February 27 / 16.53 Ludlow

16.53

Soft

Ian Meadow’s 65th Year Handicap Hurdle

  • Prize money: £3696.7
  • 2m 5f 55y
  • Class 5
  • 9 runners
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Ian Meadow’s 65th Year Handicap Hurdle

Runners: 9 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Partly cloudy

13/2 (Won)

  • Win: £3.50
  • Place: £1.30

Form: 86/452

Last run: 34 days

W: 10st 9lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 81

Form & Verdict
0-10 but returned to form with neck second of 16 to Brockarno at Doncaster (2m3f, good to soft) last month on his third stable start; can be thereabouts if handling the forecast soft ground.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7

22nd Mar 2025

Good

2m 7f 32y

Class 5

17:10 Bangor-on-Dee

Charming Getaway

11st 1lb

J: Charlie Deutsch

T: Mel Rowley

took keen hold, pressed leader

15/8

1st

9

27th Feb 2025

Soft

2m 5f 55y

Class 5

16:53 Ludlow

Charming Getaway

10st 9lb

J: Charlie Deutsch

T: Mel Rowley

0-10 but returned to form with neck second of 16 to Brockarno at Doncaster (2m3f, good to soft) last month on his third stable start; can be thereabouts if handling the forecast soft ground.

13/2

2nd

17

24th Jan 2025

Good To Soft

2m 3f 88y

Class 5

13:28 Doncaster

Charming Getaway

10st 7lb

J: Charlie Deutsch

T: Mel Rowley

8yo maiden; made the frame at Stratford (back from long absence) last May but has largely unconvincing form otherwise.

14/1

12/1

  • Place: £2.00

Form: 504

Last run: 27 days

W: 11st 9lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 95

Form & Verdict
Kept on for fourth in Lingfield maiden (2m, heavy) last month on third hurdle start and this 3m point runner-up is open to improvement now up in trip on handicap debut; interesting candidate.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

4

1st Apr 2026

Good

3m 0f 60y

Class 4

16:30 Southwell

Passing Pleasure

11st 9lb

J: Charlie Todd

T: Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero

Won handicaps at Musselburgh (hurdle; 2m4f, soft) and Catterick (chase; 2m3f, good to soft) on first two outings for this yard; beaten at short odds but advanced his RPR again when stepped up to around 3m under rules for the first time in a Newcastle chase four weeks ago, going down by a neck to a next-time-out winner with the pair 16l clear; another 6lb higher back hurdling but it may not stop him, particularly if reacting well to the new cheekpieces (added to the tongue-tie he's worn since joining this stable).

7/4

2nd

1

3rd Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 7f 91y

Class 4

16:05 Newcastle

Passing Pleasure

12st 0lb

J: Craig Nichol

T: Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero

Two out of two for current yard, winning handicap hurdle at Musselburgh (2m4f, soft) and handicap chase at Catterick (2m3f, good to soft); up 9lb; tongue-tie, tried on last two starts, is back on again; stable going well and he's one to take seriously.

5/4

12/1

  • Place: £2.60

Form: 4-3594 BF

Last run: 19 days

W: 10st 11lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 83

Form & Verdict
Went very close here last February and is now 7lb lower; the return to this track offers a glimmer of hope but this maiden has been well beaten on both starts this winter and needs to get back on track.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

9

28th May 2026

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 5

17:05 Worcester

Churchman

10st 4lb

J: Jonathan Burke

T: Alastair Ralph

Bang there in 2m3f/2m6f handicaps (good) in March and feasible excuses since then, as he was pressured up front two runs back and perhaps failed to stay 3m last time; now 0-23 under rules but one to bear in mind.

8/1

6th

5

10th May 2026

Good

2m 7f 174y

Class 5

14:52 Ludlow

Churchman

10st 10lb

J: Jack Hogan

T: Alastair Ralph

Now 0-20 over hurdles but was bang there in 2m3f/2m6f handicaps (good) in March and when beaten nearly 20l the last time he got pressured up front; unlikely to be far away.

5/1

3rd

6

16th Apr 2026

Good

2m 3f 147y

Class 5

16:57 Hereford

Churchman

10st 8lb

J: Jay Tidball

T: Alastair Ralph

0-19 over hurdles, which could be the bottom line, but he's been placed on four of his six starts this season, on last two occasions finishing runner-up on good ground over C&D and Stratford's 2m6f; wore cheekpieces on last three starts; looks set to be seriously involved again.

