December 19 / 15.05 Exeter

15.05

Good To Soft

Southwest Rail Solutions Handicap Chase

  • Prize money: £3960.75
  • 2m 3f 48y
  • Class 5
  • 15 runners
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Southwest Rail Solutions Handicap Chase

Runners: 15 runners

Type: Chase Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Showers

10/1 (Won)

  • Win: £8.50
  • Place: £2.40

Form: 335-73 C

Last run: 21 days

W: 11st 10lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 96

Form & Verdict
His losing run is up to nine but he's edged down the weights and returned to form with close third at Taunton (2m2f, good to soft) last month; has run well under Jake Bament previously (on soft ground); not ruled out.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

4

19th Dec 2024

Good To Soft

2m 3f 48y

Class 5

15:05 Exeter

Imperial Joe

11st 10lb

J: Mr Jake Bament

T: Tim Dennis

in touch with leaders

10/1

1st

4

19th Dec 2024

Good To Soft

2m 3f 48y

Class 5

15:05 Exeter

Imperial Joe

11st 10lb

J: Mr Jake Bament

T: Tim Dennis

in touch with leaders

10/1

3rd

3

28th Nov 2024

Good To Soft

2m 2f 40y

Class 5

15:10 Taunton

Imperial Joe

11st 12lb

J: Jonathan Burke

T: Tim Dennis

All three chase wins have been over further, the last two here at 2m7f; below his best when last seen in June.

20/1

14/1

  • Place: £3.80

Form: 74-204

Last run: 21 days

W: 10st 9lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 81

Form & Verdict
Heavy-ground bumper winner who was a fair second in a handicap hurdle at Fontwell (2m5f, good) in May; however, he was below par on both outings last month and a return to form is needed on his chase debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

28th Mar 2025

Good

2m 5f 135y

Class 5

14:40 Fontwell

The Cox Express

11st 0lb

J: Harry Kimber

T: Robert Walford

midfield, in rear when mistake 3rd, struggling 10th, detached when almost fell 11th

6/1

7

20th Feb 2025

Soft

2m 7f 110y

Class 5

14:35 Lingfield

The Cox Express

10st 11lb

J: Harry Kimber

T: Robert Walford

Second of 15 on chase debut at Exeter (2m3f, good to soft) in December and ran below market expectations next time (2m7f); question marks over today's distance but that penultimate effort commands respect.

7/1

8th

9

18th Jan 2025

Good To Soft

2m 7f 3y

Class 5

15:50 Taunton

The Cox Express

10st 11lb

J: Callum Pritchard

T: Robert Walford

towards rear

4/1

16/1

  • Place: £3.60

Form: 324636

Last run: 24 days

W: 11st 8lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 94

Form & Verdict
Won on chase debut at Newton Abbot (2m5f, soft) in May and he's been placed a few times since; however, he's inconsistent and was tailed off at Ludlow last time, while the drop back in trip isn't an obvious plus.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

5

18th Oct 2025

Good To Soft

2m 5f 122y

Class 4

16:15 Newton Abbot

Coconut Twist

11st 8lb

J: Harry Reed

T: Daisy Hitchins

Won three times in early part of year and was back in good nick when close fourth (hampered close home) over C&D (good) last month but may find others better handicapped in this stronger race; cheekpieces refitted.

16/1

2

29th Sep 2025

Good

2m 5f 122y

Class 4

16:50 Newton Abbot

Coconut Twist

11st 12lb

J: Robbie David

T: Daisy Hitchins

Won three times in early part of this year, most recently here (3m2f, good) in April, but seemed to have gone off the boil on last two outings in May/June and current mark demands a career-best performance.

5/1

15

29th Jun 2025

Good

2m 7f 70y

Class 2

13:30 Uttoxeter

Coconut Twist

10st 5lb

J: Mr Robbie David

T: Daisy Hitchins

Ridden by Robbie David on last eight outings; won four of his 15 races last season, with a stack of place returns as well; latest win was off a 5lb lower mark at Newton Abbot (3m2f, good) in April, followed by a creditable second there but he was pulled up at Southwell five weeks ago; has bounced back before but this is a tough race in which to do it.

16/1

Form: 5-PP1P C

Last run: 22 days

W: 10st 6lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 78

Form & Verdict
Very inconsistent and made it 1-16 when pulled up at Hereford three weeks ago; however, prior to that he won on his chase debut here (2m1f, good to soft) in October and shouldn't be written off now back at Exeter.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6

10th Jun 2026

Good

2m 3f 104y

Class 5

15:00 Fontwell

Wellwillya

10st 6lb

J: Paul O’Brien

T: Helen Nelmes

Second of two wins over fences came at this track (2m5f, heavy) in February 2025; comfortably held when fourth of seven finishers over C&D (good) last month and needs to show improvement.

