February 16 / 16.00 Kelso

16.00

Soft

Remembering Michael Wares Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase (GBB Race)

  • Prize money: £6601.25
  • 2m 7f 96y
  • Class 3
  • 2 runners
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Remembering Michael Wares Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase (GBB Race)

Runners: 2 runners

Type: Chase Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Partly cloudy

OUR TIP

15/8 (Won)

  • Win: £1.62

Form: 111141 CD

Last run: 33 days

W: 10st 11lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 133

Form & Verdict
Has won six of his last seven races, last five over fences, the latest on soft over C&D; has gone up 18lb; only defeat in that spell when fourth in a decent handicap at Wetherby on Boxing Day; conditions suit; should go well.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

2

20th Apr 2026

Good

2m 5f 133y

Class 4

15:00 Kelso

Special Rate

11st 13lb

J: Danny McMenamin

T: Hugh Burns

Yet to add to his four chase wins for Philip Kirby during 2023-24 season but has made the frame on all four starts for current stable since December, most recently when third of five at Newcastle (2m4f, good) nine days ago; tried in cheekpieces today; probably won't be far away.

11/2

3rd

5

11th Apr 2026

Good

2m 4f 19y

Class 3

14:42 Newcastle

Special Rate

11st 6lb

J: Ryan Mania

T: Hugh Burns

With Phil Kirby when left alone in a match at Kelso (3m, soft) in February 2024, that being his fourth (and most recent) win over fences; runner-up in this last year (beaten 11l) for Lizzie Quinlan; in the frame three times (Musselburgh) for Hugh Burns; competes from an easing mark, needing more.

4/1

4th

1

15th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 7f 138y

Class 4

16:20 Musselburgh

Special Rate

12st 1lb

J: Brian Hughes

T: Hugh Burns

On a two-year losing spell but looks reasonably solid, having posted two respectable efforts over C&D this winter for new yard; remains well treated on peak form.

4/1

Form: 2F1-53 D

Last run: 49 days

W: 10st 5lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 125

Form & Verdict
Quite a useful novice hurdler last season; running well until losing his chance when sprawling on landing two out in a novice handicap chase over 2m6f here in December (heavy); interesting prospect but no easy task here, particularly from 2lb out of the handicap.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

1

17th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 26y

Class 4

16:22 Wetherby

Imperial Merlin

12st 0lb

J: Sean Quinlan

T: John & Sean Quinn

Pulled up at Warwick in January last time but was in pretty good heart towards the end of last year and he's now 1lb lower than when winning at Haydock (3m, good) last March; also handles soft; capable of going well.

12/1

1

23rd Jan 2026

Good To Soft

3m 1f 5y

Class 4

14:37 Warwick

Imperial Merlin

12st 2lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: John & Sean Quinn

Only 1lb higher than for his Haydock win over a similar trip last March; does have a lot of weight though and was only fifth at Haydock last time, finishing just behind Gwennie May Star.

8/1

2

5th Sep 2025

Good

2m 7f 32y

Class 3

16:45 Bangor-on-Dee

Imperial Merlin

11st 10lb

J: James Bowen

T: John & Sean Quinn

Not well handicapped but arrives here after a 3l second of eight at Uttoxeter when tried in cheekpieces (2m7f, good); no reason why he won't be involved once more.

6/1

Non-runners

Giovinco

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Special Rate

The Times:

Giovinco

The Guardian:

Imperial Merlin

Daily Mirror:

Giovinco

RP RATINGS:

Special Rate

TOPSPEED:

Special Rate

POSTDATA:

Special Rate

Telegraph:

Special Rate

Daily Mail:

Special Rate

D Express:

Special Rate

The Sun:

Special Rate

The Star:

Special Rate

Daily Record:

Special Rate