March 07 / 14.27 Sandown

14.27

Soft

Betfair Imperial Cup Handicap Hurdle (GBB Race)

  • Prize money: £51440
  • 1m 7f 216y
  • Class 2
  • 19 runners
ITV3
View Course
Betfair Imperial Cup Handicap Hurdle (GBB Race)

Runners: 19 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Cloudy

11/4 (Won)

  • Win: £3.50
  • Place: £1.60

Form: 39-241 D

Last run: 12 days

W: 10st 12lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 123

Form & Verdict
Classy on the Flat; some warm tasks switched to hurdles last year, performing with credit more often than not; held up when fourth of 13 on handicap hurdle debut at Ascot (1m7f, good to soft) in December in a race that favoured those ridden prominently; has since easily justified 1-7 odds in Plumpton maiden (2m, soft); retains potential off this mark in view of Flat ability.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

2

5th Apr 2026

Good

1m 7f 195y

Class 2

16:05 Plumpton

Mondo Man

11st 12lb

J: Caoilin Quinn

T: Gary & Josh Moore

Initially disappointing over hurdles given how smart he was on the Flat, with his keen-going tendencies holding him back; however, a switch to front-running has yielded wins in a maiden here and the Imperial Cup at Sandown (10lb lower); both those came on soft ground but this faster surface won't bother him at all; they've found the key to him by the looks.

13/8

1st

17

7th Mar 2026

Soft

1m 7f 216y

Class 2

14:27 Sandown

Mondo Man

10st 12lb

J: Caoilin Quinn

T: Gary & Josh Moore

Classy on the Flat; some warm tasks switched to hurdles last year, performing with credit more often than not; held up when fourth of 13 on handicap hurdle debut at Ascot (1m7f, good to soft) in December in a race that favoured those ridden prominently; has since easily justified 1-7 odds in Plumpton maiden (2m, soft); retains potential off this mark in view of Flat ability.

11/4

1st

3

23rd Feb 2026

Soft

1m 7f 195y

Class 4

13:30 Plumpton

Mondo Man

11st 7lb

J: Caoilin Quinn

T: Gary & Josh Moore

Useful Flat racer; 0-5 over hurdles, but he was highly tried last season and encountered some useful opposition; ran a cracker on handicap debut when fourth in a hot Ascot contest in December (1m7f, good to soft); that effort sets a lofty standard and he should be hard to beat now in maiden company.

1/9

13/2

  • Place: £2.60

Form: 20-796 D

Last run: 28 days

W: 10st 13lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 124

Form & Verdict
He's been a long way below his best on his three starts this season and arrives with something to prove; however, there have been possible excuses on each occasion, namely the lack of a recent run, then the step up to 2m5f, and most recently heavy ground; now 3lb lower than when second in this 12 months ago (good to soft) and he's not written off in first-time headgear.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

2

24th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 0f 16y

Class 3

19:07 Chepstow

Wreckless Eric

12st 0lb

J: Jonjo O’Neill Jr

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

For two years in a row now he's followed a second in the Imperial Cup with a disappointing effort at Aintree, second-time cheekpieces presumably not to blame latest as they're retained here; record of 1F12 in handicaps of Class 3 or below, and ought not mind any dryout (2-4 on good).

2/1

17th

3

10th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 0f 103y

Class 2

17:15 Aintree

Wreckless Eric

11st 8lb

J: Benjamin Macey

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

Returned to form in first-time cheekpieces (retained) when runner-up in the Imperial Cup at Sandown (2m, soft) for the second year in succession; 12 months ago he followed up with a disappointing effort at this meeting but that was over 2m4f and this is more his trip.

12/1

2nd

14

7th Mar 2026

Soft

1m 7f 216y

Class 2

14:27 Sandown

Wreckless Eric

10st 13lb

J: Kielan Woods

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

He's been a long way below his best on his three starts this season and arrives with something to prove; however, there have been possible excuses on each occasion, namely the lack of a recent run, then the step up to 2m5f, and most recently heavy ground; now 3lb lower than when second in this 12 months ago (good to soft) and he's not written off in first-time headgear.

