Cheltenham
Today, HurdleClass 32m3fGood Soft
Verdict
Verdict
This is wide open but THE EXPENSIVE ONE created a good impression when making a winning start in handicaps at Stratford and with further progress very much on the cards edges the vote for his in-form yard. Irish challengers Montecam and Bowensonfire both come here on the back of eye-catching placed efforts at Bellewstown and Listowel respectively so rate big dangers, while Service Minimum, Navajo Indy and East India Express must all enter calculations too in this cracking handicap.
The Expensive One
Montecam
Bowensonfire
Win or Each Way
Win or Each Way
Each Way terms: 1/4 odds for first 4 places
1. East India ExpressJ: Freddie GordonT: Nicky HendersonF: 142/U1171-- Price History:
- 5.50
- Age:
- 6
- Weight:
- 12-0
- Gear:
- -
- Official Rating:
- 137
- Days Since Last Run:
- 191
VerdictEnjoyed an excellent season in 2024/25 and bagged a third victory in 14-runner handicap hurdle here (20.2f, good) in April by 6 lengths from Whatsupwithyou. Up another 8 lb but he's very much one to consider.
8. French ShipJ: Ben JonesT: Philip Hobbs & Johnson WhiteF: 42/12141-F- Price History:
- 7.00
- Age:
- 5
- Weight:
- 11-5
- Gear:
- -
- Official Rating:
- 128
- Days Since Last Run:
- 13
VerdictA three-time scorer last term who was still close up and running well on his return when falling 3 out in handicap hurdle at Chepstow (19.4f, good to firm) 13 days ago. Well in the mix.
7. Navajo IndyJ: Gavin SheehanT: Tom SymondsF: 2231/1143-- Price History:
- 7.50
- Age:
- 6
- Weight:
- 11-6
- Gear:
- -
- Official Rating:
- 129
- Days Since Last Run:
- 258
VerdictReliable sort who bagged 2m handicaps at Bangor and Newbury last autumn and signed off with a solid third of 17 in handicap at Newbury (2m) in February. This return to further promises to suit so he must enter calculations.- 18. The Expensive OneJ: James TurnerT: Nigel & Willy Twiston-DaviesF: 6/13-21
- Price History:
- 9.00
- Age:
- 5
- Weight:
- 10-2
- Gear:
- -
- Official Rating:
- 111
- Days Since Last Run:
- 18
VerdictA half-brother to the yard's high-class hurdler The New One who has progressed with each of his three runs in this sphere, showing a willing attitude when landing 2m2f handicap at Stratford 18 days ago. Up 5 lb but capable of better still over this longer trip. Big shout for yard among the winners. - 4. BowensonfireJ: J. W. KennedyT: Gordon Elliott, IrelandF: 2-131U433
- Price History:
- 11.00
- Age:
- 5
- Weight:
- 11-8
- Gear:
- hood
- Official Rating:
- 131
- Days Since Last Run:
- 28
VerdictA two-time hurdles winner (at up to 17f) in early summer and he shaped promisingly when third of 12 in handicap hurdle at Listowel (16f, good to soft) 28 days ago, finishing well under a patient ride. This Irish challenger is a likely player. 
2. Classic KingJ: Harry CobdenT: Emma LavelleF: 2/U81U132-- Price History:
- 11.00
- Age:
- 7
- Weight:
- 11-12
- Gear:
- -
- Official Rating:
- 135
- Days Since Last Run:
- 223
VerdictDual 2m3f hurdles/chase winner last term who signed off with a good second of 10 in handicap hurdle at Kempton (21f, good to soft) 7 months ago. Since had a wind op and needs considering on his return.
12. TintintinJ: Jonathan BurkeT: Fergal O'BrienF: 1/3546740-- Price History:
- 12.00
- Age:
- 6
- Weight:
- 11-1
- Gear:
- tongue strap
- Official Rating:
- 124
- Days Since Last Run:
- 203
VerdictWinless over hurdles last term but he proved largely reliable in handicaps. This course scorer is no forlorn hope on his reappearance.- 14. MontecamJ: Alex HarveyT: John McConnell, IrelandF: 1/F4743-52
- Price History:
- 13.00
- Age:
- 6
- Weight:
- 10-13
- Gear:
- -
- Official Rating:
- 122
- Days Since Last Run:
- 58
VerdictA fairly useful 2m4f hurdles winner for Nicky Henderson who has shaped well on both runs for his current yard, second of 13 in handicap hurdle at Bellewstown (20.5f, good) in August when not ideally placed. Big shout at these weights. 
17. Service MinimumJ: Harry SkeltonT: Dan SkeltonF: 322-1214- Price History:
- 19.00
- Age:
- 5
- Weight:
- 10-4
- Gear:
- -
- Official Rating:
- 113
- Days Since Last Run:
- 28
VerdictDoctor Dino gelding who cosily went 2-3 in this sphere when bagging 2m4f Worcester novice in August. Set a lot to do when a running-on fourth of 15 on his handicap debut there (20f, good to soft) 28 days ago. Has more to offer. Leading player.
