February 08 / 15.35 Newbury

15.35

Soft

William Hill Hurdle (Premier Handicap) (GBB Race)

  • Prize money: £87218.5
  • 2m 0f 69y
  • Class 1
  • 17 runners
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William Hill Hurdle (Premier Handicap) (GBB Race)

Runners: 17 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Rain and snow

4/1 (Won)

  • Win: £5.70
  • Place: £1.70

Form: 1/1-32 D BF

Last run: 56 days

W: 10st 7lb

6 yo Mare

OR: 123

Form & Verdict
Unexposed mare who ran well at Cheltenham (2m4f; handicap debut) most recently, taking form figures to 1132; should cope with the return to 2m and looks an interesting contender for last year's winning connections.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

19th

5

10th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 0y

Class 1

13:45 Aintree

Joyeuse

11st 11lb

J: Nico de Boinville

T: Nicky Henderson

Useful mare whose handicap form at about 2m features a prestigious win last term and respectable third, with cheekpieces fitted, at the latest Cheltenham Festival (soft); ran well behind a very notable rival in one of her 2m4f attempts; likely player in the retained headgear and back up in trip.

7/1

3rd

16

13th Mar 2026

Good

2m 0f 179y

Class 1

14:00 Cheltenham

Joyeuse

10st 7lb

J: Nico de Boinville

T: Nicky Henderson

Impressive winner of top handicap hurdle at Newbury (2m, soft) last February; her progress has stalled since (including beaten favourite over fences in first two runs this season) but she was better than latest last of four to reopposing Ooh Betty in Ascot Grade 2 mares' hurdle (1m7f, soft) suggests, challenging when making a hash of the last; dropped another 3lb on the back of that and could have a say if reacting well to first-time headgear.

11/1

4th

1

17th Jan 2026

Good To Soft

1m 7f 157y

Class 1

13:40 Ascot

Joyeuse

11st 6lb

J: James Bowen

T: Nicky Henderson

Impressive winner of major handicap at Newbury (2m, soft) last February; beaten favourite over fences first two outings this season and a bit disappointing in warm C&D handicap back over hurdles last month, but it's far too soon to be writing her off and she'd be very dangerous on last season's form.

7/2

OUR TIP

20/1

  • Place: £3.80

Form: 15-124 D

Last run: 44 days

W: 12st 0lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 144

Form & Verdict
Not disgraced behind talented Sir Gino in the Fighting Fifth on penultimate start; won the Welsh Champion Hurdle at Ffos Las in sole handicap attempt but faces a tougher task off 10lb higher in this field.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

4

31st Oct 2025

Good

1m 7f 214y

Class 3

15:05 Uttoxeter

Lump Sum

11st 5lb

J: Dylan Johnston

T: Sam Thomas

Smart hurdler who won Welsh Champion Hurdle at Ffos Las (2m, good to soft) on last season's reappearance and was subsequently second in Fighting Fifth at Newcastle and William Hill Hurdle at Newbury; absent since below-par run in March but still commands respect on chasing debut.

13/8

1st

4

31st Oct 2025

Good

1m 7f 214y

Class 3

15:05 Uttoxeter

Lump Sum

11st 5lb

J: Dylan Johnston

T: Sam Thomas

Smart hurdler who won Welsh Champion Hurdle at Ffos Las (2m, good to soft) on last season's reappearance and was subsequently second in Fighting Fifth at Newcastle and William Hill Hurdle at Newbury; absent since below-par run in March but still commands respect on chasing debut.

13/8

13/2

  • Place: £1.90

Form: 31-114 CD

Last run: 22 days

W: 10st 12lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 128

Form & Verdict
Progressive; took his Newbury record to 2-3 with Gerry Feilden success (2m) in November, then ran well behind Secret Squirrel at Windsor while looking in need of headgear (now wears cheekpieces); respected.
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

8/1

  • Place: £2.80

Form: 2261-6 D

Last run: 49 days

W: 11st 10lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 140

Form & Verdict
Has switched to handicap level the last twice, winning the Scottish Champion Hurdle at Ayr (2m) last April then possibly needing his reappearance run at Ascot seven weeks ago; may resume his progress.
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: 212-27 D

Last run: 22 days

W: 11st 5lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 135

Form & Verdict
Has a largely solid record and ran well over 2m3f at Haydock on reappearance; however, seemed unsuited by the return to 2m last time and may be more interesting when back up in trip.
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: -22216 D BF

Last run: 43 days

W: 10st 6lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 122

Form & Verdict
Consistent spell ended with a disappointing effort last time; scored easily at Ascot (1m7f) a week earlier but this represents a big step up in class.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

24th Oct 2025

Good

2m 0f 87y

Class 3

14:25 Cheltenham

King William Rufus

11st 3lb

J: Freddie Gordon

T: Chris Gordon

Two wins last season, the latter when holding on gamely in 16-runner handicap on New course here (2m1f, good) in April; needs another career-best performance today but still enters calculations.

