14.25
Good To SoftBetfair Imperial Cup Handicap Hurdle (GBB Race)
- Prize money: £51440
- 1m 7f 216y
- Class 2
- 17 runners
Runners: 17 runners
Type: Hurdle Turf
Surface: Turf
Weather: Cloudy
13/2 (Won)
- Win: £7.00
- Place: £2.10
Form: -59P07 CD
Last run: 28 days
W: 10st 8lb
9 yo Gelding
OR: 127
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
5th 2 |
24th Apr 2026 Good 2m 4f 35y Class 3 |
12st 1lb |
Added to his excellent Sandown record when winning over 2m on soft in December; below par since, including a never-dangerous seventh when bidding for a third successive Imperial Cup back at Sandown, but this is the first time he's dropped to a Class 3 since winning at Cheltenham in December 2023; yard has won the last two runnings of this. |
7/1 |
|
7th 4 |
7th Mar 2026 Soft 1m 7f 216y Class 2 |
11st 7lb |
10yo who was well beaten at Windsor in January and pulled up at Newbury last month; however, he's had wind surgery since and there can be optimism he'll be a different proposition now back here, having won the last two runnings of this race (soft/good to soft) and also scored over C&D in December. |
12/1 |
|
2 |
7th Feb 2026 Soft 2m 0f 69y Class 1 |
11st 10lb |
Beaten twice off lower marks in this race (third in 2024, seventh in 2025) and seems unlikely to make it third time lucky; unbeaten at Sandown and likely to be more persuasive back there next month for a crack at an Imperial Cup hat-trick. |
33/1 |
10/1
- Place: £2.20
Form: 1-F126 D
Last run: 50 days
W: 10st 8lb
5 yo Gelding
OR: 127
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
3rd 2 |
24th Apr 2026 Good To Soft 2m 0f 16y Class 3 |
12st 0lb |
For two years in a row now he's followed a second in the Imperial Cup with a disappointing effort at Aintree, second-time cheekpieces presumably not to blame latest as they're retained here; record of 1F12 in handicaps of Class 3 or below, and ought not mind any dryout (2-4 on good). |
2/1 |
|
17th 3 |
10th Apr 2026 Good To Soft 2m 0f 103y Class 2 |
11st 8lb |
Returned to form in first-time cheekpieces (retained) when runner-up in the Imperial Cup at Sandown (2m, soft) for the second year in succession; 12 months ago he followed up with a disappointing effort at this meeting but that was over 2m4f and this is more his trip. |
12/1 |
|
2nd 14 |
7th Mar 2026 Soft 1m 7f 216y Class 2 |
10st 13lb |
He's been a long way below his best on his three starts this season and arrives with something to prove; however, there have been possible excuses on each occasion, namely the lack of a recent run, then the step up to 2m5f, and most recently heavy ground; now 3lb lower than when second in this 12 months ago (good to soft) and he's not written off in first-time headgear. |
13/2 |
10/1
- Place: £2.60
Form: 084562 D BF
Last run: 35 days
W: 10st 3lb
6 yo Gelding
OR: 122
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
10th 3 |
4th May 2026 Good 2m 4f 1y Class 2 |
11st 7lb |
Without a win since February 2024 but gave good account when sixth (promoted to fifth) at last month's Aintree festival; 2lb lower here and well worth another crack at 2m4f; considered. |
14/1 |
|
6th 22 |
10th Apr 2026 Good To Soft 2m 0f 103y Class 2 |
10st 13lb |
18 races and over two years since his last win, albeit still frequently competitive; below par over 2m5f at Ascot only 12 days ago but his peak form has come at around 2m (third in this in 2024). |
22/1 |
|
7th 5 |
29th Mar 2026 Good 2m 5f 146y Class 3 |
11st 2lb |
17 races and over two years since his last win, albeit still frequently competitive; big majority of his career has been at about 2m (he last went over further in October 2024) and he's never been this far. |
9/2 |
25/1
- Place: £4.60
Form: -35467 D
Last run: 21 days
W: 10st 5lb
6 yo Gelding
OR: 124
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
9th 2 |
14th Jan 2026 Good 2m 0f 69y Class 4 |
11st 13lb |
Close fourth of 17 at in the Imperial Cup at Sandown (2m, good to soft) last March and now 5lb lower; it was his chase debut when pulled up at Lingfield in November but he nevertheless arrives with something to prove regarding his current form; wears first-time cheekpieces. |
20/1 |
|
12 |
24th Oct 2025 Good 2m 3f 200y Class 3 |
11st 1lb |
Fourth in Greatwood Hurdle here (2m, good) last November and kept on from poor position to fill same spot in Imperial Cup at Sandown (2m, good to soft) in March; unexposed over 2m4f but, on balance, others appeal more. |
14/1 |
12/1
Form: 65P-13 CD
Last run: 50 days
W: 11st 6lb
9 yo Gelding
OR: 139
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2nd 1 |
