Here is a detailed analysis and prediction for the 3:40 PM race at Plumpton on Monday, October 20, 2025.

Race Overview

This is the Sir Christopher Wates Memorial Handicap Chase, a Class 3 race run over a distance of approximately 2 miles and 4 furlongs (2m3f166y). It features a small field of five runners competing for a total prize fund of £22,350. The going is described as Good.

---

Runner-by-Runner Analysis

Here’s a breakdown of each horse’s chances:

1. Hecouldbetheone

• Jockey: Sam Twiston-Davies
• Trainer: James Owen
• Weight: 12st 0lbs
• Form: 17-21132
• Odds: 10/3

A highly consistent front-runner who has been in excellent form. He won two chases at Uttoxeter in June and returned from a break with a solid second-place finish at Fontwell just 17 days ago. Both his jockey and trainer have excellent strike rates over the last 14 days (28% and 23% respectively). Verdict: A very strong contender who will likely try to make all the running. The only concern is that he is competing off a career-high handicap mark.

2. War Lord

• Jockey: Brendan Powell
• Trainer: Joe Tizzard
• Weight: 11st 11lbs
• Form: P33741
• Odds: 9/1

A 10-year-old who was a very classy chaser in his prime. He bounced back to form with a win over hurdles last month at Fontwell, but that was off a much lower handicap mark than he faces here. His recent chase form has been poor, and he has never won over this 2m4f distance in 17 attempts. Verdict: The recent win makes him interesting, but he needs to prove he can replicate that form back over fences against tougher opposition. Looks to be up against it.

3. Alien Storm

• Jockey: David Bass
• Trainer: Charlie Longsdon
• Weight: 11st 11lbs
• Form: 1324-2
• Odds: 9/4

This horse is a Plumpton specialist, having won twice here before. He made an excellent seasonal reappearance last month at Fontwell, finishing a close second. He remains on his last winning handicap mark and has a fantastic record in small fields (3 wins from 5 starts). His trainer, Charlie Longsdon, is in great form with a 23% strike rate. Verdict: Ticks all the right boxes. He loves the course, is on a workable mark, and his recent run suggests he’s in prime condition. He is the one they all have to beat.

4. The Gypsy Davey

• Jockey: Conor Stone-Walsh
• Trainer: Evan Williams
• Weight: 11st 0lbs
• Form: P45264
• Odds: 14/1

A winner of two chases earlier in the year but was well beaten at Ludlow just 12 days ago. His previous run was slightly better than the result suggests, but he remains inconsistent and has never run at Plumpton before. Verdict: Has ability on his day but appears out of form and faces a tough task against more reliable rivals. An unlikely winner.

5. Juggernaut

• Jockey: Rex Dingle
• Trainer: Anthony Honeyball
• Weight: 10st 10lbs
• Form: 1-3222
• Odds: 5/2

This horse is in superb form, having finished second on his last three outings. However, his most recent race was just two days ago on Saturday. A reappearance this quickly is a massive physical challenge for any horse. He is also stepping up in class and has never run at this course or over this distance before. Verdict: His recent form is impressive, but the two-day turnaround is a major concern. He could be a serious threat if he has recovered, but it’s a significant risk.

---

Conclusion and Tip

This looks like a straight fight between the two course-and-distance specialists, Alien Storm and Hecouldbetheone.

Hecouldbetheone will be tough to pass from the front, but the selection goes to ALIEN STORM. His outstanding record at Plumpton is the deciding factor. He has proven he can win here, is fit from his recent run, and remains on a competitive handicap mark.

Juggernaut is the interesting outsider; if he defies the quick turnaround, his current form could see him challenge for a place.

Selection:

1. 🥇 Alien Storm
2. 🥈 Hecouldbetheone
3. 🥉 Juggernaut