December 27 / 15.25 Chepstow

15.25

Good To Soft

New Bet-In-race With Coral Handicap Chase

  • Prize money: £6337.2
  • 2m 0f 11y
  • Class 3
  • 12 runners
SKY
View Course
New Bet-In-race With Coral Handicap Chase

Runners: 12 runners

Type: Chase Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Rain

6/1 (Won)

  • Win: £4.50
  • Place: £2.20

Form: 64-324 C

Last run: 33 days

W: 11st 9lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 120

Form & Verdict
/Placed over hurdles on first two starts this season (heavy/soft) and might have found the good ground too lively when slightly disappointing on his latest outing; not seen over fences since March 2021 but is very well suited by this track and enters calculations.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

2

3rd Jun 2026

Good

2m 0f 167y

Class 5

17:00 Newton Abbot

Zambezi Fix

12st 0lb

J: Ellis Collier

T: Bernard Llewellyn

Has been struggling for form since reappearing in October and offered little encouragement on April's return from just over two months off; has come a long way down in the weights and drops into a Class 5, but that's for good reason and he needs to turn things around.

12/1

6th

9

11th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 0f 16y

Class 3

14:15 Chepstow

Zambezi Fix

10st 7lb

J: Harry Atkins

T: Bernard Llewellyn

All three hurdle wins have come over C&D but he failed to beat a rival here in December and was tailed off again at Ffos Las in January; overall record is now 4-48 and others are preferred.

16/1

6th

4

30th Jan 2026

Heavy

1m 7f 182y

Class 4

16:00 Ffos Las

Zambezi Fix

11st 11lb

J: Sean Houlihan

T: Bernard Llewellyn

Veteran who is normally suited by Chepstow but failed to beat a rival back there last time; not particularly solid on his form this season.

20/1

12/1

  • Place: £3.30

Form: 515-1F D

Last run: 30 days

W: 11st 2lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 113

Form & Verdict
Dual chase winner on soft ground in the spring (2m1f/2m) and, following a break, ran well for a long way at Ludlow (2m, good to soft) last month, albeit well held before last-fence fall; could have a say.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

2

7th Mar 2025

Soft

1m 7f 201y

Class 5

16:28 Leicester

You Say Nothing

11st 10lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Christian Williams

Had been struggling but bounced back for a fourth chase success at Lingfield two weeks ago (2m, soft; made most); wouldn't be certain to repeat that form but clear claims if he can off 5lb higher.

10/11

Form: 1233-2 D

Last run: 19 days

W: 11st 2lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 113

Form & Verdict
Won two soft-ground chases at Hereford last season and ran a game race in defeat on this month's reappearance outing at Sandown (1m7f, soft); current mark probably demands a career-best performance but he should be fine on this left-handed track.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

2

13th Jul 2025

Good To Firm

2m 3f 98y

Class 5

14:07 Stratford

Greenrock Abbey

11st 8lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: James Owen

Generally in good form for this yard over fences and was in the process of leaving behind a pull-up over hurdles when falling in a handicap chase at Cartmel two weeks ago (2m1f); it was four out so still some way from home, but he's firmly in the reckoning.

5/2

6

29th Jun 2025

Soft

2m 1f 61y

Class 5

17:40 Cartmel

Greenrock Abbey

11st 2lb

J: Brendan Powell

T: James Owen

Ended a 17-race losing run on his third start for this yard when scoring by 12l in a first-time visor at Market Rasen (2m3f, good) nine days ago; still well treated on older form despite an 11lb rise, but needs to bounce back after pulling up over hurdles here on Friday.

11/4

13

27th Jun 2025

Good

2m 1f 46y

Class 4

17:30 Cartmel

Greenrock Abbey

10st 4lb

J: Miss Heidi Palin

T: James Owen

Came good for new stable at third attempt, with 12l success over fences at Market Rasen (2m3f, good; first-time visor) a week ago; only 1lb higher for this return to hurdling and won't mind if there's rain about; major player.

