January 22 / 13.55 Wetherby

13.55

Soft

William Hill Racing Bet Builder Handicap Hurdle (Go North Cab On Target Series Qualifier)

  • Prize money: £3168.6
  • 2m 3f 154y
  • Class 5
  • 13 runners
RTV
View Course
William Hill Racing Bet Builder Handicap Hurdle (Go North Cab On Target Series Qualifier)

Runners: 13 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Showers

11/2 (Won)

  • Win: £11.70
  • Place: £3.10

Form: 165-13 D

Last run: 22 days

W: 10st 13lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 85

Form & Verdict
Won at Bangor (2m1f, heavy) last February and easily made all under Benjamin Macey at Uttoxeter (2m4f, heavy) last month; he finished held in third there (2m, good to soft) 12 days later but the step back up in trip and forecast slower ground could prompt a bigger performance today.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8

13th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 28y

Class 5

16:30 Hexham

Eric Carmen

10st 13lb

J: Benjamin Macey

T: Gary Hanmer

In cracking form this season, with three wins and a second, until however he went down by 25l at Bangor (good) on latest start; maybe the ground that day was not soft enough; major player if bouncing straight back.

13/2

6th

10

21st Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 123y

Class 5

16:30 Bangor-on-Dee

Eric Carmen

10st 12lb

J: Benjamin Macey

T: Gary Hanmer

A lot more exposed than many in here but he's been in cracking form since returning from an absence and his defeat at Leicester was no backward step (2m4f, good to soft); firmly in the mix.

3/1

2nd

3

6th Mar 2026

Soft

2m 4f 25y

Class 5

15:00 Leicester

Eric Carmen

11st 9lb

J: Benjamin Macey

T: Gary Hanmer

Has thrived since returning from a break in December, winning two of his three runs over hurdles before adding a third win of the season reverting to fences at Market Rasen (2m3f, soft) last month, each time under Benjamin Macey; he's up 4lb for last time but is very much a leading contender in current form.

5/4

OUR TIP

6/1

  • Place: £1.40

Form: 14-523 D

Last run: 20 days

W: 12st 0lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 100

Form & Verdict
Two wins at Hexham (2m4f, soft/good to soft) last season and he's run well to be placed in cheekpieces at Ayr on his last two starts (2m3f/2m4f, heavy/soft); in the mix if taking to the first-time visor.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12th

16

27th Mar 2026

Good

2m 5f 56y

Class 4

15:20 Wetherby

Forest Blaze

10st 10lb

J: Charlie Maggs

T: Mark Walford

Below par at Ayr last time, ending a consistent spell of form; rebound looks possible but this is a difficult task and he's still seeking a first win away from Hexham.

33/1

5th

7

6th Mar 2026

Soft

2m 4f 100y

Class 4

16:20 Ayr

Forest Blaze

11st 3lb

J: Jamie Hamilton

T: Mark Walford

Placed on consecutive starts in cheekpieces here (2m4f/2m3f) in December/January and again ran well when close second in first-time visor at Wetherby (2m3f, soft) on latest outing; contests this competitive race from a career-high mark but still enters calculations.

8/1

11/1

  • Place: £5.40

Form: 2/133- D

Last run: 438 days

W: 11st 3lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 89

Form & Verdict
Ran some solid races when switched to handicaps in 2024; missed all of 2025 but is on a competitive mark if retaining his ability; watch the market.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

3

1st Mar 2026

Heavy

2m 4f 0y

Class 5

16:00 Ffos Las

Ionity

11st 8lb

J: Ben Jones

T: Evan Williams

Placed all three starts since winning over C&D (good to soft) in May 2024, most recently when creditable third of 13 at Wetherby (2m3f, soft; hampered on run-in) in January, after a long absence; not yet proven on heavy ground but still features prominently in calculations.

5/2

3rd

6

22nd Jan 2026

Soft

2m 3f 154y

Class 5

13:55 Wetherby

Ionity

11st 3lb

J: Isabel Williams

T: Evan Williams

Ran some solid races when switched to handicaps in 2024; missed all of 2025 but is on a competitive mark if retaining his ability; watch the market.

11/1

3rd

8

10th Nov 2024

Good To Soft

2m 4f 0y

Class 5

15:35 Ffos Las

Ionity

11st 4lb

J: Adam Wedge

T: Evan Williams

Won over C&D (good to soft; acts on soft) in May in his second handicap and placed in the other two; that amounts to the most solid claims in this field, far more solid than those of the vast majority.

