March 14 / 15.20 Cheltenham

15.20

Good To Soft

Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 1) (Registered As The Spa Novices’ Hurdle) (GBB Race)

  • Prize money: £84405
  • 2m 7f 213y
  • Class 1
  • 20 runners
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Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 1) (Registered As The Spa Novices’ Hurdle) (GBB Race)

Runners: 20 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Cloudy

10/1 (Won)

  • Win: £7.00
  • Place: £2.60

Form: 1-8144 C

Last run: 41 days

W: 11st 7lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 141

Form & Verdict
Won last year's Champion Bumper but hasn't looked a natural over hurdles, even when winning his 2m maiden that's worked out really well; comfortably beaten in 2m4f/2m6f Grade 1s the last twice, though he was boxing on in the latest (in first-time cheekpieces which are now discarded) and this longer trip could put a spring in his step should his jumping pass the test; dangerous to dismiss with Paul Townend back aboard; his standout form is on soft ground.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

6

30th Apr 2025

Yielding

2m 7f 192y

16:15 Punchestown

Jasmin De Vaux

11st 10lb

J: Paul Townend

T: W P Mullins

towards rear

5/4

1st

6

30th Apr 2025

Yielding

2m 7f 192y

16:15 Punchestown

Jasmin De Vaux

11st 10lb

J: Paul Townend

T: W P Mullins

towards rear

5/4

1st

9

14th Mar 2025

Good To Soft

2m 7f 213y

Class 1

15:20 Cheltenham

Jasmin De Vaux

11st 7lb

J: Paul Townend

T: W P Mullins

Won last year's Champion Bumper but hasn't looked a natural over hurdles, even when winning his 2m maiden that's worked out really well; comfortably beaten in 2m4f/2m6f Grade 1s the last twice, though he was boxing on in the latest (in first-time cheekpieces which are now discarded) and this longer trip could put a spring in his step should his jumping pass the test; dangerous to dismiss with Paul Townend back aboard; his standout form is on soft ground.

10/1

Form: 11 D

Last run: 78 days

W: 11st 0lb

6 yo Mare

OR:

Form & Verdict
Bred for the job as a half-sister to the 2023 winner Stay Away Fay; bought for £120,000 after winning her point and remains unbeaten after winning both her hurdle races, repelling Argento Boy in a maiden (2m5f) before displaying plenty of stamina in winning a 2m7f Grade 2 at Limerick (smart RPR given they went a steady pace; on yielding to soft); it's difficult to gauge how good this scopey mare is and the fact no female has won this race carries little significance when so few have tried.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

14

20th Apr 2025

Yielding To Soft

2m 4f 0y

16:10 Fairyhouse

The Big Westerner

11st 5lb

J: Darragh O’Keeffe

T: Henry De Bromhead

Bought for £120,000 after a debut point win; impressed in winning her first two hurdle races; landed a 2m5f maiden at Punchestown before displaying plenty of stamina in winning a 2m7f Grade 2 at Limerick; arguably sets the standard with her second behind Jasmin De Vaux in the Albert Bartlett, rallied well having been hampered after two out; suited by soft ground.

7/4

Form: 121531 D

Last run: 48 days

W: 11st 7lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 134

Form & Verdict
Found 2m3f too sharp a test three runs back but progressive otherwise this season at up to 3m and he had Ma Shantou and Jig's Forge behind when digging deepest in a Grade 2 at Doncaster last time (3m, good to soft); this demands a whole lot more and he has plenty to find with Jet Blue on their clash here in December.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

19

14th Mar 2025

Good To Soft

2m 7f 213y

Class 1

15:20 Cheltenham

Yellow Car

11st 7lb

J: Nick Slatter

T: David Killahena & Graeme McPherson

Found 2m3f too sharp a test three runs back but progressive otherwise this season at up to 3m and he had Ma Shantou and Jig's Forge behind when digging deepest in a Grade 2 at Doncaster last time (3m, good to soft); this demands a whole lot more and he has plenty to find with Jet Blue on their clash here in December.

