February 20 / 15.15 Huntingdon

15.15

Good To Soft

2025 Annual Badges On Sale Now EBF Mares’ “National Hunt” Maiden Hurdle (EBF Mares’ Qualifier) (GBB)

  • Prize money: £4084.5
  • 2m 4f 145y
  • Class 4
  • 15 runners
RTV
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2025 Annual Badges On Sale Now EBF Mares’ “National Hunt” Maiden Hurdle (EBF Mares’ Qualifier) (GBB)

Runners: 15 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Showers

Form:

Last run:

W: 11st 6lb

5 yo Mare

OR:

Form & Verdict
First foal out of a 2m7f/3m1f hurdle winner but she's the only runner in here who lacks experience and the immediate fitting of headgear is a cause for concern.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

20th Feb 2025

Good To Soft

2m 4f 145y

Class 4

15:15 Huntingdon

Astroscope

11st 6lb

J: James Best

T: Sarah Humphrey

First foal out of a 2m7f/3m1f hurdle winner but she's the only runner in here who lacks experience and the immediate fitting of headgear is a cause for concern.

100/1

OUR TIP

Form: 72-552

Last run: 15 days

W: 11st 6lb

7 yo Mare

OR: 110

Form & Verdict
Bumper winner; now 0-6 over hurdles but three times a runner-up, latterly at Ludlow (2m5f) when just ahead of Sea Presenting; did get a more forward ride than the latter and she's no certainty to confirm those placings; still respected.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

6

22nd May 2026

Good

2m 7f 0y

Class 4

19:41 Worcester

Bettys Tiara

11st 11lb

J: Ben Jones

T: Ben Pauling

Looked promising when winning a bumper on her debut in August 2023 but it took her an age to get going over hurdles, eventually winning a Uttoxeter maiden last September; hasn't gone on from that in three subsequent runs and returns following a break.

14/1

1st

5

11th Sep 2025

Good

2m 7f 70y

Class 4

16:30 Uttoxeter

Bettys Tiara

10st 11lb

J: Callum Pritchard

T: Ben Pauling

0-11 over hurdles but did little wrong before succumbing to an improver at Worcester (2m7f, good) in July and has now finished second three consecutive times; versatile regarding ground, and a leading contender on today's terms.

5/4

Form: 623

Last run: 28 days

W: 11st 6lb

5 yo Filly

OR:

Form & Verdict
Good enough to hit the frame in her last two bumpers and, although it's not overly strong form, she's bred to improve for hurdles.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

6

16th May 2026

Good

2m 0f 145y

Class 4

15:20 Bangor-on-Dee

Diamonds Galore

11st 6lb

J: James Bowen

T: Nicky Henderson

Clearly not herself when pulled up in valuable series final in March but quickly got career back on track with odds-on maiden win at Market Rasen (2m, good) last month; returns to a handicap on workable mark and remains lightly raced; shortlisted.

5/2

1st

4

14th Apr 2026

Good

2m 0f 125y

Class 4

14:10 Market Rasen

Diamonds Galore

11st 6lb

J: James Bowen

T: Nicky Henderson

Runner-up on first three hurdling starts this season, losing out only narrowly on handicap debut at Ludlow (2m, soft; front pair clear) in February; clearly not herself when pulled up in valuable series final last month but should be fine on the forecast good ground here and will be hard to beat if back on song.

1/2

5

21st Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 0f 51y

Class 2

14:10 Kelso

Diamonds Galore

10st 13lb

J: David Bass

T: Nicky Henderson

Runner-up in two novice hurdles towards end of last year (2m/2m5f, good/good to soft) and filled the same position when beaten half a length on last month's handicap debut at Ludlow (2m, soft); she was well clear of the third last time and could play another leading role even now 4lb higher.

14/1

Form: 44

Last run: 28 days

W: 11st 6lb

5 yo Filly

OR:

Form & Verdict
Second in a point; fourth in both her bumpers, latterly finishing close up behind Diamonds Galore; pedigree bodes well for this longer trip on hurdle debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

8

29th Mar 2026

Good

2m 5f 146y

Class 3

17:25 Ascot

Dramatic Encore

10st 11lb

J: Brendan Powell

T: Harry Derham

Won a Huntingdon maiden (2m5f) last February and took a four-runner handicap at Plumpton (2m2f; second-time cheekpieces) 13 days ago, and good ground is probably okay, but to win this demands a career best.

