March 05 / 15.15 Haydock

15.15

Good To Soft

Safer Gambling At CopyBet Handicap Hurdle

  • Prize money: £5281
  • 2m 2f 191y
  • Class 4
  • 13 runners
RTV
View Course
Safer Gambling At CopyBet Handicap Hurdle

Runners: 13 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Showers

10/1 (Won)

  • Win: £14.20
  • Place: £3.70

Form: 0-F339

Last run: 33 days

W: 11st 10lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 116

Form & Verdict
Two French hurdle wins in 2024; yet to add to that in ten starts in Britain but he's been set some stiff tasks and drops back down in grade from a falling mark; not ruled out.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

6

15th May 2026

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 3

18:20 Aintree

Static

10st 13lb

J: Charlie Maggs

T: Donald McCain

Won at about 2m3f at Haydock (good to soft) and Bangor (good) and the combination of a deep race and the drop back to 2m found him out at Aintree; better expected here off what should still be a realistic mark.

10/1

11th

9

10th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 0f 103y

Class 2

17:15 Aintree

Static

11st 4lb

J: Charlie Maggs

T: Donald McCain

On a hat-trick after 2m3f wins at Haydock (good to soft) and Bangor (good) under Charlie Maggs last month but the fact he failed to win at around 2m on his first ten starts in Britain hardly boosts confidence in him for this drop back in trip.

18/1

1st

5

21st Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 123y

Class 2

15:20 Bangor-on-Dee

Static

10st 11lb

J: Charlie Maggs

T: Donald McCain

It was a Class 4 he won at Haydock (good to soft; raced prominently) but that was his first time over this far since arriving from France and he's a willing partner; Charlie Maggs rides again off a 5lb higher mark.

3/1

Form: 2-5553

Last run: 19 days

W: 11st 5lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 111

Form & Verdict
Went close in his final two bumpers last season but has been set some stiff tasks and looked a work in progress over hurdles; step up in trip should help and a better effort could be in the offing now handicapping.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

1

22nd Apr 2026

Good

2m 7f 174y

Class 4

15:00 Ludlow

The Egyptian Ginge

11st 13lb

J: Mr Jamie Neild

T: Nigel & Willy Twiston-Davies

0-9 but was runner-up on handicap debut at Haydock (2m3f, good to soft) last month and he filled the same position behind an odds-on rival in a maiden at Ascot (2m3f, good) last time; needs to find more at this new trip but he still has potential and is a half-brother to a 2m7f chase winner.

9/2

2nd

3

29th Mar 2026

Good

2m 3f 63y

Class 2

13:55 Ascot

The Egyptian Ginge

11st 7lb

J: Mr Jamie Neild

T: Nigel & Willy Twiston-Davies

Has something to find on all the figures with West Hill Verde but this eight-race maiden probably ran his best race yet in a Haydock handicap (2m3f, good to soft) and the winner is an improver who has followed up; effective on good ground so should give his running.

5/1

2nd

10

5th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 2f 191y

Class 4

15:15 Haydock

The Egyptian Ginge

11st 5lb

J: Mr Jamie Neild

T: Nigel & Willy Twiston-Davies

Went close in his final two bumpers last season but has been set some stiff tasks and looked a work in progress over hurdles; step up in trip should help and a better effort could be in the offing now handicapping.

8/1

10/1

  • Place: £1.40

Form: -32036 D BF

Last run: 24 days

W: 11st 5lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 111

Form & Verdict
Irish bumper winner who got off the mark over hurdles in Ayr maiden (about 2m3f, heavy) just over a year ago; expensive to follow subsequently and it was a moderate effort when sixth of eight over this sort of trip at Catterick (soft) last time; doesn't look the percentage call.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

9

2nd Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 100y

Class 4

16:07 Chepstow

Marlacoo

11st 6lb

J: Stan Sheppard

T: Tom Lacey

Won an Irish bumper and added an Ayr maiden hurdle last season; beaten seven times since that last win despite heading the market but did run well with the visor back on at Haydock (2m3f, good to soft) four weeks ago; should be involved once more.

