January 04 / 13.00 Hereford

13.00

Soft

Cazoo Conditional Jockeys’ Novices’ Handicap Hurdle

  • Prize money: £4330.42
  • 2m 3f 147y
  • Class 5
  • 16 runners
SKY
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Cazoo Conditional Jockeys’ Novices’ Handicap Hurdle

Runners: 16 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Showers

OUR TIP

10/1 (Won)

  • Win: £9.70
  • Place: £2.40

Form: 376603

Last run: 49 days

W: 11st 9lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 94

Form & Verdict
Maiden; well beaten on handicap debut in October but much better when close third at Hexham the following month (2m4f, soft) off this mark; could be firmly involved if building on that; often races freely.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

4

6th May 2026

Good

2m 4f 189y

Class 5

16:00 Kelso

Maillot Blanc

11st 12lb

J: Dominic Hislop

T: N W Alexander

Won a 3m Perth handicap last term (good); comes into the reckoning following two sound runs last month when third over 2m6f here (good; form sound) and when second over 3m at Perth (good).

4/1

2nd

4

22nd Apr 2026

Soft

2m 7f 207y

Class 5

17:12 Perth

Maillot Blanc

11st 6lb

J: Miss Jesika Rennie

T: N W Alexander

C&D winner off 3lb lower last June (good); clear of the remainder when 3.5l third in a decent race at Kelso last time (2m5f, good; winner went on to win 2m Scottish Champion Hurdle); has won on soft; interesting contender.

9/2

3rd

8

2nd Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 189y

Class 4

16:15 Kelso

Maillot Blanc

10st 3lb

J: Dominic Hislop

T: N W Alexander

Runner-up off this mark over C&D (good to soft) in November; however, this inconsistent 9yo has won just two of his 27 starts and was down the field at Musselburgh later in November when last seen; others appeal more.

14/1

14/1

  • Place: £3.50

Form: 45-P37

Last run: 50 days

W: 11st 6lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 91

Form & Verdict
Maiden; no seeming aptitude for chasing in five starts last year; plenty to prove on that basis but some of his novice hurdle form from the end of 2021 puts him on a favourable mark if he retains that ability.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

6th Mar 2026

Soft

1m 7f 201y

Class 5

17:03 Leicester

Calidad

11st 12lb

J: Miss Megan Bevan

T: Christopher Mark Clarke

2023 maiden point winner who has yet to add to that success, though has shown ability over hurdles and fences; pulled up on last month's return from a long absence and although entitled to have come on for the outing, a career best will be needed to figure here.

50/1

8th

4

31st May 2024

Good To Soft

2m 0f 213y

Class 5

20:40 Stratford

Calidad

11st 12lb

J: Mr Peter Mason

T: Christopher Mark Clarke

Not seen under rules since well beaten in low-grade Lingfield handicap in November and was pulled up in a restricted point last month.

100/1

10th

8

30th Nov 2023

Good To Soft

2m 0f 0y

Class 5

15:30 Lingfield

Calidad

10st 9lb

J: Gavin Sheehan

T: Lawney Hill

Made it 0-14 under rules when an early faller at Fakenham last Tuesday; however, he's operating off a much-reduced mark and showed spark when winning a point in April; possible contender.

11/2

3/1

  • Place: £1.30

Form: -51312 D

Last run: 9 days

W: 12st 0lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 99

Form & Verdict
In fine form and only narrowly beaten at Market Rasen (2m4f, good to soft) nine days ago; tongue-strap added to the cheekpieces worn there and has leading claims off the same mark (goes up 4lb in future).
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

28th Jun 2024

Good

2m 1f 46y

Class 4

16:47 Cartmel

Fazayte

11st 12lb

J: Mr D McGill

T: Ryan Potter

A fair 19f hurdles/chase winner last autumn who comes here on the back of a solid third of seven in 21f handicap chase at Market Rasen two weeks ago; shortlisted with tongue-tie refitted.

