13.15
SoftExeter Novices’ Hurdle (GBB Race)
- Prize money: £4955.32
- 2m 0f 161y
- Class 4
- 13 runners
Runners: 13 runners
Type: Hurdle Turf
Surface: Turf
Weather: Showers
4/6 (Won)
- Win: £1.50
- Place: £1.10
Form: 1- D
Last run: 246 days
W: 11st 0lb
5 yo Gelding
OR: —
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
5th 1 |
10th Apr 2026 Good To Soft 2m 3f 200y Class 1 |
11st 10lb |
Made mistakes and pulled up in the Clarence House at Ascot in January when last seen; however, prior to that he reappeared with a good second to subsequent Gold Cup runner-up Jango Baie in the Grade 2 1965 Chase at Ascot (2m5f, good) and last season's best performance came when runner-up in the Grade 1 Manifesto Novices' Chase over C&D (good to soft) in April; arrives fresh, whereas most of these ran at the Cheltenham Festival; interesting. |
15/2 |
|
1 |
17th Jan 2026 Good To Soft 2m 0f 172y Class 1 |
11st 10lb |
Lightly raced 8yo who won Grade 2s as a novice hurdler and novice chaser; ran as well as he's ever done when 9l second to top-class Jango Baie in Grade 2 chase here (2m5f, good; handles soft) in November; more needed today but the drop back in trip should not inconvenience him in the slightest. |
7/1 |
|
2nd 4 |
3rd Apr 2025 Good To Soft 2m 3f 200y Class 1 |
11st 7lb |
Grade 2 novice hurdle winner (2m4f, good to soft) who was pulled up on chase debut in November (irregular heartbeat) but impressed in four-runner Grade 2 novice at Windsor (2m, soft) in January, when subsequent Cheltenham Festival winner Caldwell Potter was 4l behind in second; unraced on good ground; the step back up in trip seems a likely plus; firmly in calculations. |
5/1 |
7/1
- Place: £1.30
Form: 235-
Last run: 245 days
W: 11st 0lb
6 yo Gelding
OR: —
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
10 |
14th Feb 2026 Soft 2m 3f 63y Class 2 |
10st 10lb |
Acts on any ground; had very little to spare at Sandown (2m4f) most recently but the runner-up has franked the form since; still competitively treated back up 2lb, assuming he takes to first-time headgear. |
8/1 |
|
4 |
30th Oct 2025 Good To Soft 2m 3f 98y Class 3 |
11st 5lb |
Did not make any significant further progress after making all for clearcut success at Chepstow (2m3f, good to soft) last November but is still quite lightly raced over fences and makes his seasonal debut from a workable mark; can make a bold bid. |
7/2 |
|
4 |
30th Oct 2025 Good To Soft 2m 3f 98y Class 3 |
11st 5lb |
Did not make any significant further progress after making all for clearcut success at Chepstow (2m3f, good to soft) last November but is still quite lightly raced over fences and makes his seasonal debut from a workable mark; can make a bold bid. |
7/2 |
4/1
- Place: £2.60
Form: 8- BF
Last run: 253 days
W: 11st 0lb
5 yo Gelding
OR: —
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
5th 1 |
17th Feb 2025 Good To Soft 2m 4f 88y Class 4 |
12st 1lb |
in touch with leaders, lost ground after 9th, no impression after 4 out |
9/4 |
|
1st 4 |
24th Jan 2025 Good To Soft 2m 3f 31y Class 4 |
11st 12lb |
Low-mileage 7yo who started career with an impressive point win (2m4f); duly proved suited by the switch to chasing at Hereford (2m; handicap debut) most recently and should build on that success; respected. |
5/2 |
|
1st 4 |
24th Jan 2025 Good To Soft 2m 3f 31y Class 4 |
11st 12lb |
in touch with leaders, headway before 4 out |
5/2 |
25/1
Form: —
Last run: —
W: 11st 0lb
6 yo Gelding
OR: —
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2nd 6 |
27th Mar 2026 Good To Soft 2m 3f 104y Class 2 |
10st 3lb |
Can be a bit in and out but he stuck to his task and just got the better of Le Galli Bier for second last time at Plumpton (2m4f, soft); however, the winner left both behind and this 9yo is off the same mark. |
8/1 |
|
2nd 1 |
23rd Feb 2026 Soft 2m 3f 166y Class 5 |
