January 18 / 14.23 Ludlow

14.23

Good To Soft

G C Rickards Ltd Handicap Chase

  • Prize money: £5281
  • 2m 4f 11y
  • Class 5
  • 10 runners
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G C Rickards Ltd Handicap Chase

Runners: 10 runners

Type: Chase Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Clear

Form: 412-P7 D

Last run: 35 days

W: 12st 0lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 105

Form & Verdict
On a competitive mark on his hurdle form last spring but below par in that sphere on his last two starts and he struggled in 2022 on his three previous chase outings; others have far less to prove.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

30th May 2025

Good

2m 0f 213y

Class 5

20:45 Stratford

Samtara

11st 12lb

J: Mr Charlie Marshall

T: Ms Claire Hart

1-31 and not always a strong finisher under rules previously, but really dug in to wrest the prize back at Mollington latest (2m4f, good to firm); plenty to find on peak ratings but confidence restored at least.

33/1

5

30th May 2025

Good

2m 0f 213y

Class 5

20:45 Stratford

Samtara

11st 12lb

J: Mr Charlie Marshall

T: Ms Claire Hart

1-31 and not always a strong finisher under rules previously, but really dug in to wrest the prize back at Mollington latest (2m4f, good to firm); plenty to find on peak ratings but confidence restored at least.

33/1

8th

7

30th May 2024

Good

3m 2f 0y

Class 4

18:10 Warwick

Samtara

11st 4lb

J: Mr Freddie Keighley

T: Martin Keighley

Not the best of strike-rates but sound run when second over fences at Huntingdon last time (2m7f, good); well handicapped at present; a possible back hurdling.

10/1

OUR TIP

Form: 2358/9

Last run: 72 days

W: 12st 0lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 105

Form & Verdict
On a much-reduced mark for this second run back from a long absence, but his form went the wrong way for Alan King and he was well beaten on his stable debut in November; revival required on chase debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12th

4

9th Mar 2024

Soft

3m 0f 70y

Class 5

16:18 Ayr

Grosvenor Court

11st 12lb

J: Daryl Jacob

T: D J Jeffreys

Fairly useful for Alan King before absence but that layoff seems to have put the brakes on as he's shown little over hurdles and fences in two starts for new yard; first-time tongue-tie needs to help spark a revival; could only consider if backed.

16/1

0

1

23rd Jan 2024

Good To Soft

2m 6f 151y

Class 5

14:45 Leicester

Grosvenor Court

12st 0lb

J: David Bass

T: D J Jeffreys

held up in rear, struggling before 5 out, pulled up before 4 out

14/1

Form: 3P235P D

Last run: 29 days

W: 12st 0lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 105

Form & Verdict
Two fair runs in defeat over fences in the autumn and on a handy mark on that form, but two lesser runs since and he has to get back on track.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

13th May 2024

Good

2m 3f 147y

Class 4

14:30 Hereford

Inishbiggle

11st 9lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Gary Hanmer

Three-time hurdle winner during 2021-22 season; out form over fences when last seen in late 2023 but has been given a good chance by the handicapper and the booking of Sean Bowen makes him worth a glance in the betting; suited by good and soft ground.

14/1

3

13th May 2024

Good

2m 3f 147y

Class 4

14:30 Hereford

Inishbiggle

11st 9lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Gary Hanmer

Three-time hurdle winner during 2021-22 season; out form over fences when last seen in late 2023 but has been given a good chance by the handicapper and the booking of Sean Bowen makes him worth a glance in the betting; suited by good and soft ground.

14/1

Form: 224-34

Last run: 33 days

W: 11st 13lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 104

Form & Verdict
10yo who isn't the force of old and hasn't really threatened on his two starts this season, but hasn't run badly and continues to drop down the weights; not ruled out.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

5

13th Mar 2024

Soft

2m 3f 189y

Class 5

16:30 Huntingdon

Out On The Tear

11st 11lb

J: Charlie Todd

T: Sam Allwood

Without a win since 2021 but has made the frame on all four starts this season, most notably when second at Sedgefield (2m3f, soft) two runs ago; continues to slip down the weights and has possibilities if the first-time cheekpieces give him a boost.

