April 27 / 13.50 Sandown

13.50

Good

bet365 Novices’ Championship Final Handicap Hurdle (GBB Race)

  • Prize money: £51440
  • 1m 7f 216y
  • Class 2
  • 20 runners
ITV
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bet365 Novices’ Championship Final Handicap Hurdle (GBB Race)

Runners: 20 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Showers

20/1 (Won)

  • Win: £18.80
  • Place: £3.70

Form: 3-1242 D

Last run: 16 days

W: 10st 13lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 121

Form & Verdict
Better off at the weights with Fiercely Proud and Secret Squirrel on his recent clashes with that pair, though whether he's progressive enough to take advantage remains to be seen; good ground will be a first for him.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

7

9th May 2026

Good

1m 7f 144y

Class 1

13:15 Haydock

Helnwein

11st 5lb

J: Tom Bellamy

T: Alan King

Often gives his running in strong handicaps (second in this event 12 months ago) but losing sequence is up to 11 and he looked held when falling two out in the Plumpton race won by Indemnity last time; cheekpieces left off today; opposable off unchanged mark.

10/1

3

5th Apr 2026

Good

1m 7f 195y

Class 2

16:05 Plumpton

Helnwein

11st 11lb

J: Tom Bellamy

T: Alan King

Had strong handicap form even before finishing second to Alexei in the Greatwood and fifth in an Ascot handicap that could barely have worked out any better, with the four ahead of him all delivering high-profile efforts in the meantime (well in with fourth-placed Mondo Man); failed favourite backers in a lower grade at Newbury but this strong traveller might have won had he not been left in front two out (then idled); every chance should this pan out more favourably; all ground seems fine.

13/2

2nd

1

20th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 0f 69y

Class 3

15:00 Newbury

Helnwein

12st 2lb

J: Tom Bellamy

T: Alan King

Had some very strong handicap form even before his last two runs when second to Alexei in the Greatwood and fifth in an Ascot handicap that could barely have worked out any better, with the four ahead of him all delivering high-profile efforts in the meantime; must have every chance in this lower grade; drying ground won't bother him.

13/8

7/1

  • Place: £2.50

Form: 122 D BF

Last run: 42 days

W: 11st 2lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 124

Form & Verdict
Did well to beat a useful opponent first time out at Newbury (good to soft); conceding 19lb to Yellow Star when pushing that reopposing rival close at Lingfield and again came up short at Kempton when sent up to 2m5f, going down narrowly to a Grade 2 winner; handicap newcomers from this yard are a dangerous species; respected.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

2

11th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

1m 7f 176y

Class 1

12:45 Aintree

Be Aware

11st 7lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

Smart form but has won only twice (runner-up seven times); rallied when beaten 1l by No Questions Asked in Grade 2 novice at Windsor (2m, soft; handles good) in January; raced freely and faded in Grand Annual Handicap at Cheltenham last time; the hood is back on today, a tongue-strap is fitted and he may well bounce back to form; if so, he has each-way possibilities.

10/1

12th

4

11th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

1m 7f 199y

Class 1

16:40 Cheltenham

Be Aware

11st 6lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

Improved form when winning on chase debut at Stratford (2m3f, good to soft) in October and strong performances when runner-up in Graded races on his three starts since, including over C&D (soft); this lightly raced 7yo is in top hands and has the potential to be better than this mark now back in a handicap; the hood is left off today, but he ran well without it in December.

5/1

2nd

2

16th Jan 2026

Soft

2m 0f 37y

Class 1

13:50 Windsor

Be Aware

11st 2lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

Won on chase debut at Stratford (2m3f, good to soft) in October and runner-up in hot races on next two starts, namely the Grade 2 Arkle Trial at Cheltenham (2m, soft) and the Grade 1 Henry VIII at Sandown (1m7f, good to soft); this will take less winning than last time; leading claims.

