February 04 / 14.55 Sandown

14.55

Good To Soft

Virgin Bet Heroes Handicap Hurdle (Premier Handicap) (Pertemps Hurdle Series Qualifier) (GBB Race)

  • Prize money: £56270
  • 2m 7f 98y
  • Class 1
  • 15 runners
ITV
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Virgin Bet Heroes Handicap Hurdle (Premier Handicap) (Pertemps Hurdle Series Qualifier) (GBB Race)

Runners: 15 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Mostly cloudy

9/1 (Won)

  • Win: £7.00
  • Place: £2.70

Form: 1459-6 CD

Last run: 39 days

W: 11st 4lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 134

Form & Verdict
Three wins last winter, culminating in this race (4lb higher today); good fifth in the 3m Grade 1 novice race at Cheltenham in March; had wind surgery in September and returned with a heavy defeat behind Flight Deck when second favourite at Chepstow at Christmas; may have needed that race but it will be interesting to see whether his backers return.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

4

21st Feb 2026

Soft

2m 7f 131y

Class 2

14:55 Chepstow

Green Book

10st 12lb

J: Charlie Deutsch

T: Venetia Williams

Well treated on peak efforts; achieved very little in this season's two runs since a long absence, but at least his stable looks back to form.

20/1

13th

6

18th Jan 2026

Soft

3m 0f 0y

Class 2

14:25 Windsor

Green Book

11st 3lb

J: Charlie Deutsch

T: Venetia Williams

Well treated on best form; seemed to need the outing on return from long absence last time but eventually achieved nothing and needs to prove he retains peak ability.

25/1

4th

9

16th Mar 2023

Soft

2m 7f 213y

Class 1

14:10 Cheltenham

Green Book

11st 6lb

J: Charlie Deutsch

T: Venetia Williams

Creditable fifth in the Albert Bartlett here last March; has a fine record in handicaps, making it four wins out of five completions in a useful 2m7f Sandown event in February (good to soft) but the bar is higher today and he failed to shine in a Grade 2 at Haydock last month.

28/1

OUR TIP

8/1

  • Place: £3.70

Form: P3-125 C

Last run: 34 days

W: 12st 0lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 144

Form & Verdict
Familiar face at Sandown; the 2m5f Pertemps qualifier at Kempton in November is his only win in the last three years but he was unlucky to succumb by a nose to Dolphin Square over C&D on penultimate start as promising Ben Bromley dropped his hands close home; needs to bounce back from a lesser show off this 2lb higher mark at Cheltenham.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

7

27th Apr 2024

Good

2m 5f 110y

Class 1

16:10 Sandown

Call Me Lord

11st 4lb

J: James Bowen

T: Nicky Henderson

prominent, mistake 4 out, weakened from 2 out

40/1

6th

7

27th Apr 2024

Good

2m 5f 110y

Class 1

16:10 Sandown

Call Me Lord

11st 4lb

J: James Bowen

T: Nicky Henderson

prominent, mistake 4 out, weakened from 2 out

40/1

12th

2

17th Apr 2024

Good To Soft

2m 7f 213y

Class 2

15:50 Cheltenham

Call Me Lord

11st 13lb

J: Ben Bromley

T: Nicky Henderson

midfield, outpaced 2 out, weakened quickly approaching last

20/1

7/1

  • Place: £2.10

Form: 1-0122 BF

Last run: 34 days

W: 10st 12lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 128

Form & Verdict
Has helped set the pace on all three starts for new yard; won five-runner race at Hereford on first occasion and better form when runner-up over 3m at Taunton and Cheltenham; in the last named he finished at least 12l ahead of Dolphin Square and two more of today's rivals; each-way player again.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

3

27th Aug 2024

Good To Firm

2m 6f 125y

Class 3

16:55 Stratford

Jet Of Magic

11st 0lb

J: Tom Bellamy

T: Nigel Twiston-Davies

jumped left on occasions, pressed winner, hit 7th, hit 11th, outpaced after 2 out, weakening when lost second approaching last, tailed off

8/1

9th

5

28th Jul 2024

Good

2m 7f 70y

Class 2

15:25 Uttoxeter

Jet Of Magic

11st 8lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Nigel Twiston-Davies

Back to the same mark off which he won on good ground over C&D just over a year ago and, next time out after a 5lb rise, he was going best in this when unseating two out; lost his way later on but there were positives to take from his fifth over C&D in May; could easily be in the shake-up.

