November 17 / 14.55 Cheltenham

14.55

Good

Holland Cooper Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap) (GBB Race)

  • Prize money: £39865
  • 3m 3f 71y
  • Class 1
  • 10 runners
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Holland Cooper Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap) (GBB Race)

Runners: 10 runners

Type: Chase Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Partly cloudy

11/2 (Won)

  • Win: £4.34
  • Place: £1.70

Form: 6134-2 BF

Last run: 26 days

W: 10st 3lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 131

Form & Verdict
Front-runner who reappeared with a rallying second at Exeter (3m, good to soft) last month and he's back in cheekpieces today, in which he showed improved form earlier this year (including 10l win at Newbury); only seven and there's every chance this trip will be within range; one to consider.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

9

17th Nov 2024

Good

3m 3f 71y

Class 1

14:55 Cheltenham

Abuffalosoldier

10st 3lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Warren Greatrex

Front-runner who reappeared with a rallying second at Exeter (3m, good to soft) last month and he's back in cheekpieces today, in which he showed improved form earlier this year (including 10l win at Newbury); only seven and there's every chance this trip will be within range; one to consider.

11/2

1st

9

17th Nov 2024

Good

3m 3f 71y

Class 1

14:55 Cheltenham

Abuffalosoldier

10st 3lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Warren Greatrex

jumped well, made all, kept on well, ridden out, collapsed after finish, heart attack

11/2

4

22nd Oct 2024

Good To Soft

3m 0f 54y

Class 3

16:28 Exeter

Abuffalosoldier

11st 12lb

J: James Bowen

T: Warren Greatrex

Not an instant success over fences last season but won by 10l in first-time cheekpieces at Newbury (2m6f, good to soft) in January and signed off with creditable fourth in valuable novices' handicap at Ayr (3m, soft) in April; respected.

3/1

7/1

  • Place: £2.70

Form: /1102-

Last run: 211 days

W: 10st 9lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 137

Form & Verdict
Won at end of last year on first two runs for this yard (2m7f/3m2f, good to soft/soft) and ran mighty race when going very close in the Scottish National (4m, soft) in April; the lack of a recent run and the forecast good ground are queries today, but this 7yo could have more to offer this term.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

14th Mar 2026

Good

3m 0f 0y

Class 3

16:28 Kempton

Surrey Quest

11st 12lb

J: Kevin Brogan

T: Toby Lawes

High-class staying chase form includes a close second in the 2024 Scottish National but he fell in that race last year and hasn't shown a glimmer of his old ability over hurdles or fences since; lots to prove.

20/1

3

19th Jan 2026

Soft

3m 4f 178y

Class 3

13:50 Lingfield

Surrey Quest

11st 11lb

J: Kevin Brogan

T: Toby Lawes

Very useful marathon chaser on his day but looked out of sorts in three hurdle races towards end of last year; given another wind operation (his third) since; well handicapped but reverts to chasing with lots to prove.

25/1

14th

9

25th Oct 2025

Good To Soft

2m 7f 208y

Class 2

14:55 Cheltenham

Surrey Quest

10st 11lb

J: Kevin Brogan

T: Toby Lawes

Very useful marathon chaser on his day; didn't run anything like as badly as 61l defeat might suggest when making seasonal debut in recent 2m7f hurdle race at Uttoxeter but needs that outing to have brought him on.

33/1

5/1

  • Place: £1.60

Form: P321-1 C

Last run: 18 days

W: 10st 2lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 127

Form & Verdict
Very lightly raced 8yo who was suited by the step up in trip when beating 15 rivals to win here (3m4f, good) in April; displayed wellbeing with novice hurdle win on last month's reappearance; from out of the handicap he's 10lb higher than in April but could have more left in the tank; appealing claims.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

6

29th Jun 2025

Good

3m 2f 13y

Class 2

14:00 Uttoxeter

Hymac

10st 5lb

J: Bryan Carver

T: Harry Fry

3m4f winner in April 2024 and, after a break, he followed up in a novice hurdle; continued to run well afterwards in staying chases, latterly behind Manothepeople at Cheltenham; this mark isn't beyond him; respected.