5/1

1st

8

16th Apr 2025

Good

2m 0f 179y

Class 3

17:00 Cheltenham

King William Rufus

10st 13lb

J: Charlie Maggs

T: Chris Gordon

Ascot winner in December off 7lb lower (1m7f, good to soft); this represents a welcome drop in grade after contesting two high-profile handicaps and he's not out of it.

8/1

33/1

Form: 5-59P0 D

Last run: 22 days

W: 11st 0lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 130

Form & Verdict
Ran well (finished third) in this contest 12 months ago but is far from certain to repeat that effort, having lost his form this season; major revival is needed.
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: 3-6135 D

Last run: 49 days

W: 11st 6lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 136

Form & Verdict
Finished seventh in this race last year; creditable third to Navajo Indy here in November then did too much up front at Ascot (fifth to Fiercely Proud); however, likely has nothing in hand off current mark.
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: 06-21P D

Last run: 78 days

W: 11st 0lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 130

Form & Verdict
Hindered by being hampered by a faller last time and is better judged on Wetherby success (2m) earlier in November; however, faces a stiffer assignment at this level.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

1

4th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

1m 7f 144y

Class 2

14:12 Haydock

Williethebuilder

12st 0lb

J: Toby McCain-Mitchell

T: Christian Williams

Won two in a row at Kempton (2m, good) in the winter before another good run when fourth at Musselburgh (1m7f, good to soft), where he would have been a bit closer but for late interference; soft ground may not have been ideal in the County Hurdle three weeks ago; might not be far away.

7/1

18th

13

13th Mar 2026

Good

2m 0f 179y

Class 1

14:00 Cheltenham

Williethebuilder

10st 10lb

J: Jack Tudor

T: Christian Williams

A rare one in that he's improved since leaving Dan Skelton, winning a pair of 2m handicaps on good ground at Kempton this winter; creditable fourth of ten in the Scottish County at Musselburgh six weeks ago but it underlines that he needs to find a bit more from this career-high mark.

25/1

4th

2

31st Jan 2026

Good To Soft

1m 7f 124y

Class 2

13:43 Musselburgh

Williethebuilder

11st 7lb

J: Toby McCain-Mitchell

T: Christian Williams

7yo who has been with a new stable since October and has shown career-best form to win at Kempton (2m, good) on his last two starts; has shown promise on soft/good to soft; clearly thriving and could take latest 6lb rise in his stride if today's slower conditions aren't an issue.

100/30

Form: -22131 D

Last run: 57 days

W: 11st 0lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 130

Form & Verdict
Clear by about halfway and wasn't for catching at Cheltenham (2m1f) last time, taking record under Luke Scott to 2-3 and hurdles score to 3-7; now 10lb higher in a better race but he's progressive.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

25th Apr 2026

Good

1m 7f 99y

Class 1

14:55 Sandown

Mirabad

11st 10lb

J: Tristan Durrell

T: Dan Skelton

Belied his 50-1 odds with 6l success in Grade 1 novice chase at Aintree (2m, good to soft) two weeks ago; however, needs to prove he can back up that form and Harry Skelton prefers solid stablemate Thistle Ask.

12/1

1st

5

11th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

1m 7f 176y

Class 1

12:45 Aintree

Mirabad

11st 7lb

J: Tristan Durrell

T: Dan Skelton

Made all in beginners' chase at Exeter (2m1f, good to soft) in December; has run creditably in two 2m Grade 2 events since but he was beaten at 1-4 at Bangor on his latest outing; bottom of the pile on ratings and hard to fancy.

40/1

2nd

1

25th Feb 2026

Soft

2m 1f 77y

Class 3

15:30 Bangor-on-Dee

Mirabad

11st 10lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

Surprise winner of his first chase start in December; has bumped into smart opposition since, last time running as well as could have been hoped behind Steel Ally in the Grade 2 Kingmaker at Warwick (2m, heavy); this looks a good opportunity.

