December 16 / 14.25 Cheltenham

14.25

Soft

Favourite From The Sun Now Daily Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap) (GBB Race)

  • Prize money: £56950
  • 3m 2f 0y
  • Class 1
  • 8 runners
ITV
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Favourite From The Sun Now Daily Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap) (GBB Race)

Runners: 8 runners

Type: Chase Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Cloudy

7/2 (Won)

  • Win: £2.38
  • Place: £1.20

Form: 11-121 C

Last run: 28 days

W: 10st 9lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 146

Form & Verdict
Did well in handicap hurdles, winning three times, but he is already a far superior chaser and a clearcut Listed novice success at the November meeting here (3m, soft; made all) was by some way a personal best; may not be able to dominate this field of experienced handicappers to the same extent but it's unlikely he's reached his ceiling just yet; makes the shortlist.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

23

5th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

4m 2f 74y

Class 1

16:00 Aintree

Broadway Boy

10st 9lb

J: Tom Bellamy

T: Nigel Twiston-Davies

Started this season brightly, notably when second to Kandoo Kid in the Coral Gold Cup at Newbury (3m2f, good to soft); he'd have a good shout judged on that display and going beyond 3m2f made plenty of appeal even before that; however, he disappointed at Cheltenham on New Year's Day and ran badly there last month; cheekpieces (tried at this meeting last year, tailed off) return.

66/1

23

5th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

4m 2f 74y

Class 1

16:00 Aintree

Broadway Boy

10st 9lb

J: Tom Bellamy

T: Nigel Twiston-Davies

Started this season brightly, notably when second to Kandoo Kid in the Coral Gold Cup at Newbury (3m2f, good to soft); he'd have a good shout judged on that display and going beyond 3m2f made plenty of appeal even before that; however, he disappointed at Cheltenham on New Year's Day and ran badly there last month; cheekpieces (tried at this meeting last year, tailed off) return.

66/1

3

11th Mar 2025

Good To Soft

3m 1f 0y

Class 1

14:40 Cheltenham

Broadway Boy

11st 12lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Nigel Twiston-Davies

Didn't jump fluently when below par here on New Year's Day; however, he's reportedly had his knees medicated since and two starts ago was a fine second in the Coral Gold Cup at Newbury (3m2f, good to soft); two wins here (3m/3m2f) during last season's novice campaign; in the mix if back on song.

7/1

OUR TIP

5/1

  • Place: £2.00

Form: U684-2 C BF

Last run: 35 days

W: 10st 13lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 150

Form & Verdict
Tough campaigner with an excellent strike-rate; showed himself better than ever when 3l second of 11 in the Badger Beer at Wincanton (3m1f, good to soft) on his reappearance five weeks ago, pulling clear with a progressive rival; a 3lb rise looks fully justified; commands major respect.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

14th Feb 2026

Soft

2m 7f 185y

Class 1

15:00 Ascot

Threeunderthrufive

11st 7lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Paul Nicholls

Two attempts in this race comprise a success in 2024 and close second last year, both off higher marks; however, has a doubt over current form and needs to stage a revival.

10/1

3

26th Apr 2025

Good

3m 4f 146y

Class 1

16:10 Sandown

Threeunderthrufive

11st 0lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Paul Nicholls

Fourth in the 2023 Scottish National (4m, good); commendable efforts most starts since, for instance beaten a nose by Victtorino at Ascot (3m, good; 1lb higher today) in February, but this race last year was not one of them and neither was the Grand National three weeks ago.

16/1

3

26th Apr 2025

Good

3m 4f 146y

Class 1

16:10 Sandown

Threeunderthrufive

11st 0lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Paul Nicholls

Fourth in the 2023 Scottish National (4m, good); commendable efforts most starts since, for instance beaten a nose by Victtorino at Ascot (3m, good; 1lb higher today) in February, but this race last year was not one of them and neither was the Grand National three weeks ago.

16/1

6/1

  • Place: £2.60

Form: /145-4 C

Last run: 21 days

W: 12st 0lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 165

Form & Verdict
Top-class staying chaser on his day, but he wasn't quite at his best in two runs here early this year and he flopped when bidding for back-to-back Betfair Chases at Haydock three weeks ago; now has a bit to prove in his first handicap since November 2021.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

4

9th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 210y

Class 1

14:55 Aintree

Protektorat

11st 10lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

11yo whose last Grade 1 win came in March 2024 but he showed strong form when keeping on for second of four to Jonbon in the Melling Chase here (2m4f, good) 12 months ago and has won at Windsor (2m6f, soft; warm conditions race) and Kelso (extended 2m7f, good to soft; Listed) on his two runs this year; he should still be fine at this sort of trip and could be a contender.

