January 11 / 15.55 Kempton

15.55

Soft

Coral ‘We’re Here For It’ Handicap Hurdle (Challenger Two Mile Hurdle Series Qualifier)

  • Prize money: £9505.8
  • 2m 0f 0y
  • Class 3
  • 15 runners
RTV
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Coral ‘We’re Here For It’ Handicap Hurdle (Challenger Two Mile Hurdle Series Qualifier)

Runners: 15 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Showers

Form: PF-P70 D

Last run: 29 days

W: 12st 2lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 132

Form & Verdict
Four-time winner in Ireland and it's early days for him with top trainer Dan Skelton; however, there was no return to form on last month's stable debut at Cheltenham, when 40-1, and he has plenty to prove.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

4

2nd May 2026

Good

3m 0f 10y

Class 2

14:35 Uttoxeter

Joyeux Machin

11st 1lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

Appreciated eased in grade at Bangor (3m, good to soft) six weeks ago, winning readily by 10l; contests deeper race here but probably still on workable mark after 5lb rise, and quicker ground also suits.

9/2

1st

1

21st Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 30y

Class 3

14:15 Bangor-on-Dee

Joyeux Machin

12st 2lb

J: Harry Atkins

T: Dan Skelton

Exposed ex-Irish gelding who has yet to score for Dan Skelton (0-10); however, he has been contesting stronger races and was going nicely in clear lead when falling six out in major handicap chase at Doncaster (3m, soft; fine on good) in January; his subsequent Ascot run needs forgiving but that was a Class 1 race.

5/2

9th

6

14th Feb 2026

Soft

2m 7f 185y

Class 1

15:00 Ascot

Joyeux Machin

10st 7lb

J: Tristan Durrell

T: Dan Skelton

Record of 0-9 for current yard but he ran well over hurdles on this card last year; still going nicely in clear lead when falling six out in major handicap chase at Doncaster (3m, soft) most recently; shortlisted.

7/2

OUR TIP

Form: 231-11 D

Last run: 42 days

W: 11st 12lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 128

Form & Verdict
Completed a hat-trick when winning on his hurdle debut at Newbury (2m, good to soft) in November; previous hurdle wins were on soft ground; hit with 8lb rise for last time but it was a competitive race and this unexposed 6yo could continue to progress; key player.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7

24th Oct 2025

Good

2m 3f 200y

Class 3

13:15 Cheltenham

Navajo Indy

11st 6lb

J: Gavin Sheehan

T: Tom Symonds

Began last season in excellent form, notably when winning Gerry Feilden at Newbury (2m, good to soft); off since staying on to snatch third in William Hill Hurdle there (2m, soft; first-time cheekpieces) in February but, on that evidence, he's well worth another crack at 2m4f; no headgear today.

11/2

Abandoned

Form: 23U-28 D

Last run: 62 days

W: 11st 12lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 128

Form & Verdict
Took losing sequence up to ten races when tailed off at Sandown in November but may have needed that first outing since May and he showed some good form on soft and heavy ground last spring; he's an each-way possible.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

6

3rd May 2025

Good

2m 3f 207y

Class 3

18:30 Uttoxeter

Monviel

10st 10lb

J: Paul O’Brien

T: Harry Derham

prominent, pressed leaders briefly 3 out, kept on from 2 out

5/2

3rd

6

3rd May 2025

Good

2m 3f 207y

Class 3

18:30 Uttoxeter

Monviel

10st 10lb

J: Paul O’Brien

T: Harry Derham

Finally exploited his much reduced mark when coming clear at Ffos Las a month ago (2m4f, good to soft), where he reportedly appreciated the drying ground; a 5lb rise might not prevent him from following up.

5/2

1st

3

6th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

2m 4f 0y

Class 4

16:40 Ffos Las

Monviel

11st 10lb

J: Paul O’Brien

T: Harry Derham

All three wins in 2022; twice second in the mud at Uttoxeter (2m4f) last spring but well beaten all five starts from November onwards, even when the cheekpieces returned back at Uttoxeter on latest; another career-low mark.