4/9

Form: 7-3316 CD

Last run: 43 days

W: 11st 3lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 133

Form & Verdict
Landed this prize two years ago but isn't the same horse now and recent form is in lower grades; regained the winning thread on penultimate start but ran poorly latest; others preferred.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

2

21st Sep 2025

Good To Firm

1m 7f 195y

Class 3

15:50 Plumpton

Aucunrisque

11st 12lb

J: Freddie Gordon

T: Chris Gordon

Not as good as he was but that's reflected in his mark and he knows his way around this place; returning from a break when third in this 12 months ago off a 4lb higher mark; could easily have a role to play.

7/2

3

29th Jun 2025

Soft

2m 1f 46y

Class 2

15:50 Cartmel

Aucunrisque

11st 2lb

J: Freddie Gordon

T: Chris Gordon

Not quite as good as he was but still a useful performer; placed on final two starts last season (2m hurdle/2m1f chase) and drops back in trip after looking stretched by 2m4f last month; probably best on good/good to soft but has won on soft; enters calculations.

13/2

2

16th May 2025

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 2

18:20 Aintree

Aucunrisque

11st 7lb

J: Freddie Gordon

T: Chris Gordon

Not quite as good as he was but still a useful performer; second off today's mark on latest hurdling start at Newbury (2m, good to soft) in March and also ran well when third in Sussex Champion Chase at Plumpton (2m1f, good) last month; well worth another crack at 2m4f; probably won't be far away.

4/1

Form: 1P-1F4 CD

Last run: 22 days

W: 12st 0lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 144

Form & Verdict
Failed to get home over 2m4f returned to hurdles (from fences) last time; successful in this contest 12 months ago but is 10lb higher this time round and Nico de Boinville sides with stablemate Joyeuse.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12th

3

2nd May 2026

Yielding

2m 4f 118y

17:30 Punchestown

Iberico Lord

11st 6lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Nicky Henderson

Ground versatile sort is 4-15 over hurdles; back to form in fine style when landing the Lanzarote at Kempton in January (2m5f, good) off 136; hiked up 8lb and came up short in the BetMGM Cup at Cheltenham, though did meet trouble in running; dropped 1lb but may need more help from the handicapper.

14/1

8th

11

11th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 5f 0y

Class 1

14:40 Cheltenham

Iberico Lord

11st 3lb

J: Nico de Boinville

T: Nicky Henderson

Bagged two big 2m handicaps (here and at Newbury) in the mud during his 2023-24 campaign; had a spell in the wilderness but dropped back down the weights prior to scoring with major authority in the 2m5f Lanzarote at Kempton (good; 22-1) two months ago; back up 8lb but also firmly back on the radar.

9/1

17th

4

29th Apr 2025

Yielding To Soft

2m 0f 149y

15:40 Punchestown

Iberico Lord

11st 5lb

J: Mark Walsh

T: Nicky Henderson

in touch with leaders

8/1

Form: /9P-11 D

Last run: 69 days

W: 11st 3lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 133

Form & Verdict
Two from two since joining Harry Derham; raised 12lb for his comfortable success in Listed handicap at Fairyhouse (2m) last time but may be capable of further improvement for this yard; shortlisted.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

10

28th Apr 2026

Yielding

2m 0f 132y

15:40 Punchestown

Washington

10st 4lb

J: Paul O’Brien

T: Harry Derham

Won well on seasonal return at Chepstow in October off 128 and 1lb lower now but he's suffered heavy defeats on his four starts since that success; leap of faith required to back him here.

40/1

3

1st Nov 2025

Good

1m 7f 157y

Class 2

15:10 Ascot

Washington

11st 9lb

J: Paul O’Brien

T: Harry Derham

Won at Chepstow last October and followed up in a valuable handicap in Ireland; struggled afterwards last season but returned three weeks ago with a win from Moveit Like Minnie in the same Chepstow race (2m, good) when they finished miles clear of the other four; back up 4lb; shortlisted.

