December 16 / 13.52 Southwell

13.52

Good To Soft

Bet & Watch At planetsportbet.com Maiden Hurdle (GBB Race) (Div II)

  • Prize money: £4193.42
  • 1m 7f 182y
  • Class 4
  • 13 runners
SKY
View Course
Bet & Watch At planetsportbet.com Maiden Hurdle (GBB Race) (Div II)

Runners: 13 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Partly cloudy

6/4 (Won)

  • Win: £1.62
  • Place: £1.10

Form: 371- D

Last run: 248 days

W: 11st 4lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Point winner (2m4f, good), who made it third-time lucky in bumpers when making all to land the odds at Fakenham (hood added) in April; that was a clearcut success and he could have a good future at this new discipline; big player on his return.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

1

19th Apr 2026

Good

2m 0f 213y

Class 4

16:53 Stratford

Bond Broker

11st 8lb

J: Jay Tidball

T: Paul Nicholls

Doesn't help himself by tending to race too freely but got off the mark over fences at fifth attempt, with front-running success at Ludlow (2m4f, good) last month; 5lb rise is offset by Jay Tidball's claim here, and this drop back in trip won't be a problem; respected.

5/2

1st

1

19th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 11y

Class 4

14:50 Ludlow

Bond Broker

12st 0lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Paul Nicholls

Bumper winner who picked up maiden and novice hurdles (about 2m1f; good to soft and good) last term; beaten a combined 62l despite finishing second in three of his four subsequent chases but still looks a work in progress and his latest effort offered hope he might be putting it together; weakened on his one try at this sort of trip under rules.

9/4

2nd

3

29th Oct 2025

Good To Soft

2m 0f 75y

Class 4

14:23 Newton Abbot

Bond Broker

11st 13lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Paul Nicholls

Winner of a point, a bumper and twice over hurdles; did far too much early when second of three on his chase debut at Ffos Las (2m3f, good) in May, but the form of that race has worked out well and this sharp 2m may prove ideal; has won after a much longer absence.

100/30

OUR TIP

9/2

  • Place: £2.10

Form: 2

Last run: 31 days

W: 11st 4lb

4 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Well backed into 11-2 for a bumper here (2m, good) last month and he ran well to finish a clear second of seven; that was a promising start and he's respected on this switch to hurdling.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

4th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 110y

Class 4

13:13 Carlisle

Benmore

11st 10lb

J: Danny McMenamin

T: L J Morgan

Two wins in small-field chases this season, the second over 2m5f here last month (good to soft); up 2lb; stamina to prove on first run at this trip.

3/1

1st

1

8th Mar 2026

Soft

2m 4f 198y

Class 4

15:50 Carlisle

Benmore

11st 10lb

J: Danny McMenamin

T: L J Morgan

Won three-runner chase at Leicester (2m, good) in December and probably bettered that form when second at Market Rasen (2m1f, good to soft) on Boxing Day; set to finish second again before last-fence fall at Southwell (2m, good to soft) last month and could plausibly have untapped potential over this longer trip.

4/1

5

2nd Feb 2026

Good To Soft

1m 7f 182y

Class 4

13:37 Southwell

Benmore

11st 8lb

J: Danny McMenamin

T: L J Morgan

Consistent sort who comes here in good form, having won at Leicester (2m, good; three ran) in December and finished runner-up at Market Rasen (2m1f, good to soft) since; contender.

2/1

66/1

  • Place: £18.70

Form:

Last run:

W: 11st 4lb

4 yo Colt

OR:

Form & Verdict
Regressive on the Flat since his Doncaster win (1m) last spring and he struggled in a Class 6 handicap when last seen in July; has plenty to prove now switched to hurdling for new trainer and is best watched.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

4th Sep 2026

Good

2m 0f 0y

Class 4

18:36 Worcester

Zafaan

11st 6lb

J: Harry Bannister

T: Charlie Clover

Competitive on the Flat this summer and again on his return to hurdling here 12 days ago when finding one too good (hood returned); due a 1lb rise but this is a step up in grade.

4/1

2nd

1

23rd Aug 2026

Good

2m 0f 0y

Class 5

16:08 Worcester

Zafaan

12st 0lb

J: Harry Bannister

T: Charlie Clover

Pulled up when last seen over hurdles at Uttoxeter (2m) in May but has won on the Flat since at Yarmouth; not out of things if back on his A-game.

20/1

5th

1

(6)

1st Aug 2026

Good To Firm

1m 2f 0y

Class 6

17:40 Lingfield

Zafaan

9st 9lb

J: Sean D Bowen

T: Charlie Clover

Below form in 1m2f Yarmouth handicap last month (no headgear) but returned to the Flat with win in refitted cheekpieces (back on today) over that C&D (good to firm) in June and has strong claims if back at that level.