7/1

Form: 4-6421 D

Last run: 37 days

W: 10st 8lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 124

Form & Verdict
Beaten a head at Musselburgh (3m, soft) and smooth winner of 12-runner race at Kelso (2m6f, heavy) later in December; the latter was a career best but 7lb rise demands another; 5lb-claiming rider is recruited.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

14

7th Feb 2025

Soft

3m 5f 142y

Class 4

14:12 Bangor-on-Dee

Schalke

11st 1lb

J: Toby Wynne

T: Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero

Short in chasing experience for a race of this nature, having steered clear of fences since finishing fourth of six runners in a handicap in late 2022; has at least rediscovered some form over hurdles for his new yard but others are safer propositions.

12/1

4th

14

7th Feb 2025

Soft

3m 5f 142y

Class 4

14:12 Bangor-on-Dee

Schalke

11st 1lb

J: Toby Wynne

T: Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero

Short in chasing experience for a race of this nature, having steered clear of fences since finishing fourth of six runners in a handicap in late 2022; has at least rediscovered some form over hurdles for his new yard but others are safer propositions.

12/1

3rd

6

30th Dec 2024

Heavy

3m 0f 58y

Class 4

12:30 Haydock

Schalke

11st 8lb

J: Ben Smith

T: Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero

in rear, headway and went third before 3 out, no impression from 2 out

5/2

Form: 1FPP-P C

Last run: 78 days

W: 11st 1lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 131

Form & Verdict
Has an all-or-nothing profile, either winning or failing to complete on last seven starts; pulled up over fences for the third consecutive outing in November on return; back to hurdles for the first time since April 2021 and this should be a competitive mark, but he carries obvious risks.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

17th

6

3rd Apr 2025

Good To Soft

2m 5f 19y

Class 2

16:05 Aintree

Bothwell Bridge

12st 0lb

J: Miss Ellie Callwood

T: Kelly Morgan

Winning chaser for Nicky Henderson; remains a capable pointer but at these weights he's held by Bennys King and Autonomous Cloud on their Leicester clash in February.

100/1

6

3rd Apr 2025

Good To Soft

2m 5f 19y

Class 2

16:05 Aintree

Bothwell Bridge

12st 0lb

J: Miss Ellie Callwood

T: Kelly Morgan

Winning chaser for Nicky Henderson; remains a capable pointer but at these weights he's held by Bennys King and Autonomous Cloud on their Leicester clash in February.

100/1

3rd

7

25th Feb 2025

Soft

2m 6f 151y

Class 3

16:45 Leicester

Bothwell Bridge

11st 12lb

J: Miss Ellie Callwood

T: Kelly Morgan

Useful handicapper in his prime and collected three points for new stable last season; returned from layoff with very respectable second of three in a point this month but faces a tough assignment here and would probably prefer better ground.

33/1

Form: 47-03P

Last run: 34 days

W: 11st 6lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 136

Form & Verdict
Down the weights and produced easily his most competitive show for a long time when a very close third to Dolphin Square and Call Me Lord at Sandown (upped to an extended 2m7f, soft) in December; pulled up at Cheltenham four weeks later, however, and now has tongue tied first time.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10

16th Apr 2025

Good

2m 4f 56y

Class 2

14:05 Cheltenham

Wilde About Oscar

11st 6lb

J: Jack Hogan

T: Sophie Leech

Lost his way for Dan Skelton after being very smart in his prime; returning from 633 days away when pulled up in last month's Martin Pipe (150-1); can only be watched.

66/1

10

16th Apr 2025

Good

2m 4f 56y

Class 2

14:05 Cheltenham

Wilde About Oscar

11st 6lb

J: Jack Hogan

T: Sophie Leech

Lost his way for Dan Skelton after being very smart in his prime; returning from 633 days away when pulled up in last month's Martin Pipe (150-1); can only be watched.

66/1

24

14th Mar 2025

Good To Soft

2m 4f 56y

Class 2

17:20 Cheltenham

Wilde About Oscar

10st 7lb

J: Dylan Johnston

T: Sophie Leech

Useful for Dan Skelton early in career but became largely disappointing and has been absent since a heavy defeat in France for Rebecca Menzies in June 2023; sold for £20,000 that August; cheekpieces reapplied; best watched.

