October 26 / 12.40 Aintree

12.40

Good

Butterworth Spengler Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle (Challenger Stayers’ Hurdle Series Qual)

  • Prize money: £10033.9
  • 3m 0f 149y
  • Class 3
  • 12 runners
RTV
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Butterworth Spengler Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle (Challenger Stayers’ Hurdle Series Qual)

Runners: 12 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Light rain

Form: 6908-6 C

Last run: 163 days

W: 12st 0lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 127

Form & Verdict
Nine-time hurdle winner (including here for Harriet Dickin) who is below his last winning mark but struggled in the first half of this year for Olly Murphy; went through the sales ring for £13,500 in May and has plenty to prove, including stamina, on his first start since rejoining this trainer.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6

28th Jun 2026

Good

2m 6f 31y

Class 4

15:02 Cartmel

Pyramid Place

11st 4lb

J: Harry Reed

T: Tristan Davidson

Useful hurdler in his prime but out of form for a good while now, including on this month's two runs (latest a rare Flat run) for new stable; it's therefore hard to see him adding to the trainer's recent winners; Divilabother looks a much better chance for the yard but Harry Reed (who rides most of their British runners) is on this one.

12/1

10th

12

(10)

15th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

1m 6f 32y

Class 5

15:20 Carlisle

Pyramid Place

8st 10lb

J: Rowan Scott

T: Tristan Davidson

Useful hurdler in his prime but has been out of form over jumps for a good while now, including when last of six on recent stable debut; this will be his first Flat run since a heavy defeat in summer 2023.

14/1

6th

3

6th Jun 2026

Good

2m 0f 48y

Class 4

18:43 Hexham

Pyramid Place

11st 12lb

J: Harry Reed

T: Tristan Davidson

9-39 hurdles, but no win since quickening clear in a four-runner Class 2 at Kempton (2m5f, good; from 19lb higher) in November 2024; pulled up over fences (bled from nose) on final start for Harriet Dickin nearly four months ago; best watched on stable debut (£6,000 purchase).

20/1

OUR TIP

Form: 112021

Last run: 25 days

W: 12st 0lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 127

Form & Verdict
Made it 5-11 over hurdles (wins on good/good to soft) when winning under Isabelle Ryder at Warwick (2m5f) this month; he beat only four rivals last time and this is tougher, but he did it easily and could continue to progress; ran well behind Lipa K over 2m7f two starts ago (unraced over further).
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

3

3rd Jun 2026

Good

2m 4f 216y

Class 4

15:00 Newton Abbot

Doc McCoy

11st 11lb

J: Isabelle Ryder

T: Jamie Snowden

Five-time hurdle winner but 0-6 over fences; hasn't had much go his way since scoring in October but he was still in contention when unseating three out over fences last time in a race won by Dunkerque; now 10lb better off with that rival and he should be competitive given a change in fortune; forecast rain is a concern though.

11/8

2

11th May 2026

Good

2m 4f 88y

Class 4

15:12 Southwell

Doc McCoy

12st 0lb

J: Isabelle Ryder

T: Jamie Snowden

Strike-rate of 5-13 over hurdles and he's rated 10lb lower as a chaser (0-5); however, hasn't offered a lot in this discipline and it's over a year since he last went chasing.

8/1

2

12th Apr 2026

Good

2m 5f 82y

Class 3

16:00 Wincanton

Doc McCoy

11st 11lb

J: Isabelle Ryder

T: Jamie Snowden

Strike-rate of 5-12 over hurdles and won easily at Warwick (2m5f, good) before pulling up at Ascot in October; he does have a bit to prove off this mark even if returning in good order.

13/2

Form: 3-3812

Last run: 62 days

W: 11st 12lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 125

Form & Verdict
Won with this visor back on at Uttoxeter (2m7f, good) in July and went close at Cartmel (3m1f, good) the following month; versatile ground-wise and can be in the mix if continuing the good work after a two-month break.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

8

18th Apr 2026

Soft

3m 0f 20y

Class 2

13:45 Ayr

Pounding Poet

10st 12lb

J: Stan Sheppard

T: Tom Lacey

Close third over hurdles at this meeting 12 months ago (3m, good to soft) and won in that sphere at Uttoxeter (2m7f, good) last July; ran pretty well in 5l third at Newbury (2m6f, good) in December when back chasing for the first time since 2023, but this 10yo needs a bigger performance today.

25/1

3

26th Oct 2025

Good

3m 0f 149y

Class 3

12:40 Aintree

Pounding Poet

11st 12lb

J: Cameron Iles

T: Tom Lacey

Won with this visor back on at Uttoxeter (2m7f, good) in July and went close at Cartmel (3m1f, good) the following month; versatile ground-wise and can be in the mix if continuing the good work after a two-month break.

