November 02 / 14.05 Ascot

14.05

Good

Byrne Group Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap) (GBB Race)

  • Prize money: £56950
  • 2m 0f 167y
  • Class 1
  • 10 runners
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Byrne Group Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap) (GBB Race)

Runners: 10 runners

Type: Chase Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Mostly cloudy

11/2 (Won)

  • Win: £7.00
  • Place: £2.00

Form: 23111- CD

Last run: 189 days

W: 10st 8lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 134

Form & Verdict
Competitive without looking ahead of his mark last season until rattling off a hat-trick (2m1f-2m4f) in the spring on heavy and good ground, never more impressive than at Sandown the final time; went up another 7lb for that but something evidently clicked and he returns in a race his trainer has targeted in the past.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

13

11th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

1m 7f 199y

Class 1

16:40 Cheltenham

Martator

10st 12lb

J: Charlie Deutsch

T: Venetia Williams

Ascot specialist who was second there in November off today's mark and he was in contention when unseating five out at Sandown in January; however, good runs were scarce in 2025 and he's been soundly beaten on all four visits here; tenth in this last year; blinkers replace cheekpieces.

50/1

3

31st Jan 2026

Soft

1m 7f 99y

Class 2

14:02 Sandown

Martator

11st 9lb

J: Charlie Deutsch

T: Venetia Williams

Has lacked consistency since completing a five-timer in 2024; best effort this term when second at Ascot on penultimate start; on last winning mark, so holds a fighting chance provided he's in top form.

12/1

14/1

  • Place: £5.10

Form: 31155- D

Last run: 194 days

W: 10st 2lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 126

Form & Verdict
Hit the ground running over fences last season with two Newbury wins (2m, soft) and made light work of Martator on the first occasion; struggled on two visits to Kempton once the ground had dried up and conditions again have to be a concern; 2lb out of the weights.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

12

1st Nov 2025

Good

2m 0f 172y

Class 1

14:05 Ascot

Issar dAiry

10st 2lb

J: Freddie Mitchell

T: Gary & Josh Moore

Favourably treated with Martator on his beating of that rival in late 2023 and, when second to the Williams horse in this last year, he committed a good way from home; didn't really fire back in the spring but he's very able when fresh and worth a second look despite being 2lb wrong; Freddie Mitchell aboard for five of his last six races.

9/1

8th

12

1st Nov 2025

Good

2m 0f 172y

Class 1

14:05 Ascot

Issar dAiry

10st 2lb

J: Freddie Mitchell

T: Gary & Josh Moore

Favourably treated with Martator on his beating of that rival in late 2023 and, when second to the Williams horse in this last year, he committed a good way from home; didn't really fire back in the spring but he's very able when fresh and worth a second look despite being 2lb wrong; Freddie Mitchell aboard for five of his last six races.

9/1

7

26th Oct 2025

Good To Soft

2m 3f 104y

Class 2

14:05 Fontwell

Issar dAiry

11st 3lb

J: Freddie Mitchell

T: Gary & Josh Moore

20/1

  • Place: £2.80

Form: 11F34- D

Last run: 189 days

W: 10st 3lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 129

Form & Verdict
Not always the most fluent of jumpers but still won three handicaps last season (1m7f-2m3f) before the handicapper seemed to get hold of him; even this slightly reduced mark could be troublesome at this level of competition.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

4

6th Apr 2026

Good

2m 0f 219y

Class 2

14:35 Plumpton

Kotmask

10st 7lb

J: Caoilin Quinn

T: Gary & Josh Moore

His jumping has been an issue this season and he was soundly beaten at Newbury last time; however, two starts ago he was a close second of four there (2m, good to soft) and he has a good record at this track; might not be far away if finding some fluency.

