October 24 / 15.00 Cheltenham

15.00

Good

Oddschecker Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 2) (Registered As The Sharp Novices’ Hurdle) (GBB Race)

  • Prize money: £47552
  • 2m 0f 87y
  • Class 1
  • 12 runners
ITV
View Course
Oddschecker Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 2) (Registered As The Sharp Novices’ Hurdle) (GBB Race)

Runners: 12 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Partly sunny

11/4 (Won)

  • Win: £17.20
  • Place: £3.50

Form: 2140-3 C BF

Last run: 19 days

W: 11st 2lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Won a Listed bumper here last season; tends to travel too strongly for his own good (races keenly) and can finish weakly, as was the case when a beaten favourite on recent hurdling debut at Uttoxeter (2m); however, a first-time hood and the possibility of a solid gallop to chase means he can't be discounted.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

2

24th Oct 2025

Good

2m 0f 87y

Class 1

15:00 Cheltenham

Fortune De Mer

11st 2lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

Won a Listed bumper here last season; tends to travel too strongly for his own good (races keenly) and can finish weakly, as was the case when a beaten favourite on recent hurdling debut at Uttoxeter (2m); however, a first-time hood and the possibility of a solid gallop to chase means he can't be discounted.

11/4

14th

4

12th Mar 2025

Good To Soft

2m 0f 87y

Class 1

17:20 Cheltenham

Fortune De Mer

11st 7lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

It wasn't a strong Listed race that he won here in November (good; coped with softer in points) but he had loads more in hand than the narrow margin would suggest; turned over since at odds-on at Huntingdon but a blind eye can be turned to that as he was far too gassy off tepid fractions; could be seen in a different light here should they crack on at a solid pace and top trainer has been talking up his chances.

18/1

4th

1

6th Feb 2025

Good To Soft

1m 7f 171y

Class 5

16:05 Huntingdon

Fortune De Mer

11st 11lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

took keen hold, held up in rear

4/5

25/1

  • Place: £3.50

Form: 153- D BF

Last run: 222 days

W: 11st 2lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Favourite for two of his three bumpers (good to soft or good), winning the first and on the latest occasion finishing third under a penalty at Chepstow where they didn't go much of a gallop; others in here have superior form but he's a likely improver over hurdles.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

5

28th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 0f 69y

Class 3

14:10 Newbury

Doctor Blue

10st 13lb

J: Dylan Johnston

T: Sam Thomas

Bumper winner who went close in Cheltenham Grade 2 on hurdle debut before getting off the mark at Ascot (1m7f, good) in November; found to have bled when well held next time and played up at the start (deemed a non-runner) at Exeter eight days ago; wore tongue-tie on those last three appearances and cheekpieces at Exeter, but has neither today; unexposed handicap debutant.

5/2

1

20th Feb 2026

Heavy

2m 0f 161y

Class 4

14:14 Exeter

Doctor Blue

11st 12lb

J: Dylan Johnston

T: Sam Thomas

Bumper winner who went close in Cheltenham Grade 2 on hurdle debut before getting off the mark at Ascot (1m7f, good; first-time tongue-tie) in November; found to have bled when well held at Doncaster since, which is a concern, but would have obvious claims if back to best with cheekpieces added.

11/10

2nd

1

24th Oct 2025

Good

2m 0f 87y

Class 1

15:00 Cheltenham

Doctor Blue

11st 2lb

J: Dylan Johnston

T: Sam Thomas

Favourite for two of his three bumpers (good to soft or good), winning the first and on the latest occasion finishing third under a penalty at Chepstow where they didn't go much of a gallop; others in here have superior form but he's a likely improver over hurdles.

25/1

33/1

  • Place: £4.50

Form: P71-21 D

Last run: 25 days

W: 10st 9lb

6 yo Filly

OR: 112

Form & Verdict
Made all in a Newton Abbot novice last month (2m1f, good; has won on soft) but she was no match for Jack Hyde the time before; quite exposed now after 14 races over hurdles and would be a surprise winner.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

5

4th May 2026

Good

2m 0f 0y

Class 4

17:00 Warwick

Jaminska

11st 7lb

J: Ciaran Gethings

T: Jane Williams

Big player on her form during the first half of last season but neither run this year was anywhere near that level; reservations for now.

10/1

6th

3

19th Apr 2026

Good

2m 0f 70y

Class 4

15:08 Stratford

Jaminska

11st 11lb

J: Ciaran Gethings

T: Jane Williams

Close third in Cheltenham Grade 2 novice (2m good to soft) in October and again ran commendably well when third in Newbury Listed race (2m, soft) a few weeks later but was tailed off when reappearing in a handicap last month and it's hard to know what to expect from her here.

