January 15 / 13.00 Kelso

13.00

Soft

visitkelso.com Handicap Hurdle

  • Prize money: £3696.7
  • 2m 0f 51y
  • Class 5
  • 16 runners
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visitkelso.com Handicap Hurdle

Runners: 16 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Rain and snow

7/2 (Won)

Form: 9-5913 BF

Last run: 42 days

W: 11st 8lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 92

Form & Verdict
He was upped in trip for his handicap debut at Musselburgh (3m, good to soft) in November and displayed improved form to win; weakened into third over 2m6f here (soft) since and there's a major rethink on trip today, but this surplus stamina may be no bad thing on the testing ground; respected.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

5

2nd Nov 2024

Good To Soft

3m 0f 70y

Class 3

13:58 Ayr

Faithfulflyer

10st 11lb

J: Danny McMenamin

T: Sandy Thomson

in touch with leaders, went third before 7th, not fluent 4 out

11/4

Form: 1/FP-5 D

Last run: 20 days

W: 12st 0lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 98

Form & Verdict
Has run just three times since winning a bumper at Carlisle (2m1f, heavy) on his debut in November 2020 and things haven't gone to plan; however, he didn't fare badly when fifth in a novice hurdle at Market Rasen three weeks ago and is not ruled out now handicapping for his good yard.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

2

11th Mar 2023

Good

2m 0f 0y

Class 5

13:35 Ayr

Barnabas Collins

11st 13lb

J: Brian Hughes

T: Donald McCain

Bumper winner; 0-5 over hurdles but placed on both starts in handicaps on heavy/good to soft; should go well again but suspicion that one or two others may be better treated.

13/2

3rd

9

10th Feb 2023

Good To Soft

2m 0f 145y

Class 4

14:50 Bangor-on-Dee

Barnabas Collins

11st 2lb

J: Theo Gillard

T: Donald McCain

prominent

5/1

Form: /9-440

Last run: 20 days

W: 11st 8lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 92

Form & Verdict
Half-brother to very smart Tommy's Oscar; displayed some ability when fourth in maiden/novice hurdles in the autumn (including over C&D and on soft) but he was a 23l last of 14 at 22-1 on his handicap debut at Wetherby (2m, good to soft) on Boxing Day; needs to leave that run well behind.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

9th Dec 2024

Good To Soft

2m 7f 138y

Class 5

15:15 Musselburgh

Take Centre Stage

11st 8lb

J: Brian Hughes

T: Rebecca Menzies

Made all at Newcastle (2m, heavy) in February and didn't run badly on last month's return to action at Kelso (2m1f, good to soft), which he could improve for; however, he has a major stamina question to answer here.

10/1

5

9th Dec 2024

Good To Soft

2m 7f 138y

Class 5

15:15 Musselburgh

Take Centre Stage

11st 8lb

J: Brian Hughes

T: Rebecca Menzies

took keen hold, prominent

10/1

Form: 4-0123 D

Last run: 14 days

W: 12st 0lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 98

Form & Verdict
Won in a first-time hood (retained since) at Uttoxeter (2m, good) in November and has been placed the next twice (2m1f/1m7f, soft); there's every chance this in-form 5yo will be bang there.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

7th Jun 2025

Good

2m 0f 48y

Class 4

18:20 Hexham

Bashful

11st 11lb

J: Danny McMenamin

T: Iain Jardine

Showed benefit of latest wind op when winning twice at around 2m in February (good to soft/soft); slightly disappointing on latest outing in April, though, and needs to be back in peak form to have a chance off current mark.

8/1

6th

4

24th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

2m 0f 47y

Class 4

17:05 Perth

Bashful

11st 12lb

J: Charlie Maggs

T: Iain Jardine

in touch with leaders

5/1

6th

4

24th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

2m 0f 47y

Class 4

17:05 Perth

Bashful

11st 12lb

J: Charlie Maggs

T: Iain Jardine

A dual 2m winner and progressive over hurdles this season but he failed to translate that form back onto the Flat at Doncaster last month; he's the sort to bounce back here though.

