January 17 / 14.35 Haydock

14.35

Good To Soft

Sky Bet Acca Freeze Handicap Hurdle (Challenger Stayers Hurdle Series Qualifier)

  • Prize money: £15843
  • 3m 0f 58y
  • Class 3
  • 10 runners
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Sky Bet Acca Freeze Handicap Hurdle (Challenger Stayers Hurdle Series Qualifier)

Runners: 10 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Cloudy

3/1 (Won)

  • Win: £3.50
  • Place: £1.60

Form: 10-721

Last run: 22 days

W: 10st 13lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 121

Form & Verdict
3m point and two-time bumper winner who has improved with each of his three hurdle starts, winning easily at 4-9 at Sedgefield (2m4f, good to soft) last time in first-time cheekpieces (retained); bred to be suited by this step up in trip on handicap debut (half-brother to leading Peter Marsh contender Myretown, among others) and could have lots more to offer for top yard.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

2

10th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 149y

Class 1

16:40 Aintree

Dalston Lad

11st 8lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

He's gone 3-3 since the cheekpieces went on and it was pretty straightforward from the front in a Grade 2 at Haydock the last time (3m, good to soft) when 4l too good for the strong-finishing Ubatuba who ran a respectable seventh in the Albert Bartlett; arrives here fresher than some; respected.

8/1

1st

2

14th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 58y

Class 1

14:40 Haydock

Dalston Lad

11st 2lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

Made it 2-2 in these cheekpieces when upped in trip on handicap debut over C&D (good to soft) four weeks ago; won a bumper on soft ground; open to further improvement for his top yard and is firmly in calculations.

3/1

1st

7

17th Jan 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 58y

Class 3

14:35 Haydock

Dalston Lad

10st 13lb

J: Tristan Durrell

T: Dan Skelton

3m point and two-time bumper winner who has improved with each of his three hurdle starts, winning easily at 4-9 at Sedgefield (2m4f, good to soft) last time in first-time cheekpieces (retained); bred to be suited by this step up in trip on handicap debut (half-brother to leading Peter Marsh contender Myretown, among others) and could have lots more to offer for top yard.

3/1

OUR TIP

25/1

  • Place: £5.50

Form: P0P-P8 D

Last run: 22 days

W: 12st 0lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 136

Form & Verdict
Won a Grade 1 novice hurdle and Grade 2 novice chase in 2023; his mark continues to tumble but for good reason and a major revival is required with first-time blinkers replacing cheekpieces.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

14th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 58y

Class 2

15:50 Haydock

Stay Away Fay

12st 0lb

J: Freddie Gingell

T: Paul Nicholls

Had struggled badly in recent years but belatedly showed a smart level of ability remains when second over C&D (soft) in first-time blinkers (retained) four weeks ago; put back up 4lb but retains handicapping scope if building on that, with his top stable's good form providing hope that he can.

12/1

2nd

1

17th Jan 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 58y

Class 3

14:35 Haydock

Stay Away Fay

12st 0lb

J: Miss Olive Nicholls

T: Paul Nicholls

Won a Grade 1 novice hurdle and Grade 2 novice chase in 2023; his mark continues to tumble but for good reason and a major revival is required with first-time blinkers replacing cheekpieces.

25/1

25

5th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

4m 2f 74y

Class 1

16:00 Aintree

Stay Away Fay

10st 9lb

J: Paul O’Brien

T: Paul Nicholls

Won Grade 1 novice hurdle at the 2023 Cheltenham Festival (3m, soft) and made a promising start to chasing career last season, when he continued to look all about stamina; his career has taken a spectacular wrong turn since but there was a slight hint last time of getting back on track.

