14.00
Good To SoftAt The Races App Expert Tips Maiden Hurdle (GBB Race)
- Prize money: £4901.4
- 2m 3f 110y
- Class 4
- 16 runners
Runners: 16 runners
Type: Hurdle Turf
Surface: Turf
Weather: Showers
Abandoned
Form: U
Last run: 45 days
W: 11st 4lb
4 yo Gelding
OR: —
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
5 |
28th Feb 2023 Good To Firm 2m 6f 151y Class 5 |
11st 2lb |
Had little to beat when point winner last spring (good); well held in two hurdle completions on soft but this looks more his cup of tea, going handicapping over fences back on a sound surface; first-time aids fitted. |
3/1 |
|
1 |
23rd Jan 2023 Soft 2m 4f 0y Class 4 |
11st 10lb |
Good-ground point winner; needs to improve on what he's shown in two rules starts (latest on soft) and looks likely to be more interesting when switched to handicaps. |
33/1 |
Abandoned
Form: 4
Last run: 25 days
W: 11st 4lb
5 yo Gelding
OR: —
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
5 |
31st Mar 2025 Good 2m 4f 35y Class 5 |
10st 11lb |
in rear, not fluent 4th |
11/2 |
Abandoned
Form: 9P4-
Last run: 271 days
W: 11st 4lb
6 yo Gelding
OR: —
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
4th 1 |
23rd Mar 2023 Good To Soft 2m 5f 55y Class 4 |
11st 7lb |
Yet to beat a rival in five career starts and application of blinkers will need to provoke a radical upturn of fortunes. |
100/1 |
|
3 |
20th Feb 2023 Good To Soft 2m 3f 110y Class 4 |
11st 6lb |
Struggled in his sole bumper and has been the same story in three runs over hurdles; has had wind surgery but was pulled up over C&D (heavy) when last seen in December and can only be watched after another break. |
100/1 |
Abandoned
Form: 9-0
Last run: 47 days
W: 11st 4lb
6 yo Gelding
OR: —
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
10th 4 |
20th Dec 2022 Good To Soft 1m 7f 195y Class 4 |
11st 0lb |
Won slow-ground Irish point in April but was well beaten on last month's stable/hurdle debut and is probably one for further down the line. |
100/1 |
|
12th 3 |
2nd Nov 2022 Good To Soft 2m 3f 100y Class 4 |
11st 4lb |
Looked nice in winning his Irish point but then finished stone-cold last when 11-1 for a Cork bumper (2m3f, soft/heavy); wore a tongue-tie then but not now; rather watch. |
40/1 |
Abandoned
Form: 4-U
Last run: 48 days
W: 11st 4lb
4 yo Gelding
OR: —
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
5th 2 |
19th Apr 2026 Good 3m 2f 83y Class 5 |
11st 10lb |
Bagged a fourth success of the season at Chepstow (2m3f) in February; seemed unsuited by dropping back to 2m when a solid fourth of ten at Hereford 13 days ago and not out of things over this more suitable distance. |
12/1 |
|
4th 5 |
6th Apr 2026 Good 2m 0f 53y Class 5 |
11st 10lb |
Won three in a row in November/December (2m3f-2m4f) and scored at Chepstow (2m3f, soft) in February; well-held fourth eight days later at Ffos Las, possibly finding the quick turnaround too much; may resume progress, though the drop in trip is a slight concern. |
8/1 |
|
4th 2 |
1st Mar 2026 Heavy 2m 4f 0y Class 5 |
12st 0lb |
Won three in a row in November/December (2m3f-2m4f) and took his form to another new level when battling on well to score at Chepstow (2m3f, soft) eight days ago; latest 4lb rise does not look excessive and further progress is not out of the question. |
5/2 |
Abandoned
Form: 34
Last run: 16 days
W: 11st 4lb
5 yo Gelding
OR: —
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
10th 7 |
25th Apr 2025 Good To Soft 2m 3f 29y Class 5 |
11st 2lb |
always behind, tailed off |
25/1 |
|
10th 7 |
25th Apr 2025 Good To Soft 2m 3f 29y Class 5 |
11st 2lb |
Went the wrong way over hurdles and pulled up in all four of his chases; absent for a year. |
25/1 |
|
5 |
25th Apr 2024 Good 3m 0f 0y Class 5 |
11st 7lb |
Became disappointing over hurdles towards end of last season and has been pulled up in all three chases this term (2m3f-2m4f); moves back up in trip with huge amount to prove. |
20/1 |
Abandoned
Form: 2 BF
Last run: 55 days
W: 11st 4lb
4 yo Gelding
OR: —
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2nd 3 |
