January 17 / 15.35 Windsor

15.35

Soft

Fitzdares Sovereign Handicap Hurdle (GBB Race)

  • Prize money: £57233
  • 2m 0f 0y
  • Class 2
  • 14 runners
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Fitzdares Sovereign Handicap Hurdle (GBB Race)

Runners: 14 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Partly cloudy

6/1 (Won)

  • Win: £3.75
  • Place: £1.40

Form: 215-3F D

Last run: 27 days

W: 10st 6lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 126

Form & Verdict
Two novice hurdle wins last term (good to soft/soft) and he was 2l behind in a clear third when falling at the final flight in a competitive handicap at Ascot (1m7f, good to soft) last month; retains the same mark whereas the short-head runner-up Kabral Du Mathan has gone up 8lb; interesting.
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

9/2

  • Place: £1.90

Form: 11-12 D

Last run: 27 days

W: 11st 5lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 139

Form & Verdict
2-2 in juvenile hurdles last term (including on very soft ground in France) and won in good style on handicap debut at Kempton (2m, good to soft) in November; has gone up 8lb for his short-head defeat at Ascot (1m7f, good to soft) but this unexposed 5yo could continue to progress; big chance.
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

11/1

  • Place: £4.20

Form: 765P-1 D

Last run: 41 days

W: 11st 5lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 139

Form & Verdict
9yo who made it 7-18 when comfortably making all on his reappearance in a small field at Sandown (2m, heavy) last month; however, he's 7lb higher this afternoon and could be vulnerable in this more competitive race, having failed to kick on after making a winning reappearance last season.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

1

21st Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 123y

Class 2

15:20 Bangor-on-Dee

Knickerbockerglory

12st 0lb

J: Harry Atkins

T: Dan Skelton

Ran no race at Windsor in January; however, prior to that he went close in a Class 2 handicap at Sandown (2m, soft; effective on good to soft); on a handy mark if factoring in Harry Atkins' claim; front runner, and not the only one.

7/1

13th

3

16th Jan 2026

Soft

2m 0f 0y

Class 2

15:35 Windsor

Knickerbockerglory

11st 12lb

J: Harry Atkins

T: Dan Skelton

Consistent 10yo who was third in this last year (soft) and reappeared with close second to Go Dante at Sandown (2m, soft) last month; up 2lb to a career-high mark but can give another good account and 7lb claimer Harry Atkins, who is enjoying a fine winter, rides him for the first time.

9/1

Form: 231-11 D

Last run: 48 days

W: 10st 8lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 128

Form & Verdict
Completed a hat-trick when winning on his handicap debut at Newbury (2m, good to soft) in November; previous hurdle wins were on soft ground; hit with 8lb rise for last time but it was a competitive race and this unexposed 6yo could continue to progress; key player.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7

24th Oct 2025

Good

2m 3f 200y

Class 3

13:15 Cheltenham

Navajo Indy

11st 6lb

J: Gavin Sheehan

T: Tom Symonds

Began last season in excellent form, notably when winning Gerry Feilden at Newbury (2m, good to soft); off since staying on to snatch third in William Hill Hurdle there (2m, soft; first-time cheekpieces) in February but, on that evidence, he's well worth another crack at 2m4f; no headgear today.

11/2

Form: /3P8-2 D

Last run: 47 days

W: 10st 10lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 130

Form & Verdict
On a competitive mark on his best hurdle/chase form and he reappeared with a fair second at Carlisle (2m1f, soft) last month behind a progressive winner; however, this is hotter and others are more compelling.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

4

4th Apr 2026

Good

2m 4f 216y

Class 3

15:49 Newton Abbot

Hardy Du Seuil

11st 10lb

J: Isabelle Ryder

T: Jamie Snowden

Won over hurdles in November and has done well on his belated return to fences, following a near-miss at Carlisle with a creditable third at Newbury (2m, good to soft) in February; still looks feasibly treated and he was a dual chase winner (2m/2m4f) in his youth; dangerous back up in trip.

15/2

3rd

2

27th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 0f 92y

Class 3

16:08 Newbury

Hardy Du Seuil

11st 11lb

J: Isabelle Ryder

T: Jamie Snowden

Won over hurdles in November and has done well on his belated return to fences, following his fourth at Haydock with a near miss at Carlisle (2m, good to soft); Isabelle Ryder again claims her 5lb and this 9yo is up 3lb in future.

9/2

2nd

4

16th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

1m 7f 207y

Class 3

13:40 Carlisle

Hardy Du Seuil

11st 11lb

J: Isabelle Ryder

T: Jamie Snowden

Won over hurdles at Windsor (2m, good to soft) in November and respectable fourth at Haydock (2m, good to soft) last month on first chase start since March 2024; has run well on both visits here; might not be far away.

