November 01 / 15.10 Ascot

15.10

Good

Lavazza Handicap Hurdle (GBB Race)

  • Prize money: £32676
  • 1m 7f 157y
  • Class 2
  • 11 runners
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Lavazza Handicap Hurdle (GBB Race)

Runners: 11 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Light rain

Form: 1303-0 D

Last run: 175 days

W: 11st 10lb

7 yo Filly

OR: 133

Form & Verdict
Can make the running; raised her game with best efforts last term, one over C&D and also a close third in the Scottish Champion Hurdle at Ayr in April (1lb higher today); flopped in May when last seen and has since had her third wind operation; probably needs to resume progress but she did win last November after a similar break and second wind surgery.
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

14:20 Ayr

Ooh Betty

10st 6lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Ben Clarke

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

14:00 Cheltenham

Ooh Betty

10st 4lb

J: Ben Jones

T: Ben Clarke

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

OUR TIP

Form: 1100-1 D

Last run: 20 days

W: 11st 9lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 132

Form & Verdict
Won at Chepstow last October and followed up in a valuable handicap in Ireland; struggled afterwards last season but returned three weeks ago with a win from Moveit Like Minnie in the same Chepstow race (2m, good) when they finished miles clear of the other four; back up 4lb; shortlisted.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

10

28th Apr 2026

Yielding

2m 0f 132y

15:40 Punchestown

Washington

10st 4lb

J: Paul O’Brien

T: Harry Derham

Won well on seasonal return at Chepstow in October off 128 and 1lb lower now but he's suffered heavy defeats on his four starts since that success; leap of faith required to back him here.

40/1

3

1st Nov 2025

Good

1m 7f 157y

Class 2

15:10 Ascot

Washington

11st 9lb

J: Paul O’Brien

T: Harry Derham

Won at Chepstow last October and followed up in a valuable handicap in Ireland; struggled afterwards last season but returned three weeks ago with a win from Moveit Like Minnie in the same Chepstow race (2m, good) when they finished miles clear of the other four; back up 4lb; shortlisted.

11/2

3

1st Nov 2025

Good

1m 7f 157y

Class 2

15:10 Ascot

Washington

11st 9lb

J: Paul O’Brien

T: Harry Derham

Won at Chepstow last October and followed up in a valuable handicap in Ireland; struggled afterwards last season but returned three weeks ago with a win from Moveit Like Minnie in the same Chepstow race (2m, good) when they finished miles clear of the other four; back up 4lb; shortlisted.

11/2

Form: 1148-2 D

Last run: 20 days

W: 11st 4lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 127

Form & Verdict
German Flat winner who had two comfortable novice wins at Taunton (2m3f/2m) towards the end of last year; raced too freely on handicap hurdle debut in March (2m3f) but returned with a good second off this mark in useful race at Chepstow (2m, good) three weeks ago; needs a second look.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

1

9th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 0y

Class 1

16:05 Aintree

Alexei

11st 10lb

J: Brendan Powell

T: Joe Tizzard

Acts on any ground; good strike-rate includes wins in the Greatwood and Kingwell this season; ties in with Brighterdaysahead and The New Lion on Champion Hurdle running where a late blunder cost him ground when challenging for the places; has form at up to 2m3f; remains a progressive sort.

8/1

4th

1

10th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 0f 87y

Class 1

16:00 Cheltenham

Alexei

11st 10lb

J: Brendan Powell

T: Joe Tizzard

Acts on any ground; impressive in major handicap over C&D in November; made harder work of justifying favouritism in the Kingwell (1m7f Grade 2) at Wincanton most recently, wandering under pressure to boot, and this is a stiffer assignment, but he's a broadly progressive contender who is 5-9 over hurdles and may rate higher still; possibilities in a year where some big names have dropped out.

16/1

1st

2

14th Feb 2026

Heavy

1m 7f 50y

Class 1

13:35 Wincanton

Alexei

11st 8lb

J: Brendan Powell

T: Joe Tizzard

Upwardly mobile 6yo who completed a double in the Greatwood at Cheltenham (2m, soft) in November and was creditable third under topweight in another valuable handicap at Ascot (1m7f, good to soft) in December; now steps up into a Grade 2 event but he sets the standard on his latest form and is open to more progress; leading contender.

