April 26 / 13.20 Sandown

13.20

Good

bet365 Novices’ Championship Final Handicap Hurdle (GBB Race)

  • Prize money: £51440
  • 1m 7f 216y
  • Class 2
  • 14 runners
RTV
View Course
bet365 Novices’ Championship Final Handicap Hurdle (GBB Race)

Runners: 14 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Cloudy

OUR TIP

Form: 32141 D

Last run: 7 days

W: 12st 0lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 137

Form & Verdict
Good fourth in the Grade 1 juvenile hurdle at Aintree is flanked by wins that were straightforward tasks; returns to deeper waters and concedes weight all round having gone up 15lb for penultimate effort.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

1

(4)

22nd May 2026

Soft

2m 0f 0y

Class 3

15:07 Goodwood

Give It To Me Oj

9st 10lb

J: Tom Queally

T: Gary & Josh Moore

Acts on soft; can make the running; won six (four over hurdles, two on Flat) of seven starts in a golden spell last February-October; soundly beaten over hurdles on latest three outings (in tough races on last two) and unraced beyond 1m4f on Flat, but he can't be comfortably dismissed in this small field.

2/1

18th

16

11th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 5f 0y

Class 1

14:40 Cheltenham

Give It To Me Oj

10st 13lb

J: Caoilin Quinn

T: Gary & Josh Moore

Has set the pace in small fields; won six (four over hurdles, two on Flat) of seven starts in a golden spell last February-October, the final leg in a conditions event at this track; soundly beaten on both starts since (admittedly no chance in Grade 1 latest) and unraced beyond 2m1f, leaving him with plenty to prove in this search for a big career best.

33/1

1st

2

25th Oct 2025

Good To Soft

2m 0f 87y

Class 2

15:30 Cheltenham

Give It To Me Oj

11st 0lb

J: Caoilin Quinn

T: Gary & Josh Moore

Now has a mark of 90 on the Flat after last month's back-to-back 1m4f wins at Epsom; returns to hurdling on a high, therefore, and last season went well, finishing fourth in a Grade 1 at Aintree and three wins including a notable handicap performance in beating mostly older opposition under a big weight at Sandown; he's the standard-setter by some margin and all ground comes alike.

1/2

16/1

Form: 422912 D BF

Last run: 32 days

W: 11st 0lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 115

Form & Verdict
Only 1-8 over hurdles but has a generally consistent record and two starts since wind surgery include the Taunton success (2m); French Flat form suggests he's capable of rating higher still in this sphere.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

1

16th May 2026

Good

2m 0f 145y

Class 4

15:20 Bangor-on-Dee

Fasol

12st 0lb

J: Paddy Hanlon

T: Paul Nicholls

Largely consistent 7yo who gave it a good shot from the front when third in competitive Sandown handicap (2m4f, good) last month; eased in grade here and will be fine over the shorter trip; major contender.

9/4

3rd

9

25th Apr 2026

Good

2m 3f 178y

Class 2

17:15 Sandown

Fasol

10st 5lb

J: Miss Olive Nicholls

T: Paul Nicholls

Largely consistent 7yo who recovered from a jumping error at third-last flight to take fourth in Sussex Champion Hurdle at Plumpton (2m, good) there weeks ago; also suited by 2m4f and this track; considered each-way.

12/1

4th

8

5th Apr 2026

Good

1m 7f 195y

Class 2

16:05 Plumpton

Fasol

10st 13lb

J: Miss Olive Nicholls

T: Paul Nicholls

Has won at this trip but last four runs have been over further and he hasn't kicked on from his Musselburgh win in January (2m4f, good to soft; 3lb lower); probably has little margin for error mark-wise and unlikely the same is true about some of his rivals.

