December 08 / 15.00 Sandown

15.00

Soft

Betfair Exchange Handicap Chase

  • Prize money: £10406
  • 3m 0f 37y
  • Class 3
  • 10 runners
RTV
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Betfair Exchange Handicap Chase

Runners: 10 runners

Type: Chase Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Windy

11/1 (Won)

  • Win: £7.50
  • Place: £2.30

Form: 7214-2 D

Last run: 18 days

W: 10st 11lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 113

Form & Verdict
Won at Kempton (3m, soft) in March and found to have bled when below par in April; reappeared with good second at Leicester (2m6f, good to soft) and, although this is tougher, he's an each-way contender.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

13th Feb 2026

Soft

3m 5f 24y

Class 5

13:50 Fakenham

Animal

12st 0lb

J: Isabelle Ryder

T: Suzy Smith

Tailed off two runs back but the season had started okay given the company he was in and it was a solid enough run to be beaten 6l last time at Fontwell (3m2f, soft); same career-low mark here and firmly in the reckoning.

5/2

17

24th Oct 2025

Good

3m 1f 0y

Class 3

16:45 Cheltenham

Animal

10st 12lb

J: Mrs Izzie Hill

T: Suzy Smith

Makes seasonal debut from a tempting mark and won't fail through lack of stamina but looked out of sorts on both outings at the start of this year and has done all his winning on soft ground; needs combination of wind surgery and first-time tongue-tie to prompt a revival.

33/1

4/1

  • Place: £1.80

Form: 151-12 D

Last run: 28 days

W: 11st 6lb

7 yo Mare

OR: 122

Form & Verdict
Two wins earlier this year (both 3m1f, good) and had 10l to spare on return at Wincanton (3m1f, good) in October; another big run when going close at Exeter (3m, good to soft) last time and this progressive mare could be bang there once more; won heavy-ground novice hurdle in February 2022.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

6

29th Jan 2026

Heavy

3m 1f 30y

Class 3

15:33 Wincanton

My Silver Lining

10st 13lb

J: James Best

T: Emma Lavelle

On a losing run but she was second in the Tommy Whittle at Haydock (3m1f, soft) and her bid for the Surrey National (3m5f, soft) ended early after a bad mistake; this is her sort of race and she's effective in the mud.

5/1

11

19th Jan 2026

Soft

3m 4f 178y

Class 3

13:50 Lingfield

My Silver Lining

11st 0lb

J: James Best

T: Emma Lavelle

Not as good as she was but ended last year with some good efforts, most recently when second in Tommy Whittle at Haydock (3m1f, soft), and this move back up in trip is sure to suit.

10/1

4th

9

26th Oct 2025

Good To Soft

3m 1f 210y

Class 3

13:30 Fontwell

My Silver Lining

10st 13lb

J: James Best

T: Emma Lavelle

Pulled up in three of her five runs last season but her third at Hereford (3m1f, good to soft) in December was a good effort and she finished fourth of 16 in the Midlands National at Uttoxeter last time; resumes off a dangerous mark and she's one to keep an eye on for in-form yard.

7/1

9/2

  • Place: £2.80

Form: 1313-1 D

Last run: 34 days

W: 11st 0lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 116

Form & Verdict
Progressive in blinkers last season, with wins at Hereford (2m5f, soft) and Uttoxeter (2m4f, soft), and he reappeared with a convincing win at Wetherby (3m, soft) last month in reapplied cheekpieces (retained); a 6lb rise isn't harsh and he's one to consider.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

5

22nd Feb 2026

Soft

3m 1f 44y

Class 4

15:10 Hereford

Not Sure

11st 1lb

J: Conor O’Farrell

T: Kerry Lee

No win since November 2023, but conditions suit and he comes into the reckoning following his good second at Chepstow nine days ago (2m7f, soft).

7/2

2nd

11

13th Feb 2026

Soft

2m 7f 136y

Class 4

15:45 Chepstow

Not Sure

11st 4lb

J: Conor O’Farrell

T: Kerry Lee

Well handicapped on old form and will be suited by today's trip/ground but was pulled up at Ffos Las (3m, heavy) last month, after a layoff, and needs to have taken significant benefit from that outing.

14/1

2nd

2

10th May 2025

Good

3m 0f 41y

Class 4

16:40 Hexham

Not Sure

11st 13lb

J: Liam Harrison

T: Kerry Lee

Three-time chase winner who should be well handicapped and ran his best race for a while when second at Carlisle in February (3m, good to soft); has handled good ground in the past and should go well as his Herefordshire yard's only runner on the card.

