December 28 / 13.45 Newbury

13.45

Good To Soft

Coral Racing Club Join For Free Handicap Hurdle

  • Prize money: £13730.6
  • 2m 4f 118y
  • Class 3
  • 11 runners
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Coral Racing Club Join For Free Handicap Hurdle

Runners: 11 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Cloudy

12/1 (Won)

  • Win: £20.30
  • Place: £4.80

Form: 313-78

Last run: 45 days

W: 11st 4lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 121

Form & Verdict
Ended his time with Ben Pauling by taking third in the Imperial Cup at Sandown (2m, soft) in March off 3lb higher than today; backward steps in his two starts for new yard this autumn, so much appears to depend on last month's wind surgery, his second such operation; below form at this sort of trip.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

6

17th Apr 2026

Soft

2m 4f 110y

Class 2

15:30 Ayr

Jipcot

10st 12lb

J: Jonjo O’Neill Jr

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

Well beaten in the Plate last month but Cheltenham may not be his track; comfortably made all in small field at Leicester (2m6f, good to soft) in January and led into the straight at Ascot (3m, good to soft) in February, only to weaken; also effective on soft; could be involved.

9/1

13th

16

10th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 44y

Class 1

16:40 Cheltenham

Jipcot

10st 7lb

J: Kielan Woods

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

Four hurdle wins; made just a so-so stab at chasing in late 2023 but he was footsure when making all at Leicester (about 2m6f, good to soft) in January and perhaps the 3m trip counted against him when trying to justify an 8lb rise at Ascot since; should have more to come over fences at some stage but this looks a tough call; yard also runs Peaky Boy.

14/1

100/30

  • Place: £1.60

Form: 1-1211 D

Last run: 16 days

W: 11st 7lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 124

Form & Verdict
Won two in a row in the spring and repeated the feat this month at Southwell (3m) and Warwick (2m5f) nine days later; raised another 8lb but he's already greatly improved in recent outings and it's hard right now to put a ceiling on how far he can go in handicaps.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

16

11th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 210y

Class 1

14:30 Aintree

Mr Hope Street

10st 13lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

Four-time hurdles winner, including in one of only two attempts at 3m; campaigned over 2m4f/2m5f switched to fences this term, best effort when third behind very notable rivals in graduation chase at Haydock; well handicapped on that bare form and could be open to any amount of improvement back up in distance; a typically interesting runner of his type for the Skeltons.

5/2

4th

1

7th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 15y

Class 3

16:10 Sandown

Mr Hope Street

11st 11lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

Fairly useful hurdler who stepped up on his Carlisle chase debut sixth when beaten just over 6l into third behind The Jukebox Man and Iroko in a Haydock graduation event over an extended 2m5f (good to soft) in November; while his proximity to that high-class pair almost certainly shouldn't be taken at face value he could still be well treated back in a handicap off 131.

2/1

6th

3

2nd Nov 2025

Good

2m 4f 198y

Class 3

12:32 Carlisle

Mr Hope Street

11st 9lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

Made very good progress over hurdles last season (three wins); signed off with creditable third in competitive Cheltenham handicap (3m, good) in April and has possibilities if he takes well to chasing at first attempt.

5/1

6/1

  • Place: £1.60

Form: 2113-1 D

Last run: 31 days

W: 11st 7lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 124

Form & Verdict
All three wins have been at 2m3f-2m4f from just four starts over hurdles, obliging in good style in a six-runner race at Wetherby (good to soft) one month ago on reappearance; that was in only his second handicap and, although this is a hot race, no surprise if a 3lb rise is lenient.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

1

1st Mar 2025

Good To Soft

2m 4f 189y

Class 2

14:20 Kelso

Mr Bramley

12st 0lb

J: Conor O’Farrell

T: Jedd O’Keeffe

Won on reappearance at Wetherby (2m4f, good to soft) and made it 4-6 over hurdles when returning to winning ways at Wetherby (2m3f, soft) four weeks ago; has also won elsewhere (first visit here); could be suited by today's extra yardage and he's a strong contender.

