March 18 / 14.05 Kempton

14.05

Good To Soft

Virgin Bet Handicap Hurdle (GBB Race)

  • Prize money: £20812
  • 2m 5f 0y
  • Class 2
  • 12 runners
ITV4
View Course
Virgin Bet Handicap Hurdle (GBB Race)

Runners: 12 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Light rain

OUR TIP

5/1 (Won)

  • Win: £4.00
  • Place: £1.70

Form: 121P21 CD

Last run: 17 days

W: 11st 6lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 130

Form & Verdict
Pulled up in the Lanzarote over C&D (soft) in January on sole handicap start but the vast majority struggled in that gruelling race; posted hurdle win number three in Wincanton novice (2m5f, good) recently and has the potential to be better than this mark; also effective on good to soft.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

2

15th Apr 2026

Good

2m 3f 203y

Class 1

14:40 Haydock

Outlaw Peter

11st 8lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Paul Nicholls

Multiple winner who reacted well to the new cheekpieces when a clearcut winner of the Middle Distance Veterans' Final over C&D only 11 days ago; historically well treated despite the 6lb rise but there's a suspicion that younger limbs this time may have his measure.

11/2

1st

6

4th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 203y

Class 2

15:20 Haydock

Outlaw Peter

11st 5lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Paul Nicholls

Sent off favourite at Exeter (2m3f, good to soft) four weeks ago and returned to form with 1l second to Genois, finishing clear of the remainder; wears first-time cheekpieces and he's on the shortlist.

9/1

2nd

5

6th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 48y

Class 3

15:40 Exeter

Outlaw Peter

11st 7lb

J: Freddie Gingell

T: Paul Nicholls

Won notable handicaps off higher marks around this time of year two years ago but lightly raced in the meantime and has yet to offer much this season; needs a revival.

10/1

9/1

  • Place: £3.40

Form: 12-84P

Last run: 50 days

W: 10st 13lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 123

Form & Verdict
More than just a possible lack of stamina was amiss at Huntingdon (3m1f) in January and it's hard to be confident on the back of that; however, he was an encouraging fourth over C&D on Boxing Day when back from some time off and this lightly raced 7yo retains potential for his top yard.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

6

26th Aug 2024

Soft

2m 6f 31y

Class 4

16:02 Cartmel

The Bomber Liston

11st 4lb

J: Conor Rabbitt

T: Andrew Hamilton

prominent, went second after 6th, lost position 2 out, soon weakened

12/1

7th

2

27th Mar 2024

Soft

2m 5f 82y

Class 4

14:00 Wincanton

The Bomber Liston

11st 10lb

J: Miss Lily Jones

T: Nicky Henderson

Has yet to win a handicap but he's well treated on some efforts, notably a Kempton second (2m5f, soft) 12 months ago off a 12lb higher mark; stable still not out of the woods after their recent troubles but he's hard to discount.

8/1

5th

7

1st Mar 2024

Soft

2m 4f 118y

Class 4

13:50 Newbury

The Bomber Liston

11st 10lb

J: Freddie Gordon

T: Nicky Henderson

Kempton second (2m5f, soft) last March was one of his peak efforts; 10lb lower today, having failed to fire in the same way this season (over fences initially); back hurdling on last three starts, best of those on second occasion; place chance but others are more convincing for the win.

14/1

9/1

  • Place: £1.80

Form: 7-11P4 D

Last run: 28 days

W: 11st 2lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 126

Form & Verdict
Pulled up on sole handicap start in the Lanzarote over C&D (soft) in January but so were the vast majority of the field; went there on the back of two novice wins (2m4f/2m5f, good) and he was a fair fourth in a Grade 2 novice at Haydock (3m, good to soft) last month; not discounted.
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: 1-134P D

Last run: 63 days

W: 11st 8lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 132

Form & Verdict
Pulled up in the Lanzarote over C&D (soft) last time but that was a highly attritional race and only four of the 20 runners completed; in fair form otherwise this season, winning at Market Rasen (2m4f, good to soft) then making the frame in two good handicaps; could bounce back with a bold show.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13th

2

9th May 2026

Good

3m 0f 58y

Class 2

12:45 Haydock

Harbour Lake

11st 10lb

J: Tom Bellamy

T: Alan King

Won by a neck in this race (good) last year off 1lb lower, having been third in it the year before; 33-1 sixth at Aintree last month suggested he's working his way back to that level, so has to be considered seriously.