7/1

Form: 2129-1 CD

Last run: 88 days

W: 11st 12lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 128

Form & Verdict
Won a maiden hurdle over C&D (good) in December 2023 and this lightly raced 6yo showed improved form when making all by 8l on his reappearance in a handicap at Market Rasen (2m, good) three months ago; has also run well on soft ground; up in grade today but may take it in his stride.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

1

30th Mar 2025

Good

2m 5f 141y

Class 3

17:05 Ascot

Court In The Act

12st 0lb

J: Paul O’Brien

T: Harry Derham

Bumper winner and two hurdle victories include a 2m handicap on good ground; latest Kempton run (2m5f, good to soft) hinted at some stamina limitations over this far but that was a competitive race and today's forecast drier ground should be favourable; every chance.

5/2

4th

6

22nd Feb 2025

Good

2m 5f 0y

Class 3

13:15 Kempton

Court In The Act

11st 4lb

J: Paul O’Brien

T: Harry Derham

in touch with leaders, headway going best 2 out

8/1

14th

10

17th Jan 2025

Soft

2m 0f 0y

Class 2

15:35 Windsor

Court In The Act

10st 8lb

J: Harry Reed

T: Harry Derham

Lightly raced 6yo who showed improved form when making all by 8l on his reappearance in a handicap at Market Rasen (2m, good) three months ago; has also run well on soft ground; has received a 10lb hike for last time and he's up in grade today, but he may well take it in his stride.

10/1

Form: 6-4287 D

Last run: 71 days

W: 11st 11lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 127

Form & Verdict
Won a maiden hurdle for Gavin Cromwell in September 2023 and he was second in a chase at Sligo last October; however, he was tailed off over fences the next twice and was sold for 5,500gns in November; has lots to prove.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

4

13th May 2026

Good

2m 0f 0y

Class 4

14:33 Perth

Hypotenus

11st 6lb

J: Jack Tudor

T: Neil Mulholland

Won a novice handicap chase at Taunton (2m, good) for Joe Tickle in January and fair third over same C&D next time; changed yards last month having had a wind op, and was a well-beaten third of three at Chepstow on stable debut (2m, good); hung right there so this track should suit better.

13/2

3rd

3

24th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 0f 16y

Class 3

18:37 Chepstow

Hypotenus

11st 3lb

J: Richie McLernon

T: Neil Mulholland

Able to dominate when cashing in a career-low mark at Taunton in January (2m, good), his sole win in 14 chasing starts; hasn't gone on since, but back to within 2lb of that figure now and one previous wind operation provoked a small spike in form; chance on first start for new yard.

11/4

3rd

2

19th Feb 2026

2m 0f 104y

Class 4

15:26 Huntingdon

Hypotenus

11st 6lb

J: Taylor Fisher

T: Joe Tickle

Off the mark at the 11th attempt over fences at Taunton (2m, good) in January, and he's run well on testing ground in the past; below par on his last two starts but drops back in grade today and could give a good account.

5/2

Form: F115-5 D

Last run: 29 days

W: 11st 10lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 126

Form & Verdict
Won two in a row at Exeter (2m, heavy/soft) early last year; fifth the next twice but made good headway before fading at Cheltenham (2m1f, good to soft) last month and he may have needed that reappearance outing; lightly raced and retains potential; he's one to be interested in.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

12

7th Mar 2026

Soft

1m 7f 216y

Class 2

14:27 Sandown

Spirits Bay

10st 13lb

J: Nico de Boinville

T: Nigel & Willy Twiston-Davies

Ran okay when seventh in this last year and he reappeared with a win at Newton Abbot (2m1f, good to soft) in October; however, his subsequent form has been mixed (fences/hurdles) and Top Jimmy looks the yard's chief hope.

33/1

7th

4

12th Feb 2026

Heavy

2m 0f 104y

Class 3

15:25 Taunton

Spirits Bay

11st 1lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Nigel & Willy Twiston-Davies

Made a winning reappearance in Newton Abbot handicap hurdle (2m1f, good to soft) in October; switched to fences subsequently, matching his peak RPR over timber when fourth in 2m3f Exeter novice handicap (good to soft) five weeks ago; won his previous outing on heavy.

