March 08 / 16.35 Ayr

16.35

Soft

Virgin Bet Daily Price Boosts Novices’ Handicap Hurdle

  • Prize money: £3696.7
  • 3m 0f 70y
  • Class 5
  • 16 runners
RTV
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Virgin Bet Daily Price Boosts Novices’ Handicap Hurdle

Runners: 16 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Cloudy

OUR TIP

16/1 (Won)

  • Win: £33.50
  • Place: £5.40

Form: 9496

Last run: 50 days

W: 11st 12lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 98

Form & Verdict
Merely sixth of nine when upped in trip for handicap debut at Market Rasen (2m7f, good to soft) in January but perhaps the first-time cheekpieces will help this lightly raced 3m point runner-up; not written off.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

22nd Apr 2026

Soft

2m 7f 207y

Class 5

17:12 Perth

Monsieur Le Fuzz

11st 8lb

J: Mr Joe Wright

T: Rebecca Menzies

Won a 3m novice handicap hurdle at Ayr in March 2025 (soft; cheekpieces on for first time); best run since when second at Catterick in February (3m1f, good to soft) but well held in valuable race at Musselburgh last time; each-way chance.

10/1

8th

10

20th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 7f 180y

Class 2

16:30 Musselburgh

Monsieur Le Fuzz

10st 10lb

J: Ross Chapman

T: Rebecca Menzies

Following wind surgery he left this season's form well behind to finish a clear second at Catterick (3m1f, good to soft) last month; he can be involved if backing up that latest effort; a visor replaces cheekpieces.

10/1

2nd

1

24th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

3m 1f 71y

Class 5

16:30 Catterick

Monsieur Le Fuzz

12st 0lb

J: Ross Chapman

T: Rebecca Menzies

Won a novice handicap off 1lb higher at Ayr in March last year (3m, soft; cheekpieces on for first time); hasn't run as well since, but has a chance on first run back after wind surgery.

14/1

8/1

  • Place: £1.70

Form: -51245 D

Last run: 17 days

W: 11st 4lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 90

Form & Verdict
9yo who is more exposed than most of these but he's been in pretty good heart this season and won at Carlisle (3m, good to soft) in November; seems versatile ground-wise and is in with an each-way shout.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

6

31st Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 62y

Class 5

17:00 Newcastle

Glory Hights

11st 2lb

J: Danny McMenamin

T: Chris Grant

Only win in 17 runs over hurdles was at Carlisle in November 2024 (3m, good to soft); back on the same mark and two good runs over C&D on last two starts so could go well.

7/1

4th

11

14th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 62y

Class 5

14:45 Newcastle

Glory Hights

11st 0lb

J: Ross Chapman

T: Chris Grant

Sole win from a similar mark at Carlisle (3m) in November 2024; runner-up over C&D latest, one of many solid efforts at this track (22242P2); still in front - looking the likeliest winner - in void race over C&D two-years ago; entitled to respect.

5/1

2nd

12

21st Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 62y

Class 5

13:35 Newcastle

Glory Hights

10st 13lb

J: Danny McMenamin

T: Chris Grant

Only previous win was over 3m but off this mark; stopped the rot when beaten 5l in first-time cheekpieces at Wetherby and he's effective at this trip.

12/1

20/1

  • Place: £6.60

Form: P5-9PP

Last run: 23 days

W: 11st 0lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 86

Form & Verdict
Bumper winner who also showed ability in novice hurdles in late 2023, but he's struggled in handicaps; pulled up on both runs this winter.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

8

2nd May 2026

Good

3m 0f 41y

Class 5

19:45 Hexham

Rob Roy Macgregor

10st 13lb

J: Patrick Wadge

T: Sandy Thomson

Bumper winner on debut (2m1f, heavy); four fair runs with cheekpieces at up to 4m this year, all with give in the ground; worth considering.

6/1

3rd

10

25th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 7f 199y

Class 4

15:41 Hexham

Rob Roy Macgregor

10st 2lb

J: Patrick Wadge

T: Sandy Thomson

0-16 since winning on debut in March 2023 and he's 5lb out of the handicap today; however, he's been hinting in chases at about 3m this year that today's extra test of stamina may be right up his street; interesting for stable that had an excellent weekend.