4/1

3rd

2

21st Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 0f 92y

Class 3

16:10 Newbury

Kotmask

11st 12lb

J: Caoilin Quinn

T: Gary & Josh Moore

Almost as good as ever this season and he kept on well when 1l second of four over C&D (good to soft) three weeks ago; a repeat of that form would see him go close, with a tongue-strap added for the first time in Britain, but a losing sequence is developing and he tends to make mistakes.

7/4

2nd

1

27th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 0f 92y

Class 3

16:08 Newbury

Kotmask

12st 0lb

J: Caoilin Quinn

T: Gary & Josh Moore

Resurgent in first-time blinkers when second to an improver at Sandown in January (good; fine on soft) and fell midrace back there last time; it's surprising to see cheekpieces back on (beaten 10l in December when tried in them once before) but he has a big effort in him off this mark.

8/1

OUR TIP

Form: 214F2- D

Last run: 203 days

W: 12st 0lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 154

Form & Verdict
Impressed in all departments when winning a 2m Grade 2 at Kempton last Christmas (good to soft); luckless afterwards, even at Aintree the final time where he pulled clear with top notcher Found A Fifty only to go down in a bobbing finish; a 4lb rise for nearly winning a Grade 1 is perfectly fair and Tom Bellamy gets a tune out of him; his class could count.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

8

12th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 127y

Class 1

16:00 Cheltenham

Master Chewy

11st 10lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Nigel & Willy Twiston-Davies

Finished a creditable close second of three finishers in a Grade 2 at Kempton (about 2m4f, good) in January but he's an infrequent winner and it's two years since he ran well in a Grade 1 (not far away when falling two out in the Arkle here, then touched off at Aintree); well adrift in this race last year and there's no reason to expect much better today.

100/1

5th

1

7th Feb 2026

Soft

2m 0f 92y

Class 1

14:45 Newbury

Master Chewy

11st 8lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Nigel & Willy Twiston-Davies

Landed this prize last year but incurs a bigger penalty this time, making him worse off with runner-up Libberty Hunter, and concedes weight to some other notable rivals that include a very promising 5yo; outgunned by 12yo Edwardstone at Kempton most recently; chance of doing the Game Spirit double partly depends on how well he responds to first-time headgear.

11/1

2

26th Oct 2025

Good

2m 3f 200y

Class 1

14:55 Aintree

Master Chewy

11st 6lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Nigel & Willy Twiston-Davies

Unproven at this trip but kept on well to win Grade 2 Game Spirit at Newbury (2m, soft) in February and his two subsequent defeats came in Grade 1s; likes it here, with course form figures of 122, and he's fine on good ground; from in-form yard and can play leading role if seeing out the trip.

4/1

Form: 4-8832 D

Last run: 13 days

W: 10st 2lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 125

Form & Verdict
Knocking on two years since last successful and this is tougher than when second at Kempton 13 days ago (2m2f, good); well treated (even from 3lb out of the weights) on his close second here last November (after finishing fifth in this) but on all his subsequent form this task looks challenging.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

4

26th May 2026

Good

2m 0f 219y

Class 4

18:39 Plumpton

Frere DArmes

11st 2lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

Has been well out of form since returning in September from a break and has offered little switched to hunter chases this year; now back in handicap company for his leading stable and down to a potentially workable mark, but recent efforts temper enthusiasm.

2/1

4th

1

19th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 11y

Class 4

16:50 Ludlow

Frere DArmes

12st 6lb

J: Miss Heidi Palin

T: Dan Skelton

Odds-on third in this race last year before comfortably making all in Stratford hunter chase (2m1f, good) in May; hasn't got near the latter form in eight starts since September however and latest pulled up, despite attracting some support, was a third non completion in a row; others look safer.

7/2

1

13th Feb 2026

Soft

3m 0f 38y

Class 5

15:25 Fakenham

Frere DArmes

12st 6lb

J: Mr Dominic Lewis

T: Dan Skelton

He was in better form when runner-up in this last year having won his previous race; very disappointing when pulled up back here just before Christmas and then unseated at Ludlow when 33-1; hard to trust right now.

