March 14 / 14.00 Cheltenham

14.00

Good To Soft

William Hill County Handicap Hurdle (Premier Handicap) (GBB Race)

  • Prize money: £61897
  • 2m 0f 179y
  • Class 1
  • 16 runners
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William Hill County Handicap Hurdle (Premier Handicap) (GBB Race)

Runners: 16 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Cloudy

3/1 (Won)

  • Win: £4.00
  • Place: £1.60

Form: 122-12 D BF

Last run: 55 days

W: 11st 3lb

5 yo Filly

OR: 141

Form & Verdict
Runner-up in 4yo Grade 1 hurdles here (C&D Triumph, heavy) and at Aintree (2m1f, soft) last spring before winning one at Punchestown (2m, soft); this headstrong sort was second at 2-5 on belated comeback in mares' Grade 2 at Ascot (1m7f, good) in January but may have needed the run; stable has an excellent record in this race and Paul Townend rides; could be on a good mark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

7

10th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

1m 7f 199y

Class 1

14:00 Cheltenham

Kargese

11st 0lb

J: Danny Mullins

T: W P Mullins

Runner-up in the 2024 Triumph Hurdle and won last year's County; has quickly reached a similar level over fences, winning a beginners' event at Leopardstown (2m1f, yielding) just after Christmas and going down to the high-class Romeo Coolio in Grade 1 over the same C&D (soft) only after a titanic tussle and a final-fence blunder; should be in the thick of things again if fully recovered from those exertions.

9/2

2nd

3

2nd Feb 2026

Soft To Heavy

2m 1f 0y

14:55 Leopardstown

Kargese

11st 5lb

J: Paul Townend

T: W P Mullins

Dual Grade 1 winner as a juvenile hurdler; won last year's County Hurdle; jumping technique left plenty to be desired on her chase debut at Cork (soft), beaten 16l by Romeo Coolio's stablemate Kala Conti; jumped better when winning unextended from the front in a C&D event (yielding) marred by a fatal injury to the pursuing James's Gate.

7/4

14/1

  • Place: £5.10

Form: 3136-2

Last run: 225 days

W: 11st 2lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 140

Form & Verdict
Creditable third to Lark In The Mornin in the Fred Winter 4yo Handicap here (2m, heavy) last March and 7l second of 19 in the Galway Hurdle (2m, good) in August; absent since heavy defeat on the Flat in the Cesarewitch in October but he's an each-way contender if back on song for this comeback.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

5

(5)

31st May 2026

Good

1m 5f 80y

17:20 Listowel

Ndaawi

11st 0lb

J: Mr H C Swan

T: Gordon Elliott

Smart dual-purposer type got the Galway Hurdle in the stewards' room last summer and beat very useful Absurde in conditions' hurdle last month; his Flat run at Chester in September proved that he's worthy of this mark and showed he had a bit of boot when running well over 1m on AW pre-Cheltenham.

6/4

1st

5

5th Apr 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 0f 70y

13:50 Cork

Ndaawi

11st 2lb

J: Josh Williamson

T: Gordon Elliott

Won the Galway Hurdle last year off 145 (awarded race by stewards) and has also won twice on the level (rated 91); trip and ground fine here and he finished well ahead of Absurde in the County Hurdle last month, though he had a fitness edge that day; talented claimer takes off 5lb and every chance at the weights.

15/8

14th

1

13th Mar 2026

Good

2m 0f 179y

Class 1

14:00 Cheltenham

Ndaawi

12st 0lb

J: Josh Williamson

T: Gordon Elliott

Very smart hurdler whose two visits to this meeting have produced a third in the 2024 Fred Winter and second to Kargese in this last year; improved again to win last summer's Galway Hurdle (pipped by Helvic Dream but awarded the race after suffering interference); below par when remote third to Lossiemouth in Grade 1 Morgiana in November but warmed up for this with a fine run on AW Flat last month over a trip short of his best; while his good record in top handicap hurdles (also second in 2024 Galway Hurdle) makes him a dangerous one to discount, he'll require a high-class performance to win off 156.

