January 25 / 13.50 Cheltenham

13.50

Good

Betfair Exchange Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap) (GBB Race)

  • Prize money: £56270
  • 2m 4f 127y
  • Class 1
  • 11 runners
ITV
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Betfair Exchange Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap) (GBB Race)

Runners: 11 runners

Type: Chase Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Partly cloudy

13/2 (Won)

  • Win: £4.50
  • Place: £1.20

Form: 0-3342 D

Last run: 28 days

W: 10st 5lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 129

Form & Verdict
Irish challenger; has form figures of 3342 since switched to chasing, good second behind the market leader at Newbury (2m6f) most recently; finished third here in October in a race that has worked out nicely; this novice runs off a low weight and is partnered for the first time by Sean Bowen, who has a good strike-rate for this yard; interesting.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

15th

9

9th May 2026

Good

3m 0f 58y

Class 2

12:45 Haydock

Moon Dorange

10st 8lb

J: Callum Pritchard

T: John C McConnell

Inconsistent chaser who's saved his best for Cheltenham in 2025 and 2026, including a win (his only handicap success) in January 2025 and third at the Festival this March; both were over an extended 2m4f and he's shown his form only once from seven attempts under rules over 3m+; not the percentage call.

16/1

7th

9

15th Apr 2026

Good

2m 3f 203y

Class 1

14:40 Haydock

Moon Dorange

10st 10lb

J: Callum Pritchard

T: John C McConnell

9lb higher when beaten 3.5l by Riskintheground 12 months ago; 0-10 in the meantime but the new visor worked well when a never-nearer third in the Plate at Cheltenham last month and clear claims if he can back that up.

9/1

3rd

22

10th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 44y

Class 1

16:40 Cheltenham

Moon Dorange

10st 2lb

J: Callum Pritchard

T: John C McConnell

Pulled up in the 2m4f novice handicap here last March but that was out of character as he had won over that C&D the time before and generally has a good track record; not much of a force this season, though, and he doesn't look in enough form to take advantage of a weights drop; often wears headgear, first-time visor today.

50/1

14/1

  • Place: £6.40

Form: 4UP-15

Last run: 42 days

W: 10st 12lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 136

Form & Verdict
Not disgraced in the last two runnings of the December Gold Cup over C&D, fifth to Gemirande latest when bidding to follow up a Chepstow success; unseated rider early in this contest 12 months ago; remains on career-high mark and has nothing in hand.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

20

10th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 44y

Class 1

16:40 Cheltenham

Grandeur DAme

10st 5lb

J: Tom Bellamy

T: Alan King

Well treated on the pick of his Cheltenham form at about this trip, as when just touched off by Moon d'Orange last January, but he was pulled up last time out and these very competitive races tend to be beyond him.

40/1

6

7th Feb 2026

Soft

2m 4f 0y

Class 2

14:25 Warwick

Grandeur DAme

11st 1lb

J: Tom Bellamy

T: Alan King

Has rather mixed record over last couple of years but gave good account when keeping-on third in valuable Cheltenham handicap (2m4f, good) on New Year's Day and will be suited by the slower ground here.

9/2

1

30th Oct 2025

Good To Soft

2m 3f 98y

Class 3

14:47 Stratford

Grandeur DAme

12st 0lb

J: Tom Bellamy

T: Alan King

Not much went to plan on his final two starts last season but he enhanced his very good record when fresh with a good win at Chepstow (2m3f, good) last October and bettered that performance when very close second in valuable Cheltenham race (2m4f, soft) in January; major player.

7/2

Form: 1-1171 D

Last run: 30 days

W: 11st 6lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 144

Form & Verdict
All rules wins on good/good to soft; record of 3-4 since switched to chasing with all the successes at Aintree, latest in emphatic style having made all and jumped well back up in trip (now 2-2 over 2m4f); improving novice who has possibilities provided he takes to Cheltenham.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13th

36

11th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

4m 2f 74y

Class 1

16:00 Aintree

Imperial Saint

10st 2lb

J: Callum Pritchard

T: Philip Hobbs & Johnson White

Novice campaign last season went well, notably over the conventional fences here where he registered three handicap wins (2m/2m4f) and was second at this meeting (3m1f); resumed progress with a win at Haydock (3m1f) this January but badly hampered at the Cheltenham Festival; this trip is a big step into the unknown but he needs a second look.

