January 18 / 14.50 Ascot

14.50

Good To Soft

BetMGM Holloway’s Handicap Hurdle (GBB Race)

  • Prize money: £15609
  • 2m 3f 58y
  • Class 2
  • 12 runners
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BetMGM Holloway’s Handicap Hurdle (GBB Race)

Runners: 12 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Mostly cloudy

9/2 (Won)

  • Win: £4.00
  • Place: £1.70

Form: /230-2 D BF

Last run: 35 days

W: 11st 5lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 132

Form & Verdict
Lightly raced 7yo whose Doncaster reappearance effort (2m) suggests he'll be suited by this step back up in distance (1-1 over 2m3f); has two pieces of solid form at Ascot (1m7f) and looks interesting back here, assuming he takes well to added cheekpieces.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

4

16th Jan 2026

Soft

2m 4f 0y

Class 2

15:00 Windsor

Altobelli

11st 0lb

J: Bryan Carver

T: Harry Fry

Won two handicaps in a row at Ascot (2m3f, good) early last year; also effective on soft ground and didn't stay 3m in Grade 1 Long Walk at Ascot latest; all of his best form has come at Ascot but he hasn't had many chances to show what he can do elsewhere and he's in the picture on his peak efforts.

7/1

8th

1

5th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

3m 0f 149y

Class 1

15:05 Aintree

Altobelli

11st 10lb

J: Bryan Carver

T: Harry Fry

Successful in a couple of useful handicaps at Ascot (2m3f, good) since wearing cheekpieces; open to further progress in the headgear but appears to have a stiff task on these terms and the trip is an unknown.

16/1

14/1

  • Place: £3.10

Form: 114-20 D

Last run: 49 days

W: 10st 10lb

6 yo Filly

OR: 123

Form & Verdict
Low-mileage mare who was 3-4 last season and ran well (close second over 2m3f) at Bangor on reappearance; tapped for toe over 2m last time and this step back up in distance looks a plus; not dismissed.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

9

15th Mar 2025

Good

2m 5f 0y

Class 2

14:45 Kempton

Aston Martini

11st 4lb

J: Nico de Boinville

T: Nicky Henderson

prominent, in touch with leaders 3rd

5/1

25

14th Mar 2025

Good To Soft

2m 4f 56y

Class 2

17:20 Cheltenham

Aston Martini

10st 7lb

J: Ben Bromley

T: Nicky Henderson

Reserve; record of 3-4 in her first season (2023-24); good second in two of her three starts this term, latest at Ascot (2m3f); chance of going one better in this field partly depends on how well she responds to first-time headgear.

40/1

2nd

11

18th Jan 2025

Good To Soft

2m 3f 58y

Class 2

14:50 Ascot

Aston Martini

10st 10lb

J: Freddie Gordon

T: Nicky Henderson

prominent early

14/1

Form: -1UOO4 D

Last run: 29 days

W: 10st 6lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 119

Form & Verdict
Soon became erratic during his spell over fences and benefited from the return to hurdles here (1m7f; ran respectably in big field) last time; however, faces stiffer competition back up two grades.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

9

19th Apr 2026

Good

3m 0f 217y

Class 2

15:27 Plumpton

Moveit Like Minnie

10st 11lb

J: Nico de Boinville

T: Nigel & Willy Twiston-Davies

Justified favouritism at Wincanton (2m4f, good) last time, recording a first win over hurdles since 2023; fairly consistent and looks worth a crack at this new trip so may remain competitive; whether he can follow up is a different matter.

10/1

1st

7

23rd Mar 2026

Good

2m 3f 179y

Class 3

16:57 Wincanton

Moveit Like Minnie

11st 0lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Nigel & Willy Twiston-Davies

Not quite in peak form this season but has still made the frame in some good-quality contests, most recently when close fourth of 15 at Ascot (2m3f, good to soft) last month; in calmer waters here and will be suited by the faster ground; leading claims.

7/2

4th

15

14th Feb 2026

Soft

2m 3f 63y

Class 2

14:25 Ascot

Moveit Like Minnie

10st 2lb

J: Tom Bellamy

T: Nigel & Willy Twiston-Davies

Largely consistent record at Ascot includes a sixth-place finish in this contest last year and placed effort in latest start; on a 13-race losing sequence but should give his running.

