December 31 / 15.05 Uttoxeter

15.05

Good To Soft

Quinnbet Novices’ Handicap Chase (GBB Race)

  • Prize money: £4700.09
  • 2m 4f 0y
  • Class 4
  • 9 runners
SKY
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Quinnbet Novices’ Handicap Chase (GBB Race)

Runners: 9 runners

Type: Chase Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Showers

6/1 (Won)

  • Win: £4.00
  • Place: £1.70

Form: 20-542

Last run: 11 days

W: 11st 2lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 108

Form & Verdict
Left behind by Knockanore when runner-up over C&D 11 days ago, his second chasing start, but that still goes down as a pretty good effort and he remains well handicapped on some of last season's hurdling form.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

11

14th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 203y

Class 3

13:28 Haydock

Taras Halls

11st 0lb

J: Callum Bewley

T: Joel Parkinson & Sue Smith

Resumed winning ways in first-time blinkers at Newcastle (2m4f) in November but very in and out since, pulled up in 2m6f Leicester handicap chase 25 days ago; he's not easy to warm to today.

14/1

4

20th Jan 2026

Good To Soft

2m 6f 151y

Class 3

14:02 Leicester

Taras Halls

11st 9lb

J: Danny McMenamin

T: Joel Parkinson & Sue Smith

Inconsistent this season but won in first-time blinkers at Newcastle in November and looked unlucky not to add to his tally at Haydock (also 2m4f, good to soft) three weeks ago, when a last-fence error was costly; up another 4lb for that but could have more to offer if in the right mood again.

9/2

1

31st Oct 2025

Good

2m 3f 207y

Class 4

14:30 Uttoxeter

Taras Halls

12st 0lb

J: Gavin Sheehan

T: Joel Parkinson & Sue Smith

Won over fences here (2m4f, good to soft) on New Year's Eve but began this year with two disappointing runs; reverts to hurdling after 261-day break and with usual cheekpieces missing; others have much less to prove.

20/1

9/1

  • Place: £2.40

Form: 25-213 C

Last run: 20 days

W: 11st 7lb

8 yo Mare

OR: 113

Form & Verdict
More exposed than most of these over fences but won here (2m, good) last month and also ran well when third behind progressive rival at Hereford (2m, good to soft) three weeks ago; fine over 2m4f; probably in the mix.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

17th Oct 2025

Good

1m 7f 214y

Class 4

16:07 Uttoxeter

Lime Drop

11st 13lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Henry Daly

Three chase wins last season, the first two over C&D (good/good to soft); not beaten far when last of six at Cheltenham in April but remains on career-high mark for this reappearance run and takes on some unexposed rivals.

10/1

6th

1

17th Apr 2025

Good

2m 0f 62y

Class 3

16:30 Cheltenham

Lime Drop

12st 0lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Henry Daly

Outclassed in a Listed race two runs back but admirably consistent otherwise and a 4lb rise for beating Ostrava Du Berlais at Warwick the last time (2m, good) is more than fair; strong claims.

7/2

6th

1

17th Apr 2025

Good

2m 0f 62y

Class 3

16:30 Cheltenham

Lime Drop

12st 0lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Henry Daly

Outclassed in a Listed race two runs back but admirably consistent otherwise and a 4lb rise for beating Ostrava Du Berlais at Warwick the last time (2m, good) is more than fair; strong claims.

7/2

OUR TIP

11/4

  • Place: £1.50

Form: 4-5621 CD

Last run: 11 days

W: 11st 12lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 118

Form & Verdict
Made low-key start to chasing career in the autumn but is back in prime form now and drew 13l clear of Taras Hall to win over C&D (soft) 11 days ago; 10lb higher today but good 3lb claimer Dylan Johnston is enlisted; shortlisted.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

4

14th Apr 2026

Good

2m 7f 191y

Class 4

13:35 Market Rasen

Knockanore

11st 9lb

J: Mr Lucas Murphy

T: Ryan Potter

Generally very disappointing since winning last season's Eider Chase at Newcastle (4m1f, good to soft) by 16l but took small step back in right direction when fourth over hurdles last month (wore first-time blinkers) and is too well handicapped to rule out on this return to chasing; usual cheekpieces back on.

7/1

4th

2

18th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 1f 119y

Class 4

14:30 Hereford

Knockanore

11st 10lb

J: Freddie Mitchell

T: Ryan Potter

Hasn't run a race of note since winning last season's 4m1f Eider Chase at Newcastle, in which his struggles continued last time out (tailed off or pulled up over hurdles prior to that); too well handicapped to rule out and blinkers go on for cheekpieces.