8/1

3rd

4

14th Jun 2024

Good

2m 5f 89y

Class 4

18:25 Market Rasen

Fazayte

11st 10lb

J: Dylan Johnston

T: Ryan Potter

Sits 4lb higher than when scoring at Sedgefield (2m3f, soft) last November, a form line given a boost by Neigh Botha at Southwell on Tuesday; turned in a solid effort on return to jumps action at Stratford (third) a fortnight ago and could have more to offer; probable contender.

9/2

3rd

4

1st Jun 2024

Good To Soft

2m 4f 205y

Class 4

18:28 Stratford

Fazayte

11st 7lb

J: Dylan Johnston

T: Ryan Potter

Won over hurdles and fences last season and probably still on a fair mark; however, two tailed-off runs on the Flat since April cast some doubts over his wellbeing.

9/2

12/1

  • Place: £4.40

Form: 6-75

Last run: 14 days

W: 12st 0lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 99

Form & Verdict
Has yet to be placed and beaten more than 30l in both outings this season; still worth a glance in the betting ahead of this handicap debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

23rd Oct 2025

Good To Soft

3m 1f 210y

Class 5

16:15 Fontwell

Leading Swoop

11st 10lb

J: Harry Kimber

T: Robert Walford

Course regular who kept on well to win by over 5l over C&D (good) in March and won't mind if the ground is much slower today; absent since well-held third behind Ballintara at Plumpton in April, though, and needs to be in peak form to overcome current mark; cheekpieces replace blinkers.

8/1

3rd

1

3rd Apr 2025

Good

3m 1f 152y

Class 5

15:40 Plumpton

Leading Swoop

12st 0lb

J: Harry Kimber

T: Robert Walford

raced in second, niggled along briefly 12th, not fluent 14th

5/6

3rd

1

3rd Apr 2025

Good

3m 1f 152y

Class 5

15:40 Plumpton

Leading Swoop

12st 0lb

J: Harry Kimber

T: Robert Walford

raced in second, niggled along briefly 12th, not fluent 14th, lost position 3 out, left in remote third 2 out, hung left approaching last, weakened run-in

5/6

Form: 66P222 D

Last run: 27 days

W: 10st 11lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 82

Form & Verdict
Won a seller (about 2m2f) last September and has been running consistently in recent starts, most recently when second at Taunton (2m, good); back up in trip but main concern is whether he will handle soft ground; chances if he does.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

11

21st Feb 2023

Good

2m 3f 1y

Class 5

14:00 Taunton

Baliyad

10st 6lb

J: Finn Lambert

T: Matt Sheppard

Sole hurdle win at 2m2f in September; often competitive in defeat subsequently but has been going through a lean spell this year and was beaten a long way out over 2m4f at Uttoxeter ten days ago; others preferred.

25/1

7th

8

11th Feb 2023

Good To Soft

2m 3f 207y

Class 5

16:30 Uttoxeter

Baliyad

10st 8lb

J: Finn Lambert

T: Matt Sheppard

Sole win (28 attempts) was in a 2m2f selling handicap last September; had a run of seconds over about 2m before his form dipped behind Maillot Blanc at Hereford (2m3f; soft ground a possible excuse) on penultimate start and fell two out at Wincanton on latest (looked beaten); competitive often enough to be considered.

14/1

16

2nd Feb 2023

Good To Soft

2m 3f 179y

Class 5

13:30 Wincanton

Baliyad

10st 4lb

J: Mr Ivor Herbert

T: Matt Sheppard

Sole win (27 attempts) was in a 2m2f selling handicap last September; had a run of seconds over about 2m before his form dipped at Hereford (2m3f) on latest start but it's possible that soft ground was against him; stamina has not been proved.

12/1

Form: P356-5

Last run: 57 days

W: 10st 9lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 80

Form & Verdict
Maiden; two best handicap displays have come at this track (both at 2m5f+); not impossible and perhaps a tongue-strap can give him a boost.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

14

19th Oct 2024

Soft

2m 6f 125y

Class 5

17:20 Stratford

Doyens De Ante

10st 2lb

J: Charlotte Jones

T: Max Young

Cheekpieces worked initially when winning two chases in early 2023 but he's suffered a major slump in form; others preferred.

