December 14 / 12.25 Doncaster

12.25

Good To Soft

bet365 Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase (GBB Race)

  • Prize money: £18483.5
  • 2m 3f 31y
  • Class 3
  • 9 runners
SKY
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bet365 Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase (GBB Race)

Runners: 9 runners

Type: Chase Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Cloudy

4/1 (Won)

  • Win: £3.75
  • Place: £1.40

Form: 1485-2 D BF

Last run: 42 days

W: 11st 7lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 124

Form & Verdict
He won two novice hurdles last season (2m4f/2m1f, soft/good) and reappeared with a good second on last month's chase debut at Ayr (2m, good); the step back up in trip may be a plus and he could be one to follow.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

30th Mar 2026

Good

2m 7f 171y

Class 3

15:57 Ludlow

The Kalooki Kid

11st 10lb

J: Danny McMenamin

T: Nicky Richards

Won last season's Scottish Champion Chase (2m4f, good to soft; his last win) off 5lb lower but only sixth in the same race when last seen two months ago and there were no clear excuses; this is a drop in grade but has never given the impression that he's a stayer in the making (unraced beyond 2m5f).

100/30

6th

4

31st Jan 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 68y

Class 2

14:20 Musselburgh

The Kalooki Kid

10st 10lb

J: Danny McMenamin

T: Nicky Richards

He needs to produce more than when fifth behind a couple of these over C&D (good to soft) on New Year's Day but that was just his second start of the season, after a 60-day break, and he could build on it today; won this last year (good to soft); has also won on soft here; possible contender.

7/2

4th

4

2nd Nov 2025

Good

2m 3f 210y

Class 1

14:37 Carlisle

The Kalooki Kid

11st 4lb

J: Danny McMenamin

T: Nicky Richards

Couldn't cope with the step up to Grade 1 level at Aintree in April (2m4f; 28-1) but had previously impressed when not overly troubled to win 2m3f/2m4f handicaps on good to soft; a sound jumper whose limitations wouldn't be exposed just yet.

11/2

2/1

  • Place: £1.20

Form: 4F92-1 D

Last run: 22 days

W: 11st 9lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 126

Form & Verdict
Inconsistent over hurdles last season but went close in a handicap in April (2m5f, soft) and he reappeared with a chase debut win in a warm little race at Ascot (2m3f, good) three weeks ago; he really warmed to the task in the closing stages and a 5lb rise may not stop this 5yo.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

7th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 42y

Class 3

15:35 Sandown

Bucksy Des Epeires

11st 2lb

J: Charlie Deutsch

T: Venetia Williams

Had fallen in the weights prior to winning at Ludlow (3m, soft) 17 days ago, perked up by first-time cheekpieces; nudged back up 3lb but remains on a workable mark; high on the list.

100/30

1st

1

18th Feb 2026

2m 7f 171y

Class 4

15:35 Ludlow

Bucksy Des Epeires

12st 0lb

J: Miss Lucy Turner

T: Venetia Williams

Below best on his four outings in 2025 and unseated at the first fence at Taunton recently; also needs to prove his stamina; however, this 7yo has plenty of time to get his career back on track and is on a handy mark on his 2024 exploits; perhaps the new cheekpieces will give him a boost.

4/1

4

3rd Feb 2026

Heavy

2m 7f 3y

Class 3

15:45 Taunton

Bucksy Des Epeires

11st 6lb

J: Charlie Deutsch

T: Venetia Williams

Back on a good mark now but ended last season on a low note and has not really fired on either appearance this term (favourite both times); comes here with a bit to prove, including stamina.

3/1

6/1

  • Place: £2.30

Form: 3413-2 BF

Last run: 26 days

W: 11st 2lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 119

Form & Verdict
Point runner-up (3m, yielding) who was progressive over hurdles last season for Chris Gordon and is on a handy mark on that form; well beaten when second of three at Plumpton (2m3f, good) on last month's stable and chase debut but may have needed the run; could pose much bigger threat this time.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

4

26th May 2026

Good

3m 0f 217y

Class 4

19:39 Plumpton

Sea Invasion

11st 8lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Anthony Honeyball

All four wins have come here, three over fences at around 3m and one over hurdles at 2m4f; latest success over fences came here last month in this headgear combination, but he's just as effective over hurdles and a key player reverting to this sphere off a small rise.

