October 25 / 13.15 Cheltenham

13.15

Good

Foundation Developments Handicap Hurdle

  • Prize money: £10033.9
  • 2m 3f 200y
  • Class 3
  • 13 runners
RTV
View Course
Foundation Developments Handicap Hurdle

Runners: 13 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Showers

10/1 (Won)

Form: 11P13-

Last run: 190 days

W: 11st 1lb

5 yo Filly

OR: 123

Form & Verdict
Low-mileage mare who was 3-5 in novice hurdles last season; very respectable third in Listed race on New course here (2m4f, good) in April on latest outing and may have some improvement to come in handicaps this term.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

4

27th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 7f 91y

Class 3

15:00 Newbury

Wyenot

11st 1lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Henry Daly

Five-time hurdle winner with a good strike-rate, one she enhanced when prevailing in a classy small-field beginners' chase at Ludlow (3m, good); remote last of three in a Listed chase for mares at Warwick where soft ground was no good to her (fine on good to soft); has since had wind surgery and retains potential as a chaser.

3/1

OUR TIP

Form: 7-0385

Last run: 58 days

W: 11st 12lb

8 yo Mare

OR: 134

Form & Verdict
Without a win since summer 2022 and no longer the force of old but was creditable seventh (promoted to sixth) in Cesarewitch on the Flat this month and reverts to hurdling with conditions suitable; one to consider.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

19

12th Mar 2025

Good To Soft

2m 5f 0y

Class 1

14:40 Cheltenham

Anna Bunina

10st 11lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: John C McConnell

Usually claimer ridden but now has Harry Cobden; the last of her ten wins was in August 2022; still shows plenty on occasions, including when seventh in the Pertemps Final last March and a close second back at Cheltenham (2m4f, good) three starts back; pulled up with cheekpieces enlisted on latest start; that headgear is now discarded but she's not the percentage call.

33/1

2

22nd Feb 2025

Soft

2m 7f 131y

Class 2

14:32 Chepstow

Anna Bunina

11st 9lb

J: Callum Pritchard

T: John C McConnell

Usually claimer ridden; the last of her ten wins was in August 2022; still shows plenty on occasions, including when seventh in the Pertemps Final last March and a close second back at Cheltenham (2m4f) on penultimate outing; she performed far worse in the Musselburgh qualifier three weeks ago than she did last year, however, which sees cheekpieces enlisted.

20/1

8th

2

2nd Feb 2025

Good To Soft

2m 7f 180y

Class 2

15:00 Musselburgh

Anna Bunina

12st 0lb

J: Callum Pritchard

T: John C McConnell

The last of her ten wins was in August 2022 but she still shows plenty on occasions, including when a strong-finishing fourth in this race last year and a close second at Cheltenham (2m4f) on latest outing; usually claimer ridden; place contender.

10/1

Form: 29245-

Last run: 237 days

W: 11st 12lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 134

Form & Verdict
Yet to add to his two wins in early 2022 but was very creditable second in Welsh Champion Hurdle (2m, good to soft) on last season's reappearance outing and is only 1lb above that mark now; unexposed over 2m4f and can make his presence felt if he responds well to first-time cheekpieces.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

13th May 2026

Good

2m 4f 216y

Class 4

18:30 Newton Abbot

Anyharminasking

11st 5lb

J: Richie McLernon

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

Three-time hurdle winner who made it 0-5 over fences with another disappointing show at Bangor in late March, despite returning to good ground; clearly needs to raise his game in the new blinkers (replacing cheekpieces).

7/1

6th

3

31st Mar 2026

Good

2m 4f 72y

Class 4

15:50 Bangor-on-Dee

Anyharminasking

11st 13lb

J: Jonjo O’Neill Jr

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

Three-time hurdle winner who is 0-4 over fences, with only effort of note in discipline when beaten in a match at Warwick in October (2m4f); does seem happier on good ground than soft, so last two efforts could be excused; cheekpieces return after going without them last time.

8/1

7th

4

9th Mar 2026

Soft

2m 0f 70y

Class 3

15:20 Stratford

Anyharminasking

11st 11lb

J: Jonjo O’Neill Jr

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

3-20 hurdles, his latest win at Newcastle (2m1f Class 3; from 2lb higher) 11 months ago; a switch to fences hasn't suited (0-4, including being beaten in a match) but it's possible he'll strip fitter since his latest start; reverting to the smaller obstacles is helpful.

