12.55
Good To SoftVickers.Bet Novices’ Hurdle (GBB Race)
- Prize money: £4193.42
- 2m 0f 11y
- Class 4
- 16 runners
Runners: 16 runners
Type: Hurdle Turf
Surface: Turf
Weather: Partly cloudy
Abandoned
Form: 311
Last run: 35 days
W: 11st 7lb
6 yo Mare
OR: 116
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2nd 3 |
14th May 2026 Good 2m 4f 35y Class 4 |
11st 7lb |
On the rise for previous yard in late 2023, winning back-to-back at Uttoxeter (maiden) and Fontwell (novice); mostly disappointing over fences (0-5), pulling up at Huntingdon in January when last seen; back to hurdles from fair mark on first start for Olly Murphy; consult the market. |
10/1 |
|
2 |
22nd Jan 2026 Soft 2m 7f 129y Class 4 |
11st 4lb |
No further successes since beating Batwomen by a neck in a Fontwell mares' novice hurdle in December 2023 (2m3f, heavy); mixed signals over fences of late as to whether this step up to 3m is needed, and cheekpieces wrought no improvement from her on one previous application. |
5/2 |
|
5th 3 |
7th Mar 2025 Soft 2m 4f 25y Class 4 |
11st 5lb |
Dual hurdle winner on heavy ground; the writing was on the wall a long way from home when last of the four behind Mighty Moth on her chase debut at Lingfield; cheekpieces are now enlisted. |
10/1 |
Abandoned
Form: 4
Last run: 15 days
W: 11st 2lb
5 yo Gelding
OR: —
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
3rd 1 |
22nd Mar 2026 Good 2m 7f 25y Class 4 |
11st 13lb |
Won over 2m5f on heavy here 13 months ago; consistent in defeat this season in handicaps at about this distance, running his usual honest race last time at Ascot; has nudged up the weights so his rider's 7lb claim is welcomed; good to soft is fine but he has a bit to prove on good. |
4/1 |
|
2nd 12 |
14th Feb 2026 Soft 2m 7f 123y Class 3 |
11st 4lb |
Won at Exeter (2m5f, heavy) just under a year ago and has made the frame over 2m7f there on all three starts this season but has a bit more on his plate in this higher grade and needs a career-best effort. |
8/1 |
|
1st 4 |
21st Feb 2025 Good To Soft 2m 5f 137y Class 5 |
11st 12lb |
in touch with leaders, mistake 1st, prominent 5th |
7/1 |
Abandoned
Form: 106 D
Last run: 34 days
W: 11st 2lb
6 yo Gelding
OR: —
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1st 3 |
25th Apr 2026 Good 2m 6f 164y Class 1 |
11st 2lb |
Useful novice chaser whose form features second-place finishes in 3m Grade 2 events at Sandown and Windsor; came up rather short in Grade 1 at Aintree last time but looks one of the main contenders returned to this level. |
15/8 |
|
4th 2 |
10th Apr 2026 Good To Soft 3m 0f 210y Class 1 |
11st 7lb |
Tends to lead; scored at 1-50 on his chase debut at Warwick in May and impressed when winning by 10l at Exeter (3m, also good) in November; put in his place by Salver on last two starts (good to soft/soft) but comes here fresh having skipped Cheltenham and any drying of the ground would be in his favour; could get them all at it. |
14/1 |
|
2nd 3 |
18th Jan 2026 Soft 3m 0f 60y Class 1 |
11st 7lb |
Has won on soft but seems ideally suited by faster ground; record of 2-5 since switched to chasing includes a Class 2 win at Exeter (3m) on penultimate start; not disgraced at Sandown latest but was beaten 12l by Salver; 5lb pull looks insufficient in the rematch. |
11/2 |
Abandoned
Form: 0/PP-
Last run: 372 days
W: 11st 2lb
8 yo Gelding
OR: —
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
10th 2 |
12th Feb 2024 Soft 1m 7f 195y Class 4 |
11st 7lb |
held up in last, always behind |
150/1 |
|
7th 2 |
27th Jan 2024 Heavy 1m 7f 168y Class 4 |
11st 8lb |
Tailed off in his sole bumper in March 2022 and was pulled up in both hurdle runs (2m, soft) last season; hood is now added on his comeback after 383 days off. |
66/1 |
Abandoned
Form: 32-49
Last run: 48 days
W: 11st 2lb
6 yo Gelding
OR: —
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2 |
13th Jul 2026 Good 2m 2f 110y Class 5 |
11st 11lb |
Completed a spring double last year off 8lb higher; struggled for form after returning in December from a break but fared better when back to front-running tactics at Stratford (extended 2m2f; good to firm) a fortnight ago and a repeat of that effort would put him in the mix. |
11/2 |
|
3rd 3 |
30th Jun 2026 Good To Firm 2m 2f 148y Class 5 |
11st 9lb |
Completed back-to-back wins last spring, including over 2m here, but has been badly out of form since returning from a break in December and failed to justify market support when pulled up at Newton Abbot this month; on a good mark but hard to recommend in current form. |
