February 05 / 16.25 Musselburgh

16.25

Good To Soft

bet365 Handicap Hurdle

  • Prize money: £3696.7
  • 2m 3f 171y
  • Class 4
  • 13 runners
RTV
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bet365 Handicap Hurdle

Runners: 13 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Partly cloudy

16/1 (Won)

  • Win: £25.00
  • Place: £5.00

Form: 548126 D

Last run: 23 days

W: 10st 13lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 94

Form & Verdict
Has plenty of mileage and career strike-rate is 3-44, the most recent win at Kelso in November; form dipped on latest outing and he's a lot more exposed than most of these opponents.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

10

16th Oct 2025

Good

2m 3f 218y

Class 5

15:42 Carlisle

Coral Blue

11st 0lb

J: Danny McMenamin

T: Daragh Bourke

10yo who is a five-time hurdle winner and ran well when second at Musselburgh (2m4f, good to soft) in February; however, his campaign concluded with two lesser performances and he returns from some time off today.

20/1

7th

9

19th Apr 2025

Good

2m 3f 61y

Class 4

17:12 Carlisle

Coral Blue

10st 11lb

J: Patrick Wadge

T: Daragh Bourke

Without a victory since early 2023 but he comes here in good order, ridden too aggressively when a fading sixth in 2m4f Hexham handicap 25 days ago; considered with cheekpieces refitted.

12/1

7th

9

19th Apr 2025

Good

2m 3f 61y

Class 4

17:12 Carlisle

Coral Blue

10st 11lb

J: Patrick Wadge

T: Daragh Bourke

Without a victory since early 2023 but he comes here in good order, ridden too aggressively when a fading sixth in 2m4f Hexham handicap 25 days ago; considered with cheekpieces refitted.

12/1

7/2

  • Place: £2.90

Form: /18-21 D

Last run: 80 days

W: 12st 0lb

6 yo Mare

OR: 109

Form & Verdict
Record of 2-4 for current yard, the latest success at Newcastle where she was having her first attempt over 2m4f and only her second attempt over hurdles; looks capable of further improvement; respected.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

2

27th Oct 2024

Good

2m 4f 35y

Class 5

15:52 Wincanton

I Am Gonna Be

11st 12lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Charlie Longsdon

pressed leaders, raced in third after 3rd, mistake 4 out

10/1

1

24th Sep 2024

Good

2m 3f 0y

Class 5

16:05 Warwick

I Am Gonna Be

12st 0lb

J: Lilly Pinchin

T: Charlie Longsdon

Has mixed record over fences since last autumn but was a respectable fifth in a much stronger race than this when back over hurdles at Worcester (2m4f, good) last month and is another 3lb lower here; seems best suited by good/good to soft ground; big player.

7/1

5th

10

28th Aug 2024

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 4

19:40 Worcester

I Am Gonna Be

10st 11lb

J: Lilly Pinchin

T: Charlie Longsdon

Bumper/hurdle winner; very mixed over fences since joining this yard and now returns from a third wind operation; risky.

10/1

5/1

  • Place: £1.50

Form: 47-P42

Last run: 26 days

W: 11st 12lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 107

Form & Verdict
Maiden who has been in back in better form at Doncaster (2m3f) the last twice, clear second off 6lb lower on latest occasion; that effort suggests his turn may be near; shortlisted.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

5

13th May 2026

Good

2m 0f 0y

Class 4

14:33 Perth

Garde Des Champs

11st 5lb

J: Alan Doyle

T: Lucinda Russell & Michael Scudamore

Hasn't the best of strike-rates but both his wins have been here, the latest over C&D last July (good) when wearing cheekpieces for the first time; disappointing up in trip here last time (didn't jump well); may have to race run to suit him but will need to jump better.

