December 16 / 15.15 Doncaster

15.15

Good To Soft

bet365 Handicap Chase (GBB Race)

  • Prize money: £26015
  • 2m 7f 214y
  • Class 2
  • 11 runners
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bet365 Handicap Chase (GBB Race)

Runners: 11 runners

Type: Chase Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Mostly cloudy

5/1 (Won)

  • Win: £7.00
  • Place: £2.20

Form: 1132-6 D

Last run: 35 days

W: 10st 8lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 125

Form & Verdict
Progressive during last season's first campaign over fences and he wasn't disgraced in the competitive Badger Beer at Wincanton on his reappearance; only seven and could still have more to offer.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

25th Jan 2025

Good To Soft

2m 7f 214y

Class 1

15:15 Doncaster

Forward Plan

11st 9lb

J: Chad Bament

T: Anthony Honeyball

held up in rear

11/2

5

25th Jan 2025

Good To Soft

2m 7f 214y

Class 1

15:15 Doncaster

Forward Plan

11st 9lb

J: Chad Bament

T: Anthony Honeyball

held up in rear

11/2

3rd

5

14th Dec 2024

Good To Soft

2m 7f 214y

Class 2

14:05 Doncaster

Forward Plan

11st 2lb

J: Ben Godfrey

T: Anthony Honeyball

Won this 12 months ago (good to soft) and continued in fine form last season, adding a competitive handicap at Kempton (3m, soft) in February; there could still be mileage in his mark and he may have needed last month's reappearance run at Wincanton (well-beaten fourth); one to consider.

5/1

9/2

  • Place: £1.60

Form: 2238-4

Last run: 28 days

W: 11st 9lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 140

Form & Verdict
0-10 over fences and not helped by his jumping when below par on last month's reappearance at Cheltenham, but he has run some mighty races in this discipline, twice finishing placed at the Cheltenham Festival and going well for a long way in the Grand National in April; capable of a bold show.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

8

20th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 7f 91y

Class 5

17:16 Newbury

Mister Coffey

11st 12lb

J: Mr Daniel Williams

T: Nicky Henderson

A classy chaser who has famously gone 0-19 in this discipline, running numerous good races in smart company and finishing runner-up nine times; did run well for a long way in a veterans' chase at Cheltenham last month (3m2f, good to soft) and this might just be the day it happens for him.

11/10

5th

5

28th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

3m 1f 214y

Class 2

15:15 Newbury

Mister Coffey

11st 4lb

J: Nico de Boinville

T: Nicky Henderson

Let down by his jumping when returned to the cross-country course at Cheltenham last time; has lots of useful form otherwise and ties in with Eldorado Allen on reappearance running; well capable of being involved but is famously frustrating and still a maiden over fences (0-18).

13/2

15/2

  • Place: £1.40

Form: 14-P22 CD

Last run: 22 days

W: 10st 4lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 121

Form & Verdict
Won comfortably over C&D (good) in March when upped in trip and he's been a good second on his two outings this autumn (2m4f/3m1f, good to soft); this 6yo has a progressive profile and could be in the mix.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

7th Mar 2026

Soft

2m 4f 110y

Class 3

15:55 Ayr

Twoshotsoftequila

11st 4lb

J: Nathan Moscrop

T: Rebecca Menzies

Won two small-field chases (3m1f/2m7f) about two years ago but was pulled up last month, after a long absence, and might need another run or two before he's of interest again.

14/1

5

14th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 203y

Class 3

13:28 Haydock

Twoshotsoftequila

11st 6lb

J: Nathan Moscrop

T: Rebecca Menzies

On the up when last seen out in the spring of 2024, bagging a pair of handicap chases (around 3m) at Catterick and Newcastle; has a 23-month absence to overcome here but yard is among the winners so he's no forlorn hope.

10/1

Form: 1111-8

Last run: 28 days

W: 11st 11lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 142

Form & Verdict
Won last season on his first four chase starts (2m2f-2m5f, good/good to soft); made mistakes when well beaten at 33-1 in the Paddy Power Gold Cup (2m4f, soft) on reappearance but that was a very tough comeback assignment and he retains potential; bred to stay and on the shortlist.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

23rd Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 20y

Class 2

15:10 Perth

Whistleinthedark

11st 0lb

J: Miss Ellie Callwood

T: L J Morgan

11yo who was tailed off at Cheltenham in December and pulled up at Haydock this month on sole run since; arrives with something to prove but three visits to Perth have yielded two wins, including this race in 2023, so he's worth a second look; a first-time visor replaces cheekpieces.

