October 25 / 16.20 Chepstow

16.20

Good To Soft

Vickers.Bet Handicap Hurdle

  • Prize money: £4683.56
  • 2m 3f 100y
  • Class 5
  • 18 runners
SKY
View Course
Vickers.Bet Handicap Hurdle

Runners: 18 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Showers

4/1 (Won)

  • Win: £5.50
  • Place: £1.40

Form: 035-32

Last run: 156 days

W: 11st 4lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 95

Form & Verdict
Placed twice over hurdles in the spring (2m/2m4f, good) and also ran well on both Flat starts in August; current mark is workable but today's trip on ground slower than good may stretch his stamina.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

10

25th Oct 2022

Good To Soft

2m 3f 100y

Class 5

16:20 Chepstow

Olympic Honour

11st 4lb

J: Isabel Williams

T: Evan Williams

prominent, briefly led 4th, good jump and led again 7th, soon went clear, going easily 3 out, pushed along approaching last, ridden run-in, kept on well (vet said gelding was lame on his left-fore)

4/1

4th

7

(7)

26th Aug 2022

Good

2m 0f 0y

Class 5

13:35 Ffos Las

Olympic Honour

10st 1lb

J: Miss Eleanor Williams

T: Evan Williams

held up in rear, midfield home turn, pushed along over 3f out, ridden and headway over 1f out, kept on inside final furlong, went fourth towards finish

6/1

40/1

  • Place: £5.50

Form: 5P6-

Last run: 262 days

W: 10st 10lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 89

Form & Verdict
Showed only minor promise in his three qualifying runs last season and reverts to hurdling after some very disappointing Flat runs; difficult to enthuse over.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10

10th Feb 2023

Good

2m 5f 0y

Class 4

15:35 Kempton

Optimistic Belief

10st 8lb

J: Niall Houlihan

T: Pat Phelan

Was in no form on the Flat before finishing second in a big-field handicap hurdle at Chepstow in October; disappointing that he failed to build on that at Fontwell and he's becoming hard to predict.

10/1

6th

5

26th Dec 2022

Good To Soft

2m 3f 49y

Class 5

15:27 Fontwell

Optimistic Belief

11st 5lb

J: Niall Houlihan

T: Pat Phelan

Badly out of form on the Flat this year but different story when second of 17 on handicap hurdle debut at Chepstow in October; up 2lb but repeat of that puts him right in the shake-up.

11/2

2nd

16

25th Oct 2022

Good To Soft

2m 3f 100y

Class 5

16:20 Chepstow

Optimistic Belief

10st 10lb

J: Niall Houlihan

T: Pat Phelan

held up in rear, good headway before 3 out, pushed along before 2 out, ridden and kept on approaching last, no impression run-in

40/1

10/1

  • Place: £1.80

Form: 65P3-P

Last run: 145 days

W: 11st 11lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 102

Form & Verdict
Pulled up on chasing debut in June and now switches back to hurdling after a break; not an easy horse to predict nowadays but has dropped to a very good mark and has conditions to suit; can't be ruled out.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

26th May 2024

Good

2m 5f 164y

Class 4

15:50 Fontwell

Sermando

11st 6lb

J: Nick Scholfield

T: Alexandra Dunn

Has mainly run well off higher marks since winning at Fakenham (2m4f, good) last summer and his record suggested he would have needed last month's run after 224 days off, but it would still have been preferable had he shown more.

12/1

5

26th May 2024

Good

2m 5f 164y

Class 4

15:50 Fontwell

Sermando

11st 6lb

J: Nick Scholfield

T: Alexandra Dunn

always behind, tailed off when pulled up after 3 out

12/1

5

21st Apr 2024

Good

2m 3f 179y

Class 5

13:22 Wincanton

Sermando

11st 12lb

J: Sgt Nick Oliver

T: Alexandra Dunn

Has mostly run well since joining this yard, with his only blip two runs ago over fences; wasn't far away off this mark at Fontwell (2m3f, good) when last seen in September and hard to rule out.

13/2

OUR TIP

7/2

  • Place: £1.40

Form: 36/2-4

Last run: 42 days

W: 11st 13lb

7 yo Mare

OR: 104

Form & Verdict
0-6 over hurdles but returned from long absence with encouraging fourth at Uttoxeter (2m4f, good) six weeks ago and will also be suited by today's slower ground; big player if able to build on that reappearance run.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

7

18th Nov 2022

Good To Soft

3m 0f 97y

Class 4

15:50 Ascot

Buttsbury Lady

11st 1lb

J: Nico de Boinville

T: Nicky Henderson

Bumper winner who is 0-7 over hurdles; had no apparent excuses when a 24l fourth at Chepstow (2m3f, good to soft) and hopes largely pinned on this longer trip making a difference (pedigree bodes well in that respect).