50/1

8th

11

10th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 1f 0y

Class 1

15:20 Cheltenham

Imperial Saint

11st 1lb

J: Callum Pritchard

T: Philip Hobbs & Johnson White

Progressive novice last season, winning three handicaps at Aintree (2m/2m4f, good/good to soft) and posting a good third here (2m4f, soft); won at Haydock (3m1f, good to soft) in January when back up in trip and he's unexposed over staying distances; up 3lb for that neck victory; could go well.

20/1

1st

6

17th Jan 2026

Good To Soft

3m 1f 125y

Class 1

14:00 Haydock

Imperial Saint

10st 10lb

J: Callum Pritchard

T: Philip Hobbs & Johnson White

Three wins at Aintree (2m/2m4f, good/good to soft) last season and second there (3m1f, good) in April; current mark shouldn't be beyond him if he's at his best but that hasn't been the case on his two outings this term.

12/1

OUR TIP

Form: 152-2F C BF

Last run: 35 days

W: 12st 0lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 152

Form & Verdict
3-3 in handicaps, all over hurdles including a Cheltenham Festival win; promising novice chaser during a light 2023-24 campaign, good second in Aintree Grade 1 final start; made a satisfactory reappearance despite failing to justify favouritism, then suffered bad luck last time (hampered and fell early); remains of interest, being one who should rate higher still.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

13

11th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

4m 2f 74y

Class 1

16:00 Aintree

Iroko

11st 1lb

J: Jonjo O’Neill Jr

T: Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero

Staying-on fourth in last season's Grand National (good to soft) off 5lb lower as just a 7yo; a second crack at it has been his main target this term but he looked better than ever when winning from Firefox in a hot, three-runner race at Ascot (2m5f; second run after wind surgery) in December and had an excuse (scoped dirty) at the Cheltenham Festival last month; has to be in serious calculations.

14/1

10th

1

10th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 1f 0y

Class 1

15:20 Cheltenham

Iroko

12st 0lb

J: Jonjo O’Neill Jr

T: Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero

Fourth in last season's Grand National (4m2f, good to soft) off 5lb lower; the big one at Aintree is again his main target but this 8yo looked better than ever when winning a hot, three-runner graduation chase at Ascot (2m5f, good to soft) in December and on that evidence he's entitled to considerable respect off his revised mark; won the Martin Pipe Hurdle at the 2023 Festival.

6/1

4th

18

5th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

4m 2f 74y

Class 1

16:00 Aintree

Iroko

10st 11lb

J: Jonjo O’Neill Jr

T: Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero

Noble Yeats three years ago showed a 7yo can still win the National; this one has spent most of his career at about 2m4f/2m5f and his three appearances over 2m7f-3m1f were defeats but they were among his best efforts (two were Grade 1 novice places here) and contained mouthwatering suggestions of stamina not yet called upon; it is today and there's almost no doubt he remains capable of better.

8/1

Form: 1/309/ C

Last run: 683 days

W: 11st 5lb

11 yo Gelding

OR: 143

Form & Verdict
Showed his peak form for Kim Bailey in notable handicaps at about 3m; badly lacks recent match practice, having been absent since March 2023, and returns as an 11yo who seems unlikely to be the force of old; still with same owner; best watched.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

8

5th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

3m 0f 210y

Class 1

14:30 Aintree

Happygolucky

10st 11lb

J: Jonathan Burke

T: Mel Rowley

11yo who has raced just five times since winning this in 2021 (good to soft) for Kim Bailey; however, he was a creditable fourth of 24 behind the easy winner in the Ultima at Cheltenham (3m1f, good to soft) last month on his second start for this stable and he could be involved.

11/2

5th

8

5th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

3m 0f 210y

Class 1

14:30 Aintree

Happygolucky

10st 11lb

J: Jonathan Burke

T: Mel Rowley

11yo who has raced just five times since winning this in 2021 (good to soft) for Kim Bailey; however, he was a creditable fourth of 24 behind the easy winner in the Ultima at Cheltenham (3m1f, good to soft) last month on his second start for this stable and he could be involved.

11/2

4th

14

11th Mar 2025

Good To Soft

3m 1f 0y

Class 1

14:40 Cheltenham

Happygolucky

11st 2lb

J: Jonathan Burke

T: Mel Rowley

11yo; well-beaten ninth in this race in 2023 then absent until 17l fifth of 11 over nearly 2m5f here in January on stable debut; in the circumstances it was a respectable run last time and he's 7lb lower than when second in this race in 2021; no surprise if he goes well now back up in trip.

