January 18 / 13.20 Haydock

13.20

Heavy

Sky Bet Club Handicap Hurdle (Go North Cab On Target Series Qualifier)

  • Prize money: £8713.65
  • 2m 5f 50y
  • Class 4
  • 11 runners
RTV
View Course
Sky Bet Club Handicap Hurdle (Go North Cab On Target Series Qualifier)

Runners: 11 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Mostly cloudy

4/1 (Won)

  • Win: £4.50
  • Place: £1.60

Form: -53121 D

Last run: 31 days

W: 11st 5lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 112

Form & Verdict
His trainers have been sweeping all before them recently and this youngster has played his part, winning from off the pace on good to soft when claimer ridden at Warwick (2m3f) and Ludlow (2m5f) on two of his last three outings; some minor honours on soft before that, unraced on heavy; up another 4lb but and needs to find extra but he has to be considered.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

10

4th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

3m 1f 125y

Class 3

17:05 Haydock

Solar System

11st 4lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Philip Hobbs & Johnson White

Four wins (2m1f-2m5f) over hurdles; made an encouraging start over fences when 3l third of six at Southwell (3m, soft) last month; solid claims if building on that run with cheekpieces now fitted.

8/1

3rd

1

2nd Mar 2026

Heavy

3m 0f 60y

Class 4

14:45 Southwell

Solar System

12st 0lb

J: Callum Pritchard

T: Philip Hobbs & Johnson White

Record of 51211 in Class 4 handicap hurdles; has failed to fire in a couple of Class 3 events this term but looks interesting back down in grade on chase debut.

7/2

15th

11

14th Feb 2026

Soft

2m 7f 123y

Class 3

16:10 Ascot

Solar System

11st 5lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Philip Hobbs & Johnson White

Three wins from off the pace last season (2m3f-2m5f, good to soft/soft); managed only fifth on last month's return at Haydock (3m, good to soft) but was quite badly hampered by a mid-race faller and made good headway from the rear on the final circuit; might come on for the run; interesting.

8/1

5/1

  • Place: £2.20

Form: 11-3F2

Last run: 20 days

W: 11st 6lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 113

Form & Verdict
Won a bumper (soft) and novice hurdle (heavy) last February in his first two runs; fell on chase debut in October but placed in handicap hurdles either side of that, second of 11 at Kelso (extended 2m6f, good to soft) last time; at an early stage of his career and has untapped potential.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

11

17th Apr 2026

Soft

3m 0f 70y

Class 3

16:43 Ayr

I Am Max

11st 5lb

J: Conor O’Farrell

T: Sandy Thomson

Inconsistent this season and down the field at Haydock a fortnight ago; however, he ran pretty well when runner-up at Doncaster two starts ago and is 2lb lower than when a close fourth of 13 in this race last year; if he's on song in a first-time tongue-tie he might not be far away.

16/1

7th

9

4th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 58y

Class 2

14:46 Haydock

I Am Max

10st 5lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Sandy Thomson

Short-headed on his only start here; won a Hexham chase in October; hasn't done as well since, finishing runner-up to Jakar Du Moulin when returned to hurdling at Doncaster (3m) on latest start but he needs to build on that markedly; stable in good form.

16/1

2nd

5

13th Mar 2026

Good

3m 0f 84y

Class 3

15:02 Doncaster

I Am Max

11st 4lb

J: Patrick Wadge

T: Sandy Thomson

Won a Hexham novice handicap chase in October (2m4f); hasn't done as well since but reverts to hurdling off a feasible mark; this good ground suits and stable going well, so an interesting candidate.

10/1

8/1

  • Place: £2.20

Form: P0-644 D

Last run: 36 days

W: 11st 11lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 118

Form & Verdict
Easy win at Chepstow (3m, good to soft) in February 2023 has been very much his career peak; lightly raced since and took steps back in the right direction on last two outings, form which gives him a place chance.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13th

9

29th Apr 2026

Yielding

2m 3f 58y

14:30 Punchestown

Thanksforthehelp

11st 11lb

J: Rian Corcoran

T: David Pipe

Out of luck since winning this race last year; only 3lb higher now, and has to be taken seriously; Rian Corcoran has enjoyed a successful breakthrough season in Britain and claims a useful 4lb.

