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
View Course
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

5th

6

(10)

25th Aug 2026

Good

2m 2f 28y

Class 4

15:45 Musselburgh

Newport

8st 13lb

J: Oisin Orr

T: Iain Jardine

He's won here over hurdles and he broke his Flat duck at Redcar (1m6f, good to firm) recently; he's just 3lb higher today and the longer trip may suit; could be in the mix.

7/1

1st

2

(3)

8th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

1m 5f 218y

Class 6

16:57 Redcar

Newport

10st 0lb

J: Oisin Orr

T: Iain Jardine

Dual hurdle winner since joining Iain Jardine in the autumn and a very respectable fourth of 13 on the Flat at York (2m, good to firm) a fortnight ago; contests this easier race from the same mark; must be considered.

5/2

4th

13

(6)

24th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

2m 0f 56y

Class 4

18:05 York

Newport

8st 6lb

J: Andrew Mullen

T: Iain Jardine

Some good form over hurdles, including a win at Hexham (2m, good) last month; shaped when fifth in this code at Hamilton (1m3f, good) in May as though he could do with a longer trip, and he gets it today; interesting.

13/2

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

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

2nd

11

24th Jul 2026

Good

1m 7f 168y

Class 5

14:10 Uttoxeter

Littletown Lad

10st 3lb

J: Jonathan England

T: Sam England

Unplaced all seven hurdling starts but was prominent in the betting for all four handicaps and held third place before last-flight unseat over C&D (good) nine days ago; may yet have a bigger run in him.

5/1

11

15th Jul 2026

Good

1m 7f 168y

Class 5

14:48 Uttoxeter

Littletown Lad

10st 7lb

J: Jonathan England

T: Sam England

Has tended to race too freely and has been well held in all three handicap starts despite attracting market support, including after wind surgery; should be capable of better and this is a modest contest but he still needs to learn to settle.

8/1

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

1st

2

(3)

6th Aug 2026

Standard

1m 3f 23y

Class 6

21:00 Southwell (AW)

Junkyard Dog

9st 9lb

J: Andrew Mullen

T: Iain Jardine

Sole win came at Navan (1m2f, good) last April when trained by Joseph O'Brien; ran his best race since joining current stable when second of five at Carlisle (1m3f, good; first-time visor) last month but his task will now be to back that up.

8/1

2nd

1

(2)

4th Jul 2026

Good

1m 3f 39y

Class 5

19:39 Carlisle

Junkyard Dog

10st 9lb

J: Cara Tuke

T: Iain Jardine

Won a Navan handicap for Joseph O'Brien last spring but suffered a succession of fairly hefty defeats on the Flat and over hurdles for this yard, including when beaten nearly 20l over C&D last month when back from a nine-week break; visor given a whirl.

20/1

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

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