March 15 / 14.45 Kempton

14.45

Good

Virgin Bet Best Odds Daily Handicap Hurdle (GBB Race)

  • Prize money: £20812
  • 2m 5f 0y
  • Class 2
  • 10 runners
ITV4
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Virgin Bet Best Odds Daily Handicap Hurdle (GBB Race)

Runners: 10 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Cloudy

5/1 (Won)

  • Win: £4.34
  • Place: £1.70

Form: 14-202

Last run: 56 days

W: 11st 4lb

6 yo Filly

OR: 126

Form & Verdict
Record of 3-4 last season; good second in two of her three starts this term, latest at Ascot (2m3f) behind a subsequent winner; gives the impression this combination of new trip and first-time headgear is likely to suit; possibilities.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

9

15th Mar 2025

Good

2m 5f 0y

Class 2

14:45 Kempton

Aston Martini

11st 4lb

J: Nico de Boinville

T: Nicky Henderson

prominent, in touch with leaders 3rd

5/1

25

14th Mar 2025

Good To Soft

2m 4f 56y

Class 2

17:20 Cheltenham

Aston Martini

10st 7lb

J: Ben Bromley

T: Nicky Henderson

Reserve; record of 3-4 in her first season (2023-24); good second in two of her three starts this term, latest at Ascot (2m3f); chance of going one better in this field partly depends on how well she responds to first-time headgear.

40/1

2nd

11

18th Jan 2025

Good To Soft

2m 3f 58y

Class 2

14:50 Ascot

Aston Martini

10st 10lb

J: Freddie Gordon

T: Nicky Henderson

prominent early

14/1

5/1

  • Place: £1.80

Form: U81U13

Last run: 28 days

W: 11st 9lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 131

Form & Verdict
Scored once during his brief spell over fences; better than ever since returned to hurdles, winning easily at Doncaster then creditable third at Ascot, both over 2m3f; has C&D form; in the mix.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

3

8th May 2026

Good

2m 7f 191y

Class 3

15:50 Market Rasen

Classic King

11st 12lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Emma Lavelle

Better known as a hurdler and has had some jumping issues over fences (even when he won) but he kept on well for clear second in first-time cheekpieces at Stratford (2m6f, good) six weeks ago and gets another chance off the same mark here.

9/4

2nd

1

28th Mar 2026

Good

2m 6f 125y

Class 3

14:47 Stratford

Classic King

12st 0lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Emma Lavelle

Scored over fences at Doncaster (2m3f) last term; in good nick without winning over hurdles this season until 17th in Pertemps Hurdle at Cheltenham 16 days ago; back chasing here with cheekpieces fitted and no forlorn hope.

5/2

17th

10

12th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 7f 213y

Class 1

16:40 Cheltenham

Classic King

10st 10lb

J: Ben Jones

T: Emma Lavelle

Did well at 2m3f-2m5f when reverting to hurdles for his last three starts last season; not quite so good this term and he did not shout stamina when upped to 3m for last two outings; others have more compelling claims.

25/1

7/2

  • Place: £2.10

Form: -11112 D

Last run: 85 days

W: 11st 5lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 127

Form & Verdict
Very progressive hurdler who went close at Ascot (2m5f) in December when last seen, splitting subsequent scorers and nearly completing a seven-timer; shooting up the weights but may be capable of even better still; shortlisted.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

3

19th Apr 2026

Good

3m 0f 217y

Class 2

15:27 Plumpton

Double Powerful

11st 13lb

J: Richie McLernon

T: Neil Mulholland

Good second in major handicap at Kempton (2m5f) in January, putting a few non-completions (fences/hurdles) behind him; has performed below market expectations in two starts since but is a likely player provided he bounces back with usual hood removed.

7/1

8th

4

14th Mar 2026

Good

2m 5f 0y

Class 2

14:40 Kempton

Double Powerful

11st 10lb

J: Richie McLernon

T: Neil Mulholland

Six wins in 2024 but out of luck since; only third in this race last year but a sterling effort when runner-up in the Lanzarote over C&D in January off this mark and he'll be better off back at this trip after the race didn't pan out for him at Musselburgh (3m) since; respected.

11/2

5th

4

1st Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 7f 180y

Class 2

15:40 Musselburgh

Double Powerful

11st 7lb

J: Conor O’Farrell

T: Neil Mulholland

Back hurdling for last two starts, coming a cropper again on first occasion (hampered) but second of 15 from the back in the Lanzarote at Kempton (2m5f, good; has won on soft/heavy) nine days later; progressive when he does complete and he showed at Aintree last April that he stays 3m; player.