66/1

Form: 113613 D BF

Last run: 35 days

W: 10st 6lb

7 yo Mare

OR: 114

Form & Verdict
Won three in a row last April-June (2m7f, good) and resumed her progressive ways with convincing win at Catterick (3m1f, good) in November; another good run when close third at Doncaster (3m, good to soft); needs something extra in this better race but further improvement isn't ruled out.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

7

4th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 58y

Class 2

14:46 Haydock

Heather Honey

10st 8lb

J: Peter Kavanagh

T: Joel Parkinson & Sue Smith

Won three in a row last April-June (about 2m7f, good) and resumed her progress with convincing wins at Catterick (3m1f, good) in November and Haydock (3m, good to soft) one month ago; raised another 6lb and in grade but such a progressive mare cannot be dismissed.

8/1

1st

4

5th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 58y

Class 4

15:50 Haydock

Heather Honey

11st 11lb

J: Peter Kavanagh

T: Joel Parkinson & Sue Smith

Won three in a row last April-June (2m7f, good) and resumed her progress with convincing win at Catterick (3m1f, good) in November; two solid efforts since, including when third in a better race than this over C&D seven weeks ago; comfortably the most solid option.

9/4

3rd

9

17th Jan 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 58y

Class 3

14:35 Haydock

Heather Honey

10st 6lb

J: Peter Kavanagh

T: Joel Parkinson & Sue Smith

Won three in a row last April-June (2m7f, good) and resumed her progressive ways with convincing win at Catterick (3m1f, good) in November; another good run when close third at Doncaster (3m, good to soft); needs something extra in this better race but further improvement isn't ruled out.

13/2

Form: 874-3F D

Last run: 39 days

W: 11st 9lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 131

Form & Verdict
Ran a mighty race from the front when third of 17 in hot handicap hurdle over C&D (good to soft) on reappearance; fell on chase debut next time and he's capable of a very bold bid now back hurdling.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

17th Apr 2026

Soft

2m 5f 91y

Class 2

16:05 Ayr

Phantomofthepoints

12st 0lb

J: Rian Corcoran

T: David Pipe

Fourth in this last year (good to soft) and he comfortably made all at Warwick (2m5f, heavy) in February; pulled up at Fontwell 15 days later but that was a Grade 2; could make a bold bid back in a handicap.

16/1

5th

4

22nd Feb 2026

Soft

2m 3f 29y

Class 1

14:50 Fontwell

Phantomofthepoints

11st 4lb

J: Jack Tudor

T: David Pipe

Very useful handicapper who picked up a third hurdle race when comfortably landing Warwick handicap (2m5f, heavy) a fortnight ago; something to find in this company but he's in form and the type to run above himself.

9/1

1st

3

7th Feb 2026

Soft

2m 5f 5y

Class 3

16:10 Warwick

Phantomofthepoints

11st 5lb

J: Conor O’Farrell

T: David Pipe

2m/3m winner over hurdles; reappearance was encouraging but fell over fences next time and wasn't at his best back in this discipline at Haydock (3m, good to soft); nothing wrong with this mark if he can get himself back on track; ground fine.

5/1

Form: 21154- C BF

Last run: 301 days

W: 10st 9lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 117

Form & Verdict
Made it two wins in a row (2m5f, good to soft/soft) when scoring on this card 12 months ago; had an excuse last March when last seen (made a mistake three out); could have untapped potential at this trip; interesting.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

10

4th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

3m 1f 125y

Class 3

17:05 Haydock

Solar System

11st 4lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Philip Hobbs & Johnson White

Four wins (2m1f-2m5f) over hurdles; made an encouraging start over fences when 3l third of six at Southwell (3m, soft) last month; solid claims if building on that run with cheekpieces now fitted.

8/1

3rd

1

2nd Mar 2026

Heavy

3m 0f 60y

Class 4

14:45 Southwell

Solar System

12st 0lb

J: Callum Pritchard

T: Philip Hobbs & Johnson White

Record of 51211 in Class 4 handicap hurdles; has failed to fire in a couple of Class 3 events this term but looks interesting back down in grade on chase debut.

