14.25
SoftBetfair Imperial Cup Handicap Hurdle (Premier Handicap) (GBB Race)
- Prize money: £56270
- 1m 7f 216y
- Class 1
- 18 runners
Runners: 18 runners
Type: Hurdle Turf
Surface: Turf
Weather: Showers
15/2 (Won)
- Win: £6.40
- Place: £2.10
Form: 1144-2 D
Last run: 63 days
W: 11st 3lb
5 yo Gelding
OR: 132
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
0 2 |
9th Dec 2023 Soft 1m 7f 99y Class 1 |
11st 7lb |
in touch with leaders, stumbled 1st, broke down and pulled up quickly 5 out, fatally injured |
9/2 |
|
3rd 1 |
21st Oct 2023 Soft 2m 0f 75y Class 3 |
11st 10lb |
took keen hold, jumped well, led, faced challenge 3 out, soon headed, no extra when lost second after 2 out, weakened before last, eased run-in |
8/11 |
|
1st 1 |
2nd Oct 2023 Soft 2m 0f 75y Class 3 |
11st 10lb |
made all, took keen hold, 8 lengths ahead 3rd, good jump 7th, reduced lead 8th, faced challenge but going best 3 out, not fluent 2 out, shaken up and went clear approaching last, easily |
11/10 |
16/1
- Place: £5.50
Form: 311-12 D BF
Last run: 108 days
W: 11st 0lb
7 yo Gelding
OR: 129
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2nd 1 |
21st Mar 2026 Good To Soft 2m 3f 123y Class 2 |
12st 0lb |
Ran no race at Windsor in January; however, prior to that he went close in a Class 2 handicap at Sandown (2m, soft; effective on good to soft); on a handy mark if factoring in Harry Atkins' claim; front runner, and not the only one. |
7/1 |
|
13th 3 |
16th Jan 2026 Soft 2m 0f 0y Class 2 |
11st 12lb |
Consistent 10yo who was third in this last year (soft) and reappeared with close second to Go Dante at Sandown (2m, soft) last month; up 2lb to a career-high mark but can give another good account and 7lb claimer Harry Atkins, who is enjoying a fine winter, rides him for the first time. |
9/1 |
13/2
- Place: £2.10
Form: /1-421 D
Last run: 73 days
W: 11st 6lb
8 yo Gelding
OR: 135
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1st 1 |
25th May 2024 Soft 2m 1f 61y Class 3 |
11st 10lb |
Three-time hurdle winner who recovered from significant jumping error at penultimate fence to make winning chase debut at Hexham (2m4f, good to soft) three weeks ago; can cope with today's drop back in trip and is probably still on a workable mark after recent 4lb rise. |
2/1 |
|
1st 1 |
25th May 2024 Soft 2m 1f 61y Class 3 |
11st 10lb |
Three-time hurdle winner who recovered from significant jumping error at penultimate fence to make winning chase debut at Hexham (2m4f, good to soft) three weeks ago; can cope with today's drop back in trip and is probably still on a workable mark after recent 4lb rise. |
2/1 |
14/1
- Place: £3.20
Form: 4-2315 D
Last run: 28 days
W: 11st 0lb
7 yo Gelding
OR: 129
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
8th 1 |
22nd May 2026 Good 2m 4f 0y Class 4 |
12st 1lb |
Below par when returning to hurdling at Southwell (2m4f, good) in March; has dropped 2lb since finishing fourth at Wetherby (2m3f, soft) on his most recent chase start and has claims if able to reproduce the form of that or his Bangor success (2m4f, soft) last November; acts on a sound surface. |
10/1 |
|
3rd 1 |
24th Mar 2026 Good 2m 4f 88y Class 4 |
12st 0lb |
Good and bad since returned to fences (1P4); runs off a lower hurdles mark but he is a 10yo and without a win in this discipline since 2022. |
6/1 |
7/1
Form: 118-15 CD
Last run: 28 days
W: 11st 0lb
6 yo Gelding
OR: 129
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
3rd 6 |
3rd May 2025 Good 2m 3f 207y Class 3 |
10st 10lb |
prominent, pressed leaders briefly 3 out, kept on from 2 out |
5/2 |
|
3rd 6 |
3rd May 2025 Good 2m 3f 207y Class 3 |
10st 10lb |
Finally exploited his much reduced mark when coming clear at Ffos Las a month ago (2m4f, good to soft), where he reportedly appreciated the drying ground; a 5lb rise might not prevent him from following up. |
5/2 |
|
1st 3 |
6th Apr 2025 Good To Soft 2m 4f 0y Class 4 |
