February 22 / 14.32 Chepstow

14.32

Soft

Pertemps Network Handicap Hurdle (Pertemps Hurdle Series Qualifier) (GBB Race)

  • Prize money: £10406
  • 2m 7f 131y
  • Class 2
  • 13 runners
SKY
View Course
Pertemps Network Handicap Hurdle (Pertemps Hurdle Series Qualifier) (GBB Race)

Runners: 13 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Mostly sunny

25/1 (Won)

  • Win: £49.40
  • Place: £10.00

Form: 12148- D

Last run: 315 days

W: 10st 12lb

12 yo Gelding

OR: 126

Form & Verdict
Useful at his peak and still versatile last term, winning over 1m7f (heavy) and 3m1f (soft); however, backward steps on last two starts and he's now a 12yo returning from 315 days off.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

18th

16

13th Mar 2025

Good To Soft

2m 7f 213y

Class 1

14:40 Cheltenham

JAi Froid

11st 2lb

J: Harry Reed

T: L J Morgan

12yo returning from 315 days off when 33-1 at Chepstow (3m, soft) 19 days ago but he had the call from approaching the final flight; back up 5lb in this hot race, he needs to find best form since his peak year of 2021.

66/1

1st

7

22nd Feb 2025

Soft

2m 7f 131y

Class 2

14:32 Chepstow

JAi Froid

10st 12lb

J: Harry Reed

T: L J Morgan

Useful at his peak and still versatile last term, winning over 1m7f (heavy) and 3m1f (soft); however, backward steps on last two starts and he's now a 12yo returning from 315 days off.

25/1

8th

13

13th Apr 2024

Soft

3m 0f 149y

Class 1

13:20 Aintree

JAi Froid

10st 11lb

J: John Kington

T: L J Morgan

Useful at his peak and still versatile at the age of 11, winning over 1m7f (heavy) and 3m1f (soft) this term; however, put firmly in his place by Cuthbert Dibble at Haydock last time and may struggle to turn things round.

28/1

20/1

  • Place: £3.10

Form: 451-37

Last run: 57 days

W: 10st 2lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 115

Form & Verdict
Irish maiden point winner (3m, soft) who took a maiden at Southwell (2m4f, soft) last March on first attempt over hurdles; however, heavy defeat when 4-7 in novice at Ludlow (2m5f, good) in October was a lacklustre start to this campaign and his handicap debut over C&D (18-1, only time in a hood) at Christmas was a good deal worse; early days admittedly.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

5

27th May 2026

Good

3m 1f 170y

Class 3

15:53 Newton Abbot

Rickety Bridge

10st 13lb

J: Freddie Gingell

T: Paul Nicholls

Point winner who was 1-8 over hurdles but he made a smooth transition to chasing when scoring over C&D (good; 13-2) three weeks ago; up 3lb but he travelled well for a long way last time and hit a personal best with that convincing success; interesting contender.

6/4

1st

3

6th May 2026

Good To Soft

3m 1f 170y

Class 4

14:45 Newton Abbot

Rickety Bridge

11st 5lb

J: Freddie Gingell

T: Paul Nicholls

Landed a Southwell maiden hurdle (2m4f, soft) in March 2024; largely out of form in limited starts since but there were signs of a revival here (3m2f, good) last month in first-time cheekpieces; needs to back that up but could improve for this switch to fences.

6/1

4th

3

4th Apr 2026

Good

3m 2f 105y

Class 4

16:20 Newton Abbot

Rickety Bridge

11st 10lb

J: Freddie Gingell

T: Paul Nicholls

Won a Southwell maiden (2m4f, soft) in March 2024 but he's had only six runs since and has struggled in his last three handicaps; may have needed his comeback run (2m7f) in February but he needs a major revival back up in trip; cheekpieces added.