25/1

Form: 5111 D

Last run: 11 days

W: 11st 13lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 128

Form & Verdict
Only 1-17 on Flat in Ireland but is building up a good strike-rate over hurdles for new stable; completed a hat-trick with Southwell success (2m) most recently, beating some of these rivals; improving.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

1

5th Apr 2026

Good

1m 7f 195y

Class 2

16:05 Plumpton

Serious Challenge

12st 0lb

J: Jonathan Burke

T: Fergal O’Brien

Has improved for patient tactics, winning at Haydock (1m7f, good) before going close in the always-strong Morebattle Hurdle at Kelso (good to soft); raised 3lb for that but this former smart Flat performer should be seen to good effect around here.

6/1

2nd

5

28th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 0f 51y

Class 2

14:55 Kelso

Serious Challenge

11st 9lb

J: Jonathan Burke

T: Fergal O’Brien

Made it four wins from his eight starts over hurdles (various ground) when returning to form to score at Haydock (1m7f, good) two months ago, when ridden more patiently; 5lb higher in a better race today and needs a career-best but he's unexposed under hold-up tactics and is not written off.

10/1

4th

2

26th Oct 2025

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 2

15:30 Aintree

Serious Challenge

11st 3lb

J: Jonathan Burke

T: Fergal O’Brien

Talented Flat performer (stayed 1m6f) who won three novice hurdles this year (2m4f/2m, various ground) before finishing fourth of 14 in novice handicap final at Sandown (2m, good) in April; could have more to offer now back up in trip and trainer has won the last three runnings.

5/2

Form: 121150 D

Last run: 46 days

W: 11st 0lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 123

Form & Verdict
Juvenile hurdler whose progress culminated in a share of the spoils (dead-heated) at Cheltenham in December; limitations seemingly exposed since, never dangerous in the Fred Winter last time.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

4

15th Jan 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 19y

Class 4

12:50 Newcastle

Quantock Hills

11st 7lb

J: James Bowen

T: Warren Greatrex

Dual juvenile hurdle last season who had his limitations exposed in some deeper races at the turn of the year, but he signed off with a respectable fifth in a Sandown (2m, good) handicap in April; yet to really fire since switched to fences this term for a stable going well, though he could improve for this longer trip.

13/2

3rd

5

29th Oct 2025

Good To Soft

2m 0f 75y

Class 4

14:23 Newton Abbot

Quantock Hills

11st 7lb

J: James Bowen

T: Warren Greatrex

Won three times over hurdles last year and was last seen finishing fifth of 14 in a valuable novices' handicap at Sandown (2m, good) in April; half-brother to a winning chaser and the market should be useful on his debut over fences after six months off.

9/4

3rd

5

29th Oct 2025

Good To Soft

2m 0f 75y

Class 4

14:23 Newton Abbot

Quantock Hills

11st 7lb

J: James Bowen

T: Warren Greatrex

Won three times over hurdles last year and was last seen finishing fifth of 14 in a valuable novices' handicap at Sandown (2m, good) in April; half-brother to a winning chaser and the market should be useful on his debut over fences after six months off.

9/4

Form: 5121 D

Last run: 28 days

W: 11st 7lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 130

Form & Verdict
Two wins apiece on Flat and under this code, notably in 4yo Listed hurdle; subsequently ran well in substandard Adonis then had a straightforward task at Stratford; this assignment demands best form yet.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

5

26th Apr 2025

Good

1m 7f 216y

Class 2

13:20 Sandown

St Pancras

11st 7lb

J: Kevin Brogan

T: Toby Lawes

Two wins apiece on Flat and under this code, notably in 4yo Listed hurdle; subsequently ran well in substandard Adonis then had a straightforward task at Stratford; this assignment demands best form yet.

12/1

6th

5

26th Apr 2025

Good

1m 7f 216y

Class 2

13:20 Sandown

St Pancras

11st 7lb

J: Kevin Brogan

T: Toby Lawes

Two wins apiece on Flat and under this code, notably in 4yo Listed hurdle; subsequently ran well in substandard Adonis then had a straightforward task at Stratford; this assignment demands best form yet.