7/2

Form: -P1231 D

Last run: 35 days

W: 11st 11lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 133

Form & Verdict
Has form figures of 1231 since the reapplication of cheekpieces, scoring gamely under Jay Tidball at Warwick (2m5f) most recently; ties in with Double Powerful on penultimate effort; finished third in this contest last year; solid chance.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

5

11th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

2m 5f 91y

Class 2

16:25 Ayr

Irish Hill

11st 6lb

J: Jay Tidball

T: Paul Nicholls

prominent behind clear leader

8/1

5th

5

11th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

2m 5f 91y

Class 2

16:25 Ayr

Irish Hill

11st 6lb

J: Jay Tidball

T: Paul Nicholls

prominent behind clear leader

8/1

4th

4

15th Mar 2025

Good

2m 5f 0y

Class 2

14:45 Kempton

Irish Hill

11st 11lb

J: Jay Tidball

T: Paul Nicholls

pressed leader

7/1

Form: -45344 CD

Last run: 35 days

W: 12st 0lb

9 yo Mare

OR: 136

Form & Verdict
Below par this term, though ran better than the bare result last time; initiated a hat-trick with Lanzarote win over C&D (soft) in early 2023 and has a good chance if back to best; only sixth in this race last year but is now 6lb lower.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

1

15th Mar 2025

Good

2m 5f 0y

Class 2

14:45 Kempton

West Balboa

12st 0lb

J: Miss Heidi Palin

T: Dan Skelton

in touch with leaders, mistake 2nd, prominent 3rd, slow jump and lost ground 6th

12/1

4th

6

8th Feb 2025

Soft

2m 5f 0y

Class 1

14:40 Warwick

West Balboa

11st 2lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

C&D winner for whom a good case can be made on last season's peak efforts; hasn't hit the same heights on her four runs this term but Kempton last time was a step back in the right direction and she could take another today in first-time cheekpieces; chance.

9/4

4th

6

8th Feb 2025

Soft

2m 5f 0y

Class 1

14:40 Warwick

West Balboa

11st 2lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

C&D winner for whom a good case can be made on last season's peak efforts; hasn't hit the same heights on her four runs this term but Kempton last time was a step back in the right direction and she could take another today in first-time cheekpieces; chance.

9/4

Form: -23111 CD

Last run: 21 days

W: 11st 8lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 130

Form & Verdict
Won going away in C&D contest (good to soft) three weeks ago, proving suited by the new trip (first attempt beyond 2m) and taking hurdles form figures to 23111; improving 6yo who could well defy another rise in the weights.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

1

2nd Feb 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 0y

Class 4

13:27 Kempton

Saint Anapolino

12st 2lb

J: Mr Jack Stenhouse

T: Philip Hobbs & Johnson White

Three-time hurdle winner (once here) who has made the frame in all three chases, most recently when third of six at Exeter (3m, good to soft) last month; likely to make his presence felt again here.

13/2

6

24th Oct 2025

Good

2m 3f 200y

Class 3

13:15 Cheltenham

Saint Anapolino

11st 6lb

J: Callum Pritchard

T: Philip Hobbs & Johnson White

Made very good progress in early part of this year, looking well suited by step up to 2m5f (from 2m) when completing hat-trick at Kempton (good to soft) in February; below form after making jumping error there in March but may improve again this season; respected.

14/1

6th

6

15th Mar 2025

Good

2m 5f 0y

Class 2

14:45 Kempton

Saint Anapolino

11st 8lb

J: Micheal Nolan

T: Philip Hobbs & Johnson White

midfield, headway on inner when bad mistake 7th

3/1

Form: 714012 D

Last run: 41 days

W: 10st 13lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 121

Form & Verdict
Improved hurdles form with hood fitted the last twice, winning Newcastle maiden then good second in Musselburgh handicap, both over 2m4f; this is harder and the headgear is removed.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

2

17th Apr 2026

Soft

2m 0f 0y

Class 3

13:45 Ayr

The Gray Ghost

12st 0lb

J: Callum Pritchard

T: Robbie Llewellyn

Versatile trip-wise as his recent run of solid form has been from 1m7f to 3m; should give his running but does look vulnerable off this high a mark in this strong a race.

10/1

4th

11

14th Mar 2026

Good

2m 5f 0y

Class 2

14:40 Kempton

The Gray Ghost

10st 8lb

J: Liam Harrison

T: Robbie Llewellyn

Has won at about this trip but he was well beaten in this race last year and, despite a 2m1f win at Newcastle last time out, he could have his work cut out at this competitive level.

9/1

1st

3

21st Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 0f 190y

Class 3

15:20 Newcastle

The Gray Ghost

11st 11lb

J: Liam Harrison

T: Robbie Llewellyn

Won his maiden here over 2m4f; a number of good runs in handicaps and 3m looked a stretch in a Class 2 at Musselburgh last time; something to prove over quite this sharp a trip but definite chance if he copes with it.

