December 26 / 14.10 Wetherby

14.10

Good To Soft

William Hill Best Odds Guaranteed Handicap Hurdle

  • Prize money: £5337.08
  • 2m 5f 56y
  • Class 3
  • 11 runners
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William Hill Best Odds Guaranteed Handicap Hurdle

Runners: 11 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Mostly sunny

6/1 (Won)

  • Win: £4.83
  • Place: £1.60

Form: 1214-9 C

Last run: 44 days

W: 11st 11lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 125

Form & Verdict
Disappointing on handicap debut at Newcastle (2m6f, good) in March and again down the field on reappearance here (2m3f, good) last month; has something to prove but he looked good when winning two novice hurdles (2m4f/2m3f, soft, including here) early in 2022 and is not written off.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

9

22nd Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 61y

Class 4

14:15 Carlisle

Raffertys Return

11st 4lb

J: Ross Chapman

T: Rebecca Menzies

Defied much higher marks twice, including over C&D, a couple of years ago; has failed to repeat the form since and ran particularly poorly last time.

16/1

10th

4

27th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 88y

Class 5

13:50 Doncaster

Raffertys Return

11st 13lb

J: Ellis Collier

T: Rebecca Menzies

Five-time hurdle winner who continues to drop down the weights; however, it's a long time since this 11yo has been competitive.

33/1

7th

8

3rd Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 1f 0y

Class 4

15:35 Carlisle

Raffertys Return

11st 2lb

J: Ross Chapman

T: Rebecca Menzies

Five-time winner, including over 2m3f here; hasn't been at his best in two runs this season and probably best watched in what looks a competitive event.

50/1

16/1

  • Place: £2.60

Form: 032-28 D

Last run: 23 days

W: 11st 9lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 123

Form & Verdict
No threat when mid-division at Aintree (2m4f, good to soft) three weeks ago but progressive previously under Emma Smith-Chaston and he was a good second here (2m3f, good) last month on his reappearance; has won on soft/good to soft; could have a part to play if leaving last time behind.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

3

22nd Apr 2025

Good

2m 4f 189y

Class 3

16:12 Kelso

Fostersisland

11st 6lb

J: Emma Smith-Chaston

T: Micky Hammond

Good servant to connections over the years (six hurdle wins); on the downgrade now, though, and was just a respectable fifth in first-time cheekpieces (retained) at regular haunt Wetherby (2m5f, good) last month.

10/1

3rd

3

22nd Apr 2025

Good

2m 4f 189y

Class 3

16:12 Kelso

Fostersisland

11st 6lb

J: Emma Smith-Chaston

T: Micky Hammond

prominent, no extra run-in

10/1

5th

3

28th Mar 2025

Good To Soft

2m 5f 56y

Class 4

15:32 Wetherby

Fostersisland

11st 11lb

J: Emma Smith-Chaston

T: Micky Hammond

Has often run well here and he's well treated on course form as recent as November; however, his subsequent form has been patchy and this 10yo needs to raise his game in first-time cheekpieces.

20/1

7/1

  • Place: £1.30

Form: 35-141 D

Last run: 30 days

W: 11st 0lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 114

Form & Verdict
Bar a blip at Aintree in October when failing to settle he's done well back over hurdles this autumn, winning at Hexham (2m7f, good to soft; handicap) and at Newcastle (2m6f, good to soft; novice); unproven on soft; this is just his eighth hurdle start and he could have more to offer.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

1

14th Apr 2025

Good

3m 1f 0y

Class 4

18:40 Warwick

Tiger Jet

12st 0lb

J: Mr Jamie Neild

T: Jennie Candlish

took keen hold, led, not fluent 3rd, hit 4 out, headed before 2 out, mistake 2 out, soon weakened

6/4

3rd

1

14th Apr 2025

Good

3m 1f 0y

Class 4

18:40 Warwick

Tiger Jet

12st 0lb

J: Mr Jamie Neild

T: Jennie Candlish

took keen hold, led, not fluent 3rd, hit 4 out, headed before 2 out, mistake 2 out, soon weakened

6/4

2nd

3

19th Mar 2025

Good

3m 0f 58y

Class 4

17:35 Haydock

Tiger Jet

11st 9lb

J: Mr Jamie Neild

T: Jennie Candlish

Won over C&D (good to soft) in April 2023 and returned to form to win on stable debut at Cartmel (2m6f, heavy) last August; however, two lesser runs have followed and he needs to get back on track after a break.

