April 26 / 16.45 Sandown

16.45

Good

bet365 Handicap Hurdle (GBB Race)

  • Prize money: £18210.5
  • 2m 3f 173y
  • Class 2
  • 10 runners
ITV
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bet365 Handicap Hurdle (GBB Race)

Runners: 10 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Cloudy

5/1 (Won)

Form: 154312 D

Last run: 14 days

W: 11st 4lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 128

Form & Verdict
Picked up well to make a successful handicap debut at Naas (2m3f, soft) in March, justifying favouritism in 16-runner race; good second of five at Ayr (3m, good to soft) two weeks ago and this step back down in trip may help with further progress; promising.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

8

2nd May 2026

Yielding

2m 4f 118y

17:30 Punchestown

Jump Allen

10st 12lb

J: Paul Townend

T: W P Mullins

Bumper winner; won two handicaps last season, over 19.5f (soft) at Naas off 114 and then off 14lb higher at Sandown (2m4f, good); excellent 3.25l third despite trouble in running on seasonal reappearance in the Martin Pipe (20.5f, soft) when sent off at just 8-1 and 2lb higher now; Paul Townend now takes over; leading claims.

13/2

3rd

17

13th Mar 2026

Good

2m 4f 56y

Class 2

17:20 Cheltenham

Jump Allen

11st 4lb

J: Anna McGuinness

T: W P Mullins

Progressive novice hurdler last term, culminating in Sandown handicap success (2m4f, good); followed up in Flat challenge race at Punchestown last month, holding on from main market rival and confirming his wellbeing ahead of this return to jumps; may have more to offer.

8/1

Form: 205751 D

Last run: 5 days

W: 10st 5lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 109

Form & Verdict
Had been languishing this season prior to winning a ten-runner novice handicap at Plumpton (extended 2m4f, good) on Monday, leading before the final flight and going nearly 5l clear; has 6lb penalty but firmly back in serious calculations.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

1st Oct 2025

Good

2m 5f 5y

Class 3

16:28 Warwick

Mostly Sunny

11st 12lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

Consistent gelding who ran up to his best when third in a Class 2 handicap over this trip at Newton Abbot in August (2m5f); unlikely to be far away.

4/1

6

30th Aug 2025

Good

2m 5f 122y

Class 2

16:30 Newton Abbot

Mostly Sunny

10st 9lb

J: Harry Atkins

T: Dan Skelton

Collected a good prize at Plumpton (2m4f, good) in April and has made the frame on all fourth subsequent appearances; can cope if the ground softens here and will probably be on the premises again.

8/1

Form: 7-8190 D

Last run: 45 days

W: 11st 11lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 135

Form & Verdict
Safely held in two major handicaps since winning comfortably on stable debut at Fairyhouse (3m, yielding to soft) in January; back in calmer waters and good ground should be fine, but there remains plenty to be proved off this sort of mark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

5

29th Apr 2026

Yielding

2m 4f 80y

17:25 Punchestown

King Alexander

11st 2lb

J: Paul Townend

T: W P Mullins

Lightly-raced novice landed odds in 2m4f Gowran beginners' in February and fine effort for one so inexperienced when fourth of 18 in 2m5f Jack Richards Novices' Handicap at Cheltenham on much better ground; more scope for improvement than most of these.

7/2

4th

6

12th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 127y

Class 1

14:00 Cheltenham

King Alexander

11st 4lb

J: Danny Mullins

T: W P Mullins

Came up well short in the 2m5f handicap hurdle at this meeting last year but may fare better in this return visit as he's still unexposed over fences and has a solid record since switched to this sphere; comfortably justified favouritism at Gowran Park (2m3f) most recently, producing a career-best RPR; peaking at the right time.

28/1

3rd

6

22nd Jan 2026

Heavy

2m 4f 0y

14:55 Gowran Park

King Alexander

11st 12lb

J: Brian Hayes

T: W P Mullins

One of three for stable; 4-13 over hurdles and rated 136; a close third in a Sandown handicap hurdle in April (2m4f, good) on his final start last season; went close when stable's second string on chasing debut at Naas, with stablemate Funiculi Funicula 2l away in third; definite chance again despite Townend's vote of confidence in the other direction.

