April 26 / 16.25 Perth

16.25

Soft

AK Bets Watch All UK Racing Novices’ Handicap Hurdle

  • Prize money: £4224.8
  • 2m 4f 35y
  • Class 5
  • 12 runners
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AK Bets Watch All UK Racing Novices’ Handicap Hurdle

Runners: 12 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Light rain

5/4 (Won)

  • Win: £1.73
  • Place: £1.10

Form: 580111 D

Last run: 7 days

W: 11st 10lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 101

Form & Verdict
Helped by the favourite departing three out but he beat the rest well enough over 2m4f at Ayr last week (soft) to bring up the hat-trick; that was a conditionals' race so he escapes a penalty; obvious claims.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

2

7th Mar 2025

Soft

2m 6f 151y

Class 3

15:20 Leicester

Plaisir Des Flos

11st 4lb

J: Jack Hogan

T: Fergal O’Brien

Won five handicap hurdles on the bounce from last March onwards and has continued to hold his own, latterly behind a progressive winner at Bangor (2m7f, soft); had three months off prior to this chase debut but has to be of interest.

5/2

15/2

  • Place: £2.00

Form: 6433 BF

Last run: 27 days

W: 11st 3lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 94

Form & Verdict
Has some scope and was seen in a different light when third on his handicap debut at Carlisle (2m3f, soft) after being backed into favouritism; kept on the same mark and has to be of interest with further progress likely.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

8

22nd Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 210y

Class 2

16:27 Carlisle

Tommy Combats

10st 12lb

J: Callum Bewley

T: Martin Todhunter

Ran well stepped back up to 2m4f last time when bidding for an Ayr double; remains a consistent sort and again looks likely to give his running; each-way possibilities.

8/1

2nd

6

23rd Feb 2026

Soft

2m 4f 110y

Class 4

15:00 Ayr

Tommy Combats

10st 13lb

J: Callum Bewley

T: Martin Todhunter

Runner-up over C&D in November and made it 2-8 over fences when winning in good style here (2m, soft) last month; this progressive 7yo may well take a 6lb rise in his stride.

5/2

1st

10

29th Jan 2026

Good To Soft

2m 0f 110y

Class 4

15:43 Ayr

Tommy Combats

10st 9lb

J: Callum Bewley

T: Martin Todhunter

Took well to fences last season, winning at Hexham (1m7f, soft), and reappeared with solid second here (2m4f, soft) in November; in front rank when unseating in back straight at Newcastle last time; on the shortlist.

7/2

8/1

  • Place: £2.00

Form: 464P91 D

Last run: 25 days

W: 12st 0lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 105

Form & Verdict
Encouraging fourth in a Wetherby novice in November (soft) and fulfilled that promise when coming clear to get off the mark in a 2m4f handicap at Huntingdon (good, good to soft in places); remains to be seen whether he needs goodish ground but a 6lb rise could have been worse and this chasing type has more improvement in him.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

7

26th Sep 2025

Good

2m 7f 0y

Class 4

15:52 Worcester

Gustoso

11st 1lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Henry Daly

Won well at Hereford (3m1f) last December; absent since creditable second at Huntingdon in February; has a modest record when fresh but market support should be noted.

7/1

5

20th Feb 2025

Good To Soft

3m 1f 10y

Class 4

14:45 Huntingdon

Gustoso

11st 5lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Henry Daly

Won here last April and registered his second handicap win when comfortably in front at Hereford (3m2f, good to soft) in December; the latter was his first attempt at this sort of trip but he flopped when 7-4 favourite at Wincanton five weeks ago; major player if bouncing straight back.

7/2

12

16th Jan 2025

Good To Soft

3m 0f 150y

Class 3

15:10 Wincanton

Gustoso

10st 5lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Henry Daly

visibility reduced by fog

6/1

Form: 8-0592

Last run: 49 days

W: 11st 4lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 95

Form & Verdict
Some maiden promise and ran a nice first race in handicaps when staying on well from an unpromising position at Ayr (2m4f, good to soft); of definite interest after that improvement.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

14th May 2025

Good

2m 7f 180y

Class 5

19:30 Perth

Master Bricklayer

11st 6lb

J: Bruce Lynn

T: N W Alexander

0-8 over hurdles; placed off today's mark at Ayr (2m4f, soft; first-time cheekpieces) in February but pulled up both runs either side; not yet proven over 3m or on good ground; tricky to predict on chase debut.

5/1

3

14th May 2025

Good

2m 7f 180y

Class 5

19:30 Perth

Master Bricklayer

11st 6lb

J: Bruce Lynn

T: N W Alexander

0-8 over hurdles; placed off today's mark at Ayr (2m4f, soft; first-time cheekpieces) in February but pulled up both runs either side; not yet proven over 3m or on good ground; tricky to predict on chase debut.

