January 18 / 14.15 Ascot

14.15

Good To Soft

bet365 Handicap Chase (GBB Race)

  • Prize money: £52030
  • 2m 5f 8y
  • Class 2
  • 10 runners
ITV
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bet365 Handicap Chase (GBB Race)

Runners: 10 runners

Type: Chase Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Mostly cloudy

11/1 (Won)

  • Win: £8.50
  • Place: £2.50

Form: 31F-13 D

Last run: 57 days

W: 10st 6lb

8 yo Mare

OR: 134

Form & Verdict
Useful mare who has shown career-best form this term, winning Listed event at Carlisle (2m4f) then third in C&D handicap; could go well but likely needs to find some further improvement to defy current mark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

15th Feb 2025

Good To Soft

2m 7f 180y

Class 1

15:00 Ascot

Terresita

11st 1lb

J: Tom Cannon

T: Lucy Wadham

Ready winner at this track (2m5f, good) four weeks ago, coming from last to first and taking chase record to 4-9; likely to be as effective back up to 3m; progressive mare who is one for the shortlist.

7/1

1st

4

18th Jan 2025

Good To Soft

2m 5f 8y

Class 2

14:15 Ascot

Terresita

10st 6lb

J: Gavin Sheehan

T: Lucy Wadham

Useful mare who has shown career-best form this term, winning Listed event at Carlisle (2m4f) then third in C&D handicap; could go well but likely needs to find some further improvement to defy current mark.

11/1

1st

4

18th Jan 2025

Good To Soft

2m 5f 8y

Class 2

14:15 Ascot

Terresita

10st 6lb

J: Gavin Sheehan

T: Lucy Wadham

Useful mare who has shown career-best form this term, winning Listed event at Carlisle (2m4f) then third in C&D handicap; could go well but likely needs to find some further improvement to defy current mark.

11/1

8/1

  • Place: £3.40

Form: 9283-2 D

Last run: 83 days

W: 12st 0lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 156

Form & Verdict
Respectable second in the Old Roan at Aintree (2m4f) on sole outing this term; has the ability to go one better but remains a frustrating and low-yield performer, having won just one of his last 17 starts.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

10th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 5f 19y

Class 1

16:05 Aintree

Hitman

11st 7lb

J: Freddie Gingell

T: Paul Nicholls

10yo who has become inconsistent and hasn't shone on his last two starts; however, he has a good record over regulation fences here and has the same mark as when winning the Old Roan (2m4f, good to soft) last October; prominent for a fair way in last season's Grand National; not written off.

33/1

1

17th Jan 2026

Good To Soft

2m 5f 13y

Class 2

14:20 Ascot

Hitman

12st 0lb

J: Freddie Gingell

T: Paul Nicholls

Runner-up in this race last year and he ended a long losing sequence in the Old Roan at Aintree (2m4f, good to soft) on reappearance; however, he's less consistent than he once was and he was well held in the Peterborough Chase at Huntingdon last time; needs to bounce back from that.

8/1

3

26th Oct 2025

Good

2m 3f 200y

Class 1

14:55 Aintree

Hitman

11st 3lb

J: Freddie Gingell

T: Paul Nicholls

9yo who has won just one of his last 21 starts and struggled on his final two outings last season (albeit in Grand National on first occasion); however, he often runs very well, as when runner-up in this race last year (good) and in 2022 (good to soft), and there's every chance he'll be bang there.

6/1

11/2

  • Place: £3.40

Form: -77845 D

Last run: 28 days

W: 10st 4lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 132

Form & Verdict
Last three wins at Kempton (2m4f/3m) but has some respectable form at Ascot and showed signs of a revival in good handicap here (3m) last month; possibilities off current mark, provided he builds on that effort.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

1

1st Apr 2025

Good

3m 0f 0y

Class 3

15:55 Kempton

Flegmatik

11st 11lb

J: Tristan Durrell

T: Dan Skelton

Three-time course winner (2m4f-3m); not quite at best this season but handicapped according, and went down fighting when a clear second here (2m4f, good) last month; likely contender.

9/4

2nd

1

1st Apr 2025

Good

3m 0f 0y

Class 3

15:55 Kempton

Flegmatik

11st 11lb

J: Tristan Durrell

T: Dan Skelton

Three-time course winner (2m4f-3m); not quite at best this season but handicapped according, and went down fighting when a clear second here (2m4f, good) last month; likely contender.

