14.25
HeavyBetfair Imperial Cup Handicap Hurdle (GBB Race)
- Prize money: £51440
- 1m 7f 216y
- Class 2
- 16 runners
Runners: 16 runners
Type: Hurdle Turf
Surface: Turf
Weather: Windy
13/2 (Won)
- Win: £6.00
- Place: £1.80
Form: 18-613 D
Last run: 28 days
W: 11st 4lb
8 yo Gelding
OR: 129
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
5th 2 |
24th Apr 2026 Good 2m 4f 35y Class 3 |
12st 1lb |
Added to his excellent Sandown record when winning over 2m on soft in December; below par since, including a never-dangerous seventh when bidding for a third successive Imperial Cup back at Sandown, but this is the first time he's dropped to a Class 3 since winning at Cheltenham in December 2023; yard has won the last two runnings of this. |
7/1 |
|
7th 4 |
7th Mar 2026 Soft 1m 7f 216y Class 2 |
11st 7lb |
10yo who was well beaten at Windsor in January and pulled up at Newbury last month; however, he's had wind surgery since and there can be optimism he'll be a different proposition now back here, having won the last two runnings of this race (soft/good to soft) and also scored over C&D in December. |
12/1 |
|
2 |
7th Feb 2026 Soft 2m 0f 69y Class 1 |
11st 10lb |
Beaten twice off lower marks in this race (third in 2024, seventh in 2025) and seems unlikely to make it third time lucky; unbeaten at Sandown and likely to be more persuasive back there next month for a crack at an Imperial Cup hat-trick. |
33/1 |
9/1
- Place: £2.90
Form: -6P285 D
Last run: 28 days
W: 11st 11lb
9 yo Gelding
OR: 136
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
15th 14 |
10th Apr 2026 Good To Soft 2m 4f 0y Class 1 |
11st 4lb |
Has lots of form in major handicaps, generally at about 2m, but losing spell goes back three years and he looks unlikely to land this hot contest at the age of 11; remote third at Newbury most recently. |
40/1 |
|
3rd 5 |
7th Feb 2026 Soft 2m 0f 69y Class 1 |
11st 8lb |
Missed last term; useful on his day (County winner) but is into the veteran stage and not particularly solid on this season's form, for all that he was placed in the Greatwood; beaten twice in this contest (pulled up in 2023, fifth in 2024). |
33/1 |
11/2
- Place: £2.60
Form: 0-7F31 D
Last run: 6 days
W: 10st 13lb
5 yo Gelding
OR: 117
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
4th 6 |
17th Apr 2026 Soft 2m 4f 110y Class 2 |
10st 12lb |
Well beaten in the Plate last month but Cheltenham may not be his track; comfortably made all in small field at Leicester (2m6f, good to soft) in January and led into the straight at Ascot (3m, good to soft) in February, only to weaken; also effective on soft; could be involved. |
9/1 |
|
13th 16 |
10th Mar 2026 Good To Soft 2m 4f 44y Class 1 |
10st 7lb |
Four hurdle wins; made just a so-so stab at chasing in late 2023 but he was footsure when making all at Leicester (about 2m6f, good to soft) in January and perhaps the 3m trip counted against him when trying to justify an 8lb rise at Ascot since; should have more to come over fences at some stage but this looks a tough call; yard also runs Peaky Boy. |
14/1 |
5/1
- Place: £2.30
Form: 1241 D
Last run: 28 days
W: 11st 4lb
6 yo Gelding
OR: 129
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
15th 22 |
12th Apr 2024 Soft 2m 4f 0y Class 1 |
10st 11lb |
Two novice hurdle wins this term (2m1f/2m, heavy) along with a Grade 2 second, and he rallied for a near-9l fourth of 16 on handicap debut in the Imperial Cup at Sandown (2m, soft) last month; this 3m point winner is open to improvement now up in trip and is one to consider; cheekpieces go on. |
6/1 |
|
15th 22 |
12th Apr 2024 Soft 2m 4f 0y Class 1 |
10st 11lb |