2/1

OUR TIP

Form: 1-P685 CD

Last run: 30 days

W: 12st 1lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 126

Form & Verdict
Six-time chase winner, the last twice over C&D last season (good/good to soft); looked out of sorts on his three starts this autumn, though, and significant rain would probably not be in his favour today; swaps cheekpieces for refitted blinkers.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

21st Mar 2024

Soft

1m 7f 212y

Class 4

16:10 Ludlow

Not Available

11st 6lb

J: Stan Sheppard

T: Matt Sheppard

When a 23l third at Newbury (2m, soft) two starts ago he was behind two highly progressive rivals and he continues to drop down the weights, but positive performances have been scarce this season and he was tailed off at Sandown (1m7f, soft) last time.

10/1

9th

10

15th Feb 2024

Soft

1m 7f 99y

Class 3

13:55 Sandown

Not Available

10st 13lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Matt Sheppard

Has won six times over fences but seems to have developed his own ideas about the game and looks a difficult ride these days; below form this term on both British starts on heavy; latest outing was his best show this season but he needs to better that.

25/1

3rd

3

23rd Jan 2024

Good To Soft

2m 0f 92y

Class 3

15:45 Newbury

Not Available

11st 9lb

J: Tom Bellamy

T: Matt Sheppard

Has won six times over fences but seems to have developed his own ideas about the game and looks a difficult ride these days; in his current form others are way more appealing.

15/2

Form: 4-1225 C BF

Last run: 27 days

W: 10st 7lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 104

Form & Verdict
Dual hurdle winner who lost out by only a neck when clear second to a next-time-out winner on last month's chasing debut at Ffos Las (2m3f, soft); didn't fire at Taunton (2m7f, good) a few days later but will be okay over today's trip and remains one to be interested in.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

6th Apr 2026

Good

3m 1f 44y

Class 5

16:30 Hereford

Walkinthewoods

12st 0lb

J: Conor Ring

T: Mrs C Williams

Best at about 2m4f and he's looked to have stamina limitations in the majority of his runs beyond that trip; below his latest winning mark, last May, but he's failed to complete in two of his last three runs since back chasing and some reservations remain.

6/1

1

16th Mar 2026

Soft

2m 3f 83y

Class 5

15:00 Ffos Las

Walkinthewoods

12st 0lb

J: Osian Radford

T: Mrs C Williams

Unseated rider when returned to chasing in January and has suffered a heavy defeat since; on a workable mark and suited by this C&D/slow ground but has some questions to answer.

8/1

6th

1

25th Feb 2026

Soft

2m 4f 35y

Class 5

15:50 Wincanton

Walkinthewoods

12st 0lb

J: Osian Radford

T: Evan Williams

Landed the odds in three-runner chase at Plumpton (about 2m3f, good; acts on soft/heavy) in May; solid hurdles second under Osian Radford in December and still on the premises when blundering that rider away over fences (also Ludlow, 3m, good to soft) last month; drops back down in trip; respected.

4/1

Form: /P4-6P CD

Last run: 213 days

W: 12st 2lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 127

Form & Verdict
Very lightly raced since C&D win in November 2021 and not seen since running as though something was amiss seven months ago, but he posted a couple of good efforts at around 3m last spring and resumes on a workable mark; handles soft ground; unraced on heavy; market may guide.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

2

7th May 2024

Good

2m 4f 88y

Class 4

19:42 Southwell

Witness Protection

12st 2lb

J: James Best

T: Martin Keighley

Struggled over fences after returning from a long absence and never counted on his belated return to hurdling at Cheltenham last month.

33/1

10th

2

7th May 2024

Good

2m 4f 88y

Class 4

19:42 Southwell

Witness Protection

12st 2lb

J: James Best

T: Martin Keighley

Struggled over fences after returning from a long absence and never counted on his belated return to hurdling at Cheltenham last month.

