December 13 / 14.25 Cheltenham

14.25

Good To Soft

Unibet Middle Distance Chase Series Veterans’ Handicap Chase (Qualifier)

  • Prize money: £20812
  • 2m 4f 127y
  • Class 2
  • 10 runners
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Unibet Middle Distance Chase Series Veterans’ Handicap Chase (Qualifier)

Runners: 10 runners

Type: Chase Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Showers

16/1 (Won)

  • Win: £11.60
  • Place: £3.30

Form: 416-P1 D

Last run: 47 days

W: 10st 13lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 135

Form & Verdict
Has his off days but a strike-rate of 6-19 over fences isn't to be sniffed at and kept on well to win at Wincanton (2m4f) despite concerns over the good ground (prefers it softer); only 3lb higher but Cheltenham will be a new experience for him.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

4th May 2026

Good

3m 0f 38y

Class 2

16:03 Fakenham

Numitor

10st 13lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Heather Main

Bounced back to form with game win at Hereford (2m5f, good) last month, his ninth success over fences; still well handicapped after recent 4lb rise and will be fine over this longer trip but it's hard to predict whether he'll be in the right mood again.

9/2

1st

2

16th Apr 2026

Good

2m 4f 194y

Class 3

18:00 Hereford

Numitor

11st 6lb

J: James Bowen

T: Heather Main

Potentially very well handicapped but has become a law unto himself and is wickedly hard to predict.

14/1

4

4th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 203y

Class 2

15:20 Haydock

Numitor

11st 5lb

J: Richie McLernon

T: Heather Main

Pulled up in this race last year and same outcome on first two runs this season; 13l fourth behind Genois at Exeter (2m3f, good to soft) last month following wind surgery and a break but he could improve for that outing, and he won this race in 2024; not written off.

12/1

10/1

  • Place: £3.60

Form: 4-1112 D

Last run: 33 days

W: 10st 9lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 131

Form & Verdict
Endured a long drought before coming good at Plumpton in May and has continued his good work since returning from a break; coming up short in a four-runner race at Sandown last month may suggest that the handicapper now has hold of him; could do with further as well.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

1

29th Mar 2026

Good

2m 7f 185y

Class 2

16:50 Ascot

Copperhead

12st 0lb

J: Freddie Gingell

T: Joe Tizzard

Unseated rider (still prominent) at Sandown in January when seeking a second success in the veterans final; battled his way back to pip Gabbys Cross for a Newbury win (3m2f) four weeks ago and, although 5lb rise takes him to his highest mark since 2022, this sterling character needs major respect.

2/1

1st

7

28th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

3m 1f 214y

Class 2

15:15 Newbury

Copperhead

10st 11lb

J: Freddie Gingell

T: Joe Tizzard

Unseated rider three out, having still been prominent, at Sandown last time when bidding for a second success in the final of this series; remains on the last winning mark, so holds a fighting chance provided he's in good form and completes the course.

12/1

4

26th Oct 2025

Good To Soft

3m 1f 210y

Class 3

13:30 Fontwell

Copperhead

11st 11lb

J: Brendan Powell

T: Joe Tizzard

15/2

  • Place: £3.20

Form: 45P0-2 C BF

Last run: 22 days

W: 12st 0lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 150

Form & Verdict
Handicapper didn't budge despite going down by 8.5l to Torn And Frayed at Warwick (3m) but that first run since April could have been needed (following further wind surgery); too well treated to dismiss with confidence, for all that his powers have waned to some extent.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9

10th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 5f 19y

Class 1

16:05 Aintree

Eldorado Allen

10st 12lb

J: Brendan Powell

T: Joe Tizzard

12yo who staged a renaissance when winning a veterans' chase at Cheltenham in November and has continued in pretty good heart; however, it's likely he'll be vulnerable today; soundly beaten in this race 12 months ago.

66/1

4th

4

28th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

3m 1f 214y

Class 2

15:15 Newbury

Eldorado Allen

11st 9lb

J: Brendan Powell

T: Joe Tizzard

Form over shorter this term features a reappearance success in veterans' race at Cheltenham (2m4f, soft; beat Mister Coffey); record at Newbury includes a success in 2m7f Grade 2 in 2022 and respectable effort in major 3m2f handicap in 2023; solid claims.

9/2

4th

4

18th Jan 2026

Soft

2m 6f 50y

Class 2

15:00 Windsor

Eldorado Allen

11st 2lb

J: Brendan Powell

T: Joe Tizzard

Three-time Grade 2 chase winner who snapped long losing sequence to land veterans' handicap at Cheltenham (2m4f, soft) in November; ran okay when third next time; however, this 12yo looks vulnerable in today's company.

