February 12 / 16.13 Wetherby

16.13

Soft

Wetherby Racecourse & Conference Centre Handicap Hurdle

  • Prize money: £9241.75
  • 2m 3f 154y
  • Class 3
  • 11 runners
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Wetherby Racecourse & Conference Centre Handicap Hurdle

Runners: 11 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Showers

Form: 14P-5P

Last run: 82 days

W: 11st 13lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 128

Form & Verdict
The wheels have rather come off over fences, after last season had started so well, and he's now back over hurdles with first-time headgear applied; nothing wrong with his mark if he can get back on track.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9

11th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

2m 4f 110y

Class 2

15:15 Ayr

Persian Time

11st 6lb

J: Nico de Boinville

T: Nicky Henderson

Won twice last season (2m1f/2m2f, good to soft) and he's dropped below his last winning mark; this 7yo represents Nicky Henderson and has plenty of time to get his career back on track but he's struggled this season, most recently back over hurdles in first-time blinkers; cheekpieces now go on.

16/1

9

11th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

2m 4f 110y

Class 2

15:15 Ayr

Persian Time

11st 6lb

J: Nico de Boinville

T: Nicky Henderson

Won twice last season (2m1f/2m2f, good to soft) and he's dropped below his last winning mark; this 7yo represents Nicky Henderson and has plenty of time to get his career back on track but he's struggled this season, most recently back over hurdles in first-time blinkers; cheekpieces now go on.

16/1

2

12th Feb 2025

Soft

2m 3f 154y

Class 3

16:13 Wetherby

Persian Time

11st 13lb

J: Nico de Boinville

T: Nicky Henderson

The wheels have rather come off over fences, after last season had started so well, and he's now back over hurdles with first-time headgear applied; nothing wrong with his mark if he can get back on track.

7/1

Form: 4-3345 CD

Last run: 32 days

W: 11st 12lb

12 yo Gelding

OR: 127

Form & Verdict
His Bangor third in November was a step back in the right direction but well beaten since and would prefer soft ground.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

14th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 207y

Class 3

13:50 Uttoxeter

West To The Bridge

11st 9lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

Grand servant to the yard with 11 hurdles wins; did what he's been doing for years by bouncing back to exploit a falling mark on his favoured testing ground at Chepstow (2m3f, soft) in January; most tenacious and impossible to dismiss off 3lb higher.

10/1

1st

1

27th Jan 2026

Soft

2m 3f 100y

Class 3

14:02 Chepstow

West To The Bridge

12st 0lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

Long in the tooth now and not the force of old but was nudged up only 1lb for last month's clear second in refitted cheekpieces at Ludlow (2m5f, good to soft) and ought to be better suited by this slower ground.

10/1

OUR TIP

Form: -36P46

Last run: 18 days

W: 11st 11lb

7 yo Mare

OR: 126

Form & Verdict
Listed winner last season before running respectably in a 3m Grade 1 at Aintree; after a brief stint over hurdles she was only 7l away in an Ayr handicap (3m, soft) and she had a lot to find in a Grade 2 last time; the main concern is that 3m is probably her trip.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

3

13th Jun 2026

Good

2m 7f 63y

Class 4

16:10 Hexham

Pinot Rouge

11st 12lb

J: Patrick Wadge

T: Susan Corbett

Below par since last June's C&D win off 5lb higher until a better effort when fourth in an Ayr (3m, heavy) Class 2 in April, but a heavy defeat since leaves him with plenty to prove.

12/1

7th

3

23rd May 2026

Good To Soft

3m 1f 83y

Class 3

14:43 Cartmel

Pinot Rouge

11st 12lb

J: Nathan Moscrop

T: Susan Corbett

Below par since last June's Hexham win off 2lb higher (3m, good to soft) until reviving, up to a point, with last month's Ayr Class 2 fourth; has to show that a sharp track is what's wanted, though.

8/1

4th

4

18th Apr 2026

Soft

3m 0f 70y

Class 2

14:55 Ayr

Pinot Rouge

10st 10lb

J: Nathan Moscrop

T: Susan Corbett

Bang there when falling seven out in the Hexham Marathon over fences last month (4m, soft); she's 1lb below her last winning hurdle mark but Hexham seems to bring out the best in her and this inconsistent mare was pulled up in this race 12 months ago; it might be best to look elsewhere.

20/1

Form: 4-F17F D

Last run: 32 days

W: 11st 10lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 125

Form & Verdict
Has gained both his wins from the front, the chase success coming at Chepstow in November (similar trip to today's on good to soft) off only 2lb lower; suffered his second fall over fences mid-race in a Grade 2 last time and could be dangerous off this mark back over hurdles.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10

14th Feb 2026

Soft

2m 3f 63y

Class 2

14:25 Ascot

Range

10st 10lb

J: Ben Jones

T: Sam Thomas

Acts on any ground; had very little to spare at Sandown (2m4f) most recently but the runner-up has franked the form since; still competitively treated back up 2lb, assuming he takes to first-time headgear.

