Newbury Race 2 - Csp Mdn Hurdle (Gbb Race)
MERLIN ALLEN (4) looks a smart type having made a winning debut a year ago at Aintree before a pair of thirds including a strong 3L defeat attempting a 3400m G2 jumpers flat event at Aintree during April. Now goes hurdling for the first time. Top selection. PRESLEY (8) represents a leading yard and the five-year-old has placed on both attempts to date including a 1.25L second in a 3200m jumpers flat contest at Warwick during March where the form has worked out well. Respect on hurdle debut. INSANITY (3) holds a good record on the flat including previous success at the Shergar Cup meeting at Ascot. Returns to jumping and worth a market check. MOMENTS AWAY (6) ran a good fifth behind the top pick in the aforementioned Aintree G2 race. Promising hurdle debut run when second at Southwell tackling 4000m. Looks one to note.

Jockey: J M Quinlan
Weight: 71.5kgs
Stats
Comments
Racing second-up today. Fresh up after five months pulled up at Fontwell Park on October 3 over 3500m. Previously second-up finished third of 10 starters at Saint-Cloud on May 15 over 2500m, 5 len behind Coetzee carrying 54.5kg at $2.80. Needs a lot more.
Last Starts 33 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 | 03/10/2026 | 141 | HDLE 4U | $18,150.00 | Fontwell Park | 3520m | Good | Jack Quinlan | 70.5kg | 4:24.04 | - | 0 |
| 99.0L | $10.00 |
| 3/10 | 15/05/2026 | 33 | CLM CL3 4U | $40,980.00 | Saint Cloud | 2500m | SH | Mickael Barzalona | 54.5kg | 2:51.17 | 10-9-3 | 10 |
| 4.8L | $2.80 |
| 3/5 | 12/04/2026 | 316 | COND 4U | $10,033.00 | Dusseldorf | 2200m | Heavy | Thore Hammer-Hansen | 57kg | 2:24.63 | - | 3 |
| 2.0L | $3.00 |
| 6/6 | 31/05/2025 | 30 | G3 OPEN 3 | $97,691.00 | Baden Baden | 2000m | Good | Leon Wolff | 58kg | 2:03.09 | - | 2 |
| 3.7L | $4.20 |
| 3/6 | 01/05/2025 | 32 | G3 OPEN 3 | $97,691.00 | Munchen | 2000m | Good Soft | Leon Wolff | 58kg | 2:06.42 | - | 4 |
| 1.2L | $3.30 |
| 1/10 | 30/03/2025 | - | 3 | $17,241.00 | Koln | 1850m | Good Soft | Leon Wolff | 57kg | 1:56.64 | - | 1 |
| 1.0L | $3.80 |

Jockey: Sam Twiston-Davies
Weight: 71.5kgs
Stats
Comments
Resuming after a break; having raced just once last preparation ran on from midfield; finished fourth of 11 runners at Worcester on August 23 over 3200m, 16 len behind Down To Business with 70.5kg at $10. First up last campaign fell at Southwell on May 11 over 3200m. Might need more time.
Last Starts 74 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4/11 | 23/08/2026 | 104 | MHDLE 4U | $18,150.00 | Worcester | 3218m | Good | James Bowen | 70.5kg | 3:53.84 | 5-5-4 | 0 |
| 16.3L | $10.00 |
| 0/7 | 11/05/2026 | 291 | MHDLE 4U | $18,150.00 | Southwell | 3218m | Good | Harry Bannister | 69kg | 3:49.80 | - | 0 |
| 99.0L | $17.00 |
| 3/6 | 24/07/2025 | 41 | 3 | $43,360.00 | Leopardstown | 2615m | YS | Seamie Heffernan | 57kg | 2:46.13 | - | 1 |
| 6.3L | $6.50 |
| 1/18 | 13/06/2025 | 7 | HCP 3U | $19,710.00 | Fairyhouse | 2414m | GY | Seamie Heffernan | 61kg | 2:36.58 | - | 20 |
| 1.3L | $3.25 |
| 1/18 | 06/06/2025 | 210 | HCP 3U | $17,340.00 | Fairyhouse | 2011m | Good | Seamie Heffernan | 56.5kg | 2:09.77 | - | 1 |
| 1.3L | $26.00 |
| 10/12 | 08/11/2024 | 9 | MDN 2 | $31,220.00 | Dundalk | 1609m | Neutral | James J G Ryan | 58kg | 1:40.39 | - | 11 |
| 18.3L | $201.00 |
| 7/11 | 30/10/2024 | 13 | MDN 2 | $31,220.00 | Dundalk | 1408m | Neutral | R P Whelan | 60.5kg | 1:26.64 | - | 10 |
| 13.8L | $151.00 |
| 12/14 | 17/10/2024 | - | MDN 2 | $43,360.00 | Curragh | 1609m | YS | Adam Caffrey | 56kg | 1:42.84 | - | 2 |
| 22.5L | $101.00 |