5/1

8

8th Mar 2025

Soft

3m 0f 70y

Class 5

16:35 Ayr

Master Bricklayer

11st 6lb

J: Henry Brooke

T: N W Alexander

Made the frame last spring in first two handicaps (2m4f, good to soft/soft) and returned to form when third in first-time cheekpieces (retained) here (2m4f, soft) last month; there's stamina in his pedigree and today's step up in trip could eke out some improvement.

11/2

33/1

Form: 8-9658

Last run: 49 days

W: 11st 0lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 91

Form & Verdict
Lightly raced but didn't look well treated for his handicap debut at Ayr (2m, good to soft) and was never dangerous.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

5

9th Jun 2024

Good

2m 7f 207y

Class 5

17:27 Perth

River Ayr

11st 6lb

J: Ben Smith

T: R Mike Smith

in touch with leaders on outer

9/2

4th

10

15th May 2024

Good To Soft

2m 4f 35y

Class 5

20:22 Perth

River Ayr

11st 4lb

J: Ben Smith

T: R Mike Smith

Seven-race maiden who has not finished closer than fifth over hurdles and his effort flattened out late on in a 2m4f handicap at Perth (beaten 11l) last month; mark is falling but he needs to find more.

16/1

4th

10

15th May 2024

Good To Soft

2m 4f 35y

Class 5

20:22 Perth

River Ayr

11st 4lb

J: Ben Smith

T: R Mike Smith

Seven-race maiden who has not finished closer than fifth over hurdles and his effort flattened out late on in a 2m4f handicap at Perth (beaten 11l) last month; mark is falling but he needs to find more.

16/1

Form: U635-3

Last run: 334 days

W: 10st 10lb

7 yo Mare

OR: 87

Form & Verdict
Running well during the opening half of last year but she remains a maiden, lacks a run and probably wants better ground.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

11

13th May 2026

Good

3m 2f 127y

Class 4

15:08 Perth

Maura Jeanne

11st 1lb

J: Callum Bewley

T: Ian Duncan

Thorough stayer whose last win was at Ayr in February 2025 (3m, soft); several good runs since, including when second at Carlisle last month; each-way chance.

12/1

6th

5

22nd Apr 2026

Soft

2m 7f 207y

Class 5

17:12 Perth

Maura Jeanne

11st 6lb

J: Mr S Connor

T: Ian Duncan

Strike-rate of 2-30; has a chance on her second at Carlisle last time (3m1f, good to soft) having also finished runner-up at Ayr in January (3m, heavy); each-way chance.

9/2

2nd

10

4th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

3m 1f 0y

Class 4

13:48 Carlisle

Maura Jeanne

10st 2lb

J: Sean Quinlan

T: Ian Duncan

Won twice over 3m-plus last season, the first time over 3m2f on good to soft at Kelso; has run a couple of fair races this term and has a chance on her best form with a visor replacing cheekpieces.

20/1

OUR TIP

Form: 898617 D

Last run: 72 days

W: 12st 0lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 105

Form & Verdict
Came from off the pace to win nicely on handicap debut at Huntingdon (2m3f, good to soft); went up 9lb but never looked happy on the heavy ground at Fontwell and can put a line through that.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

6th Apr 2026

Good

2m 4f 1y

Class 4

14:15 Fakenham

Bitsnbuckles

12st 1lb

J: Tom Hutsby

T: Olly Murphy

Slightly disappointing when only fourth on his latest outing, but posted career-best form when winning readily by over 6l at Southwell (2m4f, good to soft) two starts ago and has an obvious claims if back at that level.

9/2

4th

4

13th Mar 2026

Good

2m 4f 181y

Class 4

16:20 Doncaster

Bitsnbuckles

11st 6lb

J: Lewis Stones

T: Olly Murphy

Won for the second time over hurdles at Southwell last month (2m4f, good to soft); has a 7lb higher mark; each-way contender.

7/2

1st

8

2nd Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 88y

Class 4

15:52 Southwell

Bitsnbuckles

10st 13lb

J: Lewis Saunders

T: Olly Murphy

Only win in 11 starts over hurdles was a Huntingdon handicap in January 2024 (2m3f, good to soft); three fair efforts when returning from over a year off in the autumn; each-way chance.

5/1

25/1

Form: 2-3059

Last run: 93 days

W: 11st 0lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 91

Form & Verdict
Uncompetitive in three runs for this yard (2m-2m4f) but now goes handicapping and his useful bumper form for Dermot Weld is not forgotten.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

5

21st Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 0f 190y

Class 5

16:33 Newcastle

Sattam

11st 4lb

J: Charlie Maggs

T: Dianne Sayer

Off the mark at the tenth attempt at Musselburgh (1m7f, good to soft) on Sunday, and in some style too, eased after surging well clear from three out; looks well in under a penalty; has a good chance of following up.

5/6

1st

8

15th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

1m 7f 124y

Class 5

14:50 Musselburgh

Sattam

10st 11lb

J: Ryan Mania

T: Dianne Sayer

Maiden whose penultimate effort (in May 2024) suggests there may be an ordinary handicap in him; showed signs of retaining ability, while looking in need of the run, on belated return to action; not ruled out.

