December 27 / 14.30 Kempton

14.30

Good

Ladbrokes Desert Orchid Handicap Chase (Grade 2) (Limited Handicap Chase) (GBB Race)

  • Prize money: £56950
  • 2m 0f 0y
  • Class 1
  • 9 runners
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Ladbrokes Desert Orchid Handicap Chase (Grade 2) (Limited Handicap Chase) (GBB Race)

Runners: 9 runners

Type: Chase Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Cloudy

12/1 (Won)

  • Win: £17.00
  • Place: £4.30

Form: 2-2224 D

Last run: 20 days

W: 10st 2lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 139

Form & Verdict
Run of seconds in good handicaps and graded novices ended in Grade 1 company at Sandown last time; conditions, race class and drop in trip all undid him that day and only one is on his side now; also 4lb out of the weights.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

2

18th Jul 2026

Good

2m 5f 89y

Class 1

14:45 Market Rasen

Soul Icon

11st 12lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Keiran Burke

Two good runs in defeat at 3m before coming down at the Canal Turn in the Topham Trophy; went close to winning this two years ago and that was after a two-month break; definite possibilities, as this mark isn't beyond him; Harry Cobden has won the last three renewals of this race.

6/1

12

10th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 5f 19y

Class 1

16:05 Aintree

Soul Icon

10st 10lb

J: Tom Bellamy

T: Keiran Burke

He's run pretty well in defeat at Kempton on his two starts this year (3m, good/good to soft); also ran okay when ninth in this last year (good to soft) but beaten nearly 20l and he's just 3lb lower this time around.

33/1

5th

3

21st Feb 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 0y

Class 1

15:35 Kempton

Soul Icon

11st 6lb

J: Rian Corcoran

T: Keiran Burke

His best form is over shorter, including last season's 2m Grade 2 victory here off the same mark as today; whether he wants 3m is questionable, for all that he was only 2l off The Doyen Chief here last month.

12/1

7/2

  • Place: £2.10

Form: 1F3-3F CD

Last run: 20 days

W: 11st 12lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 163

Form & Verdict
Five of his seven chase wins came as a novice (including 2021 Wayward Lad over this C&D), showing that he has often struggled against the very best; rising 11 now and neither run this term has proved that he retains all of his ability, but he would be a contender even on last season's form.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

2

25th Apr 2026

Good

1m 7f 99y

Class 1

14:55 Sandown

Edwardstone

11st 10lb

J: Tom Cannon

T: Alan King

Admirable veteran, albeit isn't quite the force of old and gained this season's win in substandard Grade 2 at Kempton (2m4f); also perhaps ideally suited by further than about 2m nowadays; beaten twice in this race.

33/1

3rd

1

6th Apr 2026

Good

2m 0f 219y

Class 2

14:35 Plumpton

Edwardstone

12st 0lb

J: Tom Cannon

T: Alan King

12yo whose career highlight came when winning the Tingle Creek in 2022; showed he retains considerable spark when winning Grade 2 at Kempton (2m4f, good) this January; he may prefer a longer trip than this nowadays but he's a leading player nevertheless now back in a handicap.

5/2

4th

3

14th Feb 2026

Soft

2m 5f 13y

Class 1

15:35 Ascot

Edwardstone

11st 10lb

J: Tom Cannon

T: Alan King

Acts on any ground; formerly a high-class chaser at about 2m, best form when winning the 2022 Tingle Creek; seems better suited by further nowadays and, despite his advancing years, managed to land a Grade 2 prize over 2m4f at Kempton most recently; recapturing Grade 1 honours at the age of 12 is not completely implausible, as he's technically still unexposed at this sort of trip and his two main rivals are also veterans.

10/1

OUR TIP

Form: 111-11 D

Last run: 34 days

W: 11st 0lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 151

Form & Verdict
Winner of his last five starts, going up 33lb in the weights; another clear step forward at Ascot last time (2m1f, good) when winning by 11l with a subsequent winner in second and Sans Bruit in third; up another 11lb and without Ned Fox's 5lb claim but has a big shout in current form.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

13

11th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

1m 7f 199y

Class 1

16:40 Cheltenham

Martator

10st 12lb

J: Charlie Deutsch

T: Venetia Williams

Ascot specialist who was second there in November off today's mark and he was in contention when unseating five out at Sandown in January; however, good runs were scarce in 2025 and he's been soundly beaten on all four visits here; tenth in this last year; blinkers replace cheekpieces.

