October 21 / 15.55 Cheltenham

15.55

Good To Firm

Abu Dhabi Digital Exchange Handicap Hurdle

  • Prize money: £11654.44
  • 2m 3f 200y
  • Class 3
  • 13 runners
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Abu Dhabi Digital Exchange Handicap Hurdle

Runners: 13 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Showers

9/1 (Won)

  • Win: £12.90
  • Place: £3.30

Form: 328F23 D

Last run: 34 days

W: 11st 3lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 129

Form & Verdict
Winning hurdler/chaser (at up to 2m5f) for Harry Whittington who has made a solid start for his current yard, third in 2m Navan handicap hurdle last month; could have a part to play.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13

(17)

11th Oct 2025

Good

2m 2f 0y

Class 2

15:40 Newmarket

Seddon

8st 7lb

J: Patrick McGettigan

T: John C McConnell

Can make the running; superb 2022-23 season was his best over hurdles/fences, including big-field wins at the Cheltenham and Punchestown festivals; a 10yo before his attentions were turned to the Flat and he won twice (2m1f/1m6f) last August/September; the five good handicaps since, however, have seen him comfortably held (last four were over fences); off since April; today's hood is his first ever headgear.

40/1

9th

8

30th Apr 2025

Yielding

2m 4f 80y

18:05 Punchestown

Seddon

10st 13lb

J: Alex Harvey

T: John C McConnell

led, headed 4th, prominent behind clear leader 8th

14/1

25/1

  • Place: £5.70

Form: 1244-5 D

Last run: 28 days

W: 10st 2lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 113

Form & Verdict
Well beaten last November in his one run here, over 2m5f; solid sequence over 2m this February-March, including a win at Ffos Las, and he probably needed his reappearance run (2m4f) four weeks ago; not entirely dismissed.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

9th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 217y

Class 4

15:30 Plumpton

Fontana Ellissi

11st 3lb

J: Kielan Woods

T: Samuel Drinkwater

Lightly raced in recent years and remains without a win since 2022; always behind when 33-1 for seasonal debut at Lingfield (2m7f, soft) in December and needs addition of blinkers to aid a revival.

14/1

3rd

4

30th Mar 2025

Good

2m 5f 141y

Class 3

17:05 Ascot

Fontana Ellissi

10st 12lb

J: Benjamin Macey

T: Samuel Drinkwater

Well handicapped on his Cheltenham seconds (2m4f/3m) in late 2022; lightly raced in the meantime and he was still travelling with some purpose when slipping up before two out in a Class 2 handicap at Kelso a month ago (2m5f; in this first-time headgear combination); respected.

13/2

10

1st Mar 2025

Good To Soft

2m 4f 189y

Class 2

14:20 Kelso

Fontana Ellissi

10st 8lb

J: Benjamin Macey

T: Samuel Drinkwater

Runner-up twice in a row at Cheltenham in autumn 2022 and well treated on that form; however, he wasn't at his best on two starts last season and returned from another absence with a heavy defeat at 40-1 at Newbury this January; major turnaround needed in first-time headgear combination.

33/1

9/2

  • Place: £2.20

Form: 13250-

Last run: 258 days

W: 11st 3lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 129

Form & Verdict
Dual hurdles winner who made a promising start in handicaps when second here last November but he failed to see out both his races after, tongue tied when tenth in 3m Sandown handicap in February; he returns after a wind op on a handy mark and with his yard going very well; interesting.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

18th Feb 2023

Good To Soft

3m 0f 58y

Class 2

15:18 Haydock

Onagatheringstorm

11st 2lb

J: Paddy Brennan

T: Fergal O’Brien

0-5 in handicaps, runner-up on first attempt (3m, good); ran respectably for two minor honours at about 2m4f this season; tongue tied on last three starts, also has cheekpieces this time and had wind surgery after latest start (November); player if they bring him back to his best.

