December 13 / 13.15 Cheltenham

13.15

Good To Soft

Catesby Estates Handicap Hurdle

  • Prize money: £11882.25
  • 2m 0f 179y
  • Class 3
  • 14 runners
RTV
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Catesby Estates Handicap Hurdle

Runners: 14 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Showers

16/1 (Won)

  • Win: £11.70
  • Place: £3.50

Form: 1-2213 D

Last run: 21 days

W: 10st 9lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 120

Form & Verdict
Listed runner-up on the Flat in France (very soft) and pretty useful switched to hurdles by new connections this year; made all for 18l novice win on penultimate start, followed by third of nine off this mark on handicap hurdle debut at Ascot (again about 2m on good; both under Luke Scott) so he is heading the right way.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

25th Apr 2026

Good

1m 7f 99y

Class 1

14:55 Sandown

Mirabad

11st 10lb

J: Tristan Durrell

T: Dan Skelton

Belied his 50-1 odds with 6l success in Grade 1 novice chase at Aintree (2m, good to soft) two weeks ago; however, needs to prove he can back up that form and Harry Skelton prefers solid stablemate Thistle Ask.

12/1

1st

5

11th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

1m 7f 176y

Class 1

12:45 Aintree

Mirabad

11st 7lb

J: Tristan Durrell

T: Dan Skelton

Made all in beginners' chase at Exeter (2m1f, good to soft) in December; has run creditably in two 2m Grade 2 events since but he was beaten at 1-4 at Bangor on his latest outing; bottom of the pile on ratings and hard to fancy.

40/1

2nd

1

25th Feb 2026

Soft

2m 1f 77y

Class 3

15:30 Bangor-on-Dee

Mirabad

11st 10lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

Surprise winner of his first chase start in December; has bumped into smart opposition since, last time running as well as could have been hoped behind Steel Ally in the Grade 2 Kingmaker at Warwick (2m, heavy); this looks a good opportunity.

4/9

11/2

  • Place: £2.00

Form: 211-F1 C

Last run: 28 days

W: 11st 0lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 125

Form & Verdict
2-3 over hurdles for Ben Pauling last season; looked poised to challenge before penultimate-flight fall on reappearance and made amends in a 15-runner handicap here (2m, good; Cavern Club second) in November; up 8lb but that strong late bid from off the pace leaves the possibility of further improvement.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

2

24th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 0f 16y

Class 3

19:07 Chepstow

Wreckless Eric

12st 0lb

J: Jonjo O’Neill Jr

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

For two years in a row now he's followed a second in the Imperial Cup with a disappointing effort at Aintree, second-time cheekpieces presumably not to blame latest as they're retained here; record of 1F12 in handicaps of Class 3 or below, and ought not mind any dryout (2-4 on good).

2/1

17th

3

10th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 0f 103y

Class 2

17:15 Aintree

Wreckless Eric

11st 8lb

J: Benjamin Macey

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

Returned to form in first-time cheekpieces (retained) when runner-up in the Imperial Cup at Sandown (2m, soft) for the second year in succession; 12 months ago he followed up with a disappointing effort at this meeting but that was over 2m4f and this is more his trip.

12/1

2nd

14

7th Mar 2026

Soft

1m 7f 216y

Class 2

14:27 Sandown

Wreckless Eric

10st 13lb

J: Kielan Woods

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

He's been a long way below his best on his three starts this season and arrives with something to prove; however, there have been possible excuses on each occasion, namely the lack of a recent run, then the step up to 2m5f, and most recently heavy ground; now 3lb lower than when second in this 12 months ago (good to soft) and he's not written off in first-time headgear.

