March 31 / 17.35 Newcastle

17.35

Good To Soft

Virgin Bet Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle

  • Prize money: £3247.81
  • 2m 0f 190y
  • Class 5
  • 13 runners
SKY
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Virgin Bet Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle

Runners: 13 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Partly cloudy

11/2 (Won)

  • Win: £4.20
  • Place: £2.10

Form: F-4P68

Last run: 11 days

W: 11st 8lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 94

Form & Verdict
11lb lower now than on handicap debut and he's shown enough for his new yard this term not to be ruled out entirely; headgear first time.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

2

24th May 2026

Good

2m 4f 189y

Class 5

15:37 Kelso

Travis Wheatley

11st 13lb

J: Ryan Mania

T: Adam Nicol

Has done well both runs with cheekpieces, winning off a 9lb lower mark at Newcastle in January (2m1f, good to soft) before creditable third off this mark at Ayr last time (2m4f, soft); chance if as effective on this ground.

6/1

3rd

9

17th Apr 2026

Soft

2m 4f 100y

Class 4

17:15 Ayr

Travis Wheatley

10st 11lb

J: Rian Corcoran

T: Adam Nicol

The first-time cheekpieces appeared to make a huge difference at Newcastle (2m1f, good to soft) where he jumped well in front and won unchallenged by just over 5l; 9lb higher in a higher grade but he arrives here a relative unknown quantity, especially over this far.

8/1

1st

7

31st Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 0f 190y

Class 5

17:35 Newcastle

Travis Wheatley

11st 8lb

J: Jack Power

T: Adam Nicol

11lb lower now than on handicap debut and he's shown enough for his new yard this term not to be ruled out entirely; headgear first time.

11/2

7/2

  • Place: £1.80

Form: 0313P3

Last run: 21 days

W: 11st 8lb

6 yo Colt

OR: 94

Form & Verdict
Ex-Irish; three good runs in the autumn for new yard, notably with his December win at Musselburgh (soft; probably also okay on good); flopped next time but, after wind surgery, partially revived when third at Sedgefield three weeks ago; 1-26 overall (1-19 over hurdles) but he's one to consider.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

4

(1)

15th Oct 2026

Standard

1m 3f 23y

Class 6

20:30 Southwell (AW)

Newport

9st 8lb

J: Jack Nicholls

T: Iain Jardine

Flat turf/hurdle winner in the summer and a fair fourth of 12 at Newcastle (1m4f, Tapeta) last month, but this trip on a flat track may not be enough of a test for him.

4/1

4th

1

(10)

25th Sep 2026

Standard

1m 4f 98y

Class 6

16:35 Newcastle (AW)

Newport

10st 2lb

J: Tom Kiely-Marshall

T: Iain Jardine

Dual hurdle winner who broke his Flat duck when dropped down to a Class 6 at Redcar (1m6f, good to firm) off 2lb lower last month; moderate at a higher level in two subsequent starts but his sole AW effort was a solid one when fourth of 14 at Dundalk (Polytrack) in the spring of 2024; possibilities if he copes with this return to 1m4f.

9/2

10th

12

(1)

6th Sep 2026

Good To Soft

2m 0f 56y

Class 4

14:40 York

Newport

8st 11lb

J: Jack Nicholls

T: Iain Jardine

Fourth over C&D (good to firm) in July then broke his Flat duck at Redcar (1m6f, good to firm); has won on soft over hurdles; couldn't get into it at Musselburgh (2m2f, good) recently but is not ruled out each-way.

14/1

33/1

  • Place: £1.30

Form: /379P7 D

Last run: 117 days

W: 11st 9lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 95

Form & Verdict
Returned from a long absence with what looked an encouraging stable debut last July but four heavy defeats have followed; tried 2m7f last time.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

6

31st Aug 2026

Good

2m 6f 31y

Class 4

15:10 Cartmel

Nottodaybobo

11st 4lb

J: Joshua Thompson

T: Micky Hammond

Returned to form this spring, winning twice, and lost out only by a short head over about 2m6f (if additional yardage is included) at Market Rasen (also good) last month; may not want significant rain here, though.

11/2

2nd

10

18th Jul 2026

Good

2m 4f 139y

Class 4

17:15 Market Rasen

Nottodaybobo

11st 6lb

J: Joshua Thompson

T: Micky Hammond

Has returned from a break in good form, winning back-to-back Class 5 handicaps at about 2m4f on good ground (the first here); remains on a fair mark but this is a better race and a competitive one.

