April 15 / 14.25 Aintree

14.25

Good To Soft

Village Hotels Handicap Hurdle (Premier Handicap) (GBB Race)

  • Prize money: £42202.5
  • 3m 0f 149y
  • Class 1
  • 22 runners
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Village Hotels Handicap Hurdle (Premier Handicap) (GBB Race)

Runners: 22 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Partly cloudy

13/2 (Won)

  • Win: £5.50
  • Place: £1.70

Form: 12-21

Last run: 91 days

W: 11st 2lb

7 yo Mare

OR: 135

Form & Verdict
Given time to get over her game win in a particularly gruelling Lanzarote Hurdle at Kempton (2m5f, soft; only four of 20 finished) in January; that was only her fourth start under rules and there should be better to come, particularly now stepping up to 3m; high on the list.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

1

15th Mar 2025

Good

2m 5f 0y

Class 2

14:45 Kempton

West Balboa

12st 0lb

J: Miss Heidi Palin

T: Dan Skelton

in touch with leaders, mistake 2nd, prominent 3rd, slow jump and lost ground 6th

12/1

4th

6

8th Feb 2025

Soft

2m 5f 0y

Class 1

14:40 Warwick

West Balboa

11st 2lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

C&D winner for whom a good case can be made on last season's peak efforts; hasn't hit the same heights on her four runs this term but Kempton last time was a step back in the right direction and she could take another today in first-time cheekpieces; chance.

9/4

4th

6

8th Feb 2025

Soft

2m 5f 0y

Class 1

14:40 Warwick

West Balboa

11st 2lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

C&D winner for whom a good case can be made on last season's peak efforts; hasn't hit the same heights on her four runs this term but Kempton last time was a step back in the right direction and she could take another today in first-time cheekpieces; chance.

9/4

28/1

  • Place: £10.90

Form: 0-1416

Last run: 107 days

W: 11st 0lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 133

Form & Verdict
Landed a fourth handicap win when scoring at Uttoxeter (2m7f, good) in October; not so good at Doncaster over Christmas but freshened up since and his overall record suggests he's unlikely to stay down for long; well held in this race last year, however; cheekpieces now applied.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

8

18th Apr 2026

Soft

3m 0f 20y

Class 2

13:45 Ayr

Pounding Poet

10st 12lb

J: Stan Sheppard

T: Tom Lacey

Close third over hurdles at this meeting 12 months ago (3m, good to soft) and won in that sphere at Uttoxeter (2m7f, good) last July; ran pretty well in 5l third at Newbury (2m6f, good) in December when back chasing for the first time since 2023, but this 10yo needs a bigger performance today.

25/1

3

26th Oct 2025

Good

3m 0f 149y

Class 3

12:40 Aintree

Pounding Poet

11st 12lb

J: Cameron Iles

T: Tom Lacey

Won with this visor back on at Uttoxeter (2m7f, good) in July and went close at Cartmel (3m1f, good) the following month; versatile ground-wise and can be in the mix if continuing the good work after a two-month break.

6/1

10/1

  • Place: £3.60

Form: 233-33

Last run: 30 days

W: 11st 6lb

11 yo Gelding

OR: 139

Form & Verdict
Latest hurdle win was over three years ago but he's run several good races in defeat since, most recently third of 23 to Good Time Jonny in the Pertemps at Cheltenham (3m, soft), leading from before the last until halfway up the run-in; also third to Party Business in this last year; likely to be in the thick of things again.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

27th May 2024

Good To Soft

3m 5f 80y

Class 3

15:30 Cartmel

Mill Green

12st 2lb

J: Nico de Boinville

T: Nicky Henderson

Best known as a very useful 3m handicap hurdler but was very creditable third in Veterans' Final at Warwick (3m, soft) on latest chasing start in January; did not fire in Pertemps Final at Cheltenham Festival in March and has stamina to prove here but will find this considerably easier than the races he normally contests.

