January 24 / 15.13 Doncaster

15.13

Good To Soft

Virgin Bet Handicap Chase (Go North Red Rum Series Qualifier) (GBB Race)

  • Prize money: £5281
  • 2m 7f 214y
  • Class 4
  • 12 runners
SKY
View Course
Virgin Bet Handicap Chase (Go North Red Rum Series Qualifier) (GBB Race)

Runners: 12 runners

Type: Chase Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Partly cloudy

Form: 262221 CD

Last run: 26 days

W: 12st 1lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 111

Form & Verdict
Very solid record over fences this season and kept on well to open his account over C&D (good to soft) in first-time cheekpieces last month; drops from 0-130 grade and is only 3lb higher today; strongly respected.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

14th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 7f 91y

Class 3

15:25 Newcastle

Finn Lough

10st 12lb

J: Craig Nichol

T: Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero

Won two 3m handicap chases on good to soft last season; slow to find his form this term, but good run at Musselburgh last time (2m7f, soft); chance.

11/4

2nd

5

15th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 7f 138y

Class 4

16:20 Musselburgh

Finn Lough

11st 4lb

J: Craig Nichol

T: Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero

Has a slight question mark over current form but a revival would put him in the picture; gained most recent win off 1lb higher last February.

12/1

OUR TIP

Form: 5-2F24 D

Last run: 29 days

W: 11st 13lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 109

Form & Verdict
0-8 over fences but hasn't been with current stable long and lost out only narrowly in small field at Wetherby (3m, good) in November; ran well for a long way when fourth in Market Rasen marathon on Boxing Day and ought to make his presence felt again here.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

8

24th May 2026

Good

3m 0f 10y

Class 4

17:12 Uttoxeter

Ballydisco

11st 2lb

J: Stan Sheppard

T: Tom Lacey

Dual hurdle winner who is 0-11 over fences but he has the form to feature off this mark if ready to rock on his stable debut after a long absence; the market should be informative.

8/1

3

20th Mar 2025

Good

3m 2f 59y

Class 4

15:10 Sedgefield

Ballydisco

11st 7lb

J: Derek Fox

T: Lucinda Russell

prominent

100/30

3rd

4

24th Feb 2025

Soft

3m 0f 20y

Class 4

14:25 Ayr

Ballydisco

11st 12lb

J: Derek Fox

T: Lucinda Russell

Ex-Philip Hobbs/Johnson White; dual hurdle winner (including on testing ground) but yet to win over fences, although came close when head second at Wetherby in November (3m, good); fair efforts since; one to consider.

12/1

Form: 646121 C

Last run: 23 days

W: 11st 11lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 107

Form & Verdict
2-5 for new trainer, with both wins gained over 2m4f at Musselburgh (good to soft/soft); latest 7lb rise asks quite a lot of him but he's unexposed over 3m and evidently in very good nick.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

17th May 2026

Good To Firm

2m 6f 125y

Class 4

17:05 Stratford

Okavango Delta

11st 3lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Paul Robson

Absent since below-par run in December but returned from break with creditable second at Musselburgh (2m, good to soft; stays much further) in November and won when fresh last spring; has travelled from Northumberland for this race and Sean Bowen is booked; interesting.

3/1

5th

4

3rd Jul 2025

Good

2m 4f 20y

Class 4

15:20 Perth

Okavango Delta

12st 0lb

J: Ryan Mania

T: Paul Robson

Did well for new yard last season with two wins at Musselburgh (good to soft/soft) and was back on the scoresheet at Worcester in May; absolute shocker at Warwick (also 2m4f, good) 29 days again, though, beaten 62l with no obvious excuses.

5/1

1

4th Jun 2025

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 4

20:40 Warwick

Okavango Delta

12st 0lb

J: Ryan Mania

T: Paul Robson

Did well for new yard last season with two wins at Musselburgh (2m4f, good to soft/soft) and was back on the scoresheet at Worcester (2m4f, good) three weeks ago; did it well last time and a 4lb rise may not stop him.

