December 15 / 13.15 Cheltenham

13.15

Soft

Catesby Estates Handicap Hurdle

  • Prize money: £13202.5
  • 2m 0f 179y
  • Class 3
  • 12 runners
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Catesby Estates Handicap Hurdle

Runners: 12 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Partly cloudy

7/1 (Won)

  • Win: £4.50
  • Place: £1.90

Form: 5418-6 D

Last run: 26 days

W: 11st 5lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 125

Form & Verdict
Missed 2022; steadily found his feet again in handicaps early this year, winning one at Wetherby (2m, soft) in March; wore cheekpieces on both outings since, with a backward step on first occasion but he made a satisfactory return from wind surgery (also tongue tied) when sixth of 15 here last month; can figure prominently if he builds on that.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

2

24th Apr 2026

Good

2m 4f 35y

Class 3

15:47 Perth

Go Dante

12st 1lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Olly Murphy

Added to his excellent Sandown record when winning over 2m on soft in December; below par since, including a never-dangerous seventh when bidding for a third successive Imperial Cup back at Sandown, but this is the first time he's dropped to a Class 3 since winning at Cheltenham in December 2023; yard has won the last two runnings of this.

7/1

7th

4

7th Mar 2026

Soft

1m 7f 216y

Class 2

14:27 Sandown

Go Dante

11st 7lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Olly Murphy

10yo who was well beaten at Windsor in January and pulled up at Newbury last month; however, he's had wind surgery since and there can be optimism he'll be a different proposition now back here, having won the last two runnings of this race (soft/good to soft) and also scored over C&D in December.

12/1

2

7th Feb 2026

Soft

2m 0f 69y

Class 1

15:20 Newbury

Go Dante

11st 10lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Olly Murphy

Beaten twice off lower marks in this race (third in 2024, seventh in 2025) and seems unlikely to make it third time lucky; unbeaten at Sandown and likely to be more persuasive back there next month for a crack at an Imperial Cup hat-trick.

33/1

7/2

  • Place: £2.30

Form: 11/1/1

Last run: 21 days

W: 11st 11lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 131

Form & Verdict
Unbeaten in two bumpers and the same over hurdles at Kempton (2m5f) and Ascot (1m7f); the second of those runs was on good to soft, the other three on good; the Kempton win came in runaway fashion and is easily his best form but he severed a tendon and was absent for nearly two years before his reappearance; one to note on handicap debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

11th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 149y

Class 1

15:05 Aintree

Doddiethegreat

11st 10lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Nicky Henderson

Won the Pertemps Final at Cheltenham (3m, good to soft) last March and some respectable runs in Grade 2s this term; wore blinkers when pulled up in the Stayers' Hurdle at Cheltenham last month and is back in his usual cheekpieces this afternoon, but he still has something to find.

28/1

3

12th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 7f 213y

Class 1

15:20 Cheltenham

Doddiethegreat

11st 10lb

J: James Bowen

T: Nicky Henderson

Won the Pertemps Final Handicap over C&D (good to soft) last March and he's performed respectably in Graded races this term, most recently third of six over C&D behind Ma Shantou and Impose Toi (soft; jockey dropped whip after final flight); it's possible he'll produce his best performance of the season now he's back into a bigger field over a C&D that clearly suits, but he'll probably still come up short; blinkers replace cheekpieces.

50/1

3rd

4

24th Jan 2026

Soft

2m 7f 213y

Class 1

15:35 Cheltenham

Doddiethegreat

11st 6lb

J: Freddie Gordon

T: Nicky Henderson

Won the Pertemps Handicap Final over C&D (good to soft) at the Festival last March; he has something to find with Impose Toi and Strong Leader on the evidence of this season's three outings but he's been running pretty well and the return to Cheltenham may be a positive; not ruled out each-way.

7/1

5/1

  • Place: £1.00

Form: 521 D

Last run: 29 days

W: 10st 11lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 117

Form & Verdict
Dual Listed winner on the Flat in Germany (1m4f/1m2f); fractious before a disappointing hurdles/British debut but close second at Wincanton (1m7f, soft) next time and unchallenged when 11-10 favourite in novice at Taunton (2m, good to soft) four weeks ago; hooded for last two starts; makes handicap hurdle debut, with a lot more to offer if he's judged on Flat form.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

14th

1

27th Apr 2024

Good

1m 7f 216y

Class 2

13:50 Sandown

Panjari

12st 0lb

J: Freddie Gingell

T: Paul Nicholls

A useful 1m2f Flat winner in Germany (on good and good to soft) who has had a fine first season over hurdles, and in the last of his three novice wins he beat Dartmoor Pirate who was close up in Sandown's EBF Final the time before; it's all come at a cost mark-wise but there could be even more in the locker under drying conditions.

