February 21 / 13.30 Doncaster

13.30

Soft

SBK EBF “National Hunt” Maiden Hurdle (Qualifier) (GBB Race)

  • Prize money: £4193.42
  • 2m 3f 88y
  • Class 4
  • 15 runners
SKY
View Course
SBK EBF “National Hunt” Maiden Hurdle (Qualifier) (GBB Race)

Runners: 15 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Rain

5/4 (Won)

  • Win: £1.67
  • Place: £1.10

Form: 26

Last run: 61 days

W: 11st 9lb

6 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
£250,000 buy after winning on debut in an Irish maiden point (3m, yielding) last February; lots of promise when second of five in novice hurdle at Ascot (2m5f, good) in November, but well below that form when front-running over that same C&D (good to soft) at Christmas, making mistakes at the last two flights; the initial Ascot form sets a clear standard in this field.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11

21st Feb 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 0y

Class 1

15:35 Kempton

Leader In The Park

10st 8lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Ben Pauling

Hasn't raced over 3m since winning his Irish point; probably a career best when second over 2m6f at Newbury on reappearance (good to soft) but couldn't live with Lookaway when both got competiitve a good way out over 2m4f here last month; regular partner Ben Jones prefers Henry's Friend but Harry Cobden's style could suit this 8yo.

12/1

6th

8

11th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

2m 4f 110y

Class 2

15:15 Ayr

Leader In The Park

11st 6lb

J: Ben Jones

T: Ben Pauling

Made all at Kempton (2m4f, good) in December on second chase start and followed up at Warwick (2m4f, good to soft); only third of five at Kelso (2m5f, good to soft) since but that was still a fair run and this unexposed 7yo remains of interest, especially with the Warwick form reading well.

6/1

6th

8

11th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

2m 4f 110y

Class 2

15:15 Ayr

Leader In The Park

11st 6lb

J: Ben Jones

T: Ben Pauling

Made all at Kempton (2m4f, good) in December on second chase start and followed up at Warwick (2m4f, good to soft); only third of five at Kelso (2m5f, good to soft) since but that was still a fair run and this unexposed 7yo remains of interest, especially with the Warwick form reading well.

6/1

5/1

  • Place: £1.70

Form: 23

Last run: 43 days

W: 11st 9lb

6 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Irish maiden point winner (3m, yielding to soft) last April; second of five in a Bangor bumper (2m, heavy) in December and third of seven in maiden hurdle at Market Rasen (2m4f, good to soft; front rank long way) six weeks ago; place claims, needing to improve again if he's to win.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

11

14th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

4m 2f 8y

Class 1

15:00 Uttoxeter

Grand Albert

10st 12lb

J: Theo Gillard

T: Donald McCain

He hasn't always been pretty over his fences but the cheekpieces might be helping in that respect and he's stayed on strongly at Haydock on his last two starts, over 3m1f and 3m4f; although behind some of these last time, he was digging in at the finish and this extreme stamina test might be up his street; very at home on soft ground.

12/1

6th

10

14th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

3m 4f 97y

Class 1

15:15 Haydock

Grand Albert

10st 5lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Donald McCain

He's had jumping issues but was better in that department in first-time cheekpieces (retained) in the Tommy Whittle here (extended 3m1f, soft) in December, and the way he kept on for fifth of 12 behind Grand Geste (beaten about 14l) hints this step up in trip may be a good move; each-way chance.

11/1

66/1

  • Place: £12.90

Form: 49

Last run: 47 days

W: 11st 9lb

6 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
His 3m maiden point win (good to soft) last Easter has been scrubbed off as he carried insufficient weight; modest form on both starts over hurdles (soft) this winter and he needs to leave that well behind.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

1

22nd Mar 2025

Good

2m 7f 32y

Class 5

17:10 Bangor-on-Dee

Best Life

12st 0lb

J: Sean Quinlan

T: Mel Rowley

towards rear on outer

8/1

14th

13

24th Jan 2025

Good To Soft

3m 0f 84y

Class 4

14:38 Doncaster

Best Life

11st 4lb

J: Charlie Deutsch

T: Mel Rowley

always behind

14/1

14th

13

24th Jan 2025

Good To Soft

3m 0f 84y

Class 4

14:38 Doncaster

Best Life

11st 4lb

J: Charlie Deutsch

T: Mel Rowley

always behind

14/1

Form:

Last run:

W: 11st 9lb

6 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Eighth foal; brother to bumper/2m4f hurdle winner Bells On Sunday, closely related to useful bumper/2m hurdle winner Top Bandit, half-brother to winners Spirit Of Shankly (useful bumper and 2m-3m jumps) and Lagonda (2m7f hurdle); dam 2m1f hurdle winner; his three runs in British points don't read nearly so well; gelded since.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

