December 08 / 12.20 Warwick

12.20

Good To Soft

Larkshill Engineering Juvenile Maiden Hurdle (GBB Race)

  • Prize money: £3539.9
  • 2m 0f 0y
  • Class 4
  • 14 runners
RTV
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Larkshill Engineering Juvenile Maiden Hurdle (GBB Race)

Runners: 14 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Showers

Form:

Last run:

W: 11st 0lb

3 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
0-6 on the Flat for Ralph Beckett and was disappointing in final run for that yard but he showed promise when runner-up in a minor 1m4f handicap (good) in the summer; changed hands for 18,000gns in October and market should guide on his hurdling/stable debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

8

6th Aug 2023

Good

2m 2f 140y

Class 5

16:52 Market Rasen

Edinburgh Rock

10st 7lb

J: Bradley Harris

T: Milton Harris

0-7 on the Flat and 0-5 as a jumper; ran okay when first-time visored in a selling handicap two runs ago but then finished tailed off at Worcester; worth a go in blinkers as when tried once before he was under 5l away on the Flat.

8/1

10th

8

5th Jul 2023

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 5

17:28 Worcester

Edinburgh Rock

10st 12lb

J: Bradley Harris

T: Milton Harris

Maiden; well held when third at Cartmel on handicap debut five weeks ago (in a visor, retained); that was a seller but it still represented a step forward; could be involved.

10/1

3rd

9

31st May 2023

Good

2m 1f 46y

Class 5

18:50 Cartmel

Edinburgh Rock

10st 9lb

J: Bradley Harris

T: Milton Harris

Showed no more than minor promise in three juvenile hurdles during the winter but ran okay on the Flat this month (first-time cheekpieces) and now makes his handicap debut from a lowly mark; tried in a visor this time; no surprise if he features.

9/2

Form:

Last run:

W: 11st 0lb

3 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
No progress in four Flat runs in Ireland this year and was out the back in a 1m4f handicap in his final run for Ger Lyons; now switches to hurdling for new yard and is probably best watched.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

13

14th Jan 2026

Good

3m 0f 57y

Class 4

14:40 Newbury

Faded Fantasy

11st 2lb

J: Mr J J Murphy-Knight

T: Christian Williams

Ran creditably at Hereford (3m1f) last time, bouncing back from two poor efforts, but this looks a tougher assignment; still seeking first handicap success above Class 5.

20/1

9th

11

11th Oct 2025

Good To Soft

2m 7f 131y

Class 4

17:10 Chepstow

Faded Fantasy

11st 5lb

J: Charlie Maggs

T: Christian Williams

Dual hurdle winner on good ground this summer (2m7f/3m2f); last month's chasing defeat is probably best overlooked (didn't jump well enough) but he has high mileage for his age and might be vulnerable in this grade.

20/1

OUR TIP

Form: 5

Last run: 37 days

W: 11st 0lb

3 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Made all in 1m soft-ground handicap at Yarmouth in May but was disappointing in last three Flat runs and he made a low-key start over hurdles here (2m, good to soft) last month; headgear returns but has some questions to answer and yard also runs Victory.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

2

(10)

24th Jan 2024

Standard To Slow

1m 0f 0y

Class 5

18:00 Kempton (AW)

Forward Flight

9st 7lb

J: Saffie Osborne

T: Kevin Philippart De Foy

Scored at Yarmouth (1m) in October but he came in last of seven at Newcastle (1m) last month; he needs to get back on track.

16/1

7th

2

(3)

28th Dec 2023

Standard

1m 0f 5y

Class 5

16:30 Newcastle (AW)

Forward Flight

9st 11lb

J: Benoit De La Sayette

T: Kevin Philippart De Foy

disputed lead

10/1

8th

8

(2)

20th Nov 2023

Standard To Slow

1m 0f 0y

Class 5

16:30 Kempton (AW)

Forward Flight

9st 9lb

J: Benoit De La Sayette

T: Kevin Philippart De Foy

Has gained both wins at Yarmouth, latest in October (penultimate run); almost 9l behind Big Bear Hug at Newmarket last time; something to prove back on AW.

8/1

Abandoned

Form:

Last run:

W: 11st 0lb

3 yo Colt

OR:

Form & Verdict
Won a 1m2f maiden for Joseph O'Brien in the spring but he was tailed off in a Pontefract handicap on his stable debut in October and that took his Flat record to 1-7; stamina shouldn't be an issue at this new discipline but he has something to prove after that last run and others are preferred.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

1

27th May 2026

Good

2m 1f 61y

Class 5

20:38 Cartmel

Ghasham

12st 0lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Sam England

Flat/hurdle winner who left Dan Skelton for 4,400gns; finished a clear second at Hexham (1m7f, good to soft; effective on good) on stable/chase debut and the revitalised winner has struck again since; gets in here off the same mark.

