December 18 / 12.40 Newbury

12.40

Good To Soft

Watch Weekend Winners Powered By BetVictor Maiden Hurdle (Novices’ Championship Series Qual’) (GBB)

  • Prize money: £5446
  • 2m 0f 69y
  • Class 3
  • 11 runners
SKY
View Course
Watch Weekend Winners Powered By BetVictor Maiden Hurdle (Novices’ Championship Series Qual’) (GBB)

Runners: 11 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Light rain

5/1 (Won)

  • Win: £8.00
  • Place: £1.50

Form:

Last run:

W: 11st 4lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
20,000euros 3yo; second foal; dam fair 2m1f-3m hurdle/chase winner, half-sister to useful bumper/2m4f-2m6f hurdle winner Boreham Bill, out of half-sister to useful staying jumpers Royale De Vassy and Un Jour A Vassy; second of six in Irish maiden point in the mud in November 2023 and made £110,000 that December; needs a market check on rules debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

10

20th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 6f 93y

Class 4

16:07 Newbury

King Califet

11st 2lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Emma Lavelle

Very lightly raced 7yo who had wind surgery after a disappointing chase debut and then showed plenty more when a keeping-on fourth in a competitive Class 3 handicap here three weeks ago (good to soft); surely has more to offer.

7/1

4th

8

28th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 187y

Class 3

14:40 Newbury

King Califet

10st 6lb

J: Bryan Carver

T: Emma Lavelle

Lightly raced 7yo; soundly beaten in sole start this season (chase debut; had wind surgery since) but may do better still and can't be written off; returns to the scene of his hurdles win.

10/1

4

13th Feb 2025

Soft

2m 3f 173y

Class 4

16:45 Sandown

King Califet

11st 8lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Emma Lavelle

Point runner-up who capitalised on the clear leader's fall to win on hurdle debut at Newbury (2m, soft) in December, before fair third at Hereford (2m5f, soft) last month; he could do with settling better than last time but it looked a good race and he could have potential off his opening mark.

7/2

3/1

  • Place: £1.40

Form: 1/ D

Last run: 903 days

W: 10st 11lb

6 yo Mare

OR:

Form & Verdict
Dam was a useful 2m hurdle/chase winner; 4-1, turned over the warm favourite (below form both starts since) to win a 13-runner bumper at Worcester (2m, good) in June 2022; had a leg injury and absent since; needs a market check for trainer who won four of the last six renewals of this race.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

15th Jan 2026

Good To Soft

1m 7f 50y

Class 5

13:52 Wincanton

Mistress Emma

12st 0lb

J: Mr Daniel Williams

T: Nicky Henderson

Won a bumper in 2022 and returned from long absence with two promising hurdle runs last winter but her two handicap runs in November were disappointing and it takes a leap of faith to support her here.

16/1

3rd

7

20th Jan 2025

Good To Soft

2m 3f 0y

Class 4

13:05 Warwick

Mistress Emma

11st 5lb

J: Nico de Boinville

T: Nicky Henderson

Twice-raced mare who returned with a leg injury after winning Worcester bumper (good) in June 2022; labouring in a well-held third when the clear leader fell at Newbury (2m, soft) last month and she inherited second place; should progress with that reappearance effort under her belt.

11/8

33/1

  • Place: £8.30

Form: 58

Last run: 20 days

W: 11st 4lb

4 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Bought for £90,000 after winning a two-finisher Irish maiden point (3m, heavy) in February; only fifth of ten when favourite in his Sandown bumper and beaten 30l when 18-1 in novice hurdle at Taunton (2m, again good to soft) 18 days later, so others have more pressing claims.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8

27th Mar 2026

Good

3m 0f 45y

Class 4

14:50 Wetherby

Youdecide

11st 1lb

J: Ben Jones

T: Ben Pauling

Point/hurdles winner who hasn't strictly improved in two chase attempts but may build on latest effort (3m) as he remains unexposed at this distance; visor replaces the cheekpieces worn of late; in the mix.

