January 04 / 15.40 Newcastle

15.40

Good To Soft

Newcastle Mares’ Handicap Hurdle (Go North Lady Buttons Series Qualifier)

  • Prize money: £3247.81
  • 2m 4f 62y
  • Class 5
  • 13 runners
SKY
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Newcastle Mares’ Handicap Hurdle (Go North Lady Buttons Series Qualifier)

Runners: 13 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Mostly cloudy

Form: -34474

Last run: 26 days

W: 12st 0lb

6 yo Filly

OR: 98

Form & Verdict
Very well handicapped on best form for Adrian Keatley, but left that stable after disappointing run in September and was safely held for new yard last month (1m7f); moves back up in trip with cheekpieces refitted; needs that recent run to have brought her on.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9

28th May 2025

Good To Soft

2m 1f 46y

Class 5

18:10 Cartmel

Belle Of Annandale

11st 6lb

J: Brian Hughes

T: R Mike Smith

Very well treated on some of last year's form for Adrian Keatley and seems versatile ground-wise but has not been firing on all cylinders in recent months.

14/1

9

28th May 2025

Good To Soft

2m 1f 46y

Class 5

18:10 Cartmel

Belle Of Annandale

11st 6lb

J: Brian Hughes

T: R Mike Smith

Very well treated on some of last year's form for Adrian Keatley and seems versatile ground-wise but has not been firing on all cylinders in recent months.

14/1

8

15th May 2025

Good

2m 4f 35y

Class 4

15:21 Perth

Belle Of Annandale

10st 5lb

J: Sean Quinlan

T: R Mike Smith

Won a 2m maiden here and a 1m7f novice at Musselburgh in 2023; bit disappointing in handicaps at up to 3m last season but well handicapped as a result.

12/1

OUR TIP

Form: 34151- D

Last run: 257 days

W: 11st 10lb

8 yo Mare

OR: 94

Form & Verdict
Made significant improvement towards end of last season, winning at Carlisle (2m1f, soft) and Hexham (2m4f, heavy); may yet have more to offer but has fitness to prove after 257-day absence.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

25th May 2025

Good To Firm

2m 4f 189y

Class 4

16:33 Kelso

Blame Rose

10st 9lb

J: Nathan Moscrop

T: Susan Corbett

Last effort of note was when winning on heavy ground at Hexham (2m4f) just over a year ago; perhaps went off too fast there last time (especially over 2m7f; good to soft) but current wellbeing looks an issue.

12/1

5

25th May 2025

Good To Firm

2m 4f 189y

Class 4

16:33 Kelso

Blame Rose

10st 9lb

J: Nathan Moscrop

T: Susan Corbett

Last effort of note was when winning on heavy ground at Hexham (2m4f) just over a year ago; perhaps went off too fast there last time (especially over 2m7f; good to soft) but current wellbeing looks an issue.

12/1

7th

3

3rd May 2025

Good

2m 7f 63y

Class 5

20:10 Hexham

Blame Rose

11st 6lb

J: Nathan Moscrop

T: Susan Corbett

Won a 2m4f handicap here last April but things have fallen apart in just three runs since (form figures of U0P); showed signs of being in season when pulled up at Newcastle last month but she still has stamina to prove at this trip and both wins have been in the mud; down the list.

9/1

Form: -34432

Last run: 18 days

W: 11st 8lb

6 yo Filly

OR: 92

Form & Verdict
0-7 over hurdles but ran well in defeat on consecutive appearances towards end of last year (2m5f/2m3f, good) and will be fine on today's slower ground; can make her presence felt again.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

5

24th May 2026

Good

2m 4f 189y

Class 5

15:37 Kelso

Vanilla Dancer

11st 7lb

J: Danny McMenamin

T: Chris Grant

1-21 over hurdles, her win coming at Catterick in February; creditable efforts on all three runs since, including when second over C&D last month (good); sound run at Perth last time (2m5f, good); chance.