12/1

4th

3

12th Nov 2022

Good To Soft

2m 3f 154y

Class 3

13:18 Wetherby

Onagatheringstorm

11st 13lb

J: Brian Hughes

T: Fergal O’Brien

prominent on inner, not fluent 3 out, soon ridden, outpaced after 2 out, no impression run-in

11/2

3rd

6

21st Oct 2022

Good To Firm

2m 3f 200y

Class 3

15:55 Cheltenham

Onagatheringstorm

11st 3lb

J: Paddy Brennan

T: Fergal O’Brien

towards rear of midfield, mistake 1st, ridden and good headway on outer 3 out, went second and ridden 2 out, 8 lengths down last, weakened and lost second run-in

9/2

OUR TIP

Form: 0-3333 C BF

Last run: 62 days

W: 11st 4lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 130

Form & Verdict
Very useful handicapper on his day but he was well below par at Newton Abbot (2m5f) when tried in blinkers in August and has since had a breathing op; others appeal more.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

1

10th May 2026

Good

1m 7f 169y

Class 4

16:02 Ludlow

Hooper

12st 0lb

J: Miss Amber Jackson-Fennell

T: Nigel & Willy Twiston-Davies

Fairly useful for Nicky Henderson until form went awry; hasn't raced since December 2024 and was sold for £3,500 last May; on a five-year losing spell; best watched unless the market speaks positively.

20/1

8

28th Dec 2024

Good To Soft

2m 4f 118y

Class 3

13:45 Newbury

Hooper

11st 2lb

J: James Bowen

T: Nicky Henderson

prominent, dropped to midfield 3rd, weakened before 3 out, soon pulled up

40/1

8

28th Dec 2024

Good To Soft

2m 4f 118y

Class 3

13:45 Newbury

Hooper

11st 2lb

J: James Bowen

T: Nicky Henderson

prominent, dropped to midfield 3rd, weakened before 3 out, soon pulled up

40/1

Form: 196 D

Last run: 21 days

W: 10st 10lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 122

Form & Verdict
Maiden hurdle winner at Killarney in July but backward steps in his two handicap hurdles last month, beaten 28l on latest; that's only three hurdle races in total (21 on Flat) and he should still be unexposed in this sphere.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

29th Nov 2024

Good

2m 4f 48y

15:20 Thurles

Arabian King

12st 0lb

J: Carl Millar

T: Cian Collins

AW winner whose sole hurdles success came in 2m4f Killarney maiden in 2022; didn't quite stay the 3m last few runs but drop back in trip should suit and he's there with every chance.

8/1

1

29th Nov 2024

Good

2m 4f 48y

15:20 Thurles

Arabian King

12st 0lb

J: Carl Millar

T: Cian Collins

AW winner whose sole hurdles success came in 2m4f Killarney maiden in 2022; didn't quite stay the 3m last few runs but drop back in trip should suit and he's there with every chance.

8/1

6th

9

12th Nov 2024

Good

2m 7f 110y

13:07 Fairyhouse

Arabian King

11st 1lb

J: Danny Gilligan

T: Cian Collins

AW winner whose sole hurdles success came in 2m4f Killarney maiden in 2022; didn't look to quite stay when fourth over C&D last month but that was a step in the right direction and cheekpieces now tried.

8/1

Form: 322832

Last run: 27 days

W: 10st 6lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 118

Form & Verdict
Withdrawn the last time the ground went soft; 14-race maiden but placed in handicaps at Down Royal (2m1f, good) and Listowel (2m4f, good to yielding) on last two outings; also placed in three big fields in May-July; strong each-way contender.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

5

25th May 2026

Good

2m 1f 54y

18:05 Ballinrobe

Listentillitellyea

11st 12lb

J: James Smith

T: Thomas Gibney

Winning hurdler has plenty of experience over fences and rated 116; far from disgraced in Listed handicap chases at Fairyhouse and Punchestown last April/May before falling at Galway when last seen in August; could run well if fit after his break.

16/1

13

3rd Aug 2025

Good

2m 2f 54y

15:30 Galway

Listentillitellyea

10st 2lb

J: Gavin Brouder

T: Thomas Gibney

Hard to win with (1-21 hurdles, 0-7 chases)' appeared not to stay in 2m4f Punchestown festival event won by Sea Music; others have stronger claims.