11/4

2nd

2

9th May 2026

Good

1m 7f 133y

Class 5

15:55 Hexham

Ghasham

11st 13lb

J: Jonathan England

T: Sam England

Flat/hurdle winner who was bought out of Dan Skelton's yard for 4,400gns last month; had been in fair form over hurdles, but perhaps best watched on chase/stable debut.

13/2

5th

1

16th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 116y

Class 5

16:45 Plumpton

Ghasham

12st 0lb

J: Harry Atkins

T: Dan Skelton

Sole hurdles win was for Ian Williams at Market Rasen (2m4f) three years ago; went close on first start for this trainer at Worcester (2m4f) last September; trip possibly short enough at Market Rasen and Sedgefield post wind surgery; easing mark and claimer ridden.

11/2

Form: 3

Last run: 18 days

W: 11st 0lb

3 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Ex-Irish gelding; plenty of fair efforts at up to 1m3f on the Flat but he's 0-10 in that sphere and was a well-held third of five on his hurdling debut at Exeter (good to soft; 14-1) last month; shaped with some promise in that race but the form is ordinary and others are more persuasive.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

4

28th May 2026

Good

2m 5f 89y

Class 5

18:30 Market Rasen

Play By The Rules

10st 6lb

J: Ryan Mania

T: Adam Nicol

Returned from long absence with a promising stable debut at Newcastle (2m4f, good to soft) in March, when he travelled strongly for a long way, and he was unlucky to be brought down fairly early on at Hexham this month; remains well handicapped on old form; might be the answer.

11/4

12

2nd May 2026

Good

2m 4f 15y

Class 5

19:15 Hexham

Play By The Rules

10st 3lb

J: Joshua Thompson

T: Adam Nicol

Ex-Nigel Hawke; fair fifth after a long break on stable debut at Newcastle last time (2m4f, good to soft; 3-1); should come on for that; one with a chance.

5/1

Form: 44

Last run: 18 days

W: 11st 0lb

3 yo Gelding

OR: 89

Form & Verdict
Showed little on Flat in France and he's been well held in two hurdle runs for new yard this autumn; was 5l behind Play The Rules when fourth of five at Exeter (hood added) last time and he remains best watched for now.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

7

(6)

22nd Sep 2025

Standard

2m 0f 120y

Class 6

19:30 Wolverhampton (AW)

Record Art

9st 6lb

J: Rob Hornby

T: Fergal O’Brien

Improver over hurdles for Fergal O'Brien, winning at Taunton (2m) and Market Rasen (2m4f) in the first half of 2025; 14-1 for his return to the Flat at Yarmouth last month (11.5f, good to firm) and dropped away having been hassled up front; today's longer trip should be in his favour given stamina over hurdles.

10/1

7

(4)

15th Aug 2025

Good To Firm

1m 3f 104y

Class 5

16:00 Yarmouth

Record Art

8st 11lb

J: Gina Mangan

T: Fergal O’Brien

Big personal best over hurdles in June when running away with a 2m5f Market Rasen 0-100 (good; RPR 111); no Flat runs since 2021-22 in France and only ever once beaten under 20l, but British Flat mark appropriately realistic and he's a danger to all if recent cheer translates to this code.

9/4

1st

3

20th Jun 2025

Good

2m 4f 139y

Class 5

17:05 Market Rasen

Record Art

12st 0lb

J: Tom Broughton

T: Fergal O’Brien

Won in pretty good style at Taunton (2m, good to firm) in April, having rejoined Fergal O'Brien, and will be fine over this trip, but disappointed when warm favourite at Worcester last month and now has a point to prove.

9/2

Form:

Last run:

W: 11st 0lb

3 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Had a patchy record in ten Flat runs for David O'Meara but he recorded an RPR of 81 when winning a Haydock handicap (1m2f, good) in August; changed hands for 47,000gns in October and he should have a future over hurdles for new yard; needs a close look back from a short break.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

2

28th May 2026

Good

2m 7f 0y

Class 4

14:55 Worcester

Samuel Spade

12st 2lb

J: Beau Morgan

T: Ben Pauling

Last season's light campaign over hurdles did not go well (tried in cheekpieces latterly) but he shouldn't mind getting back on drier ground and is too well handicapped to dismiss on chasing debut.

9/1

8th

4

17th Jan 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 63y

Class 2

14:53 Ascot

Samuel Spade

10st 13lb

J: Ben Jones

T: Ben Pauling

Back to the same mark as for last season's convincing course win (2m7f, good) but hasn't finished in the first six this term, always behind over 2m5f here last time; takes another drop in distance and wears headgear for the first time.