10/11

Form: 44-P22

Last run: 33 days

W: 11st 11lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 107

Form & Verdict
Pulled up on seasonal debut in November but stuck to his task pretty well when second on next two outings (2m4f/2m5f) and looks well worth another crack at 3m; Harry Cobden rides today; one to consider.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9

13th May 2025

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 4

14:00 Worcester

Scene One

11st 4lb

J: Tom Cannon

T: Lucy Wadham

Well handicapped on form as recent as the winter but needs to better his recent efforts and does not always look wildly enthusiastic; raced mainly on good to soft/soft ground but has won on good; refitted blinkers the headgear of choice today.

14/1

4th

9

13th May 2025

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 4

14:00 Worcester

Scene One

11st 4lb

J: Tom Cannon

T: Lucy Wadham

Well handicapped on form as recent as the winter but needs to better his recent efforts and does not always look wildly enthusiastic; raced mainly on good to soft/soft ground but has won on good; refitted blinkers the headgear of choice today.

14/1

7th

8

20th Apr 2025

Good

2m 3f 164y

Class 4

16:40 Plumpton

Scene One

11st 2lb

J: Tom Cannon

T: Lucy Wadham

raced wide, in touch with leaders

14/1

Form: P-P4P4

Last run: 113 days

W: 11st 11lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 107

Form & Verdict
Not beaten far when fourth of six at Market Rasen (3m, good) last summer, his second start for Nick Kent, but his next two runs (chase/hurdle) were very disappointing; returns from 113-day break with quite a bit to prove.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

2nd Jun 2025

Good

2m 5f 89y

Class 5

14:15 Market Rasen

Swapped

12st 0lb

J: Philip Armson

T: Michael Chapman

A three-time winner over fences but little to shout about for a while now and finished last of the four runners on stable debut.

25/1

2

2nd Jun 2025

Good

2m 5f 89y

Class 5

14:15 Market Rasen

Swapped

12st 0lb

J: Philip Armson

T: Michael Chapman

A three-time winner over fences but little to shout about for a while now and finished last of the four runners on stable debut.

25/1

4th

3

12th May 2025

Good

3m 0f 60y

Class 4

14:00 Southwell

Swapped

11st 4lb

J: Philip Armson

T: Michael Chapman

pressed leader, led 15th, headed 3 out, dropped to rear before 2 out, weakened approaching last

25/1

Form: 31P373 D

Last run: 25 days

W: 11st 10lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 106

Form & Verdict
Has very mixed record over fences but won in first-time cheekpieces at Bangor (3m, good) last summer and returned to form with creditable third at Taunton (2m7f, good to soft; first run after a wind op) last month; contender if all goes to plan here.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

7

25th Jul 2025

Good

2m 7f 70y

Class 4

15:47 Uttoxeter

Exmoor Forest

11st 9lb

J: James Davies

T: Nigel Hawke

Placed in three consecutive chases during the winter (2m7f-3m, good to soft) but this first hurdling start since March 2024 comes after a five-month break, so his fitness must be taken on trust.

12/1

2

18th Feb 2025

Soft

2m 7f 3y

Class 4

15:35 Taunton

Exmoor Forest

11st 10lb

J: James Davies

T: Nigel Hawke

Creditable third over C&D (good to soft) in December, after a wind op, and probably bettered that performance when filling same position at Doncaster (3m, good to soft) last month; remains on a workable mark and seems likely to be right in the thick of things again.

9/2

Form: P-PPP3

Last run: 22 days

W: 11st 8lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 104

Form & Verdict
Pulled up on five of his six starts in 2024; showed some zest when ridden very positively in first-time blinkers (retained) at Huntingdon (2m4f, good to soft) this month but was well held in the end and remains a risky option.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8

23rd Mar 2025

Good

3m 0f 110y

Class 2

15:20 Carlisle

Harjo

11st 2lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Charlie Longsdon

prominent on outer

12/1

4

3rd Mar 2025

Good

2m 7f 91y

Class 4

16:30 Newcastle

Harjo

11st 11lb

J: David Bass

T: Charlie Longsdon

Turbulent career and was deep in the doldrums for much of 2024 but he popped up at 25-1 at Doncaster (3m, good to soft) when nearly half the fences were omitted; back up 3lb but still well treated if the mood takes; yard 5-10 here in the last five seasons.

