July 17 / 19.50 Worcester

19.50

Good

Keith Bennett Memorial Handicap Hurdle

  • Prize money: £3247.81
  • 2m 7f 0y
  • Class 5
  • 11 runners
SKY
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Keith Bennett Memorial Handicap Hurdle

Runners: 11 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Mostly cloudy

7/1 (Won)

  • Win: £6.00
  • Place: £2.10

Form: P086-7 BF

Last run: 14 days

W: 10st 3lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 75

Form & Verdict
Fairly useful for John Dixon in his prime; out of form last season and raced lazily when very disappointing favourite for recent stable debut; not easy to predict but may yet come good for Ben Pauling.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

1

2nd May 2026

Good

2m 0f 48y

Class 4

16:40 Hexham

Palm Beach

11st 6lb

J: Mr Sam Burton

T: Victor Thompson

Has won over hurdles for three different yards, most recently at Worcester (2m7f, good) last July, but he's been pulled up in three starts for this stable and drops into a seller with masses to find at the weights.

100/1

8

22nd Apr 2026

Soft

2m 7f 207y

Class 5

17:12 Perth

Palm Beach

10st 7lb

J: Miss Amy Milburn

T: Victor Thompson

Worcester winner for Ben Pauling last July (2m7f, good) but has been pulled up on both starts for Victor Thompson since, the first in a point, the second in a handicap hurdle at Newcastle; bit to prove.

50/1

9

3rd Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 7f 149y

Class 4

15:35 Newcastle

Palm Beach

10st 3lb

J: Miss Pippa Brown

T: Victor Thompson

With Ben Pauling when taking advantage of a light weight at Worcester (2m7f, good) last July; changed hands soon after; pulled up on comeback at Friars Haugh (2m4f point; first time over fences); better to look elsewhere.

28/1

7/2

  • Place: £1.70

Form: 428-25 BF

Last run: 39 days

W: 11st 11lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 97

Form & Verdict
Unexposed 6yo who chased home a next-time-out winner on handicap debut at Ffos Las (2m4f, good) in May and did not have the race run to suit his patient tactics when only fifth at Perth (3m, good; favourite) last month; still has potential and remains very much of interest.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

2

13th May 2026

Good

2m 7f 180y

Class 5

15:43 Perth

The Flying Poet

11st 13lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Olly Murphy

Runner-up four times over hurdles prior to getting off the mark in a tight finish here (3m, good; 13-8 favourite, added tongue-tie) last September; off since and set to make chasing debut but there's no reason why he shouldn't take to fences; merits respect.

11/4

4

25th Sep 2025

Good To Soft

2m 7f 207y

Class 5

16:53 Perth

The Flying Poet

11st 7lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Olly Murphy

Lightly raced maiden but looks a winner waiting to happen and was clear of the rest when chasing home the odds-on favourite at Worcester (2m7f, good; first-time cheekpieces); big shout off the same with a tongue-tie added.

5/2

2nd

5

5th Sep 2025

Good

2m 7f 0y

Class 5

19:00 Worcester

The Flying Poet

11st 4lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Olly Murphy

Unexposed 6yo who chased home a next-time-out winner on handicap debut at Ffos Las (2m4f) in May and was back on track, after a blip, when second of 11 over C&D (also good) in July; can likely do better and he's respected in first-time cheekpieces.

3/1

9/2

  • Place: £1.90

Form: /11-22 D

Last run: 15 days

W: 11st 2lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 88

Form & Verdict
Won twice on good ground in early part of last season (3m2f/2m6f) and returned from 11-month layoff with two good seconds this term, the latter over C&D (good) a fortnight ago; not yet fully exposed; obvious contender.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8

11th Sep 2025

Good

2m 7f 70y

Class 5

19:05 Uttoxeter

Hammer Dan

11st 3lb

J: Jack Tudor

T: David Pipe

Won twice in early part of last season (3m2f/2m6f, good) and returned from layoff with three placed runs this term (2m7f-3m2f, good/good to soft); major player if recent wind op makes any positive difference.

