November 08 / 14.15 Hereford

14.15

Good

IJF Are Here Today EBF “National Hunt” Novices’ Hurdle (Qualifier) (GBB Race)

  • Prize money: £4901.4
  • 2m 0f 53y
  • Class 4
  • 16 runners
SKY
View Course
IJF Are Here Today EBF “National Hunt” Novices’ Hurdle (Qualifier) (GBB Race)

Runners: 16 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Showers

Form: 2218/3 D BF

Last run: 36 days

W: 11st 0lb

6 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Half-brother to connections' good chaser Snow Leopardess; above average in bumpers two seasons back, winning at Stratford (good to soft) then eighth of 18 in Aintree Grade 2; beaten favourite in Stratford novice hurdle (2m) on return from lengthy absence but led for a long way before tiring and should improve with that outing under his belt; tongue-tie applied; respected.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

2

24th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 0f 16y

Class 3

18:37 Chepstow

Parramount

11st 5lb

J: Lilly Pinchin

T: Charlie Longsdon

Chance on November's Doncaster hurdles second, less so on all which has followed; unexposed in this sphere, with one start over fences compared to the other trio's 41 combined, but none too convincing on that belated chase debut at Wetherby latest (1m7f, good), jumping left and weakening.

5/1

3rd

1

27th Mar 2026

Good

1m 7f 36y

Class 4

15:50 Wetherby

Parramount

12st 0lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Charlie Longsdon

Bumper/Flat/hurdles winner; on a handy mark but his form has dipped in 2026, so this switch to fences needs to have a reviving effect; latecomer to this game, being a 10yo.

13/2

6th

1

27th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 0f 128y

Class 4

15:22 Doncaster

Parramount

12st 1lb

J: Daire McConville

T: Charlie Longsdon

Unable to beat a rival on AW on last two starts but could be a different proposition now back hurdling and back here, as two visits to Doncaster (both C&D) have yielded an easy novice win (good) and a good second in a handicap (soft; in November); very much of interest given record at the track.

10/1

Form: 516-25 C

Last run: 12 days

W: 11st 0lb

4 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Only a modest fifth at Stratford 12 days ago but ran respectably behind a fairly useful rival at Warwick (hurdles debut) earlier in October; interesting returned to the scene of his good-ground bumper win.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

3

15th May 2025

Good

2m 5f 164y

Class 4

19:10 Fontwell

Decorated

11st 7lb

J: Ben Jones

T: Oliver Signy

Has appreciated the return to hurdles and made pretty much all over 2m3f (good) here three weeks ago; up 7lb but rated higher in the past.

13/8

3rd

3

15th May 2025

Good

2m 5f 164y

Class 4

19:10 Fontwell

Decorated

11st 7lb

J: Ben Jones

T: Oliver Signy

Has appreciated the return to hurdles and made pretty much all over 2m3f (good) here three weeks ago; up 7lb but rated higher in the past.

13/8

1st

2

25th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

2m 3f 29y

Class 5

19:47 Fontwell

Decorated

12st 0lb

J: Ben Jones

T: Oliver Signy

Chasing did not go to plan but he's returned to hurdles on last two starts, runner-up over C&D (good to soft) on latest despite not always jumping fluently; off the same mark, he should make his presence felt.

11/4

Form:

Last run:

W: 11st 0lb

4 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Has a Flat pedigree but appears to have potential for jumps, having gone close in a British point (2m4f) in May; subsequently sold for £40,000; market confidence should be heeded on rules debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

30th Jan 2025

Heavy

2m 3f 179y

Class 5

14:25 Wincanton

Duke Of Moravia

12st 0lb

J: James Turner

T: Alexander Gibbons

Won over hurdles for Henry Daly here (2m5f, soft) last April and could appreciate the return to this sphere on today's stable debut (bought for £4,000); however, he was pulled up over fences in the autumn on his last two runs and there's a question mark regarding his current form.

20/1

2

30th Jan 2025

Heavy

2m 3f 179y

Class 5

14:25 Wincanton

Duke Of Moravia

12st 0lb

J: James Turner

T: Alexander Gibbons

Won over hurdles for Henry Daly here (2m5f, soft) last April and could appreciate the return to this sphere on today's stable debut (bought for £4,000); however, he was pulled up over fences in the autumn on his last two runs and there's a question mark regarding his current form.