6/1

1st

2

16th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 1f 169y

Class 4

15:45 Plumpton

Dramatic Encore

11st 9lb

J: Paul O’Brien

T: Harry Derham

Yet to build on her Huntingdon maiden hurdle win last February but she's gone close since; returned to some form when a 12l fourth at this level at Ludlow (2m5f, soft) last month, running without her usual tongue-tie but fitted with first-time cheekpieces; drops in trip here and eased in the weights, so worth considering.

2/1

4th

3

4th Feb 2026

Soft

2m 5f 55y

Class 4

15:33 Ludlow

Dramatic Encore

11st 8lb

J: Paul O’Brien

T: Harry Derham

Low-mileage 6yo who won Huntingdon maiden (2m4f, good to soft) just under a year ago; failed to build upon encouraging seasonal/handicap debut when well-held fourth at Sandown (2m4f, soft) in December but has possibilities if aided by new cheekpieces here; tongue-tie left off.

10/1

Form: 90

Last run: 51 days

W: 11st 6lb

7 yo Mare

OR:

Form & Verdict
Won an Irish point but, after a break of 641 days, she's been tailed off on soft ground in her two runs over hurdles.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

6

26th Feb 2026

Soft

2m 7f 3y

Class 4

16:01 Taunton

Fortune Dancer

11st 7lb

J: Freddie Gordon

T: Chris Gordon

Well beaten in three maiden/novice hurdles last season but she's 3-3 in chase handicaps this term including a win on soft ground on her penultimate run; 6lb higher than when making all at Windsor (3m, good) last time but she showed a good attitude to beat a clear second; open to more progress over fences; big player.

5/2

Form: 6-427

Last run: 56 days

W: 11st 6lb

6 yo Mare

OR:

Form & Verdict
Tailed off at Wincanton last time but her previous races when beaten in the region of 10l (bumper/maiden) were mildly encouraging; this isn't a strong race so she could have a part to play.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

1

4th May 2026

Good

2m 5f 5y

Class 5

17:35 Warwick

Hello Cello

12st 0lb

J: Ciaran O’Shea

T: Harry Fry

Kept on well to win at Fontwell (2m3f, good to soft) in October but failed to take to fences in next two starts and finished well held reverting to hurdles back at Fontwell (2m1f) last month over what may have been an inadequate test; needs to bounce back, but only 2lb higher than for her win and the step back up in trip will suit.

10/1

6th

2

27th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 1f 162y

Class 5

17:05 Fontwell

Hello Cello

11st 11lb

J: Ciaran O’Shea

T: Harry Fry

Won a 2m3f handicap hurdle here in October under Ciaran O'Shea (good to soft) and chasing hasn't gone to plan since then; respected back in this discipline as she's not handicapped out of it.

3/1

1

23rd Oct 2025

Good To Soft

2m 3f 29y

Class 5

15:15 Fontwell

Hello Cello

12st 0lb

J: Ciaran O’Shea

T: Harry Fry

Ciaran O'Shea aboard for last two runs in 2m4f handicaps at Worcester, both of which were respectable; unlikely to be far away.

4/1

Form: 3

Last run: 23 days

W: 11st 6lb

6 yo Mare

OR:

Form & Verdict
Placed in two British point bumpers and made a pleasing start under rules when close up in a Newcastle bumper on the AW; some tail-flashing didn't go unnoticed but she clearly has ability.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

6th May 2026

Good

3m 1f 210y

Class 5

18:42 Fontwell

Land Girls Luck

12st 0lb

J: Freddie Mitchell

T: Max Comley

Three-time hurdle winner; fourth of ten on chase debut at Exeter where 2m3f was on the sharp side; should run well.

5/1

4th

2

7th Apr 2026

Good

2m 3f 48y

Class 5

16:10 Exeter

Land Girls Luck

11st 13lb

J: Freddie Mitchell

T: Max Comley

Record of 3-16 over hurdles and placed in both her races following a lengthy break; she's not the biggest to be jumping fences but she measured her hurdles well; respected.

3/1

3rd

1

25th Mar 2026

Good

2m 3f 147y

Class 5

16:30 Hereford

Land Girls Luck

12st 0lb

J: Miss Aimee Jones

T: Max Comley

Dual 2m4f hurdle winner last June and she's held her from well since, most recently back from a 151-day break when a 2.5l second at Hereford 18-days ago ridden by Aimee Jones; likely to make her presence felt again off an unchanged mark.