5/1

Form: 4476-P C

Last run: 8 days

W: 10st 2lb

11 yo Gelding

OR: 70

Form & Verdict
Ran some fair races over fences early last year and is well treated on that form; however, he's struggled in chases on his last three starts and a revival is required now back over hurdles in a first-time visor.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10

6th May 2023

Good To Soft

3m 0f 41y

Class 5

19:40 Hexham

Lastin Memories

10st 2lb

J: Lewis Stones

T: Sandy Forster

Infrequent winner and his form has regressed in the last 18 months; had an excuse last time (saddle slipped) but still has enough to prove.

33/1

6

1st Mar 2023

Good To Soft

2m 7f 170y

Class 5

16:25 Musselburgh

Lastin Memories

10st 2lb

J: Stephen Mulqueen

T: Sandy Forster

Fair second at Newcastle last February but this 11yo's form has gone the wrong way since; hard to fancy from 6lb out of the weights.

25/1

6th

8

3rd Feb 2023

Good To Soft

2m 3f 51y

Class 5

14:10 Catterick

Lastin Memories

10st 2lb

J: Patrick Wadge

T: Sandy Forster

Fair second at Newcastle last February but this 11yo's form has gone the wrong way since; hard to fancy from 4lb out of the weights.

25/1

Form: 56-7

Last run: 17 days

W: 11st 7lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 91

Form & Verdict
Has failed to threaten on his three hurdle starts and he was tailed off here (2m6f, heavy) on last month's reappearance; however, this point winner now goes handicapping off a lowly mark and it will be interesting to see how he goes in the betting.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

5

10th Apr 2026

Good

3m 2f 59y

Class 5

15:38 Sedgefield

Goodoldbill

10st 2lb

J: Peter Kavanagh

T: Jane Walton

Seeking a hat-trick after wins over C&D (soft) and at Newcastle (2m7f, good to soft); up another 5lb for latest success but drying ground not ideal.

5/2

1st

11

14th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 7f 91y

Class 5

16:35 Newcastle

Goodoldbill

10st 5lb

J: Charlie Maggs

T: Jane Walton

Reportedly jumped better than on his previous start (here) when returning to form to win at Sedgefield last time (3m2f, soft); has a chance on that, but isn't particularly consistent.

12/1

1st

5

19th Feb 2026

3m 2f 59y

Class 5

15:08 Sedgefield

Goodoldbill

10st 2lb

J: Charlie Maggs

T: Jane Walton

Won a novice handicap chase at Newcastle in November 2023 (2m7f, soft); mainly disappointing since and hard to fancy.

66/1

OUR TIP

Form: 3P18-2 D

Last run: 24 days

W: 11st 11lb

10 yo Mare

OR: 95

Form & Verdict
10yo who is inconsistent, but she won at Ayr (2m, soft) on her final start last season and good second there (2m, good to soft) on last month's reappearance; has run well here and she's a contender if on a going day.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

1

15th Apr 2024

Soft

2m 2f 25y

Class 4

16:30 Kelso

Atlantic Dancer

12st 0lb

J: Bruce Lynn

T: N W Alexander

10lb higher than for last year's win in this race but went in again over C&D in December when much too good for a subsequent winner; latest Ayr third also respectable and returning here has to be a bonus.

9/2

1st

1

15th Apr 2024

Soft

2m 2f 25y

Class 4

16:30 Kelso

Atlantic Dancer

12st 0lb

J: Bruce Lynn

T: N W Alexander

10lb higher than for last year's win in this race but went in again over C&D in December when much too good for a subsequent winner; latest Ayr third also respectable and returning here has to be a bonus.

9/2

3rd

5

9th Mar 2024

Soft

2m 0f 0y

Class 4

15:08 Ayr

Atlantic Dancer

11st 5lb

J: Bruce Lynn

T: N W Alexander

Won a novice handicap over C&D in 2022 (soft); has since won three more races over hurdles, the last two mares' handicaps over 2m2f at Kelso; went up 8lb for latest win (December); others look better treated.

