13.45
SoftCongratulations 2024 WGN Winner Val Dancer Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase (GBB Race)
- Prize money: £6178.77
- 2m 7f 131y
- Class 3
- 3 runners
Runners: 3 runners
Type: Chase Turf
Surface: Turf
Weather: Sleet
Abandoned
Form: 133-13 BF
Last run: 35 days
W: 11st 9lb
7 yo Gelding
OR: 126
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
3rd 2 |
29th Jan 2026 Heavy 3m 1f 30y Class 5 |
12st 2lb |
Lightly raced gelding who did well in handicap chases last season for Dan Skelton before losing his way; beaten in two points for current yard and he'll need more here; has won on heavy. |
4/1 |
|
3 |
16th Apr 2025 Good 3m 4f 21y Class 3 |
12st 0lb |
Scored by 8l on seasonal/chase debut at Carlisle (3m2f, good to soft) in October and was placed over 3m on next two outings; finished very weakly when upped to 3m5f at Warwick last month, which is a concern, but could plausibly still have untapped potential over marathon trips. |
10/1 |
|
3 |
16th Apr 2025 Good 3m 4f 21y Class 3 |
12st 0lb |
Scored by 8l on seasonal/chase debut at Carlisle (3m2f, good to soft) in October and was placed over 3m on next two outings; finished very weakly when upped to 3m5f at Warwick last month, which is a concern, but could plausibly still have untapped potential over marathon trips. |
10/1 |
Abandoned
Form: 222-16 C
Last run: 22 days
W: 11st 5lb
7 yo Gelding
OR: 122
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
13 |
25th Apr 2026 Good 3m 4f 146y Class 1 |
10st 5lb |
Failed to fire in the Eider at Newcastle on penultimate start; commendable otherwise this season, making all in the Southern National at Fontwell (3m3f, good to soft), fourth in Welsh Grand National at Chepstow (3m7f, good to soft) and short-headed at Exeter (3m7f, good) five weeks ago; raised another 2lb but has place claims. |
12/1 |
|
2nd 4 |
22nd Mar 2026 Good 3m 6f 153y Class 3 |
11st 6lb |
Made all in Southern National at Fontwell (3m3f, good to soft) on seasonal debut in November and was commendable fourth in Welsh Grand National at Chepstow (3m6f, good to soft) just after Christmas; didn't fire in last month's Eider at Newcastle but still features prominently in calculations; placed the only time he raced on good ground. |
11/4 |
|
6th 6 |
21st Feb 2026 Good To Soft 4m 1f 56y Class 2 |
10st 2lb |
Made all under Callum Pritchard in the Southern National at Fontwell (extended 3m3f, good to soft) on reappearance in November, clear from four out and holding on by a neck from a strong finisher; came from mid-division when creditable fourth in the Welsh National at Chepstow (extended 3m6f) and having a crack at 4m+ now makes appeal; one to consider. |
7/2 |
Abandoned
Form: 8PP-2P D
Last run: 32 days
W: 10st 7lb
8 yo Gelding
OR: 110
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
5th 4 |
25th Feb 2026 Soft 3m 1f 30y Class 4 |
11st 8lb |
0-10 and essentially disappointing since switched to fences in 2023; he didn't do badly when fourth on seasonal debut at Ffos Las (3m, soft; has gone well there before) in November but pulled up at Chepstow last month and consistency remains an issue. |
8/1 |
|
5 |
27th Jan 2026 Soft 2m 7f 136y Class 4 |
11st 11lb |
0-9 and essentially disappointing since switched to fences in 2023, but he ran quite well when fourth on seasonal debut at Ffos Las (3m, soft) and is well handicapped if judged on last season's placed form. |
8/1 |
|
11 |
17th Apr 2025 Good To Soft 2m 7f 177y Class 4 |
11st 3lb |
raced in second, going okay when fell 3 out |
12/1 |
Non-runners
Ballybentragh, Mahland
Verdict
Illico De Cotte has made a successful transition to fences and there are no doubts over his stamina, but BALLYBENTRAGH could prove a potent force on today’s chase debut. Mahland is another point winner who switches to fences from hurdles and needs a close look, while the other two would need plenty of respect if judged on their penultimate rather than latest starts.[Richard Austen]
Selections
The Sun:
Illico De CotteDaily Record:
Illico De CotteWEST COUNTRY:
Livin On LucoThe Times:
Livin On LucoDaily Mirror:
Livin On Luco