13/2

20/1

  • Place: £3.10

Form: /3112/

Last run: 610 days

W: 11st 10lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 135

Form & Verdict
Final start in a highly progressive juvenile campaign saw him short-headed in Grade 1 at Aintree (2m1f, good to soft); that was in April 2023 and he's since left Gary Moore (same owner) but he needs a close look, for same connections as Willmount so their market strength should be informative.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13th

3

8th Mar 2025

Good To Soft

1m 7f 216y

Class 2

14:25 Sandown

Bo Zenith

11st 4lb

J: Nico de Boinville

T: Nicky Henderson

Went close in Grade 1 juvenile hurdle two seasons ago for previous yard; couple of encouraging handicap efforts (2m1f/2m3f) since returning from lengthy absence; could have a race of this nature in him.

11/2

Form: 221-11 D

Last run: 12 days

W: 11st 2lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 120

Form & Verdict
Runner-up on first four hurdle starts before winning a maiden at Doncaster (2m3f, soft) in March and two 2m1f handicaps at Carlisle (good to soft/soft) recently; impressive 12 days ago and while this is a much stiffer task, including under a 7lb penalty, this progressive sort needs respect.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

7

8th Mar 2025

Good To Soft

1m 7f 216y

Class 2

14:25 Sandown

To Chase A Dream

10st 9lb

J: Brian Hughes

T: Paul Collins

Beaten favourite but ran creditably at Doncaster (2m3f) last time, taking form figures over hurdles to 222211142; that consistency gives him each-way possibilities back down in trip.

12/1

2nd

4

25th Jan 2025

Good To Soft

2m 3f 88y

Class 2

15:50 Doncaster

To Chase A Dream

11st 3lb

J: Brian Hughes

T: Paul Collins

towards rear, not fluent 2nd

4/1

2nd

4

25th Jan 2025

Good To Soft

2m 3f 88y

Class 2

15:50 Doncaster

To Chase A Dream

11st 3lb

J: Brian Hughes

T: Paul Collins

towards rear, not fluent 2nd

4/1

Form: 2F115- D

Last run: 265 days

W: 11st 1lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 126

Form & Verdict
All eight races have been on softer than good, winning four of them; last season it was a novice hurdle and in good style on handicap debut, both over about 2m at Exeter, before well beaten trying 2m3f at Newbury in March; early days and he could resume improvement.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

12

7th Mar 2026

Soft

1m 7f 216y

Class 2

14:27 Sandown

Spirits Bay

10st 13lb

J: Nico de Boinville

T: Nigel & Willy Twiston-Davies

Ran okay when seventh in this last year and he reappeared with a win at Newton Abbot (2m1f, good to soft) in October; however, his subsequent form has been mixed (fences/hurdles) and Top Jimmy looks the yard's chief hope.

33/1

7th

4

12th Feb 2026

Heavy

2m 0f 104y

Class 3

15:25 Taunton

Spirits Bay

11st 1lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Nigel & Willy Twiston-Davies

Made a winning reappearance in Newton Abbot handicap hurdle (2m1f, good to soft) in October; switched to fences subsequently, matching his peak RPR over timber when fourth in 2m3f Exeter novice handicap (good to soft) five weeks ago; won his previous outing on heavy.

8/1

1

19th Nov 2025

Soft

2m 0f 54y

Class 3

12:55 Warwick

Spirits Bay

11st 10lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Nigel & Willy Twiston-Davies

Two wins during his novice campaign included a handicap (2m, soft); 0-5 last season but ran well at the weights behind Constitution Hill at Cheltenham in January and comfortably regained the winning thread on his reappearance at Newton Abbot (2m1f, good to soft) three weeks ago; up 4lb but he's bred for fences and looks a player on debut in this sphere.

11/8

Form: 11-354 CD

Last run: 26 days

W: 11st 1lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 126

Form & Verdict
Has largely done well since wearing a tongue-tie, winning three times last season; third/fourth in the Swinton at Haydock and Greatwood here on two of his last three outings, so has each-way claims.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

2

14th Jan 2026

Good

2m 0f 69y

Class 4

15:50 Newbury

Tintintin

11st 13lb

J: Tom Broughton

T: Fergal O’Brien

Close fourth of 17 at in the Imperial Cup at Sandown (2m, good to soft) last March and now 5lb lower; it was his chase debut when pulled up at Lingfield in November but he nevertheless arrives with something to prove regarding his current form; wears first-time cheekpieces.

