April 08 / 13.30 Haydock

13.30

Good To Soft

cavani.co.uk Challenger Two Mile Hurdle Series Final Handicap Hurdle (GBB Race)

  • Prize money: £25720
  • 1m 7f 144y
  • Class 2
  • 14 runners
ITV4
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cavani.co.uk Challenger Two Mile Hurdle Series Final Handicap Hurdle (GBB Race)

Runners: 14 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Mostly cloudy

12/1 (Won)

  • Win: £7.00
  • Place: £2.30

Form: 4-6153 D BF

Last run: 21 days

W: 10st 4lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 110

Form & Verdict
Prolific on the Flat and over hurdles since joining this yard in September 2021 (bought out of a Goodwood seller); however, he's held by Whizz Kid on his penultimate run and it was disappointing that he failed to justify short odds in a weaker handicap at Fontwell.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

3

(3)

2nd May 2026

Good

2m 0f 0y

Class 4

14:45 Goodwood

Aggagio

9st 9lb

J: Jude Fernandes

T: Gary & Josh Moore

Well held over hurdles in last three runs but he's won plenty under both codes including three over C&D; still 3lb higher than for his win here last June but he needs watching in market back on the Flat; effective on good/good to firm but most of his wins have come on slow ground.

8/1

3rd

4

14th Mar 2026

Soft

2m 3f 29y

Class 5

14:00 Fontwell

Aggagio

11st 9lb

J: Tom Cannon

T: Gary & Josh Moore

Won plenty under both codes, including over C&D, and has slid to an attractive mark; this is less competitive than the races he's been contesting of late and he's one of the likelier winners back up in trip.

3/1

7th

8

20th Feb 2026

Soft

2m 0f 0y

Class 4

15:35 Warwick

Aggagio

11st 7lb

J: Ben Pollard

T: Gary & Josh Moore

Five-time hurdle winner who returned to form with clear second at Leicester (1m7f, heavy) in December; only seventh of 12 at Wincanton (1m7f, good to soft) but didn't run badly and he's not discounted.

10/1

12/1

  • Place: £4.50

Form: -42445 D

Last run: 156 days

W: 10st 12lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 118

Form & Verdict
On a losing run of 12, with his last success in June 2021; still needs a second look as he was runner-up in this 12 months ago off the same mark (in first-time blinkers retained since) and has gone well fresh in the past.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

7

27th Sep 2025

Good

2m 0f 125y

Class 2

17:45 Market Rasen

Castel Gandolfo

11st 0lb

J: Jonathan Burke

T: Fergal O’Brien

Won small-field C&D event in June and was not beaten far in Summer Hurdle (a race he won in 2024) here in July; needs to up his game after two lesser efforts elsewhere but the return to this track is sure to suit.

33/1

1

5th Sep 2025

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 4

18:30 Worcester

Castel Gandolfo

12st 0lb

J: Jonathan Burke

T: Fergal O’Brien

Had a win and two placings from three starts here (2m) in his younger days; won four-runner Market Rasen handicap (2m, good) off reduced mark in June and was not disgraced in competitive Summer Hurdle over that C&D in July; form took a dip at Cartmel last time, though, and he's untried at this trip.

10/1

1

23rd Aug 2025

Good

2m 1f 46y

Class 3

16:30 Cartmel

Castel Gandolfo

12st 0lb

J: Jonathan Burke

T: Fergal O’Brien

Won four-runner Market Rasen handicap (2m, good) off reduced mark in June and was not disgraced in competitive Summer Hurdle over that C&D last month; ran quite well on only previous visit to Cartmel (in 2023); could have a say.

12/1

100/30

  • Place: £1.80

Form: -25451 D

Last run: 26 days

W: 10st 11lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 117

Form & Verdict
Promising efforts in some decent novices and he came good in only his second handicap at Stratford (2m, good to soft), where he breezed through the race and won comfortably from Word Has It; a 5lb rise could have been worse for this progressive 6yo.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11

9th May 2026

Good

1m 7f 144y

Class 1

13:15 Haydock

Bubble Dubi

10st 12lb

J: Charlie Hammond

T: Stuart Edmunds

Has run just four times since 2023; returned from long absence to win at Aintree (2m1f, good to soft) last November but failed to repeat the form in prestigious handicaps at Newbury and Sandown; something to prove.

50/1

8

7th Mar 2026

Soft

1m 7f 216y

Class 2

14:27 Sandown

Bubble Dubi

11st 3lb

J: Charlie Hammond

T: Stuart Edmunds

Won at Chepstow (2m, heavy) in February 2024 and this 9yo was racing for the first time since when winning at Aintree (2m1f, good to soft) in November 2025; he's a lot better than he showed at Newbury latest (2m, heavy; again failed to settle) but is hard to fancy on the back of that heavy defeat.

