May 25 / 14.13 Cartmel

14.13

Good

Johnny & Tony Connell Memorial Handicap Hurdle (Div I)

  • Prize money: £3642.1
  • 2m 6f 31y
  • Class 5
  • 11 runners
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Johnny & Tony Connell Memorial Handicap Hurdle (Div I)

Runners: 11 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Sunny

7/2 (Won)

  • Win: £4.00
  • Place: £1.60

Form: F7076- CD

Last run: 66 days

W: 11st 7lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 93

Form & Verdict
Won this race in 2025 (good ground) and followed up over C&D (good to soft) two days later; suffered dip in form afterwards but shaped quite well before weakening into sixth in competitive series final at Musselburgh (3m, good to soft) in March and returns to this track on an attractive mark; had another wind op last month (his fourth); good chance.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

12

18th Jul 2026

Good

2m 6f 31y

Class 3

15:47 Cartmel

Evenwood Sonofagun

10st 2lb

J: Gavin Sheehan

T: Lizzie Quinlan

Three-time C&D winner, most recently in May; needs to bounce back from below-par run here three weeks ago but probably still on a workable mark; dangerous to ignore.

14/1

6th

11

28th Jun 2026

Good

2m 6f 31y

Class 4

15:02 Cartmel

Evenwood Sonofagun

11st 0lb

J: Sean Quinlan

T: Lizzie Quinlan

Yard also runs Rauzan but this one has three C&D wins from six visits here; latest win was last month and he went close under 7lb penalty over 3m1f here two days later; those were his only two runs since latest wind surgery; raised another 4lb today but he has to be on the shortlist.

5/1

2nd

7

27th May 2026

Good

3m 1f 83y

Class 5

19:38 Cartmel

Evenwood Sonofagun

11st 11lb

J: Sean Quinlan

T: Lizzie Quinlan

Won the 2m6f handicap on this card 12 months ago and returned to form with a 2l success over that same trip on Monday (following a wind operation); did that comfortably and must have every chance under a penalty.

9/4

13/2

  • Place: £4.70

Form: P5676-

Last run: 154 days

W: 10st 12lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 84

Form & Verdict
0-6 over hurdles when trained by Maurice Barnes and absent since heavy defeat in 2m4f Newcastle maiden in December; has better chance at the weights on this stable/handicap debut but fitness/stamina taken on trust.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

8

28th Jun 2026

Good

2m 6f 31y

Class 5

14:27 Cartmel

Masterminding

11st 3lb

J: Leah Noreci

T: James Moffatt

0-15 under rules but showed improved form on his stable debut when runner-up over C&D (good) last month, following five months off; should come on from that outing and run well.

4/1

2nd

8

25th May 2026

Good

2m 6f 31y

Class 5

14:13 Cartmel

Masterminding

10st 12lb

J: Leah Noreci

T: James Moffatt

0-6 over hurdles when trained by Maurice Barnes and absent since heavy defeat in 2m4f Newcastle maiden in December; has better chance at the weights on this stable/handicap debut but fitness/stamina taken on trust.

13/2

12/1

  • Place: £5.60

Form: 493P4-

Last run: 218 days

W: 10st 3lb

8 yo Colt

OR: 75

Form & Verdict
19-race maiden who has been absent since some underwhelming chase runs in the autumn (bled from nose on latest outing); not the most obvious answer on this return to hurdling.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

7

12th Jun 2026

Good

2m 4f 139y

Class 5

20:36 Market Rasen

Zuul

10st 2lb

J: Ellis Collier

T: Rebecca Menzies

20-race maiden; bled from the nose and soundly beaten over fences at Sedgefield (2m5f) last October; returned with a creditable third to Evenwood Sonofagun over hurdles at Cartmel (2m6f; 20-1) 18 days ago; competes from 2lb out of the handicap.

10/1

3rd

11

25th May 2026

Good

2m 6f 31y

Class 5

14:13 Cartmel

Zuul

10st 3lb

J: Ellis Collier

T: Rebecca Menzies

19-race maiden who has been absent since some underwhelming chase runs in the autumn (bled from nose on latest outing); not the most obvious answer on this return to hurdling.