7/2

Form: 11-F12 D BF

Last run: 35 days

W: 10st 8lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 128

Form & Verdict
Took record to 3-5 (including a soft-ground win) when landing big-field Cheltenham handicap (2m, good) in November and good second there (2m1f, good to soft) last month, when the winner slipped the field; this unexposed 5yo could continue to improve and he's on the shortlist.
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

Form: /212-2 D

Last run: 55 days

W: 11st 1lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 135

Form & Verdict
Plenty of promise during light novice hurdle campaign last season and he reappeared with a good second in a competitive handicap at Haydock (2m3f, soft) in November; this unexposed 7yo could have more left in the tank.
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: /215-4 D

Last run: 21 days

W: 11st 7lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 141

Form & Verdict
He won a good handicap at Newbury (2m, good to soft) in December 2023 (has also won on soft) and he was returning from a year off when a fair fourth of eight at Kempton (2m, good to soft); this lightly raced 7yo could still have more to offer and he's a possible player.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

10th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

1m 7f 199y

Class 1

14:00 Cheltenham

Hansard

11st 7lb

J: Caoilin Quinn

T: Gary & Josh Moore

Had a simple task when beating two stablemates at Lingfield (2m, good to soft) in December; finished behind Jax Junior and Mambonumberfive in his runs on either side of that win; bottom of the list on ratings.

100/1

7th

7

20th Apr 2025

Good

1m 7f 195y

Class 2

16:05 Plumpton

Hansard

11st 2lb

J: Niall Houlihan

T: Gary & Josh Moore

Only 1lb above his last winning mark but hasn't truly threatened this season and no better for cheekpieces the last twice, in the County Hurdle and then over 2m4f at Aintree; he wouldn't be the obvious answer here.

8/1

Form: 543111 D

Last run: 20 days

W: 10st 2lb

6 yo Filly

OR: 116

Form & Verdict
Completed a hat-trick of mares' handicap hurdle wins (2m, good/good to soft) at Newbury; this 6yo is clearly thriving (and is also effective on soft ground) but she had just a neck to spare last time and from out of the handicap is now 12lb higher in this hotter race, which makes things tough.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

4

23rd May 2026

Good To Soft

2m 1f 46y

Class 3

14:10 Cartmel

Tour Ovalie

11st 7lb

J: Miss Eleanor Williams

T: Mrs C Williams

Resumed winning ways at Ludlow (2m) in December and in good form until finishing last of ten in 2m4f Sandown handicap four weeks ago; the sort who might bounce back though.

11/1

10th

16

25th Apr 2026

Good

2m 3f 178y

Class 2

17:15 Sandown

Tour Ovalie

10st 2lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Mrs C Williams

Gained all six hurdle wins at around 2m but ran quite well when fourth at Chepstow (2m3f, soft) last month; current mark is workable (even from 1lb out of the weights) and Sean Bowen takes over today; could have a say.

16/1

4th

5

15th Mar 2026

Soft

2m 3f 100y

Class 3

15:55 Chepstow

Tour Ovalie

11st 6lb

J: Isabel Williams

T: Mrs C Williams

Campaigned mostly at about 2m; record is 6-21, the most recent win at Ludlow in December; placed twice since, including at Newbury when ahead of Rula Bula; gives the impression this return to further is worth exploring.

6/1

Form: 13-401 D

Last run: 40 days

W: 10st 13lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 133

Form & Verdict
Enhanced his excellent record at Kelso when winning by 4l there last month (2m, soft); has a progressive profile and he has run well away from Kelso (third in the Scottish Champion Hurdle at Ayr last April), but he was well beaten in the Greatwood two starts ago and is back up in grade here.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

15

13th Mar 2026

Good

2m 0f 179y

Class 1

14:00 Cheltenham

Cracking Rhapsody

10st 8lb

J: Craig Nichol

T: Ewan Whillans

Flagbearer for the yard, winning two Morebattles at Kelso and a Scottish Champion Hurdle at Ayr; however, he's failed to find his best form this season, including only sixth in the latest running of the Morebattle 13 days ago; respectable seventh in this last year; others are more obvious.

33/1

6th

2

28th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 0f 51y

Class 2

14:55 Kelso

Cracking Rhapsody

11st 13lb

J: Craig Nichol

T: Ewan Whillans

Not at his best this season but Haydock last month was a step back in the right direction, after a wind op; has won here four times, including the last two runnings of this race (good to soft), and he's 1lb lower than when winning the Scottish Champion Hurdle last April; major player.

6/1

6th

1

17th Jan 2026

Good To Soft

1m 7f 144y

Class 3

12:50 Haydock

Cracking Rhapsody

12st 2lb

J: Craig Nichol

T: Ewan Whillans

Below par on both runs this season but has had wind surgery since and he's back down to the same mark as for his win in the Scottish Champion Hurdle at Ayr (2m, good to soft); not ruled out on this drop in grade.

