Kelso Race 1 - Johnston Smillie Novices' Hurdle (Gbb Race)
The trio sporting penalties for previous hurdle victories make for most appeal. THEY WANT ME (3) is given narrow preference after taking a course and distance maiden in honest fashion. Previously finished runner-up to a useful performer and could replicate among this company. KOCKTAIL BLEU (2) returned to form back to this journey at Kempton in latest. Will race prominently which could suit and is the highest rated of the protagonists. Big shout. KAKA'S COUSIN (1) was no match for a short-priced favourite last time. Perseveres with the minimum trip. Shortlist. NOSY NEIGHBOUR (11) would appeal most of the rest.

Jockey: Jonjo O'neill Jr.
Weight: 73kgs
Stats
Comments
Third-up today. First-up won by 2.25 len Catterick on December 28 over 3900m defeating Ballyeaston carrying 71.5kg at $2 in a hurdle. Last start held ground to the line finished second of 12 runners at Wetherby on January 22 over 3200m, slow track; 15 len behind Starmount with 73.5kg at $4.20. Fitter now and making headway every start. Will be hard to beat.
Last Starts 22 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2/12 | 22/01/2026 | 25 | HDLE HUNT 47 | $18,150.00 | Wetherby | 3218m | Soft | Kevin Brogan | 73.5kg | 4:16.74 | 2-2-2 | 0 |
| 15.0L | $4.20 |
| 1/6 | 28/12/2025 | 386 | MHDLE 4U | $16,890.00 | Catterick Bridge | 3922m | Good | Jonjo O'neill Jr | 71.5kg | 4:42.35 | 1-1-1 | 0 |
| 2.3L | $2.00 |
| 2/10 | 07/12/2024 | 209 | P2P MDN G 4 | $0.00 | Boulta P2p | 4828m | Y | J L Scallan | 60kg | - | - | 0 |
| 0.1L | $1.00 |
| 99/10 | 12/05/2024 | - | P2P MDN G 4 | $0.00 | Loughrea P2p | 4828m | Good | J L Scallan | 60kg | - | - | 0 |
| 99.0L | $1.00 |

Jockey: Freddie Gordon
Weight: 73kgs
Stats
Comments
Freshened for 34 days. Last run sat on the pace then finished second of 7 runners at Kempton Park on January 10 over 3200m, 2.5 len behind Baron Noir with 72.5kg at $5.50. Start before made some head-way from midfield; finished fifth of 9 starters at Newbury on November 29 over 4100m, on slow going 24 len behind Klimt Madrik with 72.5kg at $6. Impressed last start. Rates strongly in this and expected to feature.
Last Starts 34 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2/7 | 10/01/2026 | 42 | HDLE 5U | $27,230.00 | Kempton Park | 3218m | Good | Freddie Gordon | 72.5kg | 3:50.81 | 3-2-2 | 0 |
| 2.5L | $5.50 |
| 5/9 | 29/11/2025 | 22 | HDLE 4U | $30,850.00 | Newbury | 4123m | Soft | Freddie Gordon | 72.5kg | 5:12.08 | 5-4-5 | 0 |
| 24.8L | $6.00 |
| 1/14 | 07/11/2025 | 271 | MHDLE 4U | $13,980.00 | Fontwell Park | 3520m | Good Soft | Freddie Gordon | 70.5kg | 4:26.65 | 2-1-1 | 0 |
| 3.0L | $3.13 |
| 3/8 | 09/02/2025 | 21 | HUNT FLAT MDN 46 | $32,290.00 | Exeter | 3365m | Good Soft | Rex Dingle | 73kg | 4:13.78 | 1-2-3 | 0 |
| 8.8L | $4.00 |
| 2/10 | 19/01/2025 | 57 | HUNT FLAT 46 | $73,800.00 | Windsor | 3218m | Soft | Freddie Gordon | 71.5kg | 3:55.87 | 1-1-2 | 0 |
| 3.0L | $29.00 |
| 99/10 | 23/11/2024 | 27 | P2P MDN G 4 | $0.00 | Boulta P2p | 4828m | Y | J Dunne | 60kg | - | - | 0 |
| 99.0L | $1.00 |
| 3/10 | 27/10/2024 | 196 | P2P MDN G 4 | $0.00 | Tattersalls P2p | 4828m | Good | J Dunne | 60kg | - | - | 0 |
| 3.0L | $1.00 |
| 5/12 | 14/04/2024 | 14 | P2P MDN G 4 | $0.00 | Dromahane P2p | 4828m | Heavy | M J Sweeney | 60kg | - | - | 0 |
| 12.1L | $1.00 |
| 99/10 | 31/03/2024 | - | P2P MDN 4 | $0.00 | Quakerstown P2p | 4828m | Soft | M J Sweeney | 60kg | - | - | 0 |
| 99.0L | $1.00 |

