November 04 / 14.50 Exeter

14.50

Good

Betway ‘Challenger’ Mares’ Handicap Hurdle (Challenger Mares’ Hurdle Series Qualifier)

  • Prize money: £10510.78
  • 2m 5f 137y
  • Class 4
  • 16 runners
ITV4
View Course
Betway ‘Challenger’ Mares’ Handicap Hurdle (Challenger Mares’ Hurdle Series Qualifier)

Runners: 16 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Partly cloudy

6/1 (Won)

  • Win: £4.50
  • Place: £2.00

Form: 24-111 D

Last run: 39 days

W: 10st 12lb

5 yo Mare

OR: 99

Form & Verdict
Improvement has come on good ground, making all to win three 2m5f handicaps at Fontwell (twice) and Newton Abbot (dead-heated); has gone up 20lb in the process (raised 5lb for last time) and this is stronger than she's accustomed to.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

29th Sep 2025

Good

2m 5f 122y

Class 4

16:50 Newton Abbot

The Height Of Fame

11st 10lb

J: Gavin Sheehan

T: Keiran Burke

Gained two of her six wins over C&D (all were on good ground); returned from break with two good efforts in Class 2 events this summer, the latter on slower-than-ideal ground over C&D last month, and looks the one to beat in this easier race.

Evs

10

30th Aug 2025

Good

2m 5f 122y

Class 2

16:30 Newton Abbot

The Height Of Fame

10st 2lb

J: Brendan Powell

T: Keiran Burke

Gained two of her six wins over C&D (all were on good ground); returned from break with good third (just behind My Chiquita) at Worcester (2m4f, good) last month and is still on a workable mark (even from 1lb out of the weights) but the forecast rain is a worry.

5/1

7

7th Jul 2025

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 2

15:45 Worcester

The Height Of Fame

10st 3lb

J: Brendan Powell

T: Keiran Burke

Not without hope back on good ground as they were strong handicaps on too soft a surface when below par the last twice.

12/1

7/1

  • Place: £2.90

Form: 5165-4 CD

Last run: 173 days

W: 11st 10lb

7 yo Mare

OR: 111

Form & Verdict
Struggled last season after making a successful reappearance (stable debut) in this race off 4lb lower and latest Stratford defeat in May was after a lengthy break; this looks stronger than 12 months ago; goes on all ground.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

2

30th Mar 2024

Soft

3m 0f 58y

Class 2

14:40 Haydock

Martha Brae

11st 10lb

J: Miss Heidi Palin

T: Dan Skelton

Never looked happy when a remote third to the reopposing Astronomic View at Warwick (3m2f, soft) three weeks ago and now has headgear refitted for the first time since joining this yard; had been in good form prior to that latest run.

20/1

3rd

1

10th Mar 2024

Soft

3m 2f 0y

Class 3

16:45 Warwick

Martha Brae

12st 0lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

held up in rear, pecked on landing 5th, not fluent 7th, cajoled along 8th, reminders 9th, lost touch 3 out

4/1

3rd

6

17th Feb 2024

Heavy

3m 0f 58y

Class 1

14:40 Haydock

Martha Brae

10st 9lb

J: Fergus Gillard

T: Dan Skelton

in rear, stayed on after 3 out, went modest third run-in, never dangerous

25/1

12/1

  • Place: £4.70

Form: /0664-

Last run: 221 days

W: 10st 6lb

5 yo Mare

OR: 93

Form & Verdict
Defeats in two bumpers and three hurdles but the signs were more encouraging when an 18l fourth in the latest at Ludlow and she's highly likely to benefit from this step up in distance, which coincides with her handicap debut; possibilities.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

9

23rd Nov 2022

Good To Soft

2m 3f 147y

Class 4

15:20 Hereford

Bonnie Bresil

10st 3lb

J: Tom O’Brien

T: Henry Daly

Improved for the step up 2m5f when third of 15 on recent handicap debut at Exeter; that was her first outing since March and this unexposed 5yo could take another step forward here; she's one to consider.

