December 27 / 15.20 Wetherby

15.20

Good To Soft

William Hill Cheltenham NRMB January 1st Open National Hunt Flat Race (Cat 1 Elim’) (Qual’) (GBB)

  • Prize money: £2722.46
  • 2m 0f 0y
  • Class 5
  • 24 runners
RTV
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William Hill Cheltenham NRMB January 1st Open National Hunt Flat Race (Cat 1 Elim’) (Qual’) (GBB)

Runners: 24 runners

Type: NH Flat

Surface: Turf

Weather: Cloudy

9/2 (Won)

  • Win: £5.50
  • Place: £1.80

Form:

Last run:

W: 11st 2lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
70,000euros 3yo; half-brother to French 1m4f winners En Souplesse (RPR 85), Jon Snow (83; also 2m2f-2m7f hurdle/chase) and Cookilayone (also 2m4f hurdle); dam French maiden, half-sister to Champion Hurdle winner Binocular; stablemate of fellow newcomer Drayton Flyer.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

4

10th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 149y

Class 1

16:40 Aintree

Harbour Island

11st 8lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Olly Murphy

Dual bumper winner; lacked the gears to mix it with top 2m novices earlier in the season but, raised in distance, he wasn't overly troubled to win minor races at Taunton (2m3f, good to soft) and Ffos Las (2m4f, heavy); mixed messages on pedigree as to whether this far will be a help or a hindrance, but can't be dismissed.

20/1

1st

1

20th Feb 2026

Soft

2m 4f 0y

Class 4

14:52 Ffos Las

Harbour Island

11st 11lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Olly Murphy

One of his two bumper wins was here; disappointed in his second run over hurdles, but chased home the smart Mydaddypaddy in the first and readily justified favouritism last month at Taunton (2m3f, good to soft); a scopey individual with more to offer.

11/10

1st

7

17th Jan 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 1y

Class 4

12:55 Taunton

Harbour Island

11st 6lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Olly Murphy

Dual bumper winner who chased home Dan Skelton's highly regarded Mydaddypaddy on seasonal/hurdle debut at Carlisle (2m1f, soft) in November; below that form when midfield in good Newbury maiden (2m, soft) later that month but moves up in trip here and remains of strong interest.

6/4

6/1

  • Place: £2.70

Form:

Last run:

W: 11st 2lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
£56,000 3yo; half-brother to point winner Salt Of The Earth; dam pulled up in a point, half-sister to bumper and 2m hurdle/chase winner Herons Heir; one of two interesting newcomers trained by Olly Murphy, who has a fine strike-rate (19% last five seasons) in bumpers.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

20th Feb 2025

Soft

2m 3f 110y

Class 4

15:05 Lingfield

Drayton Flyer

11st 6lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Olly Murphy

Runner-up in a Wetherby bumper (2m, good to soft) on debut in December and when switched to hurdling here (2m, heavy) last month; finished 5l ahead of Blue Bellamy in the latter and open to progress on this step up in trip; interesting contender.

15/8

10/1

  • Place: £1.50

Form:

Last run:

W: 11st 2lb

4 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
£40,000 yearling; Jack Hobbs half-brother to 1m4f-1m6f Flat (RPR 80)/2m hurdle winner Lunar Shadow; dam bumper/2m3f hurdle winner, sister to smart 2m-3m2f hurdle/chase winner The Dutchman; has a plausible pedigree for a race like this; well worth a market check.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

3

(6)

15th Apr 2026

Standard

1m 6f 21y

Class 5

18:30 Southwell (AW)

Geordie Mackem

9st 8lb

J: Connor Beasley

T: Brian Ellison

Placed in bumpers on his first two starts but he's yet to really threaten in this sphere; dropped 2lb since finishing down the field over C&D on his handicap debut 83 days ago and now has cheekpieces applied.

12/1

7th

2

(9)

22nd Jan 2026

Standard

1m 6f 21y

Class 5

16:00 Southwell (AW)

Geordie Mackem

9st 13lb

J: Ben Robinson

T: Brian Ellison

Record of 0-3 in bumpers and 0-3 on Flat but has bits of encouraging form; may show progress now handicapping, albeit it's needed to defy his opening mark.