7/2

1st

6

1st Feb 2025

Soft

2m 3f 154y

Class 3

14:43 Wetherby

Mr Bramley

11st 8lb

J: Conor O’Farrell

T: Jedd O’Keeffe

midfield

11/4

1st

6

1st Feb 2025

Soft

2m 3f 154y

Class 3

14:43 Wetherby

Mr Bramley

11st 8lb

J: Conor O’Farrell

T: Jedd O’Keeffe

midfield

11/4

Form: 005-F6

Last run: 21 days

W: 11st 13lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 130

Form & Verdict
Fell on reappearance; tailed off at Sandown latest in a race he won (also 2m on heavy) last year, so there is far less momentum behind his career now but he's not entirely ruled out back up in trip in first-time headgear.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10

20th Apr 2025

Good

1m 7f 195y

Class 2

16:05 Plumpton

Spirit DAunou

10st 5lb

J: Freddie Mitchell

T: Gary & Josh Moore

took keen hold, disputed lead at fast pace, chased clear leader before 6th

10/1

10

20th Apr 2025

Good

1m 7f 195y

Class 2

16:05 Plumpton

Spirit DAunou

10st 5lb

J: Freddie Mitchell

T: Gary & Josh Moore

took keen hold, disputed lead at fast pace, chased clear leader before 6th

10/1

5th

15

14th Mar 2025

Good To Soft

2m 0f 179y

Class 1

14:00 Cheltenham

Spirit DAunou

10st 3lb

J: Freddie Mitchell

T: Gary & Josh Moore

6yo who is well treated on last season's best form; he showed some spark at Newbury in December but hasn't been at the top of his game this term and was soundly beaten last time; others make greater appeal.

66/1

Form: 4/1-71

Last run: 28 days

W: 12st 0lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 131

Form & Verdict
Ran in two Grade 1 events as a juvenile before scooting up in maiden at Cork (2m1f, yielding) in May 2023; absent 546 days before running in two handicaps for new connections this November, winning by 7l at Doncaster (2m4f, good) on latest; his wins were his only two races from the front; up 8lb but may well have more to give.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

14th Mar 2026

Good

2m 2f 0y

Class 3

14:08 Kempton

Rightsotom

11st 7lb

J: Tom Bellamy

T: Joe Tizzard

Two wins over hurdles (good/yielding); useful form in defeat over fences this season, cutting out a lot of the running before fading into third over the extended 2m4f here (good to soft) last time; shaped similarly over 2m3f at Doncaster in December and this slightly shorter trip could suit.

7/1

3rd

6

2nd Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 110y

Class 3

15:07 Kempton

Rightsotom

11st 1lb

J: Tom Bellamy

T: Joe Tizzard

Successful twice over hurdles; novice chase form this season includes a Grade 2 effort (2m4f); starting to weaken when taking a late fall over 2m6f most recently; interesting off current mark back down in distance.

13/2

9th

4

25th Oct 2025

Good To Soft

2m 4f 44y

Class 3

13:10 Cheltenham

Rightsotom

11st 5lb

J: Brendan Powell

T: Joe Tizzard

Mixed form in handicap hurdles last season but he won at Doncaster (2m3f, good) last November and was third of 14 here (2m4f, good) in April when last seen; has shown promise on soft ground; not bred for fences but this prominent racer is not discounted on his chase debut.

14/1

Form: P11815 D

Last run: 16 days

W: 11st 1lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 118

Form & Verdict
Three wins under Gearoid Harney this autumn, including over 2m4f at Wincanton in first-time cheekpieces (kept since) on penultimate start; creditable fifth under him at Taunton latest but this race may also be a bit too hot.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

4th Nov 2025

Good

2m 5f 5y

Class 4

16:02 Warwick

Getalead

11st 13lb

J: Lewis Saunders

T: Kevin Pickard

Has very good 8-32 hurdling strike-rate that includes win in 2024 edition of this race (good ground); not seen since July but has won when fresh before and returns on a workable mark; had another wind op last month (his fourth); shortlisted.

8/1

1

4th Nov 2025

Good

2m 5f 5y

Class 4

16:02 Warwick

Getalead

11st 13lb

J: Lewis Saunders

T: Kevin Pickard

Has very good 8-32 hurdling strike-rate that includes win in 2024 edition of this race (good ground); not seen since July but has won when fresh before and returns on a workable mark; had another wind op last month (his fourth); shortlisted.