16/1

5th

20

2nd May 2025

Yielding

2m 4f 55y

17:25 Punchestown

Listentillitellyea

10st 0lb

J: Gavin Brouder

T: Thomas Gibney

midfield, prominent after 3rd, went second 5th

33/1

Form: 18713- C

Last run: 191 days

W: 12st 1lb

11 yo Gelding

OR: 141

Form & Verdict
Tough front-running chaser who goes really well here and he landed the Plate at the Festival in March; he's no slouch over hurdles either as he showed when second in this contest 12 months ago so he needs considering.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

3

19th Apr 2023

Good To Soft

2m 4f 127y

Class 1

13:30 Cheltenham

Coole Cody

11st 10lb

J: Adam Wedge

T: Evan Williams

jumped slightly right throughout, led narrowly, joined 11th, ridden when headed before 2 out, weakened approaching last

10/1

8th

11

16th Mar 2023

Soft

2m 4f 127y

Class 1

16:10 Cheltenham

Coole Cody

11st 0lb

J: Adam Wedge

T: Evan Williams

The winner of three major handicap chases over 2m4f at this venue, including this contest (off 2lb higher on soft ground) 12 months ago; however, his Cheltenham form this season (three visits) has taken a turn for the worse, with advancing years a likely factor (now a 12yo).

25/1

10th

3

28th Jan 2023

Soft

2m 4f 127y

Class 1

13:50 Cheltenham

Coole Cody

11st 7lb

J: Adam Wedge

T: Evan Williams

Fortuitous success in two-runner Grade 2 at Ascot two starts ago; the winner of three major handicap chases over 2m4f at this venue, albeit off lower marks; less likely to bag another one now aged 12.

14/1

Form: 0310-7

Last run: 30 days

W: 11st 4lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 130

Form & Verdict
Fairly useful winning 2m Irish hurdler but he came in last of seven on his chasing debut at Listowel last month; quickly reverts to hurdles and it would come as no surprise to see him get back on track.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

5

23rd Mar 2026

Good

1m 7f 50y

Class 4

14:15 Wincanton

Bigz Belief

10st 4lb

J: Tpr Elizabeth Feakes

T: Fergal O’Brien

Best of three hurdle runs for new stable this season when second of five in soft-ground Leicester seller (2m4f) in December; reverts to this code after going close off his basement Flat mark three weeks ago but others have more compelling claims; first ride under rules for Elizabeth Feakes.

6/1

2nd

8

(2)

2nd Mar 2026

Standard

1m 4f 51y

Class 6

20:30 Wolverhampton (AW)

Bigz Belief

8st 10lb

J: Gina Mangan

T: Fergal O’Brien

This season's hurdling form for Fergal O'Brien was uninspiring and he was safely held when fourth in C&D classified race on Flat return in January; difficult to enthuse over.

14/1

4th

1

(6)

26th Jan 2026

Standard

1m 4f 51y

Class 6

20:00 Wolverhampton (AW)

Bigz Belief

9st 9lb

J: Gina Mangan

T: Fergal O’Brien

Triple hurdle winner but his last success was in 2023 and he was well held at Taunton last Saturday; now returns to the Flat for the first time in 16 months and he's 1-24 in this sphere; opposable.

12/1

Form: 319-41 D

Last run: 28 days

W: 10st 4lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 116

Form & Verdict
Needs improvement but he's relatively lightly raced and won a maiden hurdle at Worcester (2m4f, good) four weeks ago in good style; this is his handicap debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

24th May 2023

Good

2m 4f 88y

Class 4

17:50 Southwell

Spanish Present

11st 10lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Martin Keighley

took keen hold, prominent, good jump and disputed lead 7th, led clearly before 10th, shaken up and increased tempo after 4 out, going best when pulled up quickly before 2 out, looked to go wrong

100/30

4th

5

6th May 2023

Good

2m 4f 189y

Class 4

17:40 Uttoxeter

Spanish Present

11st 9lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Martin Keighley

Two good efforts in handicap hurdles in December (2m4f/2m2f); didn't run well at Sandown when cheekpieces were fitted in February but he could fare much better without them now making chase debut.