100/30

3rd

9

5th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 2f 191y

Class 4

15:15 Haydock

Marlacoo

11st 5lb

J: Stan Sheppard

T: Tom Lacey

Irish bumper winner who got off the mark over hurdles in Ayr maiden (about 2m3f, heavy) just over a year ago; expensive to follow subsequently and it was a moderate effort when sixth of eight over this sort of trip at Catterick (soft) last time; doesn't look the percentage call.

10/1

6th

5

9th Feb 2026

Heavy

2m 3f 66y

Class 4

15:00 Catterick

Marlacoo

11st 9lb

J: Stan Sheppard

T: Tom Lacey

Irish bumper winner who got off the mark over hurdles in an Ayr maiden (2m3f, heavy) last February; two decent placed efforts this term, following wind surgery, in first-time visor latest (left off here); a possible.

11/4

Form: 13-575

Last run: 69 days

W: 11st 6lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 112

Form & Verdict
Hasn't built on Aintree maiden (2m4f, good) win in October 2024; still fairly early days in handicaps, however, and it was a step in the right direction despite weakening when fifth at Wetherby (about 2m6f, soft) last time; drops back in trip with cheekpieces joining last time's newly fitted tongue-tie; might get involved.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

5

28th May 2026

Good

2m 7f 0y

Class 4

14:55 Worcester

Sunray Shadow

11st 7lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

Hasn't had a lot of racing and he makes his chase debut off the same mark he defied fairly comfortably in a 3m1f handicap hurdle last week at Huntingdon (good to firm); major claims if he takes to his new discipline.

9/4

1st

7

19th May 2026

Good To Firm

3m 1f 10y

Class 3

19:30 Huntingdon

Sunray Shadow

11st 2lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

Just 1-8 over hurdles but looked suited by the step up to 2m7f when clear second at Uttoxeter (good to soft) in March, where she travelled strongly for a long way; up in trip again here; must be considered.

5/2

2nd

10

28th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 7f 70y

Class 4

16:20 Uttoxeter

Sunray Shadow

11st 4lb

J: Tristan Durrell

T: Dan Skelton

Lightly raced 7yo who justified favouritism in Aintree maiden (2m4f, good) in October 2024; hasn't made a big impact in handicaps since but his latest fourth at Haydock was a fair effort after a short break; continues to slide down the weights and he's one to keep an eye on at this new trip.

7/2

Form: /22-09

Last run: 103 days

W: 11st 7lb

9 yo Mare

OR: 113

Form & Verdict
In good form in the spring of 2024 but she returned from long absence with two low-key runs in November (2m/2m7f); down to her last winning mark so worth a market check.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

2

7th May 2026

Good

2m 3f 137y

Class 4

14:45 Huntingdon

Notnowlinda

11st 5lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

Yet to match peak form since returning from long absence in the autumn but her third in first-time cheekpieces at Uttoxeter (2m4f, good to soft) in late March was a pretty good effort, and she'll be fine on the forecast good ground here.

6/4

3rd

3

28th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 207y

Class 4

14:35 Uttoxeter

Notnowlinda

11st 9lb

J: Tristan Durrell

T: Dan Skelton

In good form in spring of 2024; returned from long absence with two low-key runs in November but, after another break, she ran well to a point when fifth of 13 at Haydock (2m3f, good to soft) three weeks ago; continues to drop down the weights and she's not ruled out with cheekpieces added.

5/1

Form: 1/8P0-

Last run: 397 days

W: 11st 0lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 106

Form & Verdict
Ex-Irish 9yo who won a Wetherby maiden hurdle (2m, soft) for Mark Walford just under two years ago; signed off for that yard (same owner) after some poor efforts, however, so interesting to see what he can do for new stable after 397 days away.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

9

25th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 0f 48y

Class 4

15:11 Hexham

Goldwyn

10st 13lb

J: Danny McMenamin

T: Joel Parkinson & Sue Smith

Gained a breakthrough success at Wetherby (2m) in March 2024 for Mark Walford; very lightly raced since though and off 13 months before a well-held sixth for his new yard in 2m2f Haydock handicap 20 days ago; needs to take a big step forward.