12/1

1st

1

31st May 2026

Good

2m 4f 1y

Class 5

17:07 Fakenham

Nottodaybobo

12st 0lb

J: Alice Stevens

T: Micky Hammond

Has turned a corner since returning from a break this spring and came good for current stable with front-running win at Market Rasen (2m4f, good) three weeks ago; that form looks modest but he ought to give another good account here.

11/4

Form: 727877 D

Last run: 11 days

W: 11st 13lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 99

Form & Verdict
Placed four times last June-September and he's on a handy mark on that form; however, not so good in his four starts since and the ground should not have been an excuse; tongue tied on last three outings.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

2

27th May 2026

Good

2m 1f 46y

Class 5

18:38 Cartmel

Book Of Secrets

11st 12lb

J: Leah Noreci

T: James Moffatt

Only 7l away when fourth at Newcastle (2m1f, good to soft) in March and remains on a good mark; without a win since 2023 but has possbilities; Leah Noreci is his regular partner.

6/1

Form: 000

Last run: 120 days

W: 10st 2lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 64

Form & Verdict
Showed a little in UK points but not this autumn in three runs over hurdles; has had wind surgery since and this is his handicap debut, but from 10lb out of the handicap proper.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6

2nd Jul 2026

Good

2m 7f 180y

Class 5

16:25 Perth

Defying Gravity

10st 3lb

J: Conor Rabbitt

T: Andrew Hamilton

0-8; scuppered his chance by making a final-fence mistake over C&D (The Flying Poet took full advantage) in May; unseated rider early over fences at Kelso next time and far from fluent back over hurdles at Cartmel latest; risks attached.

10/1

8th

11

27th May 2026

Good

3m 1f 83y

Class 5

19:38 Cartmel

Defying Gravity

10st 2lb

J: William Maggs

T: Andrew Hamilton

Lightly raced 6yo; in this new headgear combination when a late mistake (and some wandering) cost him a 3m chase at Perth and again he showed some quirks when ducking right and unseating at the first fence at Kelso on Sunday; capable of having a say on this return to hurdling but comes with an element of risk.

13/2

5

24th May 2026

Good

2m 7f 96y

Class 5

16:47 Kelso

Defying Gravity

10st 9lb

J: William Maggs

T: Andrew Hamilton

Lightly raced 6yo who advanced his form on his chasing debut (in a first-time hood) when a short-head second of eight in 3m handicap at Perth 11 days ago, looking probable winner until blundered last; up 6lb but merits serious consideration in retained headgear.

9/4

Form: 94-800

Last run: 94 days

W: 10st 9lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 81

Form & Verdict
Fourth in a bumper here (good) last April but tailed off at big odds in his three hurdle races; hooded last four starts but not today; tongue-tie is enlisted for this handicap debut; market may guide again.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

4

14th Sep 2026

Good

2m 0f 178y

Class 5

16:30 Sedgefield

Littletown Lad

11st 2lb

J: Jonathan England

T: Sam England

Came good over hurdles at ninth attempt, keeping on too strongly for Character Testing over C&D last month; 5lb higher now but further progress is possible; commands respect.

5/2

1st

7

28th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

2m 0f 178y

Class 5

17:00 Sedgefield

Littletown Lad

10st 11lb

J: Jonathan England

T: Sam England

Maiden (0-10); much better lately, giving a well-backed Skelton runner plenty to think about at Uttoxeter (2m, good); raised 4lb since but a reproduction of that effort could prove good enough.

5/2

Form: 34506

Last run: 43 days

W: 10st 6lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 88

Form & Verdict
Fair 1m2f Flat winner in Ireland last April; he hasn't yet found his level over hurdles, soundly beaten when tongue tied in handicaps on last two outings; tried cheekpieces before that and now sports blinkers.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

5

(9)

1st Oct 2026

Standard

1m 4f 98y

Class 5

17:00 Newcastle (AW)

Junkyard Dog

10st 0lb

J: Andrew Mullen

T: Iain Jardine

In good form in this visor, finishing second at Carlisle (1m3f, good) then first at Southwell (1m3f, AW), and the drop back to 1m2f looked against him here last time; still looks on a workable mark and he's in the mix back up in trip.

