February 24 / 15.08 Chepstow

15.08

Heavy

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

  • Prize money: £10406
  • 2m 7f 131y
  • Class 2
  • 12 runners
SKY
View Course
Pertemps Network Handicap Hurdle (Pertemps Hurdle Series Qualifier) (GBB Race)

Runners: 12 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Rain and snow

20/1 (Won)

  • Win: £13.00
  • Place: £3.50

Form: 114110 CD

Last run: 30 days

W: 10st 7lb

11 yo Gelding

OR: 118

Form & Verdict
Often leads; five wins last August-December, the last of which was over C&D (soft) at Christmas; up a further 7lb to another career-high mark at Huntingdon (good to soft) one month ago when that superb sequence came to an end and the scale of his defeat was concerning; needs to bounce back with another career best, aged 11.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

2

25th Feb 2026

Soft

2m 7f 32y

Class 4

15:00 Bangor-on-Dee

Classic Concorde

11st 10lb

J: Harry Atkins

T: David Brace

Veteran who is on a losing run but ran well enough for a long way in a Class 2 handicap at Chepstow two months ago (2m7f, good to soft) to command respect at this lower level; goes well on this ground.

6/1

10th

1

11th Oct 2025

Good To Soft

2m 7f 131y

Class 4

17:10 Chepstow

Classic Concorde

12st 0lb

J: Callum Pritchard

T: David Brace

Won twice over C&D in 2023-24 season and ran well when fourth over C&D in February but this 12yo is far too inconsistent to rely upon nowadays, and has been absent since two heavy defeats in the spring.

20/1

5

24th Apr 2025

Good

3m 1f 0y

Class 3

15:37 Warwick

Classic Concorde

10st 13lb

J: Connor Brace

T: David Brace

Veteran who has proved far from consistent since winning a Pertemps qualifier at Chepstow 14 months ago; not the percentage call.

16/1

Form: -21122

Last run: 25 days

W: 10st 9lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 120

Form & Verdict
3-3 in bumpers and 2-5 hurdling; no match for the winner on last two starts but did well to rally for second of eight on handicap debut here (heavy) last time and this first foray beyond 2m5f under rules holds possibilities; Luke Scott, who rode for his last bumper win, returns; not dismissed.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

2

11th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 149y

Class 1

13:20 Aintree

Supremely West

11st 11lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

Provided yet another example of his yard's prowess in top handicaps when quite comfortably justifying strong market support in the Pertemps at Cheltenham (3m, good) last month, with seven of today's rivals in behind; raised 9lb but could be capable of even better.

4/1

1st

7

12th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 7f 213y

Class 1

16:40 Cheltenham

Supremely West

10st 11lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

No ground issues; promising late gains when third of 17 on stable debut in the Cheltenham qualifier in October; not so hot since but those runs aren't hard to forgive (the latest was over just 2m4f) and he's now 2lb lower than on that eye-catching reappearance; trainer is a dab hand in these Festival handicaps and this 8yo has been favourite for this race for some time.

3/1

3rd

4

25th Oct 2025

Good To Soft

2m 7f 208y

Class 2

14:55 Cheltenham

Supremely West

11st 3lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

Won for the Newland-Insole stable at Haydock (3m, heavy) last December and signed off for them with a pretty good third at Warwick (3m1f, good) in April; sold for £24,000 since; remains on a career-high mark but had wind surgery during summer break and it will be interesting to see what Dan Skelton can do with him.

16/1

7/1

  • Place: £2.20

Form: -38441 CD

Last run: 31 days

W: 10st 9lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 120

Form & Verdict
Dual C&D winner over hurdles (2021); this season didn't go well, including over C&D two starts back, before he surged back to his best with a chase win on heavy ground at this track one month ago; that puts him back into serious calculations.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

2

27th Jan 2026

Soft

2m 7f 136y

Class 4

15:47 Chepstow

Bells Of Peterboro

12st 2lb

J: Mr Edward Vaughan

T: Tim Vaughan

Not one to rely upon heavily and doesn't always look wildly enthusiastic but didn't run badly when fourth at Uttoxeter (3m heavy) last month and this track suits him well; on a good mark; can't be ruled out.

14/1

7th

6

28th Oct 2025

Soft

3m 1f 60y

Class 4

14:58 Ffos Las

Bells Of Peterboro

11st 10lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Tim Vaughan

Best run during a fairly light campaign last season when second to progressive rival at Lingfield (2m7f, heavy) in February; contender if judged on that and Sean Bowen is booked today but this 10yo has not been seen since a lesser effort in March and he's too inconsistent to rely upon.