10/1

4th

3

25th Oct 2022

Good To Soft

2m 3f 100y

Class 5

16:20 Chepstow

Buttsbury Lady

11st 13lb

J: Nico de Boinville

T: Nicky Henderson

midfield, chased leader home turn, pushed along and lost position before 2 out, soon weakened

7/2

Form: 642/0-

Last run: 356 days

W: 11st 7lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 98

Form & Verdict
Ran big race in defeat when second of 17 on handicap debut at Taunton (2m3f, soft) in March 2021 but seen only once again since, when well beaten over C&D last November; not an easy one to predict.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

9

28th Feb 2025

Soft

3m 0f 52y

Class 3

17:05 Newbury

Shutupshirley

10st 10lb

J: Harry Kimber

T: Robert Walford

in touch with leaders

7/1

6th

12

8th Feb 2025

Soft

3m 0f 52y

Class 3

13:50 Newbury

Shutupshirley

10st 5lb

J: Harry Kimber

T: Robert Walford

Won twice late in 2022 and reappeared at Fontwell (extended 3m2f, soft) six weeks ago to complete his hat-trick, with tongue tied first time and drawing 11l clear from two out; up 8lb and in grade, for second run since a long layoff, but there was plenty to like about that latest performance.

6/1

6th

12

8th Feb 2025

Soft

3m 0f 52y

Class 3

13:50 Newbury

Shutupshirley

10st 5lb

J: Harry Kimber

T: Robert Walford

Won twice late in 2022 and reappeared at Fontwell (extended 3m2f, soft) six weeks ago to complete his hat-trick, with tongue tied first time and drawing 11l clear from two out; up 8lb and in grade, for second run since a long layoff, but there was plenty to like about that latest performance.

6/1

Form: 176B9-

Last run: 194 days

W: 10st 2lb

7 yo Mare

OR: 77

Form & Verdict
Won four-runner Fontwell bumper last September but showed no significant promise on her three subsequent hurdling starts last season (1m7f-2m) and is 2lb out of the weights on this seasonal/handicap debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

11

2nd Nov 2022

Good To Soft

2m 7f 131y

Class 5

16:22 Chepstow

Pixie Loc

10st 8lb

J: Ben Jones

T: Ben Clarke

Bumper winner (four ran) on debut; well beaten in novice hurdles and no threat on last week's handicap debut here (2m3f) was plugging on at the end of that race so could be worth a shot at this trip.

25/1

6th

18

25th Oct 2022

Good To Soft

2m 3f 100y

Class 5

16:20 Chepstow

Pixie Loc

10st 2lb

J: Lorcan Murtagh

T: Ben Clarke

midfield, ridden after 7th, well held 2 out, kept on but no impression approaching last

20/1

Form: P9880-

Last run: 214 days

W: 10st 13lb

8 yo Mare

OR: 90

Form & Verdict
Showed some useful hurdling form (including over C&D) in autumn 2020 but became very disappointing and often looked temperamental last season; this first run after a break might be a good time to catch her but she comes with big risks attached.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11

25th Feb 2023

Good

3m 2f 54y

Class 5

16:17 Chepstow

Born In Borris

10st 8lb

J: Harry Kimber

T: Joe Tizzard

Chase career abandoned last winter but no benefit from return to hurdles and again down the field at Taunton after wind surgery; soundly beaten in two tries with headgear, cheekpieces return back chasing.

16/1

11th

11

7th Feb 2023

Good To Soft

2m 3f 1y

Class 5

16:30 Taunton

Born In Borris

10st 8lb

J: Brendan Powell

T: Joe Tizzard

Her mark continues to fall but she struggled last season and it's been the same story on both outings this term; major turnaround required on first run since wind surgery.

20/1

9th

5

2nd Nov 2022

Good To Soft

2m 7f 131y

Class 5

16:22 Chepstow

Born In Borris

11st 7lb

J: Brendan Powell

T: Joe Tizzard

Lost her way last season and no imminent sign of a revival when seventh over 2m3f here last week (attracted support); only win gained in March 2020; others have more pressing claims.

