November 15 / 16.00 Cheltenham

16.00

Good

Valda Energy Novices’ Handicap Hurdle (GBB Race)

  • Prize money: £10075.1
  • 2m 0f 87y
  • Class 3
  • 15 runners
RTV
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Valda Energy Novices’ Handicap Hurdle (GBB Race)

Runners: 15 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Partly cloudy

7/1 (Won)

  • Win: £6.50
  • Place: £2.20

Form: 211-F D BF

Last run: 29 days

W: 11st 10lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 117

Form & Verdict
2-3 over hurdles for Ben Pauling last season, the latter win on handicap debut at Huntingdon (2m, good) in April; looked poised to challenge before penultimate-flight fall on last month's stable debut at Wincanton (1m7f, good) and remains of strong interest.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

2

24th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 0f 16y

Class 3

19:07 Chepstow

Wreckless Eric

12st 0lb

J: Jonjo O’Neill Jr

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

For two years in a row now he's followed a second in the Imperial Cup with a disappointing effort at Aintree, second-time cheekpieces presumably not to blame latest as they're retained here; record of 1F12 in handicaps of Class 3 or below, and ought not mind any dryout (2-4 on good).

2/1

17th

3

10th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 0f 103y

Class 2

17:15 Aintree

Wreckless Eric

11st 8lb

J: Benjamin Macey

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

Returned to form in first-time cheekpieces (retained) when runner-up in the Imperial Cup at Sandown (2m, soft) for the second year in succession; 12 months ago he followed up with a disappointing effort at this meeting but that was over 2m4f and this is more his trip.

12/1

2nd

14

7th Mar 2026

Soft

1m 7f 216y

Class 2

14:27 Sandown

Wreckless Eric

10st 13lb

J: Kielan Woods

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

He's been a long way below his best on his three starts this season and arrives with something to prove; however, there have been possible excuses on each occasion, namely the lack of a recent run, then the step up to 2m5f, and most recently heavy ground; now 3lb lower than when second in this 12 months ago (good to soft) and he's not written off in first-time headgear.

13/2

33/1

  • Place: £9.50

Form: 124 D

Last run: 49 days

W: 11st 2lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 109

Form & Verdict
Fairly useful on the Flat; easily won weak maiden on hurdle debut at Cartmel (2m1f, soft) in July but was soundly beaten on handicap hurdle debut at Worcester (2m, soft; trained blamed the "tacky" ground) in September; cheekpieces (worn for latest Flat win) are refitted here; others preferred.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

3

27th Sep 2025

Good

2m 0f 125y

Class 2

17:45 Market Rasen

Cavern Club

11st 9lb

J: Gavin Sheehan

T: James Owen

Posted career-best performance when leading close home in valuable Summer Hurdle over C&D (good) in July; 6lb higher today but confirmed his wellbeing with a good Flat run last month; probably won't be far away.

7/2

3rd

3

(6)

30th Aug 2025

Good

1m 7f 196y

Class 4

17:35 Chester

Cavern Club

10st 0lb

J: Callum Shepherd

T: James Owen

Never better on Flat than when winning over C&D (soft) in June, coming from the rear with the first two finishing 6l clear; 4lb higher today but that was followed by a hurdling career best, when winning a good prize on good ground six weeks ago, so he's on a roll.

5/2

4/1

  • Place: £3.40

Form: 63112- D BF

Last run: 204 days

W: 11st 10lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 117

Form & Verdict
Seemingly aided by tongue-tie when winning two soft-ground handicap hurdles in April, and the form of his good-ground second later that month was very well advertised by the winner soon afterwards; made quite pleasing reappearance on the Flat last month; cheekpieces refitted; must be considered.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9

12th Oct 2025

Good

2m 0f 11y

Class 2

15:17 Chepstow

Balhambar

10st 11lb

J: Paul O’Brien

T: Harry Derham

Did well for new stable in 2024, winning twice, and runner-up in valuable Southwell handicap (2m, good) on New Year's Day; reverts to hurdling after a pipe-opener on the Flat last month; probably needs to squeeze out even more improvement to land this prize.