11/10

OUR TIP

9/1

  • Place: £2.40

Form: 7-2P12 D

Last run: 36 days

W: 11st 9lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 131

Form & Verdict
Comfortable winner of a Wincanton novice (good to soft) when beating the EBF Final fourth Dartmoor Pirate and even better again when going down narrowly on handicap debut at Newbury (positively ridden as usual; 7lb lower); the winner of that has since followed up at Cheltenham; no easy task for him to make all in a race of this nature but the talent is there.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

6

10th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

1m 7f 199y

Class 1

14:00 Cheltenham

Steel Ally

11st 7lb

J: Dylan Johnston

T: Sam Thomas

Pulled up on two of his last three goes over hurdles but the transition to chasing has been smooth and he's 3-3; showed further improvement when easily beating two rivals (Mambonumberfive well held in third) in Grade 2 Kingmaker Novices' at Warwick (2m, heavy; handles good) last month; faces his sternest assignment and will need another personal best.

12/1

1st

1

7th Feb 2026

Soft

2m 0f 54y

Class 1

13:50 Warwick

Steel Ally

11st 7lb

J: Dylan Johnston

T: Sam Thomas

Very useful hurdler with 2-2 strike-rate over fences this season, the latter win gained by 9l in Grade 2 novice at Ascot (2m3f, soft) in December; should be fine back at 2m and ought to be a very tough nut to crack.

4/5

3

4th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

2m 4f 0y

Class 1

14:20 Aintree

Steel Ally

11st 13lb

J: Dylan Johnston

T: Sam Thomas

in touch with leaders

10/1

25/1

  • Place: £16.30

Form: 3147 D

Last run: 34 days

W: 10st 2lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 115

Form & Verdict
Became disappointing on the Flat for Richard Hannon; hasn't kicked on from his narrow Lingfield success (soft; beat Be Aware) and finished well behind on his handicap debut at Ascot; blinkers will need to make a difference and he's 3lb wrong.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

24th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 5f 164y

Class 4

18:20 Fontwell

Yellow Star

11st 6lb

J: Caoilin Quinn

T: Gary & Josh Moore

Bounced back with a win at Warwick (2m5f, good to soft) in December but he was tailed off in next two starts and he didn't get very far at Newbury (fell at third) last time; has plenty to prove again and he's still 3lb higher than for his last win.

16/1

5

28th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 118y

Class 3

16:23 Newbury

Yellow Star

11st 5lb

J: Caoilin Quinn

T: Gary & Josh Moore

Has gained both wins in Class 4, including for his standout performance this term; pair of duck eggs since, albeit the 2m7f trip perhaps contributed to latest defeat; others have stronger claims.

20/1

13th

5

14th Feb 2026

Soft

2m 7f 123y

Class 3

16:10 Ascot

Yellow Star

11st 9lb

J: Caoilin Quinn

T: Gary & Josh Moore

Showed career-best form when winning readily by 4l at Warwick (2m5f, good to soft; refitted cheekpieces) in December; subsequent lesser effort in major Kempton handicap is not viewed harshly but 2m7f on soft ground will take his stamina into unknown territory.

16/1

Form: 1-1221 D

Last run: 16 days

W: 11st 4lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 126

Form & Verdict
Dual bumper winner who has compiled a solid profile over hurdles; beaten a neck by Fire Flyer at Taunton in February (2m3f, good) and beat Helnwein and Lario with relative ease at Taunton (2m, soft) recently; he's not the biggest and looks quite speedy, so whether he'll be at his best on sharper tracks than Sandown remains to be seen; each-way appeal on form, though.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

6

18th Apr 2026

Soft

2m 0f 0y

Class 1

14:20 Ayr

Secret Squirrel

10st 6lb

J: Jonathan Burke

T: Hughie Morrison

Just two starts this season and down the field in the County Hurdle at Cheltenham last month; however, prior to that he was a creditable third of four in the Grade 2 Kingwell Hurdle at Wincanton (1m7f, heavy) and he was a progressive handicapper last term (various ground); not discounted.

