February 11 / 16.23 Warwick

16.23

Good

Virgin Bet Fives Handicap Hurdle

  • Prize money: £3960.75
  • 2m 5f 0y
  • Class 5
  • 12 runners
RTV
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Virgin Bet Fives Handicap Hurdle

Runners: 12 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Partly cloudy

9/2 (Won)

  • Win: £3.50
  • Place: £1.60

Form: 0/780

Last run: 34 days

W: 11st 0lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 86

Form & Verdict
Well beaten at big odds on his three hurdle starts (2m) but he now goes handicapping off a basement mark and showed ability in 3m points last spring; firmly in calculations.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

2

30th May 2026

Good To Firm

3m 3f 119y

Class 3

19:20 Stratford

Imperial Alex

12st 0lb

J: Stan Sheppard

T: Tom Lacey

Four-times winning chaser over around 3m; returned to his best when beaten a neck at Ffos Las (3m, good) 25 days ago with 15l back to the third; nudged up 4lb but holds claims if he gets home over this marathon trip.

7/4

2nd

4

5th May 2026

Good

2m 7f 177y

Class 4

16:18 Ffos Las

Imperial Alex

11st 9lb

J: Stan Sheppard

T: Tom Lacey

In career-best form last summer over 3m on good ground; soundly beaten in his last three races, disappointingly so at Warwick last time when back on his favoured surface (good); bit to prove now.

10/1

5th

4

26th Mar 2026

Good

3m 0f 0y

Class 2

16:30 Warwick

Imperial Alex

11st 5lb

J: Stan Sheppard

T: Tom Lacey

In top form over 3m on good ground last May/June, finishing second at Uttoxeter then first at Perth; soundly beaten on both runs since but those were on heavy/soft going and perhaps today's return to a better surface will trigger a revival.

11/1

14/1

  • Place: £2.80

Form: 46-467

Last run: 15 days

W: 11st 3lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 89

Form & Verdict
It's still early days for this 6yo but he's failed to threaten in his first two handicaps and has to raise his game.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

14

24th Oct 2025

Good

3m 1f 0y

Class 3

16:45 Cheltenham

Mole Court

11st 4lb

J: Mr James King

T: Ben Pauling

Won this race off today's mark in 2023 but has become very inconsistent in the meantime; arguably ran better than eventual 21l defeat suggests when third of seven at Uttoxeter (3m, good; first run after wind op) last month but it's hard to tell whether he'll be on a going day here.

16/1

3rd

5

16th Sep 2025

Good

3m 0f 10y

Class 3

15:40 Uttoxeter

Mole Court

11st 1lb

J: Ben Jones

T: Ben Pauling

Useful at his best but has regressed and become very inconsistent; returned from layoff with two disappointing efforts this season and needs subsequent wind op to enable a revival; raced mainly on good/good to soft ground.

10/1

6th

1

24th Jul 2025

Good

2m 7f 0y

Class 4

13:45 Worcester

Mole Court

12st 0lb

J: Ben Jones

T: Ben Pauling

Became very inconsistent last season and was pulled up (stopped quickly) last month, after a break; on a good mark and might be boosted by refitted cheekpieces but it's hard to predict whether he'll be in the right mood.

10/1

25/1

  • Place: £8.20

Form: 41-PP0

Last run: 15 days

W: 12st 2lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 102

Form & Verdict
Built on previous promise when winning a maiden hurdle at Bangor (2m7f, good) last April; however, he's struggled on his three starts this season and he needs a considerable boost from the first-time blinkers.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

1st Apr 2023

Soft

2m 6f 7y

Class 5

16:02 Stratford

Dedanser

11st 13lb

J: William Maggs

T: Donald McCain

jumped left throughout, led, ridden when headed after 2 out, soon weakened, pulled up before last

9/2

4th

1

10th Mar 2023

Good

2m 4f 100y

Class 5

14:00 Ayr

Dedanser

12st 1lb

J: Theo Gillard

T: Donald McCain

Took a big step back in the right direction at Warwick (2m5f, good) last month when having second run since wind surgery and wearing first-time blinkers (retained); clear possibilities if building on that effort; won at Bangor last spring.