50/1

6

8th Sep 2024

Good To Soft

3m 1f 210y

Class 5

15:05 Fontwell

Doyens De Ante

10st 11lb

J: Charlie Hammond

T: Max Young

midfield, raced wide and lost position 4 out, soon weakened, pulled up before 3 out

20/1

5th

9

27th Aug 2024

Good To Firm

3m 3f 119y

Class 5

18:55 Stratford

Doyens De Ante

10st 2lb

J: Charlie Hammond

T: Max Young

Won two chases (3m2f/2m7f) when cheekpieces were refitted last spring but has been pulled up on all four outings this year; tried blinkers last time; usual tongue-tie his only headgear here; 2lb out of the weights.

25/1

Form: 6850

Last run: 29 days

W: 11st 2lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 87

Form & Verdict
Well beaten in a bumper and three novice hurdles; tongue-strap fitted for handicap debut; a leap of faith needed; yard also runs Fazayte.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6

17th Jul 2025

Good

2m 7f 0y

Class 5

18:12 Worcester

Unwanted Attention

10st 12lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Mickey Bowen

Won well off 4lb lower last summer for a different yard (2m5f, good); disappointing favourite on stable debut at Cartmel (2m5f) and soft ground was no excuse.

4/1

Form: 924-85

Last run: 14 days

W: 10st 8lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 79

Form & Verdict
Claims on his second at Taunton last March (2m3f, soft; beaten a neck) but has trailed home in both starts this season.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

10

28th Jun 2024

Good

3m 0f 30y

Class 4

17:40 Bangor-on-Dee

Justshortofabubble

10st 10lb

J: Ben Jones

T: Grace Harris

Three-time chase winner (including C&D), but he's been well held over fences and hurdles in last three runs; made a mistake at a crucial stage at Southwell last time but he needs to get right back near his best on this return to fences.

8/1

8th

10

11th Jun 2024

Good

3m 0f 60y

Class 5

18:05 Southwell

Justshortofabubble

10st 11lb

J: Ben Jones

T: Grace Harris

held up in rear

13/2

4th

8

28th May 2024

Good To Soft

2m 7f 32y

Class 5

18:55 Bangor-on-Dee

Justshortofabubble

10st 11lb

J: Ben Jones

T: Grace Harris

Three chase wins last season, the latest gained at Taunton (2m7f, good to soft) in November; has 6lb lower hurdle mark but remains without a win in this discipline after 17 attempts and tends to need his first run back from a break (absent since December); others make more appeal.

6/1

Form: 2574FU

Last run: 57 days

W: 10st 11lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 82

Form & Verdict
Maiden after 16 starts; runner-up here in November 2021 but chasing hasn't gone well lately; first hurdling start since last May; cheekpieces (pulled up only previous attempt in them) back on.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

9

9th May 2024

Good To Soft

2m 6f 7y

Class 5

18:20 Stratford

Spiritus Mundi

10st 5lb

J: Charlie Price

T: Nikki Evans

Well beaten on both outings last season and now 0-13 over hurdles; 2lb out of the weights here; can't be recommended.

50/1

4th

9

9th May 2024

Good To Soft

2m 6f 7y

Class 5

18:20 Stratford

Spiritus Mundi

10st 5lb

J: Charlie Price

T: Nikki Evans

Well beaten on both outings last season and now 0-13 over hurdles; 2lb out of the weights here; can't be recommended.

50/1

11

9th Mar 2024

Soft

2m 3f 147y

Class 5

16:02 Hereford

Spiritus Mundi

10st 6lb

J: Shane Quinlan

T: Nikki Evans

18-race maiden; tailed off here (2m5f, good) on seasonal debut in November and not seen again since; not the obvious answer.

66/1

Form: 05-245

Last run: 41 days

W: 11st 11lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 96

Form & Verdict
Not beaten far at Taunton on latest start (2m3f, good) and possibly still open to improvement after just six career starts; likely to need a step forward if he's to gain a first success. however.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

4

21st Jun 2023

Good

2m 0f 0y

Class 5

16:30 Worcester

Land Of My Delight

11st 9lb

J: Kielan Woods

T: D J Jeffreys

midfield, pushed along after 4 out, ridden and no impression before 3 out

5/1

6th

7

23rd May 2023

Good

2m 3f 137y

Class 5

17:30 Huntingdon

Land Of My Delight

11st 3lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: D J Jeffreys

Seven-race maiden who struggled when well backed on soft ground in January and hasn't raced again since; might be seen to better effect on good ground, though, and it will be interesting to observe his strength in the market today.