8/1

Form: PP4-P0

Last run: 19 days

W: 10st 11lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 88

Form & Verdict
Displayed significant improvement when 100-1 fourth in Southwell novice in April (2m, good; first-time cheekpieces) but has struggled in both subsequent handicaps; back up in trip today.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9

8th Feb 2023

Good

2m 4f 88y

Class 5

13:35 Southwell

El Diablo

10st 9lb

J: James Best

T: Harriet Dickin

disputed lead, pushed along and lost position after 7th

25/1

9

1st Feb 2023

Good

2m 6f 151y

Class 5

14:00 Leicester

El Diablo

10st 2lb

J: Miss Alice Stevens

T: Harriet Dickin

Won his sole point but he's generally struggled in eight runs under rules and has been tailed off switched to fences (2m4f/3m1f) in last two starts; mark continues to fall but he makes no appeal.

16/1

7/1

Form: 405-23

Last run: 117 days

W: 11st 12lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 105

Form & Verdict
Shaped with promise when making the frame in two good-ground maiden hurdles in June (2m/2m4f); probably needs to improve to make a winning handicap debut here but that's possible if the slower ground suits.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

4

2nd Jul 2024

Good To Firm

2m 2f 148y

Class 5

18:40 Stratford

Sarsen

11st 7lb

J: Rex Dingle

T: Anthony Honeyball

Seemed to respond well to first-time blinkers when very respectable third at Fontwell (2m1f, good) in May but is 0-7 over hurdles now and has essentially become disappointing.

5/1

3rd

6

26th May 2024

Good

2m 1f 162y

Class 5

17:35 Fontwell

Sarsen

10st 11lb

J: Rex Dingle

T: Anthony Honeyball

Early promise over hurdles for Alan King but has gone the wrong way, including in three starts for this yard (the tongue-tie going on); blinkers are now added; probably best watched.

12/1

3rd

6

26th May 2024

Good

2m 1f 162y

Class 5

17:35 Fontwell

Sarsen

10st 11lb

J: Rex Dingle

T: Anthony Honeyball

Early promise over hurdles for Alan King but has gone the wrong way, including in three starts for this yard (the tongue-tie going on); blinkers are now added; probably best watched.

12/1

Form: 5-645

Last run: 107 days

W: 10st 8lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 87

Form & Verdict
Unable to land a significant blow in three maiden hurdles in June/July (2m/2m4f, good) but might get more competitive in this low-grade handicap; market support will make him of interest.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

4

24th May 2026

Good To Soft

3m 1f 210y

Class 5

15:10 Fontwell

Prince Cleni

11st 2lb

J: Gavin Sheehan

T: Christian Williams

Looked set to finish second before last-fence unseat at Hereford (3m1f, good) in March and bumped into revitalised subsequent winner when second at Fakenham (3m5f, good) last month; went close in 2024 edition of this race on only previous visit to Fontwell; good chance.

3/1

2nd

3

13th Apr 2026

Good

3m 5f 24y

Class 5

16:10 Fakenham

Prince Cleni

10st 9lb

J: Jack Tudor

T: Christian Williams

Soundly beaten in February, after a layoff, but looked set to finish second before last-fence mishap at Hereford (3m1f, good) last month, and this move back up in trip will probably suit (placed over 3m3f last summer).

3/1

8

18th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 1f 44y

Class 5

17:00 Hereford

Prince Cleni

10st 11lb

J: Jack Tudor

T: Christian Williams

All three chase wins have come over 3m at Southwell (good/soft) and latest was off 2lb higher last January; well held at Southwell last month but he may have needed that run after six months off and he's a player if he can get back near best.

8/1

Form: /6/3-3

Last run: 164 days

W: 11st 11lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 102

Form & Verdict
Unexposed 8yo who bettered his disappointing stable debut when third in Bangor maiden (2m, good) in May; back up in trip for today's handicap debut and could easily have more to offer.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

10

12th May 2024

Good

2m 5f 55y

Class 5

16:03 Ludlow

Kracquer

10st 8lb

J: Tabitha Worsley

T: Sarah Hollinshead

Lightly raced for his age, with best effort in a 2m maiden hurdle two years ago; tried cheekpieces on latest start and blinkered today; down the weights but it's hard to make a solid case.