8/1

6th

4

11th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 149y

Class 1

13:20 Aintree

Harbour Lake

11st 9lb

J: Tom Bellamy

T: Alan King

Won a good prize at Haydock (3m, good) last May; pulled up on return to action there in November but better when fourth of seven to Ma Shantou at Cheltenham (3m, good) on New Year's Day; being eased another 2lb can only help this C&D scorer but he requires a big career best as a 10yo.

28/1

1st

1

10th May 2025

Good

3m 0f 58y

Class 2

13:00 Haydock

Harbour Lake

12st 0lb

J: Tom Cannon

T: Alan King

Pulled up (bled from the nose) at Cheltenham Festival in March but quickly bounced back with creditable second to Long Draw there (3m, good) last month; on a tough mark now but was placed in this race last year and probably won't be far away.

9/1

Form: 411-34 D

Last run: 127 days

W: 11st 10lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 134

Form & Verdict
Won three novice hurdles last season (2m4f, good to soft/good) and didn't run badly in the autumn on his first two chase starts; having had a break and wind surgery, he reverts to hurdles in a first-time tongue-tie and improvement is possible from this lightly raced 7yo.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

6th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 48y

Class 3

15:40 Exeter

Pull Again Green

11st 8lb

J: Liam Harrison

T: Fergal O’Brien

Three-time chase winner with the form to feature off this mark and a break could have done him good, as his last two efforts weren't great; hard to rule out, for all that this trip is on the sharp side.

10/1

Form: -42224

Last run: 28 days

W: 11st 2lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 126

Form & Verdict
Tackles his longest trip to date and could do with settling better, but this consistent sort has kept on well over an extended 2m3f the last twice (good/good to soft) and could be thereabouts.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

7

(8)

29th Jun 2024

Standard

2m 0f 56y

Class 2

15:10 Newcastle (AW)

Too Friendly

8st 7lb

J: Callum Shepherd

T: James Owen

Seen far more often over hurdles; lost his way in that discipline but smooth 2m winner on the Kempton AW in March (first Flat start since 2021) and he's run well on turf since over 1m6f and 1m5f; often wears cheekpieces, which return today after he was hooded instead on penultimate start and had no headgear on latest; others are preferred for the win.

20/1

4th

4

(1)

2nd Jun 2024

Good To Soft

1m 5f 16y

Class 3

16:40 Hamilton

Too Friendly

9st 8lb

J: David Egan

T: James Owen

Seen far more often over hurdles (winner on varied ground); lost his way in that discipline but smooth 2m winner on the Kempton AW in March (first Flat start since 2021) and close second of six to Hope You Can Run at Newmarket (1m6f) two weeks ago; often wears cheekpieces, but hooded instead on latest start and has no headgear today; may still have more to offer on Flat.

8/1

2nd

6

(1)

19th May 2024

Good

1m 6f 0y

Class 3

16:15 Newmarket

Too Friendly

9st 3lb

J: Callum Shepherd

T: James Owen

Seen far more often over hurdles (winner on varied ground); has lost his way in that discipline but he was a smooth 2m winner on the Kempton AW in March (first Flat start since 2021) and was not discredited when tenth in the Chester Cup nine days ago; first-time hood replaces cheekpieces; may still have more to offer on Flat.

4/1

Form: 37-206

Last run: 49 days

W: 11st 9lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 133

Form & Verdict
Disappointing the last twice and something to prove, but has had wind op since last time and runs off the same mark as when short-headed on handicap debut at Aintree (2m4f, good to soft) in October; not ruled out.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

2

24th May 2026

Good

1m 7f 168y

Class 4

16:37 Uttoxeter

A Different Kind

11st 13lb

J: Theo Gillard

T: Donald McCain

Without a win since scoring over fences in September 2023 and he was 2-7 favourite on that occasion; however, hasn't had a lot of racing since and produced three fair runs during winter off his lower hurdle mark; last run was a backward step but he's no forlorn hope with cheekpieces added.