5/1

7

24th Jan 2025

Good To Soft

2m 7f 214y

Class 4

15:13 Doncaster

Harjo

11st 8lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Charlie Longsdon

Pulled up on five of his six starts in 2024; showed some zest when ridden very positively in first-time blinkers (retained) at Huntingdon (2m4f, good to soft) this month but was well held in the end and remains a risky option.

20/1

Form: P-3365

Last run: 25 days

W: 11st 5lb

7 yo Mare

OR: 101

Form & Verdict
Close third at Ludlow (3m, good) on chasing debut in October, in a race that has worked out well; tailed off on next outing and managed only a respectable fifth (behind Exmoor Forest) at Taunton (2m7f, good to soft) last month but that Ludlow form keeps her in the equation.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

4

7th May 2026

Good

2m 7f 129y

Class 4

14:15 Huntingdon

Kits Coty

11st 2lb

J: Jonathan Burke

T: Emma Lavelle

1-10 over fences, the win gained on last season's reappearance at Ludlow (3m, good; Another Day Out second) in October; not in same form again since but now 2lb below that mark, and might be boosted by new cheekpieces.

11/4

3rd

2

30th Mar 2026

Good

2m 4f 11y

Class 5

14:57 Ludlow

Kits Coty

11st 10lb

J: Jonathan Burke

T: Emma Lavelle

Hasn't kicked on from her win over 3m here on good ground in October but she's back on that winning mark and she had hurdle form at about this trip.

7/2

Form: -6PB94 CD

Last run: 66 days

W: 11st 4lb

11 yo Gelding

OR: 100

Form & Verdict
Five-time chase winner, most recently off 10lb higher over C&D (soft) last March; looked out of sorts when last seen in the autumn, though, and needs two-month break to have done him good.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

2

14th Apr 2026

Good

2m 7f 191y

Class 4

13:35 Market Rasen

Ladronne

11st 12lb

J: Miss Venetia Thompson

T: Joel Parkinson & Sue Smith

Veteran who has looked as good as ever for his new stable this season, winning twice (2m5f/3m1f); probably doesn't have much margin for error off current mark but reverts to chasing after a respectable hurdle run and is suited by this C&D.

3/1

5th

10

17th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 26y

Class 4

16:22 Wetherby

Ladronne

11st 4lb

J: Oscar Palmer

T: Joel Parkinson & Sue Smith

12yo who has been better than ever over fences this season following a stable switch, with wins at Sedgefield (2m5f, soft) and Catterick (3m1f, good to soft); this is a rare run over hurdles but he has a lower mark in this sphere, in which he scored twice in 2020; likes it here; one to consider.

8/1

2nd

7

27th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 7f 214y

Class 3

17:05 Doncaster

Ladronne

11st 7lb

J: Jack Power

T: Joel Parkinson & Sue Smith

Won this in 2024 (soft) and he's been better than ever this season following a stable switch, with wins at Sedgefield (2m5f, soft) and Catterick (3m1f, good to soft; last time); back up to a career-high mark and he's back up in grade but he could yet have more to offer for this yard; respected.

3/1

Form: 14-675 D

Last run: 47 days

W: 11st 2lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 98

Form & Verdict
Dual winner at Huntingdon last season (2m7f, good to soft/soft), latterly off today's mark, but has been at best on any of three starts this term, including when returned to Huntingdon last time, and may not be ideally suited by this left-handed track.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

9

27th Mar 2026

Good

3m 0f 45y

Class 4

14:50 Wetherby

Mixedwave

11st 0lb

J: Paul O’Brien

T: Pam Sly

Takes on possible improvers in this field; otherwise a solid candidate who has five chase wins on his CV, the most recent off current mark in this race 12 months ago; last two efforts show he's back in form; respected.