100/30

Form: F5P405 CD

Last run: 22 days

W: 11st 4lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 128

Form & Verdict
Three wins last term, most notably in this race (good) and he did that in good style off 4lb lower than today; less reliable this season but never-nearer fifth of 20 at Aintree (2m4f; hooded first time) on latest start was a hint that he could be a player in this race for the second year running.
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

Form: 2-4132 BF

Last run: 74 days

W: 11st 0lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 124

Form & Verdict
Has run in two bumpers and four hurdle races, all on soft or heavy; won a novice at Exeter (2m) on New Year's Day and creditable places on both starts since, albeit put firmly in his place last time despite starting 4-7; this new trip for handicap debut is interesting and, notwithstanding the very different ground, he needs a second look.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

1

20th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 57y

Class 3

15:32 Newbury

Peacenik

12st 0lb

J: Gavin Sheehan

T: Katy Price

Progressed again on last three starts, winning two of them (good to soft); moving up to 3m at this track proved an excellent fit three weeks ago when he mostly had a clear lead before striding on again smoothly in closing stages; up another 9lb but could also prove too hot for today's rivals.

15/8

1st

2

27th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 57y

Class 3

16:43 Newbury

Peacenik

11st 13lb

J: Gavin Sheehan

T: Katy Price

Low-mileage 7yo who left low-key seasonal debut behind when scoring by just over 5l at Doncaster (2m3f, good to soft) in December and again ran well when placed here (2m4f, good) later that month; open to improvement on first attempt at 3m; must be considered seriously.

11/2

5th

8

26th Apr 2025

Good

2m 3f 173y

Class 2

16:45 Sandown

Peacenik

11st 0lb

J: Shane Quinlan

T: Katy Price

pressed leader, not fluent 1st, not fluent but led 3rd

14/1

Form: 645492 BF

Last run: 7 days

W: 10st 3lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 113

Form & Verdict
In good form last August/September, winning twice on good or firmer; tongue-tie returned when back near that level at Haydock (1m7f, good) one week ago, finishing strongly from the rear for second of seven; back up 3lb and needs a career-best, with a question to answer regarding stamina.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

4

25th May 2026

Good

2m 1f 61y

Class 3

16:36 Cartmel

Got Grey

10st 13lb

J: Leah Noreci

T: James Moffatt

Finished strongly to beat Jet Of Dreams on last summer's chasing debut but his three subsequent runs for Dan Skelton were somewhat underwhelming and he was sold for £10,000 in the autumn; makes stable debut after seven-month break; market may guide.

15/2

6th

5

19th Oct 2025

Good

2m 2f 0y

Class 3

14:16 Kempton

Got Grey

11st 2lb

J: Tristan Durrell

T: Dan Skelton

Won at Worcester (2m, good) on chase debut; has failed to repeat that form in two starts since, however, and was beaten in a match race on latest; others have stronger claims.

8/1

Form: 213510 D

Last run: 43 days

W: 11st 6lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 130

Form & Verdict
Maiden and novice winner as a hurdler; cut little ice on last month's handicap debut at the Cheltenham Festival (2m4f; 33-1 off 2lb higher) but seems versatile regarding ground and may still have potential.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

3

12th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 7f 213y

Class 1

16:40 Cheltenham

Electric Mason

11st 1lb

J: Freddie Gordon

T: Chris Gordon

Soundly beaten here in the Martin Pipe 12 months ago but second of 17 to today's Grade 1 Stayers' hopeful Ma Shantou back here (3m, good) in October; improved to win valuable race in another big field at Haydock (3m, good to soft) in November and should be raring to go today, with major chance.

10/1

2nd

12

25th Oct 2025

Good To Soft

2m 7f 208y

Class 2

14:55 Cheltenham

Electric Mason

10st 8lb

J: Freddie Gordon

T: Chris Gordon

Dual winner at Fontwell (2m1f/2m3f) as a novice hurdler last season; unable to land any sort of blow when making handicap debut at the Festival here (2m4f) in March and raced rather lazily when seventh (not beaten that far) at Sandown in April but this step up to 3m may unlock improvement; not ruled out.

20/1

7th

5

26th Apr 2025

Good

2m 3f 173y

Class 2

16:45 Sandown

Electric Mason

11st 6lb

J: Freddie Gordon

T: Chris Gordon

raced lazily, in touch with leaders

12/1

OUR TIP

Form: 5P2066 D

Last run: 21 days

W: 11st 11lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 135

Form & Verdict
Creditable sixth in big-field handicaps at the Cheltenham (extended 2m4f) and Aintree (3m) festivals on his last two outings; he needs to find extra, however, and this test may well be on the sharp side.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

10

11th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 149y

Class 1

13:20 Aintree

Push The Button

11st 2lb

J: Rian Corcoran

T: Mark Walford

Made a good start over fences for new connections, winning at Carlisle (2m, good) in October and second in a Grade 2 novice at Ascot (2m3f, soft); mistakes crept in when below that level twice since and he now reverts to hurdling; sixth of 17 in this last year off an identical mark.

