The 2025 Scottish Champion Chase

Twelve have been declared for tomorrow's Scottish Champion Chase run at Musselburgh over a trip of two miles four and a half furlongs. 

In a week when several meetings have been abandoned on account of waterlogging, officials at the Scottish track have indicated they have watered to maintain the current going, described as good to soft.

Favourite The Kalooki Kid looked good in a Doncaster novice chase last time but he faces several battle-hardened performers here and is short enough in the market with just two starts over fences to his name. 

The grey Marble Sands won a novice chase over course and distance this time last year and, after two appetisers on the all-weather in the autumn, has shown consistent form over fences this term - third behind Frero Banbou in the Rehearsal at Newcastle and second behind Springwell Bay at Cheltenham on New Year's Day.

In the past Saint Segal has been known to jump quite low over his fences; he seems more suited by this trip these days. 

On his penultimate start he appeared to lose his chance at the start, eventually finishing a ten length fifth behind Le Patron at Newbury (Sir Psycho sixth). 

Next time out, again at Newbury, he beat Beau Balko 11 lengths and Walking On Air 34 lengths - the latter-named appeared to have the Great Yorkshire Chase within his grasp when coming to grief at the final fence at Doncaster on Saturday.

Just over 12 months ago Fidelio Vallis beat Corrigeen Rock over course and distance in the Auld Reekie Handicap Chase. 

He hasn't shown the same form on two starts since, with the result Harry Dereham's charge is back on that last winning mark of 140; connections fit cheekpieces for the first time here. 

Stablemates Sir Psycho and Kansas City Star are also in the line-up. 

The former fell on his only chase start for Paul Nicholls but won his first chase start for Dereham - over two miles three furlongs; he has yet to win over further but has been the subject of market support during the day. 

The latter didn't jump well when pulled up behind Terresita at Ascot a fortnight ago.  

This feels like a big weekend for the Dereham yard after Storm Bert washed his gallop away at the end of November; 15 have been declared in total across four cards, including Queens Gamble (Rachael Blackmore up) in the Listed mares' handicap hurdle at Leopardstown on Sunday (12.40). 

Minella Drama won the 2023 renewal of the Auld Reekie and proved he's still a force to be reckoned with by making all to beat Hitman, Ahoy Senor, Stage Star and Unexpected Party in the Old Roan at Aintree in the autumn.

Lucinda Russell saddles two, Corrigeen Rock and Traprain Law. 

Corrigeen Rcok won this race last year off 139 and looks feasibly handicapped this time off 142, with Alan Doyle claiming five. 

The gelding doesn't come into the race in the same form though - he didn't jump well behind Boomslang in this year's renewal of the Auld Reekie 31 days ago.

Traprain Law's famous green and yellow silks belong to owner / breeder Raymond Anderson Green. 

On his first try at two and a half miles Traprain Law finished behind Marble Sands at Carlisle at the beginning of November; on revised terms the gelding is entitled to finish upsides Marble Sands provided, of course, he sees out the trip.

The Big Chap comes over from Ireland and on his first run in this country goes off a mark one pound higher than his Irish mark. To date Paul Flynn's charge has not won beyond two miles three.

On his last run for Noel Meade Lieutenant Command finished down the field in the 2023 Galway Plate off 141. 

After a break of of 479 days the 11-year-old was pulled up behind Trelawne on his first run for Tim Reed and then finished second behind Grandads Cottage at odds of 125/1 at Carlisle in December.

All of which leads on to Arizona Cardinal.

Last April Stuart Edmunds' charge won the Topham at Aintree (2m 5f) on soft ground off 137. 

On his first run this term he was pulled up behind Neon Moon in the Native River at Chepstow and promptly underwent wind surgery.

On his next start in the Glenfarclas Crystal Cup Cross Country Handicap Chase at Cheltenham he finished eighth, beaten just over 16 lengths, outpaced from two out over a trip just short of three miles six furlongs.

Now, he was due to run in the Great Yorkshire Chase at Doncaster last weekend but was withdrawn on account of the quick ground. 