100/30

3rd

16

4th Nov 2022

Good

2m 5f 137y

Class 4

14:50 Exeter

Bonnie Bresil

10st 6lb

J: Tom O’Brien

T: Henry Daly

midfield

12/1

Form: 1/651- D

Last run: 224 days

W: 11st 8lb

6 yo Mare

OR: 109

Form & Verdict
Bumper winner who got off the mark at the third attempt over hurdles when merely pushed out at Newton Abbot (2m5f, soft); looks on a reasonable mark for her first handicap and, with her yard running two, it makes sense to check the betting; interesting.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

0

13

23rd Jan 2024

Good To Soft

3m 0f 52y

Class 4

15:10 Newbury

Whisky Express

10st 13lb

J: Lorcan Murtagh

T: Harry Fry

mistake 1st

14/1

4th

3

9th Dec 2023

Soft

2m 3f 173y

Class 3

12:05 Sandown

Whisky Express

10st 9lb

J: Jonathan Burke

T: Harry Fry

Quirky but isn't fully exposed; never landed a blow when sixth (off 2lb higher) in this race last year but should do better with cheekpieces applied this time; absent since unseating rider early when wearing this headgear at Exeter on New Year's Day; shortlisted on return to action.

5/2

4

1st Jan 2023

Soft

2m 2f 111y

Class 4

12:55 Exeter

Whisky Express

11st 3lb

J: Lorcan Murtagh

T: Harry Fry

Pushed out to win Newton Abbot maiden (2m5f, soft) last spring, her third hurdle run, but tended to hang and looked rather awkward under pressure in her two handicaps this season; not beaten far in either of those races but needs the first-time cheekpieces to keep her focussed here.

4/1

Form: 3442- BF

Last run: 225 days

W: 10st 13lb

5 yo Mare

OR: 100

Form & Verdict
Competitive in her bumpers; outpaced by the winner when strongly fancied for her final novice run at Chepstow (2m, good) but still ran well and promises to be well suited by this longer trip now handicapping; considered.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

2

7th May 2025

Good

2m 5f 164y

Class 5

17:35 Fontwell

Ma Belle Noire

12st 0lb

J: Ciaran O’Shea

T: Harry Fry

Three-time winner in 2023, the last twice over 2m7f; signs of a revival with a 5l fourth at Taunton (3m, good) and needs considering.

7/1

7th

2

7th May 2025

Good

2m 5f 164y

Class 5

17:35 Fontwell

Ma Belle Noire

12st 0lb

J: Ciaran O’Shea

T: Harry Fry

Three-time winner in 2023, the last twice over 2m7f; signs of a revival with a 5l fourth at Taunton (3m, good) and needs considering.

7/1

Form: 422451

Last run: 22 days

W: 12st 0lb

6 yo Mare

OR: 115

Form & Verdict
First run after wind surgery when narrowly prevailing under Jack Hogan in a 2m4f handicap at Carlisle (good to soft) but that was probably on a similar level to her placed efforts during the summer; only 3lb higher but has more on her plate here.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

5

11th Nov 2024

Good

2m 4f 110y

Class 3

14:50 Kempton

Mulberry Hill

11st 4lb

J: Jonathan Burke

T: Fergal O’Brien

Won this race in good style off today's mark a year ago (good ground) but has lost her way a bit since; didn't run badly off her lower hurdle mark last month but needs to up her game on this return to fences.

4/1

4th

5

11th Nov 2024

Good

2m 4f 110y

Class 3

14:50 Kempton

Mulberry Hill

11st 4lb

J: Jonathan Burke

T: Fergal O’Brien

raced in fourth throughout

4/1

3rd

3

9th Oct 2024

Good

2m 5f 55y

Class 4

16:35 Ludlow

Mulberry Hill

11st 7lb

J: Jonathan Burke

T: Fergal O’Brien

led, headed home turn, no chance with winner after 2 out, kept on

6/1

Form: 81123- D

Last run: 196 days

W: 11st 5lb

7 yo Mare

OR: 106

Form & Verdict
Well behind Shirocco's Dream in a novice here last November but later progressed in handicaps with narrow wins at Fontwell (2m5f) and Taunton (3m; both good to soft); continued to perform respectably afterwards.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

1st May 2023

Good

2m 5f 0y

Class 4

17:32 Warwick

Flying Nun

11st 11lb

J: Adam Wedge

T: Emma Lavelle

Back in peak form when staying on well to score at Newbury (3m, good to firm) in February and was reportedly unsuited by a slow pace when safely held at Ludlow the following month; a contender if all goes to plan here.

10/1

2

15th Apr 2023

Soft

2m 7f 131y

Class 4

14:35 Chepstow

Flying Nun

12st 0lb

J: Tom Bellamy

T: Emma Lavelle

Won back-to-back handicaps (2m5f/3m; good to soft) early last year; got back to her best with clearcut success at Newbury (3m, good to firm) in February but she's not easy to predict and was well held at Ludlow last time; needs to bounce back again after that and she comes with risks attached.

