14.10
SoftBetMGM County Handicap Hurdle (Premier Handicap) (GBB Race)
- Prize money: £56270
- 2m 0f 179y
- Class 1
- 17 runners
Runners: 17 runners
Type: Hurdle Turf
Surface: Turf
Weather: Light rain
6/1 (Won)
- Win: £13.40
- Place: £2.90
Form: 16P4
Last run: 40 days
W: 10st 10lb
6 yo Gelding
OR: 138
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
7th 1 |
1st May 2026 Yielding 2m 0f 45y |
11st 12lb |
One of three for trainer; dual-purpose sort who has run creditably in the last three Melbourne Cups (rated 107 on the Flat); 2024 County Hurdle winner was well below his best in that race this season back from a break (2m1f, soft); improved display at Cork when 3.25l behind Ndaawi (16.5f, yielding); a good bit to find with Lossiemouth even if running to his rating, which he hasn't done so far this term. |
40/1 |
|
2nd 3 |
5th Apr 2026 Good To Yielding 2m 0f 70y |
11st 2lb |
Classy dual-purpose sort who has run creditably in the last three Melbourne Cups (rated 107 on the Flat); below best after a break in the County Hurdle at Cheltenham but should be sharper now and Harry Cobden has won on him before; top rated at 153 and obvious chance. |
5/4 |
|
20th 2 |
13th Mar 2026 Good 2m 0f 179y Class 1 |
11st 13lb |
Won this in 2024 and third last year, albeit off much lower marks; operated a little below his very best on the Flat last year, including in Australia in the autumn, which perhaps raises a few doubts as to whether he'll be able to find the career-best hurdle performance which will be needed to defy such a lofty mark. |
16/1 |
9/2
- Place: £2.00
Form: 433-P2 D
Last run: 34 days
W: 10st 7lb
6 yo Gelding
OR: 135
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
5 |
10th Apr 2026 Good To Soft 2m 3f 200y Class 1 |
11st 10lb |
Third of five in Grade 1 Maghull Novices' Chase here (2m, good) 12 months ago and reappeared with a win in the Grade 2 Shloer at Cheltenham (2m, soft) in November; ran well when 12l third in the Champion Chase at Cheltenham (2m, good to soft) last month but doesn't appear to be crying out for this step up in trip, and Harry Skelton rides Grey Dawning. |
11/1 |
|
3rd 6 |
11th Mar 2026 Good To Soft 1m 7f 199y Class 1 |
11st 10lb |
Progressive in the main; smart novice chaser last term and ties in closely with Majborough on Arkle bare form (good to soft; finished a close fourth); below par in the 2025 Tingle Creek when last seen but this looks the day to catch him; successful the last three times he has returned from a break of two months or bigger, most recently in this season's Shloer over C&D (soft) when easily beating his rivals and registering a fourth Graded win, as well as cementing his Champion Chase claims; favourably fresh and rightly respected. |
4/1 |
|
2 |
1st Nov 2025 Good 2m 0f 172y Class 1 |
11st 12lb |
One of Britain's best 2m novice chasers last season and held his own in the Grade 1s at Cheltenham and Aintree; didn't jump as well as he can on the latter occasion when tried in cheekpieces and those aids are now left off; high in the weights for a reason but he may prefer softer ground and will have new handling, having only been ridden by Harry Skelton in Britain. |
10/1
- Place: £2.80
Form: 5426-4 CD
Last run: 111 days
W: 12st 0lb
6 yo Gelding
OR: 156
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
6 |
11th Mar 2026 Good To Soft 3m 5f 56y Class 2 |
10st 7lb |
Gained all three chase wins in small-field novice events last April-June; not beaten far when ninth of 28 in valuable Leopardstown handicap won by Favori De Champdou over Christmas (3m, yielding; wore usual cheekpieces) and seemed to be running well when falling at third-last fence in the Thyestes at Gowran (3m1f, heavy; blinkered) in January; has stamina to prove on cross-country debut but not ruled out; cheekpieces back on today. |
25/1 |
|
9 |
22nd Jan 2026 Heavy 3m 1f 0y |
11st 4lb |
Smart hurdler in his early days; all three chase wins recorded in small-field events between April and June last year; failed to prosper in Grade 3 events before livelier displays at Cheltenham and when fifth behind Answer To Kayf in the Troytown; no impact in the Grade 1 Drinmore at Fairhouse; no threat from the last when ninth in the Paddy Power. |
33/1 |
|
1 |
25th Oct 2025 Good To Soft 3m 1f 0y Class 2 |
11st 10lb |