12/1

Form: 11213U D

Last run: 13 days

W: 10st 4lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 114

Form & Verdict
Dual novice hurdle winner this summer and kept well for third in valuable series final on handicap debut at Worcester (2m4f, soft) last month; suffered early mishap at Chepstow a fortnight but remains of interest.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

4

23rd Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 35y

Class 4

14:40 Perth

Letterston Lily

11st 11lb

J: James Bowen

T: Mickey Bowen

This is her first run since November 2024 and she needs to prove how much ability she retains; however, this lightly raced 6yo is on a competitive judged on her handicap form in autumn 2024 and it will be interesting to see how she goes in the betting on her return to action.

8/1

Form: 1/141- D

Last run: 338 days

W: 11st 10lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 132

Form & Verdict
Makes handicap debut after 11-month absence but looked very promising when 2-3 in maiden/novice hurdles last autumn (2m4f-2m5f) and his trainer does not tend to do prep runs; likely contender.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

10

11th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 149y

Class 1

13:20 Aintree

Push The Button

11st 2lb

J: Rian Corcoran

T: Mark Walford

Made a good start over fences for new connections, winning at Carlisle (2m, good) in October and second in a Grade 2 novice at Ascot (2m3f, soft); mistakes crept in when below that level twice since and he now reverts to hurdling; sixth of 17 in this last year off an identical mark.

25/1

3rd

1

28th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 5f 133y

Class 3

17:10 Kelso

Push The Button

11st 10lb

J: Jamie Hamilton

T: Mark Walford

Made a good start over fences for new connections, winning at Carlisle (2m, good) in October and finishing second in a Grade 2 novice at Ascot (2m3f, soft); let down by his jumping in competitive handicap at Cheltenham last time but he's in shallower waters here and should be thereabouts.

6/4

7th

1

24th Jan 2026

Soft

2m 4f 127y

Class 2

12:05 Cheltenham

Push The Button

12st 0lb

J: Jamie Hamilton

T: Mark Walford

Record of 122 switched to fences this term for new yard and the form has received a few boosts; ran well on the figures, albeit no match for winner, in Grade 2 at Ascot (2m3f, soft) most recently; brings solid claims back to handicap level.

4/1

Form: P0-411 D

Last run: 15 days

W: 10st 10lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 118

Form & Verdict
Resurgent 6yo who won easily on this month's stable debut at Southwell (2m4f, good) and followed up at Exeter (2m2f, good) a week later; contests much stronger race here but remains well handicapped on older form.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

1

30th May 2026

Good To Firm

2m 2f 148y

Class 3

18:50 Stratford

In The Air

11st 13lb

J: Ciaran Gethings

T: Alastair Ralph

Won five over hurdles for previous yards and three over fences last term for current trainer; may have needed the run when seventh of eight finishers at Chepstow (2m, good to soft) last month after six-month layoff but probably needs to come down the weights.

6/1

7th

5

11th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 0f 16y

Class 3

14:15 Chepstow

In The Air

11st 10lb

J: Tom Broughton

T: Alastair Ralph

Five-time hurdle winner who did well over fences in the second half of last year, with three wins and two seconds; returns after six months off but he's only 2lb higher than for his last success and he has won when fresh in the past; needs close look back over hurdles.

8/1

6

11th Oct 2025

Good

2m 0f 11y

Class 3

14:10 Chepstow

In The Air

10st 11lb

J: Ciaran Gethings

T: Alastair Ralph

Record of 2-8 over fences, with both wins gained this summer in small-field handicaps on good ground; put in his place by an improver in a novice last time; dangerous if allowed to dominate (front runs).

7/4

Form: 2543-4

Last run: 152 days

W: 10st 9lb

6 yo Mare

OR: 117

Form & Verdict
Creditable second over fences here (2m4f, soft; first run after wind op) last December but lost her way afterwards; given a chance by the handicapper over hurdles but needs five-month break to have done her good.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

5

16th Apr 2025

Good

2m 4f 56y

Class 2

14:05 Cheltenham

Royale Margaux

11st 8lb

J: Ben Poste

T: Tom Symonds

A bit out of her depth in the Grade 2 Mares' Chase here in March but she's a consistent hurdler who ran up to her best the time before in winning a Listed race (2m5f, soft); should go well, but perhaps vulnerable to rivals on kinder marks.

10/1

5th

5

16th Apr 2025

Good

2m 4f 56y

Class 2

14:05 Cheltenham

Royale Margaux

11st 8lb

J: Ben Poste

T: Tom Symonds

A bit out of her depth in the Grade 2 Mares' Chase here in March but she's a consistent hurdler who ran up to her best the time before in winning a Listed race (2m5f, soft); should go well, but perhaps vulnerable to rivals on kinder marks.

