January 23 / 12.50 Newbury

12.50

Good To Soft

Get Best Odds Guaranteed At BetVictor Maiden Hurdle (GBB Race) (Div I)

  • Prize money: £5446
  • 2m 0f 69y
  • Class 3
  • 16 runners
SKY
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Get Best Odds Guaranteed At BetVictor Maiden Hurdle (GBB Race) (Div I)

Runners: 16 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Rain

8/1 (Won)

  • Win: £13.40
  • Place: £2.90

Form:

Last run:

W: 11st 8lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Brother to connections' useful 2m-2m2f hurdle/chase winner Lac De Constance, half-brother to French 2m1f hurdle winner Irish Bar; dam well related; interesting newcomer, especially if the market speaks favourably.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

2

11th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

1m 7f 176y

Class 1

12:45 Aintree

Be Aware

11st 7lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

Smart form but has won only twice (runner-up seven times); rallied when beaten 1l by No Questions Asked in Grade 2 novice at Windsor (2m, soft; handles good) in January; raced freely and faded in Grand Annual Handicap at Cheltenham last time; the hood is back on today, a tongue-strap is fitted and he may well bounce back to form; if so, he has each-way possibilities.

10/1

12th

4

11th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

1m 7f 199y

Class 1

16:40 Cheltenham

Be Aware

11st 6lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

Improved form when winning on chase debut at Stratford (2m3f, good to soft) in October and strong performances when runner-up in Graded races on his three starts since, including over C&D (soft); this lightly raced 7yo is in top hands and has the potential to be better than this mark now back in a handicap; the hood is left off today, but he ran well without it in December.

5/1

2nd

2

16th Jan 2026

Soft

2m 0f 37y

Class 1

13:50 Windsor

Be Aware

11st 2lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

Won on chase debut at Stratford (2m3f, good to soft) in October and runner-up in hot races on next two starts, namely the Grade 2 Arkle Trial at Cheltenham (2m, soft) and the Grade 1 Henry VIII at Sandown (1m7f, good to soft); this will take less winning than last time; leading claims.

11/10

4/1

  • Place: £1.20

Form: 34-12 C

Last run: 33 days

W: 11st 8lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Consistent thus far, having produced form figures of 3412, the win gained in bumper here (good to soft); creditable second in big field at Exeter (2m, soft) on the switch to hurdles; bred to do better still and holds solid claims back at Newbury.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7

24th Oct 2025

Good

2m 3f 200y

Class 3

13:15 Cheltenham

Navajo Indy

11st 6lb

J: Gavin Sheehan

T: Tom Symonds

Began last season in excellent form, notably when winning Gerry Feilden at Newbury (2m, good to soft); off since staying on to snatch third in William Hill Hurdle there (2m, soft; first-time cheekpieces) in February but, on that evidence, he's well worth another crack at 2m4f; no headgear today.

11/2

6/1

  • Place: £3.50

Form: 31-8 BF

Last run: 48 days

W: 11st 8lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Bumper winner in France and was given a positive mention by Nicky Henderson in autumn Stable Tour; disappointing favourite in Ludlow bumper on British debut but retains potential assuming he can bounce right back.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

5

25th Mar 2025

Good

2m 0f 104y

Class 5

15:35 Taunton

Jim De Sarti

11st 11lb

J: Stan Sheppard

T: Tom Lacey

prominent, weakened from 2 out

5/1

2

2nd Mar 2025

Good To Soft

1m 7f 171y

Class 5

16:27 Huntingdon

Jim De Sarti

11st 13lb

J: Cameron Iles

T: Tom Lacey

French bumper winner who has two bits of noteworthy form from his six races in Britain; close second of seven under Cameron Iles in handicap at Sedgefield (2m1f, soft) last time was one of those, with the front two drawing 17l clear and his 3lb rise may well underestimate that performance.

4/1

2nd

1

26th Jan 2025

Soft

2m 0f 178y

Class 5

13:40 Sedgefield

Jim De Sarti

12st 0lb

J: Cameron Iles

T: Tom Lacey

French bumper winner who also showed promise when third on his hurdle debut last January; remains lightly raced and he's one to watch in the betting but he's struggled on his last three runs, most recently last month's handicap debut at Hereford, and needs to raise his game in a big way.