12/1

14th

1

27th Apr 2024

Good

1m 7f 216y

Class 2

13:50 Sandown

Panjari

12st 0lb

J: Freddie Gingell

T: Paul Nicholls

A useful 1m2f Flat winner in Germany (on good and good to soft) who has had a fine first season over hurdles, and in the last of his three novice wins he beat Dartmoor Pirate who was close up in Sandown's EBF Final the time before; it's all come at a cost mark-wise but there could be even more in the locker under drying conditions.

12/1

1st

1

16th Apr 2024

Heavy

1m 7f 182y

Class 4

16:15 Ffos Las

Panjari

12st 0lb

J: Freddie Gingell

T: Paul Nicholls

travelled strongly, pressed leader, disputed lead 3rd, led narrowly 3 out, went clear run-in, easily

5/2

7/1

  • Place: £1.00

Form: 343-12 D

Last run: 28 days

W: 10st 11lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 117

Form & Verdict
Placed in his two bumpers; off the mark at third attempt in novice hurdles (Chepstow) and beat all his rivals in a 17-runner handicap here (2m, again good to soft; 12-1) four weeks ago except for the heavily backed Henderson/McManus favourite; raised 5lb but on the shortlist.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

4

17th Apr 2026

Soft

2m 4f 110y

Class 2

15:30 Ayr

Donnacha

11st 3lb

J: James Davies

T: Nigel Hawke

Can make mistakes but he was runner-up twice in a row prior to winning a quality handicap at Cheltenham (2m4f, soft) in January, when clear with subsequent Ultima runner-up Jagwar; a 5lb rise for that career-best performance isn't harsh and he's entitled to respect.

5/2

1st

7

24th Jan 2026

Soft

2m 4f 127y

Class 1

13:15 Cheltenham

Donnacha

10st 8lb

J: James Davies

T: Nigel Hawke

Hard to knock in terms of consistency and he again ran creditably when second of seven at Chepstow (2m3f, good to soft) on Welsh National day; however, he's prone to the odd mistake and may not get away with them on his first run over fences at Cheltenham.

12/1

3rd

1

28th Oct 2025

Soft

2m 3f 83y

Class 3

15:28 Ffos Las

Donnacha

12st 0lb

J: James Davies

T: Nigel Hawke

Struck form over fences at start of this year, winning over 2m3f on soft ground at Exeter and Chepstow; subsequent 261-day break may have checked his momentum but further progress is possible this season.

4/1

Form: 52-14

Last run: 49 days

W: 11st 5lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 125

Form & Verdict
110,000euros buy after Irish bumpers; 1-2 when 12l novice winner at Uttoxeter (2m, good to soft) in September; fourth of eight in Grade 2 novice here (2m, good) in October was better form and he should be capable of better still, which is needed on handicap debut but he's one to consider.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

1

4th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

1m 7f 144y

Class 2

14:12 Haydock

Williethebuilder

12st 0lb

J: Toby McCain-Mitchell

T: Christian Williams

Won two in a row at Kempton (2m, good) in the winter before another good run when fourth at Musselburgh (1m7f, good to soft), where he would have been a bit closer but for late interference; soft ground may not have been ideal in the County Hurdle three weeks ago; might not be far away.

7/1

18th

13

13th Mar 2026

Good

2m 0f 179y

Class 1

14:00 Cheltenham

Williethebuilder

10st 10lb

J: Jack Tudor

T: Christian Williams

A rare one in that he's improved since leaving Dan Skelton, winning a pair of 2m handicaps on good ground at Kempton this winter; creditable fourth of ten in the Scottish County at Musselburgh six weeks ago but it underlines that he needs to find a bit more from this career-high mark.

25/1

4th

2

31st Jan 2026

Good To Soft

1m 7f 124y

Class 2

13:43 Musselburgh

Williethebuilder

11st 7lb

J: Toby McCain-Mitchell

T: Christian Williams

7yo who has been with a new stable since October and has shown career-best form to win at Kempton (2m, good) on his last two starts; has shown promise on soft/good to soft; clearly thriving and could take latest 6lb rise in his stride if today's slower conditions aren't an issue.

100/30

Form: 1/3P-6 D

Last run: 18 days

W: 11st 0lb

5 yo Horse

OR: 120

Form & Verdict
Very lightly raced 5yo; won hurdles debut in November 2021 but nothing resembling that form in his three handicaps since; down the weights but still needs a revival.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

30th May 2026

Good To Firm

2m 0f 213y

Class 4

19:50 Stratford

In This World

12st 0lb

J: Robert Dunne

T: Rob Summers

Won twice for the Skeltons; showed his best form for his current yard when fifth of eight at Warwick (2m, good) 26 days ago; his mark continues to drop and he should find another opening at some point.

