March 13 / 14.00 Cheltenham

14.00

Good

William Hill County Handicap Hurdle (Premier Handicap) (GBB Race)

  • Prize money: £61897
  • 2m 0f 179y
  • Class 1
  • 25 runners
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William Hill County Handicap Hurdle (Premier Handicap) (GBB Race)

Runners: 25 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Light rain

14/1 (Won)

  • Win: £15.00
  • Place: £3.20

Form: 1-2312 D BF

Last run: 56 days

W: 11st 2lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 144

Form & Verdict
Progressive 7yo who made it 5-11 over hurdles when making all in competitive handicap at Ascot (1m7f, good to soft) in December; backed that up when second of 14 in another valuable handicap at Windsor (2m, soft) in January; likeable but he will need more again.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

4

1st May 2026

Yielding

2m 0f 45y

18:40 Punchestown

Wilful

11st 12lb

J: Jonjo O’Neill Jr

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

Progressive 7yo won a competitive Ascot handicap in December (15.5f, good to soft) and was second in a valuable Windsor handicap next time (2m, soft); posted career-best effort in the County Hurdle last time, keeping on well to win by three lengths (2m1f, soft); has course form after filling the second spot in a festival handicap here last season; enters Grade 1 company now and will need a good fist of improvement again, but he's clearly thriving.

11/1

1st

6

13th Mar 2026

Good

2m 0f 179y

Class 1

14:00 Cheltenham

Wilful

11st 2lb

J: Jonjo O’Neill Jr

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

Progressive 7yo who made it 5-11 over hurdles when making all in competitive handicap at Ascot (1m7f, good to soft) in December; backed that up when second of 14 in another valuable handicap at Windsor (2m, soft) in January; likeable but he will need more again.

14/1

2nd

1

16th Jan 2026

Soft

2m 0f 0y

Class 2

15:35 Windsor

Wilful

12st 0lb

J: Jonjo O’Neill Jr

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

Progressive 7yo who made it 5-11 over hurdles when making all in competitive handicap at Ascot (1m7f, good to soft) four weeks ago; had nearly 3l to spare over the runner-up Hot Fuss and he's respected up 7lb.

15/2

33/1

  • Place: £5.80

Form: 121130 D

Last run: 83 days

W: 10st 10lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 138

Form & Verdict
Good start for Olly Murphy when showing a smart turn of foot to win Grade 2 Persian War (novice) at Chepstow (2m3f, good; hooded) in October; hasn't reproduced that in his two subsequent starts, latest when well beaten behind Wilful on Ascot handicap debut, but given a break (had wind surgery) and returns with a tongue-tie added.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

14

13th Mar 2026

Good

2m 0f 179y

Class 1

14:00 Cheltenham

Sticktotheplan

10st 10lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Olly Murphy

Good start for Olly Murphy when showing a smart turn of foot to win Grade 2 Persian War (novice) at Chepstow (2m3f, good; hooded) in October; hasn't reproduced that in his two subsequent starts, latest when well beaten behind Wilful on Ascot handicap debut, but given a break (had wind surgery) and returns with a tongue-tie added.

33/1

1

10th Oct 2025

Good To Soft

2m 3f 100y

Class 1

15:43 Chepstow

Sticktotheplan

11st 5lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Olly Murphy

Never that dangerous in three Irish bumpers but has improved for hurdles, doubling his tally in a 2m Listed race on good ground at Galway's feature summer fixture; posted an eyecatching RPR and has since joined Olly Murphy who fits a hood; respected.

5/1

4

29th Jul 2025

Good

2m 0f 110y

17:05 Galway

Sticktotheplan

11st 6lb

J: Ricky Doyle

T: C W J Farrell

Stepped up in trip to win 2m4f Listowel maiden in May (good) and better form week later in 2m1f Punchestown novice when staying-on second to Timeless Treaty, having been slowly away; probably wants a stiffer test so a strong pace would suit.

12/1

11/1

  • Place: £3.80

Form: 9-2294 D

Last run: 55 days

W: 10st 7lb

7 yo Mare

OR: 135

Form & Verdict
Impressive winner of top handicap hurdle at Newbury (2m, soft) last February; her progress has stalled since (including beaten favourite over fences in first two runs this season) but she was better than latest last of four to reopposing Ooh Betty in Ascot Grade 2 mares' hurdle (1m7f, soft) suggests, challenging when making a hash of the last; dropped another 3lb on the back of that and could have a say if reacting well to first-time headgear.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

19th

5

10th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 0y

Class 1

13:45 Aintree

Joyeuse

11st 11lb

J: Nico de Boinville

T: Nicky Henderson

Useful mare whose handicap form at about 2m features a prestigious win last term and respectable third, with cheekpieces fitted, at the latest Cheltenham Festival (soft); ran well behind a very notable rival in one of her 2m4f attempts; likely player in the retained headgear and back up in trip.