4/6

Form: 6230P- D

Last run: 195 days

W: 10st 13lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 122

Form & Verdict
12l fourth in this race on last autumn's second run; placed in two good handicaps in February/March but right out of form in his last two outings; plenty seems to depend on the wind operation (his third) he had in July.
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

17:13 Fakenham

Afadil

11st 7lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Paul Nicholls

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

17:15 Aintree

Afadil

10st 13lb

J: Jay Tidball

T: Paul Nicholls

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

17:25 Ascot

Afadil

11st 2lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Paul Nicholls

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

Form: 431-11 D

Last run: 18 days

W: 10st 12lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 121

Form & Verdict
Pretty useful in 2024 on Flat; won on good ground at Huntingdon, Warwick and Market Rasen (2m1f) in all three of his handicap hurdles, with mistakes at the last two flights on latest outing but he'd travelled much the best and won by nearly 2l; up another 6lb and in class but he keeps looking as if he has more up his sleeve.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

4

9th May 2026

Good

1m 7f 144y

Class 1

13:15 Haydock

Indemnity

11st 7lb

J: Jonathan Burke

T: Emma Lavelle

4-6 on good ground over hurdles, notching another personal best when returning from a break to win readily at Plumpton (2m; 15-2) last month; a 10lb rise demands further improvement but he's thriving and should encounter suitable conditions again.

5/1

1st

7

5th Apr 2026

Good

1m 7f 195y

Class 2

16:05 Plumpton

Indemnity

11st 3lb

J: Ben Jones

T: Emma Lavelle

Very progressive in completing a good-ground hat-trick last year and when third to Tutti Quanti in a Class 1 handicap at Newbury in November (soft); still on a competitive mark despite all that and for whatever reason he didn't show his true form at Kempton on final sighting at Christmas; if forgiven that, and he's had a break, then he enters the picture.

5/1

6

1st Nov 2025

Good

1m 7f 157y

Class 2

15:10 Ascot

Indemnity

10st 12lb

J: Ben Jones

T: Emma Lavelle

Pretty useful in 2024 on Flat; won on good ground at Huntingdon, Warwick and Market Rasen (2m1f) in all three of his handicap hurdles, with mistakes at the last two flights on latest outing but he'd travelled much the best and won by nearly 2l; up another 6lb and in class but he keeps looking as if he has more up his sleeve.

6/1

Form: 3334-2 D

Last run: 21 days

W: 10st 10lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 119

Form & Verdict
Won twice last summer and third in three Grade 2 events in the winter; 22-1 for handicap at Chepstow (2m, good) three weeks ago but put up a bold show to be second of 13; back up 2lb but that was a positive return to action.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

2

23rd May 2026

Good

2m 3f 123y

Class 4

15:00 Bangor-on-Dee

Torrent

12st 0lb

J: David Noonan

T: Nigel Hawke

Got off to a flyer when winning two of his first three starts over hurdles in 2024; has drawn a blank since but he's on a reduced mark and wasn't beaten far when fourth at Uttoxeter (2m4f, good) three weeks; has possibilities if he can build on that and he's in the mix.

13/2

4th

10

2nd May 2026

Good

2m 3f 207y

Class 3

15:50 Uttoxeter

Torrent

11st 0lb

J: David Noonan

T: Nigel Hawke

Got off to a flyer when winning two of his first three starts over hurdles in 2024 but has been unable to get his head in front since; his mark continues to drop and cheekpieces are back on replacing a visor; best watched.

12/1

6th

8

2nd Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 100y

Class 4

16:07 Chepstow

Torrent

11st 8lb

J: Murray Dodd

T: Nigel Hawke

2-15 over hurdles; winless this campaign but it started quite well and the third at Sandown in December was in a first-time visor that now returns having been missing the last twice; on a fair mark if factoring in Murray Dodd's claim; could stage a revival.