7/1

5th

5

4th May 2026

Good

2m 0f 54y

Class 4

15:15 Warwick

In This World

11st 7lb

J: Beau Morgan

T: Rob Summers

Won twice for Dan Skelton but opposable on what he's shown in last four races, all handicaps divided between hurdles and fences.

20/1

5th

2

9th Mar 2026

Soft

2m 0f 213y

Class 4

14:50 Stratford

In This World

11st 10lb

J: Beau Morgan

T: Rob Summers

Won twice for Dan Skelton but showed little for current yard in three starts last year; hard to fancy.

25/1

20/1

Form: U07-22 D

Last run: 33 days

W: 11st 4lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 124

Form & Verdict
0-5 in handicaps but runner-up in three of them, including at Plumpton and Sandown (2m, soft) in his two starts this season; probably not far away.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

2

18th Sep 2024

Good

2m 4f 189y

Class 2

17:05 Kelso

Kaleb

11st 12lb

J: Jack Quinlan

T: Amy Murphy

Won off a 3lb lower mark at Market Rasen in May (2m4f, good); sound run when fourth in a Galway handicap hurdle last time (2m4f, good to yielding; second and sixth have won since); chance.

4/1

4th

10

2nd Aug 2024

Good

2m 0f 11y

17:00 Galway

Kaleb

11st 3lb

J: J M Quinlan

T: Amy Murphy

prominent

12/1

3rd

2

28th Jun 2024

Good

2m 3f 123y

Class 3

19:23 Bangor-on-Dee

Kaleb

11st 10lb

J: Jack Quinlan

T: Amy Murphy

Returned to form with a near miss at Southwell in April and he got back on the scoresheet at Market Rasen (2m4f, good) the following month; up another 3lb but he was as good as ever last time and should be in the thick of things again.

4/1

Form: 1134

Last run: 27 days

W: 10st 6lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 112

Form & Verdict
Useful German Flat winner (1m4f/1m2f) in 2022; hurdling for this yard on last four starts, with 2m2f and 2m6f wins at Newton Abbot on first two occasions; better form taking minor honours in the mud in handicaps both starts since, latterly at Cheltenham (2m5f); needs extra but cheekpieces (tried two and three starts back) return and there's a big rethink on his trip.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

7

28th Feb 2025

Soft

3m 0f 52y

Class 3

17:05 Newbury

Wonderful Eagle

11st 4lb

J: Micheal Nolan

T: Philip Hobbs & Johnson White

took keen hold, towards rear

5/1

3rd

10

13th Dec 2024

Good To Soft

2m 7f 213y

Class 2

15:35 Cheltenham

Wonderful Eagle

10st 2lb

J: Micheal Nolan

T: Philip Hobbs & Johnson White

held up in midfield, headway and disputing second when mistake and lost ground last, rallied run-in, went fourth towards finish

12/1

3rd

10

13th Dec 2024

Good To Soft

2m 7f 213y

Class 2

15:35 Cheltenham

Wonderful Eagle

10st 2lb

J: Micheal Nolan

T: Philip Hobbs & Johnson White

held up in midfield, headway and disputing second when mistake and lost ground last, rallied run-in, went fourth towards finish

12/1

Form: 5-3154

Last run: 28 days

W: 10st 7lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 113

Form & Verdict
Disappointing in a bumper on heavy going; won 2m3f maiden at Huntingdon (good) on second start over hurdles and better form in defeat over 2m at Cheltenham twice since, fourth of 17 off today's mark last time (Donnacha second); free-going sort who has jumped out to his right (notably on penultimate start); 7lb claimer takes over.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

24th Mar 2025

Good

2m 5f 82y

Class 4

15:00 Wincanton

Mr Mackay

11st 8lb

J: Mr Toby McCain-Mitchell

T: Nigel Twiston-Davies

Pretty consistent over fences and hurdles on good/good to soft ground this season and has slipped to a good mark; campaigned mainly at around 2m but has won over an extended 2m3f; probably won't be far away.

5/2

5th

8

1st Mar 2025

Good To Soft

2m 0f 128y

Class 4

17:07 Doncaster

Mr Mackay

11st 4lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Nigel Twiston-Davies

Seemed in good form over fences before the turn of the year and reportedly suffered an overreach on his return to hurdling at Musselburgh; on a competitive mark.

