November 23 / 13.15 Haydock

13.15

Good

Betfair Racing Podcasts Handicap Hurdle (GBB Race)

  • Prize money: £26015
  • 2m 2f 191y
  • Class 2
  • 14 runners
ITV
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Betfair Racing Podcasts Handicap Hurdle (GBB Race)

Runners: 14 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Rain

Form: P123-2

Last run: 41 days

W: 12st 0lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 137

Form & Verdict
Front-runner; ran really well in defeat in the spring in first two handicaps (2m, good to soft/good) and did likewise when close second in Welsh Champion Hurdle (2m, good to soft) on reappearance; seems versatile ground-wise; half-brother to French 2m3f chase winner and could make another bold bid.
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

Form: 6010-1 C

Last run: 27 days

W: 11st 12lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 135

Form & Verdict
Won the Grade 2 novice hurdle on this card 12 months ago (1m7f, good to soft) and reappeared with a handicap win at Aintree (2m4f, good) last month; that latest form has been franked by the runner-up and he could play another leading role if conditions suit (might not want soft/heavy).
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

2

19th Apr 2026

Good

3m 0f 217y

Class 2

15:27 Plumpton

Kamsinas

11st 13lb

J: Jonathan Burke

T: Fergal O’Brien

Has faced a couple of difficult tasks since returned to hurdles but was beaten when taking a late fall returned to handicap level most recently; can be opposed off current mark in this deeper field.

16/1

2

28th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 84y

Class 2

16:15 Doncaster

Kamsinas

11st 11lb

J: Fern O’Brien

T: Fergal O’Brien

Second in two small-field chases this season before reverting to hurdles at big odds for two Cheltenham Grade 2s, soundly beaten on latest occasion; runner-up off the same mark in this race last term; 5lb claimer takes over and they are considered each-way.

4/1

5th

5

24th Jan 2026

Soft

2m 7f 213y

Class 1

15:35 Cheltenham

Kamsinas

11st 2lb

J: Liam Harrison

T: Fergal O’Brien

Some progressive form in handicap hurdles last season at up to 3m and, after two defeats over fences, he reverted to hurdles and finished fifth of six in the Grade 2 Relkeel Hurdle (2m4f) here on New Year's Day; that was a respectable performance but he faces another tough task today.

33/1

Form: 1P01-3 CD

Last run: 20 days

W: 11st 11lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 134

Form & Verdict
Inconsistent last term but posted good wins over C&D (heavy) and at Ayr (2m5f, soft), and he reappeared with very close third at Carlisle (2m4f, good to soft); this 5yo could still have more to offer for his top yard.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

15th Jan 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 150y

Class 3

15:02 Wincanton

Punta Del Este

11st 8lb

J: Jack Tudor

T: David Pipe

Well handicapped on form shown for Dan Skelton and ran his best race since joining David Pipe when a rallying third at Ascot (2m5f, soft); this return to further is worth exploring.

8/1

1

29th Oct 2025

Good To Soft

2m 5f 122y

Class 3

14:53 Newton Abbot

Punta Del Este

12st 0lb

J: Jack Tudor

T: David Pipe

Triple hurdle winner who has claims on his best form for Dan Skelton but he's failed to beat a rival in two runs for current yard; has had wind surgery but he needs a major revival after another break.

14/1

1

29th Oct 2025

Good To Soft

2m 5f 122y

Class 3

14:53 Newton Abbot

Punta Del Este

12st 0lb

J: Jack Tudor

T: David Pipe

Triple hurdle winner who has claims on his best form for Dan Skelton but he's failed to beat a rival in two runs for current yard; has had wind surgery but he needs a major revival after another break.

