1
Destination Dubai
Finished 4th in a Grade 2 at Cheltenham last time. A consistent sort who has won twice this season, but needs to find improvement to trouble the market leaders here.
Rating129
FormFair
Odds20/1
2
Etna Bianco
Won nicely at Ascot last time out. A progressive 5-year-old for the Tizzard team who is going the right way. Looks a solid each-way contender at double-figure odds.
FormWon Last
Age5
Rating128
3
Giantsgrave
Placed 3rd on hurdles debut at Lingfield. Representing the powerful Dan Skelton yard, but this represents a massive step up in class for a novice with limited experience.
TrainerTop
ExpLow
Odds25/1
4
Kalkbrenner
Narrowly beaten into 2nd by Klimt Madrik at Newbury last time. Consistent and rated 134, putting him right in the mix. Often runs well at this track.
Rating134
FormSolid
Odds7/1
5
Klimt Madrik
Course Winner: Defeated Kalkbrenner over C&D last time out. Clearly likes the track and conditions. A live outsider who is improving with every run.
TrackWinner
FormWon Last
Rating129
6
Montemares
Unbeaten in two starts (2/2). Won comfortably at Market Rasen earlier this month. Taking a big step up in grade but clearly has plenty of potential.
FormUnbeaten
Age4
Odds14/1
7
No Drama This End
The One To Beat: Highest rated (143) and arrives on a hat-trick after winning Grade 2s at Cheltenham and Sandown. The clear class act for Paul Nicholls.
Rating143
FormG2 Win
Fav4/7
8
Starzand
Won his hurdle debut at Ffos Las impressively. Unexposed and could be anything, but this Grade 1 demands a massive step forward on just his second hurdles start.
FormWon Last
ExpLight
Odds10/1
9
Tiptoptim
Consistent sort who won easily at Ludlow last time. Rated 124, so has nearly 20lbs to find with the favourite on official figures.
Rating124
FormWon Last
Odds20/1
Coral Challow Novices' Hurdle 2025
Race Overview: The Challow Hurdle acts as a premier launchpad for elite novice hurdlers, often pointing toward the major festivals in the spring. This year, the narrative is dominated by the powerful Paul Nicholls yard, which has won four of the last five renewals. However, a competitive field of eight challengers stands ready to upset the odds.
The One To Beat
Market Leader (8/13)
7. No Drama This End (IRE)
J: H Cobden
T: P F Nicholls
Rating: 143
Win Rate: 100% (2/2)
Age: 5
The clear standard-bearer. Paul Nicholls knows exactly what is required to win this race, having dominated recent renewals. No Drama This End arrives off the back of a decisive 5-length victory in the Grade 2 Winter Novices' Hurdle at Sandown, where he defied a penalty with ease. With a 75% strike rate for connections in similar conditions, he looks every bit a top-class prospect and is the rightful heavy favourite.
The Challengers
4. Kalkbrenner (IRE)
J: Ben Jones
T: Ben Pauling
OR: 134
Form: 14-12
Likely the main danger. He showed grit and determination here at Newbury last time out, finishing a close second (beaten only by a head). His debut form has worked out incredibly well, and he is proven to handle cut in the ground. At a rating of 134, he is the second-highest rated horse in the field.
1. Destination Dubai (IRE)
J: Kielan Woods
T: Killahena & McPherson
OR: 129
Form: 112-114
Experienced but arguably exposed. He was too keen when finishing 4th in the Grade 2 Albert Bartlett at Cheltenham recently. While he has a solid 66% win rate over hurdles, he needs to settle better to challenge for the win here.
2. Etna Bianco (IRE)
J: Brendan Powell
T: Joe Tizzard
OR: 128
Form: 13-31
A thorough stayer. He won his Point-to-Point over 3 miles and showed great attitude to win a novice hurdle at Ascot by 2 lengths last month. He is stepping up in class significantly, but the testing trip will suit his stamina-laden profile.
5. Klimt Madrik (FR)
J: K Brogan
T: Tom Lawes
OR: 129
Form: 34/41
The Course & Distance winner. He caused a minor surprise winning here last time out, utilizing a patient ride to win by a head. While he has 100% record at this track, repeating that performance against a 143-rated rival will be a tall order.
6. Montemares
J: Stan Sheppard
T: Tom Lacey
OR: 126
Form: 11
The unbeaten unknown quantity. Two runs, two wins, including a 3.5-length victory at Market Rasen. He is progressive and acts well on soft ground, but this is a massive leap in quality from Class 4 company to Grade 1 level.
9. Tiptoptim (IRE)
J: G Sheehan
T: Jamie Snowden
OR: 124
Form: 1/31-21
Impressed at Ludlow last time out, winning by 7 lengths. However, Ludlow is a sharp track compared to the galloping nature of Newbury. Rated nearly 20lbs inferior to the favourite, he looks up against it.
8. Starzand (IRE)
J: Sean Houlihan
T: Hobbs & White
OR: --
Form: 2/11-1
A winner at Ffos Las on his hurdles debut 62 days ago. He has a 100% win record over obstacles so far but lacks the experience or proven class rating to suggest he can trouble the principals today.
3. Giantsgrave (IRE)
J: Harry Skelton
T: Dan Skelton
OR: --
Form: 2/1-3
Represents the Skelton yard, who won this race last year. However, he was beaten favourite at Lingfield last time (finishing 3rd) and looks to be the outsider of the field on current form.
Betting Forecast
8/13 No Drama This End | 8/1 Starzand, Kalkbrenner | 12/1 Klimt Madrik, Etna Bianco, Montemares | 16/1 Destination Dubai | 33/1 Giantsgrave, Tiptoptim