3/1

OUR TIP

Form: 123-45 D

Last run: 28 days

W: 12st 0lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 130

Form & Verdict
Went very close in Grade 2 novice hurdle at Haydock in February (3m, good to soft; has won on soft) and he left his chase/seasonal debut miles behind when keeping on for fifth at Exeter (3m, good to soft) latest; could be sharper now in first-time cheekpieces and he's a possible player.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

16

18th Apr 2026

Soft

3m 7f 176y

Class 1

15:35 Ayr

Collectors Item

10st 13lb

J: Jonjo O’Neill Jr

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

Won the Somerset National over an extended 3m2f at Wincanton in January 2025 and second in the Welsh National Trial at Chepstow in December this term; he also showed last season that he stays 3m4f but there have been too many disappointing shows in major long-distance handicaps for him to be greatly fancied for this one.

50/1

4

14th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

4m 2f 8y

Class 1

15:00 Uttoxeter

Collectors Item

11st 9lb

J: Jonjo O’Neill Jr

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

Has a National in the bag already having captured the Somerset version over an extended 3m2f at Wincanton 14 months ago (good to soft; fine on softer), and best run since was his second in the Welsh National Trial in December; however, his form has dipped markedly on his last two starts, and his two runs over extreme distances have ended in disappointment.

20/1

4th

2

29th Jan 2026

Heavy

3m 1f 30y

Class 3

15:33 Wincanton

Collectors Item

12st 1lb

J: Jonjo O’Neill Jr

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

Has contested some competitive staying chases since winning the Somerset National over 3m3f here last January and found only one too good in the Welsh National Trial in December; offered little when only 11-1 for the real thing over Christmas but capable of bouncing back from that; hasn't shone on heavy ground previously but he's effective on soft.

5/2

Form: 222-43 D

Last run: 32 days

W: 10st 13lb

7 yo Mare

OR: 115

Form & Verdict
Improved during last season's first campaign over fences (won on soft) and she returned with a solid third at Plumpton (3m1f, good to soft) last month; needs a bigger run this afternoon but that's entirely possible.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

29th Feb 2024

Soft

2m 7f 171y

Class 3

16:15 Ludlow

Midnight Mary

11st 5lb

J: Bryony Frost

T: Lucy Wadham

Likeable mare with a consistent profile but her only chase win came off a 12lb lower mark and she's gone up 5lb for performing above herself in the face of a stiff task in a Listed race for mares last time (2m4f; fine at 3m and on soft); possibly flattered by that and opposable off current mark.

7/1

Form: PP-81P D

Last run: 27 days

W: 11st 11lb

11 yo Gelding

OR: 127

Form & Verdict
Won in France in October on second start back from an absence and he's on a competitive mark on British form as recent as last May; however, this 11yo was pulled up in France last month and others are more compelling.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10

3rd Feb 2024

Good To Soft

3m 7f 76y

Class 2

14:15 Musselburgh

Via Dolorosa

10st 11lb

J: Miss Roisin Leech

T: Sophie Leech

midfield on outer

40/1

0

2

19th Dec 2023

Good To Soft

2m 5f 44y

Class 3

14:40 Fakenham

Via Dolorosa

12st 0lb

J: Miss Roisin Leech

T: Sophie Leech

in touch with leaders

12/1

6th

4

8th Dec 2023

Soft

3m 0f 37y

Class 3

15:00 Sandown

Via Dolorosa

11st 11lb

J: Miss Roisin Leech

T: Sophie Leech

Won in France in October on second start back from an absence and he's on a competitive mark on British form as recent as last May; however, this 11yo was pulled up in France last month and others are more compelling.

50/1

Form: 463-P5

Last run: 14 days

W: 10st 10lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 112

Form & Verdict
Well below best this autumn on first two starts for new yard but he's well treated on last season's best form for Neil Mulholland and things are likely to click again at some point; one to watch in the betting.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

5

4th May 2026

Good

3m 5f 24y

Class 3

16:38 Fakenham

Planned Paradise

11st 6lb

J: Mr J J Murphy-Knight

T: Christian Williams

Bounced back to form and won soft-ground marathons at Banger (3m5f) and Hexham (4m) in February/March; pulled up (lame) in early stages at Plumpton last time but has made the frame in the last two editions of this race (both on good ground) and can make his presence felt again.

7/1

8

6th Apr 2026

Good

3m 4f 104y

Class 2

16:25 Plumpton

Planned Paradise

10st 8lb

J: Jack Tudor

T: Christian Williams

Exploited a reduced mark to win at Bangor (3m5f, soft) in February and again had plenty in hand at Hexham (4m, soft) 12 days ago; this is a hotter race than last time and this 10yo is up 10lb, but he's clearly in rude health and could be bang there once more; handles any ground.

7/1

1st

6

25th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 7f 199y

Class 4

15:41 Hexham

Planned Paradise

11st 7lb

J: Charlie Maggs

T: Christian Williams

Exploited a reduced mark to win readily at Bangor (extended 3m5f, soft) four weeks ago; on last season's evidence a 9lb rise is unlikely to stop him if he can back up that latest performance; high on the list.