6/4

1st

1

27th May 2024

Good To Soft

3m 5f 80y

Class 3

15:30 Cartmel

Mill Green

12st 2lb

J: Nico de Boinville

T: Nicky Henderson

raced in third, not fluent 5 out, went second 4 out, going best 2 out, pushed along to lead last, soon went clear, ridden and idled run-in, kept on final 110yds

6/4

15th

10

14th Mar 2024

Soft

2m 7f 213y

Class 1

14:10 Cheltenham

Mill Green

11st 0lb

J: Freddie Gordon

T: Nicky Henderson

Third in the big 3m handicap hurdles at the Cheltenham and Aintree festivals in both 2022 and 2023; exposed 12yo but there's every indication that he retains all of that ability, so may well be seriously involved once more.

20/1

11/2

  • Place: £1.80

Form: P40301 D

Last run: 30 days

W: 12st 0lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 147

Form & Verdict
Added to his good record in big-field handicaps over this trip when coming with a very strong run from well off the pace to win the Pertemps Final at the Cheltenham Festival (soft) under Liam McKenna last month, powering away when hitting the front late on; a 5lb rise won't prevent another prominent showing if he shows up in similar form.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price
No Results Found

Form: -2P753

Last run: 41 days

W: 11st 8lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 141

Form & Verdict
Bumper and dual hurdles winner and acts on any ground; not disgraced in two competitive handicaps or a conditions race on his last three starts, without suggesting he's a likely winner here.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

24th Apr 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 6f 70y

18:59 Kilbeggan

Gatsby Grey

11st 12lb

J: Phillip Enright

T: Oliver McKiernan

Useful hurdler; nothing approaching that level over fences; pulled up on last two starts; has burst blood vessels.

33/1

3

12th Apr 2026

Good

3m 2f 50y

16:37 Down Royal

Gatsby Grey

11st 7lb

J: Phillip Enright

T: Oliver McKiernan

Dual hurdle winner ran well enough over fences at Limerick over Christmas; burst a blood vessel when pulled-up on h'cap chase debut last time and has to rebound.

12/1

4

12th Mar 2026

Soft To Heavy

2m 6f 170y

15:34 Limerick

Gatsby Grey

11st 0lb

J: Phillip Enright

T: Oliver McKiernan

Dual hurdles winner (including here on heavy); three recent runs in beginners chases haven't offered much but does enter handicaps now off 20lb lower than hurdles mark; yard in form and watch market.

5/1

Form: 322110 D

Last run: 30 days

W: 11st 3lb

7 yo Mare

OR: 136

Form & Verdict
Winner of small-field handicap hurdles over about 3m at Kempton (soft) and Warwick (heavy) this winter but well beaten when faced with a much more competitive scenario in the Pertemps at Cheltenham; the first-time cheekpieces worn last time are retained.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

5

21st Mar 2025

Good To Soft

3m 0f 52y

Class 4

16:37 Newbury

Glimpse Of Gala

11st 12lb

J: Elizabeth Gale

T: Charlie Longsdon

Last won in January 2023 and mostly disappointing in the meantime; attracted support last time at Chepstow where the tongue-tie was removed but not a lot happened.

14/1

3

9th Feb 2025

Soft

2m 7f 131y

Class 3

14:20 Chepstow

Glimpse Of Gala

11st 3lb

J: Jonathan Burke

T: Charlie Longsdon

Used to go well over staying trips in the mud but last won in January 2023 and has shown only bits of form since; big shout with even a partial revival and the recent tongue-tie is removed.

12/1

3

9th Feb 2025

Soft

2m 7f 131y

Class 3

14:20 Chepstow

Glimpse Of Gala

11st 3lb

J: Jonathan Burke

T: Charlie Longsdon

Used to go well over staying trips in the mud but last won in January 2023 and has shown only bits of form since; big shout with even a partial revival and the recent tongue-tie is removed.

12/1

Form: FF9204

Last run: 28 days

W: 11st 9lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 142

Form & Verdict
Smart performance when narrowly denied in 18-runner handicap at Naas (2m4f, yielding to soft) in November but below par when stepped up to about 3m on his last two outings; dangerous to rule out given who trains him but others are more compelling.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8

31st May 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 4f 80y

17:00 Kilbeggan

Vina Ardanza

11st 5lb

J: Sean Flanagan

T: C A McBratney

Useful sort for Gordon Elliott early in his career, finished a remote third behind Jonbon and El Fabiolo in a Grade 1 contest at Aintree in 2023; mostly campaigned in points for the last two years, below his best in four outings in that sphere since January.