7/1

7th

6

28th Oct 2025

Soft

3m 1f 60y

Class 4

14:58 Ffos Las

Bells Of Peterboro

11st 10lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Tim Vaughan

Best run during a fairly light campaign last season when second to progressive rival at Lingfield (2m7f, heavy) in February; contender if judged on that and Sean Bowen is booked today but this 10yo has not been seen since a lesser effort in March and he's too inconsistent to rely upon.

7/1

OUR TIP

Form: 247-74 BF

Last run: 21 days

W: 12st 0lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 139

Form & Verdict
Yet to add to his Grade 1 juvenile hurdle win from April 2021; ran only once over hurdles last term, when soundly beaten in a Grade 1 on sole attempt both at 3m and in cheekpieces; now reverts from 2m4f chasing again, having been a disappointing favourite on latest outing; too many doubts.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

2

21st Feb 2026

Soft

2m 7f 131y

Class 2

14:55 Chepstow

Monmiral

12st 0lb

J: Freddie Keighley

T: Paul Nicholls

2024 Pertemps Final winner but that was off 8lb lower; contested two Grade 1s last spring, before a wind operation (his second) and heavy defeat when returned to fences three months ago (easily his worst chase performance); Freddie Keighley takes off 7lb on this return to a handicap.

9/1

6th

8

5th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

3m 0f 149y

Class 1

15:05 Aintree

Monmiral

11st 10lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Paul Nicholls

Creditable fifth to Gwennie May Boy on this card last year, having won the Pertemps Final (3m, soft) the time before; creditable second in Grade 2 contests the last twice but this is harder; well beaten in this race in 2023.

40/1

6th

8

5th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

3m 0f 149y

Class 1

15:05 Aintree

Monmiral

11st 10lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Paul Nicholls

Creditable fifth to Gwennie May Boy on this card last year, having won the Pertemps Final (3m, soft) the time before; creditable second in Grade 2 contests the last twice but this is harder; well beaten in this race in 2023.

40/1

Form: 106-20 D

Last run: 59 days

W: 11st 8lb

8 yo Mare

OR: 133

Form & Verdict
Often leads and often ridden by Bradley Roberts; had a fine season last term, including winning the Warwick qualifier (3m1f, heavy), except for her heavy defeat in the final at Cheltenham; chase/seasonal debut in October looked promising, which was followed by a flop over hurdles (good to soft) but today's more testing ground should help; needs peak form.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

5

21st Mar 2025

Good To Soft

3m 0f 52y

Class 4

16:37 Newbury

Glimpse Of Gala

11st 12lb

J: Elizabeth Gale

T: Charlie Longsdon

Last won in January 2023 and mostly disappointing in the meantime; attracted support last time at Chepstow where the tongue-tie was removed but not a lot happened.

14/1

3

9th Feb 2025

Soft

2m 7f 131y

Class 3

14:20 Chepstow

Glimpse Of Gala

11st 3lb

J: Jonathan Burke

T: Charlie Longsdon

Used to go well over staying trips in the mud but last won in January 2023 and has shown only bits of form since; big shout with even a partial revival and the recent tongue-tie is removed.

12/1

3

9th Feb 2025

Soft

2m 7f 131y

Class 3

14:20 Chepstow

Glimpse Of Gala

11st 3lb

J: Jonathan Burke

T: Charlie Longsdon

Used to go well over staying trips in the mud but last won in January 2023 and has shown only bits of form since; big shout with even a partial revival and the recent tongue-tie is removed.

12/1

Form: 3213 C

Last run: 31 days

W: 10st 8lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 119

Form & Verdict
Irish maiden point winner on heavy; consistent form in his four runs over hurdles; 13l third of four on handicap debut here (2m3f, heavy) one month ago showed that improvement is needed but it's not forgotten how impressive he was in a maiden over that same C&D (soft) time before; early days and new trip, so it will be interesting to see his strength in the betting.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12

14th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

4m 2f 8y

Class 1

15:00 Uttoxeter

Minella Blueway

10st 10lb

J: Isabel Williams

T: Mrs C Williams

Won the 3m novice handicap chase on this card 12 months ago (good to soft) when 5lb lower and he produced a similar effort to finish second at Plumpton in January (3m1f, soft); however, this race demands a career best and on the back of a laboured display at Ludlow.

50/1

7th

4

26th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 7f 171y

Class 3

14:07 Ludlow

Minella Blueway

11st 4lb

J: Isabel Williams

T: Evan Williams

Won this race in first-time cheekpieces a year ago (soft ground) and followed up in valuable event at Uttoxeter (3m, good to soft) last March; made disappointing start to current campaign but last month's second of four at Plumpton (3m1f, soft) was much better and his current mark ought to be workable; respected.