12/1

7th

6

(5)

11th Sep 2025

Good

1m 4f 6y

Class 4

15:18 Epsom

Balhambar

11st 1lb

J: Paul O’Brien

T: Harry Derham

Progressive since joining this yard and switched to hurdles, mainly under Paul O'Brien, while his sole Flat run for Harry Derham was a respectable third of 11 at Newbury (1m4f, heavy) last October; market may help on this first start since March but stable's horses don't tend to lack for fitness; should go well.

9/2

2nd

1

10th Mar 2025

Good To Soft

2m 0f 70y

Class 3

15:20 Stratford

Balhambar

12st 0lb

J: Paul O’Brien

T: Harry Derham

led, not fluent 3rd, headed just before last, weakened run-in

4/1

9/2

Form: 4-2

Last run: 193 days

W: 11st 1lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 108

Form & Verdict
Smart stayer on the Flat when trained in France and bettered his underwhelming stable/hurdle debut when second at Kempton (2m5f, good) in May; creditable fourth in Royal Ascot marathon in June (in first-time tongue-tie now joined by cheekpieces) and had a recent spin in a charity race; still very unexposed over hurdles; interesting.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

1

16th May 2026

Good

2m 0f 145y

Class 4

15:20 Bangor-on-Dee

Fasol

12st 0lb

J: Paddy Hanlon

T: Paul Nicholls

Largely consistent 7yo who gave it a good shot from the front when third in competitive Sandown handicap (2m4f, good) last month; eased in grade here and will be fine over the shorter trip; major contender.

9/4

3rd

9

25th Apr 2026

Good

2m 3f 178y

Class 2

17:15 Sandown

Fasol

10st 5lb

J: Miss Olive Nicholls

T: Paul Nicholls

Largely consistent 7yo who recovered from a jumping error at third-last flight to take fourth in Sussex Champion Hurdle at Plumpton (2m, good) there weeks ago; also suited by 2m4f and this track; considered each-way.

12/1

4th

8

5th Apr 2026

Good

1m 7f 195y

Class 2

16:05 Plumpton

Fasol

10st 13lb

J: Miss Olive Nicholls

T: Paul Nicholls

Has won at this trip but last four runs have been over further and he hasn't kicked on from his Musselburgh win in January (2m4f, good to soft; 3lb lower); probably has little margin for error mark-wise and unlikely the same is true about some of his rivals.

25/1

Form: 523

Last run: 76 days

W: 10st 12lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 105

Form & Verdict
Placed on last two of his three hurdling starts but looked flattered by proximity to two useful rivals when third in tactical race at Newton Abbot (2m1f, good) last time; opening handicap mark demands improvement.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

5

24th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 0f 16y

Class 3

19:07 Chepstow

Razzle Dazzle Boy

11st 0lb

J: Lorcan Williams

T: Tim Vaughan

C&D seconds either side of January's Leicester win (1m7f, heavy) speak well of his effectiveness around galloping tracks with at least some give underfoot; drying forecast worries more than latest 1lb rise.

5/1

2nd

8

21st Feb 2026

Soft

2m 0f 16y

Class 3

16:13 Chepstow

Razzle Dazzle Boy

10st 12lb

J: Lorcan Williams

T: Tim Vaughan

Close second over C&D (good to soft) just after Christmas and went one better at Leicester (1m7f, heavy) last month; up in grade today but latest 3lb rise does not look excessive and he's evidently in good nick.

5/1

1st

1

20th Jan 2026

Soft

1m 7f 113y

Class 4

15:02 Leicester

Razzle Dazzle Boy

12st 1lb

J: Mr Edward Vaughan

T: Tim Vaughan

Just 1-9 over hurdles but has performed well on both outings this season, more recently when a close second at Chepstow (2m, good to soft) last month; likely to be suited by this stiff, right-handed track (gained his win at Sandown) and the soft ground; commands respect.

