Date: Thursday, 5th February 2026
Race: 3.43 Huntingdon – Nouvelle Habit Mares’ Handicap Hurdle
It is rare to see a Class 5 handicap hurdle where the winner appears to be hiding in plain sight, but that looks to be the case at Huntingdon this afternoon. We have a field of six, five of whom are either exposed maidens or struggling for rhythm. Then, we have Stamina Chope.
The Selection: Stamina Chope (6/4)
If you stripped away the names and just looked at the data, you would make this mare an odds-on shot.
Form in the Book: Her recent figures read 3422131. She is the only horse in this race who knows how to win, coming here off a victory over fences at Ffos Las and a hurdle win at Leicester three starts back.
The Numbers: On the ratings, she is in a different parish. She clocks a 308.5 on the HRB total rating; her nearest rival is on 265.4. That is a massive gap in a low-grade affair.
Stamina Proven: Unlike the favourite Briery Butterfly, we know Stamina Chope stays. Her stats over this staying trip are 50% Win / 100% Place.
She is fit, versatile, and arrives in the form of her life. In a race of question marks, she is the answer.
The Danger: Newmill Getaway (7/2)
Fergal O’Brien’s runner is the only one I’d fear. She has been shaping like a thorough stayer and was doing her best work at the finish over 3m at Taunton last time. She is consistent enough to pick up the silver medal, but she finds winning difficult (1 from 13). She is the forecast play.
One to Swerve: Briery Butterfly (2/1)
At 2/1, she offers zero value. She is 0-9 in her career, often finding one too good, and is now stepping into the unknown over 3m 1½f. Taking short odds on a maiden trying a marathon trip for the first time is a quick way to the poorhouse.
Verdict:
Back Stamina Chope. She is the superior mare on form and figures, and she has the stamina to grind this lot into the mud.
Win: Stamina Chope
Forecast: Stamina Chope to beat Newmill Getaway