February 14 / 14.30 Lingfield

14.30

Good To Soft

Free Tips Daily On attheraces.com Novices’ Hurdle (Novices’ Championship Hurdle Series Qual’) (GBB)

  • Prize money: £4901.4
  • 2m 0f 0y
  • Class 4
  • 12 runners
SKY
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Free Tips Daily On attheraces.com Novices’ Hurdle (Novices’ Championship Hurdle Series Qual’) (GBB)

Runners: 12 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Partly cloudy

12/1 (Won)

  • Win: £5.00
  • Place: £1.70

Form: 156 D

Last run: 55 days

W: 11st 5lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Clearcut winner of a Stratford bumper and similar form when fifth in a Listed event at Cheltenham; ran okay to be sixth behind a smart winner on his switch to hurdling at Taunton and should make his presence felt.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

1

21st Aug 2024

Good

2m 0f 110y

Class 5

16:50 Worcester

Kayf Legend

12st 0lb

J: Rex Dingle

T: Chris Gordon

Looked quite promising when winning 2m novice hurdle in early 2023 but returned from long absence with three disappointing handicap hurdle runs this year; switches to fences with first-time cheekpieces fitted today.

16/1

10th

5

8th Jul 2024

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 5

16:50 Worcester

Kayf Legend

11st 11lb

J: Freddie Gordon

T: Chris Gordon

midfield

20/1

8th

11

5th Jun 2024

Good

2m 0f 167y

Class 3

16:10 Newton Abbot

Kayf Legend

10st 11lb

J: Rex Dingle

T: Chris Gordon

Looked a nice prospect when winning at Lingfield (2m, good to soft) in February last year; outclassed in Grade 2 at Kempton 11 days later and likely needed March's return from nearly a year away when down the field on handicap debut at Taunton (2m3f, soft); better can be expected with that run behind him but he has a bit to prove at present.

25/1

15/8

  • Place: £1.40

Form: 44 BF

Last run: 74 days

W: 10st 7lb

4 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Close fourth in a Listed hurdle at Auteuil (2m2f, very soft) in September and got tired when fourth at Sandown in early December (2m, soft), finishing a 14l fourth; interesting that he was so strong in the betting there at 8-15 and he's had wind surgery; can do better.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

19th Apr 2026

Good

2m 6f 125y

Class 5

17:25 Stratford

Kansas Du Berlais

11st 10lb

J: Miss Megan Bevan

T: Christopher Mark Clarke

Made the frame (albeit safely held) in two good-quality hunter chases (2m/2m1f) last May and dug deep to beat useful rival in small-field open point at Charing (3m, good to soft; subsequently disqualified) in January; turned over at short odds in latest point but still enters calculations.

11/1

3rd

4

30th May 2025

Good

2m 0f 213y

Class 5

20:45 Stratford

Kansas Du Berlais

11st 12lb

J: Mr Toby McCain-Mitchell

T: Christopher Mark Clarke

Should have stamina to spare as a dual Fontwell winner at up to 2m3f; fared okay deep into this month's Cheltenham stable debut (2m) but still beaten over 15l, and have to hope that run was simply needed.

12/1

3rd

4

30th May 2025

Good

2m 0f 213y

Class 5

20:45 Stratford

Kansas Du Berlais

11st 12lb

J: Mr Toby McCain-Mitchell

T: Christopher Mark Clarke

Should have stamina to spare as a dual Fontwell winner at up to 2m3f; fared okay deep into this month's Cheltenham stable debut (2m) but still beaten over 15l, and have to hope that run was simply needed.

12/1

9/2

  • Place: £1.70

Form: 6/1-82 D

Last run: 14 days

W: 11st 5lb

7 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Dual bumper winner on AW/good ground; finished tailed off in a good novice hurdle at Kempton on Boxing Day but showed the benefit of that run to chase home last weekend's Betfair third Teddy Blue over C&D two weeks ago; although perhaps flattered by his close proximity to the winner he looks a big player in this race.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

1

11th May 2023

Good

1m 7f 171y

Class 4

14:15 Huntingdon

I Hope Star

12st 0lb

J: Jack Quinlan

T: Neil King

Placed twice at Lingfield (2m, good to soft) at start of this year and may not have been ideally suited by the soft ground when very respectable third on handicap debut at Warwick (2m, soft) in March; 2lb lower here; ought to make his presence felt again.