11st 10lb |
All three wins in 2022; twice second in the mud at Uttoxeter (2m4f) last spring but well beaten all five starts from November onwards, even when the cheekpieces returned back at Uttoxeter on latest; another career-low mark. |
7/1 |
25/1
Form: 42-123 D BF
Last run: 60 days
W: 10st 7lb
6 yo Gelding
OR: 122
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
6th 17 |
11th Mar 2023 Soft 1m 7f 216y Class 1 |
10st 7lb |
Multiple Flat winner in France/Germany; in the frame all five starts over hurdles, although a well-held third of 16 when favourite at Doncaster (2m, good to soft) two months ago seemed a backward step and this is tougher. |
25/1 |
|
3rd 2 |
10th Jan 2023 Good 2m 0f 128y Class 4 |
11st 8lb |
Multiple Flat winner in Europe who found plenty when winning at Bangor in November and ran up against a smart-looking rival on handicap debut at Wetherby since (both 2m, soft); has potential improvers against him but is strong on bare form. |
11/4 |
|
2nd 6 |
3rd Dec 2022 Soft 2m 0f 0y Class 3 |
11st 1lb |
in touch with leaders |
9/4 |
12/1
Form: 22-531 CD
Last run: 63 days
W: 10st 13lb
6 yo Gelding
OR: 128
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
5th 4 |
4th Apr 2026 Good 2m 4f 216y Class 3 |
11st 10lb |
Won over hurdles in November and has done well on his belated return to fences, following a near-miss at Carlisle with a creditable third at Newbury (2m, good to soft) in February; still looks feasibly treated and he was a dual chase winner (2m/2m4f) in his youth; dangerous back up in trip. |
15/2 |
|
3rd 2 |
27th Feb 2026 Good To Soft 2m 0f 92y Class 3 |
11st 11lb |
Won over hurdles in November and has done well on his belated return to fences, following his fourth at Haydock with a near miss at Carlisle (2m, good to soft); Isabelle Ryder again claims her 5lb and this 9yo is up 3lb in future. |
9/2 |
|
2nd 4 |
16th Feb 2026 Good To Soft 1m 7f 207y Class 3 |
11st 11lb |
Won over hurdles at Windsor (2m, good to soft) in November and respectable fourth at Haydock (2m, good to soft) last month on first chase start since March 2024; has run well on both visits here; might not be far away. |
7/2 |
16/1
Form: 1-1230
Last run: 21 days
W: 11st 1lb
5 yo Gelding
OR: 130
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
1st Nov 2025 Good 3m 0f 45y Class 1 |
11st 10lb |
Well beaten in Grade 1s on final two starts last season; however, he impressed with two Grade 2 wins earlier in the campaign, namely the Peterborough at Huntingdon (2m4f, soft) and the Denman at Newbury (extended 2m7f, soft), and he has a very positive reappearance record; respected under 6lb penalty. |
9/4 |
|
1 |
1st Nov 2025 Good 3m 0f 45y Class 1 |
11st 10lb |
Well beaten in Grade 1s on final two starts last season; however, he impressed with two Grade 2 wins earlier in the campaign, namely the Peterborough at Huntingdon (2m4f, soft) and the Denman at Newbury (extended 2m7f, soft), and he has a very positive reappearance record; respected under 6lb penalty. |
9/4 |
|
6th 2 |
3rd Apr 2025 Good To Soft 3m 0f 210y Class 1 |
11st 10lb |
Always behind and well beaten in the Ryanair but may benefit from this step back up in distance, having been well suited by 2m7f in the Denman Chase at Newbury (one of two soft-ground Grade 2 wins this term) the time before; largely progressive prior to latest start and unexposed over staying trips. |
20/1 |
9/1
Form: P417-P CD
Last run: 75 days
W: 12st 0lb
7 yo Gelding
OR: 143
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
3 |
17th Jan 2026 Good To Soft 2m 3f 63y Class 2 |
11st 4lb |
Has been a money-spinner for connections over the years but recent efforts (Flat and jumps) have been subdued and he faded into a well-held fourth at Sandown (28-1) in December; well handicapped on old form but needs first-time cheekpieces to have a positive effect. |
22/1 |
|
8th 1 (4) |
29th Mar 2025 Standard To Slow 1m 7f 218y Class 2 |
