May 11 / 16.25 Haydock

16.25

Good

Pertemps Network ‘Junior’ Open National Hunt Flat Race (Category 1 Elimination) (GBB Race)

  • Prize money: £5446
  • 1m 7f 144y
  • Class 3
  • 11 runners
RTV
View Course
Pertemps Network ‘Junior’ Open National Hunt Flat Race (Category 1 Elimination) (GBB Race)

Runners: 11 runners

Type: NH Flat

Surface: Turf

Weather: Mostly cloudy

11/2 (Won)

  • Win: £8.50
  • Place: £2.10

Form: 42-

Last run: 30 days

W: 11st 0lb

4 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Improved for February's debut (2m, soft) when going close at Taunton (2m, soft) last month; this Flat-bred contender could continue to progress and there's every chance he'll again be in the mix.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

6

25th Apr 2026

Good

2m 5f 110y

Class 1

16:02 Sandown

French Ship

11st 4lb

J: Ben Jones

T: Philip Hobbs & Johnson White

Form has gone rather awry in last three outings but he has been progressive otherwise, culminating in 2m4f handicap wins at Cheltenham and Newbury in the autumn; may rebound and run a good race.

14/1

15th

1

14th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 7f 70y

Class 2

14:25 Uttoxeter

French Ship

12st 0lb

J: Lorcan Williams

T: Philip Hobbs & Johnson White

Largely progressive but came up short off top weight in the Lanzarote when bidding for a handicap hat-trick and needs to prove current mark isn't beyond him; unseated rider three out in 3m Grade 2 last time.

8/1

4

14th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 58y

Class 1

14:05 Haydock

French Ship

11st 2lb

J: Lorcan Williams

T: Philip Hobbs & Johnson White

Won big-field handicaps at Cheltenham (2m4f, good to soft) and Newbury (2m4f, soft) in the autumn; having gone up the weights he was merely mid-division at Kempton (2m5f, good) last month and is untested at today's trip, but this lightly raced 6yo may still have more to offer and is not discounted.

11/2

5/2

  • Place: £2.20

Form:

Last run:

W: 11st 0lb

4 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Fourth foal; dam bumper winner who won two Listed mares' hurdles for this trainer in 2013-14; Don Cantillon's last rules runner back in autumn 2022 won a bumper on debut (well backed); he was the morning favourite for his intended debut at Huntingdon on Thursday when a non-runner; very interesting.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

3

23rd Mar 2026

Good

2m 5f 0y

Class 4

14:30 Kempton

Step Ahead

11st 9lb

J: Ciaran Gethings

T: Kim Bailey & Mat Nicholls

Disappointing favourite over C&D last time, folding rather tamely once headed, but record suggests a rebound is plausible; has solid form otherwise and proved game, as opposed to tame, in gaining his Cheltenham win.

15/8

5th

2

2nd Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 5f 0y

Class 4

14:02 Kempton

Step Ahead

11st 12lb

J: Ciaran Gethings

T: Kim Bailey & Mat Nicholls

Solid form in bumpers (for previous yard) and over hurdles; recorded a game success in maiden event at Cheltenham (2m4f, good) on New Year's Day most recently, building on reappearance effort; likely to improve further and holds strong claims.

11/4

7/1

  • Place: £2.60

Form: 0-

Last run: 30 days

W: 10st 7lb

4 yo Filly

OR:

Form & Verdict
40-1 when 13th of 16, beaten 19l, on last month's debut in mares' Grade 2 at Aintree (soft); the value of that performance is open to question but it was a respectable start to her career in a hot race, and she's a sister to connections' bumper/hurdle winner Letterston Lady; could go well.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

11

18th Jul 2026

Good

2m 0f 125y

Class 2

14:10 Market Rasen

Letterston Lily

10st 13lb

J: James Bowen

T: Mickey Bowen

Back from a long absence to justify favouritism at Perth in April (2m4f, good) where she came from off the pace to hit the front when left clear at the last; up 6lb but consistent in the main and wouldn't be exposed just yet.

9/1

1st

4

23rd Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 35y

Class 4

14:40 Perth

Letterston Lily

11st 11lb

J: James Bowen

T: Mickey Bowen

This is her first run since November 2024 and she needs to prove how much ability she retains; however, this lightly raced 6yo is on a competitive judged on her handicap form in autumn 2024 and it will be interesting to see how she goes in the betting on her return to action.

8/1

Form: 4-

Last run: 111 days

W: 11st 0lb

4 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
6-1, fared best of the newcomers when 13l fourth of 13 on debut at Lingfield (2m, AW) in January; that form has worked out well and this Irish raider is open to improvement on his second start; one to consider.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6

29th Apr 2026

Yielding

2m 3f 58y

15:05 Punchestown

Eagles Quest

11st 6lb

J: Danny Mullins

T: Ms Margaret Mullins

Has run twice on the Flat since winning a maiden hurdle at Fairyhouse in February; has a slight edge over Ifallgoeswell on previous Gowran running.