8/1

20/1

  • Place: £2.80

Form: -47544

Last run: 11 days

W: 10st 2lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 72

Form & Verdict
Hasn't run badly over hurdles/fences the last twice but he's 0-30 and is going beyond an extended 2m4f for the first time; others preferred.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9

24th May 2025

Good

3m 1f 107y

Class 5

18:38 Cartmel

Fathers Advice

10st 5lb

J: Ben Smith

T: R Mike Smith

Came good at 32nd attempt, from just out of the weights in Perth chase (3m, good) ten days ago; has run well here (albeit over hurdles) and is still unexposed over staying trips; no surprise if he features.

5/1

9

24th May 2025

Good

3m 1f 107y

Class 5

18:38 Cartmel

Fathers Advice

10st 5lb

J: Ben Smith

T: R Mike Smith

Came good at 32nd attempt, from just out of the weights in Perth chase (3m, good) ten days ago; has run well here (albeit over hurdles) and is still unexposed over staying trips; no surprise if he features.

5/1

7

14th May 2025

Good

2m 7f 180y

Class 5

19:30 Perth

Fathers Advice

10st 2lb

J: Nathan Moscrop

T: R Mike Smith

Has 0-31 strike-rate and is 2lb wrong today but ran quite well when upped to 3m over hurdles at Ayr (soft; also suited by good) in March and remains unexposed over this trip; back over fences today; not ruled out.

10/1

Form: -00513 C

Last run: 44 days

W: 10st 12lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 84

Form & Verdict
Won in first-time visor (retained since) here (2m5f, soft) in January; faded when soundly beaten third of 11 at Wetherby (3m, soft) last time and he'll need to see out the trip better today, but he's not ruled out.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

15

21st Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 62y

Class 5

13:35 Newcastle

Boolamore Classic

10st 3lb

J: Bruce Lynn

T: N W Alexander

Won an Ayr handicap 13 months ago when visored for the first time so there's hope that the new blinkers might have a similar effect; risky enough, though.

25/1

7

3rd May 2025

Good

2m 7f 63y

Class 5

19:40 Hexham

Boolamore Classic

10st 5lb

J: Bruce Lynn

T: N W Alexander

Won in first-time visor at Ayr (2m5f, soft) in January but he's taken two backward steps since and was a well-held fifth at Ayr (3m, soft) last time; bit to prove again and he needs to find some extra reserves of stamina.

9/1

7

3rd May 2025

Good

2m 7f 63y

Class 5

19:40 Hexham

Boolamore Classic

10st 5lb

J: Bruce Lynn

T: N W Alexander

Won in first-time visor at Ayr (2m5f, soft) in January but he's taken two backward steps since and was a well-held fifth at Ayr (3m, soft) last time; bit to prove again and he needs to find some extra reserves of stamina.

9/1

Form: 2-548

Last run: 25 days

W: 11st 8lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 94

Form & Verdict
Tailed off at 40-1 on handicap debut here (2m4f, soft) last month but that was his first outing since last May; showed staying potential in 2m-2m4f novice hurdles last spring and this 3m point runner-up could be a big improver on this second start back from a break.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

7th Jun 2025

Good

2m 7f 63y

Class 4

18:50 Hexham

Powers Dilemma

10st 2lb

J: Peter Kavanagh

T: Lizzie Quinlan

0-7 under rules but ran quite well on chasing debut here (3m, good to soft; first-time cheekpieces) in March and switched back to hurdling with clear second over C&D (good) last month; moves up from Class 5 today but still features prominently in calculations.

3/1

2

20th May 2025

Good

2m 7f 63y

Class 5

17:58 Hexham

Powers Dilemma

11st 7lb

J: Peter Kavanagh

T: Lizzie Quinlan

Yet to win over hurdles; creditable third of five in a 3m handicap on chase debut here in first-time cheekpieces off this mark last time (good to soft); headgear retained now back hurdling.

13/2

2

20th May 2025

Good

2m 7f 63y

Class 5

17:58 Hexham

Powers Dilemma

11st 7lb

J: Peter Kavanagh

T: Lizzie Quinlan

Yet to win over hurdles; creditable third of five in a 3m handicap on chase debut here in first-time cheekpieces off this mark last time (good to soft); headgear retained now back hurdling.

13/2

Form: 8774

Last run: 20 days

W: 10st 3lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 75

Form & Verdict
Former pointer who was suited by the step up in trip when fourth on handicap debut at Musselburgh (3m, good to soft) last month; he's at a more galloping track today which could prompt further improvement; contender.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

25th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 41y

Class 5

14:41 Hexham

Didntgotwenty

10st 12lb

J: Sean Quinlan

T: Martin Todhunter

On the up since fitted with cheekpieces and he readily got off the mark in 2m4f handicap at Musselburgh last month; hiked up 9lb but he seems sure to go well if his stamina holds out over this longer trip.

