April 04 / 14.12 Haydock

14.12

Good To Soft

Pertemps Network Challenger Two Mile Hurdle Series Final Handicap Hurdle (Series Final) (GBB Race)

  • Prize money: £20576
  • 1m 7f 144y
  • Class 2
  • 11 runners
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Pertemps Network Challenger Two Mile Hurdle Series Final Handicap Hurdle (Series Final) (GBB Race)

Runners: 11 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Light rain

4/1 (Won)

  • Win: £5.00
  • Place: £1.80

Form: 524125 D

Last run: 56 days

W: 10st 12lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 120

Form & Verdict
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.
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

OUR TIP

8/1

  • Place: £3.90

Form: -642P1 D

Last run: 21 days

W: 11st 13lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 135

Form & Verdict
Front-runner who was second over C&D (good) in December and bounced back from being pulled up in the William Hill Hurdle at Newbury (heavy) to make all in four-runner handicap at Newcastle (2m1f, good to soft); has a career-high mark in this hotter race but he did it comfortably last time; could make a bold bid.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

14th

3

9th May 2026

Good

1m 7f 144y

Class 1

13:15 Haydock

Bucephalus

11st 8lb

J: Harriet Tucker

T: Neil Mulholland

Front-runner who regularly gives his all and was beaten off only on the run-in when third to Dance And Glance over C&D (good) five weeks ago; should make another bold bid but several of these look less exposed.

20/1

3rd

2

4th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

1m 7f 144y

Class 2

14:12 Haydock

Bucephalus

11st 13lb

J: Harriet Tucker

T: Neil Mulholland

Front-runner who was second over C&D (good) in December and bounced back from being pulled up in the William Hill Hurdle at Newbury (heavy) to make all in four-runner handicap at Newcastle (2m1f, good to soft); has a career-high mark in this hotter race but he did it comfortably last time; could make a bold bid.

8/1

1st

2

14th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 0f 190y

Class 3

16:00 Newcastle

Bucephalus

11st 13lb

J: Harriet Tucker

T: Neil Mulholland

Poached a nice advantage but unable to hold off a progressive rival at Haydock (2m, good; in added cheekpieces) on penultimate start; pulled up in deep in a Premier Handicap at Newbury (50-1) latest; chance back in calmer waters.

4/1

Form: 213533 D

Last run: 35 days

W: 10st 8lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 116

Form & Verdict
He needs to find something extra on his last three performances but this novice hurdle winner (good to soft) is now 2lb lower than when third of 15 on handicap debut at Cheltenham (2m, soft) in November, and perhaps he'll be aided by the first-time tongue-tie.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12th

16

9th May 2026

Good

1m 7f 144y

Class 1

13:15 Haydock

Frontier Prince

10st 3lb

J: Jack Hogan

T: Fergal O’Brien

Has proved a model of consistency in the last 12 months and he rallied for fourth behind Dance And Glance over C&D last time; however, that run underlined that the handicapper appears to have his measure for now; needs to be boosted by the fitting of cheekpieces.

20/1

4th

9

4th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

1m 7f 144y

Class 2

14:12 Haydock

Frontier Prince

10st 8lb

J: Jonathan Burke

T: Fergal O’Brien

He needs to find something extra on his last three performances but this novice hurdle winner (good to soft) is now 2lb lower than when third of 15 on handicap debut at Cheltenham (2m, soft) in November, and perhaps he'll be aided by the first-time tongue-tie.

14/1

3rd

8

28th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 189y

Class 2

15:30 Kelso

Frontier Prince

10st 12lb

J: Jonathan Burke

T: Fergal O’Brien

Holding his form pretty well, creditable third of ten at Kempton (2m, good to soft) four weeks ago, but he will need something extra off just 1lb lower and has stamina to prove over this much longer trip.