6/1

4th

3

6th May 2026

Good

2m 4f 189y

Class 5

16:00 Kelso

Vanilla Dancer

11st 12lb

J: William Maggs

T: Chris Grant

1-20 over hurdles; neck second in a mares' handicap here last month (2m5f, good); each-way chance.

3/1

2nd

3

2nd Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 189y

Class 5

15:10 Kelso

Vanilla Dancer

11st 13lb

J: Danny McMenamin

T: Chris Grant

Just one win from her 19 hurdle starts but that came at Catterick (1m7f, soft) in February and she made a bad mistake when fourth at Carlisle (2m1f, soft) next time; she'll be fine now back up in trip and back on better ground, and could give a good account.

7/1

Form: 226446

Last run: 47 days

W: 11st 8lb

7 yo Mare

OR: 92

Form & Verdict
0-14 under rules when trained by Fergal O'Brien; reverts to hurdling on a workable mark for new stable but has raced mainly on good ground and needs to prove herself on soft.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

5

16th Jan 2025

Good To Soft

2m 4f 62y

Class 5

14:45 Newcastle

Faha Belle

11st 6lb

J: Sean Quinlan

T: Lizzie Quinlan

prominent

11/1

8th

5

16th Jan 2025

Good To Soft

2m 4f 62y

Class 5

14:45 Newcastle

Faha Belle

11st 6lb

J: Sean Quinlan

T: Lizzie Quinlan

prominent, not fluent 5th

11/1

Form: -04234

Last run: 21 days

W: 11st 8lb

6 yo Mare

OR: 92

Form & Verdict
In the frame all four hurdling starts; rather disappointing when well-held fourth of six here (2m6f) three weeks ago and yet to race on anything other than good ground, but improvement is possible on this handicap debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

4

4th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 61y

Class 4

16:40 Carlisle

Devon Skies

11st 8lb

J: Joe Williamson

T: Philip Kirby

Completed a hat-trick in November (2m5f/2m4f, good-soft) and bounced back from Sedgefield blip to win at Catterick (2m3f, soft) in January; only a respectable fourth at Wetherby next time but has been eased 2lb since.

11/2

4th

3

26th Feb 2026

Soft

2m 3f 154y

Class 4

16:45 Wetherby

Devon Skies

11st 10lb

J: Joe Williamson

T: Philip Kirby

Completed a hat-trick in November (2m5f/2m4f, good-soft) and bounced back from Sedgefield blip to win at Catterick (2m3f, soft) four weeks ago; this front-runner is clearly progressive and could make another bold bid.

7/2

1st

5

30th Jan 2026

Soft

2m 3f 66y

Class 5

14:10 Catterick

Devon Skies

11st 6lb

J: Joe Williamson

T: Philip Kirby

Completed a hat-trick in November (2m4f/2m5f, good-soft); pulled up at Sedgefield (2m4f, good to soft) on Boxing Day when bidding for four-timer and something to prove after that, but it's possible it was just a blip.

6/1

Form: 860P3-

Last run: 332 days

W: 11st 4lb

12 yo Mare

OR: 88

Form & Verdict
Arrested her decline with 40-1 third at Sedgefield (3m3f, soft) last February, but this veteran has not raced again since and can't be supported with much confidence.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10

6th Jun 2025

Good

2m 7f 32y

Class 5

16:40 Bangor-on-Dee

On We Go

10st 7lb

J: Jamie Hamilton

T: Gillian Boanas

Five-time hurdle winner but not since February 2023; hinted at possible return to form when third at Carlisle (3m1f, good) in April but didn't build on that performance last time; not the percentage call.

25/1

5th

9

3rd May 2025

Good

2m 7f 63y

Class 5

19:40 Hexham

On We Go

10st 2lb

J: Sean Quinlan

T: Gillian Boanas

On long losing run but she showed signs of a revival when third of six at Carlisle (3m1f, good) last month; 4lb out of the weights this time but she could get involved if she can build on that last run.