13/8

Form: V-34

Last run: 21 days

W: 11st 4lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Finished well when third in a Carlisle bumper in October and he shaped with promise when fourth on hurdling debut at Kempton (2m, good to soft) last month; that was behind an exciting prospect and has possibilities if he can build on that.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

2

17th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 26y

Class 4

16:22 Wetherby

Kapal Layar

12st 0lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Olly Murphy

Won his final two starts last season (2m3f/2m4f, soft/good to soft) and there's every chance this 7yo will get back on track at some stage; however, he's been disappointing on his three outings this term and it's hard to be confident regarding his claims today.

10/1

5

7th Feb 2026

Soft

3m 0f 57y

Class 3

13:35 Newbury

Kapal Layar

11st 6lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Olly Murphy

Ended last term with maiden (on soft) and handicap wins, latterly at Perth (2m4f, good to soft) in April; disappointing on both starts this term but was struck into last time and has also since had wind surgery; additionally, he's now upped in trip and has tongue-tie and cheekpieces for the first time, so there could be explanations aplenty were he to stage a revival.

9/1

11th

8

2nd Nov 2025

Good To Soft

2m 3f 218y

Class 2

14:02 Carlisle

Kapal Layar

11st 2lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Olly Murphy

Still raw last season according to his trainer so encouraging that he could follow up his maiden win with a comfortable handicap debut at Perth (2m4f, good to soft); raised 9lb for that Class 4 success and this is appreciably stronger, but everything would suggest that he's going to get better.

11/4

Form:

Last run:

W: 11st 4lb

5 yo Colt

OR:

Form & Verdict
Useful performer at his best on the Flat but last win was in April 2022 and he's been generally disappointing for Mick Appleby this year; not easy to weigh up on hurdling/stable debut but he has plenty of stamina and needs watching in market on his return.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

2

(1)

4th Sep 2026

Standard To Slow

1m 7f 218y

Class 5

20:24 Kempton (AW)

Educator

9st 9lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: Henrietta C Knight

Wide-margin winner at Yarmouth (1m6f, good to firm) in July and followed up with a narrow success at Newmarket (1m4f, good to firm) last month; the runner-up has won since and he has good claims in his bid for the hat-trick, with the return to 2m no problem having finished second over this C&D in January.

9/4

1st

1

(4)

6th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

1m 4f 0y

Class 5

17:08 Newmarket (July)

Educator

9st 13lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: Henrietta C Knight

Eventually drew clear from two rivals at Yarmouth (1m6f, good to firm) last week, having taken a while to respond to Billy Loughnane's urgings; previously effective over 1m4f and, even with 4lb penalty, remains well treated on peak form.

13/8

Form:

Last run:

W: 11st 4lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Fair triple Flat winner, the most recent at Lingfield (1m4f, AW) 25 days ago; should make a hurdler and interesting to see how he figures in market on the switch to this sphere; blinkers worn last time are removed.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

(3)

5th Sep 2025

Standard To Slow

1m 3f 219y

Class 5

20:47 Kempton (AW)

Sharp Distinction

9st 9lb

J: Luke Catton

T: Lemos De Souza

3-34, with latest win last November on Lingfield Polytrack; shot back to some form when beaten a neck off career-low mark in six-runner race on turf at Leicester (1m4f) on latest outing and he's notched up a few placed efforts at this track, so he's one to consider back up 2lb.

100/30

2

(5)

10th Aug 2025

Good To Firm

1m 3f 179y

Class 5

15:30 Leicester

Sharp Distinction

10st 0lb

J: Luke Catton

T: Lemos De Souza

3-33 and has shown little in two runs since switching to current yard; has dropped to a career-low mark but needs to raise his game.

14/1

6

(7)

21st Jun 2025

Good

1m 6f 0y

Class 4

16:25 Newmarket (July)

Sharp Distinction

8st 9lb

J: Benoit De La Sayette

T: Lemos De Souza

Has struggled on AW in recent starts but has dropped back to a winning mark if staging a revival back on turf.

10/1

Form: 6

Last run: 13 days

W: 11st 4lb

4 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
18-1 for a C&D maiden (good to soft) 13 days ago and he weakened into a well-held sixth of nine; showed some ability there but he's probably one for further down the line.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

2

11th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 100y

Class 5

16:40 Chepstow

Shant Wait

11st 12lb

J: Daire McConville

T: Charlie Longsdon

0-9 over hurdles but he went close in a Southwell handicap (2m, good to soft) in December; was never really travelling when a well-held third at Sedgefield (2m4f, good) last month but that was after a short break and cheekpieces are now added; dangerous if he can get back near best.