10/1

11th

2

(8)

9th Apr 2026

Soft

1m 1f 130y

18:45 Gowran Park

Eagles Quest

9st 9lb

J: N G McCullagh

T: Ms Margaret Mullins

Recent maiden hurdle winner; midfield over 1m4f on first Flat start; 1m looked inadequate when staying on late to take ninth of 25 at the Curragh last month; could improve up in trip.

25/1

9th

1

(24)

15th Mar 2026

Heavy

1m 0f 0y

16:55 Curragh

Eagles Quest

10st 7lb

J: N G McCullagh

T: Ms Margaret Mullins

Recent maiden hurdle winner; mid-field over 1m4f on only Flat start; 1m may be inadequate.

20/1

Form:

Last run:

W: 11st 0lb

4 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
65,000euros yearling; fourth foal; half-brother to French 2m2f hurdle winner Theamoi; dam French 2m1f hurdle winner from talented Flat family; in top hands and could play a leading role on debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

3

25th Feb 2026

Soft

3m 1f 30y

Class 4

14:50 Wincanton

Doctor Midas

11st 9lb

J: Robert Dunne

T: Henrietta C Knight

Chased home one who was on the middle leg of a five-timer in Ascot novice handicap hurdle (about 3m, good to soft) in November but ran poorly in similar event back at that track one month later; same mark for this chase debut and untried on softer than good to soft but he's still respected.

9/2

1

3rd Oct 2025

Good

2m 5f 164y

Class 5

16:48 Fontwell

Doctor Midas

12st 0lb

J: Brendan Powell

T: Henrietta C Knight

Had three starts for Nicky Henderson; comfortably held in two runs for current yard, the latest his handicap debut over 3m at Ludlow (good to soft; beaten about 8l); down only 2lb.

7/1

4th

5

23rd Apr 2025

Good

2m 7f 174y

Class 4

15:08 Ludlow

Doctor Midas

11st 4lb

J: Paul O’Brien

T: Henrietta C Knight

Had three starts for Nicky Henderson, finishing with second to an impressive winner in C&D maiden (good to soft) and he just holds third-placed Swift Jet on that result; forgiven his 2m5f run for new connections last month and this test should suit on handicap debut.

3/1

OUR TIP

Form:

Last run:

W: 11st 0lb

4 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
13,000gns foal, 30,000gns yearling; third foal; dam placed 6f/7f, closely related to useful dual-purpose winner Royal Reserve, half-sister to 1m2f Group 3 winner Master Apprentice; wears a hood on debut, which strikes a cautionary note.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8

14th Jul 2024

Good

2m 0f 70y

Class 4

15:30 Stratford

El Battle Bus

11st 0lb

J: Brian Hughes

T: Donald McCain

took keen hold, midfield, not fluent 3 out, soon weakened

12/1

6th

3

11th May 2024

Good

1m 7f 144y

Class 3

16:25 Haydock

El Battle Bus

11st 0lb

J: William Maggs

T: Donald McCain

13,000gns foal, 30,000gns yearling; third foal; dam placed 6f/7f, closely related to useful dual-purpose winner Royal Reserve, half-sister to 1m2f Group 3 winner Master Apprentice; wears a hood on debut, which strikes a cautionary note.

16/1

6th

3

11th May 2024

Good

1m 7f 144y

Class 3

16:25 Haydock

El Battle Bus

11st 0lb

J: William Maggs

T: Donald McCain

held up in rear, some headway into midfield 3f out, never dangerous

16/1

Form:

Last run:

W: 11st 0lb

4 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
35,000euros 3yo; sixth foal; half-brother to winners Saylavee (bumper/hurdle; RPR 133) and Cool Country (2m1f/2m3f chase; 106); dam point/useful 2m2f-2m5f hurdle winner; with a good yard and could have a part to play on debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

2

19th Oct 2025

Good

2m 2f 0y

Class 3

14:16 Kempton

Sayva

11st 10lb

J: Richie McLernon

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

Bumper and dual hurdles winner; disappointing in last two appearances but may tap back into earlier progress, provided he takes well to chasing; by no means written off.

7/1

2

21st May 2025

Good

2m 0f 0y

Class 3

16:15 Warwick

Sayva

11st 13lb

J: Richie McLernon

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

Won twice in novice company towards end of last year (2m1f/2m3f) and came second on handicap debut at Carlisle (2m3f, good to soft) in March; disappointed when upped to 2m5f for latest run but may still have potential.

6/1

2

21st May 2025

Good

2m 0f 0y

Class 3

16:15 Warwick

Sayva

11st 13lb

J: Richie McLernon

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

Won twice in novice company towards end of last year (2m1f/2m3f) and came second on handicap debut at Carlisle (2m3f, good to soft) in March; disappointed when upped to 2m5f for latest run but may still have potential.