16/1

6th

11

5th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 2f 191y

Class 4

15:15 Haydock

Goldwyn

11st 0lb

J: Danny McMenamin

T: Joel Parkinson & Sue Smith

Ex-Irish 9yo who won a Wetherby maiden hurdle (2m, soft) for Mark Walford just under two years ago; signed off for that yard (same owner) after some poor efforts, however, so interesting to see what he can do for new stable after 397 days away.

33/1

10th

16

1st Feb 2025

Soft

2m 3f 154y

Class 3

14:43 Wetherby

Goldwyn

10st 10lb

J: Jamie Hamilton

T: Mark Walford

in touch with leaders

20/1

OUR TIP

Form: -33310 BF

Last run: 160 days

W: 12st 2lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 122

Form & Verdict
Ex-Irish 6yo who justified skinny odds with minimal fuss in Worcester maiden (2m, good) on stable debut in August; beaten the thick end of 50l on handicap debut in valuable event over 2m4f back there the following month; off since and drops back in trip with drying ground probably in his favour.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

4th May 2026

Good

2m 4f 1y

Class 2

17:13 Fakenham

Dream Diamond

11st 7lb

J: Alex Chadwick

T: James Owen

Comfortably won Worcester maiden (2m, good) on last summer's stable debut but has been some way below that form on all three starts since; will be fine over today's trip but needs to get career back on track.

25/1

3rd

1

18th Mar 2026

Good

1m 7f 171y

Class 4

15:45 Huntingdon

Dream Diamond

11st 12lb

J: Alex Chadwick

T: James Owen

Ex-Irish 6yo who justified skinny odds with minimal fuss in Worcester maiden (2m, good) on stable debut in August; he's one of the two form picks on that and earlier evidence, but the heavy defeats in his two handicaps since tell a very different story.

7/2

7th

1

5th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 2f 191y

Class 4

15:15 Haydock

Dream Diamond

12st 2lb

J: Alex Chadwick

T: James Owen

Ex-Irish 6yo who justified skinny odds with minimal fuss in Worcester maiden (2m, good) on stable debut in August; beaten the thick end of 50l on handicap debut in valuable event over 2m4f back there the following month; off since and drops back in trip with drying ground probably in his favour.

8/1

Form: 2-3576

Last run: 15 days

W: 11st 0lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 106

Form & Verdict
Solid start over hurdles when third at Fontwell (about 2m2f, good to soft) in November but diminishing returns were predicted by progressively bigger prices the following month; no immediate promise when beaten 21l on handicap debut at Ludlow a fortnight ago.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

12

5th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 2f 191y

Class 4

15:15 Haydock

Phineas Bunce

11st 0lb

J: Liam Harrison

T: Dan Skelton

Solid start over hurdles when third at Fontwell (about 2m2f, good to soft) in November but diminishing returns were predicted by progressively bigger prices the following month; no immediate promise when beaten 21l on handicap debut at Ludlow a fortnight ago.

25/1

6th

4

18th Feb 2026

1m 7f 169y

Class 4

16:05 Ludlow

Phineas Bunce

11st 4lb

J: Tristan Durrell

T: Dan Skelton

Promise in bumpers (soft/good) before encouraging third on hurdle debut at Fontwell (2m1f, good to soft) in November; two lesser runs have followed but he now goes handicapping following wind surgery and it will be no surprise if he plays a leading role for his top trainer (who saddles three).

6/1

2nd

13

2nd Mar 2025

Good To Soft

2m 0f 128y

Class 5

16:50 Doncaster

Phineas Bunce

11st 2lb

J: Tristan Durrell

T: Dan Skelton

Stayed on for near-7l fourth on debut at Wincanton (1m7f, soft; 11-1) in December and that form has been franked by the runner-up and the third; his best days probably lie over further but he's open to improvement for his top yard and is a key player today.