6/1

3rd

7

22nd Mar 2023

Good To Soft

2m 0f 0y

Class 4

15:25 Warwick

I Hope Star

11st 6lb

J: Jack Quinlan

T: Neil King

prominent

11/2

3rd

5

14th Feb 2023

Good To Soft

2m 0f 0y

Class 4

14:30 Lingfield

I Hope Star

11st 5lb

J: Jack Quinlan

T: Neil King

Dual bumper winner on AW/good ground; finished tailed off in a good novice hurdle at Kempton on Boxing Day but showed the benefit of that run to chase home last weekend's Betfair third Teddy Blue over C&D two weeks ago; although perhaps flattered by his close proximity to the winner he looks a big player in this race.

9/2

Form: 315

Last run: 32 days

W: 11st 0lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 114

Form & Verdict
Useful on the Flat for Karl Burke; the hood aided his focus when winning easily at Fontwell and it was a decent race in which he struggled at Huntingdon (jumping found out); open to further improvement and one of the better options.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

7

2nd Dec 2023

Soft

2m 0f 145y

Class 4

13:11 Bangor-on-Dee

Polyphonic

11st 6lb

J: Mr Alex Chadwick

T: James Owen

Won Fontwell maiden (2m1f, good to soft) for Milton Harris last December but he has a mixed record since; wasn't beaten far when third of five at Uttoxeter two weeks ago but he's now 1-11 over hurdles and others are more convincing.

14/1

Form: 4

Last run: 99 days

W: 11st 5lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Well-related gelding who kicked off in a decent race at Kempton where he was beaten 33l in the end; that was a nice introduction and he should step up in this easier company.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

1st May 2026

Good

3m 1f 100y

Class 4

17:05 Warwick

Tellmesomethingood

11st 12lb

J: Mr Huw Edwards

T: Alan Hill

Dual 2025 point winner around stayers' tracks, and present season's best effort similarly came around Lockinge's galloping line last time, so may not appreciate Warwick as much as some; sound surface fine.

33/1

7th

2

14th May 2024

Good

2m 4f 88y

Class 5

14:30 Southwell

Tellmesomethingood

11st 9lb

J: Robert Dunne

T: Jim Boyle

0-9 over hurdles although fair runs in handicaps last twice when stepped up to this trip on good ground (13l fifth at Plumpton last time); has since had wind surgery; quite interesting with cheekpieces added on chase debut.

10/1

7th

2

14th May 2024

Good

2m 4f 88y

Class 5

14:30 Southwell

Tellmesomethingood

11st 9lb

J: Robert Dunne

T: Jim Boyle

0-9 over hurdles although fair runs in handicaps last twice when stepped up to this trip on good ground (13l fifth at Plumpton last time); has since had wind surgery; quite interesting with cheekpieces added on chase debut.

10/1

Form: 7

Last run: 46 days

W: 10st 7lb

4 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
No better than seventh in two runs for this yard, finishing tailed off on his hurdling debut (good to soft) before finishing well held back on the AW; capable of good Flat form for James Ferguson (at up to 1m4f) but reservations for now.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

3

(8)

31st May 2025

Good To Soft

1m 7f 196y

Class 4

15:20 Chester

State Legend

9st 11lb

J: Joe Leavy

T: Ian Williams

Inconsistent 2023 and while fifth of 16 in Chester Plate last May looked creditable, he like It's Good To Laugh has been off since; 2lb lower today.

25/1

1st

3

(8)

31st May 2025

Good To Soft

1m 7f 196y

Class 4

15:20 Chester

State Legend

9st 11lb

J: Joe Leavy

T: Ian Williams

Inconsistent 2023 and while fifth of 16 in Chester Plate last May looked creditable, he like It's Good To Laugh has been off since; 2lb lower today.