7/1

3rd

16

13th Mar 2026

Good

2m 0f 179y

Class 1

14:00 Cheltenham

Joyeuse

10st 7lb

J: Nico de Boinville

T: Nicky Henderson

Impressive winner of top handicap hurdle at Newbury (2m, soft) last February; her progress has stalled since (including beaten favourite over fences in first two runs this season) but she was better than latest last of four to reopposing Ooh Betty in Ascot Grade 2 mares' hurdle (1m7f, soft) suggests, challenging when making a hash of the last; dropped another 3lb on the back of that and could have a say if reacting well to first-time headgear.

11/1

4th

1

17th Jan 2026

Good To Soft

1m 7f 157y

Class 1

13:40 Ascot

Joyeuse

11st 6lb

J: James Bowen

T: Nicky Henderson

Impressive winner of major handicap at Newbury (2m, soft) last February; beaten favourite over fences first two outings this season and a bit disappointing in warm C&D handicap back over hurdles last month, but it's far too soon to be writing her off and she'd be very dangerous on last season's form.

7/2

33/1

  • Place: £10.70

Form: 1-0666 D

Last run: 13 days

W: 10st 8lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 136

Form & Verdict
Flagbearer for the yard, winning two Morebattles at Kelso and a Scottish Champion Hurdle at Ayr; however, he's failed to find his best form this season, including only sixth in the latest running of the Morebattle 13 days ago; respectable seventh in this last year; others are more obvious.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

15

13th Mar 2026

Good

2m 0f 179y

Class 1

14:00 Cheltenham

Cracking Rhapsody

10st 8lb

J: Craig Nichol

T: Ewan Whillans

Flagbearer for the yard, winning two Morebattles at Kelso and a Scottish Champion Hurdle at Ayr; however, he's failed to find his best form this season, including only sixth in the latest running of the Morebattle 13 days ago; respectable seventh in this last year; others are more obvious.

33/1

6th

2

28th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 0f 51y

Class 2

14:55 Kelso

Cracking Rhapsody

11st 13lb

J: Craig Nichol

T: Ewan Whillans

Not at his best this season but Haydock last month was a step back in the right direction, after a wind op; has won here four times, including the last two runnings of this race (good to soft), and he's 1lb lower than when winning the Scottish Champion Hurdle last April; major player.

6/1

6th

1

17th Jan 2026

Good To Soft

1m 7f 144y

Class 3

12:50 Haydock

Cracking Rhapsody

12st 2lb

J: Craig Nichol

T: Ewan Whillans

Below par on both runs this season but has had wind surgery since and he's back down to the same mark as for his win in the Scottish Champion Hurdle at Ayr (2m, good to soft); not ruled out on this drop in grade.

13/2

Form: -22131 D

Last run: 21 days

W: 10st 5lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 133

Form & Verdict
Bumper winner who has shown considerable promise on all five hurdle starts, including wins in a maiden at Sandown (2m, good) and novice at Warwick (2m3f, soft); brings an unexposed profile to this handicap debut for a leading stable with an excellent record in this contest; high on the list.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

2

10th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 0f 103y

Class 1

14:55 Aintree

Sinnatra

11st 7lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

Gained most recent win over 2m3f (straightforward task) but he's not short of speed and his handicap effort at the Cheltenham Festival (2m1f, soft; ran respectably) suggests this sharper scenario is likely to suit; the type who should still have more to offer; possibilities, provided he takes to first-time hood.

13/2

5th

22

13th Mar 2026

Good

2m 0f 179y

Class 1

14:00 Cheltenham

Sinnatra

10st 5lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

Bumper winner who has shown considerable promise on all five hurdle starts, including wins in a maiden at Sandown (2m, good) and novice at Warwick (2m3f, soft); brings an unexposed profile to this handicap debut for a leading stable with an excellent record in this contest; high on the list.

6/1

1st

2

20th Feb 2026

Soft

2m 3f 0y

Class 4

14:35 Warwick

Sinnatra

11st 8lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

Bumper winner who has shown considerable promise on all four hurdle starts, winning easily at 1-8 at Sandown (2m, good) last month before Listed third at Huntingdon (2m3f, soft); he's the one to beat now back down in grade.

2/5

Form: 103-32 D BF

Last run: 47 days

W: 11st 8lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 150

Form & Verdict
Smart novice hurdler last season (placed in Grade 1s) and, although defeated at short odds, produced a career-best RPR when 1l second in 2m Naas Grade 3 (heavy) on return from nine months off; entitled to build on that effort and is of major interest in his first handicap, with Paul Townend seemingly preferring him to Murcia and Absurde.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13th

1

28th Apr 2026

Yielding

2m 0f 132y

15:40 Punchestown

Karbau

11st 12lb

J: Anna McGuinness

T: W P Mullins

Arguably a shade unlucky when a beaten favourite in the County Hurdle but rider reported that he stopped quickly when soundly beaten at Fairyhouse last time; Townend jumps ship; needs to rediscover best.

12/1

12th

1

4th Apr 2026

Yielding To Soft

2m 0f 0y

17:00 Fairyhouse

Karbau

11st 12lb

J: Paul Townend

T: W P Mullins

Smart novice hurdler last season (placed in Grade 1s) and, although defeated at short odds, produced a career-best RPR when second in 2m Naas Grade 3 (heavy) on return from nine months off; beaten favourite in County Hurdle latest but steady pace and not clear run didn't suit so sixth of 23 was a solid run in the circumstances; Townend's pick.

