April 22 / 14.25 Ayr

14.25

Good To Soft

Coral Scottish Champion Hurdle (A Limited Handicap) (Grade 2) (GBB Race)

  • Prize money: £42712.5
  • 2m 0f 0y
  • Class 1
  • 12 runners
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Coral Scottish Champion Hurdle (A Limited Handicap) (Grade 2) (GBB Race)

Runners: 12 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Showers

11/2 (Won)

  • Win: £4.50
  • Place: £1.90

Form: -11201 D

Last run: 56 days

W: 10st 11lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 135

Form & Verdict
Has looked good in making all the running for his three wins over hurdles, latest in the Grade 2 Dovecote at Kempton with a hood fitted; could easily go well again but an easy lead would appear unlikely and any rain would count against him.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

3

25th Apr 2026

Good

2m 5f 110y

Class 1

16:02 Sandown

Rubaud

11st 10lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Paul Nicholls

Form dipped in Cheltenham Festival handicap returned to fences last time; multiple Grade 2 winner but has raced mostly at about 2m and isn't crying out for this step back up in trip; first go beyond a sharp 2m4f.

14/1

3

11th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

1m 7f 199y

Class 1

16:40 Cheltenham

Rubaud

11st 7lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Paul Nicholls

Listed/Grade 2 wins over hurdles this term; goes back over fences for the first time since last May and he's 1-5 in this sphere, the win coming in a Grade 2 novice last February; sixth of 15 off this mark in the Scottish Champion Hurdle in April 2024 when he last tackled a handicap; may be vulnerable.

16/1

2nd

1

14th Feb 2026

Heavy

1m 7f 50y

Class 1

13:35 Wincanton

Rubaud

11st 10lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Paul Nicholls

Front-runner who is 2-3 since returned to hurdles from fences, winning races at Kempton (Listed) and Wincanton (Elite Hurdle) that he also took in 2023 and 2024; held in a 9l third at Kempton on Boxing Day but that was behind Sir Gino in a Grade 1 and he's strongly respected on this drop back in class; most of his wins have been on good ground but he's effective on soft.

7/4

OUR TIP

4/1

  • Place: £1.50

Form: 37-422 D

Last run: 49 days

W: 11st 8lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 146

Form & Verdict
Third behind State Man and First Street in last season's County Hurdle when 6lb lower; below best over fences to begin with this term but got back on track with a second at Kelso (2m, good to soft; 3lb lower) despite suffering an overreach; Irish raider who looks sure to make his presence felt.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13th

7

11th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 5f 0y

Class 1

14:40 Cheltenham

Colonel Mustard

11st 7lb

J: John Shinnick

T: Mrs Lorna Fowler

Two races this autumn (one a 2m4f Grade 2 from The Yellow Clay) were his first wins for ages and he wasn't disgraced on latest outing; third in the 2022 County and fifth in this race last year in his only two handicaps at this meeting, but he's higher in the weights today and is now an 11yo, so can't be the percentage call.

33/1

4th

3

8th Feb 2026

Heavy

2m 5f 180y

14:50 Navan

Colonel Mustard

11st 8lb

J: John Shinnick

T: Mrs Lorna Fowler

Win record has not reflected his ability for much of his career; only one success before this season's victories in a conditions race at Sligo and 2m4f Grade 2 at this venue; needs to bounce back now having been tailed off in the Long Walk at Ascot.

9/2

1st

1

24th Oct 2025

Good To Yielding

2m 1f 112y

14:35 Sligo

Colonel Mustard

11st 12lb

J: John Shinnick

T: Mrs Lorna Fowler

Just one win over hurdles but has been placed plenty of times including in graded races; was fifth in the Coral Cup before a fourth in a Fairyhouse Grade 2; was runner-up in this race last year after a similar absence so has to be respected as the top-rated in the field.