11/2

8th

9

2nd Mar 2023

Good

2m 7f 174y

Class 3

14:25 Ludlow

Flying Nun

11st 4lb

J: Tom Bellamy

T: Emma Lavelle

Won back-to-back handicaps last winter (2m5f/3m; good to soft) and back to her best when scoring at Newbury (3m, good to firm) 11 days ago; did it in clearcut style for that latest win and should go well despite apparently needing to find more under the 7lb penalty.

4/1

Form: 6263-

Last run: 274 days

W: 11st 4lb

5 yo Mare

OR: 105

Form & Verdict
Best RPR of 99 in her qualifying runs so wouldn't be obviously well treated for this her handicap debut and she's already tried this trip; no match for an easy winner when tried once before in a hood.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

4

24th Apr 2024

Good

3m 2f 57y

Class 4

17:50 Taunton

Head And Heart

11st 8lb

J: Micheal Nolan

T: Philip Hobbs & Johnson White

Came clear to win a 3m1f soft-ground chase at Warwick in January (2lb lower; first-time cheekpieces) but it's all gone pear shaped in the meantime; perhaps another change of headgear will work the oracle but it's not hard to have doubts.

10/1

4th

4

24th Apr 2024

Good

3m 2f 57y

Class 4

17:50 Taunton

Head And Heart

11st 8lb

J: Micheal Nolan

T: Philip Hobbs & Johnson White

Came clear to win a 3m1f soft-ground chase at Warwick in January (2lb lower; first-time cheekpieces) but it's all gone pear shaped in the meantime; perhaps another change of headgear will work the oracle but it's not hard to have doubts.

10/1

1

7th Apr 2024

Heavy

3m 0f 54y

Class 5

16:45 Exeter

Head And Heart

12st 0lb

J: Micheal Nolan

T: Philip Hobbs & Johnson White

Failed to complete last two races and her tendency to clout the occasional fence remains a worry but she looked good when winning in first-time cheekpieces at Warwick (3m1f, soft) in January and is probably still on a workable mark.

11/2

Form: 1545-

Last run: 239 days

W: 11st 9lb

5 yo Mare

OR: 110

Form & Verdict
Second of 14 in a 2m Flat handicap at Newbury two weeks ago; useful form when winning a maiden hurdle 12 months ago and 3m was perhaps a stretch when fifth in a handicap in March; respected off this mark with Finn Lambert taking off 7lb.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

4

(1)

26th May 2026

Good

1m 6f 0y

Class 4

17:54 Lingfield

Russian Rumour

9st 4lb

J: Donagh Murphy

T: Jonathan Portman

Course winner (2m) who bids a for hat-trick after wins at Ffos Las (2m, heavy) last September (by 12l) and on her Nottingham return under Donagh Murphy (1m6f, good) 17 days ago; only 2lb higher and much respected.

11/8

1st

2

(1)

9th May 2026

Good

1m 6f 0y

Class 4

17:10 Nottingham

Russian Rumour

9st 12lb

J: Donagh Murphy

T: Jonathan Portman

9yo who won this race (good) on her reappearance in 2024 and she ended last season with a 12l win at Ffos Las (2m, heavy; made all); 7lb higher on her return but she still looks on a workable mark and won't mind what the weather does; key player for in-form yard.

5/4

1st

1

(1)

28th Sep 2025

Soft

2m 0f 0y

Class 5

16:50 Ffos Las

Russian Rumour

10st 2lb

J: Joe Leavy

T: Jonathan Portman

Won over 2m1f on heavy ground last year and went in again at the expense of two rivals on good to firm this summer; nothing wrong with her latest effort in a Class 2 over 1m6f at Bath (soft).

5/2

12/1

Form: 7355-2

Last run: 16 days

W: 10st 9lb

5 yo Mare

OR: 96

Form & Verdict
Runner-up in a 3m point so it was no great surprise to see her improve for going beyond 2m when a neck second on her handicap debut at Fontwell (2m3f, good; first-time tongue-tie); 1lb nudge perfectly fair and she's on the shortlist.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7

6th Feb 2025

Good To Soft

3m 1f 10y

Class 5

15:30 Huntingdon

Sadie Hill

10st 6lb

J: Mr Tom Hutsby

T: David Bridgwater

in touch with leaders

25/1

7

6th Feb 2025

Good To Soft

3m 1f 10y

Class 5

15:30 Huntingdon

Sadie Hill

10st 6lb

J: Mr Tom Hutsby

T: David Bridgwater

in touch with leaders

25/1

9

21st Jan 2025

Heavy

2m 4f 110y

Class 5

13:20 Leicester

Sadie Hill

10st 9lb

J: Mr Tom Hutsby

T: David Bridgwater

She's 7lb lower than when winning at Ffos Las in April 2023 for Alastair Ralph but that's her sole win from 17 rules attempts and she's been absent since tailing off at Fakenham last April; makes stable debut.