9/4

Form: 00-903 BF

Last run: 42 days

W: 10st 3lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 96

Form & Verdict
0-7 over hurdles; ran well from the front when third of 14 in low-grade handicap at Gowran (2m, good) last month but needs a bigger performance here and his tendency to race too freely remains a worry.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8

(3)

11th Sep 2025

Good To Yielding

2m 0f 144y

19:20 Clonmel

Dream Escape

11st 5lb

J: Mr C Mullins

T: Thomas Mullins

Sole win in 24 starts (including jumps_ came in a heavy-ground 1m3f maiden at Killarney in 2023; placed over hurdles before a fair fifth on the Flat at the Curragh on his penultimate start; remote tenth at Tipperary 11 days ago.

12/1

10th

13

(1)

31st Aug 2025

Good

1m 4f 110y

17:30 Tipperary

Dream Escape

9st 5lb

J: Chris Hayes

T: Thomas Mullins

Sole win in 23 starts came in a heavy-ground 1m3f maiden at Killarney in 2023; placed over hurdles before a fair fifth on the Flat at the Curragh last time, more needed

14/1

5th

11

(1)

23rd Aug 2025

Good

1m 4f 0y

16:37 Curragh

Dream Escape

9st 0lb

J: Chris Hayes

T: Thomas Mullins

Sole win in 22 starts came in a heavy-ground 1m3f maiden in 2023; placed in a maiden hurdle 12 days ago but that's modest form and hadn't threatened in his previous Flat handicaps before that.

20/1

Form: /79-23 BF

Last run: 98 days

W: 11st 1lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 108

Form & Verdict
Close up when placed in two run-of-the-mill handicap hurdles this season (2m2f/2m) but he's 0-12 in this sphere now and his two Flat runs in September were disappointing; needs to raise his game.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

12

15th Nov 2024

Good

2m 0f 87y

Class 3

16:00 Cheltenham

Belgoprince

11st 1lb

J: Daniel King

T: A J Martin

Close up when placed in two run-of-the-mill handicap hurdles this season (2m2f/2m) but he's 0-12 in this sphere now and his two Flat runs in September were disappointing; needs to raise his game.

10/1

Form: 520-93

Last run: 50 days

W: 12st 0lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 121

Form & Verdict
0-6 over hurdles but stuck to his task well when third in Listed handicap at Listowel (2m, soft; refitted cheekpieces) in September and also ran well on the Flat last month; raced mainly on ground slower than good but has possibilities if he copes with today's conditions.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

17th

11

28th Apr 2026

Yielding

2m 3f 81y

15:05 Punchestown

Bright Legend

10st 12lb

J: Richie McLernon

T: Faye Bramley

Flat winner is 1-17 over hurdles, the win coming in a Sedgefield maiden on latest (2m4f, good); previously proved no match for Laughing John in a handicap at Wincanton and work to do to turn that form around in new headgear.

20/1

1st

1

1st Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 188y

Class 4

16:10 Sedgefield

Bright Legend

11st 5lb

J: Richie McLernon

T: Faye Bramley

A fairly useful maiden hurdler/chaser for Denis Hogan; went too keenly on his first three outings for his current yard but bounced back to form when (refitted with tongue strap) third of 15 in 2m4f Wincanton handicap 35 days ago; the clear form pick back in maiden company; headgear retained.

5/4

3rd

7

25th Feb 2026

Soft

2m 3f 179y

Class 4

15:20 Wincanton

Bright Legend

11st 12lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Faye Bramley

0-15 over hurdles and needs to produce more than he's managed this term; however, his reduced mark appeals on his useful form up to last March and Harry Cobden is 4-9 this season for Faye Bramley, whose stable is in good form; no surprise to see a bold show now back in a handicap.