2/1

7/1

  • Place: £2.20

Form: 960429 CD

Last run: 36 days

W: 11st 4lb

7 yo Mare

OR: 142

Form & Verdict
Second to Milkwood in this two years ago and went one better last season, prevailing by a length; finds herself 12lb higher this time but she was up with the pace throughout before finishing ninth in the County and it was understandable that she weakened late on; soft ground at Cheltenham would also have tested her.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

19

12th Mar 2025

Good To Soft

2m 5f 0y

Class 1

14:40 Cheltenham

Anna Bunina

10st 11lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: John C McConnell

Usually claimer ridden but now has Harry Cobden; the last of her ten wins was in August 2022; still shows plenty on occasions, including when seventh in the Pertemps Final last March and a close second back at Cheltenham (2m4f, good) three starts back; pulled up with cheekpieces enlisted on latest start; that headgear is now discarded but she's not the percentage call.

33/1

2

22nd Feb 2025

Soft

2m 7f 131y

Class 2

14:32 Chepstow

Anna Bunina

11st 9lb

J: Callum Pritchard

T: John C McConnell

Usually claimer ridden; the last of her ten wins was in August 2022; still shows plenty on occasions, including when seventh in the Pertemps Final last March and a close second back at Cheltenham (2m4f) on penultimate outing; she performed far worse in the Musselburgh qualifier three weeks ago than she did last year, however, which sees cheekpieces enlisted.

20/1

8th

2

2nd Feb 2025

Good To Soft

2m 7f 180y

Class 2

15:00 Musselburgh

Anna Bunina

12st 0lb

J: Callum Pritchard

T: John C McConnell

The last of her ten wins was in August 2022 but she still shows plenty on occasions, including when a strong-finishing fourth in this race last year and a close second at Cheltenham (2m4f) on latest outing; usually claimer ridden; place contender.

10/1

Form: 1-2152 D

Last run: 77 days

W: 10st 6lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 126

Form & Verdict
Mostly progressive last year with three wins (1m7f/2m, good/good to soft) and maintained the momentum with a near miss at Musselburgh (1m7f, good to soft); there's no knocking his profile but this represents his toughest test yet from 4lb out of the weights.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

2

12th Jul 2026

Good

2m 7f 180y

Class 3

15:51 Perth

Parisencore

11st 9lb

J: Danny McMenamin

T: Nicky Richards

Gained both chase wins over 2m4f (one here); no match for progressive rival when second at Hexham (1m7f, good; first run after wind surgery) last month but that was still a good effort; a possible if suited by this new trip.

6/1

2nd

1

21st Jun 2026

Good

1m 7f 133y

Class 3

15:13 Hexham

Parisencore

12st 0lb

J: Danny McMenamin

T: Nicky Richards

Weakened out of contention at Aintree last month but this race is a bit easier and he's now only 3lb higher than when keeping on well to beat Glory And Honour at Newcastle (2m4f, good) in April; also suited by 2m and might be aided by recent wind surgery; enters calculations.

10/1

5th

3

15th May 2026

Good

2m 3f 200y

Class 3

17:45 Aintree

Parisencore

11st 8lb

J: Danny McMenamin

T: Nicky Richards

Made the most of a reduced mark to snap his losing run over 2m4f at Newcastle (good) and a 4lb rise should be workable if he can repeat that performance; has held his form in the past.

9/2

Form: 122-2 D

Last run: 84 days

W: 10st 6lb

6 yo Mare

OR: 127

Form & Verdict
Useful Flat performer who has done well since switched to hurdling and excelled herself in chasing home the high-class Epatante in Grade 2 at Doncaster (2m, good) in January; well handicapped if taking that at face value (even from 3lb out of the weights) and all ground seems to come alike to her; fresh and respected.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

15th May 2025

Good To Firm

1m 6f 44y

Class 3

14:25 Salisbury

Salsada

9st 9lb

J: Ben Robinson

T: Brian Ellison

Seen far more often over hurdles in recent years and she's pretty useful, but pulled up in March on latest outing; stiff task in a three-runner race last September and that's her only Flat run since a creditable show over C&D (good to firm) in June 2022; down the weights but not solid.