7/1

2nd

5

16th Apr 2025

Good

3m 2f 0y

Class 2

16:25 Cheltenham

Hymac

10st 11lb

J: Bryan Carver

T: Harry Fry

Kept on gamely to win the 3m4f chase on this card a year ago (good ground) and has performed well on all four outings this season, most recently when third to Moroder in last month's Grimthorpe at Doncaster (3m2f, good; first-time cheekpieces); likely contender.

11/4

2nd

5

16th Apr 2025

Good

3m 2f 0y

Class 2

16:25 Cheltenham

Hymac

10st 11lb

J: Bryan Carver

T: Harry Fry

Kept on gamely to win the 3m4f chase on this card a year ago (good ground) and has performed well on all four outings this season, most recently when third to Moroder in last month's Grimthorpe at Doncaster (3m2f, good; first-time cheekpieces); likely contender.

11/4

Form: 451P-4 CD

Last run: 22 days

W: 11st 8lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 150

Form & Verdict
Has run just seven times since winning this two years ago (good); won at Doncaster this March and, having had a wind op, he returned to form with fair fourth on last month's reappearance here (3m1f, good); could improve for that outing and has an excellent 4-8 record here; firmly in calculations.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

1

16th Apr 2025

Good

3m 2f 0y

Class 2

16:25 Cheltenham

Does He Know

12st 0lb

J: Ciaran Gethings

T: Kim Bailey & Mat Nicholls

Very useful staying chaser when on song and has pretty good record at Cheltenham; pulled up at Exeter two starts ago and didn't find much at the business end when third of four at Carlisle (3m, good) last month but it won't be a surprise if he runs a big race here.

11/2

3rd

1

16th Apr 2025

Good

3m 2f 0y

Class 2

16:25 Cheltenham

Does He Know

12st 0lb

J: Ciaran Gethings

T: Kim Bailey & Mat Nicholls

Very useful staying chaser when on song and has pretty good record at Cheltenham; pulled up at Exeter two starts ago and didn't find much at the business end when third of four at Carlisle (3m, good) last month but it won't be a surprise if he runs a big race here.

11/2

3rd

1

23rd Mar 2025

Good

3m 0f 110y

Class 2

16:30 Carlisle

Does He Know

12st 0lb

J: Tom Bellamy

T: Kim Bailey & Mat Nicholls

taken down early, raced in second, pressed leader 13th, led narrowly 3 out, headed when hit last, weakened and lost second run-in

9/4

Form: 3214-3 D

Last run: 26 days

W: 10st 2lb

9 yo Mare

OR: 128

Form & Verdict
Has run well on good ground here and won at Sandown (3m, good to soft) in March; reappeared with solid third at Exeter (3m, good to soft) last month and she should be fine with today's test (albeit well beaten 12 months ago); 2lb out of the handicap but not discounted for bang-in-form yard.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

11

17th Nov 2024

Good

3m 3f 71y

Class 1

14:55 Cheltenham

Rose Of Arcadia

10st 2lb

J: Freddie Gingell

T: Joe Tizzard

Has run well on good ground here and won at Sandown (3m, good to soft) in March; reappeared with solid third at Exeter (3m, good to soft) last month and she should be fine with today's test (albeit well beaten 12 months ago); 2lb out of the handicap but not discounted for bang-in-form yard.

11/1

5th

11

17th Nov 2024

Good

3m 3f 71y

Class 1

14:55 Cheltenham

Rose Of Arcadia

10st 2lb

J: Freddie Gingell

T: Joe Tizzard

prominent, outpaced after 3 out, lost fourth approaching last

11/1

6

22nd Oct 2024

Good To Soft

3m 0f 54y

Class 3

16:28 Exeter

Rose Of Arcadia

11st 12lb

J: Freddie Gingell

T: Joe Tizzard

Thorough stayer who gained last season's chasing win at Sandown (3m, good to soft) in March; not quite in same form at Plumpton later that month but has good record when fresh and begins her new campaign on a workable mark; had wind operation in August; good chance.

