March 13 / 14.40 Cheltenham

14.40

Good To Soft

Pertemps Network Final Handicap Hurdle (Premier Handicap) (GBB Race)

  • Prize money: £61897
  • 2m 7f 213y
  • Class 1
  • 26 runners
ITV
View Course
Pertemps Network Final Handicap Hurdle (Premier Handicap) (GBB Race)

Runners: 26 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Partly cloudy

25/1 (Won)

  • Win: £28.30
  • Place: £5.90

Form: 7-5PP2

Last run: 26 days

W: 11st 2lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 131

Form & Verdict
Staying-on fourth off 1lb higher in top handicap at Newbury (2m, heavy) last February; 12th in the Coral Cup next time initiated a most disappointing sequence but he surged back near his best when second to One Big Bang at Haydock on latest outing, when trying 3m, cheekpieces and Brian Hughes all for the first time; now has first-time tongue-tie as well.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

11th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 149y

Class 1

15:05 Aintree

Doddiethegreat

11st 10lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Nicky Henderson

Won the Pertemps Final at Cheltenham (3m, good to soft) last March and some respectable runs in Grade 2s this term; wore blinkers when pulled up in the Stayers' Hurdle at Cheltenham last month and is back in his usual cheekpieces this afternoon, but he still has something to find.

28/1

3

12th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 7f 213y

Class 1

15:20 Cheltenham

Doddiethegreat

11st 10lb

J: James Bowen

T: Nicky Henderson

Won the Pertemps Final Handicap over C&D (good to soft) last March and he's performed respectably in Graded races this term, most recently third of six over C&D behind Ma Shantou and Impose Toi (soft; jockey dropped whip after final flight); it's possible he'll produce his best performance of the season now he's back into a bigger field over a C&D that clearly suits, but he'll probably still come up short; blinkers replace cheekpieces.

50/1

3rd

4

24th Jan 2026

Soft

2m 7f 213y

Class 1

15:35 Cheltenham

Doddiethegreat

11st 6lb

J: Freddie Gordon

T: Nicky Henderson

Won the Pertemps Handicap Final over C&D (good to soft) at the Festival last March; he has something to find with Impose Toi and Strong Leader on the evidence of this season's three outings but he's been running pretty well and the return to Cheltenham may be a positive; not ruled out each-way.

7/1

6/1

  • Place: £2.30

Form: 1P-P53 BF

Last run: 32 days

W: 11st 6lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 135

Form & Verdict
Big reputation going into this season but unsettled in the preliminaries when pulled up on seasonal/chase debut; also favourite for handicap hurdles at Newbury (2m) and Exeter (2m7f) on his two starts since, coming up short but there has been some renewed promise from off the pace; wears headgear first time and he's been the ante-post favourite.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

11th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 149y

Class 1

13:20 Aintree

Jeriko Du Reponet

12st 0lb

J: Nico de Boinville

T: Nicky Henderson

Hasn't looked a natural in his five chases (beaten favourite in Kim Muir last time) but he did very well over hurdles in cheekpieces last spring, finishing second to stablemate Doddiethegreat in the Pertemps at Cheltenham before getting the better of him at Punchestown (2m7f, yielding); could stage a revival back over hurdles.

12/1

12th

1

12th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 2f 70y

Class 2

17:20 Cheltenham

Jeriko Du Reponet

12st 0lb

J: Mr Derek O’Connor

T: Nicky Henderson

He hasn't looked a natural in his four chases; however, on the two previous occasions he wore these cheekpieces he ran mighty races in hot handicap hurdles last spring (including runner-up in the Pertemps Final here) and top Irish amateur Derek O'Connor rides today; respected.

3/1

12/1

  • Place: £3.40

Form: 1-1P61 D

Last run: 32 days

W: 11st 0lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 129

Form & Verdict
4-7 in handicaps, the wins including his first and latest of four starts this term; underperformed on New Year's Day on his sole start here but roared back with a new high when clearcut winner of the Exeter qualifier (2m7f, good to soft); 6lb higher this time but overall he's been progressive.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

19

5th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

3m 0f 149y

Class 1

13:20 Aintree

Catch Him Derry

11st 4lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

Gained a fourth handicap hurdle success when roaring back to form with a clearcut win at Exeter (2m7f, good to soft; Jeriko Du Reponet third) in February; backed that up with a fine third (Jeriko Du Reponet second) of 24 to Doddiethegreat in the Pertemps Final at Cheltenham (3m, good to soft), faring best of those held up; yard is seeking a fourth win in this since 2019.

9/2

5th

19

5th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

3m 0f 149y

Class 1

13:20 Aintree

Catch Him Derry

11st 4lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

Gained a fourth handicap hurdle success when roaring back to form with a clearcut win at Exeter (2m7f, good to soft; Jeriko Du Reponet third) in February; backed that up with a fine third (Jeriko Du Reponet second) of 24 to Doddiethegreat in the Pertemps Final at Cheltenham (3m, good to soft), faring best of those held up; yard is seeking a fourth win in this since 2019.