20/1

5/1

  • Place: £2.20

Form: 16P41- CD

Last run: 364 days

W: 11st 8lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 146

Form & Verdict
Won this last March (heavy) on last hurdle outing; now 8lb higher and Paul Townend is on stablemate Kargese this time, but he travelled well 12 months ago and there's still mileage in his mark judged on his classy Flat form (close fifth in the Melbourne Cup in November when last seen); effective on any ground; can play another leading role.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

1

1st May 2026

Yielding

2m 0f 45y

18:40 Punchestown

Absurde

11st 12lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: W P Mullins

One of three for trainer; dual-purpose sort who has run creditably in the last three Melbourne Cups (rated 107 on the Flat); 2024 County Hurdle winner was well below his best in that race this season back from a break (2m1f, soft); improved display at Cork when 3.25l behind Ndaawi (16.5f, yielding); a good bit to find with Lossiemouth even if running to his rating, which he hasn't done so far this term.

40/1

2nd

3

5th Apr 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 0f 70y

13:50 Cork

Absurde

11st 2lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: W P Mullins

Classy dual-purpose sort who has run creditably in the last three Melbourne Cups (rated 107 on the Flat); below best after a break in the County Hurdle at Cheltenham but should be sharper now and Harry Cobden has won on him before; top rated at 153 and obvious chance.

5/4

20th

2

13th Mar 2026

Good

2m 0f 179y

Class 1

14:00 Cheltenham

Absurde

11st 13lb

J: Mr P W Mullins

T: W P Mullins

Won this in 2024 and third last year, albeit off much lower marks; operated a little below his very best on the Flat last year, including in Australia in the autumn, which perhaps raises a few doubts as to whether he'll be able to find the career-best hurdle performance which will be needed to defy such a lofty mark.

16/1

14/1

  • Place: £3.30

Form: 060-01 D

Last run: 39 days

W: 11st 5lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 143

Form & Verdict
Tailed off on handicap hurdle debut at Leopardstown (2m, yielding) in December then easily made all in maiden at Punchestown (2m, heavy); back into a tough handicap today and jockey bookings suggest he's not his top yard's chief hope, but this 5yo showed strong form in a hot handicap at Royal Ascot (good to firm) last June and he could have more to offer in this code.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

6

(21)

23rd Aug 2025

Good To Firm

1m 5f 188y

Class 2

15:35 York

Ethical Diamond

9st 8lb

J: William Buick

T: W P Mullins

A bit tricky to settle and he was hooded for first time in a Flat race in 18-runner handicap at Royal Ascot (1m4f, good to firm) nine weeks ago, coming with a relentless run from mid-division to lead final 1f and score with great authority; has an 8lb higher mark today and a longer trip, but he made up a lot of late ground to take fourth in the 2m1f County Hurdle at Cheltenham in March and the best of him on the Flat is probably still to come.

11/2

1st

18

(7)

20th Jun 2025

Good To Firm

1m 3f 211y

Class 2

15:40 Ascot

Ethical Diamond

9st 3lb

J: Ryan Moore

T: W P Mullins

Tricky to settle but fourth in this race last year (good to firm) off 2lb lower and the same this March in the County Hurdle at Cheltenham; ran respectably in his latest hurdle race too and this is his first time hooded in a Flat race; considered.

4/1

7th

1

12th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

2m 0f 0y

Class 1

14:15 Ayr

Ethical Diamond

11st 12lb

J: Mr P W Mullins

T: W P Mullins

Easily won maiden hurdle at Punchestown (2m, heavy) in February and highly creditable fourth in the County Hurdle at Cheltenham (2m1f, good to soft) last month; effective on good ground on the Flat; could have more to offer in this code and he's a major player up 1lb for last time.