10st 0lb |
Easily best known for his exploits on soft/heavy ground, on the Flat winning 2022 November Handicap and 2023 Chester Cup; the latter was off same mark as today but he did not fire on all cylinders last March-July and he's run only once on AW, when finishing last over C&D in 2023; enough doubts. |
12/1 |
|
8th 1 (9) |
29th Jul 2024 Soft 2m 0f 179y |
12st 2lb |
Merit's respect on last year's Chester Cup win; unplaced in a staying handicap at Newbury in April; takes a big drop in class now after contesting Group 3 Henry II Stakes at Sandown. |
14/1 |
20/1
Form: 435-P5 D
Last run: 70 days
W: 12st 0lb
8 yo Gelding
OR: 143
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
6th 3 |
11th Oct 2024 Soft 2m 0f 11y Class 3 |
11st 10lb |
2021 was his year when winning valuable handicaps at Newbury and Ascot; now on a losing run of 12 and last season was mostly a washout; has to turn a corner but he's very well handicapped. |
6/1 |
|
16th 6 |
17th Feb 2024 Good To Soft 2m 3f 58y Class 2 |
11st 0lb |
Successful in two notable handicaps in 2021, one of them here, and looks well treated on that smart form; however, he's on an 11-race losing sequence and had no obvious excuses when only fifth of the seven finishers at Kempton just after Christmas. |
16/1 |
33/1
Form: /74-15 D
Last run: 63 days
W: 11st 6lb
9 yo Gelding
OR: 135
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
3 |
11th Mar 2023 Soft 1m 7f 216y Class 1 |
11st 6lb |
9yo with seven wins to his name, most recently under Ben Bromley at Kempton (2m, soft) in November; however, he was well held behind three of today's rivals over C&D in January and this is an even tougher assignment. |
33/1 |
|
5th 2 |
7th Jan 2023 Soft 1m 7f 216y Class 2 |
11st 8lb |
prominent, not fluent 3rd, ridden before 2 out, soon weakened |
3/1 |
|
1st 1 |
21st Nov 2022 Good To Soft 2m 0f 0y Class 3 |
11st 11lb |
Returning from lengthy absence and having first run since rejoining Harry Fry; useful on his day and has two pieces of notable Grade 3 handicap form (off 7lb higher); heed the market signals. |
5/1 |
15/2
Form: 11P1 CD
Last run: 23 days
W: 11st 4lb
7 yo Gelding
OR: 133
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2 |
13th Feb 2025 Soft 2m 6f 151y Class 5 |
12st 0lb |
Three wins from five starts over hurdles and he made it 2-2 in points when making all at Larkhill (3m) on his comeback in December; had tough task in Grade 2 on only previous run over regulation fences and he's respected on this hunter chase debut; his three rules wins have been on good to soft/soft. |
5/1 |
66/1
Form: P14155
Last run: 43 days
W: 11st 3lb
5 yo Mare
OR: 132
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
5th 5 |
16th Apr 2025 Good 2m 4f 56y Class 2 |
11st 8lb |
A bit out of her depth in the Grade 2 Mares' Chase here in March but she's a consistent hurdler who ran up to her best the time before in winning a Listed race (2m5f, soft); should go well, but perhaps vulnerable to rivals on kinder marks. |
10/1 |
|
5th 5 |
16th Apr 2025 Good 2m 4f 56y Class 2 |
11st 8lb |
A bit out of her depth in the Grade 2 Mares' Chase here in March but she's a consistent hurdler who ran up to her best the time before in winning a Listed race (2m5f, soft); should go well, but perhaps vulnerable to rivals on kinder marks. |
10/1 |
|
6th 8 |
14th Mar 2025 Good To Soft 2m 4f 127y Class 1 |
11st 2lb |
held up in rear |
33/1 |
9/1
Form: 1-524F D
Last run: 34 days
W: 11st 3lb
5 yo Gelding
OR: 132
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
8th 4 |
2nd Nov 2024 Good To Yielding 2m 0f 190y |
11st 10lb |
Won valuable 2m Listowel handicap last season off 125 but well held in same contest this season when a strong favourite; Flat run since not without promise but others possibly better handicapped right now. |
16/1 |
|
8th 4 |
2nd Nov 2024 Good To Yielding 2m 0f 190y |
11st 10lb |