6/1

3rd

7

17th Jul 2025

Good

2m 7f 0y

Class 5

19:50 Worcester

Hammer Dan

11st 2lb

J: Jack Tudor

T: David Pipe

Won twice on good ground in early part of last season (3m2f/2m6f) and returned from 11-month layoff with two good seconds this term, the latter over C&D (good) a fortnight ago; not yet fully exposed; obvious contender.

9/2

11

2nd Jul 2025

Good

2m 7f 0y

Class 5

16:15 Worcester

Hammer Dan

10st 10lb

J: Jack Tudor

T: David Pipe

Won twice last summer and made a solid return when second of seven at Newton Abbot (3m3f, good to soft) last month; entitled to improve for that run and cannot be left out of calculations.

2/1

Form: P0-533 CD

Last run: 10 days

W: 10st 2lb

12 yo Gelding

OR: 73

Form & Verdict
Veteran who has rediscovered some form and been placed twice (once over C&D) in recent weeks; slightly out of the weights today, though, and some of his younger rivals look much more interesting.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8

2nd Oct 2025

Good

3m 0f 60y

Class 5

17:15 Southwell

Stripe Of Honour

10st 5lb

J: Isabelle Ryder

T: Anthony Day

Veteran who rediscovered some form and was placed twice (once over C&D) in June/July; not quite in same form on latest outing 11 weeks ago but still enters calculations.

7/1

4th

12

17th Jul 2025

Good

2m 7f 0y

Class 5

19:50 Worcester

Stripe Of Honour

10st 2lb

J: Harriet Tucker

T: Anthony Day

Veteran who has rediscovered some form and been placed twice (once over C&D) in recent weeks; slightly out of the weights today, though, and some of his younger rivals look much more interesting.

14/1

9

7th Jul 2025

Good

2m 7f 0y

Class 5

16:20 Worcester

Stripe Of Honour

10st 2lb

J: Harriet Tucker

T: Anthony Day

Good days are hard to predict but did make the frame at Southwell (3m, good) last time with the visor left off; whether he'll be as good again remains to be seen.

9/1

Form: 55P-51 CD

Last run: 58 days

W: 11st 4lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 90

Form & Verdict
Caused 20-1 surprise over C&D (good) last summer and was back in prime form at Southwell (3m, good) in May, gamely fending off warm favourite to prevail by a head; still on a workable mark after 5lb rise; respected.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

5

7th May 2026

Good

3m 1f 10y

Class 5

15:15 Huntingdon

Indian Sunbird

11st 8lb

J: Harry Bannister

T: Sara Ender

Dual hurdle winner last year, latterly over C&D (good) in October; absent since lesser effort here in November, though, and will need to resume in prime form to have a chance off his current mark.

5/1

5th

10

2nd Nov 2025

Good

3m 1f 10y

Class 5

16:05 Huntingdon

Indian Sunbird

11st 9lb

J: Harry Bannister

T: Sara Ender

Well backed when returning to winning form over C&D (good) last month with three of these behind; a 6lb rise and a lack of consistency the main obstacles to a follow-up.

8/1

5th

10

2nd Nov 2025

Good

3m 1f 10y

Class 5

16:05 Huntingdon

Indian Sunbird

11st 9lb

J: Harry Bannister

T: Sara Ender

Well backed when returning to winning form over C&D (good) last month with three of these behind; a 6lb rise and a lack of consistency the main obstacles to a follow-up.

8/1

Form: /164-6 D

Last run: 16 days

W: 11st 10lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 96

Form & Verdict
Won 2m1f Stratford hunter chase last spring and ran well when fourth over hurdles there (2m6f, good) in March but was safely held in a handicap chase when back at Stratford this month and others in this field appeal more.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

20th Aug 2025

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 5

19:30 Worcester

Kaproyale

11st 10lb

J: Mr James King

T: Max Comley

Three-time hunter chase winner; gave good account when fourth over hurdles at Stratford (2m6f, good) in March and has become well handicapped in this sphere but was soundly beaten here (2m7f, good) last month.

6/1

6th

5

17th Jul 2025

Good

2m 7f 0y

Class 5

19:50 Worcester

Kaproyale

11st 10lb

J: Mr James King

T: Max Comley

Won 2m1f Stratford hunter chase last spring and ran well when fourth over hurdles there (2m6f, good) in March but was safely held in a handicap chase when back at Stratford this month and others in this field appeal more.

