April 19 / 16.25 Cheltenham

16.25

Good To Soft

Safran Landing Systems Handicap Hurdle (GBB Race)

  • Prize money: £13202.5
  • 2m 7f 213y
  • Class 2
  • 12 runners
RTV
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Safran Landing Systems Handicap Hurdle (GBB Race)

Runners: 12 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Cloudy

Form: 2214U1 D

Last run: 21 days

W: 10st 13lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 126

Form & Verdict
Confirmed himself a progressive young stayer when nicely on top in the finish at Market Rasen (2m7f, good to soft) three weeks ago, for which he's gone up 7lb; open to further progress and makes the shortlist.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

23

5th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

4m 2f 74y

Class 1

16:00 Aintree

Broadway Boy

10st 9lb

J: Tom Bellamy

T: Nigel Twiston-Davies

Started this season brightly, notably when second to Kandoo Kid in the Coral Gold Cup at Newbury (3m2f, good to soft); he'd have a good shout judged on that display and going beyond 3m2f made plenty of appeal even before that; however, he disappointed at Cheltenham on New Year's Day and ran badly there last month; cheekpieces (tried at this meeting last year, tailed off) return.

66/1

23

5th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

4m 2f 74y

Class 1

16:00 Aintree

Broadway Boy

10st 9lb

J: Tom Bellamy

T: Nigel Twiston-Davies

Started this season brightly, notably when second to Kandoo Kid in the Coral Gold Cup at Newbury (3m2f, good to soft); he'd have a good shout judged on that display and going beyond 3m2f made plenty of appeal even before that; however, he disappointed at Cheltenham on New Year's Day and ran badly there last month; cheekpieces (tried at this meeting last year, tailed off) return.

66/1

3

11th Mar 2025

Good To Soft

3m 1f 0y

Class 1

14:40 Cheltenham

Broadway Boy

11st 12lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Nigel Twiston-Davies

Didn't jump fluently when below par here on New Year's Day; however, he's reportedly had his knees medicated since and two starts ago was a fine second in the Coral Gold Cup at Newbury (3m2f, good to soft); two wins here (3m/3m2f) during last season's novice campaign; in the mix if back on song.

7/1

Form: 811539 D

Last run: 26 days

W: 11st 0lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 127

Form & Verdict
Jack Hogan aboard throughout this season, combining for wins at Uttoxeter (2m7f, good to soft) and Ludlow (3m, soft); will need to run a lot better than at Newbury latest when tailed off behind On The Blind Side.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

24th Apr 2024

Good

2m 7f 174y

Class 4

14:35 Ludlow

Hurricane Harvey

12st 2lb

J: Jack Hogan

T: Fergal O’Brien

Usually runs in better races; stayed on for third at Ascot (2m5f) most recently; defied a 4lb higher mark over C&D last term and looks interesting at this level returned to this scenario; 3-4 in Class 4.

9/1

1

24th Apr 2024

Good

2m 7f 174y

Class 4

14:35 Ludlow

Hurricane Harvey

12st 2lb

J: Jack Hogan

T: Fergal O’Brien

Usually runs in better races; stayed on for third at Ascot (2m5f) most recently; defied a 4lb higher mark over C&D last term and looks interesting at this level returned to this scenario; 3-4 in Class 4.

9/1

3rd

8

24th Mar 2024

Good

2m 5f 141y

Class 3

17:05 Ascot

Hurricane Harvey

11st 0lb

J: Jack Hogan

T: Fergal O’Brien

Fair fourth of 12 at Newbury (3m, good to soft) in December and he's now 6lb lower; however, this 10yo has been well beaten the last twice, most recently here (2m7f, good to soft), and needs to get back on track.

25/1

Form: 757111

Last run: 46 days

W: 10st 13lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 126

Form & Verdict
Unbeaten in three starts under Ben Sutton since the tongue-tie returned, winning 2m3f-2m5f handicaps on good to soft; has a further 6lb rise to deal with but it was clearcut last time at Kelso and he gives the impression that he'll stay this far.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

3

14th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 7f 70y

Class 2

14:25 Uttoxeter

Santos Blue

11st 8lb

J: Ben Sutton

T: Olly Murphy

Did well for Dan Skelton and posted best effort for new stable when second behind easy winner at Sandown (2m7f, heavy) last time; however, likely needs a new level of form to go one better.