10/1

3

4th Jan 2023

Soft

2m 3f 147y

Class 5

13:00 Hereford

Land Of My Delight

11st 11lb

J: Lilly Pinchin

T: D J Jeffreys

Not beaten far at Taunton on latest start (2m3f, good) and possibly still open to improvement after just six career starts; likely to need a step forward if he's to gain a first success. however.

5/1

Form: 7040-3

Last run: 52 days

W: 11st 10lb

6 yo Mare

OR: 95

Form & Verdict
Didn't show much in Ireland but put up an encouraging display when third at Fontwell (2m3f, good) on her British debut in November; can take a hand today on that basis with Thomasina Eyston taking off a valuable 8lb.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

1

29th Oct 2025

Good

3m 0f 38y

Class 5

14:37 Fakenham

Midnight Gold

12st 0lb

J: Richie McLernon

T: Neil Mulholland

Sole win over hurdles, off this mark in June 2023; has struggled to recapture form since returning from a break this summer and looked held when unseating three out on chase debut at Fontwell (3m2f, good) last time.

7/1

4th

1

29th Oct 2025

Good

3m 0f 38y

Class 5

14:37 Fakenham

Midnight Gold

12st 0lb

J: Richie McLernon

T: Neil Mulholland

Sole win over hurdles, off this mark in June 2023; has struggled to recapture form since returning from a break this summer and looked held when unseating three out on chase debut at Fontwell (3m2f, good) last time.

7/1

4

26th Oct 2025

Good To Soft

2m 5f 135y

Class 5

15:47 Fontwell

Midnight Gold

11st 9lb

T: Neil Mulholland

Form: 0667F-

Last run: 270 days

W: 11st 9lb

8 yo Mare

OR: 94

Form & Verdict
Bumper winner; unplaced over hurdles and fell on handicap debut when last seen nine months ago; others have more obvious credentials; blinkers back.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9

24th Apr 2024

Good

2m 3f 1y

Class 4

18:25 Taunton

Atjima

10st 8lb

J: Alan Johns

T: Victor Dartnall

Has lost her way since last March's Ffos Las win on good ground off this mark; hasn't had those conditions since but she was reluctant to line up on her reappearance and then pulled up next time.

25/1

9

24th Apr 2024

Good

2m 3f 1y

Class 4

18:25 Taunton

Atjima

10st 8lb

J: Alan Johns

T: Victor Dartnall

Has lost her way since last March's Ffos Las win on good ground off this mark; hasn't had those conditions since but she was reluctant to line up on her reappearance and then pulled up next time.

25/1

3

14th Feb 2024

Good To Soft

2m 5f 163y

Class 5

16:00 Hereford

Atjima

11st 7lb

J: Alan Johns

T: Victor Dartnall

Surprise winner at Ffos Las (2m4f, good) in March but hasn't threatened to win again and she was reluctant to line up when tailed off after a break at Taunton.

16/1

Form: 532244

Last run: 44 days

W: 11st 3lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 88

Form & Verdict
Plenty of placed efforts but 0-21 in career and well beaten latest; stamina at this trip is also unproven and others preferred.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7

7th May 2024

Good

2m 0f 8y

Class 5

20:30 Hereford

Henri Le Bon

11st 2lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Kerry Lee

Won a Uttoxeter handicap hurdle in July 2022 (2m, good to soft); lightly raced since; best run over fences when third at Stratford last May (2m1f, good) but absent since.

8/1

7

7th May 2024

Good

2m 0f 8y

Class 5

20:30 Hereford

Henri Le Bon

11st 2lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Kerry Lee

Won a Uttoxeter handicap hurdle in July 2022 (2m, good to soft); lightly raced since; best run over fences when third at Stratford last May (2m1f, good) but absent since.

