Cheltenham Race 5 - Read Meg Nicholls' Blog At Betmgm.co.uk Handicap Chase (Gbb Race)
DAVID'S WELL (5) managed to take his record to three wins from as a many starts in the chasing sphere gaining a success at Haydock last time out. Booking of Harry Cobden for this progressive Chris Gordon trained six-year-old catches the eye and he can complete a four-timer. Top weight JPR ONE (1) shaped well when eased in grade at Ascot last time out and could provide a major bid back up 1kg with the first-time cheekpieces worn last start retained. COUNTRY MILE (4) was a course hurdling winner and may get involved now switching to handicaps following two fair efforts tackling fences. EXCELERO (6) completes the shortlist.

Jockey: Brendan Powell
Weight: 76kgs
Stats
Comments
Third-up today and won third-up previously. First-up finished third in a small field at Exeter in the G2 Haldon Gold Cup on November 7 over 3500m, 22 len behind Thistle Ask carrying 74kg at $4.30. Second-up sat on the pace then finished third of 10 starters at Ascot on November 22 over 3400m, 2.25 len behind Calico with 73.5kg at $4.30. Definite winning chance. Ideally placed return to winning form.
Last Starts 21 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3/10 | 22/11/2025 | 15 | STPLE HCP 4U | $181,490.00 | Ascot Uk | 3419m | Good Soft | Brendan Powell | 73.5kg | 4:19.20 | 3-2-3 | 0 |
| 2.3L | $4.33 |
| 3/6 | 07/11/2025 | 200 | G2 OPEN 4U | $181,490.00 | Exeter | 3520m | Good | Brendan Powell | 74kg | 4:18.70 | 5-3-3 | 0 |
| 22.0L | $4.33 |
| 5/10 | 21/04/2025 | 40 | HCP CHSE 5U | $203,240.00 | Plumpton | 3419m | Good | Brendan Powell | 76kg | 4:17.16 | 2-3-5 | 0 |
| 6.8L | $7.00 |
| 12/20 | 12/03/2025 | 32 | HCP CHSE 5U | $276,750.00 | Cheltenham | 3199m | Good Soft | Brendan Powell | 76kg | 3:59.51 | 5-2-12 | 0 |
| 22.3L | $9.00 |
| 4/5 | 08/02/2025 | 63 | G2 OPEN 5U | $152,170.00 | Newbury | 3319m | Soft | Brendan Powell | 73.5kg | 4:09.10 | 3-5-4 | 0 |
| 9.0L | $5.50 |
| 3/6 | 07/12/2024 | 29 | G1 OPEN 4U | $322,880.00 | Sandown Park Uk | 3108m | Heavy | Brendan Powell | 74.5kg | 4:05.03 | 3-3-3 | 0 |
| 10.3L | $12.00 |
| 1/5 | 08/11/2024 | 241 | G2 OPEN 4U | $194,020.00 | Exeter | 3520m | Good | Brendan Powell | 75.5kg | 4:12.00 | - | 0 |
| 0.8L | $3.75 |
| 7/10 | 12/03/2024 | 51 | G1 NCHSE 5U | $331,510.00 | Cheltenham | 3218m | Soft | B J Powell | 73kg | 4:08.36 | 4-6-7 | 0 |
| 34.0L | $17.00 |
| 1/5 | 21/01/2024 | 43 | G2 NCHSE APP 5U | $134,270.00 | Lingfield | 3218m | Soft | B J Powell | 71kg | 3:55.37 | 2-1-1 | 0 |
| 0.5L | $7.00 |
| 3/6 | 09/12/2023 | 22 | G1 NCHSE 4U | $145,190.00 | Sandown Park Uk | 3118m | Heavy | B J Powell | 73kg | 4:09.56 | 3-2-3 | 0 |
| 6.0L | $3.50 |
| 99/4 | 17/11/2023 | 27 | G2 NCHSE 4U | $90,520.00 | Cheltenham | 3218m | Good Soft | B J Powell | 71.5kg | 4:04.93 | - | 0 |
| 99.0L | $2.20 |

Jockey: S Bowen
Weight: 72kgs
Stats
Comments
Second-up today. Fresh up after eight months came from midfield; finished fourth of 8 runners at this track on November 14 over 4000m, slow track; 22 len behind Eldorado Allen with 76kg at $4.50. Previously second-up pulled up at Kelso on December 8 2024 over 3400m. Fitter for that outing and is expected to do much better.
