January 25 / 14.35 Warwick

14.35

Watch Racing TV For Free For 31 Days Handicap Hurdle (Challenger Two Mile Hurdle Series Qualifier)

  • Prize money: £7921.5
  • 2m 0f 0y
  • Class 3
  • 12 runners
RTV
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Watch Racing TV For Free For 31 Days Handicap Hurdle (Challenger Two Mile Hurdle Series Qualifier)

Runners: 12 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Mostly cloudy

Form: 531U0/ D

Last run: 718 days

W: 12st 2lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 132

Form & Verdict
Hurdle/chase winner for Joseph O'Brien in Ireland but has been absent for nearly two years; still low mileage (only 12 career runs) so could yet have prospects and worth keeping an eye on; yard also runs Zabeel Champion.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

8

6th Jun 2024

Good

2m 7f 70y

Class 4

16:18 Uttoxeter

Front View

11st 6lb

J: Benjamin Macey

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

Formerly a very useful 2m chaser/hurdler for Joseph O'Brien; not as good these days although fair hurdle runs when second at Haydock in December (3m1f, heavy) and at Exeter in March (2m5f, soft); cheekpieces tried; each-way chance.

10/1

5th

4

19th Apr 2024

Soft

2m 4f 100y

Class 4

16:30 Ayr

Front View

11st 8lb

J: Benjamin Macey

T: Jonjo O’Neill

Runner-up on two of his last three starts but was no match for the winner when occupying that position at Exeter (2m5f, soft) last month, and he's just 1-15 over hurdles; others are more compelling.

9/1

5th

4

19th Apr 2024

Soft

2m 4f 100y

Class 4

16:30 Ayr

Front View

11st 8lb

J: Benjamin Macey

T: Jonjo O’Neill

Runner-up on two of his last three starts but was no match for the winner when occupying that position at Exeter (2m5f, soft) last month, and he's just 1-15 over hurdles; others are more compelling.

9/1

Form: 11P0-1 D

Last run: 53 days

W: 11st 13lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 129

Form & Verdict
Emphatic Wetherby winner last month, on this season's only outing; 7lb higher (and Luca Morgan can no longer claim) but still open to progress after just five starts over hurdles; obvious contender.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

1

18th Oct 2024

Good To Soft

1m 7f 214y

Class 4

16:30 Uttoxeter

Lebowski

12st 2lb

J: Lilly Pinchin

T: Charlie Longsdon

jumped right throughout, set fast pace, headed after 3 out (usual 4 out), weakened and hung right after 2 out (usual 3 out)

7/2

2nd

3

14th Dec 2023

Heavy

2m 0f 190y

Class 3

13:40 Newcastle

Lebowski

11st 9lb

J: Derek Fox

T: Lucinda Russell

Runs off same mark as for his win at Wetherby (2m, soft) last December; hasn't shone since but, having had a wind op, he was well backed at Chepstow on his stable and seasonal debut only to run without the declared tongue-tie; due to wear that appendage today; interesting to see if backers return.

7/2

Form: 4-3440 D

Last run: 29 days

W: 11st 11lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 127

Form & Verdict
Front-runner; well beaten at Kempton last month, when tackling more realistic challenge, so plenty to prove; on the plus side, has always looked better going left-handed and on a dangerous mark if enough of the old ability remains; risky to dismiss out of hand.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

5

3rd May 2025

Good

2m 3f 207y

Class 3

18:30 Uttoxeter

For Pleasure

10st 13lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Olly Murphy

led, headed 3 out, weakened after 2 out

11/4

5th

5

3rd May 2025

Good

2m 3f 207y

Class 3

18:30 Uttoxeter

For Pleasure

10st 13lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Olly Murphy

Multiple winner but a 10yo now and the handicapper knows the score with him; no match for the winner last time at Fakenham (2m4f, good) where he kept jumping to the right; wouldn't want to repeat that here.

11/4

2nd

1

1st Apr 2025

Good

2m 4f 1y

Class 3

16:20 Fakenham

For Pleasure

12st 0lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Olly Murphy

jumped right throughout, led, headed before last, kept on

5/1

Form: 42/8P- D

Last run: 379 days

W: 11st 9lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 125

Form & Verdict
Five wins at the end of 2020 but no success since; finished lame when last seen a year ago (for Philip Hobbs) and not of obvious appeal on stable debut, unless attracting inspired support.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

31st Jan 2023

Soft

2m 4f 0y

Class 3

14:50 Ffos Las

Breffniboy

12st 0lb

J: Paul O’Brien

T: Claire Harris

With Johnny Farrelly when completing a four-timer at Cheltenham two seasons ago; below par in two runs for Philip Hobbs and now with another new yard; watching brief seems the best call after a good while out.

