April 04 / 14.20 Aintree

14.20

Good To Soft

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

  • Prize money: £42202.5
  • 2m 4f 0y
  • Class 1
  • 20 runners
ITV
View Course
William Hill Handicap Hurdle (Premier Handicap) (GBB Race)

Runners: 20 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Mostly sunny

16/1 (Won)

  • Win: £17.20
  • Place: £3.30

Form: -21212

Last run: 20 days

W: 10st 6lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 123

Form & Verdict
Novice hurdler who ran well at Uttoxeter (2m4f, good to soft; handicap debut) most recently, taking record in this sphere to 21212; proving consistent and may do better still; not ruled out.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

7

10th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 0y

Class 1

13:45 Aintree

Wellington Arch

11st 11lb

J: Jonjo O’Neill Jr

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

Justified favouritism in 2m4f event at Uttoxeter (soft) on Midlands National day, going one better than 12 months earlier and setting himself up perfectly for an attempt to win this prize for the second year running; current mark reflects his advancement; again a big player.

9/1

1st

1

14th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 207y

Class 3

13:50 Uttoxeter

Wellington Arch

12st 2lb

J: Jonjo O’Neill Jr

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

Second in this race last year off 12lb lower, he went on to win at the Aintree Festival last April; confirmed his wellbeing when second in the William Hill Hurdle at Newbury five weeks ago and should run well.

4/1

26

13th Mar 2026

Good

2m 0f 179y

Class 1

14:00 Cheltenham

Wellington Arch

10st 4lb

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

Reserve; won 2m4f handicap at last season's Aintree Grand National meeting (good to soft) before third at Punchestown; disappointing when favourite on Windsor reappearance but back on his game when best of the rest behind Tutti Quanti in valuable 2m Newbury handicap (heavy) last month.

28/1

11/2

  • Place: £2.60

Form: 211-10 BF

Last run: 21 days

W: 11st 5lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 136

Form & Verdict
Progressive in France; well beaten in Cheltenham Festival handicap (2m4f) on debut for Willie Mullins but started 5-2 favourite and could well leave that effort behind; still an intriguing prospect.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

4

2nd May 2026

Yielding

2m 4f 118y

17:30 Punchestown

Kopeck De Mee

11st 5lb

J: Aidan Kelly

T: W P Mullins

Highly touted French recruit has yet to win in four starts for Willie Mullins; flopped when favourite for the 2025 Martin Pipe on stable debut; narrowly denied in premier handicap at Aintree; tailed off when falling on seasonal reappearance in a Navan beginners' chase; midfield in BetMGM Cup latest; 3lb drop not enough to tempt.

14/1

10th

9

11th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 5f 0y

Class 1

14:40 Cheltenham

Kopeck De Mee

11st 4lb

J: Mark Walsh

T: W P Mullins

Deafening, ex-French talking horse when favourite for the Martin Pipe at this meeting last year on debut for Willie Mullins, only to jump horribly in the early stages and hoist the white flag from two out; quickly proved that was all wrong when beaten a neck in big-field 2m4f handicap at Aintree (9lb higher today) but fell at the last when way off the pace on chase debut in December on his only start since; it's hard to know which version will turn up.

7/1

16/1

  • Place: £3.80

Form: 61-640

Last run: 34 days

W: 11st 8lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 139

Form & Verdict
2m hurdler who produced his peak performance last April, winning the Scottish Champion Hurdle off just 1lb lower, and this may be the time to catch him; possibilities if he stays the new trip.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

1

25th Apr 2026

Good

2m 3f 178y

Class 2

17:15 Sandown

Favour And Fortune

12st 0lb

J: Tom Bellamy

T: Alan King

Seen only twice this season but posted career-best performance when close third of 22 at Aintree (2m4f, good to soft) a fortnight ago, despite Tom Bellamy's saddle slipping after the last; respected.