11/2

Form: 48-19P C

Last run: 35 days

W: 11st 7lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 129

Form & Verdict
Registered a notable win at Chepstow (2m3f) on seasonal debut and that form is strong; hasn't matched it in two subsequent outings but this looks easier than latest assignment.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

15

11th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 210y

Class 1

14:30 Aintree

Josh The Boss

11st 0lb

J: Mr Jamie Neild

T: Nigel & Willy Twiston-Davies

Novice chaser who has several pieces of sound form at up to 2m4f this season, including a second at Aintree; however, below that level in major handicaps in two of his last three starts, seeming a non-stayer at Doncaster (soft) in the sole 3m attempt; stamina to prove back up in trip.

16/1

7

28th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 187y

Class 1

15:45 Newbury

Josh The Boss

10st 12lb

J: Mr Jamie Neild

T: Nigel & Willy Twiston-Davies

Fairly useful novice chaser who scored easily at Doncaster in November and has performed creditably off current mark twice since, albeit failed to justify favouritism when sent up to Newcastle (2m4f) last time; goes into deeper waters at this level.

11/1

2nd

5

21st Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 19y

Class 3

15:58 Newcastle

Josh The Boss

11st 6lb

J: Mr Jamie Neild

T: Nigel & Willy Twiston-Davies

Always ridden by Jamie Neild; walked over on his second chase assignment and easily made all in four-runner handicap at Doncaster (2m3f, soft) in November; another big run from the front when second of five at Aintree (2m4f) next time, before his first attempt at 3m did not work out in a Grade 3 handicap four weeks ago; he should be of renewed interest back at 2m4f.

4/1

Form: 421-7P

Last run: 91 days

W: 11st 11lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 133

Form & Verdict
Well treated on best chase form but has been nowhere near it in two starts this season; 3-5 over hurdles but hasn't raced in this sphere for nearly two years; not sure what to expect.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

25th Sep 2025

Good To Soft

2m 7f 207y

Class 2

16:18 Perth

Chasing Fire

10st 13lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Olly Murphy

Generally disappointing during light campaign last season but turned things around with staying-on third here (2m4f, good to soft) on final start in April; remains well handicapped on older form and will be suited by this return to 3m; can't be ignored.

9/2

3rd

3

24th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

2m 4f 35y

Class 3

15:59 Perth

Chasing Fire

11st 7lb

J: Lewis Saunders

T: Olly Murphy

in rear

14/1

3rd

3

24th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

2m 4f 35y

Class 3

15:59 Perth

Chasing Fire

11st 7lb

J: Lewis Saunders

T: Olly Murphy

in rear

14/1

OUR TIP

Form: 174169 CD

Last run: 21 days

W: 11st 12lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 134

Form & Verdict
Won well over C&D (good; second start for new yard) in November but he's now 4lb higher in a stronger field and subsequent efforts don't bode well; soundly beaten returned to Kempton latest.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

21st Feb 2026

Soft

2m 3f 98y

Class 4

14:17 Chepstow

Pyramid Place

11st 13lb

J: James Best

T: Harriet Dickin

Nine-time hurdle winner who was useful in his prime and is versatile regarding ground; out of form since rejoining Harriet Dickin this season, though, and has left it late in the day to launch his chasing career; hood/cheekpieces removed; first-time blinkers tried.

33/1

8th

2

27th Jan 2026

Soft

2m 3f 100y

Class 3

14:02 Chepstow

Pyramid Place

11st 12lb

J: Miss Megan Bevan

T: Harriet Dickin

Nine hurdle wins (various ground), including valuable C&D race in 2023; safely held on both starts since rejoining Harriet Dicken, though, and has much more to prove than some of these; cheekpieces added to usual hood.

33/1

1

26th Oct 2025

Good

3m 0f 149y

Class 3

12:40 Aintree

Pyramid Place

12st 0lb

J: Bradley Harris

T: Harriet Dickin

Nine-time hurdle winner (including here for Harriet Dickin) who is below his last winning mark but struggled in the first half of this year for Olly Murphy; went through the sales ring for £13,500 in May and has plenty to prove, including stamina, on his first start since rejoining this trainer.

25/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £16.20
Straight Forecast £15.33
Tricast £73.17
Trifecta £84.40

Selections

TOPSPEED:

Aston Martini

SPOTLIGHT:

Saint Anapolino

The Guardian:

Double Powerful

RP RATINGS:

West Balboa

LAMBOURN:

Aston Martini

The Times:

Aston Martini

Telegraph:

Aston Martini

Daily Mirror:

Aston Martini

The Sun:

Aston Martini

POSTDATA:

Saint Anapolino

WEST COUNTRY:

Saint Anapolino

D Express:

Saint Anapolino

The Star:

Saint Anapolino

Daily Mail:

Double Powerful

Daily Record:

Double Powerful