33/1

OUR TIP

Abandoned

Form: 13-5P2 D

Last run: 28 days

W: 11st 8lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 124

Form & Verdict
Hasn't really found top form in three outings this season and no match for the winner when second at Leicester latest; shade unfortunate when close third behind two subsequent winners over C&D a year ago and return to that sort of form would make him very interesting.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

10

28th Apr 2026

Yielding

2m 0f 132y

15:40 Punchestown

Washington

10st 4lb

J: Paul O’Brien

T: Harry Derham

Won well on seasonal return at Chepstow in October off 128 and 1lb lower now but he's suffered heavy defeats on his four starts since that success; leap of faith required to back him here.

40/1

3

1st Nov 2025

Good

1m 7f 157y

Class 2

15:10 Ascot

Washington

11st 9lb

J: Paul O’Brien

T: Harry Derham

Won at Chepstow last October and followed up in a valuable handicap in Ireland; struggled afterwards last season but returned three weeks ago with a win from Moveit Like Minnie in the same Chepstow race (2m, good) when they finished miles clear of the other four; back up 4lb; shortlisted.

11/2

3

1st Nov 2025

Good

1m 7f 157y

Class 2

15:10 Ascot

Washington

11st 9lb

J: Paul O’Brien

T: Harry Derham

Won at Chepstow last October and followed up in a valuable handicap in Ireland; struggled afterwards last season but returned three weeks ago with a win from Moveit Like Minnie in the same Chepstow race (2m, good) when they finished miles clear of the other four; back up 4lb; shortlisted.

11/2

Abandoned

Form: 116-F6 D

Last run: 68 days

W: 11st 4lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 120

Form & Verdict
Newbury winner on British debut last March but little to show for three runs since; no danger when sixth at Ascot latest but gave the impression there that he was capable of better and subsequent 3lb drop a help.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

1

30th May 2026

Good To Firm

2m 2f 148y

Class 3

18:50 Stratford

In The Air

11st 13lb

J: Ciaran Gethings

T: Alastair Ralph

Won five over hurdles for previous yards and three over fences last term for current trainer; may have needed the run when seventh of eight finishers at Chepstow (2m, good to soft) last month after six-month layoff but probably needs to come down the weights.

6/1

7th

5

11th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 0f 16y

Class 3

14:15 Chepstow

In The Air

11st 10lb

J: Tom Broughton

T: Alastair Ralph

Five-time hurdle winner who did well over fences in the second half of last year, with three wins and two seconds; returns after six months off but he's only 2lb higher than for his last success and he has won when fresh in the past; needs close look back over hurdles.

8/1

6

11th Oct 2025

Good

2m 0f 11y

Class 3

14:10 Chepstow

In The Air

10st 11lb

J: Ciaran Gethings

T: Alastair Ralph

Record of 2-8 over fences, with both wins gained this summer in small-field handicaps on good ground; put in his place by an improver in a novice last time; dangerous if allowed to dominate (front runs).

7/4

Form: 1/15-2 CD

Last run: 66 days

W: 11st 1lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 117

Form & Verdict
Just four career starts, which include a C&D win in November 2021; back from 11 months off when second at Exeter in November and looks a strong contender with the prospect of better to come.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

10

(2)

26th Oct 2024

Heavy

1m 4f 0y

Class 5

16:50 Newbury

Hartur DOudairies

10st 10lb

J: Mr Simon Walker

T: Brian Ellison

Bumper/hurdles winner at around 2m; first switched to Flat in late July, racing over 1m initially before his staying-on sixth of 14 from the back on Flat handicap debut at York (soft; 33-1) 14 days ago; duly raised his game when stepped up to 2m here yesterday, making most and beating all except the easy winner; big player if he's in the same form today.

5/1

2nd

6

(3)

25th Oct 2024

Heavy

2m 0f 0y

Class 5

13:41 Newbury

Hartur DOudairies

9st 3lb

J: Shay Farmer

T: Brian Ellison

Bumper/hurdles winner at around 2m; has had only five races on the Flat, with 1m looking inadequate on first four occasions and 1m2f the same with his staying-on sixth of 14 from the back on Flat handicap debut at York (soft; 33-1) 13 days ago; dropped 2lb and it's not hard to think that he will be a lot more potent this time with the much longer trip.

8/1

6th

17

(17)

12th Oct 2024

Soft

1m 2f 56y

Class 4

17:05 York

Hartur DOudairies

8st 9lb

J: Shay Farmer

T: Brian Ellison

Bumper/hurdles winner at around 2m; only had four races on the Flat and a 1m has looked inadequate; however, even 1m2f might not be far enough for him.

