February 14 / 16.10 Ascot

16.10

Soft

Betfair Handicap Hurdle (Challenger Stayers Hurdle Series Qualifier)

  • Prize money: £10156.78
  • 2m 7f 123y
  • Class 3
  • 18 runners
SKY
View Course
Betfair Handicap Hurdle (Challenger Stayers Hurdle Series Qualifier)

Runners: 18 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Sunny

12/1 (Won)

  • Win: £15.00
  • Place: £2.90

Form: 301-13

Last run: 59 days

W: 11st 4lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 115

Form & Verdict
Two hurdle wins last year, the latter from the front in Huntingdon handicap (2m4f, soft) in December; not in same form when well-held third off same mark at Ludlow (2m5f, good to soft) ten days later, though, and now 5lb higher; upped in trip again.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

5

4th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 58y

Class 2

14:46 Haydock

Walden

10st 11lb

J: Stan Sheppard

T: Tom Lacey

Won a good-ground maiden last April and two of his three handicaps this winter; latest was in 18-runner race at Ascot (2m7f, good to soft) seven weeks ago in which he travelled well and asserted on the run-in to score by just over 6l; 8lb higher today but more in the tank; major player.

6/1

1st

13

14th Feb 2026

Soft

2m 7f 123y

Class 3

16:10 Ascot

Walden

11st 4lb

J: Stan Sheppard

T: Tom Lacey

Two hurdle wins last year, the latter from the front in Huntingdon handicap (2m4f, soft) in December; not in same form when well-held third off same mark at Ludlow (2m5f, good to soft) ten days later, though, and now 5lb higher; upped in trip again.

12/1

1st

8

20th Apr 2025

Good

2m 4f 139y

Class 4

15:45 Market Rasen

Walden

11st 6lb

J: Stan Sheppard

T: Tom Lacey

travelled strongly, in touch with leaders

10/1

8/1

  • Place: £3.00

Form: 51-432 BF

Last run: 36 days

W: 11st 4lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 115

Form & Verdict
Won at Exeter (2m5f, heavy) just under a year ago and has made the frame over 2m7f there on all three starts this season but has a bit more on his plate in this higher grade and needs a career-best effort.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

1

22nd Mar 2026

Good

2m 7f 25y

Class 4

16:47 Exeter

Diamatiste

11st 13lb

J: Mr Darren Andrews

T: Kayley Woollacott

Won over 2m5f on heavy here 13 months ago; consistent in defeat this season in handicaps at about this distance, running his usual honest race last time at Ascot; has nudged up the weights so his rider's 7lb claim is welcomed; good to soft is fine but he has a bit to prove on good.

4/1

2nd

12

14th Feb 2026

Soft

2m 7f 123y

Class 3

16:10 Ascot

Diamatiste

11st 4lb

J: Mr Joshua Newman

T: Kayley Woollacott

Won at Exeter (2m5f, heavy) just under a year ago and has made the frame over 2m7f there on all three starts this season but has a bit more on his plate in this higher grade and needs a career-best effort.

8/1

1st

4

21st Feb 2025

Good To Soft

2m 5f 137y

Class 5

16:30 Exeter

Diamatiste

11st 12lb

J: Mr Joshua Newman

T: Kayley Woollacott

in touch with leaders, mistake 1st, prominent 5th

7/1

Form: 17-52P

Last run: 30 days

W: 11st 5lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 116

Form & Verdict
Scored off today's mark at Hereford (2m3f, good to soft) a year ago, his second handicap, but made his jockey work very hard before eventually plugging on for modest second at Uttoxeter (2m7f, soft) in December and was pulled up on latest outing; needs first-time cheekpieces to perk him up.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

5

28th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 7f 70y

Class 4

16:20 Uttoxeter

Oh My Johnny

11st 10lb

J: Sean Houlihan

T: Philip Hobbs & Johnson White

Dual hurdle winner who was placed in a big field at Ascot on his penultimate run and he backed that up with a front-running at Warwick (3m2f, good to soft) three weeks ago; remains on last winning mark and he should go well again back in trip.

6/1

3rd

7

8th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 2f 0y

Class 3

16:13 Warwick

Oh My Johnny

10st 9lb

J: Sean Houlihan

T: Philip Hobbs & Johnson White

Last win was off this mark; no closer than about 9l this season but was third of 18 tried in cheekpieces at Ascot three weeks ago (extended 2m7f, good to soft) and he should give his running.