5/1

3rd

1

10th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 188y

Class 5

14:18 Sedgefield

Shant Wait

12st 0lb

J: Gavin Sheehan

T: Charlie Longsdon

0-8 over hurdles but kept on to be placed on both 2m starts since his wind op in November and looks well worth another go over today's longer trip; might be the answer.

9/4

3rd

2

16th Jan 2026

Good To Soft

2m 0f 125y

Class 5

12:18 Market Rasen

Shant Wait

12st 0lb

J: Daire McConville

T: Charlie Longsdon

0-7 over hurdles but showed the benefit of a wind op when keeping on well for clear second behind odds-on favourite at Southwell (2m, good to soft) last month and is respected, despite going up 5lb for that run.

4/1

Form: 20-1F D

Last run: 32 days

W: 11st 4lb

4 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Raced freely in his second bumper and Stratford seemed to suit him well when comfortably beating four rivals there (2m, soft) in October; was on the retreat when falling on hurdling debut at Taunton but he went off hard in that race and that was over 2m3f; hood is now added on this drop back in trip and it wouldn't be a surprise if he made a bold bid.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

4

27th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

2m 0f 75y

Class 2

18:12 Newton Abbot

Gore Point

11st 9lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Anthony Honeyball

6yo who has been a big improver since switched to fences and he made it 4-8 in this sphere when completing a four-timer over C&D (good to firm) on Saturday; has a penalty but that was a comfortable success and he's unbeaten in three chase runs at at Newton Abbot; strong contender.

11/8

1st

1

22nd Aug 2026

Good To Firm

2m 0f 75y

Class 3

15:05 Newton Abbot

Gore Point

11st 10lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Anthony Honeyball

Hat-trick (2m-extended 2m3f) before the break included two C&D wins in July, latest when scoring convincingly off an 8lb lower mark and the runner-up has run well since; this mark demands more but he's thriving and a bold bid can be expected for the four-timer.

Evs

1st

1

13th Jul 2026

Good

2m 0f 75y

Class 4

14:42 Newton Abbot

Gore Point

12st 0lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Anthony Honeyball

Probably fortunate when left clear to score at Stratford (2m3f, good to firm) last month but readily followed up in four-runner C&D (good) contest ten days ago and is evidently in prime form.

4/5

Form: 5-50

Last run: 18 days

W: 11st 4lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Well-held fifth in Kempton bumper in February; same outcome on hurdling debut at Leicester (2m4f) last month and he was tailed off when dropped back to 2m at Taunton last time; remains best watched for now.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

4

13th May 2025

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 5

17:05 Worcester

Less Jersey Royal

11st 1lb

J: Ben Jones

T: Ben Pauling

Hasn't really threatened in any of his four handicaps and the blinkers did nothing for him at Uttoxeter, albeit over 2m7f.

6/1

5th

4

13th May 2025

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 5

17:05 Worcester

Less Jersey Royal

11st 1lb

J: Ben Jones

T: Ben Pauling

Hasn't really threatened in any of his four handicaps and the blinkers did nothing for him at Uttoxeter, albeit over 2m7f.

6/1

5th

6

3rd May 2025

Good

2m 7f 70y

Class 5

17:20 Uttoxeter

Less Jersey Royal

11st 6lb

J: Ben Jones

T: Ben Pauling

Seven defeats under rules include three handicaps and he hasn't threatened in any of them (when runner-up two starts back he was beaten some 26l); didn't run too badly at Stratford last time in first-time cheekpieces and now goes in blinkers; has to improve, however.

8/1

Form: 7-

Last run: 504 days

W: 11st 4lb

6 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Half-brother to fairly useful hurdler Clues And Arrows; easy win in Irish point on debut in March 2023 but he was well held in a Newton Abbot bumper four months later; now switches to hurdles after 504 days off and is best watched unless market suggests otherwise.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

8

10th Jul 2026

Good

2m 7f 0y

Class 5

21:00 Worcester

Ballela Blaze

11st 1lb

J: David Noonan

T: Thomas Gallagher

0-8 over hurdles but was making first appearance for 13 months when keeping on for third at Southwell (2m4f, good) in May and is sure to be suited by this move back up in trip; shortlisted.

8/1

3rd

11

11th May 2026

Good

2m 4f 88y

Class 4

17:47 Southwell

Ballela Blaze

10st 5lb

J: David Noonan

T: Thomas Gallagher

Runner-up in his last two races but those were at about 3m and over a year ago now; fully entitled to need this.