13/2

20/1

Form: 15-59P D

Last run: 27 days

W: 10st 10lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 130

Form & Verdict
He's just 1lb higher than when winning the Imperial Cup at Sandown (2m, soft) last March; reappeared with fair fifth in the Welsh Champion Hurdle but two lesser runs have followed and he needs to get back on track.
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

OUR TIP

Form: 211-22 D

Last run: 69 days

W: 12st 0lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 148

Form & Verdict
Won two in a row last March (2m1f/1m7f, heavy/soft) before creditable second of 24 in handicap at the Punchestown festival (2m, yielding); returned with solid second of three in Grade 2 Elite Hurdle at Wincanton (1m7f, good) in November and could give a good account, despite his lofty mark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

2

28th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 0f 69y

Class 3

14:10 Newbury

Brentford Hope

11st 12lb

J: Megan Fox

T: Harry Derham

Won by a neck at Haydock (2m, good to soft) last month under Megan Fox and is 4lb higher today; performed as well as could be expected in the face of a stiff task when third of four in Grade 2 at Cheltenham a week later and has each-way claims on this return to handicap company.

3/1

3rd

4

24th Jan 2026

Soft

2m 0f 179y

Class 1

15:00 Cheltenham

Brentford Hope

11st 4lb

J: Paul O’Brien

T: Harry Derham

Took advantage of a handy mark in Haydock handicap last Saturday, bringing record over hurdles to 6-20; has the worst chance at the weights back up in class and seems unlikely to match his second-place finish, which was a realistic outcome at the time, in this race last year.

66/1

Form: 124-14 D

Last run: 48 days

W: 10st 12lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 132

Form & Verdict
Second in Grade 2 juvenile hurdle at Kempton (2m, soft) last February and won a good 4yo hurdle at Cheltenham (2m, good) in October; switched to hold-up tactics when soundly beaten in 4yo Grade 3 at Fairyhouse (2m, yielding) latest; retains potential but has to prove he's up to this opening mark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

1

10th May 2025

Good

1m 7f 144y

Class 1

13:35 Haydock

Givemefive

12st 0lb

J: Paul O’Brien

T: Harry Derham

Has won both races since the tongue-tie joined cheekpieces, latterly making all for a narrow success over C&D three weeks ago (good); a 5lb rise isn't the end of the world but dominating this bigger field with likely pressure up front could be challenging.

10/1

4th

1

10th May 2025

Good

1m 7f 144y

Class 1

13:35 Haydock

Givemefive

12st 0lb

J: Paul O’Brien

T: Harry Derham

Has won both races since the tongue-tie joined cheekpieces, latterly making all for a narrow success over C&D three weeks ago (good); a 5lb rise isn't the end of the world but dominating this bigger field with likely pressure up front could be challenging.

10/1

1st

1

19th Apr 2025

Good

1m 7f 144y

Class 2

14:05 Haydock

Givemefive

12st 0lb

J: Paul O’Brien

T: Harry Derham

Posted personal best in first-time tongue-strap five weeks ago, making all in four-runner race at Newcastle (2m1f, good to soft); that was his fourth hurdles win, and with more improvement possible he should go well again.

9/4

Form: 2129-1 D

Last run: 94 days

W: 10st 8lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 128

Form & Verdict
Lightly raced 6yo who showed improved form when making all by 8l on his reappearance in a handicap at Market Rasen (2m, good) three months ago; has also run well on soft ground; has received a 10lb hike for last time and he's up in grade today, but he may well take it in his stride.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

1

30th Mar 2025

Good

2m 5f 141y

Class 3

17:05 Ascot

Court In The Act

12st 0lb

J: Paul O’Brien

T: Harry Derham

Bumper winner and two hurdle victories include a 2m handicap on good ground; latest Kempton run (2m5f, good to soft) hinted at some stamina limitations over this far but that was a competitive race and today's forecast drier ground should be favourable; every chance.

5/2

4th

6

22nd Feb 2025

Good

2m 5f 0y

Class 3

13:15 Kempton

Court In The Act

11st 4lb

J: Paul O’Brien

T: Harry Derham

in touch with leaders, headway going best 2 out

8/1

14th

10

17th Jan 2025

Soft

2m 0f 0y

Class 2

15:35 Windsor

Court In The Act

10st 8lb

J: Harry Reed

T: Harry Derham

Lightly raced 6yo who showed improved form when making all by 8l on his reappearance in a handicap at Market Rasen (2m, good) three months ago; has also run well on soft ground; has received a 10lb hike for last time and he's up in grade today, but he may well take it in his stride.

10/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £16.70
Straight Forecast £11.96
Tricast £163.63
Trifecta £264.70

Selections

TOPSPEED:

Kabral Du Mathan

SPOTLIGHT:

Secret Squirrel

Daily Record:

Navajo Indy

Daily Mail:

Hansard

POSTDATA:

Hardy Du Seuil

LAMBOURN:

Brentford Hope

The Times:

Kabral Du Mathan

Telegraph:

Kabral Du Mathan

The Guardian:

Kabral Du Mathan

D Express:

Kabral Du Mathan

The Sun:

Kabral Du Mathan

The Star:

Kabral Du Mathan

RP RATINGS:

Secret Squirrel

Daily Mirror:

Secret Squirrel