12.40
Softbet365 Novices’ Handicap Hurdle (GBB Race)
- Prize money: £4224.8
- 2m 5f 56y
- Class 4
- 16 runners
Runners: 16 runners
Type: Hurdle Turf
Surface: Turf
Weather: Partly cloudy
Abandoned
Form: /7033-
Last run: 228 days
W: 12st 0lb
5 yo Gelding
OR: 110
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
8 |
19th Apr 2024 Good To Soft 2m 7f 25y Class 5 |
11st 7lb |
Placed three times at up to 3m1f over hurdles, all on slow ground; well treated on his form of a year ago but plenty to prove based on three starts since wind surgery. |
25/1 |
|
8 |
19th Apr 2024 Good To Soft 2m 7f 25y Class 5 |
11st 7lb |
Placed three times at up to 3m1f over hurdles, all on slow ground; well treated on his form of a year ago but plenty to prove based on three starts since wind surgery. |
25/1 |
|
7th 1 |
23rd Mar 2024 Soft 2m 7f 32y Class 5 |
12st 0lb |
Struggled in first three handicaps but his third of 16 behind Fantomas at Hereford (3m1f, good to soft) a fortnight ago was much better; contender if able to build on that performance. |
7/2 |
Abandoned
Form: 6/3411
Last run: 42 days
W: 11st 12lb
6 yo Mare
OR: 108
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
6 |
6th May 2025 Good 2m 4f 0y Class 5 |
11st 2lb |
Triple hurdle winner on ground slower than good for Dan Skelton in 2023-24 season but badly out of form for new stable this year, most recently when pulled up over C&D (good) in March. |
33/1 |
|
6 |
6th May 2025 Good 2m 4f 0y Class 5 |
11st 2lb |
held up in rear, slow jump 5th |
33/1 |
|
3 |
21st Mar 2025 Good 2m 4f 0y Class 5 |
11st 12lb |
Bumper and three-time hurdle winner when trained by Dan Skelton but has not shown much for new stable this year (three runs), and can't really blame the slow ground; sports refitted cheekpieces today; needs to turn a corner. |
20/1 |
Abandoned
Form: P/P6-2
Last run: 177 days
W: 11st 10lb
7 yo Gelding
OR: 106
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
8th 12 |
14th Jan 2024 Soft 2m 5f 133y Class 4 |
10st 9lb |
He's well handicapped on hurdle form as recent as last May. when second over 2m6f here, but he failed to shine on his last two runs in that sphere and was down the field on his chase debut at Newcastle three weeks ago. |
20/1 |
|
6th 6 |
23rd Dec 2023 Good To Soft 2m 7f 91y Class 4 |
10st 8lb |
held up in rear |
12/1 |
|
3rd 4 |
29th Nov 2023 Good To Soft 2m 6f 151y Class 4 |
11st 8lb |
in touch with leaders, hung right and went third before 2 out, weakened before last |
8/1 |
Abandoned
Form: 453-F3 BF
Last run: 22 days
W: 11st 10lb
5 yo Gelding
OR: 106
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
6th 6 |
5th May 2026 Good 2m 7f 177y Class 4 |
11st 6lb |
Made it 2-4 over fences when he pulled clear with the second at Southwell (3m2f, good); no reason why he shouldn't be very competitive off 4lb higher. |
3/1 |
|
1st 3 |
24th Mar 2026 Good 3m 1f 185y Class 4 |
11st 11lb |
Defied an even longer break at Hereford in November (3m1f, good) off only 1lb lower and his following run was just as good; could easily leave his latest below-par run behind. |
3/1 |
Abandoned
Form: B/264-
Last run: 316 days
W: 11st 6lb
7 yo Gelding
OR: 102
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
6 |
22nd Mar 2026 Good 2m 7f 25y Class 4 |
11st 7lb |
Won this race two years ago; as good as ever (after a wind operation) when scoring by over 9l over C&D in November (good) but hasn't offered a great deal since, beaten 22l in staying handicaps at Doncaster and Ascot; others preferred. |
14/1 |
|
11th 15 |
14th Feb 2026 Soft 2m 7f 123y Class 3 |
11st 2lb |
Showed the benefit of a wind op and looked as good as ever when scoring by over 9l on seasonal debut at Exeter (2m7f, good) in November; also suited by soft/heavy ground but disappointed when last in action and will probably find younger rivals better handicapped here. |
14/1 |
|
4th 3 |
15th Apr 2025 Good 3m 0f 60y Class 4 |
11st 12lb |
Weakened quickly and was pulled up on consecutive outings during the winter but looked back in much better nick when respectable sixth at Newbury (3m, good to soft) last month; another 2lb lower here; contender if able to build on that recent effort. |
8/1 |
Abandoned
Form: 23-553
Last run: 34 days
W: 11st 5lb
4 yo Gelding
OR: 102
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
7th 4 |