10/1

5/1

  • Place: £2.00

Form: /124/1 C

Last run: 37 days

W: 10st 12lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 126

Form & Verdict
A promising novice two seasons ago and he returned from 718 days off to win handicap debut at Wincanton (2m4f, good to soft) last month, despite some awkward jumping; up 6lb and in trip but surely still has potential.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

8

15th Apr 2026

Good

3m 0f 58y

Class 2

16:25 Haydock

Firestream

10st 10lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Chester Williams

Maiden/handicap wins for Anthony Honeyball; long absences a feature in his profile but there were positives at Uttoxeter last month (2m4f, soft; first-time cheekpieces) where he ran well for a long way; stays this far; chance if the wheels can stay on.

15/2

5th

3

14th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 207y

Class 3

13:50 Uttoxeter

Firestream

11st 10lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Chester Williams

Won twice over hurdles for Anthony Honeyball; pulled up on his stable debut following a year's absence at Chepstow (2m7f, soft) three weeks ago; first-time cheekpieces go on but hard to fancy.

25/1

7

21st Feb 2026

Soft

2m 7f 131y

Class 2

14:55 Chepstow

Firestream

10st 8lb

J: Lorcan Williams

T: Chester Williams

Maiden winner here who returned from 718 days off to score on handicap debut at Wincanton (2m4f, good to soft) last January; there was some awkward jumping that day and again when creditable third in this race next time; absent since, has changed hands and left Anthony Honeyball; it may not be enough even if he returns in peak form.

7/1

Form: P7-09P CD

Last run: 42 days

W: 10st 8lb

12 yo Gelding

OR: 122

Form & Verdict
Six wins over about 2m7f-3m in a long campaign last term and the final one was career-best form in this race (heavy); out of form this season, admittedly in the Welsh National on second occasion but pulled up over hurdles at Ffos Las latest; 4lb higher than in this last year.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

2

25th Feb 2026

Soft

2m 7f 32y

Class 4

15:00 Bangor-on-Dee

Classic Concorde

11st 10lb

J: Harry Atkins

T: David Brace

Veteran who is on a losing run but ran well enough for a long way in a Class 2 handicap at Chepstow two months ago (2m7f, good to soft) to command respect at this lower level; goes well on this ground.

6/1

10th

1

11th Oct 2025

Good To Soft

2m 7f 131y

Class 4

17:10 Chepstow

Classic Concorde

12st 0lb

J: Callum Pritchard

T: David Brace

Won twice over C&D in 2023-24 season and ran well when fourth over C&D in February but this 12yo is far too inconsistent to rely upon nowadays, and has been absent since two heavy defeats in the spring.

20/1

5

24th Apr 2025

Good

3m 1f 0y

Class 3

15:37 Warwick

Classic Concorde

10st 13lb

J: Connor Brace

T: David Brace

Veteran who has proved far from consistent since winning a Pertemps qualifier at Chepstow 14 months ago; not the percentage call.

16/1

11/2

Form: 68-1P1 D

Last run: 33 days

W: 10st 10lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 124

Form & Verdict
Too many jumping errors when back over fences on penultimate outing; 4-12 overall as a hurdler but scored at Warwick (3m1f) on both his starts in this sphere for current yard; back up another 4lb but looks set for another prominent finish.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13th

12

11th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 149y

Class 1

13:20 Aintree

Ikarak

11st 1lb

J: Kevin Brogan

T: Olly Murphy

Regular winner, including at Lingfield (2m7f, good to soft) and Ayr (3m, soft) this season; very good third of 24 to Supremely West in the Pertemps at Cheltenham (3m, good) last month but Sean Bowen still deserts him in favour of Hold The Serve.

20/1

3rd

12

12th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 7f 213y

Class 1

16:40 Cheltenham

Ikarak

10st 9lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Olly Murphy

Below form on his only run at this track, albeit two years ago; regular winner, including at Lingfield (2m7f, good to soft) and Ayr (3m, soft) in two of three starts this season, with a creditable third to Kikijo at Sandown in between; up another 6lb but if he's in contention he will be staying on.

