February 18 / 16.25 Haydock

16.25

Good To Soft

Albert Bartlett Prestige Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 2) (GBB Race)

  • Prize money: £28475
  • 3m 0f 58y
  • Class 1
  • 13 runners
RTV
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Albert Bartlett Prestige Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 2) (GBB Race)

Runners: 13 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Showers

8/1 (Won)

  • Win: £9.50
  • Place: £2.20

Form: 62-112 D BF

Last run: 35 days

W: 11st 2lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 128

Form & Verdict
Won two in a row at Chepstow (2m3f/2m7f, good to soft) towards the end of last year and again ran well when 2l second of four to Collectors Item at Kempton (3m, soft) last month; he's 4lb better off with the winner and could still have more to offer for his top trainer; could be involved.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

19th Jan 2026

Soft

3m 4f 178y

Class 3

13:50 Lingfield

Makinyourmindup

12st 0lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Paul Nicholls

Made low-key return from long layoff when remote fourth at Chepstow (2m7f, good to soft) last month but well handicapped on form shown in February/March 2024 and has possibilities on first attempt at a marathon trip.

12/1

2nd

1

31st Mar 2024

Good To Soft

3m 1f 152y

Class 3

15:40 Plumpton

Makinyourmindup

12st 0lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Paul Nicholls

Second run over fences was disappointing but he's come back with wins in two small-field handicaps over 2m7f at Newbury (again on heavy); raised another 5lb but he's on the up and today's extra yardage may well help.

13/8

9/1

  • Place: £2.60

Form: 2-151 D

Last run: 35 days

W: 11st 2lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 125

Form & Verdict
Beat a useful sort on hurdle debut at Chepstow (2m, good) in October and bounced back from Grade 2 defeat at Cheltenham to win four-runner novice at Kempton (3m, soft) last month, beating Makin'yourmindup by 2l; 4lb worse off with the runner-up here but he's a likeable sort and is respected.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

16

18th Apr 2026

Soft

3m 7f 176y

Class 1

15:35 Ayr

Collectors Item

10st 13lb

J: Jonjo O’Neill Jr

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

Won the Somerset National over an extended 3m2f at Wincanton in January 2025 and second in the Welsh National Trial at Chepstow in December this term; he also showed last season that he stays 3m4f but there have been too many disappointing shows in major long-distance handicaps for him to be greatly fancied for this one.

50/1

4

14th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

4m 2f 8y

Class 1

15:00 Uttoxeter

Collectors Item

11st 9lb

J: Jonjo O’Neill Jr

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

Has a National in the bag already having captured the Somerset version over an extended 3m2f at Wincanton 14 months ago (good to soft; fine on softer), and best run since was his second in the Welsh National Trial in December; however, his form has dipped markedly on his last two starts, and his two runs over extreme distances have ended in disappointment.

20/1

4th

2

29th Jan 2026

Heavy

3m 1f 30y

Class 3

15:33 Wincanton

Collectors Item

12st 1lb

J: Jonjo O’Neill Jr

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

Has contested some competitive staying chases since winning the Somerset National over 3m3f here last January and found only one too good in the Welsh National Trial in December; offered little when only 11-1 for the real thing over Christmas but capable of bouncing back from that; hasn't shone on heavy ground previously but he's effective on soft.

5/2

11/2

  • Place: £1.90

Form: 21

Last run: 17 days

W: 11st 2lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 125

Form & Verdict
Won on debut in Irish maiden point (3m, soft) in 2020 and it was his first run since when a promising second over hurdles at Carlisle (2m4f, heavy) last October; easily went one better at Exeter (2m5f, good to soft) recently and could have more to offer for top yard; one to consider.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

8

12th Oct 2024

Good To Soft

2m 3f 98y

Class 2

16:00 Chepstow

The King Of Ryhope

10st 6lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

C&D winner at a different meeting last October on his reappearance and later ran well in a 3m Grade 2 at Ascot until a costly late mistake; disappointed the final time in a strong handicap at Aintree but went off favourite that day off a 1lb higher mark and evidently failed to give his running; remains an interesting handicapper.