33/1

8th

10

12th May 2024

Good

2m 5f 55y

Class 5

16:03 Ludlow

Kracquer

10st 8lb

J: Tabitha Worsley

T: Sarah Hollinshead

Lightly raced for his age, with best effort in a 2m maiden hurdle two years ago; tried cheekpieces on latest start and blinkered today; down the weights but it's hard to make a solid case.

33/1

7th

6

26th Dec 2023

Good To Soft

2m 0f 125y

Class 5

12:05 Market Rasen

Kracquer

10st 2lb

J: Tabitha Worsley

T: Sarah Hollinshead

Lightly raced 9yo; mainly modest form but not disgraced when 24l sixth of ten in a Uttoxeter handicap (2m, good to soft) in July when last seen out; cheekpieces are now tried; 5lb out of the weights but could play a part.

40/1

Form: 89766-

Last run: 218 days

W: 11st 7lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 98

Form & Verdict
Displayed promise in novice company in February/March, most recently when prominent for a long way in strongly run Wincanton maiden (1m7f, good); well worth a second look on today's seasonal/handicap debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

9

16th Apr 2026

Good

2m 0f 53y

Class 4

19:00 Hereford

Phoenix Risen

11st 2lb

J: Chad Bament

T: Jeremy Scott

Fine on all ground; in a good run of form since the blinkers went on four starts back and this might not be quite so demanding as the Exeter race he contested last time; in the mix.

7/1

5th

9

6th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 0f 161y

Class 4

15:10 Exeter

Phoenix Risen

11st 2lb

J: Chad Bament

T: Jeremy Scott

Only blinkered this season and the aids are working well, registering a fourth hurdle win under a positive ride at Wincanton (2m, heavy); 5lb rise sees him on a career-high mark but he has to be considered; good to soft is fine.

5/1

1st

5

3rd Feb 2026

Heavy

2m 0f 104y

Class 4

15:15 Taunton

Phoenix Risen

10st 11lb

J: Chad Bament

T: Jeremy Scott

Two good runs in blinkers this season, latterly when clear second of 13 at Wincanton (1m7f, soft; unraced on heavy) in December; nudged back up to his career-high mark since but still commands respect.

5/2

33/1

Form: 645-

Last run: 194 days

W: 12st 0lb

5 yo Mare

OR: 105

Form & Verdict
Not seen since struggling in Listed race on British debut in April but showed some promise in France last year and has sights lowered on today's handicap debut; worth a glance in the betting.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

2

4th Mar 2024

Soft

2m 4f 88y

Class 5

16:10 Southwell

Kalpaga

12st 0lb

J: James Best

T: Tim Vaughan

Posted a win then a near-miss over hurdles last April (2m3f/2m6f, good to soft); unable to match that form over fences this season but she was a fair fourth at Ludlow (2m4f, soft) in December and has had a wind op since being pulled up last time; no surprise if she goes well now back hurdling.

7/1

2

26th Dec 2023

Good To Soft

2m 3f 85y

Class 5

12:27 Wetherby

Kalpaga

11st 12lb

J: Connor Brace

T: Tim Vaughan

Finished 3l fourth in similar event at Ludlow (2m4f, soft) three weeks ago, producing her best effort since switched to chasing; looks favourably weighted on best hurdles form and can't be ruled out.

5/2

Form: 74-UU4

Last run: 96 days

W: 11st 3lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 94

Form & Verdict
Tailed off on stable debut in July and now 0-17 over hurdles; comes here with a lot to prove but has become very well handicapped on some of last year's form for Nicky Martin.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8

21st Dec 2022

Soft

2m 5f 163y

Class 5

14:45 Hereford

Steady Away

11st 5lb

J: Paul O’Brien

T: Claire Harris

Maiden (0-20) who steadily lost his way for Nicky Martin, unseating his rider on his last couple of appearances for that trainer; soundly beaten in two starts for Claire Harris; very difficult to fancy despite easing in the weights in newly applied headgear.

40/1

14th

12

25th Oct 2022

Good To Soft

2m 3f 100y

Class 5

16:20 Chepstow

Steady Away

11st 3lb

J: Paul O’Brien

T: Claire Harris

towards rear, not fluent 2nd, pushed along 7th, ridden and struggling home turn, got well behind from 3 out, tailed off

33/1

Form: 286

Last run: 29 days

W: 11st 11lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 102

Form & Verdict
Runner-up on hurdling debut at Ffos Las (2m4f, good; well backed) in June but well beaten twice since and has quite a bit to prove on today's handicap debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

12

23rd May 2026

Good To Soft

2m 5f 34y

Class 5

17:05 Cartmel

Of Corse I Can

10st 3lb

J: Bradley Harris

T: Neil Mulholland

Back-to-back 3m2f wins at Fontwell and Newton Abbot last October (good and good to soft) suggest he'll enjoy this sharp track but the drop back from a stayers' trip doesn't rate an obvious plus.