9/4

Form: 3-5422 C

Last run: 28 days

W: 10st 2lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 130

Form & Verdict
Second-season chaser whose turn looks near, beaten just under 2l by Kotmask at this venue (2m3f) last time; gets a 3lb pull with that rival and is likely to be suited by this return to 2m5f; could well go one better.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

1

4th Apr 2026

Good

2m 4f 216y

Class 3

15:49 Newton Abbot

Scarface

12st 0lb

J: Freddie Gingell

T: Joe Tizzard

Four-time chase winner and his last success was in this race (off 2lb lower) last year; has been in and out this season but he bounced back with a fair third in Class 2 handicap at Newbury (2m4f, good to soft) two weeks ago; has possibilities if he can back that up and he's versatile ground-wise.

12/1

3rd

6

21st Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 187y

Class 2

14:25 Newbury

Scarface

11st 2lb

J: Freddie Gingell

T: Joe Tizzard

Inconsistent this season but has finished a good second on two occasions (November/December) and filled the same position in this race 12 months ago prior to beating Heltenham at Newton Abbot; well capable of posing a threat, provided he's back to form.

8/1

5th

5

2nd Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 110y

Class 3

15:07 Kempton

Scarface

11st 9lb

J: Brendan Powell

T: Joe Tizzard

Usually wears cheeekpieces; inconsistent (2P2P) this term but sole attempt in blinkers resulted in a good effort at Ascot (2m3f) on penultimate start; could go well in the reapplied blinds.

6/1

Form: 112223

Last run: 17 days

W: 10st 2lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 129

Form & Verdict
Fairly useful novice chaser whose form dipped last time (2m); consistent at up to 2m4f otherwise in this sphere, winning twice and runner-up three times, but faces a stiffer task at this level.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

3

16th May 2025

Good

2m 3f 200y

Class 3

17:45 Aintree

Tedley

11st 4lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Nigel & Willy Twiston-Davies

Launched chasing career with two wins in the autumn (2m/2m3f. good to soft/good) and generally remained in good form until end of last season; looked a non-stayer over 2m7f on latest outing and now drops back in trip with usual cheekpieces refitted; recent 3lb drop gives him a decent chance.

6/1

5th

3

16th May 2025

Good

2m 3f 200y

Class 3

17:45 Aintree

Tedley

11st 4lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Nigel & Willy Twiston-Davies

Launched chasing career with two wins in the autumn (2m/2m3f. good to soft/good) and generally remained in good form until end of last season; looked a non-stayer over 2m7f on latest outing and now drops back in trip with usual cheekpieces refitted; recent 3lb drop gives him a decent chance.

6/1

5th

2

21st Mar 2025

Good To Soft

2m 7f 86y

Class 3

14:30 Newbury

Tedley

11st 9lb

J: Jamie Brace

T: Nigel Twiston-Davies

Has done well since switched to this discipline (winning twice) and his blowouts have come in strong races, latterly in the 2m4f Greatwood Gold Cup here three weeks ago; more exposed than some in here and he's unraced past 2m5f, but can be competitive off this mark.

6/1

Form: 34-321 C

Last run: 28 days

W: 10st 5lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 133

Form & Verdict
Has form figures of 321, all at Ascot, this season; beat Scarface over 2m3f most recently, building on his 2m1f efforts behind Martator and taking chase record to 4-12; very solid claims upped further in distance.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

4

6th Apr 2026

Good

2m 0f 219y

Class 2

14:35 Plumpton

Kotmask

10st 7lb

J: Caoilin Quinn

T: Gary & Josh Moore

His jumping has been an issue this season and he was soundly beaten at Newbury last time; however, two starts ago he was a close second of four there (2m, good to soft) and he has a good record at this track; might not be far away if finding some fluency.

4/1

3rd

2

21st Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 0f 92y

Class 3

16:10 Newbury

Kotmask

11st 12lb

J: Caoilin Quinn

T: Gary & Josh Moore

Almost as good as ever this season and he kept on well when 1l second of four over C&D (good to soft) three weeks ago; a repeat of that form would see him go close, with a tongue-strap added for the first time in Britain, but a losing sequence is developing and he tends to make mistakes.

7/4

2nd

1

27th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 0f 92y

Class 3

16:08 Newbury

Kotmask

12st 0lb

J: Caoilin Quinn

T: Gary & Josh Moore

Resurgent in first-time blinkers when second to an improver at Sandown in January (good; fine on soft) and fell midrace back there last time; it's surprising to see cheekpieces back on (beaten 10l in December when tried in them once before) but he has a big effort in him off this mark.