4/1

Form: P93

Last run: 21 days

W: 11st 6lb

8 yo Mare

OR: 92

Form & Verdict
Winning pointer; improved for the hood when third at Wincanton (2m5f, heavy) but she was beaten 16l and has her work cut out here.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

4

22nd Mar 2026

Good

3m 0f 54y

Class 5

15:37 Exeter

Only Gossip

11st 0lb

J: Rex Dingle

T: Polly Gundry

0-10 under rules but left disappointing chase debut behind when second of ten at Fontwell (3m2f, soft) in January, and last month's Warwick third (3m, soft) was also a good effort; a possible if in similar form on the faster ground here.

4/1

3rd

1

20th Feb 2026

Soft

3m 0f 0y

Class 5

16:35 Warwick

Only Gossip

12st 0lb

J: Rex Dingle

T: Polly Gundry

Point winner who is 0-9 under rules but showed improved form when second at Fontwell (3m2f, soft) last month on her second chase start; this lightly raced 9yo may well be able to get off the mark today.

15/8

Form: 662

Last run: 31 days

W: 11st 6lb

5 yo Filly

OR:

Form & Verdict
Easily her best run yet when seeing her race out well to finish second at Warwick (2m3f, good to soft); perhaps has more on her plate this time.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

10

21st Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 118y

Class 1

15:00 Newbury

Pismo Beach

10st 12lb

J: Murray Dodd

T: Stuart Edmunds

Held up; 1-9 over hurdles but 5lb lower than when fourth under Murray Dodd at Cheltenham (2m4f, good to soft) in December, her best form; no match for Indannya or Fresh As A Daisy at Warwick next time, but her latest start (pulled up at Ludlow; tongue tied first time) is the chief worry.

16/1

4

4th Feb 2026

Soft

2m 5f 55y

Class 4

15:33 Ludlow

Pismo Beach

11st 7lb

J: Charlie Hammond

T: Stuart Edmunds

Just 1-8 over hurdles but kept on well to take fourth from out of the weights in good Cheltenham handicap (2m4f, good to soft) in December and also ran well when placed in Warwick novice (2m5f, good to soft) at end of that month; won't be far away if she copes with the slower ground here; tongue-tie added.

8/1

Form: 055

Last run: 15 days

W: 11st 6lb

5 yo Filly

OR:

Form & Verdict
50-1 when a long way behind Betty's Tiara and Sea Presenting at Ludlow 15 days ago.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

6th Mar 2025

Good To Soft

3m 1f 166y

Class 5

15:10 Fontwell

Ramalamadingdong

11st 7lb

J: David Bass

T: Richard J Bandey

disputed lead, prominent after 3rd, lost ground after 6th, reminder after 8th, struggling before 4 out

12/1

10

20th Feb 2025

Good To Soft

2m 4f 145y

Class 4

15:15 Huntingdon

Ramalamadingdong

11st 6lb

J: Tom Cannon

T: Richard J Bandey

50-1 when a long way behind Betty's Tiara and Sea Presenting at Ludlow 15 days ago.

100/1

5th

10

5th Feb 2025

Good To Soft

2m 5f 55y

Class 4

14:15 Ludlow

Ramalamadingdong

11st 5lb

J: Harry Bannister

T: Richard J Bandey

There's potential in her pedigree and there was a whiff of ability when 19l fifth of 11 in a maiden at Southwell (2m5f, good to soft; 150-1) last time on hurdle debut; much better is needed, though.

25/1

Form: 9

Last run: 33 days

W: 11st 6lb

5 yo Mare

OR:

Form & Verdict
Market drifter when completely tailed off in a Taunton maiden after racing too freely.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

6

26th Mar 2025

Good

2m 3f 147y

Class 4

15:00 Hereford

Rubymurree

11st 4lb

J: Paul O’Brien

T: Harry Derham

Has raced too freely in both starts, failing to complete at Huntingdon (2m4f, good to soft) latest.

25/1

11

20th Feb 2025

Good To Soft

2m 4f 145y

Class 4

15:15 Huntingdon

Rubymurree

11st 6lb

J: Harry Reed

T: Harry Derham

Market drifter when completely tailed off in a Taunton maiden after racing too freely.

66/1

9th

10

18th Jan 2025

Good To Soft

2m 0f 104y

Class 4

13:30 Taunton

Rubymurree

11st 4lb

J: Harry Reed

T: Harry Derham

in rear

8/1

Form: 33

Last run: 15 days

W: 11st 6lb

5 yo Mare

OR: 109

Form & Verdict
Held up out the back at Warwick (2m3f) and Ludlow (2m5f) but ran on well to reach the frame both times and was only a length off Betty's Tiara latterly; her form is right up there in this company and she's open to improvement.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12

20th Feb 2025

Good To Soft

2m 4f 145y

Class 4

15:15 Huntingdon

Sea Presenting

11st 6lb

J: Kevin Brogan

T: Toby Lawes

Held up out the back at Warwick (2m3f) and Ludlow (2m5f) but ran on well to reach the frame both times and was only a length off Betty's Tiara latterly; her form is right up there in this company and she's open to improvement.

