March 14 / 16.50 Cheltenham

16.50

Soft

Boodles Juvenile Handicap Hurdle (Registered As The Fred Winter) (Premier Handicap) (GBB Race)

  • Prize money: £45016
  • 2m 0f 87y
  • Class 1
  • 24 runners
RTV
View Course
Boodles Juvenile Handicap Hurdle (Registered As The Fred Winter) (Premier Handicap) (GBB Race)

Runners: 24 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Showers

14/1 (Won)

  • Win: £19.00
  • Place: £3.40

Form: 52154 D BF

Last run: 31 days

W: 10st 9lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 125

Form & Verdict
Finished in front of Tekao off level weights at Navan in November and then won his maiden at Fairyhouse (yielding to soft); subsequent efforts were a tad underwhelming and, having dictated matters, he was left behind by Sir Allen, Morning Soldier and Byker at Naas last time; others are more intriguing; headgear added.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

16

10th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 0y

Class 1

13:45 Aintree

Jazzy Matty

11st 4lb

J: Danny Gilligan

T: Cian Collins

Better over fences; stays 2m5f; had wind surgery prior to the latest Cheltenham Festival (2m, good) where he very nearly recorded a second success in the Grand Annual; not guaranteed to transfer the form back to hurdles but he is attractively treated off a much lower mark in this sphere.

9/1

2nd

8

11th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

1m 7f 199y

Class 1

16:40 Cheltenham

Jazzy Matty

11st 2lb

J: Danny Gilligan

T: Cian Collins

8lb higher than when winning this last year (good to soft) and his subsequent form (chiefly over hurdles) hasn't been at the same level; however, he's had a wind op since last time and his 2-2 record at the Cheltenham Festival (also won the Fred Winter in 2023) means he's firmly in calculations.

7/1

6th

2

18th Jan 2026

Yielding

1m 7f 168y

13:40 Thurles

Jazzy Matty

11st 11lb

J: Danny Gilligan

T: Cian Collins

Five-time winner, including wins in the Fred Winter and last season's Grand Annual; generally below since, beaten 26l in the Galway Plate; respectable effort back over hurdles at Cheltenham last time when a 12.5l fifth of 20; took the runner-up spot in this race last year from 1lb lower, so not ruled out.

5/1

11/2

  • Place: £2.20

Form: 513 D BF

Last run: 31 days

W: 10st 12lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 128

Form & Verdict
Plied his trade at an ordinary level on the Flat but signed off with a 1m3f win at Windsor and he's promising to make a far better hurdler, having won at Naas (on soft) before finishing close up behind Sir Allen in a race that didn't play to his strengths; strong traveller who could easily be seen in a different light in a race of this nature; looks a big player in new cheekpieces.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

3

15th Oct 2024

Good

2m 2f 94y

15:20 Punchestown

Byker

11st 2lb

J: Philip Byrnes

T: C Byrnes

Good novice hurdler who went down narrowly in the Boodles at Cheltenham in 2023; subsequent form was disappointing however, last seen when well held on the Flat in the Spring; good bit to find on ratings here.

10/1

OUR TIP

11/1

  • Place: £3.20

Form: 1-154F BF

Last run: 37 days

W: 10st 11lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 127

Form & Verdict
The ground was soft when she won both her starts in France last year; seemingly outclassed behind smart stablemate Lossiemouth in two Graded races but noticeably strong in the market when falling mid-race on her handicap debut at Leopardstown; has to enter calculations, for all that Mark Walsh prefers Tekao.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

29th Dec 2024

Yielding

2m 4f 0y

13:20 Leopardstown

Risk Belle

11st 3lb

J: Mark Walsh

T: W P Mullins

midfield early, prominent behind clear leaders after 2nd

9/1

4

29th Dec 2024

Yielding

2m 4f 0y

13:20 Leopardstown

Risk Belle

11st 3lb

J: Mark Walsh

T: W P Mullins

midfield early, prominent behind clear leaders after 2nd

9/1

2nd

1

24th Nov 2024

Yielding

2m 2f 0y

12:40 Punchestown

Risk Belle

11st 4lb

J: Mark Walsh

T: W P Mullins

Won a Grade 3 at Fairyhouse on return last year and some decent efforts in defeat since; however, below form the last thrice (an excuse in Galway Hurdle) and has to bounce back.