25/1

Form: -22241 C

Last run: 29 days

W: 11st 8lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 146

Form & Verdict
All wins on good/good to soft; belied his 16-1 odds in Grade 2 handicap at Kempton (2m) most recently, opening his chase account at the tenth attempt and producing a career-best performance; largely consistent (at up to 2m5f) and likely to remain competitive having gone up just 3lb.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

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

9th

9

4th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

2m 5f 19y

Class 1

16:05 Aintree

Soul Icon

11st 1lb

J: Tom Bellamy

T: Keiran Burke

Won a good-quality, seven-runner handicap at Kempton (2m, good to soft) in December and is just 2lb higher here; ran well when second of three at Exeter (2m1f, good) last time and he stays this far; each-way possible.

25/1

Form: 50-116 CD BF

Last run: 24 days

W: 11st 6lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 144

Form & Verdict
Started the campaign looking better than ever, winning in great style at Ascot (2m5f, good) and following up in the December Gold Cup over C&D (good to soft); form dipped sharply here (soft) on New Year's Day, going from hot to cold in an instant; certainly a contender provided he rebounds.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

18th

17

4th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

2m 5f 19y

Class 1

16:05 Aintree

Gemirande

10st 11lb

J: Charlie Deutsch

T: Venetia Williams

Won good handicaps at Ascot (2m5f, good) and Cheltenham (2m4f, good to soft) towards the end of last year; a case can be made on that form but three lesser runs have followed and he needs to get back on track.

50/1

18th

17

4th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

2m 5f 19y

Class 1

16:05 Aintree

Gemirande

10st 11lb

J: Charlie Deutsch

T: Venetia Williams

Won good handicaps at Ascot (2m5f, good) and Cheltenham (2m4f, good to soft) towards the end of last year; a case can be made on that form but three lesser runs have followed and he needs to get back on track.

50/1

17th

10

13th Mar 2025

Good To Soft

2m 4f 127y

Class 1

16:40 Cheltenham

Gemirande

10st 13lb

J: Charlie Deutsch

T: Venetia Williams

Found a new level of form in late 2024 with wins at Ascot (2m5f, good) and over C&D (good to soft); disappointing here next time but he was still going well when nearly down three out over C&D in January and the 6lb higher mark than for his latest win may not be beyond him; considered for yard that's won this race three times.

12/1

Form: 8P-516 CD

Last run: 42 days

W: 11st 9lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 147

Form & Verdict
Has plenty of Cheltenham form, notably wins in this race in 2023 (finished third last year) and the Paddy Power Gold Cup in November; however, he finished behind two of these rivals here last time and is perhaps back in the assessor's grip now.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

17th Apr 2026

Soft

2m 4f 110y

Class 2

15:30 Ayr

Il Ridoto

11st 2lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Paul Nicholls

9yo who hasn't been at his best this season but there have been signs of spark and he failed to stay 3m2f when well beaten at the Cheltenham Festival last time; continues to drop down the weights and could be in the shake-up back down in trip and in grade.

9/1

15th

6

12th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 2f 70y

Class 2

17:20 Cheltenham

Il Ridoto

11st 7lb

J: Miss Olive Nicholls

T: Paul Nicholls

Two-time course winner (2m4f, soft/good) who, having dropped down the weights, returned to form when second here on New Year's Day (2m4f, good; albeit no match for the winner); however, he doesn't appear to be crying out for the step up in trip; faded over 3m in February 2024.

25/1

3

12th Oct 2025

Good To Firm

2m 3f 98y

Class 2

15:52 Chepstow

Il Ridoto

11st 7lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Paul Nicholls

Cheltenham regular who looked as good as ever when winning Paddy Power Gold Cup there (2m4f, good) last November; only 1lb higher today but seemed in need of the run when reappearing in this event last season and perhaps this race will again tee him up for Cheltenham next month.

3/1

Form: 04-516 CD

Last run: 43 days

W: 10st 6lb

11 yo Gelding

OR: 130

Form & Verdict
Campaigned in veterans' events this season, best form when winning at Warwick (3m); never-dangerous sixth over C&D last time and may ideally need to go back up in trip; landed this prize three years ago but appears unlikely to repeat that performance.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8

28th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

3m 1f 214y

Class 2

15:15 Newbury

Torn And Frayed

10st 10lb

J: Kevin Brogan

T: Nigel & Willy Twiston-Davies

Has shown consistent form (3122) this term, all in veterans' events, the success at Aintree (3m1f, good); ran creditably, one place in front of Eldorado Allen, at Cheltenham (2m4f) last time; likely player, assuming he continues in the same vein.