4/1

8th

9

13th Apr 2024

Soft

3m 0f 210y

Class 1

14:30 Aintree

The King Of Ryhope

10st 11lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

Lightly raced 3m point winner whose best hurdle run came over 3m, and he tackled that trip for the first time over fences in a Grade 2 novice at Ascot (3m, good to soft) in February, travelling well into contention but making a race-losing mistake at final fence (finished 3l fourth of five); there will be a slight doubt about him if he's back on soft/heavy but he's unexposed over staying trips and could be better than his current mark.

5/1

8th

9

13th Apr 2024

Soft

3m 0f 210y

Class 1

14:30 Aintree

The King Of Ryhope

10st 11lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

Lightly raced 3m point winner whose best hurdle run came over 3m, and he tackled that trip for the first time over fences in a Grade 2 novice at Ascot (3m, good to soft) in February, travelling well into contention but making a race-losing mistake at final fence (finished 3l fourth of five); there will be a slight doubt about him if he's back on soft/heavy but he's unexposed over staying trips and could be better than his current mark.

5/1

Form: 27-11P

Last run: 35 days

W: 11st 5lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 125

Form & Verdict
Won two novice hurdles at odds-on in the autumn (2m4f/2m5f, good); he's better than he showed in a hot handicap at Kempton last month (2m5f; pulled up) but the soft ground should have been fine and he needs to bounce back.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

1

4th Apr 2026

Good

2m 4f 216y

Class 3

15:49 Newton Abbot

Scarface

12st 0lb

J: Freddie Gingell

T: Joe Tizzard

Four-time chase winner and his last success was in this race (off 2lb lower) last year; has been in and out this season but he bounced back with a fair third in Class 2 handicap at Newbury (2m4f, good to soft) two weeks ago; has possibilities if he can back that up and he's versatile ground-wise.

12/1

3rd

6

21st Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 187y

Class 2

14:25 Newbury

Scarface

11st 2lb

J: Freddie Gingell

T: Joe Tizzard

Inconsistent this season but has finished a good second on two occasions (November/December) and filled the same position in this race 12 months ago prior to beating Heltenham at Newton Abbot; well capable of posing a threat, provided he's back to form.

8/1

5th

5

2nd Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 110y

Class 3

15:07 Kempton

Scarface

11st 9lb

J: Brendan Powell

T: Joe Tizzard

Usually wears cheeekpieces; inconsistent (2P2P) this term but sole attempt in blinkers resulted in a good effort at Ascot (2m3f) on penultimate start; could go well in the reapplied blinds.

6/1

Form: 11

Last run: 51 days

W: 11st 2lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 117

Form & Verdict
Won his sole Irish maiden point (3m, soft) last April and has been a cosy winner on his first two hurdle starts (2m4f/2m6f, soft/heavy); faces different ground and classier opposition here, but this unbeaten 6yo looks to be a very promising stayer in the making.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

15

14th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

4m 2f 8y

Class 1

15:00 Uttoxeter

De Legislator

10st 5lb

J: Derek Fox

T: Lucinda Russell & Michael Scudamore

His two chase wins have been at 3m but he got the 4m fine when third at Kelso in December; he has performed shockingly on his last two starts with no trip/ground excuses and arrives here under a cloud, but possible positives are the removal of headgear and his stable's form.

16/1

3

25th Feb 2026

Soft

3m 5f 142y

Class 4

16:00 Bangor-on-Dee

De Legislator

11st 13lb

J: Derek Fox

T: Lucinda Russell & Michael Scudamore

2-5 over fences and an assured stayer having finished a 5l-third over 4m at Kelso in December; Windsor last time was disappointing but not all horses take to that track.

