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
View Course
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

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

5th

4

23rd Mar 2026

Good

2m 3f 179y

Class 3

16:57 Wincanton

Crebilly

11st 7lb

J: Jonjo O’Neill Jr

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

Made a quite encouraging seasonal debut in November but well beaten twice since, albeit on heavy ground last time; drops back in trip on a dangerous mark but needs to be perked up by the first-time cheekpieces.

9/1

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

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

2nd

4

5th May 2026

Good

2m 7f 177y

Class 4

16:18 Ffos Las

Imperial Alex

11st 9lb

J: Stan Sheppard

T: Tom Lacey

In career-best form last summer over 3m on good ground; soundly beaten in his last three races, disappointingly so at Warwick last time when back on his favoured surface (good); bit to prove now.

10/1

5th

4

26th Mar 2026

Good

3m 0f 0y

Class 2

16:30 Warwick

Imperial Alex

11st 5lb

J: Stan Sheppard

T: Tom Lacey

In top form over 3m on good ground last May/June, finishing second at Uttoxeter then first at Perth; soundly beaten on both runs since but those were on heavy/soft going and perhaps today's return to a better surface will trigger a revival.

11/1

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

2nd

5

22nd May 2026

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 5

20:11 Worcester

Estacas

11st 9lb

J: Luke Scott

T: Dr Richard Newland & Jamie Insole

Well handicapped on old form for David Bridgwater but he returned for new yard after a mammoth absence with a well-held eighth at Stratford (2m2f, good) last month; shaped as though he needed that run but this looks a tough assignment against some improvers and he's probably best watched; cheekpieces (tried once in 2023) are reapplied.

20/1

8th

11

19th Apr 2026

Good

2m 2f 148y

Class 5

16:18 Stratford

Estacas

11st 10lb

J: Luke Scott

T: Dr Richard Newland & Jamie Insole

Well handicapped on old form for David Bridgwater but absent since two disappointing runs in November 2023; considered only if lively in the betting before this stable debut; had wind op in 2024.

14/1

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