

11st 8lb

J: Nico de Boinville

T: Nicky Henderson

jumped left on occasions, raced in second, not fluent 3rd, not fluent 13th, pressed leader after 4 out, led 3 out, soon faced challenge, not fluent last, ridden and kept on well run-in

4/6

Form: 1F5P-6

Last run: 28 days

W: 10st 7lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 152

Form & Verdict
Should be suited by the return to fences with Wetherby reappearance (Grade 2 hurdle) under his belt; has form figures of 131F in handicap chases, including a success in last season's Paddy Power Gold Cup at Cheltenham (2m4f) and unlucky departure in major 3m race at Doncaster next time (held every chance when final-fence faller); clear possibilities if he takes well to first-time headgear.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

1st Nov 2025

Good

3m 0f 45y

Class 1

14:57 Wetherby

Ga Law

11st 4lb

J: Jonathan Burke

T: Jamie Snowden

Looked as good as ever when third in first-time blinkers in the Grade 2 Oaksey Chase at Sandown (extended 2m6f, good) in April when last seen; however, he's won just once since November 2022 and has something to find against today's opponents; reapplied cheekpieces replace the blinkers.

7/1

4

1st Nov 2025

Good

3m 0f 45y

Class 1

14:57 Wetherby

Ga Law

11st 4lb

J: Jonathan Burke

T: Jamie Snowden

Looked as good as ever when third in first-time blinkers in the Grade 2 Oaksey Chase at Sandown (extended 2m6f, good) in April when last seen; however, he's won just once since November 2022 and has something to find against today's opponents; reapplied cheekpieces replace the blinkers.

7/1

3rd

5

26th Apr 2025

Good

2m 6f 164y

Class 1

14:25 Sandown

Ga Law

11st 6lb

J: Gavin Sheehan

T: Jamie Snowden

Best known for his exploits in the big 2m4f handicap chases at Cheltenham; however, even on his best form he has something to find in this field and he's been pulled up the last twice; first-time blinkers replace cheekpieces.

40/1

Form: 22P1-8

Last run: 34 days

W: 10st 3lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 148

Form & Verdict
Largely consistent novice chaser last season and bagged Grade 2 honours at Ayr (2m4f, good; form boosted since) on final outing; comfortably held in the Old Roan at Aintree on reappearance but may bounce back with that outing under his belt; looks worth a crack at this new trip; first preference is 2:50 Newbury.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

0

3

27th Jan 2024

Good To Soft

3m 1f 56y

Class 1

13:50 Cheltenham

Datsalrightgino

11st 8lb

J: Gavin Sheehan

T: Jamie Snowden

Delivered with a well-timed challenge to win major 3m2f handicap at Newbury (good to soft) eight weeks ago, proving suited by the new trip and taking chase record to 3-10; generally progressive and is unexposed beyond 2m4f; possibilities.

11/2

1st

11

2nd Dec 2023

Good To Soft

3m 1f 214y

Class 1

14:50 Newbury

Datsalrightgino

10st 7lb

J: Tom Cannon

T: Jamie Snowden

Unraced beyond an extended 2m4f and this is a tough race in which to test his stamina; however, he was strong at the finish when winning a Grade 2 novice at Ayr (2m4f, good) in April and may well have staying potential; might have needed his reappearance in the Old Roan and is not ruled out.

16/1

Form: 33U1-1

Last run: 35 days

W: 10st 2lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 146

Form & Verdict
Has done all his winning in Scotland, including in 3m2f contests on soft ground at Kelso the last twice (March/October); now on a career-high mark and goes back south of the border but has to be feared in current form, seeking the hat-trick of wins.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

13th Feb 2026

Soft

2m 7f 96y

Class 2

15:00 Kelso

Elvis Mail

12st 0lb

J: Bruce Lynn

T: N W Alexander

12yo who lacked fluency when back over fences and was soundly beaten at Haydock in December; however, prior to that he made a fairly encouraging return from an absence over hurdles at Ayr and he's a six-time winner at Kelso; could have a part to play now back here.

13/2

5th

1

1st Nov 2025

Soft

3m 0f 70y

Class 3

13:58 Ayr

Elvis Mail

12st 0lb

J: Dominic Hislop

T: N W Alexander

Likeable veteran whose ten wins include six at Kelso and three here; made a successful reappearance in 3m2f chase at Kelso (from Famous Bridge) last autumn; doesn't run often over hurdles these days but he has a lower mark and cannot be ruled out completely.

15/2

5th

1

1st Nov 2025

Soft

3m 0f 70y

Class 3

13:58 Ayr

Elvis Mail

12st 0lb

J: Dominic Hislop

T: N W Alexander

Likeable veteran whose ten wins include six at Kelso and three here; made a successful reappearance in 3m2f chase at Kelso (from Famous Bridge) last autumn; doesn't run often over hurdles these days but he has a lower mark and cannot be ruled out completely.

15/2

Form: 07U-60

Last run: 73 days

W: 10st 2lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 145

Form & Verdict
Ex-Willie Mullins; had a productive campaign over hurdles/fences in 2021-22 but has shown mixed form in major handicaps since and is fairly well exposed in this sphere now; something to prove at this similar level on debut for Ben Haslam; still owned by JP McManus.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

2nd May 2025

Yielding

3m 0f 160y

16:15 Punchestown

Ciel De Neige

12st 0lb

J: Mr B Dunleavy

T: Mary Ellen Doyle

prominent behind clear leader

33/1

3

2nd May 2025

Yielding

3m 0f 160y

16:15 Punchestown

Ciel De Neige

12st 0lb

J: Mr B Dunleavy

T: Mary Ellen Doyle

prominent behind clear leader

33/1

10th

1

23rd Sep 2024

Good

2m 3f 188y

Class 4

16:15 Sedgefield

Ciel De Neige

12st 0lb

J: Richie McLernon

T: Ben Haslam

Formerly smart; yet to be placed for Ben Haslam (mostly chasing) but mark continues to fall and there have been positive signs; not ruled out.