50/1

4

24th Apr 2025

Good

3m 1f 0y

Class 3

15:37 Warwick

Ikarak

11st 1lb

J: Kevin Brogan

T: Olly Murphy

Two from two over C&D, both wins gained this season for new stable; nearly made the frame in Pertemps qualifier at Chepstow last time; commands respect back at Warwick.

5/2

Form: 4-787F D

Last run: 54 days

W: 10st 2lb

12 yo Gelding

OR: 115

Form & Verdict
Now 3lb lower than for Ffos Las win (3m, heavy) in December 2023 but this season was a major struggle even before he clipped heels and fell early on latest outing; overall score is 2-40, with 32 of those races over hurdles.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

13

22nd Feb 2025

Soft

2m 7f 131y

Class 2

14:32 Chepstow

Ballymagroarty Boy

10st 2lb

J: Lorcan Murtagh

T: Nigel Hawke

Now 3lb lower than for Ffos Las win (3m, heavy) in December 2023 but this season was a major struggle even before he clipped heels and fell early on latest outing; overall score is 2-40, with 32 of those races over hurdles.

33/1

Form: 2-1122 D BF

Last run: 84 days

W: 11st 0lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 128

Form & Verdict
Won handicap debut at Warwick (2m5f) in October; progressed again when second since at Aintree (3m) and Newbury (2m4f) and while all those improved efforts were on good or good to soft, he won bumpers in the mud and was placed in it over hurdles; considered.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7

10th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 5f 201y

Class 2

17:20 Cheltenham

Guard The Moon

11st 7lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Nigel & Willy Twiston-Davies

Made a bad mistake at the fourth fence at Newbury in December and soon pulled up; clearcut winner of small-field novice handicaps at Aintree (2m4f, soft) and Windsor (3m, soft; first-time cheekpieces) in his other two chases and he shaped in the latter as if stamina was a strong suit.

20/1

1st

2

16th Jan 2026

Soft

3m 0f 60y

Class 3

13:15 Windsor

Guard The Moon

11st 7lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Nigel & Willy Twiston-Davies

Made a bad mistake at the fourth fence and soon pulled up at Newbury last month; however, prior to that he won in good style on his chase debut at Aintree (2m4f, soft) and he should be fine now back up in trip; likely player if minimising the blunders in first-time cheekpieces.

11/2

3

25th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

3m 2f 127y

Class 3

15:52 Perth

Guard The Moon

11st 10lb

J: James Turner

T: Nigel Twiston-Davies

Struggled in the Pertemps Final and his previous run was no better; however, he beat recent Cheltenham winner Long Draw at Warwick earlier this season and followed that with two excellent seconds at up to 3m; if back in that sort of form he'd be a live contender.

6/1

Form: 987172 D

Last run: 22 days

W: 10st 10lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 124

Form & Verdict
There have been far too many heavy defeats for comfort but he won at Uttoxeter (2m7f, soft) in November and was second under Benjamin Macey at Catterick (3m1f, soft) on latest outing, so can't be ruled out.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

2

26th Feb 2026

Soft

3m 0f 26y

Class 3

16:10 Wetherby

Icare Allen

12st 0lb

J: Benjamin Macey

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

Inconsistent but he won at Uttoxeter (2m4f, good) last July and returned from a break with a close third here (2m5f, soft) on Boxing Day, staying on nicely; he's fine at this trip; not his fault when unseating mid-race at Haydock last month; could be involved.

12/1

6

17th Jan 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 58y

Class 3

14:35 Haydock

Icare Allen

11st 2lb

J: Jonjo O’Neill Jr

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

Inconsistent but he won at Uttoxeter (2m4f, good) last July and returned from a break with a close third at Wetherby (2m5f, soft) on Boxing Day, staying on nicely; he'll be fine now back up in trip and could be involved.

