March 02 / 14.17 Kelso

14.17

Good To Soft

bet365 Premier Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 2) (GBB Race)

  • Prize money: £31322.5
  • 2m 2f 25y
  • Class 1
  • 12 runners
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bet365 Premier Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 2) (GBB Race)

Runners: 12 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Mostly cloudy

4/1 (Won)

  • Win: £4.00
  • Place: £1.60

Form: 131 D

Last run: 52 days

W: 11st 5lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 130

Form & Verdict
Won on hurdle debut at Warwick (2m3f, soft) in November and, after a well-beaten third of five in a Grade 2 at Sandown (2m4f, heavy), he easily made all at Doncaster (2m, good to soft) in January; back up in grade today but could pose a much bigger threat than at Sandown.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

16th May 2026

Good

2m 1f 77y

Class 2

15:55 Bangor-on-Dee

Personal Ambition

11st 2lb

J: Ben Jones

T: Ben Pauling

Won three-runner novice chase by 17l at Newbury (2m, soft; first-time blinkers) in February but that form is tricky to evaluate, and he was pulled up in the Grand Annual at Cheltenham in March; still needs to prove he can handle his current handicap mark and that he's fully effective on the forecast good ground.

4/1

15

11th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

1m 7f 199y

Class 1

16:40 Cheltenham

Personal Ambition

10st 11lb

J: Kielan Woods

T: Ben Pauling

He's had jumping issues and should have won a Grade 2 novice chase at Ascot in December 2024 (2m3f, good to soft; bad mistake at final fence); beat just two rivals when getting off the mark in this sphere at Newbury (2m, soft) recently but that was still a very encouraging effort in first-time blinkers (retained); could make a bold bid if minimising the errors.

14/1

1st

3

17th Feb 2026

2m 0f 92y

Class 3

14:15 Newbury

Personal Ambition

11st 2lb

J: Ben Jones

T: Ben Pauling

Three-time hurdle winner; 0-6 over fences but highly tried on occasions and unlucky not to win a Grade 2 at Ascot last season; disappointed in that same race two months ago but new headgear could help him turn things around.

100/30

OUR TIP

2/1

  • Place: £1.40

Form: 112 BF

Last run: 23 days

W: 11st 10lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 139

Form & Verdict
There is a question mark regarding the form of the stable and he carries a 5lb penalty today, but he nevertheless holds leading form claims having won the Grade 1 Formby Novices' Hurdle at Aintree (2m, soft) on Boxing Day; good Listed second under penalty at Huntingdon (2m3f, soft) last time.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

2

9th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 210y

Class 1

14:55 Aintree

Jango Baie

11st 10lb

J: Nico de Boinville

T: Nicky Henderson

Kept on for close third to Impaire Et Passe in the 2m4f Manifesto here 12 months ago and has improved for longer trips this season; very close fourth in thrilling finish to the King George at Kempton (3m, good) in December and 8l second in the Gold Cup at Cheltenham (3m2f, good to soft) last month; leading claims if that hard race 27 days ago hasn't left a mark.

5/6

2nd

8

13th Mar 2026

Good

3m 2f 70y

Class 1

16:00 Cheltenham

Jango Baie

11st 10lb

J: Nico de Boinville

T: Nicky Henderson

Came from behind to win the Arkle here (2m, good to soft) 12 months ago and, as could be anticipated, was well suited by the step up to 3m when a very close fourth behind The Jukebox Man and Gaelic Warrior in the King George at Kempton (3m, good) in December; of the four involved in that thrilling finish he arguably shaped as the one most likely to improve for today's stiffer test; seems versatile ground-wise; could play a leading role.

4/1

3rd

6

3rd Apr 2025

Good To Soft

2m 3f 200y

Class 1

13:45 Aintree

Jango Baie

11st 7lb

J: Nico de Boinville

T: Nicky Henderson

Short-headed in Grade 1 Scilly Isles at Sandown (2m4f, heavy) in February on second chase start and rallied from a very unpromising position to win the Arkle at Cheltenham (2m, good to soft) last month; unraced on good ground; ran big races over hurdles on both visits here and he's a leading contender with the step back up in trip likely to be in his favour.