13/2

6th

4

13th Mar 2026

Good

2m 0f 179y

Class 1

14:00 Cheltenham

Karbau

11st 8lb

J: Paul Townend

T: W P Mullins

Smart novice hurdler last season (placed in Grade 1s) and, although defeated at short odds, produced a career-best RPR when 1l second in 2m Naas Grade 3 (heavy) on return from nine months off; entitled to build on that effort and is of major interest in his first handicap, with Paul Townend seemingly preferring him to Murcia and Absurde.

4/1

Form: 8-1057 D

Last run: 41 days

W: 10st 6lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 134

Form & Verdict
Soft-ground maiden hurdle winner last season; impressed in 4yo handicap at Chepstow (2m, good) on reappearance in October but has failed to shine in his three outings since; has a hood fitted for a second time.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

5

9th May 2026

Good

1m 7f 144y

Class 1

13:15 Haydock

Gibbs Island

11st 6lb

J: Stan Sheppard

T: Tom Lacey

Easy winner at Chepstow (2m, good) last October and he took a big step back in right direction when seventh of 23 in the County at Cheltenham (2m1f, soft); missed the Scottish Champion Hurdle last month due to heavy ground; still only five and he's 1lb lower than in the County; major player.

9/2

7th

17

13th Mar 2026

Good

2m 0f 179y

Class 1

14:00 Cheltenham

Gibbs Island

10st 6lb

J: Stan Sheppard

T: Tom Lacey

Soft-ground maiden hurdle winner last season; impressed in 4yo handicap at Chepstow (2m, good) on reappearance in October but has failed to shine in his three outings since; has a hood fitted for a second time.

40/1

Form: -3U452 D

Last run: 55 days

W: 11st 0lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 142

Form & Verdict
Smart novice hurdler last term; didn't take to fences during opening half of the current campaign but in good nick back hurdling last twice, finishing second on handicap debut at Ascot (2m3f, soft) in January; well-held seventh to Constitution Hill on AW Flat since; it's possible this sort of test could suit.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

7

(3)

2nd Jul 2026

Standard To Slow

1m 3f 219y

Class 3

19:43 Kempton (AW)

Tripoli Flyer

8st 5lb

J: Gina Mangan

T: Fergal O’Brien

Winner of a bumper and three novice hurdle races, most recently a Grade 2 here in February 2025; chasing didn't work out but he mostly ran with credit in defeat back over hurdles and three Flat races have been thrown in (1m3f here latest) in which he's shown some ability; it's not clear what his ideal Flat trip is but he's now qualified for a Flat handicap mark and it's a highly attractive one compared to his hurdles figure.

3/1

3rd

1

(12)

27th May 2026

Standard To Slow

1m 2f 219y

Class 3

19:30 Kempton (AW)

Tripoli Flyer

9st 9lb

J: Dougie Costello

T: Fergal O’Brien

Bagged a bumper and three hurdles, including Grade 2 Dovecote last February; acquitted himself well in two big spring festivals of late; should have a future on the Flat but will likely get a mark after this third start; no headgear.

10/1

50/1

Form: 3-0001 D

Last run: 55 days

W: 10st 4lb

8 yo Filly

OR: 132

Form & Verdict
Can make the running; inconsistent but returned to form with mares' Grade 2 win at Ascot (1m7f, soft) in January; runs off same mark as when close third to Cracking Rhapsody in Scottish Champion Hurdle at Ayr (2m, good to soft) last April; not ruled out each-way at likely big odds.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

5

18th Apr 2026

Soft

2m 0f 0y

Class 1

14:20 Ayr

Ooh Betty

10st 6lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Ben Clarke

Made all in Grade 2 mares' hurdle at Ascot (1m7f, soft) in January and ran well for a long way when ninth of 23 in the County Hurdle at Cheltenham (2m1f, soft) last month; she's 1lb lower than when a very close third in this last year (good to soft) and could again be involved.

11/1

9th

24

13th Mar 2026

Good

2m 0f 179y

Class 1

14:00 Cheltenham

Ooh Betty

10st 4lb

J: Ben Jones

T: Ben Clarke

Can make the running; inconsistent but returned to form with mares' Grade 2 win at Ascot (1m7f, soft) in January; runs off same mark as when close third to Cracking Rhapsody in Scottish Champion Hurdle at Ayr (2m, good to soft) last April; not ruled out each-way at likely big odds.

50/1

Form: 16-357 D

Last run: 40 days

W: 11st 6lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 148

Form & Verdict
This useful Flat performer was a Grade 1-winning juvenile hurdler last season; sustained an injury over the summer but there's been enough in two comeback runs at Leopardstown this winter (seventh to Bowensonfire in handicap latest) to think he retains his ability; not discounted.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

2

2nd May 2026

Yielding

2m 4f 118y

17:30 Punchestown

Hello Neighbour

11st 9lb

J: Keith Donoghue

T: Gavin Cromwell

Won Grade 1 Juvenile at the DRF last season; below best first three starts this season but better effort when a 7.5l third of 18 in Listed handicap hurdle at Fairyhouse latest (2m, yld-sft); same mark here but stamina to prove for this longer trip.