Last Starts 29 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4/8 | 14/11/2025 | 225 | STPLE HCP 10U | $72,600.00 | Cheltenham | 4023m | Soft | Sean Bowen | 76kg | 5:22.14 | 4-4-4 | 0 |
| 22.8L | $4.50 |
| 4/14 | 03/04/2025 | 61 | HCP CHSE 5U | $184,500.00 | Aintree | 3178m | Good Soft | Sean Bowen | 73kg | 3:54.54 | 2-2-4 | 0 |
| 6.3L | $29.00 |
| 1/6 | 01/02/2025 | 55 | HCP CHSE 5U | $90,750.00 | Sandown Park Uk | 3118m | Heavy | Gavin Sheehan | 72.5kg | 4:07.23 | 4-2-1 | 0 |
| 0.5L | $12.00 |
| 0/7 | 08/12/2024 | 21 | HCP CHSE 4U | $138,380.00 | Kelso | 3432m | Soft | Sean Bowen | 70kg | 4:29.32 | - | 0 |
| 99.0L | $5.00 |
| 0/4 | 17/11/2024 | 207 | HCP CHSE 4U | $86,620.00 | Cheltenham | 3218m | Good | Sean Bowen | 71kg | 4:03.21 | - | 0 |
| 99.0L | $6.00 |
| 1/5 | 24/04/2024 | 32 | STPLE HCP 5U | $29,950.00 | Perth Uk | 3218m | Soft | Sean Bowen | 75.5kg | 4:12.05 | 2-1-1 | 0 |
| 5.0L | $2.50 |
| 3/6 | 23/03/2024 | 37 | STPLE HCP 5U | $72,600.00 | Newbury | 4023m | Good Soft | Sean Bowen | 70kg | 4:59.15 | 3-1-3 | 0 |
| 13.3L | $7.00 |
| 2/10 | 15/02/2024 | 33 | STPLE HCP 5U | $31,760.00 | Sandown Park Uk | 3118m | Soft | Sean Bowen | 76kg | 4:03.50 | - | 0 |
| 9.0L | $10.00 |
| 99/5 | 13/01/2024 | 406 | STPLE HCP 5U | $45,370.00 | Wetherby | 3017m | Soft | Gavin Sheehan | 75.5kg | 4:10.01 | - | 0 |
| 99.0L | $3.50 |
| 5/13 | 03/12/2022 | 28 | STPLE HCP 4U | $71,430.00 | Aintree | 4005m | Good Soft | Sean Bowen | 72.5kg | 5:04.29 | - | 0 |
| 10.3L | $4.00 |
| 1/6 | 05/11/2022 | 212 | STPLE HCP 4U | $50,540.00 | Aintree | 3178m | Soft | Sean Bowen | 75.5kg | 4:03.62 | - | 0 |
| 2.3L | $3.25 |

Jockey: Jay Tidball
Weight: 71kgs
Stats
Comments
Third-up today and won third-up in the past. Resuming raced on the pace prior to fading finished sixth of 10 runners at Ascot on November 1 over 3400m, 13 len behind Teddy Blue carrying 68kg at $4.50. Last start finished sixth of 10 runners at Ascot on November 22 over 3400m, 13 len behind Calico carrying 70kg at $12. Needs easier than this.