9/1

1

15th May 2025

Good To Firm

1m 6f 44y

Class 3

14:25 Salisbury

Salsada

9st 9lb

J: Ben Robinson

T: Brian Ellison

Seen far more often over hurdles in recent years and she's pretty useful, but pulled up in March on latest outing; stiff task in a three-runner race last September and that's her only Flat run since a creditable show over C&D (good to firm) in June 2022; down the weights but not solid.

9/1

1

22nd Mar 2025

Good

2m 4f 189y

Class 2

14:25 Kelso

Salsada

12st 0lb

J: Craig Nichol

T: Brian Ellison

Won two handicaps in a row at Sedgefield (2m4f, good/good to soft) towards the end of last year before tough Grade 2 task at Doncaster; however, only fifth when back in a handicap at Newcastle (2m1f, good to soft) last month and needs a bigger performance this afternoon.

14/1

Form: -F244P CD

Last run: 36 days

W: 11st 0lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 138

Form & Verdict
On fire in 2021, following his third in the County with victory in this and then finishing second in the Galway Hurdle; dangerously treated on all that and forget his Cheltenham flop last month as soft ground was the last thing he needed (hood tried there also dispensed with); could be a player if there's not too much rain.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

0

2

27th Oct 2023

Good To Soft

2m 3f 200y

Class 3

17:05 Cheltenham

Milkwood

11st 10lb

J: Richie McLernon

T: Neil Mulholland

2021 was his year, following his third in the County with victory in the Scottish Champion Hurdle and then finishing second in the Galway Hurdle; dangerously treated on all that but last season fizzled out and he wants good ground ideally.

14/1

6th

6

22nd Apr 2023

Good To Soft

2m 0f 0y

Class 1

14:25 Ayr

Milkwood

11st 0lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Neil Mulholland

On fire in 2021, following his third in the County with victory in this and then finishing second in the Galway Hurdle; dangerously treated on all that and forget his Cheltenham flop last month as soft ground was the last thing he needed (hood tried there also dispensed with); could be a player if there's not too much rain.

14/1

13

17th Mar 2023

Soft

2m 0f 179y

Class 1

14:10 Cheltenham

Milkwood

11st 0lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Neil Mulholland

Fine third in this race in 2021 (good to soft) before winning the Scottish Champion Hurdle (2m, good) and finishing second in the Galway Hurdle (2m, good); on those runs he's on a handy mark and he's better than he's shown on his last two starts; his each-way claims are likely to hinge on the ground, as a soft surface would be a probable negative; wears a first-time hood.

33/1

Form: 435-P5 D

Last run: 112 days

W: 11st 5lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 143

Form & Verdict
The winner of two valuable handicaps, including the 2021 Betfair at Newbury; this campaign has yet to get off the ground, let down by jumping on chasing debut before struggling back over hurdles at Newbury (2m4f); handicapper hasn't been too sympathetic but he'd be dangerous if returning to anything like his best.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

3

11th Oct 2024

Soft

2m 0f 11y

Class 3

17:00 Chepstow

Soaring Glory

11st 10lb

J: Jonjo O’Neill Jr

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

2021 was his year when winning valuable handicaps at Newbury and Ascot; now on a losing run of 12 and last season was mostly a washout; has to turn a corner but he's very well handicapped.

6/1

16th

6

17th Feb 2024

Good To Soft

2m 3f 58y

Class 2

14:25 Ascot

Soaring Glory

11st 0lb

J: Kevin Brogan

T: Jonjo O’Neill

Successful in two notable handicaps in 2021, one of them here, and looks well treated on that smart form; however, he's on an 11-race losing sequence and had no obvious excuses when only fifth of the seven finishers at Kempton just after Christmas.

