December 09 / 15.15 Musselburgh

15.15

Good To Soft

Virgin Bet Daily Price Boosts Handicap Chase

  • Prize money: £4224.8
  • 2m 7f 138y
  • Class 5
  • 10 runners
RTV
View Course
Virgin Bet Daily Price Boosts Handicap Chase

Runners: 10 runners

Type: Chase Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Showers

15/2 (Won)

Form: 3F2733 D

Last run: 17 days

W: 11st 3lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 89

Form & Verdict
His losing run is up to 11 but he's been a fair third on his last two starts (2m7f/2m3f), behind a progressive winner most recently, and is another 2lb lower today; each-way possible.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

2nd May 2026

Good

3m 0f 41y

Class 5

19:45 Hexham

Ribeye

12st 0lb

J: Callum Bewley

T: Peter Atkinson

Two wins last season, the second off 3lb lower over C&D in October (good); hasn't been in quite such good form in 2026, but has had a break and can't be rule out.

14/1

6th

5

10th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 2f 59y

Class 4

15:38 Sedgefield

Ribeye

11st 3lb

J: Peter Kavanagh

T: Peter Atkinson

Five chase wins, the latest off 5lb lower at Hexham (3m, good) in October; creditable second to very progressive rival at Wetherby (3m, good) on next outing but form has slumped since (hurdling last time).

10/1

9

17th Feb 2026

2m 7f 16y

Class 4

15:37 Market Rasen

Ribeye

11st 3lb

J: Callum Bewley

T: Peter Atkinson

Stays at least this far and was in good form over fences for most of last year, but he has a bit to prove against younger rivals on his first start over hurdles in almost three years.

14/1

Form: -P6461 C

Last run: 11 days

W: 12st 0lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 100

Form & Verdict
Unraced at this trip but he was suited by the step back up in distance when winning over 2m4f here (good to soft) 11 days ago; had something in hand and a 6lb rise may not stop him if he can see it out.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

17th May 2026

Good To Firm

2m 6f 125y

Class 4

17:05 Stratford

Okavango Delta

11st 3lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Paul Robson

Absent since below-par run in December but returned from break with creditable second at Musselburgh (2m, good to soft; stays much further) in November and won when fresh last spring; has travelled from Northumberland for this race and Sean Bowen is booked; interesting.

3/1

5th

4

3rd Jul 2025

Good

2m 4f 20y

Class 4

15:20 Perth

Okavango Delta

12st 0lb

J: Ryan Mania

T: Paul Robson

Did well for new yard last season with two wins at Musselburgh (good to soft/soft) and was back on the scoresheet at Worcester in May; absolute shocker at Warwick (also 2m4f, good) 29 days again, though, beaten 62l with no obvious excuses.

5/1

1

4th Jun 2025

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 4

20:40 Warwick

Okavango Delta

12st 0lb

J: Ryan Mania

T: Paul Robson

Did well for new yard last season with two wins at Musselburgh (2m4f, good to soft/soft) and was back on the scoresheet at Worcester (2m4f, good) three weeks ago; did it well last time and a 4lb rise may not stop him.

10/11

Form: 987212 D

Last run: 25 days

W: 11st 10lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 96

Form & Verdict
Won at Warwick (2m7f, good to soft) last month and he's been a good second either side of that (3m1f/2m7f, good/good to firm); won on good to soft ground last season; cheekpieces go on and he could be bang there once more.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

18th Aug 2025

Good To Firm

3m 3f 119y

Class 5

17:00 Stratford

Jony Max

11st 9lb

J: Jack Tudor

T: Christian Williams

On the downgrade now and returned from a break with 37l defeat behind My Girl Katie at Newton Abbot last month; might well have needed that outing and has conditions to suit here but others appeal more all the same; wears blinkers and cheekpieces simultaneously for the first time.

11/2

2

4th Jul 2025

Good

3m 1f 170y

Class 5

16:53 Newton Abbot

Jony Max

11st 13lb

J: Tom Broughton

T: Christian Williams

Five-time chase winner (once over C&D); returned to form with a string of good efforts in the autumn but absent since pulled up in Fakenham marathon just before Christmas and entitled to benefit from this outing.

