April 05 / 16.05 Plumpton

16.05

Good

BetGoodwin Sussex Champion Hurdle Handicap Hurdle (GBB Race)

  • Prize money: £33819.5
  • 1m 7f 195y
  • Class 2
  • 14 runners
SKY
View Course
BetGoodwin Sussex Champion Hurdle Handicap Hurdle (GBB Race)

Runners: 14 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Partly cloudy

5/1 (Won)

  • Win: £9.00
  • Place: £2.50

Form: -11234 D BF

Last run: 99 days

W: 11st 3lb

6 yo Colt

OR: 124

Form & Verdict
Very progressive in completing a good-ground hat-trick last year and when third to Tutti Quanti in a Class 1 handicap at Newbury in November (soft); still on a competitive mark despite all that and for whatever reason he didn't show his true form at Kempton on final sighting at Christmas; if forgiven that, and he's had a break, then he enters the picture.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

18th Jul 2026

Good

2m 0f 125y

Class 2

14:10 Market Rasen

Indemnity

12st 0lb

J: Ben Jones

T: Emma Lavelle

Best on good ground as he showed when running away with the Sussex Champion Hurdle at Plumpton in April; however, that came at a cost to the tune of 10lb and he failed to fire behind Moon Chime in the Swinton; others might be better in here.

12/1

10th

4

9th May 2026

Good

1m 7f 144y

Class 1

13:15 Haydock

Indemnity

11st 7lb

J: Jonathan Burke

T: Emma Lavelle

4-6 on good ground over hurdles, notching another personal best when returning from a break to win readily at Plumpton (2m; 15-2) last month; a 10lb rise demands further improvement but he's thriving and should encounter suitable conditions again.

5/1

1st

7

5th Apr 2026

Good

1m 7f 195y

Class 2

16:05 Plumpton

Indemnity

11st 3lb

J: Ben Jones

T: Emma Lavelle

Very progressive in completing a good-ground hat-trick last year and when third to Tutti Quanti in a Class 1 handicap at Newbury in November (soft); still on a competitive mark despite all that and for whatever reason he didn't show his true form at Kempton on final sighting at Christmas; if forgiven that, and he's had a break, then he enters the picture.

5/1

9/1

  • Place: £4.90

Form: 304631 D

Last run: 10 days

W: 10st 6lb

6 yo Mare

OR: 113

Form & Verdict
It was against her own sex when breezing clear from off the pace at Warwick (2m, good) but, still lightly raced, she could be worthy of her 11lb rise in the weights; up in class but this race could be run to suit her style and she's of some interest.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

13

5th Apr 2026

Good

1m 7f 195y

Class 2

16:05 Plumpton

Ajs Diamond

10st 6lb

J: Bryan Carver

T: Chris Gordon

It was against her own sex when breezing clear from off the pace at Warwick (2m, good) but, still lightly raced, she could be worthy of her 11lb rise in the weights; up in class but this race could be run to suit her style and she's of some interest.

9/1

1st

5

26th Mar 2026

Good

2m 0f 0y

Class 4

15:58 Warwick

Ajs Diamond

11st 6lb

J: Freddie Gordon

T: Chris Gordon

Placed in two bumpers (including on good ground) and has also shown promise over hurdles, finishing third of 18 in Wincanton maiden (1m7f, good to soft) last time; it's possible she will improve for a longer trip but this unexposed 6yo is still entitled to respect on today's handicap debut.

13/8

3rd

16

25th Feb 2026

Soft

1m 7f 50y

Class 4

13:50 Wincanton

Ajs Diamond

11st 0lb

J: Freddie Gordon

T: Chris Gordon

Clear ability in bumpers and she was far from disgraced on second start in this sphere when staying-on sixth of 16 in mares' maiden at Kempton (2m, good to soft) three weeks ago; contender.

12/1

OUR TIP

6/1

  • Place: £2.10

Form: 4-4P12 C

Last run: 36 days

W: 12st 0lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 135

Form & Verdict
Has improved for patient tactics, winning at Haydock (1m7f, good) before going close in the always-strong Morebattle Hurdle at Kelso (good to soft); raised 3lb for that but this former smart Flat performer should be seen to good effect around here.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

1

5th Apr 2026

Good

1m 7f 195y

Class 2

16:05 Plumpton

Serious Challenge

12st 0lb

J: Jonathan Burke

T: Fergal O’Brien

Has improved for patient tactics, winning at Haydock (1m7f, good) before going close in the always-strong Morebattle Hurdle at Kelso (good to soft); raised 3lb for that but this former smart Flat performer should be seen to good effect around here.