8/1

1

4th Nov 2025

Good

2m 5f 5y

Class 4

16:02 Warwick

Getalead

11st 13lb

J: Lewis Saunders

T: Kevin Pickard

Has very good 8-32 hurdling strike-rate that includes win in 2024 edition of this race (good ground); not seen since July but has won when fresh before and returns on a workable mark; had another wind op last month (his fourth); shortlisted.

8/1

OUR TIP

Form: 4119-1 D

Last run: 57 days

W: 11st 10lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 127

Form & Verdict
Won five of nine races over hurdles, including three of five handicaps; the latest came from the front in six-runner race at Wetherby eight weeks ago, seeing off a challenger in clearcut fashion; stays 2m4f; 6lb rise demands plenty more of him in this stronger race but he is highly respected.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

10

18th Apr 2026

Soft

2m 0f 0y

Class 1

14:20 Ayr

Welsh Charger

10st 6lb

J: Ciaran Gethings

T: Alastair Ralph

Beaten only 2l when fifth in this last year and runs off just 1lb higher today (from 8lb out of the handicap); however, he hasn't been at his best this season and would be a surprise winner.

33/1

6th

3

12th Feb 2026

Heavy

2m 0f 104y

Class 3

15:25 Taunton

Welsh Charger

11st 3lb

J: Ciaran Gethings

T: Alastair Ralph

Yet to run here but has a good record on other sharp, right-handed tracks, including a win in the quite valuable Scottish County at Musselburgh last February; looked to have been primed for another bold bid in this year's renewal of that race (7-2 favourite) only to unseat at the start 12 days ago; has won on soft but yet to encounter heavy.

5/1

4

31st Jan 2026

Good To Soft

1m 7f 124y

Class 2

13:43 Musselburgh

Welsh Charger

10st 10lb

J: Ciaran Gethings

T: Alastair Ralph

Didn't run badly at Cheltenham/Ascot on his two starts towards the end of last year, with mistakes not helping last time; 2-2 here (soft/good to soft) and has to be of interest now back at Musselburgh off a mark just 1lb higher than when winning this last year.

9/2

Form: U311-2 BF

Last run: 20 days

W: 11st 7lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 124

Form & Verdict
Progressive for Fergal O'Brien, winning two novice hurdles at Ludlow; resumed for new yard (same owner) with a defeat at 8-11 on handicap debut at Huntingdon (again 2m on soft) but that front-running second of six was actually his highest rating; pedigree (dam stayed 3m7f) and performance suggest he can build on that with today's step up in trip; yard runs three.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

3

24th Apr 2026

Good

3m 2f 127y

Class 3

14:40 Perth

Go To War

11st 11lb

J: James Bowen

T: Nicky Henderson

After a brief stint over fences he got back on track in beating 14 rivals over 3m at Windsor (soft) under a positive ride; however, there was a further reminder of his inconsistency when he dropped away tamely at Haydock in February; what does heighten interest is a pretty good record when fresh.

8/1

7th

9

14th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 58y

Class 2

15:50 Haydock

Go To War

11st 0lb

J: Brian Hughes

T: Nicky Henderson

Back to form with a bang returned to hurdles when fending off Doughmore Bay in a valuable 3m handicap at Windsor (soft) 27 days ago; allowed to bowl along at the head of affairs in that contest and there's possible competition for the lead from the likes of Red Dirt Road, Stone's Throw and Stay Away Fay here; still no surprise were he to progress again, though.

9/1

1st

14

18th Jan 2026

Soft

3m 0f 0y

Class 2

14:25 Windsor

Go To War

10st 4lb

J: Nico de Boinville

T: Nicky Henderson

Two chase efforts this season leave a doubt over his current form; disappointing in last hurdles attempt so there are enough reasons to oppose him in this competitive race.

20/1

Form: /6886- D

Last run: 413 days

W: 11st 1lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 118

Form & Verdict
Campaigned in France from June 2022 onwards by Sophie Leech and was almost as good as ever in spring 2023; not seen since two lesser shows that autumn (Grade 1 last time) and a 7lb claimer takes over on board today, but plenty of form makes this look a good mark and his new yard has been going strongly in recent months.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8

24th Jan 2026

Soft

2m 3f 207y

Class 4

15:06 Uttoxeter

Lucky One

11st 2lb

J: Roisin Leech

T: Sophie Leech

Runs well now and again but a generally regressive 11yo and others appeal more.

