February 25 / 16.40 Hereford

16.40

Heavy

Watch & Bet At PlanetSportBet Novices’ Handicap Hurdle

  • Prize money: £3247.81
  • 2m 5f 163y
  • Class 5
  • 11 runners
SKY
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Watch & Bet At PlanetSportBet Novices’ Handicap Hurdle

Runners: 11 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Cloudy

OUR TIP

12/1 (Won)

  • Win: £9.00
  • Place: £3.00

Form: 53-P73

Last run: 75 days

W: 11st 12lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 103

Form & Verdict
Seemingly boosted by first-time cheekpieces when placed at Fontwell (2m5f heavy) in December but his hurdling strike-rate now stands at 0-7 and others in this line-up probably have more potential.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

1

21st Apr 2025

Good

2m 3f 100y

Class 4

16:07 Chepstow

Bertie B

12st 0lb

J: Richard Patrick

T: Clive Boultbee-Brooks

Returned from break with three good runs towards end of 2024, including clearcut win at Plumpton (2m4f, good to soft), but looked out of sorts on both outings this year and needs a boost from the refitted cheekpieces.

16/1

9th

1

21st Apr 2025

Good

2m 3f 100y

Class 4

16:07 Chepstow

Bertie B

12st 0lb

J: Richard Patrick

T: Clive Boultbee-Brooks

Returned from break with three good runs towards end of 2024, including clearcut win at Plumpton (2m4f, good to soft), but looked out of sorts on both outings this year and needs a boost from the refitted cheekpieces.

16/1

11th

3

29th Mar 2025

Good

2m 7f 70y

Class 4

17:05 Uttoxeter

Bertie B

11st 12lb

J: Richard Patrick

T: Clive Boultbee-Brooks

Won well at Plumpton (2m5f, good to soft) in December but he was only seventh next time and then pulled up at Ascot; bit to prove all of a sudden.

12/1

14/1

  • Place: £4.70

Form: 8-6254

Last run: 23 days

W: 11st 13lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 104

Form & Verdict
Belied triple-digit odds when close second in Warwick novice (2m, soft) in November but was just a respectable fourth when upped to 3m for recent handicap debut at Southwell (good to soft); drops back in trip here; improvement needed.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

2

9th Apr 2025

Good To Firm

2m 7f 198y

Class 5

14:25 Taunton

Myfanwys Magic

11st 11lb

J: Freddie Keighley

T: Martin Keighley

prominent, briefly led after 2nd, lost position after 3 out, weakened 2 out

4/1

6th

2

9th Apr 2025

Good To Firm

2m 7f 198y

Class 5

14:25 Taunton

Myfanwys Magic

11st 11lb

J: Freddie Keighley

T: Martin Keighley

prominent, briefly led after 2nd

4/1

3rd

2

20th Mar 2025

Good

2m 3f 100y

Class 5

16:40 Chepstow

Myfanwys Magic

11st 12lb

J: Freddie Keighley

T: Martin Keighley

Unwise to blame soft ground when well held in the new cheekpieces at Warwick last time (3m2f); a repeat of his second at Ludlow in November would give him a shout, though that was at 3m.

6/1

5/1

  • Place: £4.10

Form: 512652

Last run: 26 days

W: 11st 7lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 98

Form & Verdict
Scored on heavy ground at Perth (2m4f) in the autumn; ended last year with two disappointing efforts but kept on well to go very close at Chepstow (2m3f, heavy; clear leader unseated rider at last) on latest outing and has claims if in the right mood.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

4

19th Jan 2025

Good To Soft

2m 7f 95y

Class 5

12:30 Fakenham

Awesome Foursome

11st 2lb

J: James Turner

T: Nigel Twiston-Davies

didn't always jump with fluency, prominent, lost ground 3rd, headway before 3 out

9/2

2nd

4

19th Jan 2025

Good To Soft

2m 7f 95y

Class 5

12:30 Fakenham

Awesome Foursome

11st 2lb

J: James Turner

T: Nigel Twiston-Davies

didn't always jump with fluency, prominent, lost ground 3rd, headway before 3 out

9/2

3rd

9

19th Dec 2024

Good To Soft

2m 4f 0y

Class 4

12:22 Ffos Las

Awesome Foursome

10st 9lb

J: James Turner

T: Nigel Twiston-Davies

Lacked fluency when fourth in two 3m Fakenham chases this autumn and now reverts to hurdling; will be suited by today's drop back in trip, though, and and won't mind the forecast rain; can exploit a favourable mark.