11/1

4

26th Oct 2025

Good

3m 0f 149y

Class 3

12:40 Aintree

Icare Allen

11st 12lb

J: Benjamin Macey

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

Returned to form to win at Uttoxeter (2m4f, good) in July and again ran well when fourth there (2m4f, good) last month; stays this far and is effective on soft ground; goes well for Benjamin Macey, with form figures of 29214, and he could have a part to play.

6/1

Form: 11312/ D

Last run: 680 days

W: 12st 0lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 142

Form & Verdict
One of the top staying novices of the 2022-23 season, getting the better of Stay Away Fay on last two starts and that rival took the Grade 1 Cheltenham novice in between; however, missed last season ("with a knock") and has been off for 680 days, so there might be a question over his readiness despite the Cheltenham Grade 1 Stayers' entry; market should give clues.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13

18th Apr 2026

Soft

3m 7f 176y

Class 1

15:35 Ayr

Maximilian

11st 1lb

J: William Maggs

T: Donald McCain

Missed 2024 and came up a bit short in his six races since, sent chasing for his five starts this term; shaped as if he stayed when third of five on the step up to 3m4f at Haydock last time but he needs much better than that; perhaps the subsequent wind surgery (his second) will help his cause.

25/1

3rd

2

5th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 4f 97y

Class 3

14:45 Haydock

Maximilian

11st 11lb

J: Brian Hughes

T: Donald McCain

A useful winning novice hurdler back in 2022/23; lightly raced since and has failed to win in four small-field events over fences this term, just a fair third of six in 23f Kelso handicap 20 days ago; has his first run beyond 3m here and needs it to spark improvement.

4/1

3rd

3

13th Feb 2026

Soft

2m 7f 96y

Class 2

15:00 Kelso

Maximilian

11st 7lb

J: Brian Hughes

T: Donald McCain

Runner-up in Grade 1 novice hurdle at Aintree (3m, soft) in April 2023 prior to very long absence; this 10yo has been runner-up in beginners'/novice chases on his three starts this season (2m5f/3m), bumping into the classy Wendigo last time, and he could be a contender now tackling a handicap.

9/2

Form: 038528

Last run: 20 days

W: 11st 9lb

9 yo Mare

OR: 137

Form & Verdict
Usually claimer ridden; the last of her ten wins was in August 2022; still shows plenty on occasions, including when seventh in the Pertemps Final last March and a close second back at Cheltenham (2m4f) on penultimate outing; she performed far worse in the Musselburgh qualifier three weeks ago than she did last year, however, which sees cheekpieces enlisted.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

19

12th Mar 2025

Good To Soft

2m 5f 0y

Class 1

14:40 Cheltenham

Anna Bunina

10st 11lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: John C McConnell

Usually claimer ridden but now has Harry Cobden; the last of her ten wins was in August 2022; still shows plenty on occasions, including when seventh in the Pertemps Final last March and a close second back at Cheltenham (2m4f, good) three starts back; pulled up with cheekpieces enlisted on latest start; that headgear is now discarded but she's not the percentage call.

33/1

2

22nd Feb 2025

Soft

2m 7f 131y

Class 2

14:32 Chepstow

Anna Bunina

11st 9lb

J: Callum Pritchard

T: John C McConnell

Usually claimer ridden; the last of her ten wins was in August 2022; still shows plenty on occasions, including when seventh in the Pertemps Final last March and a close second back at Cheltenham (2m4f) on penultimate outing; she performed far worse in the Musselburgh qualifier three weeks ago than she did last year, however, which sees cheekpieces enlisted.

20/1

8th

2

2nd Feb 2025

Good To Soft

2m 7f 180y

Class 2

15:00 Musselburgh

Anna Bunina

12st 0lb

J: Callum Pritchard

T: John C McConnell

The last of her ten wins was in August 2022 but she still shows plenty on occasions, including when a strong-finishing fourth in this race last year and a close second at Cheltenham (2m4f) on latest outing; usually claimer ridden; place contender.