12/1

1st

6

29th Mar 2025

Good

2m 0f 70y

Class 4

13:55 Stratford

St Pancras

11st 2lb

J: Kevin Brogan

T: Toby Lawes

Dual Flat winner who has raised his profile over hurdles, winning the Scottish Triumph at Musselburgh (good to soft) before finishing runner-up in the Grade 2 Adonis at Kempton; he probably faced mission impossible that day in conceding 5lb to a really smart prospect; hard to beat.

Evs

10/1

Form: 461 D

Last run: 17 days

W: 10st 7lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 116

Form & Verdict
Only four runs in total; galloped on strongly up the run-in at Taunton (2m) latest, opening his account; could well build on that emphatic win and show further improvement; interesting off bottom weight.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

1

4th May 2026

Good

2m 4f 1y

Class 2

17:13 Fakenham

Nardaran

12st 0lb

J: Freddie Keighley

T: Paul Nicholls

3-10 over hurdles; ended last season with two good runs, the latter a close third at Wincanton (2m5f, good); swaps cheekpieces for first-time blinkers and has good 5lb claimer Freddie Keighley enlisted today; shortlisted.

12/1

3rd

3

12th Apr 2026

Good

2m 5f 82y

Class 3

16:00 Wincanton

Nardaran

11st 10lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Paul Nicholls

Won two small-field handicaps at 2m (good to soft) in the autumn; hasn't kicked on, though latest run at Kempton was more encouraging and 2m5f is worth persevering with.

9/2

6th

8

14th Mar 2026

Good

2m 5f 0y

Class 2

14:40 Kempton

Nardaran

11st 0lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Paul Nicholls

Won two small-field handicaps at 2m (good to soft) in the autumn but he hasn't gone on in two hurdle runs since and had a go on the AW recently; trip query over this far and has more to prove than some.

14/1

Form: 122393 D

Last run: 11 days

W: 11st 3lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 118

Form & Verdict
Two novice wins in November and generally consistent otherwise; ties in with some of these rivals on Sandown (Imperial Cup) and Southwell form the last twice; solid contender who should give his running.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

9

26th Apr 2025

Good

1m 7f 216y

Class 2

13:20 Sandown

Sorceleur

11st 3lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Paul Nicholls

Two novice wins in November and generally consistent otherwise; ties in with some of these rivals on Sandown (Imperial Cup) and Southwell form the last twice; solid contender who should give his running.

6/1

9th

9

26th Apr 2025

Good

1m 7f 216y

Class 2

13:20 Sandown

Sorceleur

11st 3lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Paul Nicholls

Two novice wins in November and generally consistent otherwise; ties in with some of these rivals on Sandown (Imperial Cup) and Southwell form the last twice; solid contender who should give his running.

6/1

3rd

2

15th Apr 2025

Good

1m 7f 182y

Class 4

15:15 Southwell

Sorceleur

12st 0lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Paul Nicholls

prominent, lost ground when not fluent last, weakened and lost position run-in

7/2

Form: 11-134 D BF

Last run: 11 days

W: 11st 5lb

5 yo Filly

OR: 120

Form & Verdict
Ex-French mare who hasn't lived up to expectations in two starts since Kempton win and was behind some of these opponents last time; however, she's very nicely bred and may yet resume progress; not written off.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

2

23rd May 2026

Good To Soft

2m 1f 46y

Class 3

14:10 Cartmel

Kientzheim

11st 13lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Ben Haslam

Has made a positive start for her current yard, scoring at Market Rasen (2m4f) in November and backing it up with a good second of 11 at Carlisle (2m1f) in February; well in the mix after a break with few miles on the clock.

9/1

2nd

2

3rd Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 1f 0y

Class 4

15:35 Carlisle

Kientzheim

11st 13lb

J: Kevin Brogan

T: Ben Haslam

Off the mark for the season in a 2m4f mares' handicap at Musselburgh last time (good to soft); this looks harder, but has an each-way chance.