12st 0lb |
Rather in and out since winning at Fontwell in December 2024, but he was in the process of running one of his better races when falling at the second last at Lingfield (2m4f, heavy) 18 days ago; likely to play a part if none the worse for that experience. |
4/1 |
|
4 |
5th Feb 2026 Soft 2m 4f 0y Class 4 |
10st 12lb |
Seemed to find 2m7f too taxing here last month but had arguably been fortunate to escape with just a small nudge up the weights for his clear second at Warwick (2m4f, good to soft) on New Year's Eve, and this drop back in trip looks the right move. |
13/2 |
100/1
Form: 80-
Last run: 213 days
W: 11st 0lb
5 yo Gelding
OR: —
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1st 3 |
20th May 2026 Good 2m 4f 0y Class 4 |
10st 12lb |
Sole success came at Exeter off 7lb higher in April last year; has slipped down the weights but placed for the first time since when second of six finishers at Ffos Las (2m5f, good) 15 days ago; cannot dismiss. |
5/1 |
|
2nd 7 |
5th May 2026 Good 2m 5f 110y Class 5 |
11st 0lb |
1-19 overall, though the win did come over fences; however, hasn't fired for a while, despite attracting market support on his return to hurdles last time. |
14/1 |
|
4th 9 |
17th Apr 2026 Good To Firm 2m 2f 111y Class 5 |
11st 2lb |
2m3f chase winner here (good) 12 months ago; 0-6 over hurdles; well beaten over fences on his last four starts; bit to prove back hurdling. |
11/1 |
200/1
Form: 6770-P
Last run: 173 days
W: 11st 0lb
5 yo Gelding
OR: 67
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
4th 9 |
6th May 2026 Good 2m 3f 104y Class 5 |
10st 5lb |
Record of 2-7 over fences and he ran a big race in defeat at Exeter (2m3f, good to soft) last month; is also well suited by this track and he should be in the mix again after a short break. |
10/1 |
|
2nd 10 |
6th Mar 2026 Good To Soft 2m 3f 48y Class 5 |
10st 6lb |
2-6 over fences and was running well when last seen 12 months ago; trip/ground fine and on a competitive mark, while has won after a break in the past. |
13/2 |
16/1
Form: —
Last run: —
W: 11st 0lb
4 yo Gelding
OR: —
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
3rd 2 |
25th Feb 2025 Soft 2m 6f 151y Class 5 |
11st 11lb |
Major improvement since switched to fences and handicap level, winning soft-ground contests at this course (2m4f) and Wetherby (2m3f) despite lacking fluency; shapes as if he'll be suited by this longer trip and looks capable of further progress, especially if jumping better; respected. |
10/11 |
|
1st 9 |
1st Feb 2025 Soft 2m 3f 85y Class 5 |
11st 2lb |
Very lightly raced 6yo; didn't show much in three 2m hurdle runs, but he found stacks of improvement when scoring on his handicap/chase debut at Leicester (2m4f, soft) in December; up 8lb but he rallied well for that comfortable success and is open to more progress; strongly respected. |
100/30 |
|
1st 9 |
1st Feb 2025 Soft 2m 3f 85y Class 5 |
11st 2lb |
Very lightly raced 6yo; didn't show much in three 2m hurdle runs, but he found stacks of improvement when scoring on his handicap/chase debut at Leicester (2m4f, soft) in December; up 8lb but he rallied well for that comfortable success and is open to more progress; strongly respected. |
100/30 |
10/1
Form: 714- D
Last run: 250 days
W: 11st 0lb
5 yo Gelding
OR: —
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
4th 3 |
5th Dec 2024 Soft 1m 7f 201y Class 4 |
11st 9lb |
held up in rear, no impression before 4 out |
7/4 |
200/1
Form: 800
Last run: 4 days
W: 10st 7lb
5 yo Mare
OR: —
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
5th 5 |
28th May 2026 Good 2m 0f 110y Class 5 |
10st 5lb |
Has lost her way badly since her win/place form over fences last summer; cheekpieces tried last time are swiftly removed; couldn't trust. |
14/1 |
|
7 |
5th May 2026 Good 2m 0f 8y Class 5 |
10st 6lb |