8/1

3rd

2

4th Apr 2026

Yielding To Soft

2m 0f 0y

17:00 Fairyhouse

Hello Neighbour

11st 9lb

J: Keith Donoghue

T: Gavin Cromwell

Grade 1-winning juvenile hurdler last season; sustained an injury over the summer and has posted decent RPR's in three defeats since returning at Christmas, latest when 10th of 23 in County Hurdle after not clear run (only 1l behind Karbau); more needed but don't rule out.

10/1

10th

5

13th Mar 2026

Good

2m 0f 179y

Class 1

14:00 Cheltenham

Hello Neighbour

11st 6lb

J: Keith Donoghue

T: Gavin Cromwell

This useful Flat performer was a Grade 1-winning juvenile hurdler last season; sustained an injury over the summer but there's been enough in two comeback runs at Leopardstown this winter (seventh to Bowensonfire in handicap latest) to think he retains his ability; not discounted.

14/1

Form: 252-52

Last run: 225 days

W: 10st 13lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 141

Form & Verdict
Dual-purpose 9yo in fine form in Flat/hurdle codes last year, first past the post in the Galway Hurdle (demoted to second behind Ndaawi for interference); respectable efforts on Flat subsequently; first race for five months.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

2

(15)

3rd May 2026

Yielding

1m 4f 30y

15:43 Cork

Helvic Dream

9st 10lb

J: Sam Coen

T: Noel Meade

Last year's Galway Hurdle runner-up, a long time since the last of his five Flat wins (enjoyed highlight in the Group 1 Tattersalls Gold Cup in 2021); slipping in the ratings and fit from hurdling.

16/1

17th

5

4th Apr 2026

Yielding To Soft

2m 0f 0y

17:00 Fairyhouse

Helvic Dream

11st 0lb

J: Donagh Meyler

T: Noel Meade

9yo was second to Lord Erskine in this last year and later first past the post in the Galway Hurdle (demoted for interference); back from winter break when midfield in County Hurdle last month (close up behind Karbau and Hello Neighbour), tiring from last; entitled to come on for that.

10/1

11th

10

13th Mar 2026

Good

2m 0f 179y

Class 1

14:00 Cheltenham

Helvic Dream

10st 13lb

J: Donagh Meyler

T: Noel Meade

Dual-purpose 9yo in fine form in Flat/hurdle codes last year, first past the post in the Galway Hurdle (demoted to second behind Ndaawi for interference); respectable efforts on Flat subsequently; first race for five months.

16/1

Form: /4P5-3 BF

Last run: 148 days

W: 10st 5lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 133

Form & Verdict
Travelled powerfully in the lead for long way in 2m Carlisle chase on reappearance in October only to fade on run-in (found to have bled from the nose); that was final start for Jonjo & A J O'Neill and he returns over hurdles for a top yard which targets this race; no shock were he to go well.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

1

30th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

2m 0f 213y

Class 3

18:18 Stratford

Tellherthename

11st 10lb

J: Kielan Woods

T: Dan Skelton

Useful hurdler for Ben Pauling, winning two of his ten starts; has quickly found his feet back over fences with back-to-back small-field wins, the latest with ease at Uttoxeter 17 days ago; up 6lb and may face a sterner test from Captain Cool but still the one to beat.

4/11

1st

1

13th Jun 2026

Good

1m 7f 214y

Class 3

17:42 Uttoxeter

Tellherthename

11st 10lb

J: Kielan Woods

T: Dan Skelton

Won twice over hurdles for Ben Pauling; not disgraced in either the County Hurdle or the Swinton for his new trainer this year and made a winning return to fences when finishing alone at Cartmel (2m1f, good) three weeks ago; that win should have done his confidence a world of good and he should take all the beating.

11/10

1st

1

23rd May 2026

Good To Soft

2m 1f 61y

Class 3

15:20 Cartmel

Tellherthename

11st 10lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

Both wins came at Huntingdon when trained by Ben Pauling; made his stable debut in the County Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival, when not beaten far, and he wasn't disgraced when hooded and held up out the back in the Swinton at Haydock (favourite) two weeks ago; this will feel like a drop in the ocean in comparison and, although turned over at a short price last October in his only chase, he should make light work of these two rivals on his return to fences.

1/3

OUR TIP

Form: 333211 D

Last run: 40 days

W: 11st 11lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 153

Form & Verdict
Big improver in recent months, winning strong 2m Leopardstown handicaps at the Christmas meeting (yielding) and at the Dublin Racing Festival (heavy); will need to improve again to complete a hat-trick of big-field successes but that can't be ruled out in his current mood.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

2

2nd Jul 2026

Good

2m 0f 110y

17:20 Limerick

Bowensonfire

11st 1lb

J: Jack Kennedy

T: Gordon Elliott

Admirably consistent handicapper who brought his tally to five with two wins at Leopardstown last winter; ran in the County Hurdle before an ambitious Grade 2 attempt at Fairyhouse; has won on good ground, would probably prefer an ease.

