April 16 / 14.05 Cheltenham

14.05

Good

Kingston Stud Handicap Hurdle (GBB Race)

  • Prize money: £13007.5
  • 2m 4f 56y
  • Class 2
  • 14 runners
ITV4
View Course
Kingston Stud Handicap Hurdle (GBB Race)

Runners: 14 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Showers

5/2 (Won)

  • Win: £3.75
  • Place: £1.70

Form: 2-U117 D

Last run: 33 days

W: 11st 12lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 129

Form & Verdict
Progressive form in winning 2m5f handicaps at Ascot (good to soft) and Kempton (good) and ran well on his return from a break in the Martin Pipe here for which he was only 4-1; he got gobbled up late on by rivals ridden colder and there's more to come from this 6yo.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

19th Apr 2026

Good

3m 0f 217y

Class 2

15:27 Plumpton

East India Express

12st 0lb

J: Mr Daniel Williams

T: Nicky Henderson

Disappointing favourite back at the Cheltenham Festival (2m4f); otherwise a useful sort and had returned to form with close second at Windsor the time before; not written off, albeit has stamina to prove back up in distance.

5/1

17th

10

13th Mar 2026

Good

2m 4f 56y

Class 2

17:20 Cheltenham

East India Express

11st 8lb

J: Freddie Gordon

T: Nicky Henderson

Best on good/good to soft; has notable C&D form, namely a respectable seventh (best of the runners who raced prominently) in this contest last year and emphatic success next time; unlucky second at Windsor on New Year's Day when last seen; back on career-high mark but looks solid.

8/1

1

24th Oct 2025

Good

2m 3f 200y

Class 3

13:15 Cheltenham

East India Express

12st 0lb

J: Freddie Gordon

T: Nicky Henderson

Drew 6l clear of Whatsupwithyou on New course here (2m4f, good) at end of last season and is now 4-8 over hurdles; subsequent 8lb rise asks quite a lot of him but further progress is possible.

8/1

22/1

  • Place: £6.90

Form: 290316 D

Last run: 32 days

W: 11st 7lb

11 yo Gelding

OR: 124

Form & Verdict
It was a Class 4 that he won at Ludlow in February (2m5f, good to soft) and went off at 16-1 when then down the field in a Class 3 at Uttoxeter; looks vulnerable, for all that he was a close second to Doyen Quest in this 12 months ago when only 1lb higher.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

1

2nd May 2026

Good

2m 3f 207y

Class 3

15:50 Uttoxeter

Whatsupwithyou

12st 1lb

J: Elliott England

T: Ben Pauling

Grand servant to the yard with five wins in this sphere, the latest at Ascot (2m5f, soft) in December off 2lb lower; well held since and it's hard to see him being able to give weight away to these younger rivals.

10/1

5th

4

29th Mar 2026

Good

2m 5f 146y

Class 3

17:25 Ascot

Whatsupwithyou

11st 10lb

J: Elliott England

T: Ben Pauling

Veteran who is usually ridden these days by Elliott England, including for a 2m5f Ludlow win last February and a C&D win (4lb higher today) in December; 33-1 when tailed off at Kempton five weeks ago but no shock if he surges back to form today in search of his third C&D win.

12/1

7th

4

21st Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 5f 0y

Class 3

13:10 Kempton

Whatsupwithyou

11st 3lb

J: Elliott England

T: Ben Pauling

Veteran who goes well for Elliott England, gaining his second success for this rider in conditionals' event at Ascot (2m5f, soft) in December; no obvious reason why he won't be thereabouts again but he'll need more off 5lb higher.

9/1

14/1

  • Place: £4.80

Form: 1-7150 D

Last run: 60 days

W: 11st 12lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 129

Form & Verdict
On a recovery mission after two modest runs but he has had a wind operation and, from the front, he beat a good yardstick with some comfort at Doncaster in November (2m3f, good; 6lb lower); remains of interest.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

14th Mar 2026

Good

2m 2f 0y

Class 3

14:08 Kempton

Rightsotom

11st 7lb

J: Tom Bellamy

T: Joe Tizzard

Two wins over hurdles (good/yielding); useful form in defeat over fences this season, cutting out a lot of the running before fading into third over the extended 2m4f here (good to soft) last time; shaped similarly over 2m3f at Doncaster in December and this slightly shorter trip could suit.