25/1

Form: 241-85 D

Last run: 30 days

W: 11st 1lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 117

Form & Verdict
Haydock winner off 1lb lower last April but unplaced in four starts since (including two on the Flat); cheekpieces no seeming help at Wetherby latest and, while it's too soon to be writing him off, better needed.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

1

31st Jul 2023

Good

2m 0f 167y

Class 4

15:20 Newton Abbot

Zabeel Champion

12st 0lb

J: Nick Scholfield

T: Jonjo O’Neill

prominent, mistake 4 out

9/2

1st

2

6th Jul 2023

Good

2m 0f 47y

Class 4

15:48 Perth

Zabeel Champion

12st 0lb

J: Nick Scholfield

T: Jonjo O’Neill

Formerly smart on the Flat; defied a similar mark to this in a better race at Haydock (1m7f, good) in April 2022, since when he's been lightly raced; perhaps failed to stay 2m5f when last seen (in first-time cheekpieces); could easily be in the thick of it.

15/8

Form: 834-18 CD

Last run: 47 days

W: 10st 12lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 114

Form & Verdict
C&D winner in November, after a break, but that was a 0-115 contest and he was put in his place in better company at Cheltenham next time; may be similar situation this time.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

11

21st Feb 2025

Soft

2m 3f 0y

Class 4

15:40 Warwick

Iontach Cheval

10st 13lb

J: Murray Dodd

T: Alastair Ralph

Ran fairly well over 2m here on seasonal debut in November but two very disappointing runs have followed (2m/2m7f; blinkers added last time) and it's hard to predict whether he'll be in the right mood today.

33/1

8th

2

31st Dec 2024

Good To Soft

2m 7f 70y

Class 5

13:30 Uttoxeter

Iontach Cheval

12st 0lb

J: Murray Dodd

T: Alastair Ralph

Made quite encouraging seasonal debut last month (2m, good) but ran poorly over that trip three weeks later and also struggled on only previous attempt at 2m7f; sports first-time blinkers; risky.

12/1

8th

2

31st Dec 2024

Good To Soft

2m 7f 70y

Class 5

13:30 Uttoxeter

Iontach Cheval

12st 0lb

J: Murray Dodd

T: Alastair Ralph

Made quite encouraging seasonal debut last month (2m, good) but ran poorly over that trip three weeks later and also struggled on only previous attempt at 2m7f; sports first-time blinkers; risky.

12/1

Form: 43-254

Last run: 36 days

W: 10st 11lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 113

Form & Verdict
Maiden; consistent over hurdles without seemingly progressing; switch to handicaps might give him the chance to get closer but improvement necessary if he's to win this.
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: 1-U320 D BF

Last run: 30 days

W: 10st 10lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 112

Form & Verdict
Narrowly beaten by a subsequent winner in a Newcastle maiden in November, off the back of that, he was favourite for last month's handicap debut at Market Rasen, only to ruin his chance by racing too freely; a hood may prove the answer but he hasn't looked the most organised over hurdles.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

4

14th Jul 2024

Good

2m 0f 47y

Class 5

16:45 Perth

Sergeant Wilson

11st 9lb

J: Emma Smith-Chaston

T: R Mike Smith

Left Nigel Twiston-Davies for £3,000 in May; easy to back, he was well beaten when sixth of eight on his stable debut over C&D ten days ago.

10/1

6th

4

4th Jul 2024

Good

2m 0f 47y

Class 4

14:48 Perth

Sergeant Wilson

11st 1lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: R Mike Smith

prominent, raced in second after 2nd

10/1

5th

5

12th May 2024

Good

1m 7f 169y

Class 4

15:28 Ludlow

Sergeant Wilson

11st 9lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Nigel Twiston-Davies

Temptingly treated on the pick of his handicap form at about 2m on ground not too slow; Taunton last time was disappointing (2m3f, good) but coming back to a sharp 2m will help and could run well if his jumping holds up (can make mistakes).

7/1

Abandoned

Form: 25-7PP D

Last run: 35 days

W: 10st 10lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 112

Form & Verdict
Four chase wins for Sean Curran but nothing in three starts for this yard; plenty to prove reverting to hurdles; cheekpieces added to usual aids.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

5th Mar 2023

Good

1m 7f 171y

Class 4

15:00 Huntingdon

Doukarov

11st 8lb

J: Jack Wildman

T: Amy Murphy

Well treated on best chase form; out of sorts for new yard this season until hinting at a revival back over hurdles last time; however, needs to build on that effort.

10/1

6th

4

11th Feb 2023

Good

2m 0f 0y

Class 4

15:48 Warwick

Doukarov

11st 7lb

J: Jack Wildman

T: Amy Murphy

Four-time chase winner who is very well treated on form as recent as last April; however, he's struggled on his four starts since and a major turnaround is needed with cheekpieces now added.

33/1

Verdict

Lebowski (second choice) looked good at Wetherby and should again run well. Hartur D’Oudairies has claims while a return to his best for In The Air could be on the cards. WASHINGTON has yet to strike top form this winter but this might be the time that he does.[Jonathan Neesom]