20/1

12

24th Oct 2025

Good

2m 3f 200y

Class 3

13:15 Cheltenham

Tintintin

11st 1lb

J: Jonathan Burke

T: Fergal O’Brien

Fourth in Greatwood Hurdle here (2m, good) last November and kept on from poor position to fill same spot in Imperial Cup at Sandown (2m, good to soft) in March; unexposed over 2m4f but, on balance, others appeal more.

14/1

10/1

Form: 1242 D

Last run: 28 days

W: 10st 3lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 114

Form & Verdict
Quite useful form on the Flat; has run just four times over hurdles, winning on first attempt and best form when second of 15 to Wreckless Eric in handicap here (2m, good) on latest; usually wore cheekpieces on Flat and they were refitted on that latest outing; up 5lb but still has potential.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

3

27th Sep 2025

Good

2m 0f 125y

Class 2

17:45 Market Rasen

Cavern Club

11st 9lb

J: Gavin Sheehan

T: James Owen

Posted career-best performance when leading close home in valuable Summer Hurdle over C&D (good) in July; 6lb higher today but confirmed his wellbeing with a good Flat run last month; probably won't be far away.

7/2

3rd

3

(6)

30th Aug 2025

Good

1m 7f 196y

Class 4

17:35 Chester

Cavern Club

10st 0lb

J: Callum Shepherd

T: James Owen

Never better on Flat than when winning over C&D (soft) in June, coming from the rear with the first two finishing 6l clear; 4lb higher today but that was followed by a hurdling career best, when winning a good prize on good ground six weeks ago, so he's on a roll.

5/2

Form: 325643 D

Last run: 12 days

W: 11st 1lb

5 yo Filly

OR: 126

Form & Verdict
Both her hurdling wins were in spring 2023; heavy ground was probably against her when 100-1 in the County Hurdle here this March and career-best efforts followed on the much better ground last May/June; back to some form 12 days ago but needs peak form to take this.
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

16:15 Killarney

Media Naranja

11st 7lb

J: Sam Ewing

T: Gordon Elliott

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

16:15 Killarney

Media Naranja

11st 7lb

J: Sam Ewing

T: Gordon Elliott

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

18:25 Kilbeggan

Media Naranja

11st 7lb

J: Sam Ewing

T: Gordon Elliott

midfield, headway from 3 out, went third after 2 out, no impression approaching last

6/1

Form: 7146-P CD

Last run: 20 days

W: 10st 6lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 117

Form & Verdict
Won this race in 2021 when he was a 6yo; has scored once in each of the three years since, latterly at Ffos Las in March under another claiming rider; while he should have come on since pulling up at 100-1 in a warm race last month, he is probably too exposed for a second win in this race today.
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

OUR TIP

Form: 4-1112 C BF

Last run: 28 days

W: 12st 0lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 139

Form & Verdict
Talented in bumpers and won his first three starts over hurdles, culminating in a most impressive display from the front in Grade 2 novice here (2m, good) in October; hammered in another Grade 2 here four weeks ago but that was at the hands of a most exciting prospect and the 2m5f seemed to stretch him; those were small-field races, whereas this is a competitive race for handicap debut but he's back in trip and a useful novice.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11

12th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

2m 0f 0y

Class 1

14:15 Ayr

Valgrand

11st 0lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

Easily made all in Grade 2 novice hurdle at Cheltenham (2m, good) last October and he's on a handy mark on that form; it's possible he'll get back on track at some stage but he's finished down the field in all three handicaps, most recently the County Hurdle at Cheltenham, and has something to prove.