14/1

8th

5

20th Apr 2026

Good

2m 5f 133y

Class 4

15:00 Kelso

Garde Des Champs

11st 7lb

J: Alan Doyle

T: Lucinda Russell & Michael Scudamore

Largely consistent 10yo who belatedly opened his chasing account at Perth (2m, good; first-time cheekpieces) last summer; absent since below-par effort in October but ran well when fresh here (2m4f, good) last spring and returns from latest break on a workable mark.

9/1

5

25th Oct 2025

Good

2m 1f 14y

Class 3

16:30 Kelso

Garde Des Champs

10st 8lb

J: Alan Doyle

T: Lucinda Russell & Michael Scudamore

Reasonably consistent and ran respectably on the bare figures over C&D most recently; however, still has a modest strike-rate, which includes a record of just 1-19 in the chase sphere.

6/1

20/1

Form: 512649 CD

Last run: 35 days

W: 11st 5lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 100

Form & Verdict
Successful over C&D (off 4lb lower) last February; however, has a doubt over current form having posted below-par efforts here (hurdle/chase) the last twice; comparatively exposed to boot.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

3

30th Nov 2023

Good

2m 2f 40y

Class 5

14:35 Taunton

Idilico

11st 6lb

J: Ben Jones

T: Alexandra Dunn

Runner-up in selling handicap hurdle last month but well beaten on the Flat twice since, and his record over fences is not convincing; blinkers fitted for first time since 2021; too risky.

16/1

10th

6

(7)

18th Nov 2023

Standard

1m 7f 169y

Class 6

12:16 Lingfield (AW)

Idilico

9st 11lb

J: David Probert

T: Alexandra Dunn

towards rear, headway and prominent after 4f

16/1

Form: 24-357

Last run: 45 days

W: 11st 5lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 100

Form & Verdict
Flat winner in Ireland; 0-6 over hurdles (at about 2m) for current yard, best form when placed twice; poor effort (handicap debut) last time and has something to prove over this new trip.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

3

27th May 2024

Good To Soft

2m 6f 31y

Class 5

17:45 Cartmel

Sanosuke

11st 11lb

J: Conor O’Farrell

T: N W Alexander

raced lazily, prominent when slow jump 1st

14/1

7th

3

27th May 2024

Good To Soft

2m 6f 31y

Class 5

17:45 Cartmel

Sanosuke

11st 11lb

J: Conor O’Farrell

T: N W Alexander

raced lazily, prominent when slow jump 1st

14/1

7th

1

24th Apr 2024

Soft

2m 7f 207y

Class 5

16:55 Perth

Sanosuke

12st 0lb

J: Mr Kit Alexander

T: N W Alexander

Musselburgh winner off 5lb lower in November and fair efforts since; could go well but has his quirks (refused to line up and was withdrawn at Musselburgh last time).

10/1

Form: 280-PP

Last run: 21 days

W: 10st 2lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 82

Form & Verdict
Sole win for previous stable came over 2m; runner-up on first two starts for current yard but has completely lost his form since; fitting of tongue-tie needs to prompt a big revival.
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: 1723 BF

Last run: 33 days

W: 11st 12lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 107

Form & Verdict
Bumper winner; stayed on for second over 2m at Kelso on hurdles debut then appeared to be outstayed over 3m here last time, so this first attempt at 2m4f may prove ideal; interesting in what looks an optimum scenario.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

10

25th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

3m 2f 127y

Class 3

15:52 Perth

Jem In Em

10st 6lb

J: Conner McCann

T: Lucinda Russell

Bumper/hurdle winner who appreciated the return to this discipline when going down narrowly over nearly 3m at Hexham last month; this is a stronger race, however.