8/1

Form: 46-151

Last run: 42 days

W: 11st 2lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 120

Form & Verdict
Two-time 3m point winner who, following a wind op, made it 2-3 over hurdles when scoring at Newcastle (2m4f, soft) in a first-time tongue-tie (retained); other win came over 2m5f on good; others have better form and Patrick Wadge can't claim his usual 7lb, while he faded over 3m two starts ago, but he has staying potential nevertheless and is not ruled out each-way.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

24th Apr 2026

Good

2m 4f 35y

Class 3

15:47 Perth

Serious Operator

11st 10lb

J: Patrick Wadge

T: Lucinda Russell & Michael Scudamore

9yo who was tailed off at Kelso in February last time but that was the competitive Morebattle Hurdle over 2m; in good form over 2m4f prior to that, winning at Newcastle then second at Aintree (both good to soft); likely to be in the mix back up in trip.

7/1

13th

9

28th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 0f 51y

Class 2

14:55 Kelso

Serious Operator

11st 4lb

J: Patrick Wadge

T: Lucinda Russell & Michael Scudamore

Won at Newcastle (2m4f, good to soft) in November and second to progressive winner at Aintree (2m4f, good to soft) in December; unraced over a trip this short and there's a suspicion this 9yo will be vulnerable in a race this competitive, but he's 2-3 at Kelso and is not ruled out each-way.

33/1

16/1

Form: 112-20 D

Last run: 77 days

W: 11st 2lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 134

Form & Verdict
Evolved into a very useful front-running staying chaser last season and he bumped into subsequent Grade 2 winner Maximilian when a near-10l runner-up in a novice hurdle at Bangor (2m7f, soft) on reappearance in November; tailed off in the Becher Chase (3m2f, good to soft) since and his best form is on soft/heavy ground, but he's not ruled out today.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

2

17th Mar 2025

Good

3m 1f 185y

Class 4

14:20 Southwell

Dr Kananga

11st 10lb

J: Tom Bellamy

T: Ben Clarke

Three chase wins, the latest at Sandown in February 2022 (3m, soft); creditable 14l third to a subsequent winner in a veterans' chase at Doncaster last time (3m, good); contender.

11/4

3rd

5

2nd Mar 2025

Good

2m 7f 214y

Class 3

14:00 Doncaster

Dr Kananga

11st 4lb

J: Joe Anderson

T: Ben Clarke

led, headed 13th, not fluent and dropped to last 5 out, rallied and went third after 3 out, soon no extra

8/1

10

31st Jan 2025

Soft

3m 4f 178y

Class 3

14:45 Lingfield

Dr Kananga

10st 8lb

J: Rex Dingle

T: Ben Clarke

Not the force of old and his losing spell goes back to February 2022; pulled up in this race last year but runner-up on next two starts (3m2f/3m1f) and his front-running sixth in the 3m4f London National at Sandown eight weeks ago wasn't a bad reappearance; stamina not proven.

9/1

Form: 31

Last run: 39 days

W: 11st 2lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Every chance when falling at final fence in sole Irish point (3m, soft) and he improved for his bumper debut third (2m, good) when winning a maiden hurdle at Doncaster (2m5f, good to soft) last month; shaped like a stayer last time and could continue to progress now up in trip; a possible.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

15th Mar 2023

Soft

2m 4f 145y

Class 4

15:10 Huntingdon

Feel Good Inc

11st 12lb

J: Robert Dunne

T: Neil Mulholland

Looked an excellent prospect when making a winning hurdling debut in Doncaster maiden (2m4f) in January and wasn't discredited pitched into Grade 2 company when eighth at Haydock (3m) the following month; he remains with potential and holds leading claims back in these calmer waters.

7/4

8th

6

18th Feb 2023

Good To Soft

3m 0f 58y

Class 1

16:25 Haydock

Feel Good Inc

11st 2lb

J: Danny McMenamin

T: Neil Mulholland

Every chance when falling at final fence in sole Irish point (3m, soft) and he improved for his bumper debut third (2m, good) when winning a maiden hurdle at Doncaster (2m5f, good to soft) last month; shaped like a stayer last time and could continue to progress now up in trip; a possible.

