13.45
SoftCPMS Novices’ Champion Handicap Chase (GBB Race)
- Prize money: £25720
- 3m 0f 20y
- Class 2
- 11 runners
Runners: 11 runners
Type: Chase Turf
Surface: Turf
Weather: Light rain
25/1 (Won)
- Win: £19.10
- Place: £4.60
Form: 381253 D
Last run: 110 days
W: 10st 12lb
10 yo Gelding
OR: 124
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1st 8 |
18th Apr 2026 Soft 3m 0f 20y Class 2 |
10st 12lb |
Close third over hurdles at this meeting 12 months ago (3m, good to soft) and won in that sphere at Uttoxeter (2m7f, good) last July; ran pretty well in 5l third at Newbury (2m6f, good) in December when back chasing for the first time since 2023, but this 10yo needs a bigger performance today. |
25/1 |
|
3 |
26th Oct 2025 Good 3m 0f 149y Class 3 |
11st 12lb |
Won with this visor back on at Uttoxeter (2m7f, good) in July and went close at Cartmel (3m1f, good) the following month; versatile ground-wise and can be in the mix if continuing the good work after a two-month break. |
6/1 |
13/2
- Place: £1.50
Form: /2-531
Last run: 24 days
W: 10st 7lb
8 yo Gelding
OR: 119
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2nd 14 |
18th Apr 2026 Soft 3m 0f 20y Class 2 |
10st 7lb |
8yo who has returned from an absence this season and has improved with each of his three chase starts, winning at Hexham (2m4f, soft) last month; this is a tougher assignment but he did it readily last time and the step up in trip could be a positive move; he's one to consider. |
13/2 |
|
1st 1 |
25th Mar 2026 Good To Soft 2m 4f 15y Class 4 |
11st 13lb |
Following an absence this very lightly raced point winner has shown promise at Ayr this year on his first two chase starts (2m/2m4f, heavy/soft) and a win may well be imminent. |
2/1 |
|
3rd 2 |
23rd Feb 2026 Soft 2m 4f 110y Class 4 |
11st 11lb |
Far from disgraced when last of five on last month's chase debut here (2m, heavy), when 33-1 and very much up against it at the weights on his first outing since October 2024; this 3m point winner showed promise in novice hurdles at up to 2m7f; interesting now back up in trip on handicap debut. |
11/4 |
9/1
- Place: £1.90
Form: -52431 D
Last run: 51 days
W: 10st 8lb
6 yo Gelding
OR: 120
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
3rd 13 |
18th Apr 2026 Soft 3m 0f 20y Class 2 |
10st 8lb |
Improved form to get off the mark over fences at the third attempt at Wetherby (3m, soft) in February; hit with a 7lb rise but the short-head runner-up Diamond Dealer went one better next time and this 6yo is in good hands to continue to progress; respected. |
9/1 |
|
1st 5 |
26th Feb 2026 Soft 3m 0f 45y Class 4 |
11st 7lb |
Went close over hurdles at Perth (3m, soft) in October before promising fourth on chase debut at Kelso (2m7f, soft) in a race that worked out well; looked short of pace on ground that was good to soft, good in places at Haydock (3m1f) last time, finishing soundly beaten in third (Ski Lodge second); could be in the mix if today's conditions place greater emphasis on stamina. |
7/1 |
25/1
Form: -U245P C
Last run: 12 days
W: 10st 12lb
7 yo Gelding
OR: 124
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
4th 7 |
18th Apr 2026 Soft 3m 0f 20y Class 2 |
10st 12lb |
He can make mistakes and was pulled up at Fairyhouse just 12 days ago in first-time cheekpieces (retained); however, he jumped to the left and returns to a left-handed track for the first time since his promising second on chase debut at Haydock (2m4f, soft); won 3m maiden hurdle here; interesting. |
25/1 |
|
10 |
6th Apr 2026 Yielding To Soft 3m 0f 120y |
11st 2lb |
Bumper and maiden hurdle winner, both at Ayr; best of three chase efforts came at Haydock in December when 2l behind the 124-rated Lario; has run well here over timber and he can't be fully dismissed in a new headgear combination. |
9/1 |
|
5th 4 |
17th Mar 2026 Yielding 2m 4f 86y |
11st 8lb |
124-rated hurdler was beaten 2l on his chase debut at Haydock (2m4f, soft) and that form has been boosted by the third who has won twice since; beaten 4.5l over 3m in a Carlisle handicap chase on latest; could do better dropped back in trip; chance. |
7/2 |
14/1
Form: -28221 D