4/1

Form: 32/P4-

Last run: 504 days

W: 10st 12lb

7 yo Filly

OR: 104

Form & Verdict
Tended to race freely but often hinted she was capable of better in six starts over hurdles for Emma Lavelle; makes her stable debut (same owners) after 504-day absence and any market clues should be heeded.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

1

13th May 2026

Good

2m 4f 35y

Class 5

16:55 Perth

Mistral Milly

12st 0lb

J: Harry Atkins

T: D J Jeffreys

Yet to win (0-10); is now rated 6lb lower than when runner-up at Hereford (2m5f, good to soft; for Emma Lavelle) over two years ago; reportedly bled from the nose when fourth of six at Warwick (2m; in an added tongue-tie) seven weeks ago; risks attached.

12/1

4th

4

26th Mar 2026

Good

2m 0f 0y

Class 4

15:58 Warwick

Mistral Milly

11st 7lb

J: Tom Bellamy

T: D J Jeffreys

She's on a competitive mark on what she showed in 2024 for Emma Lavelle and she was returning from a long absence when tailed off at 80-1 at Haydock three weeks ago; however, it's hard to be confident about her claims.

14/1

Form: 6313U3

Last run: 33 days

W: 12st 0lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 120

Form & Verdict
Wide-margin win in Leicester maiden (heavy) in December was a good start for this yard and followed that with solid third behind a useful sort here (also about 2m, good) three weeks later; set to post a lesser effort when unseating over further next time but it was a step back in the right direction when third in heavy-ground 2m Sandown novice in January; the experiment over further looks worth another go and he's a player on handicap debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

2

25th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 0f 48y

Class 4

15:11 Hexham

The Cistercian

12st 0lb

J: Charlie Hammond

T: Stuart Edmunds

Quick to get off the mark for his current yard at Leicester (2m) in December and he was still close up and running well when unseating rider two out on handicap debut at Haydock (2m4f) 20 days ago; firmly in the picture.

6/1

2

5th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 2f 191y

Class 4

15:15 Haydock

The Cistercian

12st 0lb

J: Charlie Hammond

T: Stuart Edmunds

Wide-margin win in Leicester maiden (heavy) in December was a good start for this yard and followed that with solid third behind a useful sort here (also about 2m, good) three weeks later; set to post a lesser effort when unseating over further next time but it was a step back in the right direction when third in heavy-ground 2m Sandown novice in January; the experiment over further looks worth another go and he's a player on handicap debut.

6/1

3rd

3

31st Jan 2026

Heavy

1m 7f 216y

Class 3

12:20 Sandown

The Cistercian

11st 6lb

J: Charlie Hammond

T: Stuart Edmunds

Seemed beaten when unseating rider at the last flight in 2m3f event last time; sound performances over 1m7f otherwise for new yard, winning at Leicester (heavy) then third at Haydock; may have more to offer back down in distance.

9/2

Form: 51-441

Last run: 49 days

W: 11st 10lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 116

Form & Verdict
Soft-ground 2m4f British point winner who landed a valuable Kelso bumper for this yard; off the mark on third hurdle start when taking Newcastle maiden (2m1f, also good to soft) seven weeks ago; up in trip and carries plenty of potential into this handicap debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

3

16th May 2026

Good

2m 1f 77y

Class 4

17:05 Bangor-on-Dee

Is This For Real

11st 12lb

J: Liam Harrison

T: Fergal O’Brien

3-4 under Liam Harrison, gaining this year's Newcastle (good to soft) and Huntingdon (good) hurdles wins from the front but earlier bumper and point gains came under patient tactics; no chasers in immediate pedigree but his mark looks about right for this chasing/handicap debut.

5/2

1st

1

4th Apr 2026

Good

1m 7f 171y

Class 4

15:47 Huntingdon

Is This For Real

11st 12lb

J: Liam Harrison

T: Fergal O’Brien

Soft-ground 2m4f point winner who landed a valuable Kelso bumper for this yard; off the mark over hurdles on third attempt when taking Newcastle maiden (2m1f, good to soft) in January but pulled up on handicap debut at Haydock (2m3f, good to soft) last month; drops back in distance here and warrants another chance.

