Haydock

Saturday, January 17, 2026HurdleClass 31m7f

Verdict

CAPTAIN BUTLER returns to hurdles off the same mark as when a good second at Ayr in November and might prove the answer to this tight-looking handicap. A Different Kind travelled like one who still retains the vast majority of his ability when fifth over a longer trip here last month and is second choice ahead of last year's winner Bertie's Ballet.

Captain Butler
A Different Kind
Berties Ballet

Win or Each Way

Each Way terms: 1/5 odds for first 3 places

1. Cracking Rhapsody
J: Craig NicholT: Ewan Whillans
F: 010171-06
Price History:
-
Age:
7
Weight:
12-2
Gear:
-
Official Rating:
137
Days Since Last Run:
42
Verdict
Winner of the Morebattle at Kelso (for second year running) and Scottish Champion Hurdle at Ayr (2m) last spring. Shaped as if on his way back to form when sixth at Aintree last time and can't dismiss having dipped back to the mark he defied at Ayr. Has had wind surgery.
2. Brentford Hope
J: Megan FoxT: Harry Derham
F: 024-84463
Price History:
-
Age:
9
Weight:
11-13
Gear:
cheekpieces and tongue strap
Official Rating:
134
Days Since Last Run:
18
Verdict
Smart performer at his best and is a former C&D winner. Latest C&D third in refitted cheekpieces (tongue tie also back on now) was respectable but he'll need more to resume winning ways here.
3. Berties Ballet
J: Sean QuinlanT: Dianne Sayer
F: 3/P362312-
Price History:
-
Age:
8
Weight:
11-1
Gear:
-
Official Rating:
122
Days Since Last Run:
339
Verdict
Better than ever when winning this race last year. Another decent effort when second at Wetherby a month later. Not seen since but he has gone well fresh before.
4. Caballo De Guerra
J: Derek FoxT: Lucinda Russell & Michael Scudamore
F: 337-144
Price History:
-
Age:
5
Weight:
11-0
Gear:
-
Official Rating:
121
Days Since Last Run:
42
Verdict
Plenty of promise in bumpers and looked a good prospect as he spearheaded a 1-2-3 for his yard in 2m Kelso novice on hurdle debut in October, readily coming clear. Only fourth in 2 subsequent outings but retains potential now handicapping.
5. Captain Butler
J: Jamie HamiltonT: Ruth Jefferson
F: 1/15-264
Price History:
-
Age:
8
Weight:
10-13
Gear:
-
Official Rating:
120
Days Since Last Run:
15
Verdict
Point winner who landed a Newcastle bumper and Kelso maiden hurdle for Pauline Robson. Good start for this yard when runner-up in Ayr handicap hurdle off this mark on reappearance in November. Below that level in 2 chases since but respected back over the smaller obstacles.
6. A Different Kind
J: Brian HughesT: Donald McCain
F: 1115/80-85
Price History:
-
Age:
9
Weight:
10-13
Gear:
tongue strap
Official Rating:
120
Days Since Last Run:
28
Verdict
Useful hurdler/chaser earlier in career. Showed that a good chunk of his ability remains on second outing back from a long absence when fifth over 19f here in first-time tongue-tie (retained) just before Christmas. Well treated if he can build on that.
7. Smart Decision
J: Mr William EasterbyT: Tim Easterby
F: 1U11-311
Price History:
-
Age:
5
Weight:
10-13
Gear:
-
Official Rating:
120
Days Since Last Run:
22
Verdict
Won all his 3 completed junior hurdles last term and has enhanced his excellent strike-rate with success in novice at Leicester (2m, soft) and handicap at Market Rasen (18.5f, good) this winter. This demands more but his attitude should continue to hold him in good stead.
8. Coumeenoole
J: Tristan DurrellT: Dan Skelton
F: 344F-2F37
Price History:
-
Age:
7
Weight:
10-12
Gear:
-
Official Rating:
119
Days Since Last Run:
74
Verdict
Not obviously well treated on his efforts over hurdles/fences over much longer trips in Ireland for Paul Nolan but still one to keep a close eye on in the betting having switched to Dan Skelton ahead of his first run in Britain.
Unnamed Favourite
Unnamed 2nd Favourite

Haydock

Bet Slip