January 08 / 14.40 Chepstow

14.40

Soft

Follow Vickers.Bet On Facebook Novices’ Hurdle (GBB Race)

  • Prize money: £4901.4
  • 2m 0f 11y
  • Class 4
  • 16 runners
SKY
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Follow Vickers.Bet On Facebook Novices’ Hurdle (GBB Race)

Runners: 16 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Showers

7/2 (Won)

  • Win: £3.00
  • Place: £1.30

Form: /16-23 C

Last run: 36 days

W: 11st 1lb

7 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Second when evens here (2m) on hurdling debut in November but not so good, including with his jumping, over 2m3f here one month later; neither of them matched last season's bumper form but, even so, he's firmly in the mix.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

7

11th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

1m 7f 199y

Class 1

16:00 Cheltenham

Libberty Hunter

11st 10lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Evan Williams

In touch and still going okay when falling three out in this race last year but it's difficult to ascertain where he'd have finished with a clear round; overall record at Cheltenham is 121FU, both wins in handicaps on the New course; ran creditably, one place behind Saint Segal, in the Game Spirit most recently; at the age of ten he's unlikely to find the major improvement that's needed on ratings.

66/1

3rd

5

7th Feb 2026

Soft

2m 0f 92y

Class 1

14:45 Newbury

Libberty Hunter

11st 2lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Evan Williams

Acts on heavy ground; continued his progress with a good second to Master Chewy in this contest 12 months ago and he meets the winner on better terms in this rematch; subsequent form comprises two non-completions at Cheltenham and a remote fourth, albeit facing stiff assignment, in the Tingle Creek; return to this scenario puts him in calculations.

7/1

5

12th Mar 2025

Good To Soft

1m 7f 199y

Class 1

16:00 Cheltenham

Libberty Hunter

11st 10lb

J: Adam Wedge

T: Evan Williams

Has form figures of 112312 in completed chase starts and 121 (three handicaps) at Cheltenham; good second in the Grand Annual on this card 12 months ago and filled the same position in the Game Spirit at Newbury most recently; progressive but has the lowest rating of the field.

33/1

5/4

  • Place: £1.10

Form: 3-1 D

Last run: 31 days

W: 11st 8lb

6 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
£100,000 buy after his Irish point run; third again in a bumper last March and, despite a market drift, he absolutely hammered the favourite and his other nine rivals in a maiden hurdle at Newcastle (2m, good to soft) one month ago; looks very promising.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

1

20th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

2m 3f 98y

Class 2

18:36 Stratford

Crebilly

11st 7lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

Exploited reduced hurdle mark when winning narrowly over about 2m6f (if additional yardage is included) at Market Rasen (good) in May and remains very well handicapped on older chase form but he's not as good as he was and others have more appealing profiles.

11/2

4th

3

28th Jun 2026

Good

2m 7f 70y

Class 2

16:03 Uttoxeter

Crebilly

11st 5lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

Got up in final stride in second-time cheekpieces at Market Rasen (2m4f, good) most recently; remains well treated on peak form and this return to further is worth exploring; enters calculations in the retained headgear.

7/2

1st

1

28th May 2026

Good

2m 4f 139y

Class 4

19:32 Market Rasen

Crebilly

12st 0lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

Very useful hurdler/chaser in his prime; well below best during a fairly light campaign last season (four hurdle runs; cheekpieces added last time) but will appreciate this ease in grade and has slipped to a dangerous mark.

12/1

4/1

  • Place: £1.70

Form: 1/2-

Last run: 439 days

W: 11st 1lb

7 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Won bumper at Wexford (2m2f, yielding) in March 2021 and, after wind surgery, second of 13 in a novice hurdle at Bangor (2m, good to soft; tongue tied) that October; off since but has shown enough to be in serious calculations.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

4

29th Dec 2024

Good To Soft

2m 4f 115y

Class 3

12:27 Doncaster

Hurlerontheditch

10st 6lb

J: Tom Bellamy

T: Kim Bailey

made all, 4 lengths ahead 5 out, pushed along 4 out, reduced lead 3 out, good jump last, ridden clear run-in

5/2

1st

4

29th Dec 2024

Good To Soft

2m 4f 115y

Class 3

12:27 Doncaster

Hurlerontheditch

10st 6lb

J: Tom Bellamy

T: Kim Bailey

made all, 4 lengths ahead 5 out, pushed along 4 out, reduced lead 3 out, good jump last, ridden clear run-in

5/2

1st

7

12th Nov 2024

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 4

13:35 Lingfield

Hurlerontheditch

11st 6lb

J: Tom Bellamy

T: Kim Bailey

0-7 over fences but ran big race in defeat at Wetherby (2m5f, good to soft) last month, after a break, and remains well handicapped on some of last season's form; likely contender.