3/1

Form: 442-96 CD

Last run: 66 days

W: 10st 7lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 79

Form & Verdict
Inconsistent last season and well beaten on both outings this term; however, he may have needed his latest run in November and won this two years ago; not written off.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

4

9th Mar 2026

Good

2m 3f 166y

Class 5

14:30 Plumpton

Goguenard

10st 7lb

J: Richie McLernon

T: D J Jeffreys

Well beaten in all three chases last season and also out of form over hurdles this term; considered only if lively in the betting.

16/1

8

22nd Feb 2026

Soft

2m 5f 164y

Class 5

15:50 Fontwell

Goguenard

10st 5lb

J: Tom Bellamy

T: D J Jeffreys

Three-time hurdle winner; safely held on both outings (cheekpieces refitted last time) since returning in November from a break but suited by slow ground and might be perked up by first-time blinkers; worth a glance in the betting.

11/1

4th

11

22nd Jan 2026

Soft

2m 3f 154y

Class 5

13:55 Wetherby

Goguenard

10st 7lb

J: Kielan Woods

T: D J Jeffreys

Inconsistent last season and well beaten on both outings this term; however, he may have needed his latest run in November and won this two years ago; not written off.

14/1

Form: 36-6F6

Last run: 42 days

W: 11st 0lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 86

Form & Verdict
Runner-up on the Flat for Declan Carroll in October, then didn't really shine over hurdles on final few starts for that yard; however, he has a reduced mark to work with on his first run for Gary Hanmer, who has enjoyed plenty of success with stable-switcher Heeztheboy this season.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

4

28th May 2026

Good

2m 0f 125y

Class 5

20:42 Market Rasen

Ruler Legend

11st 9lb

J: Danny McMenamin

T: Gary Hanmer

Ended last season in excellent form, winning twice here (2m/2m2f) on good ground, and is probably still on a workable mark; big chance.

6/5

1st

11

14th Apr 2026

Good

2m 2f 140y

Class 5

15:20 Market Rasen

Ruler Legend

10st 8lb

J: Danny McMenamin

T: Gary Hanmer

Readily gained a first victory in over two years when capitalising on a reduced mark in 2m handicap here nine days ago; carries a 7lb penalty but can go well again.

6/1

1st

7

5th Apr 2026

Good

2m 0f 125y

Class 5

16:33 Market Rasen

Ruler Legend

10st 8lb

J: Danny McMenamin

T: Gary Hanmer

Soundly beaten on first two starts for Gary Hanmer but his fifth of 11 at Carlisle (2m1f, good to soft) a fortnight ago was much more encouraging; could have a say if able to build on that recent effort.

5/1

Form: 428-59

Last run: 25 days

W: 12st 0lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 100

Form & Verdict
Went close on handicap debut at Carlisle (2m1f, good) last April and now 3lb lower, but three lesser performances have followed (2m3f/2m4f, good/good to soft) and she needs to turn things around.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

4

14th Apr 2026

Good

2m 2f 140y

Class 5

15:20 Market Rasen

Caramelo Rapido

11st 11lb

J: Jamie Hamilton

T: Mark Walford

Opened his account at Doncaster (2m) in February but he beat only one in 2m Hexham handicap 20 days ago; needs to bounce back.

16/1

8th

10

25th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 0f 48y

Class 4

15:11 Hexham

Caramelo Rapido

10st 11lb

J: Jamie Hamilton

T: Mark Walford

Advanced his form when getting off the mark at the tenth attempt in 2m Doncaster handicap 25 days ago; this demands another personal best off a 5lb higher mark.

9/2

1st

5

28th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 0f 128y

Class 5

15:40 Doncaster

Caramelo Rapido

11st 7lb

J: James Bowen

T: Mark Walford

Beaten a neck on his handicap debut last April (2m1f, good) but four lesser runs have followed, so has to turn things around.

14/1

Form: 77P5-5 D

Last run: 258 days

W: 11st 1lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 87

Form & Verdict
Placed twice in a row in autumn 2024 and well treated on that form but it's been slim pickings since; may be best watched back from a break.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

11

24th May 2026

Good

2m 4f 189y

Class 5

15:37 Kelso

Knacker Trapper

10st 8lb

J: William Maggs

T: Andrew Crook

Didn't seem to stay 2m7f when below-par at Hexham last time, having run creditably on his two previous starts; could go well but on a long losing run.

10/1

9th

14

2nd May 2026

Good

2m 7f 63y

Class 5

20:15 Hexham

Knacker Trapper

10st 9lb

J: William Maggs

T: Andrew Crook

Only win came in a Southwell novice handicap in May 2024 (2m4f, good); good run when second at Sedgefield last time (2m4f, good); stamina to prove, but could be in the mix.

