December 09 / 13.30 Aintree

13.30

Soft

Boylesports Best Odds Guaranteed Handicap Chase (GBB Race)

  • Prize money: £25720
  • 2m 3f 200y
  • Class 2
  • 9 runners
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Boylesports Best Odds Guaranteed Handicap Chase (GBB Race)

Runners: 9 runners

Type: Chase Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Rain

9/2 (Won)

  • Win: £5.00
  • Place: £1.40

Form: 1211-1 D

Last run: 21 days

W: 11st 11lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 142

Form & Verdict
Progressive novice chaser last season and campaign concluded with two wins in a row (2m4f, soft/good to soft); won off slightly lower hurdle mark on reappearance at Wetherby (2m, heavy) three weeks ago and this 7yo could have more left in the tank; he's one to consider.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

4

14th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

3m 4f 97y

Class 1

15:15 Haydock

Richmond Lake

11st 5lb

J: Brian Hughes

T: Donald McCain

10yo whose 13-race losing sequence goes back to December 2023 but he's run some good races in the meantime (including on soft), most recently staying on for a neck second in the Peter Marsh here (extended 3m1f, good to soft); on that evidence he's well worth a crack at a marathon trip.

8/1

2nd

7

17th Jan 2026

Good To Soft

3m 1f 125y

Class 1

14:00 Haydock

Richmond Lake

10st 3lb

J: Brian Hughes

T: Donald McCain

Ran really well when third in this last year (soft) and kept on for second at Aintree (2m4f, soft) last month, albeit no match for the winner; this 10yo has a good record here and, now 8lb lower than 12 months ago, he could be involved back up in trip.

10/1

14/1

  • Place: £2.10

Form: 431F-7 D

Last run: 28 days

W: 11st 4lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 135

Form & Verdict
Impressed when winning at Exeter in February (3m, good; albeit beat only two rivals) and he was bang there when falling two out at Uttoxeter (3m, soft) next time; soundly beaten on last month's reappearance at Wincanton but he could improve for the run and is not discounted.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

23rd Mar 2026

Good

3m 0f 0y

Class 3

16:05 Kempton

Gustavian

12st 0lb

J: Rex Dingle

T: Anthony Honeyball

Solid performances in notable handicaps this season, winning the Badger Beers at Wincanton then fourth in the Stayers' Veterans' Final at Sandown and Ladbrokes Trophy over C&D; retains plenty of ability despite his advancing years; respected back down in class.

9/4

4th

8

21st Feb 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 0y

Class 1

15:35 Kempton

Gustavian

10st 12lb

J: Rex Dingle

T: Anthony Honeyball

Jumped well and dominated throughout in the Badger Beers at Wincanton (3m1f, good; handles softer) and gave it another good go off this 8lb higher mark at Sandown; assured competition for the lead here has to reduce his appeal.

25/1

7th

7

1st Mar 2025

Soft

3m 1f 214y

Class 2

13:20 Newbury

Gustavian

10st 5lb

J: Rex Dingle

T: Anthony Honeyball

didn't jump with fluency, disputed lead, hit 5th

7/2

7/2

  • Place: £1.60

Form: 111F-1 D

Last run: 21 days

W: 11st 3lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 134

Form & Verdict
Highly progressive novice chaser last term and he comfortably completed a hat-trick at Newbury (2m4f, soft) in March; early faller at Cheltenham next time and he is prone to making mistakes, as was again the case when he won over hurdles at Wetherby on his recent return; however, if minimising the blunders he could still be ahead of the handicapper now back over fences.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

2

22nd Apr 2026

Soft

2m 0f 0y

Class 3

15:40 Perth

Heltenham

11st 13lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

All chase wins around 2m4f, including win at this meeting last year; Newbury specialist who landed fourth win at that track when bagging valuable handicap for second time on penultimate start; never won off a mark this high and drop back down to 2m also asks a question but he's impossible to rule out.

3/1

4th

4

21st Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 187y

Class 2

14:25 Newbury

Heltenham

11st 9lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

Back to something like his best last time, registering a second success in the Greatwood Gold Cup and taking C&D record to 4-6; won this contest in 2023 and 2024; back up the weights but commands respect kept to a scenario that suits him ideally.

9/4

1st

5

28th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 187y

Class 1

15:45 Newbury

Heltenham

11st 0lb

J: Charlie Todd

T: Dan Skelton

Record of 3-5 at Newbury features a success in this contest two years ago; proved no match for Twinjets in most recent course start and was a faller in last two handicap attempts (out of depth in Grade 1 since); however, holds a major chance off current mark provided he's in top form.

10/1

OUR TIP

Form: 10PP-6 CD BF

Last run: 29 days

W: 12st 0lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 145

Form & Verdict
Easily won this race last year on sole course visit (good to soft; has also won on soft); he may have needed last month's reappearance run at Exeter (tailed off) and is not ruled out off a mark 1lb lower than 12 months ago, but he also ended last season out of form and has something to prove.
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

Form: P2P5-3

Last run: 29 days

W: 11st 13lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 144

Form & Verdict
Disappointing in the main last term but he was a promising novice chaser the season before and, following a wind op, he kept on for a promising third on last month's reappearance in the Haldon Gold Cup at Exeter (2m1f, good to soft; also effective on soft); firmly in calculations now back up in trip.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

20th Oct 2025

Good

2m 3f 166y

Class 3

15:40 Plumpton

War Lord

11st 11lb

J: Brendan Powell

T: Joe Tizzard

Very useful chaser in his prime but last month's hurdling win at Fontwell (2m5f, good) came off a hugely reduced handicap mark and it's not easy to predict whether his revival will gather momentum.