33/1

1st

7

25th Jan 2025

Good To Soft

3m 0f 84y

Class 1

14:05 Doncaster

Yellow Car

11st 0lb

J: Nick Slatter

T: David Killahena & Graeme McPherson

towards rear but in touch with leaders

14/1

Form: 1-2121

Last run: 30 days

W: 11st 7lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 137

Form & Verdict
1-3 in points and 2-3 in bumpers; beaten at Hexham on his hurdling debut but then won well at Ludlow and showed that he belonged in this company when best of the rest behind The New Lion in the Grade 1 Challow at Newbury (2m4f, good to soft) where he produced his best work late in the day; massively odds-on when easily making all in a Wetherby novice (2m3f, soft) and rates a likely contender with this longer trip a probable plus.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

8

10th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 210y

Class 1

14:20 Aintree

Wendigo

11st 7lb

J: Jonathan Burke

T: Jamie Snowden

Just nabbed on his chase debut (good) in October but stayed on strongly to pick up Newbury Grade 2 (also 2m4f, good to soft; Regent's Stroll third, Crest Of Fortune fourth) the following month; outpaced throughout but never stopped trying when third in Kempton Grade 1 (3m, good; Salver fourth, Crest Of Fortune behind) over Christmas and that was also the case until he fell at the last when 6l down in the Brown Advisory (3m1f, good to soft; Salver third) last month; solid claims.

4/1

14

11th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 1f 0y

Class 1

14:00 Cheltenham

Wendigo

11st 7lb

J: Gavin Sheehan

T: Jamie Snowden

Fifth in last year's Albert Bartlett here and very smart form over fences, winning Grade 2 at Newbury (2m4f, good to soft) in November; easy winner of novice at Ayr (3m, soft) 41 days ago and looks the best of the British hopes, although he may find one or two too good unless he improves again.

8/1

40/1

Form: 14

Last run: 48 days

W: 11st 7lb

6 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Won his 3m point on heavy ground so should stay okay; made all in a 2m4f maiden on soft at Ffos Las but he gave up the ghost quite tamely when behind some of these in a 3m Grade 2 at Doncaster in January (good to soft); opposable on the back of that effort.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

1

7th Feb 2026

Soft

2m 7f 91y

Class 3

15:55 Newbury

Jigs Forge

11st 10lb

J: Kielan Woods

T: Ben Pauling

Sixth in 2025 Albert Bartlett at Cheltenham; highly likely that the long odds-on favourite failed to give his running when this 7yo prevailed in a match over 2m6f here in December but it was no-nonsense stuff from the front and his first run over fences at Cheltenham was also encouraging (on soft); unexposed chaser who is in the Grade 1 Brown Advisory at Cheltenham; respected.

9/2

7

23rd Apr 2025

Good

2m 7f 207y

Class 1

14:48 Perth

Jigs Forge

11st 2lb

J: Ben Jones

T: Ben Pauling

Belied his huge odds with a good effort in the Albert Bartlett, eventually weakening into sixth place having held every chance turning for home; could go well again.

10/1

7th

7

23rd Apr 2025

Good

2m 7f 207y

Class 1

14:48 Perth

Jigs Forge

11st 2lb

J: Ben Jones

T: Ben Pauling

prominent

10/1

Form: 0-2113 BF

Last run: 48 days

W: 11st 7lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 130

Form & Verdict
Failed in his hat-trick bid when made favourite for the Grade 2 River Don at Doncaster (3m) but, while that was his first attempt over this far, he shaped as though a more truly run race would have benefited him; like many in here, the potential is there for a career best.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

10

12th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 7f 213y

Class 1

15:20 Cheltenham

Ma Shantou

11st 10lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Emma Lavelle

Two handicap wins here this season (3m, good) and he took the rise in grade in his stride to win the Grade 2 Cleeve Hurdle over C&D (soft) in January; the 7l runner-up Impose Toi was giving him 6lb and perhaps wasn't at his best, but this highly progressive 7yo was impressive nevertheless; his profile is not dissimilar to that of Paisley Park, who won the Cleeve for this yard in 2019 before landing this race; very much one to be interested in.

6/1

1st

6

24th Jan 2026

Soft

2m 7f 213y

Class 1

15:35 Cheltenham

Ma Shantou

11st 2lb

J: Ben Jones

T: Emma Lavelle

Won big-field handicap here (3m, good) in October and bounced back from lesser run at Haydock to win handicap over this C&D (good) on New Year's Day; won a bumper on soft ground; further improvement needed now up in grade but trainer enjoyed lots of success in this race with Paisley Park and this progressive 7yo is an each-way possible at a track he obviously relishes.

