September 26 / 14.42 Worcester

14.42

Good

trustatrader.com Fixed Brush Hurdle Series Final Novices’ Handicap Hurdle (GBB Race)

  • Prize money: £36421
  • 2m 4f 0y
  • Class 2
  • 15 runners
ITV
View Course
trustatrader.com Fixed Brush Hurdle Series Final Novices’ Handicap Hurdle (GBB Race)

Runners: 15 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Mostly cloudy

OUR TIP

Form: 7-3331 C

Last run: 26 days

W: 11st 12lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 122

Form & Verdict
Ex-Irish 5yo who justified skinny odds with minimal fuss here (2m, good) on last month's stable debut; moves back up in trip for this handicap debut and could have a lot more to offer for James Owen; high on the list.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

4th May 2026

Good

2m 4f 1y

Class 2

17:13 Fakenham

Dream Diamond

11st 7lb

J: Alex Chadwick

T: James Owen

Comfortably won Worcester maiden (2m, good) on last summer's stable debut but has been some way below that form on all three starts since; will be fine over today's trip but needs to get career back on track.

25/1

3rd

1

18th Mar 2026

Good

1m 7f 171y

Class 4

15:45 Huntingdon

Dream Diamond

11st 12lb

J: Alex Chadwick

T: James Owen

Ex-Irish 6yo who justified skinny odds with minimal fuss in Worcester maiden (2m, good) on stable debut in August; he's one of the two form picks on that and earlier evidence, but the heavy defeats in his two handicaps since tell a very different story.

7/2

7th

1

5th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 2f 191y

Class 4

15:15 Haydock

Dream Diamond

12st 2lb

J: Alex Chadwick

T: James Owen

Ex-Irish 6yo who justified skinny odds with minimal fuss in Worcester maiden (2m, good) on stable debut in August; beaten the thick end of 50l on handicap debut in valuable event over 2m4f back there the following month; off since and drops back in trip with drying ground probably in his favour.

8/1

Form: 334-13 BF

Last run: 111 days

W: 11st 10lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 120

Form & Verdict
Signed off in Ireland with maiden hurdle win at Killarney (2m1f, good) in May but managed only third when warm favourite for modest novice here (2m, good) on stable debut in June; needs a much better performance today.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

26th Sep 2025

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 2

14:42 Worcester

Romany Brown

11st 10lb

J: Harry Bannister

T: Ben Case

Signed off in Ireland with maiden hurdle win at Killarney (2m1f, good) in May but managed only third when warm favourite for modest novice here (2m, good) on stable debut in June; needs a much better performance today.

20/1

1

7th Jun 2025

Good

2m 0f 0y

Class 4

16:20 Worcester

Romany Brown

11st 9lb

J: Jack Quinlan

T: Ben Case

There's some substance to the maiden hurdle he won at Killarney a month ago (2m1f, good) before changing hands for £42,000; should be hard to beat provided he's settled in to his new surroundings.

Evs

1st

14

11th May 2025

Good

2m 1f 0y

13:55 Killarney

Romany Brown

11st 4lb

J: Jack Doyle

T: P M J Doyle

0-3 in bumpers and 0-2 over hurdles but has run well in defeat; beaten a head in a maiden hurdle at Clonmel in November last year; solid fourth in a Kilbeggan bumper (15.5f, good) after three months off in April (just behind Fillyoureyes); leading form claims back over hurdles.

100/30

Form: 5-1111 CD

Last run: 81 days

W: 11st 8lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 118

Form & Verdict
4-4 for new stable this season, having won three handicap chases and a C&D novice hurdle (all on good ground); might still be improving and commands respect in current mood.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

1

24th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 7f 136y

Class 5

19:37 Chepstow

Stumps Or Slips

12st 6lb

J: Mr Zac Baker

T: Edward William Walker

Rampant in sub-3m good-ground hurdle races and chases last summer, and has the beating of Yippee Ki Yay on a line through Macklin, whom he trounced at Exeter last time (3m, good); still fairly lightly raced over this sort of trip, and drying forecast rates a big plus.