13

21st Feb 2024

Soft

2m 3f 88y

Class 4

13:30 Doncaster

Mythe Bridge

11st 9lb

J: Stan Sheppard

T: Henry Daly

Eighth foal; brother to bumper/2m4f hurdle winner Bells On Sunday, closely related to useful bumper/2m hurdle winner Top Bandit, half-brother to winners Spirit Of Shankly (useful bumper and 2m-3m jumps) and Lagonda (2m7f hurdle); dam 2m1f hurdle winner; his three runs in British points don't read nearly so well; gelded since.

33/1

Form: 7

Last run: 29 days

W: 11st 9lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
60,000euros yearling; half-brother to five winners, notably Amore Alato (bumper/hurdle/chase), Solomon Grey (hurdle/chase) and Eva's Oskar (hurdle/chase), all useful; 15-2, never dangerous from the rear when seventh of 16 in slowly run maiden hurdle at Newbury (2m, good to soft) four weeks ago; Leader In The Park has much better form but he could be a big improver.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

2

27th Feb 2025

Soft

2m 5f 55y

Class 5

16:53 Ludlow

Entity Of Substanz

11st 11lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

Runner-up at Market Rasen (2m7f, good to soft) in December on second handicap start and this lightly raced 6yo retains potential for his top yard; has a question to answer regarding soft ground following his soundly beaten fifth at Wetherby (3m) but he's not ruled out today.

6/1

5th

2

23rd Jan 2025

Soft

3m 0f 26y

Class 5

15:15 Wetherby

Entity Of Substanz

11st 12lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

Stamina in pedigree and stepping up to an extended 2m7f triggered improvement when second of eight at Market Rasen (good to soft) seven weeks ago, with cheekpieces added; up 3lb but could have more to offer as a stayer.

7/2

5th

2

23rd Jan 2025

Soft

3m 0f 26y

Class 5

15:15 Wetherby

Entity Of Substanz

11st 12lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

Stamina in pedigree and stepping up to an extended 2m7f triggered improvement when second of eight at Market Rasen (good to soft) seven weeks ago, with cheekpieces added; up 3lb but could have more to offer as a stayer.

7/2

Form: 6

Last run: 113 days

W: 11st 9lb

6 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Made all in Irish maiden point on debut last February, before £35,000 sale; 25-1 and tongue tied, beaten 37l when sixth of 16 in maiden hurdle at Chepstow (2m3f, good to soft) in October, prominent long way; has ability but needs big improvement.
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:

Last run:

W: 11st 9lb

7 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Seventh foal; dam fairly useful 1m4f winner; ran in three Irish maiden points in 2022, winning a four-runner race in May but not seen since; on rules debut, probably best watched.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

7

18th May 2024

Good

2m 7f 70y

Class 5

17:20 Uttoxeter

Clatterbridge

10st 9lb

J: Luke Scott

T: Stella Barclay

Winning pointer; hasn't offered much at all in maidens/novices from 2m1f to 2m3f; this trip is optimistic on pedigree.

20/1

1st

7

18th May 2024

Good

2m 7f 70y

Class 5

17:20 Uttoxeter

Clatterbridge

10st 9lb

J: Luke Scott

T: Stella Barclay

towards rear

20/1

Form: 4/0

Last run: 27 days

W: 11st 9lb

7 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Prominent long way when fourth of seven in a Doncaster bumper (2m, soft) in March 2022; not seen again until soundly beaten at 25-1 in a maiden hurdle at Huntingdon (2m, good to soft) four weeks ago; major work to do.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

11

21st Feb 2024

Soft

2m 3f 88y

Class 4

13:30 Doncaster

Kentanddover

11st 9lb

J: Jack Hogan

T: Jonjo O’Neill

Prominent long way when fourth of seven in a Doncaster bumper (2m, soft) in March 2022; not seen again until soundly beaten at 25-1 in a maiden hurdle at Huntingdon (2m, good to soft) four weeks ago; major work to do.

