March 12 / 14.40 Cheltenham

14.40

Good To Soft

Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle (Registered As The David Nicholson Mares’ Hurdle) (Grade 1) (GBB Race)

  • Prize money: £70337.5
  • 2m 4f 56y
  • Class 1
  • 7 runners
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Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle (Registered As The David Nicholson Mares’ Hurdle) (Grade 1) (GBB Race)

Runners: 7 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Light rain

4/5 (Won)

  • Win: £1.84
  • Place: £1.30

Form: 112-11 CD

Last run: 73 days

W: 11st 5lb

6 yo Filly

OR: 154

Form & Verdict
Has won nine of her ten hurdle starts (including last year's Martin Pipe over C&D), with her only defeat coming at the hands of Lossiemouth in the Grade 1 Aintree Hurdle (2m4f, good to soft) last spring; has looked every bit as good when landing Grade 2 Ascot Hurdle (2m3f, good to soft) and a 2m4f Grade 3 at Leopardstown's Christmas meeting (gave weight and beat Feet Of A Dancer just over 2l) this season; will be hard to beat.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

4

2nd May 2026

Yielding

2m 4f 118y

16:15 Punchestown

Wodhooh

11st 7lb

J: Jack Kennedy

T: Gordon Elliott

Has won 10 of her 11 hurdle starts, including this term in Grade 2 Ascot Hurdle, Grade 3 mares' contest at Leopardstown over Christmas and 2m5f Grade 1 Close Brothers Mares' Hurdle at Cheltenham, getting first run on Jade De Grugy going to the last when beating that rival 1l (good); first run here since winning as a 3yo and deserved favourite but could be pushed very close by Jade De Grugy.

4/6

1st

7

12th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 56y

Class 1

14:40 Cheltenham

Wodhooh

11st 5lb

J: Jack Kennedy

T: Gordon Elliott

Has won nine of her ten hurdle starts (including last year's Martin Pipe over C&D), with her only defeat coming at the hands of Lossiemouth in the Grade 1 Aintree Hurdle (2m4f, good to soft) last spring; has looked every bit as good when landing Grade 2 Ascot Hurdle (2m3f, good to soft) and a 2m4f Grade 3 at Leopardstown's Christmas meeting (gave weight and beat Feet Of A Dancer just over 2l) this season; will be hard to beat.

4/5

2nd

7

3rd Apr 2025

Good To Soft

2m 4f 0y

Class 1

15:30 Aintree

Wodhooh

11st 3lb

J: Danny Gilligan

T: Gordon Elliott

towards rear, pecked on landing 5th

6/1

11/4

  • Place: £1.70

Form: 2-1321 D

Last run: 53 days

W: 11st 5lb

7 yo Filly

OR: 150

Form & Verdict
5-7 over hurdles; second to stablemate Lossiemouth in this last year before a Grade 1 win at the Punchestown festival, her second success at the top level; has taken well to fences this winter, finishing second in Limerick Grade 2 over Christmas before going one better in similar company at Thurles (2m5f, yielding) in January; most consistent and looks sure to go well back hurdling.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

2

2nd May 2026

Yielding

2m 4f 118y

16:15 Punchestown

Jade De Grugy

11st 7lb

J: Paul Townend

T: W P Mullins

Last year's winner took well to fences this season, finishing second in Limerick Grade 2 over Christmas before going one better in similar company at Thurles (2m5f, yielding) in January; right at her best back hurdling in Grade 1 Mares' Hurdle at Cheltenham when a clear staying-on second to Wodhooh (beaten 1l) having allowed winner first run (good); cheekpieces now fitted for the rematch.

6/4

2nd

3

12th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 56y

Class 1

14:40 Cheltenham

Jade De Grugy

11st 5lb

J: Paul Townend

T: W P Mullins

5-7 over hurdles; second to stablemate Lossiemouth in this last year before a Grade 1 win at the Punchestown festival, her second success at the top level; has taken well to fences this winter, finishing second in Limerick Grade 2 over Christmas before going one better in similar company at Thurles (2m5f, yielding) in January; most consistent and looks sure to go well back hurdling.

11/4

1st

4

18th Jan 2026

Yielding

2m 4f 198y

14:15 Thurles

Jade De Grugy

10st 12lb

J: Paul Townend

T: W P Mullins

5-7 over hurdles; second to stablemate Lossiemouth at Cheltenham last March before Grade 1 win at the Punchestown festival, her second success at top level; jumped untidily at times and more broadly disappointing on chase debut at Cork; showed sufficient improvement when second at Limerick to suggest she can beat the winner's stablemate Tareze.