20/1

1

27th Nov 2024

Good To Soft

2m 7f 191y

Class 5

15:00 Market Rasen

Duke Of Moravia

12st 0lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Henry Daly

Ended last season with a hurdle win at Wincanton (2m5f, soft; first-time cheekpieces) in April; pulled up on chase debut at Worcester (2m7f, soft) last month but that was without headgear and he may have needed the run; should have a future in this sphere and he needs watching in market with cheekpieces reapplied.

15/2

OUR TIP

Form: 2-225

Last run: 16 days

W: 11st 0lb

4 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Runner-up in both bumper starts and filled the same position at Perth (2m, good) on the switch to hurdles; only fifth in a better race at Aintree (2m4f) last time but it wasn't a bad effort on the bare figures; one of the main contenders on form.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

17

12th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

3m 7f 176y

Class 1

15:35 Ayr

The Kniphand

10st 5lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Nigel Twiston-Davies

Two small-field wins this term, latterly in first-time cheekpieces which have been kept since; rallied since for third at Uttoxeter (soft) and second at Doncaster (good), leaving the strong impression over 3m2f last time that he has stamina reserves; up 2lb but makes each-way appeal.

11/1

17

12th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

3m 7f 176y

Class 1

15:35 Ayr

The Kniphand

10st 5lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Nigel Twiston-Davies

Two small-field wins this term, latterly in first-time cheekpieces which have been kept since; rallied since for third at Uttoxeter (soft) and second at Doncaster (good), leaving the strong impression over 3m2f last time that he has stamina reserves; up 2lb but makes each-way appeal.

11/1

2nd

14

1st Mar 2025

Good To Soft

3m 2f 1y

Class 2

15:15 Doncaster

The Kniphand

10st 7lb

J: Finn Lambert

T: Nigel Twiston-Davies

Won well under Finn Lambert over about 3m in small fields at Southwell (good) in October and Doncaster (good to soft) in December, latterly in first-time cheekpieces which have been kept since; up 4lb to this mark when a creditable, rallying third on soft at Uttoxeter three weeks ago; has more to give over this sort of trip and may well revert to winning ways.

10/1

Form: 32-

Last run: 255 days

W: 11st 0lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Showed promise in bumpers on testing ground last season, finishing third to useful sort at Warwick then second at Chepstow where he briefly looked the likely winner; nicely bred and should progress this term; one for the shortlist.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7

27th Oct 2024

Good

2m 4f 35y

Class 5

15:52 Wincanton

What A Steal

11st 5lb

J: Jack Hogan

T: Tom George

in touch with leaders, slow jump and dropped to rear 1st

8/1

7th

4

13th Jun 2024

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 5

17:50 Worcester

What A Steal

11st 11lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Tom George

Opened his account on second attempt over fences, over C&D (good; 20-1) 12 days ago, evidently suited by dropping back in distance; should go on from that and can follow up despite going back up 7lb.

3/1

1st

7

1st Jun 2024

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 5

12:40 Worcester

What A Steal

11st 3lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Tom George

0-6 over hurdles; lacked fluency and was well beaten when fitted with cheekpieces for recent chasing debut at Huntingdon (2m7f, good); booking of Sean Bowen not enough to tempt today.

14/1

Form: 6-

Last run: 244 days

W: 11st 0lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Showed promise, behind a subsequent bumper winner, in Irish point last November; soundly beaten in Catterick bumper in March; in good hands and should be capable of better but pedigree suggests he'll need longer trips in due course; hood is now applied.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

3

18th Sep 2024

Good

2m 2f 25y

Class 5

18:05 Kelso

Upagainstit

11st 10lb

J: Theo Gillard

T: Donald McCain

Won a Warwick novice handicap chase (2m, soft) off an 8lb higher mark in March 2023; fair run when over hurdles at Bangor in June (2m, good); cheekpieces tried; bit to prove.

7/1

10th

2

21st Aug 2024

Good

2m 0f 110y

Class 5

16:50 Worcester

Upagainstit

11st 10lb

J: Brian Hughes

T: Donald McCain

Generally disappointing since winning chase debut in March 2023 but posted a couple of decent efforts over hurdles in June (albeit a late faller on latter occasion) and reverts to fences with renewed hope.

