July 25 / 15.12 Uttoxeter

15.12

Good

Julie Busst Handicap Hurdle

  • Prize money: £3247.81
  • 1m 7f 168y
  • Class 5
  • 15 runners
SKY
View Course
Julie Busst Handicap Hurdle

Runners: 15 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Partly cloudy

Form: 5312-1 D

Last run: 37 days

W: 12st 0lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 97

Form & Verdict
Was defying a 214-day absence when making all at Worcester (2m, good) last month (runner-up won next time); conditions are likely to be ideal and respected from a 4lb higher mark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price
No Results Found

Form: 7F-PP6 D

Last run: 21 days

W: 11st 13lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 96

Form & Verdict
In front when falling at the last over fences at Chepstow (2m, good) in April, but was pulled up in his next two starts and well beaten back over hurdles at Bangor (2m1f, good) three weeks ago; cheekpieces given a go but has plenty to prove.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

4

6th May 2026

Good To Soft

2m 0f 75y

Class 4

15:15 Newton Abbot

Gower Prince

11st 4lb

J: James Bowen

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

Back to near best on first start for this stable when runner-up at Market Rasen (2m1f, good) with the hood back on; remains well treated on past form after 3lb rise and holds strong claims if able to repeat the effort.

2/1

2nd

2

5th Apr 2026

Good

2m 1f 43y

Class 5

15:58 Market Rasen

Gower Prince

11st 13lb

J: Kevin Brogan

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

Absent since pulled up over hurdles for Matt Sheppard last summer (wore cheekpieces) but was unlucky not to win a chase for him at Chepstow (2m, good) just under a year ago, and he's now 5lb below that mark; will need to be taken very seriously if strong in the betting before this stable debut; usual hood refitted.

6/1

2

25th Jul 2025

Good

1m 7f 168y

Class 5

15:12 Uttoxeter

Gower Prince

11st 13lb

J: Stan Sheppard

T: Matt Sheppard

In front when falling at the last over fences at Chepstow (2m, good) in April, but was pulled up in his next two starts and well beaten back over hurdles at Bangor (2m1f, good) three weeks ago; cheekpieces given a go but has plenty to prove.

40/1

OUR TIP

Form: 61P-46 D

Last run: 37 days

W: 11st 9lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 96

Form & Verdict
Off the mark under rules at Kempton (2m, good) in May, but has blown hot and cold in three starts since; others are more convincing.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

4

19th May 2026

Good To Soft

2m 0f 48y

Class 5

20:50 Hexham

Fine Point

11st 11lb

J: Ryan Mania

T: Adam Nicol

Built upon satisfactory stable debut and ran big race before weakening into third at Kelso (2m2f, good; first-time cheekpieces) last month; remains on a good mark and should cope with the forecast slower ground here; likely contender.

11/4

3rd

6

20th Apr 2026

Good

2m 2f 25y

Class 5

16:30 Kelso

Fine Point

11st 4lb

J: Ryan Mania

T: Adam Nicol

Got off the mark over hurdles at Kempton last April off 2lb higher when trained by Nigel Hawke; ran as if he needed the run when fourth of six finishers at Sedgefield (2m1f, good) 19 days ago on his stable debut after eight months off; sports first-time cheekpieces and has to be of interest.

7/2

4th

6

1st Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 0f 178y

Class 4

14:40 Sedgefield

Fine Point

11st 2lb

J: Ryan Mania

T: Adam Nicol

Gained a breakthrough victory at Kempton (2m) last April but he was largely below par after for Nigel Hawke, only tenth in 2m Uttoxeter handicap hurdle last July; returns after eight months off for a yard well among the winners, though, so no surprise to see him play a more prominent role.

12/1

Form: 9-4213 D BF

Last run: 12 days

W: 11st 9lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 96

Form & Verdict
Has improved since handicapping, including a win at Stratford (2m, good; first-time tongue-tie) last month; may not have quite seen out the trip when third of seven there (2m3f, good to firm) 12 days ago, but very much of interest back at this distance; 1lb well in.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

8

(11)

8th May 2026

Good

1m 4f 63y

Class 4

17:20 Chester

Al Mootamarid

9st 9lb

J: Taylor Fisher

T: Dominic Elsworth

Won a low-grade handicap hurdle last summer but this is his first Flat run since 2024, and he needs to prove he's worth his current mark.

25/1

4

25th Jul 2025

Good

1m 7f 168y

Class 5

15:12 Uttoxeter

Al Mootamarid

11st 9lb

J: Robert Dunne

T: Dominic Elsworth

Has improved since handicapping, including a win at Stratford (2m, good; first-time tongue-tie) last month; may not have quite seen out the trip when third of seven there (2m3f, good to firm) 12 days ago, but very much of interest back at this distance; 1lb well in.

