January 17 / 15.40 Newbury

15.40

Good To Soft

BetVictor Handicap Hurdle (Div I)

  • Prize money: £5809.1
  • 3m 0f 52y
  • Class 4
  • 10 runners
SKY
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BetVictor Handicap Hurdle (Div I)

Runners: 10 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Cloudy

Abandoned

Form: 523-4P D

Last run: 33 days

W: 12st 2lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 122

Form & Verdict
Dual novice hurdle winner (2m3f/3m) two winters back; 0-7 in handicaps, the last six of which were over fences and he's taken two backward steps this season; back hurdling with a good mark judged on best chase form.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

0

1

31st Jan 2024

Good To Soft

2m 7f 25y

Class 4

16:45 Exeter

Ree Okka

12st 2lb

J: Jonathan Burke

T: Harry Fry

Very promising novice hurdler in 2021-22 season but 0-6 over fences since, having been pulled up seven weeks ago on latest outing; switches back to hurdling on a tempting mark but needs to get career back on track.

11/1

Form: 14P-34

Last run: 27 days

W: 11st 12lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 118

Form & Verdict
French bumper winner who won a 2m Huntingdon maiden hurdle last season; creditable third of seven in handicap there (2m) in November; while he looked set to stay further that day, he wasn't so good over 2m2f next time and today's trip is a major step in the dark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

1

4th May 2026

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 4

16:25 Warwick

Imperial Bede

12st 2lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

Cheekpieces fitted in last three races; won at Catterick and back to form when a clear second at Haydock (2m4f, good); back up 3lb but still well handicapped on old exploits.

2/1

2nd

1

4th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 203y

Class 4

15:55 Haydock

Imperial Bede

12st 0lb

J: Richie McLernon

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

Evidently not the force of old but he built on an encouraging C&D reappearance when winning in first-time cheekpieces at Catterick (2m3f, soft) in February; made early mistakes when a disappointing favourite at Hereford since but it's possible he'll be happier back on a left-handed course and likely he's still on a winnable mark if putting his best foot forward.

100/30

5th

1

22nd Feb 2026

Soft

2m 2f 208y

Class 4

16:40 Hereford

Imperial Bede

12st 0lb

J: Jonjo O’Neill Jr

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

Evidently not the force of old but built upon an encouraging reappearance when winning in first-time cheekpieces at Catterick (2m3f, soft) a fortnight ago and has good claims here if the headgear continues to aid him.

4/5

OUR TIP

Form: 122-P1

Last run: 52 days

W: 11st 11lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 117

Form & Verdict
Won an Irish point, 2m1f maiden hurdle at Fontwell and 2m4f handicap at Uttoxeter; rallied to outbattle the runner-up in that Uttoxeter race in November on latest start, so could be worth this second attempt at 3m even though he flopped at the trip on seasonal/handicap debut; 4lb higher today and headgear is given a go too; considered.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

3

7th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 42y

Class 3

15:35 Sandown

Sound And Fury

11st 6lb

J: Ben Jones

T: Ben Pauling

Showed himself better than ever when digging deep to win at Carlisle (3m, good to soft) last month; also successful over 3m2f there in November; yard won this race in 2023 and is having a stellar season with its chasers; has to be respected.

9/2

1st

4

16th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 110y

Class 3

14:40 Carlisle

Sound And Fury

11st 8lb

J: Ben Jones

T: Ben Pauling

Took chase record to 3-6 when winning here (3m2f, good to soft) in November on reappearance; has also won on soft; lost a shoe and bled from the nose when sixth of 16 at Cheltenham next time; no obvious excuses when tailed off at Market Rasen last time but shouldn't be written off now back here.

9/1

1st

6

2nd Nov 2025

Good

3m 2f 19y

Class 3

15:12 Carlisle

Sound And Fury

11st 2lb

J: Ben Jones

T: Ben Pauling

Restricted to seven races during the last two years; has won three of those (2m4f-3m), two when sporting new headgear (cheekpieces then blinkers); on a fair mark with the cheekpieces back on and could well have a part to play.