20/1

7

29th Jun 2025

Soft

2m 5f 34y

Class 2

16:30 Cartmel

Vina Ardanza

11st 2lb

J: Conor Stone-Walsh

T: C A McBratney

Irish raider who returned to racing under rules with two underwhelming runs in hunter chases (3m5f/3m) this spring; drops back in trip for this handicap; needs a good boost from the new cheekpieces.

25/1

6th

4

2nd Jun 2025

Good

3m 0f 0y

16:50 Listowel

Vina Ardanza

11st 11lb

J: Mr D Higgins

T: C A McBratney

Useful over hurdles and fences at his best for Gordon Elliott; in decent form in open points last season but weakened over 3m5f in a hunter chase at Downpatrick last time; this trip suit better; not ignored.

6/1

OUR TIP

Form: 21-236 D

Last run: 30 days

W: 11st 6lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 139

Form & Verdict
Added to his solid record when sixth of 23 to Good Time Jonny in the Pertemps at Cheltenham (3m, soft), shaping a bit better than the bare result after getting messed about a bit approaching the last and also hitting the flight; fresh for this stage of the season and likely to give a good account.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

2

19th Apr 2025

Good

3m 0f 58y

Class 2

14:40 Haydock

An Tailliur

11st 12lb

J: Jonjo O’Neill Jr

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

Missed last season and has not fired this term but he's now 14lb below his peak mark and all of his wins have been on good ground; he's been too well beaten for comfort this term, notwithstanding the softer ground, but needs a close look and market check.

7/1

2

19th Apr 2025

Good

3m 0f 58y

Class 2

14:40 Haydock

An Tailliur

11st 12lb

J: Jonjo O’Neill Jr

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

Missed last season and has not fired this term but he's now 14lb below his peak mark and all of his wins have been on good ground; he's been too well beaten for comfort this term, notwithstanding the softer ground, but needs a close look and market check.

7/1

Form: 21P211

Last run: 28 days

W: 11st 2lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 135

Form & Verdict
Pulled up behind West Balboa in the Lanzarote at Kempton in January but that's his only blip this season; landed a novice at Wincanton and a handicap back at Kempton (both at about 2m5f) last month; proven at 3m; could easily have more to offer for top stable.
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

33/1

Form: 580F13

Last run: 75 days

W: 10st 9lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 128

Form & Verdict
Back from some lesser efforts to win a 2m Cork novice hurdle in January; creditable third in a similar race at Punchestown (2m4f, heavy) 23 days later; no impact in his two previous handicap hurdles, though.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11

17th Aug 2025

Good

2m 6f 0y

16:30 Tramore

Starzov

10st 3lb

J: Simon Torrens

T: P J Rothwell

Won twice over hurdles; no sign of similar form over fences; fell here in May, tailed off at Downpatrick last month, pulled up at Wexford last time.

25/1

12

6th Aug 2025

Good

3m 1f 70y

19:17 Wexford

Starzov

10st 0lb

J: Calum Hogan

T: P J Rothwell

Won twice over hurdles; no sign of similar form over fences; tailed off at Downpatrick last month; trainer has a better chance with Prince Zaltar.

16/1

4

14th Jul 2025

Good

2m 3f 100y

16:28 Downpatrick

Starzov

11st 6lb

J: Tiernan Power Roche

T: P J Rothwell

Dual hurdles winner but regressive last season; two chase efforts don't make him an obvious contender now on handicap debut unless first-time tongue-tie brings improvement.