9/4

9/1

  • Place: £4.00

Form: 2-113

Last run: 67 days

W: 11st 8lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 124

Form & Verdict
Carries 3lb penalty and was no match for Jango Baie when third in the Grade 1 Formby Novices' Hurdle at Aintree (2m, soft) on Boxing Day; however, that was still a good run and prior to that he made all on his hurdle debut at Cheltenham (2m, soft); no surprise to see a bold bid.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

3

8th Dec 2024

Good To Soft

2m 0f 51y

Class 3

12:25 Kelso

Cannock Park

11st 6lb

J: Ryan Mania

T: Paul Robson

Hasn't appeared to fancy fences this season but he was a good novice hurdler last campaign and a revival would come as no surprise now back in this discipline; cheekpieces may also assist.

5/1

5th

3

8th Dec 2024

Good To Soft

2m 0f 51y

Class 3

12:25 Kelso

Cannock Park

11st 6lb

J: Ryan Mania

T: Paul Robson

Hasn't appeared to fancy fences this season but he was a good novice hurdler last campaign and a revival would come as no surprise now back in this discipline; cheekpieces may also assist.

5/1

4th

1

16th Nov 2024

Good

1m 7f 36y

Class 3

12:27 Wetherby

Cannock Park

11st 10lb

J: Sean Quinlan

T: Paul Robson

Useful novice hurdler last season; yet to threaten over fences but he ran respectably when fourth of six at Kelso (2m1f, good to soft) three weeks ago and could be a work in progress in this sphere; respected.

5/4

Form: 10-212 C

Last run: 27 days

W: 11st 5lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 116

Form & Verdict
Dual bumper winner (good/soft; including here) who won at Haydock (1m7f, heavy) in December on his second hurdle start; soundly beaten second at Musselburgh (1m7f, soft) since and has something to find today, but the extra yardage may help and he's not ruled out each-way.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

6

17th Apr 2026

Soft

2m 0f 0y

Class 3

13:45 Ayr

Berties Ballet

11st 11lb

J: Ryan Mania

T: Dianne Sayer

Won a Class 3 handicap at Haydock last season off this mark so wouldn't be too dismissive about his chances despite failing to reach anything like the same level in two of his three races this campaign.

20/1

12th

14

28th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 0f 51y

Class 2

14:55 Kelso

Berties Ballet

10st 9lb

J: Sean Quinlan

T: Dianne Sayer

On a handy mark on last winter's form and he was an encouraging fourth of nine over C&D recently on his second start back from a long absence; however, this is a higher grade than he's used to; could be vulnerable.

33/1

4th

1

13th Feb 2026

Soft

2m 0f 51y

Class 4

14:30 Kelso

Berties Ballet

12st 0lb

J: Brian Hughes

T: Dianne Sayer

Others have less to prove regarding current form but he shaped at Haydock last month as though he may have needed that comeback run; on a competitive mark and he's well suited by testing ground; not discounted.

6/1

Form: 1256

Last run: 35 days

W: 11st 5lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 128

Form & Verdict
Dual point winner who has failed to build upon the promise of his hurdle debut win at Perth (2m4f, good to soft) last August, having tackled 2m5f, 2m7f then 3m on his next three starts; however, the drop in trip may be a plus and he's not written off each-way in first-time cheekpieces.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

20th Oct 2024

Good

3m 5f 48y

Class 2

16:20 Sedgefield

Dripsey Moon

11st 5lb

J: Brian Hughes

T: Donald McCain

Has done very well this season for new yard over fences, winning twice at Perth (2m4f, good) and going close there (2m4f, good) last time; he's going into the unknown stamina-wise but was a close second over 3m2f at Newton Abbot (good to soft) in July and this progressive 7yo is not ruled out.

11/2

2nd

1

26th Sep 2024

Good

2m 4f 20y

Class 3

13:52 Perth

Dripsey Moon

11st 10lb

J: Brian Hughes

T: Donald McCain

Sent straight chasing by Donald McCain and has finished first or second in all four starts from 2m4f to 3m2f; jumped well out in front to win over C&D 17 days ago off just 2lb lower; might be vulnerable to something better handicapped but has a solid chance.

6/4

1st

2

9th Sep 2024

Good To Soft

2m 4f 20y

Class 3

14:30 Perth

Dripsey Moon

11st 7lb

J: Brian Hughes

T: Donald McCain

Made it 2-2 at Perth when making all to beat a few of these here 23 days ago, fending off Parisencore by just under a length; had nothing in hand but he's only 2lb higher.