5/1

Form: -51524

Last run: 31 days

W: 11st 11lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 102

Form & Verdict
Came good with clearcut success at Huntingdon (2m3f, good to soft) in November and has remained in good form; proven on heavy ground and ought to be in the shake-up again.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

3

27th May 2026

Good

3m 1f 83y

Class 5

19:38 Cartmel

Jack Sprat

11st 13lb

J: Isabelle Ryder

T: James Moffatt

Capable on his day for Jamie Snowden, winning three times; didn't sign off for that yard in bad form and he joined this one for £12,000; could go well.

33/1

4th

5

17th Apr 2026

Good To Firm

2m 5f 137y

Class 4

18:40 Exeter

Jack Sprat

11st 0lb

J: Gavin Sheehan

T: Jamie Snowden

Course scorer who went freely when a below-par seventh of ten in 3m Wincanton handicap 25 days ago; drops back in trip now.

9/1

7th

8

23rd Mar 2026

Good

3m 0f 150y

Class 4

14:45 Wincanton

Jack Sprat

11st 9lb

J: Miss Gina Andrews

T: Jamie Snowden

Three-time hurdle winner who seemed to have been refreshed by a 12-week break when a very respectable fourth over C&D (good to soft) in refitted cheekpieces this month; in the mix if in similar form.

10/1

Form: 7-2062

Last run: 11 days

W: 11st 8lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 99

Form & Verdict
Ran well from the front when second in first-time cheekpieces here (2m3f, soft) 11 days ago and has now been placed on four of his seven hurdling starts; moves up in trip today; no surprise if he makes another bold bid.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

4

4th Nov 2025

Good

3m 1f 100y

Class 5

15:32 Warwick

Iron DEx

11st 0lb

J: Sean Houlihan

T: Sheila Lewis

Ended last season in poor form but made quite encouraging reappearance when fourth (about 9l behind Ballynaheer) at Hereford (3m1f, good) three weeks ago; on very good mark now and has cheekpieces refitted today; dangerous to ignore.

4/1

2nd

4

4th Nov 2025

Good

3m 1f 100y

Class 5

15:32 Warwick

Iron DEx

11st 0lb

J: Sean Houlihan

T: Sheila Lewis

Ended last season in poor form but made quite encouraging reappearance when fourth (about 9l behind Ballynaheer) at Hereford (3m1f, good) three weeks ago; on very good mark now and has cheekpieces refitted today; dangerous to ignore.

4/1

2nd

4

4th Nov 2025

Good

3m 1f 100y

Class 5

15:32 Warwick

Iron DEx

11st 0lb

J: Sean Houlihan

T: Sheila Lewis

Ended last season in poor form but made quite encouraging reappearance when fourth (about 9l behind Ballynaheer) at Hereford (3m1f, good) three weeks ago; on very good mark now and has cheekpieces refitted today; dangerous to ignore.

4/1

Form: 9-7672

Last run: 41 days

W: 11st 2lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 93

Form & Verdict
Soundly beaten in three maiden/novice hurdles towards end of last year but fared considerably better when clear second to a very progressive rival on handicap debut here (3m1f, good) six weeks ago; major player if today's trip-and-ground combination also suits.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

6

21st Apr 2024

Good To Soft

3m 2f 83y

Class 5

13:40 Stratford

Macs Legacy

11st 7lb

J: Ben Jones

T: Rebecca Curtis

Second to very progressive rival on handicap debut at Hereford (3m1f, good) in January and bounced back from lesser effort when third at Ffos Las (2m4f, heavy; first-time blinkers) last month; back up to a staying trip today and could still have more to offer.