6/1

Form: -26014

Last run: 45 days

W: 11st 12lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 125

Form & Verdict
Returned to form to win at Uttoxeter (2m4f, good) in July and again ran well when fourth there (2m4f, good) last month; stays this far and is effective on soft ground; goes well for Benjamin Macey, with form figures of 29214, and he could have a part to play.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

2

26th Feb 2026

Soft

3m 0f 26y

Class 3

16:10 Wetherby

Icare Allen

12st 0lb

J: Benjamin Macey

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

Inconsistent but he won at Uttoxeter (2m4f, good) last July and returned from a break with a close third here (2m5f, soft) on Boxing Day, staying on nicely; he's fine at this trip; not his fault when unseating mid-race at Haydock last month; could be involved.

12/1

6

17th Jan 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 58y

Class 3

14:35 Haydock

Icare Allen

11st 2lb

J: Jonjo O’Neill Jr

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

Inconsistent but he won at Uttoxeter (2m4f, good) last July and returned from a break with a close third at Wetherby (2m5f, soft) on Boxing Day, staying on nicely; he'll be fine now back up in trip and could be involved.

11/1

4

26th Oct 2025

Good

3m 0f 149y

Class 3

12:40 Aintree

Icare Allen

11st 12lb

J: Benjamin Macey

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

Returned to form to win at Uttoxeter (2m4f, good) in July and again ran well when fourth there (2m4f, good) last month; stays this far and is effective on soft ground; goes well for Benjamin Macey, with form figures of 29214, and he could have a part to play.

6/1

Form: 2-8137 D

Last run: 119 days

W: 11st 11lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 124

Form & Verdict
Four wins under William Maggs (2m4f-3m1f, good to soft/good), the latest at Huntingdon in May; came third of seven in this last year; however, not at his best on his last two starts in May/June and needs to raise his game.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

4

16th May 2026

Good

2m 7f 70y

Class 2

18:50 Uttoxeter

Lihyan

11st 4lb

J: William Maggs

T: Rebecca Menzies

Two wins last season, the first a four-runner Huntingdon handicap in May (3m1f, good), the second a six-runner handicap at Newbury (3m, good to soft) in March; far from disgraced in a competitive race at Aintree last time and not without a chance despite career-high mark.

13/2

7th

22

11th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 149y

Class 1

13:20 Aintree

Lihyan

10st 9lb

J: William Maggs

T: Rebecca Menzies

Ridden last ten starts by William Maggs; seventh hurdle win when seeing off five rivals at Newbury (3m, good to soft) three weeks ago but even a 2lb nudge seems likely to stop him in this much more competitive scenario.

25/1

1st

5

20th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 57y

Class 3

15:32 Newbury

Lihyan

11st 2lb

J: William Maggs

T: Rebecca Menzies

Ridden last nine starts by William Maggs; rarely seen on soft ground; six-time winner, most recently last May; good placed efforts at about 3m four times in a row in October-December, before he failed to show in a Pertemps qualifier at Musselburgh (10-1) nearly seven weeks ago; best form this term was over C&D, so he's not entirely ruled out.

11/2

Form: 2P-152 D

Last run: 30 days

W: 11st 7lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 120

Form & Verdict
Won at Worcester (2m7f, good) in May in first-time cheekpieces (retained since); midfield at Market Rasen next time then runner-up back at Worcester (2m7f, good), albeit no match for the unexposed winner; also effective on soft/good to soft ground; might not be far away.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

4

7th Jul 2026

Good

2m 7f 70y

Class 3

15:00 Uttoxeter

Ernest Gray

11st 9lb

J: Tom Bellamy

T: Alan King

Won two handicaps over similar trips to this last season, both on good ground; latest run in a Class 2 wasn't too bad and he's capable when fresh; this mark isn't beyond him.

14/1

6th

3

4th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 58y

Class 2

14:46 Haydock

Ernest Gray

10st 12lb

J: Tom Bellamy

T: Alan King

Did well in cheekpieces last year, winning at Worcester (2m7f, good) in May and Aintree (3m, good) in October; not so good behind Super Survivor here (good to soft) in December but a return to form today looks possible for in-form yard; place hopes.

8/1

6

26th Oct 2025

Good

3m 0f 149y

Class 3

12:40 Aintree

Ernest Gray

11st 7lb

J: Philip Armson

T: Alan King

Won at Worcester (2m7f, good) in May in first-time cheekpieces (retained since); midfield at Market Rasen next time then runner-up back at Worcester (2m7f, good), albeit no match for the unexposed winner; also effective on soft/good to soft ground; might not be far away.