8/1

4

30th Oct 2025

Good To Soft

2m 3f 98y

Class 3

14:47 Stratford

Range

11st 5lb

J: Dylan Johnston

T: Sam Thomas

Did not make any significant further progress after making all for clearcut success at Chepstow (2m3f, good to soft) last November but is still quite lightly raced over fences and makes his seasonal debut from a workable mark; can make a bold bid.

7/2

4

30th Oct 2025

Good To Soft

2m 3f 98y

Class 3

14:47 Stratford

Range

11st 5lb

J: Dylan Johnston

T: Sam Thomas

Did not make any significant further progress after making all for clearcut success at Chepstow (2m3f, good to soft) last November but is still quite lightly raced over fences and makes his seasonal debut from a workable mark; can make a bold bid.

7/2

Form: -09163 BF

Last run: 48 days

W: 11st 10lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 125

Form & Verdict
Not the easiest to predict but capable on his day and ran respectably with this headgear back on over the extended 2m5f here on Boxing Day (good to soft); may be vulnerable over this shorter trip (last win was at 3m).
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

4

28th Jun 2026

Good

2m 7f 70y

Class 2

16:03 Uttoxeter

American Sniper

11st 4lb

J: Rian Corcoran

T: David Pipe

Made all for 13l success at Newton Abbot (2m5f, good) last time, ending a losing run that went back to 2024; still competitively handicapped on historical data and has won at up to 3m; not dismissed.

7/1

1st

1

27th May 2026

Good

2m 5f 122y

Class 4

16:56 Newton Abbot

American Sniper

12st 2lb

J: Rian Corcoran

T: David Pipe

Has patchy profile but he's well handicapped on his Taunton second (2m3f, good) in December and he may have needed his reappearance run at Hereford this month; this step back up in trip is no problem and he's one to keep an eye on for in-form yard.

11/2

5th

1

5th May 2026

Good

2m 3f 147y

Class 4

19:17 Hereford

American Sniper

12st 0lb

J: Jack Tudor

T: David Pipe

Has become hard to predict, as his 16l fourth at Taunton (2m3f, good) in January would suggest, having failed to back up a decent effort there the previous month; back on his last winning mark and could play a leading role if at his best.

7/2

Form: /2-P5P D

Last run: 18 days

W: 11st 8lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 123

Form & Verdict
Potentially on a good mark but it's been a struggle this season after a layoff and a sudden turnaround is needed with a first-time visor replacing cheekpieces.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

1

19th Mar 2025

Good

2m 2f 191y

Class 4

17:00 Haydock

Herbiers

12st 0lb

J: Henry Brooke

T: Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero

Well handicapped on his form up to May 2023 and he's one to watch in the betting, but he's struggled over hurdles and fences this season following a long absence, and has plenty to prove.

16/1

8

12th Feb 2025

Soft

2m 3f 154y

Class 3

16:13 Wetherby

Herbiers

11st 8lb

J: Henry Brooke

T: Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero

Potentially on a good mark but it's been a struggle this season after a layoff and a sudden turnaround is needed with a first-time visor replacing cheekpieces.

25/1

Form: P36231

Last run: 25 days

W: 11st 7lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 122

Form & Verdict
Four wins divided between bumpers and hurdle races; his first handicap success when digging deep for a narrow verdict at Haydock (1m7f, soft) and returning to further shouldn't be an issue; raised 5lb.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

6

17th Apr 2026

Soft

2m 0f 0y

Class 3

13:45 Ayr

Berties Ballet

11st 11lb

J: Ryan Mania

T: Dianne Sayer

Won a Class 3 handicap at Haydock last season off this mark so wouldn't be too dismissive about his chances despite failing to reach anything like the same level in two of his three races this campaign.

20/1

12th

14

28th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 0f 51y

Class 2

14:55 Kelso

Berties Ballet

10st 9lb

J: Sean Quinlan

T: Dianne Sayer

On a handy mark on last winter's form and he was an encouraging fourth of nine over C&D recently on his second start back from a long absence; however, this is a higher grade than he's used to; could be vulnerable.

33/1

4th

1

13th Feb 2026

Soft

2m 0f 51y

Class 4

14:30 Kelso

Berties Ballet

12st 0lb

J: Brian Hughes

T: Dianne Sayer

Others have less to prove regarding current form but he shaped at Haydock last month as though he may have needed that comeback run; on a competitive mark and he's well suited by testing ground; not discounted.

6/1

Form: 211-52 D

Last run: 19 days

W: 11st 7lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 122

Form & Verdict
Mark took a hit last season but he has still returned in good order and, although beaten 10l into second at Sandown (2m4f, soft), the winner is on a roll; strongly considered.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

2

26th Jun 2026

Good

2m 3f 123y

Class 3

19:43 Bangor-on-Dee

Il Va De Soi

11st 6lb

J: Theo Gillard

T: Donald McCain

Bounced back to form in refitted cheekpieces for Harry Derham last month, winning twice at Warwick (2m5f, good); subsequently changed hands for £12,000; remains well handicapped on older form.

