April 01 / 14.17 Stratford

14.17

Soft

Happy Birthday Annie Novices’ Hurdle (Novices’ Championship Hurdle Series Qualifier) (GBB Race)

  • Prize money: £3812.2
  • 2m 0f 70y
  • Class 4
  • 10 runners
RTV
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Happy Birthday Annie Novices’ Hurdle (Novices’ Championship Hurdle Series Qualifier) (GBB Race)

Runners: 10 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Showers

4/1 (Won)

  • Win: £10.00
  • Place: £3.40

Form: 16F

Last run: 96 days

W: 11st 0lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Joined these top connections after winning a soft-ground bumper in France last May; beaten 30l when pitched into a Grade 2 for his hurdling debut at Cheltenham (on good; 7-2) in November and way off the first two when he fell at the final flight at Kempton (2m, soft) over Christmas; needs a big turnaround but has now had wind surgery.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12th

3

2nd May 2026

Yielding

2m 4f 118y

17:30 Punchestown

Iberico Lord

11st 6lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Nicky Henderson

Ground versatile sort is 4-15 over hurdles; back to form in fine style when landing the Lanzarote at Kempton in January (2m5f, good) off 136; hiked up 8lb and came up short in the BetMGM Cup at Cheltenham, though did meet trouble in running; dropped 1lb but may need more help from the handicapper.

14/1

8th

11

11th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 5f 0y

Class 1

14:40 Cheltenham

Iberico Lord

11st 3lb

J: Nico de Boinville

T: Nicky Henderson

Bagged two big 2m handicaps (here and at Newbury) in the mud during his 2023-24 campaign; had a spell in the wilderness but dropped back down the weights prior to scoring with major authority in the 2m5f Lanzarote at Kempton (good; 22-1) two months ago; back up 8lb but also firmly back on the radar.

9/1

17th

4

29th Apr 2025

Yielding To Soft

2m 0f 149y

15:40 Punchestown

Iberico Lord

11st 5lb

J: Mark Walsh

T: Nicky Henderson

in touch with leaders

8/1

5/2

  • Place: £1.10

Form: 2151 D

Last run: 44 days

W: 11st 7lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 124

Form & Verdict
Flat win in France over 2m1f; made all in a novice hurdle at Hereford (2m, soft) and, following a flop on good ground for handicap debut at Taunton, he made most to score with authority under Angus Cheleda in handicap at Sandown (2m, good to soft) on latest outing; firmly in calculations.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

8

21st Apr 2025

Good

2m 3f 98y

Class 2

15:34 Chepstow

Beau Balko

11st 2lb

J: Ben Bromley

T: Paul Nicholls

Largely consistent 7yo who was runner-up three consecutive times after his Wincanton win (2m4f, good) in November; slightly below form when dropped back to 2m at Newbury last month but this move back up in trip will suit and his current mark is workable.

8/1

3rd

8

21st Apr 2025

Good

2m 3f 98y

Class 2

15:34 Chepstow

Beau Balko

11st 2lb

J: Ben Bromley

T: Paul Nicholls

Largely consistent 7yo who was runner-up three consecutive times after his Wincanton win (2m4f, good) in November; slightly below form when dropped back to 2m at Newbury last month but this move back up in trip will suit and his current mark is workable.

8/1

4th

3

22nd Mar 2025

Good To Soft

2m 0f 92y

Class 3

17:00 Newbury

Beau Balko

11st 12lb

J: Ben Bromley

T: Paul Nicholls

Consistent type, in frame all six starts this term, including over C&D; respectable fourth of 14 in Greatwood Gold Cup over 2m4f here last time; acts on any ground; should be in the thick of things again.

4/1

Form: 3-16P D

Last run: 15 days

W: 10st 13lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 130

Form & Verdict
Half-brother to high-class stablemate Editeur Du Gite; hooded on soft ground for all three British starts, making all at Newbury on New Year's Eve but way too headstrong up front at Cheltenham since in both a Grade 2 and the Grade 1 Triumph; looked very promising at Newbury (clear form pick on that) but he badly needs to calm down; no hood today.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

1

5th Mar 2026

Soft To Heavy

2m 6f 198y

16:38 Thurles

Jupiter Du Gite

12st 0lb

J: Michael Kenneally

T: T Hogan

Hurdle/chase winner for the Moores in Britain with a peak hurdle rating of 130; some promise in three runs for this yard, notably on latest when fourth of 11 at Navan (2m6f, heavy), staying on from rear to challenge two out, fading late on; player dropped 1lb under top claimer.