Two novice hurdle wins this term (2m1f/2m, heavy) along with a Grade 2 second, and he rallied for a near-9l fourth of 16 on handicap debut in the Imperial Cup at Sandown (2m, soft) last month; this 3m point winner is open to improvement now up in trip and is one to consider; cheekpieces go on. |
6/1 |
|
4th 7 |
9th Mar 2024 Heavy 1m 7f 216y Class 2 |
11st 4lb |
3m point winner who scored on hurdle debut at Carlisle (2m1f, heavy) in October and, after making the frame in Graded races the next twice, won Newbury novice (2m, heavy) last month when back down in grade; improvement needed on handicap debut but that's possible from this unexposed 6yo, who could prove well suited by this big-field scenario and expected strong pace. |
5/1 |
12/1
Form: 29-176 D
Last run: 28 days
W: 11st 10lb
8 yo Gelding
OR: 135
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2nd 1 |
21st Mar 2026 Good To Soft 2m 3f 123y Class 2 |
12st 0lb |
Ran no race at Windsor in January; however, prior to that he went close in a Class 2 handicap at Sandown (2m, soft; effective on good to soft); on a handy mark if factoring in Harry Atkins' claim; front runner, and not the only one. |
7/1 |
|
13th 3 |
16th Jan 2026 Soft 2m 0f 0y Class 2 |
11st 12lb |
Consistent 10yo who was third in this last year (soft) and reappeared with close second to Go Dante at Sandown (2m, soft) last month; up 2lb to a career-high mark but can give another good account and 7lb claimer Harry Atkins, who is enjoying a fine winter, rides him for the first time. |
9/1 |
40/1
Form: -3F252 BF
Last run: 10 days
W: 10st 4lb
6 yo Gelding
OR: 115
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
17 |
27th Apr 2024 Good 1m 7f 216y Class 2 |
10st 4lb |
0-2 in bumpers and now 0-7 over hurdles, having been turned over at odds-on in two of his last three races; travels well but seems very one paced when it matters. |
28/1 |
|
17 |
27th Apr 2024 Good 1m 7f 216y Class 2 |
10st 4lb |
0-2 in bumpers and now 0-7 over hurdles, having been turned over at odds-on in two of his last three races; travels well but seems very one paced when it matters. |
28/1 |
|
2nd 3 |
27th Mar 2024 Soft 1m 7f 50y Class 4 |
11st 6lb |
Runner-up three times, latterly in a soft-ground maiden here last month; returns to this level after finishing midfield in the Imperial Cup (lost a shoe); major form claims in the new cheekpieces. |
Evs |
40/1
Form: -164F2 D
Last run: 35 days
W: 10st 2lb
9 yo Gelding
OR: 113
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
5th 2 |
15th May 2026 Good 2m 0f 209y Class 4 |
11st 12lb |
Long in the tooth and no longer the force of old but bounced back from two poor chase runs with respectable effort over hurdles at Haydock (1m7f, good) last month and is now 5lb lower than when going close in this race a year ago; could have a say. |
12/1 |
|
5th 7 |
15th Apr 2026 Good 1m 7f 144y Class 3 |
11st 6lb |
Very capable over fences but pulled up in that discipline on his last two starts following a break of 217 days; he did go close over hurdles at Aintree three runs ago so there's a big effort in him if he can get his act together. |
25/1 |
20/1
Form: 1-3172
Last run: 35 days
W: 11st 1lb
7 yo Gelding
OR: 126
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
6 |
23rd Apr 2025 Good 2m 4f 20y Class 3 |
10st 13lb |
Respectable strike-rate over hurdles; record of 0-6 since switched to fences but has place possibilities on most of that form. |
11/2 |
|
6 |
23rd Apr 2025 Good 2m 4f 20y Class 3 |
10st 13lb |
Respectable strike-rate over hurdles; record of 0-6 since switched to fences but has place possibilities on most of that form. |
11/2 |
|
3rd 10 |
15th Mar 2025 Good 2m 4f 110y Class 2 |
10st 2lb |
Record of 0-5 since switched to fences but turn looks near, having finished second at Wetherby and Newbury the last twice; however, needs some improvement to go one better in this stronger grade. |
8/1 |
25/1
