Date: Monday 2nd Feb 2026
Race: Golf And Gallop Package Handicap Hurdle (Class 4)
Don’t overcomplicate the 3.52 at Southwell today. While handicap hurdles can often be a minefield, the form book throws up a very obvious angle here that is hard to ignore.
The Selection: PIKE ROAD (11/4)
This race is all about levels.
Pike Road arrives here having contested Class 2 Handicaps at Cheltenham in his last two starts. Two runs ago, he finished a credible 4th of 10 at Prestbury Park, beaten just 1.3 lengths. That form is light years ahead of what is required to win a Monday afternoon Class 4 at Southwell.
Before he stepped up to the big leagues, he won back-to-back Class 4s at Uttoxeter. He is essentially returning to his “winning grade” today. He runs off a mark of 116—virtually the same mark he was competitive with at Cheltenham. Unless he has completely gone off the boil, he should simply have too much class for this field.
The Danger: BITSNBUCKLES (7/2)
If you want a safe run for your money, Bitsnbuckles is the one. The HorseRaceBase system rates him the top horse in the race (276.3) for a reason: consistency. His form figures of 3-3-4-1 show he turns up every time.
However, he is an exposed runner (OR 105) facing a rival dropping from a much higher grade. He looks a banker for a place, but he might find one too good for the win.
The Value Angle: BEAU QUALI (8/1)
Forget his last run at Doncaster (Class 3). Focus on the run before that: 2nd at Southwell, beaten less than a length. He handles the track, handles the conditions, and like the favourite, he is dropping in grade. At 8/1, he is the sensible each-way play against the market leaders.
The Verdict
PIKE ROAD – The class act dropping into calmer waters.
BITSNBUCKLES – The consistent benchmark.
BEAU QUALI – The course specialist at a price.