11/8

1st

1

7th Apr 2026

Good

3m 0f 54y

Class 4

17:10 Exeter

Stumps Or Slips

12st 6lb

J: Mr Zac Baker

T: Edward William Walker

Bought out of Olly Murphy's yard for £26,000; on the retreat but had run well when falling three out at Taunton in January and was close up behind respected opposition in his latest point; could go well.

5/1

1

14th Oct 2025

Good

2m 4f 139y

Class 4

14:21 Market Rasen

Stumps Or Slips

11st 7lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Olly Murphy

Kicked off for this yard with three wins in handicap chases and added a 2m4f novice hurdle at Worcester; not sure what happened back there last time in a handicap hurdle but it wasn't his true form; does have to carry a penalty.

6/4

Form: 227-33

Last run: 21 days

W: 11st 5lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 115

Form & Verdict
Placed on four of his six hurdling starts, most recently when keeping on for clear third over C&D (good) on handicap debut three weeks ago; 2lb higher today but probably won't be far away; hood/tongue-tie added.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

1

31st Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 6f 0y

Class 4

14:30 Newcastle

Tamarind Bay

12st 0lb

J: James Bowen

T: Mickey Bowen

Stacks of minor honours and his second in a Doncaster maiden last time, after 101 days off, was one of his best efforts; another was in November on his only go at about 2m6f; the lack of a win is a touch disconcerting, though.

6/1

2nd

8

28th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 88y

Class 3

15:05 Doncaster

Tamarind Bay

11st 7lb

J: Shane Fenelon

T: Mickey Bowen

Responsible for some of the best form on show but he's now 0-10 over hurdles so had his chances; probably found the ground too soft last time; might be vulnerable to rivals with lower mileage.

13/2

Form: 32-124 C

Last run: 37 days

W: 11st 4lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 114

Form & Verdict
Useful Flat racer with very solid record over hurdles; followed 2m course maiden win in June with creditable second in Class 2 handicap at Market Rasen (2m4f, also on good) soon afterwards; likely contender.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

5

20th May 2026

Good

2m 0f 0y

Class 3

17:00 Warwick

High Fibre

11st 9lb

J: Ciaran O’Shea

T: Harry Fry

At his best as a hurdler when gaining his second win in this sphere, at Kempton (2m, good) in March; touched off at Ludlow next time but below his best up in trip at Plumpton (2m4f, good) last month; ridden on four of last five starts by Ciaran O'Shea; back to 2m and needs to return to form.

5/1

5th

8

6th Apr 2026

Good

2m 4f 116y

Class 3

15:45 Plumpton

High Fibre

11st 4lb

J: Ciaran O’Shea

T: Harry Fry

Began to look exposed in the second half of last year but he showed improved form to win at Kempton (2m, good) on March 23 and was short-headed at Ludlow (2m, good) last Monday; he should be fine now back up in trip and could again be thereabouts.

11/2

2nd

6

30th Mar 2026

Good

1m 7f 169y

Class 4

16:27 Ludlow

High Fibre

11st 1lb

J: Ciaran O’Shea

T: Harry Fry

Classy on the Flat back in the day; it had been a struggle in handicaps this season but, back from a break and dropped in grade, he won readily enough under Ciaran O'Shea at Kempton (2m, good) last week; escapes a penalty.

15/8

Form: 5-31 D

Last run: 109 days

W: 11st 4lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 114

Form & Verdict
Came good over hurdles at third attempt, with clearcut success at Southwell (2m4f, good; first-time tongue-tie) in June, and added a Flat win one month later; could still have untapped potential over jumps; one to consider.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

7

19th May 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 28y

Class 4

20:20 Hexham

Banderas

11st 11lb

J: Richie McLernon

T: Sam England

Won a Southwell maiden hurdle (2m4f, good; first-time tongue-tie) and a Carlisle Flat handicap (2m1f, soft) last summer, but handicap hurdle debut in September was too bad to be true; however, he made a promising return here over 2m 17 days ago when shaping as though he'd improve for the outing; interesting back up in trip.