11/2

3

1st Nov 2025

Good

1m 7f 157y

Class 2

15:10 Ascot

Washington

11st 9lb

J: Paul O’Brien

T: Harry Derham

Won at Chepstow last October and followed up in a valuable handicap in Ireland; struggled afterwards last season but returned three weeks ago with a win from Moveit Like Minnie in the same Chepstow race (2m, good) when they finished miles clear of the other four; back up 4lb; shortlisted.

11/2

Form: 11-9

Last run: 20 days

W: 11st 8lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 138

Form & Verdict
Truncated 2023-24 campaign featured a 2m5f Grade 2 novice win; may be sharper with Windsor reappearance (3m) under his belt and still isn't fully exposed; however, this drop to 2m presents a question mark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

13

17th Apr 2026

Soft

2m 5f 91y

Class 2

16:05 Ayr

Minella Missile

10st 10lb

J: Conor Ring

T: Mrs C Williams

This season hasn't been completely devoid of spark and he continues to drop down the weights, but he hasn't been shaping as though he's about to take advantage and his losing sequence is up to 11 races.

20/1

7th

12

14th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 207y

Class 3

13:50 Uttoxeter

Minella Missile

11st 3lb

J: Isabel Williams

T: Mrs C Williams

Hasn't won over hurdles since landing a Grade 2 novice in November 2023; has plummeted in the weights but doesn't look ready to take advantage.

33/1

8

31st Jan 2026

Heavy

2m 7f 103y

Class 1

15:10 Sandown

Minella Missile

10st 8lb

J: Isabel Williams

T: Evan Williams

Unraced on heavy; not disgraced in fifth when cheekpieces were enlisted at Windsor on last two starts, the latest over 3m on soft, but that's still way below his peak form and he needs better.

12/1

Form: 27-F61 D

Last run: 49 days

W: 11st 7lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 137

Form & Verdict
Raised 9lb for his success in similar event at Ascot (1m7f) last time but the first two were well clear and it was a career-best performance; this second-season hurdler may well remain competitive.
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

Form: 548-19 D BF

Last run: 77 days

W: 11st 1lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 131

Form & Verdict
Campaigned at longer trips over hurdles, winning three times; disappointing last time but the form of his Chepstow reappearance success is strong; this drop back to 2m is the main concern.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

15

11th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 210y

Class 1

14:30 Aintree

Josh The Boss

11st 0lb

J: Mr Jamie Neild

T: Nigel & Willy Twiston-Davies

Novice chaser who has several pieces of sound form at up to 2m4f this season, including a second at Aintree; however, below that level in major handicaps in two of his last three starts, seeming a non-stayer at Doncaster (soft) in the sole 3m attempt; stamina to prove back up in trip.

16/1

7

28th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 187y

Class 1

15:45 Newbury

Josh The Boss

10st 12lb

J: Mr Jamie Neild

T: Nigel & Willy Twiston-Davies

Fairly useful novice chaser who scored easily at Doncaster in November and has performed creditably off current mark twice since, albeit failed to justify favouritism when sent up to Newcastle (2m4f) last time; goes into deeper waters at this level.

11/1

2nd

5

21st Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 19y

Class 3

15:58 Newcastle

Josh The Boss

11st 6lb

J: Mr Jamie Neild

T: Nigel & Willy Twiston-Davies

Always ridden by Jamie Neild; walked over on his second chase assignment and easily made all in four-runner handicap at Doncaster (2m3f, soft) in November; another big run from the front when second of five at Aintree (2m4f) next time, before his first attempt at 3m did not work out in a Grade 3 handicap four weeks ago; he should be of renewed interest back at 2m4f.

4/1

Form: 15-3F1 D

Last run: 22 days

W: 11st 1lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 126

Form & Verdict
About 2l third when final-flight faller in the Ascot race won by Fiercely Proud; won comfortably at Windsor (2m) since, taking overall record to 5-11; leading player under a penalty (future mark 1lb higher).
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

Givemefive

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £113.50
Straight Forecast £75.06
Tricast £463.41
Trifecta £925.30

Selections

The Guardian:

Washington

LAMBOURN:

Joyeuse

SPOTLIGHT:

Navajo Indy

D Express:

Favour And Fortune

RP RATINGS:

Secret Squirrel

POSTDATA:

King William Rufus

Daily Mail:

Our Champ

The Times:

Mirabad

TOPSPEED:

Aucunrisque

The Sun:

Joyeuse

Telegraph:

Navajo Indy

Daily Record:

Favour And Fortune

Daily Mirror:

Washington

The Star:

Washington