February 24 / 13.15 Kempton

13.15

Soft

Coral Racing Club Handicap Hurdle

  • Prize money: £10562
  • 2m 5f 0y
  • Class 3
  • 8 runners
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Coral Racing Club Handicap Hurdle

Runners: 8 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Light rain

9/2 (Won)

  • Win: £5.50
  • Place: £2.50

Form: 17-54F CD

Last run: 42 days

W: 11st 10lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 136

Form & Verdict
Fell four out in the Lanzarote over C&D six weeks ago; comfortably held in his completed starts this term; won this race in emphatic style last year (off 7lb lower) and has a good chance if back in similar form.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

1

26th Apr 2025

Good

2m 4f 10y

Class 2

13:50 Sandown

Mark Of Gold

12st 0lb

J: Caoilin Quinn

T: Gary & Josh Moore

Last season over hurdles ended on a low note at this meeting; solid for most of this term, switched to fences for last five starts and winning twice in small fields; put firmly in his place in Grade 1 novice events over 2m4f here in February and particularly at Aintree last time, but this return to a handicap will also demand a career best.

14/1

1st

1

26th Apr 2025

Good

2m 4f 10y

Class 2

13:50 Sandown

Mark Of Gold

12st 0lb

J: Caoilin Quinn

T: Gary & Josh Moore

Last season over hurdles ended on a low note at this meeting; solid for most of this term, switched to fences for last five starts and winning twice in small fields; put firmly in his place in Grade 1 novice events over 2m4f here in February and particularly at Aintree last time, but this return to a handicap will also demand a career best.

14/1

6th

7

3rd Apr 2025

Good To Soft

2m 3f 200y

Class 1

13:45 Aintree

Mark Of Gold

11st 7lb

J: Caoilin Quinn

T: Gary & Josh Moore

Experienced hurdler who won Grade 2 novice on chase debut at Ascot (2m3f, good to soft) in December and made it 2-4 over fences in warm little handicap at Exeter (2m1f, good) last time; ran well behind two of these in Grade 2 at Kempton in February but likely to be vulnerable in this company.

40/1

4/1

  • Place: £1.80

Form: 11-412 BF

Last run: 65 days

W: 11st 2lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 128

Form & Verdict
Ex-French youngster who scored easily at Lingfield (2m3f, good to soft) on second British start; beaten favourite later in December but should still have more to offer; bred to stay this new trip; shortlisted.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13th

16

9th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 5f 19y

Class 2

15:30 Aintree

Joker De Mai

12st 0lb

J: Mr R James

T: Clive Boultbee-Brooks

7-1 when early faller at the Chair in this last year; this 7yo was an eye-catching third at Ludlow in February on penultimate start, having been hampered, but needs to step up on this season's handicap form if he's to threaten.

20/1

3rd

2

20th Feb 2026

Soft

2m 4f 0y

Class 3

15:05 Warwick

Joker De Mai

11st 7lb

J: Stan Sheppard

T: Clive Boultbee-Brooks

Returned to form when finishing third at Ludlow (2m4f, soft) recently, when back up in trip on his third start for this yard; he came clear with two progressive opponents last time, despite being hampered in the back straight, and could have a big part to play today.

5/2

3rd

2

4th Feb 2026

Soft

2m 4f 11y

Class 3

14:58 Ludlow

Joker De Mai

11st 13lb

J: Richard Patrick

T: Clive Boultbee-Brooks

Won a hunter chase under former owner David Maxwell in March; sold for £90,000 in October; his quiet stable debut was at Cheltenham and he showed more at Newbury when about 11l off the winner (2m); returning to slower ground over further could be beneficial; respected.

8/1

Form: 927-P8 C

Last run: 28 days

W: 12st 0lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 140

Form & Verdict
Two efforts this term (chase/hurdle) leave something to be desired; however, ran well in the Martin Pipe at last year's Cheltenham Festival (2m4f, soft) and has possibilities if back to that form.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

5

24th May 2026

Good

2m 3f 207y

Class 2

15:28 Uttoxeter

No Ordinary Joe

11st 9lb

J: Ben Jones

T: Faye Bramley

Off a reduced mark he won over 2m4f on good ground at Sandown and some interference didn't help matters when well beaten off this 5lb higher mark in the Swinton; still well treated on old form.