8/1

7th

5

6th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 0f 161y

Class 4

15:10 Exeter

Jaminska

11st 11lb

J: Ciaran Gethings

T: Jane Williams

Absent since late November but was in a good run of form back then, finishing close up in a Grade 2 at Cheltenham before again placed in a Listed race for mares; beaten off lower marks in her previous handicaps but looks a better horse now.

7/2

Form: 32-111 D

Last run: 46 days

W: 11st 2lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 123

Form & Verdict
Progressive 5yo judged on his hat-trick of wins on good ground at Perth, doing it readily in handicaps on his last two starts; has considerably more on his plate at this loftier level and softer ground could be an issue for him.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9

28th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 2f 25y

Class 1

14:15 Kelso

The Last Cloud

11st 5lb

J: Brian Hughes

T: Patrick Neville

Won three in a row at Perth last May-September (2m, good; two of them handicaps) and has run with credit in defeat in Graded races on last three starts, the first two over 2m/2m1f (good to soft) and the latest at 3m (soft); he might not be far away.

9/2

3rd

11

24th Jan 2026

Soft

3m 0f 84y

Class 1

12:55 Doncaster

The Last Cloud

11st 0lb

J: Brian Hughes

T: Patrick Neville

Has steadily progressive form, albeit mostly at about 2m and his latest effort (in Aintree Grade 1) is open to question as several hurdles were omitted; something to prove back up markedly in trip.

14/1

4th

6

24th Oct 2025

Good

2m 0f 87y

Class 1

15:00 Cheltenham

The Last Cloud

11st 2lb

J: Brian Hughes

T: Patrick Neville

Progressive 5yo judged on his hat-trick of wins on good ground at Perth, doing it readily in handicaps on his last two starts; has considerably more on his plate at this loftier level and softer ground could be an issue for him.

12/1

OUR TIP

Form: 114-15 D

Last run: 14 days

W: 11st 2lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 123

Form & Verdict
Signed off last season with a fairly strong piece of handicap form at Aintree (fourth of 17) and returned with a comfortable defeat of Jaminska; let himself down by pulling too hard in the Grade 2 Persian War at Chepstow but his raw ability is respected; if settling, he wouldn't be far away.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

3

24th Apr 2026

Good

2m 4f 35y

Class 3

15:47 Perth

Jack Hyde

11st 12lb

J: Tom Broughton

T: Fergal O’Brien

Didn't feature in the Imperial Cup (Go Dante two places ahead of him) but back on track with his sights lowered when shading a tight finish in 2m Ludlow handicap (good) 25 days ago, taking his hurdles record to 4-12; has won over this trip; should remain very competitive off 6lb higher.

9/2

1st

1

30th Mar 2026

Good

1m 7f 169y

Class 4

16:27 Ludlow

Jack Hyde

12st 2lb

J: Tom Broughton

T: Fergal O’Brien

Three-time novice winner on good to soft who has performed admirably in Graded and handicap company; didn't run much of a race in the Imperial Cup but he was single-figure odds and this wouldn't be as demanding as that Sandown race; tongue-tie removed; respected.

7/2

9th

13

7th Mar 2026

Soft

1m 7f 216y

Class 2

14:27 Sandown

Jack Hyde

10st 13lb

J: Tom Broughton

T: Fergal O’Brien

Three novice hurdle wins last year (2m-2m4f, good to soft) and second of 15 at Cheltenham (2m, soft) in November when back in a handicap; also runner-up at Taunton last month (2m, heavy; would have been closer granted a clear run) when back from a three-month break (and wind op); each-way player.

14/1

Form: -11142 D

Last run: 27 days

W: 11st 1lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 127

Form & Verdict
He's 4-6 over hurdles and the defeats have come in Class 2 handicaps at Market Rasen, and he might have won the latter one had he jumped a bit better; the cheekpieces that worked well for him on the Flat now go on for the first time in this discipline; perhaps lacks the same potential as some in here but he's respected.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

3

24th May 2026

Good

2m 3f 207y

Class 2

15:28 Uttoxeter

Sir Galahad

11st 10lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Olly Murphy

Beaten favourite over C&D this month but Miss Maverick did get first run on him and he has a 5lb pull on the winner now; remains relatively unexposed over this far.

9/2

2nd

3

2nd May 2026

Good

2m 3f 207y

Class 3

15:50 Uttoxeter

Sir Galahad

12st 0lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Olly Murphy

Completed a four-timer on his first four starts in this sphere at around 2m; held his form in defeat until weakening right out of it when 40-1 at Aintree (2m4f, good to soft) last month; the same distance is being persevered with but he's down in class and not out of this.

