14:10 Newbury 28 Feb 2026
BetVictor Favourite Things, Bet Boosts Handicap Hurdle
Class 3 | 4YO plus
Winner £10,926 - 8 declared to run
Good to soft
Draw Advantage: Low
Forecast: Sunny spells
Temperature: 4.7° - 10.3°
Rainfall: 0.38mm
Wind: 7.6 mph SW
Last Update: 27/02/2026 17:00x
- Winner
- Top 2 Finish
- Top 3 Finish
- W/O Brentford Hope And Doctor Blue
- W/O Doctor Blue
- W/O Brentford Hope
- Top 4 Finish
Bookies best price percentage = 92.70%
AT THE RACES is not liable for any services or information offered or provided by its bookmaker partners. Please note: Whilst every effort is made to ensure odds and information are up to date and correct, differences between these and actual odds/information available from bookmakers at time of placing a bet may occur.
Stopped quickly after errors when pulled up in a handicap chase at Chepstow latest; enjoys making it; effective at 2m-2m4f, best on sound surface; form of chase wins weak and now back hurdling.
Winner of four hurdle races and two chases from 2m to 2m 5f on ground varying from good to soft - heavy. Pulled up 2 out when 4-1 at Chepstow over 2m 3f (soft) in a chase won by Juby Ball earlier this month on his latest outing.
Stopped quickly after errors when pulled up in a handicap chase at Chepstow latest; enjoys making it; effective at 2m-2m4f, best on sound surface; form of chase wins weak and now back hurdling.
| Race Record | Runs | Wins | Places | Win Rate | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| All Jumps Races | 18 | 6 | 3 | 33.3% | |
| Hurdle | 13 | 4 | 3 | 30.8% | |
| Conditions | |||||
| Course and Distance | 0 | 0 | 0 | - | |
| Course | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0% | |
| D | Distance | 2 | 1 | 1 | 50% |
| G | Similar Going | 19 | 6 | 4 | 31.6% |
| Headgear | |||||
| Today (No Headgear) | 19 | 6 | 4 | 31.6% | |
| Class & Handicap Rating | |||||
| Cl | Class 3 | 10 | 3 | 2 | 30% |
| This Handicap (OR) or Higher | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0% | |
| Connections | |||||
| J | K Brogan | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0% |
| T | O Murphy | 14 | 5 | 3 | 35.7% |
-
Grey = Horse has placed form
-
Blue = Horse has winning form
-
Gold = Horse has a 50% or better win record
Ran to form but looked flattered by proximity to first two in a race that developed into sprint when third in the Grade 2 Unibet Hurdle at Cheltenham latest; effective at 2m, acts on any ground; gets on well with today's rider and should be competitive.
Winner of six hurdle races from 1m 7f to 2m 1f on ground varying from good to soft to heavy. Third of 4 behind The New Lion beaten 1 3/4l at 50-1 on his latest outing in a Grade 2 hurdle race in the Group 2 Unibet Hurdle at Cheltenham over 2m 1f (soft) last month.
Ran to form but looked flattered by proximity to first two in a race that developed into sprint when third in the Grade 2 Unibet Hurdle at Cheltenham latest; effective at 2m, acts on any ground; gets on well with today's rider and should be competitive.
| Race Record | Runs | Wins | Places | Win Rate | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| All Jumps Races | 23 | 6 | 8 | 26.1% | |
| Hurdle | 21 | 6 | 8 | 28.6% | |
| Conditions | |||||
| CD | Course and Distance | 3 | 1 | 2 | 33.3% |
| C | Course | 3 | 1 | 2 | 33.3% |
| D | Distance | 13 | 4 | 6 | 30.8% |
| G | Similar Going | 31 | 7 | 8 | 22.6% |
| Headgear | |||||
| HG | Today (T & P) | 5 | 1 | 1 | 20% |
| HG | Cheek Pieces | 7 | 1 | 2 | 14.3% |
| Class & Handicap Rating | |||||
| Cl | Class 3 | 9 | 5 | 2 | 55.6% |
| Hcp | This Handicap (OR) or Higher | 4 | 1 | 1 | 25% |
| Connections | |||||
| J | Megan Fox | 3 | 1 | 1 | 33.3% |
| T | Harry Derham | 20 | 6 | 5 | 30% |
-
Grey = Horse has placed form
-
Blue = Horse has winning form
-
Gold = Horse has a 50% or better win record
May have found ground too testing when pulled up in a handicap hurdle at Warwick latest; effective at 2m, suited by decent ground; consistent in Ireland, still early days for new yard.
