14.25
SoftPerfect Payroll Provider Optimum Pay Handicap Hurdle (GBB Race)
- Prize money: £25720
- 2m 7f 70y
- Class 2
- 14 runners
Runners: 14 runners
Type: Hurdle Turf
Surface: Turf
Weather: Rain
7/1 (Won)
- Win: £9.00
- Place: £2.30
Form: 13-1
Last run: 113 days
W: 10st 11lb
7 yo Gelding
OR: 130
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
11th Mar 2025 Good To Soft 3m 1f 0y Class 1 |
12st 0lb |
Well-backed 5-1 shot in this last year only to fall early (a stablemate won); 8lb higher this time; won over an extended 2m7f over hurdles and this second-season chaser reappeared with a win in a graduation chase at Haydock (extended 2m5f, soft) in November; fair efforts when fourth in handicaps the next twice (3m/3m1f, good to soft/soft) but needs something extra today. |
25/1 |
|
4th 2 |
18th Jan 2025 Heavy 3m 1f 125y Class 1 |
11st 0lb |
Promising novice chaser last season and his reappearance win in a graduation chase here (2m5f, soft) represents strong form; won over an extended 2m7f over hurdles; merely fourth off this mark when back in a handicap at Ascot (3m, good to soft) last month but it was still a reasonable performance on ground that may not have been ideal; respected now back on testing surface. |
7/2 |
|
4th 2 |
18th Jan 2025 Heavy 3m 1f 125y Class 1 |
11st 0lb |
Promising novice chaser last season and his reappearance win in a graduation chase here (2m5f, soft) represents strong form; won over an extended 2m7f over hurdles; merely fourth off this mark when back in a handicap at Ascot (3m, good to soft) last month but it was still a reasonable performance on ground that may not have been ideal; respected now back on testing surface. |
7/2 |
9/2
- Place: £1.80
Form: 3741
Last run: 77 days
W: 10st 2lb
6 yo Gelding
OR: 120
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2nd 5 |
25th May 2026 Good 3m 1f 83y Class 2 |
11st 7lb |
Returned to form with two placed runs towards end of last season (2m7f/3m, good), and wasn't beaten far when eighth, behind Al Sayah, at Haydock (3m, good) this month; Sean Bowen rides here; can make presence felt. |
11/1 |
|
8th 10 |
9th May 2026 Good 3m 0f 58y Class 2 |
10st 6lb |
Inconsistent and only 1-18 under rules; placed twice from four starts over C&D, including when third to Serious Chat on latest start, but there appear to be more potent options among his rivals. |
12/1 |
|
3rd 10 |
15th Apr 2026 Good 3m 0f 58y Class 2 |
10st 7lb |
Only 1-17 but has flashes of smart form in good handicaps and easily his best run for ages when a rallying second at Bangor last month (2m7f, good; effective on softer); weighted to win races and seriously considered. |
6/1 |
9/2
- Place: £1.60
Form: 2-1512
Last run: 28 days
W: 10st 13lb
6 yo Gelding
OR: 132
| 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 |
10st 13lb |
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 |
11st 9lb |
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 |
12st 1lb |
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 |
22/1
Form: 44-P20
Last run: 42 days
W: 11st 1lb
8 yo Gelding
OR: 134
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
7th 3 |
27th Jan 2024 Good 2m 7f 214y Class 3 |
10st 13lb |
Bounced back quickly from a disappointing run (in cheekpieces) to open chasing account in first-time blinkers at Wincanton (3m1f, good to soft) last month; not one to rely upon heavily but recent 4lb rise ought to be manageable if he responds well to a first-time visor. |
11/2 |
|
2 |
26th Dec 2023 Good To Soft 3m 1f 30y Class 3 |
12st 2lb |
Very respectable third on seasonal/stable debut at Huntingdon (2m7f, good to soft) last month but ought to have been suited by the soft ground when pulled up at Ludlow three weeks ago and today's headgear switch needs to perk him up. |
20/1 |
12/1
Form: P1-35P D
Last run: 35 days
W: 12st 0lb
11 yo Gelding
OR: 147
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
3 |
28th Feb 2026 Good To Soft 3m 1f 214y Class 2 |
12st 0lb |
The oldest of these veterans, being a 14yo, and bare form this term leaves a question mark over whether he retains the useful ability that has been present for a long time; however, won this race off 2lb higher last year (soft) and has a good chance if back on song. |
9/1 |
|
10th 1 |
14th Feb 2026 Soft 2m 7f 185y Class 1 |
12st 0lb |
Useful for a long time but has gained last three wins in veterans' events and, having turned 14 since November reappearance, can be opposed off current mark in this field. |