Last Starts 21 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6/10 | 22/11/2025 | 21 | STPLE HCP 4U | $181,490.00 | Ascot Uk | 3419m | Good Soft | Harry Cobden | 70kg | 4:19.20 | 1-3-6 | 0 |
| 13.8L | $12.00 |
| 6/10 | 01/11/2025 | 194 | HCP CHSE 4U | $181,490.00 | Ascot Uk | 3419m | Good | Jay Tidball | 68kg | 4:02.23 | 1-2-6 | 0 |
| 13.0L | $4.50 |
| 1/10 | 21/04/2025 | 18 | HCP CHSE 5U | $203,240.00 | Plumpton | 3419m | Good | Jay Tidball | 66.5kg | 4:17.16 | 4-2-1 | 0 |
| 2.3L | $9.00 |
| 1/14 | 03/04/2025 | 40 | HCP CHSE 5U | $184,500.00 | Aintree | 3178m | Good Soft | Harry Cobden | 66kg | 3:54.54 | 1-1-1 | 0 |
| 4.5L | $6.00 |
| 4/7 | 22/02/2025 | 15 | HCP CHSE 5U | $45,370.00 | Chepstow | 3218m | Soft | Freddie Gingell | 68.5kg | 4:12.94 | 1-3-4 | 0 |
| 47.0L | $9.00 |
| 0/10 | 07/02/2025 | 19 | HCP CHSE 5U | $39,930.00 | Kempton Park | 4123m | Soft | Harry Cobden | 74.5kg | 5:19.83 | - | 0 |
| 99.0L | $10.00 |
| 5/8 | 19/01/2025 | 23 | HCP CHSE 5U | $92,250.00 | Windsor | 3248m | Soft | Harry Cobden | 68.5kg | 4:03.18 | 7-5-5 | 0 |
| 19.8L | $5.00 |
| 0/7 | 27/12/2024 | 34 | G2 OPEN 4U | $192,130.00 | Kempton Park | 3218m | Good Soft | Bryony Frost | 66kg | 3:51.73 | - | 0 |
| 99.0L | $5.00 |
| 3/8 | 23/11/2024 | 15 | HCP CHSE 4U | $181,490.00 | Ascot Uk | 3419m | Good | Harry Cobden | 75.5kg | 4:11.55 | 1-5-3 | 0 |
| 11.3L | $6.00 |
| 3/5 | 08/11/2024 | 202 | G2 OPEN 4U | $194,020.00 | Exeter | 3520m | Good | Bryony Frost | 71kg | 4:12.00 | - | 0 |
| 8.8L | $6.50 |
| 3/6 | 20/04/2024 | 9 | STPLE HCP 5U | $89,820.00 | Ayr | 3319m | Soft | B Frost | 71kg | 4:04.73 | 1-3-3 | 0 |
| 8.0L | $3.25 |

Jockey: H Cobden
Weight: 65kgs
Stats
Comments
Having second run back today. Fresh up after a year won by 1.5 len Haydock Park on November 22 over 3300m defeating Escapeandevade carrying 71.5kg at $3.80 in a steeplechase. Previously to post a big 5 len win. Chepstow on December 27 over 3200m slow going defeating Dr T J Eckleburg carrying 71kg at $3.50 in a steeplechase. Hard to beat.