11/2

3

1st Nov 2025

Good

2m 0f 0y

Class 3

15:30 Wetherby

Kientzheim

11st 2lb

J: Richie McLernon

T: Ben Haslam

Looked a mare of considerable promise when making successful British debut in maiden at Kempton (2m, good) on Boxing Day, but failed to build on that and has since left Nicky Henderson; well-bred and may still be unexposed; worth monitoring in the market on first start for new stable.

8/1

Form: 2-122 D BF

Last run: 48 days

W: 11st 8lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 123

Form & Verdict
Useful on Flat and has a solid record (2122) over hurdles; penultimate effort in this sphere is a strong piece of form; however, rather lacks room for significant progress, having raced 41 times in total.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

18th

20

(6)

20th Jun 2025

Good To Firm

1m 3f 211y

Class 2

15:40 Ascot

HMS President

9st 3lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Alan King

8yo whose last turf Flat run was in May 2024 (tailed off) with some fair hurdles form since; three seconds and two fourths from his five visits to Ascot, most notably when beaten a neck in this race two years ago off the same mark as today; that followed a 1m6f win and he's not entirely dismissed even though the 1m6f Copper Horse on Tuesday (first reserve) was seemingly his preferred engagement this week; usually wore headgear in 2021 and 2022, now tries a first-time visor.

50/1

17

(8)

17th Jun 2025

Good

1m 6f 34y

Class 2

18:10 Ascot

HMS President

9st 3lb

J: Hollie Doyle

T: Alan King

Reserve; has a good record here and went close at this meeting in 2023 (1m4f, good to firm); stays 1m6f; some good runs over hurdles since last November but it remains to be seen if this 8yo is the same force as two years ago; wears a first-time visor.

40/1

11th

4

26th Apr 2025

Good

1m 7f 216y

Class 2

13:20 Sandown

HMS President

11st 8lb

J: Tom Cannon

T: Alan King

Useful on Flat and has a solid record (2122) over hurdles; penultimate effort in this sphere is a strong piece of form; however, rather lacks room for significant progress, having raced 41 times in total.

12/1

Form: 314212 D

Last run: 11 days

W: 11st 1lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 116

Form & Verdict
Solid operator, with form figures of 314 in bumpers and 212 over hurdles; ties in with some of these opponents on Southwell running last time; half-brother to smart Gidleigh Park and open to further progress.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

1

12th Apr 2026

Good

2m 5f 82y

Class 3

16:00 Wincanton

John Barbour

12st 0lb

J: Jonathan Burke

T: Fergal O’Brien

Has done well since raised to 2m4f and narrowly beaten at Ascot on his penultimate start by one who was well handicapped; beaten too far out at Uttoxeter last time to blame the longer trip (2m7f) but definite chance at this level if he's back on his game.

100/30

11

14th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 7f 70y

Class 2

14:25 Uttoxeter

John Barbour

10st 10lb

J: Jack Hogan

T: Fergal O’Brien

Has a solid record (1212) since upped to about 2m4f, the wins at Uttoxeter (3-3 here overall); good effort at Ascot most recently; bred to stay this longer distance and may improve further; strong contender.

7/1

2nd

9

14th Feb 2026

Soft

2m 3f 63y

Class 2

14:25 Ascot

John Barbour

10st 10lb

J: Jonathan Burke

T: Fergal O’Brien

Second-season hurdler who has form figures of 121 since upped to 2m4f, both wins at Uttoxeter (good to soft); goes into deeper waters but may improve further at this sort of distance; respected.

8/1

9/1

Form: 211 D

Last run: 38 days

W: 11st 8lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 123

Form & Verdict
Beat all bar a notable rival on hurdles debut; questionable whether he has improved in justifying favouritism twice since, all out at Huntingdon (2m) latest; however, has a smart pedigree and may do better still.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

2nd Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 100y

Class 4

16:07 Chepstow

Wolf Moon

11st 11lb

J: Ben Jones

T: Ben Pauling

Dual 2m novice hurdle winner last season but well beaten on handicap debut in April and he's also struggled in two chase runs this winter; still lightly raced and now returns after wind surgery, but likely best watched for now.