11/2

3rd

5

13th Jul 2025

Good To Firm

2m 2f 148y

Class 5

14:42 Stratford

Al Mootamarid

11st 1lb

J: Robert Dunne

T: Dominic Elsworth

In a first-time tongue-tie when off the mark at the fifth attempt over hurdles here a month ago (2m, good); up 6lb but this 4yo is progressive.

13/8

Form: 5240-2 BF

Last run: 43 days

W: 11st 7lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 90

Form & Verdict
0-22 under rules, but having been well supported he ran his best race so far when second of ten on stable debut at Worcester (2m, good to soft) last month (first and fourth have won since); up 5lb but still 1lb well in and shortlisted if building on that.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

9th Sep 2025

Soft

2m 0f 75y

Class 4

16:30 Newton Abbot

Papa Barns

10st 11lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Olly Murphy

Tried chasing twice in Ireland and was an 11l second of 18 in a 2m handicap in one of those; only had three hurdle starts for Olly Murphy and the best was the opening one when second off 3lb lower at Worcester; has to be feared in a first-time tongue-tie.

5/1

7th

5

29th Aug 2025

Good

2m 1f 162y

Class 5

18:48 Fontwell

Papa Barns

11st 4lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Olly Murphy

Ex-Irish 8yo; ran poorly at Uttoxeter last month and is now 0-21 over hurdles but was clear second to a progressive rival on stable debut at Worcester (2m, good to soft) two starts ago and has good claims if judged on that.

7/2

5

25th Jul 2025

Good

1m 7f 168y

Class 5

15:12 Uttoxeter

Papa Barns

11st 7lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Olly Murphy

0-22 under rules, but having been well supported he ran his best race so far when second of ten on stable debut at Worcester (2m, good to soft) last month (first and fourth have won since); up 5lb but still 1lb well in and shortlisted if building on that.

4/1

Form: 391-84 D

Last run: 21 days

W: 11st 6lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 93

Form & Verdict
Sole success in 17 starts came at Hereford (2m, good) in April, but held in both outings since; others make greater appeal despite the drop back in grade; stable also runs Normandy Legend.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price
No Results Found

Form: 466

Last run: 17 days

W: 11st 6lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 93

Form & Verdict
1-13 on the Flat in Ireland; well held in three starts over hurdles since joining this yard, but although he may show a bit more now handicapping the stable does appear to field a stronger candidate in Papa Barns.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

5

22nd May 2026

Good

2m 0f 0y

Class 5

20:41 Worcester

Dynamite Defense

11st 5lb

J: Charlie Price

T: Sarah-Jayne Davies

Won over 1m on the Flat in Ireland in 2024, but Olly Murphy was unable to get a win out of him in five runs over hurdles and two on the Flat; sold for 5,500gns to join new yard last month; best watched on stable debut.

25/1

3rd

7

(1)

26th Mar 2026

Standard

1m 5f 66y

Class 6

19:00 Chelmsford (AW)

Dynamite Defense

9st 1lb

J: Rob Hornby

T: Olly Murphy

Gained his Irish win on AW; posted an encouraging effort, keeping-on third, at Lingfield (1m4f) returned to this sphere on seasonal debut; interesting.

7/2

3rd

4

(6)

25th Feb 2026

Standard

1m 4f 0y

Class 6

13:12 Lingfield (AW)

Dynamite Defense

10st 13lb

J: Mr Josh Myers

T: Olly Murphy

Sole win was at Dundalk (1m, AW) in September 2024 and he's been well held in five hurdle runs for current yard; has something to prove back on the Flat and this is competitive; cheekpieces removed.

9/1

Form: 6-6633 CD

Last run: 17 days

W: 11st 5lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 88

Form & Verdict
Lower in the weights than for all four wins over C&D including the last two runnings of this race, but he will need to do better than of late if he is to take advantage.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

10

3rd Jun 2026

Good

2m 0f 167y

Class 5

17:00 Newton Abbot

Ambassador

10st 10lb

J: Joshua Thompson

T: Micky Hammond

Won at Cartmel (2m1f) in August but form has slumped badly since and he has shown no sign of a revival in two runs since returning from a break in April.

66/1

8th

10

14th Apr 2026

Good

2m 2f 140y

Class 5

15:20 Market Rasen

Ambassador

10st 9lb

J: Joshua Thompson

T: Micky Hammond

Back to winning ways at Cartmel (2m1f) in August but his form has nosedived since, beating just one after a lay-off at Sedgefield (2m1f) 13 days ago.