7/1

3rd

10

25th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

3m 2f 127y

Class 3

15:52 Perth

Jem In Em

10st 6lb

J: Conner McCann

T: Lucinda Russell

prominent

7/1

2nd

1

13th Mar 2025

Good To Soft

2m 7f 63y

Class 5

17:00 Hexham

Jem In Em

12st 0lb

J: Conner McCann

T: Lucinda Russell

jumped right on occasions, midfield

8/1

Form: -63F42

Last run: 76 days

W: 11st 10lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 105

Form & Verdict
Eight-race maiden who made an encouraging handicap debut in C&D contest 11 weeks ago, finishing second of five; possibilities off only 2lb higher, provided he builds on that effort.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

4

7th Apr 2025

Good

2m 6f 151y

Class 4

14:15 Kelso

Kilbrainy

11st 6lb

J: Ryan Mania

T: Sandy Thomson

towards rear throughout

6/1

8th

4

7th Apr 2025

Good

2m 6f 151y

Class 4

14:15 Kelso

Kilbrainy

11st 6lb

J: Ryan Mania

T: Sandy Thomson

towards rear throughout

6/1

OUR TIP

Form: 6-542

Last run: 41 days

W: 11st 12lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 107

Form & Verdict
Has shown promise at maiden/novice level, most recently second to useful sort at Market Rasen (2m) on Boxing Day; looks open to progress now handicapping and upped in distance; one to consider.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

2

23rd Apr 2023

Good

2m 2f 148y

Class 5

16:45 Stratford

They Call Me Pete

11st 11lb

J: Patrick Cowley

T: L J Morgan

Not disgraced behind a useful sort in 2m novice event at Market Rasen on Boxing Day; comfortably held in two Class 4 handicaps since but may do better in this lower grade.

16/1

7th

4

23rd Feb 2023

Good

2m 0f 178y

Class 4

16:25 Sedgefield

They Call Me Pete

11st 6lb

J: Patrick Cowley

T: L J Morgan

Highish initial mark at Musselburgh last time but the step up to 2m4f appeared more the issue; may resume earlier promise now back in trip with cheekpieces fitted.

9/1

9th

2

5th Feb 2023

Good To Soft

2m 3f 171y

Class 4

16:25 Musselburgh

They Call Me Pete

11st 12lb

J: Patrick Cowley

T: L J Morgan

Has shown promise at maiden/novice level, most recently second to useful sort at Market Rasen (2m) on Boxing Day; looks open to progress now handicapping and upped in distance; one to consider.

13/2

7/1

Form: 224-63 CD

Last run: 62 days

W: 11st 10lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 105

Form & Verdict
Absent since finishing 10l third here (upped to 3m) two months ago; much more exposed than many of these rivals but is well treated and the drop back to 2m4f looks ideal; C&D winner off 6lb higher last winter.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

2

4th Aug 2023

Good

2m 7f 7y

Class 5

13:40 Bangor-on-Dee

Zafar

11st 10lb

J: Abbie McCain

T: Donald McCain

No longer the force of old but suggested he's ready to exploit some significant help from the handicapper when second to progressive rival at Stratford (2m2f, good) last month; also suited by this C&D; likely contender.

5/2

2nd

1

16th Jul 2023

Good

2m 2f 148y

Class 5

14:15 Stratford

Zafar

12st 0lb

J: Abbie McCain

T: Donald McCain

disputed lead, led 2 out, joined approaching last, headed run-in, kept on

12/1

6th

1

9th May 2023

Good

2m 7f 174y

Class 5

17:55 Ludlow

Zafar

12st 0lb

J: Peter Kavanagh

T: Donald McCain

Arrives in fairly good nick, seventh of 13 in 2m4f Bangor handicap 17 days ago; he's very much one to consider off an easing mark.

5/1

Form: 413

Last run: 100 days

W: 11st 1lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 110

Form & Verdict
Absent since running poorly (remote third) in blinkers in Listed juvenile hurdle at Wetherby 100 days ago; subsequently had wind surgery; won by wide margin there earlier in October (sole attempt in cheekpieces) and may still have more to offer under this code; not ruled out.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

4

(1)

15th May 2023

Good To Soft

1m 7f 189y

Class 5

15:50 Catterick

Vintage Valley

9st 5lb

J: David Nolan

T: Donald McCain

Very patchy under both codes and his best Flat efforts have come on Tapeta; probably didn't see out an extended 2m5f last time but doesn't make much appeal either way.

