January 16 / 14.05 Market Rasen

14.05

Good To Soft

Unibet Middle Distance Chase Series Veterans’ Handicap Chase (Unibet Mid Dist Veterans Chase Series)

  • Prize money: £23413.5
  • 2m 5f 89y
  • Class 2
  • 8 runners
ITV4
View Course
Unibet Middle Distance Chase Series Veterans’ Handicap Chase (Unibet Mid Dist Veterans Chase Series)

Runners: 8 runners

Type: Chase Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Partly sunny

5/1 (Won)

  • Win: £4.50
  • Place: £1.30

Form: 111-15 C

Last run: 49 days

W: 10st 3lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 120

Form & Verdict
4-9 over fences, including 2m3f course win; didn't jump well enough when below form at Newbury in November but is versatile regarding ground and could plausibly still have more improvement to come.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

13

4th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 203y

Class 2

15:20 Haydock

Filanderer

11st 0lb

J: Jonathan Burke

T: Hughie Morrison

Pulled up in the Ultima at Cheltenham last month but that was his first attempt at a staying trip and he failed to settle out wide; went to the Festival having won five of his previous six starts (2m3f-2m5f, various ground) and he could bounce back with a big effort now back down in trip and grade.

7/1

19

10th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 1f 0y

Class 1

15:20 Cheltenham

Filanderer

10st 2lb

J: Jonathan Burke

T: Hughie Morrison

10yo who is lightly raced for his age and made it five wins from his last six starts (various ground) when scoring comfortably in a veterans' chase at Market Rasen in January (extended 2m5f; the longest trip he's tackled); this is a hot race in which to test his stamina, and from out of the handicap he's 11lb higher than last time, but he was strong at the finish and the form is working out very well; it remains to be seen where his limitations lie.

50/1

1st

7

16th Jan 2026

Good To Soft

2m 5f 89y

Class 2

14:05 Market Rasen

Filanderer

10st 3lb

J: Jonathan Burke

T: Hughie Morrison

4-9 over fences, including 2m3f course win; didn't jump well enough when below form at Newbury in November but is versatile regarding ground and could plausibly still have more improvement to come.

5/1

4/1

  • Place: £1.40

Form: 2-2245 D

Last run: 41 days

W: 11st 3lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 134

Form & Verdict
Started off for Dylan Cunha with two 2m6f wins last March and, barring one blip in a match race, has remained in good form since; back over regulation fences after two commendable runs over the big ones at Aintree (2m5f/3m2f) towards end of last year and current mark is workable.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

5

25th Apr 2026

Good

2m 6f 164y

Class 1

14:20 Sandown

Mahons Glory

11st 2lb

J: Lee Edwards

T: Dylan Cunha

Broadly consistent in handicaps for current yard and ran respectably in the Topham at Aintree (2m5f) most recently; made all, despite jumping left, at Huntingdon (2m4f; also on good to soft) the time before; this is a harder task.

16/1

6th

19

10th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 5f 19y

Class 1

16:05 Aintree

Mahons Glory

10st 7lb

J: Lee Edwards

T: Dylan Cunha

10yo who has a career-high mark following easy win in a small field at Huntingdon (2m4f, good to soft); however, he enjoyed himself in front in the Grand Sefton (2m5f, good to soft; fourth) and the Becher (3m2f, soft; fifth) over these fences earlier in the season and can make another bold bid.

16/1

1st

2

1st Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 189y

Class 3

14:45 Huntingdon

Mahons Glory

11st 13lb

J: Lee Edwards

T: Dylan Cunha

Consistent form for current yard includes a couple of creditable efforts over the National fences at Aintree; beaten favourite in veterans' event at Market Rasen (2m5f) most recently but fared best of the rest behind the easy winner; solid claims.

11/4

5/2

  • Place: £1.40

Form: 121-32 BF

Last run: 20 days

W: 11st 1lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 132

Form & Verdict
Won three small-field chases for Pauline Robson last season and was placed on first two starts for Nicky Richards this term, more recently when second at Wetherby (1m7f, soft) just after Christmas; untested beyond an extended 2m1f but is a major player if this new trip suits.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

1

28th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 1f 14y

Class 3

13:10 Kelso

Doyen Du Bar

12st 1lb

J: Danny McMenamin

T: Nicky Richards

Three wins last season (2m, various ground) and ran well to be placed towards the end of last year on first two starts for this yard; faded when upped to 2m5f last month and firmly in calculations now back down in trip.