7/2

15th

11

14th Feb 2026

Soft

2m 7f 123y

Class 3

16:10 Ascot

Solar System

11st 5lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Philip Hobbs & Johnson White

Three wins from off the pace last season (2m3f-2m5f, good to soft/soft); managed only fifth on last month's return at Haydock (3m, good to soft) but was quite badly hampered by a mid-race faller and made good headway from the rear on the final circuit; might come on for the run; interesting.

8/1

Form: 761-81

Last run: 19 days

W: 11st 2lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 124

Form & Verdict
His form can be in and out but he's been progressive among the blips and was back on song when winning at Kelso (extended 2m6f, good to soft) 19 days ago; this trip may be within range and has a chance for in-form yard.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

4

28th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 189y

Class 2

15:30 Kelso

Both Barrels

11st 5lb

J: Craig Nichol

T: Donald Whillans

Goes well here and won over the extended 2m6f (good to soft) just after Christmas; ridden less prominently when only sixth of ten at Haydock next time; may bounce back, although he remains on a career-high mark.

10/1

6th

4

17th Jan 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 58y

Class 3

14:35 Haydock

Both Barrels

11st 2lb

J: Craig Nichol

T: Donald Whillans

His form can be in and out but he's been progressive among the blips and was back on song when winning at Kelso (extended 2m6f, good to soft) 19 days ago; this trip may be within range and has a chance for in-form yard.

13/2

Form: 7-28P5 D

Last run: 18 days

W: 10st 5lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 113

Form & Verdict
Showed spark when going close over fences in October and didn't run badly when fifth of seven here last time back over hurdles; continues to drop down the weights but he has a regressive profile and needs to raise his game.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

5

14th May 2026

Good

2m 7f 180y

Class 4

14:33 Perth

Inis Oirr

11st 2lb

J: Gregor Walkingshaw

T: Lucinda Russell & Michael Scudamore

Back to form a little out of the blue to take advantage of a reduced mark over C&D (good) under Gregor Walkinshaw three weeks ago; remains well treated on old form (won 2024 Edinburgh National off 11lb higher) but not sure to be in the same mood again based on his recent record.

7/2

1st

5

23rd Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 7f 180y

Class 4

17:15 Perth

Inis Oirr

11st 6lb

J: Gregor Walkingshaw

T: Lucinda Russell & Michael Scudamore

Both wins have been at Musselburgh, latest a 3m7f handicap chase in February 2024 (good to soft); struggled to win since, but is well handicapped.

20/1

9th

10

22nd Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 110y

Class 2

15:52 Carlisle

Inis Oirr

10st 8lb

J: Derek Fox

T: Lucinda Russell & Michael Scudamore

Losing spell goes back to his success in the Edinburgh National two years ago and current mark reflects a decline in his form; not sure to repeat his autumn C&D effort (neck second).

20/1

Form: 44P-45 D

Last run: 36 days

W: 11st 9lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 131

Form & Verdict
Highly progressive staying hurdler in 2023-24 campaign and chasing didn't work out for him last season; this 10yo has run pretty well in defeat over hurdles on both runs this term (3m, good to soft) and might not be far away.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

4th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

3m 1f 0y

Class 4

13:48 Carlisle

Kyntara

12st 2lb

J: Mr Darren Andrews

T: Mel Rowley

Useful staying handicap hurdler in his prime; fair run at Cheltenham on first two starts this season but not been at his best on last three starts.

12/1

5th

4

8th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 2f 0y

Class 3

16:13 Warwick

Kyntara

11st 4lb

J: Charlie Deutsch

T: Mel Rowley

Big improver during the 2023-24 season but chasing didn't go well last campaign; this one started well back over hurdles but he's been back in the doldrums in his last two races.