21st Mar 2026 Good To Soft 2m 3f 123y Class 2 |
12st 0lb |
Ran no race at Windsor in January; however, prior to that he went close in a Class 2 handicap at Sandown (2m, soft; effective on good to soft); on a handy mark if factoring in Harry Atkins' claim; front runner, and not the only one. |
7/1 |
|
13th 3 |
16th Jan 2026 Soft 2m 0f 0y Class 2 |
11st 12lb |
Consistent 10yo who was third in this last year (soft) and reappeared with close second to Go Dante at Sandown (2m, soft) last month; up 2lb to a career-high mark but can give another good account and 7lb claimer Harry Atkins, who is enjoying a fine winter, rides him for the first time. |
9/1 |
12/1
Form: 1-1142 BF
Last run: 42 days
W: 10st 9lb
6 yo Gelding
OR: 128
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
6th 7 |
8th Mar 2025 Good To Soft 1m 7f 216y Class 2 |
10st 9lb |
Beaten favourite but ran creditably at Doncaster (2m3f) last time, taking form figures over hurdles to 222211142; that consistency gives him each-way possibilities back down in trip. |
12/1 |
|
2nd 4 |
25th Jan 2025 Good To Soft 2m 3f 88y Class 2 |
11st 3lb |
towards rear, not fluent 2nd |
4/1 |
|
2nd 4 |
25th Jan 2025 Good To Soft 2m 3f 88y Class 2 |
11st 3lb |
towards rear, not fluent 2nd |
4/1 |
7/1
Form: 15-533 D
Last run: 42 days
W: 10st 6lb
7 yo Gelding
OR: 125
| 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 |
10st 13lb |
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 |
11st 1lb |
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 |
11st 10lb |
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 |
14/1
Form: 211223 D
Last run: 7 days
W: 10st 2lb
5 yo Gelding
OR: 120
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
9th 9 |
26th Apr 2025 Good 1m 7f 216y Class 2 |
11st 3lb |
Two novice wins in November and generally consistent otherwise; ties in with some of these rivals on Sandown (Imperial Cup) and Southwell form the last twice; solid contender who should give his running. |
6/1 |
|
9th 9 |
26th Apr 2025 Good 1m 7f 216y Class 2 |
11st 3lb |
Two novice wins in November and generally consistent otherwise; ties in with some of these rivals on Sandown (Imperial Cup) and Southwell form the last twice; solid contender who should give his running. |
6/1 |
|
3rd 2 |
15th Apr 2025 Good 1m 7f 182y Class 4 |
12st 0lb |
prominent, lost ground when not fluent last, weakened and lost position run-in |
7/2 |
20/1
Form: 2-2223 BF
Last run: 29 days
W: 10st 2lb
5 yo Gelding
OR: 116
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2 |
15th Oct 2025 Good 2m 0f 0y Class 3 |
11st 0lb |
Made the frame in four consecutive maiden/novice hurdles last season then wasn't beaten far when tenth from out of the weights in Imperial Cup on handicap debut at Sandown (2m, good to soft); back in much calmer waters for this reappearance run; good chance. |
11/8 |
10/1
Form: 2-1013 CD
Last run: 49 days
W: 10st 13lb
7 yo Filly
OR: 132
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
3rd 5 |
18th Apr 2026 Soft 2m 0f 0y Class 1 |
10st 6lb |
Made all in Grade 2 mares' hurdle at Ascot (1m7f, soft) in January and ran well for a long way when ninth of 23 in the County Hurdle at Cheltenham (2m1f, soft) last month; she's 1lb lower than when a very close third in this last year (good to soft) and could again be involved. |
11/1 |
|
9th 24 |
13th Mar 2026 Good 2m 0f 179y Class 1 |
10st 4lb |
Can make the running; inconsistent but returned to form with mares' Grade 2 win at Ascot (1m7f, soft) in January; runs off same mark as when close third to Cracking Rhapsody in Scottish Champion Hurdle at Ayr (2m, good to soft) last April; not ruled out each-way at likely big odds. |
50/1 |
40/1
Form: 186450 D
Last run: 14 days
W: 10st 2lb
8 yo Gelding
OR: 121
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
4th 3 |
17th May 2026 Good To Firm 2m 6f 125y Class 4 |
12st 0lb |
2-10 over fences, the latter win gained over C&D (good) in March; didn't run badly when third of four at Newton Abbot (2m5f, good) last month and seems likely to be on the premises again. |
2/1 |
|
3rd 2 |
14th Apr 2026 Good 2m 4f 216y Class 3 |
11st 6lb |
Consistent 9yo who recorded his second win of the campaign at Stratford (extended 2m6f, good) last time, continuing a productive partnership with Isabelle Ryder; this drop back in trip shouldn't inconvenience and, despite a 3lb higher mark, he looks set to give another good account. |
3/1 |
|
1st 4 |
28th Mar 2026 Good 2m 6f 125y Class 3 |
11st 3lb |
Consistent sort who posted a solid third of six in 2m2f handicap at Kempton two weeks ago; eased 2lb here, so needs considering in his bid for a second success of the season. |
