Hereford Bull Trail Launch 2026 Handicap Hurdle

No match for an in-form winner last time at Sedgefield (3m3f, soft; second run in cheekpieces) but he's consistent and won't mind this drier surface; considered for his in-form stable.

Hasn't run a race of note since winning last season's 4m1f Eider Chase at Newcastle, in which his struggles continued last time out (tailed off or pulled up over hurdles prior to that); too well handicapped to rule out and blinkers go on for cheekpieces.

Ex-Nicky Henderson inmate who struggles with consistency; disappointing in his two runs for this yard but he's on a good mark should blinkers trigger something (he ran one good race when cheekpieces were tried).

Had been struggling but has steadily got himself back on track and prevailed narrowly over C&D in December on latest appearance; 6lb higher for this and connections claimed another 7lb last time through Isabelle Ryder, but he had dropped to a fair mark anyway.

An 11yo now and has pulled up in two hurdle races and a chase since returning from a lengthy break; what could help is getting away from soft ground, as good seems his preference.