8/1

9th

11

14th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 207y

Class 3

13:50 Uttoxeter

Thanksforthehelp

11st 4lb

J: Jack Tudor

T: David Pipe

Has three wins over hurdles but hasn't been at his best in four runs since returning in November; is slipping down the weights and takes a drop in class so cannot be discounted; returning cheekpieces replace blinkers.

16/1

5th

14

14th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 58y

Class 2

15:50 Haydock

Thanksforthehelp

10st 10lb

J: Richie McLernon

T: David Pipe

Blew apart a 15-runner Pertemps qualifier at Chepstow (2m7f) in February 2023 and underlined how effective he can be in big-field races when seeing off 24 rivals in a handicap at the Punchestown festival (2m3f, yielding) last spring; hasn't come close to reproducing that form in three outings this winter but his mark has eased a little as a result; worth a second look in the betting.

25/1

Form: 44PP71 C

Last run: 19 days

W: 11st 3lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 110

Form & Verdict
Pulled up sole start on heavy; far more miss than hit but he surged back to his best form when winning at this track (3m, soft; well backed) 19 days ago under claimer Benjamin Macey; dropping back in trip is not ideal on that evidence and he's back up 5lb, but he'd be a serious player if that latest effort can be repeated.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

26th Mar 2026

Good

2m 7f 131y

Class 5

16:50 Chepstow

Clondaw Royale

11st 12lb

J: Benjamin Macey

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

Exploited reduced mark under Benjamin Macey at Wetherby (3m, soft) in January and last month's heavy-ground third was perfectly respectable; also suited by much quicker surfaces; probably won't be far away.

10/1

3rd

3

1st Mar 2026

Heavy

2m 7f 191y

Class 5

15:00 Ffos Las

Clondaw Royale

11st 12lb

J: Benjamin Macey

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

Back on track off a reduced mark since returning from a break and responded well to Benjamin Macey's urgings to get back up at Wetherby (3m, soft); big run looks on the cards off 4lb higher.

5/1

1st

1

22nd Jan 2026

Soft

3m 0f 26y

Class 5

15:40 Wetherby

Clondaw Royale

12st 0lb

J: Benjamin Macey

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

Twice a soft-ground hurdle winner at up to 3m; lost his way last season and had slipped to a handy mark and was supported before taking a step back in the right direction at Haydock (3m, good) latest; likely player from the same mark.

11/2

Form: 4255-

Last run: 308 days

W: 11st 2lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 109

Form & Verdict
Second in Irish point; 16-1 or 28-1 in last season's three novice hurdles (about 2m3f-2m5f) and duly found them tough, failing to pose a threat, but he did show ability and probably acts on heavy going; should stay further than this in time but this should be a slog and he needs a close look on handicap/seasonal debut, for stable which also runs topweight Nordic Tiger.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

1

23rd Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 7f 180y

Class 4

17:15 Perth

Casual Observer

12st 0lb

J: Toby McCain-Mitchell

T: Harry Derham

Winning hurdler (2m4f, heavy) who has shown promise in defeat over 2m4f on his two chase starts (soft); now steps up to 3m for first time under rules (was second in a 3m point).

11/4

3rd

5

25th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 15y

Class 4

16:41 Hexham

Casual Observer

11st 9lb

J: Paul O’Brien

T: Harry Derham

Won at Ffos Las (2m4f, heavy) last February on second handicap hurdle start and it was his first run since when an encouraging second of four on chase debut at Bangor last month (2m4f, soft; albeit no match for the winner); open to improvement over fences and could play a leading role.

13/8

2nd

5

25th Feb 2026

Soft

2m 4f 72y

Class 4

17:00 Bangor-on-Dee

Casual Observer

11st 2lb

J: Paul O’Brien

T: Harry Derham

Lightly raced and career-best form in winning a 2m4f handicap hurdle at Ffos Las (heavy) when last seen 12 months ago; looks on a realistic mark for chase debut and he was second in an Irish point; fitness might not be an issue given the yard he represents.