16/1

5th

4

2nd May 2026

Good

2m 0f 48y

Class 3

18:45 Hexham

Banderas

11st 2lb

J: Jonathan England

T: Sam England

Won a Southwell maiden hurdle (2m4f, good; first-time tongue-tie) and a Carlisle Flat handicap (2m1f, soft) last summer; off since September; likely to be better for the run.

10/1

7

26th Sep 2025

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 2

14:42 Worcester

Banderas

11st 4lb

J: Jonathan England

T: Sam England

Came good over hurdles at third attempt, with clearcut success at Southwell (2m4f, good; first-time tongue-tie) in June, and added a Flat win one month later; could still have untapped potential over jumps; one to consider.

8/1

Form: 22-121 CD

Last run: 37 days

W: 11st 3lb

5 yo Filly

OR: 113

Form & Verdict
Placed in all three bumpers last season and 2-3 since switched to hurdling this term, the latter win gained over C&D (good) last month; should have some improvement to come in handicaps; needs to be taken seriously.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

4

24th May 2026

Good

2m 3f 207y

Class 2

15:28 Uttoxeter

Service Minimum

11st 10lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

Has improved for good ground in winning her last two races (2m3f/2m5f), both with plenty in hand; raised 10lb for last time but she's only raced 13 times and is clearly on the upgrade.

11/4

1st

6

23rd Apr 2026

Good

2m 5f 5y

Class 2

15:30 Warwick

Service Minimum

11st 3lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

Would have found conditions too soft when seventh behind Pretending at Market Rasen and she then justified market confidence with a narrow win at Bangor (2m3f, good); she travelled much the best in that race but the handicapper went with an 11lb rise and that asks major questions in this loftier grade.

7/2

1st

1

31st Mar 2026

Good

2m 3f 123y

Class 5

16:50 Bangor-on-Dee

Service Minimum

12st 0lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

Both her novice wins came on good ground and she'll appreciate a return to such conditions after running fairly well on soft last time at Market Rasen (2m4f); considered off her lowest mark in a handicap.

2/1

Form: 1221 D

Last run: 39 days

W: 11st 2lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 112

Form & Verdict
Fair Flat racer who battled well to pip Don Virginia in small field at Stratford (2m6f, good to firm) last month and is now 2-4 over hurdles; ought to run his race again but others have more compelling form.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9

26th Sep 2025

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 2

14:42 Worcester

Knights Affair

11st 2lb

J: Gavin Sheehan

T: Jamie Snowden

Fair Flat racer who battled well to pip Don Virginia in small field at Stratford (2m6f, good to firm) last month and is now 2-4 over hurdles; ought to run his race again but others have more compelling form.

12/1

3

18th Aug 2025

Good To Firm

2m 6f 7y

Class 4

14:57 Stratford

Knights Affair

11st 7lb

J: Gavin Sheehan

T: Jamie Snowden

Dual Flat winner who scored on hurdling debut at Huntingdon (2m4f, good) in May and came second on both subsequent hurdling starts (2m5f/2m; form well advertised by the two winners since); not at best when back on the Flat last month but a major player.

6/4

6

(5)

18th Jul 2025

Good

1m 6f 0y

Class 4

16:25 Haydock

Knights Affair

9st 3lb

J: Callum Rodriguez

T: Jamie Snowden

Won two handicaps (1m6f/2m) on the Flat last season and he's done well switched to hurdling for new yard since May including a win at Huntingdon (2m4f, good); still has potential as a stayer on the Flat and he's in the mix back in this sphere.

11/2

Form: 2260-2

Last run: 26 days

W: 11st 2lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 112

Form & Verdict
Ex-Irish 6yo; 2-3 in British points in early part of this year and returned to racing under rules with very encouraging second behind Dream Diamond here (2m, good) last month; sure to be suited by today's move back up in trip and could have a say if that recent outing brought him on.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

5th May 2026

Good

2m 3f 147y

Class 4

19:17 Hereford

Mount Anglesby

12st 0lb

J: Tom Broughton

T: Alastair Ralph

The winner of two of his six starts for this stable, most recently at Warwick (2m5f, good to soft) in March off 4lb lower, but didn't quite match that level when fourth (2m4f, good) at Plumpton last month; may need to find more but likely to be in the mix.