14/1

13th

12

9th May 2026

Good

1m 7f 144y

Class 1

13:15 Haydock

No Ordinary Joe

10st 12lb

J: Richie McLernon

T: Faye Bramley

Finally took advantage of some leniency from the handicapper when winning at Sandown (2m4f, good) two weeks ago, always in the firing line; still well treated on old form but he's not sure to be so effective back over this shorter trip.

18/1

1st

11

25th Apr 2026

Good

2m 3f 178y

Class 2

17:15 Sandown

No Ordinary Joe

10st 5lb

J: Richie McLernon

T: Faye Bramley

Kept on for sixth of 21 in first-time visor at Aintree (2m, good to soft) a fortnight ago and will be suited by this move back up in trip, but his last win came in 2022 and he's patently not the force of old.

12/1

Form: 11-273

Last run: 60 days

W: 11st 0lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 126

Form & Verdict
Below par on penultimate outing but otherwise has a consistent record; respectable third in Aintree handicap (2m4f, soft) on Boxing Day when last seen; frame possibilities, given his overall profile.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

1

25th Apr 2026

Good

3m 4f 146y

Class 1

15:30 Sandown

Resplendent Grey

12st 0lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Olly Murphy

Won this race (good ground) last year in first-time cheekpieces off a 10lb lower mark; first and second in two small fields this season, alongside two heavy defeats in top handicaps; tried blinkers when fading right out of it at the Cheltenham Festival last time and now reverts to cheekpieces; also back on firmer ground but a new career best is needed.

12/1

15th

3

10th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 1f 0y

Class 1

15:20 Cheltenham

Resplendent Grey

11st 10lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Olly Murphy

Won the bet365 Gold Cup at Sandown (extended 3m4f, good) last April in first-time cheekpieces and returned to form when second at Windsor (2m6f, soft) in January; his jumping can sometimes lack fluency but, with first-time blinkers replacing the cheekpieces, he has an each-way chance if minimising the mistakes; fourth of 18 in the NH Chase here (3m6f, good to soft) last March.

16/1

2nd

3

18th Jan 2026

Soft

2m 6f 50y

Class 2

15:00 Windsor

Resplendent Grey

11st 6lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Olly Murphy

Won the bet365 Gold Cup at Sandown (3m4f, good) last April and reappeared with Listed Intermediate win at Carlisle (2m4f, good to soft); also effective on soft ground; however, soundly beaten in the Coral Gold Cup at Newbury (3m2f, good to soft) last time and has something to find today.

10/1

Form: 196-2F D BF

Last run: 126 days

W: 11st 9lb

11 yo Gelding

OR: 135

Form & Verdict
Fairly useful on his day but this veteran was beaten when falling at Newton Abbot (3m2f) on last appearance four months ago; vulnerable against some unexposed types in this deeper contest.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

14th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 207y

Class 3

13:50 Uttoxeter

West To The Bridge

11st 9lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

Grand servant to the yard with 11 hurdles wins; did what he's been doing for years by bouncing back to exploit a falling mark on his favoured testing ground at Chepstow (2m3f, soft) in January; most tenacious and impossible to dismiss off 3lb higher.

10/1

1st

1

27th Jan 2026

Soft

2m 3f 100y

Class 3

14:02 Chepstow

West To The Bridge

12st 0lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

Long in the tooth now and not the force of old but was nudged up only 1lb for last month's clear second in refitted cheekpieces at Ludlow (2m5f, good to soft) and ought to be better suited by this slower ground.

10/1

Form: 4-P410 C

Last run: 42 days

W: 10st 12lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 124

Form & Verdict
Proved suited by the step up to 2m3f at Taunton (good to soft) in December, running on well; rather disappointing in the Lanzarote over C&D since but still isn't fully exposed beyond 2m; not written off.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

2

28th May 2026

Good

2m 7f 0y

Class 4

14:55 Worcester

Samuel Spade

12st 2lb

J: Beau Morgan

T: Ben Pauling

Last season's light campaign over hurdles did not go well (tried in cheekpieces latterly) but he shouldn't mind getting back on drier ground and is too well handicapped to dismiss on chasing debut.

9/1

8th

4

17th Jan 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 63y

Class 2

14:53 Ascot

Samuel Spade

10st 13lb

J: Ben Jones

T: Ben Pauling

Back to the same mark as for last season's convincing course win (2m7f, good) but hasn't finished in the first six this term, always behind over 2m5f here last time; takes another drop in distance and wears headgear for the first time.