5/1

14/1

  • Place: £4.60

Form: 6658

Last run: 43 days

W: 10st 4lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 120

Form & Verdict
Won on the Flat (heavy) for Aidan O'Brien and backed for this race at bigger odds last week, but very opposable on what he's shown to date over hurdles and that includes his handicap debut at Punchestown where he never threatened to take a hand; had worn a tongue-tie until last time so perhaps the return of that, along with first-time cheekpieces, will trigger improvement.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

2

27th Dec 2024

Yielding To Soft

2m 4f 0y

14:36 Limerick

Sundial

12st 0lb

J: Miss A B O’Connor

T: Padraig Roche

Flat winner for Aidan O'Brien and fourth in the Boodles at Cheltenham two seasons ago when tried in cheekpieces (absent since); second after a break at Punchestown (2m7f, good) and could bounce back from his Navan defeat with the cheekpieces returning.

9/2

5th

2

27th Dec 2024

Yielding To Soft

2m 4f 0y

14:36 Limerick

Sundial

12st 0lb

J: Miss A B O’Connor

T: Padraig Roche

Flat winner for Aidan O'Brien and fourth in the Boodles at Cheltenham two seasons ago when tried in cheekpieces (absent since); second after a break at Punchestown (2m7f, good) and could bounce back from his Navan defeat with the cheekpieces returning.

9/2

10th

11

17th Nov 2024

Good To Yielding

2m 6f 100y

13:55 Navan

Sundial

11st 0lb

J: Mark Walsh

T: Padraig Roche

in touch with leaders

10/1

Form: 1O5213 D BF

Last run: 10 days

W: 10st 4lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 120

Form & Verdict
The most prolific of all these over hurdles with four wins to his name but they came at a lower level on good ground and he couldn't win off this mark at Doncaster ten days ago; first-time cheekpieces; very opposable.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

4

14th May 2026

Good

1m 6f 44y

Class 3

14:40 Salisbury

Mr Freedom

9st 3lb

J: Kieran O’Neill

T: Sheena West

Six-time Flat winner who scored a fifth win on turf when taking Sandown handicap (1m6f, good) off 2lb lower in July 2024; also a multiple winner over hurdles who was on the premises when taking heavy last-flight fall at Plumpton just over one year ago; interesting to see how he goes in the market ahead of this comeback.

13/2

5

20th Apr 2025

Good

2m 4f 114y

Class 3

17:15 Plumpton

Mr Freedom

11st 3lb

J: Marc Goldstein

T: Sheena West

Gained two of his five hurdle wins at this track and was second in Sussex Champion Hurdle here (2m, good) just over a year ago; returned from seven-month break with encouraging third at Bangor (2m3f, good; form working out well) in March and has slipped to a workable mark; can make presence felt.

7/1

5

20th Apr 2025

Good

2m 4f 114y

Class 3

17:15 Plumpton

Mr Freedom

11st 3lb

J: Marc Goldstein

T: Sheena West

Gained two of his five hurdle wins at this track and was second in Sussex Champion Hurdle here (2m, good) just over a year ago; returned from seven-month break with encouraging third at Bangor (2m3f, good; form working out well) in March and has slipped to a workable mark; can make presence felt.

7/1

Form: 315 D

Last run: 31 days

W: 10st 9lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 125

Form & Verdict
In front of Byker when third on hurdling debut but not last time at Naas on his first run for Paul Nolan and there appeared to be no obvious excuses that day (also behind three more of today's opposition); needs to find something from somewhere, but his trainer won this in 2005 and his only subsequent runner was fourth last year.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

15

15th May 2026

Good To Yielding

1m 7f 153y

17:20 Kilbeggan

Metamorpheus

11st 2lb

J: Darragh O’Keeffe

T: Andrew McNamara

First reserve; Punchestown maiden hurdle winner broke his three-year winless streak when successful on the Flat at Sligo 12 days ago (1m3f, yielding to soft); not certain to back it up.