9/4

1st

6

20th May 2026

Good

2m 5f 5y

Class 4

16:00 Warwick

Il Va De Soi

11st 2lb

J: Paul O’Brien

T: Harry Derham

Put a disappointing run of form behind him when returning to winning ways over C&D (good) 11 days ago, making all; whether he can reproduce that effort is another matter but he is still well handicapped on his old form.

11/4

1st

7

9th May 2026

Good

2m 5f 5y

Class 4

19:07 Warwick

Il Va De Soi

11st 7lb

J: Paul O’Brien

T: Harry Derham

His two wins came on soft in April 2024; out of sorts over fences and hurdles this term; cheekpieces return and has dropped to a career-low mark but doesn't look ready to take advantage.

14/1

Form: 2-25P6

Last run: 28 days

W: 11st 2lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 117

Form & Verdict
Only success in 19-race career came in a heavy-ground juvenile hurdle; has stamina to prove and his current form after two quiet runs in January.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

3

30th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

2m 6f 7y

Class 4

19:18 Stratford

Balboa

11st 11lb

J: Callum Pritchard

T: Seamus Mullins

Lacks consistency but capitalised on a reduced mark when ending a near three-year drought at Ayr (extended 2m4f, soft) in April, but has failed to reproduce that effort since and the 6lb rise is not the chief concern; however, he could still go well if at his best.

7/1

4th

4

19th May 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 28y

Class 4

20:20 Hexham

Balboa

11st 13lb

J: Callum Pritchard

T: Seamus Mullins

Made the most of a reduced mark when justifying support and gaining a first win since 2023 when scoring at Ayr (2m4f, soft) last month; remains well treated on past form back up 6lb and likely to be in the mix again.

11/2

1st

8

17th Apr 2026

Soft

2m 4f 100y

Class 4

17:15 Ayr

Balboa

11st 0lb

J: Mr Jack Stenhouse

T: Seamus Mullins

Without a win since 2023 but he has dropped to a dangerous mark and ran surprisingly well over 3m last time at Wincanton when all his form is over shorter; goes on soft.

12/1

Form: P-F4F0 D

Last run: 11 days

W: 11st 1lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 116

Form & Verdict
Fell twice in three chase starts and well held in the other; offered little on return to hurdling here 11 days ago.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12

12th Feb 2025

Soft

2m 3f 154y

Class 3

16:13 Wetherby

Rich Spirit

11st 1lb

J: Jack Power

T: Joel Parkinson & Sue Smith

Fell twice in three chase starts and well held in the other; offered little on return to hurdling here 11 days ago.

25/1

13th

11

1st Feb 2025

Soft

2m 3f 154y

Class 3

14:43 Wetherby

Rich Spirit

11st 4lb

J: Nick Scholfield

T: Joel Parkinson & Sue Smith

midfield

16/1

13th

11

1st Feb 2025

Soft

2m 3f 154y

Class 3

14:43 Wetherby

Rich Spirit

11st 4lb

J: Nick Scholfield

T: Joel Parkinson & Sue Smith

midfield

16/1

Form: 2F1-22

Last run: 27 days

W: 11st 0lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 115

Form & Verdict
Lightly raced heavy-ground maiden winner; second of 15 behind one with potential on switch to handicaps over a slightly longer trip at Wincanton a month ago (good to soft); in the mix.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

8

9th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

1m 7f 176y

Class 1

16:40 Aintree

Highlands Legacy

11st 1lb

J: Jonjo O’Neill Jr

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

Won on chase debut at Worcester (2m, good) in October and runner-up on next two starts (including C&D) before narrow win at Windsor (2m, soft) in January; he's 6lb higher than last time and in a hotter race today, but this progressive 7yo may be able to find the necessary further improvement.

13/2

1st

7

18th Jan 2026

Soft

2m 0f 37y

Class 2

13:50 Windsor

Highlands Legacy

11st 0lb

J: Jonjo O’Neill Jr

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

Solid record (122) switched to fences this term and his penultimate effort has worked out particularly well; ran creditably when favourite at Newbury (2m, good to soft) latest; may be capable of better still; strong contender.

9/4

1st

5

22nd Oct 2025

Good

2m 0f 110y

Class 4

13:30 Worcester

Highlands Legacy

11st 9lb

J: Jonjo O’Neill Jr

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

Competitive off this sort of mark over hurdles and seems to go well after a break; however, lacks chasing experience and probably wants further than this trip.

8/1

Non-runners

Hardy Du Seuil, Pigeon House

Selections

RP RATINGS:

Il Va De Soi

WEST COUNTRY:

Highlands Legacy

SPOTLIGHT:

Range

POSTDATA:

Pigeon House

D Express:

Persian Time

The Sun:

Bertie's Ballet

Daily Mirror:

Hardy Du Seuil

TOPSPEED:

Il Va De Soi

LAMBOURN:

Il Va De Soi

The Times:

Il Va De Soi

Telegraph:

Il Va De Soi

The Guardian:

Il Va De Soi

Daily Mail:

Il Va De Soi

The Star:

Il Va De Soi

Daily Record:

Il Va De Soi