November 11 / 13.35 Aintree

13.35

Soft

Pertemps Network Handicap Hurdle (Pertemps Hurdle Series Qualifier) (GBB Race)

  • Prize money: £15609
  • 3m 0f 149y
  • Class 2
  • 11 runners
RTV
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Pertemps Network Handicap Hurdle (Pertemps Hurdle Series Qualifier) (GBB Race)

Runners: 11 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Scattered showers

11/1 (Won)

  • Win: £10.80
  • Place: £2.80

Form: 984-05

Last run: 34 days

W: 10st 10lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 124

Form & Verdict
Second in Grade 1 novice over C&D (good to soft; acts on soft) in April 2022; at least a notch below that form throughout last season and well beaten both starts this term (May and October) but he's now 19lb below the mark he had this time last year.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

7

24th Feb 2024

Heavy

2m 7f 131y

Class 2

15:08 Chepstow

Gentleman At Arms

11st 3lb

J: Harry Atkins

T: Stuart Edmunds

Had a career-low jumps mark when winning at Aintree (3m, soft) in November; that was a doughty performance but he reverted to heavy defeats on both starts since; has been wearing cheekpieces but now tries a visor; 7lb claimer is recruited.

25/1

7th

4

13th Jan 2024

Soft

3m 1f 0y

Class 2

13:49 Warwick

Gentleman At Arms

11st 2lb

J: Ciaran Gethings

T: Stuart Edmunds

Well down the weights and took advantage with Aintree win (3m, soft) in November; that was a doughty performance but he reverted to a heavy defeat when back up 5lb at Newbury three weeks later; needs more like the novice form he showed in the 2021-22 season.

12/1

11th

5

1st Dec 2023

Good To Soft

3m 0f 52y

Class 2

15:35 Newbury

Gentleman At Arms

11st 4lb

J: Ciaran Gethings

T: Stuart Edmunds

Well down weights and took advantage with Aintree win (3m, soft) three weeks ago; that was a doughty performance but he's back up 5lb and probably now needs more like the novice form he showed in the 2021-22 season.

8/1

11/2

  • Place: £2.30

Form: 11/15- D

Last run: 238 days

W: 11st 12lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 140

Form & Verdict
4-6 over fences, including wins in the 2021 Welsh National (3m6f, soft) and last season's Classic Chase at Warwick (3m5f, heavy); disappointing in the 4m2f Midlands National in March when last seen; this is his first hurdle race since April 2021 but he's on 13lb lower than his chase mark and has a good record coming back from a break.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

12th Mar 2025

Good To Soft

3m 5f 56y

Class 2

15:20 Cheltenham

Iwilldoit

11st 3lb

J: Dylan Johnston

T: Sam Thomas

Lightly raced since Welsh Grand National success in 2021 but a commendable third in this season's edition of that race (3m6f, soft) in December and again ran very well at Haydock (3m1f, soft) in January; drying ground will reduce his appeal but he has possibilities if he enjoys this new test.

20/1

2nd

3

18th Jan 2025

Heavy

3m 1f 125y

Class 1

14:30 Haydock

Iwilldoit

10st 12lb

J: Dylan Johnston

T: Sam Thomas

Won the Welsh National (3m6f, soft) in 2021 and the Warwick Classic (3m5f, heavy) in 2023; now 12 but he was a fine third in the Welsh National (3m6f, soft) three weeks ago and his surplus stamina may be no bad thing today; possible player if this doesn't come too soon after his hard Chepstow race.

9/1

2nd

3

18th Jan 2025

Heavy

3m 1f 125y

Class 1

14:30 Haydock

Iwilldoit

10st 12lb

J: Dylan Johnston

T: Sam Thomas

Won the Welsh National (3m6f, soft) in 2021 and the Warwick Classic (3m5f, heavy) in 2023; now 12 but he was a fine third in the Welsh National (3m6f, soft) three weeks ago and his surplus stamina may be no bad thing today; possible player if this doesn't come too soon after his hard Chepstow race.