29th May 2024 Good 2m 1f 46y Class 5 |
11st 9lb |
Did not get competitive at Market Rasen this month, after a break, but was placed off a 7lb higher mark there (2m2f, good) in the autumn and has possibilities if that recent run brought him on. |
12/1 |
|
7th 1 |
10th May 2024 Good 2m 4f 139y Class 5 |
12st 0lb |
AW Flat winner (1m6f); has yet to win over hurdles but made the frame on good ground here in September and had to deal with softer conditions since. |
7/1 |
|
7th 1 |
10th May 2024 Good 2m 4f 139y Class 5 |
12st 0lb |
AW Flat winner (1m6f); has yet to win over hurdles but made the frame on good ground here in September and had to deal with softer conditions since. |
7/1 |
Abandoned
Form: 5-763P
Last run: 15 days
W: 11st 4lb
5 yo Gelding
OR: 100
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
4 |
30th Oct 2025 Good To Soft 2m 2f 148y Class 5 |
11st 0lb |
16-race maiden under rules; has been struggling on the Flat during the summer and made a belated return to hurdles when seventh of ten finishers at Perth (2m, soft) nine days ago; steps up in trip and has work to do. |
14/1 |
|
4 |
30th Oct 2025 Good To Soft 2m 2f 148y Class 5 |
11st 0lb |
16-race maiden under rules; has been struggling on the Flat during the summer and made a belated return to hurdles when seventh of ten finishers at Perth (2m, soft) nine days ago; steps up in trip and has work to do. |
14/1 |
|
7th 8 |
21st Oct 2025 Good 2m 0f 47y Class 5 |
11st 4lb |
Belatedly returns to hurdling (0-5); has been struggling at a very modest level on the Flat. |
20/1 |
Abandoned
Form: 50007/
Last run: 591 days
W: 11st 4lb
7 yo Gelding
OR: 100
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
14th May 2026 Good 2m 4f 20y Class 5 |
12st 0lb |
10yo who was in and out last season but returned to form when second at Hexham (2m4f, soft) in March last time; could have a part to play if conditions are suitable (he's unraced on good ground under rules). |
11/4 |
Abandoned
Form: 12732-
Last run: 217 days
W: 11st 3lb
6 yo Mare
OR: 99
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
7th 3 |
6th Feb 2024 Good To Soft 2m 4f 139y Class 5 |
11st 13lb |
in touch with leaders |
12/1 |
Abandoned
Form: /2305/
Last run: 573 days
W: 11st 0lb
8 yo Gelding
OR: 96
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
8th Apr 2025 Good 2m 3f 61y Class 5 |
11st 12lb |
Won a Kelso novice hurdle in first-time cheekpieces last May (2m1f, good to soft); disappointing all three starts since, the second over 2m6f on soft at Newcastle; new headgear needs to bring about improvement. |
12/1 |
|
1 |
8th Apr 2025 Good 2m 3f 61y Class 5 |
11st 12lb |
led, not fluent 2nd, headed before 6th, weakened after 4 out |
12/1 |
|
7th 4 |
22nd Feb 2025 Good To Soft 2m 0f 190y Class 5 |
11st 11lb |
10yo who won a Kelso novice hurdle last May but has been below that level since in handicaps over fences and hurdles; does have placed form in handicaps in this discipline but last two runs were offputting. |
14/1 |
Abandoned
Form: -31816
Last run: 37 days
W: 10st 13lb
6 yo Gelding
OR: 95
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1st 10 |
13th May 2026 Good 2m 4f 35y Class 5 |
10st 3lb |
Dual C&D winner in 2023 and is considerably lower in the weights now; raced lazily, tailed off, in a division of this last year (good; 5-1); missing from action since so it's tough to know how he'll fare; market check advised. |
25/1 |
|
8th 9 |
14th May 2025 Good 2m 4f 35y Class 5 |
10st 4lb |
Went close at Newcastle in January, but hasn't performed to the same level on his four runs since and his losing sequence continues. |
20/1 |
Abandoned
Form: 456
Last run: 26 days
W: 10st 10lb
5 yo Gelding
OR: 92
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
4th 11 |
19th May 2026 Good To Soft 2m 7f 63y Class 5 |
10st 3lb |
Has produced a couple of fair efforts in defeat, including a 10l third over C&D in this headgear combination in December 2024, but subsequent runs were disappointing; returns from a lengthy absence with major questions to answer. |
33/1 |
|
9th 9 |
14th Apr 2025 Good 2m 4f 28y Class 5 |
10st 5lb |
never going well, always behind |
25/1 |
|
9th 9 |
14th Apr 2025 Good 2m 4f 28y Class 5 |
10st 5lb |
never going well, always behind |
25/1 |
Abandoned
Form: 478-
Last run: 211 days
W: 10st 10lb
7 yo Gelding