5/2

25/1

Form: 34/O8-

Last run: 588 days

W: 11st 12lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 119

Form & Verdict
588-day absence and last having won in February 2021 puts him down the list but he's well handicapped judged on 2022 form (best effort at this track on heavy) for Alastair Ralph and 2023 form when trained in France; new trainer had a rules debutant short-headed last week.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

7th Jun 2025

Good

2m 7f 63y

Class 4

18:50 Hexham

Rockadenn

11st 7lb

J: David Bass

T: Max Comley

0-4 for new stable this year but seemingly aided by cheekpieces when placed at Southwell (3m, good) and Worcester (2m7f, good) on last two outings; competes off same mark again here; probably wont be far away.

6/1

3rd

7

6th May 2025

Good

2m 7f 0y

Class 4

18:48 Worcester

Rockadenn

11st 7lb

J: David Bass

T: Max Comley

On a long losing spell but ran encouragingly in first-time cheekpieces at Southwell (upped to 3m from 2m5f) most recently, beating all bar a progressive sort; interesting in the retained headgear.

8/1

3rd

7

6th May 2025

Good

2m 7f 0y

Class 4

18:48 Worcester

Rockadenn

11st 7lb

J: David Bass

T: Max Comley

On a long losing spell but ran encouragingly in first-time cheekpieces at Southwell (upped to 3m from 2m5f) most recently, beating all bar a progressive sort; interesting in the retained headgear.

8/1

OUR TIP

Form: 1121-4 D

Last run: 49 days

W: 12st 1lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 122

Form & Verdict
Acts on soft, unraced on heavy; won handicaps in three (2m to near 2m5f) of his last four starts last season; handicapper has had his say and only fourth of eight when running creditably on reappearance at Newbury; needs to build on that and, having been claimer ridden on last four starts, a 7lb-claiming amateur takes over, whereas Paul O'Brien rides Casual Observer.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

8

22nd Mar 2025

Good

2m 4f 189y

Class 2

14:25 Kelso

Nordic Tiger

11st 3lb

J: Alice Stevens

T: Harry Derham

Well beaten on soft ground on last three starts; has won on such going previously but maybe better ground is preferable and he's just 1lb higher than when winning at Southwell (2m4f, good) last April; not written off.

9/1

10th

4

14th Feb 2025

Soft

2m 6f 151y

Class 4

13:50 Kelso

Nordic Tiger

11st 13lb

J: Alice Stevens

T: Harry Derham

towards rear

8/1

Form: 0-9452 D

Last run: 23 days

W: 11st 4lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 111

Form & Verdict
Two legs of his Newcastle hat-trick (extended 2m4f) last winter came on heavy going and he was a good second over 3m here on soft; back near that form when beaten a neck at Wetherby on latest outing, so needs a second look.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

19th Feb 2026

2m 3f 188y

Class 5

15:43 Sedgefield

North Parade

12st 0lb

J: Oscar Palmer

T: Joel Parkinson & Sue Smith

Course winner; last three wins were over 2m4f at Newcastle in 2023/4; sound run when fourth at Haydock last time (2m3f, good to soft); now 2lb lower and interesting with cheekpieces tried.

9/1

Form: /136-4

Last run: 44 days

W: 11st 9lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 116

Form & Verdict
Bumper and 2m4f maiden winner, whose best form in light career was registered on heavy; never dangerous when well beaten on seasonal/handicap debut (2m4f, heavy) early last month, whereas he won last season when returning from a much longer break.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

2

25th Feb 2026

Soft

2m 1f 77y

Class 3

15:30 Bangor-on-Dee

Leading Choice

11st 4lb

J: Sean Houlihan

T: Nicky Martin

Very lightly raced 9yo who has won a bumper and a 2m4f maiden hurdle; he was in last throughout in a three-runner novice chase last week at Newbury when returning from 13 months off; as was the case then, these terms aren't favourable.