15/8

Form: 3-7454

Last run: 29 days

W: 12st 0lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 100

Form & Verdict
Last of four on handicap debut at Bangor (2m7f, soft) last month but didn't run badly in what may have been a warm little race, and improvement is possible from this lightly raced 6yo; has a chance.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

1

8th Mar 2025

Soft

3m 0f 70y

Class 5

16:35 Ayr

Miami Steve

12st 0lb

J: Charlie Maggs

T: Donald McCain

Last of four on handicap debut at Bangor (2m7f, soft) last month but didn't run badly in what may have been a warm little race, and improvement is possible from this lightly raced 6yo; has a chance.

15/2

4th

6

7th Feb 2025

Soft

2m 7f 32y

Class 4

15:50 Bangor-on-Dee

Miami Steve

11st 2lb

J: Theo Gillard

T: Donald McCain

Has shown some ability in bumpers and over hurdles, well beaten when trying 2m4f on last two occasions but he did rally; needs improvement on this handicap debut but the extra 3f could be a plus point.

5/1

4th

6

7th Feb 2025

Soft

2m 7f 32y

Class 4

15:50 Bangor-on-Dee

Miami Steve

11st 2lb

J: Theo Gillard

T: Donald McCain

Has shown some ability in bumpers and over hurdles, well beaten when trying 2m4f on last two occasions but he did rally; needs improvement on this handicap debut but the extra 3f could be a plus point.

5/1

Form: 495

Last run: 25 days

W: 11st 13lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 99

Form & Verdict
Not obviously well treated off opening mark but he showed some ability among his first three hurdle runs (2m1f-2m4f) and was fourth in two 3m points in 2023; could improve for the step up in trip; watch the betting.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

14th

16

2nd May 2026

Good

2m 7f 63y

Class 5

20:15 Hexham

Lord De Vinci

10st 8lb

J: Callum Bewley

T: Daragh Bourke

Ten-race maiden; tried chasing without success this year and, having been pulled up Carlisle (2m3f, good to soft) when returned to hurdling last time, is perhaps best watched for now.

33/1

3

4th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 61y

Class 5

14:57 Carlisle

Lord De Vinci

11st 5lb

J: Callum Bewley

T: Daragh Bourke

Chasing has not really gone to plan this year (unplaced all four attempts) but he shaped well when fourth in C&D hurdle (soft) on seasonal debut in December and is now 8lb lower; headgear removed; worth a second look.

7/1

4th

7

14th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 7f 91y

Class 5

16:35 Newcastle

Lord De Vinci

11st 3lb

J: Callum Bewley

T: Daragh Bourke

Showed some promise in points and over hurdles, but was 31l behind Hawkseye View over 2m4f here last week (cheekpieces tried); new headgear and up in trip, but plenty to find.

20/1

16/1

Form: 45-878

Last run: 65 days

W: 11st 7lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 93

Form & Verdict
Lightly raced 6yo who who takes a big step up in trip on handicap debut; yet to get competitive and his claims aren't compelling, but he's unexposed and can't be ruled out; watch the betting (one of three for the yard).
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6

13th May 2026

Good

2m 7f 180y

Class 5

15:43 Perth

Jirko

11st 0lb

J: Bruce Lynn

T: N W Alexander

Yet to win (0-12) but consistent enough since introduced to fences (32333U); this easing mark is helpful from a handicapping perspective but he needs to brush up his jumping - last two efforts in cheekpieces unconvincing - to threaten the principals.

6/1

11

23rd Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 7f 180y

Class 4

17:15 Perth

Jirko

10st 4lb

J: Dominic Hislop

T: N W Alexander

11-race maiden; placed on all five starts over fences this term, although was disappointing when last of three with cheekpieces tried at Ayr last time (2m4f, soft; didn't jump well); headgear retained; each-way chance.

11/1

3rd

3

6th Mar 2026

Soft

2m 4f 110y

Class 4

14:20 Ayr

Jirko

10st 6lb

J: Bruce Lynn

T: N W Alexander

0-10 under all codes but made the frame in four consecutive chases this season, the last three over 3m here (soft/heavy); interesting to see whether combination of drop back in trip and first-time cheekpieces pays dividends.

