One of two Grade 2s at Newbury on Saturday, the Game Spirit Chase hosts a potential superstar on Saturday. Lulamba has made light work of two chase victories so far and steps into open company.

Ahead of perhaps the most informative race of the weekend, Joe Napier provides the lowdown on an intriguing renewal.

2026 Game Spirit Chase Runners

Nicky Henderson has never been afraid to run his best 2m novice chasers in this race, which speaks positively for Lulamba‘s chances. The five-year-old coasted to success in the Grade 1 Henry VIII Novices’ Chase at Sandown last time out.

He meets plenty of battle-hardened rivals here, though. Master Chewy won this contest last year and looks to be building back to form for his defence. He beat Libberty Hunter into second that day, but carries a 3lb greater penalty this time around compared to Evan Williams’ runner.

However, the greater dangers to Lulamba may come from those stepping up in class. Saint Segal has twice chased home Thistle Ask in handicap company and has transformed his form this term. The same can be said of Calico, a rampant winner of a pair of handicaps the last twice.

The two outsiders in the market can have a word said positively for them too. Meetmebythesea has only been beaten once under rules and could still be progressing. Brookie has generally regressed this term, but the best of his novice chasing form in 2024/25 was useful, giving him each-way claims.

2026 Game Spirit Chase Racecard

Game Spirit Chase Trends

The Game Spirit Chase is one of the last key stopping points on the way to Cheltenham. Here, we run through the main trends which point punters towards the winner:

• No five-year-old has won the Game Spirit since Master Minded in 2008
• Six of the last seven winners have been aged between eight and ten
• Seven of the last nine winners have carried a penalty
• Six of the last nine favourites have won the race, though only one of the last four
• Five of the last six winners had been beaten on their previous start

Game Spirit Chase Tips

The form of Lulamba’s easy victory in the Henry VIII Novices’ Chase has taken some knocks and the five-year-old may be worth taking on against some experienced opposition. Nicky Henderson’s charge makes some awkward shapes at his fences and may be found out if repeating those. The prime candidate to defeat him is Saint Segal, who has twice conceded lots of weight to subsequent Clarence House runner-up Thistle Ask, finishing second both times and emerging with plenty of credit on ratings. His other two starts this season have seen him record comfortable wins, so he should not be underestimated. Both Calico and Meetmebythesea have excelled this campaign and are interesting where three places are on offer.

1. Saint Segal
2. Lulamba
3. Meetmebythesea

FAQs

When and where will the Game Spirit Chase be run?

The Game Spirit Chase will take place at Newbury racecourse on Saturday 7 February, 2026 at 2.45pm.

How can I watch the Game Spirit Chase on Saturday?

The Game Spirit Chase will be shown live on ITV Racing at 2.45pm.

Who is Joe Napier?

Joe Napier is the deputy editor of GG who gives tips and opinion throughout the week. He has been writing for GG for over four years and is hugely passionate about racing.

When were the Game Spirit Chase tips published?

The tips for the Game Spirit Chase were published at 11.40am on Friday 6 February.

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