25/1 |
|
4 |
3rd Jun 2026 Good 2m 0f 167y Class 5 |
11st 10lb |
Completed back-to-back wins last spring, including one here, but has been badly out of form since returning from a break in December; now 4lb below his last winning mark, but hard to make a case for in current form. |
10/1 |
Abandoned
Form: /00-56
Last run: 38 days
W: 11st 2lb
6 yo Gelding
OR: —
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2nd 4 |
6th May 2026 Good To Soft 2m 0f 75y Class 4 |
11st 4lb |
Back to near best on first start for this stable when runner-up at Market Rasen (2m1f, good) with the hood back on; remains well treated on past form after 3lb rise and holds strong claims if able to repeat the effort. |
2/1 |
|
2nd 2 |
5th Apr 2026 Good 2m 1f 43y Class 5 |
11st 13lb |
Absent since pulled up over hurdles for Matt Sheppard last summer (wore cheekpieces) but was unlucky not to win a chase for him at Chepstow (2m, good) just under a year ago, and he's now 5lb below that mark; will need to be taken very seriously if strong in the betting before this stable debut; usual hood refitted. |
6/1 |
|
2 |
25th Jul 2025 Good 1m 7f 168y Class 5 |
11st 13lb |
In front when falling at the last over fences at Chepstow (2m, good) in April, but was pulled up in his next two starts and well beaten back over hurdles at Bangor (2m1f, good) three weeks ago; cheekpieces given a go but has plenty to prove. |
40/1 |
Abandoned
Form: 4/776-
Last run: 263 days
W: 11st 2lb
7 yo Gelding
OR: —
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
5th 8 |
9th Mar 2024 Soft 2m 3f 147y Class 5 |
11st 1lb |
Unable to land any sort of blow in novice hurdles at major tracks on his two appearances this season but made fairly encouraging hurdle debut at Chepstow (2m, good to soft) last April and has a lowly mark for his handicap debut; moves up in trip with usual hood removed. |
20/1 |
|
11th 12 |
10th Feb 2024 Soft 2m 0f 69y Class 3 |
11st 2lb |
took keen hold, always behind |
100/1 |
Abandoned
Form: 257-2P BF
Last run: 35 days
W: 11st 2lb
6 yo Gelding
OR: —
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
5th 6 |
10th Mar 2026 Good To Soft 1m 7f 199y Class 1 |
11st 7lb |
Pulled up on two of his last three goes over hurdles but the transition to chasing has been smooth and he's 3-3; showed further improvement when easily beating two rivals (Mambonumberfive well held in third) in Grade 2 Kingmaker Novices' at Warwick (2m, heavy; handles good) last month; faces his sternest assignment and will need another personal best. |
12/1 |
|
1st 1 |
7th Feb 2026 Soft 2m 0f 54y Class 1 |
11st 7lb |
Very useful hurdler with 2-2 strike-rate over fences this season, the latter win gained by 9l in Grade 2 novice at Ascot (2m3f, soft) in December; should be fine back at 2m and ought to be a very tough nut to crack. |
4/5 |
|
3 |
4th Apr 2025 Good To Soft 2m 4f 0y Class 1 |
11st 13lb |
in touch with leaders |
10/1 |
Abandoned
Form: 5
Last run: 26 days
W: 11st 2lb
7 yo Gelding
OR: —
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
9 |
20th Mar 2025 Good 2m 7f 131y Class 5 |
10st 2lb |
towards rear |
33/1 |
|
9 |
12th Feb 2025 Good To Soft 3m 1f 44y Class 5 |
10st 4lb |
in rear, headway into midfield 8th, not fluent 11th, weakened before 2 out (usual 3 out), pulled up last (usual 2 out) |
20/1 |
|
7th 11 |
18th Jan 2025 Good To Soft 2m 7f 3y Class 5 |
10st 7lb |
towards rear, midfield when mistake 3rd |
25/1 |
Abandoned
Form: 47P
Last run: 38 days
W: 11st 2lb
6 yo Gelding
OR: —
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
9 |
21st Mar 2025 Good To Soft 3m 0f 52y Class 4 |
11st 9lb |
Cheekpieces back on for his last three races and competitive in two of those, over 2m4f and 3m; however, his profile is notoriously inconsistent and softer ground would be preferable. |
12/1 |
|
3rd 4 |
27th Feb 2025 Soft 2m 7f 198y Class 4 |
11st 11lb |
Returned to form and ran big race in defeat when back over hurdles in refitted cheekpieces at Ffos Las (2m4f, heavy) in December but was quickly back in the doldrums last month and now has it all to prove again. |
16/1 |
|
8 |
15th Jan 2025 Heavy 3m 0f 52y Class 4 |
11st 3lb |
midfield on outer, lost ground and towards rear 7th, pushed along when not fluent 4 out |
6/1 |
Abandoned
Form: 046
Last run: 17 days
W: 10st 9lb
6 yo Mare
OR: —