8/1

1

19th Nov 2025

Soft

2m 0f 54y

Class 3

12:55 Warwick

Spirits Bay

11st 10lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Nigel & Willy Twiston-Davies

Two wins during his novice campaign included a handicap (2m, soft); 0-5 last season but ran well at the weights behind Constitution Hill at Cheltenham in January and comfortably regained the winning thread on his reappearance at Newton Abbot (2m1f, good to soft) three weeks ago; up 4lb but he's bred for fences and looks a player on debut in this sphere.

11/8

Form: 1-P471 D

Last run: 66 days

W: 11st 6lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 122

Form & Verdict
Three hurdle wins in France for Noel George and Amanda Zetterholm, the latest at Auteuil (2m2f, heavy) in November; has moved to an up-and-coming yard and he's an interesting contender on his British debut, especially if attracting market support (one of three for the stable).
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

1st Nov 2025

Good

2m 3f 85y

Class 3

13:15 Wetherby

Ninth Loch

12st 0lb

J: Charlie Todd

T: Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero

Won over hurdles at Chepstow (2m, good) in April and runner-up at Ffos Las (2m4f, soft) 11 days later on final run for Harry Derham; takes on proven chasers on first outing over fences but he's only six and it will be interesting to see how he goes in the market on stable debut; tongue-tie goes on.

10/1

1

1st Nov 2025

Good

2m 3f 85y

Class 3

13:15 Wetherby

Ninth Loch

12st 0lb

J: Charlie Todd

T: Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero

Won over hurdles at Chepstow (2m, good) in April and runner-up at Ffos Las (2m4f, soft) 11 days later on final run for Harry Derham; takes on proven chasers on first outing over fences but he's only six and it will be interesting to see how he goes in the market on stable debut; tongue-tie goes on.

10/1

2nd

6

16th Apr 2025

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 3

18:45 Ffos Las

Ninth Loch

11st 6lb

J: Paul O’Brien

T: Harry Derham

led, 3 lengths ahead last, kept on but headed towards finish

7/1

Form: 321-1P D

Last run: 175 days

W: 11st 5lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 121

Form & Verdict
Pulled up at Market Rasen last July but has had a break since and this lightly raced 5yo looked progressive when winning two in a row in the spring (1m7f/2m, good); effective on soft ground on the Flat; returns to action with yard in excellent form and he's not written off.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

18th Oct 2025

Good To Soft

2m 0f 167y

Class 3

15:35 Newton Abbot

Manuelito

11st 11lb

J: Ben Jones

T: Philip Hobbs & Johnson White

Never really got competitive at Aintree festival in April but his front-running win at Newbury (2m, good to soft) two starts ago makes him of interest here and, after only nine hurdle runs, he's not yet fully exposed.

3/1

9th

10

4th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

2m 0f 103y

Class 2

17:15 Aintree

Manuelito

10st 7lb

J: Patrick Wadge

T: Philip Hobbs & Johnson White

didn't always jump with fluency, towards rear

12/1

9th

10

4th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

2m 0f 103y

Class 2

17:15 Aintree

Manuelito

10st 7lb

J: Patrick Wadge

T: Philip Hobbs & Johnson White

didn't always jump with fluency, towards rear

12/1

Form: 2-6726 D

Last run: 30 days

W: 11st 3lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 119

Form & Verdict
5yo who is a two-time hurdle winner (including on soft ground) and he's run pretty well the last twice, finishing second at Huntingdon (2m, good to soft) then a 5l sixth at Taunton (2m3f, good; under Callum Pritchard); however, he needs something extra if he's to regain the winning thread today.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

26th Jan 2026

Soft

2m 0f 53y

Class 3

15:30 Hereford

Latin Verse

11st 0lb

J: Joshua Bryan

T: Olly Murphy

Has patchy profile but he's feasibly treated on best form and was disputing second when he fell at the last at Taunton (2m, soft) in final run last season; returns after almost a year off but conditions are no problem and he needs a close look on first run for Olly Murphy.