6/1

OUR TIP

Form: 4322-3 BF

Last run: 243 days

W: 11st 3lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 117

Form & Verdict
Placed in his three novice hurdles last winter (2m/1m7f, soft/good to soft) and ran really well when third of 24 on handicap debut at Punchestown (2m4f, good to yielding) in April; this unexposed 5yo is open to further improvement and could play a leading role on his return to action.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13th

9

29th Apr 2026

Yielding

2m 3f 58y

14:30 Punchestown

Thanksforthehelp

11st 11lb

J: Rian Corcoran

T: David Pipe

Out of luck since winning this race last year; only 3lb higher now, and has to be taken seriously; Rian Corcoran has enjoyed a successful breakthrough season in Britain and claims a useful 4lb.

8/1

9th

11

14th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 207y

Class 3

13:50 Uttoxeter

Thanksforthehelp

11st 4lb

J: Jack Tudor

T: David Pipe

Has three wins over hurdles but hasn't been at his best in four runs since returning in November; is slipping down the weights and takes a drop in class so cannot be discounted; returning cheekpieces replace blinkers.

16/1

5th

14

14th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 58y

Class 2

15:50 Haydock

Thanksforthehelp

10st 10lb

J: Richie McLernon

T: David Pipe

Blew apart a 15-runner Pertemps qualifier at Chepstow (2m7f) in February 2023 and underlined how effective he can be in big-field races when seeing off 24 rivals in a handicap at the Punchestown festival (2m3f, yielding) last spring; hasn't come close to reproducing that form in three outings this winter but his mark has eased a little as a result; worth a second look in the betting.

25/1

Form: 1241-8

Last run: 79 days

W: 11st 6lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 120

Form & Verdict
Very useful Flat-racer up to the first half of 2021; down the field on his two Flat starts this May, and likewise when back over hurdles at Chepstow in October but he's shown aptitude in this code (two wins) and perhaps the first-time cheekpieces will give him a boost; not discounted.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

1

31st Jul 2023

Good

2m 0f 167y

Class 4

15:20 Newton Abbot

Zabeel Champion

12st 0lb

J: Nick Scholfield

T: Jonjo O’Neill

prominent, mistake 4 out

9/2

1st

2

6th Jul 2023

Good

2m 0f 47y

Class 4

15:48 Perth

Zabeel Champion

12st 0lb

J: Nick Scholfield

T: Jonjo O’Neill

Formerly smart on the Flat; defied a similar mark to this in a better race at Haydock (1m7f, good) in April 2022, since when he's been lightly raced; perhaps failed to stay 2m5f when last seen (in first-time cheekpieces); could easily be in the thick of it.

15/8

Form: 13F/P- C

Last run: 362 days

W: 11st 8lb

7 yo Mare

OR: 122

Form & Verdict
Easily made all at 125-1 in the 2m3f mares' novices' hurdle on this card two years ago; has run just three times since, however, and she was pulled up on her latest outing last December (chase debut), when she bled from the nose and had an irregular heartbeat; others are less risky.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

2

2nd Jul 2023

Good To Soft

2m 1f 61y

Class 4

17:10 Cartmel

Ballycallan Fame

12st 0lb

J: Charlie Todd

T: Nick Kent

Lightly raced and generally disappointing since shock hurdle win on stable debut in 2020 but has dropped a long way down the weights and will appreciate today's ease in grade; may yet turn things around.

12/1

3rd

3

12th Mar 2023

Soft

2m 4f 0y

Class 3

15:00 Warwick

Ballycallan Fame

11st 0lb

J: Charlie Hammond

T: Nick Kent

Wide-margin 150-1 win in novice hurdle at Wetherby in December 2020 but she failed to go on from that and following an absence she has failed to threaten on her three starts this winter, the latest back over fences.