4/1

3rd

10

14th Feb 2026

Soft

2m 7f 123y

Class 3

16:10 Ascot

Oh My Johnny

11st 5lb

J: Sean Houlihan

T: Philip Hobbs & Johnson White

Scored off today's mark at Hereford (2m3f, good to soft) a year ago, his second handicap, but made his jockey work very hard before eventually plugging on for modest second at Uttoxeter (2m7f, soft) in December and was pulled up on latest outing; needs first-time cheekpieces to perk him up.

20/1

12/1

  • Place: £2.00

Form: 1151-3

Last run: 77 days

W: 12st 0lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 125

Form & Verdict
3-5 as a novice hurdler last season; absent since encouraging third of seven on reappearance outing at Doncaster (2m3f, soft) in November but could quite plausibly have untapped potential over this new trip.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

1

14th Feb 2026

Soft

2m 7f 123y

Class 3

16:10 Ascot

Kalium

12st 0lb

J: Mr Edward Vaughan

T: Tim Vaughan

3-5 as a novice hurdler last season; absent since encouraging third of seven on reappearance outing at Doncaster (2m3f, soft) in November but could quite plausibly have untapped potential over this new trip.

12/1

1st

6

22nd Mar 2025

Good To Soft

2m 2f 183y

Class 3

14:05 Newbury

Kalium

11st 4lb

J: Alan Johns

T: Tim Vaughan

Won bumper in sole Irish start; steady progress in his first three hurdle races brought two wins, making all at Fontwell (2m2f, soft) on last occasion, but he made a disappointing handicap debut at Carlisle (2m1f, soft) on latest outing.

16/1

Form: 411-66

Last run: 26 days

W: 11st 1lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 112

Form & Verdict
2-5 over hurdles; dropped out very tamely on seasonal debut in December (2m5f) but shaped well before fading into sixth at Lingfield (2m3f, soft) last month; tries a new trip here; might still have potential.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

1

8th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

3m 1f 166y

Class 4

16:15 Fontwell

Confinentic

12st 0lb

J: Tom Cannon

T: Chris Gordon

Yet to hit top gear after four runs this season and was behind Ferret Jeeter when remote third at Plumpton (3m1f, good to soft) last month but his fifth of 18 at Ascot (2m7f, good to soft) two starts ago came in a much stronger race than this; can't be ruled out.

8/1

3rd

3

9th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 217y

Class 4

15:30 Plumpton

Confinentic

11st 13lb

J: Freddie Gordon

T: Chris Gordon

Dual course winner (2m/2m4f); never looked dangerous when fifth of 18 at Ascot (2m7f, good to soft) last month but wasn't beaten far in the end, and this race is much less competitive; moves up in trip again; considered.

4/1

5th

16

14th Feb 2026

Soft

2m 7f 123y

Class 3

16:10 Ascot

Confinentic

11st 1lb

J: Freddie Gordon

T: Chris Gordon

2-5 over hurdles; dropped out very tamely on seasonal debut in December (2m5f) but shaped well before fading into sixth at Lingfield (2m3f, soft) last month; tries a new trip here; might still have potential.

20/1

Form: 6283PP D

Last run: 50 days

W: 10st 13lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 110

Form & Verdict
Five-time hurdle winner; will be suited by today's trip/ground but is on the downgrade now and ended last year with two disappointing efforts (chase/hurdle).
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

5

26th May 2026

Good

3m 0f 217y

Class 4

19:39 Plumpton

Striking A Pose

11st 1lb

J: Freddie Gingell

T: Joe Tizzard

Recorded his sixth hurdle win when making all off a reduced mark at Newton Abbot (3m2f, good) in April, and his follow-up bid off this mark was respectable back there 20 days ago; capable off this mark but not without risk.

9/2

4th

1

6th May 2026

Good To Soft

3m 2f 105y

Class 4

16:20 Newton Abbot

Striking A Pose

11st 12lb

J: Freddie Gingell

T: Joe Tizzard

Recorded his sixth hurdle win when making all off a reduced mark over C&D (good; 4-1) three weeks ago; back up 4lb but remains well treated on old form and is versatile ground-wise; key player.

5/2

1st

2

14th Apr 2026

Good

3m 2f 105y

Class 5

16:17 Newton Abbot

Striking A Pose

11st 13lb

J: Freddie Gingell

T: Joe Tizzard

Five-time hurdle winner who hasn't looked like adding to that on recent efforts, although latest was more encouraging over C&D; well treated on past form but needs to step up.