8/1

3rd

1

11th Feb 2023

Good

2m 5f 0y

Class 5

16:23 Warwick

Dedanser

12st 2lb

J: Theo Gillard

T: Donald McCain

jumped left on occasions, led, ridden when headed 2 out, lost second approaching last, kept on

25/1

Form: 50P065

Last run: 12 days

W: 10st 3lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 75

Form & Verdict
Yet to get competitive across his seven starts but he made some late headway when 26l fifth of 13 behind an easy winner on recent handicap debut at Plumpton (2m, good to soft; 150-1); each-way possible now back up in trip.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8

25th Mar 2023

Good To Soft

2m 7f 7y

Class 5

13:58 Bangor-on-Dee

Hunsbury

10st 2lb

J: Tom Buckley

T: Tracey Leeson

0-6 over hurdles and not bred to benefit from today's step up in trip, but made the frame in two 2m5f handicaps last month and has each-way claims if his stamina holds out.

8/1

3rd

5

26th Feb 2023

Good

2m 5f 163y

Class 5

16:20 Hereford

Hunsbury

10st 4lb

J: Jack Hogan

T: Tracey Leeson

Yet to be placed after eight runs but kept on for very respectable fourth (about 12l behind Mole Court) at Warwick (2m5f, good) two weeks ago and remains unexposed over this sort of trip.

7/1

4th

11

11th Feb 2023

Good

2m 5f 0y

Class 5

16:23 Warwick

Hunsbury

10st 3lb

J: Mr James Turner

T: Tracey Leeson

held up in rear, some headway when mistake 3 out, went fourth before 2 out, soon ridden, stayed on but not pace to challenge

25/1

Form: 40-765 C

Last run: 45 days

W: 11st 4lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 90

Form & Verdict
Has failed to shine on his three starts this season but his usual cheekpieces were missing on the first two occasions and heavy ground may not have suited last time; has dropped below his last winning mark and it's possible the first-time blinkers will be a positive; not ruled out.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7

22nd Apr 2023

Good To Soft

3m 0f 5y

Class 5

14:50 Bangor-on-Dee

After The Fox

10st 8lb

J: David Noonan

T: Jane Williams

Below best over hurdles this season and has made inauspicious start to chasing career this spring; seems versatile regarding ground but is yet to convince stamina-wise over 3m; not the percentage call.

10/1

4

8th Apr 2023

Heavy

2m 4f 216y

Class 5

14:15 Newton Abbot

After The Fox

10st 11lb

J: David Noonan

T: Jane Williams

Both hurdle wins gained on soft; not at his best this season and finished some way behind Kap Chidley when both made their chasing debuts at Chepstow last month; work to do, therefore.

7/1

5th

10

19th Mar 2023

Soft

2m 3f 98y

Class 5

16:25 Chepstow

After The Fox

11st 2lb

J: David Noonan

T: Jane Williams

Won a soft-ground handicap hurdle here 13 months ago off a 4lb higher mark; hasn't found his best form this season though and now tried his hand over fences.

16/1

OUR TIP

Form: 33-2P4

Last run: 53 days

W: 11st 9lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 95

Form & Verdict
Reappeared with solid second over hurdles at Stratford (2m2f, good) and bounced back from Lingfield flop with fair fourth over fences at Ludlow (2m4f, good to soft) in December, despite jumping to the left at that right-handed track; reverts to hurdles here and might not be far away.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7

3rd Oct 2025

Good

2m 5f 164y

Class 5

16:48 Fontwell

Guguss Collonges

10st 2lb

J: Lilly Pinchin

T: Roger Teal

Three-time chase winner but 0-17 over hurdles and has been struggling for a while in both disciplines.