2/9

OUR TIP

Form: 43-121 D

Last run: 47 days

W: 11st 5lb

7 yo Filly

OR: 144

Form & Verdict
Consistent type; fourth in the Pertemps Final at this meeting last year and has taken her form to an even higher level this term, winning Listed race at Punchestown (2m2f, soft to heavy) and Grade 2 at Doncaster (3m, soft); beat Dream On Baby by 2l in the latter, with Jetara a further 7l back in third; however, Wodhooh gave her 8lb and a beating (just over 2l) at Leopardstown in between, so it's tough to see how she can turn the tables off levels.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

2

12th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 56y

Class 1

14:40 Cheltenham

Feet Of A Dancer

11st 5lb

J: Sean O’Keeffe

T: Paul Nolan

Consistent type; fourth in the Pertemps Final at this meeting last year and has taken her form to an even higher level this term, winning Listed race at Punchestown (2m2f, soft to heavy) and Grade 2 at Doncaster (3m, soft); beat Dream On Baby by 2l in the latter, with Jetara a further 7l back in third; however, Wodhooh gave her 8lb and a beating (just over 2l) at Leopardstown in between, so it's tough to see how she can turn the tables off levels.

8/1

1st

3

24th Jan 2026

Soft

3m 0f 84y

Class 1

13:30 Doncaster

Feet Of A Dancer

11st 6lb

J: Sean O’Keeffe

T: Paul Nolan

Consistent type; fourth over this trip in the Pertemps Final at last season's Cheltenham Festival and has taken her form to an even higher level this term, winning Listed race at Punchestown and beaten off only late on by Wodhooh in Grade 3 at Leopardstown; very solid candidate.

9/4

Form: 5-6233 D

Last run: 55 days

W: 11st 5lb

8 yo Filly

OR: 145

Form & Verdict
Won Grade 2 mares' event at Ascot before finishing third to Lossiemouth in this and the Aintree Hurdle (Wodhooh 8l ahead in second) last spring; has slightly bettered those RPRs in defeat on all four outings this season and she's an each-way player again.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

12

11th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 149y

Class 1

15:05 Aintree

Take No Chances

11st 3lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

Not at the top of her game in the Mares' Hurdle at Cheltenham (2m4f, good) last month but this sort of trip may be her optimum; neck second to Strong Leader at Wetherby (3m, good) in November and creditable third behind Impose Toi and Strong Leader in another Grade 2 at Newbury (3m, soft) later that month; ran well here 12 months ago; each-way claims if back on song.

25/1

4th

6

12th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 56y

Class 1

14:40 Cheltenham

Take No Chances

11st 5lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

Won Grade 2 mares' event at Ascot before finishing third to Lossiemouth in this and the Aintree Hurdle (Wodhooh 8l ahead in second) last spring; has slightly bettered those RPRs in defeat on all four outings this season and she's an each-way player again.

9/1

3rd

3

16th Jan 2026

Soft

2m 4f 0y

Class 2

15:00 Windsor

Take No Chances

11st 1lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

Won Grade 2 mares' hurdle at Ascot (1m7f, good) last January and she's looked better than ever when running really well in defeat against males in Grade 2s at Wetherby (3m, good) and Newbury (3m, soft) on last two starts; she'll be fine now back down in trip and may well be in the mix.

3/1

Form: 3-3373 D

Last run: 47 days

W: 11st 5lb

8 yo Filly

OR: 145

Form & Verdict
Smart mare who was an 11l fourth to Lossiemouth in this 12 months ago before finishing third in 3m Grade 1s at Aintree and Punchestown later in the spring; hasn't quite hit the same heights this season, including 9l third to Feet Of A Dancer and Dream On Baby in Doncaster Grade 2 latest; vulnerable even if back to her very best in a change of headgear (first-time blinkers replace cheekpieces).
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

8

30th Apr 2026

Yielding

2m 7f 110y

18:05 Punchestown

Jetara

11st 3lb

J: Sam Ewing

T: Mrs John Harrington

Third in this event last year after taking the same place in Aintree Grade 1; has failed to match that form this season and has slumped 9lb in the ratings in 12 months; tailed off in Leopardstown Grade 1 won by Teahupoo; moderate fifth behind Wodhooh; a lot to prove now but could surprise.

25/1

5th

4

12th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 56y

Class 1

14:40 Cheltenham

Jetara

11st 5lb

J: Sam Ewing

T: Mrs John Harrington

Smart mare who was an 11l fourth to Lossiemouth in this 12 months ago before finishing third in 3m Grade 1s at Aintree and Punchestown later in the spring; hasn't quite hit the same heights this season, including 9l third to Feet Of A Dancer and Dream On Baby in Doncaster Grade 2 latest; vulnerable even if back to her very best in a change of headgear (first-time blinkers replace cheekpieces).

