December 21 / 15.35 Ascot

15.35

Good To Soft

Ladbrokes Handicap Hurdle (Premier Handicap) (GBB Race)

  • Prize money: £71187.5
  • 1m 7f 152y
  • Class 1
  • 12 runners
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Ladbrokes Handicap Hurdle (Premier Handicap) (GBB Race)

Runners: 12 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Scattered showers

16/1 (Won)

  • Win: £13.00
  • Place: £3.30

Form: 327-F6 D

Last run: 34 days

W: 10st 13lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 128

Form & Verdict
Withdrawn on intended reappearance, having got loose before the start; registered Grade 2 placings as a novice last season and he had a place chance when falling two out in Our Champ's C&D handicap in November; while 12l sixth from off the pace in the Greatwood at Cheltenham was respectable, he needs marked overall improvement to win this.
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

3/1

  • Place: £3.10

Form: 11-1 D

Last run: 26 days

W: 11st 2lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 131

Form & Verdict
2-2 in juvenile hurdles (Clairefontaine and Huntingdon) last season and he won smoothly despite clear inexperience when reappearing in a six-runner handicap at Kempton (2m, good to soft; evens) late last month; 8lb higher in a much tougher race but he could have so much more to give.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

9

12th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 7f 213y

Class 1

15:20 Cheltenham

Kabral Du Mathan

11st 10lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

Lightly raced 6yo who won a handicap at Haydock (2m3f, good to soft) in November on stable debut and followed up in the Grade 2 Relkeel Hurdle here (extended 2m4f, good) on New Year's Day, again with plenty in hand; this is a tough race in which to try to prove his stamina but he powered clear up the hill last time and could be a contender if seeing out this new trip.

3/1

5/1

  • Place: £1.90

Form: 1222-2 D

Last run: 34 days

W: 11st 8lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 137

Form & Verdict
Won debut and second in all four races since; last two were a valuable novice handicap at Sandown in April and the Greatwood Handicap at Cheltenham (again 2m on good) and he came from off pace to go down by just half a length in both; up another 7lb but this youngster still brings notable potential.
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

50/1

Form: 4/15-0 CD

Last run: 70 days

W: 11st 6lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 135

Form & Verdict
Useful on Flat and over jumps but an infrequent winner nowadays, his last success coming in a four-runner chase last November; won this race in 2021 off 6lb higher but there's plenty for him to prove this time round.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

(2)

23rd May 2025

Good

2m 0f 0y

Class 3

14:40 Goodwood

Tritonic

9st 10lb

J: Hollie Doyle

T: Alan King

Capable of useful form on Flat and over jumps; however, hasn't scored under this code since 2022 and needs to improve on his 2025 AW efforts; admittedly this 8yo may benefit from today's drop back in class.

20/1

4

(2)

23rd May 2025

Good

2m 0f 0y

Class 3

14:40 Goodwood

Tritonic

9st 10lb

J: Hollie Doyle

T: Alan King

Capable of useful form on Flat and over jumps; however, hasn't scored under this code since 2022 and needs to improve on his 2025 AW efforts; admittedly this 8yo may benefit from today's drop back in class.

20/1

5

(12)

18th Apr 2025

Standard

2m 0f 56y

Class 2

16:42 Newcastle (AW)

Tritonic

8st 12lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Alan King

Fine servant to his team but hasn't got his head in front since winning a four-runner chase in late 2023; 33-1 and never dangerous back on the Flat three weeks ago at Kempton (2m).

16/1

Form: 13-613 CD

Last run: 21 days

W: 11st 8lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 137

Form & Verdict
Won three handicaps last season and prevailed narrowly under Freddie Gordon over C&D early last month, all four of those on good ground; creditable third at Newbury three weeks ago was on good to soft but he needs to find a fair bit more to win this.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

2

10th May 2025

Good

1m 7f 144y

Class 1

13:35 Haydock

Our Champ

11st 11lb

J: Freddie Gordon

T: Chris Gordon

Loaded with experience in strong handicaps; won last year's Sussex Champion and, returning to Plumpton off a 13lb higher mark for the same race 20 days ago, he ran another cracker in forcing the pace before left behind by two Willie Mullins raiders; Haydock will suit his style provided he doesn't get too competitive too far out; shortlisted.