9/2

4th

3

6th Apr 2026

Good

2m 4f 116y

Class 3

15:45 Plumpton

Mount Anglesby

11st 11lb

J: Tom Broughton

T: Alastair Ralph

7yo who has a fair bit of experience but has been progressive for a new yard this term, making it two wins from his last three runs (2m3f/2m5f, good/good to soft) when scoring at Warwick last time; entitled to respect.

13/2

1st

2

8th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 5f 5y

Class 4

15:10 Warwick

Mount Anglesby

11st 9lb

J: Tom Broughton

T: Alastair Ralph

Ran creditably on bare figures last time when bidding for an Ascot double; only 1-14 under rules compared to 2-3 in points but may still have more to offer for current yard.

10/1

Form: 653-31 C

Last run: 26 days

W: 11st 2lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 112

Form & Verdict
Improving with experience over hurdles and won 2m maiden here (good) last month, his third attempt; the bare form isn't anything to go wild about but there's a good chance today's longer trip will enable further progress.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11

26th Sep 2025

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 2

14:42 Worcester

Washpool

11st 2lb

J: David Bass

T: Charlie Longsdon

Improving with experience over hurdles and won 2m maiden here (good) last month, his third attempt; the bare form isn't anything to go wild about but there's a good chance today's longer trip will enable further progress.

12/1

1st

7

31st Aug 2025

Good

2m 0f 0y

Class 4

16:10 Worcester

Washpool

11st 4lb

J: David Bass

T: Charlie Longsdon

All of his starts have been on good ground; this point runner-up has improved with each of his four runs under rules, finishing third over C&D last time; he's high on the list this afternoon.

2/1

3rd

4

24th Jul 2025

Good

2m 0f 0y

Class 4

15:30 Worcester

Washpool

11st 4lb

J: David Bass

T: Charlie Longsdon

Second in a point; trailed the smart winner by 17l when third in a 2m maiden at Market Rasen (good) but that was a forward step; won't need much more (if anything) to be bang there.

12/1

Form: 221333 D

Last run: 32 days

W: 11st 2lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 112

Form & Verdict
Consistent over fences and hurdles for new stable this season, winning once under each discipline; suited by this C&D but may find less exposed rivals better handicapped today; swaps cheekpieces for refitted visor.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6

15th Jan 2026

Good To Soft

2m 7f 91y

Class 4

14:00 Newcastle

Shadows In The Sky

11st 12lb

J: Alex Chadwick

T: James Owen

10yo whose form has been mixed this season but he's edged back down the weights and his Newmarket yard is 3-6 here; capable of a big run.

10/1

1

17th Oct 2025

Good

2m 5f 44y

Class 4

16:25 Fakenham

Shadows In The Sky

11st 8lb

J: Alex Chadwick

T: James Owen

Most consistent win or lose over either obstacle for this stable until finding a brush hurdle series final at Worcester all too much last time (2m4f, good); swimming in calmer waters again on this return to fences, albeit still above any class he's ever won in.

3/1

12

26th Sep 2025

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 2

14:42 Worcester

Shadows In The Sky

11st 2lb

J: Nathan Howie

T: James Owen

Consistent over fences and hurdles for new stable this season, winning once under each discipline; suited by this C&D but may find less exposed rivals better handicapped today; swaps cheekpieces for refitted visor.

20/1

Form: 2-2132 D BF

Last run: 39 days

W: 10st 13lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 109

Form & Verdict
1-10 over hurdles, the win gained at Southwell (2m4f, good) in June; very close second to Knights Affair at Stratford (2m6f, good to firm) last month but probably needs the new cheekpieces to generate improvement here.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

1

25th Feb 2024

Heavy

2m 0f 53y

Class 4

14:40 Hereford

Don Virginia

11st 0lb

J: Jonjo O’Neill Jr

T: Jonjo O’Neill

£32,000 2yo; dam French 2m1f hurdle winner, half-sister to several winners notably Viking Blond (useful 2m7f-3m hurdle/chase); major yard; interesting newcomer.