12/1

7th

3

16th Apr 2025

Good

2m 7f 213y

Class 2

15:50 Cheltenham

Samuel Spade

11st 2lb

J: Ben Jones

T: Ben Pauling

Has not had that many chances at this sort of trip and he drew clear to win at Ascot in February, beating 16 rivals (2m7f, good); was beaten under 2l in a strong Uttoxeter handicap on the Midlands' National card but that was under a very capable 5lb claimer; likely to need more here.

10/1

Form: 16/12F

Last run: 29 days

W: 10st 13lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 125

Form & Verdict
Scored at Warwick (2m3f, soft) on return from lengthy absence; has remained in form since, only 2l down in second place when final-flight faller at Sandown (2m4f, soft) most recently; in the mix.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

1st Apr 2025

Good

2m 2f 0y

Class 3

15:22 Kempton

Lord Of Cheshire

12st 0lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Nigel Twiston-Davies

Beat three rivals to make winning seasonal/chase debut at Fontwell (2m3f, good to soft) in October and ran well until penultimate-fence fall on latest outing in December; effective on good ground and might still have more to offer over fences; respected.

9/4

1st

1

1st Apr 2025

Good

2m 2f 0y

Class 3

15:22 Kempton

Lord Of Cheshire

12st 0lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Nigel Twiston-Davies

Beat three rivals to make winning seasonal/chase debut at Fontwell (2m3f, good to soft) in October and ran well until penultimate-fence fall on latest outing in December; effective on good ground and might still have more to offer over fences; respected.

9/4

3

14th Dec 2024

Good To Soft

2m 3f 31y

Class 3

12:25 Doncaster

Lord Of Cheshire

11st 9lb

J: James Turner

T: Nigel Twiston-Davies

led, went clear 2nd, not fluent 3rd, mistake 9th

12/1

Form: 421 D

Last run: 24 days

W: 11st 1lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 127

Form & Verdict
One of the least exposed contenders, having raced only four times; made all for 12l success in Exeter maiden (2m5f, good to soft; second hurdles attempt) most recently and should progress further; respected.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

6th Apr 2026

Good

3m 4f 104y

Class 2

16:25 Plumpton

Largy Poet

11st 9lb

J: Jay Tidball

T: Paul Nicholls

Inconsistent and pulled up in first-time blinkers at Exeter (3m6f, heavy) in February; however, he's back in cheekpieces today in which he kept on for second of six at Wincanton (3m1f, heavy) in January; versatile ground-wise and this sort of trip may yet suit; not discounted.

12/1

1

20th Feb 2026

Heavy

3m 6f 153y

Class 3

15:45 Exeter

Largy Poet

12st 0lb

J: Freddie Keighley

T: Paul Nicholls

Won the novice handicap (3m, heavy) on this card last year on chase debut; October reappearance was better than his three subsequent efforts but there was some renewed encouragement under Freddie Keighley at Wincanton (3m1f, heavy; 11l second of six) last time, including for this second crack at a marathon trip; blinkers replace usual cheekpieces.

9/2

2nd

1

29th Jan 2026

Heavy

3m 1f 30y

Class 3

15:33 Wincanton

Largy Poet

12st 1lb

J: Freddie Keighley

T: Paul Nicholls

First (3m, heavy) and second in his first two chases before pulling up in a competitive race at Ascot; worrying that he didn't show too much spark back over hurdles here on Boxing Day; still, as an assured stayer who will handle conditions he's hard to dismiss.

6/1

Non-runners

Pentland Hills, Fantastic Lady, Get A Tonic, Boombawn, Up For Parol, In From The Cold, Sea Invasion

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £18.10
Straight Forecast £16.47
Tricast £93.49
Trifecta £89.80

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Largy Poet

The Times:

Sea Invasion

Telegraph:

Pentland Hills

LAMBOURN:

Joker De Mai

The Star:

Lord Of Cheshire

POSTDATA:

Samuel Spade

TOPSPEED:

Get A Tonic

Daily Mail:

No Ordinary Joe

RP RATINGS:

Mark Of Gold

WEST COUNTRY:

Largy Poet

The Sun:

Largy Poet

Daily Record:

Largy Poet

The Guardian:

Sea Invasion

D Express:

Sea Invasion

Daily Mirror:

Pentland Hills