10/1

Form: 51-495 CD

Last run: 56 days

W: 11st 4lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 137

Form & Verdict
Won this race on good to soft last year; below par in two runs (back from layoff) in February; this has presumably been the target again and no surprise if he bounces back to form, but he's 5lb higher than 12 months ago and will need a big career best.
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

16:13 Fontwell

Party Business

12st 0lb

J: Charlie Todd

T: Ian Williams

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

15:37 Uttoxeter

Party Business

10st 2lb

J: Robert Dunne

T: Ian Williams

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

14:30 Uttoxeter

Party Business

11st 2lb

J: Charlie Todd

T: Ian Williams

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

Form: 214381

Last run: 14 days

W: 10st 10lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 129

Form & Verdict
Proved a revelation stepping up to about 3m for the first time when barely coming off the bridle to win a Uttoxeter novice event (soft) a fortnight ago; went about 14l clear at the last before being eased, so a 7lb rise in his mark looks lenient; stable won this race in 2021; considered.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

2

19th Oct 2023

Good

3m 0f 110y

Class 3

15:35 Carlisle

Mexico

12st 0lb

J: Ciaran Gethings

T: Stuart Edmunds

Displayed improved form when upped in trip and winning easily in a novice hurdle at Uttoxeter (2m7f, soft) in April; unexposed over staying trips and not ruled out on his chase debut, but this is a tough first assignment in this sphere and he's not bred for fences.

10/1

12th

18

15th Apr 2023

Good To Soft

3m 0f 149y

Class 1

14:25 Aintree

Mexico

10st 10lb

J: Ciaran Gethings

T: Stuart Edmunds

Proved a revelation stepping up to about 3m for the first time when barely coming off the bridle to win a Uttoxeter novice event (soft) a fortnight ago; went about 14l clear at the last before being eased, so a 7lb rise in his mark looks lenient; stable won this race in 2021; considered.

10/1

1st

1

1st Apr 2023

Soft

2m 7f 70y

Class 4

14:45 Uttoxeter

Mexico

11st 12lb

J: Ciaran Gethings

T: Stuart Edmunds

in touch with leaders on outer, hit 6th, led going easily after 4 out, went clear after 3 out, eased run-in, easily

9/2

Form: F3-224 BF

Last run: 56 days

W: 11st 9lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 142

Form & Verdict
Displayed strong chase form last season and ran really well when going close back over hurdles in a handicap at Doncaster (3m, good) in December; subsequently had wind surgery and not in quite the same form when fourth (Itchy Feet second) in Grade 2 at Haydock eight weeks ago.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

15th May 2026

Good

3m 0f 210y

Class 3

18:55 Aintree

Erne River

11st 10lb

J: James Bowen

T: Nick Kent

Still runs well now and again but this 11yo is not as good as he was and become inconsistent.

16/1

4th

2

20th Apr 2026

Good

2m 7f 96y

Class 3

15:30 Kelso

Erne River

11st 8lb

J: Tom Broughton

T: Nick Kent

Ran well for a long way when fourth at Doncaster (3m, good to soft; first-time tongue-tie) in February and remains well handicapped but this steadily regressive 11yo has become inconsistent, and others appeal more.

4/1

4th

1

27th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 7f 214y

Class 3

17:05 Doncaster

Erne River

12st 1lb

J: Kielan Woods

T: Nick Kent

Winless since December 2023 and pulled up over C&D in December on sole run this term; however, he may have needed that outing and is on a handy mark on last season's best efforts; has won here three times, including in these reapplied cheekpieces, and is not ruled out; the tongue-tie is a first.

10/1

Form: 11P2 BF

Last run: 29 days

W: 10st 10lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 129

Form & Verdict
Pair of novice hurdle wins at 2m3f on good ground at the end of 2022; got stuck in the heavy ground in a Warwick Grade 2 in January but straight back on track when second of eight to the reopposing Henry's Friend (who received 5lb) in Doncaster novice (2m3f, good) last month; shapes as if he'll stay further and brings potential to this handicap debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8

1st Apr 2026

Good

3m 0f 60y

Class 4

16:30 Southwell

Moon Hunter

11st 0lb

J: Jamie Gambin

T: Sarah Humphrey

Useful in his prime for Henry Daly but left that yard on a low note; soundly beaten in chases on his first two starts for this stable but took a step back in the right direction returned to hurdles in first-time blinkers when rallying third of eight over the extended 2m4f at Plumpton (good to soft) 23 days ago; needs to prove he can build on that with the blinkers left off in favour of refitted cheekpieces.

