12.45
Good To SoftVirgin Bet Novices’ Hurdle (GBB Race)
- Prize money: £4629.1
- 2m 0f 0y
- Class 4
- 16 runners
Runners: 16 runners
Type: Hurdle Turf
Surface: Turf
Weather: Showers
Abandoned
Form: 90-443 D
Last run: 17 days
W: 11st 7lb
7 yo Gelding
OR: 124
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
14th 5 (10) |
4th Jun 2026 Yielding 1m 1f 0y |
9st 10lb |
Seven Flat wins include over C&D, and more recently on the AW in December; trip inadequate on seasonal return here in April and has since been pulled up over hurdles; champion jockey booked but veteran appears vulnerable. |
14/1 |
|
10 |
9th May 2026 Good 2m 1f 0y |
10st 0lb |
Seven-time Flat winner won a Leopardstown maiden hurdle in March 2023 (2m, good to yielding) but generally moderate form over hurdles since then; the same can be said of his recent outing on the level at Leopardstown last month. |
18/1 |
Abandoned
Form: 147-37 D
Last run: 107 days
W: 11st 7lb
4 yo Gelding
OR: 123
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
10 |
14th Jan 2026 Yielding 3m 0f 0y |
10st 6lb |
Dual hurdles winner with his last win coming in December 2023; reverts to hurdles, having been chasing in recent times with little success; finished a 13.5l fifth at Punchestown in June (2m3f, good to yielding) off 116 when last seen in this sphere; others preferred. |
20/1 |
Abandoned
Form: 507-8
Last run: 18 days
W: 11st 0lb
5 yo Gelding
OR: —
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
8 |
3rd Mar 2026 Good To Soft 2m 7f 149y Class 4 |
11st 0lb |
Rediscovered winning ways at Ayr (3m, soft; 5-1), that his second run back from a short break; the handicapper has responded with a 7lb rise, but this stablemate of Whiskey On Ice stays well and handles most ground conditions; likely to have a say in the finish. |
11/4 |
Abandoned
Form: —
Last run: —
W: 11st 0lb
5 yo Gelding
OR: —
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1st 5 (5) |
16th Jul 2026 Good To Firm 1m 5f 16y Class 6 |
8st 6lb |
Winless since January 2024 but he arrives in good nick, third in 1m5f classified event at Ayr (disqualified for riding weighing in light) last month; not out of things back in handicap company. |
9/1 |
|
3 (2) |
19th Jun 2026 Good 1m 5f 26y Class 6 |
9st 9lb |
Five-time winner, with first four on turf (1m4f-1m6f); returned after a long absence in February but he's run well in his last two starts and was beaten less than 2l in a Newcastle handicap (12.4f, Tapeta) last time; now drops into a classified event and he has possibilities back on turf. |
5/1 |
|
4th 10 (4) |
2nd Jun 2026 Standard 1m 4f 98y Class 6 |
8st 11lb |
C&D winner in January 2024 and several fair efforts after that; ran his best race since a 590-day break when a good fourth at Catterick last time; each-way chance. |
7/1 |
Abandoned
Form: 2116-2 C BF
Last run: 38 days
W: 11st 0lb
4 yo Gelding
OR: —
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
3rd 1 |
26th Feb 2026 Soft 3m 0f 26y Class 3 |
12st 0lb |
He's run with credit this season on two of his three starts since returning from a long absence, returning to form when third of seven at Kelso (2m6f, good to soft) in December; his novice hurdle wins came on heavy ground and he could have more to offer now back up in trip; on the shortlist. |
9/1 |
|
4th 4 |
1st Nov 2025 Soft 3m 0f 70y Class 3 |
11st 4lb |
4-10 under rules, posting a personal best when slamming four rivals in novice hurdle at Newcastle (2m4f, heavy) in March 2024; in much deeper when down the field in Grade 1 novice at Aintree the following month, and has not been seen since; retains potential and will probably stay 3m, so he's quite an interesting candidate despite a lengthy absence. |
9/2 |
Abandoned
Form: 1100-
Last run: 214 days
W: 11st 0lb
4 yo Gelding
OR: —
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
13th 6 |
10th Apr 2026 Good To Soft 2m 4f 0y Class 1 |
11st 11lb |
Has gained both handicap wins in useful contests at Ascot (1m7f/2m3f); something to prove back at Aintree and finished behind some of today's rivals at the Cheltenham Festival (2m4f, soft) last time. |
25/1 |
|
12th 9 |
13th Mar 2026 Good 2m 4f 56y Class 2 |
11st 8lb |
Has gained both handicap wins in useful races at Ascot, including latest start when upped to 2m3f (good to soft) and back to best; back on career-high mark but is unexposed at this sort of trip and not necessarily track dependent; has bits of Cheltenham form, including a bumper success. |