9/1

4th

9

6th May 2026

Good

2m 3f 104y

Class 5

19:42 Fontwell

Wellwillya

10st 5lb

J: Paul O’Brien

T: Helen Nelmes

Record of 2-7 over fences and he ran a big race in defeat at Exeter (2m3f, good to soft) last month; is also well suited by this track and he should be in the mix again after a short break.

10/1

Form: 432-0P

Last run: 27 days

W: 12st 0lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 100

Form & Verdict
Runner-up in maiden hurdle here in April but so far this season he's been tailed off over hurdles at Wincanton and pulled up on his chase and handicap debut at Chepstow; plenty to prove.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

3

20th May 2026

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 4

15:30 Warwick

Rangatira Jack

10st 12lb

J: Sean Houlihan

T: Linda Blackford

Sole success came at Exeter off 7lb higher in April last year; has slipped down the weights but placed for the first time since when second of six finishers at Ffos Las (2m5f, good) 15 days ago; cannot dismiss.

5/1

2nd

7

5th May 2026

Good

2m 5f 110y

Class 5

17:22 Ffos Las

Rangatira Jack

11st 0lb

J: James Best

T: Linda Blackford

1-19 overall, though the win did come over fences; however, hasn't fired for a while, despite attracting market support on his return to hurdles last time.

14/1

4th

9

17th Apr 2026

Good To Firm

2m 2f 111y

Class 5

17:40 Exeter

Rangatira Jack

11st 2lb

J: James Best

T: Linda Blackford

2m3f chase winner here (good) 12 months ago; 0-6 over hurdles; well beaten over fences on his last four starts; bit to prove back hurdling.

11/1

Form: /7P-61 D

Last run: 29 days

W: 11st 13lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 99

Form & Verdict
Off the mark when winning on his second chase start at Ffos Las (2m3f, soft) four weeks ago; this lightly raced 6yo shaped as though he has more to offer and he's firmly in calculations up 5lb.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

31st Oct 2025

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 5

12:55 Uttoxeter

Ileny Royale

11st 12lb

J: Conor O’Farrell

T: Tim Vaughan

Battled on gamely to open account at Ffos Las (2m3f, soft) last November but was well below that form on final three starts last season; needs to have been refreshed by seven-month break; had wind op in September.

25/1

4

31st Oct 2025

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 5

12:55 Uttoxeter

Ileny Royale

11st 12lb

J: Conor O’Farrell

T: Tim Vaughan

Battled on gamely to open account at Ffos Las (2m3f, soft) last November but was well below that form on final three starts last season; needs to have been refreshed by seven-month break; had wind op in September.

25/1

7th

5

6th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

2m 7f 177y

Class 5

15:30 Ffos Las

Ileny Royale

11st 11lb

J: Alan Johns

T: Tim Vaughan

Battled on gamely to open account here (2m3f, soft) in November and, judged on that performance, looks a good candidate for 3m; however, two lesser efforts have followed and he now has a point to prove.

12/1

OUR TIP

Form: 2-1246 CD

Last run: 27 days

W: 11st 10lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 96

Form & Verdict
Below par on both runs this autumn but he's on a competitive mark on form as recent as June and he won this last year (soft); may bounce back.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

2

19th Jul 2026

Good

3m 2f 105y

Class 4

16:50 Newton Abbot

Time To Bite

12st 1lb

J: Bryan Carver

T: Chris Honour

Better chaser than hurdler and forgiven latest heavy defeat in a strong handicap; his last hurdle run was four starts back when beaten a neck at Wincanton (2m5f, good); could run well, though some stamina reservations over quite this far.

13/2

10th

9

28th Jun 2026

Good

3m 0f 10y

Class 2

15:27 Uttoxeter

Time To Bite

10st 8lb

J: Bryan Carver

T: Chris Honour

Chase record is 9-35, the most recent win in veterans' event at Fakenham (3m, good) on penultimate start; consistent sort but faces a stiffer task off current mark in this valuable and competitive affair; similar type to Hold Your Fort.

20/1

3rd

2

27th May 2026

Good

3m 1f 170y

Class 3

15:53 Newton Abbot

Time To Bite

11st 13lb

J: Bryan Carver

T: Chris Honour

Admirable veteran who recorded his ninth chase win when making all to score from 2lb out of the weights at Fakenham (3m, good) this month; this is tougher off 4lb higher but he seems as good as ever as an 11yo and three of his wins have come at this track; key player.

9/4

Form: -P40P6

Last run: 23 days

W: 11st 6lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 92

Form & Verdict
Continues to drop down the weights and he's one to watch in the betting, but he's struggled to get competitive this year.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

2

7th Mar 2025

Soft

1m 7f 201y

Class 5

16:28 Leicester

You Say Nothing

11st 10lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Christian Williams

Had been struggling but bounced back for a fourth chase success at Lingfield two weeks ago (2m, soft; made most); wouldn't be certain to repeat that form but clear claims if he can off 5lb higher.

