January 14 / 14.05 Newbury

14.05

Good

DJB Cleaning Handicap Chase (For The Harwell Trophy) (GBB Race)

  • Prize money: £6865.3
  • 2m 7f 91y
  • Class 4
  • 11 runners
SKY
View Course
DJB Cleaning Handicap Chase (For The Harwell Trophy) (GBB Race)

Runners: 11 runners

Type: Chase Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Cloudy

OUR TIP

7/2 (Won)

  • Win: £4.60
  • Place: £2.20

Form: P/4-3F BF

Last run: 33 days

W: 11st 12lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 118

Form & Verdict
Promising third on chase debut at Wetherby (2m3f, good) in November and he was 1l behind the leader and clear of the rest when falling at the final fence at Doncaster (3m, good to soft) last month; the winner has followed up and this fellow looks well treated now only 3lb higher.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

3

14th Jan 2026

Good

2m 7f 91y

Class 4

14:05 Newbury

Top Target

11st 12lb

J: Tom Bellamy

T: Kim Bailey & Mat Nicholls

Promising third on chase debut at Wetherby (2m3f, good) in November and he was 1l behind the leader and clear of the rest when falling at the final fence at Doncaster (3m, good to soft) last month; the winner has followed up and this fellow looks well treated now only 3lb higher.

7/2

4

1st Nov 2025

Good

2m 3f 85y

Class 3

13:15 Wetherby

Top Target

11st 3lb

J: Tom Bellamy

T: Kim Bailey & Mat Nicholls

7yo who made a promising start to his rules career in 2022-23 (won a novice hurdle here) and showed enough over hurdles this April, following a mammoth absence, to suggest he retains plenty of ability; having won a point it's possible he'll relish this switch to fences and he's one to consider.

8/1

4

1st Nov 2025

Good

2m 3f 85y

Class 3

13:15 Wetherby

Top Target

11st 3lb

J: Tom Bellamy

T: Kim Bailey & Mat Nicholls

7yo who made a promising start to his rules career in 2022-23 (won a novice hurdle here) and showed enough over hurdles this April, following a mammoth absence, to suggest he retains plenty of ability; having won a point it's possible he'll relish this switch to fences and he's one to consider.

8/1

16/1

  • Place: £4.60

Form: 3F5-43

Last run: 27 days

W: 11st 9lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 115

Form & Verdict
10yo who is inconsistent and his jumping can be an issue; however, he ran a big race for a long way in very testing conditions at Exeter four weeks ago and he's not discounted off a dangerous mark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

4

14th Apr 2026

Good

2m 4f 216y

Class 3

16:52 Newton Abbot

Sheldon

11st 2lb

J: Benjamin Macey

T: Seamus Mullins

Infrequent winner, but running well since the turn of the year and his recent Newbury second (2m6f, good to soft) was solid; nudged up 1lb for that but he remains on a workable mark and is high on the list of dangers.

3/1

2nd

2

20th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 6f 93y

Class 4

16:07 Newbury

Sheldon

11st 8lb

J: Callum Pritchard

T: Seamus Mullins

Not overly consistent and can make mistakes, as was the case when the clear leader for a long way over 2m7f here a month ago (soft; fine on good to soft); that was a good run all things considered and won't mind coming back in distance.

12/1

3rd

8

17th Feb 2026

2m 7f 91y

Class 3

15:55 Newbury

Sheldon

10st 13lb

J: Callum Pritchard

T: Seamus Mullins

Not overly consistent and can make mistakes; however, ran well for a very long way on testing ground at Exeter before no match for an unexposed winner over C&D; could give another good account of himself.

12/1

16/1

  • Place: £8.70

Form: P-144F D

Last run: 174 days

W: 11st 3lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 109

Form & Verdict
Two chase wins (3m1f/3m, good to soft/good), the latest in a small field last May; however, he needs to prove this 6lb higher mark isn't beyond him; absent since falling at Worcester in July.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10

4th May 2026

Good

3m 5f 24y

Class 3

16:38 Fakenham

Always Busy

10st 7lb

J: Jack Tudor

T: Christian Williams

Back in good nick for his two runs last month, latterly when close third to Wicked Thoughts at Taunton (3m4f, good); still unexposed over marathon trips and still on a workable mark; could have a say.

7/1

3rd

5

9th Apr 2026

Good

3m 4f 85y

Class 4

16:15 Taunton

Always Busy

10st 11lb

J: Jack Tudor

T: Christian Williams

Dual winning chaser who confirmed his well-being when second of four finishers at Southwell (3m, good) eight days ago; steps up in trip and if that brings about any improvement then he should be in the firing line.

11/4

2nd

3

1st Apr 2026

Good

3m 0f 60y

Class 4

14:30 Southwell

Always Busy

11st 7lb

J: Mr J J Murphy-Knight

T: Christian Williams

Hasn't obviously been shaping as if likely to strike again (pulled up in Chepstow race Fern Hill was second in last time) but the fact he won over C&D on good off an identical mark last spring makes him a dangerous one to dismiss.