50/1

Form: 3487-3 C

Last run: 20 days

W: 11st 13lb

11 yo Gelding

OR: 149

Form & Verdict
Ran his usual honest race in quality staying hurdles last season, peaking with his Grade 2 success in next week's Long Walk Hurdle at Ascot; ran perfectly well on his belated return to fences in a Grade 2 there last month as he prefers softer ground than the good he encountered; confidence would be greater at 3m but he's in the mix on debut in this series.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

1

16th Apr 2025

Good

2m 7f 213y

Class 2

15:50 Cheltenham

Dashel Drasher

12st 1lb

J: Rex Dingle

T: Jeremy Scott

Hasn't been running badly over fences this season but he's clearly not the force of old and he would prefer softer ground for this return to hurdling.

10/1

6th

1

16th Apr 2025

Good

2m 7f 213y

Class 2

15:50 Cheltenham

Dashel Drasher

12st 1lb

J: Rex Dingle

T: Jeremy Scott

Hasn't been running badly over fences this season but he's clearly not the force of old and he would prefer softer ground for this return to hurdling.

10/1

Form: /23-8P CD

Last run: 179 days

W: 11st 10lb

11 yo Gelding

OR: 146

Form & Verdict
Returns to jumping after a fruitful spell on the Flat, winning twice; seems to be in good form and he's only 3lb higher than when winning a C&D handicap at the Festival here in 2023; respected.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13

(17)

11th Oct 2025

Good

2m 2f 0y

Class 2

15:40 Newmarket

Seddon

8st 7lb

J: Patrick McGettigan

T: John C McConnell

Can make the running; superb 2022-23 season was his best over hurdles/fences, including big-field wins at the Cheltenham and Punchestown festivals; a 10yo before his attentions were turned to the Flat and he won twice (2m1f/1m6f) last August/September; the five good handicaps since, however, have seen him comfortably held (last four were over fences); off since April; today's hood is his first ever headgear.

40/1

9th

8

30th Apr 2025

Yielding

2m 4f 80y

18:05 Punchestown

Seddon

10st 13lb

J: Alex Harvey

T: John C McConnell

led, headed 4th, prominent behind clear leader 8th

14/1

Form: 604-51 CD

Last run: 22 days

W: 10st 9lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 131

Form & Verdict
Let down by his jumping when tailed off behind Copperhead on his Aintree return but then made light work of Eldorado Allen at Warwick (3m, good to soft); that came at a cost of 6lb but he has dealt with this mark in the past and is a C&D winner; likely to go well.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8

28th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

3m 1f 214y

Class 2

15:15 Newbury

Torn And Frayed

10st 10lb

J: Kevin Brogan

T: Nigel & Willy Twiston-Davies

Has shown consistent form (3122) this term, all in veterans' events, the success at Aintree (3m1f, good); ran creditably, one place in front of Eldorado Allen, at Cheltenham (2m4f) last time; likely player, assuming he continues in the same vein.

9/2

1st

3

26th Oct 2025

Good

3m 0f 210y

Class 2

13:50 Aintree

Torn And Frayed

10st 13lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Nigel & Willy Twiston-Davies

His jumping can be an issue, as was the case when well beaten in this race last year and when third of seven on recent reappearance at Chepstow (2m7f, good to firm); however, he did well in the circumstances and can have a big say if minimising the blunders; has won on good and soft.

9/4

Form: PP33-4

Last run: 30 days

W: 11st 5lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 141

Form & Verdict
Probably not the force of old but still ran well in good handicaps last winter (2m3f/3m; cheekpieces seemed to help) and his Bangor reappearance over 3m was encouraging; can see him going well.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

2

1st Feb 2025

Soft

3m 0f 37y

Class 2

15:42 Sandown

Shan Blue

11st 10lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

in rear, hit 1st

10/1

Form: 34133/ D

Last run: 650 days

W: 12st 0lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 150

Form & Verdict
Goes particularly well at Newbury but has form here and this is his trip; four-time chase winner but this is a big ask after so long out, and with top weight; now back with his owner-breeder after leaving Fergal O'Brien.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

5

21st Apr 2025

Good

2m 3f 98y

Class 2

15:34 Chepstow

Paint The Dream

11st 7lb

J: Connor Brace

T: David Brace

Best known for his heroics at Newbury but is also suited by this track; very well handicapped on old form for Fergal O'Brien but, following a long absence, has not shown a great deal for his owner-trainer this season, including when back at Newbury last month; revival needed.

