November 20 / 16.05 Exeter

16.05

Soft

Watch On Racing TV Handicap Hurdle

  • Prize money: £3539.9
  • 2m 5f 137y
  • Class 5
  • 14 runners
RTV
View Course
Watch On Racing TV Handicap Hurdle

Runners: 14 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Showers

7/1 (Won)

  • Win: £3.70
  • Place: £1.40

Form: 42/0-5

Last run: 26 days

W: 11st 13lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 95

Form & Verdict
0-6; kept on for fifth over 2m3f at Chepstow on return from a near 12-month absence; may improve over this longer trip with the outing under his belt; one to consider.
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

10/1

  • Place: £2.70

Form: 022P-6

Last run: 199 days

W: 11st 6lb

6 yo Mare

OR: 88

Form & Verdict
2m1f winner in 2021 and runner-up twice at Taunton (2m3f/3m) this year; absent since May; each-way possibilities if returning at the top of her game.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

14

13th Jan 2025

Soft

2m 5f 137y

Class 5

15:38 Exeter

Sindabella

10st 6lb

J: David Noonan

T: Nigel Hawke

Winning for a second time here when keeping on over 2m2f in October when only 4lb lower; not quite at the same level in her two subsequent visits and finished weakly the final time over 2m5f (stays this far).

15/2

3rd

14

13th Jan 2025

Soft

2m 5f 137y

Class 5

15:38 Exeter

Sindabella

10st 6lb

J: David Noonan

T: Nigel Hawke

towards rear

15/2

5th

13

19th Dec 2024

Good To Soft

2m 5f 137y

Class 5

15:40 Exeter

Sindabella

10st 8lb

J: Miss Megan Bevan

T: Nigel Hawke

Fourth of 15 in this last year and she won here (2m2f, good to soft) in October before a fair third here (2m2f, soft) a fortnight ago, when she kept on well; Megan Bevan rides for the third consecutive race; chance.

9/1

9/1

  • Place: £2.60

Form: 75356- D

Last run: 226 days

W: 11st 0lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 82

Form & Verdict
Defied a 7lb higher mark at Wincanton (2m5f, heavy) two seasons ago; inconsistent last term, resulting in a drop back down the weights; not sure what to expect.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

14th Apr 2026

Good

3m 2f 105y

Class 5

16:17 Newton Abbot

Lightonthewing

11st 2lb

J: Ciaran O’Shea

T: Sue Gardner

Has more wins over fences, most recently at Exeter (3m, good to soft) last month under Ciaran O'Shea; failed to fire 20 days later but he's effective in this sphere as shown when a close second at Chepstow in February; yet to win from a mark this high but should be firmly in the mix.

9/2

5th

6

26th Mar 2026

Good

3m 6f 136y

Class 4

15:50 Chepstow

Lightonthewing

10st 10lb

J: Ciaran O’Shea

T: Sue Gardner

Often front-runner; ridden by Ciaran O'Shea on last four starts; 7-22 in chases (one of his hurdles wins was this track) and those wins include his last two completed starts in this sphere, the latest at Exeter (3m, good to soft) three weeks ago; this trip is unknown territory but he ran well over an extended 3m4f at Stratford in 2024; has to be in serious calculations.

9/2

1st

3

6th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 54y

Class 5

16:43 Exeter

Lightonthewing

11st 1lb

J: Ciaran O’Shea

T: Sue Gardner

Back to form to win a Wincanton chase (3m1f, soft) in December and nearly went in again back over hurdles at Chepstow in a race he won the previous year; nothing wrong with this mark and stable goes well.

3/1

Form: FP-P64 CD

Last run: 16 days

W: 10st 2lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 70

Form & Verdict
Defied a 19lb higher mark in this race two years ago; however, his form in the last 12 months is very poor; big revival is required.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

18

19th Dec 2024

Good To Soft

2m 5f 137y

Class 5

15:40 Exeter

Pour Une Raison

10st 2lb

J: Miss Thomasina Eyston

T: Harriet Brown

Course winner but no victory since March 2021 and he hasn't been shaping as though a win is imminent; 5lb out of the handicap today.