Jockey: Theo Gillard
Weight: 73kgs
Stats
Comments
Third-up today. First-up raced on the pace then finished second of 12 runners at Bangor-On-Dee on November 29 over 3300m, slow track; 11 len behind Idaho Sun with 70kg at $17. Second run from a spell tracked on the speed and boxed on steadily; won by 1.5 len this track on December 29 over 3200m defeating They're Chancers with 71.5kg at $3.50 in a hurdle. Looks very hard to beat in this sort of form.
Last Starts 46 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/11 | 29/12/2025 | 30 | MHDLE 4U | $14,520.00 | Kelso | 3218m | Good Soft | Theo Gillard | 71.5kg | 4:08.06 | 3-2-1 | 0 |
| 1.5L | $3.50 |
| 2/12 | 29/11/2025 | 299 | HDLE 4U | $24,740.00 | Bangor On Dee | 3319m | Soft | Theo Gillard | 70kg | 4:13.12 | 3-2-2 | 0 |
| 11.0L | $17.00 |
| 4/6 | 03/02/2025 | 345 | HUNT FLAT 46 | $7,380.00 | Carlisle | 3419m | Soft | Brian Hughes | 73kg | 4:25.80 | 4-3-4 | 0 |
| 14.0L | $2.25 |
| 1/6 | 24/02/2024 | - | P2P MDN 4 | $0.00 | Punchestown P2p | 4023m | Heavy | B Dunleavy | 60kg | - | - | 0 |
| 2.0L | $1.00 |

Jockey: William Maggs
Weight: 70kgs
Stats
Comments
Racing second-up. First race start finished third of 10 runners at Dromahane P2p on April 30 2023 over 4828m, 8 len behind Chosen Judge with 60kg. Went for a break before returning came from midfield; finished sixth of 14 runners at Uttoxeter on January 24 over 3200m, on slow going 61 len behind Tales Of Bravery carrying 71kg at $13. Can't see him improving on fresh performance.
Last Starts 20 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6/14 | 24/01/2026 | 1000 | MHDLE 4U | $18,150.00 | Uttoxeter | 3218m | Soft | William Maggs | 71kg | 4:05.33 | 8-8-6 | 0 |
| 61.0L | $13.00 |
| 3/10 | 30/04/2023 | - | P2P MDN G 4 | $0.00 | Dromahane P2p | 4828m | Good | B Lawless | 60kg | - | - | 0 |
| 8.0L | $1.00 |