6/1

3rd

1

10th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 0y

Class 1

13:45 Aintree

Favour And Fortune

12st 0lb

J: Tom Bellamy

T: Alan King

Acts on any going; successful in major handicap at Ayr two years ago; his two attempts at Aintree were good efforts in the 2023 Formby (second to highly notable rival) and this race last year (finished third); each-way claims back here with Kempton reappearance under his belt.

11/1

6th

1

21st Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 5f 0y

Class 3

13:10 Kempton

Favour And Fortune

12st 2lb

J: Tom Bellamy

T: Alan King

Won the Scottish Champion Hurdle (2m, soft) in April 2024 and showed he stays 2m4f when a good third of 20 at Aintree last spring; not ruled out but he'll need a career best to defy topweight after 11 months off.

13/2

OUR TIP

13/2

  • Place: £2.20

Form: 123-12 D

Last run: 23 days

W: 12st 0lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 145

Form & Verdict
Progressive; ran well in first-time cheekpieces in the Coral Cup at Cheltenham (2m5f, good to soft) most recently, taking his handicap form figures to 12312; solid claims in the retained headgear.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7

11th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 149y

Class 1

15:05 Aintree

Impose Toi

11st 10lb

J: Nico de Boinville

T: Nicky Henderson

Relished step up in trip when winning C&D handicap (good to soft) in November and won the Grade 2 Long Distance Hurdle at Newbury (3m, soft) and Grade 1 Long Walk at Ascot (3m, good to soft) on his next two starts, with Strong Leader in second on both occasions; below par at Cheltenham on last two runs (good record there previously) and it was disconcerting that he was pulled up in the Stayers', but he's in the picture if back to his best.

13/2

8

12th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 7f 213y

Class 1

15:20 Cheltenham

Impose Toi

11st 10lb

J: Nico de Boinville

T: Nicky Henderson

Handicap runner-up at last year's Festival; made it 3-3 over staying trips in the Grade 1 Long Walk at Ascot (3m, good to soft) in December; not seen to same effect when 7l second to Ma Shantou in the Grade 2 Cleeve Hurdle over C&D in January but was conceding 6lb to the winner and the soft going perhaps wasn't ideal; could have a part to play if bouncing back to his best.

10/1

2nd

2

24th Jan 2026

Soft

2m 7f 213y

Class 1

15:35 Cheltenham

Impose Toi

11st 8lb

J: Nico de Boinville

T: Nicky Henderson

A revelation this season since upped to staying trips, winning a handicap at Aintree (3m, good to soft) and enjoying further success in Grade 2 Long Distance Hurdle at Newbury (3m, soft) and Grade 1 Long Walk at Ascot (3m, good to soft); beat Strong Leader by just over 1l last time and he's produced positive performances on both previous runs here; he's the one to beat.

4/5

Form: 4F5P40 D

Last run: 23 days

W: 10st 12lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 129

Form & Verdict
Consistent form last term featured three wins; less reliable this season and is held by some of these rivals on Coral Cup running; addition of hood needs to make a difference.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

4

15th May 2026

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 3

18:20 Aintree

Ike Sport

11st 4lb

J: Harry Atkins

T: Neil Mulholland

Ran quite well in the Pertemps Final and then runner-up in a big field handicap here in April (2m4f, good to soft; in this new headgear combination), improving on his fifth place the previous season; also ran second to Fingal's Hill in this 12 months ago; has nothing in hand off his mark but every chance of being involved.

11/4

2nd

21

10th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 0y

Class 1

13:45 Aintree

Ike Sport

11st 0lb

J: Harry Atkins

T: Neil Mulholland

Ran respectably in this race 12 months ago (fifth off 3lb higher) and Cheltenham Festival handicap (3m) latest start; otherwise an exposed 8yo who is on a two-year losing spell; unlikely to come out on top.

14/1

9th

24

12th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 7f 213y

Class 1

16:40 Cheltenham

Ike Sport

10st 3lb

J: Conor O’Farrell

T: Neil Mulholland

Last won in April 2024; well beaten in the 2m5f handicap here last March; second to Absolutely Doyen at Wincanton (3m, good to soft) at Christmas was best effort this term; ran creditably in the Lanzarote at Kempton (2m5f) next time, before a modest show at Plumpton latest; others look more solid.