6/1

2nd

5

28th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 0f 51y

Class 2

14:55 Kelso

Serious Challenge

11st 9lb

J: Jonathan Burke

T: Fergal O’Brien

Made it four wins from his eight starts over hurdles (various ground) when returning to form to score at Haydock (1m7f, good) two months ago, when ridden more patiently; 5lb higher in a better race today and needs a career-best but he's unexposed under hold-up tactics and is not written off.

10/1

4th

2

26th Oct 2025

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 2

15:30 Aintree

Serious Challenge

11st 3lb

J: Jonathan Burke

T: Fergal O’Brien

Talented Flat performer (stayed 1m6f) who won three novice hurdles this year (2m4f/2m, various ground) before finishing fourth of 14 in novice handicap final at Sandown (2m, good) in April; could have more to offer now back up in trip and trainer has won the last three runnings.

5/2

Form: 511447 D

Last run: 22 days

W: 10st 13lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 120

Form & Verdict
Has won at this trip but last four runs have been over further and he hasn't kicked on from his Musselburgh win in January (2m4f, good to soft; 3lb lower); probably has little margin for error mark-wise and unlikely the same is true about some of his rivals.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

1

16th May 2026

Good

2m 0f 145y

Class 4

15:20 Bangor-on-Dee

Fasol

12st 0lb

J: Paddy Hanlon

T: Paul Nicholls

Largely consistent 7yo who gave it a good shot from the front when third in competitive Sandown handicap (2m4f, good) last month; eased in grade here and will be fine over the shorter trip; major contender.

9/4

3rd

9

25th Apr 2026

Good

2m 3f 178y

Class 2

17:15 Sandown

Fasol

10st 5lb

J: Miss Olive Nicholls

T: Paul Nicholls

Largely consistent 7yo who recovered from a jumping error at third-last flight to take fourth in Sussex Champion Hurdle at Plumpton (2m, good) there weeks ago; also suited by 2m4f and this track; considered each-way.

12/1

4th

8

5th Apr 2026

Good

1m 7f 195y

Class 2

16:05 Plumpton

Fasol

10st 13lb

J: Miss Olive Nicholls

T: Paul Nicholls

Has won at this trip but last four runs have been over further and he hasn't kicked on from his Musselburgh win in January (2m4f, good to soft; 3lb lower); probably has little margin for error mark-wise and unlikely the same is true about some of his rivals.

25/1

Form: 211220 D

Last run: 36 days

W: 11st 11lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 132

Form & Verdict
Won twice early-season and better again when second in classy small-field races at Cheltenham and Wincanton, the latest a Grade 2; returned from a break with a win on the AW so his run in the Morebattle at Kelso goes down as disappointing; the return of a hood is no bad thing; enjoys good ground.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

8

9th May 2026

Good

1m 7f 144y

Class 1

13:15 Haydock

Hamlets Night

11st 3lb

J: Brendan Powell

T: James Owen

0-14 on Flat turf and a beaten favourite at Musselburgh two weeks ago; his hurdles record (2-7) is better but he had no obvious excuse when fifth to Indemnity at Plumpton (33-1) last month; others appeal more.

20/1

3rd

2

(4)

26th Apr 2026

Good

1m 4f 104y

Class 4

17:15 Musselburgh

Hamlets Night

9st 4lb

J: Jason Hart

T: James Owen

Won on Kempton AW (1m3f; not proven over this far) in February and latest start was up with his best hurdles form; 0-13 on Flat turf but that includes five seconds.

7/2

5th

5

5th Apr 2026

Good

1m 7f 195y

Class 2

16:05 Plumpton

Hamlets Night

11st 11lb

J: Brendan Powell

T: James Owen

Won twice early-season and better again when second in classy small-field races at Cheltenham and Wincanton, the latest a Grade 2; returned from a break with a win on the AW so his run in the Morebattle at Kelso goes down as disappointing; the return of a hood is no bad thing; enjoys good ground.