2m1f chase winner at Stratford a year ago but has largely struggled to reproduce that level, including after wind surgery; continues to ease in the weights and cheekpieces are enlisted, but others arrive with much more persuasive credentials. |
25/1 |
33/1
Form: 45-75
Last run: 32 days
W: 11st 0lb
5 yo Gelding
OR: —
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1st 16 |
11th Apr 2026 Good To Soft 3m 0f 210y Class 1 |
10st 13lb |
Four-time hurdles winner, including in one of only two attempts at 3m; campaigned over 2m4f/2m5f switched to fences this term, best effort when third behind very notable rivals in graduation chase at Haydock; well handicapped on that bare form and could be open to any amount of improvement back up in distance; a typically interesting runner of his type for the Skeltons. |
5/2 |
|
4th 1 |
7th Mar 2026 Good To Soft 2m 4f 15y Class 3 |
11st 11lb |
Fairly useful hurdler who stepped up on his Carlisle chase debut sixth when beaten just over 6l into third behind The Jukebox Man and Iroko in a Haydock graduation event over an extended 2m5f (good to soft) in November; while his proximity to that high-class pair almost certainly shouldn't be taken at face value he could still be well treated back in a handicap off 131. |
2/1 |
|
6th 3 |
2nd Nov 2025 Good 2m 4f 198y Class 3 |
11st 9lb |
Made very good progress over hurdles last season (three wins); signed off with creditable third in competitive Cheltenham handicap (3m, good) in April and has possibilities if he takes well to chasing at first attempt. |
5/1 |
20/1
Form: 0-4
Last run: 22 days
W: 11st 0lb
4 yo Gelding
OR: —
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
7th 7 |
20th Sep 2024 Good 2m 0f 167y Class 5 |
11st 1lb |
Unplaced all seven hurdling starts; ran well when fifth over C&D (2m1f, good) in first-time hood in June and could plausbly build on that performance but others in this field have more pressing claims. |
14/1 |
|
5th 4 |
5th Jun 2024 Good 2m 0f 167y Class 5 |
11st 8lb |
Beaten in the region of 20l since switched to handicaps and his mark has dropped just 5lb; the hood will need to make a difference for him to get off the mark here but that's feasible. |
11/2 |
100/1
Form: —
Last run: 20 days
W: 11st 0lb
4 yo Gelding
OR: —
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
10th 3 |
8th Jan 2024 Soft 2m 3f 1y Class 4 |
11st 5lb |
Struggled when a big-priced outsider for first two hurdling attempts (2m/2m4f). |
100/1 |
|
11th 1 |
18th Dec 2023 Good To Soft 2m 4f 114y Class 4 |
11st 4lb |
in touch with leaders |
150/1 |
|
0 1 |
20th Nov 2023 Soft 2m 0f 161y Class 4 |
11st 0lb |
Runner-up in British maiden point (2m4f, good to soft) in April on second start but tailed off at 150-1 on bumper debut at Chepstow (2m, good to soft) three weeks ago and is probably best watched now hurdling. |
100/1 |
10/1
Form: 2-
Last run: 218 days
W: 11st 0lb
5 yo Gelding
OR: —
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
0 5 |
20th Nov 2023 Soft 2m 0f 161y Class 4 |
11st 0lb |
Runner-up in British maiden point (2m4f, good) last December on second start and, following £100,000 sale, occupied same position in bumper at Huntingdon (2m, good to soft) in April; open to improvement and he could have a part to play in a first-time tongue-tie on hurdle debut. |
10/1 |
|
2nd 6 |
16th Apr 2023 Good To Soft 1m 7f 171y Class 5 |
11st 7lb |
led, shaken up and went clear over 2f out, ridden inside final furlong, headed towards finish |
7/1 |
Non-runners
Moorefields
+o+e Accumulators
| Payout | |
|---|---|
| Exacta | £3.40 |
| Straight Forecast | £3.13 |
| Trifecta | £15.90 |
Selections
POSTDATA:
Gidleigh ParkWEST COUNTRY:
Gidleigh ParkThe Times:
Gidleigh ParkTelegraph:
Gidleigh ParkThe Guardian:
Gidleigh ParkDaily Mail:
Gidleigh ParkDaily Mirror:
Gidleigh ParkThe Sun:
Gidleigh ParkDaily Record:
Gidleigh Park