March 15 / 14.10 Cheltenham

14.10

Soft

BetMGM County Handicap Hurdle (Premier Handicap) (GBB Race)

  • Prize money: £56270
  • 2m 0f 179y
  • Class 1
  • 17 runners
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BetMGM County Handicap Hurdle (Premier Handicap) (GBB Race)

Runners: 17 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Light rain

6/1 (Won)

  • Win: £13.40
  • Place: £2.90

Form: 16P4

Last run: 40 days

W: 10st 10lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 138

Form & Verdict
High class on the Flat, winning the Ebor (1m6f, good to firm) last August; yet to transfer that ability fully to hurdles and the forecast soft ground may be a hindrance, but his Grade 1 fourth at Leopardstown (2m, soft) last month behind Ballyburn and Slade Steel was a step in the right direction (King Of Kingsfield third); has potential off this mark in view of his Flat form.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

1

1st May 2026

Yielding

2m 0f 45y

18:40 Punchestown

Absurde

11st 12lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: W P Mullins

One of three for trainer; dual-purpose sort who has run creditably in the last three Melbourne Cups (rated 107 on the Flat); 2024 County Hurdle winner was well below his best in that race this season back from a break (2m1f, soft); improved display at Cork when 3.25l behind Ndaawi (16.5f, yielding); a good bit to find with Lossiemouth even if running to his rating, which he hasn't done so far this term.

40/1

2nd

3

5th Apr 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 0f 70y

13:50 Cork

Absurde

11st 2lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: W P Mullins

Classy dual-purpose sort who has run creditably in the last three Melbourne Cups (rated 107 on the Flat); below best after a break in the County Hurdle at Cheltenham but should be sharper now and Harry Cobden has won on him before; top rated at 153 and obvious chance.

5/4

20th

2

13th Mar 2026

Good

2m 0f 179y

Class 1

14:00 Cheltenham

Absurde

11st 13lb

J: Mr P W Mullins

T: W P Mullins

Won this in 2024 and third last year, albeit off much lower marks; operated a little below his very best on the Flat last year, including in Australia in the autumn, which perhaps raises a few doubts as to whether he'll be able to find the career-best hurdle performance which will be needed to defy such a lofty mark.

16/1

9/2

  • Place: £2.00

Form: 433-P2 D

Last run: 34 days

W: 10st 7lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 135

Form & Verdict
French 4yo Listed winner in April 2022 and, bar a blip here last November, has improved with each British run; fine second in Betfair Hurdle at Newbury (2m, heavy) last month, after which he's up 6lb but he was clear of Go Dante and Faivoir who fought out last Saturday's Imperial Cup; Harry Skelton prefers him to Faivoir; big player.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

10th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 200y

Class 1

15:30 Aintree

LEau Du Sud

11st 10lb

J: Tristan Durrell

T: Dan Skelton

Third of five in Grade 1 Maghull Novices' Chase here (2m, good) 12 months ago and reappeared with a win in the Grade 2 Shloer at Cheltenham (2m, soft) in November; ran well when 12l third in the Champion Chase at Cheltenham (2m, good to soft) last month but doesn't appear to be crying out for this step up in trip, and Harry Skelton rides Grey Dawning.

11/1

3rd

6

11th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

1m 7f 199y

Class 1

16:00 Cheltenham

LEau Du Sud

11st 10lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

Progressive in the main; smart novice chaser last term and ties in closely with Majborough on Arkle bare form (good to soft; finished a close fourth); below par in the 2025 Tingle Creek when last seen but this looks the day to catch him; successful the last three times he has returned from a break of two months or bigger, most recently in this season's Shloer over C&D (soft) when easily beating his rivals and registering a fourth Graded win, as well as cementing his Champion Chase claims; favourably fresh and rightly respected.

