February 14 / 13.28 Haydock

13.28

Good To Soft

QED Scaffolding Ltd Handicap Chase (GBB Race)

  • Prize money: £9769.85
  • 2m 3f 203y
  • Class 3
  • 11 runners
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QED Scaffolding Ltd Handicap Chase (GBB Race)

Runners: 11 runners

Type: Chase Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Cloudy

100/30 (Won)

  • Win: £2.75
  • Place: £1.10

Form: /13-12 D BF

Last run: 48 days

W: 11st 5lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 126

Form & Verdict
A fairly useful bumper/hurdles winner for Paul Nicholls; has looked an improved model sent chasing for his new handler this winter, scoring easily at Southwell (2m4f) before a clear second of six in 2m4f Leicester handicap 48 days ago; up 4lb but he has more to offer and merits serious consideration.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7

15th Apr 2026

Good

2m 3f 203y

Class 1

14:40 Haydock

The Bluesman

11st 1lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Olly Murphy

Has won two of his four chases since joining Olly Murphy and impressed over C&D (soft) in February; an 8lb rise appeared to anchor him in the Jack Richards at Cheltenham, though good ground could have been another factor in him being below par (seems ideally served by softer); respected but one or two others appeal more.

9/2

7th

16

12th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 127y

Class 1

14:00 Cheltenham

The Bluesman

10st 8lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Olly Murphy

Campaigned mostly on soft/good to soft; bumper/hurdles winner for Paul Nicholls; record of 121 (over 2m4f) since joining new yard and switched to chasing, both wins gained in comfortable fashion, latest at Haydock; could make some waves in these deeper waters, being a lightly raced and improving contender.

12/1

1st

6

14th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 203y

Class 3

13:28 Haydock

The Bluesman

11st 5lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Olly Murphy

A fairly useful bumper/hurdles winner for Paul Nicholls; has looked an improved model sent chasing for his new handler this winter, scoring easily at Southwell (2m4f) before a clear second of six in 2m4f Leicester handicap 48 days ago; up 4lb but he has more to offer and merits serious consideration.

100/30

OUR TIP

25/1

  • Place: £11.40

Form: 1230P-

Last run: 316 days

W: 11st 9lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 130

Form & Verdict
Made a winning return at Carlisle (2m) in October 2024 but his form nosedived later in the season, pulled up in the Topham at Aintree last spring on his final run for Charlie Longsdon; since changed hands for £20,000 and he needs to hit the ground running for his new yard after ten months off.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

19

10th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 44y

Class 1

16:40 Cheltenham

Western Zephyr

10st 6lb

J: Shane Fenelon

T: Mickey Bowen

Useful 2m form for Charlie Longsdon in autumn 2024, including on this course, but his season ended badly; off to a good start for new yard when runner-up at Haydock (2m4f, soft; first-time cheekpieces, retained) last month but there's not much common ground between that run and what will be needed today.

40/1

2nd

3

14th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 203y

Class 3

13:28 Haydock

Western Zephyr

11st 9lb

J: Shane Fenelon

T: Mickey Bowen

Made a winning return at Carlisle (2m) in October 2024 but his form nosedived later in the season, pulled up in the Topham at Aintree last spring on his final run for Charlie Longsdon; since changed hands for £20,000 and he needs to hit the ground running for his new yard after ten months off.

25/1

5/1

  • Place: £4.90

Form: 3443-1

Last run: 146 days

W: 11st 6lb

12 yo Gelding

OR: 127

Form & Verdict
Made light of a 13-month absence when landing 2m1f handicap chase at Listowel in September; 11lb higher today but that form worked out well so this Irish challenger can't be totally dismissed after another layoff.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

10

10th Apr 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 3f 100y

18:38 Wexford

Bythesametoken

10st 4lb

J: John Shinnick

T: Ross O’Sullivan

Winner here over hurdles and third chase win came in 2m2f Listowel handicap chase last September (off 116) after more than a year's absence; another good comeback run at Haydock in February, not so good at Kelso a fortnight later over shorter trip; this probably the limit of his stamina.