4/1

2nd

1

26th Jan 2026

Soft

3m 1f 157y

Class 4

15:50 Plumpton

Minella Blueway

11st 11lb

J: Isabel Williams

T: Evan Williams

Won two in a row when cheekpieces first fitted (3m; soft and good to soft) last spring; hard to judge current wellbeing as he's been running in better races since back from a break but he was soundly beaten in his only completion and fell early at Ascot only nine days ago.

11/4

Form: 3-454P C BF

Last run: 56 days

W: 11st 5lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 130

Form & Verdict
Won a novice here; sent chasing this term, staying on well when good fourth at Sandown (3m, soft) on third attempt but a flop when favourite over 3m4f on heavy at Haydock latest; wore cheekpieces for those last two starts; back hurdling in need of a career best.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

16

18th Apr 2026

Soft

3m 7f 176y

Class 1

15:35 Ayr

Collectors Item

10st 13lb

J: Jonjo O’Neill Jr

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

Won the Somerset National over an extended 3m2f at Wincanton in January 2025 and second in the Welsh National Trial at Chepstow in December this term; he also showed last season that he stays 3m4f but there have been too many disappointing shows in major long-distance handicaps for him to be greatly fancied for this one.

50/1

4

14th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

4m 2f 8y

Class 1

15:00 Uttoxeter

Collectors Item

11st 9lb

J: Jonjo O’Neill Jr

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

Has a National in the bag already having captured the Somerset version over an extended 3m2f at Wincanton 14 months ago (good to soft; fine on softer), and best run since was his second in the Welsh National Trial in December; however, his form has dipped markedly on his last two starts, and his two runs over extreme distances have ended in disappointment.

20/1

4th

2

29th Jan 2026

Heavy

3m 1f 30y

Class 3

15:33 Wincanton

Collectors Item

12st 1lb

J: Jonjo O’Neill Jr

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

Has contested some competitive staying chases since winning the Somerset National over 3m3f here last January and found only one too good in the Welsh National Trial in December; offered little when only 11-1 for the real thing over Christmas but capable of bouncing back from that; hasn't shone on heavy ground previously but he's effective on soft.

5/2

Form: 2-53UF

Last run: 13 days

W: 11st 4lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 129

Form & Verdict
Came to grief in three of his five races over fences, but he'd just taken the lead at Exeter (3m, heavy) 13 days ago when falling three out; judged on that, he needs considering on this return to hurdling.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

10

7th Dec 2024

Good To Soft

3m 4f 146y

Class 2

15:35 Sandown

Conkwell Legend

10st 7lb

J: Brendan Powell

T: Neil Mulholland

0-8 over fences and has failed to complete four times; no issues on the stamina front (stays 3m6f) but he faces a difficult task at this level and comes with risk.

16/1

3rd

10

7th Dec 2024

Good To Soft

3m 4f 146y

Class 2

15:35 Sandown

Conkwell Legend

10st 7lb

J: Brendan Powell

T: Neil Mulholland

0-8 over fences and has failed to complete four times; no issues on the stamina front (stays 3m6f) but he faces a difficult task at this level and comes with risk.

16/1

2

26th Apr 2024

Soft

3m 6f 121y

Class 3

14:05 Perth

Conkwell Legend

12st 0lb

J: Mr A P Ryan

T: Neil Mulholland

Dual hurdle winner who is 0-7 over fences; again he travelled well for a long way last time at Exeter (3m6f, heavy) but ultimately came up shy behind a 6l winner with only one other completing; others might just see this out stronger.

13/2

Form: 2/2P3U D

Last run: 34 days

W: 11st 10lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 135

Form & Verdict
Won bumper on heavy; very nearly won Pertemps Final at Cheltenham (3m, soft) in 2022 in first-time tongue-tie, which has been kept since; absent 588 days before this season and, after an arguably satisfactory chase debut on return, he's not shone since; 16-1 and back over hurdles when unseating on latest start, going okay at the time but others are higher up the list.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

1

1st May 2026

Good

3m 1f 100y

Class 4

17:40 Warwick

Alaphilippe

12st 0lb

J: Mr James King

T: Mrs A Slatter

Will have appreciated a simple task in his members race last time after a hard-fought Didmarton dead-heat; in better heart than many, but it's a worry that all bar one of his four chase starts have featured their share of jumping errors, including this race last year (pulled up).