7/1

Form: 3P/600 D

Last run: 15 days

W: 11st 7lb

12 yo Gelding

OR: 120

Form & Verdict
Down in the weights and one to watch in the betting but this 12yo has struggled on his three runs since returning from a long absence in August.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

7

6th Apr 2026

Good

3m 1f 119y

Class 4

15:20 Hereford

The Jam Man

10st 13lb

J: Lorcan Williams

T: Ryan Potter

Veteran whose last win under rules was in 2020 (won a point early in 2024); fourth of 16 at Chepstow in January may look the only positive result in his nine races this season but he was beaten 35l, so that does not persuade; not even with his 37lb fall in the weights this term.

20/1

1

17th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 7f 25y

Class 5

14:20 Exeter

The Jam Man

12st 0lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Ryan Potter

In poor form over hurdles and fences for new stable this season and getting very long in the tooth now but has plummeted down the weights and may yet stage some sort of a revival; watch the betting.

33/1

6

22nd Feb 2026

Soft

3m 1f 44y

Class 4

15:10 Hereford

The Jam Man

10st 12lb

J: Conor Ring

T: Ryan Potter

One-time smart hurdler/chaser but very much on the decline these days and is best watched after some ordinary efforts this season.

16/1

Form: /5412-

Last run: 219 days

W: 11st 6lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 119

Form & Verdict
Lightly raced French 2m1f hurdle winner who improved upon British hurdle form to win on chase debut at Newbury (2m4f, soft) in February and stayed on for a close second at Newbury (2m6f, good to soft) in March; lower mark to work with now back hurdling and looks a good prospect for this longer trip.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

15th

11

11th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 149y

Class 1

13:20 Aintree

Kikijo

11st 2lb

J: Callum Pritchard

T: Philip Hobbs & Johnson White

Lightly raced 6yo who has made a big splash on his switch back to hurdling this season, winning soft-ground handicaps over about 3m at Cheltenham and Sandown; the form of the Sandown win is particularly strong but he couldn't reproduce it back on good ground in the Pertemps at Cheltenham and conditions may once again not be as soft as he prefers.

20/1

18th

6

12th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 7f 213y

Class 1

16:40 Cheltenham

Kikijo

10st 11lb

J: Callum Pritchard

T: Philip Hobbs & Johnson White

Lightly raced 6yo who has made a big splash on his switch back to hurdling this season, ridden prominently when winning over about 3m at Cheltenham and Sandown (under Callum Pritchard last time); up another 8lb today; those wins were on soft ground, which probably helped him, but he keeps finding more and probably has deeper reserves, so cannot be passed over at all lightly.

14/1

8

26th Oct 2025

Good

3m 0f 149y

Class 3

12:40 Aintree

Kikijo

11st 6lb

J: Callum Pritchard

T: Philip Hobbs & Johnson White

Lightly raced French 2m1f hurdle winner who improved upon British hurdle form to win on chase debut at Newbury (2m4f, soft) in February and stayed on for a close second at Newbury (2m6f, good to soft) in March; lower mark to work with now back hurdling and looks a good prospect for this longer trip.

9/2

Form: -21613

Last run: 21 days

W: 11st 5lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 118

Form & Verdict
Made it two wins from his last three starts when scoring at Bangor (2m7f, good) in September; however, his last four wins have come there and he was well beaten at Uttoxeter (2m7f, good) last time; has his first run here.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

4

25th May 2026

Good

3m 1f 83y

Class 2

15:23 Cartmel

Lipa K

11st 9lb

J: Charlie Todd

T: Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero

Best known for his heroics at Bangor but showed career-best form when winning narrowly at Warwick (3m1f, good) last month; 3lb rise demands even more from him here; usual cheekpieces left off; tongue-tie added.

11/2

1st

4

23rd Apr 2026

Good

3m 1f 5y

Class 3

14:30 Warwick

Lipa K

11st 5lb

J: Charlie Todd

T: Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero

Goes particularly well at Bangor but was runner-up at Aintree on final run in October (3m, good); however, a 3lb rise sees him on a career-high mark and he's been off a good while.

4/1

Form: 924-0U CD

Last run: 21 days

W: 11st 0lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 113

Form & Verdict
He's dropped down the weights but this 10yo was unable to threaten in the first half of this year and unseated his rider at the start at Uttoxeter three weeks ago, so comes with risks attached.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

9

11th Jun 2026

Good

2m 7f 0y

Class 3

17:40 Worcester

My Bobby Dazzler

10st 9lb

J: Charlie Deutsch

T: Mel Rowley

Ended last season in good form, winning at Hereford (3m1f, soft) before good second at Haydock (3m1f, good), and ran quite a bit better than eventual 20l defeat suggests when fourth in Cartmel marathon (3m5f, good) last month; no surprise if he features here.