16/1

6th

1

11th Feb 2023

Good To Soft

1m 7f 214y

Class 4

14:10 Uttoxeter

Ballycallan Fame

12st 0lb

J: Charlie Hammond

T: Nick Kent

Lightly raced and has a very mixed record since wide-margin hurdle win in December 2020 but had excuses when pulled up on chasing debut in 2021 and gave good account of herself when third (albeit well held in the end) in Listed hurdle at Sandown (2m4f, soft) last month; not out of this.

14/1

Form: 1-0185 D

Last run: 26 days

W: 12st 0lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 128

Form & Verdict
Has a very healthy 6-21 strike-rate and he's not ruled out off a competitive mark, but he's been tailed off over fences the last twice and a return to form is required.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

23rd Jan 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 0y

Class 5

16:18 Warwick

One True King

12st 6lb

J: Miss Anna Johnston

T: Miss B Coward

Not the force of old and might be better suited by right-handed tracks but ran well from the front when close fourth in open point at left-handed Chaddesley Corbett (3m, good to soft; also suited by soft) last month; considered each-way.

14/1

1

2nd Apr 2025

Good

2m 4f 11y

Class 4

16:48 Ludlow

One True King

12st 6lb

J: Mr Martin McIntyre

T: Miss B Coward

Useful handicapper chaser when trained by Nigel Twiston-Davies, with a good record at this track; this season's pointing form for new stable has been underwhelming, though, and he was safely held when fourth in a Leicester hunter chase (2m, good to soft) last month.

10/1

1

2nd Apr 2025

Good

2m 4f 11y

Class 4

16:48 Ludlow

One True King

12st 6lb

J: Mr Martin McIntyre

T: Miss B Coward

Useful handicapper chaser when trained by Nigel Twiston-Davies, with a good record at this track; this season's pointing form for new stable has been underwhelming, though, and he was safely held when fourth in a Leicester hunter chase (2m, good to soft) last month.

10/1

Form: -P9352

Last run: 19 days

W: 11st 11lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 125

Form & Verdict
Third here (2m3f, good to soft) in October and creditable fifth of 18 at Cheltenham (2m5f, good) next time; fair second over fences since and might not be far away provided conditions suit (may not want soft now).
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

19th Jul 2025

Good To Soft

2m 1f 46y

Class 3

14:50 Cartmel

Ashington

11st 3lb

J: Miss Becky Smith

T: Mark Walford

Won this race on good ground under Becky Smith a year ago and defends his crown from a good mark but recent Flat/hurdling form has been underwhelming and conditions are not in his favour today.

33/1

9th

10

(9)

5th Jul 2025

Soft

1m 3f 39y

Class 5

19:42 Carlisle

Ashington

10st 0lb

J: Miss Becky Smith

T: Mark Walford

Better known as a jumper and yet recent efforts in that scene haven't been great, and he was only midfield over C&D last month.

20/1

7th

5

29th Jun 2025

Good

1m 7f 168y

Class 4

16:57 Uttoxeter

Ashington

11st 8lb

J: Jamie Hamilton

T: Mark Walford

Stuck on a losing run and finished last in two hurdle races before finishing only sixth off his low Flat mark 13 days ago; others much preferred.

25/1

Form: /956-3

Last run: 45 days

W: 11st 9lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 123

Form & Verdict
Two-time Irish winner (including on soft) who returned from a long absence to finish third of 18 at Cheltenham (2m5f, good) last month on his stable debut; he has a history of going well fresh but he's a major player if confirming that latest promise.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

5

31st Jan 2023

Soft

2m 4f 0y

Class 3

14:50 Ffos Las

Oscar Thyne

11st 12lb

J: Paddy Brennan

T: Fergal O’Brien

Soft-ground winner in Ireland who returned from a long absence to finish third of 18 at Cheltenham (2m5f, good) in November; has a history of going well fresh but he's a major player if confirming that latest promise.