16/1

Form: 32

Last run: 30 days

W: 11st 2lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Placed three times in Irish points and has gone close in two bumpers this autumn, leading briefly over 1f out when second of eight at Market Rasen (soft; 11-2) four weeks ago; should be in the thick of things again.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

1

28th Mar 2025

Good

2m 1f 162y

Class 4

15:10 Fontwell

Blue Bellamy

11st 5lb

J: Harry Bannister

T: Richard J Bandey

Placed in three of his Irish points and minor honours in all three bumpers; while hurdling debut at Lingfield (2m, heavy) in January was satisfactory, he disappointed there (2m3f, soft) next time and none of his form makes him a leading contender today.

10/1

1

20th Feb 2025

Soft

2m 3f 110y

Class 4

15:05 Lingfield

Blue Bellamy

11st 6lb

J: Harry Bannister

T: Richard J Bandey

Placed in three of his Irish points and minor honours in all three bumpers (two on soft); 13l third on hurdling debut here (2m, heavy) last month but he kept battling behind an odds-on rival and shaped as though this stiffer stamina test would suit; in the mix.

13/2

3rd

2

31st Jan 2025

Soft

2m 0f 0y

Class 4

14:15 Lingfield

Blue Bellamy

11st 8lb

J: Harry Bannister

T: Richard J Bandey

Placed in three of his Irish points and minor honours in all three bumpers (two on soft); assuming hurdles are no problem, he's in the mix.

5/1

Form:

Last run:

W: 11st 2lb

4 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
By Kayf Tara; dam bumper and useful 2m-3m hurdle/chase winner, half-sister to winners Danny Whizzbang (useful 2m7f-3m1f hurdle/chase), Socially Distant (2m/2m4f hurdle) and Mr Grey Sky (bumper/2m hurdle), out of bumper/2m-2m2f jumps winner; bred to be useful; yard does well (16% last five seasons) in this sphere; has had wind surgery.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

1

18th Nov 2025

Good To Soft

2m 0f 51y

Class 4

14:25 Kelso

Godfrey Bouillon

11st 0lb

J: Theo Gillard

T: Donald McCain

Weakened in a Wetherby bumper (2m; fifth of 12, 18-1) last December; switches to hurdles at a suitable level in a newly applied tongue-tie; pedigree strongly implies he'll need further in time.

4/1

5th

10

27th Dec 2024

Good To Soft

2m 0f 0y

Class 5

15:20 Wetherby

Godfrey Bouillon

11st 2lb

J: Theo Gillard

T: Donald McCain

visibility reduced by fog, midfield

9/1

5th

10

27th Dec 2024

Good To Soft

2m 0f 0y

Class 5

15:20 Wetherby

Godfrey Bouillon

11st 2lb

J: Theo Gillard

T: Donald McCain

visibility reduced by fog, midfield

9/1

Form: 1 D

Last run: 75 days

W: 11st 9lb

4 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Made a winning start in seven-runner race at Fontwell (good to soft; 5-1) in October, always prominent; open to improvement and should go well despite having to concede weight all round.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

1

20th May 2026

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 4

15:30 Warwick

Full Force Gale

12st 0lb

J: Jonathan Burke

T: Tom George

Bumper winner who has shown significant improvement since fitted with a tongue-tie and cheekpieces in handicaps over fences, winning over C&D (good) 16 days ago; further progress looks nailed on and he should be hard to beat.

5/6

1st

9

4th May 2026

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 4

16:25 Warwick

Full Force Gale

11st 1lb

J: Charlie Deutsch

T: Tom George

Lightly raced; first run in this headgear combination when runner-up over C&D and late mistake didn't help; up 2lb but should run well.

9/2

2nd

3

26th Mar 2026

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 5

15:28 Warwick

Full Force Gale

11st 12lb

J: Jonathan Burke

T: Tom George

Lightly raced since winning a bumper on debut in October 2024 and has struggled to get competitive on his three hurdle starts; sent straight over fences in first-time headgear for this handicap debut and a market check is advised, but others arrive with more compelling credentials.