13/2

1st

2

10th May 2025

Good

1m 7f 144y

Class 1

13:35 Haydock

Our Champ

11st 11lb

J: Freddie Gordon

T: Chris Gordon

Loaded with experience in strong handicaps; won last year's Sussex Champion and, returning to Plumpton off a 13lb higher mark for the same race 20 days ago, he ran another cracker in forcing the pace before left behind by two Willie Mullins raiders; Haydock will suit his style provided he doesn't get too competitive too far out; shortlisted.

13/2

3rd

8

20th Apr 2025

Good

1m 7f 195y

Class 2

16:05 Plumpton

Our Champ

10st 12lb

J: Freddie Gordon

T: Chris Gordon

disputed lead at fast pace, led clearly before 6th

6/1

Form: 12261- D

Last run: 245 days

W: 11st 12lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 141

Form & Verdict
Made errors when sixth of 11 in the Grade 1 Supreme Novices' at Cheltenham in March and better to win the Scottish Champion Hurdle at Ayr (again 2m on soft) on handicap debut the following month; up just 3lb and should bring potential to this second season over hurdles.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

1

25th Apr 2026

Good

2m 3f 178y

Class 2

17:15 Sandown

Favour And Fortune

12st 0lb

J: Tom Bellamy

T: Alan King

Seen only twice this season but posted career-best performance when close third of 22 at Aintree (2m4f, good to soft) a fortnight ago, despite Tom Bellamy's saddle slipping after the last; respected.

6/1

3rd

1

10th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 0y

Class 1

13:45 Aintree

Favour And Fortune

12st 0lb

J: Tom Bellamy

T: Alan King

Acts on any going; successful in major handicap at Ayr two years ago; his two attempts at Aintree were good efforts in the 2023 Formby (second to highly notable rival) and this race last year (finished third); each-way claims back here with Kempton reappearance under his belt.

11/1

6th

1

21st Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 5f 0y

Class 3

13:10 Kempton

Favour And Fortune

12st 2lb

J: Tom Bellamy

T: Alan King

Won the Scottish Champion Hurdle (2m, soft) in April 2024 and showed he stays 2m4f when a good third of 20 at Aintree last spring; not ruled out but he'll need a career best to defy topweight after 11 months off.

13/2

Form: /111-3 D BF

Last run: 34 days

W: 11st 6lb

6 yo Filly

OR: 135

Form & Verdict
3-3 in bumpers and 3-3 in novice hurdles but missed the big spring festivals due to lameness at Cheltenham and soft ground at Aintree; favourite for the Greatwood at Cheltenham (2m, good) on seasonal/handicap debut and came third of 15, every chance from three out but no extra on run-in (Be Aware passed her for second); up 4lb but no surprise if she improves again.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

(3)

3rd Sep 2025

Standard To Slow

1m 3f 219y

Class 5

20:00 Kempton (AW)

Dysart Enos

9st 10lb

J: Dougie Costello

T: Fergal O’Brien

Grade 2 bumper winner and useful hurdler, albeit underperformed in major Irish handicap most recently; made the frame at Kempton earlier in July (behind Whatamoon; Flat debut) and has potential under this code.

5/2

Form: 11P-32 D

Last run: 39 days

W: 10st 7lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 122

Form & Verdict
Ex-Irish 6yo who won two handicaps for Kerry Lee last winter; creditable minor honours this term in Welsh Champion Hurdle at Ffos Las and five-runner race at Huntingdon, but to win this demands a fair bit more.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

2

16th May 2026

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 3

19:20 Uttoxeter

Black Hawk Eagle

11st 6lb

J: Conor O’Farrell

T: Kerry Lee

Triple hurdle winner who made it fourth-time lucky over fences when beating two rivals at Chepstow (2m, soft) in March; fell at the 12th at Hereford (2m5f, good) last month but he's was still travelling well at the time and he should have more to offer as a chaser; respected.

5/2

4

16th Apr 2026

Good

2m 4f 194y

Class 3

18:00 Hereford

Black Hawk Eagle

10st 13lb

J: Conor O’Farrell

T: Kerry Lee

3-13 over hurdles; only his fourth start as a chaser when too strong for two rivals over 2m at Chepstow a month ago (soft; 3lb lower); this quicker ground won't bother him at all and neither might the longer trip; good claims.

7/4

1st

1

15th Mar 2026

Soft

2m 0f 16y

Class 4

16:30 Chepstow

Black Hawk Eagle

12st 0lb

J: Conor O’Farrell

T: Kerry Lee

Second of four on chase debut at Stratford (2m1f, good to firm) last July and returned to form when third of six at Kempton (2m2f, good) in October last time; won on heavy ground on the Flat in 2023 but best jumps form has come on good to soft or quicker; in with a chance if conditions suit.