1st

8

(5)

3rd May 2026

Good

1m 2f 158y

16:32 Sligo

Metamorpheus

9st 7lb

J: Jamie Orr

T: Andrew McNamara

No success since a Punchestown maiden hurdle win (2m, heavy) three years ago; Downpatrick third in March was more encouraging but of limited appeal back on the Flat here.

16/1

Form: 08431 D

Last run: 34 days

W: 10st 6lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 122

Form & Verdict
Beaten in four maidens before coming good at Fairyhouse (yielding) last month; ran poorly on the AW the following week and looks up against it.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

2

(18)

22nd Oct 2025

Soft

1m 6f 0y

17:32 Navan

Gordons Aura

10st 0lb

J: Conor Cusack

T: William Delahunty

Won a Fairyhouse maiden for Gordon Elliott back in February 2023 (2m, yielding); regressive last season and can only be watched on Flat return.

33/1

4

27th May 2025

Good

2m 0f 57y

19:30 Ballinrobe

Gordons Aura

11st 9lb

J: John Shinnick

T: William Delahunty

Won a Fairyhouse maiden for Gordon Elliott back in February 2023 (2m, yielding); no joy since and hasn't looked a winner in waiting in three runs for this yard; mark sliding but needs more.

10/1

4

27th May 2025

Good

2m 0f 57y

19:30 Ballinrobe

Gordons Aura

11st 9lb

J: John Shinnick

T: William Delahunty

Won a Fairyhouse maiden for Gordon Elliott back in February 2023 (2m, yielding); no joy since and hasn't looked a winner in waiting in three runs for this yard; mark sliding but needs more.

10/1

20/1

Form: 116 D

Last run: 24 days

W: 10st 7lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 123

Form & Verdict
Flat winner in France and was not overly troubled to win his first two over hurdles (soft/good) before having a shocker at Haydock; that was hardly the ideal preparation heading into a Festival and it leaves him with some serious questions to answer.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

3

4th May 2026

Good

2m 4f 1y

Class 2

17:13 Fakenham

Afadil

11st 7lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Paul Nicholls

Without a win since February 2024 but gave good account when sixth (promoted to fifth) at last month's Aintree festival; 2lb lower here and well worth another crack at 2m4f; considered.

14/1

6th

22

10th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 0f 103y

Class 2

17:15 Aintree

Afadil

10st 13lb

J: Jay Tidball

T: Paul Nicholls

18 races and over two years since his last win, albeit still frequently competitive; below par over 2m5f at Ascot only 12 days ago but his peak form has come at around 2m (third in this in 2024).

22/1

7th

5

29th Mar 2026

Good

2m 5f 146y

Class 3

17:25 Ascot

Afadil

11st 2lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Paul Nicholls

17 races and over two years since his last win, albeit still frequently competitive; big majority of his career has been at about 2m (he last went over further in October 2024) and he's never been this far.

9/2

Form: 3F11F3 D

Last run: 37 days

W: 10st 7lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 123

Form & Verdict
Took six goes to win in France (did so on very soft); won comfortably on his debut for this yard at Huntingdon but he was beaten when falling in a Grade 2 next time and then finished only third behind Afadil in a Musselburgh Listed race; surely needs his best yet by some way and he's beginning to look exposed.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

5

9th May 2025

Good

2m 7f 16y

Class 3

16:23 Market Rasen

Fils De Roi

11st 8lb

J: Jonathan Burke

T: Fergal O’Brien

Won hurdle races on very soft ground in France and a 3yo race on good at Huntingdon; ran moderately back from a break last time but did go close at Uttoxeter the time before (2m4f); could go well, though stamina for this far is unproven.

12/1

5

9th May 2025

Good

2m 7f 16y

Class 3

16:23 Market Rasen

Fils De Roi

11st 8lb

J: Jonathan Burke

T: Fergal O’Brien

Won hurdle races on very soft ground in France and a 3yo race on good at Huntingdon; ran moderately back from a break last time but did go close at Uttoxeter the time before (2m4f); could go well, though stamina for this far is unproven.