Last Starts 21 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/7 | 22/11/2025 | 330 | STPLE HCP 4U | $45,370.00 | Haydock Park | 3319m | Good Soft | Freddie Gordon | 71.5kg | 4:06.29 | 2-1-1 | 0 |
| 1.5L | $3.75 |
| 1/8 | 27/12/2024 | 22 | HCP CHSE 4U | $27,220.00 | Chepstow | 3218m | Soft | Freddie Gordon | 71kg | 4:08.21 | 2-1-1 | 0 |
| 5.0L | $3.50 |
| 1/5 | 05/12/2024 | 258 | HCP CHSE 4U | $16,610.00 | Leicester | 3201m | Soft | Freddie Gordon | 76kg | 4:14.11 | 2-1-1 | 0 |
| 3.0L | $1.73 |
| 8/14 | 22/03/2024 | 25 | HCP HDLE 4U | $28,870.00 | Newbury | 3281m | Good Soft | Rex Dingle | 68.5kg | 3:59.13 | 5-7-8 | 0 |
| 23.5L | $5.00 |
| 1/12 | 26/02/2024 | 16 | WFA HDLE MDN 4U | $14,760.00 | Plumpton | 3195m | Soft | Rex Dingle | 73kg | 4:02.50 | 2-1-1 | 0 |
| 14.0L | $1.50 |
| 5/13 | 10/02/2024 | 52 | NHDLE 4U | $28,380.00 | Newbury | 3319m | Heavy | Rex Dingle | 71kg | 4:11.50 | - | 0 |
| 4.5L | $26.00 |
| 9/18 | 20/12/2023 | 41 | NHDLE MDN 4U | $18,150.00 | Newbury | 3319m | Soft | Rex Dingle | 71.5kg | 4:18.73 | - | 0 |
| 28.0L | $13.00 |
| 4/13 | 09/11/2023 | 221 | HUNT FLAT 45 | $12,700.00 | Newbury | 3319m | Good Soft | Rex Dingle | 71kg | 4:10.32 | - | 0 |
| 10.3L | $5.50 |
| 3/10 | 02/04/2023 | 56 | P2P MDN G 4 | $0.00 | Rathcannon P2p | 4828m | Soft | J W Hendrick | 60kg | - | - | 0 |
| 4.5L | $1.00 |
| 99/10 | 05/02/2023 | - | P2P MDN 4 | $0.00 | Tallow P2p | 4828m | Y | Liam Gilligan | 60kg | - | - | 0 |
| 99.0L | $1.00 |

Jockey: R Patrick
Weight: 65kgs
Stats
Comments
Resuming. Finished off last preparation didn't finish the race at Stratford-On-Avon May 30 over 3400m. When resuming last campaign 3 of 9 starters at Taunton January 8 over 4300m, slow track; 8 len behind Angels Breath carrying 79kg at $3.30. Fitness an issue. Prefer others.
Last Starts 197 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0/6 | 30/05/2025 | 57 | OPEN CHSE 6U | $10,650.00 | Stratford Avon | 3419m | Good | David Maxwell | 77kg | 4:15.72 | - | 0 |
| 99.0L | $1.53 |
| 0/29 | 03/04/2025 | 27 | CHSE 6U | $92,250.00 | Aintree | 4241m | Good Soft | David Maxwell | 76kg | 5:30.29 | - | 0 |
| 99.0L | $8.00 |
| 1/6 | 07/03/2025 | 58 | CHSE 5U | $10,650.00 | Leicester | 3218m | Good Soft | David Maxwell | 79kg | 4:08.67 | 3-1-1 | 0 |
| 21.0L | $1.73 |
| 3/9 | 08/01/2025 | 261 | CHSE 5U | $11,720.00 | Taunton | 4325m | Soft | David Maxwell | 79kg | 5:47.23 | 3-2-3 | 0 |
| 8.3L | $3.25 |
| 2/9 | 22/04/2024 | 27 | NHDLE NOV 4U | $16,330.00 | Hexham | 3218m | Heavy | David Maxwell | 72.5kg | 4:28.20 | 2-1-2 | 0 |
| 6.5L | $1.44 |
| 2/6 | 26/03/2024 | 31 | HDLE HCP 4U | $19,420.00 | Newcastle Uk | 4123m | Heavy | David Maxwell | 72.5kg | 5:38.47 | 4-2-2 | 0 |
| 3.5L | $2.88 |
| 2/7 | 24/02/2024 | 65 | HCP HDLE 4U | $36,900.00 | Kempton Park | 4224m | Soft | David Maxwell | 71kg | 5:12.90 | 4-2-2 | 0 |
| 3.8L | $3.75 |
| 2/6 | 21/12/2023 | 10 | HDLE HCP 3U | $29,040.00 | Exeter | 3721m | Soft | David Maxwell | 70.5kg | 4:56.70 | - | 0 |