8/1

3

23rd Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 0f 47y

Class 4

16:10 Perth

A Different Kind

12st 0lb

J: Theo Gillard

T: Donald McCain

Hasn't won since scoring over fences here in September 2023 (2m4f, soft; 2-7 favourite); decent run after a wind op when second to a subsequent winner in a 2m handicap hurdle at Doncaster last time; chance on that form.

10/1

2nd

2

27th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 0f 128y

Class 4

15:22 Doncaster

A Different Kind

11st 13lb

J: Theo Gillard

T: Donald McCain

9yo who has returned from a long absence this season and hasn't recaptured his considerable 2023 promise, but he ran well when third off his reduced mark at Haydock (1m7f, good to soft) last month; has had wind surgery since and he could be in the mix.

12/1

Form: 21-414

Last run: 35 days

W: 11st 2lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 126

Form & Verdict
Won in good style at Fontwell (2m1f, good to soft) on Boxing Day in his second handicap hurdle and stayed on from the rear for a 13l fourth in the Betfair Hurdle last month (2m, good; first two clear); the time looks right for this step up in trip and this 5yo is firmly in calculations.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

5

(3)

22nd Jan 2025

Standard To Slow

1m 7f 218y

Class 5

20:30 Kempton (AW)

Yorksea

9st 10lb

J: Callum Hutchinson

T: Paddy Butler

slowly away, towards rear

25/1

9th

5

(3)

22nd Jan 2025

Standard To Slow

1m 7f 218y

Class 5

20:30 Kempton (AW)

Yorksea

9st 10lb

J: Callum Hutchinson

T: Paddy Butler

slowly away, towards rear

25/1

Form: 1P337P

Last run: 79 days

W: 11st 5lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 129

Form & Verdict
Won last August on final two starts for Joseph O'Brien (hurdles/fences) but he's been unable to threaten on his five starts for this yard and needs to turn things around in a big way.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

10th Jun 2024

Good

2m 4f 110y

19:48 Roscommon

Uhtred

11st 3lb

J: Jake Coen

T: Gordon Elliott

Mostly disappointing for Dan Skelton but he was previously a five-time winner for Joseph O'Brien; second on his debut for this yard at Killarney last July; pulled up at Bellewstown the following month; back to form when springing a 28-1 surprise at Killarney last month, 6lb higher now.

8/1

1st

7

13th May 2024

Good

2m 4f 50y

18:10 Killarney

Uhtred

11st 4lb

J: Sam Ewing

T: Gordon Elliott

midfield, headway and prominent when not fluent 3 out, ridden and challenging after 2 out, jumped slightly right last, ran on towards finish, led final strides

8/1

1st

7

13th May 2024

Good

2m 4f 50y

18:10 Killarney

Uhtred

11st 4lb

J: Sam Ewing

T: Gordon Elliott

midfield, headway and prominent when not fluent 3 out, ridden and challenging after 2 out, jumped slightly right last, ran on towards finish, led final strides

8/1

Form: 6-1213 D BF

Last run: 37 days

W: 10st 7lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 117

Form & Verdict
6yo who has been progressive this season with wins at Taunton (2m3f, good) and Huntingdon (2m4f, good to soft), and he stayed on for a close third at Huntingdon last time (2m3f, good; Too Friendly second); today's extra yardage looks set to be in his favour and he's one to consider.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

9

19th Apr 2026

Good

3m 0f 217y

Class 2

15:27 Plumpton

Moveit Like Minnie

10st 11lb

J: Nico de Boinville

T: Nigel & Willy Twiston-Davies

Justified favouritism at Wincanton (2m4f, good) last time, recording a first win over hurdles since 2023; fairly consistent and looks worth a crack at this new trip so may remain competitive; whether he can follow up is a different matter.