9/2

Form: 0/2111 D

Last run: 23 days

W: 10st 12lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 127

Form & Verdict
Hurdling career gained momentum in a major way for new yard with wins in a maiden at Downpatrick, handicap at Cheltenham (2m, good) and novice at Musselburgh (2m4f, good to soft); made all without difficulty at 8-15 in small field for the last named and had looked better than the winning margin suggests at Cheltenham (8lb higher today); needs plenty of respect in hat-trick bid.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

1

24th May 2026

Good

2m 0f 51y

Class 2

15:03 Kelso

Impero

12st 0lb

J: Danny Gilligan

T: Cian Collins

Took this in good style 12 months ago; lightly raced since but advanced his form after nine months off when second of ten in 2m1f handicap at Killarney 15 days ago; up 4lb here but this Irish challenger rates a player.

3/1

2nd

1

9th May 2026

Good

2m 1f 0y

15:00 Killarney

Impero

11st 12lb

J: Carl Millar

T: Cian Collins

Five hurdle wins came on goodish ground at 2m-2m4; last success came when 10l in front at Kelso last May; not at his best at Stratford next time, nor on the Flat at Galway when last seen; has won after a break before.

5/1

OUR TIP

Form: 123-21 D

Last run: 28 days

W: 12st 0lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 143

Form & Verdict
Front-runner; ran well in defeat in his first three handicaps, runner-up in the Welsh Champion Hurdle at Ffos Las on return; went one better in clearcut style at Haydock, with an improved show upped to 2m3f (soft); still needs respect back down in trip here but 6lb rise does demand better again.
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: 315-59 D

Last run: 34 days

W: 11st 3lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 132

Form & Verdict
Third in top handicap at Newbury (heavy) in February and won the Imperial Cup at Sandown (soft) one month later; two backward steps this season, given wind surgery before beaten 19l in the Greatwood at Cheltenham last time, but he's well handicapped were he to return to his best.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

2

24th Apr 2026

Good

2m 4f 35y

Class 3

15:47 Perth

Go Dante

12st 1lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Olly Murphy

Added to his excellent Sandown record when winning over 2m on soft in December; below par since, including a never-dangerous seventh when bidding for a third successive Imperial Cup back at Sandown, but this is the first time he's dropped to a Class 3 since winning at Cheltenham in December 2023; yard has won the last two runnings of this.

7/1

7th

4

7th Mar 2026

Soft

1m 7f 216y

Class 2

14:27 Sandown

Go Dante

11st 7lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Olly Murphy

10yo who was well beaten at Windsor in January and pulled up at Newbury last month; however, he's had wind surgery since and there can be optimism he'll be a different proposition now back here, having won the last two runnings of this race (soft/good to soft) and also scored over C&D in December.

12/1

2

7th Feb 2026

Soft

2m 0f 69y

Class 1

15:20 Newbury

Go Dante

11st 10lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Olly Murphy

Beaten twice off lower marks in this race (third in 2024, seventh in 2025) and seems unlikely to make it third time lucky; unbeaten at Sandown and likely to be more persuasive back there next month for a crack at an Imperial Cup hat-trick.

33/1

Form: 2215-3 D BF

Last run: 49 days

W: 10st 11lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 126

Form & Verdict
Won two bumpers and two novice hurdles; favourite when fifth of 20 (Be Aware second) on handicap debut at Sandown in April; creditable third to Our Champ over C&D on reappearance; needs to build on that performance, which may well be possible at this early stage in his handicap career.
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

Non-runners

Kihavah

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £111.20
Straight Forecast £112.83
Tricast £443.57
Trifecta £771.10

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Be Aware

Telegraph:

Kabral Du Mathan

RP RATINGS:

Secret Squirrel

WEST COUNTRY:

Dysart Enos

The Times:

Favour And Fortune

POSTDATA:

Fiercely Proud

Daily Mail:

Our Champ

The Guardian:

Be Aware

D Express:

Be Aware

Daily Mirror:

Kabral Du Mathan

The Star:

Kabral Du Mathan

TOPSPEED:

Secret Squirrel

LAMBOURN:

Secret Squirrel

The Sun:

Dysart Enos

Daily Record:

Dysart Enos