The Grimthorpe Chase takes centre stage at 2:30 at Doncaster on Saturday, and it is always one of the most demanding staying handicaps of the late winter.
Run over three miles and two furlongs, it may not be the showiest race on the calendar, but it is a searching test that asks serious questions of stamina, jumping, and attitude.
This year’s renewal looks wide open. There is no standout odds-on favourite, just a cluster of seasoned handicappers and improving types sitting close together in the market.
| Horse | Odds |
|---|---|
| Dartmoor Pirate | 6/1 |
| King's Threshold | 7/1 |
| New Order | 7/1 |
| Jasmin De Grugy | 13/2 |
| Some Scope | 15/2 |
| Kelce | 8/1 |
| Broomfields Cave | 10/1 |
| Destroytheevidence | 12/1 |
| Theformismighty | 12/1 |
| King Turgeon | 12/1 |
| Jubilant | 16/1 |
| Lord Accord | 20/1 |
| Moroder | 20/1 |
*Betting Forecast – Check the odds with your Bookmaker before placing a bet, as fluctuations occur.
King’s Threshold and Dartmoor Pirate head the market
Two names sit near the top of the forecast, and it is easy to see why.
King's Threshold comes here after a smooth success in the Mandarin Chase at Newbury over Christmas.
That was also over 3m2f, and he travelled like a horse well in control before pulling clear. A 6lb rise is fair enough for that effort. He has a solid strike-rate over fences and looks at home in these staying handicaps.
In contrast, Dartmoor Pirate did things the hard way when landing the Great Yorkshire Chase at this track last month. He did not look the winner for much of the contest, but stayed on relentlessly in the final stages on soft ground.
Since a tongue-tie was fitted, he is unbeaten in two starts. The handicapper has added 5lb, and he may need to travel a little sweeter this time, yet the extra couple of furlongs should suit.
Jasmin De Grugy and the headgear angle
Jasmin De Grugy has been a beaten favourite on his last two starts, which often puts punters off.
He is two from six over fences and still looks capable of better. The fitting of cheekpieces for the first time could sharpen him up, particularly after his jumping let him down last time out.
At similar odds sits New Order, who has been knocking on the door in staying handicaps between three miles and three miles one.
He has little wiggle room with the assessor, yet he keeps running to his mark. In a race like this, that kind of consistency can easily put you in the frame.
Some Scope and the Trends Case
Some Scope is a fascinating runner. He won a 3m handicap chase here in December when fitted with a visor for the first time, beating Moroder.
That performance was right up there with his best and suggested the headgear had sharpened him up. His latest cross-country run is easy enough to excuse, as he lost a shoe during the race and never really got into a rhythm.
On his earlier course form, he has more than enough ability to be competitive again at this level.
Old favourites and rising types
Moroder deserves respect simply for what he has done in this race. He won the Grimthorpe in 2023 and again in 2025.
Now a 12-year-old, he bids for a hat-trick. He was third behind Some Scope here two months ago. It would be brave to dismiss a dual winner, even as age begins to creep in.
Broomfields Cave is less exposed. His two chase wins have come in smaller fields over similar distances. This is a rise in class, yet he has only had four runs over fences and may still have more to offer as a strong stayer.
Kelce is another who tends to race prominently. He won at Musselburgh over 2m7f and has gone up 7lb for that. The question is whether he can cope with this stronger company..
Destroytheevidence beat Grand National hopeful Haiti Couleurs in 2024, but that remains his only win over the big fences.
King Turgeon won the Grand Sefton in 2024 and a 3m2f Cheltenham handicap. His recent runs have been nothing to write home about, but he is well treated on old form.
Further down the list, Jubilant steps into deeper waters after a Plumpton success, while Lord Accord may try to make it from the front. Theformismighty is capable but inconsistent, and will need to repeat his Newcastle effort to feature.
Grimthorpe Chase Tips?
From a tipping point of view, there is no single drumbeat behind one horse.
The views are split, which tells you plenty about how competitive this year’s race looks.
A fair chunk of judges are siding with Moroder, trusting his record in the race and backing class and course form over age. Others are leaning towards Jasmin De Grugy, taking the view that he is still ahead of his mark if the cheekpieces sharpen up his jumping.
And plenty are sticking with Dartmoor Pirate, impressed by the way he powered home in the Great Yorkshire Chase and convinced there is more to come at this longer trip.
When opinion is divided like that, it often pays to trust your own reading of the race. The Grimthorpe rarely hands out easy answers, and Saturday looks no different.
If you’re tempted to have a go on the Grimthorpe Chase, it might be worth shopping around for a bit of extra cover.
Betfred are offering extended each-way terms on the race, paying 1/5 the odds, 4 places, which could make a difference in what looks a tight and competitive handicap. In a field where plenty hold claims, those extra places may prove valuable.
BETFRED
