July 25 / 16.23 Uttoxeter

16.23

Good

Boots Opticians Uttoxeter Handicap Hurdle

  • Prize money: £4066.37
  • 2m 3f 207y
  • Class 4
  • 14 runners
SKY
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Boots Opticians Uttoxeter Handicap Hurdle

Runners: 14 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Partly cloudy

Form: 90-260 C

Last run: 26 days

W: 12st 1lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 121

Form & Verdict
Regressive and inconsistent 7yo who dropped out of contention tamely on both appearances last month (2m4f/2m7f); current mark is workable but others look safer.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

2

26th Feb 2026

Soft

3m 0f 26y

Class 3

16:10 Wetherby

Icare Allen

12st 0lb

J: Benjamin Macey

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

Inconsistent but he won at Uttoxeter (2m4f, good) last July and returned from a break with a close third here (2m5f, soft) on Boxing Day, staying on nicely; he's fine at this trip; not his fault when unseating mid-race at Haydock last month; could be involved.

12/1

6

17th Jan 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 58y

Class 3

14:35 Haydock

Icare Allen

11st 2lb

J: Jonjo O’Neill Jr

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

Inconsistent but he won at Uttoxeter (2m4f, good) last July and returned from a break with a close third at Wetherby (2m5f, soft) on Boxing Day, staying on nicely; he'll be fine now back up in trip and could be involved.

11/1

4

26th Oct 2025

Good

3m 0f 149y

Class 3

12:40 Aintree

Icare Allen

11st 12lb

J: Benjamin Macey

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

Returned to form to win at Uttoxeter (2m4f, good) in July and again ran well when fourth there (2m4f, good) last month; stays this far and is effective on soft ground; goes well for Benjamin Macey, with form figures of 29214, and he could have a part to play.

6/1

OUR TIP

Form: 433-33 BF

Last run: 37 days

W: 11st 13lb

9 yo Colt

OR: 119

Form & Verdict
Lightly raced over last couple of years but returned from latest break with two fairly good thirds last month (2m3f/2m4f, good) and has a fighting chance here if the first-time cheekpieces have any positive effect.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price
No Results Found

Form: 47/F1-

Last run: 388 days

W: 11st 13lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 119

Form & Verdict
In good form when last in action, coming from off the pace to score at Stratford (2m6f, good to firm) just over one year ago, but has fitness to prove here.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

25th Jul 2025

Good

2m 3f 207y

Class 4

16:23 Uttoxeter

Sacchoandvanzetti

11st 13lb

J: Fern O’Brien

T: Fergal O’Brien

In good form when last in action, coming from off the pace to score at Stratford (2m6f, good to firm) just over one year ago, but has fitness to prove here.

12/1

1st

3

2nd Jul 2024

Good To Firm

2m 6f 7y

Class 4

19:40 Stratford

Sacchoandvanzetti

12st 0lb

J: Jonathan Burke

T: Fergal O’Brien

Both hurdle wins in Ireland during 2019; thereabouts in handicaps at 2m and 2m4f for this yard in the second half of 2023 and was still travelling well enough when falling three out at Hereford (2m3f, good) this May; unproven beyond 2m4f but has the ability to figure; one of two runners for the stable.

12/1

Form: 1-2112 D BF

Last run: 24 days

W: 11st 13lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 119

Form & Verdict
Progressive front-runner who collected three wins in the spring (2m4f-2m5f, good) and ran well in defeat at Stratford (2m6f, good to firm) at start of this month; might still be on the upgrade; respected.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

3rd Jun 2026

Good

2m 4f 216y

Class 4

15:00 Newton Abbot

Doc McCoy

11st 11lb

J: Isabelle Ryder

T: Jamie Snowden

Five-time hurdle winner but 0-6 over fences; hasn't had much go his way since scoring in October but he was still in contention when unseating three out over fences last time in a race won by Dunkerque; now 10lb better off with that rival and he should be competitive given a change in fortune; forecast rain is a concern though.

11/8

2

11th May 2026

Good

2m 4f 88y

Class 4

15:12 Southwell

Doc McCoy

12st 0lb

J: Isabelle Ryder

T: Jamie Snowden

Strike-rate of 5-13 over hurdles and he's rated 10lb lower as a chaser (0-5); however, hasn't offered a lot in this discipline and it's over a year since he last went chasing.

8/1

2

12th Apr 2026

Good

2m 5f 82y

Class 3

16:00 Wincanton

Doc McCoy

11st 11lb

J: Isabelle Ryder

T: Jamie Snowden

Strike-rate of 5-12 over hurdles and won easily at Warwick (2m5f, good) before pulling up at Ascot in October; he does have a bit to prove off this mark even if returning in good order.

