January 17 / 12.50 Newbury

12.50

Good To Soft

Newbury Welcomes Sky Sports Racing Novices’ Hurdle (Novices’ Championship Hdl Qualifier) (GBB)

  • Prize money: £5446
  • 2m 0f 69y
  • Class 3
  • 14 runners
SKY
View Course
Newbury Welcomes Sky Sports Racing Novices’ Hurdle (Novices’ Championship Hdl Qualifier) (GBB)

Runners: 14 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Cloudy

Form: 13-11 D

Last run: 36 days

W: 11st 12lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 128

Form & Verdict
Bumper winner; long odds-on in winning both his hurdles, by 10l at Ffos Las (soft) and 1l at Wincanton (heavy); didn't jump great either time so could be smart if ironing out that weakness; has to carry two penalties.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

4

31st Oct 2025

Good

1m 7f 214y

Class 3

15:05 Uttoxeter

Lump Sum

11st 5lb

J: Dylan Johnston

T: Sam Thomas

Smart hurdler who won Welsh Champion Hurdle at Ffos Las (2m, good to soft) on last season's reappearance and was subsequently second in Fighting Fifth at Newcastle and William Hill Hurdle at Newbury; absent since below-par run in March but still commands respect on chasing debut.

13/8

1st

4

31st Oct 2025

Good

1m 7f 214y

Class 3

15:05 Uttoxeter

Lump Sum

11st 5lb

J: Dylan Johnston

T: Sam Thomas

Smart hurdler who won Welsh Champion Hurdle at Ffos Las (2m, good to soft) on last season's reappearance and was subsequently second in Fighting Fifth at Newcastle and William Hill Hurdle at Newbury; absent since below-par run in March but still commands respect on chasing debut.

13/8

OUR TIP

Form: 1-1U D BF

Last run: 40 days

W: 11st 8lb

6 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Won point (soft), bumper (good) and soft-ground maiden hurdle at Sandown in November, all of them with a nice bit in hand; sent off 11-8, he looked in a spot of bother when unseating two out in Grade 2 back at Sandown last month and it could be that heavy ground was troubling him; evidently held in high regard by top team and remains exciting.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

9

15th May 2026

Good

2m 3f 200y

Class 3

17:45 Aintree

Southoftheborder

11st 2lb

J: Brendan Powell

T: Henrietta C Knight

Finally came good over fences at Kempton (2m2f, good) and nearly followed up at Market Rasen, albeit when odds-on for a four-runner race; nudged up another 3lb for that defeat but still one to consider.

7/2

2nd

2

14th Apr 2026

Good

2m 3f 34y

Class 4

16:30 Market Rasen

Southoftheborder

12st 0lb

J: Paul O’Brien

T: Henrietta C Knight

Took nine attempts to open chasing account but the form of his win at Kempton (2m2f, good) three weeks ago was nicely boosted by the runner-up on Saturday, and this fellow is still on a good mark after a 3lb rise.

2/1

1st

4

23rd Mar 2026

Good

2m 2f 0y

Class 4

15:30 Kempton

Southoftheborder

11st 8lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Henrietta C Knight

Record of 0-8 over rules fences but form is largely consistent and this second run since wind surgery may be the time to catch him, especially with Sean Bowen up for first time; interesting today.

3/1

Form: P

Last run: 36 days

W: 11st 2lb

6 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
150-1 at Ffos Las (2m maiden, heavy) where he was held up early and never figured before pulling up.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

23rd Jan 2024

Good To Soft

2m 0f 69y

Class 3

13:25 Newbury

Aworkingman

11st 8lb

J: Ben Poste

T: Michael Scudamore

Inauspicious debut (achieved nothing) in 2m maiden hurdle at Ffos Las six weeks ago; best watched.