9/1

4th

1

8th Feb 2026

Heavy

2m 5f 180y

15:20 Navan

Jupiter Du Gite

12st 1lb

J: Michael Kenneally

T: T Hogan

Prominent racer lost way for the Moores in Britain last season and beaten a cumulative distance of 50l in first two runs for this yard last month; mark sliding and good claimer booked so not totally dismissed.

12/1

Form: 1210 D

Last run: 18 days

W: 11st 4lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 126

Form & Verdict
Fair 1m2f win on Flat; promised to be much better with his first three hurdle starts, including two wins, one on soft, but out the back when 20-1 for 4yo handicap at Cheltenham Festival 18 days ago (raced freely, made the early running); this race also requires improvement but he could bounce back.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

2

28th May 2026

Good

2m 7f 0y

Class 4

14:55 Worcester

Samuel Spade

12st 2lb

J: Beau Morgan

T: Ben Pauling

Last season's light campaign over hurdles did not go well (tried in cheekpieces latterly) but he shouldn't mind getting back on drier ground and is too well handicapped to dismiss on chasing debut.

9/1

8th

4

17th Jan 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 63y

Class 2

14:53 Ascot

Samuel Spade

10st 13lb

J: Ben Jones

T: Ben Pauling

Back to the same mark as for last season's convincing course win (2m7f, good) but hasn't finished in the first six this term, always behind over 2m5f here last time; takes another drop in distance and wears headgear for the first time.

12/1

7th

3

16th Apr 2025

Good

2m 7f 213y

Class 2

15:50 Cheltenham

Samuel Spade

11st 2lb

J: Ben Jones

T: Ben Pauling

Has not had that many chances at this sort of trip and he drew clear to win at Ascot in February, beating 16 rivals (2m7f, good); was beaten under 2l in a strong Uttoxeter handicap on the Midlands' National card but that was under a very capable 5lb claimer; likely to need more here.

10/1

Form: 3-2129 D

Last run: 95 days

W: 11st 7lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 123

Form & Verdict
Steadily progressive, including Plumpton 2m win on good to soft in October, until soundly beaten on soft at Kempton over Christmas on handicap debut; that prompts some doubts and he needs to resume improvement anyway.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

5

23rd May 2026

Good

3m 0f 30y

Class 2

16:10 Bangor-on-Dee

Alien Storm

10st 11lb

J: David Bass

T: Charlie Longsdon

Ran respectably when third of five over hurdles at regular haunt Plumpton (2m4f, good) last month; better known as a chaser these days but he looks weighted near best off this mark and is untried beyond 2m5f; has some work to do back in this sphere.

12/1

3rd

1

19th Apr 2026

Good

2m 4f 116y

Class 4

17:12 Plumpton

Alien Storm

12st 2lb

J: Daire McConville

T: Charlie Longsdon

Came up short last time when bidding for a chase hat-trick; only 1-11 over hurdles and hasn't raced in this sphere for nearly two years but there are positives, namely a lower mark in this sphere and a good overall record (4-8) at Plumpton.

7/2

OUR TIP

Form: 12 D

Last run: 12 days

W: 11st 7lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 121

Form & Verdict
Useful on Flat in Ireland; ready winner of four-runner race on stable/hurdle debut at Musselburgh (1m7f, good) in February and respectable second at Taunton (good to soft) 12 days ago; another good each-way chance if the ground is okay but soft would be a concern.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

6

22nd Jul 2023

Good

2m 0f 125y

Class 2

14:40 Market Rasen

Dancila

11st 6lb

J: Paddy Brennan

T: Fergal O’Brien

took keen hold, midfield, dropped to rear before 5th, headway after 3 out, ridden and weakening when mistake 2 out

9/2

1st

3

7th Jun 2023

Good

2m 0f 167y

Class 3

14:25 Newton Abbot

Dancila

11st 10lb

J: Paddy Brennan

T: Fergal O’Brien

Musselburgh winner on stable/hurdle debut but didn't really build on that in two subsequent novices; handicap debut and interesting to see how he fares in the betting against stablemate Valentino Dancer.

15/8

4

29th Apr 2023

Good

1m 7f 216y

Class 2

13:05 Sandown

Dancila

11st 5lb

J: Paddy Brennan

T: Fergal O’Brien

Useful Flat-racer; created pretty good impression on stable/hurdle debut at Musselburgh (1m7f, good) in February but has been held in two subsequent novice hurdles (both on good to soft) and will need to up his game to win a race this competitive on his handicap hurdle debut; tongue-tie added.