13/2

Form: 235-44 C

Last run: 49 days

W: 11st 12lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 118

Form & Verdict
Consistent 7yo who gained two of his three hurdling wins at this track; holds no secrets from the handicapper but will be suited by today's trip/ground and probably won't be far away.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

10

24th May 2026

Good

2m 3f 207y

Class 2

15:28 Uttoxeter

Liverpool Knight

10st 13lb

J: Liam Harrison

T: Fergal O’Brien

Plenty of good runs to his name since his last win in September 2023 and he raced freely after a break when behind Miss Maverick and Sir Galahad here 22 days ago; better can be expected this time.

20/1

6th

7

2nd May 2026

Good

2m 3f 207y

Class 3

15:50 Uttoxeter

Liverpool Knight

11st 6lb

J: Liam Harrison

T: Fergal O’Brien

Has made the frame several times since his last win in September 2023; returns from a winter break on a career-low mark and not out of this if he is ready to roll.

4/1

6

24th Oct 2025

Good

2m 0f 87y

Class 3

14:25 Cheltenham

Liverpool Knight

10st 12lb

J: Fern O’Brien

T: Fergal O’Brien

Scores good marks for his consistency for Fergal O'Brien since last autumn but is yet to win for this stable and appears to have very little margin for error off current mark.

12/1

Form: 26-537 CD

Last run: 24 days

W: 11st 11lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 117

Form & Verdict
Dual C&D winner; went close off today's mark at Ludlow (2m5f, good) in March but this regressive 10yo was soundly beaten over fences when last in action and would appeal much more on slower ground.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6

25th Jul 2025

Good

2m 3f 207y

Class 4

16:23 Uttoxeter

Ballybegg

11st 11lb

J: Richard Patrick

T: Kerry Lee

Dual C&D winner; went close off today's mark at Ludlow (2m5f, good) in March but this regressive 10yo was soundly beaten over fences when last in action and would appeal much more on slower ground.

25/1

3

1st Jul 2025

Good To Firm

2m 3f 98y

Class 4

20:18 Stratford

Ballybegg

12st 1lb

J: Richard Patrick

T: Kerry Lee

Inconsistent 10yo who was well beaten when back over fences in May (2m6f), then unsuited by the drop back to 2m on his most recent start at Newton Abbot last month when a well-held third of six; on a good mark if the mood takes him now back up to a more suitable test.

10/1

3rd

3

13th Jun 2025

Good

2m 0f 75y

Class 4

19:55 Newton Abbot

Ballybegg

11st 6lb

J: Richard Patrick

T: Kerry Lee

Went close over hurdles at Ludlow (2m5f, good) in March but this inconsistent and steadily regressive 10yo was well beaten when back over fences last month (2m6f); drops back to about 2m for first time since hurdle debut in 2020; has done all his winning on ground slower than good.

10/1

Form: 13-42 D

Last run: 48 days

W: 11st 9lb

7 yo Mare

OR: 115

Form & Verdict
Unexposed mare who looked suited by the move back up in trip when clear second to Rockola at Worcester (2m4f, good to soft) last month, her second handicap; 3lb higher here but may still have potential; shortlisted.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

10th Oct 2025

Good

2m 3f 98y

Class 4

14:32 Chepstow

Lahinch Wave

11st 8lb

J: Richie McLernon

T: Neil Mulholland

Low-mileage mare who won a maiden over hurdles and was second off 1lb lower in June (2m4f); unable to justify favouritism on chase debut at Worcester (2m7f, good; 1lb higher) but jumped okay and ran well; in the mix.

5/1

4th

5

5th Sep 2025

Good

2m 7f 0y

Class 4

17:00 Worcester

Lahinch Wave

11st 4lb

J: Richie McLernon

T: Neil Mulholland

Won 2m4f maiden hurdle here a year ago and all three runs in handicap hurdles over that trip this season have been perfectly respectable; upped to 2m7f for this chasing debut and has possibilities if she takes well to fences; raced only on good/good to soft ground under rules.

8/1

Form: 2/113- D BF

Last run: 258 days

W: 11st 9lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 115

Form & Verdict
Launched hurdling career with two good-ground Perth wins last summer (2m4f/2m) and was creditable third on handicap debut at Kelso (2m5f, good to soft) in November; off for 258 days since but remains open to improvement; major player if fully tuned up.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8

25th Jul 2025

Good

2m 3f 207y

Class 4

16:23 Uttoxeter

Luckie Seven

11st 9lb

J: Danny McMenamin

T: Nicky Richards

Launched hurdling career with two good-ground Perth wins last summer (2m4f/2m) and was creditable third on handicap debut at Kelso (2m5f, good to soft) in November; off for 258 days since but remains open to improvement; major player if fully tuned up.