200/1

0

2

12th Dec 2023

Soft

1m 7f 182y

Class 4

13:22 Ffos Las

Aworkingman

11st 6lb

J: Kielan Woods

T: Michael Scudamore

held up in rear, no impression after 4 out, pulled up before 3 out

33/1

Form: 59

Last run: 36 days

W: 11st 2lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Minor form in two points and a similar tale over hurdles, last time finishing tailed off in Lump Sum's race at Wincanton.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6

14th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

4m 2f 8y

Class 1

15:00 Uttoxeter

Aworkinprogress

11st 6lb

J: James Davies

T: Nick Gifford

Well named as a hurdler and proving a revelation over fences, racking up six wins in his seven starts; has the canny habit of never prevailing by wide margins, with none of those wins gained by more than two lengths; unraced over this far (the same can be said for many) but he stayed on best over 3m5f at Lingfield last time (soft) and he impressed in how he moved through that race; loves the mud, so the recent rain was a major blessing.

13/2

1st

8

19th Jan 2026

Soft

3m 4f 178y

Class 3

13:50 Lingfield

Aworkinprogress

11st 5lb

J: James Davies

T: Nick Gifford

Launched chasing career with five consecutive wins, the latest on seasonal debut at Uttoxeter (3m2f, heavy) in November; could still have more improvement to come over this new trip but needs to bounce back from last month's disappointing run.

8/1

26

13th Mar 2025

Good To Soft

3m 2f 0y

Class 2

17:20 Cheltenham

Aworkinprogress

10st 5lb

T: Nick Gifford

Reserve; won final hurdle start last March (2m5f, heavy) and 4-4 over fences this term (heavy/soft); travelled well at Lingfield (extended 2m7f) latest and this thriving 6yo could have plenty more left in the tank; may well take a 7lb rise in his stride if handling the forecast quicker ground.

12/1

Form:

Last run:

W: 11st 2lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Fifth foal; brother to useful 2m-2m2f hurdle/chase winner Lac De Constance, half-brother to French 2m1f hurdle winner Irish Bar; dam placed 2m3f chase, half-sister to French winners Siljan's Saga (10.5f/12.5f Group 2) and Paul's Saga (3m1f Grade 1 hurdle); interesting newcomer for powerful yard.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

2

11th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

1m 7f 176y

Class 1

12:45 Aintree

Be Aware

11st 7lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

Smart form but has won only twice (runner-up seven times); rallied when beaten 1l by No Questions Asked in Grade 2 novice at Windsor (2m, soft; handles good) in January; raced freely and faded in Grand Annual Handicap at Cheltenham last time; the hood is back on today, a tongue-strap is fitted and he may well bounce back to form; if so, he has each-way possibilities.

10/1

12th

4

11th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

1m 7f 199y

Class 1

16:40 Cheltenham

Be Aware

11st 6lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

Improved form when winning on chase debut at Stratford (2m3f, good to soft) in October and strong performances when runner-up in Graded races on his three starts since, including over C&D (soft); this lightly raced 7yo is in top hands and has the potential to be better than this mark now back in a handicap; the hood is left off today, but he ran well without it in December.

5/1

2nd

2

16th Jan 2026

Soft

2m 0f 37y

Class 1

13:50 Windsor

Be Aware

11st 2lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

Won on chase debut at Stratford (2m3f, good to soft) in October and runner-up in hot races on next two starts, namely the Grade 2 Arkle Trial at Cheltenham (2m, soft) and the Grade 1 Henry VIII at Sandown (1m7f, good to soft); this will take less winning than last time; leading claims.

11/10

Form: 1-3 D

Last run: 62 days

W: 11st 2lb

6 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Impressed in a good-ground bumper at Exeter after which he underwent wind surgery; didn't jump well enough to give himself a chance when 13-8 for hurdling debut at Taunton (good to soft), trailing the winner by 29l; clearly talented and the hood could make a difference.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

2nd May 2026

Good

1m 7f 168y

Class 5

12:45 Uttoxeter

Diesel Line

11st 10lb

J: Charlie Todd

T: Charles & Adam Pogson

Both wins over hurdles have been over C&D, the latest in September off 6lb lower; will have benefited from his recent pipe-opener when fourth at Market Rasen (2m,good) and should run well.