16/1

Form: 9-2411 CD

Last run: 29 days

W: 11st 12lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 133

Form & Verdict
Initially disappointing over hurdles given how smart he was on the Flat, with his keen-going tendencies holding him back; however, a switch to front-running has yielded wins in a maiden here and the Imperial Cup at Sandown (10lb lower); both those came on soft ground but this faster surface won't bother him at all; they've found the key to him by the looks.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

16th

3

(10)

19th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

1m 3f 211y

Class 2

15:40 Ascot

Mondo Man

9st 12lb

J: Christophe Soumillon

T: Gary & Josh Moore

Free-going sort but the efforts to make a success of him over hurdles finally paid off this year with his front-running win in the Imperial Cup at Sandown in March; smart in Group races on the Flat in 2024 and May 2025, one to consider seriously in this first Flat handicap.

10/1

6th

2

5th Apr 2026

Good

1m 7f 195y

Class 2

16:05 Plumpton

Mondo Man

11st 12lb

J: Caoilin Quinn

T: Gary & Josh Moore

Initially disappointing over hurdles given how smart he was on the Flat, with his keen-going tendencies holding him back; however, a switch to front-running has yielded wins in a maiden here and the Imperial Cup at Sandown (10lb lower); both those came on soft ground but this faster surface won't bother him at all; they've found the key to him by the looks.

13/8

1st

17

7th Mar 2026

Soft

1m 7f 216y

Class 2

14:27 Sandown

Mondo Man

10st 12lb

J: Caoilin Quinn

T: Gary & Josh Moore

Classy on the Flat; some warm tasks switched to hurdles last year, performing with credit more often than not; held up when fourth of 13 on handicap hurdle debut at Ascot (1m7f, good to soft) in December in a race that favoured those ridden prominently; has since easily justified 1-7 odds in Plumpton maiden (2m, soft); retains potential off this mark in view of Flat ability.

11/4

Form: -13340 D

Last run: 23 days

W: 11st 11lb

6 yo Colt

OR: 132

Form & Verdict
Flat and jumps winner for Joseph O'Brien; it's not been an easy start for current yard, finishing last in the Grade 2 Kingwell (50-1) and then well down the field when 100-1 for the Martin Pipe at Cheltenham; has something to prove all of a sudden.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

4

5th Apr 2026

Good

1m 7f 195y

Class 2

16:05 Plumpton

Intellotto

11st 11lb

J: Robbie David

T: Daisy Hitchins

Flat and jumps winner for Joseph O'Brien; it's not been an easy start for current yard, finishing last in the Grade 2 Kingwell (50-1) and then well down the field when 100-1 for the Martin Pipe at Cheltenham; has something to prove all of a sudden.

100/1

19th

12

13th Mar 2026

Good

2m 4f 56y

Class 2

17:20 Cheltenham

Intellotto

11st 6lb

J: Robbie David

T: Daisy Hitchins

Flat and jumps winner for Joseph O'Brien; ran according to market expectations (rank outsider of four) in the Kingwell Hurdle on return from layoff and debut for new stable; drops back in class but needs to prove he's still capable of reproducing best Irish form.

66/1

4th

3

14th Feb 2026

Heavy

1m 7f 50y

Class 1

13:35 Wincanton

Intellotto

11st 4lb

J: Robbie David

T: Daisy Hitchins

Flat, chase and dual hurdle winner for Joseph O'Brien but he was out of sorts under both codes in his final two runs in Ireland; now returns to hurdling for new yard and this is a daunting task after 139 days off; blinkers worn last time are removed.

33/1

25/1

Form: -12243 D BF

Last run: 23 days

W: 10st 7lb

6 yo Colt

OR: 114

Form & Verdict
Flat/hurdle winner; back from a break to finish fourth behind Hamlet's Night on the AW and then ran third of six in a Fakenham handicap hurdle; this race is much tougher than that one.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

2

(1)

17th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 3f 0y

Class 4

17:55 Newbury

Nap Hand

9st 11lb

J: Charles Bishop

T: Chris Gordon

Minor honours over 1m3f/1m4f in his two Flat handicaps this term (his last runs for Alan King) prior to his creditable second 19 days ago for new yard over hurdles; should be a serious player.

3/1

2nd

8

28th Jun 2026

Good

2m 1f 46y

Class 2

15:37 Cartmel

Nap Hand

10st 7lb

J: Tom Cannon

T: Chris Gordon

Formerly with Alan King; creditable second at Warwick on latest hurdles start (2m, good) and has since finished third in a 1m4f handicap at Salisbury; stable debut; each-way chance.

9/1

3rd

1

(7)

23rd May 2026

Good

1m 4f 5y

Class 4

20:45 Salisbury

Nap Hand

9st 9lb

J: Hollie Doyle

T: Alan King

Three Flat wins at up to 1m2f; in the frame twice over hurdles since last seen on the Flat; drops into a 0-80 and should stay 1m4f; not discounted.