50/1

3

31st Jan 2026

Soft

1m 7f 99y

Class 2

14:02 Sandown

Martator

11st 9lb

J: Charlie Deutsch

T: Venetia Williams

Has lacked consistency since completing a five-timer in 2024; best effort this term when second at Ascot on penultimate start; on last winning mark, so holds a fighting chance provided he's in top form.

12/1

Form: 512-34 D BF

Last run: 19 days

W: 10st 2lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 139

Form & Verdict
Dual heavy-ground chase winner in the north last season, looking a smart prospect; yet to catch light this season, failing to build on reappearance at Kelso 19 days ago, and bit to prove from out of the weights here.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

3

18th Apr 2026

Soft

2m 0f 110y

Class 1

13:10 Ayr

Traprain Law

10st 4lb

J: Patrick Wadge

T: Lucinda Russell & Michael Scudamore

Running well in the main this season, winning at Wetherby (1m7f, soft) in December and good third at Musselburgh (2m4f, good to soft) in January last time; this two-time course winner was runner-up in this race two years ago and could again have a part to play.

4/1

3rd

6

31st Jan 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 68y

Class 2

14:20 Musselburgh

Traprain Law

10st 6lb

J: Patrick Wadge

T: Lucinda Russell & Michael Scudamore

Runner-up to progressive winner at Kelso (2m1f, soft) last month then went one better at Wetherby (1m7f, soft; by 3l); he remains 3lb lower than when third in this last year (good to soft) and could be firmly involved.

11/2

4th

8

24th Oct 2025

Good

1m 7f 199y

Class 2

15:35 Cheltenham

Traprain Law

10st 2lb

J: Patrick Wadge

T: Lucinda Russell & Michael Scudamore

Behind a couple of these when seventh in last season's Grand Annual here but this dual chase winner has the benefit of a positive recent run at Kelso on good ground that would have been lively enough for him; should run well.

6/1

Form: 5P-P9P CD

Last run: 41 days

W: 10st 13lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 150

Form & Verdict
Won this race the last two years, last season after a lead-in which was similarly quiet to his two runs this autumn; showed zest in the Paddy Power Gold Cup at Cheltenham last time before a bad mistake at the water; dropped another 4lb and no surprise if he showed more today; market check advised.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

1st Mar 2025

Good To Soft

2m 0f 78y

Class 2

14:40 Doncaster

Editeur Du Gite

10st 13lb

J: Niall Houlihan

T: Gary & Josh Moore

led, headed then prominent 5th, pressed leader before 4 out, weakened after 4 out

14/1

Form: 1FF4-2 CD

Last run: 42 days

W: 11st 9lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 160

Form & Verdict
Graduated from handicap company last season (fell when favourite for this race) but has had limitations exposed against top 2m chasers, very much second best behind Jonbon last time at Cheltenham on first run since wind surgery; this is more his level but he has a higher mark than for previous handicap runs.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

4

9th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

1m 7f 176y

Class 1

16:40 Aintree

Boothill

11st 9lb

J: Bryan Carver

T: Harry Fry

Ascot specialist who runs at Aintree for the first time; following wind surgery he ran okay when 13l eighth of 20 in the Grand Annual at Cheltenham (2m, good) last month, and he's another 4lb lower today; however, this 11yo is without a win since 2023 and needs to find something extra now in cheekpieces.

33/1

8th

6

11th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

1m 7f 199y

Class 1

16:40 Cheltenham

Boothill

11st 4lb

J: Bryan Carver

T: Harry Fry

Ascot specialist who ran really well when second to Jonbon in C&D Grade 2 (good) in November 2024; well handicapped on that form but this 11yo has struggled to get competitive this season; wind op needs to prompt a revival.

40/1

Form: 04-P13 D

Last run: 40 days

W: 10st 5lb

8 yo Filly

OR: 142

Form & Verdict
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

15th

2

16th Nov 2024

Good To Yielding

2m 0f 50y

12:50 Navan

Calico

11st 12lb

J: Finn Brickley

T: Gordon Elliott

Five-time winner including over hurdles in America 12 months ago, not long after opening her chase account at Galway; has been chasing lately; trainer appears to have stronger candidates.

