Brentford Hope has to concede plenty of weight to 13 rivals in the feature on the opening day of the Berkshire Winter Million at Windsor, the Class 2 Sovereign Handicap Hurdle.
Harry Derham’s stable star, who holds an entry for the Champion Hurdle, has finished in the top three in 12 of his 13 starts over timber and was last seen finishing second in the Grade 2 Elite Hurdle last time out.
Brentford Hope is not among the market leaders, however, as it is the lightly-raced Kabral Du Mathan that tops the betting after final declarations after being beaten a short head on handicap debut in a Premier Handicap at Ascot last month.
Beat The Bat is also among the leading hopefuls after a fine second on his first try in handicap company on seasonal reappearance and 2023 Gerry Feilden winner Hansard is another likely principal player.
A stack of runners, meanwhile, head into Friday’s 15:35 in winning form including the Dan Skelton-trained Knickerbockerglory, four-timer seeking Navajo Indy and Court In The Act.
The latest Sovereign Handicap Hurdle odds are on the Paddy Power website and Paddy Power app, otherwise Timeform’s guide to the runners as well as betting tips from the racing boffins can be found below.
Sovereign Handicap Hurdle 2025 verdict
Timeform: HANSARD has a high cruising speed that should be suited to the demands of a well-run, big-field handicap and a very promising comeback effort suggests that Gary Moore’s 7 y-o gelding could be as good as ever. He can land this valuable pot at the chief expense of Secret Squirrel who was still in the mix when taking a final flight tumble at Ascot, despite having helped force a strong pace. Of the remainder, progressive 5 y-os Wreckless Eric and Kabral Du Mathan can run well in a wide-open contest.
*All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change
Sovereign Handicap Hurdle 2025 runners and riders
The following horses have been declared for the Sovereign Handicap Hurdle 2025.
Brentford Hope
Trainer: Harry Derham Jockey: Paul O’Brien Age: 8 Weight: 12st 0lbs
Excellent strike rate over hurdles including brace of handicap wins in March. Solid start this season when second in Grade 2 Elite Hurdle at Wincanton (15.2f, good), chasing home race-fit rival. Strong-travelling sort will be well-suited to this test and gets vote of confidence from stable jockey.
****
Hansard
Trainer: Gary & Josh Moore Jockey: Niall Houlihan Age: 7 Weight: 11st 7lbs
Smart hurdler who landed the Gerry Feilden at Newbury in December 2023. Looked to be carrying some condition prior to eye-catching comeback run when fourth of 8 at Kempton, travelled sweetly into home straight and not given hard time once chance had gone. That should put him spot on for this.
*****
Kabral Du Mathan
Trainer: Paul Nicholls Jockey: Harry Cobden Age: 5 Weight: 11st 5lbs
Progressive sort. Completed hat-trick when readily winning on handicap debut/reappearance in November. Nearly preserved his unbeaten record when narrowly denied in a valuable handicap at Ascot last month (beaten short-head, second of 12). That was a huge effort considering his lack of experience.
****
Knickerbockerglory
Trainer: Dan Skelton Jockey: Harry Skelton Age: 9 Weight: 11st 5lbs
Winner on his reappearance the past three seasons, clearly best when fresh. Dominant victory on ground he loves (heavy) when winning at Sandown (16f) 41 days ago, dictated matters but won with plenty in hand. Respected but ground conditions and the run of the race may not be as favourable today.
***
Beat The Bat
Trainer: Harry Fry Jockey: Bryan Carver Age: 7 Weight: 11st 1lbs
Bumper winner who quickly made up into a very useful hurdler last winter, scoring at Ascot (19f) before an excellent second in 2m Cheltenham novice. Back from 11 months off when good second of 14 in handicap hurdle at Haydock (18.9f, soft, 7/1) 49 days ago and remains low mileage and of interest.
***
Cracking Rhapsody
Trainer: Ewan Whillans Jockey: Craig Nichol Age: 6 Weight: 10st 13lbs
Big improver in handicaps in 2024 winning the Morebattle and finishing excellent third of 15 in the Scottish Champion Hurdle on final start. Disappointed in the Greatwood this season but back on track in a less competitive handicap hurdle at Kelso last month, won decisively. Each-way player.
***
Givemefive
Trainer: Harry Derham Jockey: M. J. M. O’Sullivan Age: 5 Weight: 10st 12lbs
One of three in the race for Harry Derham yard. Decent 1¼ lengths victory in class 2 hurdle at Cheltenham (16.4f, good) in October and ran to a similar level fourth of 7 in Mullinan Hurdle at Fairyhouse (16f, good) 48 days ago. Entitled to be competitive but may find a few too good.
**
Go Dante
Trainer: Olly Murphy Jockey: James Bowen Age: 9 Weight: 10st 10lbs
Winner of the Imperial Cup at Sandown (soft) in March but hasn’t hit the same heights this season. Didn’t respond to removal of headgear when pulled-up at Ascot 27 days ago, beaten a long way out. Cheekpieces back on but something to prove on recent evidence.
**
Hardy Du Seuil
Trainer: Jamie Snowden Jockey: Will Featherstone Age: 8 Weight: 10st 10lbs
Career-best hurdles run (second of 8 at Carlisle, 17f, soft) on comeback last month, no chance with well-backed winner but clear of the third. Hasn’t stood much racing in past few seasons, so needs to prove he can back that up and this is the most competitive hurdle race he’s encountered in a while.
**
Court In The Act
Trainer: Harry Derham Jockey: Harry Reed Age: 6 Weight: 10st 8lbs
Well-backed on his return landing a handicap hurdle at Market Rasen (16.6f) by 8 lengths, made all, jumped fluently. Has shown some temperament but is clearly talented and not ruled out only sixth hurdles start for in-form yard, although stable jockey prefers Brentford Hope.
***
Wreckless Eric
Trainer: Jonjo & A.J. O’Neill Jockey: Kielan Woods Age: 5 Weight: 10st 8lbs
Confirmed the promise of his reappearance when winning a competitive 2m handicap at Cheltenham in November, receiving an 8 lb hike. Found himself out of his ground when second at the same venue last month, winner given too much rope. Up another 3 lb for that effort but can give another good account.
****
Navajo Indy
Trainer: Tom Symonds Jockey: Gavin Sheehan Age: 6 Weight: 10st 8lbs
Progressive sort who arrives here seeking a four-timer following a career-best when landing a nice pot at Newbury (16.3f, good to soft) 48 days ago, getting first run on runner-up and just kept up to his work late on. Clearly going in the right direction and should run well again.
***
Secret Squirrel
Trainer: Hughie Morrison Jockey: Nico de Boinville Age: 6 Weight: 10st 6lbs
Landed a pair of 2m novice wins last season and built on solid comeback this term when in the process of running a cracker at Ascot 49 days ago, fared much the best of those who tracked strong pace, led home straight and only 2 lengths down when fell last. Big player if none the worse for that.
****
Tour Ovalie
Trainer: Evan Williams Jockey: Isabel Williams Age: 6 Weight: 10st 2lbs
Progressive mare who landed hat-trick with career-best when beating Break My Soul at Newbury (16.3f) 20 days ago, ridden-patiently, travelled well and delivered to lead in last 50 yds. Up 12 lb for that win and while she’s earned a crack at this pot, it’s a tough ask from 5 lbs out of the handicap.
**
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