3/1

3rd

11

5th Feb 2025

Good To Soft

2m 5f 55y

Class 4

14:15 Ludlow

Sea Presenting

11st 5lb

J: Kevin Brogan

T: Toby Lawes

Third in Irish point in October; 33-1 for mares' novice at Warwick (2m3f, good to soft) 16 days ago but she stayed on well to finish a close third of ten; a leading contender on that and showed plenty of promise.

5/4

Form: U

Last run: 64 days

W: 11st 6lb

5 yo Filly

OR:

Form & Verdict
Jumped the first hurdle at Ludlow slowly and unseated when repeating the trick at the second; can only be watched for now.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

4

10th May 2026

Good

2m 7f 174y

Class 5

14:52 Ludlow

Shorten Sassy

10st 11lb

J: Shane Quinlan

T: Mel Rowley

Off a reduced mark she finally showed more when a 3l third over 3m at Southwell last month (good) and she would appear to have found her level; respected.

9/2

3rd

6

1st Apr 2026

Good

3m 0f 60y

Class 5

17:02 Southwell

Shorten Sassy

10st 10lb

J: Shane Quinlan

T: Mel Rowley

Eight-race maiden who isn't obviously getting closer to a first handicap success despite falling in the weights, beaten 34l into fifth over 3m1f at Huntingdon last time.

8/1

5th

6

1st Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 1f 10y

Class 5

15:45 Huntingdon

Shorten Sassy

11st 0lb

J: Murray Dodd

T: Mel Rowley

Seven-race maiden; edging down the weights and has shown her stamina over 3m2f at Hereford (soft/good) but others look more compelling for the win; 7lb claimer replaces 3lb claimer.

7/1

Form: 18

Last run: 34 days

W: 11st 6lb

5 yo Filly

OR:

Form & Verdict
Won a point and followed up in a Carlisle bumper on soft ground, looking useful; brought back down to earth when well held in a Listed race a month ago but she should have a future over hurdles.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

4

21st Apr 2026

Soft

2m 7f 191y

Class 5

17:12 Ffos Las

Smile Back

11st 9lb

J: Harry Bannister

T: Richard Phillips

Placed in three of her four handicaps but was beaten about 19l when weakening third at Carlisle (3m1f, soft) in February and is not making any progress; hood left off here; stablemate Hidden Target appeals more.

14/1

3rd

4

16th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

3m 1f 0y

Class 5

16:40 Carlisle

Smile Back

11st 11lb

J: Finn Lambert

T: Richard Phillips

Course bumper winner (soft) who was runner-up at Leicester (2m4f, soft) towards the end of last year in her first two handicaps; only sixth when upped in trip at Taunton (3m, good to soft) last month but she could better that latest run when back on soft ground, on which she's shown her best form.

7/1

Form: 040

Last run: 23 days

W: 11st 6lb

6 yo Mare

OR:

Form & Verdict
Won a point bumper but has been beaten between 47l and 72l in three runs under rules, the last two over hurdles.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9

18th Aug 2025

Good To Firm

2m 6f 7y

Class 5

15:27 Stratford

Varinia

10st 8lb

J: Harry Reed

T: Stuart Edmunds

Came good over hurdles at sixth attempt, making all in five-runner contest at Fakenham (2m7f, good) in June, but the form isn't anything to go wild about and she was pulled up in Uttoxeter race won by Cinderello last month.

8/1

11

16th Jul 2025

Good

2m 7f 70y

Class 5

17:10 Uttoxeter

Varinia

10st 3lb

J: Harry Reed

T: Stuart Edmunds

Came good over hurdles at sixth attempt, making all in five-runner contest at Fakenham (2m7f, good) last month; will find it tougher to dominate this much deeper race but further progress is possible.

5/1

Selections

RP RATINGS:

Betty's Tiara

SPOTLIGHT:

Sea Presenting

LAMBOURN:

Diamonds Galore

The Star:

Diamonds Galore

Daily Record:

Diamonds Galore

The Times:

Sea Presenting

Telegraph:

Sea Presenting

The Guardian:

Sea Presenting

POSTDATA:

Betty's Tiara

WEST COUNTRY:

Betty's Tiara

Daily Mail:

Betty's Tiara

D Express:

Betty's Tiara

Daily Mirror:

Betty's Tiara

The Sun:

Betty's Tiara