13th May 2026 Good 3m 1f 170y Class 3 |
11st 2lb |
Ran really well in defeat in some strong Cheltenham handicaps (2m4f-3m1f) during the first half of last season and his Kempton effort in February wasn't too shoddy; what needs forgiving is his Ayr run after a wind operation as that was underwhelming; still looks dangerous. |
11/8 |
|
6th 7 |
17th Apr 2026 Soft 2m 4f 110y Class 2 |
10st 10lb |
He hasn't quite been at the top of his game on his last two starts; however, he's had wind surgery since and is certainly of interest on his two third-place finishes at Cheltenham in the autumn (3m1f/2m4f, good/soft); top trainer has won five of the last eight runnings of this race. |
7/2 |
|
6th 9 |
21st Feb 2026 Good To Soft 3m 0f 0y Class 1 |
10st 8lb |
Won twice as a novice chaser over 3m at Sandown (soft/good); has been running well in some strong Cheltenham handicaps this season without looking that well handicapped, but returning to a right-handed track might benefit him, as might the first-time cheekpieces; could also have this run to suit if he's held up as usual; effective from 2m4f to 3m1f, he's a big player. |
7/1 |
Abandoned
Form: 43
Last run: 31 days
W: 11st 4lb
5 yo Gelding
OR: 114
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
3rd 2 |
14th Mar 2026 Soft 2m 3f 104y Class 4 |
11st 12lb |
Looked far from a natural over fences so far, his easy Windsor victory last November coming despite mistakes; handed a 9lb rise for that and finished well held back at the same course when last seen two months ago; needs to put in a better round. |
5/2 |
Abandoned
Form: 1-3 BF
Last run: 57 days
W: 11st 4lb
6 yo Gelding
OR: —
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
5th 6 |
29th Jun 2025 Good 3m 2f 13y Class 2 |
10st 5lb |
3m4f winner in April 2024 and, after a break, he followed up in a novice hurdle; continued to run well afterwards in staying chases, latterly behind Manothepeople at Cheltenham; this mark isn't beyond him; respected. |
7/1 |
|
2nd 5 |
16th Apr 2025 Good 3m 2f 0y Class 2 |
10st 11lb |
Kept on gamely to win the 3m4f chase on this card a year ago (good ground) and has performed well on all four outings this season, most recently when third to Moroder in last month's Grimthorpe at Doncaster (3m2f, good; first-time cheekpieces); likely contender. |
11/4 |
|
2nd 5 |
16th Apr 2025 Good 3m 2f 0y Class 2 |
10st 11lb |
Kept on gamely to win the 3m4f chase on this card a year ago (good ground) and has performed well on all four outings this season, most recently when third to Moroder in last month's Grimthorpe at Doncaster (3m2f, good; first-time cheekpieces); likely contender. |
11/4 |
Abandoned
Form: 5
Last run: 31 days
W: 11st 4lb
5 yo Gelding
OR: —
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1st 3 |
16th Dec 2024 Soft 2m 4f 114y Class 4 |
11st 4lb |
Much improved on his third start when staying on well for third at Wincanton 13 months ago (2m5f, soft) and he was just behind the smart Lord Of Thunder that day; strong claims if returning in the same form. |
5/2 |
|
1st 3 |
16th Dec 2024 Soft 2m 4f 114y Class 4 |
11st 4lb |
Much improved on his third start when staying on well for third at Wincanton 13 months ago (2m5f, soft) and he was just behind the smart Lord Of Thunder that day; strong claims if returning in the same form. |
5/2 |
Abandoned
Form: 9-9
Last run: 55 days
W: 11st 4lb
4 yo Gelding
OR: —
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
8th 3 |
12th Mar 2025 Good 1m 7f 171y Class 5 |
11st 12lb |
in touch with leaders |
20/1 |
|
4 |
17th Jan 2025 Good To Soft 2m 1f 43y Class 5 |
11st 10lb |
midfield, bad mistake and unseated 2nd |
20/1 |
|
4 |
17th Jan 2025 Good To Soft 2m 1f 43y Class 5 |
11st 10lb |
midfield, bad mistake and unseated 2nd |
20/1 |
Abandoned
Form: 8/2/2
Last run: 31 days
W: 11st 4lb
7 yo Gelding
OR: —
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
4th 6 |
11th May 2024 Good 3m 0f 41y Class 4 |
12st 0lb |
in rear |
11/4 |
|
4th 6 |
11th May 2024 Good 3m 0f 41y Class 4 |
12st 0lb |
in rear |
11/4 |