Hit the ground running over fences with three wins in small fields (2m4f-2m7f) but now on a recovery mission after three blips, admittedly at Grade 3 level; would be a strong contender on these terms if back on song. |
5/1 |
11/1
- Place: £2.20
Form: 25-122 D BF
Last run: 40 days
W: 11st 2lb
6 yo Filly
OR: 144
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
6th 4 (1) |
4th Apr 2026 Soft 1m 4f 25y |
9st 2lb |
Grade 3-winning hurdler turned into a useful Flat performer in 2024; finished third in a Fairyhouse Grade 3 over 1m6f before winning the Ebor over the same trip; however, hasn't been seen since and difficult to get behind her after a long absence; the market might reveal her readiness. |
5/1 |
|
1st 8 (1) |
24th Aug 2024 Good To Firm 1m 5f 188y Class 2 |
9st 6lb |
Useful hurdler, placed at the last two Cheltenham Festivals; similar standard straightaway switched to racing under Flat rules on last three outings, 1-4 for her easy 1m5f maiden win before she ran on nicely to be a close third in Group 3 at Fairyhouse (1m6f, good; unraced on firmer); this mark demands more but she did shape last time as if capable of better. |
9/1 |
|
3rd 4 (4) |
10th Jul 2024 Good To Firm 1m 6f 0y |
9st 9lb |
Bumper winner; talented mare over hurdles, has run well at two Cheltenham festivals, second in last year's Grade 2 mares' novice, fourth in the County Hurdle last season; made a bright start on Flat when fifth to Thunder Roll in a 1m4f Listed race at Cork in April; readily landed the odds in a 1m5f maiden at Down Royal. |
8/1 |
25/1
Form: -7P331 D
Last run: 41 days
W: 10st 2lb
5 yo Gelding
OR: 129
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
10th 3 |
4th May 2026 Good 2m 4f 1y Class 2 |
11st 7lb |
Without a win since February 2024 but gave good account when sixth (promoted to fifth) at last month's Aintree festival; 2lb lower here and well worth another crack at 2m4f; considered. |
14/1 |
|
6th 22 |
10th Apr 2026 Good To Soft 2m 0f 103y Class 2 |
10st 13lb |
18 races and over two years since his last win, albeit still frequently competitive; below par over 2m5f at Ascot only 12 days ago but his peak form has come at around 2m (third in this in 2024). |
22/1 |
|
7th 5 |
29th Mar 2026 Good 2m 5f 146y Class 3 |
11st 2lb |
17 races and over two years since his last win, albeit still frequently competitive; big majority of his career has been at about 2m (he last went over further in October 2024) and he's never been this far. |
9/2 |
11/1
Form: 6P2852 CD
Last run: 6 days
W: 10st 8lb
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 |
11/1
Form: 131-33 D
Last run: 40 days
W: 11st 3lb
5 yo Filly
OR: 145
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
4 |
24th Sep 2025 Yielding To Soft 2m 3f 100y |
11st 7lb |
Three-time winning hurdler, including a Grade 1, is 1-8 over the bigger obstacles; rated 140 so well clear on the figures but has failed to complete two of her last three starts and jumped poorly the last twice; talented but a risky proposition. |
9/4 |
|
18 |
30th Jul 2025 Good 2m 6f 111y |
11st 2lb |
Flopped at Roscommon last time and earlier pulled up in Punchestown race won by Sea Music; those two races have dented her chasing profile; blinkered for the first time. |
25/1 |
|
3rd 4 |
9th Jun 2025 Good 2m 5f 150y |
10st 13lb |
Mare is rated 140 after six chase starts; won a mares' beginners' at Fairyhouse in February (2m5f, sft-hvy); good third in listed handicap chase at that venue on penultimate (2m5f, soft); pulled up at Punchestown latest; looks the main threat to Pied Piper and gets plenty of weight from him but may need softer ground. |
6/5 |
16/1
Form: 16-135 D BF
Last run: 40 days
W: 10st 9lb
5 yo Filly
OR: 137
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
4 |
29th Dec 2024 Yielding 2m 4f 0y |
11st 3lb |
midfield early, prominent behind clear leaders after 2nd |
9/1 |
|
4 |
29th Dec 2024 Yielding 2m 4f 0y |
11st 3lb |
midfield early, prominent behind clear leaders after 2nd |
9/1 |
|
2nd 1 |
24th Nov 2024 Yielding 2m 2f 0y |
11st 4lb |
Won a Grade 3 at Fairyhouse on return last year and some decent efforts in defeat since; however, below form the last thrice (an excuse in Galway Hurdle) and has to bounce back. |
5/1 |
66/1
Form: 212415 D
Last run: 166 days
W: 10st 2lb
5 yo Gelding
OR: 130
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2nd 4 (6) |
12th Jul 2025 Good 1m 5f 188y Class 1 |
9st 0lb |