7/1

3rd

6

2nd Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 110y

Class 3

15:07 Kempton

Rightsotom

11st 1lb

J: Tom Bellamy

T: Joe Tizzard

Successful twice over hurdles; novice chase form this season includes a Grade 2 effort (2m4f); starting to weaken when taking a late fall over 2m6f most recently; interesting off current mark back down in distance.

13/2

9th

4

25th Oct 2025

Good To Soft

2m 4f 44y

Class 3

13:10 Cheltenham

Rightsotom

11st 5lb

J: Brendan Powell

T: Joe Tizzard

Mixed form in handicap hurdles last season but he won at Doncaster (2m3f, good) last November and was third of 14 here (2m4f, good) in April when last seen; has shown promise on soft ground; not bred for fences but this prominent racer is not discounted on his chase debut.

14/1

Form: 7211P3 D

Last run: 108 days

W: 11st 1lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 118

Form & Verdict
Perhaps unsuited by soft ground when pulled up in a Grade 2 in December but it's been a progressive campaign otherwise and was a closing third over 2m6f at Kelso (handicap on good to soft) when last sighted later that month; unlikely that a lack of recent match practice will hold him back here and could be interesting.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

8th Jul 2025

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 4

18:30 Uttoxeter

Ballytechno

12st 0lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: James Owen

Useful form in handicap hurdles at about 2m4f and time might show he had a tough task trying to give plenty of weight to the first two on chase debut at Worcester (2m4f, good) in June; major player off the same mark.

11/4

3rd

1

18th Jun 2025

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 3

15:15 Worcester

Ballytechno

11st 10lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: James Owen

2-6 over hurdles; returned from a break with creditable fourth of 14 in competitive Cheltenham handicap (2m4f, good) in April; will be a tough nut to crack in this lower grade if he takes to fences at the first attempt.

5/2

4th

13

16th Apr 2025

Good

2m 4f 56y

Class 2

14:05 Cheltenham

Ballytechno

11st 1lb

J: Callum Pritchard

T: James Owen

Perhaps unsuited by soft ground when pulled up in a Grade 2 in December but it's been a progressive campaign otherwise and was a closing third over 2m6f at Kelso (handicap on good to soft) when last sighted later that month; unlikely that a lack of recent match practice will hold him back here and could be interesting.

10/1

Form: 724316 D

Last run: 33 days

W: 11st 8lb

7 yo Mare

OR: 125

Form & Verdict
A bit out of her depth in the Grade 2 Mares' Chase here in March but she's a consistent hurdler who ran up to her best the time before in winning a Listed race (2m5f, soft); should go well, but perhaps vulnerable to rivals on kinder marks.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

5

16th Apr 2025

Good

2m 4f 56y

Class 2

14:05 Cheltenham

Royale Margaux

11st 8lb

J: Ben Poste

T: Tom Symonds

A bit out of her depth in the Grade 2 Mares' Chase here in March but she's a consistent hurdler who ran up to her best the time before in winning a Listed race (2m5f, soft); should go well, but perhaps vulnerable to rivals on kinder marks.

10/1

5th

5

16th Apr 2025

Good

2m 4f 56y

Class 2

14:05 Cheltenham

Royale Margaux

11st 8lb

J: Ben Poste

T: Tom Symonds

A bit out of her depth in the Grade 2 Mares' Chase here in March but she's a consistent hurdler who ran up to her best the time before in winning a Listed race (2m5f, soft); should go well, but perhaps vulnerable to rivals on kinder marks.