13/2

Form: 112475 D

Last run: 10 days

W: 10st 11lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 119

Form & Verdict
Won four of his five starts in 2025 and went close off 1lb higher than today over C&D (good to soft) in January; below par on last two starts but the 2m5f trip then soft ground are possible excuses; no surprise if he bounces back with a good performance in first-time cheekpieces.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

6

4th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

1m 7f 144y

Class 2

14:12 Haydock

Smart Decision

10st 11lb

J: James Bowen

T: Tim Easterby

Won four of his five starts in 2025 and went close off 1lb higher than today over C&D (good to soft) in January; below par on last two starts but the 2m5f trip then soft ground are possible excuses; no surprise if he bounces back with a good performance in first-time cheekpieces.

14/1

5th

1

25th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 0f 48y

Class 4

15:11 Hexham

Smart Decision

12st 1lb

J: Mr Thomas Easterby

T: Tim Easterby

A two-time winner (around 2m) either side of Christmas and he has continued in good nick, failing to stay when stepped up to 2m5f at Kelso last month; this C&D winner can bounce back.

8/1

7th

6

28th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 189y

Class 2

15:30 Kelso

Smart Decision

11st 3lb

J: Jamie Hamilton

T: Tim Easterby

Won five of his first six completed starts over hurdles (1m7f-2m2f) and has run well in defeat on his last two; now up in distance, which may well suit him, and he handles any ground; solid claims.

7/1

Form: 118173 D

Last run: 26 days

W: 11st 0lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 122

Form & Verdict
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.
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: 321140 D

Last run: 22 days

W: 12st 0lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 136

Form & Verdict
Won two in a row at Kempton (2m, good) in the winter before another good run when fourth at Musselburgh (1m7f, good to soft), where he would have been a bit closer but for late interference; soft ground may not have been ideal in the County Hurdle three weeks ago; might not be far away.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

1

4th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

1m 7f 144y

Class 2

14:12 Haydock

Williethebuilder

12st 0lb

J: Toby McCain-Mitchell

T: Christian Williams

Won two in a row at Kempton (2m, good) in the winter before another good run when fourth at Musselburgh (1m7f, good to soft), where he would have been a bit closer but for late interference; soft ground may not have been ideal in the County Hurdle three weeks ago; might not be far away.

7/1

18th

13

13th Mar 2026

Good

2m 0f 179y

Class 1

14:00 Cheltenham

Williethebuilder

10st 10lb

J: Jack Tudor

T: Christian Williams

A rare one in that he's improved since leaving Dan Skelton, winning a pair of 2m handicaps on good ground at Kempton this winter; creditable fourth of ten in the Scottish County at Musselburgh six weeks ago but it underlines that he needs to find a bit more from this career-high mark.

25/1

4th

2

31st Jan 2026

Good To Soft

1m 7f 124y

Class 2

13:43 Musselburgh

Williethebuilder

11st 7lb

J: Toby McCain-Mitchell

T: Christian Williams

7yo who has been with a new stable since October and has shown career-best form to win at Kempton (2m, good) on his last two starts; has shown promise on soft/good to soft; clearly thriving and could take latest 6lb rise in his stride if today's slower conditions aren't an issue.

100/30

Form: 0-2293 D

Last run: 35 days

W: 10st 10lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 118

Form & Verdict
Runner-up twice in a row at the end of last year (2m, soft) then tailed off at Ascot (2m3f, soft); following wind surgery he took a step back in the right direction at Newbury (2m, good to soft) in February but was still soundly beaten, and very much needs to build on that latest effort.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

7

4th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

1m 7f 144y

Class 2

14:12 Haydock

Marche dAligre

10st 10lb

J: Joe Anderson

T: Jamie Snowden

Runner-up twice in a row at the end of last year (2m, soft) then tailed off at Ascot (2m3f, soft); following wind surgery he took a step back in the right direction at Newbury (2m, good to soft) in February but was still soundly beaten, and very much needs to build on that latest effort.