Twice ran well in defeat at Royal Ascot last month, finishing third in the Copper Horse Handicap (1m6f, good to firm) and second in the Queen Alexandra (2m5f, good to firm; albeit no match for the winner); could give a good account but needs others to underperform if he's to come out on top. |
6/1 |
|
3 (7) |
21st Jun 2025 Good To Firm 2m 5f 143y Class 2 |
9st 4lb |
Proven in this headgear; pays his way under both codes and, if able to reproduce his effort here on Tuesday when hitting the line well for third in the 1m6f Copper Horse Stakes (good to firm), then he won't be far away on these favourable terms; the grey areas are inconsistency and the extra 7f (he did run over 3m over jumps) but he's one of only a few with realistic ambitions of winning. |
11/2 |
|
3 (5) |
17th Jun 2025 Good 1m 6f 34y Class 2 |
9st 9lb |
In rude health last summer, including when second off this mark in competitive handicap at York (2m, good to firm); won over hurdles in January but his form has been mixed since across both codes; below best back on Flat last time. |
20/1 |
50/1
Form: 260227 D
Last run: 40 days
W: 10st 2lb
5 yo Gelding
OR: 129
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
3 |
6th Sep 2024 Good To Yielding 2m 0f 0y |
11st 8lb |
Placed more often than winning over hurdles; did record his fourth win on the Flat at Tramore last month before finishing close up in a charity race at the Curragh on Sunday; pace will be on here which will help him being delivered late and certainly respected. |
8/1 |
|
3rd 1 |
31st Aug 2024 Good 1m 4f 0y |
12st 6lb |
Asserted well to win at Tramore; Pat Smullen's son takes the ride; big chance. |
100/30 |
|
1st 5 (4) |
17th Aug 2024 Yielding 1m 4f 0y |
9st 7lb |
Dual Purpose; 3-8 on the Flat; ran a solid race over this trip at Chester in May 2023; hurdling since that run until return to this sphere in the Cork Derby and he wasn't disgraced on ground plenty quick for him; this race is easier, a bit of cut in the ground will suit and he's been dropped 5lb; a big run could be on the cards. |
9/1 |
10/1
Form: 7U-4F4 D BF
Last run: 40 days
W: 10st 5lb
7 yo Gelding
OR: 133
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2 |
21st Sep 2025 Yielding To Soft 2m 1f 150y |
11st 6lb |
Dual-purpose sort is on a long losing run; in action on Flat and over hurdles since a good run over fences in the spring; blinkers added now; potentially interesting, though he needs to reverse Grand Annual form with Jasko Des Dames. |
6/1 |
|
10 (5) |
16th Aug 2025 Yielding 2m 0f 0y |
9st 2lb |
Dual-purpose sort is on a long losing run, well held in valuable 2m6f Galway handicap hurdle on latest; previous two Flat maiden runs were poor so seemingly fair bit to do off this opening mark but is unexposed in this sphere. |
13/2 |
|
12th 9 |
2nd Aug 2025 Good 2m 6f 108y |
11st 5lb |
One of three for yard; generally out of form in 2025 in chases and on the Flat; narrowly denied in this race last year off this mark and this may have been a long-term target so would be no surprise to see a revival; interesting. |
14/1 |
66/1
Form: 123584 D
Last run: 40 days
W: 10st 2lb
5 yo Filly
OR: 126
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2nd 4 |
11th May 2025 Good 2m 4f 180y |
11st 7lb |
Useful hurdler, though hardly prolific with a strike-rate of 2-19; has yet to reach the same heights in her four chases and was beaten a distance last time at Kilbeggan (2m4f). |
6/1 |
|
4 |
11th May 2025 Good 2m 4f 180y |
11st 7lb |
Useful hurdler, though hardly prolific with a strike-rate of 2-19; has yet to reach the same heights in her four chases and was beaten a distance last time at Kilbeggan (2m4f). |
6/1 |
|
3rd 5 |
25th Apr 2025 Good To Yielding 2m 3f 200y |
11st 7lb |
midfield, headway from 3 out, went third after 2 out, no impression approaching last |
6/1 |
40/1
Form: 233U21 D
Last run: 11 days
W: 10st 2lb
5 yo Gelding
OR: 125
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
3rd 4 |
14th May 2026 Good 1m 6f 44y Class 3 |
9st 3lb |
Six-time Flat winner who scored a fifth win on turf when taking Sandown handicap (1m6f, good) off 2lb lower in July 2024; also a multiple winner over hurdles who was on the premises when taking heavy last-flight fall at Plumpton just over one year ago; interesting to see how he goes in the market ahead of this comeback. |
13/2 |
|
5 |
20th Apr 2025 Good 2m 4f 114y Class 3 |
11st 3lb |