5/1

Form: 4-4215

Last run: 41 days

W: 11st 7lb

6 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Outran his odds when a closing fourth in last year's Champion Bumper; the form of his first two efforts in maiden hurdles were underwhelming and he offered little in a 2m6f Grade 1 at the Dublin Racing Festival when behind Wingmen and Jasmin De Vaux.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

16

14th Mar 2025

Good To Soft

2m 7f 213y

Class 1

15:20 Cheltenham

Sounds Victorius

11st 7lb

J: Mr P W Mullins

T: W P Mullins

Outran his odds when a closing fourth in last year's Champion Bumper; the form of his first two efforts in maiden hurdles were underwhelming and he offered little in a 2m6f Grade 1 at the Dublin Racing Festival when behind Wingmen and Jasmin De Vaux.

20/1

5th

7

1st Feb 2025

Soft

2m 6f 53y

13:15 Leopardstown

Sounds Victorius

11st 10lb

J: Sean O’Keeffe

T: W P Mullins

prominent, lost position and dropped to midfield before 2 out, kept on approaching last

6/1

5th

7

1st Feb 2025

Soft

2m 6f 53y

13:15 Leopardstown

Sounds Victorius

11st 10lb

J: Sean O’Keeffe

T: W P Mullins

prominent, lost position and dropped to midfield before 2 out, kept on approaching last

6/1

7/1

Form: 3-3121 CD

Last run: 90 days

W: 11st 7lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 140

Form & Verdict
Won three of his ten bumpers in France and also a 2m2f hurdle race in October; moved stables after changing hands for 220,000euros in November and a month later created quite an impression when decisively winning a Grade 2 here (good to soft) on his first foray over 3m, with subsequent Grade 2 winner Yellow Car left trailing in his wake; winning course form has regularly featured on successful CVs in this race and he's accrued plenty of experience; hard to knock.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

11

14th Mar 2025

Good To Soft

2m 7f 213y

Class 1

15:20 Cheltenham

Jet Blue

11st 7lb

J: James Reveley

T: D Cottin

Won three of his ten bumpers in France and also a 2m2f hurdle race in October; moved stables after changing hands for 220,000euros in November and a month later created quite an impression when decisively winning a Grade 2 here (good to soft) on his first foray over 3m, with subsequent Grade 2 winner Yellow Car left trailing in his wake; winning course form has regularly featured on successful CVs in this race and he's accrued plenty of experience; hard to knock.

7/1

Form: -11232

Last run: 41 days

W: 11st 7lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 142

Form & Verdict
Winner of a point, two bumpers and a 2m4f maiden hurdle; under positive rides he's also made the frame in two Grade 1s this year, in the latest (2m6f, soft; has won on good to yielding) keeping on for second prize behind the impressive Final Demand; this 7yo is a big lad who won't be fazed by a big field and gives the impression that he'll stay all day; respected runner for a yard that won this race 12 months ago; has worn this hood in his last six races.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

8

1st May 2026

Yielding

2m 4f 55y

17:25 Punchestown

Wingmen

11st 8lb

J: Josh Williamson

T: Gordon Elliott

One of two for trainer; yet to win over fences after five starts, but some positive efforts behind quality opposition, including when 0.75l behind Funiculi Funicula at Cork last time (2m1f, yielding) under this rider; place chance.

16/1

2nd

7

5th Apr 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 1f 45y

16:45 Cork

Wingmen

11st 12lb

J: Josh Williamson

T: Gordon Elliott

Has won a point, two bumpers and a maiden hurdle plus placed in two Grade 1 novice hurdles last year; solid in defeat in his first three chase runs but below that form in a classy Cheltenham handicap last time; looks the better of the Elliott pair and a big player even down in trip.