There was some talk of a Grand National plan but, during the week, after his mare Marsh Wren had been scratched from the National entries, the trainer confirmed that Arizona Cardinal would once again be aimed at the Topham:

"He ran well for a long way at Cheltenham last time. That was a test as to whether he might be worth considering for the Grand National but his stamina gave way and it told us all roads lead back to the Topham."

Arizona Cardinal held two entries for the weekend - this race (for which Ciaran Gethings was jocked up midweek) and the Virgin Bet Masters Handicap Chase over three miles at Sandown. 

I thought connections would opt for Sandown - the horse has won over three miles previously and appreciates soft ground but, not for the first time, I was mistaken.

While drying ground over this shorter trip at Musselburgh wouldn't be ideal, if the plan has been a repeat bid for the Topham since mid December (i.e. after the cross country race), then I'm reasoning he'll need to be reasonably competitive tomorrow. 

The worry would be that, in a race with plenty of early pace, he might struggle to hold a position and become detached.

Layers are offering 20/1 (four places) and I've succumbed to temptation.

Arizona Cardinal is the each-way suggestion, 20/1 generally at the time of writing, with several layers paying four places.

The 2025 Great Yorkshire Handicap Chase

Seventeen have been declared for tomorrow's renewal of the Great Yorkshire Handicap Chase (3.15 Doncaster) - previously known (for a while, anyway) as the Sky Bet Handicap Chase; the going on the chase track at Donny is currently described as good to soft, good in places.

There have been some big-priced winners of this race in recent years: 

Takingrisks, 40/1 in 2021

Windsor Avenue, 40/1 in 2022

Cooper's Cross, 16/1 in 2023 

Annual Invictus, 16/1 in 2024

Last year Forward Plan just failed to collar front-running Annual Invictus, with Charlie Uberalles third, Erne River fifth and Famous Bridge eventually pulled up following a significant error at the third.

Forward Plan, Charlie Uberalles and Erne River have all shown a liking for this track, as have Docpickedme and Raffle Ticket. 

Young Buster ran well behind Egbert in the three mile novice chase at this meet last year, losing second spot to Snipe after Paddy Brennan dropped his hands on Fergal O'Brien's charge in the shadow of the post. 

It's no surprise to see The Changing Man and Forward Plan at the head of the market. 

The Changing Man has still to win a race over fences in eight starts.

Joe Tizzard's charge ran with credit behind Frero Banbou in the Rehearsal Chase at Newcastle at the end of November; he was raised five pounds for that effort and another two after finishing second to Victtoriono at Ascot just before Christmas. Should he win here, I don't think anyone would begrudge connections their moment in the sunshine.

Forward Plan raced off 129 when beaten a nose last year with Ben Godfrey claiming three. He goes off 138 tomorrow with Chad Bament claiming ten so, in effect, is on a mark just two pounds higher.

Truth is, I've always held a slight reservation about this horse after this quote from handler Anthony Honeyball [RP Weekender 23-27.11.22]:

"His trouble is that he tends to jump nine out of ten fences like an old pro and then really balls one up."

Still, the horse won the Coral Trophy at Kempton last February (Bowtogreatness third) despite a number of jumping errors... 

Charlie Uberalles beat Docpickedme and Forward Plan over course and distance in December when racing from three pounds out of the handicap; he's effectively four pounds higher tomorrow.

Snipe's second behind Val Dancer at Carlisle last time looks decent form as the winner subsequently added victory in the Welsh Grand National to his list of achievements.

Emma Lavelle has her string in excellent form - 5 wins from 18 runs in the past fortnight (28% strike rate) - and Tightenourbelts comes into this on the back of wins at Exeter (where he beat Beachcomber) and Ludlow. He jumped well at Ludlow but could be vulnerable off a mark of 140.

Frero Banbou proved he stayed the trip by winning the Rehearsal but that looked a hard enough race; he was prominent in a Kempton handicap over Christmas before finishing 10 lengths adrift of Beachcomber.

Famous Bridge had a slog in the Haydock mud last time when just clinging on to third in the Tommy Whittle while Idalko Bihoue's profile appears inconsistent and grey mare Sine Nomine has been contesting hunter chases for the most part.