50/1

8th

9

7th Feb 2026

Soft

2m 0f 69y

Class 1

15:20 Newbury

Bubble Dubi

11st 5lb

J: Charlie Hammond

T: Stuart Edmunds

Missed last term but showed further progress to score readily at Aintree (2m1f, good to soft) in sole outing this season, albeit the form may not be reliable as several hurdles were omitted; on a stiffer mark and goes up sharply in class.

20/1

Form: 422246 D

Last run: 21 days

W: 11st 4lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 124

Form & Verdict
Blessed with plenty of Flat speed and returning to 2m bodes well after two encouraging efforts over 2m3f and then failing to stay 2m5f (on ground too soft); perhaps high in the weights but easy to see him going well if taking to blinkers.
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: 316158 D

Last run: 35 days

W: 12st 0lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 134

Form & Verdict
Has won three of his seven starts since returning from a mammoth absence but has gone cold the last twice and this is a tough race in which to bounce back.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

9th Nov 2024

Good

2m 0f 209y

Class 4

15:15 Aintree

Nayati

11st 10lb

J: Charlie Maggs

T: Donald McCain

C&D winner who is on a reduced mark and took a step back in the right direction when 9l fourth of 12 at Cartmel in August; fell at Kelso since; however, this 10yo takes on some unexposed types and his claims aren't compelling.

9/1

5th

2

9th Nov 2024

Good

2m 0f 209y

Class 4

15:15 Aintree

Nayati

11st 10lb

J: Charlie Maggs

T: Donald McCain

C&D winner who is on a reduced mark and took a step back in the right direction when 9l fourth of 12 at Cartmel in August; fell at Kelso since; however, this 10yo takes on some unexposed types and his claims aren't compelling.

9/1

5

18th Sep 2024

Good

2m 4f 189y

Class 2

17:05 Kelso

Nayati

11st 2lb

J: Brian Hughes

T: Donald McCain

Hasn't won since January 2023; now 16lb lower; finished in front of Ashington and Well Educated when fourth in first-time tongue-tie (retained) over 2m1f on soft at Cartmel last time but not sure to confirm the form on today's better ground.

6/1

Form: -35943 D BF

Last run: 14 days

W: 10st 8lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 114

Form & Verdict
Arrives here after three defeats over fences and his Bangor race last time looked winnable off a lower mark in that discipline (kept jumping to the left); might be a happier horse now back over hurdles but others are more intriguing.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

24th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

2m 3f 123y

Class 5

19:40 Bangor-on-Dee

Risk DArgent

12st 0lb

J: Mr Frederick Philipson-Stow

T: Alastair Ralph

prominent, lost ground after 2nd, towards rear when fell 7th

25/1

1

24th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

2m 3f 123y

Class 5

19:40 Bangor-on-Dee

Risk DArgent

12st 0lb

J: Mr Frederick Philipson-Stow

T: Alastair Ralph

prominent, lost ground after 2nd, towards rear when fell 7th

25/1

11

29th Mar 2025

Good

2m 7f 70y

Class 4

17:05 Uttoxeter

Risk DArgent

10st 11lb

J: Jonathan Burke

T: Alastair Ralph

mistake 8th

16/1

Form: F-412P D

Last run: 22 days

W: 11st 0lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 120

Form & Verdict
Not sure what happened last time at Fakenham but the run before he all but held on in a Class 3 handicap at Kempton (soft; fine on good) and the winner was runner-up in the Martin Pipe at Cheltenham; that form brings him right into the equation.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

11

10th May 2025

Good

1m 7f 144y

Class 1

13:35 Haydock

Big Boy Bobby

10st 13lb

J: Tom Cannon

T: Alan King

Flat/hurdle winner; returned from a long absence to bustle up Ooh Betty at Kempton over Christmas and has continued to run well, last time going down by half a length at Cheltenham (2m1f, good); might just lack a telling finishing kick on this flat track.

16/1

10th

11

10th May 2025

Good

1m 7f 144y

Class 1

13:35 Haydock

Big Boy Bobby

10st 13lb

J: Tom Cannon

T: Alan King

Flat/hurdle winner; returned from a long absence to bustle up Ooh Betty at Kempton over Christmas and has continued to run well, last time going down by half a length at Cheltenham (2m1f, good); might just lack a telling finishing kick on this flat track.

16/1

3rd

10

16th Apr 2025

Good

2m 0f 179y

Class 3

17:00 Cheltenham

Big Boy Bobby

10st 13lb

J: Philip Armson

T: Alan King

Flat/hurdle winner; runner-up in both his starts following a long absence, beaten by last weekend's Scottish Champion Hurdle third Ooh Betty the first time and then at Newcastle he was clear of the rest behind a 4yo winner who was well handicapped and well backed; solid claims.