4/1

16th

22

10th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 0y

Class 1

13:45 Aintree

Sir Galahad

11st 0lb

J: Lewis Stones

T: Olly Murphy

Solid novice hurdler at 2m from last spring to autumn, completing a four-timer (on good ground) prior to holding his form, running-on sixth in Grade 2 at Cheltenham the final occasion; attractively weighed and has possibilities with this new trip worth exploring.

20/1

Form: 1-1 D

Last run: 10 days

W: 11st 2lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Recruited for £180,000 after his point win in Ireland; has looked good on his two visits to Market Rasen, totally untroubled in winning a bumper (good to soft) and a maiden hurdle (good); in a lot deeper here but Team Twiston-Davies appear to rate him very highly.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

1

22nd Apr 2026

Good

1m 7f 169y

Class 4

14:30 Ludlow

Un Sens A La Vie

12st 0lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Nigel & Willy Twiston-Davies

Record of 2-5 over hurdles and he was runner-up behind subsequent Supreme winner Old Park Star at Kempton (2m, good) in November; finished a well-held fourth of 15 at Newbury in February but that was a major handicap and not many got involved in the testing conditions; sets a clear standard back in much calmer waters and his last win was over C&D; strong contender.

4/6

4th

6

7th Feb 2026

Soft

2m 0f 69y

Class 1

15:20 Newbury

Un Sens A La Vie

11st 6lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Nigel & Willy Twiston-Davies

Unexposed novice hurdler who posted a good effort behind the Supreme favourite on penultimate start; comfortably justified favouritism at Ludlow (2m, good to soft) latest, taking overall record to 4-7; this handicap debutant could be well treated and his stable has landed this race three times; interesting.

6/1

7th

7

24th Oct 2025

Good

2m 0f 87y

Class 1

15:00 Cheltenham

Un Sens A La Vie

11st 2lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Nigel & Willy Twiston-Davies

Recruited for £180,000 after his point win in Ireland; has looked good on his two visits to Market Rasen, totally untroubled in winning a bumper (good to soft) and a maiden hurdle (good); in a lot deeper here but Team Twiston-Davies appear to rate him very highly.

7/4

Form: 02-311 D

Last run: 18 days

W: 11st 2lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 118

Form & Verdict
Only joined Jack Jones this summer and wasn't overly pressed to justify favouritism in minor races at Worcester (good to soft) and Stratford (good); whether he's up to this level is questionable.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

14

9th May 2026

Good

1m 7f 144y

Class 1

13:15 Haydock

Mr McLoughlan

10st 7lb

J: Jack Tudor

T: Jack Jones

Free-goer who was on a roll last autumn, winning three times; well held behind Star Of Guiting at Musselburgh on New Year's Day and couldn't land a blow behind Dance And Glance over C&D last month, but he should get plenty of cover in this big field and could outrun his likely odds.

20/1

6th

4

4th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

1m 7f 144y

Class 2

14:12 Haydock

Mr McLoughlan

11st 0lb

J: Tom Bellamy

T: Jack Jones

Novice who won three times in the autumn (2m, good to soft/good) and ran well when third behind two unexposed rivals at Stratford (2m, soft) last month; a strong pace seems likely, which should see him to good effect.

13/2

Form: 522121 D

Last run: 8 days

W: 10st 9lb

6 yo Mare

OR:

Form & Verdict
Down Royal bumper winner on good to firm and last week added an ordinary maiden hurdle for mares at Thurles (good to yielding); faces by far and away her toughest test yet but brings momentum into it.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

5

30th May 2026

Good

2m 0f 100y

14:06 Listowel

Run For Mahler

10st 13lb

J: Philip Byrnes

T: C Byrnes

Bumper and maiden hurdle winner; soundly beaten in Grade 2 novice at Cheltenham when last sighted in October; ran well in a maiden hurdle over C&D last September; lacks a recent run and probably best watched unless market speaks.

13/2

9th

12

24th Oct 2025

Good

2m 0f 87y

Class 1

15:00 Cheltenham

Run For Mahler

10st 9lb

J: Philip Byrnes

T: C Byrnes

Down Royal bumper winner on good to firm and last week added an ordinary maiden hurdle for mares at Thurles (good to yielding); faces by far and away her toughest test yet but brings momentum into it.

9/1

1st

2

16th Oct 2025

Good

1m 7f 172y

14:12 Thurles

Run For Mahler

11st 7lb

J: Philip Byrnes

T: C Byrnes

Took the runner-up spot in bumpers at Sligo and Tramore before making the breakthrough at Down Royal in August (good to firm); no shame in her second placing behind Carrigmoornaspruce on hurdles debut at Listowel (2m, yielding); should be thereabouts.