Bowtogreatness, owned by Harry Redknapp and trainer's wife Sophie Pauling, was impressive when making all to beat Destroytheevidence in a novice chase at Newbury in November but didn't appear to appreciate being pestered up front in the Rehearsal where he was pulled up before two out. Just two pounds higher than his last winning mark, he's unlikely to get his own way up front - connections fit cheekpieces for the first time.

Arizona Cardinal is better with more cut underfoot - the Topham at Aintree is a likely target.

Walking On Air has been out of form so far this term and holds an alternative entry in the 12.40 at Cheltenham. 

Docpickedme hinted at a return to form in a handicap hurdle at Uttoxeter before running a stormer behind Charlie Uberalles over course and distance six weeks ago; on revised terms, there's little between the pair.

Young Buster doesn't have a lot of miles on the clock and would be entitled to improve on his seasonal debut behind Elvis Mail at Kelso but he has been weak in the market today. 

Ten-year-old Erne River has shown his best form at Doncaster. 

On his penultimate start, sporting first-time blinkers, he raced wide in fourth before appearing a tad unfortunate to lose his footing at the twelfth, giving five pound claimer Tom Broughton no chance. 

The pair were reunited in a hurdle race at the track over Christmas where they finished fourth behind Super Survivor. Fifth in this race last year off 137, beaten just under seven lengths, Erne River goes off 131 tomorrow - and with Tom Broughton's five pound claim he's effectively 11 pounds better off.

Raffle Ticket tries this trip for the first time while most of Sure Touch's form is over a shorter distance.

A very competitive renewal - it's possible to make a case for a number in the field. 

As the tapes go up, there will be the customary dash to secure a prominent early position. 

Of those that have run well at the track previously, Erne River looks well treated but the unseating in first-time blinkers is unsettling. 

Nick Kent's charge had been taken wide on the first circuit that day but the mistake at the twelfth came when he was racing in amongst horses. Next time out in the hurdle race he was settled on the inside rail but in a small field of just six.

Snipe looks one of the more solid options but is priced accordingly so I'll take the chance and hope the blinkers prove more of a help than a hindrance - Erne River is the each-way suggestion, 16/1 with several layers at the time of writing, all of whom pay five places.  

The 2025 BetMGM Holloway's Handicap Hurdle at Ascot

I still can't quite fathom how Collectors Item was allowed to go off at 14/1 for the Somerset National at Wincanton on Thursday; on his previous start Jonjo O'Neill's charge had shown his best form this term when second behind Mr Vango in the London National at Sandown, beaten one and a half lengths at odds of 25/1.

Mr Vango goes in the Peter Marsh at Haydock tomorrow, provided the Lancashire track passes its morning inspection at 8.30 - temperatures are forecast to dip below freezing overnight.

Of the eight declared for the Peter Marsh, in my book Trelawne, Imagine, Richmond Lake and Bill Baxter don't look guaranteed to stay the trip.

The going at Ascot is described as good to soft, good in places.

Fourteen have been declared for the BetMGM Holloway's Handicap Hurdle at 2.50.

Between them Nicky Henderson and Gary & Josh Moore are responsible for three entries apiece, with Nigel Twiston-Davies and Fergal O'Brien each saddling two runners. 

Favourite Bo Zenith moved from Gary & Josh Moore's yard to Nicky Henderson's in October and ran an eye-catching third behind Mirabad at Cheltenham five weeks ago on his first run for 610 days. 

That was the gelding's first run in a handicap and he has been raised three pounds for his trouble; the step up in trip should suit but the 'bounce' factor after such a long layoff would be a concern.

Stablemate Doddiethegreat hasn't been in top form so far this term but a mark of 129 could look lenient after the race.

Altobelli does not look the easiest ride. 

He ran no race whatsoever in the Betfair Hurdle in February. Five weeks ago he went off 13/8 favourite at Doncaster where he looked certain to finish out with the washing before staying on to eventually finish one length adrift of winner Jungle Jack. Connections try first-time cheekpieces.