12/1

15th

2

16th Nov 2024

Good To Yielding

2m 0f 50y

12:50 Navan

Calico

11st 12lb

J: Finn Brickley

T: Gordon Elliott

Five-time winner including over hurdles in America 12 months ago, not long after opening her chase account at Galway; has been chasing lately; trainer appears to have stronger candidates.

12/1

6th

1

1st Nov 2024

Good To Yielding

2m 0f 100y

14:40 Down Royal

Calico

12st 0lb

J: Carl Millar

T: Gordon Elliott

Five-time winner including over hurdles in America 12 months ago, not long after opening her chase account at Galway; out of her depth in a Grade 2 chase at Punchestown festival; had a run over hurdles before 12l second to The Banger Doyle on handicap debut at Cork.

7/2

Form: 33-2P5 D

Last run: 19 days

W: 10st 5lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 142

Form & Verdict
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

17th Sep 2025

Good

2m 1f 14y

Class 3

18:30 Kelso

Malystic

11st 11lb

J: Brian Hughes

T: Peter Niven

An 11yo now who isn't as good as he was and has predictably lost some of his old speed; hasn't been running badly in handicaps at about this trip but looks vulnerable.

8/1

2

20th Jul 2025

Good

2m 0f 213y

Class 2

15:13 Stratford

Malystic

11st 8lb

J: Henry Brooke

T: Peter Niven

On a good mark but an 11yo now and has lost some of his old zip; ran okay at Uttoxeter last time but got outpaced when it mattered and was never threatening; what will help here is the likelihood of a good pace and some rain; respected.

10/1

4th

3

29th Jun 2025

Good

1m 7f 214y

Class 2

16:20 Uttoxeter

Malystic

11st 10lb

J: Brian Hughes

T: Peter Niven

An 11yo now and, in first-time cheekpieces, finished well behind at Ayr in a race he had done well in previously; this wouldn't be so demanding and his penultimate effort was quite encouraging; by no means ruled out.

14/1

Form: 213-33 D

Last run: 34 days

W: 10st 2lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 139

Form & Verdict
Made all in the Red Rum at Aintree in April (2m, soft) under Bryony Frost on second chase start for current yard; creditable efforts in defeat both runs this season, taking the inside line on rain-softened ground last time; 4lb out of the weights here but he is more open to improvement than most.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

4

18th Apr 2026

Soft

2m 0f 110y

Class 1

13:10 Ayr

Sans Bruit

10st 2lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Paul Nicholls

Front-runner who was 11l third of 15 at Aintree (2m, good to soft) nine days ago when bidding to win that race for the third consecutive year (wins on soft/good); his last five wins have come in the month of April and there can be optimism that he will make another bold bid; third in this in 2024.

3/1

3rd

7

9th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

1m 7f 176y

Class 1

16:40 Aintree

Sans Bruit

11st 1lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Paul Nicholls

His exploits earlier in the season aren't of much concern given his last five wins have come in the month of April, including the last two runnings of this race (soft/good to soft; has also won on good); this prominent racer did it comfortably 12 months ago and is just 3lb higher today; could once more take all the beating.

11/4

4th

3

18th Jan 2026

Soft

2m 0f 37y

Class 2

13:50 Windsor

Sans Bruit

11st 8lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Paul Nicholls

Hasn't found his form this term and that may well continue until winter is out, as he's essentially a spring horse; gained last five wins in the month of April.

10/1

Non-runners

Calico

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £61.30
Straight Forecast £70.13
Tricast £163.27
Trifecta £193.60

Selections

TOPSPEED:

Boothill

SPOTLIGHT:

Martator

RP RATINGS:

Editeur Du Gite

POSTDATA:

Sans Bruit

The Times:

Edwardstone

D Express:

Martator

Daily Mirror:

Martator

Daily Record:

Martator

WEST COUNTRY:

Boothill

Telegraph:

Boothill

The Guardian:

Boothill

Daily Mail:

Boothill

The Sun:

Boothill

The Star:

Editeur Du Gite