8/1

Form: 53-345

Last run: 59 days

W: 11st 8lb

6 yo Mare

OR: 92

Form & Verdict
Handicap newcomer who has been well beaten the last twice; however, she's had wind surgery since (also wears a first-time tongue-tie) and that may help her tap back into the promise shown in the first half of last year (including on heavy ground); could have a part to play.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

19th Feb 2023

Good To Soft

2m 3f 171y

Class 5

14:50 Musselburgh

Its A Midnight

11st 6lb

J: Stephen Mulqueen

T: Lucinda Russell

prominent

12/1

8th

7

15th Jan 2023

Soft

2m 0f 51y

Class 5

13:00 Kelso

Its A Midnight

11st 8lb

J: Stephen Mulqueen

T: Lucinda Russell

Handicap newcomer who has been well beaten the last twice; however, she's had wind surgery since (also wears a first-time tongue-tie) and that may help her tap back into the promise shown in the first half of last year (including on heavy ground); could have a part to play.

7/1

5th

3

17th Nov 2022

Good

2m 4f 62y

Class 4

12:00 Newcastle

Its A Midnight

11st 2lb

J: Stephen Mulqueen

T: Lucinda Russell

Placed in an Ayr bumper (heavy) in February, on her second start; followed that up with a promising hurdles debut (2m, good to soft) in May; looked in need of the run when well beaten in a Hexham novices' contest last month; open to improvement now stepping up in trip.

7/1

Form: 5451-0 D

Last run: 72 days

W: 10st 10lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 80

Form & Verdict
Fourth in this last year (good to soft) and won at Newcastle (2m, good) in March; his good form continued on the Flat in the spring, including on soft ground, and he may have needed his comeback run at Hexham in November; the tongue-tie returns and he's not written off.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

5

(2)

12th Sep 2023

Good

1m 4f 13y

Class 6

15:40 Catterick

Jamil

9st 13lb

J: Mark Winn

T: Tina Jackson

Four-time C&D winner, the latest in July, and he's continued in good form here the next twice; solid claims.

9/2

3rd

7

(6)

21st Aug 2023

Soft

1m 4f 13y

Class 5

14:25 Catterick

Jamil

10st 5lb

J: Miss Lois Teal

T: Tina Jackson

Likes it here and has run well over C&D on his last three starts, with a third under Lois Teal (good to soft) being followed by a win (good) and a near miss (good to soft); solid claims off the same mark as last time.

7/1

2nd

2

(8)

8th Aug 2023

Soft

1m 4f 13y

Class 6

17:10 Catterick

Jamil

9st 13lb

J: Ryan Sexton

T: Tina Jackson

Four wins over C&D, the latest last month when scoring narrowly off a 4lb lower mark (good); suited by good ground or softer but has never won off a mark this high.

7/2

Form: 2-2678

Last run: 17 days

W: 11st 10lb

6 yo Mare

OR: 94

Form & Verdict
Runner-up on first two starts (2m/2m4f, good to soft), on the second occasion on her hurdle/stable debut at Sedgefield in October; three lesser runs have followed, however, and she was tailed off here on her recent handicap debut (2m2f, heavy); major turnaround needed in first-time tongue-tie.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6

23rd Apr 2023

Good

3m 2f 83y

Class 5

15:15 Stratford

Reve De Niamh

11st 3lb

J: Dylan Johnston

T: Iain Jardine

Still to win a race but she showed improved form when upped to 3m at Ayr in February (good to soft; cheekpieces first time, retained); up 3lb but still has time to do better.

13/2

2nd

5

27th Feb 2023

Good To Soft

3m 0f 70y

Class 5

16:25 Ayr

Reve De Niamh

11st 0lb

J: Dylan Johnston

T: Iain Jardine

Runner-up in a bumper and on hurdling debut last year but soundly beaten in first three handicap hurdles (2m-2m4f) and not really bred to benefit from today's step up in trip; cheekpieces (worn three starts ago) are given another whirl.

20/1

7th

6

14th Feb 2023

Good To Soft

2m 4f 100y

Class 5

13:45 Ayr

Reve De Niamh

11st 3lb

J: Lewis Dobb

T: Iain Jardine

Showed promise when runner-up in a bumper and on hurdle debut at Sedgefield (2m4f, good to soft); things have gone rather pear-shaped since but heavy ground is a possible excuse for latest two defeats; had wind surgery since; not dismissed.