Jockey: Rian Corcoran
Weight: 70kgs
Stats
Comments
Third-up today. Resuming finished 12th of 15 runners at Wetherby on December 27 over 3200m, on slow going 19 len behind A Likeable Rogue carrying 71kg at $12. Last start finished tenth of 16 runners at Newcastle on January 15 over 4100m, 47 len behind Lewisham Grove with 74.5kg at $201. Fitness an issue. Big task ahead.
Last Starts 29 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10/16 | 15/01/2026 | 19 | MHDLE 4U | $18,150.00 | Newcastle Uk | 4123m | Good Soft | Ross Chapman | 74.5kg | 5:04.22 | - | 0 |
| 47.5L | $201.00 |
| 12/15 | 27/12/2025 | 98 | HUNT FLAT 45 | $9,070.00 | Wetherby | 3218m | Soft | Nathan Moscrop | 71kg | 4:06.53 | 10-9-12 | 0 |
| 19.0L | $12.00 |
| 3/16 | 20/09/2025 | 144 | FLAT 4 | $19,420.00 | Navan | 3218m | Y | D Doyle | 71kg | 3:45.40 | - | 0 |
| 11.8L | $12.00 |
| 10/24 | 29/04/2025 | - | FLAT 4 | $26,010.00 | Punchestown | 3319m | GY | D Doyle | 71kg | 4:00.80 | - | 0 |
| 14.3L | $81.00 |

Jockey: Ross Chapman
Weight: 70kgs
Stats
Comments
Comes off a 29 day let-up. Last outing finished 11th of 12 starters at Newcastle on January 15 over 3400m, 58 len behind Gaelic Rover carrying 73.5kg at $151. The run before finished seventh of 11 starters at Newcastle All Weather on December 11 over 3400m, 14 len behind Ronnie Russet carrying 71kg at $51. Hard to have on recent efforts.
Last Starts 29 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11/12 | 15/01/2026 | 35 | MHDLE 4U | $18,150.00 | Newcastle Uk | 3419m | Good Soft | Ross Chapman | 73.5kg | 4:07.50 | 12-10-11 | 0 |
| 58.0L | $151.00 |
| 7/11 | 11/12/2025 | 29 | HUNT FLAT 45 | $8,170.00 | Newcastle | 3419m | Good Soft | Ross Chapman | 71kg | 4:16.04 | 11-8-7 | 0 |
| 14.0L | $51.00 |
| 6/9 | 12/11/2025 | - | APP HUNT FLAT 45 | $9,230.00 | Ayr | 3218m | Soft | Peter Kavanagh | 71kg | 4:00.45 | 9-6-6 | 0 |
| 43.8L | $23.00 |

Jockey: Jamie Hamilton
Weight: 70kgs
Stats
Comments
Freshened for 46 days. Last outing pulled up at this track on December 29 over 3200m. Before that pulled up at Musselburgh on November 28 over 3100m. Others read better. Happy to risk this time.
Last Starts 46 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0/11 | 29/12/2025 | 31 | MHDLE 4U | $14,520.00 | Kelso | 3218m | Good Soft | Jamie Hamilton | 71.5kg | 4:08.06 | - | 0 |
| 99.0L | $251.00 |
| 0/14 | 28/11/2025 | 20 | MHDLE 4U | $14,520.00 | Musselburgh | 3118m | Good Soft | Craig Nichol | 71.5kg | 3:54.24 | - | 0 |
| 99.0L | $401.00 |
| 0/7 | 08/11/2025 | 215 | HDLE 4U | $14,520.00 | Kelso | 4526m | Good Soft | Sean Quinlan | 70kg | 5:40.85 | - | 0 |
| 99.0L | $101.00 |
| 3/5 | 07/04/2025 | - | HUNT FLAT 46 | $9,070.00 | Kelso | 3218m | Good | Henry Brooke | 71kg | 4:01.90 | 4-5-3 | 0 |
| 14.0L | $10.00 |