| 1.3L | $2.10 |
| 1/11 | 11/12/2023 | 32 | HDLE HCP 3U | $14,520.00 | Lingfield | 3922m | Good Soft | David Maxwell | 74kg | 4:53.76 | 6-1-1 | 0 |
| 11.0L | $4.00 |
| 4/13 | 09/11/2023 | 228 | NHDLE 4U | $18,150.00 | Newbury | 3319m | Good Soft | David Maxwell | 68.5kg | 4:09.13 | - | 0 |
| 21.0L | $5.00 |
| 1/6 | 26/03/2023 | 21 | STPLE 4 | $92,910.00 | Auteuil | 3600m | SH | Wilfried Lajon | 69kg | 4:31.30 | - | 0 |
| 4.5L | $5.30 |

Jockey: Sam Twiston-Davies
Weight: 65kgs
Stats
Comments
Racing second-up today. First-up after nine months came from midfield and won by a neck this track on November 16 over 3200m slow track defeating Torneo with 68.5kg at $8 in a steeplechase. Previously second-up finished fourth of 8 starters at Ascot on November 23 2024 over 3400m, 20 len behind Martator carrying 72.5kg at $10. Can feature again after that bright return.
Last Starts 27 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/11 | 16/11/2025 | 253 | STPLE HCP 4U | $72,600.00 | Cheltenham | 3218m | Soft | Brendan Powell | 68.5kg | 4:04.53 | 5-4-1 | 0 |
| 0.3L | $8.00 |
| 4/8 | 08/03/2025 | 29 | HCP CHSE 5U | $36,300.00 | Sandown Park Uk | 4023m | Good | Brendan Powell | 73.5kg | 5:20.20 | 6-4-4 | 0 |
| 18.5L | $4.33 |
| 2/10 | 07/02/2025 | 27 | HCP CHSE 5U | $39,930.00 | Kempton Park | 4123m | Soft | Brendan Powell | 69kg | 5:19.83 | 4-2-2 | 0 |
| 7.0L | $12.00 |
| 7/8 | 11/01/2025 | 28 | HCP APP CHSE 5U | $36,300.00 | Ffos Las | 3218m | Soft | Brendan Powell | 72.5kg | 4:15.40 | 3-6-7 | 0 |
| 39.8L | $5.00 |
| 4/6 | 14/12/2024 | 21 | HCP CHSE 4U | $73,800.00 | Cheltenham | 3275m | Good Soft | Brendan Powell | 65.5kg | 4:07.57 | - | 0 |
| 8.5L | $8.00 |
| 4/8 | 23/11/2024 | 29 | HCP CHSE 4U | $181,490.00 | Ascot Uk | 3419m | Good | Brendan Powell | 72.5kg | 4:11.55 | 2-4-4 | 0 |
| 20.8L | $10.00 |
| 6/8 | 25/10/2024 | 197 | STPLE HCP 4U | $179,450.00 | Cheltenham | 3218m | Good | Harry Cobden | 68kg | 3:51.55 | 5-5-6 | 0 |
| 34.8L | $7.50 |
| 5/15 | 11/04/2024 | 29 | STPLE HCP 5U | $179,650.00 | Aintree | 3218m | Soft | B J Powell | 67.5kg | 4:08.65 | 9-7-5 | 0 |
| 13.8L | $26.00 |
| 8/16 | 13/03/2024 | 52 | STPLE HCP 5U | $224,560.00 | Cheltenham | 3218m | Soft | B J Powell | 68kg | 4:12.76 | 7-8-8 | 0 |
| 26.8L | $29.00 |
| 5/6 | 21/01/2024 | 29 | APP CHSE HCP 5U | $91,940.00 | Lingfield | 3218m | Soft | B J Powell | 67kg | 3:56.82 | 3-5-5 | 0 |
| 33.3L | $6.50 |
| 1/7 | 23/12/2023 | 28 | STPLE HCP 4U | $66,080.00 | Ascot Uk | 3822m | Good | B J Powell | 70.5kg | 4:46.73 | - | 0 |
| 0.5L | $3.25 |

Jockey: Conor Ring
Weight: 64.5kgs
Stats
Comments
Third-up today and won third-up in the past. Resuming finished sixth of 9 runners at this track on October 24 over 3200m, 19 len behind Calico carrying 64.5kg at $41. Second-up settled back and ran on when finished eighth of 11 starters at this track on November 16 over 3200m, on slow going 27 len behind Triple Trade carrying 71kg at $17. This looks too tough.