10/1

1st

7

23rd Mar 2026

Good

2m 3f 179y

Class 3

16:57 Wincanton

Moveit Like Minnie

11st 0lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Nigel & Willy Twiston-Davies

Not quite in peak form this season but has still made the frame in some good-quality contests, most recently when close fourth of 15 at Ascot (2m3f, good to soft) last month; in calmer waters here and will be suited by the faster ground; leading claims.

7/2

4th

15

14th Feb 2026

Soft

2m 3f 63y

Class 2

14:25 Ascot

Moveit Like Minnie

10st 2lb

J: Tom Bellamy

T: Nigel & Willy Twiston-Davies

Largely consistent record at Ascot includes a sixth-place finish in this contest last year and placed effort in latest start; on a 13-race losing sequence but should give his running.

11/1

Form: 1UPP01 CD

Last run: 28 days

W: 12st 0lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 138

Form & Verdict
Won this last year (good) and bounced back from three poor runs when winning at Wincanton (2m5f, good) last month; has also won on good to soft ground and he's a player with Freddie Gordon removing a valuable 7lb.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

2

20th May 2025

Good

3m 1f 10y

Class 3

19:40 Huntingdon

Press Your Luck

11st 11lb

J: Freddie Gordon

T: Chris Gordon

A five-time winner over hurdles but he's been struggling to recapture that level of form since returning from a long absence; has come a long way down the weights but others make more immediate appeal.

16/1

4th

2

20th May 2025

Good

3m 1f 10y

Class 3

19:40 Huntingdon

Press Your Luck

11st 11lb

J: Freddie Gordon

T: Chris Gordon

A five-time winner over hurdles but he's been struggling to recapture that level of form since returning from a long absence; has come a long way down the weights but others make more immediate appeal.

16/1

5th

1

21st Apr 2025

Good

3m 0f 217y

Class 3

14:00 Plumpton

Press Your Luck

12st 0lb

J: Freddie Gordon

T: Chris Gordon

in touch with leaders

50/1

Form: /111-6

Last run: 68 days

W: 11st 4lb

7 yo Mare

OR: 128

Form & Verdict
Well beaten on handicap debut at Taunton in January and needs to prove she can cut it off this mark; however, she's had wind surgery following that first run since last February (also first encounter with soft ground) and she was unbeaten previously (2m-2m3f, good to soft); retains potential.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

1

18th Apr 2024

Good

2m 4f 127y

Class 1

15:15 Cheltenham

Lady Adare

11st 12lb

J: Jonathan Burke

T: Harry Fry

Has had three wind operations, the latest last May after a poor run at this meeting; won chase debut at Worcester in October and very good second in Grade 2 novice at Wincanton one month later, both at 2m4f, but a nine-day gap before latest start was seemingly insufficient as she ran poorly (2m1f); off 150 days since and needs improvement but could still have more to offer.

4/1

7th

1

18th Apr 2024

Good

2m 4f 127y

Class 1

15:15 Cheltenham

Lady Adare

11st 12lb

J: Jonathan Burke

T: Harry Fry

Has had three wind operations, the latest last May after a poor run at this meeting; won chase debut at Worcester in October and very good second in Grade 2 novice at Wincanton one month later, both at 2m4f, but a nine-day gap before latest start was seemingly insufficient as she ran poorly (2m1f); off 150 days since and needs improvement but could still have more to offer.

4/1

Non-runners

Press Your Luck

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £44.50
Straight Forecast £38.63
Tricast £176.38
Trifecta £308.00

Selections

TOPSPEED:

Outlaw Peter

SPOTLIGHT:

Yorksea

Daily Mail:

Too Friendly

The Times:

Harbour Lake

The Star:

Moveit Like Minnie

RP Ratings:

Press Your Luck

POSTDATA:

Outlaw Peter

WEST COUNTRY:

Outlaw Peter

Daily Mirror:

Outlaw Peter

Daily Record:

Outlaw Peter

Telegraph:

Yorksea

The Guardian:

Yorksea

The Sun:

Yorksea

D Express:

Too Friendly