He has won two hurdle races and a NH flat race from 1m 4f to 2m on ground varying from good - yielding to soft - heavy. Pulled up 2 out when 50-1 at Warwick over 2m 5f (heavy) in a hurdle race won by Phantomofthepoints earlier this month on his latest outing.
May have found ground too testing when pulled up in a handicap hurdle at Warwick latest; effective at 2m, suited by decent ground; consistent in Ireland, still early days for new yard.
| Race Record | Runs | Wins | Places | Win Rate | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| All Jumps Races | 16 | 3 | 3 | 18.8% | |
| Hurdle | 11 | 2 | 2 | 18.2% | |
| Conditions | |||||
| Course and Distance | 0 | 0 | 0 | - | |
| Course | 0 | 0 | 0 | - | |
| D | Distance | 6 | 2 | 1 | 33.3% |
| G | Similar Going | 11 | 3 | 2 | 27.3% |
| Headgear | |||||
| Today (No Headgear) | 14 | 3 | 3 | 21.4% | |
| Class & Handicap Rating | |||||
| Class 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0% | |
| This Handicap (OR) or Higher | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0% | |
| Connections | |||||
| J | H Cobden | 0 | 0 | 0 | - |
| T | Faye Bramley | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0% |
-
Grey = Horse has placed form
-
Blue = Horse has winning form
-
Gold = Horse has a 50% or better win record
Outpaced, rallied, improved when landing a handicap by 2 1/2l off a 5lb lower mark at Taunton last time; off a short-break; effective 2m-2m3f, best on a sound surface; revised mark demands more but clearly on the up and gets on well for today's rider.
Winner of five hurdle races from 2m to 2m 3f on good and good to soft ground. A winner at 13-2 in a hurdle race at Taunton over 2m 3f (good) on his latest outing last month, beating Celtic Art by 2 1/2l. Has also won at Fontwell this season.
Outpaced, rallied, improved when landing a handicap by 2 1/2l off a 5lb lower mark at Taunton last time; off a short-break; effective 2m-2m3f, best on a sound surface; revised mark demands more but clearly on the up and gets on well for today's rider.
| Race Record | Runs | Wins | Places | Win Rate | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| All Jumps Races | 10 | 5 | 0 | 50% | |
| Hurdle | 10 | 5 | 0 | 50% | |
| Conditions | |||||
| Course and Distance | 0 | 0 | 0 | - | |
| Course | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0% | |
| D | Distance | 8 | 3 | 0 | 37.5% |
| G | Similar Going | 15 | 6 | 1 | 40% |
| Headgear | |||||
| HG | Today (P only) | 9 | 3 | 0 | 33.3% |
| Class & Handicap Rating | |||||
| Cl | Class 3 | 7 | 2 | 1 | 28.6% |
| This Handicap (OR) or Higher | 0 | 0 | 0 | - | |
| Connections | |||||
| J | Non Runner | 0 | 0 | 0 | - |
| T | P F Nicholls | 12 | 5 | 0 | 41.7% |
-
Grey = Horse has placed form
-
Blue = Horse has winning form
-
Gold = Horse has a 50% or better win record
Reportedly bled when comfortably held in a novice hurdle at Doncaster last time; in good form prior; off a short-break; effective at 2m on a sound surface; worth excusing latest and could bounce back on handicap debut.
Successful in a hurdle race and a NH flat race at 2m on good and good to soft ground. Well beaten at 7-4fav behind Get On George when sixth of 7 on his latest outing in a hurdle race at Doncaster over 2m 3f (good) in December last year.