4/1

2

1st Nov 2025

Good

2m 0f 172y

Class 1

14:05 Ascot

LEau Du Sud

11st 12lb

J: Tristan Durrell

T: Dan Skelton

One of Britain's best 2m novice chasers last season and held his own in the Grade 1s at Cheltenham and Aintree; didn't jump as well as he can on the latter occasion when tried in cheekpieces and those aids are now left off; high in the weights for a reason but he may prefer softer ground and will have new handling, having only been ridden by Harry Skelton in Britain.

10/1

  • Place: £2.80

Form: 5426-4 CD

Last run: 111 days

W: 12st 0lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 156

Form & Verdict
Third in the 2022 Triumph Hurdle over C&D (good to soft) and beaten a head by Faivoir in this race last year (soft); ran okay behind State Man in Punchestown Grade 1 in November last time out and he's just 2lb higher than 12 months ago; every chance he'll be in the mix once more.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6

11th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 5f 56y

Class 2

15:20 Cheltenham

Pied Piper

10st 7lb

J: Sam Ewing

T: Gordon Elliott

Gained all three chase wins in small-field novice events last April-June; not beaten far when ninth of 28 in valuable Leopardstown handicap won by Favori De Champdou over Christmas (3m, yielding; wore usual cheekpieces) and seemed to be running well when falling at third-last fence in the Thyestes at Gowran (3m1f, heavy; blinkered) in January; has stamina to prove on cross-country debut but not ruled out; cheekpieces back on today.

25/1

9

22nd Jan 2026

Heavy

3m 1f 0y

15:30 Gowran Park

Pied Piper

11st 4lb

J: Kevin Healy

T: Gordon Elliott

Smart hurdler in his early days; all three chase wins recorded in small-field events between April and June last year; failed to prosper in Grade 3 events before livelier displays at Cheltenham and when fifth behind Answer To Kayf in the Troytown; no impact in the Grade 1 Drinmore at Fairhouse; no threat from the last when ninth in the Paddy Power.

33/1

1

25th Oct 2025

Good To Soft

3m 1f 0y

Class 2

16:05 Cheltenham

Pied Piper

11st 10lb

J: Jack Kennedy

T: Gordon Elliott

Hit the ground running over fences with three wins in small fields (2m4f-2m7f) but now on a recovery mission after three blips, admittedly at Grade 3 level; would be a strong contender on these terms if back on song.

5/1

OUR TIP

11/1

  • Place: £2.20

Form: 25-122 D BF

Last run: 40 days

W: 11st 2lb

6 yo Filly

OR: 144

Form & Verdict
Runner-up in Grade 2 Mares' Novices' Hurdle over C&D (soft) at this meeting last year and has continued the good work this term, last time second of 21 on last month's handicap debut at Leopardstown (2m, soft); this lightly raced 6yo is with a leading yard and could have more to offer; respected.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

4

(1)

4th Apr 2026

Soft

1m 4f 25y

17:12 Cork

Magical Zoe

9st 2lb

J: Shane Foley

T: Henry De Bromhead

Grade 3-winning hurdler turned into a useful Flat performer in 2024; finished third in a Fairyhouse Grade 3 over 1m6f before winning the Ebor over the same trip; however, hasn't been seen since and difficult to get behind her after a long absence; the market might reveal her readiness.

5/1

1st

8

(1)

24th Aug 2024

Good To Firm

1m 5f 188y

Class 2

15:35 York

Magical Zoe

9st 6lb

J: W J Lee

T: Henry De Bromhead

Useful hurdler, placed at the last two Cheltenham Festivals; similar standard straightaway switched to racing under Flat rules on last three outings, 1-4 for her easy 1m5f maiden win before she ran on nicely to be a close third in Group 3 at Fairyhouse (1m6f, good; unraced on firmer); this mark demands more but she did shape last time as if capable of better.