7/2

3rd

6

16th Jan 2026

Good To Soft

2m 5f 89y

Class 2

14:05 Market Rasen

Doyen Du Bar

11st 1lb

J: Callum Bewley

T: Nicky Richards

Won three small-field chases for Pauline Robson last season and was placed on first two starts for Nicky Richards this term, more recently when second at Wetherby (1m7f, soft) just after Christmas; untested beyond an extended 2m1f but is a major player if this new trip suits.

5/2

1st

1

24th Feb 2025

Soft

2m 0f 110y

Class 3

15:25 Ayr

Doyen Du Bar

11st 10lb

J: Craig Nichol

T: Pauline Robson

made all, went clear going easily after 3 out, nudged out run-in, comfortably

4/5

OUR TIP

Form: P9P-3P C

Last run: 21 days

W: 12st 0lb

11 yo Gelding

OR: 145

Form & Verdict
Excellent servant to connections over the years and proved he's still capable of smart form when third in Grade 2 Old Roan at Aintree (2m4f, good to soft; race he won in 2024) in October; also suited by this right-handed track but has become too inconsistent to rely upon and was pulled up when last in action.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

23rd Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 7f 180y

Class 3

15:40 Perth

Minella Drama

12st 2lb

J: Theo Gillard

T: Donald McCain

Very useful chaser at his best, last win coming in the 2024 Old Roan Chase at Aintree (2m4f, good); highly tried this term, best run when second in a Listed chase at Kelso in February (2m7f, good to soft); on a fair mark now.

9/1

1

4th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 203y

Class 2

15:20 Haydock

Minella Drama

12st 0lb

J: Theo Gillard

T: Donald McCain

Inconsistent nowadays but ran well in second when facing an impossible mission behind Protektorat at Kelso (2m7f, good to soft) last time; now 5lb lower than when third in the Old Roan Chase at Aintree (2m4f, good to soft) in October and this C&D winner is capable of being involved.

11/1

2nd

1

28th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 7f 96y

Class 1

13:40 Kelso

Minella Drama

11st 8lb

J: Brian Hughes

T: Donald McCain

Smart on his day and ran creditably when third in the Old Roan at Aintree (2m4f, good to soft) in October, a race he'd won in 2024; however, two runs since have been poor and he has to concede weight all round.

11/1

Form: U4-126 D

Last run: 41 days

W: 11st 7lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 138

Form & Verdict
Won Listed handicap chase at Punchestown festival (3m, yielding) last May and returned from break with another two creditable runs towards end of last year, one over hurdles and the other over the big Aintree fences; will be fine over today's shorter trip and can make his presence felt again.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

9

2nd May 2026

Yielding

3m 0f 104y

15:45 Punchestown

Bill Baxter

10st 11lb

J: Harry Bannister

T: Warren Greatrex

10yo won this last year off 126 (yielding); mixed bag this term, undergoing wind surgery after third start and good comeback run when second in 3m Kelso handicap in February; mistakes when pulled up in Topham at Aintree but remains of interest.

12/1

22

10th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 5f 19y

Class 1

16:05 Aintree

Bill Baxter

10st 4lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Warren Greatrex

10yo who won this in 2023 (soft); he's had his ups and downs since but won at Punchestown (3m, yielding) last May and bumped into a well-handicapped novice when runner-up at Kelso (2m7f, heavy) last time, following wind surgery; could give a good account and be involved.

25/1

2nd

2

13th Feb 2026

Soft

2m 7f 96y

Class 2

15:00 Kelso

Bill Baxter

11st 9lb

J: James Bowen

T: Warren Greatrex

Uncharacteristically below par at Market Rasen four weeks ago; however, he's had a wind op since and two starts ago he ran pretty well when sixth in the Becher at Aintree (3m2f, soft); this is less competitive than that penultimate assignment and he won here in 2022 on his sole previous run here.

4/1

Form: 4/4P-4 D

Last run: 35 days

W: 10st 2lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 116

Form & Verdict
Very useful for Paul Nicholls in his prime; seen only twice since autumn 2024 and made just a mildly encouraging stable debut when fourth at Doncaster (3m, good to soft) last month; 3lb wrong here and needs to have taken significant benefit from that recent outing; cheekpieces refitted.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

4

25th May 2026

Good

3m 5f 80y

Class 3

15:58 Cartmel

Stratagem

10st 13lb

J: Mr James Murray

T: Mickey Bowen

Benefited from a patient ride when wide-margin winner of two-finisher contest at Sedgefield (3m2f, good) last month and has performed well twice since, more recently when staying-on third here (3m1f, good) on Saturday; will be fine stamina-wise if he makes a quick reappearance.