12/1

20/1

Form:

Last run:

W: 11st 2lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
£15,000 yearling; brother to useful 2m4f-4m hurdle/chase winner Captain Cattistock, closely related to three winners including King's Threshold (2m5f hurdle/chase) and Bretney (3m-4m chase); yard has its share of bumper winners but this one is bred to excel over obstacles and longer distances.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

16th

10

24th Jan 2025

Good To Soft

2m 0f 128y

Class 5

15:48 Doncaster

Syfonic Sam

11st 2lb

J: Nathan Moscrop

T: Rebecca Menzies

Brother to very useful jumper Captain Cattistock; 40-1, not beaten far when seventh of 12 on debut at Wetherby (good to soft) four weeks ago but remains best watched.

33/1

16th

10

24th Jan 2025

Good To Soft

2m 0f 128y

Class 5

15:48 Doncaster

Syfonic Sam

11st 2lb

J: Nathan Moscrop

T: Rebecca Menzies

Brother to very useful jumper Captain Cattistock; 40-1, not beaten far when seventh of 12 on debut at Wetherby (good to soft) four weeks ago but remains best watched.

33/1

Form:

Last run:

W: 11st 2lb

4 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
£52,000 2yo; Blue Bresil half-brother to winners Midnight Tour (bumper/smart 2m-2m5f hurdle) and Miss Fleming (bumper); dam unraced half-sister to useful 2m jumper Locksmith; yard has had three wins from just 13 attempts in bumpers in the last five seasons.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

2nd Feb 2025

Good To Soft

1m 7f 124y

Class 2

13:22 Musselburgh

Midnight Potter

11st 2lb

J: Henry Brooke

T: Adrian Paul Keatley

Displayed some promise before weakening into eighth in Wetherby bumper (good to soft) in December but was tailed off when 66-1 for recent hurdling debut at Market Rasen and faces a tough task.

100/1

4

2nd Feb 2025

Good To Soft

1m 7f 124y

Class 2

13:22 Musselburgh

Midnight Potter

11st 2lb

J: Henry Brooke

T: Adrian Paul Keatley

Displayed some promise before weakening into eighth in Wetherby bumper (good to soft) in December but was tailed off when 66-1 for recent hurdling debut at Market Rasen and faces a tough task.

100/1

6

17th Jan 2025

Good To Soft

2m 2f 140y

Class 4

12:15 Market Rasen

Midnight Potter

11st 5lb

J: Danny McMenamin

T: Adrian Paul Keatley

always behind, pecked on landing 3rd, tailed off when pulled up before 2 out

20/1

Form:

Last run:

W: 11st 2lb

4 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
By Doyen; closely related to winners Into Overdrive (smart 2m3f-3m hurdle/chase), Over To Sam (useful 2m5f hurdle/3m2f chase) and Diamond Brig (2m4f/3m2f chase); dam multiple point winner up to 3m5f; stoutly bred and may be more of a long-term prospect.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

11

11th Apr 2026

Good

2m 4f 62y

Class 5

14:07 Newcastle

The Final Brig

10st 7lb

J: Jamie Hamilton

T: Mark Walford

Yet to offer much in his four runs over hurdles, pulled up in C&D novice in January; cheekpieces go on for his handicap debut after a break.

25/1

9

27th Jan 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 62y

Class 4

13:20 Newcastle

The Final Brig

11st 5lb

J: Tom Midgley

T: Mark Walford

Closely related to smart chaser Into Overdrive; hasn't shown a great deal in a bumper and three novice hurdles; best watched for now.

100/1

9th

20

27th Dec 2024

Good To Soft

2m 0f 0y

Class 5

15:20 Wetherby

The Final Brig

11st 2lb

J: Jamie Hamilton

T: Mark Walford

visibility reduced by fog, midfield

20/1

Form: 7

Last run: 13 days

W: 11st 2lb

4 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Never better than midfield when seventh of ten at Newcastle (good to soft; 22-1) two weeks ago; others preferred.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

(2)

14th Oct 2025

Standard

1m 2f 42y

Class 5

16:50 Newcastle (AW)

Timely Approach

9st 8lb

J: Tom Eaves

T: Tracy Waggott

Has cut little ice in a pair of bumpers and 1m novices at Pontefract and Thirsk this summer; very hard to make a case for.

66/1

4

(2)

9th Sep 2025

Good To Soft

1m 3f 39y

Class 5

18:15 Carlisle

Timely Approach

10st 0lb

J: William Pyle

T: Tracy Waggott

Well held in bumpers and in 1m maiden/novice; impossible to recommend.