25/1

Form: /402/6

Last run: 42 days

W: 10st 12lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 82

Form & Verdict
Well beaten over C&D (soft) last month but he failed to settle and ran fairly well for quite a long way on that first outing since December 2020; could improve for the run and he's now 10lb lower than when runner-up over C&D (soft) on his penultimate start; one to consider.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

11

11th Nov 2023

Soft

2m 4f 189y

Class 5

15:25 Kelso

Getaway Gerry

10st 6lb

J: Emma Smith-Chaston

T: Katie Scott

midfield

40/1

11

10th Mar 2023

Good

2m 4f 100y

Class 5

14:35 Ayr

Getaway Gerry

10st 5lb

J: Bruce Lynn

T: Katie Scott

14-race maiden; runner-up at Kelso (2m) on two occasions but has proved inconsistent overall and needs to show he retains ability having achieved little in two starts since returning from long layoff.

20/1

11th

10

15th Jan 2023

Soft

2m 0f 51y

Class 5

13:00 Kelso

Getaway Gerry

10st 12lb

J: Sean Quinlan

T: Katie Scott

Well beaten over C&D (soft) last month but he failed to settle and ran fairly well for quite a long way on that first outing since December 2020; could improve for the run and he's now 10lb lower than when runner-up over C&D (soft) on his penultimate start; one to consider.

20/1

Form: 70P8-P

Last run: 83 days

W: 10st 2lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 65

Form & Verdict
Has struggled to get competitive in his five handicap hurdles and he's 7lb out of the weights here; it's best to look elsewhere.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11

20th Feb 2023

Good To Soft

3m 1f 0y

Class 5

16:25 Carlisle

Dunnottar Castle

10st 2lb

J: Peter Kavanagh

T: Jackie Stephen

Struggling with nothing positive to glean from his most recent Kelso run (2m, heavy; 12th of 14, beaten 50l); does tackle this 3m1f trip for the first time but is impossible to fancy from 14lb out of the handicap.

100/1

12th

16

15th Jan 2023

Soft

2m 0f 51y

Class 5

13:00 Kelso

Dunnottar Castle

10st 2lb

J: Thomas Willmott

T: Jackie Stephen

Has struggled to get competitive in his five handicap hurdles and he's 7lb out of the weights here; it's best to look elsewhere.

20/1

15

24th Oct 2022

Good To Soft

2m 3f 110y

Class 5

14:10 Ayr

Dunnottar Castle

10st 5lb

J: Peter Kavanagh

T: Jackie Stephen

towards rear, slow jump 6th, lost touch and pulled up before 7th, burst blood vessel (vet said gelding had bled from the nose)

33/1

Form: 2280-P D

Last run: 13 days

W: 11st 4lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 88

Form & Verdict
Runner-up in June 2021 on first two starts for the stable but tailed off the next twice and he was returning from a long absence when pulled up at Ayr a fortnight ago; probably best watched.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

11

25th Oct 2025

Good

2m 0f 51y

Class 4

15:20 Kelso

Darkest Day

10st 2lb

J: Sean Quinlan

T: William Young Jnr

Hasn't the best of win records (4-43 over hurdles), last win coming over 2m2f here in September 2023; good fourth over 2m5f here last month, but tailed off last time; 10lb out of the handicap.

33/1

12th

16

16th Oct 2025

Good

2m 3f 218y

Class 5

15:42 Carlisle

Darkest Day

10st 2lb

J: William Maggs

T: William Young Jnr

Returned to form with 2l fourth of 11 behind Looking Splendid at Kelso (2m5f, good) 11 days ago; however, it's over two years since this 10yo last won and he's even further out of the handicap this afternoon.

20/1

10th

11

17th Sep 2025

Good

2m 2f 25y

Class 5

17:30 Kelso

Darkest Day

10st 2lb

J: Peter Kavanagh

T: William Young Jnr

Won twice here (including over C&D) in 2023 but this year's pointing form is uninspiring and he has struggled back over fences and hurdles in last three starts; mark is tumbling but he has plenty to prove.

40/1

Form: 744-

Last run: 298 days

W: 10st 12lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 82

Form & Verdict
Down the field in sole bumper (1m7f, soft) and a soundly beaten fourth of six on both hurdle starts (2m1f/1m7f, good to soft/good); however, he's handicapped according and this half-brother to two winners is one to watch in the betting for his top northern trainer (who saddles two).
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

7

13th Feb 2025

Soft

1m 7f 201y

Class 5

15:49 Leicester

Yellow Jacket

10st 8lb

J: Charlie Maggs

T: Donald McCain

Narrow chase win over 2m1f at Bangor (heavy) last February; has been off and had wind surgery since well beaten over hurdles that April; this is a warm race for the grade.