12/1

Form: 31469- CD

Last run: 35 days

W: 12st 0lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 100

Form & Verdict
Gained three of his five hurdling wins over C&D; would appeal more on ground slower than good but last month's low-key reappearance run ought to have teed him up for this return to Cartmel; no surprise if he features.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

13

28th Jun 2026

Good

2m 6f 31y

Class 4

15:02 Cartmel

Secret Secret

10st 9lb

J: Brian Hughes

T: James Moffatt

Three wins over 2m6f from ten races at Cartmel, all on softer than good; tends to pop up once a year and latest run was a return to near his best; considered despite being 5lb above his highest winning mark; yard runs three.

8/1

4th

4

27th May 2026

Good

3m 1f 83y

Class 5

19:38 Cartmel

Secret Secret

11st 11lb

J: Charlotte Jones

T: James Moffatt

Three course wins over 2m6f; below par in two races before finishing fifth behind Evenwood Sonofagun here on Monday; has to step up.

10/1

Form: 33PP-5

Last run: 21 days

W: 10st 2lb

7 yo Filly

OR: 72

Form & Verdict
Suited by this track and has the assistance of Sean Bowen but has not been at her best since returning from a break in the autumn and would appeal more on good to soft or slower ground; 2lb out of the weights.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

12

25th May 2026

Good

2m 6f 31y

Class 5

14:13 Cartmel

Lady Harriett

10st 2lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Mickey Bowen

Suited by this track and has the assistance of Sean Bowen but has not been at her best since returning from a break in the autumn and would appeal more on good to soft or slower ground; 2lb out of the weights.

7/1

5th

7

4th May 2026

Good

3m 1f 5y

Class 5

15:50 Warwick

Lady Harriett

10st 2lb

J: Shane Fenelon

T: Mickey Bowen

Won over 2m4f in late 2024; a couple of thirds in the meantime but pulled up the last twice when slow ground was no excuse.

11/2

7

18th Feb 2026

3m 0f 60y

Class 5

16:55 Southwell

Lady Harriett

10st 2lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Mickey Bowen

First-time cheekpieces did the trick when she won at Ffos Las in November 2024 and she matched that form when third of 14 here (also about 2m4f, good to soft) last February; inconsistent and generally struggling since and pulled up after a bad mistake when blinkered for chase debut last time; handy mark, however, and the return to hurdles and cheekpieces might help.

8/1

Form: 4600P-

Last run: 45 days

W: 11st 7lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 93

Form & Verdict
Won Sedgefield maiden (2m4f, good) just over a year ago but has looked out of sorts in handicaps over a wide range of trips this year.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

4

25th May 2026

Good

2m 6f 31y

Class 5

14:13 Cartmel

Celestial Reign

11st 7lb

J: Joshua Thompson

T: Micky Hammond

Won Sedgefield maiden (2m4f, good) just over a year ago but has looked out of sorts in handicaps over a wide range of trips this year.

12/1

1

10th Apr 2026

Good

3m 3f 9y

Class 5

16:13 Sedgefield

Celestial Reign

12st 0lb

J: Alice Stevens

T: Micky Hammond

Sole win came in a maiden here but over 2m4f; three modest runs in handicaps since returning from a break and has stamina to prove.

25/1

10th

17

27th Mar 2026

Good

2m 5f 56y

Class 4

15:20 Wetherby

Celestial Reign

10st 9lb

J: Joshua Thompson

T: Micky Hammond

Gained sole success in Sedgefield maiden; holds weak claims on his form since switched to handicap hurdles; yard appears to have a better chance with Mandarb.

50/1

OUR TIP

14/1

Form: FP699-

Last run: 44 days

W: 11st 8lb

7 yo Colt

OR: 94

Form & Verdict
Didn't run badly in a low-grade Flat marathon last month but he ended the last jumps season with two disappointing runs (both 2m4f) and has a bit more to prove than some of these.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

3

25th May 2026

Good

2m 6f 31y

Class 5

14:13 Cartmel

Achnamara

11st 8lb

J: Ian Power

T: Philip Kirby

Didn't run badly in a low-grade Flat marathon last month but he ended the last jumps season with two disappointing runs (both 2m4f) and has a bit more to prove than some of these.

14/1

3rd

8

(1)

21st Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 5f 139y

Class 6

16:32 Pontefract

Achnamara

9st 0lb

J: Kevin Stott

T: Philip Kirby

Well beaten over hurdles on his last two starts but hasn't run badly on his last two Flat outings (1m4f/2m, AW) and his trainer has won two of the last six runnings of this race; not discounted.