7/1

11

12th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

2m 0f 0y

Class 1

14:15 Ayr

Valgrand

11st 0lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

Easily made all in Grade 2 novice hurdle at Cheltenham (2m, good) last October and he's on a handy mark on that form; it's possible he'll get back on track at some stage but he's finished down the field in all three handicaps, most recently the County Hurdle at Cheltenham, and has something to prove.

7/1

15th

12

14th Mar 2025

Good To Soft

2m 0f 179y

Class 1

14:00 Cheltenham

Valgrand

10st 10lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

Easily made all in Grade 2 novice here in October (2m, good; has also won on soft); weakened when 11l second in 2m5f Grade 2 here next time; down the field since in his first two handicaps (2m1f/2m, good to soft) but a break may have helped this lightly raced 6yo and he's the sole representative of Dan Skelton, who has won four of the last nine runnings; not discounted.

8/1

Form: 2PF-P7 D

Last run: 198 days

W: 11st 10lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 135

Form & Verdict
Bumper, hurdles and chase winner in Ireland for Paul Nolan but 2024 has not gone well; peak efforts have been over longer trips and he may well prove best watched under 7lb claimer on today's debut for new connections.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

4

2nd May 2026

Good

3m 0f 10y

Class 2

14:35 Uttoxeter

Joyeux Machin

11st 1lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

Appreciated eased in grade at Bangor (3m, good to soft) six weeks ago, winning readily by 10l; contests deeper race here but probably still on workable mark after 5lb rise, and quicker ground also suits.

9/2

1st

1

21st Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 30y

Class 3

14:15 Bangor-on-Dee

Joyeux Machin

12st 2lb

J: Harry Atkins

T: Dan Skelton

Exposed ex-Irish gelding who has yet to score for Dan Skelton (0-10); however, he has been contesting stronger races and was going nicely in clear lead when falling six out in major handicap chase at Doncaster (3m, soft; fine on good) in January; his subsequent Ascot run needs forgiving but that was a Class 1 race.

5/2

9th

6

14th Feb 2026

Soft

2m 7f 185y

Class 1

15:00 Ascot

Joyeux Machin

10st 7lb

J: Tristan Durrell

T: Dan Skelton

Record of 0-9 for current yard but he ran well over hurdles on this card last year; still going nicely in clear lead when falling six out in major handicap chase at Doncaster (3m, soft) most recently; shortlisted.

7/2

Form: 245-34 D

Last run: 13 days

W: 11st 8lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 133

Form & Verdict
Effective here, as he showed on October reappearance (2m4f); second-time cheekpieces when well beaten at Newbury 13 days ago and, while they are now dispensed with, he is more exposed than a few of these.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

13th May 2026

Good

2m 4f 216y

Class 4

18:30 Newton Abbot

Anyharminasking

11st 5lb

J: Richie McLernon

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

Three-time hurdle winner who made it 0-5 over fences with another disappointing show at Bangor in late March, despite returning to good ground; clearly needs to raise his game in the new blinkers (replacing cheekpieces).

7/1

6th

3

31st Mar 2026

Good

2m 4f 72y

Class 4

15:50 Bangor-on-Dee

Anyharminasking

11st 13lb

J: Jonjo O’Neill Jr

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

Three-time hurdle winner who is 0-4 over fences, with only effort of note in discipline when beaten in a match at Warwick in October (2m4f); does seem happier on good ground than soft, so last two efforts could be excused; cheekpieces return after going without them last time.

8/1

7th

4

9th Mar 2026

Soft

2m 0f 70y

Class 3

15:20 Stratford

Anyharminasking

11st 11lb

J: Jonjo O’Neill Jr

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

3-20 hurdles, his latest win at Newcastle (2m1f Class 3; from 2lb higher) 11 months ago; a switch to fences hasn't suited (0-4, including being beaten in a match) but it's possible he'll strip fitter since his latest start; reverting to the smaller obstacles is helpful.