8/1

3rd

4

9th Nov 2024

Good To Soft

2m 4f 189y

Class 3

12:07 Kelso

Luckie Seven

11st 6lb

J: Danny McMenamin

T: Nicky Richards

held up in last

3/1

Form: P95-D24 D

Last run: 37 days

W: 11st 4lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 110

Form & Verdict
Ran fairly well when second over hurdles at Fontwell (2m5f, good) in May, albeit no threat to winner Doc McCoy and subsequently disqualified after rider weighed in light, but was tailed off over fences last month and has become unreliable.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10

25th Jul 2025

Good

2m 3f 207y

Class 4

16:23 Uttoxeter

Getaway Drumlee

11st 4lb

J: Elliott England

T: Ben Pauling

Ran fairly well when second over hurdles at Fontwell (2m5f, good) in May, albeit no threat to winner Doc McCoy and subsequently disqualified after rider weighed in light, but was tailed off over fences last month and has become unreliable.

20/1

4th

3

18th Jun 2025

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 3

15:15 Worcester

Getaway Drumlee

11st 4lb

J: Ben Jones

T: Ben Pauling

Ran fairly well when second over hurdles at Fontwell (2m5f, good) last month, albeit no threat to winner and subsequently disqualified after rider weighed in light; reverts to chasing on a workable mark but seemingly not in peak form this year.

6/1

1

25th May 2025

Good

2m 5f 164y

Class 4

14:58 Fontwell

Getaway Drumlee

12st 2lb

J: Elliott England

T: Ben Pauling

Ran well on both visits here, winning over hurdles last March and second over fences in December; however, he's been out of form elsewhere on his last three outings, back hurdling on last two, and now has tongue tied first time; not proven over this far; 10lb claimer is recruited.

8/1

Form: -44P15 CD BF

Last run: 9 days

W: 11st 3lb

7 yo Mare

OR: 109

Form & Verdict
Looked back in prime form when winning quite stylishly over C&D (good) last month and ought to be able to cope with a subsequent 6lb rise but she wasn't at the same level when only fifth over 2m here recently.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

2

19th May 2026

Good To Firm

1m 7f 171y

Class 5

19:00 Huntingdon

Callin Baton Rouge

11st 13lb

J: Charlie Todd

T: Charles & Adam Pogson

Four-time hurdle winner who is usually ridden patiently; didn't really have race run to suit when keeping-on fourth at Stratford (2m, good) last month and is 2lb lower here; no surprise if she poses a threat.

8/1

4th

11

19th Apr 2026

Good

2m 0f 70y

Class 4

15:08 Stratford

Callin Baton Rouge

10st 11lb

J: James Bowen

T: Charles & Adam Pogson

Four-time hurdles winner on good ground (once over C&D); ended 2025 with good second at Doncaster (2m, good) and made a satisfactory reappearance last month; can pose a significant threat from off the pace.

7/1

5th

3

11th Mar 2026

Good

2m 3f 137y

Class 5

16:18 Huntingdon

Callin Baton Rouge

11st 12lb

J: Lee Edwards

T: Charles & Adam Pogson

Reliable mare who comes here on the back of a good second of ten in 2m Doncaster handicap hurdle just after Christmas; she has also won off a break so can make her presence felt here.

3/1

Form: 43-524

Last run: 18 days

W: 11st 3lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 109

Form & Verdict
Comes here after two very respectable runs behind the same winner at Worcester (2m4f, good) and remains very well handicapped on old form but needs a boost from the first-time cheekpieces today.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

3

22nd May 2026

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 4

17:32 Worcester

Ukantango

11st 9lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Olly Murphy

Triple hurdle winner and chase winner (2m4f), on good or slower; that chase win came readily on his penultimate start, at Southwell; unable to back that up after a 7lb rise and step up in grade at Uttoxeter (2m5f, good) latest; still well treated on his winning effort, if he can repeat it.

11/2

4th

3

2nd May 2026

Good

2m 4f 189y

Class 4

16:50 Uttoxeter

Ukantango

11st 9lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Olly Murphy

Bumper winner and has three wins over hurdles; got off the mark on the return to fences when a convincing winner at Southwell (2m4f, good) last month; up 7lb but looks sure to give another bold account.