6/1

Form: 0-

Last run: 23 days

W: 10st 7lb

4 yo Filly

OR:

Form & Verdict
Filly who was well beaten at 125-1 on last month's debut at Cheltenham (2m1f, good); probably best watched.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

1

(4)

3rd Mar 2025

Standard

1m 4f 51y

Class 6

17:30 Wolverhampton (AW)

Misaura

9st 9lb

J: Tom Eaves

T: Philip Kirby

All three Flat starts in December, improving on her first two efforts when third of eight in a Southwell novice (1m3f, Tapeta); more needed on handicap debut, but at least she is unexposed.

8/1

3rd

5

(3)

28th Dec 2024

Standard

1m 3f 23y

Class 5

18:15 Southwell (AW)

Misaura

9st 2lb

J: Tom Eaves

T: Philip Kirby

Minor form in bumpers, and two AW events at about 1m4f this month; big outsider for now.

100/1

5

(3)

28th Dec 2024

Standard

1m 3f 23y

Class 5

18:15 Southwell (AW)

Misaura

9st 2lb

J: Tom Eaves

T: Philip Kirby

Minor form in bumpers, and two AW events at about 1m4f this month; big outsider for now.

100/1

Form:

Last run:

W: 11st 0lb

4 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Sixth foal; closely related to bumper/2m hurdle and staying chase winner Ebony Gale (RPR 124); dam bumper/2m3f hurdle winner (116); makes debut with trainer in good form and he's not ruled out.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

4

1st Nov 2025

Soft

2m 0f 0y

Class 4

12:48 Ayr

Glenville

11st 0lb

J: Craig Nichol

T: Ewan Whillans

Very respectable fourth over C&D (soft) on hurdle debut in January and looked set to finish third here (heavy) before penultimate-flight fall in February; each-way claims if tuned up after 250-day absence.

14/1

5th

4

1st Nov 2025

Soft

2m 0f 0y

Class 4

12:48 Ayr

Glenville

11st 0lb

J: Craig Nichol

T: Ewan Whillans

Very respectable fourth over C&D (soft) on hurdle debut in January and looked set to finish third here (heavy) before penultimate-flight fall in February; each-way claims if tuned up after 250-day absence.

14/1

3

24th Feb 2025

Soft

2m 0f 0y

Class 4

16:00 Ayr

Glenville

11st 7lb

J: Craig Nichol

T: Ewan Whillans

raced in third and in touch with leaders, outpaced after 4 out, 11 lengths down when fell 2 out

14/1

Form: 5-

Last run: 29 days

W: 11st 0lb

4 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Has a useful Flat pedigree (unraced for Godolphin) and was sent off 11-4 for last month's debut at Fakenham (2m, good); he was beaten 12l in fifth of seven and improvement is needed, but that's possible.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

10

11th May 2024

Good

1m 7f 144y

Class 3

16:25 Haydock

Treasure Cove

11st 0lb

J: Charlie Todd

T: Ian Williams

Has a useful Flat pedigree (unraced for Godolphin) and was sent off 11-4 for last month's debut at Fakenham (2m, good); he was beaten 12l in fifth of seven and improvement is needed, but that's possible.

16/1

11th

10

11th May 2024

Good

1m 7f 144y

Class 3

16:25 Haydock

Treasure Cove

11st 0lb

J: Charlie Todd

T: Ian Williams

midfield, dropped to rear over 6f out, tailed off

16/1

5th

12

12th Apr 2024

Good

2m 0f 3y

Class 4

16:55 Fakenham

Treasure Cove

10st 9lb

J: Charlie Todd

T: Ian Williams

took keen hold, held up in rear, outpaced over 2f out, rallied and some headway over 1f out, kept on but never dangerous

7/1

Form: 34-

Last run: 44 days

W: 11st 0lb

4 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

4

25th Feb 2024

Heavy

2m 0f 53y

Class 4

17:10 Hereford

Twin Earth

10st 4lb

J: Nick Scholfield

T: Archie Watson

160,000gns yearling; eighth foal; half-brother to four Flat winners, one of them at Listed level; dam fourth over 1m (RPR 74), half-sister to 14.5f Group 3 winner Discreet Brief; stable (chiefly Flat-based) needs respect.

7/2

Non-runners

Kashchei, Pougie

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £49.40
Straight Forecast £40.83
Trifecta £469.70

Selections

TOPSPEED:

French Ship

SPOTLIGHT:

Step Ahead

The Times:

Sayva

Daily Mail:

Doctor Midas

The Star:

Kashchei

POSTDATA:

Letterston Lily

The Guardian:

Treasure Cove

NEWMARKET:

Step Ahead

Daily Record:

Step Ahead

D Express:

Sayva

The Sun:

Doctor Midas

WEST COUNTRY:

French Ship

Telegraph:

French Ship

Daily Mirror:

French Ship