14/1

9th

3

11th Apr 2026

Good

2m 4f 62y

Class 5

14:07 Newcastle

Achnamara

11st 11lb

J: Conor Rabbitt

T: Philip Kirby

Scored twice over hurdles (at about 2m4f) in 2024-25 but has failed to fire this term and beat just two in 2m4f Sedgefield handicap hurdle ten days ago; others appeal more.

25/1

Form: 66084/ D BF

Last run: 407 days

W: 10st 6lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 78

Form & Verdict
Won twice at Stratford (3m2f/2m6f) in spring 2024 and well handicapped on those efforts but lost his way afterwards and has been absent since well-held fourth at Stratford 13 months ago; had wind op last month.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10

13th Jun 2026

Good

3m 0f 10y

Class 5

19:12 Uttoxeter

R Bernard

10st 2lb

J: Toby Wynne

T: Mel Rowley

No joy when tried over fences in 2023; won twice over hurdles at Stratford in spring 2024; returns to fences after a sharpener over hurdles at Cartmel last month but hard to fancy.

16/1

9th

10

25th May 2026

Good

2m 6f 31y

Class 5

14:13 Cartmel

R Bernard

10st 6lb

J: Charlie Deutsch

T: Mel Rowley

Won twice at Stratford (3m2f/2m6f) in spring 2024 and well handicapped on those efforts but lost his way afterwards and has been absent since well-held fourth at Stratford 13 months ago; had wind op last month.

10/1

4th

5

13th Apr 2025

Good

3m 2f 83y

Class 5

14:50 Stratford

R Bernard

11st 9lb

J: Tabitha Worsley

T: Mel Rowley

Won this race a year ago (good to soft), his second start for Mel Rowley, and followed up off today's mark here (2m6f, good) in May; looked out of sorts in the winter when last seen but is still of some interest on return to this track.

3/1

Form: 0407-P

Last run: 23 days

W: 10st 2lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 69

Form & Verdict
Still unexposed under rules but struggled in his first two handicaps (hurdle/chase; both 3m); swaps cheekpieces (worn once) for first-time visor and drops back in trip for this hurdle return; 5lb out of the weights.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

13

25th May 2026

Good

2m 6f 31y

Class 5

14:13 Cartmel

Millford Hill

10st 2lb

J: Danny McMenamin

T: Rebecca Menzies

Still unexposed under rules but struggled in his first two handicaps (hurdle/chase; both 3m); swaps cheekpieces (worn once) for first-time visor and drops back in trip for this hurdle return; 5lb out of the weights.

33/1

11

2nd May 2026

Good

3m 0f 41y

Class 5

19:45 Hexham

Millford Hill

10st 2lb

J: Nathan Moscrop

T: Rebecca Menzies

Point winner; well beaten in four runs over hurdles, including on handicap debut at Perth last time; now goes chasing with cheekpieces tried.

20/1

7th

11

22nd Apr 2026

Soft

2m 7f 207y

Class 5

16:40 Perth

Millford Hill

10st 2lb

J: Miss Natasha Cookson

T: Rebecca Menzies

Won Irish point in October 2023 (3m, soft/heavy; runner-up has won since); hasn't shown much in maiden/novice hurdles over 2m/2m4f but marked improvement expected now up in trip for handicap debut.

25/1

Form: 0576-3

Last run: 23 days

W: 11st 13lb

5 yo Mare

OR: 99

Form & Verdict
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price
No Results Found

Form: /6/9/6

Last run: 16 days

W: 10st 13lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 85

Form & Verdict
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price
No Results Found

Non-runners

Ushuaia Dancer, Road To Rosley

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £53.50
Straight Forecast £41.62
Tricast £641.37
Trifecta £1253.10

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Evenwood Sonofagun

The Times:

Secret Secret

D Express:

Shinealight

Daily Record:

Shinealight

RP RATINGS:

Evenwood Sonofagun

POSTDATA:

Evenwood Sonofagun

THE NORTH:

Evenwood Sonofagun

Daily Mirror:

Evenwood Sonofagun

The Star:

Evenwood Sonofagun

Telegraph:

Secret Secret

The Guardian:

Secret Secret

Daily Mail:

Secret Secret

The Sun:

Secret Secret