16/1

Form: -21376 D

Last run: 36 days

W: 11st 5lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 143

Form & Verdict
Won easily at Ascot (1m7f, good) earlier this season and showed that he can live with his new mark when faring best of those in here who contested the County Hurdle at Cheltenham (good to soft); did well to finish sixth after forcing the pace throughout (as is his way) and easy to see him going well.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

3

22nd Apr 2023

Good To Soft

2m 0f 0y

Class 1

14:25 Ayr

Highway One O Two

11st 5lb

J: Gavin Sheehan

T: Chris Gordon

Won easily at Ascot (1m7f, good) earlier this season and showed that he can live with his new mark when faring best of those in here who contested the County Hurdle at Cheltenham (good to soft); did well to finish sixth after forcing the pace throughout (as is his way) and easy to see him going well.

10/1

6th

11

17th Mar 2023

Soft

2m 0f 179y

Class 1

14:10 Cheltenham

Highway One O Two

11st 2lb

J: Mr Freddie Gordon

T: Chris Gordon

Easily made all in Ascot handicap (1m7f, good) last October then ran as well as could be expected behind Constitution Hill in Grade 1 Christmas Hurdle (2m, soft); however, went up the weights for his Ascot win and was soundly beaten in the Betfair Hurdle last time; needs a career best today.

40/1

7th

3

11th Feb 2023

Good

2m 0f 69y

Class 1

15:35 Newbury

Highway One O Two

11st 9lb

J: Gavin Sheehan

T: Chris Gordon

Well-held third in the Christmas Hurdle on Boxing Day (stiff task); made all to comfortably beat Hacker Des Places, who admittedly lacked recent match practice, in Ascot handicap (1m7f, good) the time before; has an 8lb higher mark and deeper field to contend with.

20/1

Form: 5-1330 D

Last run: 36 days

W: 11st 12lb

6 yo Mare

OR: 150

Form & Verdict
8lb higher than when second to the thrown-in State Man in last year's County Hurdle (Colonel Mustard third); this season started well but his remote third in the Grade 2 Kingwell was underwhelming and so too his midfield finish when having another crack at the County (following wind surgery and tongue tied); now on a recovery mission but too classy to discount.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price
No Results Found

Form: 1231 D

Last run: 49 days

W: 10st 11lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 135

Form & Verdict
Useful stayer on the Flat in France and having a fine first season over hurdles, following his third in the Grade 1 Tolworth with Grade 2 honours at Kelso (2m2f, good to soft); there's potential lurking off this mark and any rain would be beneficial.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

1

24th Jan 2026

Soft

2m 0f 179y

Class 1

15:00 Cheltenham

Nemean Lion

11st 10lb

J: Conor O’Farrell

T: Kerry Lee

Seemed to run well in a dramatic Fighting Fifth but was only fourth of five, admittedly not entirely disgraced, last week when favourite for a Windsor contest he'd won 12 months earlier; triple Grade 2 scorer but faces a difficult task against two exciting types in this field.

33/1

4th

1

16th Jan 2026

Soft

2m 4f 0y

Class 2

15:00 Windsor

Nemean Lion

11st 8lb

J: Conor O’Farrell

T: Kerry Lee

Middle leg of a hat-trick when winning this last year (soft); finished close-up when last of the three finishers on reappearance in Grade 1 Fighting Fifth at Newcastle (2m1f, good to soft) in November, which was a positive performance; leading claims despite a 8lb penalty.

7/4

12

13th Mar 2025

Good To Soft

2m 7f 213y

Class 1

16:00 Cheltenham

Nemean Lion

11st 10lb

J: Richard Patrick

T: Kerry Lee

Completed a hat-trick (2m3f/2m4f, good to soft/soft) when getting up close home in Grade 2 National Spirit at Fontwell last month; goes up in trip and back up in grade today, with something to find, but he stayed well on the Flat early in his career and has shaped this season as though today's extra distance could prompt further improvement; clearly thriving; interesting.

