January 20 / 14.40 Haydock

14.40

Frozen

Sky Bet Cheltenham Non-Runner No Bet Handicap Hurdle

  • Prize money: £21124
  • 3m 0f 58y
  • Class 3
  • 14 runners
ITV
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Sky Bet Cheltenham Non-Runner No Bet Handicap Hurdle

Runners: 14 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Light rain

Form: 52/2P3 CD

Last run: 38 days

W: 12st 0lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 135

Form & Verdict
10yo who has run three times over fences this season, following a long absence, and is yet to prove he retains his old ability; however, he could be suited by today's return to hurdling and is 3lb lower than when going very close in the 2022 Pertemps Final at Cheltenham; not ruled out.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

1

1st May 2026

Good

3m 1f 100y

Class 4

17:40 Warwick

Alaphilippe

12st 0lb

J: Mr James King

T: Mrs A Slatter

Will have appreciated a simple task in his members race last time after a hard-fought Didmarton dead-heat; in better heart than many, but it's a worry that all bar one of his four chase starts have featured their share of jumping errors, including this race last year (pulled up).

5/2

1

2nd May 2025

Good

3m 1f 56y

Class 4

17:45 Cheltenham

Alaphilippe

12st 0lb

J: Mr Zac Baker

T: Mrs A Slatter

led, not fluent and briefly headed 2nd, not fluent and briefly headed 12th, headed 16th, soon lost position, pulled up before 3 out

5/1

1

2nd May 2025

Good

3m 1f 56y

Class 4

17:45 Cheltenham

Alaphilippe

12st 0lb

J: Mr Zac Baker

T: Mrs A Slatter

led, not fluent and briefly headed 2nd, not fluent and briefly headed 12th, headed 16th, soon lost position, pulled up before 3 out

5/1

Form: 07-231 C

Last run: 21 days

W: 11st 10lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 131

Form & Verdict
Lightly raced 5yo who was an easy winner when upped in trip over 2m3f here (heavy) three weeks ago; he's 10lb higher in a more competitive race today and needs to prove his stamina, but his dam was a French 3m cross-country chase winner and he's in good hands to continue to progress.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

15th Jan 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 150y

Class 3

15:02 Wincanton

Punta Del Este

11st 8lb

J: Jack Tudor

T: David Pipe

Well handicapped on form shown for Dan Skelton and ran his best race since joining David Pipe when a rallying third at Ascot (2m5f, soft); this return to further is worth exploring.

8/1

1

29th Oct 2025

Good To Soft

2m 5f 122y

Class 3

14:53 Newton Abbot

Punta Del Este

12st 0lb

J: Jack Tudor

T: David Pipe

Triple hurdle winner who has claims on his best form for Dan Skelton but he's failed to beat a rival in two runs for current yard; has had wind surgery but he needs a major revival after another break.

14/1

1

29th Oct 2025

Good To Soft

2m 5f 122y

Class 3

14:53 Newton Abbot

Punta Del Este

12st 0lb

J: Jack Tudor

T: David Pipe

Triple hurdle winner who has claims on his best form for Dan Skelton but he's failed to beat a rival in two runs for current yard; has had wind surgery but he needs a major revival after another break.

14/1

OUR TIP

Form: 12-53U

Last run: 28 days

W: 11st 8lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 129

Form & Verdict
10yo who is lightly raced for his age; has struggled over fences this season but he's on a competitive mark on last spring's 2m4f hurdle form, and there's stamina in his pedigree; not discounted now back hurdling.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

10

7th Dec 2024

Good To Soft

3m 4f 146y

Class 2

15:35 Sandown

Conkwell Legend

10st 7lb

J: Brendan Powell

T: Neil Mulholland

0-8 over fences and has failed to complete four times; no issues on the stamina front (stays 3m6f) but he faces a difficult task at this level and comes with risk.

16/1

3rd

10

7th Dec 2024

Good To Soft

3m 4f 146y

Class 2

15:35 Sandown

Conkwell Legend

10st 7lb

J: Brendan Powell

T: Neil Mulholland

0-8 over fences and has failed to complete four times; no issues on the stamina front (stays 3m6f) but he faces a difficult task at this level and comes with risk.

16/1

2

26th Apr 2024

Soft

3m 6f 121y

Class 3

14:05 Perth

Conkwell Legend

12st 0lb

J: Mr A P Ryan

T: Neil Mulholland

Dual hurdle winner who is 0-7 over fences; again he travelled well for a long way last time at Exeter (3m6f, heavy) but ultimately came up shy behind a 6l winner with only one other completing; others might just see this out stronger.