13/2

25/1

  • Place: £13.50

Form: 55-380 D

Last run: 126 days

W: 11st 2lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 127

Form & Verdict
Irish-trained 5yo who failed to threaten on his last two hurdle starts last autumn; however, a break may have helped and he was a close third of 15 at Galway (2m1f, good) last August; his maiden hurdle win came on yielding to soft; has an each-way shout if back on song; tongue-tie is left off.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

12

28th Apr 2026

Yielding

2m 0f 132y

15:40 Punchestown

Messerschmitt

10st 3lb

J: Donagh Meyler

T: Noel Meade

Dual-purpose; 1-10 over hurdles; good effort at big odds when a 4.5l fourth of 18 in the Imperial Cup at Sandown in March; didn't back that up at Fairyhouse on latest; would have a place chance with a repeat of that Sandown run.

20/1

9th

12

4th Apr 2026

Yielding To Soft

2m 0f 0y

17:00 Fairyhouse

Messerschmitt

10st 4lb

J: Michael Kenneally

T: Noel Meade

Hasn't added to Galway 3yo maiden win although last month's return from winter break was encouraging, not fluent last when fourth of 18 behind Mondo Man in Imperial Cup at Sandown; runs off same mark here, rider's claim a positive.

10/1

4th

9

7th Mar 2026

Soft

1m 7f 216y

Class 2

14:27 Sandown

Messerschmitt

11st 2lb

J: Danny McMenamin

T: Noel Meade

Irish-trained 5yo who failed to threaten on his last two hurdle starts last autumn; however, a break may have helped and he was a close third of 15 at Galway (2m1f, good) last August; his maiden hurdle win came on yielding to soft; has an each-way shout if back on song; tongue-tie is left off.

25/1

Form: P-7342 D

Last run: 35 days

W: 10st 10lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 121

Form & Verdict
16 races and over two years since last win; however, close third in this last year (good to soft) and he was runner-up to Star Of Guiting at Musselburgh (1m7f, good to soft) last time under Freddie Keighley; each-way claims.
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: 0-1347 D

Last run: 23 days

W: 10st 13lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 124

Form & Verdict
Ran okay when seventh in this last year and he reappeared with a win at Newton Abbot (2m1f, good to soft) in October; however, his subsequent form has been mixed (fences/hurdles) and Top Jimmy looks the yard's chief hope.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

12

7th Mar 2026

Soft

1m 7f 216y

Class 2

14:27 Sandown

Spirits Bay

10st 13lb

J: Nico de Boinville

T: Nigel & Willy Twiston-Davies

Ran okay when seventh in this last year and he reappeared with a win at Newton Abbot (2m1f, good to soft) in October; however, his subsequent form has been mixed (fences/hurdles) and Top Jimmy looks the yard's chief hope.

33/1

7th

4

12th Feb 2026

Heavy

2m 0f 104y

Class 3

15:25 Taunton

Spirits Bay

11st 1lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Nigel & Willy Twiston-Davies

Made a winning reappearance in Newton Abbot handicap hurdle (2m1f, good to soft) in October; switched to fences subsequently, matching his peak RPR over timber when fourth in 2m3f Exeter novice handicap (good to soft) five weeks ago; won his previous outing on heavy.

8/1

1

19th Nov 2025

Soft

2m 0f 54y

Class 3

12:55 Warwick

Spirits Bay

11st 10lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Nigel & Willy Twiston-Davies

Two wins during his novice campaign included a handicap (2m, soft); 0-5 last season but ran well at the weights behind Constitution Hill at Cheltenham in January and comfortably regained the winning thread on his reappearance at Newton Abbot (2m1f, good to soft) three weeks ago; up 4lb but he's bred for fences and looks a player on debut in this sphere.