15/8

Form: 9/3-P2

Last run: 39 days

W: 11st 11lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 97

Form & Verdict
Placed in novice hurdles and he returned to form when runner-up in a Newcastle handicap (2m6f, soft) in January on his second start back from a long absence; could build on that last run and he's one to consider.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

8th Mar 2025

Soft

3m 0f 70y

Class 5

16:35 Ayr

Ninetofive

11st 11lb

J: Lewis Dobb

T: Sandy Thomson

Placed in novice hurdles and he returned to form when runner-up in a Newcastle handicap (2m6f, soft) in January on his second start back from a long absence; could build on that last run and he's one to consider.

5/1

2nd

5

28th Jan 2025

Good To Soft

2m 6f 0y

Class 5

16:05 Newcastle

Ninetofive

11st 10lb

J: Lewis Dobb

T: Sandy Thomson

Pulled up at Kelso in October after a long absence and has to prove how much ability he retains; however, he may have needed the run and this lightly raced 8yo is of interest on the promise he showed in novice hurdles at Hexham (2m/2m4f, heavy/good) in spring 2023; could bounce back with bold show.

10/1

2nd

5

28th Jan 2025

Good To Soft

2m 6f 0y

Class 5

16:05 Newcastle

Ninetofive

11st 10lb

J: Lewis Dobb

T: Sandy Thomson

Pulled up at Kelso in October after a long absence and has to prove how much ability he retains; however, he may have needed the run and this lightly raced 8yo is of interest on the promise he showed in novice hurdles at Hexham (2m/2m4f, heavy/good) in spring 2023; could bounce back with bold show.

10/1

Form: P43P

Last run: 44 days

W: 11st 8lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 94

Form & Verdict
Displayed some ability in novice hurdles but was 40-1 when pulled up on handicap debut at Wetherby (3m, soft) in January; dramatic transformation needed in first-time blinkers.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

14th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 7f 91y

Class 5

16:35 Newcastle

Alltalknoaction

11st 10lb

J: Tom Midgley

T: Tim Easterby

Two fair runs late last year, better effort when clear second at Market Rasen (3m, good to soft) on Boxing Day when wearing cheekpieces for the first time; pulled up last time (rider said was never travelling); tongue-tie now tried; interesting contender.

8/1

3

17th Feb 2026

2m 7f 191y

Class 5

14:30 Market Rasen

Alltalknoaction

11st 10lb

J: Jamie Hamilton

T: Tim Easterby

Yet to get his head in front but only overhauled late on when runner-up over C&D (good to soft) in December in first-time cheekpieces (retained); looks sure to go close.

9/4

Form: 924-P3

Last run: 25 days

W: 11st 6lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 92

Form & Verdict
Made the frame last spring in first two handicaps (2m4f, good to soft/soft) and returned to form when third in first-time cheekpieces (retained) here (2m4f, soft) last month; there's stamina in his pedigree and today's step up in trip could eke out some improvement.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

14th May 2025

Good

2m 7f 180y

Class 5

19:30 Perth

Master Bricklayer

11st 6lb

J: Bruce Lynn

T: N W Alexander

0-8 over hurdles; placed off today's mark at Ayr (2m4f, soft; first-time cheekpieces) in February but pulled up both runs either side; not yet proven over 3m or on good ground; tricky to predict on chase debut.

5/1

3

14th May 2025

Good

2m 7f 180y

Class 5

19:30 Perth

Master Bricklayer

11st 6lb

J: Bruce Lynn

T: N W Alexander

0-8 over hurdles; placed off today's mark at Ayr (2m4f, soft; first-time cheekpieces) in February but pulled up both runs either side; not yet proven over 3m or on good ground; tricky to predict on chase debut.

5/1

8

8th Mar 2025

Soft

3m 0f 70y

Class 5

16:35 Ayr

Master Bricklayer

11st 6lb

J: Henry Brooke

T: N W Alexander

Made the frame last spring in first two handicaps (2m4f, good to soft/soft) and returned to form when third in first-time cheekpieces (retained) here (2m4f, soft) last month; there's stamina in his pedigree and today's step up in trip could eke out some improvement.