50/1

2

(4)

2nd Aug 2025

Good To Firm

0m 7f 218y

Class 4

14:15 Thirsk

Timely Approach

9st 11lb

J: William Pyle

T: Tracy Waggott

Well held in bumpers and in 1m maiden at Pontefract (300-1); impossible to recommend.

100/1

Form:

Last run:

W: 10st 9lb

5 yo Mare

OR:

Form & Verdict
Ocovango half-sister to winners Dromore Lad (useful 2m4f-3m4f hurdle/chase) and Sun Rising Hill (bumper); dam unraced half-sister to useful 2m3f-2m5f hurdle/chase winner Twelve Roses; fetched only £5,000 as a 3yo but has quite a useful pedigree; yard 7-64 in bumpers in last five seasons; fitted with cheekpieces for debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

25

27th Dec 2024

Good To Soft

2m 0f 0y

Class 5

15:20 Wetherby

Sun Rising Legacy

10st 9lb

J: Kielan Woods

T: Alex Hales

visibility reduced by fog, held up in rear

25/1

11th

25

27th Dec 2024

Good To Soft

2m 0f 0y

Class 5

15:20 Wetherby

Sun Rising Legacy

10st 9lb

J: Kielan Woods

T: Alex Hales

visibility reduced by fog, held up in rear

25/1

12th
22
Annas Lady

33/1

Form:

Last run:

W: 10st 9lb

4 yo Filly

OR:

Form & Verdict
By Monsieur Bond; dam unplaced 6f/7f (RPR 34), half-sister to smart 5f-8.4f winner Hawkeyethenoo; rare bumper runner for this yard.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12th

22

27th Dec 2024

Good To Soft

2m 0f 0y

Class 5

15:20 Wetherby

Annas Lady

10st 9lb

T: Ian McInnes

visibility reduced by fog, in touch with leaders, prominent after 3f, pushed along and lost ground quickly halfway, tailed off

33/1

12th

22

27th Dec 2024

Good To Soft

2m 0f 0y

Class 5

15:20 Wetherby

Annas Lady

10st 9lb

T: Ian McInnes

visibility reduced by fog, in touch with leaders, prominent after 3f

33/1

Form: 1 D

Last run: 31 days

W: 11st 9lb

4 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

27th Dec 2024

Good To Soft

2m 0f 0y

Class 5

15:20 Wetherby

Old Blue Eyes

11st 9lb

T: Donald McCain

2

27th Dec 2024

Good To Soft

2m 0f 0y

Class 5

15:20 Wetherby

Old Blue Eyes

11st 9lb

T: Donald McCain

OUR TIP

Form:

Last run:

W: 11st 2lb

4 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

3

21st Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 189y

Class 2

13:30 Kelso

Baratablet

11st 9lb

J: Danny McMenamin

T: Nicky Richards

Won at Perth (2m4f, good to soft) last April and followed up at Newcastle (2m4f, good to soft) in December; he's performed respectably here (2m6f, good to soft) and at Newcastle (2m1f, good to soft) since and this lightly raced 6yo may still have more to offer, especially now back up in trip.

8/1

5th

1

21st Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 0f 190y

Class 3

15:20 Newcastle

Baratablet

12st 0lb

J: Brian Hughes

T: Nicky Richards

Made it 3-5 over hurdles with a comfortable 2m4f win here in December but off this 7lb higher mark he was never on an even keel when fourth at Kelso (2m6f); perhaps the track didn't help and, while it's surprising to see him back at 2m1f, he's a respected runner.

4/1

Form: 2

Last run: 26 days

W: 11st 2lb

4 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

24th Mar 2026

Good

3m 0f 60y

Class 5

15:30 Southwell

Big Bert

11st 13lb

J: Alex Chadwick

T: James Owen

Hasn't really progressed as expected from his competitive bumper runs and pulled up in his latest maiden after hanging left handed around Hereford; this track may be more to his liking and this is his first handicap in a new tongue-tie.

6/1

3

7th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 147y

Class 4

14:12 Hereford

Big Bert

11st 7lb

J: James Bowen

T: James Owen

Fair form shown in bumpers and when a good second in 2m4f Huntingdon maiden hurdle last March; brought down at the first on his return in 2m3f Fontwell maiden in October and not ruled out back after another break.