Aston Martini had Jungle Jack in arrears on her first run in a handicap at Bangor before finding herself outpaced over two miles in the Gerry Feilden next time. The step back up in trip looks a plus; stable jockey Nico De Boinville is aboard Doddiethegreat.

Philip Hobbs & Johnson White have their team in excellent order - 5 wins from 11 runs in past fortnight - but to date Georgi Girl's best form has been seen in mares' races.

Josh The Boss won the Silver Trophy at Chepstow with something up his sleeve but ran a disappointing race behind Steel Ally at Haydock eight weeks ago. After that race connections indicated he'd prefer a faster surface; his chance is respected here with Mr Jamie Neild claiming seven.

I thought Spirit d'Aunou showed his best form for a while in first-time cheekpieces behind Jipcot at Newbury three weeks ago. He won off this mark at Sandown in 2023.

Course and distance winner Goshen is the best horse in the race on official ratings but is difficult to predict while Move It Like Minnie clearly didn't like jumping fences.

Earlier today I watched a recording of Wilful's last race at Taunton - his first run in a handicap. 

The gelding went into the notebook in August after beating Onlyamatteroftime by nine lengths at Worcester while conceding five pounds to the Willie Mullins trained runner. Onlyamtteroftime's rating was 123 at that time - but now he's on 115. 

Jonjo O'Neill's charge led for most of the way at Taunton but was swallowed up by the field approaching the last, eventually finishing eighth of the nine runners, beaten just under seven lengths. A blanket finish in the end and this looks far more competitive.

At the age of ten Stoner's Choice faces a stiff task against younger opponents while Soigneux Bell races from six pounds out of the handicap.

On the shortlist are Kamsinas, Bowenspark, and Spirit d'Aunou.

At Aintree in October Kamsinas beat Bowenspark three and a quarter lengths before finishing a creditable fourth to Steel Ally at Haydock (Josh The Boss ninth, Bowenspark tenth). 

I'd be prepared to forgive both Josh The Boss and Bowenspark their run behind Steel Ally.

Back in November 2023, after Kamsinas had won the Newton Novices' Hurdle at Haydock, handler Fergal O'Brien said of his charge:

"...I thought he was very unlucky at Cheltenham [27.10.23], he got blocked coming down the hill and he ran on very well. What I loved about it was even though he'd had a fair old bang and a rough ride he threw himself over the last. He's got a great will to win. He loves being a racehorse."

Kamsinas looks a solid option but caries his share of weight. 

On that Aintree run Bowenspark is weighted to reverse placings with Kamsinas but this represents his first run on a right-handed track. The booking of David Bass suggests Bowenspark could race more prominently than at Haydock.

I'm going to side with Spirit d'Aunou, back on his last winning mark, with Freddie Mitchell able to claim five pounds - I'm hoping Gary & Josh Moore's charge can build on last month's run at Newbury.

The form of the yard would be a concern although Salver ran a fine race in defeat behind Nemean Lion at Windsor earlier today.

Spirit d'Aunou is the each-way suggestion, 18/1 with layers generally, most of whom are paying four places. 

Cold comfort

As a belated Father's Day present, a few weeks ago I was given tickets to tomorrow's Classic Chase meeting at Warwick; unfortunately that particular avenue of enjoyment has been scuppered by the cold weather -  along with the Coral Lanzarote Hurdle Day meeting at Kempton and the William Hill Medieval Raceday at Wetherby.

The feature from the Wetherby card, the Towton Novices' Chase, has been expeditiously transferred to the replacement meeting at Ffos Las which still has to pass an inspection tomorrow morning. 

The Met Office reports overnight temperatures at the Welsh track will remain above freezing while an update on Turftrax indicates the course was 'raceable' at 11.30 this morning.

Nonetheless, such is my disappointment at the abandonment of the Warwick fixture, I can barely summon the strength required to open a form book, never mind identify an each-way wager that makes any appeal.

Rosscahill and One Big Bang dominate the market for the DragonBet The Independent Bookmaker Handicap Hurdle (2.58). 

The former looked beaten after the last last time but stayed on powerfully to deny Ben Solo and tries this new trip on his first run in a handicap; the latter, second behind Shoot First at Haydock on his penultimate start, looked held on 127 at Cheltenham - connections fit cheekpieces for the first time.

