December 14 / 14.05 Doncaster

14.05

Good To Soft

bet365 Handicap Chase (GBB Race)

  • Prize money: £26015
  • 2m 7f 214y
  • Class 2
  • 14 runners
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bet365 Handicap Chase (GBB Race)

Runners: 14 runners

Type: Chase Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Cloudy

14/1 (Won)

  • Win: £9.00
  • Place: £2.70

Form: 217542 D

Last run: 35 days

W: 10st 2lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 120

Form & Verdict
Inconsistent and is without the cheekpieces that went on for the first time for his back-to-form second at Kelso (2m5f, good to soft) last month; however, even from out of the handicap he's just 1lb higher than when third of 18 over C&D (good) in January and is not ruled out each-way.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

15

14th Dec 2024

Good To Soft

2m 7f 214y

Class 2

14:05 Doncaster

Charlie Uberalles

10st 2lb

J: Danny McMenamin

T: Dianne Sayer

Inconsistent and is without the cheekpieces that went on for the first time for his back-to-form second at Kelso (2m5f, good to soft) last month; however, even from out of the handicap he's just 1lb higher than when third of 18 over C&D (good) in January and is not ruled out each-way.

14/1

25/1

  • Place: £5.30

Form: PP-663 C

Last run: 20 days

W: 10st 6lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 127

Form & Verdict
Hurdles winner here who runs off the same mark as for his chase win at Wetherby in January and he took a step back in the right direction when third of seven over hurdles at Uttoxeter three weeks ago; however, he reverts to fences off a higher mark and others have more compelling claims.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

13

25th Jan 2025

Good To Soft

2m 7f 214y

Class 1

15:15 Doncaster

Docpickedme

11st 0lb

J: Charlie Maggs

T: Richard Hobson

took keen hold, raced in second

16/1

1st

13

25th Jan 2025

Good To Soft

2m 7f 214y

Class 1

15:15 Doncaster

Docpickedme

11st 0lb

J: Charlie Maggs

T: Richard Hobson

took keen hold, raced in second

16/1

2nd

14

14th Dec 2024

Good To Soft

2m 7f 214y

Class 2

14:05 Doncaster

Docpickedme

10st 6lb

J: Callum Pritchard

T: Richard Hobson

Hurdles winner here who runs off the same mark as for his chase win at Wetherby in January and he took a step back in the right direction when third of seven over hurdles at Uttoxeter three weeks ago; however, he reverts to fences off a higher mark and others have more compelling claims.

25/1

5/1

  • Place: £1.80

Form: 1213-4 CD

Last run: 35 days

W: 11st 2lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 137

Form & Verdict
Won this 12 months ago (good to soft) and continued in fine form last season, adding a competitive handicap at Kempton (3m, soft) in February; there could still be mileage in his mark and he may have needed last month's reappearance run at Wincanton (well-beaten fourth); one to consider.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

25th Jan 2025

Good To Soft

2m 7f 214y

Class 1

15:15 Doncaster

Forward Plan

11st 9lb

J: Chad Bament

T: Anthony Honeyball

held up in rear

11/2

5

25th Jan 2025

Good To Soft

2m 7f 214y

Class 1

15:15 Doncaster

Forward Plan

11st 9lb

J: Chad Bament

T: Anthony Honeyball

held up in rear

11/2

3rd

5

14th Dec 2024

Good To Soft

2m 7f 214y

Class 2

14:05 Doncaster

Forward Plan

11st 2lb

J: Ben Godfrey

T: Anthony Honeyball

Won this 12 months ago (good to soft) and continued in fine form last season, adding a competitive handicap at Kempton (3m, soft) in February; there could still be mileage in his mark and he may have needed last month's reappearance run at Wincanton (well-beaten fourth); one to consider.

5/1

Form: 51P-44 C

Last run: 27 days

W: 12st 0lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 149

Form & Verdict
Won the two-finisher Grimthorpe Handicap Chase here (3m2f, soft) in March off today's mark and he's been a respectable fourth at Cheltenham (3m1f/3m3f, good) on both outings this autumn; might not be far away for trainer who won this in 2020 and 2021.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

9th Feb 2025

Good To Soft

3m 0f 54y

Class 2

15:00 Exeter

Does He Know

12st 0lb

J: Tom Bellamy

T: Kim Bailey & Mat Nicholls

Running with credit in some tough handicaps this season, most recently a close fourth of 14 at Doncaster (3m, good to soft); now tackles his first veterans' chase and has solid claims off the same mark as last time.