12/1

7th

3

16th Apr 2025

Good

2m 7f 213y

Class 2

15:50 Cheltenham

Samuel Spade

11st 2lb

J: Ben Jones

T: Ben Pauling

Has not had that many chances at this sort of trip and he drew clear to win at Ascot in February, beating 16 rivals (2m7f, good); was beaten under 2l in a strong Uttoxeter handicap on the Midlands' National card but that was under a very capable 5lb claimer; likely to need more here.

10/1

Form:

Last run:

W: 11st 0lb

3 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Showed some promise in his six Flat runs but was tailed off in Class 6 handicap at Nottingham (1m2f, good) in final run in the spring; now switches to hurdling debut after 236 days off and others are more likely.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6

6th Jun 2025

Good

2m 0f 145y

Class 5

15:30 Bangor-on-Dee

Tropical Talent

10st 8lb

J: Henry Brooke

T: Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero

In fairly good form over fences this spring and now 3lb lower than when going close in C&D (good) hurdle race in September; cheekpieces didn't appear to help much when used once last year but they're given another whirl today; big player if all goes to plan.

5/2

5th

6

6th May 2025

Good

2m 0f 110y

Class 5

17:48 Worcester

Tropical Talent

10st 9lb

J: Henry Brooke

T: Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero

Won off a similar mark over fences last May and ran creditably when favourite at Hereford most recently; more exposed than some of these rivals but has solid claims.

11/4

5th

6

6th May 2025

Good

2m 0f 110y

Class 5

17:48 Worcester

Tropical Talent

10st 9lb

J: Henry Brooke

T: Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero

Won off a similar mark over fences last May and ran creditably when favourite at Hereford most recently; more exposed than some of these rivals but has solid claims.

11/4

Abandoned

Form: 3

Last run: 37 days

W: 11st 0lb

3 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Won over 1m at two and twice runner-up this year in 1m2f/1m3f Flat handicaps; didn't live up to market expectations when third of five on his hurdling debut over C&D (good to soft; 15-8) last month but he should be sharper this time and it wouldn't be a surprise if he left that latest form behind; visor added.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

6

(7)

17th Oct 2023

Standard

1m 2f 42y

Class 4

16:20 Newcastle (AW)

Victory

9st 6lb

J: Jason Hart

T: Alan King

prominent

10/1

7th

13

(8)

27th Sep 2023

Standard To Slow

1m 2f 219y

Class 3

19:00 Kempton (AW)

Victory

9st 2lb

J: Charles Bishop

T: Alan King

Sole win in 1m handicap here in 2021 but didn't achieve anything special in his only course start since; work to do on balance of 2023 form.

20/1

7th

5

(8)

2nd Sep 2023

Standard

1m 4f 51y

Class 4

20:30 Wolverhampton (AW)

Victory

9st 13lb

J: Saffie Osborne

T: Alan King

Inconsistent type with a record of 1-14; didn't fire at Sandown (1m6f) last time but he went close at Newcastle (1m4f, Tapeta) on his penultimate run and has claims if he can recapture that form; has worn cheekpieces in last two starts.

9/1

Form:

Last run:

W: 10st 7lb

3 yo Filly

OR:

Form & Verdict
Fairly useful on the Flat for Sir Mark Prescott, including a 1m AW win as a 2yo and a close fourth in a 1m4f Newmarket handicap (good to soft) in October when last seen; now goes hurdling for Nicky Henderson and she's a very interesting contender; new yard has 27% record here in recent years.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

2nd Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 110y

Class 3

15:07 Kempton

Arclight

11st 10lb

J: James Bowen

T: Nicky Henderson

Has a record of 4-8 over fences and ran well on most recent attempt in this sphere (poor effort over hurdles since); on a career-high mark but she's the only course winner in this field and 2-3 at Kempton to boot.

7/2

2nd

3

15th Sep 2025

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 2

14:00 Worcester

Arclight

11st 6lb

J: James Bowen

T: Nicky Henderson

Reverted to fences with a hard-fought success at Stratford (2m1f, good) and perhaps found good to firm too lively when tailed off back there 28 days ago; can be hard to predict but she's capable of a big run.

6/1

1

18th Aug 2025

Good To Firm

2m 3f 98y

Class 2

15:57 Stratford

Arclight

12st 0lb

J: James Bowen

T: Nicky Henderson

Not really firing on all cylinders over hurdles this spring but reverted to fences with a hard-fought success here (2m1f, good; front pair clear) last month and has obvious claims if in similar form again today.