Jockey: Thomas Bellamy
Weight: 71.5kgs
Stats
Comments
Having second run back today. First-up after two months finished 15th of 18 starters at York on October 10 over 2100m, on slow going 19 len behind Grey Cuban with 60kg at $23. Previously second-up finished 13th of 17 starters at Ascot Duke Of Edinburgh Stakes on June 19 over 2400m, 21 len behind Opportunity with 60kg at $11. Definite chance. Back to jumping and can feature with improvement on fresh run.
Last Starts 26 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15/18 | 10/10/2026 | 63 | HCP 3U | $90,750.00 | York | 2112m | Soft | Sean Levey | 60kg | 2:14.29 | 12-10-15 | 3 |
| 19.0L | $23.00 |
| 6/10 | 08/08/2026 | 50 | HCP 4U | $154,270.00 | Ascot Uk | 2414m | Good Firm | Marie Velon | 64kg | 2:30.73 | 8-5-6 | 10 |
| 3.8L | $9.00 |
| 13/17 | 19/06/2026 | 59 | HCP 3U | $217,790.00 | Ascot Uk | 2414m | Good Firm | Rossa Ryan | 60kg | 2:28.54 | - | 3 |
| 21.8L | $11.00 |
| 2/8 | 21/04/2026 | 164 | HCP 4U | $50,820.00 | Pontefract | 2011m | Good | Rossa Ryan | 61kg | 2:09.07 | - | 9 |
| 2.3L | $7.50 |
| 12/22 | 08/11/2025 | 28 | HCP 3U | $127,050.00 | Doncaster | 2414m | Heavy | Daniel Muscutt | 59.5kg | 2:42.33 | 11-11-12 | 19 |
| 15.3L | $34.00 |
| 2/14 | 11/10/2025 | 50 | HCP 4U | $92,250.00 | York | 2062m | Good | Connor Beasley | 58.5kg | 2:10.31 | 6-4-2 | 5 |
| 0.5L | $7.50 |
| 2/10 | 22/08/2025 | 13 | HCP 3U | $217,790.00 | York | 2414m | Good Firm | Rossa Ryan | 59kg | 2:29.42 | 8-5-2 | 8 |
| 0.3L | $11.00 |
| 3/10 | 09/08/2025 | 29 | HCP 4U | $147,600.00 | Ascot Uk | 2405m | Good Firm | Joanna Mason | 64.5kg | 2:35.13 | 8-6-3 | 9 |
| 1.0L | $6.00 |
| 11/13 | 11/07/2025 | 20 | HCP 4U | $184,500.00 | Newmarket Uk | 2816m | Good Firm | Rossa Ryan | 59.5kg | 2:55.34 | 13-9-11 | 11 |
| 14.8L | $13.00 |
| 1/8 | 21/06/2025 | 49 | HCP 4U | $73,800.00 | Ayr | 2639m | Good | Connor Beasley | 60kg | 2:53.81 | - | 4 |
| 1.0L | $6.50 |
| 6/7 | 03/05/2025 | 175 | HCP 4U | $92,250.00 | Newmarket (Rowley) | 2414m | Good | David Egan | 60kg | 2:35.11 | 6-5-6 | 1 |
| 15.5L | $4.50 |