25/1

3rd

5

9th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 116y

Class 4

16:30 Plumpton

Moon Hunter

11st 8lb

J: Jamie Gambin

T: Sarah Humphrey

Useful in his prime but left Henry Daly after a poor run over fences in February 2025 and was soundly beaten in two chases for this stable towards end of last year; needs combination of new headgear and return to hurdling to rekindle his enthusiasm.

16/1

6

18th Nov 2025

Good

2m 6f 10y

Class 4

14:45 Lingfield

Moon Hunter

11st 9lb

J: James Best

T: Sarah Humphrey

Ex-Henry Daly; quite a useful novice hurdler but didn't progress; sound run on chase debut in October 2023 but rather disappointing since; bit to prove after a break on stable debut.

20/1

Form: 78-048

Last run: 29 days

W: 11st 1lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 134

Form & Verdict
Respectable fourth at Punchestown (2m3f, soft to heavy) in December; not disgraced but never looked like getting competitive when eighth of 21 in Martin Pipe at Cheltenham since; now steps up to 3m for the first time and has a change of headgear (first-time blinkers replace cheekpieces).
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

7th Jul 2025

Good

2m 7f 0y

Class 4

14:42 Worcester

Au Fleuron

11st 9lb

J: Miss Aimee Jones

T: Max Comley

The winner of four points and an Irish maiden hurdle in 2021; forgettable efforts in hunter chases at Cheltenham before finishing a tailed-off last of three in a handicap at Market Rasen; another tweak on the headgear front; others safer.

66/1

3rd

3

13th Jun 2025

Good

2m 5f 89y

Class 4

19:00 Market Rasen

Au Fleuron

11st 7lb

J: David Bass

T: Max Comley

Multiple point winner who signed off on a low note for David Christie last December and didn't enjoy either trip to Cheltenham for these connections, running out early in a debuted visor latest (retained); no ground issues, but hard to be confident about present attainment level.

16/1

8

2nd May 2025

Good

4m 0f 97y

Class 4

19:30 Cheltenham

Au Fleuron

11st 12lb

J: Miss Aimee Jones

T: Max Comley

Useful in his prime under rules and won four Irish points last year; struggled when making stable debut at the Festival here in March, though, and is quite tricky to weigh up at present; headgear switched today.

33/1

25/1

Form: -46120 D

Last run: 30 days

W: 11st 9lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 142

Form & Verdict
Exploited a lower hurdle mark at Huntingdon (3m1f, good to soft) in January; another good run when second in Grade 2 Rendlesham at Haydock (3m, good to soft) but he was behind a few of these rivals when only midfield in the Pertemps at Cheltenham.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

5

21st Mar 2025

Good To Soft

2m 7f 86y

Class 5

17:10 Newbury

Itchy Feet

11st 12lb

J: Mr James King

T: Olly Murphy

Grade 1 winner over fences in 2020 and still smart in 2023; now has a bit to prove after finishing tailed off in two staying handicap hurdles following a year on the sidelines; not sure what to expect on this hunter chase debut but, with his CV, he's dangerous to dismiss.

3/1

6th

3

23rd Jan 2025

Good To Soft

3m 1f 10y

Class 2

14:30 Huntingdon

Itchy Feet

11st 9lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Olly Murphy

midfield, outpaced and dropped to rear 8th, weakening when hit 3 out, tailed off

12/1

6th

3

23rd Jan 2025

Good To Soft

3m 1f 10y

Class 2

14:30 Huntingdon

Itchy Feet

11st 9lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Olly Murphy

midfield, outpaced and dropped to rear 8th, weakening when hit 3 out

12/1

Form: 1-1408 D

Last run: 28 days

W: 11st 7lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 140

Form & Verdict
As good as ever when making a successful reappearance at Sandown (2m7f, soft) in December but below that level on all three outings since.
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

15:50 Wetherby

Dolphin Square

12st 6lb

J: Mr David Maxwell

T: Philip Hobbs & Johnson White

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

13:40 Chepstow

Dolphin Square

11st 3lb

T: Philip Hobbs & Johnson White

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

12:40 Sandown

Dolphin Square

11st 0lb

J: Mr David Maxwell

T: Philip Hobbs & Johnson White

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

Form: 14/1-8 D

Last run: 63 days

W: 10st 8lb

9 yo Mare

OR: 127

Form & Verdict
Pair of handicap wins at about 3m on good ground in spring 2021 but not seen again until last of eight at Newbury (3m) in February; can only be watched after that.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9