50/1

7/1

Form: -12171 D

Last run: 37 days

W: 10st 11lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 128

Form & Verdict
Readily defied a big penalty in Wetherby novice contest (2m3f) last time, taking hurdles record to 3-5 and overall strike-rate to 5-7; interesting on handicap debut, with further progress plausible.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

8

11th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 149y

Class 1

13:20 Aintree

Wade Out

11st 2lb

J: Gavin Sheehan

T: Olly Murphy

Switched to chasing with two wins in the autumn, the latter in a Cheltenham Listed race (3m1f, soft) despite not jumping that well; his fencing once again lacked fluency when sixth in the National Hunt Chase back at Cheltenham (3m6f, good) in first-time cheekpieces (blinkered now) last month; has a lower mark back hurdling, so no surprise were he to go well despite the fact Sean Bowen looks elsewhere.

22/1

6th

1

10th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 5f 201y

Class 2

17:20 Cheltenham

Wade Out

12st 0lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Olly Murphy

Switched to chasing with two wins in the autumn, the latter from One Big Bang in Listed race here (3m1f, soft) despite having been a detached last of the three remaining runners at the third-last fence; that was not a fluent round of jumping but, with a satisfactory Grade 2 run at Windsor in January under his belt, he could still have more to give, including with this stamina test and first-time headgear.

8/1

4th

2

18th Jan 2026

Soft

3m 0f 60y

Class 1

13:20 Windsor

Wade Out

11st 9lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Olly Murphy

Record of 7-10 overall and 2-2 since switched to chasing (solid form); stayed on well in Listed grade at Cheltenham (3m1f, soft) most recently, proving suited by the first attempt beyond 2m4f under rules; particularly unexposed at this sort of distance and warrants respect.

9/2

12/1

Form: 1-2443 BF

Last run: 34 days

W: 10st 10lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 127

Form & Verdict
Has failed to make the expected progress over fences since good reappearance effort; beat Be Aware and Steel Ally at Sandown (2m) last April on last attempt over hurdles, so looks hard to dismiss; new trip.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

7

9th May 2026

Good

1m 7f 144y

Class 1

13:15 Haydock

Helnwein

11st 5lb

J: Tom Bellamy

T: Alan King

Often gives his running in strong handicaps (second in this event 12 months ago) but losing sequence is up to 11 and he looked held when falling two out in the Plumpton race won by Indemnity last time; cheekpieces left off today; opposable off unchanged mark.

10/1

3

5th Apr 2026

Good

1m 7f 195y

Class 2

16:05 Plumpton

Helnwein

11st 11lb

J: Tom Bellamy

T: Alan King

Had strong handicap form even before finishing second to Alexei in the Greatwood and fifth in an Ascot handicap that could barely have worked out any better, with the four ahead of him all delivering high-profile efforts in the meantime (well in with fourth-placed Mondo Man); failed favourite backers in a lower grade at Newbury but this strong traveller might have won had he not been left in front two out (then idled); every chance should this pan out more favourably; all ground seems fine.

13/2

2nd

1

20th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 0f 69y

Class 3

15:00 Newbury

Helnwein

12st 2lb

J: Tom Bellamy

T: Alan King

Had some very strong handicap form even before his last two runs when second to Alexei in the Greatwood and fifth in an Ascot handicap that could barely have worked out any better, with the four ahead of him all delivering high-profile efforts in the meantime; must have every chance in this lower grade; drying ground won't bother him.