14/1

Form: 0/212- D

Last run: 344 days

W: 11st 9lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 132

Form & Verdict
Beat useful sort when winning at Ascot (2m3f, good) last November on second hurdle start, and bumped into the highly talented mare Dysart Enos when clear second in Cheltenham novice (2m1f, soft) in December; absent since but has plenty of potential off opening mark and yard is among the winners.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

12

1st May 2025

Yielding

2m 7f 110y

16:15 Punchestown

Beat The Bat

11st 3lb

J: Bryan Carver

T: Harry Fry

Sometimes let down by his jumping and he was none too fluent at the final flight when beaten about 5l in the Coral Cup (2m5f); wasn't exactly strong through the line that day and others might see this out better at 3m.

10/1

5th

12

1st May 2025

Yielding

2m 7f 110y

16:15 Punchestown

Beat The Bat

11st 3lb

J: Bryan Carver

T: Harry Fry

Sometimes let down by his jumping and he was none too fluent at the final flight when beaten about 5l in the Coral Cup (2m5f); wasn't exactly strong through the line that day and others might see this out better at 3m.

10/1

4th

24

12th Mar 2025

Good To Soft

2m 5f 0y

Class 1

14:40 Cheltenham

Beat The Bat

10st 8lb

J: Bryan Carver

T: Harry Fry

Has a largely solid record and ran well over 2m3f at Haydock on reappearance; back to 2m for both starts since and he ran as if in need of further, nevertheless finishing a good fifth of 17 in top handicap at Newbury (soft; has won on good) last time; could be a leading player if he can iron out the repeated sticky jumping he showed that day.

10/1

Form: U548-1 D

Last run: 42 days

W: 11st 8lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 131

Form & Verdict
Made very good start to hurdling career last term (on various ground) and back on song on his reappearance last month when winning the Silver Trophy at Chepstow (2m3f, good to soft) with something to spare under regular rider Jamie Neild; that form has worked out well; 7lb rise may not stop him.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

15

11th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 210y

Class 1

14:30 Aintree

Josh The Boss

11st 0lb

J: Mr Jamie Neild

T: Nigel & Willy Twiston-Davies

Novice chaser who has several pieces of sound form at up to 2m4f this season, including a second at Aintree; however, below that level in major handicaps in two of his last three starts, seeming a non-stayer at Doncaster (soft) in the sole 3m attempt; stamina to prove back up in trip.

16/1

7

28th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 187y

Class 1

15:45 Newbury

Josh The Boss

10st 12lb

J: Mr Jamie Neild

T: Nigel & Willy Twiston-Davies

Fairly useful novice chaser who scored easily at Doncaster in November and has performed creditably off current mark twice since, albeit failed to justify favouritism when sent up to Newcastle (2m4f) last time; goes into deeper waters at this level.

11/1

2nd

5

21st Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 19y

Class 3

15:58 Newcastle

Josh The Boss

11st 6lb

J: Mr Jamie Neild

T: Nigel & Willy Twiston-Davies

Always ridden by Jamie Neild; walked over on his second chase assignment and easily made all in four-runner handicap at Doncaster (2m3f, soft) in November; another big run from the front when second of five at Aintree (2m4f) next time, before his first attempt at 3m did not work out in a Grade 3 handicap four weeks ago; he should be of renewed interest back at 2m4f.

4/1

Form: /P3U/4 C

Last run: 43 days

W: 11st 2lb

11 yo Gelding

OR: 125

Form & Verdict
11yo who makes second start back from a long layoff and needs to prove how much ability he retains; however, last month's 21l fourth over an inadequate 2m at Chepstow wasn't devoid of promise and he's very well handicapped on his 2021-22 form; 1-1 here and worth a second look now back up in trip.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

1

18th Mar 2025

Good

2m 7f 25y

Class 4

15:52 Exeter

Dans Le Vent

12st 2lb

J: Isabel Williams

T: Evan Williams

held up in rear, in touch with leaders 7th, chased clear leader 3 out, hung left and no impression run-in

11/2

5

15th Feb 2025

Good To Soft

2m 7f 118y

Class 3

13:15 Ascot

Dans Le Vent

11st 12lb

J: Isabel Williams

T: Evan Williams

Took a big 3m handicap at Haydock in November 2021 but no joy since and he's now a 12yo, absent 573 days before this season and not as good as he was; down the weights too and a close third at Chepstow on penultimate start, but he's not the percentage call.

