January 13 / 15.00 Warwick

15.00

Soft

Wigley Group Classic Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap) (GBB Race)

  • Prize money: £56950
  • 3m 5f 54y
  • Class 1
  • 14 runners
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Wigley Group Classic Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap) (GBB Race)

Runners: 14 runners

Type: Chase Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Cloudy

14/1 (Won)

  • Win: £9.50
  • Place: £2.60

Form: 51-122

Last run: 36 days

W: 10st 4lb

8 yo Mare

OR: 122

Form & Verdict
All three chase wins have been at about 3m1f (the furthest she's been) on good ground, the latest when 10l ahead at Wincanton in October; stuck to her task well since when good second at Exeter and Sandown and there's a useful 3m4f/3m6f chase winner close up in the pedigree.
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

7/1

  • Place: £2.10

Form: 154-12 C BF

Last run: 24 days

W: 11st 10lb

8 yo Mare

OR: 142

Form & Verdict
Well beaten in three Grade 1 novice chases last term, having been particularly impressive when dominating a four-runner Grade 2 at this meeting (3m, heavy); neither of her runs this term have matched that peak form but her Newbury second (near 3m) last time did offer hope for longer trips; needs to be at her best on this handicap debut, with headgear enlisted.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

2

2nd Nov 2025

Good

3m 2f 19y

Class 3

15:12 Carlisle

Galia Des Liteaux

12st 0lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

Grade 2-winning chaser who ran well to be eighth in the 2024 Grand National; last season ended disappointingly (latterly in the Midlands National when tongue-tie joined regular cheekpieces) but she was second in the 2m4f Listed race on this card before respectable efforts in the Coral Gold Cup and Welsh National (won by Val Dancer); stays this far and the handicapper has given her a chance; interesting.

8/1

5th

2

2nd Nov 2025

Good

3m 2f 19y

Class 3

15:12 Carlisle

Galia Des Liteaux

12st 0lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

Grade 2-winning chaser who ran well to be eighth in the 2024 Grand National; last season ended disappointingly (latterly in the Midlands National when tongue-tie joined regular cheekpieces) but she was second in the 2m4f Listed race on this card before respectable efforts in the Coral Gold Cup and Welsh National (won by Val Dancer); stays this far and the handicapper has given her a chance; interesting.

8/1

5th

2

2nd Nov 2025

Good

3m 2f 19y

Class 3

15:12 Carlisle

Galia Des Liteaux

12st 0lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

Grade 2-winning chaser who ran well to be eighth in the 2024 Grand National; last season ended disappointingly (latterly in the Midlands National when tongue-tie joined regular cheekpieces) but she was second in the 2m4f Listed race on this card before respectable efforts in the Coral Gold Cup and Welsh National (won by Val Dancer); stays this far and the handicapper has given her a chance; interesting.

8/1

7/1

  • Place: £3.60

Form: 414-13 C

Last run: 55 days

W: 11st 4lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 136

Form & Verdict
Goes well on soft/heavy; his three chase wins have been at up to 3m2f and his well-held fourth in last season's Classic Chase (favourite) and Midlands National (4m2f, soft) both saw a dip in his form; there can't be much doubt that he'll stay, though, given the way he kept on strongly for third to Malina Girl over the extended 3m3f at Cheltenham on latest start; needs to improve but he's a strong each-way candidate.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

7

16th Mar 2024

Heavy

4m 2f 8y

Class 1

15:00 Uttoxeter

Guetapan Collonges

10st 13lb

J: Richie McLernon

T: Charlie Longsdon

Dour stayer who loves the mud; five chase wins include one here; reliable in these valuable staying chases without ever looking particularly well handicapped, and he was beaten 24l into fourth in this last year when 3lb lower; having another solid season but hard to believe he's any better now than 12 months ago; first-time tongue-tie.

13/2

3rd

7

13th Jan 2024

Soft

3m 5f 54y

Class 1

15:00 Warwick

Guetapan Collonges

11st 4lb

J: Richie McLernon

T: Charlie Longsdon

Goes well on soft/heavy; his three chase wins have been at up to 3m2f and his well-held fourth in last season's Classic Chase (favourite) and Midlands National (4m2f, soft) both saw a dip in his form; there can't be much doubt that he'll stay, though, given the way he kept on strongly for third to Malina Girl over the extended 3m3f at Cheltenham on latest start; needs to improve but he's a strong each-way candidate.