10/1

4th

5

25th May 2026

Good

3m 5f 80y

Class 3

15:58 Cartmel

My Bobby Dazzler

10st 13lb

J: Charlie Deutsch

T: Mel Rowley

Ended last season in good form, winning at Hereford (3m1f, soft) before good second at Haydock (3m1f, good); ran well (over hurdles) on only previous visit to Cartmel and has possibilities if this new trip suits; refused to line up and withdrawn at Aintree recently (8-1 at the time).

7/2

9

15th May 2026

Good

3m 0f 210y

Class 3

18:55 Aintree

My Bobby Dazzler

10st 13lb

J: Charlie Deutsch

T: Mel Rowley

Went up 5lb for winning a Class 4 at Hereford (3m1f, soft) and raised another 1lb for his second in a better race at Haydock (3m1f, good), finishing just ahead of Jacks Parrot; this 11yo is thriving and entitled to play a part in the finish.

5/1

Form: 211F-8 D

Last run: 21 days

W: 10st 5lb

6 yo Filly

OR: 104

Form & Verdict
Progressive over staying trips last winter, winning three times on good to soft, and she may have needed her reappearance run at Kelso (2m5f, good) three weeks ago; however, all four wins have come in cheekpieces and she may be of greater interest when that headgear returns.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

4

13th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 28y

Class 5

16:00 Hexham

Asa

11st 11lb

J: Joe Williamson

T: Philip Kirby

Close third over hurdles at Wetherby (3m, soft) in January then won over fences at Catterick (3m1f, soft); ran pretty well when 5l third of three in Sedgefield chase (3m2f, good) last time; arrives in good heart and there can be optimism that she'll be fine now back down in trip; possible player.

4/1

3rd

3

19th Mar 2026

Good

3m 2f 59y

Class 4

14:40 Sedgefield

Asa

11st 1lb

J: Joe Williamson

T: Philip Kirby

Close third over hurdles at Wetherby (3m, soft) in January then made it 3-6 over fences when winning at Catterick (3m1f, soft); has won on good ground; it was a weak race last time but she's unexposed over fences and could still have more to offer in this sphere; respected.

9/4

Form: 41-113

Last run: 24 days

W: 10st 5lb

6 yo Mare

OR: 104

Form & Verdict
Won three in a row in April-June (2m7f, good) and returned from a break with close third at Southwell (2m4f, good) recently; this lightly raced 6yo could have more to offer now up in trip; unproven on slow ground.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

7

4th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 58y

Class 2

14:46 Haydock

Heather Honey

10st 8lb

J: Peter Kavanagh

T: Joel Parkinson & Sue Smith

Won three in a row last April-June (about 2m7f, good) and resumed her progress with convincing wins at Catterick (3m1f, good) in November and Haydock (3m, good to soft) one month ago; raised another 6lb and in grade but such a progressive mare cannot be dismissed.

8/1

1st

4

5th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 58y

Class 4

15:50 Haydock

Heather Honey

11st 11lb

J: Peter Kavanagh

T: Joel Parkinson & Sue Smith

Won three in a row last April-June (2m7f, good) and resumed her progress with convincing win at Catterick (3m1f, good) in November; two solid efforts since, including when third in a better race than this over C&D seven weeks ago; comfortably the most solid option.

9/4

3rd

9

17th Jan 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 58y

Class 3

14:35 Haydock

Heather Honey

10st 6lb

J: Peter Kavanagh

T: Joel Parkinson & Sue Smith

Won three in a row last April-June (2m7f, good) and resumed her progressive ways with convincing win at Catterick (3m1f, good) in November; another good run when close third at Doncaster (3m, good to soft); needs something extra in this better race but further improvement isn't ruled out.

13/2

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £162.90
Straight Forecast £133.34
Tricast £1964.93
Trifecta £2211.70

Selections

TOPSPEED:

Doc McCoy

The Sun:

Kikijo

SPOTLIGHT:

Heather Honey

RP RATINGS:

Ernest Gray

Daily Record:

Pounding Poet

The Star:

Kikijo

The Times:

Heather Honey

POSTDATA:

Doc McCoy

LAMBOURN:

Doc McCoy

Telegraph:

Doc McCoy

D Express:

Doc McCoy

Daily Mirror:

Doc McCoy