5/1

3rd

2

11th Mar 2026

Good

2m 7f 129y

Class 5

16:55 Huntingdon

Mixedwave

11st 9lb

J: Jack Andrews

T: Pam Sly

Scored for the fifth time over fences when taking a Wetherby handicap (3m, good) just under a year ago; made a solid return in November and he was back down to that last winning mark when bumping into an improver at Southwell (about 3m1f, soft) three weeks ago; contender.

9/2

2nd

3

18th Feb 2026

3m 0f 60y

Class 5

14:20 Southwell

Mixedwave

11st 9lb

J: Paul O’Brien

T: Pam Sly

Scored for the fifth time over fences when taking a Wetherby handicap (3m, good) in March; back down to that mark but his last two efforts have been uninspiring; needs a revival but that's not out of the question.

12/1

Form: P65523

Last run: 71 days

W: 10st 5lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 87

Form & Verdict
0-5 in chases and 0-13 overall; split two progressive rivals when second at Fakenham (3m, good) in October and has claims if judged on that performance but his subsequent third of five at Sedgefield (3m2f, good) was a bit disappointing; cheekpieces removed after one use.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

19th Apr 2026

Good

3m 3f 119y

Class 5

15:43 Stratford

Illogical Logic

11st 2lb

J: Mr J J Murphy-Knight

T: Christian Williams

Landed his sole win off this mark at Newton Abbot (3m2f, good) last June but has been tailed off on his last two starts; would be considered if operating at his best but needs to sharpen up.

7/1

6th

3

9th Apr 2026

Good

2m 7f 3y

Class 5

17:20 Taunton

Illogical Logic

11st 2lb

J: Mr J J Murphy-Knight

T: Christian Williams

Just the one win in 22 starts but three decent runs when placed prior to a below par effort when tailed off at Plumpton (3m1f, good to soft) last month; his poor win record does not inspire.

6/1

4th

4

16th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 1f 157y

Class 5

16:15 Plumpton

Illogical Logic

11st 6lb

J: Jack Tudor

T: Christian Williams

Back in form since pulling up twice earlier in the season, reaching the frame on his last three starts, most recently at Ffos Las (3m, heavy) in January when third of seven, beaten just under 6l; place claims off an unchanged mark.

13/2

Form: 214831 D

Last run: 23 days

W: 10st 2lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 84

Form & Verdict
Kept on well to win at Southwell (3m, soft) on New Year's Day and is now 3-14 over fences; only 2lb higher here but probably needs a career-best performance in this stronger race.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

4

24th May 2026

Good To Soft

3m 1f 210y

Class 5

15:10 Fontwell

Prince Cleni

11st 2lb

J: Gavin Sheehan

T: Christian Williams

Looked set to finish second before last-fence unseat at Hereford (3m1f, good) in March and bumped into revitalised subsequent winner when second at Fakenham (3m5f, good) last month; went close in 2024 edition of this race on only previous visit to Fontwell; good chance.

3/1

2nd

3

13th Apr 2026

Good

3m 5f 24y

Class 5

16:10 Fakenham

Prince Cleni

10st 9lb

J: Jack Tudor

T: Christian Williams

Soundly beaten in February, after a layoff, but looked set to finish second before last-fence mishap at Hereford (3m1f, good) last month, and this move back up in trip will probably suit (placed over 3m3f last summer).

3/1

8

18th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 1f 44y

Class 5

17:00 Hereford

Prince Cleni

10st 11lb

J: Jack Tudor

T: Christian Williams

All three chase wins have come over 3m at Southwell (good/soft) and latest was off 2lb higher last January; well held at Southwell last month but he may have needed that run after six months off and he's a player if he can get back near best.

8/1

Non-runners

Whosmydaddy

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Finn Lough

RP RATINGS:

Prince Cleni

TOPSPEED:

Exmoor Forest

D Express:

Illogical Logic

The Guardian:

Okavango Delta

POSTDATA:

Finn Lough

The Times:

Finn Lough

Telegraph:

Finn Lough

Daily Mail:

Finn Lough

The Sun:

Finn Lough

Daily Mirror:

Prince Cleni

The Star:

Prince Cleni

Daily Record:

Prince Cleni

WEST COUNTRY:

Exmoor Forest