25/1

3rd

8

29th Oct 2025

Good To Soft

2m 0f 167y

Class 4

13:53 Newton Abbot

Lucky One

11st 3lb

J: Roisin Leech

T: Sophie Leech

Very well treated on old form but last win was in April 2023 and he's generally struggled for current yard, including when tailed off in France in June; has something to prove on his return and others are preferred.

20/1

8

29th Oct 2025

Good To Soft

2m 0f 167y

Class 4

13:53 Newton Abbot

Lucky One

11st 3lb

J: Roisin Leech

T: Sophie Leech

Very well treated on old form but last win was in April 2023 and he's generally struggled for current yard, including when tailed off in France in June; has something to prove on his return and others are preferred.

20/1

Form: 1/2-PF C

Last run: 24 days

W: 10st 5lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 108

Form & Verdict
Very lightly raced 8yo whose sole win was a 3m handicap here in April 2022; second on chasing debut here (2m6f) this January but fences have got the better of him in his two starts this term; blinkers are enlisted for this return to hurdles but he is on a tempting mark; one of three for the stable.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12

7th Feb 2025

Good To Soft

2m 5f 0y

Class 4

14:50 Kempton

Blairgowrie

11st 9lb

J: Nico de Boinville

T: Nicky Henderson

Struggled with his jumping over fences and after a fall at Ludlow he finished tailed off back over hurdles at Newbury (2m4f; first-time blinkers); now has questions to answer.

12/1

12

7th Feb 2025

Good To Soft

2m 5f 0y

Class 4

14:50 Kempton

Blairgowrie

11st 9lb

J: Nico de Boinville

T: Nicky Henderson

Struggled with his jumping over fences and after a fall at Ludlow he finished tailed off back over hurdles at Newbury (2m4f; first-time blinkers); now has questions to answer.

12/1

10th

11

28th Dec 2024

Good To Soft

2m 4f 118y

Class 3

13:45 Newbury

Blairgowrie

10st 5lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Nicky Henderson

led, pressed leader when headed 6th, weakened after 3 out, tailed off

10/1

Form: 4/3-49 D

Last run: 16 days

W: 11st 2lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 119

Form & Verdict
529 days off before failing to shine in two starts recently; ridden by a 10lb claimer in those, which he isn't today and he's well handicapped on his old form, but others are more persuasive at the moment; yard runs three.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

1

10th May 2026

Good

1m 7f 169y

Class 4

16:02 Ludlow

Hooper

12st 0lb

J: Miss Amber Jackson-Fennell

T: Nigel & Willy Twiston-Davies

Fairly useful for Nicky Henderson until form went awry; hasn't raced since December 2024 and was sold for £3,500 last May; on a five-year losing spell; best watched unless the market speaks positively.

20/1

8

28th Dec 2024

Good To Soft

2m 4f 118y

Class 3

13:45 Newbury

Hooper

11st 2lb

J: James Bowen

T: Nicky Henderson

prominent, dropped to midfield 3rd, weakened before 3 out, soon pulled up

40/1

8

28th Dec 2024

Good To Soft

2m 4f 118y

Class 3

13:45 Newbury

Hooper

11st 2lb

J: James Bowen

T: Nicky Henderson

prominent, dropped to midfield 3rd, weakened before 3 out, soon pulled up

40/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £117.30
Straight Forecast £66.77
Tricast £273.59
Trifecta £714.60

Selections

RP RATINGS:

Mr Bramley

POSTDATA:

Go To War

Daily Mirror:

Mr Hope Street

Telegraph:

Jipcot

Daily Mail:

Spirit d'Aunou

WEST COUNTRY:

Rightsotom

SPOTLIGHT:

Welsh Charger

TOPSPEED:

Getalead

The Sun:

Mr Hope Street

The Times:

Mr Bramley

The Guardian:

Mr Bramley

Daily Record:

Mr Bramley

The Star:

Jipcot

LAMBOURN:

Go To War

D Express:

Go To War