13/2

Form: 110-P6 D

Last run: 28 days

W: 11st 7lb

11 yo Gelding

OR: 128

Form & Verdict
Won two in a row for Sandy Thomson last season and runs off last winning mark; however, tailed off last February on final run for that yard and there's been no return to form on this 11yo's two starts for this stable.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

4

12th May 2025

Good

3m 0f 60y

Class 4

17:15 Southwell

Storm Nelson

10st 11lb

J: William Maggs

T: Olly Williams

led, headed 7th, outpaced after 2 out (usual 3 out), weakened last

20/1

2nd

4

12th May 2025

Good

3m 0f 60y

Class 4

17:15 Southwell

Storm Nelson

10st 11lb

J: William Maggs

T: Olly Williams

led, headed 7th, outpaced after 2 out (usual 3 out), weakened last

20/1

6th

5

19th Apr 2025

Good

3m 1f 0y

Class 4

16:02 Carlisle

Storm Nelson

11st 1lb

J: William Maggs

T: Olly Williams

towards rear

16/1

Form: 4161-U CD

Last run: 130 days

W: 11st 6lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 127

Form & Verdict
Front-runner who made it 7-11 in handicap hurdles when winning over C&D (good to soft) last February; has also won on soft; lacked fluency and fell two out on his chase/seasonal debut at Kelso in September, but was running a fair race and he could have more to offer now back hurdling; chance.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

7

9th May 2026

Good

2m 4f 28y

Class 3

17:42 Hexham

Johnsons Blue

11st 6lb

J: Jamie Hamilton

T: Mark Walford

Has won eight of his 21 races over hurdles; doesn't seem to be the force of old as was pulled up at Haydock last time having finished last of eight on previous hurdle run.

20/1

6

15th Apr 2026

Good

2m 5f 50y

Class 2

15:15 Haydock

Johnsons Blue

10st 13lb

J: Jamie Hamilton

T: Mark Walford

Tailed off on his final hurdle start in November and three subsequent chase runs leave him with further questions to answer; potentially on a useful mark if he can get back on track, but there are clearly risks attached.

25/1

3rd

1

14th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 7f 91y

Class 3

15:25 Newcastle

Johnsons Blue

12st 0lb

J: Jamie Hamilton

T: Mark Walford

Useful hurdler; hasn't proved quite so effective in three runs over fences, but decent effort last time when third at Wetherby (2m3f, soft: runner-up has won since); prominent racer who has won over 3m; chance.

9/2

Form: 3U-155 D

Last run: 42 days

W: 11st 3lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 124

Form & Verdict
Lightly raced 6yo who was a clear winner at Aintree (3m, good to soft) in October on reappearance; has also won on soft; of interest on the Aintree form but he's finished merely fifth the next twice and has to raise his game.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

17

15th Mar 2025

Good To Soft

2m 7f 70y

Class 2

14:25 Uttoxeter

Equinus

10st 3lb

J: James Best

T: Sarah-Jayne Davies

raced lazily at times, always behind

100/1

11

7th Feb 2025

Good To Soft

2m 4f 110y

Class 3

15:25 Kempton

Equinus

10st 10lb

J: James Best

T: Sarah-Jayne Davies

Two wins over hurdles for previous yard; early faller at Aintree in November switched to fences for new stable and is best watched in this warm race.

40/1

11

7th Feb 2025

Good To Soft

2m 4f 110y

Class 3

15:25 Kempton

Equinus

10st 10lb

J: James Best

T: Sarah-Jayne Davies

never going well, always behind, pulled up after 4 out

40/1

Form: 11

Last run: 40 days

W: 11st 3lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 124

Form & Verdict
Point winner (3m, yielding) who is 3-3 following hurdle wins in Hexham maiden (2m4f, heavy) and Ayr novice (2m5f, soft); improvement needed to defy opening mark in this competitive race but he's unexposed and could be a useful staying prospect; has had wind op since last time; tongue-tie goes on.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7

23rd Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 20y

Class 2

15:10 Perth

Inox Allen

10st 7lb

J: Alan Doyle

T: Lucinda Russell & Michael Scudamore

Easily made all in first-time visor over C&D (good to soft) last April; hard to fancy on his three runs this term but, given his previous reaction to new headgear, it's possible cheekpieces will garner a positive response.

9/1

7th

2

31st Jan 2026

Good To Soft

2m 7f 138y

Class 3

16:11 Musselburgh

Inox Allen

11st 6lb

J: Patrick Wadge

T: Lucinda Russell & Michael Scudamore

Easily made all in first-time visor (retained since) at Perth (2m4f, good to soft) last April and he stays this far; however, pulled up/tailed off on his two outings this season and needs to turn things around.