100/1

Form: -42232 D

Last run: 39 days

W: 10st 10lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 126

Form & Verdict
Stays well and registered a wide-margin win at Chepstow in December 2021; creditable second to Flight Deck in that same race when returned to hurdles from chasing on latest outing; places hopes if he's as good on this first run at Sandown.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

2

27th Jan 2026

Soft

2m 7f 136y

Class 4

15:47 Chepstow

Bells Of Peterboro

12st 2lb

J: Mr Edward Vaughan

T: Tim Vaughan

Not one to rely upon heavily and doesn't always look wildly enthusiastic but didn't run badly when fourth at Uttoxeter (3m heavy) last month and this track suits him well; on a good mark; can't be ruled out.

14/1

7th

6

28th Oct 2025

Soft

3m 1f 60y

Class 4

14:58 Ffos Las

Bells Of Peterboro

11st 10lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Tim Vaughan

Best run during a fairly light campaign last season when second to progressive rival at Lingfield (2m7f, heavy) in February; contender if judged on that and Sean Bowen is booked today but this 10yo has not been seen since a lesser effort in March and he's too inconsistent to rely upon.

7/1

7th

6

28th Oct 2025

Soft

3m 1f 60y

Class 4

14:58 Ffos Las

Bells Of Peterboro

11st 10lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Tim Vaughan

Best run during a fairly light campaign last season when second to progressive rival at Lingfield (2m7f, heavy) in February; contender if judged on that and Sean Bowen is booked today but this 10yo has not been seen since a lesser effort in March and he's too inconsistent to rely upon.

7/1

Form: 12-112 C

Last run: 39 days

W: 10st 11lb

7 yo Mare

OR: 127

Form & Verdict
Has good record in blinkers, mostly front-running; won this term at Ascot (2m7f, good) and Sandown (2m4f, soft) before her good second to a notable rival at Kempton (3m, soft; 1lb lower than today) at Christmas; a rising force in handicaps who enters each-way calculations.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

4

(10)

6th Nov 2024

Soft

2m 0f 0y

Class 4

14:13 Nottingham

Coquelicot

10st 1lb

J: Sean Kirrane

T: Anthony Honeyball

made virtually all, increased tempo over 4f out, pushed along 3f out, clear when ridden over 1f out, reduced lead but kept on inside final furlong, gamely

14/1

1st

4

(10)

6th Nov 2024

Soft

2m 0f 0y

Class 4

14:13 Nottingham

Coquelicot

10st 1lb

J: Sean Kirrane

T: Anthony Honeyball

made virtually all, increased tempo over 4f out, pushed along 3f out, clear when ridden over 1f out, reduced lead but kept on inside final furlong, gamely

14/1

10th

4

22nd Mar 2024

Good To Soft

3m 0f 52y

Class 3

16:08 Newbury

Coquelicot

11st 13lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Anthony Honeyball

Made all in Listed mares' hurdle at Kempton (3m, good to soft) in November and was runner-up (beaten 12l) in another at Haydock the last time, which was a good run back at 2m3f (heavy); should give her running but others might be better in.

10/1

Form: F551-4 BF

Last run: 273 days

W: 11st 10lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 140

Form & Verdict
Luckless when fifth in the Martin Pipe at Cheltenham (2m4f) last term but made amends at Aintree (3m); reportedly lame after running creditably in first-time cheekpieces in May when last seen; may still have potential and the lack of a recent run is probably the chief concern; market may guide.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

1

29th Aug 2025

Good

2m 5f 164y

Class 4

16:13 Fontwell

Party Business

12st 0lb

J: Charlie Todd

T: Ian Williams

Yet to add to his Aintree festival success in 2022 but was only beaten about 7l when fourth of six in stronger race than this at Uttoxeter (2m7f, good) last month and continues to slip down the weights; might cope better than some of these if the ground softens; must be considered.

8/1

9

27th Jul 2025

Good

2m 7f 70y

Class 2

15:37 Uttoxeter

Party Business

10st 2lb

J: Robert Dunne

T: Ian Williams

Very useful in his prime but yet to add to his Aintree festival success in 2022; on a good mark now (even from 1lb out of the weights) and seemed to ran quite well when second of three over C&D (good) last month but others have more appealing profiles.