15/2

11/8

Form:

Last run:

W: 11st 8lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Very useful on Flat in France, particularly over 1m7f, such as when second in Longchamp Group 3 last time out; sold for 155,000euros and gelded since; looks a bright recruit and, although he may ideally need further than this trip over hurdles, he has to be feared.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

1

16th May 2026

Good

2m 0f 145y

Class 4

15:20 Bangor-on-Dee

Fasol

12st 0lb

J: Paddy Hanlon

T: Paul Nicholls

Largely consistent 7yo who gave it a good shot from the front when third in competitive Sandown handicap (2m4f, good) last month; eased in grade here and will be fine over the shorter trip; major contender.

9/4

3rd

9

25th Apr 2026

Good

2m 3f 178y

Class 2

17:15 Sandown

Fasol

10st 5lb

J: Miss Olive Nicholls

T: Paul Nicholls

Largely consistent 7yo who recovered from a jumping error at third-last flight to take fourth in Sussex Champion Hurdle at Plumpton (2m, good) there weeks ago; also suited by 2m4f and this track; considered each-way.

12/1

4th

8

5th Apr 2026

Good

1m 7f 195y

Class 2

16:05 Plumpton

Fasol

10st 13lb

J: Miss Olive Nicholls

T: Paul Nicholls

Has won at this trip but last four runs have been over further and he hasn't kicked on from his Musselburgh win in January (2m4f, good to soft; 3lb lower); probably has little margin for error mark-wise and unlikely the same is true about some of his rivals.

25/1

Form: 0-58

Last run: 19 days

W: 11st 1lb

5 yo Filly

OR:

Form & Verdict
Far from solid on form, with apparent best effort flanked by two heavy defeats (latest on hurdles debut).
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

3

8th May 2025

Good

2m 0f 213y

Class 5

19:35 Stratford

Twyfords Diamond

11st 6lb

J: David Noonan

T: Max Young

Placed over hurdles for Ben Pauling last year but ultimately became disappointing for him; changed hands after 40l defeat in first-time blinkers in March; goes without headgear on this stable/chase debut.

16/1

4th

3

8th May 2025

Good

2m 0f 213y

Class 5

19:35 Stratford

Twyfords Diamond

11st 6lb

J: David Noonan

T: Max Young

Placed over hurdles for Ben Pauling last year but ultimately became disappointing for him; changed hands after 40l defeat in first-time blinkers in March; goes without headgear on this stable/chase debut.

16/1

6th

5

26th Mar 2025

Good

2m 0f 53y

Class 5

16:07 Hereford

Twyfords Diamond

11st 4lb

J: Callum Pritchard

T: Ben Pauling

Better efforts have been on soft ground and if the rain stays away this will be only her second start on a sound surface; each-way player based on her best form but needs to be much better than her last two starts; tongue-tie removed and blinkers now go on.

7/1

Form: 3

Last run: 34 days

W: 11st 8lb

7 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Useful maiden on Flat in his younger days; encouraging effort, finishing third in big field, over C&D (soft) last month on hurdles/stable debut and return from very long absence; should improve with that outing under his belt and looks interesting.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

1

17th Mar 2024

Soft

2m 3f 137y

Class 4

14:42 Huntingdon

Arthurian Fable

11st 7lb

J: Harry Bannister

T: Richard J Bandey

Capable of very good form on the Flat in his younger days, staying well and handling soft ground; encouraging runs in two Newbury maiden hurdles following a long absence and should be a factor in this company.

4/1

6th

2

23rd Jan 2024

Good To Soft

2m 0f 69y

Class 3

12:50 Newbury

Arthurian Fable

11st 8lb

J: Harry Bannister

T: Richard J Bandey

Useful maiden on Flat in his younger days; encouraging effort, finishing third in big field, over C&D (soft) last month on hurdles/stable debut and return from very long absence; should improve with that outing under his belt and looks interesting.

5/1

Form: 34

Last run: 28 days

W: 11st 8lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Flat and jumps winners in pedigree; both starts in bumpers, better effort when third here on debut; wasn't helped by taking a good hold at Wincanton; may settle better and show progress with hood applied.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7

20th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 6f 93y

Class 4

16:07 Newbury

Another Fine Mess

11st 6lb

J: Bryan Carver

T: Jeremy Scott

Won over hurdles before a successful chase debut at Doncaster (2m4f, soft; by 3l); bumped into a well-treated favourite off this 5lb higher mark at Chepstow when the hood was left off (as today); should have some part to play.