10/1

5th

4

28th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 1f 14y

Class 3

13:10 Kelso

Bythesametoken

11st 10lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Ross O’Sullivan

12yo who has returned to his best this season, defying an absence to win at Listowel (2m1f, yielding to soft) in September before solid third at Haydock (2m4f, soft) a fortnight ago; the drop back in trip may well be a positive and he could be thereabouts.

7/1

3rd

4

14th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 203y

Class 3

13:28 Haydock

Bythesametoken

11st 6lb

J: Donagh Meyler

T: Ross O’Sullivan

Made light of a 13-month absence when landing 2m1f handicap chase at Listowel in September; 11lb higher today but that form worked out well so this Irish challenger can't be totally dismissed after another layoff.

5/1

Form: -P1P2P D

Last run: 25 days

W: 11st 0lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 121

Form & Verdict
Resumed winning ways in first-time blinkers at Newcastle (2m4f) in November but very in and out since, pulled up in 2m6f Leicester handicap chase 25 days ago; he's not easy to warm to today.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

11

14th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 203y

Class 3

13:28 Haydock

Taras Halls

11st 0lb

J: Callum Bewley

T: Joel Parkinson & Sue Smith

Resumed winning ways in first-time blinkers at Newcastle (2m4f) in November but very in and out since, pulled up in 2m6f Leicester handicap chase 25 days ago; he's not easy to warm to today.

14/1

4

20th Jan 2026

Good To Soft

2m 6f 151y

Class 3

14:02 Leicester

Taras Halls

11st 9lb

J: Danny McMenamin

T: Joel Parkinson & Sue Smith

Inconsistent this season but won in first-time blinkers at Newcastle in November and looked unlucky not to add to his tally at Haydock (also 2m4f, good to soft) three weeks ago, when a last-fence error was costly; up another 4lb for that but could have more to offer if in the right mood again.

9/2

1

31st Oct 2025

Good

2m 3f 207y

Class 4

14:30 Uttoxeter

Taras Halls

12st 0lb

J: Gavin Sheehan

T: Joel Parkinson & Sue Smith

Won over fences here (2m4f, good to soft) on New Year's Eve but began this year with two disappointing runs; reverts to hurdling after 261-day break and with usual cheekpieces missing; others have much less to prove.

20/1

Form: 4-24F6 D

Last run: 28 days

W: 10st 13lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 120

Form & Verdict
Yet to score this term but he arrives in decent nick, scuppered by a bad error when sixth over C&D last month; possibilities off a 2lb lower mark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

11

4th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

3m 1f 125y

Class 3

17:05 Haydock

Cerendipity

11st 2lb

J: Peter Kavanagh

T: Joel Parkinson & Sue Smith

Well treated on his best form, now 9lb lower than when winning at Newcastle (2m7f, good to soft) in March 2025, but he has been struggling, including with his jumping; cheekpieces off, tongue-strap on.

12/1

9th

4

22nd Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 210y

Class 2

16:27 Carlisle

Cerendipity

11st 9lb

J: Gavin Sheehan

T: Joel Parkinson & Sue Smith

Has lacked fluency at times this season; otherwise an interesting type as he's on a very handy mark and this looks the time to catch him (gained last two wins in spring months).

9/1

5th

12

14th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 203y

Class 3

13:28 Haydock

Cerendipity

10st 13lb

J: Gavin Sheehan

T: Joel Parkinson & Sue Smith

Yet to score this term but he arrives in decent nick, scuppered by a bad error when sixth over C&D last month; possibilities off a 2lb lower mark.

20/1

Form: 1-02P2

Last run: 136 days

W: 11st 3lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 124

Form & Verdict
A useful 2m-winning hurdler but he's not the most reliable and has yet to convince in a trio of runs over fences, beaten in a match at Warwick (2m4f) when last seen out in October; others are preferred.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

13th May 2026

Good

2m 4f 216y

Class 4

18:30 Newton Abbot

Anyharminasking

11st 5lb

J: Richie McLernon

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

Three-time hurdle winner who made it 0-5 over fences with another disappointing show at Bangor in late March, despite returning to good ground; clearly needs to raise his game in the new blinkers (replacing cheekpieces).