11/10

Form: 1-0P31

Last run: 46 days

W: 11st 7lb

6 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Cost £300,000 after winning his point (3m, soft) and he followed up in a Gowran bumper (2m2f, heavy); improved with each of his races over hurdles but he wasn't that impressive last time when winning a Punchestown maiden (extended 2m3f, heavy; second has won since); may prefer testing ground.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

1st May 2026

Yielding

2m 4f 55y

17:25 Punchestown

Port Joulain

11st 10lb

J: Brian Hayes

T: W P Mullins

One of eight for trainer; point and bumper winner two seasons ago and won his maiden hurdle here early last year (2m4f, heavy); much improved display, compared to poor opening chase start here, when successful at Fairyhouse in January (2m1f, yielding), beating a better-fancied stablemate; had the run of things when third of five in a Navan Grade 3 novice last time.

12/1

3rd

5

28th Feb 2026

Heavy

2m 0f 0y

15:35 Navan

Port Joulain

11st 1lb

J: Paul Townend

T: W P Mullins

Point and bumper winner two seasons ago; won a Punchestown maiden hurdle (2m3f, heavy) early last year before being tailed off in the Albert Bartlett; lack of stamina probably a significant factor in a poor chasing at Punchestown (2m7f, heavy); much more like it when making all and jumping well to beat a shorter-priced stablemate over 2m1f at Fairyhouse.

2/1

1st

5

14th Jan 2026

Yielding

2m 1f 30y

14:50 Fairyhouse

Port Joulain

11st 12lb

J: Paul Townend

T: W P Mullins

One of three for trainer; cost 300,000GBP after winning a point; followed up in a Gowran bumper (2m2f, heavy); took a Punchestown maiden hurdle on third attempt over timber (2m3f, heavy); made an inauspicious start to chasing career at Punchestown last month when tailed off (2m7f, heavy); surely better than that and Townend rides.

7/1

11/1

Form: 10211 D

Last run: 29 days

W: 11st 7lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 137

Form & Verdict
Quick enough to win a bumper on yielding ground but smacks of a stayer having won a 3m Grade 3 at Clonmel (soft) last time, albeit a weak one and effectively a match; appears to have the right attitude and that can count for plenty in this race.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

19th

11

30th Apr 2026

Yielding

2m 7f 110y

16:15 Punchestown

Ballybow

10st 8lb

J: Danny Gilligan

T: Gordon Elliott

Won a Grade 3 hurdle over this trip in 2025 but hasn't repeated that form since; some fair runs in defeat over fences this season but has to get back to his best returned to hurdles; yard second-string.

40/1

4th

2

12th Apr 2026

Good

2m 4f 88y

16:07 Down Royal

Ballybow

11st 12lb

J: Jack Kennedy

T: Gordon Elliott

Useful 128-rated hurdler last season, including a Grade 3 win; well beaten over various trips in four beginners' chases this season, fourth behind King Alexander at Gowran was his best effort; tailed off in the Leinster National at Naas last time when 3m1f on soft to heavy may have been too far; 13lb to find on ratings with Sandor Clegane, but that rival is not the most solid.

2/1

9th

15

8th Mar 2026

Heavy

3m 0f 174y

16:02 Naas

Ballybow

10st 0lb

J: Josh Williamson

T: Gordon Elliott

Useful 128-rated hurdler last season, including a Grade 3 win; well beaten over various trips at this venue in opening three beginners' chase outings in good company; shaped more promisingly in first-time blinkers at Gowran last time before fading tamely after making jumping errors; makes handicap chase debut now and 6lb wrong; needs to jump better.

12/1

Form: 336-14 D

Last run: 54 days

W: 11st 7lb

7 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Same connections won this three years ago with The Nice Guy; wins nothing here judged on his latest run but had previously won well over 2m7f at Fairyhouse (yielding) where Fishery Lane was back in third; retains potential and he clearly stays well.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9

22nd Apr 2025

Soft To Heavy

2m 7f 35y

16:30 Fairyhouse

Inn At The Park

11st 4lb

J: Sean O’Keeffe

T: W P Mullins

midfield

14/1

9

22nd Apr 2025

Soft To Heavy

2m 7f 35y

16:30 Fairyhouse

Inn At The Park

11st 4lb

J: Sean O’Keeffe

T: W P Mullins

midfield

14/1

Form: 0-62P1 D

Last run: 39 days

W: 11st 7lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 137

Form & Verdict
Won a bumper before offering little in the Grade 1s here and at Punchestown; had another blip in his second maiden hurdle but likeable efforts either side of that, pushing The Big Westerner close in the first despite racing with the choke out and last time winning as he liked at Punchestown (2m7f, heavy); his jumping hasn't been pretty and all his best form is in the mud, but the raw ability he has is respected; shortlisted.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