25/1

9

4th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 203y

Class 2

15:20 Haydock

Whistleinthedark

11st 3lb

J: Charlie Maggs

T: L J Morgan

Inconsistent last year but won twice (3m/2m4f, good/soft), those victories coming on the back of respective breaks of 89 and 120 days; may be best caught fresh nowadays so is worth a second look after 113 days off.

33/1

1

13th Jul 2025

Good

2m 7f 180y

Class 3

15:43 Perth

Whistleinthedark

12st 0lb

J: Harry Reed

T: L J Morgan

Back in rude health over C&D (good) in May, easily beating Saint Arvans to win by 20l, and his subsequent Market Rasen fourth (2m5f, good) was also a good effort; still well handicapped on old form; shortlisted.

3/1

Form: 4P14F- CD

Last run: 245 days

W: 11st 5lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 136

Form & Verdict
His form was up and down last season but he's just 2lb higher than when winning at Sandown (3m, good to soft) in February and has also won over this C&D; goes well fresh and could have a part to play.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

21st Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 30y

Class 3

14:15 Bangor-on-Dee

Castle Robin

11st 5lb

J: Lilly Pinchin

T: Charlie Longsdon

Strike-rate of 4-14 over fences but has seen very little action during the past three years and now returns from an even lengthier absence at the age of 11; potentially very well handicapped should market vibes bode well.

8/1

5th

2

24th Sep 2024

Good

3m 1f 100y

Class 3

15:30 Warwick

Castle Robin

11st 12lb

J: Paul O’Brien

T: Charlie Longsdon

led, headed before 14th, soon prominent, lost ground after 3 out, weakened from 2 out

11/2

7th

5

9th Mar 2024

Soft

3m 0f 37y

Class 3

16:10 Sandown

Castle Robin

11st 11lb

J: Paul O’Brien

T: Charlie Longsdon

Front-runner; 4-12 over fences, the latest win gained off 2lb higher over C&D (good to soft) in February 2023; shaped as if retaining all his ability at Doncaster on reappearance, and less positive tactics seemed to backfire over a longer trip at Musselburgh next time; should have optimum conditions here and he's high on the list.

11/2

Form: 3121-5 D

Last run: 15 days

W: 11st 13lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 144

Form & Verdict
Faded into fifth of seven on recent reappearance at Newbury (2m4f, good to soft) after wind surgery but that wasn't a bad run and he could improve for it; won in fine style at Ayr (3m, good) in April and this 8lb higher mark may not stop him if he returns to his best now back up in trip.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

23rd Sep 2025

Good

3m 1f 100y

Class 3

16:30 Warwick

Sail Away

11st 9lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

Won well off 4lb lower at Aintree in May (3m1f, good) and a 4lb higher mark doesn't look too damaging; strongly considered as fitness is unlikely to be an issue given his yard.

2/1

Form: 3P2-33

Last run: 48 days

W: 11st 3lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 134

Form & Verdict
10yo who has posted just one win from his 16 chase starts but he often runs well in defeat, as was the case twice in a row this spring, and he could improve from his October run at Aintree; might not be far away.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

0

9

26th Jan 2024

Good To Soft

3m 0f 37y

Class 3

15:00 Sandown

Nestor Park

12st 0lb

J: Lt Billy Aprahamian

T: Ben Pauling

Usually gives his running but has a poor strike-rate over fences (1-18) and he dropped away to be beaten some 31l last time at Warwick when the subject of strong market support in first-time blinkers; one of the highest rated in here but others appeal more.

4/1

5th

16

13th Jan 2024

Soft

3m 0f 0y

Class 2

15:35 Warwick

Nestor Park

10st 7lb

J: Ben Jones

T: Ben Pauling

Often runs well in defeat but he's now 1-17 over fences, having performed below his best the last twice; connections turn to blinkers (replacing cheekpieces) for some assistance; others are safer.

20/1

Form: 12P-2U C

Last run: 22 days

W: 11st 1lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 132

Form & Verdict
Took well to chasing last season (two wins; good/good to soft) and reappeared with neck second at Exeter (3m, good); could continue to progress but early faller in first-time cheekpieces (retained) at Ascot last time.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

24th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

3m 2f 54y

Class 3

16:55 Chepstow

Manothepeople

12st 0lb

J: Jack Hogan

T: Fergal O’Brien

Chasing career highlights include a C&D novice handicap and the same Cheltenham April 3m2f event two years running, all on good; 3lb below his last winning mark, but has a listless recent return run to forgive.