11/2

Form: 315-0P D

Last run: 147 days

W: 11st 9lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 149

Form & Verdict
Made all in competitive 2m1f handicap at Fairyhouse in January (soft) but has never been the easiest to predict and the wheels have come off big time; usual hood returns after it was omitted for his final run; opposable despite the lure of the Mullins/Townend factor.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

1

4th May 2026

Good

2m 0f 54y

Class 4

15:15 Warwick

Uncle Phil

12st 2lb

J: Lorcan Williams

T: Chester Williams

Left Willie Mullins in the doldrums and hasn't got a lot going for current yard; others preferred.

20/1

4th

1

19th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

1m 7f 212y

Class 4

15:50 Ludlow

Uncle Phil

12st 0lb

J: Ciaran Gethings

T: Chester Williams

Very well handicapped on old form for Willie Mullins; nothing to shout about in first four runs for this yard but there was some encouragement last time, despite beating just one home, when third at Hereford (2m, good) 12 days ago; big danger if he builds on that from a career-low mark.

11/4

Form: 2U36-4 D

Last run: 21 days

W: 10st 9lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 135

Form & Verdict
His reappearance run after wind surgery hardly got the blood pumping but it could be that he needed the run; interesting on his form here early last season, when third in this race and unfortunate not to win on his return visit (ahead when falling at the last); on a good mark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6

10th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 200y

Class 1

15:30 Aintree

Saint Segal

11st 10lb

J: Ciaran Gethings

T: Jane Williams

Progressive front-runner who has won two handicaps this term (2m3f/2m1f, good to firm/soft) and came second in the Grade 2 Game Spirit at Newbury (2m, heavy) in February; a bad mistake at the first fence all but ended his race in the Champion Chase at Cheltenham last month; sent off 50-1 at the Festival and his form has to go to a new level if he's to pose a threat today.

50/1

10

11th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

1m 7f 199y

Class 1

16:00 Cheltenham

Saint Segal

11st 10lb

J: Ciaran Gethings

T: Jane Williams

Acts on any ground; has become a very consistent chaser; form figures this term read 12122, the second-place finishes in Grade 2 events, including handicaps; ran creditably behind a leading novice in the Game Spirit at Newbury most recently; even if he gives his running again, that won't be nearly enough to trouble the judge now that he is upped further in class; a lot to find.

50/1

2nd

7

7th Feb 2026

Soft

2m 0f 92y

Class 1

14:45 Newbury

Saint Segal

11st 2lb

J: Ciaran Gethings

T: Jane Williams

Acts on soft ground; has become a very consistent handicap chaser; form figures this term read 1212, the second-place finishes behind progressive Thistle Ask in the Haldon Gold Cup at Exeter and Desert Orchid Chase at Kempton; better than ever, has won at Newbury and looks sure to run his race; rock-solid claims.

7/2

Form: U6119- D

Last run: 234 days

W: 11st 2lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 142

Form & Verdict
Ex-French 5yo who looked a horse to follow in going back-to-back in 2m/2m1f handicaps at Cheltenham and Leopardstown last winter; duly went off at only 11-2 for the Grand Annual where all hope was lost with a blunder three out; an upwardly mobile 5yo but softer ground would heighten interest.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

7

10th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 5f 19y

Class 1

16:05 Aintree

Madara

11st 4lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

3-1 favourite when easily winning the 23-runner Plate at Cheltenham (2m4f, good to soft) last month in reapplied cheekpieces (retained); hit with a 10lb rise but that may not stop this 7yo, who could still have more to offer.

4/1

1st

9

10th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 44y

Class 1

16:40 Cheltenham

Madara

11st 0lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

Four chase wins for other yards, most recently in February 2024; 0-4 for this trainer but he achieved a lifetime best when close up on the New course (about 2m4f, good to soft) in December 2024, off this mark to an improver; has a strong record in other races here and looks to retain all his ability since back from an absence; regular cheekpieces refitted; rock-solid contender.