11/2

3rd

6

21st Apr 2024

Good To Soft

3m 2f 83y

Class 5

13:40 Stratford

Macs Legacy

11st 7lb

J: Ben Jones

T: Rebecca Curtis

Second to very progressive rival on handicap debut at Hereford (3m1f, good) in January and bounced back from lesser effort when third at Ffos Las (2m4f, heavy; first-time blinkers) last month; back up to a staying trip today and could still have more to offer.

11/2

3rd

3

31st Mar 2024

Heavy

2m 4f 0y

Class 5

14:50 Ffos Las

Macs Legacy

11st 7lb

J: Ned Fox

T: Rebecca Curtis

Displayed clear improvement when second to very progressive rival on handicap debut at Hereford (3m1f, good) two starts ago but was slightly disappointing on soft ground there (2m5f) last month and conditions are a worry again here; swaps cheekpieces for first-time blinkers.

7/2

Form: 63-723 BF

Last run: 31 days

W: 11st 2lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 93

Form & Verdict
0-7 over hurdles but shaped as though today's move back up in trip might suit when placed in consecutive 2m3f handicaps at Wetherby (both on soft) this winter; probably won't be far away.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8

6th May 2026

Good To Soft

3m 2f 105y

Class 4

16:20 Newton Abbot

Mister Barclay

11st 4lb

J: Ned Fox

T: Tom Symonds

Returned to hurdling after a layoff with a narrow win at Ffos Las (3m, soft) in November; has had another break since but still looks on a workable mark and has shaped as though this new trip should be within range; shortlisted.

7/2

6th

6

6th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

2m 7f 177y

Class 5

15:30 Ffos Las

Mister Barclay

11st 10lb

J: Jordan Nailor

T: Tom Symonds

Runner-up on chasing debut at Uttoxeter (3m, soft) last May, despite some rather sketchy jumping, and returned from a layoff with good hurdle run in January; below form twice since, though (chase/hurdle), and needs a boost from the new cheekpieces.

12/1

6th

6

6th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

2m 7f 177y

Class 5

15:30 Ffos Las

Mister Barclay

11st 10lb

J: Jordan Nailor

T: Tom Symonds

Runner-up on chasing debut at Uttoxeter (3m, soft) last May, despite some rather sketchy jumping, and returned from a layoff with good hurdle run in January; below form twice since, though (chase/hurdle), and needs a boost from the new cheekpieces.

12/1

Form: 43

Last run: 33 days

W: 11st 9lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 100

Form & Verdict
Made the frame on first two hurdling starts, more recently when third behind two fairly useful rivals at Leicester (2m4f, heavy) last month; should have further improvement to come in handicaps; high on the list.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

5

26th Mar 2026

Good

2m 7f 136y

Class 5

14:50 Chepstow

Just In A Bit

11st 8lb

J: Toby Wynne

T: Mel Rowley

Low-mileage maiden who's been second or third in handicaps on all three chase outings, absent 590 days after first of those; rallied strongly when third of seven at Leicester (2m7f, soft) one month ago, which suggests that this step back up in trip is very much in order; one to consider.

7/2

3rd

2

24th Feb 2026

Heavy

2m 6f 151y

Class 5

14:50 Leicester

Just In A Bit

11st 12lb

J: Charlie Deutsch

T: Mel Rowley

Low-mileage maiden who ran well on chase debut in June 2024 (penultimate start) and may be capable of progress with Hereford reappearance under his belt; one to consider.