OR: 92
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1st 5 |
16th Dec 2024 Good To Soft 2m 4f 88y Class 5 |
11st 5lb |
Fairly promising fourth on hurdle debut in March 2023 and this lightly raced 8yo is one to watch in the betting following an absence; however, he made no impact when sixth late last year in his first two handicaps. |
12/1 |
|
1st 5 |
16th Dec 2024 Good To Soft 2m 4f 88y Class 5 |
11st 5lb |
Fairly promising fourth on hurdle debut in March 2023 and this lightly raced 8yo is one to watch in the betting following an absence; however, he made no impact when sixth late last year in his first two handicaps. |
12/1 |
|
6th 3 |
26th Dec 2023 Good To Soft 2m 7f 191y Class 5 |
11st 8lb |
In the frame in two Irish points in 2021; mainly modest form over hurdles, including on handicap debut here in November (2m4f, good to soft); stable in fine form and he's likely to fare better now upped in trip and switched to fences. |
11/2 |
Abandoned
Form: 8P663-
Last run: 211 days
W: 10st 9lb
5 yo Gelding
OR: 91
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
8 |
6th May 2026 Good To Soft 3m 2f 105y Class 4 |
11st 4lb |
Returned to hurdling after a layoff with a narrow win at Ffos Las (3m, soft) in November; has had another break since but still looks on a workable mark and has shaped as though this new trip should be within range; shortlisted. |
7/2 |
|
6th 6 |
6th Apr 2025 Good To Soft 2m 7f 177y Class 5 |
11st 10lb |
Runner-up on chasing debut at Uttoxeter (3m, soft) last May, despite some rather sketchy jumping, and returned from a layoff with good hurdle run in January; below form twice since, though (chase/hurdle), and needs a boost from the new cheekpieces. |
12/1 |
|
6th 6 |
6th Apr 2025 Good To Soft 2m 7f 177y Class 5 |
11st 10lb |
Runner-up on chasing debut at Uttoxeter (3m, soft) last May, despite some rather sketchy jumping, and returned from a layoff with good hurdle run in January; below form twice since, though (chase/hurdle), and needs a boost from the new cheekpieces. |
12/1 |
Abandoned
Form: /68P4-
Last run: 224 days
W: 10st 6lb
6 yo Gelding
OR: 88
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
9th 10 |
26th Mar 2026 Good 2m 7f 136y Class 5 |
10st 11lb |
Won chase debut in February 2025 and back to form with blinkers enlisted when second on last two outings, but all three of those runs were over 2m and there is plenty to prove judged on his attempts at 2m4f/3m; cheekpieces return and their previous usage includes that one win. |
9/1 |
|
2nd 5 |
6th Mar 2026 Soft 1m 7f 201y Class 5 |
10st 12lb |
Took a step forward in a change of headgear when second of eight in handicap over C&D 22 day ago, hindered by a blunder two out; this C&D winner is a likely player if blinkers have the same effect a second time. |
9/2 |
|
2nd 8 |
12th Feb 2026 Heavy 1m 7f 201y Class 5 |
10st 12lb |
Opened his account when winning on chase debut over C&D (soft) last February but he's not come close to that form in four subsequent runs; overall record is now 1-21 and he needs new headgear to give him a boost. |
7/1 |
Abandoned
Form: -64561 D
Last run: 67 days
W: 10st 2lb
6 yo Gelding
OR: 82
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
6th 15 |
10th Jan 2024 Good To Soft 3m 0f 84y Class 5 |
10st 8lb |
Narrow Cartmel winner off 2lb higher in August (2m6f, good to soft) but below form both starts since and stamina has not been proved beyond that, including in two runs last year over 2m7f. |
66/1 |
|
9th 10 |
26th Dec 2023 Good To Soft 2m 4f 139y Class 5 |
10st 9lb |
Cartmel winner in August (2m6f, good to soft) and not disgraced over 2m7f here on only run since; could go well again. |
50/1 |
|
7th 6 |
16th Nov 2023 Good To Soft 2m 7f 16y Class 5 |
10st 11lb |
raced wide, midfield, no impression before 3 out |
16/1 |
Verdict
The suggestion in a very open handicap is MISTER BARCLAY who shaped nicely on his final start and should benefit from today’s step up in distance. Sea Village is another lightly raced runner who is now sent further and he’s second choice followed by Presenting Nelly.[Alistair Jones]
Selections
WEST COUNTRY:
Stratton OakmontDaily Record:
Bridget BreezeTOPSPEED:
Annaharvey LadThe Times:
Mister BarclayD Express:
Sea VillageThe Guardian:
Copshill LadDaily Mirror:
Copshill LadTelegraph:
Presenting Nelly