Won valuable 2m Listowel handicap last season off 125 but well held in same contest this season when a strong favourite; Flat run since not without promise but others possibly better handicapped right now. |
16/1 |
|
8th 18 (17) |
13th Oct 2024 Yielding 2m 0f 23y |
8st 7lb |
Dual-purpose; stayed on well over 14.5f on latest Flat start at Killarney off 79; is 2lb wrong at the weights here but talented claimer takes off 5lb; won a maiden hurdle on his sole previous start at this track; wide draw to contend with but he's unexposed in this sphere and he could run a big race. |
11/1 |
14/1
Form: 11-114 D BF
Last run: 42 days
W: 11st 0lb
6 yo Gelding
OR: 129
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
15th 19 |
14th Mar 2025 Good To Soft 2m 4f 56y Class 2 |
10st 12lb |
Respectable strike-rate (Flat/hurdles) during his spell with Fergal O'Brien; encouraging placed effort at Kempton (2m5f; second run for new yard) most recently; won a race of this nature at Aintree (2m, soft; off 2lb lower) two years ago. |
33/1 |
|
3rd 4 |
22nd Feb 2025 Good 2m 5f 0y Class 3 |
11st 9lb |
towards rear, headway after 3 out |
5/1 |
|
4th 2 |
25th Jan 2025 Good To Soft 2m 3f 88y Class 2 |
11st 7lb |
in rear |
7/2 |
20/1
Form: 122-2 D
Last run: 42 days
W: 10st 12lb
6 yo Mare
OR: 127
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
15th May 2025 Good To Firm 1m 6f 44y Class 3 |
9st 9lb |
Seen far more often over hurdles in recent years and she's pretty useful, but pulled up in March on latest outing; stiff task in a three-runner race last September and that's her only Flat run since a creditable show over C&D (good to firm) in June 2022; down the weights but not solid. |
9/1 |
|
1 |
15th May 2025 Good To Firm 1m 6f 44y Class 3 |
9st 9lb |
Seen far more often over hurdles in recent years and she's pretty useful, but pulled up in March on latest outing; stiff task in a three-runner race last September and that's her only Flat run since a creditable show over C&D (good to firm) in June 2022; down the weights but not solid. |
9/1 |
|
1 |
22nd Mar 2025 Good 2m 4f 189y Class 2 |
12st 0lb |
Won two handicaps in a row at Sedgefield (2m4f, good/good to soft) towards the end of last year before tough Grade 2 task at Doncaster; however, only fifth when back in a handicap at Newcastle (2m1f, good to soft) last month and needs a bigger performance this afternoon. |
14/1 |
15/2
Form: 2F51/2 D
Last run: 21 days
W: 10st 10lb
9 yo Gelding
OR: 125
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
20th 3 (12) |
18th Oct 2023 Yielding 1m 6f 0y |
10st 0lb |
Useful hurdler who was runner-up in an Ascot handicap earlier this year; 1m4f winner at Tramore in July and another good run back there a month ago (2m); thereabouts. |
6/1 |
|
3rd 2 (9) |
13th Sep 2023 Good 2m 0f 0y |
10st 3lb |
prominent, soon went second, led under 2f out, headed inside final 110yds, lost second final strides |
11/2 |
33/1
Form: 0-1315 D
Last run: 27 days
W: 10st 6lb
6 yo Gelding
OR: 121
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
8th 19 |
10th Mar 2026 Good To Soft 2m 4f 44y Class 1 |
10st 6lb |
Useful 2m form for Charlie Longsdon in autumn 2024, including on this course, but his season ended badly; off to a good start for new yard when runner-up at Haydock (2m4f, soft; first-time cheekpieces, retained) last month but there's not much common ground between that run and what will be needed today. |
40/1 |
|
2nd 3 |
14th Feb 2026 Good To Soft 2m 3f 203y Class 3 |
11st 9lb |
Made a winning return at Carlisle (2m) in October 2024 but his form nosedived later in the season, pulled up in the Topham at Aintree last spring on his final run for Charlie Longsdon; since changed hands for £20,000 and he needs to hit the ground running for his new yard after ten months off. |
25/1 |
Non-runners
Soaring Glory, Salsada
+o+e Accumulators
| Payout | |
|---|---|
| Exacta | £197.00 |
| Straight Forecast | £134.80 |
| Tricast | £842.30 |
| Trifecta | £1815.30 |