25/1

3rd

1

28th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 5f 133y

Class 3

17:10 Kelso

Push The Button

11st 10lb

J: Jamie Hamilton

T: Mark Walford

Made a good start over fences for new connections, winning at Carlisle (2m, good) in October and finishing second in a Grade 2 novice at Ascot (2m3f, soft); let down by his jumping in competitive handicap at Cheltenham last time but he's in shallower waters here and should be thereabouts.

6/4

7th

1

24th Jan 2026

Soft

2m 4f 127y

Class 2

12:05 Cheltenham

Push The Button

12st 0lb

J: Jamie Hamilton

T: Mark Walford

Record of 122 switched to fences this term for new yard and the form has received a few boosts; ran well on the figures, albeit no match for winner, in Grade 2 at Ascot (2m3f, soft) most recently; brings solid claims back to handicap level.

4/1

Form: 43-212 D

Last run: 10 days

W: 11st 9lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 133

Form & Verdict
Seventh attempt to get off the mark over hurdles when scoring in a big-field Limerick maiden (2m3f, soft) last month; creditable front-running second in novice at Cheltenham (2m4f, good) ten days ago and looks a reliable sort, but this handicap debut demands more from him.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

14th

19

12th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 127y

Class 1

14:00 Cheltenham

Dr Eggman

10st 6lb

J: John Shinnick

T: W P Mullins

Finished third behind shorter-priced stablemates in last two outings and is again facing stronger candidates from his own yard, before even considering the many other dangers; overall record of just 2-15 reflects that he hasn't progressed as well as expected; 2lb out of the handicap.

40/1

3rd

2

5th Feb 2026

Soft

2m 2f 0y

13:07 Thurles

Dr Eggman

11st 12lb

J: Danny Mullins

T: W P Mullins

Only 1-9 over hurdles and vastly inferior to stablemate Salvator Mundi in that discipline; his second run over fences was better than the first, beaten about 12l at Fairyhouse (2m1f, yielding); would have a chance if the yard's apparent main hope did fluff his lines.

7/2

3rd

1

14th Jan 2026

Yielding

2m 1f 30y

14:50 Fairyhouse

Dr Eggman

11st 12lb

J: Danny Mullins

T: W P Mullins

One of three for trainer; bumper winner; 1-9 over hurdles and rated 133; in rear at this venue on chasing debut; got loose at the start and was withdrawn here on New Year's Day; stable has stronger candidates.

14/1

6/1

Form: 7-92P6

Last run: 14 days

W: 12st 0lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 138

Form & Verdict
Free-going sort and that seemed to cost him in the Coral Cup at Cheltenham (2m5f) on his only run beyond 2m1f; sixth of 12 in hot 2m race at Ayr two weeks ago was as good as any of his form, which showed that better is needed, but Paul Townend nevertheless takes the ride.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

1

29th Apr 2026

Yielding

2m 3f 58y

15:40 Punchestown

Bunting

11st 12lb

J: Danny Mullins

T: W P Mullins

Modest strike-rate over hurdles for one of his ability, hasn't added to Limerick maiden win as a 3yo, albeit some good runs in top company; didn't land a blow in BetMGM Cup at Cheltenham on latest but previous Leopardstown fourth was a solid effort; major claims down in grade here.

100/30

9th

21

11th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 5f 0y

Class 1

14:40 Cheltenham

Bunting

10st 12lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: W P Mullins

Raced freely when 12-1 in this last year and was pulled up; a maiden hurdle in December 2023 remains his last win and he's not been consistent, but such performances as his Flat third in the Cesarewitch (second favourite; plenty went wrong) in October and fourth of 16 in a hot 2m4f handicap hurdle at Leopardstown in December show that he can still be competitive on his day.

12/1

9th

8

1st Feb 2026

Heavy

2m 0f 0y

15:52 Leopardstown

Bunting

10st 13lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: W P Mullins

Was hit and miss over hurdles last season but was third in the Cesarewitch back on the level and fourth in 2m4f hurdle here at Christmas; one to consider.

10/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Straight Forecast £22.01
Tricast £274.57

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Jump Allen

The Guardian:

Ike Sport

RP RATINGS:

Electric Mason

The Star:

Push The Button

The Times:

Mostly Sunny

Daily Record:

Dr Eggman

POSTDATA:

Jump Allen

Telegraph:

Jump Allen

D Express:

Jump Allen

Daily Mirror:

Jump Allen

TOPSPEED:

Electric Mason

Daily Mail:

Ike Sport

The Sun:

Ike Sport