9/2

Form:

Last run:

W: 11st 2lb

4 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

31st Jan 2025

Soft

2m 7f 0y

Class 4

13:15 Lingfield

By George

11st 4lb

J: Richard Patrick

T: Lawney Hill

prominent, lost position but in touch with leaders 5th, struggling after 6th, weakened 3 out, tailed off when pulled up before 2 out

33/1

2

31st Jan 2025

Soft

2m 7f 0y

Class 4

13:15 Lingfield

By George

11st 4lb

J: Richard Patrick

T: Lawney Hill

Well beaten in his sole point and modest form when third of six in a bumper at Fontwell (2m2f, soft; 12-1) on Boxing Day; work to do.

33/1

6

27th Dec 2024

Good To Soft

2m 0f 0y

Class 5

15:20 Wetherby

By George

11st 2lb

T: Lawney Hill

Form:

Last run:

W: 11st 2lb

4 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

6

4th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 203y

Class 4

15:55 Haydock

Count Adhemar

11st 3lb

J: Theo Gillard

T: Donald McCain

Low-mileage 6yo; improved form since switched to fences, finishing second in 2m handicaps at Ludlow (soft) and Newcastle (good to soft) in recent months; the return to a longer trip won't need to unlock much improvement.

9/4

2nd

3

14th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 0f 75y

Class 4

14:15 Newcastle

Count Adhemar

11st 3lb

J: Brian Hughes

T: Donald McCain

Low mileage 6yo; improved form since switched to fences, doing his best work from the back of the last (mistake two out) when chasing home the subsequent Leicester scorer Falco Des Pins at Ludlow (2m, soft; beaten a neck) latest; 3lb rise justifiable; a major threat.

6/4

Form:

Last run:

W: 11st 2lb

4 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

4

21st Oct 2025

Good

2m 4f 35y

Class 4

13:50 Perth

Keep Tabs On You

11st 4lb

J: Jonathan Burke

T: Fergal O’Brien

Out of a half-sister to smart jumper Tombstone; unable to justify favouritism when only third of five on bumper debut at Ayr (heavy) in February but combination of wind surgery, tongue-tie and better ground may enable improvement on this hurdling debut.

4/1

3rd

3

24th Feb 2025

Soft

2m 0f 0y

Class 5

17:10 Ayr

Keep Tabs On You

11st 2lb

J: Jack Hogan

T: Fergal O’Brien

raced in second, lost second over 2f out, soon outpaced, stayed on final 110yds

7/4

13

27th Dec 2024

Good To Soft

2m 0f 0y

Class 5

15:20 Wetherby

Keep Tabs On You

11st 2lb

T: Fergal O’Brien

Form: 3

Last run: 28 days

W: 11st 2lb

4 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

6

1st Nov 2025

Good To Yielding

2m 0f 190y

13:00 Down Royal

Kevlar

11st 12lb

J: Kevin Sexton

T: A J Martin

Brother to French Grade 1-winning hurdler Sain D'Esprit; placed in both bumpers in Britain for Ewan Whillans last term and best run yet on latest of two starts for current yard when second at Kilbeggan in June; likely make up into a better hurdler but may need this following a break.

12/1

6th

6

1st Nov 2025

Good To Yielding

2m 0f 190y

13:00 Down Royal

Kevlar

11st 12lb

J: Kevin Sexton

T: A J Martin

Brother to French Grade 1-winning hurdler Sain D'Esprit; placed in both bumpers in Britain for Ewan Whillans last term and best run yet on latest of two starts for current yard when second at Kilbeggan in June; likely make up into a better hurdler but may need this following a break.

12/1

Form:

Last run:

W: 11st 2lb

4 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

2

7th Mar 2026

Soft

2m 4f 100y

Class 4

13:32 Ayr

Out Of The Woods

11st 7lb

J: Conner McCann

T: Lucinda Russell & Michael Scudamore

Soft-ground bumper winner who scored in good style on hurdle debut at Hexham (2m4f, good to soft) in November; showed no improvement for stepping up in trip when fourth of five at Musselburgh (3m, good to soft) in January but has possibilities back down in distance/grade.