9/1

OUR TIP

4/1

  • Place: £1.60

Form: 0-8435

Last run: 50 days

W: 12st 0lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 142

Form & Verdict
Made the frame twice at the Galway Festival early in August; all but two of his races have been at up to 2m1f but the second Galway run was 2m6f on soft; also ran creditably back at 2m on latest start; 3m is unknown territory and he's unraced on heavy but this race is also a marked drop in class.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

2

26th Feb 2026

Soft

3m 0f 26y

Class 3

16:10 Wetherby

Icare Allen

12st 0lb

J: Benjamin Macey

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

Inconsistent but he won at Uttoxeter (2m4f, good) last July and returned from a break with a close third here (2m5f, soft) on Boxing Day, staying on nicely; he's fine at this trip; not his fault when unseating mid-race at Haydock last month; could be involved.

12/1

6

17th Jan 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 58y

Class 3

14:35 Haydock

Icare Allen

11st 2lb

J: Jonjo O’Neill Jr

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

Inconsistent but he won at Uttoxeter (2m4f, good) last July and returned from a break with a close third at Wetherby (2m5f, soft) on Boxing Day, staying on nicely; he'll be fine now back up in trip and could be involved.

11/1

4

26th Oct 2025

Good

3m 0f 149y

Class 3

12:40 Aintree

Icare Allen

11st 12lb

J: Benjamin Macey

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

Returned to form to win at Uttoxeter (2m4f, good) in July and again ran well when fourth there (2m4f, good) last month; stays this far and is effective on soft ground; goes well for Benjamin Macey, with form figures of 29214, and he could have a part to play.

6/1

Form: F1300-

Last run: 196 days

W: 10st 12lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 126

Form & Verdict
Tenth of 22 in C&D handicap (good to soft; acts on soft) in April, recording his highest rating but that shows improvement is still needed off 2lb lower today; off since a lesser run two weeks later; just a 6yo, starting his second campaign over hurdles.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11

17th Aug 2025

Good

2m 6f 0y

16:30 Tramore

Starzov

10st 3lb

J: Simon Torrens

T: P J Rothwell

Won twice over hurdles; no sign of similar form over fences; fell here in May, tailed off at Downpatrick last month, pulled up at Wexford last time.

25/1

12

6th Aug 2025

Good

3m 1f 70y

19:17 Wexford

Starzov

10st 0lb

J: Calum Hogan

T: P J Rothwell

Won twice over hurdles; no sign of similar form over fences; tailed off at Downpatrick last month; trainer has a better chance with Prince Zaltar.

16/1

4

14th Jul 2025

Good

2m 3f 100y

16:28 Downpatrick

Starzov

11st 6lb

J: Tiernan Power Roche

T: P J Rothwell

Dual hurdles winner but regressive last season; two chase efforts don't make him an obvious contender now on handicap debut unless first-time tongue-tie brings improvement.

10/1

Form: 112F1- D

Last run: 204 days

W: 10st 13lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 127

Form & Verdict
Half-brother to high-class Secret Investor; won sole start on soft (hurdles debut last November) but turned over at 2-5 sole start on heavy; he's just a 6yo, who should still have potential, and it's a striking plus that he saw out 3m so well to win on handicap debut at Ayr (good to soft) in April when last seen; one to note.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

1

17th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 26y

Class 4

16:22 Wetherby

Imperial Merlin

12st 0lb

J: Sean Quinlan

T: John & Sean Quinn

Pulled up at Warwick in January last time but was in pretty good heart towards the end of last year and he's now 1lb lower than when winning at Haydock (3m, good) last March; also handles soft; capable of going well.