5

2nd May 2026

Yielding

3m 0f 104y

15:45 Punchestown

Argento Boy

11st 5lb

J: Sean O’Keeffe

T: W P Mullins

Made amends for a fall on his chasing debut with wins in a beginners' event at Punchestown and Naas Grade 3 (extended 3m, heavy); struggled in the Brown Advisory and didn't land a blow (mistakes) when remote fourth in 3m5f Irish National last time; jumping still needs attention.

20/1

8th

1

11th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 1f 0y

Class 1

14:00 Cheltenham

Argento Boy

11st 7lb

J: Danny Mullins

T: W P Mullins

Winner of both completed chase starts, including in slow-motion finish to Naas Grade 3 in January (extended 3m, heavy); will stay but has more to find on ratings than most and bulk of his form has come on testing ground.

33/1

1st

2

25th Jan 2026

Heavy

3m 0f 125y

15:25 Naas

Argento Boy

11st 0lb

J: Paul Townend

T: W P Mullins

Decent novice hurdler last season but came up short at Grade 1 level; faller on chase debut at Punchestown last month but landed 3m beginners there later in month albeit task made considerably easier by two high-profile fallers; sole runner for top yard so respected, but suspicion is he'll have to improve a fair bit to play a major role; goes on heavy.

13/2

OUR TIP

Form: 1-11 D

Last run: 56 days

W: 11st 7lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 134

Form & Verdict
Point winner who extended his unbeaten record to three under rules (tongue tied in all) when digging deep to edge out a previous Listed winner in a 3m novice at Windsor in January; looks hot property with the future in mind and should be in his element with this stiffer stamina test provided by the New course; has only raced on soft or heavy ground but he's well thought of by his respected yard that won this in 2012 and had a fourth Festival winner on Tuesday.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

2

26th Feb 2024

Heavy

2m 0f 0y

Class 5

17:20 Ayr

Derryhassen Paddy

11st 2lb

J: Patrick Wadge

T: Lucinda Russell

Successful in heavy-ground Irish point 11 weeks ago, beating a rival who has since gone very close in a bumper; granddam scored in this sphere; wears tongue-tie; interesting contender.

11/4

Form: 3171

Last run: 27 days

W: 11st 7lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 129

Form & Verdict
Both wins under rules have come on good ground over Ascot's extended 2m3f, on either side of finishing tailed off in the Grade 1 Challow; raised markedly in trip here but he won his 3m point on heavy and his trainer describes him as a relentless galloper; possible improver.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

13

10th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 5f 201y

Class 2

17:20 Cheltenham

First Confession

11st 3lb

J: Brendan Powell

T: Joe Tizzard

Pulled up at 50-1 in last year's 3m Grade 1 novice hurdle here; ran well in three of his five chases this term, notably with his easy win in a 2m5f beginners' event at Carlisle (good to soft) last time, but Cheltenham in December was one of the exceptions and he didn't jump well that day, before falling at Exeter on his next start; work to do on a few counts.

25/1

1st

1

3rd Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 198y

Class 3

14:00 Carlisle

First Confession

11st 5lb

J: Brendan Powell

T: Joe Tizzard

The only one of these with chasing experience; didn't jump well when soundly beaten at Cheltenham in December and fell at Exeter latest; however, before those he ran well to finish third over C&D (good to soft) and at Kempton (3m, good) in his first two chases; major player if he's on song.

6/4

Form: 25-031

Last run: 57 days

W: 11st 7lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 129

Form & Verdict
Fifth in last season's Champion Bumper; his jumping was hit and miss when a beaten favourite in his first hurdle start (2m7f; yielding; behind stablemate Inn At The Park) but he found greater fluency in front when making all at Fairyhouse (2m4f, soft); connections have hinted that staying will be his game and this sort of test could well trigger a spike in form.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

14

2nd May 2026

Yielding

3m 7f 68y

15:05 Punchestown

Fishery Lane

10st 10lb

J: Sean O’Keeffe

T: W P Mullins

Maiden hurdle win over 2m4f; 0-6 chasing this term, decent handicap debut run at Leopardstown (2m6f), most recently halfway faller in 3m5f Ulster National; others possibly better handicapped and trip remains an unknown.