33/1

16

17th Apr 2024

Good To Soft

2m 0f 179y

Class 3

17:00 Cheltenham

Witness Protection

10st 12lb

J: Harry Atkins

T: Martin Keighley

held up in rear, outpaced and cajoled along 5th, lost touch before 2 out

50/1

Form: /31-52 D

Last run: 33 days

W: 11st 5lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 116

Form & Verdict
Ex-Irish 6yo; well beaten over hurdles on stable debut in May but, following a break, made good start to chasing career when clear second over C&D (soft) last month; nudged up only 1lb for that and will be a very tough nut to crack if in similar form.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

3

26th Jun 2024

Good

2m 0f 110y

Class 4

14:23 Worcester

Showbusiness

11st 6lb

J: Alan Johns

T: Tim Vaughan

Sold out of Gordon Elliott's in May 2022 but he's had only four races since; started his chase career with a good second at Chepstow (2m, soft) in November but he's been tailed off in both runs since and has plenty to prove again.

20/1

3

30th May 2024

Good

2m 0f 0y

Class 4

15:35 Ffos Las

Showbusiness

11st 8lb

J: Alan Johns

T: Tim Vaughan

Sold out of Gordon Elliott's in May 2022; has had only three races since, all last year with far and away the best of those when second on chase debut at Chepstow (2m, soft) in November on penultimate start; no ground worries on good or soft and he has a strong chance if returning on song.

7/1

7th

8

27th Dec 2023

Good To Soft

2m 0f 11y

Class 3

15:25 Chepstow

Showbusiness

11st 5lb

J: Alan Johns

T: Tim Vaughan

Ex-Irish 6yo; well beaten over hurdles on stable debut in May but, following a break, made good start to chasing career when clear second over C&D (soft) last month; nudged up only 1lb for that and will be a very tough nut to crack if in similar form.

7/2

Form: 315-F1 C

Last run: 8 days

W: 12st 4lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 122

Form & Verdict
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

7

11th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

1m 7f 199y

Class 1

16:00 Cheltenham

Libberty Hunter

11st 10lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Evan Williams

In touch and still going okay when falling three out in this race last year but it's difficult to ascertain where he'd have finished with a clear round; overall record at Cheltenham is 121FU, both wins in handicaps on the New course; ran creditably, one place behind Saint Segal, in the Game Spirit most recently; at the age of ten he's unlikely to find the major improvement that's needed on ratings.

66/1

3rd

5

7th Feb 2026

Soft

2m 0f 92y

Class 1

14:45 Newbury

Libberty Hunter

11st 2lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Evan Williams

Acts on heavy ground; continued his progress with a good second to Master Chewy in this contest 12 months ago and he meets the winner on better terms in this rematch; subsequent form comprises two non-completions at Cheltenham and a remote fourth, albeit facing stiff assignment, in the Tingle Creek; return to this scenario puts him in calculations.

7/1

5

12th Mar 2025

Good To Soft

1m 7f 199y

Class 1

16:00 Cheltenham

Libberty Hunter

11st 10lb

J: Adam Wedge

T: Evan Williams

Has form figures of 112312 in completed chase starts and 121 (three handicaps) at Cheltenham; good second in the Grand Annual on this card 12 months ago and filled the same position in the Game Spirit at Newbury most recently; progressive but has the lowest rating of the field.

33/1

Form: 48-11P CD

Last run: 7 days

W: 11st 12lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 123

Form & Verdict
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

4

2nd Feb 2026

Good To Soft

1m 7f 182y

Class 4

13:37 Southwell

Mr Grey Sky

11st 10lb

J: Kielan Woods

T: Kim Bailey & Mat Nicholls

Three wins from ten runs over fences, the latest at Leicester (2m, heavy) last February; may have needed the run after 312-day break when well beaten last time; a possible.

10/1

7th

6

17th Jan 2026

Good To Soft

2m 0f 67y

Class 3

15:45 Haydock

Mr Grey Sky

11st 2lb

J: Tom Bellamy

T: Kim Bailey & Mat Nicholls

12yo who is racing for the first time since last February; however, he won at Leicester (2m, heavy) back then and he won after some time off in November 2023 (2m, good to soft); 2-2 here (bumpers in 2018); not discounted.

9/1

1st

2

25th Feb 2025

Soft

1m 7f 201y

Class 4

15:45 Leicester

Mr Grey Sky

11st 10lb

J: Tom Bellamy

T: Kim Bailey & Mat Nicholls

Jumped poorly and was well beaten on seasonal debut in November but got back on track with front-running third at Exeter (2m1f, soft) last month and remains well handicapped on older form.