Soft ground at Ffos Las saps like nowhere else - Rosscahill, Mahland, Up For Parol, Stolen Silver, Balkardy, and Classic Concorde have all previously won at the track.

Mel Rowley's team are in good form but the price about Mahland has disappeared.

Stolen Silver, rated 154 over fences, goes off 141 and held five day entries for the Lanzarote and the Pertemps Qualifier at Warwick. This looks less competitive but the Sam Thomas trained grey jumped the Aintree hurdles as though they were fences nine weeks ago.

Up For Parol held the same five day entries as Stolen Silver, with the Lanzarote the probable target, Jamie Snowden's charge having finished sixth, third and thirteenth in the last three renewals of the Kempton showpiece.

On seasonal debut Up For Parol came home second, 18 lengths behind runaway winner Henri The Second in a Pertemps Qualifier at Sandown five weeks ago, with West To The Bridge a further 11 lengths adrift in fourth.

Classic Concorde finished ninth behind Val Dancer in the Welsh National last time but is rated six pounds higher over hurdles.

Madaket is reported to have schooled well over fences; Micheal Nolan reported the gelding 'stopped quickly' in a Chepstow handicap hurdle 15 days ago. 

Alan De Banks and Balkardy both race from out of the handicap. 

The former makes his handicap debut for a yard that hasn't sent out a winner for 61 days while the latter has struggled over the larger obstacles. Handler Evan Williams recently said of his charge [RP Weekender Straight from the Stable 26-30.12.24]:

"He's not very big and fences get in his way sometimes, but he's very genuine. He's a joy to have around the place and I hope he can carry on giving a good account of himself."

When I learnt of the replacement activity organised as a substitute for my Father's Day trip to the Warwick races, any enthusiasm I might have mustered for a Ffos Las fancy sapped straight out of my shoes - a walk around Kenilworth's Castle & Abbey Trail.

I'll keep my powder dry for another day. 

The first Sandown selection of 2025...

At Cheltenham on Wednesday that Lounge Lizard jumped the fences as though he'd spent the previous night on someone else's  sofa.

Bit of a disappointment - and not the start to the new year I was hoping for.

And I'm struggling to find an each-way wager that makes much appeal on tomorrow's Unibet Veterans' Chaseday card at Sandown.

The going at the Esher track is described at soft, good to soft in places, with overnight temperatures forecast to go down to -1; an inspection will take place at 7.30 am.

Eight have been declared for the Read Nicky Henderson's Weekly Unibet Blog (1.50) with Etalon, Hunter Legend and Roccovango vying for favouritism.

Back in the autumn in a stable tour article handler Dan Skelton said the following about Etalon:

"The plan is to go for the Haldon Gold Cup at Exeter. I think the track at Exeter will be perfect for him. I can not tell you why he ran the way he did at Aintree [seventh of ten behind Found A Fifty in the Maghull Novices' Chase] as the rest of the season had been seamless.

"If you win a Haldon Gold Cup you would be tempted to give the Tingle Creek a go as Jonbon is likely to scare off most horses.

"It is either that or you leave him and go for the Desert Orchid at Kempton, which is a limited handicap, and that might suit him well, but we will cross that bridge after Exeter." 

In the event Etalon raced in second for much of the trip at Exeter but when the taps were turned on in the home straight, he made a slight error four out and then a more substantial one three from home that effectively put paid to his chance; he finished last of the five runners, 29 lengths behind winner JPR One.

Since then he has finished last of nine behind General Medrano in the Jim Joel Memorial Trophy at Newbury before staying on under a hold-up ride to finish fifth behind Libberty Hunter at Cheltenham three weeks ago (Triple Trade fourth).

Clearly he comes into this with a question or two to answer but back in February the gelding beat Gunsight Ridge nine lengths over two miles at the track. This represents his first try over fences at the trip and, in these calmer waters, has to have every chance on his best form.

Dan Skelton also saddles top weight Unexpected Party who was perhaps a tad fortunate to beat Libberty Hunter in the Grand Annual at the Festival in March. 