7/1

5

22nd Dec 2024

Good To Soft

3m 5f 24y

Class 4

14:13 Fakenham

Jony Max

11st 0lb

J: Ellis Collier

T: Christian Williams

Close second in C&D (good) Norfolk National in early part of last season and was a 3m course winner (good to soft) last November; needed considerable help from the handicapper before last month's Warwick success (3m1f, good) but has been placed twice since and the return to this track is an obvious plus; cheekpieces removed after one use; big player.

5/2

Form: 123481 CD

Last run: 10 days

W: 11st 3lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 89

Form & Verdict
Won here last November (2m4f, good to soft) and at Hexham (3m, good) in May, and he was back on the scoresheet over C&D (good to soft) ten days ago; this is more competitive but he's up just 2lb for last time; respected.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

7

19th May 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 41y

Class 5

19:20 Hexham

Dr Shirocco

10st 2lb

J: Harry Reed

T: Sandy Forster

Veteran without a win since November 2024 but showed there was still fire in the tank when third over C&D 17 days ago; younger rivals may have his measure here, however.

12/1

3rd

10

2nd May 2026

Good

3m 0f 41y

Class 5

19:45 Hexham

Dr Shirocco

10st 5lb

J: Harry Reed

T: Sandy Forster

Has won four chases, including over C&D in May 2024 (good); best recent form has been at Musselburgh and he was below par over C&D last time (good).

14/1

6th

7

13th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 41y

Class 5

15:30 Hexham

Dr Shirocco

10st 10lb

J: Conor O’Farrell

T: Sandy Forster

11yo whose losing run goes back 11 races to November 2024 but he ran pretty well off his lower hurdle mark at Musselburgh last month, following a break, and all four of his wins have come over fences (two of them here); not discounted back chasing.

10/1

Form: 3P-261 D

Last run: 24 days

W: 10st 2lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 70

Form & Verdict
Lucky to win at Newcastle (2m7f, good) last month as he was a long way behind when left alone two out, and he's 4lb out of the handicap; however, he could improve for that last run and kept on well for third over 2m4f here (good to soft) in February; not ruled out in first-time cheekpieces.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

9

23rd May 2026

Good To Soft

3m 1f 107y

Class 5

16:30 Cartmel

Halfway House Lad

10st 10lb

J: Charlotte Jones

T: James Moffatt

5lb out of the weights when romping home on recent stable debut at Hexham (3m, good); now 8lb higher and all wins have been gained at Newcastle or Hexham so still has some convincing to do around a sharp track.

15/8

1st

13

2nd May 2026

Good

3m 0f 41y

Class 5

19:45 Hexham

Halfway House Lad

10st 2lb

J: Charlotte Jones

T: James Moffatt

Three chase wins for Maurice Barnes including over C&D in March 2025 (good to soft); well beaten last three starts; 5lb out of the handicap for stable debut.

16/1

6th

10

14th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 7f 91y

Class 5

16:35 Newcastle

Halfway House Lad

10st 7lb

J: Charlie Price

T: Maurice Barnes

Won this race off a 4lb lower mark last season (Hawkseye View third); mixed form this season, but the drier ground will suit and has an each-way chance.

16/1

Form: 6-6413 D

Last run: 10 days

W: 12st 0lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 100

Form & Verdict
Won at Hexham (3m, good) last month on second start back from a break and good third of six to Dr Shirocco over this C&D (good to soft) ten days ago; every chance he'll be thereabouts.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

14th Apr 2025

Good

3m 0f 41y

Class 5

15:48 Hexham

Return Fire

11st 11lb

J: Patrick Wadge

T: Lucinda Russell

midfield, lost ground 4th, detached after 5th, struggling when pulled up before 15th

10/1

2

14th Apr 2025

Good

3m 0f 41y

Class 5

15:48 Hexham

Return Fire

11st 11lb

J: Patrick Wadge

T: Lucinda Russell

Bagged a second C&D victory in November but his more recent form is less encouraging, only sixth over C&D last time; handily weighted if getting back on track, though.

10/1

6th

3

13th Mar 2025

Good To Soft

3m 0f 41y

Class 5

16:22 Hexham

Return Fire

11st 9lb

J: Alan Doyle

T: Lucinda Russell

Resumed winning ways over C&D in November and posted a respectable sixth of ten in 3m Musselburgh handicap chase following month; much respected for his in-form yard after a break.