10/1

Form: /2411/ D

Last run: 690 days

W: 11st 12lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 123

Form & Verdict
Ran well when fourth in this race in 2024 (good to soft) and won two soft-ground chases (both 2m7f) the following month but will need to return from 690-day absence in prime form to have any chance off current mark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

5

23rd May 2026

Good To Soft

3m 1f 107y

Class 3

15:55 Cartmel

Loup De Maulde

11st 7lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Robbie Llewellyn

Scored twice over fences (around 3m) in March 2024; back from two years off in good nick, runner-up over 3m2f at Chepstow last month; can race off the same mark here so he's a player with Harry Cobden taking over.

5/2

2nd

4

24th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

3m 2f 54y

Class 3

16:55 Chepstow

Loup De Maulde

11st 2lb

J: Toby McCain-Mitchell

T: Robbie Llewellyn

Not an unlucky loser, but may have run Broomfields Cave closer at Wincanton latest without pecking two out (3m1f, good); respected now back on track, though notably remains winless around a galloping track.

7/2

3rd

1

1st Apr 2026

Good

3m 1f 30y

Class 4

15:20 Wincanton

Loup De Maulde

12st 0lb

J: Charlie Price

T: Robbie Llewellyn

Completed a double over fences at Taunton (2m7f, soft) in March 2024 but he's returned from 690 days off with two underwhelming runs (hurdles/chase) this spring; looks well handicapped on his old form but he needs to raise his game on this drop back in trip.

6/1

Form: 21-163

Last run: 35 days

W: 11st 6lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 117

Form & Verdict
Much better known as a chaser now; left disappointing seasonal debut behind when very respectable third of five at Wincanton (3m, good) last month but the slower ground is a big worry on this return to hurdling.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

4

26th May 2026

Good

3m 0f 217y

Class 4

19:39 Plumpton

Sea Invasion

11st 8lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Anthony Honeyball

All four wins have come here, three over fences at around 3m and one over hurdles at 2m4f; latest success over fences came here last month in this headgear combination, but he's just as effective over hurdles and a key player reverting to this sphere off a small rise.

15/8

1st

4

19th Apr 2026

Good

3m 1f 157y

Class 4

16:02 Plumpton

Sea Invasion

11st 11lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Anthony Honeyball

Both wins over fences have been over C&D, the first in first-time headgear a year ago; not at his best when fifth in the Sussex National back here 13 days ago but must be taken seriously down in grade with visor replacing blinkers.

7/2

Form: 4U-665

Last run: 31 days

W: 11st 6lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 117

Form & Verdict
Began season with two below-par chase runs in the autumn but gave good account when fifth of 17 over hurdles at Newbury (3m, good to soft; first-time visor) last month and will be fine on the slower ground here.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

3

20th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 57y

Class 4

16:42 Newbury

High Treason

12st 1lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Nigel & Willy Twiston-Davies

Started the season over fences and that didn't go well; his fifth over C&D in January was encouraging but again failed to fire at Ascot; there's a competitive show in him should the new cheekpieces (on for a visor) trigger something.

16/1

9th

8

14th Feb 2026

Soft

2m 7f 123y

Class 3

16:10 Ascot

High Treason

11st 6lb

J: Tom Bellamy

T: Nigel & Willy Twiston-Davies

Began season with two below-par chase runs in the autumn but gave good account when fifth of 17 over hurdles at Newbury (3m, good to soft; first-time visor) last month and will be fine on the slower ground here.

16/1

5th

3

14th Jan 2026

Good

3m 0f 57y

Class 4

14:40 Newbury

High Treason

11st 11lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Nigel & Willy Twiston-Davies

Modest efforts this term, taking chase record to 0-6; rallied to win at Southwell (2m4f) on last hurdles attempt, taking strike-rate in this sphere to 2-5; revival possible, provided he takes well to added visor.

25/1

11/2

Form: -50212

Last run: 31 days

W: 10st 9lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 106

Form & Verdict
Came good over hurdles when upped to 3m at Aintree (soft) in December, his seventh attempt, and bettered that performance when second of 17 at Newbury (3m, good to soft) last month; could still have more to offer; big player.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

10

19th Apr 2026

Good

3m 0f 217y

Class 2

15:27 Plumpton

Top Guy

10st 10lb

J: Tristan Durrell

T: Dan Skelton

Broadly progressive form since November features two wins, including at Newton Abbot (3m2f, good) latest start when doing it readily; may continue to improve; one to consider, despite going up a further 10lb and Harry Skelton preferring stablemate Tranquil Sea.