13/8

Form: 22-238 BF

Last run: 23 days

W: 11st 6lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 137

Form & Verdict
Largely consistent since debut win and gives the impression there's a race of this nature in him; outstayed over a stiff 2m5f when 3-1 favourite for the Coral Cup at Cheltenham most recently; remains of strong interest.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

2

11th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

1m 7f 176y

Class 1

12:45 Aintree

Be Aware

11st 7lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

Smart form but has won only twice (runner-up seven times); rallied when beaten 1l by No Questions Asked in Grade 2 novice at Windsor (2m, soft; handles good) in January; raced freely and faded in Grand Annual Handicap at Cheltenham last time; the hood is back on today, a tongue-strap is fitted and he may well bounce back to form; if so, he has each-way possibilities.

10/1

12th

4

11th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

1m 7f 199y

Class 1

16:40 Cheltenham

Be Aware

11st 6lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

Improved form when winning on chase debut at Stratford (2m3f, good to soft) in October and strong performances when runner-up in Graded races on his three starts since, including over C&D (soft); this lightly raced 7yo is in top hands and has the potential to be better than this mark now back in a handicap; the hood is left off today, but he ran well without it in December.

5/1

2nd

2

16th Jan 2026

Soft

2m 0f 37y

Class 1

13:50 Windsor

Be Aware

11st 2lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

Won on chase debut at Stratford (2m3f, good to soft) in October and runner-up in hot races on next two starts, namely the Grade 2 Arkle Trial at Cheltenham (2m, soft) and the Grade 1 Henry VIII at Sandown (1m7f, good to soft); this will take less winning than last time; leading claims.

11/10

Form: 5-4830

Last run: 21 days

W: 11st 10lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 141

Form & Verdict
Has shown all his hurdles form at about 2m; registered a useful success at Newbury last term but inconsistent this season; something to prove upped in distance.
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: 1-9PF0 D

Last run: 23 days

W: 11st 0lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 131

Form & Verdict
On the sidelines for 14 months after his Grade 2 novice win at Cheltenham (2m5f) and hasn't looked the same horse since returning to action; best watched.
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: -10425 D BF

Last run: 76 days

W: 10st 10lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 127

Form & Verdict
Versatile sort who has winning form at 2m3f-3m; below par when last seen but largely productive and consistent in handicaps otherwise; wears first-time cheekpieces; could go well.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

8

7th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 42y

Class 3

15:35 Sandown

Tune In A Box

10st 10lb

J: Stan Sheppard

T: Tom Lacey

Won four times over hurdles; little promise on his first three attempts at chasing but there was much more encouragement in a never-nearer third of ten at Newbury (2m7f, heavy) four weeks ago; has been dropped 10lb in the weights since his chasing debut and drying ground should not inconvenience him in the slightest; could be ready to strike.

13/2

3rd

10

7th Feb 2026

Soft

2m 7f 91y

Class 3

15:55 Newbury

Tune In A Box

10st 5lb

J: Stan Sheppard

T: Tom Lacey

A winner over hurdles at up to 3m but yet to get anything going over fences (0-3) and this is a tough race in which to put that right.

16/1

Form: -F1262

Last run: 27 days

W: 10st 13lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 130

Form & Verdict
Improving steadily at about 2m, unlucky second in the Imperial Cup at Sandown (good to soft; might have won but for bungling the final flight) most recently; likely player provided he stays the new trip.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

2

24th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 0f 16y

Class 3

19:07 Chepstow

Wreckless Eric

12st 0lb

J: Jonjo O’Neill Jr

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

For two years in a row now he's followed a second in the Imperial Cup with a disappointing effort at Aintree, second-time cheekpieces presumably not to blame latest as they're retained here; record of 1F12 in handicaps of Class 3 or below, and ought not mind any dryout (2-4 on good).

2/1

17th

3

10th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 0f 103y

Class 2

17:15 Aintree

Wreckless Eric

11st 8lb

J: Benjamin Macey

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

Returned to form in first-time cheekpieces (retained) when runner-up in the Imperial Cup at Sandown (2m, soft) for the second year in succession; 12 months ago he followed up with a disappointing effort at this meeting but that was over 2m4f and this is more his trip.