25/1

5th

9

(1)

10th May 2024

Good

2m 2f 140y

Class 2

16:15 Chester

State Legend

9st 4lb

J: Clifford Lee

T: Ian Williams

1m6f win at Sandown last July and beaten by a head over hurdles in November; those were two of the best efforts in a very in-and-out campaign (hampered on sole start here) and he was always behind when reappearing 12 days ago; wore cheekpieces on six of his last seven starts but they're off today.

20/1

Form: 55-5

Last run: 71 days

W: 11st 5lb

6 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Beaten in three bumpers but ran okay in two of them and the latest at Lingfield (AW) is working out well; stable may have brighter hopes for Kayf Legend but this one is not ruled out.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

12

20th Jul 2024

Good

2m 4f 139y

Class 3

14:05 Market Rasen

Happy Boy

10st 10lb

J: Freddie Gordon

T: Chris Gordon

Improved to win comfortably on handicap debut at Kempton (2m, good; first-time tongue-tie) in April and bettered that performance when close/clear second at Fontwell (2m1f, good) in May; had wind surgery last month and now moves up in trip again; may still have potential.

6/1

2nd

1

26th May 2024

Good

2m 1f 162y

Class 5

17:35 Fontwell

Happy Boy

12st 0lb

J: Freddie Gordon

T: Chris Gordon

Did it well when making a successful handicap debut at Kempton (2m, good; first-time tongue-tie) last month after a year off; up 10lb when only fifth of 11 at Uttoxeter (2m, good to soft) eight days ago, but only two flights were jumped so it's probably best to forgive that; shortlisted.

3/1

2nd

1

26th May 2024

Good

2m 1f 162y

Class 5

17:35 Fontwell

Happy Boy

12st 0lb

J: Freddie Gordon

T: Chris Gordon

Did it well when making a successful handicap debut at Kempton (2m, good; first-time tongue-tie) last month after a year off; up 10lb when only fifth of 11 at Uttoxeter (2m, good to soft) eight days ago, but only two flights were jumped so it's probably best to forgive that; shortlisted.

3/1

OUR TIP

8/1

Form: 4

Last run: 83 days

W: 11st 5lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Fair Flat winner on turf (1m, good) and AW (9.4f) in 2021; well below form in final three runs in that sphere and he made a low-key start over hurdles when a remote fourth at Wetherby (2m; pulled hard) in November; that was on heavy ground, so it could be excused.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

5

27th May 2026

Good

2m 6f 31y

Class 4

19:08 Cartmel

Dickens

11st 5lb

J: Luke Scott

T: Jennie Candlish

In a consistent run of form when last seen in November, mostly hooded but also in just a tongue-tie last time; this mark is very manageable but he does lack a recent run.

13/2

1

30th Oct 2025

Good To Soft

2m 2f 148y

Class 5

12:47 Stratford

Dickens

11st 12lb

J: Luke Scott

T: Jennie Candlish

Has been in fine fettle since joining current yard in the summer with four wins in handicaps; incurs 12lb penalty here partially offset by Luke Scott's 3lb claim; should be hard to beat at this level.

Evs

1

30th Oct 2025

Good To Soft

2m 2f 148y

Class 5

12:47 Stratford

Dickens

11st 12lb

J: Luke Scott

T: Jennie Candlish

Has been in fine fettle since joining current yard in the summer with four wins in handicaps; incurs 12lb penalty here partially offset by Luke Scott's 3lb claim; should be hard to beat at this level.

Evs

Form: 40P

Last run: 16 days

W: 11st 5lb

6 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Some promise when 150-1 fourth of 12 over C&D (soft) in November but was still beaten nearly a distance and has fared less well since; one for handicaps.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

31st Mar 2025

Good

2m 4f 35y

Class 5

16:45 Wincanton

Birdman Bob

10st 11lb

J: Ben Jones

T: Andy Irvine

in rear, not fluent 4th

11/2

Form:

Last run:

W: 10st 7lb

4 yo Colt

OR:

Form & Verdict
Had 19 Flat starts, winning over 1m2f and 1m4f on the AW at an ordinary level; has remained in decent AW form this year but his overall turf efforts don't read quite so well; others preferred on this switch to hurdling.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6

23rd Mar 2023

Good To Soft

1m 7f 169y

Class 4

14:25 Ludlow

Jacks Profit

11st 2lb

J: Robert Dunne

T: David Evans

Tailed off on hurdling debut but different story over C&D this month (in tongue-strap for first time) when beating several of these; 50-1 but no fluke about the win and followed up in Wolverhampton AW contest last Saturday; penalty for the course success but still strongly considered.