Reportedly bled when comfortably held in a novice hurdle at Doncaster last time; in good form prior; off a short-break; effective at 2m on a sound surface; worth excusing latest and could bounce back on handicap debut.
| Race Record | Runs | Wins | Places | Win Rate | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| All Jumps Races | 3 | 1 | 1 | 33.3% | |
| Hurdle | 3 | 1 | 1 | 33.3% | |
| Conditions | |||||
| Course and Distance | 0 | 0 | 0 | - | |
| Course | 0 | 0 | 0 | - | |
| D | Distance | 5 | 2 | 2 | 40% |
| G | Similar Going | 6 | 2 | 2 | 33.3% |
| Headgear | |||||
| Today (No Headgear) | 4 | 1 | 2 | 25% | |
| Class & Handicap Rating | |||||
| Class 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | - | |
| This Handicap (OR) or Higher | 0 | 0 | 0 | - | |
| Connections | |||||
| J | Dylan Johnston | 6 | 2 | 2 | 33.3% |
| T | S Thomas | 6 | 2 | 2 | 33.3% |
| BF Was beaten favourite last time out | |||||
-
Grey = Horse has placed form
-
Blue = Horse has winning form
-
Gold = Horse has a 50% or better win record
Made too much use of when well beaten in a handicap hurdle at Windsor latest; effective 2m, acts on soft and good to soft; steadily progressive until latest.
Successful in two hurdle races at 2m and 2m 1f on good to soft and soft ground. Beaten 20l behind Hot Fuss at 9-1 when eighth of 14 on his latest outing in a hurdle race at Windsor over 2m (soft) last month.
Made too much use of when well beaten in a handicap hurdle at Windsor latest; effective 2m, acts on soft and good to soft; steadily progressive until latest.
| Race Record | Runs | Wins | Places | Win Rate | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| All Jumps Races | 6 | 2 | 1 | 33.3% | |
| Hurdle | 6 | 2 | 1 | 33.3% | |
| Conditions | |||||
| Course and Distance | 0 | 0 | 0 | - | |
| Course | 0 | 0 | 0 | - | |
| D | Distance | 4 | 1 | 0 | 25% |
| G | Similar Going | 9 | 3 | 1 | 33.3% |
| Headgear | |||||
| Today (No Headgear) | 10 | 3 | 1 | 30% | |
| Class & Handicap Rating | |||||
| Cl | Class 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0% |
| This Handicap (OR) or Higher | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0% | |
| Connections | |||||
| J | Jonjo O'Neill Jr. | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0% |
| T | O Greenall & J Guerriero | 10 | 3 | 1 | 30% |
-
Grey = Horse has placed form
-
Blue = Horse has winning form
-
Gold = Horse has a 50% or better win record
Made too much use of up in trip, didn't stay when down the field in a handicap hurdle at Ascot most recent; since undergone a wind operation; trainer in form; effective at 2m, acts on soft and good; could return to form.
A winner of a hurdle race at 2m on good to soft ground. Well beaten at 8-1 behind Came From Nowhere when 9th of 10 on his latest outing in a hurdle race at Ascot over 2m 3f (soft) last month.
Made too much use of up in trip, didn't stay when down the field in a handicap hurdle at Ascot most recent; since undergone a wind operation; trainer in form; effective at 2m, acts on soft and good; could return to form.
| Race Record | Runs | Wins | Places | Win Rate | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| All Jumps Races | 8 | 1 | 4 | 12.5% | |
| Hurdle | 8 | 1 | 4 | 12.5% | |
| Conditions | |||||
| Course and Distance | 0 | 0 | 0 | - | |
| Course | 0 | 0 | 0 | - | |
| D | Distance | 7 | 1 | 4 | 14.3% |
| G | Similar Going | 12 | 1 | 6 | 8.3% |
| Headgear | |||||
| Today (No Headgear) | 11 | 1 | 5 | 9.1% | |
| Class & Handicap Rating | |||||
| Cl | Class 3 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0% |
| Hcp | This Handicap (OR) or Higher | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0% |
| Connections | |||||
| J | Isabelle Ryder | 0 | 0 | 0 | - |
| T | Jamie Snowden | 8 | 1 | 4 | 12.5% |
-
Grey = Horse has placed form
-
Blue = Horse has winning form
-
Gold = Horse has a 50% or better win record
Below form upped in trip on ground that was too deep when pulled up in a handicap hurdle at Wincanton latest; effective 2m-2m4f, acts on soft and good to soft; slowly easing in the weights and could go well here back down in trip.