10/1

13th

3

26th Apr 2025

Good

1m 7f 216y

Class 2

13:20 Sandown

Wolf Moon

11st 8lb

J: Ben Jones

T: Ben Pauling

Beat all bar a notable rival on hurdles debut; questionable whether he has improved in justifying favouritism twice since, all out at Huntingdon (2m) latest; however, has a smart pedigree and may do better still.

9/1

Form: 1242 D BF

Last run: 37 days

W: 10st 10lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 119

Form & Verdict
Juvenile hurdler who has failed to back up his Chepstow Grade 2 effort in two subsequent outings, turned over at short odds latest; has something to prove off his mark and is not a solid option.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

7

4th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

1m 7f 144y

Class 2

14:12 Haydock

Marche dAligre

10st 10lb

J: Joe Anderson

T: Jamie Snowden

Runner-up twice in a row at the end of last year (2m, soft) then tailed off at Ascot (2m3f, soft); following wind surgery he took a step back in the right direction at Newbury (2m, good to soft) in February but was still soundly beaten, and very much needs to build on that latest effort.

14/1

3rd

7

28th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 0f 69y

Class 3

14:10 Newbury

Marche dAligre

10st 9lb

J: Isabelle Ryder

T: Jamie Snowden

1-8 over hurdles, with the win on first attempt; good second at Wetherby and Sandown (both 2m on soft) to start this season, before tailing off over 2m3f at Ascot on soft six weeks ago; back down in trip and has now had wind surgery; needs to resume his progress.

9/2

9th

7

17th Jan 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 63y

Class 2

14:53 Ascot

Marche dAligre

10st 10lb

J: Gavin Sheehan

T: Jamie Snowden

Arrives in good form after seconds at Wetherby and Sandown (both 2m, soft), no extra after a mistake at the last on second occasion; now moves up in distance, and if he stays he should be involved again.

9/1

Form: -13223 D BF

Last run: 36 days

W: 11st 5lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 120

Form & Verdict
Made a winning debut over hurdles and has proved very consistent in defeat since, creditable third in Newbury handicap (2m) most recently; faces a stiffer task off same mark in this bigger prize.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

10

24th Feb 2024

Soft

2m 0f 0y

Class 3

16:45 Kempton

Mythical Moon

10st 6lb

J: Tom Cannon

T: Alan King

£42,000 yearling; half-brother to bumper/2m hurdle winner Gitche Gumee; dam bumper/2m5f hurdle winner, sister to bumper/useful 2m4f-3m jumps winner Chilli Filli from talented family; very plausible on pedigree; yard 12% in bumpers in recent seasons.

9/2

Form: U21P18 D

Last run: 49 days

W: 11st 5lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 120

Form & Verdict
Registered odds-on wins over hurdles in Scotland and the far north of England; respectable eighth when 28-1 for the Imperial Cup here last time but needs improvement in this similarly valuable race.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

5

25th Feb 2024

Heavy

2m 0f 53y

Class 4

17:10 Hereford

Were Red And Blue

10st 4lb

J: Richie McLernon

T: Jonjo O’Neill

87,000euros 3yo; first foal; dam fair 2m hurdle winner, sister to useful 2m4f chase winner Sammy Bill; stable has a good bumper strike-rate (17%); shortlisted.

9/4

Non-runners

Big Ginge

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Straight Forecast £178.97
Tricast £1337.16

Selections

RP RATINGS:

Sorceleur

D Express:

Kientzheim

WEST COUNTRY:

Fasol

LAMBOURN:

Quantock Hills

SPOTLIGHT:

Nardaran

Daily Mirror:

Wolf Moon

POSTDATA:

Give It To Me Oj

The Guardian:

John Barbour

Daily Record:

St Pancras

Daily Mail:

We're Red And Blue

The Star:

Marche d'Aligre

The Sun:

Kientzheim

TOPSPEED:

Sorceleur

Telegraph:

Sorceleur

The Times:

Fasol