11/2

OUR TIP

Form: 2-U422

Last run: 19 days

W: 11st 13lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 119

Form & Verdict
Just one win from his 16 starts but he's consistent and has been runner-up in this visor on his last two outings (3m, good/good to soft); there's every chance he'll be bang there.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

1st Apr 2026

Good

3m 1f 30y

Class 4

15:20 Wincanton

Muskoka

11st 12lb

J: Ben Jones

T: Emma Lavelle

Runner-up behind Broomfields Cave over C&D in December but his form has slumped in two subsequent runs (2m7f/3m5f); overall record is now 1-18 and he has something to prove again.

6/1

5

8th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 5f 54y

Class 3

16:48 Warwick

Muskoka

11st 9lb

J: Ben Jones

T: Emma Lavelle

Record is only 1-17, the success over 3m1f, but he is largely consistent having made the frame in most starts; chance of doubling his tally partly depends on whether the new trip sparks a new level of form.

8/1

4th

2

14th Jan 2026

Good

2m 7f 91y

Class 4

14:05 Newbury

Muskoka

11st 13lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Emma Lavelle

Just one win from his 16 starts but he's consistent and has been runner-up in this visor on his last two outings (3m, good/good to soft); there's every chance he'll be bang there.

13/2

Form: 12-843 BF

Last run: 52 days

W: 10st 10lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 102

Form & Verdict
3m point runner-up who won 2m maiden hurdle at Southwell last February; still early days over fences and backed into favouritism at Windsor last time, but he's now been soundly beaten in both chases; has to raise his game.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

5

11th May 2026

Good

2m 4f 88y

Class 4

15:12 Southwell

Rule Me In

10st 3lb

J: Jack Tudor

T: Christian Williams

Won over hurdles on rules debut in February 2025, but disappointing since switched to chasing in the autumn (six attempts); he was beaten 40l+ over about 2m4f on both outings in March.

8/1

7th

10

31st Mar 2026

Good

2m 4f 72y

Class 4

15:50 Bangor-on-Dee

Rule Me In

10st 2lb

J: Jack Tudor

T: Christian Williams

Won over hurdles but no closer than 25l in five runs over fences and he's hard to trust at the minute.

10/1

OUR TIP

Form: 32-P11

Last run: 25 days

W: 12st 2lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 122

Form & Verdict
Won at Hereford (3m1f, good) in November on second chase start and comfortably followed up there last month (3m1f, good to soft); in a deeper race today but this unexposed 6yo may be able to take latest 7lb rise in his stride.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

1

5th May 2026

Good

2m 7f 177y

Class 4

16:18 Ffos Las

Buckna

12st 0lb

J: James Bowen

T: Warren Greatrex

Dual chase winner who got himself back on track in the new cheekpieces when third to The Boola Boss at Chepstow; no good thing to reverse those placings despite a 5lb pull on the winner but definite each-way chance.

6/1

3rd

3

11th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 7f 136y

Class 4

14:50 Chepstow

Buckna

12st 0lb

J: Harry Bannister

T: Warren Greatrex

Acts on good and soft ground; won two chase handicaps at Hereford (3m1f) late in 2025 but he's struggled in his last two starts; still has potential in this sphere but he needs to get back on track with cheekpieces added.

10/1

Form: 214-P7 D

Last run: 54 days

W: 11st 10lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 116

Form & Verdict
He's just 1lb higher than when winning at Southwell (3m, good to soft) last March; Ascot in November was a step back in the right direction but he was still below his best and this 9yo needs to raise his game today.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

14th Jan 2026

Good

2m 7f 91y

Class 4

14:05 Newbury

Awaythelad

11st 10lb

J: Ben Jones

T: Ben Pauling

He's just 1lb higher than when winning at Southwell (3m, good to soft) last March; Ascot in November was a step back in the right direction but he was still below his best and this 9yo needs to raise his game today.

20/1

9

24th Oct 2025

Good

3m 1f 0y

Class 3

16:45 Cheltenham

Awaythelad

11st 8lb

J: Miss Gina Andrews

T: Ben Pauling

Spoiled chance by jumping poorly on final appearance last season but won with considerable authority at Southwell (3m, good to soft) two starts ago and has good claims if able to repeat that performance.