10/1

6th

8

14th Mar 2025

Good To Soft

2m 4f 127y

Class 1

14:40 Cheltenham

Royale Margaux

11st 2lb

J: Ben Poste

T: Tom Symonds

held up in rear

33/1

Form: 2-2111

Last run: 48 days

W: 10st 4lb

6 yo Mare

OR: 112

Form & Verdict
3-3 for this stable since his was claimed out of a selling handicap in May, the latest win gained by 8l at Stratford (2m, good) last month; should be fine over today's longer trip but this race is much stronger.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

2

19th May 2026

Good To Firm

1m 7f 171y

Class 5

19:00 Huntingdon

Callin Baton Rouge

11st 13lb

J: Charlie Todd

T: Charles & Adam Pogson

Four-time hurdle winner who is usually ridden patiently; didn't really have race run to suit when keeping-on fourth at Stratford (2m, good) last month and is 2lb lower here; no surprise if she poses a threat.

8/1

4th

11

19th Apr 2026

Good

2m 0f 70y

Class 4

15:08 Stratford

Callin Baton Rouge

10st 11lb

J: James Bowen

T: Charles & Adam Pogson

Four-time hurdles winner on good ground (once over C&D); ended 2025 with good second at Doncaster (2m, good) and made a satisfactory reappearance last month; can pose a significant threat from off the pace.

7/1

5th

3

11th Mar 2026

Good

2m 3f 137y

Class 5

16:18 Huntingdon

Callin Baton Rouge

11st 12lb

J: Lee Edwards

T: Charles & Adam Pogson

Reliable mare who comes here on the back of a good second of ten in 2m Doncaster handicap hurdle just after Christmas; she has also won off a break so can make her presence felt here.

3/1

Form: 1477-0 C

Last run: 13 days

W: 11st 0lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 122

Form & Verdict
Won 20-runner handicap in refitted cheekpieces/first-time tongue-tie here last November (2m5f, good to soft) but well below that form since; struggled on recent seasonal debut, and the cheekpieces are missing again.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

1

27th May 2026

Good

2m 5f 122y

Class 4

16:56 Newton Abbot

American Sniper

12st 2lb

J: Rian Corcoran

T: David Pipe

Has patchy profile but he's well handicapped on his Taunton second (2m3f, good) in December and he may have needed his reappearance run at Hereford this month; this step back up in trip is no problem and he's one to keep an eye on for in-form yard.

11/2

5th

1

5th May 2026

Good

2m 3f 147y

Class 4

19:17 Hereford

American Sniper

12st 0lb

J: Jack Tudor

T: David Pipe

Has become hard to predict, as his 16l fourth at Taunton (2m3f, good) in January would suggest, having failed to back up a decent effort there the previous month; back on his last winning mark and could play a leading role if at his best.

7/2

15

24th Oct 2025

Good

2m 3f 200y

Class 3

13:15 Cheltenham

American Sniper

10st 13lb

J: James Davies

T: David Pipe

Won big-field handicap off today's mark here (2m5f, good to soft) in November 2023 and was creditable sixth of 25 at Punchestown festival (2m3f, yielding) in April but his record between those two runs if very mixed and he's not an easy one to predict.

28/1

Form: 1FF-51 D

Last run: 100 days

W: 11st 10lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 132

Form & Verdict
Useful novice for Henry de Bromhead in 2022-23 season and a dual winner in France since (chase/hurdle); unraced on ground quicker than good to soft and not an easy horse to weigh up on stable debut; market may guide.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

3

9th May 2026

Good

3m 0f 58y

Class 2

12:45 Haydock

Deep Cave

11st 4lb

J: Jack Tudor

T: Christian Williams

3m hat-trick in 2025 started with a success over hurdles at Aintree (good) in April before two chase wins late in the year; three marked backward steps over fences since but he's well handicapped on best chase efforts.

16/1

39

11th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

4m 2f 74y

Class 1

16:00 Aintree

Deep Cave

10st 2lb

T: Christian Williams

Reserve; won a handicap hurdle at this meeting last year, plus over fences at Bangor in November and Ascot in December, all over about 3m; backward steps in two further useful handicap chases, which he needs to reverse in a major way, but arriving late on the scene for those wins offers some potential for going beyond 3m; 3lb out of the handicap.

100/1

10

11th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 210y

Class 1

14:30 Aintree

Deep Cave

11st 9lb

J: Jack Tudor

T: Christian Williams

3m hat-trick in 2025 started with a success over hurdles on this card (good) and ended with nabbing Leave Of Absence on the line in notable handicap chase at Ascot (good to soft); couple of backward steps since but a bad early error, and perhaps losing a shoe, contributed to a poor effort last time; may well rebound on a significant day in his calendar.

