16.05
SoftValda Energy Novices’ Handicap Hurdle (GBB Race)
- Prize money: £10562
- 2m 0f 87y
- Class 3
- 17 runners
Runners: 17 runners
Type: Hurdle Turf
Surface: Turf
Weather: Mostly cloudy
11/4 (Won)
- Win: £3.00
- Place: £1.60
Form: /212-1 D
Last run: 187 days
W: 11st 12lb
5 yo Gelding
OR: 121
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
7 |
11th Apr 2026 Good To Soft 3m 0f 149y Class 1 |
11st 10lb |
Relished step up in trip when winning C&D handicap (good to soft) in November and won the Grade 2 Long Distance Hurdle at Newbury (3m, soft) and Grade 1 Long Walk at Ascot (3m, good to soft) on his next two starts, with Strong Leader in second on both occasions; below par at Cheltenham on last two runs (good record there previously) and it was disconcerting that he was pulled up in the Stayers', but he's in the picture if back to his best. |
13/2 |
|
8 |
12th Mar 2026 Good To Soft 2m 7f 213y Class 1 |
11st 10lb |
Handicap runner-up at last year's Festival; made it 3-3 over staying trips in the Grade 1 Long Walk at Ascot (3m, good to soft) in December; not seen to same effect when 7l second to Ma Shantou in the Grade 2 Cleeve Hurdle over C&D in January but was conceding 6lb to the winner and the soft going perhaps wasn't ideal; could have a part to play if bouncing back to his best. |
10/1 |
|
2nd 2 |
24th Jan 2026 Soft 2m 7f 213y Class 1 |
11st 8lb |
A revelation this season since upped to staying trips, winning a handicap at Aintree (3m, good to soft) and enjoying further success in Grade 2 Long Distance Hurdle at Newbury (3m, soft) and Grade 1 Long Walk at Ascot (3m, good to soft); beat Strong Leader by just over 1l last time and he's produced positive performances on both previous runs here; he's the one to beat. |
4/5 |
16/1
- Place: £3.20
Form: 3343-1 D
Last run: 35 days
W: 11st 3lb
5 yo Gelding
OR: 112
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2nd 4 |
17th Apr 2026 Soft 2m 4f 110y Class 2 |
11st 3lb |
Can make mistakes but he was runner-up twice in a row prior to winning a quality handicap at Cheltenham (2m4f, soft) in January, when clear with subsequent Ultima runner-up Jagwar; a 5lb rise for that career-best performance isn't harsh and he's entitled to respect. |
5/2 |
|
1st 7 |
24th Jan 2026 Soft 2m 4f 127y Class 1 |
10st 8lb |
Hard to knock in terms of consistency and he again ran creditably when second of seven at Chepstow (2m3f, good to soft) on Welsh National day; however, he's prone to the odd mistake and may not get away with them on his first run over fences at Cheltenham. |
12/1 |
|
3rd 1 |
28th Oct 2025 Soft 2m 3f 83y Class 3 |
12st 0lb |
Struck form over fences at start of this year, winning over 2m3f on soft ground at Exeter and Chepstow; subsequent 261-day break may have checked his momentum but further progress is possible this season. |
4/1 |
11/2
- Place: £1.90
Form: 344-11 D
Last run: 20 days
W: 11st 11lb
7 yo Gelding
OR: 120
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2 |
29th Dec 2024 Good To Soft 2m 1f 14y Class 3 |
11st 12lb |
It was only his second run over fences but he jumped well when pulling clear with the favourite at Wetherby (1m7f, good to soft) and a 6lb rise seems fair; good chance. |
13/8 |
|
2 |
29th Dec 2024 Good To Soft 2m 1f 14y Class 3 |
11st 12lb |
It was only his second run over fences but he jumped well when pulling clear with the favourite at Wetherby (1m7f, good to soft) and a 6lb rise seems fair; good chance. |
13/8 |
|
5 |
27th Dec 2024 Good To Soft 1m 7f 36y Class 2 |
10st 13lb
|
|
20/1
- Place: £4.00
Form: 35-315
Last run: 20 days
W: 11st 4lb
4 yo Gelding
OR: 113
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
3 |
24th Mar 2025 Good 2m 5f 82y Class 4 |
11st 8lb |
Pretty consistent over fences and hurdles on good/good to soft ground this season and has slipped to a good mark; campaigned mainly at around 2m but has won over an extended 2m3f; probably won't be far away. |
5/2 |
|
5th 8 |
1st Mar 2025 Good To Soft 2m 0f 128y Class 4 |
11st 4lb |
Seemed in good form over fences before the turn of the year and reportedly suffered an overreach on his return to hurdling at Musselburgh; on a competitive mark. |
12/1 |
|
5th 2 |
1st Feb 2025 Good To Soft 1m 7f 124y Class 4 |
11st 13lb |