8/1

Form: 683717 D

Last run: 42 days

W: 10st 7lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 113

Form & Verdict
Justified strong market support when cruising clear to win easily by 13l at Uttoxeter (2m, good to soft) in January but that was in a Class 5 and a 10lb rise find him out in stronger company next time; it might be a similar story here.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

0

6

6th Sep 2023

Good

2m 4f 28y

Class 4

17:45 Hexham

Cousu Main

11st 6lb

J: Craig Nichol

T: Susan Corbett

Has run well in both starts since joining this stable, the first of them when second to Fenna's Loss over C&D in June; possibly needs a shade more for another win but likelier than some to give it a good shot.

9/1

4th

2

22nd Jul 2023

Good

2m 4f 139y

Class 4

14:05 Market Rasen

Cousu Main

12st 0lb

J: Craig Nichol

T: Susan Corbett

Signed off for Neil Mulholland with some below-par efforts in the spring but gave good account when clear second to Fenna's Lass on stable debut at Hexham (2m4f, good) four weeks ago; still unexposed over this sort of trip; a possible if in similar form again here.

9/1

2nd

3

25th Jun 2023

Good

2m 4f 28y

Class 4

15:20 Hexham

Cousu Main

11st 10lb

J: Craig Nichol

T: Susan Corbett

travelled strongly, prominent, going easily when went second after 3 out, ridden when challenging approaching last, kept on

10/1

Form: 243145 D

Last run: 26 days

W: 11st 8lb

7 yo Mare

OR: 128

Form & Verdict
Suited by the return to hurdles when hammering a subsequent winner in a mares' handicap at Chepstow (2m, soft; 6lb lower) and was then always up against it in a Grade 2 won by the high-class Epatante; her Stratford demise in the race won by Bubble Dubi harder to forgive but that wasn't her true running; on her day she's dangerous.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

7th Feb 2024

Soft

2m 1f 0y

Class 4

14:40 Sedgefield

Galice Macalo

12st 2lb

J: Mr Peter Summers

T: Jane Williams

Returned to form with an easy win under Peter Summers when back over fences at Leicester (2m, soft) last month; that was a first chase victory at the 11th attempt and she beat only two rivals, but it's hard to knock that performance otherwise and a 4lb rise isn't harsh.

5/2

1st

1

10th Jan 2024

Soft

1m 7f 201y

Class 4

15:20 Leicester

Galice Macalo

12st 0lb

J: Mr Peter Summers

T: Jane Williams

Soundly beaten over hurdles last month and evidently not as good as she was but began this season with two very respectable chase runs (one in a Listed race) and is sure to appreciate today's ease in grade; versatile regarding ground; must be considered.

7/2

4th

1

6th Dec 2023

Soft

1m 7f 169y

Class 2

14:35 Ludlow

Galice Macalo

12st 0lb

J: David Noonan

T: Jane Williams

Returned to hurdles for a dominant 10l success at Chepstow in January (soft) off only a 3lb lower mark but lost her way a little afterwards; following wind surgery she seems back in good order judged on recent chase efforts (0-10 compared with 4-16 hurdling) and has plenty in her favour back in this discipline; should give it a good go from the front.

7/2

Form: 117533 D

Last run: 35 days

W: 10st 6lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 112

Form & Verdict
Won a trio of novice hurdles at Hexham last year; not yet posed a serious threat in his four handicaps, though 2m3f perhaps stretched him the last twice; has dropped 7lb for those four defeats and, back over the minimum trip, he's not dismissed.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

8

15th May 2026

Good

2m 3f 200y

Class 3

17:45 Aintree

Fringill Dike

11st 4lb

J: Sean Quinlan

T: Jedd O’Keeffe

Continues to hurtle down the weights but latest 13l defeat at Perth was another unconvincing run.

14/1

4th

5

22nd Apr 2026

Soft

2m 0f 0y

Class 3

15:40 Perth

Fringill Dike

11st 0lb

J: Sean Quinlan

T: Jedd O’Keeffe

Won four of his first five completed starts over fences (2023/24) but just one success since, a Newton Abbot handicap, and he wasn't finishing his races off last year; 185-day break may have helped but this forecast soft ground raises further doubts.

16/1

4

19th Oct 2025

Good

2m 2f 0y

Class 3

15:16 Kempton

Fringill Dike

11st 3lb

J: Charlie Maggs

T: Jedd O’Keeffe

Defied higher marks twice last term and commenced current campaign with a creditable effort; not in the same form since, hence dropping in weights; needs a revival.