16/1 |
|
1st 5 |
14th Feb 2026 Soft 2m 3f 63y Class 2 |
11st 4lb |
Folded tamely last time when bidding to land a notable Ascot handicap (1m7f) for the second year running; capable of being involved on best form and has sometimes shaped as if this new trip is worth exploring. |
12/1 |
Abandoned
Form: 0-09
Last run: 11 days
W: 11st 0lb
4 yo Gelding
OR: —
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1st 3 |
12th Jul 2026 Good 2m 0f 47y Class 5 |
11st 12lb |
Has slipped to a tempting mark but needs to up his game after some below-par recent efforts; gained all four wins at about 2m4f and is probably better suited by ground slower than good; others preferred. |
16/1 |
|
4th 8 |
14th May 2026 Good 2m 4f 35y Class 4 |
11st 0lb |
4-29, including a C&D win (from 2lb lower) at this two-day Perth fixture in 2025; has been competing over 3m recently, failing to get home when fourth to Suspected (beaten over 13l) here three weeks ago; dropping back in trip is in his favour; don't discount hastily. |
12/1 |
|
4th 2 |
22nd Apr 2026 Soft 2m 7f 207y Class 5 |
11st 13lb |
Has won four times over hurdles, including over 2m4f here last May (good); softer ground no problem but stamina to prove. |
11/1 |
Abandoned
Form: P
Last run: 7 days
W: 11st 0lb
7 yo Gelding
OR: —
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
6th 9 (7) |
20th Jul 2026 Good To Firm 1m 2f 0y Class 6 |
9st 2lb |
Veteran with plenty of course form to his name; third of nine over 1m here last week (winner Runninsonofagun runs in the 4.00); one of three runners for the stable. |
10/1 |
|
3rd 9 (4) |
13th Jul 2026 Good To Firm 1m 0f 0y Class 6 |
8st 6lb |
Veteran who has won three of his 58 races on turf, the latest over this trip at Musselburgh last September (good); has been a bit disappointing this season. |
12/1 |
|
5th 5 (5) |
5th Jul 2026 Good 1m 0f 0y Class 6 |
9st 9lb |
Veteran who is a C&D winner but has question marks over current form and whether he's still capable of cutting any mustard aged ten; gives classified grade a whirl. |
14/1 |
Abandoned
Form: 735-F
Last run: 40 days
W: 11st 0lb
4 yo Gelding
OR: —
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
6th 4 |
21st May 2024 Good 2m 7f 63y Class 5 |
11st 2lb |
Likely to have had a major say in the outcome but for the late voiding of a race at Newcastle (2m4f, heavy) in March; let down by his hurdling both subsequent starts; tackles a new trip but is capable of being involved from an easing mark, in a newly applied tongue-tie, if hurdling slicker. |
13/2 |
|
6th 4 |
21st May 2024 Good 2m 7f 63y Class 5 |
11st 2lb |
Likely to have had a major say in the outcome but for the late voiding of a race at Newcastle (2m4f, heavy) in March; let down by his hurdling both subsequent starts; tackles a new trip but is capable of being involved from an easing mark, in a newly applied tongue-tie, if hurdling slicker. |
13/2 |
|
6th 12 |
13th Apr 2024 Heavy 2m 4f 62y Class 5 |
11st 1lb |
in rear |
12/1 |
Abandoned
Form: P
Last run: 27 days
W: 11st 0lb
5 yo Gelding
OR: —
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
9th 3 |
7th May 2024 Good 2m 4f 88y Class 5 |
11st 9lb |
Just three runs in novice hurdles and the latest was quite encouraging; beaten a long way on chase/handicap debut but went off at 6-1 and heavy ground might not have helped him. |
14/1 |
|
9th 3 |
7th May 2024 Good 2m 4f 88y Class 5 |
11st 9lb |
Just three runs in novice hurdles and the latest was quite encouraging; beaten a long way on chase/handicap debut but went off at 6-1 and heavy ground might not have helped him. |
14/1 |
|
8th 4 |
15th Feb 2024 Heavy 2m 0f 75y Class 5 |
11st 6lb |
towards rear, bad mistake and nearly lost jockey 2nd |
10/1 |
Abandoned
Form: 2-6658
Last run: 11 days
W: 11st 0lb
4 yo Gelding
OR: —
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
4th 3 |
9th Sep 2024 Good To Soft 2m 7f 207y Class 5 |
11st 8lb |
Is 0-17 but comes here in good nick, third of 19 in 3m Down Royal handicap ten days ago; he can make his presence felt once more. |
5/1 |
|
14 |
30th Aug 2024 Good 3m 0f 0y |
11st 1lb |
Remains a maiden but went close at Downpatrick in May (2m6f, good) from 3lb lower; had the race at his mercy when a faller at Perth next time; failed to quicken when fourth at Downpatrick when sent off favourite this month but has a 13lb pull in the weights with the reopposing Mister Vic. |
10/1 |
|
4th 6 |
11th Aug 2024 Good 2m 5f 180y |