7/1

7

19th Nov 2023

Good To Soft

3m 3f 71y

Class 1

14:20 Cheltenham

Guetapan Collonges

11st 8lb

J: Richie McLernon

T: Charlie Longsdon

Goes well on soft/heavy; won twice last season and resumed with a win at Carlisle (up 7lb since) one month ago, all at 3m to nearly 3m2f; fourth in last season's Classic Chase (3m5f, heavy) and Midlands National (4m2f, soft) both saw a dip in his form but this progressive 7yo will surely prove his stamina in due course and needs plenty of respect.

4/1

Form: 34-123 C

Last run: 21 days

W: 11st 1lb

9 yo Mare

OR: 133

Form & Verdict
Won in good style at Wincanton (soft) in October over an extended 3m2f, the furthest she's been; good placed efforts off revised marks at Haydock (3m1f in the mud) in her two starts since but she needs to find a fair bit extra.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

3

8th Mar 2026

Soft

3m 0f 110y

Class 2

14:50 Carlisle

Credo

11st 2lb

J: Rex Dingle

T: Anthony Honeyball

Behind stablemate Blackjack Magic when seventh in final of this veterans' series at Sandown in January and was soundly beaten in major Ascot handicap last month but her first two runs this season were very respectable and she's now 3lb lower than when winning this race in 2025.

7/2

8th

7

14th Feb 2026

Soft

2m 7f 185y

Class 1

15:00 Ascot

Credo

10st 4lb

J: Rex Dingle

T: Anthony Honeyball

Successful in two legs of the 2025 Stayers' Veterans' Chase Series but came up short in the Final won by Nocte Volatus; hasn't won a conventional race since 2023.

20/1

5th

4

30th Mar 2025

Good

2m 7f 180y

Class 2

16:30 Ascot

Credo

11st 3lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Anthony Honeyball

In-form mare who won four-runner veterans' chase fairly comfortably at Carlisle (3m, good) a week ago and is now 2-3 since fitted with a visor; has 6lb penalty to carry today but is respected in her current mood.

2/1

12/1

Form: 53P-23

Last run: 35 days

W: 10st 13lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 131

Form & Verdict
Last won in May 2022 but has registered career-best form since with three placed efforts over the big fences at Aintree, including on heavy ground over 2m5f and 3m2f for his two starts this season; stayed on stoutly over that longer trip last time, so it's possible that this new distance will spark the improvement he needs.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

22

3rd Apr 2025

Good To Soft

2m 5f 19y

Class 2

16:05 Aintree

Percussion

12st 0lb

J: Mr Daniel Cherriman

T: L J Morgan

Will need to step up on his recent hunter chase efforts but he has form figures of 33237 in handicaps over the Grand National fences; a bold show would be no surprise.

20/1

15th

22

3rd Apr 2025

Good To Soft

2m 5f 19y

Class 2

16:05 Aintree

Percussion

12st 0lb

J: Mr Daniel Cherriman

T: L J Morgan

Will need to step up on his recent hunter chase efforts but he has form figures of 33237 in handicaps over the Grand National fences; a bold show would be no surprise.

20/1

3rd

8

3rd Mar 2025

Good To Soft

3m 0f 60y

Class 5

15:07 Southwell

Percussion

11st 12lb

J: Mr Daniel Cherriman

T: L J Morgan

Close third in similar event at Ludlow (3m) last month; on a long losing spell but won his last two Southwell attempts (spring 2022) and is interesting back here.