12/1

5th

9

3rd May 2025

Good

2m 7f 63y

Class 5

19:40 Hexham

On We Go

10st 2lb

J: Sean Quinlan

T: Gillian Boanas

On long losing run but she showed signs of a revival when third of six at Carlisle (3m1f, good) last month; 4lb out of the weights this time but she could get involved if she can build on that last run.

12/1

Form: P-914P D

Last run: 2 days

W: 11st 2lb

8 yo Mare

OR: 86

Form & Verdict
Returned from a break with narrow win at Sedgefield (2m4f, good to soft) in October and last month's Haydock fourth (3m, soft) was perfectly respectable, but she was tailed off at Ayr on Thursday and will need to rebound very quickly if she turns up.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

6

4th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

3m 3f 9y

Class 5

15:52 Sedgefield

Topkapi Star

11st 2lb

J: Peter Kavanagh

T: Ewan Whillans

Course winner who scored easily at Ayr (2m5f, soft) last January and is now 1lb lower; however, she's been unable to match that level of form in the meantime and needs to raise her game this afternoon.

16/1

4th

7

18th Nov 2025

Good To Soft

3m 0f 100y

Class 5

12:55 Kelso

Topkapi Star

11st 1lb

J: Peter Kavanagh

T: Ewan Whillans

5-45; wide-margin winner at Ayr (2m5f, soft; first-time cheekpieces) in January; moderate since, pulling up at Perth (2m4f, soft) on recent return from four-month break; easing mark but with clear risks attached.

10/1

8

21st Oct 2025

Good

2m 4f 35y

Class 4

16:40 Perth

Topkapi Star

10st 6lb

J: Peter Kavanagh

T: Ewan Whillans

Wide-margin winner in first-time cheekpieces at Ayr (2m5f, soft) in January but yet to build on that success; just a respectable third of five on latest outing at Hexham (2m7f, good to soft) in June; others preferred.

16/1

Form: -0P065

Last run: 18 days

W: 11st 0lb

6 yo Filly

OR: 84

Form & Verdict
On good mark now and was seemingly perked up by change of headgear when respectable fifth at Catterick (2m3f, good; first-time cheekpieces) last month, but it's hard to predict whether she'll build on that recent effort.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

7

5th Feb 2025

Good To Soft

2m 3f 188y

Class 5

15:35 Sedgefield

Bridgetjoans

10st 12lb

J: Charlie Maggs

T: Simon Waugh

held up in midfield, went remote fourth run-in

7/2

4th

7

5th Feb 2025

Good To Soft

2m 3f 188y

Class 5

15:35 Sedgefield

Bridgetjoans

10st 12lb

J: Charlie Maggs

T: Simon Waugh

held up in midfield, went remote fourth run-in

7/2

4th

12

16th Jan 2025

Good To Soft

2m 4f 62y

Class 5

14:45 Newcastle

Bridgetjoans

10st 12lb

J: Charlie Maggs

T: Simon Waugh

in touch with leaders

9/1

Form: -PP702 C

Last run: 21 days

W: 11st 0lb

10 yo Mare

OR: 84

Form & Verdict
Out of sorts in early part of this season but, following a break, travelled strongly for a long way when second here (2m1f, good to soft) three weeks ago; 2m4f also suits and she remains well handicapped; shortlisted.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

7th May 2025

Good

2m 0f 51y

Class 5

16:35 Kelso

Shes A Rocca

11st 1lb

J: Conor Rabbitt

T: Nicky Richards

Triple hurdle winner, who ended last year with a second at Newcastle (2m1f, good to soft) but she's been out of sorts in her two runs (pulled up/tailed off) this spring; new headgear is now tried and she needs a major revival back in trip.

12/1

4

7th May 2025

Good

2m 0f 51y

Class 5

16:35 Kelso

Shes A Rocca

11st 1lb

J: Conor Rabbitt

T: Nicky Richards

Triple hurdle winner, who ended last year with a second at Newcastle (2m1f, good to soft) but she's been out of sorts in her two runs (pulled up/tailed off) this spring; new headgear is now tried and she needs a major revival back in trip.