5. Jazzy MattyJ: Danny GilliganT: Cian Michael Collins, IrelandF: P12216-P0- Price History:
- 15.00
- Age:
- 6
- Weight:
- 11-8
- Gear:
- tongue strap
- Official Rating:
- 131
- Days Since Last Run:
- 86
VerdictA three-time chase winner last season but yet to fire this term, pulled up over hurdles at Punchestown (20.5f) before only 12th in Galway handicap chase in July. Tongue strap goes back on here with something to prove.
9. Minella MissileJ: Isabel WilliamsT: Evan WilliamsF: 11/9PP00-- Price History:
- 19.00
- Age:
- 7
- Weight:
- 11-4
- Gear:
- -
- Official Rating:
- 127
- Days Since Last Run:
- 203
VerdictA promising novice hurdler (won Grade 2 here) in 2023 but lightly raced and mainly below par since, 10th in 2m4f Aintree handicap hurdle in April. Needs a revival on his seasonal return.
11. WhatsupwithyouJ: Elliott EnglandT: Ben PaulingF: 2/2903162-- Price History:
- 21.00
- Age:
- 11
- Weight:
- 11-3
- Gear:
- blinkers and tongue strap
- Official Rating:
- 126
- Days Since Last Run:
- 191
VerdictVeteran who made all at Ludlow (21f) in February and ended last season with a good second of 14 to East India Express in handicap hurdle here (20.2f, good) in April. Considered.
6. Saint AnapolinoJ: Callum PritchardT: Philip Hobbs & Johnson WhiteF: 52/231116-- Price History:
- 21.00
- Age:
- 6
- Weight:
- 11-6
- Gear:
- -
- Official Rating:
- 129
- Days Since Last Run:
- 223
VerdictLooked on the up when completing a hat-trick in 2m5f Kempton handicap hurdle in February but only sixth in similar event there following month and off the track since. Needs to hit the ground running on his reappearance.
16. Last RodeoJ: Jack TudorT: Christian WilliamsF: 431-- Price History:
- 26.00
- Age:
- 5
- Weight:
- 10-9
- Gear:
- -
- Official Rating:
- 118
- Days Since Last Run:
- 246
VerdictMalinas gelding who improved a chunk with each of his three runs last season, emphatically opening his account in maiden hurdle at Lingfield (19.5f, soft) in February. Goes handicapping with more to offer so he's not without interest.
3. Stoners ChoiceJ: Kielan WoodsT: Fergal O'BrienF: 2472-0- Price History:
- 26.00
- Age:
- 10
- Weight:
- 11-8
- Gear:
- tongue strap
- Official Rating:
- 131
- Days Since Last Run:
- 176
VerdictWinless since the spring of 2023 and he came in a below-par 17th of 23 in handicap hurdle at Punchestown (23.5f, good to soft) in May. Needs to bounce back after a lay-off.
13. Sign AgainJ: Lilly PinchinT: Charlie LongsdonF: 4114-- Price History:
- 29.00
- Age:
- 5
- Weight:
- 11-0
- Gear:
- -
- Official Rating:
- 123
- Days Since Last Run:
- 195
VerdictIrish pointer winner who also bagged 2m4f novice hurdles at Plumpton and Sedgefield last winter. Off 6 months since coming in last of 4 at Bangor (23f) final run but not ruled out now handicapping on the back of breathing surgery.
15. American SniperJ: James DaviesT: David PipeF: 0916360-6- Price History:
- 34.00
- Age:
- 7
- Weight:
- 10-13
- Gear:
- cheekpieces and tongue strap
- Official Rating:
- 122
- Days Since Last Run:
- 177
VerdictScored in 3m handicap at Newbury last November and posted a solid sixth of 25 in handicap hurdle at Punchestown (19.3f, good to soft) in April. This course winner can't be discounted despite a 2 lb weights rise.
10. Prince ImperialJ: Sean BowenT: Jake Thomas CoulsonF: 3111-2463- Price History:
- 41.00
- Age:
- 8
- Weight:
- 11-4
- Gear:
- cheekpieces and tongue strap
- Official Rating:
- 127
- Days Since Last Run:
- 49
VerdictA fairly useful 2m4f hurdles winner who signed off for Olly Murphy with a creditable third of 7 in handicap hurdle at Bangor (23.2f, good) 49 days ago. Possibilities in refitted cheekpieces for his new handler.
19. Supreme YeatsJ: Harry AtkinsT: Dan SkeltonF: 52-221454- Price History:
- 41.00
- Age:
- 9
- Weight:
- 10-1
- Gear:
- tongue strap
- Official Rating:
- 111
- Days Since Last Run:
- 14
VerdictSteadily progressive type who got off the mark at Uttoxeter in July. Posted a very good fourth of 16 in handicap hurdle at Chepstow (19.4f, good to firm) 14 days ago. Ought to be in the shake-up again with tongue strap back on.
20. Knight TemplarJ: Ciaran GethingsT: Robert StephensF: 218-- Price History:
- 67.00
- Age:
- 4
- Weight:
- 9-13
- Gear:
- -
- Official Rating:
- 113
- Days Since Last Run:
- 282
VerdictA fair 2m Flat winner who got off the mark in this sphere in 2m juvenile at Kempton in December. Off since coming in a well-held eighth on his handicap debut at Newbury following month though so he has a bit to prove now.- Unnamed Favourite
- Unnamed 2nd Favourite