October 15 / 15.20 Ffos Las

15.20

Soft

DragonBet Welsh Champion Hurdle (A Limited Handicap) (GBB Race)

  • Prize money: £26015
  • 1m 7f 182y
  • Class 2
  • 10 runners
SKY
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DragonBet Welsh Champion Hurdle (A Limited Handicap) (GBB Race)

Runners: 10 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Scattered showers

7/2 (Won)

  • Win: £4.00
  • Place: £1.60

Form: 1231- D

Last run: 225 days

W: 11st 4lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 135

Form & Verdict
Fine first season over hurdles culminated with a quite decisive success in a Kelso Grade 2 in March; soft ground essential so conditions right up his street for return/handicap debut and plenty to like; Kerry Lee's first runner since June.
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

12/1

  • Place: £4.40

Form: 1/634- D

Last run: 310 days

W: 11st 2lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 133

Form & Verdict
Limited to just three outings last season and ran well in two of them, both in December; bit to prove after the absence but acts on soft and this mark shouldn't prove beyond him.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

13th May 2026

Good

2m 4f 216y

Class 4

18:30 Newton Abbot

Anyharminasking

11st 5lb

J: Richie McLernon

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

Three-time hurdle winner who made it 0-5 over fences with another disappointing show at Bangor in late March, despite returning to good ground; clearly needs to raise his game in the new blinkers (replacing cheekpieces).

7/1

6th

3

31st Mar 2026

Good

2m 4f 72y

Class 4

15:50 Bangor-on-Dee

Anyharminasking

11st 13lb

J: Jonjo O’Neill Jr

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

Three-time hurdle winner who is 0-4 over fences, with only effort of note in discipline when beaten in a match at Warwick in October (2m4f); does seem happier on good ground than soft, so last two efforts could be excused; cheekpieces return after going without them last time.

8/1

7th

4

9th Mar 2026

Soft

2m 0f 70y

Class 3

15:20 Stratford

Anyharminasking

11st 11lb

J: Jonjo O’Neill Jr

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

3-20 hurdles, his latest win at Newcastle (2m1f Class 3; from 2lb higher) 11 months ago; a switch to fences hasn't suited (0-4, including being beaten in a match) but it's possible he'll strip fitter since his latest start; reverting to the smaller obstacles is helpful.

12/1

10/1

  • Place: £3.30

Form: 6-1216 D

Last run: 72 days

W: 10st 12lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 129

Form & Verdict
Hold-up performer, stable companion of Effernock Fizz; two handicap wins this season, the latest (off 5lb lower) at Cartmel in July; that's good form and puts him in the picture but as yet unproven on very soft ground.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

4

25th May 2026

Good

2m 6f 100y

17:35 Ballinrobe

Fiveonefive

11st 7lb

J: Ben Harvey

T: Cian Collins

Gained a fifth win over hurdles at Cartmel last June but has lost his way since; heavy defeats the last twice at Naas and Aintree; is at least back down to last winning mark, but needs a revival.

22/1

20th

15

10th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 0y

Class 1

13:45 Aintree

Fiveonefive

11st 4lb

J: Jordan Gainford

T: Cian Collins

Irish challenger who has done his winning at about 2m, mostly at Cartmel where he remains unbeaten; far from consistent and can be opposed in this highly competitive scenario back up in distance.

66/1

Form: 20325- D

Last run: 169 days

W: 10st 6lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 123

Form & Verdict
Progressive last season, winning two moderate handicaps on testing ground in January and running well after; ended season over further but may well be happier back at this trip; not discounted on first start for six months, despite taking on stiff opposition.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

2

28th May 2026

Good

2m 5f 89y

Class 5

18:30 Market Rasen

El Muchacho

12st 0lb

J: William Maggs

T: Mike Sowersby

Won twice on good ground (2m5f/2m3f) for this new stable last season and has been placed on last three appearances, most recently when second over C&D (good) three weeks ago; 1lb lower today and seems very likely to be in the thick of things again.

7/4

2nd

3

8th May 2026

Good

2m 5f 89y

Class 5

15:15 Market Rasen

El Muchacho

11st 7lb

J: William Maggs

T: Mike Sowersby

Holding form well since January's Catterick success (2m3f, good), actually achieving more on RPRs when a close third at Newcastle latest; still well treated on his 2023-24 peak form, and no ground concerns.