9/2

9/1

  • Place: £2.30

Form: 3-1333

Last run: 75 days

W: 11st 7lb

6 yo Filly

OR: 136

Form & Verdict
4-11, all over hurdles; good third of 20 at Leopardstown (2m7f, yielding) at Christmas when last seen, where she raced a bit freely and did not see it out after leading approaching the final flight; there's a bit to prove at this new trip, therefore, but she's not discounted for a respected stable which had a comfortable win in this race in 2021 with a mare at very similar stage of her career.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

2

12th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 56y

Class 1

14:40 Cheltenham

Feet Of A Dancer

11st 5lb

J: Sean O’Keeffe

T: Paul Nolan

Consistent type; fourth in the Pertemps Final at this meeting last year and has taken her form to an even higher level this term, winning Listed race at Punchestown (2m2f, soft to heavy) and Grade 2 at Doncaster (3m, soft); beat Dream On Baby by 2l in the latter, with Jetara a further 7l back in third; however, Wodhooh gave her 8lb and a beating (just over 2l) at Leopardstown in between, so it's tough to see how she can turn the tables off levels.

8/1

1st

3

24th Jan 2026

Soft

3m 0f 84y

Class 1

13:30 Doncaster

Feet Of A Dancer

11st 6lb

J: Sean O’Keeffe

T: Paul Nolan

Consistent type; fourth over this trip in the Pertemps Final at last season's Cheltenham Festival and has taken her form to an even higher level this term, winning Listed race at Punchestown and beaten off only late on by Wodhooh in Grade 3 at Leopardstown; very solid candidate.

9/4

Form: -22461 D

Last run: 26 days

W: 11st 4lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 133

Form & Verdict
Has good record for claiming riders; trying headgear seemingly had a negative effect on penultimate outing but he bounced back with a career best to win the Haydock qualifier (3m1f, good to soft) last month from Doddiethegreat; did it quite tidily too, so could be a player despite 7lb rise.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

4

10th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 5f 201y

Class 2

17:20 Cheltenham

One Big Bang

11st 9lb

J: Alex Chadwick

T: James Owen

Fifth in last year's Pertemps Final here as a staying hurdler and also ran well here when he had no answer to Wade Out after the final fence in November (3m1f, soft) on chase debut; readily beat a useful rival in a match at Southwell (3m, good to soft) next time and 2m3f offers an excuse for latest start, so he might be capable of better, which is needed.

9/1

3rd

2

23rd Jan 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 31y

Class 3

13:15 Doncaster

One Big Bang

11st 8lb

J: Alex Chadwick

T: James Owen

Talented staying hurdler who was a good Listed second on his chase debut at Cheltenham (3m1f, soft) in November, and readily beat a useful rival in a match at Southwell (3m, good to soft) last month; drops back in trip today but there can be optimism he'll cope and he's a leading contender.

6/4

3rd

20

1st May 2025

Yielding

2m 7f 110y

16:15 Punchestown

One Big Bang

11st 1lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: James Owen

Career-best to beat Doddiethegreat in a Pertemps Qualifier at Haydock (3m1f, good to soft) and didn't run at all badly in the Final; couldn't dismiss with Sean Bowen taking over for the first time.

14/1

Form: 126311 D

Last run: 18 days

W: 11st 5lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 134

Form & Verdict
Point/bumper winner who went hurdling in November; won a maiden at Punchestown (2m6f, soft) in January and asserted late on in a right slog against Maxi Mac Gold for the 19-runner Naas qualifier (2m7f, heavy) 18 days ago; at such an early stage in his career, he must be open to further progress.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

10

10th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 5f 19y

Class 1

16:05 Aintree

Will The Wise

10st 11lb

J: Conor Stone-Walsh

T: Gavin Cromwell

Progressive over fences this season and took another step forward in a first-time tongue-tie (retained) when best of the rest behind easy winner Madara in the 23-runner Plate at last month's Cheltenham Festival (2m4f, good to soft); this lightly raced 7yo is open to further improvement; chance.

8/1

2nd

12

10th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 44y

Class 1

16:40 Cheltenham

Will The Wise

10st 13lb

J: Keith Donoghue

T: Gavin Cromwell

Improved spell over hurdles last spring included a sixth in the 3m Pertemps here; had a good experience when making all in a Galway chase (about 2m2f, yielding) in October and he's run well in two competitive staying handicaps since; needs improvement off this mark for the return to 2m4f but this test is worth investigating; tongue tied first time; thereabouts.

8/1

11

25th Oct 2025

Yielding

2m 2f 54y

15:38 Galway

Will The Wise

11st 5lb

J: Keith Donoghue

T: Gavin Cromwell

Similar to Waterford Whispers in having a 135 rating over hurdles and 130 chasing, latter figure on the back of a recent C&D clear second, worn down late (by a 138-rated hurdler) after leading from halfway (yielding); major chance.