11/8

12/1

Form: 1-610P CD

Last run: 28 days

W: 11st 7lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 132

Form & Verdict
10yo who was well beaten at Windsor in January and pulled up at Newbury last month; however, he's had wind surgery since and there can be optimism he'll be a different proposition now back here, having won the last two runnings of this race (soft/good to soft) and also scored over C&D in December.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

2

24th Apr 2026

Good

2m 4f 35y

Class 3

15:47 Perth

Go Dante

12st 1lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Olly Murphy

Added to his excellent Sandown record when winning over 2m on soft in December; below par since, including a never-dangerous seventh when bidding for a third successive Imperial Cup back at Sandown, but this is the first time he's dropped to a Class 3 since winning at Cheltenham in December 2023; yard has won the last two runnings of this.

7/1

7th

4

7th Mar 2026

Soft

1m 7f 216y

Class 2

14:27 Sandown

Go Dante

11st 7lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Olly Murphy

10yo who was well beaten at Windsor in January and pulled up at Newbury last month; however, he's had wind surgery since and there can be optimism he'll be a different proposition now back here, having won the last two runnings of this race (soft/good to soft) and also scored over C&D in December.

12/1

2

7th Feb 2026

Soft

2m 0f 69y

Class 1

15:20 Newbury

Go Dante

11st 10lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Olly Murphy

Beaten twice off lower marks in this race (third in 2024, seventh in 2025) and seems unlikely to make it third time lucky; unbeaten at Sandown and likely to be more persuasive back there next month for a crack at an Imperial Cup hat-trick.

33/1

Form: -047P1 D

Last run: 7 days

W: 11st 3lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 128

Form & Verdict
Returned to form with a bang when dropped back in trip and a well-backed winner at Newbury (2m, good to soft) last Saturday; now 8lb higher in a much hotter race but he's unexposed at this sort of distance and his stable is in tremendous form; has also won on soft ground; not ruled out.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

2

2nd May 2026

Good

2m 4f 15y

Class 3

18:15 Hexham

Rubber Ball

11st 5lb

J: Jack Quinlan

T: Neil King

Not at his best in competitive handicap hurdles at Sandown in March and Aintree in April, but he'd previously won well at Newbury (2m, good to soft; probably stays 2m4f); began his career in points (1-1) and has a jumps pedigree so there's a reasonable chance he'll make a chaser; respected in first-time headgear.

3/1

14th

5

10th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 0f 103y

Class 2

17:15 Aintree

Rubber Ball

11st 7lb

J: Miss Gina Andrews

T: Neil King

Returned to form with a bang when seeing off the reopposing Melon at Newbury (2m, good to soft) in February; has a quick turnaround as an excuse for a lesser effort in the Imperial Cup at Sandown (2m, soft) one week later, while his trainer reported to the stewards that he'll be suited by a flatter track and a quicker surface, both of which he should get today; not dismissed.

12/1

8th

7

7th Mar 2026

Soft

1m 7f 216y

Class 2

14:27 Sandown

Rubber Ball

11st 3lb

J: Jack Quinlan

T: Neil King

Returned to form with a bang when dropped back in trip and a well-backed winner at Newbury (2m, good to soft) last Saturday; now 8lb higher in a much hotter race but he's unexposed at this sort of distance and his stable is in tremendous form; has also won on soft ground; not ruled out.

9/1

Form: -15522 D BF

Last run: 23 days

W: 10st 13lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 124

Form & Verdict
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.
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: 42-355

Last run: 63 days

W: 10st 7lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 118

Form & Verdict
Reserve; unable to pose a serious threat across his three British starts, most recently fifth of eight over C&D (good) in January; however, perhaps today's softer ground will help this ex-French 5yo, who remains very lightly raced, and Harry Skelton rides him as opposed to stablemate and course specialist Knickerbockerglory; he might be worth a second look.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

23

7th Mar 2026

Soft

1m 7f 216y

Class 2

14:27 Sandown

Brace For Landing

10st 7lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

Reserve; unable to pose a serious threat across his three British starts, most recently fifth of eight over C&D (good) in January; however, perhaps today's softer ground will help this ex-French 5yo, who remains very lightly raced, and Harry Skelton rides him as opposed to stablemate and course specialist Knickerbockerglory; he might be worth a second look.