9/2

3rd

1

31st Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 19y

Class 5

16:30 Newcastle

El Muchacho

12st 0lb

J: William Maggs

T: Mike Sowersby

Won at Catterick in January (2m3f, good) and best form since when 0.5l second at Sedgefield last time (2m5f, good); conditions suit; chance.

11/2

Form: /2120- D

Last run: 212 days

W: 11st 4lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 135

Form & Verdict
Well clear of the rest when second in valuable Cheltenham handicap last November and strong claims on that effort; well beaten behind Faivoir at that track in March but suffered an injury then; main worry is that he may well prefer quicker ground than he'll face here.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

8

11th May 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 7f 0y

19:37 Killarney

Gin Coco

11st 7lb

J: Mr T O’Connor

T: Turlough O’Connor

Good hurdle form not all that long ago and has run well in both his points behind the classy Wonderwall (ahead of Lifetime Ambition on one of those occasions); this is his debut over regulation fences but could have a part to play.

8/1

17th

10

4th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

2m 4f 0y

Class 1

14:20 Aintree

Gin Coco

11st 2lb

J: Bryan Carver

T: Harry Fry

Fairly useful at about 2m and gained sole handicap success off this mark; however, along with several other runners he goes into unknown territory over 2m4f.

33/1

17th

10

4th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

2m 4f 0y

Class 1

14:20 Aintree

Gin Coco

11st 2lb

J: Bryan Carver

T: Harry Fry

Fairly useful at about 2m and gained sole handicap success off this mark; however, along with several other runners he goes into unknown territory over 2m4f.

33/1

Form: 5/4P1- D

Last run: 212 days

W: 11st 8lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 139

Form & Verdict
Just three runs last season but came good at the right time when landing the County at Cheltenham in March; 5lb rise no great hardship and, with guaranteed ability to act on testing ground, he's worth considering.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

15th

14

10th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 0y

Class 1

13:45 Aintree

Faivoir

11st 4lb

J: Miss Heidi Palin

T: Dan Skelton

Has lots of form in major handicaps, generally at about 2m, but losing spell goes back three years and he looks unlikely to land this hot contest at the age of 11; remote third at Newbury most recently.

40/1

3rd

5

7th Feb 2026

Soft

2m 0f 69y

Class 1

15:20 Newbury

Faivoir

11st 8lb

J: Miss Heidi Palin

T: Dan Skelton

Missed last term; useful on his day (County winner) but is into the veteran stage and not particularly solid on this season's form, for all that he was placed in the Greatwood; beaten twice in this contest (pulled up in 2023, fifth in 2024).

33/1

Form: 8/26P- D

Last run: 258 days

W: 10st 6lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 121

Form & Verdict
Won a pair of novice hurdles two seasons ago but rather struggled over fences last term; ground could be an issue on stable debut (was with Tom Symonds) and others appear to hold stronger claims.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

7

26th Nov 2023

Good To Soft

2m 3f 48y

Class 3

13:30 Exeter

Moriko De Vassy

10st 8lb

J: David Noonan

T: Jane Williams

Well treated on his good second to very useful Notlongtillmay at Wetherby (1m7f; chase debut) last November; however, nowhere near that form in three runs since, latest in a notable race returned to hurdles; bit to prove back up in distance.

16/1

7th

10

15th Oct 2023

Soft

1m 7f 182y

Class 2

15:20 Ffos Las

Moriko De Vassy

10st 6lb

J: David Noonan

T: Jane Williams

Won a pair of novice hurdles two seasons ago but rather struggled over fences last term; ground could be an issue on stable debut (was with Tom Symonds) and others appear to hold stronger claims.

20/1

5

30th Jan 2023

Soft

2m 4f 194y

Class 3

15:00 Hereford

Moriko De Vassy

11st 5lb

J: Aidan Coleman

T: Tom Symonds

All three rules wins have come on good/good to soft and twice taken out of races on soft; the transition to fences hasn't been smooth and others are higher up the list; first-time cheekpieces fitted.

8/1

Form: 13116- D

Last run: 184 days

W: 11st 2lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 133

Form & Verdict
Rapid ascent up the Irish handicap last season, winning three times for Declan Queally; well beaten on final start in April; bought for £28,000 in May and would need to have maintained his progress to take this on stable debut off new mark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10

17th Jan 2025

Soft

2m 6f 41y

Class 3

16:08 Windsor

Carbon King

11st 7lb

J: Adam Wedge

T: Evan Williams

Last campaign was very hit and miss but included two wins over about 2m4f on heavy going and he seems to be working his way back to form this season; not proven beyond 2m5f but he's too well handicapped to be ignored.