15/2

1st

3

28th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 7f 96y

Class 1

13:40 Kelso

Protektorat

11st 2lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

Tremendous campaigner who has netted connections over £1m in prize-money; jumped right on occasions but was still firmly on top at finish in valuable conditions chase at Windsor (2m6f, soft) six weeks ago; usually races up with the pace; the clear pick on form and very much the one to beat.

1/8

1st

6

18th Jan 2026

Soft

2m 6f 50y

Class 2

15:00 Windsor

Protektorat

11st 2lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

Bolted up in this race last year (soft); reappeared with very creditable third off a lofty mark in handicap at Cheltenham (3m3f, soft) in November; wind surgery since; this 11yo holds stand-out claims on today's terms.

8/11

Form: 315P-P CD

Last run: 49 days

W: 10st 3lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 140

Form & Verdict
Goes well at Cheltenham and put up a career-best effort when scoring decisively over C&D (soft) on New Year's Day; only 3lb higher today but he has been pulled up on his last two starts, suffering an irregular heartbeat in the Kelso race won by Elvis Mail on reappearance; on the back burner for now.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

15th Jan 2026

Good To Soft

3m 2f 162y

Class 3

15:37 Wincanton

Rapper

10st 13lb

J: Richard Patrick

T: Henry Daly

Well handicapped on what he was doing two years ago but he's pulled up and finished last in two races after a year on the sidelines.

33/1

3rd

4

21st Nov 2024

Good To Soft

3m 0f 0y

Class 2

14:25 Warwick

Rapper

10st 13lb

J: Stan Sheppard

T: Henry Daly

Inconsistent in recent seasons but ran fairly well when third (albeit well held in the end) on reappearance outing at Aintree (3m1f, good) last month and possibilities if able to build on that performance here.

6/1

3rd

4

21st Nov 2024

Good To Soft

3m 0f 0y

Class 2

14:25 Warwick

Rapper

10st 13lb

J: Stan Sheppard

T: Henry Daly

Inconsistent in recent seasons but ran fairly well when third (albeit well held in the end) on reappearance outing at Aintree (3m1f, good) last month and possibilities if able to build on that performance here.

6/1

Form: 2113-4 D BF

Last run: 27 days

W: 10st 4lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 141

Form & Verdict
Upwardly mobile last season, winning handicap at Hereford (3m1f, soft) and Grade 2 novice at Wetherby (3m, good to soft), both in small fields; encouraging 14l fourth of 13 to Malina Girl here (3m3f, soft) four weeks ago, giving the impression that reappearance run might have been needed; now meets the winner on 12lb better terms and may well exact his revenge.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

4

5th Apr 2026

Yielding To Soft

3m 0f 180y

17:30 Fairyhouse

City Chief

12st 0lb

J: Mr O McGill

T: Cormac Abernethy

Career highlight when winning the 2023 Towton (3m Grade 2) at Wetherby for Nicky Henderson; tailed off at Down Royal in December on his hunter chase debut; has twice in points in the last 12 months; recent Kirkistown success gives him an edge over Now Where Or When.

25/1

1

18th May 2024

Good

2m 7f 70y

Class 2

19:03 Uttoxeter

City Chief

12st 0lb

J: Nico de Boinville

T: Nicky Henderson

Grade 2-winning novice chaser who started last season with respectable runs in staying chases at Cheltenham, where he was last seen pulling up in the Kim Muir (first-time cheekpieces retained); too talented to ignore on this return to hurdling.

5/1

1

18th May 2024

Good

2m 7f 70y

Class 2

19:03 Uttoxeter

City Chief

12st 0lb

J: Nico de Boinville

T: Nicky Henderson

Grade 2-winning novice chaser who started last season with respectable runs in staying chases at Cheltenham, where he was last seen pulling up in the Kim Muir (first-time cheekpieces retained); too talented to ignore on this return to hurdling.