11/4

OUR TIP

Form: 2-7923 BF

Last run: 76 days

W: 11st 10lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 139

Form & Verdict
All starts on softer than good; 100-1 winner of a maiden hurdle on debut last February; runner-up in Grade 2 novice in April and stayed on well when runner-up in the Punchestown qualifier (3m, soft) on handicap debut in November; after a creditable 2m4f run at Christmas, this promising youngster looks set to resume improvement on today's step back up in trip.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

2

30th Apr 2026

Yielding

2m 7f 110y

16:15 Punchestown

Karl Des Tourelles

11st 4lb

J: Brian Hayes

T: Philip Fenton

Has only one win over hurdles but ran a cracker to be fourth in this race last year off the same mark; ran over fences without winning first four runs this season but a fine effort when not the clearest of passages in the Martin Pipe last time; a player.

8/1

6th

6

13th Mar 2026

Good

2m 4f 56y

Class 2

17:20 Cheltenham

Karl Des Tourelles

11st 9lb

J: Gavin Brouder

T: Philip Fenton

Has failed to match the pick of his hurdles form since switched to fences; last two attempts in this sphere resulted in creditable efforts in notable staying handicaps last spring, including in the Pertemps Final at this meeting; quite exposed, however, and is 0-13 since debut win.

20/1

4th

1

25th Jan 2026

Heavy

2m 4f 29y

15:55 Naas

Karl Des Tourelles

11st 12lb

J: Brian Hayes

T: Philip Fenton

1-9 over hurdles and rated 140 in that sphere; well beaten in three beginners chases this season behind some smart types and enters handicap ranks on 10lb lower mark than hurdles so has to be respected.

12/1

Form: 0-0132 BF

Last run: 88 days

W: 11st 7lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 136

Form & Verdict
Got up late on at Punchestown (2m4f, good to yielding) in October and made good late headway for third of 23 at Navan (2m6f, yielding) next time; close call at Carlisle (upped to 3m1f, soft) in December when last seen confirms that this 6yo brings an encouraging progressive profile.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

2

7th May 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 7f 0y

18:38 Wexford

D Art D Art

11st 12lb

J: Ricky Doyle

T: Thomas Cooper

125-rated hurdler was in good form 2024/25 season, winning twice and running well in 3m Pertemps Final at Cheltenham; well below that level in light campaign last season however and now tries fences.

12/1

14th

7

5th Apr 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 3f 0y

15:00 Cork

D Art D Art

11st 5lb

J: Ricky Doyle

T: Thomas Cooper

Was in great form last season, running a cracker in the Pertemps Final at Cheltenham; however, he has been poor in two runs this term and could find this trip sharp.

22/1

Form: 135454

Last run: 18 days

W: 11st 5lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 134

Form & Verdict
Point/bumper winner who was sent hurdling in only October, winning at first attempt; two fourths and a fifth when sent handicapping (claimer ridden) on last three outings, against some of today's rivals when upped to 3m/2m7f in the mud with big fields at Leopardstown and Naas on last two occasions; should retain potential and Jack Kennedy takes over.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

5

6th Apr 2026

Yielding To Soft

3m 0f 120y

17:40 Fairyhouse

Patter Merchant

11st 9lb

J: Danny Gilligan

T: Gordon Elliott

Bumper and maiden hurdle winner is 0-6 over fences; ran well in a beginners' here in November but beaten 21l and pulled up in first two handicap chases at Punchestown and Cheltenham; others have more appealing profiles.

18/1

18

10th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 1f 0y

Class 1

15:20 Cheltenham

Patter Merchant

10st 5lb

J: Jack Kennedy

T: Gordon Elliott

7yo who is lightly raced over fences and represents top Irish yard; went close at Fairyhouse in November on second chase start but his form has gone the wrong way since and he was soundly beaten at Punchestown last month in his first handicap chase; ninth in the Pertemps Final here last March.

33/1

11th

2

15th Feb 2026

3m 3f 60y

15:00 Punchestown

Patter Merchant

11st 10lb

J: Josh Williamson

T: Gordon Elliott

Bumper winner; failed to add to a maiden hurdle win; remote third behind top-class stablemate Romeo Coolio on chase debut at Down Royal; went close in less demanding company over 2m4f at Fairyhouse; has failed to build on that in races at Leopardstown and Navan; cheekpieces fitted for handicap debut.

10/1

25/1

Form: 128R14

Last run: 39 days

W: 10st 13lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 128

Form & Verdict
Well beaten when refusing in November but followed that with a tidy win at Kelso (extended 2m6f, good to soft) in December; last three of his four wins have been at that track; good, staying-on fourth in the Musselburgh qualifier (3m, good to soft) latest outing and may have something more in the tank.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

20

11th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 149y

Class 1

13:20 Aintree

Idem

10st 9lb

J: Patrick Wadge

T: Lucinda Russell & Michael Scudamore

Another in this field who took in the Pertemps at Cheltenham, finishing a good fifth of 24 to Supremely West; should be competitive again but nothing in his record suggests he has enough in hand to win a race as hot as this.