14/1

2nd

1

31st Jan 2026

Heavy

2m 7f 103y

Class 1

15:10 Sandown

Santos Blue

12st 0lb

J: Ben Sutton

T: Olly Murphy

Successful six times under regular rider Ben Sutton, including on heavy going at Uttoxeter in 2024 and over 3m at Newbury last February; the latter was his final start for Dan Skelton and he's been well beaten this term on both runs for new yard; needs a career best to win this.

11/1

1st

2

8th Feb 2025

Soft

3m 0f 52y

Class 3

13:50 Newbury

Santos Blue

12st 0lb

J: Mr Ben Sutton

T: Dan Skelton

towards rear

11/1

Form: 1UPP01 D

Last run: 60 days

W: 11st 11lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 138

Form & Verdict
Bounced back from three poor runs when winning comfortably at Wincanton (2m5f, good) two months ago; has also won on good to soft ground and he's a player with Freddie Gordon removing a valuable 7lb this time.
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: 5411P1 D

Last run: 29 days

W: 10st 9lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 122

Form & Verdict
Ran no race two starts back but hard to fault otherwise since December and dug deep to get the job done under Finn Lambert at Market Rasen (2m7f, soft; won on good); 3lb higher mark spells danger in this deeper race but he's hard to leave out of calculations.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

17

12th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

3m 7f 176y

Class 1

15:35 Ayr

The Kniphand

10st 5lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Nigel Twiston-Davies

Two small-field wins this term, latterly in first-time cheekpieces which have been kept since; rallied since for third at Uttoxeter (soft) and second at Doncaster (good), leaving the strong impression over 3m2f last time that he has stamina reserves; up 2lb but makes each-way appeal.

11/1

17

12th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

3m 7f 176y

Class 1

15:35 Ayr

The Kniphand

10st 5lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Nigel Twiston-Davies

Two small-field wins this term, latterly in first-time cheekpieces which have been kept since; rallied since for third at Uttoxeter (soft) and second at Doncaster (good), leaving the strong impression over 3m2f last time that he has stamina reserves; up 2lb but makes each-way appeal.

11/1

2nd

14

1st Mar 2025

Good To Soft

3m 2f 1y

Class 2

15:15 Doncaster

The Kniphand

10st 7lb

J: Finn Lambert

T: Nigel Twiston-Davies

Won well under Finn Lambert over about 3m in small fields at Southwell (good) in October and Doncaster (good to soft) in December, latterly in first-time cheekpieces which have been kept since; up 4lb to this mark when a creditable, rallying third on soft at Uttoxeter three weeks ago; has more to give over this sort of trip and may well revert to winning ways.

10/1

Form: 0-3130 D

Last run: 73 days

W: 11st 0lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 127

Form & Verdict
3m winner at Newbury in November (good) and posted the same RPR when third here next time (soft); took a backward step at Musselburgh and there was no obvious reason for that; needs to bounce back.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

9

17th Nov 2024

Good

3m 3f 71y

Class 1

14:55 Cheltenham

Abuffalosoldier

10st 3lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Warren Greatrex

Front-runner who reappeared with a rallying second at Exeter (3m, good to soft) last month and he's back in cheekpieces today, in which he showed improved form earlier this year (including 10l win at Newbury); only seven and there's every chance this trip will be within range; one to consider.

11/2

1st

9

17th Nov 2024

Good

3m 3f 71y

Class 1

14:55 Cheltenham

Abuffalosoldier

10st 3lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Warren Greatrex

jumped well, made all, kept on well, ridden out, collapsed after finish, heart attack

11/2

4

22nd Oct 2024

Good To Soft

3m 0f 54y

Class 3

16:28 Exeter

Abuffalosoldier

11st 12lb

J: James Bowen

T: Warren Greatrex

Not an instant success over fences last season but won by 10l in first-time cheekpieces at Newbury (2m6f, good to soft) in January and signed off with creditable fourth in valuable novices' handicap at Ayr (3m, soft) in April; respected.