10/11

Form: 0636U9 D

Last run: 21 days

W: 11st 1lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 87

Form & Verdict
Three-time hurdle winner who was a fair third on his chase and stable debut at Stratford (2m3f, soft) in October and is now 7lb lower; however, he's failed to kick on subsequently and needs to raise his game.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8

19th Dec 2024

Good To Soft

2m 3f 48y

Class 5

15:05 Exeter

Nadim

11st 1lb

J: Harry Reed

T: Daisy Hitchins

towards rear

25/1

8

19th Dec 2024

Good To Soft

2m 3f 48y

Class 5

15:05 Exeter

Nadim

11st 1lb

J: Harry Reed

T: Daisy Hitchins

towards rear

25/1

9th

7

28th Nov 2024

Good To Soft

2m 2f 40y

Class 5

15:10 Taunton

Nadim

11st 7lb

J: Harry Reed

T: Daisy Hitchins

Three-time hurdle winner; fair third on chase debut but well behind next time and then unseated early at Plumpton.

20/1

Form: 4-1441 D

Last run: 8 days

W: 10st 13lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 85

Form & Verdict
Made it 2-4 over fences when beating 12 rivals to win in first-time cheekpieces (retained) at Hereford (2m5f, good to soft) last Wednesday; that was a conditionals' handicap so he escapes a penalty and he'll be tough to beat if repeating the form; unproven on soft ground.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

29th Aug 2025

Good

2m 5f 135y

Class 5

18:18 Fontwell

Mister Upton

11st 0lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Anthony Honeyball

Dual chase winner for Chris Gordon last season (once here) but was pulled up on final two starts for him and failed to build upon his satisfactory stable debut when tailed-off third in small-field contest last month (first-time blinkers); sports refitted cheekpieces here; has a point to prove.

7/1

3rd

4

14th Jul 2025

Good

2m 4f 216y

Class 4

16:20 Newton Abbot

Mister Upton

10st 10lb

J: Rex Dingle

T: Anthony Honeyball

Dual chase winner for Chris Gordon last season (2m3f/2m5f); left that stable after two disappointing runs in the winter but was respectable fourth for new stable at Fontwell (2m3f, good) in May and has possibilities if aided by first-time blinkers here.

9/4

4th

4

25th May 2025

Good

2m 3f 104y

Class 5

16:43 Fontwell

Mister Upton

11st 3lb

J: Rex Dingle

T: Anthony Honeyball

Dual chase winner for Chris Gordon last season, over C&D (good) last May and in first-time cheekpieces at Hereford (2m5f, good to soft) in December; pulled up on consecutive outings in the winter but is back on much better ground for this stable debut and it will be very interesting to see what Anthony Honeyball can do with him.

12/1

Form: 4-7623 BF

Last run: 14 days

W: 10st 10lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 82

Form & Verdict
Lightly raced point runner-up who showed improved form when second on his chase debut at Market Rasen (2m5f, good) last November; of interest on that performance but a lesser run followed there (2m3f, soft) a fortnight ago.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

2nd Jun 2025

Good

2m 5f 89y

Class 5

14:15 Market Rasen

Zmiinyi

10st 7lb

J: Tom Bellamy

T: Kim Bailey & Mat Nicholls

Ran encouragingly on chase debut here but not built on that and continues to be let down by his jumping; cheekpieces may help in that respect and he would have claims with a trouble-free round.

12/1

5

2nd Jun 2025

Good

2m 5f 89y

Class 5

14:15 Market Rasen

Zmiinyi

10st 7lb

J: Tom Bellamy

T: Kim Bailey & Mat Nicholls

Ran encouragingly on chase debut here but not built on that and continues to be let down by his jumping; cheekpieces may help in that respect and he would have claims with a trouble-free round.

12/1

7

24th Apr 2025

Good

2m 0f 54y

Class 5

15:05 Warwick

Zmiinyi

10st 8lb

J: Ciaran Gethings

T: Kim Bailey & Mat Nicholls

Ran encouragingly on chase debut but has failed to build on that effort and jumping issues arose the last twice (made bad mistake and unseated rider mid-race latest).

7/1

Form: PP6-31 D

Last run: 21 days

W: 10st 4lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 76

Form & Verdict
Returned from a break with a win at Taunton (2m2f, good to soft) three weeks ago; his profile doesn't suggest he's an obvious one to follow up but he beat 12 rivals last time and has been raised just 2lb; not discounted.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

6

12th Apr 2026

Good

1m 7f 149y

Class 5

15:27 Wincanton

My Rockstar

10st 3lb

J: Ben Godfrey

T: Helen Rees

Record of 2-16 over fences; beaten about 11l in two 2m4f handicaps here since an absence and there are positives to take out of both those runs; this drop back in trip could help.