10/1

8th

6

6th Apr 2024

Heavy

1m 7f 168y

Class 5

13:40 Uttoxeter

Yellow Jacket

10st 8lb

J: Peter Kavanagh

T: Donald McCain

Placed in one of his two handicaps over hurdles but his improvement has come as a chaser, winning at Bangor (heavy) and second at Huntingdon (soft); off the same mark as last time and shouldn't be far away.

4/1

8th

6

6th Apr 2024

Heavy

1m 7f 168y

Class 5

13:40 Uttoxeter

Yellow Jacket

10st 8lb

J: Peter Kavanagh

T: Donald McCain

Placed in one of his two handicaps over hurdles but his improvement has come as a chaser, winning at Bangor (heavy) and second at Huntingdon (soft); off the same mark as last time and shouldn't be far away.

4/1

Form: /U638-

Last run: 480 days

W: 10st 8lb

7 yo Mare

OR: 78

Form & Verdict
Stable debut; lightly raced 7yo who has shown hints of ability, but this is her first start since well beaten on handicap debut at Perth in September 2021 for Nick Alexander; others make greater appeal.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

9

25th May 2025

Good To Firm

2m 2f 25y

Class 5

14:48 Kelso

Brave Bairn

10st 6lb

J: Bruce Lynn

T: Catch Bissett

No better than third after two bumpers and eight races over hurdles; pulled up on last two starts, absent 724 days in between; sometimes hooded, now tries cheekpieces.

50/1

7th

9

25th May 2025

Good To Firm

2m 2f 25y

Class 5

14:48 Kelso

Brave Bairn

10st 6lb

J: Bruce Lynn

T: Catch Bissett

No better than third after two bumpers and eight races over hurdles; pulled up on last two starts, absent 724 days in between; sometimes hooded, now tries cheekpieces.

50/1

9

3rd May 2025

Good

2m 0f 48y

Class 4

16:28 Hexham

Brave Bairn

10st 8lb

J: Bruce Lynn

T: Catch Bissett

raced in last, detached from 3rd, tailed off and pulled up before 3 out

50/1

Form: 69764U

Last run: 13 days

W: 10st 2lb

8 yo Mare

OR: 72

Form & Verdict
Ran okay when fourth of 12 here in November (2m5f, soft; beaten about 12l) on last completed start; however, she's 0-19 and it remains to be seen whether this drop back in trip will suit; others are more compelling.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

12

14th Feb 2023

Good To Soft

2m 4f 100y

Class 5

13:45 Ayr

Halcyon Dreams

10st 2lb

J: Aaron Anderson

T: Katie Scott

Maiden who was a respectable fourth over 2m5f at Kelso in November (soft) but she unseated, then pulled up, on next two starts; looks unlikely from 6lb out of the weights.

25/1

14

15th Jan 2023

Soft

2m 0f 51y

Class 5

13:00 Kelso

Halcyon Dreams

10st 2lb

J: Emma Smith-Chaston

T: Katie Scott

Ran okay when fourth of 12 here in November (2m5f, soft; beaten about 12l) on last completed start; however, she's 0-19 and it remains to be seen whether this drop back in trip will suit; others are more compelling.

16/1

17

2nd Jan 2023

Heavy

2m 4f 100y

Class 5

13:15 Ayr

Halcyon Dreams

10st 2lb

J: Emma Smith-Chaston

T: Katie Scott

0-16 over hurdles; kept on for modest fourth at Kelso (2m5f, soft) in November but will need to find something extra to get a win on the board; 1lb out of the weights.

11/1

Non-runners

Yellow Jacket, Brave Bairn

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Straight Forecast £18.22
Tricast £122.84

Selections

RP Ratings:

Atlantic Dancer

SPOTLIGHT:

Its A Midnight

Telegraph:

Bashful

POSTDATA:

Faithfulflyer

The Sun:

Barnabas Collins

The Times:

Getaway Gerry

D Express:

Its A Midnight

The Star:

Bashful

Daily Mirror:

Atlantic Dancer

Daily Record:

Atlantic Dancer