12/1

6th

1

6th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

2m 4f 0y

Class 4

16:40 Ffos Las

Fils De Roi

12st 0lb

J: Jonathan Burke

T: Fergal O’Brien

351 days off before two runs this autumn, on second occasion showing he stays 2m4f when runner-up at Uttoxeter; he'll need a bit extra to win this, though.

9/2

Form: 21312 D

Last run: 17 days

W: 11st 2lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 132

Form & Verdict
1m/1m2f Flat winner at a respectable level; likeably consistent in his five runs over hurdles and a late mistake (in fairness his jumping has improved with experience) arguably cost him a Grade 2 at Kempton 17 days ago (front two clear); high in the weights but has earned that and, with no obvious ground preferences, he's a good bet to give his running; wore cheekpieces the last twice.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

12

9th May 2026

Good

2m 4f 28y

Class 3

17:42 Hexham

Perseus Way

10st 6lb

J: Harry Reed

T: Tristan Davidson

Won a Hamilton handicap for Stuart Coltherd in September (1m5f, good to soft); subsequently changed yards and promising third over 2m here on stable debut after a break last week (good); should improve on that but yet to prove he is as effective at this trip.

8/1

3rd

7

2nd May 2026

Good

2m 0f 48y

Class 3

18:45 Hexham

Perseus Way

10st 13lb

J: Harry Reed

T: Tristan Davidson

Won twice over hurdles in 2022-23; has changed stables three times since and perhaps best watched after a break on debut for latest new trainer, although is well handicapped now.

12/1

Form: 211 D

Last run: 31 days

W: 11st 1lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 131

Form & Verdict
Inferior to some of these on the Flat (1-12 in that code) but has looked a different proposition since sent over hurdles and he had a few of these behind when pushed out to win the Naas novice hurdle in February that three of the last four winners of this also won en route to Cheltenham; has his heart in the right place and is hard to knock; soft ground is fine.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

1

(7)

30th Mar 2026

Heavy

1m 6f 0y

15:48 Navan

Sir Allen

10st 1lb

J: Orla Tynan

T: Andrew Slattery

Dual-purpose sort has been off the track since a below par run over hurdles at Leopardstown in December 2024; best watched unless the market speaks.

8/1

22

29th Dec 2024

Yielding

2m 4f 0y

15:05 Leopardstown

Sir Allen

10st 0lb

J: Cian Quirke

T: Andrew Slattery

Dual-purpose type; won on the Flat at Listowel in September; return to hurdles with a fine effort behind The Busy Fool and Park Of Kings at Naas (hampered); is 1lb wrong here but he can go well if repeating his last run and getting a clearer passage.

20/1

Form: 0512 D BF

Last run: 43 days

W: 10st 4lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 120

Form & Verdict
Stayed well on the Flat, scoring over 1m6f; won a maiden hurdle at Limerick in December before he found one too good on his handicap debut and this is certainly no easier; would not be the obvious answer.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

15th

10

28th Dec 2023

Yielding

2m 4f 0y

12:40 Leopardstown

Ludus

11st 10lb

J: Jack Kennedy

T: Gordon Elliott

in touch with leaders

20/1

10th

6

12th Dec 2023

Soft To Heavy

2m 3f 56y

13:30 Punchestown

Ludus

11st 10lb

J: Jack Kennedy

T: Gordon Elliott

Won a heavy ground maiden hurdle at Limerick last Christmas; runner-up in a juvenile handicap here in January; mid-division but not disgraced in the Boodles at Cheltenham; tame effort on final start before a break but worth considering given the stable's form.

6/1

4th

10

30th Mar 2023

Soft

2m 0f 63y

15:07 Naas

Ludus

10st 4lb

J: Danny Gilligan

T: Gordon Elliott

Landed a heavy ground maiden hurdle at Limerick over Christmas; runner-up in a Punchestown juvenile handicap in January; mid-division but not disgraced in the Boodles at Cheltenham; has all the allowances here and another 7lb off on ground he appreciates; could go well.