Jockey: C Gethings
Weight: 71.5kgs
Stats
Comments
Resuming today after seven months. Finished off last campaign 3 of 20 starters at Aintree in the G2 Champion Standard Open Nh Flat Race April 11 over 3400m, 3 len behind Forthfactor carrying 68kg at $17. First up last campaign 3 of 13 runners at Kempton Park February 21 over 3200m, 4 len behind Fine Shot with 68.5kg at $4.30. Good run on the flat latest and anticipating a bright start to the new phase of his career.
Last Starts 208 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3/20 | 11/04/2026 | 49 | G2 OPEN 46 | $90,750.00 | Aintree | 3419m | Good Soft | Ciaran Gethings | 68kg | 4:05.47 | - | 0 |
| 3.0L | $17.00 |
| 3/13 | 21/02/2026 | 105 | HUNT FLAT 46 | $30,850.00 | Kempton Park | 3218m | Good Soft | Ciaran Gethings | 68.5kg | 3:47.62 | 9-4-3 | 0 |
| 4.0L | $4.33 |
| 1/12 | 08/11/2025 | - | HUNT FLAT 3 | $12,700.00 | Aintree | 3419m | Good Soft | Ciaran Gethings | 70kg | 4:00.38 | 6-1-1 | 0 |
| 8.0L | $7.00 |

Jockey: C J Todd
Weight: 71.5kgs
Stats
Comments
Second-up today. Not raced for 48 days. Fresh up after three months raced on the pace prior to fading finished seventh of 8 starters at this track on September 18 over 2000m, 6 len behind Empirical with 60kg at $81. Previously second-up ran last at Hamilton Park on May 17 over 2600m, 73 len behind Valiancy carrying 62kg at $41. Prefer to see at first outing over the obstacles.
Last Starts 48 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7/8 | 18/09/2026 | 77 | HCP 3U | $25,830.00 | Newbury | 2011m | Good | Rossa Ryan | 60kg | 2:04.31 | 1-1-7 | 5 |
| 6.3L | $81.00 |
| 8/8 | 03/07/2026 | 22 | HCP 3U | $19,600.00 | Doncaster | 2011m | Good Firm | David Nolan | 63kg | 2:08.67 | - | 8 |
| 26.0L | $41.00 |
| 5/5 | 11/06/2026 | 25 | HCP 4U | $18,450.00 | Catterick Bridge | 2791m | Good Soft | Daniel Tudhope | 62kg | 3:02.58 | 2-5-5 | 6 |
| 26.0L | $29.00 |
| 12/12 | 17/05/2026 | 26 | HCP 4U | $63,520.00 | Hamilton Park Uk | 2615m | Good | Daniel Tudhope | 62kg | 2:45.66 | - | 9 |
| 73.3L | $41.00 |
| 6/8 | 21/04/2026 | 183 | HCP 4U | $50,820.00 | Pontefract | 2011m | Good | Daniel Tudhope | 59kg | 2:09.07 | - | 1 |
| 12.5L | $9.00 |
| 10/10 | 20/10/2025 | 27 | LR OPEN 3 | $89,030.00 | Deauville | 2500m | Soft | Alexis Pouchin | 57kg | 2:48.58 | 7-10-10 | 4 |
| 43.3L | $20.00 |
| 3/6 | 23/09/2025 | 149 | CL1 3 | $48,930.00 | Vichy | 2400m | SH | Alexis Pouchin | 57kg | 2:42.40 | 1-1-3 | 2 |
| 0.4L | $1.80 |
| 3/6 | 27/04/2025 | 23 | LR OPEN 3 | $94,990.00 | Longchamp | 2400m | Good Soft | Alexis Pouchin | 58kg | 2:33.30 | 1-1-3 | 2 |
| 2.5L | $6.40 |
| 3/5 | 04/04/2025 | 24 | CL1 3 | $60,450.00 | Saint Cloud | 2100m | Good Soft | Augustin Madamet | 57kg | 2:16.87 | 2-2-3 | 5 |
| 2.0L | $6.60 |
| 2/7 | 11/03/2025 | 147 | CL2 3 | $46,740.00 | Saint Cloud | 2000m | SH | Alexis Pouchin | 57kg | 2:16.35 | 1-1-2 | 4 |
| 0.4L | $6.60 |
| 5/6 | 15/10/2024 | 16 | CL2 2 | $54,930.00 | Chantilly | 1500m | Neutral | Clement Lecoeuvre | 57kg | 1:28.54 | - | 2 |
| 9.4L | $6.00 |