25/1

10th

9

25th Jan 2024

Good

1m 7f 171y

Class 4

13:25 Huntingdon

Kentanddover

11st 8lb

J: James Bowen

T: Jonjo O’Neill

midfield

25/1

Form: 9756

Last run: 37 days

W: 11st 9lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
About 11l seventh of 13 to Gentleman's Relish in Newbury bumper (good to soft) in November but beaten about 50l at Wincanton and Hereford in his two runs (about 2m4f) over hurdles.
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

OUR TIP

Form:

Last run:

W: 11st 9lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
26,000euros 3yo; second foal; dam unraced half-sister to bumper and smart 2m4f-3m1f hurdle/chase winner Casey Jones; ran in two Irish maiden points last year, runner-up in October on second occasion; probably one for later on but market should guide on rules debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

21st Feb 2024

Soft

2m 3f 88y

Class 4

13:30 Doncaster

Cave Article

11st 9lb

J: Jack Tudor

T: Christian Williams

26,000euros 3yo; second foal; dam unraced half-sister to bumper and smart 2m4f-3m1f hurdle/chase winner Casey Jones; ran in two Irish maiden points last year, runner-up in October on second occasion; probably one for later on but market should guide on rules debut.

16/1

Form: 40-38P

Last run: 24 days

W: 11st 9lb

6 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Low-level form in three bumpers and two Doncaster novice hurdles.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

21st Feb 2024

Soft

2m 3f 88y

Class 4

13:30 Doncaster

Cave Bleu

11st 9lb

J: Jamie Hamilton

T: John Mackie

Low-level form in three bumpers and two Doncaster novice hurdles.

100/1

0

1

28th Jan 2024

Good

2m 3f 88y

Class 3

14:00 Doncaster

Cave Bleu

11st 10lb

J: Jamie Hamilton

T: John Mackie

always behind, mistake 3rd, struggling when mistake 4 out

100/1

8th

2

2nd Dec 2023

Good

2m 0f 128y

Class 4

12:21 Doncaster

Cave Bleu

11st 0lb

J: James Davies

T: John Mackie

Well beaten in both bumpers last season and did not achieve much when third of four in very weak novice hurdle in June.

66/1

Form: 0-1P BF

Last run: 57 days

W: 11st 9lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Made all in bumper at Newbury (2m, good to soft) in November; flopped on starts either side, latest when favourite for a maiden hurdle at Kempton (2m, good) on Boxing Day, so there are very mixed messages.
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

Form:

Last run:

W: 11st 9lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
80,000euros 3yo; 11th foal; closely related to 2m-2m6f hurdle/chase winner Dalamoi, half-brother to six winners including Don Poli (high-class 2m4f-3m1f hurdle/chase), Debece (useful bumper/2m-3m1f hurdle/chase) and Politesse (bumper/2m-3m hurdle/chase); newcomer to note from a top yard.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

13

24th Apr 2026

Good

3m 2f 127y

Class 3

14:40 Perth

Jukebox Fury

10st 6lb

J: Paul O’Brien

T: Nicky Henderson

Last season he won 3m handicaps at Doncaster and Wetherby (both on good ground); his Ffos Las return was encouraging given the time he'd been absent and the soft conditions; in this scenario he's unexposed; considered.

15/2

4th

3

16th Mar 2026

Soft

2m 4f 0y

Class 4

16:30 Ffos Las

Jukebox Fury

11st 11lb

J: James Bowen

T: Nicky Henderson

Lightly raced 7yo who struck form at around this time last year, winning 3m handicaps at Doncaster and Wetherby (both on good ground); open to further improvement but this hat-trick attempt comes after a long absence and the different trip-and-ground combination is not sure to suit.

9/2

1st

2

18th Mar 2025

Good

3m 0f 26y

Class 5

16:10 Wetherby

Jukebox Fury

11st 13lb

J: James Bowen

T: Nicky Henderson

made all, increased tempo before 3 out, pushed along before 2 out, ridden and wandered around approaching last, kept on well run-in, comfortably

5/2

Form: 7

Last run: 38 days

W: 11st 9lb

7 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Runner-up in two British maiden points in April 2022; well beaten in that sphere last year and, after wind surgery, tailed off at 150-1 in a novice hurdle at Kelso (2m6f, soft) last month; cheekpieces are added.
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: 85-09

Last run: 63 days

W: 11st 2lb

6 yo Mare

OR:

Form & Verdict
Second run in a bumper was markedly better than her three other runs, the last two over hurdles (wind surgery in between); best watched for now.
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

Non-runners

Jagwar

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £6.70
Straight Forecast £7.72
Trifecta £280.80

Selections

RP RATINGS:

Leader In The Park

LAMBOURN:

Gentleman's Relish

SPOTLIGHT:

Entity Of Substanz

Telegraph:

Cave Article

Daily Record:

Grand Albert

Daily Mirror:

Gentleman's Relish

POSTDATA:

Leader In The Park

WEST COUNTRY:

Leader In The Park

The Times:

Leader In The Park

The Guardian:

Leader In The Park

Daily Mail:

Leader In The Park

D Express:

Leader In The Park