14/1

Form: 2-21

Last run: 114 days

W: 10st 10lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 126

Form & Verdict
A notable market mover for this last week and he posted an eyecatching RPR of 124 when winning the last of his three hurdle races in France (2m2f, heavy); this could be some culture shock on his British/handicap debut but there's evidently confidence behind him; did hold the Triumph entry and, if there is Graded potential simmering, he might be very well-in; the booking of Rachael Blackmore only further heightens interest.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

6

11th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 210y

Class 1

14:30 Aintree

Bad

11st 12lb

J: Ben Jones

T: Ben Pauling

Useful handicap chaser at up to 2m5f, albeit quirky and having saved his winning in this sphere for Kempton; admittedly right up to best in Ascot contest on penultimate start; last two efforts suggest this new trip is worth exploring but he comes with some risk, especially in such a competitive field.

20/1

3rd

2

21st Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 110y

Class 2

16:05 Kempton

Bad

11st 13lb

J: Ben Jones

T: Ben Pauling

Has his quirks but talented and his win in this last year was the first of three victories at this track (2m2f-2m4f); he's close to a career-high mark, off which he went close last month at Ascot (2m5f, soft) despite looking disinterested early doors; a danger to all.

9/4

2nd

4

17th Jan 2026

Good To Soft

2m 5f 13y

Class 2

14:20 Ascot

Bad

11st 3lb

J: Ben Jones

T: Ben Pauling

Wasn't going from some way out when favourite behind Etalon here last time but he'd previously won comfortably at Kempton (2m2f, good) and run creditably in the Paddy Power Gold Cup at Cheltenham (2m4f, soft) where the hill proved too much; still relatively young; 5lb better off with Etalon and could turn the tables.

5/1

Form: 913 D

Last run: 24 days

W: 10st 10lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 126

Form & Verdict
Clearcut winner on only his second French start (heavy) and there were plenty of positives to take from his British debut when a keeping-on third at Haydock (good to soft), a run that should have brought him on; not dismissed.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

15th Jan 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 150y

Class 3

15:02 Wincanton

Punta Del Este

11st 8lb

J: Jack Tudor

T: David Pipe

Well handicapped on form shown for Dan Skelton and ran his best race since joining David Pipe when a rallying third at Ascot (2m5f, soft); this return to further is worth exploring.

8/1

1

29th Oct 2025

Good To Soft

2m 5f 122y

Class 3

14:53 Newton Abbot

Punta Del Este

12st 0lb

J: Jack Tudor

T: David Pipe

Triple hurdle winner who has claims on his best form for Dan Skelton but he's failed to beat a rival in two runs for current yard; has had wind surgery but he needs a major revival after another break.

14/1

1

29th Oct 2025

Good To Soft

2m 5f 122y

Class 3

14:53 Newton Abbot

Punta Del Este

12st 0lb

J: Jack Tudor

T: David Pipe

Triple hurdle winner who has claims on his best form for Dan Skelton but he's failed to beat a rival in two runs for current yard; has had wind surgery but he needs a major revival after another break.

14/1

Form: 714 D

Last run: 43 days

W: 10st 9lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 125

Form & Verdict
Failed to win on the Flat despite having 12 starts in average races for the most part; won a Cork maiden on his second run over hurdles but was only fourth next time in a handicap and everything points to him playing no more than a minor role.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

11

(9)

30th Oct 2024

Standard

1m 4f 0y

17:15 Dundalk (AW)

Action Motion

8st 10lb

J: J M Sheridan

T: Denis Gerard Hogan

Maiden hurdle winner early in 2023; satisfactory effort when close up fourth of 13 at Thurles last time; ran in the 4.20 at Galway on Monday

8/1

8th

11

(9)

30th Oct 2024

Standard

1m 4f 0y

17:15 Dundalk (AW)

Action Motion

8st 10lb

J: J M Sheridan

T: Denis Gerard Hogan

Maiden hurdle winner early in 2023; satisfactory effort when close up fourth of 13 at Thurles last time; ran in the 4.20 at Galway on Monday

8/1

Form: 05522

Last run: 24 days

W: 10st 8lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 124

Form & Verdict
Front-runner from a respected yard but he's 0-9 under both codes and was behind a few of today's opposition in his first four races over hurdles before again coming up short in a Gowran maiden; doesn't look progressive enough to unearth the improvement that he clearly needs; handles soft; tongue-tie returns (has worn cheekpieces the last twice).
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

