15.20
SoftLuke Watson Memorial “National Hunt” Maiden Hurdle (GBB Race)
- Prize money: £4356.8
- 2m 5f 55y
- Class 4
- 16 runners
Runners: 16 runners
Type: Hurdle Turf
Surface: Turf
Weather: Cloudy
100/30 (Won)
- Win: £4.20
- Place: £1.60
Form: 3P2-72
Last run: 25 days
W: 11st 8lb
7 yo Gelding
OR: 112
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
5 |
14th Jan 2026 Good 2m 7f 91y Class 4 |
11st 10lb |
He's just 1lb higher than when winning at Southwell (3m, good to soft) last March; Ascot in November was a step back in the right direction but he was still below his best and this 9yo needs to raise his game today. |
20/1 |
|
9 |
24th Oct 2025 Good 3m 1f 0y Class 3 |
11st 8lb |
Spoiled chance by jumping poorly on final appearance last season but won with considerable authority at Southwell (3m, good to soft) two starts ago and has good claims if able to repeat that performance. |
14/1 |
|
4th 2 |
5th Apr 2025 Good 2m 7f 131y Class 4 |
11st 10lb |
didn't jump well, disputed lead, lost position when slow jump 2nd, led before 8th, headed 8th, lost position after 4 out, soon weakened |
6/4 |
5/1
- Place: £1.70
Form: 2
Last run: 27 days
W: 11st 8lb
7 yo Gelding
OR: —
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
14th 6 |
11th Apr 2026 Good To Soft 4m 2f 74y Class 1 |
11st 10lb |
In the last 13 months he's won Cheltenham's NH Chase (3m6f), the Irish National (3m5f), a hurdle race, Welsh National (near 3m7f; 12lb higher today) and a Newbury Grade 2; no way can he be ruled out, particularly as he finished well on top in those four chases, but there have also been two major blips this season; latest was in the Cheltenham Gold Cup, for which he was just 6-1 and made most but went to nothing turning for home (writing on the wall four out); however, he's bounced back before, the likely tempo of this race can suit him better and the trip looks like doing so as well. |
16/1 |
|
6 |
13th Mar 2026 Good 3m 2f 70y Class 1 |
11st 10lb |
Prominent-racer who won the NH Chase (Handicap) at this meeting 12 months ago (3m6f, good to soft) and bounced back from November's Betfair Chase flop to win the Welsh National (3m6f, good to soft) and also the Grade 2 Denman Chase (2m7f, heavy); this highly progressive 9yo is now 6-8 over fences and should prove well suited to the demands of today's race, all the more so if there's rain and stamina is at a premium; firmly in calculations. |
5/1 |
|
1st 3 |
7th Feb 2026 Soft 2m 7f 91y Class 1 |
11st 6lb |
Superbly progressive novice last term, winning Cheltenham's NH Chase (3m6f, good to soft) and the Irish National (3m5f, soft to heavy); hurdles win here in November before something seemed amiss in a Grade 1 at Haydock 16 days later, but he bounced back from that with a sparkling display to dominate the Welsh National (3m6f) six weeks ago; that was another serious advance and he looks like earning his place in top Graded races after this. |
4/5 |
8/1
- Place: £2.20
Form: 352-3 BF
Last run: 48 days
W: 11st 8lb
6 yo Gelding
OR: —
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2nd 1 |
24th Apr 2026 Good 2m 7f 180y Class 4 |
11st 13lb |
Went up 5lb for beating an exposed rival at Southwell (2m4f, soft; fine on good to soft) but he still ran well in a Class 3 at Newbury (2m6f) that didn't go entirely like clockwork; he could yet raise his bar higher; much respected. |
3/1 |
|
3rd 4 |
20th Mar 2026 Good To Soft 2m 6f 93y Class 3 |
11st 6lb |
An improving chaser who did well to overcome a late mistake and get up at Southwell (2m4f, soft; fine on good to soft); he is 5lb higher for beating an exposed rival that day and this represents a harder assignment; still commands considerable respect. |
11/4 |
|
1st 4 |
18th Feb 2026 2m 4f 88y Class 4 |
11st 6lb |
Fontwell maiden hurdle winner in May 2024 who's been competitive since handicapping over fences this term, bang there when coming down two out at Haydock (2m4f) in December before finishing runner-up in staying chases at Huntingdon and Warwick (all good to soft); drop back in trip probably no bother and he's a firm contender once more. |
7/4 |
12/1
Form: 84
Last run: 92 days
W: 11st 8lb
6 yo Gelding
OR: —
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2 |
9th Oct 2024 Good 3m 2f 59y Class 5 |
12st 0lb |
held up in rear, not fluent 1st, brief headway 4th |
9/2 |
|
7th 3 |
6th Sep 2024 Good 2m 3f 123y Class 5 |
11st 11lb |
Kept on for third in Uttoxeter novice (2m7f, good; first-time tongue-tie) for Fergal O'Brien in June but left that yard after lesser effort in July; drops back in trip for stable/handicap debut; may still have potential but others here appeal more. |