12/1

2nd

14

7th Mar 2026

Soft

1m 7f 216y

Class 2

14:27 Sandown

Wreckless Eric

10st 13lb

J: Kielan Woods

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

He's been a long way below his best on his three starts this season and arrives with something to prove; however, there have been possible excuses on each occasion, namely the lack of a recent run, then the step up to 2m5f, and most recently heavy ground; now 3lb lower than when second in this 12 months ago (good to soft) and he's not written off in first-time headgear.

13/2

Form: 137247 D

Last run: 23 days

W: 12st 0lb

11 yo Gelding

OR: 145

Form & Verdict
Retains a useful level of ability despite his advancing years and ran respectably in the Coral Cup most recently; however, this 11yo is likely set for another supporting role in another hot handicap.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

12th Feb 2026

Heavy

2m 7f 3y

Class 5

16:00 Taunton

Beacon Edge

11st 12lb

J: Mr Joshua Newman

T: J Newman

Best known as a very talented hurdler, also landing a Grade 1 novice chase in 2021; had jumping issues over fences subsequently and this is his first chase start since 2022; returned from some time off with a point win last month (3m, soft); it remains to be seen how much ability this 12yo retains but he's entitled to considerable respect on his hunter chase debut.

13/8

1st

1

28th May 2025

Good To Firm

2m 1f 0y

16:55 Wexford

Beacon Edge

12st 0lb

J: Mr J M Halford

T: Gordon Elliott

Winner of nine races; 7-34 record over hurdles, including a four-runner Grade 2 event over 3m at Wetherby last October; ran creditably when seventh in the 26-runner Coral Cup at Cheltenham; down the field at Aintree subsequently; trip is short of his best but he won a stronger race than this over 2m2f at Ballinrobe a year ago; amateur rider, 2-11 over hurdles.

11/8

1

28th May 2025

Good To Firm

2m 1f 0y

16:55 Wexford

Beacon Edge

12st 0lb

J: Mr J M Halford

T: Gordon Elliott

Winner of nine races; 7-34 record over hurdles, including a four-runner Grade 2 event over 3m at Wetherby last October; ran creditably when seventh in the 26-runner Coral Cup at Cheltenham; down the field at Aintree subsequently; trip is short of his best but he won a stronger race than this over 2m2f at Ballinrobe a year ago; amateur rider, 2-11 over hurdles.

11/8

Form: -11144

Last run: 34 days

W: 10st 10lb

6 yo Filly

OR: 127

Form & Verdict
Consistent mare; ran creditably in Grade 2 events at this meeting last year (bumper) and Kelso latest start (2m2f); record of 3-5 over hurdles includes a Listed win; solid chance upped further in trip.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

4

25th Apr 2026

Good

2m 3f 178y

Class 2

17:15 Sandown

Listentoyourheart

10st 13lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

Just held on to land big prize at Windsor (2m4f, good) on New Year's Day but wasn't in quite the same form on next two outings (2m3f/3m) and probably needs to find hidden reserves.

13/2

3rd

2

21st Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 100y

Class 1

13:00 Kelso

Listentoyourheart

11st 2lb

J: Tristan Durrell

T: Dan Skelton

Game when winning 2m4f handicap at Windsor (good) on New Year's Day, shaping as though she would be worth a crack at a staying trip; soundly beaten at Ascot (2m3f, good to soft) since, and in view of this longer distance it's a concern she failed to settle that day, but she's not ruled out.

5/1

7th

7

14th Feb 2026

Soft

2m 3f 63y

Class 2

14:25 Ascot

Listentoyourheart

10st 13lb

J: Tristan Durrell

T: Dan Skelton

Has bits of form on soft, campaigned mostly on faster ground; steadily back to form this term and landed a valuable handicap, holding on by a neck, at Windsor (2m4f) most recently; should remain competitive.