13

(3)

2nd Jun 2024

Good To Yielding

2m 0f 40y

16:50 Listowel

Mighty Mo Missouri

9st 5lb

J: Siobhan Rutledge

T: Mrs John Harrington

towards rear

20/1

Form: U11 D

Last run: 67 days

W: 10st 3lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 119

Form & Verdict
Although unbeaten in his completed starts, this is a seismic step up from winning small-field hurdle races at Exeter (good to soft) and Ludlow (soft); he wouldn't be the obvious solution, not by a long chalk.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

5

12th Jan 2024

Soft

2m 4f 35y

Class 3

13:00 Wincanton

Romancero Le Dun

10st 9lb

J: David Noonan

T: Jane Williams

in touch with leaders, outpaced 4 out, slow jump 3 out, weakened before 2 out, tailed off

11/2

4th

5

24th Nov 2023

Soft

2m 0f 11y

Class 4

13:05 Chepstow

Romancero Le Dun

11st 5lb

J: David Noonan

T: Jane Williams

Unseated rider at the first hurdle on his racecourse debut one year ago; went on to win his next two starts in juvenile hurdles before finishing down the field in the Fred Winter; beaten a neck here when last seen in April; had wind surgery prior to this reappearance/chase debut and wears a tongue-strap for the first time; interesting in receipt of his 4yo allowance.

5/1

2nd

2

15th Apr 2023

Soft

2m 0f 11y

Class 4

12:45 Chepstow

Romancero Le Dun

11st 6lb

J: David Noonan

T: Jane Williams

Dual hurdle winner against own age-group this season, latterly at Ludlow (2m, soft) in January; found Cheltenham Festival handicap too hot last month but is back in much calmer waters here and commands respect.

6/5

25/1

Form: 151 D

Last run: 20 days

W: 10st 6lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 122

Form & Verdict
Cheekpieces fitted for all hurdle runs; wins nothing on his fifth behind Afadil at Musselburgh and holes can be picked in the form he showed when returning to winning ways at Doncaster (good; also won on soft); he was limited on the Flat and it will be a surprise if he is a major factor here.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

8

11th Oct 2025

Good To Soft

2m 7f 131y

Class 4

17:10 Chepstow

Shared

11st 10lb

J: Paul O’Brien

T: Harry Derham

Rewarded a determined Sean Bowen ride when winning off reduced mark at Plumpton (3m1f, good) in the spring; still well handicapped on older form and unexposed at around 3m but others have more persuasive profiles.

10/1

1st

3

6th Apr 2025

Good

3m 0f 217y

Class 4

15:52 Plumpton

Shared

11st 9lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Harry Derham

raced lazily, raced in last, headway before 3 out, went second approaching last, soon pressed leader, ridden to lead towards finish, all out

11/4

1st

3

6th Apr 2025

Good

3m 0f 217y

Class 4

15:52 Plumpton

Shared

11st 9lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Harry Derham

raced lazily, raced in last, some headway before 3 out, went second approaching last, soon pressed leader, ridden to lead towards finish, all out

11/4

3/1

Form: 313 D

Last run: 38 days

W: 11st 5lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 135

Form & Verdict
Leopardstown maiden winner (soft) who seemingly had his limitations exposed in a Grade 1 back there in early February when 12l off leading Triumph contender Gala Marceau; that dashed any realistic top-level aspirations for now, yet did his handicap mark no favours; on the face of it, he looks vulnerable to better-treated rivals and this has not been a lucky race for his yard (0-18); the hood fitted last time is persevered with.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

0

6

4th Aug 2023

Good To Yielding

2m 0f 11y

17:00 Galway

Tekao

11st 6lb

J: Simon Torrens

T: W P Mullins

midfield, nudged along when unseated 2 out

16/1

12th

12

6th Jul 2023

Good To Yielding

2m 0f 0y

18:15 Tipperary

Tekao

10st 11lb

J: Simon Torrens

T: W P Mullins

midfield

12/1

3rd

15

25th Apr 2023

Yielding

2m 0f 100y

16:50 Punchestown

Tekao

10st 3lb

J: Simon Torrens

T: W P Mullins

towards rear of midfield, headway from 2 out, keeping on when mistake last, ran on well and went third towards finish