3/1

7th

5

6th Apr 2026

Yielding To Soft

2m 3f 180y

15:50 Fairyhouse

Bowensonfire

11st 3lb

J: Jordan Gainford

T: Gordon Elliott

Admirably consistent handicapper who didn't run too badly when midfield in the County Hurdle last month; however, this is a step up the ladder for him and regular rider Jack Kennedy evidently prefers the chances of The Yellow Clay.

10/1

13th

3

13th Mar 2026

Good

2m 0f 179y

Class 1

14:00 Cheltenham

Bowensonfire

11st 11lb

J: Jack Kennedy

T: Gordon Elliott

Big improver in recent months, winning strong 2m Leopardstown handicaps at the Christmas meeting (yielding) and at the Dublin Racing Festival (heavy); will need to improve again to complete a hat-trick of big-field successes but that can't be ruled out in his current mood.

14/1

Form: /22-13 D

Last run: 111 days

W: 12st 0lb

6 yo Colt

OR: 156

Form & Verdict
Very smart hurdler whose two visits to this meeting have produced a third in the 2024 Fred Winter and second to Kargese in this last year; improved again to win last summer's Galway Hurdle (pipped by Helvic Dream but awarded the race after suffering interference); below par when remote third to Lossiemouth in Grade 1 Morgiana in November but warmed up for this with a fine run on AW Flat last month over a trip short of his best; while his good record in top handicap hurdles (also second in 2024 Galway Hurdle) makes him a dangerous one to discount, he'll require a high-class performance to win off 156.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

5

(5)

31st May 2026

Good

1m 5f 80y

17:20 Listowel

Ndaawi

11st 0lb

J: Mr H C Swan

T: Gordon Elliott

Smart dual-purposer type got the Galway Hurdle in the stewards' room last summer and beat very useful Absurde in conditions' hurdle last month; his Flat run at Chester in September proved that he's worthy of this mark and showed he had a bit of boot when running well over 1m on AW pre-Cheltenham.

6/4

1st

5

5th Apr 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 0f 70y

13:50 Cork

Ndaawi

11st 2lb

J: Josh Williamson

T: Gordon Elliott

Won the Galway Hurdle last year off 145 (awarded race by stewards) and has also won twice on the level (rated 91); trip and ground fine here and he finished well ahead of Absurde in the County Hurdle last month, though he had a fitness edge that day; talented claimer takes off 5lb and every chance at the weights.

15/8

14th

1

13th Mar 2026

Good

2m 0f 179y

Class 1

14:00 Cheltenham

Ndaawi

12st 0lb

J: Josh Williamson

T: Gordon Elliott

Very smart hurdler whose two visits to this meeting have produced a third in the 2024 Fred Winter and second to Kargese in this last year; improved again to win last summer's Galway Hurdle (pipped by Helvic Dream but awarded the race after suffering interference); below par when remote third to Lossiemouth in Grade 1 Morgiana in November but warmed up for this with a fine run on AW Flat last month over a trip short of his best; while his good record in top handicap hurdles (also second in 2024 Galway Hurdle) makes him a dangerous one to discount, he'll require a high-class performance to win off 156.

20/1

13/2

Form: 81-434 D

Last run: 40 days

W: 11st 0lb

5 yo Filly

OR: 142

Form & Verdict
Won a Grade 1 juvenile hurdle at Aintree last year before a decent effort behind Lulamba at Punchestown; lightly raced this season, but last month's fourth of 19 to Bowensonfire in 2m handicap at the Dublin Racing Festival shows she retains all her ability, particularly as being taken wide throughout may not have helped; Townend looks elsewhere this time, but still much respected.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

2

16th Jul 2026

Good

2m 4f 85y

17:05 Killarney

Murcia

11st 5lb

J: Paul Townend

T: W P Mullins

Grade 1 winner at Aintree (2m1f, gd-sft) in April 2025; regained the winning thread in mares' race at Listowel (16.5f, good) on latest (Grainne A Chroi 6.25l behind); the one to beat on ratings, but has never run beyond 2m1f so she has stamina to prove (mixed messages in pedigree).

5/4

1st

2

30th May 2026

Good

2m 0f 100y

14:06 Listowel

Murcia

11st 7lb

J: Brian Hayes

T: W P Mullins

Top-rated here at 138; won Grade 1 at Aintree in April 2025, her last start on ground with good in the description; below best in hot handicaps this year but better expected now back on a sounder surface; giving weight away to most of her rivals but the one to beat.

13/8

16th

2

28th Apr 2026

Yielding

2m 0f 132y

15:40 Punchestown

Murcia

11st 1lb

J: Paul Townend

T: W P Mullins

Grade 1 Juvenile winner at Aintree (2m1f, gd-sft) last year; has come up dry since, beaten similar distances in first three handicaps; dropped 1lb for an 11l fifth behind Kalix Delabarriere on latest and Townend takes over now; drying ground a plus and could go well.