14/1

4th

2

5th Apr 2025

Good

2m 7f 131y

Class 4

14:15 Chepstow

Awaythelad

11st 10lb

J: Callum Pritchard

T: Ben Pauling

didn't jump well, disputed lead, lost position when slow jump 2nd, led before 8th, headed 8th, lost position after 4 out, soon weakened

6/4

Form: 4P4-23

Last run: 48 days

W: 11st 10lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 116

Form & Verdict
Encouraging second of eight on chase debut at Lingfield (2m4f, good) in November; however, soundly beaten at Lingfield (2m4f, good) 16 days later and has to bounce back in new headgear, following a second wind op.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

2

20th Feb 2026

Soft

2m 7f 191y

Class 4

16:52 Ffos Las

Gold In The Rivers

11st 12lb

J: Jack Tudor

T: David Pipe

Any or all of the returning cheekpieces, switch back from fences and career-low mark inspired this month's Market Rasen success (2m7f, soft); worse off with near-4l third Ramo following a 2lb rise, but value for further that day having idled late and live claims again here.

5/2

Form: 2319-2

Last run: 32 days

W: 11st 9lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 115

Form & Verdict
3m point (good) and 2m4f handicap hurdle (soft) winner who made a satisfactory chase debut at Lingfield (2m, good to soft) last month when facing a tough task at the weights in that three-runner beginners' contest; interesting contender now up in trip and back in a handicap.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

1

28th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 10y

Class 4

15:45 Uttoxeter

Taita Hills

12st 0lb

J: Freddie Mitchell

T: Gary & Josh Moore

Point and hurdle winner who has shown promise at different trips (2m-2m7f) in his three chase runs since December; finished last of three at Leicester last time but he wasn't beaten far and he should have more to offer in this sphere; not ruled out with cheekpieces added.

9/1

3rd

3

6th Mar 2026

Soft

2m 6f 151y

Class 3

14:30 Leicester

Taita Hills

10st 12lb

J: Freddie Mitchell

T: Gary & Josh Moore

2m4f handicap hurdle (soft) winner who shaped encouragingly on chase debut at Lingfield (2m, good to soft) in December when set a stiff task at the weights, and would have been placed returned to a more suitable trip at Newbury (2m7f) latest but for falling late; on a fair mark and remains open to progress in this sphere, so worth considering.

4/1

Form: 1P1-72

Last run: 35 days

W: 11st 5lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 111

Form & Verdict
Two wins early last year (2m5f/2m3f, soft/good) from first three chase starts and he was back on song when second of six at Hereford (3m1f, good to soft) last month, when clear with an unexposed winner; chance.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

4

17th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 48y

Class 4

15:30 Exeter

Captain Boudet

11st 7lb

J: Rex Dingle

T: Jeremy Scott

Ended last season with a C&D success in sole chase attempt at Exeter; inconsistent this term but the return to this scenario may have a positive effect.

5/1

3rd

5

3rd Feb 2026

Heavy

2m 7f 3y

Class 3

15:45 Taunton

Captain Boudet

10st 10lb

J: Chad Bament

T: Jeremy Scott

Won twice last season (2m5f/2m3f); back in prime form when clear second at Hereford (3m1f, good to soft; also suited by soft) in December, his second start this term, and remains unexposed as a stayer but ran poorly at Newbury last month and has become hard to predict.

7/2

Form: 5-P223 C

Last run: 35 days

W: 10st 11lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 103

Form & Verdict
Won over hurdles here (3m, good to soft) last March and runner-up twice in a row in November (2m5f/3m1f, good) when back over fences; below par last time (3m1f, good to soft) but each-way claims if bouncing back.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

6

24th May 2026

Good

3m 0f 10y

Class 4

17:12 Uttoxeter

Mahler Moon

11st 3lb

J: Tom Broughton

T: Fergal O’Brien

Consistent gelding on his favoured good ground, winning twice this year in small fields; beaten 9l into second in another last time but there's a big run in him.

4/1

2nd

4

5th May 2026

Good

3m 1f 44y

Class 4

17:42 Hereford

Mahler Moon

11st 10lb

J: Jonathan Burke

T: Fergal O’Brien

In great form on good ground this spring, winning twice and running well in between; raised only a further 2lb for Wincanton performance (3m1f) last time; likely to remain competitive.

5/2

1st

3

12th Apr 2026

Good

3m 1f 30y

Class 4

13:47 Wincanton

Mahler Moon

11st 2lb

J: Jonathan Burke

T: Fergal O’Brien

Won 3m handicap hurdle at Newbury last March on good to soft; dug deepest to get off the mark over fences at Huntingdon (2m7f, good) and ran well last week at Exeter, for all that only two got round (he was hampered by the faller).

7/4

Non-runners

Aviation

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £94.00
Straight Forecast £75.56
Tricast £2691.70
Trifecta £1647.20

Selections

RP RATINGS:

Buckna

TOPSPEED:

Muskoka

SPOTLIGHT:

Top Target

The Times:

Aviation

D Express:

Taita Hills

POSTDATA:

Mahler Moon

Telegraph:

Awaythelad

LAMBOURN:

Buckna

The Guardian:

Buckna

Daily Mail:

Buckna

The Star:

Buckna

Daily Record:

Buckna

The Sun:

Muskoka

Daily Mirror:

Top Target