7/2

Form: 314-74 CD

Last run: 48 days

W: 11st 3lb

8 yo Mare

OR: 109

Form & Verdict
Now 1lb lower than when clinging on by a nose in this race a year ago (good ground) but returned from a layoff with two rather tame efforts this spring and needs to get back in the groove.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

5

14th May 2026

Good

2m 3f 29y

Class 4

18:10 Fontwell

Hiconic

11st 12lb

J: Toby McCain-Mitchell

T: Alex Hales

Came second off basement Flat mark on latest outing in January and is well handicapped for this return to hurdling but she's not as good as she was and has become inconsistent; others appeal more.

16/1

2nd

8

(8)

29th Jan 2026

Standard

2m 0f 0y

Class 6

19:30 Chelmsford (AW)

Hiconic

8st 12lb

J: Hollie Doyle

T: Alex Hales

Seven-time winner over hurdles but 0-12 on Flat (0-10 on the AW); ran respectably when fourth of nine at Wolverhampton (2m, AW) last month but she was behind Taranjerine at Lingfield 22 days ago; others preferred.

14/1

Form: 4217-6 D

Last run: 48 days

W: 11st 2lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 108

Form & Verdict
Made all to win by 12l at Wincanton (2m4f, heavy) in January, despite racing too freely, but was hit quite hard by the handicapper for that and was safely held on both subsequent outings (2m5f/2m7f).
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

14

25th Jul 2025

Good

2m 3f 207y

Class 4

16:23 Uttoxeter

Gentleman Jacques

11st 2lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Emma Lavelle

Made all to win by 12l at Wincanton (2m4f, heavy) in January, despite racing too freely, but was hit quite hard by the handicapper for that and was safely held on both subsequent outings (2m5f/2m7f).

14/1

6th

3

7th Jun 2025

Good

2m 7f 0y

Class 4

17:25 Worcester

Gentleman Jacques

11st 13lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Emma Lavelle

Didn't settle but still recorded an easy Wincanton win under Harry Cobden in January (2m4f, heavy); contested lead and 11lb rise found him out latest, and at least one of those will be an issue again here.

8/1

7th

11

9th Mar 2025

Good To Soft

2m 5f 0y

Class 4

15:50 Warwick

Gentleman Jacques

11st 3lb

J: Cameron Johnstone-Baker

T: Emma Lavelle

Made it 14th-time lucky under rules with a powerful front-running display at Wincanton (2m4f, heavy) in January, winning by 12l; rider's 10lb claim useful in view of his 11lb higher mark, but whether things will work out so favourably this time remains to be seen.

7/2

Form: 163-21 D

Last run: 48 days

W: 11st 1lb

5 yo Filly

OR: 107

Form & Verdict
Drew well clear of the others with Lahinch Wave when scoring at Worcester (2m4f, good to soft) last month and is now 3-9 over hurdles; latest 5lb rise does not look excessive; must be considered.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

15

25th Jul 2025

Good

2m 3f 207y

Class 4

16:23 Uttoxeter

Rockola

11st 1lb

J: Tom Bellamy

T: Alan King

Drew well clear of the others with Lahinch Wave when scoring at Worcester (2m4f, good to soft) last month and is now 3-9 over hurdles; latest 5lb rise does not look excessive; must be considered.

4/1

5

7th Jun 2025

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 4

17:55 Worcester

Rockola

11st 4lb

J: Tom Bellamy

T: Alan King

One blip over 3m1f aside she's held her form fine since the winter's Southwell and Huntingdon successes, a refusal to settle just finding her out late at Fontwell latest (2m6f, good); no margin for error following a 2lb rise for not winning that, however.

9/2

2nd

7

15th May 2025

Good

2m 5f 164y

Class 4

19:10 Fontwell

Rockola

11st 2lb

J: Tom Cannon

T: Alan King

Won her first two handicaps at about 2m4f and at least as good when a closing third at Ludlow (2m5f, good to soft) 22 days ago; thereabouts.

11/4

Non-runners

Lipa K, Mr Yeats

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £358.40
Straight Forecast £145.16
Tricast £2697.79
Trifecta £2720.70

Selections

POSTDATA:

Liverpool Knight

The Guardian:

Rockola

D Express:

Luckie Seven

SPOTLIGHT:

Lahinch Wave

TOPSPEED:

Icare Allen

Daily Record:

Doc McCoy

RP RATINGS:

Mr Yeats

The Sun:

Rockola

Daily Mirror:

Luckie Seven

The Times:

Lahinch Wave

Daily Mail:

Icare Allen

WEST COUNTRY:

Liverpool Knight

Telegraph:

Liverpool Knight

The Star:

Liverpool Knight