11/2

11

30th Oct 2025

Good To Soft

2m 0f 70y

Class 3

13:47 Stratford

Brace For Landing

10st 13lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

Made the frame in two deep-ground 2m2f hurdles when trained in France last term; in good hands and looks sure to put in a bold display.

9/2

3rd

11

30th Oct 2025

Good To Soft

2m 0f 70y

Class 3

13:47 Stratford

Brace For Landing

10st 13lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

Made the frame in two deep-ground 2m2f hurdles when trained in France last term; in good hands and looks sure to put in a bold display.

9/2

20/1

Form: 8/31-1 D

Last run: 33 days

W: 10st 13lb

6 yo Colt

OR: 124

Form & Verdict
In good form on AW last spring and returned from an absence for 50-1 win at Kempton (2m, good to soft) last month in his first handicap hurdle; faces tougher opposition today but did it very easily and a 10lb rise may not stop him if he can confirm that latest promise; probably okay on soft ground.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

8

(5)

27th May 2026

Standard To Slow

1m 7f 218y

Class 4

21:00 Kempton (AW)

Gooloogong

9st 7lb

J: Neil Callan

T: George Baker

C&D winner in May 2025 and 2026, latterly in clearcut style (from Now The Eagle) when 6-5 favourite on return from hurdling; back up 5lb now; third in this race last year and looks set for another prominent finish.

7/2

1st

1

(2)

4th May 2026

Standard To Slow

1m 7f 218y

Class 5

18:00 Kempton (AW)

Gooloogong

9st 12lb

J: Neil Callan

T: George Baker

Not seen on the Flat since finishing first and third over C&D around this time last year; comes into this fit from hurdling, though, and should make his presence felt.

5/1

15th

18

10th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 0f 103y

Class 2

17:15 Aintree

Gooloogong

11st 1lb

J: Dylan Johnston

T: George Baker

In good form on AW Flat last spring and returned from an absence for 50-1 win on handicap hurdle debut at Kempton (2m, good to soft) in February; weakened quickly in the Imperial Cup at Sandown (soft) but perhaps a return to less testing ground may help.

22/1

33/1

Form: 2-3321 D

Last run: 15 days

W: 10st 11lb

8 yo Mare

OR: 122

Form & Verdict
Having shown some good form in defeat in handicaps (on various ground) she made the breakthrough in this sphere in a small-field, mares-only race at Exeter (2m, heavy) a fortnight ago; had 5l to spare but she'll need to be better than ever to follow up in this much more competitive contest.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

3

18th Apr 2026

Soft

3m 0f 70y

Class 2

14:55 Ayr

Game Colours

10st 11lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Ben Clarke

Untested at this trip under rules but there have been hints that she'll stay this far; in good form against fellow mares this winter prior to tailing off in the Imperial Cup at Sandown last month; takes on her own sex today and it will be no surprise to see a bold showing.

8/1

12th

20

7th Mar 2026

Soft

1m 7f 216y

Class 2

14:27 Sandown

Game Colours

10st 11lb

J: Rex Dingle

T: Ben Clarke

Having shown some good form in defeat in handicaps (on various ground) she made the breakthrough in this sphere in a small-field, mares-only race at Exeter (2m, heavy) a fortnight ago; had 5l to spare but she'll need to be better than ever to follow up in this much more competitive contest.

33/1

1st

1

20th Feb 2026

Heavy

2m 0f 161y

Class 4

16:15 Exeter

Game Colours

12st 0lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Ben Clarke

Sole win over hurdles came in a mares' novice at Lingfield (2m, soft) a year ago and she's still seeking her first handicap success, though she has posted some solid placed efforts, latest when a good second at Windsor (2m4f, soft) on New Year's Day; return to heavy ground will pose no problem and she's sure to be involved.