Fair efforts in the autumn across first three chase starts, finishing second last time (2m, good) despite not jumping well; on a handy mark on last season's best hurdle form; could be a contender now back in this sphere. |
8/1 |
16/1
Form: 5-22
Last run: 35 days
W: 11st 0lb
5 yo Gelding
OR: 109
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2nd 1 |
4th Mar 2024 Soft 3m 0f 217y Class 4 |
12st 0lb |
took keen hold, disputed lead, good jump 4 out, going best when not fluent 3 out, soon led clearly, faced challenge 2 out, headed last, kept on run-in |
9/4 |
25/1
Form: 0F5332
Last run: 20 days
W: 10st 12lb
5 yo Gelding
OR: 107
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
6 |
19th Jan 2026 Soft 2m 3f 110y Class 5 |
10st 5lb |
Maiden who was big prices and well held throughout 2025; goes without regular headgear but hard to foresee a good run from out of the weights. |
66/1 |
|
11 |
31st Oct 2025 Good 1m 7f 168y Class 5 |
10st 3lb |
Pulled up on both outings this season (2m4f/2m7f) and now 0-29 over hurdles; drops back to about 2m and swaps cheekpieces for first-time visor here; very difficult to enthuse over. |
50/1 |
|
11 |
31st Oct 2025 Good 1m 7f 168y Class 5 |
10st 3lb |
Pulled up on both outings this season (2m4f/2m7f) and now 0-29 over hurdles; drops back to about 2m and swaps cheekpieces for first-time visor here; very difficult to enthuse over. |
50/1 |
7/1
Form: /9092/
Last run: 691 days
W: 10st 13lb
6 yo Gelding
OR: 108
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
8th 12 |
15th Nov 2024 Good 2m 0f 87y Class 3 |
11st 1lb |
Close up when placed in two run-of-the-mill handicap hurdles this season (2m2f/2m) but he's 0-12 in this sphere now and his two Flat runs in September were disappointing; needs to raise his game. |
10/1 |
9/1
Form: 9-23
Last run: 13 days
W: 11st 1lb
5 yo Gelding
OR: 110
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
No Results Found |
8/1
Form: 05-402
Last run: 38 days
W: 11st 5lb
4 yo Gelding
OR: 114
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
6th Aug 2024 Good To Yielding 2m 4f 44y |
11st 12lb |
Now 0-14 over hurdles but several solid runs in handicaps over this trip; well below best back in maiden company at Sligo last time but on best form holds every chance here in a weak enough maiden. |
15/8 |
|
5th 3 |
11th Jun 2024 Good 2m 1f 182y |
11st 12lb |
Several solid runs in handicaps but didn't seem to stay 2m6f when disappointing at Tramore last time; has a chance if bouncing back |
3/1 |
|
4th 1 |
1st Jun 2024 Soft 2m 5f 175y |
12st 0lb |
midfield |
5/1 |
40/1
Form: 5-7577
Last run: 55 days
W: 10st 10lb
6 yo Gelding
OR: 105
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2 |
24th Apr 2026 Good To Soft 2m 3f 104y Class 5 |
11st 12lb |
Both wins on heavy, latterly a 2m chase at Leicester in February; creditable third at Plumpton next time but didn't jump well when remote fourth over 2m5f here (good to soft) four weeks ago; on the back of that the cheekpieces he's worn on his last five outings are replaced by a first-time visor. |
12/1 |
|
4th 1 |
27th Mar 2026 Good To Soft 2m 5f 135y Class 5 |
12st 0lb |
The ground was heavy for his hurdle win in Ireland (2m3f) and when scoring by 8l at Leicester two runs ago (2m), opening his chase account after wind surgery; ran okay off this 7lb higher mark at Plumpton (soft) latest but drying conditions might not be favourable. |
11/4 |
12/1
Form: 1222- D BF
Last run: 207 days
W: 11st 3lb
4 yo Gelding
OR: 112
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
9th 2 |
14th Jan 2026 Good 2m 0f 69y Class 4 |
11st 13lb |
Close fourth of 17 at in the Imperial Cup at Sandown (2m, good to soft) last March and now 5lb lower; it was his chase debut when pulled up at Lingfield in November but he nevertheless arrives with something to prove regarding his current form; wears first-time cheekpieces. |
20/1 |
|
12 |
24th Oct 2025 Good 2m 3f 200y Class 3 |
11st 1lb |
Fourth in Greatwood Hurdle here (2m, good) last November and kept on from poor position to fill same spot in Imperial Cup at Sandown (2m, good to soft) in March; unexposed over 2m4f but, on balance, others appeal more. |
14/1 |
15/2
Form: O7-412 D
Last run: 12 days
W: 11st 3lb
4 yo Gelding
OR: 112