9/1

3rd

1

18th Feb 2024

Soft

2m 4f 88y

Class 5

14:25 Southwell

Out On The Tear

12st 0lb

J: Toby Wynne

T: Sam Allwood

Four wins divided between hurdles and fences; has raced mostly at about 2m but seemed to stay Sedgefield's extended 2m3f (soft) when runner-up three weeks ago; drops into a Class 5 here and must have a chance.

3/1

Form: 7833-3 BF

Last run: 29 days

W: 11st 12lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 103

Form & Verdict
Lightly raced point runner-up who showed signs of promise over hurdles and was an encouraging third of 14 over C&D (soft) on last month's chase and seasonal debut; could build on that and he's one to consider.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

1

11th Jun 2024

Good

1m 7f 182y

Class 5

15:15 Southwell

Minella Choice

12st 0lb

J: Charlie Todd

T: Ian Williams

raced wide, in touch with leaders, outpaced and lost position 10th, lost touch 3 out

11/2

4th

4

31st Mar 2024

Good To Soft

2m 1f 43y

Class 4

16:29 Market Rasen

Minella Choice

11st 4lb

J: Charlie Todd

T: Ian Williams

held up in last

11/2

Form: B3-434

Last run: 23 days

W: 11st 12lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 103

Form & Verdict
Inconsistent over hurdles this season and it's been the same in this first chase campaign; well beaten last time but fair third at Wincanton (2m4f, heavy) previously and he could be a contender if today is a going day.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

29th Feb 2024

Soft

2m 7f 3y

Class 4

15:50 Taunton

Kingofthewest

11st 10lb

J: Jack Tudor

T: David Pipe

raced in second, fell 3rd

5/2

2nd

4

13th Feb 2024

Soft

2m 4f 0y

Class 4

16:10 Lingfield

Kingofthewest

11st 9lb

J: Jack Tudor

T: David Pipe

prominent, left in third 9th, stayed on run-in, went third towards finish, no match for winner

7/2

Form: 3-2312 CD

Last run: 19 days

W: 11st 11lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 102

Form & Verdict
Off the mark over fences at the fourth attempt over C&D (soft) last month and went very close at Taunton (2m7f, good to soft) last time; has a progressive profile and he's a leading player once more.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

30th May 2024

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 5

20:40 Warwick

Miltiades

12st 0lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Henry Daly

2m4f chase winner (soft) who has gone close when on this mark; returned from a break to equal his career-best form over C&D latest; drops 1lb; may be able to eke out a bit more; player.

11/4

3rd

7

6th May 2024

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 4

17:00 Warwick

Miltiades

11st 2lb

J: Alice Stevens

T: Henry Daly

Won a novices' handicap chase at Ludlow (2m4f, soft) in December; went close in his follow-up bid at Taunton (2m7f, good to soft) later that month but his form slumped at Leicester in January; has bit to prove again after that and others are preferred.

16/1

3rd

7

6th May 2024

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 4

17:00 Warwick

Miltiades

11st 2lb

J: Alice Stevens

T: Henry Daly

Won a novices' handicap chase at Ludlow (2m4f, soft) in December; went close in his follow-up bid at Taunton (2m7f, good to soft) later that month but his form slumped at Leicester in January; has bit to prove again after that and others are preferred.

16/1

Abandoned

Form: 23-316 D

Last run: 53 days

W: 11st 10lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 101

Form & Verdict
Lightly raced 8yo who won on his chase debut at Huntingdon (2m4f, good to soft) in October and may have found the heavy ground too much at Uttoxeter next time (2m4f, heavy; bumped at first fence); retains potential over fences and could bounce back with a big effort.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

9

2nd Nov 2025

Good

2m 3f 137y

Class 5

15:30 Huntingdon

Kankin

11st 2lb

J: Kielan Woods

T: Alex Hales

Dual winner over fences including here (2m4f, good to soft); 5lb lower than when second of six over hurdles at Stratford (2m6f, good) in May, but well held in both subsequent outings; stable also runs Catalan King.