10/1

Abandoned

Form: 6P-362

Last run: 22 days

W: 11st 9lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 115

Form & Verdict
Nine wins (at up to 2m7f) from 32 races over hurdles; no win since 2021 but his last three starts this term put him on the premises.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

29th Oct 2024

Good To Soft

2m 7f 32y

Class 4

12:50 Bangor-on-Dee

Paricolor

11st 11lb

J: Gearoid Harney

T: David Pipe

Without a win since late 2021 and was struggling for form when last seen; needs a major turnaround in another change of headgear.

14/1

5

29th Oct 2024

Good To Soft

2m 7f 32y

Class 4

12:50 Bangor-on-Dee

Paricolor

11st 11lb

J: Gearoid Harney

T: David Pipe

Without a win since late 2021 and was struggling for form when last seen; needs a major turnaround in another change of headgear.

14/1

5th

2

15th May 2024

Good

2m 7f 191y

Class 4

15:30 Ffos Las

Paricolor

12st 0lb

J: Tom Bellamy

T: David Pipe

Has nine hurdle wins on his CV but last success was in December 2021 and he's been pulled up in both runs this spring; mark continues to fall and conditions are no problem but he needs a major turnaround; equipment removed.

10/1

Abandoned

Form: 1/66/8 D

Last run: 32 days

W: 11st 9lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 115

Form & Verdict
Won two handicaps (3m, good) in a row in spring 2021 but two lesser runs followed that autumn and he was well below form last month when returning from 770 days on the sidelines; 8lb below his last winning mark but a leap of faith is required at present.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6

20th Feb 2025

Good To Soft

3m 1f 10y

Class 4

14:45 Huntingdon

Aquila Sky

11st 1lb

J: Toby Wynne

T: Sam Allwood

Disappointing since he won twice over hurdles from markedly higher marks in spring 2021; seventh of 17 at Doncaster latest start was easily the most positive of his three runs this winter, however; needs to build on that, with blinkers replacing his recent cheekpieces.

14/1

7th

9

24th Jan 2025

Good To Soft

3m 0f 84y

Class 4

14:38 Doncaster

Aquila Sky

11st 7lb

J: Alan Johns

T: Sam Allwood

towards rear

33/1

7th

9

24th Jan 2025

Good To Soft

3m 0f 84y

Class 4

14:38 Doncaster

Aquila Sky

11st 7lb

J: Alan Johns

T: Sam Allwood

towards rear

33/1

Abandoned

Form: 631425 D

Last run: 26 days

W: 11st 7lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 113

Form & Verdict
Had three wins over 2m7f/3m on good ground this February-September; needs to perform much better than on latest start, but he was 20-1 in that Ascot race over just 2m5f and should be more interesting today.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

6

26th Sep 2025

Good

2m 7f 0y

Class 4

15:52 Worcester

Halifax

11st 2lb

J: Conor Ring

T: Grace Harris

Best effort this term when second in this grade at Market Rasen (2m7f, good) on penultimate start; on last winning mark so holds a fighting chance from a handicapping perspective.

8/1

7

5th Sep 2025

Good

2m 7f 32y

Class 3

16:45 Bangor-on-Dee

Halifax

10st 9lb

J: Conor Ring

T: Grace Harris

Well handicapped and looked booked for a return to winning ways at Market Rasen (2m7f, good) until reeled in late on; strongly considered on the back of that effort.

3/1

2nd

7

16th Aug 2025

Good

2m 7f 16y

Class 4

19:28 Market Rasen

Halifax

11st 2lb

J: Conor Ring

T: Grace Harris

Back on same mark as Kempton win in May 2024 (3m, good); likely to be all the better for his latest run (first for 290 days); interesting.

8/1

Form: 3/44-P

Last run: 52 days

W: 11st 6lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 112

Form & Verdict
One-time very useful Flat performer up to 1m6f but looks past his best; 0-8 in handicap hurdles (won two novice events in 2021) and pulled up in November on his only recent start; it may be clutching at straws that he's never gone beyond 2m5f.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

10

28th Jan 2024

Good

3m 0f 84y

Class 4

15:05 Doncaster

On To Victory

11st 11lb

J: Tom Cannon

T: Alan King

One-time very useful Flat performer who won twice over hurdles early in 2021; fourth at Haydock (2m3f, soft) last March but pulled up in November (25-1) when next seen; goes beyond 2m5f for first time.