7/1

5th

7

1st Apr 2026

Good

2m 4f 35y

Class 5

16:20 Wincanton

My Rockstar

10st 2lb

J: Ben Godfrey

T: Helen Rees

10yo who has won twice over fences but he faded into a well-held fourth behind Universal Secret over C&D in February; 3lb out of the weights in this rematch and he has work to do to turn the tables.

16/1

4th

5

25th Feb 2026

Soft

2m 4f 35y

Class 5

15:50 Wincanton

My Rockstar

10st 7lb

J: Ben Godfrey

T: Helen Rees

C&D (good) winner in April 2023 who also popped up at Taunton (2m2f, good to soft) in November 2024 following a 182-day break; just four starts since have included two solid efforts and it's possible he can have a say back from a 331-day absence; has a query on soft ground, however.

8/1

Form: /707-P

Last run: 14 days

W: 10st 2lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 74

Form & Verdict
7yo who has raced only five times but he hasn't shown much and was pulled up when upped markedly in trip for his recent handicap and chase debut at Wincanton (3m2f, soft); others have far less to prove.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11

6th Mar 2025

Good To Soft

1m 7f 50y

Class 5

17:20 Wincanton

Benville Bridge

10st 2lb

J: David Noonan

T: Fiona Shaw

towards rear, mistake 4th, reminders after 6th, badly hampered by faller 3 out, soon lost touch

50/1

12

30th Jan 2025

Heavy

2m 3f 179y

Class 5

14:25 Wincanton

Benville Bridge

10st 4lb

J: James Best

T: Fiona Shaw

Didn't show much in novice hurdles last winter and pulled up last month on first two handicap/chase starts; a transformation is needed now back over hurdles in first-time cheekpieces.

33/1

12

30th Jan 2025

Heavy

2m 3f 179y

Class 5

14:25 Wincanton

Benville Bridge

10st 4lb

J: James Best

T: Fiona Shaw

Didn't show much in novice hurdles last winter and pulled up last month on first two handicap/chase starts; a transformation is needed now back over hurdles in first-time cheekpieces.

33/1

Form: 750/8- CD

Last run: 559 days

W: 10st 2lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 74

Form & Verdict
Won this in 2021 (soft) and is fully 15lb lower today; however, this 10yo has raced just five times since and has finished well beaten each time; returns from long absence and he's probably best watched.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

15

19th Dec 2024

Good To Soft

2m 3f 48y

Class 5

15:05 Exeter

Eurowork

10st 2lb

J: Lorcan Murtagh

T: Nigel Hawke

in touch with leaders

33/1

15

19th Dec 2024

Good To Soft

2m 3f 48y

Class 5

15:05 Exeter

Eurowork

10st 2lb

J: Lorcan Murtagh

T: Nigel Hawke

in touch with leaders

33/1

Form: 65333/

Last run: 621 days

W: 10st 2lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 70

Form & Verdict
Won at Taunton in 2022 but wasn't really threatening when last seen in spring 2023; has a long absence to defy and others are preferred.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

4

9th Sep 2025

Soft

2m 4f 216y

Class 5

14:58 Newton Abbot

Master Mikey Dee

10st 2lb

J: Freddie Gingell

T: Richenda Ford

Well over three years since his only win; out of form and out of the weights; little significance in the return of cheekpieces.

14/1

4th

10

25th May 2025

Good

3m 1f 210y

Class 5

14:23 Fontwell

Master Mikey Dee

10st 2lb

J: Harry Kimber

T: Richenda Ford

Plugged on for fairly respectable fourth at Newton Abbot (2m5f, heavy) last month but it's over three years since his only win and he's a good way out of the handicap again here.

25/1

4th

10

25th May 2025

Good

3m 1f 210y

Class 5

14:23 Fontwell

Master Mikey Dee

10st 2lb

J: Harry Kimber

T: Richenda Ford

Plugged on for fairly respectable fourth at Newton Abbot (2m5f, heavy) last month but it's over three years since his only win and he's a good way out of the handicap again here.

25/1

Non-runners

Fox Wallace, Pep Talking

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £108.40
Straight Forecast £86.80
Tricast £1024.72
Trifecta £826.10

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Mister Upton

The Sun:

Pep Talking

WEST COUNTRY:

Zmiinyi

The Times:

Imperial Joe

D Express:

You Say Nothing

Telegraph:

Zmiinyi

The Star:

Pep Talking

Daily Record:

Pep Talking

RP RATINGS:

Mister Upton

POSTDATA:

Mister Upton

Daily Mail:

Mister Upton

Daily Mirror:

Mister Upton

The Guardian:

Imperial Joe