Saturday 9 May 2026 Haydock

Back hurdling (from chasing) in a first-time visor when an excellent second of 22 at Aintree (3m, good to soft) four weeks ago, always prominent; back up 2lb but a serious each-way player.

Has plenty of form around here over hurdles and fences, and very nearly won this race 12 months ago off 1lb higher (under Charlotte Jones); ran surprisingly well when 125-1 for a Class 2 at Haydock last time; in the mix.

5-14 over hurdles, the latest win gained at Taunton (3m, good; wore cheekpieces) last month; posted another career-best performance when finishing well from the rear for close third in valuable Haydock handicap (3m, good; first-time visor) 16 days ago and commands respect here.

Won by a neck in this race (good) last year off 1lb lower, having been third in it the year before; 33-1 sixth at Aintree last month suggested he's working his way back to that level, so has to be considered seriously.

3m hat-trick in 2025 started with a success over hurdles at Aintree (good) in April before two chase wins late in the year; three marked backward steps over fences since but he's well handicapped on best chase efforts.

Regular winner, including of ten-runner C&D race (good) last month when he travelled up smoothly to lead two out before answering some serious questions; raised another 5lb but highly respected after that career best.

Returned to form with two placed runs towards end of last season (2m7f/3m, good), and wasn't beaten far when eighth, behind Al Sayah, at Haydock (3m, good) this month; Sean Bowen rides here; can make presence felt.

Consistent sort but she's won just once (a maiden last January) from 13 starts; rallied into a remote second here (good) last time, so perhaps a first attempt beyond that 2m5f will help the cause.

Back with Nicky Henderson last season and showed he retained a chunk of ability on first two starts, latterly when seventh of 24 in the Pertemps Final at Cheltenham (3m, good); made the running at Aintree (22-1) four weeks ago but ended pulled up; remains well handicapped on old form but there's been no win since January 2023.

Bounced back to form with ready win in valuable race at Plumpton (3m1f, good) in April, and encountered traffic before keeping on for fourth at Haydock (3m, good; behind Al Sayah) 16 days ago; remains of strong interest.

Back over hurdles with respectable fifth of 15 in Class 2 event at Haydock (3m, good) two weeks ago; 5lb lower back over fences but he's 0-12 in this sphere and he fell at Ayr on his penultimate run; down the list.

Irish point winner who comfortably accounted for a subsequent Grade 2 novice winner in maiden at Doncaster (2m5f, good to soft) in November; had wind surgery soon afterwards and came a satisfactory second of four in novice here (2m5f, good) on last month's return; the longer trip is an appealing option for this unexposed handicap debutant.

Won four on the trot at about 2m4f in 2024, culminating in a Grade 2 novice; hasn't recaptured that form since returning from an absence and she's in another competitive race here.

Inconsistent chaser who's saved his best for Cheltenham in 2025 and 2026, including a win (his only handicap success) in January 2025 and third at the Festival this March; both were over an extended 2m4f and he's shown his form only once from seven attempts under rules over 3m+; not the percentage call.

Useful on Flat and has quickly reached a similar level over hurdles, posting a career best when first past the post in a big field at Aintree's Grand National meeting (2m, good to soft) only to be disqualified for a whip offence; seeks compensation but a 6lb higher mark will make things tougher.

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.

Front-runner who regularly gives his all and was beaten off only on the run-in when third to Dance And Glance over C&D (good) five weeks ago; should make another bold bid but several of these look less exposed.

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.

Off a reduced mark he won over 2m4f on good ground at Sandown and some interference didn't help matters when well beaten off this 5lb higher mark in the Swinton; still well treated on old form.

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.

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.

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.

5-14 strike-rate and steadily progressive form, gaining his latest success over this C&D (good ground; three of today's rivals behind) in convincing fashion; a 6lb rise does not look harsh, and with further improvement on the cards he has solid claims.

Bumper and pretty useful hurdle winner, including at Haydock in the prestigious 2m Swinton 18 days ago when tongue tied for the first time; Flat career of just four races, latest when fourth of eight from the back when joint-favourite on Flat handicap debut at Southwell (1m6f, AW) in April; has more to offer in this sphere and is one to note.

Has run just four times since 2023; returned from long absence to win at Aintree (2m1f, good to soft) last November but failed to repeat the form in prestigious handicaps at Newbury and Sandown; something to prove.

Won twice at Musselburgh (1m7f, good to soft) in the winter and has had excuses since, making late headway after a slow start when eighth of 21 at Aintree four weeks ago; probably in much better heart than recent form-figures suggest, and he's an interesting each-way proposition.