3/1 |
11/2
Form: 112/35 D BF
Last run: 49 days
W: 11st 4lb
6 yo Gelding
OR: 137
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
13th 3 |
8th Mar 2025 Good To Soft 1m 7f 216y Class 2 |
11st 4lb |
Went close in Grade 1 juvenile hurdle two seasons ago for previous yard; couple of encouraging handicap efforts (2m1f/2m3f) since returning from lengthy absence; could have a race of this nature in him. |
11/2 |
25/1
Form: 3P8-25 CD
Last run: 50 days
W: 10st 10lb
8 yo Gelding
OR: 129
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
5th 4 |
4th Apr 2026 Good 2m 4f 216y Class 3 |
11st 10lb |
Won over hurdles in November and has done well on his belated return to fences, following a near-miss at Carlisle with a creditable third at Newbury (2m, good to soft) in February; still looks feasibly treated and he was a dual chase winner (2m/2m4f) in his youth; dangerous back up in trip. |
15/2 |
|
3rd 2 |
27th Feb 2026 Good To Soft 2m 0f 92y Class 3 |
11st 11lb |
Won over hurdles in November and has done well on his belated return to fences, following his fourth at Haydock with a near miss at Carlisle (2m, good to soft); Isabelle Ryder again claims her 5lb and this 9yo is up 3lb in future. |
9/2 |
|
2nd 4 |
16th Feb 2026 Good To Soft 1m 7f 207y Class 3 |
11st 11lb |
Won over hurdles at Windsor (2m, good to soft) in November and respectable fourth at Haydock (2m, good to soft) last month on first chase start since March 2024; has run well on both visits here; might not be far away. |
7/2 |
7/1
Form: 5-1242 D
Last run: 28 days
W: 12st 0lb
7 yo Gelding
OR: 147
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1st 4 |
31st Oct 2025 Good 1m 7f 214y Class 3 |
11st 5lb |
Smart hurdler who won Welsh Champion Hurdle at Ffos Las (2m, good to soft) on last season's reappearance and was subsequently second in Fighting Fifth at Newcastle and William Hill Hurdle at Newbury; absent since below-par run in March but still commands respect on chasing debut. |
13/8 |
|
1st 4 |
31st Oct 2025 Good 1m 7f 214y Class 3 |
11st 5lb |
Smart hurdler who won Welsh Champion Hurdle at Ffos Las (2m, good to soft) on last season's reappearance and was subsequently second in Fighting Fifth at Newcastle and William Hill Hurdle at Newbury; absent since below-par run in March but still commands respect on chasing debut. |
13/8 |
14/1
Form: 222166 D
Last run: 28 days
W: 10st 2lb
8 yo Gelding
OR: 121
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
5 |
24th Oct 2025 Good 2m 0f 87y Class 3 |
11st 3lb |
Two wins last season, the latter when holding on gamely in 16-runner handicap on New course here (2m1f, good) in April; needs another career-best performance today but still enters calculations. |
5/1 |
|
1st 8 |
16th Apr 2025 Good 2m 0f 179y Class 3 |
10st 13lb |
Ascot winner in December off 7lb lower (1m7f, good to soft); this represents a welcome drop in grade after contesting two high-profile handicaps and he's not out of it. |
8/1 |
8/1
Form: 05-60F D
Last run: 34 days
W: 11st 2lb
5 yo Gelding
OR: 135
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
8 |
31st Jul 2025 Good 2m 0f 11y |
11st 0lb |
Put a poor run of form behind him when winning a handicap at Killarney in May; let down by his jumping in a Grade 3 at Tipperary four weeks ago. |
20/1 |
|
8th 6 |
3rd Jul 2025 Good To Yielding 2m 0f 0y |
11st 1lb |
Put a poor run of form behind him when dropped in grade to handicap company at Killarney, recording personal best; much tougher task now switching to Grade 3 company and would need another career best. |
8/1 |
|
1st 1 |
11th May 2025 Good 2m 1f 0y |
11st 12lb |
Had made eyecatching headway before falling at the DRF and bounced back from his nothing run in the Imperial Cup with a respectable effort in the Scottish Champion Hurdle; that was a better race than this and, if coping with the ground (all his form is with some give underfoot), he should be a major player. |
5/1 |
16/1
Form: -U21P1 D
Last run: 22 days
W: 10st 2lb
5 yo Gelding
OR: 120
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1st 5 |
25th Feb 2024 Heavy 2m 0f 53y Class 4 |
10st 4lb |
87,000euros 3yo; first foal; dam fair 2m hurdle winner, sister to useful 2m4f chase winner Sammy Bill; stable has a good bumper strike-rate (17%); shortlisted. |
9/4 |
+o+e Accumulators
| Payout | |
|---|---|
| Exacta | £72.80 |
| Straight Forecast | £48.07 |
| Tricast | £354.82 |
| Trifecta | £916.70 |
Selections
Telegraph:
To Chase A DreamDaily Mail:
King William RufusThe Guardian:
Lump SumDaily Record:
Ooh Betty