9/1

3rd

4

(4)

10th Jul 2024

Good To Firm

1m 6f 0y

18:30 Fairyhouse

Magical Zoe

9st 9lb

J: Colin Keane

T: Henry De Bromhead

Bumper winner; talented mare over hurdles, has run well at two Cheltenham festivals, second in last year's Grade 2 mares' novice, fourth in the County Hurdle last season; made a bright start on Flat when fifth to Thunder Roll in a 1m4f Listed race at Cork in April; readily landed the odds in a 1m5f maiden at Down Royal.

8/1

Form: -7P331 D

Last run: 41 days

W: 10st 2lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 129

Form & Verdict
Won in decisive fashion at Musselburgh (1m7f, good to soft) last month, having initially failed to progress this season; 5lb higher in a tougher race today at a very different track, but he kept on well for a fair eighth in last season's Fred Winter here (2m, soft) and this 5yo may have more to offer.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

3

4th May 2026

Good

2m 4f 1y

Class 2

17:13 Fakenham

Afadil

11st 7lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Paul Nicholls

Without a win since February 2024 but gave good account when sixth (promoted to fifth) at last month's Aintree festival; 2lb lower here and well worth another crack at 2m4f; considered.

14/1

6th

22

10th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 0f 103y

Class 2

17:15 Aintree

Afadil

10st 13lb

J: Jay Tidball

T: Paul Nicholls

18 races and over two years since his last win, albeit still frequently competitive; below par over 2m5f at Ascot only 12 days ago but his peak form has come at around 2m (third in this in 2024).

22/1

7th

5

29th Mar 2026

Good

2m 5f 146y

Class 3

17:25 Ascot

Afadil

11st 2lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Paul Nicholls

17 races and over two years since his last win, albeit still frequently competitive; big majority of his career has been at about 2m (he last went over further in October 2024) and he's never been this far.

9/2

Form: 6P2852 CD

Last run: 6 days

W: 10st 8lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 136

Form & Verdict
Inconsistent and Harry Skelton rides stablemate L'Eau Du Sud, but he's just 2lb higher than when winning this last year (soft) and went very close off this mark in the Imperial Cup at Sandown (2m, soft) last Saturday, when perhaps in front longer than ideal (wandered a little); firmly in calculations.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

15th

14

10th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 0y

Class 1

13:45 Aintree

Faivoir

11st 4lb

J: Miss Heidi Palin

T: Dan Skelton

Has lots of form in major handicaps, generally at about 2m, but losing spell goes back three years and he looks unlikely to land this hot contest at the age of 11; remote third at Newbury most recently.

40/1

3rd

5

7th Feb 2026

Soft

2m 0f 69y

Class 1

15:20 Newbury

Faivoir

11st 8lb

J: Miss Heidi Palin

T: Dan Skelton

Missed last term; useful on his day (County winner) but is into the veteran stage and not particularly solid on this season's form, for all that he was placed in the Greatwood; beaten twice in this contest (pulled up in 2023, fifth in 2024).

33/1

11/1

Form: 131-33 D

Last run: 40 days

W: 11st 3lb

5 yo Filly

OR: 145

Form & Verdict
Fine third in Triumph Hurdle over C&D (soft) last March then won Grade 1 4yo hurdle at Aintree (2m1f, good to soft); just two runs this season, most recently good third of 21 on handicap debut at Leopardstown (2m, soft); improvement needed but this 5yo is unexposed and in top hands; in with a chance.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

24th Sep 2025

Yielding To Soft

2m 3f 100y

16:58 Listowel

Zenta

11st 7lb

J: Paul Townend

T: W P Mullins

Three-time winning hurdler, including a Grade 1, is 1-8 over the bigger obstacles; rated 140 so well clear on the figures but has failed to complete two of her last three starts and jumped poorly the last twice; talented but a risky proposition.

9/4

18

30th Jul 2025

Good

2m 6f 111y

18:40 Galway

Zenta

11st 2lb

J: Aidan Kelly

T: W P Mullins

Flopped at Roscommon last time and earlier pulled up in Punchestown race won by Sea Music; those two races have dented her chasing profile; blinkered for the first time.