11/2

Form: 1287-0 D

Last run: 40 days

W: 11st 1lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 143

Form & Verdict
Two wins apiece on the Flat and over hurdles during his time with Gavin Cromwell but well beaten in a big-field handicap on the Flat and over hurdles (behind a few of these at Dublin Racing Festival) since joining current yard; the refitting of blinkers needs to help spark a revival.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

9

3rd Jul 2026

Good

2m 3f 110y

18:52 Wexford

Pinot Gris

11st 12lb

J: Darragh O’Keeffe

T: Henry De Bromhead

Smart hurdler (rated 143) at his best, albeit soundly beaten in competitive handicaps final two starts last term; bit laboured in his jumping on chasing debut at Clonmel in April (soft), but has had time off since and no surprise if he returned with an improved display; has to be considered on favoured ground.

100/30

4th

3

14th Apr 2026

Yielding

1m 7f 131y

18:42 Clonmel

Pinot Gris

11st 12lb

J: Darragh O’Keeffe

T: Henry De Bromhead

Dual-purpose; the best of these over hurdles (rated 143); no impact on first three starts for this yard in hot handicap hurdles; well beaten on sole previous chase start at Cork when with Gavin Cromwell but this much easier; wouldn't want it too soft.

11/8

16th

7

13th Mar 2026

Good

2m 0f 179y

Class 1

14:00 Cheltenham

Pinot Gris

11st 1lb

J: Darragh O’Keeffe

T: Henry De Bromhead

Two wins apiece on the Flat and over hurdles during his time with Gavin Cromwell but well beaten in a big-field handicap on the Flat and over hurdles (behind a few of these at Dublin Racing Festival) since joining current yard; the refitting of blinkers needs to help spark a revival.

25/1

Form: 12-324 D

Last run: 74 days

W: 10st 11lb

6 yo Filly

OR: 139

Form & Verdict
Smart mare who was second in the Dawn Run novices' race over C&D at this meeting last year; ran close to her best when fourth of five to Wodhooh in Leopardstown Grade 2 (2m4f, good to yielding) over Christmas; freshened up since, ahead of this first attempt in a handicap hurdle.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

17th

11

13th Mar 2026

Good

2m 0f 179y

Class 1

14:00 Cheltenham

Sixandahalf

10st 11lb

J: Conor Stone-Walsh

T: Gavin Cromwell

Smart mare who was second in the Dawn Run novices' race over C&D at this meeting last year; ran close to her best when fourth of five to Wodhooh in Leopardstown Grade 2 (2m4f, good to yielding) over Christmas; freshened up since, ahead of this first attempt in a handicap hurdle.

12/1

2nd

5

24th Oct 2025

Good To Yielding

2m 1f 112y

14:35 Sligo

Sixandahalf

11st 5lb

J: Keith Donoghue

T: Gavin Cromwell

Smart mare has won a bumper, maiden hurdle and twice on the Flat; just denied in the Grade 2 Mares' novice at Cheltenham before running below that level at Punchestown; disappointing on the Flat twice since but is the one to beat if back to her best in this sphere.

13/8

17

(7)

28th Sep 2025

Good To Yielding

2m 0f 170y

16:22 Curragh

Sixandahalf

9st 4lb

J: Robert Whearty

T: Gavin Cromwell

Lightly raced dual-purpose mare; narrowly denied in Grade 2 mares' novice at Cheltenham; close up in third in this last year off 88 and just 5lb higher now; lacks a run but has won when fresh before; shortlisted.

9/1

Form: 632114 D

Last run: 41 days

W: 10st 10lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 138

Form & Verdict
A rare one in that he's improved since leaving Dan Skelton, winning a pair of 2m handicaps on good ground at Kempton this winter; creditable fourth of ten in the Scottish County at Musselburgh six weeks ago but it underlines that he needs to find a bit more from this career-high mark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

1

4th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

1m 7f 144y

Class 2

14:12 Haydock

Williethebuilder

12st 0lb

J: Toby McCain-Mitchell

T: Christian Williams

Won two in a row at Kempton (2m, good) in the winter before another good run when fourth at Musselburgh (1m7f, good to soft), where he would have been a bit closer but for late interference; soft ground may not have been ideal in the County Hurdle three weeks ago; might not be far away.

7/1

18th

13

13th Mar 2026

Good

2m 0f 179y

Class 1

14:00 Cheltenham

Williethebuilder

10st 10lb

J: Jack Tudor

T: Christian Williams

A rare one in that he's improved since leaving Dan Skelton, winning a pair of 2m handicaps on good ground at Kempton this winter; creditable fourth of ten in the Scottish County at Musselburgh six weeks ago but it underlines that he needs to find a bit more from this career-high mark.

25/1

4th

2

31st Jan 2026

Good To Soft

1m 7f 124y

Class 2

13:43 Musselburgh

Williethebuilder

11st 7lb

J: Toby McCain-Mitchell

T: Christian Williams

7yo who has been with a new stable since October and has shown career-best form to win at Kempton (2m, good) on his last two starts; has shown promise on soft/good to soft; clearly thriving and could take latest 6lb rise in his stride if today's slower conditions aren't an issue.