20th May 2023

Good

2m 7f 70y

Class 2

19:05 Uttoxeter

Regarding Ruth

10st 12lb

J: Bryony Frost

T: Lucy Wadham

pressed leader, led 8th, ridden when headed after 3 out, soon weakened, hit 2 out, pulled up last

7/1

1st

7

27th Apr 2023

Good To Soft

3m 1f 0y

Class 3

16:25 Warwick

Regarding Ruth

10st 11lb

J: Bryony Frost

T: Lucy Wadham

Has won four times over hurdles; not at her best in two runs this season having been off for 645 days after scoring at Market Rasen in May 2021 (2m7f, good); best watched for now.

25/1

18th

22

15th Apr 2023

Good To Soft

3m 0f 149y

Class 1

14:25 Aintree

Regarding Ruth

10st 8lb

J: Bryony Frost

T: Lucy Wadham

Pair of handicap wins at about 3m on good ground in spring 2021 but not seen again until last of eight at Newbury (3m) in February; can only be watched after that.

40/1

Form: -F5339 D

Last run: 69 days

W: 11st 6lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 139

Form & Verdict
Has not taken to fences this season and also well held back hurdling at Musselburgh (3m) in February; on a feasible mark if bouncing back to his best but others arrive with more pressing claims.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

4th Feb 2026

Soft

2m 7f 171y

Class 4

16:42 Ludlow

Bardenstown Lad

12st 6lb

J: Mr Darren Andrews

T: Warwick Ryan-Beswick

Won a point and a Fakenham hunter chase about this time last year before predictably struggling at lengthy odds in the feature hunter chases at Cheltenham and Aintree; badly let down by his jumping in calmer waters afterwards and this 11yo now has much to prove.

16/1

1

14th May 2025

Good

3m 1f 170y

Class 5

17:05 Newton Abbot

Bardenstown Lad

12st 8lb

J: Mr Edward Vaughan

T: David Loughnane

Won a point and a Fakenham hunter chase in February before making no impact in the big hunter chases at Cheltenham and Aintree (behind when unseating); found no fluency and was well held when falling at Stratford (2m6f, good); comes with risks on the back of that effort but this is a modest contest.

4/6

1

14th May 2025

Good

3m 1f 170y

Class 5

17:05 Newton Abbot

Bardenstown Lad

12st 8lb

J: Mr Edward Vaughan

T: David Loughnane

Won a point and a Fakenham hunter chase in February before making no impact in the big hunter chases at Cheltenham and Aintree (behind when unseating); found no fluency and was well held when falling at Stratford (2m6f, good); comes with risks on the back of that effort but this is a modest contest.

4/6

Form: 13241 C

Last run: 29 days

W: 10st 9lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 128

Form & Verdict
Easy winner of a four-runner novice here (2m4f, good) last May and back on the up in a first-time tongue-tie (retained) when seeing off the reopposing Moon Hunter in a 2m3f novice at Doncaster (good) last month, albeit receiving 5lb from Henry Daly's runner; the way he cleared away after the last suggests this longer trip could suit now handicapping; lacks big-field experience but still an interesting contender.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

25th Apr 2026

Good

3m 4f 146y

Class 1

15:30 Sandown

Henrys Friend

11st 6lb

J: Ben Jones

T: Ben Pauling

Seems best making the running or racing prominently; his six races in the last 14 months have been a mixed bag, with an Ascot win (3m, good) in November the highlight; just 1lb higher today and ran respectably on penultimate start, but his two earlier attempts at 3m6f/4m did not work out; a tongue-tie (worn twice in 2023, with a win on first occasion) returns.

16/1

9th

2

21st Feb 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 0y

Class 1

15:35 Kempton

Henrys Friend

11st 8lb

J: Ben Jones

T: Ben Pauling

Back to form when 5l behind Deep Cave last time at Ascot (3m, good to soft) but he does look vulnerable to better-treated opposition, for all that he's just 2lb higher than for November's win at Ascot; likely to race on the front end.

