Doncaster
Tomorrow, ChaseClass 12m7f
Verdict
Verdict
It was a significant Haydock handicap in which GRAND GESTE opened his chase account at the third attempt last month, jumping superbly throughout and leaving the strong impression that there is even better to come from him in this sphere. He is taken to defy a 10 lb rise in the weights and follow-up, with the progressive Deep Cave and Walking On Air, who appeared to have Docpickedme where he wanted him when exiting at the final fence in this race last year, both greatly respected.
Grand Geste
Deep Cave
Walking On Air
Win or Each Way
Win or Each Way
Each Way terms: 1/5 odds for first 3 places
- 6. Grand GesteJ: Danny McMenaminT: Joel Parkinson & Sue SmithF: 2334P-221
- Price History:
- 3.75
- Age:
- 7
- Weight:
- 11-2
- Gear:
- cheekpieces
- Official Rating:
- 129
- Days Since Last Run:
- 35
VerdictWinless following 7 attempts over hurdles but has proved a different proposition switched to fences this season, finding just one too good at Carlisle and Newcastle prior to easily landing the Tommy Whittle at Haydock (25.6f, good to soft). 10 lb rise may not be enough to stop him in his tracks. - 1. Deep CaveJ: Jack TudorT: Christian WilliamsF: 055461-11
- Price History:
- 5.50
- Age:
- 8
- Weight:
- 12-0
- Gear:
- -
- Official Rating:
- 141
- Days Since Last Run:
- 35
VerdictDid well over hurdles last term, ending campaign with a big win at Aintree in April. Further progress back chasing this season, making it 2-2 over fences on these shores when getting on top close home in a major Ascot handicap (23.8f, good to soft) last month. Solid claims up 2 lb. 
5. DocpickedmeJ: Charlie MaggsT: Richard HobsonF: 6321P-531- Price History:
- 9.00
- Age:
- 10
- Weight:
- 11-4
- Gear:
- cheekpieces and tongue strap
- Official Rating:
- 131
- Days Since Last Run:
- 42
VerdictScaled new heights by landing this prize off 2 lb lower 12 months ago and return to this course sparked a return to form when gamely seeing off 6 rivals over C&D last time. Clearly likes it here and impossible to rule out but, at the same time, a clear career-best is required.- 7. Walking On AirJ: Brian HughesT: Faye BramleyF: P/P63F0P-8
- Price History:
- 8.00
- Age:
- 9
- Weight:
- 11-0
- Gear:
- cheekpieces and tongue strap
- Official Rating:
- 127
- Days Since Last Run:
- 38
VerdictFormerly very useful hurdler/chaser and unlucky in this last year, having seemingly mastered Docpickedme when falling at the final fence. No show otherwise for Gary Brown and well held both starts for new yard but another crack at this prize has probably been the plan for a while. Cheekpieces added. 
8. Dartmoor PirateJ: Rex DingleT: Anthony HoneyballF: 42/6250-51- Price History:
- 9.50
- Age:
- 7
- Weight:
- 10-12
- Gear:
- tongue strap
- Official Rating:
- 125
- Days Since Last Run:
- 34
VerdictHurdles winner who left his 2 previous performances over fences behind when landing a 5-runner Lingfield handicap (2¾m, good to soft) in a first-time tongue strap last month. No issues stamina-wise back up in trip here but this 7 lb higher mark in a much stronger race could be too much of an ask.
9. New OrderJ: David BassT: Charlie LongsdonF: 61711-523- Price History:
- 12.00
- Age:
- 8
- Weight:
- 10-12
- Gear:
- tongue strap
- Official Rating:
- 125
- Days Since Last Run:
- 23
VerdictThree-time chase winner (at up to 3m) following a wind op last season. Tailed off on his reappearance in November but went close at Sandown next time and posted another solid effort in defeat when third in a Cheltenham handicap (25.2f, good) on New Year's Day. Strong each-way shout.
3. Josh The BossJ: Mr Jamie NeildT: Nigel & Willy Twiston-DaviesF: 9P8-82112- Price History:
- 11.00
- Age:
- 7
- Weight:
- 11-6
- Gear:
- tongue strap
- Official Rating:
- 133
- Days Since Last Run:
- 29
VerdictMultiple hurdles scorer who has taken well to fences, walking over at Newbury prior to a decisive all-the-way success in 4-runner novices' handicap here (19f, soft). Latest Aintree second on Boxing Day was no backward step but he's venturing into the unknown trip-wise here (first run beyond 21.6f).
4. Joyeux MachinJ: Tristan DurrellT: Dan SkeltonF: 05322-784- Price History:
- 15.00
- Age:
- 9
- Weight:
- 11-6
- Gear:
- cheekpieces and tongue strap
- Official Rating:
- 133
- Days Since Last Run:
- 42
VerdictSome good efforts in defeat over hurdles last term, including when going close in a valuable race at Uttoxeter during the spring. Wasn't entirely disgraced returned to this sphere in the C&D handicap won by Docpickedme last month but he was never travelling with much purpose. Others preferred.
10. KelceJ: Bradley HarrisT: Neil MulhollandF: 21F21-472- Price History:
- 15.00
- Age:
- 8
- Weight:
- 10-5
- Gear:
- cheekpieces
- Official Rating:
- 118
- Days Since Last Run:
- 29
VerdictMuch improved switched to fences with cheekpieces applied last season, winning twice. Latest second at Aintree (25f, good) just about a career-best and hard to grumble with a 1 lb rise for that. Conversely, one or two of the others make more appeal for win purposes on this occasion.- Unnamed Favourite
- Unnamed 2nd Favourite
Non-Runners
2. Kings ThresholdJ: Tom BellamyT: Emma LavelleF: 5111P-041- Price History:
- 15.00
- Age:
- 9
- Weight:
- 11-10
- Gear:
- tongue strap
- Official Rating:
- 137
- Days Since Last Run:
- 26
VerdictRejuvenated by breathing surgery/fitting of a tongue strap when completing a hat-trick at the start of 2025. Back to his best when scoring with a bit to spare at Newbury (3¼m good) during the Christmas period but has much more on his plate up 6 lb in this tougher handicap.