8/1

7

28th Jun 2024

Good

2m 0f 145y

Class 4

18:48 Bangor-on-Dee

Upagainstit

11st 0lb

J: Brian Hughes

T: Donald McCain

Narrow winner off 7lb higher over fences at Warwick (2m, soft) last March; has not matched that form since but he returned to hurdling with a second in C&D novice (good) three weeks ago; was allowed to dictate in that race but that was more like it and he's in the mix back in a handicap; one of two runners for yard.

5/1

Form: 4

Last run: 179 days

W: 11st 0lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Formerly trained by Alan Hill; won point bumper on debut then completed only once in three attempts over fences in that sphere; shaped promisingly in Aintree bumper (good) on rules debut, fading into fourth having looked the likely winner when moving into contention; open to progress and looks interesting on first start for Dan Skelton.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

3

14th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 7f 70y

Class 2

14:25 Uttoxeter

Santos Blue

11st 8lb

J: Ben Sutton

T: Olly Murphy

Did well for Dan Skelton and posted best effort for new stable when second behind easy winner at Sandown (2m7f, heavy) last time; however, likely needs a new level of form to go one better.

14/1

2nd

1

31st Jan 2026

Heavy

2m 7f 103y

Class 1

15:10 Sandown

Santos Blue

12st 0lb

J: Ben Sutton

T: Olly Murphy

Successful six times under regular rider Ben Sutton, including on heavy going at Uttoxeter in 2024 and over 3m at Newbury last February; the latter was his final start for Dan Skelton and he's been well beaten this term on both runs for new yard; needs a career best to win this.

11/1

1st

2

8th Feb 2025

Soft

3m 0f 52y

Class 3

13:50 Newbury

Santos Blue

12st 0lb

J: Mr Ben Sutton

T: Dan Skelton

towards rear

11/1

Form: 0/7

Last run: 14 days

W: 11st 0lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Formerly trained in Ireland where he was well beaten in a bumper and 0-6 in points; remote seventh in a novice hurdle on debut for Tom Lacey; needs to leave that effort well behind.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

13

28th Jun 2026

Good

3m 0f 10y

Class 2

15:27 Uttoxeter

Imperial Alex

10st 4lb

J: Stan Sheppard

T: Tom Lacey

Back in top form this season; justified favouritism at Stratford (3m3f, good to firm) last time, taking chase record to 5-19; however, the memory of his dismal effort in this contest two years ago (when bidding for a four-timer) tempers enthusiasm.

10/1

1st

2

30th May 2026

Good To Firm

3m 3f 119y

Class 3

19:20 Stratford

Imperial Alex

12st 0lb

J: Stan Sheppard

T: Tom Lacey

Four-times winning chaser over around 3m; returned to his best when beaten a neck at Ffos Las (3m, good) 25 days ago with 15l back to the third; nudged up 4lb but holds claims if he gets home over this marathon trip.

7/4

2nd

4

5th May 2026

Good

2m 7f 177y

Class 4

16:18 Ffos Las

Imperial Alex

11st 9lb

J: Stan Sheppard

T: Tom Lacey

In career-best form last summer over 3m on good ground; soundly beaten in his last three races, disappointingly so at Warwick last time when back on his favoured surface (good); bit to prove now.

10/1

Form: 0-4

Last run: 24 days

W: 11st 0lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Both starts in bumpers, better effort when fourth at Newton Abbot (good) latest; can't rule out further improvement now hurdling; half-brother to a winner in this sphere.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

5

15th Jun 2024

Good

2m 3f 207y

Class 5

18:10 Uttoxeter

We Gotta Getaway

11st 6lb

J: Kielan Woods

T: David Killahena & Graeme McPherson

Off the mark over hurdles at fifth attempt, rallying gamely to regain lead on run-in at Market Rasen (2m4f, good) last week; has plenty of scope for further progress but the forecast rain is a worry here.

9/2

1st

7

7th Jun 2024

Good

2m 4f 139y

Class 5

15:18 Market Rasen

We Gotta Getaway

10st 10lb

J: Kielan Woods

T: David Killahena & Graeme McPherson

Fourth in a bumper in October 2022 (2m1f, good); not shown a great deal over hurdles and well beaten after a break at Musselburgh when last seen out in December (tongue-tie on for first time); probably best watched on return from another break.