3/1

Form: /961-2

Last run: 15 days

W: 12st 0lb

8 yo Mare

OR: 100

Form & Verdict
Won at Hereford (2m3f, good) last January and she was making her first start since when going close there (2m5f, good to soft) a fortnight ago; also effective on soft ground; major player if avoiding the dreaded bounce on her second start back from an absence.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

1

16th Mar 2026

Soft

2m 4f 0y

Class 5

14:30 Ffos Las

Hellfire Princess

12st 0lb

J: Benjamin Macey

T: Kerry Lee

Posted career-best performance when coming from off the pace to score by 6l here (2m6f, soft) in November but returned from break with two lesser efforts last month (2m5f/3m1f) and now has a point to prove; usual cheekpieces (left off last time) back on today.

7/1

4th

2

16th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

3m 1f 0y

Class 5

16:40 Carlisle

Hellfire Princess

11st 13lb

J: Conor O’Farrell

T: Kerry Lee

9yo who is lightly raced for her age and won at Ffos Las (2m6f, soft) in November on second run back from break; not seen to same effect at Ludlow (2m5f, soft) 12 days ago but she's better than that; not ruled out.

16/1

6th

10

4th Feb 2026

Soft

2m 5f 55y

Class 4

15:33 Ludlow

Hellfire Princess

10st 11lb

J: Conor O’Farrell

T: Kerry Lee

Lightly raced over last couple of years but bounced back to form at Ffos Las (2m6f, soft) in November, staying on well to win by 6l; subsequent 6lb rise may not be beyond her if the emphasis is on stamina again.

7/1

Form: 5-6525

Last run: 35 days

W: 11st 11lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 97

Form & Verdict
Runner-up at Market Rasen (2m7f, good to soft) in December on second handicap start and this lightly raced 6yo retains potential for his top yard; has a question to answer regarding soft ground following his soundly beaten fifth at Wetherby (3m) but he's not ruled out today.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

2

27th Feb 2025

Soft

2m 5f 55y

Class 5

16:53 Ludlow

Entity Of Substanz

11st 11lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

Runner-up at Market Rasen (2m7f, good to soft) in December on second handicap start and this lightly raced 6yo retains potential for his top yard; has a question to answer regarding soft ground following his soundly beaten fifth at Wetherby (3m) but he's not ruled out today.

6/1

5th

2

23rd Jan 2025

Soft

3m 0f 26y

Class 5

15:15 Wetherby

Entity Of Substanz

11st 12lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

Stamina in pedigree and stepping up to an extended 2m7f triggered improvement when second of eight at Market Rasen (good to soft) seven weeks ago, with cheekpieces added; up 3lb but could have more to offer as a stayer.

7/2

5th

2

23rd Jan 2025

Soft

3m 0f 26y

Class 5

15:15 Wetherby

Entity Of Substanz

11st 12lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

Stamina in pedigree and stepping up to an extended 2m7f triggered improvement when second of eight at Market Rasen (good to soft) seven weeks ago, with cheekpieces added; up 3lb but could have more to offer as a stayer.

7/2

Form: 0-0644 BF

Last run: 23 days

W: 10st 13lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 85

Form & Verdict
No match for the first three when fourth on handicap debut at Taunton (2m3f, soft) three weeks ago but was a well-backed favourite and he shaped as though today's extra yardage would suit; one to consider.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

7

26th Mar 2026

Good

2m 7f 136y

Class 5

14:50 Chepstow

Tom Taggle

11st 3lb

J: Conor Ring

T: Mrs C Williams

Career highlight when winning a 15-runner handicap hurdle here (extended 2m7f, good) last April off 4lb lower; easily best of three runs this season was also his only one at this sort of trip (penultimate start) and he's one to keep an eye on now back up in trip on chase debut.

8/1

Form: -P6PP4 D

Last run: 184 days

W: 11st 3lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 89

Form & Verdict
On a reduced mark and he ran okay when fourth of eight over fences Stratford (3m3f) last August when last seen; however, this 10yo had a patchy profile last year and may be best watched on his return to action.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

7

6th May 2025

Good

2m 7f 0y

Class 4

18:18 Worcester

Pottlerath

11st 2lb

J: Kielan Woods

T: Matt Sheppard

Regained the winning thread at Stratford (3m3f) last time; remains well treated on historical data, such as his success off this mark in this race two years ago; shortlisted.