15/8

1st

4

19th Apr 2026

Good

3m 1f 157y

Class 4

16:02 Plumpton

Sea Invasion

11st 11lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Anthony Honeyball

Both wins over fences have been over C&D, the first in first-time headgear a year ago; not at his best when fifth in the Sussex National back here 13 days ago but must be taken seriously down in grade with visor replacing blinkers.

7/2

Form: 1414-0 D

Last run: 28 days

W: 10st 9lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 112

Form & Verdict
9yo who failed to shine on his two chase starts in winter 2022/23, and well beaten over hurdles last month when back from a year off; however, he ran well for a long way last time and is well handicapped on his hurdle form from autumn 2023; not written off now back down in trip over fences.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

20th Mar 2025

Good

2m 5f 55y

Class 4

16:30 Ludlow

Pinnacle Peak

11st 7lb

J: Daire McConville

T: Martin Keighley

Far from solid judged on bare form this term, albeit had a physical excuse (found to have an irregular heartbeat) last time; this five-time hurdles scorer drops back in grade and is competitively treated provided he stages a revival.

20/1

14

15th Feb 2025

Good To Soft

2m 7f 118y

Class 3

13:15 Ascot

Pinnacle Peak

11st 2lb

J: Daire McConville

T: Martin Keighley

Well handicapped on hurdles form up to autumn 2023; had a year off before two lesser shows this term (over fences latest) and 7lb claimer is recruited.

33/1

4th

8

14th Dec 2024

Good To Soft

2m 3f 31y

Class 3

12:25 Doncaster

Pinnacle Peak

10st 9lb

J: James Best

T: Martin Keighley

in touch with leaders, steadied into midfield 2nd

16/1

Form: /220-3

Last run: 28 days

W: 10st 9lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 112

Form & Verdict
Ex-Nicky Henderson 7yo who was 0-7 over hurdles and finished third of four on last month's chase and stable debut at Wetherby (Hidalgo de L'Isle second); however, that latest run gives this point winner something to build on and he's run well on both visits here; a tongue-tie goes on.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

2

1st Mar 2025

Good To Soft

2m 3f 88y

Class 3

13:30 Doncaster

Bold Reaction

11st 7lb

J: Richard Patrick

T: Charles & Adam Pogson

took keen hold, led, soon went clear, jumped slightly left 5th

5/1

Form: F2-U81 CD

Last run: 14 days

W: 11st 10lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 127

Form & Verdict
Consistent novice hurdler last season (including on good to soft ground) and he won over C&D (good) a fortnight ago on his third chase start; made mistakes and is in a deeper race today, but he can continue to improve over fences if cutting out the blunders.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

3

8th May 2026

Good

2m 7f 191y

Class 3

15:50 Market Rasen

Classic King

11st 12lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Emma Lavelle

Better known as a hurdler and has had some jumping issues over fences (even when he won) but he kept on well for clear second in first-time cheekpieces at Stratford (2m6f, good) six weeks ago and gets another chance off the same mark here.

9/4

2nd

1

28th Mar 2026

Good

2m 6f 125y

Class 3

14:47 Stratford

Classic King

12st 0lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Emma Lavelle

Scored over fences at Doncaster (2m3f) last term; in good nick without winning over hurdles this season until 17th in Pertemps Hurdle at Cheltenham 16 days ago; back chasing here with cheekpieces fitted and no forlorn hope.

5/2

17th

10

12th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 7f 213y

Class 1

16:40 Cheltenham

Classic King

10st 10lb

J: Ben Jones

T: Emma Lavelle

Did well at 2m3f-2m5f when reverting to hurdles for his last three starts last season; not quite so good this term and he did not shout stamina when upped to 3m for last two outings; others have more compelling claims.

25/1

OUR TIP

Form: 2F7-18 D

Last run: 31 days

W: 11st 9lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 126

Form & Verdict
Three-time hurdle winner who beat three rivals to score on his chase debut at Fontwell (2m3f, good to soft) in October; however, he finished in the mid-division at Bangor (2m4f) subsequently on soft ground he should have handled, and needs to raise his game today.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

1st Apr 2025

Good

2m 2f 0y

Class 3

15:22 Kempton

Lord Of Cheshire

12st 0lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Nigel Twiston-Davies

Beat three rivals to make winning seasonal/chase debut at Fontwell (2m3f, good to soft) in October and ran well until penultimate-fence fall on latest outing in December; effective on good ground and might still have more to offer over fences; respected.