11/4

Form: 5-F643 D

Last run: 49 days

W: 10st 3lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 127

Form & Verdict
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.
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: -61358 C

Last run: 34 days

W: 10st 11lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 135

Form & Verdict
Front-runner who isn't obviously well treated and has been soundly beaten the last twice, but he went off hard on the first occasion and soft ground may not have suited last time (when his usual tongue-tie was missing; it returns today); in good form previously on good/good to soft and has run really well on both his visits here; there might not be much competition for the lead and he could make a bold bid at a big price if conditions suit.
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: -40101 D

Last run: 13 days

W: 10st 13lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 132

Form & Verdict
Won the big-field Morebattle Hurdle at Kelso (2m, good to soft) a fortnight ago for the second year running and now chases a £100,000 bonus under a 5lb penalty; however, he loves Kelso and finished down the field in the Greatwood here in November on his sole run at Cheltenham.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

15

13th Mar 2026

Good

2m 0f 179y

Class 1

14:00 Cheltenham

Cracking Rhapsody

10st 8lb

J: Craig Nichol

T: Ewan Whillans

Flagbearer for the yard, winning two Morebattles at Kelso and a Scottish Champion Hurdle at Ayr; however, he's failed to find his best form this season, including only sixth in the latest running of the Morebattle 13 days ago; respectable seventh in this last year; others are more obvious.

33/1

6th

2

28th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 0f 51y

Class 2

14:55 Kelso

Cracking Rhapsody

11st 13lb

J: Craig Nichol

T: Ewan Whillans

Not at his best this season but Haydock last month was a step back in the right direction, after a wind op; has won here four times, including the last two runnings of this race (good to soft), and he's 1lb lower than when winning the Scottish Champion Hurdle last April; major player.

6/1

6th

1

17th Jan 2026

Good To Soft

1m 7f 144y

Class 3

12:50 Haydock

Cracking Rhapsody

12st 2lb

J: Craig Nichol

T: Ewan Whillans

Below par on both runs this season but has had wind surgery since and he's back down to the same mark as for his win in the Scottish Champion Hurdle at Ayr (2m, good to soft); not ruled out on this drop in grade.

13/2

Form: 31-212 D

Last run: 77 days

W: 11st 5lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 143

Form & Verdict
Improved form in these blinkers the last twice, easily winning a novice at Naas (2m, good to yielding) before a close second of 19 at Leopardstown (2m, yielding) in December when back in a handicap and making most; this 5yo could continue to progress for his good trainer; a possible.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

3

14th Apr 2026

Yielding

1m 7f 131y

18:42 Clonmel

Pinot Gris

11st 12lb

J: Darragh O’Keeffe

T: Henry De Bromhead

Dual-purpose; the best of these over hurdles (rated 143); no impact on first three starts for this yard in hot handicap hurdles; well beaten on sole previous chase start at Cork when with Gavin Cromwell but this much easier; wouldn't want it too soft.

11/8

16th

7

13th Mar 2026

Good

2m 0f 179y

Class 1

14:00 Cheltenham

Pinot Gris

11st 1lb

J: Darragh O’Keeffe

T: Henry De Bromhead

Two wins apiece on the Flat and over hurdles during his time with Gavin Cromwell but well beaten in a big-field handicap on the Flat and over hurdles (behind a few of these at Dublin Racing Festival) since joining current yard; the refitting of blinkers needs to help spark a revival.

25/1

12th

4

1st Feb 2026

Heavy

2m 0f 0y

15:52 Leopardstown

Pinot Gris

11st 4lb

J: Darragh O’Keeffe

T: Henry De Bromhead

Two wins apiece on the Flat and over hurdles; was poor on the Flat when last seen but has a shout if back to his best hurdle form; handles soft.

20/1

Form: 501352 D

Last run: 40 days

W: 12st 0lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 152

Form & Verdict
One of four for Willie Mullins; 6yo whose form has been mixed since he bolted up in big-field handicap at Punchestown festival (2m, yielding) last April; however, he ran well when a well-held second in the Irish Champion Hurdle (2m, soft) last month and has a chance if at the top of his game.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

3

25th May 2026

Good

2m 2f 72y

16:30 Ballinrobe

Daddy Long Legs

11st 2lb

J: Paul Townend

T: W P Mullins

Grade 3 and Listed winner over hurdles and rated 152; last sighted finishing well beaten in Southwell Flat maiden won by Constitution Hill; not seen over timber since Sussex Champion Hurdle second at Plumpton in April 2025; best treated by race conditions and the one to beat; cheekpieces on.