Last run: 35 days
W: 10st 13lb
8 yo Gelding
OR: 125
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
5th 6 |
18th Apr 2026 Soft 3m 0f 20y Class 2 |
10st 13lb |
Runner-up on three of his first four chase starts (2m7f/2m5f, soft/heavy) before winning at Newcastle (2m7f, good to soft) last month; it was a small field last time and he's in a hotter race today, but he did it nicely and could have more to offer in the cheekpieces, which he's worn just twice. |
14/1 |
|
1st 3 |
14th Mar 2026 Good To Soft 2m 7f 91y Class 3 |
11st 10lb |
Sound efforts on three of his four starts this term, last time finishing runner-up over 2m5f here (heavy; cheekpieces first time); headgear retained and a possible back up in trip. |
11/8 |
|
2nd 3 |
13th Feb 2026 Soft 2m 5f 133y Class 3 |
11st 4lb |
Course hurdles winner who was runner-up on chase debut here (2m7f, soft) in December and bounced back from Ayr flop to go close at Newcastle (2m7f, heavy) last time; he has an up-and-down profile but he's a key player if once more on a going day; wears first-time cheekpieces. |
4/1 |
9/1
Form: 4-1143
Last run: 42 days
W: 10st 11lb
7 yo Gelding
OR: 123
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
6th 11 |
18th Apr 2026 Soft 3m 0f 20y Class 2 |
10st 11lb |
Two chase wins towards the end of last year (2m3f, good to soft) and did well to finish third of five at Sandown (2m4f, soft) last month having made mistakes; pulled up over 3m4f last January on sole previous run beyond 2m5f but he's worth a go at this trip; could go well if finding fluency. |
9/1 |
|
3rd 3 |
7th Mar 2026 Good To Soft 2m 4f 15y Class 3 |
11st 3lb |
Returned to win handicap chases at Fontwell and Chepstow (both 2m3f, good to soft) in November/December; fared about as well as could be expected from 10lb out of the weights when fourth of 12 in a valuable Premier Handicap at Cheltenham (just short of 2m5f, good) on New Year's Day; respected with his sights lowered. |
4/1 |
|
5 |
13th Feb 2025 Soft 1m 7f 201y Class 3 |
10st 8lb |
Yet to score over fences and he has failed to progress since a promising second at Ffos Las (2m) in October; didn't stay 3m4f when pulled up in Windsor handicap chase 25 days ago but more is still needed on this drop back in trip. |
10/1 |
6/1
Form: F12430
Last run: 37 days
W: 11st 4lb
6 yo Gelding
OR: 130
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
7th 3 |
18th Apr 2026 Soft 3m 0f 20y Class 2 |
11st 4lb |
Won at Cheltenham (2m4f, soft) last November on second chase start and finished third in quality handicap at Kempton (3m, good to soft) in February, despite jumping to the left at that right-handed track; massively inconvenienced by controversial start when down the field at the Cheltenham Festival; retains potential, especially going left-handed; high on the list. |
6/1 |
|
12th 18 |
12th Mar 2026 Good To Soft 2m 4f 127y Class 1 |
10st 6lb |
Rather fortuitous winner on the Old course here (2m4f, soft) in November as stablemate Jordans Cross looked a massive threat when falling; finished 5l behind that rival in the rematch over C&D on Trials day, shaping as if ready for a crack at further; duly ran well, despite jumping left at times, in major 3m handicap at right-handed Kempton (good to soft) since; brings notable form but possibly isn't crying out for the drop back in trip; 1lb out of weights. |
16/1 |
|
3rd 12 |
21st Feb 2026 Good To Soft 3m 0f 0y Class 1 |
10st 6lb |
Anthony Honeyball does well in staying chasers and he won this two years ago; he has another likely contender in this first-season chaser who probably improved on his winning piece of form at Cheltenham when a staying-on fourth in a traditionally strong novice handicap there on Trials' Day; confined to about 2m4f over fences thus far but looks ready for 3m and big shout if his jumping stands the test. |
9/2 |
20/1
Form: -31522 D BF
Last run: 44 days
W: 11st 7lb
7 yo Gelding
OR: 133
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2 |
18th Apr 2026 Soft 3m 0f 20y Class 2 |
11st 7lb |
Good form when winning a two-runner novice chase at Doncaster (3m, good to soft) in December on his second run over fences; however, he hasn't kicked on since and needs to raise his game if he's to win this. |