5/1

Form: 421-17 D BF

Last run: 150 days

W: 11st 3lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 124

Form & Verdict
Did well in juvenile/novice hurdles and he reappeared in September with a handicap win in a five-runner race at Newton Abbot (2m1f, good to soft; comfortably off 4lb lower); Newbury in November was disappointing but he did go off favourite and has had a break since; remains of interest.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

3

24th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 0f 16y

Class 3

19:07 Chepstow

Inside Man

11st 7lb

J: Ciaran Gethings

T: Jane Williams

Never able to get competitive returning from five months out in a big-field Sussex Champion Hurdle recently, but September's handicap debut win came off only 2lb lower than today's mark and he landed a good-ground C&D novice event exactly a year ago; could well get back on track.

6/1

9th

6

5th Apr 2026

Good

1m 7f 195y

Class 2

16:05 Plumpton

Inside Man

11st 3lb

J: Ciaran Gethings

T: Jane Williams

Did well in juvenile/novice hurdles and he reappeared in September with a handicap win in a five-runner race at Newton Abbot (2m1f, good to soft; comfortably off 4lb lower); Newbury in November was disappointing but he did go off favourite and has had a break since; remains of interest.

25/1

2

9th Sep 2025

Soft

2m 0f 167y

Class 3

15:58 Newton Abbot

Inside Man

11st 6lb

J: David Noonan

T: Jane Williams

Runner-up in one of his two handicaps and did well to defy a 12lb penalty in a novice at Chepstow in April (good; fine on softer); open to further improvement.

3/1

Form: 232534 D

Last run: 57 days

W: 10st 9lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 116

Form & Verdict
1-14 over hurdles but placed a few times, including on his forays to Britain; he'll enjoy this ground more than what he faced in Ireland last time but it's a struggle to call him well handicapped.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

4

30th May 2026

Good To Firm

2m 2f 148y

Class 3

18:50 Stratford

Half A Chance

11st 7lb

J: Paddy Hanlon

T: John Joseph Hanlon

Irish challenger whose sole success came in a Limerick maiden on his hurdles debut in May 2024; placed five times last term and returns to this discipline after a couple of unsuccessful runs over fences this month; win record is offputting.

8/1

3

23rd May 2026

Good To Soft

2m 1f 61y

Class 3

15:20 Cartmel

Half A Chance

10st 5lb

J: Paddy Hanlon

T: John Joseph Hanlon

Sole success came in a Limerick maiden hurdle in May 2024; placed several times since and made a promising debut over fences when fourth of 12 at Wexford (2m, good to yielding) 16 days ago; should win races but up against a serious rival here.

9/4

4th

2

7th May 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 0f 0y

17:35 Wexford

Half A Chance

11st 12lb

J: Alan O’Sullivan

T: John Joseph Hanlon

Sole win came in 2m Limerick maiden hurdle two years ago; consistent placed form in handicap hurdles last year, well below best last month at Plumpton; straight into handicap company for chase debut and inexperience a concern.

20/1

Form: 2-2252 D BF

Last run: 16 days

W: 11st 11lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 132

Form & Verdict
Had strong handicap form even before finishing second to Alexei in the Greatwood and fifth in an Ascot handicap that could barely have worked out any better, with the four ahead of him all delivering high-profile efforts in the meantime (well in with fourth-placed Mondo Man); failed favourite backers in a lower grade at Newbury but this strong traveller might have won had he not been left in front two out (then idled); every chance should this pan out more favourably; all ground seems fine.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

7

9th May 2026

Good

1m 7f 144y

Class 1

13:15 Haydock

Helnwein

11st 5lb

J: Tom Bellamy

T: Alan King

Often gives his running in strong handicaps (second in this event 12 months ago) but losing sequence is up to 11 and he looked held when falling two out in the Plumpton race won by Indemnity last time; cheekpieces left off today; opposable off unchanged mark.

10/1

3

5th Apr 2026

Good

1m 7f 195y

Class 2

16:05 Plumpton

Helnwein

11st 11lb

J: Tom Bellamy

T: Alan King

Had strong handicap form even before finishing second to Alexei in the Greatwood and fifth in an Ascot handicap that could barely have worked out any better, with the four ahead of him all delivering high-profile efforts in the meantime (well in with fourth-placed Mondo Man); failed favourite backers in a lower grade at Newbury but this strong traveller might have won had he not been left in front two out (then idled); every chance should this pan out more favourably; all ground seems fine.