11/10

9th

4

(1)

20th Feb 2026

Standard

1m 4f 14y

Class 2

19:30 Southwell (AW)

Daddy Long Legs

9st 6lb

J: Ryan Moore

T: W P Mullins

Not as good a hurdler as Constitution Hill but he's smart, finishing a flattering second to State Man in last year's Irish Champion Hurdle and then competitive in two strong handicaps; last seen beaten at odds-on in a 1m5f maiden at Ballinrobe but that's turned out to be a strong race and he reportedly finished lame; ability much respected on this AW debut.

9/2

Form: 3-2833

Last run: 40 days

W: 10st 4lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 128

Form & Verdict
8yo who remains a maiden but is lightly raced and has run well when third in big fields at Leopardstown (2m, yielding/soft) this winter on his first two handicap starts; a tongue-tie is added; each-way claims once more.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

1

30th Apr 2026

Yielding

2m 0f 75y

17:25 Punchestown

Irish Panther

11st 12lb

J: Kieren Buckley

T: Eddie & Patrick Harty

Ran some fine races in defeat over hurdles last season including at this meeting; got off the mark in a Clonmel maiden last autumn and then took a Naas beginners' chase, easily beating Jacob's Ladder; just denied in the Grade 1 Racing Post Novice Chase at Christmas and put up a respectable effort in the Champion Chase last time; can be involved.

5/1

6th

5

11th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

1m 7f 199y

Class 1

16:00 Cheltenham

Irish Panther

11st 10lb

J: Kieren Buckley

T: Eddie & Patrick Harty

Very short on chasing experience, having raced just twice in this sphere, but by the same token looks open to any amount of further improvement despite being a 9yo (latecomer to this scene); close second, clear of remainder, in Grade 1 novice at Leopardstown (2m1f, yielding) when attempting to follow up his comfortable success in a Naas race that's worked out well; has shown good progress for current yard and looks interesting pitched into open company instead of bashing heads with similarly unexposed rivals in the Arkle.

12/1

1st

4

23rd Oct 2025

Yielding

2m 0f 205y

14:22 Clonmel

Irish Panther

11st 12lb

J: Cian Cullinan

T: Eddie & Patrick Harty

Placed in nine of his 11 races, including all three bumpers and his first three maiden hurdle starts; slotted into handicaps effectively last season; twice in the money at Leopardstown before set a tough task in the County Hurdle, stands out in this company on his Punchestown festival third behind the British-trained pair Ascending Lark and Wilful.

4/9

Form: -213P9 D

Last run: 41 days

W: 10st 3lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 127

Form & Verdict
Runner-up here (2m, good) in October then went one better in small field at Huntingdon (2m, good), before solid third at Doncaster (2m, good to soft); however, two lesser runs have followed; needs to raise his game.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

4

20th May 2026

Good

2m 5f 5y

Class 4

16:00 Warwick

Norman Fletcher

11st 8lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Nigel & Willy Twiston-Davies

Has had three wins over hurdles but yet to convince on his suitability for this distance, latest when seventh of eight finishers at Haydock (2m5f, good) last month in first-time cheekpieces (retained).

10/1

7th

12

15th Apr 2026

Good

2m 5f 50y

Class 2

15:15 Haydock

Norman Fletcher

10st 5lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Nigel & Willy Twiston-Davies

All five wins have been at about 2m or 2m1f; wasn't that strong through the line over Bangor's extended 2m3f last time (good) and has further to go here; tries cheekpieces.

10/1

3rd

6

21st Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 123y

Class 2

15:20 Bangor-on-Dee

Norman Fletcher

10st 8lb

J: James Turner

T: Nigel & Willy Twiston-Davies

Hasn't fired as he can this season but he's well handicapped on form that wasn't that long ago; back from a break and hasn't had many chances over this sort of trip.

