14:15 Aintree

Friday 26 December 2025

All12:0012:3013:0513:4014:1514:5015:25

William Hill Each Way Extra Handicap Chase (GBB Race)

Off time: 14:17 | Winning time: 6m 31.00s

Duke Of Deception^p³⁴

Age: 8| Weight: 12-0| J: Ben Smith⁽⁷⁾| T: O Greenall & J Guerriero| OR: 129

12/1

Ended last campaign with success at Haydock and began this term in same manner, landing 6-runner handicap chase at Kelso (26.2f) in October. Better than distance beaten suggests when sixth at first-named venue latest but present mark demands a bit more nevertheless.

Form: P221-16

Blenkinsop³³

Age: 8| Weight: 11-10| J: David Bass| T: H D Daly| OR: 125

3/1

A four-time handicap scorer (around 2m4f) over hurdles in in 2022/23. Very lightly raced since but encouraging he confirmed the promise of his reappearance fifth on chase bow in October when scoring at Exeter (24.2f) 33 days ago. Definite possibilities up 5 lb with further progress likely.

Form: 8/030-51

Fortunate Man^p,t²⁸⁶

Age: 6| Weight: 11-9| J: Jonjo O'Neill Jr.| T: J & A O'Neill| OR: 124| CD

15/8

Took this race from a 4 lb lower mark 12 months ago prior to good placed efforts at Windsor/Carlisle. Ran below best equipped with blinkers at Uttoxeter (3m) when last seen in March but he remains relatively low-mileage and could well resume progress this term. Cheekpieces back on.

Form: 721234-

Dubai Days^h,t⁴⁶

Age: 11| Weight: 11-9| J: Bruce Lynn| T: N W Alexander| OR: 124

33/1

Didn't do much wrong during a light campaign last term, scoring return at Haydock (2½m, good to soft) in February. Runner-up on 2 of his 3 starts thereafter and he looked a shade rusty after 7 months off when fourth of 5 in handicap chase at Carlisle (20f) 46 days ago. Entitled to be sharper.

Form: 2/12U2-4

Snipe^p³⁴

Age: 8| Weight: 11-7| J: Harry Skelton| T: D Skelton| OR: 122| CD

7/1

Successful in this race 2 years ago and whilst he failed to score last term he posted some good efforts in defeat. Encouraging start to this campaign at Worcester and whilst underwhelming since he did appear to lack for stamina in Berkshire National (29.3f) 5 weeks ago. This more suitable.

Form: F4-4448

Kelce^p⁴¹

Age: 7| Weight: 11-2| J: Toby McCain-Mitchell⁽⁵⁾| T: N P Mulholland| OR: 117

7/2

Much improved switched to fences with cheekpieces applied last season, winning at Market Rasen and Wetherby. Positive start to this season when fourth of 18 at Cheltenham (25f, good) and, though not so good over the same C&D next time, he will be dangerous if allowed his own way in front here.

Form: 1F21-47

Snowy Evening^p²⁷

Age: 8| Weight: 10-13| J: Toby Wynne| T: O Greenall & J Guerriero| OR: 114

16/1

Made positive start over fences in 2023/24, winning 2 of his 6 starts (both at Doncaster). Off 22 months, feasible to think the run was needed but he did check out quite quickly when pulled up back at Doncaster 27 days ago. This can reveal more.

Form: 31413/P

Sunset Hill²⁷

Age: 6| Weight: 10-12| J: P W Wadge| T: S Corbett| OR: 113

12/1

Consistent hurdler who showed more than she had on debut in this sphere after 6 months off when third at Hexham (20f) in November. Rather disappointing she failed to replicate that when fifth at Newcastle (20.1f) last time, though. Connections' now opt for a step back up in trip.

Form: 320-435

Forecasts

Fortunate Man (15/8), Blenkinsop (3/1), Kelce (7/2), Snipe (7/1), Duke Of Deception (12/1), Sunset Hill (12/1), Snowy Evening (16/1), Dubai Days (33/1)

BLENKINSOP confirmed the promise of his chase debut and benefited from the step back up in trip in trip when scoring in good style at Exeter 33 days ago. Open to further improvement as a staying chaser, he earns the vote over last year's winner Fortunate Man. Snipe, who took this prize 2 years ago, rates next best.