4/1

4th

8

(3)

3rd Sep 2026

Standard

1m 2f 42y

Class 5

14:17 Newcastle (AW)

Junkyard Dog

9st 2lb

J: Andrew Mullen

T: Iain Jardine

Had a visor on for the first time when finishing runner-up at Carlisle (1m3f, good) in July and went one better at Southwell (1m3f, AW) four weeks ago, gaining his first success for this stable; a 3lb rise looks fair.

7/2

Form: 755

Last run: 60 days

W: 10st 13lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 95

Form & Verdict
1m Flat winner in 2024; has run three times over hurdles, on second occasion showing modest form on New Year's Day on debut for this yard; not so good when hooded on soft ground next time and he refused to enter the stalls for a Flat race four weeks ago; bit to prove.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

11

11th May 2026

Good

1m 7f 182y

Class 5

16:42 Southwell

Glenridding

10st 10lb

J: Callum Bewley

T: Ewan Whillans

1m winner in 2024; well held in both handicaps over hurdles and tries a tongue-tie; risky.

14/1

5th

10

20th Apr 2026

Good

2m 2f 25y

Class 5

16:30 Kelso

Glenridding

10st 8lb

J: Callum Bewley

T: Ewan Whillans

1m Flat winner in September 2024 when trained by the Kublers; yet to make the frame in four starts over hurdles but has time on his side; hood worn on last two starts is left off; may do better at some point.

16/1

8th

10

31st Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 0f 190y

Class 5

17:35 Newcastle

Glenridding

10st 13lb

J: Tristan Durrell

T: Ewan Whillans

1m Flat winner in 2024; has run three times over hurdles, on second occasion showing modest form on New Year's Day on debut for this yard; not so good when hooded on soft ground next time and he refused to enter the stalls for a Flat race four weeks ago; bit to prove.

8/1

Form: -P500F D

Last run: 23 days

W: 11st 10lb

12 yo Mare

OR: 96

Form & Verdict
12yo whose seven wins have been registered at either Market Rasen or Carlisle; latest was last April and she's now 9lb lower after a lean spell, but there were major signs of a revival on latest start before she fell (held in second at the final flight); considered but this may not be her track.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

3

31st Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 0f 190y

Class 5

17:35 Newcastle

Lady Babs

11st 10lb

J: Conor Rabbitt

T: Andrew Crook

12yo whose seven wins have been registered at either Market Rasen or Carlisle; latest was last April and she's now 9lb lower after a lean spell, but there were major signs of a revival on latest start before she fell (held in second at the final flight); considered but this may not be her track.

9/1

1

8th Mar 2026

Soft

2m 1f 0y

Class 5

17:00 Carlisle

Lady Babs

12st 0lb

J: Conor Rabbitt

T: Andrew Crook

A three-time C&D scorer, including in this race 12 months ago; well below par this term, coming in last of 14 over C&D 20 days ago but this veteran mare still can't be totally dismissed from a plummeting mark.

12/1

14th

11

16th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 1f 0y

Class 4

15:40 Carlisle

Lady Babs

11st 4lb

J: Conor Rabbitt

T: Andrew Crook

Veteran mare who has won seven races, three of them over C&D, but hasn't been in the best of form this season and others appeal more.

33/1

Form: 384-P

Last run: 319 days

W: 11st 5lb

6 yo Colt

OR: 91

Form & Verdict
While not the force of old, his close fourth on the Flat this month showed that he's still capable of fair form in that sphere; went the wrong way in his four-race hurdle career last February-May but needs a second look.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

11

(10)

2nd Sep 2026

Standard

1m 0f 5y

Class 5

16:15 Newcastle (AW)

Natzor

8st 10lb

J: Molly Keegan-Price

T: Lizzie Quinlan

Dual course winner (1m2f; last win October 2024); has beaten just a single rival in his last three appearances (1m2f-12.5f) and, while he has eased 11lb over that period (and is claimer ridden), it's tough to form an argument.

40/1

12th

10

(4)

8th Aug 2026

Good

1m 2f 0y

Class 5

18:30 Ayr

Natzor

9st 1lb

J: Barry McHugh

T: Lizzie Quinlan

Won twice for David O'Meara on Newcastle AW (1m2f) in 2024 but 0-12 on turf; out of sorts last year, and has failed to beat a rival in last two appearances, at Newcastle and Redcar; mark is in freefall but plenty to prove.

66/1

8th

8

(4)

29th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 2f 1y

Class 5

15:15 Redcar

Natzor

9st 5lb

J: William Pyle

T: Lizzie Quinlan

Dual winner over 1m2f at Newcastle in 2024 but winless since; close-up fourth there at a big price in March but has struggled in three starts since, all at Newcastle; returns to turf with a bit to prove.