12/1 |
|
5th 8 |
18th Jul 2024 Good 2m 7f 0y Class 4 |
11st 4lb |
Back to form when upped in trip in first-time tongue-tie at Uttoxeter (2m7f, good) last month, finishing third; leading candidate today. |
3/1 |
12/1
Form: 54
Last run: 34 days
W: 11st 8lb
5 yo Gelding
OR: —
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
5th 2 |
13th Apr 2026 Good To Soft 3m 0f 41y Class 5 |
11st 11lb |
Inconsistent this season and well beaten at Bangor a fortnight ago; however, he won off this mark at Catterick (3m1f, good) in November and was a good second over C&D (good to soft) last March; shouldn't be written off. |
16/1 |
|
7th 1 |
31st Mar 2026 Good 3m 0f 30y Class 5 |
12st 0lb |
Only 1lb higher than for his Catterick win in November (3m1f, good) and went close back there in January; does have his off days (finished last when third on final run) but there's a big run in him if he fancies it. |
8/1 |
|
3rd 1 |
13th Mar 2026 Good 3m 2f 1y Class 5 |
12st 0lb |
Capable on his day as he showed when winning at Catterick in November (3m1f, good); poor efforts in two of his three runs since; hard to assess. |
4/1 |
5/1
Form: 321 C
Last run: 30 days
W: 11st 8lb
5 yo Gelding
OR: —
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
5th 4 |
18th May 2024 Good 2m 0f 145y Class 4 |
11st 4lb |
didn't always jump with fluency, prominent, outpaced from 3 out |
7/2 |
|
5th 4 |
18th May 2024 Good 2m 0f 145y Class 4 |
11st 4lb |
Placed in his first two bumpers before battling well to win at Ludlow in December; held in sixth of 16 on his hurdling debut at Ludlow (2m5f, soft) in January but he still showed promise behind a fairly useful rival in that race; sets the standard on that form and he's respected back in trip. |
7/2 |
|
6th 13 |
5th Jan 2024 Soft 2m 5f 55y Class 4 |
11st 8lb |
Placed in his first two bumpers before battling well to win here (2m, soft) on his return last month; out of a half-sister to a fairly useful jumps winner (2m2f/2m3f) and he should have a future in this sphere; needs close look on hurdling debut. |
5/1 |
100/1
Form: 5-0
Last run: 21 days
W: 11st 1lb
7 yo Mare
OR: —
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
6th 6 |
20th May 2025 Good 3m 0f 60y Class 5 |
10st 11lb |
Given significant boost by first-time cheekpieces when causing 33-1 surprise over C&D (good to soft) in March but was pulled up after jumping poorly on next outing and it's hard to know what to expect from her today. |
11/2 |
|
6th 6 |
20th May 2025 Good 3m 0f 60y Class 5 |
10st 11lb |
Given significant boost by first-time cheekpieces when causing 33-1 surprise over C&D (good to soft) in March but was pulled up after jumping poorly on next outing and it's hard to know what to expect from her today. |
11/2 |
|
10 |
27th Mar 2025 Good 3m 2f 0y Class 5 |
10st 7lb |
Escapes a penalty for recent 3m win at Southwell (good to soft), which was her first run in cheekpieces and the second after wind surgery; clearly a strong contender if she's as good again. |
2/1 |
11/4
Form: 65-02
Last run: 27 days
W: 11st 8lb
6 yo Gelding
OR: —
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
4th 2 |
14th Apr 2025 Good 3m 1f 0y Class 4 |
11st 12lb |
raced in second, not fluent and jumped left 1st, not fluent 4 out, soon dropped to last, weakened after 2 out |
6/1 |
|
4th 2 |
14th Apr 2025 Good 3m 1f 0y Class 4 |
11st 12lb |
raced in second, not fluent and jumped left 1st, not fluent 4 out, soon dropped to last, weakened after 2 out |
6/1 |
|
4th 3 |
18th Mar 2025 Good 2m 7f 25y Class 4 |
11st 11lb |
raced in second, jumped left 2nd, overjumped 3rd, outpaced 3 out, weakened approaching last, tailed off |
4/1 |
40/1
Form: 4
Last run: 29 days
W: 11st 8lb
6 yo Gelding
OR: —
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2nd 1 |
22nd Mar 2025 Good 2m 7f 32y Class 5 |
12st 0lb |
towards rear on outer |
8/1 |
|
14th 13 |
24th Jan 2025 Good To Soft 3m 0f 84y Class 4 |
11st 4lb |
always behind |
14/1 |
|
14th 13 |
24th Jan 2025 Good To Soft 3m 0f 84y Class 4 |
11st 4lb |
always behind |
14/1 |
25/1
Form: 6-5
Last run: 45 days
W: 11st 8lb
6 yo Gelding
OR: —
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
5th 6 |
26th Mar 2026 Good 2m 0f 16y Class 5 |
11st 2lb |
Disappointed when made favourite at Taunton (2m3f, heavy) last month, after a layoff, but is now 6lb lower than when placed in first-time cheekpieces at Stratford (2m2f, good to soft) just over a year ago, and can rebound on the less testing ground here. |