25/1

3rd

4

9th Jun 2025

Good

2m 5f 150y

18:08 Roscommon

Zenta

10st 13lb

J: Gavin Brouder

T: W P Mullins

Mare is rated 140 after six chase starts; won a mares' beginners' at Fairyhouse in February (2m5f, sft-hvy); good third in listed handicap chase at that venue on penultimate (2m5f, soft); pulled up at Punchestown latest; looks the main threat to Pied Piper and gets plenty of weight from him but may need softer ground.

6/5

Form: 16-135 D BF

Last run: 40 days

W: 10st 9lb

5 yo Filly

OR: 137

Form & Verdict
Beaten a neck and a nose in last season's Fred Winter (2m, soft) and won a Grade 3 against males on reappearance at Fairyhouse (2m, soft) in December; however, hasn't threatened the last twice and needs something extra.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

29th Dec 2024

Yielding

2m 4f 0y

13:20 Leopardstown

Risk Belle

11st 3lb

J: Mark Walsh

T: W P Mullins

midfield early, prominent behind clear leaders after 2nd

9/1

4

29th Dec 2024

Yielding

2m 4f 0y

13:20 Leopardstown

Risk Belle

11st 3lb

J: Mark Walsh

T: W P Mullins

midfield early, prominent behind clear leaders after 2nd

9/1

2nd

1

24th Nov 2024

Yielding

2m 2f 0y

12:40 Punchestown

Risk Belle

11st 4lb

J: Mark Walsh

T: W P Mullins

Won a Grade 3 at Fairyhouse on return last year and some decent efforts in defeat since; however, below form the last thrice (an excuse in Galway Hurdle) and has to bounce back.

5/1

66/1

Form: 212415 D

Last run: 166 days

W: 10st 2lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 130

Form & Verdict
Disappointing in Tipperary Grade 3 last October and absent since; however, prior to that he won a big-field 4yo handicap at Listowel (2m, good to yielding) and that form reads well; also effective on soft ground; this unexposed sort retains potential for his top trainer and is not written off.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

4

(6)

12th Jul 2025

Good

1m 5f 188y

Class 1

15:45 York

Samui

9st 0lb

J: Hollie Doyle

T: Gordon Elliott

Twice ran well in defeat at Royal Ascot last month, finishing third in the Copper Horse Handicap (1m6f, good to firm) and second in the Queen Alexandra (2m5f, good to firm; albeit no match for the winner); could give a good account but needs others to underperform if he's to come out on top.

6/1

3

(7)

21st Jun 2025

Good To Firm

2m 5f 143y

Class 2

18:10 Ascot

Samui

9st 4lb

J: Colin Keane

T: Gordon Elliott

Proven in this headgear; pays his way under both codes and, if able to reproduce his effort here on Tuesday when hitting the line well for third in the 1m6f Copper Horse Stakes (good to firm), then he won't be far away on these favourable terms; the grey areas are inconsistency and the extra 7f (he did run over 3m over jumps) but he's one of only a few with realistic ambitions of winning.

11/2

3

(5)

17th Jun 2025

Good

1m 6f 34y

Class 2

18:10 Ascot

Samui

9st 9lb

J: Colin Keane

T: Gordon Elliott

In rude health last summer, including when second off this mark in competitive handicap at York (2m, good to firm); won over hurdles in January but his form has been mixed since across both codes; below best back on Flat last time.

20/1

Form: 260227 D

Last run: 40 days

W: 10st 2lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 129

Form & Verdict
Experienced 5yo who improved when runner-up in competitive handicaps in December at Fairyhouse (2m, soft) and Leopardstown (2m, heavy); he's better than he showed behind a few of these at Leopardstown last month (2m, soft; slightly hampered two out) but his form needs to go to a new level today.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

6th Sep 2024

Good To Yielding

2m 0f 0y

16:35 Kilbeggan

By Your Side

11st 8lb

J: Finn Brickley

T: Gordon Elliott

Placed more often than winning over hurdles; did record his fourth win on the Flat at Tramore last month before finishing close up in a charity race at the Curragh on Sunday; pace will be on here which will help him being delivered late and certainly respected.