8/1

5

15th Jun 2023

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 5

17:50 Worcester

Henri Le Bon

11st 4lb

J: Brendan Powell

T: Kerry Lee

Form: 5PFP2-

Last run: 321 days

W: 11st 2lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 87

Form & Verdict
Easily his best effort over fences when second at Fontwell last February (2m5f, soft); absent since and now makes first hurdling start since March 2021.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

8

17th May 2023

Soft

3m 1f 170y

Class 5

15:10 Newton Abbot

Entre Deux

10st 9lb

J: Nick Scholfield

T: Paul Henderson

Only win came in an Irish point more than three years ago; chasing career has been mostly disappointing but much better when fourth in a bunch finish at Warwick last month; repeat of that brings him into the reckoning.

6/1

4th

10

27th Apr 2023

Good To Soft

3m 0f 0y

Class 5

14:40 Warwick

Entre Deux

10st 5lb

J: Ciaran Gethings

T: Paul Henderson

Second of five at Fontwell (2m5f, soft) 14 months ago but has struggled on all three starts this season and is very difficult to enthuse over.

25/1

4th

4

8th Apr 2023

Heavy

3m 1f 170y

Class 5

16:35 Newton Abbot

Entre Deux

10st 8lb

J: Nick Scholfield

T: Paul Henderson

Generally poor, including pulling up in hurdle/chase this winter; plenty to prove.

20/1

Form: 475

Last run: 55 days

W: 10st 12lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 83

Form & Verdict
No great promise in two Irish points and well beaten in three novice hurdles; handicap debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13

17th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 54y

Class 5

16:05 Exeter

Sans Of Gold

10st 2lb

J: Rex Dingle

T: Jimmy Frost

Returned to racing under rules with 41l defeat at Wincanton (2m4f, good to soft) three weeks ago and is now 0-17 under all codes; 11lb wrong here; needs major help from new tongue-tie and/or blinkers.

50/1

7th

9

25th Feb 2026

Soft

2m 4f 35y

Class 5

15:50 Wincanton

Sans Of Gold

10st 2lb

J: Rex Dingle

T: Jimmy Frost

No rules form to speak of for this yard; 25-1 and beaten 24l in a point for Nikki Frost when last seen nearly a year ago; out of the weights.

50/1

8

29th May 2024

Soft

2m 4f 216y

Class 5

15:28 Newton Abbot

Sans Of Gold

10st 2lb

J: Angus Cheleda

T: Jimmy Frost

Modest maiden who hasn't looked any different since sent over fences and he's 9lb out of the weights this time.

14/1

Form: 33-000

Last run: 33 days

W: 10st 3lb

5 yo Filly

OR: 74

Form & Verdict
Placed in three of four bumper starts but has been tailed off in all three attempts over hurdles; starts handicap life off a lowly mark and is worth a market glance to see if better is expected.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6

14th Feb 2024

Good To Soft

2m 5f 163y

Class 5

16:00 Hereford

Kimberley Eve

11st 0lb

J: James Best

T: Simon Earle

Reportedly treated for ulcers before displaying much-improved form to win a 3m Ludlow handicap by 11l (soft; 7lb lower); perhaps heavy ground didn't suit when tailed off at Exeter; better expected this time, for all that further suits her well.

6/1

7th

8

1st Jan 2024

Soft

2m 5f 137y

Class 4

13:00 Exeter

Kimberley Eve

10st 5lb

J: James Best

T: Simon Earle

Placed twice in the autumn (2m7f/3m) and took form to whole new level when scoring by 11l from 7lb out of the handicap at Ludlow (3m, soft) last month, having reportedly been treated for ulcers; effectively 8lb higher here; interesting to see whether she can build on that performance.

5/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £142.40
Straight Forecast £113.99
Tricast £370.15
Trifecta £458.60

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Fazayte

The Times:

Maillot Blanc

Daily Mail:

Baliyad

RP Ratings:

Calidad

The Star:

Henri Le Bon

D Express:

Maillot Blanc

POSTDATA:

Fazayte

WEST COUNTRY:

Fazayte

Telegraph:

Fazayte

The Guardian:

Fazayte

Daily Record:

Fazayte

Daily Mirror:

Baliyad