10/1

OUR TIP

Form: 68-113 D

Last run: 40 days

W: 11st 12lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 119

Form & Verdict
An improver on the Flat and over hurdles for new stable since the spring (three wins); has a point to prove after last month's below-par run but will be suited by conditions here and further progress remains possible.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

6

(3)

8th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 5f 200y

18:15 Fairyhouse

Chutzpal

9st 4lb

J: W J Lee

T: Henry De Bromhead

Capable under both codes, both Flat wins coming in 1m6f Killarney handicaps, last summer off 72 before good second at Newmarket (2m2f); Curragh comeback run in late May was poor but more expected of here.

6/1

24th

15

(12)

24th May 2026

Good To Yielding

1m 6f 0y

17:40 Curragh

Chutzpal

9st 3lb

J: W J Lee

T: Henry De Bromhead

Capable under both codes, with dual wins in each; won a Killarney handicap in August and was a distant runner-up at Newmarket in September (8l behind Reverend Hubert); finished seventh in this race last year, and may need this comeback run once again.

15/1

7

(1)

20th Sep 2025

Good

2m 2f 0y

Class 2

15:55 Newmarket

Chutzpal

8st 11lb

J: Jack Mitchell

T: Henry De Bromhead

Another who is capable under both codes and has been on a roll on the Flat this year, gamely repelling allcomers from the front over 1m6f at Killarney last time (good); however, off this mark in today's company, this would be his toughest test yet on the Flat.

13/2

Form: 1213U4 D

Last run: 21 days

W: 11st 7lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 114

Form & Verdict
Dual novice hurdle winner this summer; placed in valuable series final on handicap debut at Worcester (2m4f, soft) in September and was given quite a lot to do before keeping on well for fourth here (2m4f, good) last month; drops back in trip with cheekpieces added today; shortlisted.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

11

18th Jul 2026

Good

2m 0f 125y

Class 2

14:10 Market Rasen

Letterston Lily

10st 13lb

J: James Bowen

T: Mickey Bowen

Back from a long absence to justify favouritism at Perth in April (2m4f, good) where she came from off the pace to hit the front when left clear at the last; up 6lb but consistent in the main and wouldn't be exposed just yet.

9/1

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: 2311-2 D BF

Last run: 186 days

W: 11st 6lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 113

Form & Verdict
2-5 over hurdles, the latter win gained in quite valuable series final for juveniles at Musselburgh (2m1f, soft) in April; no match for winner when second at Hereford the following month, though, and needs to kick on again to land this prize.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

28th May 2025

Good To Soft

2m 6f 31y

Class 4

19:10 Cartmel

Golden Maverick

11st 11lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Jamie Snowden

Rewarded determined ride when keeping on strongly from poor position to lead on the post at Carlisle (2m1f, soft; visored) in February but again raced lazily at Stratford (2m, good to soft; first-time blinkers) in March, where he was beaten before final-flight fall; worth a go over this longer trip but it's hard to predict the extent to which he'll warm to the task; visor refitted.

11/2

3

28th May 2025

Good To Soft

2m 6f 31y

Class 4

19:10 Cartmel

Golden Maverick

11st 11lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Jamie Snowden

Rewarded determined ride when keeping on strongly from poor position to lead on the post at Carlisle (2m1f, soft; visored) in February but again raced lazily at Stratford (2m, good to soft; first-time blinkers) in March, where he was beaten before final-flight fall; worth a go over this longer trip but it's hard to predict the extent to which he'll warm to the task; visor refitted.

11/2

2

10th Mar 2025

Good To Soft

2m 0f 70y

Class 3

15:20 Stratford

Golden Maverick

11st 9lb

J: Gavin Sheehan

T: Jamie Snowden

raced lazily at times, prominent, hit 3rd, reminder before 4 out, lost ground on turn before last, weakening when fell last

4/1

Form: -21118 D

Last run: 21 days

W: 11st 5lb

6 yo Mare

OR: 112

Form & Verdict
Won first three races for this yard (2m-2m2f, good), having been claimed out of selling handicap in May, but was unable to land a telling blow over 2m4f here last month and may also find this race too competitive.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

3

29th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

2m 0f 70y

Class 5

16:40 Stratford

Callin Baton Rouge

11st 11lb

J: James Bowen

T: Charles & Adam Pogson

Not quite at her best this year but she was placed at Huntingdon (2m, good to firm) on her penultimate run and is now 6lb lower than for her win at Uttoxeter last summer; could go well back in trip and she's not ruled out.