14/1

0

4

26th Nov 2023

Good To Soft

2m 2f 111y

Class 3

14:05 Exeter

On To Victory

11st 5lb

J: Tom Cannon

T: Alan King

One-time useful Flat performer who has won over hurdles; however, seems past his best and doesn't look solid on 2022/2023 form (both codes); absent since Haydock fourth in March; best watched unless the market suggests a big run is expected.

14/1

Form: 71-3FP D

Last run: 33 days

W: 10st 13lb

11 yo Gelding

OR: 105

Form & Verdict
Not seen that often for his age; won two handicap chases at about 3m last term and has a cracking chance on that form, but modest displays are more in evidence these days; off 165 days before pulled up last month and this is his first hurdle race since April 2021.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

12

28th Jan 2024

Good

3m 0f 84y

Class 4

15:05 Doncaster

Tango Boy

11st 4lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Neil Mulholland

Out of form over fences in his two runs last summer, having won twice in that sphere last season; also pulled up in a chase here in December, after a break, and now swaps usual cheekpieces for first-time blinkers on this return to hurdling; down the weights and one to consider.

10/1

Abandoned

Form: 44-0

Last run: 83 days

W: 10st 8lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 100

Form & Verdict
Second in an Irish maiden point in October 2022 and fourth in his first two starts (2m6f/2m1f) over hurdles; however, tailed off when 28-1 for handicap debut at Carlisle (2m4f, soft) in October and has since left Sam Drinkwater; easily the least exposed of these but major questions to answer.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

3

19th May 2026

Good To Firm

2m 3f 189y

Class 5

18:30 Huntingdon

Kapamazov

11st 6lb

J: Lee Edwards

T: Tony Carroll

Well beaten after racing too freely over 3m at Bangor last month and now 0-14 over fences but ran quite well when third on stable debut at Hereford (2m5f, good) in March and is suited by this track; sports refitted cheekpieces and has slipped to a good mark; dangerous to ignore.

6/1

8th

9

18th Apr 2026

Good

3m 0f 30y

Class 5

13:52 Bangor-on-Dee

Kapamazov

11st 1lb

J: Lee Edwards

T: Tony Carroll

21 defeats under rules include 13 over fences but he's been running well, latterly finishing third on yard debut at Hereford (2m5f, good); stays this far.

8/1

3rd

5

18th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 194y

Class 5

14:00 Hereford

Kapamazov

10st 12lb

J: Charlie Deutsch

T: Tony Carroll

20 defeats under rules include 12 over fences; has placed form that entitles him to consideration and a change of stables may perk him up; trip/ground should be fine.

9/2

Form: 153112 D

Last run: 34 days

W: 10st 2lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 94

Form & Verdict
3-6 since switched to handicaps, with the first win over nearly 3m and the last two over about 2m4f but he had to work hard for his second at Taunton (3m) last time out and that performance confirmed his stamina; up another 3lb and further progress may be needed but he has the most positive profile in this field this season.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7

27th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 5f 164y

Class 5

15:00 Fontwell

Wot You Wearing

10st 2lb

J: Miss Kayla Ruddy

T: Fergal O’Brien

He was looking when regressive even before pulling up in his first two runs for this yard but ran better at Taunton (2m3f, good; ridden by Kayla Ruddy), where he was no match for the front two but did come from well off the pace; possibilities; 1lb wrong.

5/1

3rd

8

9th Mar 2026

Good

2m 3f 1y

Class 5

17:10 Taunton

Wot You Wearing

10st 5lb

J: Miss Kayla Ruddy

T: Fergal O’Brien

Out of sorts at the end of last term for Robert Stephens and he's been pulled up in handicaps (around 3m2f) at Fontwell and Warwick for his current yard this year; it's easy to look elsewhere.

20/1

6

20th Feb 2026

Soft

3m 2f 0y

Class 5

14:05 Warwick

Wot You Wearing

10st 5lb

J: Miss Kayla Ruddy

T: Fergal O’Brien

Three-time hurdle winner but the latest was back in November 2023 and it's been a long time since he posed a serious threat; pulled up when a 3-1 shot for last month's stable and seasonal debut at Fontwell.

12/1

Verdict

Bottomweight WOT YOU WEARING (nap) has done an awful lot right in recent starts, unlike the big majority of this field, and he’s also proved his stamina at 3m, unlike the last-time-out 2m4f winner Sound And Fury who is nevertheless feared most. Others likely to figure prominently are Paricolor and Halifax.[Richard Austen]