7/1

6th

3

31st Mar 2026

Good

2m 4f 72y

Class 4

15:50 Bangor-on-Dee

Anyharminasking

11st 13lb

J: Jonjo O’Neill Jr

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

Three-time hurdle winner who is 0-4 over fences, with only effort of note in discipline when beaten in a match at Warwick in October (2m4f); does seem happier on good ground than soft, so last two efforts could be excused; cheekpieces return after going without them last time.

8/1

7th

4

9th Mar 2026

Soft

2m 0f 70y

Class 3

15:20 Stratford

Anyharminasking

11st 11lb

J: Jonjo O’Neill Jr

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

3-20 hurdles, his latest win at Newcastle (2m1f Class 3; from 2lb higher) 11 months ago; a switch to fences hasn't suited (0-4, including being beaten in a match) but it's possible he'll strip fitter since his latest start; reverting to the smaller obstacles is helpful.

12/1

33/1

Form: 03U05P D

Last run: 21 days

W: 11st 4lb

6 yo Colt

OR: 125

Form & Verdict
Capable of useful form over fences in Ireland for Gordon Elliott but he's still to score in this sphere and has offered little for his new yard, jumping sketchily when pulled up in 3m Doncaster handicap three weeks ago; plenty more is required despite a tumbling mark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

7

14th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 203y

Class 3

13:28 Haydock

Harsh

11st 4lb

J: James Bowen

T: Mickey Bowen

Capable of useful form over fences in Ireland for Gordon Elliott but he's still to score in this sphere and has offered little for his new yard, jumping sketchily when pulled up in 3m Doncaster handicap three weeks ago; plenty more is required despite a tumbling mark.

33/1

1

24th Jan 2026

Soft

2m 7f 214y

Class 3

14:38 Doncaster

Harsh

11st 10lb

J: James Bowen

T: Mickey Bowen

Ex-Irish 6yo; last of five finishers at Newbury (2m6f) on debut for new yard, taking chase record to 0-7; needs improvement to defy top weight.

25/1

Form: 6-353F BF

Last run: 9 days

W: 11st 1lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 122

Form & Verdict
Fairly useful bumper/hurdles scorer who shaped well on his chasing debut when third in 2m Aintree handicap in October; has failed to build on it though in three subsequent outings, falling at the ninth fence at Doncaster (2m4f) nine days ago; has something to prove now.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

1

23rd Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 35y

Class 4

14:40 Perth

Gentleman Bill

12st 2lb

J: Toby McCain-Mitchell

T: Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero

Promising over hurdles last season and he's well handicapped on his chase form from the end of last year; however, he's finished down the field over fences/hurdles on his last two starts; blinkers replace cheekpieces.

12/1

5th

3

21st Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 7f 32y

Class 3

13:37 Bangor-on-Dee

Gentleman Bill

11st 11lb

J: Ben Smith

T: Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero

Dual 2m hurdle winner (once here) last season who showed considerable promise over fences towards end of last year; suffered a fall and a heavy defeat last month but now reverts to hurdling on a tempting mark; completely unexposed over this sort of trip under rules; interesting.

5/1

8th

10

14th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 203y

Class 3

13:28 Haydock

Gentleman Bill

11st 1lb

J: Craig Nichol

T: Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero

Fairly useful bumper/hurdles scorer who shaped well on his chasing debut when third in 2m Aintree handicap in October; has failed to build on it though in three subsequent outings, falling at the ninth fence at Doncaster (2m4f) nine days ago; has something to prove now.

8/1

Form: 3P-545

Last run: 27 days

W: 12st 2lb

11 yo Gelding

OR: 137

Form & Verdict
A smart winning chaser at his peak but not at his best this term, only fifth of six in 2m Windsor handicap chase 27 days ago; his mark is falling but this veteran still looks vulnerable conceding weight all round here.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

5

24th Apr 2026

Good

2m 4f 35y

Class 3

15:47 Perth

Nells Son

11st 9lb

J: Danny McMenamin

T: Nicky Richards

Better known as a chaser nowadays, but won twice over hurdles over four years ago; no real promise back hurdling six weeks ago but had wind surgery since and his stable is enjoying a cracking spring.

