February 08 / 12.55 Doncaster

12.55

Good

SBK Maiden Hurdle (Novices’ Championship Hurdle Series Qualifier) (GBB Race)

  • Prize money: £4193.42
  • 2m 3f 88y
  • Class 4
  • 14 runners
SKY
View Course
SBK Maiden Hurdle (Novices’ Championship Hurdle Series Qualifier) (GBB Race)

Runners: 14 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Rain and snow

Form: 0-1P BF

Last run: 44 days

W: 11st 4lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Pulled up on hurdle debut at Kempton (2m, good) on Boxing Day and has something to prove on the back of that, but he won a bumper at Newbury (2m, good to soft) in November and retains potential for his top yard.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

19th Mar 2025

Good

2m 7f 129y

Class 4

16:42 Huntingdon

Gentlemans Relish

11st 9lb

J: James Bowen

T: Nicky Henderson

prominent, led narrowly or disputed lead from 14th, mistake 3 out, soon lost position, raced in second when pulled up quickly on turn before 2 out, looked to go wrong

5/1

4th

7

7th Feb 2025

Good To Soft

3m 0f 0y

Class 4

14:20 Kempton

Gentlemans Relish

11st 1lb

J: James Bowen

T: Nicky Henderson

in touch with leaders, not fluent 1st, lost ground after 2nd

14/1

4th

7

7th Feb 2025

Good To Soft

3m 0f 0y

Class 4

14:20 Kempton

Gentlemans Relish

11st 1lb

J: James Bowen

T: Nicky Henderson

in touch with leaders, not fluent 1st, lost ground after 2nd

14/1

OUR TIP

Form: 6

Last run: 100 days

W: 11st 4lb

6 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Won an Irish maiden point (3m, good to yielding) on his debut last February; well-beaten sixth at 25-1 in maiden hurdle at Chepstow (2m3f, good to soft) in October and could improve for the run, but very much needs to.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

5

6th Feb 2025

Good To Soft

2m 3f 189y

Class 5

13:10 Huntingdon

Ginger Jonny

11st 5lb

J: Jonathan Burke

T: Charlie Longsdon

Irish point winner; has failed to progress over hurdles but may show the benefit of a physical tweak (wind surgery since last run) and switch to chasing; interesting.

15/2

1st

5

6th Feb 2025

Good To Soft

2m 3f 189y

Class 5

13:10 Huntingdon

Ginger Jonny

11st 5lb

J: Jonathan Burke

T: Charlie Longsdon

Irish point winner; has failed to progress over hurdles but may show the benefit of a physical tweak (wind surgery since last run) and switch to chasing; interesting.

15/2

4

24th Oct 2024

Good To Soft

2m 7f 174y

Class 5

15:55 Ludlow

Ginger Jonny

11st 2lb

J: David Bass

T: Charlie Longsdon

Irish point winner; tailed off in all four hurdles, the latest his handicap debut over 2m4f in April; still early days but lots to prove right now.

14/1

Form: 4-3362

Last run: 27 days

W: 11st 4lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 112

Form & Verdict
Has shown promise and he produced a career best in first-time cheekpieces (retained) when going very close in a handicap at Wincanton (2m4f, good to soft) last month; strong claims if repeating that form.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

2

8th May 2026

Good

2m 7f 16y

Class 3

16:20 Market Rasen

Idefix De Ciergues

11st 12lb

J: Oscar Palmer

T: Rebecca Curtis

Not wholly straightforward, but appreciated the return to hurdling sufficiently to record a new personal best in victory at Uttoxeter latest (2m7f, good to soft); blinkers debuted there will need to work at least as well now returned to his previous highest mark; has won on good.

11/2

1st

8

28th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 7f 70y

Class 4

16:20 Uttoxeter

Idefix De Ciergues

11st 8lb

J: Oscar Palmer

T: Rebecca Curtis

Completed a double over hurdles at Doncaster (3m, good to soft) in November 2024 but he's been up and down since and was pulled up over fences at Chepstow (11-4 favourite) last month; new headgear is now tried and he comes with risks attached back in this sphere.