66/1

8th

18

19th Dec 2024

Good To Soft

2m 5f 137y

Class 5

15:40 Exeter

Pour Une Raison

10st 2lb

J: Miss Thomasina Eyston

T: Harriet Brown

Course winner but no victory since March 2021 and he hasn't been shaping as though a win is imminent; 5lb out of the handicap today.

66/1

6th

11

6th Dec 2024

Soft

2m 2f 111y

Class 5

12:25 Exeter

Pour Une Raison

10st 2lb

J: Philip Armson

T: Harriet Brown

Course winner but it's a very long time since he's been competitive and his last win was back in March 2021; 4lb out of the handicap today.

66/1

Form: 831P4- CD

Last run: 254 days

W: 11st 2lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 84

Form & Verdict
Veteran who has a modest strike-rate; sole win came off this mark over C&D (heavy) in January but he may struggle to double his tally today, with some unexposed types in opposition.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

8

6th Mar 2025

Good To Soft

3m 1f 30y

Class 5

14:20 Wincanton

Bellamys Grey

10st 2lb

J: Elizabeth Gale

T: Carroll Gray

in rear, detached and niggled along from 3rd, slow jump and ridden 14th

50/1

15

9th Feb 2025

Soft

2m 7f 131y

Class 5

16:30 Chepstow

Bellamys Grey

10st 2lb

J: Harriet Tucker

T: Carroll Gray

13yo with a 1-36 strike-rate under rules; no show ten days ago after a 267-day break but he stepped up dramatically on second run last winter and might have a place chance.

25/1

Form: 0784-2

Last run: 24 days

W: 11st 4lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 86

Form & Verdict
0-6; has shaped encouragingly in both handicap starts, latest at Worcester (2m, soft) where he stayed on for second; should be capable of progress back up in trip; respected.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

14

9th May 2023

Good

1m 7f 182y

Class 5

17:48 Ffos Las

Half The Freedom

10st 11lb

J: Kevin Brogan

T: Jonjo O’Neill

Has run with credit since beating 16 rivals at Doncaster (2m1f, good) in January; just 2lb higher than for that win, but he is fairly well exposed now and vulnerable to an improver.

8/1

4th

5

1st Apr 2023

Soft

1m 7f 168y

Class 5

14:10 Uttoxeter

Half The Freedom

10st 12lb

J: Sean O’Briain

T: Jonjo O’Neill

in touch with leaders, nudged along 5th, dropped to rear and pushed along 6th

11/2

3rd

6

12th Mar 2023

Soft

2m 0f 0y

Class 5

13:50 Warwick

Half The Freedom

10st 11lb

J: Jamie Brace

T: Jonjo O’Neill

His form has been up and down and he was a soundly beaten third at Doncaster (2m, good) last month; however, prior to that he won a big-field handicap over that C&D (good) and was runner-up on soft ground earlier in the season; capable of a bold show if at his best.

7/1

Form: 32637-

Last run: 268 days

W: 10st 11lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 79

Form & Verdict
Maiden who has form figures of 223 at Exeter, including second in this contest last year; holds each-way claims back here on seasonal debut; had a second wind surgery since last run.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13

13th Mar 2023

Good To Soft

2m 7f 198y

Class 5

14:15 Taunton

Flutiste

10st 5lb

J: David Prichard

T: Claire Harris

Had a few spells on the sidelines down the years and returns from a third wind operation today; has frequently run below market expectations in recent times and is still to win a race, so there aren't many positives.

12/1

6th

14

10th Jan 2023

Heavy

2m 5f 137y

Class 5

14:10 Exeter

Flutiste

10st 4lb

J: David Prichard

T: Claire Harris

prominent

10/1

7th

8

20th Nov 2022

Soft

2m 5f 137y

Class 5

16:05 Exeter

Flutiste

10st 11lb

J: David Prichard

T: Claire Harris

Maiden who has form figures of 223 at Exeter, including second in this contest last year; holds each-way claims back here on seasonal debut; had a second wind surgery since last run.