7/1

11th

4

16th Feb 2023

Good To Soft

2m 3f 173y

Class 4

16:45 Sandown

Spanish Present

11st 10lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Martin Keighley

Collared in the final strides at Market Rasen (2m2f) on Boxing Day, having idled on the run-in; had wind surgery since; fitting of headgear may suit but others are more appealing.

14/1

Form: 860P-5 D

Last run: 35 days

W: 10st 10lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 122

Form & Verdict
Well held at this track but that was when facing much stiffer tasks; well down the weights now but September 2021 was the last time he accomplished anything significant; had a recent run in France.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

9

21st Oct 2022

Good To Firm

2m 3f 200y

Class 3

15:55 Cheltenham

Garo De Juilley

10st 10lb

J: Miss Roisin Leech

T: Sophie Leech

always towards rear, mistake 2 out

33/1

Form: -15312 D

Last run: 67 days

W: 11st 7lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 133

Form & Verdict
Gutsy winner of the Summer Plate over fences at Market Rasen in July and not discredited back in this sphere when second in 2m7f Bangor handicap in August; he can't be ruled out.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

11th Oct 2024

Good To Soft

2m 7f 131y

Class 2

15:50 Chepstow

Francky Du Berlais

11st 9lb

J: James Bowen

T: Peter & Michael Bowen

Seemingly on the downgrade now but enjoyed the chance to dominate small field from the front at Market Rasen (2m5f, good) a fortnight ago; contests a much deeper race here but recent 4lb rise ought to be manageable and he's evidently in good heart.

11/2

1st

2

28th Sep 2024

Good

2m 5f 89y

Class 3

17:10 Market Rasen

Francky Du Berlais

11st 7lb

J: James Bowen

T: Peter & Michael Bowen

made all, went clear from 1st, reduced lead 3 out, kept on well, unchallenged

4/1

13th

9

24th Aug 2024

Good

2m 4f 180y

17:25 Killarney

Francky Du Berlais

10st 12lb

J: Mr J L Gleeson

T: Peter & Michael Bowen

midfield

11/2

Form: 83515- D

Last run: 279 days

W: 10st 11lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 123

Form & Verdict
Ex-Irish hurdler who made a winning start for Ann Duffield in 2m4f Ayr handicap in December before posting a creditable fifth at Wetherby in January; he's since undergone breathing surgery and can't be discounted on his reappearance.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

3

3rd May 2025

Good

2m 4f 15y

Class 5

18:40 Hexham

Glentruan

11st 6lb

J: Kielan Woods

T: Michael Flannery

took keen hold, midfield on inner

20/1

Form: 123F-2 D BF

Last run: 162 days

W: 10st 8lb

8 yo Mare

OR: 120

Form & Verdict
Not seen since May but that was a good second at Perth (2m4f, good to soft) and extended a solid sequence since her Musselburgh win; placed on reappearance last term and has each-way chance again.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

4

1st Jan 2024

Soft

2m 7f 180y

Class 4

15:30 Musselburgh

Aurora Thunder

11st 9lb

J: Patrick Wadge

T: Lucinda Russell

held up in rear, headway and in touch with leaders after 8th

8/1

3rd

10

11th Dec 2023

Good To Soft

2m 4f 100y

Class 3

13:50 Ayr

Aurora Thunder

10st 9lb

J: Patrick Wadge

T: Lucinda Russell

9yo whose form has gone the wrong way and she needs to produce more than she's managed the last twice; however, she's dropped to a dangerous mark and has plenty of good form at Ayr; not written off.

10/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £342.30
Straight Forecast £210.89
Tricast £1350.26
Trifecta £3253.30

Selections

RP Ratings:

Hooper

Daily Mail:

Listentillitellyea

WEST COUNTRY:

Spanish Present

SPOTLIGHT:

Onagatheringstorm

D Express:

Francky Du Berlais

The Sun:

Coole Cody

POSTDATA:

Seddon

Daily Record:

Listentillitellyea

The Times:

Spanish Present

The Guardian:

Onagatheringstorm

TOPSPEED:

Hooper

LAMBOURN:

Hooper

Telegraph:

Hooper

Daily Mirror:

Francky Du Berlais

The Star:

Coole Cody