25/1

5th

23

12th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 7f 213y

Class 1

16:40 Cheltenham

Idem

10st 4lb

J: Patrick Wadge

T: Lucinda Russell & Michael Scudamore

Never-dangerous tenth in this race last year; ran creditably on three of his four starts this season, second in the Musselburgh qualifier last time, but he's an exposed 8yo who needs to show something new.

50/1

Form: 82-311 D

Last run: 49 days

W: 11st 2lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 131

Form & Verdict
Back hurdling (from chasing) for last four starts and impressively resurgent this winter, winning at Doncaster (extended 3m, good to soft) and Huntingdon (3m1f, soft; from Shanagh Bob); latest 6lb rise takes him to almost his career-high mark, however.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

1

16th May 2026

Good

2m 7f 70y

Class 2

18:50 Uttoxeter

Super Survivor

12st 0lb

J: Gavin Sheehan

T: Jamie Snowden

Very useful staying hurdler who has won six of his 13 races, two of them last season, at Haydock in December (3m, good to soft) and at Warwick in March (3m2f, good to soft); not so good last time but these conditions suit and he could bounce back.

10/1

8th

1

4th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 58y

Class 2

14:46 Haydock

Super Survivor

12st 0lb

J: Joe Anderson

T: Jamie Snowden

Back in good form this winter, including on last two starts (good to soft) when he prevailed narrowly over C&D in December and battled back for a clearcut win at Warwick (3m2f; from Porter In the Park) four weeks ago; raised another 4lb but the return to a sharper test is more of a worry.

10/1

1st

1

8th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 2f 0y

Class 3

16:13 Warwick

Super Survivor

12st 1lb

J: Gavin Sheehan

T: Jamie Snowden

A thorough stayer who has won over fences; back in good form over hurdles following a break and seemed to do just enough when prevailing narrowly at Haydock (3m, good to soft); every chance off this 5lb higher mark.

4/1

Form: 091636 C

Last run: 29 days

W: 10st 9lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 124

Form & Verdict
Sometimes front-runs; won in a big field over 2m5f here in November 2023; none too consistent since, taking a four-runner race at Newbury (3m, good; 4lb higher today) in November this term but there are safer options.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

1

27th May 2026

Good

2m 5f 122y

Class 4

16:56 Newton Abbot

American Sniper

12st 2lb

J: Rian Corcoran

T: David Pipe

Has patchy profile but he's well handicapped on his Taunton second (2m3f, good) in December and he may have needed his reappearance run at Hereford this month; this step back up in trip is no problem and he's one to keep an eye on for in-form yard.

11/2

5th

1

5th May 2026

Good

2m 3f 147y

Class 4

19:17 Hereford

American Sniper

12st 0lb

J: Jack Tudor

T: David Pipe

Has become hard to predict, as his 16l fourth at Taunton (2m3f, good) in January would suggest, having failed to back up a decent effort there the previous month; back on his last winning mark and could play a leading role if at his best.

7/2

15

24th Oct 2025

Good

2m 3f 200y

Class 3

13:15 Cheltenham

American Sniper

10st 13lb

J: James Davies

T: David Pipe

Won big-field handicap off today's mark here (2m5f, good to soft) in November 2023 and was creditable sixth of 25 at Punchestown festival (2m3f, yielding) in April but his record between those two runs if very mixed and he's not an easy one to predict.

28/1

Form: 3-7150 D

Last run: 40 days

W: 11st 7lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 136

Form & Verdict
Has run creditably over C&D on good; won the qualifier at Market Rasen (soft) in November, rallying to regain the lead from Harbour Lake; out of form at Kempton and Leopardstown since, which sees blinkers go on today instead of a visor; needs a career best.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

11

9th May 2026

Good

3m 2f 0y

16:45 Killarney

Supreme Gift

10st 2lb

J: G B Noonan

T: E McNamara

Second runner for yard; won five times over hurdles and once over fences when trained in UK; three chase starts for this yard with best run coming when fifth at Limerick; needs a fair bit more.

25/1

16

6th Apr 2026

Yielding To Soft

3m 0f 120y

17:40 Fairyhouse

Supreme Gift

10st 10lb

J: Calum Hogan

T: E McNamara

Useful performer for Henry Daly, winning six races, including an Ascot handicap chase; modest form in two starts for this stable, albeit trip and testing ground probably not ideal on latest; new cheekpieces need to spark.

25/1

Form: 310141 D

Last run: 75 days

W: 11st 9lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 138

Form & Verdict
All nine starts over hurdles, winning four; firmly on an upward curve and he won with more authority than the bare result suggests in 20-runner qualifier at Leopardstown (yielding) over Christmas last time, produced to lead at the last on step up to 2m7f; has a much higher mark for the Final but clear potential too and he's on the shortlist.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

16

1st Feb 2026

Soft To Heavy

2m 5f 107y

14:45 Leopardstown

Win Some Lose Some

10st 5lb

J: Aidan Kelly

T: Padraig Roche

Four hurdle wins including at this track; the best of four chase runs came when third to Oscars Brother in a Galway beginners'; poor since but is capable of better, so not dismissed.