11/2

4th

1

5th Apr 2026

Good

2m 0f 125y

Class 5

16:33 Market Rasen

Diesel Line

12st 0lb

J: James Bowen

T: Charles & Adam Pogson

Dual winner on good ground at Uttoxeter last summer; still in good form when last seen in the autumn and probably still on a workable mark but has fitness to prove after four months off and recent rain reduces his appeal.

7/2

Form: 45P

Last run: 39 days

W: 11st 2lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
It was a decent bumper here in which he was an 11l fifth but he still went off at 200-1 for hurdling debut at Chepstow (heavy) when pulled up after losing touch; not easily recommended on the back of that effort.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7

25th Apr 2024

Good

2m 3f 0y

Class 4

14:00 Warwick

Harbour Bridge

11st 6lb

J: Kielan Woods

T: Jo Davis

Fared okay in a Newbury bumper (fifth of 13, beaten 11l) in November; has shown next to nothing since switching to hurdles (0-3); wind surgery could assist, but it's simply a case of watch this space for the time being.

66/1

7

25th Apr 2024

Good

2m 3f 0y

Class 4

14:00 Warwick

Harbour Bridge

11st 6lb

J: Kielan Woods

T: Jo Davis

Fared okay in a Newbury bumper (fifth of 13, beaten 11l) in November; has shown next to nothing since switching to hurdles (0-3); wind surgery could assist, but it's simply a case of watch this space for the time being.

66/1

4th

1

14th Feb 2024

Soft

2m 3f 49y

Class 4

14:20 Fontwell

Harbour Bridge

11st 5lb

J: Gavin Sheehan

T: Jo Davis

Showed some ability in his two bumpers but pulled up over hurdles at Chepstow (2m3f, heavy) and Newbury (2m, good to soft); headgear now.

66/1

Form:

Last run:

W: 11st 2lb

6 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Bought for £45,000 soon after winning a five-runner Irish point last March on good to yielding by 2l; something of a concern that the runner-up is now 0-5 in that scene but his new owners recruit well and he should have a future.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

17th Apr 2026

Soft

3m 0f 70y

Class 3

16:43 Ayr

Hidden History

12st 0lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

Below par on last three starts, most recently at Uttoxeter last month following wind surgery; however, he won off this mark on his reappearance at Aintree in November and first-time cheekpieces might give him a boost; in top hands and not written off.

6/1

9th

16

14th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 7f 70y

Class 2

14:25 Uttoxeter

Hidden History

10st 8lb

J: Kielan Woods

T: Dan Skelton

Has switched to chasing this term, winning on reappearance but disappointing in two subsequent starts; had wind surgery since latest; may rebound, having won over hurdles on this card last year.

14/1

7th

6

19th Jan 2026

Soft

3m 4f 178y

Class 3

13:50 Lingfield

Hidden History

11st 7lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

Lightly raced 8yo who rallied to lead close home on seasonal/chase debut at Aintree (3m1f, good to soft) in November; well below that form after racing too freely last month but Dan Skelton is evidently very keen to move him up in trip.

6/1

Form:

Last run:

W: 11st 2lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Beaten 13l (good) and 33l (soft to heavy) in his two Irish points; joined a respected yard but likely best watched.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

1

11th Feb 2025

Heavy

2m 4f 0y

Class 4

16:02 Lingfield

Johnny Jump Up

11st 10lb

J: Niall Houlihan

T: Gary & Josh Moore

took keen hold, prominent, raced wide when hit 5th, disputed lead 7th, led 8th, pushed along 2 out (usual 3 out), went clear approaching last, ridden and kept on well run-in, readily

5/1

1st

1

11th Feb 2025

Heavy

2m 4f 0y

Class 4

16:02 Lingfield

Johnny Jump Up

11st 10lb

J: Niall Houlihan

T: Gary & Josh Moore

took keen hold, prominent, raced wide when hit 5th, disputed lead 7th

5/1

Form: 34-12 C

Last run: 27 days

W: 11st 2lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Third to Diesel Line in his first bumper but improved to win his third run in that scene on good to soft at Newbury; made a pleasing start over hurdles to finish a 3l runner-up at Exeter (soft) but he's in deeper company this time.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7

24th Oct 2025

Good

2m 3f 200y

Class 3

13:15 Cheltenham

Navajo Indy

11st 6lb

J: Gavin Sheehan

T: Tom Symonds

Began last season in excellent form, notably when winning Gerry Feilden at Newbury (2m, good to soft); off since staying on to snatch third in William Hill Hurdle there (2m, soft; first-time cheekpieces) in February but, on that evidence, he's well worth another crack at 2m4f; no headgear today.