6/1

Form: 354674

Last run: 27 days

W: 10st 8lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 125

Form & Verdict
Has made the frame in a few major handicaps at about 2m this term; ties in with Wreckless Eric on Imperial Cup form; each-way possibilities, provided he's as effective back up in distance.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

2

14th Jan 2026

Good

2m 0f 69y

Class 4

15:50 Newbury

Tintintin

11st 13lb

J: Tom Broughton

T: Fergal O’Brien

Close fourth of 17 at in the Imperial Cup at Sandown (2m, good to soft) last March and now 5lb lower; it was his chase debut when pulled up at Lingfield in November but he nevertheless arrives with something to prove regarding his current form; wears first-time cheekpieces.

20/1

12

24th Oct 2025

Good

2m 3f 200y

Class 3

13:15 Cheltenham

Tintintin

11st 1lb

J: Jonathan Burke

T: Fergal O’Brien

Fourth in Greatwood Hurdle here (2m, good) last November and kept on from poor position to fill same spot in Imperial Cup at Sandown (2m, good to soft) in March; unexposed over 2m4f but, on balance, others appeal more.

14/1

Form: /5-427

Last run: 26 days

W: 11st 8lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 139

Form & Verdict
Irish raider who has gained his wins over 2m6f/3m and looks likely to find this sharp 2m4f inadequate; could have done with plenty of rain to make it a stiffer test.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

4

5th Mar 2026

Soft To Heavy

2m 6f 198y

16:05 Thurles

Western Walk

11st 0lb

J: Jack Kennedy

T: Jonathan Sweeney

Very useful hurdler at up to 3m (rated 132); yet to shine in spell over fences, but not disgraced in Grade 1 behind Final Demand at Limerick in December; behind two smart types in Navan Grade 2 on latest; return to hurdling could spark a revival; Jack Kennedy's sole ride on the card.

7/2

3rd

5

8th Feb 2026

Heavy

3m 0f 0y

15:50 Navan

Western Walk

11st 3lb

J: Jack Kennedy

T: Jonathan Sweeney

Useful handicap hurdler at up to 3m (rated 132); yet to shine over fences, though he was only 2 3/4l behind Gold Dancer when third of four in the Grade 1 Limerick event won by Final Demand.

10/1

6th

5

3rd May 2025

Yielding

2m 4f 118y

17:25 Punchestown

Western Walk

10st 10lb

J: Mr A P Ryan

T: Jonathan Sweeney

held up in rear

25/1

33/1

Form: 04-027

Last run: 133 days

W: 11st 2lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 133

Form & Verdict
Fairly useful at about 2m and gained sole handicap success off this mark; however, along with several other runners he goes into unknown territory over 2m4f.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

8

11th May 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 7f 0y

19:37 Killarney

Gin Coco

11st 7lb

J: Mr T O’Connor

T: Turlough O’Connor

Good hurdle form not all that long ago and has run well in both his points behind the classy Wonderwall (ahead of Lifetime Ambition on one of those occasions); this is his debut over regulation fences but could have a part to play.

8/1

17th

10

4th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

2m 4f 0y

Class 1

14:20 Aintree

Gin Coco

11st 2lb

J: Bryan Carver

T: Harry Fry

Fairly useful at about 2m and gained sole handicap success off this mark; however, along with several other runners he goes into unknown territory over 2m4f.

33/1

17th

10

4th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

2m 4f 0y

Class 1

14:20 Aintree

Gin Coco

11st 2lb

J: Bryan Carver

T: Harry Fry

Fairly useful at about 2m and gained sole handicap success off this mark; however, along with several other runners he goes into unknown territory over 2m4f.

33/1

25/1

Form: 118/03 D

Last run: 20 days

W: 10st 6lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 123

Form & Verdict
Completed a four-timer in 2022; showed clear signs of retaining ability at Uttoxeter last month on second run back from long layoff; faces a stiffer assignment in this field.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

9

25th Oct 2025

Good To Soft

2m 4f 44y

Class 3

13:10 Cheltenham

Blenkinsop

10st 11lb

J: Ciaran Gethings

T: Henry Daly

Completed a handicap hurdle four-timer in late 2022 and showed considerable spark when third of 15 at Uttoxeter (2m4f, good to soft) in March on his second start back from a long absence; however, tailed off at Aintree next time; makes chase debut and others have more pressing claims.