9/2

4th

3

31st Jan 2026

Good To Soft

2m 7f 180y

Class 2

15:00 Musselburgh

Out Of The Woods

11st 5lb

J: Patrick Wadge

T: Lucinda Russell & Michael Scudamore

Soft-ground bumper winner who scored in good style on hurdle debut at Hexham (2m4f, good to soft) in November; finished held in warm novice at Newcastle (2m6f, good to soft) subsequently and improvement is necessary, but there can be optimism he'll be capable of better; not discounted.

9/1

Form:

Last run:

W: 11st 2lb

4 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

5

3rd Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 7f 149y

Class 4

15:35 Newcastle

Parish Quiz

11st 5lb

J: Nathan Moscrop

T: Rebecca Menzies

Point winner (£100,000 purchase); made all over C&D (heavy; 9-1) five weeks ago, his trainer unable to offer an explanation for the apparent improvement in form; still appears nicely weighted from this 5lb higher mark, so should go very well if returning in similar fettle.

5/2

Form:

Last run:

W: 11st 2lb

4 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

22nd Apr 2026

Good

2m 0f 104y

Class 5

18:30 Taunton

Pillar The Poet

11st 0lb

J: Ciaran Gethings

T: I Chanin

Finished a remote fourth over 2m3f here in February before taking a backward step when tailed off at Exeter (extended 2m5f, good) two weeks ago when tried in a hood (retained), both times ridden by a 7lb claimer; still lightly raced but needs to step up considerably.

25/1

12th

2

7th Apr 2026

Good

2m 5f 137y

Class 5

14:10 Exeter

Pillar The Poet

11st 11lb

J: Mr Darren Andrews

T: I Chanin

Left the Newland/Insole stable for 1,000gns last July, since when he's finished third in a point and a remote fourth on handicap debut at Taunton (2m3f; 16-1).

15/2

4th

1

26th Feb 2026

Soft

2m 3f 1y

Class 5

14:16 Taunton

Pillar The Poet

11st 12lb

J: Rian Corcoran

T: I Chanin

The odd whiff of ability in light career; left the Newland/Insole stable for 1,000gns last July and finished third in a maiden point in November on his only start since; insubstantial claims on handicap debut but his stable won a handicap last Sunday with its first hurdles runner of the season.

12/1

Form:

Last run:

W: 10st 9lb

5 yo Mare

OR:

Form & Verdict
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

12

12th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

2m 0f 0y

Class 2

17:20 Ayr

Bay Empress

11st 0lb

J: Bruce Lynn

T: Eloise Quayle

Trained by Micky Hammond when making winning start at Wetherby (soft; made all; 18-1) in February; this is a much deeper contest and she'll do well to follow up under a penalty.

25/1

12

12th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

2m 0f 0y

Class 2

17:20 Ayr

Bay Empress

11st 0lb

J: Bruce Lynn

T: Eloise Quayle

Trained by Micky Hammond when making winning start at Wetherby (soft; made all; 18-1) in February; this is a much deeper contest and she'll do well to follow up under a penalty.

25/1

1st

9

1st Feb 2025

Soft

2m 0f 0y

Class 5

15:50 Wetherby

Bay Empress

11st 0lb

J: Henry Brooke

T: Micky Hammond

26,000euros 3yo; second foal; half-sister to a fair Irish hurdler; dam 2m4f-2m5f hurdle winner, sister to useful staying hurdler Kris Spin; stable has some success in bumpers but this newcomer could be a longer-term prospect.

16/1

Form:

Last run:

W: 10st 9lb

4 yo Filly

OR:

Form & Verdict
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

24

27th Dec 2024

Good To Soft

2m 0f 0y

Class 5

15:20 Wetherby

Chica Princesa

10st 9lb

T: Micky Hammond

24

27th Dec 2024

Good To Soft

2m 0f 0y

Class 5

15:20 Wetherby

Chica Princesa

10st 9lb

T: Micky Hammond

Non-runners

Highland Ladie

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £26.50
Straight Forecast £39.93
Trifecta £182.90

Selections

The Times:

Harbour Island

POSTDATA:

Full Force Gale

The Guardian:

Blue Bellamy

SPOTLIGHT:

Geordie Mackem

Telegraph:

Full Force Gale

The Star:

Full Force Gale

Daily Mail:

Harbour Island

D Express:

Harbour Island

Daily Mirror:

Harbour Island

The Sun:

Blue Bellamy

Daily Record:

Blue Bellamy