50/1

Form: 69P08

Last run: 38 days

W: 10st 11lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 83

Form & Verdict
Well beaten in two bumpers and he's struggled at massive prices in his three races over hurdles, two of them over C&D; handicap debut should offer improved prospects but he has no solid claims.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

11

31st Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 0f 190y

Class 5

17:35 Newcastle

Blazing Echo

10st 11lb

J: Dominic Hislop

T: Eloise Quayle

Well beaten in two bumpers and he's struggled at massive prices in his three races over hurdles, two of them over C&D; handicap debut should offer improved prospects but he has no solid claims.

25/1

8th

4

21st Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 0f 190y

Class 4

13:05 Newcastle

Blazing Echo

11st 7lb

J: Bruce Lynn

T: Eloise Quayle

Well beaten in two bumpers and he's struggled at massive prices in two hurdle runs this year, including over C&D.

100/1

12th

1

3rd Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 1f 0y

Class 4

13:30 Carlisle

Blazing Echo

11st 5lb

J: Peter Kavanagh

T: Eloise Quayle

Well beaten in two bumpers and pulled up on hurdles debut; best watched for now.

100/1

Form: 876

Last run: 151 days

W: 11st 9lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 95

Form & Verdict
Second of five last April in his only Irish point but beaten 26l, 30l and 43l this autumn in his three runs over hurdles; absent five months before this handicap debut, for which the market may well guide.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

6

19th Aug 2026

Good

2m 0f 110y

Class 5

17:33 Worcester

Greer Hill

11st 3lb

J: William Shanahan

T: Jennie Candlish

Caused 28-1 surprise over C&D (good) on chase debut in June and bounced back from lesser effort when third over 2m4f here (good) last month; remains lightly raced and this drop back in trip looks the right move; respected.

7/1

3rd

3

22nd Jul 2026

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 5

13:55 Worcester

Greer Hill

10st 13lb

J: William Shanahan

T: Jennie Candlish

Nothing special over hurdles but made an immediate impact over fences, scoring at this track (2m, good; 28-1) last month; unable to replicate that form when beaten 47l over the same C&D three weeks ago and needs to bounce back on this step back up in trip.

6/1

5th

9

1st Jul 2026

Good

2m 0f 110y

Class 4

14:20 Worcester

Greer Hill

10st 8lb

J: William Shanahan

T: Jennie Candlish

Cut little ice in a handful of runs over hurdles but this Irish point runner-up was much improved on his chasing debut when a 28-1 winner of nine-runner handicap over C&D two weeks ago; up 5lb but open to progress, so he's a player.

7/2

Form: 3-PPP7

Last run: 46 days

W: 11st 1lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 87

Form & Verdict
Third of five in a bumper last April; triple-figure odds for all four starts over hurdles and pulled up on first three; while 35l seventh of 11 at Kelso (2m, heavy) on latest was better, with tongue-tie added to blinkers, others clearly bring more solid claims to his handicap debut today.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10

20th Apr 2026

Good

2m 2f 25y

Class 5

16:00 Kelso

Ellistrin Bay

10st 8lb

J: Sean Quinlan

T: Donald Whillans

Unexposed after only five hurdle runs but was pulled up on last month's handicap debut, having refused to settle; might be more relaxed without blinkers (worn for last three races) here but still looks too risky.

33/1

9

31st Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 0f 190y

Class 5

17:35 Newcastle

Ellistrin Bay

11st 1lb

J: Murray Dodd

T: Donald Whillans

Third of five in a bumper last April; triple-figure odds for all four starts over hurdles and pulled up on first three; while 35l seventh of 11 at Kelso (2m, heavy) on latest was better, with tongue-tie added to blinkers, others clearly bring more solid claims to his handicap debut today.

16/1

Non-runners

Roarin Success

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £46.20
Straight Forecast £40.00
Tricast £501.99
Trifecta £373.70

Selections

POSTDATA:

Travis Wheatley

SPOTLIGHT:

Newport

Daily Mail:

Roarin' Success

RP RATINGS:

Book Of Secrets

D Express:

Littletown Lad

The Times:

Natzor

The Star:

Lady Babs

The Guardian:

Travis Wheatley

The Sun:

Travis Wheatley

Daily Record:

Roarin' Success

Telegraph:

Newport

Daily Mirror:

Newport

TOPSPEED:

Book Of Secrets