33/1

13th

10

10th Mar 2025

Good To Soft

2m 6f 7y

Class 5

14:50 Stratford

Guguss Collonges

10st 10lb

J: James Davies

T: Roger Teal

prominent

25/1

7th

12

22nd Oct 2024

Good To Soft

2m 2f 111y

Class 5

17:03 Exeter

Guguss Collonges

10st 9lb

J: Mr Frederick Tett

T: Roger Teal

Dual chase winner last November but he's lost his way over fences and hurdles since the turn of the year; on a good mark if the first-time visor has a positive effect.

25/1

Form: 5/50-8 CD

Last run: 14 days

W: 11st 11lb

10 yo Mare

OR: 97

Form & Verdict
10yo whose form went the wrong way for Philip Hobbs and she was well beaten on last month's stable debut at Uttoxeter after a long absence.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6

22nd Mar 2023

Good To Soft

3m 2f 0y

Class 5

16:35 Warwick

Winter Getaway

11st 2lb

J: William Kennedy

T: Claire Hitch

Last success came at this course but that was back in 2019; form dipped sharply in two runs last term and has failed to revive for new stable this season.

16/1

7th

2

11th Feb 2023

Good

2m 5f 0y

Class 5

16:23 Warwick

Winter Getaway

11st 11lb

J: William Kennedy

T: Claire Hitch

towards rear of midfield, ridden after 3 out, soon weakened

66/1

8th

1

28th Jan 2023

Good To Soft

2m 3f 207y

Class 5

16:17 Uttoxeter

Winter Getaway

12st 1lb

J: William Kennedy

T: Claire Hitch

Won two non-handicaps for Philip Hobbs but well below her best in just two sightings last season and has since changed yards; limited appeal.

33/1

Form: 85P1

Last run: 17 days

W: 11st 5lb

6 yo Mare

OR: 91

Form & Verdict
Capitalised on a lowly mark and a switch to front-running tactics to win when favourite for last month's handicap debut at Catterick (1m7f, soft); ran well in 3m point-to-points on good ground and this unexposed 6yo could have more to offer for her top yard; key player up 4lb.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

15th May 2023

Soft

2m 4f 88y

Class 5

17:45 Southwell

Dime Store Cowgirl

11st 6lb

J: Bridget Andrews

T: Dan Skelton

Inconsistent last season but made winning handicap hurdle debut in January and was creditable second to progressive rival on last month's chasing debut at Wincanton (1m7f, good to soft); open to improvement over today's longer trip and a big player if on her mettle again again.

3/1

2nd

2

16th Apr 2023

Good To Soft

1m 7f 149y

Class 5

16:45 Wincanton

Dime Store Cowgirl

11st 7lb

J: Bridget Andrews

T: Dan Skelton

in touch with leaders on outer

100/30

8

25th Mar 2023

Good To Soft

2m 0f 51y

Class 2

15:00 Kelso

Dime Store Cowgirl

10st 4lb

J: Tristan Durrell

T: Dan Skelton

in touch with leaders

16/1

Form: 304832

Last run: 14 days

W: 11st 1lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 87

Form & Verdict
Best of the rest behind a well-treated winner at Uttoxeter (2m4f, good to soft) a fortnight ago and he's also effective on good ground; could be winning sooner rather than later.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7

18th Mar 2023

Soft

2m 3f 49y

Class 5

15:45 Fontwell

Waterloo Quay

10st 13lb

J: Tom Bellamy

T: David Dennis

prominent, not fluent 2nd, disputed lead before 5th, not fluent 6th, mistake and lost position 7th, soon pushed along and weakened

5/1

7

5th Mar 2023

Good To Soft

2m 7f 191y

Class 5

14:45 Ffos Las

Waterloo Quay

11st 1lb

J: Tom Bellamy

T: David Dennis

0-11; best of the rest behind a well-treated winner at Uttoxeter (2m4f) on penultimate start, making most; flopped at Warwick (2m5f) three weeks ago and now takes another step up in trip.