8/1

1st

6

4th Apr 2026

Good

3m 2f 105y

Class 4

16:20 Newton Abbot

Top Guy

11st 3lb

J: Tristan Durrell

T: Dan Skelton

Just one win from ten starts over hurdles but that came at Aintree (3m1f) in December and he bounced back with a creditable second at Market Rasen (2m7f, good to soft) last month; nudged up 2lb but he's still unexposed as a stayer and has possibilities back up in trip.

7/2

2nd

5

15th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 7f 16y

Class 4

16:07 Market Rasen

Top Guy

11st 10lb

J: Tristan Durrell

T: Dan Skelton

In good form during the winter including a win at Aintree (3m1f, soft) in December; last month's Ascot effort (3m, good to soft) needs forgiving, but shortlisted if he can bounce back.

9/2

Form: P64-17 D

Last run: 63 days

W: 11st 2lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 113

Form & Verdict
Showed the benefit of a wind op and looked as good as ever when scoring by over 9l on seasonal debut at Exeter (2m7f, good) in November; also suited by soft/heavy ground but disappointed when last in action and will probably find younger rivals better handicapped here.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6

22nd Mar 2026

Good

2m 7f 25y

Class 4

16:47 Exeter

Stratton Oakmont

11st 7lb

J: Ben Jones

T: Kayley Woollacott

Won this race two years ago; as good as ever (after a wind operation) when scoring by over 9l over C&D in November (good) but hasn't offered a great deal since, beaten 22l in staying handicaps at Doncaster and Ascot; others preferred.

14/1

11th

15

14th Feb 2026

Soft

2m 7f 123y

Class 3

16:10 Ascot

Stratton Oakmont

11st 2lb

J: Ben Jones

T: Kayley Woollacott

Showed the benefit of a wind op and looked as good as ever when scoring by over 9l on seasonal debut at Exeter (2m7f, good) in November; also suited by soft/heavy ground but disappointed when last in action and will probably find younger rivals better handicapped here.

14/1

4th

3

15th Apr 2025

Good

3m 0f 60y

Class 4

16:25 Southwell

Stratton Oakmont

11st 12lb

J: Ben Godfrey

T: Kayley Woollacott

Weakened quickly and was pulled up on consecutive outings during the winter but looked back in much better nick when respectable sixth at Newbury (3m, good to soft) last month; another 2lb lower here; contender if able to build on that recent effort.

8/1

Form: 84-3FP

Last run: 12 days

W: 11st 8lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 119

Form & Verdict
Well held when third on seasonal/chase debut in November and now reverts to hurdling after two non-completions; has more to prove than some of these but current mark is workable and he's unexposed as a stayer.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

6

20th May 2026

Good

2m 5f 5y

Class 4

16:00 Warwick

Il Va De Soi

11st 2lb

J: Paul O’Brien

T: Harry Derham

Put a disappointing run of form behind him when returning to winning ways over C&D (good) 11 days ago, making all; whether he can reproduce that effort is another matter but he is still well handicapped on his old form.

11/4

1st

7

9th May 2026

Good

2m 5f 5y

Class 4

19:07 Warwick

Il Va De Soi

11st 7lb

J: Paul O’Brien

T: Harry Derham

His two wins came on soft in April 2024; out of sorts over fences and hurdles this term; cheekpieces return and has dropped to a career-low mark but doesn't look ready to take advantage.

14/1

8th

3

4th Apr 2026

Good

1m 7f 171y

Class 4

18:00 Huntingdon

Il Va De Soi

11st 8lb

J: Megan Fox

T: Harry Derham

His two wins came on soft in April 2024; out of sorts over fences and hurdles this term; drops back in trip but his best form has been over further.

16/1

Form: 5F-710

Last run: 35 days

W: 11st 9lb

6 yo Colt

OR: 120

Form & Verdict
Showed career-best form when winning readily by 4l at Warwick (2m5f, good to soft; refitted cheekpieces) in December; subsequent lesser effort in major Kempton handicap is not viewed harshly but 2m7f on soft ground will take his stamina into unknown territory.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

24th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 5f 164y

Class 4

18:20 Fontwell

Yellow Star

11st 6lb

J: Caoilin Quinn

T: Gary & Josh Moore

Bounced back with a win at Warwick (2m5f, good to soft) in December but he was tailed off in next two starts and he didn't get very far at Newbury (fell at third) last time; has plenty to prove again and he's still 3lb higher than for his last win.