4/1

1

9th Feb 2025

Good To Soft

3m 0f 54y

Class 2

15:00 Exeter

Does He Know

12st 0lb

J: Tom Bellamy

T: Kim Bailey & Mat Nicholls

Running with credit in some tough handicaps this season, most recently a close fourth of 14 at Doncaster (3m, good to soft); now tackles his first veterans' chase and has solid claims off the same mark as last time.

4/1

4th

2

14th Dec 2024

Good To Soft

2m 7f 214y

Class 2

14:05 Doncaster

Does He Know

12st 0lb

J: Ciaran Gethings

T: Kim Bailey

Won the two-finisher Grimthorpe Handicap Chase here (3m2f, soft) in March off today's mark and he's been a respectable fourth at Cheltenham (3m1f/3m3f, good) on both outings this autumn; might not be far away for trainer who won this in 2020 and 2021.

13/2

Form: P112P5 D

Last run: 14 days

W: 11st 5lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 140

Form & Verdict
He won two in a row in the summer (3m2f/2m7f, good) but was pulled up at Cheltenham (3m1f, good) in October and soundly beaten in the Rehearsal at Newcastle (2m7f, good) last time; needs to bounce back.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

3

14th Dec 2024

Good To Soft

2m 7f 214y

Class 2

14:05 Doncaster

Kinondo Kwetu

11st 5lb

J: Jonathan England

T: Sam England

He won two in a row in the summer (3m2f/2m7f, good) but was pulled up at Cheltenham (3m1f, good) in October and soundly beaten in the Rehearsal at Newcastle (2m7f, good) last time; needs to bounce back.

25/1

Form: 1U-113 CD

Last run: 35 days

W: 10st 7lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 128

Form & Verdict
Won C&D handicap (good) last November and added three hunter chase wins in the spring (soft/heavy); returned from a break with staying-on third in the Grand Sefton at Aintree (2m5f, good to soft) last month and he could relish this step back up in trip; on the shortlist.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

2

30th Dec 2024

Heavy

3m 4f 97y

Class 2

15:10 Haydock

Gaboriot

12st 0lb

J: Ben Smith

T: Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero

Won two handicaps (3m, good) in autumn 2023 and three hunter chases this spring (3m1f/4m, soft); reappeared with staying-on third in the Grand Sefton at Aintree (2m5f, good to soft) and a bad mistake was costly when only sixth at Doncaster (3m, good to soft) recently; could be worth another chance.

9/4

Form: 49-PPF D

Last run: 37 days

W: 11st 1lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 136

Form & Verdict
Fair sixth in this last year (good to soft) before good fourth of 18 over C&D (good) in January and he's well handicapped on that form; things haven't gone to plan subsequently but he was in with a chance when falling four out at Newbury last month, which was encouraging; could play a leading role.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

7

14th Dec 2024

Good To Soft

2m 7f 214y

Class 2

14:05 Doncaster

Sail Away

11st 1lb

J: Fergus Gillard

T: Dan Skelton

Fair sixth in this last year (good to soft) before good fourth of 18 over C&D (good) in January and he's well handicapped on that form; things haven't gone to plan subsequently but he was in with a chance when falling four out at Newbury last month, which was encouraging; could play a leading role.

9/1

7th

7

14th Dec 2024

Good To Soft

2m 7f 214y

Class 2

14:05 Doncaster

Sail Away

11st 1lb

J: Fergus Gillard

T: Dan Skelton

Fair sixth in this last year (good to soft) before good fourth of 18 over C&D (good) in January and he's well handicapped on that form; things haven't gone to plan subsequently but he was in with a chance when falling four out at Newbury last month, which was encouraging; could play a leading role.

9/1

2

7th Nov 2024

Good

2m 3f 187y

Class 3

15:27 Newbury

Sail Away

12st 0lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

held up in last, some headway then fell 4 out

9/1

Form: 703322 D

Last run: 31 days

W: 11st 0lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 135

Form & Verdict
Just 1-10 over fences but he's been in the first three on his last four starts, finishing second at Chepstow (2m7f, good) and Bangor (3m, soft) the last twice; holds each-way claims once more.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

8

14th Dec 2024

Good To Soft

2m 7f 214y

Class 2

14:05 Doncaster

Pull Again Green

11st 0lb

J: Jack Hogan

T: Fergal O’Brien

Just 1-10 over fences but he's been in the first three on his last four starts, finishing second at Chepstow (2m7f, good) and Bangor (3m, soft) the last twice; holds each-way claims once more.