9/2

Form: -11210 D BF

Last run: 13 days

W: 10st 7lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 84

Form & Verdict
Very effective in the mud as he showed in winning three of his first four handicaps (2m3f-2m6f; raced prominently); ground described as good to soft, soft in places) was reportedly too quick for him when below par at Chepstow; it could be a similar scenario here.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

4

9th Mar 2026

Good

2m 3f 166y

Class 5

14:30 Plumpton

Goguenard

10st 7lb

J: Richie McLernon

T: D J Jeffreys

Well beaten in all three chases last season and also out of form over hurdles this term; considered only if lively in the betting.

16/1

8

22nd Feb 2026

Soft

2m 5f 164y

Class 5

15:50 Fontwell

Goguenard

10st 5lb

J: Tom Bellamy

T: D J Jeffreys

Three-time hurdle winner; safely held on both outings (cheekpieces refitted last time) since returning in November from a break but suited by slow ground and might be perked up by first-time blinkers; worth a glance in the betting.

11/1

4th

11

22nd Jan 2026

Soft

2m 3f 154y

Class 5

13:55 Wetherby

Goguenard

10st 7lb

J: Kielan Woods

T: D J Jeffreys

Inconsistent last season and well beaten on both outings this term; however, he may have needed his latest run in November and won this two years ago; not written off.

14/1

Form: 542573

Last run: 47 days

W: 11st 2lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 103

Form & Verdict
Best form was in Ireland, notably when pushing the smart Nurburgring close in a maiden in August (2m1f, yielding to soft); hasn't approached that level in three British runs but he's potentially well-in for handicap debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

6

11th Jun 2024

Good

1m 7f 182y

Class 5

15:50 Southwell

Thats Jet

11st 8lb

J: Callum Bewley

T: Daragh Bourke

pressed leader, lost ground but in touch with leaders after 2nd

12/1

10th

9

26th Apr 2024

Soft

2m 4f 35y

Class 5

16:25 Perth

Thats Jet

11st 2lb

J: Callum Bewley

T: Daragh Bourke

Best form was in Ireland, notably when pushing the smart Nurburgring close in a maiden in August (2m1f, yielding to soft); hasn't approached that level in three British runs but he's potentially well-in for handicap debut.

12/1

Form: 9-5553

Last run: 47 days

W: 11st 8lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 99

Form & Verdict
Best form had been in bumpers but finished his latest maiden on the front foot at Kelso (2m5f, soft) and brings potential into handicaps, especially if brushing up on his jumping.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

8

7th May 2025

Good

2m 4f 189y

Class 5

15:25 Kelso

Lucky Soldier

11st 0lb

J: Bruce Lynn

T: N W Alexander

Fair novice; generally disappointing in handicaps last season, over fences on last two occasions; back over hurdles with cheekpieces tried; others appeal more.

14/1

5th

8

7th May 2025

Good

2m 4f 189y

Class 5

15:25 Kelso

Lucky Soldier

11st 0lb

J: Bruce Lynn

T: N W Alexander

Fair novice; generally disappointing in handicaps last season, over fences on last two occasions; back over hurdles with cheekpieces tried; others appeal more.

14/1

3

19th Apr 2025

Good

2m 4f 198y

Class 5

14:17 Carlisle

Lucky Soldier

11st 3lb

J: Patrick Wadge

T: N W Alexander

mistake 1st, pulled up after 3rd

12/1

Form: 8-6P67

Last run: 49 days

W: 11st 0lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 91

Form & Verdict
Well beaten in his three handicaps for Nicky Richards, the latest after wind surgery; remains in the same colours despite changing yards.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10

24th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

2m 0f 47y

Class 5

17:36 Perth

One Step Up

11st 0lb

J: Ross Chapman

T: Stuart Coltherd

held up in rear

25/1

10

24th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

2m 0f 47y

Class 5

17:36 Perth

One Step Up

11st 0lb

J: Ross Chapman

T: Stuart Coltherd

held up in rear

25/1

4

11th Dec 2024

Soft

2m 7f 63y

Class 5

14:20 Hexham

One Step Up

11st 3lb

J: Sam Coltherd

T: Stuart Coltherd

led, not fluent 7th

15/2

Non-runners

Beaumesnil, Kilkee Royal

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £8.80
Straight Forecast £6.29
Tricast £29.23
Trifecta £34.90

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Plaisir Des Flos

TOPSPEED:

Thats Jet

RP RATINGS:

Plaisir Des Flos

POSTDATA:

Plaisir Des Flos

WEST COUNTRY:

Plaisir Des Flos

The Times:

Plaisir Des Flos

Telegraph:

Plaisir Des Flos

The Guardian:

Plaisir Des Flos

Daily Mail:

Plaisir Des Flos

D Express:

Plaisir Des Flos

Daily Mirror:

Plaisir Des Flos

The Sun:

Plaisir Des Flos

The Star:

Plaisir Des Flos

Daily Record:

Plaisir Des Flos