DragonBet 'Welsh Champion' Hurdle Race (A Limited Handicap) (GBB Race)

15:12 Chepstow Fri 09 Oct 2026 2m16y Class 2 Good to Soft 17 runners

Mr Fox’s call

Le Beau Madrik

SPECULATIVE Advised 4/1 Est. 26%

9TH

Mr Fox says

Le Beau Madrik (SR:133, 4/1) is Dan Skelton's clear #1 runner here — he carries Harry Skelton in the saddle (26% career strike rate, 1,658 runners), a deliberate and telling booking over yard companions ridden by Andrews and Atkins. The market has firmed 14% since opening, confirming money is arriving. At 5 years old with a form line of 211P1, this horse has won twice from his last four completions and has shown progressive ability; the single 'P' is explicable and followed immediately by a win. Carrying 11-5 gives him a 10lb pull on top-weight Laafi (SR:135) and a 2lb edge over Captain Hugo (SR:136), meaning his SR deficit to those rivals is more than offset by weight — Harry Skelton's 26% strike rate on a yard hotpot at a competitive price is a strong combination in a Class 2 limited handicap. Each-way alternative: Pioneer Pete. Main danger: Captain Hugo — Captain Hugo (SR:136, 9/2) is the highest-rated runner on a confirmed good-to-soft going preference (GoingFit:+) with a DistFit:+ at this trip, and while the 14% market drift is a concern, his raw SR edge over Le Beau Madrik and proven course-condition fitness make him the most dangerous rival.

Verify· #22381

Full result

Winner: Pioneer Pete (GB) at SP 3/1F. Mr Fox’s picks highlighted in gold.