25/1

7th

5

21st Apr 2025

Good

2m 3f 98y

Class 2

15:34 Chepstow

Paint The Dream

11st 7lb

J: Connor Brace

T: David Brace

Best known for his heroics at Newbury but is also suited by this track; very well handicapped on old form for Fergal O'Brien but, following a long absence, has not shown a great deal for his owner-trainer this season, including when back at Newbury last month; revival needed.

25/1

7

1st Mar 2025

Soft

2m 3f 187y

Class 1

15:45 Newbury

Paint The Dream

10st 11lb

J: Connor Brace

T: David Brace

Record of 3-4 over fences at Newbury includes two attempts in this contest, winning easily (off 12lb higher) in 2022 and third in 2023; has struggled elsewhere since returning from long absence but may prove resurgent back here, despite his advancing years.

16/1

OUR TIP

Form: P6110- CD BF

Last run: 245 days

W: 11st 13lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 149

Form & Verdict
Assured jumper who was better than ever earlier this year, winning over C&D on Trials' Day and repeating the trick in March when good value for his narrow winning margin; can be forgiven his defeat in the Topham a month later; 6lb higher than at the Festival but can deal with that; yard in form.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

35

5th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

4m 2f 74y

Class 1

16:00 Aintree

Shakem UpArry

10st 4lb

J: Ben Jones

T: Ben Pauling

11yo whose three peak ratings were recorded over an extended 2m4f in the mud at Cheltenham, notably his Plate win at the 2024 Festival (2lb higher today); flew over these fences in the Topham next time but cracked badly in the closing stages and he's not really got going this season, 14th back in the Plate last time; lots of doubts.

66/1

35

5th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

4m 2f 74y

Class 1

16:00 Aintree

Shakem UpArry

10st 4lb

J: Ben Jones

T: Ben Pauling

11yo whose three peak ratings were recorded over an extended 2m4f in the mud at Cheltenham, notably his Plate win at the 2024 Festival (2lb higher today); flew over these fences in the Topham next time but cracked badly in the closing stages and he's not really got going this season, 14th back in the Plate last time; lots of doubts.

66/1

3

5th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

3m 0f 210y

Class 1

14:30 Aintree

Shakem UpArry

11st 1lb

J: Ben Jones

T: Ben Pauling

Runs off the same mark as for his Cheltenham Festival win last year (2m4f, soft) and he was a creditable fourth of 15 in this race in 2023 (good to soft); however, he was outstayed on that occasion and this 11yo has finished down the field on both outings this year.

25/1

Form: 621P-1 D

Last run: 210 days

W: 11st 9lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 145

Form & Verdict
Doesn't want soft ground but fine on good or good to soft; won only narrowly at Aintree in May (2m4f) but Harry Cobden appeared to have matters in hand and an 8lb rise might not be the end of the world; he's 4-9 over fences and had little racing for a 10yo.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

25th Jan 2025

Good To Soft

2m 7f 214y

Class 1

15:15 Doncaster

Raffle Ticket

12st 0lb

J: Shane Quinlan

T: Mel Rowley

raced wide, midfield, bad mistake and lost ground 13th

20/1

1

25th Jan 2025

Good To Soft

2m 7f 214y

Class 1

15:15 Doncaster

Raffle Ticket

12st 0lb

J: Shane Quinlan

T: Mel Rowley

raced wide, midfield, bad mistake and lost ground 13th

20/1

6

13th Dec 2024

Good To Soft

2m 4f 127y

Class 2

14:25 Cheltenham

Raffle Ticket

11st 9lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Mel Rowley

in rear, mistake 2nd, detached after 11th

12/1

Non-runners

Eden Du Houx

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £142.60
Straight Forecast £134.43
Tricast £1700.04
Trifecta £913.70

Selections

TOPSPEED:

Torn And Frayed

SPOTLIGHT:

Shan Blue

The Times:

Raffle Ticket

WEST COUNTRY:

Shakem Up'arry

D Express:

Eden Du Houx

Daily Record:

Dashel Drasher

Telegraph:

Seddon

Daily Mail:

Raffle Ticket

POSTDATA:

Torn And Frayed

Daily Mirror:

Torn And Frayed

The Star:

Torn And Frayed

RP RATINGS:

Shan Blue

The Sun:

Shan Blue