12/1

1

23rd Jan 2026

Good To Soft

3m 1f 5y

Class 4

14:37 Warwick

Imperial Merlin

12st 2lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: John & Sean Quinn

Only 1lb higher than for his Haydock win over a similar trip last March; does have a lot of weight though and was only fifth at Haydock last time, finishing just behind Gwennie May Star.

8/1

2

5th Sep 2025

Good

2m 7f 32y

Class 3

16:45 Bangor-on-Dee

Imperial Merlin

11st 10lb

J: James Bowen

T: John & Sean Quinn

Not well handicapped but arrives here after a 3l second of eight at Uttoxeter when tried in cheekpieces (2m7f, good); no reason why he won't be involved once more.

6/1

Form: P/3PF- D

Last run: 238 days

W: 11st 1lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 129

Form & Verdict
Failed to complete over fences on three of his last four starts, with a fall when he tried cheekpieces in March on latest; his only two runs over hurdles were maiden/novice wins early in 2021; there are clearly risks but he has a competitive mark judged on best chase form, trip/ground probably fine and he has a good first-time-out record.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

4

4th Dec 2024

Heavy

3m 1f 125y

Class 2

14:45 Haydock

Omar Maretti

11st 0lb

J: Kielan Woods

T: Alex Hales

Easy winner of a four-runner handicap off this mark at Catterick in February (3m1f, heavy); not run quite as well since; usually needs a race after a break.

8/1

4th

4

4th Dec 2024

Heavy

3m 1f 125y

Class 2

14:45 Haydock

Omar Maretti

11st 0lb

J: Kielan Woods

T: Alex Hales

Easy winner of a four-runner handicap off this mark at Catterick in February (3m1f, heavy); not run quite as well since; usually needs a race after a break.

8/1

Form: 121PP- CD

Last run: 242 days

W: 11st 12lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 140

Form & Verdict
Had his fourth wind operation before a golden spell late last year, initiated by his win in this race; pulled up in his last two races last season, which has been followed by further wind surgery; acts in the mud; 8lb higher than this time last year, albeit 10lb below his chase figure.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

17th Jan 2025

Good To Soft

2m 7f 191y

Class 2

14:35 Market Rasen

Remastered

11st 5lb

J: David Noonan

T: David Pipe

led narrowly or disputed lead, prominent when headed 3rd, slow jump and lost position 4th, soon struggling, detached from 6th, soon pulled up

9/1

3

17th Jan 2025

Good To Soft

2m 7f 191y

Class 2

14:35 Market Rasen

Remastered

11st 5lb

J: David Noonan

T: David Pipe

2023 and 2024 did not go at all well until he won by a short head at Wincanton (extended 3m2f) in October last year; the fences have got in the way on both starts since and he's not the percentage call, but his old peak chase form was smart; blinkered first time.

9/1

40/1

Form: 224-29 D

Last run: 166 days

W: 11st 6lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 134

Form & Verdict
Made excellent progress in spring/summer 2022; only four races since, running creditably in two and tailed off in two; even if back on song, he does not look on a great mark and all his significant form is on good ground.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

3

27th May 2026

Good

2m 6f 31y

Class 4

19:08 Cartmel

Hillview

11st 7lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Gary Hanmer

Had struggled after returning from a long absence but last time was a bit better and Sean Bowen now takes over; could be interesting, for all that he's not shone around here in the past.

14/1

7th

1

18th Apr 2026

Good

2m 7f 32y

Class 4

16:42 Bangor-on-Dee

Hillview

12st 0lb

J: Benjamin Macey

T: Gary Hanmer

C&D winner who is well treated on his old form but he had a long spell on the sidelines before struggling at big prices in both runs this winter; hard to know how much ability remains and he has plenty to prove.

40/1

1

17th Jan 2026

Good To Soft

2m 5f 50y

Class 4

15:10 Haydock

Hillview

12st 0lb

J: Benjamin Macey

T: Gary Hanmer

Modest effort in small field on return from lengthy absence last time, albeit seeming to need the run; remains well treated on best form but needs to prove he retains that ability.