12/1

11

26th Oct 2025

Yielding

2m 6f 111y

13:25 Galway

Win Some Lose Some

11st 12lb

J: Aidan Kelly

T: Padraig Roche

Won four of 11 starts over hurdles including a Pertemps qualifier at Leopardstown last Christmas; down the field in the Final at Cheltenham; staying type, should make a useful chaser in time.

8/1

8th

6

1st May 2025

Yielding

2m 7f 110y

16:15 Punchestown

Win Some Lose Some

11st 5lb

J: Aidan Kelly

T: Padraig Roche

Barely sighted when only 8-1 for the Pertemps Final but had won four of his previous seven over hurdles including a qualifier for that race at Leopardstown; finds himself 10lb higher but likely that he has more in the locker.

14/1

Form: P15/14 D

Last run: 47 days

W: 12st 0lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 143

Form & Verdict
650 days off before taking the Wincanton qualifier (3m1f, good to soft; 5lb higher today) in tidy style at Christmas, always prominent; chase debut one month later wasn't great but he's respected on the former run.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

13

11th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 1f 0y

Class 1

14:00 Cheltenham

Thomas Mor

11st 7lb

J: Ben Jones

T: Philip Hobbs & Johnson White

Fifth in 2023 Albert Bartlett here for David Pipe; finally built on that when second to Kitzbuhel in Kauto Star on Boxing Day (3m, good); needs to improve on that and an abscess meant he missed an engagement at Ascot 25 days ago.

50/1

15th

1

13th Mar 2025

Good To Soft

2m 7f 213y

Class 1

14:40 Cheltenham

Thomas Mor

12st 0lb

J: Sean Houlihan

T: Philip Hobbs & Johnson White

650 days off before taking the Wincanton qualifier (3m1f, good to soft; 5lb higher today) in tidy style at Christmas, always prominent; chase debut one month later wasn't great but he's respected on the former run.

50/1

Form: 4-5525 CD

Last run: 33 days

W: 11st 2lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 131

Form & Verdict
Won Grade 2 novice hurdle at Cheltenham (3m, soft) in December 2023; failed to shine over fences before he reverted to hurdles at Huntingdon (3m1f, soft) and finished second in first-time cheekpieces; being brought out for a lesser show 16 days later is a concern, notwithstanding the inadequate 2m5f, but the headgear returns today and he may have more to offer as a stayer.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

5

15th Jan 2026

Good To Soft

2m 7f 171y

Class 5

15:27 Ludlow

Shanagh Bob

12st 6lb

J: Mr Nick Oliver

T: Henry Oliver

C&D match last May (good, RPR 128) gave him his only chase win to date; habit of jumping right too great to ignore since, including when twice second in points lately, so a return to a clockwise track is timely.

14/1

9th

3

27th Jul 2025

Good

3m 2f 13y

Class 2

15:07 Uttoxeter

Shanagh Bob

11st 4lb

J: David Noonan

T: Henry Oliver

Didn't reach the heights he once promised for Nicky Henderson but still fetched £43,000 at the sales and made a reasonable debut for this yard at Newton Abbot (3m2f, good; first-time cheekpieces) when behind Art Of Diplomacy; clearly needs to find something on that run.

12/1

1

13th Jun 2025

Good

3m 1f 170y

Class 3

18:45 Newton Abbot

Shanagh Bob

11st 10lb

J: David Noonan

T: Henry Oliver

Arguably didn't fulfil his potential for Nicky Henderson, having won a Grade 2 novice hurdle in 2023, and was sold for £43,000 after winning two-runner chase at Ludlow (3m, good) last month; remains on a workable mark for this stable debut, though, and might be aided by the new tongue-tie.

3/1

Form: /4-412 D BF

Last run: 40 days

W: 11st 5lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 134

Form & Verdict
Took a Grade 2 novice (soft) in 2022 and stormed home well clear when upped to an extended 2m7f for a handicap back at Sandown (heavy) in December this term; found a promising one much too good over that same C&D (heavy) last time but beat the rest; second in a novice on good going in 2023 but today's likely move away from the mud asks the question.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

2

14th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 58y

Class 1

14:05 Haydock

Henri The Second

11st 6lb

J: Freddie Gingell

T: Paul Nicholls

Easily won a handicap at Sandown (2m7f, heavy) a fortnight ago; his three hurdle wins have come there and he needs to prove he can reproduce his best form at a different track, but today's trip and forecast soft ground will be right up his street and he's not ruled out on his first run here.