16/1

OUR TIP

Form: 16733- C

Last run: 200 days

W: 11st 10lb

7 yo Mare

OR: 111

Form & Verdict
Early last season she won a 2m2f novice here before following up on her handicap debut at Sandown (both on good to soft); lost her way afterwards following wind surgery but perhaps this is her time of year and she's well treated.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

5

24th Oct 2024

Good

2m 7f 171y

Class 4

15:20 Ludlow

Shiroccos Dream

11st 10lb

J: Brendan Powell

T: Joe Tizzard

Four wins divided between fences and hurdles; did lose her way in this discipline earlier this year but got back on track with a second over hurdles in June; handicapped to have a say.

8/1

2nd

1

5th Jun 2024

Good

3m 2f 105y

Class 5

15:10 Newton Abbot

Shiroccos Dream

12st 0lb

J: Freddie Gingell

T: Joe Tizzard

Won twice on good ground over fences at Huntingdon last year, latterly over 3m1f in November; had wind surgery in January and not so good in her three runs since, particularly on last two, which sees her back over hurdles today for first time since November 2022.

9/1

7th

3

13th May 2024

Good

3m 1f 44y

Class 4

15:35 Hereford

Shiroccos Dream

11st 12lb

J: Brendan Powell

T: Joe Tizzard

Jumped well and made all to win very similar race to this over C&D (good) in November; now back down the same mark but has not been in the same form again since, and was particularly disappointing when pulled up at Cheltenham last month; returns here with a point to prove but won't mind what the weather does.

10/1

Form: 154-12 D BF

Last run: 168 days

W: 11st 9lb

6 yo Mare

OR: 110

Form & Verdict
Made hard work of justifying odds-on favouritism on her hurdling debut (2m4f) and was then comfortably beaten under a penalty (again on good); however, could be capable of better as her bumper form (including on good to soft) makes for very good reading; handicap debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

4

9th May 2024

Good

3m 1f 10y

Class 5

14:25 Huntingdon

Malina Jamila

11st 10lb

J: Jack Quinlan

T: Neil King

Both of her wins (bumper and maiden hurdle) were at this track and they have been her only two visits, the latter two years ago; fair fourth with first-time cheekpieces at Doncaster (3m) in December but back in the doldrums since; visor takes over and she returns to Huntingdon, so there are potential positives.

16/1

7th

4

9th May 2024

Good

3m 1f 10y

Class 5

14:25 Huntingdon

Malina Jamila

11st 10lb

J: Jack Quinlan

T: Neil King

led, not fluent and joined 4 out, headed after 3 out, soon weakened

16/1

5

24th Apr 2024

Good

2m 7f 198y

Class 5

17:15 Taunton

Malina Jamila

11st 6lb

J: Beau Morgan

T: Neil King

Responded well to cheekpieces when fourth at Doncaster in December (3m) but soon back in the doldrums; much depends on what effect the visor might have.

16/1

Form: 741-25 D

Last run: 153 days

W: 11st 4lb

6 yo Mare

OR: 105

Form & Verdict
Three-time winner, bagging her first handicap off only 2lb lower at Ffos Las in April (good and bad afterwards); she is more exposed than a lot of these and any rain would count against her.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

8

26th Apr 2024

Good

2m 7f 131y

Class 4

20:15 Chepstow

Jersey Lady

11st 3lb

J: Miss Victoria Malzard

T: Harry Derham

Won five of her first 13 starts over hurdles but she's been held in last three runs, including a 21l defeat at Kempton (3m, good to soft) in December; drops back in grade after a break but she looks weighted near her best and others are preferred; tongue-tie added.

14/1

10th

8

26th Apr 2024

Good

2m 7f 131y

Class 4

20:15 Chepstow

Jersey Lady

11st 3lb

J: Miss Victoria Malzard

T: Harry Derham

Won five of her first 13 starts over hurdles but she's been held in last three runs, including a 21l defeat at Kempton (3m, good to soft) in December; drops back in grade after a break but she looks weighted near her best and others are preferred; tongue-tie added.