7/1

3rd

6

23rd May 2026

Good To Soft

3m 1f 107y

Class 3

15:55 Cartmel

Stratagem

11st 1lb

J: James Bowen

T: Mickey Bowen

Useful chaser at his best for Paul Nicholls; in good form this spring for his current yard since undergoing wind surgery, scoring at Sedgefield (3m2f) before finishing a good fourth over 3m6f at Perth when set a lot to do; can go well eased 1lb here.

5/1

4th

8

24th Apr 2026

Good

3m 6f 121y

Class 3

14:05 Perth

Stratagem

11st 2lb

J: Shane Fenelon

T: Mickey Bowen

Not as good as he was but has turned a corner following wind surgery and came home clear at Sedgefield (3m2f, good); that race fell apart in behind but he would probably have won anyway; raised 8lb but had become very well handicapped.

7/1

Form: 131-1P CD

Last run: 181 days

W: 11st 4lb

11 yo Gelding

OR: 135

Form & Verdict
Late-blooming 11yo who bagged this prize in 2025 (good to soft) and showed even better form last spring, winning valuable final of this veterans' series at Haydock (2m4f, good) and another C&D (good) contest; absent since pulled up in Summer Plate here, though, and resumes on a tough mark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

1

15th May 2026

Good

2m 3f 200y

Class 3

17:45 Aintree

The Flier Begley

11st 12lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Gary Hanmer

Well beaten at Haydock last time (behind Genois) in a race he won the previous season; now below par in his last three chases and belatedly tries cheekpieces at the age of 11.

10/1

8th

8

4th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 203y

Class 2

15:20 Haydock

The Flier Begley

11st 3lb

J: Benjamin Macey

T: Gary Hanmer

Won this last year (good) and followed up at Market Rasen (2m5f, good) in June off a mark 1lb higher than today's; pulled up/tailed off over fences on next two starts but his recent outing over hurdles was fairly encouraging and he could build on that now back chasing.

10/1

2nd

4

24th Mar 2026

Good

2m 4f 88y

Class 4

16:00 Southwell

The Flier Begley

11st 5lb

J: Benjamin Macey

T: Gary Hanmer

Six-time chase winner who won last summer but twice disappointed since; he's 0-8 as a hurdler but ability needs respecting when there's no depth to this race.

2/1

Form: 4P2-6P D

Last run: 27 days

W: 11st 11lb

13 yo Gelding

OR: 142

Form & Verdict
Teenager who ran well for a long way when very respectable sixth in valuable Ascot handicap (3m, good) on seasonal debut in November; pulled up in similar race back there just before Christmas but might be aided by the refitted tongue-tie here and has slipped to a tempting mark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

16th Jan 2026

Good To Soft

2m 5f 89y

Class 2

14:05 Market Rasen

Two For Gold

11st 11lb

J: Tom Bellamy

T: Kim Bailey & Mat Nicholls

Teenager who ran well for a long way when very respectable sixth in valuable Ascot handicap (3m, good) on seasonal debut in November; pulled up in similar race back there just before Christmas but might be aided by the refitted tongue-tie here and has slipped to a tempting mark.

20/1

1

1st Nov 2025

Good

2m 7f 185y

Class 1

15:45 Ascot

Two For Gold

12st 0lb

J: Ciaran Gethings

T: Kim Bailey & Mat Nicholls

Second and fourth in the last two renewals of this and further enhanced his solid record here with another second over this trip in March; can see him running well again but it goes against the grain trends-wise to row in with a 12yo carrying 12st.

25/1

1

1st Nov 2025

Good

2m 7f 185y

Class 1

15:45 Ascot

Two For Gold

12st 0lb

J: Ciaran Gethings

T: Kim Bailey & Mat Nicholls

Second and fourth in the last two renewals of this and further enhanced his solid record here with another second over this trip in March; can see him running well again but it goes against the grain trends-wise to row in with a 12yo carrying 12st.

25/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £14.90
Straight Forecast £13.30
Tricast £26.51
Trifecta £53.60

Selections

POSTDATA:

Bill Baxter

TOPSPEED:

Doyen Du Bar

SPOTLIGHT:

Mahons Glory

LAMBOURN:

Filanderer

Daily Mail:

Filanderer

The Times:

Doyen Du Bar

The Guardian:

Doyen Du Bar

The Sun:

Doyen Du Bar

RP RATINGS:

Mahons Glory

D Express:

Mahons Glory

Telegraph:

Bill Baxter

Daily Mirror:

Bill Baxter

The Star:

Bill Baxter

Daily Record:

Bill Baxter