25/1

18th

21

4th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

2m 4f 0y

Class 1

14:20 Aintree

Blenkinsop

10st 6lb

J: Hugh Nugent

T: Henry Daly

raced wide, pressed leader, prominent 2nd

25/1

18th

21

4th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

2m 4f 0y

Class 1

14:20 Aintree

Blenkinsop

10st 6lb

J: Hugh Nugent

T: Henry Daly

raced wide, pressed leader, prominent 2nd

25/1

Form: 91510- D

Last run: 357 days

W: 10st 13lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 130

Form & Verdict
Five-time hurdles winner but has been absent since coming up well short (off 1lb higher) in this race 12 months ago; opposed unless the market suggests otherwise.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

24th Apr 2026

Good

2m 4f 35y

Class 3

15:47 Perth

Serious Operator

11st 10lb

J: Patrick Wadge

T: Lucinda Russell & Michael Scudamore

9yo who was tailed off at Kelso in February last time but that was the competitive Morebattle Hurdle over 2m; in good form over 2m4f prior to that, winning at Newcastle then second at Aintree (both good to soft); likely to be in the mix back up in trip.

7/1

13th

9

28th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 0f 51y

Class 2

14:55 Kelso

Serious Operator

11st 4lb

J: Patrick Wadge

T: Lucinda Russell & Michael Scudamore

Won at Newcastle (2m4f, good to soft) in November and second to progressive winner at Aintree (2m4f, good to soft) in December; unraced over a trip this short and there's a suspicion this 9yo will be vulnerable in a race this competitive, but he's 2-3 at Kelso and is not ruled out each-way.

33/1

Form: 3-21P2

Last run: 40 days

W: 11st 13lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 144

Form & Verdict
Useful handicap form in the autumn and ran well in Grade 2 contest at Fontwell (2m3f) most recently; raised only 2lb for that latest effort and remains unexposed beyond 2m; in the mix.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

6

10th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

1m 7f 199y

Class 1

14:00 Cheltenham

Steel Ally

11st 7lb

J: Dylan Johnston

T: Sam Thomas

Pulled up on two of his last three goes over hurdles but the transition to chasing has been smooth and he's 3-3; showed further improvement when easily beating two rivals (Mambonumberfive well held in third) in Grade 2 Kingmaker Novices' at Warwick (2m, heavy; handles good) last month; faces his sternest assignment and will need another personal best.

12/1

1st

1

7th Feb 2026

Soft

2m 0f 54y

Class 1

13:50 Warwick

Steel Ally

11st 7lb

J: Dylan Johnston

T: Sam Thomas

Very useful hurdler with 2-2 strike-rate over fences this season, the latter win gained by 9l in Grade 2 novice at Ascot (2m3f, soft) in December; should be fine back at 2m and ought to be a very tough nut to crack.

4/5

3

4th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

2m 4f 0y

Class 1

14:20 Aintree

Steel Ally

11st 13lb

J: Dylan Johnston

T: Sam Thomas

in touch with leaders

10/1

Non-runners

Brentford Hope, Off The Jury

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £236.30
Straight Forecast £121.89
Tricast £1443.13
Trifecta £4336.70

Selections

TOPSPEED:

Tintintin

RP RATINGS:

Wellington Arch

SPOTLIGHT:

Be Aware

WEST COUNTRY:

Wreckless Eric

Telegraph:

Listentoyourheart

Daily Mail:

Off The Jury

D Express:

Tune In A Box

Daily Mirror:

Favour And Fortune

Daily Record:

Steel Ally

LAMBOURN:

Impose Toi

The Star:

Blenkinsop

The Sun:

Hansard

POSTDATA:

Wellington Arch

The Times:

Tintintin

The Guardian:

Tintintin