3/1

Form: 698

Last run: 60 days

W: 10st 9lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 86

Form & Verdict
Joined Sam Thomas after going very close in soft-ground Irish point last March; launched rules career with three disappointing maiden/novice hurdle runs towards end of last year (2m-2m4f) but makes handicap debut from a lowly mark and still has plenty of time to get his act together; hooded for first time.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

10

23rd Apr 2024

Good To Soft

2m 4f 88y

Class 5

15:30 Southwell

Captain Wallace

11st 4lb

J: Dylan Johnston

T: Sam Thomas

Tailed off on handicap debut in February but took huge step forward at Exeter (2m2f, good) on Friday, keeping on strongly to win readily by 10l; needs to be taken very seriously under 7lb penalty here.

11/8

1st

10

23rd Apr 2024

Good To Soft

2m 4f 88y

Class 5

15:30 Southwell

Captain Wallace

11st 4lb

J: Dylan Johnston

T: Sam Thomas

Tailed off on handicap debut in February but took huge step forward at Exeter (2m2f, good) on Friday, keeping on strongly to win readily by 10l; needs to be taken very seriously under 7lb penalty here.

11/8

1st

11

19th Apr 2024

Good To Soft

2m 2f 111y

Class 5

17:30 Exeter

Captain Wallace

11st 0lb

J: Dylan Johnston

T: Sam Thomas

raced in second

14/1

Form: 34/6

Last run: 27 days

W: 12st 0lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 105

Form & Verdict
Made the frame on both French hurdling starts in 2021 (once on very soft ground) but, following a long absence, was tailed off in Plumpton novice (2m, good to soft) on last month's British debut; upped in trip for today's handicap debut; a very tricky horse to weigh up.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

28th Dec 2024

Soft

2m 6f 151y

Class 5

13:55 Leicester

Mako Of The Glade

11st 7lb

J: Ned Fox

T: Venetia Williams

Ability in France but has shown little for current yard, including on recent chase debut at Warwick (3m) when returning from wind surgery; he was easy to back that day; now tries blinkers.

12/1

3

28th Dec 2024

Soft

2m 6f 151y

Class 5

13:55 Leicester

Mako Of The Glade

11st 7lb

J: Ned Fox

T: Venetia Williams

Ability in France but has shown little for current yard, including on recent chase debut at Warwick (3m) when returning from wind surgery; he was easy to back that day; now tries blinkers.

12/1

Form: 33-407

Last run: 18 days

W: 10st 12lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 89

Form & Verdict
Placed in a bumper in early 2023 and also displayed clear promise on first two hurdling starts but he has been soundly beaten in two handicaps this year (1m7f/2m4f) and needs to turn things around.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

13

22nd Aug 2024

Good

3m 1f 170y

Class 5

14:45 Newton Abbot

Kooky

10st 2lb

J: Rex Dingle

T: Jane Williams

took keen hold, held up in rear, hit 12th, no impression before 4 out

33/1

7th

12

17th Jul 2024

Good

3m 2f 13y

Class 5

15:40 Uttoxeter

Kooky

10st 6lb

J: David Noonan

T: Jane Williams

Pulled up on a couple of occasions earlier this year (hurdle and a chase) and only slightly better over fences at Worcester (2m7f) the last twice; easing mark, but no obvious reason why he can make it 10th-time lucky.

20/1

6th

14

26th Jun 2024

Good

2m 7f 0y

Class 5

14:53 Worcester

Kooky

10st 8lb

J: David Noonan

T: Jane Williams

Well beaten in three handicap hurdles during the winter (1m7f-2m5f) and also in two handicap chases this spring (2m5f/2m7f), latterly with today's headgear combination added; big leap of faith needed to support him.

25/1

Non-runners

Ballynaheer

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £123.80
Straight Forecast £100.49
Tricast £1347.43
Trifecta £1471.10

Selections

TOPSPEED:

Mister Barclay

RP RATINGS:

Awesome Foursome

Telegraph:

Mac's Legacy

POSTDATA:

Jack Sprat

SPOTLIGHT:

Just In A Bit

The Star:

Mac's Legacy

WEST COUNTRY:

Awesome Foursome

Daily Record:

Awesome Foursome

D Express:

Mister Barclay

Daily Mirror:

Mister Barclay

The Sun:

Mister Barclay

The Times:

Jack Sprat