16/1

3

29th Mar 2026

Yielding To Soft

3m 4f 120y

16:27 Downpatrick

Fishery Lane

11st 6lb

J: Brian Hayes

T: W P Mullins

Maiden hurdle over 2m4f; 0-5 chasing this term, modest placings behind stablemates in two beginners' events; fair effort when fourth at Leopardstown in his first handicap chase; open to improvement, but stablemate Uncle Pat appears more attractively handicapped

9/1

4th

10

2nd Mar 2026

Soft To Heavy

2m 5f 120y

16:25 Leopardstown

Fishery Lane

10st 4lb

J: Brian Hayes

T: W P Mullins

After winning his maiden hurdle over 2m4f (Fairyhouse) he was pulled up twice; 0-4 chasing this term, modest placings behind stablemates the last twice; doesn't exactly seem thrown in on handicap chase debut (5lb higher than hurdles).

12/1

Form: 118113 D

Last run: 41 days

W: 11st 7lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 134

Form & Verdict
Hasn't been out of handicap company in well over a year but highly progressive in that scene and better than ever when close third in a 3m Listed handicap at Leopardstown last month (soft; has won on yielding); moved with purpose through that race and perhaps went for home a tad early; battle-hardened, still improving and wouldn't be without a squeak.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

25th Jan 2026

Heavy

3m 0f 125y

15:25 Naas

Flicker Of Hope

11st 3lb

J: Donagh Meyler

T: Mark Fahey

Smart hurdler who has taken really well to chasing, winning last two starts; 2m4f Fairyhouse beginners (heavy) and relished step up in trip over C&D 16 days ago when outstaying an odds-on shot on soft; set for another big run with conditions to suit.

100/30

3rd

4

27th Oct 2025

Good To Yielding

2m 0f 0y

16:03 Wexford

Flicker Of Hope

11st 12lb

J: Donagh Meyler

T: Mark Fahey

Four-time hurdle winner up to 3m1f including at this track; pulled-up on last completed start in the Albert Bartlett at Cheltenham; this trip looks a bit sharp on chasing debut.

14/1

3rd

4

27th Oct 2025

Good To Yielding

2m 0f 0y

16:03 Wexford

Flicker Of Hope

11st 12lb

J: Donagh Meyler

T: Mark Fahey

Four-time hurdle winner up to 3m1f including at this track; pulled-up on last completed start in the Albert Bartlett at Cheltenham; this trip looks a bit sharp on chasing debut.

14/1

Form: 211211 C

Last run: 41 days

W: 11st 7lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 137

Form & Verdict
Has been making hay in softer races all season and he's not beaten anything of note in his most recent wins here (good) and at Musselburgh (good to soft); however, those were over 3m so he's an assured stayer, and already having nine hurdle starts in the bag is a selling point when many past winners of this were well stocked up on experience; should give his running.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

16th

12

12th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 127y

Class 1

14:00 Cheltenham

Intense Approach

10st 11lb

J: Alex Harvey

T: John C McConnell

Prevailed in a big field at Galway (2m6f, good) on chase debut but has failed to back up that form since and was particularly disappointing in October when bidding for a second win at the Cheltenham Showcase meeting; wears first-time headgear; less solid than others.

50/1

26

11th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 5f 0y

Class 1

14:40 Cheltenham

Intense Approach

10st 10lb

T: John C McConnell

Reserve; won four times (once on good here) as a novice hurdler last season before pulling up at 14-1 in the 3m Grade 1 novice event here; won chase debut at the Galway festival (2m6f) last August but chase career has gone badly the wrong way since, latest start 11 days ago; returns to hurdling in first-time cheekpieces; next to no exposure in handicaps but low on the list.

50/1

5th

2

28th Feb 2026

Heavy

2m 0f 0y

15:35 Navan

Intense Approach

11st 1lb

J: Darragh O’Keeffe

T: John C McConnell

Four-time hurdles winner with a liking for a sound surface and staying trips; had the going in his favour when making a winning chase debut over 2m6f at the Galway festival last August; disappointing when well fancied for a 3m1f contest at Cheltenham in October; unseated at the first at Musselburgh early this month.