33/1

Form: 693-61 D

Last run: 53 days

W: 10st 12lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 126

Form & Verdict
Won both starts on heavy, albeit a long time ago; experienced over hurdles and fences; beaten just over 5l when ninth in the Pertemps Final at Cheltenham (3m, soft) in March off 1lb lower; back from summer break with a chase win at Uttoxeter in September; considered.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

2

18th Nov 2024

Good To Firm

2m 6f 151y

Class 4

14:10 Leicester

Risk And Roll

11st 13lb

J: Tabitha Worsley

T: James Evans

Point, hurdle and chase winner, mostly on slow ground; has won when fresh; below his last winning mark but has a bit to prove.

16/1

5th

2

18th Nov 2024

Good To Firm

2m 6f 151y

Class 4

14:10 Leicester

Risk And Roll

11st 13lb

J: Tabitha Worsley

T: James Evans

Point, hurdle and chase winner, mostly on slow ground; has won when fresh; below his last winning mark but has a bit to prove.

16/1

1

21st Jul 2024

Good

2m 6f 7y

Class 4

13:50 Stratford

Risk And Roll

12st 2lb

J: Tabitha Worsley

T: James Evans

Failed to give his running over fences last time but ran really well at Ascot the time before and he's capable over hurdles; not dismissed.

10/1

20/1

Form: P21P3- D

Last run: 210 days

W: 10st 7lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 121

Form & Verdict
Usually front-runs; won six-runner North Yorkshire National at Catterick (3m6f, heavy) in January, having been runner-up over hurdles the time before (2lb higher today); there are far too many modest shows for comfort these days, however, and he pulled up over hurdles on first two starts last term.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

1

30th Jan 2026

Soft

3m 1f 54y

Class 5

15:13 Catterick

Bushypark

12st 0lb

J: Joe Williamson

T: Philip Kirby

12yo who is without a win since December 2023 but he ran his best race for some time when fourth at Carlisle (3m2f, soft) in November and when seventh at Ayr last time he was back up in grade; his mark continues to fall and this front-runner, who has won here, could make a bold bid.

11/2

Form: 2/110- D

Last run: 280 days

W: 11st 5lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 133

Form & Verdict
10yo who is 6-14 over hurdles, returning from wind surgery to score in small fields at Carlisle (3m1f, soft) and Ayr (3m, heavy) last winter; did it in good style from the front for the second of those (held up time before) but tailed off in February on his only start since and sold for £1,500 out of Sandy Thomson's in May; needs to return with a new career high.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

4

12th May 2025

Good

3m 0f 60y

Class 4

17:15 Southwell

Storm Nelson

10st 11lb

J: William Maggs

T: Olly Williams

led, headed 7th, outpaced after 2 out (usual 3 out), weakened last

20/1

2nd

4

12th May 2025

Good

3m 0f 60y

Class 4

17:15 Southwell

Storm Nelson

10st 11lb

J: William Maggs

T: Olly Williams

led, headed 7th, outpaced after 2 out (usual 3 out), weakened last

20/1

6th

5

19th Apr 2025

Good

3m 1f 0y

Class 4

16:02 Carlisle

Storm Nelson

11st 1lb

J: William Maggs

T: Olly Williams

towards rear

16/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £101.90
Straight Forecast £82.23
Tricast £311.30
Trifecta £410.70

Selections

RP RATINGS:

Iwilldoit

SPOTLIGHT:

Imperial Merlin

TOPSPEED:

Icare Allen

WEST COUNTRY:

Remastered

D Express:

Starzov

The Times:

Gentleman At Arms

The Guardian:

Omar Maretti

The Star:

Storm Nelson

The Sun:

Imperial Merlin

Daily Mirror:

Icare Allen

POSTDATA:

Iwilldoit

Telegraph:

Iwilldoit

Daily Record:

Iwilldoit

Daily Mail:

Remastered