14/1

2

1st Jul 2025

Good To Firm

2m 3f 98y

Class 4

20:18 Stratford

Kaproyale

12st 1lb

J: Mr James King

T: Max Comley

Lightly campaigned last season but won a hunter chase (2m1f, good) here last May; well held back in handicap company for new trainer in December but then showed more returned to hurdles back here in March; returns from another break and switches back to fences; not easily dismissed at a track he runs well at.

10/1

Form: /540-4

Last run: 63 days

W: 10st 9lb

5 yo Filly

OR: 81

Form & Verdict
Runner-up in a bumper last spring; showed no significant promise in three maiden/novice hurdles this year (1m7f-2m1f) but makes handicap debut from a lowly mark and is hiked up in trip; sports first-time blinkers and refitted tongue-tie; no surprise if she makes the necessary improvement.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

9

17th Jul 2025

Good

2m 7f 0y

Class 5

19:50 Worcester

Getaways Gift

10st 9lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Anthony Honeyball

Runner-up in a bumper last spring; showed no significant promise in three maiden/novice hurdles this year (1m7f-2m1f) but makes handicap debut from a lowly mark and is hiked up in trip; sports first-time blinkers and refitted tongue-tie; no surprise if she makes the necessary improvement.

10/1

4th

4

15th May 2025

Good

2m 1f 162y

Class 4

17:35 Fontwell

Getaways Gift

11st 0lb

J: Rex Dingle

T: Anthony Honeyball

Came second in good-ground Plumpton bumper 13 months ago but struggled on both hurdling starts last season and needs to take a big step forward here.

20/1

4th

4

15th May 2025

Good

2m 1f 162y

Class 4

17:35 Fontwell

Getaways Gift

11st 0lb

J: Rex Dingle

T: Anthony Honeyball

Came second in good-ground Plumpton bumper 13 months ago but struggled on both hurdling starts last season and needs to take a big step forward here.

20/1

Form: 32845-

Last run: 267 days

W: 10st 9lb

7 yo Colt

OR: 81

Form & Verdict
0-10 over hurdles; placed twice at Market Rasen (2m4f, good) last June but was not quite in same form when last seen in the autumn; had wind op last month and sports first-time cheekpieces here; market may guide.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

11

25th May 2026

Good

2m 6f 31y

Class 5

14:13 Cartmel

Zuul

10st 3lb

J: Ellis Collier

T: Rebecca Menzies

19-race maiden who has been absent since some underwhelming chase runs in the autumn (bled from nose on latest outing); not the most obvious answer on this return to hurdling.

12/1

4th

5

19th Oct 2025

Good

2m 5f 28y

Class 5

14:30 Sedgefield

Zuul

10st 5lb

J: William Maggs

T: Rebecca Menzies

Failed to win in 12 starts over hurdles; his chase debut at Uttoxeter (2m4f, good) was respectable and was pulled up early at Perth when only 9-2; could feature with the cheekpieces back on (visored for last three races).

11/2

6

24th Sep 2025

Good To Soft

2m 4f 20y

Class 5

16:50 Perth

Zuul

10st 7lb

J: Nathan Moscrop

T: Rebecca Menzies

0-12 over hurdles but made quite pleasing start to chasing career last week, finishing third in race won easily by a handicap blot at Uttoxeter (2m4f, good); has a fighting chance here if able to build on that performance.

7/1

Form: 5542-P

Last run: 66 days

W: 11st 13lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 99

Form & Verdict
Ran poorly on chasing debut at Southwell and needs to bounce back from that but was clear second over hurdles there (3m, good) two starts ago and is a big player if judged on that performance.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

2nd Oct 2025

Good

3m 0f 60y

Class 5

17:15 Southwell

Ballyvaughan Bay

11st 13lb

J: Toby McCain-Mitchell

T: D J Jeffreys

Made all off today's mark over C&D (good) in spring 2024 and ran well in defeat over C&D this April; sure to be suited by the return to this track but has quite a bit to prove after three disappointing efforts.