11/2

Form: 7-3576

Last run: 89 days

W: 11st 4lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 90

Form & Verdict
Trained in Northern Ireland; won a point last April and he's 5lb lower than when third over fences at Uttoxeter last June; however, he's failed to threaten back over hurdles the last twice and has to raise his game.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

2

19th Sep 2025

Yielding

2m 5f 110y

15:56 Downpatrick

Our Zebo

11st 9lb

J: Alex Harvey

T: Noel C Kelly

Two of three hurdles victories have come over C&D, including last time when winning off a mark of 109 (good); a pair of decent runs in defeat in prior chasing starts; he's in fine spirits at the moment and loves this track so has a lot going for him but softer conditions would pose a question.

4/1

2

25th Aug 2025

Good

2m 5f 180y

15:43 Downpatrick

Our Zebo

11st 11lb

J: Alex Harvey

T: Noel C Kelly

Chasing the last twice, going close over 2m7f here and then a rallying third at Tramore (2m6f); won back-to-back handicap hurdles earlier this year but his mark took a knock and those recent chasing exploits were off much lower ratings; can still run well with a solid course record.

3/1

3

15th Aug 2025

Good

2m 5f 180y

17:35 Tramore

Our Zebo

11st 4lb

J: Alex Harvey

T: Noel C Kelly

Gained back-to-back wins over hurdles in April/May, here off 88 (21.5f, yielding) and off 100 at Downpatrick (2m6f, good); now rated 109 over timber; denied by a head off lower chase mark by Thehairyfella on latest; up 3lb for that but good chance off 19lb lower chase mark.

11/4

Form: FP35P7

Last run: 17 days

W: 10st 8lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 80

Form & Verdict
His mark continues to fall but this 7yo remains a maiden after 21 rules starts and recent evidence doesn't indicate a win is imminent.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13

8th Mar 2025

Soft

3m 0f 70y

Class 5

16:35 Ayr

Toucan Sam

10st 8lb

J: Alan Doyle

T: Andrew Hamilton

His mark continues to fall but this 7yo remains a maiden after 21 rules starts and recent evidence doesn't indicate a win is imminent.

25/1

10

19th Feb 2025

Good To Soft

3m 0f 84y

Class 5

15:20 Doncaster

Toucan Sam

11st 2lb

J: Alan Doyle

T: Andrew Hamilton

Made it 0-20 under rules when pulled up over fences at Ayr last week; however, before that he posted two fair runs over hurdles (2m5f/2m) and shaped as though he would benefit from this longer trip; well treated on last spring's chase form; could appreciate the return to hurdling; interesting.

33/1

9

11th Feb 2025

Soft

3m 0f 20y

Class 5

16:20 Ayr

Toucan Sam

10st 13lb

J: Alan Doyle

T: Andrew Hamilton

19-race maiden; placed in handicap, a couple of hunter chases and in two points last year; two fair runs over hurdles this term after wind surgery; well handicapped but others appeal more.

20/1

Form: 058PP0

Last run: 17 days

W: 10st 2lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 72

Form & Verdict
Placed twice in a row last spring (including C&D) but unable to reproduce that promise more recently and he's now 0-12.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11

25th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 41y

Class 5

14:41 Hexham

Iturgeon Du Breuil

10st 2lb

J: Lorcan Murtagh

T: Barry Murtagh

Still a maiden and he underwent wind surgery before pulled up in 3m2f Sedgefield handicap chase in January; not one to rely on.

25/1

11

25th Jan 2026

Good To Soft

3m 2f 59y

Class 5

15:40 Sedgefield

Iturgeon Du Breuil

10st 2lb

J: Charlie Maggs

T: Barry Murtagh

0-24 under all codes; gave fairly good account of himself when fourth over C&D (soft; beaten about 16l) last month but is effectively 4lb higher from further out of the weights today and needs subsequent wind operation to have made a difference.

33/1

6

30th Oct 2025

Good To Firm

2m 7f 91y

Class 5

13:38 Newcastle

Iturgeon Du Breuil

10st 9lb

J: Peter Kavanagh

T: Barry Murtagh

0-19; three good runs over fences at Hexham this season, last time finishing fourth over 3m; may find a couple too good.

14/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £338.50
Straight Forecast £187.33
Tricast £4463.17
Trifecta £1727.80

Selections

RP RATINGS:

Miami Steve

Telegraph:

Boolamore Classic

The Guardian:

Glory Hights

The Star:

Ninetofive

D Express:

Our Zebo

POSTDATA:

Master Bricklayer

SPOTLIGHT:

Powers Dilemma

The Times:

Miami Steve

Daily Mirror:

Miami Steve

Daily Mail:

Boolamore Classic

The Sun:

Glory Hights

Daily Record:

Ninetofive