9/1

4

5th Jun 2025

Good

2m 7f 70y

Class 4

14:30 Uttoxeter

Party Business

11st 2lb

J: Charlie Todd

T: Ian Williams

Continues to fall in the weights but stuck on a losing run and has ground to make up with Ernest Gray on their recent Worcester clash.

5/1

Form: 911-14 CD

Last run: 34 days

W: 11st 13lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 143

Form & Verdict
Reappeared over C&D (soft) in December with a last-gasp win from Call Me Lord and Wilde About Oscar; not so good at Cheltenham next time but he did stay on into fourth; has a fine record under David Maxwell but may now be vulnerable for win purposes.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

3rd Feb 2024

Soft

3m 0f 45y

Class 5

15:50 Wetherby

Dolphin Square

12st 6lb

J: Mr David Maxwell

T: Philip Hobbs & Johnson White

Mixed form over hurdles last year and tailed off at Chepstow over Christmas when last seen; however, he showed some spark earlier in December and he won hunter chases in February 2022 (2m7f/3m2f, heavy/soft) on his last two runs over fences; capable of having a big say.

4/1

6th

2

27th Dec 2023

Good To Soft

2m 7f 131y

Class 2

13:40 Chepstow

Dolphin Square

11st 3lb

T: Philip Hobbs & Johnson White

Led in the final stride at Sandown (2m7f, soft; acts on heavy) on reappearance last term; went downhill since until a change to this headgear back in the same Sandown race 18 days ago was his best performance since New Year's Day, so there is renewed hope.

10/1

4th

3

9th Dec 2023

Soft

2m 7f 98y

Class 2

12:40 Sandown

Dolphin Square

11st 0lb

J: Mr David Maxwell

T: Philip Hobbs & Johnson White

Led in the final stride in this race (soft; acts on heavy) on reappearance last term; has an 8lb lower mark this time round, having gone downhill after that win and he was tailed off at Newbury one month ago; first-time blinkers replace his usual cheekpieces.

12/1

Form: P44-P2

Last run: 40 days

W: 11st 5lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 135

Form & Verdict
In and out in his six handicaps, failing to win any of them but he was runner-up at Wincanton (3m) on latest outing; wore cheekpieces on two of his last three starts; going back up 4lb means he requires a career best.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

3

27th Jan 2024

Good

2m 7f 214y

Class 3

15:50 Doncaster

Stellar Magic

10st 13lb

J: Lilly Pinchin

T: Billy Aprahamian

Bounced back quickly from a disappointing run (in cheekpieces) to open chasing account in first-time blinkers at Wincanton (3m1f, good to soft) last month; not one to rely upon heavily but recent 4lb rise ought to be manageable if he responds well to a first-time visor.

11/2

2

26th Dec 2023

Good To Soft

3m 1f 30y

Class 3

13:28 Wincanton

Stellar Magic

12st 2lb

J: Alice Stevens

T: Billy Aprahamian

Very respectable third on seasonal/stable debut at Huntingdon (2m7f, good to soft) last month but ought to have been suited by the soft ground when pulled up at Ludlow three weeks ago and today's headgear switch needs to perk him up.

20/1

Form: /82-11 D

Last run: 33 days

W: 11st 4lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 134

Form & Verdict
10yo who is 6-13 over hurdles, returning from wind surgery last January to score in small fields at Carlisle (3m1f, soft; from Flight Deck) and Ayr (3m, heavy) in his two starts this winter; did it in good style from the front on latest outing (held up time before) and has never been better, but going up 6lb in this stronger race demands another step forward.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

4

12th May 2025

Good

3m 0f 60y

Class 4

17:15 Southwell

Storm Nelson

10st 11lb

J: William Maggs

T: Olly Williams

led, headed 7th, outpaced after 2 out (usual 3 out), weakened last

20/1

2nd

4

12th May 2025

Good

3m 0f 60y

Class 4

17:15 Southwell

Storm Nelson

10st 11lb

J: William Maggs

T: Olly Williams

led, headed 7th, outpaced after 2 out (usual 3 out), weakened last

20/1

6th

5

19th Apr 2025

Good

3m 1f 0y

Class 4

16:02 Carlisle

Storm Nelson

11st 1lb

J: William Maggs

T: Olly Williams

towards rear

16/1

Form: 51-P21 D

Last run: 39 days

W: 12st 0lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 144

Form & Verdict
Stayer who has raised his game this season, notably when travelling much the best on his way to winning from Bells Of Peterboro at Chepstow (soft) over Christmas; that made it 3-6 since cheekpieces went on; 7lb higher today but needs major respect.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