8/1

4th

4

9th Jun 2026

Good

2m 4f 88y

Class 5

17:05 Southwell

Callin Baton Rouge

11st 6lb

J: Charlie Todd

T: Charles & Adam Pogson

Not quite at her best this year but has dropped another 2lb since last month's respectable third at Huntingdon (2m, good to firm) and this move back up in trip won't be a problem; probably won't be far away.

9/2

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

Form: 6-1275 D

Last run: 8 days

W: 10st 12lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 105

Form & Verdict
Came good over hurdles in low-grade Southwell handicap (2m, good) in June and has remained in good nick since (2m-2m5f) but others in this line-up have stronger form and/or more potential.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

14th

13

15th Nov 2024

Good

2m 0f 87y

Class 3

16:00 Cheltenham

Shinji

10st 12lb

J: Daire McConville

T: Martin Keighley

Came good over hurdles in low-grade Southwell handicap (2m, good) in June and has remained in good nick since (2m-2m5f) but others in this line-up have stronger form and/or more potential.

25/1

14th

13

15th Nov 2024

Good

2m 0f 87y

Class 3

16:00 Cheltenham

Shinji

10st 12lb

J: Daire McConville

T: Martin Keighley

Came good over hurdles in low-grade Southwell handicap (2m, good) in June and has remained in good nick since (2m-2m5f) but others in this line-up have stronger form and/or more potential.

25/1

5th

7

7th Nov 2024

Good

2m 5f 55y

Class 4

12:40 Ludlow

Shinji

11st 2lb

J: Mr Freddie Keighley

T: Martin Keighley

Southwell winner in June (2m, good) but was no match for Parikarma next time and again wasn't at his best when a beaten favourite at Perth; cheekpieces are replaced by a hood that hasn't done wonders for him previously; stamina to prove over this far.

15/2

Form: 4253-2

Last run: 189 days

W: 11st 3lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 110

Form & Verdict
Displayed clear promise in Irish bumpers last year and was placed in 2m maiden hurdles on first two stable starts, the latter in May; not yet fully exposed but has a lot more on his plate in this competitive handicap.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

4

6th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 0f 161y

Class 4

13:40 Exeter

Cant Resist It

11st 5lb

J: Jonathan Burke

T: Fergal O’Brien

Placed in two maidens before struggling on back-to-back visits to Cheltenham, in a handicap and then behind Supreme favourite Old Park Star; this is a lot more realistic.

5/1

Form: 252-41 D

Last run: 13 days

W: 11st 13lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 120

Form & Verdict
Looked very promising in bumpers last season and quickly bounced back from disappointing hurdle debut when winning quite stylishly at Ascot (1m7f, good) a fortnight ago; can probably improve again in handicaps and features very prominently in calculations.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price
No Results Found

Non-runners

Model Approach

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £389.60
Straight Forecast £272.07
Tricast £2484.43
Trifecta £7283.70

Selections

RP RATINGS:

Fasol

SPOTLIGHT:

Clap Of Thunder

TOPSPEED:

Balhambar

POSTDATA:

Letterston Lily

Telegraph:

Wreckless Eric

LAMBOURN:

Golden Maverick

Daily Mirror:

Letterston Lily

The Guardian:

Wreckless Eric

The Sun:

Clap Of Thunder

The Star:

Clap Of Thunder

WEST COUNTRY:

Fasol

The Times:

Fasol

D Express:

Fasol

Daily Mail:

Balhambar

Daily Record:

Balhambar