5/2

Form: 13-281 D

Last run: 19 days

W: 11st 10lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 121

Form & Verdict
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8

12th Oct 2025

Good To Firm

2m 3f 98y

Class 2

15:52 Chepstow

Mount Tempest

10st 7lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Sophie Leech

Ex-Dan Skelton; started off for Sophie Leech with two disappointing French hurdle runs this summer (wore cheekpieces) but caused a 50-1 shock when back over fences at Worcester (2m4f, good to soft; blinkers) last month; subsequent 4lb rise is not insurmountable if he's in the same form.

11/2

1st

10

15th Sep 2025

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 2

14:00 Worcester

Mount Tempest

10st 10lb

J: Brian Hughes

T: Sophie Leech

Last win for the Skeltons was off this mark last December (1m7f, soft) but he's offered little since, including in two French hurdles for current yard.

20/1

4

19th Apr 2025

Soft

2m 4f 216y

Class 3

16:19 Newton Abbot

Mount Tempest

11st 6lb

J: Charlie Todd

T: Dan Skelton

towards rear

12/1

Form: P-264P D

Last run: 4 days

W: 11st 3lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 114

Form & Verdict
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

22nd Apr 2024

Heavy

1m 7f 133y

Class 4

14:30 Hexham

Rose Sea Has

12st 0lb

J: Charlie Hammond

T: Dr Richard Newland & Jamie Insole

Regressive form this season; drops back to an easier level but doesn't have the ideal scenario; this front-runner has gained all chase wins in much smaller fields.

10/1

3

22nd Apr 2024

Heavy

1m 7f 133y

Class 4

14:30 Hexham

Rose Sea Has

12st 0lb

J: Charlie Hammond

T: Dr Richard Newland & Jamie Insole

Regressive form this season; drops back to an easier level but doesn't have the ideal scenario; this front-runner has gained all chase wins in much smaller fields.

10/1

9

27th Dec 2023

Good To Soft

2m 0f 11y

Class 3

15:25 Chepstow

Rose Sea Has

11st 3lb

T: Dr Richard Newland & Jamie Insole

Form: 731312 D

Last run: 7 days

W: 11st 1lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 112

Form & Verdict
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

14

9th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

1m 7f 176y

Class 1

16:40 Aintree

Dr T J Eckleburg

10st 2lb

J: Conor Ring

T: Mrs C Williams

Runs off a mark 10lb lower than when fifth of 14 in this last year, beaten just over 13l; he's run a couple of reasonable races this season but hasn't shown enough to suggest he's the one to be on today.

33/1

3rd

5

21st Feb 2026

Soft

2m 0f 16y

Class 2

15:40 Chepstow

Dr T J Eckleburg

10st 9lb

J: Conor Ring

T: Evan Williams

Led close home to win this race off 5lb higher a year ago (soft ground) and was seemingly perked up by cheekpieces when third on both outings last month; made up considerable ground from the rear at Sandown (1m7f, soft) on latter occasion and has strong claims here if the headgear continues to aid him.

15/8

3rd

9

31st Jan 2026

Soft

1m 7f 99y

Class 2

14:02 Sandown

Dr T J Eckleburg

10st 3lb

J: Conor Ring

T: Evan Williams

Acts on any ground; half-length second off 4lb higher in this contest 12 months ago; out of sorts this term until posting a resurgent effort, behind solid rivals, in first-time cheekpieces at Windsor most recently; enters calculations in the retained headgear.

11/2

Non-runners

Aggagio

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £51.00
Straight Forecast £50.79
Tricast £207.68
Trifecta £203.70

Selections

Telegraph:

Greenrock Abbey

SPOTLIGHT:

Showbusiness

TOPSPEED:

Walkinthewoods

RP RATINGS:

Zambezi Fix

WEST COUNTRY:

Witness Protection

POSTDATA:

Walkinthewoods

Daily Mail:

Walkinthewoods

The Times:

Showbusiness

The Guardian:

Showbusiness

Daily Record:

Showbusiness

D Express:

Greenrock Abbey

Daily Mirror:

Greenrock Abbey

The Sun:

Greenrock Abbey

The Star:

Greenrock Abbey