11/1

Form: 21-118 D

Last run: 37 days

W: 10st 10lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 123

Form & Verdict
Easily completed a hat-trick at maiden/novice level but his limitations appeared to be somewhat exposed in a Taunton handicap last time and this is a further step up in grade; opposed.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

4

1st May 2026

Yielding

2m 0f 45y

18:40 Punchestown

Wilful

11st 12lb

J: Jonjo O’Neill Jr

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

Progressive 7yo won a competitive Ascot handicap in December (15.5f, good to soft) and was second in a valuable Windsor handicap next time (2m, soft); posted career-best effort in the County Hurdle last time, keeping on well to win by three lengths (2m1f, soft); has course form after filling the second spot in a festival handicap here last season; enters Grade 1 company now and will need a good fist of improvement again, but he's clearly thriving.

11/1

1st

6

13th Mar 2026

Good

2m 0f 179y

Class 1

14:00 Cheltenham

Wilful

11st 2lb

J: Jonjo O’Neill Jr

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

Progressive 7yo who made it 5-11 over hurdles when making all in competitive handicap at Ascot (1m7f, good to soft) in December; backed that up when second of 14 in another valuable handicap at Windsor (2m, soft) in January; likeable but he will need more again.

14/1

2nd

1

16th Jan 2026

Soft

2m 0f 0y

Class 2

15:35 Windsor

Wilful

12st 0lb

J: Jonjo O’Neill Jr

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

Progressive 7yo who made it 5-11 over hurdles when making all in competitive handicap at Ascot (1m7f, good to soft) four weeks ago; had nearly 3l to spare over the runner-up Hot Fuss and he's respected up 7lb.

15/2

OUR TIP

Form: 3112/3 D

Last run: 36 days

W: 11st 11lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 138

Form & Verdict
Eyecatching third in Cheltenham handicap (2m1f) last month on debut for Nicky Henderson and first run since going close in Grade 1 juvenile hurdle at Aintree in April 2023; has low mileage and could still have further progress in him; this new trip is worth exploring; respected.
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

14/1

Form: F2P-30

Last run: 56 days

W: 10st 8lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 121

Form & Verdict
Absent since well held in first-time visor (retained) at Haydock eight weeks ago; seems best when fresh, as his reappearance effort confirms (ties in with Kamsinas on that form); could go well.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

1

21st Apr 2026

Soft

2m 3f 83y

Class 4

17:42 Ffos Las

Bowenspark

12st 1lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Henry Daly

Came good over fences with small-field win at Uttoxeter (2m4f, good to soft) in February but was not in the same form on his latest outing and ran poorly the only previous time he wore cheekpieces; others look safer.

8/1

5th

4

28th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 0y

Class 3

15:08 Uttoxeter

Bowenspark

11st 2lb

J: Stan Sheppard

T: Henry Daly

Dual bumper and hurdle winner; mixed results in his first three runs over fences but he really got his act together when justifying favouritism at Bangor (2m5f, soft) last month; that was a four-runner race but he forged clear in the closing stages and a 6lb rise looks fair; shortlisted.

9/4

1st

3

25th Feb 2026

Soft

2m 4f 72y

Class 4

17:00 Bangor-on-Dee

Bowenspark

11st 5lb

J: Stan Sheppard

T: Henry Daly

Useful bumper horse and hurdler but has always struggled with consistency, a pattern that's threatening to continue over fences; however, if in the same form as when second to a sharp improver at Southwell two runs back (2m4f, good to soft; fine on soft) he'd have every chance.

5/1

Form: 321/24 C

Last run: 29 days

W: 11st 4lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 131

Form & Verdict
Has shown that he retains plenty of ability since returning from lengthy absence, fourth here (2m5f) last time; however, he's the oldest contender and faces a tough assignment back up in grade.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

2

23rd Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 35y

Class 4

14:40 Perth

Stoners Choice

12st 1lb

J: Tom Broughton

T: Fergal O’Brien

Course winner whose mark continues to fall and he's not been devoid of spark this season; however, this 11yo is without a win since April 2023 and was disappointing at Ludlow last month.