7/2

5

4th Feb 2025

Soft

2m 0f 104y

Class 4

13:55 Taunton

Latin Verse

11st 12lb

J: Callum Pritchard

T: Anthony Charlton

prominent, pressed leader 3 out

16/1

5

4th Feb 2025

Soft

2m 0f 104y

Class 4

13:55 Taunton

Latin Verse

11st 12lb

J: Callum Pritchard

T: Anthony Charlton

prominent, pressed leader 3 out

16/1

Abandoned

Form: 42-25P D

Last run: 10 days

W: 11st 3lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 119

Form & Verdict
Won a heavy-ground juvenile hurdle at Chepstow last season and he reappeared with a fair second in a handicap there (2m, good to soft) in October; however, he was pulled up after making a bad mistake mid-race at Fakenham (2m4f, good to soft; 16-1) on New Year's Day and others are more compelling.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

4

19th May 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 28y

Class 4

20:20 Hexham

Balboa

11st 13lb

J: Callum Pritchard

T: Seamus Mullins

Made the most of a reduced mark when justifying support and gaining a first win since 2023 when scoring at Ayr (2m4f, soft) last month; remains well treated on past form back up 6lb and likely to be in the mix again.

11/2

1st

8

17th Apr 2026

Soft

2m 4f 100y

Class 4

17:15 Ayr

Balboa

11st 0lb

J: Mr Jack Stenhouse

T: Seamus Mullins

Without a win since 2023 but he has dropped to a dangerous mark and ran surprisingly well over 3m last time at Wincanton when all his form is over shorter; goes on soft.

12/1

3rd

9

23rd Mar 2026

Good

3m 0f 150y

Class 4

14:45 Wincanton

Balboa

11st 9lb

J: Mr Paddy Barlow

T: Seamus Mullins

Remote when third at Newbury (2m4f, soft) last month and remains winless since 2023; however, the form of his keeping-on fourth at Taunton (2m3f, good) two starts ago has worked out well and he's too well handicapped to be ruled out on this first attempt at a staying trip.

12/1

Form: -04620 D

Last run: 28 days

W: 11st 2lb

8 yo Mare

OR: 118

Form & Verdict
She's dropped to a mark 4lb lower than when a close second at Haydock (1m7f, soft) last March; her subsequent form hasn't been up to scratch but chasing hasn't seen her to best effect and 2m4f stretched her when back over hurdles at Cheltenham last time; could be in the shake-up now back down in trip.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price
No Results Found

Form: P3-U22 D BF

Last run: 37 days

W: 11st 0lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 116

Form & Verdict
Lightly raced and consistent 6yo who was runner-up at Sandown (2m, good to soft) in November and occupied the same position when beaten just 1l at Wincanton (1m7f, soft) last month; he was clear of the third last time and there's every chance he'll be thereabouts.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

3

15th Apr 2026

Good

2m 3f 203y

Class 1

14:40 Haydock

Jour DEvasion

11st 4lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Henry Daly

Completed this season's hat-trick over shorter trips, in lower grades and on softer surfaces; won over a similar trip to this over hurdles but on soft ground that seems to suit him ideally; a good-ground renewal of the Grand Annual proved far too tough last month.

10/1

16

11th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

1m 7f 199y

Class 1

16:40 Cheltenham

Jour DEvasion

10st 10lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Henry Daly

3-4 over fences, the wins coming over 2m1f/2m on heavy/good to soft; clearly knows how to get the job done and he's on an upward curve, but he's 5lb higher than for a narrow win in a small field at Warwick last time and today is a much tougher test of his credentials.

16/1

1st

1

23rd Jan 2026

Good To Soft

2m 0f 54y

Class 3

14:05 Warwick

Jour DEvasion

11st 12lb

J: David Bass

T: Henry Daly

Bang-in-form 7yo who ended 2025 with convincing wins at Bangor (2m1f, heavy) and Chepstow (2m, good to soft); shooting up the weights but won't mind what the weather does here and commands respect in current mood.

6/4

Form: 12-2F2 D

Last run: 15 days

W: 11st 0lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 116

Form & Verdict
Progressive 8yo who was back on song when creditable second of 14 under Harriet Tucker at Chepstow (2m, soft) a fortnight ago; 2lb higher in a tougher race today but might not be far away.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

14th

3

9th May 2026

Good

1m 7f 144y

Class 1

13:15 Haydock

Bucephalus

11st 8lb

J: Harriet Tucker

T: Neil Mulholland

Front-runner who regularly gives his all and was beaten off only on the run-in when third to Dance And Glance over C&D (good) five weeks ago; should make another bold bid but several of these look less exposed.