20/1

10

17th Jan 2025

Soft

2m 6f 41y

Class 3

16:08 Windsor

Carbon King

11st 7lb

J: Adam Wedge

T: Evan Williams

Last campaign was very hit and miss but included two wins over about 2m4f on heavy going and he seems to be working his way back to form this season; not proven beyond 2m5f but he's too well handicapped to be ignored.

20/1

Form: 2P2234 CD

Last run: 25 days

W: 11st 0lb

8 yo Mare

OR: 131

Form & Verdict
Typically game front-running performance when winning this a year ago (now 2lb lower); 22 runs since and just one win (in a novice chase), suggesting she may have gone off the boil; has won on soft ground but repeat success demands her best.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

5

4th Apr 2025

Good To Yielding

2m 3f 100y

18:30 Wexford

Effernock Fizz

11st 0lb

J: Tiernan Power Roche

T: Cian Collins

Admirable mare will be having her 108th start under rules; 1-21 over fences but has run well at this venue on multiple occasions; lost form since shock win in a 2m listed handicap hurdle at Fairyhouse in March 2024; hard to fancy on recent showings but can't fully dismiss.

10/1

6th

5

4th Apr 2025

Good To Yielding

2m 3f 100y

18:30 Wexford

Effernock Fizz

11st 0lb

J: Tiernan Power Roche

T: Cian Collins

Admirable mare will be having her 108th start under rules; 1-21 over fences but has run well at this venue on multiple occasions; lost form since shock win in a 2m listed handicap hurdle at Fairyhouse in March 2024; hard to fancy on recent showings but can't fully dismiss.

10/1

5

15th Feb 2025

Soft

2m 0f 0y

13:55 Gowran Park

Effernock Fizz

10st 8lb

J: E Walsh

T: Cian Collins

Admirable front-runner but recent form far from encouraging, 3m beyond her last time; return to 2m to suit but hard to see her lasting it out.

25/1

OUR TIP

Form: 11192- D

Last run: 184 days

W: 11st 12lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 143

Form & Verdict
Three novice hurdle wins last season and rounded off his campaign with a fine second in an Aintree Grade 1; more success awaits and opening handicap mark looks reasonable but yet to tackle very soft ground.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9

11th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 149y

Class 1

15:05 Aintree

Strong Leader

11st 10lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Olly Murphy

Tailed off at Cheltenham in January but that's not his track and he's had a wind op since; prior to that he ran well when runner-up to Impose Toi at Newbury and Ascot, and his Aintree form figures read 1212 with his last two visits being in this race (good to soft/good); there can be considerable optimism that he'll be a key player back here; tongue-tie added.

4/1

6th

3

24th Jan 2026

Soft

2m 7f 213y

Class 1

15:35 Cheltenham

Strong Leader

11st 8lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Olly Murphy

Runner-up to Impose Toi on last two starts (3m, soft/good to soft), latest when beaten just over 1l off level weights (same today) in the Grade 1 Long Walk at Ascot; his record at Cheltenham is patchy but he ran well when third in this in 2024; on form he's the stand-out danger to Impose Toi.

9/2

1st

1

1st Nov 2025

Good

3m 0f 26y

Class 1

14:22 Wetherby

Strong Leader

11st 8lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Olly Murphy

Reappeared with a win in the Grade 2 Long Distance Hurdle at Newbury (3m, soft) last November and finished second in the Liverpool Hurdle at Aintree (3m, good) in April, having won that same Grade 1 12 months earlier; leading claims despite conceding weight all round.

7/4

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £50.20
Straight Forecast £44.75
Tricast £381.72
Trifecta £379.80

Selections

The Times:

Nemean Lion

TOPSPEED:

Strong Leader

WEST COUNTRY:

Gin Coco

SPOTLIGHT:

El Muchacho

RP RATINGS:

Anyharminasking

Telegraph:

Faivoir

POSTDATA:

Effernock Fizz

Daily Mirror:

Strong Leader

The Sun:

Strong Leader

D Express:

Gin Coco

The Guardian:

Nemean Lion

The Star:

Nemean Lion

Daily Record:

Nemean Lion