10/1

6th

8

14th Mar 2025

Good To Soft

2m 4f 127y

Class 1

14:40 Cheltenham

Royale Margaux

11st 2lb

J: Ben Poste

T: Tom Symonds

held up in rear

33/1

Form: 331331

Last run: 28 days

W: 11st 3lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 120

Form & Verdict
He's not the only possible front-runner in this field but he's an improving 7yo who came 15l clear in a small field at Haydock four weeks ago (2m3f, good); a 6lb rise could have been worse and, although this is a lot more challenging, he's in the mix.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

12

16th Apr 2025

Good

2m 4f 56y

Class 2

14:05 Cheltenham

Typhoon Flyer

11st 3lb

J: Luke Scott

T: Dr Richard Newland & Jamie Insole

He's not the only possible front-runner in this field but he's an improving 7yo who came 15l clear in a small field at Haydock four weeks ago (2m3f, good); a 6lb rise could have been worse and, although this is a lot more challenging, he's in the mix.

9/2

6th

12

16th Apr 2025

Good

2m 4f 56y

Class 2

14:05 Cheltenham

Typhoon Flyer

11st 3lb

J: Luke Scott

T: Dr Richard Newland & Jamie Insole

He's not the only possible front-runner in this field but he's an improving 7yo who came 15l clear in a small field at Haydock four weeks ago (2m3f, good); a 6lb rise could have been worse and, although this is a lot more challenging, he's in the mix.

9/2

1st

3

19th Mar 2025

Good

2m 2f 191y

Class 4

17:00 Haydock

Typhoon Flyer

11st 8lb

J: Luke Scott

T: Dr Richard Newland & Jamie Insole

Won maiden hurdle at Market Rasen (2m, good) in November and he's since been a respectable third in his first two handicaps (1m7f/2m, good to soft/soft); those were warm races and this front-runner can make a bold bid.

4/1

Form: 4-1634

Last run: 38 days

W: 10st 4lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 107

Form & Verdict
Only real blip in four runs over hurdles was a remote finish in a Grade 2 here in October; didn't look ahead of his mark when fourth on handicap debut at Warwick (2m5f, good) and dropped only 3lb for that.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8

1st Nov 2025

Good

2m 3f 85y

Class 3

13:15 Wetherby

Strong Foundations

10st 8lb

J: Robert Dunne

T: Samuel Drinkwater

Not obviously well treated judged on what he produced in his two handicap hurdles in the spring but this point runner-up and novice hurdle winner (2m, good) represents a trainer who has a much better strike-rate with chasers than hurdlers; possible improver now going over fences.

5/1

8

1st Nov 2025

Good

2m 3f 85y

Class 3

13:15 Wetherby

Strong Foundations

10st 8lb

J: Robert Dunne

T: Samuel Drinkwater

Not obviously well treated judged on what he produced in his two handicap hurdles in the spring but this point runner-up and novice hurdle winner (2m, good) represents a trainer who has a much better strike-rate with chasers than hurdlers; possible improver now going over fences.

5/1

9

26th Oct 2025

Good To Soft

2m 1f 162y

Class 4

12:57 Fontwell

Strong Foundations

10st 13lb

T: Samuel Drinkwater

Form: -B1117

Last run: 123 days

W: 11st 8lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 125

Form & Verdict
Brought up his hat-trick on handicap debut at Aintree in November (2m1f, good) and his following run at Doncaster off this 7lb higher mark looked too bad to be true; arrives here fresh and may well have further improvement lurking.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

19th Jul 2025

Good

2m 4f 139y

Class 3

14:05 Market Rasen

Deploy To Spy

12st 0lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Olly Murphy

4-7 over hurdles and he posted a personal best when winning in a small field at Worcester (2m7f, good to soft) five weeks ago; may still have some untapped potential; major contender in first-time cheekpieces.

9/4

1st

2

12th Jun 2025

Good

2m 7f 0y

Class 3

19:10 Worcester

Deploy To Spy

11st 6lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Olly Murphy

Completed hat-trick with ready win on handicap debut at Aintree (2m1f, good) in November; ended 2024 with a lesser effort and was safely held when upped to 2m4f for reappearance in April but may still have potential over this even longer trip.