14/1

3rd

7

28th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 0f 69y

Class 3

14:10 Newbury

Marche dAligre

10st 9lb

J: Isabelle Ryder

T: Jamie Snowden

1-8 over hurdles, with the win on first attempt; good second at Wetherby and Sandown (both 2m on soft) to start this season, before tailing off over 2m3f at Ascot on soft six weeks ago; back down in trip and has now had wind surgery; needs to resume his progress.

9/2

9th

7

17th Jan 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 63y

Class 2

14:53 Ascot

Marche dAligre

10st 10lb

J: Gavin Sheehan

T: Jamie Snowden

Arrives in good form after seconds at Wetherby and Sandown (both 2m, soft), no extra after a mistake at the last on second occasion; now moves up in distance, and if he stays he should be involved again.

9/1

Form: 241174 D

Last run: 45 days

W: 10st 9lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 117

Form & Verdict
Made the running when winning two novice hurdles in November (2m3f/2m, good); ridden with restraint and pulled hard when failing to threaten in February in his first two handicaps (2m, good to soft/soft); could yet be capable of considerably better for his top yard, and a return to more prominent tactics might be the catalyst for an improved performance.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

16th May 2026

Good

2m 1f 77y

Class 4

17:05 Bangor-on-Dee

Ice In The Veins

11st 9lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

Made all for two good-ground novice hurdle wins last November (2m, 2m3f); lesser form this year likely more to do with a refusal to settle under restraint than the move to handicaps, but a return to previous tactics may put him in a pace battle with a few here; chasers in pedigree.

3/1

9th

8

4th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

1m 7f 144y

Class 2

14:12 Haydock

Ice In The Veins

10st 9lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

Made the running when winning two novice hurdles in November (2m3f/2m, good); ridden with restraint and pulled hard when failing to threaten in February in his first two handicaps (2m, good to soft/soft); could yet be capable of considerably better for his top yard, and a return to more prominent tactics might be the catalyst for an improved performance.

6/1

Form: 7-0123 D

Last run: 28 days

W: 11st 3lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 125

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: 11-41P D

Last run: 106 days

W: 10st 6lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 114

Form & Verdict
Despite failing to settle he showed a good attitude to win a 4yo handicap at Exeter (2m, good to soft) in November; pulled up at Ascot in December but that was his first run on soft going and he bled from the nose; very lightly raced and could be suited by the big-field scenario; retains potential.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11

4th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

1m 7f 144y

Class 2

14:12 Haydock

Tashan

10st 6lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Emma Lavelle

Despite failing to settle he showed a good attitude to win a 4yo handicap at Exeter (2m, good to soft) in November; pulled up at Ascot in December but that was his first run on soft going and he bled from the nose; very lightly raced and could be suited by the big-field scenario; retains potential.

16/1

14

10th Oct 2025

Good To Soft

2m 0f 11y

Class 4

13:57 Chepstow

Tashan

10st 13lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Emma Lavelle

Ran in three juvenile hurdles, the first for a different yard; beat the same Skelton-trained horse for his two wins and he's now exposed as modest (beaten in a seller), as is the third last time who was 100-1; however, he did win comfortably at Taunton and brings potential into this higher grade.

100/30

1st

2

12th Dec 2024

Good To Soft

2m 0f 104y

Class 4

13:05 Taunton

Tashan

11st 7lb

J: Joe Anderson

T: Emma Lavelle

raced in second

13/8

Form: -30154 D

Last run: 21 days

W: 10st 2lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 109

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

Non-runners

Castelfort

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £22.30
Straight Forecast £29.72
Tricast £313.97
Trifecta £268.50

Selections

The Guardian:

We're Red And Blue

SPOTLIGHT:

Ice In The Veins

RP RATINGS:

Mr McLoughlan

TOPSPEED:

Smart Decision

LAMBOURN:

Marche d'Aligre

The Times:

Dance And Glance

POSTDATA:

Bucephalus

Telegraph:

Ice In The Veins

Daily Mail:

Ice In The Veins

D Express:

We're Red And Blue

Daily Mirror:

We're Red And Blue

The Star:

We're Red And Blue

Daily Record:

We're Red And Blue