10/1

2

7th Feb 2026

Soft

3m 0f 57y

Class 3

13:35 Newbury

Kyntara

11st 11lb

J: Charlie Deutsch

T: Mel Rowley

Highly progressive staying hurdler in the 2023-24 campaign, including on heavy ground, and chasing didn't work out for him last season; ran pretty well over hurdles on first two starts this term but needs to bounce back from a poor show at Haydock three weeks ago; player if he does.

13/2

Form: -3144P D

Last run: 49 days

W: 11st 2lb

8 yo Mare

OR: 124

Form & Verdict
Made mistakes when pulled up over fences at Newcastle last time and she could be suited by the return to hurdling; won in this sphere at Hexham (2m7f, good to soft) last June but her profile is patchy and her claims aren't overly compelling.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

3

23rd May 2026

Good To Soft

3m 1f 83y

Class 3

14:43 Cartmel

Pinot Rouge

11st 12lb

J: Nathan Moscrop

T: Susan Corbett

Below par since last June's Hexham win off 2lb higher (3m, good to soft) until reviving, up to a point, with last month's Ayr Class 2 fourth; has to show that a sharp track is what's wanted, though.

8/1

4th

4

18th Apr 2026

Soft

3m 0f 70y

Class 2

14:55 Ayr

Pinot Rouge

10st 10lb

J: Nathan Moscrop

T: Susan Corbett

Bang there when falling seven out in the Hexham Marathon over fences last month (4m, soft); she's 1lb below her last winning hurdle mark but Hexham seems to bring out the best in her and this inconsistent mare was pulled up in this race 12 months ago; it might be best to look elsewhere.

20/1

2

25th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 7f 199y

Class 4

15:41 Hexham

Pinot Rouge

12st 0lb

J: Nathan Moscrop

T: Susan Corbett

She has an unconvincing, 0-5 record over fences and also something to prove regarding her current form, having been tailed off back over hurdles four weeks ago; however, she likes Hexham and won in good style over hurdles here last June; 6lb lower today and might not be a forlorn hope.

16/1

Form: 601473 D

Last run: 22 days

W: 11st 2lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 124

Form & Verdict
Inconsistent but he won at Uttoxeter (2m4f, good) last July and returned from a break with a close third at Wetherby (2m5f, soft) on Boxing Day, staying on nicely; he'll be fine now back up in trip and could be involved.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

2

26th Feb 2026

Soft

3m 0f 26y

Class 3

16:10 Wetherby

Icare Allen

12st 0lb

J: Benjamin Macey

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

Inconsistent but he won at Uttoxeter (2m4f, good) last July and returned from a break with a close third here (2m5f, soft) on Boxing Day, staying on nicely; he's fine at this trip; not his fault when unseating mid-race at Haydock last month; could be involved.

12/1

6

17th Jan 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 58y

Class 3

14:35 Haydock

Icare Allen

11st 2lb

J: Jonjo O’Neill Jr

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

Inconsistent but he won at Uttoxeter (2m4f, good) last July and returned from a break with a close third at Wetherby (2m5f, soft) on Boxing Day, staying on nicely; he'll be fine now back up in trip and could be involved.

11/1

4

26th Oct 2025

Good

3m 0f 149y

Class 3

12:40 Aintree

Icare Allen

11st 12lb

J: Benjamin Macey

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

Returned to form to win at Uttoxeter (2m4f, good) in July and again ran well when fourth there (2m4f, good) last month; stays this far and is effective on soft ground; goes well for Benjamin Macey, with form figures of 29214, and he could have a part to play.

6/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £66.40
Straight Forecast £56.30
Tricast £264.17
Trifecta £373.80

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Dalston Lad

RP RATINGS:

Solar System

D Express:

Heather Honey

POSTDATA:

Phantomofthepoints

TOPSPEED:

Icare Allen

The Times:

Dalston Lad

The Guardian:

Dalston Lad

The Sun:

Dalston Lad

The Star:

Dalston Lad

Daily Record:

Dalston Lad

Telegraph:

Solar System

Daily Mail:

Solar System

Daily Mirror:

Solar System