8/1

6th

4

19th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 5f 55y

Class 4

16:20 Ludlow

Stoners Choice

11st 12lb

J: Fern O’Brien

T: Fergal O’Brien

Second of 12 over 2m5f at Kempton just over a year ago but he hasn't posed a serious threat since, including at about 2m on his last four starts; wasn't disgraced in a valuable event at Windsor (strong handicap form) last time, however, and he's undoubtedly well handicapped these days.

9/1

7th

15

16th Jan 2026

Soft

2m 0f 0y

Class 2

15:35 Windsor

Stoners Choice

10st 7lb

J: Fern O’Brien

T: Fergal O’Brien

Well handicapped on form as recent as last February but this 11yo has been unable to pose a serious threat on his six starts since May.

50/1

Form: 010-14 D

Last run: 56 days

W: 11st 10lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 137

Form & Verdict
Absent since running well in good handicap at Haydock (2m3f) eight weeks ago; steadily progressive and has a respectable record when fresh, as his reappearance success confirms; remains of interest.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

2

19th Apr 2026

Good

3m 0f 217y

Class 2

15:27 Plumpton

Kamsinas

11st 13lb

J: Jonathan Burke

T: Fergal O’Brien

Has faced a couple of difficult tasks since returned to hurdles but was beaten when taking a late fall returned to handicap level most recently; can be opposed off current mark in this deeper field.

16/1

2

28th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 84y

Class 2

16:15 Doncaster

Kamsinas

11st 11lb

J: Fern O’Brien

T: Fergal O’Brien

Second in two small-field chases this season before reverting to hurdles at big odds for two Cheltenham Grade 2s, soundly beaten on latest occasion; runner-up off the same mark in this race last term; 5lb claimer takes over and they are considered each-way.

4/1

5th

5

24th Jan 2026

Soft

2m 7f 213y

Class 1

15:35 Cheltenham

Kamsinas

11st 2lb

J: Liam Harrison

T: Fergal O’Brien

Some progressive form in handicap hurdles last season at up to 3m and, after two defeats over fences, he reverted to hurdles and finished fifth of six in the Grade 2 Relkeel Hurdle (2m4f) here on New Year's Day; that was a respectable performance but he faces another tough task today.

33/1

Form: 106-15

Last run: 35 days

W: 11st 2lb

6 yo Filly

OR: 129

Form & Verdict
Respectable form in mares' handicaps this term, winning at Warwick (2m5f) then running well at Cheltenham (2m4f); remains on career-high mark and goes back against males, so this looks a stiffer assignment.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

3

6th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 1f 109y

Class 3

14:40 Exeter

Georgi Girl

11st 6lb

J: Ben Jones

T: Philip Hobbs & Johnson White

Four wins (2m/2m5f) over hurdles, the last one off 2lb higher; 0-8 since switched to fences but ran well at Ludlow (2m4f, soft) most recently, pulling clear of the third; fighting chance.

9/4

2nd

4

18th Feb 2026

2m 4f 11y

Class 3

15:05 Ludlow

Georgi Girl

11st 9lb

J: Callum Pritchard

T: Philip Hobbs & Johnson White

Didn't run badly when fourth of nine at Windsor (2m4f, soft) last month and she continues to edge down the weights; however, she needs something extra today's if she's to break her chasing duck at the eighth attempt.

11/1

4th

5

16th Jan 2026

Soft

2m 4f 42y

Class 2

14:25 Windsor

Georgi Girl

11st 7lb

J: Callum Pritchard

T: Philip Hobbs & Johnson White

Has slipped to 2lb below last winning hurdles mark but seems far from certain to take advantage, being a fairly exposed mare who has failed to show her form in two starts this season, taking chase record to 0-6; faces some progressive opponents.