11/4

7th

7

6th May 2025

Good

2m 7f 0y

Class 4

18:18 Worcester

Pottlerath

11st 2lb

J: Kielan Woods

T: Matt Sheppard

Regained the winning thread at Stratford (3m3f) last time; remains well treated on historical data, such as his success off this mark in this race two years ago; shortlisted.

11/4

1st

4

13th Apr 2025

Good

3m 3f 119y

Class 5

14:18 Stratford

Pottlerath

11st 8lb

J: Stan Sheppard

T: Matt Sheppard

prominent

11/2

Form: -63771

Last run: 34 days

W: 11st 8lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 94

Form & Verdict
Switched to a hold-up ride and beat his 15 rivals to win at 40-1 at Doncaster (2m3f, good to soft) last month on his second handicap start, by a neck from Charming Getaway; needs to back up that improved performance but entitled to respect up 6lb.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

4

3rd May 2025

Good

3m 0f 10y

Class 5

19:00 Uttoxeter

Brockarno

11st 11lb

J: Lee Edwards

T: Belinda Clarke

Hard to predict over hurdles and has twice run flat since winning at 40-1 in January (2m3f, good to soft); difficult to trust on this switch to fences.

20/1

3rd

4

3rd May 2025

Good

3m 0f 10y

Class 5

19:00 Uttoxeter

Brockarno

11st 11lb

J: Lee Edwards

T: Belinda Clarke

Hard to predict over hurdles and has twice run flat since winning at 40-1 in January (2m3f, good to soft); difficult to trust on this switch to fences.

20/1

7th

5

22nd Mar 2025

Good

2m 3f 123y

Class 5

14:15 Bangor-on-Dee

Brockarno

11st 6lb

J: Lee Edwards

T: Belinda Clarke

Popped up at 40-1 in a 2m3f handicap at Doncaster in January (good to soft) and his overall profile suggests soft ground might not be ideal, which would excuse him last time (after a 6lb rise); could have a role to play.

12/1

OUR TIP

Form: 942P

Last run: 85 days

W: 11st 10lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 96

Form & Verdict
5yo who is very lightly raced and has shown ability but he was struggling before stamina may have been an issue on handicap debut here (3m, good to soft) in December and has something to prove after that.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

27th Feb 2025

Soft

2m 5f 55y

Class 5

16:53 Ludlow

Bits N Pieces

11st 10lb

J: Finn Lambert

T: Nigel Twiston-Davies

5yo who is very lightly raced and has shown ability but he was struggling before stamina may have been an issue on handicap debut here (3m, good to soft) in December and has something to prove after that.

14/1

2

4th Dec 2024

Good To Soft

2m 7f 174y

Class 5

12:23 Ludlow

Bits N Pieces

11st 9lb

J: Finn Lambert

T: Nigel Twiston-Davies

Unexposed 4yo who has shaped with promise in both his hurdle runs (2m2f/2m), most recently when a rallying second behind his main market rival at Hereford last month; has quite a bit of stamina on dam's side and he should have more to offer now handicapping over a staying trip; needs close look.

2/1

2

4th Dec 2024

Good To Soft

2m 7f 174y

Class 5

12:23 Ludlow

Bits N Pieces

11st 9lb

J: Finn Lambert

T: Nigel Twiston-Davies

Unexposed 4yo who has shaped with promise in both his hurdle runs (2m2f/2m), most recently when a rallying second behind his main market rival at Hereford last month; has quite a bit of stamina on dam's side and he should have more to offer now handicapping over a staying trip; needs close look.

2/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £17.60
Straight Forecast £14.90
Tricast £87.63
Trifecta £103.10

Selections

POSTDATA:

Hellfire Princess

SPOTLIGHT:

Tom Taggle

RP RATINGS:

Entity Of Substanz

The Times:

Brockarno

The Guardian:

Charming Getaway

Telegraph:

Tom Taggle

The Sun:

Tom Taggle

Daily Mail:

Hellfire Princess

D Express:

Hellfire Princess

Daily Mirror:

Hellfire Princess

The Star:

Hellfire Princess

Daily Record:

Hellfire Princess