33/1

6th

7

1st Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 0f 178y

Class 4

14:40 Sedgefield

Ambassador

10st 11lb

J: Joshua Thompson

T: Micky Hammond

Scored at Cartmel (2m1f) in August but largely out of sorts subsequently, pulled up in 2m3f Carlisle handicap in November; lots more is needed after a layoff.

40/1

Form: 82P-35 D

Last run: 37 days

W: 11st 4lb

7 yo Filly

OR: 87

Form & Verdict
Only fifth of eight on her return to hurdles at Worcester (2m, good) last month, but despite some iffy jumping she was only caught on the run-in; has dropped to a handy mark and could go well; stable also runs Gerard Mentor.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9

25th Jul 2025

Good

1m 7f 168y

Class 5

15:12 Uttoxeter

Lady Gwen

11st 4lb

J: Tom Bellamy

T: Kim Bailey & Mat Nicholls

Only fifth of eight on her return to hurdles at Worcester (2m, good) last month, but despite some iffy jumping she was only caught on the run-in; has dropped to a handy mark and could go well; stable also runs Gerard Mentor.

14/1

5th

6

18th Jun 2025

Good

2m 0f 0y

Class 5

18:20 Worcester

Lady Gwen

11st 3lb

J: Tom Bellamy

T: Kim Bailey & Mat Nicholls

Quirky mare who returned from a layoff with a below-par chase run six weeks ago; reverts to hurdling on a tempting mark but others in this field look less risky.

8/1

Form: P20-65 D

Last run: 63 days

W: 11st 2lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 85

Form & Verdict
Mainly seen over fences these days, but has won four times over hurdles; well held in both starts since returning in May, but has become well treated so shouldn't be written off.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

7

18th Oct 2025

Good

2m 0f 70y

Class 5

13:15 Stratford

Gerard Mentor

10st 9lb

J: Isabelle Ryder

T: Kim Bailey & Mat Nicholls

Has been chasing, not beaten far when third at Worcester (2m, good) in September but rather disappointing over the same C&D last time; has four wins to his name over hurdles; not ruled out.

6/1

5th

11

26th Sep 2025

Good

2m 0f 110y

Class 5

13:37 Worcester

Gerard Mentor

10st 9lb

J: Ciaran Gethings

T: Kim Bailey & Mat Nicholls

C&D winner just over a year ago and signs of a revival with two better runs returned here of late, including when not far behind Rocks Up Late and Alshadhian last month; player if reproducing those efforts on better terms.

7/1

Form: 7233-2 D

Last run: 9 days

W: 11st 1lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 84

Form & Verdict
Bumper winner and placed a few times over hurdles for Jeremy Scott, but he appeared to benefit from the tongue-tie when beaten half a length on stable debut over C&D (good) nine days ago; already due a 5lb rise for that and a major player if the aid works again.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

2nd May 2026

Good

1m 7f 168y

Class 5

12:45 Uttoxeter

Diesel Line

11st 10lb

J: Charlie Todd

T: Charles & Adam Pogson

Both wins over hurdles have been over C&D, the latest in September off 6lb lower; will have benefited from his recent pipe-opener when fourth at Market Rasen (2m,good) and should run well.

11/2

4th

1

5th Apr 2026

Good

2m 0f 125y

Class 5

16:33 Market Rasen

Diesel Line

12st 0lb

J: James Bowen

T: Charles & Adam Pogson

Dual winner on good ground at Uttoxeter last summer; still in good form when last seen in the autumn and probably still on a workable mark but has fitness to prove after four months off and recent rain reduces his appeal.

7/2

Form: 78-734 D

Last run: 33 days

W: 11st 1lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 84

Form & Verdict
2lb lower than when winning narrowly at Hexham (2m, good) just over a year ago, but that his only success in 28 starts under rules; others preferred.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

5

3rd Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 19y

Class 5

14:35 Newcastle

Huit Reflets

11st 6lb

J: Jamie Hamilton

T: Mark Walford

Experienced chaser; won at Sedgefield on Boxing Day (2m, good to soft) and placed all three starts since, last time finishing runner-up at Sedgefield (2m3f, good to soft); contender.

5/2

2nd

6

4th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 65y

Class 5

14:07 Sedgefield

Huit Reflets

11st 5lb

J: Jamie Hamilton

T: Mark Walford

Running consistently well since August, winning here (2m, good to soft) on Boxing Day and finishing a close second of five over this C&D (good to soft) ten days ago; has the same mark as last time and holds solid claims.