14/1

Form: 121 D

Last run: 19 days

W: 10st 10lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 126

Form & Verdict
1m2f Flat win at modest level; difficult to knock over hurdles and he was conceding 8lb to Perseus Way when tasting sole defeat, beaten only 3l; won as he was entitled to last time at Huntingdon (cantered home at long odds-on) and he could be underestimated in the betting; has won on soft.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

2

28th May 2026

Good

2m 7f 0y

Class 4

14:55 Worcester

Samuel Spade

12st 2lb

J: Beau Morgan

T: Ben Pauling

Last season's light campaign over hurdles did not go well (tried in cheekpieces latterly) but he shouldn't mind getting back on drier ground and is too well handicapped to dismiss on chasing debut.

9/1

8th

4

17th Jan 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 63y

Class 2

14:53 Ascot

Samuel Spade

10st 13lb

J: Ben Jones

T: Ben Pauling

Back to the same mark as for last season's convincing course win (2m7f, good) but hasn't finished in the first six this term, always behind over 2m5f here last time; takes another drop in distance and wears headgear for the first time.

12/1

7th

3

16th Apr 2025

Good

2m 7f 213y

Class 2

15:50 Cheltenham

Samuel Spade

11st 2lb

J: Ben Jones

T: Ben Pauling

Has not had that many chances at this sort of trip and he drew clear to win at Ascot in February, beating 16 rivals (2m7f, good); was beaten under 2l in a strong Uttoxeter handicap on the Midlands' National card but that was under a very capable 5lb claimer; likely to need more here.

10/1

Form: 11690 D

Last run: 10 days

W: 11st 12lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 142

Form & Verdict
Had some decidedly useful Flat form at up to 1m6f; enterprisingly placed to win a French Grade 2 hurdle in October (heavy) but has finished tailed off in all his three subsequent runs, latterly in a Kelso handicap; even if back on song, this mark looks very testing.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

14th Mar 2023

Soft

2m 0f 87y

Class 1

16:50 Cheltenham

Mctigue

11st 12lb

J: Donagh Meyler

T: Emmet Mullins

Had some decidedly useful Flat form at up to 1m6f; enterprisingly placed to win a French Grade 2 hurdle in October (heavy) but has finished tailed off in all his three subsequent runs, latterly in a Kelso handicap; even if back on song, this mark looks very testing.

66/1

13th

7

4th Mar 2023

Good To Soft

2m 0f 51y

Class 2

13:50 Kelso

Mctigue

11st 3lb

J: Donagh Meyler

T: Emmet Mullins

Very useful on the Flat (including on good ground) and made it 2-2 over hurdles in Grade 2 juvenile event at Auteuil (2m2f, heavy) last October; well beaten in Grade 1 and Grade 2 races the next twice but no surprise if he plays a leading role today for Irish trainer who won this two years ago.

7/2

9th

1

26th Dec 2022

Yielding To Soft

2m 0f 0y

13:10 Leopardstown

Mctigue

11st 5lb

J: Donagh Meyler

T: Emmet Mullins

prominent

10/1

Form: 2662

Last run: 31 days

W: 10st 9lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 125

Form & Verdict
Best at 7f/1m on the Flat; showed a decent turn of foot to give Sir Allen something to think about at Naas last time only to be outstayed when it mattered; it's likely to be a similar story here, especially with the ground probably softer than he cares for; the tongue-tie is a first.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

8th Jul 2024

Good

1m 7f 204y

18:38 Roscommon

Morning Soldier

11st 2lb

J: Jack Foley

T: Thomas Mullins

Flat winner is a maiden over hurdles; has shown enough ability to win a race like this but has been regressive on his last few starts and was beaten 17l in a Cork maiden three days ago.

25/1

5th

9

5th Jul 2024

Good

2m 0f 190y

17:05 Cork

Morning Soldier

11st 12lb

J: Jack Foley

T: Thomas Mullins

Poor on the Flat and over hurdles lately but has a chance if getting back to his best form, notably a second in a novice hurdle on testing ground here in January; handles good ground.