16/1

5

28th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 118y

Class 3

16:23 Newbury

Yellow Star

11st 5lb

J: Caoilin Quinn

T: Gary & Josh Moore

Has gained both wins in Class 4, including for his standout performance this term; pair of duck eggs since, albeit the 2m7f trip perhaps contributed to latest defeat; others have stronger claims.

20/1

13th

5

14th Feb 2026

Soft

2m 7f 123y

Class 3

16:10 Ascot

Yellow Star

11st 9lb

J: Caoilin Quinn

T: Gary & Josh Moore

Showed career-best form when winning readily by 4l at Warwick (2m5f, good to soft; refitted cheekpieces) in December; subsequent lesser effort in major Kempton handicap is not viewed harshly but 2m7f on soft ground will take his stamina into unknown territory.

16/1

Form: 3-01P4

Last run: 31 days

W: 11st 4lb

7 yo Mare

OR: 115

Form & Verdict
Won on seasonal debut at Warwick (2m5f, good to soft) in November and put a poor run behind her when fourth of 17 at Newbury (3m, good to soft) month, where a last-flight jumping error cost her momentum; suited by soft ground (unraced on heavy) and still unexposed at around 3m.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7

23rd Apr 2026

Good

2m 5f 5y

Class 2

15:30 Warwick

Crazierthandaisy

11st 2lb

J: Nico de Boinville

T: Nicky Henderson

Looked a bit unlucky not to win at Uttoxeter last time (2m4f, good to soft) but wouldn't be certain to run as well again given her inconsistency; 5lb above the only mark she's defied in a handicap and a 7lb claimer was employed last time.

6/1

2nd

1

28th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 207y

Class 4

14:35 Uttoxeter

Crazierthandaisy

11st 13lb

J: Mr Daniel Williams

T: Nicky Henderson

Won on seasonal debut at Warwick (2m5f, good to soft) in November but has mixed record in three subsequent runs and was tailed off at Ascot (2m7f, good to soft) last month; still has low mileage but she's been hard to predict and needs to bounce back again.

5/1

14th

14

14th Feb 2026

Soft

2m 7f 123y

Class 3

16:10 Ascot

Crazierthandaisy

11st 4lb

J: Nico de Boinville

T: Nicky Henderson

Won on seasonal debut at Warwick (2m5f, good to soft) in November and put a poor run behind her when fourth of 17 at Newbury (3m, good to soft) month, where a last-flight jumping error cost her momentum; suited by soft ground (unraced on heavy) and still unexposed at around 3m.

13/2

Form: 1154-5

Last run: 28 days

W: 11st 5lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 116

Form & Verdict
Three wins from off the pace last season (2m3f-2m5f, good to soft/soft); managed only fifth on last month's return at Haydock (3m, good to soft) but was quite badly hampered by a mid-race faller and made good headway from the rear on the final circuit; might come on for the run; interesting.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

10

4th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

3m 1f 125y

Class 3

17:05 Haydock

Solar System

11st 4lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Philip Hobbs & Johnson White

Four wins (2m1f-2m5f) over hurdles; made an encouraging start over fences when 3l third of six at Southwell (3m, soft) last month; solid claims if building on that run with cheekpieces now fitted.

8/1

3rd

1

2nd Mar 2026

Heavy

3m 0f 60y

Class 4

14:45 Southwell

Solar System

12st 0lb

J: Callum Pritchard

T: Philip Hobbs & Johnson White

Record of 51211 in Class 4 handicap hurdles; has failed to fire in a couple of Class 3 events this term but looks interesting back down in grade on chase debut.

7/2

15th

11

14th Feb 2026

Soft

2m 7f 123y

Class 3

16:10 Ascot

Solar System

11st 5lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Philip Hobbs & Johnson White

Three wins from off the pace last season (2m3f-2m5f, good to soft/soft); managed only fifth on last month's return at Haydock (3m, good to soft) but was quite badly hampered by a mid-race faller and made good headway from the rear on the final circuit; might come on for the run; interesting.

8/1

Form: 14812P

Last run: 49 days

W: 11st 13lb

11 yo Gelding

OR: 124

Form & Verdict
Thorough stayer who won amateur riders' chase at Cheltenham (3m1f, heavy) in November and was second in London National at Sandown (3m4f, good to soft) on next outing; didn't fire in Welsh National last time, though, and his hurdling ability is tricky to gauge.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

23

12th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 2f 70y

Class 2

17:20 Cheltenham

Hung Jury

10st 10lb

J: Mr James King

T: Martin Keighley

Won hunter chase here (4m, good) last May and added a handicap here (3m1f, heavy) in November, before finishing second at Sandown (3m4f, good to soft); pulled up in Welsh National next time and tailed off over hurdles latest, but this 11yo has an each-way squeak if returning to form back here.