20/1 |
12/1
Form: 11U-3P C
Last run: 81 days
W: 11st 0lb
9 yo Gelding
OR: 133
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
6 |
9th Feb 2025 Good To Soft 3m 0f 54y Class 2 |
10st 7lb |
2-3 at Exeter and the return to this track offers a glimmer of hope; has the same mark as for his 9l win in this last year but he's failed to shine on either run this term and was pulled up last time; something to prove. |
10/1 |
|
6 |
9th Feb 2025 Good To Soft 3m 0f 54y Class 2 |
10st 7lb |
2-3 at Exeter and the return to this track offers a glimmer of hope; has the same mark as for his 9l win in this last year but he's failed to shine on either run this term and was pulled up last time; something to prove. |
10/1 |
|
4 |
16th Jan 2025 Good To Soft 3m 2f 162y Class 3 |
11st 5lb |
midfield, dropped to rear 9th, lost touch 17th |
14/1 |
12/1
Form: 1-P21P D
Last run: 42 days
W: 11st 11lb
9 yo Gelding
OR: 144
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
5 |
1st Feb 2025 Heavy 2m 7f 98y Class 1 |
11st 1lb |
Has never tried this sort of trip with heavy ground but it could help; however, pulled up in this race in 2023 on his only visit to Sandown, went off the boil last January-May and although there's been a partial revival since, he needs better to take this warm race; 5lb claimer enlisted. |
20/1 |
|
5 |
1st Feb 2025 Heavy 2m 7f 98y Class 1 |
11st 1lb |
Has never tried this sort of trip with heavy ground but it could help; however, pulled up in this race in 2023 on his only visit to Sandown, went off the boil last January-May and although there's been a partial revival since, he needs better to take this warm race; 5lb claimer enlisted. |
20/1 |
|
4th 4 |
29th Nov 2024 Soft 3m 0f 52y Class 1 |
11st 2lb |
Gradually finding his form this term; now 0-7 for current yard and appears to have the worst chance at the weights in this field but could perform well, having finished 2l third in this race last year. |
25/1 |
14/1
Form: 11-140 D
Last run: 42 days
W: 11st 9lb
9 yo Gelding
OR: 142
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2 |
3rd Feb 2024 Soft 3m 0f 45y Class 5 |
12st 6lb |
Mixed form over hurdles last year and tailed off at Chepstow over Christmas when last seen; however, he showed some spark earlier in December and he won hunter chases in February 2022 (2m7f/3m2f, heavy/soft) on his last two runs over fences; capable of having a big say. |
4/1 |
|
6th 2 |
27th Dec 2023 Good To Soft 2m 7f 131y Class 2 |
11st 3lb
|
Led in the final stride at Sandown (2m7f, soft; acts on heavy) on reappearance last term; went downhill since until a change to this headgear back in the same Sandown race 18 days ago was his best performance since New Year's Day, so there is renewed hope. |
10/1 |
|
4th 3 |
9th Dec 2023 Soft 2m 7f 98y Class 2 |
11st 0lb |
Led in the final stride in this race (soft; acts on heavy) on reappearance last term; has an 8lb lower mark this time round, having gone downhill after that win and he was tailed off at Newbury one month ago; first-time blinkers replace his usual cheekpieces. |
12/1 |
20/1
Form: 2-7034
Last run: 63 days
W: 11st 3lb
6 yo Gelding
OR: 136
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
11th 7 |
24th Feb 2024 Heavy 2m 7f 131y Class 2 |
11st 3lb |
Had a career-low jumps mark when winning at Aintree (3m, soft) in November; that was a doughty performance but he reverted to heavy defeats on both starts since; has been wearing cheekpieces but now tries a visor; 7lb claimer is recruited. |
25/1 |
|
7th 4 |
13th Jan 2024 Soft 3m 1f 0y Class 2 |
11st 2lb |
Well down the weights and took advantage with Aintree win (3m, soft) in November; that was a doughty performance but he reverted to a heavy defeat when back up 5lb at Newbury three weeks later; needs more like the novice form he showed in the 2021-22 season. |
12/1 |
|
11th 5 |
1st Dec 2023 Good To Soft 3m 0f 52y Class 2 |
11st 4lb |
Well down weights and took advantage with Aintree win (3m, soft) three weeks ago; that was a doughty performance but he's back up 5lb and probably now needs more like the novice form he showed in the 2021-22 season. |
8/1 |
8/1
Form: 7-03P6 C
Last run: 42 days
W: 11st 3lb
8 yo Gelding
OR: 136
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
10 |
16th Apr 2025 Good 2m 4f 56y Class 2 |
11st 6lb |
Lost his way for Dan Skelton after being very smart in his prime; returning from 633 days away when pulled up in last month's Martin Pipe (150-1); can only be watched. |