11st 9lb |
Remains a maiden but nearly put that right over C&D in May when 4lb lower and had every chance when falling at Perth next time; it wasn't a bad run back there four weeks ago and he's in the mix. |
4/1 |
Abandoned
Form: 98/U
Last run: 27 days
W: 11st 0lb
7 yo Gelding
OR: —
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
4th 6 |
11th Feb 2025 Soft 3m 0f 20y Class 5 |
11st 2lb |
Ten-race maiden; creditable fourth on chase debut here in November (2m5f, good) but too free when well beaten at Hexham last time (2m4f, soft); needs to settle better now stepped up to 3m for the first time. |
8/1 |
|
4th 6 |
11th Feb 2025 Soft 3m 0f 20y Class 5 |
11st 2lb |
travelled strongly, midfield |
8/1 |
|
9th 14 |
11th Dec 2024 Soft 2m 4f 15y Class 4 |
10st 6lb |
towards rear |
10/1 |
Abandoned
Form: 6
Last run: 18 days
W: 11st 0lb
5 yo Gelding
OR: —
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
9th 14 |
21st Feb 2026 Good To Soft 2m 4f 62y Class 5 |
10st 8lb |
Low-mileage 8yo; bled from the nose when pulled up on chasing debut in December (did go off favourite) but suffered the same fate on his return to hurdling, again on heavy; has shown he can run well off this mark and less testing ground here could suit; tries cheekpieces. |
16/1 |
|
8 |
27th Jan 2026 Good To Soft 2m 7f 149y Class 5 |
10st 12lb |
Lightly raced 8yo who showed hints of promise over hurdles and was sent off the 11-4 favourite for last month's handicap and chase debut at Ayr; he bled from the nose and was pulled up but he reverts to hurdling today and it will be interesting to see if his backers return. |
6/1 |
|
6th 8 |
11th Feb 2025 Soft 2m 4f 100y Class 5 |
10st 10lb |
prominent, lost ground but in touch with leaders after 3rd |
3/1 |
Abandoned
Form: —
Last run: —
W: 10st 7lb
4 yo Filly
OR: —
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2nd 4 |
20th Mar 2026 Good To Soft 2m 7f 180y Class 5 |
10st 9lb |
Went close at Kelso (2m5f, good) last April but has not made a serious impact this season; now 8lb below the Kelso mark but 0-17 as a hurdler; a hood returns, after it was last fitted in 2023. |
4/1 |
|
4th 7 |
15th Feb 2026 Good To Soft 1m 7f 124y Class 5 |
10st 12lb |
Went close at Kelso (2m5f) last spring; has regressive form this term, taking record over hurdles to 0-16, but gives the impression this belated drop back to about 2m is worth exploring. |
14/1 |
|
5th 5 |
23rd Jan 2026 Good To Soft 2m 3f 88y Class 5 |
11st 7lb |
Three-time French Flat winner who is 0-15 over hurdles having been below par on her three outings this term; however, she's well handicapped on last season's best efforts and is not written off. |
20/1 |
Abandoned
Form: 78-P37
Last run: 24 days
W: 10st 7lb
6 yo Mare
OR: 80
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
5 |
14th Nov 2024 Good 2m 0f 77y Class 5 |
10st 9lb |
13-race maiden; has failed to complete on his last three starts over hurdles and hard to fancy now going chasing. |
50/1 |
|
5 |
14th Nov 2024 Good 2m 0f 77y Class 5 |
10st 9lb |
13-race maiden; has failed to complete on his last three starts over hurdles and hard to fancy now going chasing. |
50/1 |
|
9 |
6th Sep 2024 Good 2m 3f 123y Class 4 |
10st 7lb |
Fell when 66-1 for low-grade Market Rasen handicap in June and now 0-12 over hurdles; can't be recommended on today's terms. |
100/1 |
Abandoned
Form: 23-546
Last run: 35 days
W: 10st 7lb
4 yo Filly
OR: —
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
9th 2 (7) |
16th Jan 2024 Standard 0m 7f 14y Class 4 |
10st 2lb |
Signs of ability in bumpers; poor form over hurdles and 7f likely to be sharp enough now her attentions are switched to the Flat. |
40/1 |
|
0 12 |
5th Jan 2024 Soft 1m 7f 124y Class 5 |
11st 0lb |
Hasn't shown much among her three hurdle starts but she has potential off this lowly opening mark in view of her placed form in bumpers towards the end of 2022; no surprise if she's in the shake-up. |
10/1 |
|
10th 15 |
11th Dec 2023 Good To Soft 2m 0f 0y Class 4 |
10st 13lb |
Placed in two bumpers late last year but she's been unable to get competitive on her first two hurdle starts and others appeal more. |
50/1 |
Verdict
Two-time course bumper winner ESPRIT DU POTIER is open to improvement on this second hurdle start and earns the vote ahead of the penalised Irish raider Walhaan. Fiercely Proud has shown promise in bumpers and is next on the list ahead of the useful French Flat recruit Anamanda.[Ben Hutton]