6/1

7

13th Feb 2026

Soft

2m 7f 136y

Class 4

15:45 Chepstow

Idefix De Ciergues

11st 10lb

J: Ben Jones

T: Rebecca Curtis

Won over C&D (good) last season and has made the frame all three hurdling starts this term, the latest here (2m7f, good to soft) in December; seems versatile ground-wise and, from a workable mark, probably won't be far away.

6/1

Form: 42P

Last run: 38 days

W: 11st 4lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 107

Form & Verdict
Disappointing at Exeter on New Year's Day but the heavy ground may have been too much; prior to that he was a good second there (2m, soft) and he's an each-way contender if bouncing back to form; displayed promise in 3m points (including on good ground).
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

15th Oct 2025

Good

2m 7f 0y

Class 5

14:22 Worcester

Iris Des Issards

12st 0lb

J: Callum Pritchard

T: Kayley Woollacott

Came good over hurdles at 11th attempt with ready success at Newton Abbot (2m6f, good) in April; cheekpieces worn on last three starts are absent and yard yet to get off the mark this term; will need to be ready to roll on this chasing debut conceding weight all round.

7/1

6th

1

7th May 2025

Good

2m 5f 122y

Class 5

16:20 Newton Abbot

Iris Des Issards

12st 0lb

J: Mr Joshua Newman

T: Kayley Woollacott

led, headed after 3 out, weakened before 2 out

11/4

Form: 2-25 BF

Last run: 47 days

W: 11st 4lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 119

Form & Verdict
Didn't always jump with fluency when merely fifth of six on handicap debut at Haydock (1m7f, heavy) in December; however, he'd previously looked a likeable prospect when runner-up at both Auteuil (2m2f, heavy) and Aintree (2m4f, good to soft), and could well play a leading role today.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

22

11th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

4m 2f 74y

Class 1

16:00 Aintree

Jagwar

10st 10lb

J: Mark Walsh

T: Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero

Improved his rating in every one of his eight chases, winning four and that includes the 2m4f Plate at last year's Cheltenham Festival; first venture much beyond 2m5f had to wait until his return to Cheltenham last month, in which he came from out the back to get within half a length of the winner Johnnywho; that showed he stays 3m1f and suggested he's still capable of better, but his jumping contained unnerving moments; wears cheekpieces first time and a half-brother probably stays 4m.

10/1

2nd

4

10th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 1f 0y

Class 1

15:20 Cheltenham

Jagwar

11st 9lb

J: Mark Walsh

T: Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero

Highly progressive switched to fences last season, a campaign that culminated in a convincing win in the Plate here (2m4f, good to soft) in March; he's kept on well over 2m4f here (good to soft/soft) on both runs this season, beaten just a head last time when 10l clear of the third; today's first crack at a staying trip could prompt further improvement; lots to like.

7/2

2nd

2

24th Jan 2026

Soft

2m 4f 127y

Class 1

13:15 Cheltenham

Jagwar

11st 11lb

J: Jonjo O’Neill Jr

T: Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero

Highly progressive 7yo; won at this meeting on soft ground 12 months ago and followed up in the Plate at the Festival; extended his run of excellent C&D efforts with an unlucky third six weeks ago, finishing well after making the odd mistake and being short of room; leading contender again off just 1lb higher.

7/4

Form: 3

Last run: 40 days

W: 11st 4lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Irish maiden point runner-up (3m, heavy) who kept on for an encouraging third of 14 on hurdle debut at Taunton (2m3f, good to soft) in December; he's in good hands to progress and is one to consider today.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

3

25th Oct 2025

Good To Soft

2m 7f 208y

Class 2

14:55 Cheltenham

Long Draw

11st 4lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Olly Murphy

Made very good progress last season, winning twice over 3m on New course here (good to soft/good); ended up with too much to do when finishing well for close third at Haydock (3m, good) in May and probably still has more improvement to come.