4/1

2nd

1

2nd Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 110y

Class 3

15:07 Kempton

Madara

12st 0lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

Useful on his day, particularly in cheekpieces which were missing when he seemed to need the outing over Christmas on return from 12-month layoff; with the headgear again left off, the market may offer extra guidance.

11/4

Form: -1111P D BF

Last run: 72 days

W: 11st 7lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 147

Form & Verdict
Easy on the eye when bossing lesser opposition to win his first four over fences (2m-2m1f; good or faster) and an early mistake seemed to dent his confidence when pulled up at Newton Abbot; jumps well in the main but has got himself high in the weights ahead of his stiffest test to date over fences.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6

25th Apr 2026

Good

2m 6f 164y

Class 1

14:20 Sandown

Matterhorn

11st 2lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Paul Nicholls

Chase record is 5-11, the most recent win at Uttoxeter (2m4f, good) last spring; seen only twice since but ran well in a notable handicap at Plumpton (2m1f) the latest time; possibilities at the weights, provided he stays the new trip.

7/2

2nd

2

6th Apr 2026

Good

2m 0f 219y

Class 2

14:35 Plumpton

Matterhorn

11st 9lb

J: Jay Tidball

T: Paul Nicholls

Made it 5-9 over fences with convincing win at Uttoxeter (2m4f, good) last May; pulled up on sole run since, at Ascot in December, but the good to soft ground may not have suited; second in this last year; could go well.

11/2

1

25th May 2025

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 2

15:48 Uttoxeter

Matterhorn

12st 0lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Paul Nicholls

Chase career commenced with a four-timer last spring/summer; subsequently lost his form until running well, beating all bar a similarly useful stablemate, in major handicap at Plumpton (2m1f, good) last time; possibilities, provided he's as effective back up in trip.

4/1

Form: 7P33-2 D

Last run: 27 days

W: 11st 9lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 149

Form & Verdict
Three wins two seasons back included a verdict over Saint Segal when giving that one 13lb; ran poorly on sole previous visit to Ascot last November but it would be remiss not to grant him some respect after an encouraging return at Kelso.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

17th Sep 2025

Good

2m 1f 14y

Class 3

18:30 Kelso

Malystic

11st 11lb

J: Brian Hughes

T: Peter Niven

An 11yo now who isn't as good as he was and has predictably lost some of his old speed; hasn't been running badly in handicaps at about this trip but looks vulnerable.

8/1

2

20th Jul 2025

Good

2m 0f 213y

Class 2

15:13 Stratford

Malystic

11st 8lb

J: Henry Brooke

T: Peter Niven

On a good mark but an 11yo now and has lost some of his old zip; ran okay at Uttoxeter last time but got outpaced when it mattered and was never threatening; what will help here is the likelihood of a good pace and some rain; respected.

10/1

4th

3

29th Jun 2025

Good

1m 7f 214y

Class 2

16:20 Uttoxeter

Malystic

11st 10lb

J: Brian Hughes

T: Peter Niven

An 11yo now and, in first-time cheekpieces, finished well behind at Ayr in a race he had done well in previously; this wouldn't be so demanding and his penultimate effort was quite encouraging; by no means ruled out.

14/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £121.40
Straight Forecast £99.00
Tricast £965.31
Trifecta £996.90

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Master Chewy

WEST COUNTRY:

Saint Segal

RP RATINGS:

Frere d'Armes

Daily Mirror:

Martator

D Express:

Saint Segal

The Star:

Saint Segal

TOPSPEED:

Master Chewy

The Times:

Master Chewy

Telegraph:

Master Chewy

The Guardian:

Master Chewy

Daily Mail:

Master Chewy

The Sun:

Master Chewy

Daily Record:

Master Chewy

POSTDATA:

Frere d'Armes