Jockey: Jonathon Bewley
Weight: 70kgs
Stats
Comments
Third-up today. Resuming ran last at Carlisle on November 30 over 3900m, slow track; 61 len behind The Burren Man carrying 70kg at $126. Second run from a spell pulled up at Catterick on December 28 over 3900m. Others rate better.
Last Starts 47 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0/6 | 28/12/2025 | 28 | MHDLE 4U | $16,890.00 | Catterick Bridge | 3922m | Good | Jonathon Bewley | 71.5kg | 4:42.35 | - | 0 |
| 99.0L | $251.00 |
| 12/12 | 30/11/2025 | 230 | HDLE HUNT 46 | $12,700.00 | Carlisle | 3922m | Soft | Jonathon Bewley | 70kg | 4:57.18 | 11-12-12 | 0 |
| 61.3L | $126.00 |
| 0/12 | 14/04/2025 | 60 | APP HDLE HUNT 4U | $16,610.00 | Hexham | 3262m | Good | Jonathon Bewley | 71kg | 4:22.80 | - | 0 |
| 99.0L | $126.00 |
| 5/9 | 13/02/2025 | 74 | WFA HUNT FLAT 46 | $8,300.00 | Newcastle | 3392m | Good Soft | Brian Hughes | 71.5kg | 4:14.90 | 8-5-5 | 0 |
| 21.0L | $151.00 |
| 7/8 | 01/12/2024 | - | HUNT FLAT 45 | $7,380.00 | Carlisle | 3419m | Soft | Jonathon Bewley | 71kg | 4:25.67 | 5-6-7 | 0 |
| 48.8L | $34.00 |

Jockey: Danny Mcmenamin
Weight: 70kgs
Stats
Comments
Five-year-old entire who is first race starter by Masterstroke out of Miss Nellie. Tough to line up and betting is likely to provide the best guide.

Jockey: Nathan Moscrop
Weight: 70kgs
Stats
Comments
Resumes from a spell after having raced just once last preparation sat on the pace then finished third of 11 starters at Southwell on November 25 over 3200m, 19 len behind Next Twist carrying 71.5kg at $17. When resuming last campaign finished fifth of 9 starters at Oldtown P2p on February 15 over 4023m, 11 len behind Jet Of Stars carrying 60kg. Has claims with the right run.
Last Starts 80 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3/11 | 25/11/2025 | 240 | MHDLE 4U | $13,980.00 | Southwell | 3218m | Good Soft | Nathan Moscrop | 71.5kg | 4:02.34 | 3-4-3 | 0 |
| 19.0L | $17.00 |
| 4/11 | 30/03/2025 | 43 | P2P MDN G 4 | $0.00 | Monksgrange P2p | 4828m | Soft | B Dunleavy | 60kg | - | - | 0 |
| 22.5L | $1.00 |
| 5/9 | 15/02/2025 | - | P2P MDN 4 | $0.00 | Oldtown P2p | 4023m | Y | B Dunleavy | 60kg | - | - | 0 |
| 11.0L | $1.00 |

Jockey: Conor Rabbitt
Weight: 70kgs
Stats
Comments
Last outing finished fifth of 13 starters at Catterick on January 21 over 3900m, 26 len behind Kosac D'oudairies carrying 71kg at $251. The run before finished fourth in a small field at Catterick on January 1 over 3900m, 38 len behind In The Age with 72kg at $51. Capable of better showing. Hard to fault on his best jumps form.
Last Starts 23 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5/13 | 21/01/2026 | 20 | HDLE 4U | $19,790.00 | Catterick Bridge | 3922m | Good Soft | Ross Chapman | 71kg | 4:45.77 | 8-5-5 | 0 |
| 26.3L | $251.00 |
| 4/6 | 01/01/2026 | 32 | HDLE 4U | $18,150.00 | Catterick Bridge | 3922m | Good | Nathan Moscrop | 72kg | 4:42.12 | 5-4-4 | 0 |
| 38.3L | $51.00 |
| 5/7 | 30/11/2025 | 23 | HUNT FLAT 45 | $7,260.00 | Carlisle | 3419m | Soft | Nathan Moscrop | 71kg | 4:25.56 | 2-5-5 | 0 |
| 39.0L | $15.00 |
| 3/11 | 07/11/2025 | 251 | HUNT FLAT 45 | $11,800.00 | Hexham | 3218m | Good Soft | Ross Chapman | 71kg | 4:19.50 | 5-4-3 | 0 |
| 19.0L | $51.00 |
| 4/7 | 01/03/2025 | - | P2P MDN 4 | $0.00 | Tyrella P2p | 4828m | Good | R James | 60kg | - | - | 0 |
| 12.0L | $1.00 |