8/1

1st

4

10th Jan 2023

Good

2m 4f 181y

Class 4

12:45 Doncaster

Feel Good Inc

11st 10lb

J: Richie McLernon

T: Neil Mulholland

Fell at the last when a close second in an ordinary Irish point in March; sound effort when third to a subsequent winner in Uttoxeter bumper in November (2m, good) and interesting now going hurdling.

10/1

Form: 3-1O11

Last run: 24 days

W: 11st 2lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 125

Form & Verdict
Good-ground 3m point winner who is 3-3 over hurdles (2m3f/2m4f, good-soft) when completing the course (ran out on the other occasion); could be even better now upped in trip and yard won this last year; on the shortlist.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

11

9th May 2026

Good

3m 2f 0y

16:45 Killarney

Supreme Gift

10st 2lb

J: G B Noonan

T: E McNamara

Second runner for yard; won five times over hurdles and once over fences when trained in UK; three chase starts for this yard with best run coming when fifth at Limerick; needs a fair bit more.

25/1

16

6th Apr 2026

Yielding To Soft

3m 0f 120y

17:40 Fairyhouse

Supreme Gift

10st 10lb

J: Calum Hogan

T: E McNamara

Useful performer for Henry Daly, winning six races, including an Ascot handicap chase; modest form in two starts for this stable, albeit trip and testing ground probably not ideal on latest; new cheekpieces need to spark.

25/1

Form: U-2141

Last run: 18 days

W: 11st 2lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 127

Form & Verdict
Two wins (2m4f, soft) from his three stable starts, with a 32l fourth of 12 in the Grade 1 Challow Hurdle in between (2m4f, soft); he's back up in grade here, and up in trip too, but he kept on strongly for his wins and has potential at this distance; ran well in a bumper on good to yielding.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

13

15th Mar 2025

Good To Soft

4m 2f 8y

Class 1

15:00 Uttoxeter

Passing Well

10st 11lb

J: Gavin Sheehan

T: Jamie Snowden

Only 1-10 as a chaser but he's a consistent gelding who ran another solid race to finish third in the Eider, albeit about 20l behind the easy winner Knockanore; likely to give his running once more but looks vulnerable off just 1lb lower.

16/1

3rd

7

22nd Feb 2025

Good To Soft

4m 1f 56y

Class 2

14:10 Newcastle

Passing Well

11st 5lb

J: Gavin Sheehan

T: Jamie Snowden

towards rear, headway on outer 19th, went fourth and no impression 3 out, left in third run-in

9/1

2nd

5

31st Jan 2025

Soft

3m 4f 178y

Class 3

14:45 Lingfield

Passing Well

11st 2lb

J: Gavin Sheehan

T: Jamie Snowden

Acts on soft, below form sole start on heavy; won over these fences in November 2023; no joy since but career-best form this season and he stuck to his task very well with the first-time cheekpieces over the extended 3m1f at Wincanton on latest start; going beyond that now looks worth a go.

7/1

OUR TIP

Form: 2/1

Last run: 37 days

W: 11st 2lb

7 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Runner-up in an Irish bumper (2m3f, soft to heavy) and a British maiden point (3m, good) before defying a 424-day absence to make all on his hurdle debut at Catterick (3m1f, heavy) last month; there's every chance he'll improve but others have more substance to their form.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

18th Feb 2023

Good To Soft

3m 0f 58y

Class 1

16:25 Haydock

Captain Westie

11st 2lb

J: Charlotte Jones

T: James Moffatt

Runner-up in an Irish bumper (2m3f, soft to heavy) and a British maiden point (3m, good) before defying a 424-day absence to make all on his hurdle debut at Catterick (3m1f, heavy) last month; there's every chance he'll improve but others have more substance to their form.