9/2 |
|
9 |
3rd Feb 2026 Heavy 2m 3f 1y Class 5 |
10st 9lb |
0-7 over hurdles; absent since placed in first-time cheekpieces at Stratford (2m2f, good to soft) last March and not sure to be suited by the slower ground here but it's interesting that Sean Bowen is booked again. |
9/2 |
|
3rd 14 |
10th Mar 2025 Good To Soft 2m 2f 148y Class 4 |
10st 8lb |
pressed leaders, reminder after 3 out |
25/1 |
25/1
Form: —
Last run: —
W: 11st 8lb
6 yo Gelding
OR: —
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
7th 3 |
23rd Jan 2024 Soft 2m 4f 110y Class 4 |
11st 5lb |
held up in rear, some headway 4 out, no impression before 3 out |
50/1 |
|
0 4 |
5th Jan 2024 Soft 2m 5f 55y Class 4 |
11st 8lb |
Made it 0-6 in Irish points when a well-held fourth of 13 at Lingstown (3m, soft) on his comeback in November; this looks a tough enough starting point over hurdles and is best watched on his stable debut. |
25/1 |
16/1
Form: 464
Last run: 48 days
W: 11st 8lb
5 yo Gelding
OR: —
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
6th 7 |
26th Sep 2025 Good 2m 7f 0y Class 4 |
11st 1lb |
Won well at Hereford (3m1f) last December; absent since creditable second at Huntingdon in February; has a modest record when fresh but market support should be noted. |
7/1 |
|
5 |
20th Feb 2025 Good To Soft 3m 1f 10y Class 4 |
11st 5lb |
Won here last April and registered his second handicap win when comfortably in front at Hereford (3m2f, good to soft) in December; the latter was his first attempt at this sort of trip but he flopped when 7-4 favourite at Wincanton five weeks ago; major player if bouncing straight back. |
7/2 |
|
12 |
16th Jan 2025 Good To Soft 3m 0f 150y Class 3 |
10st 5lb |
visibility reduced by fog |
6/1 |
16/1
Form: 904-P
Last run: 27 days
W: 11st 8lb
6 yo Gelding
OR: —
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
7th 6 |
20th Apr 2024 Soft 2m 7f 32y Class 3 |
11st 6lb |
took keen hold, midfield, outpaced before 3 out, soon no impression |
50/1 |
|
7th 6 |
20th Apr 2024 Soft 2m 7f 32y Class 3 |
11st 6lb |
took keen hold, midfield, outpaced before 3 out, soon no impression |
50/1 |
|
0 8 |
5th Jan 2024 Soft 2m 5f 55y Class 4 |
11st 8lb |
Showed promise in his final bumper last season but he started his hurdling career with a pulled-up effort at Aintree (2m1f, heavy; 22-1) last month; this step up in trip looks a good move on pedigree but he has something to prove after that last run; one of two runners for the yard. |
16/1 |
100/1
Form: 7-
Last run: 480 days
W: 11st 8lb
7 yo Gelding
OR: —
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
7th 11 |
14th Jul 2024 Good 2m 6f 7y Class 5 |
10st 8lb |
Has shown little but makes handicap debut and his pedigree makes this trip look far more suitable than the 2m of last two outings. |
33/1 |
|
12th 4 |
8th Jun 2024 Good 2m 0f 145y Class 4 |
11st 2lb |
taken down early |
100/1 |
|
8th 7 |
1st Jun 2024 Good 2m 0f 0y Class 4 |
11st 2lb |
Well beaten in course bumper on debut in September and was behind well falling in Ludlow maiden hurdle in January. |
100/1 |
66/1
Form: 3
Last run: 19 days
W: 11st 8lb
6 yo Gelding
OR: —
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
11 |
18th Apr 2026 Good 3m 0f 30y Class 5 |
10st 9lb |
Only 1-8 in points; no worthwhile form under rules and now makes chase debut. |
33/1 |
|
5th 6 |
5th Mar 2026 Good To Soft 2m 5f 50y Class 4 |
11st 7lb |
Partnered by Huw Edwards when he won a Chaddesley Corbett maiden in April but his three starts under rules have been modest. |
66/1 |
66/1
Form: 5
Last run: 36 days
W: 11st 1lb
5 yo Filly
OR: —
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2nd 6 |
14th Apr 2026 Good 2m 5f 89y Class 1 |
11st 4lb |
Launched chasing career with two wins in the autumn (2m4f/2m7f) and came second in two subsequent Listed races (hurdle/chase); lost out only narrowly to a next-time-out winner when back in a handicap at Leicester (2m4f, good to soft) last month and has a fighting chance here. |
3/1 |
|
2nd 1 |
6th Mar 2026 Soft 2m 4f 25y Class 4 |
12st 2lb |
Won handicaps in the autumn on first two chase starts (2m4f/2m7f, good/good to soft) and runner-up in Listed races on both outings since, over hurdles at Doncaster (3m, good to soft) and fences at Newbury (2m7f, good to soft); leading claims back in handicap company. |
10/11 |
+o+e Accumulators
| Payout | |
|---|---|
| Exacta | £17.40 |
| Straight Forecast | £15.05 |
| Trifecta | £86.80 |
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