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
8 |
18th Oct 2025 Good 2m 0f 70y Class 5 |
10st 8lb |
Beaten at least 23l all starts and her latest outing (after wind surgery) offered little; now tackles her first handicap after a long break. |
20/1 |
|
7th 1 |
21st Mar 2024 Soft 2m 0f 11y Class 4 |
11st 0lb |
Has no solid claims on her form in Ireland or Britain; returns from wind surgery and can only be watched. |
100/1 |
|
11 |
7th Feb 2024 Good To Soft 1m 7f 169y Class 4 |
10st 7lb |
Minor promise in two Irish bumpers; 150-1 for British debut in a Listed mares' novice hurdle at Taunton (2m, good to soft) and not surprisingly finished a remote last; down in class but no solid claims. |
33/1 |
Abandoned
Form: —
Last run: —
W: 10st 9lb
7 yo Mare
OR: —
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
3 |
5th Feb 2025 Good To Soft 2m 5f 55y Class 4 |
11st 5lb |
Achieved very little over hurdles in her four races. |
200/1 |
|
3 |
5th Feb 2025 Good To Soft 2m 5f 55y Class 4 |
11st 5lb |
Achieved very little over hurdles in her four races. |
200/1 |
Abandoned
Form: 06
Last run: 26 days
W: 10st 9lb
5 yo Filly
OR: —
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
6th 7 |
18th Oct 2025 Good To Soft 2m 5f 122y Class 4 |
10st 12lb |
3-3 since swapping cheekpieces for blinkers, the latest win gained at Haydock (3m, good) in April; subsequent six-month break may have checked her momentum but today's drop back in trip should not be a problem. |
5/1 |
|
1st 4 |
19th Apr 2025 Good 3m 0f 58y Class 4 |
11st 7lb |
prominent, went second 2 out, challenging approaching last, ridden and led narrowly last, kept on |
3/1 |
|
1st 4 |
19th Apr 2025 Good 3m 0f 58y Class 4 |
11st 7lb |
prominent, went second 2 out, challenging approaching last, ridden and led narrowly last, kept on |
3/1 |
Abandoned
Form: 00-
Last run: 263 days
W: 10st 9lb
6 yo Filly
OR: —
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
4 |
8th Mar 2024 Soft 2m 0f 161y Class 5 |
11st 2lb |
held up in rear, weakened after 5th, pulled up before 3 out |
20/1 |
|
8 |
23rd Feb 2024 Soft 2m 0f 161y Class 4 |
10st 9lb |
Out of a half-sister to Gold Cup winner Sizing John; bettered inauspicious hurdling debut when fairly respectable fifth of nine in C&D mares' maiden (good to soft) last month; that form isn't anything to get excited about but it gives her a chance to grab a minor prize today. |
20/1 |
|
5th 7 |
31st Jan 2024 Good To Soft 2m 0f 161y Class 4 |
11st 6lb |
held up in rear |
66/1 |
Abandoned
Form: 4-265
Last run: 35 days
W: 10st 9lb
5 yo Filly
OR: —
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
8th 4 |
23rd May 2026 Good To Soft 2m 1f 46y Class 3 |
11st 7lb |
Resumed winning ways at Ludlow (2m) in December and in good form until finishing last of ten in 2m4f Sandown handicap four weeks ago; the sort who might bounce back though. |
11/1 |
|
10th 16 |
25th Apr 2026 Good 2m 3f 178y Class 2 |
10st 2lb |
Gained all six hurdle wins at around 2m but ran quite well when fourth at Chepstow (2m3f, soft) last month; current mark is workable (even from 1lb out of the weights) and Sean Bowen takes over today; could have a say. |
16/1 |
|
4th 5 |
15th Mar 2026 Soft 2m 3f 100y Class 3 |
11st 6lb |
Campaigned mostly at about 2m; record is 6-21, the most recent win at Ludlow in December; placed twice since, including at Newbury when ahead of Rula Bula; gives the impression this return to further is worth exploring. |
6/1 |
Abandoned
Form: —
Last run: —
W: 10st 3lb
4 yo Gelding
OR: —
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
16 |
21st Feb 2024 Soft 1m 7f 169y Class 4 |
10st 9lb |
Weak contender on Flat form; showed no improvement switched to hurdles at Warwick last month. |
100/1 |
|
7th 12 |
22nd Jan 2024 Frozen 2m 0f 0y Class 4 |
11st 0lb |
Only beat one rival in three Flat runs for Jonathan Portman; plenty to prove on stable/hurdle debut after 234 days off. |
100/1 |
Verdict
If back to his best after clearly not doing himself justice at Ffos Las most recently, then STEEL ALLY looks the one to be with. A doubly penalised Easy To Follow rates his most likely danger, although Tour Ovalie, Gower Prince and Doyen Quest all have each-way claims.[Alistair Jones]
Selections
SPOTLIGHT:
Steel AllyThe Times:
Easy To FollowWEST COUNTRY:
Gower PrinceThe Guardian:
Easy To FollowDaily Mail:
Easy To FollowThe Sun:
Easy To FollowDaily Record:
Easy To FollowRP RATINGS:
Steel AllyDaily Mirror:
Steel AllyThe Star:
Steel Ally