4/1

1st

2

22nd Sep 2025

Good To Soft

2m 5f 164y

Class 4

17:20 Fontwell

War Lord

12st 0lb

J: Brendan Powell

T: Joe Tizzard

Has been through a quiet spell but he ran respectably when fourth at Worcester (2m4f, good; tongue-tie refitted) last time; likely to need more.

13/2

6

5th Sep 2025

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 4

18:30 Worcester

War Lord

11st 6lb

J: Brendan Powell

T: Joe Tizzard

Very useful chaser in his prime but this year's efforts, in three hurdles and a chase, make him tough to recommend.

14/1

Form: 9-4404 D

Last run: 48 days

W: 11st 13lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 144

Form & Verdict
Beaten on last 14 starts for Joseph O'Brien but ran some good races in that time, including when fourth in the Munster National (3m, soft) in October last time out; this 7yo is versatile in terms of trip and could be thereabouts on his stable debut; remains in ownership of JP McManus.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

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

14th

19

1st Feb 2026

Soft To Heavy

2m 5f 107y

14:45 Leopardstown

A Wave Of The Sea

10st 0lb

J: Charlie O’Dwyer

T: J P Broderick

Fine servant won a Grade 1 juvenile hurdle at this meeting in 2021; a record of 5-43 over fences and a decent effort at Thurles last time, but needs more from 1lb out of the handicap.

25/1

Form: 1P2F-9 D

Last run: 39 days

W: 10st 13lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 130

Form & Verdict
Made excellent start to chasing career last autumn, winning twice (2m3f, good), and he's a soft-ground winner over hurdles; he could improve for his October reappearance at Chepstow (under pressure when bad mistake two out) but his form has been patchy since those two wins.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

5th Apr 2025

Good

2m 7f 131y

Class 4

14:15 Chepstow

Nothin To Ask

11st 6lb

J: Liam Harrison

T: Fergal O’Brien

disputed lead, prominent before 2nd, weakened on turn after 13th, soon pulled up

5/1

3

5th Apr 2025

Good

2m 7f 131y

Class 4

14:15 Chepstow

Nothin To Ask

11st 6lb

J: Liam Harrison

T: Fergal O’Brien

disputed lead, prominent before 2nd, weakened on turn after 13th, soon pulled up

5/1

2nd

1

14th Dec 2024

Good

2m 7f 91y

Class 4

13:22 Newcastle

Nothin To Ask

11st 10lb

J: Liam Harrison

T: Fergal O’Brien

raced in third, slightly hampered but left in second 8th, went clear with winner 12th, not fluent 5 out, no chance with winner when jumped slightly left 2 out, awkward jump last, kept on

11/4

Form: 80P-42 D

Last run: 14 days

W: 10st 5lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 122

Form & Verdict
10yo who continues to drop down the weights and there have been hints of promise on both starts this season, showing up well for a long way here (3m1f, good to soft) before 20l second of five at Haydock (2m, soft); this intermediate trip may be ideal but others are still a bit more compelling.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

4

20th Apr 2024

Soft

2m 1f 77y

Class 4

14:15 Bangor-on-Dee

Daly Tiger

11st 9lb

J: John Kington

T: L J Morgan

took keen hold, held up in rear, no impression before 3 out

25/1

7th

4

20th Apr 2024

Soft

2m 1f 77y

Class 4

14:15 Bangor-on-Dee

Daly Tiger

11st 9lb

J: John Kington

T: L J Morgan

took keen hold, held up in rear, no impression before 3 out

25/1

3rd

10

30th Mar 2024

Heavy

2m 3f 203y

Class 2

15:15 Haydock

Daly Tiger

10st 10lb

J: John Kington

T: L J Morgan

His mark continues to fall and he hinted at a revival when 20l second here (2m, soft) last November; however, pulled up at Aintree (2m4f, heavy) since and he's back to having plenty to prove; visor replaces cheekpieces.

25/1

Form: 1655-3 D

Last run: 35 days

W: 10st 3lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 120

Form & Verdict
Inconsistent during last season's first chasing campaign but he posted a win at Ayr (2m4f, heavy) in January and was a very close third there (2m4f, good to soft) on last month's reappearance; remains lightly raced and is not ruled out in a first-time tongue-tie.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

0

10

9th Dec 2023

Soft

2m 3f 200y

Class 2

13:30 Aintree

Donnas Double

10st 3lb

J: Danny McMenamin

T: Sandy Thomson

Inconsistent during last season's first chasing campaign but he posted a win at Ayr (2m4f, heavy) in January and was a very close third there (2m4f, good to soft) on last month's reappearance; remains lightly raced and is not ruled out in a first-time tongue-tie.

10/1

Non-runners

Cracking Destiny

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £31.40
Straight Forecast £32.61
Tricast £83.74
Trifecta £127.80

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Heltenham

Telegraph:

Richmond Lake

RP RATINGS:

Brave Seasca

POSTDATA:

War Lord

The Times:

Heltenham

The Guardian:

Heltenham

D Express:

Heltenham

Daily Mirror:

Heltenham

The Star:

Heltenham

The Sun:

Richmond Lake

Daily Record:

Richmond Lake

WEST COUNTRY:

War Lord

TOPSPEED:

Brave Seasca

Daily Mail:

Brave Seasca