8/1

Form: 7-5133 C

Last run: 68 days

W: 10st 12lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 108

Form & Verdict
Too good for short-odds favourite when 20-1 winner of Warwick maiden (2m, good) in June but safely held when third on next two outings; upped in trip with cheekpieces enlisted for handicap debut; improvement required.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

5

2nd Jun 2026

Good

3m 0f 60y

Class 5

16:30 Southwell

Jefe Triunfo

11st 9lb

J: Dylan Johnston

T: Chris Gordon

Generally disappointing in handicaps since winning 2m maiden a year ago and steps up in trip off a career-low mark; worth a look in the betting.

10/1

7th

4

24th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 29y

Class 5

19:50 Fontwell

Jefe Triunfo

11st 12lb

J: Dylan Johnston

T: Chris Gordon

Won a maiden hurdle at Warwick (2m, good) last June but he's gone the wrong way in handicaps and was tailed off on Plumpton reappearance (2m4f, good) two weeks ago; mark continues to fall but he has something to prove.

14/1

Form: 644224

Last run: 21 days

W: 10st 7lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 106

Form & Verdict
Close second to Service Minimum over C&D (good; first-time tongue-tie) last month but a lesser effort behind Intosomethinggood followed three weeks ago and he's now 0-10 over hurdles.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

1

22nd Apr 2026

Good

2m 0f 104y

Class 5

18:30 Taunton

Old Bridge

12st 0lb

J: Jack Tudor

T: David Pipe

0-13 over hurdles and has struggled a little with consistency in the past, with his better efforts coming over further; however, he went close off a similar mark at Hereford (2m3f, good) in November and, despite the drop back in trip and returning from a break, he still warrants respect.

7/2

18

10th Oct 2025

Good To Soft

2m 3f 100y

Class 4

16:55 Chepstow

Old Bridge

11st 2lb

J: Rian Corcoran

T: David Pipe

0-11 over hurdles; runner-up on consecutive 2m4f starts this summer but was pulled up (albeit in a competitive series final) last time and is not the most obvious answer to this competitive race.

33/1

15

26th Sep 2025

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 2

14:42 Worcester

Old Bridge

10st 7lb

J: Jack Tudor

T: David Pipe

Close second to Service Minimum over C&D (good; first-time tongue-tie) last month but a lesser effort behind Intosomethinggood followed three weeks ago and he's now 0-10 over hurdles.

33/1

Form: 823

Last run: 80 days

W: 10st 7lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 103

Form & Verdict
Well beaten over 2m here on stable/hurdle debut in May and ran to just a fair level when placed over that trip on next two outings; however, last year's useful Irish Flat form over middle-distance/staying trips in headgear offers hope he can improve over hurdles now he's upped to 2m4f with a visor refitted; interesting.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

16

26th Sep 2025

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 2

14:42 Worcester

Squire Danagher

10st 7lb

J: Ben Jones

T: Ben Pauling

Well beaten over 2m here on stable/hurdle debut in May and ran to just a fair level when placed over that trip on next two outings; however, last year's useful Irish Flat form over middle-distance/staying trips in headgear offers hope he can improve over hurdles now he's upped to 2m4f with a visor refitted; interesting.

12/1

4

8th Jul 2025

Good

1m 7f 168y

Class 4

18:00 Uttoxeter

Squire Danagher

11st 2lb

J: Ben Jones

T: Ben Pauling

Fairly useful on the Flat in Ireland; quiet on hurdle/stable debut and although he ran better to be second at Worcester (2m, good to soft), that was a modest race; likely to need more here.

9/2

Non-runners

Intosomethinggood

Selections

RP RATINGS:

Don Virginia

LAMBOURN:

Knights Affair

The Guardian:

Service Minimum

The Times:

Stumps Or Slips

Daily Record:

Intosomethinggood

Telegraph:

Banderas

SPOTLIGHT:

Squire Danagher

POSTDATA:

Shadows In The Sky

WEST COUNTRY:

High Fibre

Daily Mirror:

Service Minimum

TOPSPEED:

Don Virginia

D Express:

Don Virginia

Daily Mail:

Knights Affair

The Sun:

Knights Affair

The Star:

Stumps Or Slips