14/1

Form: 090-43

Last run: 25 days

W: 11st 1lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 122

Form & Verdict
Ex-Gordon Elliott 8yo who kept on for fairly encouraging fourth on stable debut at Wetherby (2m3f, heavy) in November; however, he was well beaten back there (2m5f, soft) on Boxing Day and has to leave that latest run well behind now in first-time cheekpieces (replacing blinkers).
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

7

26th Feb 2025

Soft

3m 0f 26y

Class 3

15:53 Wetherby

Sams Choice

11st 7lb

J: Nathan Moscrop

T: Rebecca Menzies

Well-treated on Irish form in 2022-23 season and he made an encouraging stable debut here in November 2023; however, three lesser runs followed and this is his first outing since last July; plenty to prove.

16/1

Form: 3-135

Last run: 35 days

W: 11st 0lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 121

Form & Verdict
3m point winner who scored on hurdle debut at Uttoxeter (2m4f, good to soft) in October before good third at Warwick (2m5f, soft); kept on for near-11l fifth in Grade 2 novice at Cheltenham (3m, soft) last month, when there was a muddling gallop and he got outpaced as others quickened; should get more of an end-to-end gallop in today's scenario, which is likely to play to his strengths, and this unexposed 6yo is open to improvement on handicap debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

3

30th May 2026

Good To Firm

3m 3f 119y

Class 3

19:20 Stratford

Yes Day

11st 5lb

J: Jonjo O’Neill Jr

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

Both wins over fences came in March 2025; his season never took off last term and he arrives here on a career-low mark (11lb below last win); first-time blinkers replace cheekpieces; needs to show more.

8/1

8

15th Apr 2026

Good

3m 4f 97y

Class 3

15:50 Haydock

Yes Day

11st 1lb

J: Jonjo O’Neill Jr

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

He's now 13lb below his peak mark but hasn't been at his best this season and didn't show much when back on good ground (3m) three weeks ago; won over 3m7f last March but there may be more solid options.

14/1

8th

5

26th Mar 2026

Good

3m 0f 0y

Class 2

16:30 Warwick

Yes Day

11st 3lb

J: Jonjo O’Neill Jr

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

He hasn't been at his best this season but he didn't run badly in first-time cheekpieces (retained) at Sandown (3m, soft) recently and could build on that now back on better ground, with last season's two wins coming on good/good to firm; now 6lb below last winning mark; interesting.

8/1

Form: 321

Last run: 24 days

W: 11st 0lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 121

Form & Verdict
3m point winner who has improved with each of his three runs in maiden hurdles, most recently winning easily at Chepstow (2m3f, soft); brings potential to this handicap debut and could have a part to play.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12

14th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

4m 2f 8y

Class 1

15:00 Uttoxeter

Minella Blueway

10st 10lb

J: Isabel Williams

T: Mrs C Williams

Won the 3m novice handicap chase on this card 12 months ago (good to soft) when 5lb lower and he produced a similar effort to finish second at Plumpton in January (3m1f, soft); however, this race demands a career best and on the back of a laboured display at Ludlow.

50/1

7th

4

26th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 7f 171y

Class 3

14:07 Ludlow

Minella Blueway

11st 4lb

J: Isabel Williams

T: Evan Williams

Won this race in first-time cheekpieces a year ago (soft ground) and followed up in valuable event at Uttoxeter (3m, good to soft) last March; made disappointing start to current campaign but last month's second of four at Plumpton (3m1f, soft) was much better and his current mark ought to be workable; respected.

4/1

2nd

1

26th Jan 2026

Soft

3m 1f 157y

Class 4

15:50 Plumpton

Minella Blueway

11st 11lb

J: Isabel Williams

T: Evan Williams

Won two in a row when cheekpieces first fitted (3m; soft and good to soft) last spring; hard to judge current wellbeing as he's been running in better races since back from a break but he was soundly beaten in his only completion and fell early at Ascot only nine days ago.

11/4

Form: 6-4513

Last run: 24 days

W: 10st 13lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 120

Form & Verdict
Won at Carlisle (2m3f, good to soft) last February and back on the scoresheet at Bangor (2m7f, heavy) last month; another good run when third to Classic Concorde at Chepstow (2m7f, soft) 12 days later; improvement needed in this warm race but he's only six and is not ruled out each-way.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

6

15th Mar 2025

Good To Soft

4m 2f 8y

Class 1

15:00 Uttoxeter

Tanganyika

11st 5lb

J: Charlie Deutsch

T: Venetia Williams

Up in class and up in trip (by some way) having never gone beyond an extended 3m; however, he's got low mileage as a chaser and won eased down last time at Carlisle (good to soft); handicapper saw fit to raise him 9lb for that but if his stamina reserves can stretch this far then he might not be far away.

