13:30 Haydock

Saturday 20 December 2025

All11:4512:2012:5513:3014:0514:4015:15

Betfred Hat Trick Heaven Handicap Chase (GBB Race)

Off time: 13:30 | Winning time: 4m 7.93s

Primoz^t³⁵

Age: 7| Weight: 12-0| J: D R Fox| T: L Russell & M Scudamore| OR: 126| D

16/1

Barely came out of second gear when beating the re-opposing Escapeandevade in a match at Kelso in February, which was his second success over fences. Solid second back at Kelso in September, but has proved disappointing in 2 subsequent starts and now finds himself with a bit to prove.

Form: 107-235

Escapeandevade^p²⁸

Age: 9| Weight: 11-13| J: Paul O'Brien| T: Harry Derham| OR: 125| BF| D

5/4

Generally below par for James Ewart last season, but his mark eased as a result and has found just one too good both starts for new yard, latterly coming home a clear second in a C&D handicap. That form has been given a handsome boost since and, still on a good mark up 4 lb, he's a big player.

Form: 2622-22

Cabhfuilfungi^t³⁴

Age: 9| Weight: 11-11| J: C O'Farrell| T: Kerry Lee| OR: 123| D

6/1

Fair hurdles winner who found improvement sent chasing last term, confirming previous promise when landing the odds in a Southwell handicap on New Year's Day. Wasn't disgraced when fifth on return at Cheltenham (2m, soft) and should be competitive with that run under his belt.

Form: 2U122-5

Netywell²⁸

Age: 8| Weight: 11-9| J: P W Wadge| T: L Russell & M Scudamore| OR: 121| CD

20/1

The first-leg of his hat-trick during 2023/24 campaign was in this very race and back on-song following a string of below-par efforts when runner-up at Kelso in March. However, he hasn't reproduced that level of form since and others make more appeal on this occasion.

Form: 72P-38F

Pony Soprano³³

Age: 6| Weight: 11-8| J: Tristan Durrell| T: D Skelton| OR: 120| BF

13/2

Didn't go on as expected following hurdles debut win at Exeter last term, but there were positives to take from his first run over fences at Worcester. Not so good back at Exeter since, but if able to iron out the jumping deficiencies that were apparent there he has potential from this sort of mark.

Form: 1358-35

Sunnyvilla²⁸

Age: 10| Weight: 11-6| J: Danny McMenamin| T: N G Richards| OR: 118| CD

11/2

A three-time winner in Ireland who advanced his form when making a winning start for Nicky Richards over C&D (heavy) last December. Almost 20 lengths adrift of second-placed Escapeandevade when fourth on return back here last month, but he is at least entitled to come on for that run.

Form: 413/12-4

Master Breffni²⁹

Age: 7| Weight: 11-4| J: B S Hughes| T: Micky Hammond| OR: 116| D

16/1

Improved when bagging back-to-back small-field handicap chases in February. Early faller in his hat-trick bid the following month, but delivered an assured enough round of jumping when third on return at Catterick (19.2f, good). Goes on soft ground and he's an appealing candidate.

Form: 5211F-3

My Noble Lord^t1²⁴

Age: 4| Weight: 10-13| J: Craig Nichol| T: O Greenall & J Guerriero| OR: 117| D

7/1

Four-time Flat winner for Michael Bell in 2024 and successful start over hurdles for this yard in a juvenile race at Chepstow last October. Runner-up on chase debut/return at Wetherby (15.2f, good to soft) last month and this 4-y-o is open to improvement in this sphere.

Form: 15833-2

Forecasts

Escapeandevade (5/4), Sunnyvilla (11/2), Cabhfuilfungi (6/1), Pony Soprano (13/2), My Noble Lord (7/1), Master Breffni (16/1), Primoz (16/1), Netywell (20/1)

Cases can be made for most of these and the suggestion is MASTER BREFFNI, who was progressive switched to fences last term and shaped well all things considered on return at Catterick. The forecast slower ground here won't be an issue, neither will the drop in trip given that this promises to be a strongly-run affair. The form of Escapeandevade's latest C&D effort looks very solid and he is a much-respected main danger. The 4-y-o My Noble Lord and Cabhfuilfungi are others to consider.