12/1

10th

8

5th Apr 2025

Good

2m 4f 62y

Class 5

14:05 Newcastle

Shes A Rocca

10st 12lb

J: Conor Rabbitt

T: Nicky Richards

prominent, pressed leader 6th

16/1

Form: 4P0-0P D

Last run: 228 days

W: 10st 13lb

9 yo Mare

OR: 83

Form & Verdict
Well beaten on both hurdling starts last spring and absent since pulled up in a chase soon afterwards; resumes on a tempting mark with conditions suitable, but it still takes a leap of faith to support her.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

7

5th Apr 2025

Good

2m 7f 149y

Class 5

12:55 Newcastle

Noble Affair

10st 13lb

J: Murray Dodd

T: Jane Walton

in touch with leaders on inner, prominent 3rd, lost position before 3 out, weakened from 2 out

9/1

4th

7

5th Apr 2025

Good

2m 7f 149y

Class 5

12:55 Newcastle

Noble Affair

10st 13lb

J: Murray Dodd

T: Jane Walton

in touch with leaders on inner, prominent 3rd

9/1

7th

11

25th Mar 2025

Good To Soft

2m 4f 28y

Class 5

14:20 Hexham

Noble Affair

10st 5lb

J: William Maggs

T: Jane Walton

led

14/1

Form: 6/45-9

Last run: 24 days

W: 10st 10lb

7 yo Filly

OR: 80

Form & Verdict
Unplaced all six hurdling starts; showed some ability in 2023 but was soundly beaten on last month's stable debut and needs to have taken significant benefit from that outing.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

11

11th Dec 2024

Soft

2m 7f 63y

Class 5

14:20 Hexham

Lunar Glow

10st 10lb

J: Ryan Mania

T: Paul Robson

in touch with leaders

16/1

Form: 3P-809

Last run: 56 days

W: 10st 2lb

10 yo Mare

OR: 72

Form & Verdict
0-20 over hurdles; placed at massive odds in 2m4f Sedgefield maiden in October 2023 but has not had much else to shout about in recent years; first-time cheekpieces.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10

16th Feb 2025

Good To Soft

2m 3f 171y

Class 5

15:00 Musselburgh

Le Fous Keep

10st 2lb

J: Peter Kavanagh

T: Hugh Burns

Didn't run badly when eighth at Sedgefield last May but well beaten on her three runs since and is now 0-21; she'd be a surprise winner.

25/1

9th

9

5th Feb 2025

Good To Soft

2m 3f 188y

Class 5

15:05 Sedgefield

Le Fous Keep

10st 2lb

J: Charlie Maggs

T: Hugh Burns

in rear

50/1

9th

9

5th Feb 2025

Good To Soft

2m 3f 188y

Class 5

15:05 Sedgefield

Le Fous Keep

10st 2lb

J: Charlie Maggs

T: Hugh Burns

in rear

50/1

Form: 5PPPU6

Last run: 18 days

W: 10st 2lb

5 yo Filly

OR: 69

Form & Verdict
Failed to complete in first four hurdle races and was nothing better than a respectable sixth on last month's handicap debut at Catterick (2m3f good), but she remains unexposed and is worth a glance in the betting; 3lb wrong.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13th

14

(11)

20th Feb 2026

Standard

1m 4f 14y

Class 2

19:30 Southwell (AW)

Tres Bien

9st 1lb

J: Darragh Keenan

T: Hayley Burton

Placed in a bumper but now exposed as a limited hurdler and this is her third trainer after seven starts.

200/1

Verdict

Chris Grant’s VANILLA DANCER ended last year with two very creditable runs and is taken to open her hurdling account at the eighth attempt. She’s A Rocca looked back in good form when second over 2m1f here last month and, still well handicapped, is feared most. Tres Bien made a very inauspicious start to her hurdling career, but she seemed to be getting her act together when sixth (behind the selection) last month and is a more speculative option to consider.[Chris Wilson]