6/1

Form: 5/44-P

Last run: 20 days

W: 11st 7lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 93

Form & Verdict
Point winner who was fourth in two handicap hurdles in May 2023 and he's on a competitive mark on that form; ran well in hunter chase in January 2023 on only previous run in these cheekpieces; however, after a long layoff he didn't jump well and was pulled up over fences at Carlisle recently.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

5

15th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 7f 180y

Class 5

15:50 Musselburgh

Wearelongterm

11st 3lb

J: Peter Kavanagh

T: Dianne Sayer

0-20 under rules but stayed on from the rear to take third over C&D (good to soft) when back over hurdles last month and has now been placed on three of his last four appearances; no surprise if he's on the premises.

11/2

8

25th Oct 2025

Good

2m 7f 96y

Class 4

14:10 Kelso

Wearelongterm

10st 3lb

J: Charlie Maggs

T: Dianne Sayer

Winning Irish pointer for Gordon Elliott; mixed form without winning over hurdles and fences for present yard, last time falling two out when in second in Perth handicap hurdle (3m, good); these conditions suit; each-way chance

9/1

Form: P87-F6

Last run: 10 days

W: 10st 2lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 74

Form & Verdict
Well treated on his spring 2023 form but he's struggled this year and was soundly beaten over C&D recently when back from a break.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8

26th Feb 2026

Soft

3m 0f 45y

Class 5

17:15 Wetherby

Ex SElance

10st 2lb

J: Miss Pippa Brown

T: Victor Thompson

Third in a point-to-point last month but this 12yo was pulled up when back under rules at Ayr (3m, soft) recently; 7lb out of the handicap and others are preferred.

50/1

Form: 125-65

Last run: 30 days

W: 11st 8lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 94

Form & Verdict
Made all at Newcastle (2m, heavy) in February and didn't run badly on last month's return to action at Kelso (2m1f, good to soft), which he could improve for; however, he has a major stamina question to answer here.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

9th Dec 2024

Good To Soft

2m 7f 138y

Class 5

15:15 Musselburgh

Take Centre Stage

11st 8lb

J: Brian Hughes

T: Rebecca Menzies

Made all at Newcastle (2m, heavy) in February and didn't run badly on last month's return to action at Kelso (2m1f, good to soft), which he could improve for; however, he has a major stamina question to answer here.

10/1

5

9th Dec 2024

Good To Soft

2m 7f 138y

Class 5

15:15 Musselburgh

Take Centre Stage

11st 8lb

J: Brian Hughes

T: Rebecca Menzies

took keen hold, prominent

10/1

Form: 3227/P

Last run: 196 days

W: 11st 5lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 91

Form & Verdict
Placed in bumpers and over hurdles, and he won two point-to-points in spring 2022; however, he's run just once since, when 33-1 and pulled up in a maiden hunter chase at Cartmel in May; this 10yo has plenty to prove.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

9th Mar 2025

Good To Soft

2m 4f 198y

Class 5

17:10 Carlisle

Rufio

11st 12lb

J: Miss Lucy Brown

T: Miss Lucy Brown

took keen hold, jumped left on occasions, led, not fluent 8th, disputed lead 10th, headed after 5 out, weakened after 4 out

50/1

7

9th Dec 2024

Good To Soft

2m 7f 138y

Class 5

15:15 Musselburgh

Rufio

11st 5lb

J: Miss Lucy Brown

T: Gary Rutherford

took keen hold, led

33/1

7

9th Dec 2024

Good To Soft

2m 7f 138y

Class 5

15:15 Musselburgh

Rufio

11st 5lb

J: Miss Lucy Brown

T: Gary Rutherford

Placed in bumpers and over hurdles, and he won two point-to-points in spring 2022; however, he's run just once since, when 33-1 and pulled up in a maiden hunter chase at Cartmel in May; this 10yo has plenty to prove.

33/1

Non-runners

Lisloran

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Straight Forecast £25.80
Tricast £79.64

Selections

RP RATINGS:

Jony Max

POSTDATA:

Return Fire

Telegraph:

Dr Shirocco

D Express:

Take Centre Stage

SPOTLIGHT:

Okavango Delta

The Guardian:

Return Fire

Daily Mail:

Return Fire

The Times:

Jony Max

Daily Mirror:

Jony Max

The Sun:

Jony Max

Daily Record:

Jony Max

The Star:

Dr Shirocco