7/1

19th

23

13th Mar 2026

Good

2m 0f 179y

Class 1

14:00 Cheltenham

Secret Squirrel

10st 5lb

J: Jonathan Burke

T: Hughie Morrison

Won a valuable handicap hurdle at Windsor (2m, soft) last winter and probably would have been placed in two others but for falling at the last; showed more than enough to think he retains all of his ability when third of four to Alexei in the Grade 2 Kingwell at Wincanton (1m7f, heavy) on reappearance four weeks ago; entitled to come on for that.

12/1

3rd

4

14th Feb 2026

Heavy

1m 7f 50y

Class 1

13:35 Wincanton

Secret Squirrel

11st 4lb

J: Paul O’Brien

T: Hughie Morrison

Overall record of 5-12, including three wins at around 2m over hurdles (good to soft/soft); his last win was at Windsor last January but he fell at the last in a major handicap at Newbury the following month and has been on the sidelines since; has something to prove after a year off and this looks tough on the figures.

7/1

Form: -16131 D

Last run: 39 days

W: 11st 7lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 129

Form & Verdict
Second to Secret Squirrel in a bumper on good; the winner of three minor races over hurdles, latterly dominating a small field at Wetherby (soft); looks high in the weights on what he's achieved and others are more intriguing.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

8

10th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 0y

Class 1

13:45 Aintree

Act Of Authority

11st 10lb

J: Lewis Saunders

T: Olly Murphy

Finished fifth with cheekpieces applied at the Cheltenham Festival (2m4f, soft) for another sound effort in the Martin Pipe; broadly consistent; likely to give his running in the retained headgear.

16/1

5th

13

13th Mar 2026

Good

2m 4f 56y

Class 2

17:20 Cheltenham

Act Of Authority

11st 6lb

J: Lewis Saunders

T: Olly Murphy

Hasn't won since November 2024 but he's a broadly consistent sort and posted a cracking effort in this race (good to soft) 12 months ago, beating all bar smart mare Wodhooh who was very well handicapped; only 1lb higher and again has each-way possibilities; wears first-time headgear.

14/1

8th

4

14th Feb 2026

Soft

2m 3f 63y

Class 2

14:25 Ascot

Act Of Authority

11st 8lb

J: Lewis Saunders

T: Olly Murphy

Acts on soft ground; on a 15-month losing spell but is a consistent sort, creditable fourth to Listentoyourheart at Windsor (2m4f) most recently; again has frame possibilities.

7/1

Form: 0-1132 D

Last run: 63 days

W: 11st 8lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 130

Form & Verdict
Probably not seen to best effect on soft ground in a Grade 2 at Kempton when beaten by a good horse, whom he was closer to the time before (another Grade 2 on good) and who has since performed okay in a Grade 1; expected to have a say off this mark on his handicap debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13th

6

10th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 0y

Class 1

13:45 Aintree

Fiercely Proud

11st 11lb

J: Kielan Woods

T: Ben Pauling

Has gained both handicap wins in useful contests at Ascot (1m7f/2m3f); something to prove back at Aintree and finished behind some of today's rivals at the Cheltenham Festival (2m4f, soft) last time.

25/1

12th

9

13th Mar 2026

Good

2m 4f 56y

Class 2

17:20 Cheltenham

Fiercely Proud

11st 8lb

J: Callum Pritchard

T: Ben Pauling

Has gained both handicap wins in useful races at Ascot, including latest start when upped to 2m3f (good to soft) and back to best; back on career-high mark but is unexposed at this sort of trip and not necessarily track dependent; has bits of Cheltenham form, including a bumper success.

16/1

1st

5

14th Feb 2026

Soft

2m 3f 63y

Class 2

14:25 Ascot

Fiercely Proud

11st 4lb

J: Kielan Woods

T: Ben Pauling

Folded tamely last time when bidding to land a notable Ascot handicap (1m7f) for the second year running; capable of being involved on best form and has sometimes shaped as if this new trip is worth exploring.