12/1

Form: -07513 D

Last run: 20 days

W: 10st 7lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 118

Form & Verdict
3-9 over hurdles, returning to form for his win off a much reduced mark at Exeter (2m, good) in November; respectable third at Huntingdon 15 days later but to win this requires a new high.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

3

21st Aug 2025

Good

2m 4f 216y

Class 4

17:35 Newton Abbot

Magic Seven

11st 11lb

J: Richie McLernon

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

Three-time hurdle winner (2m-2m3f) who is still seeking a first chase success after four attempts over fences, though he's gone close on a couple of occasions; the drop in trip will not be an issue and he's not yet fully exposed, but he'll need to step up on those efforts if he's to break his duck.

10/1

5th

8

24th Jul 2025

Good

2m 7f 0y

Class 4

13:45 Worcester

Magic Seven

11st 6lb

J: Richie McLernon

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

Three-time hurdle winner (2m-2m3f); not one to rely upon heavily nowadays but ran well in defeat over fences at Stratford (2m3f, good to firm) last month and has possibilities if this new trip suits.

8/1

1

1st Jul 2025

Good To Firm

2m 3f 98y

Class 4

20:18 Stratford

Magic Seven

12st 2lb

J: Richie McLernon

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

Three-time hurdle winner, most recently off this mark at Exeter (2m, good) in November; made a promising chase debut in May when a staying-on second at Huntingdon (2m, good) but never involved at Newton Abbot (2m, good to soft) last month, shaping on both occasions as though a step back up in trip would help; player.

5/1

Form: 11/1P- D

Last run: 349 days

W: 11st 5lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 130

Form & Verdict
Absent since the Grade 1 Challow at Newbury (second favourite) last December, when he pulled hard and was eventually pulled up (lost a shoe); 4-4 prior to that, notably with an easy hurdle debut win at Newbury (2m, good to soft; made most) last November and his trainer still harbours high hopes for him; same owners also run Bo Zenith, so the market should give big clues.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

13th Feb 2026

Soft

2m 3f 98y

Class 3

14:40 Chepstow

Willmount

10st 6lb

J: Dylan Johnston

T: Rebecca Curtis

Did not fulfill his potential over hurdles for Nicky Henderson but, following a layoff, positives can be drawn from both chase runs for new stable this season; ran well until weakening into third here (2m7f, good to soft) in December and should benefit from this drop back in trip.

6/1

2

28th Oct 2025

Soft

2m 3f 83y

Class 3

15:28 Ffos Las

Willmount

12st 0lb

J: Jamie Brace

T: Rebecca Curtis

Impressed on hurdling debut for Nicky Henderson in November 2023 but completed only one of three subsequent hurdling starts, when fifth of eight in Kempton handicap (2m, good to soft) in December; changed hands for £22,000 in May and it's hard to know what to expect from him on stable/chase debut.

9/1

2

28th Oct 2025

Soft

2m 3f 83y

Class 3

15:28 Ffos Las

Willmount

12st 0lb

J: Jamie Brace

T: Rebecca Curtis

Impressed on hurdling debut for Nicky Henderson in November 2023 but completed only one of three subsequent hurdling starts, when fifth of eight in Kempton handicap (2m, good to soft) in December; changed hands for £22,000 in May and it's hard to know what to expect from him on stable/chase debut.

9/1

Non-runners

Balboa

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £68.30
Straight Forecast £51.35
Tricast £311.15
Trifecta £548.30

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Wreckless Eric

LAMBOURN:

Willmount

RP RATINGS:

Mirabad

The Sun:

Valgrand

Daily Mirror:

Media Naranja

POSTDATA:

Tintintin

The Star:

Anyharminasking

WEST COUNTRY:

Wreckless Eric

D Express:

Wreckless Eric

Daily Record:

Valgrand

Telegraph:

Willmount

Daily Mail:

Willmount

TOPSPEED:

Mirabad

The Times:

Mirabad