20/1

Form: 36U4-2 D BF

Last run: 20 days

W: 10st 9lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 118

Form & Verdict
Comes with risks over fences but consistent in his last five hurdle races, the first three of which were at this track; second to Washington at Chepstow (2m, good) three weeks ago; needs to find a bit extra and has a headgear change today, plus 5lb claimer on board.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

9

19th Apr 2026

Good

3m 0f 217y

Class 2

15:27 Plumpton

Moveit Like Minnie

10st 11lb

J: Nico de Boinville

T: Nigel & Willy Twiston-Davies

Justified favouritism at Wincanton (2m4f, good) last time, recording a first win over hurdles since 2023; fairly consistent and looks worth a crack at this new trip so may remain competitive; whether he can follow up is a different matter.

10/1

1st

7

23rd Mar 2026

Good

2m 3f 179y

Class 3

16:57 Wincanton

Moveit Like Minnie

11st 0lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Nigel & Willy Twiston-Davies

Not quite in peak form this season but has still made the frame in some good-quality contests, most recently when close fourth of 15 at Ascot (2m3f, good to soft) last month; in calmer waters here and will be suited by the faster ground; leading claims.

7/2

4th

15

14th Feb 2026

Soft

2m 3f 63y

Class 2

14:25 Ascot

Moveit Like Minnie

10st 2lb

J: Tom Bellamy

T: Nigel & Willy Twiston-Davies

Largely consistent record at Ascot includes a sixth-place finish in this contest last year and placed effort in latest start; on a 13-race losing sequence but should give his running.

11/1

Form: 312-52 D BF

Last run: 14 days

W: 10st 8lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 117

Form & Verdict
Maiden and novice winner who was second in two of his three handicaps, with fifth of 16 in a hot race in between; probably just held when he blundered two out at Newton Abbot (2m1f, good to soft) two weeks ago but that was his first run for five months and he may be able to build on it.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

10

9th May 2026

Good

1m 7f 144y

Class 1

13:15 Haydock

Dance And Glance

10st 13lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Anthony Honeyball

5-14 strike-rate and steadily progressive form, gaining his latest success over this C&D (good ground; three of today's rivals behind) in convincing fashion; a 6lb rise does not look harsh, and with further improvement on the cards he has solid claims.

7/1

1st

5

4th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

1m 7f 144y

Class 2

14:12 Haydock

Dance And Glance

10st 12lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Anthony Honeyball

6yo who has shown improved form this season, winning at Ascot (1m7f, soft) in December then runner-up at Sandown (2m, good); well-beaten fifth in the gruelling William Hill Hurdle at Newbury (2m, heavy) in February; has had a break since and could play a leading role if back to his best.

4/1

5th

16

7th Feb 2026

Soft

2m 0f 69y

Class 1

15:20 Newbury

Dance And Glance

10st 11lb

J: Rex Dingle

T: Anthony Honeyball

Just held on from strong-finishing All In You at Ascot (1m7f, soft) and was unable to confirm the placings, albeit far from discredited, at Sandown (2m, good); that rival has the upper hand with further progress plausible; however, this consistent sort should go well.

16/1

Form: 9123-5 D BF

Last run: 22 days

W: 10st 7lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 116

Form & Verdict
Smart at his peak on Flat (2023) but sole win from ten hurdle races was a maiden at Taunton (2m, good) in March; third in a hot handicap at Sandown (2m, good) in April but not so good when favourite for a Chepstow novice three weeks ago and he does not seem the percentage call.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

1

16th May 2026

Good

2m 0f 145y

Class 4

15:20 Bangor-on-Dee

Fasol

12st 0lb

J: Paddy Hanlon

T: Paul Nicholls

Largely consistent 7yo who gave it a good shot from the front when third in competitive Sandown handicap (2m4f, good) last month; eased in grade here and will be fine over the shorter trip; major contender.

9/4

3rd

9

25th Apr 2026

Good

2m 3f 178y

Class 2

17:15 Sandown

Fasol

10st 5lb

J: Miss Olive Nicholls

T: Paul Nicholls

Largely consistent 7yo who recovered from a jumping error at third-last flight to take fourth in Sussex Champion Hurdle at Plumpton (2m, good) there weeks ago; also suited by 2m4f and this track; considered each-way.