20/1

10th

10

19th Jan 2025

Soft

3m 0f 0y

Class 2

14:30 Windsor

Dans Le Vent

10st 13lb

J: Isabel Williams

T: Evan Williams

12yo who isn't as good as he was but he's handicapped accordingly and stayed on for a promising sixth at Haydock (2m3f, soft) in November on his second start back from a long absence; suited by the step back up to 2m7f when 1l third at Chepstow (soft) last month and could be bang there once more.

11/1

Form: 0/0-93 C

Last run: 7 days

W: 11st 1lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 124

Form & Verdict
He's raced just four times since winning the competitive Swinton Hurdle here in May 2022 off 5lb higher; returned from another break at Wetherby last Saturday and ran okay, but his claims aren't overly compelling today.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

17

1st Mar 2025

Good To Soft

2m 0f 51y

Class 2

15:30 Kelso

Ngolo

10st 9lb

J: Stan Sheppard

T: Patrick Neville

Continues to drop down the weights and he returned from a break with a fair third of six at Wetherby in November; however, pulled up at Haydock seven days later and others have less to prove than this regressive 10yo.

100/1

8

23rd Nov 2024

Good

2m 2f 191y

Class 2

13:15 Haydock

Ngolo

11st 1lb

J: Gavin Sheehan

T: Patrick Neville

He's raced just four times since winning the competitive Swinton Hurdle here in May 2022 off 5lb higher; returned from another break at Wetherby last Saturday and ran okay, but his claims aren't overly compelling today.

33/1

8

23rd Nov 2024

Good

2m 2f 191y

Class 2

13:15 Haydock

Ngolo

11st 1lb

J: Gavin Sheehan

T: Patrick Neville

He's raced just four times since winning the competitive Swinton Hurdle here in May 2022 off 5lb higher; returned from another break at Wetherby last Saturday and ran okay, but his claims aren't overly compelling today.

33/1

Form: 8-3165 D

Last run: 27 days

W: 10st 13lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 122

Form & Verdict
Made it 5-12 over hurdles when winning at Market Rasen (2m4f, good) in June; has also won on soft; however, he's failed to threaten on his last two starts and needs to raise his game in this competitive contest.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

2

11th May 2026

Good

2m 4f 88y

Class 4

17:47 Southwell

Ballygeary

11st 13lb

J: William Maggs

T: Mike Sowersby

Beaten 6l in his penultimate race but following run was a reminder of his inconsistency; others safer.

20/1

6th

7

27th Mar 2026

Good

3m 0f 26y

Class 3

16:20 Wetherby

Ballygeary

10st 3lb

J: William Maggs

T: Mike Sowersby

Has inconsistent form for current stable but ran encouragingly last time (2m5f) while shaping as if this return to further is worth exploring; well treated on historical data, which includes wins off higher marks in 2023 and 2024.

12/1

3rd

6

13th Mar 2026

Good

2m 4f 181y

Class 4

16:20 Doncaster

Ballygeary

11st 5lb

J: William Maggs

T: Mike Sowersby

Ex-Donald McCain; creditable third on stable debut in July (2m4f, good) but hasn't been in top form since.

33/1

Form: 1F2P-3

Last run: 27 days

W: 10st 13lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 122

Form & Verdict
Lightly raced 6yo who tapped back into his early promise when third to Kamsinas at Aintree (2m4f, good) on last month's reappearance; open to further improvement now he's back on track and slower ground than last time may aid his cause; respected in first-time headgear.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

1

21st Apr 2026

Soft

2m 3f 83y

Class 4

17:42 Ffos Las

Bowenspark

12st 1lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Henry Daly

Came good over fences with small-field win at Uttoxeter (2m4f, good to soft) in February but was not in the same form on his latest outing and ran poorly the only previous time he wore cheekpieces; others look safer.