10/1

9th

2

(3)

24th Apr 2023

Good

2m 5f 139y

Class 6

16:10 Pontefract

Vintage Valley

9st 11lb

J: Andrew Mullen

T: Donald McCain

Won good-ground juvenile hurdle last October and returned to form back on the Flat at Southwell (2m, AW) recently, finishing second; stamina to prove today but could be in the mix if seeing it out.

5/1

2nd

6

(4)

6th Apr 2023

Standard

2m 0f 102y

Class 6

20:30 Southwell (AW)

Vintage Valley

9st 8lb

J: Andrew Mullen

T: Donald McCain

Winning hurdler in October but disappointing since then under both codes; others preferred.

14/1

Form: 006700

Last run: 41 days

W: 11st 7lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 102

Form & Verdict
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

16th

9

23rd Feb 2023

Good

2m 0f 70y

16:50 Thurles

Pharisees

11st 4lb

J: Miss C O O’Brien

T: Gavin Cromwell

Well-backed favourite but ran no race at Clonmel last week, was found to have sustained a slight over-reach; cheekpieces tried here; track form is not up to much but presumably is though to be a bit better than that; opposable though.

20/1

14th

2

16th Feb 2023

Yielding

2m 0f 0y

15:25 Clonmel

Pharisees

11st 12lb

J: Keith Donoghue

T: Gavin Cromwell

Seven-race maiden who has weak-looking claims on overall form; hard to discount though with the stable in fine form.

10/1

7

5th Feb 2023

Good To Soft

2m 3f 171y

Class 4

16:25 Musselburgh

Pharisees

11st 7lb

J: Ben Harvey

T: Gavin Cromwell

Form: -39314 D

Last run: 23 days

W: 11st 7lb

7 yo Mare

OR: 102

Form & Verdict
Ex-Irish mare who has form figures of 314 for new stable, the win gained in Sedgefield maiden hurdle (2m4f); ran creditably in 2m1f handicap there last time; could go well again.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8

5th Feb 2023

Good To Soft

2m 3f 171y

Class 4

16:25 Musselburgh

Maggie Barrett

11st 7lb

J: Patrick Wadge

T: Brian Ellison

Ex-Irish mare who has form figures of 314 for new stable, the win gained in Sedgefield maiden hurdle (2m4f); ran creditably in 2m1f handicap there last time; could go well again.

10/1

5

29th Jan 2023

Good To Soft

2m 5f 34y

Class 5

15:10 Sedgefield

Maggie Barrett

11st 11lb

J: Patrick Wadge

T: Brian Ellison

Beaten about 8l into fourth of eight when back in a handicap here (2m1f, soft) a fortnight ago, but this step up in trip could suit as she won a four-runner maiden over 2m4f here (soft) in November; not discounted.

6/1

4th

2

13th Jan 2023

Good To Soft

2m 0f 178y

Class 5

15:20 Sedgefield

Maggie Barrett

11st 11lb

J: Patrick Wadge

T: Brian Ellison

Built upon November's promising stable debut when pipping short-odds favourite in four-runner maiden here (2m4f, soft) a few days later, her eighth start over hurdles; ought to cope with today's drop back in trip and should again be very competitive in this handicap.

7/2

Non-runners

Pharisees

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £253.50
Straight Forecast £195.24
Tricast £644.67
Trifecta £2411.80

Selections

The Times:

Garde Des Champs

RP Ratings:

Zafar

SPOTLIGHT:

Jem In Em

POSTDATA:

Maggie Barrett

Daily Mirror:

Garde Des Champs

The Sun:

Garde Des Champs

The Star:

Garde Des Champs

Daily Record:

Garde Des Champs

Telegraph:

Zafar

D Express:

Zafar