Form: 103-13 D
Last run: 7 days
W: 11st 0lb
5 yo Gelding
OR: 125
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
6th 8 |
11th Oct 2025 Good To Soft 2m 7f 131y Class 4 |
11st 10lb |
Rewarded a determined Sean Bowen ride when winning off reduced mark at Plumpton (3m1f, good) in the spring; still well handicapped on older form and unexposed at around 3m but others have more persuasive profiles. |
10/1 |
|
1st 3 |
6th Apr 2025 Good 3m 0f 217y Class 4 |
11st 9lb |
raced lazily, raced in last, headway before 3 out, went second approaching last, soon pressed leader, ridden to lead towards finish, all out |
11/4 |
|
1st 3 |
6th Apr 2025 Good 3m 0f 217y Class 4 |
11st 9lb |
raced lazily, raced in last, some headway before 3 out, went second approaching last, soon pressed leader, ridden to lead towards finish, all out |
11/4 |
20/1
Form: 17/PP- CD
Last run: 364 days
W: 12st 0lb
8 yo Gelding
OR: 139
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
3 |
17th Jan 2026 Good To Soft 2m 3f 63y Class 2 |
11st 4lb |
Has been a money-spinner for connections over the years but recent efforts (Flat and jumps) have been subdued and he faded into a well-held fourth at Sandown (28-1) in December; well handicapped on old form but needs first-time cheekpieces to have a positive effect. |
22/1 |
|
8th 1 (4) |
29th Mar 2025 Standard To Slow 1m 7f 218y Class 2 |
10st 0lb |
Easily best known for his exploits on soft/heavy ground, on the Flat winning 2022 November Handicap and 2023 Chester Cup; the latter was off same mark as today but he did not fire on all cylinders last March-July and he's run only once on AW, when finishing last over C&D in 2023; enough doubts. |
12/1 |
|
8th 1 (9) |
29th Jul 2024 Soft 2m 0f 179y |
12st 2lb |
Merit's respect on last year's Chester Cup win; unplaced in a staying handicap at Newbury in April; takes a big drop in class now after contesting Group 3 Henry II Stakes at Sandown. |
14/1 |
11/2
Form: 6-3232 BF
Last run: 21 days
W: 11st 1lb
5 yo Gelding
OR: 126
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
8th 6 |
11th Apr 2026 Good To Soft 3m 0f 210y Class 1 |
11st 12lb |
Useful handicap chaser at up to 2m5f, albeit quirky and having saved his winning in this sphere for Kempton; admittedly right up to best in Ascot contest on penultimate start; last two efforts suggest this new trip is worth exploring but he comes with some risk, especially in such a competitive field. |
20/1 |
|
3rd 2 |
21st Feb 2026 Good To Soft 2m 4f 110y Class 2 |
11st 13lb |
Has his quirks but talented and his win in this last year was the first of three victories at this track (2m2f-2m4f); he's close to a career-high mark, off which he went close last month at Ascot (2m5f, soft) despite looking disinterested early doors; a danger to all. |
9/4 |
|
2nd 4 |
17th Jan 2026 Good To Soft 2m 5f 13y Class 2 |
11st 3lb |
Wasn't going from some way out when favourite behind Etalon here last time but he'd previously won comfortably at Kempton (2m2f, good) and run creditably in the Paddy Power Gold Cup at Cheltenham (2m4f, soft) where the hill proved too much; still relatively young; 5lb better off with Etalon and could turn the tables. |
5/1 |
6/1
Form: 11-787 D
Last run: 42 days
W: 11st 7lb
6 yo Gelding
OR: 132
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
5th 4 |
18th Apr 2026 Soft 2m 0f 110y Class 1 |
10st 2lb |
Front-runner who was 11l third of 15 at Aintree (2m, good to soft) nine days ago when bidding to win that race for the third consecutive year (wins on soft/good); his last five wins have come in the month of April and there can be optimism that he will make another bold bid; third in this in 2024. |
3/1 |
|
3rd 7 |
9th Apr 2026 Good To Soft 1m 7f 176y Class 1 |
11st 1lb |