25/1

3rd

1

24th Jan 2026

Soft

3m 0f 84y

Class 1

13:30 Doncaster

Jetara

11st 8lb

J: James Bowen

T: Mrs John Harrington

Smart staying mare who won this race 12 months ago (good to soft) in game style and made the frame in three Grade 1s at the spring festivals afterwards; ran poorly against the geldings at Leopardstown four weeks ago but would have a big chance if returning to her best.

11/4

Form: P22132 D

Last run: 47 days

W: 11st 5lb

6 yo Filly

OR: 141

Form & Verdict
Steadily progressive; won Listed event at Kempton (2m5f, good) in November; has advanced her form in defeat since, finishing third to Wodhooh and Feet Of A Dancer in Grade 3 at Leopardstown (2m4f, good/yielding) over Christmas before getting outstayed by the latter in a 3m Grade 2 at Doncaster (soft) in January; likeable but surely far more a place than win contender.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

1

12th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 56y

Class 1

14:40 Cheltenham

Dream On Baby

11st 5lb

J: Donagh Meyler

T: Emmet Mullins

Steadily progressive; won Listed event at Kempton (2m5f, good) in November; has advanced her form in defeat since, finishing third to Wodhooh and Feet Of A Dancer in Grade 3 at Leopardstown (2m4f, good/yielding) over Christmas before getting outstayed by the latter in a 3m Grade 2 at Doncaster (soft) in January; likeable but surely far more a place than win contender.

14/1

2nd

2

24th Jan 2026

Soft

3m 0f 84y

Class 1

13:30 Doncaster

Dream On Baby

11st 6lb

J: Danny McMenamin

T: Emmet Mullins

Steadily progressive; won Listed event at Kempton (2m5f, good) in November and seemed to perform even better when third to the classy Wodhooh in Grade 3 at Leopardstown (2m4f, good/yielding; 18-1) over Christmas; more to find again and has stamina to prove as well, but she may not have reached her limit.

5/1

1

26th Oct 2025

Good To Yielding

2m 4f 0y

14:47 Wexford

Dream On Baby

11st 1lb

J: Donagh Meyler

T: Emmet Mullins

Dual-purpose; 1-7 over hurdles and rated 127, the win coming in a Thurles maiden last November; decent run in similar race to this when a 5l runner up at Listowel (2m4f, yld-sft) in September; solid effort on the Flat at Thurles latest (16.5f, good); player.

9/4

Form: F-3143 D

Last run: 54 days

W: 11st 5lb

7 yo Filly

OR: 129

Form & Verdict
Followed a clearcut handicap win at Sandown (2m4f, soft) with a good fourth to Nurse Susan in a Listed event there in January; another sound effort when a rallying third of four in 2m Ascot mares' Grade 2 (soft) since; the return to further will suit but she has plenty to find on form.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

8

21st Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 100y

Class 1

13:00 Kelso

Sunset Marquesa

11st 0lb

J: Brendan Powell

T: Joe Tizzard

Won 2m4f handicap at Sandown (soft) in December and she ran well in defeat in Listed/Grade 2 races on next two starts (2m4f/1m7f, good/soft); mid-race unseat at Cheltenham last week; she's a half-sister to a 3m2f winner and it's possible this new trip will be within range; in with a chance.

8/1

5

12th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 56y

Class 1

14:40 Cheltenham

Sunset Marquesa

11st 5lb

J: Brendan Powell

T: Joe Tizzard

Followed a clearcut handicap win at Sandown (2m4f, soft) with a good fourth to Nurse Susan in a Listed event there in January; another sound effort when a rallying third of four in 2m Ascot mares' Grade 2 (soft) since; the return to further will suit but she has plenty to find on form.

66/1

3rd

5

17th Jan 2026

Good To Soft

1m 7f 157y

Class 1

13:40 Ascot

Sunset Marquesa

11st 2lb

J: Brendan Powell

T: Joe Tizzard

Keeps getting better and she followed a clearcut handicap win at Sandown (2m4f, soft) with a good fourth to Nurse Susan in a Listed event over the same C&D two weeks ago; 4lb better off with that rival today and there's unlikely to be much between them.

5/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £2.80
Straight Forecast £2.74
Trifecta £8.90

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Wodhooh

TOPSPEED:

Take No Chances

D Express:

Jade De Grugy

Telegraph:

Wodhooh

The Guardian:

Wodhooh

Daily Mail:

Wodhooh

Daily Mirror:

Wodhooh

The Sun:

Wodhooh

The Star:

Wodhooh

Daily Record:

Wodhooh

POSTDATA:

Take No Chances

The Times:

Take No Chances