14/1

7th

13

27th Dec 2023

Good

3m 0f 121y

Class 2

15:40 Kempton

Jersey Lady

10st 2lb

T: Harry Derham

Won three handicaps on the trot between April and June, at 3m1f-3m2f (on soft and good); excused an Exeter defeat after a break but she couldn't hold her position when fifth to Gaye Legacy at Market Rasen in November (2m7f, good to soft) and needs more.

8/1

Form: 7-12

Last run: 114 days

W: 11st 13lb

5 yo Mare

OR: 114

Form & Verdict
Brings momentum into her handicap debut after competitive form in 2m4f/2m novices for mares at Uttoxeter (good); this mark could be challenging but she's open to improvement.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

7th Feb 2023

Good To Soft

2m 7f 16y

Class 4

14:45 Market Rasen

Bettys Banjo

11st 8lb

J: Jonjo O’Neill Jr

T: Jonjo O’Neill

prominent, pushed along from 8th, ridden after 3 out, weakened before 2 out, pulled up before last

10/1

8

10th Jan 2023

Good

2m 3f 88y

Class 4

15:00 Doncaster

Bettys Banjo

11st 6lb

J: Jonjo O’Neill Jr

T: Jonjo O’Neill

Irish point winner; improved mightily on her hurdle debut when winning at Uttoxeter last May (2m4f, good); fair 2m run subsequently but way off her game when pulled up in an Exeter handicap in November.

25/1

Form: 2P455- D

Last run: 217 days

W: 11st 9lb

7 yo Mare

OR: 110

Form & Verdict
Started last season over fences and didn't progress after a decent first effort; there were no fireworks in two runs back over hurdles following wind surgery and she returns with a bit to prove.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

26th Dec 2023

Good To Soft

3m 1f 30y

Class 3

13:28 Wincanton

Lady Kk

11st 8lb

J: Bryan Carver

T: Jeremy Scott

Bounced back from a disappointing seasonal debut (over hurdles) to win narrowly at Taunton (2m7f, good) last month; will be fine on today's slower ground but has become a hard mare to predict and is on a career-high mark.

7/2

1st

1

30th Nov 2023

Good

2m 7f 3y

Class 4

13:25 Taunton

Lady Kk

12st 0lb

J: Lorcan Williams

T: Jeremy Scott

Seemingly boosted by first-time cheekpieces when winning small-field mares' chase here (2m5f, good) in March but was pulled up on both subsequent outings (chase/hurdle) and has become a hard one to predict.

10/1

0

6

29th Oct 2023

Good To Soft

2m 5f 82y

Class 4

16:04 Wincanton

Lady Kk

11st 11lb

J: Lorcan Williams

T: Jeremy Scott

Ran poorly on last season's sole run over hurdles, while taking well to fences until a respiratory noise was reported on final outing; cheekpieces last two; needs to be back at her best on this first run since wind surgery.

16/1

Form: 8495-6

Last run: 29 days

W: 11st 1lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 103

Form & Verdict
Failed to progress after her successful hurdle/stable debut at Leicester (1m7f, good to soft) last November and the comeback run was no more than okay following wind surgery; others are more intriguing.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11

19th Feb 2025

Good To Soft

3m 2f 1y

Class 5

15:58 Doncaster

Lady Pacifico

10st 2lb

J: Tabitha Worsley

T: Georgie Howell

Flat/hurdle winner who made it 0-5 as a chaser when pulled up last time and she's 4lb out of the weights; others preferred.

25/1

9

4th Feb 2025

Good To Soft

2m 7f 191y

Class 5

14:10 Market Rasen

Lady Pacifico

10st 2lb

J: Tabitha Worsley

T: Georgie Howell

Has shown some aptitude for chasing but this Flat/hurdle winner was tailed off here on Boxing Day in the race won by Asa; tongue-tie is added; 1lb out of the weights.

33/1

Non-runners

Lady Kk

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £40.00
Straight Forecast £29.68
Tricast £274.95
Trifecta £296.80

Selections

POSTDATA:

The Height Of Fame

SPOTLIGHT:

Shirocco's Dream

RP Ratings:

Bonnie Bresil

WEST COUNTRY:

Ma Belle Noire

Daily Record:

Betty's Banjo

The Star:

Whisky Express

LAMBOURN:

Jersey Lady

Telegraph:

Mulberry Hill

D Express:

Martha Brae

TOPSPEED:

Lady Kk

Daily Mirror:

Bonnie Bresil

The Times:

The Height Of Fame

The Guardian:

The Height Of Fame

Daily Mail:

Shirocco's Dream

The Sun:

Shirocco's Dream