14/1

8

23rd Oct 2025

Good To Soft

3m 1f 210y

Class 5

16:15 Fontwell

Of Corse I Can

10st 2lb

J: Bradley Harris

T: Neil Mulholland

0-12 over hurdles but came good in C&D (good) chase this month, his second start over fences, and battled gamely to follow up in conditional jockeys' race at Newton Abbot (3m2f, good to soft) on Saturday; escapes a penalty here and has obvious claims.

7/4

Form: -24252 C

Last run: 27 days

W: 12st 0lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 105

Form & Verdict
No longer thr force of old and not one to rely upon heavily but returned from break with good effort at Bangor (2m7f, good) last month and today's trip and ground combination will also suit.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

5th Dec 2022

Good To Soft

2m 4f 0y

Class 3

14:25 Lingfield

Oxwich Bay

10st 11lb

J: Conor Ring

T: Evan Williams

One win in each of the last three years, the latest at Chepstow in April; not the force of old and his last three races (twice runner-up) were over hurdles but he also has the 2022 chase form to figure prominently.

7/2

1

25th Oct 2022

Good To Soft

2m 3f 100y

Class 5

16:20 Chepstow

Oxwich Bay

12st 0lb

J: Mr Lewis Gordon

T: Evan Williams

No longer thr force of old and not one to rely upon heavily but returned from break with good effort at Bangor (2m7f, good) last month and today's trip and ground combination will also suit.

Form: /8446-

Last run: 206 days

W: 11st 4lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 95

Form & Verdict
Never really got involved on handicap debut over C&D (good) in April; remains unexposed but could be considered only if lively in betting.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

7

9th Feb 2023

Good

3m 1f 10y

Class 5

15:35 Huntingdon

Teddy The Knight

10st 7lb

J: Tom Bellamy

T: Adrian Wintle

midfield, bad mistake 3 out, soon ridden, weakened before 2 out

25/1

7

1st Dec 2022

Good To Soft

3m 0f 150y

Class 5

13:55 Wincanton

Teddy The Knight

11st 0lb

J: Ciaran Gethings

T: Adrian Wintle

visibility reduced by fog

33/1

11

25th Oct 2022

Good To Soft

2m 3f 100y

Class 5

16:20 Chepstow

Teddy The Knight

11st 4lb

J: Robert Dunne

T: Adrian Wintle

midfield, dropped to rear after 7th, soon lost touch, pulled up before 2 out

12/1

Form: 79928-

Last run: 186 days

W: 11st 2lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 93

Form & Verdict
Belied 100-1 odds when second in 2m novice here (good) in April but was tailed off in maiden over that trip three weeks later; had wind op during summer break; up in trip for today's handicap debut; others preferred.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10

24th Feb 2023

Good

3m 2f 0y

Class 5

14:00 Warwick

Lord Bill

10st 5lb

J: Jack Wildman

T: Grace Harris

towards rear

10/1

7th

7

8th Feb 2023

Good

3m 1f 185y

Class 5

16:40 Southwell

Lord Bill

11st 1lb

J: Conor Ring

T: Grace Harris

midfield, pushed along and headway after 3 out, ridden and weakened from 2 out

9/1

4th

8

8th Dec 2022

Good

2m 7f 198y

Class 5

15:40 Taunton

Lord Bill

10st 13lb

J: Conor Ring

T: Grace Harris

Pulled up on his handicap debut first time back and then beaten 22l in a seller; opposable.

25/1

Non-runners

Oxwich Bay

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £145.70
Straight Forecast £123.43
Tricast £870.90
Trifecta £1863.20

Selections

RP Ratings:

Buttsbury Lady

Telegraph:

Sarsen

The Times:

Olympic Honour

SPOTLIGHT:

Phoenix Risen

D Express:

Teddy The Knight

The Star:

Sarsen

Daily Record:

Sarsen

POSTDATA:

Buttsbury Lady

LAMBOURN:

Buttsbury Lady

Daily Mail:

Buttsbury Lady

The Sun:

Buttsbury Lady

The Guardian:

Olympic Honour

Daily Mirror:

Olympic Honour