3/1

8th

6

16th Apr 2025

Good

2m 4f 56y

Class 2

14:05 Cheltenham

Deploy To Spy

11st 8lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Olly Murphy

Brought up his hat-trick on handicap debut at Aintree in November (2m1f, good) and his following run at Doncaster off this 7lb higher mark looked too bad to be true; arrives here fresh and may well have further improvement lurking.

9/1

Form: -31521 D

Last run: 33 days

W: 11st 7lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 124

Form & Verdict
From the front he made hard work of justifying odds-on favouritism in a small-field novice at Doncaster (2m5f, good) but he would probably have won a handicap the run before at Hereford had he not fiddled the final flight; lightly raced and mildly progressive, so deserves a close look.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

4

12th Apr 2026

Good

2m 5f 82y

Class 3

16:00 Wincanton

Reallyntruthfully

11st 9lb

J: Tom Bellamy

T: Kim Bailey & Mat Nicholls

Chase campaign aborted after two forgettable efforts since a winning start in October (2m3f); on a fair mark for this return to hurdles and has a strike-rate of 2-6 in this discipline.

9/1

3

1st Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 189y

Class 3

14:45 Huntingdon

Reallyntruthfully

11st 9lb

J: Tom Bellamy

T: Kim Bailey & Mat Nicholls

Absent since a November effort that failed to back up the form of his reappearance success (chase debut); however, may still have more to offer over fences and he certainly seems to benefit from a good rest, having gained two of his three wins when fresh.

9/2

Form: 711625

Last run: 83 days

W: 10st 8lb

7 yo Mare

OR: 111

Form & Verdict
Won back-to-back 2m1f handicaps with ease underfoot at Carlisle in November; has been chasing the last twice, with her first effort much better than the second; could find this too competitive returning to hurdles.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

3

6th May 2026

Good

2m 4f 189y

Class 5

15:25 Kelso

Disco Annie

11st 12lb

J: Nathan Moscrop

T: Rebecca Menzies

Two wins at Carlisle in November 2024 (2m1f, soft/good to soft); mixed form since, including over fences; sound run back hurdling at Carlisle in March (2m1f, soft), but poor next time and has since had wind surgery; bit to prove.

8/1

OUR TIP

Form: 214670 CD

Last run: 33 days

W: 12st 0lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 131

Form & Verdict
At the top of his game when winning this 12 months ago (good) off 12lb lower and won again here in November over 3m (comfortably off 6lb lower); his form has cooled, most recently in new cheekpieces here at the Festival, and now has to bounce back under a big weight.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

3

25th Apr 2026

Good

2m 6f 164y

Class 1

14:20 Sandown

Doyen Quest

11st 2lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

Useful novice chaser whose form features second-place finishes in 3m Grade 2 events at Sandown and Windsor; came up rather short in Grade 1 at Aintree last time but looks one of the main contenders returned to this level.

15/8

4th

2

10th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 210y

Class 1

14:20 Aintree

Doyen Quest

11st 7lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

Tends to lead; scored at 1-50 on his chase debut at Warwick in May and impressed when winning by 10l at Exeter (3m, also good) in November; put in his place by Salver on last two starts (good to soft/soft) but comes here fresh having skipped Cheltenham and any drying of the ground would be in his favour; could get them all at it.

14/1

2nd

3

18th Jan 2026

Soft

3m 0f 60y

Class 1

13:20 Windsor

Doyen Quest

11st 7lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

Has won on soft but seems ideally suited by faster ground; record of 2-5 since switched to chasing includes a Class 2 win at Exeter (3m) on penultimate start; not disgraced at Sandown latest but was beaten 12l by Salver; 5lb pull looks insufficient in the rematch.