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
8th 13 |
26th Jan 2025 Soft 2m 2f 150y |
11st 0lb |
Won a Roscommon maiden and touched off by a progressive sort in a Cork handicap in the second half of 2023; down the field at Punchestown in November on first run for ten months; hard to fancy; first time with cheekpieces. |
20/1 |
|
8th 13 |
26th Jan 2025 Soft 2m 2f 150y |
11st 0lb |
prominent, not fluent 4th |
20/1 |
|
15th 13 |
23rd Nov 2024 Yielding 2m 3f 87y |
11st 1lb |
Flat maiden showed improved form in this discipline, winning a Roscommon maiden and touched off by a progressive sort in a Cork handicap, before disappointing at Cheltenham and Leopardstown; off the track 333 days; hard to fancy on return. |
33/1 |
20/1
Form: -34662
Last run: 18 days
W: 10st 8lb
5 yo Gelding
OR: 103
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1st 1 |
9th May 2026 Good 3m 0f 0y Class 5 |
12st 0lb |
Two good runs behind subsequent winners at Hereford and Catterick (both 3m1f, good) in late 2025; always struggling over an inadequate 1m7f at Wincanton (no headgear; cheekpieces return) in April and perhaps fortunate to get dropped 2lb; fair chance of another win. |
7/2 |
18/1
Form: 2-2235
Last run: 55 days
W: 11st 10lb
6 yo Gelding
OR: 119
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
3rd 7 (1) |
12th May 2026 Good 2m 0f 182y |
11st 7lb |
Strong stayer with the form to feature off this mark but he has been very quiet in two runs over hurdles this year. |
10/1 |
|
14 |
5th Apr 2026 Good To Yielding 2m 3f 0y |
10st 10lb |
Is just 1-27 over hurdles and was well beaten here last time after a break; can improve on that but plenty others preferred. |
40/1 |
|
8th 1 |
19th Mar 2026 Yielding To Soft 3m 0f 45y |
11st 12lb |
Last three runs in 2025 were over shorter trips; best form has been at 2m6f, including when second at Killarney last August; each-way chance. |
13/2 |
28/1
Form: 212903
Last run: 15 days
W: 10st 9lb
5 yo Gelding
OR: 104
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
3rd 7 |
27th May 2026 Good To Yielding 2m 1f 0y |
10st 12lb |
Three-time winner over hurdles; totally out of form over fences, pulled up on last three starts; blinkers tried now; main positive is that he has often run well at this venue, placed four times from seven visits, including twice last summer. |
8/1 |
|
6 |
10th Apr 2026 Good To Yielding 2m 3f 100y |
11st 6lb |
Three-time winner over hurdles, 0-17 chasing but C&D second last summer off 5lb higher; has failed to complete last three outings so very hard to be confident in. |
14/1 |
|
12 |
5th Mar 2026 Soft To Heavy 2m 5f 110y |
10st 10lb |
Three-time winner over hurdles, 0-16 over fences, placed seven times; confidence possibly dented after two failures to complete. |
12/1 |
40/1
Form: 4-U118 D
Last run: 49 days
W: 10st 11lb
7 yo Gelding
OR: 106
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
11th Sep 2025 Good 1m 7f 214y Class 5 |
12st 0lb |
Won over hurdles on first two runs for this yard (2m/2m5f, soft/good to soft) and he returned from a long absence with a close third of five over fences here in July (good); down to a Class 5 here and should be on the premises if backing up that run. |
5/2 |
|
3rd 5 |
25th Jul 2025 Good 1m 7f 214y Class 4 |
10st 9lb |
Absent since November 2023 when tailed off in a Cheltenham handicap hurdle; won two minor hurdles earlier that year and Olly Murphy could easily get him back on track; tailed off on sole chase start when trained in Ireland. |
8/1 |
20/1
Form: 4F6-2
Last run: 37 days
W: 11st 11lb
8 yo Gelding
OR: 120
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
19th 15 |
26th Dec 2023 Yielding To Soft 2m 0f 0y |
10st 12lb |
midfield |
20/1 |
|
17th 4 |
17th Nov 2023 Soft 2m 0f 87y Class 3 |
11st 11lb |
One 2m win from 21 races on the Flat, showing fair form; has shown ability in all four starts (maidens) over hurdles, the latest when runner-up to an impressive odds-on winner at Punchestown in October; could have more to give in this sphere and it is needed. |
20/1 |
Non-runners
Innatendue
+o+e Accumulators
| Payout | |
|---|---|
| Exacta | £35.80 |
| Straight Forecast | £28.01 |
| Tricast | £121.74 |
| Trifecta | £246.00 |
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