20/1

3rd

2

4th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

1m 7f 144y

Class 2

14:12 Haydock

Bucephalus

11st 13lb

J: Harriet Tucker

T: Neil Mulholland

Front-runner who was second over C&D (good) in December and bounced back from being pulled up in the William Hill Hurdle at Newbury (heavy) to make all in four-runner handicap at Newcastle (2m1f, good to soft); has a career-high mark in this hotter race but he did it comfortably last time; could make a bold bid.

8/1

1st

2

14th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 0f 190y

Class 3

16:00 Newcastle

Bucephalus

11st 13lb

J: Harriet Tucker

T: Neil Mulholland

Poached a nice advantage but unable to hold off a progressive rival at Haydock (2m, good; in added cheekpieces) on penultimate start; pulled up in deep in a Premier Handicap at Newbury (50-1) latest; chance back in calmer waters.

4/1

Form: 6515-

Last run: 365 days

W: 10st 7lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 109

Form & Verdict
Absent since finishing down the field at Huntingdon last January; however, this very lightly raced 5yo impressed with an easy win in a juvenile hurdle at Fontwell (2m1f, heavy) earlier last winter and could have potential off his opening mark; not ruled out on his comeback.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

7

28th Mar 2025

Good

2m 1f 162y

Class 5

16:55 Fontwell

Soigneux Bell

11st 9lb

J: Caoilin Quinn

T: Gary & Josh Moore

French Flat winner who landed a 2m2f juvenile hurdle here on heavy ground last winter; went down by more than 40l in his two handicaps this season, however; wore cheekpieces and tongue-tie for the first time on latest start, while blinkers feature today.

14/1

8th

1

6th Mar 2025

Good To Soft

2m 3f 29y

Class 5

15:40 Fontwell

Soigneux Bell

12st 0lb

J: Caoilin Quinn

T: Gary & Josh Moore

prominent

13/2

6th

5

13th Feb 2025

Soft

1m 7f 216y

Class 4

13:20 Sandown

Soigneux Bell

11st 3lb

J: Caoilin Quinn

T: Gary & Josh Moore

French Flat winner who showed mixed form during last season's juvenile hurdle campaign, and makes his handicap debut after an absence; however, he did manage a win at Fontwell (2m1f, heavy) in December 2023 and he's one to watch in the betting (one of three for the yard).

13/2

Form: 215R83 D

Last run: 37 days

W: 10st 3lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 105

Form & Verdict
Won at Newton Abbot (2m1f, good) last August and returned to form with fair third at Wincanton (1m7f, soft) last month; however, he was 10l behind the runner-up Jour d'Evasion on that latest start and needs a bigger performance here; refused to race in October.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10

1st Feb 2025

Good To Soft

1m 7f 124y

Class 4

16:27 Musselburgh

Sergeant

11st 8lb

J: Miss Anna Johnston

T: Anthony Charlton

Refused to race at Wincanton in October so not without risk; won at Newton Abbot (2m1f, good) last August and returned to form with 11l third under Anna Johnston at Wincanton (1m7f, soft) in December; the winner aside, that latest form is working out well and he could be thereabouts down 2lb.

16/1

10

1st Feb 2025

Good To Soft

1m 7f 124y

Class 4

16:27 Musselburgh

Sergeant

11st 8lb

J: Miss Anna Johnston

T: Anthony Charlton

Refused to race at Wincanton in October so not without risk; won at Newton Abbot (2m1f, good) last August and returned to form with 11l third under Anna Johnston at Wincanton (1m7f, soft) in December; the winner aside, that latest form is working out well and he could be thereabouts down 2lb.

16/1

Verdict

The unexposed Spirits Bay may have needed last month’s reappearance run at Cheltenham and could be on a good mark but preference is for COURT IN THE ACT, who looked to be one to follow when winning at Market Rasen on his reappearance. The progressive Navajo Indy completed a hat-trick on his handicap debut in a good race at Newbury and he has to be respected, while Holly is of interest at bigger odds now back down in trip.[Ben Hutton]