He has won two hurdle races and a point-to-point from 2m to 3m on good to soft and soft ground. Pulled up 2 out when 17-2 at Wincanton over 3m 1f (heavy) in a hurdle race won by Champagne Chic last month on his latest outing.
Below form upped in trip on ground that was too deep when pulled up in a handicap hurdle at Wincanton latest; effective 2m-2m4f, acts on soft and good to soft; slowly easing in the weights and could go well here back down in trip.
| Race Record | Runs | Wins | Places | Win Rate | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| All Jumps Races | 9 | 2 | 1 | 22.2% | |
| Hurdle | 9 | 2 | 1 | 22.2% | |
| Conditions | |||||
| CD | Course and Distance | 1 | 1 | 0 | 100% |
| C | Course | 1 | 1 | 0 | 100% |
| D | Distance | 6 | 2 | 1 | 33.3% |
| G | Similar Going | 9 | 2 | 1 | 22.2% |
| Headgear | |||||
| Today (No Headgear) | 10 | 2 | 1 | 20% | |
| Class & Handicap Rating | |||||
| Cl | Class 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 50% |
| This Handicap (OR) or Higher | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0% | |
| Connections | |||||
| J | J M Quinlan | 10 | 2 | 1 | 20% |
| T | N B King | 10 | 2 | 1 | 20% |
-
Grey = Horse has placed form
-
Blue = Horse has winning form
-
Gold = Horse has a 50% or better win record
Verdict
BRENTFORD HOPE won in handicap company at Haydock and was turned out a week later to pick up valuable prize money when third to The New Lion in an unsatisfactory renewal of the International at Cheltenham. Connections will have been relieved that the handicapper left him alone and a 4lb rise for Haydock appears to be more than fair. Melon's third at Cheltenham in December gives him every chance, while there was an excuse for Doctor Blue's Doncaster disappointment but he did show a darker side to his nature at Exeter last week.
Expert View Verdict
Doctor Blue was reported to have bled when pulling up at Doncaster in late December and the fact he basically refused at Exeter the other day - he was kindly deemed a non-runner by the starter - is of definite concern. Brentford Hope rates the most likely winner, having won a Class 3 handicap at Haydock two starts back and then finished a close-up third in the Unibet Hurdle at Cheltenham last time, and he gets on well for today's rider, but instead let's take a chance on RUBBER BALL, who hasn't been at his best of late but has had excuses, often running over too long a trip. Back down to 2m, it's worth noting his last win came over C&D 12 months ago and at the expense of Tutti Quanti, the impressive William Hill Hurdle winner who is now rated 151. Rubber Ball is racing here off a mark of 120.
Sign up to bet365 using bonus code ATR365, bet £10 and get £30 in free bets.
18+. Min deposit requirement. Free Bets are paid as Bet Credits and are available for use upon settlement of bets to value of qualifying deposit. Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. Time limits and T&Cs apply. Registration required.
Further terms and conditions may apply
Sign up to William Hill using promo code G40, bet £10 and get 4 x £10 free bets.
18+. Play Safe. Online only. For new UK register customers using promo code G40. Deposit & place £10 cash single bet (min odds 1/2) on sportsbook (excl. Virtuals). Get £40 in Free Bets (4x£10), valid for sportsbook (excl. Virtuals), 7 days expiry, must use in full (£10 each). Not valid with deposits via PayPal, Neosurf, Paysafe, Apple Pay, NETELLER, Skrill, ecoPayz, Kalibra/Postpay or WH PLUS Card. One per customer. Full T&Cs apply. www.gambleaware.org #ad
Further terms and conditions may apply
Sign up to Coral, place a qualifying bet of £5 to get £30 in Free Bets
18+ New UK + ROI customers only. Certain deposit methods & bet types excl. Min first £/€5 bet within 14 days of account reg at min odds 1/2 to get 6 x £/€5 free bets (selected sportsbook markets only, valid 7 days, stakes not returned). Restrictions + T&Cs apply.