1st Feb 2025

Heavy

2m 7f 98y

Class 1

15:07 Sandown

Flight Deck

11st 1lb

J: Ellis Collier

T: Deborah Cole

Has never tried this sort of trip with heavy ground but it could help; however, pulled up in this race in 2023 on his only visit to Sandown, went off the boil last January-May and although there's been a partial revival since, he needs better to take this warm race; 5lb claimer enlisted.

20/1

5

1st Feb 2025

Heavy

2m 7f 98y

Class 1

15:07 Sandown

Flight Deck

11st 1lb

J: Ellis Collier

T: Deborah Cole

Has never tried this sort of trip with heavy ground but it could help; however, pulled up in this race in 2023 on his only visit to Sandown, went off the boil last January-May and although there's been a partial revival since, he needs better to take this warm race; 5lb claimer enlisted.

20/1

4th

4

29th Nov 2024

Soft

3m 0f 52y

Class 1

15:05 Newbury

Flight Deck

11st 2lb

J: Chris Ward

T: Deborah Cole

Gradually finding his form this term; now 0-7 for current yard and appears to have the worst chance at the weights in this field but could perform well, having finished 2l third in this race last year.

25/1

Form: 49-121 D

Last run: 39 days

W: 11st 12lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 142

Form & Verdict
Pulled up on heavy in this race in 2020 on sole run at Sandown; won over hurdles at Aintree in November after wind surgery; bold shows in top 3m2f handicap chase at Newbury later in November in the last two seasons; built on that this term with clearcut win at Kempton over Christmas, despite whipping round at the start; has never been better and must catch the eye given that today's hurdles mark is 10lb lower than his chase figure.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

17th Jan 2025

Good To Soft

2m 7f 191y

Class 2

14:35 Market Rasen

Remastered

11st 5lb

J: David Noonan

T: David Pipe

led narrowly or disputed lead, prominent when headed 3rd, slow jump and lost position 4th, soon struggling, detached from 6th, soon pulled up

9/1

3

17th Jan 2025

Good To Soft

2m 7f 191y

Class 2

14:35 Market Rasen

Remastered

11st 5lb

J: David Noonan

T: David Pipe

2023 and 2024 did not go at all well until he won by a short head at Wincanton (extended 3m2f) in October last year; the fences have got in the way on both starts since and he's not the percentage call, but his old peak chase form was smart; blinkered first time.

9/1

Form: 3F2-68 D

Last run: 57 days

W: 11st 12lb

10 yo Mare

OR: 142

Form & Verdict
An admirable mare over many seasons but she has failed to beat a rival in her two runs this term and looked badly out of sorts last time.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

1

11th Feb 2023

Good

2m 5f 0y

Class 1

14:05 Warwick

Indefatigable

11st 8lb

J: Daryl Jacob

T: Paul Webber

led before 2 out, pressed leader when headed 2nd, lost two places 6th, ridden after 8th, went third before 2 out, stayed on but no match for first two

20/1

5

4th Feb 2023

Good To Soft

2m 7f 98y

Class 1

14:55 Sandown

Indefatigable

11st 12lb

J: Gavin Sheehan

T: Paul Webber

An admirable mare over many seasons but she has failed to beat a rival in her two runs this term and looked badly out of sorts last time.

33/1

Non-runners

Indefatigable

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £82.60
Straight Forecast £61.95
Tricast £301.25
Trifecta £605.00

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Remastered

RP Ratings:

Green Book

THE NORTH:

Storm Nelson

LAMBOURN:

Call Me Lord

The Sun:

Jet Of Magic

D Express:

Schalke

POSTDATA:

Coquelicot

Daily Mirror:

Flight Deck

TOPSPEED:

Green Book

Daily Mail:

Green Book

Telegraph:

Call Me Lord

WEST COUNTRY:

Remastered

The Times:

Remastered

Daily Record:

Remastered

The Guardian:

Storm Nelson

The Star:

Storm Nelson