8/1

1st

4

31st Jan 2026

Heavy

2m 7f 103y

Class 1

15:10 Sandown

Henri The Second

11st 4lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Paul Nicholls

Won by 18l over C&D in December 2024 and runner-up to Red Dirt Road in this race (off 2lb higher than today) next time, both on heavy going; well beaten last March and November (given wind surgery in between) but surged back to some form when short-headed here four weeks ago; that was over just 2m4f on good ground and today's conditions are more likely to see him back to his best; big shout if he is.

3/1

66/1

Form: 2148-1 D

Last run: 19 days

W: 11st 2lb

12 yo Gelding

OR: 131

Form & Verdict
12yo returning from 315 days off when 33-1 at Chepstow (3m, soft) 19 days ago but he had the call from approaching the final flight; back up 5lb in this hot race, he needs to find best form since his peak year of 2021.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

18th

16

13th Mar 2025

Good To Soft

2m 7f 213y

Class 1

14:40 Cheltenham

JAi Froid

11st 2lb

J: Harry Reed

T: L J Morgan

12yo returning from 315 days off when 33-1 at Chepstow (3m, soft) 19 days ago but he had the call from approaching the final flight; back up 5lb in this hot race, he needs to find best form since his peak year of 2021.

66/1

1st

7

22nd Feb 2025

Soft

2m 7f 131y

Class 2

14:32 Chepstow

JAi Froid

10st 12lb

J: Harry Reed

T: L J Morgan

Useful at his peak and still versatile last term, winning over 1m7f (heavy) and 3m1f (soft); however, backward steps on last two starts and he's now a 12yo returning from 315 days off.

25/1

8th

13

13th Apr 2024

Soft

3m 0f 149y

Class 1

13:20 Aintree

JAi Froid

10st 11lb

J: John Kington

T: L J Morgan

Useful at his peak and still versatile at the age of 11, winning over 1m7f (heavy) and 3m1f (soft) this term; however, put firmly in his place by Cuthbert Dibble at Haydock last time and may struggle to turn things round.

28/1

Form: -P0863 D

Last run: 18 days

W: 11st 6lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 135

Form & Verdict
Won twice last term; this second season hurdling has seen best form in big-field handicaps on testing ground over 3m and 2m7f on his last two outings, claimer ridden in both and taking third on latest to Will The Wise and Maxi Mac Gold at Naas; needs further improvement but going the right way.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

14

25th May 2026

Good

2m 7f 80y

18:35 Ballinrobe

Lucky Lyreen

10st 5lb

J: Josh Williamson

T: Gordon Elliott

Won over 3m on handicap debut (first-time cheekpieces) at Down Royal in January, beating subsequent Ulster National winner Born Braver; in rear in the Grand National Trial at Punchestown and ordinary run in Ladies National at Fairyhouse last time; all four wins have been on soft or worse, so that's a concern; yard has won last three renewals.

10/1

5th

2

4th Apr 2026

Yielding To Soft

2m 5f 45y

15:15 Fairyhouse

Lucky Lyreen

11st 12lb

J: Miss Charlotte Butler

T: Gordon Elliott

Peak rating of 135 over hurdles; won a 3m handicap chase at Down Royal (yielding-to-soft) in January, beating subsequent Ulster National winner Born Braver; in rear the Grand National Trial at Punchestown on latest; could go well if first-time blinkers do the trick; trainer teamed up with rider Charlotte Butler to win this in 2024.

8/1

Form: 430482 D

Last run: 18 days

W: 11st 2lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 131

Form & Verdict
Sole win (11 races) was a 3m maiden on good ground last May; rather inconsistent since but he's been fourth and second in big-field handicaps on two of his last three starts, latterly when knuckling down well with second-time blinkers in his slog against Will The Wise at Naas (2m7f, heavy) 18 days ago; same respected stable as Feet Of A Dancer and he's also just a 6yo.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

5

24th Apr 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 6f 70y

18:59 Kilbeggan

Maxi Mac Gold

11st 12lb

J: Eoin Staples

T: Paul Nolan

126-rated hurdler; not as effective over fences; best effort when second over 3m2f at Fairyhouse in February; pulled up in a competitive handicap last time; needs to improve.

14/1

8

21st Mar 2026

Soft To Heavy

2m 7f 150y

16:17 Navan

Maxi Mac Gold

11st 3lb

J: Sean Flanagan

T: Paul Nolan

Maiden hurdle winner ran well in a Naas handicap hurdle in February last year off 124 (2m7f, heavy); didn't set the world alight in beginners' chase starts, but much better in a novice chase at Fairyhouse last time (3m2f, heavy); kept on well to take the runner-up spot, 1l behind Rokathir with 3.75l back to Nelson County; jumped left throughout that day so this track can help, however slightly worse off at the weights now.

7/1

2nd

9

21st Feb 2026

Heavy

3m 2f 0y

15:45 Fairyhouse

Maxi Mac Gold

11st 1lb

J: Eoin Staples

T: Paul Nolan

Maiden hurdle winner at Cork in 2024 (3m, good); ran well in a Naas handicap hurdle in February last year off 124 (2m7f, heavy); hasn't set the world alight in three beginners' chase runs, including when tailed off on seasonal return at Leopardstown (2m5f, yielding).