5/2

4th

10

2nd Feb 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 0y

Class 4

13:27 Kempton

Youdecide

10st 5lb

J: Ben Jones

T: Ben Pauling

2m4f hurdle winner; weakened into fourth after making most of the running on chasing debut at Warwick (2m, good to soft; jumped right on occasions) and moves up from Class 5 today; completely unexposed beyond about 2m4f under rules and this return to a right-handed track is an obvious move but others have more pressing claims.

9/1

2

26th Mar 2025

Good

2m 4f 139y

Class 5

14:45 Market Rasen

Youdecide

11st 12lb

J: Ben Jones

T: Ben Pauling

Underwhelming under rules until handicap debut at Huntingdon (upped from 2m to 2m5f, good) two weeks ago in which he started favourite in seven-runner race and won in clearcut style under 5lb claimer from I'm Your Buckaroo; raised 5lb but could have more to offer.

15/8

33/1

Form: 7

Last run: 19 days

W: 11st 4lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Made the frame in three Irish maiden points; 100-1 for C&D maiden hurdle (soft) 19 days ago and faded to be beaten 35l in seventh, so he needs to leave that way behind him.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

5

18th Apr 2026

Good

2m 4f 72y

Class 4

16:10 Bangor-on-Dee

Jorebel

11st 9lb

J: Bryan Carver

T: Chris Gordon

Dual Fontwell winner and his other victories have come on left-handed tracks; hung in that direction on last month's visits to Kempton and he duly underperformed; should run better around here and this mark isn't beyond him.

7/1

5th

3

23rd Mar 2026

Good

2m 2f 0y

Class 4

15:30 Kempton

Jorebel

11st 12lb

J: Freddie Gordon

T: Chris Gordon

Perhaps needed the run in C&D event nine days ago on return from break; largely productive over hurdles/fences otherwise this term, winning five times; good chance if tapping back into that progress.

6/1

4th

4

14th Mar 2026

Good

2m 2f 0y

Class 3

14:08 Kempton

Jorebel

11st 2lb

J: Freddie Gordon

T: Chris Gordon

Has enjoyed an excellent campaign, winning three times over hurdles in the autumn and also successful in handicaps at Lingfield (2m, good) and Plumpton (2m1f, soft) on his first two starts over fences; freshened up since a lesser run at Newbury over Christmas.

12/1

Form: 4

Last run: 46 days

W: 11st 4lb

4 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Fairly useful on Flat, winner five times at up to 9.4f; latest Flat win was in October but he made early mistakes when beaten 32l on hurdle debut at Ascot (1m7f, good; 22-1) two weeks later; should improve but hard to fancy just yet as a hurdler.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

2

(7)

10th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:00 Newmarket (July)

Beylerbeyi

9st 9lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: Ian Williams

Tricky to settle and is held up in rear; won the Cesarewitch at Newmarket (2m2f, good to firm; 9lb higher today) last October and had some very solid AW form over 1m2f-2m this year; back to near his best when eighth of 20 at Royal Ascot (2m4f) but he needs to hit a new high if he's to win this.

16/1

8th

1

(16)

16th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

2m 3f 210y

Class 2

17:00 Ascot

Beylerbeyi

9st 12lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: Ian Williams

Won the Cesarewitch at Newmarket (2m2f, good to firm; 9lb higher today) last October and had some very solid AW form over 1m2f-2m this year; not nearly so good in his two races back on turf but his recent run at Epsom (1m2f) should have teed him up nicely for this; current mark and tactical issues coming from the rear are the chief worries.

12/1

10th

5

(17)

5th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

1m 2f 17y

Class 2

15:15 Epsom

Beylerbeyi

9st 3lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: Ian Williams

Acts on good to soft, much more to prove on soft; won the Cesarewitch at Newmarket (2m2f, good to firm; 10lb higher today) last October and had some very solid AW form over 1m2f-2m this year, prior to tailing off at 50-1 in the Group 3 Ormonde at Chester four weeks ago; he's not on a bad mark but plenty needs to go right if one of his late rushes is to prevail in this.