25/1

Form: 21-433

Last run: 49 days

W: 10st 7lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 131

Form & Verdict
Two French wins (heavy/very soft; including 4yo Listed last April) and nothing wrong with his recent placed efforts in strong 2m handicaps at Kempton (soft) and Kelso (good to soft), latterly finishing about 3l behind Colonel Mustard; appeals as the type to rate higher still.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

10th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 200y

Class 1

15:30 Aintree

LEau Du Sud

11st 10lb

J: Tristan Durrell

T: Dan Skelton

Third of five in Grade 1 Maghull Novices' Chase here (2m, good) 12 months ago and reappeared with a win in the Grade 2 Shloer at Cheltenham (2m, soft) in November; ran well when 12l third in the Champion Chase at Cheltenham (2m, good to soft) last month but doesn't appear to be crying out for this step up in trip, and Harry Skelton rides Grey Dawning.

11/1

3rd

6

11th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

1m 7f 199y

Class 1

16:00 Cheltenham

LEau Du Sud

11st 10lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

Progressive in the main; smart novice chaser last term and ties in closely with Majborough on Arkle bare form (good to soft; finished a close fourth); below par in the 2025 Tingle Creek when last seen but this looks the day to catch him; successful the last three times he has returned from a break of two months or bigger, most recently in this season's Shloer over C&D (soft) when easily beating his rivals and registering a fourth Graded win, as well as cementing his Champion Chase claims; favourably fresh and rightly respected.

4/1

2

1st Nov 2025

Good

2m 0f 172y

Class 1

14:05 Ascot

LEau Du Sud

11st 12lb

J: Tristan Durrell

T: Dan Skelton

One of Britain's best 2m novice chasers last season and held his own in the Grade 1s at Cheltenham and Aintree; didn't jump as well as he can on the latter occasion when tried in cheekpieces and those aids are now left off; high in the weights for a reason but he may prefer softer ground and will have new handling, having only been ridden by Harry Skelton in Britain.

Form: 3-2121 D

Last run: 65 days

W: 10st 6lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 126

Form & Verdict
Has won two minor events in the north of England and was found an easy opening in which to defy a penalty last time; 4lb 'wrong' for this severe hike in class and it looks a big ask.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

22nd Mar 2024

Good To Soft

2m 0f 69y

Class 3

15:33 Newbury

Royal Mogul

11st 11lb

J: Peter Kavanagh

T: Donald McCain

2-4 in novice company over hurdles last season but he's been pulled up in both his handicaps including on his chase debut at Ayr (2m, good to soft) in November; now returns to hurdling after a second win operation but he needs a major revival after another break.

33/1

0

7

4th Nov 2023

Good To Soft

2m 0f 110y

Class 3

15:28 Ayr

Royal Mogul

10st 11lb

J: Brian Hughes

T: Donald McCain

2-4 in novice company over hurdles last season; not seen since struggling in Scottish Champion Hurdle here in April but still looks interesting on today's chasing debut.

11/1

11

22nd Apr 2023

Good To Soft

2m 0f 0y

Class 1

14:25 Ayr

Royal Mogul

10st 6lb

J: Brian Hughes

T: Donald McCain

Has won two minor events in the north of England and was found an easy opening in which to defy a penalty last time; 4lb 'wrong' for this severe hike in class and it looks a big ask.

25/1

Non-runners

Nemean Lion, L'Eau Du Sud

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £19.70
Straight Forecast £19.80
Tricast £97.28
Trifecta £115.40

Selections

WEST COUNTRY:

Rubaud

SPOTLIGHT:

Colonel Mustard

POSTDATA:

Anna Bunina

TOPSPEED:

Parisencore

LAMBOURN:

First Street

RP Ratings:

Salsada

The Times:

Rubaud

The Guardian:

Rubaud

D Express:

Rubaud

The Sun:

Rubaud

Telegraph:

Colonel Mustard

Daily Mail:

Colonel Mustard

Daily Mirror:

Colonel Mustard

Daily Record:

Colonel Mustard

The Star:

Anna Bunina