10/1

10

15th Apr 2025

Good

3m 0f 60y

Class 4

16:25 Southwell

Ballela Blaze

10st 7lb

J: David Noonan

T: Thomas Gallagher

0-6 over hurdles; evidently well suited by step up in trip when keeping on well for close second at Plumpton (3m1f, good) 12 days ago but that modest race was won in a slow time and others in this line-up have much more compelling form.

8/1

Form: 44-77

Last run: 13 days

W: 10st 11lb

4 yo Filly

OR:

Form & Verdict
Modest form when fourth in two bumpers for Georgina Nicholls and she's finished a well-held seventh in two hurdle runs for new yard this season; still early days but she needs to show a lot more this time; one of two runners for Olly Murphy.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

5

13th May 2025

Good

2m 7f 0y

Class 4

16:30 Worcester

Alexandra Larose

11st 9lb

J: Lewis Saunders

T: Olly Murphy

Had a break since her hat-trick bid came up well short when odds-on at Hereford in March; however, might be high in the weights now and has her stamina to prove over this far.

9/4

6th

5

13th May 2025

Good

2m 7f 0y

Class 4

16:30 Worcester

Alexandra Larose

11st 9lb

J: Lewis Saunders

T: Olly Murphy

Had a break since her hat-trick bid came up well short when odds-on at Hereford in March; however, might be high in the weights now and has her stamina to prove over this far.

9/4

1

26th Mar 2025

Good

2m 3f 147y

Class 5

14:30 Hereford

Alexandra Larose

12st 3lb

J: Lewis Saunders

T: Olly Murphy

Runner-up on handicap debut at Leicester (2m4f, heavy) in January and has won her next two (2m3f/2m4f, good to soft), all under Lewis Saunders; carries a 7lb penalty for last Monday's win at Southwell and this progressive 5yo could be tough to beat.

Evs

Form: 986

Last run: 19 days

W: 11st 4lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Well held in two Irish bumpers and was tailed off at a big price on hurdling/stable debut at Market Rasen (2m, soft) last month.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

16th Dec 2024

Good To Soft

1m 7f 182y

Class 4

13:52 Southwell

Elite Etoile

11st 4lb

J: Aaron Anderson

T: Mike Sowersby

Well held in two Irish bumpers and was tailed off at a big price on hurdling/stable debut at Market Rasen (2m, soft) last month.

100/1

5

16th Dec 2024

Good To Soft

1m 7f 182y

Class 4

13:52 Southwell

Elite Etoile

11st 4lb

J: Aaron Anderson

T: Mike Sowersby

Well held in two Irish bumpers and was tailed off at a big price on hurdling/stable debut at Market Rasen (2m, soft) last month.

100/1

6th

3

27th Nov 2024

Good To Soft

2m 0f 125y

Class 4

12:05 Market Rasen

Elite Etoile

11st 0lb

J: William Maggs

T: Mike Sowersby

Soundly beaten in 2m2f bumper and 2m4f maiden hurdle for Shark Hanlon; has modest form claims on debut for new connections.

100/1

Form: 5-9P4

Last run: 31 days

W: 10st 11lb

5 yo Mare

OR:

Form & Verdict
Well beaten in two bumpers and she struggled in two hurdle runs (pulled up/tailed off) last month.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13

16th Dec 2024

Good To Soft

1m 7f 182y

Class 4

13:52 Southwell

Dunstall Angel

10st 11lb

J: Jamie Hamilton

T: John Mackie

Well beaten in two bumpers and she struggled in two hurdle runs (pulled up/tailed off) last month.

100/1

13

16th Dec 2024

Good To Soft

1m 7f 182y

Class 4

13:52 Southwell

Dunstall Angel

10st 11lb

J: Jamie Hamilton

T: John Mackie

Well beaten in two bumpers and she struggled in two hurdle runs (pulled up/tailed off) last month.

100/1

4th

5

15th Nov 2024

Good

1m 7f 182y

Class 4

14:43 Southwell

Dunstall Angel

10st 11lb

J: Philip Armson

T: John Mackie

held up in last, weakened and tailed off after 3 out

25/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £7.70
Straight Forecast £9.25
Trifecta £564.40

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Bond Broker

Telegraph:

Benmore

RP RATINGS:

Kapal Layar

POSTDATA:

Sharp Distinction

The Sun:

Benmore

Daily Record:

Benmore

The Times:

Kapal Layar

WEST COUNTRY:

Bond Broker

The Guardian:

Bond Broker

Daily Mail:

Bond Broker

D Express:

Bond Broker

Daily Mirror:

Bond Broker

The Star:

Bond Broker