16/1

Form: 44931- CD

Last run: 316 days

W: 12st 0lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 141

Form & Verdict
Talented but mercurial and lacks recent match practice having been absent since chase success ten months ago; current mark reflects the decline of his hurdles form last season.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13th

12

26th Apr 2025

Good

3m 4f 146y

Class 1

16:10 Sandown

Goshen

10st 2lb

J: Niall Houlihan

T: Gary & Josh Moore

5lb out of the handicap; 9yo whose career has contained plenty of surprises and performing so manfully in 3m handicap chases on good ground at Ascot and this track on his last two starts is arguably one of them; that's nowhere near his old hurdles form but he's been sticking on as if his next reinvention could be as a stayer.

40/1

13th

12

26th Apr 2025

Good

3m 4f 146y

Class 1

16:10 Sandown

Goshen

10st 2lb

J: Niall Houlihan

T: Gary & Josh Moore

5lb out of the handicap; 9yo whose career has contained plenty of surprises and performing so manfully in 3m handicap chases on good ground at Ascot and this track on his last two starts is arguably one of them; that's nowhere near his old hurdles form but he's been sticking on as if his next reinvention could be as a stayer.

40/1

3rd

1

8th Mar 2025

Good

3m 0f 37y

Class 3

15:35 Sandown

Goshen

11st 12lb

J: Niall Houlihan

T: Gary & Josh Moore

9yo who is somewhat mercurial but he's run pretty well in defeat the last twice here (2m7f, heavy; hurdles) and Ascot (3m, good; fences); goes well at Sandown and drops back down in grade today; could be involved.

5/1

Form: 05-F64

Last run: 21 days

W: 11st 2lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 129

Form & Verdict
Very productive in his early days, scoring five times; inconsistent since but ran encouragingly in first-time cheekpieces at Newbury (2m4f) most recently and may build on that effort; back on last winning mark and has possibilities in the retained 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: 407-5P C

Last run: 23 days

W: 11st 2lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 129

Form & Verdict
Probably best to forgive his Kempton efforts (chase/hurdle) this season, slowly away and soon pulled up latest; solid spell culminated in a creditable fourth in last year's Betfair Hurdle and he's a likely player on that form; 1-1 at Ascot.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

11th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 149y

Class 1

15:05 Aintree

Doddiethegreat

11st 10lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Nicky Henderson

Won the Pertemps Final at Cheltenham (3m, good to soft) last March and some respectable runs in Grade 2s this term; wore blinkers when pulled up in the Stayers' Hurdle at Cheltenham last month and is back in his usual cheekpieces this afternoon, but he still has something to find.

28/1

3

12th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 7f 213y

Class 1

15:20 Cheltenham

Doddiethegreat

11st 10lb

J: James Bowen

T: Nicky Henderson

Won the Pertemps Final Handicap over C&D (good to soft) last March and he's performed respectably in Graded races this term, most recently third of six over C&D behind Ma Shantou and Impose Toi (soft; jockey dropped whip after final flight); it's possible he'll produce his best performance of the season now he's back into a bigger field over a C&D that clearly suits, but he'll probably still come up short; blinkers replace cheekpieces.

50/1

3rd

4

24th Jan 2026

Soft

2m 7f 213y

Class 1

15:35 Cheltenham

Doddiethegreat

11st 6lb

J: Freddie Gordon

T: Nicky Henderson

Won the Pertemps Handicap Final over C&D (good to soft) at the Festival last March; he has something to find with Impose Toi and Strong Leader on the evidence of this season's three outings but he's been running pretty well and the return to Cheltenham may be a positive; not ruled out each-way.

7/1

Non-runners

Josh The Boss, Soigneux Bell, Spirit dAunou

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £38.70
Straight Forecast £34.97
Tricast £557.62
Trifecta £533.80

Selections

LAMBOURN:

Bo Zenith

SPOTLIGHT:

Altobelli

The Guardian:

Josh The Boss

Daily Mail:

Doddiethegreat

TOPSPEED:

Bowenspark

The Sun:

Kamsinas

Daily Mirror:

Moveit Like Minnie

The Star:

Josh The Boss

The Times:

Bo Zenith

Telegraph:

Bo Zenith

Daily Record:

Bo Zenith

RP RATINGS:

Altobelli

POSTDATA:

Altobelli

WEST COUNTRY:

Altobelli

D Express:

Doddiethegreat