8/1

Form: P87-

Last run: 255 days

W: 10st 10lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 78

Form & Verdict
Runner-up in Irish point; has achieved little in novice/maiden hurdles, leaving Dan Skelton before latest defeat; needs major improvement on handicap debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

13

19th Apr 2024

Good To Soft

2m 1f 109y

Class 5

19:00 Exeter

Etincelle Artiste

10st 2lb

J: Bryony Frost

T: Fiona Shaw

Second in an Irish point; moderate form over fences and pulled up at Taunton (2m2f, good) latest; not easy to fancy from 3lb out of weights.

28/1

Form: 6-5F94

Last run: 34 days

W: 10st 2lb

5 yo Mare

OR: 67

Form & Verdict
Poor maiden, yet to be placed; well-held fourth in small field at Plumpton most recently; others preferred.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

10

25th Nov 2024

Good To Soft

2m 7f 174y

Class 5

15:25 Ludlow

Dark Heather

10st 2lb

J: Ben Poste

T: Ben Lund

towards rear throughout, detached before 2 out

66/1

9th

10

25th Nov 2024

Good To Soft

2m 7f 174y

Class 5

15:25 Ludlow

Dark Heather

10st 2lb

J: Ben Poste

T: Ben Lund

towards rear

66/1

7th

1

7th Nov 2024

Good

2m 5f 55y

Class 4

14:25 Ludlow

Dark Heather

11st 6lb

J: Ben Poste

T: Ben Lund

always behind

66/1

Form: F0889-

Last run: 266 days

W: 10st 2lb

5 yo Mare

OR: 70

Form & Verdict
Maiden on Flat and over hurdles; very unconvincing form for current stable; opposed.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

16

30th Jan 2025

Heavy

2m 3f 179y

Class 5

14:25 Wincanton

Lady Ironside

10st 2lb

J: James Davies

T: Carroll Gray

Second at 25-1 in weak novice hurdle at Uttoxeter in February 2023; however, following a long absence she's been pulled up in two handicaps this winter (fences/hurdles) and is now 0-24.

100/1

16

30th Jan 2025

Heavy

2m 3f 179y

Class 5

14:25 Wincanton

Lady Ironside

10st 2lb

J: James Davies

T: Carroll Gray

Second at 25-1 in weak novice hurdle at Uttoxeter in February 2023; however, following a long absence she's been pulled up in two handicaps this winter (fences/hurdles) and is now 0-24.

100/1

8

8th Jan 2025

Soft

2m 0f 104y

Class 5

15:15 Taunton

Lady Ironside

10st 2lb

J: Sean Houlihan

T: Carroll Gray

in touch with leaders, lost ground when not fluent 5th

50/1

Form: 9444-5 BF

Last run: 26 days

W: 12st 0lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 96

Form & Verdict
In excellent hands and still has low mileage; return to 2m looked against him when beaten favourite at Chepstow on reappearance; open to progress back up in distance; interesting.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

23rd Apr 2023

Good

2m 3f 98y

Class 5

14:45 Stratford

Keplerian

11st 7lb

J: Connor Brace

T: Fergal O’Brien

Eight-race maiden but has a useful pedigree and is unexposed over fences; weakened into fourth over 2m6f on good ground at Leicester (chase debut) most recently; withdrawn twice due to slower conditions since; interesting with improvement on the cards back down in distance.

11/2

4

11th Apr 2023

Good To Soft

2m 3f 48y

Class 5

14:45 Exeter

Keplerian

11st 7lb

J: Connor Brace

T: Fergal O’Brien

Lightly raced maiden whose best 2m hurdle form gives him a good chance; ran well for a long way until stamina ran out on chase debut at Leicester (2m6f, good; first-time tongue-tie, retained today; made some mistakes); this easier stamina test can suit and he looks sure to do better.

8/1

3

28th Mar 2023

Good To Soft

2m 3f 189y

Class 5

14:30 Huntingdon

Keplerian

11st 8lb

J: Connor Brace

T: Fergal O’Brien

Lightly raced maiden whose best 2m hurdle form gives him a good chance; ran well for a long way until stamina ran out on chase debut at Leicester (2m6f, good; first-time tongue-tie, retained today); this easier stamina test can suit and he looks sure to do better.