9/1

9th

9

11th Feb 2023

Good

2m 5f 0y

Class 5

16:23 Warwick

Waterloo Quay

11st 1lb

J: Adam Wedge

T: David Dennis

raced in second, hit 7th, lost second when not fluent 8th, soon ridden, weakened before 2 out

9/2

Form: 809

Last run: 46 days

W: 11st 4lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 90

Form & Verdict
Well beaten late last year at big odds on his three hurdle starts (2m); hard to fancy on that evidence but this British point winner (2m4f, good) now goes up in trip in modest company for his handicap debut; leading trainer also saddles Dime Store Cowgirl and he's one to watch in the betting.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6

20th Mar 2024

Soft

2m 2f 140y

Class 5

16:40 Market Rasen

Yeomen Warder

10st 10lb

J: Tristan Durrell

T: Dan Skelton

soon in rear, hit 4th

14/1

10th

5

11th Feb 2023

Good

2m 5f 0y

Class 5

16:23 Warwick

Yeomen Warder

11st 4lb

J: David England

T: Dan Skelton

always towards rear

15/2

5

31st Jan 2023

Good To Soft

2m 3f 110y

Class 5

15:35 Lingfield

Yeomen Warder

11st 4lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

Hard to work up enthusiasm for what he achieved in novice hurdles but he won his only point completion last winter and this modest event could be a ripe plum for picking now he goes handicapping up in trip.

100/30

Form: P27/97

Last run: 42 days

W: 11st 3lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 89

Form & Verdict
Runner-up at 125-1 in a maiden hurdle at Newton Abbot (2m2f, good) in April 2021 but has struggled otherwise, including in his first two handicaps last December following an absence.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8

21st Nov 2024

Good To Soft

2m 4f 35y

Class 5

13:15 Wincanton

Mr Sociable

10st 2lb

J: James Davies

T: Chris Down

prominent, went second 7th, struggling when lost second 11th, weakened 4 out, pulled up 3 out

13/2

8

21st Nov 2024

Good To Soft

2m 4f 35y

Class 5

13:15 Wincanton

Mr Sociable

10st 2lb

J: James Davies

T: Chris Down

prominent, went second 7th, struggling when lost second 11th, weakened 4 out, pulled up 3 out

13/2

3rd

14

27th Oct 2024

Good

2m 4f 35y

Class 5

15:52 Wincanton

Mr Sociable

10st 2lb

J: Philip Armson

T: Chris Down

pressed leader early, raced in second after 3rd

16/1

Form: 086-P8

Last run: 71 days

W: 10st 2lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 73

Form & Verdict
Lightly raced but has struggled on all six starts, including in handicaps the last twice; transformation needed.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

0

11

13th Dec 2023

Soft

2m 2f 111y

Class 5

14:20 Exeter

Champs Hill

10st 2lb

J: Brendan Powell

T: Joe Tizzard

Minor form, including in four handicaps at up to 3m; tongue tied last time (May) and had wind surgery soon afterwards.

25/1

10

9th May 2023

Good

2m 7f 191y

Class 5

16:45 Ffos Las

Champs Hill

10st 2lb

J: Brendan Powell

T: Joe Tizzard

Minor form so far, including in three handicaps at up to 2m5f; first-time tongue-tie has a big job to do; 7lb out of the weights.

33/1

12

11th Feb 2023

Good

2m 5f 0y

Class 5

16:23 Warwick

Champs Hill

10st 2lb

J: Freddie Gingell

T: Joe Tizzard

midfield, ridden after 6th, soon dropped to last, pulled up before 7th

33/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £26.80
Straight Forecast £22.70
Tricast £465.85
Trifecta £453.80

Selections

Telegraph:

Dime Store Cowgirl

SPOTLIGHT:

Imperial Alex

Daily Mail:

Waterloo Quay

POSTDATA:

Guguss Collonges

WEST COUNTRY:

After The Fox

The Guardian:

Dime Store Cowgirl

The Star:

Dime Store Cowgirl

RP Ratings:

Imperial Alex

The Times:

Imperial Alex

D Express:

Imperial Alex

Daily Mirror:

Waterloo Quay

Daily Record:

Waterloo Quay