February 02 / 15.35 Musselburgh

15.35

Good To Soft

bet365 Handicap Chase (GBB Race)

  • Prize money: £10562
  • 1m 7f 182y
  • Class 3
  • 10 runners
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bet365 Handicap Chase (GBB Race)

Runners: 10 runners

Type: Chase Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Showers

9/2 (Won)

  • Win: £9.50
  • Place: £2.40

Form: 4271/2 D

Last run: 97 days

W: 10st 12lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 108

Form & Verdict
Lightly raced 8yo who returned from long absence with very respectable second (no threat to easy winner) on chasing debut at Ayr (2m, good to soft) in October; not seen since but may still have untapped potential.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7

25th Apr 2026

Good

1m 7f 99y

Class 1

14:55 Sandown

Thistle Ask

11st 10lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

Front-runner who has shown excellent progress over fences and whose record for current stable reads 11112, the last two wins in Grade 2 handicaps; collared by Jonbon in soft-ground Grade 1 at Ascot (2m1f) when last seen; may turn the tables returned to forecast ideal ground, being 5-5 on good; possibly hasn't reached his ceiling yet; respected.

7/4

2nd

4

17th Jan 2026

Good To Soft

2m 0f 172y

Class 1

15:30 Ascot

Thistle Ask

11st 10lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

One of the success stories of the season, improving dramatically for new yard and rattling off four handicap wins (2m-2m3f, all on good); showed high-class form when routing six rivals at Kempton just after Christmas; impossible to discount, but he'll need another personal best in this higher grade and he also has to prove he's as effective on ground softer than good.

7/1

6

31st Oct 2025

Good

2m 3f 85y

Class 1

14:55 Wetherby

Thistle Ask

10st 3lb

J: Tristan Durrell

T: Dan Skelton

Debut for this yard when making it 2-3 over fences with an all-the-way success last week at Kelso (2m1f, good), justifying odds of 5-4 on his return from a 265-day absence; 2lb well in even with the penalty and he's very lightly raced for an 8yo.

Evs

4/1

  • Place: £1.70

Form: 129-32

Last run: 49 days

W: 11st 4lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 114

Form & Verdict
3-7 over fences; gave it a good shot from the front when second at Windsor (2m4f, good to soft) in December to a next-time-out winner and can cope with today's drop back in trip; high on the list.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

2

8th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 5f 135y

Class 4

15:40 Fontwell

Duhallow Tommy

11st 11lb

J: Kevin Brogan

T: Toby Lawes

Four chase wins, the latest from the front off reduced mark at Southwell (2m4f, good to soft) in February; just a respectable third of five at Wincanton (2m4f, good to soft) last month but could be hard to catch if able to dominate here.

5/4

3rd

4

5th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 35y

Class 4

16:15 Wincanton

Duhallow Tommy

11st 10lb

J: Kevin Brogan

T: Toby Lawes

Showed the benefit of a wind op when making all to exploit reduced mark at Southwell (2m4f, good to soft) last month; went back up 8lb for that but this right-handed track should also suit; likely contender.

11/4

7/1

  • Place: £2.60

Form: 71-5F2 CD

Last run: 65 days

W: 10st 9lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 105

Form & Verdict
Four-time course winner (in two hurdle races, two chases) who got back in the groove with good second behind Chapel Green over C&D (good to soft) in November; likely to face competition for the early lead again today but remains on the same workable mark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

19th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 11y

Class 4

16:50 Ludlow

Hold Onto The Line

12st 6lb

J: Mr James King

T: Mrs Jessica Botham

Three-time winner over fences for James Ewart (2m-2m4f) but he didn't get going for Olly Murphy and it's been a similar story in two points and a hunter chase (all about 3m) for these connections; the drop back in trip might help, though.

50/1

3rd

2

2nd Mar 2026

Heavy

3m 0f 60y

Class 5

15:15 Southwell

Hold Onto The Line

12st 6lb

J: Mr James King

T: Mrs Jessica Botham

Has folded in a couple of points for new yard and his record over 3m remains far from solid; yet to win beyond 2m4f and faces a stiff task at the weights; hunter chase debut.

16/1

7th

5

25th Sep 2025

Good To Soft

2m 7f 180y

Class 4

15:43 Perth

Hold Onto The Line

11st 10lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Olly Murphy

Did well over fences for James Ewart but a beaten favourite in both his runs for Olly Murphy (2m/2m2f handicap chases) and currently has a bit to prove; does stay this far so stamina will be no excuse.