12/1

7th

10

21st Feb 2026

Good To Soft

4m 1f 56y

Class 2

14:43 Newcastle

Knockanore

10st 2lb

J: Freddie Mitchell

T: Ryan Potter

Stormed clear for a 16l win under Freddie Mitchell in this race last year, form which has not been seen from him before or since but his last three outings were over hurdles; 11lb higher (10lb out of the handicap) than 12 months ago but well treated if he returns to that peak form and stranger things have happened.

11/1

100/30

Form: 2-3112 D BF

Last run: 31 days

W: 11st 13lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 119

Form & Verdict
Made all on chase/handicap debut at Warwick (2m4f, good) in November and again ran well when second at Doncaster (2m3f, good) later that month; should be fine on the slower ground here and has obvious claims.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

1

31st Dec 2024

Good To Soft

2m 4f 0y

Class 4

15:05 Uttoxeter

Im Ravenous

11st 13lb

J: Ben Jones

T: Ben Pauling

Made all on chase/handicap debut at Warwick (2m4f, good) in November and again ran well when second at Doncaster (2m3f, good) later that month; should be fine on the slower ground here and has obvious claims.

100/30

4th

1

31st Dec 2024

Good To Soft

2m 4f 0y

Class 4

15:05 Uttoxeter

Im Ravenous

11st 13lb

J: Ben Jones

T: Ben Pauling

Made all on chase/handicap debut at Warwick (2m4f, good) in November and again ran well when second at Doncaster (2m3f, good) later that month; should be fine on the slower ground here and has obvious claims.

100/30

2nd

3

30th Nov 2024

Good

2m 3f 31y

Class 4

12:17 Doncaster

Im Ravenous

11st 12lb

J: Callum Pritchard

T: Ben Pauling

led but pestered

5/4

Form: 1P1-PP D

Last run: 25 days

W: 11st 12lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 118

Form & Verdict
Won three times over hurdles last season (2m-2m3f) but stopped quickly and was pulled up in both chases this autumn, so it takes a big leap of faith to support him here; hood refitted.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

7

21st Feb 2026

Soft

2m 0f 16y

Class 3

16:13 Chepstow

Ito Ditto

11st 0lb

J: James Best

T: Nicky Martin

Very progressive in 2023-24 season (gained two of his three wins over C&D) but lightly raced (mainly over fences) and very disappointing since; current ability hard to gauge; market may guide.

14/1

5th

2

31st Dec 2024

Good To Soft

2m 4f 0y

Class 4

15:05 Uttoxeter

Ito Ditto

11st 12lb

J: James Bowen

T: Nicky Martin

Won three times over hurdles last season (2m-2m3f) but stopped quickly and was pulled up in both chases this autumn, so it takes a big leap of faith to support him here; hood refitted.

16/1

5th

2

31st Dec 2024

Good To Soft

2m 4f 0y

Class 4

15:05 Uttoxeter

Ito Ditto

11st 12lb

J: James Bowen

T: Nicky Martin

Won three times over hurdles last season (2m-2m3f) but stopped quickly and was pulled up in both chases this autumn, so it takes a big leap of faith to support him here; hood refitted.

16/1

Form: 59-8PP

Last run: 52 days

W: 11st 9lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 115

Form & Verdict
Dual hurdle winner in Ireland a few years ago but is 0-10 over fences and was pulled up (albeit in a good race) when back over hurdles for last month's stable debut; current ability hard to gauge.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6

20th Aug 2025

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 5

19:30 Worcester

Slip Of The Tongue

11st 2lb

J: Tabitha Worsley

T: Sarah-Jayne Davies

Useful when trained in Ireland but generally very disappointing for current stable since the autumn; ought to have coped much better with the soft ground when pulled up at Cartmel last month; others preferred.

20/1

5

21st Jul 2025

Good

2m 6f 31y

Class 5

14:12 Cartmel

Slip Of The Tongue

11st 6lb

J: Toby Wynne

T: Sarah-Jayne Davies

Useful when trained in Ireland but generally very disappointing for current stable since the autumn; arrested decline with respectable fifth at Uttoxeter (2m4f, good) three weeks ago but needs to build on that run.

20/1

13

29th Jun 2025

Good

2m 3f 207y

Class 4

15:40 Uttoxeter

Slip Of The Tongue

10st 12lb

J: Toby Wynne

T: Sarah-Jayne Davies

Useful performer in Ireland back in the day but has regressed sharply and very opposable on exploits for current yard.