9/2

1st

3

26th Oct 2025

Good

3m 0f 210y

Class 2

13:50 Aintree

Torn And Frayed

10st 13lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Nigel & Willy Twiston-Davies

His jumping can be an issue, as was the case when well beaten in this race last year and when third of seven on recent reappearance at Chepstow (2m7f, good to firm); however, he did well in the circumstances and can have a big say if minimising the blunders; has won on good and soft.

9/4

Form: 122-P3 CD

Last run: 48 days

W: 12st 0lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 152

Form & Verdict
Developed into a smart 2m4f novice chaser last term, proving particularly well suited by Cheltenham; has failed to show his form on either run this season, the first when favourite for the Paddy Power Gold Cup here, but can't be written off yet; likely player provided he revives.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

7

4th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

2m 5f 19y

Class 1

16:05 Aintree

Ginnys Destiny

11st 4lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Paul Nicholls

Front-runner who was runner-up in two 2m4f Grade 1 novice chases last spring, at Cheltenham then here; attractively handicapped on that form and could be suited by these fences, but this season has been somewhat underwhelming and he needs a boost from the first-time tongue-tie and cheekpieces.

14/1

7th

7

4th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

2m 5f 19y

Class 1

16:05 Aintree

Ginnys Destiny

11st 4lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Paul Nicholls

Front-runner who was runner-up in two 2m4f Grade 1 novice chases last spring, at Cheltenham then here; attractively handicapped on that form and could be suited by these fences, but this season has been somewhat underwhelming and he needs a boost from the first-time tongue-tie and cheekpieces.

14/1

7th

2

13th Mar 2025

Good To Soft

2m 4f 127y

Class 1

16:40 Cheltenham

Ginnys Destiny

11st 6lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Paul Nicholls

Powerful front-runner when on song, as when winning twice over C&D (soft and good to soft) last midwinter before finishing an honourable runner-up in Grade 1 novice at the Festival; had some problems since but said to be showing better signs at home of late and is weighted to have a say, off just 2lb higher than the latest win; a revival could be on the way.

10/1

Form: 24-P41

Last run: 30 days

W: 10st 4lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 128

Form & Verdict
Has gained all wins at about 3m on good/good to soft, latest in the Rowland Meyrick at Wetherby on Boxing Day when taking chase record to 3-8; still looks competitively treated and he is getting weight all round; however, the drop back in distance poses a question mark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7

15th Apr 2026

Good

3m 4f 97y

Class 3

15:50 Haydock

Some Scope

11st 10lb

J: Rian Corcoran

T: Richard Hobson

Won from the front in first-time visor (kept since) at Doncaster in December; back to form when second at Newbury on latest start, his second run after his second wind operation; has a competitive mark but his inconsistency and going beyond 3m2f both introduce doubts.

5/1

2nd

7

21st Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 7f 91y

Class 3

16:45 Newbury

Some Scope

11st 2lb

J: James Bowen

T: Richard Hobson

Not easy to predict but he's only 2lb higher than when making all at Doncaster (3m, good) just after Christmas, and he probably went off too fast when beaten 33l there (3m2f, soft) three weeks ago; not discounted.

11/2

2nd

10

28th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

3m 2f 1y

Class 2

14:30 Doncaster

Some Scope

10st 13lb

J: Charlie Maggs

T: Richard Hobson

Physical issues came to light after disappointing in a cross-country race last time; wore just a tongue-tie then but the visor that worked so well when a 3l winner here the time before now returns, as does Charlie Maggs with his claim; however, he has become hard to predict and underwent further wind surgery only recently.

15/2

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £71.50
Straight Forecast £71.33
Tricast £327.41
Trifecta £327.30

Selections

RP RATINGS:

Ginny's Destiny

TOPSPEED:

Il Ridoto

Telegraph:

Imperial Saint

SPOTLIGHT:

Moon D'Orange

D Express:

Imperial Saint

The Sun:

Imperial Saint

The Times:

Moon D'Orange

The Guardian:

Moon D'Orange

WEST COUNTRY:

Ginny's Destiny

The Star:

Ginny's Destiny

Daily Record:

Ginny's Destiny

POSTDATA:

Il Ridoto

Daily Mail:

Il Ridoto

Daily Mirror:

Il Ridoto