4/1

Form: 113-45

Last run: 28 days

W: 11st 8lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 140

Form & Verdict
14l fourth to Malina Girl at Cheltenham (3m3f; favourite) in November, giving the impression that reappearance run might have been needed, but he again lost places late on when below-form fifth back at Cheltenham (3m2f) four weeks ago; looked promising last term but now has a bit to prove.
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: 1P-01F D

Last run: 28 days

W: 12st 0lb

7 yo Mare

OR: 146

Form & Verdict
Won the Ulster National at Downpatrick (3m4f, soft) last April and ran away with a Grade 3 handicap at Cheltenham (3m3f, soft) in November; raised 11lb to today's mark when back to Cheltenham (3m2f) four weeks ago but was travelling strongly when she fell three out; this trip will suit and it's not hard to think that this mark will also prove manageable; big shout.
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

Form: 214P85 D

Last run: 18 days

W: 10st 2lb

11 yo Gelding

OR: 120

Form & Verdict
Two wins last spring included 3m5f Norfolk National at Fakenham (good; used to act on soft); 2lb lower today as he's failed to fire in his four starts since; reverting to blinkers from recent cheekpieces might help.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

13

13th Jan 2024

Soft

3m 5f 54y

Class 1

15:00 Warwick

Duc De Beauchene

10st 2lb

J: Jack Tudor

T: David Pipe

Two wins last spring included 3m5f Norfolk National at Fakenham (good; used to act on soft); 2lb lower today as he's failed to fire in his four starts since; reverting to blinkers from recent cheekpieces might help.

20/1

Form: 40P-U1 C

Last run: 18 days

W: 11st 8lb

9 yo Mare

OR: 140

Form & Verdict
Ballooning the first fence resulted in her unseating rider when favourite for the London National (3m4f) on seasonal debut, after wind surgery; drew 14l clear from three out against the only other finisher at Wetherby (3m, soft) 18 days ago; 7lb rise could still leave her well treated and she's well worth this third attempt at a marathon trip.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

5

14th Mar 2025

Good To Soft

2m 4f 127y

Class 1

14:40 Cheltenham

Fontaine Collonges

11st 2lb

J: Charlie Deutsch

T: Venetia Williams

took keen hold, in touch with leaders, slow jump 1st, towards rear 2nd

33/1

2

15th Feb 2025

Good To Soft

3m 4f 97y

Class 1

15:15 Haydock

Fontaine Collonges

10st 11lb

J: Ned Fox

T: Venetia Williams

held up in rear, not fluent 2nd

16/1

2

27th Dec 2024

Soft

3m 6f 130y

Class 1

14:50 Chepstow

Fontaine Collonges

11st 12lb

T: Venetia Williams

Mightily impressive with a wide-margin win at Wetherby (3m, soft) last Christmas and same again at Haydock (extended 3m1f, soft; from Monbeg Genius) five weeks ago; her only run in between is a worry, though, as she weakened quickly from seven out in the Classic Chase at Warwick, and that was her second major failure to prove her stamina at about 3m4f/3m5f; throw in an 8lb rise since Haydock and some doubts creep in.

10/1

OUR TIP

Form: 49F-52

Last run: 35 days

W: 11st 9lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 141

Form & Verdict
Held up last three starts; career over fences has not gone smoothly, including with jumping blemishes, but he might have turned the corner with his second in the London National at Sandown (3m4f, heavy) five weeks ago when stepped up in trip; back up 1lb, he has each-way claims.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

20

11th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

4m 2f 74y

Class 1

16:00 Aintree

Beauport

10st 11lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Nigel & Willy Twiston-Davies

Took well to these fences in last year's renewal but subsided rapidly after three out, which might have been surprising for one who'd won a 4m2f Midlands National (March 2024) but he seemed to race a bit too zestfully in the front rank; 3lb lower today, having run respectably on reappearance but moderately in two hurdle races since (wind surgery before latest); now tongue tied first time; a bit to prove.

100/1

4th

3

14th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 58y

Class 1

14:05 Haydock

Beauport

11st 2lb

J: Toby McCain-Mitchell

T: Nigel & Willy Twiston-Davies

10yo who was pulled up in Grade 1 Long Walk Hurdle at Ascot in December and conditional Toby McCain-Mitchell is unable to claim today; however, he's had wind surgery since his latest outing, which might help, and he was second in this 12 months ago having finished third in the Long Walk the time before; it will be no surprise to see a bold bid from this prominent-racer.

10/1

12th

12

5th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

4m 2f 74y

Class 1

16:00 Aintree

Beauport

11st 1lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Nigel Twiston-Davies

Jumped and hung badly right in the Midlands National at Uttoxeter (4m2f, heavy) last March but nevertheless battled back to win, the clear highlight among seven chases going this way round; scoring by 31l at Ascot (3m5f, good; 12lb higher today) was a good way to start this season and he's run with credit over hurdles since; going left-handed is a concern but there are lots of positives otherwise.