10/1

OUR TIP

Form: 11-9P C

Last run: 14 days

W: 11st 8lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 136

Form & Verdict
Grade 1 Stayers' entry; truncated 2023-24 campaign featured a 2m5f Grade 2 novice win; not disgraced on Windsor reappearance (3m) after 429 days off; showing a bit more would have been preferable on latest outing (two weeks ago, soon struggling) but that was a top 2m handicap at Newbury and this may be more his thing.
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: 115/44

Last run: 13 days

W: 11st 6lb

10 yo Filly

OR: 134

Form & Verdict
Ended a golden spell in 2021 with 2m4f Grade 2 novice win for Tom Lacey; absent 1066 days before this season and although he showed up well in this winter's two handicaps (3m/2m7f) he did not see the trip out as well as three others on either occasion; has unchanged mark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

7

1st May 2026

Yielding

2m 0f 45y

18:40 Punchestown

Lossiemouth

11st 5lb

J: Paul Townend

T: W P Mullins

One of three for trainer; prolific and highly talented mare justified decision to line up in this year's Champion Hurdle when adding a tenth Grade 1 win to her tally (14-18 overall) in good style; had both Anzadam and Golden Ace well behind her on that occasion; 3-3 at this venue, including when 19l in front of Glen Kiln in this season's Morgiana Hurdle; this looks easier than Cheltenham and she's ground-versatile; shock result if she doesn't win.

4/9

1st

9

10th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 0f 87y

Class 1

16:00 Cheltenham

Lossiemouth

11st 3lb

J: Paul Townend

T: W P Mullins

Versatile as regards ground; prolific and highly talented mare whose record of 13-17 features nine Grade 1 wins, including three at this meeting (Triumph and two Mares' Hurdles); 4-4 at this venue overall; failed to justify favouritism in the Irish Champion Hurdle most recently but ran creditably without managing to confirm December placings with Brighterdaysahead; has less to prove than that rival back at Cheltenham and holds a big chance at the weights; wears headgear for the first time.

13/8

2nd

6

1st Feb 2026

Heavy

2m 0f 0y

15:20 Leopardstown

Lossiemouth

11st 5lb

J: Paul Townend

T: W P Mullins

Winner of 13 of her 16 starts; bypassed the 2025 Champion Hurdle, instead winning the Mares' Hurdle readily; previously, fell mid-race in this race and beaten just over 2l by Constitution Hill in the Christmas Hurdle; easy winner of Aintree Hurdle after Constitution Hill's fall; had a straightforward task in the Morgiana on return, and was too strong for the reappearing Brightedaysahead here at Christmas.

10/11

Form: 21-244

Last run: 69 days

W: 10st 11lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 125

Form & Verdict
Won maiden hurdle at Limerick (2m3f, heavy) last March for Gordon Elliott and second of four at Down Royal (3m, good) in May; below form in his two races for new stable, making handicap debut over 3m1f on latest, and has since had wind surgery; also now tongue tied first time.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

2

20th Feb 2026

Soft

2m 7f 191y

Class 4

16:52 Ffos Las

Gold In The Rivers

11st 12lb

J: Jack Tudor

T: David Pipe

Any or all of the returning cheekpieces, switch back from fences and career-low mark inspired this month's Market Rasen success (2m7f, soft); worse off with near-4l third Ramo following a 2lb rise, but value for further that day having idled late and live claims again here.

5/2

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £544.00
Straight Forecast £328.11
Tricast £2274.66
Trifecta £3263.20

Selections

RP RATINGS:

Guard The Moon

SPOTLIGHT:

Ikarak

WEST COUNTRY:

Firestream

POSTDATA:

Lossiemouth

Telegraph:

Gold In The Rivers

TOPSPEED:

Guard The Moon

Daily Mail:

Guard The Moon

D Express:

Guard The Moon

The Star:

Guard The Moon

Daily Record:

Guard The Moon

The Guardian:

Ikarak

Daily Mirror:

Ikarak

The Times:

Firestream

The Sun:

Lossiemouth