5/2

1

2nd May 2025

Good

3m 1f 56y

Class 4

17:45 Cheltenham

Alaphilippe

12st 0lb

J: Mr Zac Baker

T: Mrs A Slatter

led, not fluent and briefly headed 2nd, not fluent and briefly headed 12th, headed 16th, soon lost position, pulled up before 3 out

5/1

1

2nd May 2025

Good

3m 1f 56y

Class 4

17:45 Cheltenham

Alaphilippe

12st 0lb

J: Mr Zac Baker

T: Mrs A Slatter

led, not fluent and briefly headed 2nd, not fluent and briefly headed 12th, headed 16th, soon lost position, pulled up before 3 out

5/1

Form: 4101-P CD

Last run: 287 days

W: 11st 2lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 127

Form & Verdict
Cruised to victory in first-time cheekpieces in this race (good to soft) last year off 10lb lower; a slightly disappointing when favourite for Pertemps Final at Cheltenham the following month and followed his Southwell novice win with a poor show on good ground in May; absent since but would have a good shout if returning in the form he showed in this 12 months ago.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13th

9

29th Apr 2026

Yielding

2m 3f 58y

14:30 Punchestown

Thanksforthehelp

11st 11lb

J: Rian Corcoran

T: David Pipe

Out of luck since winning this race last year; only 3lb higher now, and has to be taken seriously; Rian Corcoran has enjoyed a successful breakthrough season in Britain and claims a useful 4lb.

8/1

9th

11

14th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 207y

Class 3

13:50 Uttoxeter

Thanksforthehelp

11st 4lb

J: Jack Tudor

T: David Pipe

Has three wins over hurdles but hasn't been at his best in four runs since returning in November; is slipping down the weights and takes a drop in class so cannot be discounted; returning cheekpieces replace blinkers.

16/1

5th

14

14th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 58y

Class 2

15:50 Haydock

Thanksforthehelp

10st 10lb

J: Richie McLernon

T: David Pipe

Blew apart a 15-runner Pertemps qualifier at Chepstow (2m7f) in February 2023 and underlined how effective he can be in big-field races when seeing off 24 rivals in a handicap at the Punchestown festival (2m3f, yielding) last spring; hasn't come close to reproducing that form in three outings this winter but his mark has eased a little as a result; worth a second look in the betting.

25/1

Form: -05107

Last run: 42 days

W: 11st 3lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 128

Form & Verdict
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.
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

Form: 4159-2 D BF

Last run: 56 days

W: 12st 0lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 139

Form & Verdict
Fifth in the Pertemps Final at Cheltenham (3m, soft; unraced on heavy) last March off 1lb lower, doing well considering his jumping wasn't great and he didn't get the best of runs; close call on chase debut at Newbury (2m6f, soft) on sole run this season showed he's better than ever and he also has Grade 1 entry in Cheltenham novice chase; major claims.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

7

23rd May 2026

Good

3m 0f 30y

Class 2

16:10 Bangor-on-Dee

Walking On Air

10st 5lb

J: Harry Kimber

T: Faye Bramley

Back over hurdles with respectable fifth of 15 in Class 2 event at Haydock (3m, good) two weeks ago; 5lb lower back over fences but he's 0-12 in this sphere and he fell at Ayr on his penultimate run; down the list.

9/1

5th

8

9th May 2026

Good

3m 0f 58y

Class 2

12:45 Haydock

Walking On Air

10st 10lb

J: Richie McLernon

T: Faye Bramley

Sparked just once in each of the last two seasons, at Doncaster; visored on latest start, after three runs in cheekpieces; often tongue tied as well but goes without any equipment today; his last hurdle race was in February 2024 and other options look a lot more solid.

25/1

9

18th Apr 2026

Soft

3m 0f 20y

Class 2

13:45 Ayr

Walking On Air

10st 11lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Faye Bramley

Good third off 4lb higher in first-time cheekpieces at Doncaster (3m, soft) in January; however, his form away from Doncaster hasn't been great in the last two seasons and the visor needs to have a positive influence.

20/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £52.90
Straight Forecast £48.56
Tricast £285.44
Trifecta £233.40

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Walking On Air

TOPSPEED:

Minella Blueway

WEST COUNTRY:

Thanksforthehelp

Daily Mirror:

Supremely West

RP RATINGS:

Bells Of Peterboro

POSTDATA:

Minella Blueway

The Times:

Minella Blueway

The Guardian:

Minella Blueway

Daily Mail:

Thanksforthehelp

D Express:

Thanksforthehelp

LAMBOURN:

Walking On Air

Telegraph:

Walking On Air

The Sun:

Walking On Air

The Star:

Walking On Air

Daily Record:

Walking On Air