12/1

2nd

7

1st Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 188y

Class 5

16:40 Sedgefield

Knacker Trapper

10st 12lb

J: Charlie Maggs

T: Andrew Crook

It's now 11 outings since his last success but he's been lightly raced this term and comes here on the back of a good third of 15 in 2m4f Newcastle handicap hurdle 18 days ago; can make his presence felt off the same mark.

7/1

Form: 1P54

Last run: 24 days

W: 11st 12lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 98

Form & Verdict
Bumper winner (2m, good) who is yet to get competitive over hurdles but shaped when fourth at Kelso (2m, good to soft) last month as though this step back up in trip will be a plus on his handicap debut; possible player.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

7

13th May 2026

Good

3m 2f 127y

Class 4

15:08 Perth

Suspected

11st 8lb

J: Mr Kit Alexander

T: N W Alexander

Off the mark over hurdles over 3m here in April (good); now 6lb higher, but longer trip should suit and one with a chance.

4/1

1st

5

22nd Apr 2026

Soft

2m 7f 207y

Class 5

16:40 Perth

Suspected

11st 6lb

J: Mr Kit Alexander

T: N W Alexander

Won a bumper for Tom Symonds at Uttoxeter last May (2m, good); fair form over hurdles for this yard, including in two handicaps; needs to improve for step up to 3m.

9/1

6th

3

14th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 62y

Class 5

14:45 Newcastle

Suspected

11st 11lb

J: Bruce Lynn

T: N W Alexander

Uttoxeter bumper winner (2m, good) for Tom Symonds; hasn't kicked on over hurdles (0-4) since joining new trainer, sloppy jumping again the issue when beaten 38l on Wetherby handicap debut (2m4f, soft).

25/1

Form: 653

Last run: 39 days

W: 11st 13lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 99

Form & Verdict
6yo who has improved with each of his three runs in novice hurdles, finishing third at Southwell (2m, good to soft) last month; placed in a 3m point and open to improvement now up in trip on handicap debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

4

4th Apr 2026

Good

1m 7f 171y

Class 4

18:00 Huntingdon

Sweeper System

11st 6lb

J: Robert Dunne

T: Sam Allwood

Built upon previous form when coming good at the fifth attempt over hurdles at Wetherby (2m, good to soft) last month; up 7lb but if the better ground was the reason for his improvement then he must also be considered here.

7/2

1st

1

17th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 0f 0y

Class 5

15:12 Wetherby

Sweeper System

12st 0lb

J: Tom Bellamy

T: Sam Allwood

Encouraging third in maiden hurdle at Southwell (2m, good to soft) in December; pulled up on handicap debut here (2m3f, soft) since; might be back on better ground today which, along with the drop back in trip, could make him a different proposition; no surprise to see a good run.

14/1

3

22nd Jan 2026

Soft

2m 3f 154y

Class 5

13:55 Wetherby

Sweeper System

11st 13lb

J: Tom Bellamy

T: Sam Allwood

6yo who has improved with each of his three runs in novice hurdles, finishing third at Southwell (2m, good to soft) last month; placed in a 3m point and open to improvement now up in trip on handicap debut.

11/2

Form: -6F593 D

Last run: 77 days

W: 11st 5lb

7 yo Filly

OR: 91

Form & Verdict
On a reduced mark and she took a step back in the right direction at Sedgefield in November in this headgear combination, but she was still soundly beaten in third and needs to build on that effort today.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

22nd Jan 2026

Soft

2m 3f 154y

Class 5

13:55 Wetherby

Reel Rosie

11st 5lb

J: William Shanahan

T: Jennie Candlish

On a reduced mark and she took a step back in the right direction at Sedgefield in November in this headgear combination, but she was still soundly beaten in third and needs to build on that effort today.

20/1

9th

3

30th Sep 2025

Good

2m 3f 188y

Class 5

15:37 Sedgefield

Reel Rosie

11st 13lb

J: William Shanahan

T: Jennie Candlish

Not firing on all cylinders this year but her respectable fifth at Uttoxeter (2m4f, good) 19 days ago was a step back in the right direction and it's worth remembering that her only hurdle win was gained over this C&D.

11/2

2

11th Sep 2025

Good

2m 3f 207y

Class 5

18:35 Uttoxeter

Reel Rosie

12st 0lb

J: Sean Quinlan

T: Jennie Candlish

Out of form on the Flat/over hurdles in the spring and, following a three-month break, fell in early stages of a recent chase; should cope if there's rain about but needs to get career back on track.