100/30

Form: 3F1F-3 D

Last run: 27 days

W: 10st 5lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 133

Form & Verdict
Won a valuable handicap hurdle at Windsor (2m, soft) last winter and probably would have been placed in two others but for falling at the last; showed more than enough to think he retains all of his ability when third of four to Alexei in the Grade 2 Kingwell at Wincanton (1m7f, heavy) on reappearance four weeks ago; entitled to come on for that.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

6

18th Apr 2026

Soft

2m 0f 0y

Class 1

14:20 Ayr

Secret Squirrel

10st 6lb

J: Jonathan Burke

T: Hughie Morrison

Just two starts this season and down the field in the County Hurdle at Cheltenham last month; however, prior to that he was a creditable third of four in the Grade 2 Kingwell Hurdle at Wincanton (1m7f, heavy) and he was a progressive handicapper last term (various ground); not discounted.

7/1

19th

23

13th Mar 2026

Good

2m 0f 179y

Class 1

14:00 Cheltenham

Secret Squirrel

10st 5lb

J: Jonathan Burke

T: Hughie Morrison

Won a valuable handicap hurdle at Windsor (2m, soft) last winter and probably would have been placed in two others but for falling at the last; showed more than enough to think he retains all of his ability when third of four to Alexei in the Grade 2 Kingwell at Wincanton (1m7f, heavy) on reappearance four weeks ago; entitled to come on for that.

12/1

3rd

4

14th Feb 2026

Heavy

1m 7f 50y

Class 1

13:35 Wincanton

Secret Squirrel

11st 4lb

J: Paul O’Brien

T: Hughie Morrison

Overall record of 5-12, including three wins at around 2m over hurdles (good to soft/soft); his last win was at Windsor last January but he fell at the last in a major handicap at Newbury the following month and has been on the sidelines since; has something to prove after a year off and this looks tough on the figures.

7/1

Form: 41/31- CD

Last run: 327 days

W: 11st 13lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 155

Form & Verdict
Won this in 2024 and third last year, albeit off much lower marks; operated a little below his very best on the Flat last year, including in Australia in the autumn, which perhaps raises a few doubts as to whether he'll be able to find the career-best hurdle performance which will be needed to defy such a lofty mark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

1

1st May 2026

Yielding

2m 0f 45y

18:40 Punchestown

Absurde

11st 12lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: W P Mullins

One of three for trainer; dual-purpose sort who has run creditably in the last three Melbourne Cups (rated 107 on the Flat); 2024 County Hurdle winner was well below his best in that race this season back from a break (2m1f, soft); improved display at Cork when 3.25l behind Ndaawi (16.5f, yielding); a good bit to find with Lossiemouth even if running to his rating, which he hasn't done so far this term.

40/1

2nd

3

5th Apr 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 0f 70y

13:50 Cork

Absurde

11st 2lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: W P Mullins

Classy dual-purpose sort who has run creditably in the last three Melbourne Cups (rated 107 on the Flat); below best after a break in the County Hurdle at Cheltenham but should be sharper now and Harry Cobden has won on him before; top rated at 153 and obvious chance.

5/4

20th

2

13th Mar 2026

Good

2m 0f 179y

Class 1

14:00 Cheltenham

Absurde

11st 13lb

J: Mr P W Mullins

T: W P Mullins

Won this in 2024 and third last year, albeit off much lower marks; operated a little below his very best on the Flat last year, including in Australia in the autumn, which perhaps raises a few doubts as to whether he'll be able to find the career-best hurdle performance which will be needed to defy such a lofty mark.

16/1

Form: 33-213 D

Last run: 90 days

W: 10st 6lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 134

Form & Verdict
Front-runner; convincing Newbury win (2m) under Daire McConville in November before 11l third off this 10lb higher mark behind two well-handicapped rivals at Doncaster (2m, good to soft again) in December; off since; needs better.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

1

24th May 2026

Good

2m 3f 207y

Class 2

15:28 Uttoxeter

Bowmore

12st 0lb

J: Daire McConville

T: Charlie Longsdon

Campaigned mostly at about 2m but over this far he ran well for a 125-1 chance to be beaten about 10l in a big-field handicap at the Grand National meeting (under Daire McConville; finished ahead of Sir Galahad); this is not quite so demanding.

12/1

12th

13

10th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 0y

Class 1

13:45 Aintree

Bowmore

11st 6lb

J: Daire McConville

T: Charlie Longsdon

Campaigned mostly at about 2m and isn't crying out for this return to further; furthermore, he suffered a heavy defeat at the Cheltenham Festival most recently and this is another difficult task.

66/1

21th

20

13th Mar 2026

Good

2m 0f 179y

Class 1

14:00 Cheltenham

Bowmore

10st 6lb

J: Daire McConville

T: Charlie Longsdon

Front-runner; convincing Newbury win (2m) under Daire McConville in November before 11l third off this 10lb higher mark behind two well-handicapped rivals at Doncaster (2m, good to soft again) in December; off since; needs better.

40/1

Form: 1-2522 C

Last run: 34 days

W: 10st 11lb

7 yo Mare

OR: 139

Form & Verdict
Three wins as novice included a 2m4f Listed event here; advanced her RPR again when second in 2m5f Wincanton handicap (good; acts on soft) on return but hasn't quite managed to reproduce that level since, despite finishing runner-up in Listed races the last twice; drops back in trip for handicap debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12

13th Mar 2026

Good

2m 0f 179y

Class 1

14:00 Cheltenham

Jubilee Alpha

10st 11lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Paul Nicholls

Three wins as novice included a 2m4f Listed event here; advanced her RPR again when second in 2m5f Wincanton handicap (good; acts on soft) on return but hasn't quite managed to reproduce that level since, despite finishing runner-up in Listed races the last twice; drops back in trip for handicap debut.