12/1

Form: 12148 D

Last run: 46 days

W: 10st 7lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 123

Form & Verdict
Runner-up in a Grade 2 at Cheltenham in November before returning the following month to win a novice on soft; below par in a Listed race next time but he ran a lot better in the Boodles back at Cheltenham (heavy) than his final placing suggests; impressed in a Flat maiden in Ireland on yielding ground; could easily run well.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

2

15th Jul 2026

Good

1m 7f 168y

Class 4

15:48 Uttoxeter

An Bradan Feasa

11st 11lb

J: Tom Bellamy

T: Jack Jones

Four-time hurdle winner (2m-extended 2m4f); has returned from a break with two solid Flat seconds but disappointed over hurdles at Fakenham in May in between; player if back to his best.

5/1

2nd

4

(2)

18th Jun 2026

Good

2m 0f 68y

Class 5

19:10 Lingfield

An Bradan Feasa

9st 9lb

J: Dylan Hogan

T: Jack Jones

Won twice over hurdles (2m/2m4f, good) and twice on the Flat in 2025; looked as good as ever when second on the Flat over C&D (AW) last month, after a break, and is respected.

4/1

Form: -31212 D

Last run: 37 days

W: 10st 11lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 119

Form & Verdict
Hammered about 10l by Fiercely Proud when they met in a maiden earlier this season but does have an 11lb pull with the Pauling horse and he's improved since, winning a Kempton maiden that's worked out well (on good) before running respectably behind an odds-on shot at Ludlow; unlikely that he's the worst handicapped of these.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

1

30th Mar 2025

Good

2m 5f 141y

Class 3

17:05 Ascot

Court In The Act

12st 0lb

J: Paul O’Brien

T: Harry Derham

Bumper winner and two hurdle victories include a 2m handicap on good ground; latest Kempton run (2m5f, good to soft) hinted at some stamina limitations over this far but that was a competitive race and today's forecast drier ground should be favourable; every chance.

5/2

4th

6

22nd Feb 2025

Good

2m 5f 0y

Class 3

13:15 Kempton

Court In The Act

11st 4lb

J: Paul O’Brien

T: Harry Derham

in touch with leaders, headway going best 2 out

8/1

14th

10

17th Jan 2025

Soft

2m 0f 0y

Class 2

15:35 Windsor

Court In The Act

10st 8lb

J: Harry Reed

T: Harry Derham

Lightly raced 6yo who showed improved form when making all by 8l on his reappearance in a handicap at Market Rasen (2m, good) three months ago; has also run well on soft ground; has received a 10lb hike for last time and he's up in grade today, but he may well take it in his stride.

10/1

Form: 256613 D

Last run: 32 days

W: 10st 7lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 115

Form & Verdict
Ludlow winner in February; only third under a penalty at Taunton (soft) but the winner pushed Fiercely Proud (who was conceding 7lb) close the time before and the runner-up has won since; unlikely that this sort mark is beyond him, though Jonjo O'Neill Jr's apparent preference for King Of Tara is disconcerting.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

25th Feb 2025

Soft

1m 7f 201y

Class 4

15:45 Leicester

Diamond Dice

11st 6lb

J: Jonjo O’Neill Jr

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

Blotted copybook at Carlisle last week, whipping round and unseating rider at the start, but launched chasing career with a clear second at Wincanton (2m4f, heavy) in January and can cope with today's drop back in trip.

9/4

1

17th Feb 2025

Good To Soft

2m 3f 210y

Class 4

16:30 Carlisle

Diamond Dice

12st 2lb

J: Jonjo O’Neill Jr

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

Runner-up over hurdles at Market Rasen (2m2f, good to soft) in December and filled the same position on last month's chase debut at Wincanton (2m4f, heavy), where he was clear with the progressive winner; chance.