With brother Harry's enthusiasm to establish a lead in the David Power Jockeys' Cup standings - £500,000 to the jockey who rides the most winners covered by ITV racing during the season - being widely reported in the media, Etalon appears to be the stable's main hope.

To date no such lofty ambitions have been expressed by connections of Hunter Legend who won the Silver Fox at Leicester seven days ago; Venetia Williams' charge races from one pound out of the handicap here but Ned Fox claims three.

Aged nine, Roccovango only has three chase starts to his name but Olly Murphy's charge can boast two wins and a second - beaten a nose by Guard Your Dreams at Warwick in October where his tendency to jump right probably proved his undoing. 

That habit shouldn't be a cause for too much concern at Sandown and the handler will presumably have a line on this one's chance with Etalon through stable companion Gunsight Ridge.

Jupiter Du Gite likes to race from the front.

Back in April he was beaten 49 lengths by Carbon King at Uttoxeter but it would be unwise to take that form at face value. 

Four weeks ago Gary and Josh Moore's charge tried three miles for the first time here and was far too keen for his own good out in front, eventually passed by Holy Joe Smoke and Passing Well after the last on the run up the hill.

Back in January last year Joe Tizzard said of Triple Trade [RP Weekender 17-21.01.24]:

"He's had a hell of  season, winning twice and also being placed twice. He was a cheap horse, so it's great for his owners. He's on the upgrade and in a big way. He'll go to Lingfield for a race on Sunday and won there as a novice hurdler. Hopefully that goes well before we have some more fun with him in the spring."

Triple Trade finished fifth of six runners at Lingfield that day off a mark of 138 - and hasn't won since. As a result, on 127 tomorrow, he looks feasibly handicapped, having won off 135 at Ascot just over 12 months ago. Last time out he was six lengths clear of Etalon behind Libberty Hunter at Cheltenham.

In a trappy looking affair the two outsiders, Hubrisko and Carbon King, have been under consideration. 

Carbon King went into the notebook when beating Fine Casting at Ffos Las in December 2023. Evan Williams subsequently said in a Straight from the Stable article [RP Weekender 28.02-03.03.24]:

"He ran a very good race first time out for us [eighth behind Nemean Lion at Ffos Las] and it was nice to win with him at Ffos Las. He was 25/1 and we didn't really fancy him but he handled the ground exceptionally well. We've run him up in grade the last twice, which was tilting at windmills a bit, but he'll be fine back in calmer waters. I'd like to stay chasing with him and Ffos Las plays to his strengths - he handles the ground there, which a lot of horses don't."

He fell at the last when beaten behind Jupiter Du Gite at Uttoxeter in March before beating Fine Casting (a second time) at the same track in April.

After two runs over hurdles this season, he finished fifth on his first chase start of the term, just under 14 lengths behind Kotmask at Ascot.

Hubrisko has his second run for Harry Dereham whose gallop was left 'unfit for purpose' by Storm Bert at the end of November. 

On his last run for Willie Mullins in August 2023 Hubrisko made all to win a beginners' chase at Killarney. 

In five chase starts to date, he has been placed in four and was kicked at the start when finishing ninth at Galway (August 2023); after the race the vet reported the gelding had a haematoma on his his right fore elbow and abrasions to his right fore cannon, so that run is easily forgiven.

On his first run for new connections he was always behind in a hurdle race at Newbury. 

He goes off 134 here, a mark three pounds lower than he won from over in Ireland. The yard appears to have recovered from the setback caused by Storm Bert, recording 3 wins from 8 runs (38% strike-rate) in the past fortnight.

In a Stable Tour piece, the handler commented:

"He has some useful bits of form on his record..." 

Carbon King has been backed down from 28/1 earlier today and is now 14/1 with most layers; as his very best form has come on heavy ground, I would have preferred to have seen further rain.

I'd envisage Hubrisko will race prominently with, amongst others, Jupiter Du Gite. 

I'll close my eyes, say my prayers and take a small each-way interest in Hubrisko at around 16/1 tomorrow morning, provided, of course, the track passes its 7.30 am inspection...