4/1

16/1

Form: 33

Last run: 38 days

W: 11st 1lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Third in bumpers (2m, good to soft) at Chepstow in October and Market Rasen in December; dam is half-sister to Irish National winner General Principle.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

4

17th Apr 2026

Soft

2m 4f 110y

Class 2

15:30 Ayr

Donnacha

11st 3lb

J: James Davies

T: Nigel Hawke

Can make mistakes but he was runner-up twice in a row prior to winning a quality handicap at Cheltenham (2m4f, soft) in January, when clear with subsequent Ultima runner-up Jagwar; a 5lb rise for that career-best performance isn't harsh and he's entitled to respect.

5/2

1st

7

24th Jan 2026

Soft

2m 4f 127y

Class 1

13:15 Cheltenham

Donnacha

10st 8lb

J: James Davies

T: Nigel Hawke

Hard to knock in terms of consistency and he again ran creditably when second of seven at Chepstow (2m3f, good to soft) on Welsh National day; however, he's prone to the odd mistake and may not get away with them on his first run over fences at Cheltenham.

12/1

3rd

1

28th Oct 2025

Soft

2m 3f 83y

Class 3

15:28 Ffos Las

Donnacha

12st 0lb

J: James Davies

T: Nigel Hawke

Struck form over fences at start of this year, winning over 2m3f on soft ground at Exeter and Chepstow; subsequent 261-day break may have checked his momentum but further progress is possible this season.

4/1

Form: 34/7-0

Last run: 37 days

W: 11st 1lb

7 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Minor honours in two bumpers but beaten a long way in his two novice hurdles; left Philip Hobbs before latest start.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6

17th Jun 2025

Good

2m 2f 148y

Class 5

14:05 Stratford

Auba Me Yang

11st 1lb

J: Lewis Stones

T: D J Jeffreys

Outran 40-1 odds when second at Uttoxeter (2m4f soft) in December but was generally very disappointing for Emma Lavelle last season; well beaten when 66-1 for stable debut six weeks ago and could be considered only if much stronger in the betting here; tongue-tie added.

25/1

10th

5

6th May 2025

Good

1m 7f 182y

Class 5

17:00 Ffos Las

Auba Me Yang

11st 5lb

J: Jack Hogan

T: D J Jeffreys

towards rear

16/1

10th

5

6th May 2025

Good

1m 7f 182y

Class 5

17:00 Ffos Las

Auba Me Yang

11st 5lb

J: Jack Hogan

T: D J Jeffreys

towards rear

16/1

Form: P0

Last run: 34 days

W: 10st 8lb

6 yo Mare

OR:

Form & Verdict
Showed ability in Irish points but fell on last two occasions; pulled up on British/hurdles debut at Hereford (2m3f) and no show at Lingfield (2m, again good to soft) three weeks later.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11

12th Jun 2025

Good

2m 0f 0y

Class 5

20:40 Worcester

Well Vicky

10st 2lb

J: Jonathan Burke

T: Alastair Ralph

Ran very poorly on chasing debut in December and now reverts to hurdling after a 191-day break; on a good mark (even from 2lb out of the weights) but is not the force of old and others have much less to prove.

16/1

6

3rd Dec 2024

Good To Soft

1m 7f 182y

Class 5

12:45 Southwell

Well Vicky

11st 0lb

J: David Noonan

T: Alastair Ralph

Won three handicap hurdles on the trot on good/good to soft in February 2023; mainly disappointing since; hard to know what to expect now going over fences for the first time (fell in two of her three starts pointing in Ireland).

13/2

6

3rd Dec 2024

Good To Soft

1m 7f 182y

Class 5

12:45 Southwell

Well Vicky

11st 0lb

J: David Noonan

T: Alastair Ralph

Won three handicap hurdles on the trot on good/good to soft in February 2023; mainly disappointing since; hard to know what to expect now going over fences for the first time (fell in two of her three starts pointing in Ireland).