14/1

8th

2

14th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 207y

Class 3

13:50 Uttoxeter

Nells Son

11st 13lb

J: Danny McMenamin

T: Nicky Richards

Better known as a chaser nowadays, but won twice over hurdles over four years ago; not the force of old but is 5lb lower over hurdles compared to his chase mark; vulnerable to anything progressive.

33/1

1

14th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 203y

Class 3

13:28 Haydock

Nells Son

12st 2lb

J: Danny McMenamin

T: Nicky Richards

A smart winning chaser at his peak but not at his best this term, only fifth of six in 2m Windsor handicap chase 27 days ago; his mark is falling but this veteran still looks vulnerable conceding weight all round here.

12/1

Form: 23011/

Last run: 711 days

W: 11st 6lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 127

Form & Verdict
On the up when last seen out in the spring of 2024, bagging a pair of handicap chases (around 3m) at Catterick and Newcastle; has a 23-month absence to overcome here but yard is among the winners so he's no forlorn hope.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

7th Mar 2026

Soft

2m 4f 110y

Class 3

15:55 Ayr

Twoshotsoftequila

11st 4lb

J: Nathan Moscrop

T: Rebecca Menzies

Won two small-field chases (3m1f/2m7f) about two years ago but was pulled up last month, after a long absence, and might need another run or two before he's of interest again.

14/1

5

14th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 203y

Class 3

13:28 Haydock

Twoshotsoftequila

11st 6lb

J: Nathan Moscrop

T: Rebecca Menzies

On the up when last seen out in the spring of 2024, bagging a pair of handicap chases (around 3m) at Catterick and Newcastle; has a 23-month absence to overcome here but yard is among the winners so he's no forlorn hope.

10/1

Form: 3P-111 CD

Last run: 28 days

W: 11st 3lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 124

Form & Verdict
Lightly raced 7yo who hasn't looked back since having wind surgery, readily completing a hat-trick over C&D four weeks ago; up another 5lb but that form has been franked so this sound-jumping front-runner rates a big player.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

2

17th Apr 2026

Soft

2m 0f 110y

Class 3

14:20 Ayr

Throatlash

11st 9lb

J: Theo Gillard

T: Donald McCain

Front-runner; made mistakes and was under pressure when falling three out at Haydock (2m4f, soft) two months ago; however, he was 3-3 in handicap chases (1m7f-2m4f, soft/good to soft) previously and this very lightly raced 7yo may still have more to offer.

11/2

8

14th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 203y

Class 3

13:28 Haydock

Throatlash

11st 3lb

J: Brian Hughes

T: Donald McCain

Lightly raced 7yo who hasn't looked back since having wind surgery, readily completing a hat-trick over C&D four weeks ago; up another 5lb but that form has been franked so this sound-jumping front-runner rates a big player.

11/4

1st

2

17th Jan 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 203y

Class 4

12:15 Haydock

Throatlash

11st 13lb

J: Brian Hughes

T: Donald McCain

3m point winner who made winning handicap debut at Wetherby (1m7f, soft) in November on second chase start and followed up at Aintree (2m, good to soft); this very lightly raced 7yo could be even better now up in trip.

5/2

Non-runners

Pull Again Green

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £86.80
Straight Forecast £64.19
Tricast £1781.61
Trifecta £2847.50

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Throatlash

Telegraph:

The Bluesman

The Times:

Cerendipity

RP RATINGS:

Throatlash

TOPSPEED:

Throatlash

POSTDATA:

Throatlash

The Guardian:

Throatlash

Daily Mail:

Throatlash

Daily Mirror:

Throatlash

The Sun:

Throatlash

The Star:

Throatlash

Daily Record:

Throatlash

D Express:

The Bluesman