4/1

25/1

Form: U133 D BF

Last run: 16 days

W: 11st 3lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 125

Form & Verdict
Plumpton maiden winner for Anthony Charlton; third in both races for this yard, closely matched with Cannock Park on Newbury form (good to soft) and then unable to lay a glove on Secret Squirrel at Taunton (soft); he's not weighted to reverse those latter placings and Paul O'Brien has got off him; tongue-tie added.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

23rd Jan 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 31y

Class 3

13:15 Doncaster

Lario

11st 8lb

J: Paul O’Brien

T: Harry Derham

Useful hurdler who is 1-1 over fences having won a four-runner beginners' chase at Haydock (2m4f, soft) on last month's reappearance; today's task is tougher and he has something to find, but he's unexposed over fences and at this sort of trip, and he may well have more to offer.

4/1

7th

2

11th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

2m 0f 0y

Class 3

13:30 Ayr

Lario

11st 13lb

J: Paul O’Brien

T: Harry Derham

disputed lead, prominent with one circuit to go, not fluent 4 out

11/2

7th

2

11th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

2m 0f 0y

Class 3

13:30 Ayr

Lario

11st 13lb

J: Paul O’Brien

T: Harry Derham

disputed lead, prominent with one circuit to go, not fluent 4 out

11/2

Form: -11332 D BF

Last run: 35 days

W: 11st 9lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 131

Form & Verdict
Unable to win again since his maiden success at Cheltenham (soft) but wasn't disgraced in Graded company and he dug deep to finish close up in a Newbury novice last time (good to soft) when conceding weight to some useful types; gives the strong impression that there's further improvement in him.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

13th Jun 2026

Good

2m 4f 28y

Class 3

15:40 Hexham

Cannock Park

11st 12lb

J: Callum Bewley

T: Paul Robson

One-time Formby Hurdle third who didn't kick on switched to fences; forfeited all chance at the start in a debuted hood (discarded) on sole sighting since December 2024, and present ability level conjectural.

20/1

5th

3

8th Dec 2024

Good To Soft

2m 0f 51y

Class 3

12:25 Kelso

Cannock Park

11st 6lb

J: Ryan Mania

T: Paul Robson

Hasn't appeared to fancy fences this season but he was a good novice hurdler last campaign and a revival would come as no surprise now back in this discipline; cheekpieces may also assist.

5/1

5th

3

8th Dec 2024

Good To Soft

2m 0f 51y

Class 3

12:25 Kelso

Cannock Park

11st 6lb

J: Ryan Mania

T: Paul Robson

Hasn't appeared to fancy fences this season but he was a good novice hurdler last campaign and a revival would come as no surprise now back in this discipline; cheekpieces may also assist.

5/1

Form: 35P1 D

Last run: 47 days

W: 10st 3lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 111

Form & Verdict
Seen in a very different light when strong late on to win a Taunton maiden (soft) but it's unlikely that a repeat of that will be good enough here on handicap debut; cheekpieces added.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

30th Dec 2024

Good To Soft

2m 7f 3y

Class 4

13:45 Taunton

Just One Surf

12st 0lb

J: James Bowen

T: Warren Greatrex

Low-mileage 5yo who won a maiden hurdle here (2m, soft) in March; absent since pulled up on chasing debut in May (2m3f) but could still have a good future over fences and is unexposed over this sort of trip.

12/1

Form: 137151 D

Last run: 11 days

W: 12st 0lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 136

Form & Verdict
A useful 1m2f Flat winner in Germany (on good and good to soft) who has had a fine first season over hurdles, and in the last of his three novice wins he beat Dartmoor Pirate who was close up in Sandown's EBF Final the time before; it's all come at a cost mark-wise but there could be even more in the locker under drying conditions.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

14th

1

27th Apr 2024

Good

1m 7f 216y

Class 2

13:50 Sandown

Panjari

12st 0lb

J: Freddie Gingell

T: Paul Nicholls

A useful 1m2f Flat winner in Germany (on good and good to soft) who has had a fine first season over hurdles, and in the last of his three novice wins he beat Dartmoor Pirate who was close up in Sandown's EBF Final the time before; it's all come at a cost mark-wise but there could be even more in the locker under drying conditions.