8/1

5th

4

28th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 0y

Class 3

15:08 Uttoxeter

Bowenspark

11st 2lb

J: Stan Sheppard

T: Henry Daly

Dual bumper and hurdle winner; mixed results in his first three runs over fences but he really got his act together when justifying favouritism at Bangor (2m5f, soft) last month; that was a four-runner race but he forged clear in the closing stages and a 6lb rise looks fair; shortlisted.

9/4

1st

3

25th Feb 2026

Soft

2m 4f 72y

Class 4

17:00 Bangor-on-Dee

Bowenspark

11st 5lb

J: Stan Sheppard

T: Henry Daly

Useful bumper horse and hurdler but has always struggled with consistency, a pattern that's threatening to continue over fences; however, if in the same form as when second to a sharp improver at Southwell two runs back (2m4f, good to soft; fine on soft) he'd have every chance.

5/1

Form: 32P2-6 CD

Last run: 203 days

W: 10st 10lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 119

Form & Verdict
Below par over fences/hurdles on his last three starts in the spring; however, he's well handicapped on both last season's chase form and his 2022-23 hurdling exploits, and returns to action with trainer in fine form.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

1

22nd May 2026

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 4

17:32 Worcester

Fine Casting

12st 1lb

J: Ben Jones

T: Ben Pauling

Below par when returning to hurdling at Southwell (2m4f, good) in March; has dropped 2lb since finishing fourth at Wetherby (2m3f, soft) on his most recent chase start and has claims if able to reproduce the form of that or his Bangor success (2m4f, soft) last November; acts on a sound surface.

10/1

3rd

1

24th Mar 2026

Good

2m 4f 88y

Class 4

16:30 Southwell

Fine Casting

12st 0lb

J: Elliott England

T: Ben Pauling

Good and bad since returned to fences (1P4); runs off a lower hurdles mark but he is a 10yo and without a win in this discipline since 2022.

6/1

Form: C21-3

Last run: 36 days

W: 10st 10lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 120

Form & Verdict
Runner-up in Listed juvenile hurdle at Aintree (2m1f, heavy) last December on what was effectively his debut, then comfortably went one better at Chepstow (2m, good to soft); fair third in Uttoxeter novice (2m, good to soft) on last month's return; he could do with settling better now up in trip on handicap debut but he's bred to stay this far; interesting contender.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

4

2nd Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 98y

Class 2

15:32 Chepstow

Knight Of Allen

10st 7lb

J: Ciaran Gethings

T: Jane Williams

1-5 over fences; bumped into a handicap blot when 14l second at Newbury (extended 2m7f, heavy) and early mistakes/interference had him on the back foot when only 11-1 for the Ultima at Cheltenham (4lb out of the weights); with trip/ground fine, he can go well here.

100/30

20

10th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 1f 0y

Class 1

15:20 Cheltenham

Knight Of Allen

10st 2lb

J: Ciaran Gethings

T: Jane Williams

Kept on for creditable fourth of five in novice chase here (2m4f, good) in January when up against it at the weights and he may have bumped into a handicap blot when 14l second at Newbury (extended 2m7f, heavy) last month; this unexposed 6yo is not ruled out each-way, despite being 4lb wrong.

14/1

2nd

5

7th Feb 2026

Soft

2m 7f 91y

Class 3

15:55 Newbury

Knight Of Allen

11st 0lb

J: Ciaran Gethings

T: Jane Williams

This looks stronger than the 2m4f handicap chase he won here (good to soft; fine on soft) in December off 5lb lower but he ran well in the face of a stiff task at the weights at Cheltenham a month ago; each-way claims back up in trip.