16/1

Form: 5-06

Last run: 24 days

W: 11st 0lb

4 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Never landed a blow at Newton Abbot last month under a ride that caught the attention of the stewards; has plenty to find on overall bare form and should be more interesting in handicaps later on.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6

16th Oct 2025

Good

2m 7f 191y

Class 4

16:22 Ffos Las

Weavers Answer

11st 1lb

J: James Bowen

T: Tim Vaughan

Placed on final three outings last season, most recently when third of ten at Taunton (3m, good) in March; remains on career-high mark for this reappearance but won't be far away if fully tuned up.

5/1

3rd

1

10th Mar 2025

Good To Soft

2m 7f 198y

Class 5

16:10 Taunton

Weavers Answer

12st 0lb

J: Alan Johns

T: Tim Vaughan

Back on track with two good seconds this winter, the latter at Lingfield (2m7f, soft) last month, and ought to handle the faster ground here; can make his presence felt again.

4/1

2nd

3

20th Feb 2025

Soft

2m 7f 0y

Class 5

16:05 Lingfield

Weavers Answer

11st 10lb

J: Alan Johns

T: Tim Vaughan

Dual hurdle winner who got back on track with a second at Hereford (3m2f, good to soft) in December and the first three pulled well clear in that race; looks interesting off unchanged mark and he's still unexposed as a stayer.

7/2

100/1

Form:

Last run: 24 days

W: 10st 7lb

4 yo Filly

OR:

Form & Verdict
Inauspicious debut (tailed off) in Newton Abbot novice hurdle last month; best watched.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

0

12

27th Nov 2023

Good To Soft

2m 5f 55y

Class 5

15:20 Ludlow

Hidden Belle

10st 2lb

J: Alan Johns

T: Tim Vaughan

Well beaten at triple-digit odds in two novice hurdles last autumn and same story at Newton Abbot (2m1f) last month; needs to do much better on this step up in trip but she has stamina in her pedigree and a tongue-tie could make a difference on handicap debut.

14/1

10th

10

2nd Oct 2023

Soft

2m 0f 167y

Class 4

15:15 Newton Abbot

Hidden Belle

10st 7lb

J: Rex Dingle

T: Tim Vaughan

Well beaten at triple-digit odds in two novice hurdles last autumn and can't be recommended here.

100/1

11th

16

8th Nov 2022

Good

2m 0f 53y

Class 4

14:15 Hereford

Hidden Belle

10st 7lb

J: Rex Dingle

T: Tim Vaughan

Inauspicious debut (tailed off) in Newton Abbot novice hurdle last month; best watched.

100/1

Form: 9P

Last run: 16 days

W: 11st 0lb

4 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Held a slight lead when falling two out in an Irish point; has achieved little in two novice hurdles for new stable; opposed.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9

27th Sep 2024

Good To Soft

2m 0f 110y

Class 4

14:00 Worcester

Tonto Foley

11st 1lb

J: Jack Tudor

T: Christian Williams

Progressive 6yo who just did enough at Perth (2m, good) in July and has now won three chases this year (one was on soft ground); didn't fire at Newton Abbot last month but remains of interest.

8/1

5th

2

31st Aug 2024

Good

2m 0f 75y

Class 5

15:20 Newton Abbot

Tonto Foley

12st 0lb

J: Jack Tudor

T: Christian Williams

prominent, weakened quickly before 2 out

3/1

1st

5

14th Jul 2024

Good

2m 0f 0y

Class 4

14:45 Perth

Tonto Foley

10st 12lb

J: Nick Scholfield

T: Christian Williams

in touch with leaders, mistake 3 out, ridden 2 out, headway against far rail approaching last, good jump last, led and kept on well run-in, just did enough

5/2

Form: P

Last run: 13 days

W: 11st 0lb

4 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Regressive form in Irish points; pulled up in a novice hurdle on debut for Henry Oliver; best watched.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10

21st Feb 2024

Soft

1m 7f 212y

Class 5

16:40 Ludlow

Key Factor

10st 2lb

J: James Davies

T: Henry Oliver

Still a maiden and has failed to improve for the switch to chasing this term, though he is seemingly thought capable of better judged on his market position in those races; 5lb out of the weights.

10/1

0

11

4th Jan 2024

Good To Soft

2m 4f 194y

Class 5

15:58 Hereford

Key Factor

10st 2lb

J: James Davies

T: Henry Oliver

Modest form over hurdles and hasn't shown significant improvement in two runs over fences; others stronger.