7/1

Form: 9-4404

Last run: 41 days

W: 10st 2lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 144

Form & Verdict
One of two ex-Irish runners who are debuting for Ben Haslam but remain with owner JP McManus; useful handicap chaser for Joseph O'Brien, respectable fourth in the Galway Plate and Munster National this term; strike-rate could be better (only 3-25 in this sphere).
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

13

15th Jun 2026

Yielding To Soft

2m 4f 0y

17:12 Kilbeggan

A Wave Of The Sea

10st 5lb

J: Charlie O’Dwyer

T: J P Broderick

5-46 over fences, including three over C&D; is 1lb lower than when scoring here in September and took a step in the right direction when fifth over C&D on latest (behind Milan Forth); can't be discounted given his affinity for this venue.

18/1

5th

6

15th May 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 4f 90y

19:40 Kilbeggan

A Wave Of The Sea

11st 6lb

J: Charlie O’Dwyer

T: J P Broderick

A Grade 1-winning juvenile hurdler in his younger days, far from the force of old but still well capable; latest win came in handicap chase over C&D in September; down the field at Leopardstown and in veterans' event at Wexford last twice; dropped 3lb; 3-6 at this track and each-way player.

12/1

12th

9

10th Apr 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 3f 100y

18:38 Wexford

A Wave Of The Sea

10st 7lb

J: Simon Torrens

T: J P Broderick

Fine servant won a Grade 1 juvenile hurdle and most recent successes came in 2m4f Kilbeggan handicap chases last year; penultimate Thurles fourth his best recent effort, stamina test probably beyond him in valuable 2m6f Leopardstown handicap latest; more suitable trip/ground here and drops in grade.

8/1

Form: 7018-3 D BF

Last run: 35 days

W: 10st 2lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 143

Form & Verdict
Successful in last season's Premier Chase at Kelso (2m7f, good to soft; Listed); outstayed over longer trips in two runs since, latest behind Elvis Mail at same venue (3m2f; still ran respectably); looks interesting back down in distance, for all that he's 4lb out of weights.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

2

8th Mar 2026

Soft

3m 0f 110y

Class 2

14:50 Carlisle

Empire Steel

11st 3lb

J: Brian Hughes

T: Sandy Thomson

Very well handicapped on old form and returned from layoff with quite encouraging run at Musselburgh (2m7f, good to soft) in January but ought to have been suited by the heavy ground when tailed off at Kelso last month and it's hard to know what to expect from him here.

5/1

5th

4

13th Feb 2026

Soft

2m 7f 96y

Class 2

15:00 Kelso

Empire Steel

11st 5lb

J: Charlie Maggs

T: Sandy Thomson

12yo who wasn't the force of old last season but he's dropped down the weights and returned from an absence with an encouraging fourth at Musselburgh (2m7f, good to soft) a fortnight ago; could show the benefit of that latest outing today, especially now back at a track where he is four from six.

9/2

4th

1

31st Jan 2026

Good To Soft

2m 7f 138y

Class 3

16:11 Musselburgh

Empire Steel

12st 0lb

J: Charlie Maggs

T: Sandy Thomson

12yo who wasn't the force of old last season and was pulled up last January when last seen; however, he can go well fresh and returns on a reduced mark and with his trainer enjoying a productive winter; not discounted.

6/1

Form: 1F11-3

Last run: 27 days

W: 10st 2lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 141

Form & Verdict
Progressive novice chaser (over 2m4f-2m6f) last term, winning the Topham at Aintree (soft) on final start; appeared to need his Carlisle reappearance run; had wind surgery (his second) since; may still have more to offer and is hard to dismiss despite being 7lb out of weights; first preference is 2:50 Newbury.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

9

2nd May 2026

Yielding

3m 0f 104y

15:45 Punchestown

Bill Baxter

10st 11lb

J: Harry Bannister

T: Warren Greatrex

10yo won this last year off 126 (yielding); mixed bag this term, undergoing wind surgery after third start and good comeback run when second in 3m Kelso handicap in February; mistakes when pulled up in Topham at Aintree but remains of interest.

12/1

22

10th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 5f 19y

Class 1

16:05 Aintree

Bill Baxter

10st 4lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Warren Greatrex

10yo who won this in 2023 (soft); he's had his ups and downs since but won at Punchestown (3m, yielding) last May and bumped into a well-handicapped novice when runner-up at Kelso (2m7f, heavy) last time, following wind surgery; could give a good account and be involved.

25/1

2nd

2

13th Feb 2026

Soft

2m 7f 96y

Class 2

15:00 Kelso

Bill Baxter

11st 9lb

J: James Bowen

T: Warren Greatrex

Uncharacteristically below par at Market Rasen four weeks ago; however, he's had a wind op since and two starts ago he ran pretty well when sixth in the Becher at Aintree (3m2f, soft); this is less competitive than that penultimate assignment and he won here in 2022 on his sole previous run here.

4/1

Verdict

This is an unexpected change of plan for Shishkin, who refused to race at Ascot and now ends up in the Rehearsal en route to the King George. He may consent to start with the cheekpieces discarded and brings a ton of class to this handicap assignment but comes with a caution label, having been so recalcitrant just seven days ago. A good alternative at bigger odds is GA LAW, whose handicap record reads well. Empire Steel (second choice) is interesting back down in trip and Elvis Mail arrives in top form.[Steve Boow]