4/1

Form: 27146-

Last run: 211 days

W: 10st 10lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 119

Form & Verdict
Five-time winner (various ground) who was a creditable fourth of 19 off this mark at Aintree (2m) in April; however, he makes his reappearance in a tough contest and has never won beyond 2m1f.
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

19:30 Aintree

Lively Citizen

11st 12lb

J: Harry Atkins

T: D J Jeffreys

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

17:35 Haydock

Lively Citizen

11st 6lb

J: Harry Atkins

T: D J Jeffreys

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

Form: 465-PF CD

Last run: 21 days

W: 10st 7lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 116

Form & Verdict
Failed to kick on after winning this race last year (good to soft); however, he could appreciate the return to hurdles (fell over fences three weeks ago) and he's just 2lb higher than 12 months ago; not ruled out.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

4

16th May 2026

Good

2m 1f 77y

Class 4

17:05 Bangor-on-Dee

Park Annonciade

11st 11lb

J: Richie McLernon

T: Sarah Humphrey

Less contested lead than often the case when making it seventh time lucky over fences at Huntingdon last month (2m, good), and Stratford second off 6lb higher since consolidated that form; up another 1lb here but pace rivalry could prove more the issue.

11/4

2nd

4

19th Apr 2026

Good

2m 0f 213y

Class 4

16:53 Stratford

Park Annonciade

11st 2lb

J: James Bowen

T: Sarah Humphrey

Started off for Sarah Humphrey with two disappointing hurdle runs in the autumn but has turned things around over fences since, and kept on well to win by 7l at Huntingdon (2m, good) a fortnight ago; recent 6lb rise demands more from him here, though.

9/4

1st

5

4th Apr 2026

Good

2m 0f 104y

Class 4

17:25 Huntingdon

Park Annonciade

11st 6lb

J: Tom Cannon

T: Sarah Humphrey

All three wins over hurdles when trained in Ireland; running well at present and second of five at Plumpton (2m1f, good to soft) last month; threatening to get his head in front for this yard.

5/1

Form: 1332-6

Last run: 27 days

W: 10st 6lb

5 yo Filly

OR: 115

Form & Verdict
Won novice hurdle at Catterick (1m7f, soft) last December and campaign concluded with good second of 16 in mares' handicap at Cheltenham (2m4f, good); she may have needed last month's comeback run at Aintree and she's shown already she's suited by a big field; lightly raced and a possible player.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

11

11th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 149y

Class 1

15:05 Aintree

Lavida Adiva

11st 3lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Ruth Jefferson

Course winner who keeps on improving and was a fine second of 24 in the Pertemps Final (Handicap) at Cheltenham (3m, good) last month; receives 7lb mares' allowance but today's assignment requires a clear career best.

50/1

2nd

11

12th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 7f 213y

Class 1

16:40 Cheltenham

Lavida Adiva

10st 9lb

J: Brian Hughes

T: Ruth Jefferson

Never better than on her last three starts, winning a Listed mares' hurdle at Doncaster (3m, good to soft) on first occasion; minor honours in Grade 2 events since (hooded last time, not today); reliable and basically progressive but she needs to resume improvement in this hot handicap.

16/1

3rd

6

14th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 58y

Class 1

14:05 Haydock

Lavida Adiva

10st 13lb

J: Brian Hughes

T: Ruth Jefferson

7yo who has shown improved form this season and won a Listed mares' hurdle at Doncaster (3m, good to soft) in December; similar form when held in fourth in mares' Grade 2 there (3m, soft) three weeks ago and it seems likely she'll prove vulnerable today; wears a first-time hood.

25/1

Non-runners

Anyharminasking

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Josh The Boss

WEST COUNTRY:

Beat The Bat

TOPSPEED:

Steel Ally

Daily Mirror:

Kamsinas

Daily Mail:

Anyharminasking

POSTDATA:

N'Golo

Telegraph:

Beat The Bat

D Express:

Beat The Bat

RP RATINGS:

Josh The Boss

The Times:

Josh The Boss

The Guardian:

Josh The Boss

The Sun:

Josh The Boss

The Star:

Josh The Boss

Daily Record:

Steel Ally