8/1

4

5th Sep 2025

Good

2m 3f 123y

Class 5

14:30 Bangor-on-Dee

Ballyvaughan Bay

11st 12lb

J: Toby McCain-Mitchell

T: D J Jeffreys

Gained sole success over 3m so may not be crying out for this drop back in distance and he has a question mark over current form anyway; cheekpieces added.

16/1

9th

2

17th Jul 2025

Good

2m 7f 0y

Class 5

19:50 Worcester

Ballyvaughan Bay

11st 13lb

J: Tom Bellamy

T: D J Jeffreys

Ran poorly on chasing debut at Southwell and needs to bounce back from that but was clear second over hurdles there (3m, good) two starts ago and is a big player if judged on that performance.

8/1

OUR TIP

Form: 33P6-P

Last run: 53 days

W: 12st 0lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 100

Form & Verdict
Placed twice off higher marks over C&D (good) for Fergal O'Brien last summer but was pulled up after weakening quickly on stable debut in May 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

10th

1

17th Jul 2025

Good

2m 7f 0y

Class 5

19:50 Worcester

School Days Over

12st 0lb

J: Sean Grantham

T: Jake Thomas Coulson

Placed twice off higher marks over C&D (good) for Fergal O'Brien last summer but was pulled up after weakening quickly on stable debut in May and needs to have taken significant benefit from that outing.

25/1

1

25th May 2025

Good

2m 7f 70y

Class 5

14:03 Uttoxeter

School Days Over

12st 0lb

J: Tabitha Worsley

T: Jake Thomas Coulson

Bumper/chase winner but 0-10 over hurdles for Fergal O'Brien; sold for 8,000gns since last run; drops in class off a workable mark based on best form.

14/1

1

25th May 2025

Good

2m 7f 70y

Class 5

14:03 Uttoxeter

School Days Over

12st 0lb

J: Tabitha Worsley

T: Jake Thomas Coulson

Bumper/chase winner but 0-10 over hurdles for Fergal O'Brien; sold for 8,000gns since last run; drops in class off a workable mark based on best form.

14/1

Form: 373/2-

Last run: 425 days

W: 11st 11lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 97

Form & Verdict
Often lacks fluency over his hurdles but started off for current stable with two good efforts last spring (2m4f/2m3f); will be fine over today's longer trip and Harry Cobden is a good booking for this reappearance run.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

17th Jul 2025

Good

2m 7f 0y

Class 5

19:50 Worcester

Shandancer

11st 11lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Dr Richard Newland & Jamie Insole

Often lacks fluency over his hurdles but started off for current stable with two good efforts last spring (2m4f/2m3f); will be fine over today's longer trip and Harry Cobden is a good booking for this reappearance run.

7/1

2nd

1

18th May 2024

Good

2m 3f 123y

Class 5

18:50 Bangor-on-Dee

Shandancer

12st 0lb

J: Charlie Hammond

T: Dr Richard Newland & Jamie Insole

0-12 over hurdles and much more exposed than some of these but kept on for very respectable third on last month's stable debut at Plumpton (2m4f, good; clear winner has won twice again since) and will probably be competitive again here.

3/1

2nd

1

18th May 2024

Good

2m 3f 123y

Class 5

18:50 Bangor-on-Dee

Shandancer

12st 0lb

J: Charlie Hammond

T: Dr Richard Newland & Jamie Insole

0-12 over hurdles and much more exposed than some of these but kept on for very respectable third on last month's stable debut at Plumpton (2m4f, good; clear winner has won twice again since) and will probably be competitive again here.

3/1

Non-runners

Illico De Montave

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £26.80
Straight Forecast £23.51
Tricast £75.75
Trifecta £135.00

Selections

WEST COUNTRY:

Hammer Dan

SPOTLIGHT:

The Flying Poet

The Guardian:

Shandancer

The Sun:

Indian Sunbird

Daily Mail:

Zuul

POSTDATA:

Stripe Of Honour

RP RATINGS:

The Flying Poet

Telegraph:

The Flying Poet

The Times:

Hammer Dan

D Express:

Hammer Dan

The Star:

Hammer Dan

Daily Record:

Hammer Dan

Daily Mirror:

Shandancer