3/1

Form: 223273 D

Last run: 53 days

W: 10st 10lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 123

Form & Verdict
Has been consistent this season but in defeat and he would appear to have very little margin for error off his current mark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

2

27th Jan 2026

Soft

2m 7f 136y

Class 4

15:47 Chepstow

Bells Of Peterboro

12st 2lb

J: Mr Edward Vaughan

T: Tim Vaughan

Not one to rely upon heavily and doesn't always look wildly enthusiastic but didn't run badly when fourth at Uttoxeter (3m heavy) last month and this track suits him well; on a good mark; can't be ruled out.

14/1

7th

6

28th Oct 2025

Soft

3m 1f 60y

Class 4

14:58 Ffos Las

Bells Of Peterboro

11st 10lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Tim Vaughan

Best run during a fairly light campaign last season when second to progressive rival at Lingfield (2m7f, heavy) in February; contender if judged on that and Sean Bowen is booked today but this 10yo has not been seen since a lesser effort in March and he's too inconsistent to rely upon.

7/1

7th

6

28th Oct 2025

Soft

3m 1f 60y

Class 4

14:58 Ffos Las

Bells Of Peterboro

11st 10lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Tim Vaughan

Best run during a fairly light campaign last season when second to progressive rival at Lingfield (2m7f, heavy) in February; contender if judged on that and Sean Bowen is booked today but this 10yo has not been seen since a lesser effort in March and he's too inconsistent to rely upon.

7/1

Form: -12312 D

Last run: 231 days

W: 10st 7lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 120

Form & Verdict
Has plied his trade at a lower level but he was in the groove last year from April to August and has no doubt been held back for a spring/summer campaign; on a tough mark but dangerous to dismiss.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

3

18th Feb 2026

2m 7f 171y

Class 4

15:35 Ludlow

Landen Calling

11st 11lb

J: Mr Lucas Murphy

T: Fergal O’Brien

Fourth of 18 at Cheltenham in October 2024 and he's now 8lb lower; however, this 10yo has run just once since, when tailed off at 33-1 at Leicester last month; needs to prove how much ability he retains.

14/1

4th

5

20th Jan 2026

Good To Soft

2m 6f 151y

Class 3

14:02 Leicester

Landen Calling

11st 8lb

J: Jonathan Burke

T: Fergal O’Brien

Thorough stayer, absent since placed in big field at Cheltenham (3m1f, good) in October 2024; resumes on a good mark and with new headgear tried (usually blinkered) but is entitled to benefit from this outing.

12/1

4th

4

25th Oct 2024

Good

3m 1f 0y

Class 3

15:35 Cheltenham

Landen Calling

12st 0lb

J: Mr H D O’Dwyer

T: Fergal O’Brien

All out to win last season's 3m3f Lincolnshire National at Market Rasen over Christmas; back from a break with a respectable show at Punchestown in May and this is his type of race; possibilities.

16/1

Form: -2413P D

Last run: 32 days

W: 10st 11lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 124

Form & Verdict
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).
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

16:25 Cheltenham

Silver Flyer

10st 11lb

J: Brian Hughes

T: Donald McCain

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

14:25 Uttoxeter

Silver Flyer

10st 7lb

J: A P Heskin

T: Donald McCain

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

14:50 Doncaster

Silver Flyer

11st 10lb

J: Brian Hughes

T: Donald McCain

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

OUR TIP

Form: P4-PP1 C

Last run: 26 days

W: 12st 0lb

11 yo Gelding

OR: 141

Form & Verdict
Headed to Newbury last month in no form but, under a front-running ride, he returned to winning ways off a career-low mark; came a long way clear with an improving novice so a 4lb rise might be no great barrier should he be as good again; soft ground would be preferred.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

1

10th Feb 2024

Soft

3m 0f 52y

Class 3

13:30 Newbury

On The Blind Side

12st 0lb

J: James Bowen

T: Nicky Henderson

12yo whose form is very patchy, and tailed off at Plumpton last month; however, prior to that he showed some spark on his reappearance at Sandown and his two hurdle runs here have yielded a Grade 2 second and a 50-1 win over C&D last March (soft; off today's mark); interesting now back here.