6/1

OUR TIP

Form: 4-4P44 D

Last run: 40 days

W: 11st 7lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 145

Form & Verdict
10yo who won two Grade 3s in 2023; returned this season from an absence and there was some spark when fourth in a Grade 2 here on penultimate start, but he hasn't been showing enough to have appealing claims today.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

18th Jul 2025

Good

2m 1f 0y

15:05 Killarney

Fils Doudairies

11st 9lb

J: Jack Kennedy

T: Gordon Elliott

Mostly hurdling this year and has faced some stiff competition but acquitted himself well at times; sole win over fences came in 2020 and pulled-up last chase start in January.

14/1

7th

8

3rd Jul 2025

Good To Yielding

2m 0f 0y

18:10 Tipperary

Fils Doudairies

11st 1lb

J: Jack Kennedy

T: Gordon Elliott

Won this in 2023 but hasn't looked the force of old this year and arrives on the back of a low-key effort.

25/1

5th

1

6th Jun 2025

Good

2m 3f 203y

18:45 Clonmel

Fils Doudairies

11st 12lb

J: Finn Brickley

T: Gordon Elliott

Has plenty of back-class and didn't run at all badly in the County Hurdle at Cheltenham; however, it was off level weights when just ahead of My Gaffer last time and will need to run better to win this, even with Finn Brickley taking off 7lb.

7/2

Form: 15-483 D

Last run: 27 days

W: 11st 4lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 142

Form & Verdict
Won Newbury handicap (2m, good to soft) in December 2023; beaten nearly 5l when third of four in the Grade 2 at Wincanton last month (1m7f, good to soft) from which the clear one-two were fortunate to fill the same positions in Tuesday's Champion Hurdle; it was a creditable run from this fellow in the face of a tough task and he's a possible player in first-time cheekpieces.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

10th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

1m 7f 199y

Class 1

14:00 Cheltenham

Hansard

11st 7lb

J: Caoilin Quinn

T: Gary & Josh Moore

Had a simple task when beating two stablemates at Lingfield (2m, good to soft) in December; finished behind Jax Junior and Mambonumberfive in his runs on either side of that win; bottom of the list on ratings.

100/1

7th

7

20th Apr 2025

Good

1m 7f 195y

Class 2

16:05 Plumpton

Hansard

11st 2lb

J: Niall Houlihan

T: Gary & Josh Moore

Only 1lb above his last winning mark but hasn't truly threatened this season and no better for cheekpieces the last twice, in the County Hurdle and then over 2m4f at Aintree; he wouldn't be the obvious answer here.

8/1

Form: 631-57 C BF

Last run: 77 days

W: 10st 8lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 132

Form & Verdict
Convincing win in the Fred Winter 4yo Handicap here (2m, heavy) 12 months ago; hasn't threatened on either run since (May/December) but previous Festival form has to be respected and he could be well treated if rediscovering last March's promise; ran well on good to yielding on the Flat.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

16th

1

(20)

24th May 2026

Good To Yielding

1m 6f 0y

17:40 Curragh

Lark In The Mornin

10st 3lb

J: J M Sheridan

T: Joseph Patrick O’Brien

Good form on the Flat when last seen, taking third at Listowel before winning at 4-11 in a Bellewstown conditions race; more impressive was his head victory back at Listowel in September (1m6f, good to yielding); however, top weight and stable have better candidates.

14/1

2

26th Sep 2025

Yielding

1m 6f 0y

17:25 Listowel

Lark In The Mornin

11st 4lb

J: Mr J L Gleeson

T: Joseph Patrick O’Brien

Winner on Flat debut here in 2022 over a mile; best known for winning 2024 Fred Winter at Cheltenham (2m, heavy); poor in runs following that until a close third here back on Flat in June (1m5f, good) when Sorrentino finished in front by a neck; won amateur race at Bellewstown latest (1m4f, good); leading contender who likes it here.

9/2

3

(2)

3rd Jul 2025

Good

1m 4f 71y

20:17 Bellewstown

Lark In The Mornin

11st 0lb

J: Mr J L Gleeson

T: Joseph Patrick O’Brien

A 128-rated hurdler whose wins include last year's Fred Winter at Cheltenham; not so good this past season but solid run back on the Flat at Listowel (won 2yo maiden there) when making most in finishing close third in 1m6f amateur contest on good; easier task here and looks the one to beat.