4/1

Form: 8-4311

Last run: 37 days

W: 11st 2lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 124

Form & Verdict
All his best form is on good ground and he was withdrawn from a yielding-to-soft engagement; made all for wins at around 2m5f at Bellewstown and Kelso, latterly by a narrow margin; up in grade and down in trip, others appeal more.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

31st May 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 4f 80y

16:30 Kilbeggan

Jackson Lamb

11st 12lb

J: Alex Harvey

T: John C McConnell

Won back to back races last summer, a Bellewstown maiden hurdle (20.5f, good) and a Kelso novice (2m5f, good); out of depth in Cheltenham Grade 2 novice hurdle when last seen in October; not bred for this game and probably best watched after a 219-day absence.

6/1

10th

4

24th Oct 2025

Good

2m 0f 87y

Class 1

15:00 Cheltenham

Jackson Lamb

11st 2lb

J: Alex Harvey

T: John C McConnell

All his best form is on good ground and he was withdrawn from a yielding-to-soft engagement; made all for wins at around 2m5f at Bellewstown and Kelso, latterly by a narrow margin; up in grade and down in trip, others appeal more.

16/1

1st

1

17th Sep 2025

Good

2m 4f 189y

Class 4

15:53 Kelso

Jackson Lamb

11st 7lb

J: Alex Harvey

T: John C McConnell

Bumper winner who got off the mark at the third attempt over hurdles at Bellewstown (2m4f, good) three weeks ago, despite some indifferent jumping; posted an RPR of 127 in the process and that sets the standard here; stable won this last year; softening ground might not be ideal (withdrawn from a yielding to soft engagement).

10/11

Form: 93-

Last run: 212 days

W: 10st 9lb

5 yo Mare

OR:

Form & Verdict
Ran in two bumpers for Henrietta Knight, beaten a big distance on Listed debut and 18l in a small field at Hereford (good); hurled into the deep end here for hurdling/stable debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

7

26th Mar 2026

Good

2m 0f 0y

Class 4

15:58 Warwick

Gower Spirit

11st 1lb

J: Stan Sheppard

T: Matt Sheppard

Won Uttoxeter maiden (2m4f, heavy) in November and has also shown promise in some handicaps subsequently; however, well beaten at Hereford (2m, good) recently and there is a question mark about the forecast good ground.

9/1

8th

3

7th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 0f 53y

Class 5

16:37 Hereford

Gower Spirit

11st 13lb

J: James Bowen

T: Matt Sheppard

Got off the mark at Uttoxeter (2m4f) in November and comes here in good nick, scuppered by a late blunder when fourth of ten in 2m3f handicap hurdle at Taunton 23 days ago; she must enter calculations eased 1lb.

4/1

4th

1

12th Feb 2026

Heavy

2m 3f 1y

Class 5

14:15 Taunton

Gower Spirit

12st 0lb

J: Stan Sheppard

T: Matt Sheppard

Goes well in the mud, including a 2m4f mares' maiden success on heavy at Uttoxeter in November; runner-up in soft-ground handicaps over the extended 2m3f at Hereford on her last two outings; ought to be in the mix again.

11/2

Form: 441221 D

Last run: 13 days

W: 10st 9lb

6 yo Mare

OR: 114

Form & Verdict
Softening ground might not be welcomed but she's an improving mare who was well on top in a Fairyhouse handicap two weeks ago (2m, yielding); this test commands another career best but that's feasible.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

5

26th May 2026

Good

2m 0f 13y

19:00 Ballinrobe

Pauls Dream

10st 7lb

J: Danny Mullins

T: Anthony Mullins

Mostly reliable in the first half of last season; enjoyed a fine spell during which she notched two wins and two seconds; may show the benefit of a recent outing at Killarney.

8/1

5th

9

9th May 2026

Good

2m 1f 0y

15:00 Killarney

Pauls Dream

10st 0lb

J: John Shinnick

T: Anthony Mullins

Added second hurdles win when victorious at Fairyhouse in October (2m, yielding) off 7lb lower; not done with when departing at the second last at Cheltenham but unseen since tailed off at Navan (2m4f, soft to heavy) in November; ground should suit.

14/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £206.30
Straight Forecast £154.26
Tricast £2791.60
Trifecta £1550.70

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Un Sens A La Vie

RP RATINGS:

Sir Galahad

Daily Mail:

Jackson Lamb

WEST COUNTRY:

Un Sens A La Vie

The Times:

Un Sens A La Vie

Telegraph:

Un Sens A La Vie

The Guardian:

Un Sens A La Vie

D Express:

Un Sens A La Vie

Daily Mirror:

Un Sens A La Vie

The Sun:

Un Sens A La Vie

The Star:

Un Sens A La Vie

Daily Record:

Un Sens A La Vie

TOPSPEED:

Sir Galahad

POSTDATA:

Sir Galahad