12/1

14th

1

27th Apr 2024

Good

1m 7f 216y

Class 2

13:50 Sandown

Panjari

12st 0lb

J: Freddie Gingell

T: Paul Nicholls

A useful 1m2f Flat winner in Germany (on good and good to soft) who has had a fine first season over hurdles, and in the last of his three novice wins he beat Dartmoor Pirate who was close up in Sandown's EBF Final the time before; it's all come at a cost mark-wise but there could be even more in the locker under drying conditions.

12/1

1st

1

16th Apr 2024

Heavy

1m 7f 182y

Class 4

16:15 Ffos Las

Panjari

12st 0lb

J: Freddie Gingell

T: Paul Nicholls

travelled strongly, pressed leader, disputed lead 3rd, led narrowly 3 out, went clear run-in, easily

5/2

Form: 1-4P1 D

Last run: 34 days

W: 10st 13lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 121

Form & Verdict
Unlikely that he gave his true running when well behind Fiercely Proud on his hurdling debut and definitely not next time on heavy ground; better judged on his latest maiden success at Ascot (2m3f, good) when just too good for an Irish raider who had previously finished second in a strong handicap at Musselburgh; unexposed and could easily be on a useful mark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

8

16th May 2026

Good

2m 7f 70y

Class 2

18:50 Uttoxeter

Geezer Rockstar

10st 4lb

J: Bryan Carver

T: Harry Fry

Lightly raced; improved on previous efforts last season when winning over 2m5f at Wincanton last month (good; trainer said he seems to run better at this time of year); quite interesting back up in trip.

3/1

1st

4

1st Apr 2026

Good

2m 5f 82y

Class 4

14:50 Wincanton

Geezer Rockstar

11st 13lb

J: Bryan Carver

T: Harry Fry

Returned after wind surgery with a near-miss at Chepstow (2m3f, good) last April but he's had only two runs since and has struggled in both of them; hurdles record is now 1-10 and he needs to get back on track after another break.

14/1

7th

1

2nd Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 5f 0y

Class 4

15:42 Kempton

Geezer Rockstar

12st 2lb

J: Bryan Carver

T: Harry Fry

Very mixed hurdle form, best efforts when winning an Ascot maiden nearly two years ago and, following wind surgery, when going close at Chepstow (also 2m3f, good) last April; form plunged again at Plumpton in November, though, and now has cheekpieces added; risky.

14/1

Form: -2211P D

Last run: 49 days

W: 11st 4lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 126

Form & Verdict
Ascot bumper winner and also second in a Listed race at Cheltenham; was coming along nicely over hurdles when narrowly repelling Secret Squirrell off level weights at Taunton (2m3f, good) and for whatever reason he just never turned up in the EBF Final at Sandown (2m4f, soft; 11-2); retains significant potential off this sort of mark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

8th Mar 2025

Good

2m 4f 10y

Class 3

16:45 Sandown

Fire Flyer

11st 10lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Paul Nicholls

Eventually lost his form over hurdles last season, and following a revival over fences at Exeter (2m1f) in December, he was pulled up (bled) at Kempton on Boxing Day; something to prove.

7/1

Form: 314128

Last run: 35 days

W: 11st 0lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 122

Form & Verdict
Showed a willing attitude to finish second under a double penalty here (good to soft) in February but has since finished tailed off on his handicap debut and that's triggered an experiment with headgear; others have more progressive profiles.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

5

31st Mar 2026

Good

2m 4f 72y

Class 4

15:50 Bangor-on-Dee

The Good Doctor

11st 9lb

J: Ben Jones

T: Ben Pauling

Potentially well handicapped but he's 0-7 over fences and has been well below his best the last twice, on good ground (tried a visor) and soft (no headgear); did win in a tongue-tie when trained in France and that aid belatedly returns; couldn't rule out.