8/1

3rd

1

31st Aug 2024

Good

1m 4f 0y

17:45 Curragh

By Your Side

12st 6lb

J: P J Smullen

T: Gordon Elliott

Asserted well to win at Tramore; Pat Smullen's son takes the ride; big chance.

100/30

1st

5

(4)

17th Aug 2024

Yielding

1m 4f 0y

19:00 Tramore

By Your Side

9st 7lb

J: Leigh Roche

T: Gordon Elliott

Dual Purpose; 3-8 on the Flat; ran a solid race over this trip at Chester in May 2023; hurdling since that run until return to this sphere in the Cork Derby and he wasn't disgraced on ground plenty quick for him; this race is easier, a bit of cut in the ground will suit and he's been dropped 5lb; a big run could be on the cards.

9/1

Form: 7U-4F4 D BF

Last run: 40 days

W: 10st 5lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 133

Form & Verdict
Well handicapped on his chase form and 10lb lower than when seventh in last year's Plate here (2m4f, soft), when running well for a long way before fading; hit the front travelling well entering the straight in competitive handicap hurdle at Leopardstown (2m, soft) last month, finishing fourth, and may well build on that performance; very interesting contender.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

21st Sep 2025

Yielding To Soft

2m 1f 150y

16:58 Listowel

So Scottish

11st 6lb

J: Aidan Kelly

T: Emmet Mullins

Dual-purpose sort is on a long losing run; in action on Flat and over hurdles since a good run over fences in the spring; blinkers added now; potentially interesting, though he needs to reverse Grand Annual form with Jasko Des Dames.

6/1

10

(5)

16th Aug 2025

Yielding

2m 0f 0y

19:37 Tramore

So Scottish

9st 2lb

J: Jamie Powell

T: Emmet Mullins

Dual-purpose sort is on a long losing run, well held in valuable 2m6f Galway handicap hurdle on latest; previous two Flat maiden runs were poor so seemingly fair bit to do off this opening mark but is unexposed in this sphere.

13/2

12th

9

2nd Aug 2025

Good

2m 6f 108y

15:12 Galway

So Scottish

11st 5lb

J: Mark Walsh

T: Emmet Mullins

One of three for yard; generally out of form in 2025 in chases and on the Flat; narrowly denied in this race last year off this mark and this may have been a long-term target so would be no surprise to see a revival; interesting.

14/1

Form: 123584 D

Last run: 40 days

W: 10st 2lb

5 yo Filly

OR: 126

Form & Verdict
Third of 11 in 4yo fillies' handicap over C&D (good) last April and some fair efforts in soft-ground handicaps in Ireland this winter; with a leading trainer but she's 4lb out of the handicap and improvement is needed.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

4

11th May 2025

Good

2m 4f 180y

16:15 Killarney

Media Naranja

11st 7lb

J: Sam Ewing

T: Gordon Elliott

Useful hurdler, though hardly prolific with a strike-rate of 2-19; has yet to reach the same heights in her four chases and was beaten a distance last time at Kilbeggan (2m4f).

6/1

4

11th May 2025

Good

2m 4f 180y

16:15 Killarney

Media Naranja

11st 7lb

J: Sam Ewing

T: Gordon Elliott

Useful hurdler, though hardly prolific with a strike-rate of 2-19; has yet to reach the same heights in her four chases and was beaten a distance last time at Kilbeggan (2m4f).