14/1

2

1st Nov 2025

Good

2m 7f 185y

Class 1

15:45 Ascot

Henrys Friend

11st 10lb

J: Ben Jones

T: Ben Pauling

Record of 4-9 over fences, his best form when winning by 6l at Newbury (3m2f, good to soft; 5lb higher today); disadvantaged when slowly away (from a standing start) in the Ultima at Cheltenham and yet still made a challenge three out before fading; never got competitive in the Scottish National but he wasn't alone; a stiff 3m around here looks up his street; shortlisted.

15/2

Form: 9382F6

Last run: 69 days

W: 10st 12lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 131

Form & Verdict
Has a rather mixed record since his game win off 2lb lower at Worcester (2m4f, good) last summer; looked stretched by 3m at Musselburgh latest and others are preferred.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

2

25th Jul 2024

Good

2m 0f 0y

Class 4

16:00 Worcester

Gaelik Coast

11st 12lb

J: Charlie Maggs

T: Donald McCain

Six wins divided between hurdles and fences but he's seemingly on the decline and ideally needs further these days; the cheekpieces are new.

20/1

5th

2

2nd Jun 2024

Good

2m 0f 3y

Class 4

15:45 Fakenham

Gaelik Coast

11st 6lb

J: Abbie McCain

T: Donald McCain

No longer the force of old and may be better suited by longer trips nowadays but he won over fences here in 2020 and didn't run badly when returning here for 2m4f hurdle two months ago; too well handicapped to rule out.

8/1

4th

3

1st Apr 2024

Good

2m 4f 1y

Class 4

15:07 Fakenham

Gaelik Coast

11st 10lb

J: Peter Kavanagh

T: Donald McCain

Hurdle and chase successes on ground ranging from good to soft; winner of one course start, over fences in 2020, and well handicapped on much of his form at about 2m4f; some way off his best on last two starts, though, and blinkers worn once last winter weren't much help.

5/1

Form: 627P93 D

Last run: 27 days

W: 10st 10lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 129

Form & Verdict
Went close off 8lb higher over fences at Carlisle (3m, good) in October but that was his last effort of note (remote third back at Carlisle latest) and others are more solid.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

5

14th Jul 2024

Good

2m 4f 35y

Class 4

15:15 Perth

Dallas Des Pictons

11st 6lb

J: Henry Brooke

T: Dianne Sayer

Won at Hexham (2m4f, good) last September off 5lb higher mark; ran respectably, having been given a break since pulling up over fences in March, when fifth of seven at Hexham (2m4f, good) last month when leading from the front and headed only approaching the last flight; weighted to win but is hard to predict.

12/1

5th

4

23rd Jun 2024

Good

2m 4f 28y

Class 4

16:18 Hexham

Dallas Des Pictons

11st 6lb

J: Conor Rabbitt

T: Dianne Sayer

Very useful in his prime and proved he retains a significant chunk of ability when causing 40-1 surprise over C&D (good) in September; quickly back in the doldrums since, though, and it's hard to predict whether he'll be in the right mood today.

16/1

5

9th Mar 2024

Soft

2m 4f 110y

Class 3

15:43 Ayr

Dallas Des Pictons

11st 2lb

J: Danny McMenamin

T: Dianne Sayer

in touch with leaders, outpaced and dropped to last 9th, slow jump 10th, lost touch 11th, struggling 13th

20/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £349.00
Straight Forecast £249.60
Tricast £3025.39
Trifecta £4852.80

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

West Balboa

POSTDATA:

Henry's Friend

TOPSPEED:

Outlaw Peter

Daily Mirror:

An Tailliur

RP Ratings:

Mexico

D Express:

Erne River

The Sun:

Good Time Jonny

LAMBOURN:

Mill Green

The Times:

Henry's Friend

WEST COUNTRY:

Outlaw Peter

The Star:

An Tailliur

The Guardian:

West Balboa

Daily Mail:

West Balboa

Daily Record:

West Balboa

Telegraph:

Mexico