Last Starts 27 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8/11 | 16/11/2025 | 23 | STPLE HCP 4U | $72,600.00 | Cheltenham | 3218m | Soft | Conor Ring | 71kg | 4:04.53 | 9-7-8 | 0 |
| 27.5L | $17.00 |
| 6/9 | 24/10/2025 | 167 | HCP CHSE 4U | $181,490.00 | Cheltenham | 3218m | Good Soft | Conor Ring | 64.5kg | 3:52.78 | 7-6-6 | 0 |
| 19.5L | $41.00 |
| 15/16 | 10/05/2025 | 37 | HCP HDLE 4U | $147,600.00 | Haydock Park | 3149m | Good | Adam Wedge | 71kg | 3:38.79 | 15-16-15 | 0 |
| 38.3L | $29.00 |
| 5/14 | 03/04/2025 | 40 | HCP CHSE 5U | $184,500.00 | Aintree | 3178m | Good Soft | Adam Wedge | 66kg | 3:54.54 | 12-6-5 | 0 |
| 13.3L | $29.00 |
| 1/7 | 22/02/2025 | 21 | HCP CHSE 5U | $45,370.00 | Chepstow | 3218m | Soft | Adam Wedge | 66kg | 4:12.94 | 4-2-1 | 0 |
| 0.1L | $7.00 |
| 2/6 | 01/02/2025 | 14 | HCP CHSE 5U | $90,750.00 | Sandown Park Uk | 3118m | Heavy | Adam Wedge | 64.5kg | 4:07.23 | 5-5-2 | 0 |
| 0.5L | $9.00 |
| 3/7 | 18/01/2025 | 22 | HCP CHSE 5U | $36,900.00 | Haydock Park | 3279m | Soft | Conor Ring | 71kg | 4:15.83 | 6-3-3 | 0 |
| 10.5L | $5.00 |
| 2/8 | 27/12/2024 | 34 | HCP CHSE 4U | $27,220.00 | Chepstow | 3218m | Soft | Conor Ring | 75.5kg | 4:08.21 | 3-3-2 | 0 |
| 5.0L | $13.00 |
| 1/7 | 23/11/2024 | 24 | HCP CHSE 4U | $45,370.00 | Haydock Park | 3319m | Soft | Conor Ring | 68.5kg | 4:18.00 | 5-1-1 | 0 |
| 1.3L | $15.00 |
| 3/5 | 30/10/2024 | 194 | STPLE HCP 4U | $19,330.00 | Newton Abbot | 3319m | Heavy | Adam Wedge | 72.5kg | 4:19.72 | 3-3-3 | 0 |
| 12.5L | $7.00 |
| 4/6 | 19/04/2024 | 18 | NCHSE HCP 5U | $28,130.00 | Ayr | 3319m | Soft | Conor Ring | 68.5kg | 4:12.35 | 5-4-4 | 0 |
| 9.3L | $8.00 |