16/1

3rd

2

17th Feb 2026

2m 0f 92y

Class 3

14:15 Newbury

Leading Choice

11st 2lb

J: Sean Houlihan

T: Nicky Martin

Bumper and 2m4f maiden hurdle winner; very lightly raced 9yo who seems to enjoy the mud but has a long absence to overcome on his chasing debut and he's the lowest rated of these by some margin.

25/1

9th

6

18th Jan 2025

Heavy

2m 5f 50y

Class 4

13:20 Haydock

Leading Choice

11st 9lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Nicky Martin

Bumper and 2m4f maiden winner, whose best form in light career was registered on heavy; never dangerous when well beaten on seasonal/handicap debut (2m4f, heavy) early last month, whereas he won last season when returning from a much longer break.

14/1

Form: P8-143

Last run: 45 days

W: 11st 11lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 118

Form & Verdict
Stays 2m4f on soft, unraced on heavy; narrow win at Carlisle (2m1f, soft) on reappearance and his two minor honours since were up with his best form, claimer ridden in all three; wore first cheekpieces when third here (2m3f) last time but that suggests he needs a major career best to win this.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

16th Oct 2025

Good

2m 1f 33y

Class 4

13:22 Carlisle

Blue Fin

12st 0lb

J: William Maggs

T: Donald McCain

Won this last year (soft) on his reappearance and ran well in the main subsequently, finishing fourth here in March when last seen (2m3f, good to soft); can have a big say if handling conditions (unraced on good ground).

9/2

4th

4

9th Mar 2025

Good To Soft

2m 3f 61y

Class 4

15:30 Carlisle

Blue Fin

11st 10lb

J: William Maggs

T: Donald McCain

Won over 2m1f here on his reappearance and that was off only 3lb lower; held his form after that but the wheels came off at Haydock last time; possibilities if back on song.

10/1

10th

5

18th Jan 2025

Heavy

2m 5f 50y

Class 4

13:20 Haydock

Blue Fin

11st 11lb

J: Brian Hughes

T: Donald McCain

in touch with leaders on inner, weakened 3 out

12/1

Form: 926192 D

Last run: 28 days

W: 11st 11lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 118

Form & Verdict
Inconsistent these days but he won at Fontwell (2m1f, good to soft) in September and was runner-up at this track (2m3f, heavy) on latest outing, claimer ridden in both; stays 2m5f but may find one or two too hot for him even if this is one of his good days.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

1

31st Aug 2025

Good

2m 7f 0y

Class 5

14:40 Worcester

Honneur DAjonc

12st 0lb

J: James Turner

T: Alexander Gibbons

Some good runs in plating hurdles in the spring but soundly beaten back in handicaps on his last four starts, most recently when reverting to fences; lots to prove.

20/1

6th

5

24th Jul 2025

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 5

13:10 Worcester

Honneur DAjonc

11st 12lb

J: James Turner

T: Alexander Gibbons

Won a selling hurdle for James Owen in March but was safely held in two handicap hurdles for new stable last month (2m/2m4f) and needs to raise his game on this first chasing start since January 2024.

25/1

7

29th Jun 2025

Good

2m 3f 207y

Class 4

15:40 Uttoxeter

Honneur DAjonc

11st 10lb

J: James Turner

T: Alexander Gibbons

Last win for James Owen came in a seller and was sold on for £5,500; 66-1 and tailed off on stable debut at Worcester.

50/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £22.70
Straight Forecast £21.84
Tricast £111.34
Trifecta £146.10

Selections

TOPSPEED:

Clondaw Royale

RP RATINGS:

Thanksforthehelp

SPOTLIGHT:

I Am Max

POSTDATA:

Solar System

WEST COUNTRY:

Leading Choice

LAMBOURN:

Nordic Tiger

The Times:

I Am Max

The Guardian:

Solar System

Daily Mirror:

Clondaw Royale

The Star:

Clondaw Royale

Daily Record:

Clondaw Royale

D Express:

Leading Choice

Telegraph:

Thanksforthehelp

Daily Mail:

Thanksforthehelp

The Sun:

Thanksforthehelp