7/2

OUR TIP

Form: /P/PF-

Last run: 360 days

W: 11st 7lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 89

Form & Verdict
Five-race maiden who has a poor completion record (over hurdles and fences) thus far; something to prove on return from absence.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11

28th May 2025

Good To Soft

2m 1f 61y

Class 5

20:10 Cartmel

Robins Field

10st 2lb

J: Tabitha Worsley

T: Harriet Dickin

0-22 under all codes but ran big race when second in this contest a year ago (soft) ground and is effectively 1lb lower today; reverts to chasing after respectable hurdle run in March; could have a say.

7/1

11

28th May 2025

Good To Soft

2m 1f 61y

Class 5

20:10 Cartmel

Robins Field

10st 2lb

J: Tabitha Worsley

T: Harriet Dickin

0-22 under all codes but ran big race when second in this contest a year ago (soft) ground and is effectively 1lb lower today; reverts to chasing after respectable hurdle run in March; could have a say.

7/1

3rd

5

20th Mar 2025

Good

2m 0f 11y

Class 5

14:20 Chepstow

Robins Field

10st 2lb

J: Callum Pritchard

T: Harriet Dickin

The veteran of this field but he's a maiden (0-20 under rules); runner-up seven times but they were all over fences (from 14 chases) and his record over hurdles (latest attempt last April) is pretty threadbare.

10/1

Form: 0086-

Last run: 236 days

W: 10st 11lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 79

Form & Verdict
Has poor form claims having been soundly beaten in four runs last term; however, this Tizzard runner may do better now handicapping off just 79; not dismissed.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

0

11

13th Dec 2023

Soft

2m 2f 111y

Class 5

14:20 Exeter

Champs Hill

10st 2lb

J: Brendan Powell

T: Joe Tizzard

Minor form, including in four handicaps at up to 3m; tongue tied last time (May) and had wind surgery soon afterwards.

25/1

10

9th May 2023

Good

2m 7f 191y

Class 5

16:45 Ffos Las

Champs Hill

10st 2lb

J: Brendan Powell

T: Joe Tizzard

Minor form so far, including in three handicaps at up to 2m5f; first-time tongue-tie has a big job to do; 7lb out of the weights.

33/1

12

11th Feb 2023

Good

2m 5f 0y

Class 5

16:23 Warwick

Champs Hill

10st 2lb

J: Freddie Gingell

T: Joe Tizzard

midfield, ridden after 6th, soon dropped to last, pulled up before 7th

33/1

Form: P686

Last run: 16 days

W: 10st 3lb

7 yo Mare

OR: 71

Form & Verdict
Modest sixth in similar event over 2m here 16 days ago when making handicap debut; this longer trip needs to have positive effect.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10

21st Feb 2023

Good

2m 7f 198y

Class 5

16:30 Taunton

Martha Burell

10st 2lb

J: Ben Ffrench Davis

T: Jackie Du Plessis

Moderate maiden who didn't complete when back up in trip latest; now goes further with plenty to prove, including from 6lb out of the weights.

66/1

11

20th Nov 2022

Soft

2m 5f 137y

Class 5

16:05 Exeter

Martha Burell

10st 3lb

J: Ben Ffrench Davis

T: Jackie Du Plessis

Modest sixth in similar event over 2m here 16 days ago when making handicap debut; this longer trip needs to have positive effect.

14/1

6th

12

4th Nov 2022

Good

2m 0f 161y

Class 5

17:08 Exeter

Martha Burell

10st 2lb

J: Ben Ffrench Davis

T: Jackie Du Plessis

Hard to view any of her qualifying runs in a positive light; tongue-tie fitted for handicap debut.

33/1

Non-runners

Keplerian

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £29.40
Straight Forecast £24.35
Tricast £120.30
Trifecta £209.20

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Half The Freedom

RP Ratings:

Keplerian

D Express:

Shutupshirley

POSTDATA:

Half The Freedom

WEST COUNTRY:

Half The Freedom

The Times:

Half The Freedom

Telegraph:

Half The Freedom

Daily Mail:

Half The Freedom

The Sun:

Half The Freedom

The Star:

Half The Freedom

Daily Record:

Half The Freedom

Daily Mirror:

Keplerian