8/1

5th

4

20th Feb 2026

Soft

2m 4f 0y

Class 3

15:05 Warwick

The Good Doctor

11st 3lb

J: Ben Jones

T: Ben Pauling

Made it 0-6 over fences when tailed off in first-time visor at Leicester in December; however, the headgear is left off today and he's on a competitive mark on his best chase form; won on testing ground in France; could be thereabouts if bouncing back to form.

11/2

4th

1

28th Feb 2025

Soft

2m 3f 187y

Class 4

15:23 Newbury

The Good Doctor

12st 2lb

J: Ben Jones

T: Ben Pauling

Two hurdle wins and better form when second over fences in December in 2m handicaps at Warwick and Newbury, both on good to soft; short-headed in the latter but flopped when favourite at Hereford (upped to 2m5f) six weeks ago, when having three runs in just over a month was blamed; stamina to prove beyond 2m2f, even if he's back to form; yard is going strongly.

15/8

Form: 223104 D

Last run: 13 days

W: 10st 8lb

5 yo Horse

OR: 116

Form & Verdict
Looked one to follow when winning a Warwick novice in March but flopped next time behind Secret Squirrel at Taunton and only three days later finished a 10l fourth at Hereford (Maasai Mara runner-up); looks opposable, despite Jonjo O'Neill Jr seemingly preferring him to Diamond Dice.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price
No Results Found

Form: F25262 BF

Last run: 31 days

W: 10st 4lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 112

Form & Verdict
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.
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

13:50 Sandown

Goonhilly

10st 4lb

J: Tristan Durrell

T: Dan Skelton

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

13:50 Sandown

Goonhilly

10st 4lb

J: Tristan Durrell

T: Dan Skelton

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

16:00 Wincanton

Goonhilly

11st 6lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

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

Form: 212 D

Last run: 13 days

W: 10st 3lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 119

Form & Verdict
Useful on Flat for the Gosdens; beat a dual subsequent winner in a maiden at Catterick (soft) and appeared to run just as well when penalised at Hereford (good to soft; runner-up); has further races in him and the 4yo allowance comes in handy; not discounted in first-time cheekpieces.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

5

(4)

12th Jun 2026

Soft

1m 6f 0y

Class 4

18:39 Goodwood

Maasai Mara

9st 5lb

J: William Carson

T: John O’Shea

Only beaten a neck at Brighton (1m4f, good to firm) a fortnight ago (has won on soft); 2lb higher and has to prove his stamina over this far on the Flat.

3/1

2nd

3

(5)

29th May 2026

Good To Firm

1m 3f 198y

Class 5

15:20 Brighton

Maasai Mara

9st 8lb

J: William Carson

T: John O’Shea

Regressed over hurdles last year but there was some encouragement with a hood deployed when fourth of seven at Wolverhampton (1m4f, AW) on his Flat return last month; blinkers (retained) were back on when a pace bias and wide draw did for him at Chester three weeks ago; not entirely ruled out.

14/1

12th

7

(12)

8th May 2026

Good

1m 4f 63y

Class 4

17:20 Chester

Maasai Mara

9st 10lb

J: Alec Voikhansky

T: John O’Shea

Lost his way over hurdles last year and made only a mildly encouraging return to the Flat when keeping-on fourth of seven at Wolverhampton (1m4f, AW; first-time hood) last month; not the most obvious answer.

40/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £214.80
Straight Forecast £118.95
Tricast £882.63
Trifecta £1736.40

Selections

WEST COUNTRY:

Fiercely Proud

RP RATINGS:

Steel Ally

TOPSPEED:

Be Aware

The Guardian:

Just One Surf

Daily Mirror:

Geezer Rockstar

LAMBOURN:

Court In The Act

SPOTLIGHT:

Cannock Park

The Star:

Secret Squirrel

The Times:

Maasai Mara

POSTDATA:

Steel Ally

Daily Mail:

Steel Ally

Telegraph:

Fiercely Proud

D Express:

Fiercely Proud

The Sun:

Fiercely Proud

Daily Record:

Fiercely Proud