5/2

Form: 132 BF

Last run: 48 days

W: 11st 5lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 119

Form & Verdict
Won on rules/hurdle debut at Hexham (2m, soft) in October and not beaten far when last of three in Listed race at Sandown (2m, heavy) next time; however, he has to improve upon that form and was a soundly beaten second here (2m6f, soft) most recently; others are preferred.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

13th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

1m 7f 133y

Class 4

14:30 Hexham

Choose A Copper

11st 12lb

J: Patrick Wadge

T: Lucinda Russell & Michael Scudamore

There was no return to form on his two starts this winter; arrives with plenty to prove but he's down to a dangerous mark and, if he is to stage a revival, it's likely to be here where he's posted both victories.

25/1

7th

4

17th Jan 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 203y

Class 4

12:15 Haydock

Choose A Copper

11st 6lb

J: Patrick Wadge

T: Lucinda Russell & Michael Scudamore

Down to a dangerous mark and could get back on track at some point but he's been underwhelming since winning on last season's reappearance (2m4f, soft), finishing down the field at Newcastle last month after a break.

20/1

Form: 41 C

Last run: 15 days

W: 11st 5lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Talented stayer on the Flat and could be even better over hurdles in view of his easy win here (2m, soft) a fortnight ago on his second jumps start; had plenty to spare from a solid yardstick and today's extra yardage should be in his favour; he's a highly likeable prospect.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

11th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

1m 7f 176y

Class 1

12:45 Aintree

Alnilam

11st 7lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Olly Murphy

Front-runner who made it 2-2 over fences when winning at Cheltenham (2m, good to soft) in October; however, his limitations seem to have been exposed since and he finished well adrift of No Questions Asked and Be Aware at Windsor last time; has had wind surgery but still hard to recommend.

33/1

3rd

1

16th Jan 2026

Soft

2m 0f 37y

Class 1

13:50 Windsor

Alnilam

11st 5lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Olly Murphy

Front-runner who made it 2-2 over fences when winning at Cheltenham (2m, good to soft) in October; won on soft ground over hurdles; carries a 3lb penalty today and his progress has stalled on his last two starts, but he's made mistakes each time and could make a bold bid if cutting out the blunders.

9/1

Form: 13

Last run: 57 days

W: 11st 5lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Point runner-up who won on bumper debut at Hexham (2m, soft) in October, before fair third at Musselburgh (1m7f, soft); however, he's thrown in at the deep end on this first hurdle start and lots of improvement is needed.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

5th Nov 2024

Good

2m 3f 188y

Class 4

14:10 Sedgefield

Will Knott

11st 9lb

J: Sam Coltherd

T: Stuart Coltherd

Hexham bumper winner (2m, soft); off the mark on fourth hurdles start in a 2m1f maiden here last time (good; won by 17l); well beaten when set plenty to do on previous attempt at this trip; interesting contender.

11/10

2

5th Nov 2024

Good

2m 3f 188y

Class 4

14:10 Sedgefield

Will Knott

11st 9lb

J: Sam Coltherd

T: Stuart Coltherd

led, going easily and 2 lengths ahead when fell 2 out

11/10

1st

4

20th Oct 2024

Good

2m 0f 178y

Class 4

15:10 Sedgefield

Will Knott

11st 4lb

J: Sam Coltherd

T: Stuart Coltherd

Point runner-up and bumper winner whose stable is in good form; however, he's failed to threaten on his three hurdle starts and may need a longer trip in this discipline.

4/1

Form: 211F BF

Last run: 106 days

W: 11st 5lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Point (2m4f, good to yielding) and dual bumper winner (good/yielding to soft) who was beaten when falling at the final flight at Wexford (2m4f, heavy) in November on sole hurdle start; however, he looked exciting previously and the first-time tongue-tie and return to better ground could help him get back on track; not discounted.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

16th

12

12th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 127y

Class 1

14:00 Cheltenham

Intense Approach

10st 11lb

J: Alex Harvey

T: John C McConnell

Prevailed in a big field at Galway (2m6f, good) on chase debut but has failed to back up that form since and was particularly disappointing in October when bidding for a second win at the Cheltenham Showcase meeting; wears first-time headgear; less solid than others.

50/1

26

11th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 5f 0y

Class 1

14:40 Cheltenham

Intense Approach

10st 10lb

T: John C McConnell

Reserve; won four times (once on good here) as a novice hurdler last season before pulling up at 14-1 in the 3m Grade 1 novice event here; won chase debut at the Galway festival (2m6f) last August but chase career has gone badly the wrong way since, latest start 11 days ago; returns to hurdling in first-time cheekpieces; next to no exposure in handicaps but low on the list.