33/1

Form: 3-7113

Last run: 36 days

W: 11st 7lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 137

Form & Verdict
Seemingly all the better for wind surgery when making all for clearcut wins at Doncaster (2m3f, good to soft) and Ascot (2m5f, good) before just falling short under the same tactics in a Listed race at Huntingdon (2m3f, good to soft); worth a crack over this far but this is a tough race in which to dominate from the front should they persevere with the same tactics.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

9th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 200y

Class 1

14:20 Aintree

Jax Junior

11st 7lb

J: Tom Cannon

T: Lucy Wadham

Finished 18l behind Lulamba in the Arkle but may fare better in this rematch, with the return to further a likely plus; readily bagged Grade 2 honours at Kempton (2m4f, good to soft) the time before, enhancing his good strike-rate when racing beyond 2m.

9/1

4th

2

10th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

1m 7f 199y

Class 1

14:00 Cheltenham

Jax Junior

11st 7lb

J: Tom Cannon

T: Lucy Wadham

Bled from nose when well held behind Steel Ally at Ascot just before Christmas but otherwise he's made a fine start to his chasing career, winning a handicap at Sandown (1m7f, soft) and Grade 2 novice at Kempton (2m4f, good to soft) on last two starts; needs a chunk of improvement to trouble the principals but he's straightforward, tactically versatile and a sound jumper.

20/1

1st

2

21st Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 110y

Class 1

14:25 Kempton

Jax Junior

11st 2lb

J: Tom Cannon

T: Lucy Wadham

Bled from the nose at Ascot just before Christmas but otherwise he's made a fine start to his chasing career, winning handicap at Sandown (1m7f, soft) three weeks ago in clearcut style; just as effective at 2m4f and sets the standard for the others to aim at.

4/6

Form: 21

Last run: 12 days

W: 11st 7lb

7 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Fetched £260,000 after winning his Irish point; returning from a long absence when promoted to second in a Newbury novice and, in a new tongue-tie (retained), he was left clear at the final flight to win a Huntingdon maiden (2m4f, good to soft) by daylight; already looks as though he needs this sort of trip but wouldn't be the obvious answer on what he's shown to date.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6

31st Mar 2026

Good

2m 4f 72y

Class 4

15:50 Bangor-on-Dee

Nativehill

11st 8lb

J: Jonathan Burke

T: Fergal O’Brien

Fetched £260,000 after winning his Irish point but left Nicky Henderson for £45,000 last May after pulling up in the Grade 1 Albert Bartlett at the Cheltenham Festival; showed plenty of promise before then and he's still lightly raced; market could be informative ahead of this chase/handicap debut.

7/1

14

14th Mar 2025

Good To Soft

2m 7f 213y

Class 1

15:20 Cheltenham

Nativehill

11st 7lb

J: Nico de Boinville

T: Nicky Henderson

Fetched £260,000 after winning his Irish point; returning from a long absence when promoted to second in a Newbury novice and, in a new tongue-tie (retained), he was left clear at the final flight to win a Huntingdon maiden (2m4f, good to soft) by daylight; already looks as though he needs this sort of trip but wouldn't be the obvious answer on what he's shown to date.

40/1

1st

5

2nd Mar 2025

Good To Soft

2m 4f 145y

Class 4

14:15 Huntingdon

Nativehill

11st 7lb

J: Nico de Boinville

T: Nicky Henderson

didn't always jump with fluency, pressed leader, pushed along 3 out, outpaced and 3 lengths down 2 out, rallied and challenging when left clear last

8/11

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £37.90
Straight Forecast £29.46
Tricast £277.86
Trifecta £298.80

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Derryhassen Paddy

RP RATINGS:

Jet Blue

LAMBOURN:

Wendigo

D Express:

Inn At The Park

WEST COUNTRY:

First Confession

Daily Mail:

Flicker Of Hope

The Sun:

Jasmin De Vaux

POSTDATA:

Wingmen

The Times:

Derryhassen Paddy

Telegraph:

Derryhassen Paddy

The Star:

Derryhassen Paddy

The Guardian:

Wendigo

TOPSPEED:

Jet Blue

Daily Mirror:

Jet Blue

Daily Record:

Jet Blue