22/1

Form: 15P-P4

Last run: 28 days

W: 11st 7lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 139

Form & Verdict
Career-best effort when scoring decisively at Cheltenham (near 3m3f, soft; pulled up on heavy) on New Year's Day last year; took a big step back in the right direction (suffered an irregular heartbeat on reappearance) when fourth of eight at that track four weeks ago; it's plausible that he will stay beyond 3m3f but he probably needs to hit a new high.
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: 031-35

Last run: 35 days

W: 11st 3lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 135

Form & Verdict
His only two runs beyond 3m2f resulted in a third in the 2022 Scottish National (4m) and a win in last season's Midlands National at Uttoxeter (4m2f, soft; 6lb higher today); ran respectably on reappearance and perhaps heavy going helps to explain a lesser show at Chepstow (weakened badly from four out) five weeks ago; needs to put that display way behind him (connections also now reach for a visor) but he has to be considered.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

13th Feb 2026

Soft

3m 0f 38y

Class 5

15:25 Fakenham

Major Dundee

11st 12lb

J: Mr Sam Lee

T: Francesca Poste

Last successful in the Midlands Grand National of 2023; lost his way for Alan King and a beaten favourite in his two recent points; tries blinkers.

4/1

Form: 8110-F

Last run: 35 days

W: 11st 1lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 133

Form & Verdict
Well on top over Sandown's 3m last season in the Royal Artillery Gold Cup (good) and Grand Military Gold Cup (good to soft); both starts since were over the 3m4f at same course (his only forays beyond 3m) when well beaten in their big end-of-season handicap but yet to be asked for his effort when falling two out five weeks ago in the London National (heavy); not ruled out.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6

7th Dec 2024

Good To Soft

3m 4f 146y

Class 2

15:35 Sandown

Broken Halo

11st 4lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Paul Nicholls

Had wind surgery (his second) since last run; scored over 3m4f at Taunton (soft) in March and was still going well (4l down, disputing third) when falling two out in this contest last year; shortlisted.

7/1

Form: 1P-250 CD

Last run: 29 days

W: 10st 2lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 118

Form & Verdict
Often front-runs; Warwick specialist with five wins from six appearances and two of those wins were over 3m5f (one on soft); the defeat, however, came in this race last year (heavy) when beaten 16l in a respectable fifth; best to forgive this season (way out of the weights on Cheltenham cross-country on last two starts) but 2lb wrong today and this task looks a bit too tough.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

25th Feb 2024

Heavy

3m 1f 44y

Class 4

14:10 Hereford

Volcano

11st 12lb

J: Finn Lambert

T: Sheila Lewis

Has gained most wins at Warwick, the last three over 3m5f; best effort this term came over same distance in cross-country race at Cheltenham; drops back in grade off a workable mark but this doesn't look an ideal scenario; 0-4 at Hereford.

11/4

0

14

13th Jan 2024

Soft

3m 5f 54y

Class 1

15:00 Warwick

Volcano

10st 2lb

J: Ben Jones

T: Sheila Lewis

Often front-runs; Warwick specialist with five wins from six appearances and two of those wins were over 3m5f (one on soft); the defeat, however, came in this race last year (heavy) when beaten 16l in a respectable fifth; best to forgive this season (way out of the weights on Cheltenham cross-country on last two starts) but 2lb wrong today and this task looks a bit too tough.

16/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £45.50
Straight Forecast £51.31
Tricast £526.06
Trifecta £440.80

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Malina Girl

RP RATINGS:

Galia Des Liteaux

LAMBOURN:

City Chief

WEST COUNTRY:

Beauport

D Express:

Guetapan Collonges

The Guardian:

Fontaine Collonges

TOPSPEED:

Broken Halo

Daily Mail:

Volcano

Daily Record:

Galia Des Liteaux

POSTDATA:

Malina Girl

The Times:

Malina Girl

Daily Mirror:

Malina Girl

The Sun:

Malina Girl

Telegraph:

City Chief

The Star:

Beauport