11/1

8th

8

14th Dec 2024

Good To Soft

2m 7f 214y

Class 2

14:05 Doncaster

Pull Again Green

11st 0lb

J: Jack Hogan

T: Fergal O’Brien

Just 1-10 over fences but he's been in the first three on his last four starts, finishing second at Chepstow (2m7f, good) and Bangor (3m, soft) the last twice; holds each-way claims once more.

11/1

2nd

3

13th Nov 2024

Soft

3m 0f 30y

Class 2

13:25 Bangor-on-Dee

Pull Again Green

11st 7lb

J: Liam Harrison

T: Fergal O’Brien

Only 1-9 over fences but latest Chepstow second (2m7f, good) was up there with his best form; perhaps had an edge in fitness over the winner (who has run well since) and he's not had a lot of racing on soft ground; regularly ridden by Liam Harrison.

13/2

Form: 3036-8

Last run: 28 days

W: 10st 13lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 134

Form & Verdict
Inconsistent last season and unraced at this trip, also soundly beaten in last month's Paddy Power Gold Cup; however, he stayed on well for third in the 2m4f Plate at last season's Cheltenham Festival and his dam won over an extended 2m7f, so he's worth a go at 3m; not written off.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8

7th Feb 2025

Good To Soft

2m 4f 110y

Class 3

15:25 Kempton

Straw Fan Jack

11st 4lb

J: Sean Houlihan

T: Sheila Lewis

Ties in with Crebilly on Cheltenham Festival running last March; not solid on this season's efforts and has failed to win since 2022; far from sure to take advantage of a handy mark.

16/1

Form: 809-98

Last run: 167 days

W: 10st 9lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 130

Form & Verdict
Ran well for a long way in the Scottish National in April and has dropped down the weights; however, he was well beaten in June on his last two outings and needs to raise his game following a break.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

9

8th Feb 2025

Soft

2m 4f 0y

Class 2

15:15 Warwick

Whistleinthedark

10st 3lb

J: Harry Reed

T: L J Morgan

led, not fluent 12th, increased tempo 13th, faced challenge 3 out, headed 2 out

12/1

2nd

9

8th Feb 2025

Soft

2m 4f 0y

Class 2

15:15 Warwick

Whistleinthedark

10st 3lb

J: Harry Reed

T: L J Morgan

led, not fluent 12th, increased tempo 13th, faced challenge 3 out, headed 2 out, outpaced approaching last, no match for winner

12/1

OUR TIP

Form: 371P-1 D

Last run: 49 days

W: 12st 0lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 149

Form & Verdict
10yo who enhanced his excellent record at Kelso when winning there in October on his reappearance (3m, good to soft) and he's now on a career-high mark; however, he was a good third over C&D (good) in January 2023 on his sole visit to Doncaster and is not ruled out.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

14th Dec 2024

Good To Soft

2m 7f 214y

Class 2

14:05 Doncaster

Elvis Mail

12st 0lb

J: Bruce Lynn

T: N W Alexander

10yo who enhanced his excellent record at Kelso when winning there in October on his reappearance (3m, good to soft) and he's now on a career-high mark; however, he was a good third over C&D (good) in January 2023 on his sole visit to Doncaster and is not ruled out.

12/1

1

14th Dec 2024

Good To Soft

2m 7f 214y

Class 2

14:05 Doncaster

Elvis Mail

12st 0lb

J: Bruce Lynn

T: N W Alexander

10yo who enhanced his excellent record at Kelso when winning there in October on his reappearance (3m, good to soft) and he's now on a career-high mark; however, he was a good third over C&D (good) in January 2023 on his sole visit to Doncaster and is not ruled out.

12/1

1st

1

26th Oct 2024

Good

3m 2f 39y

Class 2

15:55 Kelso

Elvis Mail

11st 12lb

J: Bruce Lynn

T: N W Alexander

Won this last season (soft) off 3lb lower when returning from a similar break and went in again at Carlisle in April (heavy) before struggling in the Scottish National; likeable type who runs this track well but would prefer easier ground ideally.