11/2

Form: 5-5337

Last run: 39 days

W: 11st 7lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 124

Form & Verdict
Two wins during his novice campaign included a handicap (6lb lower); 0-4 for this season but ran well at the weights behind Constitution Hill here in January and he threatened to take a hand in the Imperial Cup until wilting late on; today's rise in distance heightens interest as there's stamina in his pedigree.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

12

7th Mar 2026

Soft

1m 7f 216y

Class 2

14:27 Sandown

Spirits Bay

10st 13lb

J: Nico de Boinville

T: Nigel & Willy Twiston-Davies

Ran okay when seventh in this last year and he reappeared with a win at Newton Abbot (2m1f, good to soft) in October; however, his subsequent form has been mixed (fences/hurdles) and Top Jimmy looks the yard's chief hope.

33/1

7th

4

12th Feb 2026

Heavy

2m 0f 104y

Class 3

15:25 Taunton

Spirits Bay

11st 1lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Nigel & Willy Twiston-Davies

Made a winning reappearance in Newton Abbot handicap hurdle (2m1f, good to soft) in October; switched to fences subsequently, matching his peak RPR over timber when fourth in 2m3f Exeter novice handicap (good to soft) five weeks ago; won his previous outing on heavy.

8/1

1

19th Nov 2025

Soft

2m 0f 54y

Class 3

12:55 Warwick

Spirits Bay

11st 10lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Nigel & Willy Twiston-Davies

Two wins during his novice campaign included a handicap (2m, soft); 0-5 last season but ran well at the weights behind Constitution Hill at Cheltenham in January and comfortably regained the winning thread on his reappearance at Newton Abbot (2m1f, good to soft) three weeks ago; up 4lb but he's bred for fences and looks a player on debut in this sphere.

11/8

Form: 5/4460 D

Last run: 35 days

W: 12st 0lb

10 yo Filly

OR: 131

Form & Verdict
66-1 when down the field in the 2m5f Coral Cup here last month; ran respectably in his three previous races (at about 3m) following a mammoth absence but he's not looking particularly well handicapped.
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: 60/6-P D

Last run: 33 days

W: 11st 6lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 123

Form & Verdict
Lost his way for Dan Skelton after being very smart in his prime; returning from 633 days away when pulled up in last month's Martin Pipe (150-1); can only be watched.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10

16th Apr 2025

Good

2m 4f 56y

Class 2

14:05 Cheltenham

Wilde About Oscar

11st 6lb

J: Jack Hogan

T: Sophie Leech

Lost his way for Dan Skelton after being very smart in his prime; returning from 633 days away when pulled up in last month's Martin Pipe (150-1); can only be watched.

66/1

10

16th Apr 2025

Good

2m 4f 56y

Class 2

14:05 Cheltenham

Wilde About Oscar

11st 6lb

J: Jack Hogan

T: Sophie Leech

Lost his way for Dan Skelton after being very smart in his prime; returning from 633 days away when pulled up in last month's Martin Pipe (150-1); can only be watched.

66/1

24

14th Mar 2025

Good To Soft

2m 4f 56y

Class 2

17:20 Cheltenham

Wilde About Oscar

10st 7lb

J: Dylan Johnston

T: Sophie Leech

Useful for Dan Skelton early in career but became largely disappointing and has been absent since a heavy defeat in France for Rebecca Menzies in June 2023; sold for £20,000 that August; cheekpieces reapplied; best watched.

100/1

Non-runners

American Sniper

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £88.80
Straight Forecast £78.65
Tricast £864.54
Trifecta £1233.80

Selections

LAMBOURN:

East India Express

POSTDATA:

Reallyntruthfully

The Times:

Ballytechno

RP RATINGS:

Typhoon Flyer

SPOTLIGHT:

Spirits Bay

TOPSPEED:

American Sniper

Daily Record:

Reallyntruthfully

Telegraph:

East India Express

Daily Mail:

East India Express

D Express:

East India Express

Daily Mirror:

East India Express

The Star:

Ballytechno

The Guardian:

Typhoon Flyer

WEST COUNTRY:

Spirits Bay