10/1

OUR TIP

Form: 36P281 D

Last run: 35 days

W: 11st 4lb

7 yo Colt

OR: 124

Form & Verdict
Fourth of 16 in one of the competitive handicaps at last year's Grand National meeting and looks back in that sort of form, returning to winning ways in typically willing fashion at Doncaster (2m, good; 2lb lower); goes well for Luke Scott and has a big run in him.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price
No Results Found

Form: 4-3332 D

Last run: 26 days

W: 11st 3lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 123

Form & Verdict
Won twice over hurdles in 2021 and, returned to this scene, he finished a distance clear of the remainder when chasing home Bubble Dubi at Stratford; has a 5lb pull on the winner but doesn't look as progressive.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

1

18th Mar 2024

Soft

2m 3f 49y

Class 4

15:48 Fontwell

Word Has It

12st 0lb

J: Peter Kavanagh

T: Donald McCain

raced lazily at times, in touch with leaders, mistake and jockey unbalanced 2nd, not fluent 5th, outpaced and lost position before 4 out, soon no impression, tailed off

6/1

6th

1

15th Feb 2024

Soft

1m 7f 216y

Class 4

13:20 Sandown

Word Has It

12st 0lb

J: Peter Kavanagh

T: Donald McCain

3-13 over hurdles and largely reliable, with no ground worries; won what was effectively a match on reappearance at Fontwell (2m1f, heavy) in November and ran creditably at Warwick on sole start since; relatively exposed but firmly in calculations.

4/1

Form: 24-045 D

Last run: 22 days

W: 11st 2lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 122

Form & Verdict
10lb lower than when beating the classy Tommy's Oscar at Wetherby two seasons ago but he's not been anywhere near that form since returning from a lengthy absence; getting back on some drier ground will help but others are preferred.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

6

23rd Mar 2026

Good

2m 0f 0y

Class 4

16:40 Kempton

Takeit Easy

11st 1lb

J: Alice Stevens

T: Pam Sly

Veteran who may still be up to winning races, having found only one rival too good at Fakenham (2m) last time; fighting chance off same mark.

5/1

2nd

6

13th Mar 2026

Good

2m 0f 3y

Class 3

16:15 Fakenham

Takeit Easy

11st 0lb

J: Jack Andrews

T: Pam Sly

Losing streak nearing three years, and he folded pretty quickly after a mistake at Doncaster latest; 19lb lower than when well held in this race in 2023, but wouldn't be certain he could capitalise.

14/1

7

1st Nov 2025

Good

2m 0f 0y

Class 3

15:30 Wetherby

Takeit Easy

10st 10lb

J: Jack Andrews

T: Pam Sly

Half-brother to stablemate Fransham who won this race in 2019 and 2020; his own five hurdle wins include one over C&D in October 2021 and he's now 20lb lower, but it's been a downward spiral since and he was tailed off on reappearance at Market Rasen (9-1) 18 days ago.

9/1

Form: 027455

Last run: 103 days

W: 10st 11lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 117

Form & Verdict
Not had the best of seasons over hurdles but his last run in this discipline was three months ago and he returns to jumping on the back of showing career-best form on the Flat (AW); back on a fair mark and dangerous to dismiss.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

4

(6)

17th Apr 2026

Good To Firm

2m 1f 24y

Class 5

16:15 Bath

Bashful Boy

9st 2lb

J: Rob Hornby

T: David Pipe

Veteran who hasn't won since 2023 but he's been in fair form on AW this spring including when fourth on Polytrack (2m) in his last two starts; should be in the mix again but he needs to find more to make a big impact; cheekpieces are removed and blinkers return.

9/2

4th

4

(1)

6th Apr 2026

Standard To Slow

1m 7f 218y

Class 5

17:50 Kempton (AW)

Bashful Boy

9st 12lb

J: Rob Hornby

T: David Pipe

Veteran who hasn't won since 2023; expensive to follow in recent times but he arrives in form and this is a touch easier again off a career-low mark; can't be left out of calculations.

4/1

4th

4

(4)

20th Mar 2026

Standard

1m 7f 169y

Class 5

14:12 Lingfield (AW)

Bashful Boy

9st 7lb

J: Jack Dace

T: David Pipe

Losing run dates back to July 2023; conditions are no problem for this veteran and he has been running respectably of late; others appeal more all the same.

8/1

Non-runners

Word Has It

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £94.90
Straight Forecast £82.27
Tricast £350.48
Trifecta £498.90

Selections

The Times:

Bubble Dubi

SPOTLIGHT:

Too Friendly

RP Ratings:

Whizz Kid

WEST COUNTRY:

Castel Gandolfo

Daily Record:

Word Has It

TOPSPEED:

Nayati

Telegraph:

Bubble Dubi

The Guardian:

Bubble Dubi

Daily Mirror:

Bubble Dubi

The Star:

Bubble Dubi

POSTDATA:

Too Friendly

Daily Mail:

Too Friendly

The Sun:

Whizz Kid

D Express:

Castel Gandolfo