6/1

3rd

3

10th May 2025

Good

3m 0f 58y

Class 2

13:00 Haydock

Long Draw

11st 8lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Olly Murphy

Made very good progress last season and had three of today's rivals behind when coming from off the pace for driven-out success at Cheltenham (3m, good) last month; 6lb higher today but could still have more to offer.

4/1

Form: 666

Last run: 26 days

W: 11st 4lb

6 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
2m4f point runner-up who has shown ability among his three rules starts, finishing sixth each time (2m/2m1f); improvement is possible now up in trip but others have more substance to their claims.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6

2nd Jun 2026

Good

2m 4f 88y

Class 5

15:00 Southwell

Mr Mahler

10st 5lb

J: Danny McMenamin

T: Joel Parkinson & Sue Smith

0-16 under rules but has runner-up twice over fences; may be sharper following a reappearance over hurdles at Bangor last month and is now on a career-low mark; not out of this.

9/2

5th

11

16th May 2026

Good

2m 3f 123y

Class 5

14:45 Bangor-on-Dee

Mr Mahler

10st 8lb

J: Danny McMenamin

T: Joel Parkinson & Sue Smith

Decline in fortunes over fences last season wasn't arrested by a switch to front-running; brave to name this the day given he's 0-15 now, but new career-low mark is notably 8lb lower than when last trying hurdles.

9/1

Form: 7

Last run: 25 days

W: 11st 4lb

7 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Runner-up in two points in April 2022 but form went the wrong way in that sphere and he was tailed off at 150-1 on last month's hurdle debut at Kelso (2m6f, soft); transformation needed now in cheekpieces.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7

7th Jun 2025

Good

2m 4f 15y

Class 5

16:40 Hexham

Paris Cercy

10st 11lb

J: Nathan Moscrop

T: Rebecca Menzies

Maiden pointer; showed no significant promise in three novice/maiden hurdles this year but makes chase/handicap debut from lowly mark and may improve for the switch to fences; cheekpieces (worn for last two races) removed.

10/1

7th

4

21st May 2024

Good

2m 4f 28y

Class 4

19:58 Hexham

Paris Cercy

11st 2lb

J: Aaron Anderson

T: Rebecca Menzies

Runner-up in two British points in April 2022 and trainer has won the last two runnings of this race; however, he's struggled at massive odds this year on his two hurdle starts and would be a shock winner this evening.

100/1

7th

4

21st May 2024

Good

2m 4f 28y

Class 4

19:58 Hexham

Paris Cercy

11st 2lb

J: Aaron Anderson

T: Rebecca Menzies

Runner-up in two British points in April 2022 and trainer has won the last two runnings of this race; however, he's struggled at massive odds this year on his two hurdle starts and would be a shock winner this evening.

100/1

Form: 32-48U

Last run: 10 days

W: 11st 4lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
In the first three in both bumpers but failed to threaten on first two hurdle starts and he unseated at the first flight at Hereford last Monday; others make greater appeal.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6

31st Mar 2026

Good

3m 0f 30y

Class 5

16:20 Bangor-on-Dee

Pearl Island

11st 6lb

J: Lee Edwards

T: Belinda Clarke

Record of 1-14 for Henry Daly, the win coming in a 3m handicap chase at Uttoxeter in late 2024 (in first-time blinkers that were retained until now); has lost his way but still only a 7yo and he's on a fair mark for this yard debut; may prefer slower ground, however.

20/1

2

27th Feb 2025

Soft

2m 7f 171y

Class 5

15:10 Ludlow

Pearl Island

12st 0lb

J: Stan Sheppard

T: Henry Daly

6yo who won in first-time blinkers (retained since) at Uttoxeter (2m7f, soft) in December on second chase start; however, two lesser runs have followed and he has to raise his game if he's to return to winning ways.

