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
RTV
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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

4th

5

19th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

2m 3f 98y

Class 4

14:15 Stratford

Hooper

11st 2lb

J: Miss Amber Jackson-Fennell

T: Nigel & Willy Twiston-Davies

Well suited by this track when a useful hurdler for Nicky Henderson a few years ago but, following a long absence, has been safely held on both starts for new stable this season, latterly back here in a three-runner race; needs a revival on first chasing attempt since 2022.

12/1

2nd

2

16th Jun 2026

Good

2m 0f 70y

Class 3

15:50 Stratford

Hooper

11st 4lb

J: Miss Amber Jackson-Fennell

T: Nigel & Willy Twiston-Davies

Beaten about 24l when fifth of seven on last month's stable debut at Ludlow (2m, good) but that was his first run for 498 days and some positives can be drawn from it; worth a second look on this return to Stratford, given he was very well suited by this track when a useful performer for Nicky Henderson a few years ago; tongue-tie fitted for first time.

5/1

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

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

8

12th Jul 2026

Good

2m 1f 90y

14:50 Sligo

Listentillitellyea

10st 13lb

J: Harry Sexton

T: Thomas Gibney

Maiden over fences and just 1-21 over hurdles; well beaten over fences lately and others make more appeal.

14/1

9th

5

13th Jun 2026

Good

2m 3f 100y

15:45 Downpatrick

Listentillitellyea

11st 12lb

J: Harry Sexton

T: Thomas Gibney

Has won over hurdles but is 0-10 over fences; good ground given as a possible excuse when tailed off at Ballinrobe back from an absence; same excuse given when tailed off in a Punchestown handicap last time (2m, good); down 4lb but others preferred.

16/1

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