Gained two of his five hurdle wins at this track and was second in Sussex Champion Hurdle here (2m, good) just over a year ago; returned from seven-month break with encouraging third at Bangor (2m3f, good; form working out well) in March and has slipped to a workable mark; can make presence felt. |
7/1 |
|
5 |
20th Apr 2025 Good 2m 4f 114y Class 3 |
11st 3lb |
Gained two of his five hurdle wins at this track and was second in Sussex Champion Hurdle here (2m, good) just over a year ago; returned from seven-month break with encouraging third at Bangor (2m3f, good; form working out well) in March and has slipped to a workable mark; can make presence felt. |
7/1 |
5/1
Form: -22213 D
Last run: 40 days
W: 10st 12lb
6 yo Gelding
OR: 140
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
6th 3 |
11th Apr 2026 Good To Soft 1m 7f 176y Class 1 |
11st 7lb |
Won three of first five races over fences, including a Grade 3 novice at Punchestown (2m2f, good to yielding) in October, but has made mistakes and run poorly at Cheltenham and Newbury since; perhaps he'll be revived by a break and cheekpieces, but he has plenty to find on the figures. |
40/1 |
|
2 |
24th Oct 2025 Good 1m 7f 199y Class 2 |
11st 12lb |
Won two in a row this summer when back over fences (2m2f/2m1f, good) and landed a Grade 3 novice at Punchestown (2m2f, good to yielding) last week; seems versatile ground-wise and he's a key player today. |
9/4 |
12/1
Form: -7324B D
Last run: 40 days
W: 10st 11lb
6 yo Gelding
OR: 139
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
12th 25 (29) |
29th Sep 2024 Yielding 2m 0f 170y |
8st 11lb |
midfield |
40/1 |
|
19th 9 (21) |
14th Sep 2024 Good 1m 5f 0y |
9st 0lb |
towards rear |
20/1 |
|
5th 5 (11) |
2nd Aug 2024 Yielding 1m 4f 0y |
9st 0lb |
midfield |
15/2 |
20/1
Form: 7-2445 D BF
Last run: 40 days
W: 10st 8lb
6 yo Gelding
OR: 136
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
13th 17 |
30th Apr 2026 Yielding 2m 0f 75y |
11st 2lb |
Out of form since his 16-1 win in this race last year; possibly back on a competitive mark now, only 3lb higher than 12 months ago; however, needs to step up on the form of his Aintree run. |
10/1 |
|
7th 10 |
9th Apr 2026 Good To Soft 1m 7f 176y Class 1 |
10st 12lb |
Soundly beaten ninth in this 12 months ago (good to soft) and tailed off on his last three starts; however, the return to better ground can help and he won a big-field handicap at Punchestown (2m, yielding) last May; on a handy mark judged on that Irish form and he's not discounted. |
20/1 |
|
5th 2 |
21st Feb 2026 Soft 2m 0f 16y Class 2 |
11st 8lb |
Beat 22 rivals to win at Punchestown festival (2m, yielding) last May but looked out of sorts on both appearances since returning from a break in November and needs to turn a corner. |
10/1 |
20/1
Form: 0-1P24 D
Last run: 26 days
W: 10st 11lb
6 yo Gelding
OR: 139
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
4 |
29th Sep 2025 Yielding 2m 0f 147y |
11st 1lb |
Smart hurdler, though with an inferior mark to King Of Kingsfield; however, he's already a better chaser and after dominating Itsalladream at Ballinrobe he was runner-up (from the front) in a Grade 3 at Galway; standout claims. |
8/11 |
|
2nd 8 |
31st Jul 2025 Good 2m 2f 54y |
11st 1lb |
Decent hurdler is a higher-rated chaser despite just one win from six attempts, unchallenged in beating Itsalladream at Ballinrobe in May (good) on latest; posted higher RPR's in defeat earlier under similar forcing tactics, notably fourth in valuable 2m1f Plumpton handicap; Townend's pick but possibly vulnerable at this level. |
7/2 |
|
10 |
26th May 2025 Good 2m 1f 54y |
11st 12lb |
Useful hurdler, though won only once from eight starts; 0-5 over fences and appears flattered by an official rating of 140; made a couple of mistakes when beaten favourite (fourth) for a Plumpton handicap five weeks ago; reproduction of neck second to Aspire Tower at Wexford might be enough in this company. |
11/8 |
Non-runners
Encanto Bruno, Hansard, Aucunrisque, Gin Coco, Parramount, Rare Middleton
+o+e Accumulators
| Payout | |
|---|---|
| Exacta | £77.50 |
| Straight Forecast | £57.24 |
| Tricast | £639.51 |
| Trifecta | £1382.20 |
Selections
SPOTLIGHT:
L'Eau Du SudDaily Mail:
King Of KingsfieldThe Times:
So ScottishWEST COUNTRY:
Petit TonnerreThe Sun:
L'Eau Du SudThe Star:
L'Eau Du SudD Express:
King Of KingsfieldDaily Record:
King Of KingsfieldTelegraph:
So ScottishThe Guardian:
So Scottish