18/1

Form: 3-2P32

Last run: 39 days

W: 11st 10lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 139

Form & Verdict
12l third in Grade 1 novice hurdle at Aintree (2m4f) last April; back from chasing for 3m handicap hurdles on last two outings, always close up when second of 11 at Musselburgh (again good to soft) last time; up 2lb but, in this second season under rules, no shock if he has more to give.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

13th Mar 2025

Good To Soft

2m 7f 213y

Class 1

14:40 Cheltenham

Bugise Seagull

11st 10lb

J: David Bass

T: Charlie Longsdon

12l third in Grade 1 novice hurdle at Aintree (2m4f) last April; back from chasing for 3m handicap hurdles on last two outings, always close up when second of 11 at Musselburgh (again good to soft) last time; up 2lb but, in this second season under rules, no shock if he has more to give.

28/1

2nd

1

2nd Feb 2025

Good To Soft

2m 7f 180y

Class 2

15:00 Musselburgh

Bugise Seagull

12st 0lb

J: David Bass

T: Charlie Longsdon

disputed lead, raced in second after 5th, ridden before 2 out, stayed on

12/1

2nd

1

2nd Feb 2025

Good To Soft

2m 7f 180y

Class 2

15:00 Musselburgh

Bugise Seagull

12st 0lb

J: David Bass

T: Charlie Longsdon

12l third in Grade 1 novice hurdle at Aintree (2m4f) last April; back from chasing when creditable third of six off this mark at Doncaster five weeks ago on his step up to 3m; closely matched with runner-up Pyffo on that result and he could have more to offer as a stayer.

12/1

Form: 52-312 D BF

Last run: 106 days

W: 11st 8lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 137

Form & Verdict
Placed on his only two runs at Cheltenham, latterly when second over C&D (good) last April; Aintree qualifier (3m, good) after five months off saw him end a two-year losing spell; followed that with a close second to Supreme Gift at Market Rasen later in November, so he's never been better but he is also on a career-high mark which requires further improvement.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13th

2

9th May 2026

Good

3m 0f 58y

Class 2

12:45 Haydock

Harbour Lake

11st 10lb

J: Tom Bellamy

T: Alan King

Won by a neck in this race (good) last year off 1lb lower, having been third in it the year before; 33-1 sixth at Aintree last month suggested he's working his way back to that level, so has to be considered seriously.

8/1

6th

4

11th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 149y

Class 1

13:20 Aintree

Harbour Lake

11st 9lb

J: Tom Bellamy

T: Alan King

Won a good prize at Haydock (3m, good) last May; pulled up on return to action there in November but better when fourth of seven to Ma Shantou at Cheltenham (3m, good) on New Year's Day; being eased another 2lb can only help this C&D scorer but he requires a big career best as a 10yo.

28/1

1st

1

10th May 2025

Good

3m 0f 58y

Class 2

13:00 Haydock

Harbour Lake

12st 0lb

J: Tom Cannon

T: Alan King

Pulled up (bled from the nose) at Cheltenham Festival in March but quickly bounced back with creditable second to Long Draw there (3m, good) last month; on a tough mark now but was placed in this race last year and probably won't be far away.

9/1

Form: -11228 D BF

Last run: 19 days

W: 10st 13lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 128

Form & Verdict
Won handicap debut at Warwick (2m5f) in October, before second at Aintree (3m) and Newbury (2m4f); those improved efforts were on good or good to soft, but he showed worryingly little when a flop on soft ground 19 days ago after 12 weeks off; relatively early days.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7

10th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 5f 201y

Class 2

17:20 Cheltenham

Guard The Moon

11st 7lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Nigel & Willy Twiston-Davies

Made a bad mistake at the fourth fence at Newbury in December and soon pulled up; clearcut winner of small-field novice handicaps at Aintree (2m4f, soft) and Windsor (3m, soft; first-time cheekpieces) in his other two chases and he shaped in the latter as if stamina was a strong suit.

20/1

1st

2

16th Jan 2026

Soft

3m 0f 60y

Class 3

13:15 Windsor

Guard The Moon

11st 7lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Nigel & Willy Twiston-Davies

Made a bad mistake at the fourth fence and soon pulled up at Newbury last month; however, prior to that he won in good style on his chase debut at Aintree (2m4f, soft) and he should be fine now back up in trip; likely player if minimising the blunders in first-time cheekpieces.

11/2

3

25th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

3m 2f 127y

Class 3

15:52 Perth

Guard The Moon

11st 10lb

J: James Turner

T: Nigel Twiston-Davies

Struggled in the Pertemps Final and his previous run was no better; however, he beat recent Cheltenham winner Long Draw at Warwick earlier this season and followed that with two excellent seconds at up to 3m; if back in that sort of form he'd be a live contender.