15/2

13th

1

(6)

20th Jun 2024

Good

1m 1f 0y

19:20 Leopardstown

Morning Soldier

10st 2lb

J: Seamie Heffernan

T: Thomas Mullins

AW winner but a return to the Flat at Fairyhouse last month did not revive his fortunes; others preferred.

33/1

Form: 745 BF

Last run: 24 days

W: 10st 3lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 119

Form & Verdict
Four-time Flat winner in France (1m1f/1m2f; from good to soft to heavy); something to find with a few of these on what he's shown over hurdles but some mistakes haven't helped matters and there could be improvement lurking if he can get his eye in early over the hurdles; considered good enough to still hold the Triumph entry; quite interesting for his canny yard.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

11

(9)

8th May 2026

Good

2m 2f 140y

Class 2

15:05 Chester

Zanndabad

8st 10lb

J: Clifford Lee

T: A J Martin

An unlucky, strong-finishing third in this race in 2024 (good to firm; his only run here) and has a 1lb lower mark today; flickers of that ability on occasions since, though had to have his sights lowered for two hurdle wins last autumn; tailed off at 40-1 in a Grade 1 novice hurdle four weeks ago, after a winter break, and could be more interesting this time.

12/1

10th

11

11th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 0y

Class 1

13:55 Aintree

Zanndabad

11st 7lb

J: Daniel King

T: A J Martin

Won four-runner handicap at Sedgefield (2m4f, good) last October and followed up in a warm Newcastle novice (2m6f, good to soft), again with plenty in hand; he's useful on the Flat and could have more to offer in this code now things have started to click, but such improvement is necessary.

33/1

1

19th Oct 2025

Good

2m 3f 188y

Class 3

16:41 Sedgefield

Zanndabad

11st 11lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: A J Martin

No win since 2022 in his French days but some good runs in defeat in big Flat handicaps, including last year's Chester Cup and a 1m4f race at York this August; he's a rather frustrating 0-9 over hurdles, with four seconds including on three of his last four attempts, but this is a drop in class.

15/8

Form: 112 D BF

Last run: 46 days

W: 10st 2lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 118

Form & Verdict
Stayed 1m4f on the Flat, with fair form; no backward step despite failing to bring up the hurdles hat-trick in a Listed event for mares at Doncaster (good; has won on soft) and this former Triumph entry lurks off a low weight; in good hands and not dismissed.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

2nd Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 110y

Class 3

15:07 Kempton

Arclight

11st 10lb

J: James Bowen

T: Nicky Henderson

Has a record of 4-8 over fences and ran well on most recent attempt in this sphere (poor effort over hurdles since); on a career-high mark but she's the only course winner in this field and 2-3 at Kempton to boot.

7/2

2nd

3

15th Sep 2025

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 2

14:00 Worcester

Arclight

11st 6lb

J: James Bowen

T: Nicky Henderson

Reverted to fences with a hard-fought success at Stratford (2m1f, good) and perhaps found good to firm too lively when tailed off back there 28 days ago; can be hard to predict but she's capable of a big run.

6/1

1

18th Aug 2025

Good To Firm

2m 3f 98y

Class 2

15:57 Stratford

Arclight

12st 0lb

J: James Bowen

T: Nicky Henderson

Not really firing on all cylinders over hurdles this spring but reverted to fences with a hard-fought success here (2m1f, good; front pair clear) last month and has obvious claims if in similar form again today.

11/4

Non-runners

Morning Soldier

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £169.50
Straight Forecast £117.19
Tricast £1189.49
Trifecta £1856.30

Selections

POSTDATA:

Tekao

SPOTLIGHT:

Byker

Telegraph:

Sundial

Daily Mail:

Perseus Way

TOPSPEED:

Mr Freedom

WEST COUNTRY:

Bad

The Star:

Ludus

LAMBOURN:

Shared

Daily Mirror:

Metamorpheus

Daily Record:

Sir Allen

The Times:

Tekao

RP Ratings:

Byker

D Express:

Sundial

The Sun:

Perseus Way

The Guardian:

Mr Freedom