12/1

4th

8

5th Apr 2026

Good

1m 7f 195y

Class 2

16:05 Plumpton

Fasol

10st 13lb

J: Miss Olive Nicholls

T: Paul Nicholls

Has won at this trip but last four runs have been over further and he hasn't kicked on from his Musselburgh win in January (2m4f, good to soft; 3lb lower); probably has little margin for error mark-wise and unlikely the same is true about some of his rivals.

25/1

Form: 2-1245 D

Last run: 36 days

W: 10st 4lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 113

Form & Verdict
A reliable sort switched to hurdles (albeit with just a maiden win) until his modest fifth of 14 to a runaway winner at Worcester (2m4f) on latest outing; needs a new high in first-time headgear.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

5

20th May 2026

Good

2m 0f 0y

Class 3

17:00 Warwick

High Fibre

11st 9lb

J: Ciaran O’Shea

T: Harry Fry

At his best as a hurdler when gaining his second win in this sphere, at Kempton (2m, good) in March; touched off at Ludlow next time but below his best up in trip at Plumpton (2m4f, good) last month; ridden on four of last five starts by Ciaran O'Shea; back to 2m and needs to return to form.

5/1

5th

8

6th Apr 2026

Good

2m 4f 116y

Class 3

15:45 Plumpton

High Fibre

11st 4lb

J: Ciaran O’Shea

T: Harry Fry

Began to look exposed in the second half of last year but he showed improved form to win at Kempton (2m, good) on March 23 and was short-headed at Ludlow (2m, good) last Monday; he should be fine now back up in trip and could again be thereabouts.

11/2

2nd

6

30th Mar 2026

Good

1m 7f 169y

Class 4

16:27 Ludlow

High Fibre

11st 1lb

J: Ciaran O’Shea

T: Harry Fry

Classy on the Flat back in the day; it had been a struggle in handicaps this season but, back from a break and dropped in grade, he won readily enough under Ciaran O'Shea at Kempton (2m, good) last week; escapes a penalty.

15/8

Form: R/355- D

Last run: 236 days

W: 10st 2lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 110

Form & Verdict
Fairly useful on Flat, including a win here; made a solid start to hurdling career early in 2024 but he's not lived up to that and has been well beaten in handicap hurdles on his last three starts; 8lb lower than on handicap hurdle debut and off 236 days, with creditable record fresh.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

3

(5)

29th May 2026

Good To Firm

1m 3f 198y

Class 5

15:20 Brighton

Maasai Mara

9st 8lb

J: William Carson

T: John O’Shea

Regressed over hurdles last year but there was some encouragement with a hood deployed when fourth of seven at Wolverhampton (1m4f, AW) on his Flat return last month; blinkers (retained) were back on when a pace bias and wide draw did for him at Chester three weeks ago; not entirely ruled out.

14/1

12th

7

(12)

8th May 2026

Good

1m 4f 63y

Class 4

17:20 Chester

Maasai Mara

9st 10lb

J: Alec Voikhansky

T: John O’Shea

Lost his way over hurdles last year and made only a mildly encouraging return to the Flat when keeping-on fourth of seven at Wolverhampton (1m4f, AW; first-time hood) last month; not the most obvious answer.

40/1

4th

4

(5)

4th Apr 2026

Standard

1m 4f 51y

Class 4

19:30 Wolverhampton (AW)

Maasai Mara

9st 2lb

J: William Carson

T: John O’Shea

Lost his way over hurdles, running poorly in two runs back from a break last November; the usual cheekpieces are replaced by a first-time hood and it's hard to believe he's still up to this sort of mark on the Flat.

33/1

Non-runners

No Ordinary Joe

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £9.40
Straight Forecast £7.06
Tricast £42.88
Trifecta £63.30

Selections

POSTDATA:

Alexei

SPOTLIGHT:

Indemnity

LAMBOURN:

No Ordinary Joe

TOPSPEED:

Afadil

The Star:

Fasol

RP RATINGS:

Moveit Like Minnie

The Guardian:

Washington

WEST COUNTRY:

Alexei

Daily Mail:

Alexei

Daily Mirror:

Alexei

Daily Record:

Alexei

The Times:

Indemnity

Telegraph:

Indemnity

The Sun:

Indemnity

D Express:

No Ordinary Joe