12/1

Form: 3323

Last run: 27 days

W: 10st 7lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 94

Form & Verdict
4yo who is 0-9 on the Flat and 0-4 over hurdles but he's been showing promise in this code and kept on for third of 11 in handicap against older horses here (2m, soft) four weeks ago; stays well on the Flat and today's extra distance could be right up his street.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10

11th Apr 2026

Good

2m 4f 62y

Class 5

14:07 Newcastle

Toby Two Scoops

10st 11lb

J: Alice Stevens

T: Micky Hammond

Still to register a victory but he comes here after a good second of eight in 2m Wetherby handicap hurdle 44 days ago; he can make his presence felt again reverted to a longer trip.

7/1

2nd

5

26th Feb 2026

Soft

2m 0f 0y

Class 5

15:00 Wetherby

Toby Two Scoops

11st 2lb

J: Joshua Thompson

T: Micky Hammond

Pulled up here (2m3f, soft) last month when more than a possible lack of stamina was amiss; however, prior to that he was placed in his first two handicap hurdles (soft; including C&D); leading player if back on song.

7/2

12

22nd Jan 2026

Soft

2m 3f 154y

Class 5

13:55 Wetherby

Toby Two Scoops

10st 7lb

J: Brian Hughes

T: Micky Hammond

4yo who is 0-9 on the Flat and 0-4 over hurdles but he's been showing promise in this code and kept on for third of 11 in handicap against older horses here (2m, soft) four weeks ago; stays well on the Flat and today's extra distance could be right up his street.

4/1

Form: /9P5-3

Last run: 39 days

W: 10st 6lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 78

Form & Verdict
Having not achieved much previously, he made his handicap debut off this lowly mark at Carlisle (2m1f, soft) last month and finished third of ten, beaten just under 8l; this unexposed 6yo might not be far away.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

14

22nd Jan 2026

Soft

2m 3f 154y

Class 5

13:55 Wetherby

Wor Lad

10st 6lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Donald Whillans

Having not achieved much previously, he made his handicap debut off this lowly mark at Carlisle (2m1f, soft) last month and finished third of ten, beaten just under 8l; this unexposed 6yo might not be far away.

7/1

5th

5

21st Mar 2025

Good To Soft

2m 1f 87y

Class 4

14:20 Musselburgh

Wor Lad

11st 6lb

J: Craig Nichol

T: Donald Whillans

towards rear, pushed along when bit short of room and switched left just before 3 out, soon weakened, hit last

100/1

6

8th Mar 2025

Soft

2m 4f 100y

Class 4

13:42 Ayr

Wor Lad

11st 0lb

J: Craig Nichol

T: Donald Whillans

in touch with leaders on outer, pushed along briefly 6th, slow jump and dropped to last 7th, tailed off 4 out, soon pulled up

66/1

Form: 64-463

Last run: 41 days

W: 10st 2lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 74

Form & Verdict
Produced a couple of reasonable performances in the final third of last year but without threatening, and this 9yo is a longstanding maiden.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12

5th Apr 2026

Good

2m 4f 139y

Class 5

14:48 Market Rasen

Perfect Arch

10st 5lb

J: Bruce Lynn

T: Simon West

0-31 over hurdles and 0-51 overall; has shown some bits and bobs of form this season and is suited by this C&D but still makes only limited appeal from 5lb out of the weights.

33/1

5th

8

26th Feb 2026

Soft

2m 0f 0y

Class 5

15:00 Wetherby

Perfect Arch

10st 5lb

J: Bruce Lynn

T: Simon West

9yo who is a longstanding maiden and was pulled up here last time; he's hard to fancy.

20/1

16

22nd Jan 2026

Soft

2m 3f 154y

Class 5

13:55 Wetherby

Perfect Arch

10st 2lb

J: Danny McMenamin

T: Simon West

Produced a couple of reasonable performances in the final third of last year but without threatening, and this 9yo is a longstanding maiden.

50/1

Non-runners

River Rider, Diamond Trilogy, Mythical

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £30.50
Straight Forecast £26.93
Tricast £355.30
Trifecta £634.70

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Toby Two Scoops

Telegraph:

Eric Carmen

POSTDATA:

Wor Lad

RP RATINGS:

Toby Two Scoops

The Times:

Toby Two Scoops

The Guardian:

Toby Two Scoops

Daily Mail:

Toby Two Scoops

Daily Mirror:

Toby Two Scoops

The Sun:

Toby Two Scoops

The Star:

Wor Lad

D Express:

Eric Carmen

Daily Record:

Eric Carmen