7/4

Form: 0P0905 C

Last run: 21 days

W: 10st 12lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 123

Form & Verdict
10yo who had been struggling for his new yard this season but he's dropped down the weights and, with these cheekpieces applied, took a big step back in the right direction when fifth of 15 at Ascot (2m3f, good to soft) three weeks ago; he was in front jumping two out last time and could be suited by today's drop back in trip; might not be far away.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

5

24th May 2026

Good

2m 3f 207y

Class 2

15:28 Uttoxeter

No Ordinary Joe

11st 9lb

J: Ben Jones

T: Faye Bramley

Off a reduced mark he won over 2m4f on good ground at Sandown and some interference didn't help matters when well beaten off this 5lb higher mark in the Swinton; still well treated on old form.

14/1

13th

12

9th May 2026

Good

1m 7f 144y

Class 1

13:15 Haydock

No Ordinary Joe

10st 12lb

J: Richie McLernon

T: Faye Bramley

Finally took advantage of some leniency from the handicapper when winning at Sandown (2m4f, good) two weeks ago, always in the firing line; still well treated on old form but he's not sure to be so effective back over this shorter trip.

18/1

1st

11

25th Apr 2026

Good

2m 3f 178y

Class 2

17:15 Sandown

No Ordinary Joe

10st 5lb

J: Richie McLernon

T: Faye Bramley

Kept on for sixth of 21 in first-time visor at Aintree (2m, good to soft) a fortnight ago and will be suited by this move back up in trip, but his last win came in 2022 and he's patently not the force of old.

12/1

Form: 1-2132 D BF

Last run: 28 days

W: 12st 0lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 139

Form & Verdict
3-3 over hurdles last season, including a Listed novice win at Exeter (2m, good to soft), and following a stint over fences he reverted to this sphere with a promising second at Warwick (2m5f, heavy) four weeks ago; travelled strongly on that latest start and not ruled out now back down in trip.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

21th

4

10th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 0y

Class 1

13:45 Aintree

Fingle Bridge

11st 11lb

J: Jack Tudor

T: Olly Murphy

Has failed to maintain an unbeaten hurdles record since returned this sphere, sweating and well beaten in the Imperial Cup (2m) last time; penultimate effort (2m5f) wasn't bad but this is a stiffer task.

25/1

14th

1

7th Mar 2026

Soft

1m 7f 216y

Class 2

14:27 Sandown

Fingle Bridge

12st 0lb

J: Gavin Sheehan

T: Olly Murphy

3-3 over hurdles last season, including a Listed novice win at Exeter (2m, good to soft), and following a stint over fences he reverted to this sphere with a promising second at Warwick (2m5f, heavy) four weeks ago; travelled strongly on that latest start and not ruled out now back down in trip.

20/1

2nd

2

7th Feb 2026

Soft

2m 5f 5y

Class 3

16:10 Warwick

Fingle Bridge

12st 0lb

J: Gavin Sheehan

T: Olly Murphy

Chasing this season; eyecatching behind Lulamba first time out before finishing alone after Phantomofthepoints had come down at Uttoxeter; wasn't overly fluent that day, nor when third at Ayr, and now defends an unbeaten record over hurdles (3-3); his novice form has worked out well and potentially on a good mark for this handicap debut; unraced over this far but should stay.

7/4

Form: 4-1132 D

Last run: 48 days

W: 11st 3lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 128

Form & Verdict
Front-runner; won at Uttoxeter (2m/2m4f, good/good to soft) in October on first two hurdle starts before third of five in Grade 2 here (2m4f, soft); again ran well when runner-up on handicap debut at Windsor (2m4f, soft) in January, when clear with Scorpio Rising who is declared for the EBF Final at 1:50, and this unexposed 6yo may benefit from the return to 2m; big player.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

19

10th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 0y

Class 1

13:45 Aintree

Top Jimmy

11st 2lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Nigel & Willy Twiston-Davies

Novice hurdler who was let down by his jumping and eventually fell in the Imperial Cup when dropped back to 2m at Sandown most recently; has a solid record otherwise and some strong 2m4f form behind very notable rivals; may resume improvement, provided errors are avoided.