16/1

7th

4

7th Jan 2024

Soft

3m 0f 217y

Class 2

14:15 Plumpton

On The Blind Side

11st 8lb

J: James Bowen

T: Nicky Henderson

Formerly a smart staying hurdler and proved he retains a significant chunk of ability when causing 50-1 surprise at Newbury (3m, soft) in March; also ran well when third (behind Hititi) on last month's seasonal debut at Sandown (2m7f, heavy) but younger rivals appeal more all the same.

7/1

Form: -54140 CD

Last run: 34 days

W: 11st 6lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 133

Form & Verdict
The step up to 3m was a help when coming clear over C&D on New Year's Day (soft); ran reasonably well the next time before struggling in the Pertemps Final; can have some say in this easier race.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

3rd Oct 2024

Good To Soft

2m 4f 0y

Class 3

14:55 Warwick

Hector Javilex

11st 8lb

J: Lilly Pinchin

T: Charlie Longsdon

Made a good start to handicap career when winning at Cheltenham (3m, soft) in January 2023 but rather patchy since, including when finishing a well-beaten fourth of five on chase debut at Newbury in December; probably best watched on his reappearance over a trip short of his best.

7/1

6th

7

17th Apr 2024

Good To Soft

2m 7f 213y

Class 2

15:50 Cheltenham

Hector Javilex

11st 0lb

J: Lilly Pinchin

T: Charlie Longsdon

took keen hold, in touch with leaders

12/1

6th

7

17th Apr 2024

Good To Soft

2m 7f 213y

Class 2

15:50 Cheltenham

Hector Javilex

11st 0lb

J: Lilly Pinchin

T: Charlie Longsdon

took keen hold, in touch with leaders

12/1

Form: 22-20P

Last run: 43 days

W: 10st 13lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 126

Form & Verdict
Dual winning hurdler on good ground (2m/2m3f) and he ran well to be second in a novice on this two-day meeting last season; has stamina to prove over this far but could very easily leave his recent soft-ground failures behind him; respected.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

3

(4)

13th Oct 2024

Heavy

2m 0f 0y

Class 4

13:50 Goodwood

Royaume Uni

11st 10lb

J: David Noonan

T: Gary & Josh Moore

Unraced since a hurdles win in May 2023; looked a good-ground specialist in that sphere and his Flat win on soft was in 2020 in his French days.

20/1

1st

1

14th May 2023

Good

2m 4f 114y

Class 3

15:50 Plumpton

Royaume Uni

12st 1lb

J: Rob Hargreaves

T: Gary Moore

Recent form figures make grim reading but he's very much a good ground specialist and has plenty of form which gives him decent claims; not written off in a hurry and Rob Hargreaves taking off 8lb no hardship either.

8/1

8

(4)

12th May 2023

Soft

1m 7f 209y

Class 3

14:25 Ascot

Royaume Uni

9st 4lb

J: Anna Gibson

T: Gary Moore

Dual winning hurdler on good ground (2m/2m3f) but tailed off when trying 2m5f on soft at Christmas and non-completions on both starts this spring; now reverts to Flat, in which sphere he has appeared in three 2m handicaps but not achieved much; down the weights.

7/1

Non-runners

Hector Javilex

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Straight Forecast £91.78
Tricast £311.70

Selections

TOPSPEED:

Broadway Boy

The Guardian:

Santos Blue

POSTDATA:

Press Your Luck

The Times:

Hector Javilex

RP Ratings:

On The Blind Side

LAMBOURN:

Abuffalosoldier

SPOTLIGHT:

Royaume Uni

WEST COUNTRY:

Broadway Boy

The Sun:

Broadway Boy

Daily Mirror:

Santos Blue

Daily Record:

Santos Blue

Daily Mail:

Hector Javilex

D Express:

Press Your Luck

The Star:

Press Your Luck

Telegraph:

On The Blind Side