11/2

Form: U421-7 D

Last run: 49 days

W: 11st 4lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 139

Form & Verdict
Well beaten in midfield on reappearance at Cheltenham (3m1f, good) in October but he may have needed the run and last season's novice campaign culminated in a convincing win at Perth (3m, soft) in April; has also won on good to soft; retains potential and not discounted in first-time cheekpieces.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

14th Dec 2024

Good To Soft

2m 7f 214y

Class 2

14:05 Doncaster

Chasing Fire

11st 4lb

J: Brian Hughes

T: Olly Murphy

Well beaten in midfield on reappearance at Cheltenham (3m1f, good) in October but he may have needed the run and last season's novice campaign culminated in a convincing win at Perth (3m, soft) in April; has also won on good to soft; retains potential and not discounted in first-time cheekpieces.

9/1

4

14th Dec 2024

Good To Soft

2m 7f 214y

Class 2

14:05 Doncaster

Chasing Fire

11st 4lb

J: Brian Hughes

T: Olly Murphy

Well beaten in midfield on reappearance at Cheltenham (3m1f, good) in October but he may have needed the run and last season's novice campaign culminated in a convincing win at Perth (3m, soft) in April; has also won on good to soft; retains potential and not discounted in first-time cheekpieces.

9/1

7th

8

26th Oct 2024

Good

3m 1f 0y

Class 2

14:20 Cheltenham

Chasing Fire

11st 2lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Olly Murphy

Has won half of his 12 starts under rules, doubling his tally as a chaser (2-6) with a professional display to beat five rivals over 3m at Perth (soft) in April; starts this season unexposed as a stayer.

10/1

Form: 15P-PP CD

Last run: 31 days

W: 10st 11lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 132

Form & Verdict
Pulled up at Aintree (twice) and Bangor on last three starts and has lots to prove regarding his current form; however, he has an excellent record here and perhaps the return to Doncaster will trigger a revival; now 2lb lower than when winning over C&D last December; blinkers replace cheekpieces.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

12

25th Jan 2025

Good To Soft

2m 7f 214y

Class 1

15:15 Doncaster

Erne River

11st 2lb

J: Tom Broughton

T: Nick Kent

midfield

16/1

4th

12

25th Jan 2025

Good To Soft

2m 7f 214y

Class 1

15:15 Doncaster

Erne River

11st 2lb

J: Tom Broughton

T: Nick Kent

midfield

16/1

4th

2

29th Dec 2024

Good To Soft

3m 0f 84y

Class 3

14:47 Doncaster

Erne River

11st 4lb

J: Tom Broughton

T: Nick Kent

took keen hold, led narrowly, headed but raced in second before 4th, weakened approaching last

6/1

Form: 1242-7

Last run: 21 days

W: 10st 6lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 127

Form & Verdict
His first four chase starts were all at Ayr, finishing second in a good handicap at the Scottish National meeting in April on the final occasion (3m, soft); well beaten on reappearance at Punchestown last month but may have needed the run and he remains unexposed over staying trips; not discounted.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13

14th Dec 2024

Good To Soft

2m 7f 214y

Class 2

14:05 Doncaster

Ballycoose

10st 6lb

J: Sean Flanagan

T: S R B Crawford

His first four chase starts were all at Ayr, finishing second in a good handicap at the Scottish National meeting in April on the final occasion (3m, soft); well beaten on reappearance at Punchestown last month but may have needed the run and he remains unexposed over staying trips; not discounted.

11/1

13

14th Dec 2024

Good To Soft

2m 7f 214y

Class 2

14:05 Doncaster

Ballycoose

10st 6lb

J: Sean Flanagan

T: S R B Crawford

His first four chase starts were all at Ayr, finishing second in a good handicap at the Scottish National meeting in April on the final occasion (3m, soft); well beaten on reappearance at Punchestown last month but may have needed the run and he remains unexposed over staying trips; not discounted.

11/1

7th

6

23rd Nov 2024

Yielding

2m 5f 70y

13:35 Punchestown

Ballycoose

11st 4lb

J: Danny Mullins

T: S R B Crawford

Has done all of his racing in the past 12 months at Ayr, running a cracker when second to Sharjah in a 3m Grade 2 handicap in April; no surprise should he improve for the run but not one to underestimate.

8/1

Non-runners

Kittys Light

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £127.70
Straight Forecast £114.02
Tricast £774.44
Trifecta £1004.10

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Gaboriot

WEST COUNTRY:

Does He Know

The Sun:

Forward Plan

The Times:

Ballycoose

The Star:

Pull Again Green

RP RATINGS:

Erne River

Daily Mail:

Elvis Mail

Daily Record:

Forward Plan

Telegraph:

Ballycoose

TOPSPEED:

Gaboriot

POSTDATA:

Gaboriot

D Express:

Does He Know

Daily Mirror:

Does He Know