5/1

5

26th Dec 2022

Good To Soft

2m 5f 56y

Class 3

14:10 Wetherby

Oscar Thyne

11st 9lb

J: Jack Hogan

T: Fergal O’Brien

Two-time Irish winner (including on soft) who returned from a long absence to finish third of 18 at Cheltenham (2m5f, good) last month on his stable debut; he has a history of going well fresh but he's a major player if confirming that latest promise.

9/2

3rd

8

11th Nov 2022

Good To Soft

2m 5f 0y

Class 3

13:10 Cheltenham

Oscar Thyne

11st 10lb

J: Liam Harrison

T: Fergal O’Brien

Won for Gavin Cromwell (same owner) in a 2m3f maiden hurdle (September 2020) and a 2m4f beginners chase (April 2021) but did not build on that in either sphere; those wins did show that he can go well fresh, however, and despite the 517-day layoff this time, he's not ruled out on this debut for new yard.

11/1

Form: -12343 D

Last run: 47 days

W: 11st 7lb

7 yo Mare

OR: 121

Form & Verdict
Consistent sort who returned from a break with a fair third of five in a mares' handicap at Ayr (2m4f, soft) last month; needs something extra to win today but she may be able to build on that latest performance.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

2

8th Oct 2025

Good

2m 3f 188y

Class 4

15:15 Sedgefield

Could Be Trouble

11st 13lb

J: Theo Gillard

T: Donald McCain

Scored at Haydock (2m5f) in March and largely in good nick since, though she beat only one in 2m4f Worcester handicap hurdle 33 days ago; she's the sort to bounce back.

14/1

7

5th Sep 2025

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 4

18:30 Worcester

Could Be Trouble

11st 3lb

J: Charlie Maggs

T: Donald McCain

First-time visor and enjoyed a soft lead when winning at Haydock (2m5f, good) in March; bumped into one when second last time but that still completed a subsequent run of double-figure defeats.

9/1

Form: 12/F0 D

Last run: 23 days

W: 11st 2lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 116

Form & Verdict
Point winner who looked promising when landing a novice hurdle at Warwick (2m5f, soft) in February 2021; first-fence faller at Uttoxeter last month when back from a long absence and he may have needed the run when back over hurdles at Chepstow three weeks ago (tailed off); in top hands and has a first-time tongue-tie, but nevertheless has plenty to prove.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7

29th Jan 2023

Good

2m 4f 88y

Class 4

16:10 Southwell

Bennys Oscar

11st 5lb

J: Tristan Durrell

T: Dan Skelton

10

26th Dec 2022

Good To Soft

2m 5f 56y

Class 3

14:10 Wetherby

Bennys Oscar

11st 2lb

J: Mr Jack Andrews

T: Dan Skelton

Point winner who looked promising when landing a novice hurdle at Warwick (2m5f, soft) in February 2021; first-fence faller at Uttoxeter last month when back from a long absence and he may have needed the run when back over hurdles at Chepstow three weeks ago (tailed off); in top hands and has a first-time tongue-tie, but nevertheless has plenty to prove.

25/1

11th

6

3rd Dec 2022

Good To Soft

2m 7f 131y

Class 3

11:53 Chepstow

Bennys Oscar

11st 5lb

J: Tristan Durrell

T: Dan Skelton

Looked very promising during two-race novice hurdle campaign in 2020-21 but wasn't seen again until falling at first fence on last month's chase/handicap debut; quickly switched back to hurdling here and remains unexposed but not an easy horse to weigh up at present.

20/1

Non-runners

One True King

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £43.60
Straight Forecast £43.33
Tricast £162.26
Trifecta £108.50

Selections

TOPSPEED:

Tiger Jet

RP Ratings:

Oscar Thyne

SPOTLIGHT:

Thanksforthehelp

Daily Mail:

Rafferty's Return

Telegraph:

Ballycallan Fame

POSTDATA:

Foster'sisland

WEST COUNTRY:

Thanksforthehelp

The Guardian:

Thanksforthehelp

The Sun:

Tiger Jet

The Star:

Tiger Jet

Daily Record:

Tiger Jet

The Times:

Oscar Thyne

D Express:

Oscar Thyne

Daily Mirror:

Oscar Thyne