Free-goer who was on a roll last autumn, winning three times; well held behind Star Of Guiting at Musselburgh on New Year's Day and couldn't land a blow behind Dance And Glance over C&D last month, but he should get plenty of cover in this big field and could outrun his likely odds.

Trained in Shropshire but has raced mainly in Scotland; followed two wins at Musselburgh (1m7f, good to soft) over the winter with creditable third of 15 at Ayr (2m, soft) three weeks ago; more needed off unchanged mark.

Has proved a model of consistency in the last 12 months and he rallied for fourth behind Dance And Glance over C&D last time; however, that run underlined that the handicapper appears to have his measure for now; needs to be boosted by the fitting of cheekpieces.

4yo filly who gets weight all round; made it 2-3 over hurdles with a Listed juvenile win at Musselburgh (1m7f, good to soft) in January and she improved further when a close second at Sandown (2m, good) last month; open to further progress and she's a second plausible candidate for Dan Skelton.

Clearcut winner on debut at Huntingdon (good ground; 11-2) five weeks ago; will need some improvement to defy a penalty but it's certainly possible and his stable remains in good form.

Some promise in a big field on debut and he shaped well when third of 11 at Warwick (good; 3-1) next time, rallying; type to keep progressing and he's high on the list.

9,000euros foal; by Kew Gardens; dam unraced half-sister to winners Heron Heights (smart 2m3f-3m chase), Witness In Court (useful 2m-2m5f hurdle/chase) and Stellar Magic (useful 2m3f-3m1f hurdle/chase); stable has the odd bumper winner and runs two.

French-bred half-brother to 1m4f AQPS Flat and useful 2m1f-3m hurdle winner Hititi; dam 1m4f/1m5f AQPS Flat and 2m1f hurdle winner; a second runner for Tom Weston and he makes some appeal on pedigree; the booking of Harry Skelton catches the eye.

Out of a French 2m4f/2m7f cross-country chase winner; looks likely to be of more interest over obstacles and longer distances; hooded for debut.

Built on debut form (had wind surgery afterwards) when 1l second of 11 at Hereford (good ground; 3-1 joint-favourite) five weeks ago, leading from over 2f out until near the finish; that's the best form on offer and he should be in the thick of things again.

Maxios filly; dam, dual bumper/2m4f hurdle winner, is out of a French 1m2f winner; possibilities on her debut, especially if the market vibes are positive.

Originally cost 425,000gns as a yearling; finished well behind stablemate Aribidia when sixth of 11 at Warwick (9-1) six weeks ago, racing freely despite the hood (now left off); needs a big leap forward.

Cost 1,000gns as a 3yo; Ribchester half-brother to 1m4f winner Kate The Cook, out of a 1m2f/1m6f winner; rare runner in this sphere for mainly Flat yard; fitted with hood for debut.

27,500euros 3yo; half-brother to French 2m2f hurdle winner Atacama Du Mazet; dam maiden half-sister to winners Askar Tau (2m/2m2f Group 2) and Arango (Group placed 1m2f/1m3f), out of German 1m-1m2f Listed winner; yard does well (19%) in bumpers; one of the more likely newcomers.

Gelded and upped in distance, showed much improved form to win 12-runner race at Beverley (1m2f, good to firm) on reappearance, pulling well clear with a rival who has since gone one better; should be at least as effective over this longer distance; still unexposed and has solid credentials.

0-4 but has made the frame on his last three starts, leading for most of the way when fourth on handicap debut at Lingfield (1m2f, AW) in January; doesn't look thrown in but cheekpieces could eke out some improvement.

Unplaced over 6f/7f first three starts but he fared much better upped to 1m4f when short-headed at Kempton six weeks ago; should be just as effective on turf and may still have untapped potential.

Much better a fortnight ago, when narrowly beaten; only 1lb higher and is shortlisted

Up and down in his short career to date, running badly on stable debut at Wolverhampton last month; others appeal more.

Low-level maiden who has not finished closer than 6l to a winner so far; opposable

The winner of four of his six handicap runs since fitted with a visor, including two impressive front-running displays since returned to turf (1m; good to soft and good to firm); 5lb higher in a stronger race but he cannot be passed over at all lightly, such has been his progress.

Progressive in three starts last autumn, finishing runner-up on her Leicester debut (6f, good) before winning AW novices at Chelmsford (7f) and Newcastle (6f); should stay 1m and she brings potential to her handicap debut; market instructive.