|
5th 3 |
26th Mar 2023 Good To Soft 2m 2f 111y Class 4 |
11st 11lb |
Very lightly raced 8yo who made pleasing return from long absence when second (albeit no match for winner) in Chepstow maiden (2m3f, good to soft) in November; below that form after racing too freely at Huntingdon on Boxing Day but should have some improvement to come in handicaps. |
11/2 |
Abandoned
Form: 2
Last run: 35 days
W: 11st 4lb
5 yo Gelding
OR: —
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
5th 8 |
6th Mar 2025 Good To Soft 2m 3f 29y Class 5 |
11st 7lb |
in touch with leaders |
14/1 |
|
4th 3 |
15th Feb 2025 Good To Soft 2m 5f 82y Class 5 |
11st 8lb |
always behind |
8/1 |
|
6th 8 |
21st Apr 2024 Good 2m 3f 179y Class 5 |
11st 9lb |
Twice placed over hurdles but needs to get back on song as he was disappointing on his chase debut before finishing a remote second back hurdling in a Fontwell maiden; good ground is an unknown. |
16/1 |
Abandoned
Form: 43-
Last run: 284 days
W: 11st 4lb
5 yo Gelding
OR: —
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
15 |
20th Sep 2025 Yielding 2m 5f 0y |
10st 7lb |
0-14 over hurdles but has run well at Wexford the last twice at 3m on good and good to yielding ground; has struggled in previous starts on softer than good so may need the forecast rain to miss. |
6/1 |
|
2nd 3 |
8th Aug 2025 Good 3m 0f 0y |
11st 5lb |
Maiden has run well recently without really threatening to get that breakthrough success; beaten over 8l when fourth at this venue on latest; now tried in a hood; yard won a division of this last year. |
11/4 |
Abandoned
Form: 2/2
Last run: 32 days
W: 10st 11lb
7 yo Mare
OR: —
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
3 |
13th Feb 2026 Soft 2m 5f 44y Class 4 |
11st 2lb |
Three-time winner over regulation fences but has struggled since returning from a break and was well behind two of these last time; now has tongue-tie fitted. |
8/1 |
|
5th 4 |
18th Jan 2026 Good To Soft 2m 5f 44y Class 2 |
10st 8lb |
Triple chase winner in 2023-24 season (once over C&D); 0-10 in points in first half of 2025 and returned to racing under rules with two underwhelming runs towards end of last year, latterly when remote second to Gazette Bourgeoise here last month; revival needed. |
14/1 |
|
2nd 4 |
12th Apr 2024 Good 2m 5f 44y Class 4 |
11st 10lb |
in touch with leaders, not fluent 7th, disputing third 12th, headway to lead before 3 out, joined last |
4/1 |
Abandoned
Form: —
Last run: —
W: 10st 11lb
5 yo Mare
OR: —
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
8 |
16th May 2026 Good 2m 3f 207y Class 5 |
11st 5lb |
Six-time Flat winner; second in a mares' novice hurdle at Huntingdon in November (2m3f, good) but well beaten on handicap debut at Doncaster last time (2m3f, good to soft); returns having had wind surgery, but with a bit to prove. |
14/1 |
|
2nd 4 |
2nd Nov 2025 Good 2m 3f 137y Class 4 |
11st 0lb |
Safely held in low-grade Flat handicap on stable debut in August but ran surprisingly well when 150-1 for hurdle return at Stratford last month, holding every chance before fading into fourth after final flight; has a fighting chance if in similar form here. |
10/1 |
|
2nd 4 |
2nd Nov 2025 Good 2m 3f 137y Class 4 |
11st 0lb |
Safely held in low-grade Flat handicap on stable debut in August but ran surprisingly well when 150-1 for hurdle return at Stratford last month, holding every chance before fading into fourth after final flight; has a fighting chance if in similar form here. |
10/1 |
Verdict
Point winner HOE JOLY SMOKE was second on his rules debut at Chepstow in a race that has worked out well, and he’s taken to go one better. Technology is bred to improve for the step up in trip on his hurdle debut and he’s second choice, ahead of Plumpton runner-up Tea And Chats. Hymac and Sponthus are others to consider.[Ben Hutton]
Selections
SPOTLIGHT:
Hoe Joly SmokeRP Ratings:
Hold Up La ColmineWEST COUNTRY:
HymacTOPSPEED:
Tea And ChatsThe Star:
Hoe Joly SmokeDaily Record:
Hoe Joly SmokePOSTDATA:
Hold Up La ColmineDaily Mail:
Hold Up La Colmine