50/1

16th

3

14th Feb 2026

Soft

2m 7f 123y

Class 3

16:10 Ascot

Hung Jury

11st 13lb

J: Freddie Keighley

T: Martin Keighley

Thorough stayer who won amateur riders' chase at Cheltenham (3m1f, heavy) in November and was second in London National at Sandown (3m4f, good to soft) on next outing; didn't fire in Welsh National last time, though, and his hurdling ability is tricky to gauge.

20/1

OUR TIP

Form: 4/P-2P D

Last run: 30 days

W: 11st 13lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 124

Form & Verdict
Returned from one-year absence with good second on chase debut at Exeter (3m, heavy) in December but looked out of sorts when pulled up last month and it's hard to know what to expect from him on return to hurdling.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

17th

2

14th Feb 2026

Soft

2m 7f 123y

Class 3

16:10 Ascot

Operation Manna

11st 13lb

J: Cameron Iles

T: Tom Lacey

Returned from one-year absence with good second on chase debut at Exeter (3m, heavy) in December but looked out of sorts when pulled up last month and it's hard to know what to expect from him on return to hurdling.

16/1

6

15th Jan 2026

Good To Soft

3m 2f 162y

Class 3

15:37 Wincanton

Operation Manna

10st 13lb

J: Stan Sheppard

T: Tom Lacey

Low-mileage 10yo who was 5-12 over hurdles; having his first race over fences when a 5l second to Isaac Des Obeaux at Exeter (3m, heavy) where he needed some driving but kept on well; this stiffer stamina test could be up his street.

15/2

4

7th Dec 2024

Soft

2m 7f 98y

Class 2

13:15 Sandown

Operation Manna

11st 5lb

J: Cameron Iles

T: Tom Lacey

Got up near the finish in this race 12 months ago (heavy) and warrants respect in his bid for a repeat win, notwithstanding a 5lb higher mark and lack of recent match practice (off since April).

13/2

Form: 747311 D

Last run: 29 days

W: 11st 8lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 119

Form & Verdict
Improving 7yo who bids for a hat-trick after emphatic wins at Uttoxeter (2m6f, heavy) and Market Rasen (2m7f, good to soft); moves up in grade here but still needs to be taken very seriously.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

4

17th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 26y

Class 4

16:22 Wetherby

Heart Over Head

11st 13lb

J: Jonathan Burke

T: Fergal O’Brien

Won at Uttoxeter (2m6f, heavy) in December on second handicap start and followed up at Market Rasen (2m7f, good to soft); tailed off at Ascot (2m7f, good to soft) since but made a bad early mistake; retains potential.

6/1

18th

6

14th Feb 2026

Soft

2m 7f 123y

Class 3

16:10 Ascot

Heart Over Head

11st 8lb

J: Jonathan Burke

T: Fergal O’Brien

Improving 7yo who bids for a hat-trick after emphatic wins at Uttoxeter (2m6f, heavy) and Market Rasen (2m7f, good to soft); moves up in grade here but still needs to be taken very seriously.

9/2

1st

1

16th Jan 2026

Good To Soft

2m 7f 16y

Class 4

13:28 Market Rasen

Heart Over Head

12st 2lb

J: Jonathan Burke

T: Fergal O’Brien

Well suited by combination of heavy ground and step up to 2m6f when comfortably beating three rivals at Uttoxeter last month, his sixth start over hurdles; could have more improvement to come but is 10lb higher here and may not be seen to quite the same effect on the forecast faster ground.

7/2

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £181.60
Straight Forecast £166.42
Tricast £3426.57
Trifecta £2897.20

Selections

The Guardian:

Top Guy

POSTDATA:

Crazierthandaisy

TOPSPEED:

Kalium

RP RATINGS:

Heart Over Head

SPOTLIGHT:

Solar System

D Express:

Top Guy

The Sun:

Top Guy

The Star:

Top Guy

Daily Record:

Top Guy

Daily Mail:

Kalium

Daily Mirror:

Heart Over Head

LAMBOURN:

Crazierthandaisy

Telegraph:

Crazierthandaisy

The Times:

Solar System