Promise as a 2yo; gelded prior to his reappearance in which he won a 7f Catterick maiden in good style; hit with a 6lb rise for that but 1m should suit and further progress seems likely; trainer in good form.

0-5 and it's possible others here have greater potential but she again showed useful form when fourth on handicap debut at Haydock (1m, good) this month; may well be in the mix.

Promise in Britain as a 2yo before winning a 1m1f conditions event in France last August; well held in a 1m2f conditions event at Chantilly last month (soft ground); not obviously well treated back in a handicap but new cheekpieces could give him a lift.

Three wins (one 5f and two 7f, including here) for Karl Burke as a 2yo; 50-1 and never threatened in a Newmarket handicap on his seasonal/stable debut last month (1m, good); gelded since; others look stronger.

Landed 1m Southwell handicap in April; only sixth under an aggressive ride at Haydock (1m) six days ago but no surprise to see him bounce back with cheekpieces added.

Shaped well on his 2yo debut and justified strong market support to win a Kempton maiden in February, in workmanlike fashion but he was well on top at the finish; moves into handicaps with considerable potential.

Made all in an Ayr novice (1m, good to soft) in September, his third start, and that form has worked out; fluffed his lines when favourite for a 1m2f nursery at Nottingham one month later; has left Adrian Keatley and makes his stable/seasonal debut in a competitive race; not fully exposed and it will be interesting to see if his backers return.

Promise in three 7f runs as a 2yo; gelded since last seen; plenty of stamina on the bottom line of his pedigree and he could step forward now upped to 1m for his handicap/seasonal debut.

Group 1 Lockinge winner in 2024 but on a 12-race losing sequence and he ran badly on his last three starts in Dubai early this year; this is a drop in grade but he's proving increasingly hard to predict.

None too consistent in 2025, running well when second in 1m Listed event at Sandown (soft) in September but poorly twice afterwards; returns from a layoff and may find that conditions place the emphasis too much on speed.

Won five times over 6f in Hong Kong between November 2024 and March 2025, but he was only sixth of seven on British debut at Newcastle (AW; 7-2; flashed tail) seven weeks ago; headgear returns today but he still looks up against it.

In good form on the AW this year, winning a handicap at Lingfield (7f) in February and running creditably when fourth in similar event at Newcastle (6f) on Good Friday; has shown he's up to Listed level but this is still a warm race in which to be making his debut on grass.

Won the same Listed event at Chester in 2023 (soft) and 2025 (good), posting a personal best in latter; not seen since but he has plenty of form when fresh and cannot be ruled out.

Won the Group 2 Gimcrack as a 2yo and finished second in the Group 1 City Of York (7f, good to firm) last August; made no show in two Group 1s in Australia in the autumn and he's since been gelded; returns in a much lower grade than usual and very dangerous if ready to roll after six months off.

Likeable 5yo with a good (7-18) strike-rate; shaped well in Listed event at Doncaster on reappearance and dug deep to win conditions race at Thirsk (7f, good) next time; may not have reached his ceiling and is high on the list.

7f specialist, a Group 2 winner in July 2024; below best when finding Myal just too strong in conditions event at Thirsk (7f, good; 15-8 favourite) on return; may build on that but he's 4lb worse off with that rival here.

Reappeared last season with victory in the Group 3 John Of Gaunt over C&D and he signed off the campaign with a fine third in the Group 1 Foret at Longchamp; might have needed the run when fourth in Listed event at the Curragh six weeks ago; versatile in terms of the ground; solid chance.

Two wins for Ed Walker last season and positives can be drawn from the fact that one was on his seasonal return and the other was over C&D (good ground); returns from a six-month break on a manageable mark and a promising claimer is booked; contender.

Well treated on last season's best efforts and a recent run at Thirsk should have sharpened him up; trip and ground suit and he is another to consider in an open race.

Failed to win last year but ran some good races, including on his reappearance; chance

Not an easy horse to win with but he had a solid AW campaign and is on a feasible mark; below par back on turf 12 days ago and needs to bounce back quickly.

Ended 2025 with two solid AW runs (after a wind op); returns to turf in a competitive race

Down the field on his reappearance at Thirsk three weeks ago but last summer's form brings him right into the reckoning and he could take a step forward today.

His fine 2025 season was always going to be a tough act to follow and he has generally struggled since his return to action in December; should be well treated but drops to 6f for the first time in his career.

Did well for Harriet Bethell last season and his two runs this year have been encouraging, second of 13 to an unexposed one at Thirsk three weeks ago; mark left unchanged; big player.

0-16 since 2yo win but runner-up on both starts for this yard and he's on the shortlist