13/2

Form: 10P D

Last run: 7 days

W: 11st 1lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Won Hexham bumper (good to soft) on debut in October, but last of 13 in Listed race at Cheltenham and pulled up at 80-1 when hanging badly left in a maiden hurdle at Exeter (2m2f, heavy).
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6

2nd Feb 2024

Soft

2m 3f 51y

Class 5

13:35 Catterick

Rolling River

10st 10lb

J: James Davies

T: Oliver Signy

Bumper winner; far from solid on hurdles form, latterly pulled up in both runs this term; however, the switch to chasing is a possible source of improvement for this southern raider; shortlisted.

6/1

0

8

19th Dec 2023

Good To Soft

2m 7f 95y

Class 4

15:10 Fakenham

Rolling River

10st 2lb

J: Alice Stevens

T: Oliver Signy

Unexposed 5yo who won a Hexham bumper last year and kept on for respectable third here (2m4f, soft) on handicap hurdle debut in March; open to improvement over today's longer trip but needs to bounce back from last month's poor seasonal debut (first-time cheekpieces; retained) and is 2lb out of the weights.

14/1

Form: 264

Last run: 18 days

W: 11st 1lb

6 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Won two small-field British points before runner-up in an Aintree bumper (again on good) in May; two runs this season confirm he has significant ability, with promise last time when never-nearer fourth in a maiden hurdle at Taunton (2m, good), but he needs improvement.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

2

24th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

3m 2f 54y

Class 3

16:55 Chepstow

Broomfields Cave

11st 7lb

J: Bradley Harris

T: Neil Mulholland

Chasing record reads 3-6 following this month's 5l defeat of Loup De Maulde at Wincanton (3m1f, good; RPR 128), and although taking him to a new career-high mark the 4lb rise for that doesn't look an overreaction; no track or going issues, and case looks solid once more.

13/8

1st

3

1st Apr 2026

Good

3m 1f 30y

Class 4

15:20 Wincanton

Broomfields Cave

12st 0lb

J: Bradley Harris

T: Neil Mulholland

Made it 2-4 over fences when landing a C&D handicap (good to soft) on Boxing Day; flopped at Doncaster (pulled up) last time but that was in the Grimthorpe and he could resume his progress on this drop back in grade; needs a close look.

7/2

11

28th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

3m 2f 1y

Class 2

14:30 Doncaster

Broomfields Cave

10st 11lb

J: Bradley Harris

T: Neil Mulholland

Both chase wins have come in small fields over similar trips to this; he's a strong stayer who might have more to give after only four runs over fences, so commands respect on that alone despite this rise in class.

10/1

Form: 334-77

Last run: 19 days

W: 11st 1lb

6 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Displayed ability in bumpers but he was beaten more than 50l over hurdles when 100-1 at Newbury and 125-1 at Ludlow.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8

20th May 2023

Good

2m 3f 207y

Class 5

20:35 Uttoxeter

Mount South

11st 0lb

J: Jack Hogan

T: Ian Williams

Made an encouraging handicap debut when third over C&D (good to soft) in February but he didn't get very far at Fontwell next time and was pulled up at Wincanton (15-8 favourite) in March; should still have potential but he needs to get back on track after a short break.

7/1

5

27th Mar 2023

Soft

2m 5f 82y

Class 5

17:00 Wincanton

Mount South

11st 0lb

J: Robert Dunne

T: Ian Williams

towards rear, ridden and hung right then jockey looked down to see if something was amiss before 2 out, pulled up just after 2 out

2/1

6

18th Mar 2023

Soft

2m 3f 49y

Class 5

15:45 Fontwell

Mount South

11st 0lb

J: Robert Dunne

T: Ian Williams

in touch with leaders, hampered 1st, soon unseated rider

5/2

Form: 0/78

Last run: 61 days

W: 11st 1lb

6 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Placed in two of his five Irish points last year; made encouraging late headway at Hereford (2m, good) in November on his second run over hurdles but handicaps will probably provide better opportunities in due course.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

7

26th Jul 2026

Good

3m 0f 10y

Class 2

15:42 Uttoxeter

Imperial Alex

11st 5lb

J: Stan Sheppard

T: Tom Lacey

Back on top of his game and a 4lb rise for his half-length win in the Summer Cup over C&D isn't the end of the world; solid chance.