10/1

6th

3

17th Feb 2025

Good To Soft

3m 0f 60y

Class 5

13:35 Southwell

Pearl Island

11st 9lb

J: Stan Sheppard

T: Henry Daly

disputed lead, reminder after 12th, lost position before 14th, weakened after 4 out

11/2

Abandoned

Form: 532-52

Last run: 28 days

W: 11st 4lb

6 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Placed in both bumpers (good to soft) and clear second at Catterick (2m3f, soft) last month on his second hurdle start; there was plenty to like about that latest performance and he's on the shortlist here.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

2

10th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 5f 201y

Class 2

17:20 Cheltenham

Pic Roc

11st 11lb

J: Ben Jones

T: Ben Pauling

Soundly beaten when just 17-2 at last year's Festival (2m4f); finally opened his chase account in November, before staying-on fifth in major handicap at Newbury (3m2f, good to soft) where he was badly hindered at the unsatisfactory start; 13l win at Sandown (3m, soft; made most) on latest outing confirmed he's got his act together, which earned a 7lb rise but he needs respect.

16/1

1st

3

31st Jan 2026

Soft

3m 0f 42y

Class 2

15:42 Sandown

Pic Roc

10st 7lb

J: Ben Jones

T: Ben Pauling

Opened his chase account on reappearance, then did well to finish fifth in major handicap at Newbury (3m2f, good to soft) having badly hindered at the unsatisfactory start; lost chance with bad mistake four out when beaten favourite at Ascot since; remains of interest, assuming he puts in an error-free round.

9/2

1st

2

2nd Nov 2025

Good

2m 7f 129y

Class 3

13:48 Huntingdon

Pic Roc

11st 5lb

J: Kielan Woods

T: Ben Pauling

Has the best hurdles form in this field and his good efforts (twice runner-up) over fences last season were even better; however, he was below form in first-time cheekpieces on penultimate outing and failed to complete on starts either side, the latest 11 days ago; that dents his case today (in returning cheekpieces) but he is the standout on form.

10/11

Form: 9756

Last run: 24 days

W: 11st 4lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Well beaten this winter on his first two hurdle starts and needs to be an entirely different proposition today.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

7th Oct 2025

Good

2m 7f 129y

Class 5

16:07 Huntingdon

The Dark Edge

12st 0lb

J: Lilly Pinchin

T: Charlie Longsdon

Dual hurdle winner last season (2m4f/3m2f); fell on chasing debut in May but returned with good hurdle run last month and could still have a good future over fences; one to consider.

2/1

1

21st Sep 2025

Good To Firm

3m 0f 217y

Class 5

14:20 Plumpton

The Dark Edge

12st 0lb

J: Daire McConville

T: Charlie Longsdon

Not seen since falling on chase debut in May but ended last season in good form, most notably when winning at Warwick (3m2f, good); also has a Plumpton win on his CV; major player if fully tuned up after break.

11/4

3

17th May 2025

Good

3m 0f 30y

Class 5

16:05 Bangor-on-Dee

The Dark Edge

11st 11lb

J: Lilly Pinchin

T: Charlie Longsdon

Ended last season in very good form over hurdles, winning at Warwick (3m2f, good) before clear second at Huntingdon (3m1f, good); contender if he jumps soundly on this chasing debut.

5/1

Form:

Last run:

W: 11st 4lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Pretty consistent in defeat in staying handicaps on the Flat last year but at an ordinary level; improvement needed for the change of codes.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

24th May 2025

Good To Firm

1m 6f 44y

Class 5

20:20 Salisbury

Wannabe Brave

9st 2lb

J: Daniel Muscutt

T: James Fanshawe

Has made his name on the AW, winning five times at 2m; arrives here in good nick and he's not had all that many chances on turf.

7/1

5

24th May 2025

Good To Firm

1m 6f 44y

Class 5

20:20 Salisbury

Wannabe Brave

9st 2lb

J: Daniel Muscutt

T: James Fanshawe

Has made his name on the AW, winning five times at 2m; arrives here in good nick and he's not had all that many chances on turf.