66/1

Form: 2221-6 C

Last run: 21 days

W: 11st 7lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 113

Form & Verdict
5-17 over hurdles, including three course wins; made satisfactory seasonal debut three weeks ago but remains on a career-high mark for this chasing debut and others appeal more.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9

9th May 2025

Good

2m 7f 16y

Class 3

16:23 Market Rasen

Accidental Legend

10st 12lb

J: Liam Harrison

T: Fergal O’Brien

Pulled up in his only attempts at chasing the last twice; five-time winning hurdler who's not on an impossible mark but would prefer softer ground.

16/1

3rd

9

9th May 2025

Good

2m 7f 16y

Class 3

16:23 Market Rasen

Accidental Legend

10st 12lb

J: Liam Harrison

T: Fergal O’Brien

Pulled up in his only attempts at chasing the last twice; five-time winning hurdler who's not on an impossible mark but would prefer softer ground.

16/1

6

25th Jan 2025

Good To Soft

3m 2f 13y

Class 4

15:42 Uttoxeter

Accidental Legend

11st 4lb

J: Liam Harrison

T: Fergal O’Brien

Gained three of his five hurdle wins at this track (2m4f/2m7f) but looked out of sorts and was pulled up here (2m4f, good to soft) on recent chasing debut; should be fine over today's trip but needs to rebound.

16/1

Form: 521-96 C

Last run: 19 days

W: 11st 6lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 112

Form & Verdict
Opened hurdles account in 2m4f course maiden (heavy) just over a year ago; both handicap hurdle runs this season have been disappointing but his easy Irish point win in spring 2023 bodes well for his chasing prospects.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

1

7th Mar 2025

Soft

2m 6f 151y

Class 5

14:50 Leicester

Itsnoteasy

12st 0lb

J: Beau Morgan

T: Olly Murphy

Has won over hurdles but below best in four handicaps since returning from a lengthy break, the last two over fences; has 13l to find with Innisfree Lass on latest running; cheekpieces may help.

8/1

3rd

3

9th Feb 2025

Soft

2m 7f 131y

Class 4

15:20 Chepstow

Itsnoteasy

11st 12lb

J: Kevin Brogan

T: Olly Murphy

Won a heavy-ground maiden hurdle last season (2m4f) but has been a long way below that form in three runs after a long break, the latest when pulled up on his chase debut; should be fine over this far with his pointing background but comes with risks right now.

12/1

3rd

3

9th Feb 2025

Soft

2m 7f 131y

Class 4

15:20 Chepstow

Itsnoteasy

11st 12lb

J: Kevin Brogan

T: Olly Murphy

Won a heavy-ground maiden hurdle last season (2m4f) but has been a long way below that form in three runs after a long break, the latest when pulled up on his chase debut; should be fine over this far with his pointing background but comes with risks right now.

12/1

Form: /562-P

Last run: 34 days

W: 11st 2lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 108

Form & Verdict
Seemed to be getting his act together over fences when second of four at Fontwell (3m2f, heavy) in March, his third chasing start, but ran very poorly when back in action last month; drops back in trip with blinkers tried here; has a point to prove.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

6th Feb 2025

Heavy

2m 7f 177y

Class 5

15:05 Ffos Las

Hermes Du Gouet

12st 0lb

J: Charlie Deutsch

T: Venetia Williams

Performed poorly in handicap chases this season, blinkered on last two outings; easily his best run over fences came in a four-runner race (3m2f, heavy) last March and he's 11lb lower today, also dropped in class, but some recent positives would have been preferable.

16/1

7th

1

6th Feb 2025

Heavy

2m 7f 177y

Class 5

15:05 Ffos Las

Hermes Du Gouet

12st 0lb

J: Charlie Deutsch

T: Venetia Williams

disputed lead, led clearly before 5th, headed before 4 out, soon weakened

16/1

6th

6

20th Jan 2025

Good To Soft

3m 1f 100y

Class 4

15:15 Warwick

Hermes Du Gouet

11st 8lb

J: Charlie Deutsch

T: Venetia Williams

Has performed poorly in 3m1f/2m4f handicap chases this season, latterly tried in the blinkers which are retained; easily his best run over fences came in a four-runner race; others are more compelling.

16/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £28.50
Straight Forecast £28.71
Tricast £82.61
Trifecta £85.30

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

I'm Ravenous

RP RATINGS:

Knockanore

D Express:

Itsnoteasy

POSTDATA:

Taras Halls

The Guardian:

Accidental Legend

The Sun:

Itsnoteasy

Daily Mirror:

Taras Halls

WEST COUNTRY:

I'm Ravenous

The Times:

I'm Ravenous

Daily Mail:

I'm Ravenous

Daily Record:

I'm Ravenous

TOPSPEED:

Knockanore

Telegraph:

Knockanore

The Star:

Knockanore