20/1

2nd

3

7th Feb 2026

Soft

2m 5f 5y

Class 1

13:15 Warwick

Jubilee Alpha

11st 4lb

J: Lorcan Williams

T: Paul Nicholls

Three wins as a novice included two at Listed level, beating Hollygrove Cha Cha and La Pinsonniere in the process; weighted to confirm places with both those rivals and in this season's three defeats she's posted her best RPRs; should prove difficult to beat.

Evs

1st

1

17th Apr 2025

Good

2m 4f 56y

Class 1

15:55 Cheltenham

Jubilee Alpha

11st 7lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Paul Nicholls

in rear

11/2

Form: 4513F6 D

Last run: 40 days

W: 10st 6lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 134

Form & Verdict
Won at Navan (2m, soft to heavy) in November and creditable efforts behind Bowensonfire in big-field handicaps at Leopardstown on both completed starts since; not obviously well treated, though.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

1

2nd Mar 2024

Heavy

2m 0f 0y

13:35 Navan

Balko DAnge

11st 7lb

J: Brian Hayes

T: Philip Fenton

held up in midfield, headway going okay after 2 out, keeping on when not fluent last, ridden when ran on towards finish, went second final strides

40/1

Form: -15631 D

Last run: 71 days

W: 10st 4lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 132

Form & Verdict
Reserve; improved effort when coming 13l clear in 2m1f handicap at Tramore (soft; both wins there) on New Year's Day; much higher mark here but he's low mileage and could progress again.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

2

10th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 0f 103y

Class 2

17:15 Aintree

Captain Ryan Matt

11st 11lb

J: Mr J L Gleeson

T: Henry De Bromhead

Second Tramore success when easily seeing off nine rivals in a 2m1f handicap (soft; first win was on good) on New Year's Day; the handicapper hasn't missed him but there may be more to come for his leading Irish stable.

14/1

25

13th Mar 2026

Good

2m 0f 179y

Class 1

14:00 Cheltenham

Captain Ryan Matt

10st 4lb

J: Mike O’Connor

T: Henry De Bromhead

Reserve; improved effort when coming 13l clear in 2m1f handicap at Tramore (soft; both wins there) on New Year's Day; much higher mark here but he's low mileage and could progress again.

40/1

5

15th Oct 2025

Good

2m 4f 45y

15:05 Punchestown

Captain Ryan Matt

11st 4lb

J: Darragh O’Keeffe

T: Henry De Bromhead

Steadily improved in maiden hurdles to get off the mark emphatically at Tramore in August when winning by 9l as odds-on favourite (2m, good); ran disappointingly in a novice hurdle last time, albeit up against Davy Crockett, when finished last of five; capable of better on handicap debut.

9/2

Form: 21-392 D

Last run: 34 days

W: 10st 4lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 132

Form & Verdict
Reserve; won 2m4f handicap at last season's Aintree Grand National meeting (good to soft) before third at Punchestown; disappointing when favourite on Windsor reappearance but back on his game when best of the rest behind Tutti Quanti in valuable 2m Newbury handicap (heavy) last month.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

7

10th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 0y

Class 1

13:45 Aintree

Wellington Arch

11st 11lb

J: Jonjo O’Neill Jr

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

Justified favouritism in 2m4f event at Uttoxeter (soft) on Midlands National day, going one better than 12 months earlier and setting himself up perfectly for an attempt to win this prize for the second year running; current mark reflects his advancement; again a big player.

9/1

1st

1

14th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 207y

Class 3

13:50 Uttoxeter

Wellington Arch

12st 2lb

J: Jonjo O’Neill Jr

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

Second in this race last year off 12lb lower, he went on to win at the Aintree Festival last April; confirmed his wellbeing when second in the William Hill Hurdle at Newbury five weeks ago and should run well.

4/1

26

13th Mar 2026

Good

2m 0f 179y

Class 1

14:00 Cheltenham

Wellington Arch

10st 4lb

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

Reserve; won 2m4f handicap at last season's Aintree Grand National meeting (good to soft) before third at Punchestown; disappointing when favourite on Windsor reappearance but back on his game when best of the rest behind Tutti Quanti in valuable 2m Newbury handicap (heavy) last month.

28/1

Non-runners

Hamlets Night

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £337.10
Straight Forecast £345.00
Tricast £4332.66
Trifecta £4903.20

Selections

RP RATINGS:

Sinnatra

SPOTLIGHT:

Karbau

Daily Mail:

Murcia

TOPSPEED:

Jubilee Alpha

The Times:

Sixandahalf

LAMBOURN:

Joyeuse

POSTDATA:

Tripoli Flyer

The Guardian:

Secret Squirrel

Daily Mirror:

Sinnatra

Daily Record:

Sinnatra

D Express:

Karbau

The Sun:

Karbau

The Star:

Murcia

Telegraph:

Jubilee Alpha