33/1

Form: 0-49

Last run: 19 days

W: 11st 4lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Modest form at Stratford in July in his second bumper; 250-1, no show in maiden over C&D (soft) on hurdle debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

11

15th May 2026

Good

2m 0f 209y

Class 4

19:30 Aintree

A Good Yomp

10st 12lb

J: Dillon Butler

T: Andrew J Martin

Caused 28-1 surprise in first-time hood at Huntingdon (2m3f, good to soft) in November and remained in good form until end of last season (2m-2m7f); edging back down the weights and holds each-way claims at least.

10/1

4th

9

29th Mar 2026

Good

2m 7f 123y

Class 4

16:15 Ascot

A Good Yomp

10st 12lb

J: Dillon Butler

T: Andrew J Martin

Ridden throughout this season by 10lb claimer Dillon Butler; plenty of experience over hurdles and the one win, at Huntingdon (2m4f, good to soft) in November in a first-time hood which has been kept since; good third last time but that was over 2m, which casts doubt over this new trip.

8/1

OUR TIP

Form: 7-3

Last run: 45 days

W: 11st 4lb

4 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Modest form in his only bumper but close third of 11 in maiden hurdle at Huntingdon (2m, good; 33-1) in early November, leading from home turn until stumbling at the final flight; can improve again and has each-way claims.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

1

11th Apr 2025

Good

2m 3f 137y

Class 5

17:05 Huntingdon

El Rayo

12st 0lb

J: James Bowen

T: Billy Aprahamian

Belied 33-1 odds when placed here on hurdle debut (2m, good) in November and, after a lesser effort on soft ground, again showed significant promise when fifth at Market Rasen (2m4f, good) last month; not obviously well treated for this handicap debut but may still have potential.

5/1

3rd

1

11th Apr 2025

Good

2m 3f 137y

Class 5

17:05 Huntingdon

El Rayo

12st 0lb

J: James Bowen

T: Billy Aprahamian

Belied 33-1 odds when placed here on hurdle debut (2m, good) in November and, after a lesser effort on soft ground, again showed significant promise when fifth at Market Rasen (2m4f, good) last month; not obviously well treated for this handicap debut but may still have potential.

5/1

Form: 240

Last run: 16 days

W: 11st 4lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Irish maiden point winner and runner-up in a Ludlow bumper; soundly beaten at Newbury (led early) and Plumpton (always behind) in his two attempts over hurdles, so best watched for now.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

6

15th Jan 2025

Heavy

2m 0f 69y

Class 3

13:25 Newbury

Fort St Angelo

11st 2lb

J: Tom Cannon

T: Chris Gordon

Irish maiden point winner and runner-up in a Ludlow bumper; however, soundly beaten at Newbury (led early) and Plumpton (always behind) in his first two attempts over hurdles, before falling early on at 150-1 when back at this course four weeks ago; his yard runs three in this.

66/1

7th

6

15th Jan 2025

Heavy

2m 0f 69y

Class 3

13:25 Newbury

Fort St Angelo

11st 2lb

J: Tom Cannon

T: Chris Gordon

Irish maiden point winner and runner-up in a Ludlow bumper; however, soundly beaten at Newbury (led early) and Plumpton (always behind) in his first two attempts over hurdles, before falling early on at 150-1 when back at this course four weeks ago; his yard runs three in this.

66/1

Form: 7-

Last run: 370 days

W: 11st 4lb

4 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
11-2 for juvenile hurdle at Taunton (2m, good to soft) last December but faded to go down by 50l; has left Ben Pauling; a hood and tongue-tie are now enlisted.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7

1st Apr 2025

Good

2m 0f 0y

Class 5

14:52 Kempton

Kingly Fighter

11st 0lb

J: Kielan Woods

T: Alex Hales

Well beaten all three starts, most recently when 200-1 for Huntingdon maiden (2m, good; first run after wind surgery) last month; makes handicap debut from a lowly mark but needs to take a big step forward.