6/1

Form: /P68P- D

Last run: 189 days

W: 10st 12lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 120

Form & Verdict
Out of form over fences and hurdles for Sandy Thomson last season and returns from six-month break with quite a bit to prove but starts off for new stable (same owner) on very tempting mark; interesting.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

4th Feb 2025

Good To Soft

2m 7f 16y

Class 4

15:10 Market Rasen

Bass Rock

11st 9lb

J: Miss Olive Nicholls

T: Georgina Nicholls

Better handicapped now and signs of a revival when third in a Ludlow handicap chase in December, only to then pull-up at Kempton; difficult to know what to expect on this return to hurdles with cheekpieces added.

14/1

2nd

4

4th Feb 2025

Good To Soft

2m 7f 16y

Class 4

15:10 Market Rasen

Bass Rock

11st 9lb

J: Miss Olive Nicholls

T: Georgina Nicholls

Better handicapped now and signs of a revival when third in a Ludlow handicap chase in December, only to then pull-up at Kempton; difficult to know what to expect on this return to hurdles with cheekpieces added.

14/1

17

27th Dec 2024

Good

3m 0f 0y

Class 3

15:08 Kempton

Bass Rock

11st 1lb

J: Lorcan Williams

T: Georgina Nicholls

Had a long spell of mediocre results but he's much better handicapped now and his recent run behind Dreaming Blue at Ludlow (3m1f, good to soft) showed he was turning a corner for his new yard; needs more but he could be just at the start of a comeback; not dismissed.

12/1

40/1

Form: 61710/ D

Last run: 545 days

W: 12st 0lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 136

Form & Verdict
Very useful over fences at his best and probably on a workable mark over hurdles but absent since disappointing run in major 3m4f chase in April 2023 and would appeal more over 3m+.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

2

8th May 2026

Good

2m 7f 191y

Class 3

15:50 Market Rasen

Annsam

12st 0lb

J: Ben Jones

T: Mrs C Williams

Returned to form with clear win off much-reduced mark at Ludlow (3m1f, good to soft) in December but three non-completions have followed, most recently when he was pulled up back at Ludlow last month; others look safer.

12/1

4

30th Mar 2026

Good

2m 7f 171y

Class 3

15:57 Ludlow

Annsam

11st 6lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Mrs C Williams

Won this race three years ago and gained his first win since when drawing clear over 3m1f back here in December; since then he's suffered a heavy fall at Sandown and an unfortunate early unseat at Kempton but respected back here as he could still be in fair form.

5/1

3

23rd Mar 2026

Good

3m 0f 0y

Class 3

16:05 Kempton

Annsam

11st 11lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Mrs C Williams

Mid-race faller in the Stayers' Veterans' Final at Sandown last time; ended a long losing spell with his Ludlow performance in most recent completed start and he remains well treated on historical data, which includes a useful win over this C&D.

4/1

Form: 21/51-

Last run: 247 days

W: 10st 5lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 113

Form & Verdict
Very unexposed 6yo who disappointed when warm favourite for hurdling debut last November but made amends with very comfortable success at Doncaster (2m, soft) in February; has a lot more on his plate on seasonal/handicap debut but it's very hard to gauge the limit of his ability.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

9

28th Oct 2025

Soft

3m 1f 60y

Class 4

14:58 Ffos Las

Support Act

11st 3lb

J: Kevin Brogan

T: Toby Lawes

Low-mileage 7yo who made a quite promising chase debut when fourth at Newbury (2m7f, soft) in January; ran as though something was amiss when warm favourite the following month and not seen since but still has scope to progress from that Newbury run if all is well here.

10/1

6th

9

28th Oct 2025

Soft

3m 1f 60y

Class 4

14:58 Ffos Las

Support Act

11st 3lb

J: Kevin Brogan

T: Toby Lawes

Low-mileage 7yo who made a quite promising chase debut when fourth at Newbury (2m7f, soft) in January; ran as though something was amiss when warm favourite the following month and not seen since but still has scope to progress from that Newbury run if all is well here.

10/1

3

26th Feb 2025

Soft

3m 0f 45y

Class 4

14:45 Wetherby

Support Act

11st 5lb

J: Kevin Brogan

T: Toby Lawes

Bumper and novice hurdle winner with low mileage; back from a break and wind surgery when beaten under 8l on his switch to fences at Newbury (2m7f, soft); made the odd mistake there but entitled to be all the wiser this time; considered.

3/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Straight Forecast £66.85
Tricast £938.24

Selections

WEST COUNTRY:

Push The Button

SPOTLIGHT:

In The Air

RP RATINGS:

Anyharminasking

POSTDATA:

Letterston Lily

The Guardian:

Support Act

Telegraph:

Push The Button

The Sun:

Push The Button

The Star:

Push The Button

Daily Record:

Push The Button

LAMBOURN:

In The Air

The Times:

In The Air

D Express:

In The Air

Daily Mirror:

In The Air

TOPSPEED:

Anyharminasking

Daily Mail:

Anyharminasking