13/2

2nd

1

20th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 0f 69y

Class 3

15:00 Newbury

Helnwein

12st 2lb

J: Tom Bellamy

T: Alan King

Had some very strong handicap form even before his last two runs when second to Alexei in the Greatwood and fifth in an Ascot handicap that could barely have worked out any better, with the four ahead of him all delivering high-profile efforts in the meantime; must have every chance in this lower grade; drying ground won't bother him.

13/8

Form: -F311P CD

Last run: 29 days

W: 10st 11lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 118

Form & Verdict
Made all for wins here (2m novice, soft) and at Newbury (handicap, good to soft; 2lb lower) but he couldn't dominate when ultimately tailed off behind Mondo Man in the Imperial Cup (25-1); there are similar reservations as to how this will pan out, but Chris Gordon (doubly represented) has a very good record in this race with three wins since 2016.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9

5th Apr 2026

Good

1m 7f 195y

Class 2

16:05 Plumpton

General Briar

10st 11lb

J: Nico de Boinville

T: Chris Gordon

Made all for wins here (2m novice, soft) and at Newbury (handicap, good to soft; 2lb lower) but he couldn't dominate when ultimately tailed off behind Mondo Man in the Imperial Cup (25-1); there are similar reservations as to how this will pan out, but Chris Gordon (doubly represented) has a very good record in this race with three wins since 2016.

10/1

22

7th Mar 2026

Soft

1m 7f 216y

Class 2

14:27 Sandown

General Briar

10st 10lb

J: Freddie Gordon

T: Chris Gordon

Off the mark at Plumpton (2m, soft) in December on third hurdle start and followed up on handicap debut at Newbury (2m, good to soft) in January, again making the running; 5lb higher in this more competitive race but he did it nicely last time and it remains to be seen where his limitations lie.

14/1

1st

4

14th Jan 2026

Good

2m 0f 69y

Class 4

15:50 Newbury

General Briar

11st 10lb

J: Freddie Gordon

T: Chris Gordon

Point and bumper runner-up who readily made all at Plumpton (2m, soft) in December on third hurdle start; had previously shown promise on good ground; brings potential to his handicap debut and could go well.

9/2

Form: /128/4 D

Last run: 16 days

W: 10st 11lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 118

Form & Verdict
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price
No Results Found

Form: 141085 D

Last run: 27 days

W: 10st 2lb

6 yo Filly

OR: 108

Form & Verdict
All three hurdle wins have been on good ground so drying conditions are a positive, and she has had to deal with soft surfaces the last twice; however, this is by some way the strongest hurdle race she's contested to date.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

2

(8)

10th Jun 2026

Standard To Slow

1m 3f 219y

Class 4

20:10 Kempton (AW)

Soleil DArizona

10st 0lb

J: Robert Dunne

T: Dan Skelton

Ex-French 1m3f Flat scorer; a fair 2m winning hurdler for her current yard in 2025 but she was tailed off in 2m Ludlow handicap hurdle last month; needs to take a big step forward on her first Flat run since 2023.

11/1

6th

4

10th May 2026

Good

1m 7f 169y

Class 4

16:02 Ludlow

Soleil DArizona

11st 12lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

Skelton mare who had excuses (faced stiff task, bled from nose) in notable handicap returned to favoured good ground last time; quite progressive last spring to autumn and looks interesting off a workable mark back down in class.

4/1

14

5th Apr 2026

Good

1m 7f 195y

Class 2

16:05 Plumpton

Soleil DArizona

10st 2lb

J: Tristan Durrell

T: Dan Skelton

All three hurdle wins have been on good ground so drying conditions are a positive, and she has had to deal with soft surfaces the last twice; however, this is by some way the strongest hurdle race she's contested to date.

14/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £276.70
Straight Forecast £179.24
Tricast £1386.79
Trifecta £1478.50

Selections

The Times:

Mondo Man

TOPSPEED:

Serious Challenge

SPOTLIGHT:

Helnwein

Telegraph:

Aj's Diamond

RP RATINGS:

Indemnity

D Express:

Mondo Man

Daily Mirror:

Mondo Man

The Sun:

Mondo Man

The Star:

Mondo Man

Daily Record:

Mondo Man

The Guardian:

Serious Challenge

POSTDATA:

Helnwein