8/1

2nd

6

21st Feb 2026

Soft

2m 3f 98y

Class 4

14:17 Chepstow

Another Fine Mess

11st 11lb

J: Bryan Carver

T: Jeremy Scott

Pipped a next-time-out winner to score over hurdles here (2m, good to soft) just after Christmas and took another step forward when winning by 3l on chasing debut at Doncaster (2m4f, soft) 16 days ago; still unexposed over this sort of trip and makes obvious appeal.

13/8

1st

5

5th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 115y

Class 4

15:35 Doncaster

Another Fine Mess

11st 2lb

J: Bryan Carver

T: Jeremy Scott

Pipped a next-time-out winner to score over hurdles at Chepstow (2m, good to soft) just after Christmas and is now 2-7 in that sphere; open to more improvement over today's longer trip and over fences; looks interesting on chase debut.

3/1

OUR TIP

Form: 59

Last run: 42 days

W: 11st 8lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Holds modest claims on the balance of his point/hurdles form and is likely to be more interesting in handicaps shortly.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6

14th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

4m 2f 8y

Class 1

15:00 Uttoxeter

Aworkinprogress

11st 6lb

J: James Davies

T: Nick Gifford

Well named as a hurdler and proving a revelation over fences, racking up six wins in his seven starts; has the canny habit of never prevailing by wide margins, with none of those wins gained by more than two lengths; unraced over this far (the same can be said for many) but he stayed on best over 3m5f at Lingfield last time (soft) and he impressed in how he moved through that race; loves the mud, so the recent rain was a major blessing.

13/2

1st

8

19th Jan 2026

Soft

3m 4f 178y

Class 3

13:50 Lingfield

Aworkinprogress

11st 5lb

J: James Davies

T: Nick Gifford

Launched chasing career with five consecutive wins, the latest on seasonal debut at Uttoxeter (3m2f, heavy) in November; could still have more improvement to come over this new trip but needs to bounce back from last month's disappointing run.

8/1

26

13th Mar 2025

Good To Soft

3m 2f 0y

Class 2

17:20 Cheltenham

Aworkinprogress

10st 5lb

T: Nick Gifford

Reserve; won final hurdle start last March (2m5f, heavy) and 4-4 over fences this term (heavy/soft); travelled well at Lingfield (extended 2m7f) latest and this thriving 6yo could have plenty more left in the tank; may well take a 7lb rise in his stride if handling the forecast quicker ground.

12/1

Form:

Last run:

W: 11st 8lb

6 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Showed some promise (finished third) in heavy-ground Irish point last March; sold for £60,000 in May; follow market signals on rules debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6

1st Jun 2024

Good

2m 7f 0y

Class 5

13:10 Worcester

Optimistic Joe

11st 8lb

J: Sean Houlihan

T: Philip Hobbs & Johnson White

Failed to build upon quite encouraging handicap hurdle debut (2m4f) when safely held over 3m last month but might be perked up by blinkers here, and his Irish point third in 2023 bodes well for his chasing prospects.

10/1

Form:

Last run:

W: 11st 8lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Dual 1m4f scorer on Flat, including at this venue on soft ground last July; below par the last twice; judged on form under that code, he's inferior to some of these opponents.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

3

(2)

6th Feb 2026

Standard

1m 4f 0y

19:15 Dundalk (AW)

Stonking

9st 12lb

J: Keithen Kennedy

T: John Joseph Hanlon

Dual winner over this trip in Britain; pulled up on both runs over hurdles for this yard; last of 14 over 1m here last month; passed over.

33/1

3

26th Oct 2025

Good To Yielding

2m 0f 145y

13:40 Wexford

Stonking

11st 12lb

J: Gavin Brouder

T: John Joseph Hanlon

Dual Flat winner with a win apiece on AW and turf for Heather Main; didn't show a lot in his sole hurdles start at Newbury in January last year when none too fluent in the jumping department; off since April last year and now making stable debut.