6/1

3rd

5

25th Apr 2025

Good To Yielding

2m 3f 200y

18:25 Kilbeggan

Media Naranja

11st 7lb

J: Sam Ewing

T: Gordon Elliott

midfield, headway from 3 out, went third after 2 out, no impression approaching last

6/1

Form: 233U21 D

Last run: 11 days

W: 10st 2lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 125

Form & Verdict
Some solid runs in defeat this season before winning six-runner Class 3 handicap at Plumpton (2m, soft) 11 days ago; carries a 5lb penalty in this much hotter race but he did very well to finish fifth of 21 in the Fred Winter at last season's Festival (2m, soft), as his jockey reported his saddle slipped early and he was bumped after two out; could go well at a big price.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

4

14th May 2026

Good

1m 6f 44y

Class 3

14:40 Salisbury

Mr Freedom

9st 3lb

J: Kieran O’Neill

T: Sheena West

Six-time Flat winner who scored a fifth win on turf when taking Sandown handicap (1m6f, good) off 2lb lower in July 2024; also a multiple winner over hurdles who was on the premises when taking heavy last-flight fall at Plumpton just over one year ago; interesting to see how he goes in the market ahead of this comeback.

13/2

5

20th Apr 2025

Good

2m 4f 114y

Class 3

17:15 Plumpton

Mr Freedom

11st 3lb

J: Marc Goldstein

T: Sheena West

Gained two of his five hurdle wins at this track and was second in Sussex Champion Hurdle here (2m, good) just over a year ago; returned from seven-month break with encouraging third at Bangor (2m3f, good; form working out well) in March and has slipped to a workable mark; can make presence felt.

7/1

5

20th Apr 2025

Good

2m 4f 114y

Class 3

17:15 Plumpton

Mr Freedom

11st 3lb

J: Marc Goldstein

T: Sheena West

Gained two of his five hurdle wins at this track and was second in Sussex Champion Hurdle here (2m, good) just over a year ago; returned from seven-month break with encouraging third at Bangor (2m3f, good; form working out well) in March and has slipped to a workable mark; can make presence felt.

7/1

Form: -22213 D

Last run: 40 days

W: 10st 12lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 140

Form & Verdict
Runner-up in Grade 1 Royal Bond in December (2m, soft) before winning Leopardstown maiden (2m, yielding), and he was behind this week's Festival Grade 1 winners Ballyburn and Slade Steel when 14l third in Grade 1 at Leopardstown (2m, soft) last month; strong claims on that latest evidence.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

3

11th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

1m 7f 176y

Class 1

12:45 Aintree

King Of Kingsfield

11st 7lb

J: Danny Gilligan

T: Gordon Elliott

Won three of first five races over fences, including a Grade 3 novice at Punchestown (2m2f, good to yielding) in October, but has made mistakes and run poorly at Cheltenham and Newbury since; perhaps he'll be revived by a break and cheekpieces, but he has plenty to find on the figures.

40/1

2

24th Oct 2025

Good

1m 7f 199y

Class 2

13:50 Cheltenham

King Of Kingsfield

11st 12lb

J: Jack Kennedy

T: Gordon Elliott

Won two in a row this summer when back over fences (2m2f/2m1f, good) and landed a Grade 3 novice at Punchestown (2m2f, good to yielding) last week; seems versatile ground-wise and he's a key player today.

9/4

Form: -7324B D

Last run: 40 days

W: 10st 11lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 139

Form & Verdict
Won competitive handicap at Punchestown festival last April (2m, yielding to soft) and 3l fourth in Grade 1 Royal Bond Novices' Hurdle at Fairyhouse (2m, soft) in December; 13-2 and going well in midfield when brought down two out in hot Leopardstown handicap last month, and could be involved.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12th

25

(29)

29th Sep 2024

Yielding

2m 0f 170y

16:25 Curragh

Bialystok

8st 11lb

J: Jamie Powell

T: W P Mullins

midfield

40/1

19th

9

(21)

14th Sep 2024

Good

1m 5f 0y

16:35 Leopardstown

Bialystok

9st 0lb

J: Tom Marquand

T: W P Mullins

towards rear

20/1

5th

5

(11)