50/1

5th

2

28th Feb 2026

Heavy

2m 0f 0y

15:35 Navan

Intense Approach

11st 1lb

J: Darragh O’Keeffe

T: John C McConnell

Four-time hurdles winner with a liking for a sound surface and staying trips; had the going in his favour when making a winning chase debut over 2m6f at the Galway festival last August; disappointing when well fancied for a 3m1f contest at Cheltenham in October; unseated at the first at Musselburgh early this month.

33/1

Form: 012

Last run: 34 days

W: 11st 5lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 116

Form & Verdict
Dual Flat winner who beat three rivals to win at Catterick (1m7f, heavy) on New Year's Day on his second hurdle start; best of the rest behind the highly talented Dysart Enos at Doncaster (2m, good) last time but there's a suspicion his limitations will be exposed once more today.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

3

19th May 2026

Good To Soft

2m 0f 48y

Class 5

20:50 Hexham

Justus

11st 12lb

J: Joshua Thompson

T: Micky Hammond

Took big step back in right direction and arguably ran better than bare form suggests when fifth at Wetherby (2m, good to soft) in March, but was generally very disappointing last season; others have more appealing profiles.

16/1

Form: -33512

Last run: 35 days

W: 11st 5lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 126

Form & Verdict
Improved form when easily winning a Catterick novice (2m3f, good to soft) in December on fourth hurdle start and when clear second on handicap debut at Doncaster (2m3f, good) subsequently; others may have greater potential but it was a solid performance last time and he's an each-way possible.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12

12th Feb 2025

Soft

2m 3f 154y

Class 3

16:13 Wetherby

Rich Spirit

11st 1lb

J: Jack Power

T: Joel Parkinson & Sue Smith

Fell twice in three chase starts and well held in the other; offered little on return to hurdling here 11 days ago.

25/1

13th

11

1st Feb 2025

Soft

2m 3f 154y

Class 3

14:43 Wetherby

Rich Spirit

11st 4lb

J: Nick Scholfield

T: Joel Parkinson & Sue Smith

midfield

16/1

13th

11

1st Feb 2025

Soft

2m 3f 154y

Class 3

14:43 Wetherby

Rich Spirit

11st 4lb

J: Nick Scholfield

T: Joel Parkinson & Sue Smith

midfield

16/1

Form: 653F11 D

Last run: 27 days

W: 11st 1lb

6 yo Mare

OR: 132

Form & Verdict
Things clicked with an easy win in a mares' maiden at Catterick (1m7f, soft) in January and she built on that when bolting up in a competitive Listed mares' handicap at Leopardstown (2m2f, soft) four weeks ago; major player on the back of that latest performance.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

3

12th Oct 2025

Good To Firm

2m 3f 98y

Class 1

14:42 Chepstow

Brucio

10st 12lb

J: Jack Andrews

T: T Ellis

Very useful hurdler without being in the same league as some of today's opposition and she wasn't overly convincing in her jumping when comfortably held in two chases earlier this year; left former Irish yard for £28,000.

20/1

4th

2

17th Mar 2025

Good

2m 3f 140y

16:12 Down Royal

Brucio

11st 9lb

J: J J Slevin

T: S R B Crawford

124-rated hurdler won two mares' events last season on soft, the second a Listed handicap at the DRF; last of three on recent chase debut in 2m Ayr handicap where jumping novicey; may need more time to make her mark chasing.

11/2

3rd

2

24th Feb 2025

Soft

2m 0f 110y

Class 3

15:25 Ayr

Brucio

11st 9lb

J: J J Slevin

T: S R B Crawford

novicey jumping, raced in third and in touch with leaders, outpaced after 4 out, weakened 2 out

3/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £11.70
Straight Forecast £10.08
Tricast £81.67
Trifecta £105.60

Selections

RP RATINGS:

Jango Baie

WEST COUNTRY:

Personal Ambition

SPOTLIGHT:

Brucio

The Guardian:

Brucio

The Star:

Brucio

Daily Record:

Brucio

TOPSPEED:

Jango Baie

POSTDATA:

Jango Baie

LAMBOURN:

Jango Baie

Telegraph:

Jango Baie

The Sun:

Jango Baie

The Times:

Personal Ambition

Daily Mail:

Personal Ambition

D Express:

Personal Ambition

Daily Mirror:

Personal Ambition