14/1

6

7th Mar 2026

Soft

1m 7f 216y

Class 2

14:27 Sandown

Top Jimmy

11st 3lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Nigel & Willy Twiston-Davies

Front-runner; won at Uttoxeter (2m/2m4f, good/good to soft) in October on first two hurdle starts before third of five in Grade 2 here (2m4f, soft); again ran well when runner-up on handicap debut at Windsor (2m4f, soft) in January, when clear with Scorpio Rising who is declared for the EBF Final at 1:50, and this unexposed 6yo may benefit from the return to 2m; big player.

16/1

2nd

1

18th Jan 2026

Soft

2m 4f 0y

Class 3

12:50 Windsor

Top Jimmy

12st 0lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Nigel & Willy Twiston-Davies

Won two minor races at Uttoxeter before a credible third to top novice No Drama This End in a Grade 2 at Sandown (2m4f, soft); racing keenly up front ultimately told late on but he remains open to significant improvement and this mark might not be beyond him.

6/1

Form: 331/18 D

Last run: 28 days

W: 11st 3lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 128

Form & Verdict
Won at Chepstow (2m, heavy) in February 2024 and this 9yo was racing for the first time since when winning at Aintree (2m1f, good to soft) in November 2025; he's a lot better than he showed at Newbury latest (2m, heavy; again failed to settle) but is hard to fancy on the back of that heavy defeat.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11

9th May 2026

Good

1m 7f 144y

Class 1

13:15 Haydock

Bubble Dubi

10st 12lb

J: Charlie Hammond

T: Stuart Edmunds

Has run just four times since 2023; returned from long absence to win at Aintree (2m1f, good to soft) last November but failed to repeat the form in prestigious handicaps at Newbury and Sandown; something to prove.

50/1

8

7th Mar 2026

Soft

1m 7f 216y

Class 2

14:27 Sandown

Bubble Dubi

11st 3lb

J: Charlie Hammond

T: Stuart Edmunds

Won at Chepstow (2m, heavy) in February 2024 and this 9yo was racing for the first time since when winning at Aintree (2m1f, good to soft) in November 2025; he's a lot better than he showed at Newbury latest (2m, heavy; again failed to settle) but is hard to fancy on the back of that heavy defeat.

50/1

8th

9

7th Feb 2026

Soft

2m 0f 69y

Class 1

15:20 Newbury

Bubble Dubi

11st 5lb

J: Charlie Hammond

T: Stuart Edmunds

Missed last term but showed further progress to score readily at Aintree (2m1f, good to soft) in sole outing this season, albeit the form may not be reliable as several hurdles were omitted; on a stiffer mark and goes up sharply in class.

20/1

Form: 87-012 D

Last run: 56 days

W: 10st 12lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 123

Form & Verdict
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

5

25th Feb 2024

Heavy

2m 0f 53y

Class 4

17:10 Hereford

Were Red And Blue

10st 4lb

J: Richie McLernon

T: Jonjo O’Neill

87,000euros 3yo; first foal; dam fair 2m hurdle winner, sister to useful 2m4f chase winner Sammy Bill; stable has a good bumper strike-rate (17%); shortlisted.

9/4

Form: -3U211 D

Last run: 35 days

W: 10st 11lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 122

Form & Verdict
Won at Musselburgh (1m7f, good to soft) in January on third stable start and followed up there in the Scottish County Hurdle (1m7f, good to soft); has also shown promise on soft; he needs to prove he can do it on this different track but his come-from-behind style provides optimism this 5yo still has more left in the tank, and he's only 3lb higher than last time.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

13

9th May 2026

Good

1m 7f 144y

Class 1

13:15 Haydock

Star Of Guiting

10st 8lb

J: Theo Gillard

T: Ewan Whillans

Won twice at Musselburgh (1m7f, good to soft) in the winter and has had excuses since, making late headway after a slow start when eighth of 21 at Aintree four weeks ago; probably in much better heart than recent form-figures suggest, and he's an interesting each-way proposition.