11/2

Form: F22-34 CD

Last run: 58 days

W: 11st 9lb

11 yo Gelding

OR: 119

Form & Verdict
Dual C&D winner who is now 1lb lower than when second in this race 12 months ago; not beaten far on either appearance this season but became detached before plugging on past tired rivals at Sandown last time and some of the younger ones here appeal more.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

8

8th Mar 2025

Good

2m 4f 10y

Class 3

16:45 Sandown

Mint Gold

11st 1lb

J: Jack Power

T: Lucinda Russell

Has made the frame on his last four starts but he's operating at a lower level than in the past, having no obvious excuses over 2m at Musselburgh (C&D winner) last month; has slipped to his last winning mark but others are preferred.

14/1

4th

5

2nd Feb 2025

Good To Soft

1m 7f 182y

Class 3

15:35 Musselburgh

Mint Gold

11st 9lb

J: Patrick Wadge

T: Lucinda Russell

towards rear, some headway 4 out, went fourth 2 out, no impression

12/1

4th

5

2nd Feb 2025

Good To Soft

1m 7f 182y

Class 3

15:35 Musselburgh

Mint Gold

11st 9lb

J: Patrick Wadge

T: Lucinda Russell

towards rear, some headway 4 out, went fourth 2 out, no impression

12/1

Form: 647-70 D

Last run: 77 days

W: 12st 0lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 124

Form & Verdict
Useful handicap hurdler for Gary Moore in his prime; tailed off in Greatwood Hurdle at Cheltenham on stable debut in November and is tricky to weigh up on this chasing debut, but he'll appreciate the ease in grade and might be boosted by the first-time blinkers; dangerous to ignore.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

1

25th Apr 2026

Good

2m 6f 164y

Class 1

14:20 Sandown

Teddy Blue

11st 6lb

J: Paul O’Brien

T: Harry Derham

Has registered a couple of useful handicap wins this season, including at Kempton (2m4f, good) on penultimate start; faces a stiffer task conceding weight all round in this grade, with 4lb penalty incurred.

25/1

23

10th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 5f 19y

Class 1

16:05 Aintree

Teddy Blue

10st 3lb

J: Paul O’Brien

T: Harry Derham

Can be difficult to settle and he was reluctant to line up at Kempton (2m4f, good) four weeks ago, but that didn't stop him winning; had just a neck to spare but the first two were clear and this 8yo is now 4-10 over fences; further progress is possible and he's not ruled out up just 3lb.

40/1

1st

5

14th Mar 2026

Good

2m 4f 110y

Class 2

15:18 Kempton

Teddy Blue

11st 2lb

J: Paul O’Brien

T: Harry Derham

All three chase wins (good to soft and good) in 2025, including at 2m2f here; creditable shows in his first 2m4f chases on last two starts and perhaps this sharper test than at Newbury recently will suit; not far away.

12/1

Form: -3331F D

Last run: 38 days

W: 11st 13lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 123

Form & Verdict
Drew nicely clear to score in first-time tongue-tie at Doncaster (2m, good) in November and will be fine on the slower ground here; contender if confidence has not been dented by heavy fall on Boxing Day.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

4

16th May 2026

Good

2m 1f 77y

Class 2

15:55 Bangor-on-Dee

Grain dOudairies

10st 4lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Donald McCain

Safely held at last month's Aintree festival but back in calmer waters here and now back on same mark as for win at Haydock (2m4f, good to soft) in December; will be fine over this trip; might be the answer.

6/1

9th

12

9th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

1m 7f 176y

Class 1

16:40 Aintree

Grain dOudairies

10st 10lb

J: Theo Gillard

T: Donald McCain

10yo who hasn't had much racing for his age and has been progressive this term, with wins at Kelso (2m1f, good to soft) and Haydock (2m4f, good to soft); however, below par at Carlisle in February last time and, even if back on song, there's a firm suspicion this will prove too competitive.

33/1

6th

1

16th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

1m 7f 207y

Class 3

13:40 Carlisle

Grain dOudairies

12st 0lb

J: Brian Hughes

T: Donald McCain

Two wins towards the end of last year (2m1f/2m4f, good to soft) and 8l second to progressive winner at Doncaster (2m, soft) last time; he can give another good account and is one to consider.

100/30

Form: 515812 CD

Last run: 12 days

W: 11st 7lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 117

Form & Verdict
Returned to form with clearcut C&D win (good to soft) in November and arguably posted a career-best performance when close second at Ayr (2m, soft) 12 days ago; respected in current mood.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

4

24th May 2026

Good

2m 5f 133y

Class 4

16:12 Kelso

Chapel Green

11st 4lb

J: Alan Doyle

T: Lucinda Russell & Michael Scudamore

Won over C&D off a 6lb higher mark in September (good); has not fared quite as well since, although more encouraging run when 13l third of seven over 2m1f here last time (good); step back up in trip will suit.