5/1

Form: 2115-6

Last run: 28 days

W: 10st 2lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 138

Form & Verdict
Won emphatically at Haydock (2m5f, soft) and Newcastle (2m4f, good to soft) last season and looked ready for a step up in distance when a never-nearer sixth of 14 to Stage Star in the 2m4f Paddy Power here on reappearance; bred to relish today's extra yardage (he's out of a half-sister to the high-class staying jumper Time For Rupert) and looks a fascinating candidate at the bottom of the weights.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

9th Mar 2024

Soft

3m 0f 37y

Class 3

16:10 Sandown

Easy As That

11st 12lb

J: Charlie Deutsch

T: Venetia Williams

Second-season chaser who shaped with some encouragement in Paddy Power Gold Cup at Cheltenham (2m4f, soft) on reappearance but has disappointed twice since; slipping in the weights but needs to rediscover his spark.

9/1

12th

9

27th Jan 2024

Good To Soft

2m 4f 127y

Class 1

13:15 Cheltenham

Easy As That

10st 9lb

J: Shane Quinlan

T: Venetia Williams

prominent, lost position and midfield after 3rd, dropped to last 10th, mistake 11th, bad mistake 5 out

9/1

6th

8

16th Dec 2023

Soft

3m 2f 0y

Class 1

14:25 Cheltenham

Easy As That

10st 2lb

J: Charlie Deutsch

T: Venetia Williams

Won emphatically at Haydock (2m5f, soft) and Newcastle (2m4f, good to soft) last season and looked ready for a step up in distance when a never-nearer sixth of 14 to Stage Star in the 2m4f Paddy Power here on reappearance; bred to relish today's extra yardage (he's out of a half-sister to the high-class staying jumper Time For Rupert) and looks a fascinating candidate at the bottom of the weights.

9/2

Form: 33U1-1 D

Last run: 49 days

W: 10st 9lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 146

Form & Verdict
Thoroughly likeable 9yo who has improved in 2023 since stepping up in distance, patiently ridden as usual when making a winning reappearance at Kelso (3m2f, soft) in October; impossible to discount but all eight of his wins have come in Scotland and he now faces his sternest task to date off a career-high mark.
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: P1P-01 C

Last run: 27 days

W: 10st 9lb

6 yo Mare

OR: 146

Form & Verdict
Won the Ulster National at Downpatrick (3m4f, soft) in April and took her form to an even higher level when running away with 13-runner event here (3m3f, soft) in November; the handicapper has responded with a 11lb rise but this mare is thriving and could have a say again, with 5lb claimer booked.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

15th

14

25th Sep 2025

Yielding

2m 4f 0y

16:35 Listowel

Malina Girl

11st 4lb

J: Eoghan Finegan

T: Gavin Cromwell

Lightly raced over hurdles (1-6) and was a disappointing favourite on her final run in this discipline off a similar mark in March; 2m4f is on the tight side for one who stays so well over fences (ran in the Irish National last time).

10/1

12th

11

21st Apr 2025

Soft To Heavy

3m 5f 37y

17:00 Fairyhouse

Malina Girl

11st 0lb

J: Sean Flanagan

T: Gavin Cromwell

Most recent of four chase wins when scoring by 10l over an extended 3m3f on soft at Cheltenham in November 2023; ran creditably when second in 3m Listed mares' chase on heavy at Exeter in February; game display when best of the Irish in third behind Myretown in the Ultima at Cheltenham; helps to give her trainer a strong hand.

14/1

12th

11

21st Apr 2025

Soft To Heavy

3m 5f 37y

17:00 Fairyhouse

Malina Girl

11st 0lb

J: Sean Flanagan

T: Gavin Cromwell

Most recent of four chase wins when scoring by 10l over an extended 3m3f on soft at Cheltenham in November 2023; ran creditably when second in 3m Listed mares' chase on heavy at Exeter in February; game display when best of the Irish in third behind Myretown in the Ultima at Cheltenham; helps to give her trainer a strong hand.

14/1

Non-runners

Back On The Lash

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £11.70
Straight Forecast £12.67
Tricast £115.30
Trifecta £91.30

Selections

RP RATINGS:

Broadway Boy

D Express:

Malina Girl

TOPSPEED:

City Chief

SPOTLIGHT:

Easy As That

POSTDATA:

Threeunderthrufive

Daily Mirror:

Protektorat

WEST COUNTRY:

Broadway Boy

Telegraph:

Broadway Boy

The Guardian:

Broadway Boy

Daily Mail:

Broadway Boy

The Sun:

Broadway Boy

Daily Record:

Broadway Boy

The Star:

Malina Girl

LAMBOURN:

City Chief

The Times:

Easy As That