20/1 |
|
2nd 1 |
5th Mar 2026 Good To Soft 2m 3f 203y Class 3 |
11st 10lb |
Not fully exposed over fences and has winning form in a match, downing a 1-3 shot at Doncaster (3m, good to soft) in December; has jumping frailties, however, which again came to the fore when an 18l second of two finishers over this sort of trip at Chepstow (soft) three weeks ago; tongue-tie added and maybe this race won't be a stern examination of his jumping technique. |
10/11 |
|
2nd 2 |
13th Feb 2026 Soft 2m 3f 98y Class 3 |
11st 1lb |
Won a match race at Doncaster (3m, good to soft) in December, his second chase, and certainly didn't run badly when last of five in Windsor handicap (3m, soft) last month, where a last-fence error magnified his margin of defeat; not sure to benefit from this drop back in trip but still enters calculations. |
6/1 |
20/1
Form: P-83P2 D
Last run: 12 days
W: 10st 11lb
9 yo Gelding
OR: 123
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
4th 7 |
23rd May 2026 Good 3m 0f 30y Class 2 |
10st 5lb |
Back over hurdles with respectable fifth of 15 in Class 2 event at Haydock (3m, good) two weeks ago; 5lb lower back over fences but he's 0-12 in this sphere and he fell at Ayr on his penultimate run; down the list. |
9/1 |
|
5th 8 |
9th May 2026 Good 3m 0f 58y Class 2 |
10st 10lb |
Sparked just once in each of the last two seasons, at Doncaster; visored on latest start, after three runs in cheekpieces; often tongue tied as well but goes without any equipment today; his last hurdle race was in February 2024 and other options look a lot more solid. |
25/1 |
|
9 |
18th Apr 2026 Soft 3m 0f 20y Class 2 |
10st 11lb |
Good third off 4lb higher in first-time cheekpieces at Doncaster (3m, soft) in January; however, his form away from Doncaster hasn't been great in the last two seasons and the visor needs to have a positive influence. |
20/1 |
16/1
Form: 62P623
Last run: 21 days
W: 10st 10lb
7 yo Gelding
OR: 122
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
4 |
18th Jul 2026 Good 2m 6f 31y Class 3 |
11st 9lb |
In good form over fences here since wind op in April, most notably when winning over 3m1f (good) three weeks ago; should be fine back over this hurdles and over this shorter trip; respected in current mood. |
6/1 |
|
1st 1 |
26th Jun 2026 Good 3m 1f 107y Class 4 |
12st 1lb |
Won twice over hurdles at Cartmel in 2025; following a wind operation, he's finished runner-up in 3m1f/2m5f handicap chases here, last time only reeled in late on; clear claims off an untouched mark. |
3/1 |
|
2nd 2 |
27th May 2026 Good 2m 5f 34y Class 3 |
11st 7lb |
Both wins over hurdles were here; runner-up in two of his four chase starts, the latest here on Saturday when no match for the winner over 3m1f; fine over this far and has clear claims. |
6/4 |
11/1
Form: 7F2211 CD
Last run: 28 days
W: 10st 2lb
6 yo Gelding
OR: 112
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
15 |
18th Apr 2026 Soft 3m 0f 20y Class 2 |
10st 2lb |
Took a sizeable step forward when winning over C&D (soft) in February and he followed up at Kelso (3m2f, good to soft) four weeks ago; he's 5lb higher than last time and is in much more competitive race today, but this progressive 6yo could still have more left in the tank. |
11/1 |
|
1st 6 |
21st Mar 2026 Good To Soft 3m 2f 39y Class 2 |
10st 2lb |
Has made steady progress in the cheekpieces and would have won anyway last time at Ayr after being left clear late on (3m, soft); 4lb out of the weights so he's 9lb higher this time and in a stronger race to boot. |
5/2 |
Non-runners
Califet En Vol, Milcree, Al Kalila, Diamond Dealer
+o+e Accumulators
| Payout | |
|---|---|
| Exacta | £119.50 |
| Straight Forecast | £80.99 |
| Tricast | £352.58 |
| Trifecta | £649.00 |
Selections
RP RATINGS:
Diamond DealerTelegraph:
Big John WayneSPOTLIGHT:
Kdeux Saint FrayPOSTDATA:
Califet En VolD Express:
Young JackDaily Mail:
Kdeux Saint FrayTOPSPEED:
Diamond DealerThe Times:
Diamond DealerThe Guardian:
Diamond DealerThe Sun:
Diamond DealerDaily Record:
Diamond DealerDaily Mirror:
Big John WayneThe Star:
Big John Wayne