14/1

5th

9

2nd Nov 2025

Good

2m 3f 137y

Class 5

15:30 Huntingdon

Kankin

11st 2lb

J: Kielan Woods

T: Alex Hales

Dual winner over fences including here (2m4f, good to soft); 5lb lower than when second of six over hurdles at Stratford (2m6f, good) in May, but well held in both subsequent outings; stable also runs Catalan King.

14/1

Form: 515226 D

Last run: 14 days

W: 10st 7lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 84

Form & Verdict
Runner-up to Miltiades over C&D (soft) last month and occupied the same position over C&D (soft) next time; below par at Hereford (2m5f, good to soft) a fortnight ago but not discounted in view of previous form.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

12

21st Apr 2026

Soft

2m 7f 177y

Class 5

18:42 Ffos Las

Martalmixjac

10st 2lb

J: Shane Quinlan

T: Mel Rowley

Kept on well to win from the front at Ludlow (3m, good to soft; front pair clear) in February and remains well handicapped on best of last season's form but he's too inconsistent to rely upon heavily.

7/1

1st

7

26th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 7f 171y

Class 5

15:17 Ludlow

Martalmixjac

10st 4lb

J: Shane Quinlan

T: Mel Rowley

Ran quite well when second (albeit well held) at Huntingdon (2m4f, soft) three weeks ago and will be fine over today's longer trip but he's very inconsistent nowadays and it's nearly two years since his last win.

11/2

2nd

10

5th Feb 2026

Soft

2m 3f 189y

Class 5

13:25 Huntingdon

Martalmixjac

10st 4lb

J: Charlie Deutsch

T: Mel Rowley

Dual chase winner who is well treated on best form; not particularly solid on his results this season, the pick at Hereford when over half the field failed to complete.

12/1

Form: 5/F24R

Last run: 14 days

W: 10st 6lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 83

Form & Verdict
Fair second at Uttoxeter (2m4f, heavy) in November but failed to back up that performance at Bangor (2m4f, heavy) next time and he refused mid-race at Hereford a fortnight ago; others are more compelling.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

8

31st Mar 2026

Good

3m 0f 30y

Class 5

16:20 Bangor-on-Dee

Nine Nine Nine

11st 0lb

J: James Best

T: Sarah-Jayne Davies

Effective on all ground but Leicester is his favourite patch; his record elsewhere isn't that solid and twice well held here, as was also the case when tried in blinkers last time at Uttoxeter.

15/2

2nd

7

14th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 0y

Class 4

16:45 Uttoxeter

Nine Nine Nine

10st 2lb

J: James Best

T: Sarah-Jayne Davies

Particularly effective at Leicester, as best form this season confirms; his record at Uttoxeter isn't as solid; nicely weighted but chance partly depends on how well he responds to new headgear.

7/1

4th

4

24th Feb 2026

Heavy

2m 6f 151y

Class 5

14:50 Leicester

Nine Nine Nine

11st 6lb

J: Shane Fenelon

T: Sarah-Jayne Davies

Leicester specialist whose good record here features second-place finishes in this contest last year (off 2lb higher) and on latest outing (had wind surgery since); solid claims.

5/1

Verdict

Having won over C&D two starts ago, MILTIADES displayed further improvement when going close at Taunton last time and this progressive 8yo can return to winning ways. Minella Choice was an encouraging third of 14 over C&D on his chase debut and could have more to offer, and he may be the chief danger ahead of Huntingdon winner Kankin, for whom heavy ground might have been too much at Uttoxeter last time.[Ben Hutton]