5/2

2nd

5

25th Jan 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 65y

Class 5

13:40 Sedgefield

Huit Reflets

11st 3lb

J: William Maggs

T: Mark Walford

Currently in a consistent vein of form; opened his chase account in Sedgefield contest (2m, good to soft) on Boxing Day, beating Dixie Cowboy and taking record here to 3321; ran creditably at Catterick (2m3f) since; solid claims.

5/1

Form: 8/P76- D

Last run: 217 days

W: 11st 0lb

8 yo Mare

OR: 83

Form & Verdict
Inconsistent since winning a Wincanton novice hurdle (1m7f, good to soft) for Claire Harris in March 2023; returns from another seven months off with enough to prove.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

11

9th Mar 2026

Good

2m 3f 1y

Class 5

17:10 Taunton

Stopherandgo

10st 2lb

J: James Robottom

T: Kevin Pickard

On a lengthy losing sequence and she has been pulled up in handicap chases at Wincanton (3m1f) and Ludlow (2m4f) either side of Christmas; reverts to hurdles with lots to prove.

25/1

12

15th Jan 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 11y

Class 5

14:17 Ludlow

Stopherandgo

10st 2lb

J: Chad Bament

T: Kevin Pickard

Regressive mare who was pulled up when returned to fences and tried in first-time cheekpieces (retained) at Wincanton (3m1f, soft) last month; drops back in trip with tongue-tie added here; 7lb out of the weights.

33/1

Form: 322/85 CD

Last run: 23 days

W: 10st 13lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 82

Form & Verdict
Won twice over hurdles and once on the Flat for Philip Kirby in 2022, but missed the whole of 2024 and has shown nothing in two starts since returning for this yard last month.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

9

23rd Aug 2025

Good

2m 1f 46y

Class 5

14:10 Cartmel

Leopolds Rock

10st 7lb

J: Jack Hogan

T: Stuart Coltherd

Missed all of 2024 and has shown nothing in three starts since returning for this yard.

33/1

14

25th Jul 2025

Good

1m 7f 168y

Class 5

15:12 Uttoxeter

Leopolds Rock

10st 13lb

J: Sean Quinlan

T: Stuart Coltherd

Won twice over hurdles and once on the Flat for Philip Kirby in 2022, but missed the whole of 2024 and has shown nothing in two starts since returning for this yard last month.

16/1

7

2nd Jul 2025

Good

2m 0f 0y

Class 5

16:50 Worcester

Leopolds Rock

11st 3lb

J: Sean Quinlan

T: Stuart Coltherd

Won twice over hurdles in 2022; never showed when last of eight finishers on first outing in 606 days at Perth (2m, good) last month; usual cheekpieces left off here; hard to fancy.

14/1

Form: 80-99P D

Last run: 23 days

W: 10st 7lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 76

Form & Verdict
26lb lower than for the latest of two wins over hurdles in the spring of 2024, but for good reason; can't be supported until showing some more spark; visor removed after one use.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

7

28th May 2026

Good

2m 0f 0y

Class 4

16:30 Worcester

Cawthorne Banker

10st 4lb

J: Kevin Brogan

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

Won twice in the space of three starts last year but has soon returned to the doldrums; can't be supported with any confidence.

25/1

4

5th Apr 2026

Good

2m 0f 125y

Class 5

16:33 Market Rasen

Cawthorne Banker

11st 3lb

J: Kevin Brogan

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

Needed considerable help from the handicapper before winning twice last year and has looked badly out of sorts on both appearances this year; usual cheekpieces (left off last time) are refitted; can't be supported with any confidence.

10/1

10th

6

17th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 0f 0y

Class 5

15:12 Wetherby

Cawthorne Banker

11st 3lb

J: Jonjo O’Neill Jr

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

Disappointing on last two starts but he won twice in the second half of last year (2m, good to soft/good) and the fact his stable is enjoying a very productive month suggests he is well worth a second look.

13/2

Non-runners

Trafalgar Square, Normandy Legend

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Diesel Line

Daily Mail:

Papa Barns

RP RATINGS:

Ambassador

Telegraph:

Trafalgar Square

WEST COUNTRY:

Lady Gwen

The Sun:

Ez Tiger

TOPSPEED:

Diesel Line

The Times:

Diesel Line

The Guardian:

Diesel Line

Daily Mirror:

Diesel Line

Daily Record:

Diesel Line

D Express:

Papa Barns

The Star:

Papa Barns

POSTDATA:

Ambassador