25/1

9th

5

(11)

21st Apr 2024

Good

1m 4f 104y

Class 4

17:15 Musselburgh

Stonking

9st 8lb

J: Alistair Rawlinson

T: Heather Main

Two 1m4f Flat wins, latterly in clearcut style from the front at Newbury (soft) last July; two backward steps on AW late in the year and his hurdling debut in January wasn't great, but he needs a second look.

14/1

Form: 27

Last run: 45 days

W: 11st 8lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Well beaten over hurdles at Chepstow last month but subsequent wind surgery may have positive effect; has otherwise shown promise to win Irish point and finish second behind useful sort in Sedgefield bumper.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

12th Apr 2026

Good

2m 7f 177y

Class 5

16:50 Ffos Las

Vision De Maine

12st 0lb

J: Jack Tudor

T: David Pipe

Commenced chase career with two wins; 0-7 since and has failed to back up reappearance effort in a light current campaign; however, this combination of a drop back in class and return to forecast faster ground may prompt a resurgence.

4/1

7

16th Jan 2026

Good To Soft

2m 7f 191y

Class 4

15:45 Market Rasen

Vision De Maine

11st 1lb

J: Jack Tudor

T: David Pipe

Won two chases last season and gave good account when third on reappearance outing at Ascot (3m, good) in November; subsequent defeat on heavy ground can probably be overlooked and he'll be dangerous here if the first-time blinkers have any positive effect.

4/1

4th

9

10th Feb 2025

Good To Soft

3m 4f 102y

Class 3

15:45 Plumpton

Vision De Maine

10st 3lb

J: Jack Tudor

T: David Pipe

didn't always jump with fluency, led narrowly or disputed lead

6/1

Form:

Last run:

W: 11st 8lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Attractively bred debutant, being by Blue Bresil out of a bumper/2m3f-2m5f hurdle winner for his owner; in good hands; market support should be heeded.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

1st Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 7f 129y

Class 5

15:15 Huntingdon

The Blueberry One

12st 0lb

J: Paul O’Brien

T: Harry Derham

Only had seven races but has finished tailed off in both his chases after an absence, over 2m4f and 2m7f (both heavy; in cheekpieces last time); clearly needs to raise his game.

13/2

4th

5

12th Feb 2026

Heavy

2m 7f 3y

Class 5

14:50 Taunton

The Blueberry One

11st 11lb

J: Paul O’Brien

T: Harry Derham

Lightly raced gelding who already looked to be feeling the pinch when a bad mistake four out finished him off on his 2m4f Wincanton chase debut (heavy) a fortnight ago but that was his first outing for nearly 11 months so he's entitled to be sharper now; first-time cheekpieces are also added now stepping up in trip.

10/1

6th

2

29th Jan 2026

Heavy

2m 4f 35y

Class 4

14:03 Wincanton

The Blueberry One

11st 12lb

J: Paul O’Brien

T: Harry Derham

Lightly raced gelding who was beaten only 2l in one of his handicaps over hurdles (2m4f, soft); faces testing conditions on first run for nearly 11 months but he should make a chaser; respected.

4/1

Form: 47

Last run: 27 days

W: 11st 8lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Flat winner in Ireland; has failed to transfer that form to hurdles in two attempts, well beaten in midfield at Chepstow latest; may be more interesting in handicaps shortly.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

6

(1)

27th Jun 2026

Good

1m 7f 196y

Class 4

17:20 Chester

Ruler Legend

8st 10lb

J: Sean D Bowen

T: Gary Hanmer

Has been running well, and winning, over hurdles so fitness won't be an issue on this return to Flat action and has the form to feature off this mark; versatile ground-wise and there are no stamina issues.

8/1

3rd

6

9th Jun 2026

Good

2m 4f 88y

Class 5

17:05 Southwell

Ruler Legend

11st 0lb

J: Danny McMenamin

T: Gary Hanmer

Ended last season in excellent form, winning twice at Market Rasen (2m/2m2f, good), and his second at Market Rasen (2m, good) 12 days ago was another good effort; should be fine over this longer trip; respected.

7/2

2nd

4

28th May 2026

Good

2m 0f 125y

Class 5

20:42 Market Rasen

Ruler Legend

11st 9lb

J: Danny McMenamin

T: Gary Hanmer

Ended last season in excellent form, winning twice here (2m/2m2f) on good ground, and is probably still on a workable mark; big chance.