9/4

3

5th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 2f 191y

Class 4

15:15 Haydock

Is This For Real

11st 10lb

J: Jonathan Burke

T: Fergal O’Brien

Soft-ground 2m4f British point winner who landed a valuable Kelso bumper for this yard; off the mark on third hurdle start when taking Newcastle maiden (2m1f, also good to soft) seven weeks ago; up in trip and carries plenty of potential into this handicap debut.

5/2

Form: 4630PP D

Last run: 31 days

W: 11st 8lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 114

Form & Verdict
Won four of his first five for Olly Murphy (including a handicap off 8lb higher) but he's yet to get going for this yard and was pulled up on his last two starts, latterly when 200-1 at Southwell one month ago.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

22nd May 2026

Good

2m 7f 0y

Class 4

19:41 Worcester

Prince Imperial

12st 0lb

J: Beau Morgan

T: Jake Thomas Coulson

Won four of his first five for Olly Murphy (including a handicap off 12lb higher) but looks to have lost his way, having been pulled up on his last three starts.

100/1

5

5th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 2f 191y

Class 4

15:15 Haydock

Prince Imperial

11st 8lb

J: Philip Armson

T: Jake Thomas Coulson

Won four of his first five for Olly Murphy (including a handicap off 8lb higher) but he's yet to get going for this yard and was pulled up on his last two starts, latterly when 200-1 at Southwell one month ago.

100/1

1

2nd Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 88y

Class 4

15:52 Southwell

Prince Imperial

12st 0lb

J: Sean Grantham

T: Jake Thomas Coulson

Flat winner who won four handicap hurdles at around this trip on good/good to soft for Olly Murphy; below-par on both starts for new yard; bit to prove now.

40/1

Form: 3-1242 BF

Last run: 75 days

W: 11st 8lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 114

Form & Verdict
Impressed with reappearance win in Carlisle handicap (2m1f, good) in October and has continued in good form, only finding one who was completing a hat-trick too good here (about 2m, good to soft) when last seen in December; pedigree suggest this step up in trip will unlock more and he's a leading contender from the same mark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

7

16th May 2026

Good

2m 1f 77y

Class 4

17:05 Bangor-on-Dee

King Ulanda

11st 2lb

J: Toby Wynne

T: Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero

Productive autumn included a Carlisle hurdles win (2m1f, good) off 4lb lower; two flops either side of a late fall since March, however, and doesn't enter this chasing debut in the same good heart as some.

12/1

6th

1

4th Apr 2026

Good

1m 7f 171y

Class 4

18:00 Huntingdon

King Ulanda

11st 11lb

J: Toby Wynne

T: Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero

Landed his second win over hurdles on his reappearance at Carlisle (2m1f, good) in October and ran well on his next three starts; pulled up at Haydock last month but was in the process of running a good race when falling two out at Sedgefield (2m1f, good) 16 days ago in first-time cheekpieces (retained); decent ground looks to be the key and he should run well.

6/1

1

19th Mar 2026

Good

2m 0f 178y

Class 4

17:10 Sedgefield

King Ulanda

12st 2lb

J: Ben Smith

T: Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero

Won on reappearance at Carlisle (2m1f, good) in October and ran well in defeat on next three starts (about 2m, good/good to soft); pulled up at Haydock only a fortnight ago, when more was amiss than just the 2m3f trip, but he's a player if bouncing back from that blip; cheekpieces go on.

7/2

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £218.10
Straight Forecast £191.19
Tricast £740.35
Trifecta £1282.20

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

King Ulanda

The Guardian:

Is This For Real

RP RATINGS:

Marlacoo

POSTDATA:

The Cistercian

The Times:

King Ulanda

Telegraph:

King Ulanda

Daily Mail:

King Ulanda

Daily Mirror:

King Ulanda

D Express:

Is This For Real

The Sun:

Is This For Real

The Star:

Is This For Real

Daily Record:

Is This For Real

TOPSPEED:

Marlacoo