15/8

1st

6

(2)

18th Mar 2023

Standard

1m 4f 51y

Class 5

19:30 Wolverhampton (AW)

Jacks Profit

9st 7lb

J: Jordan Williams

T: David Evans

led narrowly

6/4

1st

9

2nd Mar 2023

Good

1m 7f 169y

Class 4

16:10 Ludlow

Jacks Profit

10st 4lb

J: Robert Dunne

T: David Evans

Very consistent at a fair level on the Flat since the autumn, and collected a 1m4f AW handicap in November (RPR 72), but dropped out rather tamely on recent hurdling debut at Lingfield (2m, good to soft) and needs help from the first-time tongue-tie here.

20/1

Form: 8

Last run: 15 days

W: 11st 5lb

6 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Placed in two of his six Irish points before changing hands for £23,000 last spring; beaten a long way out when tailed off in a novice hurdle at Plumpton (good to soft; 50-1).
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

30th May 2025

Good

3m 3f 119y

Class 2

19:00 Stratford

Dr Lockdown

12st 0lb

J: Mr James King

T: Mrs H S Jeffreys

Not that far behind Kilfilum Woods and Coolagh Park at Huntingdon ten days ago, but still looks to have the most of any to find here.

40/1

3

30th May 2025

Good

3m 3f 119y

Class 2

19:00 Stratford

Dr Lockdown

12st 0lb

J: Mr James King

T: Mrs H S Jeffreys

Not that far behind Kilfilum Woods and Coolagh Park at Huntingdon ten days ago, but still looks to have the most of any to find here.

40/1

2

20th May 2025

Good

2m 7f 129y

Class 5

20:40 Huntingdon

Dr Lockdown

11st 12lb

J: Mr Toby McCain-Mitchell

T: Mrs H S Jeffreys

Achieved little when winning a two-runner point in April and was beaten 68l when third at Hexham 10 days ago; has too much to prove.

20/1

Form:

Last run:

W: 10st 7lb

4 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Bought for 50,000gns after competitive performances from 7f to 1m4f for Michael Bell, albeit in defeat; should make a hurdler.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

0

12

29th Nov 2023

Good

2m 0f 8y

Class 5

13:25 Hereford

Loudspeaker

10st 2lb

J: Sean Houlihan

T: Seamus Mullins

Fair Flat-racer; well beaten over hurdles this month but finished well to lead close home on recent chasing debut at Doncaster (2m, good); effectively 5lb higher here but, given the Flat ability, could still have a bigger run in him over fences.

9/4

1st

9

17th Nov 2023

Good

2m 0f 78y

Class 5

13:00 Doncaster

Loudspeaker

10st 2lb

J: Sean Houlihan

T: Seamus Mullins

Has some fair Flat form on his CV but his record over hurdles is not inspiring and he's not bred for chasing; 1lb out of the weights here; others have much stronger claims.

33/1

8th

14

10th Nov 2023

Soft

2m 0f 161y

Class 5

14:20 Exeter

Loudspeaker

10st 7lb

J: Micheal Nolan

T: Seamus Mullins

Has been most competitive on the Flat (stays well) but remains a maiden and achieved nothing in two soft-ground handicap hurdles last season.

33/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £16.80
Straight Forecast £11.20
Trifecta £78.40

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

I Hope Star

RP Ratings:

Kansas Du Berlais

POSTDATA:

Polyphonic

The Guardian:

Kansas Du Berlais

Daily Mail:

Kansas Du Berlais

Daily Mirror:

Kansas Du Berlais

The Times:

Polyphonic

D Express:

Polyphonic

Telegraph:

I Hope Star

The Sun:

I Hope Star

The Star:

I Hope Star

Daily Record:

I Hope Star