8/1

1st

4

17th Feb 2025

Good To Soft

3m 0f 110y

Class 3

14:50 Carlisle

Tanganyika

11st 9lb

J: Charlie Deutsch

T: Venetia Williams

Four-time hurdle winner (heavy/good to soft; including here) who scored at Market Rasen (3m, good to soft) a fortnight ago on his third chase start; led close home having been outpaced and today's stiffer test should be right up his street; firmly in calculations up 4lb.

3/1

1st

1

4th Feb 2025

Good To Soft

2m 7f 191y

Class 4

15:45 Market Rasen

Tanganyika

12st 1lb

J: Charlie Deutsch

T: Venetia Williams

prominent, outpaced before 3 out, ridden and rallied after 2 out, good jump last, led final 110yds, kept on well

7/2

Form: -41112 D

Last run: 28 days

W: 10st 12lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 119

Form & Verdict
Completed a hat-trick (2m7f/3m1f, soft/good to soft) in October and another good run when second of six over this C&D (heavy) four weeks ago; today's hotter company demands another step forward but this progressive 8yo holds each-way possibilities.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9

25th Aug 2025

Good

3m 1f 83y

Class 2

15:30 Cartmel

Our Sam

10st 2lb

J: Leah Noreci

T: James Moffatt

Won twice here in 2023; respectable efforts this year but not as good as he was; 10lb out of the weights.

16/1

10th

14

19th Jul 2025

Good To Soft

2m 6f 31y

Class 3

15:22 Cartmel

Our Sam

10st 5lb

J: Charlotte Jones

T: James Moffatt

Dual course winner in 2023; kept on for fourth over C&D (good to soft; also suited by soft/heavy) in May and subsequent Hexham second was also very respectable but he's no longer the force of old.

14/1

4

7th Jun 2025

Good

2m 7f 63y

Class 4

18:50 Hexham

Our Sam

11st 1lb

J: Charlotte Jones

T: James Moffatt

C&D winner in 2023; well below best form over the last year or so but at least took a step back in right direction when keeping-on fourth at Cartmel (2m6f, good to soft) ten days ago.

12/1

Form: 111411 D

Last run: 24 days

W: 10st 12lb

11 yo Gelding

OR: 119

Form & Verdict
Made it five wins from his last six starts when scoring at Chepstow (2m7f, soft) over Christmas; has also won on good/good to soft; continues to climb the weights and today's task is more demanding, but his latest form has been franked and this thriving 11yo has to be respected.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

2

25th Feb 2026

Soft

2m 7f 32y

Class 4

15:00 Bangor-on-Dee

Classic Concorde

11st 10lb

J: Harry Atkins

T: David Brace

Veteran who is on a losing run but ran well enough for a long way in a Class 2 handicap at Chepstow two months ago (2m7f, good to soft) to command respect at this lower level; goes well on this ground.

6/1

10th

1

11th Oct 2025

Good To Soft

2m 7f 131y

Class 4

17:10 Chepstow

Classic Concorde

12st 0lb

J: Callum Pritchard

T: David Brace

Won twice over C&D in 2023-24 season and ran well when fourth over C&D in February but this 12yo is far too inconsistent to rely upon nowadays, and has been absent since two heavy defeats in the spring.

20/1

5

24th Apr 2025

Good

3m 1f 0y

Class 3

15:37 Warwick

Classic Concorde

10st 13lb

J: Connor Brace

T: David Brace

Veteran who has proved far from consistent since winning a Pertemps qualifier at Chepstow 14 months ago; not the percentage call.

16/1

Form: 303-21

Last run: 22 days

W: 10st 10lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 117

Form & Verdict
Runner-up on his stable and handicap debut at Newcastle (2m1f, good to soft) in November and comfortably went one better when upped in trip at Kelso (2m6f, soft) three weeks ago; a 7lb rise isn't harsh and this very lightly raced 6yo could have more to offer over staying trips; lots to like.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price
No Results Found

Verdict

A competitive gallop can be expected and that should prove ideal for handicap newcomer YES DAY, who kept on for fifth in a Grade 2 novice at Cheltenham last month after getting outpaced. The unexposed 6yo Imaginary Dragon could be a big danger on the back of his impressive win over 2m6f at Kelso, while Punta Del Este was a revelation here last time and is next on the list. Inox Allen and Blueway Classic are interesting contenders on handicap debut, with Johnson’s Blue and Classic Concorde others who could run well.[Ben Hutton]