14/1

Form: 496

Last run: 33 days

W: 11st 0lb

4 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Made the frame in the first of his two bumpers; soundly beaten switched to hurdles last time; others preferred.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

8

22nd Mar 2026

Good

2m 7f 25y

Class 4

16:47 Exeter

Robbers Bridge

11st 2lb

J: Brendan Powell

T: Dan Horsford

Career best when winning by 11l over 2m5f here in January (good to soft) and for whatever reason he didn't turn up at Newbury (2m4f; handles soft); has to bounce back from that but wouldn't put it past him; there are niggling stamina doubts at this trip, however.

7/1

7

17th Feb 2026

2m 4f 118y

Class 4

16:30 Newbury

Robbers Bridge

11st 10lb

J: Brendan Powell

T: Dan Horsford

His 24th race over hurdles at Exeter last month (2m5f, good to soft) but produced career-best form in winning that handicap by some 11l; respected off 7lb higher with heavy ground no issue for him.

4/1

3rd

7

29th Aug 2025

Good

2m 5f 164y

Class 4

16:13 Fontwell

Robbers Bridge

11st 2lb

J: Brendan Powell

T: Dan Horsford

Placed on both outings since winning in pretty good style at Market Rasen (2m2f, good) on stable debut in April; will be fine over today's trip and won't mind what the weather does; likely contender.

5/1

33/1

Form: 6

Last run: 11 days

W: 10st 7lb

6 yo Mare

OR:

Form & Verdict
Modest debut in Uttoxeter maiden hurdle 11 days ago, beaten long way into sixth place; may be sharper for the experience but doesn't look an imminent winner.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

9

7th Jul 2024

Good

2m 4f 139y

Class 5

13:45 Market Rasen

Bean Norty

10st 2lb

J: Aaron Anderson

T: Rebecca Menzies

Yet to show any significant promise after six hurdling starts, the last twice in handicaps for current stable (2m3f/2m7f); needs to find a good chunk of improvement from somewhere; 1lb out of the handicap.

16/1

16

15th Jun 2024

Good

2m 7f 70y

Class 5

19:10 Uttoxeter

Bean Norty

10st 3lb

J: John Kington

T: Rebecca Menzies

Modest for Tom Lacey and beaten 60l on first start for Rebecca Menzies at Catterick (2m3f Class 5 mares' handicap) last December; tongue-tie newly applied off a six-month absence; no obvious reason to anticipate an upturn in fortunes.

33/1

11th

14

19th Dec 2023

Good To Soft

2m 3f 66y

Class 5

14:30 Catterick

Bean Norty

10st 4lb

J: William Maggs

T: Rebecca Menzies

Modest form for Tom Lacey; bought for £4,000 in August; no easy task on stable debut on return from a break.

16/1

Form: 73-

Last run: 233 days

W: 11st 0lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Runner-up in a point; minor form in bumper and novice hurdle last term; has modest claims on the figures but market support would be encouraging on debut for new stable (still with same owner).
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

12th Mar 2023

Soft

2m 1f 43y

Class 5

15:50 Market Rasen

Blackwell Bay

11st 8lb

J: Adam Wedge

T: L J Morgan

Soundly beaten in a bumper and three maiden/novice hurdles since switched to racing under rules but makes his handicap debut in a low-grade event here, and his promising point debut in 2021 bodes well for his prospects over fences; tongue-tie fitted; market may guide.

5/1

4th

3

27th Nov 2022

Good To Soft

2m 4f 110y

Class 3

14:10 Leicester

Blackwell Bay

11st 0lb

J: Adam Wedge

T: L J Morgan

Runner-up in a point; has plenty to find on rules form, most recently trailing home last of 16 at Hereford (2m) on debut for new yard.

33/1

16th

1

8th Nov 2022

Good

2m 0f 53y

Class 4

14:15 Hereford

Blackwell Bay

11st 0lb

J: Adam Wedge

T: L J Morgan

Runner-up in a point; minor form in bumper and novice hurdle last term; has modest claims on the figures but market support would be encouraging on debut for new stable (still with same owner).

33/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Straight Forecast £10.44

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Parramount

WEST COUNTRY:

The Kniphand

LAMBOURN:

Decorated

RP Ratings:

Parramount

POSTDATA:

Parramount

The Times:

Parramount

Telegraph:

Parramount

The Guardian:

Parramount

Daily Mail:

Parramount

D Express:

Parramount

Daily Mirror:

Parramount

The Sun:

Parramount

The Star:

Parramount

Daily Record:

Parramount