4/1

Form: 11P0-P

Last run: 36 days

W: 12st 0lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 156

Form & Verdict
Very easy winner of the Welsh National last December (3m6f, heavy); he ran well on good going here in November 2022 but testing ground seems to bring out the best in him; struggled in the face of tough tasks in the spring and pulled up on last month's reappearance at Chepstow; others appeal more.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

5

13th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 41y

Class 5

17:00 Hexham

Nassalam

11st 12lb

J: Miss Gina Andrews

T: T Ellis

Pulled up/tailed off on all seven starts since winning the Welsh National for the Moore stable in December 2023; it's tricky to assess what he's capable of nowadays but this race is vastly easier than he's used to and if he retains any spark he'll be tough to beat on this stable debut.

3/1

2

31st Jan 2026

Soft

3m 0f 42y

Class 2

15:42 Sandown

Nassalam

11st 4lb

J: Caoilin Quinn

T: Gary & Josh Moore

Well suited by soft/heavy ground; landed the 2023 Welsh National off current mark; subsequent form figures (P0PPPP) are dismal but this first run since wind surgery may be the time to bank on a revival and catch him; attractively handicapped, with that in mind.

10/1

Form: 527-34

Last run: 36 days

W: 10st 11lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 139

Form & Verdict
Failed to win last season but ran some big races, including in the Scottish National (4m, soft) where he was bang there three out only to weaken; stayed on for respectable fourth at Chepstow (2m7f, good) last month when back from a break and today's trip could be ideal; possible player.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

4

8th Feb 2025

Soft

3m 0f 52y

Class 3

13:50 Newbury

Ballygrifincottage

11st 11lb

J: Paul O’Brien

T: Harry Derham

Has flattered to deceive over fences (1-12) and jumping mistakes played a part; a bit below his best on his two completions this autumn/winter and has now left Dan Skelton; blinkers replace his usual cheekpieces for this first hurdle race since March 2023; well handicapped judged on best efforts but he's now a 10yo.

20/1

9th

4

8th Feb 2025

Soft

3m 0f 52y

Class 3

13:50 Newbury

Ballygrifincottage

11st 11lb

J: Paul O’Brien

T: Harry Derham

Has flattered to deceive over fences (1-12) and jumping mistakes played a part; a bit below his best on his two completions this autumn/winter and has now left Dan Skelton; blinkers replace his usual cheekpieces for this first hurdle race since March 2023; well handicapped judged on best efforts but he's now a 10yo.

20/1

2

16th Jan 2025

Good To Soft

3m 2f 162y

Class 3

15:45 Wincanton

Ballygrifincottage

11st 11lb

J: Fergus Gillard

T: Dan Skelton

held up in rear, not fluent 3rd

14/1

Form: U821-3 C

Last run: 36 days

W: 10st 9lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 137

Form & Verdict
9yo who was progressive last season and won a 14-runner handicap here (3m2f, good) in April; reappeared with good third at Chepstow (2m7f, good) last month and he's a solid candidate this afternoon.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

24th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

3m 2f 54y

Class 3

16:55 Chepstow

Manothepeople

12st 0lb

J: Jack Hogan

T: Fergal O’Brien

Chasing career highlights include a C&D novice handicap and the same Cheltenham April 3m2f event two years running, all on good; 3lb below his last winning mark, but has a listless recent return run to forgive.

13/2

4th

2

21st Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 7f 91y

Class 3

16:45 Newbury

Manothepeople

11st 13lb

J: Jonathan Burke

T: Fergal O’Brien

Veteran; last two wins came in the same 3m2f Cheltenham race in April 2024 and 2025; ran a lacklustre race there in October before possibly failing to stay 3m5f at Ascot; bit to prove after four months off.