2nd Aug 2024

Yielding

1m 4f 0y

18:35 Galway

Bialystok

9st 0lb

J: Colin Keane

T: W P Mullins

midfield

15/2

Form: 7-2445 D BF

Last run: 40 days

W: 10st 8lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 136

Form & Verdict
Has gone chasing this season, posting some fair efforts without winning (four attempts); beaten about 6l by Faivoir when seventh in this last year (soft) and an each-way case can be made now 4lb lower; visor goes on.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13th

17

30th Apr 2026

Yielding

2m 0f 75y

16:50 Punchestown

Petit Tonnerre

11st 2lb

J: Richie McLernon

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

Out of form since his 16-1 win in this race last year; possibly back on a competitive mark now, only 3lb higher than 12 months ago; however, needs to step up on the form of his Aintree run.

10/1

7th

10

9th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

1m 7f 176y

Class 1

16:40 Aintree

Petit Tonnerre

10st 12lb

J: Kevin Brogan

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

Soundly beaten ninth in this 12 months ago (good to soft) and tailed off on his last three starts; however, the return to better ground can help and he won a big-field handicap at Punchestown (2m, yielding) last May; on a handy mark judged on that Irish form and he's not discounted.

20/1

5th

2

21st Feb 2026

Soft

2m 0f 16y

Class 2

15:40 Chepstow

Petit Tonnerre

11st 8lb

J: Kevin Brogan

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

Beat 22 rivals to win at Punchestown festival (2m, yielding) last May but looked out of sorts on both appearances since returning from a break in November and needs to turn a corner.

10/1

Form: 0-1P24 D

Last run: 26 days

W: 10st 11lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 139

Form & Verdict
Only fourth in Listed novice hurdle at Punchestown (2m, heavy) last month and needs to raise his game, but before that he pushed his stablemate Quai De Bourbon close at Clonmel (2m, heavy) and the winner has been the hot ante-post favourite for today's Martin Pipe; unexposed and not discounted.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

29th Sep 2025

Yielding

2m 0f 147y

16:35 Roscommon

Westport Cove

11st 1lb

J: Paul Townend

T: W P Mullins

Smart hurdler, though with an inferior mark to King Of Kingsfield; however, he's already a better chaser and after dominating Itsalladream at Ballinrobe he was runner-up (from the front) in a Grade 3 at Galway; standout claims.

8/11

2nd

8

31st Jul 2025

Good

2m 2f 54y

14:10 Galway

Westport Cove

11st 1lb

J: Paul Townend

T: W P Mullins

Decent hurdler is a higher-rated chaser despite just one win from six attempts, unchallenged in beating Itsalladream at Ballinrobe in May (good) on latest; posted higher RPR's in defeat earlier under similar forcing tactics, notably fourth in valuable 2m1f Plumpton handicap; Townend's pick but possibly vulnerable at this level.

7/2

10

26th May 2025

Good

2m 1f 54y

18:00 Ballinrobe

Westport Cove

11st 12lb

J: Paul Townend

T: W P Mullins

Useful hurdler, though won only once from eight starts; 0-5 over fences and appears flattered by an official rating of 140; made a couple of mistakes when beaten favourite (fourth) for a Plumpton handicap five weeks ago; reproduction of neck second to Aspire Tower at Wexford might be enough in this company.

11/8

Non-runners

Encanto Bruno, Hansard, Aucunrisque, Gin Coco, Parramount, Rare Middleton

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £77.50
Straight Forecast £57.24
Tricast £639.51
Trifecta £1382.20

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

L'Eau Du Sud

Daily Mail:

King Of Kingsfield

The Times:

So Scottish

WEST COUNTRY:

Petit Tonnerre

Daily Mirror:

Bialystok

RP RATINGS:

Pied Piper

POSTDATA:

Faivoir

TOPSPEED:

L'Eau Du Sud

The Sun:

L'Eau Du Sud

The Star:

L'Eau Du Sud

D Express:

King Of Kingsfield

Daily Record:

King Of Kingsfield

Telegraph:

So Scottish

The Guardian:

So Scottish