Further terms and conditions may apply
New Customers: Sign up to Sky Bet, deposit and bet a minimum of 5p and get £30 in Free Bets
NEW CUSTOMERS ONLY. FIRST SINGLE & E/W BET ONLY. ODDS OF 1/1 OR GREATER. 3 X £10 BET TOKENS. FREE BET STAKES NOT INCLUDED IN RETURNS. FREE BETS EXCLUDE VIRTUALS. FREE BETS ARE NON WITHDRAWABLE. FREE BETS EXPIRE AFTER 30 DAYS. ELIGIBILITY RESTRICTIONS AND FURTHER T&CS APPLY. 18+. GAMBLEAWARE.ORG
Further terms and conditions may apply
Sign up to Betfred using the promo code BETFRED50, deposit and bet £10 on sports and get £50 in Free Bets.
New customers only. Register, deposit with Debit Card, and place first bet £10+ at Evens (2.0)+ on Sports within 7 days to get 3 x £10 in Sports Free Bets & 2 x £10 in Acca Free Bets within 10 hours of settlement. 7-day expiry. Eligibility exclusions & T&Cs Apply. Eligibility & payment exclusions apply. Full T&Cs apply.
Further terms and conditions may apply
Bet £10 Get £40 in Free Bets & Up to £60 Cheltenham Free Bets
New Customer Offer: Sign up to BoyleSports , bet £10 and Get £40 in free bets & Up to £60 Cheltenham Free Bets
18+. New UK customers (Excluding NI) only. Min Deposit £10. Min stake £10. Min odds Evs. Free bet applied on 1st settlement of any qualifying bet. 30 days to qualify. Free bets expire in 7 days. Cashed out/Free Bets won’t apply. Account & Payment method restrictions apply. 1 Free Bet offer per customer, household & IP Address only. T&Cs Apply 18+. UK/IRE online. 9 Feb-8 Mar. Place & settle £/€10+ bets, min odds 1/1 on selected sports. Bet 4 days weekly to earn £/€5 Cheltenham Free Bet (FB). 5 days = £/€5 Cheltenham FB + £/€5 FB next week (NW). 6 days = £/€5 Cheltenham FB + £/€10 FB NW. 7 days = £/€5 Cheltenham FB + win a share of the £/€10k weekly jackpot (paid as cash NW). Cheltenham FBs credited 10-13 Mar, expire 13 Mar at 23:59. Free/void/cashed-out bets don’t qual. Account/bet type/settlement/payment restrictions
Further terms and conditions may apply
18+. BeGambleAware.org. New GB customers only. Min £20 debit card deposit. Place a £20+ bet on Horse Racing at min odds 2/5 (1.4) each leg. Receive 2 x £10 free bets within 24 hours of bet settlement, and further 2 x £10 free bets 7 days later. Valid for Horse Racing only. T&C’s apply.
Further terms and conditions may apply
Sign up to Ladbrokes, bet £5 and get £30 in free bets.
18+ New UK+ROI Customers only. Certain deposit methods & bet types excl. Min first £5/€5 bet within 14 days of account reg at min odds 1/2 to get 6 x £5/€5 free bets (selected sportsbook markets only, valid 7 days, stake not returned). Restrictions + T&Cs apply..
Further terms and conditions may apply
Sign up to BetTom and get 50% back as a free bet up to £25 on first day losses
New customers only. Minimum 3 x £10 bets at evens (2.0) or higher to qualify. First day losses is equivalent to total stakes less total returns. Free bet stakes to be deducted from returns. £25 maximum free bet. Credited within 24 hours. Full T&Cs apply.