5/1

1st

13

28th Jun 2026

Good

3m 0f 10y

Class 2

15:27 Uttoxeter

Imperial Alex

10st 4lb

J: Stan Sheppard

T: Tom Lacey

Back in top form this season; justified favouritism at Stratford (3m3f, good to firm) last time, taking chase record to 5-19; however, the memory of his dismal effort in this contest two years ago (when bidding for a four-timer) tempers enthusiasm.

10/1

1st

2

30th May 2026

Good To Firm

3m 3f 119y

Class 3

19:20 Stratford

Imperial Alex

12st 0lb

J: Stan Sheppard

T: Tom Lacey

Four-times winning chaser over around 3m; returned to his best when beaten a neck at Ffos Las (3m, good) 25 days ago with 15l back to the third; nudged up 4lb but holds claims if he gets home over this marathon trip.

7/4

Form: 253

Last run: 30 days

W: 11st 1lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Only just caught in a Ffos Las bumper (2m, good) in October; failed to live up to that debut performance at either Carlisle (heavy) or Doncaster (four-runner hurdle debut, good); best watched for the time being.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

10

15th Jun 2024

Good

2m 3f 100y

15:25 Downpatrick

Benny Silver

10st 11lb

J: E Walsh

T: Ian Patrick Donoghue

Several good runs in defeat for Nigel Twiston-Davies and might come on for his latest place effort at Southwell; bought for £15,000 and starts out for new yard; likely to be involved from career low mark.

3/1

3rd

7

14th May 2024

Good

2m 4f 88y

Class 5

14:30 Southwell

Benny Silver

11st 3lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Nigel Twiston-Davies

Ten-race maiden; placed on all three starts over fences, notably when third to a subsequent winner at Hereford in November (2m5f, good); back after a break; one to consider.

5/1

3rd

7

14th May 2024

Good

2m 4f 88y

Class 5

14:30 Southwell

Benny Silver

11st 3lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Nigel Twiston-Davies

Ten-race maiden; placed on all three starts over fences, notably when third to a subsequent winner at Hereford in November (2m5f, good); back after a break; one to consider.

5/1

Form:

Last run:

W: 11st 1lb

9 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
9yo who makes his rules debut following two runs in British maiden points last season, a remote last of three finishers on second occasion.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

13

15th Jan 2024

Good

2m 0f 8y

Class 5

15:07 Hereford

Mix Master

10st 2lb

J: Shane Quinlan

T: Katy Price

Has failed to complete in four of his five chases and was beaten 34l when he did complete; well out of the weights in new headgear.

100/1

0

13

21st Dec 2023

Soft

2m 3f 48y

Class 5

15:55 Exeter

Mix Master

10st 2lb

J: Tabitha Worsley

T: Katy Price

Very lightly raced 9yo but he's failed to complete in three of his four chase runs and was beaten 34l on the other; has had wind surgery but he's 5lb out of the weights here and needs a transformation after a short break.

33/1

0

9

26th Oct 2023

Good To Soft

2m 4f 11y

Class 5

13:50 Ludlow

Mix Master

10st 2lb

J: Miss Carys Morris

T: Katy Price

Very lightly raced, with a whiff of ability but this is a tough task from 11lb out of the handicap.

40/1

OUR TIP

Form: 8P-7PU

Last run: 13 days

W: 11st 1lb

6 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Two pieces of low-level form and three non-completions; ducked right and unseated rider early on latest start; tongue tied first time.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

6th Feb 2023

Good To Soft

2m 5f 164y

Class 4

14:30 Fontwell

Allanahs Boy

11st 5lb

J: Harry Bannister

T: Warren Greatrex

led, headed but prominent 2nd, reminder after 4th

50/1

13th

2

8th Jan 2023

Soft

2m 0f 11y

Class 4

14:40 Chepstow

Allanahs Boy

11st 1lb

J: James Bowen

T: Warren Greatrex

Two pieces of low-level form and three non-completions; ducked right and unseated rider early on latest start; tongue tied first time.