3/1

Form: 24-241

Last run: 27 days

W: 11st 13lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 129

Form & Verdict
The forecast soft ground and the step up in trip are the question marks, but this 6yo stayed on well to win at Wincanton (2m4f, good to soft) last month, which was a career-best, and he could continue to improve; respected.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

1

24th Sep 2024

Good

2m 5f 164y

Class 4

13:20 Fontwell

Huelgoat

11st 12lb

J: Freddie Gingell

T: Paul Nicholls

A five-time chase winner, he has adapted well since returning to hurdles in cheekpieces, making all at Newton Abbot (2m5f, good) in June and Stratford (2m6f, good to firm) last month (fell when holding a clear advantage in between); has a big penalty but will be difficult to keep tabs on.

9/4

1st

1

27th Aug 2024

Good To Firm

2m 6f 7y

Class 4

15:55 Stratford

Huelgoat

11st 7lb

J: Freddie Gingell

T: Paul Nicholls

made all, kept on well, unchallenged

6/4

1

25th Jun 2024

Good

2m 5f 122y

Class 4

15:00 Newton Abbot

Huelgoat

11st 8lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Paul Nicholls

Five-time chase winner who faced a simple task when opening his account in this discipline over C&D (good; first-time cheekpieces) this month; has more on his plate under a penalty in this deeper race but he's respected nonetheless.

5/4

Form: 34-114

Last run: 30 days

W: 11st 13lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 129

Form & Verdict
Won at Ludlow (3m1f, good to soft) in May and improved again to win on return to action at Newton Abbot (3m2f, soft) in October; of interest on that form but he has to bounce back from a lesser run at Warwick (3m1f, soft).
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

1

30th Mar 2026

Good

2m 4f 11y

Class 4

16:57 Ludlow

Jet Plane

12st 6lb

J: Miss Heidi Palin

T: Dan Skelton

Still in front when falling on his return to hunter chasing in January but ran miserably at Leicester next time where soft ground was no excuse; had been in good form in handicaps before those setbacks and would take some beating if back on song.

6/4

3rd

2

24th Feb 2026

Heavy

2m 6f 151y

Class 3

16:50 Leicester

Jet Plane

12st 4lb

J: Mr Sean O’Connor

T: Dan Skelton

Good form in handicaps this winter includes a Leicester success; still in front when falling at Warwick returned to hunter chasing last time; retains all of his ability and is top on the figures in this field.

1/2

2

23rd Jan 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 0y

Class 5

16:18 Warwick

Jet Plane

12st 6lb

J: Miss Heidi Palin

T: Dan Skelton

Commendable second in last season's Aintree Foxhunters' (2m5f, good to soft) and as good as ever in recent 2m4f handicaps; stays 3m well and won't be fazed if the ground turns soft (unraced on heavy); ought to be hard to beat on return to hunter chasing.

6/5

Form: 5P12-1 D

Last run: 29 days

W: 10st 11lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 113

Form & Verdict
Last season concluded with a win (3m1f, good to soft) and a good second (3m1f, good), and he was back to winning ways on last month's reappearance at Ludlow (3m1f, good to soft); up in the weights and in grade here but he did it nicely last time and could be in the mix; has won on soft.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

20th Mar 2024

Soft

3m 4f 97y

Class 3

15:50 Haydock

Robyndzone

11st 7lb

J: Charlie Deutsch

T: Venetia Williams

prominent, raced wide after 2nd, not fluent and lost position 5th, mistake and reminder 6th, dropped to last 9th, pulled up before 10th

6/1

5

23rd Feb 2024

Soft

3m 6f 153y

Class 3

15:40 Exeter

Robyndzone

11st 7lb

J: Ned Fox

T: Venetia Williams

10yo who is still improving; won on reappearance at Ludlow (3m1f, good to soft) in November and, following a mid-race fall at Sandown, won when upped in trip at Haydock (3m4f, heavy); did it nicely under Ned Fox last time and a 7lb rise may not stop him this afternoon.

4/1

1st

6

30th Dec 2023

Heavy

3m 4f 97y

Class 2

13:25 Haydock

Robyndzone

10st 3lb

J: Ned Fox

T: Venetia Williams

Made if two wins in three starts when seeing off eight rivals on his Ludlow reappearance (3m1f, good to soft) in November; fell around halfway at Sandown since; this trip and heavy ground both unknowns but his yard continues in good form.

9/1

Non-runners

Kapcorse

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £37.50
Straight Forecast £39.85
Tricast £280.86
Trifecta £287.20

Selections

POSTDATA:

Not Sure

WEST COUNTRY:

Huelgoat

RP RATINGS:

Planned Paradise

SPOTLIGHT:

Collectors Item

The Sun:

My Silver Lining

TOPSPEED:

Animal

Daily Record:

Robyndzone

Daily Mail:

Planned Paradise

D Express:

Not Sure

Daily Mirror:

Not Sure

The Star:

Not Sure

Telegraph:

Huelgoat

The Guardian:

Huelgoat

The Times:

Collectors Item