66/1 |
|
10 |
16th Apr 2025 Good 2m 4f 56y Class 2 |
11st 6lb |
Lost his way for Dan Skelton after being very smart in his prime; returning from 633 days away when pulled up in last month's Martin Pipe (150-1); can only be watched. |
66/1 |
|
24 |
14th Mar 2025 Good To Soft 2m 4f 56y Class 2 |
10st 7lb |
Useful for Dan Skelton early in career but became largely disappointing and has been absent since a heavy defeat in France for Rebecca Menzies in June 2023; sold for £20,000 that August; cheekpieces reapplied; best watched. |
100/1 |
8/1
Form: 314-1P D BF
Last run: 42 days
W: 11st 7lb
8 yo Gelding
OR: 140
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
9th 4 |
8th Feb 2025 Soft 3m 0f 52y Class 3 |
11st 11lb |
Has flattered to deceive over fences (1-12) and jumping mistakes played a part; a bit below his best on his two completions this autumn/winter and has now left Dan Skelton; blinkers replace his usual cheekpieces for this first hurdle race since March 2023; well handicapped judged on best efforts but he's now a 10yo. |
20/1 |
|
9th 4 |
8th Feb 2025 Soft 3m 0f 52y Class 3 |
11st 11lb |
Has flattered to deceive over fences (1-12) and jumping mistakes played a part; a bit below his best on his two completions this autumn/winter and has now left Dan Skelton; blinkers replace his usual cheekpieces for this first hurdle race since March 2023; well handicapped judged on best efforts but he's now a 10yo. |
20/1 |
|
2 |
16th Jan 2025 Good To Soft 3m 2f 162y Class 3 |
11st 11lb |
held up in rear, not fluent 3rd |
14/1 |
12/1
Form: 51-495
Last run: 28 days
W: 11st 4lb
7 yo Gelding
OR: 137
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
6th 1 |
29th Aug 2025 Good 2m 5f 164y Class 4 |
12st 0lb |
Yet to add to his Aintree festival success in 2022 but was only beaten about 7l when fourth of six in stronger race than this at Uttoxeter (2m7f, good) last month and continues to slip down the weights; might cope better than some of these if the ground softens; must be considered. |
8/1 |
|
9 |
27th Jul 2025 Good 2m 7f 70y Class 2 |
10st 2lb |
Very useful in his prime but yet to add to his Aintree festival success in 2022; on a good mark now (even from 1lb out of the weights) and seemed to ran quite well when second of three over C&D (good) last month but others have more appealing profiles. |
9/1 |
|
4 |
5th Jun 2025 Good 2m 7f 70y Class 4 |
11st 2lb |
Continues to fall in the weights but stuck on a losing run and has ground to make up with Ernest Gray on their recent Worcester clash. |
5/1 |
33/1
Form: P0-81F D
Last run: 34 days
W: 11st 2lb
8 yo Gelding
OR: 135
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
8 |
18th Mar 2023 Soft 2m 7f 70y Class 2 |
11st 2lb |
Sprang a surprise on just his second run for this yard when coming 6l clear at Lingfield (2m7f, soft) and was running well (though wouldn't have won) when falling late on at Exeter (good); something has clicked and he could outrun his odds. |
33/1 |
|
2 |
12th Feb 2023 Good 2m 7f 25y Class 2 |
11st 9lb |
in touch with leaders, nudged along from 6th, ridden before 3 out, keeping on but held when fell last |
6/1 |
20/1
Form: 2-2413 BF
Last run: 37 days
W: 10st 7lb
7 yo Gelding
OR: 126
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
9th 9 |
19th Apr 2023 Good To Soft 2m 7f 213y Class 2 |
10st 11lb |
Only 2lb higher than for his 3m win at Doncaster in December; inconsistent and last two efforts were nowhere near his best, but perhaps blinkers will do something for him (good and bad when tried in cheekpieces). |
25/1 |
|
13 |
18th Mar 2023 Soft 2m 7f 70y Class 2 |
10st 7lb |
Up and down this season and finished tailed off when favourite for a four-runner 3m handicap at Doncaster a month ago; this company is warmer than he's accustomed to and probably placed at best. |
20/1 |
|
3rd 3 |
9th Feb 2023 Good 3m 0f 84y Class 3 |
11st 10lb |
Reappeared with promising second on handicap debut at Ayr (3m, good to soft) in October and bounced back from lesser run at Carlisle for a hard-fought win over this C&D (good) in December; this lightly raced 7yo could have more to offer for his good yard and is on the shortlist up 4lb. |
5/1 |
Non-runners
Party Business
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| Payout | |
|---|---|
| Exacta | £42.50 |
| Straight Forecast | £33.63 |
| Tricast | £99.31 |
| Trifecta | £148.60 |
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