8/1

Form: 11-113 C BF

Last run: 22 days

W: 11st 9lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 151

Form & Verdict
Beaten favourite in Grade 2 handicap at Kempton (2m) three weeks ago when bidding for a six-timer but should not be written off; very progressive at up to 2m4f otherwise since last March and he is 3-3 at Ascot.
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

OUR TIP

Form: 150-03 D

Last run: 36 days

W: 11st 2lb

12 yo Gelding

OR: 144

Form & Verdict
Veteran who ran creditably at Cheltenham (3m5f) last month in a cross-country chase that he'd won a year earlier; likely to be tapped for finishing toe back down a mile in trip against younger rivals.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

12

11th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 5f 56y

Class 2

15:20 Cheltenham

Latenightpass

10st 5lb

J: Miss Gina Andrews

T: T Ellis

Won over C&D (soft) in 2023 and a commendable second to Stumptown in this race last year (good to soft) but safely held in C&D races won by Final Orders and Favori De Champdou on his last two appearances and is getting long in the tooth now; 8lb out of the weights.

50/1

9th

3

24th Jan 2026

Soft

3m 5f 56y

Class 2

13:50 Cheltenham

Latenightpass

11st 4lb

J: Miss Gina Andrews

T: T Ellis

Won over C&D (soft) in 2023 and was commendable second over C&D (good to soft) at last season's Festival; long in the tooth now and faded into seventh in C&D race won by Final Orders six weeks ago, but it won't be a surprise if he's on the premises.

16/1

Form: 1-0691

Last run: 50 days

W: 10st 3lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 131

Form & Verdict
Benefited from drop back to Class 3 at Doncaster (2m3f) last time, taking strike-rate for current yard to 3-7; back up the weights and returns to significantly deeper waters, so seems unlikely to follow up.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

4

22nd Feb 2025

Good To Soft

2m 4f 19y

Class 3

15:20 Newcastle

Kansas City Star

11st 6lb

J: Alice Stevens

T: Harry Derham

led, not fluent 1st, headed and raced in second 4th, lost second and weakened before 4 out

6/1

12

1st Feb 2025

Good To Soft

2m 4f 68y

Class 2

14:50 Musselburgh

Kansas City Star

10st 8lb

J: James Bowen

T: Harry Derham

in touch with leaders on outer, not fluent 1st

16/1

12

1st Feb 2025

Good To Soft

2m 4f 68y

Class 2

14:50 Musselburgh

Kansas City Star

10st 8lb

J: James Bowen

T: Harry Derham

in touch with leaders on outer, not fluent 1st

16/1

7/1

Form: 00-232

Last run: 33 days

W: 10st 2lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 125

Form & Verdict
Has form figures of 232 since switched to chasing; tad frustrating and is 0-11 in Britain but first-time blinkers may do the trick; record in cheekpieces over hurdles includes a narrow defeat here; 5lb out of weights.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

6

11th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 210y

Class 1

14:30 Aintree

Bad

11st 12lb

J: Ben Jones

T: Ben Pauling

Useful handicap chaser at up to 2m5f, albeit quirky and having saved his winning in this sphere for Kempton; admittedly right up to best in Ascot contest on penultimate start; last two efforts suggest this new trip is worth exploring but he comes with some risk, especially in such a competitive field.

20/1

3rd

2

21st Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 110y

Class 2

16:05 Kempton

Bad

11st 13lb

J: Ben Jones

T: Ben Pauling

Has his quirks but talented and his win in this last year was the first of three victories at this track (2m2f-2m4f); he's close to a career-high mark, off which he went close last month at Ascot (2m5f, soft) despite looking disinterested early doors; a danger to all.

9/4

2nd

4

17th Jan 2026

Good To Soft

2m 5f 13y

Class 2

14:20 Ascot

Bad

11st 3lb

J: Ben Jones

T: Ben Pauling

Wasn't going from some way out when favourite behind Etalon here last time but he'd previously won comfortably at Kempton (2m2f, good) and run creditably in the Paddy Power Gold Cup at Cheltenham (2m4f, soft) where the hill proved too much; still relatively young; 5lb better off with Etalon and could turn the tables.

5/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £103.40
Straight Forecast £102.88
Tricast £964.81
Trifecta £1215.90

Selections

RP RATINGS:

Flegmatik

POSTDATA:

Martator

The Sun:

Kotmask

SPOTLIGHT:

Scarface

Telegraph:

Kansas City Star

Daily Record:

Hitman

The Star:

Kotmask

WEST COUNTRY:

Scarface

Daily Mail:

Martator

D Express:

Martator

TOPSPEED:

Flegmatik

The Times:

Flegmatik

The Guardian:

Flegmatik

Daily Mirror:

Flegmatik