1/2

Form: 111207 C

Last run: 77 days

W: 10st 10lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 134

Form & Verdict
Easily made all in Grade 2 novice here in October (2m, good; has also won on soft); weakened when 11l second in 2m5f Grade 2 here next time; down the field since in his first two handicaps (2m1f/2m, good to soft) but a break may have helped this lightly raced 6yo and he's the sole representative of Dan Skelton, who has won four of the last nine runnings; not discounted.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11

12th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

2m 0f 0y

Class 1

14:15 Ayr

Valgrand

11st 0lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

Easily made all in Grade 2 novice hurdle at Cheltenham (2m, good) last October and he's on a handy mark on that form; it's possible he'll get back on track at some stage but he's finished down the field in all three handicaps, most recently the County Hurdle at Cheltenham, and has something to prove.

7/1

11

12th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

2m 0f 0y

Class 1

14:15 Ayr

Valgrand

11st 0lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

Easily made all in Grade 2 novice hurdle at Cheltenham (2m, good) last October and he's on a handy mark on that form; it's possible he'll get back on track at some stage but he's finished down the field in all three handicaps, most recently the County Hurdle at Cheltenham, and has something to prove.

7/1

15th

12

14th Mar 2025

Good To Soft

2m 0f 179y

Class 1

14:00 Cheltenham

Valgrand

10st 10lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

Easily made all in Grade 2 novice here in October (2m, good; has also won on soft); weakened when 11l second in 2m5f Grade 2 here next time; down the field since in his first two handicaps (2m1f/2m, good to soft) but a break may have helped this lightly raced 6yo and he's the sole representative of Dan Skelton, who has won four of the last nine runnings; not discounted.

8/1

13/2

Form: 0-2311 D

Last run: 40 days

W: 10st 12lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 136

Form & Verdict
Won maiden hurdle at Limerick (2m, yielding to soft) in December and followed up when favourite for warm handicap at Leopardstown (2m, soft) in February; has also shown promise on good to yielding; hit hard by the handicapper but this very lightly raced 6yo could have lots more left in the tank.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

16

30th Apr 2026

Yielding

2m 0f 75y

16:50 Punchestown

McLaurey

11st 4lb

J: Mark Walsh

T: Emmet Mullins

Beat the talented Storm Heart in a valuable DRF handicap hurdle in 2024; maiden over fences; seventh when well fancied for a Cheltenham handicap; suffered interference off the home turn, might have finished closer; addition of tongue-tie may help.

7/1

7th

17

10th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 44y

Class 1

16:40 Cheltenham

McLaurey

10st 7lb

J: Mark Walsh

T: Emmet Mullins

Reached his peak over hurdles when winning a valuable race at Leopardstown (2m, soft) last February but finished last in the County Hurdle here next time; the type to make a chaser and, after a laboured effort on his handicap chase debut at Naas, he fared better in a Down Royal novice in January; needs to show his jumping can hold up under pressure but this trip should suit better than the 2m he's been running over and plenty of potential remains.

9/2

4th

2

20th Jan 2026

Yielding To Soft

2m 0f 115y

14:50 Down Royal

McLaurey

12st 0lb

J: Mark Walsh

T: Emmet Mullins

Very useful (133-rated) hurdler whose two wins last season included very valuable Leopardstown handicap; more of a slow-burner over fences this term, Fairyhouse beginners' third his best run; let down by jumping against more experienced rivals in handicap on latest when never landing a blow at Naas; back in novice grade and Mark Walsh remains loyal.

11/4

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £94.10
Straight Forecast £92.43
Tricast £398.02
Trifecta £750.30

Selections

Telegraph:

Kargese

Daily Mail:

Lark In The Mornin

RP RATINGS:

Hansard

POSTDATA:

Cracking Rhapsody

WEST COUNTRY:

Norman Fletcher

The Times:

Daddy Long Legs

TOPSPEED:

Our Champ

Daily Mirror:

Irish Panther

SPOTLIGHT:

Absurde

The Guardian:

Kargese

The Star:

Kargese

Daily Record:

Kargese

D Express:

Lark In The Mornin

The Sun:

Hansard