6/5

Form: 8PP/

Last run: 832 days

W: 11st 8lb

6 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Holds weak claims on hurdles/Flat form and has been absent for two years; sold for £4,000 soon after last run; best watched.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

9

30th Aug 2024

Good

2m 5f 164y

Class 5

19:20 Fontwell

Royal Regard

10st 8lb

J: Charlie Deutsch

T: Neil Mulholland

prominent, weakened 3 out

10/1

5th

15

17th Jul 2024

Good

2m 3f 207y

Class 5

17:45 Uttoxeter

Royal Regard

10st 2lb

J: Brendan Powell

T: Neil Mulholland

Unimproved for the switch to handicaps this year, already backpedalling when the mistakes started to creep in late at Fontwell latest (2m6f, good); insufficiently appealing from 2lb out of the handicap.

25/1

5th

7

8th May 2024

Good

2m 5f 164y

Class 5

17:10 Fontwell

Royal Regard

10st 12lb

J: Lilly Pinchin

T: Neil Mulholland

prominent, not fluent 5th

20/1

Form: 850

Last run: 11 days

W: 11st 8lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Five-race maiden; always behind at Wincanton (1m7f) switched to hurdles most recently; weak claims on overall form.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12

24th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 104y

Class 5

19:20 Fontwell

Greenways

10st 4lb

J: Paddy Hanlon

T: Ryan Potter

Successful over 2m at Uttoxeter (good) but out of form since, with recent 14.5l third at Market Rasen (2m1f, good) no big step back in the right direction.

16/1

3rd

5

14th Apr 2026

Good

2m 1f 43y

Class 5

15:55 Market Rasen

Greenways

10st 3lb

J: Harry Bannister

T: Ryan Potter

Badly out of form since the autumn but has a first-time tongue-tie fitted here and is now now 10lb lower than when winning at Uttoxeter (2m, good) last summer; well worth a glance in the betting.

20/1

6th

6

18th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 194y

Class 5

14:00 Hereford

Greenways

10st 2lb

J: Conor Ring

T: Ryan Potter

Drying conditions will be in his favour but this 7yo has been struggling for a while now on all sorts of surfaces; potentially on a good mark even from out of the handicap but he's a risky proposition at the minute.

25/1

Form: 45P

Last run: 45 days

W: 11st 8lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Not far behind Another Fine Mess in bumper here in November (second start); however, achieved nothing at Chepstow (2m3f, heavy) on the switch to hurdles.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7

25th Apr 2024

Good

2m 3f 0y

Class 4

14:00 Warwick

Harbour Bridge

11st 6lb

J: Kielan Woods

T: Jo Davis

Fared okay in a Newbury bumper (fifth of 13, beaten 11l) in November; has shown next to nothing since switching to hurdles (0-3); wind surgery could assist, but it's simply a case of watch this space for the time being.

66/1

7

25th Apr 2024

Good

2m 3f 0y

Class 4

14:00 Warwick

Harbour Bridge

11st 6lb

J: Kielan Woods

T: Jo Davis

Fared okay in a Newbury bumper (fifth of 13, beaten 11l) in November; has shown next to nothing since switching to hurdles (0-3); wind surgery could assist, but it's simply a case of watch this space for the time being.

66/1

4th

1

14th Feb 2024

Soft

2m 3f 49y

Class 4

14:20 Fontwell

Harbour Bridge

11st 5lb

J: Gavin Sheehan

T: Jo Davis

Showed some ability in his two bumpers but pulled up over hurdles at Chepstow (2m3f, heavy) and Newbury (2m, good to soft); headgear now.

66/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £61.50
Straight Forecast £46.69
Trifecta £605.10

Selections

POSTDATA:

Fasol

SPOTLIGHT:

Navajo Indy

Telegraph:

Arthurian Fable

LAMBOURN:

Jim De Sarti

The Star:

Navajo Indy

WEST COUNTRY:

Fasol

The Times:

Fasol

Daily Mail:

Fasol

D Express:

Fasol

Daily Mirror:

Fasol

The Sun:

Fasol

Daily Record:

Fasol

The Guardian:

Arthurian Fable