Further terms and conditions may apply
Previous Winners
| Year | Going | Ran | Winner | Draw | Age | Weight | OR | Form | Last run | Trainer (Distance) | Jockey | SP | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Soft | 6 | Jurancon | 6 | 11 9 | 127 | 21-2121 | 45 days | D Pipe (108 miles) | Jack Tudor | 2/ 1 | 4:09.80 | |
| 2024 | Heavy | 6 | Spring Note | 6 | 11 1 | 123 | 2216-71 | 63 days | N J Henderson (1 miles) | James Bowen | 2/ 1 | 4:02.65 | |
| 2023 | Good | 8 | Fruit N Nut | 7 | 11 8 | 124 | 01-3013 | 19 days | D McCain Jnr (159 miles) | Theo Gillard | 6/ 1 | 3:52.22 | |
| 2022 | Soft | 6 | Black Poppy | 6 | 10 6 | 113 | 1-F3421 | 33 days | Kerry Lee (108 miles) | Brendan Powell | 6/ 4 | 4:12.90 | |
| 2021 | Good | 10 | Millers Bank | 7 | 11 9 | 137 | 11-9812 | 23 days | A M Hales (58 miles) | Harry Bannister | 7/ 1 | 3:50.30 | |
| 2019 | Good to Soft | 11 | Crooks Peak | 6 | 11 5 | 133 | 110-411 | 96 days | P Hobbs & J White (108 miles) | B J Geraghty | 11/ 2 | 4:00.70 | |
| 2017 | Soft | 8 | Remiluc | 8 | 11 8 | 134 | 313P26 | 27 days | C Gordon (28 miles) | Harry Reed | 9/ 1 | 4:12.00 | |
| 2016 | Soft | 11 | Gala Ball | 6 | 11 5 | 133 | 3-F6211 | 14 days | P Hobbs & J White (108 miles) | Tom O'Brien | 7/ 1 | 4:12.10 | |
| 2015 | Soft | 9 | Royal Guardsman | 8 | 10 13 | 124 | 244U3-4 | 44 days | A Stronge (8 miles) | Jack Doyle | 9/ 1 | 4:12.40 | |
| 2014 | Heavy | 6 | Jumps Road | 7 | 11 11 | 131 | 061330 | 21 days | C L Tizzard (74 miles) | Brendan Powell | 13/ 2 | 4:16.73 | |
| 2013 | Good to Soft | 13 | Meganisi | 6 | 11 3 | 125 | 029145 | 11 days | Miss R Curtis (192 miles) | Patrick Corbett | 14/ 1 | 3:55.90 | |
| 2012 | Good to Soft | 11 | Balgarry | 5 | 11 10 | 129 | 2-1 | 557 days | D Pipe (108 miles) | Conor O'Farrell | 7/ 1 | 3:57.20 | |
| 2011 | Good to Soft | 15 | Via Galilei | 6 | 10 12 | 121 | 704172 | 32 days | G & J Moore (63 miles) | Jamie Moore | 8/ 1 | 3:54.60 | |
| 2010 | Good to Soft | 9 | Arctic Wings | 6 | 10 8 | 116 | 8339P6 | 27 days | A W Carroll (81 miles) | Lee Edwards | 13/ 2 | 3:59.30 | |
| 2009 | Good | 8 | Secret Tune | 5 | 10 8 | 117 | 08-1559 | 35 days | T R George (53 miles) | Paddy Brennan | 11/ 2 | 4:02.40 | |
| 2008 | Good to Soft | 10 | Trouble At Bay | 8 | 11 12 | 134 | 430-400 | 35 days | A King (20 miles) | C Huxley | 9/ 1 | 4:05.90 | |
| 2007 | Soft | 10 | Orcadian | 6 | 11 12 | 128 | 327259 | 21 days | J M P Eustace (112 miles) | M Bradburne | 3/ 1 | 4:05.00 | |
| 2006 | Good to Firm | 15 | Desert Quest | 6 | 11 12 | 127 | 21U113 | 78 days | P F Nicholls (70 miles) | L Heard | 4/ 1 | 3:52.30 |
Race Favourite Stats
| Year | Favourite Finish Position | Winner Market Position |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 1 |
| 2024 | 2 | 2 |
| 2023 | 3 | 5 |
| 2022 | 1 | 1 |
| 2021 | 5 | 3 |
| 2019 | 5 | 3 |
| 2017 | 6 | 6 |
| 2016 | DNF | 3 |
Race Record
| Distance | Record Time |
|---|---|
| 2m 69y | 3:41.40 |