33/1

1st

3

12th Jan 2023

Soft

3m 1f 71y

Class 4

12:30 Catterick

Captain Westie

11st 0lb

J: Charlotte Jones

T: James Moffatt

Runner-up on debut in Thurles bumper (2m3f, soft to heavy) in January 2021 and again second in a British maiden point (3m, good) that November, behind talented winners each time; unraced since but new trainer can ready one after a long absence and he's not ruled out on hurdle debut.

3/1

Form: 12 CD

Last run: 59 days

W: 11st 2lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 125

Form & Verdict
British maiden point winner (3m, good to soft) who made it 2-2 when winning on hurdle debut over C&D (soft) in November; beaten just a neck by a useful prospect at Hereford (3m1f, soft) since and he's open to further improvement; not discounted.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

17

11th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

4m 2f 74y

Class 1

16:00 Aintree

Mr Vango

10st 12lb

J: Jack Tudor

T: Mrs Sara V Bradstock

Usually goes well in the mud; last season's hat-trick culminated in the 4m2f Midlands National and he rallied to go very close against Twig in the 3m2f Becher over these fences on first outing this term; while there was so much to admire to that point, he's cracked with alarming speed in 3m and 4m1f races on his last two outings.

66/1

1

21st Feb 2026

Good To Soft

4m 1f 56y

Class 2

14:43 Newcastle

Mr Vango

12st 0lb

J: David Bass

T: Mrs Sara V Bradstock

Hugely the class act in this field and last season's hat-trick culminated in the 4m2f Midlands National; rallied to go very close in the Becher at Aintree (3m2f) on first outing this season; he wasn't going almost immediately once headed (fairly early stage) last time, which is a nagging worry despite that race being over just 3m; soft or heavy ground is ideal but there's no doubting his strength in stamina and that factor is key.

7/1

1

31st Jan 2026

Soft

3m 0f 42y

Class 2

15:42 Sandown

Mr Vango

12st 0lb

J: Jack Tudor

T: Mrs Sara V Bradstock

Needs soft/heavy ground; grand stayer who completed a notable hat-trick (3m1f-4m2f) last term, culminating in Midlands National win; went very close in the Becher Chase at Aintree (3m2f) in sole outing this season, showing further progress on the figures; the weather has interrupted plans since; respected, with a slog at the trip on the cards.

13/8

Form: 1141-5 D BF

Last run: 101 days

W: 11st 2lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 145

Form & Verdict
Flopped when back over hurdles at Bangor (2m7f, soft) on reappearance in November and his best form has come over fences; however, he's entitled to respect in view of last season's very useful efforts in staying chases.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

2

16th Mar 2026

Soft

2m 7f 177y

Class 3

16:00 Ffos Las

Saint Palais

11st 12lb

J: Harry Bannister

T: Richard J Bandey

4-7 over fences but ended 2025 with two disappointing hurdle runs and made very underwhelming return to chasing when seventh of eight at Newbury (2m7f, soft) in February; needs to turn things around.

14/1

7th

1

17th Feb 2026

2m 7f 91y

Class 3

15:55 Newbury

Saint Palais

12st 0lb

J: Harry Bannister

T: Richard J Bandey

Well handicapped on his old chase form but this is a belated return to fences and recent hurdling exploits leave him with much to prove.

25/1

Non-runners

Captain Westie

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £74.70
Straight Forecast £72.26
Tricast £329.48
Trifecta £637.30

Selections

LAMBOURN:

Mr Vango

POSTDATA:

Collectors Item

Daily Mail:

Passing Well

SPOTLIGHT:

De Legislator

The Times:

Supreme Gift

TOPSPEED:

Scarface

RP Ratings:

Makin'yourmindup

D Express:

Saint Palais

Daily Mirror:

Mr Vango

The Star:

Mr Vango

Daily Record:

Passing Well

Telegraph:

De Legislator

The Sun:

Supreme Gift

WEST COUNTRY:

Collectors Item

The Guardian:

Collectors Item