9/4

1st

1

1st Apr 2025

Good

2m 2f 0y

Class 3

15:22 Kempton

Lord Of Cheshire

12st 0lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Nigel Twiston-Davies

Beat three rivals to make winning seasonal/chase debut at Fontwell (2m3f, good to soft) in October and ran well until penultimate-fence fall on latest outing in December; effective on good ground and might still have more to offer over fences; respected.

9/4

3

14th Dec 2024

Good To Soft

2m 3f 31y

Class 3

12:25 Doncaster

Lord Of Cheshire

11st 9lb

J: James Turner

T: Nigel Twiston-Davies

led, went clear 2nd, not fluent 3rd, mistake 9th

12/1

Form: 301242

Last run: 28 days

W: 11st 4lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 121

Form & Verdict
Won at Newton Abbot (2m, good) in August and has run pretty well since, most recently second of four at Wetherby (1m7f, good); it's possible he'll be fine now back up in trip and could give another good account, but others may have greater potential; a while since he's run on slow ground.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10

2nd Nov 2025

Good To Soft

2m 1f 33y

Class 4

15:47 Carlisle

Hidalgo De LIsle

11st 2lb

J: Theo Gillard

T: Donald McCain

Well handicapped on his 2024 hurdle and chase form but no sign of turning a corner when a remote fifth at Bangor last month.

25/1

10

2nd Nov 2025

Good To Soft

2m 1f 33y

Class 4

15:47 Carlisle

Hidalgo De LIsle

11st 2lb

J: Theo Gillard

T: Donald McCain

Well handicapped on his 2024 hurdle and chase form but no sign of turning a corner when a remote fifth at Bangor last month.

25/1

10

2nd Nov 2025

Good To Soft

2m 1f 33y

Class 4

15:47 Carlisle

Hidalgo De LIsle

11st 2lb

J: Theo Gillard

T: Donald McCain

Well handicapped on his 2024 hurdle and chase form but no sign of turning a corner when a remote fifth at Bangor last month.

25/1

Form: 65-PF7 D

Last run: 21 days

W: 10st 11lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 114

Form & Verdict
Won off this mark over hurdles at Haydock (2m3f, good to soft) last November but he's failed to kick off from that and he's been pulled up/a faller on his two chase starts; soundly beaten back over hurdles at Haydock last month (same race he won last year) and needs to get back on track.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

4

16th May 2026

Good

2m 1f 77y

Class 4

17:05 Bangor-on-Dee

Park Annonciade

11st 11lb

J: Richie McLernon

T: Sarah Humphrey

Less contested lead than often the case when making it seventh time lucky over fences at Huntingdon last month (2m, good), and Stratford second off 6lb higher since consolidated that form; up another 1lb here but pace rivalry could prove more the issue.

11/4

2nd

4

19th Apr 2026

Good

2m 0f 213y

Class 4

16:53 Stratford

Park Annonciade

11st 2lb

J: James Bowen

T: Sarah Humphrey

Started off for Sarah Humphrey with two disappointing hurdle runs in the autumn but has turned things around over fences since, and kept on well to win by 7l at Huntingdon (2m, good) a fortnight ago; recent 6lb rise demands more from him here, though.

9/4

1st

5

4th Apr 2026

Good

2m 0f 104y

Class 4

17:25 Huntingdon

Park Annonciade

11st 6lb

J: Tom Cannon

T: Sarah Humphrey

All three wins over hurdles when trained in Ireland; running well at present and second of five at Plumpton (2m1f, good to soft) last month; threatening to get his head in front for this yard.

5/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £8.60
Straight Forecast £7.36
Tricast £33.01
Trifecta £46.60

Selections

The Times:

Bucksy Des Epeires

SPOTLIGHT:

The Kalooki Kid

RP RATINGS:

Hidalgo de L'Isle

The Star:

Classic King

WEST COUNTRY:

Sea Invasion

TOPSPEED:

Lord Of Cheshire

POSTDATA:

The Kalooki Kid

Telegraph:

The Kalooki Kid

Daily Mirror:

Hidalgo de L'Isle

Daily Mail:

Bucksy Des Epeires

D Express:

Bucksy Des Epeires

Daily Record:

Bucksy Des Epeires