11/4

Form: F

Last run: 10 days

W: 10st 7lb

3 yo Filly

OR:

Form & Verdict
Didn't progress on the Flat after winning a 7f Newmarket maiden (RPR 83) for Richard Hannon last summer but she was only 5-1 on hurdling/stable debut at Catterick (first run after wind surgery) last month; didn't get very far in that race (fell at first) but interesting to see if the money comes for her again.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

1

(12)

17th Oct 2024

Soft

0m 7f 216y

Class 5

15:15 Brighton

Ardbraccan

10st 0lb

J: Frederick Larson

T: Michael Appleby

in rear

11/2

4th

8

(2)

9th Oct 2024

Soft

1m 0f 75y

Class 4

16:17 Nottingham

Ardbraccan

9st 6lb

J: Frederick Larson

T: Michael Appleby

Has a modest strike-rate but won over C&D (soft) in April; largely consistent since, solid second off this mark at Sandown (1m, good; behind a subsequent winner) most recently; one for the shortlist.

8/1

Form:

Last run:

W: 10st 7lb

3 yo Filly

OR:

Form & Verdict
Modest 11-race maiden at up to 1m2f on the Flat and makes no appeal on her hurdling debut; hood is removed and tongue-tie goes on.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

10

(8)

21st Aug 2023

Good

1m 3f 198y

Class 6

15:15 Brighton

Cape Cornwall Rose

9st 0lb

J: Charles Bishop

T: Sir Mark Todd

led, 6 lengths ahead after 2f, reduced lead 5f out

9/1

5th

10

(9)

12th Jul 2023

Good To Firm

1m 5f 11y

Class 6

18:10 Bath

Cape Cornwall Rose

9st 0lb

J: Dane O’Neill

T: Sir Mark Todd

led

12/1

Form: P

Last run: 30 days

W: 10st 7lb

3 yo Filly

OR:

Form & Verdict
Tailed off in all four Flat runs and was pulled up at another massive price on her hurdling debut at Hereford last month.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

12

(3)

24th Feb 2023

Standard

0m 6f 20y

Class 6

16:35 Wolverhampton (AW)

Highland Lass

9st 1lb

J: Liam Wright

T: Richard Price

led, headed but prominent after 1f, pushed along 2f out, weakened from over 1f out

100/1

12th

13

(10)

13th Feb 2023

Standard

1m 1f 104y

Class 6

18:00 Wolverhampton (AW)

Highland Lass

9st 0lb

J: George Rooke

T: Richard Price

Without a win since 2020 and her recent form is less than encouraging too; it's easy to look elsewhere.

50/1

8

(14)

10th Feb 2023

Standard

1m 0f 13y

Class 6

15:45 Southwell (AW)

Highland Lass

9st 2lb

J: Elisha Whittington

T: Richard Price

Appeared to show a smidgen of improvement the last twice, having achieved zilch previously, but the new level is still poor; bottom of this field on ratings.

66/1

Form: 36

Last run: 24 days

W: 10st 7lb

3 yo Filly

OR:

Form & Verdict
Fairly useful triple Flat winner (1m1f-1m3f, AW/soft) in France but she's struggled in two hurdle runs for new yard this autumn; still very early days in this sphere but she needs a transformation on this return to forecast slower ground.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

3

(3)

18th Sep 2025

Good

1m 2f 5y

Class 6

15:52 Pontefract

Toute Chic

9st 7lb

J: Cam Hardie

T: Harriet Bethell

Three wins when trained in France, including AW; modest hurdle form for Jonjo O'Neill in late 2022 and she fared little better in three Flat handicaps for this yard across 2023 and 2024; best watched on this return from a 549-day break unless the market suggests otherwise.

33/1

7th

4

(1)

18th Mar 2024

Standard

1m 4f 98y

Class 5

17:30 Newcastle (AW)

Toute Chic

9st 8lb

J: Cam Hardie

T: Harriet Bethell

Three wins when trained in France, including AW; modest hurdle form for Jonjo O'Neill in late 2022 and she fared little better in two Flat handicaps for this yard last summer; down in the weights but has something to prove back from seven months off.

20/1

Verdict

Victory didn’t live up to market expectations in a C&D event last month but he should be sharper this time and it wouldn’t be a surprise if he left that initial hurdling form behind. 1m2f Flat winner Samuel Spade changed hands for 47,000gns in October and he should have a future at this new discipline, but preference is for ARCLIGHT, who was a useful at up to 1m4f on the Flat and is an interesting contender on her hurdling debut for Nicky Henderson.[David Moon]

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Arclight

The Star:

Victory

WEST COUNTRY:

Play By The Rules

Telegraph:

Ghasham

The Guardian:

Ardbraccan

Daily Record:

Victory

The Times:

Play By The Rules

POSTDATA:

Arclight

LAMBOURN:

Arclight

Daily Mail:

Arclight

D Express:

Arclight

Daily Mirror:

Arclight

The Sun:

Arclight