7/1

3rd

3

(3)

8th May 2025

Standard

2m 0f 0y

Class 5

20:25 Chelmsford (AW)

Wannabe Brave

9st 9lb

J: Daniel Muscutt

T: James Fanshawe

All five wins have been over 2m on AW; couldn't pose a threat at Lingfield last month but the drop back to 1m5f looked against him and he went very close on his Wolverhampton reappearance in March; still looks feasibly treated on that form and has possibilities back at his optimum trip.

7/2

Form: 85-09

Last run: 50 days

W: 10st 11lb

6 yo Mare

OR:

Form & Verdict
Down the field at triple-figure odds on both hurdle starts and a chunk of improvement is required.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

2

18th Nov 2024

Good To Soft

1m 7f 113y

Class 5

14:40 Leicester

Cotoneaster

11st 12lb

J: Ben Poste

T: Ryan Potter

took keen hold, led, hit 3rd, joined 3 out, headed before 2 out, soon weakened

14/1

8th

2

18th Nov 2024

Good To Soft

1m 7f 113y

Class 5

14:40 Leicester

Cotoneaster

11st 12lb

J: Ben Poste

T: Ryan Potter

took keen hold, led, hit 3rd, joined 3 out, headed before 2 out, soon weakened

14/1

10

29th Oct 2024

Soft

2m 0f 11y

Class 5

14:00 Chepstow

Cotoneaster

11st 2lb

J: Robert Dunne

T: Ryan Potter

Belied 50-1 odds when second to dual subsequent winner on stable/handicap debut at Uttoxeter (2m, good) in July and had excuse when pulled up last month (irregular heartbeat); can make presence felt if all is well here.

9/1

Form: 26-357

Last run: 27 days

W: 10st 11lb

6 yo Mare

OR:

Form & Verdict
Placed in good-ground bumpers and open to improvement, including in the jumping department, on this second hurdle start; however, she was soundly beaten at Huntingdon last time and needs a sizeable step forward.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8

8th Oct 2025

Good To Firm

2m 5f 55y

Class 4

16:08 Ludlow

Of Course You Can

10st 8lb

J: Conor O’Farrell

T: Neil Mulholland

Won this race readily by over 9l a year ago (good ground) and was placed over C&D on next two outings; returned from break with two down-the-field runs this summer (cheekpieces added last time) but is back on a good mark now and the return to this track is sure to suit.

11/2

12

16th Sep 2025

Good

2m 7f 70y

Class 4

14:10 Uttoxeter

Of Course You Can

10st 12lb

J: Harriet Tucker

T: Neil Mulholland

Always behind at Market Rasen last month, after a break; she's better than that but all her best form is on sharp right-handed tracks, and she probably doesn't want significant rain; sports new cheekpieces.

12/1

11th

10

16th Aug 2025

Good

2m 7f 16y

Class 4

19:28 Market Rasen

Of Course You Can

10st 11lb

J: Conor O’Farrell

T: Neil Mulholland

Her only win was in a Ludlow mares' handicap in October last year (2m5f, good); fair run at Huntingdon last time (May) but likely to improve for this outing after 100-day break.

8/1

Non-runners

Clatterbridge

Verdict

The very lightly raced 5yo JAGWAR is much better than he showed on his handicap debut at Haydock in December and earns the vote on account of the promise he showed on his first two starts. Pic Roc was a clear second at Catterick last month and is feared most ahead of Idefix De Ciergues who also went close last time out. Long Draw is a possible improver, while the Nicky Henderson-trained Gentleman’s Relish is not written off.[Ben Hutton]

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Jagwar

WEST COUNTRY:

Pic Roc

LAMBOURN:

Gentleman's Relish

Telegraph:

Gentleman's Relish

The Times:

Pic Roc

The Guardian:

Pic Roc

The Star:

Pic Roc

Daily Record:

Pic Roc

RP RATINGS:

Jagwar

TOPSPEED:

Jagwar

POSTDATA:

Jagwar

Daily Mail:

Jagwar

D Express:

Jagwar

Daily Mirror:

Jagwar

The Sun:

Jagwar