12/1

Form:

Last run:

W: 11st 0lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Fair Flat form up to 10.5f in Ireland as a 3yo but didn't progress; picked up for 33,000gns in October 2021 but not seen again until last of 11 in 9.4f handicap on AW two weeks ago; tough task on hurdling debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

9th May 2025

Good

2m 3f 147y

Class 4

19:15 Hereford

Captain Attridge

11st 4lb

J: David Noonan

T: Henry Oliver

Just 1-12 over hurdles but the win was at this track (2m, good) and he ran well in defeat here last month, after a break; on workable mark if stamina holds out over this new trip; must be considered.

9/4

4

9th May 2025

Good

2m 3f 147y

Class 4

19:15 Hereford

Captain Attridge

11st 4lb

J: David Noonan

T: Henry Oliver

Just 1-12 over hurdles but the win was at this track (2m, good) and he ran well in defeat here last month, after a break; on workable mark if stamina holds out over this new trip; must be considered.

9/4

2nd

2

10th Apr 2025

Good

2m 0f 53y

Class 5

15:45 Hereford

Captain Attridge

11st 12lb

J: David Noonan

T: Henry Oliver

Scored comfortably in another novice handicap over C&D (good) last May after a layoff and he was placed on next three outings; something amiss in a run last August and below form in first-time cheekpieces in October on his only start since, but the earlier good efforts can't be forgotten.

6/1

Form: 4/5

Last run: 9 days

W: 11st 0lb

8 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Low-level form in an Irish bumper (hot favourite) in March 2021 and a Ludlow novice hurdle (2m, soft; 80-1) in March 2023.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

0

8

29th Aug 2023

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 5

16:40 Worcester

My Boy Grizzle

10st 2lb

J: Ben Poste

T: Clare Ellam

Maiden whose struggles continued when pulled up on his recent chase debut; out of the weights.

66/1

0

10

19th Aug 2023

Good

2m 1f 43y

Class 5

18:00 Market Rasen

My Boy Grizzle

10st 2lb

J: James Best

T: Clare Ellam

Modicum of promise on hurdling bow in March but little since, and exited early last time; watching brief wisest switching to fences.

100/1

9

18th Jul 2023

Good

1m 7f 182y

Class 4

19:40 Southwell

My Boy Grizzle

11st 2lb

J: Ben Poste

T: Clare Ellam

took keen hold, held up in rear, bad mistake and unseated 3rd

100/1

Form: 0P

Last run: 134 days

W: 11st 0lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

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

9

11th Apr 2025

Good

2m 1f 162y

Class 5

14:50 Fontwell

Onnaroll

10st 2lb

J: Lorcan Murtagh

T: Cynthia Woods

led

66/1

9

11th Apr 2025

Good

2m 1f 162y

Class 5

14:50 Fontwell

Onnaroll

10st 2lb

J: Lorcan Murtagh

T: Cynthia Woods

led

66/1

13

2nd Mar 2025

Good To Soft

1m 7f 171y

Class 5

16:27 Huntingdon

Onnaroll

10st 2lb

J: Lorcan Murtagh

T: Cynthia Woods

taken down early

66/1

Form: 2-26

Last run: 130 days

W: 10st 7lb

5 yo Filly

OR:

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

12th

9

7th Sep 2024

Good

2m 2f 148y

Class 5

16:12 Stratford

Forever A Dove

10st 11lb

J: Tabitha Worsley

T: Jake Thomas Coulson

Won modest mares' maiden on hurdle debut here (2m, good to soft) in April 2023 but was safely held in both handicaps last summer and has fitness to prove after 13-month break.

20/1

5th

6

4th Aug 2023

Good

2m 0f 145y

Class 5

17:10 Bangor-on-Dee

Forever A Dove

11st 4lb

J: Dylan Johnston

T: Jake Thomas Coulson

Won modest mares' maiden on hurdle debut at Stratford (2m, good to soft) in April but was beaten about 30l when fourth of eight on handicap debut there (2m2f, good) last month and clearly needs to do better here.

12/1

Non-runners

Dancila, Captain Attridge, Onnaroll, Forever A Dove

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £17.50
Straight Forecast £18.93
Trifecta £50.80

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Beau Balko

RP Ratings:

Jupiter Du Gite

WEST COUNTRY:

Samuel Spade

LAMBOURN:

Iberico Lord

The Guardian:

Alien Storm

TOPSPEED:

Jupiter Du Gite

POSTDATA:

Jupiter Du Gite

Daily Mirror:

Jupiter Du Gite

Telegraph:

Beau Balko

Daily Mail:

Beau Balko

D Express:

Beau Balko

The Sun:

Beau Balko

Daily Record:

Beau Balko

The Times:

Samuel Spade

The Star:

Samuel Spade