200/1

2

26th Dec 2022

Good To Soft

2m 1f 162y

Class 4

11:57 Fontwell

Allanahs Boy

11st 0lb

J: Dylan Kitts

T: Warren Greatrex

No threat in three bumpers and was soon in trouble when pulled up on last month's hurdling debut; wind surgery since.

50/1

Form: 1-60 D

Last run: 37 days

W: 11st 1lb

6 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Kelso bumper winner who went down by 40l at Hereford and Exeter on his two starts over hurdles; all three runs on good to soft; looks one for another day.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8

4th Jun 2024

Good

3m 0f 60y

Class 5

17:50 Southwell

Rocky Hill

11st 3lb

J: Stan Sheppard

T: Tom Lacey

in touch with leaders

5/1

3rd

5

7th May 2024

Good To Soft

2m 4f 0y

Class 5

15:25 Ffos Las

Rocky Hill

11st 1lb

J: Conor Ring

T: Tom Lacey

Lightly raced 7yo who returned from long absence with good second on handicap debut at Hereford (2m3f, good to soft; first-time cheekpieces) in March; fell mid-race there last month but still has potential and remains very much of interest.

15/8

3rd

5

7th May 2024

Good To Soft

2m 4f 0y

Class 5

15:25 Ffos Las

Rocky Hill

11st 1lb

J: Conor Ring

T: Tom Lacey

prominent, edged left from 2 out, kept on but not pace to challenge

15/8

Form: 13- D BF

Last run: 350 days

W: 11st 1lb

6 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Justified favouritism in Ascot bumper (1m7f, soft) on debut in October 2021; placed since in a bumper at Lingfield (AW) last January and in a 1m4f maiden on the Flat in Germany in April; has since changed hands and left German trainer Andreas Wohler; interesting hurdles newcomer.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

5

22nd Jul 2026

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 5

16:30 Worcester

Estacas

11st 8lb

J: Luke Scott

T: Dr Richard Newland & Jamie Insole

Couldn't hold on when attempting to make all at Market Rasen (extended 2m5f, good) in June but that was still a solid effort, only narrowly denied second by Little Ledgend late on; should go well again, with Luke Scott able to claim 3lb this time.

8/1

3rd

3

12th Jun 2026

Good

2m 4f 139y

Class 5

20:36 Market Rasen

Estacas

11st 9lb

J: Luke Scott

T: Dr Richard Newland & Jamie Insole

No win for three years but, in all fairness, he hasn't seen a massive amount of action, and he's handily weighted from this 6lb lower mark; bumped into the thriving Ice Jet at Worcester (2m4f; runner-up, beaten over 1l) latest, and a repeat of that should see him on the premises.

4/1

Form: 095P-

Last run: 368 days

W: 10st 8lb

6 yo Mare

OR:

Form & Verdict
Trained by Dai Burchell last season when well beaten in three bumpers and pulled up at 200-1 in a heavy-ground novice hurdle.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11

18th Mar 2023

Soft

1m 7f 168y

Class 5

16:45 Uttoxeter

Dawnslittlediamond

10st 2lb

J: Lee Edwards

T: Deborah Faulkner

Very low-level form so far and while she should have more chance now handicapping she is so far out of the weights that she can't be considered well treated; now given a go in cheekpieces.

40/1

7th

2

26th Feb 2023

Good

2m 0f 53y

Class 4

14:20 Hereford

Dawnslittlediamond

11st 6lb

J: Lee Edwards

T: Deborah Faulkner

Well beaten at huge odds on all three hurdling starts, most recently in 2m3f course maiden three weeks ago.

100/1

9

5th Feb 2023

Good

2m 3f 147y

Class 4

13:33 Hereford

Dawnslittlediamond

11st 2lb

J: James Best

T: Deborah Faulkner

No worthwhile form in any of her five starts and she's swiftly opposed.

100/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £5.80
Straight Forecast £4.14
Trifecta £18.90

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Crebilly

RP Ratings:

Hurlerontheditch

The Times:

Libberty Hunter

TOPSPEED:

Crebilly

POSTDATA:

Crebilly

WEST COUNTRY:

Crebilly

Daily Mail:

Crebilly

Daily Mirror:

Crebilly

The Sun:

Crebilly

The Star:

Crebilly

Daily Record:

Crebilly

Telegraph:

Hurlerontheditch

D Express:

Hurlerontheditch