7/1

3rd

2

6th May 2026

Good

2m 1f 14y

Class 4

16:32 Kelso

Chapel Green

11st 8lb

J: Alan Doyle

T: Lucinda Russell & Michael Scudamore

Won over 2m5f here following a 163-day break last September (good) but rather disappointing since; on a good mark now, but a bit to prove.

14/1

OUR TIP

Form: 12-4P6 D

Last run: 22 days

W: 11st 10lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 120

Form & Verdict
Free-goer who made all for wide-margin success for Lucinda Russell at Ayr (2m, good; first-time hood) last season; safely held on both starts for new stable this term, having been held up in rear, but it will be interesting to see whether connections opt to revert to more positive tactics.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

1

13th Jul 2025

Good

2m 0f 0y

Class 4

14:33 Perth

Salamanca Bay

12st 0lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: L J Morgan

Free-goer who was useful in his prime and was in front before last-fence fall over C&D (good) on last month's stable debut; subsequent 2lb rise is manageable and, providing his confidence has not been affected, he's an obvious contender.

11/8

3

8th Jun 2025

Good

2m 0f 0y

Class 3

15:22 Perth

Salamanca Bay

10st 9lb

J: Brian Hughes

T: L J Morgan

Back in better form the last twice, then sold for £7,000; gained his sole chase win off 7lb higher and can't be dismissed on debut for another new yard (his fifth).

5/1

2nd

5

13th May 2025

Good

2m 0f 110y

Class 4

14:30 Worcester

Salamanca Bay

11st 7lb

J: Micheal Nolan

T: Philip Hobbs & Johnson White

Should be well handicapped and he ran well for a long way when a 4l third behind Jet Of Dreams at Chepstow (2m, good); perhaps went off a bit too hot that day and has to be of interest.

15/2

Form: 4-P24P D

Last run: 43 days

W: 11st 9lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 119

Form & Verdict
Dual chase winner for Nicky Richards last season but 0-5 for current stable; had excuse when pulled up last time (bled from the nose) but still arrives here with something to prove.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

3

23rd Aug 2025

Good

3m 1f 83y

Class 5

15:20 Cartmel

Findthetime

11st 10lb

J: James Bowen

T: Stuart Coltherd

Regressive 9yo who ought to have been favoured by the soft ground when never-dangerous fourth (about 19l behind Dusky Days) here (2m6f) last month; on a very good mark now but needs to stage a revival.

14/1

2

21st Jul 2025

Good

2m 6f 31y

Class 5

14:42 Cartmel

Findthetime

11st 11lb

J: James Bowen

T: Stuart Coltherd

Took step back in right direction when respectable fifth at Worcester (2m7f, good) this month and has the services of James Bowen again here but this regressive 9yo is patently not the force of old; others preferred.

14/1

Form: 1-4PP

Last run: 35 days

W: 10st 2lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 98

Form & Verdict
Won a point and a two-runner bumper in 2023; pulled up twice since last spring's respectable fourth on stable/hurdle debut at Kelso (2m5f, good) but makes his chase/handicap debut today and is the dark horse in the line-up.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10

2nd Feb 2025

Good To Soft

1m 7f 182y

Class 3

15:35 Musselburgh

Sea God

10st 2lb

J: Conner McCann

T: Lucinda Russell

always behind, pulled up before 4 out

20/1

10

2nd Feb 2025

Good To Soft

1m 7f 182y

Class 3

15:35 Musselburgh

Sea God

10st 2lb

J: Conner McCann

T: Lucinda Russell

always behind, pulled up before 4 out

20/1

7

29th Dec 2024

Good To Soft

2m 6f 151y

Class 4

12:18 Kelso

Sea God

11st 0lb

J: Derek Fox

T: Lucinda Russell

in touch with leaders

12/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £42.10
Straight Forecast £36.82
Tricast £211.47
Trifecta £219.40

Selections

RP RATINGS:

Duhallow Tommy

TOPSPEED:

Grain d'Oudairies

Telegraph:

Chapel Green

The Times:

Thistle Ask

LAMBOURN:

Teddy Blue

SPOTLIGHT:

Salamanca Bay

D Express:

Grain d'Oudairies

POSTDATA:

Duhallow Tommy

The Star:

Duhallow Tommy

Daily Record:

Duhallow Tommy

Daily Mirror:

Chapel Green

The Sun:

Thistle Ask