16/1

7

1st Apr 2025

Good

2m 0f 0y

Class 5

14:52 Kempton

Kingly Fighter

11st 0lb

J: Kielan Woods

T: Alex Hales

in rear

16/1

8th

3

12th Mar 2025

Good

1m 7f 171y

Class 4

13:38 Huntingdon

Kingly Fighter

11st 6lb

J: Tom Bellamy

T: Alex Hales

held up in rear

50/1

Form: 41-2 C BF

Last run: 41 days

W: 11st 4lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Scored comfortably at this course (2m, soft) in January in his second bumper; had wind surgery in September and backed up that form when second of six in novice hurdle here (2m, good) six weeks ago; looked set to score approaching the final flight in the latter but lost momentum and one rival finished much more strongly; easily sets the standard and may make amends.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

1

17th Jun 2026

Good

2m 0f 0y

Class 4

16:30 Worcester

Roysse

12st 0lb

J: Beau Morgan

T: Ben Pauling

Chasing didn't go to plan last season (four attempts) and he was easily reeled in after making the running on return to hurdling in March but a return to very patient tactics paid dividends at Bangor (2m, good) last month, where he cut through the field to cause a 33-1 surprise; his tendency to race too freely remains a concern but a recent 7lb rise ought to be manageable.

15/8

1st

8

16th May 2026

Good

2m 0f 145y

Class 4

15:20 Bangor-on-Dee

Roysse

11st 4lb

J: Beau Morgan

T: Ben Pauling

Chasing didn't go to plan last season (four attempts) and he was easily reeled in after making the running on return to hurdling in March; on a tempting mark now but his tendency to race far too freely remains a worry, and others are much less risky.

14/1

6th

4

30th Mar 2026

Good

1m 7f 169y

Class 4

16:27 Ludlow

Roysse

11st 9lb

J: Kielan Woods

T: Ben Pauling

Winner of bumper (soft) and maiden hurdle (2m, good to soft); his free-going tendencies have remained evident over fences (0-4) but he might be happier back hurdling and this track should suit his style if they do go forward with him.

5/1

Form: 338

Last run: 10 days

W: 11st 4lb

4 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Irish maiden point winner; not far away in a Wincanton bumper or Southwell maiden hurdle (both on good) which would give him a place chance, but he underperformed at Huntingdon ten days ago.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

2

8th Oct 2025

Good To Firm

1m 7f 169y

Class 4

14:35 Ludlow

Sergeant Fury

11st 12lb

J: Jack Hogan

T: Harry Derham

5yo who won twice in novice company this spring before making all in a match at Newton Abbot (2m1f, good) in July; held in second of five there last time but that was another creditable effort and he still has potential in this sphere; key player.

6/4

2

21st Aug 2025

Good

2m 0f 167y

Class 4

15:55 Newton Abbot

Sergeant Fury

11st 8lb

J: Paul O’Brien

T: Harry Derham

Improving 5yo who won twice in novice company this spring and made all in C&D match (also on good ground) when back in a handicap last month; contests a much deeper race today but still commands respect.

5/2

1st

1

20th Jul 2025

Good

2m 0f 167y

Class 4

14:25 Newton Abbot

Sergeant Fury

11st 13lb

J: Paul O’Brien

T: Harry Derham

Well beaten in latest handicap (March) and now 5lb higher but was a dual winner back in novice company this spring (2m/2m2f, good); evidently in good nick and has obvious claims in this small field.

Evs

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £38.90
Straight Forecast £26.98
Trifecta £1010.10

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Roysse

LAMBOURN:

Sergeant Fury

The Sun:

Mistress Emma

RP RATINGS:

Roysse

POSTDATA:

Roysse

WEST COUNTRY:

Roysse

The Times:

Roysse

Telegraph:

Roysse

The Guardian:

Roysse

Daily Mail:

Roysse

D Express:

Roysse

Daily Mirror:

Roysse

The Star:

Roysse

Daily Record:

Roysse