10/1

6

25th Oct 2025

Good To Soft

3m 1f 0y

Class 2

14:20 Cheltenham

Manothepeople

10st 13lb

J: Jonathan Burke

T: Fergal O’Brien

Has a good record fresh and a good record at Cheltenham, albeit on the New course and he was pulled up on his only run on the Old one (today's course); on a useful mark and didn't run badly during the summer at Uttoxeter, which wouldn't be his track.

14/1

Form: /P3PP-

Last run: 260 days

W: 10st 4lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 132

Form & Verdict
Pulled up on three of his four starts last season (including the last two) but ran well when third of 16 off this mark here (3m1f, soft) last November and he reappears with his trainer enjoying an excellent autumn; also effective on good ground; capable of having a say if he's on song.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

16th Apr 2025

Good

3m 4f 21y

Class 3

15:15 Cheltenham

Undersupervision

12st 0lb

J: James Turner

T: Nigel Twiston-Davies

Very well handicapped on old form but has been pulled up on six of his eight starts over the last two years, most recently in last month's Grimthorpe at Doncaster (a race he won in 2022); sports first-time tongue-tie and swaps visor for refitted cheekpieces here; revival needed.

33/1

1

16th Apr 2025

Good

3m 4f 21y

Class 3

15:15 Cheltenham

Undersupervision

12st 0lb

J: James Turner

T: Nigel Twiston-Davies

Very well handicapped on old form but has been pulled up on six of his eight starts over the last two years, most recently in last month's Grimthorpe at Doncaster (a race he won in 2022); sports first-time tongue-tie and swaps visor for refitted cheekpieces here; revival needed.

33/1

10

1st Mar 2025

Good To Soft

3m 2f 1y

Class 2

15:15 Doncaster

Undersupervision

10st 9lb

J: James Turner

T: Nigel Twiston-Davies

Failed to complete far too often for comfort and soundly beaten when he did get round in a first-time visor (replacing usual cheekpieces) at Ludlow in December when last seen; the big positives are that he won this race in 2022 and was beaten a neck in it in 2023, but last year's performance in the Grimthorpe was poor; down to his lowest mark as a chaser.

16/1

Form: 83430- D

Last run: 204 days

W: 10st 2lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 130

Form & Verdict
This is his first run since April and he's improved for his reappearance run in each of the last two seasons; however, he returns with his stable in flying form and is on a competitive mark on his best efforts last term; won over 3m3f/3m4f in his 2022-23 campaign and not ruled out.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10

17th Nov 2024

Good

3m 3f 71y

Class 1

14:55 Cheltenham

Bangers And Cash

10st 2lb

J: Ben Jones

T: Ben Pauling

This is his first run since April and he's improved for his reappearance run in each of the last two seasons; however, he returns with his stable in flying form and is on a competitive mark on his best efforts last term; won over 3m3f/3m4f in his 2022-23 campaign and not ruled out.

12/1

10

17th Nov 2024

Good

3m 3f 71y

Class 1

14:55 Cheltenham

Bangers And Cash

10st 2lb

J: Ben Jones

T: Ben Pauling

pressed leader early, midfield 5th, collapsed when pulled up after 14th, heart attack

12/1

Non-runners

Escaria Ten, Monbeg Genius

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £45.70
Straight Forecast £48.76
Tricast £147.60
Trifecta £220.50

Selections

RP RATINGS:

Does He Know

SPOTLIGHT:

Hymac

LAMBOURN:

Abuffalosoldier

Daily Mirror:

Surrey Quest

TOPSPEED:

Manothepeople

WEST COUNTRY:

Hymac

The Sun:

Hymac

Daily Record:

Hymac

D Express:

Abuffalosoldier

POSTDATA:

Does He Know

The Times:

Does He Know

Telegraph:

Does He Know

The Star:

Does He Know