25/1

9th

19

10th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 0f 103y

Class 2

17:15 Aintree

Star Of Guiting

11st 0lb

J: William Maggs

T: Ewan Whillans

Two 1m7f Musselburgh wins this winter; bounced back from a poor run in the Imperial Cup when fifth of 14 back at Musselburgh three weeks ago but that effort suggests the handicapper is winning the argument for now.

28/1

5th

1

20th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 1f 87y

Class 2

15:22 Musselburgh

Star Of Guiting

12st 0lb

J: Craig Nichol

T: Ewan Whillans

Pulled up in the Imperial Cup at Sandown (2m, soft) only 13 days ago but he went there on a hat-trick following two wins here (1m7f, good to soft) in January; this unexposed 5yo could bounce back and play a leading role now back here and returned to better ground.

4/1

Form: 6-F311 D

Last run: 52 days

W: 10st 10lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 121

Form & Verdict
Off the mark at Plumpton (2m, soft) in December on third hurdle start and followed up on handicap debut at Newbury (2m, good to soft) in January, again making the running; 5lb higher in this more competitive race but he did it nicely last time and it remains to be seen where his limitations lie.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9

5th Apr 2026

Good

1m 7f 195y

Class 2

16:05 Plumpton

General Briar

10st 11lb

J: Nico de Boinville

T: Chris Gordon

Made all for wins here (2m novice, soft) and at Newbury (handicap, good to soft; 2lb lower) but he couldn't dominate when ultimately tailed off behind Mondo Man in the Imperial Cup (25-1); there are similar reservations as to how this will pan out, but Chris Gordon (doubly represented) has a very good record in this race with three wins since 2016.

10/1

22

7th Mar 2026

Soft

1m 7f 216y

Class 2

14:27 Sandown

General Briar

10st 10lb

J: Freddie Gordon

T: Chris Gordon

Off the mark at Plumpton (2m, soft) in December on third hurdle start and followed up on handicap debut at Newbury (2m, good to soft) in January, again making the running; 5lb higher in this more competitive race but he did it nicely last time and it remains to be seen where his limitations lie.

14/1

1st

4

14th Jan 2026

Good

2m 0f 69y

Class 4

15:50 Newbury

General Briar

11st 10lb

J: Freddie Gordon

T: Chris Gordon

Point and bumper runner-up who readily made all at Plumpton (2m, soft) in December on third hurdle start; had previously shown promise on good ground; brings potential to his handicap debut and could go well.

9/2

Form: 2331-

Last run: 366 days

W: 10st 7lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 118

Form & Verdict
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

12

14th Mar 2026

Good

2m 5f 0y

Class 2

14:40 Kempton

Le Tieps Sacre

10st 6lb

J: Caoilin Quinn

T: Gary & Josh Moore

Won the second of two starts in Britain, a maiden at Fontwell (about 2m2f, good to soft); has been off for over a year since and makes handicap debut in a tough race but a market move would be interesting.

8/1

24

7th Mar 2026

Soft

1m 7f 216y

Class 2

14:27 Sandown

Le Tieps Sacre

10st 7lb

J: Freddie Mitchell

T: Gary & Josh Moore

33/1

Non-runners

Knickerbockerglory, Gibbs Island, Ooh Betty, Nardaran, Mr McLoughlan

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £43.20
Straight Forecast £33.25
Tricast £306.73
Trifecta £572.70

Selections

POSTDATA:

Rubber Ball

RP RATINGS:

Wreckless Eric

Daily Mirror:

General Briar

The Times:

Mondo Man

Telegraph:

Brace For Landing

SPOTLIGHT:

Top Jimmy

D Express:

Jack Hyde

TOPSPEED:

Bubble Dubi

Daily Mail:

Go Dante

The Sun:

Rubber Ball

The Guardian:

Wreckless Eric

The Star:

General Briar

Daily Record:

Mondo Man