His exploits earlier in the season aren't of much concern given his last five wins have come in the month of April, including the last two runnings of this race (soft/good to soft; has also won on good); this prominent racer did it comfortably 12 months ago and is just 3lb higher today; could once more take all the beating. |
11/4 |
|
4th 3 |
18th Jan 2026 Soft 2m 0f 37y Class 2 |
11st 8lb |
Hasn't found his form this term and that may well continue until winter is out, as he's essentially a spring horse; gained last five wins in the month of April. |
10/1 |
14/1
Form: 11-410 CD
Last run: 28 days
W: 12st 0lb
5 yo Gelding
OR: 139
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
10 |
20th Apr 2025 Good 1m 7f 195y Class 2 |
10st 5lb |
took keen hold, disputed lead at fast pace, chased clear leader before 6th |
10/1 |
|
10 |
20th Apr 2025 Good 1m 7f 195y Class 2 |
10st 5lb |
took keen hold, disputed lead at fast pace, chased clear leader before 6th |
10/1 |
|
5th 15 |
14th Mar 2025 Good To Soft 2m 0f 179y Class 1 |
10st 3lb |
6yo who is well treated on last season's best form; he showed some spark at Newbury in December but hasn't been at the top of his game this term and was soundly beaten last time; others make greater appeal. |
66/1 |
25/1
Form: 633042
Last run: 34 days
W: 11st 9lb
9 yo Mare
OR: 134
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
11th 1 |
31st Jul 2024 Good 2m 0f 110y |
11st 12lb |
soon led |
16/1 |
|
3rd 8 |
4th Jul 2024 Good To Yielding 2m 0f 0y |
10st 8lb |
In-foal mare; won Killarney mares' Listed contest in May, relegating Shecouldbeanything to third; backed that up by beating Senecia at Listowel; can be fancied to uphold form with those two rivals on these terms and could go close. |
4/1 |
|
1st 6 |
3rd Jun 2024 Good 2m 0f 0y |
11st 7lb |
made all, 4 lengths ahead after 3 out, reduced lead 2 out, ridden and kept on well run-in |
13/2 |
14/1
Form: -34211 CD
Last run: 29 days
W: 11st 0lb
5 yo Filly
OR: 125
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
3rd 3 |
6th Mar 2026 Good To Soft 2m 1f 109y Class 3 |
11st 6lb |
Four wins (2m/2m5f) over hurdles, the last one off 2lb higher; 0-8 since switched to fences but ran well at Ludlow (2m4f, soft) most recently, pulling clear of the third; fighting chance. |
9/4 |
|
2nd 4 |
18th Feb 2026 2m 4f 11y Class 3 |
11st 9lb |
Didn't run badly when fourth of nine at Windsor (2m4f, soft) last month and she continues to edge down the weights; however, she needs something extra today's if she's to break her chasing duck at the eighth attempt. |
11/1 |
|
4th 5 |
16th Jan 2026 Soft 2m 4f 42y Class 2 |
11st 7lb |
Has slipped to 2lb below last winning hurdles mark but seems far from certain to take advantage, being a fairly exposed mare who has failed to show her form in two starts this season, taking chase record to 0-6; faces some progressive opponents. |
16/1 |
16/1
Form: 2221 D
Last run: 40 days
W: 10st 12lb
7 yo Gelding
OR: 123
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
9 (5) |
12th Jul 2025 Good 1m 6f 34y Class 3 |
9st 1lb |
About 7l behind Diamond Bay at Goodwood (1m6f, good) on final Flat run but has since won well with the blinkers back on over hurdles, albeit an ordinary handicap; Ashley Lewis also takes off a handy 7lb; could have some role to play. |
8/1 |
|
2 |
10th Jun 2025 Good 2m 1f 162y Class 4 |
12st 0lb |
Generally disappointing over hurdles since Plumpton novice win (2m, good to soft) in early 2024 and not seen in this sphere since down-the-field finish in Ascot handicap in December; in fairly good form on the Flat this year, though, and his current hurdle mark ought to be workable; market may guide. |
5/1 |
+o+e Accumulators
| Payout | |
|---|---|
| Exacta | £51.60 |
| Straight Forecast | £56.72 |
| Tricast | £424.56 |
| Trifecta | £752.40 |