Jockey: S Bowen
Weight: 71.5kgs
Stats
Comments
Having second run back today. Fresh up after six months finished second in a small field at Southwell on October 1 over 4100m, 2.5 len behind Iamyouare carrying 71kg at $1.90. Previously second-up finished second of 8 runners at Chepstow on March 15 over 3200m, slow track; 1.75 len behind Cool Customer carrying 70kg at $6. Fitter and will be tough to beat.
Last Starts 35 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2/5 | 01/10/2026 | 173 | HDLE 4U | $18,150.00 | Southwell | 4123m | Good | Sean Bowen | 71kg | 4:57.83 | 3-3-2 | 0 |
| 2.5L | $1.91 |
| 5/20 | 11/04/2026 | 27 | G2 OPEN 46 | $90,750.00 | Aintree | 3419m | Good Soft | Sam Twiston-Davies | 71.5kg | 4:05.47 | - | 0 |
| 6.5L | $81.00 |
| 2/8 | 15/03/2026 | 60 | APP FLAT 46 | $8,170.00 | Chepstow | 3218m | Soft | Freddie Keighley | 70kg | 4:00.71 | - | 0 |
| 1.8L | $6.00 |
| 3/9 | 14/01/2026 | 233 | FLAT 4U | $18,910.00 | Fairyhouse | 3218m | Y | A P Ryan | 74kg | 4:14.30 | - | 0 |
| 3.0L | $15.00 |
| 2/14 | 26/05/2025 | - | FLAT 4 | $19,620.00 | Ballinrobe | 3319m | Good | D Kiely | 71kg | 3:50.90 | - | 0 |
| 9.0L | $26.00 |

Jockey: Ben Jones
Weight: 71.5kgs
Stats
Comments
Resuming after a lengthy spell. Having raced just once last campaign finished sixth of 12 runners at Fairyhouse on April 6 over 3218m, 23 len behind Charismatic Kid with 73kg at $51. First up last campaign came from midfield; finished fourth of 8 starters at Huntingdon on May 9 2024 over 3200m, 7 len behind The Long Point carrying 69kg at $2.50. Prepared to just watch this time.
Last Starts 213 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6/12 | 06/04/2026 | 697 | FLAT 4U | $35,920.00 | Fairyhouse | 3218m | YS | Finian Maguire | 73kg | 3:56.60 | - | 0 |
| 23.5L | $51.00 |
| 4/8 | 09/05/2024 | - | HUNT FLAT MDN 45 | $7,260.00 | Huntingdon | 3218m | Good | Ben Jones | 69kg | 3:40.40 | 4-3-4 | 0 |
| 7.3L | $2.50 |

Jockey: Harry Skelton
Weight: 71.5kgs
Stats
Comments
Resuming after a lengthy spell. Having raced just once last campaign finished second of 10 starters at Warwick on March 8 over 3200m, 1.3 len behind Merry Away carrying 71kg at $2. First up last campaign finished third of 8 runners at Chepstow on December 6 over 3200m, 2.25 len behind Princess Day with 71kg at $2.30. Another bold showing likely.
Last Starts 242 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2/10 | 08/03/2026 | 92 | HUNT FLAT 46 | $7,260.00 | Warwick Uk | 3218m | Good Soft | Harry Skelton | 71kg | 3:49.22 | - | 0 |
| 1.3L | $2.00 |
| 3/8 | 06/12/2025 | - | HUNT FLAT 45 | $8,170.00 | Chepstow | 3218m | Good Soft | Charlie Todd | 71kg | 4:00.98 | 7-4-3 | 0 |
| 2.3L | $2.25 |

Jockey: R P Mclernon
Weight: 71.5kgs
Stats
Comments
Resuming from a lengthy break. At only start last campaign finished second of 9 starters at Bellharbour P2p on February 1 over 4828m, on slow going 1.0 len behind Code Name Cubitt carrying 60kg. Further improved and rates a chance here.
Last Starts 277 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2/9 | 01/02/2026 | - | P2P MDN 4 | $0.00 | Bellharbour P2p | 4828m | Soft | Derek O'connor | 60kg | - | - | 0 |
| 1.0L | $1.00 |