13/2

4th

2

21st Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 7f 91y

Class 3

16:45 Newbury

Manothepeople

11st 13lb

J: Jonathan Burke

T: Fergal O’Brien

Veteran; last two wins came in the same 3m2f Cheltenham race in April 2024 and 2025; ran a lacklustre race there in October before possibly failing to stay 3m5f at Ascot; bit to prove after four months off.

10/1

6

25th Oct 2025

Good To Soft

3m 1f 0y

Class 2

14:20 Cheltenham

Manothepeople

10st 13lb

J: Jonathan Burke

T: Fergal O’Brien

Has a good record fresh and a good record at Cheltenham, albeit on the New course and he was pulled up on his only run on the Old one (today's course); on a useful mark and didn't run badly during the summer at Uttoxeter, which wouldn't be his track.

14/1

OUR TIP

Form: /170-0 D

Last run: 28 days

W: 12st 0lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 145

Form & Verdict
Has won eight of his 13 chase starts and ran creditably for a long way in last season's Grand National, before fading; he may have needed his reappearance over hurdles at Cheltenham four weeks ago and has won off this mark in the past; not ruled out.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

3

9th Mar 2025

Good To Soft

2m 4f 198y

Class 5

17:10 Carlisle

Minella Trump

11st 12lb

J: Mr Toby McCain-Mitchell

T: Donald McCain

prominent, pressed leader before 14th, led before 4 out, faced challenge when led narrowly before 2 out, kept on well

7/4

4th

7

7th Feb 2025

Soft

3m 0f 30y

Class 4

13:12 Bangor-on-Dee

Minella Trump

11st 12lb

J: Miss Gina Andrews

T: Donald McCain

Has won half of his 16 races over fences and should welcome this drop in grade after struggling last season in strong handicaps (his second was remote); has been absent for 12 months so some market confidence would be welcomed.

4/1

16/1

Form: /19P-9 D

Last run: 27 days

W: 11st 4lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 135

Form & Verdict
Well beaten on his three starts this year but he ran well for a fair way on last month's reappearance at Cheltenham (3m3f) when soft ground may not have been ideal; won three times in 2022 (3m-3m6f, good to soft) and, having edged back down the weights, is not written off now back on better ground.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

1st May 2026

Good

4m 0f 218y

Class 4

19:25 Warwick

Slipway

11st 12lb

J: Miss Molly Armytage

T: James Luck

Former winner of Highland and Southern Nationals (good to soft), so surprising he didn't see out 3m here on January's hunter chase debut; back on track in a Siddington novice riders' point latest, additionally a first career success on good ground; safe ride (never falls) and not dismissed.

4/1

5th

4

23rd Jan 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 0y

Class 5

16:18 Warwick

Slipway

12st 6lb

J: Mr Samuel Scott

T: Ben Pauling

Thorough stayer who was very respectable fifth of 14 in quite valuable Uttoxeter handicap (3m, good) on latest outing in May; also suited by soft ground and has big role to play if fully tuned up for hunter chase debut; blinkers removed after one use.

11/2

5th

6

3rd May 2025

Good

3m 0f 10y

Class 2

17:55 Uttoxeter

Slipway

10st 12lb

J: Ben Jones

T: Ben Pauling

Won over hurdles after wind surgery and then ran okay to be fourth over 3m at Kempton in a race he won the previous season; there's nothing wrong with his mark and always a chance that blinkers will bring him on.

16/1

Form: 07U-60

Last run: 87 days

W: 12st 0lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 145

Form & Verdict
On a competitive mark on best form for Willie Mullins and is one to watch in the betting on stable debut (remains in same ownership) but he wasn't at the top of his game on his last two runs and needs better than that.
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

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £34.60
Straight Forecast £33.84
Tricast £92.25
Trifecta £122.30

Selections

TOPSPEED:

Twoshotsoftequila

LAMBOURN:

Mister Coffey

The Guardian:

Forward Plan

SPOTLIGHT:

Whistleinthedark

WEST COUNTRY:

Manothepeople

RP RATINGS:

Sail Away

D Express:

Forward Plan

POSTDATA:

Twoshotsoftequila

The Times:

Twoshotsoftequila

Daily Mail:

Twoshotsoftequila

Daily Record:

Whistleinthedark

Telegraph:

Mister Coffey

Daily Mirror:

Mister Coffey

The Star:

Mister Coffey