12/1

5th

2

1st Feb 2025

Good To Soft

1m 7f 124y

Class 4

16:27 Musselburgh

Mr Mackay

11st 13lb

J: James Turner

T: Nigel Twiston-Davies

Fair efforts in the autumn across first three chase starts, finishing second last time (2m, good) despite not jumping well; on a handy mark on last season's best hurdle form; could be a contender now back in this sphere.

8/1

OUR TIP

Form: 2-P140 D BF

Last run: 33 days

W: 12st 0lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 134

Form & Verdict
Creditable third in a bumper here; disappointing in a hot 2m4f handicap at Naas on latest outing, having won a heavy-ground maiden in March and a 2m3f novice in August before taking fourth of 17 in a valuable 2m handicap at Listowel; major player judged on his best efforts.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

7

25th May 2026

Good

2m 2f 72y

16:30 Ballinrobe

Thecompanysergeant

11st 2lb

J: Keith Donoghue

T: Gavin Cromwell

Dual bumper winner and winning chaser is 2-11 over hurdles and rated 132; has lost his way since fine second in the Plate at Cheltenham in 2025; pulled up in Leopardstown chase when last seen in February; revival needed.

10/1

8

1st Feb 2026

Soft To Heavy

2m 5f 107y

14:45 Leopardstown

Thecompanysergeant

11st 0lb

J: Eoin Staples

T: Gavin Cromwell

Record of 1-13 over fences but has been placed plenty, notably when second to Jagwar in the Plate at Cheltenham last term; hasn't been as good since and was well beaten over hurdles here last time; yard back in form, though, so not ruled out.

18/1

Form: 522P-2 D BF

Last run: 41 days

W: 11st 2lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 122

Form & Verdict
Won a novice on soft; also won handicap debut in October 2022 and runner-up in three of his six since, beaten a neck at Ayr on reappearance; wore second-time cheekpieces that day (blundered when in front at the last) and now tries a visor; each-way chance.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10

17th Apr 2026

Soft

2m 0f 0y

Class 3

13:45 Ayr

Ginger Mail

11st 4lb

J: Bruce Lynn

T: N W Alexander

Exposed 10yo whose powers would appear to be on the wane judged on this season's performances; opposable.

33/1

11th

6

20th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 1f 87y

Class 2

15:22 Musselburgh

Ginger Mail

11st 5lb

J: Bruce Lynn

T: N W Alexander

10yo whose mark continues to fall and he took a step back in the right direction when third of seven at Ayr a fortnight ago; it's possible he'll be able to build on that latest run but he was beaten just over 7l and certainly needs a bigger performance this afternoon.

14/1

3rd

3

7th Mar 2026

Soft

2m 0f 0y

Class 4

15:20 Ayr

Ginger Mail

11st 8lb

J: Bruce Lynn

T: N W Alexander

Boasts two wins around here, one over this distance, but has been below his best this term and was pulled up at Kelso (2m, heavy) last month in race won by Triple Crown Ted; hard to fancy.

16/1

16/1

Form: /4P4-0 D

Last run: 28 days

W: 11st 1lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 121

Form & Verdict
Out of form in his last four outings (spread over a year, last three over fences) for Sam Thomas and tailed off at 22-1 when making the running on reappearance here (2m5f) four weeks ago; unraced over shorter than 2m3f over jumps; lots to prove.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12th

4

2nd Mar 2024

Soft

2m 0f 128y

Class 4

16:50 Doncaster

Skytastic

11st 11lb

J: Kevin Brogan

T: Ben Pauling

A very promising novice hurdler two years ago but lightly raced and disappointing since (including spell over fences); well beaten on both starts for new stable this season; big leap of faith required to support him here.

20/1

12th

8

15th Dec 2023

Soft

2m 0f 179y

Class 3

13:15 Cheltenham

Skytastic

11st 1lb

J: Ben Jones

T: Ben Pauling

Out of form in his last four outings (spread over a year, last three over fences) for Sam Thomas and tailed off at 22-1 when making the running on reappearance here (2m5f) four weeks ago; unraced over shorter than 2m3f over jumps; lots to prove.

16/1

Non-runners

Jagwar, Lebowski

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £30.60
Straight Forecast £26.44
Tricast £91.36
Trifecta £134.40

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Donnacha

RP RATINGS:

Doddiethegreat

Telegraph:

Panjari

POSTDATA:

Go Dante

D Express:

Williethebuilder

The Guardian:

Ginger Mail

TOPSPEED:

Donnacha

WEST COUNTRY:

Donnacha

The Sun:

Donnacha

The Star:

Donnacha

Daily Mirror:

Panjari

The Times:

Go Dante

LAMBOURN:

Doddiethegreat

Daily Mail:

Doddiethegreat

Daily Record:

Doddiethegreat