11/2

Form: 47

Last run: 21 days

W: 11st 2lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Had some smart Flat form in Ireland before losing his way in late 2022; hasn't shown enough in either of his hurdles to believe he can trouble the best of these.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

4

28th May 2026

Good

2m 0f 125y

Class 5

20:42 Market Rasen

Ruler Legend

11st 9lb

J: Danny McMenamin

T: Gary Hanmer

Ended last season in excellent form, winning twice here (2m/2m2f) on good ground, and is probably still on a workable mark; big chance.

6/5

1st

11

14th Apr 2026

Good

2m 2f 140y

Class 5

15:20 Market Rasen

Ruler Legend

10st 8lb

J: Danny McMenamin

T: Gary Hanmer

Readily gained a first victory in over two years when capitalising on a reduced mark in 2m handicap here nine days ago; carries a 7lb penalty but can go well again.

6/1

1st

7

5th Apr 2026

Good

2m 0f 125y

Class 5

16:33 Market Rasen

Ruler Legend

10st 8lb

J: Danny McMenamin

T: Gary Hanmer

Soundly beaten on first two starts for Gary Hanmer but his fifth of 11 at Carlisle (2m1f, good to soft) a fortnight ago was much more encouraging; could have a say if able to build on that recent effort.

5/1

Abandoned

Form: 714-80 D

Last run: 28 days

W: 11st 2lb

6 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Won one of his three bumpers but has trailed in tailed off in both his hurdles, on good to soft and soft; went off at 40-1 last time at Newbury and needs to up his game.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

3

5th Dec 2024

Soft

1m 7f 201y

Class 4

14:25 Leicester

Samazul

11st 9lb

J: Kielan Woods

T: Ben Pauling

held up in rear, no impression before 4 out

7/4

Form: 57-F60

Last run: 62 days

W: 10st 9lb

6 yo Filly

OR:

Form & Verdict
Great pedigree but it's been underwhelming stuff in bumpers (well behind Diesel Line on debut) and over hurdles; very much the stable second string on this occasion.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price
No Results Found

Form:

Last run:

W: 10st 3lb

4 yo Colt

OR:

Form & Verdict
Showed ability on his Flat debut for Ed Bethell but was tailed off the next twice; 50-1 for handicap/stable debut on the AW (1m2f) four weeks ago and lost all chance at the start; too many questions to answer on hurdling debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

7

13th Feb 2024

Soft

2m 0f 0y

Class 4

14:25 Lingfield

Master Chartwell

10st 7lb

J: Caoilin Quinn

T: Gary Moore

Some encouragement on Flat debut for previous yard but he finished remote on debut for new yard on the AW and again on hurdle debut behind a stablemate at Plumpton recently; handicaps more likely.

25/1

4th

6

29th Jan 2024

Soft

1m 7f 195y

Class 4

14:50 Plumpton

Master Chartwell

10st 6lb

J: David Noonan

T: Gary Moore

held up in rear, mistake and lost touch 3 out, weakened approaching last

100/1

Verdict

Downgraded from a Grade 2, SOUTHOFTHEBORDER is taken to provide Nicky Henderson with a third successive victory in this race. He was noticeably strong in the market at Sandown, and it could be the heavy ground was holding him back when about 4l off the pace at his point of departure two out. Lump Sum has overcome some novicey jumping to win both his hurdles and he’s evidently smart. Navajo Indy and Diesel Line could also be competitive.[Alistair Jones]