6/1

Form: -13P84 CD

Last run: 49 days

W: 10st 13lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 128

Form & Verdict
Won three in a row last spring and the second of those was over C&D; good third back at Cheltenham (again 3m on good) in October and back to form at Huntingdon (soft) latest, but he now needs to hit a new level.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

5

10th May 2025

Good

3m 0f 58y

Class 2

13:00 Haydock

Zain Nights

11st 6lb

J: Gavin Sheehan

T: Lucy Wadham

Just did enough to pip My Bobby Dazzler in this race last year (good ground; wore cheekpieces) and returned to form with front-running success in first-time visor at Newbury (3m, good to soft) in March; safely held, though, in Cheltenham race won by Long Draw in April and remains on career-high mark.

10/1

10th

5

10th May 2025

Good

3m 0f 58y

Class 2

13:00 Haydock

Zain Nights

11st 6lb

J: Gavin Sheehan

T: Lucy Wadham

Just did enough to pip My Bobby Dazzler in this race last year (good ground; wore cheekpieces) and returned to form with front-running success in first-time visor at Newbury (3m, good to soft) in March; safely held, though, in Cheltenham race won by Long Draw in April and remains on career-high mark.

10/1

5th

4

16th Apr 2025

Good

2m 7f 213y

Class 2

15:50 Cheltenham

Zain Nights

11st 1lb

J: Brendan Powell

T: Lucy Wadham

It was the middle leg of a hat-trick when beating Harbour Lake in this 12 months ago and the first-time visor triggered a return to form at Newbury last time (3m, good to soft; made all); has to be considered off 4lb higher.

5/1

Form: 222214 CD BF

Last run: 77 days

W: 10st 12lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 127

Form & Verdict
Reserve; runner-up four times in a row on good ground before winning smoothly by 5l with waiting tactics at Cheltenham (upped to 3m, good to soft) in December; creditable fourth off this 7lb higher mark at Wincanton just 13 days later saw him qualify for this; second-season hurdler (not alone in this field) who may well resume improvement for his in-form yard.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

3

25th Oct 2025

Good To Soft

2m 7f 208y

Class 2

14:55 Cheltenham

Long Draw

11st 4lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Olly Murphy

Made very good progress last season, winning twice over 3m on New course here (good to soft/good); ended up with too much to do when finishing well for close third at Haydock (3m, good) in May and probably still has more improvement to come.

6/1

3rd

3

10th May 2025

Good

3m 0f 58y

Class 2

13:00 Haydock

Long Draw

11st 8lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Olly Murphy

Made very good progress last season and had three of today's rivals behind when coming from off the pace for driven-out success at Cheltenham (3m, good) last month; 6lb higher today but could still have more to offer.

4/1

Form: 23-215 D

Last run: 33 days

W: 10st 12lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 127

Form & Verdict
Reserve; frequently competitive but Ffos Las (3m, soft) in January was his first actual win since December 2021; raced apart (on the inner) from the others for much of that race, which may have played some role, and he was below form off this 6lb higher mark at Newbury four weeks later; not the percentage call.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

2

31st May 2025

Good

3m 2f 83y

Class 3

19:30 Stratford

Up For Parol

11st 6lb

J: Gavin Sheehan

T: Jamie Snowden

Largely consistent 9yo who makes a quick reappearance after finishing well to take close fourth from a long way off the pace at Cartmel (3m1f, good to soft) on Monday; may not be ideally suited by the faster ground here.

7/2

2nd

2

31st May 2025

Good

3m 2f 83y

Class 3

19:30 Stratford

Up For Parol

11st 6lb

J: Gavin Sheehan

T: Jamie Snowden

Largely consistent 9yo who makes a quick reappearance after finishing well to take close fourth from a long way off the pace at Cartmel (3m1f, good to soft) on Monday; may not be ideally suited by the faster ground here.

7/2

5

26th May 2025

Good

3m 1f 83y

Class 2

15:30 Cartmel

Up For Parol

11st 5lb

J: Gavin Sheehan

T: Jamie Snowden

Ended a long losing run at Ffos Las (3m) in January and not disgraced when sixth of 17 in 2m7f Uttoxeter handicap last time; possibilities eased 1lb.

14/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £248.10
Straight Forecast £144.32
Tricast £2083.83
Trifecta £3186.00

Selections

The Guardian:

D Art D Art

POSTDATA:

One Big Bang

SPOTLIGHT:

Karl Des Tourelles

Daily Record:

Will The Wise

WEST COUNTRY:

Guard The Moon

Telegraph:

Catch Him Derry

The Star:

Win Some Lose Some

LAMBOURN:

Jeriko Du Reponet

The Sun:

Feet Of A Dancer

TOPSPEED:

American Sniper

RP RATINGS:

Henri The Second

The Times:

Zain Nights

Daily Mail:

Doddiethegreat

D Express:

D Art D Art

Daily Mirror:

One Big Bang